such_o trust_n or_o power_n as_o may_v be_v prejudicial_a to_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n and_o that_o such_o officer_n as_o be_v of_o know_a integrity_n and_o affection_n to_o the_o cause_n and_o particular_o such_o as_o have_v suffer_v in_o our_o former_a army_n may_v be_v take_v special_a notice_n of_o §_o 13_o the_o other_o resolution_n be_v concern_v the_o admit_v of_o person_n to_o place_n of_o trust_n in_o the_o state_n and_o the_o rescind_n of_o the_o act_n of_o class_n of_o the_o date_n may_v 24._o 1651._o wherein_o after_o the_o repetition_n of_o several_a desire_n of_o the_o king_n parliament_z and_o committee_n of_o estate_n renew_v with_o great_a earnestness_n for_o the_o space_n of_o two_o month_n to_o the_o commission_n for_o a_o clear_a and_o positive_a answer_n to_o the_o query_n propound_v concern_v that_o matter_n it_o be_v declare_v as_o follow_v lest_o any_o aspersion_n shall_v be_v cast_v upon_o we_o of_o encroach_a upon_o or_o intrude_a ourselves_o unto_o the_o office_n of_o the_o civil_a power_n and_o authority_n we_o do_v declare_v that_o we_o do_v not_o assume_v to_o ourselves_o and_o that_o it_o be_v not_o competent_a to_o we_o but_o only_o to_o the_o king_n and_o parliament_n to_o make_v or_o repeal_v act_n of_o parliament_n and_o therefore_o that_o as_o the_o commission_n of_o the_o kirk_n have_v not_o hand_n in_o make_v of_o the_o act_n of_o class_n so_o neither_o do_v we_o take_v upon_o we_o to_o derermine_v the_o keep_n up_o or_o rescind_v or_o repeal_n of_o the_o same_o yet_o be_v require_v by_o his_o majesty_n and_o estate_n of_o parliament_n to_o give_v our_o judgement_n and_o advice_n in_o point_n of_o conscience_n whether_o or_o not_o consider_v the_o ground_n contain_v in_o the_o narrative_a of_o the_o act_n of_o class_n viz._n the_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n the_o solemn_a acknowledgement_n of_o sin_n and_o engagement_n to_o duty_n declaration_n emit_v by_o the_o kirk_n and_o the_o engagement_n and_o pronnse_n make_v by_o the_o committee_n of_o estate_n to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o england_n it_o be_v sinful_a and_o unlawful_a to_o admit_v to_o be_v member_n of_o the_o committee_n of_o estate_n person_n former_o debar_v from_o the_o public_a trust_n or_o to_o rescind_v and_o repeal_v the_o act_n of_o class_n we_o declare_v that_o as_o for_o any_o engagement_n or_o promise_n make_v unto_o the_o kingdom_n of_o england_n concern_v not_o admit_v unto_o place_n of_o power_n and_o trust_v person_n accessary_a unto_o the_o sinful_a engagement_n against_o that_o kingdom_n we_o know_v nothing_o of_o the_o nature_n or_o ground_n thereof_o and_o therefore_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o estate_n of_o parliament_n themselves_o to_o consider_v how_o it_o do_v oblige_v or_o not_o oblige_v in_o the_o present_a condition_n of_o affair_n in_o these_o kingdom_n but_o for_o the_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n the_o solemn_a acknowledgement_n and_o engagement_n and_o former_a declaration_n we_o do_v find_v that_o they_o do_v not_o particular_o determine_v any_o definite_a measure_n of_o time_n of_o exclude_v person_n from_o public_a trust_n for_o bypass_a offence_n but_o only_o bind_v and_o oblige_v condign_o to_o punish_v offender_n as_o the_o degree_n of_o the_o offence_n shall_v require_v or_o deserve_v or_o the_o supreme_a judicatory_a of_o the_o kingdom_n or_o other_o have_v power_n from_o they_o for_o that_o effect_n shall_v judge_v convenient_a to_o purge_v all_o judicatories_n and_o place_n of_o power_n &_o trust_v and_o to_o endeavour_v that_o they_o consist_v of_o and_o be_v fill_v with_o such_o man_n as_o be_v of_o know_a good_a affection_n to_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n and_o of_o a_o blameless_a and_o christian_a conversation_n which_o be_v a_o moral_a duty_n command_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o of_o perpetual_a obligation_n so_o that_o nothing_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o these_o ground_n do_v hinder_v but_o that_o person_n former_o debar_v from_o place_n of_o power_n and_o trust_v for_o their_o offence_n may_v be_v admit_v to_o be_v member_n of_o the_o commit_v of_o estate_n and_o the_o censure_n inflict_v upon_o they_o by_o the_o act_n of_o class_n may_v be_v take_v off_o and_o rescind_v without_o sin_n by_o the_o parliament_n who_o power_n it_o be_v