Selected quad for the lemma: authority_n

Word A	Word B	Word C	Word D	Occurrence	Frequency Band	MI	MI Band	Prominent
authority_n	church_n	power_n	synod_n	3,603	5	9.6685	5	true

Text snippets containing the quad

ID	Title	Author	Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication)	STC	Words	Pages
A85789	The nullity of the pretended-assembly at Saint Andrews & Dundee: wherein are contained, the representation for adjournment, the protestation & reasons therof. Together with a review and examination of the Vindication of the said p. assembly. Hereunto is subjoyned the solemn acknowledgment of sins, and engagement to duties, made and taken by the nobility, gentry, burroughs, ministry, and commonalty, in the year 1648. when the Covenant was renewed. With sundry other papers, related unto in the foresaid review.	Guthrie, James, 1612?-1661.; Wood, James, 1608-1664.	1652 (1652)	Wing G2263; Wing W3400; Thomason E688_13; ESTC R202246	280,404	351

election_n or_o commissioner_n be_v questionable_a to_o who_o we_o desire_v it_o earnest_o to_o be_v recomend_v that_o they_o will_v in_o a_o unanimous_a way_n make_v choice_n of_o man_n of_o approven_v ability_n and_o integrity_n and_o against_o who_o there_o can_v be_v no_o exception_n by_o the_o act_n and_o constitution_n of_o this_o church_n and_o in_o the_o last_o place_n we_o do_v humble_o represent_v and_o desire_v that_o in_o the_o interval_n of_o time_n betwixt_o this_o and_o the_o diet_n to_o which_o the_o assembly_n shall_v be_v adjourn_v there_o may_v be_v a_o solemn_a public_a humiliation_n throughout_o the_o land_n wherein_o god_n may_v be_v entreat_v to_o show_v we_o why_o he_o contend_v with_o we_o and_o to_o give_v light_n and_o clear_n on_o all_o hand_n concern_v the_o present_a difference_n of_o judgement_n and_o distemper_n of_o spirit_n that_o be_v among_o we_o that_o we_o may_v be_v of_o one_o mind_n and_o one_o heart_n for_o the_o carry_v on_o of_o the_o work_n of_o god_n among_o his_o people_n and_o your_o wisdom_n answer_v subscribe_v by_o sundry_a minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n st._n andrews_n july_n 18._o 1651._o how_o gracious_a the_o lord_n have_v be_v to_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n in_o give_v to_o her_o pure_a ordinance_n we_o trust_v shall_v be_v acknowledge_v by_o we_o while_o we_o live_v with_o thankfulness_n to_o the_o most_o high_a of_o who_o we_o desire_v mercy_n and_o grace_n to_o adhere_v unto_o the_o doctrine_n worship_n discipline_n and_o government_n establish_v in_o this_o land_n among_o the_o many_o sad_a token_n of_o the_o lord_n indignation_n against_o this_o church_n the_o present_a difference_n of_o his_o servant_n of_o the_o ministry_n be_v look_v upon_o by_o we_o as_o one_o of_o the_o great_a and_o as_o we_o hold_v it_o a_o duty_n to_o be_v deep_o humble_v before_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o sense_n thereof_o and_o by_o all_o lawful_a and_o fair_a mean_n within_o the_o compass_n of_o our_o power_n and_o station_n to_o endeavour_v the_o remedy_n thereof_o so_o we_o do_v ackdowledge_v a_o free_a general_n assembly_n lawful_o call_v and_o right_o constitute_v and_o proceed_v with_o meekness_n and_o love_n in_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n and_o the_o act_n and_o constitution_n of_o this_o church_n to_o be_v among_o the_o first_o and_o most_o effectual_a mean_n appoint_v of_o god_n for_o attain_v this_o end_n and_o for_o preserve_v the_o purity_n and_o advance_v the_o power_n of_o the_o work_n of_o reformation_n in_o this_o age_n and_o transmit_v the_o same_o to_o our_o posterity_n and_o to_o the_o age_n and_o generation_n that_o be_v to_o come_v but_o as_o the_o faithful_a servant_n of_o god_n in_o this_o church_n in_o former_a time_n do_v by_o his_o good_a hand_n upon_o they_o in_o the_o right_a administration_n of_o free_a and_o lawful_a assembly_n bring_v the_o work_n of_o reformation_n in_o scotland_n unto_o a_o great_a perfection_n and_o near_a conformity_n with_o the_o first_o pattern_n so_o unfaithful_a man_n mind_v their_o own_o thing_n more_o than_o the_o thing_n of_o christ_n and_o usurp_a over_o their_o brethren_n and_o over_o the_o lord_n inheritance_n do_v deface_v the_o beauty_n thereof_o first_o by_o encroach_a upon_o the_o liberty_n and_o freedom_n of_o assembly_n afterward_o by_o take_v away_o the_o assembly_n themselves_o therefore_o remember_v the_o many_o bond_n and_o obligation_n that_o lie_v upon_o we_o before_o the_o lord_n and_o be_v desirous_a to_o be_v find_v faithful_a in_o this_o day_n of_o temptation_n and_o to_o exoner_n our_o conscience_n as_o in_o his_o sight_n and_o to_o avoid_v accession_n to_o that_o guiltiness_n in_o which_o many_o have_v involve_v themselves_o and_o conceive_v that_o this_o present_a meeting_n be_v not_o a_o free_a lawful_a gen._n assembly_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n in_o regard_n that_o the_o election_n of_o commissioner_n to_o the_o same_o have_v be_v prelimited_n and_o prejudice_v in_o the_o due_a liberty_n and_o freedom_n thereof_o by_o a_o letter_n and_o act_n of_o the_o commissioner_n of_o the_o last_o gen_n assembly_n send_v to_o presbytery_n appoint_v such_o brethren_n as_o after_o conference_n remain_v unsatisfied_a with_o and_o continue_v to_o oppose_v the_o public_a resolution_n to_o be_v cite_v to_o the_o general_n assembly_n and_o in_o regard_n that_o commissioner_n from_o many_o burrough_n and_o presbytry_n be_v absent_a as_o want_v free_a access_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o motion_n of_o the_o and_o in_o regard_n that_o many_o of_o the_o commissioner_n of_o the_o former_a assembly_n who_o have_v carry_v on_o a_o course_n of_o defection_n contrary_a to_o the_o trust_v commit_v to_o they_o and_o who_o in_o their_o remonstrance_n and_o paper_n have_v stir_v up_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n against_o such_o who_o be_v unsatisfied_a in_o their_o conscience_n with_o their_o proceed_n and_o who_o have_v by_o their_o letter_n and_o act_n prelimited_a the_o assembly_n be_v admit_v to_o sit_v and_o vote_n as_o member_n of_o the_o assembly_n and_o their_o moderator_n appoint_v to_o be_v moderator_n of_o the_o assembly_n notwithstanding_o that_o timous_a exception_n be_v make_v against_o they_o that_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v admit_v as_o member_n of_o the_o assembly_n until_o their_o proceed_n be_v first_o try_v and_o approven_v by_o the_o assembly_n and_o in_o regard_n that_o his_o majesty_n by_o his_o letter_n