be_v judge_v by_o his_o first_o resolution_n and_o if_o there_o be_v but_o the_o least_o flaw_n in_o one_o compliance_n he_o be_v deal_v with_o as_o if_o he_o have_v not_o offer_v any_o compliance_n at_o all_o by_o these_o mean_v a_o great_a many_o more_o of_o the_o episcopal_a clergy_n be_v lay_v aside_o and_o the_o presbyterian_o will_v have_v be_v glad_a to_o have_v have_v all_o turn_v out_o this_o way_n for_o than_o they_o think_v the_o odium_n will_v not_o lie_v upon_o they_o but_o this_o method_n fail_v at_o last_o too_o for_o the_o council_n become_v weary_a of_o it_o as_o they_o have_v reason_n so_o the_o next_o thing_n resolve_v on_o as_o be_v report_v be_v to_o procure_v a_o act_n of_o parliament_n for_o declare_v all_o the_o church_n within_o the_o kingdom_n vacant_a the_o pretence_n be_v that_o the_o present_a incumbent_n be_v all_o obtrude_v upon_o the_o parish_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v fit_a that_o the_o people_n shall_v have_v their_o free_a choice_n and_o be_v allow_v to_o call_v minister_n suitable_a to_o their_o own_o inclination_n but_o they_o be_v advise_v not_o to_o propose_v this_o as_o that_o which_o will_v be_v very_o far_o from_o serve_v their_o design_n because_o upon_o calculation_n it_o will_v be_v find_v that_o most_o of_o the_o parish_n within_o the_o kingdom_n will_v call_v back_o their_o own_o minister_n or_o other_o episcopal_a one_o for_o by_o this_o time_n the_o people_n be_v every_o where_o show_v their_o disgust_n both_o at_o presbytery_n and_o the_o present_a presbyterian_o and_o by_o manifold_a instance_n it_o appear_v that_o neither_o of_o they_o be_v acceptable_a to_o the_o great_a and_o better_a part_n of_o the_o nation_n see_v therefore_o they_o can_v work_v no_o more_o by_o other_o man_n mean_n the_o presbyterian_a clergy_n resolve_v to_o do_v the_o work_v themselves_o howsoever_o invidious_a it_o may_v seem_v to_o be_v and_o for_o this_o end_n they_o get_v the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n and_o all_o ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n by_o act_n of_o parliament_n put_v into_o their_o own_o hand_n when_o the_o covenant_n be_v in_o force_n they_o find_v good_a service_n of_o itinerant_a committee_n or_o commission_n and_o they_o judge_v it_o will_v be_v of_o no_o less_o use_n now_o to_o set_v they_o up_o again_o and_o so_o before_o the_o rise_n of_o the_o assembly_n two_o be_v appoint_v one_o for_o the_o south_n and_o a_o other_o for_o the_o north_n with_o full_a power_n to_o visit_v all_o minister_n and_o to_o purge_v out_o of_o the_o church_n such_o as_o shall_v be_v think_v insufficient_a scandalous_a erroneous_a or_o supine_o negligent_a the_o name_n of_o the_o person_n appoint_v for_o these_o commission_n together_o with_o a_o abstract_n of_o their_o instruction_n be_v set_v down_o page_z 53_o 54_o and_o 55._o of_o the_o historical_a relation_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n the_o give_v they_o instruction_n seem_v to_o limit_v they_o but_o in_o truth_n they_o have_v all_o the_o power_n of_o a_o general_n assembly_n itself_o and_o be_v so_o much_o free_a that_o they_o have_v not_o one_o from_o the_o king_n to_o check_v and_o control_v they_o i_o shall_v begin_v with_o the_o committee_n or_o commission_n for_o the_o south_n which_o according_a to_o appointment_n sit_v down_o at_o edinburgh_n the_o 21_o of_o january_n 91._o be_v the_o three_o wednesday_n of_o that_o month._n several_a minister_n up_o and_o down_o the_o country_n receive_v citation_n to_o appear_v before_o they_o and_o among_o the_o rest_n mr._n alexander_n malcolm_n mr._n james_n hutchison_n mr._n john_n farqhuar_n three_o minister_n of_o edinburgh_n mr._n kay_n at_o leith_n mr._n samuel_n nimbo_fw-la minister_n of_o collinton_n mr._n andrew_n lumsden_n minister_n at_o dudduston_n and_o mr._n john_n monro_n minister_n at_o sterline_n there_o be_v also_o