what_o further_a reason_n shall_v have_v weight_n for_o show_v the_o nullity_n of_o this_o assembly_n and_o the_o unwarrantableness_n of_o the_o proceed_n of_o the_o commission_n of_o the_o former_a assembly_n and_o that_o these_o present_n may_v be_v put_v upon_o record_n by_o the_o clerk_n in_o the_o regester_n of_o the_o assembly_n to_o be_v extant_a ad_fw-la futuram_fw-la rei_fw-la memoream_n and_o that_o we_o may_v have_v subscribe_v extract_v thereof_o under_o the_o clerk_n hand_n this_o follow_a paper_n be_v enclose_v in_o a_o letter_n from_o the_o lord_n wariston_n to_o the_o meeting_n at_o s._n andrews_n which_o letter_n although_o it_o can_v not_o be_v get_v print_v yet_o we_o have_v publish_v the_o enclose_a both_o because_o it_o tend_v very_o much_o to_o clear_v that_o the_o way_n of_o protest_v against_o every_o encroachment_n upon_o the_o liberty_n of_o this_o church_n be_v no_o new_a thing_n but_o have_v be_v the_o constant_a practice_n of_o our_o faithful_a predecessor_n from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o work_n of_o reformation_n and_o also_o because_o it_o do_v contain_v a_o particular_a testimony_n against_o the_o ratification_n of_o the_o paper_n give_v by_o the_o commission_n of_o the_o kirk_n to_o the_o parliament_n anent_o the_o confinement_n of_o the_o minister_n of_o sterline_n and_o of_o all_o other_o paper_n prejudicial_a to_o the_o covenant_n and_o cause_n of_o jesus_n christ_n the_o paper_n enclose_v within_o the_o letter_n contain_v a_o narration_n of_o some_o former_a protestation_n with_o my_o present_a protestation_n subjoin_v thereto_o anent_o the_o protestation_n it_o may_v be_v remember_v that_o the_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n of_o the_o kirk_n of_o scotland_n swear_v to_o by_o the_o covenant_n be_v clear_a anent_o thâ—s_n râ—ght_n and_o privilege_n acknowledge_v even_o by_o king_n and_o parliament_n that_o none_o of_o her_o pastor_n can_v be_v judge_v or_o trouble_v by_o king_n council_n or_o parliament_n for_o their_o preach_n and_o ministerial_a duty_n â—nless_a the_o assembly_n of_o the_o kirk_n the_o onâ—y_a competent_a judge_n thereof_o have_v first_o cite_v try_v and_o censure_v they_o therefore_o and_o have_v upon_o their_o disobedience_n crave_v the_o concurrence_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n for_o clear_v whereof_o remember_v that_o this_o have_v be_v mighty_o debate_v betwixt_o the_o kirk_n and_o the_o state_n it_o be_v not_o only_o thereupon_o maintain_v and_o declare_v by_o the_o general_n assembly_n in_o 1581._o immediate_o after_o ratify_v the_o book_n of_o discipline_n and_o swear_v the_o national_a covenant_n but_o also_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o the_o king_n and_o the_o council_n in_o the_o case_n of_o mr._n walter_n balcanquel_n who_o have_v be_v challenge_v for_o a_o sermon_n as_o seditious_a thereafter_o in_o the_o assembly_n 1582._o john_n dury_n be_v challenge_v by_o king_n and_o council_n for_o his_o sermon_n as_o seditious_a and_o be_v advise_v by_o his_o friend_n to_o retire_v and_o seek_v the_o assembly_n advise_v see_v his_o doctrine_n accuse_v to_o the_o council_n be_v justify_v by_o his_o presbytery_n and_o session_n he_o be_v direct_v to_o the_o assembly_n to_o abide_v rather_o the_o charge_n of_o horning_n and_o caption_n and_o give_v his_o testimony_n against_o their_o procedor_fw-la then_o private_o to_o retire_v and_o the_o whole_a assembly_n give_v in_o their_o grievance_n to_o the_o king_n and_o to_o the_o estate_n complain_v that_o this_o their_o procedor_fw-la be_v one_o erection_n of_o a_o popedom_n in_o the_o king_n person_n and_o a_o wrong_v of_o jesus_n christ_n the_o only_a king_n of_o the_o church_n wherein_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o prophet_n be_v subject_a to_o the_o prophet_n and_o a_o confound_a of_o the_o spiritual_a and_o temporal_a jurisdiction_n which_o god_n have_v divide_v thereafter_o when_o the_o first_o act_n of_o the_o eight_o parliament_n 1584._o give_v power_n to_o the_o king_n council_n to_o inquire_v and_o examine_v anent_o these_o thing_n be_v proclaim_v it_o be_v protest_v against_o by_o the_o minister_n of_o edinburgh_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o kirk_n of_o scotland_n who_o in_o that_o hour_n of_o darkness_n be_v put_v to_o banishment_n and_o thereafter_o mr._n david_n blake_n and_o mr._n andrew_n melvin_n be_v cite_v for_o their_o doctrine_n before_o the_o king_n and_o council_n decline_v from_o both_o and_o enter_v a_o protestation_n and_o in_o the_o gen._n assembly_n june_n 1587._o the_o king_n &_o the_o estate_n in_o the_o case_n of_o m._n john_n couper_n and_o mr._n james_n gibson_n minister_n acknowledge_v the_o assembly_n to_o be_v the_o only_a competent_a judge_n and_o desire_v they_o to_o try_v and_o judge_v and_o such_o like_a thereafter_o in_o the_o case_n of_o john_n rosse_n in_o the_o assembly_n 1594._o and_o the_o king_n and_o parliament_n 1592._o in_o end_n of_o the_o first_o act_n which_o be_v anent_o assembly_n repeal_v the_o foresay_a act_n 1584._o in_o so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v prejudicial_a to_o the_o privilege_n which_o god_n have_v give_v to_o his_o spiritual_a office-bearer_n in_o his_o church_n the_o assembly_n 92._o and_o 94_o 95_o 96._o give_v most_o free_a admonition_n to_o the_o king_n and_o estate_n to_o abstain_v from_o such_o procedors_n lest_o they_o commit_v high-treason_n against_o jesus_n christ_n the_o only_a monarch_n of_o his_o church_n for_o who_o they_o behove_v to_o fight_v by_o the_o spiritual_a armour_n grant_v to_o they_o of_o god_n and_o potent_a in_o he_o for_o overthrow_v all_o strong_a hold_n and_o bulwark_n set_v up_o against_o his_o kingdom_n among_o which_o it_o be_v a_o main_a one_o to_o have_v the_o freedom_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o the_o rebuke_n of_o sin_n restrain_v in_o the_o mouth_n of_o his_o servant_n and_o to_o extinguish_v the_o light_n which_o will_v show_v the_o unlawfulness_n of_o their_o proceed_n and_o stop_v under_o the_o name_n of_o vice_n of_o stir_v up_o sedition_n and_o tumult_n the_o liberty_n of_o preach_v when_o mr._n john_n craig_n and_o mr._n andrew_n melvin_n be_v threaten_v for_o their_o declinator_n and_o free_a speech_n against_o the_o act_n 84._o by_o chancellor_n arrane_n at_o the_o councel-table_n with_o stob_v they_o instant_o unloose_v their_o button_n and_o lay_v their_o breast_n open_a and_o bare_a say_v they_o dare_v receive_v if_o he_o dare_v strike_v and_o then_o public_o fore_o tell_v the_o judgement_n which_o god_n bring_v to_o pass_v upon_o he_o short_o thereafter_o and_o mr._n nichoal_n daglish_n speak_v no_o less_o resolute_o when_o the_o scaffold_n be_v erect_v for_o he_o and_o so_o do_v mr._n welsh_n and_o his_o colleg_n 1606._o both_o when_o they_o decline_v and_o protest_v against_o the_o king_n and_o the_o council_n and_o when_o they_o be_v panold_n and_o condemn_v at_o lithgow_n i_o need_v not_o insist_v on_o the_o large_a declaration_n and_o the_o reason_n thereof_o emit_v in_o this_o very_a point_n against_o the_o state_n proceed_n by_o the_o grand_a commission_n of_o the_o assembly_n 1596._o appoint_v on_o purpose_n ne_o quid_fw-la detrimenti_fw-la ecclesia_fw-la capiat_fw-la nor_o yet_o to_o insist_v on_o the_o four_o act_n of_o the_o parliament_n 1640._o anent_o the_o assembly_n determine_v all_o ecclesiastic_a matter_n nor_o the_o six_o act_n rescissory_a which_o establish_v that_o of_o the_o 92._o etc._n etc._n and_o in_o the_o end_n rescind_v all_o confinement_n banishment_n deprivation_n make_v in_o the_o time_n of_o defection_n which_o two_o act_n be_v ratify_v in_o the_o large_a treaty_n neither_o need_v i_o to_o remember_v the_o end_n of_o the_o king_n oath_n prescribe_v in_o 1567._o and_o swear_v by_o his_o majesty_n late_o at_o his_o coronation_n nor_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o parliament_n oath_n nor_o one_o of_o the_o main_a article_n of_o the_o late_a treaty_n with_o this_o king_n anent_o the_o determination_n of_o matter_n ecclesiastical_a neither_o need_v i_o transcribe_v the_o three_o last_o leau_n of_o the_o commission_n of_o the_o kirk_n vindication_n of_o their_o proceed_n from_o the_o parliament_n letter_n may_v 11._o 1648._o which_o speak_v full_o to_o this_o point_n neither_o need_v i_o transcribe_v the_o six_o page_n of_o the_o committee_n of_o estate_n observation_n upon_o the_o assembly_n declaration_n 1648._o wherein_n they_o claim_v power_n to_o challenge_v minister_n for_o seditious_a doctrine_n whereunto_o the_o commission_n of_o the_o kirk_n in_o their_o reply_n page_n 14._o say_v that_o the_o judgement_n of_o minister_n doctrine_n belong_v to_o the_o judicatories_n of_o the_o kirk_n both_o by_o divine-right_a and_o by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n and_o we_o hope_v your_o lordship_n do_v not_o intend_v under_o colour_n of_o quarrel_a sedition_n a_o new_a way_n of_o judge_v and_o try_v minister_n doctrine_n nor_o to_o assume_v to_o themselves_o the_o exercise_v of_o the_o same_o power_n over_o all_o person_n of_o whatsoever_o state_n degree_n function_n or_o condition_n they_o be_v of_o in_o all_o matter_n