to_o lengthen_v or_o shorten_v the_o time_n of_o such_o censure_n according_a as_o they_o shall_v find_v they_o just_a and_o necessary_a provide_v they_o be_v man_n who_o have_v satisfy_v the_o kirk_n for_o their_o former_a offence_n have_v renew_v or_o take_v the_o covenant_n and_o be_v qualify_v for_o such_o place_n with_o the_o qualification_n require_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o express_v in_o the_o solemn_a acknowledment_n and_o engagement_n viz._n that_o they_o be_v man_n of_o know_a good_a affection_n to_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n and_o of_o a_o blameless_a and_o christian_a conversation_n which_o ought_v always_o careful_o to_o be_v observe_v and_o make_v conscience_n of_o though_o there_o be_v no_o such_o act_n of_o class_n to_o the_o effect_n that_o no_o person_n get_v such_o power_n and_o trust_v into_o their_o hand_n as_o may_v be_v prejudicial_a to_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n §_o 14_o these_o be_v the_o resolution_n which_o have_v be_v and_o be_v so_o much_o noise_v abroad_o in_o the_o world_n because_o of_o which_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n have_v make_v such_o stir_n in_o preach_v and_o in_o writing_n and_o print_v paper_n determine_v they_o to_o be_v a_o horrid_a defection_n to_o our_o covenant_n and_o forsake_v of_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n and_o lay_v the_o weight_n of_o their_o first_o divide_v from_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o church_n and_o country_n upon_o these_o though_o unjust_o as_o may_v appear_v from_o what_o have_v be_v clear_v in_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o remonstrance_n yea_o and_o brand_a honest_a man_n who_o concur_v in_o they_o or_o consent_v to_o they_o with_o very_o odious_a imputation_n and_o determine_v these_o resolution_n to_o be_v the_o grand_a cause_n of_o the_o lord_n wrath_n against_o the_o land_n upon_o the_o account_n whereof_o they_o have_v separate_v from_o and_o rend_v the_o judicatories_n of_o the_o church_n the_o condition_n of_o the_o time_n contribute_v thereunto_o and_o by_o their_o protestation_n and_o declinator_n against_o the_o general_a assembly_n the_o church_n be_v bring_v into_o the_o confusion_n and_o distraction_n under_o which_o we_o do_v so_o sad_o suffer_v and_o albeit_o somewhat_o have_v be_v already_o speak_v for_o vindicate_v we_o in_o this_o particular_a in_o the_o observation_n upon_o the_o difference_n in_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n from_o page_n 10._o to_o 17._o and_o it_o be_v not_o our_o work_n in_o this_o representation_n to_o publish_v a_o treatise_n in_o defence_n of_o these_o resolution_n yet_o we_o shall_v add_v a_o few_o thing_n for_o clear_v of_o the_o matter_n §_o 15_o as_o to_o the_o former_a resolution_n of_o december_n 14._o 1650._o we_o need_v not_o insist_v to_o declare_v that_o this_o debate_n be_v extrinsical_a to_o our_o doctrine_n worship_n and_o church-government_n and_o therefore_o it_o can_v be_v justify_v that_o such_o a_o rent_n shall_v be_v make_v because_o of_o our_o difference_n about_o it_o that_o there_o be_v no_o question_n make_v by_o our_o brethren_n of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o the_o service_n wherein_o these_o force_n be_v to_o be_v employ_v which_o may_v have_v add_v weight_n to_o the_o ground_n of_o their_o dissent_n that_o the_o country_n be_v real_o in_o that_o low_a condition_n suppose_v in_o the_o resolution_n occasion_v partly_o by_o our_o brethren_n separation_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o the_o remonstrance_n which_o can_v not_o but_o put_v state_n and_o church_n into_o great_a strait_n and_o warrant_v they_o in_o their_o station_n to_o improve_v all_o ordinary_a mean_n not_o prohibit_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o use_n whereof_o be_v not_o in_o itself_o sinful_a for_o necessary_a self_n preservation_n and_o that_o whatever_o latitude_n may_v be_v take_v in_o such_o a_o case_n yet_o the_o commission_n in_o their_o resolution_n do_v use_v such_o caution_n that_o if_o they_o be_v judge_v thereby_o as_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v there_o can_v be_v no_o defection_n fasten_v upon_o they_o even_o by_o they_o who_o condemn_v a_o general_a concurrence_n of_o fellow_n subject_n in_o case_n of_o extremity_n for_o in_o effect_n they_o approve_v of_o none_o to_o be_v admit_v but_o such_o as_o be_v profess_v friend_n to_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n and_o who_o enter_v in_o covenant_n for_o that_o effect_n but_o pass_v all_o these_o we_o desire_v it_o may_v be_v remember_v that_o our_o brethren_n do_v not_o content_v themselves_o simple_o to_o condemn_v this_o resolution_n or_o to_o assert_v that_o it_o be_v unlawful_a to_o take_v in_o or_o employ_v such_o as_o they_o be_v qualify_v in_o the_o resolution_n but_o run_v to_o
