appear_v from_o the_o passage_n before_o cite_v if_o our_o brethren_n will_v not_o admit_v this_o gloss_n then_o sure_o the_o meaning_n must_v be_v this_o whatsoever_o minister_n just_o or_o unjust_o and_o contrary_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n suspend_v or_o depose_v from_o his_o ministry_n shall_v continue_v to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n or_o to_o intromet_v with_o his_o stipend_n we_o the_o general_a assembly_n of_o the_o kirk_n of_o scotland_n do_v appoint_v that_o because_o of_o his_o disobedience_n to_o our_o sentence_n whether_o just_a or_o unjust_a he_o shall_v be_v excommunicate_v and_o cast_v out_o of_o the_o church_n but_o as_o we_o abhor_v to_o fasten_v such_o a_o meaning_n upon_o that_o reverend_a and_o grave_a assembly_n so_o we_o desire_v to_o think_v that_o our_o brethren_n upon_o sober_a and_o serious_a thought_n will_v abhor_v it_o also_o and_o will_v acknowledge_v with_o we_o that_o it_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o just_a sentence_n only_o and_o if_o so_o we_o do_v willing_o acknowledge_v and_o profess_v that_o who_o so_o be_v just_o suspend_v or_o depose_v from_o the_o function_n of_o the_o ministry_n do_v continue_v in_o the_o exercise_n thereof_o do_v deserve_v to_o be_v process_v with_o excommunication_n what_o be_v practise_v by_o the_o general_n assembly_n 1646._o in_o the_o case_n of_o mr._n james_n morison_n because_o we_o have_v not_o the_o record_n of_o that_o assembly_n concerning_o that_o matter_n we_o will_v not_o take_v upon_o we_o to_o speak_v positive_o to_o their_o determination_n what_o it_o be_v or_o to_o the_o reason_n thereof_o in_o that_o particular_a it_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o fact_n do_v long_o ago_o and_o clothe_v with_o many_o circumstance_n some_o of_o which_o have_v haply_o escape_v our_o memory_n but_o as_o we_o remember_v and_o can_v collect_v from_o the_o print_a index_n of_o the_o act_n of_o that_o assembly_n not_o print_v the_o case_n be_v this_o mr._n james_n morison_n be_v sentence_v with_o suspension_n from_o the_o exercise_n of_o his_o ministry_n by_o the_o presbytery_n of_o kirkwall_n do_v appeal_v to_o the_o general_n assembly_n and_o go_v on_o in_o his_o ministerial_a function_n for_o which_o the_o presbytery_n do_v pronounce_v against_o he_o the_o sentence_n of_o deposition_n the_o process_n come_v before_o the_o assembly_n they_o do_v sustean_fw-fr his_o appeal_n and_o rebuke_v both_o he_o and_o the_o presbytery_n for_o their_o contentious_a and_o litigious_a carriage_n one_o towards_o another_o in_o that_o business_n do_v without_o so_o far_o as_o we_o remember_v any_o ratification_n of_o the_o presbytery_n sentence_n of_o deposition_n or_o appoint_v of_o mr._n james_n morison_n to_o make_v any_o acknowledgement_n of_o his_o offence_n for_o violate_v the_o just_a submission_n and_o subordination_n due_a to_o the_o judicatory_n of_o the_o kirk_n which_o doubtless_o they_o will_v have_v do_v before_o his_o reposition_n if_o they_o have_v be_v of_o our_o brethren_n judgement_n do_v appoint_v he_o to_o be_v repone_v again_o to_o his_o ministry_n if_o the_o case_n be_v this_o our_o brethren_n have_v no_o advantage_n but_o rather_o disadvantage_n in_o allege_v of_o it_o because_o the_o assembly_n be_v so_o far_o from_o proceed_v to_o a_o further_a sentence_n against_o mr._n james_n morison_n for_o counteracting_n the_o sentence_n of_o the_o presbytery_n that_o they_o do_v appoint_v he_o to_o be_v again_o repone_v to_o his_o ministry_n when_o our_o brethren_n shall_v make_v it_o appear_v from_o the_o register_n to_o have_v be_v otherwise_o we_o shall_v lay_v the_o weight_n upon_o it_o that_o it_o do_v deserve_v our_o brethren_n overshoot_v when_o they_o say_v that_o thus_o to_o submit_v have_v be_v the_o constant_a practice_n of_o all_o the_o member_n and_o judicatory_n of_o this_o kirk_n ever_o since_o the_o late_a reformation_n if_o they_o mean_v of_o the_o reformation_n of_o this_o church_n from_o popery_n they_o can_v but_o know_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o ordinary_a for_o the_o member_n and_o judicatory_n of_o this_o kirk_n than_o not_o to_o submit_v unto_o but_o to_o counteract_v the_o determination_n and_o sentence_n of_o the_o prelate_n and_o their_o synod_n and_o assembly_n not_o only_o in_o matter_n of_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n but_o also_o of_o discipline_n and_o government_n it_o be_v ordinary_a for_o godly_a man_n who_o be_v depose_v by_o they_o and_o their_o court_n to_o preach_v and_o continue_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o ministry_n notwithstanding_o of_o their_o sentence_n some_o of_o our_o brethren_n themselves_o do_v it_o it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o prelate_n be_v not_o a_o lawful_a authority_n nor_o church-officer_n agreeable_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o our_o brethren_n do_v very_o well_o know_v that_o as_o the_o prelate_n according_a to_o the_o act_n of_o their_o assembly_n at_o glasgow_n do_v sometime_o in_o the_o suspension_n and_o deposition_n of_o minister_n associate_n to_o themselves_o the_o ministry_n of_o those_o bound_n where_o the_o suppose_a delinquent_n serve_v that_o be_v the_o presbytery_n whereof_o he_o be_v a_o member_n which_o be_v a_o lawful_o authority_n and_o that_o as_o they_o do_v plead_v for_o such_o a_o submission_n to_o their_o decree_n and_o sentence_n as_o these_o brethren_n do_v now_o plead_v for_o and_o upon_o the_o same_o ground_n of_o its_o be_v essential_a to_o government_n and_o preserve_n of_o unity_n and_o order_n and_o shun_v of_o confusion_n etc._n etc._n so_o also_o that_o those_o who_o do_v refuse_v and_o decline_v that_o submission_n do_v it_o not_o only_o upon_o the_o ground_n of_o their_o want_n of_o lawful_a authority_n but_o also_o upon_o this_o ground_n that_o no_o obedience_n nor_o subjection_n be_v due_a to_o ecclesiastic_a law_n thatare_fw-la unjust_a and_o contrary_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o will_v appear_v to_o any_o that_o shall_v read_v the_o treatise_n that_o be_v publish_v by_o the_o defender_n of_o the_o truth_n in_o that_o hour_n of_o temptation_n concerning_o the_o bind_a power_n of_o ecclesiastical_a law_n and_o for_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o member_n and_o judicatory_n of_o this_o kirk_n since_o the_o reformation_n begin_v in_o anno_fw-la 1638._o until_o these_o difference_n do_v arise_v when_o our_o brethren_n shall_v bring_v instance_n of_o unjust_a sentence_n pronounce_v in_o that_o time_n by_o the_o judicatory_n of_o the_o kirk_n it_o will_v be_v time_n for_o the_o protest_a brethren_n to_o bring_v instance_n of_o not_o submit_v thereto_o or_o counteracting_n the_o same_o if_o the_o sentence_n be_v just_a submission_n be_v due_a unto_o they_o and_o they_o do_v but_o trifle_v to_o make_v that_o submission_n a_o precedent_n to_o that_o unlimited_a submission_n which_o they_o do_v now_o plead-for_a their_o citation_n from_o the_o act_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n in_o anno_fw-la 1647._o concerning_o the_o hundred_o and_o eleven_o proposition_n and_o the_o seven_o head_n of_o doctrine_n therein_o contain_v do_v make_v against_o our_o brethren_n and_o not_o for_o they_o 1._o because_o the_o foregoing_a word_n of_o that_o act_n do_v clear_a that_o the_o assembly_n speak_v of_o ecclesiastical_a government_n commit_v and_o entrust_v by_o christ_n to_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o kirk_n but_o christ_n have_v commit_v no_o power_n to_o any_o assembly_n to_o tyrannize_v nor_o have_v he_o command_v any_o church-member_n or_o any_o inferior_a church-judicatory_a to_o subject_v themselves_o to_o ecclesiastical_a tyranny_n 2._o because_o the_o proposition_n themselves_o to_o which_o that_o act_n do_v relate_v do_v confine_v the_o obedience_n and_o