two_o assembly_n must_v pass_v from_o the_o same_o judicial_o under_o their_o hand_n between_z and_z the_o second_o wednesday_n of_o november_n next_o ensue_v in_o their_o several_a presbytery_n or_o synod_n respective_a and_o in_o order_n to_o the_o public_a resolution_n must_v give_v assurance_n in_o manner_n foresay_a that_o they_o shall_v forbear_v to_o speak_v or_o to_o testify_v any_o more_o against_o the_o sin_n of_o these_o which_o they_o express_v by_o forbear_v to_o hold_v up_o division_n by_o debate_n about_o matter_n of_o our_o late_a difference_n since_o the_o assembly_n 1650_o in_o preach_v write_a or_o any_o otherwise_o and_o in_o reference_n to_o what_o be_v to_o come_v the_o act_n of_o the_o assembly_n at_o dundee_n for_o censure_v of_o all_o these_o who_o do_v not_o acknowledge_v the_o constitution_n of_o that_o assembly_n or_o who_o do_v oppose_v the_o resolution_n or_o who_o do_v not_o acknowledge_v the_o act_n and_o constitution_n thereof_o stand_v unrepealed_a to_o which_o a_o new_a one_o in_o this_o assembly_n at_o edinburgh_n be_v add_v exclude_v all_o expectant_n and_o ruling_n elder_n who_o refuse_v the_o condition_n contain_v in_o this_o overture_n when_o i_o think_v upon_o these_o thing_n i_o can_v not_o but_o call_v to_o mind_n and_o lay_v before_o other_o to_o who_o union_n and_o peace_n which_o be_v so_o much_o plead_v and_o pretend_v may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v sweet_a and_o dear_a 1._o that_o which_o be_v speak_v public_o in_o that_o assembly_n at_o edinburgh_n by_o one_o of_o their_o own_o member_n whilst_o they_o be_v upon_o the_o debate_n of_o their_o act_n and_o overture_n about_o these_o difference_n to_o wit_n all_o the_o reverend_a brethren_n speak_v for_o moderation_n but_o i_o think_v we_o be_v very_o like_o those_o in_o micah_n who_o cry_v peace_n peace_n and_o bite_v with_o their_o tooth_n micah_n 3._o v._n 5._o second_o the_o practice_n of_o our_o prelate_n in_o scotland_n who_o after_o they_o have_v usurp_v upon_o 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turbulent_a spirit_n who_o will_v rather_o rend_v the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o fill_v all_o with_o confusion_n and_o division_n before_o they_o do_v not_o satisfy_v their_o own_o proud_a and_o contentious_a humour_n in_o strive_v as_o they_o allege_v about_o thing_n of_o no_o great_a consquence_n relate_v to_o church_n policy_n when_o there_o be_v no_o difference_n in_o matter_n of_o doctrine_n who_o so_o please_v to_o look_v upon_o the_o record_n of_o that_o corrupt_a assembly_n at_o lithgow_n 1608._o will_n find_v that_o the_o prelate_n and_o their_o party_n who_o prevail_v in_o that_o assembly_n make_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o noise_n concern_v the_o distraction_n of_o affection_n and_o diversity_n of_o judgement_n that_o be_v arisen_a among_o the_o ministry_n and_o upon_o the_o first_o of_o these_o they_o do_v insist_v at_o length_n hold_v it_o forth_o to_o be_v carnal_a and_o therefore_o say_v they_o the_o more_o dangerous_a because_o it_o suffer_v not_o the_o brethren_n who_o affection_n be_v separate_v to_o unite_v themselves_o with_o effauld_n and_o uniform_a counsel_n and_o advice_n to_o resist_v the_o subtle_a practice_n of_o the_o common_a enemy_n and_o so_o give_v he_o place_n with_o his_o subtle_a craft_n and_o shift_n to_o enter_v into_o the_o kirk_n of_o god_n