under_o a_o kind_n of_o confinement_n several_a number_n thereof_o at_o their_o return_v to_o their_o own_o home_n have_v nothing_o nor_o allege_v any_o thing_n to_o challenge_v they_o for_o but_o their_o carriage_n at_o the_o assembly_n answer_v i_o must_v profess_v ingenuous_o when_o at_o first_o i_o do_v read_v the_o protestation_n i_o wonder_v much_o how_o man_n especial_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n make_v so_o solemn_a and_o high_a profession_n and_o attestation_n as_o they_o do_v in_o this_o protestation_n viz._n that_o they_o make_v one_o of_o the_o ground_n contain_v therein_o as_o be_v desirous_a to_o be_v faithful_a in_o the_o day_n of_o tentation_n and_o to_o exoner_n their_o conscience_n as_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o lord_n can_v alleadg_n this_o as_o ground_n to_o disclaim_v the_o late_a assembly_n as_o not_o a_o free_a and_o lawful_a assembly_n of_o this_o kirk_n i_o confess_v my_o wonder_v be_v not_o a_o whit_n abate_v but_o increase_v by_o this_o second_o propound_v argumentation_n of_o it_o for_o first_o as_o to_o the_o proposal_n of_o it_o in_o the_o protestation_n suppose_v that_o a_o good_a many_o commissioner_n of_o brough_n and_o presbytery_n have_v be_v absent_a then_o this_o may_v have_v be_v allege_v with_o some_o appearance_n of_o reason_n to_o show_v that_o the_o assembly_n be_v not_o so_o full_a in_o partibus_fw-la integralibus_fw-la so_o numerous_a as_o can_v have_v be_v wish_v yet_o with_o no_o colour_n can_v it_o be_v allege_v that_o it_o be_v not_o free_a legal_a ______o essential_a requisite_a for_o the_o constitution_n thereof_o unless_o it_o can_v be_v demonstrat_fw-la either_o that_o their_o absence_n be_v for_o want_v of_o timous_a advertisement_n concern_v the_o time_n and_o place_n of_o it_o which_o can_v be_v allege_v the_o time_n be_v know_v by_o the_o precede_a assembly_n and_o advertisement_n concern_v the_o place_n have_v be_v give_v timous_o by_o the_o commission_n or_o that_o there_o be_v some_o appearance_n that_o some_o in_o the_o assembly_n may_v have_v be_v incline_v to_o act_v favourable_o for_o the_o enemy_n or_o that_o the_o enemy_n may_v have_v some_o influence_n on_o the_o assembly_n to_o corrupt_v or_o pervert_v it_o which_o i_o conceive_v the_o protester_n will_v not_o say_v i_o know_v that_o the_o absence_n of_o many_o commissioner_n be_v allege_v as_o one_o ground_n anull_v this_o pretend_a assembly_n condemn_v at_o glasgow_n 38._o but_o it_o be_v as_o well_o know_v that_o the_o absence_n of_o commissioner_n be_v cause_v by_o untimous_a indiction_n and_o advertisement_n or_o some_o other_o internal_a cause_n have_v influence_n upon_o the_o corruption_n of_o this_o assembly_n 2._o it_o have_v be_v requisite_a the_o writer_n of_o the_o last_o paper_n have_v condescend_v namely_o upon_o these_o 9_o or_o 10._o presbytery_n absent_a which_o have_v he_o do_v i_o doubt_v but_o it_o will_v have_v be_v find_v that_o some_o of_o they_o be_v absent_a because_o they_o have_v none_o to_o send_v or_o be_v not_o presbytery_n exist_v at_o all_o at_o that_o time_n as_o orknay_v and_o caithness_n 2._o it_o shall_v be_v find_v that_o some_o of_o these_o commissioner_n of_o presbytery_n come_v within_o short_a space_n to_o the_o place_n where_o the_o assembly_n be_v sit_v and_o will_v not_o come_v forward_o to_o it_o as_o for_o instance_n these_o of_o hambleton_n 3._o commissioner_n come_v to_o the_o assembly_n between_o who_o and_o the_o place_n of_o the_o assembly_n the_o army_n be_v as_o interjacent_a as_o to_o those_o that_o come_v not_o for_o do_v not_o commissioner_n from_o presbytery_n of_o merâ—e_n and_o tevidale_n galloway_n glasgow_n west_n country_n yea_o the_o commissioner_n of_o the_o presbytery_n of_o far_a part_n off_o lie_v that_o way_n be_v present_a and_o that_o other_o come_v not_o it_o may_v seem_v to_o have_v proceed_v out_o of_o negligence_n rather_o than_o from_o a_o necessity_n why_o then_o shall_v the_o assembly_n be_v count_v null_n for_o the_o absence_n of_o such_o it_o be_v know_v that_o commissioner_n come_v not_o from_o burgh_n and_o yet_o minister_n come_v out_o of_o these_o same_o burgh_n so_o if_o because_o of_o the_o absence_n of_o some_o commissioner_n for_o fear_v of_o the_o motion_n of_o the_o enemy_n or_o because_o of_o lie_v of_o army_n through_o the_o country_n the_o late_a assembly_n be_v judge_v unfree_a and_o unlawful_a then_o by_o as_o good_a reason_n must_v the_o assembly_n in_o the_o time_n of_o james_n graham_n his_o reign_v and_o rage_v through_o the_o country_n be_v hold_v unfree_a for_o as_o many_o if_o not_o mâ—e_a commissioner_n be_v upon_o that_o occasion_n absent_a from_o the_o same_o assembly_n then_o see_v here_o again_o how_o good_a friend_n our_o brethren_n prove_v to_o the_o former_a assembly_n by_o devise_v argument_n against_o the_o late_a assembly_n whereby_o they_o plain_o teach_v malignant_n who_o be_v censure_v by_o this_o assembly_n how_o to_o cast_v they_o as_o nul_fw-fr upon_o 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want_n of_o freedom_n of_o recess_n the_o first_o part_n be_v certain_a and_o clear_a in_o common_a sense_n that_o if_o any_o assembly_n may_v sit_v or_o do_v sit_v out_o its_o time_n and_o conclude_v free_o though_o there_o be_v danger_n to_o the_o member_n in_o their_o recess_n this_o can_v in_o any_o way_n reflect_v upon_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o assembly_n how_o many_o member_n of_o the_o assembly_n in_o james_n grahame_v time_n be_v there_o that_o have_v not_o safe_a recess_n to_o their_o own_o home_n for_o the_o other_o part_n of_o these_o member_n speak_v of_o here_o have_v protest_v against_o and_o decline_v the_o assembly_n and_o desert_a which_o the_o writer_n wise_o pass_v in_o silence_n and_o say_v only_a they_o be_v return_v to_o their_o own_o home_n as_o if_o for_o soothe_v the_o assembly_n have_v be_v close_v or_o that_o they_o have_v take_v fair_a leave_n before_o the_o close_a and_o may_v not_o the_o king_n and_o the_o committee_n do_v all_o this_o they_o say_v unto_o they_o until_o they_o have_v be_v inform_v upon_o what_o ground_n they_o have_v come_v away_o so_o untimous_o without_o any_o imputation_n to_o the_o freedom_n and_o lawfulness_n of_o the_o assembly_n do_v not_o the_o commissioner_n of_o the_o state_n at_o the_o assembly_n of_o dort_n when_o the_o remonstrants'_v proceed_v against_o and_o decline_v that_o synod_n present_o confine_v and_o charge_v they_o to_o bide_v within_o that_o city_n until_o they_o shall_v answer_v unto_o the_o assembly_n without_o any_o imputation_n to_o the_o freedom_n of_o that_o assembly_n but_o again_o the_o truth_n be_v this_o upon_o the_o protester_n desert_v of_o the_o assembly_n and_o go_v through_o the_o army_n towards_o the_o west_n the_o report_n be_v that_o they_o have_v make_v a_o broil_n in_o the_o assembly_n and_o be_v come_v to_o trouble_v the_o army_n and_o hinder_v the_o levy_n appoint_v in_o the_o say_a place_n whither_o they_o be_v go_v hereupon_o the_o king_n and_o the_o committee_n require_v some_o to_o keep_v their_o chamber_n till_o their_o carriage_n in_o the_o assembly_n may_v be_v know_v but_o so_o soon_o as_o the_o assembly_n hear_v of_o this_o they_o dispatch_v unto_o the_o king_n who_o present_o send_v they_o all_o to_o their_o own_o home_n except_v that_o they_o do_v require_v such_o of_o they_o as_o be_v cite_v to_o the_o assembly_n to_o return_v to_o it_o and_o answer_v for_o themselves_o which_o yet_o i_o can_v say_v be_v certain_o do_v without_o one_o cross_a word_n give_v to_o they_o these_o thing_n be_v consider_v impartial_a judicial_a reader_n will_v acknowledge_v that_o there_o have_v not_o be_v much_o ingenuity_n or_o conscience_n either_o in_o allege_v this_o reason_n for_o annul_v the_o late_a assembly_n and_o can_v but_o think_v the_o alleadger_n themselves_o will_v blush_v that_o here_o have_v propound_v it_o for_o justify_v their_o own_o protest_v and_o hold_v
it_o forth_o to_o other_o to_o induce_v they_o to_o join_v with_o they_o as_o a_o ground_n of_o conscience_n whereof_o they_o can_v not_o but_o exoner_n their_o conscience_n review_n the_o author_n usher_v in_o and_o close_v his_o answer_n to_o this_o reason_n with_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o wonder_v and_o many_o exclamation_n against_o the_o want_n of_o ingenuity_n and_o conscience_n in_o the_o protester_n because_o of_o allege_v this_o reason_n against_o the_o freedom_n and_o lawfulness_n of_o the_o assembly_n and_o he_o be_v so_o confident_a as_o to_o think_v when_o his_o answer_n be_v consider_v not_o only_o will_v his_o reader_n be_v of_o one_o mind_n with_o he_o in_o this_o but_o that_o the_o protester_n themselves_o will_v blush_v that_o they_o have_v propon_v it_o we_o have_v a_o proverb_n that_o great_a word_n fly_v bairn_n and_o so_o we_o may_v also_o say_v great_a word_n persuade_v woman_n and_o child_n but_o man_n of_o reason_n and_o understanding_n will_v ponder_v what_o be_v say_v albeit_o the_o protester_n do_v not_o lay_v all_o nor_o most_o of_o the_o weight_n of_o their_o protestation_n against_o the_o assembly_n upon_o this_o yet_o they_o do_v ingenuous_o and_o conscientious_o conceive_v that_o there_o be_v weight_n in_o it_o and_o do_v think_v so_o still_o notwithstanding_o of_o all_o the_o author_n great_a word_n i_o wish_v he_o have_v take_v the_o proposition_n of_o the_o argument_n as_o they_o lay_v and_o answer_v they_o several_o and_o distinct_o he_o do_v not_o so_o far_o as_o my_o weak_a decern_v can_v reach_v tell_v we_o his_o mind_n plain_o and_o direct_o either_o of_o the_o first_o or_o second_o proposition_n of_o the_o argument_n but_o speak_v direct_o only_a to_o these_o thing_n that_o be_v bring_v by_o the_o writer_n for_o confirmation_n of_o the_o second_o proposition_n and_o to_o that_o part_n of_o the_o first_o proposition_n that_o relate_v to_o freedom_n of_o recess_n i_o shall_v first_o speak_v a_o little_a to_o the_o first_o proposition_n of_o the_o argument_n and_o then_o to_o the_o application_n of_o it_o the_o medium_n be_v none_o of_o the_o protester_n invent_v but_o have_v be_v general_o receive_v and_o make_v use_n of_o by_o divine_n to_o prove_v the_o unfreedome_n of_o counsel_n where_o there_o be_v truth_n in_o it_o as_o to_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n as_o appear_v first_o from_o the_o learned_a review_n of_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n in_o which_o this_o argument_n be_v clear_v and_o confirm_v at_o large_a second_o in_o the_o book_n entitle_v adversus_fw-la synodi_fw-la tridentini_n restitutionem_fw-la seu_fw-la continuationem_fw-la a_o pio_n quarto_fw-la pontifice_fw-la indictam_fw-la opposita_fw-la gravamina_fw-la quibus_fw-la causae_fw-la necessariae_fw-la &_o gravissimae_fw-la exponuntur_fw-la quare_fw-la ea_fw-la electoribus_fw-la caeterisque_fw-la imperii_fw-la principibus_fw-la &_o ordinibus_fw-la augustanae_n confessionis_fw-la neque_fw-la agnoscenda_fw-la neque_fw-la aâ—eunda_fw-la fuerit_fw-la which_o book_n i_o do_v the_o rather_o cite_v because_o it_o do_v contain_v the_o joint_a judgement_n of_o many_o choice_n and_o famous_a divine_n and_o lawyer_n of_o that_o time_n whoso_o shall_v be_v please_v to_o look_v either_o upon_o the_o review_n of_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n or_o upon_o these_o gravamina_fw-la as_o they_o be_v clear_v and_o confirm_v by_o these_o divine_n and_o lawyer_n shall_v find_v this_o argument_n clear_v and_o confirm_v at_o large_a and_o so_o much_o say_v of_o it_o as_o will_v be_v tedious_a to_o transcribe_v three_o the_o divine_n of_o breme_n in_o the_o council_n of_o dort_n answer_v to_o the_o protestation_n of_o the_o remonstrance_n think_v it_o not_o enough_o to_o say_v nullae_fw-la hic_fw-la vel_fw-la insidiae_fw-la struuntur_fw-la vel_fw-la ullum_fw-la periculum_fw-la intenditur_fw-la but_o also_o add_v quinimo_fw-la securitas_fw-la publica_fw-la omnibus_fw-la ad_fw-la accessum_fw-la commorationem_fw-la &_o recessum_fw-la prostatur_fw-la as_o to_o the_o assumption_n i_o shall_v only_o add_v to_o what_o be_v say_v in_o the_o protestation_n and_o the_o other_o paper_n for_o verify_v of_o it_o that_o several_a presbytery_n because_o of_o the_o tumult_n of_o these_o time_n can_v not_o meet_v within_o their_o own_o bound_n to_o choose_v commissioner_n but_o make_v their_o election_n in_o place_n far_o remote_a as_o these_o of_o the_o presbytery_n of_o edinburgh_n and_o hadingtoun_n second_o that_o many_o minister_n think_v it_o not_o safe_a to_o stay_v with_o their_o own_o flock_n and_o therefore_o retire_v northwards_o some_o to_o one_o place_n some_z to_z another_z three_o none_o can_v at_o that_o time_n travel_v safe_o on_o the_o southside_n of_o forth_o without_o a_o pass_n from_o the_o english_a which_o be_v not_o easy_a to_o be_v purchase_v and_o can_v not_o be_v take_v without_o suspicion_n and_o therefore_o though_o sundry_a do_v hazard_v to_o steal_v through_o yet_o some_o be_v take_v prisoner_n and_o send_v back_o as_o sundry_a minister_n in_o the_o presbytery_n of_o lithgow_n 4._o to_o say_v nothing_o of_o these_o many_o reproach_n that_o be_v cast_v upon_o &_o many_o threaten_n that_o be_v use_v against_o sundry_a of_o the_o opposer_n of_o public_a resolution_n by_o the_o soldier_n in_o their_o journey_n to_o st._n andrews_n and_o in_o the_o place_n and_o in_o their_o return_v from_o it_o all_o of_o they_o be_v before_o that_o time_n declare_v enemy_n both_o to_o church_n and_o kingdom_n and_o law_n make_v by_o the_o parliament_n and_o act_n issue_v by_o the_o commission_n to_o proceed_v against_o they_o with_o punishment_n and_o censure_n and_o do_v not_o the_o author_n in_o this_o his_o vindication_n tell_v we_o that_o therefore_o the_o clerk_n paper_n which_o he_o send_v to_o the_o assembly_n be_v not_o read_v lest_o they_o shall_v have_v infer_v hazard_n and_o danger_n to_o he_o if_o then_o he_o have_v be_v there_o personal_o and_o speak_v the_o same_o thing_n in_o the_o assembly_n that_o he_o write_v unto_o it_o which_o no_o doubt_n if_o he_o have_v be_v present_a he_o will_v have_v think_v himself_o bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o do_v he_o can_v not_o have_v do_v it_o with_o safety_n and_o yet_o these_o be_v thing_n relate_v to_o the_o public_a resolution_n all_o these_o thing_n be_v put_v together_o do_v make_v it_o to_o appear_v that_o access_n to_o the_o assembly_n wes_z not_o safe_a but_o full_a of_o hazard_n and_o danger_n but_o i_o come_v to_o the_o author_n his_o answer_n and_o in_o order_n thereto_o desire_v it_o to_o be_v consider_v first_o that_o as_o the_o want_n of_o integrant_fw-la part_n sometime_o may_v be_v so_o great_a that_o it_o do_v destroy_v the_o very_a be_v of_o the_o body_n so_o when_o a_o considerable_a number_n of_o integrant_fw-la part_n be_v want_v it_o render_v the_o body_n weak_a in_o its_o function_n and_o operation_n and_o draw_v along_o with_o it_o many_o other_o inconvenience_n i_o doubt_v not_o but_o the_o author_n will_v grant_v that_o the_o number_n of_o commissioner_n come_v to_o a_o assembly_n may_v be_v so_o few_o that_o they_o can_v make_v a_o lawful_a and_o free_a assembly_n as_o upon_o the_o other_o side_n i_o shall_v willing_o yield_v that_o it_o be_v not_o every_o want_n of_o member_n constituent_a that_o make_v a_o unfree_a or_o unlawful_a assembly_n if_o either_o the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o shall_v be_v deny_v as_o two_o or_o three_o commissioner_n may_v make_v a_o assembly_n so_o the_o want_n of_o two_o or_o three_o may_v unmake_v it_o i_o think_v he_o will_v also_o grant_v that_o when_o many_o commissioner_n be_v absent_a especial_o not_o negligent_o but_o upon_o relevant_a cause_n that_o it_o be_v not_o fit_a to_o adjourn_v it_o till_o another_o time_n then_o to_o proceed_v to_o constitute_v themselves_o or_o act_n as_o a_o assembly_n so_o our_o worthy_a reformer_n adjourn_v the_o assembly_n 1568._o from_o decemb._n 25._o to_o feb._n 25._o because_o many_o be_v absent_a by_o reason_n of_o the_o trouble_n of_o the_o time_n and_o upon_o the_o same_o ground_n the_o assembly_n 1569._o be_v adjourn_v from_o february_n to_o march_v from_o sterling_a to_o edinburgh_n and_o if_o the_o meeting_n at_o s._n andrews_n have_v be_v please_v to_o read_v and_o condescend_v unto_o the_o supplication_n that_o be_v offer_v to_o they_o under_o the_o hand_n of_o many_o brethren_n for_o a_o adjournment_n before_o their_o constitution_n there_o have_v be_v no_o cause_n for_o these_o debate_n 2._o it_o seem_v to_o be_v yield_v by_o the_o author_n that_o where_o it_o can_v be_v demonstrate_v that_o a_o good_a many_o commissioner_n be_v absent_a for_o want_v of_o timous_a advertisement_n concern_v the_o time_n and_o place_n of_o the_o assembly_n there_o be_v cause_n upon_o that_o ground_n to_o except_v against_o the_o assembly_n as_o not_o free_a and_o lawful_a and_o the_o assembly_n at_o glasgow_n do_v put_v it_o above_o question_n for_o anull_v the_o pretend_v assemb_v at_o lithgo_n 1606_o &_o that_o at_o aberdeen_n
the_o nullity_n of_o the_o pretended-assemble_o at_o saint_n andrews_n &_o dundee_n wherein_o be_v contain_v the_o representation_n for_o adjournment_n the_o protestation_n &_o reason_n thereof_o together_o with_o a_o review_n and_o examination_n of_o the_o vindication_n of_o the_o say_v p._n assembly_n hereunto_o be_v subjoin_v the_o solemn_a acknowledgement_n of_o sin_n and_o engagement_n to_o duty_n make_v and_o take_v by_o the_o nobility_n gentry_n burrough_n ministry_n and_o commonalty_n in_o the_o year_n 1648._o when_v the_o covenant_n be_v renew_a with_o sundry_a other_o paper_n relate_v unto_o in_o the_o foresay_a review_n print_a in_o the_o year_n 1652._o reader_n we_o have_v here_o observe_v some_o few_o escape_n of_o the_o press_n some_o more_o gross_a error_n thou_o will_v find_v in_o the_o vindication_n for_o which_o neither_o the_o printer_n nor_o theje_fw-fr who_o give_v he_o the_o copy_n can_v be_v blame_v for_o the_o truth_n be_v a_o letter_n be_v write_v to_o the_o moderator_n of_o the_o late_a p._n assembly_n at_o edinburgh_n desire_v a_o perfect_a copy_n of_o the_o vindication_n by_o which_o any_o error_n in_o that_o copy_n which_o have_v come_v to_o our_o hand_n may_v have_v be_v correct_v and_o in_o that_o same_o letter_n there_o be_v desire_v a_o copy_n of_o the_o king_n letter_n to_o the_o p._n assembly_n at_o st._n andrews_n with_o the_o commissioner_n speech_n see_v the_o vindication_n do_v refer_v to_o these_o although_o it_o have_v be_v spread_v alone_o and_o these_o copy_n keep_v up_o but_o to_o neither_o of_o these_o desire_n be_v there_o any_o answer_n return_v errata_fw-la page_n 4_o for_o nonformist_n read_v nonconformist_n pag._n 7._o f._n who_o r._n wherein_o f._n tenant_n r._n tenet_n pag._n 8._o f._n too_o sharp-sighted_a r._n to_o be_v etc._n etc._n pag._n 15._o f._n may_v r._n nay_o pag._n 17._o f._n require_v r._n be_v require_v pag._n 30._o l._n 25._o r._n which_o seem_v pag._n 37._o l._n 1._o r._n gentleman_n pag._n 58._o r._n as_o for_o and_o ibid._n l._n 29._o r._n no_o evil_a before_o they_o in_o pag._n 59_o l._n 13._o f._n then_o r._n when_o pag._n 62._o r._n these_o after_o against_o ibid._n f._n accept_v r._n except_a ibid._n r._n patiar_fw-la f._n patior_fw-la ibid._n r._n defection_n f._n desertion_n pag._n 63._o r._n for_o after_z why_o pag._n 67._o r._n quary_z f._n presbytery_n r._n prelacy_n pag._n 170._o l._n 8._o r._n man_n and_o this_o ibid._n l._n 9_o r._n as_o appear_v p._n 171._o l._n 19_o r._n concession_n to_o the_o christian-reader_n christian-reader_n that_o thou_o may_v with_o understanding_n read_v this_o book_n and_o the_o debate_n contain_v therein_o thou_o be_v to_o take_v notice_n that_o in_o the_o year_n 1651._o in_o the_o month_n of_o july_n many_o of_o the_o commissioner_n from_o presbytery_n meet_v at_o st._n andrews_n do_v proceed_v to_o constitute_v themselves_o into_o and_o to_o act_v as_o a_o general_n assembly_n of_o the_o kirk_n of_o scotland_n against_o the_o constitution_n of_o which_o assembly_n sundry_a of_o the_o minister_n who_o have_v former_o bear_v testimony_n against_o the_o employ_v and_o entrust_v of_o the_o malignant_a party_n with_o the_o cause_n and_o kingdom_n do_v enter_v a_o public_a protestation_n in_o writing_n subscribe_v by_o their_o hand_n as_o not_o be_v a_o free_a and_o lawful_a general_n assembly_n within_o a_o few_o week_n thereafter_o one_o as_o it_o seem_v of_o those_o protester_n do_v pen_v a_o paper_n for_o strengthen_v and_o clear_n the_o ground_n of_o that_o protestation_n and_o take_v off_o such_o objection_n as_o be_v usual_o make_v against_o the_o same_o in_o answer_n to_o both_o these_o a_o member_n as_o i_o take_v it_o of_o that_o assembly_n at_o st._n andrews_n do_v within_o few_o month_n after_o write_v a_o treatise_n entitle_v a_o vindication_n of_o the_o freedom_n and_o lawfulness_n and_o so_o of_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n meet_v at_o st._n andrews_n etc._n etc._n to_o which_o treatise_n in_o the_o month_n of_o may_n last_o there_o be_v a_o reply_n write_v bear_v the_o name_n of_o the_o nullity_n of_o the_o assembly_n at_o st._n andrews_n or_o a_o review_n of_o a_o vindication_n etc._n etc._n which_o do_v set_v down_o and_o make_v answer_n unto_o that_o vindication_n by_o parcel_n and_o section_n all_o these_o four_o be_v now_o offer_v to_o thou_o in_o this_o book_n and_o in_o that_o order_n in_o which_o they_o be_v first_o pen_v to_o wit_n the_o protestation_n against_o the_o meeting_n at_o st._n andrews_n in_o the_o first_o place_n the_o reason_n for_o strengthen_v and_o clear_n thereof_o in_o the_o second_o place_n the_o vindication_n and_o the_o review_n thereof_o together_o in_o last_o place_n there_o be_v also_o add_v some_o other_o paper_n upon_o the_o by_o for_o clear_v of_o some_o thing_n in_o the_o debate_n the_o lord_z give_v unto_o thou_o a_o spirit_n of_o judgement_n and_o understanding_n in_o read_v that_o thou_o may_v judge_v true_a and_o righteous_a judgement_n condemn_v the_o guilty_a and_o absolve_v the_o innocent_a unto_o the_o moderator_n &_o brethren_n assemble_v at_o st._n andrews_n the_o humble_a representation_n and_o desire_n of_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n under_o subscribe_v among_o the_o many_o sad_a token_n of_o the_o lord_n indignation_n and_o wrath_n against_o this_o church_n the_o present_a unhappy_a differrence_n of_o his_o servant_n of_o the_o ministry_n be_v look_v upon_o by_o we_o and_o we_o believe_v by_o all_o the_o godly_a of_o the_o land_n as_o one_o of_o the_o great_a and_o as_o we_o hold_v it_o a_o duty_n lie_v upon_o we_o to_o be_v deep_o humble_v before_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o sense_n thereof_o and_o in_o our_o station_n and_o calling_n to_o endeavour_v by_o all_o lawful_a and_o fair_a mean_n the_o remedy_n and_o removal_n of_o the_o same_o so_o we_o acknowledge_v a_o free_a gen._n assembly_n lawful_o call_v and_o right_o constitute_v and_o meet_v together_o in_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o proceed_v with_o meekness_n and_o love_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o his_o word_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 remedy_n appoint_v of_o god_n for_o attain_v of_o these_o end_n therefore_o consider_v that_o the_o election_n of_o commissioner_n for_o the_o assembly_n have_v be_v in_o many_o place_n limit_v and_o prejudice_v in_o the_o due_a liberty_n and_o freedom_n thereof_o by_o the_o letter_n and_o act_n of_o the_o commission_n of_o the_o last_o gen._n assembly_n to_o presbytery_n appoint_v such_o as_o remain_v unsatisfied_a with_o and_o bear_v testimony_n against_o the_o public_a resolution_n to_o be_v cite_v to_o the_o general_n assembly_n which_o upon_o the_o matter_n have_v in_o many_o presbytery_n real_o obstruct_v the_o elect_v of_o such_o though_o otherwise_o man_n of_o approven_v ability_n and_o constant_a faithfulness_n and_o zeal_n for_o the_o work_n of_o reformation_n since_o the_o begin_n thereof_o and_o that_o many_o election_n be_v questionable_a some_o as_o contain_v person_n not_o in_o a_o capacity_n to_o be_v choose_v by_o the_o act_n of_o this_o church_n and_o some_o as_o not_o be_v make_v in_o a_o due_a order_n and_o right_a way_n and_o that_o many_o commissioner_n of_o presbytery_n and_o burrough_n be_v absent_a some_o of_o they_o want_v free_a access_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o english_a lie_v in_o the_o country_n and_o some_o upon_o other_o impediment_n and_o occasion_n and_o remember_v that_o such_o reason_n have_v former_o have_v weight_n in_o point_n of_o discussion_n of_o the_o validity_n of_o some_o assembly_n and_o may_v still_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o important_a and_o weighty_a by_o these_o who_o may_v happen_v not_o to_o be_v satisfy_v in_o their_o conscience_n with_o your_o proceed_n we_o do_v with_o all_o humble_a earnestness_n and_o in_o the_o bowel_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n desire_n and_o beseech_v you_o for_o truth_n and_o peace_n sake_n and_o that_o further_a mistake_n and_o division_n may_v not_o be_v increase_v unto_o the_o prejudice_n of_o the_o lord_n work_v and_o rejoice_v of_o enemy_n and_o sad_v the_o heart_n of_o his_o people_n that_o the_o diet_n of_o the_o gen._n assembly_n may_v by_o the_o common_a consent_n and_o advice_n of_o the_o brethren_n now_o meet_v together_o be_v adjourn_v for_o some_o competent_a time_n and_o that_o by_o the_o same_o mutual_a advice_n and_o consent_n it_o may_v be_v declare_v that_o the_o letter_n and_o act_n of_o the_o commission_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v any_o prejudice_n to_o these_o who_o remain_v unsatisfied_a with_o the_o public_a resolution_n why_o they_o may_v not_o be_v choose_v commissioner_n to_o the_o general_n assembly_n and_o that_o such_o presbytery_n as_o shall_v think_v fit_a may_v make_v their_o election_n of_o new_a again_o especial_o these_o presbytery_n who_o
their_o record_n and_o good_a reason_n be_v there_o for_o such_o protestation_n especial_o in_o scotland_n because_o not_o only_o by_o god_n word_n but_o also_o by_o our_o national_a covenant_n solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n and_o solemn_a acknowledgement_n all_o interest_n of_o king_n or_o parliament_n or_o kingdom_n be_v subordinate_a to_o the_o interest_n of_o christ_n and_o all_o duty_n to_o man_n subordinate_a to_o our_o duty_n unto_o god_n in_o hoc_fw-la foederato_fw-la regno_fw-la federati_fw-la dei_fw-la according_a to_o the_o 2_o king_n 11.17_o and_o 2_o chron._n 23.16_o in_o both_o which_o the_o substance_n of_o that_o covenant_n and_o our_o covenant_n be_v that_o we_o shall_v be_v god_n people_n and_o all_o other_o relation_n subserviant_a to_o that_o sit_fw-la ergo_fw-la gloria_fw-la christi_fw-la &_o salus_fw-la eclecsiae_fw-la suprema_fw-la lex_fw-la nostra_fw-la and_o whensoever_o we_o see_v it_o in_o any_o hazard_n or_o contest_v and_o any_o thing_n in_o competition_n with_o it_o let_v we_o according_a to_o our_o call_n at_o least_o protest_v that_o our_o lord_n and_o our_o mother_n may_v get_v right_a which_o will_v lega_o preserve_v it_o to_o another_o judgement_n and_o if_o they_o get_v wrong_v thereby_o they_o will_v have_v witness_n of_o it_o which_o be_v the_o least_o which_o we_o shall_v do_v for_o he_o though_o we_o suffer_v for_o it_o who_o have_v do_v and_o suffer_v so_o much_o for_o we_o and_o who_o put_v a_o great_a favour_n and_o honour_n upon_o any_o who_o he_o call_v to_o be_v witness_n to_o and_o for_o he_o and_o where_o one_o have_v a_o necessity_n to_o protest_v for_o his_o particular_a right_n or_o place_n in_o parliament_n we_o see_v they_o do_v it_o ordinary_o and_o in_o all_o act_n of_o parliament_n the_o last_o be_v savo_fw-la jure_fw-la cujuslibet_fw-la and_o why_o not_o far_o rather_o solvo_fw-la jure_fw-la christi_fw-la ac_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la which_o protestation_n by_o communicate_v of_o this_o paper_n i_o do_v enter_v against_o the_o ratification_n of_o the_o paper_n give_v in_o by_o the_o commission_n to_o the_o parliament_n anent_o the_o confinement_n of_o the_o minister_n of_o sterling_n for_o their_o preach_n or_o of_o any_o other_o paper_n of_o they_o prejudicial_a to_o the_o covenant_n and_o cause_n of_o jesus_n christ_n reason_n prove_v that_o the_o late_a meeting_n at_o st._n andrews_n be_v not_o a_o lawful_a free_a general-assemble_o of_o the_o kirk_n of_o scotland_n with_o answer_n to_o the_o objection_n on_o the_o contrary_a that_o be_v not_o a_o lawful_a free_a general_n assembly_n the_o election_n of_o who_o commissioner_n be_v so_o prejudice_v and_o prelimited_n in_o the_o due_a liberty_n and_o freedom_n thereof_o that_o many_o minister_n of_o presbytery_n in_o a_o capacity_n of_o deserve_v 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 and_o appointment_n of_o a_o superior_a judicatory_a past_a by_o and_o set_v aside_o in_o the_o election_n and_o render_v incapable_a to_o be_v member_n of_o the_o assembly_n but_o the_o late_a meeting_n at_o st._n andrews_n be_v such_o therefore_o etc._n etc._n the_o first_o proposition_n albeit_o as_o we_o conceive_v unquestionable_a yet_o shall_v afterward_o be_v alittle_o further_o speak_v to_o the_o second_o be_v prove_v by_o presbytery_n proceed_v according_a to_o the_o letter_n and_o act_n of_o the_o commission_n of_o the_o former_a assembly_n send_v unto_o they_o about_o the_o time_n of_o their_o choose_v commissioner_n appoint_v that_o such_o as_o after_o conference_n shall_v 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 which_o act_n do_v upon_o the_o matter_n include_v these_o four_o thing_n 1._o a_o direction_n that_o presbytery_n shall_v choose_v none_o to_o be_v commissioner_n but_o such_o as_o do_v concur_v with_o the_o public_a resolution_n 2._o a_o intimation_n of_o the_o commission_n mind_n that_o dissenter_n from_o the_o public_a resolution_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v in_o a_o capacity_n to_o be_v choose_v commissioner_n and_o to_o sit_v as_o judge_n of_o the_o matter_n in_o the_o gen._n assembly_n that_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o guilty_a person_n who_o be_v for_o their_o guiltiness_n to_o be_v cite_v and_o judge_v 3._o a_o declaration_n that_o if_o they_o shall_v be_v choose_v they_o can_v not_o be_v admit_v to_o sit_v upon_o the_o bench_n as_o judge_n but_o behove_v to_o stand_v at_o the_o bar_n and_o answer_v as_o rei_fw-la 4._o that_o if_o the_o presbytery_n shall_v choose_v they_o they_o be_v to_o be_v esteem_v disobedient_a and_o look_v upon_o as_o person_n have_v no_o respect_n to_o public_a order_n of_o the_o kirk_n which_o thing_n do_v clear_o enough_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o prelimit_v of_o the_o election_n as_o be_v former_o speak_v of_o object_n the_o commissioner_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n in_o the_o year_n 1648._o do_v by_o a_o letter_n write_v to_o the_o several_a presbytery_n appoint_v such_o minister_n as_o refuse_v to_o declare_v their_o judgement_n against_o the_o engagement_n which_o be_v then_o carry_v on_o or_o do_v declare_v themselves_o satisfy_v there_o with_o to_o be_v refer_v by_o their_o several_a presbytery_n to_o the_o general_n assembly_n which_o upon_o the_o matter_n be_v equivalent_a to_o a_o citation_n and_o yet_o be_v not_o that_o judge_v a_o pre-limitation_n of_o the_o freedom_n of_o the_o assembly_n answer_n to_o say_v nothing_o of_o the_o difference_n of_o a_o reference_n and_o citation_n neither_o yet_o of_o the_o difference_n of_o a_o letter_n and_o a_o act_n we_o desire_v these_o thing_n to_o be_v consider_v in_o answer_n to_o what_o be_v object_v 1._o that_o in_o the_o year_n 1648._o when_v a_o little_a before_o the_o election_n of_o commissioner_n by_o the_o presbytery_n to_o the_o general_n assembly_n it_o be_v move_v by_o some_o in_o the_o commission_n that_o some_o thing_n may_v be_v write_v to_o presbytery_n to_o choose_v none_o but_o such_o as_o be_v against_o the_o engagement_n it_o be_v oppose_v as_o savour_v away_o of_o pre-limitation_n and_o so_o only_a a_o letter_n be_v write_v give_v they_o a_o account_n of_o the_o commission_n proceed_v and_o exhort_v they_o to_o their_o duty_n and_o to_o choose_v able_a and_o faithful_a man_n 2._o that_o that_o letter_n which_o be_v mention_v in_o the_o objection_n be_v not_o write_v by_o the_o commission_n as_o we_o remember_v until_o most_o part_n if_o not_o all_o the_o election_n in_o presbytery_n be_v pass_v will_v be_v clear_v by_o the_o date_n thereof_o 3._o that_o before_o the_o write_n of_o that_o letter_n the_o whole_a kirk_n of_o scotland_n almost_o in_o all_o the_o presbytery_n and_o synod_n thereof_o have_v declare_v themselves_o unsatisfied_a in_o conscience_n with_o the_o engaegment_n except_v a_o very_a few_o minister_n scatter_v here_o and_o there_o in_o presbytery_n which_o few_o be_v also_o know_v to_o have_v be_v either_o opposer_n of_o the_o work_n of_o god_n or_o neutral_a and_o indifferent_a therein_o from_o the_o begin_n 4._o that_o the_o resolution_n of_o the_o commission_n be_v then_o agreeable_a to_o the_o covenant_n and_o act_n and_o constitution_n of_o former_a general_n assembly_n which_o thing_n be_v put_v together_o make_v a_o vive_fw-fr difference_n betwixt_o that_o which_o be_v then_o do_v and_o that_o which_o the_o commission_n have_v now_o do_v because_o the_o letter_n and_o act_n of_o the_o commission_n this_o year_n be_v previous_a to_o most_o part_n of_o the_o election_n in_o scotland_n and_o whilst_o many_o presbytry_n be_v bear_v testimony_n against_o their_o resolution_n and_o the_o most_o part_n of_o the_o godly_a of_o the_o land_n remain_v unsatisfied_a therewith_o and_o many_o precious_a able_a and_o faithful_a man_n in_o the_o ministry_n who_o be_v know_v to_o have_v be_v straight_o and_o zealous_a in_o the_o work_n of_o god_n from_o the_o beginning_n be_v bear_v record_n against_o it_o and_o whilst_o the_o resolution_n of_o the_o commission_n be_v pointblank_o contrary_a to_o the_o covenant_n and_o to_o the_o former_a act_n and_o constitution_n of_o this_o kirk_n objection_n it_o be_v not_o only_o in_o the_o power_n of_o the_o commission_n to_o appoint_v those_o who_o do_v oppose_v thâ—_n public_a resolution_n to_o be_v cite_v to_o the_o general_n assembly_n but_o also_o to_o have_v censure_v they_o because_o there_o be_v a_o clause_n in_o their_o commission_n which_o give_v they_o power_n to_o censure_v such_o as_o oppose_v they_o in_o their_o proceed_n as_o if_o they_o oppose_v the_o assembly_n itself_o and_o therefore_o see_v the_o commission_n have_v be_v so_o far_o from_o exclude_v that_o they_o have_v keep_v themselves_o fair_a within_o the_o limit_n and_o bond_n of_o that_o power_n give_v they_o by_o the_o assembly_n it_o can_v be_v say_v that_o their_o letter_n and_o act_n do_v
