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make_v thereupon_o in_o the_o assembly_n but_o upon_o supposal_n that_o it_o be_v friendship_n and_o tender_a respect_n of_o some_o which_o yet_o upon_o the_o former_a consideration_n may_v be_v just_o doubt_v of_o at_o least_o it_o be_v all_o or_o their_o most_o weighty_a reason_n to_o the_o lord_n wariston_n yet_o to_o say_v nothing_o of_o their_o being_n more_o move_v with_o the_o fear_n of_o his_o danger_n than_o the_o prejudice_n of_o the_o public_a cause_n which_o can_v not_o but_o suffer_v two_o way_n by_o smother_a of_o the_o letter_n and_o paper_n therewith_o send_v both_o by_o the_o want_n of_o the_o light_n hold_v forth_o therein_o and_o by_o the_o imputation_n of_o smother_n of_o it_o i_o wonder_v that_o the_o assembly_n shall_v have_v be_v so_o easy_o move_v with_o these_o alleadgance_n which_o he_o speak_v of_o to_o wit_n that_o the_o assembly_n precious_a time_n whereof_o they_o know_v not_o how_o short_a liberty_n they_o may_v have_v shall_v be_v spend_v in_o read_v a_o 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it_o be_v a_o parallel_n of_o the_o case_n now_o in_o question_n i_o think_v he_o will_v allow_v we_o not_o to_o lay_v weight_n upon_o it_o before_o he_o close_v his_o answer_n to_o this_o argument_n he_o labour_v to_o vindicate_v the_o commissioner_n from_o be_v author_n of_o smother_a a_o paper_n of_o sir_n archibald_n jonstons_n because_o of_o a_o protestation_n therein_o contain_v against_o a_o paper_n of_o they_o approve_v what_o be_v do_v by_o the_o king_n and_o committee_n or_o estate_n against_o the_o minister_n of_o sterline_n and_o tell_v if_o the_o writer_n mean_v so_o it_o be_v a_o wrongful_a slander_v of_o they_o the_o writer_n have_v say_v nothing_o that_o may_v import_v that_o which_o the_o author_n call_v a_o slander_n he_o think_v that_o it_o be_v insinuate_v but_o i_o think_v he_o have_v more_o
proposition_n be_v unquestionable_a the_o minor_a be_v prove_v thus_o it_o be_v to_o be_v constitute_v by_o the_o act_n of_o the_o pretend_a assembly_n of_o dundee_n as_o by_o a_o rule_n ergo_fw-la by_o a_o corrupt_a rule_n the_o antecedent_n be_v manifest_a because_o all_o the_o unrepealed_a act_n of_o former_a assembly_n that_o do_v determine_v the_o qualification_n of_o commissioner_n be_v especial_o the_o act_n of_o the_o assem_fw-la immediate_o precede_v be_v the_o rule_n by_o which_o the_o assem_fw-la be_v to_o be_v constitute_v as_o be_v manifest_a from_o the_o act_n of_o the_o assem_fw-la themselves_o old_a and_o late_a and_o from_o the_o constant_a practice_n of_o this_o kirk_n in_o all_o her_o assembly_n and_o that_o the_o act_n of_o dundee_n include_v a_o corrupt_a rule_n as_o to_o the_o judgement_n and_o conscience_n of_o those_o who_o condemn_v these_o act_n as_o involve_v a_o course_n of_o defection_n be_v manifest_a because_o they_o appoint_v all_o those_o who_o do_v not_o acquiesce_v and_o be_v obedient_a to_o the_o act_n and_o constitution_n of_o that_o assembly_n to_o be_v proceed_v against_o with_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o kirk_n and_o so_o to_o be_v exclude_v from_o be_v capable_a of_o be_v elect_v as_o commissioner_n for_o sit_v in_o the_o assembly_n as_o member_n right_o qualify_v 2._o no_o man_n ought_v to_o concur_v in_o any_o election_n of_o commissioner_n when_o the_o election_n be_v not_o free_a but_o ought_v rather_o to_o give_v testimony_n against_o the_o same_o but_o the_o election_n of_o commissioner_n to_o the_o assembly_n indict_v by_o the_o pretend_a authority_n of_o the_o commissioner_n of_o the_o assembly_n at_o dundee_n can_v be_v free_a in_o the_o judgement_n of_o these_o who_o do_v not_o approve_v of_o the_o act_n of_o dundee_n ergo_fw-la nothing_o here_o need_v confirmation_n but_o the_o assumption_n which_o may_v be_v prove_v thus_o that_o election_n which_o be_v limit_v and_o restrict_v unto_o such_o only_a as_o be_v involve_v in_o a_o course_n of_o defection_n and_o backslide_n and_o be_v exclusive_a of_o all_o other_o who_o have_v not_o be_v involve_v in_o the_o foresay_a course_n can_v be_v a_o free_a election_n but_o the_o election_n of_o the_o commissioner_n of_o the_o ensue_a assembly_n be_v such_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o these_o who_o do_v not_o approve_v the_o act_n of_o dundee_n ergo_fw-la the_o reason_n of_o the_o assumption_n be_v because_o illud_fw-la possumus_fw-la quod_fw-la jure_fw-la possumus_fw-la now_o no_o presbytery_n session_n or_o person_n acknowledge_v the_o constitution_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o assem_fw-la of_o dundee_n and_o yet_o testify_v against_o the_o act_n thereof_o relate_v to_o the_o approbation_n of_o public_a resolution_n and_o to_o the_o censure_v of_o the_o opposer_n and_o such_o as_o do_v not_o acquiesce_v and_o give_v obedience_n thereto_o can_v legal_o choose_v commissioner_n contrary_a to_o a_o stand_v unrepealed_a act_n of_o a_o assembly_n therefore_o the_o election_n of_o commissioner_n to_o the_o ensue_a assembly_n must_v be_v limit_v and_o unfree_a in_o the_o judgement_n of_o these_o who_o protest_v against_o it_o in_o their_o conscience_n or_o disapprove_a the_o act_n of_o the_o assembly_n of_o dundee_n as_o involve_v the_o approbation_n of_o the_o course_n of_o defection_n 3._o no_o man_n ought_v concur_v in_o the_o election_n of_o commissioner_n to_o a_o assembly_n unto_o which_o none_o be_v to_o be_v admit_v member_n but_o such_o as_o be_v involve_v in_o a_o course_n of_o defection_n and_o back_n slide_v from_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n and_o from_o the_o covenant_n but_o the_o ensue_a assembly_n be_v to_o be_v such_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o these_o who_o disapprove_a the_o act_n of_o dundee_n ergo_fw-la