term_n as_o to_o that_o in_o the_o year_n 1582._o it_o be_v gross_o mistake_v because_o it_o be_v no_o way_n anent_o decline_v of_o unlawful_a assembly_n but_o against_o appeal_n from_o lawful_a assembly_n to_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n in_o ecclesiastic_a cause_n for_o stop_v ecclesiastic_a discipline_n against_o the_o person_n appealer_n as_o be_v further_a evident_a by_o the_o occasion_n thereof_o mr._n robert_n montgomery_n bishop_n of_o glasgow_n his_o produce_v letter_n of_o horning_n from_o the_o king_n &_o counsel_n charge_v the_o assembly_n to_o desist_v from_o his_o process_n and_o suspend_v their_o sentence_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n till_o the_o king_n and_o counsel_n consider_v the_o same_o against_o which_o the_o kirk_n enter_v a_o protestation_n from_o these_o thing_n it_o may_v appear_v how_o unwarantable_o the_o meeting_n at_o dundee_n do_v upon_o alleadgance_n of_o this_o act_n fall_v upon_o debate_n of_o the_o summar_n excommunication_n of_o these_o who_o have_v 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tell_v he_o and_o other_o and_o i_o wish_v they_o will_v once_o consider_v of_o it_o that_o even_o in_o the_o case_n of_o the_o cause_n and_o kingdom_n defence_n against_o foreign_a invasion_n the_o unlawfulnesse_n in_o join_v with_o the_o malignant_a party_n have_v be_v often_o determine_v by_o this_o church_n yea_o in_o that_o very_a case_n which_o be_v the_o present_a question_n and_o in_o the_o high_a advantage_n they_o can_v have_v in_o the_o state_v of_o it_o that_o be_v the_o case_n of_o scarcenesse_n of_o man_n as_o to_o his_o great_a exception_n against_o the_o word_n damnable_a i_o can_v think_v that_o the_o writer_n mean_v it_o of_o bring_v with_o it_o damnation_n to_o the_o writer_n he_o can_v be_v so_o gross_a as_o to_o take_v it_o for_o the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n yea_o he_o will_v i_o believe_v allow_v as_o much_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o salvation_n to_o some_o of_o
proposition_n be_v unquestionable_a the_o minor_a be_v prove_v thus_o it_o be_v to_o be_v constitute_v by_o the_o act_n of_o the_o pretend_a assembly_n of_o dundee_n as_o by_o a_o rule_n ergo_fw-la by_o a_o corrupt_a rule_n the_o antecedent_n be_v manifest_a because_o all_o the_o unrepealed_a act_n of_o former_a assembly_n that_o do_v determine_v the_o qualification_n of_o commissioner_n be_v especial_o the_o act_n of_o the_o assem_fw-la immediate_o precede_v be_v the_o rule_n by_o which_o the_o assem_fw-la be_v to_o be_v constitute_v as_o be_v manifest_a from_o the_o act_n of_o the_o assem_fw-la themselves_o old_a and_o late_a and_o from_o the_o constant_a practice_n of_o this_o kirk_n in_o all_o her_o assembly_n and_o that_o the_o act_n of_o dundee_n include_v a_o corrupt_a rule_n as_o to_o the_o judgement_n and_o conscience_n of_o those_o who_o condemn_v these_o act_n as_o involve_v a_o course_n of_o defection_n be_v manifest_a because_o they_o appoint_v all_o those_o who_o do_v not_o acquiesce_v and_o be_v obedient_a to_o the_o act_n and_o constitution_n of_o that_o assembly_n to_o be_v proceed_v against_o with_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o kirk_n and_o so_o to_o be_v exclude_v from_o be_v capable_a of_o be_v elect_v as_o commissioner_n for_o sit_v in_o the_o assembly_n as_o member_n right_o qualify_v 2._o no_o man_n ought_v to_o concur_v in_o any_o election_n of_o commissioner_n when_o the_o election_n be_v not_o free_a but_o ought_v rather_o to_o give_v testimony_n against_o the_o same_o but_o the_o election_n of_o commissioner_n to_o the_o assembly_n indict_v by_o the_o pretend_a authority_n of_o the_o commissioner_n of_o the_o assembly_n at_o dundee_n can_v be_v free_a in_o the_o judgement_n of_o these_o who_o do_v not_o approve_v of_o the_o act_n of_o dundee_n ergo_fw-la nothing_o here_o need_v confirmation_n but_o the_o assumption_n which_o may_v be_v prove_v thus_o that_o election_n which_o be_v limit_v and_o restrict_v unto_o such_o only_a as_o be_v involve_v in_o a_o course_n of_o defection_n and_o backslide_n and_o be_v exclusive_a of_o all_o other_o who_o have_v not_o be_v involve_v in_o the_o foresay_a course_n can_v be_v a_o free_a election_n but_o the_o election_n of_o the_o commissioner_n of_o the_o ensue_a assembly_n be_v such_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o these_o who_o do_v not_o approve_v the_o act_n of_o dundee_n ergo_fw-la the_o reason_n of_o the_o assumption_n be_v because_o illud_fw-la possumus_fw-la quod_fw-la jure_fw-la possumus_fw-la now_o no_o presbytery_n session_n or_o person_n acknowledge_v the_o constitution_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o assem_fw-la of_o dundee_n and_o yet_o testify_v against_o the_o act_n thereof_o relate_v to_o the_o approbation_n of_o public_a resolution_n and_o to_o the_o censure_v of_o the_o opposer_n and_o such_o as_o do_v not_o acquiesce_v and_o give_v obedience_n thereto_o can_v legal_o choose_v commissioner_n contrary_a to_o a_o stand_v unrepealed_a act_n of_o a_o assembly_n therefore_o the_o election_n of_o commissioner_n to_o the_o ensue_a assembly_n must_v be_v limit_v and_o unfree_a in_o the_o judgement_n of_o these_o who_o protest_v against_o it_o in_o their_o conscience_n or_o disapprove_a the_o act_n of_o the_o assembly_n of_o dundee_n as_o involve_v the_o approbation_n of_o the_o course_n of_o defection_n 3._o no_o man_n ought_v concur_v in_o the_o election_n of_o commissioner_n to_o a_o assembly_n unto_o which_o none_o be_v to_o be_v admit_v member_n but_o such_o as_o be_v involve_v in_o a_o course_n of_o defection_n and_o back_n slide_v from_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n and_o from_o the_o covenant_n but_o the_o ensue_a assembly_n be_v to_o be_v such_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o these_o who_o disapprove_a the_o act_n of_o dundee_n ergo_fw-la the_o proposition_n be_v grant_v on_o all_o hand_n even_o the_o assembly_n of_o dundee_n and_o the_o asserter_n of_o the_o authority_n thereof_o grant_v the_o nullity_n of_o a_o assembly_n when_o the_o author_n and_o abettor_n of_o a_o course_n of_o defection_n be_v admit_v to_o be_v constituent_a member_n the_o assumption_n be_v prove_v to_o wit_n that_o assembly_n now_o indict_v be_v to_o be_v such_o a_o assembly_n that_o assembly_n unto_o which_o none_o can_v be_v admit_v member_n but_o such_o as_o approve_v the_o public_a resolution_n and_o the_o act_n of_o dundee_n ratify_v the_o same_o be_v in_o the_o judgement_n of_o these_o who_o disapprove_a the_o act_n but_o not_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o assembly_n of_o dundee_n a_o assembly_n unto_o which_o none_o can_v be_v admit_v member_n but_o such_o as_o be_v involve_v in_o a_o course_n of_o defection_n but_o unto_o the_o ensue_a assembly_n none_o can_v be_v admit_v member_n but_o such_o as_o approve_v the_o act_n ratify_v the_o public_a resolution_n none_o but_o these_o can_v be_v admit_v because_o none_o can_v be_v admit_v contrary_a to_o a_o stand_v unrepealed_a law_n and_o yet_o these_o be_v involve_v in_o a_o defection_n in_o the_o judgement_n of_o they_o who_o disapprove_a the_o act_n at_o dundee_n 4._o no_o man_n ought_v to_o concur_v in_o keep_v a_o assembly_n from_o which_o many_o faithful_a and_o godly_a minister_n and_o ruling_n elder_n be_v exclude_v for_o no_o other_o cause_n but_o for_o their_o be_v faithful_a in_o witness_v against_o the_o backslide_n of_o the_o land_n but_o from_o this_o assembly_n many_o such_o be_v exclude_v by_o the_o act_n of_o dundee_n and_o that_o for_o no_o other_o cause_n but_o for_o testify_v against_o the_o defection_n of_o the_o land_n according_a to_o the_o judgement_n of_o these_o who_o condemn_v these_o act_n and_o therefore_o these_o can_v concur_v in_o keep_v this_o ensue_a assembly_n 5._o no_o man_n ought_v to_o concur_v in_o keep_v a_o assembly_n wherein_o the_o constituent_a member_n be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n such_o as_o be_v either_o author_n or_o approver_n of_o the_o enact_v a_o persecution_n of_o many_o godly_a man_n but_o the_o ensue_a assembly_n be_v to_o be_v such_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o these_o who_o disapprove_a the_o act_n of_o the_o assembly_n at_o dundee_n ergo_fw-la the_o proposition_n will_v be_v grant_v by_o every_o man_n the_o assumption_n be_v abundant_o prove_v by_o the_o clear_n of_o these_o thing_n 1._o that_o enact_v the_o draw_v forth_o of_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n against_o godly_a man_n to_o speak_v nothing_o of_o that_o which_o be_v already_o execute_v for_o that_o which_o be_v no_o fault_n in_o they_o be_v the_o enact_v of_o a_o persecution_n of_o godly_a man_n can_v be_v deny_v by_o any_o 2._o that_o the_o enact_v to_o draw_v forth_o all_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o kirk_n against_o these_o who_o do_v not_o approve_v the_o act_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o assembly_n of_o dundee_n to_o the_o enact_v of_o draw_v forth_o censure_n against_o godly_a man_n for_o that_o which_o be_v no_o fault_n in_o they_o but_o duty_n be_v unquestionable_a in_o the_o judgement_n of_o these_o who_o disapprove_a these_o acts._n 3_o that_o the_o assembly_n now_o indict_v be_v to_o be_v make_v up_o of_o such_o be_v clear_a from_o what_o be_v before_o speak_v and_o shall_v be_v further_o clear_v immediate_o ob._n how_o do_v it_o appear_v that_o the_o assembly_n now_o indict_v be_v to_o be_v constitute_v as_o all_o these_o reason_n do_v import_v can_v we_o judge_v of_o the_o constitution_n of_o it_o before_o we_o see_v how_o it_o be_v constitute_v ans_fw-fr 1._o it_o must_v be_v constitute_v according_a to_o the_o act_n and_o rule_v constitute_v which_o be_v not_o yet_o repeal_v and_o therefore_o according_a to_o rule_n of_o the_o assembly_n at_o dundee_n in_o the_o judgement_n of_o these_o who_o acknowledge_v the_o authority_n of_o that_o assembly_n and_o these_o act_n can_v be_v repeal_v before_o the_o constitution_n of_o another_o assembly_n 2._o that_o it_o must_v be_v so_o constitute_v may_v appear_v from_o the_o tenaciousness_n of_o synod_n and_o presbytery_n to_o maintain_v the_o authority_n and_o act_n of_o that_o pretend_a assembly_n who_o be_v involve_v in_o the_o approbation_n of_o the_o same_o have_v give_v good_a evidence_n that_o the_o ensue_a assembly_n must_v be_v so_o constitute_v if_o it_o be_v urge_v as_o for_o instance_n the_o letter_n of_o the_o instant_a commissioner_n which_o do_v appoint_v the_o place_n of_o meeting_n of_o the_o future_a assembly_n do_v desire_v presbytery_n to_o choose_v commissioner_n according_a to_o the_o know_a and_o ordinary_a rule_n of_o election_n but_o these_o know_v and_o ordinary_a rule_n can_v be_v suppose_v to_o include_v the_o act_n of_o the_o assembly_n at_o dundee_n 1._o because_o these_o act_n be_v not_o know_v the_o same_o not_o be_v publish_v yea_o not_o extant_a neither_o can_v they_o be_v call_v ordinary_a be_v once_o only_o do_v and_o be_v question_v much_o by_o many_o it_o be_v answer_v these_o be_v poor_a shift_n 1._o because_o these_o act_n be_v formal_o
