meaning that it had in this Kingdome, when it was
first subscribed 1581. and afterward the Assembly therefore, both by the
subscription of his Majesties high _Commissioner_, and of the Lords of
secret Councel, Septem. 22. 1638. And by the acts of Councel, of the date
foresaid, bearing that they subscribed the said Confession, and ordaining
all his Majesties Liedges to subscribe the same, according to the foresaid
date and tennour, and as it was then professed within this Kingdome, as
likewise by the Protestation of some of the Senatours of the Colledge of
justice, when they were required to subscribe, and by the many doubtings
of his Majesties good Subjects, especially because the subscribers of the
Confession in _February_ 1635. are bound to suspend the approbation of the
corruptions of the government of the Kirk, till they be tryed in a free
generall Assembly; finding it proper for them, and most necessary and
incumbent to them, to give out the true meaning thereof as it was at first
professed. That all his Majesties Subjects in a matter so important; as is
the publik Confession of Faith, so solemnely sworn and subscribed, may be
of one minde, and one heart, and have full satisfaction to all their
doubts, and that the posteritie afterward may be fully perswaded of the
true meaning thereof, after earnest calling upon the name of God, so
religiously attested in the said Confession; have entered into a diligent
search of the registers of the Kirk, and books of the generall Assembly,
which the greatest part of the Assembly had not seen before; and which by
the speciall providence of God were preserved, brought to their hands, and
publicly acknowledged to bee authentick, and have found that in the latter
confession of the Kirk of _Scotland_: We profess, _that we deteste all
traditions brought into the Kirk without, or against the word of God, and
doctrine of this reformed Kirk_: Next, _we abhorre and deteste all
contrarie religion and doctrine_, but chiefly, _All kinds of papistry in
generall & particular heads, as they were then damned & confuted by the
word of God, and Kirk of_ Scotland, _when the said Confession was sworn
and subscribed_, An. 1580. _and_ 1581, 1590, _and_ 1591. Thirdly, _that we
deteste the Romane Antichrist, his worldly monarchie, and wicked
hierarchie_: Fourthly, _that we joyn our selves to this reformed Kirk in
doctrine, Faith, Religion, & discipline, promising and swearing by the
great name of_ GOD, _