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temptation_n we_o have_v not_o be_v behind_o the_o great_a zealot_n for_o the_o public_a resolution_n in_o bear_v testimony_n for_o the_o doctrine_n worship_n discipline_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n and_o for_o all_o thing_n relate_v to_o our_o religion_n and_o liberty_n and_o yet_o not_o we_o but_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o we_o vindication_n seventhly_o take_v upon_o they_o judicial_o to_o determine_v a_o general_n assembly_n convene_v continue_a and_o close_v to_o be_v a_o unlawful_a constitute_v assembly_n and_o judicial_o to_o condemn_v the_o act_n thereof_o which_o no_o power_n on_o earth_n can_v do_v inferior_a to_o another_o gen._n assembly_n and_o to_o assume_v unto_o themselves_o the_o authority_n of_o a_o public_a judicatory_a in_o the_o kirk_n as_o have_v commission_n from_o another_o prio_fw-la assembly_n before_o it_o be_v examine_v and_o determine_v by_o a_o judge_n competent_a whether_o the_o interveen_a assembly_n who_o meeting_n if_o 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their_o profession_n and_o the_o establish_a government_n i_o leave_v it_o to_o be_v judge_v by_o what_o follow_v in_o the_o examination_n of_o the_o reason_n they_o allege_v for_o what_o they_o do_v review_n i_o shall_v not_o debate_v with_o the_o author_n whether_o they_o have_v take_v upon_o they_o judicial_o to_o determine_v the_o nullity_n of_o the_o assembly_n at_o st._n andrews_n and_o dundee_n and_o judicial_o to_o condemn_v the_o act_n thereof_o though_o he_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v it_o may_v be_v that_o he_o have_v some_o difficulty_n to_o prove_v it_o from_o any_o deed_n of_o they_o but_o the_o hinge_n of_o this_o whole_a business_n in_o reference_n to_o that_o assembly_n and_o the_o act_n thereof_o and_o the_o set_n up_o and_o proceed_v of_o the_o commission_n of_o the_o prior_n assembly_n of_o the_o year_n 1650._o be_v in_o this_o whether_o that_o meeting_n at_o st._n andrews_n be_v a_o lawful_a free_a general_n assembly_n for_o if_o it_o be_v not_o so_o then_o be_v it_o null_a ab_fw-la initio_fw-la and_o the_o commission_n of_o the_o prior_n assembly_n be_v full_a in_o power_n and_o therefore_o be_v not_o guilty_a of_o usurpation_n or_o of_o the_o assume_v of_o any_o authority_n which_o be_v not_o competent_a for_o they_o but_o do_v only_o exercise_v that_o which_o be_v give_v they_o whereof_o they_o have_v still_o the_o just_a possession_n and_o the_o case_n be_v thus_o as_o i_o hope_v it_o shall_v be_v make_v to_o appear_v notwithstanding_o of_o any_o thing_n the_o author_n have_v say_v to_o the_o contrary_a may_v not_o the_o commission_n be_v clear_o convince_v upon_o good_a ground_n of_o the_o unlawfulnesse_n unfreedome_n and_o corruptness_n of_o that_o meeting_n and_o the_o act_n thereof_o with_o the_o advice_n of_o diverse_a minister_n from_o several_a part_n of_o the_o land_n agree_v upon_o this_o as_o one_o
provocation_n which_o be_v great_a and_o many_o they_o will_v by_o this_o also_o have_v be_v accessary_a to_o what_o the_o nation_n smart_v under_o this_o day_n as_o the_o righteous_a reward_n of_o such_o revolt_n from_o god_n and_o therefore_o if_o you_o have_v no_o more_o to_o instance_n but_o this_o it_o do_v not_o prove_v but_o that_o they_o may_v all_o of_o they_o be_v still_o call_v faithful_a and_o honest_a man_n second_o he_o say_v be_v it_o so_o that_o some_o be_v wont_a to_o be_v choose_v commissioner_n who_o be_v not_o now_o choose_v yet_o this_o be_v little_a to_o the_o point_n that_o election_n be_v carry_v by_o influence_n of_o the_o commission_n letter_n and_o act._n but_o grant_v that_o presbytery_n do_v upon_o that_o letter_n and_o act_n leave_v their_o wont_a way_n these_o year_n pass_v in_o thâ—ir_a election_n it_o be_v to_o the_o point_n in_o hand_n because_o it_o be_v praesumptio_fw-la juris_fw-la &_o de_fw-fr jure_fw-la that_o this_o change_n flow_v from_o the_o 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do_v and_o the_o commissioner_n as_o the_o author_n assertion_n will_v import_v have_v such_o a_o impression_n of_o the_o same_o upon_o their_o spirit_n if_o the_o author_n will_v speak_v his_o conscience_n i_o think_v he_o will_v not_o deny_v but_o if_o these_o man_n who_o he_o say_v to_o have_v be_v exclude_v upon_o that_o ground_n have_v be_v for_o the_o public_a resolution_n even_o these_o among_o they_o who_o that_o ground_n may_v have_v be_v conceive_v to_o reach_v most_o will_v have_v be_v choose_v and_o admit_v commissioner_n as_o well_o as_o other_o if_o the_o whole_a church_n be_v grow_v sensible_a of_o this_o thing_n sure_o the_o meeting_n at_o st._n andrews_n do_v little_a regard_n or_o express_v it_o when_o they_o choose_v one_o to_o be_v their_o moderator_n who_o not_o only_o have_v be_v moderator_n of_o the_o former_a commission_n who_o proceed_n be_v then_o in_o question_n and_o to_o be_v examine_v but_o also_o in_o many_o precede_a commission_n and_o aâ—len_a biâ—es_n and_o who_o have_v be_v a_o chief_a aâ—tor_n all_o that_o while_n in_o all_o these_o thing_n that_o concern_v public_a government_n which_o i_o speak_v not_o to_o bear_v any_o particular_a blame_n upon_o he_o or_o upon_o his_o carriage_n but_o to_o let_v see_v that_o either_o the_o whole_a church_n be_v not_o grow_v sensible_a of_o this_o as_o the_o author_n insinuate_v or_o else_o that_o hâ—r_a sense_n of_o it_o in_o her_o representative_a be_v let_v out_o or_o hold_v in_o upon_o man_n according_a to_o their_o judgement_n and_o carriage_n in_o the_o public_a resolution_n and_o so_o be_v not_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o presbytery_n not_o choose_v such_o as_o they_o be_v wont_a to_o choose_v three_o thaâ—_n few_o opposer_n be_v choose_v he_o think_v it_o be_v no_o wonder_n because_o they_o be_v but_o few_o in_o comparison_n of_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o land_n how_o few_o soever_o they_o be_v in_o comparison_n of_o thâ—_n rest_n of_o the_o ministry_n in_o the_o land_n yet_o these_o of_o they_o who_o be_v former_o wont_v to_o be_v choose_v commissioner_n be_v not_o few_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o commissioner_n neither_o yet_o be_v they_o so_o few_o as_o the_o author_n reckon_v they_o when_o he_o say_v that_o four_o part_n of_o five_o of_o the_o presbytery_n have_v in_o they_o at_o that_o time_n no_o opposer_n to_o the_o public_a resolution_n nay_o they_o be_v and_o be_v still_o a_o very_a considerable_a number_n and_o whensoever_o a_o exact_a calculation_n shall_v be_v make_v by_o a_o particular_a list_n of_o the_o whole_a ministry_n in_o the_o land_n and_o of_o these_o who_o be_v against_o the_o public_a resolution_n at_o the_o time_n of_o the_o election_n and_o of_o the_o whole_a commissioner_n of_o the_o assembly_n at_o s._n andrews_n and_o dundee_n i_o believe_v it_o shall_v be_v find_v that_o the_o number_n of_o commissioner_n who_o be_v choose_v from_o among_o these_o who_o be_v against_o the_o public_a resolution_n 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opposite_a to_o the_o public_a resolution_n who_o desire_n be_v condescend_v unto_o with_o condition_n that_o their_o shall_v be_v a_o three_o commissioner_n it_o be_v in_o the_o mean_a while_n suggest_v in_o private_a that_o he_o who_o have_v first_o appear_v in_o the_o protestation_n against_o the_o opposer_n may_v be_v the_o man_n which_o i_o relate_v not_o upon_o hear-say_n but_o upon_o the_o subscribe_v testimony_n of_o these_o who_o be_v witness_n to_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n so_o i_o hope_v that_o nothing_o against_o the_o truth_n have_v be_v assert_v by_o the_o writer_n in_o this_o part_n of_o his_o answer_n the_o author_n say_v in_o a_o parenthesis_n that_o dissent_v in_o the_o enumeration_n be_v idle_o reckon_v up_o why_o he_o shall_v say_v so_o i_o do_v not_o conjecture_v unless_o that_o it_o be_v he_o think_v dissent_v and_o protest_v the_o same_o thing_n which_o they_o be_v not_o as_o appear_v clear_o from_o a_o act_n of_o the_o assembly_n 1644._o concern_v dissent_n 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church_n be_v a_o heavy_a imputation_n yet_o be_v conscious_a to_o themselves_o of_o their_o own_o innocence_n they_o be_v not_o much_o move_v with_o it_o remember_v that_o it_o be_v the_o common_a topick_n whence_o decliner_n in_o all_o the_o age_n of_o the_o church_n have_v argue_v against_o these_o who_o will_v not_o be_v consent_v unto_o or_o do_v testify_v against_o their_o defection_n peace_n and_o unity_n have_v be_v their_o plea_n and_o sedition_n division_n and_o schism_n their_o charge_n against_o their_o opposer_n upon_o this_o account_n do_v the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o his_o apostle_n by_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n and_o elder_n of_o the_o jew_n luther_n and_o calvin_n and_o our_o first_o reformer_n by_o the_o pope_n and_o his_o clergy_n nonformists_n by_o the_o prelate_n and_o their_o adherent_n stand_v record_v in_o the_o catalogue_n of_o these_o who_o practise_v to_o foment_n division_n and_o fix_v a_o schism_n in_o the_o church_n 3._o it_o be_v assert_v that_o 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vain_o nor_o boast_o spread_v it_o to_o the_o provoke_a of_o any_o so_o do_v they_o not_o purposely_o keep_v it_o up_o from_o any_o of_o whatsoever_o judgement_n but_o be_v willing_a and_o desirous_a that_o it_o shall_v go_v abroad_o for_o edify_v of_o as_o many_o as_o the_o lord_n shall_v be_v please_v to_o bless_v it_o unto_o and_o therefore_o do_v they_o not_o only_o give_v copy_n to_o such_o as_o do_v desire_v they_o but_o also_o do_v use_v some_o mean_n to_o have_v get_v it_o print_v and_o can_v get_v none_o to_o undertake_v it_o vindication_n before_o i_o fall_v upon_o the_o examination_n of_o the_o reason_n bring_v against_o and_o the_o discovery_n of_o the_o false_a aspersion_n cast_v upon_o the_o assembly_n by_o these_o paper_n mention_v i_o do_v obtest_v the_o reader_n whosoever_o he_o be_v into_o who_o hand_n this_o vindication_n shall_v come_v in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o as_o thou_o
there_o be_v any_o who_o deserve_v the_o name_n of_o the_o prime_a contriver_n and_o stickler_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o protestation_n it_o be_v some_o of_o these_o who_o have_v no_o hand_n in_o these_o high_a course_n which_o he_o mention_n and_o who_o upon_o his_o account_n be_v among_o the_o simple_a one_o these_o crime_n which_o he_o do_v so_o positive_o and_o without_o hesitation_n charge_n upon_o some_o especial_o be_v so_o heinous_a and_o great_a it_o will_v seem_v that_o both_o charity_n and_o and_o justice_n will_v have_v require_v that_o he_o have_v bring_v some_o good_a evidence_n of_o they_o lest_o haply_o his_o reader_n trust_v not_o his_o naked_a assertion_n in_o that_o which_o do_v not_o only_o reach_v the_o reputation_n but_o also_o the_o life_n and_o be_v of_o other_o and_o if_o he_o will_v have_v man_n to_o believe_v their_o tenet_n to_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o mind_n and_o practice_n of_o all_o orthodox_n church_n and_o to_o the_o faith_n he_o will_v do_v well_o to_o prove_v they_o to_o be_v so_o until_o he_o do_v it_o he_o will_v i_o hope_v allow_v charity_n to_o these_o who_o deny_v it_o some_o of_o the_o great_a divine_n of_o this_o church_n and_o of_o this_o age_n who_o praise_n be_v in_o all_o the_o reform_a church_n do_v affirm_v and_o have_v prove_v the_o contrary_a and_o if_o the_o author_n assertion_n be_v true_a i_o fear_v not_o to_o say_v that_o the_o mind_n and_o practice_n of_o this_o church_n these_o year_n past_a have_v not_o be_v orthodox_n nor_o agreeable_a to_o the_o faith_n in_o order_n to_o these_o tenet_n because_o they_o have_v be_v clear_o teach_v and_o practise_v by_o this_o church_n these_o year_n past_a and_o a_o man_n but_o slender_o see_v in_o the_o doctrine_n thereof_o may_v bring_v forth_o these_o tenet_n assert_v by_o this_o church_n in_o the_o same_o letter_n and_o sillabes_fw-la and_o may_v give_v clear_a instance_n of_o her_o practice_n a-agreeing_a with_o the_o same_o it_o have_v be_v do_v already_o 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can_v have_v more_o endanger_v these_o it_o be_v a_o speedy_a way_n to_o expose_v they_o to_o the_o censure_n both_o of_o church_n and_o state_n as_o do_v appear_v in_o the_o sequel_n some_o of_o they_o because_o of_o their_o protest_v be_v depose_v by_o that_o assembly_n and_o other_o of_o they_o confine_v by_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n and_o there_o be_v ground_n to_o presume_v that_o they_o will_v have_v be_v proceed_v against_o with_o further_a censure_n both_o civil_a and_o ecclesiastic_a if_o the_o lord_n have_v not_o stop_v the_o current_n of_o these_o thing_n if_o this_o be_v their_o safe_a way_n why_o do_v man_n of_o his_o own_o judgement_n so_o frequent_o say_v that_o if_o the_o protestation_n have_v be_v forbear_v the_o assembly_n will_v not_o have_v censure_v any_o no_o not_o in_o the_o case_n of_o their_o adhere_n to_o their_o judgement_n and_o dissent_v from_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o assembly_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o public_a resolution_n if_o we_o shall_v take_v safety_n in_o order_n to_o the_o cause_n they_o can_v not_o be_v so_o dull_a as_o to_o think_v that_o their_o protest_v against_o the_o assembly_n will_v keep_v the_o assembly_n from_o try_v and_o judge_v of_o their_o cause_n or_o other_o indifferent_a man_n from_o search_v into_o the_o same_o and_o if_o before_o the_o protestation_n it_o can_v not_o abide_v the_o trial_n it_o do_v but_o put_v they_o in_o a_o much_o worse_a condition_n to_o protest_v upon_o a_o unwarrantable_a ground_n it_o be_v worse_o to_o defend_v two_o evil_a cause_n than_o one_o and_o therefore_o it_o do_v not_o appear_v from_o these_o thing_n that_o self-interest_n be_v the_o spring_n from_o whence_o these_o act_n do_v flow_v yea_o the_o contrary_n if_o any_o thing_n be_v manifest_a because_o by_o such_o a_o way_n they_o can_v expect_v nothing_o but_o the_o hightning_n of_o all_o former_a reproach_n cast_v on_o they_o the_o expose_v of_o themselves_o to_o the_o censure_n both_o of_o church_n and_o state_n if_o man_n that_o in_o all_o their_o precious_a interest_n must_v be_v sufferer_n because_o of_o their_o do_v of_o such_o thing_n be_v lead_v to_o act_v therein_o upon_o a_o principle_n of_o selfish_a interest_n we_o leave_v it_o to_o judicious_a and_o indifferent_a man_n to_o consider_v and_o give_v their_o judgement_n whether_o it_o be_v very_o apparent_a yea_o or_o not_o it_o be_v true_a that_o some_o two_o or_o three_o