subjection_n that_o be_v to_o be_v give_v to_o the_o ordinance_n and_o decree_n of_o class_n and_o synod_n to_o lawful_a ordinance_n and_o decree_n it_o be_v not_o lawful_a say_v they_o to_o particular_a church_n or_o as_o common_o they_o be_v call_v parochial_a eitherto_o decline_v the_o authority_n of_o class_n or_o synod_n where_o they_o be_v lawful_o settle_v or_o may_v be_v have_v much_o less_o to_o withdraw_v themselves_o from_o that_o authority_n if_o they_o have_v once_o acknowledge_v it_o or_o to_o refuse_v such_o lawful_a ordinance_n and_o decree_n of_o the_o class_n or_o synod_n as_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v with_o authority_n impose_v upon_o they_o act._n 15._o 2_o 6_o 22_o 23_o 24_o 28_o 29._o act._n 16._o 4._o prop._n 32._o it_o seem_v it_o come_v not_o into_o the_o mind_n of_o our_o brethren_n who_o be_v appoint_v to_o prepare_v these_o article_n and_o proposition_n though_o they_o do_v well_o understand_v the_o nature_n of_o presbyterial_a government_n and_o tender_v they_o unto_o the_o assembly_n nor_o into_o the_o assembly_n mind_n who_o after_o hear_v of_o they_o public_o read_v do_v unanimous_o vote_n and_o agree_v to_o the_o eight_o general_a head_n of_o doctrine_n therein_o contain_v and_o assert_v that_o man_n shall_v submit_v to_o unlawful_a ordinance_n and_o decree_n of_o
so_o in_o the_o end_n to_o make_v they_o run_v quite_o away_o from_o their_o old_a friend_n as_o man_n to_o be_v scar_v at_o like_o child_n real_o affright_v themselves_o with_o the_o thing_n which_o they_o devise_v to_o affright_v other_o but_o let_v we_o come_v to_o that_o upon_o which_o they_o lie_v the_o stress_n and_o weight_n of_o all_o these_o harsh_a construction_n to_o wit_n their_o act_n and_o irregular_a practice_n as_o they_o be_v please_v to_o call_v they_o be_v such_o as_o in_o their_o opinion_n be_v contrary_a to_o all_o order_n and_o do_v clear_o tend_v to_o the_o subversion_n of_o the_o government_n of_o these_o they_o do_v reckon_v a_o great_a many_o in_o their_o representation_n publish_v at_o london_n which_o as_o to_o that_o head_n which_o yet_o take_v up_o a_o great_a part_n of_o that_o book_n be_v so_o fraught_v with_o groundless_a alleagance_n and_o gross_a misrepresentation_n we_o shall_v abstain_v from_o our_o brethren_n word_n of_o foul_a slander_n of_o matter_n of_o fact_n some_o of_o they_o feign_a and_o other_o report_v with_o all_o the_o distortion_n that_o a_o prejudice_a mind_n can_v reach_v that_o we_o do_v profess_v though_o proportionable_a and_o correspondent_a assertion_n and_o carriage_n in_o their_o agent_n and_o his_o industrious_a spread_n of_o it_o do_v make_v we_o conceive_v that_o it_o may_v be_v his_o yet_o until_o now_o that_o they_o have_v own_v it_o in_o a_o public_a declaration_n we_o can_v hardly_o be_v persuade_v that_o it_o be_v they_o but_o we_o shall_v leave_v thâ—…_z full_o answer_v of_o these_o thing_n to_o its_o proper_a place_n and_o shall_v now_o only_o speak_v to_o those_o particular_n thaâ—…_n be_v short_o repeat_v in_o their_o declaration_n and_o iâ—…_z the_o entry_n do_v desire_v our_o brethren_n serious_o to_o consider_v whether_o they_o have_v do_v well_o by_o their_o depart_n from_o their_o former_a principle_n in_o order_n to_o the_o malignant_a party_n and_o hug_v they_o in_o their_o arm_n and_o bring_v they_o into_o the_o judicatory_n of_o state_n and_o kirk_n against_o a_o public_a solemn_a vow_n and_o engagement_n swear_v by_o the_o whole_a land_n to_o the_o lord_n to_o the_o contrary_a and_o by_o abuse_v the_o government_n and_o turn_v the_o edge_n both_o of_o doctrine_n and_o of_o discipline_n from_o off_o they_o and_o against_o their_o brethren_n and_o many_o of_o the_o godly_a in_o the_o nation_n to_o tempt_v they_o to_o cast_v at_o the_o government_n and_o to_o fall_v upon_o mean_n of_o defence_n that_o haply_o may_v have_v be_v prejudicial_a thereunto_o we_o do_v profess_v we_o do_v judge_v it_o a_o special_a mercy_n to_o this_o whole_a church_n that_o these_o thing_n have_v not_o prevail_v upon_o the_o protest_a brethren_n to_o the_o design_v and_o do_v of_o that_o real_o wherewith_o they_o be_v unjust_o charge_v and_o if_o god_n have_v not_o instruct_v they_o with_o a_o strong_a hand_n to_o the_o contrary_a who_o know_v but_o corruption_n meet_v with_o great_a provocation_n and_o strong_a temptation_n may_v have_v turn_v they_o aside_o to_o such_o unhappy_a purpose_n it_o shall_v be_v our_o brethren_n wisdom_n if_o they_o desire_v to_o preserve_v the_o government_n to_o improve_v it_o to_o edification_n and_o for_o the_o comfort_n and_o encourage_v of_o the_o godly_a and_o purge_v of_o the_o house_n of_o god_n otherwise_o all_o their_o profess_v and_o plead_v and_o appear_v for_o it_o will_v do_v but_o little_a to_o commend_v it_o to_o man_n conscience_n and_o if_o it_o have_v not_o a_o root_n there_o it_o be_v not_o like_o long_a to_o subsist_v in_o outward_a profession_n the_o first_o particular_a be_v as_o they_o call_v it_o the_o decline_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o supreme_a church-judicatory_n of_o this_o nation_n once_o and_o again_o they_o mean_v the_o protestation_n against_o the_o two_o late_a pretend_a assembly_n at_o s._n andrews_n and_o dundee_n and_o edinburgh_n in_o both_o which_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n by_o presbytery_n and_o synod_n national_a and_o provincial_a be_v clear_o assert_v and_o a_o honourable_a testimony_n give_v thereunto_o by_o the_o protest_a brethren_n with_o distinct_a and_o full_a profession_n of_o their_o purpose_n and_o resolution_n to_o adhere_v thereunto_o nor_o be_v there_o in_o â—…ny_n of_o these_o protestation_n nor_o in_o any_o thing_n of_o they_o that_o have_v be_v wâ—…itten_v or_o publish_v in_o defence_n thereof_o one_o tittle_n that_o strike_v against_o any_o thing_n that_o relate_v to_o the_o intrinsical_a constitution_n and_o be_v of_o the_o government_n of_o the_o kirk_n of_o scotland_n but_o all_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o protestation_n against_o those_o meeting_n be_v upon_o the_o undue_a qualification_n of_o and_o prelimitation_n make_v by_o person_n assume_v the_o exercise_n of_o government_n with_o such_o other_o thing_n as_o be_v altogether_o extrinseck_v to_o the_o government_n itself_o they_o have_v learned_a to_o distinguish_v betwixt_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o maladministration_n and_o corruption_n of_o the_o church-governor_n and_o not_o to_o condemn_v the_o one_o when_o they_o be_v necessary_o call_v to_o give_v a_o testimony_n against_o the_o other_o yea_o the_o duty_n and_o care_n they_o owe_v to_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o government_n constrain_v they_o to_o testify_v against_o the_o abuse_n and_o cortupt_v of_o it_o so_o do_v our_o father_n of_o old_a who_o protestation_n against_o corrupt_a national_a church_n assembly_n be_v upon_o record_n to_o this_o day_n and_o so_o far_o have_v they_o be_v by_o man_n of_o sound_a judgement_n from_o be_v judge_v because_o thereof_o to_o be_v against_o the_o government_n that_o they_o be_v honour_v among_o the_o great_a patron_n and_o preserver_n thereof_o the_o protest_a brethren_n do_v not_o acknowledge_v these_o two_o meeting_n to_o be_v any_o of_o the_o supreme_a church-judicatory_n in_o this_o nation_n nor_o to_o have_v any_o authority_n belong_v unto_o they_o but_o look_v upon_o they_o as_o unfree_a and_o corrupt_a assembly_n for_o the_o reason_n long_o ago_o publish_v to_o the_o world_n that_o have_v not_o upon_o they_o the_o stamp_n of_o any_o of_o the_o court_n of_o jesus_n christ_n neither_o do_v they_o think_v that_o testify_v against_o the_o corruption_n of_o many_o of_o these_o that_o be_v now_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o dissent_v from_o or_o to_o do_v injury_n to_o the_o government_n itself_o and_o we_o can_v but_o say_v whatever_o be_v