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 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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
he_o be_v no_o less_o mistake_v when_o he_o say_v that_o it_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o the_o protester_n and_o that_o upon_o this_o they_o offer_v to_o the_o assembly_n at_o st._n andrews_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 the_o protester_n may_v haply_o acknowledge_v a_o act_n of_o the_o assembly_n concern_v the_o try_v and_o allow_v and_o disallow_a the_o proceed_n of_o the_o commission_n before_o the_o handle_n of_o any_o other_o cause_n or_o matter_n if_o there_o be_v any_o question_n about_o that_o act_n it_o can_v not_o but_o be_v ready_o acknowledge_v by_o the_o protester_n have_v be_v so_o late_o revive_v in_o the_o assem_fw-la 1648._o but_o that_o there_o be_v any_o such_o acknowledgement_n as_o the_o author_n insinuate_v be_v allege_v without_o all_o ground_n as_o also_o that_o which_o he_o say_v of_o 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prelimitation_n of_o the_o commissioner_n and_o do_v not_o use_v their_o own_o freedom_n in_o elect_v but_o mere_o follow_v the_o direction_n of_o the_o commission_n let_v the_o commission_n be_v never_o so_o guilty_a and_o their_o brethren_n never_o so_o undue_o prelimited_a yet_o if_o the_o presbytery_n who_o be_v the_o only_a elector_n use_v their_o own_o freedom_n their_o election_n be_v free_a and_o valid_a and_o nothing_o can_v be_v force_v against_o the_o assembly_n as_o unfree_a and_o unlegall_a in_o the_o constitution_n of_o it_o because_o of_o any_o such_o act_n or_o letter_n of_o the_o commission_n as_o solicitation_n active_a of_o judge_n and_o member_n of_o any_o judicatory_a prove_v not_o a_o judicatory_a corrupt_a unless_o it_o can_v be_v evidence_v that_o they_o have_v except_v and_o yield_v unto_o the_o solicitation_n now_o do_v this_o paper_n prove_v either_o of_o these_o as_o it_o undertake_v and_o will_v bear_v the_o reader_n in_o hand_n when_o it_o say_v the_o second_o proposition_n be_v prove_v etc._n etc._n good_a and_o ingenuous_a reader_n consider_v if_o it_o do_v so_o and_o first_o for_o the_o latter_a of_o these_o particular_n what_o say_v it_o the_o second_o be_v prove_v by_o the_o presbytery_n proceed_v according_a to_o the_o letter_n and_o act_n of_o the_o commission_n send_v unto_o they_o about_o the_o time_n of_o choose_v the_o commissioner_n appoint_v that_o such_o etc._n etc._n answer_v do_v the_o writer_n of_o this_o paper_n at_o the_o emit_v of_o it_o think_v that_o it_o shall_v ever_o come_v under_o the_o consideration_n of_o decern_v and_o impartial_a judgement_n that_o will_v try_v ere_o they_o trust_v or_o rather_o have_v he_o purpose_v that_o it_o shall_v come_v to_o none_o bâ—t_o such_o as_o be_v pray_fw-mi engage_v or_o preinclined_n to_o take_v any_o thing_n off_o his_o hand_n for_o good_a coin_n proof_n good_a enough_o for_o here_o as_o to_o that_o part_n of_o the_o assumption_n on_o the_o which_o we_o be_v for_o the_o present_a there_o be_v nothing_o but_o a_o naked_a petitio_fw-la principii_fw-la a_o naked_a affirm_v of_o the_o same_o which_o be_v allege_v before_o in_o the_o first_o â—etting_v down_o of_o the_o assumption_n for_o what_o be_v it_o else_o that_o be_v say_v presbytery_n proceed_v according_a to_o the_o letter_n and_o act_n of_o the_o commission_n about_o the_o time_n etc._n etc._n but_o the_o same_o that_o be_v allege_v there_o that_o presbytery_n at_o the_o order_n and_o appointment_n of_o a_o supreme_a judicatory_a pass_v by_o etc._n etc._n and_o therefore_o whatever_o the_o writer_n say_v afterward_o in_o the_o pretend_a