and_o his_o majesty_n commissioner_n by_o his_o speech_n to_o the_o assembly_n have_v incite_v to_o hard_a course_n against_o those_o who_o be_v unsatisfied_a in_o their_o conscience_n with_o the_o proceed_n of_o the_o commission_n before_o these_o proceed_n be_v try_v and_o approven_v by_o the_o assembly_n itself_o we_o do_v upon_o these_o and_o many_o other_o important_a ground_n and_o reason_n to_o be_v propound_v and_o give_v in_o in_o time_n and_o place_n convenient_a protest_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n and_o in_o our_o own_o name_n and_o in_o the_o name_n of_o all_o minister_n ruling-elders_a and_o professor_n of_o this_o church_n who_o do_v or_o shall_v adhere_v to_o we_o against_o the_o validity_n and_o constitution_n of_o this_o assembly_n as_o not_o be_v free_a and_o lawful_a and_o that_o they_o may_v not_o arrogat_fw-la nor_o assume_v to_o themselves_o any_o authority_n nor_o exercise_v any_o power_n or_o jurisdiction_n for_o determine_v of_o controversy_n make_v of_o act_n emit_v of_o declaration_n judge_v of_o protestation_n or_o appeal_n or_o proceed_n of_o synod_n or_o inferior_a judicature_n or_o censure_v of_o person_n or_o paper_n or_o issue_v of_o commission_n of_o whatsoever_o sort_n to_o any_o person_n whatsoever_o and_o particular_o we_o protest_v that_o they_o may_v not_o proceed_v unto_o the_o approve_v or_o ratify_v of_o the_o proceed_n of_o the_o former_a commission_n not_o only_o because_o of_o their_o want_n of_o just_a power_n and_o authority_n so_o to_o do_v but_o also_o because_o these_o proceed_n contain_v many_o thing_n contrary_a to_o the_o trust_v commit_v to_o these_o commissioner_n especial_o the_o allow_v and_o carry_v on_o of_o a_o conjunction_n with_o the_o malignant_a party_n and_o bring_v they_o in_o to_o place_n of_o power_n and_o trust_n in_o the_o army_n and_o in_o the_o judicature_n contrary_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n the_o solemn_a confession_n of_o sin_n and_o engagement_n to_o duty_n the_o constant_a tenor_n of_o the_o declaration_n warning_n remonstrance_n cause_n of_o humiliation_n letter_n supplication_n and_o act_n and_o constitution_n of_o this_o church_n and_o the_o lay_n of_o a_o foundation_n for_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n to_o meddle_v with_o minister_n in_o those_o thing_n which_o concern_v their_o doctrine_n and_o the_o exercise_n of_o ministerial_a duty_n before_o they_o be_v cite_v try_v and_o censure_v by_o the_o judicatories_n of_o the_o church_n and_o we_o protest_v that_o whatsoever_o determination_n act_n ratification_n declaration_n sentence_n censure_n or_o commission_n that_o shall_v be_v make_v or_o give_v out_o by_o they_o may_v be_v void_a and_o null_a and_o may_v be_v interpret_v as_o bind_v to_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n and_o that_o notwithstanding_o thereof_o it_o may_v be_v free_a for_o we_o and_o such_o as_o adhere_v to_o we_o to_o exercise_v our_o ministry_n and_o enjoy_v the_o warrantable_a christian_a liberty_n of_o our_o conscience_n according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o national_a covenant_n and_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n and_o solemn_a engagement_n to_o duty_n and_o all_o the_o act_n and_o constitution_n of_o this_o church_n and_o that_o there_o may_v be_v liberty_n to_o choose_v commissioner_n and_o to_o conveen_n in_o a_o free_a lawful_a general_n assembly_n when_o there_o shall_v be_v need_n and_o the_o lord_n shall_v give_v opportunity_n and_o to_o add_v

o●_n the_o cause_n of_o the_o lord_n controversy_n and_o offer_v and_o advise_v the_o ●ame_n to_o be_v make_v use_n of_o by_o all_o the_o lord_n people_n in_o this_o land_n be_v it_o a_o fault_n in_o our_o nonconforming_a forefather_n to_o bear_v a_o testimony_n and_o give_v their_o judgement_n against_o the_o six_o corrupt_a assembly_n and_o to_o reckon_v these_o assembly_n among_o the_o sin_n and_o guiltiness_n of_o the_o land_n and_o to_o desire_v the_o land_n to_o be_v humble_v for_o they_o if_o any_o of_o the_o presbytery_n of_o these_o time_n do_v pass_v a_o presbyterial_a judgement_n and_o sentence_n upon_o the_o nullity_n of_o any_o of_o those_o assembly_n and_o the_o iniquity_n of_o their_o act_n do_v they_o wrong_v in_o so_o do_v and_o be_v this_o more_o than_o any_o power_n on_o earth_n can_v do_v that_o be_v inferior_a to_o another_o general_n assembly_n if_o it_o be_v thus_o the_o church_n be_v like_a to_o be_v in_o a_o ill_a case_n if_o a_o general_n assembly_n once_o go_v wrong_n i_o know_v that_o inferior_a judicatories_n have_v not_o power_n over_o the_o superior_a as_o a_o commission_n or_o presbytery_n over_o a_o general_n assembly_n but_o this_o hinder_v not_o if_o any_o assume_v to_o themselves_o the_o name_n and_o power_n of_o the_o superior_a to_o who_o they_o do_v not_o belong_v and_o by_o the_o pretend_a authority_n thereof_o make_v unjust_a act_n but_o the_o inferior_a may_v from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o from_o the_o act_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n declare_v the_o nullity_n of_o these_o power_n and_o the_o iniquity_n of_o these_o acts._n the_o author_n have_v teach_v we_o that_o a_o assembly_n both_o wrong_n constitute_v and_o err_a or_o only_o wrong_v constitute_v be_v no_o other_o way_n a_o assembly_n than_o a_o paint_a man_n be_v a_o man_n and_o it_o can_v be_v no_o great_a fault_n for_o any_o live_a man_n to_o discover_v the_o deceit_n of_o a_o image_n that_o other_o be_v not_o deceive_v thereby_o he_o insinuate_v that_o he_o can_v add_v mo_z instance_n not_o a_o few_o it_o be_v like_o that_o he_o have_v bring_v forth_o these_o in_o which_o he_o conceive_v the_o great_a weight_n to_o lie_v and_o if_o these_o be_v weigh_v in_o the_o balance_n be_v find_v light_n we_o need_v not_o be_v afraid_a of_o what_o be_v yet_o in_o his_o treasure_n he_o say_v true_a that_o the_o instance_n which_o he_o have_v bring_v do_v not_o belong_v formal_o and_o direct_o to_o the_o matter_n in_o question_n but_o he_o have_v fetch_v a_o great_a compass_n to_o get_v they_o in_o suppose_v by_o these_o thing_n to_o reach_v sore_a blow_n to_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o protester_n and_o to_o discover_v the_o hypocrisy_n thereof_o but_o how_o he_o have_v prove_v his_o alleadgeance_n i_o leave_v it_o to_o indifferent_a man_n to_o judge_v who_o may_v also_o give_v sentence_n of_o their_o carriage_n to_o the_o general_n assembly_n after_o the_o perusal_n of_o his_o vindication_n and_o