have_v carry_v on_o a_o course_n of_o defection_n and_o it_o be_v offer_v to_o verify_v the_o same_o and_o thereupon_o desire_v that_o these_o commissioner_n may_v not_o be_v admit_v to_o sit_v as_o member_n in_o the_o assembly_n till_o that_o matter_n be_v try_v it_o be_v refuse_v and_o notwithstanding_o of_o the_o except_o on_o timeous_o propound_v and_o offer_v to_o be_v instruct_v they_o be_v before_o the_o take_n try_v all_o thereof_o allow_v to_o sit_v which_o be_v in_o effect_n to_o reject_v the_o exception_n either_o as_o irrelevat_a in_o law_n or_o as_o false_a in_o fact_n and_o so_o to_o approve_v they_o before_o try_v all_o yea_o they_o be_v admit_v to_o â—iâ—â—s_a judge_n in_o their_o own_o cause_n for_o the_o protestation_n be_v particular_o found_v on_o the_o sinfulness_n and_o unwarrantableness_n of_o their_o proceed_n yet_o they_o be_v allow_v to_o sit_v as_o judge_n and_o to_o condemn_v the_o protestation_n as_o destructive_a to_o the_o government_n and_o liberty_n of_o this_o kirk_n and_o censurable_a with_o the_o high_a censure_n thereof_o upon_o the_o 23_o of_o july_n 1651._o notwithstanding_o their_o proceed_n be_v not_o approven_v till_o the_o day_n after_o which_o be_v the_o 24._o that_o other_o of_o they_o do_v absolute_o decline_v the_o authority_n of_o that_o assembly_n and_o protest_v against_o it_o as_o null_n be_v a_o practice_n that_o have_v many_o commendable_a and_o praiseworthy_a parallel_n in_o this_o church_n and_o therefore_o they_o do_v speak_v more_o from_o their_o own_o spirit_n then_o from_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n who_o cry_v out_o that_o it_o have_v no_o parallel_n but_o that_o of_o the_o perfidious_a prelate_n the_o declinatour_n of_o the_o prelate_n against_o the_o assembly_n at_o glasgow_n 1638._o as_o any_o who_o please_v to_o read_v the_o same_o will_v find_v that_o it_o do_v strike_v at_o the_o root_n of_o presbyterial_a government_n and_o general_n assembly_n in_o regard_n of_o the_o essential_o of_o their_o constitution_n but_o the_o protestation_n do_v acknowledge_v and_o plead_v for_o the_o government_n and_o for_o the_o due_a liberty_n and_o freedom_n and_o right_a constitution_n of_o assembly_n according_a to_o the_o ruâ—e_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o act_n of_o this_o kirk_n and_o do_v only_o bear_v testimony_n against_o and_o decline_v that_o assembly_n because_o of_o unwarrantable_a prelimit_v of_o the_o election_n admit_v of_o person_n under_o scandal_n before_o try_v oâ—_n they_o admit_v of_o the_o same_o man_n to_o be_v both_o judge_n and_o party_n want_v of_o frâ—â—_n access_n and_o recess_n absence_n of_o many_o commissioner_n want_v of_o freedom_n in_o voice_n deny_v to_o hear_v what_o be_v offer_v for_o hold_v forth_o of_o light_n whereby_o â—t_a appear_v that_o there_o be_v little_a conscience_n and_o ingenuity_n and_o less_o charity_n in_o make_v of_o that_o parallel_n but_o the_o history_n and_o act_n of_o our_o church_n do_v furnish_v we_o many_o just_a and_o true_a parallel_n of_o this_o practice_n in_o the_o carriage_n of_o the_o faithful_a witness_n of_o our_o lord_n in_o our_o own_o and_o our_o father_n day_n who_o have_v stand_v to_o plead_v for_o the_o doctrine_n government_n worship_n and_o discipline_n of_o this_o kirk_n i_o shall_v only_o name_v a_o few_o the_o first_o be_v in_o the_o year_n 1597._o at_o which_o time_n the_o commissioner_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n have_v contrary_a to_o the_o trust_v commit_v to_o they_o in_o these_o intervall_n betwixt_o assembly_n petition_v and_o obtain_v from_o the_o king_n and_o estate_n of_o the_o kingdom_n that_o minister_n shall_v sit_v in_o parliament_n as_o the_o three_o estate_n which_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o our_o prelatic_a their_o proceed_n in_o that_o petition_n and_o the_o thing_n relate_v thereto_o be_v approven_v in_o the_o assembly_n by_o the_o preval_v influence_n of_o the_o king_n and_o these_o commissioner_n notwithstanding_o of_o the_o reason_n propound_v against_o the_o same_o by_o sundry_a of_o the_o ministry_n m._n john_n davidson_n a_o most_o worthy_a and_o pious_a minister_n of_o this_o church_n endue_v with_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n in_o many_o thing_n and_o as_o anti-prelaticall_a and_o true_o tender_a of_o presbyterial_a government_n and_o of_o the_o authority_n of_o assembly_n as_o any_o this_o church_n have_v bring_v forth_o do_v solemn_o protest_v against_o that_o assembly_n as_o not_o free_a and_o lawful_a to_o which_o protestation_n mr._n david_n calâ—erwood_n a_o strenuous_a maintainer_n of_o the_o government_n of_o this_o church_n and_o a_o constant_a adversary_n to_o prelate_n &_o a_o unsuspect_n witness_n in_o this_o present_a controversy_n declare_v in_o his_o story_n his_o own_o adherence_n &_o the_o adherence_n of_o many_o of_o the_o most_o sincere_a pastor_n and_o professor_n of_o this_o kirk_n as_o see_v the_o beginning_n and_o fear_v the_o growth_n of_o that_o defection_n likeas_n he_o do_v often_o from_o that_o experience_n express_v his_o fear_n and_o thereupon_o his_o