proof_n of_o that_o assumption_n concern_v thing_n include_v in_o the_o commission_n act_n and_o letter_n to_o show_v that_o they_o intend_v prelimitation_n of_o the_o election_n of_o commissioner_n let_v all_o be_v never_o so_o true_a it_o be_v but_o word_n he_o give_v his_o reader_n in_o the_o close_a of_o that_o section_n say_v these_o thing_n do_v clear_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o prelimitation_n of_o election_n as_o be_v former_o speak_v of_o for_o let_v these_o thing_n be_v never_o so_o clear_o speak_v of_o the_o commission_n act_n and_o letter_n yet_o for_o aught_o that_o he_o say_v as_o yet_o it_o be_v not_o clear_a that_o presbytery_n proceed_v according_a to_o these_o or_o be_v positive_o prelimited_a by_o they_o that_o they_o do_v not_o use_v their_o own_o liberty_n in_o election_n and_o so_o the_o second_o proposition_n be_v not_o yet_o prove_v review_n see_v he_o be_v please_v to_o pass_v the_o first_o proposition_n of_o the_o argument_n as_o it_o lie_v in_o the_o second_o paper_n i_o shall_v also_o pass_v it_o conceive_v that_o he_o take_v it_o for_o a_o truth_n as_o indeed_o it_o be_v to_o the_o assumption_n he_o say_v many_o thing_n which_o i_o shall_v take_v in_o order_n as_o they_o lie_v let_v it_o be_v yield_v to_o he_o that_o for_o verification_n of_o the_o alleadgeance_n contain_v therein_o that_o these_o two_o thing_n which_o he_o mention_n be_v to_o be_v make_v out_o viz._n that_o the_o letter_n and_o act_n of_o the_o commission_n do_v exclude_v and_o discharge_v many_o minister_n to_o be_v choose_v and_o that_o the_o presbytery_n do_v admit_v of_o that_o prelimitation_n or_o be_v passive_o prelimited_a by_o that_o letter_n and_o act_n yet_o with_o these_o animadversion_n upon_o that_o which_o he_o speak_v in_o the_o explication_n of_o his_o passive_a prelimitation_n first_o that_o he_o confine_v his_o passive_a prelimitation_n within_o too_o narrow_a a_o bound_n and_o he_o will_v not_o have_v it_o extend_v to_o the_o presbytery_n unless_o they_o do_v mere_o follow_v the_o election_n of_o the_o commission_n in_o that_o matter_n that_o be_v as_o i_o take_v his_o meaning_n go_v quite_o contrary_a to_o their_o own_o inclination_n and_o judgement_n so_o as_o they_o be_v but_o mere_a patient_n in_o that_o business_n
term_n as_o to_o that_o in_o the_o year_n 1582._o it_o be_v gross_o mistake_v because_o it_o be_v no_o way_n anent_o decline_v of_o unlawful_a assembly_n but_o against_o appeal_n from_o lawful_a assembly_n to_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n in_o ecclesiastic_a cause_n for_o stop_v ecclesiastic_a discipline_n against_o the_o person_n appealer_n as_o be_v further_a evident_a by_o the_o occasion_n thereof_o mr._n robert_n montgomery_n bishop_n of_o glasgow_n his_o produce_v letter_n of_o horning_n from_o the_o king_n &_o counsel_n charge_v the_o assembly_n to_o desist_v from_o his_o process_n and_o suspend_v their_o sentence_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n till_o the_o king_n and_o counsel_n consider_v the_o same_o against_o which_o the_o kirk_n enter_v a_o protestation_n from_o these_o thing_n it_o may_v appear_v how_o unwarantable_o the_o meeting_n at_o dundee_n do_v upon_o alleadgance_n of_o this_o act_n fall_v upon_o debate_n of_o the_o summar_n excommunication_n of_o these_o who_o have_v 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church_n be_v a_o heavy_a imputation_n yet_o be_v conscious_a to_o themselves_o of_o their_o own_o innocence_n they_o be_v not_o much_o move_v with_o it_o remember_v that_o it_o be_v the_o common_a topick_n whence_o decliner_n in_o all_o the_o age_n of_o the_o church_n have_v argue_v against_o these_o who_o