ular
Congregation, may not exercise this power independently, but with
subordination unto greater Presbyteries and Synods, Provincial and
National: Which as they are representative of the particular Kirks
conjoyned together in one under their government; so their determination,
when they proceed orderly, whether in causes common to all, or many of the
Kirks, or in causes brought before them by appellations or references from
the inferiour, in the case of aberation of the inferiour, is to the
several Congregations authoritative and obligatorie and not consultatory
only: And this dependencie and subordination, we conceive not only to be
warranted by the light of nature, which doth direct the Kirk in such
things as are common to other societies, or to be a prudential way for
Reformation, and for the preservation of Truth and Peace, against Schisme,
Heresie, and Tyranny, which is the sweet fruits of this government
wheresoever hath place, and which we have found in ancient and late
experience; but also to be grounded upon the Word of God, and to be
conforme to the paterne of the Primitive and Apostolical Kirks: And
without which, neither could the Kirks in this Kingdome have been
reformed, nor were we able for any time to preserve Truth and Unity
amongst us.

In this forme of Kirk-government, our unanimity and harmony by the mercy
of God, is so full and perfect, that all the Members of this Assembly have
declared themselves to be of one heart, and of one soule, and to be no
lesse perswaded, that it is of God, then that Episcopal government is of
men; resolving by the grace of God, to hold the same constantly all the
dayes of our life, and heartily wishing that God would blesse all the
Christians Kirks, especially the famous Kirk of _England_, unto which in
all other respects we are so nearly joyned with this divine Forme of
government. Thus having briefly and plainly given our judgement for your
satisfaction, and desiring and hoping that ye will beleeve against all
mis-reports, that we know not so much as one man, more or lesse eminent
amongst us, of a different judgement, we commend you unto the riches of
the grace of Christ, who will perfect that which he had begun amongst you,
to your unspeakable comfort. Subscribed by our Moderator and Clerk.

_Edinburgh 9. August, 1641._

_The Assemblies Answer to the Kings Majesties Letter._

Most gracious Soveraign,

Beside the conscience of that duetie which we owe to sup