Selected quad for the lemma: cause_n

Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
cause_n great_a judgement_n sin_n 3,123 5 4.8089 4 true
View all documents for the selected quad

Text snippets containing the quad

ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A48098 A letter from the protesters with an answer thereunto, from an asserter of the authority of the two late general assemblies, at Dundee and Edinburgh. Asserter of the authority of the late general assemblies of Dundee and Edinburgh. 1653 (1653) Wing L1538; ESTC R9563 23,439 32

There are 6 snippets containing the selected quad. | View original text

judicatories_n and_o from_o thence_o as_o from_o aaron_n head_n do_v run_v down_o by_o his-beard_n to_o the_o uttermost_a skirt_n of_o his_o garment_n be_v we_o not_o then_o for_o a_o name_n of_o praise_n among_o the_o church_n abroad_o and_o the_o rod_n of_o discipline_n in_o our_o hand_n a_o terror_n to_o every_o thing_n which_o exalt_v itself_o against_o truth_n and_o piety_n at_o home_n then_o do_v the_o work_n of_o reformation_n come_v on_o apace_o until_o the_o headstone_n be_v ready_a to_o be_v put_v upon_o it_o with_o shouting_n cry_a grace_n grace_n unto_o it_o the_o vine_n bring_v out_o of_o egypt_n plant_v among_o we_o do_v fill_v the_o land_n the_o hill_n be_v cover_v with_o the_o shadow_n of_o it_o and_o the_o bough_n thereof_o be_v like_o the_o goodly_a cedar_n she_o send_v forth_o her_o bough_n unto_o the_o sea_n and_o her_o branch_n unto_o the_o river_n but_o now_o alas_o the_o case_n be_v alter_v we_o be_v as_o member_n disjoint_v as_o a_o army_n rout_v the_o authority_n of_o christ_n court_n weaken_v and_o all_o this_o be_v the_o more_o terrible_a that_o our_o own_o hand_n have_v be_v in_o the_o transgression_n our_o hedge_n be_v break_v down_o so_o that_o all_o they_o that_o pass_v by_o do_v robe_n and_o spoil_n the_o boar_n out_o of_o the_o wood_n do_v waste_v and_o the_o wild_a beast_n out_o of_o the_o forest_n do_v devour_v the_o fox_n and_o little_a fox_n do_v spoil_v the_o vine_n with_o tender_a grape_n and_o there_o be_v none_o to_o take_v hold_n of_o they_o we_o do_v also_o regrate_a with_o you_o that_o groundless_a prejudices_fw-la and_o needless_a jealousy_n be_v so_o ready_o receive_v and_o entertain_v and_o so_o hardly_o remove_v and_o that_o alienation_n of_o mind_n and_o affection_n do_v so_o much_o increase_v those_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o latter_a time_n indeed_o concern_v which_o it_o be_v foretell_v that_o because_o iniquity_n shall_v abound_v the_o love_n of_o many_o shall_v wax_v cold_a only_o it_o appear_v from_o what_o follow_v in_o you_o that_o what_o guilt_n be_v herein_o you_o intend_v to_o fasten_v it_o all_o upon_o we_o and_o to_o purge_v yourselves_o whole_o of_o it_o thus_o we_o take_v up_o your_o meaning_n and_o doubtless_o other_o will_n do_v so_o also_o while_o you_o add_v that_o hereby_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o clear_a and_o evident_a truth_n concern_v the_o lord_n controversy_n with_o the_o land_n be_v not_o receive_v in_o simplicity_n of_o heart_n but_o be_v by_o many_o lay_v aside_o as_o unworthy_a to_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o a_o thing_n which_o those_o of_o your_o judgement_n do_v usual_o charge_v we_o with_o but_o for_o yourselves_o you_o profess_v it_o be_v your_o heart_n desire_v so_o to_o walk_v with_o your_o brethren_n as_o may_v be_v unto_o edification_n and_o that_o you_o may_v do_v nothing_o which_o may_v heighten_v the_o difference_n thus_o all_o those_o forename_a evil_n must_v be_v fasten_v upon_o we_o to_o all_o which_o we_o return_v this_o answer_n 1._o as_o we_o conceive_v you_o neither_o will_n nor_o yet_o can_v positive_o clear_v yourselves_o from_o have_v your_o own_o share_n in_o those_o thing_n as_o well_o as_o other_o sure_o you_o do_v not_o real_o think_v that_o there_o be_v no_o groundless_a prejudices_fw-la nor_o needless_a jealousy_n receive_v and_o entertain_v by_o those_o of_o your_o judgement_n nor_o no_o place_n give_v to_o alienation_n of_o mind_n and_o affection_n and_o if_o so_o we_o wonder_v much_o why_o then_o do_v you_o so_o regrate_a these_o evil_n as_o it_o be_v evident_a you_o will_v fasten_v they_o whole_o upon_o we_o how_o be_v it_o that_o you_o who_o press_v so_o much_o take_v with_o guilt_n upon_o other_o do_v not_o free_o own_o your_o own_o share_n in_o this_o common_a and_o uncontroverted_a guiltiness_n 2._o we_o do_v not_o purge_v those_o of_o our_o judgement_n but_o as_o usual_o fall_v out_o in_o church_n division_n so_o it_o be_v possible_a way_n be_v give_v by_o many_o to_o prejudices_fw-la and_o jealousy_n but_o we_o be_v sorry_a we_o have_v reason_n to_o say_v your_o way_n do_v free_v they_o from_o the_o imputation_n of_o be_v altogether_o groundless_a we_o can_v hardly_o conceive_v but_o if_o you_o serious_o consider_v you_o yourselves_o will_v judge_v that_o there_o be_v great_a ground_n of_o jealousy_n give_v to_o these_o of_o our_o judgement_n from_o several_a thing_n in_o your_o carriage_n as_o namely_o for_o your_o cry_v out_o so_o much_o against_o that_o which_o we_o conceive_v to_o have_v be_v our_o duty_n as_o the_o main_a cause_n of_o god_n judgement_n and_o kingdome-ruining_a sin_n from_o your_o assert_v in_o print_n to_o the_o world_n that_o we_o be_v for_o the_o same_o very_a thing_n man_n scandalous_a and_o unworthy_a to_o sit_v in_o a_o general_n assembly_n if_o you_o speak_v this_o much_o when_o for_o number_v you_o be_v comparative_o so_o few_o and_o destitute_a of_o all_o power_n what_o can_v be_v expect_v your_o principle_n will_v lead_v you_o unto_o if_o once_o you_o have_v that_o fullness_n of_o power_n which_o you_o aim_v at_o 3._o how_o groundless_a so_o ever_o our_o jealousy_n be_v we_o must_v crave_v leave_n to_o clear_v ourselves_o of_o that_o unchristian_a effect_n which_o you_o have_v express_o affirm_v to_o have_v follow_v upon_o they_o the_o searcher_n of_o heart_n know_v no_o groundless_a prejudices_fw-la nor_o alienation_n of_o mind_n and_o affection_n have_v so_o prevail_v with_o we_o as_o to_o reject_v clear_a and_o evident_a truth_n concern_v the_o lord_n controversy_n with_o the_o land_n as_o unworthy_a to_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o we_o desire_v to_o believe_v that_o the_o fear_n and_o dread_n of_o the_o almighty_a shall_v never_o so_o far_o forsake_v we_o but_o 4._o what_o you_o mean_v by_o these_o clear_a and_o evident_a truth_n concern_v the_o lord_n controversy_n and_o reject_v by_o we_o we_o can_v well_o conjecture_v we_o can_v hardly_o think_v that_o you_o mean_v the_o point_n of_o controversy_n under_o debate_n betwixt_o you_o and_o we_o you_o know_v what_o you_o