two_o assembly_n must_v pass_v from_o the_o same_o 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 respective_a and_o in_o order_n to_o the_o public_a resolution_n must_v give_v assurance_n in_o manner_n foresay_a that_o they_o shall_v forbear_v to_o speak_v or_o to_o testify_v any_o more_o against_o the_o sin_n of_o these_o which_o they_o express_v by_o forbear_v to_o 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 and_o in_o reference_n to_o what_o be_v to_o come_v the_o act_n of_o the_o assembly_n at_o dundee_n for_o censure_v of_o all_o these_o who_o do_v not_o acknowledge_v the_o constitution_n of_o that_o assembly_n or_o who_o do_v oppose_v the_o resolution_n or_o who_o do_v not_o acknowledge_v the_o act_n and_o constitution_n thereof_o stand_v unrepealed_a to_o which_o a_o new_a one_o in_o this_o assembly_n at_o edinburgh_n be_v add_v exclude_v all_o expectant_n and_o ruling_n elder_n who_o refuse_v the_o condition_n contain_v in_o this_o overture_n when_o i_o think_v upon_o these_o thing_n i_o can_v not_o but_o call_v to_o mind_n and_o lay_v before_o other_o to_o who_o union_n and_o peace_n which_o be_v so_o much_o plead_v and_o pretend_v may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v sweet_a and_o dear_a 1._o that_o which_o be_v speak_v public_o in_o that_o assembly_n at_o edinburgh_n by_o one_o of_o their_o own_o member_n whilst_o they_o be_v upon_o the_o debate_n of_o their_o act_n and_o overture_n about_o these_o difference_n to_o wit_n all_o the_o reverend_a brethren_n speak_v for_o moderation_n but_o i_o think_v we_o be_v very_o like_o those_o in_o micah_n who_o cry_v peace_n peace_n and_o bite_v with_o their_o tooth_n micah_n 3._o v._n 5._o second_o the_o practice_n of_o our_o prelate_n in_o scotland_n who_o after_o they_o have_v usurp_v upon_o the_o church_n and_o bring_v in_o many_o of_o their_o corruption_n do_v aggravate_v &_o cry_v out_o of_o all_o the_o evil_n of_o division_n and_o schism_n and_o much_o plead_v for_o and_o make_v great_a profession_n of_o a_o desire_n of_o union_n and_o peace_n that_o the_o church_n may_v be_v strengthen_v against_o the_o common_a enemy_n by_o who_o it_o be_v threaten_v with_o great_a danger_n and_o against_o who_o they_o do_v profess_v much_o zeal_n but_o so_o as_o they_o do_v always_o hold_v fast_o their_o corruption_n and_o go_v on_o therein_o from_o year_n to_o year_n and_o will_v not_o yield_v to_o any_o other_o ground_n of_o union_n and_o peace_n but_o such_o as_o do_v include_v the_o approbation_n of_o and_o subjection_n to_o their_o authority_n and_o proceed_n and_o yet_o do_v always_o charge_v their_o brethren_n who_o do_v bear_v test_n money_n against_o their_o defection_n and_o can_v not_o be_v consent_v to_o their_o course_n as_o man_n of_o unpeaceable_a disposition_n and_o turbulent_a spirit_n who_o will_v rather_o rend_v the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o fill_v all_o with_o confusion_n and_o division_n before_o they_o do_v not_o satisfy_v their_o own_o proud_a and_o contentious_a humour_n in_o strive_v as_o they_o allege_v about_o thing_n of_o no_o great_a consquence_n relate_v to_o church_n policy_n when_o there_o be_v no_o difference_n in_o matter_n of_o doctrine_n who_o so_o please_v to_o look_v upon_o the_o record_n of_o that_o corrupt_a assembly_n at_o lithgow_n 1608._o will_n find_v that_o the_o prelate_n and_o their_o party_n who_o prevail_v in_o that_o assembly_n make_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o noise_n concern_v the_o distraction_n of_o affection_n and_o diversity_n of_o judgement_n that_o be_v arisen_a among_o the_o ministry_n and_o upon_o the_o first_o of_o these_o they_o do_v insist_v at_o length_n hold_v it_o forth_o to_o be_v carnal_a and_o therefore_o say_v they_o the_o more_o dangerous_a because_o it_o suffer_v not_o the_o brethren_n who_o affection_n be_v separate_v to_o unite_v themselves_o with_o effauld_n and_o uniform_a counsel_n and_o advice_n to_o resist_v the_o