will_v not_o be_v consent_v unto_o or_o do_v testify_v against_o their_o defection_n peace_n and_o unity_n have_v be_v their_o plea_n and_o sedition_n division_n and_o schism_n their_o charge_n against_o their_o opposer_n upon_o this_o account_n do_v the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o his_o apostle_n by_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n and_o elder_n of_o the_o jew_n luther_n and_o calvin_n and_o our_o first_o reformer_n by_o the_o pope_n and_o his_o clergy_n nonformists_n by_o the_o prelate_n and_o their_o adherent_n stand_v record_v in_o the_o catalogue_n of_o these_o who_o practise_v to_o foment_n division_n and_o fix_v a_o schism_n in_o the_o church_n 3._o it_o be_v assert_v that_o 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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 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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 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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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scotland_n do_v run_v these_o many_o year_n past_a for_o defend_v the_o country_n and_o cause_n against_o the_o enemy_n thereof_o and_o if_o other_o do_v forsake_v their_o ground_n they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v esteem_v unfaithful_a nor_o to_o be_v charge_v with_o that_o crime_n because_o they_o will_v not_o leave_v their_o master_n colour_n i_o shall_v not_o insist_v upon_o what_o he_o speak_v of_o the_o tender_a deal_n which_o they_o meet_v with_o because_o there_o may_v be_v opportunity_n to_o speak_v to_o this_o afterward_o what_o be_v apparent_a in_o the_o letter_n and_o act_n of_o the_o commission_n be_v already_o speak_v unto_o vindication_n the_o four_o consideration_n propon_v by_o the_o writer_n be_v that_o the_o resolution_n then_o viz._n 48_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o covenant_n act_n and_o constitution_n of_o former_a general_n assembly_n whereas_o the_o
assembly_n and_o their_o commission_n after_o the_o come_n of_o the_o english_a army_n to_o invade_v this_o land_n do_v not_o positive_o and_o often_o than_o once_o determine_v and_o warn_v against_o the_o employ_v and_o entrust_v malignant_a and_o dis-affected_n man_n in_o our_o army_n even_o in_o the_o case_n of_o scarcity_n of_o man_n for_o the_o land_n defence_n seven_o whether_o at_o the_o time_n of_o the_o commission_n its_o give_v their_o answer_n to_o the_o parliament_n quere_z there_o be_v not_o a_o very_a numerous_a party_n of_o malignant_a and_o dis-affected_n man_n in_o the_o land_n who_o do_v adhere_v to_o their_o former_a principle_n eight_o whether_o the_o answer_n to_o the_o quere_z or_o any_o thing_n contain_v in_o the_o public_a resolution_n do_v acknowledge_v it_o or_o hold_v it_o forth_o as_o sinful_a and_o unlawful_a to_o employ_v and_o intrust_v malignant_a and_o dis-affected_n man_n in_o the_o defence_n of_o the_o cause_n and_o kingdom_n or_o whether_o that_o answer_n and_o these_o resolution_n do_v acknowledge_v and_o hold_v it_o forth_o to_o be_v lawful_a to_o employ_v and_o intrust_v such_o nine_o whether_o there_o be_v any_o act_n or_o constitution_n or_o warn_v or_o declaration_n of_o this_o church_n or_o any_o public_a evidence_n of_o her_o judgement_n before_o the_o answer_n to_o the_o quere_z that_o speak_v for_o the_o warrant_n and_o allow_v the_o public_a resolution_n or_o what_o it_o be_v or_o where_o we_o may_v find_v it_o ten_o that_o the_o commissioner_n be_v yet_o content_a to_o have_v their_o late_a resolution_n try_v and_o judge_v by_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n be_v no_o