those_o minister_n and_o preacher_n who_o have_v former_o act_v independent_o upon_o their_o brethren_n preach_v collegiat_o with_o some_o minister_n settle_v in_o a_o presbytry_n for_o remove_v of_o former_a stumbling_n and_o final_o that_o such_o fail_n be_v lay_v to_o heart_n by_o all_o sort_n of_o minister_n and_o preacher_n as_o they_o be_v convince_v of_o that_o they_o be_v set_v down_o in_o order_n and_o pitch_v on_o as_o cause_n of_o a_o public_a fast_o and_o humiliation_n upon_o some_o week_n day_n through_o all_o the_o meeting_n of_o presbyterian_o within_o this_o kingdom_n and_o that_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o people_n be_v intermix_v among_o these_o cause_n &c_n &c_n this_o be_v the_o sum_n of_o the_o overture_n offer_v by_o these_o reverend_a minister_n only_o in_o their_o own_o name_n but_o they_o promise_v to_o meditate_v with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o minister_n for_o according_a thereunto_o in_o answer_n to_o these_o we_o propose_v these_o overture_n premit_v also_o some_o motive_n together_o with_o the_o qualification_n of_o the_o union_n we_o desire_v that_o the_o basis_n of_o our_o union_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n confession_n of_o faith_n covenant_n book_n of_o discipline_n act_n of_o general_a assembly_n and_o the_o whole_a contexture_n of_o the_o order_n of_o this_o church_n before_o the_o public_a resolution_n in_o the_o pure_a period_n of_o this_o church_n which_o we_o may_v with_o one_o mind_n seek_v to_o have_v redintegrate_v that_o we_o may_v search_v and_o try_v our_o way_n and_o unite_v first_o in_o confess_v sin_n in_o keep_v day_n of_o humiliation_n for_o the_o same_o wherein_o we_o offer_v to_o confess_v our_o offence_n so_o far_o as_o we_o can_v be_v convince_v any_o manner_n of_o way_n that_o church_n judicatories_n shall_v appoint_v and_o desire_v the_o minister_n from_o who_o we_o differ_v to_o confess_v doctrinal_o their_o offence_n that_o have_v be_v most_o stumble_a viz._n hear_v the_o prelatical_a curate_n the_o late_a indulgence_n addressing_z for_z and_o accept_n of_o the_o toleration_n &c_n &c_n and_o concur_v in_o procure_v the_o condemnation_n of_o these_o thing_n in_o ecclesiastic_a assembly_n that_o the_o covenant_n may_v be_v renew_a with_o accommodation_n to_o our_o times-and_a a_o solemn_a acknowledgement_n of_o the_o public_a breach_n and_o engagement_n to_o the_o duty_n thereof_o apply_v to_o the_o present_a day_n that_o to_o prevent_v all_o future_a division_n the_o former_a offence_n may_v never_o hereafter_o be_v comply_v with_o under_o pain_n of_o church_n censure_n nor_o any_o other_o mould_n or_o model_n of_o presbyterian_a government_n than_o what_o be_v establish_v between_o the_o year_n 1638_o and_o 1650._o nor_o any_o state_n contrivance_n or_o constitution_n whatsoever_o be_v admit_v or_o submit_v unto_o which_o may_v infer_v a_o recognizance_n of_o any_o erastian_n usurpation_n that_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n the_o minister_n settle_v in_o paroch_n under_o the_o late_a indulgence_n and_o toleration_n may_v declare_v that_o now_o they_o have_v another_o hold_v than_o either_o of_o these_o and_o that_o they_o now_o officiate_v in_o place_n where_o they_o be_v fix_v according_a to_o the_o old_a presbyterian_a order_n and_o final_o that_o endeavour_n shall_v be_v use_v to_o check_v and_o suppress_v the_o foment_n that_o nourish_v and_o increase_v division_n on_o either_o hand_n as_o heart_n animosity_n alienation_n of_o affection_n passion_n prejudice_n jealousy_n receive_v and_o report_v misinformation_n and_o all_o other_o thing_n of_o that_o nature_n tend_v thereunto_o these_o mutual_a overture_n be_v refer_v to_o far_a consideration_n we_o think_v it_o a_o good_a expedient_a both_o to_o promote_v and_o direct_v a_o desirable_a union_n with_o our_o brethren_n to_o renew_v the_o covenant_n with_o a_o public_a accknowledgment_n both_o of_o their_o and_o our_o breach_n thereof_o and_o engagement_n to_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o covenant_n with_o accommodation_n to_o our_o present_a circumstance_n which_o we_o solemn_o accomplish_v at_o lesmabego_n march_v 3._o 1689._o in_o the_o acknowledgement_n we_o confess_v with_o relation_n to_o by-gone_a difference_n art_n 2._o page_n 56._o that_o as_o many_o by_o defection_n both_o in_o compliance_n with_o prelacy_n and_o erastianisme_n have_v break_v the_o church_n beauty_n and_o band_n order_n and_o union_n in_o make_v a_o faction_n repugnant_a to_o her_o establish_a order_n and_o censurable_a by_o her_o stand_a act_n in_o bring_v in_o novation_n in_o the_o government_n and_o make_v a_o rent_n in_o the_o bowel_n of_o the_o church_n by_o cause_v division_n and_o offence_n contrare_fw-la to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o this_o church_n have_v make_v themselves_o guilty_a of_o schism_n so_o other_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n have_v upon_o slender_a and_o unsufficient_a ground_n separate_a both_o from_o minister_n even_o the_o most_o faithful_a and_o zealous_a and_o such_o as_o be_v not_o chargeable_a with_o compliance_n and_o from_o christian_a society_n and_o family_n because_o of_o difference_n in_o judgement_n in_o incident_a debate_n not_o necessary_a nor_o material_a nor_o wherein_o the_o testimony_n of_o christ_n be_v much_o concern_v or_o because_o of_o personal_a offence_n easy_o remove_v not_o observe_v the_o rule_n of_o christ_n for_o remove_v they_o nor_o have_v respect_n to_o his_o great_a command_n of_o charity_n forbearance_n forgive_a one_o another_o or_o condescendency_n and_o between_o divide_a party_n which_o in_o our_o day_n have_v long_o be_v bite_v and_o devour_v one_o another_o there_o have_v be_v too_o much_o both_o of_o sinful_a union_n and_o confederacy_n in_o term_n prejudicial_a to_o truth_n and_o duty_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o of_o sinful_a heat_n animosity_n jealousy_n pride_n passion_n and_o prejudices_fw-la on_o the_o other_o hand_n grieve_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n eat_v up_o the_o power_n and_o much_o hinder_v the_o holy_a practice_n and_o spiritual_a exercise_n of_o religion_n and_o too_o much_o also_o of_o sow_v discord_n among_o brethren_n and_o promot_v our_o contention_n by_o too_o credulous_a and_o sedulous_a take_v up_o &_o spread_a report_n &_o reproach_n one_o of_o another_o and_o in_o our_o renew_a engagement_n to_o covenant_n duty_n with_o relation_n to_o present_a difference_n and_o union_n with_o our_o brethren_n we_o declare_v our_o resolve_a endeavour_n and_o vow_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n to_o labour_n to_o recover_v and_o preserve_v the_o liberty_n and_o purity_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n from_o all_o corruption_n novation_n and_o invention_n of_o man_n popish_a prelatical_a erastian_n or_o any_o other_o and_o if_o we_o can_v not_o get_v those_o corruption_n reform_v or_o remove_v to_o study_v to_o keep_v ourselves_o free_a of_o communion_n and_o