opinion_n against_o put_v too_o much_o power_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o a_o commission_n and_o prognosticate_v a_o defection_n to_o ensue_v thereupon_o whensoever_o the_o king_n and_o the_o court_n shall_v have_v influence_n upon_o the_o lead_a man_n thereof_o concern_v which_o he_o have_v not_o be_v mistake_v 2._o do_v not_o many_o worthy_a pastor_n and_o professor_n of_o this_o church_n protest_v against_o the_o corrupt_a assembly_n annul_v by_o the_o assembly_n at_o glasgow_n sundry_a of_o which_o protestation_n be_v to_o be_v see_v in_o the_o book_n call_v the_o course_n of_o conformity_n let_v our_o predecessor_n supplication_n reason_n admonition_n protestation_n present_v to_o the_o parliament_n 1617._o and_o 1621._o be_v consider_v wherein_o they_o assert_v the_o assembly_n then_o controvert_v to_o be_v unlawful_o constitute_v and_o to_o be_v but_o pretend_a assembly_n though_o no_o authority_n have_v declare_v the_o same_o see_v also_o the_o observation_n print_v 1635_o with_o the_o grievance_n give_v in_o by_o the_o minister_n to_o the_o parliament_n 1633_o it_o be_v here_o well_o say_v that_o the_o safety_n of_o religion_n depend_v not_o upon_o assembly_n of_o whatsoever_o kind_n but_o upon_o the_o liberty_n of_o free_a and_o right_o constitute_v assembly_n aâ—_n in_o the_o commonweal_n he_o be_v not_o to_o be_v think_v a_o faithful_a patriot_n who_o will_v not_o stand_v as_o much_o for_o the_o liberty_n of_o a_o parliament_n as_o his_o own_o possession_n because_o the_o safety_n of_o all_o other_o liberty_n stand_v in_o the_o preservation_n of_o that_o main_a liberty_n 3._o do_v not_o these_o who_o spirit_n the_o lord_n stir_v up_o to_o appear_v against_o the_o prelate_n and_o to_o set_v on_o foot_n the_o work_n of_o reformation_n in_o the_o year_n 16â—7_n express_o declare_v theiâ—_n adherence_n to_o all_o these_o protestation_n make_v by_o their_o father_n and_o predecessor_n declare_v the_o nullity_n of_o these_o corrupt_a assembly_n and_o thereby_o establish_v the_o declinatour_n against_o the_o same_o before_o the_o assembly_n at_o glasgow_n which_o practice_n be_v as_o strange_o look_v upon_o and_o as_o muâ—h_v speak_v against_o then_o as_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o protester_n in_o the_o year_n 1651._o 4._o our_o nationall_n covenant_n do_v both_o mention_n and_o allow_v these_o protestation_n against_o that_o whole_a course_n of_o defection_n whence_o it_o appear_v that_o that_o practice_n at_o dâ—â—dee_n have_v many_o both_o very_o worthy_a precedent_n and_o parallel_n and_o that_o to_o protest_v against_o corrupt_a assembly_n such_o as_o that_o be_v have_v be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v look_v upon_o by_o discer_v faithful_a and_o godly_a man_n in_o this_o kirk_n as_o the_o throw_n down_o of_o the_o hedge_n of_o discipline_n and_o make_v way_n for_o every_o beast_n of_o the_o forest_n to_o break_v in_o as_o this_o reviewer_n allege_v that_o they_o have_v use_v it_o as_o one_o of_o the_o best_a mean_n for_o prevent_v and_o remedy_v of_o these_o evil_n and_o so_o it_o be_v indeed_o because_o as_o it_o be_v well_o observe_v and_o true_o assert_v in_o the_o great_a act_n of_o the_o assembly_n concern_v the_o by_o go_v evil_n of_o this_o church_n and_o the_o remedy_n thereof_o that_o the_o keeep_v or_o authorise_v of_o corrupt_a general_n assembly_n have_v be_v one_o of_o the_o main_a cause_n of_o our_o evil_n by_o these_o it_o be_v that_o the_o prelate_n and_o all_o the_o train_n of_o superstitious_a ceremony_n do_v enter_v and_o have_v have_v such_o worthy_a precedent_n in_o oppose_v of_o such_o and_o such_o doolful_a and_o dear_a buy_v experience_n of_o the_o wrong_n they_o have_v do_v to_o this_o poor_a church_n there_o be_v the_o great_a reason_n to_o take_v heed_n to_o stand_v fast_o in_o the_o liberty_n wherewith_o christ_n have_v make_v we_o free_a and_o not_o to_o be_v again_o entangle_v with_o the_o yoke_n of_o bondage_n of_o corrupt_a assembly_n it_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
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
which_o then_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o employ_v these_o man_n there_o be_v no_o word_n of_o repentance_n or_o satisfaction_n as_o necessary_a requisite_n in_o these_o who_o be_v to_o be_v employ_v in_o the_o defence_n of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o of_o the_o cause_n but_o the_o exception_n in_o the_o answer_n exclude_v only_o excommunicate_v person_n forefault_v notorious_o profane_a or_o flagitious_a and_o such_o as_o have_v be_v from_o the_o beginning_n and_o continue_v still_o or_o be_v at_o this_o time_n obstinate_a and_o profess_a enemy_n and_o opposer_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o cause_n of_o god_n and_o most_o if_o not_o all_o the_o argument_n in_o the_o warn_v run_v for_o employ_v all_o man_n who_o be_v subject_n without_o any_o such_o qualification_n the_o last_o because_o the_o order_n prescribe_v by_o the_o gen._n assembly_n be_v not_o keep_v in_o receive_v of_o they_o that_o order_n as_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o