general_a argument_n from_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o self-preservation_n etc._n etc._n which_o show_v that_o he_o have_v nothing_o to_o answer_v in_o particular_a to_o the_o argument_n bring_v against_o they_o many_o act_n and_o declaration_n of_o this_o kirk_n have_v be_v make_v use_n of_o in_o former_a paper_n against_o the_o public_a resolution_n but_o never_o any_o one_o act_n or_o declaration_n can_v be_v produce_v for_o they_o all_o their_o argument_n from_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n have_v be_v answer_v former_o by_o the_o protester_n and_o it_o have_v be_v show_v that_o it_o be_v against_o nature_n light_n to_o associate_v with_o actual_a enemy_n and_o bloody_a rebel_n they_o have_v but_o a_o poor_a plea_n to_o plead_v before_o conscience_n bar_v to_o say_v that_o nature_n teach_v they_o to_o pronounce_v absoluution_n to_o all_o the_o malignant_a party_n and_o to_o declare_v they_o friend_n to_o the_o lord_n his_o work_n and_o people_n without_o evidence_n of_o repentance_n to_o the_o end_n they_o may_v be_v strengthen_v by_o their_o help_n and_o assistance_n for_o defence_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o country_n it_o be_v a_o sad_a matter_n that_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n who_o shall_v magnify_v the_o law_n and_o make_v it_o honourable_a shall_v make_v it_o a_o hand_n maid_n to_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n whereby_o it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v the_o lord_n may_v be_v provoke_v to_o remove_v scripture_n light_n from_o his_o seer_n and_o to_o let_v they_o walk_v in_o the_o light_n of_o their_o own_o fire_n and_o in_o the_o spark_n which_o they_o have_v kindle_v i_o do_v not_o easy_o believe_v that_o he_o who_o delight_v so_o much_o in_o reflection_n and_o aspersion_n against_o these_o who_o he_o dislike_v will_v pass_v any_o bypass_a act_n of_o the_o protester_n as_o he_o say_v if_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n he_o can_v with_o any_o show_n of_o reason_n quarrel_n yet_o he_o conclude_v the_o protestation_n be_v needless_a and_o the_o ground_n of_o it_o frivolous_a and_o he_o will_v fetch_v a_o proof_n hereof_o from_o themselves_o because_o they_o say_v they_o do_v protest_v for_o all_o or_o some_o of_o the_o reason_n follow_v which_o say_v he_o do_v insinuate_v that_o some_o of_o they_o will_v not_o hold_v water_n but_o he_o witting_o omit_v in_o the_o same_o place_n that_o they_o do_v also_o protest_v upon_o the_o ground_n before_o mention_v wherein_o they_o all_o do_v agree_v and_o these_o alone_o have_v be_v sufficient_a to_o infer_v the_o conclusion_n the_o true_a reason_n of_o that_o expression_n for_o all_o or_o some_o of_o the_o reason_n follow_v be_v this_o there_o be_v among_o the_o protester_n against_o the_o late_a corrupt_a assembly_n at_o edinburgh_n diverse_a who_o be_v full_o persuade_v concern_v the_o sinfulness_n of_o the_o public_a resolution_n and_o account_v the_o assembly_n at_o dundee_n corrupt_v for_o the_o matter_n yet_o have_v some_o doubt_n anent_o the_o form_n but_o perceive_v this_o year_n a_o corrupt_a constitution_n continue_v according_a to_o that_o corrupt_a act_n and_o rule_v of_o constitution_n of_o assembly_n make_v at_o dundee_n they_o be_v clear_a that_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n to_o protest_v against_o this_o assembly_n at_o edinburgh_n as_o corrupt_v in_o the_o form_n and_o constitution_n but_o the_o most_o part_n by_o far_o be_v clear_a that_o it_o be_v a_o duty_n to_o protest_v against_o the_o constitution_n of_o that_o assembly_n at_o st._n andrews_n and_o dundee_n yet_o do_v not_o judge_v it_o expedient_a to_o make_v two_o several_a protestation_n because_o of_o this_o difference_n when_o they_o agree_v in_o the_o main_a therefore_o that_o all_o may_v join_v in_o one_o protestation_n that_o manner_n of_o expression_n be_v use_v and_o what_o have_v this_o reviewer_n to_o insult_v in_o against_o the_o protester_n when_o all_o the_o matter_n be_v that_o the_o number_n of_o the_o protester_n against_o the_o late_a assembly_n at_o edinburgh_n be_v increase_v above_o the_o number_n of_o protester_n against_o their_o assembly_n at_o st._n andrews_n protestation_n reviewed_n their_o first_o reason_n be_v that_o this_o meeting_n have_v its_o dependence_n power_n and_o authority_n for_o its_o indiction_n from_o that_o of_o st._n andrews_n and_o dundee_n be_v not_o that_o to_o beg_v the_o question_n and_o beside_o have_v no_o weight_n neither_o in_o respect_n of_o we_o who_o hold_v and_o have_v determine_v it_o a_o free_a lawful_a general_n assembly_n as_o indeed_o it_o be_v and_o do_v appear_v from_o the_o vindication_n thereof_o a_o nervous_a piece_n not_o yet_o answer_v nor_o easy_o answerable_a nor_o in_o respect_n of_o themselves_o and_o their_o principle_n who_o in_o their_o argument_n against_o that_o assembly_n do_v determine_v that_o presbytery_n may_v by_o mutual_a consent_n meet_v in_o a_o free_a lawful_a general_n assembly_n now_o the_o commission_n direct_v to_o this_o do_v presuppose_v and_o import_v the_o mutual_a consent_n of_o presbytery_n protestation_n defend_v it_o be_v not_o a_o beg_a the_o question_n because_o the_o reason_n give_v in_o the_o protestation_n against_o the_o assembly_n at_o st._n andrews_n be_v clear_v and_o confirm_v and_o that_o vindication_n which_o he_o extoll_v as_o a_o nervous_a unanswerable_a piece_n be_v full_o and_o convince_o answer_v and_o refute_v in_o the_o review_n of_o that_o vindication_n and_o the_o nullity_n of_o that_o assembly_n therein_o demonstrate_v and_o however_o the_o writer_n of_o this_o paper_n be_v please_v to_o commend_v the_o vindication_n of_o that_o assembly_n yet_o the_o weak_a ground_n hold_v forth_o therein_o by_o a_o man_n of_o such_o ability_n have_v confirm_v some_o concern_v the_o unlawfulnesse_n of_o that_o assembly_n the_o strength_n of_o the_o first_o reason_n give_v in_o the_o protestation_n lie_v in_o this_o that_o the_o assembly_n which_o meet_v at_o st._n andrews_n and_o adjourn_v to_o dundee_n be_v unfree_a unlawful_a and_o corrupt_a and_o have_v neither_o power_n nor_o authority_n to_o make_v act_n obligatory_a of_o this_o kirk_n much_o â—oâ—â—e_n to_o censure_v any_o member_n thereof_o or_o to_o make_v rule_n for_o election_n of_o commissioner_n to_o ensue_a general_n assembly_n nor_o to_o convern_v they_o according_a to_o these_o rule_n as_o they_o pretend_v in_o their_o act_n and_o the_o act_n of_o their_o commission_n the_o follow_a assembly_n at_o edinburgh_n convene_v by_o that_o pretend_a authority_n can_v be_v in_o no_o better_a capacity_n than_o the_o pretend_a assembly_n which_o do_v so_o conveen_v it_o see_v they_o can_v not_o communicate_v that_o to_o another_o that_o which_o they_o have_v