participation_n with_o the_o same_o according_a to_o artic._n 1._o §_o 2._o pag._n 68_o and_o to_o refuse_v withstand_v and_o witness_v against_o all_o encroachment_n on_o the_o liberty_n of_o this_o church_n in_o all_o time_n come_v and_o withdraw_v ourselves_o from_o communion_n with_o all_o such_o meeting_n and_o congregation_n that_o hold_v their_o freedom_n from_o &_o be_v modify_v by_o such_o usurpation_n as_o indulgence_n and_o toleration_n according_a to_o artic._n 2._o §_o 3._o ibid._n and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n that_o we_o shall_v guard_v against_o all_o schism_n and_o sinful_a separation_n or_o unjust_a rash_a and_o disorderly_a withdraw_n from_o congregation_n society_n &c_n &c_n or_o any_o part_n of_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o true_a reform_a covenant_v church_n of_o scotland_n hold_v pure_o and_o entire_o the_o doctrine_n worship_n discipline_n and_o government_n of_o the_o same_o in_o principle_n and_o exercise_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o christ_n and_o stand_v act_n and_o constitution_n of_o this_o church_n and_o that_o we_o shall_v neither_o gather_v nor_o set_v up_o form_v separate_v church_n or_o society_n under_o other_o ordinance_n government_n or_o ministry_n distinct_a from_o the_o presbyterian_a church_n of_o scotland_n nor_o withdraw_v from_o minister_n or_o member_n of_o that_o body_n for_o any_o offence_n in_o any_o case_n where_o either_o the_o offence_n may_v be_v legal_o remove_v without_o our_o withdraw_n or_o be_v a_o thing_n to_o be_v condescend_v on_o forbear_v or_o forgive_v but_o shall_v study_v to_o maintain_v union_n &_o communion_n in_o truth_n &_o duty_n with_o all_o the_o minister_n and_o member_n of_o the_o say_a church_n that_o do_v and_o in_o so_o far_o as_o they_o do_v follow_v the_o institution_n of_o christ_n as_o in_o artic._n 2._o §_o 4._o pag._n 69._o and_o in_o artic._n 6._o pag._n 71._o we_o engage_v that_o we_o shall_v likewise_o desire_v design_n and_o endeavour_v to_o get_v the_o defection_n unworthy_a neutrality_n and_o unhappy_a division_n that_o have_v long_a and_o lamentable_o wound_v and_o wreck_v the_o church_n remove_v difference_n settle_v and_o breach_n heal_v in_o such_o a_o way_n and_o upon_o such_o term_n as_o may_v be_v honourable_a and_o
our_o sentiment_n be_v shallow_a and_o changeable_a as_o other_o man_n have_v the_o imperfection_n of_o mutability_n as_o well_o as_o fallibility_n common_a to_o all_o in_o this_o side_n of_o time_n nevertheless_o it_o be_v not_o any_o change_n of_o sentiment_n but_o only_o change_v of_o providential_a circumstance_n that_o make_v we_o now_o submit_v and_o not_o before_o for_o as_o we_o adhere_v to_o our_o testimony_n exhibit_v to_o the_o venerable_a assembly_n and_o to_o the_o substance_n of_o all_o our_o former_a testimovy_n so_o we_o know_v no_o truth_n or_o duty_n that_o ever_o we_o assert_v or_o contend_v for_o but_o what_o we_o think_v we_o can_v seal_v with_o our_o blood_n if_o we_o be_v call_v to_o it_o and_o we_o know_v no_o corruption_n defection_n or_o sin_n that_o ever_o we_o witness_v against_o or_o withdraw_v from_o but_o what_o we_o will_v yet_o contend_v against_o and_o withdraw_v from_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n if_o we_o be_v in_o the_o same_o circumstance_n and_o yet_o think_v ourselves_o oblige_v to_o contend_v and_o witness_v against_o but_o not_o in_o a_o divide_a way_n but_o in_o a_o way_n of_o order_n and_o union_n according_a to_o the_o apostle_n way_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o prophet_n be_v subject_n to_o the_o prophet_n our_o true_a and_o sincere_a motive_n then_o induce_v we_o to_o union_n and_o submission_n which_o in_o these_o circumstance_n have_v such_o force_n on_o our_o conscience_n that_o we_o dare_v not_o resist_v for_o a_o world_n be_v these_o i._o it_o be_v ever_o our_o judgement_n that_o union_n and_o communion_n be_v necessary_a among_o the_o people_n of_o god_n when_o ever_o it_o can_v be_v attain_v or_o entertain_v without_o sin_n in_o that_o case_n at_o all_o time_n opinionum_fw-la varietas_fw-la &_o opinantium_fw-la vnitas_fw-la may_v well_o consist_v which_o truth_n be_v found_v upon_o scripture_n precept_n promise_n and_o precedent_n command_v confirm_v and_o commend_v the_o duty_n of_o mutual_a love_n reconciliation_n peace_n union_n and_o communion_n among_o the_o people_n of_o god_n even_o when_o there_o be_v several_a dissension_n faint_n failling_n offence_n corruption_n and_o defection_n among_o they_o in_o several_a circumstance_n nowayes_o involve_v the_o joiner_n in_o sin_n but_o so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o present_a circumstance_n we_o may_v have_v such_o union_n and_o communion_n without_o partake_v of_o their_o guilt_n with_o who_o we_o join_v for_o the_o sin_n and_o scandal_n that_o scar_v we_o from_o this_o benefit_n in_o time_n of_o defection_n and_o division_n be_v so_o far_o happy_o remove_v and_o antiquate_a that_o they_o be_v neither_o establish_v in_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n nor_o ratify_v and_o approven_v in_o act_n of_o assembly_n nor_o persist_v in_o by_o present_a administration_n nor_o any_o way_n affect_v ministerial_a exercise_n nor_o do_v they_o continue_v to_o be_v our_o snare_n and_o stumbling-block_n either_o to_o involve_v we_o in_o the_o guilt_n of_o they_o or_o to_o keep_v we_o still_o jangle_v about_o they_o and_o consequent_o must_v cease_v to_o be_v ground_n of_o separation_n there_o be_v now_o no_o part_n of_o the_o presbyterian_a ministry_n that_o in_o ministerial_a exercise_n be_v hamper_v with_o or_o have_v any_o dependence_n on_o exotic_a erastian_n usurpation_n none_o of_o their_o meeting_n do_v now_o hold_v their_o freedom_n from_o nor_o be_v modify_v by_o the_o supremacy_n or_o any_o encroach_a power_n and_o therefore_o in_o our_o present_a communion_n we_o keep_v ourselves_o free_a of_o all_o participation_n with_o these_o corruption_n now_o remove_v and_o our_o join_v can_v not_o so_o much_o as_o be_v interpret_v a_o submit_v to_o or_o comply_v with_o any_o defection_n direct_o or_o indirect_o it_o be_v true_a the_o guilt_n of_o these_o defection_n remain_v as_o long_o as_o they_o be_v not_o acknowledge_v but_o the_o establishment_n of_o they_o the_o practice_n of_o they_o the_o present_a offence_n and_o tentation_n of_o they_o do_v not_o remain_v it_o remain_v to_o be_v their_o guilt_n that_o will_v not_o acknowledge_v they_o and_o they_o that_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o guilt_n of_o they_o and_o will_v not_o confess_v so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v convince_v from_o search_v the_o scripture_n and_o their_o own_o conscience_n show_v themselves_o no_o friend_n to_o the_o church_n peace_n but_o if_o because_o they_o will_v not_o hear_v our_o soul_n shall_v weep_v in_o secret_a place_n &_o as_o we_o be_v call_v we_o do_v not_o omit_v a_o witness_n against_o these_o defection_n the_o want_n of_o that_o confession_n through_o want_n of_o conviction_n of_o