election_n or_o commissioner_n be_v questionable_a to_o who_o we_o desire_v it_o earnest_o to_o be_v recomend_v that_o they_o will_v in_o a_o unanimous_a way_n make_v choice_n of_o man_n of_o approven_v ability_n and_o integrity_n and_o against_o who_o there_o can_v be_v no_o exception_n by_o the_o act_n and_o constitution_n of_o this_o church_n and_o in_o the_o last_o place_n we_o do_v humble_o represent_v and_o desire_v that_o in_o the_o interval_n of_o time_n betwixt_o this_o and_o the_o diet_n to_o which_o the_o assembly_n shall_v be_v adjourn_v there_o may_v be_v a_o solemn_a public_a humiliation_n throughout_o the_o land_n wherein_o god_n may_v be_v entreat_v to_o show_v we_o why_o he_o contend_v with_o we_o and_o to_o give_v light_n and_o clear_n on_o all_o hand_n concern_v the_o present_a difference_n of_o judgement_n and_o distemper_n of_o spirit_n that_o be_v among_o we_o that_o we_o may_v be_v of_o one_o mind_n and_o one_o heart_n for_o the_o carry_v on_o of_o the_o work_n of_o god_n among_o his_o people_n and_o your_o wisdom_n answer_v subscribe_v by_o sundry_a minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n st._n andrews_n july_n 18._o 1651._o how_o gracious_a the_o lord_n have_v be_v to_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n in_o give_v to_o her_o pure_a ordinance_n we_o trust_v shall_v be_v acknowledge_v by_o we_o while_o we_o live_v with_o thankfulness_n to_o the_o most_o high_a of_o who_o we_o desire_v mercy_n and_o grace_n to_o adhere_v unto_o the_o doctrine_n worship_n discipline_n and_o government_n establish_v in_o this_o land_n among_o the_o many_o sad_a token_n of_o the_o lord_n indignation_n against_o this_o church_n the_o present_a difference_n of_o his_o servant_n of_o the_o ministry_n be_v look_v upon_o by_o we_o as_o one_o of_o the_o great_a and_o as_o we_o hold_v it_o a_o duty_n to_o be_v deep_o humble_v before_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o sense_n thereof_o and_o by_o all_o lawful_a and_o fair_a mean_n within_o the_o compass_n of_o our_o power_n and_o station_n to_o endeavour_v the_o remedy_n thereof_o so_o we_o do_v ackdowledge_v a_o free_a general_n assembly_n lawful_o call_v and_o right_o constitute_v and_o proceed_v with_o meekness_n and_o love_n in_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n and_o the_o act_n and_o constitution_n of_o this_o church_n to_o be_v among_o the_o first_o and_o most_o effectual_a mean_n appoint_v of_o god_n for_o attain_v this_o end_n and_o for_o preserve_v the_o purity_n and_o advance_v the_o power_n of_o the_o work_n of_o reformation_n in_o this_o age_n and_o transmit_v the_o same_o to_o our_o posterity_n and_o to_o the_o age_n and_o generation_n that_o be_v to_o come_v but_o as_o the_o faithful_a servant_n of_o god_n in_o this_o church_n in_o former_a time_n do_v by_o his_o good_a hand_n upon_o they_o in_o the_o right_a administration_n of_o free_a and_o lawful_a assembly_n bring_v the_o work_n of_o reformation_n in_o scotland_n unto_o a_o great_a perfection_n and_o near_a conformity_n with_o the_o first_o pattern_n so_o unfaithful_a man_n mind_v their_o own_o thing_n more_o than_o the_o thing_n of_o christ_n and_o usurp_a over_o their_o brethren_n and_o over_o the_o lord_n inheritance_n do_v deface_v the_o beauty_n thereof_o first_o by_o encroach_a upon_o the_o liberty_n and_o freedom_n of_o assembly_n afterward_o by_o take_v away_o the_o assembly_n themselves_o therefore_o remember_v the_o many_o bond_n and_o obligation_n that_o lie_v upon_o we_o before_o the_o lord_n and_o be_v desirous_a to_o be_v find_v faithful_a in_o this_o day_n of_o temptation_n and_o to_o exoner_n our_o conscience_n as_o in_o his_o sight_n and_o to_o avoid_v accession_n to_o that_o guiltiness_n in_o which_o many_o have_v involve_v themselves_o and_o conceive_v that_o this_o present_a meeting_n be_v not_o a_o free_a lawful_a gen._n assembly_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n in_o regard_n that_o the_o election_n of_o commissioner_n to_o the_o same_o have_v be_v prelimited_n and_o prejudice_v in_o the_o due_a liberty_n and_o freedom_n thereof_o by_o a_o letter_n and_o act_n of_o the_o commissioner_n of_o the_o last_o gen_n assembly_n send_v to_o presbytery_n appoint_v such_o brethren_n as_o after_o conference_n remain_v unsatisfied_a with_o and_o continue_v to_o oppose_v the_o public_a resolution_n to_o be_v cite_v to_o the_o general_n assembly_n and_o in_o regard_n that_o commissioner_n from_o many_o burrough_n and_o presbytry_n be_v absent_a as_o want_v free_a access_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o motion_n of_o the_o and_o in_o regard_n that_o many_o of_o the_o commissioner_n of_o the_o former_a assembly_n who_o have_v carry_v on_o a_o course_n of_o defection_n contrary_a to_o the_o trust_v commit_v to_o they_o and_o who_o in_o their_o remonstrance_n and_o paper_n have_v stir_v up_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n against_o such_o who_o be_v unsatisfied_a in_o their_o conscience_n with_o their_o proceed_n and_o who_o have_v by_o their_o letter_n and_o act_n prelimited_a the_o assembly_n be_v admit_v to_o sit_v and_o vote_n as_o member_n of_o the_o assembly_n and_o their_o moderator_n appoint_v to_o be_v moderator_n of_o the_o assembly_n notwithstanding_o that_o timous_a exception_n be_v make_v against_o they_o that_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v admit_v as_o member_n of_o the_o assembly_n until_o their_o proceed_n be_v first_o try_v and_o approven_v by_o the_o assembly_n and_o in_o regard_n that_o his_o majesty_n by_o his_o letter_n and_o his_o majesty_n commissioner_n by_o his_o speech_n to_o the_o assembly_n have_v incite_v to_o hard_a course_n against_o those_o who_o be_v unsatisfied_a in_o their_o conscience_n with_o the_o proceed_n of_o the_o commission_n before_o these_o proceed_n be_v try_v and_o approven_v by_o the_o assembly_n itself_o we_o do_v upon_o these_o and_o many_o other_o important_a ground_n and_o reason_n to_o be_v propound_v and_o give_v in_o in_o time_n and_o place_n convenient_a protest_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n and_o in_o our_o own_o name_n and_o in_o the_o name_n of_o all_o minister_n ruling-elders_a and_o professor_n of_o this_o church_n who_o do_v or_o shall_v adhere_v to_o we_o against_o the_o validity_n and_o constitution_n of_o this_o assembly_n as_o not_o be_v free_a and_o lawful_a and_o that_o they_o may_v not_o arrogat_fw-la nor_o assume_v to_o themselves_o any_o authority_n nor_o exercise_v any_o power_n or_o jurisdiction_n for_o determine_v of_o controversy_n make_v of_o act_n emit_v of_o declaration_n judge_v of_o protestation_n or_o appeal_n or_o proceed_n of_o synod_n or_o inferior_a judicature_n or_o censure_v of_o person_n or_o paper_n or_o issue_v of_o commission_n of_o whatsoever_o sort_n to_o any_o person_n whatsoever_o and_o particular_o we_o protest_v that_o they_o may_v not_o proceed_v unto_o the_o approve_v or_o ratify_v of_o the_o proceed_n of_o the_o former_a commission_n not_o only_o because_o of_o their_o want_n of_o just_a power_n and_o authority_n so_o to_o do_v but_o also_o because_o these_o proceed_n contain_v many_o thing_n contrary_a to_o the_o trust_v commit_v to_o these_o commissioner_n especial_o the_o allow_v and_o carry_v on_o of_o a_o conjunction_n with_o the_o malignant_a party_n and_o bring_v they_o in_o to_o place_n of_o power_n and_o trust_n in_o the_o army_n and_o in_o the_o judicature_n contrary_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n the_o solemn_a confession_n of_o sin_n and_o engagement_n to_o duty_n the_o constant_a tenor_n of_o the_o declaration_n warning_n remonstrance_n cause_n of_o humiliation_n letter_n supplication_n and_o act_n and_o constitution_n of_o this_o church_n and_o the_o lay_n of_o a_o foundation_n for_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n to_o meddle_v with_o minister_n in_o those_o thing_n which_o concern_v their_o doctrine_n and_o the_o exercise_n of_o ministerial_a duty_n before_o they_o be_v cite_v try_v and_o censure_v by_o the_o judicatories_n of_o the_o church_n and_o we_o protest_v that_o whatsoever_o determination_n act_n ratification_n declaration_n sentence_n censure_n or_o commission_n that_o shall_v be_v make_v or_o give_v out_o by_o they_o may_v be_v void_a and_o null_a and_o may_v be_v interpret_v as_o bind_v to_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n and_o that_o notwithstanding_o thereof_o it_o may_v be_v free_a for_o we_o and_o such_o as_o adhere_v to_o we_o to_o exercise_v our_o ministry_n and_o enjoy_v the_o warrantable_a christian_a liberty_n of_o our_o conscience_n according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o national_a covenant_n and_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n and_o solemn_a engagement_n to_o duty_n and_o all_o the_o act_n and_o constitution_n of_o this_o church_n and_o that_o there_o may_v be_v liberty_n to_o choose_v commissioner_n and_o to_o conveen_n in_o a_o free_a lawful_a general_n assembly_n when_o there_o shall_v be_v need_n and_o the_o lord_n shall_v give_v opportunity_n and_o to_o add_v
their_o record_n and_o good_a reason_n be_v there_o for_o such_o protestation_n especial_o in_o scotland_n because_o not_o only_o by_o god_n word_n but_o also_o by_o our_o national_a covenant_n solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n and_o solemn_a acknowledgement_n all_o interest_n of_o king_n or_o parliament_n or_o kingdom_n be_v subordinate_a to_o the_o interest_n of_o christ_n and_o all_o duty_n to_o man_n subordinate_a to_o our_o duty_n unto_o god_n in_o hoc_fw-la foederato_fw-la regno_fw-la federati_fw-la dei_fw-la according_a to_o the_o 2_o king_n 11.17_o and_o 2_o chron._n 23.16_o in_o both_o which_o the_o substance_n of_o that_o covenant_n and_o our_o covenant_n be_v that_o we_o shall_v be_v god_n people_n and_o all_o other_o relation_n subserviant_a to_o that_o sit_fw-la ergo_fw-la gloria_fw-la christi_fw-la &_o salus_fw-la eclecsiae_fw-la suprema_fw-la lex_fw-la nostra_fw-la and_o whensoever_o we_o see_v it_o in_o any_o hazard_n or_o contest_v and_o any_o thing_n in_o competition_n with_o it_o let_v we_o according_a to_o our_o call_n at_o least_o protest_v that_o our_o lord_n and_o our_o mother_n may_v get_v right_a which_o will_v lega_o preserve_v it_o to_o another_o judgement_n and_o if_o they_o get_v wrong_v thereby_o they_o will_v have_v witness_n of_o it_o which_o be_v the_o least_o which_o we_o shall_v do_v for_o he_o though_o we_o suffer_v for_o it_o who_o have_v do_v and_o suffer_v so_o much_o for_o we_o and_o who_o put_v a_o great_a favour_n and_o honour_n upon_o any_o who_o he_o call_v to_o be_v witness_n to_o and_o for_o he_o and_o where_o one_o have_v a_o necessity_n to_o protest_v for_o his_o particular_a right_n or_o place_n in_o parliament_n we_o see_v they_o do_v it_o ordinary_o and_o in_o all_o act_n of_o parliament_n the_o last_o be_v savo_fw-la jure_fw-la cujuslibet_fw-la and_o why_o not_o far_o rather_o solvo_fw-la jure_fw-la christi_fw-la ac_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la which_o protestation_n by_o communicate_v of_o this_o paper_n i_o do_v enter_v against_o the_o ratification_n of_o the_o paper_n give_v in_o by_o the_o commission_n to_o the_o parliament_n anent_o the_o confinement_n of_o the_o minister_n of_o sterling_n for_o their_o preach_n or_o of_o any_o other_o paper_n of_o they_o prejudicial_a to_o the_o covenant_n and_o cause_n of_o jesus_n christ_n reason_n