not_o in_o themselves_o and_o albeâ—â—_n he_o think_v that_o this_o suit_v not_o with_o their_o new_a principle_n yet_o it_o suit_v well_o with_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o protester_n and_o sound_a reason_n and_o it_o make_v nothing_o against_o this_o that_o protester_n hold_v that_o presbytery_n may_v by_o a_o intrensecall_a power_n meet_v in_o a_o free_a lawful_a general_n assembly_n without_o such_o prelimitations_a and_o according_a to_o the_o rule_v let-down_a in_o uncontraverted_a assembly_n but_o it_o speak_v against_o they_o who_o reject_v such_o a_o overture_n make_v at_o the_o meeting_n 12._o may_v 1652._o and_o will_v have_v to_o assembly_n but_o such_o a_o one_o as_o do_v depend_v upon_o the_o authority_n and_o act_n of_o the_o assembly_n at_o dundee_n protestation_n reviewed_n their_o second_o reason_n be_v that_o it_o be_v constitute_v after_o the_o same_o manner_n and_o for_o the_o most_o part_n of_o the_o same_o member_n that_o the_o last_o assembly_n be_v to_o wit_n of_o person_n that_o have_v carry_v on_o a_o course_n of_o defection_n and_o in_o respect_n hereof_o be_v incapable_a of_o be_v commissioner_n which_o again_o beg_v the_o question_n and_o beside_o that_o it_o be_v answer_v in_o the_o fore_n cite_v vindication_n include_v this_o falsehood_n that_o they_o be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n the_o same_o member_n constituent_v whereas_o the_o roll_n compare_v will_v clear_v that_o not_o the_o three_o man_n who_o be_v present_v the_o last_o year_n be_v member_n of_o this_o neither_o do_v this_o moderator_n precede_v in_o that_o challenge_v commission_n of_o the_o kirk_n nor_o be_v so_o much_o as_o present_v at_o it_o but_o especial_o this_o argument_n our_o remonstrator_n have_v borrow_v from_o the_o remonstrant_n of_o the_o netherlands_o their_o protestation_n against_o the_o council_n of_o dort_n at_o which_o meeting_n it_o be_v large_o and_o learned_o refute_v as_o may_v be_v see_v in_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o orthodox_n divine_v thereupon_o protestation_n defend_v he_o be_v still_o in_o the_o wrong_n to_o say_v the_o protester_n beg_v the_o question_n for_o what_o be_v assert_v in_o the_o protestation_n be_v before_o the_o make_n thereof_o clear_o prove_v in_o former_a paper_n he_o do_v often_o cast_v in_o the_o protester_n way_n that_o vindication_n but_o it_o seem_v
strengthen_v a_o faction_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o public_a judicatories_n ordain_v that_o presbytery_n shall_v require_v the_o same_o thing_n fore_o mention_v of_o every_o rule_v elder_a that_o come_v to_o sit_v and_o act_n in_o presbytery_n and_o in_o case_n of_o his_o refusal_n shall_v not_o admit_v he_o to_o act_v as_o a_o elder_a in_o the_o presbytery_n but_o require_v the_o kirk_n session_n from_o which_o he_o be_v send_v to_o make_v choice_n of_o and_o send_v another_o who_o for_o the_o peace_n of_o this_o church_n shall_v agree_v to_o perform_v the_o condition_n require_v these_o three_o act_n i_o have_v put_v together_o because_o they_o be_v much_o of_o the_o fame_n or_o like_a nature_n that_o be_v such_o as_o ordain_v censure_n upon_o these_o who_o do_v not_o acknowledge_v the_o authority_n of_o that_o assembly_n at_o dundee_n or_o who_o shall_v not_o acquiesce_v to_o the_o act_n and_o constitution_n thereof_o or_o who_o shall_v not_o pass_v from_o the_o protestation_n against_o these_o two_o pretend_a assembly_n at_o dundee_n and_o edinburgh_n and_o i_o offer_v unto_o the_o reader_n these_o animadversion_n upon_o they_o 1._o that_o in_o the_o first_o act_n at_o dundee_n the_o act_n of_o the_o assembly_n at_o glasgow_n 20._o decemb_v 1638._o sess_n 26._o be_v not_o faithful_o make_v use_n of_o but_o by_o leave_v out_o of_o some_o word_n be_v stretch_v beyond_o the_o sense_n and_o meaning_n thereof_o the_o word_n of_o that_o act_n decemb._n 20._o 1638_o be_v that_o all_o such_o as_o be_v scandalous_a and_o malicious_a and_o will_v not_o acknowledge_v nor_o acquiesce_v unto_o the_o act_n thereof_o be_v censure_v according_a to_o their_o malice_n and_o contempt_n but_o at_o dundee_n these_o word_n scandalous_a and_o malicious_a be_v leave_v out_o and_o the_o censure_n be_v extend_v to_o all_o person_n that_o do_v not_o acknowledge_v that_o assembly_n how_o blameless_a or_o holy_a soever_o they_o be_v in_o their_o carriage_n or_o how_o tender_a or_o sober_a soever_o they_o be_v in_o not_o acknowledge_v the_o same_o 2._o whereas_o the_o act_n of_o glasgow_n 1638._o decemb._n 18._o sess_n 24._o ordain_v presbytery_n to_o proceed_v with_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o kirk_n to_o excommunication_n against_o those_o minister_n only_o who_o be_v depose_v acquiesce_v not_o to_o their_o sentence_n but_o exercise_v some_o part_n of_o their_o ministerial_a function_n refuse_v themselves_o and_o withdraw_v other_o from_o the_o obedience_n of_o the_o act_n of_o the_o assembly_n by_o the_o act_n at_o dundee_n all_o person_n whatsoever_o who_o shall_v so_o do_v be_v make_v liable_a to_o excommunication_n that_o the_o sin_n and_o snare_n of_o these_o three_o act_n may_v be_v the_o better_o understand_v i_o desire_v a_o short_a view_n to_o be_v take_v 1._o of_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v thereby_o make_v censurable_a 2._o of_o the_o censure_n themselves_o 3._o of_o the_o person_n who_o fall_v under_o that_o censure_n the_o thing_n that_o be_v make_v censurable_a be_v the_o not_o acknowledge_v of_o that_o assembly_n or_o not_o acquiesce_v to_o the_o act_n and_o constitution_n thereof_o or_o refuse_v to_o pass_v from_o the_o protestation_n against_o the_o two_o late_a assembly_n etc._n etc._n thing_n that_o be_v in_o themselves_o not_o censurable_a but_o commendable_a not_o sin_n but_o duty_n as_o be_v sufficient_o demonstrate_v in_o other_o paper_n and_o treatise_n which_o be_v already_o publish_v because_o that_o assembly_n at_o dundee_n be_v no_o free_a nor_o lawful_a assembly_n the_o censure_n contain_v in_o these_o act_n be_v either_o in_o reference_n to_o place_n and_o trust_n in_o the_o church_n or_o in_o reference_n to_o church-fellowship_n and_o communion_n as_o church-member_n the_o censure_n of_o the_o first_o kind_n be_v either_o for_o keep_v from_o place_n and_o trust_n or_o for_o remove_v from_o the_o same_o the_o first_o be_v relative_a 1_o to_o expectant_n student_n of_o divinity_n attender_n upon_o family_n who_o by_o the_o second_o act_n at_o dundee_n and_o by_o their_o extend_v the_o act_n of_o the_o assembly_n 1640._o sess_n 10._o be_v declare_v uncapable_a of_o a_o pedagogie_n teach_v of_o a_o school_n catechise_n of_o a_o family_n preach_v or_o catechise_n in_o a_o congregation_n or_o of_o a_o bursary_n or_o of_o liberty_n to_o reside_v within_o a_o burgh_n university_n or_o college_n