king_n proceed_n and_o be_v resolve_v to_o prosecute_v and_o maintain_v his_o present_a majesty_n interest_n before_o and_o without_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o sin_n of_o his_o house_n and_o former_a way_n and_o satisfaction_n to_o god_n people_n in_o both_o kingdom_n the_o omit_v of_o which_o clause_n do_v so_o sar_n as_o i_o can_v discern_v either_o from_o the_o assembly_n own_o word_n or_o from_o the_o judgement_n and_o expression_n of_o these_o who_o have_v chief_a hand_n therein_o or_o from_o compare_v thing_n with_o thing_n indeed_o import_v a_o alter_n of_o the_o state_n of_o the_o question_n and_o bring_v it_o to_o that_o which_o be_v so_o much_o plead_v for_o by_o the_o opposer_n of_o reformation_n from_o the_o very_a beginning_n of_o our_o difference_n with_o the_o king_n father_n especial_o by_o some_o of_o the_o author_n of_o the_o cross_a petition_n in_o 1643._o and_o of_o the_o unlawful_a engagement_n in_o the_o year_n 1648._o to_o wit_n that_o though_o the_o king_n do_v not_o disclaim_v his_o former_a opposition_n to_o the_o work_n of_o god_n and_o to_o the_o covenant_n and_o likewise_o all_o the_o enemy_n thereof_o and_o own_o and_o prosecute_v the_o cause_n of_o god_n yet_o we_o ought_v to_o own_o his_o kingly_a interest_n by_o admit_v he_o to_o the_o exercise_n of_o his_o royal_a power_n and_o obey_v he_o in_o all_o thing_n lawful_a which_o how_o far_o it_o reach_v as_o to_o the_o cast_v loose_a and_o condemn_v of_o the_o former_a proceed_n of_o this_o church_n and_o kingdom_n with_o the_o king_n and_o his_o father_n and_o make_v a_o new_a state_n of_o the_o question_n have_v be_v often_o heretofore_o show_v by_o this_o church_n and_o can_v but_o be_v obvious_a to_o every_o intelligent_a man_n two_o act_n of_o the_o assembly_n at_o dundee_n and_o one_o act_n of_o the_o assembly_n at_o edinburgh_n which_o relate_v unto_o censure_n dundee_n julii_n 31._o 1651._o antemer_n sess_n 19_o act_n for_o censure_v of_o those_o who_o do_v not_o acknowledge_v this_o present_a assembly_n and_o do_v not_o acquiesce_v to_o the_o act_n thereof_o etc._n etc._n the_o general_a assembly_n consider_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 thereof_o and_o that_o by_o the_o act_n of_o the_o solemn_a general_n assembly_n of_o glasgow_n 20._o decemb._n 1638._o sess_n 26._o presbytery_n and_o provincial_n be_v ordain_v to_o cite_v and_o censure_v all_o such_o as_o will_v not_o acknowledge_v the_o say_a assembly_n and_o the_o assembly_n be_v very_o sensible_a of_o the_o prejudice_n this_o kirk_n may_v suffer_v in_o her_o liberty_n and_o privilege_n by_o the_o beginning_n of_o such_o practice_n if_o they_o be_v not_o timeous_o prevent_v and_o restrain_v therefore_o according_a to_o the_o practice_n and_o example_n of_o the_o say_a assembly_n they_o 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 this_o present_a assembly_n and_o to_o censure_v they_o according_a to_o the_o degree_n of_o their_o contempt_n and_o obstinacy_n to_o the_o act_n of_o this_o kirk_n and_o the_o assembly_n have_v also_o consider_v that_o by_o the_o aforementioned_a act_n of_o the_o assembly_n of_o glasgow_n and_o another_o act_n of_o the_o say_a assembly_n decemb._n 18._o sess_n 24._o presbytery_n be_v ordain_v to_o proceed_v against_o these_o that_o do_v not_o acquiesce_v to_o the_o act_n of_o the_o say_a assembly_n and_o that_o refuse_v themselves_o or_o draw_v other_o from_o the_o obedience_n of_o the_o act_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n in_o manner_n mention_v in_o the_o say_v act._n therefore_o do_v ratify_v and_o approve_v the_o say_v act_n and_o declare_v that_o they_o be_v to_o be_v extend_v against_o minister_n censure_v by_o this_o assembly_n and_o all_o those_o that_o oppose_v the_o public_a resolution_n thereof_o ordain_v also_o presbytery_n and_o provincial_a assembly_n to_o call_v before_o they_o all_o person_n that_o shall_v not_o acquiesce_v to_o the_o act_n and_o constitution_n of_o this_o present_a assembly_n and_o to_o deal_v with_o they_o by_o conference_n for_o their_o satisfaction_n and_o if_o in_o their_o conference_n with_o they_o they_o shall_v still_o oppose_v the_o act_n and_o conclusion_n of_o this_o assembly_n that_o they_o censure_v they_o according_a to_o the_o degree_n of_o their_o offence_n and_o obstinacy_n to_o the_o act_n of_o this_o assembly_n and_o where_o presbytery_n be_v negligent_a or_o want_v herein_o the_o assembly_n appoint_v the_o commission_n appoint_v for_o public_a affair_n to_o proceed_v against_o the_o say_a offender_n respective_a and_o to_o censure_v they_o in_o manner_n abovespecify_v give_v unto_o they_o full_a power_n for_o that_o effect_n eodem_fw-la die_v at_o dundee_n sesse_n 19_o antemerid_fw-la act_n against_o expectant_n who_o oppose_v the_o public_a resolution_n the_o general_a assembly_n understand_v the_o scandal_n and_o prejudice_n of_o practice_n and_o carriage_n of_o some_o expectant_n and_o student_n attender_n of_o family_n for_o performance_n of_o religious_a duty_n by_o their_o private_a or_o public_a oppose_a public_a resolution_n for_o remove_v whereof_o they_o do_v extend_v the_o act_n of_o the_o assembly_n 1640._o sess_n 10._o against_o expectant_n refuse_v to_o subscribe_v the_o covenant_n and_o the_o censure_n therein_o specify_v against_o all_o expectant_n student_n in_o divinity_n and_o attender_n upon_o family_n for_o religious_a duty_n that_o shall_v not_o acknowledge_v the_o general_a assembly_n of_o this_o kirk_n and_o this_o present_a general_n assembly_n and_o that_o shall_v not_o acquiesce_v to_o the_o act_n and_o constitution_n thereof_o and_o do_v ordain_v they_o to_o be_v remove_v from_o bursary_n and_o to_o be_v discharge_v from_o public_a preach_n and_o catechise_n in_o congregation_n and_o family_n and_o from_o all_o other_o privilege_n and_o liberty_n allow_v to_o expectant_n