WHereas by an Ordinance of His Highness the Lord Protector of the Com­monwealth of England, Scotland and Ireland, and the Dominions thereunto belonging, bearing date the twelfth of April, one thousand six hundred fifty four, Scotland is Vnited into one Commonwealth with England, and therein it appears, That the Shires and Burghs of Scotland, by their Deputies conveened at Dalkeith, and again at Edinburgh, did before the then Commissi­oners of Parliament, accept of the said Vnion and assent thereunto, and did promise to live peaceably under, and in obedience to the Authority of the Commonwealth of England, exercised in Scotland. And, whereas by an other Ordinance of His Highness, Entituled, An Ordinance of Pardon and Grace to the People of Scotland, It is de­sired, that they may be made equall sharers with those of England in the present settlement of Peace, Liberty and Property, with all other Priviledges of a Free People; The Councill in pursuance thereof, taking all the Premises into their consideration, As also, the many prejudi­ces that may arise to the good People, Burgesses and Inhabitants of the severall Cities, Burghs and Incorporations within this Nation, from the want of the due Nomination and Election of their respective Magistrates according to their Laws and Customs; And to the end the Inhabitants of the said Cities, Burghs, and Towns may receive all due encouragement, and have Government and Iustice righteously administred unto them; Do declare, That all Prohibitions as to Elections of Magistrates are taken off; And that all Cities, Burghs, and Towns Corporate in Scotland, to whom the Priviledge of Choosing their Magistrates belongs, may from henceforth Meet and Conveen for that end, within their respective Cities, Burghs and Towns, and there proceed to the due and lawful Nomination and Election of their respective Magistrates, wherein the said Council expects due and particular care be ta­ken, That no person be chosen who is dangerous to the Commonwealth, dis-affected to the present Government, or scandalous in Life or Conversation; Which Persons qualified, duly Elected and Chosen as aforesaid, are, and shall be the Magistrates for the ensuing Year: And, the Council do likewise further Declare, That in case this Declaration shall not come so soon to all the Burghs, as that they may Elect their Magistrates by the times limited in their Charters respectively; That in such case such Burghs, not having such timely notice therof, may proceed to the Election of Magistrates for their Burghs respectively, as aforesaid, that day fourtnight. Provided alwayes, That in the Oath of their faithful Administration of Iustice, and in all other Cases where formerly the Name or Stile of King, or, Keepers of the Liberty of England, hath been used in the exercise of the aforesaid Government of the said Cities, Burghs and Towns, The Name of His Highness, The Lord Protector of the Commonwealth of England, Scotland and Ireland, and the Dominions thereunto belonging, be incerted and used.