account_n they_o say_v a_o design_n be_v carry_v on_o to_o advance_v malignant_n and_o to_o crush_v these_o who_o have_v former_o be_v opposite_a to_o they_o and_o yet_o no_o such_o design_n can_v be_v fasten_v on_o the_o commission_n resolution_n yea_o before_o this_o resolution_n be_v give_v they_o interpose_v for_o obtain_v security_n for_o all_o that_o be_v to_o be_v admit_v in_o that_o very_a particular_a and_o do_v not_o fail_v to_o bear_v witness_n against_o some_o who_o be_v admit_v by_o the_o state_n against_o who_o there_o be_v just_a cause_n of_o exception_n they_o cry_v out_o that_o many_o of_o these_o who_o be_v admit_v upon_o this_o and_o the_o former_a resolution_n be_v but_o superficial_a in_o profess_v repentance_n for_o their_o former_a miscarriage_n and_o it_o be_v sudden_o take_v off_o their_o hand_n but_o we_o need_v not_o vindicate_v how_o injust_o this_o imputation_n be_v cast_v upon_o many_o of_o they_o who_o be_v most_o oppose_v by_o they_o who_o carriage_n have_v prove_v they_o more_o steadfast_a in_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n and_o less_o seeker_n of_o their_o own_o interest_n then_o those_o that_o oppose_v they_o we_o do_v only_o assert_v that_o this_o can_v be_v lay_v to_o the_o charge_n of_o the_o commission_n who_o as_o they_o walk_v justifiable_o in_o hold_v out_o the_o rule_n so_o they_o do_v receive_v very_o few_o themselves_o but_o remit_v they_o to_o the_o judicatories_n charge_v they_o to_o be_v accurate_a in_o the_o matter_n and_o to_o proceed_v according_a to_o the_o order_n appoint_v by_o the_o general_a assembly_n yea_o it_o be_v some_o of_o our_o brethren_n themselves_o who_o do_v receive_v some_o of_o the_o most_o eminent_a of_o those_o upon_o profession_n of_o their_o repentance_n §_o 28_o we_o proceed_v now_o to_o speak_v somewhat_o to_o the_o three_o matter_n of_o our_o public_a difference_n which_o relate_v to_o the_o two_o last_o assembly_n of_o this_o church_n the_o one_o at_o st._n andrews_n and_o dundie_n in_o the_o year_n 1651._o and_o the_o other_o at_o edinburgh_n the_o year_n thereafter_o against_o the_o first_o of_o which_o our_o brethren_n apprehend_v that_o it_o be_v likely_a the_o commission_n resolution_n may_v be_v approve_v there_o be_v please_v to_o protest_v and_o decline_v it_o as_o unlawful_a and_o evil_a as_o to_o all_o authority_n as_o they_o do_v also_o against_o that_o which_o ensue_v and_o ever_o since_o will_v have_v they_o to_o be_v account_v no_o general_a assembly_n of_o this_o church_n the_o evil_a of_o this_o course_n be_v so_o notour_n and_o sensible_a in_o the_o sad_a consequence_n thereof_o both_o at_o home_n among_o ourselves_o and_o abroad_o also_o among_o all_o who_o hear_v of_o our_o difference_n and_o do_v love_v that_o truth_n and_o peace_n which_o once_o be_v among_o we_o we_o shall_v say_v but_o a_o few_o thing_n to_o it_o and_o §_o 29_o first_o it_o may_v be_v evident_a to_o all_o who_o be_v unbiased_a that_o our_o brethren_n by_o protest_v once_o and_o again_o against_o the_o supreme_a church-judicatory_a and_o be_v ready_a and_o wait_a on_o to_o have_v do_v it_o the_o three_o time_n have_v the_o assembly_n 1653._o be_v permit_v to_o fit_a and_o constitute_v themselves_o have_v begin_v and_o continue_v a_o sad_a rent_n in_o this_o church_n destructive_a to_o the_o very_o be_v thereof_o if_o mercy_n prevent_v it_o not_o albeit_o before_o this_o rent_n one_o of_o the_o lead_a man_n of_o that_o party_n have_v declare_v in_o a_o particular_a case_n that_o protest_v against_o the_o act_n of_o a_o general_a assembly_n or_o of_o any_o delegate_n have_v their_o power_n deserve_a summary_n excommunication_n by_o the_o constitution_n of_o this_o church_n yet_o they_o have_v not_o spare_v when_o it_o be_v for_o their_o interest_n and_o the_o time_n seem_v to_o afford_v they_o immunity_n to_o protest_v against_o the_o very_a be_v of_o two_o assembly_n whereas_o have_v they_o content_v themselves_o to_o have_v