the_o committee_n of_o estate_n be_v about_o the_o condemn_a of_o the_o remonstrance_n they_o have_v it_o in_o commission_n from_o these_o that_o send_v they_o and_o think_v it_o incumbent_n to_o they_o in_o duty_n to_o desire_v a_o answer_n and_o in_o such_o a_o exigent_n to_o profess_v their_o adherence_n thereto_o do_v make_v application_n to_o the_o committee_n of_o estate_n for_o that_o effect_n after_o which_o the_o committee_n of_o estate_n do_v pass_v several_a vote_n condemn_v the_o remonstrance_n to_o the_o great_a grief_n of_o sundry_a of_o their_o own_o number_n who_o do_v dissent_v from_o it_o and_o protest_v against_o the_o same_o and_o the_o sentence_n of_o the_o committee_n be_v communicate_v to_o the_o commission_n of_o the_o church_n and_o they_o also_o desire_v by_o they_o to_o give_v their_o judgement_n of_o the_o remonstrance_n these_o who_o be_v send_v from_o the_o west_n do_v earnest_o supplicate_v the_o commission_n before_o they_o shall_v give_v any_o sentence_n upon_o the_o remonstrance_n that_o they_o will_v be_v please_v to_o allow_v they_o some_o time_n till_o they_o may_v return_v and_o communicate_v with_o these_o who_o have_v send_v they_o hope_v that_o all_o of_o they_o will_v give_v such_o a_o explication_n or_o their_o meaning_n in_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v stumble_v at_o as_o will_v satisfy_v the_o commission_n which_o desire_n seem_v so_o reasonable_a in_o itself_o and_o necessary_a at_o that_o time_n for_o prevent_v of_o difference_n and_o the_o grieve_v of_o the_o spirit_n of_o many_o gracious_a and_o godly_a man_n who_o have_v be_v faithful_a and_o zealous_a in_o the_o cause_n from_o the_o beginning_n that_o many_o member_n of_o the_o commission_n do_v earnest_o press_v that_o it_o may_v be_v grant_v especial_o see_v they_o have_v meet_v with_o so_o great_a disappointment_n in_o the_o carriage_n of_o the_o committee_n of_o estate_n in_o order_n to_o that_o business_n yet_o notwithstanding_o hereof_o it_o be_v refuse_v and_o the_o commission_n do_v proceed_v also_o to_o condemn_v the_o remonstrance_n and_o refer_v the_o further_a sentence_v of_o it_o to_o the_o general_n assembly_n sundry_a of_o these_o who_o be_v at_o sterlin_n be_v now_o go_v and_o some_o other_o come_v from_o place_n more_o northward_o which_o give_v occasion_n to_o sundry_a at_o that_o time_n to_o apprehend_v that_o which_o be_v now_o plain_o profess_v by_o some_o considerable_a member_n of_o the_o committee_n of_o estate_n who_o be_v eager_a in_o condemn_v the_o remonstrance_n that_o if_o they_o have_v not_o be_v put_v upon_o it_o by_o some_o member_n of_o the_o commission_n they_o will_v not_o have_v do_v â—t_a from_o this_o vote_n of_o the_o commission_n a_o considerable_a number_n of_o their_o member_n about_o sixteen_o or_o seventeen_o as_o i_o remember_v do_v dissent_v and_o the_o person_n interest_v in_o the_o remonstrance_n do_v protest_v and_o i_o fear_v not_o to_o say_v that_o this_o peremptory_a precipitant_n and_o needless_a haste_n of_o the_o plurality_n of_o the_o commission_n in_o that_o particular_a be_v a_o great_a occasion_n of_o all_o the_o division_n and_o rent_n that_o follow_v thereafter_o in_o the_o mean_a while_o the_o malignant_n who_o have_v rise_v in_o arm_n be_v agree_v with_o and_o a_o act_n of_o indemnity_n be_v pass_v to_o they_o and_o colonel_n montgomerie_n be_v send_v against_o the_o western_a force_n with_o directions_z to_o force_v they_o if_o they_o will_v not_o willing_o agree_v to_o the_o state_n demand_n and_o it_o be_v no_o great_a wonder_n if_o after_o so_o many_o day_n stay_v at_o sterlin_n and_o perth_n they_o think_v fit_a to_o return_v home_o when_o not_o only_o the_o edge_n of_o the_o censure_n of_o church_n and_o state_n but_o of_o the_o civil_a sword_n which_o be_v just_a now_o employ_v against_o the_o malignant_n that_o rise_v in_o arm_n without_o any_o warrant_n be_v on_o a_o sudden_a turn_v against_o the_o western_a force_n which_o be_v raise_v by_o their_o special_a warrant_n and_o encouragement_n express_v in_o diverse_a act_n and_o frequent_a letter_n vindication_n fourthly_o take_v upon_o they_o to_o determine_v matter_n of_o most_o public_a and_o great_a concernment_n antecedent_n unto_o and_o without_o so_o much_o as_o once_o speak_v or_o wait_v for_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o public_a judicatories_n to_o which_o the_o determination_n of_o such_o matter_n do_v belong_v and_o private_a man_n and_o inferior_a judicatories_n ought_v to_o have_v their_o recourse_n to_o before_o they_o take_v upon_o they_o to_o eâ—it_v any_o determination_n thereanent_a witness_v the_o western_a remonstrance_n determine_v the_o exclusion_n of_o the_o king_n interest_n out_o of_o the_o quarrel_n of_o the_o defensive_a war_n before_o any_o advice_n or_o sentence_n give_v thereupon_o or_o once_o seek_v from_o any_o public_a judicatory_a review_n the_o matter_n of_o most_o public_a and_o great_a concernment_n which_o he_o allege_n they_o take_v upon_o they_o to_o determine_v be_v the_o exclusion_n of_o the_o king_n interest_n out_o of_o the_o quarrel_n of_o the_o defensive_a war_n before_o any_o advice_n or_o sentence_n give_v thereupon_o or_o once_o seek_v from_o any_o public_a judicatory_a but_o they_o do_v not_o determine_v the_o exclusion_n of_o the_o king_n interest_n out_o of_o the_o quarrel_n of_o the_o defensive_a war_n otherwise_o than_o it_o have_v be_v before_o that_o time_n determine_v both_o by_o church_n and_o state_n by_o their_o joint_a declaration_n at_o the_o west_n church_n of_o the_o date_n 13._o of_o aug._n 1650._o which_o at_o the_o time_n of_o the_o contrive_n of_o the_o remonstrance_n be_v stand_v unrepealed_a and_o to_o which_o there_o be_v the_o more_o reason_n then_o to_o adhere_v because_o the_o king_n have_v desert_v the_o public_a counsel_n of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o join_v himself_o to_o the_o malignant_a party_n i_o know_v there_o be_v two_o thing_n here_o allege_v 1._o that_o that_o declaration_n at_o the_o west_n church_n be_v repeal_v by_o the_o king_n subscrive_v the_o declaration_n emit_v by_o he_o at_o dumfermeling_n a_o little_a thereafter_o 2._o that_o the_o remonstrance_n go_v a_o great_a length_n in_o exclude_v the_o king_n interest_n than_o that_o declaration_n at_o the_o west_n chutch_n to_o the_o first_o of_o these_o i_o answer_v that_o the_o king_n emit_v of_o his_o declaration_n do_v not_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o committee_n of_o estate_n and_o commission_n of_o the_o church_n repeal_v the_o other_o and_o therefore_o the_o other_o declaration_n have_v be_v send_v unto_o the_o english_a army_n before_o the_o king_n do_v emit_v his_o declaration_n so_o after_o that_o upon_o the_o emit_v and_o send_v thereof_o to_o the_o general_n of_o the_o english_a force_n he_o do_v make_v a_o return_n import_v their_o sense_n thereupon_o the_o other_o declaration_n at_o the_o west_n kirk_n with_o a_o letter_n be_v send_v back_o intimate_v that_o we_o do_v still_o adhere_v unto_o and_o intend_v