judgement_n than_o be_v there_o for_o most_o part_n either_o two_o election_n or_o else_o dissent_v from_o and_o protestation_n against_o the_o election_n of_o such_o as_o be_v unsatisfied_a with_o the_o public_a resolution_n or_o else_o both_o as_o in_o the_o election_n of_o glasgow_n and_o sterline_n of_o all_o which_o no_o reason_n can_v be_v give_v except_o the_o letter_n and_o act_n of_o the_o commission_n 2_o the_o presbytery_n of_o dunkel_n have_v choose_v their_o commissioner_n to_o the_o gen._n assembly_n and_o one_o of_o their_o number_n who_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o commission_n have_v dissent_v from_o and_o protest_v against_o the_o election_n because_o such_o as_o be_v choose_v be_v unsatisfied_a with_o the_o commission_n proceed_n the_o synod_n of_o perth_n meet_v a_o little_a thereafter_o and_o receive_v the_o letter_n and_o act_n of_o the_o commission_n do_v thereupon_o sustain_v the_o dissent_n and_o protestation_n of_o that_o man_n of_o their_o number_n and_o appoint_v the_o presbytery_n of_o dunkel_n to_o choose_v their_o commissioner_n anew_o again_o as_o to_o the_o four_o that_o none_o be_v deny_v a_o voice_n in_o the_o assembly_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o their_o not_o be_v satisfy_v or_o be_v cite_v albeit_o that_o be_v true_a yet_o it_o do_v not_o make_v void_a what_o be_v say_v for_o prelimiting_a the_o election_n by_o the_o letter_n and_o act_n of_o the_o commission_n because_o the_o election_n be_v primo_fw-la instanti_fw-la prejudge_v in_o presbytery_n by_o bar_v those_o from_o be_v choose_v who_o otherwise_o be_v in_o a_o capacity_n and_o likelihood_n to_o have_v be_v choose_v by_o which_o it_o have_v come_v to_o pass_v that_o few_o such_o be_v choose_v policy_n teach_v the_o assembly_n not_o to_o deny_v such_o of_o they_o as_o be_v choose_v a_o vote_n upon_o that_o account_n the_o vote_n of_o so_o few_o a_o number_n not_o be_v like_a to_o prove_v so_o great_a a_o disadvantage_n to_o their_o business_n as_o the_o profess_a denial_n of_o they_o a_o vote_n will_v have_v do_v but_o in_o order_n to_o this_o particular_a we_o do_v further_o offer_v these_o two_o thing_n for_o one_o answer_n 1_o that_o the_o discuss_n and_o judge_v of_o the_o commission_n of_o these_o in_o the_o presbytery_n of_o glasgow_n who_o be_v unsatisfied_a with_o the_o public_a resolution_n be_v lay_v aside_o upon_o this_o consideration_n only_o because_o the_o reason_n of_o mr._n rob._n ramsay_n his_o protestation_n against_o the_o election_n take_v from_o their_o dissatisfaction_n with_o the_o public_a resolution_n can_v not_o as_o be_v allege_v be_v discuss_v till_o these_o resolution_n be_v either_o condemn_v or_o approven_v which_o be_v in_o effect_n to_o exclude_v they_o from_o vote_v because_o of_o their_o not_o approve_v the_o public_a resolution_n and_o this_o be_v so_o much_o the_o strong_a if_o we_o shall_v consider_v that_o it_o be_v refuse_v to_o lay_v aside_o the_o commission_n of_o these_o who_o have_v carry_v on_o these_o resolution_n in_o the_o commission_n of_o the_o assembly_n until_o their_o proceed_n shall_v be_v try_v and_o approven_v 2_o it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o the_o assembly_n do_v sustain_v and_o approve_v the_o letter_n and_o act_n of_o the_o commission_n for_o cite_v such_o as_o be_v unsatisfied_a which_o be_v a_o real_a exclude_v of_o all_o these_o who_o be_v cite_v upon_o dissatisfaction_n at_o least_o from_o be_v make_v judge_n in_o that_o particular_a reas_n that_o can_v be_v or_o be_v not_o account_v a_o lawful_a free_a gen._n assembly_n in_o which_o relevant_a exception_n be_v timous_o propound_v against_o many_o of_o the_o member_n thereof_o and_o offer_v to_o be_v verify_v and_o instruct_v be_v refuse_v to_o be_v take_v in_o consideration_n but_o notwithstanding_o of_o the_o timous_a propon_n of_o these_o exception_n and_o offer_v to_o instruct_v the_o same_o these_o member_n be_v allow_v to_o sit_v and_o vote_n before_o these_o exception_n be_v take_v in_o consideration_n and_o discuss_v but_o the_o meeting_n of_o st._n andrews_n be_v such_o because_o it_o be_v propound_v and_o urge_v by_o sundry_a in_o that_o meeting_n that_o such_o of_o the_o commission_n as_o have_v hand_n in_o the_o public_a resolution_n shall_v not_o be_v permit_v to_o sit_v and_o vote_n in_o the_o assembly_n they_o be_v under_o a_o scandal_n and_o guilty_a of_o the_o promote_a a_o course_n of_o defection_n which_o be_v offer_v to_o be_v instruct_v until_o such_o time_n as_o they_o shall_v be_v try_v yet_o it_o be_v refuse_v to_o take_v any_o such_o exception_n in_o consideration_n or_o to_o remove_v they_o till_o this_o shall_v be_v try_v and_o discuss_v therefore_o etc._n etc._n for_o further_o clear_n and_o confirm_v of_o this_o argument_n it_o be_v needful_a to_o speak_v to_o these_o two_o thing_n 1_o to_o show_v that_o it_o be_v incumbent_a in_o duty_n to_o the_o assembly_n to_o have_v remove_v from_o their_o meeting_n all_o person_n under_o scandal_n the_o same_o be_v make_v know_v unto_o they_o until_o they_o be_v purge_v thereof_o 2_o to_o show_v that_o the_o person_n object_v against_o be_v under_o such_o scandal_n as_o be_v allege_v for_o the_o first_o albeit_o as_o we_o conceive_v no_o great_a controversy_n will_v be_v make_v about_o it_o yet_o we_o offer_v these_o thing_n for_o proof_n of_o it_o 1_o that_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o word_n of_o god_n speak_v for_o it_o 2_o that_o some_o clause_n both_o of_o our_o national_a covenant_n and_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n and_o eight_o desire_n of_o the_o commission_n in_o the_o year_n 1648._o and_o of_o the_o solemn_a engagement_n in_o the_o same_o year_n and_o all_o the_o church_n remonstrance_n for_o purge_v of_o army_n and_o judicatories_n even_o the_o late_a paper_n give_v in_o by_o the_o same_o commissioner_n to_o the_o parliament_n at_o sterlinâ—_n about_o the_o act_n of_o class_n for_o exclude_v of_o scandalous_a person_n from_o be_v member_n of_o our_o judicatories_n 3_o there_o be_v a_o rule_n and_o order_n set_v down_o in_o the_o three_o gen_n assembly_n of_o this_o kirk_n in_o july_n 1562._o that_o at_o the_o entry_n of_o every_o assembly_n the_o first_o work_n be_v to_o be_v anent_o try_v and_o purge_v of_o the_o member_n thereof_o where_o man_n be_v appoint_v to_o be_v charge_v in_o god_n behalf_n to_o declare_v their_o conscience_n touch_v their_o doctrine_n life_n and_o execution_n of_o their_o office_n if_o therein_o they_o be_v scandalous_a like_a as_o it_o be_v appoint_v that_o any_o to_o who_o charge_n any_o thing_n be_v lay_v aught_o to_o be_v remove_v out_o of_o the_o assembly_n until_o his_o cause_n be_v try_v and_o if_o he_o be_v convict_v he_o can_v have_v no_o voice_n until_o the_o kirk_n receive_v satisfaction_n and_o in_o the_o common_a order_n of_o proceed_v set_v down_o in_o subsequent_a assembly_n set_v down_o by_o the_o assembly_n in_o march_n 1568._o it_o be_v appoint_v that_o before_o any_o meddle_v with_o any_o business_n they_o shall_v fâ—ll_v unto_o the_o trial_n of_o their_o member_n the_o same_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o assembly_n 1578._o august_n 6._o at_o edinburgh_n and_o in_o the_o assembly_n 1580._o and_o in_o the_o assembly_n 1581._o which_v two_o last_a assembly_n as_o the_o one_o of_o they_o condemn_v the_o office_n of_o episcopacy_n and_o pâ—t_n out_o the_o bishop_n and_o the_o other_o establish_v presbytery_n and_o the_o book_n of_o policy_n and_o the_o short_a confession_n of_o faith_n or_o our_o national_a covenant_n so_o be_v they_o so_o exact_a and_o diligent_a in_o this_o try_v purge_v work_n of_o their_o member_n that_o at_o their_o very_a entry_n they_o require_v all_o man_n as_o they_o render_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o weal_n of_o this_o kirk_n and_o as_o they_o shall_v be_v answerable_a to_o god_n upon_o their_o conscience_n that_o they_o delat_n and_o give_v in_o the_o name_n and_o fault_n of_o any_o of_o their_o number_n to_o the_o remove_n of_o the_o slander_n which_o arise_v to_o the_o whole_a kirk_n by_o their_o admit_v of_o such_o member_n which_o custom_n and_o practice_n be_v exact_o keep_v for_o above_o twenty_o assembly_n and_o twenty_o year_n together_o 4_o all_o the_o assembly_n of_o this_o kirk_n since_o the_o late_a reformation_n in_o the_o year_n 16â—8_n have_v upon_o the_o objection_n of_o scandal_n against_o any_o of_o their_o member_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o constitution_n of_o their_o meeting_n remove_v these_o member_n until_o the_o exception_n be_v try_v and_o discuss_v nay_o this_o same_o meeting_n at_o st._n andrews_n upon_o like_a exception_n and_o objection_n that_o the_o scandal_n of_o the_o laird_n of_o blaketer_n and_o some_o other_o their_o accession_n to_o the_o unlawful_a engagement_n be_v not_o yet_o sufficient_o purge_v by_o notify_v their_o repentance_n to_o the_o assembly_n and_o approve_v the_o same_o
where_o they_o be_v remove_v from_o sit_v as_o member_n and_o we_o will_v have_v any_o man_n in_o the_o world_n to_o bring_v a_o reason_n why_o some_o member_n upon_o exception_n propound_v shall_v have_v be_v remove_v till_o these_o be_v try_v and_o discuss_v and_o yet_o other_o member_n admit_v against_o they_o as_o relevant_a nay_o more_o relevant_a exception_n be_v propound_v before_o the_o try_v and_o discuss_v of_o they_o for_o the_o second_o that_o the_o person_n object_v against_o be_v under_o scandal_n of_o carry_v on_o a_o course_n of_o defection_n it_o be_v manifest_a not_o only_o from_o hear-say_n and_o common_a report_n the_o first_o whereof_o in_o the_o 13._o of_o deuteronomy_n and_o 12._o verse_n be_v make_v a_o ground_n for_o inquire_v and_o make_v search_n and_o ask_v diligent_o after_o these_o who_o seduce_v to_o false-worship_n and_o the_o other_o ground_n of_o proceed_v against_o the_o incestous_a person_n 1_o cor._n 5.1_o 2_o thes_n 3.11_o but_o also_o from_o these_o four_o particular_n 1_o the_o offence_n and_o stumble_v and_o sad_a complaint_n of_o the_o plurality_n of_o the_o godly_a in_o the_o land_n against_o their_o proceed_n 2_o the_o testimony_n and_o letter_n of_o many_o presbytery_n bear_v their_o stumble_n and_o dissatisfaction_n with_o such_o course_n 3._o the_o clear_a stand_a act_n remonstrance_n and_o declaration_n of_o former_a general_n assembly_n unto_o the_o which_o these_o proceed_n be_v diametral_o opposite_a 4_o the_o testimony_n of_o sundry_a brethren_n of_o the_o assembly_n offer_v to_o instruct_v what_o be_v allege_v objection_n the_o commissioner_n of_o former_a assembly_n have_v always_o such_o of_o they_o as_o be_v choose_v by_o presbytry_n be_v admit_v to_o be_v member_n before_o the_o trial_n and_o approbation_n of_o their_o proceed_n answer_n it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o commissioner_n have_v be_v allow_v to_o sit_v until_o their_o proceed_n come_v to_o be_v try_v and_o judge_v but_o it_o be_v as_o true_a that_o such_o exception_n and_o objection_n be_v propon_v be_v never_o reject_v there_o be_v since_o the_o late_a reformation_n no_o cause_n to_o propound_v any_o such_o thing_n the_o commissioner_n till_o this_o year_n have_v always_o carry_v themselves_o faithful_o but_o upon_o supposal_n they_o have_v do_v otherwise_o it_o can_v in_o reason_n be_v deny_v but_o that_o there_o be_v reason_n both_o to_o propound_v it_o and_o take_v it_o in_o consideration_n in_o order_n to_o this_o particular_a it_o be_v to_o be_v remember_v that_o upon_o occasion_n of_o the_o great_a debate_n in_o the_o assembly_n 1597._o concern_v the_o carriage_n and_o proceed_n of_o the_o commission_n of_o the_o gen._n assembly_n who_o have_v lead_v the_o church_n into_o defection_n in_o the_o interval_n betwixt_o assembly_n by_o take_v upon_o they_o to_o give_v in_o petition_n to_o the_o parliament_n for_o vote_n in_o parliament_n to_o the_o minister_n that_o shall_v be_v provide_v to_o prelacy_n and_o represent_v the_o true_a kirk_n of_o god_n and_o be_v the_o three_o estate_n of_o the_o realm_n the_o next_o assembly_n which_o sit_v in_o the_o year_n 1601_o do_v make_v a_o act_n appoint_v the_o commissioner_n of_o the_o precede_a assembly_n to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o their_o whole_a proceed_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o next_o before_o any_o other_o cause_n or_o matter_n be_v handle_v and_o their_o proceeeding_n be_v allow_v or_o dissallow_v as_o the_o assembly_n shall_v think_v expedient_a which_o act_n be_v renew_v in_o the_o year_n 1648._o and_o do_v necessary_o infer_v that_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v admit_v to_o sit_v as_o member_n of_o the_o assembly_n though_o there_o be_v no_o scandal_n nor_o exception_n propound_v thereupon_o till_o their_o carriage_n be_v first_o try_v and_o approven_v muchless_a they_o be_v to_o be_v admit_v when_o there_o be_v scandal_n and_o exception_n propound_v thereupon_o object_n it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o remove_v they_o when_o the_o report_n of_o their_o proceed_n come_v in_o to_o be_v judge_v or_o not_o to_o admit_v they_o as_o judge_n of_o the_o thing_n wherein_o they_o be_v to_o be_v try_v and_o as_o this_o be_v do_v in_o former_a assembly_n so_o it_o be_v also_o do_v in_o this_o answ_n that_o be_v not_o sufficient_a because_o it_o be_v object_v and_o offer_v to_o be_v instruct_v that_o they_o be_v under_o a_o scandal_n and_o that_o of_o a_o very_a high_a nature_n they_o ought_v not_o to_o have_v sit_v as_o member_n until_o they_o have_v first_o be_v purge_v thereof_o unless_o we_o may_v say_v that_o any_o scandalous_a man_n may_v judge_v in_o any_o thing_n except_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o his_o own_o scandal_n 2._o there_o be_v a_o manifest_a prejudice_n to_o the_o judge_n of_o their_o own_o proceed_n by_o their_o sit_v because_o they_o have_v a_o hand_n in_o nominate_v and_o appoint_v man_n who_o do_v consider_v their_o proceed_n and_o make_v report_n thereof_o to_o the_o assembly_n nay_o their_o moderator_n and_o clerk_n be_v moderator_n and_o clerk_n of_o the_o assembly_n do_v nominate_v all_o these_o man_n and_o be_v so_o gross_a therein_o that_o except_o one_o man_n they_o nominate_v none_o to_o be_v upon_o the_o committee_n except_o such_o as_o be_v of_o their_o own_o judgement_n though_o some_o few_o day_n after_o they_o do_v add_v some_o few_o other_o after_o it_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o and_o regrait_v in_o private_a conference_n with_o the_o moderator_n object_n if_o the_o propound_v of_o one_o exception_n be_v reason_n sufficient_a to_o have_v remove_v so_o many_o considerable_a member_n of_o the_o assembly_n then_o may_v the_o whole_a member_n one_o after_o another_o have_v be_v remove_v by_o propound_v exception_n against_o they_o and_o so_o not_o only_o that_o assembly_n but_o all_o assembly_n whatsoever_o may_v by_o any_o contentious_a of_o malevolous_a person_n be_v bring_v to_o nothing_o because_o they_o may_v propound_v exception_n against_o each_o of_o the_o member_n and_o allege_v that_o they_o can_v not_o sit_v until_o these_o be_v first_o try_v and_o discuss_v otherwise_o it_o be_v not_o a_o lawful_a free_a general_n assembly_n answ_n this_o objection_n strike_v against_o the_o propound_v and_o hear_v of_o any_o exception_n whatsoever_o against_o any_o constituent_a member_n of_o a_o judicatory_a as_o well_o as_o against_o the_o present_a case_n and_o therefore_o if_o the_o maker_n of_o it_o admit_v exception_n against_o constituent_a member_n in_o any_o case_n they_o be_v bind_v no_o less_o than_o we_o be_v to_o frame_v a_o answer_n thereto_o which_o answer_n in_o the_o present_a case_n as_o in_o other_o they_o will_v not_o grant_v but_o to_o the_o thing_n itself_o we_o say_v that_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a for_o remove_v of_o member_n of_o judicatories_n simple_o to_o propound_v and_o offer_v exception_n against_o they_o but_o these_o two_o thing_n be_v requisite_a in_o the_o exception_n propound_v and_o offer_v 1._o that_o for_o the_o matter_n it_o be_v such_o as_o prima_fw-la front_n at_o least_o seem_v relevant_a in_o law_n 2._o that_o for_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o fact_n in_o application_n to_o the_o person_n against_o who_o it_o be_v make_v there_o be_v a_o scandal_n or_o some_o presumption_n or_o some_o offering_n to_o instruct_v and_o make_v it_o out_o now_o in_o the_o present_a case_n it_o be_v clear_a that_o the_o exception_n propound_v be_v relevant_a in_o jure_v if_o there_o be_v any_o relevant_a why_o a_o man_n shall_v not_o sit_v in_o the_o general_n assembly_n this_o certain_o be_v one_o that_o he_o have_v betray_v his_o former_a trust_n have_v make_v defection_n from_o the_o covenant_n and_o cause_n and_o be_v instrumental_a to_o carry_v on_o a_o course_n of_o defection_n throughout_o the_o kirk_n and_o kingdom_n and_o as_o to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o fact_n in_o reference_n to_o these_o against_o who_o the_o exception_n be_v make_v all_o these_o three_o do_v concur_v a_o flagrant_a scandal_n pregnant_a presumption_n 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well_o to_o prove_v they_o to_o be_v so_o until_o he_o do_v it_o he_o will_v i_o hope_v allow_v charity_n to_o these_o who_o deny_v it_o some_o of_o the_o great_a divine_n of_o this_o church_n and_o of_o this_o age_n who_o praise_n be_v in_o all_o the_o reform_a church_n do_v affirm_v and_o have_v prove_v the_o contrary_a and_o if_o the_o author_n assertion_n be_v true_a i_o fear_v not_o to_o say_v that_o the_o mind_n and_o practice_n of_o this_o church_n these_o year_n past_a have_v not_o be_v orthodox_n nor_o agreeable_a to_o the_o faith_n in_o order_n to_o these_o tenet_n because_o they_o have_v be_v clear_o teach_v and_o practise_v by_o this_o church_n these_o year_n past_a and_o a_o man_n but_o slender_o see_v in_o the_o doctrine_n thereof_o may_v bring_v forth_o these_o tenet_n assert_v by_o this_o church_n in_o the_o same_o letter_n and_o sillabes_fw-la and_o may_v give_v clear_a instance_n of_o her_o practice_n a-agreeing_a with_o the_o same_o it_o have_v be_v do_v already_o 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can_v have_v more_o endanger_v these_o it_o be_v a_o speedy_a way_n to_o expose_v they_o to_o the_o censure_n both_o of_o church_n and_o state_n as_o do_v appear_v in_o the_o sequel_n some_o of_o they_o because_o of_o their_o protest_v be_v depose_v by_o that_o assembly_n and_o other_o of_o they_o confine_v by_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n and_o there_o be_v ground_n to_o presume_v that_o they_o will_v have_v be_v proceed_v against_o with_o further_a censure_n both_o civil_a and_o ecclesiastic_a if_o the_o lord_n have_v not_o stop_v the_o current_n of_o these_o thing_n if_o this_o be_v their_o safe_a way_n why_o do_v man_n of_o his_o own_o judgement_n so_o frequent_o say_v that_o if_o the_o protestation_n have_v be_v forbear_v the_o assembly_n will_v not_o have_v censure_v any_o no_o not_o in_o the_o case_n of_o their_o adhere_n to_o their_o judgement_n and_o dissent_v from_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o assembly_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o public_a resolution_n if_o we_o shall_v take_v safety_n in_o order_n to_o the_o cause_n they_o can_v not_o be_v so_o dull_a as_o to_o think_v that_o their_o protest_v against_o the_o assembly_n will_v keep_v the_o assembly_n from_o try_v and_o judge_v of_o their_o cause_n or_o other_o indifferent_a man_n from_o search_v into_o the_o same_o and_o if_o before_o the_o protestation_n it_o can_v not_o abide_v the_o trial_n it_o do_v but_o put_v they_o in_o a_o much_o worse_a condition_n to_o protest_v upon_o a_o unwarrantable_a ground_n it_o be_v worse_o to_o defend_v two_o evil_a cause_n than_o one_o and_o therefore_o it_o do_v not_o appear_v from_o these_o thing_n that_o self-interest_n be_v the_o spring_n from_o whence_o these_o act_n do_v flow_v yea_o the_o contrary_n if_o any_o thing_n be_v manifest_a because_o by_o such_o a_o way_n they_o can_v expect_v nothing_o but_o the_o hightning_n of_o all_o former_a reproach_n cast_v on_o they_o the_o expose_v of_o themselves_o to_o the_o censure_n both_o of_o church_n and_o state_n if_o man_n that_o in_o all_o their_o precious_a interest_n must_v be_v sufferer_n because_o of_o their_o do_v of_o such_o thing_n be_v lead_v to_o act_v therein_o upon_o a_o principle_n of_o selfish_a interest_n we_o leave_v it_o to_o judicious_a and_o indifferent_a man_n to_o consider_v and_o give_v their_o judgement_n whether_o it_o be_v very_o apparent_a yea_o or_o not_o it_o be_v true_a that_o some_o two_o or_o three_o do_v partly_o by_o the_o persuasion_n and_o partly_o by_o the_o threaten_n of_o some_o at_o dundee_n resile_v a_o little_a from_o the_o testimony_n which_o they_o have_v give_v at_o st_n andrews_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o protestation_n which_o within_o a_o short_a time_n thereafter_o they_o do_v repent_v of_o and_o again_o adhere_v to_o their_o former_a testimony_n not_o upon_o any_o selfish-interest_n or_o eye_n to_o credit_n or_o advantage_n as_o the_o author_n affirm_v there_o be_v no_o appearance_n first_o or_o last_o that_o by_o adhere_v to_o the_o protestation_n they_o can_v gain_v any_o of_o these_o thing_n but_o on_o the_o check_n of_o their_o own_o conscience_n and_o the_o voice_n they_o hear_v behind_o they_o say_v this_o be_v the_o way_n walk_v you_o in_o it_o when_o they_o have_v turn_v aside_o some_o of_o they_o be_v since_o that_o time_n take_v out_o of_o the_o land_n of_o the_o live_n and_o i_o trust_v be_v now_o in_o glory_n and_o i_o can_v assure_v the_o author_n and_o all_o other_o and_o if_o it_o be_v doubt_v i_o will_v get_v it_o attest_v under_o the_o hand_n of_o famous_a witness_n that_o after_o their_o resil_n from_o that_o testimony_n they_o have_v no_o peace_n nor_o quietness_n in_o their_o spirit_n for_o a_o long_a time_n but_o go_v down_o mourning_n to_o their_o grave_n because_o they_o have_v so_o do_v and_o upon_o their_o death_n bed_n do_v often_o and_o sad_o bemoan_v it_o that_o they_o have_v miss_v the_o opportunity_n to_o give_v some_o public_a testimony_n and_o declaration_n with_o other_o of_o their_o sorrow_n for_o the_o same_o and_o of_o their_o purpose_n and_o resolution_n to_o adhere_v to_o the_o protestation_n it_o have_v be_v no_o loss_n to_o the_o author_n nor_o his_o cause_n to_o have_v spare_v such_o sharp_a let_v i_o not_o say_v bitter_a and_o personal_a reflection_n upon_o conscientious_a and_o godly_a man_n as_o he_o many_o time_n needless_o use_v he_o and_o all_o other_o who_o eye_n god_n have_v open_v to_o see_v their_o way_n can_v but_o be_v conscious_a to_o themselves_o of_o their_o own_o wander_n and_o how_o much_o they_o owe_v to_o the_o exceed_a riches_n of_o the_o mercy_n and_o free_a grace_n of_o god_n that_o have_v recover_v they_o out_o of_o snare_n vindication_n second_o estimation_n of_o the_o person_n the_o author_n or_o abettor_n of_o this_o protestation_n god_n forbid_v i_o shall_v think_v say_v or_o advise_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o prejudice_n or_o disadvantage_n of_o godliness_n or_o godly_a person_n neither_o shall_v i_o question_v their_o godliness_n my_o judgement_n concern_v some_o yea_o many_o of_o they_o be_v very_o positive_a have_v by_o experience_n and_o acquaintance_n see_v i_o must_v say_v much_o of_o the_o image_n of_o jesus_n christ_n in_o they_o as_o for_o other_o what_o ever_o they_o have_v be_v every_o whit_n i_o take_v not_o on_o i_o to_o judge_v they_o nor_o yet_o think_v i_o it_o pertinent_a or_o fit_a so_o to_o do_v that_o there_o be_v godly_a man_n not_o a_o few_o on_o the_o other_o side_n too_o be_v manifest_a some_o that_o be_v in_o christ_n before_o they_o and_o man_n that_o have_v suffer_v for_o the_o truth_n and_o cause_n of_o god_n when_o other_o have_v not_o the_o honour_n to_o be_v doer_n for_o it_o and_o be_v ready_a to_o suffer_v if_o he_o shall_v call_v they_o to_o it_o though_o some_o uncharitable_o
and_o rash_o to_o say_v to_o the_o best_a of_o it_o spare_v not_o to_o traduce_v they_o as_o apostate_n and_o backslider_n but_o this_o be_v it_o i_o will_v say_v that_o man_n shall_v take_v heed_n that_o they_o make_v not_o a_o snare_n of_o their_o opinion_n yea_o or_o the_o real_a conviction_n of_o the_o godliness_n they_o have_v of_o any_o person_n by_o approve_v take_v up_o or_o follow_v their_o say_n opinion_n or_o practice_n without_o due_a examination_n and_o trial_n upon_o this_o account_n because_o they_o be_v godly_a person_n from_o who_o such_o thing_n proceed_v it_o be_v well_o and_o expedient_a for_o such_o as_o will_v in_o this_o dangerous_a time_n walk_v circumspect_o and_o shun_v snare_n to_o remember_v as_o to_o this_o present_a caution_n two_o thing_n 1._o that_o true_a godliness_n be_v not_o of_o such_o perfection_n in_o any_o on_o this_o side_n of_o eternity_n as_o do_v exempt_v they_o from_o all_o err_a whether_o in_o judgement_n or_o practice_n nor_o yet_o from_o stiff_o maintain_v mistake_n when_o once_o they_o have_v turn_v aside_o unto_o they_o luther_n be_v a_o godly_a man_n and_o have_v much_o of_o christ_n in_o he_o i_o think_v none_o of_o they_o interest_v in_o the_o present_a business_n will_v compare_v with_o he_o yet_o who_o know_v not_o what_o great_a erroun_n he_o hold_v in_o the_o matter_n of_o god_n and_o maintain_v not_o only_o stiff_o but_o violent_o to_o the_o great_a prejudice_n of_o religion_n and_o obstruction_n of_o the_o work_n of_o reformation_n under_o which_o the_o reform_a kirk_n do_v groan_v yet_o unto_o this_o day_n 2._o how_o woeful_a a_o snare_n this_o i_o mean_v not_o godliness_n but_o the_o overweigh_a conceit_n of_o person_n repute_v to_o be_v godly_a have_v prove_v in_o the_o neighbour_n nation_n and_o kirk_n have_v not_o this_o be_v one_o of_o the_o chief_a stratagem_n and_o engine_n whereby_o satan_n have_v prevail_v to_o mar_v the_o fair_a work_n of_o reformation_n so_o happy_o and_o hopeful_o once_o begin_v there_o and_o sill_v that_o land_n with_o unparalelled_a confusion_n under_o which_o now_o it_o groan_n foelix_fw-la quem_fw-la faciunt_fw-la aliena_fw-la pericula_fw-la cautum_fw-la it_o be_v good_a for_o we_o to_o learn_v wisdom_n by_o other_o man_n danger_n and_o to_o be_v warn_v by_o the_o beacon_n which_o other_o shipwreck_n have_v set_v up_o to_o we_o lest_o we_o also_o make_v shipwreck_n upon_o the_o the_o same_o schelve_n and_o then_o say_v but_o too_o late_a non_fw-la putavimus_fw-la proverb_n still_o scottish_a man_n wise_a behind_o the_o hand_n prove_v all_o thing_n from_o whatsoever_o hand_n they_o come_v and_o hold_v fast_o that_o which_o be_v good_a review_n i_o do_v indeed_o believe_v that_o the_o author_n do_v not_o intend_v to_o say_v or_o advise_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o prejudice_n or_o disadvantage_n of_o godliness_n or_o godly_a man_n yet_o do_v i_o desire_v he_o serious_o and_o in_o soberness_n of_o mind_n as_o before_o the_o lord_n to_o consider_v whether_o there_o have_v be_v something_o in_o the_o late_a public_a resolution_n and_o in_o the_o proceed_n and_o act_n of_o the_o late_a assembly_n at_o dundee_n to_o both_o which_o if_o i_o mistake_v not_o he_o have_v a_o great_a accession_n that_o be_v prejudicial_a to_o godliness_n and_o to_o godly_a man_n respect_v to_o these_o do_v exceed_o abate_v with_o the_o public_a resolution_n yea_o enimity_n against_o these_o do_v exceed_o grow_v with_o these_o resolution_n a_o thing_n so_o manifest_a that_o they_o who_o do_v run_v can_v not_o but_o read_v it_o and_o do_v not_o the_o act_n at_o dundee_n wherein_o beside_o the_o censure_n that_o be_v inflict_v on_o some_o all_o whether_o minister_n elder_n expectant_n schoolmaster_n student_n or_o professor_n of_o whatsoever_o sort_n who_o shall_v not_o acquiesce_v to_o the_o act_n and_o conclusion_n of_o that_o assembly_n and_o who_o after_o conference_n for_o their_o satisfaction_n oppose_v the_o same_o be_v appoint_v to_o be_v censure_v do_v not_o i_o say_v these_o act_n import_v a_o prejudice_n to_o godliness_n and_o godly_a man_n if_o prosecute_v and_o execute_v they_o will_v at_o last_o non-office_n and_o non-church_n many_o godly_a church-officer_n and_o godly_a church-member_n yea_o i_o fear_v the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o godly_a in_o the_o land_n his_o testimony_n concern_v the_o godliness_n of_o many_o of_o the_o author_n and_o abettor_n of_o this_o protestation_n i_o do_v willing_o accept_v as_o savour_v of_o ingenuity_n and_o have_v truth_n in_o it_o i_o wish_v he_o have_v be_v as_o plain_a and_o positive_a in_o give_v his_o judgement_n concern_v other_o while_o he_o difference_n they_o from_o these_o to_o who_o godliness_n he_o bear_v testimony_n and_o say_v that_o what_o ever_o they_o have_v be_v every_o whit_n he_o will_v not_o take_v upon_o he_o to_o judge_v it_o seem_v that_o he_o will_v render_v they_o suspect_v if_o not_o have_v they_o take_v for_o person_n naughty_a or_o little_a worth_n what_o ever_o be_v his_o meaning_n in_o it_o or_o his_o judgement_n of_o these_o other_o i_o shall_v not_o stand_v to_o inquire_v into_o it_o there_o be_v none_o of_o the_o author_n or_o abettor_n of_o that_o protestation_n to_o who_o many_o of_o the_o godly_a in_o scotland_n will_v not_o give_v a_o honest_a testimony_n neither_o will_v any_o thing_n that_o any_o of_o they_o have_v be_v contradict_v the_o same_o if_o at_o any_o time_n they_o have_v be_v in_o a_o wrong_a way_n yet_o have_v they_o through_o grace_n repent_v of_o and_o forsake_v the_o same_o and_o it_o concern_v the_o author_n who_o have_v be_v a_o sharer_n of_o the_o like_a precious_a mercy_n not_o to_o upbraid_v they_o but_o to_o acknowledge_v the_o goodness_n of_o the_o lord_n both_o to_o they_o and_o to_o himself_o i_o deny_v not_o that_o there_o be_v godly_a man_n on_o the_o other_o side_n and_o such_o as_o suffer_v for_o the_o truth_n and_o cause_n of_o god_n but_o why_o he_o shall_v say_v that_o some_o of_o they_o be_v in_o christ_n before_o the_o protester_n and_o that_o they_o be_v sufferer_n for_o the_o truth_n when_o other_o have_v not_o the_o honour_n to_o be_v deor_n for_o it_o i_o do_v not_o well_o understand_v sundry_a of_o the_o protester_n for_o their_o be_v in_o christ_n and_o suffer_v for_o the_o truth_n and_o cause_n of_o god_n be_v through_o grace_n of_o a_o very_a old_a and_o longstanding_n and_o famous_a &_o honourable_a in_o all_o this_o church_n i_o can_v reckon_v the_o month_n or_o year_n since_o the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o do_v begin_v to_o be_v in_o christ_n and_o have_v the_o honour_n to_o suffer_v for_o the_o truth_n neither_o do_v i_o desire_v to_o insist_v on_o the_o comparison_n bless_a be_v the_o lord_n for_o all_o that_o be_v in_o christ_n and_o for_o all_o who_o suffer_v for_o his_o cause_n i_o wish_v and_o pray_v that_o all_o of_o they_o may_v conquer_v and_o overcome_v and_o if_o any_o of_o they_o be_v turn_v out_o of_o the_o way_n the_o lord_n may_v again_o recover_v 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prejudice_n to_o the_o assembly_n in_o judge_v of_o these_o resolution_n at_o last_o the_o result_n be_v this_o that_o such_o of_o the_o assembly_n as_o they_o desire_v to_o confer_v with_o may_v speak_v with_o they_o but_o that_o no_o particular_a person_n shall_v be_v nominate_v nor_o any_o thing_n write_v thereof_o in_o the_o minute_n of_o the_o assembly_n in_o prosecution_n of_o this_o desire_n some_o of_o the_o unsatisfy_a brethren_n do_v meet_v with_o the_o moderator_n of_o that_o assembly_n and_o some_o other_o eminent_a man_n member_n of_o the_o commission_n at_o mr._n robert_n blair_n his_o chamber_n two_o several_a diet_n and_o after_o some_o conference_n to_o and_o fro_o do_v earnest_o beseech_v and_o press_v upon_o they_o some_o with_o tear_n that_o they_o will_v be_v please_v to_o be_v instrumental_a in_o adjourn_v the_o assembly_n and_o in_o delay_v to_o ratify_v the_o public_a resolution_n but_o they_o be_v not_o please_v to_o condescend_v so_o much_o as_o to_o 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meet_v at_o edinburgh_n where_o after_o some_o day_n spend_v together_o in_o prayer_n and_o supplication_n and_o in_o confess_v of_o their_o sin_n to_o god_n and_o one_o to_o another_o they_o do_v in_o the_o next_o place_n after_o conference_n and_o mutual_a communication_n of_o light_a one_o with_o another_o set_v down_o their_o thought_n concern_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o lord_n wrath_n against_o the_o land_n that_o in_o that_o time_n of_o darkness_n there_o may_v be_v some_o light_n and_o directory_n in_o these_o thing_n to_o such_o as_o be_v willing_a to_o receive_v and_o make_v use_n thereof_o among_o these_o cause_n of_o wrath_n they_o do_v condescend_v upon_o and_o reckon_v the_o public_a resolution_n of_o church_n and_o state_n for_o bring_v the_o malignant_a party_n first_o to_o the_o army_n and_o then_o to_o the_o judicatories_n and_o the_o actual_a entrust_v of_o they_o with_o the_o power_n of_o the_o kingdom_n both_o military_a and_o civil_a and_o the_o prelimit_v and_o 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and_o call_v of_o god_n to_o take_v possession_n of_o the_o power_n and_o trust_v commit_v unto_o they_o by_o the_o assembly_n 1650._o yet_o so_o as_o they_o do_v not_o authoritative_o impose_v or_o require_v obedience_n to_o any_o of_o their_o emission_n concern_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o lord_n wrath_n which_o be_v the_o only_a thing_n they_o meddle_v with_o but_o have_v agree_v upon_o these_o cause_n with_o the_o advice_n of_o diverse_a brethren_n from_o several_a part_n of_o the_o kingdom_n do_v offer_v and_o advise_v the_o same_o to_o be_v make_v use_n of_o by_o all_o the_o lord_n people_n in_o the_o land_n leave_v place_n to_o add_v as_o the_o lord_n shall_v make_v further_a discovery_n thereafter_o at_o the_o same_o time_n all_o the_o brethren_n who_o be_v meet_v do_v write_v letter_n to_o sundry_a reverend_a and_o godly_a man_n in_o the_o ministry_n of_o a_o different_a judgement_n desire_v a_o amicable_a conference_n with_o they_o and_o conceive_v that_o they_o can_v not_o well_o be_v bring_v together_o to_o one_o place_n in_o such_o a_o season_n of_o the_o year_n and_o when_o travel_v be_v so_o difficult_a they_o do_v appoint_v some_o of_o their_o number_n to_o wait_v upon_o some_o of_o they_o at_o st._n andrews_n and_o upon_o other_o of_o they_o at_o glasgow_n who_o may_v hold_v forth_o unto_o they_o what_o in_o their_o judgement_n be_v the_o most_o conducible_a mean_n for_o union_n and_o peace_n both_o with_o god_n and_o among_o ourselves_o and_o to_o hear_v what_o shall_v be_v offer_v unto_o they_o by_o these_o brethren_n what_o pass_v in_o these_o conference_n i_o leave_v it_o to_o these_o who_o be_v present_a to_o relate_v hope_v that_o none_o who_o be_v present_a will_v say_v that_o the_o desire_n and_o endeavour_n of_o union_n do_v break_v off_o upon_o our_o side_n those_o of_o our_o number_n not_o only_o profess_v themselves_o willing_a to_o confer_v &_o hear_v what_o shall_v be_v offer_v unto_o they_o but_o to_o attend_v at_o any_o other_o diet_n that_o shall_v be_v appoint_v and_o to_o endeavour_v if_o it_o be_v desire_v a_o more_o numerous_a and_o frequent_a meeting_n of_o brethren_n of_o both_o side_n from_o all_o which_o it_o do_v appear_v that_o the_o protester_n all_o along_o have_v be_v pursuer_n of_o peace_n and_o not_o promoter_n and_o fosterer_n of_o division_n the_o author_n propound_v the_o question_n if_o it_o have_v not_o be_v a_o more_o probable_a and_o christian_n like_o mean_a for_o remedy_v 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 and_o for_o a_o amicable_a and_o brotherly_a conference_n on_o equal_a term_n about_o the_o difference_n then_o that_o the_o protester_n be_v but_o the_o one_o side_n shall_v have_v take_v upon_o themselves_o the_o authority_n of_o a_o public_a judicatory_a and_o by_o themselves_o straightway_o to_o condemn_v the_o other_o side_n as_o guilty_a in_o answer_n to_o which_o beside_o what_o be_v already_o say_v i_o will_v first_o ask_v the_o author_n whether_o it_o be_v fair_a deal_n that_o these_o at_o st._n andrews_n after_o they_o be_v earnest_o entreat_v of_o their_o brethren_n to_o adjourn_v and_o delay_v the_o ratify_n of_o the_o public_a resolution_n shall_v first_o take_v upon_o they_o the_o authority_n of_o a_o general_n assembly_n to_o ratify_v the_o public_a resolution_n condemn_v their_o brethren_n who_o protest_v against_o they_o censure_v some_o of_o they_o with_o suspension_n and_o other_o of_o they_o with_o deposition_n for_o that_o very_a thing_n and_o lay_v a_o foundation_n for_o censure_v all_o of_o they_o and_o all_o other_o in_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n who_o shall_v continue_v to_o differ_v from_o they_o and_o oppose_v they_o in_o these_o thing_n and_o then_o afterward_o cry_v out_o upon_o their_o brethren_n who_o hold_v forth_o the_o sin_n and_o iniquity_n of_o such_o proceed_n as_o upon_o man_n who_o be_v not_o for_o peace_n
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 steâ—s_n shall_v be_v change_v rather_o upon_o they_o thâ—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 impuâ—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 â—â—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 aâ—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