our_o brother_n intention_n in_o study_v some_o way_n to_o wrap_v up_o the_o authority_n of_o these_o two_o meeting_n and_o of_o that_o part_n of_o the_o ministerial_a church_n which_o be_v of_o their_o judgement_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o very_a being_n of_o the_o government_n for_o this_o they_o seem_v to_o hint_n though_o it_o be_v not_o direct_o speak_v in_o that_o word_n of_o the_o establish_a government_n and_o judicatory_n of_o this_o kirk_n which_o they_o set_v in_o the_o frontispiece_n and_o carry_v along_o in_o their_o paper_n as_o if_o the_o government_n can_v not_o be_v own_v nor_o subsist_v the_o authority_n of_o these_o two_o meeting_n be_v deny_v and_o the_o corruption_n of_o man_n discover_v and_o acknowledge_v we_o say_v whatsoever_o they_o do_v herein_o to_o please_v themselves_o and_o to_o amuse_v the_o ignorant_a yet_o the_o protest_a brethren_n do_v not_o so_o judge_v and_o the_o other_o by_o do_v so_o make_v more_o adversary_n to_o the_o â—…overnment_n than_o there_o be_v just_a cause_n â—…he_fw-mi second_v particular_a which_o they_o allege_v be_v their_o plant_n of_o congregation_n in_o a_o tumultuous_a and_o disorderly_a way_n without_o respect_n to_o the_o judicatory_n of_o the_o kirk_n or_o to_o the_o just_a interest_n of_o the_o people_n of_o the_o congregation_n and_o counteracting_n to_o the_o resolution_n and_o determination_n of_o the_o judicatory_n when_o any_o of_o they_o be_v please_v to_o be_v dissatisfy_v therewith_o to_o carry_v on_o the_o great_a thing_n of_o god_n that_o do_v concern_v the_o kingdom_n of_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o eternal_a state_n of_o soul_n in_o a_o tumultuous_a and_o disorderly_a way_n though_o there_o be_v no_o more_o be_v a_o fault_n great_a enough_o but_o to_o do_v it_o upon_o no_o better_a foundation_n than_o mere_a pleasure_n and_o for_o no_o better_a end_n but_o for_o serve_v of_o our_o own_o lust_n be_v a_o very_a grievous_a and_o hateful_a sin_n but_o let_v we_o see_v what_o cause_n there_o be_v â—…or_a this_o great_a charge_n the_o resolution_n brethren_n do_v by_o those_o resolution_n of_o they_o take_v in_o a_o occasional_a meeting_n of_o the_o commissioner_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n many_o of_o that_o number_n receive_v either_o no_o advertisement_n or_o else_o such_o as_o be_v out_o of_o time_n to_o keep_v the_o meeting_n in_o the_o year_n 1651._o give_v their_o judgement_n
these_o committee_n without_o the_o advice_n and_o consent_n of_o these_o delegate_n neither_o will_v our_o brother_n negative_a voice_n prove_v it_o because_o as_o these_o delegate_n have_v not_o a_o negative_a voice_n in_o all_o case_n as_o we_o have_v already_o show_v to_o wit_n in_o the_o case_n of_o ratify_v of_o the_o proceed_n of_o these_o committee_n the_o synod_n be_v free_a notwithstanding_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o overture_n to_o ratify_v albeit_o the_o delegate_n shall_v not_o consent_v but_o advise_v otherwise_o so_o it_o be_v a_o new_a device_n to_o say_v that_o a_o negative_a voice_n infer_v a_o superior_a jurisdiction_n and_o power_n for_o at_o most_o it_o make_v but_o a_o coordinate_a power_n and_o that_o there_o be_v any_o absurdity_n in_o this_o that_o a_o committee_n of_o delegate_n nominate_v by_o the_o common_a consent_n of_o all_o the_o synod_n shall_v in_o this_o condition_n of_o the_o church_n have_v such_o a_o power_n if_o yet_o it_o be_v a_o power_n of_o jurisdiction_n we_o do_v not_o see_v 4._o this_o overture_n be_v not_o propound_v as_o a_o perpetual_a stand_a way_n always_o to_o be_v follow_v and_o keep_v up_o in_o the_o church_n as_o our_o brethren_n be_v please_v to_o insinuate_v much_o less_o be_v it_o propound_v hereby_o to_o lay_v a_o way_n for_o perpetuate_n of_o difference_n and_o contention_n a_o prejudice_n also_o they_o be_v please_v to_o load_v it_o with_o but_o as_o it_o express_o bear_v to_o continue_v only_o till_o the_o present_a difference_n be_v heal_v or_o till_o the_o lord_n in_o providence_n minister_v some_o better_a way_n for_o settle_v peace_n among_o we_o will_v the_o resolution_n brethren_n in_o this_o present_a sickly_a decline_a and_o distract_a condition_n of_o the_o church_n allow_v of_o no_o remedy_n for_o purge_v thereof_o and_o compose_v difference_n that_o be_v in_o any_o circumstance_n out_o of_o the_o common_a road_n of_o the_o ordinary_a procedure_n of_o presbytery_n and_o synod_n we_o know_v that_o they_o will_v tell_v we_o that_o the_o church_n be_v sound_a and_o healthy_a and_o sufficient_o able_a by_o presbytery_n and_o synod_n to_o purge_v herself_o but_o why_o then_o we_o pray_v our_o brethren_n to_o tell_v we_o do_v the_o general_n assembly_n before_o these_o difference_n do_v arise_v unanimous_o judge_v that_o presbytery_n and_o synod_n be_v not_o sufficient_o able_a to_o do_v it_o and_o do_v upon_o conviction_n hereof_o appoint_v extraordinary_a commission_n and_o visitation_n for_o do_v of_o it_o if_o our_o brethren_n say_v that_o the_o gen._n assembly_n be_v the_o supreme_a church-judicatory_a in_o the_o nation_n and_o therefore_o may_v so_o do_v they_o can_v easy_o answer_v themselves_o that_o the_o question_n be_v of_o the_o move_a cause_n or_o the_o ground_n or_o reason_n upon_o which_o they_o do_v it_o it_o be_v not_o to_o show_v their_o supremacy_n and_o authority_n which_o be_v not_o question_v nor_o controvert_v by_o any_o synod_n or_o presbytery_n but_o as_o our_o brethren_n well_o know_v because_o they_o do_v conceive_v and_o be_v convince_v that_o presbytery_n and_o synod_n be_v not_o so_o healthy_a as_o to_o do_v these_o duty_n of_o themselves_o and_o if_o they_o be_v not_o so_o then_o when_o neutral_a and_o malignant_a and_o disaffect_v 〈◊〉_d be_v under_o board_n how_o much_o less_o now_o when_o 〈◊〉_d of_o they_o be_v get_v above_o the_o hatch_n and_o sundry_a 〈◊〉_d they_o be_v set_v to_o stir_v the_o rudder_n or_o if_o they_o will_v say_v that_o presbytery_n and_o synod_n be_v now_o sufficient_o able_a and_o willing_a of_o themselves_o to_o do_v thâ—…_z work_v we_o pray_v they_o then_o to_o tell_v we_o why_o it_o be_v noâ—…_n do_v have_v not_o most_o of_o the_o godly_a of_o the_o lanâ—…_n ben_z cry_v upon_o they_o these_o seven_o year_n by-gone_a that_o they_o will_v arise_v and_o be_v do_v that_o good_a anâ—…_n necessary_a work_n and_o yet_o what_o have_v all_o their_o 〈◊〉_d prevail_v be_v they_o not_o hear_v with_o deaf_a ear_n what_o wonder_n be_v it_o then_o though_o the_o protest_a brethren_n do_v propound_v such_o overture_n as_o be_v embrace_v may_v probable_o in_o some_o measure_n satisfiâ—…_n somewhat_o of_o the_o lawful_a and_o just_a desire_n of_o thâ—…_z godly_a in_o that_o soul-concern_a matter_n in_o propound_v whereof_o their_o design_n be_v none_o of_o those_o sinistrous_a thing_n that_o be_v cast_v upon_o they_o by_o their_o brethren_n but_o that_o by_o some_o mean_a or_o another_o that_o be_v not_o sinful_a the_o house_n of_o god_n may_v be_v purge_v and_o therefore_o that_o it_o may_v appear_v to_o their_o brethren_n that_o it_o be_v not_o domination_n nor_o the_o set_n up_o of_o themselves_o and_o the_o tread_n down_o of_o the_o other_o that_o they_o be_v seek_v they_o be_v content_a not_o to_o exercise_v the_o power_n give_v by_o the_o commission_n of_o the_o assembly_n 1650._o which_o in_o their_o judgement_n because_o no_o lawful_a general_n assembly_n have_v since_o interveen_v be_v still_o in_o force_n and_o do_v propound_v unto_o they_o in_o that_o meeting_n at_o edinburgh_n that_o for_o make_v of_o the_o work_n of_o purge_v effectual_a and_o in_o order_n to_o other_o public_a affair_n of_o the_o church_n that_o those_o person_n who_o be_v nominate_v upon_o the_o commission_n and_o visitation_n by_o the_o assembly_n 1650._o may_v sit_v if_o not_o by_o the_o authority_n derive_v from_o that_o assembly_n yet_o by_o the_o mutual_a condescendence_n