act_n of_o the_o assembly_n 49._o concern_v the_o receive_n of_o engager_n be_v that_o because_o many_o heretofore_o have_v make_v show_n and_o profession_n of_o their_o repentance_n who_o be_v not_o convince_v of_o their_o guiltiness_n nor_o humble_v for_o the_o same_o but_o do_v thereafter_o return_v with_o the_o dog_n to_o the_o vomit_n and_o with_o the_o sow_n to_o the_o puddle_n unto_o the_o mock_n of_o god_n and_o the_o exceed_a great_a reproach_n and_o detriment_n of_o his_o cause_n therefore_o for_o the_o better_a determine_v the_o truth_n &_o sincerity_n of_o the_o repentance_n of_o those_o who_o desire_v to_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o covenant_n and_o communion_n it_o be_v appoint_v &_o ordain_v that_o none_o of_o those_o person_n who_o be_v debar_v from_o the_o covenant_n and_o communion_n shall_v be_v admit_v and_o receive_v thereto_o but_o such_o as_o after_o exact_a trial_n shall_v be_v find_v for_o some_o competent_a time_n before_o or_o after_o the_o offer_n of_o their_o repentance_n according_a to_o the_o discretion_n of_o the_o respective_a judicatories_n to_o have_v in_o their_o ordinary_a conversation_n give_v real_a testimony_n of_o their_o dislike_n of_o the_o late_a unlawful_a engagement_n and_o of_o the_o course_n and_o way_n of_o malignant_n and_o of_o their_o sorrow_n for_o their_o accession_n to_o the_o same_o and_o to_o live_v sober_o righteous_o and_o godly_a and_o if_o any_o shall_v be_v find_v who_o after_o the_o defeat_n of_o the_o engager_n have_v utter_v any_o malignant_a speech_n tend_v to_o the_o approbation_n of_o the_o late_a unlawful_a engagement_n or_o the_o bloodshed_n within_o the_o kingdom_n for_o promove_v of_o the_o end_n of_o the_o say_a engagement_n or_o any_o other_o project_n or_o practice_n within_o or_o without_o the_o kingdom_n prejudicial_a to_o religion_n and_o the_o covenant_n or_o tend_v to_o the_o reproach_n of_o the_o ministry_n or_o the_o civil_a government_n of_o the_o kingdom_n or_o who_o have_v unnecessary_o or_o ordinary_o converse_v with_o malignant_n and_o dis-affected_n person_n or_o who_o have_v have_v hand_n in_o or_o accession_n to_o or_o compliance_n with_o or_o have_v any_o way_n countenance_v or_o promove_v any_o malignant_a design_n prejudicial_a to_o religion_n and_o the_o covenant_n that_o these_o notwithstanding_o their_o profession_n of_o repentance_n be_v not_o sudden_o receive_v but_o a_o competent_a time_n according_a to_o the_o discretion_n of_o the_o judicatory_a be_v assign_v to_o they_o for_o trial_n of_o the_o evidence_n of_o their_o repentance_n according_a to_o the_o qualification_n abovementioned_a now_o let_v conscience_n speak_v whether_o this_o order_n in_o receive_v these_o man_n be_v observe_v yea_o or_o not_o yea_o it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o it_o that_o they_o be_v receive_v without_o such_o evidence_n in_o a_o very_a rash_a and_o precipitant_a way_n unto_o the_o most_o manifest_a mock_v of_o repentance_n that_o have_v be_v hear_v or_o see_v in_o any_o church_n in_o the_o world_n many_o of_o they_o flout_v and_o jeer_v at_o the_o judicatories_n of_o the_o kirk_n and_o one_o at_o another_o and_o make_v sport_n of_o their_o confession_n among_o their_o companion_n and_o give_v as_o much_o evidence_n of_o their_o malignancy_n and_o profanity_n and_o hate_v of_o godliness_n in_o their_o speech_n and_o carriage_n as_o of_o before_o do_v not_o the_o commission_n make_v such_o haste_n to_o receive_v these_o who_o have_v break_v out_o in_o rebellion_n and_o rise_v in_o arm_n against_o the_o cause_n and_o kingdom_n after_o dumbar_n that_o notwithstanding_o they_o have_v once_o by_o a_o act_n remit_v they_o all_o for_o censure_n to_o the_o gen._n assembly_n and_o intimate_v the_o same_o to_o presbytery_n that_o they_o may_v not_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o renew_n of_o the_o covenant_n or_o communion_n till_o the_o assembly_n shall_v judge_v of_o their_o case_n yet_o they_o do_v after_o the_o answer_n to_o the_o quere_z make_v a_o new_a act_n for_o receive_v they_o to_o the_o great_a offence_n of_o the_o godly_a and_o expose_v of_o their_o own_o authority_n to_o contempt_n and_o reproach_n declaration_n the_o 6._o step_n be_v set_v down_o thus_o notwithstanding_o some_o man_n have_v thus_o occasion_v the_o make_n up_o of_o our_o force_n as_o they_o now_o be_v yet_o not_o only_o do_v they_o themselves_o refuse_v to_o join_v with_o they_o but_o oppose_v by_o all_o mean_v possible_a the_o raise_n of_o the_o army_n according_a to_o public_a resolution_n what_o by_o preach_v what_o by_o writing_n what_o by_o brand_a hoâ—â—st_n man_n many_o of_o who_o do_v bear_v the_o burden_n and_o heaâ—_n of_o the_o day_n when_o other_o be_v not_o with_o the_o odious_a imputation_n of_o backslide_n covenant-breaking_a and_o what_o not_o public_a fast_n be_v separate_v from_o and_o contemn_v faction_n draw_v among_o the_o people_n in_o a_o word_n no_o mean_n be_v leave_v unessay_v to_o make_v public_a resolution_n in_o order_n to_o the_o raise_n of_o the_o army_n ineffectual_a without_o hold_v forth_o