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
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
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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i_o have_v speak_v already_o next_o it_o be_v but_o a_o subterfuge_n which_o he_o say_v that_o it_o be_v not_o desire_v that_o the_o assembly_n shall_v censure_v they_o without_o try_v or_o approve_v their_o resolution_n but_o the_o king_n suppose_v they_o to_o be_v right_a and_o just_a in_o themselves_o and_o after_o the_o assembly_n shall_v after_o due_a trial_n find_v they_o to_o be_v such_o desire_z that_o such_o as_o have_v oppose_v they_o howbeit_o it_o can_v not_o be_v but_o to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o the_o defence_n of_o the_o cause_n and_o kingdom_n may_v be_v deal_v with_o to_o be_v reclaim_v or_o if_o that_o can_v not_o be_v obtain_v censure_v there_o be_v nothing_o here_o for_o answer_v what_o be_v allege_v by_o the_o writer_n to_o wit_n that_o the_o assembly_n while_o they_o have_v not_o yet_o meddle_v with_o the_o public_a resolution_n and_o have_v not_o find_v they_o right_n be_v stir_v up_o to_o censure_v these_o that_o can_v not_o be_v reclaim_v from_o they_o and_o take_v it_o as_o the_o author_n do_v allege_v that_o the_o king_n do_v suppose_v they_o to_o be_v right_a and_o withal_o that_o he_o speak_v nothing_o to_o the_o assembly_n to_o allow_v a_o fair_a hear_n to_o these_o of_o a_o contrary_a mind_n or_o to_o search_v whither_o they_o be_v right_a or_o wrong_n it_o say_v that_o the_o king_n letter_n do_v contain_v a_o clear_a intimation_n of_o his_o mind_n to_o the_o assembly_n not_o only_o in_o order_n to_o these_o who_o shall_v continue_v to_o oppose_v or_o can_v not_o be_v reclaim_v but_o also_o in_o order_n to_o these_o who_o shall_v vote_n pro_fw-la or_o contra_fw-la in_o the_o assembly_n that_o letter_n and_o that_o speech_n be_v but_o a_o express_a of_o the_o commission_n warning_n and_o act_n and_o act_n of_o parliament_n make_v there_o anent_o in_o order_n to_o the_o further_a the_o execution_n thereof_o by_o get_v they_o back_v with_o a_o new_a act_n of_o the_o assembly_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n as_o afterward_o they_o be_v i_o can_v well_o decern_v whither_o the_o parenthesis_n cast_v in_o by_o the_o author_n in_o these_o word_n howbeit_o it_o can_v not_o be_v but_o to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o the_o defence_n of_o the_o cause_n and_o kingdom_n be_v cite_v by_o he_o as_o the_o king_n word_n or_o interline_v as_o his_o own_o and_o therefore_o shall_v not_o give_v judgement_n of_o they_o 2._o his_o next_o defence_n that_o the_o king_n be_v bind_v by_o the_o treaty_n to_o follow_v the_o advice_n of_o the_o commission_n of_o the_o kirk_n in_o matter_n ecclesiastic_a in_o intervall_n of_o assembly_n which_o he_o lose_v himself_o by_o acknowledge_v that_o he_o shall_v have_v use_v his_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n upon_o any_o resolution_n give_v he_o by_o the_o commission_n but_o because_o the_o author_n interlace_n in_o order_n to_o this_o several_a particular_n therefore_o in_o answer_n to_o what_o he_o say_v in_o this_o part_n of_o his_o defence_n i_o offer_v these_o thing_n first_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o here_o speak_v by_o the_o author_n that_o make_v for_o the_o vindication_n of_o the_o king_n letter_n it_o speak_v indeed_o to_o the_o vindicate_a at_o least_o to_o the_o excuse_v of_o the_o king_n himself_o in_o write_v such_o a_o letter_n because_o he_o be_v advise_v by_o the_o commission_n as_o to_o the_o public_a resolution_n but_o that_o do_v not_o say_v that_o the_o letter_n do_v not_o contain_v such_o thing_n as_o be_v apt_a to_o hinder_v liberty_n of_o vote_v in_o the_o assembly_n second_o i_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o king_n be_v indeed_o in_o a_o right_n ticklish_a condition_n but_o who_o have_v put_v he_o in_o that_o condition_n but_o the_o author_n and_o abettor_n of_o the_o public_a resolution_n who_o after_o a_o express_a article_n of_o the_o treaty_n for_o remove_v of_o malignant_n from_o he_o and_o express_v desire_n from_o the_o general_n assembly_n and_o their_o commission_n renew_v again_o and_o again_o and_o express_v answer_n to_o the_o quaere_fw-la propon_v by_o himself_o of_o bring_v in_o the_o malignant_a party_n in_o the_o negative_a do_v advise_v he_o to_o employ_v and_o bring_v in_o that_o party_n for_o his_o own_o defence_n and_o the_o defence_n of_o the_o cause_n and_o kingdom_n three_o as_o to_o the_o peremptorinesse_n of_o some_o to_o have_v in_o that_o condition_n in_o the_o article_n of_o the_o treaty_n i_o know_v it_o not_o but_o though_o it_o be_v so_o it_o be_v no_o more_o than_o his_o predecessor_n be_v use_v to_o be_v tie_v unto_o before_o the_o reformation_n in_o the_o old_a oath_n of_o coronation_n and_o which_o his_o own_o father_n have_v condescend_v unto_o in_o the_o treaty_n at_o the_o brick_n as_o appear_v in_o the_o act_n of_o the_o assembly_n and_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n 1639_o and_o 1640._o forthly_a
the_o nullity_n of_o the_o pretended-assemble_o at_o saint_n andrews_n &_o dundee_n wherein_o be_v contain_v the_o representation_n for_o adjournment_n the_o protestation_n &_o reason_n thereof_o together_o with_o a_o review_n and_o examination_n of_o the_o vindication_n of_o the_o say_v p._n assembly_n hereunto_o be_v subjoin_v the_o solemn_a acknowledgement_n of_o sin_n and_o engagement_n to_o duty_n make_v and_o take_v by_o the_o nobility_n gentry_n burrough_n ministry_n and_o commonalty_n in_o the_o year_n 1648._o when_v the_o covenant_n be_v renew_a with_o sundry_a other_o paper_n relate_v unto_o in_o the_o foresay_a review_n print_a in_o the_o year_n 1652._o reader_n we_o have_v here_o observe_v some_o few_o escape_n of_o the_o press_n some_o more_o gross_a error_n thou_o will_v find_v in_o the_o vindication_n for_o which_o neither_o the_o printer_n nor_o theje_fw-fr who_o give_v he_o the_o copy_n can_v be_v blame_v for_o the_o truth_n be_v a_o letter_n be_v write_v to_o the_o moderator_n of_o the_o late_a p._n assembly_n at_o edinburgh_n desire_v a_o perfect_a copy_n of_o the_o vindication_n by_o which_o any_o error_n in_o that_o copy_n which_o have_v come_v to_o our_o hand_n may_v have_v be_v correct_v and_o in_o that_o same_o letter_n there_o be_v desire_v a_o copy_n of_o the_o king_n letter_n to_o the_o p._n assembly_n at_o st._n andrews_n with_o the_o commissioner_n speech_n see_v the_o vindication_n do_v refer_v to_o these_o although_o it_o have_v be_v spread_v alone_o and_o these_o copy_n keep_v up_o but_o to_o neither_o of_o these_o desire_n be_v there_o any_o answer_n return_v errata_fw-la page_n 4_o for_o nonformist_n read_v nonconformist_n pag._n 7._o f._n who_o r._n wherein_o f._n tenant_n r._n tenet_n pag._n 8._o f._n too_o sharp-sighted_a r._n to_o be_v etc._n etc._n pag._n 15._o f._n may_v r._n nay_o pag._n 17._o f._n require_v r._n be_v require_v pag._n 30._o l._n 25._o r._n which_o seem_v pag._n 37._o l._n 1._o r._n gentleman_n pag._n 58._o r._n as_o for_o and_o ibid._n l._n 29._o r._n no_o evil_a before_o they_o in_o pag._n 59_o l._n 13._o f._n then_o r._n when_o pag._n 62._o r._n these_o after_o against_o ibid._n f._n accept_v r._n except_a ibid._n r._n patiar_fw-la f._n patior_fw-la ibid._n r._n defection_n f._n desertion_n pag._n 63._o r._n for_o after_z why_o pag._n 67._o r._n quary_z f._n presbytery_n r._n prelacy_n pag._n 170._o l._n 8._o r._n man_n and_o this_o ibid._n l._n 9_o r._n as_o appear_v p._n 171._o l._n 19_o r._n concession_n to_o the_o christian-reader_n christian-reader_n that_o thou_o may_v with_o understanding_n read_v this_o book_n and_o the_o debate_n contain_v therein_o thou_o be_v to_o take_v notice_n that_o in_o the_o year_n 1651._o in_o the_o month_n of_o july_n many_o of_o the_o commissioner_n from_o presbytery_n meet_v at_o st._n andrews_n do_v proceed_v to_o constitute_v themselves_o into_o and_o to_o act_v as_o a_o general_n assembly_n of_o the_o kirk_n of_o scotland_n against_o the_o constitution_n of_o which_o assembly_n sundry_a of_o the_o minister_n who_o have_v former_o bear_v testimony_n against_o the_o employ_v and_o entrust_v of_o the_o malignant_a party_n with_o the_o cause_n and_o kingdom_n do_v enter_v a_o public_a protestation_n in_o writing_n subscribe_v by_o their_o hand_n as_o not_o be_v a_o free_a and_o lawful_a general_n assembly_n within_o a_o few_o week_n thereafter_o one_o as_o it_o seem_v of_o those_o protester_n do_v pen_v a_o paper_n for_o strengthen_v and_o clear_n the_o ground_n of_o that_o protestation_n and_o take_v off_o such_o objection_n as_o be_v usual_o make_v against_o the_o same_o in_o answer_n to_o both_o these_o a_o member_n as_o i_o take_v it_o of_o that_o assembly_n at_o st._n andrews_n do_v within_o few_o month_n after_o write_v a_o treatise_n entitle_v a_o vindication_n of_o the_o freedom_n and_o lawfulness_n and_o so_o of_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n meet_v at_o st._n andrews_n etc._n etc._n to_o which_o treatise_n in_o the_o month_n of_o may_n last_o there_o be_v a_o reply_n write_v bear_v the_o name_n of_o the_o nullity_n of_o the_o assembly_n at_o st._n andrews_n or_o a_o review_n of_o a_o vindication_n etc._n etc._n which_o do_v set_v down_o and_o make_v answer_n unto_o that_o vindication_n by_o parcel_n and_o section_n all_o these_o four_o be_v now_o offer_v to_o thou_o in_o this_o book_n and_o in_o that_o order_n in_o which_o they_o be_v first_o pen_v to_o wit_n the_o protestation_n against_o the_o meeting_n at_o st._n andrews_n in_o the_o first_o place_n the_o reason_n for_o strengthen_v and_o clear_n thereof_o in_o the_o second_o place_n the_o vindication_n and_o the_o review_n thereof_o together_o in_o last_o place_n there_o be_v also_o add_v some_o other_o paper_n upon_o the_o by_o for_o clear_v of_o some_o thing_n in_o the_o debate_n the_o lord_z give_v unto_o thou_o a_o spirit_n of_o judgement_n and_o understanding_n in_o read_v that_o thou_o may_v judge_v true_a and_o righteous_a judgement_n condemn_v the_o guilty_a and_o absolve_v the_o innocent_a unto_o the_o moderator_n &_o brethren_n assemble_v at_o st._n andrews_n the_o humble_a representation_n and_o desire_n of_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n under_o subscribe_v among_o the_o many_o sad_a token_n of_o the_o lord_n indignation_n and_o wrath_n against_o this_o church_n the_o present_a unhappy_a differrence_n of_o his_o servant_n of_o the_o ministry_n be_v look_v upon_o by_o we_o and_o we_o believe_v by_o all_o the_o godly_a of_o the_o land_n as_o one_o of_o the_o great_a and_o as_o we_o hold_v it_o a_o duty_n lie_v upon_o we_o to_o be_v deep_o humble_v before_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o sense_n thereof_o and_o in_o our_o station_n and_o calling_n to_o endeavour_v by_o all_o lawful_a and_o fair_a mean_n the_o remedy_n and_o removal_n of_o the_o same_o so_o we_o acknowledge_v a_o free_a gen._n assembly_n lawful_o call_v and_o right_o constitute_v and_o meet_v together_o in_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o proceed_v with_o meekness_n and_o love_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o his_o word_n and_o constitution_n of_o this_o church_n to_o be_v among_o the_o first_o and_o most_o effectual_a remedy_n appoint_v of_o god_n for_o attain_v of_o these_o end_n therefore_o consider_v that_o the_o election_n of_o commissioner_n for_o the_o assembly_n have_v be_v in_o many_o place_n limit_v and_o prejudice_v in_o the_o due_a liberty_n and_o freedom_n thereof_o by_o the_o letter_n and_o act_n of_o the_o commission_n of_o the_o last_o gen._n assembly_n to_o presbytery_n appoint_v such_o as_o remain_v unsatisfied_a with_o and_o bear_v testimony_n against_o the_o public_a resolution_n