this_o review_n vindication_n their_o next_o pretention_n or_o profession_n be_v that_o they_o look_v upon_o the_o present_a difference_n of_o the_o lord_n servant_n of_o the_o ministry_n as_o one_o of_o the_o great_a token_n of_o the_o lord_n his_o indignation_n against_o this_o kirk_n and_o that_o they_o hold_v it_o their_o duty_n to_o be_v humble_v before_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o sense_n thereof_o and_o by_o all_o lawful_a and_o sure_a mean_n within_o the_o compass_n of_o their_o power_n and_o station_n to_o endeavour_v the_o remedy_n very_o these_o difference_n be_v so_o to_o be_v look_v upon_o because_o of_o the_o anger_n of_o the_o lord_n this_o land_n be_v darken_v a_o man_n spare_v not_o his_o brother_n ephraim_n be_v against_o manasseh_n and_o manasseh_n against_o ephraim_n and_o both_o against_o judah_n and_o as_o all_o the_o lord_n people_n and_o servant_n in_o the_o land_n have_v cause_n to_o be_v humble_v before_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o sense_n thereof_o so_o some_o of_o these_o brethren_n in_o a_o special_a way_n as_o be_v the_o main_a author_n and_o promoter_n of_o these_o rent_n and_o division_n let_v impartial_a man_n look_v back_o and_o consider_v the_o beginning_n and_o progress_n and_o every_o step_n of_o the_o present_a division_n in_o this_o kirk_n and_o kingdom_n since_o the_o defeat_n at_o dunbar_n and_o see_v who_o have_v be_v the_o prime_a agent_n thereof_o i_o shall_v but_o point_v at_o some_o particular_n who_o be_v they_o who_o after_o the_o defeat_n at_o dunbar_n divide_v one_o part_n of_o the_o remnant_n of_o the_o army_n from_o the_o other_o which_o be_v the_o first_o appear_v step_n of_o our_o division_n and_o will_v never_o suffer_v they_o to_o join_v and_o unite_v together_o again_o be_v not_o the_o contrive_n of_o the_o western_a remonstrance_n the_o next_o step_n of_o our_o division_n and_o of_o itself_o a_o most_o divisive_a course_n as_o contain_v positive_a determination_n of_o matter_n of_o public_a and_o high_a concernment_n &_o condemn_v approven_v public_a act_n not_o only_o of_o the_o state_n but_o also_o of_o the_o gen._n assembly_n by_o private_a man_n without_o any_o advice_n have_v or_o seek_v from_o the_o public_a judicatory_n either_o of_o kirk_n or_o state_n yea_o contain_v also_o in_o the_o close_a thereof_o a_o band_n engage_v themselves_o to_o prosecute_v the_o matter_n of_o that_o remonstrance_n according_a to_o their_o power_n a_o thing_n judge_v always_o in_o this_o kirk_n a_o most_o divisive_a thing_n for_o any_o private_a man_n to_o do_v by_o themselves_o be_v it_o not_o some_o of_o these_o brethren_n who_o when_o the_o conference_n be_v at_o pearth_n upon_o the_o remonstrance_n oppose_v by_o all_o mean_v conjunction_n with_o the_o distract_a force_n of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o when_o it_o be_v propon_v in_o the_o conference_n if_o they_o enjoy_v their_o own_o judgement_n concern_v the_o dis-owning_a of_o the_o king_n interest_n yet_o upon_o other_o ground_n of_o the_o quarrel_n wherein_o they_o agree_v with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o kingdom_n will_v join_v with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o force_n for_o defence_n against_o the_o common_a enemy_n do_v not_o some_o public_o and_o plain_o profess_v that_o they_o can_v not_o and_o they_o will_v not_o join_v be_v not_o these_o brethren_n the_o man_n that_o because_o the_o sense_n give_v upon_o the_o western_a remonstrance_n though_o the_o most_o moderate_a and_o with_o much_o tenderness_n and_o respect_n of_o the_o person_n have_v hand_n in_o it_o withdraw_v themselves_o in_o a_o most_o tumultuous_a and_o disorderly_a way_n never_o deign_v themselves_o to_o come_v to_o the_o meet_v thereafter_o which_o be_v the_o next_o step_n of_o our_o division_n be_v it_o not_o a_o divisive_a course_n when_o the_o resolution_n be_v give_v to_o the_o parliament_n quare_fw-la concern_v person_n for_o to_o be_v employ_v in_o the_o defence_n of_o their_o country_n present_o to_o emit_v and_o spread_v paper_n through_o the_o country_n under_o pretence_n of_o write_v they_o only_o as_o letter_n to_o the_o commission_n express_v their_o scruple_n condemn_v the_o say_a resolution_n as_o a_o defection_n from_o the_o covenant_n and_o former_a principle_n suppose_v they_o think_v in_o their_o conscience_n these_o resolution_n to_o be_v such_o yea_o suppose_v that_o real_o they_o have_v contain_v some_o matter_n of_o that_o kind_n &_o that_o their_o commission_n have_v err_v as_o humanum_fw-la est_fw-la labi_fw-la yet_o they_o shall_v never_o be_v able_a to_o clear_v themselves_o before_o indifferent_a judge_n and_o impartial_a of_o divisive_a walk_n in_o disdain_v to_o come_v and_o propone_v their_o doubt_n and_o reason_n against_o that_o resolution_n in_o a_o amicable_a and_o modest_a way_n in_o the_o commission_n itself_o and_o take_v such_o a_o way_n of_o writing_n and_o send_v abroad_o testimony_n as_o they_o call_v they_o among_o themselves_o peremptory_o condemn_v traduce_v and_o tend_v to_o the_o render_v odion_n honest_a faithful_a and_o godly_a brethren_n and_o agent_v as_o diligent_o as_o they_o can_v to_o induce_v other_o through_o the_o country_n to_o do_v the_o like_a many_o other_o instance_n or_o divers_a motion_n may_v be_v give_v but_o by_o this_o much_o let_v any_o man_n judge_n if_o they_o have_v not_o cause_n to_o be_v deep_o humble_v for_o the_o division_n in_o the_o land_n among_o the_o lord_n servant_n review_n i_o shall_v not_o deny_v but_o some_o of_o these_o brethren_n have_v in_o a_o special_a way_n reason_n to_o be_v humble_v for_o the_o division_n of_o the_o land_n as_o they_o be_v the_o righteous_a judgement_n of_o the_o lord_n upon_o their_o sin_n which_o have_v be_v great_a than_o the_o sin_n of_o many_o neither_o be_o i_o so_o zealous_a of_o their_o credit_n as_o to_o say_v that_o no_o circumstance_n of_o their_o carriage_n in_o these_o thing_n can_v have_v be_v better_o order_v they_o be_v but_o