to_o fight_v upon_o that_o state_n of_o quarrel_n contain_v therein_o to_o the_o other_o it_o be_v often_o offer_v by_o these_o who_o come_v from_o the_o west_n that_o if_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n in_o the_o remonstrance_n that_o seem_v to_o go_v a_o great_a length_n in_o that_o particular_a than_o the_o declaration_n at_o the_o west_n church_n have_v do_v they_o be_v willing_a to_o explain_v it_o and_o to_o fight_v on_o that_o state_n of_o the_o quarrel_n that_o be_v contain_v in_o that_o declaration_n without_o add_v alter_v or_o diminish_v but_o that_o be_v not_o accept_v of_o and_o order_n be_v give_v a_o little_a thereafter_o to_o colonel_n robert_n mountgomery_n to_o desire_n or_o force_v they_o in_o the_o west_n to_o join_v under_o he_o and_o fight_v for_o the_o king_n interest_n in_o all_o his_o dominion_n as_o afterward_o the_o meeting_n at_o dundee_n do_v ratify_v all_o the_o proceed_n of_o the_o former_a commission_n except_v that_o declaration_n of_o the_o 13._o of_o august_n which_o as_o it_o do_v insinuate_v a_o tacit_a condemn_v thereof_o and_o of_o that_o state_n of_o our_o quarrel_n and_o cause_n upon_o which_o we_o have_v fight_v these_o 13._o year_n past_a so_o do_v it_o insinuate_v a_o new_a state_n of_o quarrel_n in_o order_n to_o the_o king_n interest_n vindication_n five_o emit_v cause_n of_o a_o public_a fast_o and_o send_v they_o abroad_o to_o all_o the_o presbytery_n and_o congregation_n of_o the_o kingdom_n be_v but_o private_a man_n and_o not_o have_v authority_n nor_o be_v a_o public_a judicatory_a witness_v the_o fast_o appoint_v and_o cause_n thereof_o emit_v from_o strivel_a the_o 1._o september_n 1650._o wherein_o take_v these_o thing_n to_o consideration_n 1._o the_o meeting_n that_o emit_v these_o cause_n be_v no_o public_a judicatorie_a but_o some_o member_n of_o the_o presbytery_n of_o the_o army_n and_o some_o of_o the_o commissioner_n 2._o that_o sundry_a godly_a and_o understand_a
man_n in_o that_o meeting_n earnest_o endeavour_v that_o condescend_v upon_o public_a cause_n of_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n manifest_v in_o that_o defate_n at_o dumbar_n as_o cause_n of_o a_o fast_o may_v be_v delay_v until_o the_o week_n next_o follow_v that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o full_a meeting_n of_o the_o commission_n conveen_v together_o to_o go_v about_o that_o purpose_n with_o authority_n and_o more_o deliberation_n but_o be_v bear_v down_o by_o the_o vehemency_n and_o headstrong_a forwardness_n of_o some_o who_o be_v chief_a man_n in_o this_o protestation_n profess_v so_o much_o respect_n to_o the_o establish_a government_n of_o this_o kirk_n 3._o that_o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n of_o haste_n in_o emit_v particular_a cause_n there_o be_v rather_o much_o danger_n in_o do_v it_o upon_o so_o short_a deliberation_n see_v the_o public_a calamity_n and_o know_v public_a sin_n be_v cause_n evident_a enough_o to_o all_o of_o humiliation_n for_o the_o present_a and_o within_o 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and_o desire_v in_o the_o commission_n for_o the_o space_n of_o half_a a_o hour_n at_o least_o by_o mr._n james_n guthrie_n and_o the_o register_n to_o say_v nothing_o of_o this_o that_o which_o the_o commission_n approve_v be_v the_o matter_n of_o these_o cause_n and_o not_o the_o way_n of_o emission_n wherewith_o many_o of_o the_o commission_n show_v themselves_o exceed_o dissatisfied_n as_o a_o practice_n without_o example_n and_o a_o preparative_n tend_v to_o the_o overthrow_n of_o the_o authority_n of_o government_n but_o do_v forbear_v to_o challenge_v it_o at_o that_o time_n for_o peace_n sake_n review_n there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n ado_n here_o for_o little_a or_o nothing_o which_o say_v that_o there_o must_v be_v some_o mystery_n in_o the_o bottom_n before_o i_o come_v to_o discover_v it_o i_o shall_v make_v answer_n to_o the_o particular_n allege_v first_o by_o a_o narration_n of_o the_o history_n as_o it_o be_v in_o matter_n of_o fact_n and_o then_o by_o take_v off_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v challenge_v by_o the_o author_n our_o army_n be_v defeat_n at_o dumbar_n upon_o the_o tuesday_n morning_n and_o some_o of_o the_o scatter_a force_n have_v retire_v towards_o strivel_a in_o the_o end_n of_o that_o week_n a_o considerable_a number_n of_o the_o member_n of_o the_o commission_n and_o presbytery_n with_o the_o army_n do_v meet_v there_o to_o take_v in_o consideration_n what_o be_v fit_a for_o they_o to_o do_v in_o that_o juncture_n of_o time_n &_o affair_n and_o after_o mutual_a debate_n and_o advice_n find_v that_o in_o all_o appearance_n they_o may_v be_v drive_v from_o thence_o and_o scatter_a one_o from_o another_o very_o sudden_o the_o town_n than_o not_o be_v fence_v nor_o any_o furniture_n or_o provision_n in_o it_o nor_o we_o have_v any_o body_n of_o stand_a force_n in_o the_o field_n to_o interpose_v betwixt_o the_o town_n and_o the_o enemy_n and_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n lay_v heavy_a and_o sore_o upon_o the_o army_n and_o upon_o the_o whole_a land_n by_o that_o dreadful_a stroke_n at_o dumbar_n they_o think_v it_o expedient_a that_o there_o be_v one_o or_o two_o want_v to_o make_v a_o quorum_fw-la of_o the_o commission_n and_o these_o of_o the_o commission_n who_o be_v present_a be_v also_o member_n of_o the_o presbytery_n of_o the_o army_n and_o sundry_a other_o minister_n who_o be_v also_o member_n of_o that_o presbytery_n be_v present_a that_o they_o shall_v set_v down_o the_o head_n of_o these_o thing_n for_o which_o as_o they_o conceive_v the_o lord_n have_v smite_v we_o &_o send_v they_o abroad_o to_o the_o presbytery_n throughout_o the_o land_n with_o a_o letter_n write_v from_o the_o presbytery_n of_o the_o army_n not_o injoin_v they_o as_o cause_n of_o a_o humiliation_n to_o be_v keep_v by_o any_o authority_n but_o humble_o represent_v they_o as_o their_o thought_n â—n_o so_o sad_a a_o time_n and_o desire_v their_o brethren_n to_o join_v in_o a_o public_a fast_a and_o humiliation_n thereupon_o what_o usurpation_n or_o contempt_n of_o lawful_a authority_n and_o the_o government_n establish_v in_o this_o church_n be_v here_o as_o to_o the_o thing_n challenge_v by_o the_o author_n they_o do_v not_o assume_v to_o themselves_o any_o authority_n but_o only_o write_v their_o humble_a advice_n as_o their_o letter_n do_v humble_o show_v and_o this_o they_o may_v do_v yea_o it_o be_v expedient_a for_o they_o to_o do_v it_o as_o thing_n than_o stand_v neither_o be_v they_o so_o private_a as_o the_o author_n insinuate_v the_o author_n speak_v a_o little_a diminutive_o of_o they_o when_o he_o call_v they_o some_o member_n of_o the_o commission_n and_o some_o member_n of_o the_o presbytery_n of_o the_o army_n there_o want_v but_o one_o or_o two_o of_o a_o quorum_fw-la of_o the_o commission_n and_o the_o presbytery_n of_o the_o army_n be_v numerous_a and_o well_o convene_v as_o many_o certain_o as_o give_v they_o power_n to_o