and_o thereby_o to_o supplant_v and_o undermine_v the_o same_o therefore_o their_o advice_n be_v that_o as_o the_o danger_n increase_v by_o the_o nourish_a of_o the_o distract_a affection_n of_o the_o brethren_n even_o so_o the_o cure_n be_v the_o more_o necessary_a and_o hasty_o to_o be_v apply_v to_o wit_n that_o the_o whole_a brethren_n of_o the_o ministry_n shall_v present_o in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n lay_v down_o all_o rancour_n and_o distraction_n of_o heart_n and_o affection_n which_o either_o of_o they_o have_v bear_v against_o other_o in_o any_o time_n and_o be_v reconcile_v with_o hearty_a affection_n in_o christ_n as_o become_v they_o who_o be_v minister_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o preacher_n of_o peace_n and_o christian_a life_n and_o charity_n to_o his_o people_n to_o the_o effect_n that_o by_o this_o hearty_a reconciliation_n heart_n and_o advice_n may_v be_v communicate_v for_o disappoint_v of_o the_o crafty_a devise_n of_o this_o common_a enemy_n but_o as_o to_o that_o which_o be_v the_o real_a and_o first_o fountain_n of_o this_o distraction_n and_o difference_n of_o judgement_n to_o wit_n minister_n vote_v in_o parliament_n their_o take_n of_o prelacy_n and_o fetle_v constant_a moderator_n no_o acknowledge_v of_o these_o thing_n as_o a_o sin_n or_o pass_v from_o they_o as_o corruption_n but_o hold_v they_o fast_o and_o build_v a_o further_a superstructure_n of_o decline_v upon_o they_o whilst_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n by_o their_o profess_a forwardness_n against_o papist_n who_o be_v then_o the_o enemy_n with_o who_o the_o church_n have_v to_o do_v and_o the_o argument_n take_v from_o the_o benefit_n of_o union_n and_o peace_n and_o the_o 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receive_n of_o penitent_n j._n makghie_n observation_n this_o act_n as_o be_v profess_v and_o give_v out_o by_o many_o be_v not_o only_o intend_v but_o if_o they_o may_v be_v trust_v do_v indeed_o and_o upon_o the_o matter_n give_v full_a and_o clear_a satisfaction_n to_o the_o proposition_n which_o be_v offer_v by_o the_o protester_n unto_o their_o brethren_n of_o the_o assembly_n at_o their_o first_o down-sitting_a as_o the_o best_a mean_n for_o satisfy_v of_o their_o conscience_n secure_v of_o the_o work_n of_o reformation_n purge_v the_o church_n promove_v the_o power_n of_o godliness_n remove_v of_o these_o sad_a difference_n and_o for_o attain_v and_o preserve_v a_o good_a understanding_n and_o therefore_o these_o as_o they_o allege_v be_v satisfy_v the_o propounder_n of_o they_o not_o acquiesce_v therein_o must_v have_v some_o other_o thing_n before_o they_o therefore_o for_o vindicate_v of_o these_o i_o shall_v mark_v a_o few_o thing_n for_o show_v how_o unsatisfactory_a all_o 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danger_n to_o the_o lord_n work_v from_o a_o numerous_a party_n of_o malignant_n still_o in_o the_o land_n so_o be_v they_o much_o unsatisfied_a that_o the_o assembly_n give_v no_o expression_n of_o their_o sense_n of_o danger_n this_o way_n nor_o evidence_n of_o their_o willingness_n to_o concur_v in_o secure_v against_o the_o same_o nor_o hold_v forth_o any_o way_n for_o the_o discover_v and_o know_v of_o these_o for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v 3._o whereas_o they_o seem_v to_o grant_v much_o in_o order_n to_o the_o try_v