many_o other_o who_o process_n have_v be_v refer_v to_o they_o either_o by_o the_o general_n assembly_n or_o some_o particular_a presbytery_n the_o three_o minister_n of_o edinburgh_n receive_v the_o citation_n on_o saturday_n the_o 10_o of_o january_n betwixt_o nine_o and_o ten_o a_o clock_n at_o night_n which_o both_o the_o minister_n and_o other_o construct_v to_o be_v do_v on_o design_n to_o discompose_v they_o for_o preach_v the_o day_n follow_v at_o this_o very_a hour_n also_o they_o send_v a_o summons_n to_o dr._n robeâ—â—son_n minister_n of_o the_o gray-frier-church_n in_o edinburgh_n who_o have_v be_v sick_a for_o a_o long_a time_n and_o who_o all_o the_o city_n know_v to_o be_v then_o in_o articulo_fw-la mortis_fw-la as_o indeed_o he_o die_v some_o few_o hour_n after_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o summons_n be_v this_o to_o compeir_n before_o the_o commission_n upon_o the_o twenty_o first_o of_o january_n to_o be_v try_v in_o life_n and_o doctrine_n and_o discharge_v of_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o ministerial_a function_n and_o censure_v by_o the_o say_a commission_n as_o they_o shall_v think_v iust._n mr._n alexander_n malcolm_n mr._n james_n hutchison_n mr._n john_n farqhuar_n mr._n samuel_n nimbo_fw-la and_o mr._n andrew_n lumsden_n meet_v and_o all_o of_o they_o resolve_v to_o take_v the_o same_o joint-measure_n see_v they_o be_v all_o in_o the_o same_o circumstance_n according_o on_o the_o 21_o day_n of_o january_n to_o which_o they_o have_v be_v cite_v mr._n james_n hutchison_n present_v himself_o before_o the_o commission_n and_o in_o his_o own_o name_n and_o in_o name_n of_o the_o other_o four_o he_o desire_v of_o the_o commission_n a_o special_a citation_n contain_v and_o express_o name_v their_o crime_n or_o crime_n for_o which_o they_o be_v to_o be_v try_v and_o censure_v the_o accuser_n and_o witness_n name_n and_o a_o competent_a time_n for_o prepare_v such_o defence_n as_o be_v legal_a and_o just_a but_o all_o this_o be_v flat_o deny_v the_o next_o day_n mr._n malcolm_n compeir_v and_o propose_v in_o his_o own_o name_n and_o in_o the_o name_n of_o his_o brethren_n the_o same_o thing_n and_o have_v the_o same_o answer_n for_o mr._n kennedy_n the_o moderator_n say_v that_o the_o commission_n be_v not_o bind_v to_o give_v a_o account_n why_o they_o summon_v they_o nor_o to_o tell_v who_o be_v their_o accuser_n nor_o for_o what_o they_o be_v accuse_v or_o who_o be_v to_o witness_v against_o they_o but_o that_o be_v cite_v they_o be_v oblige_v to_o answer_v instant_o to_o what_o shall_v be_v ask_v of_o they_o and_o if_o they_o refuse_v he_o tell_v they_o the_o commission_n have_v power_n to_o censure_v they_o and_o will_v do_v it_o to_o which_o mr._n malcolm_n reply_v that_o it_o be_v illegal_a to_o summon_v any_o super_fw-la inquirendis_fw-la that_o he_o and_o his_o brethren_n be_v not_o bind_v either_o by_o civil_a law_n or_o ecclesiastical_a cannon_n to_o regard_v or_o obey_v general_a citation_n and_o that_o none_o of_o they_o will_v answer_v except_o they_o get_v citation_n which_o be_v special_a and_o particular_a he_o add_v that_o they_o be_v more_o unjust_a than_o festus_n a_o heathen_a judge_n for_o he_o think_v it_o unreasonable_a to_o send_v a_o prisoner_n to_o caesar_n and_o not_o withal_o to_o signify_v the_o crime_n lay_v against_o he_o but_o say_v he_o we_o be_v here_o convene_v before_o you_o and_o you_o will_v not_o tell_v we_o for_o what_o cause_n upon_o this_o he_o be_v order_v by_o the_o moderator_n to_o remove_v january_n the_o 23d_o these_o five_o minister_n to_o free_v themselves_o of_o far_a trouble_n from_o the_o commission_n resolve_v to_o disown_n and_o decline_v their_o authority_n and_o so_o they_o send_v one_o mr._n french_a as_o proctor_n for_o they_o with_o the_o follow_a declaration_n which_o he_o deliver_v and_o take_v instrument_n upon_o the_o delivery_n of_o