protest_v against_o the_o approve_v 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slight_a and_o oppose_v the_o resolution_n of_o inferior_a church-judicatories_a protest_v and_o appeal_n to_o a_o lawful_a general_a assembly_n and_o yet_o by_o their_o principle_n they_o be_v sure_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n shall_v have_v none_o lawful_a have_v they_o never_o so_o many_o till_o they_o be_v please_v to_o approve_v thereof_o and_o they_o have_v cast_v themselves_o upon_o a_o snare_n very_o sinful_a and_o scandalous_a in_o a_o national_a church_n that_o by_o their_o declinature_n they_o be_v engage_v not_o only_o against_o what_o they_o think_v sinful_a in_o the_o act_n of_o these_o assembly_n but_o that_o they_o can_v join_v in_o most_o lawful_a thing_n be_v it_o humiliation_n upon_o incontroversed_a cause_n which_o flow_v from_o that_o authority_n these_o be_v some_o few_o of_o the_o sad_a consequence_n necessary_o attend_v these_o protestation_n which_o may_v abundant_o evidence_n the_o evil_a and_o fin_n of_o such_o a_o course_n second_o the_o evil_a of_o this_o course_n may_v appear_v further_o if_o we_o compare_v their_o fact_n with_o the_o reason_n upon_o which_o they_o ground_n it_o no_o way_n like_o these_o reason_n upon_o which_o the_o general_a assembly_n at_o glasgow_n condemn_v some_o former_a corrupt_a general_a assembly_n but_o for_o the_o most_o part_n so_o false_a and_o irrelevant_a that_o it_o be_v to_o we_o strange_a they_o shall_v own_v they_o before_o the_o world_n and_o publish_v they_o in_o print_n they_o give_v out_o there_o be_v no_o access_n to_o many_o to_o come_v to_o that_o first_o assembly_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o motion_n of_o army_n at_o that_o time_n and_o yet_o beside_o that_o this_o be_v very_o extrinsical_a to_o the_o freedom_n and_o lawfulness_n of_o the_o assembly_n commissioner_n come_v from_o place_n most_o infest_a they_o say_v the_o assembly_n be_v infrequent_a and_o yet_o the_o roll_n of_o that_o assembly_n will_v evidence_n it_o be_v as_o frequent_a as_o many_o of_o the_o assembly_n which_o they_o do_v not_o question_v they_o allege_v that_o the_o assembly_n be_v not_o free_a but_o overawe_v and_o yet_o some_o of_o themselves_o who_o go_v along_o with_o that_o assembly_n till_o the_o end_n thereof_o though_o afterward_o they_o join_v in_o the_o protestation_n may_v bear_v witness_n if_o they_o will_v speak_v truth_n that_o never_o do_v assembly_n more_o free_o and_o full_o debate_v and_o reason_n upon_o matter_n than_o this_o assembly_n do_v upon_o these_o resolution_n they_o urge_v in_o their_o protestation_n against_o the_o second_o assembly_n that_o many_o presbtyery_n refuse_v to_o send_v commissioner_n to_o it_o and_o yet_o they_o be_v but_o some_o and_o that_o where_o they_o have_v power_n for_o which_o the_o assembly_n can_v not_o be_v blame_v and_o some_o other_o who_o think_v fit_a not_o to_o send_v commissioner_n yet_o by_o their_o letter_n to_o the_o assembly_n do_v express_o declare_v they_o be_v not_o against_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o former_a assembly_n and_o consequent_o not_o against_o that_o to_o this_o may_v be_v add_v that_o our_o brethren_n themselves_o do_v real_o evidence_n their_o own_o sense_n of_o the_o weakness_n of_o their_o ground_n in_o that_o though_o all_o their_o reason_n be_v clear_a before_o the_o assembly_n at_o st._n andrews_n and_o duadie_n be_v constitute_v yet_o they_o forbear_v at_o first_o to_o give_v in_o their_o declinature_n but_o with_o some_o salvo_n do_v sit_v and_o join_v in_o the_o assembly_n choose_v a_o moderator_n and_o act_v both_o in_o the_o assembly_n and_o commit_v for_o several_a day_n never_o appear_v with_o their_o protestation_n till_o the_o day_n wherein_o a_o considerable_a part_n of_o the_o force_n be_v defeat_v &_o the_o assembly_n be_v meet_v late_a atnight_n to_o adjourn_v to_o dundie_n and_o then_o very_o unreasonable_o they_o give_v in_o it_o yea_o it_o further_o appear_v from_o this_o that_o the_o most_o part_n of_o these_o who_o now_o join_v in_o that_o