subtle_a practice_n of_o the_o common_a enemy_n and_o so_o give_v he_o place_n with_o his_o subtle_a craft_n and_o shift_n to_o enter_v into_o the_o kirk_n of_o god_n and_o thereby_o to_o supplant_v and_o undermine_v the_o same_o therefore_o their_o advice_n be_v that_o as_o the_o danger_n increase_v by_o the_o nourish_a of_o the_o distract_a affection_n of_o the_o brethren_n even_o so_o the_o cure_n be_v the_o more_o necessary_a and_o hasty_o to_o be_v apply_v to_o wit_n that_o the_o whole_a brethren_n of_o the_o ministry_n shall_v present_o in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n lay_v down_o all_o rancour_n and_o distraction_n of_o heart_n and_o affection_n which_o either_o of_o they_o have_v bear_v against_o other_o in_o any_o time_n and_o be_v reconcile_v with_o hearty_a affection_n in_o christ_n as_o become_v they_o who_o be_v minister_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o preacher_n of_o peace_n and_o christian_a life_n and_o charity_n to_o his_o people_n to_o the_o effect_n that_o by_o this_o hearty_a reconciliation_n heart_n and_o advice_n may_v be_v communicate_v for_o disappoint_v of_o the_o crafty_a devise_n of_o this_o common_a enemy_n but_o as_o to_o that_o which_o be_v the_o real_a and_o first_o fountain_n of_o this_o distraction_n and_o difference_n of_o judgement_n to_o wit_n minister_n vote_v in_o parliament_n their_o take_n of_o prelacy_n and_o fetle_v constant_a moderator_n no_o acknowledge_v of_o these_o thing_n as_o a_o sin_n or_o pass_v from_o they_o as_o corruption_n but_o hold_v they_o fast_o and_o build_v a_o further_a superstructure_n of_o decline_v upon_o they_o whilst_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n by_o their_o profess_a forwardness_n against_o papist_n who_o be_v then_o the_o enemy_n with_o who_o the_o church_n have_v to_o do_v and_o the_o argument_n take_v from_o the_o benefit_n of_o union_n and_o peace_n and_o the_o sad_a consequence_n and_o bitter_a fruit_n of_o distraction_n and_o division_n and_o the_o small_a importance_n of_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v then_o in_o question_n among_o brethren_n do_v prevail_v with_o many_o of_o the_o ministry_n not_o only_o to_o engage_v themselves_o in_o a_o solemn_a way_n in_o the_o assembly_n and_o in_o their_o presbytery_n with_o hold_v up_o of_o their_o hand_n to_o lay_v down_o and_o cast_v away_o all_o grudge_n and_o rancour_n that_o any_o of_o they_o do_v bear_v at_o another_o and_o to_o maintain_v union_n of_o heart_n and_o affection_n and_o to_o continue_v in_o mutual_a friendship_n and_o holy_a amity_n in_o god_n as_o become_v the_o pastor_n of_o the_o kirk_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v a_o thing_n in_o itself_o very_o good_a and_o commendable_a but_o also_o to_o be_v silent_a in_o all_o matter_n of_o difference_n about_o the_o government_n and_o discipline_n of_o the_o kirk_n by_o which_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v lest_o they_o shall_v thereby_o hinder_v union_n and_o peace_n and_o weaken_v joint_a endeavour_n against_o the_o common_a enemy_n that_o whilst_o the_o shepherd_n be_v sing_v asleep_o the_o fox_n come_v in_o and_o destroy_v the_o vine_n which_o may_v give_v warning_n to_o all_o the_o minister_n elder_n and_o member_n of_o this_o church_n who_o desire_n to_o have_v the_o work_n of_o reformation_n preserve_v in_o purity_n and_o promove_v in_o power_n that_o they_o be_v not_o as_o their_o father_n and_o predecessor_n not_o long_o ago_o charm_v into_o silence_n by_o the_o sweet_a song_n of_o union_n and_o peace_n until_o they_o be_v cheat_v out_o of_o the_o precious_a truth_n and_o pure_a ordinance_n of_o god_n but_o that_o they_o take_v notice_n of_o and_o resist_v the_o beginning_n of_o evil_a by_o refuse_v to_o be_v consent_v thereto_o and_o concur_v therein_o though_o haply_o they_o shall_v because_v of_o this_o be_v cry_v out_o on_o as_o the_o troubler_n of_o israel_n and_o as_o these_o who_o weaken_v