prove_v that_o the_o late_a meeting_n at_o st._n andrews_n be_v not_o a_o lawful_a free_a general-assemble_o of_o the_o kirk_n of_o scotland_n with_o answer_n to_o the_o objection_n on_o the_o contrary_a that_o be_v not_o a_o lawful_a free_a general_n assembly_n the_o election_n of_o who_o commissioner_n be_v so_o prejudice_v and_o prelimited_n in_o the_o due_a liberty_n and_o freedom_n thereof_o that_o many_o minister_n of_o presbytery_n in_o a_o capacity_n of_o deserve_v to_o be_v choose_v for_o their_o ability_n and_o faithfulness_n be_v by_o the_o presbytery_n at_o the_o order_n and_o appointment_n of_o a_o superior_a judicatory_a past_a by_o and_o set_v aside_o in_o the_o election_n and_o render_v incapable_a to_o be_v member_n of_o the_o assembly_n but_o the_o late_a meeting_n at_o st._n andrews_n be_v such_o therefore_o etc._n etc._n the_o first_o proposition_n albeit_o as_o we_o conceive_v unquestionable_a yet_o shall_v afterward_o be_v alittle_o further_o speak_v to_o the_o second_o be_v prove_v by_o presbytery_n proceed_v according_a to_o the_o letter_n and_o act_n of_o the_o commission_n of_o the_o former_a assembly_n send_v unto_o they_o about_o the_o time_n of_o their_o choose_v commissioner_n appoint_v that_o such_o as_o after_o conference_n shall_v remain_v unsatisfied_a with_o and_o continue_v to_o oppose_v the_o public_a resolution_n to_o be_v cite_v to_o the_o general_n assembly_n which_o act_n do_v upon_o the_o matter_n include_v these_o four_o thing_n 1._o a_o direction_n that_o presbytery_n shall_v choose_v none_o to_o be_v commissioner_n but_o such_o as_o do_v concur_v with_o the_o public_a resolution_n 2._o a_o intimation_n of_o the_o commission_n mind_n that_o dissenter_n from_o the_o public_a resolution_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v in_o a_o capacity_n to_o be_v choose_v commissioner_n and_o to_o sit_v as_o judge_n of_o the_o matter_n in_o the_o gen._n assembly_n that_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o guilty_a person_n who_o be_v for_o their_o guiltiness_n to_o be_v cite_v and_o judge_v 3._o a_o declaration_n that_o if_o they_o shall_v be_v choose_v they_o can_v not_o be_v admit_v to_o sit_v upon_o the_o bench_n as_o judge_n but_o behove_v to_o stand_v at_o the_o bar_n and_o answer_v as_o rei_fw-la 4._o that_o if_o the_o presbytery_n shall_v choose_v they_o they_o be_v to_o be_v esteem_v disobedient_a and_o look_v upon_o as_o person_n have_v no_o respect_n to_o public_a order_n of_o the_o kirk_n which_o thing_n do_v clear_o enough_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o prelimit_v of_o the_o election_n as_o be_v former_o speak_v of_o object_n the_o commissioner_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n in_o the_o year_n 1648._o do_v by_o a_o letter_n write_v to_o the_o several_a presbytery_n appoint_v such_o minister_n as_o refuse_v to_o declare_v their_o judgement_n against_o the_o engagement_n which_o be_v then_o carry_v on_o or_o do_v declare_v themselves_o satisfy_v there_o with_o to_o be_v refer_v by_o their_o several_a presbytery_n to_o the_o general_n assembly_n which_o upon_o the_o matter_n be_v equivalent_a to_o a_o citation_n and_o yet_o be_v not_o that_o judge_v a_o pre-limitation_n of_o the_o freedom_n of_o the_o assembly_n answer_n to_o say_v nothing_o of_o the_o difference_n of_o a_o reference_n and_o citation_n neither_o yet_o of_o the_o difference_n of_o a_o letter_n and_o a_o act_n we_o desire_v these_o thing_n to_o be_v consider_v in_o answer_n to_o what_o be_v object_v 1._o that_o in_o the_o year_n 1648._o when_v a_o little_a before_o the_o election_n of_o commissioner_n by_o the_o presbytery_n to_o the_o general_n assembly_n it_o be_v move_v by_o some_o in_o the_o commission_n that_o some_o thing_n may_v be_v write_v to_o presbytery_n to_o choose_v none_o but_o such_o as_o be_v against_o the_o engagement_n it_o be_v oppose_v as_o savour_v away_o of_o pre-limitation_n and_o so_o only_a a_o letter_n be_v write_v give_v they_o a_o account_n of_o the_o commission_n proceed_v and_o exhort_v they_o to_o their_o duty_n and_o to_o choose_v able_a and_o faithful_a man_n 2._o that_o that_o letter_n which_o be_v mention_v in_o the_o objection_n be_v not_o write_v by_o the_o commission_n as_o we_o remember_v until_o most_o part_n if_o not_o all_o the_o election_n in_o presbytery_n be_v pass_v will_v be_v clear_v by_o the_o date_n thereof_o 3._o that_o before_o the_o write_n of_o that_o letter_n the_o whole_a kirk_n of_o scotland_n almost_o in_o all_o the_o presbytery_n and_o synod_n thereof_o have_v declare_v themselves_o unsatisfied_a in_o conscience_n with_o the_o engaegment_n except_v a_o very_a few_o minister_n scatter_v here_o and_o there_o in_o presbytery_n which_o few_o be_v also_o know_v to_o have_v be_v either_o opposer_n of_o the_o work_n of_o god_n or_o neutral_a and_o indifferent_a therein_o from_o the_o begin_n 4._o that_o the_o resolution_n of_o the_o commission_n be_v then_o agreeable_a to_o the_o covenant_n and_o act_n and_o constitution_n of_o former_a general_n assembly_n which_o thing_n be_v put_v together_o make_v a_o vive_fw-fr difference_n betwixt_o that_o which_o be_v then_o do_v and_o that_o which_o the_o commission_n have_v now_o do_v because_o the_o letter_n and_o act_n of_o the_o commission_n this_o year_n be_v previous_a to_o most_o part_n of_o the_o election_n in_o scotland_n and_o whilst_o many_o presbytry_n be_v bear_v testimony_n against_o their_o resolution_n and_o the_o most_o part_n of_o the_o godly_a of_o the_o land_n remain_v unsatisfied_a therewith_o and_o many_o precious_a able_a and_o faithful_a man_n in_o the_o ministry_n who_o be_v know_v to_o have_v be_v straight_o and_o zealous_a in_o the_o work_n of_o god_n from_o the_o beginning_n be_v bear_v record_n against_o it_o and_o whilst_o the_o resolution_n of_o the_o commission_n be_v pointblank_o contrary_a to_o the_o covenant_n and_o to_o the_o former_a act_n and_o constitution_n of_o this_o kirk_n objection_n it_o be_v not_o only_o in_o the_o power_n of_o the_o commission_n to_o appoint_v those_o who_o do_v oppose_v thâ—_n public_a resolution_n to_o be_v cite_v to_o the_o general_n assembly_n but_o also_o to_o have_v censure_v they_o because_o there_o be_v a_o clause_n in_o their_o commission_n which_o give_v they_o power_n to_o censure_v such_o as_o oppose_v they_o in_o their_o proceed_n as_o if_o they_o oppose_v the_o assembly_n itself_o and_o therefore_o see_v the_o commission_n have_v be_v so_o far_o from_o exclude_v that_o they_o have_v keep_v themselves_o fair_a within_o the_o limit_n and_o bond_n of_o that_o power_n give_v they_o by_o the_o assembly_n it_o can_v be_v say_v that_o their_o letter_n and_o act_n do_v
and_o rash_o to_o say_v to_o the_o best_a of_o it_o spare_v not_o to_o traduce_v they_o as_o apostate_n and_o backslider_n but_o this_o be_v it_o i_o will_v say_v that_o man_n shall_v take_v heed_n that_o they_o make_v not_o a_o snare_n of_o their_o opinion_n yea_o or_o the_o real_a conviction_n of_o the_o godliness_n they_o have_v of_o any_o person_n by_o approve_v take_v up_o or_o follow_v their_o say_n opinion_n or_o practice_n without_o due_a examination_n and_o trial_n upon_o this_o account_n because_o they_o be_v godly_a person_n from_o who_o such_o thing_n proceed_v it_o be_v well_o and_o expedient_a for_o such_o as_o will_v in_o this_o dangerous_a time_n walk_v circumspect_o and_o shun_v snare_n to_o remember_v as_o to_o this_o present_a caution_n two_o thing_n 1._o that_o true_a godliness_n be_v not_o of_o such_o perfection_n in_o any_o on_o this_o side_n of_o eternity_n as_o do_v exempt_v they_o from_o all_o err_a whether_o in_o judgement_n or_o practice_n nor_o yet_o from_o stiff_o maintain_v mistake_n when_o once_o they_o have_v turn_v aside_o unto_o they_o luther_n be_v a_o godly_a man_n and_o have_v much_o of_o christ_n in_o he_o i_o think_v none_o of_o they_o interest_v in_o the_o present_a business_n will_v compare_v with_o he_o yet_o who_o know_v not_o what_o great_a erroun_n he_o hold_v in_o the_o matter_n of_o god_n and_o maintain_v not_o only_o stiff_o but_o violent_o to_o the_o great_a prejudice_n of_o religion_n and_o obstruction_n of_o the_o work_n of_o reformation_n under_o which_o the_o reform_a kirk_n do_v groan_v yet_o unto_o this_o day_n 2._o how_o woeful_a a_o snare_n this_o i_o mean_v not_o godliness_n but_o the_o overweigh_a conceit_n of_o person_n repute_v to_o be_v godly_a have_v prove_v in_o the_o neighbour_n nation_n and_o kirk_n have_v not_o this_o be_v one_o of_o the_o chief_a stratagem_n and_o engine_n whereby_o satan_n have_v prevail_v to_o mar_v the_o fair_a work_n of_o reformation_n so_o happy_o and_o hopeful_o once_o begin_v there_o and_o sill_v that_o land_n with_o unparalelled_a confusion_n under_o which_o now_o it_o groan_n foelix_fw-la quem_fw-la faciunt_fw-la aliena_fw-la pericula_fw-la cautum_fw-la it_o be_v good_a for_o we_o to_o learn_v wisdom_n by_o other_o man_n danger_n and_o to_o be_v warn_v by_o the_o beacon_n which_o other_o shipwreck_n have_v set_v up_o to_o we_o lest_o we_o also_o make_v shipwreck_n upon_o the_o the_o same_o schelve_n and_o then_o say_v but_o too_o late_a non_fw-la putavimus_fw-la proverb_n still_o scottish_a man_n wise_a behind_o the_o hand_n prove_v all_o thing_n from_o whatsoever_o hand_n they_o come_v and_o hold_v fast_o that_o which_o be_v good_a review_n i_o do_v indeed_o believe_v that_o the_o author_n do_v not_o intend_v to_o say_v or_o advise_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o prejudice_n or_o disadvantage_n of_o godliness_n or_o godly_a man_n yet_o do_v i_o desire_v he_o serious_o and_o in_o soberness_n of_o mind_n as_o before_o the_o lord_n to_o consider_v whether_o there_o have_v be_v something_o in_o the_o late_a public_a resolution_n and_o in_o the_o proceed_n and_o act_n of_o the_o late_a assembly_n at_o dundee_n to_o both_o which_o if_o i_o mistake_v not_o he_o have_v a_o great_a accession_n that_o be_v prejudicial_a to_o godliness_n and_o to_o godly_a man_n respect_v to_o these_o do_v exceed_o abate_v with_o the_o public_a resolution_n yea_o enimity_n against_o these_o do_v exceed_o grow_v with_o these_o resolution_n a_o thing_n so_o manifest_a that_o they_o who_o do_v run_v can_v not_o but_o read_v it_o and_o do_v not_o the_o act_n at_o dundee_n wherein_o beside_o the_o censure_n that_o be_v inflict_v on_o some_o all_o whether_o minister_n elder_n expectant_n schoolmaster_n student_n or_o professor_n of_o whatsoever_o sort_n who_o shall_v not_o acquiesce_v to_o the_o act_n and_o conclusion_n of_o that_o assembly_n and_o who_o after_o conference_n for_o their_o satisfaction_n oppose_v the_o same_o be_v appoint_v to_o be_v censure_v do_v not_o i_o say_v these_o act_n import_v a_o prejudice_n to_o godliness_n and_o godly_a man_n if_o prosecute_v and_o execute_v they_o will_v at_o last_o non-office_n and_o non-church_n many_o godly_a church-officer_n and_o godly_a church-member_n yea_o i_o fear_v the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o godly_a in_o the_o land_n his_o testimony_n concern_v the_o godliness_n of_o many_o of_o the_o author_n and_o abettor_n of_o this_o protestation_n i_o do_v willing_o accept_v as_o savour_v of_o ingenuity_n and_o have_v truth_n in_o it_o i_o wish_v he_o have_v be_v as_o plain_a and_o positive_a in_o give_v his_o judgement_n concern_v