do_v partly_o by_o the_o persuasion_n and_o partly_o by_o the_o threaten_n of_o some_o at_o dundee_n resile_v a_o little_a from_o the_o testimony_n which_o they_o have_v give_v at_o st_n andrews_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o protestation_n which_o within_o a_o short_a time_n thereafter_o they_o do_v repent_v of_o and_o again_o adhere_v to_o their_o former_a testimony_n not_o upon_o any_o selfish-interest_n or_o eye_n to_o credit_n or_o advantage_n as_o the_o author_n affirm_v there_o be_v no_o appearance_n first_o or_o last_o that_o by_o adhere_v to_o the_o protestation_n they_o can_v gain_v any_o of_o these_o thing_n but_o on_o the_o check_n of_o their_o own_o conscience_n and_o the_o voice_n they_o hear_v behind_o they_o say_v this_o be_v the_o way_n walk_v you_o in_o it_o when_o they_o have_v turn_v aside_o some_o of_o they_o be_v since_o that_o time_n take_v out_o of_o the_o land_n of_o the_o live_n and_o i_o trust_v be_v now_o in_o glory_n and_o i_o can_v assure_v the_o author_n and_o all_o other_o and_o if_o it_o be_v doubt_v i_o will_v get_v it_o attest_v under_o the_o hand_n of_o famous_a witness_n that_o after_o their_o resil_n from_o that_o testimony_n they_o have_v no_o peace_n nor_o quietness_n in_o their_o spirit_n for_o a_o long_a time_n but_o go_v down_o mourning_n to_o their_o grave_n because_o they_o have_v so_o do_v and_o upon_o their_o death_n bed_n do_v often_o and_o sad_o bemoan_v it_o that_o they_o have_v miss_v the_o opportunity_n to_o give_v some_o public_a testimony_n and_o declaration_n with_o other_o of_o their_o sorrow_n for_o the_o same_o and_o of_o their_o purpose_n and_o resolution_n to_o adhere_v to_o the_o protestation_n it_o have_v be_v no_o loss_n to_o the_o author_n nor_o his_o cause_n to_o have_v spare_v such_o sharp_a let_v i_o not_o say_v bitter_a and_o personal_a reflection_n upon_o conscientious_a and_o godly_a man_n as_o he_o many_o time_n needless_o use_v he_o and_o all_o other_o who_o eye_n god_n have_v open_v to_o see_v their_o way_n can_v but_o be_v conscious_a to_o themselves_o of_o their_o own_o wander_n and_o how_o much_o they_o owe_v to_o the_o exceed_a riches_n of_o the_o mercy_n and_o free_a grace_n of_o god_n that_o have_v recover_v they_o out_o of_o snare_n vindication_n second_o estimation_n of_o the_o person_n the_o author_n or_o abettor_n of_o this_o protestation_n god_n forbid_v i_o shall_v think_v say_v or_o advise_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o prejudice_n or_o disadvantage_n of_o godliness_n or_o godly_a person_n neither_o shall_v i_o question_v their_o godliness_n my_o judgement_n concern_v some_o yea_o many_o of_o they_o be_v very_o positive_a have_v by_o experience_n and_o acquaintance_n see_v i_o must_v say_v much_o of_o the_o image_n of_o jesus_n christ_n in_o they_o as_o for_o other_o what_o ever_o they_o have_v be_v every_o whit_n i_o take_v not_o on_o i_o to_o judge_v they_o nor_o yet_o think_v i_o it_o pertinent_a or_o fit_a so_o to_o do_v that_o there_o be_v godly_a man_n not_o a_o few_o on_o the_o other_o side_n too_o be_v manifest_a some_o that_o be_v in_o christ_n before_o they_o and_o man_n that_o have_v suffer_v for_o the_o truth_n and_o cause_n of_o god_n when_o other_o have_v not_o the_o honour_n to_o be_v doer_n for_o it_o and_o be_v ready_a to_o suffer_v if_o he_o shall_v call_v they_o to_o it_o though_o some_o uncharitable_o
the_o committee_n of_o estate_n be_v about_o the_o condemn_a of_o the_o remonstrance_n they_o have_v it_o in_o commission_n from_o these_o that_o send_v they_o and_o think_v it_o incumbent_n to_o they_o in_o duty_n to_o desire_v a_o answer_n and_o in_o such_o a_o exigent_n to_o profess_v their_o adherence_n thereto_o do_v make_v application_n to_o the_o committee_n of_o estate_n for_o that_o effect_n after_o which_o the_o committee_n of_o estate_n do_v pass_v several_a vote_n condemn_v the_o remonstrance_n to_o the_o great_a grief_n of_o sundry_a of_o their_o own_o number_n who_o do_v dissent_v from_o it_o and_o protest_v against_o the_o same_o and_o the_o sentence_n of_o the_o committee_n be_v communicate_v to_o the_o commission_n of_o the_o church_n and_o they_o also_o desire_v by_o they_o to_o give_v their_o judgement_n of_o the_o remonstrance_n these_o who_o be_v send_v from_o the_o west_n do_v earnest_o supplicate_v the_o commission_n before_o they_o shall_v give_v any_o sentence_n upon_o the_o remonstrance_n that_o they_o will_v be_v please_v to_o allow_v they_o some_o time_n till_o they_o may_v return_v and_o communicate_v with_o these_o who_o have_v send_v they_o hope_v that_o all_o of_o they_o will_v give_v such_o a_o explication_n or_o their_o meaning_n in_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v stumble_v at_o as_o will_v satisfy_v the_o commission_n which_o desire_n seem_v so_o reasonable_a in_o itself_o and_o necessary_a at_o that_o time_n for_o prevent_v of_o difference_n and_o the_o grieve_v of_o the_o spirit_n of_o many_o gracious_a and_o godly_a man_n who_o have_v be_v faithful_a and_o zealous_a in_o the_o cause_n from_o the_o beginning_n that_o many_o member_n of_o the_o commission_n do_v earnest_o press_v that_o it_o may_v be_v grant_v especial_o see_v they_o have_v meet_v with_o so_o great_a disappointment_n in_o the_o carriage_n of_o the_o committee_n of_o estate_n in_o order_n to_o that_o business_n yet_o notwithstanding_o hereof_o it_o be_v refuse_v and_o the_o commission_n do_v proceed_v also_o to_o condemn_v the_o remonstrance_n and_o refer_v the_o further_a sentence_v of_o it_o to_o the_o general_n assembly_n sundry_a of_o these_o who_o be_v at_o sterlin_n be_v now_o go_v and_o some_o other_o come_v from_o place_n more_o northward_o which_o give_v occasion_n to_o sundry_a at_o that_o time_n to_o apprehend_v that_o which_o be_v now_o plain_o profess_v by_o some_o considerable_a member_n of_o the_o committee_n of_o estate_n who_o be_v eager_a in_o condemn_v the_o remonstrance_n that_o if_o they_o have_v not_o be_v put_v upon_o it_o by_o some_o member_n of_o the_o commission_n they_o will_v not_o have_v do_v â—t_a from_o this_o vote_n of_o the_o commission_n a_o considerable_a number_n of_o their_o member_n about_o sixteen_o or_o seventeen_o as_o i_o remember_v do_v dissent_v and_o the_o person_n interest_v in_o the_o remonstrance_n do_v protest_v and_o i_o fear_v not_o to_o say_v that_o this_o peremptory_a precipitant_n and_o needless_a haste_n of_o the_o plurality_n of_o the_o commission_n in_o that_o particular_a be_v a_o great_a occasion_n of_o all_o the_o division_n and_o rent_n that_o follow_v thereafter_o in_o the_o mean_a while_o the_o malignant_n who_o have_v rise_v in_o arm_n be_v agree_v with_o and_o a_o act_n of_o indemnity_n be_v pass_v to_o they_o and_o colonel_n montgomerie_n be_v send_v against_o the_o western_a force_n with_o directions_z to_o force_v they_o if_o they_o will_v not_o willing_o agree_v to_o the_o state_n demand_n and_o it_o be_v no_o great_a wonder_n if_o after_o so_o many_o day_n stay_v at_o sterlin_n and_o perth_n they_o think_v fit_a to_o return_v home_o when_o not_o only_o the_o edge_n of_o the_o censure_n of_o church_n and_o state_n but_o of_o the_o civil_a sword_n which_o be_v just_a now_o employ_v against_o the_o malignant_n that_o rise_v in_o arm_n without_o any_o warrant_n be_v on_o a_o sudden_a turn_v against_o the_o western_a force_n which_o be_v raise_v by_o their_o special_a warrant_n and_o encouragement_n express_v in_o diverse_a act_n and_o frequent_a letter_n vindication_n fourthly_o take_v upon_o they_o to_o determine_v matter_n of_o most_o public_a and_o great_a concernment_n antecedent_n unto_o and_o without_o so_o much_o as_o once_o speak_v or_o wait_v for_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o public_a judicatories_n to_o which_o the_o determination_n of_o such_o matter_n do_v belong_v and_o private_a man_n and_o inferior_a judicatories_n ought_v to_o have_v their_o recourse_n to_o before_o they_o take_v upon_o they_o to_o eâ—it_v any_o determination_n thereanent_a witness_v the_o western_a remonstrance_n determine_v the_o exclusion_n of_o the_o king_n interest_n out_o of_o the_o quarrel_n of_o the_o defensive_a war_n before_o any_o advice_n or_o sentence_n give_v thereupon_o or_o once_o seek_v from_o any_o public_a judicatory_a review_n the_o matter_n of_o most_o public_a and_o great_a concernment_n which_o he_o allege_n they_o take_v upon_o they_o to_o determine_v be_v the_o exclusion_n of_o the_o king_n interest_n out_o of_o the_o quarrel_n of_o the_o defensive_a war_n before_o any_o advice_n or_o sentence_n give_v thereupon_o or_o once_o seek_v from_o any_o public_a judicatory_a but_o they_o do_v not_o determine_v the_o exclusion_n of_o the_o king_n interest_n out_o of_o the_o quarrel_n of_o the_o defensive_a war_n otherwise_o than_o it_o have_v be_v before_o that_o time_n determine_v both_o by_o church_n and_o state_n by_o their_o joint_a declaration_n at_o the_o west_n church_n of_o the_o date_n 13._o of_o aug._n 1650._o which_o at_o the_o time_n of_o the_o contrive_n of_o the_o remonstrance_n be_v stand_v unrepealed_a and_o to_o which_o there_o be_v the_o more_o reason_n then_o to_o adhere_v because_o the_o king_n have_v desert_v the_o public_a counsel_n of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o join_v himself_o to_o the_o malignant_a party_n i_o know_v there_o be_v two_o thing_n here_o allege_v 1._o that_o that_o declaration_n at_o the_o west_n church_n be_v repeal_v by_o the_o king_n subscrive_v the_o declaration_n emit_v by_o he_o at_o dumfermeling_n a_o little_a thereafter_o 2._o that_o the_o remonstrance_n go_v a_o great_a length_n in_o exclude_v the_o king_n interest_n than_o that_o declaration_n at_o the_o west_n chutch_n to_o the_o first_o of_o these_o i_o answer_v that_o the_o king_n emit_v of_o his_o declaration_n do_v not_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o committee_n of_o estate_n and_o commission_n of_o the_o church_n repeal_v the_o other_o and_o therefore_o the_o other_o declaration_n have_v be_v send_v unto_o the_o english_a army_n before_o the_o king_n do_v emit_v his_o declaration_n so_o after_o that_o upon_o the_o emit_v and_o send_v thereof_o to_o the_o general_n of_o the_o english_a force_n he_o do_v make_v a_o return_n import_v their_o sense_n thereupon_o the_o other_o declaration_n at_o the_o west_n kirk_n with_o a_o letter_n be_v send_v back_o intimate_v that_o we_o do_v still_o adhere_v unto_o and_o intend_v to_o fight_v upon_o that_o state_n of_o quarrel_n contain_v therein_o to_o the_o other_o it_o be_v often_o offer_v by_o these_o who_o come_v from_o the_o west_n that_o if_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n in_o the_o remonstrance_n that_o seem_v to_o go_v a_o great_a length_n in_o that_o particular_a than_o the_o declaration_n at_o the_o west_n church_n have_v do_v they_o be_v willing_a to_o explain_v it_o and_o to_o fight_v on_o that_o state_n of_o the_o quarrel_n that_o be_v contain_v in_o that_o declaration_n without_o add_v alter_v or_o diminish_v but_o that_o be_v not_o accept_v of_o and_o order_n be_v give_v a_o little_a thereafter_o to_o colonel_n robert_n mountgomery_n to_o desire_n or_o force_v they_o in_o the_o west_n to_o join_v under_o he_o and_o fight_v for_o the_o king_n interest_n in_o all_o his_o dominion_n as_o afterward_o the_o meeting_n at_o dundee_n do_v ratify_v all_o the_o proceed_n of_o the_o former_a commission_n except_v that_o declaration_n of_o the_o 13._o of_o august_n which_o as_o it_o do_v insinuate_v a_o tacit_a condemn_v thereof_o and_o of_o that_o state_n of_o our_o quarrel_n and_o cause_n upon_o which_o we_o have_v fight_v these_o 13._o year_n past_a so_o do_v it_o insinuate_v a_o new_a state_n of_o quarrel_n in_o order_n to_o the_o king_n interest_n vindication_n five_o emit_v cause_n of_o a_o public_a fast_o and_o send_v they_o abroad_o to_o all_o the_o presbytery_n and_o congregation_n of_o the_o kingdom_n be_v but_o private_a man_n and_o not_o have_v authority_n nor_o be_v a_o public_a judicatory_a witness_v the_o fast_o appoint_v and_o cause_n thereof_o emit_v from_o strivel_a the_o 1._o september_n 1650._o wherein_o take_v these_o thing_n to_o consideration_n 1._o the_o meeting_n that_o emit_v these_o cause_n be_v no_o public_a judicatorie_a but_o some_o member_n of_o the_o presbytery_n of_o the_o army_n and_o some_o of_o the_o commissioner_n 2._o that_o sundry_a godly_a and_o understand_a
but_o neither_o be_v that_o new_a because_o the_o commission_n at_o edinburgh_n before_o the_o king_n home_n come_v have_v in_o a_o very_a large_a letter_n to_o the_o commissioner_n at_o holland_n hold_v forth_o their_o great_a dis-satisfaction_n with_o the_o proceed_n of_o that_o treaty_n in_o many_o particular_n and_o the_o commission_n at_o leith_n before_o the_o defeat_n at_o dumbar_n have_v also_o hold_v forth_o the_o malignant_a design_n that_o be_v then_o carry_v on_o and_o have_v give_v it_o in_o as_o a_o public_a cause_n of_o humiliation_n to_o the_o committee_n of_o estate_n it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o commission_n be_v the_o facto_fw-la convene_v within_o eight_o day_n but_o as_o we_o have_v already_o say_v it_o be_v not_o propable_a at_o the_o time_n or_o emit_v these_o cause_n that_o it_o shall_v so_o have_v be_v and_o i_o pray_v the_o author_n or_o any_o rational_a man_n sober_o to_o think_v what_o motive_n but_o the_o sense_n of_o duty_n and_o the_o press_a expediencie_n of_o the_o thing_n shall_v have_v induce_v these_o protester_n of_o who_o he_o speak_v to_o be_v so_o headstrong_a and_o forward_a to_o anticipate_v the_o meeting_n of_o the_o commission_n see_v they_o have_v ground_n to_o think_v that_o the_o commission_n at_o their_o meeting_n be_v like_a to_o condescend_v on_o these_o thing_n as_o cause_n of_o god_n wrath_n which_o be_v verify_v thereafter_o by_o the_o approve_v thereof_o but_o the_o author_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o commission_n do_v both_o alter_v somewhat_o of_o which_o i_o shall_v afterward_o speak_v and_o add_v some_o thing_n to_o wit_n a_o postscript_n recommend_v prayer_n for_o the_o king_n aswell_o as_o mourning_n for_o his_o sin_n which_o by_o the_o debate_n that_o be_v make_v against_o it_o by_o mr._n james_n guthrie_n and_o the_o register_n for_o the_o space_n of_o half_a a_o hour_n as_o he_o say_v seem_v to_o have_v be_v purposely_o leave_v out_o and_o that_o which_o the_o commission_n approve_v be_v the_o matter_n of_o these_o cause_n and_o not_o the_o way_n of_o emission_n wherewith_o many_o of_o the_o commission_n show_v themselves_o dissatisfied_n as_o a_o practice_n without_o example_n and_o a_o preparative_n tend_v to_o the_o overthrow_n of_o the_o government_n the_o commission_n do_v indeed_o add_v that_o