great_a matter_n when_o they_o have_v first_o prelimited_n a_o assembly_n exclude_v many_o of_o these_o who_o be_v of_o a_o contrary_a mind_n and_o constitute_v it_o most_o of_o these_o who_o be_v of_o their_o own_o judgement_n and_o have_v make_v act_n for_o censure_v of_o all_o who_o shall_v not_o acknowledge_v the_o constitution_n of_o that_o assembly_n and_o after_o conference_n submit_v to_o the_o obedience_n of_o these_o act_n but_o if_o the_o author_n will_v take_v the_o collective_a church_n of_o scotland_n to_o sit_v as_o judge_n upon_o the_o late_a resolution_n of_o the_o commission_n and_o state_n the_o question_n thus_o whether_o be_v the_o late_a resolution_n of_o the_o commission_n agreeable_a to_o the_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n and_o to_o former_a act_n constitution_n warning_n and_o declaration_n of_o this_o church_n i_o fear_v the_o determination_n shall_v be_v in_o the_o negative_a yeâ—_n if_o the_o whole_a ministerial_a church_n shall_v speak_v their_o heart_n of_o that_o question_v as_o before_o the_o lord_n i_o still_o fear_v it_o shall_v be_v in_o the_o negative_a all_o the_o orthodox_n church_n in_o the_o world_n be_v a_o broad_a word_n and_o i_o say_v no_o more_o of_o it_o but_o that_o man_n well_o skill_v in_o their_o doctrine_n and_o to_o who_o i_o believe_v the_o author_n himself_o in_o this_o respect_n and_o for_o piety_n and_o learning_n will_v not_o deny_v a_o honourable_a testimony_n do_v teach_v we_o otherways_o the_o matter_n be_v already_o plead_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o act_n and_o constitution_n of_o this_o church_n and_o i_o shall_v now_o speak_v no_o more_o thereof_o vindication_n but_o second_o whatever_o be_v to_o be_v say_v to_o the_o nature_n of_o these_o resolution_n yet_o the_o matter_n be_v at_o least_o alike_o to_o the_o general_n assembly_n at_o the_o time_n of_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o assembly_n and_o the_o protestation_n against_o the_o same_o for_o the_o resolution_n and_o proceed_n of_o the_o commission_n 48._o be_v no_o less_o quarrel_v by_o a_o opposite_a party_n than_o be_v the_o resolution_n of_o the_o commission_n 51._o the_o party_n quarrel_v 48_o be_v no_o less_o than_o the_o parliament_n and_o in_o this_o only_a few_o minister_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o former_a be_v a_o great_a deal_n strong_a and_o hard_a to_o be_v loose_v the_o general_n assembly_n be_v here_o judge_n to_o both_o as_o in_o the_o first_o quarrel_n the_o commission_n will_v not_o be_v absolve_v from_o the_o accusation_n charge_v upon_o they_o until_o all_o be_v hear_v and_o try_v so_o the_o commission_n 51_o can_v not_o be_v condemn_v for_o the_o exception_n and_o alleadgeance_n of_o a_o few_o brethren_n before_o that_o any_o of_o they_o be_v or_o can_v be_v cognosce_v upon_o by_o all_o this_o which_o have_v be_v speak_v that_o what_o the_o writer_n say_v shut_v up_o the_o same_o that_o these_o thing_n be_v put_v together_o make_v up_o a_o wide_a difference_n between_o that_o which_o be_v then_o do_v 48_o and_o that_o 51_o be_v but_o a_o groundless_a assertion_n we_o have_v evident_o show_v that_o there_o be_v no_o difference_n betwixt_o the_o one_o deed_n and_o the_o other_o so_o that_o if_o the_o one_o be_v guilty_a of_o pre-limitation_n of_o election_n of_o commissioner_n so_o be_v the_o other_o no_o less_o except_o that_o the_o deed_n of_o the_o commission_n 51_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n more_o spare_v and_o moderate_a so_o we_o have_v vindicate_v that_o particular_a answer_n to_o the_o first_o reason_n against_o the_o freedom_n and_o lawfulness_n of_o the_o late_a assembly_n