or_o both_o lithgow_n 1606._o first_o &_o second_o glasgow_n 1610._o first_o session_n 3._o many_o voter_n as_o judge_n have_v no_o commission_n from_o the_o kirk_n lithgow_n 1608._o only_a 22._o man_n officer_n of_o state_n counsellor_n baron_n and_o bishop_n glasgow_n 1610._o 30._o nobleman_n and_o baron_n beside_o the_o pretend_a bishop_n aberdeen_n 1616._o 25._o nobleman_n &_o gentleman_n perth_n 1618._o 19_o nobleman_n and_o baron_n 11_o bishop_n 4_o many_o supernumerary_a commissioner_n for_o presbytry_n burrough_n in_o sundry_n of_o they_o 5_o threaten_v of_o commissioner_n to_o vote_n as_o the_o king_n will_v glasgow_n 1610._o 3_o perth_n 1618._o with_o the_o wrath_n of_o authority_n imprisonment_n banishment_n deprivation_n of_o minister_n utter_a subversion_n of_o the_o estate_n yea_o that_o whether_o reason_v or_o number_n of_o vote_n shall_v carry_v the_o matter_n bribe_v of_o commissioner_n glasgow_n 1610._o 3_o 5_o 7._o no_o election_n of_o a_o moderator_n but_o usurpation_n of_o that_o place_n by_o the_o bishop_n aberdeen_n 1616._o reas_n 1_o perth_n 1618._o 2._o 8._o no_o rule_v elder_n send_v from_o presbytery_n glasgow_n 1610._o reason_n first_o 9_o ground_n of_o proceed_v in_o vote_v not_o in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n confession_n of_o faith_n act_n of_o the_o assembly_n but_o the_o king_n command_v perth_n 1618._o reason_n 9_o now_o reader_n compare_v these_o with_o what_o have_v be_v say_v in_o the_o examination_n of_o they_o and_o jugde_v thou_o impartial_o if_o no_o strong_a argument_n be_v bring_v for_o the_o nullity_n of_o these_o pretend_a assembly_n then_o this_o writer_n have_v bring_v against_o this_o review_n it_o be_v indeed_o fit_a that_o in_o a_o matter_n of_o such_o consequence_n man_n apply_v themselves_o serious_o to_o search_v out_o the_o truth_n and_o to_o judge_v thereof_o in_o the_o fear_n and_o sight_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o without_o oppose_a confidence_n to_o confidence_n i_o leave_v man_n so_o to_o do_v upon_o all_o that_o have_v be_v say_v and_o then_o to_o give_v sentence_n whether_o the_o reason_n contain_v in_o the_o protestation_n and_o in_o the_o latter_a paper_n be_v not_o relevant_a ground_n to_o protest_v against_o &_o to_o nullify_v the_o late_a assembly_n as_o unfree_a and_o unlawful_a in_o the_o constitution_n &_o manner_n of_o proceed_v &_o whether_o the_o writer_n have_v not_o reason_n to_o affirm_v that_o there_o be_v such_o encroachment_n upon_o the_o constitution_n thereof_o and_o right_a manner_n of_o proceed_v therein_o as_o do_v destroy_v almost_o all_o the_o essential_a requisit_n of_o a_o free_a assembly_n freedom_n of_o election_n free_a vote_v free_a access_n and_o recess_n free_a hear_n of_o what_o be_v offer_v for_o light_n impartial_a hear_n and_o discuss_v of_o exception_n against_o constituent_a member_n admit_v of_o presbytry_n who_o be_v under_o trial_n to_o sit_v as_o judge_n upon_o particular_n relate_v to_o themselves_o and_o whether_o there_o be_v not_o such_o encroachment_n as_o move_v the_o assembly_n 38._o because_o of_o the_o like_a to_o judge_v several_a of_o the_o former_a assembly_n to_o be_v null_a or_o whether_o strong_a reason_n be_v bring_v for_o nullify_a any_o of_o these_o pretend_a assembly_n then_o of_o this_o the_o author_n think_v these_o to_o be_v too_o bold_a assertion_n in_o the_o writer_n but_o i_o hope_v they_o be_v not_o more_o bold_a than_o true_a and_o viritas_fw-la non_fw-la quaerit_fw-la angulos_fw-la that_o the_o writer_n do_v not_o make_v any_o particular_a parallel_n of_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o nullity_n of_o this_o assembly_n with_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o nullity_n of_o these_o assembly_n be_v upon_o no_o such_o politic_a principle_n as_o the_o author_n insinuat_v to_o wit_n the_o fear_n of_o wrong_v his_o credit_n or_o the_o discover_n of_o the_o rashness_n of_o his_o assertion_n but_o to_o spare_v as_o i_o conceive_v he_o think_v needless_a pain_n the_o act_n of_o the_o assembly_n be_v so_o common_a and_o the_o parallel_n be_v so_o easy_a to_o every_o reader_n of_o ordinary_a capacity_n and_o understanding_n and_o if_o it_o be_v a_o fault_n in_o the_o writer_n not_o to_o make_v a_o particular_a parallel_n faithful_o compare_v the_o one_o with_o the_o other_o and_o weigh_v reason_n with_o reason_n the_o author_n can_v much_o less_o be_v blameless_a who_o seem_v to_o undertake_v it_o and_o yet_o do_v little_a as_o to_o the_o perform_n of_o it_o only_o he_o make_v a_o short_a recapitulation_n of_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o nullity_n of_o these_o assembly_n and_o leave_v the_o reader_n to_o make_v the_o parallel_n &_o comparison_n and_o in_o this_o what_o have_v he_o do_v more_o than_o the_o writer_n except_o that_o he_o have_v be_v at_o the_o pain_n to_o make_v some_o compend_n of_o these_o reason_n which_o be_v more_o clear_o set_v down_o in_o the_o print_a act_n that_o be_v common_a it_o be_v to_o be_v mark_v that_o it_o be_v not_o assert_v by_o the_o writer_n that_o all_o the_o reason_n bring_v for_o anull_v of_o all_o and_o every_o one_o of_o these_o assembly_n be_v quadrant_a to_o this_o assembly_n but_o that_o there_o be_v none_o of_o these_o assembly_n for_o the_o nullify_n of_o which_o strong_a reason_n be_v bring_v and_o therefore_o though_o some_o breach_n of_o the_o right_a rule_n of_o constitution_n may_v haply_o be_v find_v in_o some_o of_o these_o assembly_n which_o be_v not_o instance_a in_o this_o assembly_n it_o make_v nothing_o against_o this_o assertion_n nor_o for_o justify_v this_o assembly_n more_o than_o these_o because_o there_o be_v none_o of_o these_o in_o which_o more_o or_o more_o weighty_a breach_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o constitution_n can_v be_v find_v then_o can_v be_v find_v in_o this_o but_o let_v we_o take_v a_o view_n of_o the_o most_o considerable_a reason_n bring_v for_o nullify_a these_o assembly_n and_o compare_v they_o with_o the_o reason_n which_o be_v bring_v for_o nullify_a this_n the_o first_o be_v the_o want_n of_o timous_a indiction_n which_o cause_v the_o absence_n of_o many_o commissioner_n to_o this_o there_o be_v something_o equivalent_a in_o this_o assembly_n that_o cause_v the_o absence_n of_o many_o commissioner_n to_o wit_n the_o trouble_n of_o the_o time_n which_o in_o some_o place_n hinder_v the_o election_n and_o in_o other_o hinder_v the_o commissioner_n from_o come_v the_o second_o be_v want_v of_o freedom_n in_o the_o election_n of_o commissioner_n in_o presbytery_n because_o of_o letter_n from_o the_o king_n and_o the_o prelate_n require_v they_o to_o choose_v such_o and_o such_o to_o which_o be_v equivalent_a in_o this_o assembly_n the_o pray_v limit_v of_o election_n of_o their_o freedom_n by_o the_o letter_n and_o act_n of_o the_o commission_n exclude_v all_o those_o who_o be_v opposite_a to_o the_o public_a resolution_n the_o three_o be_v the_o admitting_z many_o to_o voice_n in_o the_o assembly_n who_o have_v no_o call_v nor_o commission_n so_o to_o do_v to_o which_o 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more_o certain_o against_o the_o opposer_n of_o public_a resolution_n than_o any_o of_o these_o threaten_n can_v do_v because_o there_o be_v no_o law_n as_o yet_o for_o execute_v of_o they_o the_o five_o be_v the_o practise_v some_o of_o the_o article_n conclude_v in_o these_o assembly_n before_o the_o assembly_n itself_o notwithstanding_o that_o these_o article_n be_v former_o condemn_v by_o the_o church_n by_o which_o their_o voice_n be_v pre-judged_n by_o the_o practice_n or_o these_o article_n before_o condemn_v by_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o they_o shall_v have_v be_v seclude_v from_o voice_n to_o which_o in_o this_o assembly_n be_v equivalent_a the_o practise_v the_o public_a resolution_n by_o many_o member_n of_o the_o assembly_n before_o the_o assembly_n conclude_v the_o same_o notwithstanding_o they_o be_v before_o that_o time_n clear_o condemn_v by_o the_o church_n i_o dare_v say_v as_o clear_o as_o ever_o kneel_v at_o the_o communion_n or_o feastval-day_n be_v condemn_v by_o this_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
