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 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maintain_v of_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o assembly_n thereof_o but_o yet_o put_v a_o restriction_n upon_o the_o small_a part_n to_o proceed_v even_o to_o censure_n against_o the_o great_a part_n but_o only_o lay_v down_o the_o rule_n according_a to_o which_o they_o ought_v to_o proceed_v and_o the_o end_n which_o they_o ought_v to_o have_v before_o they_o in_o their_o procedure_n when_o they_o do_v proceed_v unto_o or_o abstain_v from_o censure_n as_o seem_v to_o be_v clear_a by_o their_o way_n of_o expression_n and_o to_o confirm_v that_o this_o be_v the_o meaning_n i_o desire_v it_o to_o be_v consider_v first_o that_o if_o they_o have_v a_o other_o meaning_n it_o have_v be_v easy_a for_o they_o to_o express_v it_o in_o such_o word_n as_o will_v have_v hold_v forth_o their_o sense_n clear_o and_o unquestionable_o second_o these_o limitation_n which_o they_o use_v as_o to_o the_o matter_n of_o procedure_n be_v equal_o hold_v forth_o both_o to_o the_o great_a and_o small_a part_n 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their_o hand_n but_o until_o it_o be_v do_v i_o wish_v none_o of_o they_o may_v charge_v the_o protester_n with_o separation_n upon_o that_o ground_n for_o which_o they_o themselves_o to_o the_o apprehension_n of_o the_o protester_n have_v both_o in_o their_o act_n and_o practice_n clear_o pave_v the_o way_n edinb_n 5._o aug._n 1â—52_n antemer_n sess_n 23._o a_o right_a honourable_a right_a worshipful_a and_o worthy_o respect_v we_o be_v meet_v in_o edinburgh_n at_o the_o time_n appoint_v by_o the_o former_a assembly_n at_o dundee_n b_o of_o purpose_n to_o study_v the_o heal_n of_o begin_v breach_n in_o this_o kirk_n be_v interrupt_v at_o our_o first_o down-sitting_a and_o hinder_v from_o constitution_n of_o the_o assembly_n by_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n their_o offer_n of_o proposition_n and_o desire_n to_o be_v grant_v by_o we_o which_o can_v not_o to_o any_o good_a purpose_n c_o either_o be_v debate_v or_o effectual_o grant_v as_o be_v require_v before_o the_o assembly_n be_v constitute_v and_o the_o judicatory_a fix_v which_o short_a delay_n of_o our_o answer_n till_o we_o be_v in_o capacity_n to_o answer_v d_o be_v meet_v with_o a_o protestation_n prepare_v before_o hand_n for_o a_o declinatour_n of_o the_o judicatory_a and_o all_o the_o commissioner_n of_o presbytery_n e_o as_o freelychosen_a as_o any_o be_v and_o send_v forth_o from_o all_o part_n of_o the_o kingdom_n in_o which_o protestation_n be_v contain_v f_o many_o grievous_a and_o unjust_a aspersion_n upon_o we_o and_o other_o who_o dare_v not_o pass_v from_o the_o possession_n of_o g_o yearly_a general_n assembly_n which_o be_v in_o former_a time_n interrupt_v be_v purchase_v at_o a_o dear_a rate_n before_o it_o be_v recover_v h_o and_o all_o this_o be_v present_o put_v in_o print_n to_o the_o great_a disadvantage_n of_o we_o and_o misinformation_n of_o all_o the_o kingdom_n after_o the_o assembly_n be_v constitute_v i_o a_o conference_n be_v offer_v by_o we_o wherein_o some_o from_o we_o desire_v that_o to_o the_o intent_n we_o may_v join_v the_o better_a for_o promove_v the_o work_n of_o reformation_n legal_a bar_n hinder_v we_o from_o peace_n to_o wit_n protestation_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o censure_v inflict_v or_o which_o may_v be_v inflict_v on_o the_o other_o hand_n be_v remove_v they_o shall_v give_v assurance_n to_o forbear_v to_o trouble_v the_o kirk_n by_o hold_v up_o debate_v on_o the_o matter_n of_o our_o late_a difference_n about_o the_o manage_n of_o public_a affair_n k_o but_o after_o conference_n find_v no_o ground_n of_o hope_n for_o present_a agreement_n we_o have_v make_v the_o same_o offer_n to_o all_o they_o who_o adhere_v to_o the_o protestation_n whether_o in_o the_o town_n for_o the_o time_n or_o not_o as_o our_o act_n the_o copy_n whereof_o be_v with_o these_o come_v to_o your_o hand_n at_o more_o length_n do_v declare_v and_o grant_v unto_o all_o time_n to_o advise_v till_o the_o second_o wednesday_n of_o november_n next_o to_o come_v and_o now_o because_o our_o dissent_v l_o brethren_n have_v the_o advantage_n of_o the_o press_n for_o the_o present_a and_z and_z be_v too_o too_o diligent_a