hold_v in_o those_o be_v not_o clear_a and_o evident_a truth_n unto_o we_o and_o we_o believe_v unto_o none_o of_o the_o foreign_a church_n we_o desire_v to_o know_v if_o ever_o such_o tenet_n be_v vent_v for_o truth_n in_o any_o part_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n as_o that_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o the_o lawful_a magistrate_n to_o employ_v the_o body_n of_o his_o subject_n for_o the_o land_n defence_n against_o a_o unjust_a invasion_n or_o that_o we_o may_v not_o be_v concur_v according_a to_o our_o place_n unto_o the_o invest_n of_o any_o with_o the_o power_n of_o magistracy_n what_o ever_o otherwise_o be_v his_o right_n unto_o it_o until_o he_o give_v convince_a sign_n of_o a_o real_a change_n or_o that_o it_o be_v unlawful_a to_o join_v in_o camp_n fellowship_n with_o these_o who_o we_o may_v have_v even_o the_o near_a church_n fellowship_n with_o such_o and_o many_o such_o like_a be_v no_o clear_a and_o evident_a truth_n unto_o we_o but_o if_o you_o mean_v other_o truth_n concern_v the_o common_a and_o uncontroverted_a guiltiness_n of_o all_o rank_n of_o person_n within_o the_o land_n such_o as_o contempt_n of_o the_o gospel_n pride_n oppression_n uncleanness_n despise_v of_o ordinance_n self-seeking_a under_o public_a pretence_n you_o know_v we_o do_v receive_v such_o truth_n and_o stir_v up_o the_o land_n to_o mourn_v for_o they_o though_o we_o know_v many_o who_o look_v on_o those_o as_o sin_n not_o to_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o in_o a_o public_a fast_o except_o those_o other_o thing_n under_o debate_n and_o of_o lesser_a moment_n what_o ever_o truth_n be_v in_o they_o be_v acknowledge_v also_o you_o profess_v your_o scope_n in_o write_v unto_o we_o be_v that_o sin_n and_o transgression_n may_v be_v acknowledge_v by_o we_o you_o need_v not_o have_v excuse_v your_o attempt_n of_o this_o towards_o we_o by_o your_o do_v the_o like_a unto_o other_o we_o be_v glad_a indeed_o how_o free_o you_o do_v acquit_v yourselves_o according_a to_o your_o vocation_n unto_o all_o man_n and_o be_v confident_a when_o what_o you_o have_v do_v unto_o other_o of_o this_o kind_n shall_v be_v make_v as_o public_a as_o this_o to_o we_o have_v be_v a_o long_a time_n since_o it_o will_v speak_v for_o itself_o but_o what_o ever_o you_o have_v do_v or_o not_o do_v unto_o other_o your_o write_n unto_o we_o have_v be_v most_o acceptable_a if_o so_o it_o have_v teach_v we_o what_o we_o know_v not_o your_o smite_v of_o we_o shall_v have_v be_v a_o kindness_n for_o attain_v the_o end_n by_o you_o propose_v you_o conceive_v it_o a_o good_a and_o ready_a way_n to_o look_v back_o where_o we_o be_v when_o these_o difference_n begin_v particular_o you_o mention_v our_o by_o past_a work_n of_o purge_v corrupt_a man_n from_o the_o
ministry_n and_o the_o profitable_a fruit_n thereof_o together_o with_o the_o sad_a effect_n have_v follow_v upon_o the_o interruption_n of_o it_o by_o the_o abound_a of_o scandalous_a minister_n and_o elder_n which_o you_o lament_v so_o much_o the_o more_o as_o that_o what_o have_v be_v already_o do_v of_o this_o kind_n be_v condemn_v by_o many_o in_o answer_n to_o which_o we_o wish_v indeed_o we_o may_v all_o look_v back_o where_o we_o be_v when_o these_o difference_n begin_v our_o general_n assembly_n be_v then_o terrible_a as_o one_fw-mi army_n with_o banner_n inferior_a judicatory_n and_o person_n of_o all_o rank_n walk_v in_o their_o due_a subordination_n unto_o those_o whereby_o the_o weed_n and_o stone_n of_o all_o sort_n be_v gather_v out_o of_o the_o lord_n vineyard_n which_o now_o almost_o every_o where_n abound_v 2._o we_o grant_v that_o the_o house_n of_o god_n ought_v to_o be_v purge_v and_o that_o not_o only_o from_o man_n of_o scandalous_a life_n but_o also_o of_o dangerous_a and_o erroneous_a principle_n but_o we_o be_v sorry_a that_o you_o labour_v so_o much_o to_o fasten_v upon_o we_o the_o hinder_v of_o this_o so_o good_a a_o work_n you_o know_v the_o weaken_n of_o our_o authority_n make_v purge_v work_n for_o the_o time_n but_o very_o little_a useful_a man_n be_v now_o teach_v and_o you_o know_v by_o who_o example_n to_o submit_v no_o further_o to_o church_n censure_n nor_o what_o seem_v good_a unto_o themselves_o our_o purge_a work_n must_v have_v union_n go_v before_o it_o or_o else_o it_o be_v to_o little_a purpose_n so_o that_o these_o who_o have_v begin_v and_o continue_v our_o woeful_a rent_n most_o be_v great_a retarder_n of_o this_o necessary_a work_n and_o so_o deep_a in_o that_o guilt_n which_o you_o so_o much_o at_o all_o occasion_n do_v charge_n upon_o we_o 3._o we_o know_v not_o who_o those_o be_v who_o repent_v of_o the_o by_o past_a work_n of_o purge_v possibe_o some_o conceive_v a_o inconvenience_n and_o danger_n to_o continue_v it_o in_o the_o same_o way_n wherein_o it_o be_v former_o use_v but_o for_o what_o we_o know_v there_o be_v none_o of_o our_o judgement_n against_o the_o thing_n itself_o it_o may_v prove_v hazardous_a indeed_o to_o give_v unto_o a_o quorum_fw-la of_o some_o few_o man_n most_o of_o they_o be_v very_o young_a inexperienced_a and_o unacquainted_a with_o our_o discipline_n a_o constant_a power_n renew_v from_o time_n to_o time_n to_o sit_v down_o upon_o whole_a synod_n and_o presbytery_n and_o cast_v out_o and_o hold_v in_o who_o they_o please_v especial_o at_o this_o time_n when_o through_o our_o woeful_a rent_n there_o be_v so_o much_o mutual_a irritation_n of_o spirit_n and_o as_o yourselves_o grant_v so_o many_o groundless_a prejudices_fw-la and_o needless_a jealousy_n together_o with_o so_o much_o alienation_n of_o affection_n we_o be_v very_o confident_a it_o shall_v not_o be_v make_v appear_v that_o ezekiel_n threaten_v the_o neglect_v of_o purge_v only_o by_o such_o a_o mean_a as_o this_o so_o with_o all_o respect_n to_o your_o wisdom_n and_o part_n you_o may_v as_o we_o conceive_v have_v omit_v the_o citation_n of_o that_o place_n as_o to_o this_o purpose_n as_o for_o your_o two_o paper_n mention_v in_o you_o as_o contain_v the_o cause_n of_o god_n dreadful_a wrath_n and_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o ministry_n which_o you_o recommend_v unto_o we_o we_o have_v not_o as_o yet_o so_o acurate_o peruse_v they_o but_o from_o the_o general_a view_n we_o have_v take_v we_o find_v what_o be_v the_o great_a work_n of_o these_o book_n to_o wit_n to_o convince_v we_o of_o the_o sinfulness_n of_o the_o treaty_n public_a resolution_n etc._n etc._n and_o in_o order_n to_o our_o conviction_n herein_o you_o recommend_v to_o we_o the_o perusal_n of_o the_o covenant_n engagement_n remonstrance_n declaration_n of_o this_o kirk_n for_o answer_n we_o have_v peruse_v many_o of_o they_o all_o and_o most_o