gainst the well of all, and every one, the good subjects thereof, in
soul, body and substance.

_Next_, That the act of parliament, granting vote in parliament to
ministers, is with a special provision, that nothing thereby be
derogatory or prejudicial to the present established discipline of the
kirk and jurisdiction thereof in general and synodical assemblies,
presbyteries and sessions.

_Thirdly_ and lastly, The General Assembly (his majesty sitting, voting
and consenting therein) fearing the corruption of that office, hath
circumscribed and bounded the same with a number of cautions; all which,
together with such others as shall be concluded upon by the assembly,
were thought expedient to be inserted in the body of the act of
parliament, that is to be made for confirmation of their vote in
parliament, as most necessary and substantial parts of the same. And the
said assembly hath not agreed to give thereunto the name of bishops, for
fear of importing the old corruption, pomp and tyranny of papal bishops,
but ordained them to be called commissioners for the kirk to vote in
parliament. And it is of verity, that according to these cautions,
neither have these men, now called bishops, entered to that office of
commissionary to vote in parliament, neither since their ingyring, have
they behaved themselves therein. And therefore, in the name of the Lord
Jesus Christ, who shall hold that great court of parliament to judge
both the quick and the dead at his glorious manifestation; and in name
of his kirk in general, so happily and well established within this
realm, and whereof the said realm hath reaped the comfortable peace and
unity, free from heresy, schism and dissention these 46 years by-past;
also in name of our presbyteries, from which we have our commission; and
in our own names, office bearers and pastors within the same, for
discharging of our necessary duty, and disburdening of our consciences
in particular, We Except and Protest against the said bishopric, and
bishops, and the erection, or confirmation or ratification thereof at
this present parliament; most humbly craving, that this our protestation
may be admitted by your honours, and registrate among the statutes and
acts of the same, in case (as God forbid) these bishoprics be erected,
ratified, or confirmed therein.

_This Protestation was subscribed by the ministers, whose names follow,_

MESSRS. Andrew Melvil, James Melvil, William Scott, James Ross,