or_o of_o any_o other_o privilege_n and_o liberty_n allow_v to_o expectant_n and_o by_o the_o act_n at_o edinburgh_n it_o be_v provide_v that_o if_o any_o of_o they_o be_v call_v to_o a_o particular_a charge_n of_o the_o ministry_n that_o the_o presbytery_n shall_v not_o admit_v he_o to_o his_o trial_n unless_o he_o do_v under_o his_o hand_n pass_v from_o the_o protestation_n against_o these_o two_o assembly_n at_o dundee_n and_o at_o edinburgh_n and_o promise_n and_o give_v assurance_n never_o any_o more_o to_o open_v his_o mouth_n nor_o put_v pen_n to_o paper_n against_o the_o public_a resolation_n and_o the_o thing_n that_o have_v follow_v thereupon_o which_o they_o express_v by_o abstain_v from_o hold_v up_o debate_n and_o controversy_n about_o matter_n of_o difference_n in_o this_o kirk_n since_o the_o assembly_n 1650._o which_o if_o he_o do_v refuse_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o proceed_n in_o his_o trial_n till_o the_o next_o general_n assembly_n and_o that_o in_o the_o mean_a while_n liberty_n be_v leave_v to_o the_o presbytery_n and_o congregation_n to_o plant_v the_o place_n otherwise_o 2._o to_o rule_v elder_n come_v to_o sit_v and_o act_n in_o presbytery_n who_o by_o the_o act_n at_o edinburgh_n incase_o of_o their_o refusal_n to_o perform_v the_o thing_n former_o mention_v the_o presbytery_n be_v ordain_v not_o to_o admit_v they_o to_o act_v as_o elder_n in_o the_o presbytery_n these_o censure_n that_o concern_v remove_v from_o place_n and_o trust_n be_v determine_v in_o regard_n of_o elder_n in_o presbytery_n and_o expectant_n to_o preach_v or_o catechise_v in_o family_n or_o congregation_n or_o have_v bursary_n for_o both_o these_o if_o they_o do_v not_o condescend_v to_o the_o former_a condition_n must_v unjust_o be_v remove_v and_o discharge_v the_o elder_a from_o sit_v in_o the_o presbytery_n the_o expectant_a from_o his_o preach_n or_o catechise_n or_o bursarie_n concern_v minister_n they_o be_v not_o so_o express_v but_o leave_v it_o to_o presbytery_n to_o proceed_v according_a to_o the_o degree_n of_o the_o offence_n yet_o so_o as_o there_o be_v clear_a ground_n lay_v for_o their_o suspension_n or_o deposition_n yea_o far_o more_o because_o they_o not_o only_o appoint_v censure_n equivalent_a to_o the_o suspension_n or_o deposition_n of_o minister_n upon_o expectant_n and_o elder_n and_o have_v go_v before_o by_o their_o own_o example_n suspend_v some_o minister_n and_o depose_v other_o but_o do_v ordain_v presbytery_n and_o provincial_n assembly_n to_o call_v before_o they_o all_o person_n that_o do_v not_o acknowledge_v that_o assembly_n at_o dundee_n and_o to_o censure_v they_o and_o do_v also_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o first_o act_n declare_v that_o all_o person_n who_o protest_v against_o and_o decline_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n be_v censurable_a by_o the_o act_n and_o constitution_n of_o this_o kirk_n with_o the_o high_a censure_n of_o this_o kirk_n and_o in_o the_o body_n thereof_o do_v declare_v that_o the_o two_o act_n of_o the_o assembly_n at_o glasgow_n 1638._o the_o first_o whereof_o ordain_v presbytery_n to_o proceed_v with_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o kirk_n to_o excommunication_n be_v not_o only_o to_o be_v extend_v against_o minister_n censure_v at_o dundee_n but_o also_o against_o all_o those_o that_o oppose_v the_o public_a resolution_n thereof_o the_o censure_n that_o relate_v to_o church-fellowship_n and_o communion_n be_v design_v in_o the_o first_o act_n which_o strike_v equal_o against_o all_o person_n whatsoever_o who_o be_v church-member_n minister_n elder_n expectant_n and_o professor_n who_o if_o they_o do_v not_o acknowledge_v that_o assembly_n at_o dundee_n be_v appoint_v to_o be_v cite_v and_o censure_v according_a to_o the_o degree_n of_o their_o contempt_n and_o obstinacy_n against_o the_o act_n of_o this_o kirk_n and_o if_o they_o oppose_v the_o resolution_n or_o do_v not_o acquiesce_v to_o the_o act_n and_o constitution_n of_o that_o assembly_n then_o to_o be_v proceed_v against_o and_o censure_v according_a to_o these_o act_n at_o glasgow_n which_o be_v extend_v unto_o they_o now_o the_o not_o acknowledge_v or_o decline_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o assembly_n be_v in_o their_o construction_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o this_o act_n censurable_a with_o the_o high_a censure_n of_o the_o kirk_n according_a to_o the_o act_n and_o constitution_n of_o this_o kirk_n and_o the_o oppose_a of_o the_o public_a resolution_n or_o the_o not_o acquiesce_v to_o the_o act_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o assembly_n at_o dundee_n be_v to_o be_v censure_v with_o the_o censure_n
be_v indeed_o of_o the_o opinion_n that_o difference_n of_o judgement_n in_o these_o thing_n shall_v be_v no_o prejudice_n to_o joint_a act_n in_o public_a judicatories_n than_o it_o concern_v they_o for_o their_o own_o vindication_n and_o for_o reconcile_a their_o practice_n with_o their_o opinion_n to_o tell_v we_o why_o their_o assembly_n at_o s._n andrews_n do_v not_o only_o approve_v of_o the_o act_n of_o commission_n appoint_v those_o who_o oppose_v the_o public_a resolution_n to_o be_v censure_v but_o also_o make_v act_n of_o their_o own_o for_o censure_v of_o such_o and_o why_o the_o assembly_n at_o edinburgh_n do_v ordain_v that_o elder_n and_o expectant_n who_o will_v not_o engage_v themselves_o under_o their_o hand_n to_o abstain_v from_o hold_v up_o this_o difference_n be_v to_o be_v exclude_v from_o sit_v in_o presbytery_n and_o be_v receive_v as_o minister_n sure_o if_o this_o difference_n need_v be_v no_o prejudice_n to_o joint_a act_n in_o public_a judicatories_n the_o maintain_v thereof_o be_v without_o ground_n make_v a_o cause_n of_o censure_n which_o must_v incapacitat_fw-la man_n to_o act_v or_o of_o exclusion_n which_o must_v bar_v they_o from_o joint_a act_n in_o judicatory_n what_o shall_v be_v say_v to_o this_o i_o do_v not_o know_v unless_o it_o be_v allege_v that_o it_o be_v not_o simple_o difference_n of_o judgement_n that_o be_v make_v a_o ground_n of_o censure_n or_o exclusion_n but_o difference_n of_o judgement_n kithe_v in_o oppose_v the_o public_a resolution_n or_o hold_v up_o debate_v and_o controversy_n in_o preach_v or_o write_v about_o these_o thing_n but_o first_o if_o it_o be_v mean_v of_o that_o difference_n of_o judgement_n that_o be_v inward_a only_a it_o be_v to_o small_a purpose_n because_o that_o be_v latent_fw-la and_o not_o know_v to_o i_o can_v be_v make_v a_o ground_n for_o my_o withdraw_a from_o joint_a act_n with_o these_o who_o thus_o differ_v from_o i_o and_o if_o it_o be_v know_v and_o profess_v how_o shall_v there_o be_v any_o know_a difference_n of_o judgement_n without_o some_o opposition_n to_o