any_o possible_a or_o probable_a mean_n for_o the_o relief_n of_o the_o kingdom_n all_o which_o what_o ever_o have_v be_v the_o intention_n of_o man_n do_v of_o their_o own_o nature_n contribute_v no_o less_o effectual_o to_o the_o deliver_v up_o of_o all_o to_o the_o will_n of_o the_o enemy_n without_o stroke_n of_o sword_n then_o if_o it_o have_v be_v purposely_o intend_v defence_n prejudice_n stretch_v far_o to_o reach_v a_o blow_n albeit_o it_o be_v here_o assert_v that_o some_o man_n do_v by_o all_o mean_v possible_a oppose_v the_o raise_n of_o the_o army_n according_a to_o the_o public_a resolution_n and_o that_o they_o leave_v no_o mean_n unessay_v to_o make_v these_o resolution_n ineffectual_a for_o raise_v of_o the_o army_n yet_o they_o must_v be_v the_o man_n who_o thus_o occasion_v the_o make_n up_o of_o the_o army_n as_o it_o be_v how_o this_o shall_v be_v i_o do_v not_o well_o know_v unless_o it_o be_v by_o a_o antiperistasis_n as_o heat_v sometime_o occasion_n cold_a and_o cold_a heat_n or_o as_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n occasion_n war_n upon_o the_o earth_n it_o be_v like_a enough_o that_o the_o testimony_n which_o be_v bear_v against_o that_o way_n do_v instate_v man_n corruption_n and_o make_v they_o more_o violent_a and_o headstrong_a in_o the_o prosecution_n of_o the_o same_o but_o their_o meaning_n happy_o be_v that_o these_o man_n do_v oppose_v the_o union_n of_o the_o force_n or_o will_v not_o suffer_v other_o to_o rise_v for_o the_o defence_n of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o cause_n and_o so_o put_v the_o committee_n of_o estate_n upon_o a_o necessity_n of_o employ_v of_o these_o to_o join_v of_o the_o force_n we_o have_v speak_v before_o and_o show_v upon_o what_o term_n they_o be_v willing_a to_o have_v join_v and_o that_o there_o never_o come_v to_o they_o any_o order_n or_o command_n from_o the_o state_n for_o conjunction_n and_o for_o the_o other_o until_o there_o be_v stumbling-block_n put_v in_o their_o way_n by_o the_o public_a resolution_n they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o hinder_v any_o against_o who_o there_o be_v not_o just_a exception_n that_o they_o be_v willing_a to_o employ_v themselves_o to_o the_o utmost_a in_o defence_n of_o the_o cause_n and_o kingdom_n and_o give_v abundant_a proof_n thereof_o from_o the_o time_n they_o first_o take_v up_o arm_n until_o the_o month_n of_o december_n that_o the_o lord_n be_v please_v in_o his_o wiâ—e_a dispensation_n to_o break_v they_o at_o hamilton_n the_o public_a resolution_n be_v contrary_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o to_o the_o covenant_n and_o to_o the_o act_n and_o proceed_n of_o both_o kirk_n and_o state_n in_o the_o cause_n these_o many_o year_n past_a and_o involve_v so_o sudden_a and_o gross_a a_o change_n both_o of_o principle_n and_o practice_n give_v occasion_n to_o many_o gracious_a one_o throughout_o the_o land_n to_o stumble_v and_o to_o many_o minister_n to_o bear_v testimony_n
in_o that_o same_o page_n that_o in_o some_o case_n a_o protestation_n be_v lawful_a how_o can_v he_o then_o judge_v this_o protestation_n unlawful_a which_o be_v ground_v upon_o the_o refusal_n of_o the_o just_a desire_n make_v in_o that_o representation_n without_o consider_v the_o same_o but_o he_o may_v not_o stay_v therefore_o he_o make_v long_a step_n that_o he_o may_v come_v soon_o at_o the_o protestation_n his_o word_n be_v these_o i_o shall_v god_n willing_a grapple_n with_o they_o in_o their_o arsenal_n of_o the_o protestation_n itself_o yet_o shrrt_o glance_v only_o at_o some_o principal_a thing_n quid_fw-la dignum_fw-la tanto_fw-la tulit_fw-la hic_fw-la promissor_n hiatu_fw-la i_o shall_v not_o trouble_v myself_o with_o his_o vain_a boasting_n but_o proceed_v to_o try_v what_o strength_n be_v in_o his_o argument_n protestation_n reviewed_n where_o i_o begin_v with_o the_o tittle_n a_o protestation_n which_o be_v gaven_n in_o against_o the_o supreme_a representative_a of_o this_o kirk_n although_o i_o do_v not_o deny_v but_o that_o gener_n all_o assembly_n may_v err_v and_o the_o godly_a be_v so_o put_v to_o it_o as_o to_o have_v no_o remedy_n leave_v they_o in_o law_n but_o to_o protest_v yet_o except_o the_o case_n be_v clear_a and_o sure_a this_o course_n be_v one_o of_o the_o high_a contempt_n of_o ecclesiastic_a authority_n the_o last_o refuge_n for_o remove_v of_o seandaâ—s_n be_v mat._n 18.17_o tell_v the_o church_n after_o which_o nothing_o remain_v but_o it_o he_o neglect_v to_o hear_v the_o church_n let_v he_o be_v as_o a_o heathen_a or_o a_o publican_n i_o trust_v whatsoever_o gloss_n other_o put_v on_o the_o word_n there_o be_v no_o difference_n betwixt_o our_o brethren_n and_o we_o about_o the_o exposition_n of_o they_o and_o hence_o appear_v the_o equity_n of_o that_o act_n and_o practice_n of_o our_o assembly_n inflict_v the_o hic_fw-mi hest_n censure_v on_o such_o and_o reason_n since_o they_o in_o the_o high_a measure_n neglect_n to_o hear_v the_o church_n neither_o be_v there_o now_o any_o ulterior_a or_o superior_a judicatory_a to_o go_v to_o but_o what_o if_o she_o 〈◊〉_d