protestation_n refuse_v then_o to_o go_v along_o in_o it_o nor_o do_v they_o after_o join_v with_o they_o till_o the_o face_n of_o affair_n be_v more_o full_o alter_v §_o 31_o but_o that_o we_o do_v they_o no_o wrong_n and_o may_v obviate_v what_o may_v seem_v plausible_a in_o their_o way_n to_o these_o who_o be_v unacquainted_a with_o our_o affair_n we_o shall_v speak_v a_o little_a to_o two_o particular_n whereof_o they_o make_v especial_a use_n to_o justify_v their_o protestation_n the_o first_o be_v that_o many_o member_n be_v admit_v in_o these_o assembly_n who_o be_v guilty_a of_o a_o course_n of_o defection_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o resolution_n former_o mention_v who_o therefore_o be_v incapable_a to_o be_v member_n this_o be_v the_o strong_a argument_n whereby_o they_o study_v to_o engage_v the_o simple_a and_o well-affected_a to_o their_o party_n and_o upon_o which_o they_o spare_v not_o in_o their_o emission_n to_o profess_v the_o weight_n of_o their_o cause_n lie_v and_o do_v condemn_v those_o assembly_n because_o they_o approve_v of_o these_o resolution_n and_o therefore_o we_o answer_v 1._o albeit_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o person_n who_o they_o accuse_v as_o chief_a leader_n in_o this_o defection_n may_v make_v they_o be_v they_o ingenuous_a blush_v to_o declare_v they_o uncapable_a of_o such_o a_o trust_n who_o for_o many_o year_n both_o under_o prelate_n and_o since_o have_v be_v eminent_o honour_v of_o god_n to_o be_v owner_n of_o truth_n and_o purity_n and_o promoter_n of_o piety_n when_o other_o be_v not_o yet_o we_o trust_v what_o have_v be_v hint_v in_o defence_n of_o these_o resolution_n and_o against_o their_o remonstrance_n will_v break_v this_o snare_n and_o clear_v where_o the_o defection_n lie_v and_o so_o these_o resolution_n be_v find_v to_o have_v be_v their_o duty_n the_o whole_a superstructure_n must_v fall_v 2._o these_o resolution_n what_o ever_o they_o be_v be_v not_o as_o yet_o nor_o can_v be_v judicial_o find_v to_o be_v a_o defection_n till_o the_o assembly_n be_v constitute_v and_o cognosce_v thereupon_o and_o therefore_o they_o can_v not_o inflict_v such_o a_o censure_n on_o so_o many_o former_o minister_n and_o elder_n till_o their_o cause_n be_v try_v and_o themselves_o hear_v only_o when_o their_o proceed_n come_v to_o be_v try_v they_o be_v to_o be_v remove_v as_o our_o brethren_n know_v be_v the_o constant_a custom_n and_o judge_v by_o the_o assembly_n and_o if_o they_o be_v find_v culpable_a the_o assembly_n be_v free_a to_o inflict_v what_o censure_n they_o deserve_v and_o our_o brethren_n know_v that_o in_o the_o assembly_n 1648._o such_o a_o exception_n be_v not_o account_v relevant_a in_o this_o church_n to_o hinder_v member_n of_o a_o precede_a commission_n from_o sit_v as_o member_n in_o the_o succeed_a assembly_n and_o to_o voice_n except_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o their_o own_o proceed_n to_o be_v try_v and_o judge_v until_o a_o account_n be_v take_v of_o their_o proceed_n and_o if_o they_o shall_v have_v be_v remove_v before_o we_o see_v not_o but_o our_o brethren_n who_o continue_v in_o opposition_n to_o they_o shall_v also_o have_v be_v remove_v with_o they_o that_o the_o assembly_n may_v have_v judge_v of_o both_o though_o the_o assembly_n do_v free_o allow_v such_o as_o be_v opposite_a to_o the_o resolution_n to_o sit_v and_o reason_n and_o voice_n according_a to_o their_o judgement_n in_o these_o matter_n when_o the_o commission_n be_v remove_v 3._o what_o over_o may_v be_v say_v of_o these_o resolution_n and_o the_o assembly_n approbation_n thereof_o yet_o it_o be_v but_o one_o act_n and_o we_o believe_v one_o act_n suppose_v sinful_a do_v not_o make_v void_a and_o null_a the_o authority_n of_o a_o judicatorie_a to_o all_o effect_n otherwise_o all_o judicatories_n may_v easy_o be_v overturn_v 4._o we_o desire_v it_o may_v be_v consider_v how_o deep_a our_o brethren_n principle_n will_v draw_v for_o if_o these_o man_n be_v in_o a_o course_n of_o defection_n as_o be_v suppose_v do_v render_v the_o judicatorie_a unlawful_a where_o they_o be_v admit_v and_o oblige_v man_n not_o to_o join_v with_o they_o in_o that_o judicatorie_a then_o by_o parity_n of_o reason_n they_o must_v also_o overturn_v all_o inferior_a church-judicatories_a whereof_o they_o be_v member_n nor_o must_v they_o join_v in_o these_o with_o they_o nay_o we_o see_v not_o how_o their_o principle_n will_v allow_v they_o to_o join_v with_o they_o in_o any_o lawful_a act_n of_o religion_n and_o worship_n more_o than_o in_o a_o assembly_n §_o 32_o the_o next_o thing_n they_o allege_v be_v that_o presbytery_n be_v prelimited_a in_o their_o due_a election_n of_o commissioner_n to_o the_o assembly_n 1651._o by_o a_o