of_o all_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n the_o perusal_n whereof_o why_o it_o be_v not_o recommend_v by_o you_o at_o least_o among_o the_o rest_n we_o wonder_v much_o but_o we_o can_v find_v from_o all_o or_o any_o of_o these_o that_o sinfulness_n in_o these_o thing_n which_o you_o charge_v they_o with_o we_o find_v the_o treaty_n with_o the_o king_n approven_v by_o covenant_n remonstrance_n declaration_n so_o that_o if_o you_o have_v cite_v but_o one_o passage_n of_o any_o of_o these_o seem_o against_o it_o we_o shall_v have_v cite_v ten_o real_o for_o it_o we_o find_v the_o public_a resolution_n also_o approven_v by_o these_o to_o wit_n the_o commission_n answer_v to_o the_o query_n propon_v to_o they_o by_o the_o committee_n of_o estate_n some_o of_o which_o answer_v in_o these_o be_v 1._o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o a_o magistrate_n to_o employ_v the_o body_n of_o his_o subject_n for_o the_o land_n defence_n especial_o provide_v none_o of_o they_o be_v put_v to_o such_o trust_n as_o may_v be_v prejudicial_a to_o the_o work_n of_o god_n which_o you_o know_v be_v express_o provide_v for_o in_o the_o commission_n answer_v 2._o that_o a_o parliament_n may_v take_v off_o civil_a mulct_n alter_v or_o shorten_v diet_n for_o admit_v unto_o or_o debar_v from_o trust_n provide_v they_o actual_o employ_v none_o but_o these_o who_o be_v of_o know_a good_a affection_n to_o the_o cause_n of_o god._n these_o be_v the_o public_a resolution_n so_o much_o cry_v out_o against_o and_o these_o we_o dare_v not_o condemn_v except_o we_o will_v depart_v from_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n we_o find_v also_o what_o the_o commission_n do_v in_o receive_v of_o malignant_n to_o give_v ecclesiastic_a sign_n of_o repentance_n to_o be_v justify_v by_o the_o act_n of_o precede_a assembly_n especial_o the_o assembly_n 1649._o where_o many_o of_o your_o judgement_n do_v sit_v as_o member_n we_o find_v that_o assembly_n do_v enjoin_v the_o commission_n to_o process_n these_o who_o be_v upon_o the_o unlawful_a engagement_n even_o to_o excommunication_n if_o they_o do_v not_o offer_v sign_n of_o repentance_n we_o find_v the_o commission_n 1650._o walk_v by_o the_o same_o step_n in_o their_o receive_n of_o they_o to_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n which_o the_o same_o assembly_n in_o the_o same_o place_n do_v prescribe_v and_o if_o they_o fail_v in_o one_o circumstance_n why_o do_v you_o not_o make_v it_o know_v so_o that_o while_o you_o say_v that_o they_o be_v notorious_o walk_v in_o their_o accustom_a profaneness_n and_o enimity_n unto_o the_o work_n of_o god_n even_o when_o the_o commission_n do_v receive_v they_o be_v more_o than_o can_v be_v make_v good_a we_o mean_v that_o they_o be_v so_o walk_v notorious_o unto_o the_o judicatory_a who_o receive_v they_o and_o you_o know_v church_n judicatory_n be_v to_o judge_v only_o according_a unto_o what_o be_v make_v notour_n unto_o they_o if_o you_o say_v their_o walk_v so_o be_v notour_n unto_o other_o than_o we_o ask_v why_o do_v not_o those_o other_o follow_v christ_n rule_n with_o they_o be_v there_o any_o of_o the_o whole_a bulk_n who_o any_o of_o you_o do_v admonish_v and_o for_o their_o pertinacy_n delate_a they_o unto_o the_o church_n as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o general_n assembly_n do_v excite_v all_o to_o do_v this_o you_o know_v aught_o to_o have_v be_v first_o do_v before_o you_o have_v thus_o charge_v christ_n court_n with_o prostitute_v the_o ordinance_n of_o repentance_n unto_o the_o lust_n of_o corrupt_a man_n that_o several_a of_o these_o who_o the_o commission_n do_v then_o receive_v have_v since_o proclaim_v their_o dissimulation_n reflect_v nothing_o upon_o we_o no_o more_o than_o the_o carriage_n of_o diverse_a of_o your_o judgement_n who_o have_v tread_v in_o the_o same_o step_n with_o they_o of_o late_a do_v reflect_v upon_o you_o beside_o this_o we_o may_v say_v that_o the_o great_a part_n of_o those_o at_o who_o receive_v you_o profess_v yourselves_o most_o stumble_v have_v give_v as_o great_a a_o proof_n of_o their_o sincerity_n by_o their_o after_o act_n and_o suffering_n for_o the_o covenant_n and_o cause_n as_o any_o other_o have_v do_v since_o that_o time_n you_o proceed_v and_o wish_v ourselves_o may_v search_v what_o sinful_a course_n have_v be_v take_v to_o promove_v these_o public_a resolution_n but_o lest_o we_o shall_v not_o search_v or_o happy_o after_o search_v not_o find_v you_o put_v we_o in_o mind_n of_o several_a particular_n to_o which_o we_o give_v this_o return_n 1._o if_o any_o censure_n have_v be_v impose_v upon_o minister_n without_o a_o precede_a act_n and_o practice_n of_o our_o kirk_n in_o such_o like_a case_n then_o let_v the_o imposer_n bear_v the_o blame_n 2._o for_o any_o particular_a act_n make_v by_o the_o assembly_n at_o dundee_n against_o professor_n for_o their_o opposition_n to_o the_o act_n thereof_o they_o not_o be_v particular_o instance_a
next_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o other_o that_o so_o in_o progress_n of_o time_n they_o may_v cast_v at_o all_o ordinance_n we_o do_v very_o believe_v so_o much_o be_v not_o intend_v by_o they_o but_o so_o far_o as_o we_o can_v judge_v the_o spirit_n stir_v in_o the_o time_n drive_v at_o no_o less_o and_o this_o be_v a_o thing_n which_o neither_o we_o nor_o you_o ought_v to_o think_v light_o of_o far_o less_o do_v any_o thing_n by_o word_n or_o writ_n which_o may_v strengthen_v people_n hand_n or_o encourage_v they_o in_o such_o a_o way_n 4._o you_o mistake_v while_o you_o affirm_v all_o the_o profane_a in_o the_o land_n do_v join_v with_o we_o we_o know_v in_o some_o place_n that_o severall_n of_o the_o most_o profane_a have_v separate_v from_o we_o and_o go_v to_o hear_v some_o of_o your_o judgement_n at_o those_o diet_n and_o that_o only_o because_o they_o conceive_v such_o a_o way_n will_v be_v acceptable_a to_o some_o who_o they_o have_v dependence_n upon_o if_o you_o know_v the_o man_n we_o conceive_v you_o will_v not_o think_v we_o uncharitable_a though_o we_o say_v it_o be_v nothing_o of_o conscience_n which_o move_v they_o 5._o though_o many_o profane_a man_n shall_v join_v in_o our_o fast_n as_o they_o usual_o do_v in_o year_n bypass_a countenance_n all_o such_o fast_n as_o be_v appoint_v by_o public_a judicatory_n yet_o there_o be_v no_o reproach_n to_o we_o nor_o the_o way_n of_o god_n which_o we_o maintain_v the_o contrary_a to_o which_o you_o seem_v to_o insinuate_v you_o know_v by_o who_o the_o same_o have_v be_v object_v as_o a_o matter_n of_o reproach_n against_o the_o presbyterian_a way_n and_o how_o you_o yourselves_o have_v often_o answer_v it_o that_o the_o rise_v