it_o we_o under-subscribers_a mr._n alexander_n malcolm_n james_n hutchison_n john_n farqhuar_n minister_n of_o edinburgh_n mr._n samuel_n nimbo_fw-la minister_n of_o collinton_n and_o andrew_n lumsden_n minister_n of_o duddiston_n be_v continue_v in_o the_o peaceable_a exercise_n of_o our_o ministerial_a function_n notwithstanding_o of_o the_o alteration_n of_o the_o church-government_n by_o act_n of_o parliament_n and_o be_v under_o the_o protection_n of_o their_o present_a majesty_n by_o our_o submission_n and_o obedience_n to_o authority_n and_o we_o be_v nevertheless_o cite_v to_o compeir_n before_o the_o commission_n of_o the_o late_a general_n assembly_n to_o hear_v and_o see_v the_o judgement_n of_o the_o say_a commission_n give_v anent_o we_o and_o our_o session_n book_n and_o record_n and_o to_o hear_v and_o see_v such_o trial_n take_v of_o our_o life_n doctrine_n and_o discharge_v of_o the_o duty_n of_o our_o function_n as_o the_o say_a commission_n shall_v think_v iust._n we_o have_v all_o of_o we_o consider_v the_o import_n of_o the_o say_a compeirance_n upon_o the_o citation_n give_v we_o do_v hereby_o declare_v that_o we_o have_v no_o freedom_n in_o our_o conscience_n to_o compeir_n or_o
more_o easy_o without_o any_o change_n the_o king_n letter_n require_v two_o thing_n one_o be_v to_o redress_v the_o grievance_n which_o the_o episcopal_a minister_n complain_v of_o the_o other_o be_v to_o forbear_v the_o proceed_n any_o more_o against_o they_o so_o long_o as_o the_o king_n be_v absent_a from_o britain_n they_o have_v no_o mind_n to_o grant_v the_o first_o at_o all_o but_o in_o compliance_n with_o the_o last_o they_o think_v it_o convenient_a to_o stop_v a_o little_a that_o they_o may_v not_o give_v their_o adversary_n occasion_n to_o irritate_fw-la the_o king_n against_o they_o and_o to_o withdraw_v his_o favour_n which_o be_v their_o only_a present_a support_n the_o yield_n to_o this_o be_v only_o a_o delay_n their_o affair_n till_o they_o be_v better_o state_v which_o afterward_o may_v be_v easy_o compensated_a and_o by_o do_v so_o they_o will_v dispose_v the_o king_n mind_n for_o receive_v their_o defence_n for_o what_o be_v already_o do_v so_o leave_v all_o thing_n as_o they_o be_v the_o commission_n be_v adjourn_v till_o the_o next_o qarterly_a session_n but_o it_o must_v not_o be_v forget_v that_o they_o leave_v particular_a presbytery_n and_o synod_n to_o act_v their_o part_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n for_o they_o issue_v out_o no_o order_n to_o stop_v they_o neither_o make_v they_o any_o intimation_n of_o the_o king_n letter_n or_o of_o his_o will_n and_o pleasure_n therein_o unto_o they_o so_o that_o when_o it_o be_v object_v by_o any_o episcopal_a minister_n they_o still_o pretend_a ignorance_n this_o month_n the_o synod_n of_o lothian_n and_o tueddale_n meet_v at_o edinburgh_n and_o conclude_v a_o monthly_a fast_o to_o be_v keep_v for_o some_o time_n for_o this_o end_n the_o secret_a council_n be_v address_v to_o that_o they_o may_v ratify_v and_o approve_v the_o same_o by_o a_o act_n which_o indeed_o they_o do_v but_o duke_n hamilton_n will_v admit_v of_o no_o other_o reason_n for_o the_o fast_a than_o that_o of_o the_o present_a war_n and_o the_o king_n expedition_n to_o flanders_n this_o do_v not_o a_o little_a displease_v the_o brethren_n who_o to_o delude_v and_o amuse_v the_o people_n and_o to_o serve_v their_o own_o particular_a end_n have_v heap_v up_o a_o number_n of_o such_o reason_n as_o the_o assembly_n give_v for_o the_o former_a fast_o wherefore_o because_o the_o council_n will_v not_o accept_v of_o and_o agree_v to_o the_o act_n and_o reason_n as_o they_o be_v draw_v up_o by_o they_o they_o resolve_v to_o show_v no_o regard_n to_o what_o the_o council_n have_v do_v so_o at_o the_o intimation_n of_o this_o new_a fast_a they_o do_v take_v no_o notice_n of_o the_o act_n of_o council_n or_o