the_o sinfulness_n of_o these_o course_n offend_v we_o can_v neither_o be_v a_o sin_n to_o we_o nor_o a_o ground_n of_o separation_n be_v only_o a_o difference_n of_o judgement_n which_o we_o always_o disclaim_v to_o be_v a_o ground_n of_o withdraw_a 2_o it_o be_v always_o our_o judgement_n and_o intention_n that_o when_o ever_o presbyterial_a government_n in_o its_o court_n power_n order_n and_o freedom_n be_v establish_v we_o shall_v submit_v to_o it_o nay_o it_o be_v not_o only_o our_o resolution_n but_o our_o engagement_n at_o the_o renew_n of_o the_o covenant_n that_o we_o shall_v not_o separate_a from_o any_o part_n of_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o true_a reform_a covenant_v church_n of_o scotland_n hold_v pure_o and_o entire_o the_o doctoine_n worship_n discipline_n and_o government_n of_o the_o same_o in_o principle_n and_o exercise_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o christ_n and_o stand_v act_n and_o constitution_n of_o this_o churth_n and_o that_o then_o we_o shall_v study_v to_o maintain_v union_n and_o communion_n in_o truth_n and_o duty_n with_o all_o the_o minister_n and_o member_n of_o this_o church_n that_o do_v and_o in_o so_o far_o as_o they_o do_v follow_v the_o institution_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o when_o they_o return_v unto_o and_o fix_v their_o ground_n on_o the_o old_a establish_a foundation_n according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n &_o constitution_n of_o this_o church_n settle_v before_o the_o covenant_v reformation_n stop_v we_o shall_v then_o embrace_v and_o maintain_v union_n and_o communion_n with_o they_o and_o submission_n to_o they_o in_o the_o lord_n but_o so_o it_o be_v that_o all_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n be_v establish_v in_o purity_n and_o freedom_n the_o doctrine_n be_v assert_v in_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n now_o ratify_v in_o parliament_n and_o several_a controvert_v truth_n former_o obscure_v by_o calumny_n be_v now_o victorious_o vindicate_v the_o worship_n now_o not_o tolerate_v but_o establish_v and_o authorize_v and_o administer_v in_o purity_n plenty_n and_o peace_n and_o the_o light_n of_o the_o church_n be_v no_o more_o hide_v under_o bed_n or_o bushel_n but_o set_v and_o shine_a on_o the_o candlestick_n to_o give_v light_n to_o all_o that_o be_v in_o the_o house_n and_o the_o discipline_n and_o government_n presbyterial_a be_v now_o restore_v to_o what_o it_o be_v anno_o 1592._o wherefore_o we_o must_v needs_o return_v to_o our_o ancient_a union_n communion_n and_o order_n when_o the_o church_n be_v now_o return_v to_o the_o enjoyment_n and_o establishment_n of_o her_o ancient_a constitution_n when_o the_o prelatic_a erastian_n antichristian_a and_o tyrannical_a usurpation_n on_o the_o church_n right_n and_o the_o defection_n and_o corruption_n flow_v therefrom_o and_o introduce_v thereby_o be_v remove_v and_o the_o church_n intrinsic_a power_n and_o capacity_n to_o remove_v legal_o all_o remain_a offence_n be_v restore_v and_o redintegrate_v we_o can_v not_o but_o submit_v ourselves_o &_o pay_v that_o deference_n to_o ecclesiastic_a judicatories_n fence_v in_o the_o name_n of_o our_o only_a head_n and_o king_n jesus_n christ_n as_o to_o subject_v ourselves_o to_o they_o we_o never_o own_v a_o division_n from_o the_o church_n but_o only_o from_o a_o party_n carry_v on_o defection_n in_o a_o break_a and_o decline_a state_n of_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o when_o the_o church_n be_v not_o now_o in_o that_o state_n but_o recover_v her_o freedom_n from_o these_o breach_n &_o backslide_n we_o can_v not_o now_o maintain_v such_o a_o division_n as_o long_o as_o they_o be_v involve_v in_o and_o promote_a course_n of_o deformation_n we_o stand_v aloof_o but_o now_o when_o they_o be_v promote_a reformation_n in_o assert_v the_o doctrine_n worship_n discipline_n and_o government_n and_o oppose_a popery_n prelacy_n erastianism_n sectarianism_n and_o what_o be_v contrare_fw-la to_o sound_a doctrine_n and_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n we_o can_v not_o but_o join_v with_o they_o it_o be_v true_a several_a corruption_n yet_o remain_v unreformed_a as_o some_o of_o the_o former_a be_v not_o condemn_v but_o as_o all_o those_o corruption_n on_o which_o we_o found_v our_o separation_n because_o of_o the_o hazard_n of_o our_o partake_n of_o the_o guilt_n of_o they_o be_v remove_v so_o we_o can_v not_o suspend_v our_o
the_o lord_n because_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o house_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v lay_v tet_n some_o of_o they_o that_o have_v see_v the_o first_o house_n weep_v with_o a_o loud_a voice_n so_o that_o the_o people_n can_v not_o discern_v the_o noise_n of_o the_o shout_n of_o joy_n from_o the_o noise_n of_o weep_v so_o at_o this_o time_n we_o be_v call_v to_o rejoice_v with_o thanksgiving_n for_o &_o we_o shall_v indeed_o be_v very_o ungrate_a and_o unworthy_a if_o we_o do_v not_o acknowledge_v with_o praise_n and_o admiration_n the_o mercy_n of_o god_n which_o endure_v for_o ever_o manifest_v &_o magnify_v in_o the_o progress_n of_o this_o work_n hitherto_o that_o at_o the_o time_n appoint_v of_o god_n the_o least_o expect_a by_o we_o at_o the_o time_n of_o our_o great_a extremity_n and_o our_o enemy_n great_a insolency_n the_o lord_n have_v be_v please_v in_o sovereign_a mercy_n instead_o of_o overtake_v we_o with_o judgement_n threaten_v for_o our_o sin_n and_o without_o wait_v on_o our_o repentance_n and_o preparation_n by_o turn_v unto_o he_o to_o prevent_v and_o surprise_v we_o not_o only_o with_o a_o outward_a enlargement_n of_o rest_n and_o peace_n without_o prejudice_n to_o truth_n in_o a_o way_n wherein_o we_o be_v not_o beholden_a to_o the_o ensnare_a favour_n of_o his_o enemy_n but_o with_o such_o a_o revive_n in_o our_o bondage_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o wrath_n remember_v mercy_n bring_v about_o by_o the_o repression_n of_o tyranny_n suppression_n of_o popery_n and_o depression_n of_o prelacy_n as_o that_o we_o have_v yet_o a_o nail_n in_o his_o holy_a place_n to_o set_v up_o the_o house_n of_o our_o god_n yea_o the_o altar_n also_o be_v set_v again_o upon_o his_o base_n and_o the_o daily_a burn_a offering_n be_v offer_v by_o number_n according_a to_o the_o custom_n and_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o temple_n be_v lay_v again_o when_o the_o doctrine_n of_o this_o church_n be_v assert_v and_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n former_o receive_v be_v read_v vote_v approven_v and_o establish_v by_o parliament_n and_o even_o several_a controvert_v truth_n former_o much_o condemn_v and_o obscure_v under_o a_o load_n of_o many_o calumny_n be_v now_o justify_v and_o vindicate_v the_o worship_n and_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n be_v administer_v in_o great_a purity_n plenty_n and_o peace_n the_o government_n of_o christ_n institution_n by_o kirk_n session_n presbitery_n synod_n and_o general_a assembly_n