against_o they_o both_o by_o preach_v and_o by_o write_v their_o mind_n to_o the_o commission_n of_o the_o kirk_n and_o to_o other_o of_o their_o brethren_n as_o they_o have_v opportunity_n upon_o which_o occasion_n also_o it_o be_v that_o many_o be_v necessitate_v to_o withdraw_v from_o such_o fast_n as_o do_v involve_v a_o approbation_n of_o these_o resolution_n and_o what_o be_v in_o all_o this_o but_o duty_n may_v not_o yea_o ought_v not_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n minister_n and_o people_n bear_v testimony_n against_o decline_v and_o backslide_v and_o study_v to_o keep_v their_o own_o garment_n pure_a and_o refuse_v to_o say_v a_o confederacy_n to_o wicked_a man_n in_o the_o interest_n and_o cause_n of_o god_n it_o be_v a_o shrewd_a insinuation_n that_o be_v make_v of_o their_o draw_a faction_n among_o the_o people_n as_o if_o they_o have_v stir_v the_o people_n to_o sedition_n or_o to_o tumult_n the_o utmost_a length_n which_o minister_n go_v be_v to_o hold_v forth_o the_o sinfulness_n of_o that_o course_n how_o contrary_a it_o be_v to_o our_o former_a principle_n how_o it_o will_v help_v to_o hasten_v on_o more_o wrath_n or_o if_o it_o do_v seem_v to_o prosper_v how_o dangerous_a it_o will_v prove_v to_o the_o cause_n and_o people_n of_o god_n by_o set_v up_o of_o such_o as_o have_v be_v and_o still_o be_v adversary_n to_o both_o and_o the_o great_a length_n which_o people_n go_v be_v to_o profess_v their_o dislike_n thereof_o and_o without_o tumult_n or_o faction_n to_o withdraw_v or_o in_o a_o sober_a and_o modest_a way_n to_o refuse_v to_o concur_v because_o they_o have_v no_o clearness_n nor_o satisfaction_n in_o their_o conscience_n concern_v these_o resolution_n withal_o they_o do_v clear_o declare_v their_o judgement_n against_o the_o invasion_n and_o for_o the_o defence_n of_o the_o cause_n and_o their_o country_n and_o their_o readiness_n to_o concur_v in_o all_o lawful_a mean_n according_a to_o the_o word_n and_o former_a principle_n for_o that_o end_n if_o any_o who_o have_v be_v former_o honest_a and_o bear_v any_o part_n of_o the_o burden_n and_o heat_n of_o the_o day_n be_v brand_v as_o backsliders_a it_o be_v not_o so_o much_o by_o dissenter_n from_o the_o public_a resolution_n as_o by_o the_o multitude_n of_o that_o generation_n with_o who_o they_o do_v associate_v i_o mean_v the_o malignant_n who_o do_v not_o spare_v open_o and_o every_o where_o to_o say_v that_o these_o honest_a man_n be_v now_o come_v to_o they_o as_o for_o other_o though_o they_o can_v so_o vindicate_v themselves_o as_o to_o say_v that_o there_o be_v none_o among_o they_o who_o do_v at_o any_o time_n speak_v rash_o or_o unadvised_o with_o his_o lip_n yet_o the_o lord_n know_v it_o be_v the_o grief_n of_o their_o heart_n that_o honest_a man_n shall_v have_v fall_v from_o their_o integrity_n and_o though_o they_o can_v not_o choose_v but_o bear_v testimony_n against_o their_o sin_n yet_o they_o do_v it_o as_o afflict_v in_o spirit_n keep_v reverence_n respect_n and_o affection_n unto_o the_o man_n themselves_o and_o have_v the_o iniquity_n be_v private_a they_o will_v most_o willing_o have_v cover_v the_o shame_n thereof_o but_o it_o be_v public_a and_o such_o as_o do_v relate_v to_o the_o public_a cause_n and_o wherein_o their_o conâ—ent_n and_o concurrence_n be_v desire_v and_o therefore_o they_o be_v force_v to_o speak_v and_o not_o to_o suffer_v sin_n upon_o themselves_o nor_o upon_o their_o brethren_n there_o be_v yet_o one_o thing_n remain_v that_o whilst_o no_o mean_n be_v leave_v unessay_v for_o make_v of_o public_a resolution_n ineffectual_a that_o no_o possible_a nor_o probable_a mean_n be_v hold_v forth_o for_o tâ—e_v relief_n of_o the_o kingdom_n if_o it_o be_v mean_v as_o to_o the_o time_n when_o these_o resolution_n be_v first_o take_v by_o the_o commission_n answer_v to_o the_o parliament_n quaere_fw-la there_o can_v nothing_o of_o that_o kind_n be_v then_o hold_v forth_o by_o such_o a_o be_v dissatisfy_v with_o these_o resolution_n because_o few_o or_o none_o of_o they_o be_v present_a advertisment_n not_o be_v so_o much_o as_o send_v to_o many_o of_o they_o and_o the_o time_n be_v so_o short_a that_o other_o can_v not_o come_v upon_o the_o advertisment_n which_o wâ—re_v send_v to_o they_o the_o advertisement_n come_v to_o sterline_v upon_o the_o tuesday_n to_o be_v dispatch_v unto_o all_o the_o presbytery_n in_o the_o west_n that_o their_o commissioner_n may_v keep_v at_o perth_n upon_o the_o thursday_n immediate_o follow_v which_o day_n can_v not_o probable_o be_v but_o past_a before_o the_o advertisement_n come_v at_o most_o of_o they_o it_o be_v in_o the_o depth_n of_o the_o winter-season_n when_o the_o day_n be_v at_o the_o short_a and_o by_o such_o bearer_n as_o be_v not_o fix_v or_o send_v of_o purpose_n but_o by_o such_o as_o be_v occasional_o go_v to_o those_o place_n for_o other_o business_n yea_o suppose_v the_o utmost_a diligence_n imaginable_a have_v be_v use_v it_o have_v not_o be_v possible_a to_o send_v these_o advertisment_n from_o sterlin_n to_o the_o commissioner_n of_o these_o presbytery_n in_o the_o west_n in_o so_o short_a a_o time_n and_o these_o commissioner_n thereupon_o to_o have_v keep_v the_o diet_n at_o perth_n as_o any_o who_o know_v the_o distance_n of_o these_o place_n will_v easy_o acknowledge_v it_o be_v above_o forty_o mile_n betwixt_o perth_n and_o glasgow_n which_o be_v the_o near_a of_o the_o presbytery_n of_o the_o west_n the_o rest_n of_o they_o be_v a_o good_a deal_n more_o remote_a some_o of_o they_o three_o or_o fourscore_o mile_n and_o if_o it_o be_v mean_v that_o after_o the_o take_n of_o these_o resolution_n no_o possible_a nor_o probable_a mean_n be_v hold_v forth_o by_o these_o who_o do_v object_n against_o they_o it_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n then_o to_o do_v it_o the_o author_n and_o abetter_n of_o they_o be_v so_o zealous_a for_o they_o that_o they_o will_v admit_v of_o no_o objection_n to_o the_o contrary_a much_o less_o be_v content_a to_o wave_v these_o resolution_n and_o go_v to_o a_o calm_a and_o peaceable_a enquiry_n about_o other_o possible_a or_o probable_a mean_n of_o defence_n and_o yet_o as_o before_o the_o take_n of_o these_o resolution_n the_o possibility_n and_o probability_n of_o other_o mean_n have_v be_v often_o hold_v forth_o so_o be_v it_o also_o hold_v forth_o after_o the_o take_n of_o these_o resolution_n to_o say_v nothing_o of_o treaty_n and_o conference_n which_o be_v move_v by_o some_o but_o peremptory_o and_o bitter_o reject_v by_o other_o the_o possibility_n and_o probability_n of_o get_v a_o army_n without_o employ_v and_o entrust_v of_o the_o malignant_a party_n be_v hold_v forth_o and_o they_o who_o do_v assert_v otherwise_o do_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o wrong_n to_o the_o kingdom_n and_o kirk_n of_o scotland_n and_o make_v they_o too_o much_o malignant_a it_o be_v true_a they_o be_v considerable_a for_o number_n power_n and_o policy_n who_o be_v and_o aught_o to_o have_v be_v exclude_v yet_o be_v there_o as_o many_o beside_o as_o may_v have_v be_v mean_v competent_a in_o rational_a prudence_n for_o defence_n of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o cause_n especial_o in_o a_o nation_n covenant_v with_o god_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v tender_a in_o all_o their_o way_n and_o to_o stay_v themselves_o not_o upon_o horse_n and_o chariot_n but_o upon_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n after_o the_o set_n down_o of_o all_o these_o thing_n they_o be_v please_v to_o assert_v that_o they_o do_v of_o their_o own_o nature_n contribute_v no_o less_o effectual_o to_o the_o deliver_v up_o of_o all_o to_o the_o will_n of_o the_o enâ—mâ—e_n without_o stroke_n of_o sword_n then_o if_o it_o have_v be_v purposely_o intend_v as_o no_o evil_a cause_n can_v of_o itself_o produce_v any_o good_a effect_n so_o neither_o can_v any_o good_a cause_n of_o itself_o produce_v a_o evil_a effect_n good_a and_o evil_n be_v contrary_a in_o their_o nature_n and_o the_o one_o not_o native_o arise_v out_o of_o the_o other_o what_o be_v do_v in_o these_o be_v duty_n and_o good_a in_o itself_o and_o therefore_o have_v no_o connexion_n in_o itself_o with_o any_o evil_a thing_n that_o be_v charge_v upon_o it_o when_o i_o read_v this_o chargeâ—_n i_o remember_v the_o challenge_n of_o the_o pripet_n of_o judâ—h_n against_o the_o prophet_n jeremiah_n that_o he_o weaken_v the_o hand_n of_o the_o man_n of_o war_n that_o remain_v in_o the_o city_n and_o the_o hand_n of_o all_o the_o people_n and_o that_o he_o seek_v not_o the_o welfare_n of_o the_o people_n but_o their_o hurt_n jer._n 38.4_o declaration_n the_o last_o step_n be_v set_v down_o in_o this_o answer_n to_o the_o protestation_n but_o because_o it_o be_v usher_v in_o with_o a_o large_a preface_n that_o be_v not_o mention_v in_o this_o answer_n therefore_o i_o shall_v speak_v