the_o hand_n of_o the_o church_n against_o the_o common_a enemy_n by_o contend_v about_o thing_n of_o no_o great_a importance_n the_o other_o thing_n which_o i_o take_v notice_n of_o in_o this_o overture_n be_v that_o notwithstanding_o the_o author_n and_o approver_n thereof_o charge_v the_o protester_n with_o lay_v of_o the_o ground_n of_o separation_n and_o for_o make_v good_a their_o charge_n do_v among_o other_o ground_n allege_v that_o though_o they_o be_v but_o the_o small_a and_o the_o few_o number_n they_o take_v upon_o they_o to_o judge_v and_o act_n in_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o church_n and_o to_o exercise_v jurisdiction_n and_o authority_n over_o their_o brethren_n yet_o in_o this_o overture_n this_o power_n seem_v to_o be_v give_v by_o the_o assembly_n to_o the_o small_a part_n or_o few_o number_n in_o presbytery_n or_o synod_n who_o acknowledge_v the_o authority_n of_o these_o two_o assembly_n at_o dundee_n and_o edinburgh_n
the_o act_n of_o the_o assembly_n and_o to_o protest_v against_o all_o encroachment_n upon_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o kirk_n in_o all_o which_o three_o they_o fail_v 1._o in_o the_o matter_n of_o preserve_v the_o doctrine_n not_o only_o because_o they_o teach_v and_o allow_v that_o malignant_n be_v subject_n may_v be_v employ_v and_o entrust_v for_o defence_n of_o the_o cause_n and_o kingdom_n as_o appear_v at_o length_n in_o their_o warn_v of_o the_o date_n january_n ______o 1651._o and_o in_o their_o answer_n to_o the_o letter_n of_o the_o presbytery_n of_o stirling_n at_o the_o same_o diet_n notwithstanding_o that_o the_o contrary_n have_v be_v constant_o teach_v and_o hold_v by_o this_o kirk_n these_o year_n past_a but_o also_o be_v instrumental_a unto_o the_o actual_a employ_v and_o entrust_v of_o these_o man_n which_o as_o to_o man_n can_v not_o but_o prove_v destructive_a to_o the_o doctrine_n worship_n discipline_n and_o government_n of_o this_o kirk_n 2._o in_o the_o matter_n of_o censure_a complyer_n and_o person_n dis-affected_n to_o the_o covenant_n according_a to_o the_o act_n of_o the_o assembly_n because_o they_o do_v not_o only_o allow_v person_n who_o be_v not_o of_o constant_a integrity_n and_o affection_n to_o the_o cause_n and_o of_o a_o blameless_a and_o christian_a conversation_n to_o be_v employ_v and_o entrust_v which_o be_v contrary_a to_o our_o solemn_a engagement_n but_o also_o because_o they_o take_v off_o censure_n which_o have_v be_v former_o inflict_v upon_o many_o dis-affected_n person_n who_o have_v not_o 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 accession_n to_o the_o same_o and_o to_o live_v sober_o righteous_o and_o godly_a notwithstanding_o that_o this_o be_v express_o provide_v by_o the_o act_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n 1649._o and_o do_v ordain_v presbytery_n to_o censure_v all_o such_o minister_n within_o their_o bound_n as_o do_v oppose_v or_o bear_v testimony_n against_o these_o their_o proceed_n 3._o in_o the_o matter_n of_o protest_v against_o encroachment_n upon_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o kirk_n because_o when_o some_o minister_n be_v confine_v at_o perth_n by_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n for_o their_o doctrine_n before_o they_o be_v cite_v or_o sentence_v by_o any_o of_o the_o judicatories_n for_o the_o same_o they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o protest_v against_o this_o that_o as_o they_o be_v silent_a when_o these_o minister_n be_v first_o cite_v notwithstanding_o that_o the_o letter_n of_o citation_n be_v communicate_v unto_o they_o by_o the_o committee_n of_o estate_n so_o by_o a_o public_a paper_n give_v in_o to_o the_o parliament_n they_o do_v condemn_v the_o protestation_n of_o these_o minister_n against_o that_o citation_n and_o confinement_n which_o paper_n be_v especial_o approven_v in_o this_o act._n c._n it_o be_v not_o our_o purpose_n to_o fall_v upon_o the_o