admit_v removing_z and_o depose_v of_o church-officer_n censure_v of_o scandalous_a person_n dispense_n of_o ordinance_n and_o receive_v of_o penitent_n they_o do_v real_o and_o in_o effect_n grant_v little_a or_o nothing_o yea_o they_o do_v express_o refuse_v the_o desire_n of_o the_o proposition_n upon_o these_o thing_n and_o establish_v the_o very_a contrary_n because_o the_o desire_n of_o the_o proposition_n be_v that_o the_o late_a meeting_n at_o dundee_n and_o the_o act_n thereof_o be_v take_v out_o of_o the_o way_n and_o the_o work_n and_o people_n of_o god_n secure_v from_o the_o harm_n and_o evil_a consequence_n which_o have_v already_o and_o may_v further_o ensue_v from_o the_o same_o as_o be_v express_v in_o the_o last_o proposition_n which_o they_o whole_o omit_v all_o these_o thing_n may_v be_v do_v according_a to_o the_o act_n of_o former_a uncontroverted_a assembly_n of_o this_o church_n concern_v the_o work_n of_o reformation_n in_o the_o literal_a and_o genuine_a sense_n and_o meaning_n thereof_o but_o their_o grant_n and_o concession_n do_v include_v for_o the_o rule_n according_a to_o which_o they_o be_v to_o be_v regulate_v viz._n the_o act_n of_o general_a assembly_n and_o constitution_n of_o this_o church_n indefinite_o which_o in_o their_o sense_n do_v clear_o and_o undeniable_o include_v the_o act_n of_o the_o last_o assembly_n at_o dundee_n and_o edinburgh_n which_o instead_o of_o purge_v of_o the_o church_n from_o ignorant_a and_o disaffect_v and_o scandalous_a minister_n and_o professor_n purge_v it_o from_o a_o very_a great_a part_n of_o the_o able_a well_o affect_v &_o good_a minister_n elder_n expectant_n and_o professor_n of_o the_o land_n because_o of_o their_o not_o acknowledge_v the_o authority_n and_o acquiesce_v to_o the_o constitution_n of_o these_o assembly_n 4._o their_o action_n which_o before_o the_o lord_n and_o also_o with_o intelligent_a and_o discern_a man_n be_v the_o most_o real_a evidence_n of_o the_o reality_n and_o sincerity_n of_o man_n intention_n since_o that_o time_n do_v demonstrate_v whether_o they_o have_v grant_v the_o desire_n of_o these_o proposition_n tell_v i_o how_o many_o ignorant_a disaffect_v scandalous_a minister_n or_o elder_n be_v censure_v by_o the_o author_n of_o the_o public_a resolution_n since_o the_o last_o assembly_n or_o how_o many_o lawful_o depose_v and_o unlawful_o admit_v be_v proceed_v against_o etc._n etc._n they_o will_v fain_o find_v some_o shadow_n of_o a_o excuse_n for_o so_o gross_a a_o oversight_n and_o cast_v the_o blame_n upon_o the_o protester_n who_o say_v they_o have_v so_o weaken_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n that_o her_o censure_n be_v render_v altogether_o ineffectual_a but_o 1._o to_o say_v nothing_o that_o spiritual_a censure_n be_v not_o always_o to_o be_v foreborn_a because_o man_n refuse_v to_o obey_v yea_o in_o many_o case_n they_o be_v the_o more_o vigorous_o to_o be_v prosecute_v 2._o with_o what_o colour_n of_o reason_n can_v it_o be_v allege_v that_o those_o who_o not_o only_o acknowledge_v their_o authority_n but_o very_o zealous_o plead_v for_o it_o as_o most_o of_o the_o scandalous_a and_o diseffected_a minister_n and_o elder_n of_o the_o land_n do_v will_v not_o submit_v unto_o it_o 3._o it_o be_v time_n for_o they_o to_o plead_v that_o excuse_v when_o they_o meet_v with_o that_o difficulty_n tell_v i_o how_o many_o of_o that_o kind_n