of_o live_a water_n and_o dig_v unto_o ourselves_o break_v cistern_n that_o can_v hold_v no_o water_n we_o have_v walk_v in_o the_o way_n of_o egypt_n to_o drink_v the_o water_n of_o sihor_n and_o in_o the_o way_n of_o assyria_n to_o drink_v the_o water_n of_o the_o river_n the_o enemy_n of_o the_o lord_n have_v be_v entrust_v and_o stay_v upon_o their_o interest_n own_v and_o promote_v holiness_n and_o piety_n despise_v and_o tread_v under_o foot_n the_o godly_a persecute_v and_o reproach_v the_o heart_n of_o the_o wicked_a make_v glad_a and_o their_o hand_n strengthen_v the_o heart_n of_o the_o righteous_a make_v sad_a and_o their_o hand_n weaken_v the_o work_n of_o reformation_n in_o purge_v of_o scandalous_a and_o profane_a officer_n and_o member_n out_o of_o the_o house_n of_o god_n evil_a speak_v of_o for_o what_o be_v past_a and_o a_o foundation_n lay_v to_o obstruct_v it_o for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v yea_o to_o persecute_v and_o cast_v out_o such_o who_o shall_v oppose_v and_o bear_v testimony_n against_o these_o thing_n and_o yet_o after_o we_o have_v do_v all_o these_o thing_n and_o have_v gad_v about_o somuch_o to_o change_v our_o way_n have_v trim_v our_o way_n to_o seek_v love_n and_o also_o teach_v the_o wicked_a one_o our_o way_n we_o wipe_v our_o mouth_n and_o say_v we_o be_v innocent_a and_o that_o notwithstanding_o all_o that_o be_v come_v upon_o we_o we_o have_v not_o forget_v the_o lord_n nor_o deal_v false_o in_o his_o covenant_n and_o we_o can_v bear_v these_o who_o discover_v our_o iniquity_n and_o make_v know_v our_o sin_n unto_o we_o if_o there_o be_v any_o who_o desire_v to_o keep_v their_o integrity_n and_o to_o adhere_v to_o their_o former_a principle_n bear_v testimony_n against_o the_o land_n back_o slide_v and_o defection_n against_o our_o prince_n and_o prophet_n and_o people_n in_o their_o late_a transaction_n with_o the_o enemy_n of_o reformation_n and_o hater_n of_o the_o people_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n these_o be_v the_o burden_n of_o many_o and_o be_v for_o sign_n and_o wonder_n who_o be_v speak_v against_o even_o these_o be_v they_o who_o this_o reviewer_n and_o refuter_n call_v deceiver_n and_o persecuter_n and_o miserable_a comforter_n who_o in_o the_o day_n of_o zion_n calamity_n stand_v afar_o off_o from_o she_o and_o persecute_v she_o who_o the_o lord_n have_v smite_v and_o talk_v to_o the_o grief_n of_o these_o who_o he_o have_v wound_v and_o who_o in_o her_o adversity_n gather_v themselves_o together_o in_o the_o place_n of_o cordial_n bring_v corosives_n the_o protester_n against_o who_o he_o throw_v these_o reproach_n acknowledge_v themselves_o to_o be_v man_n compass_v about_o with_o many_o infirmity_n and_o that_o for_o their_o fin_n also_o wrath_n be_v upon_o the_o land_n but_o if_o they_o have_v do_v this_o thing_n and_o if_o this_o iniquity_n be_v in_o their_o hand_n wherewith_o they_o be_v here_o charge_v let_v their_o honour_n be_v lay_v in_o the_o dust_n and_o their_o glory_n turn_v into_o shame_n i_o think_v they_o may_v and_o will_v in_o tremble_v and_o humble_a fear_n commit_v their_o cause_n unto_o the_o righteous_a judge_n of_o the_o world_n who_o will_v make_v every_o man_n work_n manifest_a be_v it_o to_o stand_v a_o far_o off_o from_o zion_n or_o not_o to_o comfort_v she_o or_o to_o deceive_v she_o or_o to_o persecute_v she_o not_o to_o be_v consent_v to_o the_o whordom_n and_o backslide_n of_o her_o child_n and_o to_o tell_v they_o that_o they_o have_v pervert_v their_o way_n and_o have_v forget_v the_o lord_n their_o god_n and_o to_o say_v to_o her_o prophet_n that_o they_o do_v not_o discover_v her_o iniquity_n to_o turn_v away_o her_o captivity_n and_o that_o they_o even_o they_o have_v cause_v the_o lord_n people_n to_o err_v some_o of_o they_o build_v a_o wall_n and_o many_o strive_v to_o uphold_v it_o and_o daub_v it_o with_o untempered_a mortar_n i_o mean_v that_o some_o of_o they_o give_v counsel_n concern_v the_o employ_v and_o entrust_v the_o malignant_a party_n and_o that_o many_o adhere_v thereto_o and_o for_o strengthen_v these_o wretched_a foundation_n have_v corrupt_v and_o pervert_v the_o nationall_n assembly_n of_o this_o church_n in_o the_o free_a and_o lawful_a constitution_n thereof_o that_o they_o have_v make_v sad_a the_o heart_n of_o the_o righteous_a who_o the_o lord_n have_v not_o make_v sad_a and_o strengthen_v the_o hand_n of_o the_o wicked_a that_o he_o shall_v not_o return_v from_o his_o wicked_a way_n that_o they_o thrust_v with_o the_o side_n and_o shoulder_n and_o push_v the_o disease_a with_o their_o horn_n to_o scatter_v they_o abroad_o that_o they_o decree_v unrighteous_a decree_n and_o write_v grievous_a thing_n against_o their_o brethren_n which_o they_o have_v prescribe_v our_o bruise_n be_v sore_o and_o our_o wound_n be_v uncurable_a for_o the_o lord_n have_v wound_v we_o with_o the_o wound_n of_o a_o enemy_n with_o the_o chastisement_n of_o a_o cruel_a one_o for_o the_o multitude_n of_o our_o iniquity_n because_o our_o sin_n be_v increase_v therefore_o be_v it_o no_o time_n to_o cover_v our_o transgression_n as_o adam_n by_o hide_v our_o iniquity_n in_o our_o bosom_n nor_o to_o daub_v with_o untempered_a mortar_n nor_o slight_o to_o heal_v the_o daughter_n of_o our_o people_n but_o to_o give_v glory_n to_o the_o god_n of_o israel_n by_o take_v shame_n to_o ourselves_o and_o confess_v wherein_o we_o have_v trespass_v against_o he_o and_o it_o be_v the_o best_a service_n that_o can_v be_v do_v to_o zion_n to_o show_v her_o son_n and_o her_o daughter_n in_o this_o day_n of_o her_o calamity_n why_o the_o lord_n contend_v with_o she_o such_o corrosive_n from_o friend_n be_v better_o than_o the_o cordial_n of_o flatterer_n when_o the_o righteous_a smite_v it_o be_v a_o kindness_n and_o when_o he_o reprove_v it_o be_v a_o excellent_a oil_n which_o break_v not_o the_o head_n sure_o this_o be_v the_o lord_n and_o his_o saint_n yea_o the_o interpreter_n one_o of_o a_o thousand_o their_o pave_a way_n of_o be_v comfortable_a to_o these_o who_o god_n have_v smite_v to_o discover_v their_o work_n and_o the_o transgression_n wherein_o they_o have_v exceed_v that_o they_o may_v open_v their_o ear_n to_o discipline_n and_o remember_v whence_o they_o be_v fall_v and_o repent_v and_o do_v their_o first_o work_n lest_o if_o they_o obey_v not_o they_o perish_v by_o the_o sword_n and_o die_v without_o knowledge_n or_o he_o come_v against_o they_o quick_o and_o remove_v their_o candlestick_n out_o of_o his_o place_n levit._fw-la 26.40.41_o job_n 34.29_o 30_o 31_o 32_o 33._o job_n 36.8_o 9_o 10_o 11_o 12._o rev._n 2.4_o 5._o protestation_n reviewed_n i_o shall_v be_v loath_a to_o trace_v that_o too_o too_o ordinary_a by-path_n of_o judge_v any_o man_n eternal_a estate_n by_o his_o temporal_a out-breaking_n or_o his_o heart_n and_o intention_n by_o the_o outside_n of_o h_o s_o action_n yet_o i_o hink_v i_o may_v safe_o say_v that_o that_o assembly_n at_o st._n andrews_n and_o dundee_n although_o despise_v of_o man_n be_v own_v of_o god_n and_o that_o he_o guide_v their_o pen_n as_o all_o along_o in_o their_o procedor_fw-la so_o particular_o in_o their_o warn_v and_o declaration_n and_o these_o word_n thereof_o what_o ever_o have_v be_v the_o intention_n of_o these_o who_o have_v be_v instrumental_a in_o make_v of_o this_o rent_n from_o public_a counsel_n and_o act_n yet_o the_o work_n itself_o and_o the_o spirit_n that_o have_v be_v stir_v in_o it_o have_v be_v and_o yet_o be_v most_o effectual_a for_o carry_v on_o of_o the_o design_n of_o the_o adversary_n of_o our_o cause_n which_o they_o prove_v by_o seven_o step_n of_o their_o progress_n protestation_n defend_v to_o judge_n of_o any_o man_n everlasting_a estate_n by_o his_o temporal_a out-breaking_n or_o his_o intention_n by_o the_o outside_n of_o h_o s_o action_n as_o it_o be_v to_o encroach_v upon_o thing_n secret_a which_o belong_v unto_o god_n and_o to_o walk_v uncharitable_o towards_o man_n so_o it_o be_v not_o the_o path_n which_o the_o prote_v s_o have_v tread_v and_o it_o be_v but_o a_o groundless_a insinuation_n to_o suggest_v it_o of_o they_o they_o know_v and_o do_v acknowledge_v that_o many_o of_o the_o lord_n precious_a one_o before_o their_o effectual_a calling_n be_v among_o the_o worst_a of_o out-breaker_n and_o that_o some_o of_o they_o even_o after_o they_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n fall_v into_o grievous_a sin_n yet_o do_v not_o these_o thing_n bar_v they_o or_o cut_v they_o off_o from_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n who_o election_n be_v according_a to_o grace_n and_o therefore_o the_o protester_n have_v not_o deny_v the_o testimony_n of_o gracious_a man_n to_o not_o a_o few_o of_o these_o who_o hand_n alas_o for_o it_o be_v deep_a in_o the_o