and_o painful_a in_o gather_v of_o hand_n and_o subscription_n to_o their_o protestation_n of_o young_a man_n or_o elder_n master_n or_o servant_n without_o any_o trial_n of_o their_o qualification_n to_o n_o make_v the_o world_n think_v that_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o godly_a as_o they_o in_o their_o paper_n presume_v to_o call_v themselves_o and_o that_o in_o great_a number_n do_v stand_v for_o their_o divisive_a way_n o_o therefore_o we_o think_v it_o our_o duty_n to_o write_v unto_o you_o all_o who_o love_v the_o union_n and_o peace_n of_o this_o afflict_a kirk_n that_o by_o your_o counsel_n conferrence_n and_o all_o other_o godly_a mean_n so_o many_o as_o in_o your_o bound_n minister_n or_o other_o be_v upon_o this_o
have_v carry_v on_o a_o course_n of_o defection_n and_o it_o be_v offer_v to_o verify_v the_o same_o and_o thereupon_o desire_v that_o these_o commissioner_n may_v not_o be_v admit_v to_o sit_v as_o member_n in_o the_o assembly_n till_o that_o matter_n be_v try_v it_o be_v refuse_v and_o notwithstanding_o of_o the_o except_o on_o timeous_o propound_v and_o offer_v to_o be_v instruct_v they_o be_v before_o the_o take_n try_v all_o thereof_o allow_v to_o sit_v which_o be_v in_o effect_n to_o reject_v the_o exception_n either_o as_o irrelevat_a in_o law_n or_o as_o false_a in_o fact_n and_o so_o to_o approve_v they_o before_o try_v all_o yea_o they_o be_v admit_v to_o â—iâ—â—s_a judge_n in_o their_o own_o cause_n for_o the_o protestation_n be_v particular_o found_v on_o the_o sinfulness_n and_o unwarrantableness_n of_o their_o proceed_n yet_o they_o be_v allow_v to_o sit_v as_o judge_n and_o to_o condemn_v the_o protestation_n as_o destructive_a to_o the_o government_n and_o liberty_n of_o this_o kirk_n and_o censurable_a with_o the_o high_a censure_n thereof_o upon_o the_o 23_o of_o july_n 1651._o notwithstanding_o their_o proceed_n be_v not_o approven_v till_o the_o day_n after_o which_o be_v the_o 24._o that_o other_o of_o they_o do_v absolute_o decline_v the_o authority_n of_o that_o assembly_n and_o protest_v against_o it_o as_o null_n be_v a_o practice_n that_o have_v many_o commendable_a and_o praiseworthy_a parallel_n in_o this_o church_n and_o therefore_o they_o do_v speak_v more_o from_o their_o own_o spirit_n then_o from_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n who_o cry_v out_o that_o it_o have_v no_o parallel_n but_o that_o of_o the_o perfidious_a prelate_n the_o declinatour_n of_o the_o prelate_n against_o the_o assembly_n at_o glasgow_n 1638._o as_o any_o who_o please_v to_o read_v the_o same_o will_v find_v that_o it_o do_v strike_v at_o the_o root_n of_o presbyterial_a government_n and_o general_n assembly_n in_o regard_n of_o the_o essential_o of_o their_o constitution_n but_o the_o protestation_n do_v acknowledge_v and_o plead_v for_o the_o government_n and_o for_o the_o due_a liberty_n and_o freedom_n and_o right_a constitution_n of_o assembly_n according_a to_o the_o ruâ—e_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o act_n of_o this_o kirk_n and_o do_v only_o bear_v testimony_n against_o and_o decline_v that_o assembly_n because_o of_o unwarrantable_a prelimit_v of_o the_o election_n admit_v of_o person_n under_o scandal_n before_o try_v oâ—_n they_o admit_v of_o the_o same_o man_n to_o be_v both_o judge_n and_o party_n want_v of_o frâ—â—_n access_n and_o recess_n absence_n of_o many_o commissioner_n want_v of_o freedom_n in_o voice_n deny_v to_o hear_v what_o be_v offer_v for_o hold_v forth_o of_o light_n whereby_o â—t_a appear_v that_o there_o be_v little_a conscience_n and_o ingenuity_n and_o less_o charity_n in_o make_v of_o that_o parallel_n but_o the_o history_n and_o act_n of_o our_o church_n do_v furnish_v we_o many_o just_a and_o true_a parallel_n of_o this_o practice_n in_o the_o carriage_n of_o the_o faithful_a witness_n of_o our_o lord_n in_o our_o own_o and_o our_o father_n day_n who_o have_v stand_v to_o plead_v for_o the_o doctrine_n government_n worship_n and_o discipline_n of_o this_o kirk_n i_o shall_v only_o name_v a_o few_o the_o first_o be_v in_o the_o year_n 1597._o at_o which_o time_n the_o commissioner_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n have_v contrary_a to_o the_o trust_v commit_v to_o they_o in_o these_o intervall_n betwixt_o assembly_n petition_v and_o