not_o and_o whether_o she_o do_v or_o not_o wherein_o have_v these_o man_n show_v their_o respect_n to_o their_o mother_n who_o what_o in_o they_o lie_v but_o bless_a be_v the_o lord_n it_o lie_v not_o will_v discover_v her_o nakedness_n when_o other_o than_o brethren_n be_v to_o behold_v it_o let_v they_o take_v heed_n if_o this_o be_v not_o a_o main_a step_n to_o separation_n which_o in_o word_n they_o seem_v to_o abhor_v when_o as_o they_o protest_v and_o profess_v they_o will_v not_o hear_v we_o so_o they_o will_v cast_v on_o we_o a_o kind_n of_o necessity_n to_o hold_v they_o as_o heathen_n and_o publican_n but_o to_o prevent_v this_o they_o have_v find_v a_o way_n of_o their_o own_o and_o as_o if_o they_o have_v not_o be_v of_o we_o they_o be_v go_v out_o from_o we_o and_o set_v up_o to_o do_v their_o own_o business_n without_o we_o as_o they_o seem_v to_o intimate_v in_o the_o last_o page_n of_o their_o print_a paper_n after_o the_o protestation_n contrary_a to_o the_o very_a fundamental_o of_o the_o discipline_n of_o our_o kirk_n which_o be_v and_o ever_o have_v be_v profess_v to_o be_v by_o presbytery_n synod_n and_o national_a assembly_n due_o subordinate_a one_o to_o another_o all_o which_o their_o course_n overturn_v while_o they_o walk_v in_o another_o way_n to_o make_v the_o matter_n of_o their_o proposition_n practicable_a as_o they_o say_v but_o beside_o that_o a_o protestation_n be_v at_o best_o except_o in_o the_o case_n of_o pungent_a necessity_n in_o its_o nature_n odious_a it_o be_v so_o much_o worse_o in_o our_o kirk_n where_o we_o be_v tie_v by_o the_o strict_a bond_n both_o of_o the_o nationall_n and_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n against_o all_o divisive_a motion_n and_o course_n and_o i_o pray_v i_o what_o it_o this_o other_o than_o a_o divisive_a motion_n and_o that_o of_o the_o deep_a dye_n for_o they_o to_o separate_v themselves_o and_o join_v together_o make_v a_o party_n when_o the_o supreme_a judicatories_n of_o kirk_n and_o state_n be_v go_v on_o in_o their_o continue_a act_n in_o the_o day_n of_o great_a danger_n and_o distress_n they_o may_v be_v please_v to_o remember_v their_o own_o act_n and_o speech_n when_o god_n honour_v they_o to_o be_v sit_v in_o the_o supreme_a judicatories_n how_o far_o short_a come_v the_o intend_a divisive_a supplication_n in_o anno_fw-la 1648._o of_o this_o course_n they_o be_v now_o on_o nay_o the_o very_a cross_a petition_n in_o anno_fw-la 1642._o both_o which_o some_o of_o they_o i_o say_v some_o for_o most_o of_o they_o be_v but_o of_o yesterday_o and_o have_v then_o no_o place_n in_o our_o judicatoy_n show_v so_o much_o zeal_n against_o protestation_n defend_v if_o the_o reviewer_n do_v mean_a by_o the_o begin_n of_o this_o paragraph_n which_o be_v dark_o and_o ambiguous_o express_v that_o a_o assembly_n may_v be_v wrong_a in_o the_o constitution_n and_o so_o no_o more_o to_o be_v a_o assembly_n than_o a_o paint_a manus_fw-la a_o man_n as_o the_o author_n of_o the_o vindication_n so_o much_o cry_v up_o do_v in_o that_o case_n yield_v and_o that_o the_o godly_a in_o such_o a_o case_n have_v no_o remedy_n lefâ—_n they_o in_o law_n but_o to_o protest_v against_o its_o constitution_n and_o proceed_n then_o he_o grant_v all_o that_o the_o protester_n desire_v for_o the_o subsumption_n and_o application_n fall_v within_o his_o exception_n the_o case_n be_v to_o their_o conscience_n clem_v and_o fure_z but_o if_o he_o do_v suppose_v that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o unfree_a unlawful_a assembly_n in_o the_o constitution_n thereof_o and_o that_o the_o remedy_n of_o protestation_n be_v only_o to_o be_v use_v against_o wrong_a act_n than_o he_o speak_v against_o experience_n and_o the_o know_a practice_n of_o the_o faithful_a servant_n of_o god_n in_o this_o kirk_n i_o have_v give_v several_a precedent_n of_o this_o before_o and_o the_o act_n of_o the_o assembly_n 1638._o and_o 1639._o against_o the_o six_o corrupt_a assembly_n do_v clear_o demonstrete_n the_o same_o be_v it_o not_o as_o lawful_a and_o more_o necessary_a to_o protest_v against_o a_o wrong_a authority_n or_o usurpation_n as_o against_o wrong_a act_n of_o a_o true_a authority_n for_o the_o first_o be_v far_o more_o dangerous_a to_o the_o kirk_n every_o way_n then_o the_o second_o he_o make_v it_o one_o of_o the_o high_a contempt_n of_o ecclesiastic_a authority_n to_o protest_v when_o the_o case_n be_v not_o clear_a and_o sure_a but_o he_o forget_v to_o consider_v how_o great_a a_o transgression_n it_o be_v before_o the_o lord_n and_o how_o injurious_a to_o his_o work_n and_o people_n to_o usurp_v the_o supreme_a authority_n of_o the_o kirk_n over_o all_o the_o judicatoties_fw-la thereof_o to_o decree_v unrighteous_a decree_n and_o tyrannize_v over_o conscience_n the_o sad_a consequence_n of_o such_o a_o course_n can_v be_v soon_o reckon_v as_o to_o that_o he_o argn_v from_o mat._n 18.17_o tell_v the_o church_n i_o answer_v that_o the_o same_o commandment_n of_o god_n that_o enjoin_v acknowledge_v of_o and_o obedience_n to_o free_a and_o lawful_a general_n assembly_n in_o the_o lord_n do_v