particular_n which_o be_v say_v to_o be_v especial_o approven_v here_o but_o by_o the_o word_n especial_o and_o by_o the_o particular_n which_o be_v here_o mention_v it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o spirit_n which_o rule_v in_o the_o assembly_n at_o dundee_n be_v zealous_a above_o measure_n for_o the_o public_a resolution_n most_o of_o all_o the_o proceed_n of_o the_o commission_n that_o relate_v thereunto_o or_o to_o the_o opposer_n thereof_o or_o any_o testimony_n give_v against_o the_o same_o be_v particular_o mention_v and_o especial_o without_o leave_v out_o much_o less_o except_v so_o much_o as_o their_o act_n concern_v the_o opposer_n of_o public_a resolution_n and_o letter_n to_o presbytery_n thereunto_o by_o which_o all_o of_o they_o be_v appoint_v to_o be_v cite_v as_o person_n guilty_a to_o the_o assembly_n and_o so_o be_v exclude_v from_o have_v any_o hand_n to_o treat_v or_o vote_v therein_o in_o any_o thing_n concern_v the_o public_a resolution_n which_o beside_o the_o injury_n do_v to_o the_o person_n be_v to_o prae-limit_n the_o assembly_n and_o to_o make_v it_o up_o of_o such_o only_a as_o do_v approve_v of_o their_o proceed_n d._n the_o generality_n of_o malignant_a and_o dis-affected_n person_n in_o the_o land_n who_o have_v be_v enemy_n to_o reformation_n and_o godliness_n do_v join_v in_o this_o high_a testimony_n and_o cry_v up_o these_o proceed_n and_o the_o author_n thereof_o as_o deserve_v high_a commendation_n but_o most_o of_o the_o godly_a of_o the_o land_n refuse_v to_o put_v to_o their_o seal_n thereto_o and_o make_v these_o proceed_n the_o matter_n of_o their_o mourning_n beg_a pardon_n and_o repentance_n unto_o the_o author_n thereof_o e._n this_o be_v another_o evidence_n what_o spirit_n lead_v that_o assembly_n as_o every_o thing_n must_v be_v cry_v up_o that_o make_v for_o strengthen_v of_o the_o public_a resolution_n so_o every_o thing_n must_v be_v cryed-down_a that_o make_v for_o weaken_v thereof_o yea_o that_o very_a declaration_n which_o before_o dumbar_n be_v unanimous_o condescend_v upon_o and_o approven_v both_o by_o the_o commission_n of_o the_o kirk_n and_o the_o committee_n of_o estate_n for_o hold_v forth_o the_o true_a state_n of_o the_o quarrel_n upon_o which_o the_o kingdom_n then_o fight_v and_o for_o shut_v out_o every_o malignant_a party_n or_o quarrel_n or_o interest_n 1._o by_o insinuate_v that_o it_o have_v already_o be_v to_o some_o a_o ground_n of_o unwarrantable_a proceed_n in_o these_o word_n of_o their_o act_n to_o the_o end_n it_o may_v not_o hereafter_o be_v to_o any_o a_o ground_n of_o unwarrantable_a proceed_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o king_n majesty_n or_o any_o of_o his_o successor_n 2._o they_o take_v only_o one_o clause_n of_o the_o whole_a declaration_n to_o wit_n that_o the_o king_n interest_n be_v not_o to_o be_v own_v but_o in_o subordination_n to_o god_n leave_v whole_o out_o another_o material_a part_n thereof_o to_o wit_n and_o so_o far_o as_o he_o own_v and_o prosecute_v the_o cause_n of_o god_n and_o disclaim_v he_o and_o his_o father_n 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 which_o be_v again_o repeat_v thus_o in_o the_o close_a of_o that_o declaration_n and_o that_o they_o will_v with_o convenient_a speed_n take_v in_o consideration_n the_o paper_n late_o send_v unto_o they_o and_o vindicate_v themselves_o from_o all_o the_o falsehood_n contain_v therein_o especial_o in_o those_o thing_n wherein_o the_o quarrel_n betwixt_o we_o and_o that_o party_n be_v mis-stated_n as_o if_o we_o own_v the_o late_a 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 far_o 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 above_o specify_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 sire_n of_o contention_n and_o continue_v in_o avow_a opposition_n to_o and_o contempt_n of_o the_o public_a judicatories_n therefore_o ordain_v presbytery_n to_o take_v special_a care_n that_o upon_o the_o call_n