and_o approbation_n of_o presbytery_n and_o by_o the_o same_o mutual_a condescendence_n and_o approbation_n these_o person_n may_v have_v power_n to_o compose_v the_o particular_a difference_n that_o be_v now_o or_o shall_v be_v hereafter_o in_o particular_a presbytery_n and_o congregation_n this_o be_v not_o to_o assume_v the_o particular_a nomination_n of_o any_o person_n to_o themselves_o or_o to_o state_n business_n upon_o difference_n of_o judgement_n or_o to_o make_v any_o thing_n like_o a_o party_n or_o a_o faction_n or_o to_o desire_v a_o equality_n of_o the_o number_n of_o both_o judgement_n or_o to_o do_v any_o injury_n unto_o or_o make_v any_o encroachment_n upon_o the_o due_a right_n of_o presbytery_n and_o synod_n unless_o we_o will_v say_v that_o the_o general_n assembly_n wrong_v they_o by_o appoint_v those_o commission_n and_o visitation_n yet_o be_v this_o also_o refuse_v and_o reject_v by_o our_o brethren_n whence_o it_o appear_v that_o nothing_o will_v please_v unless_o the_o protest_a brethren_n condescend_v as_o ass_n to_o bow_v down_o under_o the_o burden_n by_o a_o absolute_a submission_n to_o presbytery_n and_o synod_n as_o now_o constitute_v that_o be_v upon_o the_o matter_n to_o the_o brethren_n for_o the_o public_a resolution_n the_o protest_a brethren_n be_v by_o their_o own_o verdict_n a_o few_o number_n in_o comparison_n of_o the_o body_n of_o the_o ministry_n of_o this_o church_n in_o their_o present_a and_o future_a act_n how_o negligent_a or_o corrupt_a soever_o which_o themselves_o make_v evident_a in_o the_o next_o thing_n whereupon_o they_o impeach_v they_o as_o projector_n against_o and_o subverter_n of_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n to_o wit_n their_o refuse_n to_o engage_v themselves_o to_o a_o absolute_a submission_n to_o the_o sentence_n of_o the_o church-judicatory_n they_o do_v say_v they_o towards_o the_o end_n of_o the_o five_o page_n of_o their_o declaration_n express_o refuse_v subordination_n and_o submission_n to_o the_o church-judicatory_n to_o which_o they_o and_o we_o be_v solemn_o engage_v at_o our_o admission_n to_o the_o ministry_n and_o which_o we_o be_v willing_a to_o renew_v for_o our_o part_n and_o without_o which_o our_o establish_a judicatory_n shall_v be_v nothing_o else_o but_o so_o many_o consultative_a meeting_n a_o principle_n inconsistent_a with_o presbyterial_a government_n in_o speak_v to_o this_o particular_a we_o shall_v first_o short_o repeat_v the_o sum_n of_o the_o protest_a brethren_n their_o desire_n and_o offer_v and_o answer_n thereanent_o in_o the_o conference_n at_o edinburgh_n novemb._n 1655._o and_o in_o the_o next_o place_n shall_v speak_v somewhat_o to_o the_o matter_n itself_o as_o to_o the_o first_o in_o so_o far_o as_o concern_v presbyterial_a government_n and_o the_o due_a subordination_n of_o church-judicatory_n that_o they_o may_v testify_v their_o approbation_n thereâ—…_n and_o that_o they_o do_v continue_v constant_a in_o their_o former_a solemn_a public_a profession_n and_o engagement_n they_o do_v propound_v unto_o their_o brethren_n that_o in_o matter_n concerning_o the_o doctrine_n worship_n government_n and_o discipline_n of_o this_o church_n and_o the_o enemy_n of_o truth_n and_o godliness_n and_o the_o work_n of_o reformation_n there_o may_v be_v mutual_a evidence_n and_o assurance_n give_v for_o adherence_n unto_o these_o article_n of_o our_o covenant_n and_o the_o solemn_a public_a confession_n of_o sin_n and_o engagement_n unto_o duty_n and_o all_o the_o act_n of_o uncontroverted_a assembly_n
the_o church_n and_o so_o seem_v to_o lay_v claim_n to_o all_o the_o public_a resolution_n party_n as_o its_o father_n yet_o be_v it_o a_o thing_n very_o doubtful_a who_o it_o be_v or_o who_o do_v own_o it_o certain_a it_o be_v that_o it_o do_v not_o proceed_v from_o any_o church-authority_n but_o from_o some_o person_n in_o a_o extrajudicial_a capacity_n whether_o these_o be_v entrust_v by_o their_o brethren_n in_o the_o several_a part_n of_o the_o land_n for_o that_o effect_n themselves_o best_o know_v in_o the_o mean_a while_o they_o must_v give_v we_o leave_v to_o tell_v what_o we_o know_v that_o sundry_a of_o their_o brethren_n in_o several_a part_n of_o the_o country_n do_v profess_v themselves_o stranger_n to_o the_o contrivement_n of_o it_o and_o disâ—…atis_o digest_o therewith_o some_o upon_o one_o account_n and_o some_o uâ—…on_n another_o and_o that_o a_o good_a while_n after_o it_o be_v publish_v and_o go_v abroad_o in_o print_n as_o the_o declaration_n of_o all_o that_o party_n many_o of_o they_o in_o seuâ—…rall_a part_n of_o the_o country_n be_v inquire_v what_o be_v it_o and_o what_o say_v it_o the_o truth_n be_v a_fw-la juncto_fw-la of_o some_o few_o who_o use_v to_o meet_v at_o eâ—…inburgh_n do_v in_o these_o thing_n what_o they_o judge_v convenient_a and_o that_o they_o may_v not_o seem_v to_o take_v too_o much_o upon_o they_o they_o will_v make_v the_o world_n believe_v that_o all_o of_o their_o party_n do_v it_o while_o it_o be_v evident_a enough_o many_o of_o that_o party_n be_v witness_n that_o most_o of_o they_o be_v not_o priviâ—…_n to_o it_o and_o many_o of_o they_o be_v dissâ—…tisfied_v with_o it_o a_o thing_n hardly_o tolerable_a in_o a_o public_a declaration_n that_o pretend_v to_o speak_v the_o mind_n and_o judgement_n of_o the_o whole_a and_o that_o in_o matter_n of_o such_o concernment_n and_o contradiction_n and_o we_o have_v the_o more_o reason_n to_o take_v notice_n of_o this_o because_o though_o after_o the_o publâ—…shing_n of_o that_o declaration_n it_o be_v conâ—…idently_o give_v out_o by_o some_o of_o the_o public_a resolution_n brethren_n and_o general_o expect_v by_o these_o of_o the_o other_o judgement_n that_o it_o shall_v have_v be_v own_v by_o the_o kirk-judicatory_n of_o that_o judgement_n and_o tender_v by_o they_o to_o the_o protest_a brethren_n in_o a_o judicial_a way_n as_o contain_v fit_a mean_n of_o union_n and_o peace_n yet_o can_v we_o hear_v that_o the_o presbytery_n or_o synod_n of_o that_o way_n have_v own_v it_o or_o approve_v thereof_o yea_o sundry_a synod_n be_v by_o man_n of_o the_o other_o judgement_n put_v to_o it_o to_o declare_v themselves_o whether_o they_o will_v own_v it_o or_o not_o do_v refuse_v some_o of_o they_o to_o declare_v themselves_o therein_o till_o the_o other_o brethren_n shall_v first_o declare_v themselves_o satisfy_v therewith_o which_o be_v in_o effect_n but_o to_o seek_v a_o shadow_n of_o some_o tolerable_a diversion_n thereby_o to_o wave_v the_o determination_n of_o the_o question_n upon_o which_o they_o will_v probable_o have_v divide_v in_o their_o vote_n and_o other_o of_o they_o will_v not_o do_v so_o much_o as_o to_o take_v the_o desire_n in_o consideration_n how_o then_o can_v the_o protest_a brethren_n own_o it_o as_o a_o declaration_n of_o the_o other_o party_n or_o return_v any_o answer_n to_o it_o upon_o that_o account_n as_o long_o as_o it_o be_v not_o able_a to_o fetch_v its_o descent_n but_o from_o a_o few_o private_a person_n who_o name_n also_o we_o be_v leave_v to_o guess_v at_o and_o be_v not_o only_o not_o own_v by_o their_o judicatory_n but_o by_o some_o not_o acknowledge_v and_o speak_v against_o by_o other_o brethren_n of_o that_o party_n these_o and_o such_o like_a consideration_n do_v sufficient_o justify_v the_o protest_a party_n as_o to_o their_o sorbear_v any_o common_a answer_n to_o that_o unsavoury_a paper_n yet_o see_v not_o a_o few_o of_o the_o other_o side_n do_v please_v themselves_o in_o the_o crimination_n contain_v therein_o as_o unanswerable_a and_o in_o the_o proposal_n of_o peace_n which_o it_o do_v hold_v forth_o as_o very_o equal_a and_o reasonable_a whereby_o they_o heighten_v themselves_o in_o their_o own_o way_n and_o in_o groundless_a prejudice_n against_o other_o and_o endeavour_v to_o stumble_v such_o as_o be_v weak_a we_o trust_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v