have_v carry_v on_o a_o course_n of_o defection_n and_o it_o be_v offer_v to_o verify_v the_o same_o and_o thereupon_o desire_v that_o these_o commissioner_n may_v not_o be_v admit_v to_o sit_v as_o member_n in_o the_o assembly_n till_o that_o matter_n be_v try_v it_o be_v refuse_v and_o notwithstanding_o of_o the_o except_o on_o timeous_o propound_v and_o offer_v to_o be_v instruct_v they_o be_v before_o the_o take_n try_v all_o thereof_o allow_v to_o sit_v which_o be_v in_o effect_n to_o reject_v the_o exception_n either_o as_o irrelevat_a in_o law_n or_o as_o false_a in_o fact_n and_o so_o to_o approve_v they_o before_o try_v all_o yea_o they_o be_v admit_v to_o â—iâ—â—s_a judge_n in_o their_o own_o cause_n for_o the_o protestation_n be_v particular_o found_v on_o the_o sinfulness_n and_o unwarrantableness_n of_o their_o proceed_n yet_o they_o be_v allow_v to_o sit_v as_o judge_n and_o to_o condemn_v the_o protestation_n as_o destructive_a to_o the_o government_n and_o liberty_n of_o this_o kirk_n and_o censurable_a with_o the_o high_a censure_n thereof_o upon_o the_o 23_o of_o july_n 1651._o notwithstanding_o their_o proceed_n be_v not_o approven_v till_o the_o day_n after_o which_o be_v the_o 24._o that_o other_o of_o they_o do_v absolute_o decline_v the_o authority_n of_o that_o assembly_n and_o protest_v against_o it_o as_o null_n be_v a_o practice_n that_o have_v many_o commendable_a and_o praiseworthy_a parallel_n in_o this_o church_n and_o therefore_o they_o do_v speak_v more_o from_o their_o own_o spirit_n then_o from_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n who_o cry_v out_o that_o it_o have_v no_o parallel_n but_o that_o of_o the_o perfidious_a prelate_n the_o declinatour_n of_o the_o prelate_n against_o the_o assembly_n at_o glasgow_n 1638._o as_o any_o who_o please_v to_o read_v the_o same_o will_v find_v that_o it_o do_v strike_v at_o the_o root_n of_o presbyterial_a government_n and_o general_n assembly_n in_o regard_n of_o the_o essential_o of_o their_o constitution_n but_o the_o protestation_n do_v acknowledge_v and_o plead_v for_o the_o government_n and_o for_o the_o due_a liberty_n and_o freedom_n and_o right_a constitution_n of_o assembly_n according_a to_o the_o ruâ—e_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o act_n of_o this_o kirk_n and_o do_v only_o bear_v testimony_n against_o and_o decline_v that_o assembly_n because_o of_o unwarrantable_a prelimit_v of_o the_o election_n admit_v of_o person_n under_o scandal_n before_o try_v oâ—_n they_o admit_v of_o the_o same_o man_n to_o be_v both_o judge_n and_o party_n want_v of_o frâ—â—_n access_n and_o recess_n absence_n of_o many_o commissioner_n want_v of_o freedom_n in_o voice_n deny_v to_o hear_v what_o be_v offer_v for_o hold_v forth_o of_o light_n whereby_o â—t_a appear_v that_o there_o be_v little_a conscience_n and_o ingenuity_n and_o less_o charity_n in_o make_v of_o that_o parallel_n but_o the_o history_n and_o act_n of_o our_o church_n do_v furnish_v we_o many_o just_a and_o true_a parallel_n of_o this_o practice_n in_o the_o carriage_n of_o the_o faithful_a witness_n of_o our_o lord_n in_o our_o own_o and_o our_o father_n day_n who_o have_v stand_v to_o plead_v for_o the_o doctrine_n government_n worship_n and_o discipline_n of_o this_o kirk_n i_o shall_v only_o name_v a_o few_o the_o first_o be_v in_o the_o year_n 1597._o at_o which_o time_n the_o commissioner_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n have_v contrary_a to_o the_o trust_v commit_v to_o they_o in_o these_o intervall_n betwixt_o assembly_n petition_v and_o obtain_v from_o the_o king_n and_o estate_n of_o the_o kingdom_n that_o minister_n shall_v sit_v in_o parliament_n as_o the_o three_o estate_n which_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o our_o prelatic_a their_o proceed_n in_o that_o petition_n and_o the_o thing_n relate_v thereto_o be_v approven_v in_o the_o assembly_n by_o the_o preval_v influence_n of_o the_o king_n and_o these_o commissioner_n notwithstanding_o of_o the_o reason_n propound_v against_o the_o same_o by_o sundry_a of_o the_o ministry_n m._n john_n davidson_n a_o most_o worthy_a and_o pious_a minister_n of_o this_o church_n endue_v with_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n in_o many_o thing_n and_o as_o anti-prelaticall_a and_o true_o tender_a of_o presbyterial_a government_n and_o of_o the_o authority_n of_o assembly_n as_o any_o this_o church_n have_v bring_v forth_o do_v solemn_o protest_v against_o that_o assembly_n as_o not_o free_a and_o lawful_a to_o which_o protestation_n mr._n david_n calâ—erwood_n a_o strenuous_a maintainer_n of_o the_o government_n of_o this_o church_n and_o a_o constant_a adversary_n to_o prelate_n &_o a_o unsuspect_n witness_n in_o this_o present_a controversy_n declare_v in_o his_o story_n his_o own_o adherence_n &_o the_o adherence_n of_o many_o of_o the_o most_o sincere_a pastor_n and_o professor_n of_o this_o kirk_n as_o see_v the_o beginning_n and_o fear_v the_o growth_n of_o that_o defection_n likeas_n he_o do_v often_o from_o that_o experience_n express_v his_o fear_n and_o thereupon_o his_o opinion_n against_o put_v too_o much_o power_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o a_o commission_n and_o prognosticate_v a_o defection_n to_o ensue_v thereupon_o whensoever_o the_o king_n and_o the_o court_n shall_v have_v influence_n upon_o the_o lead_a man_n thereof_o concern_v which_o he_o have_v not_o be_v mistake_v 2._o do_v not_o many_o worthy_a pastor_n and_o professor_n of_o this_o church_n protest_v against_o the_o corrupt_a assembly_n annul_v by_o the_o assembly_n at_o glasgow_n sundry_a of_o which_o protestation_n be_v to_o be_v see_v in_o the_o book_n call_v the_o course_n of_o conformity_n let_v our_o predecessor_n supplication_n reason_n admonition_n protestation_n present_v to_o the_o parliament_n 1617._o and_o 1621._o be_v consider_v wherein_o they_o assert_v the_o assembly_n then_o controvert_v to_o be_v unlawful_o constitute_v and_o to_o be_v but_o pretend_a assembly_n though_o no_o authority_n have_v declare_v the_o same_o see_v also_o the_o observation_n print_v 1635_o with_o the_o grievance_n give_v in_o by_o the_o minister_n to_o the_o parliament_n 1633_o it_o be_v here_o well_o say_v that_o the_o safety_n of_o religion_n depend_v not_o upon_o assembly_n of_o whatsoever_o kind_n but_o upon_o the_o liberty_n of_o free_a and_o right_o constitute_v assembly_n aâ—_n in_o the_o commonweal_n he_o be_v not_o to_o be_v think_v a_o faithful_a patriot_n who_o will_v not_o stand_v as_o much_o for_o the_o liberty_n of_o a_o parliament_n as_o his_o own_o possession_n because_o the_o safety_n of_o all_o other_o liberty_n stand_v in_o the_o preservation_n of_o that_o main_a liberty_n 3._o do_v not_o these_o who_o spirit_n the_o lord_n stir_v up_o to_o appear_v against_o the_o prelate_n and_o to_o set_v on_o foot_n the_o work_n of_o reformation_n in_o the_o year_n 16â—7_n express_o declare_v theiâ—_n adherence_n to_o all_o these_o protestation_n make_v by_o their_o father_n and_o predecessor_n declare_v the_o nullity_n of_o these_o corrupt_a assembly_n and_o thereby_o establish_v the_o declinatour_n against_o the_o same_o before_o the_o assembly_n at_o glasgow_n which_o practice_n be_v as_o strange_o look_v upon_o and_o as_o muâ—h_v speak_v against_o then_o as_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o protester_n in_o the_o year_n 1651._o 4._o our_o nationall_n covenant_n do_v both_o mention_n and_o allow_v these_o protestation_n against_o that_o whole_a course_n of_o