the_o proposition_n be_v grant_v on_o all_o hand_n even_o the_o assembly_n of_o dundee_n and_o the_o asserter_n of_o the_o authority_n thereof_o grant_v the_o nullity_n of_o a_o assembly_n when_o the_o author_n and_o abettor_n of_o a_o course_n of_o defection_n be_v admit_v to_o be_v constituent_a member_n the_o assumption_n be_v prove_v to_o wit_n that_o assembly_n now_o indict_v be_v to_o be_v such_o a_o assembly_n that_o assembly_n unto_o which_o none_o can_v be_v admit_v member_n but_o such_o as_o approve_v the_o public_a resolution_n and_o the_o act_n of_o dundee_n ratify_v the_o same_o be_v in_o the_o judgement_n of_o these_o who_o disapprove_a the_o act_n but_o not_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o assembly_n of_o dundee_n a_o assembly_n unto_o which_o none_o can_v be_v admit_v member_n but_o such_o as_o be_v involve_v in_o a_o course_n of_o defection_n but_o unto_o the_o ensue_a assembly_n none_o can_v be_v admit_v member_n but_o such_o as_o approve_v the_o act_n ratify_v the_o public_a resolution_n none_o but_o these_o can_v be_v admit_v because_o none_o can_v be_v admit_v contrary_a to_o a_o stand_v unrepealed_a law_n and_o yet_o these_o be_v involve_v in_o a_o defection_n in_o the_o judgement_n of_o they_o who_o disapprove_a the_o act_n at_o dundee_n 4._o no_o man_n ought_v to_o concur_v in_o keep_v a_o assembly_n from_o which_o many_o faithful_a and_o godly_a minister_n and_o ruling_n elder_n be_v exclude_v for_o no_o other_o cause_n but_o for_o their_o be_v faithful_a in_o witness_v against_o the_o backslide_n of_o the_o land_n but_o from_o this_o assembly_n many_o such_o be_v exclude_v by_o the_o act_n of_o dundee_n and_o that_o for_o no_o other_o cause_n but_o for_o testify_v against_o the_o defection_n of_o the_o land_n according_a to_o the_o judgement_n of_o these_o who_o condemn_v these_o act_n and_o therefore_o these_o can_v concur_v in_o keep_v this_o ensue_a assembly_n 5._o no_o man_n ought_v to_o concur_v in_o keep_v a_o assembly_n wherein_o the_o constituent_a member_n be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n such_o as_o be_v either_o author_n or_o approver_n of_o the_o enact_v a_o persecution_n of_o many_o godly_a man_n but_o the_o ensue_a assembly_n be_v to_o be_v such_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o these_o who_o disapprove_a the_o act_n of_o the_o assembly_n at_o dundee_n ergo_fw-la the_o proposition_n will_v be_v grant_v by_o every_o man_n the_o assumption_n be_v abundant_o prove_v by_o the_o clear_n of_o these_o thing_n 1._o that_o enact_v the_o draw_v forth_o of_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n against_o godly_a man_n to_o speak_v nothing_o of_o that_o which_o be_v already_o execute_v for_o that_o which_o be_v no_o fault_n in_o they_o be_v the_o enact_v of_o a_o persecution_n of_o godly_a man_n can_v be_v deny_v by_o any_o 2._o that_o the_o enact_v to_o draw_v forth_o all_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o kirk_n against_o these_o who_o do_v not_o approve_v the_o act_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o assembly_n of_o dundee_n to_o the_o enact_v of_o draw_v forth_o censure_n against_o godly_a man_n for_o that_o which_o be_v no_o fault_n in_o they_o but_o duty_n be_v unquestionable_a in_o the_o judgement_n of_o these_o who_o disapprove_a these_o acts._n 3_o that_o the_o assembly_n now_o indict_v be_v to_o be_v make_v up_o of_o such_o be_v clear_a from_o what_o be_v before_o speak_v and_o shall_v be_v further_o clear_v immediate_o ob._n how_o do_v it_o appear_v that_o the_o assembly_n now_o indict_v be_v to_o be_v constitute_v as_o all_o these_o reason_n do_v import_v can_v we_o judge_v of_o the_o constitution_n of_o it_o before_o we_o see_v how_o it_o be_v constitute_v ans_fw-fr 1._o it_o must_v be_v constitute_v according_a to_o the_o act_n and_o rule_v constitute_v which_o be_v not_o yet_o repeal_v and_o therefore_o according_a to_o rule_n of_o the_o assembly_n at_o dundee_n in_o the_o judgement_n of_o these_o who_o acknowledge_v the_o authority_n of_o that_o assembly_n and_o these_o act_n can_v be_v repeal_v before_o the_o constitution_n of_o another_o assembly_n 2._o that_o it_o must_v be_v so_o constitute_v may_v appear_v from_o the_o tenaciousness_n of_o synod_n and_o presbytery_n to_o maintain_v the_o authority_n and_o act_n of_o that_o pretend_a assembly_n who_o be_v involve_v in_o the_o approbation_n of_o the_o same_o have_v give_v good_a evidence_n that_o the_o ensue_a assembly_n must_v be_v so_o constitute_v if_o it_o be_v urge_v as_o for_o instance_n the_o letter_n of_o the_o instant_a commissioner_n which_o do_v appoint_v the_o place_n of_o meeting_n of_o the_o future_a assembly_n do_v desire_v presbytery_n to_o choose_v commissioner_n according_a to_o the_o know_a and_o ordinary_a rule_n of_o election_n but_o these_o know_v and_o ordinary_a rule_n can_v be_v suppose_v to_o include_v the_o act_n of_o the_o assembly_n at_o dundee_n 1._o because_o these_o act_n be_v not_o know_v the_o same_o not_o be_v publish_v yea_o not_o extant_a neither_o can_v they_o be_v call_v ordinary_a be_v once_o only_o do_v and_o be_v question_v much_o by_o many_o it_o be_v answer_v these_o be_v poor_a shift_n 1._o because_o these_o act_n be_v formal_o
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 and_o person_n in_o the_o judicatory_a offering_n to_o instruct_v and_o verify_v what_o be_v allege_v object_n no_o exception_n can_v be_v take_v in_o consideration_n nor_o discuss_v until_o the_o judicatory_n be_v first_o constitute_v and_o a_o moderator_n choose_v and_o therefore_o it_o be_v nothing_o against_o the_o freedom_n of_o the_o meeting_n that_o the_o assembly_n not_o yet_o be_v constitute_v and_o a_o moderator_n not_o choose_v that_o they_o do_v refuse_v to_o fall_v upon_o the_o trial_n and_o discuss_n of_o that_o exception_n against_o the_o commissioner_n of_o the_o former_a assembly_n answ_n if_o the_o assembly_n have_v immediate_o upon_o the_o choice_n of_o the_o moderator_n fall_v upon_o the_o trial_n and_o discuss_n of_o that_o exception_n and_o remove_v these_o against_o who_o it_o be_v make_v from_o sit_v in_o the_o assembly_n as_o judge_n in_o any_o thing_n until_o that_o have_v be_v do_v though_o it_o