postscript_n concern_v prayer_n for_o the_o king_n against_o the_o expediency_n of_o which_o addition_n to_o be_v make_v at_o that_o time_n mr._n james_n guthrie_n and_o the_o register_n do_v for_o a_o little_a debate_n how_o the_o author_n shall_v know_v so_o exact_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o time_n i_o leave_v it_o for_o himself_o to_o answer_v the_o ground_n of_o their_o so_o do_v be_v not_o that_o which_o he_o allege_v the_o register_n have_v many_o live_a witness_n that_o he_o be_v no_o adversary_n to_o pray_v for_o the_o king_n and_o mr._n james_n guthrie_n have_v keep_v that_o humiliation_n public_o in_o the_o congregation_n at_o strivel_a before_o the_o commission_n do_v meet_v or_o make_v any_o such_o addition_n do_v pray_v for_o the_o king_n and_o why_o shall_v they_o have_v oppose_v that_o which_o be_v their_o own_o practice_n the_o author_n be_v a_o little_a beyond_o due_a bound_n when_o he_o say_v it_o seem_v to_o have_v be_v leave_v out_o of_o purpose_n their_o debate_n against_o the_o add_v of_o it_o be_v because_o at_o first_o they_o do_v not_o conceive_v that_o there_o be_v any_o necessity_n to_o make_v a_o express_a and_o distinct_a article_n of_o that_o more_o thâ—n_n of_o many_o other_o thing_n which_o we_o be_v no_o less_o bind_v to_o pray_v for_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n so_o obvious_a common_a and_o ordinary_a and_o that_o now_o to_o add_v it_o be_v to_o minister_v occasion_n without_o ground_n to_o make_v other_o conceive_v that_o it_o have_v be_v indeed_o former_o leave_v out_o of_o purpose_n and_o so_o to_o raise_v needless_a jealousy_n and_o suspicion_n of_o some_o as_o be_v disaffect_v to_o the_o king_n next_o because_o they_o take_v it_o to_o be_v include_v in_o the_o cause_n former_o emit_v though_o not_o express_o yet_o so_o as_o may_v be_v memorandum_n enough_o for_o decern_v man_n not_o to_o omit_v it_o he_o that_o mourn_v right_o for_o the_o king_n sin_n will_v also_o be_v a_o intercessor_n to_o god_n for_o he_o to_o bestow_v upon_o he_o the_o contrary_a grace_n and_o virtue_n i_o shall_v not_o debate_v with_o the_o author_n whether_o the_o commission_n do_v approve_v only_o the_o matter_n or_o also_o the_o way_n of_o emission_n of_o these_o cause_n sure_o i_o be_o they_o do_v not_o condemn_v the_o way_n of_o emission_n and_o if_o he_o shall_v be_v please_v to_o look_v upon_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o letter_n that_o at_o that_o time_n be_v write_v by_o the_o commission_n to_o the_o several_a presbytery_n wherein_o these_o cause_n be_v mention_v he_o will_v find_v something_o that_o look_v towards_o a_o approve_v of_o the_o way_n of_o emission_n as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o matter_n it_o be_v true_a that_o some_o of_o the_o commission_n show_v themselves_o exceed_o dissatisfied_n yea_o more_o exceed_o then_o be_v fit_a and_o beseem_v their_o place_n and_o part_n or_o the_o gravity_n of_o such_o a_o meeting_n but_o they_o be_v but_o some_o and_o not_o many_o if_o it_o be_v a_o practice_n without_o example_n it_o have_v also_o a_o ground_n without_o example_n but_o if_o the_o author_n shall_v be_v please_v to_o peruse_v the_o register_n of_o the_o church_n i_o believe_v that_o he_o shall_v find_v example_n of_o particular_a presbytery_n send_v their_o advice_n abroad_o concern_v cause_n of_o a_o public_a humiliation_n and_o that_o the_o member_n of_o the_o commission_n in_o thing_n that_o be_v clear_a and_o unquestionable_a and_o can_v not_o admit_v of_o a_o delay_n have_v sometime_o when_o they_o want_v one_o or_o two_o of_o their_o quorum_fw-la do_v some_o thing_n of_o public_a concernment_n let_v he_o look_v upon_o the_o register_n of_o the_o presbytery_n of_o edinburgh_n and_o of_o the_o commission_n and_o he_o will_v find_v it_o so_o that_o it_o be_v a_o preparative_n tend_v to_o the_o overthrow_n of_o government_n i_o can_v see_v when_o i_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o impartial_o as_o i_o can_v i_o know_v that_o he_o former_o call_v it_o a_o usurpation_n and_o if_o it_o have_v be_v so_o there_o be_v some_o ground_n for_o this_o new_a charge_n but_o i_o trust_v i_o have_v sufficient_o vindicate_v it_o from_o usurpation_n and_o therefore_o there_o be_v nothing_o bring_v that_o can_v bear_v the_o weight_n of_o this_o but_o for_o the_o discover_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o all_o this_o business_n upon_o which_o so_o great_a a_o stress_n be_v lay_v i_o desire_v the_o reader_n to_o be_v inform_v that_o when_o these_o cause_n of_o humiliation_n be_v first_o send_v abroad_o one_o of_o the_o commissioner_n of_o the_o church_n who_o have_v be_v employ_v in_o holland_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o treaty_n with_o the_o king_n conceive_v that_o his_o carriage_n in_o that_o employment_n be_v reflect_v upon_o in_o that_o article_n which_o speak_v of_o the_o crooked_a and_o precipitant_a way_n that_o be_v take_v for_o carry_v on_o the_o treaty_n with_o the_o king_n as_o one_o of_o the_o cause_n for_o which_o the_o land_n ought_v to_o be_v humble_v he_o do_v take_v it_o so_o impatient_o that_o not_o only_o do_v he_o declare_v that_o he_o can_v not_o read_v these_o cause_n as_o they_o be_v first_o emit_v and_o that_o if_o they_o shall_v be_v read_v in_o the_o congregation_n wherein_o he_o have_v charge_n he_o behove_v to_o make_v some_o protestation_n or_o bear_v some_o testimony_n against_o they_o but_o also_o when_o he_o come_v te_fw-mi the_o commission_n do_v sharp_o challenge_v the_o way_n of_o emit_v of_o they_o the_o want_n of_o a_o article_n relate_v to_o prayer_n for_o the_o king_n and_o that_o article_n concern_v the_o treaty_n as_o reflect_v upon_o the_o carriage_n of_o the_o commissioner_n of_o the_o church_n employ_v in_o holland_n in_o that_o business_n because_o the_o article_n as_o it_o be_v first_o emit_v do_v mention_v the_o crooked_a and_o precipitant_a way_n that_o be_v take_v by_o sundry_a for_o carry_v on_o of_o the_o treaty_n without_o restrict_v the_o same_o to_o our_o statesman_n therefore_o for_o peace_n sake_n and_o to_o give_v he_o satisfaction_n a_o postscript_n be_v add_v to_o the_o letter_n which_o be_v at_o that_o time_n write_v by_o the_o commission_n and_o send_v to_o prebytery_n concern_v prayer_n for_o the_o king_n and_o the_o article_n concern_v the_o treaty_n with_o the_o king_n be_v some_o what_o alter_v by_o restrict_v the_o sundry_a that_o be_v speak_v therein_o to_o sundry_a of_o our_o statesman_n whereas_o before_o it_o be_v indefinite_a and_o without_o any_o such_o restriction_n and_o these_o be_v the_o addition_n and_o alteration_n that_o he_o
because_o such_o as_o be_v choose_v be_v unsatisfied_a with_o the_o commission_n proceed_n the_o synod_n of_o pearth_n meet_v a_o little_a after_o and_o receive_v the_o act_n and_o letter_n of_o the_o commission_n do_v thereupon_o sustain_v the_o dissent_n and_o protestation_n of_o that_o man_n in_o their_o number_n and_o do_v appoint_v the_o presbytery_n of_o dunkel_n to_o choose_v the_o commissioner_n new_a again_o ans_fw-fr this_o be_v the_o only_a instance_n allege_v with_o some_o colour_n to_o evidence_n some_o influence_n of_o the_o commission_n letter_n and_o act_n but_o yet_o when_o it_o be_v discuss_v there_o will_v be_v little_a to_o the_o purpose_n find_v in_o it_o but_o let_v it_o be_v so_o that_o the_o synod_n sustain_v the_o protestation_n on_o that_o ground_n and_o appoint_v a_o new_a election_n yet_o it_o be_v know_v that_o the_o presbytery_n in_o the_o second_o election_n still_o do_v choose_v brethren_n dissatisfied_n with_o the_o resolution_n and_o as_o i_o believe_v these_o same_o who_o they_o have_v choose_v before_o who_o be_v admit_v in_o the_o assembly_n without_o any_o question_n and_o reason_v and_o vote_v therein_o according_a to_o their_o mind_n without_o any_o restraint_n or_o hindrance_n so_o that_o if_o there_o be_v any_o fault_n here_o it_o may_v be_v well_o in_o the_o synod_n act_n but_o not_o in_o the_o presbytery_n which_o be_v the_o only_a act_n about_o this_o business_n capable_a of_o &_o chargeable_a with_o the_o fault_n of_o pre-limitation_n but_o this_o be_v do_v with_o freedom_n this_o much_o to_o the_o one_o part_n of_o the_o assumption_n whereby_o it_o may_v appear_v that_o whatever_o prelimitation_n be_v or_o may_v be_v in_o the_o commission_n act_n or_o letter_n yet_o the_o election_n be_v free_a because_o presbytery_n therein_o be_v not_o passive_o prelimited_n but_o choose_v free_o according_a to_o their_o own_o mind_n be_v there_o no_o more_o to_o be_v say_v this_o much_o may_v make_v the_o protester_n bethink_v themselves_o better_a in_o their_o second_o thought_n of_o their_o rash_a adventure_n upon_o so_o high_a a_o act_n as_o a_o protestation_n and_o declinature_n of_o a_o general_n assembly_n as_o unfree_a and_o unlawful_a and_o may_v make_v other_o advise_v better_a ere_o they_o adjoyn_v themselves_o to_o it_o by_o approbation_n review_n albeit_o this_o instance_n seem_v to_o the_o author_n to_o be_v allege_v with_o some_o colour_n to_o evidence_n some_o influence_n of_o the_o commission_n letter_n and_o act_n yet_o he_o think_v when_o it_o be_v discuss_v there_o will_v be_v find_v little_a to_o the_o purpose_n in_o it_o and_o his_o reason_n be_v because_o it_o be_v know_v that_o the_o presbytery_n at_o the_o second_o election_n still_o do_v choose_v brethren_n dissatisfied_n with_o the_o resolution_n and_o as_o he_o believe_v these_o same_o who_o they_o have_v choose_v before_o etc._n etc._n but_o notwithstanding_o of_o all_o the_o author_n say_v there_o be_v very_o much_o to_o the_o purpose_n in_o it_o first_o there_o be_v this_o in_o it_o to_o the_o purpose_n that_o the_o judgement_n and_o voice_n of_o some_o of_o the_o member_n of_o the_o presbytery_n viz._n of_o these_o who_o do_v dissent_v from_o the_o first_o election_n be_v prelimited_n by_o the_o letter_n and_o act_n of_o the_o commission_n they_o give_v these_o only_a for_o the_o reason_n of_o their_o dissent_n second_o there_o be_v this_o in_o it_o to_o the_o purpose_n that_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o whole_a synod_n which_o do_v include_v five_o presbytery_n except_o a_o few_o who_o do_v dissent_v from_o and_o protest_v against_o the_o synod_n sustain_v the_o dissent_n of_o these_o in_o dunkel_n from_o the_o election_n upon_o that_o ground_n be_v by_o the_o same_o letter_n and_o act_n prelimited_n to_o the_o declare_v of_o that_o election_n void_a and_o null_a mere_o upon_o this_o reason_n that_o they_o have_v procee_v contrary_a to_o the_o letter_n and_o act_n of_o the_o commission_n three_o there_o be_v this_o to_o the_o purpose_n in_o it_o that_o the_o whole_a presbytery_n be_v so_o prelimited_n by_o a_o act_n of_o the_o synod_n found_v on_o the_o other_o act_n and_o letter_n as_o to_o be_v necessitate_v to_o pass_v from_o the_o first_o election_n which_o be_v lawful_o make_v and_o against_o which_o no_o exception_n be_v make_v but_o the_o letter_n and_o act_n and_o to_o make_v a_o new_a election_n that_o they_o do_v again_o choose_v person_n opposite_a to_o the_o public_a resolution_n be_v from_o the_o over-bearing_a conscience_n of_o their_o duty_n that_o they_o be_v admit_v in_o the_o assembly_n without_o any_o question_n be_v not_o true_a their_o admittence_n be_v question_v by_o a_o member_n of_o the_o commission_n than_o a_o member_n of_o the_o assembly_n a_o man_n zealous_a for_o the_o public_a resolution_n and_o the_o moderator_n perceive_v that_o other_o opposite_a to_o the_o public_a resolution_n be_v like_a to_o take_v advantage_n by_o it_o he_o do_v handsome_o wave_v it_o now_o these_o thing_n be_v examine_v which_o the_o author_n say_v to_o the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o assumption_n i_o leave_v it_o to_o be_v judge_v whether_o he_o have_v cause_n to_o say_v that_o whatever_o prelimitations_a be_v in_o the_o commission_n act_n and_o letter_n yet_o the_o election_n be_v free_a because_o presbytery_n therein_o be_v not_o passive_o prelimited_n but_o choose_v free_o according_a to_o their_o own_o mind_n and_o whether_o he_o have_v cause_n to_o draw_v so_o strong_a insult_a line_n as_o he_o subjoin_v thereto_o if_o there_o be_v no_o more_o to_o say_v then_o he_o have_v yet_o say_v i_o profess_v ingenuous_o i_o see_v no_o cause_n why_o the_o protester_n shall_v bethink_v themselves_o better_a in_o their_o second_o thought_n of_o their_o adventure_n on_o such_o a_o high_a act_n as_o to_o protest_v against_o and_o decline_v from_o that_o meeting_n at_o st._n andrews_n and_o dundee_n as_o not_o be_v a_o lawful_a free_a general_n assembly_n or_o why_o other_o shall_v have_v advise_v better_a ere_o they_o have_v join_v themselves_o to_o 〈◊〉_d by_o approbation_n it_o seem_v a_o little_a beyond_o the_o bound_n of_o modesty_n for_o man_n to_o drive_v and_o vent_v such_o conclusion_n upon_o their_o own_o reason_n though_o haply_o they_o may_v bear_v they_o it_o be_v fit_a to_o leave_v these_o thing_n to_o the_o judicious_a and_o unbiased_a reader_n to_o give_v judgement_n as_o they_o find_v cause_n vindication_n it_o be_v true_a that_o for_o proof_n of_o the_o unlawfulness_n of_o these_o pretend_a assembly_n condemn_v by_o the_o assembly_n at_o glasgow_n 38._o among_o other_o reason_n the_o want_n of_o freedom_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o election_n of_o commissioner_n be_v allege_v as_o a_o main_a and_o principal_a one_o but_o there_o the_o matter_n be_v not_o mere_o allege_v but_o clear_o evidence_v that_o the_o commissioner_n send_v to_o these_o meeting_n be_v not_o indeed_o elect_v by_o presbytery_n but_o nominate_v by_o the_o king_n letter_n see_v session_n 12._o reas_n against_o the_o pretend_a assembly_n at_o lithgow_n 1606._o and_o at_o glasgow_n 1610._o review_n the_o author_n for_o take_v off_o of_o this_o prejudice_n and_o reason_n which_o stand_v in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o assembly_n at_o glasgow_n 38._o who_o prove_v the_o unlawfulnesse_n of_o these_o pretend_a assembly_n by_o the_o want_n of_o freedom_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o election_n of_o commissioner_n say_v that_o their_o matter_n be_v not_o mere_o allege_v but_o clear_o evidence_v that_o the_o commissioner_n send_v to_o these_o meeting_n be_v not_o indeed_o elect_v by_o presbytery_n but_o nominate_v by_o the_o king_n letter_n if_o he_o mean_v that_o they_o be_v not_o free_o elect_v by_o presbytery_n proceed_v mere_o ex_fw-la proprio_fw-la motu_fw-la it_o be_v true_a because_o the_o king_n and_o the_o bishop_n letter_n have_v influence_n upon_o they_o to_o prelimite_a their_o election_n but_o if_o he_o mean_v that_o they_o be_v not_o all_o elect_a by_o presbytery_n nor_o have_v any_o commission_n from_o they_o but_o come_v mere_o upon_o the_o king_n letter_n it_o be_v not_o true_a because_o albeit_o the_o reason_n against_o the_o pretend_a assembly_n at_o lithgow_n 1606._o seem_n to_o favour_v this_o yet_o that_o against_o the_o pretend_a assembly_n at_o glasgow_n 1610._o intimatete_v that_o they_o be_v choose_v and_o have_v commission_n because_o it_o say_v first_o that_o the_o election_n be_v not_o free_a a_o election_n then_o there_o be_v but_o not_o a_o free_a election_n if_o there_o have_v be_v no_o election_n the_o assembly_n 38._o woo_a no_o question_n have_v so_o express_v it_o as_o import_v a_o reason_n of_o nullity_n more_o clear_a and_o strong_a next_o that_o the_o bishop_n of_o st._n andrews_n require_v they_o to_o send_v such_o commissioner_n as_o the_o king_n have_v nominate_v assure_v they_o that_o no_o other_o will_v be_v accept_v if_o the_o presbytery_n do_v send_v they_o