can_v be_v instance_a who_o they_o have_v not_o censure_v who_o have_v not_o submit_v to_o their_o censure_n 4._o the_o not_o submit_v to_o their_o censure_n do_v not_o hinder_v they_o to_o proceed_v very_o zealous_o against_o sundry_a minister_n and_o many_o elder_n who_o adhere_v unto_o the_o protestation_n and_o bear_v testimony_n against_o the_o public_a resolution_n let_v conscience_n speak_v as_o before_o the_o lord_n whether_o they_o have_v faithful_o and_o zealous_o improven_v the_o power_n and_o authority_n that_o remain_v with_o they_o in_o synod_n presbytery_n and_o session_n for_o purge_v of_o the_o house_n of_o god_n even_o according_a to_o these_o thing_n which_o they_o seem_v to_o grant_v or_o whether_o they_o have_v not_o be_v negligent_a exceed_o in_o this_o to_o say_v no_o worse_o and_o employ_v most_o of_o their_o endeavour_n and_o zeal_n to_o bear_v down_o the_o protester_n reasins_z why_o the_o minister_n elder_n and_o professor_n who_o protest_v against_o the_o pretend_a assembly_n at_o st._n andrews_n dundee_n and_o edinburgh_n can_v agree_v to_o the_o overture_n make_v unto_o they_o at_o the_o conference_n upon_o the_o 28._o and_o 29_o of_o july_n 1652._o etc._n etc._n albeit_o the_o essay_n and_o endeavour_n which_o be_v use_v by_o we_o before_o our_o come_n hither_o for_o remove_v of_o difference_n and_o attain_v of_o union_n and_o peace_n upon_o such_o ground_n as_o might_n indeed_o bring_v forth_o a_o discovery_n of_o our_o and_o the_o land_n sin_n and_o contribute_v for_o remove_v the_o guilt_n thereof_o and_o for_o secure_v and_o promove_v the_o work_n of_o reformation_n among_o we_o may_v in_o a_o great_a part_n have_v acquire_v our_o conscience_n and_o clear_v we_o before_o the_o world_n yet_o the_o deep_a sense_n that_o we_o have_v of_o the_o many_o and_o great_a prejudices_fw-la which_o do_v ensue_v to_o the_o work_n and_o people_n of_o god_n by_o our_o continue_a division_n and_o our_o ardent_a desire_n of_o peace_n and_o union_n upon_o the_o ground_n aforesaid_a constrain_v we_o
and_o constitution_n of_o this_o kirk_n with_o the_o high_a censure_n thereof_o and_o that_o by_o the_o act_n of_o the_o solemn_a general_n assembly_n of_o glasgow_n 20._o decemb._n 1638._o sess_n 26._o presbytery_n and_o provincial_n be_v ordain_v to_o cite_v and_o censure_v all_o such_o as_o will_v not_o acknowledge_v the_o say_a assembly_n and_o the_o assembly_n be_v very_o sensible_a of_o the_o prejudice_n this_o kirk_n may_v suffer_v in_o her_o liberty_n and_o privilege_n by_o the_o beginning_n of_o such_o practice_n if_o they_o be_v not_o timeous_o prevent_v and_o restrain_v therefore_o according_a to_o the_o practice_n and_o example_n of_o the_o say_a assembly_n they_o ordain_v presbytery_n and_o provincial_n assembly_n to_o call_v before_o they_o all_o person_n that_o do_v not_o acknowledge_v this_o present_a assembly_n and_o to_o censure_v they_o according_a to_o the_o degree_n of_o their_o contempt_n and_o obstinacy_n to_o the_o act_n of_o this_o kirk_n and_o the_o assembly_n have_v also_o consider_v that_o by_o the_o aforementioned_a act_n of_o the_o assembly_n of_o glasgow_n and_o another_o act_n of_o the_o say_a assembly_n decemb._n 18._o sess_n 24._o presbytery_n be_v ordain_v to_o proceed_v against_o these_o that_o do_v not_o acquiesce_v to_o the_o act_n of_o the_o say_a assembly_n and_o that_o refuse_v themselves_o or_o draw_v other_o from_o