conclude_v and_o vote_v and_o do_v yet_o stand_v unrepealed_a 2._o because_o if_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o commission_n who_o write_v this_o letter_n aught_o to_o be_v acknowledge_v and_o submit_v unto_o then_o ought_v these_o act_n which_o flow_v from_o the_o same_o authority_n to_o be_v acknowledge_v and_o submit_v unto_o 3._o these_o act_n be_v public_a and_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o presbytery_n up_o and_o down_o the_o land_n and_o registrate_v in_o sundry_a of_o their_o book_n as_o also_o in_o the_o book_n of_o some_o synod_n and_o some_o presbytery_n have_v process_v some_o person_n upon_o these_o act_n and_o they_o can_v be_v exclude_v from_o the_o ordinary_a rule_n because_o but_o once_o do_v because_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o ordinary_a rule_n in_o this_o place_n must_v be_v that_o these_o only_o be_v ro_o be_v elect_v when_o no_o stand_a act_n of_o the_o kirk_n do_v exclude_v and_o yet_o it_o do_v not_o make_v it_o cease_v to_o be_v a_o rule_n so_o long_o as_o the_o 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man_n in_o that_o meeting_n earnest_o endeavour_v that_o condescend_v upon_o public_a cause_n of_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n manifest_v in_o that_o defate_n at_o dumbar_n as_o cause_n of_o a_o fast_o may_v be_v delay_v until_o the_o week_n next_o follow_v that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o full_a meeting_n of_o the_o commission_n conveen_v together_o to_o go_v about_o that_o purpose_n with_o authority_n and_o more_o deliberation_n but_o be_v bear_v down_o by_o the_o vehemency_n and_o headstrong_a forwardness_n of_o some_o who_o be_v chief_a man_n in_o this_o protestation_n profess_v so_o much_o respect_n to_o the_o establish_a government_n of_o this_o kirk_n 3._o that_o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n of_o haste_n in_o emit_v particular_a cause_n there_o be_v rather_o much_o danger_n in_o do_v it_o upon_o so_o short_a deliberation_n see_v the_o public_a calamity_n and_o know_v public_a sin_n be_v cause_n evident_a enough_o to_o all_o of_o humiliation_n for_o the_o present_a and_o within_o 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usurpation_n or_o contempt_n of_o lawful_a authority_n and_o the_o government_n establish_v in_o this_o church_n be_v here_o as_o to_o the_o thing_n challenge_v by_o the_o author_n they_o do_v not_o assume_v to_o themselves_o any_o authority_n but_o only_o write_v their_o humble_a advice_n as_o their_o letter_n do_v humble_o show_v and_o this_o they_o may_v do_v yea_o it_o be_v expedient_a for_o they_o to_o do_v it_o as_o thing_n than_o stand_v neither_o be_v they_o so_o private_a as_o the_o author_n insinuate_v the_o author_n speak_v a_o little_a diminutive_o of_o they_o when_o he_o call_v they_o some_o member_n of_o the_o commission_n and_o some_o member_n of_o the_o presbytery_n of_o the_o army_n there_o want_v but_o one_o or_o two_o of_o a_o quorum_fw-la of_o the_o commission_n and_o the_o presbytery_n of_o the_o army_n be_v numerous_a and_o well_o convene_v as_o many_o certain_o as_o give_v they_o power_n to_o act_n in_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v fit_a for_o the_o presbytery_n to_o meddle_v with_o these_o sundry_a godly_a and_o understand_a man_n of_o who●_n he_o speak_v who_o be_v for_o a_o delay_n be_v but_o a_o few_o and_o when_o the_o rest_n of_o their_o brethren_n do_v not_o find_v it_o expedient_a they_o do_v not_o e●ter_v any_o dissent_n which_o belike_o they_o will_v have_v do_v if_o they_o have_v think_v it_o a_o business_n of_o any_o such_o consequence_n as_o the_o author_n will_v ●ow_o make_v it_o when_o he_o say_v they_o be_v bear_v down_o by_o the_o head_n strong_a forwardness_n of_o some_o profess_v so_o much_o respect_n to_o the_o establish_a government_n of_o this_o church_n he_o do_v but_o show_v himself_o like_o the_o man_n who_o want_v better_a weapon_n do_v throw_v feather_n at_o his_o adversary_n which_o do_v manifest_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o desire_n to_o reach_n blow_v but_o draw_v no_o blood_n all_o the_o protester_n who_o be_v then_o present_a be_v two_o or_o three_o at_o most_o and_o they_o have_v no_o more_o voice_n but_o their_o own_o but_o it_o seem_v that_o in_o some_o man_n judgement_n where_o ever_o any_o protester_n be_v they_o must_v bear_v the_o blame_n of_o all_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v conceive_v to_o be_v do_v amiss_o as_o to_o the_o next_o there_o be_v a_o necessity_n because_o there_o be_v no_o appearance_n that_o they_o will_v get_v leave_n to_o stay_v together_o for_o to_o meet_v with_o any_o conveniency_n for_o a_o long_a time_n thereafter_o let_v be_v that_o the_o commission_n may_v meet_v within_o eight_o day_n as_o the_o author_n assert_n it_o will_v be_v acknowledge_v by_o such_o as_o know_v the_o truth_n that_o if_o the_o english_a have_v at_o any_o time_n within_o eight_o day_n after_o dumbar_n either_o advance_v with_o their_o whole_a army_n or_o send_v any_o considerable_a part_n thereof_o to_o strivel_a they_o have_v in_o all_o appearance_n gain_v that_o place_n and_o so_o make_v a_o easy_a pass_n for_o themselves_o to_o overrun_v the_o whole_a land_n and_o be_v it_o not_o every_o body_n fear_v that_o they_o shall_v so_o have_v do_v at_o that_o time_n yea_o do_v not_o all_o of_o we_o many_o time_n bless_v god_n that_o they_o do_v it_o not_o and_o what_o can_v be_v the_o danger_n of_o emit_v these_o cause_n by_o way_n of_o humble_a desire_n and_o brotherly_a representation_n see_v they_o do_v meddle_v with_o nothing_o but_o that_o which_o be_v palpable_a and_o manifest_a yea_o which_o for_o the_o matter_n have_v be_v condescend_v upon_o by_o the_o commission_n before_o that_o time_n and_o be_v as_o the_o author_n himself_o acknowledge_v such_o as_o the_o commission_n do_v at_o their_o next_o meeting_n approve_v the_o only_a thing_n that_o have_v any_o shadow_n of_o newness_n in_o it_o be_v that_o of_o the_o crooked_a and_o precipitant_a way_n that_o have_v be_v take_v for_o carry_v on_o the_o treaty_n with_o the_o king_n