must_v not_o choose_v any_o to_o be_v commissioner_n to_o a_o general_n assembly_n that_o teach_v doctrine_n contrary_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o kirk_n agreeable_a thereunto_o and_o therefore_o if_o a_o commission_n of_o the_o gen._n assembly_n or_o any_o other_o kirk_n judicatory_a according_a to_o their_o interest_n perceive_v minister_n throughout_o the_o kirk_n teach_v contrary_a to_o the_o truth_n or_o practise_v to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n shall_v writ_v to_o presbytery_n desire_v they_o not_o to_o choose_v any_o such_o commissioner_n to_o a_o general_n assembly_n this_o be_v no_o undue_a pre-limitation_n or_o prejudging_a their_o liberty_n in_o election_n but_o a_o necessary_a and_o lawful_a warning_n putt_v they_o in_o mind_n of_o and_o stir_v they_o to_o a_o duty_n whereunto_o they_o be_v bind_v though_o no_o such_o direction_n be_v send_v to_o they_o this_o lay_v down_o in_o general_a as_o to_o that_o act_n and_o letter_n of_o the_o late_a commission_n send_v to_o presbytery_n we_o say_v first_o that_o the_o commission_n do_v nothing_o therein_o but_o that_o which_o other_o kirk-meeting_n and_o commission_n have_v do_v before_o they_o in_o the_o same_o matter_n in_o relation_n to_o the_o election_n of_o commissioner_n to_o the_o general_n assembly_n all_o which_o must_v fall_v unto_o the_o ground_n as_o null_n unfree_a and_o unlall_a if_o the_o late_a general_n assembly_n be_v unfree_a and_o unlawful_a in_o its_o constitution_n upon_o this_o account_n we_o must_v look_v back_o to_o the_o general_n assembly_n at_o glasgow_n 38._o itself_o what_o direction_n be_v send_v from_o the_o table_n then_o at_o edinburgh_n in_o relation_n to_o elect_a commissioner_n thereunto_o next_o we_o must_v refer_v also_o to_o the_o letter_n send_v to_o presbytery_n by_o the_o kirk_n commission_n annis_fw-la 1639._o 40._o 41._o concern_v commission_n to_o brethren_n to_o these_o general_n assembly_n all_o which_o be_v yet_o extant_a in_o presbytery_n book_n but_o we_o shall_v content_v ourselves_o to_o hold_v near_o hand_n the_o late_a commission_n do_v nothing_o but_o what_o the_o commission_n do_v in_o the_o year_n 48._o wherein_n the_o chief_a protester_n have_v a_o chief_a hand_n and_o yet_o maintain_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o that_o deed_n and_o the_o freedom_n and_o lawfulness_n of_o the_o constitution_n of_o that_o assembly_n that_o follow_v thereupon_o to_o this_o the_o writer_n of_o the_o large_a paper_n repli_v sundry_a thing_n in_o answer_n to_o objection_n 1._o but_o nothing_o to_o take_v away_o the_o force_n thereof_o first_o he_o hint_n at_o two_o difference_n between_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o as_o he_o will_v have_v the_o reader_n think_v he_o may_v make_v use_n of_o but_o pass_v by_o as_o have_v to_o say_v beside_o to_o say_v nothing_o say_v he_o of_o the_o difference_n of_o reference_n and_o citation_n neither_o yet_o of_o the_o difference_n of_o a_o letter_n and_o act_n import_v that_o there_o be_v a_o considerable_a difference_n between_o these_o thing_n and_o that_o the_o commission_n 48._o appoint_a person_n dissentient_a from_o they_o only_o to_o be_v refer_v and_o do_v send_v a_o letter_n only_o whereas_o the_o commission_n 50._o make_v a_o act_n also_o and_o appoint_v person_n also_o to_o be_v cite_v to_o the_o general_n assembly_n to_o which_o we_o oppone_v first_o the_o difference_n between_o a_o citation_n and_o a_o reference_n when_o the_o reference_n of_o a_o person_n to_o be_v try_v and_o judge_v on_o a_o fault_n and_o the_o person_n be_v present_a at_o the_o reference_n be_v just_a nothing_o see_v assembly_n 1643._o session_n 2._o aug._n 3._o overture_n anent_o bill_n etc._n etc._n and_o i_o desire_v the_o writer_n to_o say_v if_o it_o be_v not_o the_o purpose_n of_o the_o commission_n 48._o when_o they_o do_v require_v presbytery_n to_o refer_v such_o to_o the_o gen._n assembly_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v lay_v on_o they_o a_o obligation_n legal_a to_o compear_v personal_o before_o the_o gen._n assembly_n for_o trial_n and_o sentence_n upon_o they_o and_o what_o else_o be_v the_o end_n of_o a_o citation_n and_o summons_n nor_o yet_o be_v the_o more_o difference_n betwixt_o the_o act_n of_o the_o commission_n and_o person_n to_o be_v refer_v or_o cite_v by_o presbytery_n and_o a_o letter_n require_v it_o to_o be_v do_v for_o be_v there_o not_o a_o act_n for_o such_o a_o letter_n and_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o and_o have_v the_o letter_n itself_o the_o force_n of_o a_o act_n will_v not_o the_o refuse_v of_o what_o be_v desire_v be_v count_v disobedience_n to_o the_o commission_n but_o it_o seem_v the_o writer_n memory_n have_v fail_v here_o behold_v a_o act_n in_o terminis_fw-la as_o it_o stand_v registrate_n in_o the_o commission_n book_n the_o 5._o of_o june_n 1648._o the_o commission_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n recommend_v earnest_o to_o presbytery_n to_o take_v special_a notice_n of_o every_o brother_n carriage_n in_o the_o public_a business_n that_o if_o any_o be_v find_v that_o do_v not_o declare_v themselves_o against_a the_o present_a malignant_a course_n nor_o join_v with_o their_o brethren_n in_o the_o common_a resolution_n thereof_o they_o be_v refer_v to_o the_o next_o general_n assembly_n and_o if_o any_o of_o they_o have_v already_o declare_v for_o it_o that_o they_o be_v present_o censure_v fic_z sub_fw-la andrew_n ker._n this_o may_v make_v we_o doubt_v the_o more_o of_o alledgance_n of_o this_o kind_n afterward_o in_o matter_n of_o fact_n when_o we_o see_v not_o clear_a and_o circumstantiat_fw-la testimony_n of_o register_n bring_v forth_o review_n in_o answer_n to_o what_o be_v here_o say_v by_o the_o author_n i_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o election_n of_o commissioner_n in_o presbytery_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v such_o as_o be_v bound_v with_o no_o limitation_n and_o that_o if_o any_o commission_n of_o a_o general_n assembly_n or_o any_o other_o church_n judicatory_a according_a to_o their_o interest_n perceive_v minister_n throughout_o the_o church_n teach_v contrary_a or_o practise_v to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o the_o truth_n shall_v write_v to_o presbytery_n desire_v not_o to_o choose_v any_o such_o commissioner_n to_o a_o general_n assembly_n this_o be_v no_o undue_a pre-limitation_n or_o prejudging_a their_o liberty_n in_o election_n i_o believe_v that_o none_o of_o the_o protester_n will_v differ_v from_o the_o author_n in_o this_o that_o presbytery_n ought_v not_o to_o choose_v any_o to_o be_v commissioner_n that_o teach_v doctrine_n contrary_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o kirk_n agreeable_a thereto_o and_o if_o the_o commission_n in_o their_o letter_n and_o act_n have_v terminate_v themselves_o within_o these_o bound_n no_o protester_n will_v have_v controvert_v with_o they_o about_o it_o and_o i_o think_v neither_o will_n he_o controvert_v with_o they_o in_o this_o that_o if_o a_o commission_n or_o any_o other_o kirk_n judicatory_a teach_v doctrine_n contrary_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o to_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n agreeable_a thereunto_o and_o write_v to_o presbytery_n to_o choose_v none_o to_o be_v commissioner_n to_o the_o general_n assembly_n who_o do_v oppose_v such_o doctrine_n that_o this_o be_v a_o prelimiting_a and_o prejudging_a of_o presbytery_n in_o the_o liberty_n of_o their_o election_n according_a to_o these_o condescension_n the_o commission_n in_o the_o 51._o have_v send_v to_o presbytery_n a_o letter_n and_o act_n before_o their_o election_n relate_v thereto_o it_o seem_v avoidable_a to_o follow_v that_o some_o limitation_n and_o direction_n there_o be_v in_o that_o letter_n and_o act_n concern_v the_o election_n but_o all_o the_o question_n be_v whether_o it_o be_v a_o limitation_n warrantable_a or_o unwarrantable_a now_o if_o so_o why_o have_v the_o author_n so_o cautious_o and_o so_o much_o wrestle_v to_o deny_v that_o that_o letter_n and_o act_n have_v any_o influence_n upon_o the_o election_n in_o presbytery_n if_o it_o be_v nothing_o but_o a_o necessary_a &_o lawful_a warning_n put_v they_o in_o mind_n of_o and_o stir_v they_o up_o to_o a_o duty_n whereto_o they_o be_v bind_v though_o no_o such_o direction_n have_v be_v send_v unto_o they_o than_o there_o be_v no_o cause_n to_o be_v afraid_a of_o the_o lose_n of_o any_o ground_n by_o acknowledge_v of_o its_o influence_n the_o author_n long_o wrangle_v about_o that_o do_v either_o seem_v to_o say_v that_o he_o be_v suspicious_a of_o the_o limitation_n contain_v therein_o as_o not_o be_v warrantable_a or_o else_o that_o he_o have_v too_o great_a goodwill_n to_o dispute_v see_v this_o will_v have_v be_v a_o short_a and_o satisfy_a answer_n the_o commission_n in_o their_o letter_n and_o act_n do_v put_v no_o bond_n on_o presbytery_n in_o the_o election_n of_o commissioner_n but_o such_o as_o be_v well_o warrant_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o act_n and_o constitution_n of_o this_o
presbytery_n give_v his_o judgement_n anent_o the_o li_n of_o another_o but_o when_o it_o be_v all_o grant_v it_o yield_v a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o cause_n to_o wit_n that_o these_o person_n can_v not_o sit_v in_o the_o assembly_n as_o judge_n in_o that_o particular_a and_o if_o i_o be_v not_o mistake_v in_o my_o conjecture_n about_o the_o person_n i_o think_v i_o may_v say_v if_o that_o judicious_a and_o pious_a man_n who_o reject_v that_o motion_n have_v be_v in_o any_o fear_n that_o these_o person_n will_v be_v choose_v belike_o he_o will_v have_v hold_v his_o peace_n and_o suffer_v the_o motion_n to_o pass_v uncontrolled_a but_o the_o author_n if_o this_o please_v not_o the_o writer_n desire_v he_o to_o answer_v what_o he_o will_v for_o clear_v of_o the_o order_n of_o the_o commission_n 48._o and_o it_o will_v serve_v aswell_o the_o order_n of_o the_o commission_n 51._o as_o to_o any_o illegality_n relate_v to_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o assembly_n because_o say_v he_o upon_o the_o form_n both_o clear_o be_v alike_o except_v what_o will_v make_v for_o the_o advantage_n of_o the_o latter_a and_o as_o for_o the_o matter_n in_o both_o it_o be_v alike_o as_o to_o the_o general_a assembly_n judgement_n at_o the_o time_n of_o the_o protestation_n and_o also_o in_o reipsa_fw-la as_o he_o take_v upon_o he_o to_o make_v good_a it_o seem_v that_o it_o do_v not_o please_v the_o author_n himself_o very_o well_o and_o i_o think_v it_o will_v please_v the_o writer_n much_o worse_o because_o of_o the_o thing_n which_o i_o have_v mention_v and_o other_o thing_n as_o weighty_a which_o may_v occur_v to_o he_o as_o to_o that_o of_o the_o 48._o i_o have_v already_o give_v clear_a answer_n for_o the_o writer_n or_o rather_o vindicate_v his_o own_o that_o there_o be_v a_o vast_a difference_n both_o in_o the_o form_n as_o also_o in_o the_o matter_n and_o that_o both_o as_o the_o assembly_n judgement_n at_o the_o time_n of_o the_o protestation_n unless_o they_o be_v not_o to_o admit_v the_o judgement_n of_o former_a assembly_n in_o these_o particular_n as_o also_o in_o reipsa_fw-la and_o he_o shall_v but_o lose_v his_o labour_n and_o not_o be_v able_a to_o make_v good_a what_o he_o undertake_v vindication_n that_o which_o may_v seem_v to_o say_v somewhat_o against_o the_o other_o particular_a viz._n that_o no_o man_n commission_n be_v reject_v nor_o any_o man_n choose_v to_o be_v a_o commissioner_n be_v refuse_v to_o have_v vote_n in_o the_o assembly_n upon_o that_o account_n that_o he_o be_v unsatisfied_a with_o the_o resolution_n be_v in_o the_o answer_n to_o the_o 3._o objection_n branch_n 4._o first_o beside_o something_o that_o have_v be_v answer_v already_o he_o say_v policy_n teach_v the_o assembly_n so_o to_o do_v the_o vote_n of_o so_o few_o a_o number_n not_o be_v likely_a to_o prove_v so_o great_a disadvantage_n to_o the_o business_n as_o the_o profess_a deny_v to_o they_o a_o vote_n will_v have_v do_v answer_v if_o the_o writer_n have_v use_v so_o much_o modesty_n and_o respect_n to_o the_o assembly_n as_o to_o have_v say_v that_o possible_o policy_n may_v have_v teach_v they_o to_o do_v this_o or_o it_o may_v be_v probable_o think_v it_o be_v thus_o it_o have_v be_v somewhat_o tolerable_a but_o i_o must_v say_v it_o be_v too_o much_o boldness_n thus_o to_o have_v say_v positive_o that_o policy_n do_v teach_v they_o it_o good_a sir_n do_v you_o see_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n in_o the_o assembly_n to_o see_v this_o political_a design_n move_v they_o to_o do_v this_o or_o can_v you_o bring_v a_o demonstration_n from_o any_o evidence_n without_o that_o their_o do_v of_o it_o do_v arise_v from_o no_o other_o principle_n or_o motive_n but_o this_o but_o if_o it_o be_v so_o that_o they_o do_v it_o upon_o a_o political_a motive_n and_o end_n yet_o if_o it_o be_v so_o real_o as_o none_o be_v reject_v or_o refuse_v to_o have_v vote_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o dissatisfaction_n that_o exception_n be_v to_o no_o purpose_n to_o the_o point_n we_o be_v upon_o the_o freedom_n of_o the_o assembly_n which_o be_v to_o be_v measure_v by_o the_o act_n do_v about_o the_o constitution_n and_o manage_n of_o it_o consider_v according_a to_o the_o matter_n of_o they_o and_o not_o according_a to_o the_o intention_n and_o moral_a motive_n whereupon_o man_n do_v they_o but_o the_o writer_n do_v add_v two_o thing_n further_o for_o answer_n 1._o that_o the_o discuss_n and_o judge_v of_o the_o commission_n of_o these_o in_o glasgow_n and_o sterling_n who_o be_v unsatisfied_a with_o the_o public_a resolution_n be_v lay_v aside_o because_o