of_o your_o write_n be_v from_o love_n to_o we_o and_o not_o from_o a_o purpose_n to_o render_v we_o odious_a we_o shall_v not_o question_v only_o we_o stumble_v much_o that_o double_n of_o you_o be_v spread_v unto_o other_o before_o it_o come_v to_o our_o hand_n what_o have_v be_v the_o purpose_n of_o those_o who_o do_v so_o we_o can_v well_o imagine_v as_o for_o the_o matter_n of_o your_o exhortation_n that_o we_o shall_v quit_v the_o public_a resolution_n you_o have_v our_o answer_n to_o it_o in_o what_o be_v already_o write_a only_o your_o method_n stumble_v we_o not_o a_o little_a that_o the_o quyte_n of_o our_o judgement_n in_o those_o be_v require_v as_o previous_a to_o our_o join_n with_o you_o if_o you_o hold_v this_o as_o necessary_o previous_a to_o our_o union_n we_o desire_v to_o know_v sure_o if_o so_o you_o be_v not_o so_o cordial_a for_o union_n as_o some_o of_o you_o pretend_v and_o now_o since_o we_o have_v speak_v our_o heart_n free_o unto_o you_o in_o answer_n to_o you_o wherein_o we_o presume_v you_o will_v find_v that_o we_o have_v obey_v at_o least_o your_o last_o desire_n have_v write_v nothing_o which_o may_v evidence_n our_o put_n of_o a_o hard_a construction_n upon_o your_o intention_n or_o upon_o any_o of_o your_o word_n or_o expression_n which_o may_v seem_v harsh_a we_o have_v only_o answer_v to_o the_o matter_n hold_v forth_o by_o they_o we_o shall_v not_o take_v upon_o we_o to_o speak_v our_o sense_n of_o that_o way_n wherein_o you_o have_v walk_v this_o time_n bypass_a the_o general_n assembly_n have_v speak_v so_o much_o to_o that_o purpose_n who_o if_o you_o do_v not_o hear_v we_o conceive_v neither_o will_n you_o hear_v we_o only_o sir_n let_v we_o with_o all_o due_a respect_n take_v the_o boldness_n to_o propound_v unto_o you_o some_o few_o question_n concern_v some_o thing_n in_o your_o way_n and_o the_o way_n of_o those_o other_o reverend_a brethren_n who_o join_v with_o you_o to_o which_o we_o earnest_o crave_v and_o as_o we_o conceive_v in_o equity_n may_v expect_v a_o answer_n the_o thing_n we_o question_v be_v such_o as_o your_o clear_a and_o distinct_a answer_n will_v satisfy_v the_o mind_n of_o many_o much_o concern_v the_o sincerity_n of_o your_o endeavour_n for_o heal_v and_o your_o willingness_n to_o remove_v these_o thing_n which_o in_o the_o apprehension_n of_o many_o be_v real_a impediment_n and_o stumble_a block_n cast_v in_o the_o way_n of_o union_n and_o peace_n the_o question_n be_v those_o follow_v quest_n 1._o do_v you_o indeed_o conceive_v that_o you_o can_v have_v no_o union_n with_o we_o until_o we_o obey_v the_o content_n of_o your_o letter_n and_o profess_v a_o alteration_n of_o our_o judgement_n in_o these_o thing_n wherein_o we_o differ_v from_o you_o beside_o other_o thing_n the_o exhortation_n propon_v in_o your_o letter_n unto_o we_o give_v we_o ground_n thus_o to_o question_n where_o our_o forsake_v of_o the_o way_n of_o public_a resolution_n be_v require_v as_o previous_a unto_o our_o join_v together_o for_o carry_v on_o the_o work_n of_o reformation_n if_o you_o so_o conceive_v we_o be_v at_o a_o point_n we_o must_v either_o come_v over_o the_o belly_n of_o our_o light_n and_o call_v good_a evil_n else_o you_o will_v not_o hear_v of_o peace_n quest_n 2._o if_o you_o look_v on_o we_o as_o man_n scandalous_a and_o unworthy_a to_o sit_v in_o church_n judicatories_n the_o second_o reason_n of_o your_o protestation_n against_o the_o assembly_n at_o s._n andrews_n give_v we_o ground_n to_o imagine_v thus_o for_o there_o do_v you_o decline_v that_o assembly_n because_o the_o most_o eminent_a man_n of_o our_o church_n be_v not_o casten_z by_z as_o scandalous_a though_o nothing_o either_o be_v or_o can_v be_v allege_v against_o they_o but_o their_o accession_n to_o the_o public_a resolution_n if_o you_o so_o judge_v still_o we_o can_v understand_v how_o you_o mind_n peace_n quest_n 3._o do_v you_o real_o think_v it_o unlawful_a to_o join_v in_o a_o assembly_n make_v up_o for_o the_o most_o part_n of_o these_o who_o act_v in_o and_o approve_v of_o the_o late_a assembly_n at_o dundee_n as_o your_o five_o reason_n against_o choose_v commissioner_n to_o the_o late_a assembly_n at_o edinburgh_n do_v express_v if_o thus_o you_o judge_v than_o you_o must_v decline_v not_o only_o the_o general_n assembly_n but_o all_o synod_n and_o presbytery_n yea_o and_o shake_v off_o your_o minister_n also_o if_o they_o be_v not_o of_o your_o judgement_n as_o continue_v in_o a_o course_n which_o you_o think_v defection_n and_o the_o main_a cause_n of_o god_n wrath_n quest_n 4._o how_o be_v it_o many_o of_o your_o judgement_n refuse_v to_o join_v with_o we_o in_o the_o public_a acknowledgement_n of_o uncontroverted_a guiltiness_n and_o that_o only_o because_o we_o can_v go_v over_o our_o light_n to_o acknowledge_v that_o for_o a_o sin_n which_o we_o do_v esteem_v to_o have_v be_v a_o duty_n we_o desire_v to_o know_v any_o passage_n of_o scripture_n warrand_a a_o separation_n from_o such_o a_o necessary_a duty_n for_o that_o only_a cause_n quest_n 5._o see_v you_o do_v so_o much_o cry_v out_o against_o we_o for_o retard_v the_o work_n of_o purge_v how_o be_v it_o you_o do_v not_o cordial_o join_v and_o excite_v to_o the_o censure_v of_o erroneous_a minister_n who_o have_v avowed_o spit_v upon_o their_o mother_n face_n and_o be_v daily_o stir_v up_o other_o to_o do_v the_o like_a quest_n 6._o how_o be_v it_o some_o minister_n of_o your_o judgement_n take_v upon_o they_o to_o intimate_v fast_n read_v forth_o cause_n of_o wrath_n unto_o the_o people_n to_o be_v humble_v for_o appoint_v particular_a diet_n for_o go_v about_o this_o work_n and_o this_o all_o without_o the_o authority_n of_o any_o church_n judicatorie_a no_o not_o so_o much_o as_o of_o their_o own_o session_n if_o this_o be_v do_v by_o other_o it_o will_v seem_v somewhat_o prelatical_a like_o quest_n 7._o how_o be_v it_o some_o of_o your_o judgement_n take_v upon_o they_o to_o debar_v from_o the_o lord_n table_n the_o three_o part_n or_o half_a the_o number_n of_o their_o church-member_n come_v to_o age_n this_o seem_v unto_o we_o a_o great_a step_n towards_o separation_n quest_n 8._o we_o desire_v to_o know_v what_o be_v these_o positive_a sign_n of_o real_a repentance_n which_o you_o require_v in_o those_o who_o be_v to_o be_v receive_v after_o scandal_n unto_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o church_n and_o why_o the_o same_o may_v not_o be_v require_v in_o the_o admission_n of_o church-member_n quest_n 9_o how_o be_v it_o the_o practice_n of_o many_o of_o your_o number_n to_o cast_v out_o of_o session_n under_o one_o pretence_n or_o other_o all_o those_o almost_o who_o be_v of_o our_o judgement_n and_o yet_o cry_v out_o so_o much_o against_o the_o act_n of_o the_o late_a assembly_n ordain_v not_o those_o who_o differ_v from_o we_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o public_a resolution_n but_o only_o such_o as_o adhere_v to_o the_o protestation_n against_o the_o assembly_n to_o be_v lay_v aside_o only_o from_o voice_n in_o presbytery_n and_o