the_o obedience_n of_o the_o act_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n in_o manner_n mention_v in_o the_o say_v act._n therefore_o do_v ratify_v and_o approve_v the_o say_v act_n and_o declare_v that_o they_o be_v to_o be_v extend_v against_o minister_n censure_v by_o this_o assembly_n and_o all_o those_o that_o oppose_v the_o public_a resolution_n thereof_o ordain_v also_o presbytery_n and_o provincial_a assembly_n to_o call_v before_o they_o all_o person_n that_o shall_v not_o acquiesce_v to_o the_o act_n and_o constitution_n of_o this_o present_a assembly_n and_o to_o deal_v with_o they_o by_o conference_n for_o their_o satisfaction_n and_o if_o in_o their_o conference_n with_o they_o they_o shall_v still_o oppose_v the_o act_n and_o conclusion_n of_o this_o assembly_n that_o they_o censure_v they_o according_a to_o the_o degree_n of_o their_o offence_n and_o obstinacy_n to_o the_o act_n of_o this_o assembly_n and_o where_o presbytery_n be_v negligent_a or_o want_v herein_o the_o assembly_n appoint_v the_o commission_n appoint_v for_o public_a affair_n to_o proceed_v against_o the_o say_a offender_n respective_a and_o to_o censure_v they_o in_o manner_n above_o specify_v give_v unto_o they_o full_a power_n for_o that_o effect_n eodem_fw-la die_v at_o dundee_n sesse_n 19_o antemerid_fw-la act_n against_o expectant_n who_o oppose_v the_o public_a resolution_n the_o general_a assembly_n understand_v the_o scandal_n and_o prejudice_n of_o practice_n and_o carriage_n of_o some_o expectant_n and_o student_n attender_n of_o family_n for_o performance_n of_o religious_a duty_n by_o their_o private_a or_o public_a oppose_a public_a resolution_n for_o remove_v whereof_o they_o do_v extend_v the_o act_n of_o the_o assembly_n 1640._o sess_n 10._o against_o expectant_n refuse_v to_o subscribe_v the_o covenant_n and_o the_o censure_n therein_o specify_v against_o all_o expectant_n student_n in_o divinity_n and_o attender_n upon_o family_n for_o religious_a duty_n that_o shall_v not_o acknowledge_v the_o general_a assembly_n of_o this_o kirk_n and_o this_o present_a general_n assembly_n and_o that_o shall_v not_o acquiesce_v to_o the_o act_n and_o constitution_n thereof_o and_o do_v ordain_v they_o to_o be_v remove_v from_o bursary_n and_o to_o be_v discharge_v from_o public_a preach_n and_o catechise_n in_o congregation_n and_o family_n and_o from_o all_o other_o privilege_n and_o liberty_n allow_v to_o expectant_n appoint_v presbytery_n and_o provincial_n to_o proceed_v against_o they_o according_o edinburgh_n 3_o aug._n 1652._o antemer_n sess_n 19_o act_n concern_v admit_v expectant_n to_o their_o trial_n and_o rule_v elder_n to_o act_v in_o presbytery_n and_o synod_n the_o general_a assembly_n have_v out_o of_o their_o earnest_a desire_n of_o the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o this_o kirk_n condescend_v upon_o a_o overture_n of_o peace_n and_o not_o only_o propound_v it_o to_o some_o brethren_n who_o be_v here_o opposite_a to_o the_o public_a judicatories_n of_o this_o kirk_n but_o also_o in_o pursuance_n of_o that_o end_n ordain_v the_o say_a overture_n to_o be_v present_v and_o offer_v by_o the_o several_a presbytery_n or_o synod_n to_o all_o in_o their_o respective_a bound_n who_o have_v protest_v against_o and_o decline_v or_o consent_v or_o adhere_v unto_o the_o protestation_n and_o declinatour_n make_v against_o this_o and_o the_o