appoint_v presbytery_n and_o provincial_n to_o proceed_v against_o they_o according_o edinburgh_n 3_o aug._n 1652._o antemer_n sess_n 19_o act_n concern_v admit_v expectant_n to_o their_o trial_n and_o rule_v elder_n to_o act_v in_o presbytery_n and_o synod_n the_o general_a assembly_n have_v out_o of_o their_o earnest_a desire_n of_o the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o this_o kirk_n condescend_v upon_o a_o overture_n of_o peace_n and_o not_o only_o propound_v it_o to_o some_o brethren_n who_o be_v here_o opposite_a to_o the_o public_a judicatories_n of_o this_o kirk_n but_o also_o in_o pursuance_n of_o that_o end_n ordain_v the_o say_a overture_n to_o be_v present_v and_o offer_v by_o the_o several_a presbytery_n or_o synod_n to_o all_o in_o their_o respective_a bound_n who_o have_v protest_v against_o and_o decline_v or_o consent_v or_o adhere_v unto_o the_o protestation_n and_o declinatour_n make_v against_o this_o and_o the_o precede_a general_n assembly_n and_o the_o condition_n therein_o contain_v to_o be_v require_v of_o they_o and_o consider_v the_o great_a prejudice_n like_a to_o arise_v to_o this_o kirk_n by_o increase_a of_o our_o unhappy_a difference_n and_o distraction_n if_o young_a man_n shall_v be_v admit_v into_o the_o ministry_n which_o shall_v still_o blow_v the_o fire_n of_o contention_n and_o continue_v in_o avow_a opposition_n to_o and_o contempt_n of_o the_o public_a judicatories_n therefore_o ordain_v presbytery_n to_o take_v special_a care_n that_o upon_o the_o call_n of_o any_o expectant_a to_o a_o particular_a charge_n of_o the_o ministry_n before_o they_o admit_v he_o to_o his_o trial_n they_o require_v he_o under_o his_o hand_n to_o pass_v from_o the_o protestation_n and_o declinatour_n against_o this_o and_o the_o precede_a general_n assembly_n if_o he_o have_v be_v accessary_a to_o the_o same_o and_o to_o promise_v and_o give_v assurance_n that_o he_o shall_v 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 in_o preach_v write_v or_o other_o way_n upon_o the_o performance_n whereof_o the_o presbytery_n shall_v proceed_v to_o his_o trial_n if_o not_o in_o that_o case_n the_o presbytery_n shall_v foebear_v to_o proceed_v until_o the_o next_o general_n assembly_n leave_v liberty_n to_o the_o presbytery_n and_o congregation_n for_o plant_v of_o the_o place_n otherwise_o and_o the_o assembly_n ordain_v and_o require_v that_o presbytery_n be_v not_o sudden_a to_o lay_v by_o such_o young_a man_n as_o at_o first_o refuse_v or_o scruple_n to_o perform_v these_o condition_n mention_v but_o that_o pain_n be_v take_v upon_o they_o to_o convince_v they_o of_o the_o reasonableness_n thereof_o and_o to_o persuade_v they_o to_o embrace_v they_o and_o to_o give_v they_o a_o competent_a time_n for_o that_o effect_n likeas_n the_o assembly_n consider_v the_o prejudice_n of_o elder_n come_v to_o presbytery_n for_o
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
in_o god_n as_o become_v the_o pastor_n of_o the_o kirk_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v a_o thing_n in_o itself_o very_o good_a and_o commendable_a but_o also_o to_o be_v silent_a in_o all_o matter_n of_o difference_n about_o the_o government_n and_o discipline_n of_o the_o kirk_n by_o which_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v lest_o they_o shall_v thereby_o hinder_v union_n and_o peace_n and_o weaken_v joint_a endeavour_n against_o the_o common_a enemy_n that_o whilst_o the_o shepherd_n be_v sing_v asleep_o the_o fox_n come_v in_o and_o destroy_v the_o vine_n which_o may_v give_v warning_n to_o all_o the_o minister_n elder_n and_o member_n of_o this_o church_n who_o desire_n to_o have_v the_o work_n of_o reformation_n preserve_v in_o purity_n and_o promove_v in_o power_n that_o they_o be_v not_o as_o their_o father_n and_o predecessor_n not_o long_o ago_o charm_v into_o silence_n by_o the_o sweet_a song_n of_o union_n and_o peace_n until_o they_o be_v cheat_v out_o of_o the_o precious_a truth_n and_o pure_a ordinance_n of_o god_n but_o that_o they_o take_v notice_n of_o and_o resist_v the_o beginning_n of_o evil_a by_o refuse_v to_o be_v consent_v thereto_o and_o concur_v therein_o though_o haply_o they_o shall_v because_v of_o this_o be_v cry_v out_o on_o as_o the_o troubler_n of_o israel_n and_o as_o these_o who_o weaken_v the_o hand_n of_o the_o church_n against_o the_o common_a enemy_n by_o contend_v about_o thing_n of_o no_o great_a importance_n the_o other_o thing_n which_o i_o take_v notice_n of_o in_o this_o overture_n be_v that_o notwithstanding_o the_o author_n and_o approver_n thereof_o charge_v the_o protester_n with_o lay_v of_o the_o ground_n of_o separation_n and_o for_o make_v good_a their_o charge_n do_v among_o other_o ground_n allege_v that_o though_o they_o be_v but_o the_o small_a and_o the_o few_o number_n they_o take_v upon_o they_o to_o judge_v and_o act_n in_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o church_n and_o to_o exercise_v jurisdiction_n and_o authority_n over_o their_o brethren_n yet_o in_o this_o overture_n this_o power_n seem_v to_o be_v give_v by_o the_o assembly_n to_o the_o small_a part_n or_o few_o number_n in_o presbytery_n or_o synod_n who_o acknowledge_v the_o authority_n of_o these_o two_o assembly_n at_o dundee_n and_o edinburgh_n because_o both_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o propound_v the_o overture_n and_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o report_v of_o diligence_n and_o in_o after_o do_n the_o same_o thing_n be_v commit_v and_o entrust_v to_o the_o few_o or_o small_a number_n which_o be_v commit_v &_o entrust_v to_o the_o whole_a or_o great_a part_n of_o the_o presbytery_n or_o synod_n it_o be_v true_a that_o they_o ordain_v they_o to_o do_v as_o they_o find_v by_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n and_o the_o act_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o