the_o malignant_a party_n to_o exercise_v their_o power_n against_o you_o but_o also_o for_o make_v your_o own_o people_n abhor_v you_o and_o true_o though_o we_o be_v aim_v at_o your_o shame_n and_o disgrace_n we_o can_v hardly_o imagine_v a_o more_o compendious_a way_n for_o bring_v of_o it_o about_o but_o the_o uprightness_n of_o the_o upright_o will_v preserve_v he_o last_o you_o profess_v your_o dissatisfaction_n with_o the_o present_a commission_n and_o that_o for_o several_a thing_n 1._o for_o their_o slight_n and_o misconstrue_v all_o your_o endeavour_n for_o peace_n 2._o for_o misrepresent_v your_o proceed_n to_o presbytery_n particular_o in_o their_o letter_n of_o the_o date_n febr._n 25._o to_o which_o we_o answer_v 1._o the_o commission_n do_v appoint_v a_o conference_n at_o st._n andrews_n in_o order_n to_o union_n and_o peace_n which_o be_v the_o grant_n of_o your_o desire_n for_o the_o main_a and_o if_o some_o word_n express_v their_o appointment_n do_v make_v you_o slight_v the_o offer_n it_o will_v appear_v you_o have_v not_o have_v mind_n to_o the_o thing_n itself_o 2._o that_o the_o commission_n do_v misrepresent_v your_o proceed_n be_v more_o than_o can_v be_v prove_v as_o to_o the_o passage_n of_o their_o letter_n pitch_v upon_o we_o answer_v 1._o if_o the_o conference_n appoint_v by_o the_o commission_n be_v not_o slight_v by_o you_o than_o who_o default_n be_v it_o that_o it_o be_v not_o keep_v 2._o that_o those_o of_o your_o number_n be_v not_o advise_v with_o in_o draw_v up_o of_o the_o commission_n answer_v will_v not_o be_v think_v strange_a unto_o those_o who_o know_v you_o advise_v with_o none_o of_o our_o judgement_n when_o you_o do_v draw_v up_o your_o demand_n though_o there_o be_v severall_n present_a mediate_a with_o you_o for_o peace_n 3._o that_o some_o at_o least_o of_o your_o previous_a desire_n be_v refuse_v by_o the_o commission_n will_v be_v think_v as_o little_a strange_a unto_o those_o who_o know_v what_o you_o do_v desire_v viz._n that_o the_o commission_n shall_v uncommissionat_v themselves_o by_o a_o public_a declaration_n that_o they_o shall_v act_n nothing_o as_o a_o commission_n during_o the_o conference_n though_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v never_o so_o much_o require_v it_o and_o how_o can_v we_o as_o you_o allege_v imagine_v that_o the_o refuse_v of_o this_o desire_n will_v mar_v the_o good_a of_o the_o conference_n except_o we_o have_v first_o imagine_v that_o your_o propon_n of_o such_o a_o previous_a desire_n do_v argue_v that_o you_o intend_v no_o good_a at_o all_o in_o order_n to_o the_o church_n peace_n shall_v be_v reap_v by_o the_o conference_n last_o you_o profess_v yourselves_o great_o stumble_v at_o the_o fast_n and_o humiliation_n appoint_v by_o the_o commission_n from_o time_n to_o time_n and_o that_o because_o the_o cause_n thereof_o be_v general_n and_o ambiguous_a for_o answer_v 1._o if_o we_o be_v to_o show_v unto_o you_o all_o wherewith_o we_o be_v dissatisfy_v in_o your_o way_n we_o conceive_v we_o have_v great_a reason_n to_o be_v dissatisfy_v with_o yourselves_o but_o our_o intent_n be_v main_o herein_o to_o clear_v ourselves_o we_o shall_v only_o propone_v this_o question_n if_o ever_o you_o read_v in_o any_o church_n story_n in_o any_o age_n of_o the_o church_n that_o when_o difference_n of_o judgement_n do_v fall_v out_o among_o prime_n and_o eminent_a church-member_n that_o ever_o the_o one_o party_n be_v the_o few_o and_o no_o church_n judicatorie_a do_v take_v upon_o they_o to_o turn_v over_o the_o one_o side_n of_o the_o controversy_n into_o cause_n of_o god_n wrath_n upon_o the_o church_n and_o by_o the_o sole_a authority_n of_o church_n session_n hold_v they_o forth_o to_o congregation_n to_o be_v mourn_v for_o at_o solemn_a fast_n and_o this_o all_o before_o the_o rent_n do_v turn_v remediless_a yea_o and_o while_o the_o same_o party_n be_v pretend_v unto_o peace_n and_o charge_v the_o other_o with_o slight_v all_o overture_n for_o union_n and_o heal_n so_o often_o propound_v and_o so_o much_o pursue_v by_o themselves_o 2._o if_o you_o have_v instance_a any_o of_o these_o cause_n of_o our_o late_a fast_n which_o be_v either_o ambiguous_a or_o general_a we_o shall_v have_v answer_v but_o sure_o we_o be_v it_o be_v a_o unjust_a charge_n no_o cause_n can_v be_v more_o clear_a nor_o need_v to_o be_v more_o particular_a nor_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o very_a last_o fast_o be_v as_o be_v obvious_a unto_o any_o who_o without_o prejudice_n will_v peruse_v they_o but_o we_o gather_v from_o that_o which_o follow_v in_o you_o what_o it_o be_v you_o miss_v most_o in_o these_o cause_n viz._n that_o we_o do_v not_o acknowledge_v a_o land-destroying_a guiltiness_n in_o the_o public_a resolution_n it_o seem_v unto_o we_o you_o hint_n at_o this_o while_o you_o say_v you_o do_v find_v in_o god_n ordinary_a way_n of_o deal_n with_o his_o people_n that_o there_o have_v usual_o be_v some_o public_a sin_n and_o breach_n of_o covenant_n precede_v such_o sad_a judgement_n for_o answer_v 1._o we_o be_v deceive_v if_o we_o have_v not_o find_v the_o contrary_a psal_n 44._o the_o people_n of_o god_n be_v put_v unto_o shame_n give_v as_o sheep_n appoint_v for_o meat_n scatter_v among_o the_o heathen_a they_o be_v break_v in_o the_o place_n of_o dragon_n their_o belly_n make_v to_o cleave_v unto_o the_o dust_n and_o yet_o vers_fw-la 17._o for_o all_o this_o they_o have_v not_o forget_v god_n nor_o yet_o deal_v false_o in_o his_o covenant_n you_o know_v also_o what_o sad_a judgement_n be_v bring_v upon_o the_o whole_a catholic_n church_n visible_a in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o first_o persecution_n by_o the_o heathen_a emperor_n and_o afterward_o by_o the_o arrian_n and_o yet_o there_o be_v nothing_o extant_a of_o any_o public_a break_n of_o covenant_n go_v before_o those_o terrible_a stroke_n and_o sad_a suffering_n but_o 2._o grant_v that_o some_o breach_n of_o covenant_n have_v go_v before_o our_o sad_a stroke_n must_v it_o therefore_o follow_v that_o those_o be_v the_o public_a resolution_n may_v there_o not_o be_v find_v other_o breach_n in_o relation_n to_o those_o who_o be_v our_o rod_n or_o some_o other_o thing_n but_o 3._o though_o you_o be_v persuade_v that_o the_o breach_n be_v in_o these_o yet_o do_v you_o think_v it_o indeed_o a_o sin_n before_o the_o lord_n for_o we_o