first_o ground_n 1._o as_o it_o lie_v in_o the_o protestation_n it_o can_v have_v no_o force_n to_o prove_v any_o illegality_n or_o nullity_n of_o the_o assembly_n at_o the_o time_n of_o the_o protestation_n suppose_v that_o the_o commissioner_n act_n &_o letter_n send_v to_o presbytery_n and_o indeed_o contain_v under_o prelimitation_n because_o this_o fault_n of_o the_o commission_n can_v not_o be_v impute_v to_o the_o assembly_n to_o nullify_v it_o while_o as_o yet_o it_o be_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o assembly_n but_o a_o aliedgance_n not_o prove_v that_o such_o under_o pre-limitation_n have_v be_v use_v in_o the_o election_n of_o commissioner_n and_o that_o they_o have_v not_o as_o yet_o determine_v nor_o approven_v the_o deed_n of_o the_o commission_n nor_o deed_n of_o presbytery_n do_v thereupon_o in_o election_n at_o the_o give_v in_o of_o this_o protestation_n the_o assembly_n have_v not_o as_o yet_o consider_v the_o commissioner_n proceed_n neither_o indeed_o be_v it_o in_o their_o power_n to_o cognosce_fw-la upon_o exception_n against_o the_o commission_n without_o change_n of_o the_o order_n of_o proceed_v that_o have_v be_v use_v constant_o in_o all_o by-gone_a time_n and_o upon_o a_o great_a debate_n with_o the_o parliament_n itself_o in_o the_o assembly_n 1648._o have_v be_v establish_v by_o a_o formal_a act_n as_o the_o protester_n themselves_o well_o understand_v and_o acknowledge_v and_o therefore_o it_o be_v that_o upon_o this_o they_o offer_v to_o the_o assembly_n before_o the_o choose_n of_o a_o moderator_n a_o paper_n press_v the_o change_n and_o reform_v the_o order_n of_o proceed_v in_o the_o general_n assembly_n which_o before_o have_v always_o be_v in_o use_n as_o if_o some_o of_o themselves_o have_v not_o be_v the_o main_a maintainer_n and_o procurer_n of_o the_o establishment_n of_o that_o order_n before_o when_o it_o make_v for_o they_o and_o as_o the_o assembly_n as_o yet_o but_o in_o heap_n of_o the_o matter_n and_o not_o constitute_v into_o a_o judicatory_a can_v have_v take_v into_o consideration_n and_o have_v alter_v the_o practice_n and_o constitution_n of_o former_a assembly_n the_o assembly_n therefore_o do_v offer_v to_o call_v in_o this_o exception_n and_o to_o give_v unto_o it_o all_o due_a consideration_n as_o soon_o as_o possible_o they_o can_v win_v at_o it_o review_n what_o need_v all_o this_o waist_n of_o word_n concern_v the_o gather_n and_o muster_v of_o force_n and_o the_o employ_v of_o many_o head_n and_o the_o pen_n that_o give_v the_o form_n and_o some_o thing_n 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 qâ—aerees_n the_o truth_n be_v that_o if_o it_o be_v a_o purpose_n to_o tell_v it_o there_o be_v very_o few_o head_n employ_v in_o that_o business_n haply_o as_o few_o as_o about_o the_o vindication_n and_o there_o be_v little_a gather_v of_o force_n for_o it_o the_o difficulty_n of_o correspondence_n and_o shortness_n of_o time_n wherein_o it_o be_v pen_v admit_v of_o very_o little_a communication_n of_o thought_n and_o the_o author_n be_v mistake_v when_o he_o speak_v of_o two_o quaeres_fw-la one_o of_o school_n another_o of_o register_n and_o of_o law_n out_o of_o which_o the_o former_a behove_v to_o have_v his_o material_n and_o haply_o also_o concern_v the_o pen_n that_o give_v it_o the_o frame_n as_o some_o other_o have_v be_v before_o he_o but_o what_o though_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v true_a which_o he_o allege_v be_v it_o any_o fault_n in_o weak_a soldier_n to_o call_v in_o their_o fellow_n to_o their_o help_n and_o to_o strengthen_v one_o another_o in_o maintain_v of_o their_o ground_n against_o many_o and_o strong_a adversary_n or_o do_v he_o hunt_v after_o commendation_n and_o applause_n by_o set_v forth_o the_o preparation_n and_o multitude_n and_o strength_n of_o his_o opposite_n who_o yet_o he_o by_o himself_o alone_o suppose_v to_o have_v defeat_n it_o be_v free_a for_o the_o author_n in_o answer_v the_o reason_n contain_v in_o the_o protestation_n and_o the_o other_o paper_n relate_v to_o it_o to_o choose_v such_o a_o method_n as_o seem_v best_a to_o he_o though_o it_o will_v have_v seem_v to_o be_v more_o easy_a for_o his_o reader_n if_o he_o have_v follow_v foot_n for_o foot_n what_o be_v contain_v in_o these_o paper_n i_o do_v more_o wonder_n that_o he_o have_v leave_v many_o thing_n of_o importance_n unanswered_a not_o so_o much_o as_o once_o touch_v they_o but_o let_v we_o come_v to_o the_o answer_n which_o he_o give_v which_o i_o shall_v take_v as_o they_o lie_v in_o the_o vindication_n upon_o supposal_n that_o the_o letter_n and_o act_n send_v by_o the_o commission_n to_o presbytery_n do_v contain_v a_o under-prelimitation_a the_o first_o ground_n as_o it_o lie_v in_o the_o protestation_n have_v force_n to_o prove_v the_o illegality_n or_o nudity_n in_o the_o assembly_n notwithstanding_o of_o any_o thing_n the_o author_n say_v to_o the_o contrary_n first_o he_o seem_v to_o lay_v this_o ground_n that_o nothing_o can_v be_v of_o force_n to_o prove_v the_o illegality_n or_o nullity_n of_o the_o assembly_n but_o that_o which_o can_v be_v impute_v to_o the_o assembly_n itself_o but_o i_o fear_v that_o this_o ground_n which_o be_v here_o hint_v at_o by_o he_o and_o much_o make_v use_n of_o by_o some_o other_o in_o this_o particular_a shall_v fail_v all_o who_o lean_a thereupon_o i_o suppose_v that_o by_o a_o letter_n and_o act_n of_o the_o commission_n and_o a_o deed_n of_o the_o presbytery_n do_v thereupon_o election_n have_v be_v so_o prelimited_n that_o alâ—_n ruling_n elder_n have_v be_v exclude_v and_o minister_n only_o choose_v or_o the_o one_o half_a of_o the_o minister_n exclude_v without_o a_o just_a cause_n from_o have_v voice_n in_o the_o election_n or_o from_o be_v choose_v commissioner_n will_v not_o these_o prelimitations_a have_v force_v to_o prove_v a_o nul_fw-fr assembly_n the_o same_o be_v propon_v and_o reject_v as_o not_o relevant_a exception_n when_o the_o commissioner_n do_v meet_v to_o constitute_v themselves_o into_o a_o assembly_n it_o seem_v by_o the_o author_n ground_n they_o can_v not_o because_o they_o be_v but_o alledgeance_n not_o yet_o prove_v and_o they_o have_v not_o determine_v therein_o no_o approven_v thereof_o because_o it_o be_v not_o in_o their_o power_n to_o cognosce_fw-la upon_o exception_n against_o the_o commission_n without_o change_n of_o the_o order_n of_o proceed_n to_o the_o ass_n which_o have_v be_v constant_o use_v in_o all_o time_n by_o go_v there_o may_v be_v many_o thing_n do_v in_o commission_n &_o presbytery_n in_o prelimit_v and_o pervert_v the_o election_n that_o can_v be_v impute_v yea_o which_o the_o assembly_n may_v condemn_v that_o may_v make_v a_o illegal_a and_o null_a assembly_n and_o therefore_o upon_o supposal_n that_o the_o letter_n and_o act_n send_v to_o presbytery_n do_v contain_v a_o under-pre-limitation_n it_o may_v have_v force_n at_o the_o time_n of_o the_o protestation_n to_o prove_v a_o nats_n assembly_n though_o it_o can_v not_o be_v impute_v to_o the_o assembly_n itself_o but_o how_o do_v he_o prove_v that_o it_o can_v not_o be_v impute_v to_o the_o assembly_n first_o it_o be_v say_v he_o to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o assembly_n but_o a_o alledgeance_n not_o prove_v it_o seem_v the_o author_n do_v not_o question_v the_o relevancie_n of_o it_o in_o jure_fw-la if_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o fact_n have_v be_v prove_v but_o it_o be_v relevant_a in_o jure_fw-la as_o upon_o his_o supposal_n it_o needs_o must_v and_o offer_v to_o be_v prove_v in_o facto_fw-la yea_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n as_o to_o the_o presumption_n of_o it_o be_v manifest_a to_o the_o conscience_n of_o many_o of_o the_o assembly_n ought_v they_o not_o before_o constitute_v themselves_o in_o a_o assembly_n either_o to_o have_v try_v and_o discuss_v the_o same_o or_o else_o to_o have_v lay_v aside_o the_o person_n against_o who_o it_o be_v propound_v from_o sit_v as_o member_n in_o the_o assembly_n until_o it_o may_v have_v be_v get_v try_v and_o discuss_v but_o they_o do_v neither_o of_o these_o and_o be_v not_o this_o to_o be_v impute_v to_o the_o assembly_n next_o he_o say_v that_o the_o assembly_n have_v not_o yet_o determine_v in_o nor_o approven_v the_o deed_n of_o the_o commission_n nor_o the_o deed_n of_o presbytery_n do_v thereupon_o in_o election_n at_o the_o give_v in_o of_o the_o protestation_n bâ—t_o in_o this_o he_o be_v much_o mistake_v because_o the_o assembly_n by_o admit_v the_o commissioner_n from_o presbytery_n so_o elect_v do_v as_o real_o approve_v these_o limit_a election_n and_o so_o the_o deed_n of_o the_o commission_n and_o presbytery_n do_v thereupon_o as_o ever_o any_o precede_a assem_fw-la use_v to_o approve_v the_o most_o free_a election_n to_o wit_n only_o by_o admit_v the_o commissioner_n yea_o
the_o assemb_v reject_v of_o the_o exception_n and_o allow_v the_o commissioner_n against_o who_o it_o be_v propound_v to_o sit_v notwithstanding_o the_o propound_v thereof_o be_v a_o real_a approve_v of_o the_o commission_n and_o of_o what_o the_o presbytery_n do_v thereupon_o as_o we_o shall_v afterward_o godwilling_o clear_o show_v three_o he_o say_v that_o the_o assembly_n have_v not_o yet_o consider_v the_o proceed_n of_o the_o commission_n neither_o be_v it_o in_o their_o power_n to_o cognosce_fw-la upon_o exception_n against_o the_o commission_n without_o change_n of_o the_o order_n of_o proceed_n which_o have_v be_v use_v constant_o in_o all_o time_n bygone_a this_o be_v a_o pretty_a fancy_n to_o defend_v a_o ill_a cause_n the_o church_n of_o scotland_n have_v find_v it_o necessary_a in_o the_o interval_n betwixt_o general_n assembly_n to_o have_v her_o commission_n who_o trust_n shall_v be_v to_o preserve_v the_o liberty_n of_o the_o church_n and_o to_o take_v care_n of_o some_o thing_n of_o more_o general_n concernment_n commit_v unto_o they_o and_o that_o in_o all_o these_o thing_n they_o shall_v keep_v themselves_o within_o the_o bound_n of_o their_o commission_n and_o proceed_v according_a to_o the_o stand_a act_n of_o former_a general_n assembly_n and_o that_o in_o the_o next_o ensue_a assembly_n they_o shall_v give_v a_o account_n of_o their_o proceed_n during_o the_o whole_a time_n of_o their_o commission_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o assembly_n before_o any_o other_o cause_n or_o matter_n be_v handle_v and_o their_o proceed_n to_o be_v allow_v or_o dis-allowed_n as_o the_o assembly_n shall_v think_v expedient_a now_o say_v the_o author_n this_o matter_n of_o pre-limitation_n be_v a_o exception_n against_o the_o commission_n can_v not_o be_v take_v in_o consideration_n without_o the_o change_n of_o this_o order_n i_o shall_v not_o say_v that_o it_o may_v have_v be_v do_v without_o any_o shadow_n of_o change_n of_o order_n but_o i_o desire_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o it_o never_o be_v the_o intention_n nor_o do_v it_o ever_o come_v into_o the_o mind_n of_o any_o free_a lawful_a general_n assembly_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n to_o give_v power_n to_o their_o commissioner_n to_o give_v law_n concern_v the_o constitutng_a of_o a_o assembly_n these_o be_v clear_o set_v down_o in_o the_o policy_n and_o act_n of_o the_o church_n according_a to_o which_o the_o commission_n ought_v to_o walk_v in_o all_o thing_n commit_v to_o their_o trust_n not_o meddle_v with_o any_o thing_n not_o commit_v unto_o they_o much_o less_o meddle_v with_o it_o in_o a_o way_n contrary_a to_o that_o policy_n &_o these_o act_n and_o therefore_o do_v they_o appoint_v the_o proceed_n of_o these_o commissioner_n to_o be_v try_v and_o allow_v or_o dis-allowed_n in_o the_o next_o assembly_n before_o the_o do_v of_o any_o thing_n else_o now_o a_o commission_n contrary_n to_o their_o trust_n do_v meddle_v with_o the_o constitution_n of_o a_o assembly_n and_o by_o their_o letter_n and_o act_n and_o the_o deed_n of_o presbytery_n thereupon_o the_o election_n be_v prelimited_a as_o the_o author_n be_v content_a to_o suppose_v and_o when_o the_o assembly_n meet_v and_o this_o be_v propon_v as_o a_o exception_n to_o be_v take_v in_o consideration_n against_o such_o member_n of_o the_o ass_n as_o be_v member_n of_o that_o commission_n he_o tell_v we_o it_o can_v be_v consider_v without_o change_n of_o order_n be_v a_o exception_n against_o the_o commissioner_n proceed_n what_o a_o sad_a case_n the_o church_n be_v bring_v to_o by_o this_o mean_n that_o â—s_n to_o suffer_v the_o constitution_n of_o her_o assembly_n to_o be_v corrupt_v by_o she_o own_o commission_n and_o that_o without_o remedy_n or_o why_o it_o must_v as_o to_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o assemb_v be_v take_v in_o consideration_n before_o the_o admit_v of_o these_o commissioner_n to_o fit_a as_o member_n or_o else_o not_o at_o all_o because_o if_o if_o the_o commissioner_n be_v once_o receive_v the_o member_n admit_v and_o the_o assemb_v constitute_v hoc_fw-la ipso_fw-la that_o these_o thing_n be_v do_v that_o prelimitation_n be_v approven_v or_o why_o the_o assem_fw-la have_v already_o constitute_v &_o find_v themselves_o a_o lawful_a assem_fw-la with_o these_o commissioner_n inclusive_a notwithstanding_o of_o that_o exception_n that_o the_o matter_n may_v be_v yet_o further_o clear_v it_o will_v be_v consider_v that_o against_o the_o constitution_n of_o judicatories_n in_o their_o member_n there_o may_v be_v exception_n of_o several_a sort_n some_o that_o be_v more_o personal_a or_o particular_a relate_v to_o one_o or_o two_o or_o some_o few_o upon_o personal_a scandal_n and_o miscarriage_n some_o more_o common_a and_o universal_a that_o concern_v all_o or_o many_o a_o judicatory_a may_v proceed_v to_o constitute_v itself_o and_o act_n as_o a_o judicatory_a before_o discuss_v exception_n of_o the_o first_o sort_n have_v lay_v aside_o the_o member_n against_o who_o these_o exception_n be_v propound_v till_o convenient_o they_o may_v be_v get_v try_v and_o discuss_v because_o there_o be_v no_o exception_n but_o against_o a_o few_o and_o upon_o particular_a and_o personal_a scandal_n the_o far_o great_a part_n be_v member_n uncontrollable_a and_o right_o qualify_v but_o they_o can_v proceed_v to_o constitute_v themselves_o and_o act_n as_o a_o judicatory_a before_o discuss_v of_o exception_n of_o the_o second_o sort_n unless_o we_o will_v suppose_v that_o after_o constitute_v themselves_o into_o a_o judicatory_a or_o find_v themselves_o to_o be_v a_o judicatory_a they_o may_v again_o find_v themselves_o to_o be_v no_o judicatory_a exception_n of_o a_o more_o common_a and_o universal_a influence_n against_o causa_fw-la causae_fw-la of_o the_o constitution_n of_o a_o assembly_n to_o wit_n against_o election_n which_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o the_o commission_n as_o the_o commission_n be_v of_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o assembly_n aught_o to_o be_v consider_v before_o constitution_n be_v declare_v for_o unfree_a election_n make_v null_a commission_n and_o all_o or_o a_o great_a many_o incumbent_a commission_n make_v a_o nats_n assembly_n from_o these_o thing_n i_o trust_v it_o be_v manifest_a that_o the_o exception_n against_o the_o freedom_n of_o election_n because_o of_o the_o act_n and_o letter_n of_o the_o commission_n and_o the_o deed_n of_o the_o presbytery_n follow_v thereupon_o aught_o to_o have_v be_v take_v in_o consideration_n before_o the_o meeting_n do_v constitute_v themselves_o in_o a_o assembly_n and_o that_o the_o commissioner_n who_o that_o exception_n do_v concern_v ought_v not_o to_o have_v be_v admit_v to_o sit_v as_o member_n before_o the_o try_v and_o discuss_v thereof_o as_o to_o that_o of_o the_o change_n of_o the_o order_n of_o proceed_v which_o have_v be_v use_v constant_o upon_o which_o the_o author_n seem_v to_o lay_v so_o much_o weight_n beside_o what_o be_v answer_v already_o i_o say_v there_o need_v no_o change_n in_o that_o order_n in_o discuss_v of_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v entrust_v to_o the_o commission_n for_o this_o be_v not_o within_o the_o compassâ—_n of_o their_o power_n and_o trust_v but_o diametral_o opposite_a to_o the_o same_o and_o therefore_o the_o commission_n have_v so_o far_o exceed_v their_o bound_n as_o to_o meddle_v with_o constitution_n of_o the_o assembly_n by_o prelimit_v of_o the_o election_n this_o do_v avoidable_a necessitate_v the_o cognition_n and_o consideration_n of_o that_o part_n of_o thâ—_n commission_n proceed_v so_o far_o as_o it_o do_v relate_v to_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o assembly_n though_o not_o formal_o as_o it_o do_v concern_v their_o carriage_n i_o know_v not_o to_o what_o purpose_n the_o author_n allege_n that_o that_o order_n be_v on_o a_o debate_n wâ—th_v the_o parliament_n itself_o in_o the_o year_n 1648._o establish_v by_o a_o former_a act_n as_o the_o protester_n themselves_o well_o understand_v will_v he_o by_o this_o insinuate_v that_o there_o be_v a_o debate_n betwixt_o the_o parliament_n and_o the_o assembly_n concern_v the_o commission_n prelimiting_a of_o election_n and_o that_o the_o parl._n desire_v this_o to_o be_v consider_v of_o before_o the_o assembly_n constitute_v themselves_o into_o a_o judicatory_a and_o that_o the_o assembly_n do_v refuse_v it_o and_o afterward_o establish_v the_o act_n which_o he_o speak_v of_o oâ—_n that_o the_o parliament_n do_v desire_v the_o commissioner_n of_o the_o former_a assembly_n shall_v be_v remove_v from_o sit_v as_o member_n in_o the_o assembly_n 1648._o until_o the_o exception_n propound_v against_o they_o by_o they_o shall_v be_v take_v in_o consideration_n and_o discuss_v if_o he_o mean_v any_o of_o these_o he_o be_v much_o mistake_v because_o there_o be_v no_o such_o debate_n betwixt_o the_o parliament_n and_o the_o assembly_n nor_o betwixt_o the_o assembly_n and_o any_o person_n whatsoever_o in_o the_o year_n 1648._o as_o we_o shall_v afterward_o convince_o clear_a and_o
provocation_n which_o be_v great_a and_o many_o they_o will_v by_o this_o also_o have_v be_v accessary_a to_o what_o the_o nation_n smart_v under_o this_o day_n as_o the_o righteous_a reward_n of_o such_o revolt_n from_o god_n and_o therefore_o if_o you_o have_v no_o more_o to_o instance_n but_o this_o it_o do_v not_o prove_v but_o that_o they_o may_v all_o of_o they_o be_v still_o call_v faithful_a and_o honest_a man_n second_o he_o say_v be_v it_o so_o that_o some_o be_v wont_a to_o be_v choose_v commissioner_n who_o be_v not_o now_o choose_v yet_o this_o be_v little_a to_o the_o point_n that_o election_n be_v carry_v by_o influence_n of_o the_o commission_n letter_n and_o act._n but_o grant_v that_o presbytery_n do_v upon_o that_o letter_n and_o act_n leave_v their_o wont_a way_n these_o year_n pass_v in_o thâ—ir_a election_n it_o be_v to_o the_o point_n in_o hand_n because_o it_o be_v praesumptio_fw-la juris_fw-la &_o de_fw-fr jure_fw-la that_o this_o change_n flow_v from_o the_o influence_n that_o the_o letter_n and_o act_n have_v upon_o they_o the_o author_n see_v somewhat_o of_o this_o intimate_v another_o cause_n that_o move_v that_o change_n to_o wit_n that_o the_o whole_a kirk_n be_v grow_v sensible_a of_o this_o thing_n as_o dangerous_a whereby_o the_o whole_a power_n of_o public_a government_n be_v near_o become_v settle_v in_o the_o person_n of_o some_o particular_a man_n and_o these_o but_o a_o few_o as_o constant_a commissioner_n in_o which_o he_o think_v there_o will_v be_v need_n to_o prelimite_a presbytery_n that_o they_o make_v not_o a_o use_n of_o it_o if_o the_o lord_n shall_v be_v please_v again_o to_o grant_v the_o liberty_n of_o a_o assembly_n but_o to_o say_v nothing_o that_o this_o be_v the_o language_n which_o be_v wont_a to_o be_v speak_v by_o dis-affected_n man_n these_o year_n past_a especial_o dis-affected_n minister_n who_o fall_v under_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n who_o pretence_n and_o alleadgeance_n in_o this_o particular_a have_v strength_n add_v unto_o they_o by_o the_o author_n assert_v the_o same_o thing_n it_o be_v non_fw-la causa_fw-la pro_fw-la causa_fw-la as_o will_v appear_v by_o these_o two_o thing_n first_o there_o be_v a_o good_a many_o of_o these_o who_o be_v for_o the_o public_a resolution_n who_o have_v wont_a to_o be_v commissioner_n these_o year_n past_a and_o who_o have_v a_o great_a some_o of_o they_o a_o great_a sway_n in_o government_n than_o the_o other_o and_o yet_o most_o if_o not_o all_o of_o these_o be_v choose_v also_o the_o last_o year_n now_o if_o that_o be_v the_o cause_n which_o the_o author_n speak_v of_o why_o do_v it_o not_o bring_v forth_o the_o like_a effect_n in_o regard_n of_o both_o see_v both_o be_v alike_o liable_a to_o that_o exception_n next_o if_o the_o whole_a church_n be_v so_o grow_v in_o the_o sense_n of_o that_o evil_a why_o do_v they_o not_o provide_v the_o remedy_n at_o the_o last_o assembly_n it_o be_v in_o their_o power_n so_o to_o have_v do_v and_o the_o commissioner_n as_o the_o author_n assertion_n will_v import_v have_v such_o a_o impression_n of_o the_o same_o upon_o their_o spirit_n if_o the_o author_n will_v speak_v his_o conscience_n i_o think_v he_o will_v not_o deny_v but_o if_o these_o man_n who_o he_o say_v to_o have_v be_v exclude_v upon_o that_o ground_n have_v be_v for_o the_o public_a resolution_n even_o these_o among_o they_o who_o that_o ground_n may_v have_v be_v conceive_v to_o reach_v most_o will_v have_v be_v choose_v and_o admit_v commissioner_n as_o well_o as_o other_o if_o the_o whole_a church_n be_v grow_v sensible_a of_o this_o thing_n sure_o the_o meeting_n at_o st._n andrews_n do_v little_a regard_n or_o express_v it_o when_o they_o choose_v one_o to_o be_v their_o moderator_n who_o not_o only_o have_v be_v moderator_n of_o the_o former_a commission_n who_o proceed_n be_v then_o in_o question_n and_o to_o be_v examine_v but_o also_o in_o many_o precede_a commission_n and_o aâ—len_a biâ—es_n and_o who_o have_v be_v a_o chief_a aâ—tor_n all_o that_o while_n in_o all_o these_o thing_n that_o concern_v public_a government_n which_o i_o speak_v not_o to_o bear_v any_o particular_a blame_n upon_o he_o or_o upon_o his_o carriage_n but_o to_o let_v see_v that_o either_o the_o whole_a church_n be_v not_o grow_v sensible_a of_o this_o as_o the_o author_n insinuate_v or_o else_o that_o hâ—r_a sense_n of_o it_o in_o her_o representative_a be_v let_v out_o or_o hold_v in_o upon_o man_n according_a to_o their_o judgement_n and_o carriage_n in_o the_o public_a resolution_n and_o so_o be_v not_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o presbytery_n not_o choose_v such_o as_o they_o be_v wont_a to_o choose_v three_o thaâ—_n few_o opposer_n be_v choose_v he_o think_v it_o be_v no_o wonder_n because_o they_o be_v but_o few_o in_o comparison_n of_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o land_n how_o few_o soever_o they_o be_v in_o comparison_n of_o thâ—_n rest_n of_o the_o ministry_n in_o the_o land_n yet_o these_o of_o they_o who_o be_v former_o wont_v to_o be_v choose_v commissioner_n be_v not_o few_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o commissioner_n neither_o yet_o be_v they_o so_o few_o as_o the_o author_n reckon_v they_o when_o he_o say_v that_o four_o part_n of_o five_o of_o the_o presbytery_n have_v in_o they_o at_o that_o time_n no_o opposer_n to_o the_o public_a resolution_n nay_o they_o be_v and_o be_v still_o a_o very_a considerable_a number_n and_o whensoever_o a_o exact_a calculation_n shall_v be_v make_v by_o a_o particular_a list_n of_o the_o whole_a ministry_n in_o the_o land_n and_o of_o these_o who_o be_v against_o the_o public_a resolution_n at_o the_o time_n of_o the_o election_n and_o of_o the_o whole_a commissioner_n of_o the_o assembly_n at_o s._n andrews_n and_o dundee_n i_o believe_v it_o shall_v be_v find_v that_o the_o number_n of_o commissioner_n who_o be_v choose_v from_o among_o these_o who_o be_v against_o the_o public_a resolution_n waâ—_n no_o way_n in_o proportion_n answerable_a to_o the_o number_n of_o the_o other_o that_o some_o unsatisfied_a be_v choose_v without_o another_o election_n and_o without_o protestation_n even_o when_o neither_o whole_a society_n be_v unanimous_a against_o the_o resolution_n not_o yet_o the_o plurality_n be_v opposer_n he_o do_v affirm_v it_o but_o do_v not_o prove_v it_o for_o the_o instance_n which_o he_o give_v of_o the_o commissioner_n both_o of_o the_o presbytery_n and_o university_n of_o aberdeen_n prove_v nothing_o less_o for_o the_o university_n the_o letter_n and_o act_n come_v not_o to_o it_o at_o least_o be_v not_o read_v in_o it_o and_o the_o plurality_n there_o be_v opposer_n of_o the_o public_a resolution_n and_o for_o the_o presbytery_n by_o his_o own_o grant_n there_o be_v a_o protestation_n against_o the_o oppose_a brother_n who_o be_v choose_v which_o be_v take_v up_o again_o with_o much_o difficulty_n and_o by_o earnest_a deal_n of_o some_o of_o the_o brethren_n opposite_a to_o the_o public_a resolution_n who_o desire_n be_v condescend_v unto_o with_o condition_n that_o their_o shall_v be_v a_o three_o commissioner_n it_o be_v in_o the_o mean_a while_n suggest_v in_o private_a that_o he_o who_o have_v first_o appear_v in_o the_o protestation_n against_o the_o opposer_n may_v be_v the_o man_n which_o i_o relate_v not_o upon_o hear-say_n but_o upon_o the_o subscribe_v testimony_n of_o these_o who_o be_v witness_n to_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n so_o i_o hope_v that_o nothing_o against_o the_o truth_n have_v be_v assert_v by_o the_o writer_n in_o this_o part_n of_o his_o answer_n the_o author_n say_v in_o a_o parenthesis_n that_o dissent_v in_o the_o enumeration_n be_v idle_o reckon_v up_o why_o he_o shall_v say_v so_o i_o do_v not_o conjecture_v unless_o that_o it_o be_v he_o think_v dissent_v and_o protest_v the_o same_o thing_n which_o they_o be_v not_o as_o appear_v clear_o from_o a_o act_n of_o the_o assembly_n 1644._o concern_v dissent_n and_o protestation_n in_o presbytery_n he_o seem_v unsatisfied_a with_o the_o writer_n that_o whilst_o he_o make_v enumeration_n of_o election_n of_o presbytery_n divide_v in_o judgement_n some_o doubt_v some_o dissent_v from_o or_o protest_v against_o some_o both_o way_n that_o he_o give_v no_o particular_a instance_n of_o all_o these_o sort_n but_o only_o two_o and_o he_o tell_v his_o reader_n that_o he_o suspect_v he_o can_v give_v no_o more_o or_o very_o few_o but_o he_o be_v suspicious_a without_o cause_n more_o can_v be_v give_v and_o be_v give_v by_o the_o writer_n in_o that_o very_a paper_n that_o the_o author_n be_v reply_v to_o and_o more_o than_o all_o these_o can_v yet_o be_v give_v if_o need_v be_v and_o though_o they_o be_v but_o few_o this_o be_v no_o great_a wonder_n because_o there_o be_v but_o few_o presbytery_n do_v choose_v
because_o such_o as_o be_v choose_v be_v unsatisfied_a with_o the_o commission_n proceed_n the_o synod_n of_o pearth_n meet_v a_o little_a after_o and_o receive_v the_o act_n and_o letter_n of_o the_o commission_n do_v thereupon_o sustain_v the_o dissent_n and_o protestation_n of_o that_o man_n in_o their_o number_n and_o do_v appoint_v the_o presbytery_n of_o dunkel_n to_o choose_v the_o commissioner_n new_a again_o ans_fw-fr this_o be_v the_o only_a instance_n allege_v with_o some_o colour_n to_o evidence_n some_o influence_n of_o the_o commission_n letter_n and_o act_n but_o yet_o when_o it_o be_v discuss_v there_o will_v be_v little_a to_o the_o purpose_n find_v in_o it_o but_o let_v it_o be_v so_o that_o the_o synod_n sustain_v the_o protestation_n on_o that_o ground_n and_o appoint_v a_o new_a election_n yet_o it_o be_v know_v that_o the_o presbytery_n in_o the_o second_o election_n still_o do_v choose_v brethren_n dissatisfied_n with_o the_o resolution_n and_o as_o i_o believe_v these_o same_o who_o they_o have_v choose_v before_o who_o be_v admit_v in_o the_o assembly_n without_o any_o question_n and_o reason_v and_o vote_v therein_o according_a to_o their_o mind_n without_o any_o restraint_n or_o hindrance_n so_o that_o if_o there_o be_v any_o fault_n here_o it_o may_v be_v well_o in_o the_o synod_n act_n but_o not_o in_o the_o presbytery_n which_o be_v the_o only_a act_n about_o this_o business_n capable_a of_o &_o chargeable_a with_o the_o fault_n of_o pre-limitation_n but_o this_o be_v do_v with_o freedom_n this_o much_o to_o the_o one_o part_n of_o the_o assumption_n whereby_o it_o may_v appear_v that_o whatever_o prelimitation_n be_v or_o may_v be_v in_o the_o commission_n act_n or_o letter_n yet_o the_o election_n be_v free_a because_o presbytery_n therein_o be_v not_o passive_o prelimited_n but_o choose_v free_o according_a to_o their_o own_o mind_n be_v there_o no_o more_o to_o be_v say_v this_o much_o may_v make_v the_o protester_n bethink_v themselves_o better_a in_o their_o second_o thought_n of_o their_o rash_a adventure_n upon_o so_o high_a a_o act_n as_o a_o protestation_n and_o declinature_n of_o a_o general_n assembly_n as_o unfree_a and_o unlawful_a and_o may_v make_v other_o advise_v better_a ere_o they_o adjoyn_v themselves_o to_o it_o by_o approbation_n review_n albeit_o this_o instance_n seem_v to_o the_o author_n to_o be_v allege_v with_o some_o colour_n to_o evidence_n some_o influence_n of_o the_o commission_n letter_n and_o act_n yet_o he_o think_v when_o it_o be_v discuss_v there_o will_v be_v find_v little_a to_o the_o purpose_n in_o it_o and_o his_o reason_n be_v because_o it_o be_v know_v that_o the_o presbytery_n at_o the_o second_o election_n still_o do_v choose_v brethren_n dissatisfied_n with_o the_o resolution_n and_o as_o he_o believe_v these_o same_o who_o they_o have_v choose_v before_o etc._n etc._n but_o notwithstanding_o of_o all_o the_o author_n say_v there_o be_v very_o much_o to_o the_o purpose_n in_o it_o first_o there_o be_v this_o in_o it_o to_o the_o purpose_n that_o the_o judgement_n and_o voice_n of_o some_o of_o the_o member_n of_o the_o presbytery_n viz._n of_o these_o who_o do_v dissent_v from_o the_o first_o election_n be_v prelimited_n by_o the_o letter_n and_o act_n of_o the_o commission_n they_o give_v these_o only_a for_o the_o reason_n of_o their_o dissent_n second_o there_o be_v this_o in_o it_o to_o the_o purpose_n that_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o whole_a synod_n which_o do_v include_v five_o presbytery_n except_o a_o few_o who_o do_v dissent_v from_o and_o protest_v against_o the_o synod_n sustain_v the_o dissent_n of_o these_o in_o dunkel_n from_o the_o election_n upon_o that_o ground_n be_v by_o the_o same_o letter_n and_o act_n prelimited_n to_o the_o declare_v of_o that_o election_n void_a and_o null_a mere_o upon_o this_o reason_n that_o they_o have_v procee_v contrary_a to_o the_o letter_n and_o act_n of_o the_o commission_n three_o there_o be_v this_o to_o the_o purpose_n in_o it_o that_o the_o whole_a presbytery_n be_v so_o prelimited_n by_o a_o act_n of_o the_o synod_n found_v on_o the_o other_o act_n and_o letter_n as_o to_o be_v necessitate_v to_o pass_v from_o the_o first_o election_n which_o be_v lawful_o make_v and_o against_o which_o no_o exception_n be_v make_v but_o the_o letter_n and_o act_n and_o to_o make_v a_o new_a election_n that_o they_o do_v again_o choose_v person_n opposite_a to_o the_o public_a resolution_n be_v from_o the_o over-bearing_a conscience_n of_o their_o duty_n that_o they_o be_v admit_v in_o the_o assembly_n without_o any_o question_n be_v not_o true_a their_o admittence_n be_v question_v by_o a_o member_n of_o the_o commission_n than_o a_o member_n of_o the_o assembly_n a_o man_n zealous_a for_o the_o public_a resolution_n and_o the_o moderator_n perceive_v that_o other_o opposite_a to_o the_o public_a resolution_n be_v like_a to_o take_v advantage_n by_o it_o he_o do_v handsome_o wave_v it_o now_o these_o thing_n be_v examine_v which_o the_o author_n say_v to_o the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o assumption_n i_o leave_v it_o to_o be_v judge_v whether_o he_o have_v cause_n to_o say_v that_o whatever_o prelimitations_a be_v in_o the_o commission_n act_n and_o letter_n yet_o the_o election_n be_v free_a because_o presbytery_n therein_o be_v not_o passive_o prelimited_n but_o choose_v free_o according_a to_o their_o own_o mind_n and_o whether_o he_o have_v cause_n to_o draw_v so_o strong_a insult_a line_n as_o he_o subjoin_v thereto_o if_o there_o be_v no_o more_o to_o say_v then_o he_o have_v yet_o say_v i_o profess_v ingenuous_o i_o see_v no_o cause_n why_o the_o protester_n shall_v bethink_v themselves_o better_a in_o their_o second_o thought_n of_o their_o adventure_n on_o such_o a_o high_a act_n as_o to_o protest_v against_o and_o decline_v from_o that_o meeting_n at_o st._n andrews_n and_o dundee_n as_o not_o be_v a_o lawful_a free_a general_n assembly_n or_o why_o other_o shall_v have_v advise_v better_a ere_o they_o have_v join_v themselves_o to_o 〈◊〉_d by_o approbation_n it_o seem_v a_o little_a beyond_o the_o bound_n of_o modesty_n for_o man_n to_o drive_v and_o vent_v such_o conclusion_n upon_o their_o own_o reason_n though_o haply_o they_o may_v bear_v they_o it_o be_v fit_a to_o leave_v these_o thing_n to_o the_o judicious_a and_o unbiased_a reader_n to_o give_v judgement_n as_o they_o find_v cause_n vindication_n it_o be_v true_a that_o for_o proof_n of_o the_o unlawfulness_n of_o these_o pretend_a assembly_n condemn_v by_o the_o assembly_n at_o glasgow_n 38._o among_o other_o reason_n the_o want_n of_o freedom_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o election_n of_o commissioner_n be_v allege_v as_o a_o main_a and_o principal_a one_o but_o there_o the_o matter_n be_v not_o mere_o allege_v but_o clear_o evidence_v that_o the_o commissioner_n send_v to_o these_o meeting_n be_v not_o indeed_o elect_v by_o presbytery_n but_o nominate_v by_o the_o king_n letter_n see_v session_n 12._o reas_n against_o the_o pretend_a assembly_n at_o lithgow_n 1606._o and_o at_o glasgow_n 1610._o review_n the_o author_n for_o take_v off_o of_o this_o prejudice_n and_o reason_n which_o stand_v in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o assembly_n at_o glasgow_n 38._o who_o prove_v the_o unlawfulnesse_n of_o these_o pretend_a assembly_n by_o the_o want_n of_o freedom_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o election_n of_o commissioner_n say_v that_o their_o matter_n be_v not_o mere_o allege_v but_o clear_o evidence_v that_o the_o commissioner_n send_v to_o these_o meeting_n be_v not_o indeed_o elect_v by_o presbytery_n but_o nominate_v by_o the_o king_n letter_n if_o he_o mean_v that_o they_o be_v not_o free_o elect_v by_o presbytery_n proceed_v mere_o ex_fw-la proprio_fw-la motu_fw-la it_o be_v true_a because_o the_o king_n and_o the_o bishop_n letter_n have_v influence_n upon_o they_o to_o prelimite_a their_o election_n but_o if_o he_o mean_v that_o they_o be_v not_o all_o elect_a by_o presbytery_n nor_o have_v any_o commission_n from_o they_o but_o come_v mere_o upon_o the_o king_n letter_n it_o be_v not_o true_a because_o albeit_o the_o reason_n against_o the_o pretend_a assembly_n at_o lithgow_n 1606._o seem_n to_o favour_v this_o yet_o that_o against_o the_o pretend_a assembly_n at_o glasgow_n 1610._o intimatete_v that_o they_o be_v choose_v and_o have_v commission_n because_o it_o say_v first_o that_o the_o election_n be_v not_o free_a a_o election_n then_o there_o be_v but_o not_o a_o free_a election_n if_o there_o have_v be_v no_o election_n the_o assembly_n 38._o woo_a no_o question_n have_v so_o express_v it_o as_o import_v a_o reason_n of_o nullity_n more_o clear_a and_o strong_a next_o that_o the_o bishop_n of_o st._n andrews_n require_v they_o to_o send_v such_o commissioner_n as_o the_o king_n have_v nominate_v assure_v they_o that_o no_o other_o will_v be_v accept_v if_o the_o presbytery_n do_v send_v they_o
