THE Parliament of the COMMON-VVEALTH of England, having taken the Settlement of Scotland into their serious Consideration, and those things which in the Establishing of the Government there, may be acceptable to GOD, and for the Good and VVelfare of the People. And for as much as the due Administration of Iustice and Right, doth effectually conduce thereunto: And the Parliament ha­ving in pursuance thereof, Authorized and Commanded Us to use our utmost Endeavours, that Iustice be done to all the People of Scotland, Equally and Impartially, without respect of Persons, and as may be most for their Ease and Relief. And finding it necessary since our Coming hither, that for those Ends. Iudicatories be speedily erected, to the effecting whereof, in a settled and orderly way, more time will be required then the present condition of Scotland, by reason of the long want of Administration of Iustice will permit. VVe have thought fit to make the same known unto the People of Scotland. And likewise, that in consideration of the present Exigency, VVe shall by vertue of the Power unto Us given in that behalf, by the Parliament of the Com­mon-VVealth of England, forthwith appoint and authorize Persons to the Administration of Iu­stice unto the People of Scotland, who are to be continued for some short time, untill the Iudica­tories and Courts of Iustice, may in a more solemn and lasting way be established.

And VVe do further, for, and in the Name of the Parliament of the Common-VVealth of England, Declare, That no Power, Iurisdiction or Authority, derived from, by, or under Charles Stuart, who pretendeth himself King of Scotland, or any of his Predecessours, or any otherwise then from the Parliament of the Common-VVealth of England, be used, exercised, or enjoyed within Scotland, the Iles, or any the Territories thereof; and do hereby forbid, adnull, and make void the use or exercise of any Power, Iurisdiction, or Authority whatsoever within Scotland, the Iles, or any the Territories thereof, other then such as is, or shall be derived from the Parliament of the Common-VVealth of England, whereof all Persons of whatsoever condition or quality are to take Notice, and required not to do to the contrary thereof, in any wayes, upon the Pains and Penalties that may thereupon ensue. And, that none may pretend ignorance hereof, VVe have Commanded this Declaration to be Printed and Proclaimed at the Mercat Crosse of Edin­burgh, and the other Burghs within Scotland, where Proclamations have usually been made.