so_o long_o bear_v down_o be_v at_o length_n restore_v to_o what_o it_o be_v anno_fw-la 1592._o and_o all_o act_n &_o law_n contrary_a or_o prejudicial_a unto_o inconsistent_a with_o or_o derrogatory_n from_o presbyterial_a government_n be_v rescind_v with_o this_o honour_n that_o it_o be_v declare_v by_o act_n of_o parliament_n that_o this_o be_v the_o government_n most_o agreeable_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o most_o conducible_a to_o the_o advancement_n of_o true_a piety_n and_o godliness_n and_o establishment_n of_o peace_n and_o tranquillity_n within_o this_o realm_n and_o the_o discipline_n retrieve_v to_o such_o a_o fond_a of_o freedom_n that_o all_o ecclesiastic_a court_n may_v without_o restraint_n or_o be_v accountable_a to_o any_o exotic_a usurp_v power_n in_o the_o magistrate_n assert_v all_o the_o authority_n and_o exerce_fw-la the_o power_n wherewith_o christ_n have_v entrust_v they_o which_o power_n if_o due_o and_o diligent_o improve_v and_o put_v in_o execution_n may_v through_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n contribute_v very_o much_o to_o the_o reduce_v order_n &_o the_o redress_n of_o many_o disorder_n in_o this_o church_n and_o now_o also_o the_o cause_n of_o our_o disunion_n &_o division_n in_o time_n of_o defection_n be_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n remove_v when_o erastianvsurpation_n be_v abrogate_a the_o church_n intrinsic_a power_n redintegrate_v and_o the_o corruption_n introduce_v by_o compliance_n so_o far_o abdicate_v and_o antiquate_a that_o they_o be_v not_o in_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n and_o do_v not_o continue_v to_o be_v the_o scandal_n and_o snare_n of_o the_o time_n we_o hope_v and_o expect_v a_o remedy_n may_v be_v find_v for_o the_o breach_n and_o division_n that_o we_o think_v incurable_a and_o union_n and_o communion_n in_o the_o lord_n may_v be_v attain_v but_o tho'_o for_o these_o thing_n we_o be_v call_v to_o rejoice_v yet_o we_o be_v no_o less_o oblige_v to_o mourn_v when_o we_o observe_v this_o house_n of_o the_o lord_n so_o unlike_o the_o former_a want_v many_o thing_n the_o former_a have_v and_o pester_v with_o many_o thing_n the_o former_a want_v as_o at_o the_o build_n of_o the_o second_o house_n after_o the_o captivity_n of_o babylon_n they_o that_o have_v see_v the_o first_o house_n weep_v with_o a_o loud_a voice_n when_o they_o observe_v its_o constitution_n and_o structure_n so_o far_o short_a of_o the_o former_a for_o order_n and_o beauty_n and_o want_v some_o glorious_a prerogative_n the_o other_o have_v as_o the_o urim_n and_o thummim_n the_o fire_n from_o heaven_n the_o ark_n of_o the_o testimony_n etc._n etc._n so_o they_o that_o have_v see_v our_o former_a reformation_n in_o its_o integrity_n before_o the_o late_a deformation_n can_v hardly_o refrain_v from_o weep_v at_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o sad_a disproportion_n between_o this_o and_o the_o former_a in_o the_o former_a as_o the_o constitution_n be_v calculate_v in_o the_o near_a conformity_n to_o the_o divine_a pattern_n so_o the_o builder_n have_v always_o a_o care_n to_o pull_v down_o what_o be_v to_o be_v demolish_v before_o they_o establish_v what_o be_v to_o stand_v and_o to_o purge_v away_o the_o rubbish_n from_o the_o foundation_n before_o they_o promove_v the_o superstructure_n according_o when_o prelacy_n be_v reintroduce_v at_o several_a time_n the_o first_o thing_n they_o do_v when_o they_o recover_v their_o power_n be_v always_o to_o exert_v it_o in_o condemnation_n of_o that_o corruption_n and_o of_o these_o assembly_n and_o meeting_n that_o promove_v abet_v favour_a or_o comply_v and_o when_o the_o erastran_v supremacy_n begin_v to_o encroach_v upon_o the_o church_n liberty_n and_o to_o bring_v the_o ministry_n into_o bondage_n they_o do_v not_o think_v it_o enough_o to_o wrestle_v against_o it_o by_o personal_a witnessing_n but_o by_o the_o good_a hand_n of_o god_n upon_o their_o endeavour_n never_o cease_v until_o it_o be_v condemn_v by_o act_n of_o assembly_n they_o proceed_v also_o with_o great_a earnestness_n and_o vigilance_n to_o purge_v the_o church_n of_o corrupt_a and_o scandalous_a minister_n sad_o regrate_v afterward_o when_o they_o see_v the_o effect_n of_o the_o continuance_n of_o some_o of_o that_o character_n in_o the_o ministry_n that_o they_o have_v not_o do_v more_o in_o that_o purge_a work_n but_o now_o after_o all_o the_o rubbish_n and_o filth_n bring_v into_o the_o house_n of_o god_n by_o the_o invasion_n and_o usurpation_n of_o the_o enemy_n and_o defection_n of_o friend_n when_o now_o opportunity_n and_o capacity_n be_v give_v to_o rebuild_v and_o beautify_v the_o house_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o to_o repair_v the_o desolation_n thereof_o the_o present_a building_n be_v so_o far_o advance_v without_o pull_v down_o and_o purge_v away_o the_o rubbish_n and_o condemn_v these_o corruption_n and_o defection_n in_o compliance_n with_o they_o or_o confess_v and_o forsake_v they_o as_o our_o father_n use_v to_o do_v now_o these_o course_n have_v 〈◊〉_d rather_o leave_v we_o than_o we_o have_v foresaken_v and_o the_o lord_n return_v in_o providence_n without_o our_o return_v to_o he_o by_o repentance_n have_v make_v any_o reformation_n yet_o attain_v while_o these_o defection_n be_v neither_o confess_v in_o humiliation_n nor_o condemn_v in_o judicatories_n and_o the_o prelatical_a clergy_n after_o all_o the_o evil_n they_o have_v do_v and_o bitter_a fruit_n they_o have_v produce_v be_v yet_o keep_v in_o many_o place_n and_o like_a to_o continue_v as_o a_o seminary_n and_o nursery_n of_o a_o corrupt_a ministry_n as_o long_o as_o all_o this_o rubbish_n stand_v there_o can_v be_v little_a hope_n either_o of_o purity_n or_o stability_n in_o the_o superstructure_n in_o former_a reformation_n also_o the_o advancement_n use_v to_o be_v progressive_a begin_v where_o the_o former_a reformation_n stop_v and_o go_v forward_o after_o they_o have_v get_v remove_v what_o obstruct_v it_o but_o now_o the_o motion_n be_v retrograde_a go_v as_o far_o back_o as_o that_o in_o 1592._o miss_v many_o excellent_a step_n of_o reformation_n attain_v after_o that_o to_o 1649._o in_o former_a reformation_n our_o worthy_a ancestor_n use_v to_o begin_v with_o renovation_n of_o the_o national_a covenant_n &_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o breach_n thereof_o which_o hitherto_o have_v be_v neglect_v to_o the_o great_a grief_n of_o many_o it_o be_v also_o matter_n of_o lamentation_n to_o reflect_v that_o in_o former_a reformation_n though_o the_o adversary_n trouble_v the_o builder_n and_o hire_v