to_o be_v cite_v to_o the_o general_n assembly_n which_o upon_o the_o matter_n have_v in_o many_o presbytery_n real_o obstruct_v the_o elect_v of_o such_o though_o otherwise_o man_n of_o approven_v ability_n and_o constant_a faithfulness_n and_o zeal_n for_o the_o work_n of_o reformation_n since_o the_o begin_n thereof_o and_o that_o many_o election_n be_v questionable_a some_o as_o contain_v person_n not_o in_o a_o capacity_n to_o be_v choose_v by_o the_o act_n of_o this_o church_n and_o some_o as_o not_o be_v make_v in_o a_o due_a order_n and_o right_a way_n and_o that_o many_o commissioner_n of_o presbytery_n and_o burrough_n be_v absent_a some_o of_o they_o want_v free_a access_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o english_a lie_v in_o the_o country_n and_o some_o upon_o other_o impediment_n and_o occasion_n and_o remember_v that_o such_o reason_n have_v former_o have_v weight_n in_o point_n of_o discussion_n of_o the_o validity_n of_o some_o assembly_n and_o may_v still_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o important_a and_o weighty_a by_o these_o who_o may_v happen_v not_o to_o be_v satisfy_v in_o their_o conscience_n with_o your_o proceed_n we_o do_v with_o all_o humble_a earnestness_n and_o in_o the_o bowel_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n desire_n and_o beseech_v you_o for_o truth_n and_o peace_n sake_n and_o that_o further_a mistake_n and_o division_n may_v not_o be_v increase_v unto_o the_o prejudice_n of_o the_o lord_n work_v and_o rejoice_v of_o enemy_n and_o sad_v the_o heart_n of_o his_o people_n that_o the_o diet_n of_o the_o gen._n assembly_n may_v by_o the_o common_a consent_n and_o advice_n of_o the_o brethren_n now_o meet_v together_o be_v adjourn_v for_o some_o competent_a time_n and_o that_o by_o the_o same_o mutual_a advice_n and_o consent_n it_o may_v be_v declare_v that_o the_o letter_n and_o act_n of_o the_o commission_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v any_o prejudice_n to_o these_o who_o remain_v unsatisfied_a with_o the_o public_a resolution_n why_o they_o may_v not_o be_v choose_v commissioner_n to_o the_o general_n assembly_n and_o that_o such_o presbytery_n as_o shall_v think_v fit_a may_v make_v their_o election_n of_o new_a again_o especial_o these_o presbytery_n who_o
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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 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such_o as_o prima_fw-la front_n at_o least_o seem_v relevant_a in_o law_n 2._o that_o for_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o fact_n in_o application_n to_o the_o person_n against_o who_o it_o be_v make_v there_o be_v a_o scandal_n or_o some_o presumption_n or_o some_o offering_n to_o instruct_v and_o make_v it_o out_o now_o in_o the_o present_a case_n it_o be_v clear_a that_o the_o exception_n propound_v be_v relevant_a in_o jure_v if_o there_o be_v any_o relevant_a why_o a_o man_n shall_v not_o sit_v in_o the_o general_n assembly_n this_o certain_o be_v one_o that_o he_o have_v betray_v his_o former_a trust_n have_v make_v defection_n from_o the_o covenant_n and_o cause_n and_o be_v instrumental_a to_o carry_v on_o a_o course_n of_o defection_n throughout_o the_o kirk_n and_o kingdom_n and_o as_o to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o fact_n in_o reference_n to_o these_o against_o who_o the_o exception_n be_v make_v all_o these_o three_o do_v concur_v a_o flagrant_a scandal_n pregnant_a presumption_n 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if_o man_n that_o in_o all_o their_o precious_a interest_n must_v be_v sufferer_n because_o of_o their_o do_v of_o such_o thing_n be_v lead_v to_o act_v therein_o upon_o a_o principle_n of_o selfish_a interest_n we_o leave_v it_o to_o judicious_a and_o indifferent_a man_n to_o consider_v and_o give_v their_o judgement_n whether_o it_o be_v very_o apparent_a yea_o or_o not_o it_o be_v true_a that_o some_o two_o or_o three_o do_v partly_o by_o the_o persuasion_n and_o partly_o by_o the_o threaten_n of_o some_o at_o dundee_n resile_v a_o little_a from_o the_o testimony_n which_o they_o have_v give_v at_o st_n andrews_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o protestation_n which_o within_o a_o short_a time_n thereafter_o they_o do_v repent_v of_o and_o again_o adhere_v to_o their_o former_a testimony_n not_o upon_o any_o selfish-interest_n or_o eye_n to_o credit_n or_o advantage_n as_o the_o author_n affirm_v there_o be_v no_o appearance_n first_o or_o last_o that_o by_o adhere_v to_o the_o 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endeavour_v the_o remedy_n of_o the_o division_n it_o be_v true_a that_o one_o of_o the_o member_n of_o the_o commission_n to_o who_o i_o do_v not_o deny_v the_o testimony_n of_o a_o reverend_a judicious_a and_o godly_a man_n do_v call_v the_o exception_n propound_v against_o those_o member_n of_o the_o assembly_n who_o have_v be_v member_n of_o the_o commission_n a_o fiery_a motion_n and_o such_o a_o thing_n as_o petit_fw-la jugulum_fw-la pacis_fw-la which_o be_v not_o then_o more_o sharp_o speak_v than_o it_o be_v modest_o take_v but_o to_o say_v nothing_o that_o in_o that_o particular_a he_o be_v a_o party_n that_o speak_v so_o pace_fw-la tanti_fw-la viri_fw-la there_o be_v no_o just_a reason_n to_o call_v it_o so_o the_o exception_n be_v so_o well_o ground_v as_o it_o be_v i_o wish_v the_o author_n may_v lay_v as_o much_o weight_n upon_o the_o word_n of_o that_o worthy_a man_n in_o other_o thing_n concern_v the_o public_a resolution_n as_o he_o do_v in_o that_o speech_n of_o he_o 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glasgow_n to_o little_a or_o no_o effect_n at_o the_o meeting_n at_o st._n andrews_n these_o who_o be_v dissatisfy_v with_o the_o public_a resolution_n do_v offer_v to_o the_o meet_v a_o humble_a suppcation_n desire_v they_o to_o forbear_v to_o constitute_v themselves_o in_o a_o assembly_n and_o to_o adjurne_v the_o meeting_n until_o peaceable_a and_o fair_a mean_n shall_v be_v use_v for_o compose_v of_o difference_n which_o be_v altogether_o refuse_v to_o be_v read_v then_o after_o that_o the_o meeting_n have_v constitute_v themselves_o in_o a_o assembly_n it_o be_v desire_v by_o these_o brethren_n that_o they_o will_v appoint_v some_o of_o their_o number_n to_o confer_v with_o they_o about_o difference_n which_o be_v long_o &_o tenacious_o oppose_v as_o carry_v with_o it_o a_o reflection_n upon_o these_o of_o the_o commission_n who_o have_v carry_v on_o the_o public_a resolution_n and_o a_o
prejudice_n to_o the_o assembly_n in_o judge_v of_o these_o resolution_n at_o last_o the_o result_n be_v this_o that_o such_o of_o the_o assembly_n as_o they_o desire_v to_o confer_v with_o may_v speak_v with_o they_o but_o that_o no_o particular_a person_n shall_v be_v nominate_v nor_o any_o thing_n write_v thereof_o in_o the_o minute_n of_o the_o assembly_n in_o prosecution_n of_o this_o desire_n some_o of_o the_o unsatisfy_a brethren_n do_v meet_v with_o the_o moderator_n of_o that_o assembly_n and_o some_o other_o eminent_a man_n member_n of_o the_o commission_n at_o mr._n robert_n blair_n his_o chamber_n two_o several_a diet_n and_o after_o some_o conference_n to_o and_o fro_o do_v earnest_o beseech_v and_o press_v upon_o they_o some_o with_o tear_n that_o they_o will_v be_v please_v to_o be_v instrumental_a in_o adjourn_v the_o assembly_n and_o in_o delay_v to_o ratify_v the_o public_a resolution_n but_o they_o be_v not_o please_v to_o condescend_v so_o much_o as_o to_o 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synod_n in_o their_o respective_a bound_n to_o proceed_v to_o the_o execution_n thereof_o and_o give_v power_n to_o their_o commission_n for_o that_o effect_n where_o presbytery_n be_v negligent_a what_o length_n their_o commission_n be_v go_v and_o what_o they_o have_v in_o consideration_n against_o the_o protester_n when_o they_o be_v interrupt_v and_o break_v off_o by_o the_o surprisal_n at_o eliot_n themselves_o best_o know_v after_o that_o time_n the_o lord_n be_v please_v to_o exercise_v the_o land_n with_o so_o sad_a dispensation_n as_o for_o a_o good_a while_n make_v all_o public_a meeting_n of_o minister_n very_o difficult_a and_o dangerous_a until_o the_o country_n be_v somewhat_o quiet_v about_o the_o midst_n of_o october_n these_o who_o have_v protest_v against_o the_o meeting_n at_o st._n andrews_n and_o dundee_n as_o not_o be_v a_o lawful_a and_o free_a general_n assembly_n with_o many_o other_o minister_n and_o elder_n from_o several_a part_n of_o the_o country_n do_v meet_v at_o edinburgh_n where_o after_o some_o day_n spend_v together_o in_o prayer_n and_o supplication_n and_o in_o confess_v of_o their_o sin_n to_o god_n and_o one_o to_o another_o they_o do_v in_o the_o next_o place_n after_o conference_n and_o mutual_a communication_n of_o light_a one_o with_o another_o set_v down_o their_o thought_n concern_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o lord_n wrath_n against_o the_o land_n that_o in_o that_o time_n of_o darkness_n there_o may_v be_v some_o light_n and_o directory_n in_o these_o thing_n to_o such_o as_o be_v willing_a to_o receive_v and_o make_v use_n thereof_o among_o these_o cause_n of_o wrath_n they_o do_v condescend_v upon_o and_o reckon_v the_o public_a resolution_n of_o church_n and_o state_n for_o bring_v the_o malignant_a party_n first_o to_o the_o army_n and_o then_o to_o the_o judicatories_n and_o the_o actual_a entrust_v of_o they_o with_o the_o power_n of_o the_o kingdom_n both_o military_a and_o civil_a and_o the_o prelimit_v and_o corrupt_v of_o the_o general_n assembly_n in_o the_o free_a and_o lawful_a constitution_n thereof_o and_o its_o ratify_v of_o the_o public_a resolution_n which_o do_v involve_v a_o defection_n from_o the_o cause_n and_o lay_v a_o foundation_n for_o censure_v of_o all_o such_o who_o do_v not_o approve_v of_o the_o constitution_n of_o that_o assembly_n and_o submit_v to_o the_o act_n there_o of_o and_o find_v themselves_o more_o and_o more_o convince_v of_o the_o nullity_n of_o that_o assembly_n at_o dundee_n and_o how_o needful_a it_o be_v to_o preserve_v the_o church_n of_o scotland_n in_o the_o possession_n of_o her_o due_a privilege_n and_o to_o keep_v together_o a_o remnant_n who_o may_v be_v as_o a_o branch_n of_o hope_n if_o so_o be_v the_o lord_n will_v be_v favourable_a to_o they_o and_o take_v pleasure_n in_o they_o for_o repair_v of_o the_o breach_n such_o of_o they_o as_o be_v member_n of_o the_o commission_n of_o the_o gen._n assembly_n do_v find_v themselves_o warrant_v and_o call_v of_o god_n to_o take_v possession_n of_o the_o power_n and_o trust_v commit_v unto_o they_o by_o the_o assembly_n 1650._o yet_o so_o as_o they_o do_v not_o authoritative_o impose_v or_o require_v obedience_n to_o any_o of_o their_o emission_n concern_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o lord_n wrath_n which_o be_v the_o only_a thing_n they_o meddle_v with_o but_o have_v agree_v upon_o these_o cause_n with_o the_o advice_n of_o diverse_a brethren_n from_o several_a part_n of_o the_o kingdom_n do_v offer_v and_o advise_v the_o same_o to_o be_v make_v use_n of_o by_o all_o the_o lord_n people_n in_o the_o land_n leave_v place_n to_o add_v as_o the_o lord_n shall_v make_v further_a discovery_n thereafter_o at_o the_o same_o time_n all_o the_o brethren_n who_o be_v meet_v do_v write_v letter_n to_o sundry_a reverend_a and_o godly_a man_n in_o the_o ministry_n of_o a_o different_a judgement_n desire_v a_o amicable_a conference_n with_o they_o and_o conceive_v that_o they_o can_v not_o well_o be_v bring_v together_o to_o one_o place_n in_o such_o a_o season_n of_o the_o year_n and_o when_o travel_v be_v so_o difficult_a they_o do_v appoint_v some_o of_o their_o number_n to_o wait_v upon_o some_o of_o they_o at_o st._n andrews_n and_o