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every_o body_n fear_v that_o they_o shall_v so_o have_v do_v at_o that_o time_n yea_o do_v not_o all_o of_o we_o many_o time_n bless_v god_n that_o they_o do_v it_o not_o and_o what_o can_v be_v the_o danger_n of_o emit_v these_o cause_n by_o way_n of_o humble_a desire_n and_o brotherly_a representation_n see_v they_o do_v meddle_v with_o nothing_o but_o that_o which_o be_v palpable_a and_o manifest_a yea_o which_o for_o the_o matter_n have_v be_v condescend_v upon_o by_o the_o commission_n before_o that_o time_n and_o be_v as_o the_o author_n himself_o acknowledge_v such_o as_o the_o commission_n do_v at_o their_o next_o meeting_n approve_v the_o only_a thing_n that_o have_v any_o shadow_n of_o newness_n in_o it_o be_v that_o of_o the_o crooked_a and_o precipitant_a way_n that_o have_v be_v take_v for_o carry_v on_o the_o treaty_n with_o the_o king_n
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
and_o require_v the_o commission_n to_o make_v report_n to_o they_o what_o effect_n their_o deal_n with_o their_o brethren_n shall_v take_v the_o commissioner_n according_o have_v meet_v at_o st._n andrews_n and_o have_v have_v a_o conference_n with_o these_o brethren_n &_o have_v find_v by_o their_o own_o acknowledgement_n that_o in_o public_a they_o have_v practise_v against_o public_a resolution_n &_o in_o private_a have_v give_v to_o some_o person_n as_o they_o say_v ask_v their_o advice_n resolution_n that_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a to_o continue_v in_o that_o service_n be_v in_o such_o a_o conjunction_n as_o the_o resolution_n carry_v first_o they_o labour_v to_o give_v they_o satisfaction_n about_o their_o resolution_n but_o have_v effectuate_v nothing_o therein_o at_o last_o they_o deal_v with_o they_o in_o most_o earnestness_n and_o tenderness_n both_o public_o and_o private_o to_o give_v assurance_n that_o they_o will_v not_o proceed_v to_o do_v or_o speak_v any_o thing_n in_o their_o public_a doctrine_n or_o in_o private_a to_o the_o hinder_v and_o obstruct_v of_o the_o levy_n which_o be_v go_v on_o according_a to_o the_o resolution_n or_o may_v tend_v to_o the_o move_n of_o any_o of_o the_o garrison_n to_o quit_v their_o charge_n which_o they_o refuse_v peremptory_o to_o do_v and_o so_o depart_v home_o from_o the_o conference_n the_o commission_n have_v send_v a_o mere_a report_n and_o narration_n rei_fw-la gestae_fw-la without_o more_o or_o less_o to_o the_o committee_n of_o estate_n according_a as_o they_o be_v require_v the_o committee_n require_v these_o brethren_n by_o letter_n to_o come_v to_o perth_n that_o some_o course_n may_v be_v take_v in_o relation_n to_o they_o for_o secure_v the_o garrison_n of_o sterlin_n from_o danger_n the_o brethren_n have_v come_v to_o perth_n but_o not_o at_o the_o first_o diet_n appoint_v to_o they_o the_o committee_n require_v they_o to_o attend_v at_o perth_n or_o at_o dundee_n until_o the_o king_n return_n from_o aberdeen_n that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o more_o full_a meeting_n of_o the_o committee_n a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o most_o considerable_a member_n thereof_o be_v with_o he_o after_o the_o king_n return_n a_o paper_n be_v send_v in_o by_o the_o committee_n of_o estate_n to_o the_o commission_n of_o the_o kirk_n require_v the_o commission_n advice_n as_o about_o other_o passage_n that_o have_v pass_v between_o they_o and_o these_o brethren_n what_o shall_v be_v do_v with_o these_o brethren_n in_o relation_n to_o secure_v of_o the_o garrison_n of_o sterline_n the_o commission_n declare_v in_o their_o answer_n as_o to_o this_o they_o can_v not_o take_v upon_o they_o to_o determine_v the_o matter_n be_v mere_o civil_a but_o that_o they_o desire_v and_o expect_v that_o the_o committee_n will_v deal_v with_o they_o in_o tenderness_n and_o respect_n as_o be_v minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n this_o be_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o business_n in_o sum_n so_o it_o do_v appear_v evident_o that_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n do_v confine_v they_o as_o they_o be_v so_o please_v to_o term_v it_o neither_o be_v stir_v up_o thereunto_o by_o the_o commissioner_n nor_o yet_o upon_o their_o account_n of_o mere_a difference_n from_o the_o commission_n and_o public_a resolution_n but_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o their_o active_a oppose_v of_o their_o resolution_n to_o the_o obstruction_n of_o the_o levy_n and_o endanger_v the_o garrison_n and_o their_o refuse_v to_o desist_v from_o that_o opposition_n but_o neither_o must_v it_o be_v forget_v here_o what_o be_v the_o time_n of_o that_o confinment_n as_o the_o writer_n term_v it_o and_o compear_v of_o these_o brethren_n before_o the_o committee_n if_o the_o writer_n be_v ignorant_a of_o it_o let_v he_o know_v it_o be_v this_o mr._n robert_n dowglas_n and_o mr._n james_n wood_n be_v deal_v with_o by_o some_o of_o these_o brethren_n intimate_a friend_n to_o intercede_v with_o the_o parliament_n that_o be_v then_o conveened_a to_o pass_v from_o call_v they_o further_o do_v ready_o undertake_v it_o &_o obtain_v their_o desire_n so_o that_o they_o be_v dismiss_v present_o and_o then_o one_o of_o these_o brethren_n come_v and_o acknowledge_v to_o these_o two_o their_o kindness_n do_v in_o their_o behalf_n yet_o now_o in_o the_o protestation_n and_o in_o this_o second_o paper_n it_o be_v requite_v with_o a_o slander_n that_o they_o with_o other_o commissioner_n stir_v up_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n against_o they_o for_o differ_v from_o public_a resolution_n review_n before_o the_o author_n come_v to_o answer_v the_o next_o ground_n of_o the_o protestation_n he_o take_v notice_n of_o something_n and_o but_o of_o something_n pass_v by_o many_o other_o speak_v of_o by_o the_o writer_n in_o his_o answer_n concern_v the_o commissioner_n their_o steadfastness_n and_o fall_v off_o from_o it_o to_o which_o i_o reply_v that_o though_o it_o may_v be_v true_a that_o some_o of_o they_o have_v be_v steadfast_a in_o the_o truth_n &_o cause_n of_o god_n when_o other_o who_o he_o call_v their_o accuser_n know_v it_o not_o that_o will_v neither_o justify_v the_o one_o nor_o condemn_v the_o other_o in_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n it_o do_v sometime_o fall_v out_o that_o the_o first_o be_v last_o and_o the_o last_o first_o though_o yet_o if_o he_o make_v a_o impartial_a reckon_n i_o believe_v that_o neither_o he_o nor_o his_o party_n have_v reason_n to_o prefer_v themselves_o before_o the_o protester_n for_o man_n of_o integrity_n and_o old_a stand_n in_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n nor_o yet_o to_o boast_v themselves_o as_o though_o there_o be_v none_o among_o they_o who_o have_v but_o late_o come_v to_o know_v the_o cause_n of_o god_n i_o hope_v no_o protester_n do_v or_o shall_v envy_v some_o of_o these_o man_n give_v testimony_n of_o their_o steadfastness_n for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v in_o their_o suffering_n the_o lord_n fit_v they_o &_o all_o his_o people_n so_o to_o do_v but_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o for_o the_o author_n to_o speak_v thus_o promise_o of_o they_o unless_o upon_o his_o may_v bee_n he_o do_v also_o prognosticat_fw-la evil_a of_o other_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o when_o some_o of_o these_o accuser_n it_o may_v be_v will_v be_v find_v tamper_n or_o already_o be_v tamper_n about_o or_o devise_v gloss_n how_o they_o may_v with_o some_o colour_n shuffle_v themselves_o loose_a from_o article_n of_o the_o covenant_n some_o of_o they_o will_v give_v testimony_n of_o their_o steadfastness_n in_o it_o this_o measure_n wherewith_o the_o author_n repay_v the_o protester_n be_v more_o than_o a_o eye_n for_o a_o eye_n and_o a_o tooth_n for_o a_o tooth_n they_o do_v not_o except_v against_o the_o commissioner_n upon_o may_o bee_n but_o upon_o thing_n real_o and_o already_o do_v and_o to_o he_o may_v be_v i_o say_v that_o though_o this_o be_v a_o hour_n of_o temptation_n wherein_o many_o turn_n aside_o both_o to_o the_o left_a hand_n and_o to_o the_o right_n yet_o i_o hope_v that_o by_o the_o lord_n grace_n the_o generality_n of_o those_o who_o have_v bear_v testimony_n against_o the_o public_a resolution_n shall_v be_v find_v among_o the_o most_o steadfast_a in_o the_o land_n in_o the_o covenant_n and_o cause_n of_o god_n what_o if_o i_o shall_v tell_v he_o that_o it_o may_v be_v when_o opposer_n of_o public_a resolution_n be_v keep_v their_o integrity_n and_o cleave_v to_o the_o covenant_n some_o man_n of_o no_o small_a note_n who_o have_v be_v and_o still_o be_v zealous_a for_o these_o resolution_n will_v be_v lick_v up_o the_o vomit_n of_o malignancy_n and_o prelacy_n or_o if_o that_o be_v to_o fish_n too_o far_o before_o the_o net_n i_o be_o content_a to_o appeal_v to_o himself_o who_o be_v the_o great_a tamperer_n of_o this_o time_n whether_o the_o follower_n of_o the_o public_a resolution_n or_o the_o opposer_n of_o they_o i_o do_v not_o resolve_v to_o deny_v a_o honourable_a testimony_n to_o not_o a_o few_o of_o these_o who_o be_v for_o the_o public_a resolution_n in_o their_o love_n unto_o and_o steadfastness_n in_o and_o zeal_n for_o the_o truth_n in_o other_o thing_n nor_o yet_o to_o justify_v the_o turn_n aside_o of_o other_o who_o have_v be_v opposer_n of_o the_o public_a resolution_n yet_o i_o think_v it_o will_v not_o be_v question_v that_o the_o generality_n of_o these_o who_o have_v give_v up_o the_o interest_n both_o of_o church_n &_o state_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o stranger_n be_v such_o as_o be_v affectionate_o zealous_a for_o the_o public_a resolution_n which_o be_v too_o probable_a a_o evidence_n that_o their_o profession_n of_o repentance_n the_o last_o year_n and_o of_o zeal_n for_o the_o covenant_n and_o work_n of_o reformation_n and_o of_o love_n to_o the_o king_n and_o of_o desire_n to_o preserve_v our_o liberty_n be_v not_o straight_o and_o upright_o and_o that_o the_o commission_n of_o the_o church_n who_o