of_o any_o expectant_a to_o a_o particular_a charge_n of_o the_o ministry_n before_o they_o admit_v he_o to_o his_o trial_n they_o require_v he_o under_o his_o hand_n to_o pass_v from_o the_o protestation_n and_o declinatour_n against_o this_o and_o the_o precede_a general_n assembly_n if_o he_o have_v be_v accessary_a to_o the_o same_o and_o to_o promise_v and_o give_v assurance_n that_o he_o shall_v abstain_v from_o hold_v up_o debate_n and_o controversy_n about_o matter_n of_o difference_n in_o this_o kirk_n since_o the_o assembly_n 1650_o in_o preach_v write_v or_o other_o way_n upon_o the_o performance_n whereof_o the_o presbytery_n shall_v proceed_v to_o his_o trial_n if_o not_o in_o that_o case_n the_o presbytery_n shall_v foebear_v to_o proceed_v until_o the_o next_o general_n assembly_n leave_v liberty_n to_o the_o presbytery_n and_o congregation_n for_o plant_v of_o the_o place_n otherwise_o and_o the_o assembly_n ordain_v and_o require_v that_o presbytery_n be_v not_o sudden_a to_o lay_v by_o such_o young_a man_n as_o at_o first_o refuse_v or_o scruple_n to_o perform_v these_o condition_n mention_v but_o that_o pain_n be_v take_v upon_o they_o to_o convince_v they_o of_o the_o reasonableness_n thereof_o and_o to_o persuade_v they_o to_o embrace_v they_o and_o to_o give_v they_o a_o competent_a time_n for_o that_o effect_n likeas_n the_o assembly_n consider_v the_o prejudice_n of_o elder_n come_v to_o presbytery_n for_o strengthen_v a_o faction_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o public_a judicatories_n ordain_v that_o presbytery_n shall_v require_v the_o same_o thing_n fore_o mention_v of_o every_o rule_v elder_a that_o come_v to_o sit_v and_o act_n in_o presbytery_n and_o in_o case_n of_o his_o refusal_n shall_v not_o admit_v he_o to_o act_v as_o a_o elder_a in_o the_o presbytery_n but_o require_v the_o kirk_n session_n from_o which_o he_o be_v send_v to_o make_v choice_n of_o and_o send_v another_o who_o for_o the_o peace_n of_o this_o church_n shall_v agree_v to_o perform_v the_o condition_n require_v these_o three_o act_n i_o have_v put_v together_o because_o they_o be_v much_o of_o the_o fame_n or_o like_a nature_n that_o be_v such_o as_o ordain_v censure_n upon_o these_o who_o do_v not_o acknowledge_v the_o authority_n of_o that_o assembly_n at_o dundee_n or_o who_o shall_v not_o acquiesce_v to_o the_o act_n and_o constitution_n thereof_o or_o who_o shall_v not_o pass_v from_o the_o protestation_n against_o these_o two_o pretend_a assembly_n at_o dundee_n and_o edinburgh_n and_o i_o offer_v unto_o the_o reader_n these_o animadversion_n upon_o they_o 1._o that_o in_o the_o first_o act_n at_o dundee_n the_o act_n of_o the_o assembly_n at_o glasgow_n 20._o decemb_v 1638._o sess_n 26._o be_v not_o faithful_o make_v use_n of_o but_o by_o leave_v out_o of_o some_o word_n be_v stretch_v beyond_o the_o sense_n and_o meaning_n thereof_o the_o word_n of_o that_o act_n decemb._n 20._o 1638_o be_v that_o all_o such_o as_o be_v scandalous_a and_o malicious_a and_o will_v not_o acknowledge_v nor_o acquiesce_v unto_o the_o act_n thereof_o be_v censure_v according_a to_o their_o malice_n and_o contempt_n but_o at_o dundee_n these_o word_n scandalous_a and_o malicious_a be_v leave_v out_o and_o the_o censure_n be_v extend_v to_o all_o person_n that_o do_v not_o acknowledge_v that_o assembly_n how_o blameless_a or_o holy_a soever_o they_o be_v in_o their_o carriage_n or_o how_o tender_a or_o sober_a soever_o they_o be_v in_o not_o acknowledge_v the_o same_o 2._o whereas_o the_o act_n of_o glasgow_n 1638._o decemb._n 18._o sess_n 24._o ordain_v presbytery_n to_o proceed_v with_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o kirk_n to_o excommunication_n against_o those_o minister_n only_o who_o be_v depose_v acquiesce_v not_o