proclamation_n publish_v by_o they_o but_o enjoin_v it_o in_o the_o synod_n name_n and_o authority_n read_v to_o the_o people_n the_o act_n and_o reason_n of_o the_o synod_n for_o it_o particular_o mr._n kirkton_n in_o the_o tolbooth_n church_n of_o edinburgh_n say_v that_o they_o ought_v to_o look_v to_o this_o paper_n which_o come_v from_o the_o synod_n for_o their_o direction_n in_o the_o end_n and_o nature_n of_o this_o fast_a and_o not_o to_o that_o other_o which_o be_v sell_v up_o and_o down_o the_o town_n by_o which_o he_o mean_v the_o act_n and_o proclamation_n of_o the_o council_n the_o earl_n of_o crawford_n and_o two_o more_o of_o the_o council_n be_v present_a one_o of_o they_o say_v that_o the_o council_n can_v not_o sit_v with_o this_o nor_o let_v it_o pass_v without_o censure_n for_o their_o authority_n be_v baffle_v and_o affront_v but_o it_o seem_v it_o be_v find_v convenient_a to_o take_v no_o notice_n of_o it_o lest_o they_o shall_v be_v more_o baffle_v and_o affront_v by_o meddle_v with_o these_o peremptory_a and_o stubborn_a kirk-man_n who_o be_v like_o a_o imperious_a wife_n that_o will_v both_o have_v all_o she_o own_o will_n and_o a_o part_n of_o her_o husband_n about_o the_o middle_n of_o july_n the_o commission_n meet_v again_o some_o few_o day_n before_o the_o two_o minister_n they_o have_v send_v over_o to_o flanders_n return_v of_o who_o reception_n by_o the_o king_n there_o be_v various_a report_n but_o in_o answer_n to_o that_o letter_n which_o they_o carry_v from_o the_o commissioner_n there_o come_v a_o second_o letter_n from_o the_o king_n which_o be_v order_v to_o be_v deliver_v to_o the_o two_o minister_n if_o they_o return_v before_o the_o meeting_n of_o the_o commission_n but_o if_o they_o be_v late_o come_v another_o be_v appoint_v to_o give_v it_o to_o the_o commission_n at_o its_o first_o sit_v down_o so_o the_o night_n before_o mr._n james_n elphinston_n go_v with_o it_o to_o mr._n john_n law_n and_o mr._n david_n blair_n who_o present_v it_o to_o the_o commission_n the_o next_o day_n with_o a_o account_n of_o their_o negotiation_n and_o diligence_n a_o copy_n of_o the_o second_o letter_n from_o the_o king_n to_o the_o commission_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n to_o the_o right_a reverend_n and_o our_o well-beloved_a minister_n and_o elder_n commissioner_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n of_o the_o church_n of_o our_o ancient_a kingdom_n of_o scotland_n w._n rex_fw-la right_o reverend_a and_o well-beloved_a we_o greet_v you_o well_o by_o the_o letter_n present_v to_o we_o from_o you_o by_o mr._n john_n law_n and_o mr._n david_n blair_n minister_n your_o two_o commissioner_n we_o do_v perceive_v you_o sufficient_o understand_v our_o intention_n contain_v in_o our_o letter_n direct_v to_o you_o from_o the_o hague_n and_o we_o be_v well-pleased_n with_o what_o you_o write_v both_o as_o to_o your_o own_o unanimous_a inclination_n to_o redress_v those_o who_o may_v be_v lese_v and_o to_o unite_v with_o such_o of_o the_o clergy_n who_o have_v serve_v under_o episcopacy_n and_o fall_v neither_o under_o the_o qualification_n of_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n nor_o the_o term_n of_o our_o letter_n and_o that_o you_o be_v sufficient_o instruct_v by_o the_o general_n assembly_n to_o receive_v they_o from_o all_o which_o we_o do_v expect_v a_o speedy_a and_o happy_a success_n and_o that_o you_o will_v be_v so_o frank_a and_o charitable_a in_o that_o matter_n that_o we_o can_v doubt_v but_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v so_o great_a a_o progress_n make_v in_o this_o union_n betwixt_o you_o before_o our_o return_n to_o britain_n that_o we_o shall_v then_o find_v no_o cause_n to_o continue_v that_o stop_n which_o at_o present_a we_o see_v necessary_a and_o that_o neither_o you_o nor_o any_o commissioner_n church-meeting_a do_v meddle_v in_o any_o