case_n in_o the_o year_n 48._o the_o election_n be_v pass_v in_o most_o place_n before_o it_o be_v do_v and_o may_v be_v just_o presume_v to_o have_v be_v pass_v in_o all_o as_o shall_v afterward_o be_v more_o full_o clear_v but_o it_o be_v not_o so_o in_o the_o 51._o what_o be_v then_o do_v be_v previous_a to_o the_o election_n next_o i_o give_v clear_a answer_n by_o deny_v the_o minor_a because_o the_o commission_n do_v not_o require_v such_o a_o thing_n the_o most_o that_o they_o do_v be_v to_o recommend_v it_o which_o be_v far_o from_o require_v and_o therefore_o by_o the_o writer_n ground_n the_o author_n have_v prove_v nothing_o at_o all_o to_o the_o second_o consideration_n that_o the_o letter_n and_o act_n of_o the_o commission_n 48._o be_v not_o write_v until_o most_o part_n or_o all_o election_n in_o presbytery_n be_v past_a he_o make_v answer_v that_o so_o be_v many_o of_o the_o election_n of_o presbytery_n before_o the_o letter_n and_o act_n of_o the_o commission_n 51._o come_v unto_o they_o but_o that_o be_v not_o true_a if_o we_o take_v the_o author_n own_o ground_n to_o wit_n that_o few_o presbytery_n except_o it_o be_v such_o as_o be_v far_a distant_a choose_v their_o commissioner_n 20._o or_o 25._o day_n before_o the_o assembly_n and_o allow_v 8._o day_n for_o dispatch_v to_o presbytery_n and_o take_v withal_o the_o date_n of_o the_o letter_n and_o act_n of_o the_o commission_n 1651._o which_o be_v the_o 28._o day_n of_o may_n and_o compare_v it_o with_o the_o day_n of_o the_o down_o sit_v of_o the_o assembly_n which_o be_v the_o 16._o day_n of_o july_n the_o untruth_n of_o this_o will_v appear_v because_o between_o the_o date_n of_o the_o act_n and_o the_o diet_n of_o the_o assembly_n be_v 48._o day_n of_o which_o deducing_a 8._o for_o the_o dispatch_n there_o do_v remain_v 40._o day_n till_o the_o assembly_n which_o do_v far_o exceed_v the_o time_n speak_v of_o by_o the_o author_n for_o the_o other_o part_n of_o it_o that_o most_o part_n of_o the_o election_n 48._o be_v pass_v before_o the_o letter_n and_o act_n of_o the_o commission_n come_v unto_o they_o i_o do_v appeal_n to_o the_o presbytery_n book_n there_o be_v little_a or_o no_o weight_n in_o the_o presumption_n that_o the_o author_n give_v to_o the_o contrary_n 1._o he_o take_v upon_o he_o to_o prove_v that_o some_o presbytery_n do_v upon_o that_o letter_n and_o act_n refer_v and_o cite_v some_o of_o their_o member_n to_o the_o general_n assembly_n some_o presbytery_n day_n before_o they_o begin_v to_o think_v upon_o the_o election_n of_o commissioner_n but_o he_o have_v name_v none_o and_o comprise_v they_o under_o the_o word_n some_o haply_o lest_o it_o shall_v be_v know_v how_o few_o there_o be_v probable_o but_o one_o that_o be_v st._n andrews_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o one_o of_o their_o university_n man_n who_o be_v also_o a_o minister_n next_o he_o make_v a_o supputation_n but_o of_o 8._o day_n for_o the_o dispatch_n of_o the_o letter_n to_o presbytery_n and_o that_o to_o the_o most_o part_n of_o presbytery_n it_o may_v have_v soon_o come_v and_o but_o of_o 20._o or_o 25._o day_n interveen_v betwixt_o the_o diet_n of_o the_o assembly_n and_o the_o election_n in_o most_o part_n of_o presbytery_n if_o the_o custom_n of_o dispatch_n have_v be_v by_o past_z hire_v and_o dispatch_v to_o several_a part_n immediate_o after_o the_o write_n of_o the_o letter_n and_o make_v of_o the_o act_n it_o may_v have_v come_v to_o the_o most_o part_n of_o presbytery_n in_o 8._o day_n but_o so_o it_o be_v not_o neither_o in_o the_o 48._o nor_o 51._o but_o by_o occasional_a bearer_n and_o therefore_o will_v take_v more_o time_n and_o i_o think_v it_o be_v say_v gratis_o that_o few_o presbytery_n do_v make_v their_o election_n 20._o or_o 25._o day_n before_o the_o assembly_n but_o there_o be_v no_o sure_a way_n of_o determine_v these_o difference_n about_o circumstance_n of_o time_n when_o neither_o the_o one_o nor_o the_o other_o letter_n come_v to_o 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the_o commission_n 48._o be_v not_o few_o yea_o not_o so_o few_o as_o the_o dissenter_n from_o the_o commission_n 51._o we_o know_v that_o the_o number_n of_o these_o amount_v to_o at_o their_o great_a meeting_n at_o ______o of_o late_a and_o howsoever_o more_o of_o these_o then_o of_o the_o first_o be_v godly_a man_n and_o have_v be_v more_o faithful_a in_o the_o cause_n former_o yet_o their_o present_a course_n at_o that_o time_n be_v not_o faithfulness_n to_o the_o cause_n but_o prejudicial_a to_o it_o and_o the_o whole_a kirk_n and_o country_n both_o they_o may_v just_o have_v be_v refer_v and_o call_v before_o the_o gen._n assembly_n to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o their_o way_n as_o well_o as_o the_o former_a be_v though_o they_o be_v more_o tender_o deal_v with_o as_o to_o themselves_o be_v evident_o see_v in_o the_o whole_a progress_n with_o they_o and_o be_v also_o real_o apparent_a in_o the_o very_a act_n and_o letter_n of_o the_o commission_n review_n i_o think_v the_o 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testimony_n against_o that_o engagement_n though_o alas_o some_o of_o these_o in_o these_o late_a resolution_n have_v now_o dissemble_v it_o in_o their_o word_n and_o more_o have_v betray_v it_o in_o their_o action_n that_o what_o they_o then_o do_v in_o condemn_v the_o engagement_n and_o afterward_o approve_v the_o solemn_a public_a confession_n of_o sin_n and_o engagement_n to_o duty_n be_v against_o their_o heart_n when_o the_o author_n have_v streatched_a their_o number_n to_o the_o utmost_a the_o most_o he_o dare_v say_v of_o it_o be_v the_o great_a part_n of_o whole_a presbytery_n in_o some_o place_n but_o these_o some_o place_n that_o he_o speak_v of_o be_v so_o few_o that_o it_o will_v be_v find_v they_o will_v come_v to_o a_o very_a poor_a account_n when_o they_o shall_v be_v name_v they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v like_a to_o amount_v to_o any_o number_n at_o the_o general_n assembly_n if_o he_o mean_v of_o these_o who_o be_v member_n of_o the_o assembly_n that_o there_o 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some_o synod_n and_o of_o many_o prerbytery_n beside_o many_o particular_a member_n in_o presbytery_n throughout_o all_o the_o corner_n of_o the_o counrry_a who_o be_v not_o only_o silent_a in_o speak_v for_o the_o public_a resolution_n but_o who_o do_v bear_v testimony_n and_o speak_v open_o against_o they_o a_o thing_n so_o well_o know_v that_o i_o need_v not_o stay_v to_o name_v the_o particular_n but_o they_o must_v still_o be_v few_o in_o his_o catalogue_n we_o know_v say_v he_o what_o the_o number_n of_o these_o amount_v to_o at_o their_o great_a meeting_n at_o edinburgh_n of_o late_a if_o he_o mean_v that_o all_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o land_n who_o be_v of_o that_o judgement_n be_v at_o that_o meeting_n he_o be_v much_o mistake_v and_o if_o not_o so_o it_o be_v not_o much_o to_o the_o purpose_n there_o be_v many_o minister_n in_o the_o land_n of_o that_o judgement_n who_o be_v not_o at_o that_o meeting_n and_o yet_o there_o be_v very_o near_o a_o hundred_o minister_n at_o 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constitution_n of_o judicatories_n but_o so_o far_o as_o common_a sense_n and_o reason_n can_v lead_v i_o it_o seem_v to_o i_o a_o strange_a assertion_n that_o some_o few_o person_n have_v oppose_v themselves_o to_o a_o course_n take_v by_o a_o judicatory_a entrust_v with_o the_o public_a affair_n of_o the_o kirk_n consist_v of_o man_n to_o that_o time_n judge_v faithful_a and_o still_o profess_v faithfulness_n therein_o as_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n and_o accuse_v this_o judicatory_a for_o that_o course_n they_o have_v take_v as_o guilty_a of_o defection_n and_o destroyer_n of_o the_o cause_n of_o religion_n if_o i_o say_v these_o few_o man_n be_v cite_v to_o be_v try_v by_o a_o general_n assembly_n and_o consequent_o exclude_v from_o judge_v in_o that_o particular_a matter_n which_o be_v in_o controversy_n the_o assembly_n be_v in_o this_o to_o be_v judge_v prelimited_n in_o that_o matter_n although_o there_o be_v beside_o these_o exclude_v a_o competent_a number_n of_o member_n lawful_o authorize_v for_o such_o we_o may_v suppose_v all_o the_o rest_n to_o be_v for_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v say_v in_o this_o particular_a that_o we_o be_v upon_o the_o answer_n of_o to_o make_v up_o a_o competent_a judicatory_a to_o cognosce_fw-la and_o judge_v upon_o the_o matter_n in_o controversy_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o god_n word_n and_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o kirk_n which_o they_o be_v bind_v by_o their_o commission_n and_o oath_n to_o judge_v by_o i_o desire_v no_o proof_n of_o this_o for_o it_o be_v principal_a clear_a and_o evident_a exterminis_fw-la and_o the_o writer_n assertion_n be_v no_o war_n and_o to_o receive_v it_o for_o a_o unquestionable_a truth_n i_o doubt_v not_o but_o if_o the_o writer_n shall_v assay_v to_o prove_v this_o that_o he_o shall_v fall_v upon_o that_o same_o exception_n which_o the_o remonstrant_n make_v against_o the_o synod_n of_o dort_n that_o the_o most_o part_n of_o the_o synod_n be_v their_o adverse_a party_n have_v 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presbytery_n give_v his_o judgement_n anent_o the_o li_n of_o another_o but_o when_o it_o be_v all_o grant_v it_o yield_v a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o cause_n to_o wit_n that_o these_o person_n can_v not_o sit_v in_o the_o assembly_n as_o judge_n in_o that_o particular_a and_o if_o i_o be_v not_o mistake_v in_o my_o conjecture_n about_o the_o person_n i_o think_v i_o may_v say_v if_o that_o judicious_a and_o pious_a man_n who_o reject_v that_o motion_n have_v be_v in_o any_o fear_n that_o these_o person_n will_v be_v choose_v belike_o he_o will_v have_v hold_v his_o peace_n and_o suffer_v the_o motion_n to_o pass_v uncontrolled_a but_o the_o author_n if_o this_o please_v not_o the_o writer_n desire_v he_o to_o answer_v what_o he_o will_v for_o clear_v of_o the_o order_n of_o the_o commission_n 48._o and_o it_o will_v serve_v aswell_o the_o order_n of_o the_o commission_n 51._o as_o to_o any_o illegality_n relate_v to_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o assembly_n because_o say_v he_o 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admit_v to_o sit_v in_o all_o other_o particular_n except_o in_o the_o try_v and_o judge_v of_o these_o and_o he_o who_o oppose_v they_o shall_v be_v suspend_v from_o sit_v in_o any_o particular_a till_o these_o be_v try_v and_o judge_v on_o what_o he_o say_v to_o the_o second_o particular_a i_o offer_v â—_o that_o the_o writer_n do_v not_o all_o along_o this_o paper_n bear_v his_o reader_n in_o hand_n as_o the_o author_n allege_n that_o the_o commission_n have_v give_v order_n for_o cite_v such_o as_o be_v unsatisfy_v indefinite_o because_o the_o very_a first_o time_n that_o he_o mention_n the_o letter_n and_o act_n of_o the_o commission_n he_o say_v that_o it_o be_v a_o letter_n and_o act_n appoint_v that_o such_o as_o after_o conference_n shall_v remain_v unsatisfied_a with_o and_o continue_v to_o oppose_v the_o public_a resolution_n shall_v be_v cite_v and_o have_v thus_o once_o set_v down_o the_o true_a nature_n and_o extent_n of_o it_o it_o be_v needless_a as_o often_o as_o he_o speak_v of_o it_o to_o repeat_v the_o same_o word_n and_o be_v enough_o qualicunque_fw-la modo_fw-la to_o circumscribe_v it_o therefore_o the_o author_n do_v more_o harm_n to_o himself_o then_o the_o writer_n when_o he_o tax_v he_o as_o speak_v contrary_a to_o the_o truth_n in_o this_o 2._o that_o it_o help_v he_o not_o to_o say_v that_o as_o the_o assembly_n 51._o do_v ratify_v the_o letter_n and_o act_n of_o the_o commission_n so_o also_o do_v the_o assembly_n 48._o because_o of_o the_o many_o difference_n already_o establish_v betwixt_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o to_o which_o i_o shall_v now_o add_v this_o as_o to_o the_o point_n of_o ratification_n that_o the_o act_n and_o letter_n 48._o be_v not_o controvert_v by_o any_o nor_o any_o election_n because_o of_o it_o nor_o any_o exception_n propon_v thereupon_o against_o the_o freedom_n of_o the_o assembly_n nor_o indeed_o well_o can_v be_v it_o be_v clothe_v with_o such_o circumstance_n as_o we_o have_v former_o speak_v of_o which_o need_v not_o now_o to_o be_v repeat_v but_o in_o 51._o it_o be_v controvert_v and_o election_n thereupon_o be_v question_v and_o exception_n thereupon_o propon_v against_o the_o freedom_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n which_o be_v reject_v notwithstanding_o of_o contrary_a circumstance_n wherewith_o the_o letter_n and_o act_n be_v clothe_v 3._o that_o the_o author_n by_o yield_v that_o the_o assembly_n approve_v of_o the_o letter_n and_o act_n of_o the_o commission_n which_o he_o be_v necessitate_v to_o yield_v because_o it_o be_v so_o do_v import_v that_o notwithstanding_o opposer_n do_v sitâ—_n yet_o they_o ought_v in_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o assembly_n to_o have_v be_v exclude_v put_v himself_o to_o the_o disadvantage_n many_o way_n 1._o because_o the_o assembly_n approve_v simul_fw-la &_o semel_fw-la all_o the_o act_n warning_n declaration_n and_o remonstrance_n of_o the_o commission_n against_o opposer_n of_o the_o public_a resolution_n do_v not_o only_o judge_v that_o such_o by_o that_o letter_n and_o act_n ought_v ab_fw-la initio_fw-la to_o have_v be_v debar_v from_o sit_v in_o the_o assembly_n in_o that_o particular_a but_o also_o in_o all_o other_o particular_n yea_o not_o at_o all_o to_o have_v be_v choose_v 2._o this_o go_v far_o to_o nullify_v the_o assembly_n another_o way_n because_o it_o acknowledge_v that_o de_fw-fr facto_fw-la they_o allow_v many_o scandalous_a man_n to_o sit_v as_o member_n thereof_o who_o de_fw-fr jure_fw-la and_o by_o a_o law_n approven_v of_o themselves_o aught_o to_o have_v be_v remove_v 3._o it_o hold_v forth_o a_o gross_a contradiction_n betwixt_o the_o assembly_n principle_n and_o their_o practice_n and_o so_o make_v more_o than_o probable_a what_o the_o writer_n say_v for_o admit_v some_o to_o sit_v upon_o policy_n and_o design_n 4._o it_o hold_v forth_o a_o great_a solicism_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o justice_n that_o be_v socij_fw-la criminis_fw-la to_o sit_v as_o judge_n to_o give_v sentence_n on_o their_o complice_n to_o wit_n other_o opposer_n of_o the_o public_a resolution_n who_o be_v cite_v and_o now_o stand_v as_o rei_fw-la before_o the_o general_n assembly_n all_o these_o thing_n which_o the_o author_n have_v bring_v in_o answer_n to_o the_o first_o reason_n against_o the_o late_a assembly_n and_o what_o be_v set_v down_o for_o confirm_v and_o uphold_v of_o it_o in_o the_o other_o paper_n be_v now_o full_o discuss_v i_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o reader_n to_o judge_v whether_o that_o reason_n of_o the_o protestation_n do_v not_o still_o stand_v strong_a against_o the_o freedom_n and_o lawfulness_n of_o that_o assembly_n and_o how_o little_a cause_n he_o have_v to_o say_v that_o if_o it_o have_v any_o force_n malignant_n may_v think_v themselves_o oblige_v to_o the_o protester_n for_o teach_v they_o if_o ever_o they_o shall_v have_v power_n again_o how_o to_o call_v in_o question_n and_o condemn_v the_o assembly_n 1648._o yea_o and_o if_o they_o find_v it_o move_v for_o their_o purpose_n even_o other_o assemble_v too_o even_o that_o solemn_a assembly_n 1638._o as_o unfree_a and_o unlawful_a because_o of_o the_o pre-limitation_n of_o election_n of_o commissioner_n thereto_o the_o malignant_n be_v in_o themselves_o prone_a enough_o to_o evil_a invention_n though_o they_o be_v not_o teach_v they_o by_o other_o but_o i_o believe_v themselves_o be_v judge_n they_o have_v rather_o as_o to_o the_o matter_n of_o constitution_n of_o assembly_n and_o the_o interpretation_n of_o their_o act_n be_v disciple_n to_o the_o author_n and_o abetter_n of_o the_o public_a resolution_n then_o to_o the_o protester_n for_o they_o have_v there_o in_o a_o little_a time_n learn_v the_o way_n how_o notwithstanding_o of_o all_o former_a act_n exclude_v they_o to_o be_v admit_v to_o all_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o church_n and_o to_o be_v employ_v both_o in_o the_o army_n and_o judicatories_n and_o by_o comply_v with_o the_o commission_n to_o get_v a_o assembly_n after_o their_o own_o mind_n for_o ratify_v and_o approve_v all_o these_o thing_n which_o will_v never_o have_v be_v teach_v unto_o they_o by_o the_o protester_n who_o study_v to_o hold_v fast_o the_o act_n of_o assembly_n in_o reference_n to_o malignant_n in_o the_o genuine_a and_o literal_a sense_n and_o meaning_n thereof_o and_o to_o prevent_v and_o oppose_v all_o corrupt_a constitution_n of_o assembly_n and_o that_o they_o may_v be_v compose_v of_o such_o as_o do_v adhere_v to_o former_a principle_n which_o be_v attain_v there_o be_v no_o cause_n to_o fear_v that_o malignant_n shall_v easy_o ranverse_v either_o the_o assembly_n 48._o or_o the_o assembly_n 38._o or_o any_o other_o lawful_a free_a general_n assembly_n of_o this_o church_n i_o shall_v close_v this_o whole_a business_n annent_fw-la the_o pre_fw-es limit_v of_o the_o election_n and_o the_o exclude_v of_o those_o who_o oppose_v the_o public_a resolution_n with_o one_o sentence_n of_o the_o britain_n divine_v in_o the_o synod_n of_o dort_n who_o in_o answer_n to_o the_o protestation_n of_o the_o remonstrant_n speak_v thus_o quae_fw-la ratio_fw-la reddi_fw-la potest_fw-la cur_n suffragiorum_fw-la jure_fw-la priventur_fw-la omnes_fw-la illi_fw-la pastor_n qui_fw-la ex_fw-la officio_fw-la receptam_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la doctrinam_fw-la propugnantes_fw-la secus_fw-la docentibus_fw-la adversati_fw-la sunt_fw-la si_fw-la hoc_fw-la obtinere_fw-la nova_fw-la dogmata_fw-la spargentibus_fw-la nemo_fw-la obsisteret_fw-la ne_fw-la ipso_fw-la facto_fw-la jus_o omne_fw-la post_fw-la modum_fw-la de_fw-la illis_fw-la controversiis_fw-la judicandi_fw-la amitteret_fw-la vindication_n we_o go_v on_o now_o to_o the_o second_o in_o order_n of_o the_o protestation_n which_o be_v this_o because_o of_o the_o absence_n of_o commissioner_n of_o many_o burgh_n as_o want_v free_a access_n because_o of_o the_o motion_n of_o the_o enemy_n in_o the_o order_n of_o the_o late_a paper_n wherein_o other_o reason_n be_v add_v to_o these_o in_o the_o protestation_n this_o be_v set_v down_o in_o the_o 5._o place_n and_o be_v cast_v in_o ______o with_o some_o addition_n to_o the_o matter_n because_o as_o first_o propon_v it_o have_v not_o seem_v fast_o enough_o thus_o that_o can_v be_v a_o free_a assembly_n to_o which_o there_o be_v no_o free_a access_n and_o recess_n but_o there_o be_v no_o free_a access_n to_o the_o assembly_n by_o reason_n of_o two_o army_n interjacent_a between_o the_o place_n of_o the_o meeting_n and_o the_o dwell_n of_o many_o of_o the_o commissioner_n and_o be_v pursue_v one_o another_o very_o hot_o have_v their_o party_n come_v abroad_o every_o where_n at_o the_o time_n they_o shall_v have_v come_v to_o the_o assembly_n and_o therefore_o many_o be_v absent_a about_o the_o one_o half_a of_o the_o burgh_n many_o presbytery_n to_o the_o number_n of_o 9_o or_o 10._o neither_o be_v there_o free_a recess_n from_o it_o not_o only_o because_o of_o the_o former_a reason_n but_o because_o the_o king_n and_o committee_n of_o estate_n do_v detain_v and_o keep_v
1616._o and_o be_v it_o not_o equivalent_a to_o this_o if_o by_o reason_n of_o external_a force_n presbytery_n after_o advertisement_n give_v unto_o they_o can_v meet_v and_o choo_n their_o commissioner_n or_o if_o those_o who_o be_v choose_v can_v come_v because_o of_o force_n keep_v they_o back_o what_o be_v the_o cause_n why_o undue_a advertisement_n of_o many_o presbytery_n and_o buâ—ges_n make_v a_o nul_fw-fr assembly_n be_v it_o not_o because_o many_o of_o these_o who_o be_v in_o a_o capacity_n to_o send_v commissioner_n be_v by_o a_o invincible_a impediment_n keep_v back_o from_o do_v of_o it_o and_o have_v not_o this_o also_o place_n in_o the_o other_o case_n if_o presbytery_n neglect_v to_o choose_v commissioner_n or_o if_o they_o be_v choose_v shall_v neglect_v to_o come_v that_o alter_v the_o case_n and_o put_v the_o fault_n whole_o upon_o they_o who_o neglect_v their_o duty_n but_o if_o they_o be_v keep_v back_o by_o violence_n from_o without_o â—t_a be_v equal_a to_o their_o not_o be_v advertise_v at_o all_o or_o their_o not_o be_v timous_o advertise_v or_o if_o they_o can_v choose_v or_o be_v choose_v can_v come_v to_o what_o purpose_n be_v the_o advertisement_n or_o how_o can_v it_o put_v they_o in_o a_o worse_a case_n than_o if_o they_o have_v not_o be_v advertise_v or_o not_o timous_o advertise_v though_o the_o presbytery_n of_o orknay_n and_o caithness_n be_v deduce_v and_o other_o too_o which_o be_v want_v and_o have_v no_o commissioner_n to_o send_v yet_o if_o the_o author_n shall_v be_v please_v to_o consult_v the_o roll_n of_o the_o assembly_n it_o haply_o may_v be_v still_o find_v that_o nine_o or_o ten_o presbytery_n be_v absent_a and_o thirty_o burrough_n if_o not_o above_o for_o these_o of_o hamelton_n who_o come_v afterward_o to_o the_o place_n where_o the_o assembly_n be_v sit_v and_o will_v not_o come_v forward_o as_o they_o come_v thither_o with_o hazard_n and_o difficulty_n so_o do_v they_o not_o think_v it_o a_o duty_n to_o come_v forward_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o nullity_n of_o the_o assembly_n which_o make_v they_o send_v their_o testimony_n against_o it_o it_o be_v true_a that_o commissioner_n come_v to_o the_o assembly_n betwixt_o who_o and_o the_o place_n of_o the_o assembly_n the_o army_n be_v interjacent_a and_o from_o several_a part_n besouth_o forth_o but_o it_o be_v as_o true_a that_o some_o come_n from_o these_o place_n be_v take_v prisoner_n and_o that_o other_o offer_v not_o to_o come_v from_o home_n as_o be_v hopeless_a to_o pass_v through_o the_o danger_n bring_v so_o apparent_a and_o real_a which_o it_o seem_v the_o author_n have_v be_v somewhat_o convince_v of_o when_o he_o speak_v so_o mince_o as_o to_o say_v that_o it_o may_v have_v seem_v to_o have_v proceed_v of_o negligence_n rather_o than_o of_o any_o necessity_n he_o tell_v we_o that_o commissioner_n come_v not_o from_o burghe_n and_o yet_o minister_n come_v from_o the_o same_o burgh_n but_o that_o prove_v not_o that_o there_o be_v free_a access_n to_o the_o commissioner_n of_o burgh_n who_o stay_v away_o to_o say_v nothing_o that_o there_o be_v few_o burgh_n who_o commissioner_n be_v absent_a who_o minister_n be_v commissioner_n and_o come_v to_o the_o assembly_n i_o know_v not_o any_o assembly_n so_o impede_v and_o endanger_v in_o ja._n graham_n time_n there_o be_v no_o assembly_n that_o sit_v from_o the_o time_n of_o his_o invade_v the_o land_n by_o the_o irishes_n till_o the_o time_n of_o his_o defeat_n except_o one_o and_o that_o sit_v in_o jan._n at_o which_o time_n he_o be_v not_o reign_v or_o rage_v through_o much_o of_o the_o country_n but_o be_v force_v to_o keep_v himself_o in_o the_o highland_n and_o in_o the_o place_n of_o the_o country_n less_o inhabit_v whence_o few_o commissioner_n be_v come_v if_o the_o author_n prove_v it_o by_o bring_v forth_o the_o roll_n ot_fw-mi both_o assembly_n that_o as_o many_o be_v absent_a from_o that_o assembly_n if_o not_o more_o than_o it_o shall_v appear_v that_o he_o have_v just_a cause_n so_o to_o assert_v but_o until_o that_o time_n he_o will_v give_v we_o leave_v to_o suspend_v our_o assent_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o he_o will_v still_o have_v the_o protester_n to_o be_v unfriend_n to_o former_a assembly_n and_o to_o be_v teacher_n of_o malignant_n how_o to_o cast_v they_o as_o diminish_n upon_o ground_n of_o conscience_n but_o the_o protester_n do_v disclaim_v they_o for_o scholar_n and_o so_o do_v they_o the_o protester_n for_o master_n or_o teacher_n and_o as_o there_o be_v nothing_o teach_v by_o the_o protester_n that_o can_v give_v they_o any_o just_a ground_n upon_o which_o to_o quarrel_v or_o cast_v the_o censure_n of_o that_o assembly_n so_o be_v it_o superfluous_a for_o they_o now_o to_o be_v at_o the_o pain_n to_o learn_v it_o see_v the_o author_n and_o abettor_n of_o the_o public_a resolution_n have_v ease_v they_o of_o the_o pain_n of_o this_o censure_n already_o albeit_o the_o roll_n of_o this_o assembly_n be_v more_o numerous_a than_o the_o roll_n of_o some_o unquestionable_a assembly_n that_o will_v not_o much_o help_v he_o because_o absent_v from_o this_o assembly_n in_o many_o be_v not_o voluntary_a but_o by_o want_n of_o free_a access_n but_o so_o do_v it_o not_o appear_v to_o have_v be_v in_o other_o assembly_n and_o whatever_o the_o author_n talk_v of_o the_o roll_n of_o this_o assembly_n yet_o i_o believe_v before_o they_o come_v to_o the_o ratify_n of_o the_o public_a resolution_n which_o be_v their_o great_a business_n they_o be_v but_o a_o thin_a meeting_n many_o of_o their_o number_n have_v leave_v they_o some_o out_o of_o discontent_n and_o dissatisfaction_n with_o their_o proceed_n and_o other_o fear_v to_o be_v surprise_v by_o party_n of_o the_o english_a as_o to_o the_o assembly_n at_o aberdeen_n in_o which_o there_o be_v but_o twenty_o person_n present_a which_o notwithstanding_o be_v own_v by_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n as_o a_o free_a and_o lawful_a general_n assembly_n it_o be_v so_o own_a as_o that_o these_o who_o meet_v be_v lawful_o commissionated_a from_o their_o presbytery_n and_o have_v meet_v at_o the_o time_n and_o place_n appoint_v for_o hold_v the_o assembly_n be_v account_v sufficient_a to_o adjourn_v the_o assembly_n and_o to_o preserve_v and_o vindicate_v the_o liberty_n of_o the_o church_n against_o the_o encroachment_n that_o then_o be_v make_v upon_o they_o by_o the_o king_n and_o his_o commissioner_n so_o i_o believe_v the_o author_n will_v not_o say_v that_o these_o twenty_o can_v have_v proceed_v to_o make_v act_n of_o general_n concernment_n to_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o scotland_n or_o that_o if_o they_o have_v so_o do_v these_o act_n will_v have_v be_v authoritative_a &_o bind_a what_o the_o writer_n speak_v of_o want_n of_o freedom_n in_o regard_n of_o recess_n be_v not_o upon_o any_o emergent_a after_o the_o down-sitting_a or_o close_a of_o the_o assembly_n but_o upon_o cause_n know_v at_o the_o time_n when_o the_o commissioner_n shall_v have_v come_v from_o home_n and_o therefore_o he_o do_v not_o urge_v it_o as_o a_o relevant_a argument_n apart_o by_o itself_o but_o join_v it_o with_o the_o want_n of_o freedom_n of_o access_n and_o it_o be_v very_o agreeable_a to_o common_a sense_n for_o man_n to_o think_v that_o assembly_n not_o free_a to_o which_o there_o be_v no_o freedom_n in_o come_v to_o exoner_n their_o conscience_n nor_o any_o freedom_n in_o go_v after_o they_o have_v do_v it_o he_o justify_v the_o confinement_n of_o the_o minister_n of_o sterline_n in_o this_o particular_a at_o sterline_n 1_o he_o challenge_v the_o writer_n pass_v in_o silence_n these_o minister_n protest_v against_o the_o assembly_n but_o though_o the_o author_n think_v this_o wisdom_n yet_o i_o hardly_o believe_v that_o the_o writer_n do_v it_o upon_o deliberation_n the_o thing_n be_v so_o manifest_o know_v there_o be_v no_o need_n to_o mention_v it_o the_o author_n ask_v the_o question_n whether_o the_o king_n may_v not_o have_v confine_v these_o man_n without_o any_o imputation_n to_o the_o freedom_n of_o the_o assembly_n until_o he_o have_v be_v inform_v upon_o what_o ground_n they_o come_v away_o so_o untimeous_o it_o seem_v that_o as_o the_o case_n be_v circumstantiat_fw-la it_o can_v not_o well_o be_v do_v without_o a_o imputation_n of_o the_o freedom_n of_o the_o assembly_n may_v the_o king_n and_o committee_n confine_v every_o one_o who_o come_v away_o untimeous_o until_o they_o be_v inform_v upon_o what_o ground_n they_o come_v away_o illud_fw-la possumus_fw-la quod_fw-la jure_fw-la possumus_fw-la but_o where_o be_v there_o such_o law_n for_o censure_v these_o by_o confinement_n that_o come_v away_o untimeous_o from_o the_o assembly_n but_o it_o seem_v they_o be_v inform_v of_o the_o cause_n of_o their_o come_n away_o otherwise_o his_o instance_n of_o the_o commissioner_n
that_o there_o be_v no_o just_a cause_n of_o propon_v that_o exception_n against_o the_o commission_n 48_o and_o we_o affirm_v that_o the_o commission_n 51_o carry_v themselves_o faithful_o and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o just_a cause_n of_o propon_v that_o exception_n against_o they_o which_o the_o protester_n make_v but_o whether_o it_o be_v so_o or_o otherways_o in_o reipsâ_fw-la in_o the_o very_a deed_n itself_o since_o both_o exception_n at_o the_o time_n they_o be_v make_v be_v alike_o to_o the_o assembly_n and_o therefore_o to_o borrow_v the_o word_n of_o the_o writer_n we_o desire_v any_o man_n in_o the_o world_n to_o bring_v a_o reason_n why_o the_o one_o assembly_n shall_v be_v condemn_v for_o reject_v such_o a_o exception_n before_o the_o proceed_n of_o the_o person_n except_v against_o be_v try_v and_o judge_v when_o as_o the_o other_o assembly_n which_o reject_v the_o like_a exception_n be_v maintain_v but_o good_a reader_n look_v forward_o upon_o the_o writer_n follow_v of_o his_o answer_n to_o the_o objection_n mention_v and_o see_v a_o mystery_n and_o judge_v thou_o if_o it_o be_v not_o of_o iniquity_n against_o all_o the_o late_a general_n assembly_n of_o this_o kirk_n he_o tell_v we_o of_o a_o act_n make_v anno_o 1601_o and_o renew_v 1648_o and_o say_v that_o it_o do_v necessary_o infer_v that_o the_o commissioner_n of_o a_o former_a assembly_n shall_v not_o be_v admit_v as_o member_n in_o the_o succeed_a assembly_n although_o there_o be_v no_o scandal_n or_o exception_n propon_v upon_o their_o proceed_n until_o they_o be_v try_v much_o less_o when_o a_o scandal_n or_o exception_n be_v propon_v this_o be_v a_o fair_a blow_n by_o one_o strâ—ak_n give_v to_o the_o late_a constitution_n of_o all_o the_o assembly_n of_o this_o kirk_n posterior_n to_o that_o assembly_n at_o glasgow_n without_o exception_n and_o most_o of_o all_o to_o the_o assembly_n 48_o for_o in_o all_o of_o they_o commissioner_n of_o the_o precede_a assembly_n respective_a have_v be_v admit_v to_o sit_v as_o member_n before_o their_o proceed_n be_v try_v and_o judge_v and_o in_o that_o assembly_n 48_o they_o be_v admit_v to_o sit_v notwithstanding_o exception_n be_v make_v against_o their_o sit_v by_o the_o supreme_a civil_a power_n of_o the_o land_n this_o be_v remarkable_a that_o the_o writer_n to_o the_o effect_n he_o may_v pull_v down_o the_o late_a assembly_n 51_o he_o will_v put_v down_o all_o the_o rest_n with_o it_o but_o the_o truth_n be_v the_o writer_n be_v somewhat_o rash_a in_o his_o assertion_n concern_v the_o consequence_n of_o that_o act_n mention_v look_v the_o tenor_n of_o it_o as_o it_o be_v extant_a in_o the_o assembly_n 48_o sess_n 6._o it_o say_v only_o this_o much_o that_o the_o commissioner_n of_o former_a assembly_n shall_v give_v a_o account_n of_o their_o proceed_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o assembly_n before_o any_o other_o matter_n or_o cause_n be_v handle_v and_o their_o proceed_n to_o be_v allow_v or_o dis-allowed_n etc._n etc._n from_o which_o i_o confess_v this_o much_o may_v be_v infer_v by_o one_o stick_v precise_o to_o the_o letter_n of_o the_o word_n that_o after_o the_o assembly_n be_v constitute_v the_o handle_n of_o all_o other_o matter_n shall_v be_v suspend_v until_o the_o commissioner_n proceed_n shall_v be_v try_v and_o put_v to_o a_o point_n during_o which_o trial_n the_o commissioner_n that_o be_v member_n vi_fw-la materiae_fw-la must_v be_v remove_v because_o the_o same_o person_n can_v try_v their_o own_o proceed_n but_o that_o they_o may_v not_o be_v admit_v in_o any_o way_n to_o be_v member_n of_o the_o assembly_n not_o so_o much_o as_o to_o vote_n in_o the_o election_n of_o a_o moderator_n which_o be_v the_o thing_n require_v by_o the_o protester_n can_v be_v infer_v from_o thence_o if_o it_o be_v other_o way_n it_o seem_v strange_a to_o i_o that_o that_o same_o assembly_n 48_o which_o do_v renew_v that_o act_n do_v at_o the_o same_o very_a time_n admit_v the_o commissioner_n of_o the_o precede_a assembly_n sundry_a of_o the_o present_a protester_n and_o among_o the_o rest_n none_o more_o than_o the_o writer_n of_o this_o paper_n and_o the_o suggester_n to_o he_o of_o this_o consideration_n be_v chief_a actor_n in_o the_o business_n to_o sit_v as_o member_n of_o the_o astembly_n before_o their_o proceed_n be_v try_v yea_o and_o to_o vote_n in_o sundry_a other_o matter_n during_o the_o time_n of_o their_o trial_n and_o that_o whenas_o there_o be_v exception_n make_v against_o they_o but_o beside_o this_o retortion_n of_o the_o argument_n which_o the_o protester_n be_v oblige_v to_o answer_v review_n albeit_o the_o author_n be_v please_v to_o say_v that_o the_o writer_n shall_v never_o be_v able_a to_o make_v good_a that_o the_o public_a resolution_n be_v diametral_o opposite_a to_o clear_v stand_v act_n remonstrance_n and_o declaration_n of_o former_a assembly_n yet_o he_o or_o some_o other_o in_o his_o room_n have_v often_o make_v this_o good_a out_o of_o these_o act_n remonstrance_n declaration_n etc._n etc._n wherein_o the_o very_a contradictory_n of_o the_o public_a resolution_n be_v clear_o set_v down_o upon_o the_o very_a circumstantiat_fw-la case_n of_o defend_v the_o cause_n and_o country_n against_o foreign_a invasion_n and_o therefore_o though_o there_o be_v no_o more_o to_o uphold_v the_o argument_n but_o this_o the_o conclusion_n thereof_o may_v safe_o be_v assent_v to_o without_o any_o new_a edition_n of_o the_o writer_n in_o follow_v his_o argument_n i_o be_o glad_a that_o the_o author_n be_v bring_v to_o acknowledge_v that_o all_o hang_v upon_o this_o and_o doubt_n that_o some_o of_o his_o friend_n who_o quarrel_n at_o sundry_a former_a act_n remonstrance_n and_o declaration_n as_o not_o know_v how_o to_o reconcile_v they_o with_o public_a resolution_n approve_v he_o in_o this_o he_o will_v remember_v &_o other_o will_v be_v inform_v that_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o meeting_n at_o st._n andrews_n this_o point_n be_v offer_v to_o be_v instant_o verify_v out_o of_o the_o record_n of_o the_o church_n under_o the_o clerk_n hand_n who_o be_v generalâ—y_o acknowledge_v to_o know_v they_o best_o of_o aâ—y_n and_o be_v bind_v by_o his_o place_n and_o particular_a act_n of_o assembly_n to_o offer_v they_o unto_o they_o and_o yet_o they_o can_v not_o be_v hear_v and_o the_o exception_n be_v relevant_a in_o itself_o as_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o the_o author_n and_o reject_v when_o offer_v to_o be_v instruct_v as_o to_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n it_o be_v alike_o as_o if_o it_o have_v be_v prove_v for_o it_o stand_v for_o prove_v in_o law_n as_o to_o the_o judge_n who_o refuse_v to_o admit_v probation_n to_o be_v instant_o produce_v ex_fw-la act_n suis_fw-la to_o his_o first_o particular_a answer_n i_o reply_v first_o that_o no_o like_a accusation_n nor_o exception_n come_v into_o the_o assembly_n 1648_o from_o the_o very_a parliament_n or_o any_o other_o against_o the_o member_n of_o the_o commission_n who_o be_v commissioner_n to_o the_o assembly_n neither_o after_o a_o long_a and_o serious_a debate_n be_v it_o find_v either_o by_o our_o present_a protester_n or_o any_o other_o and_o conclude_v that_o none_o of_o they_o can_v be_v remove_v from_o sit_v in_o the_o assembly_n and_o vote_v in_o other_o matter_n until_o their_o proceed_n be_v first_o hear_v and_o try_v there_o be_v in_o the_o assembly_n 1648._o no_o such_o accusation_n nor_o exception_n nor_o debate_n nor_o conclusion_n which_o be_v a_o short_a and_o clear_a answer_n for_o justify_v that_o assembly_n and_o for_o vindicate_v the_o truth_n of_o that_o which_o be_v allege_v by_o the_o writer_n in_o answer_n to_o the_o first_o objection_n to_o wit_n that_o such_o exception_n be_v propound_v be_v never_o reject_v and_o do_v withal_o give_v a_o clear_a reason_n why_o the_o one_o assembly_n shall_v be_v condemn_v though_o the_o other_o be_v justify_v because_o the_o one_o assembly_n reject_v so_o relevant_n a_o exception_n which_o the_o other_o do_v not_o it_o be_v never_o propound_v unto_o they_o in_o all_o this_o business_n the_o author_n be_v great_o mistake_v and_o whether_o through_o misinformation_n or_o how_o i_o know_v not_o do_v assert_v that_o for_o a_o truth_n which_o never_o have_v a_o be_v and_o therefore_o all_o his_o defence_n build_v upon_o it_o do_v at_o one_o instant_a fall_n to_o the_o ground_n the_o story_n which_o as_o it_o seem_v he_o hint_n at_o in_o the_o 48._o be_v brief_o this_o in_o the_o year_n 1648._o the_o assembly_n be_v meet_v and_o constitute_v without_o any_o exception_n propound_v or_o mention_v by_o any_o person_n or_o party_n whatsoever_o against_o these_o who_o have_v be_v member_n of_o the_o former_a commission_n and_o be_v now_o member_n of_o the_o assembly_n after_o they_o have_v sit_v five_o or_o six_o day_n as_o be_v evident_a from_o compare_v the_o