other_o while_o he_o difference_n they_o from_o these_o to_o who_o godliness_n he_o bear_v testimony_n and_o say_v that_o what_o ever_o they_o have_v be_v every_o whit_n he_o will_v not_o take_v upon_o he_o to_o judge_v it_o seem_v that_o he_o will_v render_v they_o suspect_v if_o not_o have_v they_o take_v for_o person_n naughty_a or_o little_a worth_n what_o ever_o be_v his_o meaning_n in_o it_o or_o his_o judgement_n of_o these_o other_o i_o shall_v not_o stand_v to_o inquire_v into_o it_o there_o be_v none_o of_o the_o author_n or_o abettor_n of_o that_o protestation_n to_o who_o many_o of_o the_o godly_a in_o scotland_n will_v not_o give_v a_o honest_a testimony_n neither_o will_v any_o thing_n that_o any_o of_o they_o have_v be_v contradict_v the_o same_o if_o at_o any_o time_n they_o have_v be_v in_o a_o wrong_a way_n yet_o have_v they_o through_o grace_n repent_v of_o and_o forsake_v the_o same_o and_o it_o concern_v the_o author_n who_o have_v be_v a_o sharer_n of_o the_o like_a precious_a mercy_n not_o to_o upbraid_v they_o but_o to_o acknowledge_v the_o goodness_n of_o the_o lord_n both_o to_o they_o and_o to_o himself_o i_o deny_v not_o that_o there_o be_v godly_a man_n on_o the_o other_o side_n and_o such_o as_o suffer_v for_o the_o truth_n and_o cause_n of_o god_n but_o why_o he_o shall_v say_v that_o some_o of_o they_o be_v in_o christ_n before_o the_o protester_n and_o that_o they_o be_v sufferer_n for_o the_o truth_n when_o other_o have_v not_o the_o honour_n to_o be_v deor_n for_o it_o i_o do_v not_o well_o understand_v sundry_a of_o the_o protester_n for_o their_o be_v in_o christ_n and_o suffer_v for_o the_o truth_n and_o cause_n of_o god_n be_v through_o grace_n of_o a_o very_a old_a and_o longstanding_n and_o famous_a &_o honourable_a in_o all_o this_o church_n i_o can_v reckon_v the_o month_n or_o year_n since_o the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o do_v begin_v to_o be_v in_o christ_n and_o have_v the_o honour_n to_o suffer_v for_o the_o truth_n neither_o do_v i_o desire_v to_o insist_v on_o the_o comparison_n bless_a be_v the_o lord_n for_o all_o that_o be_v in_o christ_n and_o for_o all_o who_o suffer_v for_o his_o cause_n i_o wish_v and_o pray_v that_o all_o of_o they_o may_v conquer_v and_o overcome_v and_o if_o any_o of_o they_o be_v turn_v out_o of_o the_o way_n the_o lord_n may_v again_o recover_v they_o and_o make_v their_o last_o day_n better_o than_o their_o first_o it_o be_v true_a some_o of_o the_o protester_n have_v not_o the_o honour_n to_o be_v doer_n for_o the_o cause_n yea_o be_v opposer_n of_o it_o when_o some_o of_o the_o other_o side_n be_v suffer_v for_o it_o but_o what_o if_o they_o have_v obtain_v mercy_n because_o they_o do_v it_o ignorant_o through_o unbelief_n if_o not_o to_o be_v a_o doer_n for_o the_o cause_n yea_o if_o to_o be_v bearer_n down_o and_o opposer_n of_o the_o cause_n when_o other_o be_v suffer_v for_o it_o be_v a_o good_a plea_n against_o any_o of_o the_o protester_n i_o fear_v most_o part_n of_o the_o late_a assembly_n must_v leave_v their_o bench_n and_o go_v to_o the_o bar._n i_o know_v none_o that_o traduce_v these_o godly_a man_n as_o apostate_n yea_o i_o know_v and_o be_o persuade_v that_o the_o protester_n have_v a_o high_a and_o honourable_a estimation_n of_o they_o for_o their_o piety_n and_o part_n and_o for_o the_o great_a thing_n whereof_o the_o lord_n have_v make_v sundry_a of_o they_o instrumental_a in_o his_o house_n and_o though_o they_o can_v but_o testify_v unless_o they_o will_v be_v unfaithful_a that_o the_o course_n which_o these_o man_n have_v follow_v this_o while_n pass_v in_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o public_a resolution_n be_v a_o course_n of_o defection_n and_o backslide_n yet_o do_v they_o not_o use_v to_o call_v they_o backsliders_a much_o less_o apostate_n and_o if_o any_o other_o do_v it_o they_o be_v not_o therein_o approven_v or_o allow_v by_o they_o i_o join_v with_o the_o author_n in_o his_o advice_n that_o man_n shall_v take_v heed_n that_o they_o make_v not_o a_o snare_n of_o the_o opinion_n yea_o or_o the_o real_a conviction_n of_o the_o godliness_n they_o have_v of_o any_o person_n by_o approve_v take_v
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reject_v as_o not_o relevant_a exception_n when_o the_o commissioner_n do_v meet_v to_o constitute_v themselves_o into_o a_o assembly_n it_o seem_v by_o the_o author_n ground_n they_o can_v not_o because_o they_o be_v but_o alledgeance_n not_o yet_o prove_v and_o they_o have_v not_o determine_v therein_o no_o approven_v thereof_o because_o it_o be_v not_o in_o their_o power_n to_o cognosce_fw-la upon_o exception_n against_o the_o commission_n without_o change_n of_o the_o order_n of_o proceed_n to_o the_o ass_n which_o have_v be_v constant_o use_v in_o all_o time_n by_o go_v there_o may_v be_v many_o thing_n do_v in_o commission_n &_o presbytery_n in_o prelimit_v and_o pervert_v the_o election_n that_o can_v be_v impute_v yea_o which_o the_o assembly_n may_v condemn_v that_o may_v make_v a_o illegal_a and_o null_a assembly_n and_o therefore_o upon_o supposal_n that_o the_o letter_n and_o act_n send_v to_o presbytery_n do_v contain_v a_o under-pre-limitation_n it_o may_v have_v force_n at_o the_o time_n of_o the_o protestation_n to_o prove_v a_o nats_n assembly_n though_o it_o can_v not_o be_v impute_v to_o the_o assembly_n itself_o but_o how_o do_v he_o prove_v that_o it_o can_v not_o be_v impute_v to_o the_o assembly_n first_o it_o be_v say_v he_o to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o assembly_n but_o a_o alledgeance_n not_o prove_v it_o seem_v the_o author_n do_v not_o question_v the_o relevancie_n of_o it_o in_o jure_fw-la if_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o fact_n have_v be_v prove_v but_o it_o be_v relevant_a in_o jure_fw-la as_o upon_o his_o supposal_n it_o needs_o must_v and_o offer_v to_o be_v prove_v in_o facto_fw-la yea_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n as_o to_o the_o presumption_n of_o it_o be_v manifest_a to_o the_o conscience_n of_o many_o of_o the_o assembly_n ought_v they_o not_o before_o constitute_v themselves_o in_o a_o assembly_n either_o to_o have_v try_v and_o discuss_v the_o same_o or_o else_o to_o have_v lay_v aside_o the_o person_n against_o who_o it_o be_v propound_v from_o sit_v as_o member_n in_o the_o assembly_n until_o it_o may_v have_v be_v get_v try_v and_o discuss_v but_o they_o do_v neither_o of_o these_o and_o be_v not_o this_o to_o be_v impute_v to_o the_o assembly_n next_o he_o say_v that_o the_o assembly_n have_v not_o yet_o determine_v in_o nor_o approven_v the_o deed_n of_o the_o commission_n nor_o the_o deed_n of_o presbytery_n do_v thereupon_o in_o election_n at_o the_o give_v in_o of_o the_o protestation_n bâ—t_o in_o this_o he_o be_v much_o mistake_v because_o the_o assembly_n by_o admit_v the_o commissioner_n from_o presbytery_n so_o elect_v do_v as_o real_o approve_v these_o limit_a election_n and_o so_o the_o deed_n of_o the_o commission_n and_o presbytery_n do_v thereupon_o as_o ever_o any_o precede_a assem_fw-la use_v to_o approve_v the_o most_o free_a election_n to_o wit_n only_o by_o admit_v the_o commissioner_n yea_o
case_n in_o the_o year_n 48._o the_o election_n be_v pass_v in_o most_o place_n before_o it_o be_v do_v and_o may_v be_v just_o presume_v to_o have_v be_v pass_v in_o all_o as_o shall_v afterward_o be_v more_o full_o clear_v but_o it_o be_v not_o so_o in_o the_o 51._o what_o be_v then_o do_v be_v previous_a to_o the_o election_n next_o i_o give_v clear_a answer_n by_o deny_v the_o minor_a because_o the_o commission_n do_v not_o require_v such_o a_o thing_n the_o most_o that_o they_o do_v be_v to_o recommend_v it_o which_o be_v far_o from_o require_v and_o therefore_o by_o the_o writer_n ground_n the_o author_n have_v prove_v nothing_o at_o all_o to_o the_o second_o consideration_n that_o the_o letter_n and_o act_n of_o the_o commission_n 48._o be_v not_o write_v until_o most_o part_n or_o all_o election_n in_o presbytery_n be_v past_a he_o make_v answer_v that_o so_o be_v many_o of_o the_o election_n of_o presbytery_n before_o the_o letter_n and_o act_n of_o the_o commission_n 51._o come_v unto_o they_o but_o that_o be_v not_o true_a if_o we_o take_v the_o author_n own_o ground_n to_o wit_n that_o few_o presbytery_n except_o it_o be_v such_o as_o be_v far_a distant_a choose_v their_o commissioner_n 20._o or_o 25._o day_n before_o the_o assembly_n and_o allow_v 8._o day_n for_o dispatch_v to_o presbytery_n and_o take_v withal_o the_o date_n of_o the_o letter_n and_o act_n of_o the_o commission_n 1651._o which_o be_v the_o 28._o day_n of_o may_n and_o compare_v it_o with_o the_o day_n of_o the_o down_o sit_v of_o the_o assembly_n which_o be_v the_o 16._o day_n of_o july_n the_o untruth_n of_o this_o will_v appear_v because_o between_o the_o date_n of_o the_o act_n and_o the_o diet_n of_o the_o assembly_n be_v 48._o day_n of_o which_o deducing_a 8._o for_o the_o dispatch_n there_o do_v remain_v 40._o day_n till_o the_o assembly_n which_o do_v far_o exceed_v the_o time_n speak_v of_o by_o the_o author_n for_o the_o other_o part_n of_o it_o that_o most_o part_n of_o the_o election_n 48._o be_v pass_v before_o the_o letter_n and_o act_n of_o the_o commission_n come_v unto_o they_o i_o do_v appeal_n to_o the_o presbytery_n book_n there_o be_v little_a or_o no_o weight_n in_o the_o presumption_n that_o the_o author_n give_v to_o the_o contrary_n 1._o he_o take_v upon_o he_o to_o prove_v that_o some_o presbytery_n do_v upon_o that_o letter_n and_o act_n refer_v and_o cite_v some_o of_o their_o member_n to_o the_o general_n assembly_n some_o presbytery_n day_n before_o they_o begin_v to_o think_v upon_o the_o election_n of_o commissioner_n but_o he_o have_v name_v none_o and_o comprise_v they_o under_o the_o word_n some_o haply_o lest_o it_o shall_v be_v know_v how_o few_o there_o be_v probable_o but_o one_o that_o be_v st._n andrews_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o one_o of_o their_o university_n man_n who_o be_v also_o a_o minister_n next_o he_o make_v a_o supputation_n but_o of_o 8._o day_n for_o the_o dispatch_n of_o the_o letter_n to_o presbytery_n and_o that_o to_o the_o most_o part_n of_o presbytery_n it_o may_v have_v soon_o come_v and_o but_o of_o 20._o or_o 25._o day_n interveen_v betwixt_o the_o diet_n of_o the_o assembly_n and_o the_o election_n in_o most_o part_n of_o presbytery_n if_o the_o custom_n of_o dispatch_n have_v be_v by_o past_z hire_v and_o dispatch_v to_o several_a part_n immediate_o after_o the_o write_n of_o the_o letter_n and_o make_v of_o the_o act_n it_o may_v have_v come_v to_o the_o most_o part_n of_o presbytery_n in_o 8._o day_n but_o so_o it_o be_v not_o neither_o in_o the_o 48._o nor_o 51._o but_o by_o occasional_a bearer_n and_o therefore_o will_v take_v more_o time_n and_o i_o think_v it_o be_v say_v gratis_o that_o few_o presbytery_n do_v make_v their_o election_n 20._o or_o 25._o day_n before_o the_o assembly_n but_o there_o be_v no_o sure_a way_n of_o determine_v these_o difference_n about_o circumstance_n of_o time_n when_o neither_o the_o one_o nor_o the_o other_o letter_n come_v to_o presbytery_n but_o from_o the_o presbytery_n book_n and_o therefore_o to_o these_o i_o do_v appeal_n to_o stand_v or_o fall_v in_o