allege_v pre-limitation_n of_o the_o election_n of_o commissioner_n viz._n that_o the_o commission_n do_v nothing_o therein_o but_o what_o be_v do_v by_o the_o commission_n 48_o who_o deed_n the_o protester_n maintain_v with_o we_o review_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o give_v sundry_a material_a difference_n 1._o these_o resolution_n at_o the_o time_n of_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o assembly_n and_o the_o give_v in_o of_o the_o protestation_n beside_o that_o they_o be_v against_o the_o clear_a letter_n of_o act_n of_o former_a assembly_n so_o be_v sundry_a stand_v up_o in_o the_o assembly_n and_o offer_v instant_o to_o verify_v that_o it_o be_v so_o but_o in_o the_o 48_o the_o proceed_n be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o act_n of_o the_o assembly_n and_o albeit_o there_o be_v some_o who_o desire_v that_o these_o proceed_n might_n not_o be_v approven_v till_o they_o be_v hear_v yet_o none_o do_v offer_v instant_o or_o at_o all_o to_o verify_v thathey_a have_v carry_v on_o a_o course_n of_o defection_n contrary_a to_o the_o covenant_n and_o act_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n second_o in_o the_o 48_o the_o proceed_n of_o the_o commission_n be_v not_o testify_v against_o by_o presbytery_n and_o synod_n much_o less_o dissent_v from_o and_o protest_v against_o by_o many_o in_o the_o commission_n itself_o but_o so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o 51_o not_o only_o do_v presbytery_n and_o synod_n bear_v testimony_n against_o these_o thing_n but_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o commission_n yea_o so_o great_a a_o part_n that_o whoso_o shall_v reckon_v i_o believe_v shall_v find_v they_o very_o near_o if_o not_o equal_v the_o one_o half_a of_o the_o number_n to_o who_o the_o trust_n of_o these_o thing_n be_v commit_v by_o the_o general_n assembly_n three_o in_o the_o 48_o there_o be_v no_o exception_n at_o all_o proponed_a from_o the_o unfreedome_n of_o election_n or_o from_o person_n under_o scandal_n because_o of_o defection_n and_o backslide_n from_o former_a principle_n but_o so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o 51._o these_o thing_n evidence_n a_o very_a great_a difference_n between_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o at_o the_o time_n of_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o assembly_n &_o the_o protestation_n against_o the_o same_o and_o to_o take_v off_o any_o thing_n that_o the_o author_n say_v for_o prove_v they_o to_o be_v alike_o i_o do_v desire_v it_o further_a to_o be_v consider_v that_o as_o in_o the_o 48_o it_o be_v not_o the_o parliament_n who_o be_v the_o party_n quarrel_v the_o commission_n before_o the_o assembly_n the_o parliament_n be_v rise_v a_o good_a while_n before_o the_o assembly_n sit_v down_o so_o in_o all_o this_o business_n of_o the_o quarrel_v that_o be_v make_v against_o the_o commission_n in_o the_o assembly_n 48_o be_v much_o mistaken_a and_o mis-represened_n by_o the_o author_n all_o along_v his_o vindication_n as_o shall_v in_o its_o proper_a place_n be_v clear_v second_o that_o it_o be_v not_o desire_v as_o the_o author_n do_v insinuate_v that_o the_o commission_n 51_o shall_v be_v condemn_v for_o the_o exception_n and_o alleadgeance_n of_o a_o few_o brethren_n before_o that_o any_o of_o these_o resolution_n be_v or_o can_v be_v cognosce_v upon_o but_o only_o that_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v admit_v to_o sit_v as_o member_n of_o the_o assembly_n until_o the_o exception_n propon_v against_o they_o be_v try_v and_o discuss_v three_o that_o in_o the_o 48_o as_o the_o party_n quarrel_v do_v not_o either_o at_o the_o time_n of_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o assembly_n or_o afterward_o before_o the_o try_v and_o approve_v of_o the_o proceed_n of_o the_o commission_n