there_o be_v any_o who_o deserve_v the_o name_n of_o the_o prime_a contriver_n and_o stickler_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o protestation_n it_o be_v some_o of_o these_o who_o have_v no_o hand_n in_o these_o high_a course_n which_o he_o mention_n and_o who_o upon_o his_o account_n be_v among_o the_o simple_a one_o these_o crime_n which_o he_o do_v so_o positive_o and_o without_o hesitation_n charge_n upon_o some_o especial_o be_v so_o heinous_a and_o great_a it_o will_v seem_v that_o both_o charity_n and_o and_o justice_n will_v have_v require_v that_o he_o have_v bring_v some_o good_a evidence_n of_o they_o lest_o haply_o his_o reader_n trust_v not_o his_o naked_a assertion_n in_o that_o which_o do_v not_o only_o reach_v the_o reputation_n but_o also_o the_o life_n and_o be_v of_o other_o and_o if_o he_o will_v have_v man_n to_o believe_v their_o tenet_n to_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o mind_n and_o practice_n of_o all_o orthodox_n church_n and_o to_o the_o faith_n he_o will_v do_v well_o to_o prove_v they_o to_o be_v so_o until_o he_o do_v it_o he_o will_v i_o hope_v allow_v charity_n to_o these_o who_o deny_v it_o some_o of_o the_o great_a divine_n of_o this_o church_n and_o of_o this_o age_n who_o praise_n be_v in_o all_o the_o reform_a church_n do_v affirm_v and_o have_v prove_v the_o contrary_a and_o if_o the_o author_n assertion_n be_v true_a i_o fear_v not_o to_o say_v that_o the_o mind_n and_o practice_n of_o this_o church_n these_o year_n past_a have_v not_o be_v orthodox_n nor_o agreeable_a to_o the_o faith_n in_o order_n to_o these_o tenet_n because_o they_o have_v be_v clear_o teach_v and_o practise_v by_o this_o church_n these_o year_n past_a and_o a_o man_n but_o slender_o see_v in_o the_o doctrine_n thereof_o may_v bring_v forth_o these_o tenet_n assert_v by_o this_o church_n in_o the_o same_o letter_n and_o sillabes_fw-la and_o may_v give_v clear_a instance_n of_o her_o practice_n a-agreeing_a with_o the_o same_o it_o have_v be_v do_v already_o 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can_v have_v more_o endanger_v these_o it_o be_v a_o speedy_a way_n to_o expose_v they_o to_o the_o censure_n both_o of_o church_n and_o state_n as_o do_v appear_v in_o the_o sequel_n some_o of_o they_o because_o of_o their_o protest_v be_v depose_v by_o that_o assembly_n and_o other_o of_o they_o confine_v by_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n and_o there_o be_v ground_n to_o presume_v that_o they_o will_v have_v be_v proceed_v against_o with_o further_a censure_n both_o civil_a and_o ecclesiastic_a if_o the_o lord_n have_v not_o stop_v the_o current_n of_o these_o thing_n if_o this_o be_v their_o safe_a way_n why_o do_v man_n of_o his_o own_o judgement_n so_o frequent_o say_v that_o if_o the_o protestation_n have_v be_v forbear_v the_o assembly_n will_v not_o have_v censure_v any_o no_o not_o in_o the_o case_n of_o their_o adhere_n to_o their_o judgement_n and_o dissent_v from_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o assembly_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o public_a resolution_n if_o we_o shall_v take_v safety_n in_o order_n to_o the_o cause_n they_o can_v not_o be_v so_o dull_a as_o to_o think_v that_o their_o protest_v against_o the_o assembly_n will_v keep_v the_o assembly_n from_o try_v and_o judge_v of_o their_o cause_n or_o other_o indifferent_a man_n from_o search_v into_o the_o same_o and_o if_o before_o the_o protestation_n it_o can_v not_o abide_v the_o trial_n it_o do_v but_o put_v they_o in_o a_o much_o worse_a condition_n to_o protest_v upon_o a_o unwarrantable_a ground_n it_o be_v worse_o to_o defend_v two_o evil_a cause_n than_o one_o and_o therefore_o it_o do_v not_o appear_v from_o these_o thing_n that_o self-interest_n be_v the_o spring_n from_o whence_o these_o act_n do_v flow_v yea_o the_o contrary_n if_o any_o thing_n be_v manifest_a because_o by_o such_o a_o way_n they_o can_v expect_v nothing_o but_o the_o hightning_n of_o all_o former_a reproach_n cast_v on_o they_o the_o expose_v of_o themselves_o to_o the_o censure_n both_o of_o church_n and_o state_n if_o man_n that_o in_o all_o their_o precious_a interest_n must_v be_v sufferer_n because_o of_o their_o do_v of_o such_o thing_n be_v lead_v to_o act_v therein_o upon_o a_o principle_n of_o selfish_a interest_n we_o leave_v it_o to_o judicious_a and_o indifferent_a man_n to_o consider_v and_o give_v their_o judgement_n whether_o it_o be_v very_o apparent_a yea_o or_o not_o it_o be_v true_a that_o some_o two_o or_o three_o do_v partly_o by_o the_o persuasion_n and_o partly_o by_o the_o threaten_n of_o some_o at_o dundee_n resile_v a_o little_a from_o the_o testimony_n which_o they_o have_v give_v at_o st_n andrews_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o protestation_n which_o within_o a_o short_a time_n thereafter_o they_o do_v repent_v of_o and_o again_o adhere_v to_o their_o former_a testimony_n not_o upon_o any_o selfish-interest_n or_o eye_n to_o credit_n or_o advantage_n as_o the_o author_n affirm_v there_o be_v no_o appearance_n first_o or_o last_o that_o by_o adhere_v to_o the_o protestation_n they_o can_v gain_v any_o of_o these_o thing_n but_o on_o the_o check_n of_o their_o own_o conscience_n and_o the_o voice_n they_o hear_v behind_o they_o say_v this_o be_v the_o way_n walk_v you_o in_o it_o when_o they_o have_v turn_v aside_o some_o of_o they_o be_v since_o that_o time_n take_v out_o of_o the_o land_n of_o the_o live_n and_o i_o trust_v be_v now_o in_o glory_n and_o i_o can_v assure_v the_o author_n and_o all_o other_o and_o if_o it_o be_v doubt_v i_o will_v get_v it_o attest_v under_o the_o hand_n of_o famous_a witness_n that_o after_o their_o resil_n from_o that_o testimony_n they_o have_v no_o peace_n nor_o quietness_n in_o their_o spirit_n for_o a_o long_a time_n but_o go_v down_o mourning_n to_o their_o grave_n because_o they_o have_v so_o do_v and_o upon_o their_o death_n bed_n do_v often_o and_o sad_o bemoan_v it_o that_o they_o have_v miss_v the_o opportunity_n to_o give_v some_o public_a testimony_n and_o declaration_n with_o other_o of_o their_o sorrow_n for_o the_o same_o and_o of_o their_o purpose_n and_o resolution_n to_o adhere_v to_o the_o protestation_n it_o have_v be_v no_o loss_n to_o the_o author_n nor_o his_o cause_n to_o have_v spare_v such_o sharp_a let_v i_o not_o say_v bitter_a and_o personal_a reflection_n upon_o conscientious_a and_o godly_a man_n as_o he_o many_o time_n needless_o use_v he_o and_o all_o other_o who_o eye_n god_n have_v open_v to_o see_v their_o way_n can_v but_o be_v conscious_a to_o themselves_o of_o their_o own_o wander_n and_o how_o much_o they_o owe_v to_o the_o exceed_a riches_n of_o the_o mercy_n and_o free_a grace_n of_o god_n that_o have_v recover_v they_o out_o of_o snare_n vindication_n second_o estimation_n of_o the_o person_n the_o author_n or_o abettor_n of_o this_o protestation_n god_n forbid_v i_o shall_v think_v say_v or_o advise_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o prejudice_n or_o disadvantage_n of_o godliness_n or_o godly_a person_n neither_o shall_v i_o question_v their_o godliness_n my_o judgement_n concern_v some_o yea_o many_o of_o they_o be_v very_o positive_a have_v by_o experience_n and_o acquaintance_n see_v i_o must_v say_v much_o of_o the_o image_n of_o jesus_n christ_n in_o they_o as_o for_o other_o what_o ever_o they_o have_v be_v every_o whit_n i_o take_v not_o on_o i_o to_o judge_v they_o nor_o yet_o think_v i_o it_o pertinent_a or_o fit_a so_o to_o do_v that_o there_o be_v godly_a man_n not_o a_o few_o on_o the_o other_o side_n too_o be_v manifest_a some_o that_o be_v in_o christ_n before_o they_o and_o man_n that_o have_v suffer_v for_o the_o truth_n and_o cause_n of_o god_n when_o other_o have_v not_o the_o honour_n to_o be_v doer_n for_o it_o and_o be_v ready_a to_o suffer_v if_o he_o shall_v call_v they_o to_o it_o though_o some_o uncharitable_o
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 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speak_v of_o i_o write_v not_o these_o thing_n for_o lesn_v the_o credit_n and_o reputation_n of_o that_o person_n or_o bear_v upon_o he_o more_o than_o upon_o other_o any_o particular_a guilt_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o treaty_n but_o for_o the_o truth_n sake_n and_o that_o he_o may_v be_v exhort_v to_o consider_v yet_o again_o whether_o the_o zeal_n of_o his_o own_o credit_n which_o many_o time_n byass_n the_o spirit_n even_o of_o good_a man_n have_v not_o too_o too_o much_o engage_v he_o in_o the_o defence_n of_o that_o business_n and_o in_o exaggerate_v and_o challenge_v every_o thing_n that_o seem_v in_o the_o least_o measure_n to_o reflect_v on_o the_o same_o which_o he_o have_v the_o more_o reason_n to_o do_v not_o only_o because_o it_o be_v engrave_v on_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o godly_a in_o the_o land_n as_o with_o a_o pen_n of_o iron_n and_o with_o the_o point_n of_o a_o diamond_n that_o this_o land_n and_o especial_o the_o ruler_n and_o 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temptation_n we_o have_v not_o be_v behind_o the_o great_a zealot_n for_o the_o public_a resolution_n in_o bear_v testimony_n for_o the_o doctrine_n worship_n discipline_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n and_o for_o all_o thing_n relate_v to_o our_o religion_n and_o liberty_n and_o yet_o not_o we_o but_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o we_o vindication_n seventhly_o take_v upon_o they_o judicial_o to_o determine_v a_o general_n assembly_n convene_v continue_a and_o close_v to_o be_v a_o unlawful_a constitute_v assembly_n and_o judicial_o to_o condemn_v the_o act_n thereof_o which_o no_o power_n on_o earth_n can_v do_v inferior_a to_o another_o gen._n assembly_n and_o to_o assume_v unto_o themselves_o the_o authority_n of_o a_o public_a judicatory_a in_o the_o kirk_n as_o have_v commission_n from_o another_o prio_fw-la assembly_n before_o it_o be_v examine_v and_o determine_v by_o a_o judge_n competent_a whether_o the_o interveen_a assembly_n who_o meeting_n if_o lawful_a do_v extinguish_v all_o commission_n from_o a_o prio_fw-la assembly_n be_v lawful_a constitute_v or_o not_o all_o the_o world_n shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o clear_v this_o from_o usurpation_n i_o shall_v add_v no_o more_o instance_n to_o this_o purpose_n though_o i_o may_v aâ—de_v not_o a_o few_o and_o as_o for_o these_o i_o have_v bring_v the_o reader_n may_v perceive_v that_o they_o do_v not_o belong_v direct_o and_o formal_o to_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o question_n in_o controversy_n between_o the_o protest_v brethren_n