mr._n rob_n ramsay_n his_o protestation_n against_o the_o election_n take_v from_o their_o dissatisfaction_n can_v not_o be_v discuss_v until_o these_o resolution_n be_v either_o condemn_v or_o approven_v which_o be_v in_o effect_n to_o exclude_v they_o from_o vote_v because_o of_o not_o approve_v the_o public_a resolution_n and_o this_o be_v so_o much_o the_o strong_a 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clear_a in_o the_o present_a case_n to_o wit_n the_o exception_n make_v against_o the_o late_a commissioner_n it_o be_v relevant_a in_o jure_fw-la if_o there_o be_v any_o relevancie_n why_o a_o man_n shall_v not_o sit_v in_o the_o general_n assembly_n this_o certain_o be_v one_o that_o he_o have_v betray_v his_o former_a trust_n have_v make_v defection_n from_o the_o covenant_n and_o cause_n and_o be_v instrumental_a to_o carry_v on_o a_o course_n of_o defection_n throughout_o the_o kirk_n and_o kingdom_n and_o as_o to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o fact_n in_o reference_n against_o who_o the_o exception_n be_v make_v all_o these_o do_v concur_v a_o flagrant_a scandal_n pregnant_a presumption_n and_o person_n in_o the_o judicatory_a offer_v to_o instruct_v and_o verify_v what_o be_v allege_v by_o this_o the_o writer_n believe_v that_o he_o have_v clear_v as_o with_o a_o sun_n beam_n and_o gain_v his_o point_n but_o we_o hope_v it_o shall_v be_v make_v to_o appear_v that_o he_o have_v 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so_o do_v do_v so_o far_o transgress_v the_o bound_n of_o their_o commission_n etc._n etc._n ergo_fw-la what_o the_o author_n will_v here_o answer_v i_o do_v not_o well_o know_v but_o i_o will_v fain_o have_v he_o to_o tell_v a_o reason_n why_o the_o commission_n deal_v so_o sharp_o with_o many_o godly_a man_n as_o to_o issue_v such_o declaration_n and_o warning_n against_o they_o and_o to_o appoint_v they_o to_o be_v censure_v and_o cite_v and_o to_o stir_v up_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n against_o they_o because_o of_o their_o oppose_v of_o public_a resolution_n while_o by_o his_o own_o acknowledgement_n there_o be_v as_o yet_o no_o determination_n of_o the_o church_n in_o favour_n of_o these_o resolution_n or_o against_o the_o opposer_n of_o they_o i_o think_v it_o have_v be_v his_o mind_n that_o the_o commission_n can_v not_o censure_v any_o or_o ordain_v any_o to_o be_v censure_v for_o oppose_a resolution_n of_o their_o own_o not_o yet_o determine_v nor_o approven_v in_o a_o 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particular_a hypothesis_n which_o at_o the_o least_o be_v questionable_a and_o the_o very_a point_n in_o controversy_n betwixt_o the_o commission_n and_o many_o faithful_a man_n and_o some_o synod_n and_o not_o a_o few_o presbytery_n in_o the_o land_n shall_v be_v hold_v not_o only_o to_o be_v under_o a_o presumption_n of_o scandal_n but_o also_o such_o as_o do_v deserve_v to_o be_v public_o declare_v against_o as_o malignant_a and_o unfaithful_a and_o appoint_v to_o be_v censure_v and_o cite_v it_o seem_v that_o whilst_o the_o author_n reason_n thus_o about_o his_o hypothesis_n that_o what_o he_o gain_v one_o way_n he_o lose_v another_o i_o see_v not_o how_o by_o his_o questionable_a hypothesis_n he_o can_v defend_v the_o equity_n of_o the_o commission_n proceed_n in_o their_o warning_n remonstrance_n and_o act_n against_o these_o who_o be_v unsatisfied_a with_o and_o do_v oppose_v the_o public_a resolution_n and_o when_o he_o shall_v do_v it_o i_o hope_v his_o own_o ground_n shall_v 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the_o doctrine_n of_o that_o reform_a kirk_n
it_o be_v that_o put_v they_o into_o their_o hand_n that_o these_o man_n may_v have_v be_v note_v &_o know_v i_o doubt_v not_o but_o if_o he_o can_v have_v do_v it_o he_o will_v have_v do_v it_o see_v he_o spare_v not_o to_o put_v imputation_n upon_o man_n by_o name_n and_o surname_n when_o he_o conceive_v himself_o to_o have_v any_o ground_n for_o it_o and_o that_o it_o will_v bring_v any_o advantage_n to_o his_o cause_n but_o while_o he_o will_v fain_o render_v some_o of_o the_o opposer_n of_o the_o public_a resolution_n odious_a and_o yet_o have_v not_o ground_n upon_o which_o he_o can_v confident_o do_v it_o he_o speak_v so_o indefinite_o some_o of_o the_o testimony_n be_v put_v etc._n etc._n neither_o tell_v we_o what_o testimony_n nor_o by_o who_o they_o be_v put_v in_o their_o hand_n that_o if_o he_o be_v challenge_v for_o it_o he_o may_v have_v a_o shift_n to_o make_v his_o retreit_n but_o i_o doubt_v that_o this_o way_n of_o defame_v his_o neighbour_n will_v be_v find_v straight_o before_o god_n if_o i_o may_v conjecture_v of_o what_o testimony_n he_o speak_v it_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o letter_n of_o the_o presbytery_n of_o sterling_n for_o that_o so_o far_o as_o i_o know_v be_v the_o only_a testimony_n print_v by_o the_o english_a and_o if_o he_o mean_v of_o that_o he_o speak_v untrue_o when_o he_o say_v that_o it_o be_v soon_o put_v into_o their_o hand_n then_o send_v unto_o the_o commissioner_n i_o can_v confident_o assure_v he_o and_o all_o other_o that_o it_o be_v send_v unto_o the_o commissioner_n before_o any_o copy_n of_o it_o be_v give_v or_o send_v to_o any_o who_o be_v not_o member_n of_o the_o presbytery_n and_o i_o can_v as_o confident_o say_v that_o none_o of_o these_o have_v any_o hand_n direct_o or_o indirect_o in_o convey_v that_o letter_n to_o the_o english_a the_o man_n among_o they_o who_o be_v most_o slander_v have_v give_v i_o warrant_n to_o say_v and_o i_o trust_v that_o he_o will_v abide_v by_o it_o that_o his_o conscience_n 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mercy_n ofttimes_o obtain_v more_o solid_a discovery_n of_o divine_a truth_n in_o a_o day_n of_o tentation_n than_o the_o learned_a and_o the_o rich_a do_v neither_o be_v it_o yet_o a_o beg_n of_o the_o principal_a question_n because_o what_o be_v offer_v in_o this_o be_v offer_v to_o be_v instruct_v out_o of_o the_o register_n and_o they_o who_o make_v the_o offer_n be_v member_n of_o the_o assembly_n who_o in_o conscience_n and_o duty_n and_o by_o the_o act_n of_o the_o assembly_n which_o relate_v to_o the_o constitution_n thereof_o as_o we_o have_v already_o show_v be_v bind_v to_o declare_v their_o conscience_n touch_v other_o who_o be_v call_v to_o be_v constituent_a member_n thereof_o in_o their_o doctrine_n life_n and_o execution_n of_o their_o office_n and_o for_o the_o point_n of_o that_o interest_n it_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n that_o be_v object_v by_o the_o remonstrant_n against_o the_o antiremonstrants_a at_o the_o synod_n of_o dort_n and_o by_o the_o prelate_n in_o their_o declinator_n 1638._o to_o which_o we_o return_v no_o other_o answer_n but_o that_o of_o the_o brittane_a divine_n at_o dort_n veritas_fw-la communis_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la thesaurus_fw-la est_fw-la nec_fw-la potest_fw-la ullo_fw-la pacto_fw-la fieri_fw-la peculium_fw-la singularum_fw-la personarum_fw-la dei_fw-la &_o ecclesiae_fw-la publica_n causa_fw-la est_fw-la non_fw-la sva_fw-la cujusque_fw-la quae_fw-la in_o synodis_fw-la agitur_fw-la in_o the_o close_a of_o this_o discourse_n as_o all_o along_o he_o speak_v of_o these_o who_o move_v this_o exception_n as_o of_o the_o commissioner_n accuser_n and_o cite_v that_o of_o julian_n si_fw-mi accusasse_n sufficiat_fw-la quis_fw-la inocens_fw-la erit_fw-la but_o that_o they_o weee_v not_o accuser_n neither_o yet_o to_o be_v call_v so_o i_o have_v already_o show_v why_o shall_v they_o be_v esteem_v or_o call_v accuser_n more_o than_o other_o propound_v exception_n against_o constituent_a member_n of_o the_o assembly_n neither_o be_v it_o ever_o desire_a that_o the_o propound_v of_o the_o exception_n shall_v be_v take_v for_o a_o verification_n of_o it_o or_o to_o speak_v in_o the_o author_n language_n that_o the_o accuse_v of_o they_o shall_v be_v the_o hold_v of_o they_o for_o guilty_a but_o only_o that_o the_o commissioner_n shall_v be_v remove_v from_o sit_v as_o member_n in_o the_o assembly_n till_o the_o exception_n be_v try_v and_o therefore_o that_o of_o julian_n can_v have_v no_o place_n in_o this_o case_n vindication_n it_o be_v allege_v by_o the_o writer_n that_o the_o same_o assembly_n at_o st._n andrews_n upon_o the_o like_a exception_n and_o objection_n other_o be_v remove_v from_o sit_v as_o member_n as_o blacketer_n and_o other_o because_o the_o scandal_n of_o their_o accession_n to_o the_o unlawful_a engagement_n be_v not_o sufficient_o purge_v etc._n etc._n and_o he_o will_v have_v any_o man_n in_o the_o world_n give_v a_o reason_n why_o these_o be_v exclude_v and_o not_o other_o against_o who_o be_v as_o relevant_a yea_o more_fw-it revelant_fw-la exception_n answer_n i_o think_v any_o man_n in_o the_o world_n that_o have_v common_a sense_n inform_v of_o both_o case_n may_v give_v a_o reason_n and_o may_v perceive_v that_o the_o writer_n have_v be_v rash_a when_o he_o have_v write_v these_o word_n upon_o the_o like_a exception_n and_o as_o relevant_a yea_o more_o relevant_a exception_n for_o blacketer_n and_o other_o 1._o their_o scandal_n be_v clear_a in_o the_o law_n 2._o they_o have_v be_v convict_v of_o the_o fact_n yea_o 3._o they_o have_v be_v actual_o censure_v and_o be_v yet_o lie_v under_o the_o censure_n 4._o a_o part_n of_o their_o censure_n be_v exclusion_n from_o be_v member_n of_o kirk_n judicatories_n 5._o there_o be_v one_o express_a act_n of_o a_o gen._n assembly_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v liberat_fw-la from_o that_o censure_n nor_o be_v capable_a to_o be_v member_n of_o any_o inferior_a kirk-judicature_n until_o their_o satisfaction_n shall_v be_v first_o notify_v unto_o and_o approven_v by_o a_o gen._n assembly_n now_o let_v any_o man_n in_o the_o world_n tell_v i_o if_o the_o exception_n against_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o be_v alike_o or_o if_o there_o be_v more_o relevancy_n in_o the_o exception_n against_o the_o commissioner_n then_o in_o the_o exception_n against_o these_o for_o their_o exclusion_n from_o be_v member_n the_o matter_n of_o exception_n may_v haply_o consider_v in_o abstracto_fw-la be_v of_o great_a importance_n but_o we_o speak_v now_o of_o the_o exception_n in_o relation_n to_o person_n and_o circumstance_n as_o it_o be_v to_o have_v effect_n or_o not_o to_o have_v effect_n upon_o the_o judge_n for_o censure_v and_o note_v or_o not_o censure_v and_o note_v the_o person_n review_n the_o author_n in_o answer_v the_o instance_n concern_v blacketer_n seem_v to_o himself_o to_o have_v get_v a_o great_a advantage_n of_o the_o writer_n his_o rashness_n but_o though_o his_o advantage_n be_v as_o great_a as_o 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choose_v by_o express_a vote_n and_o consent_n of_o some_o of_o the_o protester_n themselves_o as_o mr._n robert_n blaire_n in_o the_o presbytery_n of_o st._n andrews_n mr._n james_n wood_n in_o the_o university_n of_o st._n andrews_n by_o mr._n sam._n rutherford_n it_o may_v be_v true_a mr._n sam._n rutherford_n his_o desire_n of_o peace_n and_o testify_v of_o respect_n to_o these_o man_n be_v such_o as_o it_o be_v together_o with_o the_o hope_n that_o he_o have_v of_o their_o be_v instrumental_a to_o accommodate_v thing_n in_o a_o right_a way_n at_o the_o assembly_n but_o that_o hinder_v not_o why_o the_o protester_n may_v not_o warrantable_o propound_v the_o exception_n at_o the_o assembly_n another_o branch_n be_v that_o the_o assembly_n have_v not_o as_o yet_o choose_v their_o moderator_n and_o be_v not_o yet_o constitute_v and_o therefore_o can_v not_o discuss_v that_o question_n etc._n etc._n but_o not_o to_o repeat_v that_o they_o do_v discuss_v the_o relevancy_n of_o other_o exception_n yea_o of_o that_o same_o that_o be_v propound_v against_o the_o commissioner_n as_o to_o their_o sit_v or_o not_o sit_v till_o the_o matter_n shall_v be_v further_o try_v it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o if_o controvert_v commission_n and_o member_n upon_o exception_n propound_v against_o they_o be_v lay_v aside_o till_o trial_n which_o have_v always_o be_v the_o custom_n of_o the_o assembly_n of_o this_o church_n it_o be_v not_o so_o very_o material_a whether_o the_o full_a discuss_n of_o the_o exception_n be_v before_o the_o choose_n of_o the_o moderator_n or_o after_o it_o there_o be_v practice_n and_o instance_n of_o both_o way_n some_o assembly_n first_o discuss_v the_o controvert_v commission_n and_o member_n and_o then_o choose_v the_o moderator_n other_o lay_v aside_o these_o thing_n till_o the_o moderator_n be_v first_o choose_v and_o then_o immediate_o before_o the_o do_n of_o any_o thing_n else_o fall_v upon_o the_o discuss_n of_o they_o though_o it_o seem_v 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of_o public_a trust_n defection_n from_o the_o cause_n and_o covenant_n which_o do_v require_v consideration_n before_o the_o admit_v these_o person_n i_o will_v ask_v the_o author_n this_o one_o question_n upon_o supposal_n that_o the_o assembly_n after_o the_o commissioner_n sit_v and_o vote_v therein_o many_o day_n yea_o even_o in_o the_o condemn_v of_o the_o protestation_n and_o cite_v of_o the_o protester_n shall_v have_v find_v their_o proceed_n to_o involve_v a_o course_n of_o defection_n from_o the_o cause_n and_o covenant_n and_o thereupon_o have_v remove_v and_o censure_v they_o can_v beholder_n have_v look_v upon_o this_o as_o a_o handsome_a way_n of_o proceed_v that_o they_o will_v not_o take_v into_o consideration_n a_o exception_n deserve_v such_o thing_n when_o it_o be_v first_o propound_v unto_o they_o and_o offer_v to_o be_v instruct_v but_o will_v judge_v the_o exception_n irrelevant_a censure_v other_o for_o protest_v because_o of_o refuse_v to_o accept_v of_o it_o admit_v the_o commissioner_n to_o be_v fellow-judge_n in_o condemn_v that_o protestation_n &_o after_o all_o this_o find_v these_o commissioner_n guilty_a of_o the_o thing_n allege_v in_o that_o same_o very_a exception_n when_o ffr_v propon_v &_o remove_v &_o censure_v they_o upon_o it_o be_v thing_n handsome_a or_o do_v they_o well_o cohere_v or_o can_v a_o tender_a eye_n look_v upon_o they_o without_o offence_n how_o much_o fair_a have_v it_o be_v first_o to_o remove_v they_o and_o present_o or_o immediate_o after_o the_o choice_n of_o the_o moderator_n to_o discuss_v the_o exception_n there_o be_v more_o danger_n to_o the_o cause_n &_o offence_n to_o god_n &_o his_o people_n in_o rash_a admit_v such_o as_o be_v guilty_a then_o in_o cautious_a delay_n even_o of_o innocent_a person_n when_o legal_o challenge_v if_o innocent_a they_o may_v afterward_o be_v admit_v with_o more_o honour_n