to_o the_o generality_n of_o they_o do_v then_o and_o do_v at_o this_o day_n agree_v in_o this_o that_o the_o public_a resolution_n be_v not_o agreeable_a to_o former_a principle_n and_o proceed_n there_o be_v cause_n of_o stumble_v give_v also_o to_o the_o godly_a in_o regard_n of_o the_o commissioner_n their_o manner_n of_o proceed_v because_o a_o quorum_fw-la very_a few_o more_o of_o the_o commission_n do_v lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o these_o resolution_n not_o only_o without_o the_o rest_n of_o their_o number_n but_o also_o without_o advertise_v a_o great_a many_o of_o they_o and_o so_o many_o be_v absent_a and_o not_o advertise_v they_o do_v in_o a_o day_n or_o two_o determine_v that_o most_o grave_a case_n which_o have_v often_o before_o that_o time_n be_v determine_v in_o the_o negative_a and_o send_v abroad_o their_o determination_n to_o presbytery_n require_v obedience_n and_o upon_o man_n offering_n the_o ground_n of_o their_o dis-satisfaction_n and_o profess_v their_o adherence_n thereto_o till_o satisfaction_n shall_v be_v give_v do_v issue_v such_o warning_n and_o act_n as_o we_o have_v former_o speak_v of_o i_o appeal_v the_o author_n himself_o whether_o at_o the_o time_n of_o the_o give_v of_o the_o answer_n to_o the_o quaere_fw-la it_o be_v not_o know_v to_o the_o commission_n that_o many_o godly_a and_o faithful_a minister_n and_o professor_n in_o the_o land_n be_v averse_a from_o employ_v these_o man_n in_o the_o army_n and_o have_v great_a scruple_n about_o it_o and_o that_o many_o member_n of_o the_o commission_n who_o be_v not_o to_o be_v despise_v have_v often_o profess_v their_o dislike_n of_o it_o albeit_o the_o matter_n have_v be_v lawful_a sure_o there_o be_v great_a precipitancy_n and_o rashness_n in_o the_o first_o resolution_n which_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o sober_a man_n even_o of_o the_o same_o judgement_n but_o such_o be_v the_o zeal_n and_o forwardness_n of_o the_o court_n and_o of_o some_o parliament_n man_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o the_o readiness_n of_o sundry_a of_o the_o commission_n who_o have_v before_o that_o time_n declare_v themselves_o for_o that_o way_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n to_o hearken_v unto_o they_o and_o the_o faintness_n of_o any_o that_o be_v present_a to_o oppose_v it_o that_o hold_v be_v take_v of_o the_o opportunity_n to_o do_v it_o quovis_fw-la modo_fw-la whereby_o real_a offence_n be_v give_v to_o the_o godly_a in_o the_o land_n si_fw-mi quid_fw-la importuna_fw-la levitate_fw-la aut_fw-la lascivia_fw-la aut_fw-la temeritate_fw-la non_fw-la ordine_fw-la nec_fw-la svo_fw-la loco_fw-la facias_fw-la quo_fw-la imperiti_fw-la imbecillesque_fw-la offendantur_fw-la scandalum_fw-la abs_fw-la te_fw-la datum_fw-la dicetur_fw-la quoniam_fw-la tua_fw-la culpa_fw-la factum_fw-la fuit_fw-la ut_fw-la ejusmodi_fw-la offensio_fw-la suscitaretur_fw-la ac_fw-la omnino_fw-la scandalum_fw-la in_o re_fw-la aliqua_fw-la datum_fw-la dicitur_fw-la cujus_fw-la culpa_fw-la ab_fw-la autore_fw-la rei_fw-la ipsus_fw-la profecta_fw-la est_fw-la be_v the_o word_n of_o a_o great_a divine_a speak_v of_o scandal_n very_o applicable_a to_o this_o case_n next_o he_o do_v a_o wrong_n in_o make_v they_o so_o ignorant_a simple_a and_o facile_a as_o in_o these_o thing_n to_o be_v lead_v away_o with_o the_o misrepresentation_n and_o misinformation_n of_o other_o many_o of_o the_o most_o judicious_a decern_a christian_n in_o the_o land_n