obtain_v from_o the_o king_n and_o estate_n of_o the_o kingdom_n that_o minister_n shall_v sit_v in_o parliament_n as_o the_o three_o estate_n which_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o our_o prelatic_a their_o proceed_n in_o that_o petition_n and_o the_o thing_n relate_v thereto_o be_v approven_v in_o the_o assembly_n by_o the_o preval_v influence_n of_o the_o king_n and_o these_o commissioner_n notwithstanding_o of_o the_o reason_n propound_v against_o the_o same_o by_o sundry_a of_o the_o ministry_n m._n john_n davidson_n a_o most_o worthy_a and_o pious_a minister_n of_o this_o church_n endue_v with_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n in_o many_o thing_n and_o as_o anti-prelaticall_a and_o true_o tender_a of_o presbyterial_a government_n and_o of_o the_o authority_n of_o assembly_n as_o any_o this_o church_n have_v bring_v forth_o do_v solemn_o protest_v against_o that_o assembly_n as_o not_o free_a and_o lawful_a to_o which_o protestation_n mr._n david_n calâ—erwood_n a_o strenuous_a maintainer_n of_o the_o government_n of_o this_o church_n and_o a_o constant_a adversary_n to_o prelate_n &_o a_o unsuspect_n witness_n in_o this_o present_a controversy_n declare_v in_o his_o story_n his_o own_o adherence_n &_o the_o adherence_n of_o many_o of_o the_o most_o sincere_a pastor_n and_o professor_n of_o this_o kirk_n as_o see_v the_o beginning_n and_o fear_v the_o growth_n of_o that_o defection_n likeas_n he_o do_v often_o from_o that_o experience_n express_v his_o fear_n and_o thereupon_o his_o opinion_n against_o put_v too_o much_o power_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o a_o commission_n and_o prognosticate_v a_o defection_n to_o ensue_v thereupon_o whensoever_o the_o king_n and_o the_o court_n shall_v have_v influence_n upon_o the_o lead_a man_n thereof_o concern_v which_o he_o have_v not_o be_v mistake_v 2._o do_v not_o many_o worthy_a pastor_n and_o professor_n of_o this_o church_n protest_v against_o the_o corrupt_a assembly_n annul_v by_o the_o assembly_n at_o glasgow_n sundry_a of_o which_o protestation_n be_v to_o be_v see_v in_o the_o book_n call_v the_o course_n of_o conformity_n let_v our_o predecessor_n supplication_n reason_n admonition_n protestation_n present_v to_o the_o parliament_n 1617._o and_o 1621._o be_v consider_v wherein_o they_o assert_v the_o assembly_n then_o controvert_v to_o be_v unlawful_o constitute_v and_o to_o be_v but_o pretend_a assembly_n though_o no_o authority_n have_v declare_v the_o same_o see_v also_o the_o observation_n print_v 1635_o with_o the_o grievance_n give_v in_o by_o the_o minister_n to_o the_o parliament_n 1633_o it_o be_v here_o well_o say_v that_o the_o safety_n of_o religion_n depend_v not_o upon_o assembly_n of_o whatsoever_o kind_n but_o upon_o the_o liberty_n of_o free_a and_o right_o constitute_v assembly_n aâ—_n in_o the_o commonweal_n he_o be_v not_o to_o be_v think_v a_o faithful_a patriot_n who_o will_v not_o stand_v as_o much_o for_o the_o liberty_n of_o a_o parliament_n as_o his_o own_o possession_n because_o the_o safety_n of_o all_o other_o liberty_n stand_v in_o the_o preservation_n of_o that_o main_a liberty_n 3._o do_v not_o these_o who_o spirit_n the_o lord_n stir_v up_o to_o appear_v against_o the_o prelate_n and_o to_o set_v on_o foot_n the_o work_n of_o reformation_n in_o the_o year_n 16â—7_n express_o declare_v theiâ—_n adherence_n to_o all_o these_o protestation_n make_v by_o their_o father_n and_o predecessor_n declare_v the_o nullity_n of_o these_o corrupt_a assembly_n and_o thereby_o establish_v the_o declinatour_n against_o the_o same_o before_o the_o assembly_n at_o glasgow_n which_o practice_n be_v as_o strange_o look_v upon_o and_o as_o muâ—h_v speak_v against_o then_o as_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o protester_n in_o the_o year_n 1651._o 4._o our_o nationall_n covenant_n do_v both_o mention_n and_o allow_v these_o protestation_n against_o that_o whole_a course_n of_o defection_n whence_o it_o appear_v that_o that_o practice_n at_o dâ—â—dee_n have_v many_o both_o very_o worthy_a precedent_n and_o parallel_n and_o that_o to_o protest_v against_o corrupt_a assembly_n such_o as_o that_o be_v have_v be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v look_v upon_o by_o discer_v faithful_a and_o godly_a man_n in_o this_o kirk_n as_o