upon_o other_o of_o they_o at_o glasgow_n who_o may_v hold_v forth_o unto_o they_o what_o in_o their_o judgement_n be_v the_o most_o conducible_a mean_n for_o union_n and_o peace_n both_o with_o god_n and_o among_o ourselves_o and_o to_o hear_v what_o shall_v be_v offer_v unto_o they_o by_o these_o brethren_n what_o pass_v in_o these_o conference_n i_o leave_v it_o to_o these_o who_o be_v present_a to_o relate_v hope_v that_o none_o who_o be_v present_a will_v say_v that_o the_o desire_n and_o endeavour_n of_o union_n do_v break_v off_o upon_o our_o side_n those_o of_o our_o number_n not_o only_o profess_v themselves_o willing_a to_o confer_v &_o hear_v what_o shall_v be_v offer_v unto_o they_o but_o to_o attend_v at_o any_o other_o diet_n that_o shall_v be_v appoint_v and_o to_o endeavour_v if_o it_o be_v desire_v a_o more_o numerous_a and_o frequent_a meeting_n of_o brethren_n of_o both_o side_n from_o all_o which_o it_o do_v appear_v that_o the_o protester_n all_o along_o have_v be_v pursuer_n of_o peace_n and_o not_o promoter_n and_o fosterer_n of_o division_n the_o author_n propound_v the_o question_n if_o it_o have_v not_o be_v a_o more_o probable_a and_o christian_n like_o mean_a for_o remedy_v the_o division_n to_o have_v deal_v for_o a_o meeting_n of_o judicious_a and_o godly_a man_n on_o both_o side_n and_o for_o a_o amicable_a and_o brotherly_a conference_n on_o equal_a term_n about_o the_o difference_n then_o that_o the_o protester_n be_v but_o the_o one_o side_n shall_v have_v take_v upon_o themselves_o the_o authority_n of_o a_o public_a judicatory_a and_o by_o themselves_o straightway_o to_o condemn_v the_o other_o side_n as_o guilty_a in_o answer_n to_o which_o beside_o what_o be_v already_o say_v i_o will_v first_o ask_v the_o author_n whether_o it_o be_v fair_a deal_n that_o these_o at_o st._n andrews_n after_o they_o be_v earnest_o entreat_v of_o their_o brethren_n to_o adjourn_v and_o delay_v the_o ratify_n of_o the_o public_a resolution_n shall_v first_o take_v upon_o they_o the_o authority_n of_o a_o general_n assembly_n to_o ratify_v the_o public_a resolution_n condemn_v their_o brethren_n who_o protest_v against_o they_o censure_v some_o of_o they_o with_o suspension_n and_o other_o of_o they_o with_o deposition_n for_o that_o very_a thing_n and_o lay_v a_o foundation_n for_o censure_v all_o of_o they_o and_o all_o other_o in_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n who_o shall_v continue_v to_o differ_v from_o they_o and_o oppose_v they_o in_o these_o thing_n and_o then_o afterward_o cry_v out_o upon_o their_o brethren_n who_o hold_v forth_o the_o sin_n and_o iniquity_n of_o such_o proceed_n as_o upon_o man_n who_o be_v not_o for_o peace_n
assembly_n and_o their_o commission_n after_o the_o come_n of_o the_o english_a army_n to_o invade_v this_o land_n do_v not_o positive_o and_o often_o than_o once_o determine_v and_o warn_v against_o the_o employ_v and_o entrust_v malignant_a and_o dis-affected_n man_n in_o our_o army_n even_o in_o the_o case_n of_o scarcity_n of_o man_n for_o the_o land_n defence_n seven_o whether_o at_o the_o time_n of_o the_o commission_n its_o give_v their_o answer_n to_o the_o parliament_n quere_z there_o be_v not_o a_o very_a numerous_a party_n of_o malignant_a and_o dis-affected_n man_n in_o the_o land_n who_o do_v adhere_v to_o their_o former_a principle_n eight_o whether_o the_o answer_n to_o the_o quere_z or_o any_o thing_n contain_v in_o the_o public_a resolution_n do_v acknowledge_v it_o or_o hold_v it_o forth_o as_o sinful_a and_o unlawful_a to_o employ_v and_o intrust_v malignant_a and_o dis-affected_n man_n in_o the_o defence_n of_o the_o cause_n and_o kingdom_n or_o whether_o that_o answer_n and_o these_o resolution_n do_v acknowledge_v and_o hold_v it_o forth_o to_o be_v lawful_a to_o employ_v and_o intrust_v such_o nine_o whether_o there_o be_v any_o act_n or_o constitution_n or_o warn_v or_o declaration_n of_o this_o church_n or_o any_o public_a evidence_n of_o her_o judgement_n before_o the_o answer_n to_o the_o quere_z that_o speak_v for_o the_o warrant_n and_o allow_v the_o public_a resolution_n or_o what_o it_o be_v or_o where_o we_o may_v find_v it_o ten_o that_o the_o commissioner_n be_v yet_o content_a to_o have_v their_o late_a resolution_n try_v and_o judge_v by_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n be_v no_o great_a matter_n when_o they_o have_v first_o prelimited_n a_o assembly_n exclude_v many_o of_o these_o who_o be_v of_o a_o contrary_a mind_n and_o constitute_v it_o most_o of_o these_o who_o be_v of_o their_o own_o judgement_n and_o have_v make_v act_n for_o censure_v of_o all_o who_o shall_v not_o acknowledge_v the_o constitution_n of_o that_o assembly_n and_o after_o conference_n submit_v to_o the_o obedience_n of_o these_o act_n but_o if_o the_o author_n will_v take_v the_o collective_a church_n of_o scotland_n to_o sit_v as_o judge_n upon_o the_o late_a resolution_n of_o the_o commission_n and_o state_n the_o question_n thus_o whether_o be_v the_o late_a resolution_n of_o the_o commission_n agreeable_a to_o the_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n and_o to_o former_a act_n constitution_n warning_n and_o declaration_n of_o this_o church_n i_o fear_v the_o determination_n shall_v be_v in_o the_o negative_a yeâ—_n if_o the_o whole_a ministerial_a church_n shall_v speak_v their_o heart_n of_o that_o question_v as_o before_o the_o lord_n i_o still_o fear_v it_o shall_v be_v in_o the_o negative_a all_o the_o orthodox_n church_n in_o the_o world_n be_v a_o broad_a word_n and_o i_o say_v no_o more_o of_o it_o but_o that_o man_n well_o skill_v in_o their_o doctrine_n and_o to_o who_o i_o believe_v the_o author_n himself_o in_o this_o respect_n and_o for_o piety_n and_o learning_n will_v not_o deny_v a_o honourable_a testimony_n do_v teach_v we_o otherways_o the_o matter_n be_v already_o plead_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o act_n and_o constitution_n of_o this_o church_n and_o i_o shall_v now_o speak_v no_o more_o thereof_o vindication_n but_o second_o whatever_o be_v to_o be_v say_v to_o the_o nature_n of_o these_o resolution_n yet_o the_o matter_n be_v at_o least_o alike_o to_o the_o general_n assembly_n at_o the_o time_n of_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o assembly_n and_o the_o protestation_n against_o the_o same_o for_o the_o resolution_n and_o proceed_n of_o the_o commission_n 48._o be_v no_o less_o quarrel_v by_o a_o opposite_a party_n than_o be_v the_o resolution_n of_o the_o commission_n 51._o the_o party_n quarrel_v 48_o be_v no_o less_o than_o the_o parliament_n and_o in_o this_o only_a few_o minister_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o former_a be_v a_o great_a deal_n strong_a and_o hard_a to_o be_v loose_v the_o general_n assembly_n be_v here_o judge_n to_o both_o as_o in_o the_o first_o quarrel_n the_o commission_n will_v not_o be_v absolve_v from_o the_o accusation_n charge_v upon_o they_o until_o all_o be_v hear_v and_o try_v so_o the_o commission_n 51_o can_v not_o be_v condemn_v for_o the_o exception_n and_o alleadgeance_n of_o a_o few_o brethren_n before_o that_o any_o of_o they_o be_v or_o can_v be_v cognosce_v upon_o by_o all_o this_o which_o have_v be_v speak_v that_o what_o the_o writer_n say_v shut_v up_o the_o same_o that_o these_o thing_n be_v put_v together_o make_v up_o a_o wide_a difference_n between_o that_o which_o be_v then_o do_v 48_o and_o that_o 51_o be_v but_o a_o groundless_a assertion_n we_o have_v evident_o show_v that_o there_o be_v no_o difference_n betwixt_o the_o one_o deed_n and_o the_o other_o so_o that_o if_o the_o one_o be_v guilty_a of_o pre-limitation_n of_o election_n of_o commissioner_n so_o be_v the_o other_o no_o less_o except_o that_o the_o deed_n of_o the_o commission_n 51_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n more_o spare_v and_o moderate_a so_o we_o have_v vindicate_v that_o particular_a answer_n to_o the_o first_o reason_n against_o the_o freedom_n and_o lawfulness_n of_o the_o late_a assembly_n allege_v pre-limitation_n of_o the_o election_n of_o commissioner_n viz._n that_o the_o commission_n do_v nothing_o therein_o but_o what_o be_v do_v by_o the_o commission_n 48_o who_o deed_n the_o protester_n maintain_v with_o we_o review_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o give_v sundry_a material_a difference_n 1._o these_o resolution_n at_o the_o time_n of_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o assembly_n and_o the_o give_v in_o of_o the_o protestation_n beside_o that_o they_o be_v against_o the_o clear_a letter_n of_o act_n of_o former_a assembly_n so_o be_v sundry_a stand_v up_o in_o the_o assembly_n and_o offer_v instant_o to_o verify_v that_o it_o be_v so_o but_o in_o the_o 48_o the_o proceed_n be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o act_n of_o the_o assembly_n and_o albeit_o there_o be_v some_o who_o desire_v that_o these_o proceed_n might_n not_o be_v approven_v till_o they_o be_v hear_v yet_o none_o do_v offer_v instant_o or_o at_o all_o to_o verify_v thathey_a have_v carry_v on_o a_o course_n of_o defection_n contrary_a to_o the_o covenant_n and_o act_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n second_o in_o the_o 48_o the_o proceed_n of_o the_o commission_n be_v not_o testify_v against_o by_o presbytery_n and_o synod_n much_o less_o dissent_v from_o and_o protest_v against_o by_o many_o in_o the_o commission_n itself_o but_o so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o 51_o not_o only_o do_v presbytery_n and_o synod_n bear_v testimony_n against_o these_o thing_n but_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o commission_n yea_o so_o great_a a_o part_n that_o whoso_o shall_v reckon_v i_o believe_v shall_v find_v they_o very_o near_o if_o not_o equal_v the_o one_o half_a of_o the_o number_n to_o who_o the_o trust_n of_o these_o thing_n be_v commit_v by_o the_o general_n assembly_n three_o in_o the_o 48_o there_o be_v no_o exception_n at_o all_o proponed_a from_o the_o unfreedome_n of_o election_n or_o from_o person_n under_o scandal_n because_o of_o defection_n and_o backslide_n from_o former_a principle_n but_o so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o 51._o these_o thing_n evidence_n a_o very_a great_a difference_n between_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o at_o the_o time_n of_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o assembly_n &_o the_o protestation_n against_o the_o same_o and_o to_o take_v off_o any_o thing_n that_o the_o author_n say_v for_o prove_v they_o to_o be_v alike_o i_o do_v desire_v it_o further_a to_o be_v consider_v that_o as_o in_o the_o 48_o it_o be_v not_o the_o parliament_n who_o be_v the_o party_n quarrel_v the_o commission_n before_o the_o assembly_n the_o parliament_n be_v rise_v a_o good_a while_n before_o the_o assembly_n sit_v down_o so_o in_o all_o this_o business_n of_o the_o quarrel_v that_o be_v make_v against_o the_o commission_n in_o the_o assembly_n 48_o be_v much_o mistaken_a and_o mis-represened_n by_o the_o author_n all_o along_v his_o vindication_n as_o shall_v in_o its_o proper_a place_n be_v clear_v second_o that_o it_o be_v not_o desire_v as_o the_o author_n do_v insinuate_v that_o the_o commission_n 51_o shall_v be_v condemn_v for_o the_o exception_n and_o alleadgeance_n of_o a_o few_o brethren_n before_o that_o any_o of_o these_o resolution_n be_v or_o can_v be_v cognosce_v upon_o but_o only_o that_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v admit_v to_o sit_v as_o member_n of_o the_o assembly_n until_o the_o exception_n propon_v against_o they_o be_v try_v and_o discuss_v three_o that_o in_o the_o 48_o as_o the_o party_n quarrel_v do_v not_o either_o at_o the_o time_n of_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o assembly_n or_o afterward_o before_o the_o try_v and_o approve_v of_o the_o proceed_n of_o the_o commission_n