privative_o by_o withhold_v other_o necessary_a instruction_n and_o warning_n murder_v their_o soul_n 6._o because_o they_o be_v and_o be_v upon_o all_o these_o account_n scandalous_a and_o the_o object_n of_o the_o church_n censure_n and_o tho'_o through_o the_o iniquity_n of_o the_o time_n their_o deserve_a censure_n hitherto_o have_v not_o be_v inflict_v yet_o they_o stand_v upon_o the_o matter_n convict_v by_o clear_a scripture_n ground_n and_o by_o the_o stand_a act_n and_o judicial_a decision_n of_o this_o church_n in_o her_o supreme_a judicatories_n 7._o because_o this_o hear_n and_o sumit_v to_o they_o be_v require_v as_o a_o badge_n test_n and_o evidence_n of_o due_a acknowledgement_n of_o and_o hearty_a compylance_n with_o erastianism_n and_o prelacy_n or_o his_o majesty_n government_n ecclesiastic_a act._n parl._n 1_o char._n 2._o july_n 10._o 1663._o which_o make_v it_o a_o case_n of_o confession_n to_o withstand_v it_o 8._o because_o by_o our_o covenant_n we_o be_v oblige_v to_o stand_v at_o a_o distance_n from_o such_o course_n of_o defection_n and_o to_o extirpate_v they_o yet_o in_o contradiction_n hereunto_o we_o be_v command_v by_o the_o rescinder_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o bear_v the_o prelatic_a curate_n as_o a_o badge_n of_o our_o yield_n to_o the_o rescind_n of_o the_o govenant_n 9_o because_o this_o course_n be_v offensive_a and_o stumble_v both_o in_o harden_v those_o that_o comply_v with_o prelacy_n and_o weaken_v the_o hand_n of_o those_o that_o oppose_v it_o and_o infer_v a_o condemn_v of_o their_o suffering_n upon_o this_o head_n especial_o 10._o when_o communion_n with_o they_o be_v so_o state_v that_o therein_o be_v not_o only_o a_o case_n of_o controversy_n among_o the_o godly_a in_o which_o always_o abstinence_n be_v the_o sure_a side_n nor_o only_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o many_o a_o case_n of_o confession_n which_o be_v always_o dangerous_a to_o contradict_v and_o condemn_v but_o undeniable_o a_o case_n of_o competition_n between_o the_o true_a church_n of_o scotland_n her_o minister_n and_o professor_n own_v and_o adhere_v to_o her_o holy_a establishment_n claim_v a_o divine_a right_n to_o their_o office_n and_o privilege_n contend_v for_o the_o church_n reformation_n and_o a_o schismatical_a party_n set_v up_o a_o new_a church_n in_o a_o new_a order_n under_o a_o new_a head_n rob_v they_o of_o their_o office_n and_o privilege_n and_o overturning_a the_o reformation_n we_o must_v presume_v to_o plead_v also_o that_o enquiry_n be_v make_v unto_o the_o heinous_a and_o heaven-daring_a affront_n do_v to_o the_o holiness_n of_o god_n in_o the_o horrid_a violation_n of_o our_o holy_a covenant_n national_a and_o solemn_a league_n not_o only_a how_o the_o popish_a prelatical_a and_o malignant_a party_n have_v break_v they_o enact_v the_o breach_n of_o they_o by_o law_n burn_v they_o and_o endeavour_v to_o bury_v they_o by_o make_v it_o a_o capital_a crime_n to_o own_o their_o obligation_n and_o by_o bring_v in_o and_o substitute_v in_o their_o room_n conscience_n ensnare_a anti-covenant_n oath_n bond_n and_o engagement_n renounce_v the_o former_a and_o oblige_v to_o course_n contradictory_n thereunto_o but_o that_o it_o may_v be_v consider_v how_o many_o way_n minister_n and_o professor_n in_o this_o time_n of_o tentation_n and_o tribulation_n have_v be_v guilty_a of_o breach_n of_o these_o holy_a covenant_n particular_o by_o consent_v unto_o subscribe_v swear_v and_o take_v any_o of_o the_o new_a multiply_v mischievous_o contrive_v captious_o conceive_v and_o tyrannical_o impose_v oath_n test_n or_o bond_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n since_o the_o overturning_a of_o the_o covenant_v reformation_n and_o establishment_n of_o prelacy_n and_o by_o persuade_v people_n to_o take_v they_o and_o forbear_v a_o necessary_a warning_n of_o the_o danger_n of_o they_o and_o leave_v people_n in_o the_o dark_a to_o determine_v themselves_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o these_o snare_n all_o which_o we_o plead_v and_o protest_v against_o as_o sinful_a and_o scandalous_a 1_o because_o all_o of_o they_o do_v infer_v import_n and_o imply_v a_o sinful_a unitive_a conjunction_n incorporation_n association_n and_o confederacy_n with_o the_o people_n of_o these_o abomination_n that_o be_v promote_a a_o course_n of_o apostasy_n from_o god._n 2_o because_o all_o of_o they_o be_v incapable_a of_o the_o qualification_n require_v in_o sacred_a engagement_n to_o be_v take_v in_o truth_n righteousness_n and_o judgement_n 3_o because_o all_o of_o they_o in_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o imposer_n interpret_v by_o their_o act_n and_o act_n be_v condemnatory_n of_o and_o contradictory_n unto_o the_o covenant_n &_o some_o part_n of_o the_o covenant_v reformation_n 4_o because_o by_o the_o ancient_a act_n of_o assembly_n all_o public_a oath_n impose_v by_o the_o malignant_a party_n without_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n be_v condemn_v july_n 28._o 1648._o ante_fw-la merid_fw-la sess_n 18._o and_o those_o minister_n be_v ordain_v to_o be_v censure_v who_o subscribe_v any_o bond_n or_o take_v any_o oath_n not_o approven_v by_o the_o general_n assembly_n or_o by_o their_o counsel_n countenance_n or_o approbation_n make_v themselves_o accessary_a to_o the_o take_n of_o such_o bond_n and_o oath_n in_o like_a manner_n we_o dare_v not_o forbear_v to_o cry_n and_o crave_v that_o it_o may_v be_v consider_v what_o wrong_v christ_n have_v receive_v from_o the_o erastian_n and_o antichristian_a usurpation_n of_o the_o supremacy_n encroach_a upon_o the_o prerogative_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n his_o incommunicable_a headship_n and_o kingship_n as_o mediator_n give_v to_o a_o man_n a_o magisterial_a and_o architectonick_a power_n to_o alter_v and_o innovate_v authorize_v and_o exauctorate_v allow_v or_o restrain_v and_o dispose_v of_o the_o government_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n according_a to_o his_o pleasure_n invade_v the_o liberty_n of_o the_o gospel_n church_n introduce_v a_o civil_a dominion_n upon_o her_o government_n contrare_fw-la to_o its_o nature_n be_v only_o a_o ministerial-stewardship_n distinct_a from_o the_o civil_a government_n in_o its_o nature_n cause_n end_n officer_n and_o act_n and_o give_v to_o the_o magistrate_n the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n without_o and_o against_o christ_n donation_n and_o authority_n even_o the_o dogmatic_a critic_n and_o diatactick_a decisive_n suffrage_n and_o power_n in_o cause_n ecclesiastic_a which_o christ_n have_v entrust_v to_o the_o church_n representative_n and_o deny_v to_o the_o church_n the_o exercise_n of_o these_o key_n and_o power_n without_o the_o magistrate_n warrant_v and_o indulgence_n we_o crave_v also_o that_o it_o may_v be_v inquire_v into_o how_o far_o this_o encroachment_n have_v be_v connive_v at_o submit_v unto_o comply_v with_o homologate_a strengthen_v and_o establish_v by_o receive_v and_o accept_v without_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n yea_o against_o the_o express_a dissent_n and_o testimony_n of_o some_o faithful_a minister_n to_o the_o contrare_fw-la the_o indulgence_n anno_fw-la 1669_o and_o 1679_o and_o by_o the_o silence_n of_o other_o not_o witness_v against_o the_o same_o and_o other_o censure_v the_o faithful_a for_o discover_v the_o sinfulness_n thereof_o which_o we_o remonstrate_v