perhaps_o he_o see_v some_o disadvantage_n in_o that_o be_v it_o so_o that_o that_o inference_n can_v be_v make_v from_o thence_o yet_o may_v this_o inference_n well_o be_v make_v from_o thence_o that_o after_o the_o choose_n of_o the_o moderator_n they_o can_v be_v admit_v to_o sit_v and_o vote_n in_o any_o business_n in_o the_o assembly_n before_o their_o proceed_n be_v allow_v or_o disallow_v and_o that_o if_o they_o be_v admit_v before_o that_o time_n these_o act_n of_o the_o assembly_n be_v clear_o cross_v and_o contradict_v which_o be_v do_v by_o all_o these_o assembly_n since_o 38._o they_o be_v to_o be_v pull_v down_o as_o null_n when_o the_o author_n shall_v extricate_v himself_o and_o his_o reader_n out_o of_o this_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n he_o shall_v also_o help_v the_o writer_n how_o to_o clear_v himself_o of_o the_o other_o the_o truth_n be_v though_o there_o have_v be_v some_o cross_n between_o these_o assembly_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o assembly_n since_o the_o 38._o both_o the_o one_o way_n and_o the_o other_o by_o the_o sit_v of_o the_o commissioner_n of_o the_o former_a assembly_n not_o only_o till_o the_o assembly_n be_v constitute_v and_o in_o the_o choice_n of_o a_o moderator_n but_o also_o afterward_o in_o the_o debate_n and_o vote_v of_o other_o business_n before_o the_o allow_v or_o disallow_v of_o their_o proceed_n yet_o do_v not_o this_o reach_n any_o blow_n to_o the_o constitution_n of_o these_o assmbly_n because_o the_o act_n of_o the_o assembly_n 1601._o till_o the_o year_n 1648._o be_v almost_o inter_fw-la non_fw-la cognita_fw-la &_o non_fw-la apparentia_fw-la yea_o there_o be_v no_o cause_n to_o urge_v it_o the_o commissioner_n of_o all_o these_o assembly_n carry_v themselves_o faithful_o and_o not_o be_v under_o any_o scandal_n or_o any_o exception_n thereupon_o propon_v against_o they_o and_o albeit_o thing_n belong_v to_o former_a order_n be_v propound_v and_o urge_v especial_o in_o case_n of_o consequence_n upon_o the_o matter_n can_v be_v pass_v by_o unless_o they_o be_v formal_o repeal_v yet_o if_o through_o inadvertency_n or_o custom_n they_o come_v to_o be_v omit_v there_o be_v no_o particular_a emergent_a give_v occasion_n to_o urge_v they_o yet_o do_v not_o this_o give_v any_o blow_n to_o the_o judicatory_a wherein_o these_o form_n shall_v be_v use_v neither_o do_v he_o who_o say_v that_o their_o own_o law_n prescribe_v such_o a_o form_n prove_v guilty_a of_o any_o mystery_n or_o iniquity_n but_o the_o author_n insist_o that_o the_o assembly_n 48._o which_o do_v renew_v that_o act_n do_v at_o the_o very_a same_o time_n admit_v the_o commissioner_n of_o the_o precede_a assembly_n sundry_a of_o the_o present_a protester_n and_o among_o the_o rest_n none_o more_o than_o the_o writer_n of_o this_o paper_n and_o the_o suggester_n to_o he_o of_o this_o consideration_n be_v chief_a actor_n in_o the_o business_n to_o sit_v as_o member_n of_o the_o assembly_n before_o their_o proceed_n be_v try_v yea_o and_o to_o vote_n in_o sundry_a other_o matter_n during_o the_o time_n of_o their_o trial_n and_o that_o whereas_o there_o be_v exception_n make_v against_o they_o i_o pass_v his_o rub_n upon_o the_o writer_n of_o the_o paper_n and_o i_o know_v not_o that_o suggester_n to_o he_o of_o that_o consideration_n as_o be_v a_o thing_n ordinary_a to_o he_o in_o all_o this_o debate_n &_o yet_o little_a either_o for_o his_o own_o honour_n or_o for_o the_o edification_n of_o other_o i_o think_v these_o now_o be_v not_o ashamed_a to_o give_v their_o mutual_a help_n and_o assistance_n one_o to_o another_o either_o by_o suggest_v or_o digest_v as_o god_n have_v gift_v they_o what_o may_v contribute_v for_o the_o defence_n of_o the_o truth_n but_o sure_o i_o be_o though_o he_o may_v speak_v his_o fancy_n and_o vent_v his_o reflect_a conjecture_n that_o he_o neither_o know_v who_o write_v the_o paper_n or_o if_o any_o or_o who_o suggest_v that_o consideration_n to_o he_o or_o what_o their_o act_n be_v in_o that_o business_n in_o the_o assembly_n 48._o if_o he_o shall_v take_v into_o consideration_n the_o circumstance_n of_o proceed_n in_o the_o assembly_n 48._o which_o revive_v the_o act_n of_o the_o assembly_n 1601._o he_o will_v not_o need_v to_o think_v it_o strange_a that_o they_o do_v admit_v the_o commissioner_n of_o the_o former_a assembly_n to_o sit_v &_o vote_n in_o other_o matter_n before_o their_o proceed_n be_v try_v and_o judge_v because_o the_o motion_n of_o revive_v that_o act_n be_v not_o make_v till_o a_o very_a little_a time_n before_o the_o report_n of_o their_o proceed_n by_o the_o committee_n of_o the_o assembly_n to_o who_o the_o inspection_n of_o the_o commission-book_n be_v commit_v any_o who_o look_v upon_o the_o act_n of_o the_o assembly_n will_v find_v that_o the_o act_n 1601._o be_v revive_v and_o the_o commission_n proceed_n approven_v both_o in_o one_o day_n the_o one_o in_o the_o forenoon_n and_o the_o other_o in_o the_o afternoon_n and_o i_o believe_v that_o he_o shall_v not_o find_v that_o in_o the_o interval_n betwixt_o these_o two_o act_n any_o thing_n be_v vote_v in_o the_o assembly_n he_o insinuate_v as_o if_o at_o that_o time_n there_o have_v be_v a_o debate_n about_o the_o remove_n of_o the_o commissioner_n upon_o exception_n make_v against_o they_o but_o in_o this_o he_o be_v mistake_v still_o there_o be_v no_o exception_n make_v against_o they_o nor_o any_o debate_n thereupon_o as_o we_o have_v already_o clear_v if_o it_o be_v ask_v what_o then_o be_v the_o reason_n of_o revive_v the_o act_n 1601._o the_o reason_n be_v because_o the_o committee_n of_o estate_n do_v the_o day_n before_o the_o report_n make_v of_o the_o proceed_n of_o the_o commission_n desire_v that_o the_o assembly_n will_v not_o proceed_v to_o the_o approbation_n of_o these_o proceed_n before_o they_o may_v be_v hear_v in_o these_o thing_n that_o do_v relate_v to_o the_o engagement_n as_o we_o have_v already_o show_v and_o the_o assembly_n know_v that_o this_o be_v but_o a_o shift_n to_o gain_v time_n and_o to_o divide_v the_o assembly_n as_o they_o think_v fit_a to_o call_v the_o committee_n if_o they_o have_v any_o new_a objection_n against_o the_o proceed_n of_o the_o commission_n or_o only_o the_o same_o objection_n make_v by_o the_o parliament_n or_o their_o committee_n before_o and_o upon_o the_o reply_n of_o the_o committee_n of_o estate_n that_o they_o have_v just_a and_o material_a exception_n beside_o any_o former_o make_v to_o continue_v till_o the_o next_o day_n at_o 10._o hour_n and_o to_o appoint_v that_o time_n for_o hear_v these_o exception_n so_o for_o prevent_v of_o the_o like_a inconvenience_n for_o time_n to_o come_v they_o think_v fit_a to_o renew_v the_o act_n 1601._o but_o it_o wonder_v i_o that_o in_o all_o the_o author_n answer_v to_o this_o point_n he_o do_v not_o so_o much_o as_o once_o touch_v upon_o the_o parity_n of_o the_o reason_n bring_v by_o the_o writer_n for_o make_v of_o the_o act_n in_o the_o assembly_n 1601._o and_o urge_v it_o in_o the_o assembly_n 1651._o there_o be_v in_o both_o these_o assembly_n a_o scandal_n of_o defection_n upon_o the_o commissioner_n of_o the_o kirk_n upon_o the_o first_o for_o take_v upon_o they_o to_o give_v in_o petition_n to_o the_o parl._n for_o vote_n in_o parliament_n to_o the_o minister_n that_o shall_v be_v provide_v to_o presbytery_n as_o represent_v the_o true_a church_n of_o god_n and_o be_v the_o three_o estate_n of_o the_o realm_n upon_o the_o latter_a for_o take_v upon_o they_o to_o bring_v in_o the_o malignant_a party_n which_o do_v not_o fall_v out_o nor_o the_o like_a in_o any_o of_o the_o assembly_n since_o the_o 38._o and_o therefore_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o question_v the_o constitution_n of_o these_o assembly_n for_o not_o proceed_v according_o to_o that_o rule_n it_o neither_o be_v urge_v nor_o there_o be_v any_o cause_n to_o urge_v the_o same_o vindication_n in_o the_o next_o place_n to_o come_v to_o a_o more_o direct_a answer_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o every_o propound_v of_o exception_n or_o alleadgance_n of_o scandal_n against_o person_n and_o offer_v to_o prove_v they_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o deprive_v they_o from_o be_v member_n of_o or_o sit_v in_o the_o general_n assembly_n for_o be_v it_o so_o perverse_a and_o bold_a man_n may_v return_v and_o disappoint_v the_o church_n of_o all_o gen._n assembly_n for_o ever_o this_o the_o writer_n of_o the_o late_a paper_n acknowledge_v in_o answer_n to_o objection_n 3._o against_o the_o present_a argument_n and_o therefore_o he_o proceed_v to_o qualify_v the_o exception_n which_o may_v be_v sufficient_a for_o that_o effect_n by_o set_v down_o three_o condition_n requisite_a in_o it_o wherein_o â—e_n speak_v not_o altogether_o amiss_o of_o which_o we_o shall_v make_v our_o use_n we_o hope_v for_o
that_o this_o consequence_n will_v follow_v especial_o where_o the_o exception_n do_v concern_v many_o and_o lead_v menare_n be_v of_o a_o more_o common_a and_o universal_a influence_n appear_v because_o if_o these_o person_n be_v admit_v to_o sit_v as_o member_n after_o the_o propon_n of_o these_o exception_n before_o trial_n of_o they_o there_o can_v be_v no_o regress_n to_o the_o remove_n of_o they_o afterward_o upon_o that_o ground_n unless_o we_o say_v that_o the_o assembly_n may_v afterward_o undo_v that_o which_o former_o they_o do_v approve_v in_o forâ—_n contradictorio_fw-la and_o that_o those_o that_o be_v once_o find_v member_n notwithstanding_o of_o these_o exception_n yet_o afterward_o by_o the_o same_o exception_n may_v be_v find_v no_o member_n that_o the_o one_o consequence_n do_v more_o probable_o follow_v then_o the_o other_o appear_v not_o only_o from_o this_o that_o it_o be_v not_o ordinary_a for_o man_n of_o common_a sense_n and_o reason_n not_o almost_o for_o the_o most_o perverse_a and_o irrational_a man_n to_o offer_v that_o to_o a_o judicatory_a against_o their_o constituent_a member_n which_o they_o have_v no_o probable_a hope_n to_o verify_v but_o also_o from_o the_o doolfull_a experience_n of_o this_o church_n when_o do_v it_o ever_o fall_v out_o in_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n that_o a_o general_n assembly_n be_v disappoint_v by_o perverse_a and_o bold_a man_n offer_v to_o prove_v exception_n relevant_a in_o law_n but_o fall_v in_o fact_n against_o the_o constituent_a member_n thereof_o who_o can_v give_v any_o instance_n thereof_o unless_o man_n will_v bring_v the_o assembly_n 51._o which_o be_v to_o bring_v the_o thing_n in_o question_n for_o a_o instance_n but_o upon_o the_o other_o hand_n the_o admitting_z of_o man_n to_o sit_v against_o who_o such_o exception_n be_v or_o may_v have_v be_v propon_v have_v be_v one_o of_o the_o main_a cause_n of_o corruption_n of_o assembly_n and_o defection_n in_o this_o church_n as_o be_v know_v in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o prelate_n and_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o wise_a man_n to_o provide_v most_o against_o that_o which_o ut_fw-la plurimum_fw-la be_v their_o danger_n but_o as_o i_o do_v not_o see_v how_o the_o last_o consequence_n by_o the_o author_n way_n can_v be_v prevent_v so_o i_o do_v not_o see_v how_o the_o first_o consequence_n do_v follow_v because_o these_o perverse_a &_o bold_a person_n who_o propones_fw-la the_o exception_n &_o offer_v to_o verify_v they_o instant_o do_v not_o suppose_v that_o all_o the_o meeting_n to_o who_o they_o offer_v the_o exception_n be_v guilty_a for_o if_o they_o do_v suppose_v that_o they_o can_v not_o propone_v any_o exception_n to_o be_v try_v by_o they_o but_o behove_v primo_fw-la instanti_fw-la to_o decline_v they_o all_o as_o judge_n reserve_v the_o verification_n of_o their_o alleadgance_n to_o a_o judge_n competent_a now_o if_o they_o do_v thus_o the_o assembly_n be_v not_o disappoint_v by_o perverse_a and_o bold_a person_n offer_v to_o verify_v exception_n because_o in_o this_o case_n they_o do_v not_o make_v any_o offer_n of_o verification_n of_o any_o exception_n before_o that_o meeting_n upon_o the_o other_o hand_n if_o they_o do_v acknowledge_v a_o part_n of_o they_o as_o person_n competent_a and_o fit_o qualify_v to_o try_v and_o discuss_v these_o exception_n which_o they_o offer_v to_o verify_v than_o the_o person_n against_o who_o they_o except_o be_v remove_v and_o the_o exception_n take_v in_o and_o cognosce_v upon_o according_a to_o the_o verification_n offer_v they_o be_v find_v either_o true_a or_o false_a if_o they_o be_v find_v false_a the_o assembly_n be_v not_o disappoint_v but_o may_v proceed_v to_o its_o constitution_n have_v find_v their_o member_n blameless_a and_o have_v stop_v these_o man_n mouth_n if_o the_o exception_n be_v find_v true_a of_o such_o a_o number_n without_o who_o the_o rest_n can_v make_v a_o assembly_n there_o be_v a_o great_a advantage_n in_o stead_n of_o a_o fear_a disadvantage_n that_o be_v the_o prevention_n of_o a_o corrupt_a meeting_n constitute_v themselves_o in_o a_o assembly_n if_o but_o a_o few_o number_n the_o corrupt_a be_v remove_v and_o the_o blameless_a be_v admit_v and_o the_o assembly_n go_v on_o beside_o all_o this_o it_o may_v by_o way_n of_o commission_n without_o any_o disadvantage_n to_o the_o protester_n cause_v be_v yield_v to_o the_o author_n that_o it_o be_v to_o be_v look_v to_o that_o the_o person_n offer_v to_o verify_v these_o exception_n be_v not_o perverse_a person_n but_o man_n of_o a_o good_a report_n and_o such_o as_o be_v know_v to_o walk_v honest_o and_o not_o to_o act_v upon_o a_o principle_n of_o malice_n or_o il-will_a against_o the_o person_n who_o the_o exception_n do_v concern_v all_o which_o be_v true_a in_o the_o protester_n casâ—_n they_o be_v sundry_a of_o they_o member_n of_o that_o meeting_n to_o who_o it_o be_v incumbent_a ex_fw-la officio_fw-la to_o propone_fw-la any_o exception_n consist_v in_o their_o knowledge_n and_o allow_v to_o sit_v as_o member_n of_o the_o assembly_n a_o privilege_n not_o belong_v to_o perverse_n man_n and_o all_o of_o they_o man_n of_o good_a report_n &_o of_o a_o blameless_a conversation_n and_o such_o as_o be_v know_v to_o be_v so_o far_o from_o mal_v the_o commissioner_n against_o who_o they_o do_v except_v that_o they_o then_o have_v and_o still_o have_v they_o in_o estimation_n and_o do_v love_v they_o as_o brethren_n the_o author_n yield_v that_o the_o assembly_n be_v constitute_v the_o exception_n and_o ground_n thereof_o be_v to_o be_v try_v with_o all_o convenient_a diligence_n and_o expedition_n and_o allege_n that_o this_o be_v offer_v to_o the_o protester_n in_o the_o present_a case_n and_o debate_n that_o such_o a_o offer_n be_v make_v i_o shall_v not_o contradict_v i_o believe_v it_o be_v so_o but_o to_o pass_v by_o that_o even_o this_o which_o he_o himself_o think_v reasonable_a though_o offer_v yet_o be_v not_o well_o perform_v because_o most_o of_o the_o time_n that_o the_o assembly_n sit_v be_v pass_v before_o that_o exception_n and_o the_o ground_n thereof_o be_v try_v these_o man_n all_o the_o while_n and_o for_o a_o good_a many_o day_n sit_v and_o voice_n in_o all_o thing_n that_o past_a in_o the_o assembly_n even_o in_o these_o thing_n that_o do_v concern_v the_o proponer_n of_o the_o exception_n the_o protester_n can_v not_o accept_v of_o this_o offer_n not_o only_o because_o it_o do_v suppose_v their_o sit_v in_o the_o assembly_n as_o member_n before_o the_o try_v of_o the_o exception_n but_o also_o because_o the_o exception_n be_v not_o a_o exception_n against_o one_o or_o some_o few_o particular_a person_n in_o the_o case_n of_o some_o particular_a or_o personal_a scandal_n but_o a_o exception_n of_o common_a concernment_n to_o many_o in_o thing_n relate_v to_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o trust_n in_o the_o cause_n vindication_n but_o say_v the_o writer_n in_o hand_n both_o these_o be_v clear_a in_o the_o present_a case_n to_o wit_n the_o exception_n make_v against_o the_o late_a commissioner_n it_o be_v relevant_a in_o jure_fw-la if_o there_o be_v any_o relevancie_n why_o a_o man_n shall_v not_o sit_v in_o the_o general_n assembly_n this_o certain_o be_v one_o that_o he_o have_v betray_v his_o former_a trust_n have_v make_v defection_n from_o the_o covenant_n and_o cause_n and_o be_v instrumental_a to_o carry_v on_o a_o course_n of_o defection_n throughout_o the_o kirk_n and_o kingdom_n and_o as_o to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o fact_n in_o reference_n against_o who_o the_o exception_n be_v make_v all_o these_o do_v concur_v a_o flagrant_a scandal_n pregnant_a presumption_n and_o person_n in_o the_o judicatory_a offer_v to_o instruct_v and_o verify_v what_o be_v allege_v by_o this_o the_o writer_n believe_v that_o he_o have_v clear_v as_o with_o a_o sun_n beam_n and_o gain_v his_o point_n but_o we_o hope_v it_o shall_v be_v make_v to_o appear_v that_o he_o have_v leave_v the_o matter_n yet_o in_o the_o mist_n and_o gain_v never_o a_o white_a it_o be_v true_a indeed_o that_o for_o commissioner_n to_o betray_v their_o trust_n to_o make_v defection_n from_o the_o covenant_n and_o cause_n etc._n etc._n be_v in_o jure_v a_o relevant_a cause_n to_o exclude_v any_o man_n from_o sit_v in_o the_o general_n assembly_n as_o a_o member_n and_o deserve_v more_o as_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o the_o writer_n and_o some_o other_o intend_v the_o challenge_n of_o it_o against_o the_o commissioner_n for_o more_o but_o that_o the_o commissioner_n for_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n have_v betray_v their_o trust_n etc._n etc._n there_o may_v have_v be_v and_o be_v indeed_o by_o some_o spread_v a_o flagrant_a scandal_n but_o there_o be_v no_o flagrant_a scandal_n these_o same_o who_o afterward_o accuse_v they_o in_o the_o assembly_n i_o mean_v presumption_n objective_a by_o any_o thing_n they_o do_v
though_o there_o be_v presumption_n enough_o in_o some_o man_n against_o they_o and_z as_o for_o some_o person_n offer_v to_o instruct_v it_o that_o be_v to_o little_a purpose_n to_o argue_v they_o scandallous_a but_o the_o great_a sophism_n in_o this_o whole_a discourse_n whereinto_o i_o will_v not_o determine_v whether_o out_o of_o inanimadvertency_n or_o willing_o the_o writer_n have_v run_v lie_v in_o this_o that_o the_o main_a and_o principal_a question_n de_fw-fr jure_fw-la which_o shall_v have_v be_v clear_v to_o the_o effect_n that_o scandal_n may_v be_v just_o charge_v upon_o the_o commissioner_n be_v not_o the_o general_n or_o thesis_fw-la whether_o betray_v of_o trust_n or_o make_v defection_n from_o the_o covenant_n and_o cause_n if_o it_o be_v such_o a_o fault_n as_o deserve_v exclusion_n from_o sit_v as_o a_o member_n in_o a_o general_n assembly_n but_o this_o particular_a hypothesis_n whether_o the_o resolve_v that_o all_o person_n in_o the_o land_n except_v such_o as_o be_v notorious_o etc._n etc._n maybe_o admit_v to_o join_v in_o arm_n for_o just_a &_o necessary_a defence_n of_o the_o kingdom_n when_o otherways_o there_o can_v be_v force_n have_v otherways_o in_o warrantable_a prudence_n for_o defence_n of_o it_o item_n resolve_v that_o the_o time_n of_o civil_a censure_n inflict_v by_o the_o parliament_n upon_o person_n accessary_a to_o former_a malignant_a course_n as_o the_o sinful_a engagement_n may_v be_v dispense_v with_o and_o take_v off_o by_o the_o parliament_n with_o this_o provision_n that_o none_o shall_v be_v admit_v to_o place_n of_o power_n and_o trust_v but_o such_o as_o be_v qualify_v positive_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o that_o case_n hold_v in_o our_o solemn_a engagement_n item_n ordain_v presbytery_n to_o proceed_v with_o person_n former_o guilty_a of_o malignant_a course_n for_o admission_n of_o they_o unto_o public_a repentance_n in_o a_o way_n conform_v to_o the_o rule_v set_v down_o by_o the_o general_n assembly_n for_o admit_v of_o such_o upon_o testimonial_n from_o presbytery_n bear_v satisfaction_n give_v by_o they_o conform_v to_o these_o rule_n whether_o these_o thing_n i_o say_v contain_v defection_n from_o the_o covenant_n &_o cause_n &_o consequent_o do_v import_v betray_v of_o trust_n in_o a_o commission_n entrust_v with_o the_o care_n of_o preserve_v the_o covenant_n and_o cause_n this_o be_v a_o question_n in_o jure_fw-la that_o the_o writer_n shall_v have_v allege_v to_o have_v be_v clear_a i_o mean_v in_o the_o affirmative_a of_o it_o ere_o he_o allege_v that_o there_o be_v upon_o the_o late_a commissioner_n a_o scandal_n of_o some_o presumption_n that_o they_o have_v betray_v their_o trust_n make_v defection_n from_o the_o covenant_n and_o cause_n but_o the_o writer_n pass_v by_o this_o in_o silence_n now_o though_o we_o may_v say_v and_o be_v able_a in_o the_o lord_n strength_n to_o make_v it_o good_a that_o these_o thing_n contain_v not_o any_o defection_n from_o the_o covenant_n and_o cause_n yet_o now_o we_o shall_v say_v but_o this_o that_o this_o be_v not_o at_o the_o time_n of_o the_o protestation_n clear_a to_o the_o assembly_n because_o as_o yet_o there_o be_v not_o any_o particular_a determination_n thereanent_a in_o former_a general_n assembly_n wherefore_o for_o further_a clear_v of_o this_o matter_n that_o we_o be_v upon_o the_o exclude_v the_o person_n choose_v by_o their_o presbytery_n without_o contradiction_n to_o be_v commissioner_n from_o sit_v as_o member_n in_o the_o assembly_n upon_o alledgance_n of_o scandal_n against_o they_o it_o shall_v be_v observe_v by_o all_o honest_a and_o ingenuous_a reader_n that_o when_o the_o imputation_n of_o scandal_n upon_o they_o depend_v upon_o a_o particular_a hypothesis_n which_o at_o least_o be_v questionable_a and_o the_o very_a point_n of_o controversy_n betwixt_o they_o and_o their_o accuser_n be_v against_o all_o reason_n and_o equity_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v hold_v to_o be_v under_o a_o presumption_n of_o scandal_n until_o that_o hypothesis_n shall_v be_v discuss_v and_o clear_v and_o therefore_o until_o that_o be_v do_v the_o adversary_n alleadgeance_n of_o scandal_n against_o they_o be_v to_o be_v hold_v but_o a_o mere_a alleadgeance_n which_o by_o the_o writer_n own_o confession_n be_v not_o a_o sufficient_a ground_n whereupon_o to_o exclude_v person_n from_o be_v admit_v to_o sit_v as_o member_n in_o a_o general_n assembly_n until_o their_o cause_n be_v try_v and_o judge_v review_n i_o shall_v pass_v the_o author_n interlude_n of_o the_o writer_n believe_v that_o he_o have_v clear_v as_o with_o a_o sun_n beam_n and_o gain_v his_o point_n and_o of_o that_o he_o doubt_v not_o but_o that_o the_o writer_n and_o some_o other_o do_v intend_v to_o challenge_v for_o more_o and_o that_o there_o be_v a_o flagrant_a slander_n spread_v by_o some_o and_o that_o there_o be_v presumption_n enough_o in_o some_o man_n and_o come_v unto_o the_o discuss_n of_o that_o sophism_n as_o he_o be_v please_v to_o call_v it_o whereinto_o he_o will_v not_o determine_v whether_o out_o of_o inanimadvertencie_n or_o willing_o the_o writer_n as_o he_o allege_n have_v run_v but_o let_v we_o hear_v what_o this_o sophism_n be_v the_o main_a and_o principal_a question_n de_fw-fr jure_fw-la which_o shall_v have_v be_v clear_v say_v he_o to_o the_o effect_n that_o scandal_n may_v have_v be_v just_o charge_v upon_o the_o commissioner_n be_v not_o the_o general_n or_o thesis_n whether_o betray_v of_o trust_n and_o make_v defection_n from_o the_o covenant_n etc._n etc._n be_v such_o a_o fault_n as_o deserve_v exclusion_n from_o sit_v as_o a_o member_n in_o a_o general_n assembly_n but_o this_o particular_a hypothesis_n whether_o the_o resolve_v that_o all_o person_n except_v such_o as_o be_v notorious_o profane_a etc._n etc._n may_v be_v admit_v to_o join_v in_o arm_n for_o just_a and_o necessary_a defence_n of_o the_o kingdom_n when_o otherwise_o there_o can_v be_v force_n have_v in_o warrantable_a prudence_n sufficient_a for_o the_o defence_n of_o it_o etc._n etc._n if_o the_o right_a state_v of_o the_o hypothesis_n be_v the_o thing_n now_o direct_o in_o question_n it_o be_v needful_a to_o consider_v more_o large_o of_o the_o author_n state_v of_o it_o but_o because_o it_o come_v in_o on_o the_o by_o i_o shall_v only_o desire_v these_o few_o thing_n to_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o in_o the_o state_n of_o the_o question_n which_o he_o give_v first_o that_o it_o do_v suppose_v something_o untrue_a to_o wit_n that_o force_n in_o warrantable_a prudence_n sufficient_a for_o defence_n of_o the_o kingdom_n can_v not_o otherwise_o be_v have_v unless_o all_o person_n in_o the_o land_n except_v these_o include_v in_o the_o exception_n set_v down_o in_o the_o answer_n to_o the_o quaere_fw-la be_v bring_v forth_o if_o we_o may_v suppose_v that_o force_v equal_a in_o number_n to_o those_o who_o be_v invade_v the_o land_n be_v force_n sufficient_a in_o warrantable_a prudence_n to_o defend_v the_o land_n that_o number_n yea_o the_o double_a of_o it_o be_v to_o be_v find_v be_v north_n forth_o to_o speak_v nothing_o of_o other_o part_n in_o the_o land_n out_o of_o which_o there_o be_v also_o levy_n make_v both_o of_o horse_n and_o foot_n though_o all_o the_o person_n in_o question_n for_o their_o malignancie_n and_o disaffection_n to_o the_o cause_n have_v be_v lay_v aside_o the_o force_n which_o by_o these_o resolution_n be_v levy_v be_v by_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o all_o who_o know_v both_o the_o army_n as_o numerous_a if_o not_o more_o numerous_a than_o the_o force_n of_o the_o adversary_n and_o yet_o the_o levy_n in_o many_o place_n be_v but_o the_o four_o fensible_a man_n and_o in_o few_o or_o no_o place_n beyond_o the_o three_o whence_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o either_o the_o two_o part_n of_o the_o person_n in_o these_o place_n where_o the_o levy_n be_v make_v be_v such_o as_o do_v fall_v within_o the_o exception_n contain_v in_o the_o commission_n answer_v to_o the_o quaere_fw-la or_o else_o that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o necessity_n of_o a_o universal_a come_n forth_o as_o be_v allow_v in_o that_o answer_n and_o that_o therefore_o the_o necessity_n that_o be_v allege_v for_o employ_v of_o these_o man_n who_o be_v former_o exclude_v be_v but_o mere_o pretend_v second_o that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o item_n as_o he_o add_v in_o the_o commission_n answer_v to_o the_o quaere_fw-la which_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o public_a resolution_n and_o the_o main_a thing_n in_o debate_n betwixt_o the_o commission_n and_o the_o opposite_n of_o these_o public_a resolution_n the_o first_o item_n resolve_v that_o the_o time_n of_o civil_a censure_n inflict_v by_o the_o parliament_n upon_o person_n accessory_a to_o former_a malignant_a course_n as_o the_o sinful_a engagement_n may_v be_v dispense_v with_o and_o take_v off_o by_o the_o parliament_n with_o this_o
provision_n that_o none_o shall_v be_v admit_v to_o place_n of_o power_n and_o trust_v but_o such_o as_o be_v qualify_v positive_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o that_o case_n hold_v forth_o in_o our_o solemn_a engagement_n to_o pass_v by_o the_o way_n of_o carry_v of_o it_o which_o be_v palpable_a and_o obvious_a to_o the_o whole_a land_n be_v not_o add_v until_o the_o force_n be_v almost_o complete_o levy_v and_o the_o bulk_n of_o the_o malignant_a party_n bring_v into_o employment_n and_o place_n of_o power_n and_o trust_v in_o the_o army_n the_o second_o item_n ordain_v presbytery_n to_o proceed_v with_o person_n former_o guilty_a of_o malignant_a course_n for_o admission_n of_o they_o into_o public_a repentance_n in_o a_o way_n conform_v to_o the_o rule_v set_v down_o by_o the_o general_n assembly_n for_o admit_v such_o upon_o testimony_n from_o presbytery_n bear_v satisfaction_n give_v by_o then_o conform_v to_o these_o rule_n be_v not_o at_o all_o include_v in_o the_o commission_n answer_v neither_o be_v there_o so_o much_o of_o it_o as_o one_o word_n in_o that_o large_a warn_v of_o the_o 7._o of_o jan._n 1651._o emit_v by_o the_o commission_n for_o strengthen_v of_o that_o answer_n and_o when_o anything_o of_o that_o kind_n in_o latter_a warning_n act_n and_o letter_n come_v to_o be_v add_v be_v always_o hold_v forth_o but_o as_o expedient_a in_o order_n to_o the_o employ_v of_o these_o man_n but_o never_o be_v press_v in_o any_o of_o these_o paper_n as_o a_o necessary_a duty_n to_o exclude_v all_o these_o from_o be_v employ_v for_o defence_n of_o the_o cause_n and_o kingdom_n who_o do_v not_o give_v evidence_n of_o their_o repentance_n according_a to_o the_o act_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n nay_o it_o can_v not_o be_v so_o press_v unless_o they_o have_v destroy_v the_o foundation_n which_o they_o have_v lay_v in_o their_o answer_n to_o the_o quaere_fw-la and_o in_o that_o warn_v the_o truth_n be_v what_o be_v do_v in_o the_o matter_n of_o repentance_n in_o order_n to_o the_o employ_v these_o man_n be_v upon_o the_o stumble_a and_o out-crying_a of_o many_o against_o the_o public_a resolution_n as_o they_o come_v first_o forth_o and_o yet_o so_o as_o the_o first_o ground_n be_v always_o hold_v fast_o as_o to_o the_o matter_n of_o judgement_n and_o for_o practice_n the_o business_n be_v hereby_o rather_o make_v worse_o before_o the_o lord_n and_o to_o the_o point_n of_o guiltiness_n than_o it_o be_v before_o the_o commission_n not_o only_o ranverse_v former_a act_n make_v by_o themselves_o for_o exclude_v these_o from_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n who_o be_v in_o the_o rebellion_n after_o dumbar_n till_o the_o next_o general_n assembly_n and_o make_v new_a act_n for_o receive_v of_o they_o but_o receive_v promiscuous_o such_o as_o come_v unto_o they_o and_o by_o their_o example_n teach_v presbytery_n to_o do_v the_o like_a by_o which_o be_v produce_v a_o fearful_a mock_n of_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n in_o public_a repentance_n which_o no_o doubt_n have_v be_v one_o of_o the_o provoke_a cause_n of_o the_o lord_n wrath_n to_o draw_v on_o these_o dreadful_a stroke_n wherewith_o he_o have_v again_o smite_v our_o army_n and_o our_o whole_a land_n but_o to_o the_o hypothesis_n itself_o grant_v to_o the_o author_n that_o which_o he_o allege_n that_o this_o hypothesis_n be_v not_o clear_a at_o the_o time_n of_o the_o protestation_n because_o as_o yet_o there_o be_v not_o any_o particular_a determination_n thereanent_a in_o former_a general_n assembly_n first_o i_o doubt_v of_o that_o assertion_n of_o he_o that_o when_o a_o imputation_n of_o scandal_n depend_v upon_o a_o particular_a hypothesis_n which_o at_o lest_o be_v questionable_a and_o the_o very_a point_n in_o controversy_n betwixt_o they_o and_o their_o accuser_n it_o be_v against_o all_o reason_n and_o equity_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v hold_v to_o be_v under_o a_o presumption_n of_o scandal_n until_o that_o particular_a hypothesis_n be_v discuss_v and_o clear_v and_o therefore_o until_o that_o be_v do_v the_o adversary_n alleadgeance_n against_o they_o be_v to_o be_v hold_v but_o as_o a_o mere_a alleadgeance_n upon_o which_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v exclude_v from_o sit_v as_o member_n in_o the_o assembly_n until_o their_o cause_n be_v judge_v and_o try_v i_o suppose_v that_o some_o commissioner_n to_o the_o assembly_n shall_v object_v against_o other_o commissioner_n that_o have_v comit_v murder_n and_o shall_v offer_v instant_o to_o verify_v the_o same_o and_o desire_v that_o the_o person_n against_o who_o it_o be_v propound_v shall_v be_v remove_v from_o sit_v as_o member_n until_o it_o migbt_v be_v try_v and_o they_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n shall_v say_v that_o it_o be_v true_a they_o have_v take_v the_o life_n of_o such_o person_n but_o in_o their_o own_o just_a and_o necessary_a defence_n and_o therefore_o they_o can_v not_o be_v hold_v under_o a_o scandal_n of_o murder_n nor_o be_v thereupon_o remove_v from_o sit_v in_o the_o assembly_n till_o that_o particular_a hypothesis_n be_v first_o determine_v will_v the_o author_n think_v it_o a_o wrong_n do_v to_o these_o person_n or_o rather_o a_o duty_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o assembly_n to_o remove_v they_o tâ—â—l_v the_o matter_n shall_v be_v cognosce_v upon_o 2._o i_o do_v affirm_v that_o not_o only_o former_a assembly_n but_o the_o assembly_n 1651._o do_v remove_v commissioner_n upon_o exception_n propound_v against_o they_o the_o ground_n whereof_o be_v not_o yet_o clear_o determine_v in_o law_n for_o instance_n the_o commissioner_n of_o the_o first_o election_n of_o the_o presbytery_n of_o glasgow_n who_o be_v lay_v aside_o as_o for_o other_o reason_n so_o also_o for_o this_o as_o one_o in_o foro_fw-la controdictorio_n sustain_v to_o be_v relevant_a because_o of_o the_o exception_n of_o the_o oppose_a of_o public_a resolution_n propound_v against_o they_o next_o mr._n robert_n cauden_n commissioner_n from_o the_o presbytery_n of_o dunce_n be_v remove_v upon_o the_o propound_v of_o this_o exception_n that_o there_o be_v but_o three_o or_o four_o minister_n in_o that_o presbytery_n to_o choose_v commissioner_n all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o church_n thereof_o be_v vacant_a and_o can_v any_o determination_n of_o this_o kirk_n be_v produce_v that_o three_o or_o four_o minister_n in_o a_o presbytery_n where_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o church_n of_o that_o presbytery_n be_v vacant_a can_v choose_v commissioner_n to_o the_o general_n assembly_n 3._o i_o do_v upon_o the_o ground_n which_o the_o author_n himself_o lay_v down_o prove_v the_o carriage_n of_o the_o commissioner_n to_o have_v be_v scandalous_a and_o such_o as_o do_v minister_v just_a ground_n of_o except_v against_o they_o why_o they_o shall_v not_o sit_v as_o member_n in_o the_o general_n assembly_n till_o their_o carriage_n shall_v be_v first_o try_v my_o argument_n be_v this_o whosoever_o commissioner_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n be_v in_o their_o trust_n and_o carriage_n in_o the_o public_a affair_n of_o the_o kirk_n limit_v and_o tie_v to_o proceed_v according_a to_o act_n of_o former_a general_n assembly_n do_v upon_o the_o account_n of_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o trust_n declare_v many_o godly_a minister_n in_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n till_o then_o of_o unquestionable_a integrity_n and_o faithfulness_n in_o the_o work_n of_o god_n to_o be_v malignant_n and_o unfaithful_a in_o the_o cause_n etc._n etc._n and_o require_v presbytery_n to_o censure_v they_o and_o to_o refer_v and_o cite_v they_o to_o the_o general_n assembly_n because_o of_o their_o oppose_v of_o resolution_n take_v and_o issue_v by_o they_o concern_v which_o there_o be_v no_o particular_a determination_n in_o any_o former_a assembly_n they_o give_v scandal_n and_o offence_n in_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o trust_n and_o may_v just_o because_o thereof_o be_v except_v against_o as_o not_o fit_a to_o sit_v in_o the_o general_n assembly_n as_o member_n thereof_o before_o their_o carriage_n be_v try_v but_o the_o commissioner_n of_o the_o assembly_n 1651._o who_o be_v member_n of_o the_o commission_n be_v such_o ergo_fw-la etc._n etc._n the_o assumption_n be_v clear_a the_o matter_n of_o fact_n contain_v therein_o be_v evident_a from_o their_o own_o paper_n and_o that_o they_o be_v not_o warrant_v by_o any_o act_n of_o the_o assembly_n so_o to_o do_v be_v the_o author_n own_o ground_n the_o first_o proposition_n i_o prove_v thus_o whosoever_o so_o far_o transgress_v the_o bound_n of_o their_o commission_n as_o upon_o the_o account_n thereof_o to_o declare_v many_o former_o faithful_a to_o be_v malignant_n unfaithful_a and_o ordain_v they_o to_o be_v censure_v and_o cite_v when_o they_o have_v no_o warrant_n thereby_o so_o to_o do_v gives_z scandal_n and_o offence_n in_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o trust_n but_o the_o commissioner_n by_o