letter_n of_o the_o commission_n send_v to_o they_o appoint_v such_o brethren_n as_o after_o conference_n remain_v unfatisfy_v with_o and_o continue_v to_o oppose_v the_o public_a resolution_n to_o be_v cite_v to_o the_o general_a assembly_n answ_n 1._o this_o say_v nothing_o against_o the_o assembly_n 1652._o where_o not_o such_o prelimitation_n be_v &_o yet_o they_o protest_v against_o it_o they_o allege_v prelimitation_n in_o it_o also_o by_o the_o act_n of_o the_o former_a assembly_n but_o their_o conscience_n can_v but_o tell_v they_o that_o any_o such_o act_n to_o say_v nothing_o to_o the_o matter_n of_o they_o relate_v to_o the_o public_a resolution_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v put_v in_o execution_n that_o they_o be_v whole_o lay_v aside_o and_o the_o commission_n of_o the_o assembly_n at_o st._n andrews_n and_o dundie_n do_v at_o a_o meeting_n and_o conference_n with_o they_o earnest_o press_v and_o entreat_v they_o will_v join_v with_o they_o in_o the_o ensue_a assembly_n which_o they_o refuse_v to_o do_v upon_o the_o account_n of_o the_o resolution_n even_o though_o the_o subject_a matter_n thereof_o and_o so_o all_o occasion_n of_o debate_n about_o they_o be_v then_o extinct_a and_o because_o that_o assembly_n have_v a_o dependence_n upon_o the_o former_a they_o have_v protest_v against_o and_o have_v appoint_v time_n and_o place_n thereof_o albeit_o legal_o they_o can_v not_o other_o way_n have_v access_n to_o keep_v a_o new_a assembly_n but_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o former_a indiction_n and_o appointment_n 2._o we_o think_v it_o strange_a our_o brethren_n shall_v be_v against_o all_o prelimitation_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o constitute_a assembly_n and_o that_o take_v such_o course_n as_o the_o commission_n than_o take_v about_o emergent_a scandal_n or_o error_n shall_v render_v a_o assembly_n null_n and_o unlawful_a we_o may_v say_v it_o in_o our_o conserence_n with_o our_o brethren_n we_o have_v find_v they_o averse_a from_o join_v in_o a_o assembly_n with_o we_o without_o both_o prelimitation_n and_o pre-ingagement_n and_o it_o be_v not_o unknown_a in_o this_o church_n that_o such_o course_n as_o that_o of_o the_o commission_n have_v be_v follow_v without_o any_o reflection_n upon_o the_o freedom_n of_o assembly_n and_o to_o pass_v other_o instance_n which_o may_v be_v and_o be_v elsewhere_o produce_v we_o shall_v pitch_v on_o that_o parallel_n of_o the_o commission_n 1648._o wherein_o some_o of_o our_o brethren_n have_v the_o chief_a hand_n in_o which_o by_o express_a act_n the_o commission_n earnest_o recommend_v to_o presbytery_n to_o take_v special_a notice_n and_o trial_n of_o every_o brother_n carriage_n in_o the_o public_a business_n that_o if_o any_o be_v find_v that_o do_v not_o declare_v themselves_o against_o the_o present_a malignant_a course_n nor_o come_v with_o their_o brethren_n in_o the_o common_a resolution_n against_o it_o nor_o give_v public_a information_n to_o the_o people_n that_o they_o be_v refer_v to_o the_o next_o general_a assembly_n and_o if_o any_o of_o they_o have_v already_o declare_v for_o it_o that_o they_o be_v present_o censure_v here_o we_o will_v not_o only_o find_v a_o parallel_n to_o that_o do_v by_o the_o commission_n 1651._o but_o somewhat_o that_o go_v beyond_o they_o here_o such_o as_o be_v silent_a or_o join_v not_o with_o their_o brethren_n nor_o inform_v the_o people_n be_v refer_v to_o the_o general_a assembly_n the_o commission_n 51._o do_v not_o meddle_v at_o all_o with_o such_o nay_o nor_o with_o their_o continue_a dissatisfaction_n after_o conference_n if_o they_o do_v not_o active_o oppose_v and_o by_o their_o preach_n and_o other_o act_n obstruct_v the_o execution_n of_o the_o resolution_n for_o defence_n of_o the_o nation_n here_o such_o as_o declare_v themselves_o be_v to_o be_v present_o censure_v by_o presbytery_n but_o the_o commission_n 51._o do_v only_o appoint_v opposer_n after_o reference_n to_o be_v cite_v to_o the_o general_a assembly_n that_o they_o may_v be_v accountable_a for_o their_o carriage_n as_o the_o commission_n be_v for_o their_o proceed_n and_o that_o they_o may_v prosecute_v if_o they_o have_v any_o thing_n to_o say_v these_o libel_n they_o have_v emit_v