precede_a general_n assembly_n and_o the_o condition_n therein_o contain_v to_o be_v require_v of_o they_o and_o consider_v the_o great_a prejudice_n like_a to_o arise_v to_o this_o kirk_n by_o increase_a of_o our_o unhappy_a difference_n and_o distraction_n if_o young_a man_n shall_v be_v admit_v into_o the_o ministry_n which_o shall_v still_o blow_v the_o sire_n of_o contention_n and_o continue_v in_o avow_a opposition_n to_o and_o contempt_n of_o the_o public_a judicatories_n therefore_o ordain_v presbytery_n to_o take_v special_a care_n that_o upon_o the_o call_n of_o any_o expectant_a to_o a_o particular_a charge_n of_o the_o ministry_n before_o they_o admit_v he_o to_o his_o trial_n they_o require_v he_o under_o his_o hand_n to_o pass_v from_o the_o protestation_n and_o declinatour_n against_o this_o and_o the_o precede_a general_n assembly_n if_o he_o have_v be_v accessary_a to_o the_o same_o and_o to_o promise_v and_o give_v assurance_n that_o he_o shall_v abstain_v from_o hold_v up_o debate_n and_o controversy_n about_o matter_n of_o difference_n in_o this_o kirk_n since_o the_o assembly_n 1650_o in_o preach_v write_v or_o other_o way_n upon_o the_o performance_n whereof_o the_o presbytery_n shall_v proceed_v to_o his_o trial_n if_o not_o in_o that_o case_n the_o presbytery_n shall_v foebear_v to_o proceed_v until_o the_o next_o general_n assembly_n leave_v liberty_n to_o the_o presbytery_n and_o congregation_n for_o plant_v of_o the_o place_n otherwise_o and_o the_o assembly_n ordain_v and_o require_v that_o presbytery_n be_v not_o sudden_a to_o lay_v by_o such_o young_a man_n as_o at_o first_o refuse_v or_o scruple_n to_o perform_v these_o condition_n mention_v but_o that_o pain_n be_v take_v upon_o they_o to_o convince_v they_o of_o the_o reasonableness_n thereof_o and_o to_o persuade_v they_o to_o embrace_v they_o and_o to_o give_v they_o a_o competent_a time_n for_o that_o effect_n likeas_n the_o assembly_n consider_v the_o prejudice_n of_o elder_n come_v to_o presbytery_n for_o strengthen_v a_o faction_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o public_a judicatories_n ordain_v that_o presbytery_n shall_v require_v the_o same_o thing_n fore_o mention_v of_o every_o rule_v elder_a that_o come_v to_o sit_v and_o act_n in_o presbytery_n and_o in_o case_n of_o his_o refusal_n shall_v not_o admit_v he_o to_o act_v as_o a_o elder_a in_o the_o presbytery_n but_o require_v the_o kirk_n session_n from_o which_o he_o be_v send_v to_o make_v choice_n of_o and_o send_v another_o who_o for_o the_o peace_n of_o this_o church_n shall_v agree_v to_o perform_v the_o condition_n require_v these_o three_o act_n i_o have_v put_v together_o because_o they_o be_v much_o of_o the_o fame_n or_o like_a nature_n that_o be_v such_o as_o ordain_v censure_n upon_o these_o who_o do_v not_o acknowledge_v the_o authority_n of_o that_o assembly_n at_o dundee_n or_o who_o shall_v not_o acquiesce_v to_o the_o act_n and_o constitution_n thereof_o or_o who_o shall_v not_o pass_v from_o the_o protestation_n against_o these_o two_o pretend_a assembly_n at_o dundee_n and_o edinburgh_n and_o i_o offer_v unto_o the_o reader_n these_o animadversion_n upon_o they_o 1._o that_o in_o the_o first_o act_n at_o dundee_n the_o act_n of_o the_o assembly_n at_o glasgow_n 20._o decemb_v 1638._o sess_n 26._o be_v not_o faithful_o make_v use_n of_o but_o by_o leave_v out_o of_o some_o word_n be_v