the_o throw_n down_o of_o the_o hedge_n of_o discipline_n and_o make_v way_n for_o every_o beast_n of_o the_o forest_n to_o break_v in_o as_o this_o reviewer_n allege_v that_o they_o have_v use_v it_o as_o one_o of_o the_o best_a mean_n for_o prevent_v and_o remedy_v of_o these_o evil_n and_o so_o it_o be_v indeed_o because_o as_o it_o be_v well_o observe_v and_o true_o assert_v in_o the_o great_a act_n of_o the_o assembly_n concern_v the_o by_o go_v evil_n of_o this_o church_n and_o the_o remedy_n thereof_o that_o the_o keeep_v or_o authorise_v of_o corrupt_a general_n assembly_n have_v be_v one_o of_o the_o main_a cause_n of_o our_o evil_n by_o these_o it_o be_v that_o the_o prelate_n and_o all_o the_o train_n of_o superstitious_a ceremony_n do_v enter_v and_o have_v have_v such_o worthy_a precedent_n in_o oppose_v of_o such_o and_o such_o doolful_a and_o dear_a buy_v experience_n of_o the_o wrong_n they_o have_v do_v to_o this_o poor_a church_n there_o be_v the_o great_a reason_n to_o take_v heed_n to_o stand_v fast_o in_o the_o liberty_n wherewith_o christ_n have_v make_v we_o free_a and_o not_o to_o be_v again_o entangle_v with_o the_o yoke_n of_o bondage_n of_o corrupt_a assembly_n it_o
strengthen_v a_o faction_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o public_a judicatories_n ordain_v that_o presbytery_n shall_v require_v the_o same_o thing_n fore_o mention_v of_o every_o rule_v elder_a that_o come_v to_o sit_v and_o act_n in_o presbytery_n and_o in_o case_n of_o his_o refusal_n shall_v not_o admit_v he_o to_o act_v as_o a_o elder_a in_o the_o presbytery_n but_o require_v the_o kirk_n session_n from_o which_o he_o be_v send_v to_o make_v choice_n of_o and_o send_v another_o who_o for_o the_o peace_n of_o this_o church_n shall_v agree_v to_o perform_v the_o condition_n require_v these_o three_o act_n i_o have_v put_v together_o because_o they_o be_v much_o of_o the_o fame_n or_o like_a nature_n that_o be_v such_o as_o ordain_v censure_n upon_o these_o who_o do_v not_o acknowledge_v the_o authority_n of_o that_o assembly_n at_o dundee_n or_o who_o shall_v not_o acquiesce_v to_o the_o act_n and_o constitution_n thereof_o or_o who_o shall_v not_o pass_v from_o the_o protestation_n against_o these_o two_o pretend_a assembly_n at_o dundee_n and_o edinburgh_n and_o i_o offer_v unto_o the_o reader_n these_o animadversion_n upon_o they_o 1._o that_o in_o the_o first_o act_n at_o dundee_n the_o act_n of_o the_o assembly_n at_o glasgow_n 20._o decemb_v 1638._o sess_n 26._o be_v not_o faithful_o make_v use_n of_o but_o by_o leave_v out_o of_o some_o word_n be_v stretch_v beyond_o the_o sense_n and_o meaning_n thereof_o the_o word_n of_o that_o act_n decemb._n 20._o 1638_o be_v that_o all_o such_o as_o be_v scandalous_a and_o malicious_a and_o will_v not_o acknowledge_v nor_o acquiesce_v unto_o the_o act_n thereof_o be_v censure_v according_a to_o their_o malice_n and_o contempt_n but_o at_o dundee_n these_o word_n scandalous_a and_o malicious_a be_v leave_v out_o and_o the_o censure_n be_v extend_v to_o all_o person_n that_o do_v not_o acknowledge_v that_o assembly_n how_o blameless_a or_o holy_a soever_o they_o be_v in_o their_o carriage_n or_o how_o tender_a or_o sober_a soever_o they_o be_v in_o not_o acknowledge_v the_o same_o 2._o whereas_o the_o act_n of_o glasgow_n 1638._o decemb._n 18._o sess_n 24._o ordain_v presbytery_n to_o proceed_v with_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o kirk_n to_o excommunication_n against_o those_o minister_n only_o who_o be_v depose_v acquiesce_v not_o to_o their_o sentence_n but_o exercise_v some_o part_n of_o their_o ministerial_a function_n refuse_v themselves_o and_o withdraw_v other_o from_o the_o obedience_n of_o the_o act_n of_o the_o assembly_n by_o the_o act_n at_o dundee_n all_o person_n whatsoever_o who_o shall_v so_o do_v be_v make_v liable_a to_o excommunication_n that_o the_o sin_n and_o snare_n of_o these_o three_o act_n may_v be_v the_o better_o understand_v i_o desire_v a_o short_a view_n to_o be_v take_v 1._o of_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v thereby_o make_v censurable_a 2._o of_o the_o censure_n themselves_o 3._o of_o the_o person_n who_o fall_v under_o that_o censure_n the_o thing_n that_o be_v make_v censurable_a be_v the_o not_o acknowledge_v of_o that_o assembly_n or_o not_o acquiesce_v