s many as think the Engagement unlawful shall bind
themselves not onely for their own part against their consciences, but to
inforce the same upon others who refuse, and so not onely be oppressed,
but turn oppressours of others. 9. This all the subjects are required by
the Act and Declaration of Parliament to subscribe, as they desire to be
holden true lovers of Religion; It being further affirmed in the said Act
and Declaration, that the Acts and Constitutions of the late Parliament,
are the most fit and necessary remedies for preservation of Religion;
Where the Parliament assume to themselves, without the advice and consent
of the Assemblies of the Kirk, to judge and determine such things wherein,
(if in any thing) the ecclesiastical Assemblies have undoubtedly a special
interest, _viz._ who are to be holden lovers of Religion, and what are the
most fit and necessary remedies for preservation of Religion: Yea it is
ordained by the fourth Act of Parliament, 1640. that for preservation of
Religion, G. Assemblies rightly constitute, as the proper & competent
judge of all matters Ecclesiastical, be keeped yearly and oftner _pro re
nata_. The Coronation Oath doth also suppose the antecedent Judgement of
the Kirk, as the proper and competent judge who are enemies to true
Religion & who not; for his Majesty obliged himself by that Oath, that he
should be carefull to root out all Hereticks and enemies to the true
Worship of God, who shall be convict by the true Kirk of God, of the
aforesaid crimes. 10. The General Assembly and their Commissioners are now
deprived of their liberty of Printing, confirmed and ratified by Act of
Parliament, there being an inhibition to the contrary upon the PRINTER,
under the pain of Death by the Committee of Estates.

Whereas the desires of the Commissioners of the last Assembly, for the
safety and security of Religion, and the right manner of proceeding to
war, together with the supplications of Provinciall Assemblies and
Presbyteries, all tending to the composing of the present unhappy
differences, and to the begetting of a right understanding, have not
produced the desired and wished-for effect; but on the contrary our just
grievances being still more and more heightned, iniquity established by a
law; and that law put in execution; We cannot chuse but declare and give
warning to all the people of GOD in this land, concerning the sinfulnesse
and unlawfulnesse of the present Engagement: which may