length_n to_o condemn_v these_o thing_n and_o for_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o act_n they_o acknowledge_v themselves_o to_o be_v man_n subject_a to_o the_o like_a passion_n with_o other_o but_o know_v no_o cause_n why_o for_o these_o the_o trade_n of_o prelatical_a 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
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 their_o offering_n a_o paper_n for_o change_v of_o their_o former_a order_n they_o do_v never_o offer_v any_o such_o paper_n nor_o do_v they_o ever_o pen_n or_o draw_v up_o any_o such_o paper_n and_o the_o author_n do_v wrong_v they_o not_o a_o little_a and_o himself_o more_o when_o he_o do_v affirm_v it_o they_o do_v indeed_o offer_v a_o paper_n to_o the_o assembly_n before_o the_o choose_n of_o the_o moderator_n but_o there_o be_v not_o one_o title_n therein_o concern_v the_o change_n and_o reform_v of_o the_o order_n of_o proceed_v former_o use_v by_o the_o assembly_n but_o upon_o knowledge_n and_o conscience_n of_o the_o main_a weight_n that_o lie_v against_o that_o meeting_n why_o they_o can_v not_o be_v a_o lawful_a free_a general_n assembly_n the_o protester_n do_v offer_v a_o paper_n unto_o they_o for_o choose_v of_o the_o moderator_n contain_v a_o humble_a desire_n and_o some_o reason_n to_o persuade_v they_o to_o adjourn_v their_o meeting_n and_o to_o forbear_v to_o constitute_v themselves_o in_o a_o assembly_n the_o paper_n be_v yet_o extant_a under_o the_o hand_n of_o all_o the_o protester_n and_o may_v be_v see_v by_o any_o who_o please_v if_o the_o meeting_n at_o that_o time_n have_v be_v please_v to_o read_v and_o hearken_v to_o the_o desire_n of_o that_o paper_n many_o thing_n that_o have_v follow_v since_o may_v have_v be_v prevent_v but_o many_o whether_o from_o a_o fear_n of_o miss_v a_o ratification_n of_o the_o public_a resolution_n or_o upon_o any_o other_o ground_n themselves_o best_o know_v do_v show_v themselves_o so_o zealous_a against_o the_o very_a offer_n of_o it_o that_o the_o meeting_n will_v not_o so_o much_o as_o read_v or_o hear_v it_o and_o therefore_o whilst_o the_o author_n think_v to_o have_v reach_v a_o great_a blow_n to_o the_o protester_n in_o fasten_v upon_o they_o the_o press_v of_o the_o change_n &_o reform_v the_o order_n which_o themselves_o not_o long_o ago_o as_o he_o allege_n have_v be_v the_o main_a maintainer_n and_o procurer_n of_o to_o get_v it_o establish_v before_o when_o it_o make_v for_o they_o he_o have_v quite_o miss_v they_o and_o wound_v himself_o by_o allege_v thing_n that_o be_v not_o true_a vindication_n but_o come_v we_o to_o the_o argument_n as_o it_o lie_v in_o its_o full_a form_n and_o strength_n in_o the_o late_a paper_n pass_v the_o first_o proposition_n thereof_o let_v we_o come_v to_o the_o trial_n of_o the_o second_o or_o the_o assumption_n that_o the_o election_n of_o commissioner_n to_o the_o assembly_n be_v prejudge_v and_o prelimited_a in_o the_o due_a freedom_n thereof_o that_o this_o alleadgeance_n may_v be_v verify_v it_o be_v necessary_a to_o have_v make_v clear_o out_o first_o that_o the_o commissioner_n act_n and_o letter_n exclude_v and_o discharge_v many_o minister_n to_o be_v choose_v second_o that_o the_o presbytery_n in_o the_o election_n be_v possible_o prelimited_a by_o the_o letter_n of_o the_o commission_n i._n e._n admit_v the_o 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
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
must_v not_o choose_v any_o to_o be_v commissioner_n to_o a_o general_n assembly_n that_o teach_v doctrine_n contrary_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o kirk_n agreeable_a thereunto_o and_o therefore_o if_o a_o commission_n of_o the_o gen._n assembly_n or_o any_o other_o kirk_n judicatory_a according_a to_o their_o interest_n perceive_v minister_n throughout_o the_o kirk_n teach_v contrary_a to_o the_o truth_n or_o practise_v to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n shall_v writ_v to_o presbytery_n desire_v they_o not_o to_o choose_v any_o such_o commissioner_n to_o a_o general_n assembly_n this_o be_v no_o undue_a pre-limitation_n or_o prejudging_a their_o liberty_n in_o election_n but_o a_o necessary_a and_o lawful_a warning_n putt_v they_o in_o mind_n of_o and_o stir_v they_o to_o a_o duty_n whereunto_o they_o be_v bind_v though_o no_o such_o direction_n be_v send_v to_o they_o this_o lay_v down_o in_o general_a as_o to_o that_o act_n and_o letter_n of_o the_o late_a commission_n send_v to_o presbytery_n we_o say_v first_o that_o the_o commission_n do_v nothing_o therein_o but_o that_o which_o other_o kirk-meeting_n and_o commission_n have_v do_v before_o they_o in_o the_o same_o matter_n in_o relation_n to_o the_o election_n of_o commissioner_n to_o the_o general_n assembly_n all_o which_o must_v fall_v unto_o the_o ground_n as_o null_n unfree_a and_o unlall_a if_o the_o late_a general_n assembly_n be_v unfree_a and_o unlawful_a in_o its_o constitution_n upon_o this_o account_n we_o must_v look_v back_o to_o the_o general_n assembly_n at_o glasgow_n 38._o itself_o what_o direction_n be_v send_v from_o the_o table_n then_o at_o edinburgh_n in_o relation_n to_o elect_a commissioner_n thereunto_o next_o we_o must_v refer_v also_o to_o the_o letter_n send_v to_o presbytery_n by_o the_o kirk_n commission_n annis_fw-la 1639._o 40._o 41._o