offer_v any_o reason_n to_o the_o assembly_n against_o these_o proceed_n so_o the_o reason_n which_o they_o do_v afterward_o offer_v be_v not_o very_o strong_a nor_o hard_a to_o be_v loose_v much_o less_o strong_a and_o hard_a to_o be_v loose_v than_o the_o reason_n offer_v in_o the_o 51_o by_o these_o minister_n the_o last_o be_v found_v upon_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o covenant_n and_o the_o clear_a act_n and_o constitution_n of_o this_o church_n and_o the_o other_o not_o so_o these_o thing_n be_v thus_o discuss_v it_o still_o appear_v that_o the_o writer_n have_v good_a reason_n to_o say_v that_o there_o be_v a_o wide_a difference_n betwixt_o that_o which_o be_v do_v by_o the_o commission_n 1648_o and_o that_o which_o be_v do_v by_o the_o commission_n 1651._o as_o to_o the_o prelimiting_a of_o the_o assembly_n and_o that_o the_o protester_n have_v reason_n to_o condemn_v the_o last_o though_o they_o maintain_v the_o first_o vindication_n we_o shall_v add_v some_o further_a consideration_n in_o answer_n to_o the_o first_o reason_n but_o ere_o we_o proceed_v a_o word_n upon_o what_o the_o writer_n of_o the_o 2._o paper_n have_v upon_o the_o 2._o objection_n which_o either_o he_o have_v form_v to_o himself_o or_o find_v i_o know_v not_o where_o viz._n that_o it_o be_v in_o the_o commission_n power_n not_o only_o to_o appoint_v these_o who_o oppose_v the_o public_a resolution_n to_o be_v cite_v to_o the_o general_n assembly_n but_o also_o to_o have_v censure_v they_o by_o virtue_n of_o a_o clause_n contain_v in_o the_o commission_n and_o that_o therefore_o have_v keep_v themselves_o far_o within_o the_o bound_n of_o the_o commission_n etc._n etc._n the_o writer_n of_o this_o paper_n for_o clear_v of_o this_o business_n run_v out_o in_o a_o discourse_n concern_v the_o nature_n of_o delegated_a judicatory_n that_o they_o be_v and_o must_v be_v from_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o common_a reason_n limit_v to_o a_o certain_a rule_n in_o all_o their_o administration_n to_o wit_n to_o stand_v law_n of_o the_o incorporation_n to_o which_o they_o do_v belong_v and_o to_o a_o certain_a end_n viz._n the_o good_a and_o preservation_n of_o the_o whole_a body_n and_o in_o application_n unto_o or_o accusation_n against_o the_o late_a commissioner_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n their_o resolution_n he_o affirm_v they_o be_v not_o only_o without_o the_o warrant_n of_o a_o act_n of_o the_o assembly_n which_o shall_v have_v be_v their_o rule_n and_o not_o only_o not_o contributive_a for_o the_o preserve_n and_o advance_v of_o the_o work_n of_o reformation_n but_o express_o contrary_a to_o the_o clear_a letter_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o multitude_n of_o act_n and_o destructive_a to_o the_o work_n and_o that_o therefore_o assume_v to_o themselves_o a_o power_n to_o censure_v or_o cite_v such_o as_o do_v oppose_v they_o they_o do_v not_o only_o go_v beyond_o the_o bound_n of_o their_o commission_n but_o destroy_v the_o very_a end_n of_o it_o viz._n the_o preservation_n of_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o kirk_n in_o bring_v general_n assembly_n to_o bondage_n by_o exclude_v all_o such_o as_o will_v not_o consent_v to_o the_o course_n of_o defection_n a_o dangerous_a and_o damnable_a preparative_n lay_v a_o foundation_n for_o the_o total_a overthrow_n of_o discipline_n yea_o of_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n yea_o the_o commission_n be_v once_o corrupt_v the_o introduce_v of_o prelacy_n service-book_n pope_n supremacy_n the_o whole_a body_n of_o popery_n here_o certain_o the_o writer_n have_v fill_v his_o pen_n nigrae_fw-la succo_n fuliginis_fw-la to_o render_v the_o commissioner_n odious_a and_o detestable_a to_o all_o but_o to_o these_o brief_o first_o if_o it_o be_v another_o man_n that_o propon_v the_o objection_n than_o the_o writer_n himself_o i_o very_o think_v he_o do_v not_o mean_a that_o the_o commissioner_n have_v power_n by_o their_o commission_n to_o cite_v and_o censure_v opposer_n of_o any_o resolution_n make_v by_o themselves_o right_a or_o wrong_n neither_o do_v the_o objection_n as_o set_v down_o by_o the_o writer_n himself_o import_v any_o such_o thing_n but_o opposer_n only_o of_o their_o just_a and_o right_a resolution_n such_o as_o i_o doubt_v not_o he_o take_v the_o late_a resolution_n to_o be_v and_o therefore_o all_o the_o writer_n run_v out_o upon_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o delegated_a judicatory_a etc._n etc._n as_o to_o that_o objection_n be_v but_o a_o fight_n against_o his_o own_o shadow_n second_o we_o know_v and_o acknowledge_v that_o delegated_a judicatory_n be_v limit_v to_o a_o certain_a end_n and_o a_o certain_a rule_n yea_o we_o think_v further_o that_o judicatory_n not_o delegated_a but_o have_v power_n original_o in_o themselves_o humane_a be_v so_o limit_v too_o but_o that_o the_o late_a commissioner_n do_v in_o their_o resolution_n carry_v on_o a_o course_n of_o defection_n contrary_a to_o the_o express_a letter_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o multitude_n of_o act_n of_o this_o kirk_n and_o destructive_a to_o the_o work_n of_o reformation_n and_o that_o they_o destroy_v the_o liberty_n of_o the_o kirk_n bring_v the_o general_n assembly_n to_o bondage_n be_v say_v but_o be_v never_o nor_o will_v never_o be_v prove_v and_o so_o but_o a_o foul_a calumny_n and_o false_a accusation_n of_o the_o brethren_n of_o which_o that_o uncharitable_a expression_n call_v what_o the_o commissioner_n do_v damnable_a which_o be_v use_v for_o aggravation_n here_o can_v simple_o mean_v only_o that_o the_o thing_n do_v be_v worthy_a to_o be_v condemn_v as_o every_o error_n even_o the_o least_o be_v but_o also_o damnable_a to_o the_o doer_n i_o pray_v the_o lord_n give_v the_o writer_n repentance_n and_o forgiveness_n review_n to_o all_o this_o i_o return_v that_o albeit_o the_o maker_n of_o the_o obejection_n concern_v the_o commission_n power_n take_v their_o resolution_n to_o be_v right_a and_o just_a yet_o do_v not_o the_o writer_n fight_v with_o his_o own_o shadow_n because_o the_o objector_n and_o the_o commission_n both_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o these_o public_a resolution_n take_v wrong_v for_o right_n and_o unjust_a for_o just_a and_o upon_o this_o mistake_n conceive_v they_o to_o have_v power_n where_o they_o have_v none_o which_o mistake_v the_o author_n discover_v by_o hold_v forth_o the_o discordance_n of_o these_o resolution_n with_o the_o rule_n according_a to_o which_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o proceed_v both_o upon_o the_o matter_n and_o by_o virtue_n of_o their_o commission_n which_o the_o author_n be_v please_v to_o call_v a_o foul_a calumny_n and_o uncharitable_a accusation_n of_o the_o brethren_n that_o never_o be_v nor_o never_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o be_v prove_v but_o i_o desire_v he_o sober_o to_o remember_v 1._o that_o neither_o he_o nor_o any_o of_o his_o judgement_n to_o this_o day_n have_v so_o far_o befriend_v their_o own_o cause_n or_o satisfy_v these_o who_o stumble_v and_o gainsay_v as_o to_o bring_v forth_o any_o act_n of_o this_o church_n prior_n to_o these_o resolution_n for_o justify_v thereof_o though_o it_o often_o have_v be_v call_v for_o 2._o that_o many_o act_n of_o this_o church_n have_v be_v bring_v forth_o speak_v plain_o against_o these_o resolution_n to_o which_o all_o the_o answer_n which_o have_v be_v return_v may_v as_o i_o take_v it_o be_v comprehend_v in_o one_o of_o these_o two_o either_o deny_v that_o the_o malignant_a party_n be_v join_v with_o about_o the_o defence_n of_o which_o denial_n the_o author_n and_o other_o may_v exercise_v their_o engine_n but_o shall_v never_o be_v able_a to_o satisfy_v the_o conscience_n of_o the_o godly_a in_o it_o and_o i_o fear_v nor_o their_o own_o full_o or_o else_o in_o tell_v we_o that_o it_o be_v a_o new_a case_n which_o we_o never_o before_o have_v to_o do_v with_o or_o occasion_n to_o detemine_a to_o wit_n the_o case_n of_o the_o defence_n of_o cause_n and_o kingdom_n against_o a_o foreign_a invasion_n but_o it_o have_v be_v often_o tell_v he_o and_o other_o and_o i_o wish_v they_o will_v once_o consider_v of_o it_o that_o even_o in_o the_o case_n of_o the_o cause_n and_o kingdom_n defence_n against_o foreign_a invasion_n the_o unlawfulnesse_n in_o join_v with_o the_o malignant_a party_n have_v be_v often_o determine_v by_o this_o church_n yea_o in_o that_o very_a case_n which_o be_v the_o present_a question_n and_o in_o the_o high_a advantage_n they_o can_v have_v in_o the_o state_v of_o it_o that_o be_v the_o case_n of_o scarcenesse_n of_o man_n as_o to_o his_o great_a exception_n against_o the_o word_n damnable_a i_o can_v think_v that_o the_o writer_n mean_v it_o of_o bring_v with_o it_o damnation_n to_o the_o writer_n he_o can_v be_v so_o gross_a as_o to_o take_v it_o for_o the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n yea_o he_o will_v i_o believe_v allow_v as_o much_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o salvation_n to_o some_o of_o
be_v choose_v commissioner_n to_o the_o assembly_n at_o least_o not_o to_o sit_v and_o vote_n until_o he_o be_v try_v and_o judge_v for_o i_o doubt_v if_o he_o may_v not_o be_v choose_v commissioner_n if_o there_o be_v not_o some_o probable_a presumption_n of_o the_o fact_n but_o if_o the_o scandal_n be_v yet_o controversi_fw-la &_o indeterminati_fw-la juris_fw-la controvert_v and_o as_o yet_o not_o a_o determine_a case_n in_o point_n of_o law_n by_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o kirk_n i_o see_v not_o but_o a_o man_n cite_v upon_o such_o a_o ground_n may_v be_v choose_v a_o commissioner_n to_o the_o assembly_n and_o sit_v and_o vote_n as_o a_o member_n in_o other_o matter_n except_o that_o thereupon_o he_o be_v cite_v and_o do_v remember_v well_o that_o upon_o this_o very_a ground_n anno_fw-la 48_o upon_o the_o put_n off_o of_o some_o from_o the_o list_n to_o be_v commissioner_n to_o the_o assembly_n who_o have_v be_v refer_v and_o cite_v to_o the_o assembly_n for_o silence_n at_o that_o time_n according_a to_o the_o direction_n of_o the_o then_o commission_n exception_n be_v make_v by_o some_o that_o such_o person_n can_v not_o be_v choose_v commissioner_n and_o consequent_o can_v not_o be_v upon_o a_o list_n this_o motion_n be_v reject_v by_o some_o judicious_a and_o pious_a affirm_v indeed_o that_o such_o person_n can_v not_o well_o vote_v in_o the_o assembly_n until_o their_o matter_n be_v try_v but_o that_o that_o reference_n can_v not_o hinder_v they_o to_o be_v upon_o a_o list_n for_o election_n and_o consequent_o not_o from_o be_v elect_v to_o be_v commissioner_n now_o such_o be_v the_o case_n of_o the_o citation_n in_o hand_n it_o be_v upon_o alleadgeance_n of_o scandal_n as_o yet_o controversi_fw-la juris_fw-la as_o to_o any_o particular_a determination_n thereanent_a by_o the_o public_a judgement_n of_o the_o kirk_n and_o therefore_o both_o the_o person_n cite_v and_o these_o that_o ordain_v they_o to_o be_v cite_v be_v to_o be_v try_v and_o judge_v by_o the_o assembly_n and_o for_o that_o remove_v in_o that_o particular_a not_o only_o about_o the_o fact_n but_o also_o about_o the_o matter_n juris_n of_o law_n however_o if_o this_o please_v not_o the_o writer_n let_v he_o answer_v what_o he_o will_v for_o clear_v the_o order_n of_o the_o commission_n 48_o and_o it_o will_v serve_v as_o well_o the_o order_n of_o the_o commission_n 51._o as_o to_o any_o illegality_n relate_v to_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o assembly_n for_o upon_o the_o form_n clear_o both_o be_v alike_o except_o in_o what_o will_v make_v for_o the_o advantage_n of_o the_o late_a and_o as_o for_o the_o matter_n in_o