of_o zion_n and_o happy_a be_v the_o man_n that_o can_v be_v the_o peacemaker_n and_o repairer_n of_o our_o breach_n but_o if_o the_o late_a and_o present_a practice_n of_o these_o our_o brethren_n do_v well_o agree_v with_o profession_n let_v god_n and_o indifferent_a godly_a man_n judge_v i_o shall_v not_o now_o insist_v upon_o the_o carriage_n and_o motion_n of_o some_o of_o they_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o late_a assembly_n at_o st._n andrews_n which_o be_v by_o a_o reverend_a and_o judicious_a godly_a man_n in_o their_o own_o hear_n say_v just_o to_o be_v fiery_a motion_n and_o petere_fw-la jugulum_fw-la pacis_fw-la nor_o yet_o upon_o the_o protestation_n against_o the_o assembly_n as_o to_o this_o effect_n of_o which_o i_o be_o now_o upon_o i_o shall_v only_o say_v this_o for_o the_o present_a have_v it_o not_o be_v a_o more_o probable_a and_o christian_n like_o mean_a for_o the_o remead_n of_o the_o division_n to_o have_v deal_v for_o a_o meeting_n of_o judicious_a and_o godly_a man_n on_o both_o side_n which_o certain_o be_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o their_o power_n and_o station_n for_o a_o brotherly_a and_o amicable_a conference_n in_o equal_a term_n about_o the_o difference_n then_o they_o be_v but_o the_o one_o side_n to_o take_v upon_o they_o the_o authority_n of_o a_o public_a judicatorie_a and_o by_o themselves_o straight_o way_n to_o condemn_v the_o other_o side_n as_o guilty_a carry_v on_o a_o course_n of_o defection_n and_o that_o to_o be_v the_o main_a cause_n of_o the_o lord_n wrath_n on_o the_o land_n and_o to_o go_v on_o in_o that_o continue_a and_o assume_v authority_n and_o act_v by_o virtue_n thereof_o as_o they_o declare_v peremptory_o they_o will_v do_v in_o their_o answer_n give_v to_o the_o moderate_a and_o peaceable_a paper_n send_v to_o they_o by_o the_o synod_n of_o lowthian_n in_o their_o late_a meeting_n in_o november_n whileas_o the_o most_o part_n of_o the_o ministry_n in_o this_o kingdom_n can_v in_o conscience_n but_o give_v testimony_n against_o this_o as_o usurpation_n which_o may_v heighten_v difference_n and_o render_v they_o more_o incurable_a may_v not_o these_o thing_n have_v be_v forbear_v without_o prejudice_n to_o themselves_o for_o peace_n safety_n at_o least_o till_o that_o other_o way_n have_v be_v assay_v i_o speak_v not_o now_o of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o the_o late_a assembly_n or_o of_o the_o public_a resolution_n but_o suppose_v these_o matter_n to_o be_v sub_fw-la judice_fw-la as_o they_o be_v at_o most_o betwixt_o we_o and_o they_o can_v there_o have_v be_v a_o way_n more_o obstructive_a to_o union_n between_o the_o party_n differ_v or_o more_o effectual_a to_o render_v the_o division_n desperate_a then_o for_o the_o one_o party_n and_o that_o the_o far_o less_o party_n by_o more_o at_o ten_o to_o one_o to_o condemn_v the_o other_o in_o a_o public_a way_n and_o represent_v they_o as_o the_o main_a procurer_n of_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o land_n and_o to_o take_v upon_o they_o at_o their_o own_o hand_n to_o be_v judge_n over_o their_o brethren_n god_n will_v not_o be_v mock_v this_o be_v not_o agreeable_a to_o their_o profession_n and_o endeavour_n by_o all_o lawful_a and_o fair_a mean_n to_o use_v remedy_n of_o peace_n what_o these_o our_o brethren_n will_v do_v hereafter_o towards_o peace_n i_o will_v not_o n●w_o take_v upon_o i_o to_o predetermine_v nor_o to_o prepossess_v any_o with_o prejudices_fw-la against_o they_o many_o of_o they_o i_o be_o persuade_v be_v man_n fear_v god_n and_o not_o only_o love_v the_o peace_n of_o zion_n but_o also_o be_v learned_a and_o understanding_n in_o these_o thing_n that_o belong_v to_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o kirk_n yet_o certain_o it_o be_v fear_v by_o many_o both_o godly_a and_o wise_a that_o some_o among_o they_o for_o all_o the_o business_n that_o be_v make_v about_o conference_n upon_o difference_n which_o indeed_o be_v not_o to_o be_v reject_v but_o to_o be_v follow_v by_o all_o mean_n and_o profession_n make_v of_o aim_n and_o desire_n thereby_o to_o have_v all_o division_n remove_v yet_o have_v no_o other_o purpose_n but_o so_o far_o as_o they_o can_v to_o strengthen_v their_o own_o way_n in_o every_o point_n and_o to_o fix_v the_o division_n from_o the_o most_o part_n of_o the_o kirk_n of_o scotland_n the_o good_a lord_n avert_v this_o but_o if_o this_o appear_v at_o last_o we_o hope_v that_o man_n of_o understanding_n and_o soundness_n upon_o that_o side_n of_o the_o difference_n will_v remember_v and_o make_v use_n of_o what_o they_o have_v learn_v and_o know_v and_o have_v profess_v concern_v the_o church_n constitution_n and_o of_o schism_n and_o separation_n against_o independent_o and_o separatist_n review_n there_o be_v nothing_o say_v here_o of_o the_o protester_n that_o do_v infringe_v the_o integrity_n of_o their_o profession_n and_o resolution_n by_o all_o lawful_a and_o fair_a mean_n within_o the_o compass_n of_o their_o power_n and_o station_n to_o endeavour_v the_o remedy_n of_o the_o division_n it_o be_v true_a that_o one_o of_o the_o member_n of_o the_o commission_n to_o who_o i_o do_v not_o deny_v the_o testimony_n of_o a_o reverend_a judicious_a and_o godly_a man_n do_v call_v the_o exception_n propound_v against_o those_o member_n of_o the_o assembly_n who_o have_v be_v member_n of_o the_o commission_n a_o fiery_a motion_n and_o such_o a_o thing_n as_o petit_fw-la jugulum_fw-la pacis_fw-la which_o be_v not_o then_o more_o sharp_o speak_v than_o it_o be_v modest_o take_v but_o to_o say_v nothing_o that_o in_o that_o particular_a he_o be_v a_o party_n that_o speak_v so_o pace_fw-la tanti_fw-la viri_fw-la there_o be_v no_o just_a reason_n to_o call_v it_o so_o the_o exception_n be_v so_o well_o ground_v as_o it_o be_v i_o wish_v the_o author_n may_v lay_v as_o much_o weight_n upon_o the_o word_n of_o that_o worthy_a man_n in_o other_o thing_n concern_v the_o public_a resolution_n as_o he_o do_v in_o that_o speech_n of_o he_o as_o to_o the_o author_n discourse_n concern_v their_o take_n upon_o they_o the_o authority_n of_o a_o public_a judicatory_a and_o declare_v peremptory_o that_o they_o will_v so_o do_v and_o condemn_v the_o other_o side_n they_o be_v by_o far_o the_o few_o number_n and_o while_o the_o matter_n be_v yet_o sub_fw-la judice_fw-la when_o he_o shall_v be_v please_v to_o give_v we_o a_o answer_n concern_v his_o and_o other_o man_n take_v upon_o they_o to_o be_v a_o assembly_n and_o to_o make_v act_n not_o only_o condemn_v their_o brethren_n judgement_n but_o also_o censure_v they_o with_o the_o sentence_n of_o suspension_n &_o deposition_n then_o shall_v a_o answer_n be_v give_v he_o concern_v this_o if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o they_o be_v a_o lawful_a assembly_n but_o the_o other_o be_v no_o lawful_a commission_n that_o be_v the_o question_n and_o if_o truth_n be_v on_o his_o side_n as_o to_o the_o freedom_n and_o lawfulness_n of_o the_o assembly_n what_o he_o say_v of_o their_o set_n up_o of_o the_o commission_n have_v weight_n but_o if_o that_o assembly_n be_v no_o assembly_n than_o be_v the_o former_a commission_n still_o stand_v and_o they_o be_v in_o no_o fault_n to_o conveen_n and_o exercise_v the_o same_o it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o matter_n be_v sub_fw-la judice_fw-la but_o be_v not_o the_o matter_n also_o sub_fw-la judice_fw-la