gen._n assembly_n of_o this_o kirk_n to_o be_v most_o necessary_a and_o conducible_a for_o preservation_n of_o truth_n for_o promove_v the_o peace_n and_o welfare_n of_o the_o kirk_n and_o maintain_v of_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o assembly_n thereof_o but_o yet_o put_v a_o restriction_n upon_o the_o small_a part_n to_o proceed_v even_o to_o censure_n against_o the_o great_a part_n but_o only_o lay_v down_o the_o rule_n according_a to_o which_o they_o ought_v to_o proceed_v and_o the_o end_n which_o they_o ought_v to_o have_v before_o they_o in_o their_o procedure_n when_o they_o do_v proceed_v unto_o or_o abstain_v from_o censure_n as_o seem_v to_o be_v clear_a by_o their_o way_n of_o expression_n and_o to_o confirm_v that_o this_o be_v the_o meaning_n i_o desire_v it_o to_o be_v consider_v first_o that_o if_o they_o have_v a_o other_o meaning_n it_o have_v be_v easy_a for_o they_o to_o express_v it_o in_o such_o word_n as_o will_v have_v hold_v forth_o their_o sense_n clear_o and_o unquestionable_o second_o these_o limitation_n which_o they_o use_v as_o to_o the_o matter_n of_o procedure_n be_v equal_o hold_v forth_o both_o to_o the_o great_a and_o small_a part_n of_o presbytery_n and_o synod_n three_o they_o do_v take_v notice_n of_o the_o small_a part_n of_o presbytery_n in_o several_a place_n of_o the_o country_n who_o have_v withdraw_v and_o separate_v from_o the_o great_a part_n and_o act_v presbyterial_o and_o apart_o by_o themselves_o not_o only_o without_o the_o concurrence_n and_o consent_n but_o against_o the_o authority_n and_o declaration_n of_o the_o great_a part_n yea_o they_o do_v receive_v commissioner_n from_o some_o of_o they_o and_o admit_v they_o to_o sit_v as_o member_n of_o their_o assembly_n four_o they_o give_v commission_n for_o overpower_v the_o great_a part_n in_o some_o presbytery_n that_o church_n may_v be_v plant_v and_o thing_n do_v contrary_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o great_a part_n if_o notwithstanding_o of_o these_o thing_n or_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v intend_v in_o the_o overture_n itself_o they_o will_v vindicate_v it_o from_o such_o a_o meaning_n i_o believe_v it_o shall_v be_v acceptable_o take_v off_o their_o hand_n but_o until_o it_o be_v do_v i_o wish_v none_o of_o they_o may_v charge_v the_o protester_n with_o separation_n upon_o that_o ground_n for_o which_o they_o themselves_o to_o the_o apprehension_n of_o the_o protester_n have_v both_o in_o their_o act_n and_o practice_n clear_o pave_v the_o way_n edinb_n 5._o aug._n 1â—52_n antemer_n sess_n 23._o a_o right_a honourable_a right_a worshipful_a and_o worthy_o respect_v we_o be_v meet_v in_o edinburgh_n at_o the_o time_n appoint_v by_o the_o former_a assembly_n at_o dundee_n b_o of_o purpose_n to_o study_v the_o heal_n of_o begin_v breach_n in_o this_o kirk_n be_v interrupt_v at_o our_o first_o down-sitting_a and_o hinder_v from_o constitution_n of_o the_o assembly_n by_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n their_o offer_n of_o proposition_n and_o desire_n to_o be_v grant_v by_o we_o which_o can_v not_o to_o any_o good_a purpose_n c_o either_o be_v debate_v or_o effectual_o grant_v as_o be_v require_v before_o the_o assembly_n be_v constitute_v and_o the_o judicatory_a fix_v which_o short_a delay_n of_o our_o answer_n till_o we_o be_v in_o capacity_n to_o answer_v d_o be_v meet_v with_o a_o protestation_n prepare_v before_o hand_n for_o a_o declinatour_n of_o the_o judicatory_a and_o all_o the_o commissioner_n of_o presbytery_n e_o as_o freelychosen_a as_o any_o be_v and_o send_v forth_o from_o all_o part_n of_o the_o kingdom_n in_o which_o protestation_n be_v contain_v f_o many_o grievous_a and_o unjust_a aspersion_n upon_o we_o and_o other_o who_o dare_v not_o pass_v from_o the_o possession_n of_o g_o yearly_a general_n assembly_n which_o be_v in_o former_a time_n interrupt_v be_v purchase_v at_o a_o dear_a rate_n before_o it_o be_v recover_v h_o and_o all_o this_o be_v present_o put_v in_o print_n to_o the_o great_a disadvantage_n of_o we_o and_o misinformation_n of_o all_o the_o kingdom_n after_o the_o assembly_n be_v constitute_v i_o a_o conference_n be_v offer_v by_o we_o wherein_o some_o from_o we_o desire_v that_o to_o the_o intent_n we_o may_v join_v the_o better_a for_o promove_v the_o work_n of_o reformation_n legal_a bar_n hinder_v we_o from_o peace_n to_o wit_n protestation_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o censure_v inflict_v or_o which_o may_v be_v inflict_v on_o the_o other_o hand_n be_v remove_v they_o shall_v give_v assurance_n to_o forbear_v to_o trouble_v the_o kirk_n by_o hold_v up_o debate_v on_o the_o matter_n of_o our_o late_a difference_n about_o the_o manage_n of_o public_a affair_n k_o but_o after_o conference_n find_v no_o ground_n of_o hope_n for_o present_a agreement_n we_o have_v make_v the_o same_o offer_n to_o all_o they_o who_o adhere_v to_o the_o protestation_n whether_o in_o the_o town_n for_o the_o time_n or_o not_o as_o our_o act_n the_o copy_n whereof_o be_v with_o these_o come_v to_o your_o hand_n at_o more_o length_n do_v declare_v and_o grant_v unto_o all_o time_n to_o advise_v till_o the_o second_o wednesday_n of_o november_n next_o to_o come_v and_o now_o because_o our_o dissent_v l_o brethren_n have_v the_o advantage_n of_o the_o press_n for_o the_o present_a and_z and_z be_v too_o too_o diligent_a and_o painful_a in_o gather_v of_o hand_n and_o subscription_n to_o their_o protestation_n of_o young_a man_n or_o elder_n master_n or_o servant_n without_o any_o trial_n of_o their_o qualification_n to_o n_o make_v the_o world_n think_v that_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o godly_a as_o they_o in_o their_o paper_n presume_v to_o call_v themselves_o and_o that_o in_o great_a number_n do_v stand_v for_o their_o divisive_a way_n o_o therefore_o we_o think_v it_o our_o duty_n to_o write_v unto_o you_o all_o who_o love_v the_o union_n and_o peace_n of_o this_o afflict_a kirk_n that_o by_o your_o counsel_n conferrence_n and_o all_o other_o godly_a mean_n so_o many_o as_o in_o your_o bound_n minister_n or_o other_o be_v upon_o this_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