service_n not_o unacceptable_a to_o god_n nor_o unpleasant_a to_o the_o protest_a brethren_n nor_o unprofitable_a to_o those_o of_o the_o resolution-way_n nor_o unedifying_a to_o the_o church_n and_o people_n of_o god_n if_o we_o shall_v give_v a_o answer_n to_o that_o paper_n not_o trace_v it_o word_n by_o word_n or_o line_n by_o line_n but_o first_o by_o clear_v innocent_a man_n and_o a_o good_a cause_n of_o these_o groundless_a prejudice_n that_o seem_v to_o be_v deep_o root_v upon_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o author_n and_o owner_n of_o that_o paper_n and_o be_v therein_o blaze_v abroad_o to_o the_o world_n against_o their_o brethren_n 2._o by_o discover_v the_o insufficiency_n and_o inequality_n and_o iniquity_n of_o the_o proposal_n of_o peace_n that_o be_v make_v therein_o that_o if_o the_o lord_n so_o will_v these_o miserable_a mistake_n be_v remove_v they_o may_v see_v thing_n as_o they_o be_v and_o attain_v some_o right_a understanding_n thereof_o may_v be_v bring_v to_o allay_v their_o passion_n and_o cease_v from_o their_o persecution_n and_o to_o redintigrate_v their_o affection_n to_o their_o brethren_n and_o to_o proffer_v unto_o they_o such_o term_n of_o union_n and_o peace_n as_o do_v beseem_v the_o man_n of_o god_n who_o do_v indeed_o deny_v themselves_o and_o seek_v not_o their_o own_o glory_n but_o the_o glory_n of_o he_o who_o send_v they_o or_o if_o they_o will_v not_o see_v nor_o harken_v yet_o we_o may_v according_a to_o our_o measure_n bear_v record_n unto_o truth_n and_o innocency_n and_o let_v unbyasâ—…ed_v person_n know_v that_o the_o protest_a brethren_n be_v not_o man_n of_o that_o spirit_n and_o character_n who_o that_o paper_n point_v forth_o beside_o the_o inducement_n already_o mention_v there_o be_v one_o particular_a that_o have_v in_o a_o special_a way_n prevail_v on_o we_o to_o take_v notice_n of_o that_o paper_n to_o wit_n that_o the_o author_n thereof_o and_o of_o the_o late_a representation_n do_v not_o only_o continue_v to_o plead_v for_o that_o absolute_a and_o unlimited_a submission_n to_o the_o sentence_n of_o the_o church-judicatory_n that_o be_v require_v by_o the_o resolution_n brethren_n in_o the_o conference_n at_o edinburgh_n novemb._n 1655._o but_o carry_v it_o so_o high_a as_o to_o assert_v it_o to_o be_v of_o the_o very_a esâ—…ence_n and_o be_v of_o presbyterial_a government_n by_o which_o instead_o of_o the_o sweet_a and_o gentle_a yoke_n of_o jesus_n christ_n in_o that_o ordinance_n as_o it_o be_v deliver_v unto_o we_o in_o his_o word_n they_o have_v labour_v we_o fear_v to_o introduce_v into_o the_o house_n of_o god_n a_o kirk-government_n that_o be_v too_o nigh_o of_o kin_n to_o that_o which_o be_v popish_a prelatical_a and_o tyrannical_a there_o can_v not_o have_v be_v a_o more_o unhappy_a assertion_n concerning_o the_o government_n of_o the_o kirk_n fall_v upon_o and_o publish_v in_o these_o time_n not_o only_o in_o order_n to_o the_o peace_n by_o they_o pretend_v it_o be_v sad_o suspicious_a that_o there_o be_v no_o good_a intention_n under_o the_o oâ—…fer_n when_o the_o strong_a party_n do_v so_o much_o press_v the_o absolute_a submission_n of_o the_o weak_a to_o all_o their_o sentence_n whatsoever_o whether_o jusâ—…_n or_o unjust_a but_o also_o it_o be_v more_o than_o probable_a that_o man_n of_o a_o prelatical_a spirit_n will_v take_v hold_v thereof_o and_o press_v it_o on_o as_o subservient_n to_o the_o reintroduce_n of_o their_o way_n and_o that_o those_o of_o the_o congregational_a and_o independent_a judgement_n will_v make_v use_n of_o it_o for_o render_v presbyterial_a government_n hateful_a and_o odious_a and_o bring_v it_o in_o suspicion_n and_o jealousy_n with_o the_o godly_a and_o whether_o some_o of_o the_o resolution_n party_n who_o do_v retain_v their_o old_a love_n to_o the_o prelatical_a way_n or_o other_o of_o they_o who_o if_o good_a testimonâ—…_n maâ—…_n be_v credit_v do_v since_o the_o beginning_n of_o these_o difference_n profess_v their_o dislike_n of_o the_o subordination_n of_o kirk_n judicatory_n and_o their_o respect_n to_o the_o congregational_a way_n have_v for_o their_o own_o end_n have_v hand_n in_o this_o thing_n we_o leave_v it_o to_o wise_a man_n to_o consider_v but_o now_o to_o proceed_v in_o our_o work_n the_o first_o and_o great_a prejudice_n which_o that_o paper_n and_o as_o it_o seem_v these_o brother_n spirit_n be_v fill_v with_o against_o the_o brethren_n for_o the_o protestaâ—…ion_n be_v that_o they_o do_v not_o only_o dissent_v from_o but_o also_o have_v it_o in_o their_o thought_n and_o
and_o advice_n unto_o the_o state_n concerning_o the_o capacity_n of_o the_o malignant-party_n who_o be_v before_o that_o time_n exclude_v from_o all_o public_a trust_n in_o the_o army_n and_o in_o the_o judicatory_n civil_a and_o ecclesiastic_a and_o debar_v from_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n and_o from_o have_v hand_n in_o the_o election_n of_o minister_n in_o order_n to_o civil_a trust_n and_o the_o matter_n be_v general_o much_o stumble_v at_o by_o the_o godly_a in_o the_o land_n they_o do_v a_o little_a thereafâ—…er_n whether_o for_o the_o allay_n of_o that_o offence_n or_o 〈◊〉_d consideration_n best_o know_v to_o themselves_o suddâ—…nly_o and_o contrary_a to_o act_n make_v by_o themselves_o receive_v they_o to_o a_o shadow_n of_o public_a repentance_n or_o to_o a_o mock-repentance_n we_o may_v just_o and_o with_o grief_n of_o heart_n call_v it_o so_o because_o god_n be_v thereby_o mock_v and_o sin_n and_o wrath_n increase_v and_o though_o these_o brethren_n may_v deny_v it_o and_o love_v not_o to_o hear_v it_o yet_o not_o only_o the_o godly_a but_o the_o body_n of_o the_o land_n be_v witness_n and_o do_v bear_v record_n of_o it_o yea_o that_o party_n themselves_o be_v witness_n and_o do_v make_v it_o the_o matter_n of_o their_o sport_n to_o this_o day_n by_o this_o semblance_n of_o repentance_n they_o be_v make_v capable_a of_o all_o church-privilege_n and_o put_v in_o equal_a foot_n for_o call_v of_o minister_n and_o rule_v in_o congregation_n with_o man_n of_o a_o blameless_a and_o christian_a conversation_n and_o of_o know_a integrity_n and_o good_a affection_n to_o the_o work_n of_o reformation_n and_o when_o the_o diet_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n come_v have_v first_o do_v what_o they_o can_v for_o incapacitate_v all_o brethren_n of_o differ_a judgement_n from_o these_o resolution_n to_o sit_v in_o the_o assembly_n by_o cite_v they_o to_o the_o assembly_n as_o guilty_a person_n and_o exclude_v they_o from_o be_v elect_v commissioner_n where_o they_o can_v have_v power_n they_o do_v not_o only_o ratify_v these_o resolution_n with_o all_o the_o proceed_n of_o those_o commissioner_n who_o be_v author_n thereof_o relate_v thereunto_o but_o do_v also_o make_v act_n appoint_v and_o ordain_v censure_n against_o all_o person_n in_o this_o church_n whether_o minister_n or_o professor_n that_o do_v not_o acknowledge_v the_o authority_n and_o submit_v to_o the_o act_n and_o constitution_n of_o that_o assembly_n concerning_o those_o resolution_n and_o bar_v all_o such_o expectant_n from_o entrance_n to_o the_o ministry_n as_o shall_v not_o acknowledge_v that_o authority_n and_o submit_v to_o those_o constitution_n and_o in_o their_o assembly_n of_o the_o next_o yeat_n at_o edinburgh_n do_v provide_v and_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 declinator_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 froâ—…_n 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 otherwise_o 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 forbear_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 or_o congregation_n for_o plant_v of_o the_o place_n otherwise_o and_o that_o presbytery_n shall_v require_v the_o same_o thing_n forementioned_a of_o every_o roll_a elder_n that_o come_v to_o sit_v and_o act_v in_o presbytery_n and_o in_o