who_o be_v not_o so_o persuade_v to_o mourn_v for_o other_o land-destroying_a sin_n which_o be_v upon_o all_o hand_n uncontroverted_a may_v not_o joshua_n and_o the_o elder_n mourn_v for_o their_o stroke_n and_o their_o know_a sin_n procure_v it_o though_o yet_o they_o know_v nothing_o of_o achan_n who_o have_v procure_v god_n wrath_n against_o they_o most_o or_o do_v job_n sin_n while_o he_o acknowledge_v his_o know_a iniquity_n job_n 7._o 21._o although_o he_o himself_o apprehend_v there_o be_v some_o further_a prime_n cause_n of_o this_o stroke_n nor_o any_o thing_n he_o have_v yet_o see_v as_o appear_v from_o job_n 10._o 2._o show_v i_o wherefore_o thou_o contend_v with_o i_o but_o last_o as_o to_o this_o purpose_n you_o add_v that_o we_o will_v not_o look_v upon_o it_o with_o a_o light_a eye_n that_o so_o many_o godly_a in_o the_o land_n can_v join_v in_o our_o fast_n and_o that_o all_o the_o wicked_a and_o profane_a in_o the_o land_n do_v careful_o attend_v such_o diet_n for_o answer_v 1._o we_o know_v there_o be_v both_o godly_a and_o profane_a within_o the_o church_n but_o for_o ourselves_o we_o never_o like_v the_o make_v use_n of_o that_o distinction_n for_o strengthen_v of_o interest_n and_o faction_n by_o rank_v all_o the_o profane_a and_o wicked_a upon_o the_o one_o side_n and_o so_o none_o but_o the_o godly_a yea_o and_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o godly_a upon_o the_o other_o we_o know_v such_o a_o method_n have_v be_v follow_v by_o some_o but_o the_o vanity_n of_o it_o have_v still_o at_o last_o be_v discover_v how_o long_o it_o will_v hold_v up_o with_o you_o we_o do_v not_o know_v 2._o though_o we_o be_v not_o able_a from_o our_o own_o exact_a knowledge_n to_o order_n professor_n through_o the_o whole_a land_n in_o their_o several_a rank_n yet_o our_o information_n fail_v we_o if_o the_o generality_n of_o note_a professor_n of_o any_o old_a stand_n do_v not_o join_v with_o we_o in_o our_o fast_n and_o humiliation_n 3._o that_o any_o do_v not_o join_v with_o we_o be_v not_o look_v on_o with_o a_o light_a eye_n by_o we_o we_o profess_v we_o look_v sad_o upon_o it_o as_o a_o piece_n of_o that_o spirit_n stir_v in_o the_o time_n the_o intent_n whereof_o be_v to_o make_v professor_n first_o light_o to_o scruple_n and_o then_o to_o separate_v without_o any_o reason_n upon_o mere_a gainstanding_n of_o mind_n first_o from_o some_o ordinance_n in_o the_o hand_n only_o of_o some_o and_o
which_o we_o be_v so_o far_o from_o plead_v our_o own_o innocency_n that_o we_o do_v unfeigned_o desire_v to_o acknowledge_v our_o accession_n to_o be_v very_o great_a and_o to_o be_v deep_o humble_v for_o the_o same_o before_o god_n and_o we_o do_v earnest_o entreat_v in_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n who_o come_v into_o the_o world_n to_o save_v sinner_n that_o you_o will_v serious_o ponder_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v therein_o represent_v without_o take_v prejudice_n against_o they_o because_o they_o come_v from_o we_o if_o the_o lord_n shall_v be_v gracious_o please_v to_o put_v it_o into_o your_o heart_n with_o fervent_a prayer_n and_o deep_a humiliation_n to_o consider_v the_o covenant_n and_o engagement_n which_o you_o and_o all_o of_o we_o have_v swear_v to_o the_o most_o high_a with_o uplift_a hand_n and_o to_o peruse_v and_o ponder_v the_o many_o faithful_a warning_n and_o declaration_n of_o this_o kirk_n in_o former_a time_n anent_o the_o present_a difference_n and_o to_o call_v to_o mind_v the_o tentation_n which_o you_o meet_v with_o the_o snare_n which_o be_v lay_v in_o your_o way_n the_o strait_n which_o you_o be_v drive_v into_o and_o all_o the_o motive_n and_o inducement_n which_o engage_v you_o in_o that_o way_n you_o be_v now_o upon_o and_o to_o look_v upon_o the_o sad_a judgement_n which_o have_v come_v upon_o the_o land_n since_o the_o first_o decline_v from_o the_o former_a way_n we_o be_v hopeful_a that_o the_o lord_n shall_v discover_v unto_o you_o the_o sinfulness_n of_o that_o treaty_n in_o holland_n and_o of_o the_o public_a resolution_n follow_v thereupon_o in_o particular_a how_o great_o his_o holy_a name_n be_v abuse_v in_o prostitute_v the_o ordinance_n of_o public_a repentance_n to_o the_o lust_n and_o design_n of_o corrupt_a man_n by_o receive_v the_o malignant_a party_n to_o the_o fellowship_n of_o all_o church_n ordinance_n to_o make_v way_n for_o entrust_v they_o as_o captain_n and_o ruler_n over_o the_o lord_n people_n and_o his_o interest_n while_o they_o be_v notorious_o walk_v in_o their_o accustom_a profaneness_n and_o enimity_n to_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o to_o his_o people_n and_o have_v not_o give_v evidence_n of_o repentance_n and_o who_o as_o be_v then_o often_o foretell_v have_v now_o again_o by_o their_o wicked_a deed_n proclaim_v to_o the_o world_n their_o hypocrisy_n and_o dissimulation_n we_o will_v much_o rather_o desire_v to_o hear_v that_o yourselves_o do_v search_v then_o that_o we_o shall_v need_v to_o put_v you_o in_o mind_n what_o sinful_a course_n be_v take_v to_o promote_v and_o establish_v these_o resolution_n and_o what_o censure_n have_v be_v impose_v upon_o minister_n and_o act_v make_v against_o professor_n for_o give_v testimony_n against_o the_o same_o how_o gracious_a and_o well_o qualify_v elder_n be_v remove_v and_o keep_v out_o from_o church_n judicatories_n and_o ignorant_a and_o profane_a person_n bring_v in_o and_o more_o endeavour_v to_o be_v bring_v in_o to_o their_o room_n how_o gift_v and_o gracious_a young_a man_n be_v debar_v from_o enter_v into_o the_o ministry_n and_o a_o door_n be_v open_v to_o other_o whereof_o some_o be_v loose_a and-profane_a and_o many_o be_v ignorant_a and_o stranger_n to_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n upon_o their_o own_o heart_n and_o here_o we_o can_v forget_v to_o desire_v you_o serious_o to_o consider_v how_o unwarrantable_o you_o do_v proceed_v in_o that_o meeting_n at_o forfar_n in_o august_n 1651._o in_o the_o midst_n of_o so_o many_o warning_n and_o sad_a dispensation_n from_o the_o lord_n even_o to_o that_o height_n and_o animosity_n of_o spirit_n as_o to_o pronounce_v the_o heavy_a curse_n of_o god_n against_o all_o these_o that_o do_v withdraw_v their_o counsel_n from_o your_o judicatories_n and_o to_o ordain_v the_o same_o to_o be_v read_v in_o every_o congregation_n public_o on_o the_o lord_n day_n and_o to_o spread_v declaration_n at_o home_n and_o send_v print_v information_n abroad_o into_o england_n grievous_o traduce_v your_o brethren_n as_o separatist_n as_o enemy_n to_o the_o work_n of_o reformation_n and_o promoter_n of_o their_o design_n who_o invade_v this_o land_n with_o many_o other_o reproach_n of_o