assurances by promises and Oaths to the contrary. At the
Assemblies 1598, 1599, 1600. It was declared with many vows and
attestations by the King, Statesmen, and these Ministers who were aspiring
to Prelacy, That they intended no such thing as a change of the Government
of the Kirk, or an introducing of Episcopacy, yet they were really doing
what they disclaimed and professed not to do. And suppose that some who
have an active hand in carrying on the present publick affairs, have no
design either to destroy Religion, or utterly to sleight it: yet the way
they are on, and work they are about as it is contrived, doth of its self,
and in its own nature tend to the endangering, if not to the utter
subversion of Religion, for it cannot be denyed, but the very undertaking
of this War, sets the once suppressed Malignants on work again, and
successe therein puts them in a capacity to set up according to their
principles abolished and abjured corruptions; which will be the more
hardly hindered, considering his Majesties propension, and professed
resolution that way, Especially seeing His Majesties concessions (though
it hath been often desired) have never been plainly declared
unsatisfactore by the Parliament. And who in reason can think that any
more then His Majesties concessions sent from the Isle of _Wight_ will be
required of him, by them who thereupon have proceeded to this Engagement.
The Kings negative voice (asserted in the Papers of the Commissioners of
this Kingdom unto _England_, which are owned in the late Declaration to
the Kingdom of _England_, as the sense of this Kingdom) considered in
relation to Religion makes the danger yet the greater and more palpable,
yea, may reach further to shake and unsettle Religion established in this
Land; If to the premises this be added which is not only often declared,
but also demanded, That his Majestie be brought to one of his houses in
Honour, Freedom and Safety, which may infer the admitting of his Maj. to
the free exercise of his Royall power before security had from him for
Reeligion, or Application made to him for the same, who sees not now what
hazard Religion runs, certainly greater then a good intention can salve,

VI. That they do not mistake, or misunderstand the nature of the true
Reformed Religion and of the Government of JESUS CHRIST, as if thereby
either the Prerogative of Kings, Privileges of Parliaments or Liberties of
Burghs, and other Corporations were any way