process_n or_o business_n that_o may_v concern_v the_o purge_n out_o of_o the_o episcopal_a minister_n and_o we_o do_v not_o restrain_v you_o aâ—_n to_o other_o matter_n relative_a to_o the_o church_n or_o yourselves_o nor_o do_v we_o ever_o intend_v to_o protect_v any_o in_o the_o ministry_n who_o be_v true_o scandalous_a erroneous_a or_o supine_o negligent_a and_o therefore_o we_o do_v propose_v their_o subscribe_v the_o confession_n of_o faith_n as_o the_o standard_n of_o the_o church-communion_n which_o take_v off_o the_o suspicion_n of_o error_n and_o as_o for_o those_o who_o be_v real_o scandalous_a insufficient_a and_o supine_o negligent_a if_o such_o shall_v apply_v either_o by_o themselves_o or_o with_o other_o though_o they_o be_v willing_a to_o acknowledge_v our_o authority_n and_o to_o join_v with_o you_o we_o do_v not_o oblige_v you_o to_o receive_v such_o and_o in_o that_o case_n where_o there_o be_v just_a cause_n you_o may_v proceed_v to_o a_o fair_a impartial_a inquiry_n in_o order_n to_o their_o be_v receive_v in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n but_o not_o in_o relation_n to_o the_o turn_v they_o out_o of_o their_o benefice_n and_o ministry_n as_o the_o act_n of_o our_o parliament_n have_v leave_v they_o to_o our_o further_a order_n we_o will_v not_o doubt_v of_o the_o sincere_a performance_n of_o what_o you_o have_v so_o fair_o promise_v in_o your_o letter_n whereby_o you_o will_v best_o recommend_v yourselves_o to_o we_o and_o answer_v that_o trust_v repose_v in_o you_o by_o the_o act_n of_o our_o parliament_n so_o we_o bid_v you_o hearty_o farewell_o give_v at_o our_o court_n at_o aprebrux_n the_o â—â—_o â—â—_o of_o june_n 1691._o and_o of_o our_o reign_n the_o three_o year_n by_o his_o majesty_n command_n sic_fw-la subscribitur_fw-la jo._n dalrympe_n ever_o since_o this_o revolution_n the_o kingdom_n of_o scotland_n have_v be_v divide_v about_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n the_o episcopal_a party_n have_v be_v upon_o the_o defensive_a side_n first_o they_o study_v to_o preserve_v the_o government_n of_o episcopacy_n itself_o and_o for_o that_o end_n address_v to_o the_o parliament_n which_o prove_v altogether_o in_o vain_a in_o the_o next_o place_n when_o presbytery_n be_v establish_v by_o act_n of_o parliament_n the_o episcopal_a clergy_n petition_v for_o a_o share_n of_o the_o government_n of_o the_o
person_n of_o man_n in_o admiration_n and_o favour_n of_o that_o spiritual_a and_o pharisaical_a pride_n which_o will_v render_v all_o our_o solemn_a humiliation_n hateful_a to_o god_n 9_o we_o do_v protest_v that_o these_o word_n we_o have_v sin_v notwithstanding_o of_o promise_n and_o solemn_a vow_v and_o covenant_v with_o god_n to_o the_o contrary_a be_v not_o understand_v by_o we_o with_o any_o reference_n to_o the_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n which_o some_o do_v apprehend_v to_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n all_o these_o and_o the_o like_a reason_n and_o cause_n of_o the_o fast_a though_o not_o here_o express_v that_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o our_o declare_a opinion_n be_v renounce_v and_o disow_v by_o we_o and_o we_o do_v protest_v that_o our_o observance_n of_o this_o fast_a shall_v not_o be_v interpret_v as_o the_o approve_v and_o homologate_a any_o of_o these_o and_o we_o do_v desire_n and_o entreat_v all_o that_o be_v of_o the_o same_o 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be_v a_o person_n both_o of_o great_a learning_n and_o piety_n who_o charity_n prompt_v he_o to_o think_v all_o the_o good_a of_o every_o one_o that_o can_v be_v reasonable_o conceive_v he_o be_v convince_v that_o there_o be_v too_o many_o reason_n and_o cause_n which_o call_v for_o fast_v mourn_a and_o humiliation_n but_o as_o he_o well_o know_v the_o practice_n of_o presbyterian_o in_o former_a time_n so_o it_o seem_v evident_a