and_o the_o late_a judicatories_n of_o the_o kirk_n but_o that_o they_o be_v such_o at_o suppose_v the_o late_a judicatory_n have_v go_v wrong_a in_o some_o of_o these_o matter_n in_o controversy_n yet_o they_o can_v never_o be_v clear_v from_o contempt_n and_o wrong_v of_o the_o establish_a government_n of_o this_o kirk_n which_o in_o their_o carriage_n to_o the_o general_n assembly_n do_v appear_v which_o be_v not_o straight_o and_o according_a to_o their_o profession_n and_o the_o establish_a government_n i_o leave_v it_o to_o be_v judge_v by_o what_o follow_v in_o the_o examination_n of_o the_o reason_n they_o allege_v for_o what_o they_o do_v review_n i_o shall_v not_o debate_v with_o the_o author_n whether_o they_o have_v take_v upon_o they_o judicial_o to_o determine_v the_o nullity_n of_o the_o assembly_n at_o st._n andrews_n and_o dundee_n and_o judicial_o to_o condemn_v the_o act_n thereof_o though_o he_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v it_o may_v be_v that_o he_o have_v some_o difficulty_n to_o prove_v it_o from_o any_o deed_n of_o they_o but_o the_o hinge_n of_o this_o whole_a business_n in_o reference_n to_o that_o assembly_n and_o the_o act_n thereof_o and_o the_o set_n up_o and_o proceed_v of_o the_o commission_n of_o the_o prior_n assembly_n of_o the_o year_n 1650._o be_v in_o this_o whether_o that_o meeting_n at_o st._n andrews_n be_v a_o lawful_a free_a general_n assembly_n for_o if_o it_o be_v not_o so_o then_o be_v it_o null_a ab_fw-la initio_fw-la and_o the_o commission_n of_o the_o prior_n assembly_n be_v full_a in_o power_n and_o therefore_o be_v not_o guilty_a of_o usurpation_n or_o of_o the_o assume_v of_o any_o authority_n which_o be_v not_o competent_a for_o they_o but_o do_v only_o exercise_v that_o which_o be_v give_v they_o whereof_o they_o have_v still_o the_o just_a possession_n and_o the_o case_n be_v thus_o as_o i_o hope_v it_o shall_v be_v make_v to_o appear_v notwithstanding_o of_o any_o thing_n the_o author_n have_v say_v to_o the_o contrary_a may_v not_o the_o commission_n be_v clear_o convince_v upon_o good_a ground_n of_o the_o unlawfulnesse_n unfreedome_n and_o corruptness_n of_o that_o meeting_n and_o the_o act_n thereof_o with_o the_o advice_n of_o diverse_a minister_n from_o several_a part_n of_o the_o land_n agree_v upon_o this_o as_o one_o
provocation_n which_o be_v great_a and_o many_o they_o will_v by_o this_o also_o have_v be_v accessary_a to_o what_o the_o nation_n smart_v under_o this_o day_n as_o the_o righteous_a reward_n of_o such_o revolt_n from_o god_n and_o therefore_o if_o you_o have_v no_o more_o to_o instance_n but_o this_o it_o do_v not_o prove_v but_o that_o they_o may_v all_o of_o they_o be_v still_o call_v faithful_a and_o honest_a man_n second_o he_o say_v be_v it_o so_o that_o some_o be_v wont_a to_o be_v choose_v commissioner_n who_o be_v not_o now_o choose_v yet_o this_o be_v little_a to_o the_o point_n that_o election_n be_v carry_v by_o influence_n of_o the_o commission_n letter_n and_o act._n but_o grant_v that_o presbytery_n do_v upon_o that_o letter_n and_o act_n leave_v their_o wont_a way_n these_o year_n pass_v in_o thâ—ir_a election_n it_o be_v to_o the_o point_n in_o hand_n because_o it_o be_v praesumptio_fw-la juris_fw-la &_o de_fw-fr jure_fw-la that_o this_o change_n flow_v from_o the_o 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do_v and_o the_o commissioner_n as_o the_o author_n assertion_n will_v import_v have_v such_o a_o impression_n of_o the_o same_o upon_o their_o spirit_n if_o the_o author_n will_v speak_v his_o conscience_n i_o think_v he_o will_v not_o deny_v but_o if_o these_o man_n who_o he_o say_v to_o have_v be_v exclude_v upon_o that_o ground_n have_v be_v for_o the_o public_a resolution_n even_o these_o among_o they_o who_o that_o ground_n may_v have_v be_v conceive_v to_o reach_v most_o will_v have_v be_v choose_v and_o admit_v commissioner_n as_o well_o as_o other_o if_o the_o whole_a church_n be_v grow_v sensible_a of_o this_o thing_n sure_o the_o meeting_n at_o st._n andrews_n do_v little_a regard_n or_o express_v it_o when_o they_o choose_v one_o to_o be_v their_o moderator_n who_o not_o only_o have_v be_v moderator_n of_o the_o former_a commission_n who_o proceed_n be_v then_o in_o question_n and_o to_o be_v examine_v but_o also_o in_o many_o precede_a commission_n and_o aâ—len_a biâ—es_n 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land_n yet_o these_o of_o they_o who_o be_v former_o wont_v to_o be_v choose_v commissioner_n be_v not_o few_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o commissioner_n neither_o yet_o be_v they_o so_o few_o as_o the_o author_n reckon_v they_o when_o he_o say_v that_o four_o part_n of_o five_o of_o the_o presbytery_n have_v in_o they_o at_o that_o time_n no_o opposer_n to_o the_o public_a resolution_n nay_o they_o be_v and_o be_v still_o a_o very_a considerable_a number_n and_o whensoever_o a_o exact_a calculation_n shall_v be_v make_v by_o a_o particular_a list_n of_o the_o whole_a ministry_n in_o the_o land_n and_o of_o these_o who_o be_v against_o the_o public_a resolution_n at_o the_o time_n of_o the_o election_n and_o of_o the_o whole_a commissioner_n of_o the_o assembly_n at_o s._n andrews_n and_o dundee_n i_o believe_v it_o shall_v be_v find_v that_o the_o number_n of_o commissioner_n who_o be_v choose_v from_o among_o these_o who_o be_v against_o the_o public_a resolution_n waâ—_n no_o way_n in_o proportion_n answerable_a to_o the_o number_n of_o the_o other_o that_o some_o unsatisfied_a be_v choose_v without_o another_o election_n and_o without_o protestation_n even_o when_o neither_o whole_a society_n be_v unanimous_a against_o the_o resolution_n not_o yet_o the_o plurality_n be_v opposer_n he_o do_v affirm_v it_o but_o do_v not_o prove_v it_o for_o the_o instance_n which_o he_o give_v of_o the_o commissioner_n both_o of_o the_o presbytery_n and_o university_n of_o aberdeen_n prove_v nothing_o less_o for_o the_o university_n the_o letter_n and_o act_n come_v not_o to_o it_o at_o least_o be_v not_o read_v in_o it_o and_o the_o plurality_n there_o be_v opposer_n of_o the_o public_a resolution_n and_o for_o the_o presbytery_n by_o his_o own_o grant_n there_o be_v a_o protestation_n against_o the_o oppose_a brother_n who_o be_v choose_v which_o be_v take_v up_o again_o with_o much_o difficulty_n and_o by_o earnest_a deal_n of_o some_o of_o the_o brethren_n opposite_a to_o the_o public_a resolution_n who_o desire_n be_v condescend_v unto_o with_o condition_n that_o their_o shall_v be_v a_o three_o commissioner_n it_o be_v in_o the_o mean_a while_n suggest_v in_o private_a that_o he_o who_o have_v first_o appear_v in_o the_o protestation_n against_o the_o opposer_n may_v be_v the_o man_n which_o i_o relate_v not_o upon_o hear-say_n but_o upon_o the_o subscribe_v testimony_n of_o these_o who_o be_v witness_n to_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n so_o i_o hope_v that_o nothing_o against_o the_o truth_n have_v be_v assert_v by_o the_o writer_n in_o this_o part_n of_o his_o answer_n the_o author_n say_v in_o a_o parenthesis_n that_o dissent_v in_o the_o enumeration_n be_v idle_o reckon_v up_o why_o he_o shall_v say_v so_o i_o do_v not_o conjecture_v unless_o that_o it_o be_v he_o think_v dissent_v and_o protest_v the_o same_o thing_n which_o they_o be_v not_o as_o appear_v clear_o from_o a_o act_n of_o the_o assembly_n 1644._o concern_v dissent_n and_o protestation_n in_o presbytery_n he_o seem_v unsatisfied_a with_o the_o writer_n that_o whilst_o he_o make_v enumeration_n of_o election_n of_o presbytery_n divide_v in_o judgement_n some_o doubt_v some_o dissent_v from_o or_o protest_v against_o some_o both_o way_n that_o he_o give_v no_o particular_a instance_n of_o all_o these_o sort_n but_o only_o two_o and_o he_o tell_v his_o reader_n that_o he_o suspect_v he_o can_v give_v no_o more_o or_o very_o few_o but_o he_o be_v suspicious_a without_o cause_n more_o can_v be_v give_v and_o be_v give_v by_o the_o writer_n in_o that_o very_a paper_n that_o the_o author_n be_v reply_v to_o and_o more_o than_o all_o these_o can_v yet_o be_v give_v if_o need_v be_v and_o though_o they_o be_v but_o few_o this_o be_v no_o great_a wonder_n because_o there_o be_v but_o few_o presbytery_n do_v choose_v
because_o such_o as_o be_v choose_v be_v unsatisfied_a with_o the_o commission_n proceed_n the_o synod_n of_o pearth_n meet_v a_o little_a after_o and_o receive_v the_o act_n and_o letter_n of_o the_o commission_n do_v thereupon_o sustain_v the_o dissent_n and_o protestation_n of_o that_o man_n in_o their_o number_n and_o do_v appoint_v the_o presbytery_n of_o dunkel_n to_o choose_v the_o commissioner_n new_a again_o ans_fw-fr this_o be_v the_o only_a instance_n allege_v with_o some_o colour_n to_o evidence_n some_o influence_n of_o the_o commission_n letter_n and_o act_n but_o yet_o when_o it_o be_v discuss_v there_o will_v be_v little_a to_o the_o purpose_n find_v in_o it_o but_o let_v it_o be_v so_o that_o the_o synod_n sustain_v the_o protestation_n on_o that_o ground_n and_o appoint_v a_o new_a election_n yet_o it_o be_v know_v that_o the_o presbytery_n in_o the_o second_o election_n still_o do_v choose_v brethren_n dissatisfied_n with_o the_o resolution_n and_o as_o i_o believe_v these_o same_o who_o they_o have_v choose_v before_o who_o be_v admit_v in_o the_o assembly_n without_o any_o question_n and_o reason_v and_o vote_v therein_o according_a to_o their_o mind_n without_o any_o restraint_n or_o hindrance_n so_o that_o if_o there_o be_v any_o fault_n here_o it_o may_v be_v well_o in_o the_o synod_n act_n but_o not_o in_o the_o presbytery_n which_o be_v the_o only_a act_n about_o this_o business_n capable_a of_o &_o chargeable_a with_o the_o fault_n of_o pre-limitation_n but_o this_o be_v do_v with_o freedom_n this_o much_o to_o the_o one_o part_n of_o the_o assumption_n whereby_o it_o may_v appear_v that_o whatever_o prelimitation_n be_v or_o may_v be_v in_o the_o commission_n act_n or_o letter_n yet_o the_o election_n be_v free_a because_o presbytery_n therein_o be_v not_o passive_o prelimited_n but_o choose_v free_o according_a to_o their_o own_o mind_n be_v there_o no_o more_o to_o be_v say_v this_o much_o may_v make_v the_o protester_n bethink_v themselves_o better_a in_o their_o second_o thought_n of_o their_o rash_a adventure_n upon_o so_o high_a a_o act_n as_o a_o protestation_n and_o declinature_n of_o a_o general_n