act_n in_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v fit_a for_o the_o presbytery_n to_o meddle_v with_o these_o sundry_a godly_a and_o understand_a man_n of_o whoâ—_n he_o speak_v who_o be_v for_o a_o delay_n be_v but_o a_o few_o and_o when_o the_o rest_n of_o their_o brethren_n do_v not_o find_v it_o expedient_a they_o do_v not_o eâ—ter_v any_o dissent_n which_o belike_o they_o will_v have_v do_v if_o they_o have_v think_v it_o a_o business_n of_o any_o such_o consequence_n as_o the_o author_n will_v â—ow_o make_v it_o when_o he_o say_v they_o be_v bear_v down_o by_o the_o head_n strong_a forwardness_n of_o some_o profess_v so_o much_o respect_n to_o the_o establish_a government_n of_o this_o church_n he_o do_v but_o show_v himself_o like_o the_o man_n who_o want_v better_a weapon_n do_v throw_v feather_n at_o his_o adversary_n which_o do_v manifest_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o desire_n to_o reach_n blow_v but_o draw_v no_o blood_n all_o the_o protester_n who_o be_v then_o present_a be_v two_o or_o three_o at_o most_o and_o they_o have_v no_o more_o voice_n but_o their_o own_o but_o it_o seem_v that_o in_o some_o man_n judgement_n where_o ever_o any_o protester_n be_v they_o must_v bear_v the_o blame_n of_o all_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v conceive_v to_o be_v do_v amiss_o as_o to_o the_o next_o there_o be_v a_o necessity_n because_o there_o be_v no_o appearance_n that_o they_o will_v get_v leave_n to_o stay_v together_o for_o to_o meet_v with_o any_o conveniency_n for_o a_o long_a time_n thereafter_o let_v be_v that_o the_o commission_n may_v meet_v within_o eight_o day_n as_o the_o author_n assert_n it_o will_v be_v acknowledge_v by_o such_o as_o know_v the_o truth_n that_o if_o the_o english_a have_v at_o any_o time_n within_o eight_o day_n after_o dumbar_n either_o advance_v with_o their_o whole_a army_n or_o send_v any_o considerable_a part_n thereof_o to_o strivel_a they_o have_v in_o all_o appearance_n gain_v that_o place_n and_o so_o make_v a_o easy_a pass_n for_o themselves_o to_o overrun_v the_o whole_a land_n and_o be_v it_o not_o every_o body_n fear_v that_o they_o shall_v so_o have_v do_v at_o that_o time_n yea_o do_v not_o all_o of_o we_o many_o time_n bless_v god_n that_o they_o do_v it_o not_o and_o what_o can_v be_v the_o danger_n of_o emit_v these_o cause_n by_o way_n of_o humble_a desire_n and_o brotherly_a representation_n see_v they_o do_v meddle_v with_o nothing_o but_o that_o which_o be_v palpable_a and_o manifest_a yea_o which_o for_o the_o matter_n have_v be_v condescend_v upon_o by_o the_o commission_n before_o that_o time_n and_o be_v as_o the_o author_n himself_o acknowledge_v such_o as_o the_o commission_n do_v at_o their_o next_o meeting_n approve_v the_o only_a thing_n that_o have_v any_o shadow_n of_o newness_n in_o it_o be_v that_o of_o the_o crooked_a and_o precipitant_a way_n that_o have_v be_v take_v for_o carry_v on_o the_o treaty_n with_o the_o king_n
poor_a weak_a man_n compass_v with_o many_o infirmity_n and_o subject_a to_o the_o like_a passion_n with_o other_o but_o that_o they_o have_v reason_n to_o be_v humble_v in_o a_o special_a way_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o be_v the_o author_n let_v be_v the_o main_a author_n and_o promover_n of_o these_o rent_n and_o division_n be_v a_o groundless_a and_o unjust_a charge_n which_o no_o man_n be_v able_a to_o make_v out_o the_o author_n do_v either_o unknowing_o or_o willing_o mistake_v in_o that_o which_o he_o call_v the_o first_o step_n of_o the_o division_n to_o wit_n the_o divide_v of_o one_o part_n of_o the_o remnant_n of_o the_o army_n from_o the_o army_n by_o these_o brethren_n these_o gentleman_n who_o do_v remove_v from_o sterlin_n immediate_o after_o dunbar_n unto_o the_o west_n do_v go_v thither_o by_o the_o order_n and_o approbation_n of_o the_o committee_n of_o estate_n who_o do_v also_o appoint_v the_o levy_n of_o the_o west_n and_o their_o conductor_n and_o design_v their_o work_n to_o they_o from_o time_n to_o time_n as_o can_v be_v make_v good_a by_o many_o act_n and_o letter_n under_o the_o lord_n chancellor_n and_o clerk_n of_o the_o committee_n hand_n and_o they_o be_v therein_o also_o countenance_v by_o the_o commission_n of_o the_o church_n who_o write_v to_o they_o for_o their_o encouragement_n yea_o it_o be_v the_o counsel_n of_o some_o of_o these_o who_o be_v chief_a in_o the_o assembly_n at_o dundee_n that_o these_o gentleman_n go_v west_n that_o they_o do_v not_o join_v with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o force_n of_o the_o kingdom_n be_v because_o it_o be_v refuse_v to_o state_n the_o war_n as_o it_o be_v former_o state_v by_o the_o declation_n of_o the_o church_n and_o state_n on_o the_o 13._o of_o august_n 1650._o and_o to_o satisfy_v they_o in_o the_o conduct_n of_o the_o army_n by_o appoint_v a_o man_n qualify_v according_a to_o the_o solemn_a engagement_n to_o lead_v the_o force_n what_o he_o say_v of_o the_o remonstrance_n which_o he_o call_v the_o next_o step_n of_o our_o division_n be_v answer_v already_o except_o that_o which_o he_o allege_n that_o it_o do_v in_o the_o close_a thereof_o contain_v a_o bond_n engage_v themselves_o to_o prosecute_v the_o matter_n of_o that_o remonstrance_n according_a to_o their_o power_n which_o have_v be_v often_o clear_v by_o themselves_o that_o it_o do_v contain_v no_o new_a bond_n to_o any_o new_a thing_n but_o a_o declaration_n of_o their_o resolution_n to_o keep_v their_o former_a bond_n and_o engagement_n in_o testimony_n whereof_o they_o be_v willing_a and_o do_v often_o offer_v to_o explain_v their_o meaning_n in_o this_o particular_a for_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o these_o who_o doubt_v thereof_o he_o do_v under_o favour_n make_v a_o very_a lame_a relation_n of_o the_o conference_n at_o pearth_n in_o that_o conference_n these_o gentleman_n and_o minister_n who_o be_v send_v from_o the_o west_n do_v often_o declare_v that_o they_o be_v willing_a to_o fight_v upon_o that_o state_n of_o the_o quarrel_n hold_v forth_o in_o the_o declaration_n of_o the_o 13._o august_n and_o to_o join_v under_o the_o lead_a officer_n of_o the_o force_n of_o the_o kingdom_n provide_v that_o he_o be_v a_o man_n qualify_v according_a to_o the_o solemn_a engagement_n to_o duty_n to_o wit_n of_o a_o blameless_a and_o christian_a conversation_n and_o of_o unquestionable_a integrity_n and_o affection_n to_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n in_o neither_o of_o which_o satisfaction_n be_v offer_v unto_o they_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n though_o they_o have_v refuse_v to_o hearken_v to_o the_o proposition_n which_o the_o author_n speak_v of_o what_o he_o say_v of_o their_o withdraw_a themselves_o from_o the_o commission_n upon_o occasion_n of_o condemn_v the_o remonstrance_n and_o of_o their_o not_o deign_v to_o come_v again_o i_o have_v already_o answer_v somewhat_o unto_o it_o and_o shall_v answer_v more_o hereafter_o for_o clear_v of_o that_o which_o concern_v