to_o the_o act_n and_o constitution_n thereof_o or_o refuse_v to_o pass_v from_o the_o protestation_n against_o the_o two_o late_a assembly_n etc._n etc._n thing_n that_o be_v in_o themselves_o not_o censurable_a but_o commendable_a not_o sin_n but_o duty_n as_o be_v sufficient_o demonstrate_v in_o other_o paper_n and_o treatise_n which_o be_v already_o publish_v because_o that_o assembly_n at_o dundee_n be_v no_o free_a nor_o lawful_a assembly_n the_o censure_n contain_v in_o these_o act_n be_v either_o in_o reference_n to_o place_n and_o trust_n in_o the_o church_n or_o in_o reference_n to_o church-fellowship_n and_o communion_n as_o church-member_n the_o censure_n of_o the_o first_o kind_n be_v either_o for_o keep_v from_o place_n and_o trust_n or_o for_o remove_v from_o the_o same_o the_o first_o be_v relative_a 1_o to_o expectant_n student_n of_o divinity_n attender_n upon_o family_n who_o by_o the_o second_o act_n at_o dundee_n and_o by_o their_o extend_v the_o act_n of_o the_o assembly_n 1640._o sess_n 10._o be_v declare_v uncapable_a of_o a_o pedagogie_n teach_v of_o a_o school_n catechise_n of_o a_o family_n preach_v or_o catechise_n in_o a_o congregation_n or_o of_o a_o bursary_n or_o of_o liberty_n to_o reside_v within_o a_o burgh_n university_n or_o college_n or_o of_o any_o other_o privilege_n and_o liberty_n allow_v to_o expectant_n and_o by_o the_o act_n at_o edinburgh_n it_o be_v provide_v that_o if_o any_o of_o they_o be_v call_v to_o a_o particular_a charge_n of_o the_o ministry_n that_o the_o presbytery_n shall_v not_o admit_v he_o to_o his_o trial_n unless_o he_o do_v under_o his_o hand_n pass_v from_o the_o protestation_n against_o these_o two_o assembly_n at_o dundee_n and_o at_o edinburgh_n and_o promise_n and_o give_v assurance_n never_o any_o more_o to_o open_v his_o mouth_n nor_o put_v pen_n to_o paper_n against_o the_o public_a resolation_n and_o the_o thing_n that_o have_v follow_v thereupon_o which_o they_o express_v by_o abstain_v from_o hold_v up_o debate_n and_o controversy_n about_o matter_n of_o difference_n in_o this_o kirk_n since_o the_o assembly_n 1650._o which_o if_o he_o do_v refuse_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o proceed_n in_o his_o trial_n till_o the_o next_o general_n assembly_n and_o that_o in_o the_o mean_a while_n liberty_n be_v leave_v to_o the_o presbytery_n and_o congregation_n to_o plant_v the_o place_n otherwise_o 2._o to_o rule_v elder_n come_v to_o sit_v and_o act_n in_o presbytery_n who_o by_o the_o act_n at_o edinburgh_n incase_o of_o their_o refusal_n to_o perform_v the_o thing_n former_o mention_v the_o presbytery_n be_v ordain_v not_o to_o admit_v they_o to_o act_v as_o elder_n in_o the_o presbytery_n these_o censure_n that_o concern_v remove_v from_o place_n and_o trust_n be_v determine_v in_o regard_n of_o elder_n in_o presbytery_n and_o expectant_n to_o preach_v or_o catechise_v in_o family_n or_o congregation_n or_o have_v bursary_n for_o both_o these_o if_o they_o do_v not_o condescend_v to_o the_o former_a condition_n must_v unjust_o be_v remove_v and_o discharge_v the_o elder_a from_o sit_v in_o the_o presbytery_n the_o expectant_a from_o his_o preach_n or_o catechise_n or_o bursarie_n concern_v minister_n they_o be_v not_o so_o express_v but_o leave_v it_o to_o presbytery_n to_o proceed_v according_a to_o the_o degree_n of_o the_o offence_n yet_o so_o as_o there_o be_v clear_a ground_n lay_v for_o their_o suspension_n or_o deposition_n yea_o far_o more_o because_o they_o not_o only_o appoint_v censure_n equivalent_a to_o the_o suspension_n or_o deposition_n of_o minister_n upon_o expectant_n and_o elder_n and_o have_v go_v before_o by_o their_o own_o example_n suspend_v some_o minister_n and_o depose_v other_o but_o do_v ordain_v presbytery_n and_o provincial_n assembly_n to_o call_v before_o they_o all_o person_n that_o do_v not_o acknowledge_v that_o assembly_n at_o dundee_n and_o to_o censure_v they_o and_o do_v also_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o first_o act_n declare_v that_o all_o person_n who_o protest_v against_o and_o decline_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n be_v censurable_a by_o the_o act_n and_o constitution_n of_o this_o kirk_n with_o the_o high_a censure_n of_o this_o kirk_n and_o in_o the_o body_n thereof_o do_v declare_v that_o the_o two_o