upon_o these_o ground_n complex_o consider_v 1_o because_o as_o the_o contrivance_n and_o end_n of_o the_o grant_n thereof_o be_v to_o advance_v and_o establish_v the_o supremacy_n to_o engage_v presbyterian_o either_o to_o cooperate_v towards_o the_o settle_n and_o strengthen_v thereof_o or_o to_o surcease_v from_o oppose_v the_o peaceable_a possession_n of_o the_o granter_n usurpation_n and_o to_o extort_v from_o they_o at_o least_o a_o indirect_a recognizance_n of_o acknowledge_a subordination_n in_o ministerial_a exercise_n to_o his_o usurp_a power_n in_o a_o way_n which_o will_v he_o best_o acquiesce_v in_o to_o suppress_v the_o preach_a and_o propagation_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o persecute_a meetin_n in_o house_n and_o field_n so_o necessary_a at_o that_o time_n and_o to_o divide_v and_o increase_v difference_n and_o animosity_n among_o presbyterian_o by_o insinuate_v upon_o these_o call_v the_o more_o moderate_a to_o commend_v the_o indulg_a his_o clemency_n while_o other_o nonconformist_n adhere_v to_o interdict_a duty_n be_v just_o complain_v of_o the_o effect_n of_o his_o severity_n and_o as_o the_o woeful_a effect_n of_o it_o strengthen_v the_o supremacy_n weaken_v the_o hand_n of_o these_o that_o witness_v against_o it_o extinguish_v zeal_n and_o increase_v many_o division_n do_v correspond_v with_o these_o wretched_a design_n so_o these_o can_v not_o be_v counteracted_a but_o very_o much_o strengthen_v and_o promot_v by_o the_o acceptance_n of_o the_o indulgence_n which_o in_o its_o own_o nature_n be_v so_o palpable_o subservient_fw-fr thereto_o even_o tho'_o there_o have_v be_v a_o testimony_n against_o these_o design_n and_o end_n yet_o when_o the_o mean_v adapt_v to_o these_o end_n be_v comply_v with_o it_o be_v render_v irrite_fw-la and_o contra_fw-la factam_fw-la 2_o because_o as_o the_o supremacy_n receive_v
much_o strength_n and_o increment_n from_o the_o indulgence_n so_o reciprocal_o it_o have_v its_o rise_n spring_n conveyance_n and_o subsistence_n from_o the_o supremacy_n from_o which_o it_o flow_v upon_o which_o it_o stand_v and_o by_o which_o at_o length_n it_o be_v remove_v and_o in_o the_o grant_n and_o conveyance_n of_o the_o indulgence_n all_o the_o power_n of_o the_o supremacy_n be_v arrogate_v assert_v and_o exert_v in_o first_o take_v away_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n from_o christ_n steward_n and_o then_o restore_v only_o one_o of_o they_o to_o some_o few_o with_o restriction_n bound_v and_o instruction_n regulate_v they_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o that_o the_o acceptance_n whereof_o so_o clog_v with_o these_o complex_fw-la circumstance_n without_o a_o clear_a &_o distinct_a testimony_n in_o that_o case_n of_o confession_n have_v at_o least_o a_o great_a appearance_n which_o shall_v have_v be_v abstain_v from_o of_o a_o connive_n at_o submit_v unto_o comply_v with_o and_o homologate_a of_o that_o erastianvsurpation_n 3_o because_o as_o it_o be_v interpret_v to_o be_v accept_v in_o the_o same_o term_n wherein_o it_o be_v grant_v without_o a_o testimony_n against_o the_o supremacy_n so_o the_o entry_n of_o those_o minister_n to_o their_o church_n by_o this_o indulgence_n be_v prejudicial_a to_o the_o church_n privilege_n some_o of_o they_o be_v fix_v in_o particular_a church_n whereunto_o they_o have_v no_o peculiar_a pastoral_n relation_n before_o and_o some_o transplant_v from_o one_o church_n to_o another_o without_o the_o interposure_n of_o any_o ecclesiastic_a presbyterial_a authority_n without_o the_o free_a and_o orderly_o call_v of_o the_o people_n be_v in_o many_o respect_v prelimited_a and_o in_o the_o way_n of_o patronage_n at_o the_o council_n pleasure_n and_o order_n and_o those_o that_o be_v restore_v to_o their_o own_o church_n be_v there_o admit_v not_o by_o virtue_n of_o their_o old_a right_n and_o claim_v of_o a_o undissolved_a relation_n but_o by_o virtue_n of_o a_o new_a hold_v on_o the_o indulgence_n 4_o because_o the_o embrace_v thereof_o and_o the_o continue_v therein_o be_v a_o faint_a yield_n to_o prevail_a erastianism_n &_o a_o course_n of_o defection_n from_o former_a integrity_n of_o ministerial_a freedom_n and_o faithfulness_n in_o which_o the_o servant_n and_o witness_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v famous_a and_o eminent_a in_o former_a time_n who_o for_o writing_n preach_a and_o protest_v against_o the_o ecclesiastic_a supremacy_n in_o the_o magistrate_n and_o all_o erastian_n course_n do_v bear_v the_o cross_n of_o christ_n with_o much_o steadfastness_n yea_o a_o recede_a from_o and_o forego_v of_o a_o very_a matterial_a part_n of_o the_o cause_n and_o testimony_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n which_o till_o then_o do_v constant_o wrestle_v against_o such_o encroachment_n and_o in_o this_o respect_n scandalous_a because_o harden_v to_o erastian_n enemy_n stumble_v to_o many_o friend_n and_o offensive_a to_o posterity_n 5_o because_o it_o be_v contradictory_n to_o our_o covenant_n to_o receive_v indulgence_n contrive_v and_o confer_v on_o purpose_n to_o divide_v by_o the_o terror_n of_o persecution_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o the_o persuasion_n of_o this_o pretend_a liberty_n take_v off_o the_o legal_a restraint_n on_o the_o other_o minister_n &_o people_n from_o the_o cause_n and_o testimony_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n against_o the_o supremacy_n &_o from_o their_o former_a bless_a conjunction_n therein_o and_o to_o induce_v they_o to_o make_v defection_n to_o that_o party_n that_o be_v advance_v erastianism_n and_o it_o be_v express_o contradictory_n to_o the_o engagement_n to_o duty_n anno_fw-la 1649_o where_o the_o obligation_n bear_v because_o many_o have_v of_o late_o labour_v to_o supplant_v the_o liberty_n of_o the_o kirk_n we_o shall_v maintain_v and_o defend_v the_o kirk_n of_o scotland_n in_o all_o her_o liberty_n and_o privilege_n against_o all_o who_o shall_v oppose_v or_o undermine_v the_o same_o or_o encroach_v thereupon_o under_o any_o pretext_n whatsoever_o likewise_o we_o plead_v and_o obtest_v that_o a_o search_n may_v be_v make_v into_o and_o a_o review_v take_v of_o the_o late_a toleration_n the_o addressing_z for_o it_o and_o acceptance_n of_o it_o complexe_o consider_v the_o sinfulness_n whereof_o we_o can_v not_o and_o now_o can_v forbear_v to_o witness_n against_o 1_o because_o as_o the_o design_n of_o the_o grant_a and_o tendency_n of_o the_o grant_v itself_o in_o its_o own_o nature_n be_v the_o introduction_n of_o popery_n and_o slavery_n can_v not_o in_o any_o probability_n be_v counteracted_a but_o rather_o corroborate_v by_o this_o addressing_z for_o it_o and_o accept_n of_o it_o even_o tho'_o there_o have_v be_v a_o testimony_n against_o the_o design_n thereof_o as_o there_o be_v none_o and_o can_v be_v none_o consistent_a with_o the_o continuance_n thereof_o so_o be_v convey_v from_o absolute_a power_n which_o all_o be_v require_v to_o obey_v without_o reserve_n stop_v suspend_v and_o disable_n all_o the_o penal_a