defection_n whence_o it_o appear_v that_o that_o practice_n at_o dâ—â—dee_n have_v many_o both_o very_o worthy_a precedent_n and_o parallel_n and_o that_o to_o protest_v against_o corrupt_a assembly_n such_o as_o that_o be_v have_v be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v look_v upon_o by_o discer_v faithful_a and_o godly_a man_n in_o this_o kirk_n as_o the_o throw_n down_o of_o the_o hedge_n of_o discipline_n and_o make_v way_n for_o every_o beast_n of_o the_o forest_n to_o break_v in_o as_o this_o reviewer_n allege_v that_o they_o have_v use_v it_o as_o one_o of_o the_o best_a mean_n for_o prevent_v and_o remedy_v of_o these_o evil_n and_o so_o it_o be_v indeed_o because_o as_o it_o be_v well_o observe_v and_o true_o assert_v in_o the_o great_a act_n of_o the_o assembly_n concern_v the_o by_o go_v evil_n of_o this_o church_n and_o the_o remedy_n thereof_o that_o the_o keeep_v or_o authorise_v of_o corrupt_a general_n assembly_n have_v be_v one_o of_o the_o main_a cause_n of_o our_o evil_n by_o these_o it_o be_v that_o the_o prelate_n and_o all_o the_o train_n of_o superstitious_a ceremony_n do_v enter_v and_o have_v have_v such_o worthy_a precedent_n in_o oppose_v of_o such_o and_o such_o doolful_a and_o dear_a buy_v experience_n of_o the_o wrong_n they_o have_v do_v to_o this_o poor_a church_n there_o be_v the_o great_a reason_n to_o take_v heed_n to_o stand_v fast_o in_o the_o liberty_n wherewith_o christ_n have_v make_v we_o free_a and_o not_o to_o be_v again_o entangle_v with_o the_o yoke_n of_o bondage_n of_o corrupt_a assembly_n it_o
lie_v under_o or_o be_v put_v under_o censure_n with_o a_o good_a conscience_n then_o be_v free_v from_o they_o with_o a_o evil_a conscience_n i_o have_v now_o answer_v what_o be_v say_v against_o the_o protester_n in_o that_o declatation_n of_o the_o pretend_a assembly_n at_o durdee_n which_o this_o reviewer_n and_o refuter_fw-la mention_v with_o so_o great_a commendation_n and_o applause_n and_o see_v these_o who_o have_v decline_v from_o their_o former_a principle_n have_v make_v it_o their_o work_n to_o endeavour_v to_o discover_v step_n of_o defection_n in_o those_o who_o have_v wnitess_v and_o protest_v against_o the_o defection_n that_o have_v be_v in_o this_o land_n which_o be_v the_o usual_a way_n of_o the_o prelate_n against_o nonconformist_n in_o former_a time_n i_o shall_v for_o make_v a_o clear_a discovery_n go_v near_o to_o the_o springhead_n and_o rise_v of_o our_o difference_n than_o this_o reviewer_n and_o his_o friend_n of_o the_o pretend_a assembly_n have_v do_v who_o will_v shroud_v themselves_o in_o some_o particular_a wind_n and_o turn_n of_o affeir_n by_o which_o they_o will_v amuse_v simple_a understanding_n but_o they_o keep_v a_o great_a distance_n from_o the_o fountain_n and_o begin_n of_o our_o division_n and_o be_v loath_a to_o remember_v where_o we_o be_v once_o and_o wherefore_o we_o part_v therefore_o i_o shall_v short_o set_v forth_o some_o few_o step_n of_o the_o late_a defection_n and_o declining_n from_o our_o former_a principle_n and_o let_v indifferent_a man_n judge_v who_o have_v be_v the_o author_n and_o be_v to_o this_o day_n the_o abetter_n thereof_o since_o the_o time_n that_o the_o lord_n begin_v a_o work_n of_o reformation_n in_o the_o year_n 1637._o there_o have_v be_v a_o constant_a harmony_n among_o the_o lord_n people_n and_o in_o all_o proceed_n declaration_n and_o public_a act_n of_o state_n and_o kirk_n great_a unanimity_n against_o the_o malignant_a party_n and_o their_o interest_n and_o though_o in_o the_o year_n 1648._o the_o state_n decline_v yet_o the_o kirk_n and_o body_n of_o zealous_a professor_n in_o the_o land_n remain_v steadfast_a in_o their_o principle_n and_o after_o the_o defeat_n of_o the_o force_n that_o go_v into_o england_n the_o whole_a land_n do_v for_o their_o further_a confirmation_n in_o the_o lord_n way_n enter_v into_o a_o solemn_a acknowledgement_n of_o sin_n and_o engagement_n to_o duty_n at_o the_o renew_n of_o the_o covenant_n which_o be_v about_o the_o end_n of_o that_o year_n in_o the_o year_n 1649._o there_o be_v great_a concord_n betwixt_o kirk_n and_o state_n both_o adhere_n to_o their_o principle_n and_o the_o lord_n wonderful_o bless_v their_o counsel_n and_o force_n as_o also_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o year_n 1650._o and_o whatever_o secret_a underhand_o deal_n there_o be_v for_o the_o promote_a the_o malignant_a interest_n and_o conjunction_n with_o that_o party_n yet_o it_o be_v little_o know_v to_o the_o far_o great_a part_n in_o judicatories_n of_o state_n and_o kirk_n who_o i_o be_o confident_a go_v on_o in_o the_o simplicity_n of_o their_o heart_n in_o their_o proceed_n studious_o desirous_a to_o avoid_v the_o split_a on_o the_o rock_n of_o malignancy_n aswell_o as_o the_o rock_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n the_o first_o visible_a step_n of_o deeline_v that_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o by_o the_o generality_n of_o zealous_a professor_n in_o the_o land_n be_v that_o transaction_n make_v at_o bredah_n with_o the_o king_n by_o the_o commissioner_n of_o state_n and_o kirk_n express_o contrary_a to_o their_o instruction_n and_o notwithstanding_o both_o state_n and_o kirk_n do_v unanimous_o signify_v their_o great_a dis-satisfaction_n therewith_o and_o declare_v against_o the_o say_a agreement_n in_o maâ—y_v particular_n especial_o in_o reference_n to_o malignant_a interest_n and_o design_n and_o conjunction_n with_o that_o party_n all_o which_o be_v make_v know_v to_o the_o say_a commissioner_n by_o letter_n and_o declaration_n from_o state_n and_o kirk_n which_o be_v deliver_v unto_o they_o before_o the_o king_n come_v from_o holland_n yet_o without_o so_o much_o as_o acquaint_v the_o king_n therewith_o they_o bring_v he_o on_o shipboard_n and_o along_v with_o he_o the_o chief_a of_o the_o scottish_a and_o english_a malignant_n know_a enemy_n to_o the_o cause_n and_o work_n of_o reformation_n i_o do_v not_o charge_v all_o the_o commissioner_n as_o equal_o sharer_n in_o the_o guilt_n of_o that_o sad_a transaction_n for_o which_o the_o land_n suff_v r_v and_o lament_v to_o this_o day_n i_o know_v that_o such_o of_o they_o as_o have_v least_o hand_n therein_o have_v be_v most_o ready_a to_o acknowledge_v their_o offence_n and_o that_o these_o who_o be_v most_o guilty_a do_v stand_v for_o their_o own_o justification_n which_o aggravate_v their_o sin_n both_o before_o god_n and_o man_n as_o to_o that_o which_o be_v do_v afterward_o sad_a experience_n have_v teach_v we_o that_o it_o be_v but_o a_o pitiful_a aftergame_n they_o make_v in_o their_o second_o treaty_n while_o the_o king_n be_v at_o sea_n immediate_o before_o his_o land_n in_o scotland_n and_o it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o remedy_n as_o it_o have_v prove_v a_o inlet_n to_o further_a transgression_n and_o misery_n the_o second_o step_n of_o defection_n be_v that_o these_o commissioner_n when_o they_o be_v come_v home_o be_v desirous_a to_o maintain_v their_o own_o credit_n deal_v not_o faithful_o in_o give_v a_o true_a account_n of_o their_o proceed_n to_o the_o parliament_n and_o general_n assembly_n but_o conceal_v many_o thing_n of_o consequence_n and_o smooth_v and_o varn_v shed_v their_o report_n of_o proceed_n with_o fair_a general_n whereby_o both_o the_o parliament_n and_o general_n assembly_n be_v deceive_v and_o induce_v to_o allow_v and_o ratify_v their_o proceed_n the_o three_o step_n be_v that_o when_o after_o dumbar_n the_o king_n have_v give_v commission_n to_o the_o malignant_a party_n to_o rise_v in_o arm_n and_o upon_o their_o rise_n have_v desert_v the_o counsel_n of_o state_n and_o kirk_n and_o go_v away_o to_o join_v with_o that_o party_n the_o state_n do_v fond_a for_o the_o king_n and_o forthwith_o admit_v he_o to_o have_v the_o chief_a hand_n and_o government_n in_o all_o their_o counsel_n and_o manage_n of_o affair_n from_o which_o upon_o weighty_a considerarion_n he_o have_v be_v still_o debar_v former_o by_o the_o state_n upon_o advice_n with_o the_o kirk_n and_o not_o many_o day_n after_o his_o return_n matter_n be_v so_o convey_v as_o a_o agreement_n be_v make_v with_o these_o wicked_a and_o bloody_a revel_n and_o not_o only_o their_o present_a rebellion_n and_o band_n into_o which_o they_o have_v enter_v among_o themselves_o but_o all_o their_o former_a transgression_n be_v pass_v over_o by_o the_o