concern_v commission_n to_o brethren_n to_o these_o general_n assembly_n all_o which_o be_v yet_o extant_a in_o presbytery_n book_n but_o we_o shall_v content_v ourselves_o to_o hold_v near_o hand_n the_o late_a commission_n do_v nothing_o but_o what_o the_o commission_n do_v in_o the_o year_n 48._o wherein_n the_o chief_a protester_n have_v a_o chief_a hand_n and_o yet_o maintain_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o that_o deed_n and_o the_o freedom_n and_o lawfulness_n of_o the_o constitution_n of_o that_o assembly_n that_o follow_v thereupon_o to_o this_o the_o writer_n of_o the_o large_a paper_n repli_v sundry_a thing_n in_o answer_n to_o objection_n 1._o but_o nothing_o to_o take_v away_o the_o force_n thereof_o first_o he_o hint_n at_o two_o difference_n between_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o as_o he_o will_v have_v the_o reader_n think_v he_o may_v make_v use_n of_o but_o pass_v by_o as_o have_v to_o say_v beside_o to_o say_v nothing_o say_v he_o of_o the_o difference_n of_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 act_n import_v that_o there_o be_v a_o considerable_a difference_n between_o these_o thing_n and_o that_o the_o commission_n 48._o appoint_a person_n dissentient_a from_o they_o only_o to_o be_v refer_v and_o do_v send_v a_o letter_n only_o whereas_o the_o commission_n 50._o make_v a_o act_n also_o and_o appoint_v person_n also_o to_o be_v cite_v to_o the_o general_n assembly_n to_o which_o we_o oppone_v first_o the_o difference_n between_o a_o citation_n and_o a_o reference_n when_o the_o reference_n of_o a_o person_n to_o be_v try_v and_o judge_v on_o a_o fault_n and_o the_o person_n be_v present_a at_o the_o reference_n be_v just_a nothing_o see_v assembly_n 1643._o session_n 2._o aug._n 3._o overture_n anent_o bill_n etc._n etc._n and_o i_o desire_v the_o writer_n to_o say_v if_o it_o be_v not_o the_o purpose_n of_o the_o commission_n 48._o when_o they_o do_v require_v presbytery_n to_o refer_v such_o to_o the_o gen._n assembly_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v lay_v on_o they_o a_o obligation_n legal_a to_o compear_v personal_o before_o the_o gen._n assembly_n for_o trial_n and_o sentence_n upon_o they_o and_o what_o else_o be_v the_o end_n of_o a_o citation_n and_o summons_n nor_o yet_o be_v the_o more_o difference_n betwixt_o the_o act_n of_o the_o commission_n and_o person_n to_o be_v refer_v or_o cite_v by_o presbytery_n and_o a_o letter_n require_v it_o to_o be_v do_v for_o be_v there_o not_o a_o act_n for_o such_o a_o letter_n and_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o and_o have_v the_o letter_n itself_o the_o force_n of_o a_o act_n will_v not_o the_o refuse_v of_o what_o be_v desire_v be_v count_v disobedience_n to_o the_o commission_n but_o it_o seem_v the_o writer_n memory_n have_v fail_v here_o behold_v a_o act_n in_o terminis_fw-la as_o it_o stand_v registrate_n in_o the_o commission_n book_n the_o 5._o of_o june_n 1648._o the_o commission_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n recommend_v earnest_o to_o presbytery_n to_o take_v special_a notice_n of_o every_o brother_n carriage_n in_o the_o public_a business_n that_o if_o any_o be_v find_v that_o do_v not_o declare_v themselves_o against_a the_o present_a malignant_a course_n nor_o join_v with_o their_o brethren_n in_o the_o common_a resolution_n thereof_o they_o be_v refer_v to_o the_o next_o general_n assembly_n and_o if_o any_o of_o they_o have_v already_o declare_v for_o it_o that_o they_o be_v present_o censure_v fic_z sub_fw-la andrew_n ker._n this_o may_v make_v we_o doubt_v the_o more_o of_o alledgance_n of_o this_o kind_n afterward_o in_o matter_n of_o fact_n when_o we_o see_v not_o clear_a and_o circumstantiat_fw-la testimony_n of_o register_n bring_v forth_o review_n in_o answer_n to_o what_o be_v here_o say_v by_o the_o author_n i_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o election_n of_o commissioner_n in_o presbytery_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v such_o as_o be_v bound_v with_o no_o limitation_n and_o that_o if_o any_o commission_n of_o a_o general_n assembly_n or_o any_o other_o church_n judicatory_a according_a to_o their_o interest_n perceive_v minister_n throughout_o the_o church_n teach_v contrary_a or_o practise_v to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o the_o truth_n shall_v write_v to_o presbytery_n desire_v not_o to_o choose_v any_o such_o commissioner_n to_o a_o general_n assembly_n this_o be_v no_o undue_a pre-limitation_n or_o prejudging_a their_o liberty_n in_o election_n i_o believe_v that_o none_o of_o the_o protester_n will_v differ_v from_o the_o author_n in_o this_o that_o presbytery_n ought_v not_o to_o choose_v any_o to_o be_v commissioner_n that_o teach_v doctrine_n contrary_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o kirk_n agreeable_a thereto_o and_o if_o the_o commission_n in_o their_o letter_n and_o act_n have_v terminate_v themselves_o within_o these_o bound_n no_o protester_n will_v have_v controvert_v with_o they_o about_o it_o and_o i_o think_v neither_o will_n he_o controvert_v with_o they_o in_o this_o that_o if_o a_o commission_n or_o any_o other_o kirk_n judicatory_a teach_v doctrine_n contrary_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o to_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n agreeable_a thereunto_o and_o write_v to_o presbytery_n to_o choose_v none_o to_o be_v commissioner_n to_o the_o general_n assembly_n who_o do_v oppose_v such_o doctrine_n that_o this_o be_v a_o prelimiting_a and_o prejudging_a of_o presbytery_n in_o the_o liberty_n of_o their_o election_n according_a to_o these_o condescension_n the_o commission_n in_o the_o 51._o have_v send_v to_o presbytery_n a_o letter_n and_o act_n