per_fw-la negationem_fw-la contrarit_fw-la according_a to_o the_o general_a rule_n of_o interpretation_n of_o command_n set_v down_o in_o our_o large_a catechism_n require_v the_o not_o acknowledge_v or_o keep_v unfree_a and_o unlawful_a general_n aslembly_n for_o where_o a_o dory_n be_v command_v the_o contrary_a sin_n be_v forbid_v and_o so_o the_o command_n to_o hear_v the_o true_a church_n requre_v our_o not_o hear_v a_o false_a or_o non-church_n within_o which_o a_o unfree_a unlawful_a and_o corrupt_a assembly_n do_v fall_v and_o therefore_o it_o be_v neither_o to_o be_v tell_v nor_o hear_v but_o to_o be_v declare_v protest_v against_o and_o discover_v in_o the_o nullity_n and_o corruption_n thereof_o as_o the_o assembly_n 1638_o and_o 1639_o have_v well_o judge_v he_o allege_v a_o act_n and_o practice_n of_o our_o assembly_n but_o he_o neither_o mention_n the_o act_n nor_o assembly_n where_o such_o a_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v find_v there_o be_v never_o any_o act_n make_v in_o this_o church_n against_o decline_v of_o assembly_n as_o unfree_a or_o unlawful_a or_o corrupt_a the_o act_n which_o he_o hint_v at_o upon_o misinformation_n but_o as_o it_o seem_v have_v never_o read_v do_v speak_v nothing_o of_o decline_v a_o assembly_n because_o of_o its_o constitution_n good_a or_o bad_a but_o against_o appeal_n from_o the_o kirk_n judicatory_a in_o a_o ecclesiastic_a cause_n to_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n as_o be_v well_o know_v to_o all_o that_o have_v peruse_v the_o act_n of_o assembly_n it_o be_v respect_n to_o true-authority_n to_o decline_v usurpation_n and_o it_o be_v a_o contempt_n yea_o in_o effect_n a_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 inter_fw-la occulta_fw-la de_fw-la quibus_fw-la non_fw-la judicat_fw-la ecclesia_fw-la but_o i_o shall_v desire_v it_o to_o be_v consider_v on_o the_o contrary_a how_o the_o precede_a assembly_n at_o dundee_n appoint_v that_o synod_n and_o presbytery_n shall_v deal_v with_o they_o to_o give_v they_o satisfaction_n ere_o they_o proceed_v to_o censure_v the_o public_a commission_n can_v do_v nothing_o of_o that_o kind_n be_v by_o the_o trouble_n of_o the_o time_n impede_v to_o sit_v yet_o be_v not_o such_o of_o they_o as_o can_v most_o convenient_o correspond_v altogether_o defective_a in_o this_o though_o press_v with_o either_o part_n of_o a_o doleful_a dilemma_n for_o if_o they_o shall_v act_v in_o the_o capacity_n of_o a_o commission_n the_o protester_n will_v not_o have_v confer_v and_o out_o of_o that_o capacity_n their_o act_n beside_o that_o it_o can_v not_o have_v be_v obligatorie_n to_o other_o have_v be_v a_o silent_a quit_n if_o not_o betray_v of_o their_o trust_n but_o providence_n offer_v opportunity_n thus_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o this_o year_n some_o brethren_n from_o several_a part_n of_o the_o country_n be_v sensible_a of_o the_o then_o imminent_a snare_n and_o danger_n resolve_v by_o common_a consent_n to_o come_v to_o edinburgh_n about_o the_o 12_o of_o february_n at_o which_o time_n they_o hear_v there_o be_v to_o be_v a_o great_a meeting_n of_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n where_o they_o resolve_v to_o deal_v with_o they_o that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o common_a warn_v emit_v by_o consent_n of_o all_o the_o judicatories_n of_o the_o kirk_n concern_v thing_n which_o we_o doubt_v not_o be_v agree_v to_o on_o all_o hand_n according_o they_o deal_v with_o such_o of_o they_o as_o be_v in_o town_n by_o the_o mediation_n of_o the_o minister_n of_o edinburgh_n by_o who_o they_o send_v to_o they_o material_n of_o a_o declaration_n desire_v they_o to_o change_v or_o add_v as_o they_o shall_v think_v fit_a for_o the_o purpose_n but_o they_o refuse_v to_o join_v to_o the_o great_a grief_n of_o those_o who_o do_v mediate_v pretend_v they_o will_v first_o have_v a_o conference_n about_o difference_n which_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o to_o disappoint_v the_o matter_n the_o danger_n be_v so_o near_o that_o a_o meeting_n for_o such_o a_o conference_n can_v not_o be_v convene_v and_o the_o danger_n prevent_v protestation_n defend_v it_o have_v be_v already_o show_v that_o before_o their_o act_n at_o dundee_n they_o have_v emit_v warning_n and_o declaration_n against_o such_o as_o concur_v not_o with_o they_o as_o enemy_n to_o religion_n king_n and_o kingdom_n stâ—rred_v up_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n to_o inflict_v punishment_n and_o require_v presbytery_n to_o censure_v opposer_n within_o their_o bound_n and_o that_o act_n which_o he_o mention_v leave_v no_o latitude_n to_o synod_n and_o presbytery_n to_o forbear_v censure_n except_o in_o the_o case_n of_o obedience_n to_o the_o act_n anent_o the_o public_a resolution_n though_o upon_o debate_v the_o major_a part_n of_o a_o presbytery_n shall_v have_v be_v convince_v of_o the_o evil_a of_o that_o course_n yet_o the_o act_n give_v no_o power_n to_o recede_v the_o committee_n of_o estate_n in_o 1648._o do_v profess_v in_o general_a term_n to_o offerall_a possible_a satisfaction_n and_o security_n for_o religion_n to_o which_o the_o general_n assembly_n july_n 25._o answer_v that_o they_o see_v no_o possibility_n of_o secure_v religion_n so_o long_o as_o that_o unlawful_a engagement_n be_v carry_v on_o which_o may_v be_v well_o apply_v to_o the_o present_a case_n that_o dilemma_n of_o he_o be_v but_o a_o weak_a device_n neutro_fw-la cornu_fw-la pungit_fw-la the_o protester_n never_o do_v refuse_v to_o confer_v with_o they_o let_v they_o frame_v as_o many_o capacity_n to_o themselves_o as_o they_o please_v only_o they_o refuse_v to_o acknowledge_v they_o a_o judicatory_a and_o upon_o protestation_n they_o do_v confer_v with_o these_o who_o account_v themselves_o clothe_v 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