provocation_n they_o know_v also_o how_o to_o distinguish_v and_o have_v distinguish_v betwixt_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o work_n and_o the_o intention_n of_o the_o worker_n and_o think_v charitable_o of_o the_o one_o while_o they_o condemn_v the_o other_o yet_o these_o thing_n hinder_v they_o not_o to_o discern_v betwixt_o the_o righteous_a and_o the_o wicked_a he_o that_o serve_v god_n and_o he_o that_o serve_v he_o not_o the_o lord_n have_v teach_v we_o that_o false_a prophet_n may_v be_v know_v by_o their_o fruit_n and_o that_o man_n do_v not_o gather_v grape_n of_o thorn_n nor_o fig_n of_o thistle_n matth._n 7.16.20_o the_o transgression_n of_o the_o wicked_a say_v within_o my_o heart_n that_o there_o be_v no_o fear_n of_o god_n before_o his_o eye_n psa_n 36.1_o as_o i_o dare_v not_o judge_v of_o any_o man_n everlasting_a estate_n but_o leave_v it_o unto_o he_o with_o who_o the_o book_n be_v so_o have_v i_o not_o so_o learned_a christ_n as_o some_o man_n will_v have_v it_o to_o 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exceed_o sadden_fw-mi their_o spirit_n and_o leave_v a_o deep_a and_o strong_a conviction_n thereupon_o that_o they_o do_v add_v unto_o the_o land_n provocation_n and_o increase_n wrath_n and_o that_o in_o most_o of_o all_o their_o act_n they_o do_v walk_v not_o unto_o edification_n but_o unto_o destruct_v on_o 3._o because_o their_o act_n do_v rejoice_v the_o heart_n and_o strengthen_v the_o hand_n of_o these_o in_o the_o land_n who_o be_v void_a of_o grace_n and_o of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o adversary_n to_o the_o cause_n and_o people_n of_o god_n and_o mocker_n and_o hater_n of_o piety_n and_o godliness_n be_v not_o that_o assembly_n countenance_v and_o plead_v for_o and_o be_v it_o not_o to_o this_o day_n countenance_v and_o plead_v for_o by_o all_o the_o generation_n of_o malignant_a and_o profane_a person_n throughout_o the_o land_n and_o sure_a if_o it_o have_v be_v so_o much_o countenance_v and_o own_v of_o god_n it_o be_v not_o like_a that_o it_o shall_v 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cause_n and_o former_a principle_n of_o the_o reform_a party_n in_o this_o land_n set_v down_o in_o their_o public_a paper_n and_o that_o they_o may_v not_o partake_v of_o other_o man_n sin_n do_v not_o concur_v with_o but_o bear_v testimony_n against_o the_o carnal_a counsel_n of_o man_n own_o heart_n because_o of_o which_o the_o sword_n do_v abide_v in_o our_o city_n and_o consume_v our_o branch_n and_o devour_v they_o hos_n 11.6_o and_o the_o spirit_n that_o have_v be_v stir_v in_o they_o in_o these_o act_n i_o trust_v be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o good_a spirit_n of_o god_n the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n and_o holiness_n the_o voice_n behind_o they_o that_o speak_v in_o the_o ear_n of_o the_o lord_n people_n this_o be_v the_o way_n walk_v you_o in_o it_o when_o they_o turn_v to_o the_o right_a hand_n and_o when_o they_o turn_v to_o the_o left_a hand_n isa_n 30.21_o in_o order_n to_o this_o passage_n of_o the_o warn_v at_o dundee_n i_o wish_v the_o first_o penner_n thereof_o and_o the_o gentleman_n who_o now_o have_v cite_v it_o and_o all_o other_o to_o consider_v these_o few_o thing_n 1._o that_o not_o long_o ago_o there_o be_v a_o time_n that_o some_o of_o the_o best_a and_o most_o precious_a of_o these_o who_o now_o charge_v the_o protester_n with_o these_o harsh_a imputation_n of_o have_v a_o spirit_n stir_v in_o their_o work_n that_o have_v be_v and_o be_v most_o effectual_a for_o carry_v on_o of_o the_o design_n of_o the_o adversary_n of_o our_o cause_n be_v liable_a no_o less_o than_o the_o protester_n now_o be_v to_o the_o same_o imputation_n from_o these_o by_o who_o they_o now_o be_v cry_v up_o and_o commend_v and_o with_o who_o they_o now_o join_v issue_n in_o cast_v they_o upon_o their_o brethren_n it_o concern_v they_o to_o think_v whence_o these_o change_n be_v and_o
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testimony_n be_v there_o also_o that_o it_o be_v put_v to_o the_o press_n albeit_o i_o see_v not_o the_o fault_n in_o so_o do_v they_o against_o who_o it_o be_v give_v in_o have_v now_o constitute_v themselves_o and_o be_v sit_v open_o and_o avowed_o in_o a_o assembly_n yet_o i_o be_o confident_a there_o be_v no_o resolution_n take_v nor_o order_v give_v by_o the_o meeting_n of_o the_o protester_n for_o so_o do_v but_o private_a copy_n be_v take_v and_o who_o be_v oblige_v to_o hinder_v such_o as_o please_v to_o cause_n print_v it_o when_o some_o of_o the_o number_n hear_v that_o it_o be_v in_o print_v they_o desire_v and_o endeavour_v that_o it_o may_v be_v stop_v till_o they_o shall_v see_v the_o issue_n of_o the_o conference_n that_o then_o be_v betwixt_o some_o few_o of_o both_o side_n the_o copy_n be_v not_o publish_v till_o the_o next_o day_n after_o that_o conference_n be_v break_v off_o and_o business_n as_o to_o that_o time_n render_v in_o all_o appearance_n hopeless_a as_o to_o a_o agreement_n because_o the_o assembly_n have_v not_o pass_v a_o act_n for_o ratify_v the_o proceed_n of_o the_o commissioner_n appoint_v by_o the_o assembly_n at_o dundee_n which_o do_v include_v the_o public_a refolution_n and_o have_v also_o signify_v what_o length_n they_o mean_v to_o go_v in_o order_n to_o the_o difference_n betwixt_o we_o and_o they_o which_o be_v only_o to_o take_v censure_n off_o these_o brethren_n who_o have_v be_v censure_v by_o the_o assembly_n