case_n of_o his_o refusal_n not_o admit_v he_o to_o act_v as_o a_o elder_n in_o the_o presbytery_n but_o require_v the_o kirk-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 the_o church_n shall_v agree_v to_o perform_v the_o condition_n require_v by_o these_o proceed_n and_o practice_n the_o most_o unjust_a and_o irregular_a that_o we_o have_v know_v in_o this_o church_n since_o we_o do_v begin_v to_o look_v at_o reformation_n in_o the_o year_n 1638._o and_o which_o be_v indeed_o the_o great_a cause_n of_o the_o distemper_n and_o distraction_n that_o have_v since_o follow_v malignant_a and_o disaffect_v man_n in_o congregation_n and_o presbytery_n have_v get_v up_o the_o head_n and_o have_v the_o advantage_n of_o the_o act_n already_o mention_v they_o do_v make_v a_o bar_n thereof_o to_o shut_v the_o door_n against_o the_o call_n of_o able_a and_o godly_a man_n to_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n who_o can_v bring_v their_o conscience_n in_o bondage_n to_o these_o thing_n and_o do_v labour_n everywhere_o almost_o to_o thrust-in_v other_o according_a to_o their_o own_o heart_n notwithstanding_o of_o the_o dislike_n and_o dissent_v of_o many_o of_o the_o godly_a and_o well-affected_a who_o be_v best_a able_a to_o judge_v or_o if_o any_o such_o happen_v to_o be_v call_v a_o stop_n be_v put_v to_o their_o trial_n and_o admission_n upon_o the_o same_o account_n or_o if_o admit_v and_o receive_v by_o the_o presbytery_n then_o refuse_v to_o be_v acknowledge_v minister_n by_o the_o synod_n and_o the_o intrude_n of_o other_o upon_o their_o charge_n allow_v and_o confirm_v if_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o all_o these_o difficulty_n and_o strait_n whereby_o they_o that_o love_v the_o gospel_n be_v bar_v from_o the_o precious_a sood_n of_o thâ—…ir_a soul_n and_o have_v man_n thrust_v upon_o they_o who_o know_v not_o how_o to_o speak_v a_o word_n in_o season_n to_o a_o weary_a soul_n nor_o to_o divide_v the_o word_n aright_o but_o do_v make_v glad_a the_o heart_n of_o those_o who_o god_n have_v not_o make_v glad_a and_o make_v sad_a the_o heart_n of_o those_o who_o god_n have_v not_o make_v sad_a what_o wonder_n be_v it_o though_o the_o gain_v or_o preserve_v of_o that_o which_o be_v more_o excellent_a and_o necessary_a and_o for_o avoid_v of_o a_o great_a evil_n shall_v sometime_o and_o in_o some_o case_n persuade_v unto_o a_o sinless_a preterition_n of_o some_o thing_n otherwise_o fit_a to_o be_v observe_v in_o the_o course_n of_o formality_n and_o order_n though_o yet_o the_o protest_a brethren_n have_v be_v tender_a even_o of_o these_o thing_n and_o have_v make_v conscience_n as_o to_o do_v nothing_o evil_a and_o sinful_a in_o itself_o so_o to_o do_v nothing_o from_o contempt_n or_o disrespect_n to_o the_o least_o point_n of_o order_n yea_o they_o have_v be_v careful_a to_o keep_v within_o the_o bound_n warrant_v and_o allow_v unto_o they_o of_o god_n and_o if_o it_o be_v fit_a to_o compare_v we_o may_v true_o say_v that_o for_o all_o the_o noise_n our_o brethren_n make_v against_o they_o for_o the_o violation_n of_o order_n and_o take_v irregular_a course_n they_o have_v be_v more_o careful_a than_o themselves_o have_v be_v and_o that_o they_o have_v more_o just_a and_o weighty_a grievance_n against_o they_o even_o upon_o this_o account_n than_o they_o have_v against_o the_o protest_a brethren_n have_v not_o these_o brethren_n some_o of_o they_o intrude_v both_o upon_o the_o people_n and_o charge_n of_o other_o able_a and_o godly_a minister_n already_o settle_v have_v not_o other_o of_o they_o be_v the_o small_a part_n and_o sometime_o a_o very_a small_a part_n of_o the_o presbytery_n separate_v and_o withdraw_v themselves_o from_o the_o body_n and_o great_a part_n thereof_o because_o they_o be_v of_o the_o other_o judgement_n have_v they_o not_o counteract_v and_o be_v instrumental_a to_o cause_v people_n in_o congregation_n counteract_v to_o the_o determination_n and_o sentence_n of_o their_o own_o presbytery_n and_o synod_n have_v they_o not_o in_o synod_n violent_o take_v thing_n out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o presbytery_n when_o there_o be_v neither_o reference_n nor_o appeal_v nor_o maladministration_n have_v they_o not_o refuse_v to_o acknowledge_v minister_n for_o member_n of_o the_o synod_n or_o to_o suffer_v they_o to_o sit_v and_o vote_n among_o they_o though_o call_v by_o the_o whole_a congregation_n and_o due_o try_v and_o admit_v by_o the_o presbytery_n have_v not_o some_o of_o their_o synod_n take_v upon_o they_o the_o power_n of_o a_o gen._n assembly_n and_o other_o thing_n of_o that_o kind_n which_o be_v tedious_a to_o collect_v and_o enumerate_v they_o that_o teach_v other_o will_v teach_v they_o own_o self_n and_o if_o they_o will_v have_v their_o brethren_n to_o abhor_v idol_n they_o will_v not_o commit_v sacrilege_n if_o they_o say_v that_o there_o be_v a_o difference_n upon_o the_o matter_n betwixt_o that_o which_o be_v do_v by_o
all_o sentence_n whether_o just_a or_o unjust_a or_o agreeable_a or_o repugnant_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v assert_v to_o be_v at_o all_o of_o kin_n or_o alliance_n to_o the_o divine_a ordinance_n of_o presbyterial_a government_n which_o be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o sweet_a and_o gentle_a yoke_n of_o jesus_n christ_n that_o be_v far_o from_o tyranny_n and_o oppression_n the_o man_n who_o in_o a_o rave_v fit_a of_o a_o notional_a spirit_n first_o preach_v and_o afterward_o print_v those_o shrewd_a comparison_n betwixt_o the_o northern_a prâ—…sbyterie_n and_o the_o roman_a papacy_n may_v haply_o think_v himself_o now_o justify_v when_o he_o hear_v so_o great_a pretender_n to_o that_o government_n minister_n by_o this_o new_a doctrine_n of_o they_o such_o ground_n for_o some_o part_n of_o that_o comparison_n if_o presbyterial_a government_n have_v as_o we_o do_v believe_v and_o assert_v it_o to_o have_v its_o foundation_n in_o the_o testament_n of_o jesus_n christ_n upon_o who_o shoulder_n the_o government_n be_v than_o whatsoever_o be_v of_o the_o essence_n and_o be_v thereof_o must_v derive_v itself_o from_o the_o fountain_n of_o christ_n reveal_a will_n about_o the_o constitution_n and_o essential_n of_o that_o government_n but_o we_o know_v no_o tittle_n in_o his_o book_n that_o say_v as_o our_o brethren_n say_v or_o from_o which_o what_o they_o say_v in_o this_o matter_n can_v be_v deduce_v by_o good_a and_o necessary_a consequence_n to_o wit_n that_o it_o be_v essential_a to_o the_o government_n which_o he_o have_v appoint_v his_o house_n to_o be_v rule_v by_o that_o all_o the_o child_n of_o the_o house_n shall_v submit_v unto_o and_o acquiesce_v in_o the_o determination_n of_o the_o governor_n without_o any_o counteracting_n though_o their_o sentence_n be_v contrary_a to_o the_o law_n and_o the_o testimony_n and_o therefore_o till_o our_o brethren_n prove_v thiâ—…_n they_o will_v give_v we_o leave_v to_o deny_v it_o we_o acknowledge_v that_o power_n and_o authority_n and_o subjection_n and_o submission_n be_v corelative_n and_o that_o the_o power_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o superior_a can_v no_o more_o actual_o subsist_v without_o the_o subjection_n and_o submission_n of_o the_o inferior_a than_o one_o relative_a can_v subsist_v withouâ—…_n its_o correlative_a but_o all_o church-power_n and_o authority_n be_v bound_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o be_v for_o edification_n only_o and_o therefore_o all_o the_o subjection_n that_o be_v due_a thereunto_o be_v in_o the_o lord_n only_o and_o when_o we_o be_v thus_o subject_a the_o power_n and_o authority_n be_v sufficient_o acknowledge_v and_o preserve_v but_o say_v our_o brethren_n without_o this_o submission_n which_o they_o plead_v for_o our_o establish_a judicatory_n will_v be_v nothing_o but_o consultative_a meeting_n but_o this_o we_o also_o