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 protest_v a_o vindication_n of_o the_o freedom_n and_o lawfulness_n and_o so_o of_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o late_a general_n assembly_n begin_v at_o st._n andrews_n and_o continue_v at_o dundee_n in_o answer_n to_o the_o reason_n allege_v against_o the_o same_o in_o the_o protestation_n and_o declinator_n give_v in_o by_o some_o brethren_n at_o st._n andrews_n and_o in_o another_o paper_n late_o contrive_v by_o some_o etc._n etc._n 1651._o together_o with_o a_o review_n of_o the_o say_a vindication_n plain_o hold_v forth_o the_o nullity_n and_o unlawfulnesse_n of_o that_o pretend_a general_n assembly_n in_o which_o the_o aspersion_n cast_v upon_o the_o protester_n in_o that_o vindication_n be_v take_v off_o and_o the_o answer_v bring_v unto_o the_o reason_n contain_v in_o the_o protestation_n against_o the_o freedom_n and_o lawfulness_n of_o that_o meeting_n and_o in_o the_o paper_n afterward_o pen_v for_o clear_v and_o confirm_v thereof_o be_v discuss_v and_o the_o strength_n of_o these_o reason_n establish_v to_o be_v a_o null_a assembly_n by_o a_o friend_n of_o the_o protester_n cause_n gal_n 5.1_o stand_v fast_o therefore_o in_o the_o liberty_n wherewith_o christ_n have_v make_v we_o free_a and_o be_v not_o entangle_v again_o with_o the_o yoke_n of_o bondage_n 2._o cor._n 10.8_o our_o authority_n which_o the_o lord_n have_v give_v we_o for_o edification_n and_o not_o for_o your_o destruction_n for_o we_o can_v do_v nothing_o against_o the_o truth_n but_o for_o the_o truth_n print_a anno_fw-la dom._n 1652._o the_o inscription_n of_o the_o vindication_n a_o vindication_n of_o the_o freedom_n and_o lawfulness_n and_o so_o of_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o late_a general_n assembly_n begin_v at_o s._n andrews_n and_o continue_v at_o dundee_n in_o answer_n to_o the_o reason_n allege_v against_o the_o same_o in_o the_o protestation_n and_o declinator_n give_v in_o by_o some_o brethren_n at_o s._n andrews_n and_o in_o another_o paper_n late_o contrive_v by_o some_o practise_v to_o foment_n division_n and_o to_o fix_v a_o schism_n in_o this_o kirk_n and_o for_o that_o effect_n spread_v abroad_o only_o into_o the_o hand_n of_o such_o as_o they_o conceive_v will_v be_v inclinable_a to_o follow_v their_o way_n but_o keep_v up_o from_o all_o other_o the_o review_n of_o the_o inscription_n in_o this_o title_n some_o thing_n be_v insinuate_v and_o other_o be_v assert_v it_o be_v insinuate_v that_o the_o protestation_n be_v give_v in_o but_o by_o a_o few_o for_o he_o call_v they_o some_o brethren_n i_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o multitude_n and_o great_a number_n be_v upon_o the_o other_o side_n yet_o that_o be_v not_o a_o thing_n wherein_o they_o have_v cause_n to_o boast_v or_o the_o protester_n need_v to_o be_v ashamed_a it_o seldom_o fall_v out_o especial_o in_o decline_a time_n that_o the_o follower_n of_o the_o truth_n be_v the_o most_o numerous_a yet_o be_v these_o even_o for_o their_o number_n many_o more_o than_o by_o the_o law_n be_v account_v witness_n sufficient_a to_o attest_v a_o truth_n and_o many_o there_o be_v throughout_o the_o land_n who_o put_v to_o their_o seal_n to_o their_o testimony_n as_o true_a minister_n elder_n and_o professor_n yea_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o generation_n of_o the_o righteous_a and_o such_o as_o know_v god_n and_o live_v godly_a in_o the_o land_n it_o be_v assert_v first_o that_o the_o other_o paper_n be_v late_o contrive_v that_o be_v a_o little_a while_n before_o the_o write_n of_o this_o vindication_n but_o if_o the_o vindication_n be_v not_o write_v many_o month_n before_o it_o come_v abroad_o the_o author_n thereof_o be_v mistake_v in_o this_o because_o this_o paper_n be_v contrive_v within_o a_o very_a few_o week_n three_o or_o four_o at_o most_o after_o the_o protestation_n itself_o it_o may_v be_v that_o it_o come_v but_o late_o to_o his_o hand_n but_o it_o be_v abroad_o long_o before_o his_o vindication_n be_v hear_v of_o 2._o it_o be_v assert_v that_o this_o paper_n be_v contrive_v by_o some_o practise_v to_o foment_n division_n and_o to_o fix_v a_o schism_n in_o this_o kirk_n but_o their_o heart_n bear_v they_o record_v that_o the_o foment_v or_o fix_v of_o division_n or_o schism_n just_o so_o call_v as_o it_o never_o be_v nor_o be_v their_o purpose_n so_o have_v it_o be_v far_o from_o their_o practice_n either_o in_o that_o or_o any_o other_o particular_a this_o indeed_o they_o do_v acknowledge_v that_o they_o be_v unwilling_a to_o suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v divide_v from_o the_o truth_n former_o receive_v and_o profess_v by_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n and_o that_o they_o conceive_v themselves_o bind_v in_o their_o station_n and_o calling_n to_o bear_v testimony_n against_o the_o course_n of_o backslide_n carry_v on_o in_o the_o land_n of_o which_o they_o judge_v the_o common_a constitution_n and_o act_n of_o that_o assembly_n to_o be_v no_o small_a part_n and_o though_o to_o foment_n division_n and_o fix_v a_o schism_n in_o the_o church_n be_v a_o heavy_a imputation_n yet_o be_v conscious_a to_o themselves_o of_o their_o own_o innocence_n they_o be_v not_o much_o move_v with_o it_o remember_v that_o it_o be_v the_o common_a topick_n whence_o decliner_n in_o all_o the_o age_n of_o the_o church_n have_v argue_v against_o these_o who_o will_v not_o be_v consent_v unto_o or_o do_v testify_v against_o their_o defection_n peace_n and_o unity_n have_v be_v their_o plea_n and_o sedition_n division_n and_o schism_n their_o charge_n against_o their_o opposer_n upon_o this_o account_n do_v the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o his_o apostle_n by_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n and_o elder_n of_o the_o jew_n luther_n and_o calvin_n and_o our_o first_o reformer_n by_o the_o pope_n and_o his_o clergy_n nonformists_n by_o the_o prelate_n and_o their_o adherent_n stand_v record_v in_o the_o catalogue_n of_o these_o who_o practise_v to_o foment_n division_n and_o fix_v a_o schism_n in_o the_o church_n 3._o it_o be_v assert_v that_o this_o paper_n be_v spread_v abroad_o only_o into_o the_o hand_n of_o such_o as_o they_o conceive_v will_v be_v inclineable_a to_o follow_v their_o way_n but_o keep_v up_o from_o all_o other_o if_o they_o have_v direct_o send_v copy_n to_o these_o of_o a_o contrary_a judgement_n it_o may_v haply_o be_v think_v a_o piece_n of_o vanity_n and_o presumption_n and_o if_o the_o author_n of_o this_o vindication_n think_v such_o a_o thing_n incumbent_n to_o they_o why_o do_v he_o not_o send_v a_o copy_n of_o his_o answer_n to_o the_o contriver_n of_o these_o paper_n who_o as_o he_o afterward_o bear_v we_o in_o hand_n he_o do_v very_o well_o know_v or_o have_v he_o speak_v with_o or_o receive_v evidence_n from_o all_o other_o who_o be_v not_o inclinable_a to_o follow_v that_o way_n that_o he_o do_v so_o confident_o assert_v that_o paper_n to_o have_v be_v keep_v up_o from_o all_o of_o they_o i_o will_v assure_v he_o it_o be_v not_o so_o as_o he_o affirm_v as_o the_o contriver_n do_v not_o vain_o nor_o boast_o spread_v it_o to_o the_o provoke_a of_o any_o so_o do_v they_o not_o purposely_o keep_v it_o up_o from_o any_o of_o whatsoever_o judgement_n but_o be_v willing_a and_o desirous_a that_o it_o shall_v go_v abroad_o for_o edify_v of_o as_o many_o as_o the_o lord_n shall_v be_v please_v to_o bless_v it_o unto_o and_o therefore_o do_v they_o not_o only_o give_v copy_n to_o such_o as_o do_v desire_v they_o but_o also_o do_v use_v some_o mean_n to_o have_v get_v it_o print_v and_o can_v get_v none_o to_o undertake_v it_o vindication_n before_o i_o fall_v upon_o the_o examination_n of_o the_o reason_n bring_v against_o and_o the_o discovery_n of_o the_o false_a aspersion_n cast_v upon_o the_o assembly_n by_o these_o paper_n mention_v i_o do_v obtest_v the_o reader_n whosoever_o he_o be_v into_o who_o hand_n this_o vindication_n shall_v come_v in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o as_o thou_o
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 as_o be_v a_o advice_n wholesome_a and_o profitable_a in_o itself_o and_o as_o have_v ground_n to_o think_v that_o the_o estimation_n of_o some_o man_n person_n and_o judgement_n the_o last_o year_n have_v influence_n upon_o some_o to_o gain_v they_o to_o the_o public_a resolution_n and_o to_o the_o proceed_n of_o the_o assembly_n i_o do_v also_o join_v with_o he_o in_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o two_o thing_n which_o he_o add_v for_o strengthen_v of_o this_o present_a caution_n only_o desire_v he_o to_o be_v impartial_a in_o the_o application_n of_o the_o first_o and_o to_o look_v homeward_o aswell_o as_o abroad_o and_o to_o guard_v well_o both_o in_o the_o first_o and_o last_o that_o in_o discover_v the_o error_n or_o weakness_n of_o some_o who_o be_v true_o godly_a or_o the_o hypocrisy_n of_o other_o who_o pretend_v it_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o profane_a and_o such_o as_o hate_v and_o mock_v at_o godliness_n and_o insult_v over_o the_o infirmity_n and_o blemish_n of_o the_o saint_n be_v not_o strengthen_v nor_o godliness_n nor_o godly_a man_n bring_v in_o contempt_n vindication_n 3._o the_o pretence_n and_o big_a profession_n of_o good_a upright_a and_o zealous_a intention_n and_o affection_n towards_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n and_o welfare_n of_o the_o kirk_n of_o god_n in_o this_o land_n i_o shall_v nor_o dare_v question_v the_o uprightnes_n of_o the_o intention_n of_o some_o yea_o many_o of_o they_o may_v i_o be_o very_o persuade_v of_o some_o of_o they_o that_o they_o be_v far_o from_o do_v any_o thing_n intentional_o or_o formal_o and_o direct_o intend_v the_o overthrow_v or_o wrong_v any_o of_o the_o ordinance_n of_o jesus_n christ_n settle_v in_o this_o kirk_n or_o the_o peace_n thereof_o and_o that_o if_o they_o be_v lead_v in_o any_o course_n in_o the_o matter_n prejudicial_a to_o any_o of_o these_o it_o be_v as_o many_o wâ—t_v out_o with_o absolom_n in_o the_o simplicity_n of_o their_o heart_n but_o fiâ—st_v it_o will_v be_v remember_v that_o many_o may_v be_v very_o zealous_a in_o their_o intention_n for_o god_n and_o yet_o that_o zeal_n be_v not_o according_a to_o knowledge_n where_o there_o be_v much_o zeal_n for_o any_o end_n there_o be_v also_o much_o mistake_v about_o mid_n towards_o that_o end_n and_o where_o there_o be_v much_o and_o clear_a knowledge_n in_o many_o thing_n there_o may_v be_v much_o mistake_n about_o some_o or_o more_o particular_n a_o good_a intention_n be_v necessary_a that_o a_o man_n may_v be_v approven_v before_o god_n in_o his_o