this_o matter_n at_o their_o sentence_n only_o remember_v this_o that_o it_o be_v clear_a that_o the_o date_n of_o the_o letter_n and_o act_n of_o the_o commission_n 48._o be_v but_o five_o week_n before_o the_o assembly_n whereas_o the_o date_n of_o the_o other_o be_v 7._o week_n before_o the_o assembly_n vindication_n the_o three_o consideration_n present_v by_o the_o writer_n of_o this_o paper_n be_v that_o before_o the_o write_n of_o that_o letter_n by_o the_o commission_n 48._o the_o whole_a kirk_n of_o scotland_n almost_o in_o all_o the_o presbytery_n and_o synod_n thereof_o have_v declare_v themselves_o in_o conscience_n unsatisfy_a with_o the_o engagement_n except_v a_o very_a few_o minister_n scatter_v here_o and_o there_o in_o presbytery_n which_o few_o be_v also_o know_v to_o be_v opposite_n to_o the_o work_n of_o god_n or_o neutral_n and_o indifferent_a therein_o from_o the_o beginning_n answer_v 1_o if_o by_o the_o kirk_n of_o scotland_n be_v here_o understand_v the_o collective_a kirk_n i_o can_v see_v how_o it_o be_v true_a that_o be_v say_v here_o that_o the_o whole_a kirk_n of_o scotland_n for_o the_o most_o part_n except_o a_o few_o minister_n have_v declare_v themselves_o unsatisfied_a with_o the_o engagement_n certain_a it_o be_v and_o too_o certain_a that_o very_o many_o in_o the_o kirk_n of_o scotland_n in_o this_o sense_n of_o all_o rank_n in_o all_o quarter_n almost_o be_v too_o evident_o too_o active_a for_o it_o as_o the_o censure_n civil_a and_o ecclesiastical_a which_o thereupon_o follow_v do_v witness_n if_o the_o ministerial_a kirk_n be_v understand_v it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o far_o great_a part_n be_v dissatisfied_n but_o yet_o they_o be_v not_o so_o few_o minister_n that_o be_v of_o a_o contrary_a mind_n they_o be_v too_o many_o and_o in_o some_o place_n the_o great_a part_n of_o whole_a presbytery_n it_o may_v well_o be_v remember_v what_o a_o sum_n they_o be_v like_a to_o have_v account_v to_o at_o the_o time_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n and_o it_o seem_v to_o i_o too_o much_o that_o all_o of_o they_o be_v either_o opposer_n of_o the_o work_n whether_o hereby_o be_v understand_v the_o outward_a work_n of_o reformation_n or_o the_o power_n of_o religion_n or_o neutral_n or_o indifferent_a from_o the_o beginning_n the_o contrary_a be_v know_v of_o some_o of_o they_o and_o i_o will_v not_o say_v so_o much_o of_o all_o they_o that_o be_v censure_v though_o i_o acknowledge_v their_o censure_n be_v just_a 2._o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o kirk_n of_o scotland_n before_o the_o write_n of_o the_o late_a commission_n letter_n have_v declare_v themselves_o satisfy_v with_o the_o commission_n resolution_n and_o dissatisfy_v with_o the_o course_n of_o the_o opposer_n thereof_o and_o count_v when_o the_o writer_n will_v he_o shall_v find_v that_o the_o dissenter_n from_o the_o commission_n 48._o be_v not_o few_o yea_o not_o so_o few_o as_o the_o dissenter_n from_o the_o commission_n 51._o we_o know_v that_o the_o number_n of_o these_o amount_v to_o at_o their_o great_a meeting_n at_o ______o of_o late_a and_o howsoever_o more_o of_o these_o then_o of_o the_o first_o be_v godly_a man_n and_o have_v be_v more_o faithful_a in_o the_o cause_n former_o yet_o their_o present_a course_n at_o that_o time_n be_v not_o faithfulness_n to_o the_o cause_n but_o prejudicial_a to_o it_o and_o the_o whole_a kirk_n and_o country_n both_o they_o may_v just_o have_v be_v refer_v and_o call_v before_o the_o gen._n assembly_n to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o their_o way_n as_o well_o as_o the_o former_a be_v though_o they_o be_v more_o tender_o deal_v with_o as_o to_o themselves_o be_v evident_o see_v in_o the_o whole_a progress_n with_o they_o and_o be_v also_o real_o apparent_a in_o the_o very_a act_n and_o letter_n of_o the_o commission_n review_n i_o think_v the_o author_n do_v well_o enough_o know_v that_o in_o set_v down_o of_o the_o three_o difference_n the_o writer_n do_v not_o mean_a of_o the_o collective_a but_o of_o the_o ministerial_a church_n of_o which_o not_o only_o the_o great_a part_n but_o almost_o all_o have_v declare_v themselves_o unsatisfied_a in_o conscience_n with_o the_o engagement_n except_v a_o few_o minister_n scatter_v here_o and_o there_o in_o presbytery_n who_o be_v know_v either_o to_o be_v opposer_n of_o the_o work_n of_o god_n or_o neutral_a and_o indifferent_a therein_o from_o the_o beginning_n it_o be_v true_a they_o be_v too_o many_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o evil_a course_n they_o be_v engage_v into_o yet_o be_v they_o but_o few_o in_o number_n who_o do_v not_o at_o that_o time_n in_o some_o outward_a way_n at_o least_o give_v some_o
as_o the_o remonstrant_n have_v do_v and_o therefore_o these_o minister_n accuse_v by_o they_o can_v not_o be_v hold_v as_o under_o scandal_n of_o schism_n or_o presumption_n thereof_o until_o the_o point_n in_o controversy_n be_v try_v whether_o the_o remonstrants_n tenant_n be_v erroneous_a and_o of_o what_o consequence_n and_o importance_n they_o be_v and_o until_o then_o the_o remonstrants_n challenge_n of_o schism_n against_o they_o can_v not_o be_v repute_v but_o a_o mere_a alleadgance_n i_o know_v other_o thing_n be_v answer_v to_o this_o reason_n of_o that_o protestation_n by_o the_o foreign_a divine_n from_o the_o member_n themselves_o in_o controversy_n betwixt_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o but_o it_o may_v be_v evident_o perceive_v in_o sundry_a of_o their_o judgement_n upon_o that_o protestation_n that_o they_o have_v all_o one_o eye_n to_o this_o that_o we_o have_v say_v hence_o be_v it_o that_o of_o the_o judicious_a britain_n divine_v in_o the_o second_o branch_n of_o their_o answer_n to_o that_o accusation_n constat_fw-la haec_fw-la synodus_fw-la ex_fw-la personis_fw-la nulla_fw-la censura_fw-la ecclesiastica_fw-la notatis_fw-la nullo_n publico_fw-la aut_fw-la legitimo_fw-la judicio_fw-la de_fw-la scismate_n convictis_fw-la unquam_fw-la aut_fw-la condemnatis_fw-la protestatio_fw-la autem_fw-la remonstrantium_fw-la facta_fw-la in_o contrarium_fw-la vim_o latae_fw-la sententiae_fw-la habere_fw-la non_fw-la debet_fw-la and_o that_o of_o the_o nasâ—ean_n divine_v est_fw-la veneranda_fw-la &_o sancta_fw-la haec_fw-la synodus_fw-la congregata_fw-la in_o eum_fw-la finem_fw-la ut_fw-la doctrinam_fw-la remonstranium_fw-la propositam_fw-la defensamque_fw-la audiat_fw-la ad_fw-la dei_fw-la verbum_fw-la probe_n examinet_fw-la de_fw-la ejus_fw-la veritate_fw-la vel_fw-la falsitate_fw-la pronunciet_a eousque_fw-la igitur_fw-la sententiam_fw-la de_fw-la scismate_n ejusque_fw-la authoribus_fw-la suspendendam_fw-la esse_fw-la sentiamus_fw-la so_o say_v we_o the_o many_o business_n of_o the_o late_a general_n assembly_n be_v to_o hear_v try_v and_o examine_v the_o proceed_n and_o resolution_n of_o the_o late_a commissioner_n whether_o they_o be_v conform_v to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o covenant_n and_o constitution_n of_o this_o kirk_n and_o what_o can_v be_v say_v for_o or_o against_o they_o and_o therefore_o until_o then_o be_v the_o matter_n of_o defection_n object_v against_o they_o to_o be_v suspend_v from_o all_o this_o that_o have_v be_v say_v it_o be_v evident_a that_o see_v the_o assembly_n be_v to_o go_v about_o the_o trial_n of_o the_o commission_n proceed_n with_o all_o convenient_a expedition_n it_o be_v no_o way_n a_o relevant_a exception_n against_o the_o freedom_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o assembly_n that_o they_o be_v admit_v to_o sit_v as_o member_n notwithstanding_o the_o exception_n that_o be_v allege_v against_o their_o sit_v and_o as_o for_o the_o same_o objection_n it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o stick_v upon_o the_o protester_n themselves_o at_o first_o that_o mr._n andrew_n cant_n with_o the_o goodliking_a of_o all_o of_o they_o so_o far_o as_o can_v be_v perceive_v do_v put_v mr._n robert_n blair_n and_o mr._n william_n ret_o upon_o the_o list_n of_o moderation_n and_o sundry_a of_o they_o give_v their_o vote_n to_o mr._n robert_n blair_n to_o be_v moderator_n let_v be_v to_o fit_a as_o a_o ordinary_a member_n of_o the_o assembly_n review_n this_o instance_n which_o the_o author_n give_v of_o the_o belgic_a remonstrance_n in_o their_o protestation_n against_o the_o synod_n of_o dort_n be_v quite_o differ_v from_o our_o case_n in_o several_a respect_n first_o the_o hypothesis_n that_o be_v in_o question_n betwixt_o the_o remonstrant_n and_o the_o antiremonstrants_a who_o they_o desire_v to_o be_v remove_v out_o of_o the_o synod_n as_o they_o be_v determine_v in_o the_o confession_n and_o catechism_n of_o the_o belgic_a and_o other_o reform_a church_n so_o do_v the_o antiremonstrants_a which_o be_v member_n of_o that_o synod_n adhere_v to_o these_o determination_n and_o be_v willing_a that_o their_o doctrine_n shall_v be_v judge_v thereby_o whereas_o the_o remonstrance_n do_v decline_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o belgic_a and_o reform_v church_n in_o their_o catechism_n and_o confession_n and_o do_v require_v it_o as_o one_o of_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o synod_n that_o every_o man_n shall_v give_v his_o oath_n that_o he_o shall_v have_v no_o regard_n in_o this_o business_n to_o confession_n or_o catechism_n but_o only_o to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o appear_v from_o their_o own_o word_n which_o be_v these_o ideoque_fw-la cuique_fw-la sub_fw-la fide_fw-la juramenti_fw-la coram_fw-la deo_fw-la sanctè_fw-la praestandi_fw-la promittat_fw-la se_fw-la non_fw-la respecturum_fw-la in_o hoc_fw-la negotio_fw-la ad_fw-la confessionem_fw-la catechismum_fw-la aut_fw-la ullum_fw-la aliud_fw-la humanae_fw-la authoritis_fw-la scriptum_fw-la scriptoremque_fw-la sed_fw-la ad_fw-la solam_fw-la scripturam_fw-la quae_fw-la pro_fw-la solâ_fw-la fidei_fw-la norma_fw-la haebetur_fw-la but_o the_o commissioner_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n as_o they_o do_v deny_v their_o resolution_n to_o have_v be_v former_o determine_v by_o this_o church_n and_o so_o upon_o the_o matter_n do_v handsome_o decline_v to_o be_v judge_v in_o these_o thing_n by_o the_o act_n thereof_o as_o not_o be_v quadrant_a to_o their_o case_n so_o do_v they_o cry_v out_o upon_o the_o opposer_n of_o public_a resolution_n for_o cite_v these_o act_n so_o often_o against_o they_o and_o for_o insist_v so_o little_a upon_o the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o they_o call_v for_o as_o the_o only_a rule_n whereby_o they_o will_v be_v judge_v in_o these_o thing_n to_o be_v determine_v by_o former_a assembly_n so_o be_v they_o most_o willing_a and_o desirous_a that_o they_o and_o the_o commissioner_n in_o their_o judgement_n and_o act_n upon_o these_o thing_n shall_v be_v judge_v thereby_o second_o the_o remonstrant_n do_v accuse_v the_o antiremonstrants_a of_o schism_n and_o as_o schismatic_n most_o unjust_o of_o which_o we_o shall_v give_v the_o reason_n in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o britain_n divine_v then_o in_o the_o synod_n quia_fw-la ipsi_fw-la remonstrante_n recedendo_fw-la à _fw-la doctrinam_fw-la cemmuniter_fw-la recepta_fw-la initium_fw-la &_o causatio_fw-la huius_fw-la separationis_fw-la