state_n and_o in_o that_o transaction_n also_o there_o be_v a_o foundation_n lay_v for_o employment_n of_o they_o in_o place_n of_o trust_n it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o commission_n of_o the_o church_n give_v some_o testimony_n against_o these_o proceed_n the_o conscience_n of_o diverse_a of_o that_o meeting_n be_v then_o oftend_v with_o so_o gross_a decline_a but_o afterward_o through_o the_o great_a opposition_n they_o meet_v with_o be_v much_o blunt_v the_o four_o step_n be_v that_o as_o the_o kirk_n and_o state_n begin_v to_o grow_v in_o their_o favour_n and_o respect_n towards_o the_o malignant_a party_n this_o new_a friendship_n beget_v a_o alienation_n of_o their_o heart_n from_o honest_a and_o faithful_a man_n who_o give_v testimony_n against_o these_o corruption_n for_o usual_o conjunction_n with_o god_n enemy_n be_v attend_v with_o persecution_n of_o his_o friend_n and_o therefore_o the_o western_a force_n be_v dissipate_v and_o great_a hope_n conceive_v of_o the_o assistance_n of_o the_o malignant_a party_n both_o state_n and_o kirk_n do_v condemn_v the_o testimony_n give_v by_o the_o gentleman_n officer_n and_o minister_n in_o the_o west_n in_o their_o remonstrance_n to_o the_o committee_n of_o estate_n notwithstane_v that_o in_o a_o meeting_n of_o the_o commission_n of_o the_o kirk_n at_o sterline_n that_o remonstrance_n be_v clear_v and_o vindicate_v and_o all_o objection_n against_o it_o be_v so_o full_o answer_v by_o member_n of_o the_o commission_n as_o the_o chief_a oppofite_n thereof_o have_v no_o more_o to_o say_v against_o it_o but_o be_v silent_a notwithstanding_o also_o that_o some_o of_o the_o gentleman_n give_v in_o a_o supplication_n to_o the_o commission_n wherein_o they_o desire_v that_o before_o any_o censure_n past_v thereupon_o these_o that_o be_v concern_v therein_o may_v be_v allow_v a_o due_a hear_n and_o that_o a_o convenient_a diet_n may_v be_v appoint_v at_o which_o they_o be_v very_o hopeful_a to_o remove_v all_o mistake_n and_o clear_v it_o from_o all_o sinister_a interpretation_n the_o five_o step_n be_v that_o some_o lead_a man_n of_o the_o commission_n do_v conveen_v ex_fw-la raordinary_o a_o small_a
the_o approve_v thereof_o the_o read_n of_o a_o part_n whereof_o to_o wit_n sir_n archibald_n johnstoun_n of_o waristoun_n their_o own_o clerk_n his_o letter_n be_v much_o press_v at_o several_a diet_n by_o many_o of_o their_o own_o number_n yet_o be_v not_o these_o thing_n hear_v nor_o take_v in_o consideration_n nor_o can_v the_o read_n of_o that_o letter_n be_v obtain_v notwithstanding_o that_o it_o be_v once_o public_o promise_v by_o the_o moderator_n b._n will_v to_o god_n their_o wisdom_n and_o faithfulness_n in_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o trust_n have_v be_v such_o as_o may_v just_o deserve_v such_o a_o commendation_n but_o we_o fear_v that_o upon_o examination_n it_o shall_v be_v find_v not_o to_o have_v be_v so_o 1._o because_o they_o do_v not_o keep_v themselves_o within_o the_o bound_n of_o their_o trust_n which_o be_v to_o treat_v and_o determine_v in_o the_o matter_n refer_v unto_o they_o as_o their_o commission_n express_o bear_v but_o it_o be_v not_o refer_v unto_o they_o to_o determine_v case_n not_o former_o determine_v by_o any_o assembly_n of_o this_o church_n there_o be_v no_o such_o clause_n in_o their_o commission_n yet_o do_v they_o determine_v a_o very_a grave_a case_n to_o wit_n the_o employ_v of_o these_o who_o be_v former_o exclude_v which_o by_o the_o chief_a author_n of_o that_o determination_n be_v acknowledge_v to_o have_v be_v indeterminati_fw-la juris_fw-la a_o fault_n that_o be_v the_o great_a because_o it_o be_v provide_v by_o the_o act_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n 1641_o that_o since_o it_o have_v please_v god_n to_o vouchsafe_v we_o the_o liberty_n of_o yearly_a general_n assembly_n that_o no_o novation_n in_o doctrine_n worship_n or_o government_n be_v bring_v in_o or_o practise_v in_o this_o kirk_n unless_o it_o be_v first_o propound_v examine_v and_o allow_v in_o the_o general_n assembly_n 2._o because_o they_o do_v not_o only_o go_v beyond_o their_o trust_n but_o walk_v contrary_a unto_o their_o trust_n great_a part_n of_o their_o trust_n be_v to_o preserve_v the_o establish_a doctrine_n discipline_n worship_n and_o government_n of_o this_o kirk_n against_o all_o who_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o bring_v in_o any_o contrary_n thereunto_o to_o censure_v complyer_n and_o person_n disaffect_v to_o the_o covenant_n according_a to_o the_o act_n of_o the_o assembly_n and_o to_o protest_v against_o all_o encroachment_n upon_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o kirk_n in_o all_o which_o three_o they_o fail_v 1._o in_o the_o matter_n of_o preserve_v the_o doctrine_n not_o only_o because_o they_o teach_v and_o allow_v that_o malignant_n be_v subject_n may_v be_v employ_v and_o entrust_v for_o defence_n of_o the_o cause_n and_o kingdom_n as_o appear_v at_o length_n in_o their_o warn_v of_o the_o date_n january_n ______o 1651._o and_o in_o their_o answer_n to_o the_o letter_n of_o the_o presbytery_n of_o stirling_n at_o the_o same_o diet_n notwithstanding_o that_o the_o contrary_n have_v be_v constant_o teach_v and_o hold_v by_o this_o kirk_n these_o year_n past_a but_o also_o be_v instrumental_a unto_o the_o actual_a employ_v and_o entrust_v of_o these_o man_n which_o as_o to_o man_n can_v not_o but_o prove_v destructive_a to_o the_o doctrine_n worship_n discipline_n and_o government_n of_o this_o kirk_n 2._o in_o the_o matter_n of_o censure_a complyer_n and_o person_n dis-affected_n to_o the_o covenant_n according_a to_o the_o act_n of_o the_o assembly_n because_o they_o do_v not_o only_o allow_v person_n who_o be_v not_o of_o constant_a integrity_n and_o affection_n to_o the_o cause_n and_o of_o a_o blameless_a and_o christian_a conversation_n to_o be_v employ_v and_o entrust_v which_o be_v contrary_a to_o our_o solemn_a engagement_n but_o also_o because_o they_o take_v off_o censure_n which_o have_v be_v former_o inflict_v upon_o many_o dis-affected_n person_n who_o have_v not_o in_o their_o ordinary_a conversation_n give_v real_a testimony_n of_o their_o dislike_n of_o the_o late_a unlawful_a engagement_n and_o of_o the_o course_n and_o way_n of_o malignant_n and_o of_o their_o sorrow_n for_o accession_n to_o the_o same_o and_o to_o live_v sober_o righteous_o and_o godly_a notwithstanding_o that_o this_o be_v express_o provide_v by_o the_o act_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n 1649._o and_o do_v ordain_v presbytery_n to_o censure_v all_o such_o minister_n within_o their_o bound_n as_o do_v oppose_v or_o bear_v testimony_n against_o these_o their_o proceed_n 3._o in_o the_o matter_n of_o protest_v against_o encroachment_n upon_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o kirk_n because_o when_o some_o minister_n be_v confine_v at_o perth_n by_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n for_o their_o doctrine_n before_o they_o be_v cite_v or_o sentence_v by_o any_o of_o the_o judicatories_n for_o the_o same_o they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o protest_v against_o this_o that_o as_o they_o be_v silent_a when_o these_o minister_n be_v first_o cite_v notwithstanding_o that_o the_o letter_n of_o citation_n be_v communicate_v unto_o they_o by_o the_o committee_n of_o estate_n so_o by_o a_o public_a paper_n give_v in_o to_o the_o parliament_n they_o do_v condemn_v the_o protestation_n of_o these_o minister_n against_o that_o citation_n and_o confinement_n which_o paper_n be_v especial_o approven_v in_o this_o act._n c._n it_o be_v not_o our_o purpose_n to_o fall_v upon_o the_o particular_n which_o be_v say_v to_o be_v especial_o approven_v here_o but_o by_o the_o word_n especial_o and_o by_o the_o particular_n which_o be_v here_o mention_v it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o spirit_n which_o rule_v in_o the_o assembly_n at_o dundee_n be_v zealous_a above_o measure_n for_o the_o public_a resolution_n most_o of_o all_o the_o proceed_n of_o the_o commission_n that_o relate_v thereunto_o or_o to_o the_o opposer_n thereof_o or_o any_o testimony_n give_v against_o the_o same_o be_v particular_o mention_v and_o especial_o without_o leave_v out_o much_o less_o except_v so_o much_o as_o their_o act_n concern_v the_o opposer_n of_o public_a resolution_n and_o letter_n