the_o letter_n write_v to_o the_o commission_n and_o testimony_n give_v against_o the_o commission_n answer_v to_o the_o parliament_n quare_fw-la i_o shall_v first_o set_v down_o some_o thing_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n then_o answer_v short_o to_o what_o the_o author_n say_v after_o that_o the_o party_n of_o malignant_a and_o disaffect_v man_n in_o the_o land_n who_o by_o subtlety_n and_o fair_a pretence_n have_v get_v the_o power_n of_o the_o judicatories_n and_o of_o the_o army_n in_o their_o hand_n anno_fw-la 1648._o be_v defeat_n at_o preston_n the_o kingdom_n and_o kirk_n of_o scotland_n take_v in_o consideration_n how_o often_o they_o have_v be_v deceive_v by_o that_o party_n and_o how_o much_o they_o have_v sin_v against_o god_n and_o smart_v under_o his_o hand_n by_o entrust_v of_o they_o and_o comply_v with_o they_o do_v in_o a_o solemn_a public_a way_n confess_v this_o sin_n and_o do_v solemn_o before_o the_o lord_n engage_v themselves_o to_o do_v no_o more_o so_o but_o to_o be_v careful_a to_o purge_v out_o all_o scandalous_a and_o malignant_a man_n out_o of_o the_o judicatories_n and_o army_n and_o to_o endeavour_v that_o such_o as_o be_v entrust_v therein_o shall_v be_v of_o a_o blameless_a and_o christian_a conversation_n and_o of_o constant_a integrity_n and_o affection_n to_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n in_o order_n to_o this_o solemn_a confession_n and_o engagement_n do_v many_o supplication_n warning_n remonstrance_n and_o declaration_n issue_v from_o the_o commission_n of_o the_o church_n and_o several_a law_n and_o act_n from_o the_o parliament_n and_o commitree_n of_o estate_n for_o purge_v and_o keep_v pure_a the_o judicatories_n &_o the_o army_n according_a to_o which_o many_o endeavour_n be_v use_v for_o put_v the_o same_o in_o execution_n which_o for_o some_o time_n go_v on_o with_o some_o measure_n of_o success_n and_o blessing_n but_o that_o so_o good_a and_o necessary_a a_o work_n do_v very_o soon_o begin_v to_o be_v retard_v and_o oppose_v first_o close_o and_o in_o a_o undermine_a way_n by_o some_o who_o do_v again_o begin_v to_o own_o malignant_a interest_n and_o afterward_o more_o open_o and_o avowed_o yet_o be_v the_o sinfulness_n of_o comply_v with_o and_o employ_v that_o party_n so_o much_o abhor_v and_o fear_v by_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n that_o not_o only_o do_v the_o commission_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n of_o the_o year_n 1649._o and_o the_o general_n assembly_n itself_o 1650._o in_o the_o very_a time_n when_o the_o land_n be_v invade_v by_o the_o english_a declare_v the_o employ_v and_o entrust_v of_o such_o to_o be_v unlawful_a even_o in_o the_o case_n of_o scarcity_n of_o man_n for_o the_o land_n defence_n but_o also_o the_o commission_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n of_o the_o year_n 1650._o do_v after_o the_o defeat_n at_o dunbar_n once_o and_o again_o give_v public_a warning_n to_o all_o the_o land_n to_o beware_v of_o compliance_n with_o that_o party_n and_o to_o take_v heed_n that_o under_o a_o pretence_n of_o do_v for_o the_o cause_n and_o for_o the_o kingdom_n they_o get_v not_o power_n and_o strength_n in_o their_o hand_n for_o advance_v and_o promote_a their_o old_a malignant_a design_n yea_o the_o question_n be_v direct_o propound_v by_o the_o king_n to_o the_o commission_n concern_v the_o employ_v of_o these_o man_n it_o be_v answer_v negative_o in_o a_o letter_n write_v to_o he_o for_o that_o effect_n yet_o after_o all_o this_o the_o commission_n do_v at_o a_o occasional_a meeting_n give_v that_o answer_n to_o the_o parliament_n quaere_fw-la by_o which_o a_o door_n be_v open_v to_o the_o speedy_a take_n in_o and_o employ_v of_o all_o that_o party_n first_o into_o the_o army_n and_o then_o into_o the_o judicatories_n concern_v which_o occasional_a meeting_n i_o desire_v to_o be_v observe_v that_o notwithstanding_o of_o all_o that_o be_v former_o say_v and_o that_o it_o be_v know_v that_o many_o member_n of_o the_o commission_n and_o many_o godly_a minister_n and_o professor_n throughout_o the_o land_n be_v in_o their_o judgement_n opposite_a to_o the_o employ_v and_o entrust_v of_o these_o man_n and_o that_o the_o resolve_v to_o employ_v they_o before_o satisfaction_n give_v to_o man_n conscience_n in_o the_o point_n can_v not_o but_o be_v matter_n of_o great_a stumble_n and_o offence_n and_o that_o a_o little_a before_o that_o time_n there_o have_v be_v one_o or_o two_o solemn_a meeting_n of_o the_o commission_n and_o that_o there_o be_v a_o set_a meeting_n of_o the_o commission_n to_o be_v within_o a_o week_n or_o two_o thereafter_o yet_o be_v there_o no_o mention_n of_o that_o business_n in_o these_o solemn_a frequent_a meeting_n and_o the_o other_o set_v meeting_n be_v prevent_v by_o that_o occasional_a meeting_n call_v by_o the_o moderator_n letter_n upon_o the_o desire_n of_o the_o parliament_n the_o lead_a man_n whereof_o at_o that_o time_n
mean_v of_o but_o i_o do_v well_o know_v that_o the_o man_n of_o that_o meeting_n who_o be_v most_o slander_v as_o the_o plotter_n and_o contriver_n of_o such_o thing_n have_v neither_o head_n nor_o hand_n nor_o heart_n in_o that_o paper_n and_o if_o i_o right_o remember_v i_o hear_v it_o assert_v by_o the_o author_n of_o it_o there_o be_v no_o other_o head_n nor_o pen_n in_o it_o but_o his_o own_o these_o who_o know_v he_o well_o may_v think_v that_o he_o have_v that_o much_o ability_n as_o to_o reach_v the_o stile_n contrivance_n and_o conception_n in_o these_o article_n and_o therefore_o while_o the_o author_n speak_v these_o thing_n by_o the_o way_n he_o have_v go_v a_o little_a out_o of_o the_o way_n that_o which_o he_o will_v have_v chief_o observe_v in_o this_o passage_n be_v to_o what_o purpose_n in_o this_o place_n be_v bring_v in_o these_o unfaithful_a man_n the_o prelate_n who_o mind_v thâ—iâ—_n own_o thing_n etc._n etc._n and_o such_o a_o inference_n make_v thereupon_o as_o tend_v to_o bear_v all_o in_o hand_n that_o shall_v happen_v to_o read_v the_o protestation_n that_o the_o brethren_n that_o have_v be_v late_o and_o be_v opposite_a â—o_o the_o protester_n have_v be_v and_o be_v tread_v the_o step_n of_o these_o unfaithful_a man_n the_o prelate_n and_o heir_n mention_v practice_n and_o shrewd_a suggestion_n as_o he_o call_v they_o on_o which_o he_o wax_v hot_a in_o the_o vindication_n of_o his_o brethren_n and_o in_o recrimination_n upon_o other_o but_o i_o desire_v he_o and_o other_o who_o read_v these_o thing_n in_o soberness_n of_o mâ—nde_n to_o consider_v first_o that_o the_o estimation_n which_o the_o protester_n have_v of_o the_o ability_n and_o godliness_n of_o sundry_a of_o the_o brethren_n who_o have_v be_v and_o be_v opposite_a to_o they_o in_o the_o public_a resolution_n be_v above_o exception_n and_o manifest_a i_o hope_v to_o the_o conscience_n of_o these_o brethren_n themselves_o 2._o that_o this_o need_v not_o nor_o ought_v not_o to_o hinder_v they_o to_o give_v their_o judgement_n of_o their_o way_n in_o order_n to_o