their_o first_o protestation_n and_o declinatour_n and_o thereafter_o immediate_o do_v not_o only_a desert_n the_o assembly_n but_o leave_v the_o place_n of_o their_o meeting_n retire_v to_o their_o own_o home_n so_o that_o the_o assembly_n can_v have_v no_o opportunity_n to_o confer_v with_o they_o that_o they_o may_v fall_v upon_o amicable_a way_n to_o take_v they_o off_o that_o divisive_a course_n short_o after_o that_o assembly_n when_o the_o condition_n of_o assair_n be_v so_o alter_v as_o they_o need_v apprehend_v no_o prejudice_n have_v the_o judicatories_n be_v never_o so_o violent_a some_o of_o we_o do_v deal_v with_o some_o of_o they_o that_o they_o will_v forbear_v to_o prosecute_v their_o protestation_n by_o counteractings_a or_o follow_v any_o irregular_a course_n but_o will_v let_v the_o matter_n lie_v for_o a_o time_n if_o so_o be_v spirit_n of_o man_n may_v now_o be_v calm_v and_o there_o may_v be_v a_o heal_n of_o that_o rapture_n but_o instead_o of_o harken_v thereunto_o they_o proceed_v immediate_o to_o convene_v in_o their_o extrajudicial_a meeting_n to_o erect_v their_o pretend_a commission_n and_o to_o publish_v such_o thing_n to_o the_o world_n and_o fall_v upon_o such_o irregular_a act_n as_o do_v widen_v the_o breach_n and_o afford_v we_o too_o just_a ground_n of_o fear_n that_o nothing_o will_v satisfy_v they_o unless_o they_o have_v all_o their_o will_n and_o be_v invest_v with_o chief_a power_n to_o manage_v all_o church_n matter_n and_o govern_v the_o whole_a church_n thereafter_o in_o may_n 1652._o at_o a_o meeting_n of_o correspondent_o from_o synod_n it_o be_v desire_v that_o they_o will_v join_v in_o the_o assembly_n short_o after_o ensue_v see_v the_o assembly_n only_o can_v apply_v a_o sit_v and_o effectual_a remedy_n for_o cure_v of_o that_o breach_n but_o they_o do_v not_o only_o refuse_v to_o hearken_v to_o this_o desire_n but_o scatter_v their_o paper_n throughout_o the_o land_n some_o whereof_o be_v since_o publish_v in_o print_n persuade_v not_o only_o those_o who_o have_v protest_v against_o the_o former_a assembly_n but_o all_o who_o be_v not_o satisfy_v with_o the_o public_a resolution_n not_o to_o join_v in_o elect_v or_o be_v elect_a commissioner_n to_o this_o assembly_n a_o desire_n beside_o the_o iniquity_n thereof_o upon_o the_o matter_n most_o divisive_a &_o destructive_a to_o church_n unity_n and_o contrary_a to_o the_o apostle_n rule_v of_o keep_v unity_n in_o a_o bond_n of_o peace_n where_o there_o may_v be_v difference_n in_o judgement_n about_o some_o particular_n as_o we_o be_v persuade_v learned_a and_o rational_a man_n will_v perceive_v and_o judge_v and_o albeit_o they_o do_v refuse_v to_o join_v with_o we_o yet_o that_o assembly_n be_v constitute_v and_o notwithstanding_o they_o do_v protest_v against_o the_o same_o behave_v themselves_o so_o in_o that_o matter_n as_o we_o have_v no_o pleasure_n to_o repeat_v do_v not_o cast_v off_o thought_n of_o peace_n but_o make_v a_o overture_n to_o they_o for_o peace_n wherein_o all_o they_o require_v be_v not_o retract_v of_o their_o judgement_n nor_o a_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o offence_n they_o have_v give_v by_o their_o practice_n which_o yet_o have_v former_o be_v require_v of_o man_n who_o have_v not_o do_v so_o great_a disservice_n to_o the_o church_n but_o only_a that_o they_o will_v for_o peace_n sake_n pass_v from_o their_o protestation_n and_o declinature_n which_o have_v make_v such_o a_o breach_n upon_o church-government_n and_o lead_v so_o bad_a a_o preparative_n for_o any_o who_o shall_v please_v to_o trace_v their_o step_n as_o a_o combine_a party_n of_o some_o minister_n former_o dispose_v do_v in_o part_n at_o that_o same_o assembly_n and_o that_o they_o will_v forbear_v to_o keep_v up_o debate_n upon_o the_o matter_n of_o our_o public_a difference_n as_o those_o for_o the_o assembly_n be_v also_o content_a to_o do_v but_o our_o brethren_n do_v not_o so_o much_o as_o once_o hearken_v to_o this_o overture_n but_o utter_o reject_v it_o as_o hope_v tospeed_n better_o another_o way_n in_o their_o design_n as_o indeed_o they_o do_v some_o particular_n whereof_o be_v touch_v former_o §_o 49_o three_o though_o our_o brethren_n after_o that_o time_n put_v we_o out_o of_o all_o hope_n of_o peace_n and_o by_o their_o irregular_a act_n and_o endeavour_n to_o subvert_v the_o government_n of_o this_o church_n for_o some_o year_n and_o by_o divers_a mean_n and_o way_n do_v give_v unto_o we_o matter_n of_o sad_a mourning_n before_o the_o lord_n and_o serious_a apprehension_n of_o the_o result_n of_o their_o practice_n