before_o their_o election_n relate_v thereto_o it_o seem_v avoidable_a to_o follow_v that_o some_o limitation_n and_o direction_n there_o be_v in_o that_o letter_n and_o act_n concern_v the_o election_n but_o all_o the_o question_n be_v whether_o it_o be_v a_o limitation_n warrantable_a or_o unwarrantable_a now_o if_o so_o why_o have_v the_o author_n so_o cautious_o and_o so_o much_o wrestle_v to_o deny_v that_o that_o letter_n and_o act_n have_v any_o influence_n upon_o the_o election_n in_o presbytery_n if_o it_o be_v nothing_o but_o a_o necessary_a &_o lawful_a warning_n put_v they_o in_o mind_n of_o and_o stir_v they_o up_o to_o a_o duty_n whereto_o they_o be_v bind_v though_o no_o such_o direction_n have_v be_v send_v unto_o they_o than_o there_o be_v no_o cause_n to_o be_v afraid_a of_o the_o lose_n of_o any_o ground_n by_o acknowledge_v of_o its_o influence_n the_o author_n long_o wrangle_v about_o that_o do_v either_o seem_v to_o say_v that_o he_o be_v suspicious_a of_o the_o limitation_n contain_v therein_o as_o not_o be_v warrantable_a or_o else_o that_o he_o have_v too_o great_a goodwill_n to_o dispute_v see_v this_o will_v have_v be_v a_o short_a and_o satisfy_a answer_n the_o commission_n in_o their_o letter_n and_o act_n do_v put_v no_o bond_n on_o presbytery_n in_o the_o election_n of_o commissioner_n but_o such_o as_o be_v well_o warrant_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o act_n and_o constitution_n of_o this_o
formal_a authoritative_a act_n require_v they_o to_o be_v refer_v and_o cite_v vindication_n now_o to_o our_o present_a purpose_n if_o you_o will_v compare_v this_o act_n of_o the_o commission_n 48_o with_o the_o act_n and_o letter_n of_o the_o commission_n 51_o not_o in_o question_n the_o letter_n will_v be_v find_v much_o more_o moderate_a and_o spare_a for_o first_o the_o act_n and_o letter_n of_o the_o commission_n 51_o do_v not_o require_v the_o presbytery_n to_o censure_v any_o at_o all_o for_o oppose_v public_a resolution_n but_o only_o require_v they_o to_o be_v refer_v and_o cite_v to_o the_o general_n assembly_n whereas_o the_o other_o 48_o require_v that_o all_o who_o do_v declare_v in_o the_o least_o against_o the_o resolution_n be_v censure_v present_o sundry_a be_v depose_v namely_o for_o speak_v some_o few_o word_n against_o the_o commission_n declarat_fw-la against_o the_o engagement_n 2._o the_o act_n &_o letter_n of_o the_o commission_n require_v not_o as_o the_o other_o duty_n any_o to_o be_v refer_v for_o mere_a silence_n nor_o all_o that_o profess_v themselves_o unsatisfied_a with_o the_o public_a resolution_n though_o after_o conference_n they_o remain_v unsatisfied_a but_o only_o such_o as_o make_v opposition_n to_o the_o public_a resolution_n yea_o only_o such_o as_o continue_v in_o their_o opposition_n obstinate_a all_o due_a mean_n of_o satisfaction_n be_v offer_v and_o refuse_v to_o the_o hinder_v people_n from_o go_v forth_o to_o the_o present_a and_o necessary_a defence_n of_o the_o land_n and_o not_o draw_v other_o from_o it_o which_o at_o that_o time_n be_v a_o most_o evident_a expose_v of_o the_o land_n without_o resistance_n to_o the_o power_n of_o the_o enemy_n this_o much_o to_o the_o second_o difference_n hint_v at_o and_o profess_v to_o be_v pass_v by_o review_n i_o desire_v that_o in_o make_v of_o this_o comparison_n it_o may_v be_v take_v notice_n of_o that_o the_o commission_n in_o the_o year_n 1651._o have_v long_o before_o the_o send_n of_o that_o letter_n and_o act_n now_o upon_o debate_n send_v to_o presbytery_n not_o only_o public_a warning_n wherein_o the_o opposite_n of_o public_a resolution_n be_v characterise_v as_o malignant_n and_o hold_v forth_o upon_o the_o matter_n as_o the_o betrayer_n of_o the_o cause_n and_o country_n and_o animate_v the_o civil_a magistrate_n to_o use_v civil_a censure_n against_o they_o as_o shall_v be_v afterward_o prove_v from_o the_o paper_n themselves_o but_o also_o a_o letter_n and_o act_n require_v they_o to_o censure_v such_o the_o tenor_n hereof_o follow_v reverend_a and_o well-beloved_a brethren_n find_v that_o notwithstanding_o of_o our_o faithful_a warning_n and_o great_a pain_n take_v to_o satisfy_v all_o man_n to_o concur_v in_o their_o place_n for_o further_a of_o the_o levy_n for_o defence_n of_o religion_n king_n and_o kingdom_n and_o all_o other_o our_o dear_a interest_n many_o be_v so_o far_o from_o concur_v that_o they_o do_v very_o vehement_o go_v about_o to_o obstruct_v the_o work_n by_o write_v preach_v and_o persuade_v to_o the_o contrary_a we_o do_v therefore_o require_v you_o that_o you_o careful_o inquire_v in_o your_o presbytery_n what_o minister_n do_v preach_v or_o otherwise_o persuade_v contrary_a to_o our_o present_a public_a and_o publish_v resolution_n and_o that_o you_o proceed_v to_o censure_v such_o as_o be_v in_o your_o own_o number_n and_o if_o any_o minister_n that_o travel_v among_o you_o transgress_v in_o that_o kind_n let_v he_o not_o be_v permit_v to_o preach_v in_o your_o bonnd_n sic_fw-la subscribitur_fw-la pearth_n march_v 20._o 1651._o it_o be_v not_o then_o to_o much_o purpose_n to_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o act_n and_o letter_n of_o the_o commission_n do_v not_o require_v the_o presbytery_n to_o censure_v any_o at_o all_o for_o oppose_v of_o public_a resolution_n see_v they_o have_v express_o do_v it_o long_o before_o that_o time_n in_o another_o letter_n and_o act_n send_v for_o that_o purpose_n and_o the_o second_o thing_n wherein_o he_o compare_v they_o will_v also_o be_v find_v no_o way_n considerable_a if_o we_o shall_v remember_v that_o these_o warning_n of_o which_o we_o speak_v have_v no_o distinction_n of_o such_o as_o profess_v themselves_o unsatisfied_a with_o public_a resolution_n and_o such_o as_o do_v oppose_v they_o