the_o public_a resolution_n if_o so_o be_v it_o be_v do_v without_o personal_a reflection_n so_o far_o as_o be_v possible_a 3._o that_o as_o the_o author_n have_v distinguish_v before_o there_o be_v a_o difference_n between_o man_n intention_n and_o their_o work_n man_n may_v be_v tread_v the_o step_n of_o defection_n as_o these_o unfaithful_a man_n the_o prelate_n do_v who_o yet_o do_v it_o not_o with_o a_o unfaithful_a and_o prelatical_a mind_n even_o as_o in_o these_o same_o very_a time_n of_o the_o course_n of_o defection_n that_o be_v carry_v on_o by_o the_o prelate_n there_o be_v sundry_a able_a and_o godly_a man_n engage_v therein_o without_o who_o help_n it_o can_v not_o have_v be_v so_o easy_o nor_o unobserved_o to_o many_o carry_v on_o by_o the_o multitude_n of_o carnal_a and_o corrupt_a man_n who_o will_v have_v be_v but_o a_o small_a credit_n without_o these_o other_o 4._o that_o if_o the_o protester_n have_v have_v to_o do_v with_o these_o only_a who_o faithfulness_n integrity_n honesty_n and_o constancy_n in_o the_o truth_n have_v be_v so_o well_o know_v and_o seal_v by_o god_n they_o have_v haply_o express_v themselves_o some_o other_o way_n but_o they_o have_v to_o do_v in_o this_o particular_a with_o all_o those_o who_o own_v the_o public_a resolution_n and_o among_o these_o be_v many_o yea_o not_o a_o few_o active_a lead_a man_n member_n of_o or_o assist_v unto_o the_o commission_n in_o these_o thing_n and_o in_o the_o meeting_n at_o dundee_n who_o be_v deep_o engage_v in_o the_o prelatical_a way_n as_o not_o only_o their_o subscription_n in_o the_o bishop_n black_a book_n which_o be_v yet_o extant_a and_o can_v be_v produce_v if_o need_n be_v but_o also_o the_o tenor_n of_o their_o carriage_n for_o a_o long_a time_n do_v witness_n and_o i_o fear_v it_o of_o not_o a_o few_o that_o though_o they_o seem_v to_o forsake_v these_o thing_n with_o the_o change_n of_o the_o time_n yet_o have_v they_o not_o repent_v thereof_o unto_o this_o day_n not_o that_o i_o will_v fetch_v all_o those_o who_o name_n be_v in_o that_o black_a book_n and_o other_o the_o like_a book_n and_o who_o be_v involve_v in_o these_o course_n under_o that_o compass_n i_o know_v that_o sundry_a of_o they_o have_v from_o their_o very_a heart_n repent_v of_o and_o do_v from_o their_o soul_n abhor_v that_o way_n i_o mean_v even_o of_o these_o who_o be_v for_o the_o public_a resolution_n but_o this_o church_n have_v be_v so_o sensible_a that_o there_o be_v cause_n to_o think_v otherwise_o that_o she_o have_v several_a time_n give_v warning_n thereof_o in_o her_o public_a paper_n and_o who_o know_v not_o that_o throughout_o all_o the_o land_n these_o who_o have_v be_v most_o indifferent_a and_o lukewarm_a in_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n great_a underminer_n of_o it_o most_o prelatical_a in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o bishop_n most_o malignant_a in_o james_n graham_n time_n and_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o unlawful_a engagement_n and_o most_o design_v and_o active_a to_o carry_v on_o the_o treaty_n with_o the_o king_n in_o a_o wrong_a way_n and_o without_o security_n to_o religion_n yea_o and_o such_o as_o be_v scandalous_a in_o their_o life_n and_o conversation_n be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n among_o the_o most_o zealous_a and_o violent_a for_o the_o public_a resolution_n and_o be_v so_o still_o now_o the_o course_n itself_o be_v evil_a and_o envolving_a a_o foundation_n of_o defection_n own_a and_o countenance_v and_o zealous_o promote_v by_o all_o the_o lukewarm_a prelatical_a and_o malignant_a scandalous_a man_n in_o the_o land_n be_v there_o not_o doolfull_a experience_n of_o such_o backslide_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o prelate_n to_o be_v stir_v up_o in_o ourselves_o and_o to_o protest_v and_o testify_v to_o other_o against_o thing_n though_o sundry_a godly_a man_n be_v engage_v therein_o nay_o the_o more_o need_n there_o be_v to_o speak_v plain_o lest_o their_o ability_n and_o godliness_n shall_v be_v a_o snare_n to_o any_o 5._o whatever_o the_o author_n be_v please_v to_o allege_v the_o protester_n do_v not_o despise_v any_o of_o those_o who_o have_v be_v honour_v of_o god_n to_o stand_v constant_a against_o prelate_n usurpation_n and_o for_o the_o liberty_n of_o assembly_n they_o acknowledge_v that_o they_o owe_v much_o to_o such_o and_o though_o they_o can_v but_o testify_v against_o the_o ill_a of_o the_o public_a resolution_n yet_o they_o do_v retain_v a_o honourable_a impression_n of_o these_o person_n and_o of_o what_o be_v good_a in_o they_o 6._o if_o it_o be_v fit_a to_o compare_v sundry_a of_o the_o protester_n be_v in_o nothing_o yea_o in_o none_o of_o these_o thing_n which_o the_o author_n mention_v as_o praise_v worthy_a behind_o with_o the_o very_a chief_a of_o these_o who_o have_v appear_v for_o the_o public_a resolution_n but_o both_o of_o they_o be_v by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n that_o that_o they_o be_v 7._o that_o none_o of_o the_o protesteer_n for_o any_o thing_n that_o i_o know_v do_v take_v unwarrantable_a order_n from_o the_o prelate_n and_o do_v more_o to_o accept_v one_o who_o have_v often_o in_o private_a and_o in_o public_a acknowledge_v and_o be_v still_o ready_a to_o acknowledge_v the_o sin_n of_o that_o way_n in_o which_o he_o be_v breed_v up_o from_o his_o youth_n and_o therefore_o do_v it_o ignorant_o through_o unbelief_n who_o because_o of_o the_o exceed_a riches_n of_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n in_o recover_v he_o out_o of_o that_o snare_n hold_v himself_o the_o more_o bind_v to_o be_v vigilant_a and_o zealous_a against_o all_o desertion_n for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v this_o man_n have_v forbid_v i_o to_o say_v any_o more_o to_o the_o author_n in_o answer_n to_o these_o thing_n but_o these_o word_n dignus_fw-la ego_fw-la qui_fw-la patior_fw-la indignus_fw-la tu_fw-la qui_fw-la faceres_fw-la tamen_fw-la and_o to_o leave_v the_o explication_n to_o his_o own_o conscience_n 8._o it_o have_v be_v fair_a deal_n in_o the_o author_n to_o have_v discover_v or_o name_v the_o prelatical_a step_n that_o some_o of_o the_o protester_n have_v tread_v these_o year_n past_a and_o not_o thus_o to_o have_v assert_v without_o any_o proof_n or_o instance_n which_o he_o think_v a_o fault_n in_o matter_n of_o less_o moment_n the_o step_n that_o these_o man_n have_v tread_v these_o year_n pass_v in_o their_o public_a act_n for_o of_o these_o i_o take_v the_o author_n to_o mean_v be_v for_o the_o matter_n the_o same_o that_o be_v tread_v by_o himself_o and_o by_o sundry_a lead_v man_n in_o the_o public_a resolution_n who_o be_v also_o lead_v man_n in_o all_o these_o step_n from_o the_o high_a to_o the_o low_a and_o i_o do_v not_o think_v though_o not_o a_o few_o be_v he_o be_v come_v that_o