betwixt_o the_o meeting_n at_o dundee_n and_o the_o protester_n when_o that_o meeting_n take_v upon_o they_o notwithstanding_o of_o the_o protestation_n to_o be_v a_o assembly_n and_o do_v make_v act_n censure_v some_o and_o lay_v a_o foundation_n for_o the_o censure_v of_o all_o these_o that_o shall_v refuse_v to_o acknowledge_v their_o constitution_n or_o after_o conference_n oppose_v their_o acts._n in_o answer_n to_o the_o rest_n of_o his_o discourse_n upon_o this_o head_n i_o desire_v the_o reader_n to_o take_v notice_n that_o after_o several_a essay_n of_o a_o conference_n with_o the_o commission_n by_o the_o synod_n of_o glasgow_n to_o little_a or_o no_o effect_n at_o the_o meeting_n at_o st._n andrews_n these_o who_o be_v dissatisfy_v with_o the_o public_a resolution_n do_v offer_v to_o the_o meet_v a_o humble_a suppcation_n desire_v they_o to_o forbear_v to_o constitute_v themselves_o in_o a_o assembly_n and_o to_o adjurne_v the_o meeting_n until_o peaceable_a and_o fair_a mean_n shall_v be_v use_v for_o compose_v of_o difference_n which_o be_v altogether_o refuse_v to_o be_v read_v then_o after_o that_o the_o meeting_n have_v constitute_v themselves_o in_o a_o assembly_n it_o be_v desire_v by_o these_o brethren_n that_o they_o will_v appoint_v some_o of_o their_o number_n to_o confer_v with_o they_o about_o difference_n which_o be_v long_o &_o tenacious_o oppose_v as_o carry_v with_o it_o a_o reflection_n upon_o these_o of_o the_o commission_n who_o have_v carry_v on_o the_o public_a resolution_n and_o a_o

length_n to_o condemn_v these_o thing_n and_o for_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o act_n they_o acknowledge_v themselves_o to_o be_v man_n subject_a to_o the_o like_a passion_n with_o other_o but_o know_v no_o cause_n why_o for_o these_o the_o trade_n of_o prelatical_a ste●s_n shall_v be_v change_v rather_o upon_o they_o th●n_o upon_o other_o some_o in_o the_o follow_n of_o their_o duty_n be_v more_o emiss_a and_o other_o more_o forward_a but_o as_o long_o as_o they_o do_v strait_o and_o honest_o own_o their_o duty_n it_o be_v hard_a either_o because_o of_o the_o one_o or_o of_o the_o other_o to_o charge_v they_o with_o so_o heavy_a impu●ations_n vindication_n we_o shall_v now_o weigh_v these_o reason_n whereupon_o the_o protestation_n be_v build_v and_o which_o have_v be_v add_v late_o as_o batterage_n to_o hold_v it_o up_o sure_o the_o ground_n whereupon_o man_n will_v adventure_v on_o such_o a_o act_n or_o other_o will_v join_v in_o approve_v of_o it_o have_v need_n to_o be_v weighty_a in_o themselves_o and_o relevant_a and_o also_o clear_a in_o man_n conscience_n to_o protest_v against_o ●●r_a dissent_n from_o some_o particular_a act_n and_o constitution_n of_o a_o gen._n assembly_n be_v a_o thing_n which_o may_v be_v do_v without_o schism_n and_o derogation_n to_o the_o authority_n and_o be_v of_o government_n but_o when_o a_o gen._n assembly_n itself_o be_v protest_v against_o and_o decline_v as_o unlawful_a and_o have_v no_o authority_n at_o all_o who_o see_v not_o how_o sad_a the_o consequence_n must_v ready_o be_v in_o hat_n kirk_n hardly_o can_v it_o be_v by_o any_o outward_a mean_n but_o turn_v to_o a_o fix_a schism_n which_o thing_n how_o have_v godly_a orthodox_n christian_n in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o kirk_n detest_a and_o abhor_v choose_v rather_o ever_o to_o tolerate_v great_a offence_n which_o they_o do_v see_v but_o can_v not_o mend_v rather_o then_o to_o a●vide_v the_o kirk_n of_o christ_n and_o then_o it_o will_v be_v serious_o consider_v if_o the_o reason_n and_o ground_n of_o such_o a_o act_n be_v not_o clear_a and_o relevant_a how_o high_a a_o attempt_n it_o against_o the_o kingly_a office_n of_o christ_n to_o trample_v under_o foot_n his_o supreme_a external_a court_n in_o a_o nationall_n kirk_n come_v we_o then_o and_o ponder_v the_o reason_n allege_v for_o this_o protestation_n and_o declinature_n whether_o they_o be_v find_v weighty_a or_o light_a uincat_fw-la veritas_fw-la review_n i_o shall_v not_o stand_v to_o discuse_v the_o relevancy_n of_o all_o that_o be_v assert_v in_o this_o general_a discourse_n but_o return_v this_o answer_n thereunto_o it_o seem_v the_o author_n do_v not_o deny_v that_o it_o be_v lawful_a and_o in_o some_o case_n necessary_a to_o protest_v against_o and_o decline_v some_o gen._n assembly_n and_o that_o it_o will_v be_v so_o in_o our_o hypothesis_n if_o the_o ground_n be_v clear_a and_o relevant_a whatsoever_o will_v plead_v for_o a_o protestation_n against_o particular_a act_n that_o be_v wrongthe_n same_o &_o great_a reason_n will_v plead_v for_o a_o protestation_n against_o a_o wrong_a constitution_n because_o the_o error_n of_o a_o wrong_a constitution_n be_v of_o great_a consequence_n as_o import_v more_o prejudice_n to_o the_o work_n and_o people_n of_o god_n and_o be_v a_o high_a attempt_n against_o the_o kingly_a office_n of_o jesus_n christ_n than_o many_o wrong_a act_n be_v and_o therefore_o there_o be_v the_o great_a reason_n to_o prevent_v the_o same_o in_o jure_fw-la where_o it_o can_v be_v do_v in_o facto_fw-la even_o as_o man_n by_o such_o like_a protestation_n preserve_v their_o right_n jure_v when_o by_o the_o spate_o of_o a_o decline_a judicatory_a they_o be_v like_a to_o be_v oppress_v de_fw-la facto_fw-la and_o therefore_o have_v orthodox_n christian_n in_o all_o age_n bear_v testimony_n and_o protest_v against_o corrupt_a counsel_n as_o well_o as_o corrupt_v act_n we_o shall_v not_o go_v far_o back_o to_o seek_v instance_n it_o be_v know_v what_o the_o protestant_a church_n do_v against_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n and_o how_o often_o faithful_a man_n in_o the_o church_n since_o the_o reformation_n from_o popery_n have_v bear_v testimony_n and_o protest_v against_o unlawful_a assembly_n as_o well_o as_o against_o unwarrantable_a act_n neither_o do_v it_o cause_n schism_n in_o the_o church_n or_o derogate_v any_o thing_n from_o the_o authority_n and_o be_v of_o government_n to_o protest_v against_o usurper_n corrupter_n or_o perverter_n of_o it_o in_o a_o false_a court_n but_o it_o be_v the_o lawful_a and_o have_v be_v the_o usual_a mean_n in_o this_o church_n bless_v unto_o she_o of_o the_o lord_n to_o prevent_v and_o remead_v schism_n and_o to_o preserve_v the_o authority_n and_o be_v of_o government_n with_o the_o purity_n and_o liberty_n of_o all_o the_o ordinance_n and_o whatsoever_o sad_a consequence_n can_v be_v imagine_v to_o follow_v upon_o it_o do_v lie_n at_o the_o door_n of_o these_o