extiterum_fw-la nam_fw-la veritas_fw-la habetur_fw-la quod_fw-la â_fw-la primordio_fw-la in_o ecclesiâ_fw-la aliquâ_fw-la traditum_fw-la &_o receptum_fw-la fuerit_fw-la erpor_fw-la reputatur_fw-la quod_fw-la postea_fw-la inducitur_fw-la donec_fw-la habito_fw-la legitimo_fw-la examine_v &_o judicio_fw-la contrarium_fw-la concludatur_fw-la quo_fw-la etiam_fw-la accedit_fw-la quod_fw-la illi_fw-la dici_fw-la non_fw-la possunt_fw-la a_o doctrinâ_fw-la remonstrantium_fw-la recessisse_fw-la quod_fw-la in_fw-la schismate_fw-la praesupponendum_fw-la est_fw-la qui_fw-la illam_fw-la nunquam_fw-la receperint_fw-la sed_fw-la ab_fw-la initio_fw-la sibi_fw-la propositam_fw-la rejecerint_fw-la &_o condemnârint_fw-la word_n worthy_a of_o observation_n in_o order_n to_o the_o whole_a debate_n upon_o the_o public_a resolution_n but_o these_o who_o do_v except_v against_o the_o sit_v of_o the_o commissioner_n in_o the_o general_n assembly_n upon_o their_o make_a defection_n from_o the_o cause_n and_o covenant_n do_v it_o just_o because_o of_o their_o depart_n from_o the_o receive_a doctrine_n of_o this_o church_n and_o the_o bring_n in_o of_o new_a and_o strange_a doctrine_n in_o that_o point_n which_o the_o other_o offer_v to_o verify_v three_o the_o thing_n which_o the_o remonstrant_n do_v desire_v be_v that_o the_o antiremonstrants_a shall_v be_v remove_v whole_o out_o of_o the_o synod_n and_o be_v set_v to_o the_o bar_n to_o answer_v as_o guilty_a of_o schism_n and_o as_o party_n against_o the_o remonstrant_n in_o this_o business_n and_o hence_o be_v these_o sentencet_n of_o the_o britain_n and_o of_o the_o other_o divine_n which_o be_v cite_v by_o the_o author_n but_o the_o thing_n desire_v by_o these_o who_o except_v against_o the_o commissioner_n be_v not_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v remove_v whole_o from_o the_o assembly_n or_o hold_v as_o guilty_a before_o trial_n but_o that_o their_o sit_v in_o the_o assembly_n may_v be_v suspend_v until_o it_o be_v try_v whether_o they_o be_v guilty_a yea_o or_o not_o and_o therefore_o the_o author_n in_o cite_v and_o expound_v these_o sentence_n as_o he_o do_v have_v not_o only_o do_v wrong_n to_o the_o protester_n but_o also_o to_o the_o constant_a receive_v order_n of_o this_o church_n in_o the_o constitution_n of_o her_o assembly_n because_o if_o these_o sentence_n be_v expon_v not_o only_o against_o the_o remove_n whole_o out_o of_o the_o assembly_n but_o also_o against_o the_o remove_n of_o they_o for_o a_o time_n till_o they_o be_v try_v then_o have_v all_o the_o assembly_n of_o this_o church_n follow_v a_o wrong_a method_n who_o do_v ordinary_o upon_o exception_n propon_v remove_v sundry_a of_o their_o number_n though_o they_o be_v not_o as_o yet_o convicti_fw-la nor_o condemnati_fw-la and_o though_o they_o do_v suspend_v their_o sentence_n about_o remove_v of_o they_o whole_o yet_o do_v they_o not_o suspend_v their_o sentence_n about_o remove_v they_o for_o a_o time_n until_o the_o exception_n shall_v be_v
commissioner_n may_v have_v be_v and_o be_v indeed_o not_o give_v by_o these_o proceed_n of_o themselves_o but_o cause_v and_o bear_v upon_o they_o by_o the_o information_n and_o misrepresentation_n of_o they_o by_o some_o of_o the_o same_o person_n who_o be_v the_o alleadger_n and_o accuser_n and_o will_v be_v make_v good_a before_o any_o impartial_a judge_n in_o the_o world_n by_o a_o right_a information_n and_o discovery_n of_o the_o proceed_n themselves_o and_o of_o the_o practising_n of_o the_o accuser_n against_o they_o and_o therefore_o this_o can_v be_v no_o argument_n of_o the_o commissiones_fw-la be_v under_o scandal_n 4._o there_o be_v more_o testimony_n by_o very_o far_o from_o presbytery_n and_o synod_n for_o they_o then_o against_o they_o and_o these_o testimony_n give_v against_o they_o be_v real_o and_o in_o themselves_o scandal_v tend_v most_o evident_o to_o the_o expose_v of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o cause_n to_o the_o power_n of_o the_o invader_n whereof_o the_o invader_n themselves_o be_v very_o sensible_a and_o for_o that_o cause_n be_v some_o of_o the_o testimony_n soon_o put_v in_o their_o hand_n then_o communicate_v to_o the_o commissioner_n and_o they_o in_o thankfulness_n be_v very_o careful_a to_o cause_n print_v they_o the_o three_o particular_a be_v a_o poor_a man_n argument_n the_o beg_n of_o the_o very_a principal_a question_n and_o this_o very_o beg_v question_n be_v the_o only_a main_a sum_n of_o this_o whole_a paper_n repeat_v over_o and_o over_o again_o this_o the_o assembly_n be_v to_o try_v and_o examine_v and_o till_o it_o be_v try_v a_o nay-say_a be_v good_a enough_o answer_v to_o this_o affirmative_a 6._o the_o brethren_n who_o in_o the_o assembly_n offer_v to_o prove_v the_o alleadgance_n be_v some_o of_o the_o same_o who_o have_v be_v chief_a in_o spread_v the_o testimony_n and_o bear_v the_o offence_n upon_o the_o godly_a and_o have_v defame_v the_o commissioner_n and_o be_v interest_v to_o have_v have_v they_o note_v as_o under_o scandal_n it_o be_v against_o all_o equity_n that_o for_o the_o accusation_n of_o such_o they_o shall_v have_v be_v repute_v scandalous_a it_o be_v a_o word_n of_o justice_n utter_v by_o haman_n otherwise_o wicked_a julian_n the_o appostate_n quis_fw-la innocens_fw-la esse_fw-la poterit_fw-la si_fw-la accusare_fw-la sufficat_fw-la review_n the_o author_n do_v handsome_o wave_v many_o thing_n in_o the_o writer_n paper_n that_o be_v of_o importance_n and_o i_o think_v his_o reader_n will_v do_v he_o no_o wrong_n to_o take_v for_o grant_v in_o that_o paper_n what_o he_o do_v not_o answer_v nor_o contradict_v what_o be_v there_o set_v down_o clear_o and_o at_o large_a by_o the_o writer_n out_o of_o the_o act_n of_o the_o gen._n assembly_n he_o turn_v off_o with_o a_o few_o word_n 1._o he_o tell_v we_o it_o have_v be_v good_a that_o the_o writer_n have_v set_v down_o the_o very_a act_n which_o be_v cite_v in_o their_o full_a and_o formal_a word_n because_o every_o one_o be_v not_o keeper_n of_o the_o register_n nor_o have_v not_o copy_n of_o they_o beside_o they_o that_o it_o may_v have_v be_v see_v whether_o they_o mean_v that_o all_o person_n against_o who_o any_o scandal_n be_v allege_v shall_v be_v remove_v even_o before_o the_o assembly_n be_v constitute_v into_o a_o judicatory_a to_o which_o i_o reply_v that_o these_o act_n even_o in_o the_o full_a and_o formal_a word_n thereof_o be_v offer_v unto_o he_o &_o other_o at_o the_o meeting_n at_o s._n andrews_n under_o the_o clerk_n hand_n and_o they_o will_v not_o do_v so_o much_o as_o deign_v themselves_o to_o hear_v they_o or_o to_o read_v they_o or_o to_o collation_n they_o with_o the_o principle_n register_n which_o they_o then_o have_v in_o their_o power_n but_o be_v now_o deliver_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o english_a or_o disperse_v i_o know_v not_o whither_o but_o be_v not_o the_o citation_n for_o the_o matter_n clear_a and_o home_o to_o the_o point_n if_o the_o author_n think_v there_o be_v wrong_v do_v in_o any_o of_o they_o i_o believe_v if_o he_o will_v call_v to_o the_o clerk_n of_o the_o assembly_n he_o may_v yet_o find_v the_o mean_n to_o get_v he_o the_o double_a of_o the_o very_a word_n of_o the_o act_n assert_v under_o his_o hand_n it_o be_v true_a that_o every_o one_o be_v not_o a_o keeper_n of_o the_o register_n nor_o have_v copy_n of_o they_o beside_o we_o but_o shall_v they_o not_o therefore_o be_v trust_v who_o be_v keeper_n of_o they_o or_o have_v copy_n it_o have_v be_v belike_o good_a for_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n that_o the_o author_n &_o some_o other_o who_o have_v be_v so_o active_o instrumental_a for_o the_o public_a resolution_n have_v be_v keeper_n of_o the_o regiâ—ters_n or_o haâ—_n have_v copy_n of_o they_o beside_o they_o than_o haply_o know_v these_o thing_n more_o perfect_o they_o shall_v not_o have_v walk_v so_o cross_v thereto_o in_o their_o late_a proceed_n nor_o have_v question_v they_o when_o they_o be_v cite_v it_o be_v certain_o a_o thing_n blame_v worthy_a in_o not_o a_o few_o minister_n of_o the_o kirk_n of_o scotland_n that_o they_o be_v too_o great_a stranger_n to_o the_o act_n of_o assembly_n of_o the_o kirk_n which_o be_v a_o fault_n so_o much_o the_o great_a because_o there_o be_v no_o lack_n of_o opportunity_n these_o 14._o year_n to_o have_v acquaint_v themselves_o therewith_o and_o to_o have_v have_v copy_n of_o they_o beside_o they_o the_o act_n be_v veil_v with_o no_o such_o mist_n as_o the_o author_n will_v cast_v upon_o they_o either_o in_o the_o first_o particular_a which_o he_o mention_n whether_o they_o mean_v all_o person_n against_o who_o any_o scandal_n be_v allege_v shall_v be_v remove_v even_o before_o the_o assembly_n be_v constitute_v or_o in_o the_o second_o that_o it_o can_v be_v mean_v by_o they_o that_o alleadgance_n of_o scandal_n against_o person_n shall_v be_v cause_n to_o remove_v unless_o the_o scandal_n be_v clear_a and_o unquestionable_a for_o the_o point_n de_fw-fr jure_fw-la they_o speak_v clear_a &_o home_o that_o at_o the_o entry_n of_o every_o assembly_n their_o first_o work_n shall_v be_v the_o try_v and_o purge_v of_o all_o their_o member_n and_o man_n be_v appoint_v to_o be_v charge_v in_o god_n behalf_n to_o declare_v their_o conscience_n tonth_v their_o doctrine_n life_n and_o execution_n of_o then_o officer_n if_o therein_o they_o be_v scandalous_a and_o that_o any_o to_o who_o charge_n any_o thing_n be_v lay_v aught_o to_o be_v remove_v out_o of_o the_o assembly_n tiâ—l_v this_o cause_n be_v try_v and_o that_o if_o he_o be_v convict_v he_o may_v have_v no_o voice_n until_o the_o kirk_n receive_v satisfaction_n here_o be_v no_o distinction_n of_o questionable_a hypothesis_n nor_o allowance_n to_o he_o to_o sit_v before_o the_o trial_n of_o his_o cause_n but_o when_o any_o other_o of_o the_o commissioner_n to_o the_o assembly_n charge_v he_o with_o any_o thing_n in_o his_o doctrine_n life_n or_o execution_n of_o his_o office_n he_o be_v to_o be_v remove_v till_o it_o be_v try_v but_o say_v the_o author_n it_o be_v not_o clear_a that_o this_o be_v to_o be_v do_v before_o the_o assembly_n be_v constitute_v into_o a_o judicatory_a which_o be_v the_o thing_n pretend_v by_o the_o protester_n and_o because_o not_o do_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o this_o quarrel_n this_o be_v clear_a that_o they_o be_v to_o be_v remove_v immediate_o after_o they_o be_v charge_v with_o any_o thing_n until_o they_o be_v try_v which_o be_v the_o thing_n refuse_v by_o the_o assembly_n and_o therefore_o if_o the_o objection_n be_v move_v before_o the_o constitution_n they_o be_v to_o remove_v before_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o assembly_n 2._o it_o be_v clear_a that_o this_o be_v appoint_v to_o be_v their_o first_o work_n at_o the_o entry_n of_o every_o assembly_n and_o if_o any_o will_v say_v that_o the_o assembly_n must_v first_o enter_v by_o be_v constitute_v i_o give_v these_o two_o thing_n for_o clear_v that_o it_o be_v mean_v before_o the_o constitution_n first_o because_o this_o act_n and_o practice_n which_o concern_v the_o purge_n of_o the_o assembly_n from_o scandalous_a person_n be_v previous_a in_o time_n to_o the_o act_n and_o practice_n of_o choose_v a_o moderator_n as_o will_v be_v obvious_a to_o any_o who_o look_v upon_o the_o record_n 2._o because_o it_o have_v be_v the_o constant_a practice_n in_o all_o the_o assembly_n of_o this_o kirk_n from_o the_o very_a first_o reformation_n to_o propone_v exception_n of_o scandal_n and_o to_o remove_v person_n upon_o propon_v thereof_o before_o the_o choice_n of_o a_o moderator_n as_o also_o obvious_a in_o the_o â—_z almost_o of_o every_o assembly_n and_o can_v but_o be_v know_v to_o the_o author_n and_o all_o such_o as_o have_v be_v frequent_v our_o assembly_n and_o observe_v the_o order_n thereof_o and_o