and_o respect_n but_o if_o guilty_a either_o they_o shall_v be_v continue_v member_n with_o much_o detriment_n to_o the_o cause_n or_o else_o shall_v be_v casten_z out_o with_o more_o shame_n both_o to_o themselves_o and_o to_o the_o assembly_n who_o at_o first_o refuse_v to_o lay_v they_o aside_o till_o they_o be_v try_v because_o the_o author_n see_v that_o a_o objection_n may_v be_v move_v against_o what_o he_o have_v say_v from_o the_o assembly_n remove_v of_o other_o member_n who_o be_v except_v against_o before_o the_o choice_n of_o the_o moderator_n therefore_o for_o prevent_v of_o it_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o there_o be_v a_o wide_a difference_n because_o the_o exception_n against_o they_o be_v as_o to_o their_o relevancie_n for_o their_o remove_n in_o case_n every_o way_n clear_a and_o determine_v before_o in_o so_o far_o as_o be_v requisite_a for_o that_o to_o wit_n protestation_n in_o presbytery_n against_o their_o election_n stand_v censure_n exclude_v they_o from_o all_o church-judicatories_a unrepealed_a to_o which_o i_o return_v these_o particular_n first_o some_z even_o before_o the_o choice_n of_o the_o moderator_n be_v remove_v upon_o exception_n against_o who_o election_n there_o be_v no_o protestation_n and_o who_o be_v under_o no_o stand_a censure_n either_o of_o one_o kind_n or_o another_o to_o wit_n mr._n robert_n canden_n commissioner_n from_o the_o presbytery_n of_o dunce_n who_o be_v remove_v upon_o this_o exception_n that_o that_o presbytery_n can_v not_o choose_v commissioner_n be_v so_o few_o in_o number_n as_o they_o be_v here_o be_v no_o protestation_n the_o man_n under_o no_o censure_n yea_o nor_o the_o ground_n of_o the_o exception_n clear_a and_o unquestionable_a in_o law_n as_o to_o any_o act_n of_o any_o former_a assembly_n only_o primâ_fw-la front_n it_o seem_v relevant_a that_o two_o or_o three_o can_v not_o choose_v therefore_o be_v be_v thereupon_o remove_v though_o afterward_o if_o my_o information_n hold_v he_o be_v again_o as_o seem_v upon_o not_o find_v the_o exception_n not_o relevant_a admit_v second_o neither_o be_v a_o protestation_n against_o the_o election_n sufficient_a to_o make_v it_o clear_a upon_o the_o author_n ground_n i_o suppose_v that_o it_o have_v be_v allege_v that_o the_o ground_n of_o the_o protestation_n be_v not_o clear_a but_o questionable_a as_o to_o the_o relevancy_n of_o it_o by_o his_o ground_n such_o a_o protestation_n against_o the_o election_n will_v not_o have_v be_v enough_o to_o lay_v the_o commissioner_n aside_o till_o the_o matter_n have_v be_v try_v to_o come_v near_o the_o case_n let_v we_o suppose_v that_o some_o of_o the_o opposer_n of_o public_a resolution_n have_v in_o the_o presbytery_n or_o in_o the_o universite_a of_o st._n andrews_n protest_v against_o the_o election_n of_o the_o commissioner_n there_o upon_o this_o ground_n that_o these_o who_o be_v elect_v be_v instrumental_a in_o the_o public_a resolution_n will_v the_o author_n say_v this_o have_v be_v sufficient_a to_o lay_v these_o commissioner_n aside_o from_o sit_v as_o member_n of_o the_o assembly_n till_o the_o matter_n have_v be_v try_v if_o so_o why_o then_o be_v not_o the_o propon_n of_o that_o exception_n in_o the_o assembly_n against_o all_o these_o who_o be_v member_n of_o the_o commission_n and_o have_v hand_n in_o these_o resolution_n sufficient_a to_o lay_v they_o aside_o os_fw-la if_o that_o be_v deny_v i_o will_v desire_v to_o know_v a_o reason_n of_o the_o difference_n if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o all_o the_o commission_n which_o be_v lay_v aside_o because_o of_o protestation_n against_o they_o be_v such_o as_o be_v protest_v against_o upon_o clear_a &_o unquestionable_a ground_n i_o answer_v that_o it_o be_v not_o so_o as_o appear_v by_o the_o instance_n already_o give_v to_o which_o i_o add_v another_o to_o let_v see_v what_o partiality_n of_o proceed_v there_o be_v in_o these_o thing_n even_o upon_o the_o author_n own_o ground_n do_v not_o the_o assembly_n lie_v aside_o the_o commission_n of_o these_o who_o be_v first_o choose_v by_o the_o presbytery_n of_o
the_o commendation_n that_o be_v give_v he_o why_o then_o shall_v it_o be_v carp_v at_o if_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v say_v of_o he_o be_v true_a as_o they_o be_v they_o do_v indeed_o make_v the_o argument_n more_o bulksome_a the_o author_n do_v once_o and_o again_o undervalue_v the_o light_n hold_v forth_o by_o he_o and_o pith_n of_o his_o paper_n i_o shall_v not_o deny_v the_o author_n the_o testimony_n of_o learning_n and_o ability_n and_o wish_n that_o the_o lord_n may_v more_o &_o more_o increase_v and_o more_o &_o more_o sanctify_v it_o unto_o he_o that_o it_o may_v be_v improven_v for_o the_o edification_n of_o many_o but_o there_o be_v much_o of_o a_o thrasonick_a spirit_n that_o as_o a_o vein_n run_v through_o all_o this_o vindication_n the_o man_n who_o light_n and_o pith_n he_o do_v set_v so_o low_o have_v by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n be_v instrumental_a to_o hold_v forth_o very_a much_o light_n to_o the_o kirk_n of_o god_n in_o scotland_n in_o thing_n relate_v to_o the_o work_n of_o reformation_n and_o his_o pith_n by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o lord_n have_v be_v acknowledge_v in_o both_o nation_n the_o writer_n in_o relate_v of_o the_o business_n of_o the_o smother_n of_o sir_n archibald_n johnstons_n letter_n be_v challenge_v by_o the_o author_n of_o much_o want_n of_o ingenuity_n and_o speak_v nothing_o of_o the_o truth_n but_o let_v we_o see_v how_o this_o great_a challenge_n be_v make_v out_o 1._o he_o say_v the_o assembly_n never_o refuse_v to_o have_v it_o read_v but_o be_v it_o ever_o read_v be_v not_o the_o assembly_n often_o desire_v to_o cause_n read_v it_o be_v there_o not_o often_o much_o debate_n about_o the_o read_n of_o it_o and_o be_v it_o not_o for_o a_o long_a time_n wave_v from_o diet_n to_o diet_n &_o at_o last_o bury_v i_o fear_v not_o but_o this_o in_o the_o account_n of_o ingenuous_a man_n will_v amount_v to_o a_o refusal_n but_o say_v the_o author_n most_o part_n of_o the_o whole_a assembly_n be_v earnest_o desirous_a to_o 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in_o the_o assembly_n do_v earnest_o seek_v to_o have_v it_o read_v and_o that_o all_o the_o man_n who_o oppose_v the_o read_n of_o it_o be_v such_o as_o be_v for_o the_o public_a resolution_n and_o some_o of_o they_o such_o as_o do_v belong_v to_o the_o commission_n and_o have_v hand_n in_o the_o contrive_n and_o carry_v on_o these_o resolution_n this_o seem_v not_o to_o be_v deny_v but_o for_o take_v off_o the_o weight_n off_o it_o he_o come_v to_o tell_v we_o that_o which_o he_o call_v the_o truth_n which_o he_o doubt_v not_o but_o the_o writer_n know_v in_o his_o conscience_n have_v he_o be_v so_o ingenuous_a as_o to_o tell_v it_o but_o i_o can_v answer_v he_o by_o warrant_n from_o the_o writer_n that_o he_o conceal_v nothing_o concern_v which_o he_o have_v any_o persuasion_n in_o his_o conscience_n as_o to_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o in_o that_o which_o the_o author_n speak_v of_o the_o matter_n allege_v by_o he_o be_v that_o all_o this_o be_v from_o tenderness_n and_o respect_n to_o sir_n archibald_n johnston_n by_o some_o of_o his_o friend_n in_o the_o assembly_n who_o do_v perceive_v by_o look_v on_o his_o paper_n sundry_a high_a reflection_n against_o the_o supreme_a power_n of_o the_o kingdom_n both_o king_n and_o estate_n which_o can_v not_o but_o have_v bring_v he_o in_o present_a trouble_n this_o necessitate_v the_o tell_v more_o of_o the_o truth_n which_o the_o writer_n former_o spare_v to_o his_o own_o disadvantage_n the_o letter_n be_v deliver_v to_o the_o moderator_n public_o in_o the_o face_n of_o the_o assembly_n in_o the_o forenoon_n a_o little_a after_o the_o sit_v down_o of_o the_o assembly_n upon_o the_o delivery_n thereof_o the_o moderator_n promise_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v read_v and_o brack_n it_o open_v be_v open_a in_o the_o hand_n of_o he_o that_o be_v clerk_n to_o the_o public_a resolution_n and_o be_v now_o clerk_n to_o the_o assembly_n opportunity_n be_v give_v to_o he_o and_o sundry_a of_o these_o who_o be_v for_o the_o public_a resolution_n and_o be_v the_o man_n who_o oppose_v the_o read_n of_o it_o in_o the_o assembly_n to_o read_v it_o in_o private_a after_o which_o it_o be_v press_v to_o be_v read_v with_o much_o earnestness_n and_o importunity_n at_o several_a diet_n of_o the_o assembly_n and_o much_o debate_n there_o be_v to_o and_o fro_o at_o several_a occasion_n about_o the_o read_n of_o it_o but_o the_o result_n be_v always_o carry_v to_o a_o delay_n until_o at_o last_o the_o protester_n leave_v the_o assembly_n there_o be_v little_a or_o no_o more_o hear_v of_o it_o that_o this_o be_v do_v out_o of_o mere_a kindness_n and_o respect_n to_o my_o lord_n wariston_n from_o who_o the_o letter_n come_v be_v not_o likely_a 1._o because_o not_o only_o do_v he_o himself_o in_o the_o very_a bosom_n of_o it_o earnest_o beseech_v yea_o obtest_v and_o adjure_v in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n that_o what_o he_o write_v to_o the_o assembly_n may_v be_v read_v and_o consider_v but_o the_o near_a and_o most_o 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king_n and_o to_o the_o committee_n of_o estate_n and_o the_o read_n may_v well_o have_v be_v a_o confirmation_n of_o the_o same_o thing_n but_o will_v have_v furnish_v little_a or_o no_o new_a matter_n of_o ditty_n 3_o there_o be_v no_o reflection_n in_o that_o letter_n against_o the_o king_n &_o committee_n of_o estate_n but_o in_o order_n to_o a_o conjunction_n with_o the_o malignant_a party_n and_o if_o the_o read_n of_o these_o in_o the_o assembly_n will_v have_v bring_v he_o present_a trouble_n then_o sure_o it_o be_v not_o free_a nor_o safe_a for_o man_n who_o be_v of_o that_o opinion_n that_o the_o public_a resolution_n do_v involve_v such_o a_o conjunction_n to_o speak_v their_o judgement_n free_o in_o the_o assembly_n upon_o these_o resolution_n see_v his_o freedom_n of_o write_v in_o these_o thing_n will_v by_o the_o author_n own_o concession_n have_v bring_v he_o to_o present_a trouble_n 4._o this_o be_v not_o the_o way_n to_o keep_v off_o the_o danger_n but_o rather_o to_o fetch_v it_o on_o because_o it_o be_v the_o way_n to_o fill_v the_o country_n with_o the_o noise_n of_o the_o lord_n waristons_n write_v such_o a_o letter_n to_o the_o assembly_n which_o some_o that_o love_v he_o after_o the_o delivery_n thereof_o public_o do_v smother_v and_o keep_v back_o from_o be_v read_v notwithstanding_o it_o be_v earnest_o press_v by_o most_o part_n of_o the_o assembly_n which_o report_n come_v to_o the_o king_n and_o to_o the_o commissioner_n will_v in_o all_o appearance_n have_v occasion_v they_o to_o call_v for_o the_o letter_n which_o can_v not_o have_v be_v deny_v nor_o put_v out_o of_o the_o way_n be_v now_o public_o deliver_v and_o so_o much_o debate_v
committee_n of_o estate_n the_o assembly_n continue_v until_o the_o morn_n at_o ten_o hour_n that_o examination_n of_o the_o proceed_n of_o the_o commission_n of_o the_o late_a assembly_n and_o do_v appoint_v that_o time_n for_o hear_v any_o new_a exception_n the_o committee_n of_o estate_n have_v to_o give_v in_o against_o the_o proceed_n of_o the_o say_a commission_n paper_n send_v into_o the_o assembly_n whereas_o it_o have_v be_v the_o constant_a care_n and_o endeavor_n of_o the_o parliament_n and_o committee_n of_o estate_n to_o use_v all_o mean_n for_o remove_v and_o settle_v the_o difference_n betwixt_o the_o church_n and_o the_o state_n and_o in_o pursuance_n of_o that_o good_a way_n the_o committee_n do_v yesterday_o give_v in_o some_o new_a desire_n and_o offer_v to_o the_o gen._n assembly_n that_o some_o may_v be_v appoint_v to_o meet_v and_o confer_v with_o such_o as_o shall_v be_v appoint_v by_o the_o committee_n thereupon_o but_o since_o instead_o of_o embrace_v and_o 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conference_n may_v preveen_v the_o same_o and_o be_v more_o willing_a not_o to_o give_v they_o in_o at_o all_o or_o at_o least_o only_a to_o give_v they_o in_o to_o those_o you_o shall_v appoint_v to_o confer_v with_o we_o that_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a difference_n may_v yet_o be_v remove_v then_o that_o we_o be_v necessitate_v to_o appear_v in_o public_a among_o they_o and_o that_o this_o and_o our_o former_a paper_n may_v remain_v as_o a_o testimony_n of_o our_o desire_n for_o unity_n and_o peace_n we_o desire_v that_o they_o may_v be_v record_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n the_o assembly_n do_v give_v this_o humble_a return_n to_o the_o paper_n send_v this_o day_n from_o the_o hon._n committee_n of_o estate_n that_o they_o be_v most_o willing_a to_o appoint_v a_o conference_n with_o any_o of_o their_o lordsh_fw-mi number_n but_o that_o according_a to_o the_o order_n and_o act_n of_o former_a gen._n asembly_n they_o conceive_v themselves_o oblige_v first_o to_o examine_v the_o proceed_n of_o the_o commission_n of_o the_o late_a gen._n assembly_n and_o thereafter_o shall_v be_v willing_a to_o confer_v be_v also_o now_o ready_a as_o of_o before_o to_o hear_v exception_n if_o there_o be_v any_o against_o the_o proceed_n of_o the_o say_a commission_n subscrib_n a._n ker._n the_o committee_n of_o estate_n understand_v that_o the_o gen._n assembly_n be_v to_o proceed_v to_o the_o examination_n of_o the_o proceed_n of_o the_o commissioner_n of_o the_o late_a gen._n assembly_n in_o order_n to_o a_o approbation_n before_o they_o agree_v to_o a_o conference_n and_o the_o committee_n be_v to_o give_v in_o their_o just_a exception_n against_o the_o proceed_n of_o the_o say_a commissioner_n do_v desire_v the_o gen._n assembly_n to_o allow_v some_o few_o day_n delay_v to_o the_o committee_n to_o prepare_v their_o exception_n before_o the_o assembly_n proceed_v in_o the_o business_n the_o assembly_n continue_v the_o examination_n of_o the_o proceed_n 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of_o the_o commissioner_n of_o the_o late_a general_n assembly_n if_o the_o conference_n shall_v not_o produce_v these_o happy_a effect_n they_o earnest_o wish_v the_o general_a assembly_n unto_o the_o motion_n send_v this_o afternoon_n from_o the_o honourable_a committee_n of_o estate_n do_v return_v humble_o this_o answer_n that_o they_o yield_v to_o their_o lordship_n desire_n of_o a_o conference_n and_o for_o this_o end_n appoint_v m_n r_n david_n calderwood_n david_n dickson_n robert_n douglass_n andrew_n cant_v john_n moncreif_n john_n smith_n and_o john_n mac_n clelland_n minister_n and_o the_o earl_n of_o cassilles_n the_o earl_n