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 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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
be_v most_o convenient_a consider_v the_o case_n of_o the_o time_n for_o hold_v forth_o to_o they_o so_o far_o as_o we_o can_v and_o the_o lord_n shall_v assist_v we_o light_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o their_o difference_n from_o the_o public_a judicatories_n and_o for_o search_v into_o further_a knowledge_n of_o the_o lord_n controversy_n with_o we_o and_o speak_v in_o love_n and_o soberness_n of_o spirit_n in_o such_o other_o thing_n as_o may_v conduce_v for_o heal_v our_o breach_n and_o it_o shall_v be_v matter_n of_o our_o earnest_a desire_n and_o prayer_n to_o the_o god_n of_o peace_n as_o we_o doubt_v not_o but_o it_o will_v also_o be_v in_o our_o brethren_n if_o they_o embrace_v this_o way_n that_o he_o may_v be_v gracious_o please_v so_o to_o bless_v these_o endeavour_n that_o the_o issue_n may_v be_v a_o clear_n of_o his_o way_n to_o we_o all_o a_o heal_n of_o our_o wound_n and_o a_o unite_n of_o we_o in_o himself_o to_o serve_v he_o with_o one_o consent_n in_o do_v or_o suffer_v joint_o for_o his_o cause_n and_o honour_n whatsoever_o shall_v be_v his_o holy_a will_n as_o for_o that_o certification_n in_o the_o close_a of_o the_o paper_n as_o we_o conceive_v that_o it_o may_v be_v well_o spare_v so_o we_o shall_v say_v no_o more_o to_o it_o but_o thiâ—_n that_o we_o be_v confident_a that_o this_o commission_n and_o the_o other_o late_o public_a judicatories_n have_v a_o calling_n and_o be_v constitute_v according_a to_o the_o order_n of_o god_n and_o constitution_n of_o this_o kirk_n be_v very_o far_o from_o usurpation_n and_o that_o both_o the_o by_o past_a carriage_n of_o the_o respective_a judicatories_n public_a and_o private_a do_v clear_v they_o and_o our_o carriage_n shall_v clear_v we_o before_o god_n and_o the_o world_n from_o that_o grievous_a aspersion_n of_o persecution_n the_o uncharitableness_n and_o injustice_n whereof_o we_o hearty_o pardon_v and_o pray_v the_o lord_n to_o pardon_v in_o our_o brethren_n i_o makghie_n edinburgh_n 27._o november_n 1652._o antemeridiem_fw-la sess_n 6._o the_o commission_n of_o the_o gen_n assembly_n have_v appoint_v master_n roâ—_n blair_n james_n wood_n davin_n forrest_n andrew_n honniman_n james_n sharp_a and_o the_o moderator_n mr._n david_n dickson_n incase_o the_o convenieney_n of_o his_o health_n and_o affair_n can_v permit_v to_o meet_v at_o st._n andrews_n the_o first_o wednesday_n of_o jannary_n next_o and_o there_o to_o attend_v such_o of_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n as_o shall_v come_v to_o they_o and_o to_o confer_v with_o they_o upon_o the_o particular_n express_v in_o the_o answer_n to_o their_o paper_n jo._n makghie_n edinburgh_n 27._o november_n 1653._o whereas_o our_o earnest_a desire_n and_o overture_n for_o fist_v the_o present_a difference_n to_o make_v way_n for_o a_o union_n have_v be_v meet_v on_o your_o part_n with_o no_o small_a heighten_v of_o the_o difference_n by_o your_o act_n in_o matter_n controvert_v betwixt_o the_o time_n of_o our_o give_v in_o a_o overture_n and_o your_o give_a answer_n to_o it_o and_o by_o your_o refuse_v all_o and_o every_o one_o of_o our_o just_a desire_n and_o assert_v the_o authority_n and_o act_n of_o the_o late_a pretend_a assembly_n and_o commission_n thereof_o and_o by_o your_o declare_v the_o unpossibility_n of_o any_o further_a condescendance_n on_o your_o part_n for_o union_n then_o have_v be_v already_o hold_v forth_o in_o the_o act_n and_o overture_n of_o the_o late_a pretend_a assembly_n at_o edinburgh_n and_o you_o have_v also_o dissolve_v your_o meeting_n before_o the_o return_n of_o a_o answer_n to_o we_o or_o hear_v what_o we_o have_v to_o say_v to_o you_o in_o reference_n to_o your_o answer_n and_o to_o the_o authoritative_a appointment_n subjoin_v thereunto_o we_o be_v necessitate_v to_o declare_v unto_o you_o that_o we_o be_v not_o instruct_v to_o call_v any_o meeting_n for_o conference_n with_o you_o in_o this_o case_n of_o so_o unsatisfactory_a a_o answer_n and_o that_o we_o be_v free_a of_o any_o concession_n conditional_o offer_v on_o ourpart_n subscribe_v in_o the_o name_n of_o those_o who_o be_v appoint_v by_o the_o meeting_n of_o minister_n elder_n and_o professor_n to_o