at_o dundee_n because_o of_o their_o protest_v and_o to_o declare_v that_o other_o involve_v therein_o and_o in_o the_o protestation_n against_o the_o assembly_n at_o edinburgh_n shall_v not_o be_v censure_v provide_v that_o they_o will_v judicial_o under_o their_o hand_n pass_v from_o these_o protestation_n and_o engage_v themselver_n to_o forbear_v meddle_v in_o the_o ground_n of_o these_o difference_n by_o preach_v write_v or_o otherwise_o which_o do_v import_v a_o stand_n of_o all_o these_o act_n at_o dundee_n concern_v the_o public_a resolution_n and_o the_o opposer_n of_o the_o same_o and_o a_o pass_v from_o and_o revoke_v of_o all_o the_o testimony_n give_v against_o the_o land_n backslide_v and_o a_o engagement_n to_o forbear_v for_o ever_o hereafter_o to_o say_v that_o kirk_n or_o state_n have_v sin_v in_o these_o resolution_n and_o these_o be_v the_o bowel_n of_o christian_a condescendence_n of_o which_o this_o member_n of_o that_o assembly_n at_o edinburgh_n speak_v the_o sum_n whereof_o be_v a_o pardon_n upon_o repentance_n or_o rather_o a_o hire_n upon_o compliance_n a_o forebearing_a to_o afflict_v and_o persecute_v any_o more_o provide_v that_o we_o will_v abandon_v the_o truth_n and_o call_v good_a evil_n and_o evil_a good_a but_o we_o dare_v not_o be_v accessary_a to_o the_o receive_v such_o wage_n of_o unrighteousness_n let_v we_o rather_o suffer_v then_o sin_n and_o
much_o sway_v by_o example_n of_o these_o who_o they_o know_v to_o have_v more_o learning_n and_o piety_n than_o themselves_o and_o if_o a_o judgement_n may_v be_v give_v of_o the_o thought_n of_o the_o heart_n of_o many_o of_o the_o last_o sort_n who_o maintain_v the_o public_a resolution_n from_o their_o speech_n and_o action_n they_o be_v as_o desirous_a to_o be_v rid_v of_o these_o chief_a lead_a man_n from_o among_o they_o as_o the_o protester_n be_v desirous_a to_o receive_v they_o for_o that_o paper_n anent_o the_o conference_n at_o s._n andrew_n which_o he_o say_v be_v public_a enough_o but_o not_o contradict_v by_o any_o it_o be_v the_o first_o time_n for_o aught_o i_o know_v that_o any_o of_o the_o protester_n have_v hear_v of_o it_o and_o until_o it_o be_v in_o more_o hand_n than_o these_o of_o his_o judgement_n it_o may_v meet_v with_o no_o contradiction_n and_o yet_o well_o deserve_v it_o protestation_n reviewed_n as_o for_o any_o of_o their_o endeavour_n they_o be_v 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with_o the_o power_n of_o their_o late_a assembly_n at_o edinburgh_n and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n their_o act_n out_o of_o that_o capacity_n have_v contribute_v as_o much_o to_o the_o intend_a end_n which_o be_v by_o conference_n to_o hold_v forth_o â—ghtanent_a the_o matter_n in_o controversy_n neither_o be_v there_o any_o need_n of_o authority_n to_o oblige_v other_o who_o entrust_v they_o for_o their_o power_n be_v limit_v and_o they_o be_v not_o warrant_v to_o depart_v from-one_a iota_fw-la of_o the_o public_a resolution_n so_o in_o that_o case_n they_o can_v not_o oblige_v nor_o be_v he_o able_a to_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o it_o have_v be_v a_o betray_n of_o their_o trust_n to_o confer_v with_o these_o who_o refuse_v to_o acknowledge_v their_o authority_n otherwise_o he_o shall_v condemn_v the_o practice_n of_o their_o late_a assembly_n at_o edinburgh_n for_o though_o they_o will_v not_o confer_v until_o they_o have_v constitute_v themselves_o into_o a_o assembly_n yet_o than_o they_o confer_v but_o the_o capacity_n he_o speak_v of_o be_v not_o acknowledge_v but_o protest_v against_o i_o know_v that_o there_o be_v such_o question_n among_o state_n to_o stick_v upon_o the_o nicety_n and_o punctilio_n of_o their_o title_n and_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o their_o power_n but_o these_o be_v too_o stately_a thing_n for_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n it_o be_v more_o suitable_a to_o use_v christian_a condescendence_n then_o to_o be_v puff_v up_o with_o the_o pomp_n of_o pretend_a or_o real_a authority_n and_o therefore_o as_o i_o see_v not_o the_o strength_n of_o this_o dilemma_n so_o i_o see_v no_o reason_n why_o their_o late_a assembly_n at_o edinburgh_n refuse_v to_o read_v a_o letter_n from_o the_o protester_n because_o they_o want_v their_o title_n endorse_v on_o the_o back_n of_o the_o letter_n as_o to_o the_o relation_n he_o make_v in_o this_o paragraphe_n it_o be_v great_o pervert_v if_o his_o ordinary_a discourse_n be_v suitable_a to_o the_o language_n of_o this_o pamphlet_n it_o will_v give_v ground_n enough_o to_o adjudge_v he_o to_o have_v lose_v the_o benefit_n of_o his_o frank_a law_n and_o never_o to_o be_v admit_v to_o be_v a_o witness_n for_o truth_n hereafter_o the_o true_a state_n of_o that_o matter_n be_v this_o the_o protester_n who_o have_v seasonable_o give_v a_o testimony_n before_o in_o a_o letter_n send_v to_o the_o general_n of_o the_o english_a force_n and_o a_o duplicat_fw-la present_v to_o the_o general_n major_a in_o edinburgh_n think_v it_o their_o duty_n to_o meet_v again_o about_o that_o time_n especial_o to_o prevent_v the_o imminent_a danger_n to_o religion_n and_o have_v stay_v about_o fourteen_o day_n together_o and_o do_v what_o become_v they_o in_o their_o station_n and_o also_o advise_v the_o minister_n of_o edinburgh_n to_o give_v a_o free_a testimony_n and_o faithful_a warning_n to_o their_o people_n upon_o the_o lord_n day_n concern_v the_o present_a snare_n and_o danger_n to_o religion_n which_o be_v do_v according_o the_o meet_v dissolve_v some_o brethren_n who_o be_v for_o the_o public_a resolution_n be_v in_o the_o town_n and_o have_v several_a diet_n of_o meeting_n at_o the_o same_o time_n when_o such_o of_o the_o protester_n as_o be_v in_o town_n do_v meet_v upon_o what_o occasion_n they_o do_v meet_v be_v not_o know_v but_o it_o be_v conceive_v to_o be_v for_o strengthen_v one_o another_o hand_n anent_o the_o public_a resolution_n and_o i_o be_o sure_a there_o be_v no_o message_n send_v to_o the_o protester_n at_o their_o meeting_n by_o the_o minister_n of_o edinburgh_n though_o they_o be_v present_a at_o the_o last_o diet_n of_o their_o meeting_n nor_o yet_o by_o any_o other_o only_o upon_o enquiry_n at_o these_o of_o the_o protester_n who_o dwell_v in_o the_o town_n i_o find_v that_o some_o day_n after_o the_o meeting_n be_v end_v some_o of_o the_o minister_n of_o edinburgh_n come_v to_o one_o of_o