both_o it_o be_v alike_o as_o to_o the_o general_n assembly_n judgement_n at_o the_o time_n of_o the_o protestation_n and_o also_o in_o reipsâ_fw-la which_o we_o take_v upon_o we_o to_o make_v good_a review_n albeit_o this_o be_v more_o than_o probable_a as_o appear_v from_o the_o constant_a tenor_n of_o the_o proceed_n of_o assembly_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o commissioner_n which_o be_v intimate_v by_o the_o writer_n yet_o i_o be_o content_a to_o take_v what_o the_o author_n give_v he_o distinguish_v betwixt_o a_o scandal_n which_o as_o to_o the_o ground_n of_o it_o be_v controversi_fw-la juris_fw-la &_o a_o scandal_n which_o be_v determinati_fw-la juris_fw-la and_o make_v the_o scandal_n of_o oppose_v the_o public_a resolution_n to_o have_v be_v only_o controversi_fw-la juris_fw-la as_o to_o any_o particular_a determination_n thereof_o by_o the_o public_a judgement_n of_o the_o kirk_n and_o thence_o infer_v that_o the_o opposer_n of_o public_a resolution_n may_v have_v be_v choose_v this_o notwithstanding_o and_o admit_v to_o sit_v as_o judge_n in_o the_o assembly_n though_o not_o in_o this_o particular_a and_o i_o offer_v these_o particular_n hereanent_a first_o that_o by_o the_o author_n own_o grant_n they_o be_v still_o exclude_v from_o sit_v as_o judge_n in_o that_o particular_a and_o therefore_o as_o to_o a_o competent_a judge_n in_o this_o particular_a which_o be_v the_o main_a if_o not_o the_o all_o of_o the_o assembly_n the_o assembly_n be_v prelimited_n second_o that_o this_o be_v not_o a_o business_n which_o be_v controversi_fw-la juris_fw-la but_o as_o clear_o determinati_fw-la juris_fw-la as_o any_o thing_n can_v be_v i_o mean_v that_o the_o oppose_v of_o the_o public_a resolution_n be_v no_o fault_n but_o a_o duty_n clear_o determine_v by_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n i_o confess_v man_n may_v question_v any_o thing_n even_o the_o clear_a truth_n but_o there_o be_v no_o case_n often_o or_o more_o clear_o determine_v by_o this_o kirk_n then_o that_o of_o the_o unwarrantableness_n of_o join_v in_o counsel_n or_o arm_n with_o the_o malignant_a party_n for_o the_o defence_n of_o the_o cause_n and_o kingdom_n and_o of_o the_o obligation_n that_o lie_v upon_o minister_n especial_o to_o bear_v testimony_n against_o the_o same_o and_o therefore_o a_o notable_a injury_n be_v do_v and_o a_o gross_a pre-limitation_n commit_v by_o cite_v they_o upon_o that_o account_n three_o suppose_v it_o have_v not_o yet_o be_v determinati_fw-la juris_fw-la as_o to_z the_o public_a judgement_n of_o the_o church_n in_o a_o assembly_n yet_o as_o to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o commission_n and_o presbytery_n who_o do_v hear_v and_o obey_v they_o it_o be_v determinati_fw-la juris_fw-la and_o man_n be_v exclude_v from_o election_n and_o cite_v to_o the_o assembly_n there-upon_a as_o upon_o a_o thing_n that_o be_v determinati_fw-la juris_fw-la therefore_o as_o there_o be_v thereby_o a_o pre-limitation_n in_o regard_n of_o these_o who_o though_o they_o be_v choose_v yet_o can_v not_o sit_v in_o that_o particular_a because_o of_o the_o citation_n so_o also_o in_o regard_n of_o other_o who_o be_v thereby_o exclude_v from_o be_v choose_v 4._o if_o this_o scandal_n be_v not_o determinati_fw-la juris_fw-la by_o the_o public_a judgement_n of_o the_o church_n the_o author_n will_v let_v we_o know_v why_o the_o commission_n in_o their_o warning_n at_o perth_n march_v 20_o by_o apply_v many_o former_a act_n and_o remonstrance_n of_o gen._n assembly_n against_o it_o do_v define_v it_o to_o be_v so_o and_o what_o warrant_v the_o commission_n have_v by_o their_o trust_n from_o the_o gen._n assembly_n not_o only_o to_o declare_v the_o opposer_n of_o their_o resolution_n to_o be_v guilty_a of_o practice_n lead_v to_o encourage_v the_o heart_n and_o strengthen_v the_o hand_n of_o enemy_n in_o prosecute_a their_o wicked_a purpose_n to_o make_v faint_a the_o heart_n and_o feeble_a the_o hand_n of_o god_n people_n and_o to_o seduce_v their_o mind_n with_o devisive_a and_o separate_a counsel_n and_o principle_n and_o thereupon_o not_o only_o to_o require_v presbytery_n to_o censure_v they_o but_o also_o to_o stir_v up_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n against_o they_o sure_o if_o the_o commission_n do_v all_o this_o without_o any_o public_a judgement_n of_o the_o kirk_n that_o be_v of_o former_a general_n assembly_n define_v these_o thing_n to_o be_v scandal_n they_o do_v as_o to_o these_o thing_n act_v without_o a_o commission_n and_o without_o authority_n and_o be_v beyond_o their_o bound_n and_o lead_v with_o no_o spirit_n of_o tenderness_n the_o author_n do_v a_o little_a while_n ago_o seem_v to_o say_v that_o the_o commission_n have_v no_o power_n to_o cite_v or_o to_o censure_v the_o opposer_n of_o any_o resolution_n make_v by_o themselves_o and_o yet_o here_o he_o tell_v that_o these_o thing_n as_o to_o the_o public_a judgement_n of_o the_o kirk_n be_v controversi_fw-la juris_fw-la and_o if_o so_o they_o be_v as_o yet_o but_o resolution_n of_o their_o own_o and_o they_o have_v no_o power_n to_o cite_v or_o censure_v any_o or_o to_o give_v order_n to_o cite_v or_o censure_v any_o for_o oppose_v thereof_o that_o the_o public_a resolution_n be_v controversi_fw-la and_o not_o determinati_fw-la juris_fw-la by_o the_o public_a judgement_n of_o the_o kirk_n that_o the_o commission_n have_v no_o power_n for_o cite_v or_o censure_v any_o oppose_v resolution_n make_v by_o themselves_o that_o they_o give_v order_n to_o presbytery_n to_o censure_n and_o cite_v the_o opposer_n of_o public_a resolution_n be_v thing_n that_o i_o can_v reconcile_v i_o will_v not_o say_v but_o the_o author_n engine_n may_v find_v a_o shift_n but_o if_o he_o extricate_v these_o thing_n to_o the_o clear_a capacity_n of_o plain_a and_o ordinary_a understanding_n be_v more_o than_o at_o present_a my_o weak_a eye_n do_v see_v as_o for_o that_o he_o tell_v we_o concern_v the_o reject_v the_o motion_n of_o put_v off_o of_o some_o from_o the_o list_n to_o be_v commissioner_n who_o have_v be_v refer_v and_o cite_v to_o the_o assembly_n in_o the_o year_n 1648._o i_o can_v say_v little_a to_o it_o as_o not_o know_v it_o nor_o the_o circumstance_n thereof_o i_o believe_v it_o be_v a_o instance_n of_o a_o particular_a person_n in_o a_o
that_o this_o consequence_n will_v follow_v especial_o where_o the_o exception_n do_v concern_v many_o and_o lead_v menare_n be_v of_o a_o more_o common_a and_o universal_a influence_n appear_v because_o if_o these_o person_n be_v admit_v to_o sit_v as_o member_n after_o the_o propon_n of_o these_o exception_n before_o trial_n of_o they_o there_o can_v be_v no_o regress_n to_o the_o remove_n of_o they_o afterward_o upon_o that_o ground_n unless_o we_o say_v that_o the_o assembly_n may_v afterward_o undo_v that_o which_o former_o they_o do_v approve_v in_o forâ—_n contradictorio_fw-la and_o that_o those_o that_o be_v once_o find_v member_n notwithstanding_o of_o these_o exception_n yet_o afterward_o by_o the_o same_o exception_n may_v be_v find_v no_o member_n that_o the_o one_o consequence_n do_v more_o probable_o follow_v then_o the_o other_o appear_v not_o only_o from_o this_o that_o it_o be_v not_o ordinary_a for_o man_n of_o common_a sense_n and_o reason_n not_o almost_o for_o the_o most_o perverse_a and_o irrational_a man_n to_o offer_v that_o to_o a_o judicatory_a against_o their_o constituent_a member_n which_o they_o have_v no_o probable_a hope_n to_o verify_v but_o also_o from_o the_o doolfull_a experience_n of_o this_o church_n when_o do_v it_o ever_o fall_v out_o in_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n that_o a_o general_n assembly_n be_v disappoint_v by_o perverse_a and_o bold_a man_n offer_v to_o prove_v exception_n relevant_a in_o law_n but_o fall_v in_o fact_n against_o the_o constituent_a member_n thereof_o who_o can_v give_v any_o instance_n thereof_o unless_o man_n will_v bring_v the_o assembly_n 51._o which_o be_v to_o bring_v the_o thing_n in_o question_n for_o a_o instance_n but_o upon_o the_o other_o hand_n the_o admitting_z of_o man_n to_o sit_v against_o who_o such_o exception_n be_v or_o may_v have_v be_v propon_v have_v be_v one_o of_o the_o main_a cause_n of_o corruption_n of_o assembly_n and_o defection_n in_o this_o church_n as_o be_v know_v in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o prelate_n and_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o wise_a man_n to_o provide_v most_o against_o that_o which_o ut_fw-la plurimum_fw-la be_v their_o danger_n but_o as_o i_o do_v not_o see_v how_o the_o last_o consequence_n by_o the_o author_n way_n can_v be_v prevent_v so_o i_o do_v not_o see_v how_o the_o first_o consequence_n do_v follow_v because_o these_o perverse_a &_o bold_a person_n who_o propones_fw-la the_o exception_n &_o offer_v to_o verify_v they_o instant_o do_v not_o suppose_v that_o all_o the_o meeting_n to_o who_o they_o offer_v the_o exception_n be_v guilty_a for_o if_o they_o do_v suppose_v that_o they_o can_v not_o propone_v any_o exception_n to_o be_v try_v by_o they_o but_o behove_v primo_fw-la instanti_fw-la to_o decline_v they_o all_o as_o judge_n reserve_v the_o verification_n of_o their_o alleadgance_n to_o a_o judge_n competent_a now_o if_o they_o do_v thus_o the_o assembly_n be_v not_o disappoint_v by_o perverse_a and_o bold_a person_n offer_v to_o verify_v exception_n because_o in_o this_o case_n they_o do_v not_o make_v any_o offer_n of_o verification_n of_o any_o exception_n before_o that_o meeting_n upon_o the_o other_o hand_n if_o they_o do_v acknowledge_v a_o part_n of_o they_o as_o person_n competent_a and_o fit_o qualify_v to_o try_v and_o discuss_v these_o exception_n which_o they_o offer_v to_o verify_v than_o the_o person_n against_o who_o they_o except_o be_v remove_v and_o the_o exception_n take_v in_o and_o cognosce_v upon_o according_a to_o the_o verification_n offer_v they_o be_v find_v either_o true_a or_o false_a if_o they_o be_v find_v false_a the_o assembly_n be_v not_o disappoint_v but_o may_v proceed_v to_o its_o constitution_n have_v find_v their_o member_n blameless_a and_o have_v stop_v these_o man_n mouth_n if_o the_o exception_n be_v find_v true_a of_o such_o a_o number_n without_o who_o the_o rest_n can_v make_v a_o assembly_n there_o be_v a_o great_a advantage_n in_o stead_n of_o a_o fear_a disadvantage_n that_o be_v the_o prevention_n of_o a_o corrupt_a meeting_n constitute_v themselves_o in_o a_o assembly_n if_o but_o a_o few_o number_n the_o corrupt_a be_v remove_v and_o the_o blameless_a be_v admit_v and_o the_o assembly_n go_v on_o beside_o all_o this_o it_o may_v by_o way_n of_o commission_n without_o any_o disadvantage_n to_o the_o protester_n cause_v be_v yield_v to_o the_o author_n that_o it_o be_v to_o be_v look_v to_o that_o the_o person_n offer_v to_o verify_v these_o exception_n be_v not_o perverse_a person_n but_o man_n of_o a_o good_a report_n and_o such_o as_o be_v know_v to_o walk_v honest_o and_o not_o to_o act_v upon_o a_o principle_n of_o malice_n or_o il-will_a against_o the_o person_n who_o the_o exception_n do_v concern_v all_o which_o be_v true_a in_o the_o protester_n casâ—_n they_o be_v sundry_a of_o they_o member_n of_o that_o meeting_n to_o who_o it_o be_v incumbent_a ex_fw-la officio_fw-la to_o propone_fw-la any_o exception_n consist_v in_o their_o knowledge_n and_o allow_v to_o sit_v as_o member_n of_o the_o assembly_n a_o privilege_n not_o belong_v to_o perverse_n man_n and_o all_o of_o they_o man_n of_o good_a report_n &_o of_o a_o blameless_a conversation_n and_o such_o as_o be_v know_v to_o be_v so_o far_o from_o mal_v the_o commissioner_n against_o who_o they_o do_v except_v that_o they_o then_o have_v and_o still_o have_v they_o in_o estimation_n and_o do_v love_v they_o as_o brethren_n the_o author_n yield_v that_o the_o