so_o do_v do_v so_o far_o transgress_v the_o bound_n of_o their_o commission_n etc._n etc._n ergo_fw-la what_o the_o author_n will_v here_o answer_v i_o do_v not_o well_o know_v but_o i_o will_v fain_o have_v he_o to_o tell_v a_o reason_n why_o the_o commission_n deal_v so_o sharp_o with_o many_o godly_a man_n as_o to_o issue_v such_o declaration_n and_o warning_n against_o they_o and_o to_o appoint_v they_o to_o be_v censure_v and_o cite_v and_o to_o stir_v up_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n against_o they_o because_o of_o their_o oppose_v of_o public_a resolution_n while_o by_o his_o own_o acknowledgement_n there_o be_v as_o yet_o no_o determination_n of_o the_o church_n in_o favour_n of_o these_o resolution_n or_o against_o the_o opposer_n of_o they_o i_o think_v it_o have_v be_v his_o mind_n that_o the_o commission_n can_v not_o censure_v any_o or_o ordain_v any_o to_o be_v censure_v for_o oppose_a resolution_n of_o their_o own_o not_o yet_o determine_v nor_o approven_v in_o a_o general_n assembly_n and_o i_o will_v have_v he_o to_o give_v a_o reason_n why_o he_o account_n it_o against_o all_o equity_n that_o when_o the_o imputation_n of_o scandal_n against_o the_o commissioner_n depend_v upon_o a_o particular_a hypothesis_n which_o at_o least_o be_v questionable_a and_o the_o very_a point_n of_o controversy_n betwixt_o they_o and_o their_o accuser_n as_o he_o call_v they_o though_o unjust_o because_o they_o as_o member_n of_o the_o assembly_n be_v do_v of_o that_o duty_n which_o be_v common_a and_o competent_a to_o every_o member_n of_o the_o assembly_n that_o be_v to_o object_v what_o they_o know_v of_o scandal_n against_o any_o other_o member_n that_o the_o assembly_n may_v be_v constitute_v of_o person_n right_o qualify_v they_o shall_v be_v hold_v to_o be_v under_o a_o presumption_n of_o scandal_n until_o that_o hypothesis_n be_v discuss_v and_o clear_v and_o why_o it_o shall_v be_v agreeable_a to_o equity_n and_o reason_n that_o upon_o such_o a_o particular_a hypothesis_n which_o at_o the_o least_o be_v questionable_a and_o the_o very_a point_n in_o controversy_n betwixt_o the_o commission_n and_o many_o faithful_a man_n and_o some_o synod_n and_o not_o a_o few_o presbytery_n in_o the_o land_n shall_v be_v hold_v not_o only_o to_o be_v under_o a_o presumption_n of_o scandal_n but_o also_o such_o as_o do_v deserve_v to_o be_v public_o declare_v against_o as_o malignant_a and_o unfaithful_a and_o appoint_v to_o be_v censure_v and_o cite_v it_o seem_v that_o whilst_o the_o author_n reason_n thus_o about_o his_o hypothesis_n that_o what_o he_o gain_v one_o way_n he_o lose_v another_o i_o see_v not_o how_o by_o his_o questionable_a hypothesis_n he_o can_v defend_v the_o equity_n of_o the_o commission_n proceed_n in_o their_o warning_n remonstrance_n and_o act_n against_o these_o who_o be_v unsatisfied_a with_o and_o do_v oppose_v the_o public_a resolution_n and_o when_o he_o shall_v do_v it_o i_o hope_v his_o own_o ground_n shall_v help_v the_o protester_n to_o prove_v the_o equity_n and_o reason_n of_o remove_v commissioner_n even_o upon_o supposal_n that_o it_o be_v but_o a_o questionable_a hypothesis_n 4._o i_o desire_v to_o know_v of_o the_o author_n by_o what_o power_n or_o in_o what_o capacity_n the_o commission_n do_v look_v upon_o they_o to_o determine_v this_o questionable_a hypothesis_n as_o a_o commission_n they_o can_v not_o do_v it_o because_o there_o be_v no_o clause_n in_o their_o commission_n that_o give_v they_o power_n or_o warrant_v to_o determine_v any_o point_n of_o doctrine_n not_o former_o determine_v by_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n but_o their_o commission_n tie_v they_o in_o all_o thing_n to_o walk_v according_a to_o former_a determination_n act_n and_o constitution_n of_o general_a assembly_n and_o i_o think_v he_o will_v not_o say_v that_o by_o virtue_n of_o any_o other_o power_n or_o capacity_n they_o either_o do_v it_o or_o can_v do_v it_o the_o author_n have_v by_o his_o own_o confession_n and_o ground_n bring_v the_o commission_n a_o great_a length_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o power_n than_o ever_o the_o gen._n assembly_n do_v give_v to_o they_o or_o for_o any_o thing_n i_o know_v do_v mean_a to_o give_v unto_o they_o that_o be_v to_o determine_v point_n of_o doctrine_n of_o great_a importance_n and_o consequence_n as_o to_o the_o security_n of_o religion_n and_o of_o the_o cause_n and_o covenant_n not_o former_o determine_v by_o this_o church_n in_o any_o of_o she_o gen._n assembly_n &_o upon_o these_o determination_n to_o declare_v such_o as_o be_v unsatisfied_a with_o and_o do_v oppose_v the_o same_o not_o only_o to_o be_v censurable_a but_o also_o appoint_v they_o to_o be_v censure_v i_o think_v if_o any_o thing_n have_v be_v the_o proper_a work_n of_o a_o gen._n assembly_n this_o have_v be_v it_o but_o more_o direct_o to_o the_o point_n i_o do_v affirm_v that_o this_o hypothesis_n the_o public_a resolution_n determine_v by_o the_o commission_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n 1650._o and_o issue_v to_o this_o kirk_n in_o their_o public_a warning_n letter_n remonstrance_n etc._n etc._n do_v contain_v and_o involve_v a_o course_n of_o defection_n be_v at_o the_o time_n of_o the_o protestation_n clear_o determine_v in_o former_a general_n assembly_n because_o the_o general_a assembly_n of_o this_o kirk_n have_v often_o before_o that_o time_n determine_v a_o association_n in_o council_n and_o arm_n with_o the_o malignant_a party_n even_o in_o the_o caâ—e_n of_o the_o defence_n of_o the_o kingdom_n against_o foreign_a invasion_n to_o be_v sinful_a and_o unlawful_a as_o will_v appear_v to_o any_o who_o shall_v be_v please_v to_o read_v the_o declaration_n warning_n and_o cause_n of_o humiliation_n and_o public_a paper_n of_o this_o church_n these_o year_n past_a and_o particular_o the_o solemn_a public_a confession_n of_o sin_n and_o engagement_n to_o duty_n and_o the_o declaration_n and_o warning_n issue_v by_o the_o general_n assembly_n 1650_o upon_o the_o english_a invade_v of_o this_o land_n but_o these_o resolution_n do_v involve_v such_o a_o conjunction_n because_o they_o do_v involve_v a_o conjunction_n with_o all_o the_o subject_n in_o the_o land_n except_v these_o few_o include_v in_o the_o exception_n contain_v in_o the_o answer_n to_o the_o quaere_fw-la but_o among_o these_o be_v the_o very_a body_n and_o bulk_n of_o the_o malignant_a party_n who_o be_v by_o these_o resolution_n allow_v to_o be_v take_v in_o and_o employ_v in_o the_o defence_n of_o the_o kingdom_n without_o any_o repentance_n or_o forsake_v of_o their_o malignant_a way_n as_o a_o thing_n necessary_o previous_a to_o the_o employ_v of_o they_o and_o without_o which_o they_o can_v not_o be_v employ_v these_o be_v the_o thing_n which_o the_o protester_n allege_v and_o offer_v to_o verify_v not_o only_o the_o general_n that_o the_o commissioner_n have_v make_v defection_n from_o the_o cause_n and_o covenant_n but_o that_o these_o particular_a resolution_n conclude_v and_o carry_v on_o by_o they_o do_v involve_v a_o defection_n from_o the_o cause_n and_o covenant_n this_o i_o say_v they_o offer_v to_o instruct_v from_o former_a act_n of_o assembly_n speak_v clear_o and_o positive_o there_o anent_o which_o yet_o be_v refuse_v to_o be_v hear_v by_o the_o meeting_n until_o they_o first_o shall_v constitute_v themselves_o in_o a_o assembly_n include_v these_o member_n against_o which_o the_o exception_n be_v propound_v a_o great_a imputation_n upon_o their_o freedom_n than_o they_o will_v easy_o wipe_v off_o vindication_n it_o be_v know_v that_o the_o belgic_a remonstrance_n in_o the_o protestation_n against_o the_o synod_n of_o dort_n allege_v a_o matter_n of_o scandal_n against_o the_o most_o part_n of_o the_o member_n thereof_o viz._n that_o they_o have_v make_v a_o schism_n and_o be_v schismatic_a the_o point_n de_fw-fr jure_fw-la in_o thesi_fw-la that_o schism_n be_v a_o foul_a scandal_n and_o such_o as_o 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the_o doctrine_n of_o that_o reform_a kirk_n
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their_o commissioner_n and_o that_o the_o antiremonstrants_a have_v be_v cite_v before_o the_o synod_n and_o have_v propon_v as_o a_o exception_n against_o the_o remonstrant_n sit_v in_o the_o synod_n that_o they_o be_v under_o a_o scandal_n of_o erroneous_a and_o corrupt_a doctrine_n which_o they_o do_v offer_v instany_o to_o prove_v by_o compare_v their_o doctrine_n with_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o belgic_a and_o reform_v church_n in_o their_o confession_n and_o catechism_n and_o thereupon_o desire_v that_o they_o may_v be_v remove_v from_o sit_v as_o member_n in_o the_o synod_n until_o this_o exception_n be_v try_v do_v the_o author_n think_v that_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o synod_n will_v or_o can_v in_o reason_n have_v refuse_v to_o grant_v this_o desire_n from_o all_o these_o thing_n i_o hope_v it_o do_v appear_v that_o notwithstanding_o of_o any_o thing_n answer_v by_o the_o author_n it_o be_v a_o relevant_a exception_n against_o the_o freedom_n and_o right_a constitution_n of_o 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good_a or_o ill_a like_n of_o what_o mr._n andrew_n cant_n do_v in_o that_o particular_a these_o who_o vote_v though_o they_o will_v not_o refuse_v to_o vote_n in_o the_o election_n of_o a_o moderator_n as_o they_o do_v afterward_o for_o some_o time_n in_o other_o particular_n not_o yet_o despair_v of_o some_o reasonable_a satisfaction_n to_o their_o desire_n of_o adjourn_v the_o assembly_n and_o that_o they_o vote_v to_o mr._n rob._n blair_n as_o one_o of_o the_o most_o pious_a prudent_a &_o peaceable_a of_o that_o way_n there_o be_v none_o else_o upon_o the_o list_n yet_o do_v they_o vote_n with_o a_o protestation_n and_o though_o they_o have_v make_v no_o protestation_n the_o most_o that_o it_o will_v prove_v be_v this_o that_o from_o loathnesse_n to_o be_v hear_v and_o hope_n of_o satisfaction_n in_o a_o peaceable_a way_n they_o go_v further_o with_o the_o assembly_n then_o adhere_v strict_o to_o their_o right_n they_o shall_v have_v do_v and_o i_o believe_v a_o passionate_a 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injustice_n and_o undo_n the_o innocent_a and_o guiltless_a man_n for_o can_v one_o or_o two_o or_o some_o few_o ill_a tongue_n spread_v a_o ill_a report_n of_o very_o honest_a man_n and_o how_o easy_o shall_v that_o report_n become_v common_a if_o that_o of_o the_o poet_n be_v true_a as_o it_o be_v most_o certain_o fama_fw-la malum_fw-la quo_fw-la non_fw-la aliud_fw-la velociùs_fw-la ullum_fw-la mobilitate_fw-la viget_fw-la uâ—resque_fw-la acquirit_fw-la eundo_fw-la therefore_o a_o common_a report_n that_o may_v be_v ground_n of_o so_o short_a and_o summary_n proceed_v must_v be_v such_o as_o first_o be_v of_o a_o matter_n that_o in_o point_fw-fr de_fw-fr jure_fw-la be_v clear_a and_o unquestionable_o a_o scandal_n second_o for_o the_o fact_n in_o a_o manner_n universal_a uncontrolled_a either_o by_o the_o party_n or_o any_o that_o have_v best_a and_o near_a notice_n of_o his_o action_n both_o be_v in_o that_o matter_n of_o the_o corinthian_a the_o matter_n be_v in_o jure_v clear_o a_o heinous_a crime_n incest_n viz._n have_v his_o father_n wife_n and_o for_o the_o fact_n the_o report_n that_o have_v come_v to_o paul_n be_v such_o as_o we_o have_v say_v omnino_fw-la anditur_fw-la as_o the_o arab_n interpreter_n mark_v by_o beza_n have_v it_o passim_fw-la &_o in_fw-la tota_fw-la achaia_fw-la and_o another_o interpreter_n on_o the_o same_o place_n in_o marlorat_n q.d._n sine_fw-la negatione_fw-la sine_fw-la tergiversatione_fw-la non_fw-la dubius_fw-la est_fw-la rumour_n sed_fw-la res_fw-la manifesta_fw-la passim_fw-la cum_fw-la magno_fw-la offendiculo_fw-la publicata_fw-la in_o the_o present_a case_n in_o hand_n both_o condition_n be_v want_v the_o matter_n be_v not_o clear_a de_fw-fr jure_fw-la in_o the_o main_a question_n of_o it_o its_o report_n be_v not_o so_o common_a as_o the_o contradiction_n thereof_o 3._o the_o offence_n and_o stumble_v of_o the_o godly_a at_o the_o proceed_v of_o the_o
commissioner_n may_v have_v be_v and_o be_v indeed_o not_o give_v by_o these_o proceed_n of_o themselves_o but_o cause_v and_o bear_v upon_o they_o by_o the_o information_n and_o misrepresentation_n of_o they_o by_o some_o of_o the_o same_o person_n who_o be_v the_o alleadger_n and_o accuser_n and_o will_v be_v make_v good_a before_o any_o impartial_a judge_n in_o the_o world_n by_o a_o right_a information_n and_o discovery_n of_o the_o proceed_n themselves_o and_o of_o the_o practising_n of_o the_o accuser_n against_o they_o and_o therefore_o this_o can_v be_v no_o argument_n of_o the_o commissiones_fw-la be_v under_o scandal_n 4._o there_o be_v more_o testimony_n by_o very_o far_o from_o presbytery_n and_o synod_n for_o they_o then_o against_o they_o and_o these_o testimony_n give_v against_o they_o be_v real_o and_o in_o themselves_o scandal_v tend_v most_o evident_o to_o the_o expose_v of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o cause_n to_o the_o power_n of_o the_o invader_n whereof_o the_o 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not_o keeper_n of_o the_o register_n nor_o have_v not_o copy_n of_o they_o beside_o they_o that_o it_o may_v have_v be_v see_v whether_o they_o mean_v that_o all_o person_n against_o who_o any_o scandal_n be_v allege_v shall_v be_v remove_v even_o before_o the_o assembly_n be_v constitute_v into_o a_o judicatory_a to_o which_o i_o reply_v that_o these_o act_n even_o in_o the_o full_a and_o formal_a word_n thereof_o be_v offer_v unto_o he_o &_o other_o at_o the_o meeting_n at_o s._n andrews_n under_o the_o clerk_n hand_n and_o they_o will_v not_o do_v so_o much_o as_o deign_v themselves_o to_o hear_v they_o or_o to_o read_v they_o or_o to_o collation_n they_o with_o the_o principle_n register_n which_o they_o then_o have_v in_o their_o power_n but_o be_v now_o deliver_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o english_a or_o disperse_v i_o know_v not_o whither_o but_o be_v not_o the_o citation_n for_o the_o matter_n clear_a and_o home_o to_o the_o point_n if_o the_o author_n think_v there_o be_v wrong_v do_v in_o any_o of_o they_o i_o believe_v if_o he_o will_v call_v to_o the_o clerk_n of_o the_o assembly_n he_o may_v yet_o find_v the_o mean_n to_o get_v he_o the_o double_a of_o the_o very_a word_n of_o the_o act_n assert_v under_o his_o hand_n it_o be_v true_a that_o every_o one_o be_v not_o a_o keeper_n of_o the_o register_n nor_o have_v copy_n of_o they_o beside_o we_o but_o shall_v they_o not_o therefore_o be_v trust_v who_o be_v keeper_n of_o they_o or_o have_v copy_n it_o have_v be_v belike_o good_a for_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n that_o the_o author_n &_o some_o other_o who_o have_v be_v so_o active_o instrumental_a for_o the_o public_a resolution_n have_v be_v keeper_n of_o the_o regiâ—ters_n or_o haâ—_n have_v copy_n of_o they_o beside_o they_o than_o haply_o know_v these_o thing_n more_o perfect_o they_o shall_v not_o have_v walk_v so_o cross_v thereto_o in_o their_o late_a proceed_n nor_o have_v question_v they_o when_o they_o be_v cite_v it_o be_v certain_o a_o thing_n blame_v worthy_a in_o not_o a_o few_o minister_n of_o the_o kirk_n of_o scotland_n that_o they_o be_v too_o great_a stranger_n to_o the_o act_n of_o assembly_n of_o the_o kirk_n which_o be_v a_o fault_n so_o much_o the_o great_a because_o there_o be_v no_o lack_n of_o opportunity_n these_o 14._o year_n to_o have_v acquaint_v themselves_o therewith_o and_o to_o have_v have_v copy_n of_o they_o beside_o they_o the_o act_n be_v veil_v with_o no_o such_o mist_n as_o the_o author_n will_v cast_v upon_o they_o either_o in_o the_o first_o particular_a which_o he_o mention_n whether_o they_o mean_v all_o person_n against_o who_o any_o scandal_n be_v allege_v shall_v be_v remove_v even_o before_o the_o assembly_n be_v constitute_v or_o in_o the_o second_o that_o it_o can_v be_v mean_v by_o they_o that_o alleadgance_n of_o scandal_n against_o person_n shall_v be_v cause_n to_o remove_v unless_o the_o scandal_n be_v clear_a and_o unquestionable_a for_o the_o point_n de_fw-fr jure_fw-la they_o speak_v clear_a &_o home_o that_o at_o the_o entry_n of_o every_o assembly_n their_o first_o work_n shall_v be_v the_o try_v and_o purge_v of_o all_o their_o member_n and_o man_n be_v appoint_v to_o be_v charge_v in_o god_n behalf_n to_o declare_v their_o conscience_n tonth_v their_o doctrine_n life_n and_o execution_n of_o then_o officer_n if_o therein_o they_o be_v scandalous_a and_o that_o any_o to_o who_o charge_n any_o thing_n be_v lay_v aught_o to_o be_v remove_v out_o of_o the_o assembly_n tiâ—l_v this_o cause_n be_v try_v and_o that_o if_o he_o be_v convict_v he_o may_v have_v no_o voice_n until_o the_o kirk_n receive_v satisfaction_n here_o be_v no_o distinction_n of_o questionable_a hypothesis_n nor_o allowance_n to_o he_o to_o sit_v before_o the_o trial_n of_o his_o cause_n but_o when_o any_o other_o of_o the_o commissioner_n to_o the_o assembly_n charge_v he_o with_o any_o thing_n in_o his_o doctrine_n life_n or_o execution_n of_o his_o office_n he_o be_v to_o be_v remove_v till_o it_o be_v try_v but_o say_v the_o author_n it_o be_v not_o clear_a that_o this_o be_v to_o be_v do_v before_o the_o assembly_n be_v constitute_v into_o a_o judicatory_a which_o be_v the_o thing_n pretend_v by_o the_o protester_n and_o because_o not_o do_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o this_o quarrel_n this_o be_v clear_a that_o they_o be_v to_o be_v remove_v immediate_o after_o they_o be_v charge_v with_o any_o thing_n until_o they_o be_v try_v which_o be_v the_o thing_n refuse_v by_o the_o assembly_n and_o therefore_o if_o the_o objection_n be_v move_v before_o the_o constitution_n they_o be_v to_o remove_v before_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o assembly_n 2._o it_o be_v clear_a that_o this_o be_v appoint_v to_o be_v their_o first_o work_n at_o the_o entry_n of_o every_o assembly_n and_o if_o any_o will_v say_v that_o the_o assembly_n must_v first_o enter_v by_o be_v constitute_v i_o give_v these_o two_o thing_n for_o clear_v that_o it_o be_v mean_v before_o the_o constitution_n first_o because_o this_o act_n and_o practice_n which_o concern_v the_o purge_n of_o the_o assembly_n from_o scandalous_a person_n be_v previous_a in_o time_n to_o the_o act_n and_o practice_n of_o choose_v a_o moderator_n as_o will_v be_v obvious_a to_o any_o who_o look_v upon_o the_o record_n 2._o because_o it_o have_v be_v the_o constant_a practice_n in_o all_o the_o assembly_n of_o this_o kirk_n from_o the_o very_a first_o reformation_n to_o propone_v exception_n of_o scandal_n and_o to_o remove_v person_n upon_o propon_v thereof_o before_o the_o choice_n of_o a_o moderator_n as_o also_o obvious_a in_o the_o â—_z almost_o of_o every_o assembly_n and_o can_v but_o be_v know_v to_o the_o author_n and_o all_o such_o as_o have_v be_v frequent_v our_o assembly_n and_o observe_v the_o order_n thereof_o and_o
therefore_o the_o author_n do_v but_o seek_v out_o invention_n to_o darken_v clear_a and_o manifest_a truth_n to_o the_o answer_n which_o he_o bring_v to_o the_o ground_n of_o proof_n bring_v by_o the_o writer_n as_o to_o the_o matter_n of_o scandal_n i_o return_v these_o reply_n that_o by_o grant_v that_o the_o hear_n of_o a_o common_a report_n may_v be_v a_o ground_n of_o enquiry_n if_o he_o deal_v candid_o therein_o according_a to_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o place_n cite_v by_o the_o author_n deut._n 13.14_o it_o must_v be_v of_o diligent_a enquiry_n for_o so_o it_o be_v express_v there_o chapter_n 17._o v._n 4._o and_o 19.18_o which_o import_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v a_o enquiry_n without_o delay_n but_o this_o be_v refuse_v about_o the_o present_a case_n in_o question_n and_o notwithstanding_o of_o this_o common_a report_n and_o object_v the_o scandal_n thereof_o in_o the_o assembly_n the_o enquiry_n be_v delay_v until_o the_o assembly_n be_v constitute_v and_o no_o more_o diligence_n be_v use_v in_o it_o then_o if_o there_o have_v be_v no_o such_o report_n at_o all_o he_o do_v injury_n to_o the_o writer_n by_o labour_v to_o bear_v upon_o he_o and_o upon_o other_o that_o he_o be_v of_o that_o mind_n that_o the_o commission_n upon_o that_o common_a report_n which_o he_o allege_n to_o have_v be_v pass_v upon_o they_o shall_v have_v be_v without_o more_o ado_n sentence_v to_o censure_n the_o utmost_a that_o the_o writer_n all_o along_o have_v plead_v in_o this_o have_v be_v that_o the_o commissioner_n ought_v to_o have_v be_v remove_v till_o their_o carriage_n be_v try_v but_o two_o ground_n he_o lay_v to_o prove_v this_o to_o have_v be_v the_o writer_n mind_n 1._o that_o the_o proceed_v order_v 1_o cor._n 5._o 5._o be_v in_o order_n to_o present_a censure_n 2._o that_o he_o allege_v the_o apostle_n word_n so_o general_a without_o any_o qualification_n i_o shall_v not_o stand_v upon_o the_o first_o but_o the_o writer_n not_o be_v upon_o the_o handle_n of_o that_o point_n what_o common_a report_n or_o how_o qualify_v be_v needful_a to_o be_v a_o ground_n of_o sentence_n but_o only_o show_v that_o sometime_o common_a report_n may_v be_v so_o he_o think_v it_o enough_o to_o cite_v the_o apostle_n word_n without_o qualify_a of_o they_o and_o if_o the_o author_n will_v make_v this_o a_o ground_n of_o challenge_n against_o the_o writer_n he_o may_v make_v it_o against_o the_o apostle_n himself_o for_o he_o set_v down_o the_o word_n general_o without_o any_o such_o qualification_n and_o the_o writer_n do_v not_o extend_v they_o to_o any_o other_o case_n than_o that_o of_o which_o the_o apostle_n be_v treat_v he_o only_o say_v that_o common_a report_n be_v make_v a_o ground_n of_o proceed_v against_o the_o incestuous_a corinthian_a without_o make_v any_o application_n of_o it_o to_o the_o commission_n case_n or_o say_v that_o it_o shall_v also_o be_v a_o ground_n of_o proceed_v against_o they_o if_o it_o be_v ask_v to_o what_o purpose_n than_o it_o be_v cite_v the_o answer_n be_v very_o obvious_a and_o clear_a from_o the_o whole_a drift_n of_o the_o writer_n discourse_n which_o be_v to_o show_v that_o the_o person_n object_v against_o be_v under_o a_o scandal_n and_o this_o he_o do_v 1._o by_o show_v that_o there_o be_v a_o hear-say_n and_o common_a report_n of_o it_o upon_o which_o the_o scripture_n lay_v so_o much_o weight_n as_o sometime_o to_o make_v it_o a_o ground_n of_o trial_n as_o deut._n 13._o sometime_o a_o ground_n of_o proceed_v as_o 1_o cor._n 5._o it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o scripture_n do_v not_o make_v every_o hear-say_n and_o common_a report_n a_o ground_n to_o account_v man_n under_o a_o scandal_n or_o to_o proceed_v against_o they_o otherwise_o honest_a man_n indeed_o may_v be_v in_o a_o ill_a condition_n but_o the_o qualification_n of_o these_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v draw_v from_o the_o circumstance_n of_o the_o fact_n whereunto_o they_o be_v apply_v and_o of_o these_o we_o have_v speak_v in_o the_o fact_n of_o the_o commissioner_n and_o therefore_o the_o author_n in_o this_o particular_a do_v but_o trouble_v himself_o and_o other_o without_o cause_n yet_o must_v i_o say_v that_o though_o for_o any_o thing_n i_o know_v or_o can_v be_v collect_v from_o the_o writer_n word_n the_o utmost_a that_o he_o plead_v for_o be_v a_o delay_n of_o their_o admission_n to_o be_v member_n of_o the_o assembly_n which_o can_v not_o be_v account_v a_o sentence_n against_o they_o more_o than_o against_o other_o who_o be_v delay_v upon_o exception_n to_o be_v admit_v that_o his_o meaning_n be_v not_o that_o the_o common_a report_n that_o past_a upon_o the_o commissioner_n be_v sufficient_a to_o be_v a_o ground_n of_o present_a sentence_n against_o they_o yet_o when_o the_o author_n have_v streach_v himself_o to_o the_o utmost_a hâ—_n haâ—h_v prove_v no_o good_a advocate_n for_o the_o commissioner_n to_o exeem_v they_o from_o present_a censure_n he_o tell_v we_o that_o a_o common_a report_n that_o may_v be_v a_o ground_n of_o so_o short_a and_o summary_n proceed_v must_v be_v such_o as_o first_o be_v of_o a_o matter_n that_o â—n_a point_n de_fw-fr jure_fw-la be_v cleary_a and_o unquestionable_o a_o scandal_n 2._o for_o the_o fact_n in_o a_o manner_n universal_o uncontrolled_a eâ—â—her_o by_o the_o pâ—â—ty_n or_o any_o that_o have_v best_a or_o near_a notice_n of_o his_o action_n in_o the_o present_a case_n say_v he_o both_o â—hese_n case_n be_v want_v the_o matter_n be_v not_o clear_a de_fw-fr jure_fw-la in_o the_o main_a question_n of_o it_o its_o report_n be_v not_o so_o common_a as_o the_o contradiction_n of_o it_o but_o i_o say_v the_o matter_n be_v clear_a de_fw-fr jure_fw-la in_o the_o main_a question_n of_o it_o determine_v verbatim_o in_o former_a act_n of_o assembly_n and_o the_o fact_n be_v not_o at_o all_o controvert_v or_o control_v by_o any_o but_o take_v with_o both_o by_o the_o party_n and_o know_v and_o acknowledge_v by_o these_o that_o have_v best_o and_o near_a notice_n of_o their_o action_n the_o quality_n of_o the_o fact_n may_v be_v controvert_v whether_o right_a or_o wrong_n which_o be_v a_o point_n belong_v to_o the_o jus_o of_o it_o but_o the_o fact_n itself_o be_v not_o contradict_v either_o by_o the_o commissioner_n or_o any_o other_o and_o his_o omnino_fw-la auditur_fw-la and_o passim_fw-la &_o in_fw-la tota_fw-la achaia_fw-la etc._n etc._n and_o res_fw-la manifesta_fw-la passim_fw-la cum_fw-la magno_fw-la offenaiculo_fw-la publicata_fw-la as_o to_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v true_a of_o that_o which_o the_o commissioner_n have_v do_v the_o offence_n and_o stumble_v of_o the_o godly_a be_v not_o causeless_a &_o bear_v upon_o they_o by_o the_o misinformation_n and_o misrepresentation_n of_o the_o commissioner_n proceed_n by_o some_o of_o the_o same_o person_n who_o be_v the_o alleadger_n the_o author_n there_o do_v a_o double_a wrong_n to_o the_o godly_a in_o scotland_n 1._o that_o he_o make_v they_o to_o have_v stumble_v without_o a_o cause_n whereas_o there_o be_v very_o real_a cause_n of_o stumble_v give_v unto_o they_o both_o in_o regard_n of_o that_o which_o be_v do_v and_o for_o the_o manner_n of_o do_v that_o which_o be_v do_v be_v employ_v of_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o land_n promiscuous_o a_o very_a few_o person_n be_v except_v among_o who_o be_v many_o malignant_a and_o dis-affected_n man_n who_o have_v be_v former_o exclude_v and_o with_o who_o the_o lord_n people_n in_o the_o land_n have_v learn_v from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o from_o the_o constant_a tenor_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o all_o the_o faithful_a minister_n of_o this_o church_n to_o keep_v a_o distance_n as_o to_o employ_v they_o in_o the_o defence_n of_o the_o cause_n and_o kingdom_n as_o this_o be_v a_o main_a occasion_n of_o contrive_v the_o league_n and_o covenant_n so_o be_v there_o a_o special_a article_n therein_o relate_v thereto_o the_o breach_n whereof_o be_v one_o of_o the_o special_a and_o main_a sin_n confess_v in_o the_o solemn_a acknowledgement_n of_o 〈◊〉_d and_o the_o contrary_a duty_n one_o of_o the_o main_a thing_n to_o which_o we_o engage_v our_o selus_fw-la in_o our_o solemn_a engagement_n it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o commission_n have_v do_v this_o &_o find_v many_o to_o stumble_v do_v afterward_o find_v out_o some_o evasion_n and_o distinction_n to_o save_v their_o own_o credit_n but_o the_o contradiction_n between_o their_o resolution_n and_o former_a principle_n &_o proceed_n be_v primâ_fw-la front_n so_o palpable_a and_o obvious_a that_o man_n of_o all_o sort_n both_o well-affected_a and_o ill-affected_a do_v see_v it_o so_o as_o the_o one_o do_v rejoice_v and_o the_o other_o mourn_v the_o godly_a do_v not_o more_o stumble_v then_o the_o malignant_a and_o profane_a be_v glad_a and_o both_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o as_o
it_o be_v that_o put_v they_o into_o their_o hand_n that_o these_o man_n may_v have_v be_v note_v &_o know_v i_o doubt_v not_o but_o if_o he_o can_v have_v do_v it_o he_o will_v have_v do_v it_o see_v he_o spare_v not_o to_o put_v imputation_n upon_o man_n by_o name_n and_o surname_n when_o he_o conceive_v himself_o to_o have_v any_o ground_n for_o it_o and_o that_o it_o will_v bring_v any_o advantage_n to_o his_o cause_n but_o while_o he_o will_v fain_o render_v some_o of_o the_o opposer_n of_o the_o public_a resolution_n odious_a and_o yet_o have_v not_o ground_n upon_o which_o he_o can_v confident_o do_v it_o he_o speak_v so_o indefinite_o some_o of_o the_o testimony_n be_v put_v etc._n etc._n neither_o tell_v we_o what_o testimony_n nor_o by_o who_o they_o be_v put_v in_o their_o hand_n that_o if_o he_o be_v challenge_v for_o it_o he_o may_v have_v a_o shift_n to_o make_v his_o retreit_n but_o i_o doubt_v that_o this_o way_n of_o defame_v his_o neighbour_n will_v be_v find_v straight_o before_o god_n if_o i_o may_v conjecture_v of_o what_o testimony_n he_o speak_v it_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o letter_n of_o the_o presbytery_n of_o sterling_n for_o that_o so_o far_o as_o i_o know_v be_v the_o only_a testimony_n print_v by_o the_o english_a and_o if_o he_o mean_v of_o that_o he_o speak_v untrue_o when_o he_o say_v that_o it_o be_v soon_o put_v into_o their_o hand_n then_o send_v unto_o the_o commissioner_n i_o can_v confident_o assure_v he_o and_o all_o other_o that_o it_o be_v send_v unto_o the_o commissioner_n before_o any_o copy_n of_o it_o be_v give_v or_o send_v to_o any_o who_o be_v not_o member_n of_o the_o presbytery_n and_o i_o can_v as_o confident_o say_v that_o none_o of_o these_o have_v any_o hand_n direct_o or_o indirect_o in_o convey_v that_o letter_n to_o the_o english_a the_o man_n among_o they_o who_o be_v most_o slander_v have_v give_v i_o warrant_n to_o say_v and_o i_o trust_v that_o he_o will_v abide_v by_o it_o that_o his_o conscience_n do_v bear_v he_o record_v that_o he_o be_v innocent_a of_o that_o as_o of_o all_o thing_n of_o that_o kind_n and_o that_o to_o this_o day_n he_o know_v not_o how_o that_o letter_n be_v put_v into_o their_o hand_n unless_o it_o be_v by_o occasion_n of_o intercept_n the_o copy_n thereof_o by_o the_o english_a with_o mr._n andrew_n ker_n the_o clerk_n of_o the_o commission_n his_o servant_n who_o be_v send_v over_o the_o water_n to_o some_o of_o his_o friend_n unto_o edinburgh_n from_o perth_n immediate_o after_o that_o meeting_n of_o the_o commission_n to_o which_o the_o letter_n of_o the_o presbytery_n of_o sterling_n be_v send_v that_o the_o english_a do_v print_v these_o testimony_n be_v no_o great_a wonder_n it_o be_v very_o like_a that_o they_o will_v print_v any_o thing_n that_o do_v hold_v forth_o our_o defection_n and_o own_v of_o the_o malignant_a interest_n the_o three_o particular_a be_v in_o the_o author_n judgement_n a_o poor_a man_n argument_n but_o poor_a man_n through_o mercy_n ofttimes_o obtain_v more_o solid_a discovery_n of_o divine_a truth_n in_o a_o day_n of_o tentation_n than_o the_o learned_a and_o the_o rich_a do_v neither_o be_v it_o yet_o a_o beg_n of_o the_o principal_a question_n because_o what_o be_v offer_v in_o this_o be_v offer_v to_o be_v instruct_v out_o of_o the_o register_n and_o they_o who_o make_v the_o offer_n be_v member_n of_o the_o assembly_n who_o in_o conscience_n and_o duty_n and_o by_o the_o act_n of_o the_o assembly_n which_o relate_v to_o the_o constitution_n thereof_o as_o we_o have_v already_o show_v be_v bind_v to_o declare_v their_o conscience_n touch_v other_o who_o be_v call_v to_o be_v constituent_a member_n thereof_o in_o their_o doctrine_n life_n and_o execution_n of_o their_o office_n and_o for_o the_o point_n of_o that_o interest_n it_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n that_o be_v object_v by_o the_o remonstrant_n against_o the_o antiremonstrants_a at_o the_o synod_n of_o dort_n and_o by_o the_o prelate_n in_o their_o declinator_n 1638._o to_o which_o we_o return_v no_o other_o answer_n but_o that_o of_o the_o brittane_a divine_n at_o dort_n veritas_fw-la communis_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la thesaurus_fw-la est_fw-la nec_fw-la potest_fw-la ullo_fw-la pacto_fw-la fieri_fw-la peculium_fw-la singularum_fw-la personarum_fw-la dei_fw-la &_o ecclesiae_fw-la publica_n causa_fw-la est_fw-la non_fw-la sva_fw-la cujusque_fw-la quae_fw-la in_o synodis_fw-la agitur_fw-la in_o the_o close_a of_o this_o discourse_n as_o all_o along_o he_o speak_v of_o these_o who_o move_v this_o exception_n as_o of_o the_o commissioner_n accuser_n and_o cite_v that_o of_o julian_n si_fw-mi accusasse_n sufficiat_fw-la quis_fw-la inocens_fw-la erit_fw-la but_o that_o they_o weee_v not_o accuser_n neither_o yet_o to_o be_v call_v so_o i_o have_v already_o show_v why_o shall_v they_o be_v esteem_v or_o call_v accuser_n more_o than_o other_o propound_v exception_n against_o constituent_a member_n of_o the_o assembly_n neither_o be_v it_o ever_o desire_a that_o the_o propound_v of_o the_o exception_n shall_v be_v take_v for_o a_o verification_n of_o it_o or_o to_o speak_v in_o the_o author_n language_n that_o the_o accuse_v of_o they_o shall_v be_v the_o hold_v of_o they_o for_o guilty_a but_o only_o that_o the_o commissioner_n shall_v be_v remove_v from_o sit_v as_o member_n in_o the_o assembly_n till_o the_o exception_n be_v try_v and_o therefore_o that_o of_o julian_n can_v have_v no_o place_n in_o this_o case_n vindication_n it_o be_v allege_v by_o the_o writer_n that_o the_o same_o assembly_n at_o st._n andrews_n upon_o the_o like_a exception_n and_o objection_n other_o be_v remove_v from_o sit_v as_o member_n as_o blacketer_n and_o other_o because_o the_o scandal_n of_o their_o accession_n to_o the_o unlawful_a engagement_n be_v not_o sufficient_o purge_v etc._n etc._n and_o he_o will_v have_v any_o man_n in_o the_o world_n give_v a_o reason_n why_o these_o be_v exclude_v and_o not_o other_o against_o who_o be_v as_o relevant_a yea_o more_fw-it revelant_fw-la exception_n answer_n i_o think_v any_o man_n in_o the_o world_n that_o have_v common_a sense_n inform_v of_o both_o case_n may_v give_v a_o reason_n and_o may_v perceive_v that_o the_o writer_n have_v be_v rash_a when_o he_o have_v write_v these_o word_n upon_o the_o like_a exception_n and_o as_o relevant_a yea_o more_o relevant_a exception_n for_o blacketer_n and_o other_o 1._o their_o scandal_n be_v clear_a in_o the_o law_n 2._o they_o have_v be_v convict_v of_o the_o fact_n yea_o 3._o they_o have_v be_v actual_o censure_v and_o be_v yet_o lie_v under_o the_o censure_n 4._o a_o part_n of_o their_o censure_n be_v exclusion_n from_o be_v member_n of_o kirk_n judicatories_n 5._o there_o be_v one_o express_a act_n of_o a_o gen._n assembly_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v liberat_fw-la from_o that_o censure_n nor_o be_v capable_a to_o be_v member_n of_o any_o inferior_a kirk-judicature_n until_o their_o satisfaction_n shall_v be_v first_o notify_v unto_o and_o approven_v by_o a_o gen._n assembly_n now_o let_v any_o man_n in_o the_o world_n tell_v i_o if_o the_o exception_n against_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o be_v alike_o or_o if_o there_o be_v more_o relevancy_n in_o the_o exception_n against_o the_o commissioner_n then_o in_o the_o exception_n against_o these_o for_o their_o exclusion_n from_o be_v member_n the_o matter_n of_o exception_n may_v haply_o consider_v in_o abstracto_fw-la be_v of_o great_a importance_n but_o we_o speak_v now_o of_o the_o exception_n in_o relation_n to_o person_n and_o circumstance_n as_o it_o be_v to_o have_v effect_n or_o not_o to_o have_v effect_n upon_o the_o judge_n for_o censure_v and_o note_v or_o not_o censure_v and_o note_v the_o person_n review_n the_o author_n in_o answer_v the_o instance_n concern_v blacketer_n seem_v to_o himself_o to_o have_v get_v a_o great_a advantage_n of_o the_o writer_n his_o rashness_n but_o though_o his_o advantage_n be_v as_o great_a as_o he_o take_v it_o to_o be_v in_o that_o particular_a it_o will_v not_o better_v his_o cause_n because_o multitude_n of_o instance_n can_v be_v give_v from_o time_n to_o time_n in_o the_o gen._n assembly_n of_o this_o church_n of_o remove_v person_n upon_o exception_n of_o scandal_n before_o any_o conviction_n of_o the_o fact_n or_o censure_v for_o the_o same_o yea_o in_o the_o same_o assembly_n 1651_o several_a person_n be_v lay_v aside_o upon_o exception_n before_o any_o legal_a conviction_n or_o sentence_n pass_v upon_o the_o fact_n as_o the_o commissioner_n of_o some_o presbytery_n who_o be_v protest_v against_o because_o of_o oppose_v public_a resolution_n and_o the_o commissioner_n of_o the_o presbytery_n of_o dunse_n who_o case_n be_v not_o clear_a in_o law_n neither_o yet_o legal_o find_v true_a as_o to_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n but_o let_v we_o see_v what_o it_o be_v that_o he_o have_v