to_o he_o that_o at_o this_o time_n they_o be_v endeavour_v to_o carry_v on_o their_o own_o selfish_a end_n under_o the_o colour_n of_o religion_n and_o have_v appoint_v this_o fast_a to_o be_v a_o snare_n whereby_o the_o weak_a and_o ignorant_a may_v be_v draw_v unaware_o to_o own_o and_o acknowledge_v their_o false_a and_o narrow_a principle_n and_o which_o may_v afford_v a_o fair_a opportunity_n of_o inflict_v ecclesiastical_a censure_n and_o other_o punishment_n upon_o other_o who_o will_v not_o so_o sordid_o desert_n their_o principle_n nor_o debase_v their_o former_a character_n and_o profession_n he_o have_v such_o a_o impression_n of_o this_o base_a deal_n of_o the_o scandal_n and_o prejudice_n which_o religion_n suffer_v by_o it_o and_o of_o the_o danger_n which_o threaten_v the_o best_a part_n of_o the_o church_n that_o he_o think_v every_o one_o oblige_v to_o testify_v against_o this_o act_n of_o the_o assembly_n and_o to_o do_v all_o he_o can_v to_o prevent_v the_o people_n be_v deceive_v and_o because_o a_o bare_a forbear_v a_o fast_a in_o his_o judgement_n be_v not_o a_o sufficient_a remonstrance_n 〈…〉_z to_o be_v read_v the_o assembly_n act_n and_o reason_n public_o in_o the_o congregation_n and_o afterward_o he_o speak_v to_o the_o people_n to_o this_o purpose_n you_o have_v hear_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o fast_a as_o they_o be_v represent_v by_o the_o general_n assembly_n they_o have_v recommend_v it_o to_o pastor_n and_o other_o to_o be_v serious_a and_o sincere_a in_o the_o confession_n and_o acknowledgement_n of_o their_o own_o and_o the_o nation_n transgresion_n and_o to_o be_v earnest_a in_o theâ—r_a supplication_n for_o such_o favour_n from_o god_n as_o the_o present_a condition_n and_o circumstance_n in_o which_o this_o and_o other_o reform_a church_n be_v do_v call_v for_o i_o hope_v after_o the_o hear_n of_o so_o long_a a_o paper_n you_o will_v have_v a_o little_o further_a patience_n while_o i_o sincere_o represent_v to_o you_o something_n concern_v the_o sin_n we_o be_v to_o confess_v and_o the_o mercy_n for_o which_o we_o be_v to_o supplicate_v all_o who_o be_v wise_a and_o have_v a_o right_a sense_n of_o true_a religion_n and_o christianity_n can_v but_o see_v that_o there_o have_v be_v a_o great_a defection_n among_o we_o this_o defection_n have_v not_o be_v from_o the_o truth_n or_o from_o the_o fundamental_a article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n but_o from_o the_o life_n of_o god_n and_o the_o power_n of_o religion_n and_o from_o that_o temper_n and_o conversation_n which_o the_o gospel_n require_v in_o we_o so_o that_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o we_o and_o all_o good_a man_n will_v join_v with_o the_o assembly_n in_o acknowledge_v the_o sin_n and_o defection_n of_o the_o nation_n but_o whereas_o the_o assembly_n seem_v to_o represent_v episcopacy_n as_o a_o principal_a and_o capital_a point_n of_o the_o defection_n and_o as_o introductory_n into_o further_a degree_n of_o corruption_n i_o find_v myself_o oblige_v to_o declare_v my_o sense_n in_o this_o affair_n upon_o this_o occasion_n i_o do_v not_o take_v myself_o to_o be_v bind_v to_o endeavour_v to_o justify_v the_o manner_n of_o the_o introduction_n of_o episcopacy_n into_o this_o church_n an._n 1662._o nor_o the_o manner_n of_o election_n and_o nomination_n of_o person_n to_o that_o office_n which_o be_v in_o use_n among_o we_o nor_o the_o legal_a establishment_n nor_o the_o law_n by_o which_o it_o be_v establish_v among_o we_o