who_o by_o decline_v from_o their_o principle_n carry_v on_o and_o cleave_v to_o a_o corrupt_a constitution_n of_o a_o assembly_n and_o not_o on_o these_o who_o adhere_v to_o sound_a principle_n do_v from_o the_o conscience_n of_o their_o duty_n bear_v testimony_n against_o the_o same_o it_o have_v be_v often_o and_o true_o say_v that_o the_o side_n wall_n which_o fall_v and_o not_o the_o gevill_n which_o stand_v be_v to_o blame_v for_o the_o rent_n and_o ruin_n of_o the_o house_n i_o do_v willing_o acknowledge_v that_o it_o be_v a_o high_a attempt_n against_o the_o kingly_a office_n of_o jesus_n christ_n to_o trample_v under_o foot_n his_o supreme_a external_a court_n in_o a_o nationall_n church_n but_o as_o the_o protester_n be_v guilty_a of_o this_o high_a attempt_n if_o they_o have_v protest_v against_o the_o meeting_n at_o st._n andrews_n and_o dundee_n without_o a_o cause_n and_o upon_o ground_n that_o be_v not_o relevant_a so_o if_o the_o author_n and_o abettor_n of_o the_o public_a resolution_n have_v corrupt_v this_o court_n in_o the_o free_a and_o lawful_a constitution_n thereof_o and_o have_v take_v upon_o themselves_o to_o be_v a_o assembly_n whilst_o they_o be_v none_o then_o will_v they_o and_o not_o the_o other_o be_v find_v guilty_a of_o this_o high_a attempt_n let_v we_o therefore_o come_v to_o the_o discuss_n and_o clear_v of_o the_o reason_n that_o the_o protester_n plead_v for_o themselves_o vindication_n their_o first_o reason_n for_o unfreenesse_n and_o unlawfulnesse_n of_o the_o assembly_n that_o the_o election_n of_o commissioner_n to_o the_o same_o be_v prelimited_a and_o prejudge_v in_o the_o due_a liberty_n thereof_o by_o a_o act_n &_o letter_n of_o their_o commission_n of_o the_o last_o assembly_n send_v to_o presbytery_n appoint_v such_o brethren_n as_o after_o conference_n remain_v unsatisfied_a with_o and_o continue_v to_o oppose_v public_a resolution_n to_o be_v cite_v to_o the_o gen._n assembly_n thus_o it_o be_v brief_o propon_v in_o the_o protestation_n in_o the_o late_o large_a paper_n emit_v and_o spread_v abroad_o since_o wherein_o as_o may_v be_v conceive_v be_v muster_v all_o the_o force_n that_o can_v be_v gather_v together_o against_o that_o assembly_n and_o many_o head_n have_v be_v employ_v in_o that_o one_o every_o man_n that_o read_v it_o decern_v who_o pen_n have_v give_v the_o form_n and_o frame_v to_o it_o and_o any_o decern_a man_n also_o may_v perceive_v in_o it_o something_o of_o school_n and_o something_o of_o law_n and_o register_n which_o the_o former_a behove_v to_o have_v from_o these_o quarrier_n it_o be_v put_v in_o a_o sy_n logistick_a form_n thus_o that_o it_o be_v no_o free_a general_n assembly_n the_o election_n of_o who_o commissioner_n be_v so_o prejudge_v and_o prelimited_n in_o the_o due_a freedom_n and_o liberty_n thereof_o that_o many_o minister_n of_o presbytery_n in_o a_o capacity_n to_o be_v choose_v for_o their_o ability_n and_o faithfulness_n be_v by_o the_o presbytery_n at_o the_o order_n of_o the_o supreme_a judicatory_a past_a by_o and_o set_v aside_o in_o the_o election_n and_o render_v uncapable_a to_o be_v member_n thereof_o but_o the_o late_a meeting_n be_v such_o therefore_o etc._n etc._n we_o will_v not_o follow_v out_o foot_n for_o foot_n the_o tract_n of_o many_o objection_n which_o the_o contriver_n of_o this_o paper_n have_v either_o find_v some_o way_n make_v by_o other_o or_o have_v form_v themselves_o at_o their_o own_o pleasure_n against_o this_o and_o other_o follow_v reason_n and_o their_o reply_n thereunto_o but_o shall_v propone_v such_o reasen_n as_o we_o conceive_v discover_v the_o nullity_n of_o these_o and_o other_o reason_n not_o omit_v the_o consideration_n of_o any_o thing_n contain_v in_o this_o paper_n which_o shall_v seem_v to_o meet_v with_o what_o we_o shall_v bring_v as_o occasion_n shall_v be_v offer_v without_o tie_v ourselves_o to_o the_o order_n of_o this_o paper_n for_o answer_v then_o to_o this_o

proposition_n be_v unquestionable_a the_o minor_a be_v prove_v thus_o it_o be_v to_o be_v constitute_v by_o the_o act_n of_o the_o pretend_a assembly_n of_o dundee_n as_o by_o a_o rule_n ergo_fw-la by_o a_o corrupt_a rule_n the_o antecedent_n be_v manifest_a because_o all_o the_o unrepealed_a act_n of_o former_a assembly_n that_o do_v determine_v the_o qualification_n of_o commissioner_n be_v especial_o the_o act_n of_o the_o assem_fw-la immediate_o precede_v be_v the_o rule_n by_o which_o the_o assem_fw-la be_v to_o be_v constitute_v as_o be_v manifest_a from_o the_o act_n of_o the_o assem_fw-la themselves_o old_a and_o late_a and_o from_o the_o constant_a practice_n of_o this_o kirk_n in_o all_o her_o assembly_n and_o that_o the_o act_n of_o dundee_n include_v a_o corrupt_a rule_n as_o to_o the_o judgement_n and_o conscience_n of_o those_o who_o condemn_v these_o act_n as_o involve_v a_o course_n of_o defection_n be_v manifest_a because_o they_o appoint_v all_o those_o who_o do_v not_o acquiesce_v and_o be_v obedient_a to_o the_o act_n and_o constitution_n of_o that_o assembly_n to_o be_v proceed_v against_o with_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o kirk_n and_o so_o to_o be_v exclude_v from_o be_v capable_a of_o be_v elect_v as_o commissioner_n for_o sit_v in_o the_o assembly_n as_o member_n right_o qualify_v 2._o no_o man_n ought_v to_o concur_v in_o any_o election_n of_o commissioner_n when_o the_o election_n be_v not_o free_a but_o ought_v rather_o to_o give_v testimony_n against_o the_o same_o but_o the_o election_n of_o commissioner_n to_o the_o assembly_n indict_v by_o the_o pretend_a authority_n of_o the_o commissioner_n of_o the_o assembly_n at_o dundee_n can_v be_v free_a in_o the_o judgement_n of_o these_o who_o do_v not_o approve_v of_o the_o act_n of_o dundee_n ergo_fw-la nothing_o here_o need_v confirmation_n but_o the_o assumption_n which_o may_v be_v prove_v thus_o that_o election_n which_o be_v limit_v and_o restrict_v unto_o such_o only_a as_o be_v involve_v in_o a_o course_n of_o defection_n and_o backslide_n and_o be_v exclusive_a of_o all_o other_o who_o have_v not_o be_v involve_v in_o the_o foresay_a course_n can_v be_v a_o free_a election_n but_o the_o election_n of_o the_o commissioner_n of_o the_o ensue_a assembly_n be_v such_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o these_o who_o do_v not_o approve_v the_o act_n of_o dundee_n ergo_fw-la the_o reason_n of_o the_o assumption_n be_v because_o illud_fw-la possumus_fw-la quod_fw-la jure_fw-la possumus_fw-la now_o no_o presbytery_n session_n or_o person_n