exception_n for_o their_o removal_n from_o be_v member_n before_o the_o trial_n of_o their_o proceed_n and_o consequent_o the_o refuse_v to_o admit_v it_o as_o a_o exception_n to_o that_o effect_n a_o non-relevant_a ground_n of_o protest_v against_o the_o assembly_n and_o yet_o haply_o afterward_o their_o proceed_n may_v be_v judge_v to_o be_v such_o indeed_o as_o they_o be_v allege_v to_o be_v without_o any_o cross_n and_o contradiction_n between_o the_o one_o act_n and_o the_o other_o review_n the_o author_n study_v in_o this_o place_n to_o take_v off_o some_o thing_n allege_v by_o the_o writer_n in_o order_n to_o the_o proceed_n of_o the_o assembly_n but_o let_v we_o see_v how_o he_o do_v it_o 1._o it_o be_v yield_v that_o notwithstanding_o of_o the_o exception_n propon_v against_o the_o commissioner_n they_o be_v not_o only_o admit_v to_o sit_v and_o vote_n in_o the_o choice_n of_o a_o moderator_n but_o also_o afterward_o in_o every_o thing_n that_o come_v before_o the_o assembly_n for_o many_o day_n together_o before_o the_o try_v of_o their_o proceed_n yea_o that_o before_o that_o trial_n they_o sit_v as_o judge_n to_o give_v vote_n and_o sentence_n upon_o the_o protestation_n one_o reason_n whereof_o be_v the_o assembly_n refuse_v to_o remove_v they_o till_o the_o exception_n propon_v against_o they_o shall_v be_v discuss_v for_o the_o defence_n whereof_o he_o allege_n 1_o that_o the_o assembly_n immediate_o after_o the_o choice_n of_o the_o moderator_n do_v fall_v upon_o the_o trial_n of_o that_o exception_n but_o as_o that_o be_v not_o enough_o because_o by_o the_o act_n of_o the_o assembly_n already_o cite_v and_o constant_a practice_n of_o assembly_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o exception_n person_n except_v against_o be_v immediate_o to_o be_v lay_v aside_o till_o the_o matter_n be_v try_v so_o be_v it_o also_o defective_a in_o this_o that_o during_o the_o time_n of_o the_o trial_n the_o commissioner_n do_v sit_v and_o vote_n in_o the_o assembly_n 2_o he_o say_v that_o the_o assembly_n can_v not_o adjourn_v and_o be_v idle_a all_o the_o time_n that_o the_o committee_n be_v to_o be_v on_o that_o business_n but_o can_v not_o the_o assembly_n have_v sit_v and_o be_v employ_v about_o business_n unless_o these_o who_o be_v member_n of_o the_o commission_n do_v sit_v and_o vote_n in_o such_o business_n as_o come_v before_o they_o be_v they_o member_n sine_fw-la quibus_fw-la non_fw-la 3._o he_o allege_n that_o it_o have_v be_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o precede_a assembly_n since_o 38._o but_o neither_o do_v that_o loose_a the_o difficulty_n because_o in_o none_o of_o these_o assembly_n be_v there_o any_o exception_n propon_v against_o the_o commissioner_n nor_o be_v there_o cause_n for_o it_o he_o be_v mistake_v in_o his_o instance_n in_o the_o assembly_n 48_o as_o we_o have_v already_o clear_v and_o therefore_o he_o must_v seek_v for_o another_o defence_n but_o in_o that_o which_o follow_v he_o play_v the_o accurate_a logician_n and_o find_v the_o writer_n in_o a_o gross_a paralogism_n which_o he_o think_v can_v beguile_v none_o but_o these_o who_o be_v too_o simple_a and_o too_o willing_a to_o be_v beguile_v i_o will_v not_o willing_o be_v beguile_v yet_o i_o must_v profess_v myself_o so_o simple_a that_o when_o i_o have_v put_v on_o the_o author_n spectacle_n and_o look_v throw_v they_o as_o attentive_o as_o i_o can_v i_o can_v discover_v the_o paralogism_n nor_o the_o sophistry_n thereof_o but_o to_o i_o it_o still_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o plain_a and_o convince_a argument_n the_o writer_n allege_n that_o the_o member_n of_o the_o commission_n sit_v as_o judge_n to_o give_v vote_n and_o sentence_n upon_o the_o exception_n propon_v against_o themselves_o before_o the_o assembly_n do_v judge_v of_o their_o proceed_n and_o he_o bring_v this_o for_o proof_n of_o his_o alleadgance_n that_o before_o any_o judgement_n give_v anent_o their_o proceed_n they_o sit_v as_o judge_n upon_o the_o protestation_n whereof_o the_o reject_v of_o that_o exception_n be_v a_o special_a reason_n to_o this_o the_o author_n answer_v that_o it_o be_v a_o paralogism_n because_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v judge_v be_v not_o the_o truth_n or_o falsehood_n of_o the_o thing_n contain_v in_o it_o to_o wit_n whether_o the_o commissioner_n proceed_n be_v right_a or_o wrong_v but_o only_o whether_o the_o assembly_n refuse_v to_o remove_v the_o commissioner_n when_o this_o exception_n be_v allege_v against_o they_o in_o the_o way_n that_o it_o be_v allege_v and_o before_o the_o alleadgance_n be_v try_v do_v any_o thing_n contrary_a to_o the_o freedom_n and_o duty_n of_o the_o assembly_n or_o if_o the_o protester_n do_v wrong_v the_o assembly_n in_o decline_v it_o upon_o that_o ground_n i_o shall_v not_o now_o trouble_v myself_o to_o prove_v that_o by_o judge_v of_o that_o reason_n of_o the_o protestation_n they_o do_v judge_v of_o the_o proceed_n of_o the_o commissioner_n right_a or_o wrong_n because_o this_o will_v fall_v in_o afterward_o more_o direct_o in_o the_o last_o argument_n but_o take_v what_o the_o author_n grant_v i_o reason_v thus_o who_o so_o judge_n of_o the_o relevancy_n or_o non-relevancy_a of_o one_o exception_n in_o order_n to_o their_o own_o sit_v or_o not_o sit_v judge_n of_o one_o exception_n against_o themselves_o but_o the_o commissioner_n before_o the_o approve_v of_o their_o proceed_n do_v judge_v of_o the_o relevancy_n or_o etc._n etc._n ergo_fw-la the_o first_o proposition_n be_v clear_a and_o may_v be_v illustrate_v by_o instance_n i_o suppose_v the_o author_n in_o one_o assembly_n shall_v object_v against_o some_o man_n that_o they_o can_v sit_v as_o member_n till_o they_o be_v try_v because_o they_o be_v papist_n or_o murderer_n or_o adulterer_n which_o he_o offer_v to_o instruct_v and_o when_o the_o assembly_n come_v to_o judge_v upon_o the_o point_n &_o exception_n relevant_a or_o not_o relevant_a to_o remove_v these_o man_n if_o these_o man_n themselves_o shall_v sit_v and_o vote_n in_o this_o question_n be_v not_o this_o to_o admit_v they_o to_o be_v judge_n of_o one_o exception_n propon_v against_o themselves_o the_o second_o proposition_n be_v the_o author_n own_o grant_n for_o beside_o other_o thing_n to_o that_o purpose_n he_o say_v the_o commissioner_n sit_v and_o vote_v as_o judge_n in_o this_o matter_n be_v no_o irregularity_n or_o else_o the_o assembly_n 48_o be_v also_o irregular_a wherein_o the_o protester_n may_v well_o remember_v the_o commissioner_n vote_v as_o well_o as_o other_o member_n upon_o the_o relevancy_n of_o the_o exception_n give_v in_o by_o the_o parliament_n against_o themselves_o well_o then_o the_o commissioner_n in_o the_o assembly_n 51._o do_v vote_n upon_o the_o relevancy_n of_o the_o exception_n give_v in_o against_o themselves_o if_o any_o will_v deny_v it_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o prove_v it_o thus_o who_o so_o be_v admit_v to_o judge_v of_o the_o relevancy_n or_o non-relevancy_a of_o the_o ground_n of_o the_o protestation_n be_v admit_v to_o judge_v of_o the_o relevancy_n or_o non-relevancy_a of_o that_o exception_n because_o it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o main_a ground_n of_o the_o protestation_n but_o the_o member_n of_o the_o commission_n etc._n etc._n ergo._n the_o author_n or_o some_o other_o will_v haply_o think_v what_o need_v all_o this_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o it_o be_v so_o and_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v deny_v be_v that_o they_o do_v not_o sit_v as_o judge_n to_o give_v sentence_n of_o the_o right_n or_o wrong_n of_o their_o own_o proceed_n perhaps_o ere_o all_o be_v do_v we_o shall_v also_o find_v they_o do_v that_o but_o if_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o they_o do_v judge_v of_o the_o relevancy_n of_o that_o exception_n all_o be_v grant_v that_o be_v allege_v by_o the_o writer_n to_o wit_n that_o they_o sit_v as_o judge_n to_o give_v vote_n and_o sentence_n upon_o the_o very_a exception_n propon_v against_o themselves_o and_o so_o he_o have_v commit_v no_o paralogism_n but_o by_o the_o author_n own_o concession_n which_o he_o can_v get_v avoid_v it_o be_v prove_v that_o the_o writer_n do_v allege_v which_o be_v not_o that_o they_o do_v judge_v of_o the_o right_n or_o wrong_n contain_v in_o the_o exception_n though_o that_o also_o may_v have_v be_v allege_v but_o that_o they_o do_v judge_v of_o the_o exception_n propon_v against_o themselves_o before_o any_o judgement_n give_v by_o the_o assembly_n upon_o their_o proceed_n and_o now_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o they_o do_v judge_v of_o the_o relevancy_n thereof_o as_o to_o their_o sit_v or_o not_o sit_v and_o be_v not_o this_o to_o be_v both_o judge_n and_o party_n who_o then_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o paralogism_n the_o writer_n or_o the_o author_n the_o writer_n say_v they_o be_v admit_v to_o judge_v of_o the_o exception_n propon_v against_o themselves_o and_o this_o by_o the_o author_n grant_n have_v a_o
real_a truth_n in_o it_o because_o they_o be_v admit_v to_o judge_v the_o relevancy_n or_o irrelevancy_n of_o it_o as_o to_o their_o sit_v or_o not_o sit_v yea_o the_o commissioner_n do_v often_o than_o once_o judge_v this_o before_o their_o proceed_n be_v judge_v by_o the_o assembly_n first_o they_o judge_v it_o at_o the_o first_o propon_v and_o reject_v thereof_o by_o the_o assembly_n before_o the_o choice_n of_o the_o moderator_n for_o none_o of_o they_o be_v then_o remove_v neither_o be_v less_o weight_n lay_v upon_o what_o be_v speak_v by_o they_o as_o to_o the_o reject_v of_o that_o exception_n then_o upon_o what_o be_v speak_v by_o any_o other_o member_n of_o the_o assembly_n who_o be_v not_o question_v 2_o they_o judge_v it_o in_o judge_v of_o the_o protestaion_n at_o which_o time_n they_o do_v approve_v of_o what_o the_o assembly_n have_v former_o do_v in_o reject_v of_o it_o and_o do_v condemn_v the_o proposer_n of_o it_o as_o do_v wrong_a to_o urge_v it_o and_o to_o decline_v the_o assembly_n thereupon_o the_o author_n say_v they_o be_v not_o admit_v to_o sit_v as_o judge_n in_o that_o exception_n because_o they_o do_v not_o judge_n of_o the_o right_n or_o wrong_n of_o the_o thing_n contain_v therein_o and_o this_o be_v a_o nonsequitur_a because_o they_o be_v admit_v to_o judge_v of_o the_o relevancy_n thereof_o which_o do_v as_o well_o concern_v they_o the_o exception_n be_v propon_v against_o themselves_o as_o the_o right_n or_o wrong_n of_o the_o thing_n contain_v therein_o but_o he_o allege_v 1_o that_o this_o be_v no_o irregularity_n or_o else_o the_o assembly_n 48._o be_v as_o irregular_a he_o do_v often_o make_v his_o retreat_n upon_o that_o assembly_n when_o he_o be_v strait_v but_o it_o will_v allow_v he_o no_o help_n in_o this_o particular_a because_o there_o be_v no_o such_o exception_n propon_v nor_o judge_v in_o that_o assembly_n 2_o he_o allege_n that_o their_o vote_v in_o that_o matter_n of_o the_o protestation_n be_v no_o other_o thing_n then_o that_o which_o he_o have_v say_v be_v no_o prejudice_n or_o advantage_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o their_o proceed_n because_o the_o alleadgance_n of_o their_o carry_v on_o in_o their_o proceed_n a_o course_n of_o defection_n at_o the_o time_n and_o in_o the_o manner_n that_o it_o be_v allege_v may_v have_v be_v find_v one_o un-relevant_a exception_n for_o their_o removal_n from_o be_v member_n before_o the_o trial_n of_o their_o proceed_n and_o consequent_o the_o refuse_v to_o admit_v it_o as_o one_o exception_n to_o that_o effect_n a_o un-relevant_a ground_n of_o exception_n against_o the_o assembly_n and_o yet_o haply_o afterward_o their_o proceed_n may_v have_v be_v judge_v to_o be_v such_o as_o they_o be_v allege_v to_o be_v without_o any_o cross_v or_o contradiction_n betwixt_o the_o one_o act_n and_o the_o other_o i_o suppose_v that_o all_o be_v true_a which_o be_v here_o speak_v of_o yet_o what_o be_v this_o to_o prove_v that_o they_o do_v not_o at_o all_o judge_n of_o the_o exception_n propon_v against_o themselves_o it_o be_v already_o yield_v that_o they_o do_v judge_v of_o it_o as_o to_o the_o irrelevancy_n of_o it_o for_o remove_v of_o they_o before_o trial_n but_o that_o the_o determine_n of_o the_o one_o do_v prejudice_v the_o determination_n of_o the_o other_o yea_o go_v far_o to_o determine_v it_o i_o prove_v first_o thus_o if_o so_o be_v the_o exception_n as_o to_o the_o relevancy_n thereof_o do_v include_v many_o point_n de_fw-mi jure_fw-la the_o clear_n and_o discuss_v whereof_o do_v belong_v most_o intimate_o and_o essential_o to_o the_o verify_n or_o falsify_v of_o the_o exception_n upon_o the_o matter_n itself_o then_o do_v the_o determine_n of_o the_o one_o bring_v a_o prejudice_n to_o the_o determination_n of_o the_o other_o if_o not_o go_v far_o to_o determine_v but_o the_o first_o be_v true_a and_o agreeable_a to_o the_o author_n own_o word_n in_o the_o next_o page_n of_o his_o vindication_n ergo_fw-la also_o the_o last_o the_o conexion_n seem_v clear_a because_o the_o determine_n of_o the_o relevancy_n or_o irrelevancy_n of_o the_o exception_n do_v also_o determine_v these_o pointâ—_n de_fw-fr jure_fw-la which_o do_v belong_v most_o intimat_o and_o essential_o to_o the_o verify_n or_o falsify_v of_o the_o exception_n upon_o the_o matter_n as_o for_o instance_n the_o assembly_n determine_v that_o the_o protester_n object_v against_o the_o commissioner_n that_o their_o resolution_n do_v involve_v a_o course_n of_o defection_n be_v not_o a_o relevant_a exception_n whereupon_o to_o remove_v they_o be_v also_o a_o determine_n of_o this_o point_n de_fw-fr jure_fw-la that_o these_o resolution_n do_v not_o involve_v a_o course_n of_o defection_n this_o do_v indeed_o belong_v most_o intimate_o and_o essential_o to_o the_o falsify_v of_o the_o exception_n upon_o the_o matter_n and_o so_o to_o the_o prejudging_a of_o the_o determination_n yea_o to_o the_o determine_n of_o the_o other_o question_n or_o more_o clear_o thus_o if_o so_o be_v the_o exception_n can_v not_o be_v determine_v as_o relevant_a or_o irrelevant_a till_o the_o questionable_a hypothesis_n of_o the_o public_a resolution_n be_v first_o determine_v then_o do_v the_o determine_n of_o the_o relevancy_n or_o irrelevancy_n of_o the_o exception_n involve_v a_o determination_n of_o the_o right_n or_o wrong_n of_o their_o resolution_n but_o the_o first_o be_v manifest_a from_o the_o author_n own_o word_n where_o he_o say_v that_o the_o main_a and_o principal_a question_n de_fw-fr jure_fw-la which_o shall_v have_v be_v clear_v that_o that_o scandal_n may_v have_v be_v charge_v upon_o the_o commissioner_n be_v the_o particular_a hypothesis_n if_o this_o scandal_n can_v not_o be_v charge_v upon_o the_o commissioner_n but_o by_o clear_v of_o this_o hypothesis_n how_o can_v the_o commissioner_n be_v clear_v of_o that_o scandal_n and_o find_v such_o as_o be_v fit_a to_o sit_v in_o the_o assembly_n notwithstanding_o of_o the_o exception_n thereof_o propon_v against_o they_o without_o clear_n that_o hypothesis_n in_o these_o thing_n i_o deal_v fair_o and_o candid_o so_o far_o as_o my_o light_a reach_n without_o detain_v the_o truth_n in_o unrighteousness_n or_o seek_v to_o darken_v or_o pervert_v the_o same_o so_o far_o as_o my_o understanding_n do_v reach_v and_o i_o think_v i_o may_v refer_v it_o to_o the_o conscience_n of_o these_o who_o condemn_v the_o protestation_n and_o that_o exception_n as_o irrelevant_a if_o they_o will_v have_v so_o do_v but_o upon_o persuasion_n that_o the_o commissioner_n proceed_n be_v right_a and_o if_o after_o the_o vote_n of_o condemn_v the_o protestation_n they_o can_v notwithstanding_o thereof_o have_v also_o condemn_v their_o proceed_n vindication_n three_o howsoever_o it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v desire_v by_o the_o protester_n in_o the_o entry_n of_o the_o assembly_n before_o the_o choice_n of_o the_o moderator_n be_v not_o express_o and_o formal_o the_o trial_n and_o discussion_n of_o the_o exception_n give_v against_o the_o commissioner_n as_o to_o the_o truth_n allege_v therein_o 1._o whether_o the_o commissioner_n indeed_o have_v carry_v on_o a_o course_n of_o defection_n from_o the_o covenant_n and_o cause_n but_o that_o the_o commissioner_n shall_v have_v be_v lay_v aside_o until_o the_o assembly_n have_v be_v constitute_v to_o take_v that_o into_o consideration_n yet_o certain_a it_o be_v that_o they_o have_v be_v choose_v to_o have_v be_v commissioner_n unquestionable_o by_o the_o society_n they_o come_v from_o and_o that_o some_o of_o they_o by_o the_o express_a vote_n &_o consent_n of_o some_o of_o the_o protester_n themselves_o as_o mr._n robert_n blaire_n in_o the_o presbytery_n and_o mr._n james_n wood_n in_o the_o university_n of_o st._n andrews_n by_o mr._n samuel_n rutherford_n and_o have_v a_o formal_a commission_n and_o so_o the_o exception_n be_v personal_a as_o in_o relation_n to_o that_o assembly_n and_o not_o propound_v against_o their_o be_v commissioner_n but_o now_o in_o the_o assembly_n convene_v of_o necessity_n the_o exception_n behove_v to_o have_v be_v try_v and_o discuss_v and_o judge_v as_o to_o the_o relevancy_n of_o it_o for_o their_o present_a remove_n and_o lay_v aside_o until_o it_o shall_v be_v try_v and_o discuss_v as_o to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o thing_n contain_v in_o it_o for_o the_o writer_n himself_o confess_v that_o every_o exception_n upon_o alleadgance_n of_o scandal_n be_v not_o a_o sufficient_a and_o relevant_a ground_n to_o that_o effect_n now_o there_o be_v a_o great_a question_n about_o that_o exception_n namely_o concern_v a_o question_n de_fw-fr jure_fw-la belong_v to_o it_o as_o we_o have_v before_o clear_v now_o tell_v i_o if_o the_o assembly_n before_o the_o election_n of_o the_o moderator_n and_o before_o it_o be_v constitute_v into_o a_o judicatory_a can_v try_v discuss_v and_o judge_v that_o question_n which_o of_o necessity_n it_o
choose_v by_o express_a vote_n and_o consent_n of_o some_o of_o the_o protester_n themselves_o as_o mr._n robert_n blaire_n in_o the_o presbytery_n of_o st._n andrews_n mr._n james_n wood_n in_o the_o university_n of_o st._n andrews_n by_o mr._n sam._n rutherford_n it_o may_v be_v true_a mr._n sam._n rutherford_n his_o desire_n of_o peace_n and_o testify_v of_o respect_n to_o these_o man_n be_v such_o as_o it_o be_v together_o with_o the_o hope_n that_o he_o have_v of_o their_o be_v instrumental_a to_o accommodate_v thing_n in_o a_o right_a way_n at_o the_o assembly_n but_o that_o hinder_v not_o why_o the_o protester_n may_v not_o warrantable_o propound_v the_o exception_n at_o the_o assembly_n another_o branch_n be_v that_o the_o assembly_n have_v not_o as_o yet_o choose_v their_o moderator_n and_o be_v not_o yet_o constitute_v and_o therefore_o can_v not_o discuss_v that_o question_n etc._n etc._n but_o not_o to_o repeat_v that_o they_o do_v discuss_v the_o relevancy_n of_o other_o exception_n yea_o of_o that_o same_o that_o be_v propound_v against_o the_o commissioner_n as_o to_o their_o sit_v or_o not_o sit_v till_o the_o matter_n shall_v be_v further_o try_v it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o if_o controvert_v commission_n and_o member_n upon_o exception_n propound_v against_o they_o be_v lay_v aside_o till_o trial_n which_o have_v always_o be_v the_o custom_n of_o the_o assembly_n of_o this_o church_n it_o be_v not_o so_o very_o material_a whether_o the_o full_a discuss_n of_o the_o exception_n be_v before_o the_o choose_n of_o the_o moderator_n or_o after_o it_o there_o be_v practice_n and_o instance_n of_o both_o way_n some_o assembly_n first_o discuss_v the_o controvert_v commission_n and_o member_n and_o then_o choose_v the_o moderator_n other_o lay_v aside_o these_o thing_n till_o the_o moderator_n be_v first_o choose_v and_o then_o immediate_o before_o the_o do_n of_o any_o thing_n else_o fall_v upon_o the_o discuss_n of_o they_o though_o it_o seem_v the_o most_o regular_a way_n that_o the_o controvert_v commission_n and_o member_n be_v lay_v aside_o the_o uncontroverted_a once_o be_v a_o competent_a number_n shall_v proceed_v to_o the_o choice_n of_o a_o moderator_n and_o thereafter_o before_o the_o do_v of_o any_o thing_n else_o put_v that_o to_o a_o point_n which_o concern_v the_o rest_n of_o their_o constituent_a member_n in_o the_o case_n now_o in_o question_n both_o be_v desire_v either_o to_o discuss_v the_o exception_n as_o to_o the_o truth_n or_o falsehood_n of_o the_o alleadgance_n before_o the_o choose_n of_o a_o moderator_n or_o else_o to_o lay_v aside_o the_o commissioner_n and_o to_o do_v it_o immediate_o thereafter_o but_o both_o be_v refuse_v which_o be_v the_o more_o considerable_a because_o the_o exception_n propound_v against_o they_o be_v but_o mere_o personal_a or_o upon_o personal_a or_o particular_a scandal_n but_o of_o more_o common_a concernment_n and_o in_o thing_n relate_v to_o the_o cause_n as_o breach_n of_o public_a trust_n defection_n from_o the_o cause_n and_o covenant_n which_o do_v require_v consideration_n before_o the_o admit_v these_o person_n i_o will_v ask_v the_o author_n this_o one_o question_n upon_o supposal_n that_o the_o assembly_n after_o the_o commissioner_n sit_v and_o vote_v therein_o many_o day_n yea_o even_o in_o the_o condemn_v of_o the_o protestation_n and_o cite_v of_o the_o protester_n shall_v have_v find_v their_o proceed_n to_o involve_v a_o course_n of_o defection_n from_o the_o cause_n and_o covenant_n and_o thereupon_o have_v remove_v and_o censure_v they_o can_v beholder_n have_v look_v upon_o this_o as_o a_o handsome_a way_n of_o proceed_v that_o they_o will_v not_o take_v into_o consideration_n a_o exception_n deserve_v such_o thing_n when_o it_o be_v first_o propound_v unto_o they_o and_o offer_v to_o be_v instruct_v but_o will_v judge_v the_o exception_n irrelevant_a censure_v other_o for_o protest_v because_o of_o refuse_v to_o accept_v of_o it_o admit_v the_o commissioner_n to_o be_v fellow-judge_n in_o condemn_v that_o protestation_n &_o after_o all_o this_o find_v these_o commissioner_n guilty_a of_o the_o thing_n allege_v in_o that_o same_o very_a exception_n when_o ffr_v propon_v &_o remove_v &_o censure_v they_o upon_o it_o be_v thing_n handsome_a or_o do_v they_o well_o cohere_v or_o can_v a_o tender_a eye_n look_v upon_o they_o without_o offence_n how_o much_o fair_a have_v it_o be_v first_o to_o remove_v they_o and_o present_o or_o immediate_o after_o the_o choice_n of_o the_o moderator_n to_o discuss_v the_o exception_n there_o be_v more_o danger_n to_o the_o cause_n &_o offence_n to_o god_n &_o his_o people_n in_o rash_a admit_v such_o as_o be_v guilty_a then_o in_o cautious_a delay_n even_o of_o innocent_a person_n when_o legal_o challenge_v if_o innocent_a they_o may_v afterward_o be_v admit_v with_o more_o honour_n and_o respect_n but_o if_o guilty_a either_o they_o shall_v be_v continue_v member_n with_o much_o detriment_n to_o the_o cause_n or_o else_o shall_v be_v casten_z out_o with_o more_o shame_n both_o to_o themselves_o and_o to_o the_o assembly_n who_o at_o first_o refuse_v to_o lay_v they_o aside_o till_o they_o be_v try_v because_o the_o author_n see_v that_o a_o objection_n may_v be_v move_v against_o what_o he_o have_v say_v from_o the_o assembly_n remove_v of_o other_o member_n who_o be_v except_v against_o before_o the_o choice_n of_o the_o moderator_n therefore_o for_o prevent_v of_o it_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o there_o be_v a_o wide_a difference_n because_o the_o exception_n against_o they_o be_v as_o to_o their_o relevancie_n for_o their_o remove_n in_o case_n every_o way_n clear_a and_o determine_v before_o in_o so_o far_o as_o be_v requisite_a for_o that_o to_o wit_n protestation_n in_o presbytery_n against_o their_o election_n stand_v censure_n exclude_v they_o from_o all_o church-judicatories_a unrepealed_a to_o which_o i_o return_v these_o particular_n first_o some_z even_o before_o the_o choice_n of_o the_o moderator_n be_v remove_v upon_o exception_n against_o who_o election_n there_o be_v no_o protestation_n and_o who_o be_v under_o no_o stand_a censure_n either_o of_o one_o kind_n or_o another_o to_o wit_n mr._n robert_n canden_n commissioner_n from_o the_o presbytery_n of_o dunce_n who_o be_v remove_v upon_o this_o exception_n that_o that_o presbytery_n can_v not_o choose_v commissioner_n be_v so_o few_o in_o number_n as_o they_o be_v here_o be_v no_o protestation_n the_o man_n under_o no_o censure_n yea_o nor_o the_o ground_n of_o the_o exception_n clear_a and_o unquestionable_a in_o law_n as_o to_o any_o act_n of_o any_o former_a assembly_n only_o primâ_fw-la front_n it_o seem_v relevant_a that_o two_o or_o three_o can_v not_o choose_v therefore_o be_v be_v thereupon_o remove_v though_o afterward_o if_o my_o information_n hold_v he_o be_v again_o as_o seem_v upon_o not_o find_v the_o exception_n not_o relevant_a admit_v second_o neither_o be_v a_o protestation_n against_o the_o election_n sufficient_a to_o make_v it_o clear_a upon_o the_o author_n ground_n i_o suppose_v that_o it_o have_v be_v allege_v that_o the_o ground_n of_o the_o protestation_n be_v not_o clear_a but_o questionable_a as_o to_o the_o relevancy_n of_o it_o by_o his_o ground_n such_o a_o protestation_n against_o the_o election_n will_v not_o have_v be_v enough_o to_o lay_v the_o commissioner_n aside_o till_o the_o matter_n have_v be_v try_v to_o come_v near_o the_o case_n let_v we_o suppose_v that_o some_o of_o the_o opposer_n of_o public_a resolution_n have_v in_o the_o presbytery_n or_o in_o the_o universite_a of_o st._n andrews_n protest_v against_o the_o election_n of_o the_o commissioner_n there_o upon_o this_o ground_n that_o these_o who_o be_v elect_v be_v instrumental_a in_o the_o public_a resolution_n will_v the_o author_n say_v this_o have_v be_v sufficient_a to_o lay_v these_o commissioner_n aside_o from_o sit_v as_o member_n of_o the_o assembly_n till_o the_o matter_n have_v be_v try_v if_o so_o why_o then_o be_v not_o the_o propon_n of_o that_o exception_n in_o the_o assembly_n against_o all_o these_o who_o be_v member_n of_o the_o commission_n and_o have_v hand_n in_o these_o resolution_n sufficient_a to_o lay_v they_o aside_o os_fw-la if_o that_o be_v deny_v i_o will_v desire_v to_o know_v a_o reason_n of_o the_o difference_n if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o all_o the_o commission_n which_o be_v lay_v aside_o because_o of_o protestation_n against_o they_o be_v such_o as_o be_v protest_v against_o upon_o clear_a &_o unquestionable_a ground_n i_o answer_v that_o it_o be_v not_o so_o as_o appear_v by_o the_o instance_n already_o give_v to_o which_o i_o add_v another_o to_o let_v see_v what_o partiality_n of_o proceed_v there_o be_v in_o these_o thing_n even_o upon_o the_o author_n own_o ground_n do_v not_o the_o assembly_n lie_v aside_o the_o commission_n of_o these_o who_o be_v first_o choose_v by_o the_o presbytery_n of_o
cite_v not_o a_o few_o of_o their_o number_n who_o be_v present_a and_o do_v direct_a summons_n to_o other_o who_o be_v absent_a the_o presbytry_n of_o jeaburgh_n do_v cite_v three_o of_o their_o number_n sundry_a also_o in_o the_o presbytery_n of_o glasgow_n chyrnside_n and_o elsewhere_o be_v cite_v he_o repeat_v again_o his_o distinction_n of_o such_o as_o differ_v from_o public_a resolution_n and_o such_o as_o continue_v to_o oppose_v they_o the_o last_o whereof_o only_o as_o he_o insinuate_v be_v cite_v but_o to_o pass_v by_o the_o distinction_n itself_o which_o seem_v to_o teach_v man_n a_o way_n that_o do_v not_o seem_v well_o to_o become_v the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n h._n e._n to_o differ_v in_o such_o thing_n as_o concern_v the_o judgement_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o people_n commit_v to_o their_o charge_n in_o matter_n of_o special_a interest_n to_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n and_o yet_o to_o be_v silent_a and_o cease_v to_o give_v testimony_n thereof_o either_o for_o their_o own_o exoneration_n or_o information_n of_o their_o people_n which_o be_v one_o of_o the_o desire_n and_o overture_n press_v upon_o the_o minister_n of_o sterling_n at_o st._n andrews_n who_o so_o will_v look_v upon_o the_o commission_n paper_n march_v 20._o will_v find_v that_o in_o reference_n to_o censure_v it_o take_v in_o not_o only_o such_o as_o continue_v to_o oppose_v and_o move_v contrary_o but_o also_o such_o as_o move_v not_o at_o all_o or_o move_v slow_o as_o well_o these_o who_o be_v indifferent_a and_o neutral_a as_o these_o who_o oppose_v see_v pag._n 2._o &_o 5._o thereof_o that_o some_o of_o they_o be_v choose_v to_o the_o assembly_n we_o have_v already_o clear_v how_o it_o be_v do_v as_o also_o that_o which_o be_v do_v in_o the_o year_n 48._o betwixt_o which_o and_o that_o which_o be_v do_v in_o the_o year_n 51._o there_o be_v many_o real_a and_o important_a difference_n former_o speak_v of_o and_o clear_v and_o therefore_o do_v the_o writer_n use_v no_o double_a weight_n vindication_n to_o the_o three_o particular_a concern_v the_o king_n letter_n and_o the_o commissioner_n speech_n to_o the_o assembly_n there_o be_v not_o one_o word_n in_o they_o more_o or_o less_o for_o punish_v or_o censure_v any_o that_o differ_v from_o the_o public_a resolution_n but_o if_o any_o thing_n of_o that_o kind_n be_v desire_v it_o be_v for_o oppose_v &_o weaken_v of_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o strengthen_v the_o hand_n of_o the_o enemy_n join_v with_o expression_n of_o earnest_a desire_n to_o endeavour_v by_o all_o fair_a mean_n to_o gain_v all_o that_o differ_v to_o unity_n do_v this_o take_v away_o the_o freedom_n and_o liberty_n of_o voice_n especial_o consider_v this_o which_o be_v desire_v be_v propon_v by_o way_n of_o mere_a desire_n without_o any_o threaten_a or_o allurement_n to_o be_v bias_v by_o man_n vote_v but_o that_o the_o honest_a reader_n may_v be_v able_a the_o better_a to_o give_v his_o judgement_n of_o this_o matter_n 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i_o have_v speak_v already_o next_o it_o be_v but_o a_o subterfuge_n which_o he_o say_v that_o it_o be_v not_o desire_v that_o the_o assembly_n shall_v censure_v they_o without_o try_v or_o approve_v their_o resolution_n but_o the_o king_n suppose_v they_o to_o be_v right_a and_o just_a in_o themselves_o and_o after_o the_o assembly_n shall_v after_o due_a trial_n find_v they_o to_o be_v such_o desire_z that_o such_o as_o have_v oppose_v they_o howbeit_o it_o can_v not_o be_v but_o to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o the_o defence_n of_o the_o cause_n and_o kingdom_n may_v be_v deal_v with_o to_o be_v reclaim_v or_o if_o that_o can_v not_o be_v obtain_v censure_v there_o be_v nothing_o here_o for_o answer_v what_o be_v allege_v by_o the_o writer_n to_o wit_n that_o the_o assembly_n while_o they_o have_v not_o yet_o meddle_v with_o the_o public_a resolution_n and_o have_v not_o find_v they_o right_n be_v stir_v up_o to_o censure_v these_o that_o can_v not_o be_v reclaim_v from_o they_o and_o 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three_o he_o think_v this_o contrary_a to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o assembly_n of_o glasgow_n concern_v which_o he_o think_v it_o remarkable_a that_o in_o declare_v the_o nullity_n of_o some_o precede_a assembly_n they_o do_v never_o take_v a_o argument_n from_o the_o matter_n to_o prove_v the_o nullity_n of_o they_o whilst_o yet_o say_v he_o there_o be_v very_o fair_a occasion_n to_o have_v do_v it_o if_o that_o the_o assembly_n have_v be_v in_o the_o writer_n mind_n the_o writer_n have_v not_o yet_o positive_o declare_v his_o mind_n in_o this_o matter_n but_o the_o author_n upon_o second_o thought_n will_v find_v his_o remark_n concern_v the_o assembly_n of_o glasgow_n not_o well_o ground_v because_o that_o assembly_n in_o prove_v the_o nullity_n of_o some_o precede_a assembly_n do_v reason_n not_o only_o from_o the_o form_n but_o also_o from_o the_o matter_n or_o ground_n of_o their_o proceed_n in_o their_o act_n as_o appear_v in_o the_o last_o reason_n bring_v for_o nullify_a the_o assembly_n at_o pearth_n which_o be_v this_o that_o the_o ground_n of_o their_o proceed_n be_v not_o the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o confession_n of_o faith_n and_o act_n of_o former_a general_n assembly_n but_o the_o king_n commandment_n only_o for_o the_o question_n be_v thus_o state_v whether_o the_o five_o article_n in_o respect_n of_o his_o majesty_n commandment_n shall_v pass_v in_o act_n or_o not_o as_o the_o record_n of_o that_o pretend_a assembly_n bear_v where_o it_o be_v declare_v that_o for_o the_o reverence_n and_o respect_n which_o they_o bear_v to_o his_o majesty_n royal_a command_n they_o do_v agree_v to_o the_o foresay_a article_n and_o that_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n have_v respect_n to_o the_o matter_n as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o form_n in_o annul_v these_o assembly_n be_v manifest_a from_o that_o notable_a act_n at_o edinburgh_n in_o the_o year_n 1639._o concern_v the_o cause_n and_o remedy_n of_o the_o by-gone_a evil_n of_o this_o kirk_n in_o which_o the_o five_o cause_n be_v declare_v to_o be_v the_o keep_n and_o authorise_v corrupt_a assembly_n at_o lithgow_n 1606_o and_o 16â—8_n at_o glasgow_n 1610_o at_o aberdeen_n 1616_o at_o st._n andrews_n 2617_o at_o pearth_n 1618._o which_o assembly_n be_v declare_v