statute_n against_o papist_n thereby_o undermine_v all_o the_o legal_a bulwark_n of_o our_o religion_n the_o addressing_z for_o and_o accept_n of_o it_o so_o convey_v without_o a_o witness_n against_o this_o despotical_a encroachment_n yea_o the_o very_a condition_n of_o enjoy_v the_o benefit_n of_o it_o be_v exclusive_a of_o such_o a_o testimony_n which_o may_v any_o way_n tend_v to_o the_o alienate_n of_o the_o people_n from_o such_o a_o despotical_a government_n in_o all_o its_o encroachment_n do_v indirect_o at_o least_o imply_v compliance_n with_o if_o not_o the_o recognizance_n and_o acknowledgement_n of_o that_o usurp_v power_n and_o the_o arbitrary_a exercise_n and_o effect_v of_o it_o in_o suspend_v the_o penal_a statute_n 2_o because_o it_o be_v extend_v not_o only_o to_o prelacy_n but_o to_o popery_n quakerism_n and_o all_o idolatry_n blasphemy_n and_o heresy_n which_o be_v high_o provoke_v to_o the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o prejudical_a to_o the_o peace_n and_o purity_n of_o his_o church_n contrary_a to_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n contrary_a to_o our_o confession_n of_o faith_n and_o gatechism_n chap._n 20._o §_o 4._o and_o chap._n 23._o §_o 3._o be_v place_v also_o among_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o second_o command_n in_o the_o large_a catechism_n contrare_fw-la to_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n be_v condemn_v warn_v of_o and_o witness_v against_o by_o act_n of_o assembly_n anno_fw-la 1649._o and_o by_o her_o faithful_a pastor_n preach_v write_v and_o protest_v against_o such_o toleration_n and_o sometime_o even_o when_o papist_n be_v excclude_v as_o that_o against_o which_o the_o minister_n of_o fife_n and_o perth_n do_v testify_v and_o contrary_a to_o our_o covenant_n wherein_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o preserve_v reformation_n and_o uniformity_n in_o doctrine_n worship_n discipline_n and_o government_n to_o extirpate_v popery_n etc._n etc._n to_o free_v our_o soul_n from_o the_o guilt_n of_o other_o man_n sin_n defend_v our_o liberty_n and_o consequent_o never_o to_o comply_v with_o a_o toleration_n eversive_a of_o all_o these_o interest_n we_o be_v swear_v to_o maintain_v and_o introductive_a of_o these_o thing_n we_o be_v swear_v to_o endeavour_v the_o extirpation_n of_o 3_o because_o it_o be_v clog_v with_o such_o condition_n and_o limitation_n as_o do_v exceed_o hamper_v the_o freedom_n of_o the_o ministry_n be_v offer_v in_o proclamation_n and_o accept_v in_o address_n and_o obedeince_n with_o restriction_n to_o person_n who_o may_v preach_v allow_v some_o and_o discharge_v other_o who_o have_v as_o good_a authority_n as_o they_o to_o exercise_v their_o ministry_n to_o place_n where_o they_o shall_v preach_v only_a where_n intimation_n be_v give_v of_o the_o name_n of_o the_o place_n and_o of_o the_o preacher_n to_o some_o of_o the_o lord_n of_o the_o council_n etc._n etc._n and_o to_o the_o matter_n what_o or_o at_o lest_o what_o they_o may_v not_o preach_v to_o wit_n nothing_o that_o may_v have_v any_o tendency_n to_o alienate_v the_o heart_n of_o the_o people_n from_o a_o popish_a and_o tyrannical_a government_n and_o consequent_o nothing_o against_o the_o wickedness_n or_o of_o the_o misery_n of_o tyranny_n nothing_o against_o the_o toleration_n and_o the_o open_a sin_n proclaim_v therein_o and_o wicked_a end_n design_v thereby_o nothing_o against_o disable_n the_o penal_a statute_n or_o for_o the_o obligation_n of_o they_o and_o tie_v of_o national_a covenant_n strengthen_v they_o 4_o because_o of_o the_o manifold_a scandal_n of_o it_o we_o can_v but_o witness_v against_o it_o be_v so_o disgraceful_a to_o the_o protestant_a religion_n and_o prejudicial_a to_o the_o interest_n thereof_o it_o be_v reproachful_a to_o our_o religion_n sometime_o establish_v by_o law_n then_o only_o tolerate_v under_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o evil_a to_o be_v suffer_v how_o confound_a and_o consternate_v be_v this_o to_o all_o the_o reform_a church_n that_o
land_n of_o many_o weight_n and_o woe_n whereof_o it_o be_v weary_a you_o shall_v send_v to_o all_o the_o neighbour_a church_n a_o pattern_n transmit_v to_o the_o posterity_n a_o example_n and_o erect_v to_o all_o age_n a_o monument_n of_o self-denying_a zeal_n and_o wisdom_n a_o work_n to_o be_v paralel_v with_o the_o glory_n of_o former_a time_n if_o herein_o our_o hope_n shall_v fail_v we_o we_o shall_v not_o know_v whether_o to_o wish_v we_o have_v die_v with_o our_o brethren_n by_o the_o enemy_n hand_n and_o have_v never_o see_v this_o revive_v in_o our_o bondage_n for_o it_o will_v be_v a_o death_n to_o we_o and_o not_o a_o revive_n if_o there_o be_v not_o a_o return_v together_o to_o the_o lord_n search_v and_o try_v and_o discover_v the_o iniquity_n of_o our_o way_n but_o however_o we_o intend_v not_o to_o separat_fw-la from_o the_o church_n but_o to_o union_n and_o communion_n in_o truth_n and_o duty_n with_o all_o the_o minister_n and_o member_n of_o this_o church_n that_o do_v and_o in_o so_o far_o as_o they_o do_v follow_v the_o institution_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o approve_v ourselves_o god_n assist_v as_o much_o for_o peace_n and_o concord_n as_o ever_o we_o be_v suspect_v to_o be_v man_n of_o divisive_a principle_n hope_v it_o shall_v appear_v we_o be_v seek_v where_o he_o feed_v and_o where_o he_o make_v his_o flock_n to_o rest_v at_o noon_n and_o be_v not_o as_o such_o who_o turn_v aside_o by_o the_o flock_n of_o his_o companion_n but_o go_v forth_o by_o the_o footstep_n of_o the_o flock_n beside_o the_o shepherd_n tent_n yet_o with_o this_o protest_a dissent_n from_o and_o testimony_n against_o all_o the_o above_o mention_v corruption_n defection_n and_o offensive_a course_n which_o oblige_v we_o to_o stand_v at_o a_o distance_n in_o time_n of_o deformation_n that_o our_o present_a join_n in_o these_o circumstance_n when_o these_o be_v remove_v may_v not_o infer_v or_o be_v interpret_v a_o approve_v of_o what_o we_o former_o condemn_v and_o be_v free_a from_o all_o partake_n in_o these_o defection_n by_o consent_n connivance_n compliance_n or_o communion_n therein_o for_o which_o we_o bumble_o supplicate_v that_o these_o our_o humble_a proposal_n may_v be_v record_v in_o the_o book_n of_o assembly_n tho._n lining_n al._n sheild_n will._n boyd_n the_o act_n of_o assembly_n hereanent_fw-la which_o the_o reverend_a minister_n that_o be_v appoint_v to_o draw_v it_o be_v please_v first_o to_o let_v we_o see_v and_o upon_o our_o object_v against_o some_o expression_n of_o the_o first_o draught_n do_v condescend_v to_o amend_v it_o be_v here_o annex_v edinburgh_n 25._o octob._n 1690._o ante_fw-la merid._n sess_n 9_o whereas_o mr._n thomas_n lining_n mr._n allexander_n sheild_n and_o mr._n wil-boyd_n have_v present_v to_o this_o assembly_n two_o paper_n one_o contain_v the_o expression_n of_o their_o purpose_n and_o promise_v of_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o authority_n of_o this_o church_n as_o former_o constitute_v