act_n of_o the_o assembly_n at_o glasgow_n 1638._o the_o first_o whereof_o ordain_v presbytery_n to_o proceed_v with_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o kirk_n to_o excommunication_n be_v not_o only_o to_o be_v extend_v against_o minister_n censure_v at_o dundee_n but_o also_o against_o all_o those_o that_o oppose_v the_o public_a resolution_n thereof_o the_o censure_n that_o relate_v to_o church-fellowship_n and_o communion_n be_v design_v in_o the_o first_o act_n which_o strike_v equal_o against_o all_o person_n whatsoever_o who_o be_v church-member_n minister_n elder_n expectant_n and_o professor_n who_o if_o they_o do_v not_o acknowledge_v that_o assembly_n at_o dundee_n be_v appoint_v to_o be_v cite_v and_o censure_v according_a to_o the_o degree_n of_o their_o contempt_n and_o obstinacy_n against_o the_o act_n of_o this_o kirk_n and_o if_o they_o oppose_v the_o resolution_n or_o do_v not_o acquiesce_v to_o the_o act_n and_o constitution_n of_o that_o assembly_n then_o to_o be_v proceed_v against_o and_o censure_v according_a to_o these_o act_n at_o glasgow_n which_o be_v extend_v unto_o they_o now_o the_o not_o acknowledge_v or_o decline_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o assembly_n be_v in_o their_o construction_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o this_o act_n censurable_a with_o the_o high_a censure_n of_o the_o kirk_n according_a to_o the_o act_n and_o constitution_n of_o this_o kirk_n and_o the_o oppose_a of_o the_o public_a resolution_n or_o the_o not_o acquiesce_v to_o the_o act_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o assembly_n at_o dundee_n be_v to_o be_v censure_v with_o the_o censure_n
until_o that_o conference_n be_v give_v up_o and_o make_v hopeless_a i._o they_o allege_v that_o a_o conference_n be_v offer_v by_o they_o but_o they_o neither_o tell_v when_o nor_o how_o nor_o to_o who_o it_o be_v offer_v and_o i_o believe_v it_o will_v trouble_v they_o so_o to_o do_v for_o they_o do_v keep_v such_o a_o distance_n that_o they_o will_v neither_o send_v nor_o allow_v any_o of_o their_o number_n to_o motion_n a_o conference_n to_o their_o brethren_n who_o be_v meet_v together_o but_o desire_v some_o of_o their_o number_n to_o tell_v such_o of_o they_o as_o they_o meet_v with_o upon_o the_o street_n that_o they_o be_v willing_a to_o confer_v and_o when_o at_o length_n there_o be_v some_o meeting_n of_o some_o few_o of_o both_o side_n those_o of_o that_o assembly_n who_o be_v upon_o the_o conference_n can_v by_o no_o persuasion_n nor_o reason_n be_v induce_v to_o give_v any_o note_n of_o their_o overture_n in_o writing_n though_o it_o be_v often_o and_o earnest_o desire_v that_o be_v clear_o communicate_v to_o the_o whole_a meeting_n of_o protester_n they_o may_v return_v a_o clear_a answer_n thereunto_o k._n why_o this_o desire_n be_v not_o hearken_v unto_o good_a and_o relevant_a reason_n be_v give_v in_o another_o paper_n long_o since_o print_v and_o publish_v l._n that_o advantage_n at_o that_o time_n for_o any_o thing_n their_o brethren_n know_v be_v open_a to_o both_o alike_o and_o do_v appear_v immediate_o thereafter_o to_o be_v so_o by_o their_o paper_n against_o the_o remonstrance_n and_o protestation_n which_o come_v abroad_o in_o print_n m._n there_o be_v no_o diligence_n nor_o pain_n use_v to_o gather_v any_o hand_n to_o their_o protestation_n only_o those_o who_o be_v come_v together_o from_o several_a part_n of_o the_o country_n from_o their_o respect_n and_o affection_n to_o the_o cause_n many_o of_o which_o come_v commissionated_a from_o other_o do_v put_v to_o their_o hand_n and_o for_o that_o which_o they_o say_v of_o youngman_n or_o elder_a master_n or_o servant_n without_o any_o trial_n or_o qualification_n it_o be_v a_o little_a disdainful_o and_o too_o liberal_o speak_v there_o be_v many_o honourable_a and_o grave_a person_n there_o and_o though_o some_o be_v youngman_n or_o servant_n yet_o be_v that_o no_o imputation_n either_o to_o themselves_o or_o to_o the_o cause_n which_o they_o maintain_v for_o it_o be_v neither_o man_n age_n nor_o condition_n that_o do_v difference_n they_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o god_n but_o their_o qualification_n and_o carriage_n which_o be_v know_v to_o be_v blameless_a and_o christian_n as_o to_o those_o who_o subscribe_v the_o