action_n but_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o make_v his_o action_n good_a or_o imitable_a by_o other_o and_o certain_o this_o be_v the_o chief_a thing_n to_o be_v consider_v by_o thou_o ere_o thou_o allow_v follow_v or_o comply_v with_o the_o course_n of_o any_o other_o man_n not_o what_o good_a intention_n or_o zeal_n they_o do_v profess_v but_o what_o good_a ground_n or_o reason_n they_o have_v for_o the_o course_n ay_o but_o may_v some_o great_a knower_n say_v this_o be_v poor_a who_o know_v not_o this_o this_o be_v a_o common_a know_a principle_n of_o act_v that_o we_o shall_v not_o lippen_n to_o man_n profession_n of_o straight_o honest_a and_o good_a intention_n but_o seek_v what_o warrant_v they_o have_v for_o their_o action_n it_o be_v true_a it_o be_v a_o common_a know_v and_o plain_a principle_n but_o common_a principle_n be_v better_o know_v then_o make_v use_v of_o and_o have_v need_n to_o be_v press_v that_o they_o may_v be_v hate_v in_o our_o act_n and_o among_o other_o this_o especial_o in_o these_o time_n great_a profession_n of_o honest_a and_o straight_a purpose_n and_o intention_n especial_o make_v by_o man_n who_o be_v presume_v to_o have_v much_o knowledge_n and_o have_v be_v find_v in_o many_o thing_n right_a be_v ready_a to_o make_v other_o who_o be_v credulous_a and_o more_o simple_a oftentimes_o secure_a and_o negligent_a to_o try_v and_o prove_v their_o act_n and_o so_o oftentimes_o suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v lead_v out_o of_o the_o way_n 2._o albeit_o as_o i_o say_v before_o i_o do_v not_o question_v the_o uprightnes_n and_o sincerity_n of_o some_o profession_n concern_v their_o intention_n and_o their_o affection_n yet_o i_o shall_v desire_v the_o reader_n to_o compare_v the_o profession_n make_v in_o the_o narrative_a of_o the_o protestation_n in_o hand_n with_o some_o late_a practice_n of_o some_o that_o have_v hand_n therein_o and_o these_o not_o of_o the_o low_a form_n first_o they_o profess_v that_o while_o they_o live_v it_o shall_v be_v acknowledge_v how_o gracious_a god_n have_v be_v in_o give_v to_o this_o kirk_n pure_a ordinance_n and_o that_o they_o desire_v mercy_n and_o grace_n to_o adhere_v to_o the_o worship_n doctrine_n discipline_n and_o government_n establish_v in_o this_o land_n this_o indeed_o be_v a_o good_a profession_n but_o suppose_v that_o which_o be_v certain_a and_o evident_a that_o when_o we_o speak_v of_o great_a estimation_n of_o and_o adhere_v to_o the_o discipline_n and_o government_n establish_v in_o this_o kirk_n we_o must_v conceive_v this_o in_o relation_n to_o the_o ordinance_n not_o only_o in_o the_o abstract_n and_o dogmate_a but_o also_o in_o concreto_fw-la and_o as_o they_o be_v in_o actu_fw-la exercito_fw-la actual_o exist_v and_o as_o they_o be_v exercise_v in_o judicatories_n constitute_v according_o let_v a_o man_n profess_v what_o he_o will_v of_o soundness_n and_o constancy_n in_o point_n of_o judgement_n concern_v discipline_n and_o government_n establish_v in_o the_o kirk_n yet_o if_o he_o be_v find_v a_o contemner_n of_o the_o exercise_n of_o that_o discipline_n and_o of_o the_o lawful_a judicatories_n invest_v with_o the_o government_n no_o wise_a man_n will_v acknowledge_v that_o man_n to_o have_v a_o due_a estimation_n of_o or_o to_o be_v a_o constant_a adherer_n to_o these_o ordinance_n except_o it_o may_v be_v in_o so_o far_o as_o he_o hold_v something_o of_o they_o in_o his_o own_o hand_n and_o that_o be_v himself_o nay_o such_o profession_n be_v but_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d good_a word_n and_o fair_a speech_n to_o deceive_v the_o heart_n of_o the_o simple_a this_o lay_v down_o let_v any_o ingenuous_a and_o indifferent_a man_n take_v unto_o consideration_n but_o some_o practice_n of_o some_o of_o the_o protester_n and_o judge_v how_o agreeable_a they_o be_v to_o the_o former_a profession_n and_o adhere_v to_o the_o discipline_n and_o government_n settle_v in_o this_o church_n 1._o condemn_v act_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o supreme_a judicatories_n of_o the_o kirk_n most_o unanimous_o conclude_v themselves_o be_v present_a and_o not_o contradict_v but_o positive_o by_o their_o vote_n consent_v thereunto_o and_o that_o not_o in_o a_o private_a way_n but_o in_o a_o remonstrance_n public_o emit_v to_o the_o world_n and_o present_v to_o the_o state_n without_o have_v so_o much_o respect_n to_o these_o judicatories_n as_o which_o due_a estimation_n of_o and_o adhere_v to_o the_o establish_a government_n of_o the_o kirk_n do_v require_v once_o to_o have_v have_v recourse_n to_o they_o first_o by_o supplication_n or_o desire_n to_o re-examine_a or_o to_o take_v to_o their_o consideration_n again_o these_o act_n and_o constitution_n yea_o refuse_v to_o apply_v themselves_o to_o they_o in_o such_o a_o way_n as_o that_o when_o advise_v and_o earnest_o press_v thereunto_o as_o orderly_o by_o some_o to_o who_o they_o have_v communicate_v the_o design_n of_o the_o remonstrance_n the_o former_a part_n of_o this_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o western_a remonstrance_n condemn_v the_o treaty_n with_o the_o king_n and_o close_v thereof_o allow_v approven_v and_o ratify_v by_o the_o general_n assembly_n 1650._o if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o that_o remonstrance_n be_v communicate_v to_o the_o commission_n of_o the_o kirk_n before_o it_o be_v present_v to_o the_o estate_n that_o be_v true_a but_o beside_o that_o the_o commission_n have_v not_o power_n to_o judge_v the_o act_n and_o constisution_n of_o the_o assembly_n it_o be_v present_v unto_o they_o mere_o to_o have_v have_v their_o concurrence_n in_o present_v it_o to_o the_o estate_n if_o that_o can_v have_v be_v obtain_v but_o with_o no_o desire_n to_o advise_v and_o give_v their_o judgement_n upon_o the_o matter_n contain_v in_o it_o yea_o these_o that_o come_v with_o it_o require_v if_o they_o have_v any_o power_n commit_v to_o they_o to_o change_v any_o thing_n of_o it_o they_o plain_o declare_v that_o though_o some_o expression_n may_v be_v change_v yet_o they_o have_v no_o power_n and_o be_v not_o to_o alter_v one_o jote_n of_o the_o matter_n so_o determine_v be_v they_o of_o themselves_o and_o antecedent_o to_o the_o cognition_n of_o the_o
public_a judicatories_n the_o latter_a part_n be_v evident_a by_o mr._n john_n carstaires_o letter_n write_v to_o the_o lord_n register_n about_o the_o time_n of_o the_o contrive_v that_o remonstrance_n from_o edinburgh_n and_o intercept_v at_o the_o ferry_n of_o airth_n or_o thereabouts_o review_n i_o shall_v say_v nothing_o of_o the_o charity_n he_o allow_v many_o and_o of_o the_o persuasion_n that_o he_o have_v of_o some_o that_o they_o be_v far_o from_o do_v any_o thing_n intentional_o or_o formal_o and_o direct_o intend_v to_o overthrow_n or_o wrong_v any_o of_o the_o ordinance_n of_o jesus_n christ_n settle_v in_o this_o church_n or_o the_o peace_n thereof_o he_o have_v reason_n to_o allow_v they_o that_o and_o somewhat_o more_o but_o this_o allowance_n of_o he_o to_o some_o do_v leave_v other_o under_o a_o hard_a construction_n not_o only_o in_o regard_n of_o their_o work_n but_o also_o in_o respect_n of_o that_o which_o be_v their_o formal_a and_o direct_a intention_n another_o year_n proof_n of_o they_o may_v haply_o force_v better_a thought_n both_o of_o their_o intention_n &_o action_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o some_o who_o now_o for_o along_o time_n have_v mistake_v they_o because_o they_o can_v not_o join_v in_o the_o public_a resolution_n which_o to_o they_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o way_n of_o egypt_n and_o to_o drink_v the_o water_n of_o sihor_n in_o the_o mean_a while_o they_o be_v comfort_v in_o this_o that_o their_o own_o heart_n do_v not_o condemn_v they_o neither_o in_o their_o intention_n or_o action_n what_o he_o say_v of_o a_o zeal_n not_o according_a to_o knowledge_n and_o of_o mistake_n about_o midse_n and_o of_o a_o good_a intention_n that_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o make_v a_o man_n action_n good_a or_o imitable_a by_o other_o but_o that_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v what_o good_a ground_n or_o reason_n they_o have_v for_o their_o course_n and_o of_o the_o apply_v of_o common_a principle_n which_o be_v better_a know_v than_o make_v use_v of_o in_o all_o these_o thing_n i_o do_v agree_v with_o he_o and_o wish_n that_o they_o may_v be_v bless_v of_o god_n unto_o his_o reader_n and_o all_o other_o but_o let_v we_o come_v to_o examine_v the_o thing_n whereby_o he_o endeavour_v to_o render_v the_o profession_n of_o the_o protester_n suspect_v as_o not_o agree_v with_o some_o of_o their_o principle_n and_o action_n for_o make_v out_o of_o which_o he_o desire_v the_o reader_n to_o compare_v the_o profession_n make_v in_o the_o narrative_a of_o the_o protestation_n with_o some_o late_a principle_n of_o some_o that_o have_v hand_n therein_o and_o these_o not_o of_o the_o low_a note_n firâ—_n say_v he_o they_o profess_v that_o while_o they_o live_v etc._n etc._n i_o acknowledge_v that_o i_o have_v no_o great_a skill_n of_o school_n term_n but_o i_o conceive_v that_o when_o in_o this_o place_n he_o speak_v of_o the_o ordinance_n in_o concreto_fw-la and_o as_o they_o be_v in_o actu_fw-la exercito_fw-la actual_o exist_v and_o as_o they_o be_v exercise_v