assembly_n as_o unfree_a and_o unlawful_a and_o may_v make_v other_o advise_v better_a ere_o they_o adjoyn_v themselves_o to_o it_o by_o approbation_n review_n albeit_o this_o instance_n seem_v to_o the_o author_n to_o be_v allege_v with_o some_o colour_n to_o evidence_n some_o influence_n of_o the_o commission_n letter_n and_o act_n yet_o he_o think_v when_o it_o be_v discuss_v there_o will_v be_v find_v little_a to_o the_o purpose_n in_o it_o and_o his_o reason_n be_v because_o it_o be_v know_v that_o the_o presbytery_n at_o the_o second_o election_n still_o do_v choose_v brethren_n dissatisfied_n with_o the_o resolution_n and_o as_o he_o believe_v these_o same_o who_o they_o have_v choose_v before_o etc._n etc._n but_o notwithstanding_o of_o all_o the_o author_n say_v there_o be_v very_o much_o to_o the_o purpose_n in_o it_o first_o there_o be_v this_o in_o it_o to_o the_o purpose_n that_o the_o judgement_n and_o voice_n of_o some_o of_o the_o member_n of_o the_o presbytery_n viz._n of_o these_o who_o do_v dissent_v from_o the_o first_o election_n be_v prelimited_n by_o the_o letter_n and_o act_n of_o the_o commission_n they_o give_v these_o only_a for_o the_o reason_n of_o their_o dissent_n second_o there_o be_v this_o in_o it_o to_o the_o purpose_n that_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o whole_a synod_n which_o do_v include_v five_o presbytery_n except_o a_o few_o who_o do_v dissent_v from_o and_o protest_v against_o the_o synod_n sustain_v the_o dissent_n of_o these_o in_o dunkel_n from_o the_o election_n upon_o that_o ground_n be_v by_o the_o same_o letter_n and_o act_n prelimited_n to_o the_o declare_v of_o that_o election_n void_a and_o null_a mere_o upon_o this_o reason_n that_o they_o have_v procee_v contrary_a to_o the_o letter_n and_o act_n of_o the_o commission_n three_o there_o be_v this_o to_o the_o purpose_n in_o it_o that_o the_o whole_a presbytery_n be_v so_o prelimited_n by_o a_o act_n of_o the_o synod_n found_v on_o the_o other_o act_n and_o letter_n as_o to_o be_v necessitate_v to_o pass_v from_o the_o first_o election_n which_o be_v lawful_o make_v and_o against_o which_o no_o exception_n be_v make_v but_o the_o letter_n and_o act_n and_o to_o make_v a_o new_a election_n that_o they_o do_v again_o choose_v person_n opposite_a to_o the_o public_a resolution_n be_v from_o the_o over-bearing_a conscience_n of_o their_o duty_n that_o they_o be_v admit_v in_o the_o assembly_n without_o any_o question_n be_v not_o true_a their_o admittence_n be_v question_v by_o a_o member_n of_o the_o commission_n than_o a_o member_n of_o the_o assembly_n a_o man_n zealous_a for_o the_o public_a resolution_n and_o the_o moderator_n perceive_v that_o other_o opposite_a to_o the_o public_a resolution_n be_v like_a to_o take_v advantage_n by_o it_o he_o do_v handsome_o wave_v it_o now_o these_o thing_n be_v examine_v which_o the_o author_n say_v to_o the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o assumption_n i_o leave_v it_o to_o be_v judge_v whether_o he_o have_v cause_n to_o say_v that_o whatever_o prelimitations_a be_v in_o the_o commission_n act_n and_o letter_n yet_o the_o election_n be_v free_a because_o presbytery_n therein_o be_v not_o passive_o prelimited_n but_o choose_v free_o according_a to_o their_o own_o mind_n and_o whether_o he_o have_v cause_n to_o draw_v so_o strong_a insult_a line_n as_o he_o subjoin_v thereto_o if_o there_o be_v no_o more_o to_o say_v then_o he_o have_v yet_o say_v i_o profess_v ingenuous_o i_o see_v no_o cause_n why_o the_o protester_n shall_v bethink_v themselves_o better_a in_o their_o second_o thought_n of_o their_o adventure_n on_o such_o a_o high_a act_n as_o to_o protest_v against_o and_o decline_v from_o that_o meeting_n at_o st._n andrews_n and_o dundee_n as_o not_o be_v a_o lawful_a free_a general_n assembly_n or_o why_o other_o shall_v have_v advise_v better_a ere_o they_o have_v join_v themselves_o to_o 〈◊〉_d by_o approbation_n it_o seem_v a_o little_a beyond_o the_o bound_n of_o modesty_n for_o man_n to_o drive_v and_o vent_v such_o conclusion_n upon_o their_o own_o reason_n though_o haply_o they_o may_v bear_v they_o it_o be_v fit_a to_o leave_v these_o thing_n to_o the_o judicious_a and_o unbiased_a reader_n to_o give_v judgement_n as_o they_o find_v cause_n vindication_n it_o be_v true_a that_o for_o proof_n of_o the_o unlawfulness_n of_o these_o pretend_a assembly_n condemn_v by_o the_o assembly_n at_o glasgow_n 38._o among_o other_o reason_n the_o want_n of_o freedom_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o election_n of_o commissioner_n be_v allege_v as_o a_o main_a and_o principal_a one_o but_o there_o the_o matter_n be_v not_o mere_o allege_v but_o clear_o evidence_v that_o the_o commissioner_n send_v to_o these_o meeting_n be_v not_o indeed_o elect_v by_o presbytery_n but_o nominate_v by_o the_o king_n letter_n see_v session_n 12._o reas_n against_o the_o pretend_a assembly_n at_o lithgow_n 1606._o and_o at_o glasgow_n 1610._o review_n the_o author_n for_o take_v off_o of_o this_o prejudice_n and_o reason_n which_o stand_v in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o assembly_n at_o glasgow_n 38._o who_o prove_v the_o unlawfulnesse_n of_o these_o pretend_a assembly_n by_o the_o want_n of_o freedom_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o election_n of_o commissioner_n say_v that_o their_o matter_n be_v not_o mere_o allege_v but_o clear_o evidence_v that_o the_o commissioner_n send_v to_o these_o meeting_n be_v not_o indeed_o elect_v by_o presbytery_n but_o nominate_v by_o the_o king_n letter_n if_o he_o mean_v that_o they_o be_v not_o free_o elect_v by_o presbytery_n proceed_v mere_o ex_fw-la proprio_fw-la motu_fw-la it_o be_v true_a because_o the_o king_n and_o the_o bishop_n letter_n have_v influence_n upon_o they_o to_o prelimite_a their_o election_n but_o if_o he_o mean_v that_o they_o be_v not_o all_o elect_a by_o presbytery_n nor_o have_v any_o commission_n from_o they_o but_o come_v mere_o upon_o the_o king_n letter_n it_o be_v not_o true_a because_o albeit_o the_o reason_n against_o the_o pretend_a assembly_n at_o lithgow_n 1606._o seem_n to_o favour_v this_o yet_o that_o against_o the_o pretend_a assembly_n at_o glasgow_n 1610._o intimatete_v that_o they_o be_v choose_v and_o have_v commission_n because_o it_o say_v first_o that_o the_o election_n be_v not_o free_a a_o election_n then_o there_o be_v but_o not_o a_o free_a election_n if_o there_o have_v be_v no_o election_n the_o assembly_n 38._o woo_a no_o question_n have_v so_o express_v it_o as_o import_v a_o reason_n of_o nullity_n more_o clear_a and_o strong_a next_o that_o the_o bishop_n of_o st._n andrews_n require_v they_o to_o send_v such_o commissioner_n as_o the_o king_n have_v nominate_v assure_v they_o that_o no_o other_o will_v be_v accept_v if_o the_o presbytery_n do_v send_v they_o
must_v not_o choose_v any_o to_o be_v commissioner_n to_o a_o general_n assembly_n that_o teach_v doctrine_n contrary_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o kirk_n agreeable_a thereunto_o and_o therefore_o if_o a_o commission_n of_o the_o gen._n assembly_n or_o any_o other_o kirk_n judicatory_a according_a to_o their_o interest_n perceive_v minister_n throughout_o the_o kirk_n teach_v contrary_a to_o the_o truth_n or_o practise_v to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n shall_v writ_v to_o presbytery_n desire_v they_o not_o to_o choose_v any_o such_o commissioner_n to_o a_o general_n assembly_n this_o be_v no_o undue_a pre-limitation_n or_o prejudging_a their_o liberty_n in_o election_n but_o a_o necessary_a and_o lawful_a warning_n putt_v they_o in_o mind_n of_o and_o stir_v they_o to_o a_o duty_n whereunto_o they_o be_v bind_v though_o no_o such_o direction_n be_v send_v to_o they_o this_o lay_v down_o in_o general_a as_o to_o that_o act_n and_o letter_n of_o the_o late_a commission_n send_v to_o presbytery_n we_o say_v first_o that_o the_o commission_n do_v nothing_o therein_o but_o that_o which_o other_o kirk-meeting_n and_o commission_n have_v do_v before_o they_o in_o the_o same_o matter_n in_o relation_n to_o the_o election_n of_o commissioner_n to_o the_o general_n assembly_n all_o which_o must_v fall_v unto_o the_o ground_n as_o null_n unfree_a and_o unlall_a if_o the_o late_a general_n assembly_n be_v unfree_a and_o unlawful_a in_o its_o constitution_n upon_o this_o account_n we_o must_v look_v back_o to_o the_o general_n assembly_n at_o glasgow_n 38._o itself_o what_o direction_n be_v send_v from_o the_o table_n then_o at_o edinburgh_n in_o relation_n to_o elect_a commissioner_n thereunto_o next_o we_o must_v refer_v also_o to_o the_o letter_n send_v to_o presbytery_n by_o the_o kirk_n commission_n annis_fw-la 1639._o 40._o 41._o concern_v commission_n to_o brethren_n to_o these_o general_n assembly_n all_o which_o be_v yet_o extant_a in_o presbytery_n book_n but_o we_o shall_v content_v ourselves_o to_o hold_v near_o hand_n the_o late_a commission_n do_v nothing_o but_o what_o the_o commission_n do_v in_o the_o year_n 48._o wherein_n the_o chief_a protester_n have_v a_o chief_a hand_n and_o yet_o maintain_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o that_o deed_n and_o the_o freedom_n and_o lawfulness_n of_o the_o constitution_n of_o that_o assembly_n that_o follow_v thereupon_o to_o this_o the_o writer_n of_o the_o large_a paper_n repli_v sundry_a thing_n in_o answer_n to_o objection_n 1._o but_o nothing_o to_o take_v away_o the_o force_n thereof_o first_o he_o hint_n at_o two_o difference_n between_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o as_o he_o will_v have_v the_o reader_n think_v he_o may_v make_v use_n of_o but_o pass_v by_o as_o have_v to_o say_v beside_o to_o say_v nothing_o say_v he_o of_o the_o difference_n of_o reference_n and_o citation_n neither_o yet_o of_o the_o difference_n of_o a_o letter_n and_o act_n import_v that_o there_o be_v a_o considerable_a difference_n between_o these_o thing_n and_o that_o the_o commission_n 48._o appoint_a person_n dissentient_a from_o they_o only_o to_o be_v refer_v and_o do_v send_v a_o letter_n only_o whereas_o the_o commission_n 50._o make_v a_o act_n also_o and_o appoint_v person_n also_o to_o be_v cite_v to_o the_o general_n assembly_n to_o which_o we_o oppone_v first_o the_o difference_n between_o a_o citation_n and_o a_o reference_n when_o the_o reference_n of_o a_o person_n to_o be_v try_v and_o judge_v on_o a_o