and_o now_o restore_v in_o its_o several_a judicatories_n the_o other_o offer_v for_o the_o exoneration_n of_o their_o conscience_n which_o paper_n contain_v their_o submission_n and_o subjection_n do_v after_o the_o exhibition_n of_o the_o other_o to_o the_o assembly_n become_v bind_v upon_o they_o according_a to_o the_o promise_n therein_o make_v like_o as_o after_o that_o other_o and_o long_a paper_n have_v be_v read_v before_o the_o committee_n of_o overture_n it_o be_v exhibit_v to_o and_o receive_v by_o the_o assembly_n together_o with_o the_o reason_n from_o the_o say_a committee_n why_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v public_o read_v in_o full_a assembly_n which_o reason_n be_v due_o consider_v and_o the_o say_v other_o paper_n of_o submission_n and_o subjection_n public_o read_v and_o judicial_o own_v by_o the_o forename_a person_n in_o presence_n of_o the_o assembly_n the_o assembly_n do_v conclude_v by_o one_o single_a vote_n that_o the_o foresay_a long_o paper_n shall_v not_o be_v read_v and_o that_o the_o above_o name_v person_n shall_v be_v receive_v into_o the_o fellowship_n of_o this_o church_n on_o the_o term_n of_o submission_n and_o subjection_n contain_v in_o the_o say_a paper_n and_o after_o pass_v of_o the_o say_a vote_n and_o that_o they_o be_v grave_o admonish_v by_o the_o moderator_n to_o walk_v orderly_o in_o time_n come_v in_o opposition_n to_o all_o schism_n &_o division_n it_o be_v declare_v to_o they_o by_o the_o moderator_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o assembly_n that_o the_o assembly_n do_v receive_v they_o into_o the_o fellowship_n of_o this_o church_n to_o enjoy_v the_o privilege_n thereof_o and_o perform_v the_o duty_n therein_o whereof_o they_o be_v or_o shall_v be_v find_v capable_a whereupon_o and_o at_o their_o desire_n it_o be_v ordain_v that_o the_o act_n shall_v be_v make_v and_o a_o extract_v thereof_o give_v to_o they_o in_o good_a form_n extract_v out_o of_o the_o record_n of_o the_o assembly_n jo._n spalding_n cls._n syn._n gen._n from_o which_o act_n we_o shall_v only_o take_v notice_n of_o two_o thing_n one_o be_v that_o our_o paper_n of_o proposal_n be_v neither_o refuse_v or_o reject_v but_o receive_v by_o the_o assembly_n nor_o be_v it_o canvas_v or_o cognosce_v upon_o because_o judge_v inconvenient_a to_o be_v read_v nor_o be_v it_o condemn_v without_o cognizance_n or_o decision_n by_o the_o character_n give_v of_o it_o in_o the_o overture_n since_o it_o be_v plain_a the_o vote_n of_o the_o assembly_n be_v not_o whether_o the_o reason_n or_o character_n give_v in_o the_o overture_n shall_v be_v approven_v or_o not_o but_o it_o be_v conclude_v by_o one_o single_a vote_n only_o that_o the_o foresay_a long_o paper_n shall_v not_o be_v read_v and_o that_o the_o abovenamed_a person_n shall_v be_v receive_v etc._n etc._n as_o the_o act_n declare_v there_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n betwixt_o the_o vote_v that_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v read_v and_o vote_v that_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v read_v for_o these_o reason_n of_o the_o overture_n a_o second_o be_v that_o it_o appear_v we_o be_v receive_v into_o the_o communion_n of_o this_o church_n upon_o no_o term_n condemnatory_n of_o or_o contradictory_n unto_o our_o former_a testimony_n but_o only_o on_o the_o term_n of_o submission_n and_o subjection_n contain_v in_o the_o short_a paper_n which_o short_a paper_n do_v introduce_v our_o testimony_n and_o oblige_v we_o to_o submission_n and_o subjection_n after_o the_o exhibition_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o the_o submission_n can_v not_o be_v contrary_a to_o it_o but_o now_o to_o conclude_v with_o a_o hint_n at_o our_o motive_n that_o induce_v we_o to_o this_o union_n which_o may_v be_v as_o various_o misconstruct_v and_o misrepresent_v as_o our_o design_n be_v in_o apply_v to_o the_o assembly_n for_o it_o and_o as_o the_o manner_n and_o effect_n of_o that_o application_n be_v the_o mistake_n whereof_o be_v touch_v above_o we_o can_v with_o some_o singleness_n of_o heart_n say_v as_o far_o as_o infirmity_n or_o corruption_n may_v allow_v that_o we_o be_v not_o induce_v to_o it_o from_o any_o carnal_a motive_n or_o for_o any_o selfish_a end_n it_o be_v not_o any_o lucrative_a prospect_n of_o outward_a profit_n or_o emolument_n in_o settlement_n or_o anxiety_n for_o provision_n that_o prompt_v we_o to_o it_o neither_o be_v it_o the_o allure_a pleasure_n of_o peace_n and_o ease_n and_o the_o expectation_n of_o better_a accommodation_n than_o we_o can_v have_v in_o a_o unsettle_a lot_n or_o impatience_n under_o the_o inconvenience_n thereof_o that_o persuade_v we_o to_o it_o nor_o be_v it_o the_o hope_n of_o airy_a honour_n and_o popular_a applause_n which_o we_o have_v in_o great_a measure_n and_o with_o great_a noise_n as_o we_o stand_v before_o and_o which_o we_o can_v not_o well_o expect_v by_o submission_n but_o rather_o the_o contrare_fw-la tho'_o to_o get_v the_o honour_n of_o be_v peaceable_a and_o faithful_a and_o the_o blessing_n of_o peacemaker_n be_v true_o the_o matter_n of_o our_o ambition_n nor_o be_v it_o any_o provocation_n from_o or_o dissatisfaction_n with_o that_o part_n of_o the_o lord_n people_n with_o who_o we_o have_v sweet_a fellowship_n that_o tempt_v we_o to_o join_v with_o these_o from_o who_o they_o and_o we_o be_v disjoin_v before_o nor_o be_v it_o any_o levity_n of_o mind_n inconstancy_n of_o judgement_n or_o change_v of_o principle_n that_o move_v we_o to_o this_o union_n and_o submission_n for_o tho'_o there_o have_v be_v such_o a_o change_n of_o thought_n about_o these_o thorny_a point_n upon_o which_o our_o difference_n and_o division_n be_v state_v yet_o as_o in_o that_o case_n we_o who_o require_v such_o plainness_n of_o confession_n in_o other_o can_v not_o but_o think_v ourselves_o oblige_v to_o declare_v such_o a_o change_n in_o some_o open_a recantation_n so_o it_o will_v not_o have_v be_v our_o shame_n to_o confess_v our_o error_n
sometime_o admire_a and_o envy_v scotland_n establishment_n now_o to_o see_v she_o so_o dispirited_a and_o deceive_v as_o to_o accept_v and_o address_v for_o a_o toleration_n without_o a_o testimony_n whereby_o instead_o of_o all_o the_o law_n and_o covenant_n secure_v her_o reformation_n the_o only_a tenure_n and_o security_n for_o it_o she_o have_v now_o remain_v be_v the_o arbitrary_a word_n of_o a_o absolute_a prince_n who_o principle_n oblige_v he_o to_o break_v it_o what_o occasion_n of_o disdainful_a insult_a do_v it_o give_v to_o the_o prelatical_a party_n then_o plead_v for_o the_o nation_n law_n to_o observe_v presbyterian_o acquiesce_v in_o that_o which_o suspend_v and_o stop_v the_o penal_a statute_n yea_o what_o matter_n of_o gloriation_n and_o boast_v be_v it_o to_o papist_n to_o see_v presbyterian_o sleep_v and_o succumb_a and_o not_o oppose_v when_o at_o this_o open_a gap_n they_o be_v bring_v in_o the_o trojan_a horse_n of_o poperty_n and_o slavery_n moreover_o with_o 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