in_o judicatory_n constitute_v according_o he_o mean_v not_o of_o every_o kind_n of_o concretion_n and_o exercise_n of_o ordinance_n quovis_fw-la modo_fw-la for_o they_o may_v have_v a_o honest_a and_o honourable_a estimation_n of_o ordinance_n who_o bear_v testimony_n against_o the_o corruption_n and_o mal-administrations_a of_o the_o abuser_n of_o they_o otherways_o these_o who_o have_v be_v most_o zealous_a and_o straight-hearted_n for_o the_o ordinance_n in_o all_o age_n shall_v be_v find_v among_o the_o despiser_n of_o ordinance_n and_o none_o more_o than_o many_o of_o the_o gracious_a worthy_n of_o this_o land_n who_o be_v ready_a to_o lay_v down_o their_o life_n for_o the_o ordinance_n and_o yet_o do_v bear_v public_a testimony_n both_o against_o the_o corrupt_a constitution_n and_o corrupt_a act_n of_o assembly_n and_o all_o male-administrations_a that_o be_v of_o any_o importance_n to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o the_o kirk_n or_o any_o of_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n therein_o which_o be_v so_o far_o from_o render_v their_o profession_n suspect_v that_o it_o be_v a_o real_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o sincerity_n thereof_o but_o i_o think_v he_o mean_v of_o such_o a_o concretion_n and_o exercise_n of_o ordinance_n though_o it_o have_v be_v fit_a to_o express_v it_o more_o clear_o as_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o god_n word_n for_o so_o he_o seem_v to_o hint_n when_o he_o say_v as_o they_o be_v judicatory_n constitute_v according_o and_o in_o this_o sense_n the_o carriage_n of_o the_o protester_n do_v well_o stand_v with_o their_o professior_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o ordinance_n have_v lay_v down_o this_o ground_n and_o distinction_n of_o ordinance_n not_o only_o in_o the_o abstract_n and_o dogmate_a but_o also_o in_o concreto_fw-la and_o as_o they_o be_v in_o actu_fw-la exercito_fw-la he_o come_v in_o the_o next_o place_n to_o give_v some_o instance_n of_o some_o practice_n of_o some_o of_o the_o protester_n in_o set_v down_o of_o which_o he_o have_v be_v very_o industrious_a to_o gather_v and_o put_v together_o a_o bundle_n of_o such_o thing_n as_o he_o think_v may_v bring_v their_o profession_n in_o suspicion_n and_o contempt_n i_o shall_v not_o meet_v he_o with_o the_o like_a measure_n if_o it_o be_v christian_n and_o seasonable_a work_n more_o haply_o may_v be_v hold_v forth_o of_o the_o practice_n not_o of_o some_o only_a but_o of_o many_o stickler_n for_o the_o public_a resolution_n that_o go_v cross_v their_o profession_n to_o the_o doctrine_n worship_n discipline_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n than_o the_o author_n can_v or_o will_v answer_v but_o because_o to_o recriminate_a be_v not_o to_o answer_v i_o come_v to_o the_o particular_a instance_n which_o he_o give_v the_o first_o be_v their_o condemn_a act_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o supreme_a judicatories_n of_o this_o church_n which_o he_o aggravate_v by_o many_o circumstance_n first_o that_o these_o act_n be_v most_o unanimous_o conclude_v second_o that_o themselves_o be_v present_a and_o do_v not_o contradict_v three_o that_o they_o be_v positive_o consent_v thereto_o by_o their_o vote_n four_o that_o they_o condemn_v these_o act_n not_o in_o a_o private_a way_n but_o in_o a_o remonstrance_n public_o emit_v to_o the_o world_n and_o present_v to_o the_o state_n five_o that_o all_o this_o be_v do_v without_o have_v so_o much_o respect_n to_o these_o judicatories_n as_o first_o to_o have_v recourse_n to_o they_o by_o supplication_n and_o desire_v to_o re-examine_a or_o take_v to_o consideration_n again_o these_o act_n and_o constitution_n yea_o refuse_v to_o apply_v themselves_o to_o they_o in_o such_o a_o way_n when_o advise_v and_o earnest_o press_v thereto_o as_o orderly_o by_o some_o to_o who_o they_o have_v communicate_v the_o design_n of_o the_o remonstrance_n to_o all_o which_o i_o return_v that_o the_o argument_n take_v in_o its_o strength_n do_v not_o seem_v to_o conclude_v much_o for_o evacuate_v the_o profession_n of_o the_o protester_n to_o the_o doctrine_n worship_n discipline_n and_o government_n of_o this_o church_n unless_o we_o lay_v this_o for_o a_o ground_n that_o whosoever_o represent_v and_o remonstrate_v his_o judgement_n against_o any_o one_o of_o the_o act_n of_o the_o assembly_n of_o this_o church_n belie_v the_o profession_n which_o he_o make_v of_o respect_n to_o the_o doctrine_n worship_n government_n and_o discipline_n thereof_o second_o the_o assembly_n be_v not_o sufficient_o inform_v concern_v these_o transaction_n with_o the_o king_n but_o several_a important_a particular_n which_o will_v have_v contribute_v much_o for_o clear_v of_o the_o business_n be_v keep_v up_o from_o and_o not_o report_v to_o the_o assembly_n to_o wit_n the_o first_o invitation_n give_v to_o the_o king_n the_o act_n appoint_v he_o to_o be_v restore_v to_o the_o exercise_n of_o his_o power_n the_o king_n letter_n to_o james_n graham_n the_o king_n take_v the_o sacrament_n after_o the_o order_n of_o the_o service_n book_n kneel_v from_o a_o episcopal_a doctor_n and_o a_o irish_a bishop_n notwithstanding_o that_o he_o have_v sign_v the_o treaty_n and_o that_o intercession_n be_v make_v to_o he_o both_o by_o word_n and_o write_v to_o forbear_v the_o bring_n to_o sea_n with_o the_o king_n all_o the_o english_a and_o scots_a malignant_n that_o be_v with_o he_o at_o breda_n after_o the_o commissioner_n have_v receive_v the_o letter_n and_o act_n both_o of_o church_n and_o state_n disapprove_v the_o treaty_n at_o breda_n the_o way_n how_o the_o king_n be_v induce_v to_o subscribe_v the_o covenant_n and_o how_o immediate_o before_o his_o take_n it_o be_v ready_a to_o land_n in_o scotland_n he_o be_v about_o to_o have_v make_v a_o protestation_n but_o that_o some_o of_o the_o commissioner_n will_v not_o tender_v he_o the_o covenant_n upon_o these_o term_n how_o lame_a the_o account_n
as_o their_o commissioner_n than_o some_o sort_n of_o election_n there_o behove_v to_o be_v as_o indeed_o there_o be_v both_o to_o that_o assembly_n at_o lithgow_n 1606._o and_o that_o of_o glasgow_n 1610._o for_o clear_v of_o which_o it_o will_v be_v remember_v that_o there_o be_v a_o election_n material_a when_o person_n be_v instruct_v and_o authorize_v by_o we_o as_o our_o commissioner_n though_o we_o have_v not_o nominate_v and_o formal_o choose_v they_o for_o that_o effect_n and_o a_o election_n formal_a when_o we_o do_v formal_o nominate_v and_o choose_v a_o election_n material_a there_o be_v at_o lithgow_n because_o those_o who_o be_v nominate_v by_o the_o king_n letter_n be_v instruct_v and_o authorize_v by_o the_o presbytery_n as_o their_o commissioner_n and_o therefore_o in_o the_o 4._o reason_n for_o nullify_a of_o that_o assembly_n there_o be_v mention_n of_o the_o power_n which_o these_o minister_n have_v and_o of_o the_o limitation_n thereof_o by_o their_o presbytery_n but_o there_o be_v no_o formal_a nomination_n of_o these_o man_n by_o the_o presbytery_n therefore_o it_o be_v say_v in_o the_o 2._o reason_n that_o they_o be_v not_o at_o all_o elect_a by_o their_o presbytery_n but_o at_o glasgow_n 1610._o there_o be_v both_o a_o material_a and_o formal_a election_n though_o not_o free_a but_o prelimited_n because_o the_o king_n and_o the_o bishop_n have_v design_v the_o person_n who_o they_o will_v have_v they_o to_o send_v and_o let_v it_o be_v consider_v whether_o upon_o the_o matter_n there_o be_v not_o the_o like_a and_o as_o realll_v a_o pre-limitation_n by_o the_o act_n and_o letter_n of_o the_o commission_n in_o the_o year_n 1606._o and_o 1610._o the_o king_n and_o the_o bishop_n nominate_v who_o shall_v come_v and_o design_n who_o the_o presbytery_n shall_v send_v without_o leave_v they_o to_o choose_v such_o of_o their_o number_n as_o they_o think_v fit_a and_o in_o the_o year_n 1651._o the_o commission_n design_n who_o of_o their_o number_n they_o shall_v not_o send_v to_o wit_n none_o that_o be_v opposite_a to_o the_o public_a resolution_n for_o this_o much_o their_o act_n wherein_o they_o require_v they_o to_o be_v cite_v to_o the_o assembly_n do_v import_v as_o afterward_o shall_v be_v clear_v not_o leave_v presbytery_n to_o their_o own_o freedom_n choose_v such_o of_o their_o number_n as_o they_o think_v fit_a and_o be_v not_o the_o one_o of_o there_o a_o pre-limitation_n and_o hinder_v a_o free_a choice_n as_o well_o as_o the_o other_o do_v not_o he_o prelimite_a who_o say_v that_o you_o shall_v not_o choose_v such_o man_n of_o your_o number_n as_o well_o as_o he_o who_o say_v you_o shall_v choose_v such_o man_n of_o your_o number_n in_o the_o mean_a while_o it_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v that_o the_o assembly_n 38._o have_v no_o such_o distinction_n as_o that_o of_o active_a and_o passive_a solicitation_n but_o infer_v the_o last_o presumption_n juris_fw-la &_o de_fw-la jure_fw-la from_o and_o upon_o the_o first_o and_o not_o without_o good_a reason_n because_o none_o doubt_v of_o the_o influence_n of_o command_n of_o superior_n when_o the_o desire_n be_v grant_v and_o the_o direction_n be_v follow_v by_o the_o inferior_a especial_o when_o the_o effect_n be_v contrary_a to_o the_o former_a custom_n and_o practice_n when_o they_o be_v free_a because_o the_o author_n have_v endeavour_v to_o darken_v as_o