present_v the_o overture_n and_o receive_v the_o answer_n sic_fw-la sub_fw-la mr._n robert_n trail_n observation_n upon_o the_o answer_n of_o the_o commission_n of_o the_o pretend_a assembly_n to_o the_o overture_n of_o the_o brethren_n who_o dissent_v from_o the_o public_a resolution_n as_o likewise_o upon_o their_o letter_n to_o presbytery_n it_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v that_o the_o scope_n of_o the_o overture_n make_v by_o the_o protester_n be_v that_o all_o claim_v to_o power_n and_o authority_n from_o the_o controvert_v assembly_n at_o dundee_n and_o edinburgh_n upon_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o all_o controvert_v power_n as_o derive_v from_o the_o general_n assembly_n 1650._o on_o the_o other_o hand_n be_v lay_v aside_o during_o endeavour_n for_o union_n as_o likewise_o all_o censure_n or_o act_n enjoin_v censure_n for_o the_o late_a difference_n since_o the_o say_a assembly_n 1650._o at_o which_o time_n this_o kirk_n be_v of_o one_o judgement_n and_o all_o paper_n against_o these_o controvert_v assembly_n not_o yet_o publish_v be_v also_o for_o that_o time_n suppress_v there_o shall_v be_v a_o friendly_a conference_n agree_v on_o by_o mutual_a consent_n for_o search_v into_o the_o lord_n controversy_n against_o the_o land_n and_o for_o remove_v our_o difference_n the_o brethren_n who_o stand_v for_o the_o public_a resolution_n be_v so_o far_o from_o way_n of_o peace_n as_o they_o refuse_v all_o conferrence_n except_o they_o treat_v and_o conser_fw-fr as_o the_o lawful_a representative_a of_o this_o kirk_n and_o be_v clothe_v with_o their_o commission_n and_o authority_n and_o therefore_o their_o answer_n to_o the_o overture_n be_v return_v in_o the_o name_n and_o by_o the_o authority_n of_o a_o commission_n of_o the_o kirk_n and_o a_o committee_n be_v by_o act_n of_o the_o pretend_a commission_n appoint_v for_o that_o purpose_n viz._n their_o moderator_n and_o some_o brethren_n of_o the_o presbytery_n of_o st._n andrews_n 2._o in_o that_o act_n the_o say_a committee_n be_v limit_v in_o their_o conference_n to_o the_o particular_n express_v in_o the_o answer_n to_o the_o overture_n 3._o the_o answer_n to_o the_o overture_n not_o only_o refuse_v all_o thing_n demand_v by_o the_o protester_n as_o previous_a and_o preparatory_a to_o a_o conference_n but_o also_o make_v the_o end_n of_o the_o conference_n which_o be_v modest_o and_o fair_o express_v for_o both_o in_o our_o overture_n to_o be_v to_o hold_v forth_o light_a to_o the_o protester_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o difference_n from_o the_o public_a judicatories_n and_o as_o the_o letter_n to_o presbytery_n expressy_a bear_v that_o the_o dissenter_n from_o the_o public_a resolution_n may_v be_v bring_v up_o to_o unite_v with_o the_o public_a endeavour_n of_o this_o kirk_n and_o so_o the_o state_n of_o the_o difference_n betwixt_o they_o and_o we_o be_v now_o again_o upon_o what_o consideration_n or_o expectation_n i_o shall_v not_o descant_v make_v as_o wide_a as_o it_o be_v before_o when_o all_o the_o malignant_a party_n be_v in_o arâ—â—â—_n to_o protect_v they_o therein_o 4._o the_o answer_v assert_n and_o justify_v not_o only_o the_o call_v and_o constitution_n but_o all_o the_o act_n and_o proceed_n of_o the_o late_a pretend_a assembly_n and_o their_o commission_n and_o condemn_v all_o testimony_n against_o the_o public_a resolution_n and_o the_o say_v pretend_a judicatories_n the_o say_a answer_n declare_v that_o no_o agreement_n be_v to_o be_v expect_v upon_o other_o term_n then_o the_o late_a pretend_a assembly_n at_o edinburgh_n do_v propose_v for_o the_o answer_n do_v affirm_v that_o they_o have_v find_v that_o the_o say_a assembly_n have_v endeavour_v to_o the_o utmost_a of_o their_o power_n to_o compose_v the_o present_a difference_n and_o do_v condescend_v upon_o such_o overture_n as_o possible_o they_o can_v perceive_v most_o conducible_a to_o that_o end_n now_o these_o overture_n by_o they_o mention_v do_v require_v a_o express_a pass_v from_o all_o our_o former_a testimony_n and_o that_o in_o time_n come_v we_o shall_v never_o give_v any_o testimony_n against_o the_o public_a resolution_n and_o other_o late_a corruption_n and_o novation_n bring_v into_o the_o church_n for_o it_o be_v require_v to_o be_v set_v under_o our_o hand_n that_o we_o shall_v not_o hold_v up_o debate_v by_o preach_v write_a or_o otherwise_o for_o any_o thing_n which_o do_v concern_v the_o late_a difference_n that_o have_v arisen_a in_o this_o church_n so_o that_o we_o may_v not_o give_v testimony_n or_o declare_v our_o judgement_n in_o any_o case_n but_o must_v either_o be_v altogether_o silent_a in_o these_o thing_n or_o else_o conform_v our_o language_n to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o pretend_a assembly_n and_o if_o any_o minister_n or_o elder_n can_v in_o
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
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
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 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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