to_o their_o sentence_n but_o exercise_v some_o part_n of_o their_o ministerial_a function_n refuse_v themselves_o and_o withdraw_v other_o from_o the_o obedience_n of_o the_o act_n of_o the_o assembly_n by_o the_o act_n at_o dundee_n all_o person_n whatsoever_o who_o shall_v so_o do_v be_v make_v liable_a to_o excommunication_n that_o the_o sin_n and_o snare_n of_o these_o three_o act_n may_v be_v the_o better_o understand_v i_o desire_v a_o short_a view_n to_o be_v take_v 1._o of_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v thereby_o make_v censurable_a 2._o of_o the_o censure_n themselves_o 3._o of_o the_o person_n who_o fall_v under_o that_o censure_n the_o thing_n that_o be_v make_v censurable_a be_v the_o not_o acknowledge_v of_o that_o assembly_n or_o not_o acquiesce_v to_o the_o act_n and_o constitution_n thereof_o or_o refuse_v to_o pass_v from_o the_o protestation_n against_o the_o two_o late_a assembly_n etc._n etc._n thing_n that_o be_v in_o themselves_o not_o censurable_a but_o commendable_a not_o sin_n but_o duty_n as_o be_v sufficient_o demonstrate_v in_o other_o paper_n and_o treatise_n which_o be_v already_o publish_v because_o that_o assembly_n at_o dundee_n be_v no_o free_a nor_o lawful_a assembly_n the_o censure_n contain_v in_o these_o act_n be_v either_o in_o reference_n to_o place_n and_o trust_n in_o the_o church_n or_o in_o reference_n to_o church-fellowship_n and_o communion_n as_o church-member_n the_o censure_n of_o the_o first_o kind_n be_v either_o for_o keep_v from_o place_n and_o trust_n or_o for_o remove_v from_o the_o same_o the_o first_o be_v relative_a 1_o to_o expectant_n student_n of_o divinity_n attender_n upon_o family_n who_o by_o the_o second_o act_n at_o dundee_n and_o by_o their_o extend_v the_o act_n of_o the_o assembly_n 1640._o sess_n 10._o be_v declare_v uncapable_a of_o a_o pedagogie_n teach_v of_o a_o school_n catechise_n of_o a_o family_n preach_v or_o catechise_n in_o a_o congregation_n or_o of_o a_o bursary_n or_o of_o liberty_n to_o reside_v within_o a_o burgh_n university_n or_o college_n or_o of_o any_o other_o privilege_n and_o liberty_n allow_v to_o expectant_n and_o by_o the_o act_n at_o edinburgh_n it_o be_v provide_v that_o if_o any_o of_o they_o be_v call_v to_o a_o particular_a charge_n of_o the_o ministry_n that_o the_o presbytery_n shall_v not_o admit_v he_o to_o his_o trial_n unless_o he_o do_v under_o his_o hand_n pass_v from_o the_o protestation_n against_o these_o two_o assembly_n at_o dundee_n and_o at_o edinburgh_n and_o promise_n and_o give_v assurance_n never_o any_o more_o to_o open_v his_o mouth_n nor_o put_v pen_n to_o paper_n against_o the_o public_a resolution_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
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to_o the_o protestation_n against_o these_o
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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 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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 divisive_a way_n which_o tend_v so_o much_o to_o the_o hindrance_n of_o the_o work_n of_o reformation_n and_o peace_n of_o the_o lord_n distress_a people_n may_v be_v timous_o reclaim_v and_o move_v to_o accept_v the_o peaceable_a offer_n make_v to_o they_o by_o the_o general_n assembly_n and_o the_o rest_n within_o your_o bound_n may_v be_v keep_v free_a from_o this_o p_o uncouth_a separation_n that_o it_o grow_v not_o great_a q_o and_o that_o difference_n of_o judgement_n about_o the_o manage_n of_o public_a affair_n in_o our_o late_a trouble_n which_o occasion_v this_o unhappy_a rapture_n may_v be_v no_o prejudice_n to_o our_o joint_a act_n in_o ecclesiastic_a judicatories_n for_o keep_v the_o liberty_n thereof_o and_o the_o peace_n of_o this_o kirk_n which_o at_o this_o time_n do_v so_o much_o call_v for_o communion_n of_o counsel_n and_o act_n wherein_o as_o you_o shall_v prove_v instrumental_a you_o shall_v be_v find_v to_o do_v a_o work_n of_o service_n unto_o god_n of_o love_n to_o your_o mother-kirk_a now_o distress_v on_o all_o hand_n most_o suitable_a to_o your_o covenant_n and_o profession_n