much_o as_o he_o can_v the_o prelimiting_a of_o the_o election_n in_o presbytery_n by_o the_o letter_n and_o act_n of_o the_o commission_n by_o his_o distinction_n of_o active_a and_o passive_a pre-limitation_n therefore_o upon_o supposal_n that_o the_o letter_n and_o act_n of_o the_o commission_n do_v contain_v a_o pre-limitation_n of_o the_o election_n which_o shall_v be_v afterward_o clear_v i_o reason_v thus_o for_o prove_v that_o presbytery_n be_v passive_o prelimited_n in_o their_o election_n by_o that_o letter_n and_o act_n who_o so_o in_o their_o election_n accept_v of_o and_o yield_v obedience_n unto_o a_o letter_n and_o act_n contain_v a_o pre-limitation_n of_o their_o election_n be_v passive_o prelimited_n in_o their_o election_n but_o the_o presbytery_n do_v accept_v of_o and_o yield_v obedience_n to_o such_o a_o letter_n and_o act_n ergo_fw-la etc._n etc._n the_o first_o proposition_n be_v a_o clear_a truth_n and_o agreeable_a to_o the_o author_n own_o word_n when_o he_o be_v explain_v passive_a pre-limitation_n active_a solicitation_n of_o judge_n and_o member_n of_o a_o judicatory_a say_v he_o prove_v not_o a_o judicatory_a corrupt_a unless_o it_o can_v be_v evidence_v that_o they_o have_v accept_v and_o yield_v unto_o the_o solicitation_n the_o second_o proposition_n to_o wit_n that_o the_o presbytery_n do_v accept_v of_o and_o yield_v obedience_n unto_o that_o letter_n and_o act_n because_o it_o be_v not_o only_o receive_v and_o read_v in_o the_o most_o part_n of_o presbytery_n before_o their_o election_n without_o any_o testimony_n give_v against_o it_o but_o also_o appoint_v to_o be_v put_v upon_o record_n in_o their_o book_n in_o testimony_n of_o their_o approve_v thereof_o and_o as_o the_o ground_n and_o order_n of_o their_o proceed_n in_o the_o thing_n contain_v therein_o and_o obedience_n be_v give_v thereto_o in_o most_o place_n by_o forbear_v to_o choose_v any_o such_o as_o appear_v by_o the_o roll_n of_o the_o commissioner_n in_o same_o place_n ranverse_v former_a election_n and_o appoint_v new_a one_o to_o be_v make_v up_o on_o that_o ground_n as_o appear_v in_o the_o election_n of_o the_o presbytery_n of_o dunkell_n in_o some_o place_n oppose_v the_o choose_n of_o such_o as_o be_v opposite_a to_o the_o public_a resolution_n and_o dissent_v from_o and_o protest_v against_o their_o be_v choose_v as_o in_o the_o election_n of_o glasgow_n in_o such_o place_n intimate_v to_o such_o as_o be_v choose_v in_o their_o absence_n that_o they_o may_v not_o admit_v they_o unless_o they_o do_v declare_v themselves_o satisfy_v with_o the_o public_a resolution_n as_o in_o the_o presbytery_n of_o mearnes_n for_o verify_v of_o which_o i_o desire_v it_o to_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o that_o that_o presbytery_n have_v choose_v the_o lord_n arburthnet_n to_o be_v rule_v elder_a to_o the_o general_n assembly_n they_o do_v afterward_o write_v unto_o he_o a_o letter_n and_o send_v by_o some_o of_o their_o own_o number_n in_o which_o letter_n be_v contain_v these_o word_n we_o have_v send_v two_o of_o our_o number_n who_o will_v take_v your_o lordship_n declaration_n when_o you_o accept_v and_o give_v your_o oath_n to_o discharge_v your_o trust_n faithful_o whether_o your_o lordship_n be_v satisfy_v with_o the_o public_a resolution_n but_o if_o you_o have_v any_o hesitation_n and_o scrouple_n therein_o as_o we_o hope_v you_o have_v not_o we_o must_v make_v choice_n of_o another_o and_o in_o some_o place_n refuse_v upon_o that_o account_n to_o subscribe_v and_o approve_v the_o commission_n of_o these_o who_o be_v send_v from_o burghe_n as_o in_o the_o presbytery_n of_o kirkaldie_n who_o after_o the_o read_v the_o say_a act_n and_o letter_n of_o the_o commission_n do_v refuse_v to_o subscribe_v the_o commission_n give_v by_o the_o burgh_n of_o bruntiland_n to_o magnus_n aitoun_n because_o he_o compear_v not_o with_o the_o commission_n himself_o to_o declare_v his_o mind_n anent_o the_o public_a resolution_n these_o may_v be_v instance_n enough_o to_o prove_v their_o obedience_n if_o it_o be_v needful_a to_o take_v up_o time_n in_o so_o clear_a a_o business_n we_o can_v bring_v sundry_a more_o which_o we_o now_o delay_v because_o they_o may_v be_v subjoin_v to_o the_o end_n of_o this_o paper_n but_o to_o say_v no_o more_o of_o this_o purpose_n the_o synod_n and_o presbytery_n cite_v of_o such_o to_o the_o general_n assembly_n as_o do_v oppose_v the_o public_a resolution_n by_o the_o order_n of_o the_o letter_n and_o act_n which_o order_n for_o citation_n do_v by_o necessary_a consequence_n incapacitate_v they_o to_o be_v commissioner_n be_v a_o undeniable_a testimony_n that_o they_o accept_v of_o and_o yield_v obedience_n thereunto_o vindication_n but_o let_v we_o prove_v it_o further_o in_o the_o discovery_n of_o the_o nullity_n of_o the_o first_o reason_n and_o for_o that_o purpose_n consider_v the_o other_o particular_a thereof_o which_o concern_v the_o commission_n act_n and_o letter_n as_o to_o the_o matter_n in_o general_n the_o protester_n themselves_o nor_o any_o other_o judicious_a or_o sound_a christian_a will_v say_v and_o think_v that_o the_o election_n of_o commissioner_n in_o presbytery_n ought_v to_o be_v of_o such_o a_o lax_n liberty_n as_o be_v bound_v with_o no_o limitation_n at_o all_o this_o be_v the_o loose_a way_n plead_v for_o by_o the_o arminian_o at_o the_o synod_n of_o dort_n and_o which_o will_v tend_v to_o the_o subversion_n of_o true_a religion_n certain_a it_o be_v that_o presbytery_n be_v so_o far_o limit_v in_o this_o that_o they_o
1616._o and_o be_v it_o not_o equivalent_a to_o this_o if_o by_o reason_n of_o external_a force_n presbytery_n after_o advertisement_n give_v unto_o they_o can_v meet_v and_o choo_n their_o commissioner_n or_o if_o those_o who_o be_v choose_v can_v come_v because_o of_o force_n keep_v they_o back_o what_o be_v the_o cause_n why_o undue_a advertisement_n of_o many_o presbytery_n and_o buâ—ges_n make_v a_o nul_fw-fr assembly_n be_v it_o not_o because_o many_o of_o these_o who_o be_v in_o a_o capacity_n to_o send_v commissioner_n be_v by_o a_o invincible_a impediment_n keep_v back_o from_o do_v of_o it_o and_o have_v not_o this_o also_o place_n in_o the_o other_o case_n if_o presbytery_n neglect_v to_o choose_v commissioner_n or_o if_o they_o be_v choose_v shall_v neglect_v to_o come_v that_o alter_v the_o case_n and_o put_v the_o fault_n whole_o upon_o they_o who_o neglect_v their_o duty_n but_o if_o they_o be_v keep_v back_o by_o violence_n from_o without_o â—t_a be_v equal_a to_o their_o not_o be_v advertise_v at_o all_o or_o their_o not_o be_v timous_o advertise_v or_o if_o they_o can_v choose_v or_o be_v choose_v can_v come_v to_o what_o purpose_n be_v the_o advertisement_n or_o how_o can_v it_o put_v they_o in_o a_o worse_a case_n than_o if_o they_o have_v not_o be_v advertise_v or_o not_o timous_o advertise_v though_o the_o presbytery_n of_o orknay_n and_o caithness_n be_v deduce_v and_o other_o too_o which_o be_v want_v and_o have_v no_o commissioner_n to_o send_v yet_o if_o the_o author_n shall_v be_v please_v to_o consult_v the_o roll_n of_o the_o assembly_n it_o haply_o may_v be_v still_o find_v that_o nine_o or_o ten_o presbytery_n be_v absent_a and_o thirty_o burrough_n if_o not_o above_o for_o these_o of_o hamelton_n who_o come_v afterward_o to_o the_o place_n where_o the_o assembly_n be_v sit_v and_o will_v not_o come_v forward_o as_o they_o come_v thither_o with_o hazard_n and_o difficulty_n so_o do_v they_o not_o think_v it_o a_o duty_n to_o come_v forward_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o nullity_n of_o the_o assembly_n which_o make_v they_o send_v their_o testimony_n against_o it_o it_o be_v true_a that_o commissioner_n come_v to_o the_o assembly_n betwixt_o who_o and_o the_o place_n of_o the_o assembly_n the_o army_n be_v interjacent_a and_o from_o several_a part_n besouth_o forth_o but_o it_o be_v as_o true_a that_o some_o come_n from_o these_o place_n be_v take_v prisoner_n and_o that_o other_o offer_v not_o to_o come_v from_o home_n as_o be_v hopeless_a to_o pass_v through_o the_o danger_n bring_v so_o apparent_a and_o real_a which_o it_o seem_v the_o author_n have_v be_v somewhat_o convince_v of_o when_o he_o speak_v so_o mince_o as_o to_o say_v that_o it_o may_v have_v seem_v to_o have_v proceed_v of_o negligence_n rather_o than_o of_o any_o necessity_n he_o tell_v we_o that_o commissioner_n come_v not_o from_o burghe_n and_o yet_o minister_n come_v from_o the_o same_o burgh_n but_o that_o prove_v not_o that_o there_o be_v free_a access_n to_o the_o commissioner_n of_o burgh_n who_o stay_v away_o to_o say_v nothing_o that_o there_o be_v few_o burgh_n who_o commissioner_n be_v absent_a who_o minister_n be_v commissioner_n and_o come_v to_o the_o assembly_n i_o know_v not_o any_o assembly_n so_o impede_v and_o endanger_v in_o ja._n graham_n time_n there_o be_v no_o assembly_n that_o sit_v from_o the_o time_n of_o his_o invade_v the_o land_n by_o the_o irishes_n till_o the_o time_n of_o his_o defeat_n except_o one_o and_o that_o sit_v in_o jan._n at_o which_o time_n he_o be_v not_o reign_v or_o rage_v through_o much_o of_o the_o country_n but_o be_v force_v to_o keep_v himself_o in_o the_o highland_n and_o in_o the_o place_n of_o the_o country_n less_o inhabit_v whence_o few_o commissioner_n be_v come_v if_o the_o author_n prove_v it_o by_o bring_v forth_o