stretch_v beyond_o the_o sense_n and_o meaning_n thereof_o the_o word_n of_o that_o act_n decemb._n 20._o 1638_o be_v that_o all_o such_o as_o be_v scandalous_a and_o malicious_a and_o will_v not_o acknowledge_v nor_o acquiesce_v unto_o the_o act_n thereof_o be_v censure_v according_a to_o their_o malice_n and_o contempt_n but_o at_o dundee_n these_o word_n scandalous_a and_o malicious_a be_v leave_v out_o and_o the_o censure_n be_v extend_v to_o all_o person_n that_o do_v not_o acknowledge_v that_o assembly_n how_o blameless_a or_o holy_a soever_o they_o be_v in_o their_o carriage_n or_o how_o tender_a or_o sober_a soever_o they_o be_v in_o not_o acknowledge_v the_o same_o 2._o whereas_o the_o act_n of_o glasgow_n 1638._o decemb._n 18._o sess_n 24._o ordain_v presbytery_n to_o proceed_v with_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o kirk_n to_o excommunication_n against_o those_o minister_n only_o who_o be_v depose_v acquiesce_v not_o
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 pith_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 sound_a 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 be_v indeed_o of_o the_o opinion_n that_o difference_n of_o judgement_n in_o these_o thing_n shall_v be_v no_o prejudice_n to_o joint_a act_n in_o public_a judicatories_n than_o it_o concern_v they_o for_o their_o own_o vindication_n and_o for_o reconcile_a their_o practice_n with_o their_o opinion_n to_o tell_v we_o why_o their_o assembly_n at_o s._n andrews_n do_v not_o only_o approve_v of_o the_o act_n of_o commission_n appoint_v those_o who_o oppose_v the_o public_a resolution_n to_o be_v censure_v but_o also_o make_v act_n of_o their_o own_o for_o censure_v of_o such_o and_o why_o the_o assembly_n at_o edinburgh_n do_v ordain_v that_o elder_n and_o expectant_n who_o will_v not_o engage_v themselves_o under_o their_o hand_n to_o abstain_v from_o hold_v up_o this_o difference_n be_v to_o be_v exclude_v from_o sit_v in_o presbytery_n and_o be_v receive_v as_o minister_n sure_o if_o this_o difference_n need_v be_v no_o prejudice_n to_o joint_a act_n in_o public_a judicatories_n the_o maintain_v thereof_o be_v without_o ground_n make_v a_o cause_n of_o censure_n which_o must_v incapacitat_fw-la man_n to_o act_v or_o of_o exclusion_n which_o must_v bar_v they_o from_o joint_a act_n in_o judicatory_n what_o shall_v be_v say_v to_o this_o i_o do_v not_o know_v unless_o it_o be_v allege_v that_o it_o be_v not_o simple_o difference_n of_o judgement_n that_o be_v make_v a_o ground_n of_o censure_n or_o exclusion_n but_o difference_n of_o judgement_n kithe_v in_o oppose_v the_o public_a resolution_n or_o hold_v up_o debate_v and_o controversy_n in_o preach_v or_o write_v about_o these_o thing_n but_o first_o if_o it_o be_v mean_v of_o that_o difference_n of_o judgement_n that_o be_v inward_a only_a it_o be_v to_o small_a purpose_n because_o that_o be_v latent_fw-la and_o not_o know_v to_o i_o can_v be_v make_v a_o ground_n for_o my_o withdraw_a from_o joint_a act_n with_o these_o who_o thus_o differ_v from_o i_o and_o if_o it_o be_v know_v and_o profess_v how_o shall_v there_o be_v any_o know_a difference_n of_o judgement_n without_o some_o opposition_n to_o the_o adverse_a judgement_n especial_o if_o it_o be_v establish_v in_o a_o law_n he_o who_o profess_v and_o declare_v the_o difference_n of_o his_o judgement_n from_o the_o law_n and_o dis-satisfaction_n