fault_n and_o the_o person_n be_v present_a at_o the_o reference_n be_v just_a nothing_o see_v assembly_n 1643._o session_n 2._o aug._n 3._o overture_n anent_o bill_n etc._n etc._n and_o i_o desire_v the_o writer_n to_o say_v if_o it_o be_v not_o the_o purpose_n of_o the_o commission_n 48._o when_o they_o do_v require_v presbytery_n to_o refer_v such_o to_o the_o gen._n assembly_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v lay_v on_o they_o a_o obligation_n legal_a to_o compear_v personal_o before_o the_o gen._n assembly_n for_o trial_n and_o sentence_n upon_o they_o and_o what_o else_o be_v the_o end_n of_o a_o citation_n and_o summons_n nor_o yet_o be_v the_o more_o difference_n betwixt_o the_o act_n of_o the_o commission_n and_o person_n to_o be_v refer_v or_o cite_v by_o presbytery_n and_o a_o letter_n require_v it_o to_o be_v do_v for_o be_v there_o not_o a_o act_n for_o such_o a_o letter_n and_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o and_o have_v the_o letter_n itself_o the_o force_n of_o a_o act_n will_v not_o the_o refuse_v of_o what_o be_v desire_v be_v count_v disobedience_n to_o the_o commission_n but_o it_o seem_v the_o writer_n memory_n have_v fail_v here_o behold_v a_o act_n in_o terminis_fw-la as_o it_o stand_v registrate_n in_o the_o commission_n book_n the_o 5._o of_o june_n 1648._o the_o commission_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n recommend_v earnest_o to_o presbytery_n to_o take_v special_a notice_n of_o every_o brother_n carriage_n in_o the_o public_a business_n that_o if_o any_o be_v find_v that_o do_v not_o declare_v themselves_o against_a the_o present_a malignant_a course_n nor_o join_v with_o their_o brethren_n in_o the_o common_a resolution_n thereof_o they_o be_v refer_v to_o the_o next_o general_n assembly_n and_o if_o any_o of_o they_o have_v already_o declare_v for_o it_o that_o they_o be_v present_o censure_v fic_z sub_fw-la andrew_n ker._n this_o may_v make_v we_o doubt_v the_o more_o of_o alledgance_n of_o this_o kind_n afterward_o in_o matter_n of_o fact_n when_o we_o see_v not_o clear_a and_o circumstantiat_fw-la testimony_n of_o register_n bring_v forth_o review_n in_o answer_n to_o what_o be_v here_o say_v by_o the_o author_n i_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o election_n of_o commissioner_n in_o presbytery_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v such_o as_o be_v bound_v with_o no_o limitation_n and_o that_o if_o any_o commission_n of_o a_o general_n assembly_n or_o any_o other_o church_n judicatory_a according_a to_o their_o interest_n perceive_v minister_n throughout_o the_o church_n teach_v contrary_a or_o practise_v to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o the_o truth_n shall_v write_v to_o presbytery_n desire_v not_o to_o choose_v any_o such_o commissioner_n to_o a_o general_n assembly_n this_o be_v no_o undue_a pre-limitation_n or_o prejudging_a their_o liberty_n in_o election_n i_o believe_v that_o none_o of_o the_o protester_n will_v differ_v from_o the_o author_n in_o this_o that_o presbytery_n ought_v not_o to_o choose_v any_o to_o be_v commissioner_n that_o teach_v doctrine_n contrary_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o kirk_n agreeable_a thereto_o and_o if_o the_o commission_n in_o their_o letter_n and_o act_n have_v terminate_v themselves_o within_o these_o bound_n no_o protester_n will_v have_v controvert_v with_o they_o about_o it_o and_o i_o think_v neither_o will_n he_o controvert_v with_o they_o in_o this_o that_o if_o a_o commission_n or_o any_o other_o kirk_n judicatory_a teach_v doctrine_n contrary_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o to_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n agreeable_a thereunto_o and_o write_v to_o presbytery_n to_o choose_v none_o to_o be_v commissioner_n to_o the_o general_n assembly_n who_o do_v oppose_v such_o doctrine_n that_o this_o be_v a_o prelimiting_a and_o prejudging_a of_o presbytery_n in_o the_o liberty_n of_o their_o election_n according_a to_o these_o condescension_n the_o commission_n in_o the_o 51._o have_v send_v to_o presbytery_n a_o letter_n and_o act_n before_o their_o election_n relate_v thereto_o it_o seem_v avoidable_a to_o follow_v that_o some_o limitation_n and_o direction_n there_o be_v in_o that_o letter_n and_o act_n concern_v the_o election_n but_o all_o the_o question_n be_v whether_o it_o be_v a_o limitation_n warrantable_a or_o unwarrantable_a now_o if_o so_o why_o have_v the_o author_n so_o cautious_o and_o so_o much_o wrestle_v to_o deny_v that_o that_o letter_n and_o act_n have_v any_o influence_n upon_o the_o election_n in_o presbytery_n if_o it_o be_v nothing_o but_o a_o necessary_a &_o lawful_a warning_n put_v they_o in_o mind_n of_o and_o stir_v they_o up_o to_o a_o duty_n whereto_o they_o be_v bind_v though_o no_o such_o direction_n have_v be_v send_v unto_o they_o than_o there_o be_v no_o cause_n to_o be_v afraid_a of_o the_o lose_n of_o any_o ground_n by_o acknowledge_v of_o its_o influence_n the_o author_n long_o wrangle_v about_o that_o do_v either_o seem_v to_o say_v that_o he_o be_v suspicious_a of_o the_o limitation_n contain_v therein_o as_o not_o be_v warrantable_a or_o else_o that_o he_o have_v too_o great_a goodwill_n to_o dispute_v see_v this_o will_v have_v be_v a_o short_a and_o satisfy_a answer_n the_o commission_n in_o their_o letter_n and_o act_n do_v put_v no_o bond_n on_o presbytery_n in_o the_o election_n of_o commissioner_n but_o such_o as_o be_v well_o warrant_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o act_n and_o constitution_n of_o this_o
case_n in_o the_o year_n 48._o the_o election_n be_v pass_v in_o most_o place_n before_o it_o be_v do_v and_o may_v be_v just_o presume_v to_o have_v be_v pass_v in_o all_o as_o shall_v afterward_o be_v more_o full_o clear_v but_o it_o be_v not_o so_o in_o the_o 51._o what_o be_v then_o do_v be_v previous_a to_o the_o election_n next_o i_o give_v clear_a answer_n by_o deny_v the_o minor_a because_o the_o commission_n do_v not_o require_v such_o a_o thing_n the_o most_o that_o they_o do_v be_v to_o recommend_v it_o which_o be_v far_o from_o require_v and_o therefore_o by_o the_o writer_n ground_n the_o author_n have_v prove_v nothing_o at_o all_o to_o the_o second_o consideration_n that_o the_o letter_n and_o act_n of_o the_o commission_n 48._o be_v not_o write_v until_o most_o part_n or_o all_o election_n in_o presbytery_n be_v past_a he_o make_v answer_v that_o so_o be_v many_o of_o the_o election_n of_o presbytery_n before_o the_o letter_n and_o act_n of_o the_o commission_n 51._o come_v unto_o they_o but_o that_o be_v not_o true_a if_o we_o take_v the_o author_n own_o ground_n to_o wit_n that_o few_o presbytery_n except_o it_o be_v such_o as_o be_v far_a distant_a choose_v their_o commissioner_n 20._o or_o 25._o day_n before_o the_o assembly_n and_o allow_v 8._o day_n for_o dispatch_v to_o presbytery_n and_o take_v withal_o the_o date_n of_o the_o letter_n and_o act_n of_o the_o commission_n 1651._o which_o be_v the_o 28._o day_n of_o may_n and_o compare_v it_o with_o the_o day_n of_o the_o down_o sit_v of_o the_o assembly_n which_o be_v the_o 16._o day_n of_o july_n the_o untruth_n of_o this_o will_v appear_v because_o between_o the_o date_n of_o the_o act_n and_o the_o diet_n of_o the_o assembly_n be_v 48._o day_n of_o which_o deducing_a 8._o for_o the_o dispatch_n there_o do_v remain_v 40._o day_n till_o the_o assembly_n which_o do_v far_o exceed_v the_o time_n speak_v of_o by_o the_o author_n for_o the_o other_o part_n of_o it_o that_o most_o part_n of_o the_o election_n 48._o be_v pass_v before_o the_o letter_n and_o act_n of_o the_o commission_n come_v unto_o they_o i_o do_v appeal_n to_o the_o presbytery_n book_n there_o be_v little_a or_o no_o weight_n in_o the_o presumption_n that_o the_o author_n give_v to_o the_o contrary_n 1._o he_o take_v upon_o he_o to_o prove_v that_o some_o presbytery_n do_v upon_o that_o letter_n and_o act_n refer_v and_o cite_v some_o of_o their_o member_n to_o the_o general_n assembly_n some_o presbytery_n day_n before_o they_o begin_v to_o think_v upon_o the_o election_n of_o commissioner_n but_o he_o have_v name_v none_o and_o comprise_v they_o under_o the_o word_n some_o haply_o lest_o it_o shall_v be_v know_v how_o few_o there_o be_v probable_o but_o one_o that_o be_v st._n andrews_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o one_o of_o their_o university_n man_n who_o be_v also_o a_o minister_n next_o he_o make_v a_o supputation_n but_o of_o 8._o day_n for_o the_o dispatch_n of_o the_o letter_n to_o presbytery_n and_o that_o to_o the_o most_o part_n of_o presbytery_n it_o may_v have_v soon_o come_v and_o but_o of_o 20._o or_o 25._o day_n interveen_v betwixt_o the_o diet_n of_o the_o assembly_n and_o the_o election_n in_o most_o part_n of_o presbytery_n if_o the_o custom_n of_o dispatch_n have_v be_v by_o past_z hire_v and_o dispatch_v to_o several_a part_n immediate_o after_o the_o write_n of_o the_o letter_n and_o make_v of_o the_o act_n it_o may_v have_v come_v to_o the_o most_o part_n of_o presbytery_n in_o 8._o day_n but_o so_o it_o be_v not_o neither_o in_o the_o 48._o nor_o 51._o but_o by_o occasional_a bearer_n and_o therefore_o will_v take_v more_o time_n and_o i_o think_v it_o be_v say_v gratis_o that_o few_o presbytery_n do_v make_v their_o election_n 20._o or_o 25._o day_n before_o the_o assembly_n but_o there_o be_v no_o sure_a way_n of_o determine_v these_o difference_n about_o circumstance_n of_o time_n when_o neither_o the_o one_o nor_o the_o other_o letter_n come_v to_o presbytery_n but_o from_o the_o presbytery_n book_n and_o therefore_o to_o these_o i_o do_v appeal_n to_o stand_v or_o fall_v in_o this_o matter_n at_o their_o sentence_n only_o remember_v this_o that_o it_o be_v clear_a that_o the_o date_n of_o the_o letter_n and_o act_n of_o the_o commission_n 48._o be_v but_o five_o week_n before_o the_o assembly_n whereas_o the_o date_n of_o the_o other_o be_v 7._o week_n before_o the_o assembly_n vindication_n the_o three_o consideration_n present_v by_o the_o writer_n of_o this_o paper_n be_v that_o before_o the_o write_n of_o that_o letter_n by_o the_o commission_n 48._o the_o whole_a kirk_n of_o scotland_n almost_o in_o all_o the_o presbytery_n and_o synod_n thereof_o have_v declare_v themselves_o in_o conscience_n unsatisfy_a with_o the_o engagement_n except_v a_o very_a few_o minister_n scatter_v