to_o presbytery_n thereupon_o by_o which_o all_o of_o they_o be_v appoint_v to_o be_v cite_v as_o person_n guilty_a to_o the_o assembly_n and_o so_o be_v exclude_v from_o have_v any_o hand_n to_o treat_v or_o vote_v therein_o in_o any_o thing_n concern_v the_o public_a resolution_n which_o beside_o the_o injury_n do_v to_o the_o person_n be_v to_o prae-limit_n the_o assembly_n and_o to_o make_v it_o up_o of_o such_o only_a as_o do_v approve_v of_o their_o proceed_n d._n the_o generality_n of_o malignant_a and_o dis-affected_n person_n in_o the_o land_n who_o have_v be_v enemy_n to_o reformation_n and_o godliness_n do_v join_v in_o this_o high_a testimony_n and_o cry-up_a these_o proceed_n and_o the_o author_n thereof_o as_o deserve_v high_a commendation_n but_o most_o of_o the_o godly_a of_o the_o land_n refuse_v to_o put_v to_o their_o seal_n thereto_o and_o make_v these_o proceed_n the_o matter_n of_o their_o mourning_n beg_a pardon_n and_o repentance_n unto_o the_o author_n thereof_o e._n this_o be_v another_o evidence_n what_o spirit_n lead_v that_o assembly_n as_o every_o thing_n must_v be_v cry_v up_o that_o make_v for_o strengthen_v of_o the_o public_a resolution_n so_o every_o thing_n must_v be_v cryed-down_a that_o make_v for_o weaken_v thereof_o yea_o that_o very_a declaration_n which_o before_o dumbar_n be_v unanimous_o condescend_v upon_o and_o approven_v both_o by_o the_o commission_n of_o the_o kirk_n and_o the_o committee_n of_o estate_n for_o hold_v forth_o the_o true_a state_n of_o the_o quarrel_n upon_o which_o the_o kingdom_n then_o fight_v and_o for_o shut_v out_o every_o malignant_a party_n or_o quarrel_n or_o interest_n 1._o by_o insinuate_v that_o it_o have_v already_o be_v to_o some_o a_o ground_n of_o unwarrantable_a proceed_n in_o these_o word_n of_o their_o act_n to_o the_o end_n it_o may_v not_o hereafter_o be_v to_o any_o a_o ground_n of_o unwarrantable_a proceed_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o king_n majesty_n or_o any_o of_o his_o successor_n 2._o they_o take_v only_o one_o clause_n of_o the_o whole_a declaration_n to_o wit_n that_o the_o king_n interest_n be_v not_o to_o be_v own_v but_o in_o subordination_n to_o god_n leave_v whole_o out_o another_o material_a part_n thereof_o to_o wit_n and_o so_o far_o as_o he_o own_v and_o prosecute_v the_o cause_n of_o god_n and_o disclaim_v he_o and_o his_o father_n opposition_n to_o the_o work_n of_o god_n and_o to_o the_o covenant_n and_o likewise_o all_o the_o enemy_n thereof_o which_o be_v again_o repeat_v thus_o in_o the_o close_a of_o that_o declaration_n and_o that_o they_o will_v with_o convenient_a speed_n take_v in_o consideration_n the_o paper_n late_o send_v unto_o they_o and_o vindicate_v themselves_o from_o all_o the_o falsehood_n contain_v therein_o especial_o in_o those_o thing_n wherein_o the_o quarrel_n betwixt_o we_o and_o that_o party_n be_v mis-stated_n as_o if_o we_o own_v the_o late_a
minister_n and_o that_o if_o any_o elder_a be_v find_v negligent_a in_o the_o duty_n of_o his_o charge_n and_o continue_v so_o after_o admonition_n or_o scandalous_a in_o his_o life_n and_o conversation_n or_o to_o be_v a_o neglecter_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n in_o his_o family_n he_o be_v remove_v from_o and_o purge_v out_o of_o the_o session_n 5._o ordain_v that_o session_n and_o presbytery_n be_v careful_a and_o make_v conscience_n by_o all_o mean_n to_o censure_v impartial_o all_o person_n of_o whatsoever_o rank_n or_o condition_n that_o be_v scandalous_a either_o in_o thing_n of_o the_o first_o or_o in_o thing_n of_o the_o second_o table_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n and_o order_n which_o christ_n have_v prescribe_v in_o his_o word_n and_o to_o proceed_v to_o the_o high_a censure_n with_o such_o as_o be_v gross_o and_o obstinate_o scandalous_a or_o be_v ignorant_a and_o contemn_v and_o continued_o neglect_v the_o mean_n of_o knowledge_n as_o public_a and_o private_a catechise_n etc._n etc._n after_o they_o be_v make_v inexcusable_a by_o sufficient_a mean_n use_v to_o reclaim_v and_o gain_v they_o 6._o ordain_v that_o minister_n and_o session_n in_o congregation_n be_v careful_a as_o they_o will_v be_v answerable_a to_o christ_n jesus_n to_o debar_v from_o the_o lord_n table_n all_o such_o person_n as_o be_v find_v not_o to_o walk_v suitable_o to_o the_o gospel_n and_o be_v convince_v and_o admonish_v thereof_o do_v not_o reform_v as_o also_o all_o such_o as_o have_v not_o knowledge_n to_o examine_v themselves_o and_o to_o discern_v the_o lord_n body_n and_o that_o for_o the_o more_o orderly_o perform_v of_o this_o the_o minister_n in_o examination_n of_o the_o people_n have_v some_o of_o the_o elder_n always_o with_o he_o and_o represent_v unto_o the_o session_n such_o as_o be_v find_v gross_o ignorant_a that_o by_o order_n of_o the_o session_n they_o may_v be_v debar_v 7._o that_o presbytery_n and_o session_n make_v conscience_n that_o such_o person_n be_v find_v scandalous_a and_o be_v under_o censure_n for_o that_o cause_n be_v not_o receive_v nor_o absolve_v from_o their_o censure_n unless_o they_o give_v such_o satisfaction_n and_o evidence_n of_o their_o repentance_n as_o be_v express_v in_o the_o act_n of_o the_o assembly_n concern_v the_o receive_n of_o penitent_n j._n makghie_n observation_n this_o act_n as_o be_v profess_v and_o give_v out_o by_o many_o be_v not_o only_o intend_v but_o if_o they_o may_v be_v trust_v do_v indeed_o and_o upon_o the_o matter_n give_v full_a and_o clear_a satisfaction_n to_o the_o proposition_n which_o be_v offer_v by_o the_o protester_n unto_o their_o brethren_n of_o the_o assembly_n at_o their_o first_o down-sitting_a as_o the_o best_a mean_n for_o satisfy_v of_o their_o conscience_n secure_v of_o the_o work_n of_o reformation_n purge_v the_o church_n promove_v the_o power_n of_o godliness_n remove_v of_o these_o sad_a difference_n and_o for_o attain_v and_o preserve_v a_o good_a understanding_n and_o therefore_o these_o as_o they_o allege_v be_v satisfy_v the_o propounder_n of_o they_o not_o acquiesce_v therein_o must_v have_v some_o other_o thing_n before_o they_o therefore_o for_o vindicate_v of_o these_o i_o shall_v mark_v a_o few_o thing_n for_o show_v how_o unsatisfactory_a all_o that_o be_v contain_v in_o this_o act_n be_v unto_o the_o desire_v contain_v in_o these_o proposition_n until_o there_o may_v be_v opportunity_n to_o make_v a_o more_o full_a discovery_n thereof_o 1._o to_o pass_v the_o ambiguity_n of_o their_o answer_n to_o the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o first_o proposition_n wherein_o it_o be_v desire_v that_o they_o give_v evidence_n etc._n etc._n they_o omit_v the_o whole_a second_o proposition_n to_o wit_n that_o it_o be_v serious_o lay_v to_o heart_n etc._n etc._n which_o in_o order_n to_o the_o end_n that_o be_v propound_v in_o the_o preface_n to_o these_o proposition_n to_o wit_n the_o satisfaction_n of_o our_o conscience_n be_v as_o to_o the_o present_a condition_n of_o affair_n betwixt_o they_o and_o the_o protester_n the_o most_o important_a of_o these_o proposition_n yea_o in_o their_o other_o paper_n these_o thing_n which_o the_o protester_n complain_v of_o as_o defection_n they_o commend_v as_o duty_n and_o profess_v their_o adherence_n thereunto_o and_o appoint_v censure_n to_o be_v inflict_v upon_o all_o the_o opposer_n thereof_o 2._o they_o also_o omit_v the_o whole_a three_o proposition_n to_o wit_n that_o as_o we_o be_v ready_a in_o our_o station_n etc._n etc._n by_o which_o ommission_n they_o give_v just_a ground_n to_o suspect_v that_o there_o be_v in_o their_o apprehension_n no_o malignant_a party_n that_o need_v to_o be_v discover_v or_o from_o who_o the_o work_n of_o god_n stand_v in_o danger_n and_o though_o the_o protester_n do_v not_o in_o the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o proposition_n take_v upon_o they_o to_o secure_v and_o guard_v the_o cause_n and_o work_n of_o god_n against_o error_n heresy_n and_o schism_n but_o only_o by_o this_o overture_n give_v evidence_n of_o the_o sincerity_n of_o their_o intention_n in_o order_n to_o that_o end_n that_o so_o they_o may_v satisfy_v their_o brethren_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o their_o jealousy_n thereanent_a yet_o as_o they_o do_v still_o apprehend_v a_o great_a danger_n to_o the_o lord_n work_v from_o a_o numerous_a party_n of_o malignant_n still_o in_o the_o lord_n so_o