madness_n and_o folly_n upon_o our_o part_n so_o no_o doubt_n if_o it_o be_v not_o avoid_v will_v provoke_v the_o lord_n against_o we_o to_o consume_v we_o until_o there_o be_v no_o remnant_n nor_o escape_v in_o the_o land_n and_o albeit_o the_o peace_n and_o union_n betwixt_o the_o kingdom_n be_v a_o great_a blessing_n of_o god_n unto_o both_o and_o a_o bond_n which_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o preserve_v unviolated_a and_o to_o endeavour_v that_o justice_n may_v be_v do_v upon_o the_o opposer_n thereof_o yet_o some_o in_o this_o land_n who_o have_v come_v under_o the_o bond_n of_o the_o covenant_n have_v make_v it_o their_o great_a study_n how_o to_o dissolve_v this_o union_n and_o few_o oâ—_n no_o endeavour_n have_v be_v use_v by_o any_o of_o we_o for_o punish_v of_o such_o we_o have_v suffer_v many_o of_o our_o brethren_n in_o several_a part_n of_o the_o land_n to_o be_v oppress_v of_o the_o common_a enemy_n without_o compassion_n or_o relief_n there_o have_v be_v great_a murmur_a and_o repine_v because_o of_o expense_n of_o mean_n and_o pain_n in_o do_v of_o our_o duty_n many_o by_o persuasion_n or_o terror_n have_v suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v divide_v and_o withdraw_v to_o make_v defection_n to_o the_o contrary_a part_n many_o have_v turn_v off_o to_o a_o detestable_a indifferency_n and_o neutrality_n in_o this_o cause_n which_o so_o much_o concern_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o good_a of_o these_o kingdom_n nay_o many_o have_v make_v it_o their_o study_n to_o walk_v so_o as_o they_o may_v comply_v with_o all_o time_n and_o all_o the_o revolution_n thereof_o it_o have_v not_o be_v our_o care_n to_o countenance_n encourage_v intrust_v and_o employ_v such_o only_a as_o from_o their_o heart_n do_v affect_v and_o mind_n god_n work_n but_o the_o heart_n of_o such_o many_o time_n have_v be_v discourage_v and_o their_o hand_n weaken_v their_o suffering_n neglect_v and_o themselves_o slight_v and_o many_o who_o be_v once_o open_a enemy_n and_o always_o secret_a underminer_n countenance_v and_o employ_v nay_o even_o those_o who_o have_v be_v look_v upon_o as_o incendiary_n and_o upon_o who_o the_o lord_n have_v set_v mark_n of_o desperate_a malignancy_n falsehood_n and_o deceit_n be_v bring_v in_o as_o fit_a to_o manage_v public_a affair_n many_o have_v be_v the_o let_n and_o impediment_n that_o have_v be_v cast_v in_o the_o way_n to_o retard_v and_o obstruct_v the_o lord_n work_v and_o some_o have_v keep_v secret_a what_o of_o themselves_o they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o suppress_v and_o overcome_v beside_o these_o and_o many_o other_o breach_n of_o the_o article_n of_o the_o covenant_n in_o the_o matter_n thereof_o which_o concern_v every_o one_o of_o we_o to_o search_v out_o and_o acknowledge_v before_o the_o lord_n as_o we_o will_v wish_v his_o wrath_n to_o be_v turn_v away_o from_o we_o so_o have_v many_o of_o we_o fail_v exceed_o in_o the_o manner_n of_o our_o follow_v and_o pursue_v the_o duty_n contain_v therein_o not_o only_o seek_v great_a thing_n for_o ourselves_o and_o mix_v of_o private_a interest_n and_o end_n concern_v ourselves_o friend_n and_o follower_n with_o those_o thing_n which_o concern_v the_o public_a good_a but_o many_o time_n prefer_v such_o to_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o good_a of_o his_o cause_n and_o retard_v god_n work_n until_o we_o may_v carry_v along_o with_o we_o our_o own_o interest_n and_o design_n it_o have_v be_v our_o way_n to_o trust_v in_o the_o mean_n and_o to_o rely_v upon_o the_o arm_n of_o flesh_n for_o success_n albeit_o the_o lord_n have_v many_o time_n make_v we_o meet_v with_o disappointment_n therein_o and_o stain_v the_o pride_n of_o all_o our_o glory_n by_o blast_v every_o carnal_a confidence_n unto_o we_o we_o have_v follow_v for_o the_o most_o part_n the_o counsel_n of_o flesh_n and_o blood_n and_o walk_v more_o by_o the_o rule_n of_o policy_n than_o piety_n and_o have_v hearken_v more_o unto_o man_n then_o unto_o god_n albeit_o we_o make_v solemn_a public_a profession_n before_o the_o world_n of_o our_o unfeigned_a desire_n to_o be_v humble_v before_o the_o lord_n for_o our_o own_o sin_n and_o the_o sin_n of_o these_o kingdom_n especial_o for_o our_o under_o value_v of_o the_o inestimable_a benefit_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o that_o we_o have_v not_o labour_v for_o the_o power_n thereof_o and_o receive_v christ_n into_o our_o heart_n and_o walk_v worthy_a of_o he_o in_o our_o life_n and_o of_o our_o true_a and_o unfeigned_a purpose_n desire_v and_o endeavour_v for_o ourselves_o and_o all_o other_o under_o our_o power_n and_o charge_n both_o in_o public_a and_o private_a in_o all_o duty_n which_o we_o owe_v to_o god_n and_o man_n to_o amend_v our_o life_n and_o each_o one_o to_o go_v before_o another_o in_o the_o example_n of_o a_o real_a reformation_n that_o the_o lord_n may_v turn_v away_o his_o wrath_n and_o heavy_a indignation_n and_o establish_v these_o kirk_n and_o kingdom_n in_o truth_n and_o peace_n yet_o we_o have_v refuse_v to_o be_v reform_v and_o have_v walk_v proud_o and_o obstinate_o against_o the_o lord_n not_o value_v his_o gospel_n nor_o submit_v ourselves_o unto_o the_o obedience_n thereof_o nor_o seek_v after_o christ_n nor_o study_v to_o honour_v he_o in_o the_o excellency_n of_o his_o person_n nor_o employ_v he_o in_o the_o virtue_n of_o his_o office_n not_o make_v conscience_n of_o public_a ordinance_n nor_o private_a nor_o secret_a duty_n nor_o study_v to_o edify_v one_o another_o in_o love_n the_o ignorance_n of_o god_n and_o of_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n prevail_v exceed_o in_o the_o land_n the_o great_a part_n of_o master_n of_o family_n among_o nobleman_n baron_n gentleman_n burgess_n and_o commons_o neglect_v to_o seek_v god_n in_o their_o family_n and_o to_o endeavour_v the_o reformation_n thereof_o and_o albeit_o it_o have_v be_v much_o press_v yet_o few_o of_o our_o noble_n and_o great_a one_o ever_o to_o this_o day_n can_v be_v persuade_v to_o perform_v family_n duty_n themselves_o and_o in_o their_o own_o person_n which_o make_v so_o necessary_a and_o useful_a a_o duty_n to_o be_v misâ—regarded_a by_o other_o of_o inferior_a rank_n nay_o many_o of_o the_o nobiiity_n gentry_n and_o burrows_n who_o shall_v have_v be_v example_n of_o godliness_n and_o sober_a walk_v unto_o other_o have_v be_v ringleader_n of_o excess_n and_o riot_v albeit_o we_o be_v the_o lord_n people_n engage_v to_o he_o in_o a_o solemn_a way_n yet_o to_o this_o day_n we_o have_v not_o make_v it_o our_o study_n that_o judicatories_n and_o army_n shall_v consist_v of_o and_o place_n of_o power_n and_o trust_v be_v fill_v with_o man_n of_o a_o blameless_a and_o christian_a conversation_n and_o of_o know_a integrity_n and_o approven_v fidelity_n affection_n and_o zeal_n unto_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n but_o not_o only_o those_o who_o have_v be_v neutral_a and_o indifferent_a but_o dis-affected_n and_o malignant_a and_o other_o who_o have_v be_v profane_a and_o scandalous_a have_v be_v entrust_v by_o which_o it_o have_v come_v to_o pass_v that_o judicatories_n have_v be_v the_o seat_n of_o injustice_n and_o