but_o take_v in_o both_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o yea_o and_o these_o who_o be_v silent_a too_o and_o apply_v the_o act_n of_o former_a general_n assembly_n against_o they_o as_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o warn_v issue_v from_o pearth_n march_v 20_o 1651._o i_o wish_v the_o author_n have_v tell_v we_o how_o he_o difference_n such_o as_o profess_v themselves_o unsatisfied_a and_o such_o as_o oppose_v can_v a_o man_n profess_v himself_o unsatisfied_a and_o even_o after_o conference_n profess_v himself_o so_o and_o yet_o be_v silent_a and_o say_v nothing_o to_o the_o contrary_a i_o believe_v he_o mean_v not_o opposition_n by_o force_n but_o a_o minister_n declare_v his_o judgement_n and_o bear_v testimony_n against_o the_o course_n in_o his_o station_n and_o calling_n and_o how_o a_o man_n shall_v profess_v himself_o unsatisfied_a and_o not_o to_o do_v this_o i_o can_v tell_v unless_o he_o shall_v become_v neutral_a and_o indifferent_a in_o the_o matter_n of_o his_o duty_n he_o assert_v sundry_a to_o have_v be_v depose_v in_o the_o 48._o namely_o for_o speak_v some_o few_o word_n against_o the_o commission_n declaration_n against_o the_o engagement_n but_o do_v not_o let_v his_o reader_n know_v who_o these_o be_v and_o by_o who_o and_o when_o they_o be_v depose_v i_o do_v not_o remember_v of_o any_o neither_o yet_o do_v other_o who_o be_v much_o employ_v about_o these_o matter_n that_o be_v depose_v by_o the_o commission_n for_o speak_v against_o their_o declaration_n against_o the_o engagement_n before_o the_o assembly_n 1648._o and_o if_o he_o mean_v it_o after_o the_o assembly_n it_o be_v not_o to_o the_o purpose_n which_o thing_n make_v it_o appear_v that_o the_o author_n have_v not_o find_v the_o commission_n 48_o so_o rigid_a and_o severe_a that_o he_o have_v any_o cause_n to_o prefer_v the_o commission_n of_o the_o 51_o unto_o they_o for_o moderation_n and_o sparingnesse_n though_o there_o be_v no_o difference_n upon_o the_o matter_n and_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o person_n with_o who_o they_o have_v to_o do_v vindication_n now_o to_o the_o rest_n insist_v on_o first_o say_v the_o paper_n in_o the_o year_n 48_o when_o a_o little_a before_o the_o election_n of_o commissioner_n to_o the_o general_n assembly_n it_o be_v move_v by_o some_o of_o the_o commission_n that_o something_o may_v be_v write_v to_o presbytery_n require_v they_o 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 and_o refuse_v by_o the_o commission_n as_o favour_v a_o way_n of_o pre-limitation_n of_o the_o assembly_n and_o all_o that_o be_v there_o do_v be_v a_o letter_n write_v to_o presbytery_n give_v they_o account_n of_o their_o proceed_n and_o exhort_v they_o to_o their_o duty_n to_o choose_v able_a and_o faithful_a man_n answer_n that_o more_o be_v do_v in_o the_o precede_a general_n assembly_n we_o have_v make_v it_o evident_a but_o what_o be_v all_o this_o say_v here_o to_o what_o be_v allege_v that_o the_o late_a commission_n have_v do_v nothing_o but_o what_o the_o commission_n 48_o have_v do_v before_o they_o do_v the_o commission_n 51write_v to_o presbytery_n require_v they_o not_o to_o choose_v any_o against_o or_o opposite_a to_o their_o resolution_n to_o be_v commissioner_n not_o one_o word_n more_o or_o less_o of_o this_o or_o do_v not_o the_o commission_n act_n 48_o bear_v and_o import_v as_o much_o as_o the_o act_n and_o letter_n of_o the_o commission_n 51_o yea_o as_o much_o and_o more_o both_o extensive_a and_o intensive_a as_o be_v clear_v in_o the_o precede_a but_o you_o will_v say_v as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o paper_n in_o the_o commission_n 48_o about_o that_o time_n that_o a_o motion_n be_v make_v that_o something_o shall_v be_v write_v to_o require_v presbytery_n not_o to_o choose_v any_o but_o such_o etc._n etc._n and_o be_v oppose_v and_o refuse_v as_o favour_v pre-limittation_a answer_n i_o will_v not_o say_v who_o make_v the_o motion_n but_o i_o say_v this_o be_v to_o little_a purpose_n for_o what_o if_o i_o shall_v say_v the_o like_a motion_n be_v make_v in_o the_o commission_n 51_o and_o oppose_v and_o refuse_v too_o but_o further_o i_o prove_v by_o the_o writer_n of_o this_o paper_n his_o ground_n what_o the_o commission_n 48_o do_v upon_o the_o matter_n that_o which_o they_o do_v be_v real_o to_o pre-limitat_a presbytery_n that_o they_o shall_v choose_v none_o but_o such_o as_o if_o they_o have_v write_v as_o much_o to_o they_o in_o formal_a express_a term_n for_o their_o commission_n require_v presbytery_n either_o to_o refer_v or_o upon_o the_o matter_n to_o
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 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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
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
none_o of_o they_o be_v subjoin_v to_o that_o copy_n of_o his_o vindication_n which_o be_v come_v to_o my_o hand_n but_o upon_o supposal_n that_o it_o be_v as_o he_o say_v of_o which_o yet_o he_o seem_v not_o to_o be_v very_o confident_a and_o therefore_o afterward_o help_v himself_o with_o his_o wont_a word_n that_o it_o be_v not_o for_o differ_v from_o the_o public_a resolution_n simple_o or_o mere_o what_o better_a be_v it_o then_o it_o be_v do_v not_o all_o the_o assembly_n to_o who_o that_o letter_n be_v write_v and_o that_o speech_n speak_v know_v that_o the_o oppose_v of_o levy_n and_o weaken_v the_o hand_n of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o strengthen_v the_o hand_n of_o the_o enemy_n which_o be_v mean_v of_o be_v preach_v and_o bear_v testimony_n against_o the_o public_a resolution_n neither_o do_v it_o take_v off_o the_o difficulty_n that_o it_o be_v 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 they_o