deny_v because_o what_o be_v resolve_v and_o determine_v by_o kirk-judicatory_n in_o a_o right_a way_n do_v not_o only_o bind_v by_o virtue_n of_o the_o intrinsical_a lawfulness_n thereof_o â—…t_o be_v for_o matter_n god_n word_n and_o by_o virtue_n oâ—…_n the_o reverence_n that_o be_v due_a to_o the_o gift_n and_o endowment_n of_o brethren_n and_o friend_n counsel_v right_a thing_n which_o be_v all_o that_o can_v be_v attribute_v to_o a_o consultative_a meeting_n but_o also_o by_o virtue_n of_o a_o positive_a law_n of_o god_n by_o which_o he_o have_v command_v we_o to_o hear_v the_o church_n and_o those_o that_o sit_v in_o moses_n chair_n and_o to_o be_v subject_a in_o the_o lord_n to_o church-governor_n to_o who_o he_o have_v give_v a_o ministerial_a and_o official_a authority_n and_o power_n to_o assemble_v in_o his_o name_n in_o the_o respective_a court_n appoint_v by_o himself_o for_o govern_v his_o house_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o his_o word_n and_o therefore_o as_o they_o have_v authority_n or_o a_o superiority_n of_o jurisdiction_n which_o no_o consultative_a meeting_n have_v so_o whosoever_o resist_v their_o power_n when_o put_v forth_o to_o edification_n and_o not_o to_o destruction_n do_v not_o only_o sin_n by_o despise_v that_o word_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o matter_n of_o their_o decree_n and_o by_o despise_v the_o gift_n and_o grace_n of_o their_o brethren_n that_o be_v exercise_v in_o hold_v forth_o light_a unto_o they_o but_o do_v also_o sin_n by_o resist_v the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n a_o kirk-judicatory_a model_v according_a to_o the_o pattern_n show_v in_o the_o mount_n and_o clothe_v with_o authority_n from_o jesus_n christ_n and_o proceed_v according_a to_o the_o law_n and_o to_o the_o testimony_n to_o which_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v subject_a god_n have_v command_v we_o so_o to_o do_v their_o second_o reason_n be_v that_o without_o this_o submission_n and_o subordination_n they_o do_v not_o see_v how_o unity_n and_o order_n can_v be_v continue_v in_o the_o kirk_n it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o think_v of_o a_o remedy_n by_o superior_a judicatory_n without_o this_o the_o refuse_v thereof_o be_v the_o way_n to_o make_v all_o union_n void_a so_o in_o their_o answer_n to_o the_o query_n propound_v upon_o their_o overture_n novemb._n 16_o 1655._o and_o in_o their_o represent_v pag._n 39_o sect._n 4._o and_o pag._n 47._o sect._n 3._o answ._n this_o be_v the_o very_a argument_n and_o language_n of_o the_o advocate_n of_o the_o sea_n of_o rome_n whilst_o they_o plead_v the_o pope_n visible_a headship_n and_o irrefragable_a authority_n and_o jurisdiction_n over_o the_o church_n to_o which_o all_o aught_o to_o submit_v without_o gainsay_v or_o counteracting_n the_o very_a thing_n that_o have_v set_v up_o the_o man_n of_o sin_n to_o sit_v aâ—…_n god_n in_o the_o temple_n of_o god_n unto_o the_o enslave_v both_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n by_o require_v of_o they_o subjection_n and_o blind_a obedience_n to_o his_o dictate_v without_o examine_v the_o same_o according_a to_o the_o light_n of_o the_o word_n if_o according_a to_o the_o reveal_a will_n of_o god_n there_o ought_v to_o be_v such_o a_o submission_n in_o all_o case_n without_o counteracting_n what_o shall_v we_o say_v of_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n and_o other_o of_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n who_o have_v live_v before_o we_o in_o corrupt_a time_n must_v all_o their_o preach_n and_o other_o act_n though_o most_o agreeable_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v condemn_v because_o they_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o 〈◊〉_d of_o the_o church_n wherein_o they_o live_v 〈◊〉_d be_v indeed_o to_o set_v up_o a_o power_n over_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d god_n a_o power_n for_o destruction_n and_o not_o for_o 〈◊〉_d that_o will_v indeed_o make_v a_o sinful_a unity_n aâ—…_n order_n and_o teach_v a_o way_n to_o avoid_v persecution_n a_o ready_o to_o obtain_v peace_n with_o man_n but_o with_o 〈◊〉_d loss_n of_o truth_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n the_o waâ—…_n to_o preserve_v unity_n and_o order_n in_o the_o house_n of_o goâ—…_n be_v not_o to_o harken_v to_o the_o counsel_n of_o flesh_n anâ—…_n blood_n by_o set_v up_o the_o will_n of_o man_n for_o a_o laâ—…_n and_o establish_v a_o arbitrary_a and_o tyrannicaâ—…_n power_n over_o conscience_n to_o which_o they_o shall_v bâ—…_n tie_v to_o submit_v to_o iniquity_n and_o injustice_n for_o goâ—…_n have_v say_v that_o the_o 〈◊〉_d of_o iniquity_n that_o frametâ—…_n mischief_n into_o a_o law_n shall_v have_v no_o fellowship_n witâ—…_n he_o and_o therefore_o that_o may_v destroy_v unity_n anâ—…_n order_n it_o will_v not_o preserve_v it_o but_o to_o let_v the_o worâ—…_n of_o god_n which_o be_v both_o the_o rule_n and_o bond_n of_o unitâ—…_n and_o order_n have_v place_n gal._n 6._o 16._o and_o judicatory_n proceed_v according_a to_o this_o be_v a_o effectua_fw-mi remedy_n actu_fw-la primo_fw-la and_o objective_n as_o in_o every_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n albeit_o actu_fw-la secundo_fw-la there_o be_v nâ—…_n efficacious_a remedy_n in_o either_o word_n sacrament_n admonition_n suspension_n deposition_n excommunication_n presbytery_n synod_n or_o any_o ordinance_n the_o church_n do_v enjoy_v or_o can_v exercise_v without_o the_o effectual_a blessing_n and_o influence_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n who_o be_v the_o author_n and_o appointer_n oâ—…_n these_o and_o concur_v therewith_o upon_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n according_a to_o the_o pleasure_n of_o his_o own_o will_n shall_v person_n sentence_v unjust_o submit_v yes_o say_v our_o brethren_n for_o preserve_v unity_n and_o order_n what_o remedy_n then_o say_v we_o for_o preserve_v the_o truth_n they_o may_v appeal_v say_v they_o but_o say_v we_o they_o have_v appeal_v and_o have_v therein_o succumb_v what_o remedy_n now_o no_o remedy_n but_o that_o at_o one_o stroke_n the_o precious_a truth_n of_o god_n and_o interest_n of_o jesus_n christ_n must_v be_v bear_v down_o and_o bury_v in_o oblivion_n and_o the_o saint_n and_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v bury_v under_o the_o rubbish_n thereof_o
the_o reverend_a brother_n upon_o who_o they_o will_v cast_v the_o blame_n in_o this_o matter_n and_o other_o of_o both_o judgement_n be_v require_v by_o the_o lord_n protector_n to_o go_v to_o london_n where_o be_v demand_v he_o give_v his_o opinion_n that_o see_v there_o be_v a_o court_n establish_v in_o scotland_n for_o dispose_v of_o the_o legal_a maintenance_n to_o such_o entrant_n of_o the_o ministry_n as_o upon_o certificate_n shall_v be_v approve_v of_o by_o the_o judge_n of_o that_o court_n whereby_o the_o judge_n be_v leave_v to_o a_o uncertainty_n who_o certificate_n to_o receive_v it_o be_v therefore_o fit_a in_o the_o present_a distraction_n of_o the_o church_n that_o those_o certificate_n shall_v be_v grant_v by_o a_o select_a number_n of_o both_o judgement_n which_o be_v embrace_v by_o my_o lord_n protector_n and_o his_o council_n and_o a_o ordinance_n pass_v for_o that_o effect_n and_o send_v to_o scotland_n when_o the_o reverend_a brother_n do_v perceive_v that_o it_o be_v not_o accept_v he_o lay_v it_o aside_o and_o do_v not_o prosecute_v iâ—…_z any_o further_o and_o we_o wish_v the_o brethren_n for_o the_o public_a resolution_n will_v follow_v the_o example_n of_o his_o condescendency_n in_o the_o like_a case_n but_o may_v iâ—…_z not_o be_v true_o say_v that_o our_o brethren_n have_v do_v much_o more_o themselves_o for_o enervate_v the_o power_n of_o church-judicatory_n and_o bring_v the_o ministry_n into_o bondage_n by_o clandestine_a capitulation_n of_o they_o