complain_v of_o this_o burden_n and_o application_n be_v make_v to_o some_o then_o in_o power_n that_o they_o may_v be_v free_v of_o that_o trouble_n it_o be_v answer_v that_o the_o ordinary_a course_n of_o such_o judâ—catories_n require_v it_o but_o that_o two_o or_o three_o may_v go_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o rest_n which_o be_v represent_v to_o the_o elder_n three_o be_v condescend_v on_o viz._n john_n cupar_n thomas_n steinson_n and_o john_n main_a the_o rest_n each_o one_o contribute_v eight_o shilling_n scot_n to_o defray_v their_o expense_n to_o the_o second_o the_o parioch_n of_o dumfermlin_n extend_v on_o every_o side_n two_o mile_n from_o the_o town_n in_o some_o corner_n three_o it_o consist_v of_o above_o two_o thousand_o seven_o hundred_o examinable_a person_n every_o family_n in_o the_o town_n be_v visit_v ordinary_o once_o a_o year_n and_o twice_o examine_v the_o landward_o be_v divide_v into_o upward_o of_o twenty_o district_n these_o be_v visit_v twice_o a_o year_n and_o all_o person_n capable_a be_v convene_v to_o be_v examine_v on_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n the_o duty_n of_o holiness_n and_o relative_a duty_n be_v particular_o recommend_v beside_o on_o all_o accidental_a occasion_n of_o baptism_n marriage_n difference_n in_o family_n or_o between_o neighbour_n etc._n etc._n they_o be_v particular_o treat_v with_o in_o private_a the_o sick_a upon_o notice_n give_v be_v careful_o attend_v and_o the_o scripture_n explain_v sometime_o in_o large_a sometime_o in_o lesser_a portion_n to_o the_o three_o and_o four_o all_o due_a endeavour_n be_v use_v to_o debar_v scandalous_a and_o notarly_a vicious_a person_n from_o the_o lord_n supper_n the_o elder_n be_v man_n of_o as_o unquestionable_a integrity_n as_o any_o of_o their_o quality_n in_o the_o parioch_n at_o lest_o nothing_o to_o the_o contrary_a of_o either_o communicant_n or_o elder_n be_v ever_o private_o or_o public_o signify_v to_o he_o discipline_n have_v be_v careful_o and_o impartial_o exercise_v to_o the_o six_o his_o entrance_n to_o the_o charge_n be_v by_o presentation_n of_o the_o heretor_n and_o magistrate_n the_o then_o undoubted_a patron_n his_o admission_n be_v legal_a and_o approve_a by_o the_o favourable_a reception_n of_o the_o parioch_n his_o ministry_n countenance_v by_o all_o a_o few_o except_v be_v ordinary_a attender_n on_o the_o public_a worship_n and_o partaker_n of_o other_o ordinance_n of_o religion_n under_o his_o ministry_n indictment_n and_o libel_n against_o mr._n james_n graham_n incumbent_a at_o dumfermlin_n give_v in_o against_o he_o to_o the_o presbytery_n of_o dumfermlin_n the_o twenty_o of_o august_n 1690._o that_o whereas_o by_o several_a act_n of_o the_o general_a assembly_n of_o this_o church_n and_o consonant_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o in_o particular_a by_o act_n of_o the_o late_a general_a meeting_n ratify_v by_o a_o act_n of_o this_o present_a current_a parliament_n all_o scandalous_a erroneous_a persecute_v and_o supine_o negligent_a minister_n be_v to_o be_v cognosce_v upon_o and_o censure_v according_a to_o their_o demerit_n by_o the_o respective_a presbytery_n in_o which_o they_o live_v and_o it_o be_v of_o verity_n that_o the_o say_v mr._n james_n graham_n be_v guilty_a of_o the_o scandal_n enormity_n and_o transgression_n follow_v viz._n as_o first_o that_o he_o have_v enter_v and_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o charge_n of_o the_o parioch_n of_o dumfermlin_n by_o presentation_n of_o the_o patron_n collation_n and_o institution_n of_o the_o prelate_n and_o that_o against_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o godly_a and_o serious_a person_n within_o the_o say_v parioch_n and_o that_o the_o say_v mr._n graham_n have_v in_o all_o thing_n join_v and_o comply_v with_o and_o assist_v prelacy_n contrary_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n establish_a law_n of_o this_o church_n and_o the_o land_n be_v solemn_a engagement_n thereto_o and_o his_o take_n of_o declaration_n and_o canonical_a oath_n have_v testify_v his_o incorrigibleness_n second_o that_o he_o have_v be_v supine_o negligent_a contrary_a to_o 1_o tim._n 3._o 2._o as_o 1._o that_o he_o do_v not_o visit_v family_n ministerial_o