The Explanation of the Test, by the Synod and Clergy of Perth.
BEcause our Consciences require the publishing and declaring of that express meaning we have in taking the Test, that we be not mis-interpreted to swear it in these glosses which men uncharitable to it, and enemies to us, are apt to put upon it; and because some men, ill affected to the Government, who are daily broachers of odious and ca∣lumnious Slanders against our Persons and Ministry, are apt to deduce inferences and conclusions from the alledged ambiguity of some Propositions of the Test, that we charitably and firmly do believe were never intended by the Imposers, nor received by the Takers. There∣fore to satisfie our Consciences, and to save our Credit from these unjust imputations, we expressly declare, That we swear the Test in this following meaning.
I. By taking the Test, we do not swear to every Proposition and Clause contained in the Confession of Faith, but only to the true Protestant Religion, founded upon the Word of God, contained in that Confession, as it is opposed to Popery and Fanaticism.
II. By swearing the Ecclesiastick Supremacy, we swear it as we have done formerly, without any reference to the assertory Act. We also reserve intire unto the Church, its own intrinsick and unalterable power of the Keys, as it was exercised by the Apostles, and the pure primitive Church, for the first three Centuries.
III. By swearing, That it is unlawful to Convocate, convene or assemble in any Coun∣cil, Conventions or Assemblies, to treat, consult, &c. in any matter of State, Civil or Ecclesiastick, as we do not evacuate our natural Liberty, whereby we are in freedom, in∣nocently without reflection upon, or derogating to Authority, or persons intrusted with it, to discourse in any occasional meeting of these things; so we exclude not those other meetings which are necessary for the well-being and Discipline of the Church.
IV. By our swearing it unlawful to endeavour any change or alteration in the Govern∣ment, either of Church or State, we mean, that it is unlawful for us to endeavour the al∣teration of the specifick Government of Monarchy, in the true and lineal Descent, and Episcopacy.
V. When we swear in the genuine and literal sense, &c. we understand it so far as it is not opposite, or contradictory to the foresaid exceptions.
They were allowed to insert after the Oath, before their Subscriptions, these words, or to this purpose: