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cause_n great_a know_v lord_n 3,918 5 3.5901 3 true
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A57049 The representation, propositions, and protestation of divers ministers, elders and professors, for themselves, and in name of many others, well-affected ministers, elders, and people in Scotland presented by the Lord Wareston, Mr. Andrew Cant, Mr. John Livingston, Mr. Samuel Rutherford and diverse others, to the ministers and elders met at Edinburgh, July 21, 1652. Warriston, Archibald Johnston, Lord, 1611-1663. 1652 (1652) Wing R1109; ESTC R10184 12,034 20

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the_o representation_n proposition_n and_o protestation_n of_o divers_a minister_n elder_n and_o professor_n for_o themselves_o and_o in_o name_n of_o many_o other_o well-affected_a minister_n elder_n and_o people_n in_o scotland_n present_v by_o the_o lord_n wareston_n mr._n andrew_n cant_n mr._n john_n livingston_n mr._n samuel_n rutherford_n and_o diverse_a other_o to_o the_o minister_n and_o elder_n meet_v at_o edinburgh_n july_n 21._o 1652._o print_v at_o leith_n by_o evan_n tyler_n 1652._o unto_o the_o reverend_a the_o minister_n and_o elder_n meet_v at_o edinburgh_n july_n 21._o 1652._o it_o be_v represent_v by_o the_o minister_n elder_n and_o professor_n under_o subscribe_v for_o themselves_o and_o in_o the_o name_n of_o many_o other_o well-affected_a minister_n elder_n and_o people_n it_o be_v matter_n of_o unspeakable_a grief_n and_o sorrow_n to_o consider_v how_o great_a indignation_n the_o lord_n have_v let_v forth_o against_o we_o heap_v wrath_n upon_o wrath_n and_o make_v one_o judgement_n to_o follow_v another_o as_o the_o wave_n of_o the_o sea_n and_o for_o the_o most_o part_n the_o fruit_n thereof_o through_o the_o land_n have_v be_v no_o other_o than_o further_o depart_v from_o his_o way_n and_o divide_v one_o from_o another_o in_o judgement_n and_o affection_n our_o breach_n be_v wide_a as_o the_o sea_n and_o who_o can_v heal_v it_o spiritual_a judgement_n especial_o be_v multiply_v upon_o we_o temptation_n abound_v and_o divine_a influence_n be_v restrain_v he_o have_v pour_v upon_o we_o the_o fury_n of_o his_o anger_n and_o the_o strength_n of_o battle_n and_o it_o have_v set_v we_o on_o fire_n round_o about_o yet_o we_o know_v it_o not_o and_o it_o burn_v we_o yet_o we_o lay_v it_o not_o to_o heart_n there_o be_v no_o return_v to_o the_o lord_n his_o hand_n be_v stretch_v out_o still_o and_o be_v there_o not_o great_a cause_n to_o fear_v lest_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o lord_n shall_v depart_v from_o among_o we_o it_o be_v good_a for_o we_o if_o we_o can_v with_o jerusalem_n remember_v all_o our_o desirable_a thing_n which_o we_o have_v in_o the_o day_n of_o old_a and_o compare_v they_o with_o the_o day_n of_o our_o misery_n and_o affliction_n if_o we_o look_v back_o to_o that_o which_o we_o have_v already_o attain_v of_o the_o work_n of_o reformation_n notwithstanding_o our_o short_a come_n in_o the_o power_n and_o practice_n of_o godliness_n what_o purity_n be_v there_o of_o worship_n what_o soundness_n of_o doctrine_n unity_n of_o faithful_a pastor_n order_n and_o authority_n of_o assembly_n what_o endeavour_v for_o promove_v the_o power_n of_o godliness_n for_o purge_n of_o the_o ministry_n judicatory_n and_o army_n and_o for_o employ_v such_o in_o place_n of_o power_n and_o trust_v as_o be_v of_o constant_a integrity_n and_o good_a affection_n to_o the_o cause_n and_o of_o blameless_a conversation_n and_o again_o if_o we_o consider_v how_o in_o place_n of_o these_o within_o these_o two_o year_n have_v succeed_v for_o unity_n division_n for_o order_n confusion_n for_o purity_n of_o worship_n outward_a contempt_n for_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n