say_v this_o conceit_n have_v great_a appearance_n of_o reason_n be_v of_o that_o sort_n of_o argument_n that_o arristotle_n call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d id_fw-la est_fw-la that_o have_v appearance_n but_o not_o solidity_n id_fw-la est_fw-la that_o kirk_n judicatory_n have_v no_o power_n for_o destruction_n but_o all_o their_o power_n be_v for_o edification_n he_o may_v have_v take_v a_o large_a subject_n to_o his_o denunciation_n even_o all_o judicatories_n both_o civil_a and_o ecclesiastical_a for_o no_o civil_a judicatory_a nor_o judge_n nor_o magistrate_n more_o than_o ecclesiastic_a have_v his_o power_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d id_fw-la est_fw-la moral_a power_n for_o destruction_n but_o all_o be_v for_o edificatication_n in_o their_o kind_n viz_o for_o the_o preserve_n and_o procure_v the_o good_a and_o safety_n of_o the_o people_n which_o be_v suprema_fw-la lex_fw-la by_o just_a act_n be_v then_o that_o a_o good_a consequence_n a_o assembly_n that_o make_v destructive_a act_n be_v null_a then_o it_o be_v as_o good_a a_o consequence_n a_o parliament_n that_o make_v destructive_a act_n be_v no_o parliament_n and_o a_o king_n that_o make_v destructive_a act_n be_v no_o king_n the_o truth_n be_v a_o assembly_n that_o make_v wrong_a act_n dissent_v from_o the_o rule_n it_o shall_v walk_v by_o act_v not_o as_o a_o lawful_a assembly_n shall_v do_v nor_o be_v these_o act_n make_v obligatory_a or_o to_o be_v obey_v but_o yet_o for_o all_o that_o it_o may_v be_v a_o true_a and_o lawful_a assembly_n as_o to_o the_o essence_n and_o be_v of_o a_o assembly_n and_o have_v lawful_a authority_n as_o the_o parliament_n 48._o in_o carry_v on_o the_o sinful_a engagement_n and_o many_o act_n destructive_a to_o the_o commonwealth_n and_o to_o the_o end_n of_o parliament_n which_o people_n think_v themselves_o not_o oblige_v to_o obey_v and_o be_v afterward_o condemn_v and_o yet_o that_o parliament_n be_v never_o deny_v to_o be_v a_o lawful_a parliament_n it_o be_v a_o distinction_n at_o that_o time_n common_a and_o uncontradict_v and_o for_o my_o part_n i_o can_v see_v a_o reason_n why_o it_o shall_v not_o have_v place_n in_o relation_n to_o a_o assembly_n that_o the_o act_n of_o it_o may_v be_v unlawful_a and_o yet_o itself_o a_o lawful_a assembly_n the_o other_o reason_n be_v never_o a_o whit_n more_o to_o the_o purpose_n more_o than_o the_o former_a for_o to_o let_v that_o pass_v which_o he_o say_v in_o the_o antecedent_n that_o whatever_o power_n commissioner_n of_o a_o general_n assembly_n have_v it_o be_v by_o commission_n from_o etc._n etc._n which_o deserve_v examination_n and_o if_o he_o mean_v that_o commissioner_n sit_v together_o and_o vote_v in_o a_o general_n assembly_n have_v only_o a_o delegate_v power_n and_o depute_a power_n subordinate_a to_o presbytery_n can_v hardly_o be_v reconcile_v with_o sound_a doctrine_n concern_v church_n government_n yet_o suppose_v it_o to_o be_v so_o no_o more_o follow_v but_o that_o in_o such_o act_n as_o the_o assembly_n make_v contrary_a to_o the_o limitation_n and_o rule_n contain_v therein_o they_o may_v get_v no_o obedience_n and_o that_o such_o act_n may_v be_v decline_v and_o protest_v against_o and_o indeed_o the_o writer_n himself_o in_o his_o consequent_a infer_v no_o more_o but_o this_o much_o for_o get_v in_o so_o short_a bound_n what_o he_o have_v propon_v as_o the_o point_n to_o be_v prove_v for_o these_o be_v his_o very_a word_n for_o in_o so_o far_o as_o they_o do_v any_o thing_n contrary_a to_o this_o in_o so_o far_o they_o may_v be_v decline_v as_o have_v no_o power_n or_o authority_n in_o do_v such_o thing_n which_o what_o be_v it_o else_o but_o what_o we_o have_v say_v but_o it_o do_v not_o follow_v that_o because_o they_o make_v act_n contrary_a to_o the_o limitation_n of_o their_o commission_n therefore_o the_o assembly_n may_v be_v decline_v and_o protest_v against_o absolute_o as_o not_o have_v the_o be_v of_o a_o lawful_a free_a assembly_n just_a as_o because_o the_o member_n of_o a_o parliament_n have_v all_o their_o power_n by_o commission_n from_o the_o people_n of_o the_o land_n commissioner_n of_o shire_n from_o their_o shire_n and_o commissioner_n of_o burgh_n from_o their_o burgh_n by_o a_o temporary_a election_n &_o as_o i_o humble_o conceive_v noblementâ—â—_n by_o a_o kind_n of_o election_n hereditary_a from_o the_o commonwealth_n &_o they_o be_v limit_v to_o the_o laudable_a fundamental_a law_n of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o unto_o the_o common_a principle_n of_o justice_n it_o follow_v well_o that_o if_o they_o make_v act_n contrary_a to_o these_o they_o be_v not_o obligatory_a unto_o obedience_n and_o in_o so_o far_o they_o may_v be_v protest_v against_o but_o it_o do_v not_o follow_v that_o therefore_o the_o parliament_n that_o make_v they_o may_v be_v absolute_o decline_v and_o protest_v against_o as_o no_o lawful_a or_o free_a parl._n i_o know_v there_o be_v many_o difference_n between_o these_o judicatories_n in_o other_o thing_n but_o i_o think_v the_o writer_n shall_v be_v hardly_o able_a to_o let_v we_o see_v a_o reason_n why_o the_o parallel_n of_o this_o shall_v not_o hold_v good_a this_o be_v it_o that_o take_v away_o the_o force_n of_o the_o second_o ground_n for_o prove_v the_o point_n that_o be_v intend_v however_o the_o impertinency_n of_o this_o second_o ground_n as_o to_o the_o point_n it_o be_v intend_v for_o be_v discover_v before_o and_o i_o hope_v by_o what_o have_v be_v say_v it_o be_v sufficient_o evidence_v that_o the_o writer_n have_v bring_v no_o new_a considerable_a reason_n for_o the_o nullity_n of_o the_o late_a assembly_n as_o to_o the_o be_v of_o a_o lawful_a free_a assembly_n even_o suppose_v sundry_a of_o the_o act_n and_o constitution_n be_v wrong_v upon_o the_o matter_n which_o yet_o be_v not_o grant_v and_o he_o shall_v have_v prove_v and_o not_o naked_o affirm_v but_o have_v bring_v disadvantage_n to_o himself_o and_o the_o protestation_n review_n the_o writer_n be_v not_o positive_a in_o deliver_v his_o own_o judgement_n upon_o this_o point_n that_o be_v here_o so_o much_o insist_v upon_o by_o the_o author_n but_o only_o say_v that_o it_o be_v the_o opinion_n or_o conception_n of_o some_o with_o much_o appearance_n of_o reason_n and_o therefore_o upon_o supposal_n that_o this_o opinion_n be_v not_o well_o ground_v he_o have_v bring_v little_a or_o no_o disadvantage_n either_o to_o himself_o or_o to_o the_o protestation_n in_o allege_v the_o same_o yea_o i_o believe_v he_o will_v take_v it_o for_o a_o advantage_n to_o have_v the_o truth_n discover_v unto_o he_o either_o in_o this_o or_o any_o other_o particular_a for_o my_o part_n i_o be_o loath_a neither_o do_v i_o intend_v to_o fall_v upon_o the_o debate_n of_o this_o question_n or_o to_o deliver_v my_o judgement_n positive_o therein_o because_o if_o i_o be_v not_o mistake_v it_o be_v a_o thorny_a question_n and_o full_a of_o difficulty_n on_o both_o hand_n yet_o i_o can_v but_o take_v notice_n of_o some_o thing_n that_o be_v set_v down_o by_o the_o author_n in_o his_o large_a answer_n to_o what_o be_v say_v short_o by_o the_o writer_n first_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o writer_n do_v but_o affirm_v that_o the_o act_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o assembly_n be_v wrong_a and_o that_o his_o say_n be_v not_o to_o be_v hold_v for_o sententia_fw-la lata_fw-la nor_o be_v it_o a_o oracle_n none_o speak_v oracle_n but_o god_n and_o the_o writer_n take_v no_o more_o upon_o he_o but_o to_o speak_v his_o opinion_n as_o a_o poor_a weak_a man_n but_o i_o believe_v the_o author_n know_v that_o it_o be_v not_o only_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o writer_n and_o of_o the_o protester_n and_o of_o such_o minister_n and_o professor_n as_o be_v unsatisfied_a with_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o assembly_n but_o also_o of_o many_o other_o even_o of_o not_o a_o few_o of_o those_o who_o be_v no_o opposite_n to_o the_o public_a resolution_n i_o have_v hitherto_o meet_v with_o few_o or_o none_o in_o estimation_n for_o piety_n and_o godliness_n that_o do_v justify_v and_o profess_v their_o adherence_n to_o all_o the_o act_n of_o that_o assembly_n as_o thing_n tend_v to_o edification_n and_o promove_v the_o work_n of_o reformation_n in_o the_o land_n and_o see_v he_o be_v please_v to_o make_v bold_a with_o other_o i_o think_v he_o will_v not_o offend_v if_o i_o appeal_v his_o conscience_n whether_o he_o think_v these_o act_n of_o that_o assembly_n that_o do_v relate_v to_o the_o censure_v of_o all_o minister_n expectant_n student_n elder_n and_o professor_n who_o do_v not_o acknowledge_v the_o constitution_n of_o that_o assembly_n and_o submit_v to_o the_o act_n thereof_o such_o act_n as_o in_o themselves_o tend_v to_o the_o further_a of_o the_o work_n of_o reformation_n and_o advance_v of_o piety_n and_o godliness_n in_o the_o land_n next_o i_o take_v
commission_n that_o the_o writer_n lay_v weight_n the_o author_n similitude_n of_o the_o parl._n and_o ass_n be_v answer_v already_o and_o show_v what_o maybe_o conceive_v by_o some_o why_o the_o parallel_n hold_v noâ—_n though_o as_o to_o this_o point_n the_o difference_n betwixt_o he_o and_o the_o writer_n seem_v not_o to_o be_v so_o wide_a as_o he_o will_v give_v out_o his_o conclusion_n be_v that_o he_o hope_v that_o by_o what_o have_v be_v say_v that_o it_o be_v sufficient_o evidence_v that_o the_o writer_n have_v bring_v no_o considerable_a reason_n for_o the_o nullity_n of_o the_o late_a assembly_n even_o suppose_v sundry_a of_o the_o act_n and_o constitution_n thereof_o be_v wrong_v upon_o the_o matter_n he_o shall_v have_v say_v suppose_v the_o most_o of_o all_o its_o act_n and_o the_o most_o material_a of_o they_o to_o be_v wrong_a upon_o the_o matter_n for_o so_o it_o be_v suppose_v and_o affirm_v by_o the_o writer_n and_o upon_o the_o supposal_n the_o author_n shall_v have_v tell_v his_o judgement_n upon_o the_o point_n the_o reason_n may_v be_v considerable_a enough_o and_o such_o as_o bring_v no_o disadvantage_n either_o to_o the_o writer_n or_o to_o the_o protestation_n for_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v yet_o say_v by_o he_o for_o infringe_v thereof_o yea_o i_o will_v assure_v he_o that_o it_o be_v most_o considerable_a &_o weighty_a in_o the_o heart_n of_o most_o part_n of_o the_o godly_a in_o the_o land_n who_o do_v not_o stand_v so_o much_o to_o dispute_v and_o debate_v legal_a form_n as_o they_o do_v look_v to_o act_n of_o the_o assembly_n and_o to_o what_o good_a or_o what_o ill_a be_v do_v by_o they_o for_o promove_v or_o hinder_v the_o kingdom_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o good_a of_o soul_n where_o they_o see_v not_o godliness_n