iniquity_n and_o many_o in_o our_o army_n by_o their_o mis-carriage_n have_v become_v our_o plague_n unto_o the_o great_a prejudice_n of_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n the_o great_a scandal_n of_o the_o gospel_n &_o the_o great_a increase_n of_o looseness_n &_o profanity_n throughout_o all_o the_o land_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o reckon_v up_o all_o the_o abomination_n that_o be_v in_o the_o land_n but_o the_o blaspheme_n of_o the_o name_n of_o god_n swear_v by_o the_o creature_n profanation_n of_o the_o lord_n day_n uncleanness_n drunkenness_n excess_n &_o riot_v vanity_n of_o apparel_n lie_v &_o deceit_n rail_v &_o curse_v arbitary_a &_o uncontrolled_a oppression_n &_o grind_v of_o the_o face_n of_o the_o poor_a by_o landlord_n &_o other_o in_o place_n and_o power_n be_v become_v ordinary_a &_o common_a sin_n and_o beside_o all_o these_o thing_n there_o be_v many_o other_o transgression_n whereof_o the_o land_n wherein_o we_o live_v be_v guilty_a all_o which_o we_o desire_v to_o acknowledge_v and_o to_o be_v humble_v for_o that_o the_o world_n may_v bear_v witness_n with_o we_o that_o rightousnes_n belong_v unto_o god_n and_o shame_n &_o confusion_n of_o face_n unto_o we_o as_o appear_v this_o day_n and_o because_o it_o be_v needful_a for_o these_o who_o find_v mercy_n not_o only_o to_o confess_v but_o also_o to_o forsake_v their_o sin_n therefore_o that_o the_o reality_n and_o sincerity_n of_o our_o repentance_n may_v appear_v we_o do_v resolve_v and_o solemn_o engage_v ourselves_o before_o the_o lord_n careful_o to_o avoid_v for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v all_o these_o offence_n whereof_o we_o have_v now_o make_v solemn_a public_a acknowledgement_n and_o all_o the_o snare_n and_o tentation_n which_o tend_v thereunto_o
election_n or_o commissioner_n be_v questionable_a to_o who_o we_o desire_v it_o earnest_o to_o be_v recomend_v that_o they_o will_v in_o a_o unanimous_a way_n make_v choice_n of_o man_n of_o approven_v ability_n and_o integrity_n and_o against_o who_o there_o can_v be_v no_o exception_n by_o the_o act_n and_o constitution_n of_o this_o church_n and_o in_o the_o last_o place_n we_o do_v humble_o represent_v and_o desire_v that_o in_o the_o interval_n of_o time_n betwixt_o this_o and_o the_o diet_n to_o which_o the_o assembly_n shall_v be_v adjourn_v there_o may_v be_v a_o solemn_a public_a humiliation_n throughout_o the_o land_n wherein_o god_n may_v be_v entreat_v to_o show_v we_o why_o he_o contend_v with_o we_o and_o to_o give_v light_n and_o clear_n on_o all_o hand_n concern_v the_o present_a difference_n of_o judgement_n and_o distemper_n of_o spirit_n that_o be_v among_o we_o that_o we_o may_v be_v of_o one_o mind_n and_o one_o heart_n for_o the_o carry_v on_o of_o the_o work_n of_o god_n among_o his_o people_n and_o your_o wisdom_n answer_v subscribe_v by_o sundry_a minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n st._n andrews_n july_n 18._o 1651._o how_o gracious_a the_o lord_n have_v be_v to_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n in_o give_v to_o her_o pure_a ordinance_n we_o trust_v shall_v be_v acknowledge_v by_o we_o while_o we_o live_v with_o thankfulness_n to_o the_o most_o high_a of_o who_o we_o desire_v mercy_n and_o grace_n to_o adhere_v unto_o the_o doctrine_n worship_n discipline_n and_o government_n establish_v in_o this_o land_n among_o the_o many_o sad_a token_n of_o the_o lord_n indignation_n against_o this_o church_n the_o present_a difference_n of_o his_o servant_n of_o the_o ministry_n be_v look_v upon_o by_o we_o as_o one_o of_o the_o great_a and_o as_o we_o hold_v it_o a_o duty_n to_o be_v deep_o humble_v before_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o sense_n thereof_o and_o by_o all_o lawful_a and_o fair_a mean_n within_o the_o compass_n of_o our_o power_n and_o station_n to_o endeavour_v the_o remedy_n thereof_o so_o we_o do_v ackdowledge_v a_o free_a general_n assembly_n lawful_o call_v and_o right_o constitute_v and_o proceed_v with_o meekness_n and_o love_n in_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n and_o the_o act_n and_o constitution_n of_o this_o church_n to_o be_v among_o the_o first_o and_o most_o effectual_a mean_n appoint_v of_o god_n for_o attain_v this_o end_n and_o for_o preserve_v the_o purity_n and_o advance_v the_o power_n of_o the_o work_n of_o reformation_n in_o this_o age_n and_o transmit_v the_o same_o to_o our_o posterity_n and_o to_o the_o age_n and_o generation_n that_o be_v to_o come_v but_o as_o the_o faithful_a servant_n of_o god_n in_o this_o church_n in_o former_a time_n do_v by_o his_o good_a hand_n upon_o they_o in_o the_o right_a administration_n of_o free_a and_o lawful_a assembly_n bring_v the_o work_n of_o reformation_n in_o scotland_n unto_o a_o great_a perfection_n and_o near_a conformity_n with_o the_o first_o pattern_n so_o unfaithful_a man_n mind_v their_o own_o thing_n more_o than_o the_o thing_n of_o christ_n and_o usurp_a over_o their_o brethren_n and_o over_o the_o lord_n inheritance_n do_v deface_v the_o beauty_n thereof_o first_o by_o encroach_a upon_o the_o liberty_n and_o freedom_n of_o assembly_n afterward_o by_o take_v away_o the_o assembly_n themselves_o therefore_o remember_v the_o many_o bond_n and_o obligation_n that_o lie_v upon_o we_o before_o the_o lord_n and_o be_v desirous_a to_o be_v find_v faithful_a in_o this_o day_n of_o temptation_n and_o to_o exoner_n our_o conscience_n as_o in_o his_o sight_n and_o to_o avoid_v accession_n to_o that_o guiltiness_n in_o which_o many_o have_v involve_v themselves_o and_o conceive_v that_o this_o present_a meeting_n be_v not_o a_o free_a lawful_a gen._n assembly_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n in_o regard_n that_o the_o election_n of_o commissioner_n to_o the_o same_o have_v be_v prelimited_n and_o prejudice_v in_o the_o due_a liberty_n and_o freedom_n thereof_o by_o a_o letter_n and_o act_n of_o the_o commissioner_n of_o the_o last_o gen_n assembly_n send_v to_o presbytery_n appoint_v such_o brethren_n as_o after_o conference_n remain_v unsatisfied_a with_o and_o continue_v to_o oppose_v the_o public_a resolution_n to_o be_v cite_v to_o the_o general_n assembly_n and_o in_o regard_n that_o commissioner_n from_o many_o burrough_n and_o presbytry_n be_v absent_a as_o want_v free_a access_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o motion_n of_o the_o and_o in_o regard_n that_o many_o of_o the_o commissioner_n of_o the_o former_a assembly_n who_o have_v carry_v on_o a_o course_n of_o defection_n contrary_a to_o the_o trust_v commit_v to_o they_o and_o who_o in_o their_o remonstrance_n and_o paper_n have_v stir_v up_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n against_o such_o who_o be_v unsatisfied_a in_o their_o conscience_n with_o their_o proceed_n and_o who_o have_v by_o their_o letter_n and_o act_n prelimited_a the_o assembly_n be_v admit_v to_o sit_v and_o vote_n as_o member_n of_o the_o assembly_n and_o their_o moderator_n appoint_v to_o be_v moderator_n