that_o have_v be_v do_v these_o fourteen_o year_n in_o the_o lord_n work_v as_o tend_v to_o separation_n but_o what_o will_v he_o say_v for_o his_o associate_n who_o have_v not_o only_o take_v the_o patrociny_n of_o man_n suspect_v for_o malignancy_n but_o of_o these_o that_o be_v condemn_v and_o excommunicate_v for_o be_v murderer_n of_o the_o people_n of_o god_n yea_o and_o what_o if_o they_o have_v recommend_v they_o to_o public_a trust_n and_o employment_n to_o that_o which_o he_o allege_v in_o the_o second_o place_n i_o answer_v that_o this_o be_v the_o old_a prelatical_a song_n against_o the_o nonconformist_n because_o some_o of_o their_o number_n turn_v separatist_n therefore_o to_o say_v that_o they_o be_v all_o for_o separation_n though_o they_o keep_v christ_n middle_a way_n between_o extreme_n and_o do_v much_o more_o against_o separation_n by_o word_n write_v and_o print_n than_o all_o the_o prelatical_a party_n and_o i_o may_v say_v the_o like_a of_o the_o protester_n that_o they_o have_v take_v more_o pain_n by_o word_n and_o writ_n to_o prevent_v and_o remedy_v the_o decline_a of_o some_o to_o the_o way_n of_o separation_n than_o all_o that_o be_v for_o the_o public_a resolution_n have_v do_v beside_o he_o will_v consider_v what_o be_v say_v in_o the_o representation_n which_o be_v give_v in_o before_o the_o protestation_n how_o great_a a_o snare_n your_o former_a act_n which_o be_v not_o to_o edification_n have_v be_v to_o some_o people_n to_o tempt_v they_o to_o the_o way_n of_o separation_n and_o to_o the_o shake_n of_o the_o government_n of_o this_o church_n etc._n etc._n he_o may_v also_o bethink_v himself_o what_o great_a number_n of_o these_o that_o be_v most_o zealous_a for_o the_o public_a resolution_n have_v either_o depart_v from_o their_o principle_n to_o the_o contrary_a way_n against_o which_o they_o be_v fight_v the_o former_a year_n or_o otherwise_o if_o they_o be_v still_o walk_v upon_o their_o principle_n it_o be_v true_a which_o the_o protester_n a_o league_n that_o the_o public_a resolution_n lay_v a_o foundation_n for_o conjunction_n with_o all_o party_n whatsoever_o to_o the_o three_o i_o say_v that_o he_o have_v forget_v the_o rule_n recommend_v by_o he_o to_o the_o protester_n in_o the_o precede_a page_n anent_o purge_v out_o scandaious_a insufficient_a and_o ill-assected_n minister_n will_v he_o not_o allow_v the_o same_o moderation_n to_o man_n repute_v godly_a when_o they_o fall_v into_o a_o error_n of_o judgement_n he_o recommend_v to_o the_o protester_n consideration_n 1._o tim._n 5.19_o tit._n 3.6_o gal._n 1._o brethren_n if_o a_o man_n be_v over-taken_a in_o a_o fault_n you_o which_o be_v spiritual_a restore_v such_o a_o one_o in_o the_o spirit_n of_o meekness_n consider_v thyself_o leave_v thou_o also_o he_o tempt_v he_o recommend_v also_o judas_n 22_o 23._o and_o of_o some_o have_v compassion_n make_v a_o difference_n and_o other_o save_v with_o sear_n etc._n etc._n i_o wish_v these_o rule_n have_v be_v observe_v in_o the_o excommunication_n of_o some_o for_o rash_a censure_n bring_v authority_n in_o contempt_n i_o add_v unto_o these_o another_o place_n 2._o thess_n 3.14_o 15._o and_o if_o any_o man_n obey_v not_o our_o word_n by_o this_o epistle_n note_v that_o man_n and_o have_v no_o company_n with_o he_o that_o he_o may_v be_v ashamed_a and_o yet_o count_v he_o not_o as_o a_o enemy_n but_o admonish_v he_o as_o a_o brother_n and_o i_o say_v no_o more_o but_o desire_v that_o he_o and_o his_o party_n may_v be_v as_o studious_a to_o observe_v these_o rule_n in_o their_o censure_n as_o the_o protester_n be_v desirous_a to_o make_v conscience_n of_o keep_v these_o rule_n in_o their_o conversation_n as_o for_o his_o four_o consideration_n he_o mistake_v the_o question_n there_o be_v more_o in_o the_o case_n of_o non-concurrence_n with_o the_o force_n of_o the_o kingdom_n than_o association_n with_o malignant_n for_o the_o state_n of_o the_o quarrel_n be_v change_v from_o 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the_o english_a force_n not_o long_o after_o the_o fight_n at_o dumbar_n see_v it_o have_v be_v a_o easy_a matter_n in_o a_o few_o day_n to_o have_v make_v trial_n and_o discovery_n whether_o there_o be_v any_o reality_n in_o that_o offer_n or_o not_o but_o not_o so_o much_o as_o a_o answer_n be_v return_v by_o word_n or_o writing_n to_o that_o letter_n notwithstanding_o that_o it_o be_v once_o resolve_v on_o by_o the_o most_o part_n of_o the_o member_n of_o the_o committee_n of_o estate_n that_o be_v then_o present_a at_o sterline_n now_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o these_o thing_n be_v of_o a_o different_a nature_n from_o the_o question_n about_o separation_n from_o worship_n because_o of_o the_o sin_n of_o follow-worshipper_n but_o yet_o further_o i_o say_v there_o be_v many_o clear_a difference_n betwixt_o non-concurrence_n with_o the_o malignant_a party_n in_o arm_n according_a to_o the_o public_a resolution_n &_o separation_n from_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o fellow-worshipper_n for_o in_o act_n of_o worship_n the_o effect_n be_v to_o every_o man_n according_a to_o his_o faith_n but_o in_o fight_v together_o there_o be_v one_o common_a effect_n result_v to_o all_o &_o all_o must_v share_v therein_o according_a as_o the_o lord_n dispense_v