of_o louthian_n lord_n balmernio_n the_o laird_n of_o moncreif_n and_o freeland_n with_o the_o moderator_n to_o confer_v with_o any_o appoint_v by_o the_o honourable_a committee_n of_o estate_n at_o such_o time_n and_o place_n as_o shall_v be_v appoint_v by_o their_o lordship_n upon_o the_o present_a danger_n to_o religion_n and_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n the_o great_a prejudices_fw-la do_v to_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o kirk_n and_o the_o best_a remedy_n thereof_o and_o to_o report_v the_o result_n of_o their_o conference_n from_o time_n to_o time_n and_o they_o have_v also_o power_n to_o receive_v any_o offer_n or_o paper_n from_o the_o honourable_a committee_n of_o estate_n and_o to_o present_v the_o same_o to_o the_o assembly_n declare_v that_o the_o proceed_n of_o the_o commission_n of_o the_o late_a assembly_n be_v new_a exact_o try_v and_o unanimous_o approven_v there_o be_v no_o place_n leave_v for_o any_o objection_n against_o the_o same_o subscrib_n a._n ker._n reasins_z why_o these_o who_o dis-approved_n the_o public_a resolution_n and_o act_n at_o dundee_n ratify_v the_o same_o and_o ordain_v censure_n to_o pass_v upon_o the_o opposer_n and_o unsatisfied_a can_v keep_v the_o assembly_n now_o indict_v nor_o be_v consent_v unto_o the_o election_n of_o commissioner_n for_o that_o effect_n the_o chief_a cause_n of_o many_o evil_n which_o have_v befall_v this_o church_n in_o time_n of_o defection_n under_o prelacy_n be_v clear_o determine_v by_o the_o gen_n assembly_n at_o edinburgh_n 1639._o to_o have_v be_v the_o keep_n and_o authorise_v corrupt_a general_n assembly_n it_o be_v of_o high_a concernment_n that_o we_o take_v heed_n that_o we_o be_v not_o consent_v nor_o concur_v to_o the_o keep_n and_o authorise_v such_o assembly_n in_o this_o decline_a time_n among_o which_o the_o assembly_n indict_v by_o the_o commissioner_n of_o the_o pretend_a assembly_n at_o st._n andrews_n and_o dundee_n be_v to_o be_v reckon_v and_o consequent_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v keep_v by_o any_o who_o have_v protest_v against_o or_o be_v in_o their_o conscience_n unsatisfied_a with_o the_o public_a resolution_n and_o act_n of_o the_o assembly_n at_o dundee_n establish_v the_o same_o as_o involving_a defection_n and_o backslide_n from_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n and_o covenant_n to_o speak_v nothing_o of_o the_o indiction_n of_o the_o ensue_a assembly_n which_o can_v neither_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o any_o who_o have_v protest_v against_o or_o by_o any_o who_o doubt_v of_o the_o freedom_n lawfulness_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o assembly_n at_o dundee_n but_o allanerly_a of_o the_o constitution_n thereof_o in_o so_o far_o as_o it_o depend_v upon_o the_o act_n of_o that_o assembly_n these_o reason_n seem_v to_o warrant_n and_o require_v the_o forbearance_n and_o non-concurrence_n of_o all_o these_o who_o disallow_v of_o the_o act_n of_o the_o pretend_a assembly_n at_o dundee_n in_o the_o election_n of_o commissioner_n unto_o a_o keep_n the_o diet_n of_o the_o assembly_n now_o indict_v 1._o no_o man_n ought_v to_o be_v consent_v unto_o the_o authorise_a of_o commissioner_n to_o keep_v a_o assembly_n which_o be_v constitute_v by_o a_o corrupt_a rule_n but_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o such_o as_o approve_v not_o the_o act_n of_o the_o assembly_n of_o dundee_n the_o ensue_a assembly_n be_v constitute_v by_o a_o corrupt_a rule_n ergo_fw-la the_o major_a
madness_n and_o folly_n upon_o our_o part_n so_o no_o doubt_n if_o it_o be_v not_o avoid_v will_v provoke_v the_o lord_n against_o we_o to_o consume_v we_o until_o there_o be_v no_o remnant_n nor_o escape_v in_o the_o land_n and_o albeit_o the_o peace_n and_o union_n betwixt_o the_o kingdom_n be_v a_o great_a blessing_n of_o god_n unto_o both_o and_o a_o bond_n which_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o preserve_v unviolated_a and_o to_o endeavour_v that_o justice_n may_v be_v do_v upon_o the_o opposer_n thereof_o yet_o some_o in_o this_o land_n who_o have_v come_v under_o the_o bond_n of_o the_o covenant_n have_v make_v it_o their_o great_a study_n how_o to_o dissolve_v this_o union_n and_o few_o oâ—_n no_o endeavour_n have_v be_v use_v by_o any_o of_o we_o for_o punish_v of_o such_o we_o have_v suffer_v many_o of_o our_o brethren_n in_o several_a part_n of_o the_o land_n to_o be_v oppress_v of_o the_o common_a enemy_n without_o compassion_n or_o relief_n there_o have_v be_v great_a murmur_a and_o repine_v because_o of_o expense_n of_o mean_n and_o pain_n in_o do_v of_o our_o duty_n many_o by_o persuasion_n or_o terror_n have_v suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v divide_v and_o withdraw_v to_o make_v defection_n to_o the_o contrary_a part_n many_o have_v turn_v off_o to_o a_o detestable_a indifferency_n and_o neutrality_n in_o this_o cause_n which_o so_o much_o concern_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o good_a of_o these_o kingdom_n nay_o many_o have_v make_v it_o their_o study_n to_o walk_v so_o as_o they_o may_v comply_v with_o all_o time_n and_o all_o the_o revolution_n thereof_o it_o have_v not_o be_v our_o care_n to_o countenance_n encourage_v intrust_v and_o employ_v such_o only_a as_o from_o their_o heart_n do_v affect_v and_o mind_n god_n work_n but_o the_o heart_n of_o such_o many_o time_n have_v be_v discourage_v and_o their_o hand_n weaken_v their_o suffering_n neglect_v and_o themselves_o slight_v and_o many_o who_o be_v once_o open_a enemy_n and_o always_o secret_a underminer_n countenance_v and_o employ_v nay_o even_o those_o who_o have_v be_v look_v upon_o as_o incendiary_n and_o upon_o who_o the_o lord_n have_v set_v mark_n of_o desperate_a malignancy_n falsehood_n and_o deceit_n be_v bring_v in_o as_o fit_a to_o manage_v public_a affair_n many_o have_v be_v the_o let_n and_o impediment_n that_o have_v be_v cast_v in_o the_o way_n to_o retard_v and_o obstruct_v the_o lord_n work_v and_o some_o have_v keep_v secret_a what_o of_o themselves_o they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o suppress_v and_o overcome_v beside_o these_o and_o many_o other_o breach_n of_o the_o article_n of_o the_o covenant_n in_o the_o matter_n thereof_o which_o concern_v every_o one_o of_o we_o to_o search_v out_o and_o acknowledge_v before_o the_o lord_n as_o we_o will_v wish_v his_o wrath_n to_o be_v turn_v away_o from_o we_o so_o have_v many_o of_o we_o fail_v exceed_o in_o the_o manner_n of_o our_o follow_v and_o pursue_v the_o duty_n contain_v therein_o not_o only_o 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public_a profession_n before_o the_o world_n of_o our_o unfeigned_a desire_n to_o be_v humble_v before_o the_o lord_n for_o our_o own_o sin_n and_o the_o sin_n of_o these_o kingdom_n especial_o for_o our_o under_o value_v of_o the_o inestimable_a benefit_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o that_o we_o have_v not_o labour_v for_o the_o power_n thereof_o and_o receive_v christ_n into_o our_o heart_n and_o walk_v worthy_a of_o he_o in_o our_o life_n and_o of_o our_o true_a and_o unfeigned_a purpose_n desire_v and_o endeavour_v for_o ourselves_o and_o all_o other_o under_o our_o power_n and_o charge_n both_o in_o public_a and_o private_a in_o all_o duty_n which_o we_o owe_v to_o god_n and_o man_n to_o amend_v our_o life_n and_o each_o one_o to_o go_v before_o another_o in_o the_o example_n of_o a_o real_a reformation_n that_o the_o lord_n may_v turn_v away_o his_o wrath_n and_o heavy_a indignation_n and_o establish_v these_o kirk_n and_o kingdom_n in_o truth_n and_o peace_n yet_o we_o have_v refuse_v to_o be_v reform_v and_o have_v walk_v proud_o and_o obstinate_o against_o the_o lord_n not_o value_v his_o gospel_n nor_o submit_v ourselves_o unto_o the_o obedience_n thereof_o nor_o seek_v after_o christ_n nor_o study_v to_o honour_v he_o in_o the_o excellency_n of_o his_o person_n nor_o employ_v he_o in_o the_o virtue_n of_o his_o office_n not_o make_v conscience_n of_o public_a ordinance_n nor_o private_a nor_o secret_a duty_n nor_o study_v to_o edify_v one_o another_o in_o love_n the_o ignorance_n of_o god_n and_o of_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n prevail_v exceed_o in_o the_o land_n the_o great_a part_n of_o master_n of_o family_n among_o nobleman_n baron_n gentleman_n burgess_n and_o commons_o neglect_v to_o seek_v god_n in_o their_o family_n and_o to_o endeavour_v the_o reformation_n thereof_o and_o albeit_o it_o have_v be_v much_o press_v yet_o few_o of_o our_o noble_n and_o great_a one_o ever_o to_o this_o day_n can_v be_v persuade_v to_o perform_v family_n duty_n themselves_o and_o in_o their_o own_o person_n which_o make_v so_o necessary_a and_o useful_a a_o duty_n to_o be_v misâ—regarded_a by_o other_o of_o inferior_a rank_n nay_o many_o of_o the_o nobiiity_n gentry_n and_o burrows_n who_o shall_v have_v be_v example_n of_o godliness_n and_o sober_a walk_v unto_o other_o have_v be_v ringleader_n of_o excess_n and_o riot_v albeit_o we_o be_v the_o lord_n people_n engage_v to_o he_o in_o a_o solemn_a way_n yet_o to_o this_o day_n we_o have_v not_o make_v it_o our_o study_n that_o judicatories_n and_o army_n shall_v consist_v of_o and_o place_n of_o power_n and_o trust_v be_v fill_v with_o man_n of_o a_o blameless_a and_o christian_a conversation_n and_o of_o know_a integrity_n and_o approven_v fidelity_n affection_n and_o zeal_n unto_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n but_o not_o only_o those_o who_o have_v be_v neutral_a and_o indifferent_a but_o dis-affected_n and_o malignant_a and_o other_o who_o have_v be_v profane_a and_o scandalous_a have_v be_v entrust_v by_o which_o it_o have_v come_v to_o pass_v that_o judicatories_n have_v be_v the_o seat_n of_o injustice_n and_o iniquity_n and_o many_o in_o our_o army_n by_o their_o mis-carriage_n have_v become_v our_o plague_n unto_o the_o great_a prejudice_n of_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n the_o great_a scandal_n of_o the_o gospel_n &_o the_o great_a increase_n of_o looseness_n &_o profanity_n throughout_o all_o the_o land_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o reckon_v up_o all_o the_o abomination_n that_o be_v in_o the_o land_n but_o the_o blaspheme_n of_o the_o name_n of_o god_n swear_v by_o the_o creature_n profanation_n of_o the_o lord_n day_n uncleanness_n drunkenness_n excess_n &_o riot_v vanity_n of_o apparel_n lie_v &_o deceit_n rail_v &_o curse_v arbitary_a &_o uncontrolled_a oppression_n &_o grind_v of_o the_o face_n of_o the_o poor_a by_o landlord_n &_o other_o in_o place_n and_o power_n be_v become_v ordinary_a &_o common_a sin_n and_o beside_o all_o these_o thing_n there_o be_v many_o other_o transgression_n whereof_o the_o land_n wherein_o we_o live_v be_v guilty_a all_o which_o we_o desire_v to_o acknowledge_v and_o to_o be_v humble_v for_o that_o the_o world_n may_v bear_v witness_n with_o we_o that_o rightousnes_n belong_v unto_o god_n and_o shame_n &_o confusion_n of_o face_n unto_o we_o as_o appear_v this_o day_n and_o because_o it_o be_v needful_a for_o these_o who_o find_v mercy_n not_o only_o to_o confess_v but_o also_o to_o forsake_v their_o sin_n therefore_o that_o the_o reality_n and_o sincerity_n of_o our_o repentance_n may_v appear_v we_o do_v resolve_v and_o solemn_o engage_v ourselves_o before_o the_o lord_n careful_o to_o avoid_v for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v all_o these_o offence_n whereof_o we_o have_v now_o make_v solemn_a public_a acknowledgement_n and_o all_o the_o snare_n and_o tentation_n which_o tend_v thereunto_o
and_o do_v not_o take_v the_o most_o probable_a and_o christian-like_a mean_n for_o remedy_v the_o division_n the_o author_n know_v who_o be_v in_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n who_o do_v tread_v these_o step_v not_o long_o ago_o next_o they_o do_v conceive_v it_o to_o be_v the_o most_o probable_a and_o christian-like_a mean_n for_o remedy_v the_o division_n to_o fall_v upon_o the_o root_n of_o the_o matter_n by_o hold_v ing_z forth_o that_o which_o have_v divide_v we_o from_o god_n and_o god_n from_o we_o and_o one_o of_o we_o from_o another_o take_v this_o for_o the_o most_o genuine_a and_o sound_a &_o safe_a &_o christian_a method_n of_o proceed_v yet_o walk_v so_o therein_o as_o that_o they_o do_v only_o sober_o and_o by_o way_n of_o advice_n hold_v forth_o their_o judgmnt_n and_o not_o impose_v upon_o any_o and_o as_o they_o leave_v a_o open_a door_n to_o other_o to_o add_v what_o further_a discovery_n of_o guiltiness_n the_o lord_n shall_v make_v know_v to_o they_o so_o be_v they_o as_o sharp_a and_o search_a against_o themselves_o as_o against_o any_o other_o what_o dissonancie_n from_o their_o profession_n be_v in_o all_o this_o and_o if_o it_o be_v but_o a_o mock_n of_o god_n as_o the_o author_n insinuat_v i_o hope_v and_o pray_v that_o the_o lord_n will_v reveal_v it_o unto_o they_o see_v they_o do_v it_o in_o the_o simplicity_n of_o their_o heart_n look_v upon_o the_o same_o as_o a_o special_a and_o necessary_a point_n of_o their_o duty_n in_o this_o day_n of_o indignation_n and_o backslide_n but_o if_o it_o be_v acceptable_a service_n to_o god_n as_o i_o trust_v it_o be_v i_o hope_v the_o lord_n will_v countenance_v and_o follow_v it_o with_o a_o blessing_n from_o heaven_n that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o profitable_a fruit_n thereof_o to_o his_o poor_a servant_n and_o to_o his_o poor_a church_n i_o know_v not_o well_o who_o these_o be_v of_o who_o the_o author_n speak_v who_o notwithstanding_o of_o all_o the_o business_n that_o be_v make_v upon_o conference_n about_o difference_n etc._n etc._n yet_o if_o the_o fear_n of_o many_o both_o godly_a and_o wise_a may_v have_v weight_n have_v no_o other_o purpose_n but_o so_o far_o as_o they_o can_v to_o strengthen_v themselves_o in_o their_o own_o way_n and_o to_o fix_v the_o division_n from_o the_o most_o part_n in_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n if_o any_o profess_v what_o he_o do_v not_o intend_v he_o may_v abuse_v other_o but_o he_o do_v but_o increase_v his_o own_o guiltiness_n i_o dare_v say_v that_o the_o desire_n of_o union_n upon_o the_o protester_n side_n in_o the_o meeting_n at_o edinburgh_n whâ—ch_n be_v profess_v to_o be_v call_v in_o order_n to_o union_n be_v real_a and_o in_o their_o heart_n as_o well_o as_o in_o their_o mouth_n as_o it_o be_v to_o they_o a_o matter_n both_o of_o grief_n and_o wonder_n when_o the_o commissioner_n who_o come_v from_o the_o several_a synod_n do_v not_o only_o refuse_v to_o delay_v till_o brethren_n of_o a_o different_a judgement_n who_o be_v absent_a because_o they_o have_v no_o