be_v they_o much_o unsatisfied_a that_o the_o assembly_n give_v no_o expression_n of_o their_o sense_n of_o danger_n this_o way_n nor_o evidence_n of_o their_o willingness_n to_o concur_v in_o secure_v against_o the_o same_o nor_o hold_v forth_o any_o way_n for_o the_o discover_v and_o know_v of_o these_o for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v 3._o whereas_o they_o seem_v to_o grant_v much_o in_o order_n to_o the_o try_v admit_v removing_z and_o depose_v of_o church-officer_n censuting_a of_o scandalous_a person_n dispense_n of_o ordinance_n and_o receive_v of_o penitent_n they_o do_v real_o and_o in_o effect_n grant_v little_a or_o nothing_o yea_o they_o do_v express_o refuse_v the_o desire_n of_o the_o proposition_n upon_o these_o thing_n and_o establish_v the_o very_a contrary_n because_o the_o desire_n of_o the_o proposition_n be_v that_o the_o late_a meeting_n at_o dundee_n and_o the_o act_n thereof_o be_v take_v out_o of_o the_o way_n and_o the_o work_n and_o people_n of_o god_n secure_v from_o the_o harm_n and_o evil_a consequence_n which_o have_v already_o and_o may_v further_o ensue_v from_o the_o same_o as_o be_v express_v in_o the_o last_o proposition_n which_o they_o whole_o omit_v all_o these_o thing_n may_v be_v do_v according_a to_o the_o act_n of_o former_a uncontroverted_a assembly_n of_o this_o church_n concern_v the_o work_n of_o reformation_n in_o the_o literal_a and_o genuine_a sense_n and_o meaning_n thereof_o but_o their_o grant_n and_o concession_n do_v include_v for_o the_o rule_n according_a to_o which_o they_o be_v to_o be_v regulate_v viz._n the_o act_n of_o general_a assembly_n and_o constitution_n of_o this_o church_n indefinite_o which_o in_o their_o sense_n do_v clear_o and_o undeniable_o include_v the_o act_n of_o the_o last_o assembly_n at_o dundee_n and_o edinburgh_n which_o instead_o of_o purge_v of_o the_o church_n from_o ignorant_a and_o disaffect_v and_o scandalous_a minister_n and_o professor_n purge_v it_o from_o a_o very_a great_a part_n of_o the_o able_a well_o affect_v &_o good_a minister_n elder_n expectant_n and_o professor_n of_o the_o land_n because_o of_o their_o not_o acknowledge_v the_o authority_n and_o acquiesce_v to_o the_o constitution_n of_o these_o assembly_n 4._o their_o action_n which_o before_o the_o lord_n and_o also_o with_o intelligent_a and_o discern_a man_n be_v the_o most_o real_a evidence_n of_o the_o reality_n and_o sincerity_n of_o man_n intention_n since_o that_o time_n do_v demonstrate_v whether_o they_o have_v grant_v the_o desire_n of_o these_o proposition_n tell_v i_o how_o many_o ignorant_a disaffect_v scandalous_a minister_n or_o elder_n be_v censure_v by_o the_o author_n of_o the_o public_a resolution_n since_o the_o last_o assembly_n or_o how_o many_o lawful_o depose_v and_o unlawful_o admit_v be_v proceed_v against_o etc._n etc._n they_o will_v fain_o find_v some_o shadow_n of_o a_o excuse_n for_o so_o gross_a a_o oversight_n and_o cast_v the_o blame_n upon_o the_o protester_n who_o say_v they_o have_v so_o weaken_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n that_o her_o censure_n be_v render_v altogether_o ineffectual_a but_o 1._o to_o say_v nothing_o that_o spiritual_a censure_n be_v not_o always_o to_o be_v foreborn_a because_o man_n refuse_v to_o obey_v yea_o in_o many_o case_n they_o be_v the_o more_o vigorous_o to_o be_v prosecute_v 2._o with_o what_o colour_n of_o reason_n can_v it_o be_v allege_v that_o those_o who_o not_o only_o acknowledge_v their_o authority_n but_o very_o zealous_o plead_v for_o it_o as_o most_o of_o the_o scandalous_a and_o disaffect_v
a_o act_n of_o meet_a favour_n and_o grace_n upon_o your_o part_n unto_o delinquent_n upon_o their_o repentance_n and_o though_o we_o hope_v that_o we_o shall_v never_o be_v ashamed_a but_o esteem_v it_o our_o mercy_n and_o glory_n to_o acknowledge_v any_o thing_n whereby_o we_o have_v provoke_v the_o lord_n or_o offend_v other_o yet_o be_v more_o and_o more_o convince_v in_o our_o conscience_n that_o what_o we_o do_v in_o these_o thing_n be_v a_o necessary_a duty_n we_o dare_v not_o purchase_v immunity_n and_o exemption_n from_o censure_n at_o so_o dear_a a_o rate_n as_o to_o deny_v the_o same_o we_o shall_v rather_o choose_v still_o to_o be_v sufferer_n and_o to_o wait_v upon_o the_o issue_n that_o the_o lord_n shall_v give_v then_o to_o provoke_v the_o eye_n of_o his_o glory_n grieve_v the_o spirit_n of_o his_o people_n and_o will_v our_o own_o conscience_n by_o so_o unsatisfy_v and_o so_o sinful_a a_o transaction_n and_o conceive_v that_o we_o shall_v not_o have_v the_o opportunity_n to_o speak_v unto_o you_o hereafter_o as_o be_v now_o about_o to_o dissolve_v our_o meeting_n we_o do_v from_o the_o zeal_n that_o we_o owe_v to_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o from_o the_o tender_a respect_n we_o owe_v to_o you_o as_o brethren_n and_o for_o exoner_v our_o own_o conscience_n most_o earnest_o beseech_v and_o obtest_v you_o by_o your_o appear_v before_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n to_o give_v yourselves_o unto_o prayer_n and_o search_v of_o your_o own_o heart_n and_o way_n in_o order_n to_o public_a resolution_n and_o action_n until_o each_o of_o you_o find_v out_o wherein_o you_o have_v turn_v aside_o from_o the_o straight_a way_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o employ_v your_o gift_n and_o power_n not_o for_o edification_n but_o for_o grieve_v the_o spirit_n of_o many_o of_o the_o godly_a and_o strengthen_v of_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o wicked_a and_o to_o repent_v thereof_o and_o to_o do_v no_o more_o so_o lest_o wrath_n be_v increase_v from_o the_o lord_n the_o godly_a of_o the_o land_n more_o offend_v and_o our_o breach_n make_v wide_a and_o our_o wound_n more_o incurable_a if_o both_o you_o and_o we_o may_v obtain_v mercy_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o know_v our_o trespass_n and_o why_o he_o contend_v and_o to_o accept_v the_o punishment_n of_o our_o iniquity_n and_o humble_v ourselves_o before_o hime_n who_o know_v but_o that_o he_o may_v yet_o have_v compassion_n upon_o we_o and_o pardon_v our_o sin_n and_o heal_v our_o land_n july_n the_o 28._o antemerid_fw-la 1652._o mr._n andrew_n cant_n mr_n samuel_n rutherford_n mr_n james_n guthry_n my_o lord_n waristoun_n mr_n robert_n trail_n mr_n john_n nevay_n mr_n james_n nasmith_n be_v nominate_v to_o meet_v &_o confer_v with_o some_o brethren_n member_n of_o the_o present_a pretend_a assembly_n the_o instruction_n follow_v be_v give_v they_o and_o the_o meeting_n do_v require_v and_o expect_v that_o they_o will_v walk_v according_a thereto_o i._o that_o they_o shall_v declare_v to_o the_o brethren_n with_o who_o they_o be_v to_o meet_v that_o as_o they_o do_v adhere_v to_o the_o protestation_n former_o and_o late_o give_v in_o so_o they_o do_v protest_v that_o they_o do_v not_o meet_v nor_o confer_v with_o they_o nor_o receive_v any_o paper_n from_o they_o as_o be_v in_o the_o capacity_n of_o commissioner_n of_o a_o general_n assembly_n but_o only_o as_o send_v from_o a_o meeting_n of_o minister_n and_o elder_n want_v any_o such_o authority_n ii_o that_o whatever_o be_v offer_v by_o the_o brethren_n with_o who_o they_o do_v confer_v they_o desire_v to_o get_v it_o in_o write_v from_o they_o as_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o meeting_n whereof_o they_o be_v member_n that_o it_o be_v communicate_v to_o we_o answer_n may_v be_v give_v thereunto_o by_o our_o whole_a meeting_n iii_o that_o they_o do_v not_o engage_v in_o conference_n with_o they_o at_o first_o about_o the_o matter_n of_o censure_n it_o be_v neither_o the_o chief_a nor_o only_a ground_n of_o our_o grievance_n and_o because_o with_o we_o thing_n of_o that_o nature_n and_o any_o thing_n of_o personal_a concernment_n aught_o to_o be_v of_o the_o small_a value_n while_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n in_o question_n betwixt_o they_o and_o we_o of_o far_o high_a consequence_n to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o interest_n as_o anent_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n controversy_n with_o the_o land_n and_o the_o way_n of_o remedy_n and_o cure_v of_o the_o former_a and_o late_a defection_n and_o the_o way_n of_o prevent_v the_o like_a in_o time_n come_v the_o establish_n and_o promove_v the_o work_n of_o reformation_n and_o the_o purge_n of_o the_o