the_o roll_n ot_fw-mi both_o assembly_n that_o as_o many_o be_v absent_a from_o that_o assembly_n if_o not_o more_o than_o it_o shall_v appear_v that_o he_o have_v just_a cause_n so_o to_o assert_v but_o until_o that_o time_n he_o will_v give_v we_o leave_v to_o suspend_v our_o assent_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o he_o will_v still_o have_v the_o protester_n to_o be_v unfriend_n to_o former_a assembly_n and_o to_o be_v teacher_n of_o malignant_n how_o to_o cast_v they_o as_o diminish_n upon_o ground_n of_o conscience_n but_o the_o protester_n do_v disclaim_v they_o for_o scholar_n and_o so_o do_v they_o the_o protester_n for_o master_n or_o teacher_n and_o as_o there_o be_v nothing_o teach_v by_o the_o protester_n that_o can_v give_v they_o any_o just_a ground_n upon_o which_o to_o quarrel_v or_o cast_v the_o censure_n of_o that_o assembly_n so_o be_v it_o superfluous_a for_o they_o now_o to_o be_v at_o the_o pain_n to_o learn_v it_o see_v the_o author_n and_o abettor_n of_o the_o public_a resolution_n have_v ease_v they_o of_o the_o pain_n of_o this_o censure_n already_o albeit_o the_o roll_n of_o this_o assembly_n be_v more_o numerous_a than_o the_o roll_n of_o some_o unquestionable_a assembly_n that_o will_v not_o much_o help_v he_o because_o absent_v from_o this_o assembly_n in_o many_o be_v not_o voluntary_a but_o by_o want_n of_o free_a access_n but_o so_o do_v it_o not_o appear_v to_o have_v be_v in_o other_o assembly_n and_o whatever_o the_o author_n talk_v of_o the_o roll_n of_o this_o assembly_n yet_o i_o believe_v before_o they_o come_v to_o the_o ratify_n of_o the_o public_a resolution_n which_o be_v their_o great_a business_n they_o be_v but_o a_o thin_a meeting_n many_o of_o their_o number_n have_v leave_v they_o some_o out_o of_o discontent_n and_o dissatisfaction_n with_o their_o proceed_n and_o other_o fear_v to_o be_v surprise_v by_o party_n of_o the_o english_a as_o to_o the_o assembly_n at_o aberdeen_n in_o which_o there_o be_v but_o twenty_o person_n present_a which_o notwithstanding_o be_v own_v by_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n as_o a_o free_a and_o lawful_a general_n assembly_n it_o be_v so_o own_a as_o that_o these_o who_o meet_v be_v lawful_o commissionated_a from_o their_o presbytery_n and_o have_v meet_v at_o the_o time_n and_o place_n appoint_v for_o hold_v the_o assembly_n be_v account_v sufficient_a to_o adjourn_v the_o assembly_n and_o to_o preserve_v and_o vindicate_v the_o liberty_n of_o the_o church_n against_o the_o encroachment_n that_o then_o be_v make_v upon_o they_o by_o the_o king_n and_o his_o commissioner_n so_o i_o believe_v the_o author_n will_v not_o say_v that_o these_o twenty_o can_v have_v proceed_v to_o make_v act_n of_o general_n concernment_n to_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o scotland_n or_o that_o if_o they_o have_v so_o do_v these_o act_n will_v have_v be_v authoritative_a &_o bind_a what_o the_o writer_n speak_v of_o want_n of_o freedom_n in_o regard_n of_o recess_n be_v not_o upon_o any_o emergent_a after_o the_o down-sitting_a or_o close_a of_o the_o assembly_n but_o upon_o cause_n know_v at_o the_o time_n when_o 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may_v not_o have_v confine_v these_o man_n without_o any_o imputation_n to_o the_o freedom_n of_o the_o assembly_n until_o he_o have_v be_v inform_v upon_o what_o ground_n they_o come_v away_o so_o untimeous_o it_o seem_v that_o as_o the_o case_n be_v circumstantiat_fw-la it_o can_v not_o well_o be_v do_v without_o a_o imputation_n of_o the_o freedom_n of_o the_o assembly_n may_v the_o king_n and_o committee_n confine_v every_o one_o who_o come_v away_o untimeous_o until_o they_o be_v inform_v upon_o what_o ground_n they_o come_v away_o illud_fw-la possumus_fw-la quod_fw-la jure_fw-la possumus_fw-la but_o where_o be_v there_o such_o law_n for_o censure_v these_o by_o confinement_n that_o come_v away_o untimeous_o from_o the_o assembly_n but_o it_o seem_v they_o be_v inform_v of_o the_o cause_n of_o their_o come_n away_o otherwise_o his_o instance_n of_o the_o commissioner_n
of_o the_o assembly_n without_o satisfaction_n in_o which_o they_o can_v not_o acknowledge_v the_o assembly_n and_o the_o reason_n why_o they_o do_v sit_v and_o vote_n till_o the_o day_n of_o inerkeithing_n be_v that_o which_o i_o have_v tell_v already_o because_o they_o be_v loath_a to_o use_v the_o last_o remedy_n till_o there_o be_v no_o hope_n that_o any_o other_o can_v be_v effectual_a to_o bring_v thing_n to_o any_o tolerable_a condition_n the_o author_n can_v but_o remember_v that_o there_o be_v conference_n both_o upon_o the_o thursday_n and_o upon_o the_o friday_n betwixt_o some_o of_o the_o commissioner_n and_o some_o of_o the_o protester_n in_o order_n to_o a_o good_a understanding_n and_o some_o right_a way_n of_o compose_v difference_n and_o prevent_v of_o further_a division_n and_o of_o a_o wide_a breach_n and_o how_o much_o and_o how_o earnest_o some_o do_v with_o tear_n press_v the_o commissioner_n that_o they_o will_v be_v instrumental_a to_o get_v the_o assembly_n adjourn_v and_o how_o peremptory_o they_o do_v refuse_v so_o much_o as_o once_o to_o speak_v in_o it_o their_o salvo_fw-la in_o the_o assembly_n be_v also_o salvo_fw-la enough_o for_o they_o to_o be_v in_o committee_n and_o for_o their_o vote_v in_o the_o adjournment_n i_o have_v tell_v upon_o what_o ground_n they_o do_v it_o it_o do_v but_o at_o the_o utmost_a say_v that_o they_o do_v strain_v themselves_o to_o the_o utmost_a and_o further_o than_o otherwise_o can_v have_v be_v convenient_a until_o necessity_n force_v they_o to_o use_v the_o last_o remedy_n of_o protest_v from_o all_o which_o it_o may_v appear_v notwithstanding_o of_o any_o thing_n say_v by_o the_o author_n to_o the_o contrary_a that_o it_o be_v the_o conscience_n of_o the_o weight_n of_o the_o ground_n whereupon_o it_o be_v build_v and_o not_o that_o which_o allege_v by_o the_o author_n that_o move_v these_o man_n to_o protest_v against_o the_o assembly_n the_o author_n be_v a_o very_a bold_a and_o uncharitable_a censurer_n of_o the_o protester_n not_o only_o as_o to_o the_o matter_n of_o their_o action_n but_o as_o to_o the_o motive_n and_o inducement_n of_o their_o act_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o his_o vindication_n he_o have_v hold_v forth_o some_o of_o they_o as_o act_v upon_o biased_a and_o self-interst_a and_o as_o belie_v all_o their_o great_a profession_n of_o respect_n to_o the_o government_n of_o this_o kirk_n by_o their_o action_n now_o in_o the_o close_a of_o it_o he_o hold_v forth_o all_o of_o they_o as_o man_n void_a of_o conscience_n in_o this_o particular_a and_o act_v upon_o other_o ground_n notwithstanding_o of_o their_o pretend_v to_o conscience_n i_o think_v that_o whatever_o have_v be_v his_o opinion_n of_o some_o of_o they_o yet_o that_o he_o have_v have_v a_o better_a and_o more_o honourable_a estimation_n of_o other_o of_o they_o vindication_n i_o shall_v in_o the_o next_o place_n speak_v a_o word_n to_o one_o or_o two_o passage_n contain_v in_o the_o general_a objection_n because_o in_o the_o one_o the_o writer_n pretend_v to_o hold_v forth_o a_o new_a argument_n against_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o the_o assembly_n in_o the_o other_o through_o the_o side_n of_o it_o he_o strike_v at_o the_o assembly_n of_o glasgow_n 38._o itself_o the_o former_a in_o the_o answer_n to_o the_o second_o objection_n be_v this_o albeit_o there_o be_v nothing_o relate_v to_o the_o point_n of_o form_n viz._n to_o the_o constitution_n and_o manner_n of_o proceder_n of_o the_o assembly_n yet_o some_o conceive_v and_o with_o much_o appearance_n of_o reason_n that_o a_o assembly_n proceed_v wrong_a upon_o matter_n be_v null_a because_o kirk_n judicatories_n have_v no_o power_n to_o destruction_n but_o all_o their_o power_n be_v to_o edification_n and_o all_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 presbytery_n which_o commission_n limit_v they_o to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o covenant_n and_o act_n of_o former_a assembly_n 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that_o which_o indeed_o here_o make_v nothing_o for_o justify_v the_o deed_n of_o the_o protester_n who_o protest_v against_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o the_o assembly_n when_o as_o it_o have_v not_o come_v to_o any_o of_o these_o proceed_n which_o the_o writer_n allege_v to_o be_v wrong_a in_o the_o matter_n this_o sure_a i_o be_o can_v be_v justifiable_a but_o second_o if_o the_o writer_n by_o these_o some_o who_o conceive_v as_o he_o say_v mean_v any_o some_o orthodox_n writer_n it_o have_v be_v fit_a he_o have_v name_v they_o and_o cite_v their_o word_n and_o write_n wherein_o they_o express_v that_o conception_n that_o we_o may_v have_v have_v consideration_n of_o they_o if_o he_o mean_v some_o of_o themselves_o their_o authority_n can_v have_v weight_n in_o this_o matter_n be_v but_o a_o party_n without_o authority_n speak_v in_o their_o own_o cause_n and_o for_o their_o own_o advantage_n but_o for_o the_o thing_n itself_o which_o be_v assert_v here_o that_o a_o assembly_n against_o 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of_o the_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n to_o compare_v the_o constitution_n with_o the_o rule_n and_o be_v not_o oblige_v to_o receive_v