calling_n or_o invitation_n to_o come_v and_o can_v not_o intrude_v themselves_o may_v be_v get_v convene_v but_o also_o without_o any_o previous_a right_a understanding_n or_o any_o overture_n in_o order_n thereunto_o do_v resolve_v upon_o keep_v a_o assembly_n according_a to_o the_o indiction_n at_o dundee_n the_o last_o year_n which_o give_v just_a occasion_n of_o suspicion_n to_o many_o godly_a and_o wise_a to_o conceive_v that_o the_o zealote_v of_o the_o public_a resolution_n have_v more_o in_o their_o eye_n the_o strengthen_n of_o themselves_o in_o their_o own_o way_n and_o bear_v down_o and_o censure_v of_o their_o brethren_n who_o differ_v from_o they_o than_o any_o union_n and_o right_a understanding_n with_o they_o the_o commission_n that_o some_o who_o come_v to_o that_o meeting_n be_v clothe_v with_o and_o the_o letter_n and_o article_n that_o other_o of_o they_o do_v so_o much_o magnify_v and_o do_v so_o close_o stick_v to_o do_v confirm_v they_o therein_o and_o this_o bring_v forth_o in_o they_o this_o fear_n that_o as_o the_o strict_a adhere_n to_o the_o public_a resolution_n and_o to_o the_o constitution_n and_o act_n of_o the_o assembly_n at_o dundee_n shall_v obstruct_v the_o purge_n of_o this_o church_n from_o corrupt_a officer_n and_o corrupt_a member_n and_o bear_v down_o and_o drive_v out_o many_o precious_a one_o who_o can_v be_v consent_v unto_o but_o most_o bear_v testimony_n against_o these_o thing_n so_o also_o that_o it_o shall_v make_v many_o of_o the_o godly_a in_o the_o land_n to_o stumble_v exceed_o at_o the_o government_n of_o our_o church_n and_o from_o a_o despair_n ever_o to_o see_v this_o church_n purge_v to_o think_v of_o separate_n from_o it_o in_o which_o though_o they_o may_v do_v what_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o do_v yet_o it_o do_v exceed_o concern_v the_o author_n and_o other_o of_o his_o way_n to_o consider_v of_o this_o and_o to_o take_v heed_n that_o they_o do_v no_o more_o offend_v the_o little_a one_o nor_o tempt_v they_o above_o what_o they_o be_v able_a to_o bear_v vindication_n it_o shall_v now_o follow_v that_o we_o come_v to_o the_o examination_n of_o the_o reason_n allege_v against_o the_o assembly_n but_o that_o there_o be_v one_o passage_n more_o in_o the_o narrative_a of_o their_o protestation_n which_o can_v be_v pass_v by_o without_o some_o inquiry_n upon_o it_o it_o be_v in_o these_o word_n but_o as_o the_o faithful_a servant_n of_o jesus_n christ_n in_o this_o kirk_n in_o former_a time_n do_v by_o the_o good_a hand_n of_o god_n on_o they_o bring_v the_o work_n of_o reformation_n unto_o a_o great_a perfection_n and_o near_a conformity_n with_o the_o first_o pattern_n some_o unfaithful_a man_n mind_v their_o own_o thing_n more_o than_o the_o thing_n of_o christ_n &_o usurp_v over_o their_o brethren_n and_o the_o lord_n inheritance_n â—id_v deface_v the_o beauty_n thereof_o first_o by_o encroach_a on_o the_o liberty_n and_o freedom_n of_o the_o assembly_n afterward_o by_o take_v away_o the_o very_a assembly_n themselves_o therefore_o remember_v etc._n etc._n i_o shall_v not_o stay_v here_o to_o examine_v the_o gramar_n and_o logic_n of_o this_o passage_n in_o relation_n to_o antecedent_n and_o consequent_n wherein_o it_o seem_v whileas_o they_o have_v be_v too_o forward_o and_o earnest_a to_o let_v out_o indirect_o a_o blow_n at_o honest_a man_n they_o have_v somewhat_o oversee_v themselves_o as_o may_v be_v clear_o evidence_v but_o this_o be_v not_o worth_a the_o while_n nor_o shall_v i_o insist_v upon_o it_o to_o inquire_v the_o mystery_n it_o may_v be_v insinuat_fw-la there_o where_o they_o say_v that_o the_o faithful_a minister_n of_o jesus_n christ_n in_o former_a time_n bring_v the_o work_n of_o reformation_n to_o a_o great_a perfection_n and_o to_o a_o near_a conformity_n with_o the_o first_o pattern_n for_o these_o epithet_n of_o great_a and_o near_o can_v be_v look_v on_o in_o this_o place_n but_o as_o termini_fw-la diminuentes_fw-la because_o perfection_n &_o conformity_n to_o a_o rule_n be_v in_o themselves_o and_o their_o own_o pure_a signification_n such_o term_n as_o no_o epithet_n of_o quantity_n in_o the_o mere_a positive_a degree_n can_v be_v add_v to_o they_o without_o diminution_n of_o the_o thing_n signify_v by_o they_o when_o you_o say_v a_o action_n be_v come_v to_o a_o great_a perfection_n and_o to_o a_o conformity_n with_o you_o say_v not_o so_o much_o as_o if_o you_o say_v simple_o it_o be_v come_v to_o perfection_n and_o conformity_n with_o its_o rule_n now_o the_o work_n of_o reformation_n here_o be_v mean_v the_o outward_a ordinance_n the_o brethren_n will_v do_v well_o to_o tell_v and_o it_o be_v wisdom_n for_o every_o honest_a professor_n to_o inquire_v what_o they_o judge_v want_v of_o perfection_n and_o conformity_n to_o the_o pattern_n in_o a_o reformation_n of_o outward_a ordinance_n carry_v on_o by_o the_o good_a hand_n of_o god_n upon_o these_o his_o servant_n for_o my_o own_o part_n i_o be_o not_o give_v to_o be_v jealous_a yet_o i_o think_v it_o be_v safe_a now_o to_o take_v heed_n ne_fw-fr lateat_fw-la anguis_fw-la in_o herba_fw-la the_o rather_o know_v that_o it_o have_v be_v the_o way_n of_o some_o of_o these_o land_n since_o the_o work_n of_o uniformity_n begin_v in_o they_o to_o say_v that_o the_o work_n of_o reformation_n in_o scotland_n be_v a_o good_a way_n on_o but_o that_o there_o be_v yet_o further_a attainment_n than_o it_o be_v bring_v to_o &_o now_o it_o be_v begin_v bold_o to_o be_v present_v into_o a_o meeting_n pretend_v to_o be_v the_o public_a commission_n of_o the_o kirk_n that_o the_o take_n of_o presbyterian_a government_n be_v the_o great_a perfection_n attainable_a in_o church-government_n and_o that_o the_o maintain_v less_o than_o positive_a evidence_n of_o grace_n be_v sufficient_a
for_o constitute_v one_o a_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a kirk_n and_o sundry_a other_o weighty_a point_n of_o the_o doctrine_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n be_v chief_a cause_n that_o have_v bring_v the_o present_a judgement_n on_o the_o land_n which_o i_o dare_v say_v the_o presenter_n of_o they_o will_v never_o hazard_v to_o have_v present_v have_v he_o not_o know_v of_o some_o good_a like_n of_o they_o in_o some_o minister_n nay_o i_o will_v say_v further_o though_o the_o man_n be_v understand_v as_o to_o his_o station_n beyond_o many_o other_o yet_o who_o ever_o know_v he_o best_o and_o will_v consider_v the_o stile_n contrivance_n &_o conception_n in_o those_o article_n now_o extant_a in_o print_n will_v i_o doubt_v not_o say_v there_o have_v be_v the_o hand_n of_o joab_n another_o head_n and_o pen_n in_o they_o then_o his_o own_o this_o by_o the_o way_n that_o which_o i_o will_v have_v especial_o observe_v in_o this_o passage_n be_v to_o what_o purpose_n in_o this_o place_n be_v bring_v in_o these_o unfaithful_a man_n the_o prelate_n who_o mind_v their_o own_o thing_n etc._n etc._n and_o all_o this_o make_v a_o antecedent_n whereupon_o be_v infer_v the_o protestation_n against_o the_o late_a assembly_n for_o immediate_o it_o follow_v therefore_o remember_v &c._n &c._n whereunto_o tend_v all_o this_o but_o to_o bear_v all_o in_o hand_n that_o shall_v happen_v to_o read_v this_o protestation_n that_o the_o brethren_n that_o have_v be_v late_o &_o be_v opposite_a to_o they_o the_o professor_n have_v be_v and_o be_v tread_v the_o step_n of_o these_o unfaithful_a man_n the_o prelate_n and_o their_o mention_a practice_n a_o shrewd_a suggestion_n to_o say_v no_o more_o against_o their_o brethren_n many_o of_o they_o not_o only_o such_o as_o yet_o they_o dare_v not_o but_o profess_v to_o esteem_v high_o of_o but_o even_o many_o other_o who_o they_o despise_v have_v be_v honour_v of_o god_n to_o stand_v constant_a against_o the_o prelate_n usurpation_n for_o the_o liberry_n of_o assembly_n when_o few_o of_o their_o accuser_n have_v have_v the_o honour_n to_o have_v have_v their_o hand_n at_o the_o work_n yea_o some_o it_o may_v be_v these_o from_o who_o the_o suggestion_n issue_v be_v take_v unwarrantable_a order_n from_o prelate_n and_o do_v more_o too_o how_o can_v honest_a christian_a heart_n admit_v so_o slanderous_a a_o suggestion_n against_o so_o many_o honest_a man_n who_o faithfulness_n integrity_n honesty_n &_o constancy_n in_o the_o truth_n have_v be_v so_o well_o know_v and_o seal_v by_o god_n quis_fw-la tulerit_fw-la graechos_n i_o speak_v not_o of_o they_o all_o the_o seditione_n loquentes_fw-la if_o need_v be_v it_o will_v be_v easy_a to_o discover_v or_o rather_o to_o name_n for_o they_o be_v not_o hide_v in_o the_o dark_a the_o prelatical_a step_n that_o some_o have_v tread_v these_o year_n last_v bypass_a review_n the_o first_o thing_n which_o the_o author_n challenge_v in_o that_o passage_n of_o the_o narrative_a of_o the_o protestation_n be_v the_o grammar_n and_o logic_n of_o it_o in_o relation_n to_o antecedence_n and_o consequence_n concern_v which_o he_o think_v that_o too_o great_a forwardness_n to_o let_v out_o indirect_o a_o blow_n at_o honest_a man_n be_v make_v the_o protester_n somewhat_o to_o over_o see_v themselves_o but_o he_o spare_v the_o clear_n of_o it_o and_o not_o be_v worth_a the_o while_n till_o it_o bâ—_n câ—eâ—ed_v these_o who_o see_v it_o can_v take_v with_o it_o in_o the_o next_o place_n albeit_o he_o profess_v himself_o not_o to_o be_v give_v to_o be_v jealous_a yet_o it_o be_v too_o great_a jealousy_n and_o prejudice_n that_o raise_v so_o great_a a_o stir_n about_o so_o innocent_a and_o harmless_a a_o expression_n as_o this_o that_o the_o faâ—thfall_a minister_n of_o jesus_n christ_n in_o former_a time_n bring_v the_o work_n of_o reformation_n in_o scotland_n to_o a_o great_a perfection_n and_o near_a conformity_n to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n what_o mystery_n be_v here_o have_v not_o the_o like_a expression_n be_v use_v heretofore_o in_o the_o paper_n and_o book_n of_o the_o relater_n and_o asserter_n of_o reformation_n and_o government_n of_o this_o church_n but_o say_v the_o author_n great_a and_o near_o be_v here_o diminish_v term_n and_o import_v yet_o something_o to_o be_v want_v to_o perfection_n and_o conformity_n to_o the_o pattern_n and_o therefore_o he_o think_v the_o brethren_n will_v do_v well_o to_o tell_v &_o that_o it_o be_v wisdom_n for_o every_o honest_a professor_n to_o inquire_v what_o that_o be_v that_o be_v yet_o want_v the_o brethren_n do_v tell_v &_o all_o honest_a professor_n may_v be_v persuade_v to_o believe_v that_o they_o have_v no_o will_n before_o they_o that_o expression_n and_o that_o they_o do_v willing_o subscribe_v to_o the_o testimony_n of_o a_o worthy_a man_n in_o this_o church_n who_o love_n unto_o and_o estimation_n of_o the_o work_n of_o reformation_n be_v above_o all_o exception_n to_o wit_n that_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n after_o the_o reformation_n do_v by_o degree_n attain_v to_o as_o great_a perfection_n both_o in_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n as_o any_o other_o reform_v church_n in_o europe_n but_o it_o may_v be_v this_o will_v not_o satisfy_v the_o author_n because_o his_o logic_n teach_v he_o that_o by_o say_v great_a perfection_n and_o near_a conformity_n they_o have_v say_v less_o than_o if_o they_o have_v say_v simple_o it_o be_v come_v to_o perfection_n and_o conformity_n to_o say_v nothing_o that_o the_o work_n of_o reformation_n be_v capable_a of_o a_o great_a growth_n in_o the_o practical_a use_n of_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v know_v and_o profess_v and_o of_o a_o discovery_n of_o further_a degree_n of_o light_n and_o persuasion_n in_o these_o thing_n will_v the_o author_n say_v that_o nothing_o at_o all_o no_o not_o the_o least_o pin_n or_o circumstance_n of_o perfection_n &_o conformity_n with_o the_o first_o pattern_n be_v then_o want_v to_o the_o work_n of_o reformation_n in_o scotland_n if_o so_o we_o desire_v he_o to_o tell_v we_o what_o kind_n of_o power_n it_o be_v that_o be_v exercise_v by_o the_o magistrate_n and_o counsel_n of_o burgh_n than_o they_o choose_v commissioner_n to_o the_o general_n assembly_n and_o what_o be_v the_o extent_n of_o the_o doctor_n office_n i_o ask_v not_o these_o thing_n to_o cast_v any_o blemish_n on_o the_o work_n of_o reformation_n which_o i_o do_v willing_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v such_o as_o may_v compare_v with_o any_o of_o the_o reform_a church_n and_o in_o some_o respect_n so_o far_o as_o i_o know_v have_v the_o pre-eminence_n but_o to_o satisfy_v the_o author_n needless_a curiosity_n these_o thing_n be_v consider_v make_v it_o to_o appear_v that_o these_o word_n even_o when_o streach_v upon_o the_o tenterhooks_n of_o the_o author_n nicety_n do_v yet_o bear_v a_o convenient_a and_o true_a meaning_n and_o that_o none_o need_v thence_o to_o fear_v a_o serpent_n lurk_v in_o the_o bush_n i_o acknowledge_v that_o it_o have_v be_v the_o way_n of_o some_o in_o these_o land_n since_o the_o work_n of_o reformation_n begin_v in_o they_o to_o say_v that_o the_o work_n of_o reformation_n in_o scotland_n be_v a_o good_a way_n on_o but_o that_o there_o be_v yet_o further_a attainment_n than_o it_o be_v bring_v unto_o but_o it_o be_v apparent_a from_o other_o of_o their_o expression_n and_o from_o the_o whole_a tenor_n of_o their_o carriage_n that_o they_o have_v therein_o a_o bad_a meaning_n to_o wit_n that_o we_o shall_v not_o hold_v fast_o the_o thing_n which_o we_o have_v already_o nor_o walk_v by_o the_o same_o rule_n but_o that_o we_o shall_v make_v a_o alteration_n and_o change_n thereof_o and_o therefore_o there_o be_v reason_n to_o be_v jealous_a over_o such_o but_o to_o be_v jealous_a over_o these_o who_o expressision_n &_o carriage_n give_v no_o ground_n for_o it_o be_v but_o to_o torment_v ourselves_o with_o needless_a fear_n and_o to_o wrong_v other_o i_o have_v already_o give_v some_o account_n of_o the_o paper_n present_v to_o the_o meeting_n at_o edinburgh_n which_o the_o author_n do_v here_o repeat_v again_o and_o shall_v now_o add_v these_o few_o thing_n in_o answer_n to_o some_o circumstance_n of_o his_o discourse_n first_o that_o paper_n be_v not_o present_v to_o a_o meeting_n that_o either_o real_o be_v or_o do_v pretend_v to_o be_v the_o commission_n of_o the_o church_n but_o only_o to_o a_o meeting_n of_o minister_n and_o professor_n act_v not_o in_o the_o capacity_n of_o any_o judicatory_a real_a or_o pretend_a second_o that_o all_o the_o minister_n who_o be_v there_o do_v testify_v their_o dislike_n of_o that_o paper_n and_o even_o these_o who_o the_o author_n and_o some_o other_o do_v haply_o most_o suspect_a do_v serious_o dissuade_v from_o the_o in-giving_a of_o it_o three_o i_o know_v not_o who_o be_v the_o joab_n he_o