That our meaning in explication of the Covenant was, that we would continow the Kings obedient subjects if he would pairt from his soveraignitie, and that we would obey him if he would suffer us to command.—Pag. [115].
Whereas our true meaning therein was to cleare ourselves of the imputation of disloyaltie to our graceous Soveraigne; and whereas the Bill against the President and Clerk-Register was given in to crave justice upon them as offenders, yet it is affirmed that it was becaus we knew the Marqueis neither could nor would yield unto it, and that by his denyall we might have meanes to irritat, even to disgust the Kings graceous favours.—Pag. [93].
The Assemblies Judgment concerning the Manifesto.
After the reading whereof, the Moderatour desired some of the brethren to give their judgment of the said Booke.
Mr Andro Cant said—It is [so] full of grosse absurdities that I thinke hanging of the author should prevent all other censures.
The Moderatour answered—That punishment is not in the hands of Kirkmen.
The Shireff of Teviotdaill, being asked his judgment, said—Ye were offendit with a churchmans hard sentence alreadie; but, truelie, I could execute that sentence with all my heart, becaus it is more propper to me, and I am better acquainted with hanging.
My Lord Kirkcudbright said—It is a great pittie, that many honest men in Christendome, for writing little bookes called pamphlets, should want eares; and false knaves, for writing such volumes, should brooke heads.
The Assemblie, after serious consideration of the great dishonour to God, this church and kingdome, by the said Booke, did condescend upon a supplication to the Commissioners Grace, that the same might be represented to the Kings Majestie, that his Majestie might be pleased to call in all the said Bookes, and thereby shew his dislyke thereof; and next to give Commission to cite all such persones who are either knowne or suspected to be the authors thereof, or informers anent it; and in speciall, Doctor Balcanquell, who is knowne and professed to be the author, at least the owner of a great parte thereof; that, by their examplarie punishment, others may be deterred from such dangerous and seditious courses; the tennour of which Supplication followeth:—[Vide p. 206 of these Records.]
The Assemblie thought it expedient that some overtures might be advised upon for keeping order in the Assemblie in tyme comeing.