the_o adverse_a judgement_n especial_o if_o it_o be_v establish_v in_o a_o law_n he_o who_o profess_v and_o declare_v the_o difference_n of_o his_o judgement_n from_o the_o law_n and_o dis-satisfaction_n therewith_o be_v he_o not_o in_o so_o far_o a_o weakner_n gainsayer_n and_o opposer_n thereof_o 2._o if_o they_o mean_v it_o thus_o they_o have_v not_o measure_v the_o same_o measure_n unto_o themselves_o and_o to_o other_o they_o will_v have_v other_o to_o pass_v from_o their_o protestation_n under_o their_o hand_n and_o to_o engage_v themselves_o not_o to_o hold_v up_o debate_n otherwise_o they_o will_v not_o act_v joint_o with_o they_o in_o the_o judicatories_n nor_o allow_v they_o the_o legal_a capacity_n to_o act_v at_o all_o and_o yet_o while_o they_o will_v do_v no_o such_o thing_n themselves_o in_o reference_n to_o their_o assembly_n and_o the_o act_n thereof_o yea_o will_v have_v these_o assembly_n to_o stand_v as_o free_v and_o lawful_a and_o all_o the_o act_n thereof_o wherein_o their_o judgement_n be_v involve_v as_o bind_v and_o obligatory_a they_o desire_v that_o their_o brethren_n may_v be_v deal_v with_o not_o to_o let_v this_o hinder_v they_o from_o a_o joint_a act_n in_o the_o public_a judicatories_n 3._o if_o it_o be_v only_o the_o oppose_a of_o public_a resolution_n and_o the_o hold_v up_o of_o debate_n that_o they_o quarrel_n with_o how_o be_v it_o that_o in_o presbytery_n they_o will_v have_v young_a man_n who_o have_v hitherto_o be_v silent_a public_o to_o declare_v themselves_o anent_o these_o thing_n or_o else_o refuse_v to_o admit_v they_o to_o their_o trial_n or_o to_o stop_v they_o be_v admit_v or_o to_o refuse_v they_o testimonial_n be_v approven_v act_n for_o put_v in_o execution_n former_a act_n and_o constitution_n of_o general_n assembly_n anent_o try_v admit_v removing_z and_o depose_v of_o church_n officer_n censure_v of_o scandalous_a person_n receive_v of_o penitent_n and_o debar_v of_o person_n from_o the_o lord_n table_n edinburgh_n 3_o august_n 1652._o postmeridiem_fw-la sess_n 20._o the_o general_n assembly_n consider_v the_o obligation_n that_o lie_v upon_o all_o ecclesiastic_a judicatory_n and_o minister_n within_o this_o land_n by_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n and_o our_o covenant_n and_o engagement_n take_v upon_o we_o before_o god_n and_o the_o world_n whereunto_o they_o resolve_v in_o the_o power_n of_o the_o lord_n might_n constant_o to_o adhere_v and_o to_o show_v themselves_o faithful_a and_o zealous_a in_o all_o their_o administration_n for_o the_o lord_n and_o for_o advance_v the_o work_n of_o reformation_n and_o particular_o consider_v that_o the_o condition_n of_o this_o time_n do_v require_v in_o special_a way_n that_o in_o try_v admit_v removing_z and_o depose_v of_o church-officer_n censure_v of_o scandalous_a person_n dispense_n of_o ordinance_n receive_v of_o penitent_n the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o constitution_n of_o this_o kirk_n be_v diligent_o put_v in_o execution_n and_o accurat_o observe_v therefore_o the_o assembly_n ordain_v that_o presbytery_n and_o synod_n in_o admit_v of_o person_n to_o the_o ministry_n be_v accurate_a in_o their_o trial_n according_a to_o the_o order_n prescribe_v in_o this_o church_n that_o none_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o holy_a and_o high_a function_n but_o such_o as_o be_v qualify_v according_a as_o be_v require_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o constitution_n of_o this_o kirk_n both_o for_o knowledge_n in_o the_o mystery_n of_o godliness_n and_o ability_n to_o teach_v and_o convince_v the_o gainsayers_a as_o also_o in_o conversation_n and_o godliness_n that_o they_o lay_v hand_n sudden_o on_o no_o man_n nor_o be_v partaker_n of_o other_o man_n sin_n and_o for_o this_o end_n that_o every_o presbytery_n be_v careful_a to_o have_v gather_v together_o such_o act_n of_o assembly_n as_o concern_v the_o trial_n of_o minister_n and_o have_v they_o before_o they_o whensoever_o any_o person_n be_v call_v to_o any_o place_n of_o the_o ministry_n and_o be_v upon_o his_o trial_n 2._o ordain_v that_o preshytery_n and_o synod_n in_o their_o respective_a bound_n make_v conscience_n that_o such_o minister_n as_o be_v find_v either_o ignorant_a and_o not_o apt_a to_o feed_v the_o people_n of_o god_n with_o knowledge_n and_o understanding_n or_o erroneous_a in_o their_o judgement_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n or_o be_v scandalous_a in_o their_o life_n and_o conversation_n and_o be_v not_o example_n unto_o their_o flock_n in_o godly_a and_o holy_a walk_n or_o disaffect_v to_o the_o work_n of_o reformation_n be_v centure_v according_a to_o the_o degree_n of_o their_o offence_n and_o act_n of_o assembly_n and_o for_o this_o end_n that_o they_o be_v frequent_a and_o accurate_a in_o visitation_n of_o kirke_n and_o therein_o make_v conscientious_a use_n of_o the_o rule_v prescribe_v for_o visitation_n and_o of_o such_o act_n of_o former_a assembly_n as_o hold_v forth_o the_o duty_n of_o minister_n and_o the_o ground_n and_o cause_n of_o censure_n 3._o ordain_v that_o where_o minister_n lawful_o depose_v be_v unlawful_o admit_v and_o not_o according_a to_o the_o order_n prescribe_v in_o the_o act_n of_o general_n assembly_n or_o intrude_v themselves_o into_o place_n presbytery_n and_o synod_n make_v use_v of_o that_o power_n and_o authority_n which_o christ_n have_v put_v in_o their_o hand_n to_o remedy_v the_o same_o and_o to_o censure_v such_o disorder_n and_o enormity_n as_o they_o deserve_v and_o that_o people_n be_v not_o accestory_n unto_o or_o concur_v with_o any_o minister_n that_o be_v depose_v in_o intrude_a themselves_o into_o place_n nor_o give_v they_o any_o countenance_n that_o do_v so_o as_o they_o will_v not_o draw_v upon_o themselves_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n by_o contemn_v and_o despise_v christ_n ordinance_n of_o discipline_n and_o that_o no_o presbytery_n or_o synod_n proceed_v to_o open_v the_o mouth_n of_o or_o re-admit_a unto_o the_o ministry_n any_o depose_a minister_n but_o according_a to_o the_o order_n prescribe_v in_o the_o act_n of_o general_n assembly_n as_o they_o will_v be_v answerable_a unto_o the_o general_n assembly_n 4._o ordain_v that_o session_n be_v careful_a that_o none_o be_v admit_v to_o be_v elder_n in_o congregation_n but_o such_o as_o be_v in_o some_o competent_a measure_n able_a and_o qual_a fie_v with_o knowledge_n of_o religion_n and_o understanding_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o their_o call_v for_o discharge_v the_o duty_n of_o that_o office_n and_o of_o a_o blameless_a christian_a and_o godly_a conversation_n and_o that_o before_o any_o be_v admit_v to_o be_v a_o elder_a the_o person_n name_n that_o be_v design_v be_v public_o intimate_v to_o the_o congregation_n the_o lord_n day_n before_o that_o if_o any_o have_v any_o thing_n to_o object_n against_o he_o they_o may_v present_v the_o same_o to_o the_o session_n or_o to_o the_o