protestation_n and_o if_o they_o can_v give_v any_o instance_n to_o the_o contrary_a i_o believe_v the_o protester_n will_v take_v it_o for_o a_o favour_n to_o have_v any_o inordinate_a walker_n of_o their_o number_n discover_v unto_o they_o &_o shall_v account_v it_o not_o the_o weaken_n but_o the_o strengthen_n of_o their_o cause_n to_o be_v rid_v of_o such_o yea_o at_o that_o meeting_n where_o the_o protestation_n be_v subscribe_v it_o be_v their_o care_n to_o admit_v none_o to_o join_v with_o they_o but_o such_o as_o be_v of_o a_o know_a integrity_n or_o if_o not_o so_o well_o know_v to_o all_o yet_o such_o as_o have_v the_o testimony_n of_o other_o who_o be_v know_v to_o all_o and_o be_v such_o how_o mean_a soever_o their_o condition_n be_v that_o can_v not_o be_v a_o reason_n or_o ground_n to_o refuse_v their_o testimony_n when_o it_o be_v willing_o offer_v n._n albeit_o a_o great_a deal_n ado_n be_v make_v upon_o that_o expression_n yet_o there_o be_v truth_n in_o the_o bottom_n of_o it_o most_o of_o these_o in_o the_o land_n who_o have_v a_o testimony_n in_o the_o conscience_n of_o true_o godly_a minister_n or_o professor_n either_o upon_o the_o one_o side_n or_o the_o other_o for_o acquaintance_n with_o god_n and_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n be_v of_o that_o mind_n and_o if_o this_o expression_n satisfy_v not_o that_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o godly_a stand_n for_o that_o divisive_a way_n i_o shall_v give_v they_o one_o that_o they_o can_v less_o contradict_v that_o be_v that_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o wicked_a be_v against_o that_o divisive_a way_n and_o for_o their_o unite_n way_n yea_o i_o trow_v that_o sober_a man_n among_o themselves_o will_v not_o refuse_v it_o that_o the_o wicked_a malignant_a loose_a profane_a person_n in_o the_o land_n almost_o to_o a_o man_n and_o as_o one_o man_n do_v zealous_o and_o to_o their_o pâ—th_n oppose_v and_o contradict_v and_o reproach_v that_o divisive_a way_n and_o cordial_o promote_v and_o commend_v their_o unite_n way_n or_o the_o way_n of_o these_o two_o assembly_n at_o dundee_n and_o edinburgh_n and_o though_o this_o argument_n be_v now_o undervalue_v yet_o be_v it_o wont_a to_o bear_v weight_n in_o the_o 48_o year_n of_o god_n against_o the_o unlawful_a engagement_n and_o i_o confess_v with_o i_o be_v of_o a_o very_a great_a weight_n that_o which_o relish_v so_o well_o to_o the_o palate_n of_o profane_a loose_a man_n and_o of_o such_o as_o have_v zealous_o oppose_v the_o work_n of_o god_n and_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n these_o year_n past_a and_o wherein_o their_o heart_n do_v so_o much_o rejoice_v i_o fear_v have_v too_o much_o of_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o world_n &_o too_o little_a of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o it_o o._n this_o way_n do_v not_o divide_v from_o any_o point_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n but_o lead_v in_o the_o good_a old_a path_n of_o former_a find_v principle_n and_o can_v be_v just_o charge_v as_o divisive_a because_o it_o will_v not_o unite_v with_o a_o course_n of_o defection_n and_o therefore_o there_o can_v be_v no_o just_a reason_n to_o say_v that_o it_o tend_v to_o the_o hinder_v of_o reformation_n and_o peace_n the_o true_a fountain_n of_o our_o division_n do_v spring_n from_o the_o public_a resolution_n which_o divide_v many_o from_o receive_v truth_n and_o former_a principle_n and_o do_v necessitate_v other_o to_o evidence_n their_o cleave_v thereto_o by_o testify_v against_o such_o backslide_n neither_o know_v i_o any_o thing_n that_o have_v so_o direct_o tend_v to_o the_o hindrance_n of_o the_o work_n of_o reformation_n as_o their_o public_a resolution_n do_v the_o work_n of_o reformation_n as_o to_o the_o outward_n of_o it_o in_o church_n and_o state_n do_v much_o stand_n in_o purge_v the_o ministry_n and_o eldership_n and_o the_o judicatories_n and_o the_o army_n and_o have_v not_o all_o these_o be_v obstruct_v by_o the_o public_a resolution_n which_o lay_v a_o foundation_n for_o bring_v into_o the_o army_n and_o the_o judicatories_n man_n of_o questionable_a integrity_n disaffect_v to_o reformation_n and_o of_o scandalous_a conversation_n and_o have_v not_o only_o blunt_v but_o turn_v the_o edge_n of_o any_o zeal_n