here_o and_o there_o in_o presbytery_n which_o few_o be_v also_o know_v to_o be_v opposite_n to_o the_o work_n of_o god_n or_o neutral_n and_o indifferent_a therein_o from_o the_o beginning_n answer_v 1_o if_o by_o the_o kirk_n of_o scotland_n be_v here_o understand_v the_o collective_a kirk_n i_o can_v see_v how_o it_o be_v true_a that_o be_v say_v here_o that_o the_o whole_a kirk_n of_o scotland_n for_o the_o most_o part_n except_o a_o few_o minister_n have_v declare_v themselves_o unsatisfied_a with_o the_o engagement_n certain_a it_o be_v and_o too_o certain_a that_o very_o many_o in_o the_o kirk_n of_o scotland_n in_o this_o sense_n of_o all_o rank_n in_o all_o quarter_n almost_o be_v too_o evident_o too_o active_a for_o it_o as_o the_o censure_n civil_a and_o ecclesiastical_a which_o thereupon_o follow_v do_v witness_n if_o the_o ministerial_a kirk_n be_v understand_v it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o far_o great_a part_n be_v dissatisfied_n but_o yet_o they_o be_v not_o so_o few_o minister_n that_o be_v of_o a_o contrary_a mind_n they_o be_v too_o many_o and_o in_o some_o place_n the_o great_a part_n of_o whole_a presbytery_n it_o may_v well_o be_v remember_v what_o a_o sum_n they_o be_v like_a to_o have_v account_v to_o at_o the_o time_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n and_o it_o seem_v to_o i_o too_o much_o that_o all_o of_o they_o be_v either_o opposer_n of_o the_o work_n whether_o hereby_o be_v understand_v the_o outward_a work_n of_o reformation_n or_o the_o power_n of_o religion_n or_o neutral_n or_o indifferent_a from_o the_o beginning_n the_o contrary_a be_v know_v of_o some_o of_o they_o and_o i_o will_v not_o say_v so_o much_o of_o all_o they_o that_o be_v censure_v though_o i_o acknowledge_v their_o censure_n be_v just_a 2._o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o kirk_n of_o scotland_n before_o the_o write_n of_o the_o late_a commission_n letter_n have_v declare_v themselves_o satisfy_v with_o the_o commission_n resolution_n and_o dissatisfy_v with_o the_o course_n of_o the_o opposer_n thereof_o and_o count_v when_o the_o writer_n will_v he_o shall_v find_v that_o the_o dissenter_n from_o the_o commission_n 48._o be_v not_o few_o yea_o not_o so_o few_o as_o the_o dissenter_n from_o the_o commission_n 51._o we_o know_v that_o the_o number_n of_o these_o amount_v to_o at_o their_o great_a meeting_n at_o ______o of_o late_a and_o howsoever_o more_o of_o these_o then_o of_o the_o first_o be_v godly_a man_n and_o have_v be_v more_o faithful_a in_o the_o cause_n former_o yet_o their_o present_a course_n at_o that_o time_n be_v not_o faithfulness_n to_o the_o cause_n but_o prejudicial_a to_o it_o and_o the_o whole_a kirk_n and_o country_n both_o they_o may_v just_o have_v be_v refer_v and_o call_v before_o the_o gen._n assembly_n to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o their_o way_n as_o well_o as_o the_o former_a be_v though_o they_o be_v more_o tender_o deal_v with_o as_o to_o themselves_o be_v evident_o see_v in_o the_o whole_a progress_n with_o they_o and_o be_v also_o real_o apparent_a in_o the_o very_a act_n and_o letter_n of_o the_o commission_n review_n i_o think_v the_o author_n do_v well_o enough_o know_v that_o in_o set_v down_o of_o the_o three_o difference_n the_o writer_n do_v not_o mean_a of_o the_o collective_a but_o of_o the_o ministerial_a church_n of_o which_o not_o only_o the_o great_a part_n but_o almost_o all_o have_v declare_v themselves_o unsatisfied_a in_o conscience_n with_o the_o engagement_n except_v a_o few_o minister_n scatter_v here_o and_o there_o in_o presbytery_n who_o be_v know_v either_o to_o be_v opposer_n of_o the_o work_n of_o god_n or_o neutral_a and_o indifferent_a therein_o from_o the_o beginning_n it_o be_v true_a they_o be_v too_o many_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o evil_a course_n they_o be_v engage_v into_o yet_o be_v they_o but_o few_o in_o number_n who_o do_v not_o at_o that_o time_n in_o some_o outward_a way_n at_o least_o give_v some_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
try_v this_o be_v the_o very_a way_n establish_v and_o constant_o follow_v in_o all_o the_o free_a and_o lawful_a assembly_n of_o this_o kirk_n for_o keep_v of_o her_o assembly_n pure_a if_o the_o author_n will_v not_o admit_v of_o the_o remove_n of_o any_o till_o he_o be_v convict_v and_o will_v have_v those_o divine_n at_o dort_n so_o to_o be_v expon_v then_o let_v he_o tell_v we_o how_o he_o will_v reconcile_v they_o and_o our_o church_n in_o this_o particular_a but_o it_o be_v easy_a by_o the_o answer_n which_o we_o have_v give_v so_o to_o do_v yea_o it_o be_v manifest_a from_o the_o whole_a scope_n of_o the_o business_n at_o dort_n that_o these_o divine_n speak_v in_o order_n to_o a_o total_a removal_n which_o be_v never_o desire_v by_o the_o protester_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o commissioner_n but_o let_v we_o turn_v the_o schene_n a_o little_a and_o suppose_v that_o the_o belgic_a church_n have_v choose_v and_o send_v to_o the_o synod_n of_o dort_n the_o remonstrant_n as_o their_o commissioner_n and_o that_o the_o antiremonstrants_a have_v be_v cite_v before_o the_o synod_n and_o have_v propon_v as_o a_o exception_n against_o the_o remonstrant_n sit_v in_o the_o synod_n that_o they_o be_v under_o a_o scandal_n of_o erroneous_a and_o corrupt_a doctrine_n which_o they_o do_v offer_v instany_o to_o prove_v by_o compare_v their_o doctrine_n with_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o belgic_a and_o reform_v church_n in_o their_o confession_n and_o catechism_n and_o thereupon_o desire_v that_o they_o may_v be_v remove_v from_o sit_v as_o member_n in_o the_o synod_n until_o this_o exception_n be_v try_v do_v the_o author_n think_v that_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o synod_n will_v or_o can_v in_o reason_n have_v refuse_v to_o grant_v this_o desire_n from_o all_o these_o thing_n i_o hope_v it_o do_v appear_v that_o notwithstanding_o of_o any_o thing_n answer_v by_o the_o author_n it_o be_v a_o relevant_a exception_n against_o the_o freedom_n and_o right_a constitution_n of_o the_o assembly_n that_o they_o do_v before_o try_v of_o the_o commissioner_n proceed_n admit_v they_o to_o sit_v as_o member_n of_o the_o assembly_n notwithstanding_o of_o the_o exception_n of_o scandal_n upon_o they_o timeous_o propon_v and_o offer_v to_o be_v instruct_v as_o for_o that_o which_o the_o author_n say_v of_o the_o protester_n suffer_v mr._n andrew_n cant_n with_o good_a like_n of_o all_o of_o they_o so_o far_o as_o can_v be_v perceive_v to_o put_v mr._n robert_n blair_n and_o mr._n william_n reate_n upon_o the_o list_n to_o be_v moderator_n and_o that_o sundry_a of_o they_o give_v their_o vote_n to_o mr._n robert_n blair_n to_o be_v moderator_n let_v be_v to_o sit_v as_o a_o ordinary_a member_n of_o the_o assembly_n i_o answer_v there_o be_v many_o of_o the_o protester_n who_o have_v no_o place_n to_o speak_v in_o make_v of_o the_o lâ—st_o as_o not_o be_v member_n of_o the_o meeting_n and_o i_o believe_v that_o these_o do_v give_v no_o token_n either_o of_o their_o good_a or_o ill_a like_n of_o what_o mr._n andrew_n cant_n do_v in_o that_o particular_a these_o who_o vote_v though_o they_o will_v not_o refuse_v to_o vote_n in_o the_o election_n of_o a_o moderator_n as_o they_o do_v afterward_o for_o some_o time_n in_o other_o particular_n not_o yet_o despair_v of_o some_o reasonable_a satisfaction_n to_o their_o desire_n of_o adjourn_v the_o assembly_n and_o that_o they_o vote_v to_o mr._n rob._n blair_n as_o one_o of_o the_o most_o pious_a prudent_a &_o peaceable_a of_o that_o way_n there_o be_v none_o else_o upon_o the_o list_n yet_o do_v they_o vote_n with_o a_o protestation_n and_o though_o they_o have_v make_v no_o protestation_n the_o most_o that_o it_o will_v prove_v be_v this_o that_o from_o loathnesse_n to_o be_v hear_v and_o hope_n of_o satisfaction_n in_o a_o peaceable_a way_n they_o go_v further_o with_o the_o assembly_n then_o adhere_v strict_o to_o their_o right_n they_o shall_v have_v do_v and_o i_o believe_v a_o passionate_a desire_n of_o peace_n do_v also_o move_v mr._n andrew_n cant_v to_o put_v these_o man_n upon_o the_o list_n though_o afterward_o when_o it_o can_v not_o be_v obtain_v without_o prejudice_n to_o the_o truth_n he_o see_v good_a cause_n to_o protest_v against_o the_o assembly_n as_o not_o free_a and_o as_o unlawful_a vindication_n as_o for_o the_o particular_n contain_v in_o the_o writer_n large_a prosecution_n of_o this_o argument_n we_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o insist_v much_o upon_o they_o nor_o yet_o will_v we_o follow_v he_o in_o answer_n to_o his_o objection_n only_o somewhat_o brief_o to_o some_o particular_n and_o first_o what_o be_v allege_v from_o the_o assembly_n 1562_o 80_o 81._o first_o it_o have_v be_v good_a the_o writer_n have_v set_v down_o the_o very_a act_n relate_v in_o their_o full_a and_o formar_n word_n that_o we_o may_v have_v see_v for_o every_o one_o of_o we_o be_v not_o keeper_n of_o the_o register_n nor_o have_v copy_n of_o they_o beside_o we_o whether_o they_o mean_v all_o person_n against_o who_o any_o scandal_n be_v allege_v shall_v be_v remove_v even_o before_o the_o assembly_n be_v constitute_v into_o a_o judicatory_a which_o be_v the_o thing_n pretend_v by_o the_o protester_n and_o because_o not_o do_v be_v the_o ground_n of_o the_o quarrel_n for_o we_o see_v not_o this_o by_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v bring_v here_o second_o we_o suppose_v it_o can_v not_o be_v the_o mind_n of_o these_o assembly_n that_o alleadgeance_n of_o scandal_n against_o person_n shall_v be_v a_o cause_n to_o remove_v they_o from_o sit_v in_o that_o assembly_n as_o member_n altogether_o unless_o the_o scandal_n be_v clear_a and_o unquestionable_a for_o the_o point_n de_fw-fr jure_fw-la and_o so_o their_o appointment_n come_v not_o home_n to_o our_o present_a case_n next_o for_o the_o ground_n bring_v to_o prove_v that_o the_o commissioner_n be_v under_o scandal_n of_o defection_n first_o we_o grant_v that_o hear_n of_o a_o common_a report_n may_v be_v a_o ground_n of_o enquiry_n concern_v a_o matter_n of_o scandal_n but_o this_o be_v not_o refuse_v about_o the_o present_a case_n in_o question_n second_o as_o for_o that_o cite_v from_o the_o 1._o cor._n 5_o 1._o that_o proceed_v order_v there_o be_v a_o order_n to_o present_a