kirk_n and_o the_o like_a as_o be_v lay_v before_o they_o in_o our_o proposition_n give_v in_o to_o their_o meeting_n and_o that_o they_o do_v intimate_v to_o the_o brethren_n aforesaid_a that_o we_o can_v look_v upon_o a_o offer_n relate_v only_o to_o the_o censure_n upon_o some_o of_o our_o number_n as_o satisfaction_n to_o they_o or_o we_o and_o that_o beside_o what_o we_o have_v say_v for_o other_o reason_n to_o be_v communicate_v in_o due_a time_n to_o their_o meeting_n and_o that_o therefore_o they_o shall_v offer_v to_o these_o brethren_n and_o desire_v of_o they_o that_o if_o there_o be_v any_o conference_n at_o all_o the_o subject_a matter_n of_o it_o may_v be_v upon_o the_o whole_a proposition_n in_o the_o order_n as_o they_o stand_v iv_o that_o in_o case_n of_o their_o refuse_v the_o latter_a part_n of_o the_o former_a article_n they_o shall_v require_v and_o demand_v from_o the_o brethren_n of_o the_o other_o meet_v that_o they_o will_v declare_v whether_o we_o may_v expect_v that_o these_o from_o who_o they_o be_v send_v will_v either_o by_o the_o say_a brethren_n or_o any_o other_o way_n give_v answer_n and_o satisfaction_n to_o we_o anent_o the_o proposition_n and_o what_o be_v their_o sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o the_o public_a resolution_n and_o anent_o the_o constitution_n act_n and_o proceed_n of_o the_o meeting_n at_o dundee_n and_o of_o this_o at_o edinburgh_n and_o what_o they_o mind_n to_o do_v in_o reference_n to_o the_o same_o v._o that_o in_o case_n there_o be_v not_o satisfaction_n obtain_v in_o these_o so_o just_a and_o necessary_a thing_n they_o do_v profess_v their_o own_o and_o our_o dissatisfaction_n with_o any_o thing_n that_o have_v be_v offer_v by_o they_o to_o we_o or_o answer_v to_o our_o desire_n first_o or_o last_o and_o that_o they_o protest_v for_o themselves_o and_o we_o that_o as_o we_o have_v seek_v peace_n and_o pursue_v it_o by_o all_o lawful_a and_o possible_a mean_n though_o much_o in_o vain_a on_o their_o part_n so_o we_o be_v henceforth_o free_a from_o the_o guilt_n and_o blame_n of_o the_o sad_a prejudices_fw-la and_o evil_a consequence_n whatsoever_o which_o may_v follow_v upon_o their_o present_a way_n and_o their_o former_a and_o future_a act_n of_o that_o nature_n so_o contrary_a and_o destructive_a to_o edification_n and_o peace_n right_o reverend_n we_o have_v now_o for_o these_o fourteen_o day_n past_a be_v employ_v in_o use_v our_o best_a endeavour_n and_o wait_v for_o overture_n from_o you_o for_o heal_v the_o breach_n and_o remove_v the_o difference_n that_o be_v among_o we_o and_o now_o there_o be_v no_o ground_n of_o hope_n give_v we_o nor_o any_o desire_n make_v unto_o we_o for_o continue_v the_o conference_n whereby_o a_o better_a understanding_n may_v be_v attain_v we_o have_v think_v good_a before_o our_o part_n from_o this_o place_n to_o send_v unto_o you_o this_o enclose_a paper_n together_o with_o the_o instruction_n give_v in_o write_v to_o these_o who_o be_v send_v from_o we_o to_o the_o conference_n the_o copy_n whereof_o be_v offer_v by_o they_o to_o these_o who_o be_v send_v from_o your_o number_n and_o leave_v with_o they_o both_o which_o paper_n we_o desire_v you_o to_o communicate_v to_o those_o of_o your_o meeting_n and_o so_o we_o rest_v your_o very_a love_a brethren_n in_o the_o lord_n edinb_n 29._o july_n 1652._o subscribe_v in_o the_o name_n of_o many_o minister_n elder_n and_o professor_n throughout_o the_o land_n who_o desire_v truth_n and_o peace_n direct_v for_o the_o reverend_a brother_n mr._n david_n dickson_n professor_n of_o divinity_n in_o the_o college_n of_o edinburgh_n proposition_n which_o be_v offer_v to_o the_o meeting_n of_o minister_n and_o other_o appoint_v to_o be_v keep_v at_o edinburgh_n july_n 21._o 1652._o whereas_o we_o and_o many_o of_o the_o godly_a in_o the_o land_n have_v be_v real_o scandalize_v and_o stumble_v at_o their_o late_a act_n and_o proceed_n relate_v to_o public_a resolution_n concern_v the_o same_o in_o the_o nature_n and_o intention_n of_o the_o work_n to_o have_v obstruct_v and_o shake_v the_o work_n of_o reformation_n although_o we_o think_v honourable_o of_o diverse_a godly_a and_o learned_a man_n who_o have_v be_v concur_v in_o the_o same_o and_o dare_v not_o judge_v their_o intention_n to_o be_v such_o as_o we_o think_v their_o work_n have_v be_v and_o do_v allow_v charity_n to_o other_o therefore_o for_o satisfaction_n of_o or_o conscience_n and_o for_o secure_v the_o work_n of_o reformation_n for_o purge_v the_o church_n and_o for_o promove_v the_o power_n of_o godliness_n and_o for_o remove_v of_o these_o sad_a difference_n and_o for_o attain_v and_o preserve_v a_o good_a understanding_n we_o desire_v that_o they_o give_v evidence_n and_o assurance_n that_o they_o approve_v of_o and_o will_v adhere_v unto_o the_o solemn_a public_a confession_n of_o sin_n and_o engagement_n to_o duty_n and_o all_o the_o act_n of_o the_o uncontroverted_a assembly_n of_o this_o church_n concern_v the_o work_n of_o reformation_n in_o the_o literal_a and_o genuine_a sense_n and_o meaning_n thereof_o and_o that_o in_o dispense_n of_o the_o ordinance_n censure_v of_o scandalous_a person_n receive_v of_o penitent_n try_v admit_v removing_z and_o depose_n of_o church-officer_n they_o will_v walk_v according_a to_o the_o same_o that_o it_o be_v lay_v serious_o to_o heart_n before_o the_o lord_n how_o after_o such_o a_o defection_n and_o so_o sad_a judgement_n for_o it_o the_o lord_z may_v be_v restore_v to_o his_o honour_n the_o land_n to_o his_o favour_n and_o the_o like_a defection_n prevent_v in_o time_n come_v that_o as_o we_o be_v ready_a in_o our_o station_n to_o follow_v all_o religious_a and_o conscionable_a mean_n and_o overture_n for_o secure_v and_o guard_v the_o cause_n and_o work_n of_o god_n against_o error_n heresy_n and_o schism_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n so_o they_o will_v hold_v out_o to_o we_o a_o solid_a way_n for_o secure_v the_o same_o against_o danger_n from_o malignancy_n on_o the_o other_o and_o we_o will_v know_v what_o shall_v be_v the_o character_n in_o time_n come_v by_o which_o malignancy_n may_v be_v know_v and_o judge_v that_o a_o real_a and_o effectual_a course_n be_v take_v according_a to_o the_o establish_a rule_n of_o this_o kirk_n for_o purge_v out_o and_o hold_v out_o all_o such_o church-officer_n as_o have_v not_o the_o position_n and_o qualification_n require_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n &_o act_n of_o this_o kirk_n partiular_o where_o minister_n depose_v by_o lawful_a assembly_n have_v intrude_v themselves_o or_o have_v be_v unwarrantable_o restore_v by_o synod_n and_o presbytery_n to_o their_o charge_n contrary_a to_o the_o form_n and_o order_n prescribe_v in_o the_o act_n of_o assembly_n be_v romove_v and_o condign_a censure_n inflict_v and_o that_o sufficient_a provision_n be_v make_v for_o prevent_v the_o like_a in_o time_n come_v that_o after_o mean_n be_v fall_v upon_o and_o follow_v for_o censure_v of_o all_o scandal_n and_o scandalous_a person_n and_o cast_v out_o of_o these_o who_o shall_v be_v find_v gross_o and_o obstinate_o scandalous_a or_o ignorant_a after_o they_o be_v make_v inexcusable_a by_o sufficient_a mean_n and_o pain_n take_v for_o their_o instruct_n and_o reclaim_v that_o some_o course_n more_o effectual_a than_o any_o have_v be_v fall_v upon_o hitherto_o may_v be_v condescend_v upon_o for_o put_v in_o execution_n the_o act_n of_o this_o kirk_n anent_o debar_v from_o the_o lord_n table_n such_o person_n who_o be_v find_v not_o to_o walk_v suitable_o to_o the_o gospel_n and_o have_v not_o knowledge_n to_o examine_v themselves_o and_o to_o discern_v the_o lord_n body_n that_o in_o the_o receive_n of_o penitent_n care_n may_v be_v have_v that_o none_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o public_a profession_n of_o repentance_n or_o reconcile_v to_o the_o church_n but_o these_o who_o be_v find_v to_o give_v such_o evidence_n of_o their_o repentance_n as_o be_v express_v in_o the_o act_n of_o the_o assembly_n concern_v the_o receive_n of_o penitent_n that_o a_o effectual_a course_n may_v be_v take_v for_o secure_v of_o the_o work_n and_o people_n of_o god_n from_o the_o harm_n and_o evil_a consequence_n which_o have_v already_o and_o may_v further_o ensue_v from_o the_o late_a pretend_a assembly_n at_o s._n andrews_n and_o dundee_n and_o the_o act_n thereof_o finis_fw-la