assembly_n be_v constitute_v the_o exception_n and_o ground_n thereof_o be_v to_o be_v try_v with_o all_o convenient_a diligence_n and_o expedition_n and_o allege_n that_o this_o be_v offer_v to_o the_o protester_n in_o the_o present_a case_n and_o debate_n that_o such_o a_o offer_n be_v make_v i_o shall_v not_o contradict_v i_o believe_v it_o be_v so_o but_o to_o pass_v by_o that_o even_o this_o which_o he_o himself_o think_v reasonable_a though_o offer_v yet_o be_v not_o well_o perform_v because_o most_o of_o the_o time_n that_o the_o assembly_n sit_v be_v pass_v before_o that_o exception_n and_o the_o ground_n thereof_o be_v try_v these_o man_n all_o the_o while_n and_o for_o a_o good_a many_o day_n sit_v and_o voice_n in_o all_o thing_n that_o past_a in_o the_o assembly_n even_o in_o these_o thing_n that_o do_v concern_v the_o proponer_n of_o the_o exception_n the_o protester_n can_v not_o accept_v of_o this_o offer_n not_o only_o because_o it_o do_v suppose_v their_o sit_v in_o the_o assembly_n as_o member_n before_o the_o try_v of_o the_o exception_n but_o also_o because_o the_o exception_n be_v not_o a_o exception_n against_o one_o or_o some_o few_o particular_a person_n in_o the_o case_n of_o some_o particular_a or_o personal_a scandal_n but_o a_o exception_n of_o common_a concernment_n to_o many_o in_o thing_n relate_v to_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o trust_n in_o the_o cause_n vindication_n but_o say_v the_o writer_n in_o hand_n both_o these_o be_v clear_a in_o the_o present_a case_n to_o wit_n the_o exception_n make_v against_o the_o late_a commissioner_n it_o be_v relevant_a in_o jure_fw-la if_o there_o be_v any_o relevancie_n why_o a_o man_n shall_v not_o sit_v in_o the_o general_n assembly_n this_o certain_o be_v one_o that_o he_o have_v betray_v his_o former_a trust_n have_v make_v defection_n from_o the_o covenant_n and_o cause_n and_o be_v instrumental_a to_o carry_v on_o a_o course_n of_o defection_n throughout_o the_o kirk_n and_o kingdom_n and_o as_o to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o fact_n in_o reference_n against_o who_o the_o exception_n be_v make_v all_o these_o do_v concur_v a_o flagrant_a scandal_n pregnant_a presumption_n and_o person_n in_o the_o judicatory_a offer_v to_o instruct_v and_o verify_v what_o be_v allege_v by_o this_o the_o writer_n believe_v that_o he_o have_v clear_v as_o with_o a_o sun_n beam_n and_o gain_v his_o point_n but_o we_o hope_v it_o shall_v be_v make_v to_o appear_v that_o he_o have_v leave_v the_o matter_n yet_o in_o the_o mist_n and_o gain_v never_o a_o white_a it_o be_v true_a indeed_o that_o for_o commissioner_n to_o betray_v their_o trust_n to_o make_v defection_n from_o the_o covenant_n and_o cause_n etc._n etc._n be_v in_o jure_v a_o relevant_a cause_n to_o exclude_v any_o man_n from_o sit_v in_o the_o general_n assembly_n as_o a_o member_n and_o deserve_v more_o as_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o the_o writer_n and_o some_o other_o intend_v the_o challenge_n of_o it_o against_o the_o commissioner_n for_o more_o but_o that_o the_o commissioner_n for_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n have_v betray_v their_o trust_n etc._n etc._n there_o may_v have_v be_v and_o be_v indeed_o by_o some_o spread_v a_o flagrant_a scandal_n but_o there_o be_v no_o flagrant_a scandal_n these_o same_o who_o afterward_o accuse_v they_o in_o the_o assembly_n i_o mean_v presumption_n objective_a by_o any_o thing_n they_o do_v
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
therefore_o the_o author_n do_v but_o seek_v out_o invention_n to_o darken_v clear_a and_o manifest_a truth_n to_o the_o answer_n which_o he_o bring_v to_o the_o ground_n of_o proof_n bring_v by_o the_o writer_n as_o to_o the_o matter_n of_o scandal_n i_o return_v these_o reply_n that_o by_o grant_v that_o the_o hear_n of_o a_o common_a report_n may_v be_v a_o ground_n of_o enquiry_n if_o he_o deal_v candid_o therein_o according_a to_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o place_n cite_v by_o the_o author_n deut._n 13.14_o it_o must_v be_v of_o diligent_a enquiry_n for_o so_o it_o be_v express_v there_o chapter_n 17._o v._n 4._o and_o 19.18_o which_o import_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v a_o enquiry_n without_o delay_n but_o this_o be_v refuse_v about_o the_o present_a case_n in_o question_n and_o notwithstanding_o of_o this_o common_a report_n and_o object_v the_o scandal_n thereof_o in_o the_o assembly_n the_o enquiry_n be_v delay_v until_o the_o assembly_n be_v constitute_v and_o no_o more_o diligence_n be_v use_v in_o it_o then_o if_o there_o have_v be_v no_o such_o report_n at_o all_o he_o do_v injury_n to_o the_o writer_n by_o labour_v to_o bear_v upon_o he_o and_o upon_o other_o that_o he_o be_v of_o that_o mind_n that_o the_o commission_n upon_o that_o common_a report_n which_o he_o allege_n to_o have_v be_v pass_v upon_o they_o shall_v have_v be_v without_o more_o ado_n sentence_v to_o censure_n the_o utmost_a that_o the_o writer_n all_o along_o have_v plead_v in_o this_o have_v be_v that_o the_o commissioner_n ought_v to_o have_v be_v remove_v till_o their_o carriage_n be_v try_v but_o two_o ground_n he_o lay_v to_o prove_v this_o to_o have_v be_v the_o writer_n mind_n 1._o that_o the_o proceed_v order_v 1_o cor._n 5._o 5._o be_v in_o order_n to_o present_a censure_n 2._o that_o he_o allege_v the_o apostle_n word_n so_o general_a without_o any_o qualification_n i_o shall_v not_o stand_v upon_o the_o first_o but_o the_o writer_n not_o be_v upon_o the_o handle_n of_o that_o point_n what_o common_a report_n or_o how_o qualify_v be_v needful_a to_o be_v a_o ground_n of_o sentence_n but_o only_o show_v that_o sometime_o common_a report_n may_v be_v so_o he_o think_v it_o enough_o to_o cite_v the_o apostle_n word_n without_o qualify_a of_o they_o and_o if_o the_o author_n will_v make_v this_o a_o ground_n of_o challenge_n against_o the_o writer_n he_o may_v make_v it_o against_o the_o apostle_n himself_o for_o he_o set_v down_o the_o word_n general_o without_o any_o such_o qualification_n and_o the_o writer_n do_v not_o extend_v they_o to_o any_o other_o case_n than_o that_o of_o which_o the_o apostle_n be_v treat_v he_o only_o say_v that_o common_a report_n be_v make_v a_o ground_n of_o proceed_v against_o the_o incestuous_a corinthian_a without_o make_v any_o application_n of_o it_o to_o the_o commission_n case_n or_o say_v that_o it_o shall_v also_o be_v a_o ground_n of_o proceed_v against_o they_o if_o it_o be_v ask_v to_o what_o purpose_n than_o it_o be_v cite_v the_o answer_n be_v very_o obvious_a and_o clear_a from_o the_o whole_a drift_n of_o the_o writer_n discourse_n which_o be_v to_o show_v that_o the_o person_n object_v against_o be_v under_o a_o scandal_n and_o this_o he_o do_v 1._o by_o show_v that_o there_o be_v a_o hear-say_n and_o common_a report_n of_o it_o upon_o which_o the_o scripture_n lay_v so_o much_o weight_n as_o sometime_o to_o make_v it_o a_o ground_n of_o trial_n as_o deut._n 13._o sometime_o a_o ground_n of_o proceed_v as_o 1_o cor._n 5._o it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o scripture_n do_v not_o make_v every_o hear-say_n and_o common_a report_n a_o ground_n to_o account_v man_n under_o a_o scandal_n or_o to_o proceed_v against_o they_o otherwise_o honest_a man_n indeed_o may_v be_v in_o a_o ill_a condition_n but_o the_o qualification_n of_o these_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v draw_v from_o the_o circumstance_n of_o the_o fact_n whereunto_o they_o be_v apply_v and_o of_o these_o we_o have_v speak_v in_o the_o fact_n of_o the_o commissioner_n and_o therefore_o the_o author_n in_o this_o particular_a do_v but_o trouble_v himself_o and_o other_o without_o cause_n yet_o must_v i_o say_v that_o though_o for_o any_o thing_n i_o know_v or_o can_v be_v collect_v from_o the_o writer_n word_n the_o utmost_a that_o he_o plead_v for_o be_v a_o delay_n of_o their_o admission_n to_o be_v member_n of_o the_o assembly_n which_o can_v not_o be_v account_v a_o sentence_n against_o they_o more_o than_o against_o other_o who_o be_v delay_v upon_o exception_n to_o be_v admit_v that_o his_o meaning_n be_v not_o that_o the_o common_a report_n that_o past_a upon_o the_o commissioner_n be_v sufficient_a to_o be_v a_o ground_n of_o present_a sentence_n against_o they_o yet_o when_o the_o author_n have_v streach_v himself_o to_o the_o utmost_a hâ—_n haâ—h_v prove_v no_o good_a advocate_n for_o the_o commissioner_n to_o exeem_v they_o from_o present_a censure_n he_o tell_v we_o that_o a_o common_a report_n that_o may_v be_v a_o ground_n of_o so_o short_a and_o summary_n proceed_v must_v be_v such_o as_o first_o be_v of_o a_o matter_n that_o â—n_a point_n de_fw-fr jure_fw-la be_v cleary_a and_o unquestionable_o a_o scandal_n 2._o for_o the_o fact_n in_o a_o manner_n universal_o uncontrolled_a eâ—â—her_o by_o the_o pâ—â—ty_n or_o any_o that_o have_v best_a or_o near_a notice_n of_o his_o action_n in_o the_o present_a case_n say_v he_o both_o â—hese_n case_n be_v want_v the_o matter_n be_v not_o clear_a de_fw-fr jure_fw-la in_o the_o main_a question_n of_o it_o its_o report_n be_v not_o so_o common_a as_o the_o contradiction_n of_o it_o but_o i_o say_v the_o matter_n be_v clear_a de_fw-fr jure_fw-la in_o the_o main_a question_n of_o it_o determine_v verbatim_o in_o former_a act_n of_o assembly_n and_o the_o fact_n be_v not_o at_o all_o controvert_v or_o control_v by_o any_o but_o take_v with_o both_o by_o the_o party_n and_o know_v and_o acknowledge_v by_o these_o that_o have_v best_o and_o near_a notice_n of_o their_o action_n the_o quality_n of_o the_o fact_n may_v be_v controvert_v whether_o right_a or_o wrong_n which_o be_v a_o point_n belong_v to_o the_o jus_o of_o it_o but_o the_o fact_n itself_o be_v not_o contradict_v either_o by_o the_o commissioner_n or_o any_o other_o and_o his_o omnino_fw-la auditur_fw-la and_o passim_fw-la &_o in_fw-la tota_fw-la achaia_fw-la etc._n etc._n and_o res_fw-la manifesta_fw-la passim_fw-la cum_fw-la magno_fw-la offenaiculo_fw-la publicata_fw-la as_o to_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v true_a of_o that_o which_o the_o commissioner_n have_v do_v the_o offence_n and_o stumble_v of_o the_o godly_a be_v not_o causeless_a &_o bear_v upon_o they_o by_o the_o misinformation_n and_o misrepresentation_n of_o the_o commissioner_n proceed_n by_o some_o of_o the_o same_o person_n who_o be_v the_o alleadger_n the_o author_n there_o do_v a_o double_a wrong_n to_o the_o godly_a in_o scotland_n 1._o that_o he_o make_v they_o to_o have_v stumble_v without_o a_o cause_n whereas_o there_o be_v very_o real_a cause_n of_o stumble_v give_v unto_o they_o both_o in_o regard_n of_o that_o which_o be_v do_v and_o for_o the_o manner_n of_o do_v that_o which_o be_v do_v be_v employ_v of_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o land_n promiscuous_o a_o very_a few_o person_n be_v except_v among_o who_o be_v many_o malignant_a and_o dis-affected_n man_n who_o have_v be_v former_o exclude_v and_o with_o who_o the_o lord_n people_n in_o the_o land_n have_v learn_v from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o from_o the_o constant_a tenor_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o all_o the_o faithful_a minister_n of_o this_o church_n to_o keep_v a_o distance_n as_o to_o employ_v they_o in_o the_o defence_n of_o the_o cause_n and_o kingdom_n as_o this_o be_v a_o main_a occasion_n of_o contrive_v the_o league_n and_o covenant_n so_o be_v there_o a_o special_a article_n therein_o relate_v thereto_o the_o breach_n whereof_o be_v one_o of_o the_o special_a and_o main_a sin_n confess_v in_o the_o solemn_a acknowledgement_n of_o 〈◊〉_d and_o the_o contrary_a duty_n one_o of_o the_o main_a thing_n to_o which_o we_o engage_v our_o selus_fw-la in_o our_o solemn_a engagement_n it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o commission_n have_v do_v this_o &_o find_v many_o to_o stumble_v do_v afterward_o find_v out_o some_o evasion_n and_o distinction_n to_o save_v their_o own_o credit_n but_o the_o contradiction_n between_o their_o resolution_n and_o former_a principle_n &_o proceed_n be_v primâ_fw-la front_n so_o palpable_a and_o obvious_a that_o man_n of_o all_o sort_n both_o well-affected_a and_o ill-affected_a do_v see_v it_o so_o as_o the_o one_o do_v rejoice_v and_o the_o other_o mourn_v the_o godly_a do_v not_o more_o stumble_v then_o the_o malignant_a and_o profane_a be_v glad_a and_o both_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o as_o