atheism_n and_o profaneness_n for_o purge_v of_o the_o ministry_n judicatory_n and_o army_n sinful_a mixture_n for_o zeal_n lukewarmness_n and_o toleration_n it_o be_v too_o palpable_a that_o we_o be_v far_o go_v on_o in_o the_o way_n of_o decline_a have_v lose_v much_o of_o that_o which_o we_o have_v attain_v and_o that_o which_o remain_v be_v ready_a to_o die_v if_o we_o look_v before_o we_o it_o seem_v now_o there_o be_v a_o wide_a door_n open_a for_o conjunction_n with_o all_o party_n in_o case_n of_o strait_n and_o necessity_n how_o subtle_a be_v the_o device_n of_o satan_n to_o make_v use_n of_o the_o same_o bad_a principle_n for_o contrary_a end_n and_o may_v we_o not_o make_v use_n of_o what_o be_v say_v in_o former_a time_n to_o the_o decline_a child_n of_o this_o church_n how_o will_v posterity_n blame_v we_o that_o we_o have_v not_o resist_v the_o beginning_n of_o evil_n shall_v not_o their_o heart_n mourn_v when_o they_o shall_v behold_v so_o fair_a a_o fabric_n so_o dear_o conquest_n so_o firm_o ground_v to_o be_v so_o pitiful_o ruin_v be_v their_o father_n if_o we_o look_v inward_a to_o our_o own_o heart_n whether_o we_o have_v have_v most_o of_o the_o lord_n spirit_n with_o we_o in_o the_o old_a way_n or_o the_o late_a and_o whether_o our_o spirit_n be_v then_o more_o with_o the_o lord_n or_o now_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o judge_v if_o we_o look_v about_o we_o on_o every_o hand_n what_o harden_v be_v there_o of_o adversary_n of_o all_o sort_n what_o offence_n give_v to_o the_o weak_a who_o see_v change_n of_o party_n and_o fear_v change_v of_o principle_n and_o interest_n when_o they_o perceive_v conjunction_n with_o those_o against_o who_o the_o covenant_n be_v make_v and_o desert_v of_o these_o for_o who_o it_o be_v make_v and_o see_v man_n interest_n prefer_v to_o the_o lord_n sinful_a mixture_n make_v way_n for_o sinful_a separation_n and_o the_o prefer_n of_o man_n interest_n to_o god_n make_v our_o adversary_n to_o be_v exalt_v over_o we_o thus_o he_o write_v our_o sin_n upon_o our_o judgement_n and_o because_o we_o trust_v his_o interest_n to_o his_o adversary_n therefore_o he_o give_v up_o our_o interest_n to_o the_o power_n of_o our_o adversary_n and_o judgement_n have_v enter_v by_o the_o door_n which_o policy_n have_v lock_v fast_o it_o be_v the_o complaint_n of_o the_o nonconformist_n of_o old_a that_o conformity_n be_v prefer_v to_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o first_o and_o second_o table_n for_o if_o a_o minister_n be_v conform_a gross_a fault_n be_v pass_v over_o in_o silence_n and_o if_o he_o be_v not_o conform_a though_o a_o able_a painful_a and_o gracious_a pastor_n and_o blameless_a in_o his_o conversation_n yet_o he_o be_v the_o object_n of_o persecution_n this_o be_v hold_v by_o the_o nonconformist_n a_o sure_a sign_n of_o defection_n in_o the_o church_n we_o wish_v there_o be_v nothing_o like_o this_o among_o we_o and_o that_o insufficient_a and_o scandalous_a minister_n make_v not_o a_o sanctuary_n of_o the_o public_a resolution_n what_o act_n be_v make_v against_o expectant_n student_n and_o profedors_n which_o be_v not_o of_o this_o judgement_n we_o desire_v may_v be_v remember_v and_o we_o have_v it_o to_o regrate_a that_o too_o many_o make_v it_o their_o practice_n upon_o this_o ground_n to_o debar_v such_o as_o will_v be_v useful_a in_o the_o lord_n vineyard_n how_o great_a influence_n this_o have_v also_o have_v and_o may_v far_o have_v in_o all_o election_n we_o need_v not_o mention_v how_o much_o precious_a time_n have_v the_o public_a resolution_n cause_v to_o be_v spend_v in_o debate_n and_o thereby_o many_o diversion_n from_o most_o necessary_a duty_n etc._n etc._n be_v matter_n of_o great_a stumble_n both_o to_o the_o weak_a and_o to_o stranger_n which_o be_v among_o we_o that_o gross_a ignorance_n and_o scandal_n be_v not_o only_o to_o be_v find_v in_o professor_n uncensured_a but_o also_o among_o elder_n and_o that_o many_o minister_n be_v not_o only_o careless_a to_o instruct_v the_o ignorant_a and_o to_o endeavour_v that_o scandal_n may_v be_v censure_v but_o some_o be_v open_o give_v to_o the_o same_o themselves_o and_o not_o only_o no_o course_n take_v to_o censure_v they_o but_o some_o who_o have_v be_v just_o censure_v for_o profaneness_n and_o malignancy_n be_v readmit_v and_o unqualified_a expectant_n in_o some_o place_n put_v in_o the_o ministry_n the_o approbation_n of_o the_o public_a resolution_n be_v make_v a_o main_a part_n of_o qualification_n we_o hope_v it_o will_v be_v easy_o acknowledge_v on_o all_o hand_n that_o there_o have_v be_v a_o great_a backslide_n of_o heart_n from_o the_o lord_n for_o the_o which_o we_o be_v fill_v with_o our_o own_o way_n we_o trust_v also_o that_o there_o be_v few_o that_o will_v deny_v that_o the_o lord_n quarrel_n against_o we_o be_v for_o his_o break_a covenant_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v that_o he_o have_v threaten_v against_o we_o as_o against_o israel_n not_o only_o that_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v a_o kingdom_n but_o that_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v a_o nation_n nor_o a_o church_n but_o put_v away_o by_o a_o bill_n of_o divorce_n it_o be_v high-time_n for_o we_o then_o to_o search_v and_o try_v our_o way_n and_o turn_v again_o to_o the_o lord_n let_v we_o examine_v by_o what_o way_n we_o have_v depart_v from_o he_o that_o by_o the_o same_o step_n we_o may_v return_v wherein_o the_o land_n have_v decline_v from_o their_o swear_a covenant_n with_o the_o lord_n and_o know_v principle_n before_o this_o ruin_n come_v upon_o we_o and_o wherein_o they_o have_v sithence_o further_o depart_v by_o stay_v upon_o those_o that_o smite_v they_o and_o forsake_v the_o lord_n the_o covenant_v god_n of_o this_o nation_n it_o be_v
diverse_a worthy_a and_o gracious_a man_n of_o who_o we_o shall_v ever_o esteem_v honourable_a and_o love_v they_o dear_o upon_o consideration_n of_o the_o strait_n and_o pressure_n of_o the_o time_n concur_v also_o with_o they_o in_o the_o public_a resolution_n that_o party_n perceive_v that_o they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o endure_v trial_n in_o a_o time_n of_o reformation_n and_o purge_n begin_v the_o last_o year_n to_o lift_v up_o their_o head_n and_o speak_v the_o language_n of_o their_o own_o be_v much_o encourage_v by_o the_o constitution_n act_n and_o censure_n of_o the_o pretend_a assembly_n at_o s._n andrews_n and_o dundee_n they_o have_v so_o strengthen_v themselves_o by_o their_o practice_n since_o in_o the_o judicatory_n of_o the_o kirk_n as_o they_o now_o carry_v the_o determination_n thereof_o to_o their_o own_o end_n and_o may_v we_o not_o with_o sad_a heart_n say_v what_o can_v be_v expect_v from_o such_o of_o who_o we_o have_v experience_n how_o forward_o they_o be_v to_o favour_v wicked_a man_n and_o every_o evil_a course_n to_o persecute_v such_o as_o make_v conscience_n to_o seek_v the_o lord_n in_o sincerity_n of_o heart_n and_o suppress_v the_o power_n of_o godliness_n and_o to_o open_v the_o door_n of_o the_o ministry_n to_o such_o as_o for_o insufficiency_n scandal_n or_o disaffection_n have_v be_v just_o depose_v and_o to_o bring_v in_o the_o like_a in_o regard_n whereof_o we_o wish_v there_o be_v not_o too_o great_a cause_n to_o make_v use_n of_o the_o word_n of_o the_o prophet_n i_o have_v see_v also_o in_o the_o prophet_n of_o jerusalem_n say_v the_o lord_n a_o herrid_a thing_n they_o strengthen_v the_o hand_n of_o evil_a doer_n that_o none_o do_v return_v from_o his_o wickedness_n therefore_o thus_o say_v the_o lord_n of_o host_n concerning_o the_o prophet_n behold_v i_o will_v feed_v they_o with_o wormwood_n and_o make_v they_o drink_v the_o water_n of_o gall_n for_o from_o the_o prophet_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v profaneness_n go_v forth_o into_o all_o the_o land_n these_o thing_n we_o speak_v not_o to_o reflect_v upon_o the_o ordinance_n of_o jesus_n christ_n in_o this_o land_n it_o shall_v be_v our_o steadfast_a purpose_n as_o the_o lord_n shall_v enable_v we_o to_o maintain_v the_o doctrine_n worship_n discipline_n and_o government_n of_o this_o kirk_n and_o particular_o the_o national_a assembly_n which_o we_o look_v upon_o as_o a_o rich_a privilege_n and_o special_a blessing_n from_o heaven_n for_o suppress_v error_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o profaneness_n on_o the_o other_o so_o long_o as_o they_o be_v preserve_v from_o corruption_n in_o the_o constitution_n thereof_o and_o we_o trust_v all_o who_o be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o principle_n and_o practice_n of_o our_o worthy_a predecessor_n and_o of_o the_o learned_a and_o godly_a nonconformist_n in_o england_n will_v easy_o see_v how_o far_o we_o be_v from_o their_o judgement_n who_o follow_v the_o way_n of_o separation_n we_o hold_v it_o our_o duty_n firm_o to_o adhere_v to_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n wherein_o through_o the_o lord_n goodness_n we_o do_v this_o day_n enjoy_v the_o purity_n of_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n and_o the_o government_n which_o christ_n have_v appoint_v in_o his_o house_n though_o there_o be_v corruption_n in_o the_o constitution_n of_o a_o pretend_a assembly_n whereby_o we_o be_v deprive_v of_o the_o benefit_n of_o a_o free_a lawful_a and_o well_o constitute_v assembly_n for_o the_o present_a where_o we_o meet_v with_o corruption_n we_o shall_v the_o lord_n assist_v disclaim_v and_o oppose_v they_o and_o herein_o we_o have_v the_o approbation_n of_o the_o first_o and_o second_o assembly_n of_o this_o kirk_n in_o the_o beginning_n of_o this_o last_o reformation_n the_o one_o annul_n and_o declare_v void_a six_o several_a assembly_n upon_o many_o of_o the_o same_o ground_n for_o which_o we_o do_v protest_v against_o the_o present_a corrupt_a assembly_n and_o the_o other_o have_v clear_o determine_v the_o keep_n and_o authorise_v corrupt_a general_n assembly_n to_o have_v be_v one_o of_o the_o chief_a cause_n of_o the_o many_o evil_n which_o have_v befall_v this_o church_n we_o trust_v in_o the_o lord_n our_o god_n that_o our_o action_n shall_v abundant_o witness_v for_o we_o in_o this_o respect_n and_o so_o we_o shall_v not_o further_o insist_v upon_o it_o we_o have_v clear_a ground_n in_o scripture_n to_o warrant_v we_o to_o plead_v and_o testific_a against_o corruption_n and_o therefore_o be_v sensible_a that_o there_o be_v a_o course_n of_o defection_n carry_v on_o in_o the_o church_n we_o have_v endeavour_v first_o to_o prevent_v the_o same_o in_o the_o beginning_n thereof_o and_o afterward_o to_o give_v testimony_n against_o it_o as_o it_o come_v to_o be_v discover_v to_o we_o we_o have_v since_o study_v in_o a_o christian_a and_o brotherly_a way_n to_o reclaim_v the_o author_n thereof_o and_o these_o that_o have_v concur_v with_o they_o and_o now_o when_o still_o we_o 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therefore_o from_o the_o zeal_n we_o owe_v to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n to_o this_o cause_n and_o truth_n the_o duty_n of_o our_o calling_n as_o set_v for_o the_o defence_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o according_a to_o our_o covenant_n wherein_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o prevent_v and_o reveal_v all_o party_n and_o course_n contrary_a thereunto_o