advance_v and_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o godly_a strengthen_v and_o their_o heart_n make_v glad_a but_o a_o wound_n give_v to_o piety_n and_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o wicked_a strengthen_v and_o their_o heart_n make_v glad_a it_o be_v not_o externa_fw-la species_n autoritatis_fw-la to_o use_v the_o word_n cite_v before_o nor_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v in_o that_o or_o can_v be_v say_v for_o it_o that_o will_v conciliat_fw-la respect_n and_o authority_n to_o assembly_n in_o man_n conscience_n and_o if_o there_o be_v no_o more_o in_o the_o late_a assembly_n at_o s._n andrews_n and_o dundee_n but_o the_o lose_n of_o authority_n in_o the_o conscience_n of_o the_o godly_a in_o the_o land_n by_o thâ—iâ—_n wrong_a act_n it_o be_v that_o which_o concern_v the_o author_n and_o other_o who_o have_v hand_n in_o these_o act_n exceed_o to_o think_v upon_o vindication_n the_o other_o passage_n we_o will_v speak_v a_o word_n to_o be_v his_o answer_n to_o the_o last_o objection_n he_o say_v to_o make_v a_o act_n appoint_v such_o as_o decline_v a_o general_n assembly_n to_o be_v summary_o excommunicate_a be_v either_o to_o suppose_v that_o a_o general_n assembly_n can_v not_o be_v wrong_o constitute_v or_o can_v not_o err_v in_o their_o proceed_n or_o else_o suppose_v they_o shall_v be_v wrong_o constitute_v and_o err_v yet_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v decline_v and_o proteâ—ted_v against_o both_o of_o which_o be_v equal_o absurd_a there_o he_o say_v that_o the_o act_n of_o the_o assembly_n 1582._o allege_v for_o that_o purpose_n be_v gross_o mistake_v it_o be_v nothing_o against_o decline_v unlawful_a assembly_n he_o be_v as_o gross_o mistake_v while_o he_o insinuate_v that_o such_o as_o speak_v for_o the_o late_a assembly_n do_v mean_a that_o such_o a_o act_n shall_v be_v against_o decline_v any_o assembly_n lawful_a or_o unlawful_a 〈◊〉_d but_o against_o appeal_n from_o a_o lawful_a assembly_n to_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n and_o then_o close_v that_o from_o these_o thing_n it_o may_v appear_v how_o unwarrantable_a the_o meeting_n at_o dundee_n it_o must_v be_v still_o for_o aught_o he_o have_v allege_v the_o general_n assembly_n at_o dundee_n do_v upon_o alleadgiance_n of_o this_o act_n fall_v in_o debate_n of_o the_o summary_n excommunication_n of_o these_o who_o have_v protest_v any_o debate_n that_o be_v in_o the_o assembly_n be_v no_o great_a or_o long_a debate_n upon_o that_o matter_n and_o it_o be_v not_o so_o much_o out_o of_o any_o purpose_n or_o desire_v to_o do_v it_o as_o to_o find_v out_o what_o they_o may_v have_v do_v by_o the_o constitution_n of_o this_o kirk_n if_o they_o will_v have_v mind_v severity_n of_o censure_n neither_o be_v it_o that_o act_n of_o assembly_n 1582._o so_o much_o that_o they_o look_v to_o as_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o solemn_a assembly_n of_o glasgow_n 1638._o which_o in_o the_o sentence_n of_o excommunication_n against_o the_o pretend_a bishop_n and_o make_v there_o protest_v and_o decline_v of_o that_o assembly_n one_o of_o the_o cause_n of_o their_o excommunication_n which_o by_o the_o act_n of_o assembly_n be_v censurable_a with_o summary_n excommunication_n whether_o it_o do_v mean_v that_o act_n 1582_o or_o some_o other_o can_v not_o be_v get_v try_v at_o dundee_n for_o want_v of_o the_o register_n then_o in_o the_o basse_fw-fr but_o such_o respect_n be_v have_v to_o the_o authority_n of_o that_o grave_a assembly_n that_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o relation_n make_v by_o it_o be_v not_o question_v so_o that_o all_o the_o absurdity_n allege_v here_o by_o the_o writter_n strike_v as_o well_o against_o that_o assembly_n as_o against_o any_o man_n that_o allege_v such_o a_o act_n and_o the_o assembly_n at_o dundee_n suppose_v themselves_o to_o be_v a_o free_a lawful_a general_n assembly_n allege_v no_o other_o ground_n in_o fall_v upon_o debate_n of_o that_o matter_n then_o which_o the_o assembly_n of_o glasgow_n allege_v and_o the_o assembly_n of_o glasgow_n say_v there_o have_v be_v such_o a_o act_n make_v by_o a_o dilemma_n he_o be_v in_o a_o great_a mistake_n himself_o for_o consider_v that_o the_o act_n appoint_v such_o to_o be_v summary_o excommunicate_a who_o &c._n &c._n be_v intend_v only_o against_o protest_v against_o and_o decline_v of_o a_o general_n assembly_n not_o in_o any_o particular_a act_n or_o act_n thereof_o which_o we_o confess_v may_v be_v protest_v against_o but_o against_o the_o very_a be_v of_o it_o as_o null_n in_o itself_o and_o have_v no_o authority_n there_o be_v no_o necessity_n either_o of_o the_o one_o supposition_n or_o of_o the_o other_o follow_v upon_o it_o not_o of_o the_o late_a for_o the_o act_n we_o speak_v of_o say_v that_o decliner_n of_o a_o general_n assembly_n shall_v be_v excommunicate_a but_o a_o assembly_n wrong_v constitute_v and_o err_a both_o or_o only_o wrong_v constitute_v be_v no_o otherwise_o a_o assembly_n than_o a_o paint_a man_n be_v a_o man_n nor_o yet_o the_o former_a for_o i_o shall_v give_v you_o a_o three_o it_o suppose_v a_o general_n assembly_n right_o constitute_v and_o not_o err_v the_o facto_fw-la though_o not_o altogether_o infallible_a in_o itself_o or_o right_o constitute_v in_o all_o thing_n belong_v to_o the_o be_v of_o a_o free_a and_o lawful_a assembly_n though_o it_o may_v be_v err_v in_o some_o particular_a act_n and_o ordain_v excommunication_n to_o be_v the_o censure_n of_o these_o that_o decline_v and_o protest_v against_o such_o a_o assembly_n i_o mean_v as_o to_o the_o very_o be_v of_o it_o true_o this_o dilemmatick_a argument_n of_o the_o writer_n have_v be_v make_v aswell_o against_o that_o act_n make_v by_o jesus_n christ_n math._n 18.17_o he_o that_o neglect_v to_o hear_v the_o church_n let_v he_o be_v as_o a_o heathen_a or_o publican_n id_fw-la est_fw-la excommunicate_a for_o i_o suppose_v this_o canon_n comprehend_v not_o only_o such_o person_n as_o have_v offend_v against_o particular_a brethren_n come_v by_o degree_n of_o process_n before_o the_o church_n but_o also_o such_o as_o shall_v offend_v only_o immediate_o against_o that_o church_n itself_o 2._o it_o be_v propound_v in_o general_a term_n without_o any_o express_a distinction_n or_o limitation_n he_o that_o neglect_v to_o hear_v the_o church_n let_v he_o be_v excommunicate_a just_o as_o this_o he_o that_o decline_v a_o gen._n assemg_o let_v he_o be_v excommunicate_a may_v not_o then_o those_o that_o hear_v that_o canon_n first_o propound_v reason_n it_o just_a as_o the_o writer_n do_v here_o if_o his_o argument_n be_v good_a to_o make_v such_o a_o one_o as_o that_o be_v unreasonable_a for_o it_o be_v to_o suppose_v either_o that_o a_o church_n can_v be_v corrupt_o constitute_v and_o do_v err_v yet_o that_o it_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v disobey_v or_o decline_v but_o the_o argument_n have_v be_v a_o cavillation_n for_o neither_o do_v follow_v necessary_o to_o be_v suppose_v there_o be_v a_o three_o a_o church_n univocal_o so_o call_v id_fw-la est_fw-la a_o church_n right_o constitute_v and_o do_v duty_n though_o not_o unerrable_a in_o itself_o review_n the_o
summary_o excommunicate_v deny_v that_o ever_o the_o church_n in_o any_o of_o her_o assembly_n make_v any_o such_o act_n in_o so_o general_a and_o unlimited_a term_n and_o he_o give_v this_o for_o a_o reason_n of_o his_o denial_n that_o from_o hence_o it_o will_v follow_v either_o that_o they_o think_v that_o a_o assembly_n can_v not_o be_v wrong_a in_o its_o constitution_n and_o can_v not_o err_v or_o else_o that_o though_o wrong_v in_o constitution_n or_o err_a that_o they_o can_v not_o be_v protest_v against_o both_o which_o he_o say_v be_v absurd_a to_o this_o the_o author_n answer_v that_o consider_v that_o the_o act_n appoint_v such_o to_o be_v summary_o excommunicate_v be_v intend_v only_o against_o protest_v against_o and_o decline_v of_o a_o general_n assembly_n not_o in_o any_o particular_a act_n or_o act_n thereof_o which_o he_o confess_v may_v be_v protest_v against_o but_o against_o the_o very_a be_v of_o it_o as_o null_n in_o itself_o and_o have_v no_o authority_n there_o be_v no_o necessity_n either_o of_o the_o one_o supposition_n or_o of_o the_o other_o follow_v upon_o it_o not_o of_o the_o latter_a etc._n etc._n but_o first_o to_o pass_v by_o that_o he_o seem_v in_o all_o this_o debate_n to_o suppose_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o act_n in_o so_o general_a and_o unlimited_a term_n which_o i_o believe_v shall_v not_o be_v find_v nor_o do_v the_o word_n of_o the_o act_n of_o the_o assembly_n 38._o say_v or_o suppose_v any_o such_o thing_n it_o deserve_v consideration_n which_o he_o say_v that_o that_o act_n concern_v the_o excommunicate_v such_o as_o protest_v against_o or_o decline_v a_o assembly_n be_v intend_v only_o against_o those_o who_o protest_v against_o the_o be_v of_o a_o assembly_n and_o not_o in_o any_o particular_a act_n or_o act_n thereof_o because_o as_o the_o writer_n tell_v he_o the_o act_n 1582._o which_o be_v the_o only_a act_n relate_v to_o that_o business_n so_o far_o as_o i_o know_v or_o can_v be_v inform_v by_o these_o who_o take_v most_o pain_n in_o the_o record_n of_o the_o assembly_n be_v not_o anent_o decline_a assembly_n in_o their_o be_v and_o constitution_n but_o against_o appeal_n from_o lawful_a act_n of_o lawful_a assembly_n to_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n in_o ecclesiastic_a cause_n for_o stop_v of_o ecclesiastic_a discipline_n second_o though_o a_o assembly_n wrong_v constitute_v and_o err_a both_o or_o only_o wrong_v constitute_v be_v no_o otherways_o a_o assembly_n than_o a_o paint_a man_n be_v a_o man_n that_o it_o be_v not_o real_o or_o true_o but_o seem_o only_a yet_o it_o be_v seem_o a_o assembly_n it_o get_v ordinary_o and_o in_o common_a expression_n that_o denomination_n and_o as_o a_o paint_a man_n draw_v by_o the_o hand_n of_o a_o cunning_a painter_n may_v deceive_v these_o who_o have_v not_o discern_v eye_n and_o be_v take_v for_o a_o true_a man_n so_o a_o assembly_n wrong_v in_o the_o constitution_n and_o act_n or_o in_o the_o constitution_n only_o may_v by_o the_o vermilion_n of_o fair_a pretext_n put_v upon_o it_o pass_v with_o many_o for_o a_o true_a assembly_n yea_o in_o ordinary_a way_n of_o expression_n a_o assembly_n which_o have_v any_o thing_n of_o the_o colour_n or_o shadow_n of_o the_o be_v of_o a_o lawful_a and_o right_a proceed_n assembly_n be_v call_v a_o assembly_n though_o wrong_n in_o its_o constitution_n or_o also_o err_v in_o its_o act_n and_o therefore_o to_o have_v say_v simple_o in_o a_o act_n that_o decliner_n of_o a_o general_n assembly_n without_o any_o qualification_n lawful_a or_o unlawful_a err_a or_o unerring_a or_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o act_n insinuate_v or_o express_v the_o same_o shall_v be_v excommunicate_v it_o will_v follow_v that_o though_o a_o assembly_n shall_v be_v wrong_o constitute_v and_o err_v in_o its_o proceed_n yet_o it_o can_v not_o be_v decline_v as_o to_o the_o three_o to_o pass_v by_o that_o the_o general_n assembly_n at_o st._n andrews_n and_o dundee_n be_v none_o of_o these_o assembly_n but_o a_o assembly_n 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