to_o the_o generality_n of_o they_o do_v then_o and_o do_v at_o this_o day_n agree_v in_o this_o that_o the_o public_a resolution_n be_v not_o agreeable_a to_o former_a principle_n and_o proceed_n there_o be_v cause_n of_o stumble_v give_v also_o to_o the_o godly_a in_o regard_n of_o the_o commissioner_n their_o manner_n of_o proceed_v because_o a_o quorum_fw-la very_a few_o more_o of_o the_o commission_n do_v lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o these_o resolution_n not_o only_o without_o the_o rest_n of_o their_o number_n but_o also_o without_o advertise_v a_o great_a many_o of_o they_o and_o so_o many_o be_v absent_a and_o not_o advertise_v they_o do_v in_o a_o day_n or_o two_o determine_v that_o most_o grave_a case_n which_o have_v often_o before_o that_o time_n be_v determine_v in_o the_o negative_a and_o send_v abroad_o their_o determination_n to_o presbytery_n require_v obedience_n and_o upon_o man_n offering_n the_o ground_n of_o their_o dis-satisfaction_n and_o profess_v their_o adherence_n thereto_o till_o satisfaction_n shall_v be_v give_v do_v issue_v such_o warning_n and_o act_n as_o we_o have_v former_o speak_v of_o i_o appeal_v the_o author_n himself_o whether_o at_o the_o time_n of_o the_o give_v of_o the_o answer_n to_o the_o quaere_fw-la it_o be_v not_o know_v to_o the_o commission_n that_o many_o godly_a and_o faithful_a minister_n and_o professor_n in_o the_o land_n be_v averse_a from_o employ_v these_o man_n in_o the_o army_n and_o have_v great_a scruple_n about_o it_o and_o that_o many_o member_n of_o the_o commission_n who_o be_v not_o to_o be_v despise_v have_v often_o profess_v their_o dislike_n of_o it_o albeit_o the_o matter_n have_v be_v lawful_a sure_o there_o be_v great_a precipitancy_n and_o rashness_n in_o the_o first_o resolution_n which_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o sober_a man_n even_o of_o the_o same_o judgement_n but_o such_o be_v the_o zeal_n and_o forwardness_n of_o the_o court_n and_o of_o some_o parliament_n man_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o the_o readiness_n of_o sundry_a of_o the_o commission_n who_o have_v before_o that_o time_n declare_v themselves_o for_o that_o way_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n to_o hearken_v unto_o they_o and_o the_o faintness_n of_o any_o that_o be_v present_a to_o oppose_v it_o that_o hold_v be_v take_v of_o the_o opportunity_n to_o do_v it_o quovis_fw-la modo_fw-la whereby_o real_a offence_n be_v give_v to_o the_o godly_a in_o the_o land_n si_fw-mi quid_fw-la importuna_fw-la levitate_fw-la aut_fw-la lascivia_fw-la aut_fw-la temeritate_fw-la non_fw-la ordine_fw-la nec_fw-la svo_fw-la loco_fw-la facias_fw-la quo_fw-la imperiti_fw-la imbecillesque_fw-la offendantur_fw-la scandalum_fw-la abs_fw-la te_fw-la datum_fw-la dicetur_fw-la quoniam_fw-la tua_fw-la culpa_fw-la factum_fw-la fuit_fw-la ut_fw-la ejusmodi_fw-la offensio_fw-la suscitaretur_fw-la ac_fw-la omnino_fw-la scandalum_fw-la in_o re_fw-la aliqua_fw-la datum_fw-la dicitur_fw-la cujus_fw-la culpa_fw-la ab_fw-la autore_fw-la 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this_o church_n for_o clear_v and_o confirm_v of_o these_o resolution_n the_o author_n be_v please_v to_o call_v the_o testimony_n give_v against_o the_o public_a resolution_n real_o and_o in_o themselves_o scandal_n tend_v most_o evident_o to_o the_o expose_v of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o of_o the_o cause_n to_o the_o power_n of_o the_o invader_n he_o be_v please_v a_o little_a above_o to_o call_v they_o slander_n and_o so_o all_o the_o godly_a in_o scotland_n who_o speak_v against_o these_o resolution_n be_v upon_o his_o account_n slanderer_n but_o these_o testimony_n be_v neither_o slander_n nor_o scandal_n they_o do_v contain_v real_a truth_n and_o be_v duty_n to_o which_o the_o giver_n of_o they_o be_v oblige_v in_o a_o backslide_a time_n for_o deliver_v of_o their_o own_o soul_n and_o preserve_v the_o cause_n of_o god_n from_o be_v overbear_v with_o a_o spate_o of_o defection_n and_o though_o in_o many_o thing_n they_o acknowledge_v themselves_o to_o be_v among_o the_o most_o 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oppose_v of_o all_o malignant_a interest_n as_o it_o be_v upon_o the_o other_o hand_n the_o matter_n of_o their_o confidence_n and_o joy_n that_o their_o former_a quarrel_n seem_v to_o be_v justify_v by_o the_o public_a resolution_n which_o do_v so_o much_o strengthen_v and_o promove_v malignant_a interest_n if_o we_o may_v believe_v their_o own_o expression_n and_o letter_n write_v from_o some_o of_o the_o chief_a of_o they_o to_o the_o high_a power_n in_o england_n he_o tell_v we_o that_o for_o that_o cause_n some_o of_o the_o testimony_n be_v soon_o put_v into_o their_o hand_n then_o communicate_v to_o the_o commissioner_n and_o they_o in_o thankfulness_n be_v very_o thankful_a to_o cause_n print_v they_o this_o be_v a_o crimination_n of_o no_o small_a consequence_n to_o the_o name_n and_o fame_n of_o these_o of_o who_o the_o author_n speak_v and_o therefore_o if_o he_o have_v deal_v candid_o and_o speak_v truth_n upon_o persuasion_n and_o evidence_n he_o shall_v have_v tell_v we_o of_o what_o testimony_n he_o mean_v and_o who_o
after_o so_o many_o experience_n of_o their_o turn_n aside_o do_v trust_v they_o and_o be_v instrumental_a to_o employ_v they_o in_o defence_n of_o the_o cause_n and_o kingdom_n have_v cause_n to_o think_v that_o they_o be_v a_o little_a too_o credulous_a i_o shall_v not_o insist_v upon_o what_o the_o author_n say_v of_o the_o writer_n never_o be_v able_a to_o prove_v what_o he_o assert_n anent_o the_o commissioner_n their_o make_a defection_n this_o as_o to_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o public_a resolution_n have_v be_v sufficient_o prove_v either_o by_o he_o or_o other_o and_o need_v not_o here_o to_o be_v repeat_v therefore_o i_o come_v to_o what_o he_o bring_v in_o answer_n to_o these_o thing_n which_o be_v bring_v by_o the_o 〈…〉_o that_o there_o be_v not_o liberty_n of_o free_a vote_v in_o the_o assembly_n the_o writer_n for_o prove_v this_o allege_n that_o the_o commission_n have_v stir_v up_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n against_o such_o as_o do_v differ_v from_o they_o in_o the_o public_a resolution_n in_o their_o warning_n and_o remonstrance_n this_o the_o author_n deny_v as_o be_v contrary_a to_o truth_n and_o call_v for_o proof_n of_o it_o out_o of_o these_o warning_n and_o remonstrance_n these_o warning_n and_o remonstrance_n be_v public_a and_o common_a i_o conceive_v that_o the_o writer_n think_v it_o not_o needful_a to_o cite_v the_o place_n nor_o to_o insist_v much_o upon_o proof_n of_o the_o business_n other_o way_n then_o in_o instance_v the_o real_a effect_n of_o it_o but_o because_o he_o desire_v evidence_n from_o these_o paper_n he_o shall_v have_v it_o 1._o the_o commission_n in_o their_o short_a exhortation_n to_o the_o minister_n and_o professor_n of_o this_o kirk_n march_v 20._o 1651._o express_v themselves_o thus_o in_o order_n to_o these_o who_o be_v unsatisfied_a with_o or_o do_v oppose_v the_o public_a resolution_n the_o conscience_n of_o our_o duty_n according_a to_o the_o trust_v commit_v to_o we_o and_o the_o carriage_n of_o some_o who_o either_o oppress_v with_o a_o lethargy_n lie_v still_o or_o seize_v upon_o by_o a_o benumb_a coldness_n move_v slow_o or_o carry_v about_o with_o the_o wind_n of_o strange_a doctrine_n as_o child_n be_v toss_v to_o &_o fro_o &_o move_v contrary_o do_v constrain_v we_o to_o lift_v up_o our_o voice_n &_o from_o the_o watch_n tower_n whereon_o we_o be_v set_v to_o give_v warn_v to_o the_o professor_n &_o minister_n throughout_o the_o land_n &_o to_o wacken_v they_o up_o to_o their_o duty_n as_o they_o will_v avoid_v the_o displeasure_n of_o the_o almighty_a and_o escape_v the_o deserve_a punishment_n and_o censure_n which_o may_v be_v inflict_v by_o judicatory_n civil_a and_o ecclesiastic_a respective_a upon_o dificients_n in_o and_o delinquent_n against_o duty_n according_a to_o the_o degree_n of_o their_o offence_n and_o again_o in_o the_o same_o warn_v have_v apply_v the_o character_n of_o malignant_n to_o such_o as_o through_o dissatisfaction_n with_o public_a resolution_n be_v silent_a or_o do_v oppose_v they_o use_v these_o word_n we_o wish_v it_o may_v be_v the_o care_n of_o all_o to_o shun_v the_o way_n that_o may_v bring_v they_o under_o these_o foul_a character_n and_o whereby_o they_o may_v run_v themselves_o under_o the_o hazard_n of_o the_o displeasure_n of_o god_n and_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n and_o no_o doubt_n of_o civil_a punishment_n also_o to_o be_v inflict_v by_o the_o state_n from_o these_o passage_n these_o two_o thing_n be_v manifest_a 1._o that_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o commission_n deficiency_n in_o the_o public_a resolution_n by_o not_o move_v at_o all_o or_o slow_a move_n or_o contrary_a move_n be_v deservable_o liable_a to_o punishment_n by_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n 2._o that_o they_o do_v make_v no_o doubt_n but_o that_o civil_a punishment_n will_v be_v inflict_v by_o the_o state_n to_o these_o two_o thing_n add_v that_o this_o exhortation_n and_o warn_v be_v direct_v to_o all_o the_o minister_n and_o professor_n of_o this_o kirk_n and_o so_o to_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n among_o other_o in_o their_o place_n &_o station_n yea_o no_o doubt_n before_o the_o emit_v thereof_o it_o be_v by_o way_n of_o correspondency_n according_a to_o the_o constant_a custom_n keep_v in_o these_o thing_n communicate_v unto_o the_o state_n let_v any_o indifferent_a man_n then_o judge_v whether_o this_o be_v not_o a_o stir_v up_o of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n against_o they_o when_o it_o be_v declare_v to_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n in_o a_o public_a exhortation_n and_o warn_v to_o duty_n that_o punishment_n from_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n be_v by_o these_o man_n deserve_v and_o that_o the_o state_n will_v no_o doubt_n inflict_v that_o civil_a punishment_n in_o answer_v the_o instance_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n his_o proceed_v according_o the_o one_o of_o they_o to_o wit_n their_o make_n of_o law_n and_o act_n of_o parliament_n appoint_v such_o to_o be_v proceed_v against_o as_o enemy_n to_o religion_n and_o to_o the_o kingdom_n he_o do_v not_o so_o much_o as_o once_o touch_v and_o the_o other_o concern_v the_o confine_v the_o minister_n of_o sterline_n he_o do_v in_o many_o thing_n mince_v and_o pervert_v therefore_o for_o inform_v of_o the_o reader_n and_o justify_v of_o what_o be_v say_v by_o the_o writer_n in_o this_o particular_a i_o shall_v short_o and_o true_o set_v down_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n so_o far_o as_o be_v needful_a and_o make_v some_o remark_n upon_o what_o the_o author_n say_v in_o this_o business_n first_o to_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n it_o be_v thus_o after_o that_o the_o minister_n of_o sterline_n do_v return_v to_o their_o station_n from_o the_o conference_n with_o