and_o contributive_a as_o to_o your_o peace_n comfort_n and_o credit_n in_o this_o life_n so_o to_o the_o furtherance_n of_o your_o reckon_n in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o lord_n subscribe_v in_o name_n and_o at_o command_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n by_o ______o observation_n a._n it_o fuffice_v not_o the_o author_n and_o abettor_n of_o the_o public_a resolution_n who_o be_v member_n of_o that_o assembly_n to_o have_v stir_v up_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n against_o their_o brethren_n and_o to_o have_v make_v act_n in_o the_o commission_n where_o these_o resolution_n be_v first_o take_v first_o require_v presbytery_n to_o censure_v the_o opposer_n thereof_o then_o to_o cite_v they_o to_o the_o assembly_n and_o in_o these_o two_o assembly_n for_o exclude_v and_o remove_v they_o from_o all_o ecclesiastic_a employment_n from_o church_n communion_n and_o fellowship_n but_o they_o must_v now_o for_o ensnare_a of_o they_o or_o render_v they_o contemptible_a and_o hateful_a throughout_o the_o land_n write_v this_o letter_n to_o nobleman_n baron_n etc._n etc._n in_o all_o the_o part_n of_o the_o country_n the_o direction_n or_o inscription_n be_v comprehensive_a which_o be_v also_o prove_v
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 presbytery_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 censure_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 kirk_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 accessary_a 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 qualify_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 minister_n and_o that_o if_o any_o elder_a be_v find_v negligent_a in_o the_o duty_n of_o his_o charge_n and_o continue_v so_o after_o admonition_n or_o scandalous_a in_o his_o life_n and_o conversation_n or_o to_o be_v a_o neglecter_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n in_o his_o family_n he_o be_v remove_v from_o and_o purge_v out_o of_o the_o session_n 5._o ordain_v that_o session_n and_o presbytery_n be_v careful_a and_o make_v conscience_n by_o all_o mean_n to_o censure_v impartial_o all_o person_n of_o whatsoever_o rank_n or_o condition_n that_o be_v scandalous_a either_o in_o thing_n of_o the_o first_o or_o in_o thing_n of_o the_o second_o table_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n and_o order_n which_o christ_n have_v prescribe_v in_o his_o word_n and_o to_o proceed_v to_o the_o high_a censure_n with_o such_o as_o be_v gross_o and_o obstinate_o scandalous_a or_o be_v ignorant_a and_o contemn_v and_o continued_o neglect_v the_o mean_n of_o knowledge_n as_o public_a and_o private_a catechise_n etc._n etc._n after_o they_o be_v make_v inexcusable_a by_o sufficient_a mean_n use_v to_o reclaim_v and_o gain_v they_o 6._o ordain_v that_o minister_n and_o session_n in_o congregation_n be_v careful_a as_o they_o will_v be_v answerable_a to_o christ_n jesus_n to_o debar_v from_o the_o lord_n table_n all_o such_o person_n as_o be_v find_v not_o to_o walk_v suitable_o to_o the_o gospel_n and_o be_v convince_v and_o admonish_v thereof_o do_v not_o reform_v as_o also_o all_o such_o as_o have_v not_o knowledge_n to_o examine_v themselves_o and_o to_o discern_v the_o lord_n body_n and_o that_o for_o the_o more_o orderly_o perform_v of_o this_o the_o minister_n in_o examination_n of_o the_o people_n have_v some_o of_o the_o elder_n always_o with_o he_o and_o represent_v unto_o the_o session_n such_o as_o be_v find_v gross_o ignorant_a that_o by_o order_n of_o the_o session_n they_o may_v be_v debar_v 7._o that_o presbytery_n and_o session_n make_v conscience_n that_o such_o person_n as_o be_v find_v scandalous_a and_o be_v under_o censure_n for_o that_o cause_n be_v not_o receive_v nor_o absolve_v from_o their_o censure_n unless_o they_o give_v such_o satisfaction_n and_o evidence_n of_o their_o repentance_n as_o be_v express_v in_o the_o act_n of_o the_o assembly_n concern_v the_o