But in this election, their number were not onely equall, but in most parts more, because out of every Parish there was a Laick-Elder, and so at least equall in number; and in election of these Commissioners, against whose election we except, there was put upon the list six in some places, and in others foure of the Ministers, who being removed, in their absence the choyce was made when the Laick-Elders by six or foure at the least exceeded the Ministers in number of voyces, yea in some Presbyteries the Laick-Elders were twice so many in number; so that these Commissioners are mainly chosen by the Laitie, and not by the Ministers, neither can wee acknowledge them for ours. Fourthly, these Laick-Elders did of old onely assist in Discipline, not medling with points of Doctrine (suffering the spirit of the Prophets to be subject to the Prophets, according to the Apostolicall rule;) but now they intrude themselves to sit and voice in the Presbyteries in matters of Doctrine, and have given Commission to those whom we except against, to voyce in this venerable Assembly, in Doctrine as well as in matters of Discipline; which Commissions are null, as proceeding _à non habente potestatem_. For these and other most weighty causes, the election of such Commissioners, and their place in this Assembly being so dangerous to the Church, threaten the same with the most intolerable yoak of bondage to be laid upon the neck of the Presbyteries by Laick over-ruling-Elders, to the prejudice of the liberties of the said Presbyteries, and whole Discipline of this Church. We could not, out of conscience to God, our callings, and flocks, but make humble remonstrance of the same to your Grace and members of this grave Assembly: withall protesting, both in our own names, and in name of all the Ministerie and body of this Church that will adhere to this present supplication, that all sentences, conclusions, Canons, Statutes, and Ordinances, which shall be made in that Assembly wherein the foresaid Commissioners shall have determinative voyce, to be voyd, null, and of no effect to oblige us or any of us to the obedience of the same: But if this our just supplication be not admitted (which we hope and earnestly pray may be graciously accepted) then this our protestation may be of force against such Lawes and proceedings that may follow thereupon. Thus hoping for your charitable construction of this our necessarie duty in so eminent a danger of the Church, and humbly intreating these presents may be put upon Record, We rest. * * * * * 1638.—November 29. 98, 99. _Speech of Hamilton at dissolving the Assembly, and his Reply to Moderator._[126] I find this day great contrarieties of Humours in my self, first, cause of Joy; next, cause of Sorrow: cause of Joy, in making good what hath been promised by His Majesty; cause of Sorrow, in that I cannot make further known his Majesties Pious Intentions.