these_o desire_n can_v very_o well_o stand_v with_o incitation_n to_o censure_n and_o that_o whatever_o be_v the_o way_n of_o propon_v whether_o by_o way_n of_o mere_a desire_n as_o the_o author_n allege_n or_o otherways_o yet_o be_v it_o not_o without_o threaten_a speech_n upon_o the_o matter_n of_o which_o i_o be_o content_a that_o judgement_n may_v be_v give_v by_o the_o letter_n and_o speech_n themselves_o he_o dare_v affirm_v that_o in_o speak_v &_o vote_v about_o these_o resolution_n there_o be_v as_o great_a freedom_n and_o liberty_n as_o be_v in_o assembly_n these_o year_n past_a yea_o more_o than_o be_v in_o some_o of_o they_o but_o in_o this_o he_o be_v too_o dare_v be_v there_o any_o assembly_n these_o year_n past_a that_o have_v so_o many_o bond_n and_o restraint_n upon_o they_o as_o we_o have_v already_o instance_a all_o that_o he_o instance_n be_v that_o some_o of_o these_o who_o accuse_v this_o assembly_n of_o the_o want_n of_o freedom_n and_o liberty_n have_v in_o other_o assembly_n 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notice_n of_o that_o which_o he_o say_v that_o suppose_v as_o the_o writer_n do_v that_o nothing_o be_v wrong_v in_o the_o point_n of_o form_n that_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o matter_n that_o will_v justify_v the_o deed_n of_o the_o protester_n because_o they_o protest_v against_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o the_o assembly_n when_o as_o it_o have_v not_o come_v to_o any_o of_o these_o proceed_n which_o the_o writer_n allege_v to_o be_v wrong_a on_o the_o matter_n in_o this_o the_o author_n be_v mistake_v because_o the_o reject_v of_o relevant_a exception_n propon_v against_o sundry_a of_o the_o commissioner_n both_o before_o and_o after_o the_o choose_v of_o the_o moderator_n be_v wrong_v on_o the_o matter_n be_v prejudicial_a to_o the_o right_a constitution_n of_o the_o assembly_n and_o a_o preparative_n to_o the_o justify_n of_o the_o commissioner_n proceed_n three_o i_o will_v have_v he_o to_o know_v that_o the_o writer_n by_o these_o some_o who_o he_o speak_v of_o do_v not_o 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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 have_v tell_v his_o judgement_n upon_o the_o point_n the_o reason_n may_v be_v considerable_a enough_o and_o such_o as_o bring_v no_o disadvantage_n either_o to_o the_o writer_n or_o to_o the_o protestation_n for_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v yet_o say_v by_o he_o for_o infringe_v thereof_o yea_o i_o will_v assure_v he_o that_o it_o be_v most_o considerable_a &_o weighty_a in_o the_o heart_n of_o most_o part_n of_o the_o godly_a in_o the_o land_n who_o do_v not_o stand_v so_o much_o to_o dispute_v and_o debate_v legal_a form_n as_o they_o do_v look_v to_o act_n of_o the_o assembly_n and_o to_o what_o good_a or_o what_o ill_a be_v do_v by_o they_o for_o promove_v or_o hinder_v the_o kingdom_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o good_a of_o soul_n where_o they_o see_v not_o godliness_n advance_v and_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o godly_a strengthen_v and_o their_o heart_n make_v glad_a but_o a_o wound_n give_v to_o piety_n and_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o wicked_a strengthen_v and_o their_o heart_n 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 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 latter_a etc._n etc._n but_o first_o to_o pass_v by_o that_o he_o seem_v in_o all_o this_o debate_n to_o suppose_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o act_n in_o so_o general_a and_o unlimited_a term_n which_o i_o believe_v shall_v not_o be_v find_v nor_o do_v the_o word_n of_o the_o act_n of_o the_o assembly_n 38._o say_v or_o suppose_v any_o such_o thing_n it_o deserve_v consideration_n which_o he_o say_v that_o that_o act_n concern_v the_o excommunicate_v such_o as_o protest_v against_o or_o decline_v a_o assembly_n be_v intend_v only_o against_o those_o who_o protest_v against_o the_o be_v of_o a_o assembly_n and_o not_o in_o any_o particular_a act_n or_o act_n thereof_o because_o as_o the_o writer_n tell_v he_o the_o act_n 1582._o which_o be_v the_o only_a act_n relate_v to_o that_o business_n so_o far_o as_o i_o know_v or_o can_v be_v inform_v by_o these_o who_o take_v most_o pain_n in_o the_o record_n of_o the_o assembly_n be_v not_o anent_o decline_a assembly_n in_o their_o be_v and_o constitution_n but_o against_o appeal_n from_o lawful_a act_n of_o lawful_a assembly_n to_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n in_o ecclesiastic_a cause_n for_o stop_v of_o ecclesiastic_a discipline_n second_o though_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 otherways_o a_o assembly_n than_o a_o paint_a man_n be_v a_o man_n that_o it_o be_v not_o real_o or_o true_o but_o seem_o only_a yet_o it_o be_v seem_o a_o assembly_n it_o get_v ordinary_o and_o in_o common_a expression_n that_o denomination_n and_o as_o a_o paint_a man_n draw_v by_o the_o hand_n of_o a_o cunning_a painter_n may_v deceive_v these_o who_o have_v not_o discern_v eye_n and_o be_v take_v for_o a_o true_a man_n so_o a_o assembly_n wrong_v in_o the_o constitution_n and_o act_n or_o in_o the_o constitution_n only_o may_v by_o the_o vermilion_n of_o fair_a pretext_n put_v upon_o it_o pass_v with_o many_o for_o a_o true_a assembly_n yea_o in_o ordinary_a way_n of_o expression_n a_o assembly_n which_o have_v any_o thing_n of_o the_o colour_n or_o shadow_n of_o the_o be_v of_o a_o lawful_a and_o right_a proceed_n assembly_n be_v call_v a_o assembly_n though_o wrong_n in_o its_o constitution_n or_o also_o err_v in_o its_o act_n and_o therefore_o to_o have_v say_v simple_o in_o a_o act_n that_o decliner_n of_o a_o general_n assembly_n without_o any_o qualification_n