and_o way_n yet_o as_o union_n be_v still_o in_o our_o heart_n and_o desire_n to_o god_n both_o in_o public_a and_o private_a so_o we_o continue_v in_o our_o moderate_a way_n of_o bear_v their_o injurious_a reproach_n and_o forbear_v to_o irritate_fw-la they_o by_o any_o censure_n though_o sometime_o the_o judicatory_n be_v necessitate_v for_o their_o own_o exoneration_n naked_o to_o answer_v their_o reproach_n and_o declare_v their_o dissatisfaction_n and_o non-approbation_n of_o their_o irregularity_n and_o when_o we_o be_v hopeless_a of_o cure_v our_o public_a difference_n at_o least_o till_o we_o have_v a_o general_a assembly_n yet_o consider_v the_o many_o disorder_n follow_v upon_o these_o difference_n we_o do_v at_o meeting_n in_o june_n 1655._o propound_v some_o overture_n to_o our_o brethren_n for_o prevent_v the_o total_a subversion_n of_o church-government_n by_o these_o disorder_n till_o a_o assembly_n may_v meet_v which_o be_v reject_v by_o they_o thereafter_o when_o they_o do_v profess_v a_o desire_n of_o union_n which_o how_o and_o upon_o what_o account_v it_o come_v on_o foot_n among_o they_o themselves_o best_o know_v and_o according_o there_o be_v a_o meeting_n and_o conference_n for_o that_o effect_n in_o november_n 1655._o we_o glad_o lay_v hold_v of_o the_o opportunity_n and_o lay_v aside_o all_o prejudices_fw-la do_v stretch_v ourselves_o to_o the_o utmost_a keep_v truth_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n to_o gain_v they_o if_o possible_a to_o a_o union_n in_o the_o judicatories_n of_o the_o church_n the_o paper_n which_o pass_v at_o that_o conference_n be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o divers_a and_o will_v speak_v for_o themselves_o and_o we_o be_v confident_a will_v plead_v for_o we_o in_o this_o matter_n in_o the_o judgement_n of_o discern_v and_o unbiased_a man_n the_o particular_n of_o our_o condescension_n be_v too_o large_a to_o be_v here_o relate_v only_o let_v this_o suffice_v in_o brief_a in_o order_n to_o peace_n and_o union_n it_o be_v offer_v that_o whatever_o be_v our_o own_o judgement_n of_o the_o censure_n inflict_v upon_o any_o by_o the_o assembly_n at_o st._n andrews_n and_o dundee_n yet_o we_o be_v content_a that_o all_o these_o censure_n shall_v be_v take_v off_o and_o that_o in_o such_o a_o way_n as_o might_n neither_o reflect_v upon_o the_o assembly_n nor_o our_o brethren_n or_o we_o that_o any_o act_n ordain_v censure_n because_o of_o these_o matter_n shall_v be_v sist_v till_o a_o assembly_n wherein_o we_o shall_v endeavour_v the_o abrogation_n of_o they_o that_o in_o our_o after-joynt-actings_a we_o shall_v abstract_a from_o all_o reflection_n upon_o bypass_a difference_n that_o as_o to_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o resolution_n and_o the_o two_o controvert_v assembly_n however_o we_o can_v not_o in_o our_o conscience_n condemn_v nor_o be_v consent_v to_o the_o annul_v thereof_o yet_o we_o do_v not_o urge_v they_o to_o renounce_v their_o own_o judgement_n in_o either_o of_o these_o nor_o that_o they_o shall_v pass_v from_o their_o protestation_n as_o a_o stand_a testimony_n of_o their_o judgement_n whatever_o we_o judge_v they_o ought_v to_o do_v but_o be_v content_a that_o these_o resolution_n and_o act_n and_o declaration_n concern_v the_o same_o shall_v never_o be_v urge_v against_o they_o as_o the_o definitive_a judgement_n of_o this_o church_n to_o any_o effect_n that_o the_o authority_n of_o these_o assembly_n shall_v not_o be_v urge_v against_o they_o that_o however_o we_o doubt_v not_o of_o the_o lawful_a constitution_n thereof_o yet_o ensue_v assembly_n shall_v be_v constitute_v according_a to_o the_o constitution_n of_o general_a assembly_n precede_v our_o difference_n and_o that_o we_o will_v not_o bind_v they_o up_o if_o they_o please_v from_o propound_v reason_n to_o any_o ensue_a assembly_n against_o the_o public_a resolution_n though_o we_o judge_v they_o will_v never_o be_v able_a to_o bring_v any_o sufficient_a reason_n against_o they_o only_o we_o desire_v they_o will_v not_o urge_v we_o to_o renounce_v our_o judgement_n in_o condemn_v these_o resolution_n and_o declare_v null_a the_o authority_n of_o these_o assembly_n and_o that_o they_o will_v declare_v that_o they_o shall_v not_o at_o any_o time_n hereafter_o make_v use_n of_o these_o protestation_n in_o any_o judicatory_a to_o call_v in_o question_n and_o annul_v the_o constitution_n and_o authority_n