they_o will_v not_o deny_v that_o this_o be_v a_o dangerous_a motion_n and_o they_o can_v say_v that_o any_o of_o these_o suspect_a man_n have_v a_o hand_n therein_o concern_v the_o last_o word_n of_o that_o second_o step_n let_v it_o be_v this_o day_n examine_v and_o consider_v what_o have_v be_v the_o carriage_n of_o these_o suspect_a man_n and_o of_o their_o unsuspected_a man_n the_o malignant_a party_n and_o it_o will_v at_o least_o be_v find_v very_o evident_a that_o this_o reviewer_n his_o suspicion_n be_v calculate_v to_o a_o wrong_a meridian_n declaration_n the_o three_o step_n be_v in_o these_o word_n when_o after_o that_o sad_a stroke_n at_o dumbar_n the_o lord_n dispensation_n do_v call_v for_o way_n of_o union_n and_o heal_a iâ—stead_o of_o these_o subtle_a course_n be_v take_v to_o engage_v a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o well-affected_a in_o the_o west_n to_o separate_v from_o the_o force_n of_o the_o kingdom_n whereby_o instead_o of_o joint_n concur_v for_o act_v against_o the_o enemy_n jealousy_n be_v beget_v and_o so_o far_o increase_v that_o there_o be_v no_o small_a danger_n fear_v lest_o the_o one_o part_n of_o our_o force_n shall_v have_v fall_v upon_o the_o other_o defence_n the_o plain_a thing_n and_o which_o be_v act_v with_o the_o great_a simplicity_n and_o integrity_n be_v often_o brand_v with_o the_o name_n of_o subtle_a device_n by_o maintainer_n of_o a_o ill_a cause_n who_o no_o soon_o depart_v from_o their_o former_a principle_n but_o they_o give_v to_o their_o opposer_n the_o very_a name_n which_o be_v theâ—r_a eye_n open_v of_o the_o lord_n to_o see_v their_o own_o way_n they_o shall_v take_v to_o themselves_o what_o subtle_a device_n can_v there_o be_v here_o the_o committee_n of_o estate_n hear_v before_o the_o defeat_n at_o dumbar_n that_o force_n be_v leve_v in_o the_o north_n of_o england_n which_o be_v to_o come_v into_o scotland_n by_o the_o way_n of_o carlisle_n they_o write_v letter_n to_o the_o western_a shire_n to_o meet_v and_o correspond_v among_o themselves_o and_o to_o be_v in_o readiness_n for_o their_o own_o defence_n this_o put_v they_o in_o some_o forwardness_n to_o rise_v in_o arm_n when_o they_o hear_v of_o the_o defeat_n which_o be_v on_o the_o three_o of_o sept._n the_o gentleman_n of_o the_o committee_n meet_v upon_o the_o five_o and_o have_v some_o of_o their_o number_n at_o sterlin_n upon_o the_o six_o who_o make_v offer_v to_o raise_v speedy_o a_o double_a proportion_n of_o the_o ordinary_a levy_n which_o be_v well_o accept_v by_o the_o committee_n of_o estate_n and_o commission_n of_o the_o kirk_n and_o letter_n of_o encouragement_n write_v from_o both_o which_o be_v yet_o extant_a and_o the_o committee_n of_o estate_n send_v such_o officer_n to_o conduct_v these_o force_n as_o they_o know_v to_o be_v most_o acceptable_a to_o the_o western_a shire_n the_o force_n be_v raise_v by_o authority_n of_o the_o committee_n of_o estate_n and_o be_v obedient_a to_o their_o order_n send_v from_o time_n to_o time_n under_o the_o lord_n chancellor_n hand_n which_o yet_o remain_v uncancel_v to_o witness_v against_o such_o calumny_n and_o there_o be_v never_o any_o command_n send_v to_o they_o to_o come_v and_o join_v with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o force_n until_o agreement_n be_v make_v by_o the_o state_n with_o the_o malignant_a party_n and_o then_o colonel_n montgomerie_n be_v appoint_v to_o march_v towards_o they_o with_o some_o force_n under_o his_o command_n to_o require_v their_o conjunction_n but_o before_o he_o come_v the_o length_n of_o sterlin_n major_a general_n lambert_n with_o a_o strong_a body_n of_o horse_n have_v come_v to_o hamilton_n where_o he_o be_v fight_v against_o by_o the_o western_a force_n though_o they_o be_v far_o inferior_a in_o number_n and_o many_o be_v kill_v of_o the_o enemy_n on_o the_o place_n but_o with_o the_o loss_n of_o the_o day_n and_o dissipation_n of_o the_o western_a force_n which_o put_v a_o end_n to_o many_o groundless_a jealousy_n declaration_n the_o four_o step_n they_o set_v it_o down_o in_o these_o word_n and_o to_o heighten_v difference_n yet_o more_o and_o more_o under_o fair_a pretence_n of_o exoner_v their_o own_o conscience_n and_o obtain_v more_o clearness_n in_o the_o quarrel_n against_o the_o enemy_n many_o who_o intention_n be_v honest_a be_v abuse_v and_o draw_v in_o the_o snare_n of_o a_o remonstrance_n whereby_o the_o own_n of_o the_o king_n just_a interest_n agree_v unto_o by_o the_o general_n assembly_n and_o the_o parliament_n be_v express_o lay_v aside_o and_o his_o removal_n from_o the_o exercise_n of_o his_o royal_a power_n and_o government_n advise_v to_o the_o committee_n of_o estate_n the_o authority_n of_o the_o committee_n of_o estate_n much_o weaken_v and_o a_o way_n of_o hold_v up_o a_o constant_a division_n from_o state_n and_o kirk_n therein_o mould_v defence_n it_o be_v strange_a that_o these_o who_o maintain_v the_o public_a resolution_n shall_v judge_v it_o want_v of_o charity_n to_o account_v some_o man_n malignant_n notwithstanding_o their_o action_n do_v evident_o declare_v it_o and_o yet_o do_v think_v it_o no_o breach_n of_o charity_n in_o themselves_o to_o judge_v other_o man_n heart_n and_o thought_n contrary_a to_o their_o declare_a intention_n and_o whole_a tenor_n of_o their_o action_n if_o these_o man_n pretend_v to_o exoner_n their_o conscience_n and_o seek_v more_o clearness_n in_o the_o state_n of_o the_o quarrel_n when_o yet_o they_o do_v intend_v no_o such_o thing_n but_o their_o real_a purpose_n be_v to_o advance_v the_o adversary_n cause_v sure_o it_o be_v a_o grievous_a and_o intolerable_a provocation_n before_o rhe_n lord_n which_o he_o will_v find_v out_o that_o he_o may_v take_v vengeance_n of_o such_o hypocritical_a invention_n and_o gross_a dissimulation_n but_o if_o their_o heart_n be_v straight_o before_o he_o in_o all_o these_o thing_n of_o which_o they_o have_v a_o witness_n in_o heaven_n a_o record_n in_o their_o own_o breast_n and_o their_o action_n in_o adventure_v their_o life_n against_o the_o enemy_n as_o a_o testimony_n before_o the_o world_n they_o do_v they_o wrong_v who_o speak_v so_o of_o they_o which_o be_v the_o more_o pierce_a because_o it_o proceed_v from_o some_o of_o these_o who_o be_v once_o as_o their_o guide_n their_o acquaintance_n with_o who_o they_o take_v sweet_a counsel_n together_o in_o the_o work_n of_o god_n and_o walk_v into_o the_o house_n of_o god_n in_o company_n and_o yet_o do_v now_o allow_v they_o less_o charity_n and_o give_v they_o less_o trust_n in_o their_o solemn_a and_o public_a profession_n in_o these_o thing_n