a_o victory_n or_o defeat_n now_o the_o lord_n be_v with_o his_o friend_n and_o bless_v they_o and_o against_o his_o enemy_n and_o curse_v they_o therefore_o jehosaphat_n and_o amaziah_n be_v forbid_a conjunction_n with_o israel_n 2_o chron._n 19_o and_o 25._o and_o to_o express_v it_o further_o i_o give_v this_o instance_n that_o when_o man_n join_v in_o arm_n they_o fight_v one_o for_o another_o but_o in_o participation_n of_o the_o sacrament_n they_o do_v not_o communicate_v one_o for_o another_o also_o there_o be_v no_o implicit_a obedience_n to_o be_v give_v in_o act_n of_o worship_n as_o there_o must_v be_v in_o war_n in_o some_o case_n for_o inferior_a officer_n and_o soldier_n be_v swear_v to_o obedience_n by_o their_o military_a oath_n and_o if_o they_o shall_v refuse_v until_o they_o understand_v a_o reason_n for_o the_o command_v give_v they_o it_o will_v be_v judge_v mutiny_n and_o worthy_a of_o death_n therefore_o friend_n and_o not_o our_o bloody_a enemy_n be_v to_o be_v entrust_v as_o commander_n likewise_o there_o be_v not_o such_o command_n prohibition_n and_o covenant_n in_o the_o one_o case_n as_o the_o other_o and_o we_o see_v in_o scripture_n that_o jehosaphat_n and_o amaziah_n be_v forbid_a conjunction_n with_o the_o israelite_n in_o war_n yet_o incase_o the_o same_o israelite_n have_v come_v to_o jerusalem_n to_o worship_n jehosaphat_n and_o amaziah_n have_v be_v oblige_v to_o join_v with_o they_o in_o act_n of_o worship_n there_o be_v diverse_a other_o difference_n but_o because_o they_o be_v set_v down_o in_o other_o paper_n for_o answer_v the_o same_o objection_n i_o shall_v not_o repeat_v they_o here_o in_o the_o last_o place_n i_o shall_v add_v a_o further_a consideration_n and_o that_o be_v even_o in_o the_o case_n of_o abstain_v from_o conjunction_n with_o these_o that_o not_o only_o come_v the_o length_n of_o profession_n but_o serious_o to_o essay_n to_o join_v themselves_o with_o the_o church_n which_o it_o seem_v this_o reviewer_n do_v condemn_v as_o altogether_o unlawful_a in_o any_o case_n whatsoever_o there_o be_v great_a difference_n betwixt_o open_a enmity_n against_o the_o lord_n and_o his_o work_n and_o bloody_a persecution_n of_o his_o people_n and_o betwixt_o common_a scandal_n these_o two_o be_v not_o to_o be_v confound_v together_o for_o actual_a enmity_n suspend_v the_o duty_n of_o all_o relation_n so_o long_o as_o it_o be_v continue_v even_o between_o father_n and_o son_n and_o husband_n and_o wife_n at_o least_o these_o duty_n which_o can_v be_v perform_v without_o real_a danger_n for_o nature_n light_n teach_v that_o one_o will_v not_o
contain_v in_o the_o act_n at_o glasgow_n dec._n 18._o sess_n 28._o 1638._o thus_o all_o the_o minister_n elder_n and_o expectant_n in_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n who_o do_v not_o acknowledge_v that_o assembly_n or_o oppose_v the_o resolution_n thereof_o or_o do_v not_o acquiesce_v to_o the_o act_n and_o constitution_n thereof_o be_v to_o be_v lay_v aside_o discharged_z silence_v suspend_v or_o depose_v yea_o all_o the_o minister_n elder_n expectant_n and_o professor_n in_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n who_o do_v not_o acknowledge_v that_o assembly_n or_o who_o do_v oppose_v the_o resolution_n thereof_o or_o who_o do_v not_o acquiesce_v to_o the_o act_n and_o constitution_n thereof_o be_v make_v liable_a to_o excommunication_n if_o after_o conference_n they_o do_v not_o receive_v satisfaction_n from_o what_o be_v already_o say_v it_o do_v appear_v who_o be_v the_o person_n as_o to_o the_o matter_n of_o their_o suppose_a offence_n be_v to_o be_v censure_v i_o shall_v only_o add_v that_o as_o to_o their_o real_a qualification_n and_o carriage_n that_o they_o be_v not_o such_o who_o have_v be_v enemy_n or_o dis-affected_n to_o the_o work_n of_o reformation_n or_o scandalous_a or_o loose_a in_o their_o conversation_n but_o such_o as_o have_v be_v zealous_a thereof_o and_o faithful_a therein_o from_o the_o beginning_n and_o blameless_a in_o their_o conversation_n and_o can_v acknowledge_v that_o assembly_n nor_o acquiesce_v to_o the_o act_n and_o constitution_n thereof_o for_o conscience_n sake_n have_v a_o well-warranted_a persuasion_n in_o themselves_o that_o they_o do_v herein_o walk_v according_a to_o former_a sound_a principle_n to_o depart_v from_o which_o be_v but_o to_o involve_v themselves_o in_o the_o common_a defection_n with_o other_o and_o as_o these_o person_n be_v so_o qualify_v in_o their_o carriage_n to_o the_o public_a work_n and_o in_o their_o conversation_n so_o for_o their_o number_n they_o make_v up_o a_o very_a great_a part_n of_o the_o godly_a in_o the_o land_n whether_o minister_n elder_n expectant_n or_o professor_n a_o act_n and_o overture_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n for_o the_o peace_n and_o union_n of_o the_o kirk_n edinburgh_n 2._o august_n 1652._o postmeridiem_fw-la sess_n 18._o the_o general_n assembly_n be_v deep_o affect_v with_o sense_n of_o the_o many_o and_o sad_a evil_n &_o calamity_n that_o have_v already_o arisen_a both_o to_o kirk_n and_o state_n within_o this_o land_n by_o the_o lamentable_a division_n and_o distraction_n among_o minister_n and_o other_o of_o the_o people_n of_o god_n in_o this_o kirk_n and_o apprehensive_a of_o great_a evil_n which_o may_v yet_o follow_v to_o the_o over-throwing_a of_o the_o bless_a work_n of_o reformation_n which_o the_o lord_n in_o his_o great_a and_o special_a mercy_n be_v please_v to_o set_v up_o among_o we_o have_v carry_v it_o through_o many_o difficulty_n and_o opposition_n and_o to_o the_o lay_n of_o the_o kirk_n of_o god_n waste_n and_o desolat_a if_o these_o division_n and_o distraction_n shall_v continue_v and_o be_v most_o desirous_a as_o the_o servant_n of_o jesus_n christ_n who_o be_v the_o prince_n of_o peace_n to_o use_v all_o necessary_a and_o lawful_a mean_n