censure_n so_o we_o may_v see_v that_o the_o brother_n that_o write_v this_o be_v of_o that_o mind_n that_o the_o commissioner_n upon_o that_o common_a report_n which_o he_o allege_v 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 good_a sir_n hold_v your_o hand_n for_o my_o part_n i_o can_v wonder_v enough_o that_o he_o shall_v have_v allege_v from_o the_o apostle_n word_n so_o general_o without_o any_o qualification_n that_o common_a report_n may_v be_v a_o ground_n of_o present_a sentence_n against_o person_n as_o he_o do_v here_o certain_o this_o aught_o to_o have_v be_v well_o qualify_v and_o limit_v otherways_o a_o wide_a door_n be_v open_v to_o injustice_n and_o undo_n the_o innocent_a and_o guiltless_a man_n for_o can_v one_o or_o two_o or_o some_o few_o ill_a tongue_n spread_v a_o ill_a report_n of_o very_o honest_a man_n and_o how_o easy_o shall_v that_o report_n become_v common_a if_o that_o of_o the_o poet_n be_v true_a as_o it_o be_v most_o certain_o fama_fw-la malum_fw-la quo_fw-la non_fw-la aliud_fw-la velociùs_fw-la ullum_fw-la mobilitate_fw-la viget_fw-la uâ—resque_fw-la acquirit_fw-la eundo_fw-la therefore_o a_o common_a report_n that_o may_v be_v ground_n of_o so_o short_a and_o summary_n proceed_v must_v be_v such_o as_o first_o be_v of_o a_o matter_n that_o in_o point_fw-fr de_fw-fr jure_fw-la be_v clear_a and_o unquestionable_o a_o scandal_n second_o for_o the_o fact_n in_o a_o manner_n universal_a uncontrolled_a either_o by_o the_o party_n or_o any_o that_o have_v best_a and_o near_a notice_n of_o his_o action_n both_o be_v in_o that_o matter_n of_o the_o corinthian_a the_o matter_n be_v in_o jure_v clear_o a_o heinous_a crime_n incest_n viz._n have_v his_o father_n wife_n and_o for_o the_o fact_n the_o report_n that_o have_v come_v to_o paul_n be_v such_o as_o we_o have_v say_v omnino_fw-la anditur_fw-la as_o the_o arab_n interpreter_n mark_v by_o beza_n have_v it_o passim_fw-la &_o in_fw-la tota_fw-la achaia_fw-la and_o another_o interpreter_n on_o the_o same_o place_n in_o marlorat_n q.d._n sine_fw-la negatione_fw-la sine_fw-la tergiversatione_fw-la non_fw-la dubius_fw-la est_fw-la rumour_n sed_fw-la res_fw-la manifesta_fw-la passim_fw-la cum_fw-la magno_fw-la offendiculo_fw-la publicata_fw-la in_o the_o present_a case_n in_o hand_n both_o condition_n be_v want_v the_o matter_n be_v not_o clear_a de_fw-fr jure_fw-la in_o the_o main_a question_n of_o it_o its_o report_n be_v not_o so_o common_a as_o the_o contradiction_n thereof_o 3._o the_o offence_n and_o stumble_v of_o the_o godly_a at_o the_o proceed_v of_o the_o
to_o the_o generality_n of_o they_o do_v then_o and_o do_v at_o this_o day_n agree_v in_o this_o that_o the_o public_a resolution_n be_v not_o agreeable_a to_o former_a principle_n and_o proceed_n there_o be_v cause_n of_o stumble_v give_v also_o to_o the_o godly_a in_o regard_n of_o the_o commissioner_n their_o manner_n of_o proceed_v because_o a_o quorum_fw-la very_a few_o more_o of_o the_o commission_n do_v lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o these_o resolution_n not_o only_o without_o the_o rest_n of_o their_o number_n but_o also_o without_o advertise_v a_o great_a many_o of_o they_o and_o so_o many_o be_v absent_a and_o not_o advertise_v they_o do_v in_o a_o day_n or_o two_o determine_v that_o most_o grave_a case_n which_o have_v often_o before_o that_o time_n be_v determine_v in_o the_o negative_a and_o send_v abroad_o their_o determination_n to_o presbytery_n require_v obedience_n and_o upon_o man_n offering_n the_o ground_n of_o their_o dis-satisfaction_n and_o profess_v their_o adherence_n thereto_o till_o satisfaction_n shall_v be_v give_v do_v issue_v such_o warning_n and_o act_n as_o we_o have_v former_o speak_v of_o i_o appeal_v the_o author_n himself_o whether_o at_o the_o time_n of_o the_o give_v of_o the_o answer_n to_o the_o quaere_fw-la it_o be_v not_o know_v to_o the_o commission_n that_o many_o godly_a and_o faithful_a minister_n and_o professor_n in_o the_o land_n be_v averse_a from_o employ_v these_o man_n in_o the_o army_n and_o have_v great_a scruple_n about_o it_o and_o that_o many_o member_n of_o the_o commission_n who_o be_v not_o to_o be_v despise_v have_v often_o profess_v their_o dislike_n of_o it_o albeit_o the_o matter_n have_v be_v lawful_a sure_o there_o be_v great_a precipitancy_n and_o rashness_n in_o the_o first_o resolution_n which_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o sober_a man_n even_o of_o the_o same_o judgement_n but_o such_o be_v the_o zeal_n and_o forwardness_n of_o the_o court_n and_o of_o some_o parliament_n man_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o the_o readiness_n of_o sundry_a of_o the_o commission_n who_o have_v before_o that_o time_n declare_v themselves_o for_o that_o way_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n to_o hearken_v unto_o they_o and_o the_o faintness_n of_o any_o that_o be_v present_a to_o oppose_v it_o that_o hold_v be_v take_v of_o the_o opportunity_n to_o do_v it_o quovis_fw-la modo_fw-la whereby_o real_a offence_n be_v give_v to_o the_o godly_a in_o the_o land_n si_fw-mi quid_fw-la importuna_fw-la levitate_fw-la aut_fw-la lascivia_fw-la aut_fw-la temeritate_fw-la non_fw-la ordine_fw-la nec_fw-la svo_fw-la loco_fw-la facias_fw-la quo_fw-la imperiti_fw-la imbecillesque_fw-la offendantur_fw-la scandalum_fw-la abs_fw-la te_fw-la datum_fw-la dicetur_fw-la quoniam_fw-la tua_fw-la culpa_fw-la factum_fw-la fuit_fw-la ut_fw-la ejusmodi_fw-la offensio_fw-la suscitaretur_fw-la ac_fw-la omnino_fw-la scandalum_fw-la in_o re_fw-la aliqua_fw-la datum_fw-la dicitur_fw-la cujus_fw-la culpa_fw-la ab_fw-la autore_fw-la rei_fw-la ipsus_fw-la profecta_fw-la est_fw-la be_v the_o word_n of_o a_o great_a divine_a speak_v of_o scandal_n very_o applicable_a to_o this_o case_n next_o he_o do_v a_o wrong_n in_o make_v they_o so_o ignorant_a simple_a and_o facile_a as_o in_o these_o thing_n to_o be_v lead_v away_o with_o the_o misrepresentation_n and_o misinformation_n of_o other_o many_o of_o the_o most_o judicious_a decern_a christian_n in_o the_o land_n be_v stumble_v at_o the_o commission_n proceed_n upon_o the_o first_o hear_v of_o they_o &_o before_o the_o protester_n do_v make_v either_o right_a or_o wrong_a representation_n of_o they_o i_o will_v not_o say_v but_o they_o be_v confirm_v in_o the_o dislike_n of_o these_o proceed_n by_o conference_n with_o the_o protester_n &_o other_o minister_n of_o that_o judgement_n as_o they_o also_o be_v mutual_o edify_v and_o confirm_v by_o they_o but_o that_o all_o the_o stumble_a and_o dislike_n do_v arise_v from_o the_o suggestion_n and_o practising_n of_o some_o or_o all_o of_o the_o same_o person_n who_o the_o author_n call_v the_o alleadger_n and_o accuser_n be_v not_o true_a yea_o i_o dare_v say_v that_o albeit_o all_o the_o protester_n and_o all_o the_o minister_n in_o scotland_n have_v be_v of_o one_o mind_n with_o the_o commission_n in_o the_o matter_n the_o public_a resolution_n yet_o many_o of_o the_o godly_a in_o scotland_n will_v have_v stumble_v thereat_o it_o will_v have_v be_v in_o this_o case_n as_o in_o the_o business_n of_o the_o treaty_n wherewith_o many_o of_o the_o godly_a in_o scotland_n be_v dissatisfy_v notwithstanding_o that_o there_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o harmony_n and_o consent_n among_o the_o ministry_n there_o anent_o that_o there_o be_v more_o testimony_n for_o the_o commissioner_n from_o presbetery_n and_o synod_n than_o be_v against_o they_o be_v no_o great_a wonder_n multitude_n common_o incline_v to_o the_o worst_a side_n in_o the_o day_n of_o tentation_n and_o they_o be_v but_o few_o who_o keep_v their_o garment_n pure_a yet_o do_v not_o the_o strength_n of_o the_o testimony_n upon_o the_o one_o hand_n or_o on_o the_o other_o lie_v in_o the_o number_n of_o the_o witness_n but_o upon_o the_o truth_n and_o clearness_n of_o their_o evidence_n what_o be_v testify_v by_o the_o opposer_n of_o the_o commission_n be_v confirm_v by_o clear_a evidence_n from_o the_o constant_a doctrine_n of_o this_o church_n ground_v upon_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o set_v down_o in_o the_o covenant_n and_o solemn_a acknowledgement_n of_o sin_n and_o engagement_n to_o duty_n and_o public_a warning_n declaration_n remonstrance_n etc._n etc._n but_o not_o so_o much_o as_o a_o tittle_n of_o these_o for_o evidence_n on_o the_o other_o side_n it_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o the_o author_n himself_o that_o the_o public_a resolution_n be_v a_o case_n not_o former_o determine_v by_o any_o public_a judgement_n of_o this_o kirk_n and_o if_o so_o there_o can_v no_o evidence_n be_v bring_v from_o the_o doctrine_n of_o this_o church_n for_o clear_v and_o confirm_v of_o these_o resolution_n the_o author_n be_v please_v to_o call_v the_o testimony_n give_v against_o the_o public_a resolution_n real_o and_o in_o themselves_o scandal_n tend_v most_o evident_o to_o the_o expose_v of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o of_o the_o cause_n to_o the_o power_n of_o the_o invader_n he_o be_v please_v a_o little_a above_o to_o call_v they_o slander_n and_o so_o all_o the_o godly_a in_o scotland_n who_o speak_v against_o these_o resolution_n be_v upon_o his_o account_n slanderer_n but_o these_o testimony_n be_v neither_o slander_n nor_o scandal_n they_o do_v contain_v real_a truth_n and_o be_v duty_n to_o which_o the_o giver_n of_o they_o be_v oblige_v in_o a_o backslide_a time_n for_o deliver_v of_o their_o own_o soul_n and_o preserve_v the_o cause_n of_o god_n from_o be_v overbear_v with_o a_o spate_o of_o defection_n and_o though_o in_o many_o thing_n they_o acknowledge_v themselves_o to_o be_v among_o the_o most_o sinful_a yet_o in_o this_o they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o expose_v of_o the_o kingdom_n &_o cause_n to_o the_o power_n of_o the_o invader_n that_o they_o hold_v themselves_o bind_v to_o bless_v the_o lord_n while_o they_o live_v who_o give_v they_o mercy_n to_o be_v keep_v free_a from_o that_o carnal_a sinful_a course_n that_o do_v provoke_v the_o lord_n to_o give_v so_o great_a a_o stroke_n to_o the_o kingdom_n and_o the_o cause_n in_o those_o dreadful_a rod_n wherewith_o he_o have_v smite_v we_o since_o these_o resolution_n what_o be_v the_o sense_n that_o the_o invader_n themselves_o have_v of_o this_o i_o do_v not_o well_o know_v but_o this_o it_o be_v like_a enough_o they_o rejoice_v in_o our_o division_n but_o it_o be_v not_o the_o oppose_a of_o the_o public_a resolution_n wherein_o they_o do_v direct_o rejoice_v nothing_o from_o us-ward_n will_v have_v be_v matter_n of_o so_o great_a terror_n to_o they_o as_o to_o have_v see_v we_o unanimous_a in_o separate_v from_o and_o 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