from_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o awful_a judgement_n of_o a_o angry_a god_n both_o feel_v and_o fear_v for_o these_o begin_v and_o continue_a in-defection_n that_o we_o may_v according_a to_o the_o example_n of_o our_o forefather_n acquit_v ourselves_o as_o guiltless_a of_o this_o grow_a apostasy_n to_o the_o present_a age_n and_o transmit_v to_o our_o posterity_n the_o right_a constitution_n of_o free_a and_o lawful_a general_n assembly_n and_o to_o prevent_v the_o lord_n give_v a_o bill_n of_o divorce_n to_o the_o land_n we_o do_v hereby_o solemn_o declare_v and_o protest_v against_o the_o constitution_n authority_n act_n and_o proceed_n of_o this_o pretend_a assembly_n
therefore_o for_o satisfaction_n of_o our_o conscience_n and_o for_o the_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 i._n 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 our_o covenant_n and_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 uncontraversed_a assembly_n of_o this_o church_n for_o advance_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_v of_o the_o ordinance_n censure_v of_o scandalous_a person_n receive_v of_o penitent_n try_v admit_v remove_v and_o depose_v of_o church_n officer_n they_o walk_v according_a to_o the_o same_o ii_o that_o it_o may_v 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_n 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 iii_o 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 of_o 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 desire_v to_o know_v what_o shall_v be_v the_o character_n in_o time_n come_v by_o which_o malignant_n may_v be_v know_v and_o judge_v iv._o 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 from_o be_v church_n officer_n as_o have_v not_o the_o positive_a qualification_n require_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o act_n of_o this_o kirk_n particular_o that_o minister_n depose_v by_o lawful_a assembly_n who_o have_v intrude_v themselves_o or_o have_v be_v unwarnantable_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 remove_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 v._o that_o effectual_a 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 vi_o 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_a to_o the_o gospel_n and_o have_v not_o the_o knowledge_n to_o examine_v themselves_o and_o to_o discern_v the_o lord_n body_n vii_o 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 concerning_o the_o receive_n of_o penitent_n viii_o 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 bath_n already_o and_o may_v further_o ensue_v from_o the_o late_a pretend_a assembly_n at_o st._n andrews_n and_o dundee_n and_o the_o act_n thereof_o and_o for_o preserve_v the_o right_a constitution_n of_o free_a general_n assembly_n for_o time_n to_o come_v subscribe_v in_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 by_o mr._n andrew_n cant._n unto_o the_o reverend_a the_o minister_n and_o elder_n meet_v at_o edinburgh_n july_n 21._o 1652._o the_o protestation_n of_o the_o minister_n elder_n and_o professor_n under_o subscribe_v for_o themselves_o and_o in_o name_n of_o many_o other_o well-affected_a minister_n elder_n and_o people_n it_o be_v so_o well_o know_v to_o divers_a of_o your_o number_n what_o peaceable_a endeavour_n we_o have_v use_v without_o success_n in_o order_n to_o the_o remove_n of_o the_o difference_n that_o be_v among_o we_o that_o we_o shall_v not_o trouble_v you_o therewith_o nor_o how_o we_o be_v neglect_v in_o the_o send_v timeous_a advertisement_n for_o your_o last_o meeting_n in_o this_o place_n where_o a_o desire_n of_o reconciliation_n be_v present_v but_o peremptory_o the_o elect_n and_o send_v of_o commissioner_n from_o presbytery_n to_o keep_v the_o day_n indict_v by_o the_o pretend_a authority_n of_o the_o