so_o far_o as_o their_o knowledge_n and_o power_n can_v reach_v for_o prevent_v the_o increase_n of_o these_o division_n and_o make_v up_o of_o the_o breach_n and_o be_v firm_o resolve_v for_o obtain_v of_o this_o desirable_a end_n in_o all_o meekness_n gentleness_n and_o moderation_n to_o condescend_v so_o far_o as_o they_o can_v without_o violation_n of_o truth_n and_o of_o the_o just_a authority_n of_o the_o government_n and_o court_n of_o jesus_n christ_n in_o his_o kirk_n unto_o their_o brethren_n of_o the_o ministry_n and_o other_o of_o the_o people_n of_o god_n who_o have_v be_v this_o late_a time_n bypass_a and_o be_v at_o difference_n with_o the_o judicatories_n of_o the_o kirk_n for_o bring_v they_o to_o a_o happy_a conjunction_n with_o their_o brethren_n in_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n therefore_o for_o give_v a_o evidence_n and_o demonstration_n of_o their_o real_a intention_n &_o sincere_a purpose_n about_o the_o premise_n as_o they_o have_v already_o by_o some_o of_o their_o number_n commissionated_a for_o that_o effect_n declare_v and_o make_v offer_n to_o some_o of_o these_o their_o dissent_v brethren_n who_o be_v here_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o assembly_n so_o now_o again_o do_v declare_v and_o make_v offer_n by_o this_o present_a act_n that_o the_o four_o brethren_n who_o by_o the_o precede_a general_n assembly_n at_o s._n andrews_n and_o dundee_n be_v upon_o special_a consideration_n just_o censure_v for_o protest_v against_o and_o decline_v the_o authority_n thereof_o shall_v have_v the_o censure_n inflict_v on_o they_o by_o that_o assembly_n for_o the_o cause_n foresay_a take_v off_o they_o and_o further_o that_o no_o censure_n shall_v be_v inflict_v on_o they_o for_o not_o submit_v to_o the_o foresay_a censure_n yea_o and_o that_o no_o censure_n shall_v be_v inflict_v for_o their_o protest_v against_o and_o decline_v of_o this_o present_a gen._n ass_n provide_v 1._o that_o they_o do_v pass_v from_o the_o say_v two_o protestation_n against_o and_o declinator_n of_o the_o two_o foresay_a assembly_n judicial_o under_o their_o hand_n between_z and_z the_o second_o wednesday_n of_o november_n next_o ensue_v in_o their_o several_a presbytery_n or_o synod_n respectiuè_fw-la 2._o that_o they_o also_o give_v assurance_n in_o manner_n foresay_a that_o they_o shall_v forbear_v hold_v up_o division_n by_o debate_n about_o matter_n of_o our_o late_a difference_n since_o the_o assembly_n 1650._o in_o preach_v write_a or_o any_o otherwise_o likeas_n the_o assembly_n do_v declare_v and_o make_v offer_n that_o all_o such_o as_o do_v concur_v in_o or_o have_v be_v accessary_a unto_o the_o protestation_n and_o declinatour_n against_o the_o assembly_n at_o s._n andrews_n and_o dundee_n and_o be_v not_o censure_v shall_v be_v free_a from_o whatsoever_o censure_n may_v have_v be_v inflict_v by_o any_o act_n of_o the_o say_a assembly_n and_o that_o no_o such_o act_n shall_v have_v any_o force_n against_o they_o hereafter_o in_o any_o judicatory_a of_o this_o kirk_n and_o that_o no_o censure_n shall_v be_v inflict_v on_o they_o for_o their_o accession_n unto_o the_o late_a protestation_n and_o declinatour_n against_o the_o present_a assembly_n provide_v they_o shall_v perform_v the_o foresay_a provision_n within_o the_o time_n and_o after_o the_o manner_n therein_o specify_v and_o for_o prosecution_n of_o this_o purpose_n the_o general_n assembly_n ordain_v the_o several_a presbytery_n or_o synod_n of_o this_o kirk_n to_o present_v this_o offer_n with_o the_o provision_n therein_o contain_v unto_o all_o such_o person_n as_o be_v beforementioned_a within_o their_o bound_n respectiuè_v and_o incase_o the_o plurality_n of_o presbytery_n or_o synod_n shall_v refuse_v to_o propound_v the_o same_o the_o assembly_n do_v warrant_n such_o brethren_n as_o acknowledge_v the_o authority_n of_o these_o assembly_n to_o propound_v they_o and_o have_v make_v report_n of_o their_o diligence_n and_o success_n therein_o to_o the_o next_o ensue_v quarterly_o meet_v of_o the_o commission_n of_o the_o kirk_n if_o they_o be_v then_o sit_v thereafter_o to_o do_v as_o they_o find_v by_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o act_n and_o constitution_n of_o general_n assembly_n of_o this_o kirk_n to_o be_v most_o necessary_a and_o conducible_a for_o preservation_n of_o truth_n for_o procure_v the_o peace_n and_o welfare_n of_o the_o kirk_n and_o maintenance_n of_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o assembly_n thereof_o as_o they_o will_v be_v answerable_a to_o the_o next_o general_n assembly_n and_o recommend_v unto_o they_o to_o take_v advice_n of_o the_o commission_n of_o the_o kirk_n for_o their_o proceed_n in_o any_o matter_n of_o importance_n of_o this_o kind_n and_o now_o the_o general_n assembly_n have_v out_o of_o tender_a affection_n towards_o their_o brethren_n and_o sincere_a desire_n of_o unity_n and_o concord_n with_o they_o in_o the_o lord_n and_o for_o the_o lord_n condescend_v unto_o this_o moderation_n and_o meekness_n do_v obtest_v all_o and_o every_o one_o of_o they_o in_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o expect_v as_o they_o tender_v the_o preservation_n of_o the_o government_n of_o this_o kirk_n which_o adversary_n without_o and_o within_o take_v advantage_n of_o our_o division_n and_o distraction_n be_v labour_v to_o subvert_v and_o as_o they_o love_v the_o establish_n and_o promove_v of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n in_o this_o land_n and_o will_v be_v answerable_a to_o he_o in_o the_o great_a day_n that_o they_o will_v accept_v of_o this_o offer_n of_o love_n return_v unto_o unity_n with_o their_o brethren_n in_o their_o several_a respective_a place_n and_o judicatories_n and_o concur_v in_o a_o unanimous_a way_n for_o preserve_v and_o promove_v the_o work_n of_o reformation_n in_o