about_o entrant_n to_o the_o ministry_n the_o effect_n whereof_o be_v so_o well_o know_v as_o we_o need_v not_o to_o mention_v they_o but_o say_v they_o in_o the_o next_o place_n when_o it_o please_v the_o lord_n to_o break_v that_o snare_n their_o lead_a man_n have_v again_o of_o late_o attempt_v the_o utter_a ruin_n of_o this_o church_n and_o of_o these_o who_o differ_v from_o they_o under_o the_o pretext_n of_o seek_v a_o commission_n for_o plantation_n of_o church_n they_o project_v to_o have_v the_o power_n of_o dispose_v the_o legal_a maintenance_n of_o minister_n puâ—…_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o that_o commission_n though_o they_o know_v such_o a_o power_n be_v never_o give_v nor_o assume_v by_o such_o a_o judicatory_n but_o that_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o order_n establish_v by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n the_o great_a design_n thereof_o be_v not_o only_o to_o call_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o late_a assembly_n in_o question_n as_o they_o express_v in_o their_o desire_n but_o to_o have_v the_o maintenance_n put_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o man_n to_o their_o mind_n who_o be_v the_o proposer_n of_o the_o overture_n that_o so_o they_o may_v discourage_v all_o who_o be_v opposite_a to_o they_o from_o the_o ministry_n what_o poor_a and_o weak_a premise_n be_v heâ—…r_o to_o draw_v such_o a_o conclusion_n from_o that_o the_o protest_a brethren_n or_o their_o lead_a man_n have_v of_o late_o attempt_v the_o utter_a ruin_n of_o this_o church_n and_o of_o those_o who_o differ_v from_o they_o when_o the_o civil_a power_n be_v please_v to_o put_v in_o the_o hand_n first_o of_o a_o peculiar_a court_n appoint_v for_o that_o end_n and_o afterwards_o into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o council_n the_o dispose_n of_o the_o legal_a maintenance_n of_o minister_n to_o such_o entrant_n as_o upon_o certificate_n shall_v be_v approve_v by_o they_o the_o protest_a brethren_n have_v represent_v the_o inconveniency_n of_o this_o thing_n unto_o his_o highness_n council_n in_o scotland_n and_o find_v that_o they_o be_v not_o impower_v to_o change_v that_o way_n do_v afterward_o by_o some_o of_o their_o number_n supplicate_v his_o highness_n that_o as_o it_o be_v allow_v to_o the_o nation_n to_o be_v govern_v by_o she_o own_o law_n the_o like_a freedom_n may_v be_v give_v to_o the_o church_n to_o be_v govern_v by_o she_o own_o uncontroverted_a act_n and_o constitution_n and_o that_o entrant_n to_o the_o ministry_n may_v have_v full_a access_n to_o their_o stipend_n and_o maintenance_n conform_v to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o nation_n without_o any_o bond_n or_o engagement_n of_o a_o civil_a nature_n direct_o or_o indirect_o and_o that_o all_o the_o act_n of_o parliamenâ—…_n which_o do_v relate_v to_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o kirk_n may_v be_v declare_v to_o be_v still_o in_o force_n and_o that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o commission_n of_o able_a and_o godly_a man_n who_o know_v and_o understand_v our_o church_n affair_n nominate_v by_o his_o highness_n which_o may_v exercise_v the_o power_n which_o be_v former_o in_o the_o commission_n of_o plantation_n of_o church_n in_o scotland_n and_o also_o do_v the_o duty_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n anent_o ecclesiastic_a matter_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n and_o act_n of_o uncontroverted_a assembly_n and_o law_n of_o the_o land_n precede_v the_o year_n 1651._o be_v there_o herein_o any_o thing_n faulty_a much_o less_o so_o heinous_o faulty_a as_o a_o attempt_n for_o the_o utter_a ruin_n of_o the_o church_n and_o of_o the_o resolution_n brethren_n yes_o say_v they_o there_o be_v a_o project_n in_o it_o to_o have_v the_o power_n of_o dispose_v the_o legal_a maintenance_n of_o minister_n put_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o that_o commission_n though_o such_o a_o power_n be_v never_o give_v nor_o assume_v by_o such_o a_o judicatory_n and_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o order_n establish_v by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n but_o as_o the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o protest_a brethren_n their_o desire_n which_o we_o have_v already_o set_v down_o do_v express_o bear_v that_o minister_n may_v have_v access_n to_o their_o stipend_n in_o such_o a_o way_n as_o iâ—…_z conform_v to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n so_o do_v the_o last_o part_n express_o qualify_v the_o power_n which_o they_o desire_v to_o be_v give_v to_o the_o commission_n of_o plantation_n of_o kirk_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o that_o it_o may_v be_v according_a to_o act_n of_o uncontroverted_a assembly_n and_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n it_o be_v neither_o falsehood_n nor_o vanity_n for_o the_o protest_a brethren_n when_o they_o be_v charge_v as_o underminer_n of_o the_o liberty_n of_o thiâ—…_n kirk_n to_o say_v that_o in_o their_o essay_n for_o preserve_v and_o vindicate_v of_o these_o they_o have_v be_v nothing_o short_a if_o not_o somewhat_o beyond_o these_o man_n who_o challenge_v they_o and_o what_o though_o upon_o supposal_n of_o the_o purpose_n and_o resolution_n of_o the_o ciuâ—…_n power_v not_o to_o alter_v the_o former_a way_n of_o disposinâ—…_n of_o the_o legal_a maintenance_n of_o minister_n they_o haâ—…_n desire_v that_o the_o dispose_n of_o minister_n maintenance_n may_v be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o that_o commissionâ—…_n be_v it_o a_o fault_n when_o they_o can_v not_o prevail_v to_o bring_v it_o in_o conformity_n to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n to_o desiâ—…_n that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o translation_n of_o the_o power_n in_o its_o exercise_n from_o one_o subject_a to_o another_o who_o be_v not_o necessary_o divert_v with_o multiplicity_n of_o affair_n as_o the_o council_n be_v may_v more_o convenient_o attend_v it_o but_o say_v they_o the_o great_a design_n of_o this_o be_v to_o call_v the_o authority_n of_o late_a assembly_n in_o question_n suppose_v that_o to_o be_v true_a that_o the_o authority_n of_o these_o assembly_n be_v not_o only_o call_v in_o question_n but_o pronounce_v null_a will_v that_o bring_v utter_a ruin_n to_o this_o church_n and_o to_o those_o who_o plead_v for_o they_o do_v our_o brethren_n think_v that_o the_o church_n and_o themselves_o must_v stand_v or_o fall_v with_o the_o authority_n of_o these_o late_a assembly_n we_o wish_v the_o church_n and_o they_o too_o better_a foundation_n than_o such_o bow_v wall_n and_o totter_a fence_n but_o can_v not_o the_o commission_n for_o plantation_n of_o kirk_n have_v exercise_v that_o power_n and_o the_o authority_n of_o these_o assembly_n have_v also_o stand_v we_o see_v no_o inconsistency_n between_o they_o next_o say_v they_o the_o design_n be_v to_o have_v the_o maintenance_n put_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o man_n to_o their_o mind_n that_o so_o they_o may_v discourage_v all_o from_o the_o ministry_n who_o be_v opposite_a to_o themselves_o if_o our_o brethren_n judge_v such_o discouragement_n to_o be_v so_o great_a a_o crime_n why_o have_v they_o so_o much_o practise_v it_o and_o frame_v the_o mischief_n thereof_o into_o a_o law_n that_o none_o shall_v have_v liberty_n to_o be_v a_o burser_n in_o a_o divinitycollege_n or_o to_o wait_v upon_o a_o family_n much_o less_o to_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o ministry_n that_o do_v not_o acknowledge_v the_o constitution_n and_o submit_v to_o the_o act_n of_o these_o two_o late_a assembly_n but_o as_o concerning_o the_o man_n into_o who_o hand_n the_o protest_a brethren_n will_v have_v have_v the_o dispose_n of_o the_o maintenance_n put_v