of_o the_o assembly_n notwithstanding_o that_o timous_a exception_n be_v make_v against_o they_o that_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v admit_v as_o member_n of_o the_o assembly_n until_o their_o proceed_n be_v first_o try_v and_o approven_v by_o the_o assembly_n and_o in_o regard_n that_o his_o majesty_n by_o his_o letter_n and_o his_o majesty_n commissioner_n by_o his_o speech_n to_o the_o assembly_n have_v incite_v to_o hard_a course_n against_o those_o who_o be_v unsatisfied_a in_o their_o conscience_n with_o the_o proceed_n of_o the_o commission_n before_o these_o proceed_n be_v try_v and_o approven_v by_o the_o assembly_n itself_o we_o do_v upon_o these_o and_o many_o other_o important_a ground_n and_o reason_n to_o be_v propound_v and_o give_v in_o in_o time_n and_o place_n convenient_a protest_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n and_o in_o our_o own_o name_n and_o in_o the_o name_n of_o all_o minister_n ruling-elders_a and_o professor_n of_o this_o church_n who_o do_v or_o shall_v adhere_v to_o we_o against_o the_o validity_n and_o constitution_n of_o this_o assembly_n as_o not_o be_v free_a and_o lawful_a and_o that_o they_o may_v not_o arrogat_fw-la nor_o assume_v to_o themselves_o any_o authority_n nor_o exercise_v any_o power_n or_o jurisdiction_n for_o determine_v of_o controversy_n make_v of_o act_n emit_v of_o declaration_n judge_v of_o protestation_n or_o appeal_n or_o proceed_n of_o synod_n or_o inferior_a judicature_n or_o censure_v of_o person_n or_o paper_n or_o issue_v of_o commission_n of_o whatsoever_o sort_n to_o any_o person_n whatsoever_o and_o particular_o we_o protest_v that_o they_o may_v not_o proceed_v unto_o the_o approve_v or_o ratify_v of_o the_o proceed_n of_o the_o former_a commission_n not_o only_o because_o of_o their_o want_n of_o 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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 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he_o by_o break_v the_o oath_n and_o covenant_n which_o we_o have_v make_v with_o he_o and_o that_o we_o may_v be_v humble_v before_o he_o by_o confess_v our_o sin_n and_o forsake_v the_o evil_a of_o our_o way_n therefore_o be_v press_v with_o so_o great_a necessity_n and_o strait_n and_o warrant_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o have_v the_o example_n of_o god_n people_n of_o old_a who_o in_o the_o time_n of_o their_o troubl_n and_o when_o they_o be_v to_o seek_v delivery_n and_o a_o right_a way_n for_o themselves_o that_o the_o lord_n may_v be_v with_o they_o to_o prosper_v they_o do_v humble_v themselves_o before_o he_o and_o make_v a_o free_a and_o particular_a confession_n of_o the_o sin_n of_o their_o prince_n their_o ruler_n their_o captain_n their_o priest_n and_o their_o people_n and_o do_v engage_v themselves_o to_o do_v no_o more_o so_o but_o to_o reform_v their_o way_n and_o be_v steadfast_a in_o his_o covenant_n and_o remember_v the_o practice_n of_o our_o predecessor_n 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ourselves_o have_v labour_v to_o put_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o our_o king_n a_o arbitrary_a and_o unlimited_a power_n destructive_a to_o both_o and_o many_o of_o we_o have_v be_v accessary_a of_o late_a to_o those_o mean_n and_o way_n whereby_o the_o freedom_n and_o privilege_n of_o parliament_n have_v be_v encroach_v upon_o and_o the_o subject_n oppress_v in_o their_o conscience_n person_n and_o estate_n neither_o have_v it_o be_v our_o care_n to_o avoid_v these_o thing_n which_o may_v harden_v the_o king_n in_o his_o evil_a way_n but_o upon_o the_o contrary_a he_o have_v not_o only_o be_v permit_v but_o many_o of_o we_o have_v be_v instrumental_a to_o make_v he_o exercise_v his_o power_n in_o many_o thing_n tend_v to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o religion_n and_o of_o the_o covenant_n and_o of_o the_o peace_n and_o safety_n of_o these_o kingdom_n which_o be_v so_o far_o from_o the_o right_a way_n of_o preserve_v his_o majesty_n person_n and_o authority_n that_o it_o can_v but_o provoke_v the_o lord_n against_o he_o unto_o the_o hazard_n of_o both_o nay_o under_o a_o pretence_n of_o relieve_v and_o do_v for_o the_o king_n whilst_o he_o refuse_v to_o do_v what_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o house_n of_o god_n some_o have_v ranverse_v and_o violate_v most_o of_o all_o the_o article_n of_o the_o covenant_n our_o own_o conscience_n within_o and_o god_n judgement_n upon_o we_o without_o do_v convince_v we_o of_o the_o manifold_a wilful_a renew_a breach_n of_o that_o article_n which_o concern_v the_o discovery_n and_o punishment_n of_o malignant_n who_o crime_n have_v not_o only_o be_v connive_v at_o but_o dispense_v with_o and_o pardon_v and_o themselves_o receive_v unto_o intimate_a fellowship_n with_o ourselves_o and_o entrust_v with_o our_o counsel_n admit_v unto_o our_o parliament_n and_o put_v in_o place_n of_o power_n and_o authority_n for_o manage_v the_o public_a affair_n of_o the_o kingdom_n whereby_o in_o god_n justice_n they_o get_v at_o last_o into_o their_o hand_n the_o whole_a power_n and_o strength_n of_o the_o kingdom_n both_o in_o judicatories_n and_o army_n and_o do_v employ_v the_o same_o unto_o the_o enact_v and_o prosecute_n a_o unlawful_a engagement_n in_o war_n against_o the_o kingdom_n of_o england_n notwithstanding_o of_o the_o dissent_n of_o many_o considerable_a member_n of_o parliament_n who_o have_v give_v constant_a proof_n of_o their_o integrity_n in_o the_o cause_n from_o the_o beginning_n of_o many_o faithful_a testimony_n and_o free_a warning_n of_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n of_o the_o supplication_n of_o many_o synod_n presbytery_n and_o shyâ—es_n and_o of_o the_o declaration_n of_o the_o gen._n assembly_n and_o their_o commissioner_n to_o the_o contrary_a which_o engagement_n as_o it_o have_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o much_o sin_n so_o also_o of_o much_o misery_n and_o calamity_n unto_o this_o land_n and_o hold_v forth_o to_o we_o the_o grievousness_n of_o our_o sin_n of_o comply_v with_o malignant_n in_o the_o greatness_n of_o our_o judgement_n that_o we_o may_v be_v teach_v never_o to_o split_v again_o upon_o the_o same_o rock_n upon_o which_o the_o lord_n have_v set_v so_o remarkable_a a_o beacon_n and_o after_o all_o that_o be_v come_v to_o pass_v unto_o we_o because_o of_o this_o our_o trespass_n and_o after_o that_o grace_n have_v be_v show_v unto_o we_o from_o the_o lord_n our_o god_n by_o break_v these_o man_n yoke_n from_o off_o our_o neck_n and_o put_v we_o again_o into_o a_o capacity_n to_o act_v for_o the_o good_a of_o religion_n our_o own_o safety_n and_o the_o peace_n and_o safety_n of_o this_o kingdom_n shall_v we_o again_o break_v his_o commandment_n and_o covenant_n by_o join_v once_o more_o with_o the_o people_n of_o these_o abomination_n and_o take_v into_o out_o bosom_n those_o serpent_n which_o have_v former_o sting_v we_o almost_o unto_o death_n this_o as_o it_o will_v argue_v great_a