they_o if_o they_o be_v contrary_a to_o or_o dissentient_a from_o the_o rule_n but_o to_o say_v that_o notwithstanding_o it_o be_v constitute_v so_o as_o nothing_o be_v want_v or_o amiss_o as_o to_o the_o point_n of_o form_n requisite_a in_o such_o a_o judicatory_a yet_o if_o it_o make_v wrong_a constitution_n upon_o the_o matter_n that_o it_o be_v to_o be_v hold_v no_o asembly_n at_o all_o that_o be_v to_o open_v a_o gape_v to_o confusion_n infer_v that_o absurd_a consequence_n that_o that_o assembly_n be_v not_o complete_o constitute_v in_o the_o be_v of_o a_o assembly_n until_o all_o the_o act_n of_o it_o be_v conclude_v and_o end_v and_o that_o until_o it_o be_v conclude_v no_o man_n can_v acknowledge_v nor_o submit_v to_o it_o but_o with_o a_o reserve_n and_o if_o it_o shall_v be_v so_o i_o see_v not_o how_o it_o can_v be_v avoid_v by_o the_o 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notice_n of_o that_o which_o he_o say_v that_o suppose_v as_o the_o writer_n do_v that_o nothing_o be_v wrong_v in_o the_o point_n of_o form_n that_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o matter_n that_o will_v justify_v the_o deed_n of_o the_o protester_n because_o they_o protest_v against_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o the_o assembly_n when_o as_o it_o have_v not_o come_v to_o any_o of_o these_o proceed_n which_o the_o writer_n allege_v to_o be_v wrong_a on_o the_o matter_n in_o this_o the_o author_n be_v mistake_v because_o the_o reject_v of_o relevant_a exception_n propon_v against_o sundry_a of_o the_o commissioner_n both_o before_o and_o after_o the_o choose_v of_o the_o moderator_n be_v wrong_v on_o the_o matter_n be_v prejudicial_a to_o the_o right_a constitution_n of_o the_o assembly_n and_o a_o preparative_n to_o the_o justify_n of_o the_o commissioner_n proceed_n three_o i_o will_v have_v he_o to_o know_v that_o the_o writer_n by_o these_o some_o who_o he_o speak_v of_o do_v not_o mean_v any_o of_o the_o protester_n themselves_o though_o the_o authority_n of_o some_o of_o they_o be_v of_o as_o great_a weight_n in_o the_o protestant_a church_n as_o any_o of_o the_o divine_n of_o this_o age_n and_o be_v prior_n to_o the_o protestation_n need_v not_o nor_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o the_o testimony_n of_o a_o party_n but_o he_o mean_v some_o orthodox_n writer_n and_o these_o of_o chief_a not_o in_o the_o protestant_a church_n who_o as_o i_o conceive_v he_o think_v he_o need_v not_o to_o name_v as_o have_v no_o great_a purpose_n to_o insist_v much_o upon_o the_o business_n but_o for_o the_o author_n satisfaction_n and_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o other_o i_o shall_v name_v some_o first_o calvin_n write_v upon_o the_o 23._o of_o the_o act_n have_v these_o word_n nascitur_fw-la quaestio_fw-la si_fw-la honore_fw-la non_fw-la est_fw-la privandus_fw-la qui_fw-la malè_fw-la officio_fw-la fungitur_fw-la peccavit_fw-la paulus_n pontificem_fw-la honore_fw-la spolians_fw-la responsio_fw-la inter_fw-la magistratus_fw-la civiles_fw-la &_o ecclesiae_fw-la praesules_fw-la aliquid_fw-la est_fw-la discriminis_fw-la quamvis_fw-la enim_fw-la civilis_fw-la imperii_fw-la confusa_fw-la sit_fw-la perversaque_fw-la administratio_fw-la dominus_fw-la tamen_fw-la vult_fw-la subjectionem_fw-la saluam_fw-la munere_fw-la sed_fw-la ubi_fw-la spiritual_fw-la regimen_fw-la degenerate_a solvuntur_fw-la piorum_fw-la conscientiae_fw-la ne_fw-la injustae_fw-la dominationi_fw-la pareant_fw-la praesertim_fw-la si_fw-la impii_fw-la sacerdotii_fw-la titulum_fw-la falso_fw-la ad_fw-la evertendam_fw-la salutis_fw-la doctrinam_fw-la praetexant_fw-la sibique_fw-la dominationem_fw-la arrogant_a qua_fw-la ipse_fw-la deus_fw-la in_o ordinem_fw-la cogitur_fw-la and_o paraeus_n upon_o the_o same_o place_n move_v the_o same_o question_n and_o give_v answer_n to_o it_o in_o these_o word_n non_fw-la sequitur_fw-la à _fw-la magistratu_fw-la politico_fw-la ad_fw-la 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those_o divine_n in_o these_o place_n it_o be_v enough_o that_o i_o give_v he_o their_o testimony_n speak_v as_o much_o clear_o as_o the_o writer_n say_v they_o do_v 4._o i_o doubt_v if_o for_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v say_v by_o the_o author_n this_o exception_n will_v be_v find_v so_o dangerous_a and_o 〈…〉_o first_o he_o think_v that_o it_o be_v to_o open_v a_o wide_a gap_n to_o confusion_n infer_v that_o absurd_a consequence_n that_o that_o assembly_n be_v not_o complete_o constitute_v in_o the_o be_v of_o a_o assembly_n till_o all_o the_o act_n of_o it_o be_v conclude_v and_o end_v and_o that_o till_o it_o be_v conclude_v no_o man_n can_v acknowledge_v nor_o submit_v to_o it_o but_o with_o a_o reserve_n the_o reason_n of_o this_o consequence_n must_v be_v because_o haply_o in_o the_o close_a they_o may_v make_v a_o act_n wrong_v upon_o the_o matter_n which_o one_o act_n nullify_v the_o assembly_n though_o they_o have_v do_v all_o other_o thing_n well_o but_o so_o say_v not_o the_o writer_n neither_o can_v any_o such_o thing_n rational_o be_v gather_v from_o his_o word_n the_o most_o that_o he_o insinuate_v iâ—_n that_o a_o assembly_n proceed_v whole_o wrong_a upon_o the_o matter_n or_o in_o the_o most_o substantial_a and_o material_a thing_n or_o in_o the_o rule_n of_o its_o constitution_n of_o great_a concernment_n or_o as_o that_o so_o far_o as_o a_o assembly_n proceed_v wrong_a upon_o the_o matter_n it_o be_v so_o far_o without_o authority_n as_o appear_v from_o his_o own_o word_n in_o the_o inference_n which_o he_o make_v from_o the_o power_n which_o the_o commissioner_n have_v commit_v unto_o they_o by_o their_o presbytery_n and_o from_o the_o conclusion_n that_o he_o make_v in_o order_n to_o the_o assembly_n now_o in_o question_n to_o wit_n that_o they_o have_v in_o most_o of_o all_o and_o the_o most_o material_a of_o their_o proceed_n proceed_v contrary_a to_o the_o trust_v commit_v unto_o they_o by_o presbytery_n it_o furnish_v another_o considerable_a reason_n for_o decline_v of_o they_o second_o he_o think_v that_o it_o will_v also_o infer_v the_o nullity_n of_o presbytery_n and_o make_v minister_n no_o minister_n if_o they_o shall_v proceed_v wrong_a upon_o the_o matter_n which_o no_o man_n will_v not_o see_v to_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o practice_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n in_o relation_n to_o the_o priest_n and_o church-judicatories_a among_o the_o jew_n whilst_o they_o be_v a_o church_n but_o to_o say_v nothing_o of_o the_o difference_n between_o minister_n parliament_n and_o assembly_n the_o one_o be_v ordinary_a and_o fix_v the_o other_o not_o so_o the_o most_o that_o it_o will_v infer_v will_v be_v this_o that_o in_o so_o far_o as_o they_o proceed_v wrong_v or_o that_o if_o in_o the_o most_o substantial_a and_o material_a part_n of_o their_o duty_n they_o proceed_v wrong_v upon_o the_o matter_n their_o authority_n be_v not_o to_o be_v acknowledge_v and_o this_o seem_v not_o a_o very_a dangerous_a consequence_n three_o he_o think_v this_o contrary_a to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o assembly_n of_o glasgow_n concern_v which_o he_o think_v it_o remarkable_a that_o in_o declare_v the_o nullity_n of_o some_o precede_a assembly_n they_o do_v never_o take_v a_o argument_n from_o the_o matter_n to_o prove_v the_o nullity_n of_o they_o whilst_o yet_o say_v he_o there_o be_v very_o fair_a occasion_n to_o have_v do_v it_o if_o that_o the_o assembly_n have_v be_v in_o the_o writer_n mind_n the_o writer_n have_v not_o yet_o positive_o declare_v his_o mind_n in_o this_o matter_n but_o the_o author_n upon_o second_o thought_n will_v find_v his_o remark_n concern_v the_o assembly_n of_o glasgow_n not_o well_o ground_v because_o that_o assembly_n in_o prove_v the_o nullity_n of_o some_o precede_a assembly_n do_v reason_n not_o only_o from_o the_o form_n but_o also_o from_o the_o matter_n or_o ground_n of_o their_o proceed_n in_o their_o act_n as_o appear_v in_o the_o last_o reason_n bring_v for_o nullify_a the_o assembly_n at_o pearth_n which_o be_v this_o that_o the_o ground_n of_o their_o proceed_n be_v not_o the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o confession_n of_o faith_n and_o act_n of_o former_a general_n assembly_n but_o the_o king_n commandment_n only_o for_o the_o question_n be_v thus_o state_v whether_o the_o five_o article_n in_o respect_n of_o his_o majesty_n commandment_n shall_v pass_v in_o act_n or_o not_o as_o the_o record_n of_o that_o pretend_a assembly_n bear_v where_o it_o be_v declare_v that_o for_o the_o reverence_n and_o respect_n which_o they_o bear_v to_o his_o majesty_n royal_a command_n they_o do_v agree_v to_o the_o foresay_a article_n and_o that_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n have_v respect_n to_o the_o matter_n as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o form_n in_o annul_v these_o assembly_n be_v manifest_a from_o that_o notable_a act_n at_o edinburgh_n in_o the_o year_n 1639._o concern_v the_o cause_n and_o remedy_n of_o the_o by-gone_a evil_n of_o this_o kirk_n in_o which_o the_o five_o cause_n be_v declare_v to_o be_v the_o keep_n and_o authorise_v corrupt_a assembly_n at_o lithgow_n 1606_o and_o 16â—8_n at_o glasgow_n 1610_o at_o aberdeen_n 1616_o at_o st._n andrews_n 2617_o at_o pearth_n 1618._o which_o assembly_n be_v declare_v