the_o like_a kind_n notwithstanding_o you_o have_v have_v long_a experience_n of_o their_o faithfulness_n in_o the_o lord_n work_n oh_o that_o you_o will_v lay_v these_o thing_n to_o heart_n and_o remember_v how_o great_o the_o lord_n be_v thereby_o provoke_v and_o his_o wrath_n increase_v how_o you_o have_v make_v the_o heart_n of_o the_o righteous_a sad_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 and_o how_o the_o work_n of_o reformation_n have_v not_o only_o be_v interrupt_v thereby_o but_o dangerous_o shake_v and_o a_o foundation_n lay_v for_o conjunction_n with_o all_o party_n whatsoever_o both_o at_o home_n and_o abroad_o which_o have_v be_v the_o cause_n and_o fountain_n of_o these_o sad_a rent_n and_o division_n that_o be_v among_o the_o lord_n precious_a people_n but_o of_o all_o thing_n it_o be_v most_o grievous_a to_o we_o that_o after_o all_o the_o evil_n and_o misery_n which_o the_o lord_n have_v bring_v upon_o this_o poor_a land_n you_o shall_v yet_o continue_v to_o justify_v and_o maintain_v these_o thing_n and_o so_o tenacious_o adhere_v unto_o they_o which_o you_o will_v well_o examine_v from_o what_o principle_n the_o same_o do_v flow_v we_o know_v that_o it_o be_v common_o say_v that_o a_o satisfactory_a answer_n be_v return_v to_o the_o proposition_n deliver_v in_o by_o we_o to_o the_o late_a meeting_n at_o edinburgh_n in_o july_n last_o but_o it_o be_v only_o a_o seem_a satisfaction_n in_o some_o thing_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o hide_a way_n of_o expression_n that_o be_v use_v in_o that_o answer_n for_o the_o matter_n be_v so_o convey_v in_o word_n as_o the_o two_o late_a assembly_n and_o their_o act_n which_o comprehend_v all_o the_o thing_n in_o question_n betwixt_o we_o be_v include_v in_o your_o specious_a concession_n and_o so_o in_o effect_n what_o seem_v to_o be_v grant_v there_o be_v whole_o overturn_v to_o other_o thing_n no_o answer_n be_v return_v and_o for_o these_o thing_n which_o be_v lay_v down_o in_o that_o answer_n as_o uncontravert_v betwixt_o we_o we_o do_v not_o hear_v nor_o can_v we_o learn_v that_o they_o be_v begin_v to_o be_v practise_v by_o any_o of_o your_o number_n though_o it_o be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o their_o hand_n but_o the_o great_a bensill_n of_o the_o zeal_n of_o most_o part_n be_v turn_v against_o we_o we_o may_v further_o say_v that_o way_n of_o peace_n and_o heal_n be_v so_o little_o study_v by_o the_o most_o part_n at_o that_o meeting_n in_o july_n last_o as_o we_o fear_v the_o contrary_n be_v too_o much_o endeavour_v for_o not_o only_a synod_n and_o presbytery_n be_v warrant_v and_o encourage_v to_o proceed_v against_o minister_n elder_n and_o expectant_n according_a to_o the_o act_n make_v at_o dundee_n which_o for_o the_o substance_n be_v renew_v but_o also_o letter_n be_v write_v and_o publish_v in_o print_n direct_v to_o the_o nobleman_n and_o gentleman_n of_o the_o land_n whereby_o the_o malignant_a party_n be_v stir_v up_o to_o exercise_v all_o the_o power_n they_o have_v against_o we_o which_o in_o some_o place_n they_o have_v not_o be_v slack_a to_o put_v in_o execution_n we_o be_v much_o unsatisfied_a that_o advantage_n be_v seek_v and_o take_v against_o we_o in_o a_o very_a ungain_v way_n to_o say_v no_o worse_o not_o only_o to_o slight_v misconstrue_v and_o reject_v all_o our_o endeavour_n for_o heal_v the_o breach_n that_o be_v among_o we_o but_o likewise_o in_o your_o letter_n to_o presbytery_n and_o other_o paper_n you_o do_v misrepresent_v our_o proceed_n beside_o diverse_a other_o strange_a expression_n in_o your_o late_a letter_n of_o the_o date_n the_o 25._o febr._n last_o wherein_o we_o hope_v you_o will_v not_o upon_o serious_a examination_n allow_v yourselves_o we_o do_v not_o a_o little_a wonder_n why_o it_o shall_v be_v say_v that_o the_o conference_n for_o reconciliation_n and_o union_n be_v altogether_o slight_v and_o desert_v by_o we_o when_o some_o of_o our_o number_n have_v careful_o attend_v about_o three_o week_n for_o promot_v the_o same_o and_o be_v not_o at_o all_o advise_v with_o nor_o so_o much_o as_o daign_v with_o any_o answer_n at_o all_o until_o after_o you_o have_v dissolve_v your_o meeting_n and_o when_o the_o answer_n be_v give_v it_o be_v in_o effect_n a_o refusal_n of_o all_o our_o previous_a desire_n without_o satisfaction_n to_o which_o you_o very_o well_o know_v there_o can_v be_v no_o profit_n in_o conference_n we_o be_v also_o great_o stumble_v at_o the_o fast_n and_o humiliation_n which_o you_o do_v appoint_v from_o time_n to_o time_n the_o cause_n
be_v general_a and_o ambiguous_a expression_n be_v use_v which_o no_o doubt_n be_v a_o sin_n before_o the_o lord_n if_o in_o any_o case_n sure_o in_o the_o confession_n of_o sin_n and_o transgression_n and_o humiliation_n for_o the_o same_o we_o ought_v to_o study_v to_o be_v clear_a plain_a and_o distinct_a and_o to_o avoid_v ambiguity_n neither_o fear_v the_o power_n of_o man_n upon_o the_o one_o hand_n nor_o desire_v to_o please_v the_o multitude_n upon_o the_o other_o especial_o after_o so_o much_o wrath_n from_o the_o lord_n upon_o the_o land_n we_o know_v and_o desire_v to_o acknowledge_v that_o there_o be_v always_o so_o much_o sin_n and_o iniquity_n abound_v in_o this_o land_n as_o may_v have_v just_o provock_v the_o lord_n to_o anger_n and_o indignation_n but_o in_o the_o lord_n ordinary_a way_n of_o deal_n with_o his_o people_n we_o do_v find_v that_o there_o have_v usual_o be_v some_o public_a sin_n and_o breach_n of_o covenant_n precede_v such_o sad_a judgement_n which_o bring_v their_o other_o sin_n to_o remembrance_n you_o will_v not_o look_v upon_o it_o with_o a_o light_a eye_n that_o so_o many_o of_o the_o godly_a in_o the_o land_n can_v away_o with_o nor_o join_v in_o your_o fast_n and_o humiliation_n and_o that_o all_o the_o wicked_a and_o gross_o profain_v in_o the_o land_n who_o have_v always_o hate_v and_o do_v still_o hate_v the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n in_o their_o power_n and_o purity_n do_v with_o such_o a_o furious_a carnal_a zeal_n defend_v and_o maintain_v your_o humiliation_n and_o careful_o attend_v such_o diet_n and_o opportunity_n with_o delight_n and_o approbation_n and_o yet_o do_v slight_a other_o occasion_n even_o with_o yourselves_o for_o worship_v the_o lord_n we_o take_v no_o pleasure_n to_o mention_v those_o thing_n they_o be_v matter_n of_o lamentation_n unto_o we_o before_o the_o lord_n neither_o be_v it_o our_o purpose_n to_o render_v you_o odious_a and_o if_o our_o duty_n to_o god_n and_o unto_o you_o do_v not_o constrain_v we_o we_o will_v much_o rather_o choose_v to_o be_v altogether_o silent_a in_o such_o a_o evil_a time_n it_o be_v from_o the_o love_n