commission_n that_o the_o writer_n lay_v weight_n the_o author_n similitude_n of_o the_o parl._n and_o ass_n be_v answer_v already_o and_o show_v what_o maybe_o conceive_v by_o some_o why_o the_o parallel_n hold_v noâ—_n though_o as_o to_o this_o point_n the_o difference_n betwixt_o he_o and_o the_o writer_n seem_v not_o to_o be_v so_o wide_a as_o he_o will_v give_v out_o his_o conclusion_n be_v that_o he_o hope_v that_o by_o what_o have_v be_v say_v that_o it_o be_v sufficient_o evidence_v that_o the_o writer_n have_v bring_v no_o considerable_a reason_n for_o the_o nullity_n of_o the_o late_a assembly_n even_o suppose_v sundry_a of_o the_o act_n and_o constitution_n thereof_o be_v wrong_v upon_o the_o matter_n he_o shall_v have_v say_v suppose_v the_o most_o of_o all_o its_o act_n and_o the_o most_o material_a of_o they_o to_o be_v wrong_a upon_o the_o matter_n for_o so_o it_o be_v suppose_v and_o affirm_v by_o the_o writer_n and_o upon_o the_o supposal_n the_o author_n shall_v 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make_v glad_a it_o be_v not_o externa_fw-la species_n autoritatis_fw-la to_o use_v the_o word_n cite_v before_o nor_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v in_o that_o or_o can_v be_v say_v for_o it_o that_o will_v conciliat_fw-la respect_n and_o authority_n to_o assembly_n in_o man_n conscience_n and_o if_o there_o be_v no_o more_o in_o the_o late_a assembly_n at_o s._n andrews_n and_o dundee_n but_o the_o lose_n of_o authority_n in_o the_o conscience_n of_o the_o godly_a in_o the_o land_n by_o thâ—iâ—_n wrong_a act_n it_o be_v that_o which_o concern_v the_o author_n and_o other_o who_o have_v hand_n in_o these_o act_n exceed_o to_o think_v upon_o vindication_n the_o other_o passage_n we_o will_v speak_v a_o word_n to_o be_v his_o answer_n to_o the_o last_o objection_n he_o say_v to_o make_v a_o act_n appoint_v such_o as_o decline_v a_o general_n assembly_n to_o be_v summary_o excommunicate_a be_v either_o to_o suppose_v that_o a_o general_n assembly_n can_v not_o be_v wrong_o constitute_v or_o can_v not_o err_v in_o their_o proceed_n or_o else_o suppose_v they_o shall_v be_v wrong_o constitute_v and_o err_v yet_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v decline_v and_o proteâ—ted_v against_o both_o of_o which_o be_v equal_o absurd_a there_o he_o say_v that_o the_o act_n of_o the_o assembly_n 1582._o allege_v for_o that_o purpose_n be_v gross_o mistake_v it_o be_v nothing_o against_o decline_v unlawful_a assembly_n he_o be_v as_o gross_o mistake_v while_o he_o insinuate_v that_o such_o as_o speak_v for_o the_o late_a assembly_n do_v mean_a that_o such_o a_o act_n shall_v be_v against_o decline_v any_o assembly_n lawful_a or_o unlawful_a 〈◊〉_d but_o against_o appeal_n from_o a_o lawful_a assembly_n to_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n and_o then_o close_v that_o from_o these_o thing_n it_o may_v appear_v how_o unwarrantable_a the_o meeting_n at_o dundee_n it_o must_v be_v still_o for_o aught_o he_o have_v allege_v the_o general_n assembly_n at_o dundee_n do_v upon_o alleadgiance_n of_o this_o act_n fall_v in_o debate_n of_o the_o summary_n excommunication_n of_o these_o who_o have_v protest_v any_o debate_n that_o be_v in_o the_o assembly_n be_v no_o great_a or_o long_a debate_n upon_o that_o matter_n and_o it_o be_v not_o so_o much_o out_o of_o any_o purpose_n or_o desire_v to_o do_v it_o as_o to_o find_v out_o what_o they_o may_v have_v do_v by_o the_o constitution_n of_o this_o kirk_n if_o they_o will_v have_v mind_v severity_n of_o censure_n neither_o be_v it_o that_o act_n of_o assembly_n 1582._o so_o much_o that_o they_o look_v to_o as_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o solemn_a assembly_n of_o glasgow_n 1638._o which_o in_o the_o sentence_n of_o excommunication_n against_o the_o pretend_a bishop_n and_o make_v there_o protest_v and_o decline_v of_o that_o assembly_n one_o of_o the_o cause_n of_o their_o excommunication_n which_o by_o the_o act_n of_o assembly_n be_v censurable_a with_o summary_n excommunication_n whether_o it_o do_v mean_v that_o act_n 1582_o or_o some_o other_o can_v not_o be_v get_v try_v at_o dundee_n for_o want_v of_o the_o register_n then_o in_o the_o basse_fw-fr but_o such_o respect_n be_v have_v to_o the_o authority_n of_o that_o grave_a assembly_n that_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o relation_n make_v by_o it_o be_v not_o question_v so_o that_o all_o the_o absurdity_n allege_v here_o by_o the_o writter_n strike_v as_o well_o against_o that_o assembly_n as_o against_o any_o man_n that_o allege_v such_o a_o act_n and_o the_o assembly_n at_o dundee_n suppose_v themselves_o to_o be_v a_o free_a lawful_a general_n assembly_n allege_v no_o other_o ground_n in_o fall_v upon_o debate_n of_o that_o matter_n then_o which_o the_o assembly_n of_o glasgow_n allege_v and_o the_o assembly_n of_o glasgow_n say_v there_o have_v be_v such_o a_o act_n make_v by_o a_o dilemma_n he_o be_v in_o a_o great_a mistake_n himself_o for_o consider_v that_o the_o act_n appoint_v such_o to_o be_v summary_o excommunicate_a who_o &c._n &c._n be_v intend_v only_o against_o protest_v against_o and_o decline_v of_o a_o general_n assembly_n not_o in_o any_o particular_a act_n or_o act_n thereof_o which_o we_o confess_v may_v be_v protest_v against_o but_o against_o the_o very_a be_v of_o it_o as_o null_n in_o itself_o and_o have_v no_o authority_n there_o be_v no_o necessity_n either_o of_o the_o one_o supposition_n or_o of_o the_o other_o follow_v upon_o it_o not_o of_o the_o late_a for_o the_o act_n we_o speak_v of_o say_v that_o decliner_n of_o a_o general_n assembly_n shall_v be_v excommunicate_a but_o a_o assembly_n wrong_v constitute_v and_o err_a both_o or_o only_o wrong_v constitute_v be_v no_o otherwise_o a_o assembly_n than_o a_o paint_a man_n be_v a_o man_n nor_o yet_o the_o former_a for_o i_o shall_v give_v you_o a_o three_o it_o suppose_v a_o general_n assembly_n right_o constitute_v and_o not_o err_v the_o facto_fw-la though_o not_o altogether_o infallible_a in_o itself_o or_o right_o constitute_v in_o all_o thing_n belong_v to_o the_o be_v of_o a_o free_a and_o lawful_a assembly_n though_o it_o may_v be_v err_v in_o some_o particular_a act_n and_o ordain_v excommunication_n to_o be_v the_o censure_n of_o these_o that_o decline_v and_o protest_v against_o such_o a_o assembly_n i_o mean_v as_o to_o the_o very_o be_v of_o it_o true_o this_o dilemmatick_a argument_n of_o the_o writer_n have_v be_v make_v aswell_o against_o that_o act_n make_v by_o jesus_n christ_n math._n 18.17_o he_o that_o neglect_v to_o hear_v the_o church_n let_v he_o be_v as_o a_o heathen_a or_o publican_n id_fw-la est_fw-la excommunicate_a for_o i_o suppose_v this_o canon_n comprehend_v not_o only_o such_o person_n as_o have_v offend_v against_o particular_a brethren_n come_v by_o degree_n of_o process_n before_o the_o church_n but_o also_o such_o as_o shall_v offend_v only_o immediate_o against_o that_o church_n itself_o 2._o it_o be_v propound_v in_o general_a term_n without_o any_o express_a distinction_n or_o limitation_n he_o that_o neglect_v to_o hear_v the_o church_n let_v he_o be_v excommunicate_a just_o as_o this_o he_o that_o decline_v a_o gen._n assemg_o let_v he_o be_v excommunicate_a may_v not_o then_o those_o that_o hear_v that_o canon_n first_o propound_v reason_n it_o just_a as_o the_o writer_n do_v here_o if_o his_o argument_n be_v good_a to_o make_v such_o a_o one_o as_o that_o be_v unreasonable_a for_o it_o be_v to_o suppose_v either_o that_o a_o church_n can_v be_v corrupt_o constitute_v and_o do_v err_v yet_o that_o it_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v disobey_v or_o decline_v but_o the_o argument_n have_v be_v a_o cavillation_n for_o neither_o do_v follow_v necessary_o to_o be_v suppose_v there_o be_v a_o three_o a_o church_n univocal_o so_o call_v id_fw-la est_fw-la a_o church_n right_o constitute_v and_o do_v duty_n though_o not_o unerrable_a in_o itself_o review_n the_o
summary_o excommunicate_v deny_v that_o ever_o the_o church_n in_o any_o of_o her_o assembly_n make_v any_o such_o act_n in_o so_o general_a and_o unlimited_a term_n and_o he_o give_v this_o for_o a_o reason_n of_o his_o denial_n that_o from_o hence_o it_o will_v follow_v either_o that_o they_o think_v that_o a_o assembly_n can_v not_o be_v wrong_a in_o its_o constitution_n and_o can_v not_o err_v or_o else_o that_o though_o wrong_v in_o constitution_n or_o err_a that_o they_o can_v not_o be_v protest_v against_o both_o which_o he_o say_v be_v absurd_a to_o this_o the_o author_n answer_v that_o consider_v that_o the_o act_n appoint_v such_o to_o be_v summary_o excommunicate_v be_v intend_v only_o against_o protest_v against_o and_o decline_v of_o a_o general_n assembly_n not_o in_o any_o particular_a act_n or_o act_n thereof_o which_o he_o confess_v may_v be_v protest_v against_o but_o against_o the_o very_a be_v of_o it_o as_o null_n in_o itself_o and_o have_v no_o authority_n there_o 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paper_n of_o additional_a reason_n unanswered_a i_o shall_v not_o say_v what_o some_o have_v say_v that_o if_o the_o thing_n in_o that_o paper_n which_o the_o author_n have_v not_o answer_v hold_v relevant_a and_o true_a they_o will_v go_v far_o to_o justify_v the_o protestation_n and_o annul_v the_o assembly_n albeit_o all_o his_o answer_n to_o the_o thing_n which_o he_o have_v take_v notice_n of_o have_v not_o be_v satisfy_o take_v off_o but_o i_o confess_v that_o i_o do_v somewhat_o wonder_v that_o the_o author_n have_v take_v so_o much_o pain_n to_o contend_v with_o no_o small_a earnestness_n and_o at_o length_n about_o many_o thing_n that_o be_v in_o the_o by_o and_o thing_n that_o be_v of_o no_o such_o consequence_n in_o the_o cause_n shall_v yet_o pass_v in_o silence_n not_o a_o few_o thing_n of_o importance_n contain_v in_o that_o paper_n which_o do_v more_o concern_v he_o to_o have_v answer_v i_o shall_v say_v no_o more_o but_o wish_v the_o lord_n gracious_o to_o appear_v in_o the_o convince_a and_o comfortable_a determination_n of_o this_o question_n to_o all_o his_o servant_n and_o people_n in_o this_o poor_a desolate_a and_o distract_a church_n that_o our_o bruise_n which_o be_v sore_o and_o our_o wound_n which_o be_v incurable_a may_v be_v bind_v up_o and_o heal_v by_o his_o hand_n who_o have_v smite_v we_o in_o his_o wrath_n because_o of_o the_o multitude_n of_o our_o iniquity_n to_o the_o praise_n and_o glory_n of_o his_o free_a grace_n in_o all_o the_o church_n amen_o finis_fw-la instance_n of_o the_o influence_n that_o the_o letter_n and_o act_n of_o the_o commission_n of_o the_o gen._n assembly_n 1650._o have_v upon_o several_a presbytery_n and_o synod_n and_o upon_o several_a person_n therein_o in_o the_o election_n of_o commissioner_n to_o the_o assembly_n 1651._o and_o in_o the_o cite_v of_o
committee_n of_o estate_n the_o assembly_n continue_v until_o the_o morn_n at_o ten_o hour_n that_o examination_n of_o the_o proceed_n of_o the_o commission_n of_o the_o late_a assembly_n and_o do_v appoint_v that_o time_n for_o hear_v any_o new_a exception_n the_o committee_n of_o estate_n have_v to_o give_v in_o against_o the_o proceed_n of_o the_o say_a commission_n paper_n send_v into_o the_o assembly_n whereas_o it_o have_v be_v the_o constant_a care_n and_o endeavor_n of_o the_o parliament_n and_o committee_n of_o estate_n to_o use_v all_o mean_n for_o remove_v and_o settle_v the_o difference_n betwixt_o the_o church_n and_o the_o state_n and_o in_o pursuance_n of_o that_o good_a way_n the_o committee_n do_v yesterday_o give_v in_o some_o new_a desire_n and_o offer_v to_o the_o gen._n assembly_n that_o some_o may_v be_v appoint_v to_o meet_v and_o confer_v with_o such_o as_o shall_v be_v appoint_v by_o the_o committee_n thereupon_o but_o since_o instead_o of_o embrace_v and_o 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conference_n may_v preveen_v the_o same_o and_o be_v more_o willing_a not_o to_o give_v they_o in_o at_o all_o or_o at_o least_o only_a to_o give_v they_o in_o to_o those_o you_o shall_v appoint_v to_o confer_v with_o we_o that_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a difference_n may_v yet_o be_v remove_v then_o that_o we_o be_v necessitate_v to_o appear_v in_o public_a among_o they_o and_o that_o this_o and_o our_o former_a paper_n may_v remain_v as_o a_o testimony_n of_o our_o desire_n for_o unity_n and_o peace_n we_o desire_v that_o they_o may_v be_v record_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n the_o assembly_n do_v give_v this_o humble_a return_n to_o the_o paper_n send_v this_o day_n from_o the_o hon._n committee_n of_o estate_n that_o they_o be_v most_o willing_a to_o appoint_v a_o conference_n with_o any_o of_o their_o lordsh_fw-mi number_n but_o that_o according_a to_o the_o order_n and_o act_n of_o former_a gen._n asembly_n they_o conceive_v themselves_o oblige_v first_o to_o examine_v the_o proceed_n of_o the_o commission_n of_o the_o late_a gen._n assembly_n and_o thereafter_o shall_v be_v willing_a to_o confer_v be_v also_o now_o ready_a as_o of_o before_o to_o hear_v exception_n if_o there_o be_v any_o against_o the_o proceed_n of_o the_o say_a commission_n subscrib_n a._n ker._n the_o committee_n of_o estate_n understand_v that_o the_o gen._n assembly_n be_v to_o proceed_v to_o the_o examination_n of_o the_o proceed_n of_o the_o commissioner_n of_o the_o late_a gen._n assembly_n in_o order_n to_o a_o approbation_n before_o they_o agree_v to_o a_o conference_n and_o the_o committee_n be_v to_o give_v in_o their_o just_a exception_n against_o the_o proceed_n of_o the_o say_a commissioner_n do_v desire_v the_o gen._n assembly_n to_o allow_v some_o few_o day_n delay_v to_o the_o committee_n to_o prepare_v their_o exception_n before_o the_o assembly_n proceed_v in_o the_o business_n the_o assembly_n continue_v the_o examination_n of_o the_o proceed_n of_o the_o late_a gen._n assembly_n until_o four_o afternoon_n and_o appoint_v that_o time_n for_o hear_v any_o new_a exception_n the_o honourable_a committee_n of_o estate_n have_v to_o give_v in_o against_o the_o proceed_n of_o the_o say_a commission_n subscrib_n a._n ker._n the_o committee_n of_o estate_n find_v it_o impossible_a in_o so_o short_a a_o time_n to_o prepare_v their_o objection_n against_o such_o of_o the_o proceed_n of_o the_o commissioner_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n as_o relate_v to_o their_o engagement_n and_o yet_o be_v most_o willing_a to_o essay_n all_o fair_a mean_n for_o procure_v a_o happy_a understanding_n betwixt_o kirk_n and_o state_n be_v content_a to_o appoint_v some_o of_o their_o number_n to_o meet_v with_o such_o as_o shall_v be_v appoint_v by_o the_o general_n assembly_n for_o compose_v of_o difference_n betwixt_o the_o church_n and_o state_n without_o prejudice_n to_o they_o to_o use_v all_o their_o just_a objection_n against_o the_o proceed_n of_o the_o commissioner_n of_o the_o late_a general_n assembly_n if_o the_o conference_n shall_v not_o produce_v these_o happy_a effect_n they_o earnest_o wish_v the_o general_a assembly_n unto_o the_o motion_n send_v this_o afternoon_n from_o the_o honourable_a committee_n of_o estate_n do_v return_v humble_o this_o answer_n that_o they_o yield_v to_o their_o lordship_n desire_n of_o a_o conference_n and_o for_o this_o end_n appoint_v m_n r_n david_n calderwood_n david_n dickson_n robert_n douglass_n andrew_n cant_v john_n moncreif_n john_n smith_n and_o john_n mac_n clelland_n minister_n and_o the_o earl_n of_o cassilles_n the_o earl_n of_o louthian_n lord_n balmernio_n the_o laird_n of_o moncreif_n and_o freeland_n with_o the_o moderator_n to_o confer_v with_o any_o appoint_v by_o the_o honourable_a committee_n of_o estate_n at_o such_o time_n and_o place_n as_o shall_v be_v appoint_v by_o their_o lordship_n upon_o the_o present_a danger_n to_o religion_n and_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n the_o great_a prejudices_fw-la do_v to_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o kirk_n and_o the_o best_a remedy_n thereof_o and_o to_o report_v the_o result_n of_o their_o conference_n from_o time_n to_o time_n and_o they_o have_v also_o power_n to_o receive_v any_o offer_n or_o paper_n from_o the_o honourable_a committee_n of_o estate_n and_o to_o present_v the_o same_o to_o the_o assembly_n declare_v that_o the_o proceed_n of_o the_o commission_n of_o the_o late_a assembly_n be_v new_a exact_o try_v and_o unanimous_o approven_v there_o be_v no_o place_n leave_v for_o any_o objection_n against_o the_o same_o subscrib_n a._n ker._n reasins_z why_o these_o who_o dis-approved_n the_o public_a resolution_n and_o act_n at_o dundee_n ratify_v the_o same_o and_o ordain_v censure_n to_o pass_v upon_o the_o opposer_n and_o unsatisfied_a can_v keep_v the_o assembly_n now_o indict_v nor_o be_v consent_v unto_o the_o election_n of_o commissioner_n for_o that_o effect_n the_o chief_a cause_n of_o many_o evil_n which_o have_v befall_v this_o church_n in_o time_n of_o defection_n under_o prelacy_n be_v clear_o determine_v by_o the_o gen_n assembly_n at_o edinburgh_n 1639._o to_o have_v be_v the_o keep_n and_o authorise_v corrupt_a general_n assembly_n it_o be_v of_o high_a concernment_n that_o we_o take_v heed_n that_o we_o be_v not_o consent_v nor_o concur_v to_o the_o keep_n and_o authorise_v such_o assembly_n in_o this_o decline_a time_n among_o which_o the_o assembly_n indict_v by_o the_o commissioner_n of_o the_o pretend_a assembly_n at_o st._n andrews_n and_o dundee_n be_v to_o be_v reckon_v and_o consequent_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v keep_v by_o any_o who_o have_v protest_v against_o or_o be_v in_o their_o conscience_n unsatisfied_a with_o the_o public_a resolution_n and_o act_n of_o the_o assembly_n at_o dundee_n establish_v the_o same_o as_o involving_a defection_n and_o backslide_n from_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n and_o covenant_n to_o speak_v nothing_o of_o the_o indiction_n of_o the_o ensue_a assembly_n which_o can_v neither_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o any_o who_o have_v protest_v against_o or_o by_o any_o who_o doubt_v of_o the_o freedom_n lawfulness_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o assembly_n at_o dundee_n but_o allanerly_a of_o the_o constitution_n thereof_o in_o so_o far_o as_o it_o depend_v upon_o the_o act_n of_o that_o assembly_n these_o reason_n seem_v to_o warrant_n and_o require_v the_o forbearance_n and_o non-concurrence_n of_o all_o these_o who_o disallow_v of_o the_o act_n of_o the_o pretend_a assembly_n at_o dundee_n in_o the_o election_n of_o commissioner_n unto_o a_o keep_n the_o diet_n of_o the_o assembly_n now_o indict_v 1._o no_o man_n ought_v to_o be_v consent_v unto_o the_o authorise_a of_o commissioner_n to_o keep_v a_o assembly_n which_o be_v constitute_v by_o a_o corrupt_a rule_n but_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o such_o as_o approve_v not_o the_o act_n of_o the_o assembly_n of_o dundee_n the_o ensue_a assembly_n be_v constitute_v by_o a_o corrupt_a rule_n ergo_fw-la the_o major_a
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
he_o by_o break_v the_o oath_n and_o covenant_n which_o we_o have_v make_v with_o he_o and_o that_o we_o may_v be_v humble_v before_o he_o by_o confess_v our_o sin_n and_o forsake_v the_o evil_a of_o our_o way_n therefore_o be_v press_v with_o so_o great_a necessity_n and_o strait_n and_o warrant_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o have_v the_o example_n of_o god_n people_n of_o old_a who_o in_o the_o time_n of_o their_o troubl_n and_o when_o they_o be_v to_o seek_v delivery_n and_o a_o right_a way_n for_o themselves_o that_o the_o lord_n may_v be_v with_o they_o to_o prosper_v they_o do_v humble_v themselves_o before_o he_o and_o make_v a_o free_a and_o particular_a confession_n of_o the_o sin_n of_o their_o prince_n their_o ruler_n their_o captain_n their_o priest_n and_o their_o people_n and_o do_v engage_v themselves_o to_o do_v no_o more_o so_o but_o to_o reform_v their_o way_n and_o be_v steadfast_a in_o his_o covenant_n and_o remember_v the_o practice_n of_o our_o predecessor_n in_o the_o year_n 1596._o wherein_n the_o gen._n assembly_n and_o all_o the_o kirk_n judicatory_n with_o the_o concurrence_n of_o many_o of_o the_o nobility_n gentry_n &_o burgess_n do_v with_o many_o tear_n acknowledge_v before_o god_n the_o breach_n of_o the_o national_a covenant_n &_o engage_v themselves_o to_o a_o reformation_n even_o as_o our_o predecessor_n and_o they_o have_v before_o do_v in_o the_o gen._n assembly_n and_o convention_n of_o estate_n in_o the_o year_n 1567._o and_o perceive_v that_o this_o duty_n when_o go_v about_o out_o of_o conscience_n and_o in_o sincerity_n have_v always_o be_v attend_v with_o a_o revive_n out_o of_o trouble_n and_o with_o a_o blessing_n and_o success_n from_o heaven_n we_o do_v humble_o and_o sincere_o as_o in_o his_o sight_n who_o be_v the_o searcher_n of_o heart_n acknowledge_v the_o many_o sin_n and_o great_a transgression_n of_o the_o land_n we_o have_v do_v wicked_o our_o king_n our_o prince_n our_o noble_n our_o judge_n our_o officer_n our_o teacher_n and_o our_o people_n albeit_o the_o lord_n have_v long_a and_o clearly-spoken_a unto_o we_o we_o have_v not_o hearken_v to_o his_o voice_n albeit_o he_o have_v follow_v we_o with_o tender_a mercy_n we_o have_v not_o be_v allure_v to_o wait_v upon_o he_o and_o walk_v in_o his_o way_n and_o though_o he_o have_v strike_v we_o yet_o we_o have_v not_o grieve_v nay_o though_o he_o have_v consume_v we_o we_o have_v refuse_v to_o receive_v correction_n we_o have_v not_o remember_v to_o render_v unto_o the_o lord_n according_a to_o his_o goodness_n and_o according_a to_o our_o own_o vow_n and_o promise_n but_o have_v go_v away_o backward_o by_o a_o continue_a course_n of_o backslide_n and_o have_v break_v all_o the_o article_n of_o that_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n which_o we_o swear_v before_o god_n angel_n and_o men._n albeit_o there_o be_v in_o the_o land_n many_o of_o all_o rank_n who_o be_v for_o a_o testimony_n unto_o the_o truth_n &_o for_o a_o name_n of_o joy_n &_o praise_v unto_o the_o lord_n by_o live_v godly_a study_v to_o keep_v their_o garment_n pure_a and_o be_v steadfast_a in_o the_o covenant_n and_o cause_n of_o god_n yet_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o acknowledge_v that_o most_o of_o we_o have_v not_o endeavour_v with_o that_o reality_n sincerity_n and_o constancy_n that_o do_v become_v we_o to_o preserve_v the_o work_n of_o reformation_n in_o the_o kirk_n of_o scotland_n many_o have_v satisfy_v themselves_o with_o the_o purity_n of_o the_o ordinance_n neglect_v the_o power_n thereof_o yea_o some_o have_v turn_v aside_o to_o crooked_a way_n destructive_a to_o both_o the_o profane_a loose_a and_o insolent_a carriage_n of_o many_o in_o our_o army_n who_o go_v to_o the_o assistance_n of_o our_o brethren_n in_o england_n and_o the_o tampering_n and_o unstraight_a deal_n of_o some_o of_o our_o commissioner_n and_o other_o of_o our_o nation_n in_o london_n the_o isle_n of_o wight_n and_o other_o place_n of_o that_o kingdom_n have_v prove_v great_a let_n to_o the_o work_n of_o reformation_n and_o settle_v of_o kirk_n government_n there_o whereby_o error_n and_o schism_n in_o that_o land_n have_v be_v increase_v and_o sectary_n harden_v in_o their_o way_n we_o have_v be_v so_o far_o from_o endeavour_v the_o extirpation_n of_o profaneness_n and_o what_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n that_o profanity_n have_v be_v much_o wink_v at_o and_o profane_a person_n much_o countenance_v and_o many_o time_n employ_v until_o iniquity_n and_o ungodliness_n have_v go_v over_o the_o face_n of_o the_o land_n as_o a_o flood_n nay_o sufficient_a care_n have_v not_o be_v have_v to_o separate_v betwixt_o the_o precious_a and_o the_o vile_a by_o debar_v from_o the_o sacrament_n all_o ignorant_a and_o scandalous_a person_n according_a to_o the_o ordinance_n of_o this_o kirk_n neither_o have_v the_o privilege_n of_o the_o parliament_n and_o liberty_n of_o the_o subject_a be_v dâ—ly_o tender_v but_o some_o among_o ourselves_o have_v labour_v to_o put_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o our_o king_n a_o arbitrary_a and_o unlimited_a power_n destructive_a to_o both_o and_o many_o of_o we_o have_v be_v accessary_a of_o late_a to_o those_o mean_n and_o way_n whereby_o the_o freedom_n and_o privilege_n of_o parliament_n have_v be_v encroach_v upon_o and_o the_o subject_n oppress_v in_o their_o conscience_n person_n and_o estate_n neither_o have_v it_o be_v our_o care_n to_o avoid_v these_o thing_n which_o may_v harden_v the_o king_n in_o his_o evil_a way_n but_o upon_o the_o contrary_a he_o have_v not_o only_o be_v permit_v but_o many_o of_o we_o have_v be_v instrumental_a to_o make_v he_o exercise_v his_o power_n in_o many_o thing_n tend_v to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o religion_n and_o of_o the_o covenant_n and_o of_o the_o peace_n and_o safety_n of_o these_o kingdom_n which_o be_v so_o far_o from_o the_o right_a way_n of_o preserve_v his_o majesty_n person_n and_o authority_n that_o it_o can_v but_o provoke_v the_o lord_n against_o he_o unto_o the_o hazard_n of_o both_o nay_o under_o a_o pretence_n of_o relieve_v and_o do_v for_o the_o king_n whilst_o he_o refuse_v to_o do_v what_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o house_n of_o god_n some_o have_v ranverse_v and_o violate_v most_o of_o all_o the_o article_n of_o the_o covenant_n our_o own_o conscience_n within_o and_o god_n judgement_n upon_o we_o without_o do_v convince_v we_o of_o the_o manifold_a wilful_a renew_a breach_n of_o that_o article_n which_o concern_v the_o discovery_n and_o punishment_n of_o malignant_n who_o crime_n have_v not_o only_o be_v connive_v at_o but_o dispense_v with_o and_o pardon_v and_o themselves_o receive_v unto_o intimate_a fellowship_n with_o ourselves_o and_o entrust_v with_o our_o counsel_n admit_v unto_o our_o parliament_n and_o put_v in_o place_n of_o power_n and_o authority_n for_o manage_v the_o public_a affair_n of_o the_o kingdom_n whereby_o in_o god_n justice_n they_o get_v at_o last_o into_o their_o hand_n the_o whole_a power_n and_o strength_n of_o the_o kingdom_n both_o in_o judicatories_n and_o army_n and_o do_v employ_v the_o same_o unto_o the_o enact_v and_o prosecute_n a_o unlawful_a engagement_n in_o war_n against_o the_o kingdom_n of_o england_n notwithstanding_o of_o the_o dissent_n of_o many_o considerable_a member_n of_o parliament_n who_o have_v give_v constant_a proof_n of_o their_o integrity_n in_o the_o cause_n from_o the_o beginning_n of_o many_o faithful_a testimony_n and_o free_a warning_n of_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n of_o the_o supplication_n of_o many_o synod_n presbytery_n and_o shyâ—es_n and_o of_o the_o declaration_n of_o the_o gen._n assembly_n and_o their_o commissioner_n to_o the_o contrary_a which_o engagement_n as_o it_o have_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o much_o sin_n so_o also_o of_o much_o misery_n and_o calamity_n unto_o this_o land_n and_o hold_v forth_o to_o we_o the_o grievousness_n of_o our_o sin_n of_o comply_v with_o malignant_n in_o the_o greatness_n of_o our_o judgement_n that_o we_o may_v be_v teach_v never_o to_o split_v again_o upon_o the_o same_o rock_n upon_o which_o the_o lord_n have_v set_v so_o remarkable_a a_o beacon_n and_o after_o all_o that_o be_v come_v to_o pass_v unto_o we_o because_o of_o this_o our_o trespass_n and_o after_o that_o grace_n have_v be_v show_v unto_o we_o from_o the_o lord_n our_o god_n by_o break_v these_o man_n yoke_n from_o off_o our_o neck_n and_o put_v we_o again_o into_o a_o capacity_n to_o act_v for_o the_o good_a of_o religion_n our_o own_o safety_n and_o the_o peace_n and_o safety_n of_o this_o kingdom_n shall_v we_o again_o break_v his_o commandment_n and_o covenant_n by_o join_v once_o more_o with_o the_o people_n of_o these_o abomination_n and_o take_v into_o out_o bosom_n those_o serpent_n which_o have_v former_o sting_v we_o almost_o unto_o death_n this_o as_o it_o will_v argue_v great_a
of_o the_o estate_n at_o the_o assembly_n of_o dort_n their_o confine_n of_o the_o remonstrant_n and_o charge_v they_o to_o bide_v within_o the_o city_n till_o they_o shall_v answer_v to_o the_o assembly_n after_o they_o have_v protest_v against_o and_o decline_v the_o same_o will_v not_o make_v much_o to_o the_o purpose_n to_o justify_v the_o confinement_n at_o sterline_n because_o that_o at_o dort_n be_v not_o but_o upon_o certain_a knowledge_n and_o information_n of_o the_o fact_n and_o if_o the_o king_n or_o committee_n do_v know_v that_o these_o minister_n have_v protest_v how_o do_v the_o author_n insinuate_v that_o it_o be_v do_v until_o they_o shall_v learn_v upon_o what_o ground_n these_o minister_n come_v away_o or_o whence_o have_v they_o their_o information_n he_o tell_v we_o the_o truth_n be_v this_o upon_o the_o protester_n desert_v the_o assembly_n and_o go_v through_o the_o army_n towards_o the_o west_n the_o report_n be_v that_o they_o have_v make_v a_o brâ—â—l_n in_o the_o assembly_n and_o be_v come_v to_o trouble_v the_o army_n and_o hinder_v the_o levy_n in_o these_o place_n whether_o they_o be_v go_v but_o to_o say_v nothing_o that_o he_o either_o wise_o or_o careless_o pass_v over_o this_o that_o they_o be_v go_v to_o their_o own_o home_n they_o have_v their_o charge_n and_o station_n in_o the_o west_n will_v he_o be_v answerable_a to_o his_o reader_n that_o what_o he_o have_v tell_v in_o this_o be_v truth_n and_o nacked_o tell_v i_o doubt_v he_o can_v and_o that_o it_o be_v but_o a_o devise_a fancy_n the_o very_a term_n whereof_o seem_v to_o discover_v he_o vanity_n of_o it_o and_o that_o he_o have_v tell_v more_o of_o the_o truth_n if_o he_o have_v say_v the_o information_n come_v from_o the_o place_n where_o the_o assembly_n sit_v and_o from_o person_n who_o have_v a_o oversweying_a hand_n in_o it_o i_o shall_v not_o contradict_v in_o what_o he_o say_v that_o so_o soon_o as_o the_o assembly_n hear_v of_o this_o they_o dispatch_v to_o the_o king_n who_o present_o send_v they_o to_o their_o own_o home_n except_v that_o they_o have_v require_v such_o of_o they_o as_o have_v desert_v the_o assembly_n to_o return_v to_o it_o and_o answer_v for_o themselves_o which_o yet_o he_o can_v say_v be_v certain_o do_v till_o he_o may_v inform_v himself_o about_o it_o i_o will_v tell_v he_o somewhat_o in_o this_o particular_a that_o be_v certain_o do_v that_o i_o doubt_v he_o will_v be_v able_a to_o vindicate_v from_o be_v some_o imputation_n upon_o the_o freedom_n of_o the_o assembly_n to_o wit_n that_o while_o these_o minister_n be_v thus_o confine_v at_o sterline_n the_o assemb_v do_v cite_v several_a of_o they_o to_o compear_v before_o they_o at_o dundee_n and_o that_o notwithstanding_o that_o their_o confinment_n be_v not_o take_v off_o till_o the_o very_a day_n of_o their_o appearance_n and_o that_o there_o be_v 40._o mile_n distance_n between_o the_o place_n of_o their_o confinement_n and_o the_o place_n where_o the_o assembly_n sit_v yet_o that_o same_o day_n do_v the_o assembly_n to_o who_o by_o the_o author_n own_o confession_n their_o confinement_n be_v know_v proceed_v against_o they_o and_o sentence_v they_o some_o with_o deposition_n and_o other_o with_o suspension_n from_o their_o ministry_n he_o may_v remember_v that_o they_o be_v cite_v to_o the_o ______o day_n of_o ______o being_n tuesday_n the_o same_o day_n do_v the_o king_n and_o his_o army_n depart_v from_o sterline_n and_o not_o till_o a_o little_a before_o his_o departure_n do_v he_o take_v off_o that_o confinement_n as_o can_v be_v testify_v by_o many_o witness_n as_o to_o the_o author_n instance_n of_o the_o commissioner_n of_o the_o estate_n confine_v the_o remonstrant_n at_o dort_n it_o do_v not_o meet_v with_o the_o present_a case_n first_o because_o to_o say_v nothing_o that_o the_o remonstrant_n of_o dort_n have_v protest_v against_o and_o decline_v a_o lawful_a assembly_n which_o the_o protester_n at_o st._n andrews_n have_v not_o do_v neither_o yet_o to_o say_v any_o thing_n that_o i_o can_v find_v no_o such_o confinement_n in_o charge_n as_o the_o author_n speak_v of_o put_v upon_o the_o remonstrant_n in_o the_o print_a record_n of_o that_o synod_n these_o commissioner_n have_v certain_a knowledge_n and_o information_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n but_o so_o have_v not_o the_o king_n and_o committee_n of_o estate_n second_o because_o the_o protestation_n and_o declinature_n at_o dort_n be_v now_o judge_v and_o find_v ir-relevant_a and_o the_o commissioner_n themselves_o be_v present_a but_o not_o so_o in_o the_o other_o vindication_n the_o three_o reason_n according_a to_o the_o order_n of_o the_o protestation_n and_o second_o in_o the_o order_n of_o the_o late_a paper_n be_v this_o in_o sum_n that_o the_o late_a assembly_n can_v be_v count_v a_o free_a lawful_a general_n assembly_n because_o relevant_a exception_n be_v timeous_o propon_v and_o offer_v to_o be_v instruct_v and_o verify_v against_o many_o of_o the_o member_n thereof_o viz._n such_o of_o the_o late_a commission_n as_o have_v hand_n in_o the_o public_a resolution_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v permit_v to_o sit_v and_o vote_n in_o the_o assembly_n as_o be_v under_o a_o scandal_n and_o guilty_a of_o promote_a a_o course_n of_o defection_n and_o until_o such_o time_n as_o they_o shall_v be_v try_v yet_o it_o be_v refuse_v to_o take_v any_o such_o exception_n into_o consideration_n until_o they_o shall_v be_v try_v and_o discuss_v for_o clear_v &_o confirm_v this_o argument_n the_o writer_n undertak_v upon_o he_o to_o show_v 2._o thing_n 1._o that_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n incumbent_n in_o duty_n to_o the_o assembly_n to_o have_v remove_v from_o their_o meeting_n all_o person_n under_o scandal_n though_o some_o be_v know_v to_o they_o until_o they_o be_v purge_v thereof_o 2._o that_o the_o person_n object_v against_o be_v under_o such_o scandal_n as_o be_v allege_v for_o the_o former_a he_o allege_v first_o that_o it_o be_v without_o controversy_n and_o next_o he_o bring_v four_o thing_n for_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o 1._o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o name_v not_o one_o passage_n of_o it_o 2._o some_o clause_n of_o both_o covenant_n the_o desire_n of_o the_o commission_n 48_o &_o of_o the_o solemn_a engagement_n that_o same_o year_n &_o all_o the_o remonstrance_n for_o purge_v of_o the_o army_n and_o judicatories_n even_o the_o late_a paper_n give_v by_o this_o same_o commission_n to_o the_o parliament_n at_o sterline_n about_o the_o act_n of_o class_n for_o remove_v of_o scandalous_a person_n from_o be_v member_n of_o the_o judicatories_n it_o be_v good_a that_o the_o writer_n yet_o even_o in_o this_o heat_n against_o the_o commission_n find_v something_o right_a in_o their_o paper_n but_o he_o tell_v not_o all_o the_o truth_n that_o he_o may_v have_v do_v here_o in_o their_o paper_n they_o hold_v forth_o not_o only_o scandalous_a but_o positive_o all_o such_o as_o be_v not_o qualify_v shall_v be_v debar_v from_o be_v member_n of_o judicatories_n 3._o a_o rule_n and_o order_n set_v down_o in_o the_o assembly_n 1562._o to_o be_v find_v also_o in_o the_o assembly_n 1575._o 1580._o 1581._o and_o exact_o keep_v for_o above_o 20._o assembly_n and_o 20._o year_n to_o order_n viz._n at_o the_o entry_n of_o every_o assembly_n the_o first_o work_n be_v to_o be_v about_o purge_v the_o member_n thereof_o and_o other_o man_n appoint_v be_v charge_v to_o declare_v their_o conscience_n touch_v their_o doctrine_n and_o life_n and_o execution_n of_o their_o office_n if_o therein_o they_o be_v scandalous_a and_o it_o be_v appoint_v that_o any_o to_o who_o charge_n any_o thing_n be_v say_v aught_o to_o be_v remove_v out_o of_o the_o assembly_n until_o his_o cauâ—e_n be_v try_v and_o if_o he_o be_v convict_v he_o can_v have_v no_o vote_n until_o the_o kirk_n find_v satisfaction_n 4._o that_o all_o the_o assembly_n since_o the_o late_a reformation_n begin_v 38._o have_v upon_o the_o objection_n of_o scandal_n against_o any_o of_o the_o member_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o meee_v remove_v these_o member_n until_o it_o be_v try_v and_o discuss_v yet_o in_o this_o samâ—_n meet_v at_o st._n andrews_n upon_o the_o objection_n that_o the_o scandal_n of_o blaketer_n and_o other_o accession_n to_o the_o unlawful_a engagement_n be_v not_o sufficient_o purge_v by_o notification_n and_o approbation_n of_o their_o repentante_n in_o the_o assembly_n they_o be_v remove_v from_o be_v member_n and_o the_o writer_n magno_fw-la hâ—atu_fw-la bid_v any_o man_n in_o the_o world_n bring_v a_o reason_n why_o some_o upon_o such_o exception_n have_v be_v remove_v and_o other_o against_o who_o be_v as_o relevant_a exception_n admit_v for_o the_o other_o particular_a that_o the_o person_n object_v against_o be_v under_o a_o