be_v stumble_v at_o the_o commission_n proceed_n upon_o the_o first_o hear_v of_o they_o &_o before_o the_o protester_n do_v make_v either_o right_a or_o wrong_a representation_n of_o they_o i_o will_v not_o say_v but_o they_o be_v confirm_v in_o the_o dislike_n of_o these_o proceed_n by_o conference_n with_o the_o protester_n &_o other_o minister_n of_o that_o judgement_n as_o they_o also_o be_v mutual_o edify_v and_o confirm_v by_o they_o but_o that_o all_o the_o stumble_a and_o dislike_n do_v arise_v from_o the_o suggestion_n and_o practising_n of_o some_o or_o all_o of_o the_o same_o person_n who_o the_o author_n call_v the_o alleadger_n and_o accuser_n be_v not_o true_a yea_o i_o dare_v say_v that_o albeit_o all_o the_o protester_n and_o all_o the_o minister_n in_o scotland_n have_v be_v of_o one_o mind_n with_o the_o commission_n in_o the_o matter_n the_o public_a resolution_n yet_o many_o of_o the_o godly_a in_o scotland_n will_v have_v stumble_v thereat_o it_o will_v have_v be_v in_o this_o case_n as_o in_o the_o business_n of_o the_o treaty_n wherewith_o many_o of_o the_o godly_a in_o scotland_n be_v dissatisfy_v notwithstanding_o that_o there_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o harmony_n and_o consent_n among_o the_o ministry_n there_o anent_o that_o there_o be_v more_o testimony_n for_o the_o commissioner_n from_o presbetery_n and_o synod_n than_o be_v against_o they_o be_v no_o great_a wonder_n multitude_n common_o incline_v to_o the_o worst_a side_n in_o the_o day_n of_o tentation_n and_o they_o be_v but_o few_o who_o keep_v their_o garment_n pure_a yet_o do_v not_o the_o strength_n of_o the_o testimony_n upon_o the_o one_o hand_n or_o on_o the_o other_o lie_v in_o the_o number_n of_o the_o witness_n but_o upon_o the_o truth_n and_o clearness_n of_o their_o evidence_n what_o be_v testify_v by_o the_o opposer_n of_o the_o commission_n be_v confirm_v by_o clear_a evidence_n from_o the_o constant_a doctrine_n of_o this_o church_n ground_v upon_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o set_v down_o in_o the_o covenant_n and_o solemn_a acknowledgement_n of_o sin_n and_o engagement_n to_o duty_n and_o public_a warning_n declaration_n remonstrance_n etc._n etc._n but_o not_o so_o much_o as_o a_o tittle_n of_o these_o for_o evidence_n on_o the_o other_o side_n it_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o the_o author_n himself_o that_o the_o public_a resolution_n be_v a_o case_n not_o former_o determine_v by_o any_o public_a judgement_n of_o this_o kirk_n and_o if_o so_o there_o can_v no_o evidence_n be_v bring_v from_o the_o doctrine_n of_o this_o church_n for_o clear_v and_o confirm_v of_o these_o resolution_n the_o author_n be_v please_v to_o call_v the_o testimony_n give_v against_o the_o public_a resolution_n real_o and_o in_o themselves_o scandal_n tend_v most_o evident_o to_o the_o expose_v of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o of_o the_o cause_n to_o the_o power_n of_o the_o invader_n he_o be_v please_v a_o little_a above_o to_o call_v they_o slander_n and_o so_o all_o the_o godly_a in_o scotland_n who_o speak_v against_o these_o resolution_n be_v upon_o his_o account_n slanderer_n but_o these_o testimony_n be_v neither_o slander_n nor_o scandal_n they_o do_v contain_v real_a truth_n and_o be_v duty_n to_o which_o the_o giver_n of_o they_o be_v oblige_v in_o a_o backslide_a time_n for_o deliver_v of_o their_o own_o soul_n and_o preserve_v the_o cause_n of_o god_n from_o be_v overbear_v with_o a_o spate_o of_o defection_n and_o though_o in_o many_o thing_n they_o acknowledge_v themselves_o to_o be_v among_o the_o most_o 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