that_o be_v former_o bend_v against_o ignorant_a dis-affected_n and_o scandalous_a minister_n and_o elder_n and_o professor_n against_o these_o who_o can_v be_v consent_v to_o the_o late_a course_n p._n separation_n and_o schism_n have_v be_v the_o ordinary_a charge_n of_o backsliders_a against_o such_o as_o will_v not_o concur_v with_o they_o in_o every_o age_n of_o the_o church_n and_o some_o of_o the_o most_o eminent_a of_o these_o who_o be_v now_o for_o the_o public_a resolution_n may_v remember_v that_o they_o be_v not_o only_o load_v herewith_o by_o the_o prelate_n when_o they_o do_v oppose_v the_o course_n of_o conformity_n but_o also_o by_o all_o the_o malignant_a and_o dis-affected_n person_n in_o the_o land_n when_o they_o do_v oppose_v the_o course_n of_o malignancie_n but_o to_o say_v nothing_o that_o this_o assembly_n at_o edinburgh_n have_v teach_v the_o protester_n a_o way_n of_o separation_n which_o they_o can_v well_o condemn_v unless_o they_o condemn_v their_o own_o judgement_n and_o practice_n i_o mean_v the_o allow_v of_o the_o small_a part_n not_o only_o to_o divide_v from_o the_o great_a but_o also_o to_o act_v without_o they_o and_o exercise_v authority_n over_o they_o i_o desire_v 1._o that_o they_o will_v be_v please_v to_o let_v the_o world_n know_v what_o truth_n that_o have_v be_v teach_v in_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n either_o concern_v faith_n or_o good_a work_n or_o worship_n or_o discipline_n or_o government_n they_o have_v depart_v or_o separate_v from_o be_v it_o a_o separation_n because_o they_o will_v not_o approve_v of_o nor_o submit_v unto_o the_o authority_n of_o two_o corrupt_a and_o unfree_a assembly_n 2._o i_o desire_v it_o to_o be_v consider_v that_o whatsoever_o be_v in_o the_o matter_n of_o separation_n the_o protester_n be_v not_o separantes_fw-la but_o separati_fw-la not_o fugientes_fw-la but_o fugati_fw-la they_o be_v drive_v violent_o by_o unjust_a censure_n and_o persecution_n as_o i_o have_v already_o show_v from_o the_o public_a acts._n q._n if_o they_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 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scandalous_a and_o disaffect_v
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real_a acknowledgement_n of_o the_o lawfulness_n and_o freedom_n of_o the_o assembly_n in_o regard_n of_o their_o constitution_n and_o of_o power_n in_o they_o to_o inflict_v and_o take-off_a censure_n and_o so_o by_o our_o own_o consent_n do_v not_o only_o retract_v and_o condemn_v the_o testimony_n which_o we_o former_o give_v against_o the_o same_o but_o also_o obstruct_v the_o remead_n of_o what_o be_v past_a and_o the_o attain_v a_o lawful_a free_a general_a assembly_n for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v and_o so_o wreath_n about_o our_o own_o neck_n and_o the_o neck_n of_o the_o lord_n people_n the_o yoke_n of_o unfree_a corrupt_a and_o unlawful_a assembly_n iii_o because_o the_o offer_n which_o be_v make_v though_o it_o contain_v immunity_n in_o regard_n of_o these_o who_o have_v not_o a_o quiesced_a unto_o or_o opse_v these_o act_n for_o the_o time_n past_a yet_o the_o act_n of_o themselves_o do_v not_o withstand_v thereof_o still_o stand_v in_o force_n as_o a_o ground_n of_o persecution_n against_o all_o these_o minister_n and_o professor_n who_o shall_v not_o accept_v of_o the_o condition_n contain_v in_o this_o offer_n or_o thereafter_o fail_v in_o performance_n of_o the_o same_o iv_o because_o this_o offer_n be_v so_o far_o from_o reach_a satisfaction_n to_o all_o or_o most_o part_n of_o the_o proposition_n offer_v by_o we_o that_o it_o do_v not_o give_v satisfaction_n to_o any_o one_o of_o they_o put_v pitch_v upon_o a_o particular_a which_o ought_v to_o be_v of_o least_o consequence_n with_o we_o as_o import_v but_o our_o personal_a suffering_n without_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o land_n defection_n and_o of_o those_o thing_n which_o do_v concern_v the_o kingdom_n and_o interest_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o purge_n of_o his_o house_n and_o what_o a_o sin_n and_o provocation_n shall_v it_o be_v against_o the_o lord_n and_o what_o a_o stumble_a and_o grief_n of_o heart_n unto_o the_o godly_a who_o have_v concur_v in_o these_o proposition_n and_o 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