lawful_a or_o unlawful_a err_a or_o unerring_a or_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o act_n insinuate_v or_o express_v the_o same_o shall_v be_v excommunicate_v it_o will_v follow_v that_o though_o a_o assembly_n shall_v be_v wrong_o constitute_v and_o err_v in_o its_o proceed_n yet_o it_o can_v not_o be_v decline_v as_o to_o the_o three_o to_o pass_v by_o that_o the_o general_n assembly_n at_o st._n andrews_n and_o dundee_n be_v none_o of_o these_o assembly_n but_o a_o assembly_n wrong_a both_o in_o its_o constitution_n and_o in_o its_o act_n the_o act_n if_o it_o be_v so_o general_a as_o that_o cite_a and_o answer_v by_o the_o writer_n it_o will_v suppose_v more_o than_o any_o of_o these_o to_o wit_n a_o general_n assembly_n which_o be_v only_o such_o nomine_fw-la tenus_fw-la and_o secundum_fw-la apparentiam_fw-la in_o regard_n of_o its_o constitution_n and_o a_o general_n assembly_n right_a upon_o the_o constitution_n and_o err_v whole_o even_o in_o the_o thing_n of_o great_a consequence_n upon_o the_o matter_n as_o to_o this_o simile_n of_o his_o bring_v from_o the_o word_n of_o christ_n math._n 18._o it_o do_v not_o hold_v because_o christ_n never_o maintain_v it_o to_o be_v unlawful_a to_o decline_v any_o church_n true_a or_o false_a as_o these_o who_o the_o writer_n speak_v of_o in_o his_o objection_n the_o truth_n be_v that_o the_o writer_n mean_v of_o propound_v and_o answer_v that_o objection_n to_o remove_v a_o gross_a mistake_n that_o have_v be_v ordinary_a in_o the_o mouth_n of_o many_o that_o a_o general_n assembly_n can_v not_o be_v decline_v nor_o protest_v against_o because_o of_o a_o act_n of_o a_o assembly_n appoint_v such_o to_o be_v summary_o excommunicate_v which_o in_o the_o common_a construction_n that_o pass_v upon_o it_o be_v so_o expound_v that_o whosoever_o upon_o whatsoever_o ground_n do_v protest_v against_o a_o general_n assembly_n of_o this_o church_n or_o any_o of_o the_o act_n thereof_o right_a or_o wrong_n be_v by_o the_o act_n of_o the_o assembly_n summary_o to_o be_v excommunicate_v which_o mistake_v the_o writer_n study_v to_o take_v off_o by_o hold_v torch_n the_o absurd_a consequence_n that_o will_v have_v follow_v upon_o such_o a_o act_n as_o that_o thereby_o to_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o act_n in_o so_o absolute_a and_o il-limited_n term_n as_o will_v reach_v these_o who_o protest_v against_o assembly_n wrong_v in_o their_o constitution_n or_o also_o err_v in_o their_o act_n and_o this_o be_v gain_v he_o have_v all_o that_o he_o do_v intend_v to_o prove_v and_o hold_v forth_o in_o this_o particular_a conclusion_n of_o the_o vindication_n here_o i_o leave_v the_o writer_n with_o these_o additional_a reason_n and_o leave_v all_o that_o have_v be_v say_v hither_o till_o to_o be_v impartial_o ponder_v by_o the_o christian_a reader_n and_o according_o judge_v of_o the_o father_n of_o light_n give_v unto_o thou_o and_o all_o his_o servant_n and_o people_n in_o the_o land_n wisdom_n even_o that_o which_o be_v from_o above_o pure_a and_o peaceable_a review_n the_o author_n have_v be_v please_v to_o leave_v the_o writer_n here_o with_o his_o additional_a reason_n and_o other_o thing_n contain_v in_o his_o answer_n to_o objection_n but_o if_o some_o of_o good_a judgement_n be_v not_o mistake_v he_o have_v do_v it_o to_o the_o disadvantage_n of_o his_o cause_n because_o he_o have_v leave_v he_o with_o many_o thing_n that_o be_v bring_v by_o he_o in_o that_o 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
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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 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commissioner_n in_o a_o gen._n assembly_n have_v it_o be_v by_o commission_n from_o their_o presbytery_n which_o commission_n limit_n they_o to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o covenant_n and_o act_n of_o former_a assembly_n therefore_o in_o so_o far_o as_o they_o do_v any_o thing_n contrary_a to_o these_o in_o so_o far_o they_o may_v be_v decline_v as_o have_v no_o power_n nor_o authority_n for_o do_v any_o such_o thing_n which_o furnish_v another_o considerable_a reason_n for_o decline_v of_o this_o assembly_n not_o before_o allege_v because_o they_o have_v in_o most_o of_o all_o and_o the_o most_o material_a of_o their_o proceed_n proceed_v contrary_a to_o the_o trust_v commit_v unto_o they_o by_o presbytery_n 2._o albeit_o they_o have_v proceed_v right_a upon_o the_o matter_n yet_o will_v there_o still_o have_v be_v reason_n to_o have_v insist_v upon_o the_o object_v of_o these_o thing_n for_o preserve_v and_o vindicate_v the_o liberty_n of_o assembly_n and_o if_o any_o have_v 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faithfulness_n and_o zeal_n to_o other_o in_o this_o and_o the_o follow_a generation_n object_n this_o protestation_n seem_v to_o have_v two_o great_a evil_n in_o it_o 1._o be_v a_o discovery_n of_o our_o nakedness_n before_o the_o face_n of_o the_o enemy_n who_o be_v now_o in_o the_o land_n and_o do_v insult_v and_o rejoice_v in_o these_o our_o division_n and_o take_v occasion_n thereby_o to_o speak_v evil_a of_o the_o government_n and_o discipline_n of_o our_o kirk_n 2._o it_o cast_v loose_v the_o whole_a frame_n of_o our_o kirk-government_n and_o put_v out_o of_o capacity_n of_o have_v any_o more_o assembly_n answ_n it_o be_v not_o the_o protest_v that_o have_v discover_v our_o nakedness_n or_o make_v the_o enemy_n speak_v evil_a of_o or_o despise_v our_o government_n but_o it_o be_v the_o gross_a miscarriage_n which_o be_v protest_v against_o the_o protestation_n be_v rather_o a_o cover_n of_o our_o nakedness_n and_o make_v up_o of_o the_o breach_n and_o stop_v of_o the_o mouth_n 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