that_o relate_v to_o their_o conscience_n and_o the_o public_a work_n than_o they_o do_v to_o the_o great_a malignant_n in_o the_o land_n and_o the_o bloody_a murderer_n who_o follow_v james_n grahame_n for_o they_o will_v have_v these_o upon_o their_o verbal_a profession_n to_o be_v account_v true_a penitent_n and_o be_v fill_v with_o indignation_n against_o any_o who_o speak_v or_o write_v otherwise_o of_o they_o but_o to_o mend_v the_o matter_n and_o that_o they_o may_v not_o provoke_v too_o many_o of_o their_o old_a friend_n at_o once_o they_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o intention_n of_o many_o who_o be_v honest_a be_v abuse_v and_o draw_v in_o the_o snare_n they_o will_v do_v a_o great_a favour_n to_o the_o whole_a land_n especial_o to_o simple_a one_o if_o they_o will_v be_v please_v once_o to_o condescend_v by_o name_n and_o surname_n upon_o the_o subtle_a ensnare_a man_n that_o do_v abuse_v other_o that_o they_o may_v be_v know_v and_o avoid_v for_o these_o who_o be_v at_o the_o compile_n of_o that_o remonstrance_n i_o know_v many_o of_o they_o to_o be_v man_n of_o great_a and_o good_a part_n but_o i_o know_v none_o of_o they_o that_o be_v very_o skilful_a in_o draw_v circle_n in_o the_o dark_a and_o conjure_v other_o man_n unaware_o within_o the_o compass_n thereof_o they_o be_v open_a ingenuous_a man_n who_o heart_n and_o design_n have_v always_o be_v read_v in_o their_o profession_n and_o expression_n and_o these_o who_o they_o call_v the_o abuse_a and_o ensnare_v one_o be_v more_o intelligent_a and_o discern_a man_n then_o to_o be_v easy_o deceive_v they_o be_v many_o of_o they_o eminent_a for_o grace_n and_o ability_n and_o such_o as_o have_v approve_v themselves_o in_o special_a trust_n and_o employment_n relate_v to_o the_o cause_n and_o kingdom_n it_o be_v true_a that_o since_o the_o present_n of_o that_o remonstrance_n some_o of_o they_o do_v slip_v in_o a_o day_n of_o temptation_n by_o pass_v from_o the_o same_o but_o it_o be_v as_o true_a that_o it_o be_v the_o matter_n of_o their_o humiliation_n for_o which_o they_o mourn_v before_o god_n and_o some_o of_o they_o so_o much_o that_o hardly_o can_v they_o be_v comfort_v it_o be_v to_o i_o a_o great_a confirmation_n of_o the_o remonstrance_n
mind_n may_v be_v know_v and_o for_o their_o act_n and_o letter_n and_o public_a paper_n 1651._o and_o their_o late_a act_n at_o dundee_n exclude_v all_o that_o differ_v from_o the_o public_a resolution_n he_o will_v never_o be_v able_a to_o prove_v those_o to_o be_v such_o he_o be_v beg_v the_o question_n indeed_o when_o he_o suppose_v that_o assembly_n at_o dundee_n to_o be_v a_o free_a lawful_a assembly_n determine_v the_o qualification_n of_o member_n he_o tell_v we_o that_o in_o the_o assembly_n at_o glasgow_n all_o be_v exclude_v that_o do_v not_o take_v the_o national_a covenant_n but_o that_o be_v no_o prelimitation_n of_o due_a freedom_n it_o be_v a_o requisite_a qualification_n indeed_o if_o the_o assembly_n at_o glasgow_n have_v seclude_v all_o that_o do_v take_v the_o covenant_n from_o be_v member_n of_o any_o assembly_n and_o have_v appoint_v that_o assembly_n shall_v consist_v only_o of_o such_o as_o have_v oppose_v the_o covenant_n and_o concur_v in_o the_o course_n of_o defection_n as_o the_o late_a assembly_n at_o dundee_n have_v do_v in_o the_o case_n of_o the_o public_a resolution_n it_o have_v be_v a_o prelimitation_n of_o the_o freedom_n of_o assembly_n and_o it_o have_v be_v great_a unfaithfulness_n not_o to_o have_v give_v testimony_n against_o the_o same_o it_o will_v seem_v by_o the_o argument_n which_o this_o reviewer_n have_v frame_v that_o if_o the_o assembly_n at_o dundee_n have_v bring_v in_o the_o prelate_n and_o service-book_n man_n to_o be_v member_n of_o the_o assembly_n at_o edinburgh_n he_o will_v have_v sustain_v it_o to_o be_v a_o free_a lawful_a general_n assembly_n for_o say_v he_o very_o loose_o without_o restriction_n according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n covenant_n and_o constitution_n of_o this_o kirk_n a_o prior_n assembly_n determine_v the_o qualification_n of_o its_o member_n sure_o these_o who_o have_v bring_v in_o the_o malignant_a party_n iisdem_fw-la viis_fw-la modis_fw-la &_o methodis_fw-la may_v bring_v in_o the_o prelatical_a party_n and_o thereafter_o the_o popish_a party_n the_o covenant_n be_v as_o express_o against_o malignant_n as_o against_o prelate_n and_o papist_n both_o prelate_n and_o papist_n can_v dissemble_v aswell_o as_o the_o malignant_n and_o a_o pretend_a necessity_n may_v be_v soon_o find_v out_o for_o seek_v their_o help_n and_o assistance_n for_o relief_n of_o a_o distress_a land_n the_o letter_n of_o the_o commission_n in_o may_n last_o do_v require_v the_o choose_n commissioner_n to_o the_o assembly_n to_o be_v do_v according_a to_o the_o know_a and_o ordinary_a rule_n of_o election_n now_o if_o the_o authority_n of_o that_o commission_n of_o the_o assembly_n at_o dundee_n be_v acknowledge_v how_o can_v any_o man_n conceive_v that_o they_o understand_v by_o know_v and_o ordinary_a rule_n any_o other_o than_o these_o which_o be_v establish_v by_o the_o assembly_n at_o dundee_n from_o who_o they_o have_v their_o commission_n it_o be_v a_o know_a and_o ordinary_a rule_n not_o to_o choose_v such_o to_o be_v commissioner_n as_o be_v censure_v by_o the_o last_o assembly_n or_o who_o they_o appoint_v presbytery_n to_o process_n and_o censure_n and_o so_o all_o that_o differ_v from_o the_o public_a resolution_n must_v be_v exclude_v from_o election_n which_o whatsoever_o this_o reviewer_n have_v say_v be_v a_o sinful_a pre-limitation_n he_o grant_v that_o the_o assembly_n at_o dundee_n do_v by_o their_o act_n require_v presbytery_n and_o synod_n to_o proceed_v with_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o kirk_n against_o they_o who_o after_o conference_n oppose_v the_o public_a resolution_n but_o all_o the_o copy_n which_o i_o have_v see_v or_o hear_v of_o have_v also_o this_o disjunctive_a or_o who_o shall_v not_o acquiesce_v to_o their_o act_n and_o constitution_n but_o the_o difference_n be_v not_o great_a see_v they_o well_o know_v that_o such_o who_o for_o conscience_n sake_n can_v acquiesce_v will_n as_o they_o be_v call_v thereunto_o by_o providence_n testify_v their_o dislike_n of_o the_o public_a resolution_n which_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o man_n zealous_a for_o the_o public_a resolution_n will_v be_v account_v opposition_n but_o say_v he_o the_o presbytery_n have_v not_o put_v these_o act_n into_o execution_n i_o desire_v to_o know_v how_o he_o will_v reconcile_v their_o principle_n and_o practice_n herein_o for_o if_o the_o assembly_n at_o dundee_n do_v right_a in_o make_v these_o act_n the_o presbytery_n do_v wrong_a in_o not_o execute_v they_o the_o forbearence_n