the_o commission_n at_o st._n andrews_n the_o committee_n of_o estate_n be_v inform_v by_o the_o commission_n of_o the_o result_n of_o that_o conference_n and_o hear_v that_o the_o minister_n of_o sterline_n do_v continue_v to_o preach_v against_o the_o public_a resolution_n do_v resolve_v upon_o a_o letter_n contain_v a_o citation_n to_o come_v to_o perth_n to_o be_v write_v from_o the_o committee_n to_o these_o minister_n which_o be_v pass_v and_o approven_v in_o the_o committee_n be_v immediate_o thereafter_o by_o some_o of_o their_o number_n communicate_v to_o the_o commission_n of_o the_o kirk_n to_o who_o it_o be_v public_o read_v without_o so_o much_o as_o the_o least_o signification_n make_v by_o they_o of_o their_o dislike_n thereof_o which_o do_v clear_o enough_o import_v their_o approbation_n of_o the_o same_o because_o it_o be_v the_o custom_n of_o the_o commission_n these_o year_n past_a when_o any_o thing_n be_v communicate_v unto_o they_o by_o the_o parliament_n or_o committee_n of_o estate_n with_o which_o they_o be_v not_o satisfy_v either_o to_o represent_v their_o dissatisfaction_n in_o a_o humble_a way_n by_o write_v or_o else_o to_o desire_v a_o conference_n thereupon_o and_o when_o they_o be_v silent_a it_o be_v always_o expon_v to_o import_v their_o satisfaction_n this_o letter_n be_v dispatch_v from_o perth_n where_o the_o committee_n of_o estate_n than_o sit_v to_o the_o minister_n of_o sterline_n it_o come_v not_o to_o their_o hand_n before_o the_o tuesday_n at_o night_n notwithstanding_o that_o it_o have_v be_v write_v a_o good_a many_o day_n before_o and_o that_o it_o do_v require_v they_o to_o compear_v before_o the_o committee_n the_o next_o day_n after_o recept_n thereof_o the_o one_o of_o the_o minister_n be_v somewhat_o sickly_a answer_n be_v return_v from_o both_o to_o the_o lord_n chancellor_n precedent_n of_o the_o committee_n that_o by_o reason_n of_o his_o weakness_n they_o can_v not_o well_o keep_v the_o diet_n mention_v in_o the_o letter_n but_o that_o in_o the_o case_n of_o his_o be_v able_a to_o travel_v both_o of_o they_o shall_v be_v at_o perth_n that_o week_n or_o that_o if_o he_o can_v not_o travel_v the_o other_o shall_v come_v without_o fail_n and_o entreat_v the_o lord_n chancellor_n to_o make_v their_o excuse_n to_o the_o committee_n and_o that_o it_o may_v not_o be_v interpret_v as_o any_o sign_n of_o disrespect_n or_o disobedience_n that_o they_o do_v not_o come_v instant_o upon_o the_o recept_n of_o the_o letter_n see_v the_o one_o of_o they_o be_v not_o at_o that_o time_n able_a to_o travel_v this_o letter_n be_v communicate_v by_o the_o lord_n chancellor_n to_o the_o committee_n upon_o the_o thursday_n they_o be_v please_v notwithstanding_o thereof_o and_o before_o the_o come_n or_o hear_v of_o these_o minister_n to_o order_v another_o letter_n to_o be_v send_v unto_o they_o ordain_v they_o to_o come_v to_o perth_n before_o the_o next_o saturnday_n at_o night_n and_o to_o stay_v there_o or_o at_o dundee_n till_o the_o king_n return_n from_o aberdeen_n whether_o he_o be_v then_o go_v before_o this_o second_o letter_n come_v to_o their_o hand_n these_o minister_n come_v to_o perth_n upon_o
cite_v not_o a_o few_o of_o their_o number_n who_o be_v present_a and_o do_v direct_a summons_n to_o other_o who_o be_v absent_a the_o presbytry_n of_o jeaburgh_n do_v cite_v three_o of_o their_o number_n sundry_a also_o in_o the_o presbytery_n of_o glasgow_n chyrnside_n and_o elsewhere_o be_v cite_v he_o repeat_v again_o his_o distinction_n of_o such_o as_o differ_v from_o public_a resolution_n and_o such_o as_o continue_v to_o oppose_v they_o the_o last_o whereof_o only_o as_o he_o insinuate_v be_v cite_v but_o to_o pass_v by_o the_o distinction_n itself_o which_o seem_v to_o teach_v man_n a_o way_n that_o do_v not_o seem_v well_o to_o become_v the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n h._n e._n to_o differ_v in_o such_o thing_n as_o concern_v the_o judgement_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o people_n commit_v to_o their_o charge_n in_o matter_n of_o special_a interest_n to_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n and_o yet_o to_o be_v silent_a and_o cease_v to_o give_v testimony_n thereof_o either_o for_o their_o own_o exoneration_n or_o information_n of_o their_o people_n which_o be_v one_o of_o the_o desire_n and_o overture_n press_v upon_o the_o minister_n of_o sterling_n at_o st._n andrews_n who_o so_o will_v look_v upon_o the_o commission_n paper_n march_v 20._o will_v find_v that_o in_o reference_n to_o censure_v it_o take_v in_o not_o only_o such_o as_o continue_v to_o oppose_v and_o move_v contrary_o but_o also_o such_o as_o move_v not_o at_o all_o or_o move_v slow_o as_o well_o these_o who_o be_v indifferent_a and_o neutral_a as_o these_o who_o oppose_v see_v pag._n 2._o &_o 5._o thereof_o that_o some_o of_o they_o be_v choose_v to_o the_o assembly_n we_o have_v already_o clear_v how_o it_o be_v do_v as_o also_o that_o which_o be_v do_v in_o the_o year_n 48._o betwixt_o which_o and_o that_o which_o be_v do_v in_o the_o year_n 51._o there_o be_v many_o real_a and_o important_a difference_n former_o speak_v of_o and_o clear_v and_o therefore_o do_v the_o writer_n use_v no_o 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commission_n that_o the_o writer_n lay_v weight_n the_o author_n similitude_n of_o the_o parl._n and_o ass_n be_v answer_v already_o and_o show_v what_o maybe_o conceive_v by_o some_o why_o the_o parallel_n hold_v noâ—_n though_o as_o to_o this_o point_n the_o difference_n betwixt_o he_o and_o the_o writer_n seem_v not_o to_o be_v so_o wide_a as_o he_o will_v give_v out_o his_o conclusion_n be_v that_o he_o hope_v that_o by_o what_o have_v be_v say_v that_o it_o be_v sufficient_o evidence_v that_o the_o writer_n have_v bring_v no_o considerable_a reason_n for_o the_o nullity_n of_o the_o late_a assembly_n even_o suppose_v sundry_a of_o the_o act_n and_o constitution_n thereof_o be_v wrong_v upon_o the_o matter_n he_o shall_v have_v say_v suppose_v the_o most_o of_o all_o its_o act_n and_o the_o most_o material_a of_o they_o to_o be_v wrong_a upon_o the_o matter_n for_o so_o it_o be_v suppose_v and_o affirm_v by_o the_o writer_n and_o upon_o the_o supposal_n the_o author_n shall_v 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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 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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
committee_n of_o estate_n the_o assembly_n continue_v until_o the_o morn_n at_o ten_o hour_n that_o examination_n of_o the_o proceed_n of_o the_o commission_n of_o the_o late_a assembly_n and_o do_v appoint_v that_o time_n for_o hear_v any_o new_a exception_n the_o committee_n of_o estate_n have_v to_o give_v in_o against_o the_o proceed_n of_o the_o say_a commission_n paper_n send_v into_o the_o assembly_n whereas_o it_o have_v be_v the_o constant_a care_n and_o endeavor_n of_o the_o parliament_n and_o committee_n of_o estate_n to_o use_v all_o mean_n for_o remove_v and_o settle_v the_o difference_n betwixt_o the_o church_n and_o the_o state_n and_o in_o pursuance_n of_o that_o good_a way_n the_o committee_n do_v yesterday_o give_v in_o some_o new_a desire_n and_o offer_v to_o the_o gen._n assembly_n that_o some_o may_v be_v appoint_v to_o meet_v and_o confer_v with_o such_o as_o shall_v be_v appoint_v by_o the_o committee_n thereupon_o but_o since_o instead_o of_o embrace_v and_o 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conference_n may_v preveen_v the_o same_o and_o be_v more_o willing_a not_o to_o give_v they_o in_o at_o all_o or_o at_o least_o only_a to_o give_v they_o in_o to_o those_o you_o shall_v appoint_v to_o confer_v with_o we_o that_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a difference_n may_v yet_o be_v remove_v then_o that_o we_o be_v necessitate_v to_o appear_v in_o public_a among_o they_o and_o that_o this_o and_o our_o former_a paper_n may_v remain_v as_o a_o testimony_n of_o our_o desire_n for_o unity_n and_o peace_n we_o desire_v that_o they_o may_v be_v record_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n the_o assembly_n do_v give_v this_o humble_a return_n to_o the_o paper_n send_v this_o day_n from_o the_o hon._n committee_n of_o estate_n that_o they_o be_v most_o willing_a to_o appoint_v a_o conference_n with_o any_o of_o their_o lordsh_fw-mi number_n but_o that_o according_a to_o the_o order_n and_o act_n of_o former_a gen._n asembly_n they_o conceive_v themselves_o oblige_v first_o 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of_o the_o late_a gen._n assembly_n until_o four_o afternoon_n and_o appoint_v that_o time_n for_o hear_v any_o new_a exception_n the_o honourable_a committee_n of_o estate_n have_v to_o give_v in_o against_o the_o proceed_n of_o the_o say_a commission_n subscrib_n a._n ker._n the_o committee_n of_o estate_n find_v it_o impossible_a in_o so_o short_a a_o time_n to_o prepare_v their_o objection_n against_o such_o of_o the_o proceed_n of_o the_o commissioner_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n as_o relate_v to_o their_o engagement_n and_o yet_o be_v most_o willing_a to_o essay_n all_o fair_a mean_n for_o procure_v a_o happy_a understanding_n betwixt_o kirk_n and_o state_n be_v content_a to_o appoint_v some_o of_o their_o number_n to_o meet_v with_o such_o as_o shall_v be_v appoint_v by_o the_o general_n assembly_n for_o compose_v of_o difference_n betwixt_o the_o church_n and_o state_n without_o prejudice_n to_o they_o to_o use_v all_o their_o just_a objection_n against_o the_o proceed_n of_o the_o commissioner_n of_o the_o late_a general_n assembly_n if_o the_o conference_n shall_v not_o produce_v these_o happy_a effect_n they_o earnest_o wish_v the_o general_a assembly_n unto_o the_o motion_n send_v this_o afternoon_n from_o the_o honourable_a committee_n of_o estate_n do_v return_v humble_o this_o answer_n that_o they_o yield_v to_o their_o lordship_n desire_n of_o a_o conference_n and_o for_o this_o end_n appoint_v m_n r_n david_n calderwood_n david_n dickson_n robert_n douglass_n andrew_n cant_v john_n moncreif_n john_n smith_n and_o john_n mac_n clelland_n minister_n and_o the_o earl_n of_o cassilles_n the_o earl_n of_o louthian_n lord_n balmernio_n the_o laird_n of_o moncreif_n and_o freeland_n with_o the_o moderator_n to_o confer_v with_o any_o appoint_v by_o the_o honourable_a committee_n of_o estate_n at_o such_o time_n and_o place_n as_o shall_v be_v appoint_v by_o their_o lordship_n upon_o the_o present_a danger_n to_o religion_n and_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n the_o great_a prejudices_fw-la do_v to_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o kirk_n and_o the_o best_a remedy_n thereof_o and_o to_o report_v the_o result_n of_o their_o conference_n from_o time_n to_o time_n and_o they_o have_v also_o power_n to_o receive_v any_o offer_n or_o paper_n from_o the_o honourable_a committee_n of_o estate_n and_o to_o present_v the_o same_o to_o the_o assembly_n declare_v that_o the_o proceed_n of_o the_o commission_n of_o the_o late_a assembly_n be_v new_a exact_o try_v and_o unanimous_o approven_v there_o be_v no_o place_n leave_v for_o any_o objection_n against_o the_o same_o subscrib_n a._n ker._n reasins_z why_o these_o who_o dis-approved_n the_o public_a resolution_n and_o act_n at_o dundee_n ratify_v the_o same_o and_o ordain_v censure_n to_o pass_v upon_o the_o opposer_n and_o unsatisfied_a can_v keep_v the_o assembly_n now_o indict_v nor_o be_v consent_v unto_o the_o election_n of_o commissioner_n for_o that_o effect_n the_o chief_a cause_n of_o 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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 constitute_v by_o a_o corrupt_a rule_n ergo_fw-la the_o major_a
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