choose_v by_o express_a vote_n and_o consent_n of_o some_o of_o the_o protester_n themselves_o as_o mr._n robert_n blaire_n in_o the_o presbytery_n of_o st._n andrews_n mr._n james_n wood_n in_o the_o university_n of_o st._n andrews_n by_o mr._n sam._n rutherford_n it_o may_v be_v true_a mr._n sam._n rutherford_n his_o desire_n of_o peace_n and_o testify_v of_o respect_n to_o these_o man_n be_v such_o as_o it_o be_v together_o with_o the_o hope_n that_o he_o have_v of_o their_o be_v instrumental_a to_o accommodate_v thing_n in_o a_o right_a way_n at_o the_o assembly_n but_o that_o hinder_v not_o why_o the_o protester_n may_v not_o warrantable_o propound_v the_o exception_n at_o the_o assembly_n another_o branch_n be_v that_o the_o assembly_n have_v not_o as_o yet_o choose_v their_o moderator_n and_o be_v not_o yet_o constitute_v and_o therefore_o can_v not_o discuss_v that_o question_n etc._n etc._n but_o not_o to_o repeat_v that_o they_o do_v discuss_v the_o relevancy_n of_o other_o exception_n yea_o of_o that_o same_o that_o be_v propound_v against_o the_o commissioner_n as_o to_o their_o sit_v or_o not_o sit_v till_o the_o matter_n shall_v be_v further_o try_v it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o if_o controvert_v commission_n and_o member_n upon_o exception_n propound_v against_o they_o be_v lay_v aside_o till_o trial_n which_o have_v always_o be_v the_o custom_n of_o the_o assembly_n of_o this_o church_n it_o be_v not_o so_o very_o material_a whether_o the_o full_a discuss_n of_o the_o exception_n be_v before_o the_o choose_n of_o the_o moderator_n or_o after_o it_o there_o be_v practice_n and_o instance_n of_o both_o way_n some_o assembly_n first_o discuss_v the_o controvert_v commission_n and_o member_n and_o then_o choose_v the_o moderator_n other_o lay_v aside_o these_o thing_n till_o the_o moderator_n be_v first_o choose_v and_o then_o immediate_o before_o the_o do_n of_o any_o thing_n else_o fall_v upon_o the_o discuss_n of_o they_o though_o it_o seem_v the_o most_o regular_a way_n that_o the_o controvert_v commission_n and_o member_n be_v lay_v aside_o the_o uncontroverted_a once_o be_v a_o competent_a number_n shall_v proceed_v to_o the_o choice_n of_o a_o moderator_n and_o thereafter_o before_o the_o do_v of_o any_o thing_n else_o put_v that_o to_o a_o point_n which_o concern_v the_o rest_n of_o their_o constituent_a member_n in_o the_o case_n now_o in_o question_n both_o be_v desire_v either_o to_o discuss_v the_o exception_n as_o to_o the_o truth_n or_o falsehood_n of_o the_o alleadgance_n before_o the_o choose_n of_o a_o moderator_n or_o else_o to_o lay_v aside_o the_o commissioner_n and_o to_o do_v it_o immediate_o thereafter_o but_o both_o be_v refuse_v which_o be_v the_o more_o considerable_a because_o the_o exception_n propound_v against_o they_o be_v but_o mere_o personal_a or_o upon_o personal_a or_o particular_a scandal_n but_o of_o more_o common_a concernment_n and_o in_o thing_n relate_v to_o the_o cause_n as_o breach_n of_o public_a trust_n defection_n from_o the_o cause_n and_o covenant_n which_o do_v require_v consideration_n before_o the_o admit_v these_o person_n i_o will_v ask_v the_o author_n this_o one_o question_n upon_o supposal_n that_o the_o assembly_n after_o the_o commissioner_n sit_v and_o vote_v therein_o many_o day_n yea_o even_o in_o the_o condemn_v of_o the_o protestation_n and_o cite_v of_o the_o protester_n shall_v have_v find_v their_o proceed_n to_o involve_v a_o course_n of_o defection_n from_o the_o cause_n and_o covenant_n and_o thereupon_o have_v remove_v and_o censure_v they_o can_v beholder_n have_v look_v upon_o this_o as_o a_o handsome_a way_n of_o proceed_v that_o they_o will_v not_o take_v into_o consideration_n a_o exception_n deserve_v such_o thing_n when_o it_o be_v first_o propound_v unto_o they_o and_o offer_v to_o be_v instruct_v but_o will_v judge_v the_o exception_n irrelevant_a censure_v other_o for_o protest_v because_o of_o refuse_v to_o accept_v of_o it_o admit_v the_o commissioner_n to_o be_v fellow-judge_n in_o condemn_v that_o protestation_n &_o after_o all_o this_o find_v these_o commissioner_n guilty_a of_o the_o thing_n allege_v in_o that_o same_o very_a exception_n when_o ffr_v propon_v &_o remove_v &_o censure_v they_o upon_o it_o be_v thing_n handsome_a or_o do_v they_o well_o cohere_v or_o can_v a_o tender_a eye_n look_v upon_o they_o without_o offence_n how_o much_o fair_a have_v it_o be_v first_o to_o remove_v they_o and_o present_o or_o immediate_o after_o the_o choice_n of_o the_o moderator_n to_o discuss_v the_o exception_n there_o be_v more_o danger_n to_o the_o cause_n &_o offence_n to_o god_n &_o his_o people_n in_o rash_a admit_v such_o as_o be_v guilty_a then_o in_o cautious_a delay_n even_o of_o innocent_a person_n when_o legal_o challenge_v if_o innocent_a they_o may_v afterward_o be_v admit_v with_o more_o honour_n and_o respect_n but_o if_o guilty_a either_o they_o shall_v be_v continue_v member_n with_o much_o detriment_n to_o the_o cause_n or_o else_o shall_v be_v casten_z out_o with_o more_o shame_n both_o to_o themselves_o and_o to_o the_o assembly_n who_o at_o first_o refuse_v to_o lay_v they_o aside_o till_o they_o be_v try_v because_o the_o author_n see_v that_o a_o objection_n may_v be_v move_v against_o what_o he_o have_v say_v from_o the_o assembly_n remove_v of_o other_o member_n who_o be_v except_v against_o before_o the_o choice_n of_o the_o moderator_n therefore_o for_o prevent_v of_o it_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o there_o be_v a_o wide_a difference_n because_o the_o exception_n against_o they_o be_v as_o to_o their_o relevancie_n for_o their_o remove_n in_o case_n every_o way_n clear_a and_o determine_v before_o in_o so_o far_o as_o be_v requisite_a for_o that_o to_o wit_n protestation_n in_o presbytery_n against_o their_o election_n stand_v censure_n exclude_v they_o from_o all_o church-judicatories_a unrepealed_a to_o which_o i_o return_v these_o particular_n first_o some_z even_o before_o the_o choice_n of_o the_o moderator_n be_v remove_v upon_o exception_n against_o who_o election_n there_o be_v no_o protestation_n and_o who_o be_v under_o no_o stand_a censure_n either_o of_o one_o kind_n or_o another_o to_o wit_n mr._n robert_n canden_n commissioner_n from_o the_o presbytery_n of_o dunce_n who_o be_v remove_v upon_o this_o exception_n that_o that_o presbytery_n can_v not_o choose_v commissioner_n be_v so_o few_o in_o number_n as_o they_o be_v here_o be_v no_o protestation_n the_o man_n under_o no_o censure_n yea_o nor_o the_o ground_n of_o the_o exception_n clear_a and_o unquestionable_a in_o law_n as_o to_o any_o act_n of_o any_o former_a assembly_n only_o primâ_fw-la front_n it_o seem_v relevant_a that_o two_o or_o three_o can_v not_o choose_v therefore_o be_v be_v thereupon_o remove_v though_o afterward_o if_o my_o information_n hold_v he_o be_v again_o as_o seem_v upon_o not_o find_v the_o exception_n not_o relevant_a admit_v second_o neither_o be_v a_o protestation_n against_o the_o election_n sufficient_a to_o make_v it_o clear_a upon_o the_o author_n ground_n i_o suppose_v that_o it_o have_v be_v allege_v that_o the_o ground_n of_o the_o protestation_n be_v not_o clear_a but_o questionable_a as_o to_o the_o relevancy_n of_o it_o by_o his_o ground_n such_o a_o protestation_n against_o the_o election_n will_v not_o have_v be_v enough_o to_o lay_v the_o commissioner_n aside_o till_o the_o matter_n have_v be_v try_v to_o come_v near_o the_o case_n let_v we_o suppose_v that_o some_o of_o the_o opposer_n of_o public_a resolution_n have_v in_o the_o presbytery_n or_o in_o the_o universite_a of_o st._n andrews_n protest_v against_o the_o election_n of_o the_o commissioner_n there_o upon_o this_o ground_n that_o these_o who_o be_v elect_v be_v instrumental_a in_o the_o public_a resolution_n will_v the_o author_n say_v this_o have_v be_v sufficient_a to_o lay_v these_o commissioner_n aside_o from_o sit_v as_o member_n of_o the_o assembly_n till_o the_o matter_n have_v be_v try_v if_o so_o why_o then_o be_v not_o the_o propon_n of_o that_o exception_n in_o the_o assembly_n against_o all_o these_o who_o be_v member_n of_o the_o commission_n and_o have_v hand_n in_o these_o resolution_n sufficient_a to_o lay_v they_o aside_o os_fw-la if_o that_o be_v deny_v i_o will_v desire_v to_o know_v a_o reason_n of_o the_o difference_n if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o all_o the_o commission_n which_o be_v lay_v aside_o because_o of_o protestation_n against_o they_o be_v such_o as_o be_v protest_v against_o upon_o clear_a &_o unquestionable_a ground_n i_o answer_v that_o it_o be_v not_o so_o as_o appear_v by_o the_o instance_n already_o give_v to_o which_o i_o add_v another_o to_o let_v see_v what_o partiality_n of_o proceed_v there_o be_v in_o these_o thing_n even_o upon_o the_o author_n own_o ground_n do_v not_o the_o assembly_n lie_v aside_o the_o commission_n of_o these_o who_o be_v first_o choose_v by_o the_o presbytery_n of_o
presbytery_n give_v his_o judgement_n anent_o the_o li_n of_o another_o but_o when_o it_o be_v all_o grant_v it_o yield_v a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o cause_n to_o wit_n that_o these_o person_n can_v not_o sit_v in_o the_o assembly_n as_o judge_n in_o that_o particular_a and_o if_o i_o be_v not_o mistake_v in_o my_o conjecture_n about_o the_o person_n i_o think_v i_o may_v say_v if_o that_o judicious_a and_o pious_a man_n who_o reject_v that_o motion_n have_v be_v in_o any_o fear_n that_o these_o person_n will_v be_v choose_v belike_o he_o will_v have_v hold_v his_o peace_n and_o suffer_v the_o motion_n to_o pass_v uncontrolled_a but_o the_o author_n if_o this_o please_v not_o the_o writer_n desire_v he_o to_o answer_v what_o he_o will_v for_o clear_v of_o the_o order_n of_o the_o commission_n 48._o and_o it_o will_v serve_v aswell_o the_o order_n of_o the_o commission_n 51._o as_o to_o any_o illegality_n relate_v to_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o assembly_n because_o say_v he_o 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