nor_o 2._o have_v not_o private_o and_o personal_o stir_v up_o the_o people_n to_o the_o duty_n of_o holiness_n 3._o in_o neglect_v to_o visit_v the_o sick_n 4._o that_o he_o omit_v to_o lecture_n or_o to_o explain_v the_o scripture_n according_a to_o the_o order_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n for_o that_o effect_n 5._o that_o he_o catechise_n not_o according_a to_o the_o large_a and_o short_a catechism_n 6._o that_o he_o take_v no_o notice_n of_o quaker_n in_o his_o parioch_n who_o exercise_n all_o the_o duty_n of_o their_o religion_n without_o control_n three_o that_o he_o have_v horrible_o profane_v the_o ordinance_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n by_o his_o admit_v of_o unclean_a person_n to_o that_o holy_a ordinance_n 2._o that_o he_o have_v admit_v and_o keep_v on_o his_o session_n very_o scandalous_a elder_n some_o of_o which_o be_v tipler_n other_o swearer_n and_o the_o most_o part_n ignorant_a and_o neglecter_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n in_o their_o family_n prophaner_n of_o the_o sabbath_n four_o that_o he_o take_v no_o notice_n of_o person_n public_o profane_v the_o sabbath-day_n in_o the_o town_n and_o about_o it_o by_o dight_v of_o their_o beer_n to_o the_o pot_n bring_v in_o of_o water_n and_o kail_v and_o their_o walk_n drink_v and_o cabal_n child_n play_v and_o his_o own_o among_o the_o rest_n and_o that_o in_o a_o constant_a course_n which_o be_v not_o unknown_a to_o he_o at_o least_o shall_v not_o be_v be_v so_o public_o act_v five_o that_o he_o have_v not_o bring_v several_a scandalous_a person_n such_o as_o adulterer_n fornicator_n and_o other_o nor_o so_o much_o as_o endeavour_v to_o bring_v they_o to_o repentance_n nor_o to_o undergo_v just_a censure_n in_o order_n thereunto_o for_o proof_n of_o which_o the_o session-book_n be_v require_v for_o all_o which_o and_o sundry_a other_o not_o express_v he_o be_v just_o censurable_a and_o therefore_o it_o be_v humble_o crave_v that_o the_o brethren_n of_o the_o presbytery_n of_o dumfermlin_n will_v take_v cognisance_n of_o the_o same_o and_o be_v find_v guilty_a thereof_o that_o the_o presbytery_n may_v inflict_v such_o censure_n as_o in_o their_o godly_a wisdom_n they_o shall_v think_v meet_a and_o that_o he_o may_v be_v examine_v upon_o his_o doctrine_n and_o sufficiency_n be_v desire_v by_o andrew_n rolland_n of_o gask_n and_o william_n smith_n in_o dumfermlin_n in_o name_n of_o several_a presbyterian_o in_o dumfermlin_n the_o life_n and_o conversation_n of_o these_o two_o minister_n be_v so_o innocent_a and_o exemplary_a that_o there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o pretext_n of_o charge_v any_o immorality_n upon_o they_o nor_o any_o crime_n but_o what_o be_v forge_v by_o ignorance_n and_o malice_n wherefore_o their_o libel_n be_v adduce_v as_o a_o special_a and_o particular_a proof_n to_o show_v how_o unjust_a and_o ridiculous_a the_o presbyterian_a clergy_n be_v towards_o such_o as_o be_v of_o another_o persuasion_n especial_o when_o it_o be_v require_v to_o try_v mr._n graham_n in_o his_o doctrine_n and_o sufficiency_n a_o person_n who_o all_o know_v to_o be_v a_o able_a divine_a and_o a_o eminent_a scholar_n it_o happen_v that_o some_o carry_v these_o libel_n to_o london_n where_o the_o matter_n be_v represent_v to_o a_o certain_a person_n of_o quality_n a_o great_a friend_n and_o prop_n to_o the_o presbyterian_a party_n and_o interest_n and_o he_o be_v so_o set_v upon_o for_o this_o that_o he_o think_v himself_o oblige_v to_o write_v to_o the_o lead_a man_n of_o his_o party_n in_o scotland_n to_o meddle_v no_o more_o with_o the_o minister_n of_o dumfermlin_n because_o it_o be_v make_v a_o great_a objection_n against_o they_o this_o be_v the_o cause_n why_o the_o process_n against_o mr._n graham_n be_v let_v fall_n but_o though_o there_o 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