of_o the_o presbytery_n be_v either_o from_o policy_n as_o be_v do_v in_o their_o assembly_n at_o st._n andrews_n which_o be_v well_o discover_v by_o the_o review_n of_o the_o vindication_n or_o it_o be_v from_o conscience_n because_o the_o presbytery_n do_v think_v that_o the_o dissenter_n from_o the_o public_a resolution_n deserve_v not_o censure_v but_o be_v capable_a of_o be_v elect_v commissioner_n and_o if_o so_o than_o the_o same_o conscience_n can_v but_o tell_v they_o that_o the_o act_n at_o dundee_n be_v wrong_a and_o unjust_a as_o for_o the_o prelimitation_n in_o synod_n he_o say_v they_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o assertion_n of_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o assembly_n at_o dundee_n but_o that_o constitution_n be_v make_v up_o of_o person_n scandalous_a for_o defection_n from_o the_o covenant_n and_o cause_n which_o be_v never_o deny_v in_o this_o kirk_n to_o be_v destructive_a of_o the_o freedom_n of_o a_o assembly_n except_o at_o this_o time_n and_o in_o former_a corrupt_a assembly_n if_o it_o be_v needful_a act_n order_n and_o practice_n of_o twenty_o general_a assembly_n can_v be_v produce_v against_o the_o admission_n of_o such_o to_o sit_v as_o member_n but_o that_o controversy_n be_v so_o well_o handle_v in_o the_o review_n of_o the_o vindication_n as_o it_o stand_v not_o in_o need_n of_o my_o addition_n protestation_n reviewed_n the_o four_o reason_n be_v make_v up_o of_o many_o particular_n which_o we_o thus_o particular_o reply_v to_o 1._o there_o be_v many_o presbytery_n who_o refuse_v to_o send_v commssioner_n to_o this_o meeting_n as_o a_o assembly_n but_o there_o be_v many_o unquestioned_a assembly_n have_v be_v make_v up_o of_o few_o member_n as_o upon_o the_o inspection_n of_o the_o roll_n will_v appear_v neither_o be_v a_o meeting_n that_o have_v no_o determinate_a quorum_fw-la evacuate_v or_o make_v null_n because_o a_o minor_a part_n legal_o warn_v can_v or_o will_v not_o come_v thereto_o as_o the_o perpetual_a practice_n of_o presbytery_n synod_n former_a assembly_n and_o parliament_n show_v nor_o be_v the_o number_n of_o the_o absent_v here_o so_o great_a and_o although_o it_o be_v great_a it_o be_v not_o their_o simple_a absence_n but_o unjust_a exclusion_n that_o render_v the_o meeting_n obnoxious_a to_o exception_n 2._o they_o say_v there_o be_v many_o presbytery_n that_o do_v concur_v in_o protest_v against_o this_o assembly_n to_o which_o i_o reply_v we_o have_v hear_v of_o dissent_n but_o not_o of_o any_o protestation_n except_o this_o which_o they_o now_o have_v give_v which_o if_o they_o mean_v here_o as_o the_o protestation_n be_v not_o presbyterial_a so_o the_o reason_n will_v be_v find_v to_o have_v no_o more_o of_o reason_n in_o it_o then_o if_o they_o have_v argue_v thus_o we_o find_v ourselves_o necessitate_v to_o protest_v against_o this_o assembly_n because_o we_o have_v protest_v against_o it_o or_o thus_o this_o our_o protestation_n be_v just_a and_o lawful_a because_o we_o have_v protest_v protestation_n defend_v to_o the_o four_o reason_n of_o the_o protestation_n he_o answer_v cunning_o there_o be_v diverse_a thing_n put_v together_o which_o he_o take_v asunder_o and_o answer_v several_o make_v use_n of_o a_o common_a fallacy_n adevisis_fw-la ad_fw-la conjuncta_fw-la but_o suppose_v one_o of_o these_o alone_a to_o be_v as_o he_o allege_v a_o defect_n in_o a_o assembly_n which_o in_o some_o case_n may_v be_v dispense_v with_o yet_o that_o will_v not_o hold_v if_o all_o the_o five_o consideration_n be_v take_v together_o as_o be_v do_v by_o the_o general_n assembly_n at_o glasgow_n in_o the_o like_a case_n as_o for_o his_o answer_n to_o the_o first_o of_o these_o consideration_n he_o grant_v that_o unjust_a exclusion_n render_v the_o meet_v obnoxious_a to_o exception_n and_o i_o trust_v it_o be_v sufficient_o prove_v in_o the_o review_n of_o the_o vindication_n and_o paper_n print_v therewith_o that_o there_o be_v a_o unjust_a exclusion_n by_o the_o act_v make_v at_o dundee_n which_o stand_v still_o unrepealed_a and_o in_o effect_n acknowledge_v by_o the_o assembly_n at_o edinburgh_n and_o if_o the_o act_n at_o dundee_n anent_o the_o constitution_n of_o assembly_n be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v just_a and_o right_a then_o subsequent_a assembly_n otherwise_o constitute_v be_v by_o the_o act_n of_o this_o kirk_n null_a and_o void_a so_o that_o until_o that_o rule_n of_o constitution_n make_v at_o dundee_n be_v disclaim_v whether_o opposer_n of_o
minister_n and_o that_o if_o any_o elder_a be_v find_v negligent_a in_o the_o duty_n of_o his_o charge_n and_o continue_v so_o after_o admonition_n or_o scandalous_a in_o his_o life_n and_o conversation_n or_o to_o be_v a_o neglecter_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n in_o his_o family_n he_o be_v remove_v from_o and_o purge_v out_o of_o the_o session_n 5._o ordain_v that_o session_n and_o presbytery_n be_v careful_a and_o make_v conscience_n by_o all_o mean_n to_o censure_v impartial_o all_o person_n of_o whatsoever_o rank_n or_o condition_n that_o be_v scandalous_a either_o in_o thing_n of_o the_o first_o or_o in_o thing_n of_o the_o second_o table_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n and_o order_n which_o christ_n have_v prescribe_v in_o his_o word_n and_o to_o proceed_v to_o the_o high_a censure_n with_o such_o as_o be_v gross_o and_o obstinate_o scandalous_a or_o be_v ignorant_a and_o contemn_v and_o continued_o neglect_v the_o mean_n of_o knowledge_n as_o public_a and_o private_a catechise_n etc._n etc._n after_o they_o be_v make_v inexcusable_a by_o sufficient_a mean_n use_v to_o reclaim_v and_o gain_v they_o 6._o ordain_v that_o minister_n and_o session_n in_o congregation_n be_v careful_a as_o they_o will_v be_v answerable_a to_o christ_n jesus_n to_o debar_v from_o the_o lord_n table_n all_o such_o person_n as_o be_v find_v not_o to_o walk_v suitable_o to_o the_o gospel_n and_o be_v convince_v and_o admonish_v thereof_o do_v not_o reform_v as_o also_o all_o such_o as_o have_v not_o knowledge_n to_o examine_v themselves_o and_o to_o discern_v the_o lord_n body_n and_o that_o for_o the_o more_o orderly_o perform_v of_o this_o the_o minister_n in_o examination_n of_o the_o people_n have_v some_o of_o the_o elder_n always_o with_o he_o and_o represent_v unto_o the_o session_n such_o as_o be_v find_v gross_o ignorant_a that_o by_o order_n of_o the_o session_n they_o may_v be_v debar_v 7._o that_o presbytery_n and_o session_n make_v conscience_n that_o such_o person_n be_v find_v scandalous_a and_o be_v under_o censure_n for_o that_o cause_n be_v not_o receive_v nor_o absolve_v from_o their_o censure_n unless_o they_o give_v such_o satisfaction_n and_o evidence_n of_o their_o repentance_n as_o be_v express_v in_o the_o act_n