meeting_n at_o dundee_n be_v conclude_v on_o as_o the_o only_o mean_v to_o heal_v our_o breach_n and_o not_o so_o much_o as_o some_o few_o day_n of_o delay_n can_v be_v obtain_v by_o these_o few_o of_o our_o number_n which_o be_v then_o present_a whereby_o they_o may_v give_v advertisement_n to_o other_o we_o have_v labour_v with_o some_o in_o private_a and_o have_v give_v a_o paper_n to_o all_o in_o public_a with_o some_o proposition_n wherein_o we_o have_v the_o concurrence_n of_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o godly_a in_o the_o land_n earnest_o entreat_v a_o conference_n wherein_o we_o may_v have_v opportunity_n with_o the_o lord_n assistance_n to_o have_v lay_v before_o you_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o lord_n controversy_n against_o the_o land_n and_o how_o we_o may_v be_v unite_v in_o the_o lord_n be_v ready_a also_o to_o have_v hear_v what_o you_o shall_v offer_v to_o we_o upon_o the_o same_o subject_n but_o this_o you_o have_v deny_v unto_o we_o and_o proceed_v to_o assume_v the_o power_n and_o constitute_v yourselves_o into_o a_o general_n assembly_n it_o be_v a_o burden_n upon_o our_o spirit_n and_o we_o have_v no_o delight_n to_o be_v contest_v with_o and_o oppose_v any_o who_o profess_v themselves_o to_o be_v maintainer_n of_o the_o government_n of_o this_o kirk_n but_o the_o truth_n be_v with_o grief_n of_o heart_n we_o desire_v to_o speak_v it_o for_o we_o think_v that_o it_o do_v much_o provoke_v the_o lord_n and_o threaten_v his_o departure_n from_o the_o land_n that_o although_o with_o the_o renew_n of_o the_o national_a covenant_n and_o with_o the_o cast_v out_o of_o prelate_n and_o the_o corruption_n introduce_v by_o they_o the_o lord_n be_v gracious_o please_v to_o give_v repentance_n to_o not_o a_o few_o who_o be_v involve_v in_o that_o defection_n yet_o since_o that_o time_n there_o have_v always_o remain_v a_o corrupt_a party_n of_o insufficient_a scandalous_a and_o ill-affected_a minister_n in_o this_o kirk_n enemy_n to_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n and_o obstructer_n of_o the_o work_n of_o reformation_n and_o purge_v of_o the_o kirk_n whereof_o many_o be_v swear_v vassal_n to_o the_o prelate_n as_o we_o be_v able_a to_o make_v good_a by_o their_o subscription_n to_o horrid_a oath_n this_o party_n comply_v with_o the_o time_n and_o pretend_v for_o reformation_n though_o they_o be_v groan_v under_o it_o as_o a_o heavy_a yoke_n which_o they_o can_v not_o endure_v as_o do_v appear_v by_o their_o carriage_n and_o expression_n upon_o several_a occasion_n when_o any_o revolution_n offer_v they_o the_o opportunity_n of_o discover_v their_o mind_n particular_o in_o the_o time_n of_o james_n graham_n prevail_v and_o of_o the_o engagement_n against_o england_n and_o have_v of_o lategotten_a a_o great_a advantage_n then_o at_o any_o time_n before_o since_o the_o beginning_n of_o this_o reformation_n by_o the_o public_a resolution_n and_o act_n of_o the_o commission_n for_o bring_v in_o of_o the_o malignant_a party_n to_o place_n of_o power_n and_o trust_v and_o bear_v down_o of_o such_o as_o be_v opposer_n of_o these_o resolution_n and_o have_v be_v faithful_a and_o straight_a in_o the_o cause_n and_o stir_v up_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n against_o they_o subject_v also_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o word_n in_o the_o mouth_n of_o christ_n ambassador_n for_o the_o reproof_n of_o sin_n to_o the_o immediate_a judicial_a cognisance_n restraint_n and_o censure_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n contrary_a to_o the_o many_o act_n and_o practice_n of_o our_o predecessor_n ground_v on_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o our_o covenant_n have_v the_o countenance_n of_o king_n state_n and_o army_n and_o