we_o bear_v in_o our_o heart_n towards_o you_o and_o the_o earnest_n desire_v we_o have_v to_o recover_v you_o from_o the_o snare_n into_o which_o you_o have_v fall_v and_o that_o you_o may_v through_o the_o lord_n blessing_n upon_o you_o become_v instrumental_a for_o the_o good_a of_o zion_n in_o the_o day_n of_o her_o calamity_n and_o distress_n we_o do_v therefore_o exhort_v you_o by_o the_o lord_n jesus_n to_o weigh_v these_o thing_n in_o the_o balance_n of_o the_o sanctuary_n and_o to_o take_v with_o your_o sin_n and_o guilt_n therein_o before_o the_o lord_n and_o to_o forsake_v that_o way_n of_o the_o public_a resolution_n as_o that_o which_o be_v great_o displease_v to_o he_o and_o to_o join_v cordial_o with_o your_o brethren_n in_o the_o former_a way_n we_o have_v be_v upon_o for_o carry_v on_o the_o work_n of_o reformation_n which_o be_v acceptable_a in_o the_o lord_n sight_n and_o signal_o bless_v in_o our_o hand_n from_o heaven_n let_v it_o be_v far_o from_o you_o to_o put_v a_o hard_a construction_n upon_o our_o intention_n herein_o or_o upon_o any_o of_o our_o word_n or_o expression_n which_o may_v seem_v harsh_a if_o we_o can_v have_v make_v choice_n of_o smooth_a word_n in_o such_o a_o purpose_n we_o will_v willing_o have_v make_v use_n of_o they_o we_o hope_v likewise_o that_o you_o will_v not_o offend_v at_o the_o freedom_n and_o plainness_n which_o we_o have_v use_v with_o you_o as_o be_v our_o brethren_n it_o be_v a_o great_a sin_n in_o the_o lord_n sight_n to_o make_v a_o man_n a_o offender_n for_o a_o word_n and_o to_o lay_v a_o snare_n for_o he_o that_o reprove_v in_o the_o gate_n but_o how_o excellent_a be_v the_o word_n of_o the_o sweet_a psalmist_n of_o israel_n let_v the_o righteous_a smite_v i_o it_o shall_v be_v a_o kindness_n and_o let_v he_o reprove_v i_o it_o shall_v be_v a_o excellent_a oil_n which_o shall_v not_o break_v my_o head_n if_o we_o will_v rend_v our_o heart_n and_o turn_v unto_o the_o lord_n our_o god_n he_o be_v gracious_a and_o merciful_a slow_a to_o anger_n and_o of_o great_a kindness_n and_o repent_v of_o the_o evil_a who_o know_v but_o he_o will_v repent_v and_o leave_v a_o blessing_n behind_o he_o and_o shall_v yet_o again_o choose_v jerusalem_n and_o dwell_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o we_o sure_o he_o will_v rend_v the_o heaven_n and_o come_v down_o that_o the_o mountain_n may_v flow_v down_o at_o his_o presence_n and_o make_v his_o name_n know_v to_o his_o adversary_n and_o shall_v say_v unto_o we_o fear_v not_o o_o land_n be_v glad_a and_o rejoice_v for_o the_o lord_n will_v do_v great_a thing_n now_o he_o who_o god_n have_v exalt_v with_o his_o right_a hand_n to_o be_v a_o prince_n and_o a_o saviour_n for_o to_o give_v repentance_n unto_o israel_n and_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n fill_v you_o with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o will_n in_o all_o wisdom_n and_o spiritual_a understanding_n and_o the_o god_n of_o peace_n that_o bring_v again_o from_o the_o dead_a our_o lord_n jesus_n that_o great_a shepherd_n of_o the_o sheep_n through_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o everlasting_a covenant_n make_v you_o perfect_a in_o every_o good_a work_n to_o do_v his_o will_n work_v in_o you_o and_o in_o we_o and_o in_o all_o his_o people_n that_o which_o be_v well_o please_v in_o his_o sight_n through_o jesus_n christ_n to_o who_o be_v glory_n for_o ever_o amen_n we_o desire_v you_o to_o communicate_v this_o to_o the_o brethren_n that_o be_v of_o your_o judgement_n in_o these_o difference_n subscribe_v in_o the_o name_n and_o at_o the_o desire_n of_o many_o minister_n elder_n and_o professor_n of_o the_o gospel_n meet_v at_o edinburgh_n the_o 17._o of_o march_n 1653._o by_o mr._n andrew_n cant_n the_o asserter_n answer_v right_o reverend_n we_o receive_v a_o letter_n subscrive_v by_o you_o in_o the_o name_n and_o at_o the_o desire_n of_o many_o minister_n elder_n and_o professor_n meet_v at_o edinburgh_n which_o all_o along_o charge_v we_o and_o those_o of_o our_o judgement_n with_o the_o guilt_n of_o many_o land-destroying_a sin_n and_o with_o obstinacy_n in_o they_o this_o do_v necessitate_v we_o in_o order_n to_o our_o clear_n unto_o those_o among_o who_o that_o your_o letter_n be_v spread_v as_o also_o lest_o you_o take_v our_o silence_n for_o a_o evidence_n of_o our_o conviction_n to_o give_v you_o this_o ensue_a answer_n we_o be_v very_o confident_a that_o you_o who_o plead_v for_o so_o much_o charity_n at_o our_o hand_n while_o you_o be_v load_v we_o with_o such_o a_o weight_n of_o unjust_a and_o odious_a imputation_n will_v take_v it_o well_o from_o we_o while_o we_o go_v about_o to_o clear_v ourselves_o and_o by_o force_n of_o reason_n to_o wipe_v off_o our_o person_n and_o ministry_n that_o contempt_n and_o disgrace_n which_o the_o matter_n of_o your_o letter_n and_o your_o other_o paper_n have_v wrongous_o cast_v upon_o we_o we_o can_v glad_o have_v choose_v to_o be_v as_o deaf_a man_n who_o hear_v not_o and_o as_o dumb_a man_n who_o open_v not_o their_o mouth_n if_o we_o alone_a and_o what_o concern_v we_o only_o do_v herein_o suffer_v but_o for_o zions_n sake_n we_o there_fw-mi not_o hold_v our_o peace_n the_o respect_n we_o owe_v to_o our_o mother_n church_n and_o to_o the_o hitherto_o untainted_a reputation_n of_o many_o faithful_a man_n minister_n elder_n and_o other_o all_o embark_v with_o we_o in_o the_o defence_n of_o one_o common_a truth_n force_v we_o to_o speak_v far_o be_v it_o from_o you_o to_o put_v a_o hard_a construction_n upon_o we_o or_o upon_o any_o of_o our_o word_n and_o expression_n while_o we_o be_v give_v a_o reason_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o practice_n with_o meekness_n and_o fear_n especial_o be_v constrain_v to_o it_o by_o yourselves_o we_o acknowledge_v with_o you_o the_o former_a mercy_n of_o god_n unto_o this_o church_n together_o with_o the_o astonish_a terror_n of_o his_o present_a judgement_n how_o good_a and_o how_o pleasant_a be_v it_o when_o brethren_n dwell_v together_o in_o unity_n it_o be_v like_o precious_a ointment_n the_o dew_n of_o hermon_n than_o the_o lord_n command_v the_o blessing_n our_o church_n then_o look_v forth_o as_o the_o morning_n fair_a as_o the_o moon_n clear_a as_o the_o sun_n and_o terrible_a as_o a_o army_n with_o banner_n how_o excellent_a be_v the_o fruit_n of_o church_n government_n when_o inferior_a judicatories_n and_o person_n of_o all_o rank_n minister_n and_o other_o do_v move_v each_o in_o their_o own_o place_n in_o their_o due_a subordination_n prescribe_v unto_o they_o by_o the_o lord_n christ_n when_o public_a warning_n concern_v danger_n and_o duty_n do_v come_v from_o the_o watchtower_n of_o supreme_a