acknowledge_v the_o constitution_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o assem_fw-la of_o dundee_n and_o yet_o testify_v against_o the_o act_n thereof_o relate_v to_o the_o approbation_n of_o public_a resolution_n and_o to_o the_o censure_v of_o the_o opposer_n and_o such_o as_o do_v not_o acquiesce_v and_o give_v obedience_n thereto_o can_v legal_o choose_v commissioner_n contrary_a to_o a_o stand_v unrepealed_a act_n of_o a_o assembly_n therefore_o the_o election_n of_o commissioner_n to_o the_o ensue_a assembly_n must_v be_v limit_v and_o unfree_a in_o the_o judgement_n of_o these_o who_o protest_v against_o it_o in_o their_o conscience_n or_o disapprove_a the_o act_n of_o the_o assembly_n of_o dundee_n as_o involve_v the_o approbation_n of_o the_o course_n of_o defection_n 3._o no_o man_n ought_v concur_v in_o the_o election_n of_o commissioner_n to_o a_o assembly_n unto_o which_o none_o be_v to_o be_v admit_v member_n but_o such_o as_o be_v involve_v in_o a_o course_n of_o defection_n and_o back_n slide_v from_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n and_o from_o the_o covenant_n but_o the_o ensue_a assembly_n be_v to_o be_v such_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o these_o who_o disapprove_a the_o act_n of_o dundee_n ergo_fw-la the_o proposition_n be_v grant_v on_o all_o hand_n even_o the_o assembly_n of_o dundee_n and_o the_o asserter_n of_o the_o authority_n thereof_o grant_v the_o nullity_n of_o a_o assembly_n when_o the_o author_n and_o abettor_n of_o a_o course_n of_o defection_n be_v admit_v to_o be_v constituent_a member_n the_o assumption_n be_v prove_v to_o wit_n that_o assembly_n now_o indict_v be_v to_o be_v such_o a_o assembly_n that_o assembly_n unto_o which_o none_o can_v be_v admit_v member_n but_o such_o as_o approve_v the_o public_a resolution_n and_o the_o act_n of_o dundee_n ratify_v the_o same_o be_v in_o the_o judgement_n of_o these_o who_o disapprove_a the_o act_n but_o not_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o assembly_n of_o dundee_n a_o assembly_n unto_o which_o none_o can_v be_v admit_v member_n but_o such_o as_o be_v involve_v in_o a_o course_n of_o defection_n but_o unto_o the_o ensue_a assembly_n none_o can_v be_v admit_v member_n but_o such_o as_o approve_v the_o act_n ratify_v the_o public_a resolution_n none_o but_o these_o can_v be_v admit_v because_o none_o can_v be_v admit_v contrary_a to_o a_o stand_v unrepealed_a law_n and_o yet_o these_o be_v involve_v in_o a_o defection_n in_o the_o judgement_n of_o they_o who_o disapprove_a the_o act_n at_o dundee_n 4._o no_o man_n ought_v to_o concur_v in_o keep_v a_o assembly_n from_o which_o many_o faithful_a and_o godly_a minister_n and_o ruling_n elder_n be_v exclude_v for_o no_o other_o cause_n but_o for_o their_o be_v faithful_a in_o witness_v against_o the_o backslide_n of_o the_o land_n but_o from_o this_o assembly_n many_o such_o be_v exclude_v by_o the_o act_n of_o dundee_n and_o that_o for_o no_o other_o cause_n but_o for_o testify_v against_o the_o defection_n of_o the_o land_n according_a to_o the_o judgement_n of_o these_o who_o condemn_v these_o act_n and_o therefore_o these_o can_v concur_v in_o keep_v this_o ensue_a assembly_n 5._o no_o man_n ought_v to_o concur_v in_o keep_v a_o assembly_n wherein_o the_o constituent_a member_n be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n such_o as_o be_v either_o author_n or_o approver_n of_o the_o enact_v a_o persecution_n of_o many_o godly_a man_n but_o the_o ensue_a assembly_n be_v to_o be_v such_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o these_o who_o disapprove_a the_o act_n of_o the_o assembly_n at_o dundee_n ergo_fw-la the_o proposition_n will_v be_v grant_v by_o every_o man_n the_o assumption_n be_v abundant_o prove_v by_o the_o clear_n of_o these_o thing_n 1._o that_o enact_v the_o draw_v forth_o of_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n against_o godly_a man_n to_o speak_v nothing_o of_o that_o which_o be_v already_o execute_v for_o that_o which_o be_v no_o fault_n in_o they_o be_v the_o enact_v of_o a_o persecution_n of_o godly_a man_n can_v be_v deny_v by_o any_o 2._o that_o the_o enact_v to_o draw_v forth_o all_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o kirk_n against_o these_o who_o do_v not_o approve_v the_o act_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o assembly_n of_o dundee_n to_o the_o enact_v of_o draw_v forth_o censure_n against_o godly_a man_n for_o that_o which_o be_v no_o fault_n in_o they_o but_o duty_n be_v unquestionable_a in_o the_o judgement_n of_o these_o who_o disapprove_a these_o acts._n 3_o that_o the_o assembly_n now_o indict_v be_v to_o be_v make_v up_o of_o such_o be_v clear_a from_o what_o be_v before_o speak_v and_o shall_v be_v further_o clear_v immediate_o ob._n how_o do_v it_o appear_v that_o the_o assembly_n now_o indict_v be_v to_o be_v constitute_v as_o all_o these_o reason_n do_v import_v can_v we_o judge_v of_o the_o constitution_n of_o it_o before_o we_o see_v how_o it_o be_v constitute_v ans_fw-fr 1._o it_o must_v be_v constitute_v according_a to_o the_o act_n and_o rule_v constitute_v which_o be_v not_o yet_o repeal_v and_o therefore_o according_a to_o rule_n of_o the_o assembly_n at_o dundee_n in_o the_o judgement_n of_o these_o who_o acknowledge_v the_o authority_n of_o that_o assembly_n and_o these_o act_n can_v be_v repeal_v before_o the_o constitution_n of_o another_o assembly_n 2._o that_o it_o must_v be_v so_o constitute_v may_v appear_v from_o the_o tenaciousness_n of_o synod_n and_o presbytery_n to_o maintain_v the_o authority_n and_o act_n of_o that_o pretend_a assembly_n who_o be_v involve_v in_o the_o approbation_n of_o the_o same_o have_v give_v good_a evidence_n that_o the_o ensue_a assembly_n must_v be_v so_o constitute_v if_o it_o be_v urge_v as_o for_o instance_n the_o letter_n of_o the_o instant_a commissioner_n which_o do_v appoint_v the_o place_n of_o meeting_n of_o the_o future_a assembly_n do_v desire_v presbytery_n to_o choose_v commissioner_n according_a to_o the_o know_a and_o ordinary_a rule_n of_o election_n but_o these_o know_v and_o ordinary_a rule_n can_v be_v suppose_v to_o include_v the_o act_n of_o the_o assembly_n at_o dundee_n 1._o because_o these_o act_n be_v not_o know_v the_o same_o not_o be_v publish_v yea_o not_o extant_a neither_o can_v they_o be_v call_v ordinary_a be_v once_o only_o do_v and_o be_v question_v much_o by_o many_o it_o be_v answer_v these_o be_v poor_a shift_n 1._o because_o these_o act_n be_v formal_o