of_o the_o assembly_n concern_v the_o receive_n of_o penitent_n j._n makghie_n observation_n this_o act_n as_o be_v profess_v and_o give_v out_o by_o many_o be_v not_o only_o intend_v but_o if_o they_o may_v be_v trust_v do_v indeed_o and_o upon_o the_o matter_n give_v full_a and_o clear_a satisfaction_n to_o the_o proposition_n which_o be_v offer_v by_o the_o protester_n unto_o their_o brethren_n of_o the_o assembly_n at_o their_o first_o down-sitting_a as_o the_o best_a mean_n for_o satisfy_v of_o their_o conscience_n secure_v of_o the_o work_n of_o reformation_n purge_v the_o church_n promove_v the_o power_n of_o godliness_n remove_v of_o these_o sad_a difference_n and_o for_o attain_v and_o preserve_v a_o good_a understanding_n and_o therefore_o these_o as_o they_o allege_v be_v satisfy_v the_o propounder_n of_o they_o not_o acquiesce_v therein_o must_v have_v some_o other_o thing_n before_o they_o therefore_o for_o vindicate_v of_o these_o i_o shall_v mark_v a_o few_o thing_n for_o show_v how_o unsatisfactory_a all_o that_o be_v contain_v in_o this_o act_n be_v unto_o the_o desire_v contain_v in_o these_o proposition_n until_o there_o may_v be_v opportunity_n to_o make_v a_o more_o full_a discovery_n thereof_o 1._o to_o pass_v the_o ambiguity_n of_o their_o answer_n to_o the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o first_o proposition_n wherein_o it_o be_v desire_v that_o they_o give_v evidence_n etc._n etc._n they_o omit_v the_o whole_a second_o proposition_n to_o wit_n that_o it_o be_v serious_o lay_v to_o heart_n etc._n etc._n which_o in_o order_n to_o the_o end_n that_o be_v propound_v in_o the_o preface_n to_o these_o proposition_n to_o wit_n the_o satisfaction_n of_o our_o conscience_n be_v as_o to_o the_o present_a condition_n of_o affair_n betwixt_o they_o and_o the_o protester_n the_o most_o important_a of_o these_o proposition_n yea_o in_o their_o other_o paper_n these_o thing_n which_o the_o protester_n complain_v of_o as_o defection_n they_o commend_v as_o duty_n and_o profess_v their_o adherence_n thereunto_o and_o appoint_v censure_n to_o be_v inflict_v upon_o all_o the_o opposer_n thereof_o 2._o they_o also_o omit_v the_o whole_a three_o proposition_n to_o wit_n that_o as_o we_o be_v ready_a in_o our_o station_n etc._n etc._n by_o which_o ommission_n they_o give_v just_a ground_n to_o suspect_v that_o there_o be_v in_o their_o apprehension_n no_o malignant_a party_n that_o need_v to_o be_v discover_v or_o from_o who_o the_o work_n of_o god_n stand_v in_o danger_n and_o though_o the_o protester_n do_v not_o in_o the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o proposition_n take_v upon_o they_o to_o secure_v and_o guard_v the_o cause_n and_o work_n of_o god_n against_o error_n heresy_n and_o schism_n but_o only_o by_o this_o overture_n give_v evidence_n of_o the_o sincerity_n of_o their_o intention_n in_o order_n to_o that_o end_n that_o so_o they_o may_v satisfy_v their_o brethren_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o their_o jealousy_n thereanent_a yet_o as_o they_o do_v still_o apprehend_v a_o great_a danger_n to_o the_o lord_n work_v from_o a_o numerous_a party_n of_o malignant_n still_o in_o the_o lord_n so_o be_v they_o much_o unsatisfied_a that_o the_o assembly_n give_v no_o expression_n of_o their_o sense_n of_o danger_n this_o way_n nor_o evidence_n of_o their_o willingness_n to_o concur_v in_o secure_v against_o the_o same_o nor_o hold_v forth_o any_o way_n for_o the_o discover_v and_o know_v of_o these_o for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v 3._o whereas_o they_o seem_v to_o grant_v much_o in_o order_n to_o the_o try_v admit_v removing_z and_o depose_v of_o church-officer_n censuting_a of_o scandalous_a person_n dispense_n of_o ordinance_n and_o receive_v of_o penitent_n they_o do_v real_o and_o in_o effect_n grant_v little_a or_o nothing_o yea_o they_o do_v express_o refuse_v the_o desire_n of_o the_o proposition_n upon_o these_o thing_n and_o establish_v the_o very_a contrary_n because_o the_o desire_n of_o the_o proposition_n be_v that_o the_o late_a meeting_n at_o dundee_n and_o the_o act_n thereof_o be_v take_v out_o of_o the_o way_n and_o the_o work_n and_o people_n of_o god_n secure_v from_o the_o harm_n and_o evil_a consequence_n which_o have_v already_o and_o may_v further_o ensue_v from_o the_o same_o as_o be_v express_v in_o the_o last_o proposition_n which_o they_o whole_o omit_v all_o these_o thing_n may_v be_v do_v according_a to_o the_o act_n of_o former_a uncontroverted_a assembly_n of_o this_o church_n concern_v the_o work_n of_o reformation_n in_o the_o literal_a and_o genuine_a sense_n and_o meaning_n thereof_o but_o their_o grant_n and_o concession_n do_v include_v for_o the_o rule_n according_a to_o which_o they_o be_v to_o be_v regulate_v viz._n the_o act_n of_o general_a assembly_n and_o constitution_n of_o this_o church_n indefinite_o which_o in_o their_o sense_n do_v clear_o and_o undeniable_o include_v the_o act_n of_o the_o last_o assembly_n at_o dundee_n and_o edinburgh_n which_o instead_o of_o purge_v of_o the_o church_n from_o ignorant_a and_o disaffect_v and_o scandalous_a minister_n and_o professor_n purge_v it_o from_o a_o very_a great_a part_n of_o the_o able_a well_o affect_v &_o good_a minister_n elder_n expectant_n and_o professor_n of_o the_o land_n because_o of_o their_o not_o acknowledge_v the_o authority_n and_o acquiesce_v to_o the_o constitution_n of_o these_o assembly_n 4._o their_o action_n which_o before_o the_o lord_n and_o also_o with_o intelligent_a and_o discern_a man_n be_v the_o most_o real_a evidence_n of_o the_o reality_n and_o sincerity_n of_o man_n intention_n since_o that_o time_n do_v demonstrate_v whether_o they_o have_v grant_v the_o desire_n of_o these_o proposition_n tell_v i_o how_o many_o ignorant_a disaffect_v scandalous_a minister_n or_o elder_n be_v censure_v by_o the_o author_n of_o the_o public_a resolution_n since_o the_o last_o assembly_n or_o how_o many_o lawful_o depose_v and_o unlawful_o admit_v be_v proceed_v against_o etc._n etc._n they_o will_v fain_o find_v some_o shadow_n of_o a_o excuse_n for_o so_o gross_a a_o oversight_n and_o cast_v the_o blame_n upon_o the_o protester_n who_o say_v they_o have_v so_o weaken_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n that_o her_o censure_n be_v render_v altogether_o ineffectual_a but_o 1._o to_o say_v nothing_o that_o spiritual_a censure_n be_v not_o always_o to_o be_v foreborn_a because_o man_n refuse_v to_o obey_v yea_o in_o many_o case_n they_o be_v the_o more_o vigorous_o to_o be_v prosecute_v 2._o with_o what_o colour_n of_o reason_n can_v it_o be_v allege_v that_o those_o who_o not_o only_o acknowledge_v their_o authority_n but_o very_o zealous_o plead_v for_o it_o as_o most_o of_o the_o scandalous_a and_o disaffect_v