oâ—_n the_o cause_n of_o the_o lord_n controversy_n and_o offer_v and_o advise_v the_o â—ame_n to_o be_v make_v use_n of_o by_o all_o the_o lord_n people_n in_o this_o land_n be_v it_o a_o fault_n in_o our_o nonconforming_a forefather_n to_o bear_v a_o testimony_n and_o give_v their_o judgement_n against_o the_o six_o corrupt_a assembly_n and_o to_o reckon_v these_o assembly_n among_o the_o sin_n and_o guiltiness_n of_o the_o land_n and_o to_o desire_v the_o land_n to_o be_v humble_v for_o they_o if_o any_o of_o the_o presbytery_n of_o these_o time_n do_v pass_v a_o presbyterial_a judgement_n and_o sentence_n upon_o the_o nullity_n of_o any_o of_o those_o assembly_n and_o the_o iniquity_n of_o their_o act_n do_v they_o wrong_v in_o so_o do_v and_o be_v this_o more_o than_o any_o power_n on_o earth_n can_v do_v that_o be_v inferior_a to_o another_o general_n assembly_n if_o it_o be_v thus_o the_o church_n be_v like_a to_o be_v in_o a_o ill_a case_n if_o a_o general_n assembly_n once_o go_v wrong_n i_o know_v that_o inferior_a judicatories_n have_v not_o power_n over_o the_o superior_a as_o a_o commission_n or_o presbytery_n over_o a_o general_n assembly_n but_o this_o hinder_v not_o if_o any_o assume_v to_o themselves_o the_o name_n and_o power_n of_o the_o superior_a to_o who_o they_o do_v not_o belong_v and_o by_o the_o pretend_a authority_n thereof_o make_v unjust_a act_n but_o the_o inferior_a may_v from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o from_o the_o act_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n declare_v the_o nullity_n of_o these_o power_n and_o the_o iniquity_n of_o these_o acts._n the_o author_n have_v teach_v we_o that_o a_o assembly_n both_o wrong_n constitute_v and_o err_a or_o only_o wrong_v constitute_v be_v no_o other_o way_n a_o assembly_n than_o a_o paint_a man_n be_v a_o man_n and_o it_o can_v be_v no_o great_a fault_n for_o any_o live_a man_n to_o discover_v the_o deceit_n of_o a_o image_n that_o other_o be_v not_o deceive_v thereby_o he_o insinuate_v that_o he_o can_v add_v mo_z instance_n not_o a_o few_o it_o be_v like_o that_o he_o have_v bring_v forth_o these_o in_o which_o he_o conceive_v the_o great_a weight_n to_o lie_v and_o if_o these_o be_v weigh_v in_o the_o balance_n be_v find_v light_n we_o need_v not_o be_v afraid_a of_o what_o be_v yet_o in_o his_o treasure_n he_o say_v true_a that_o the_o instance_n which_o he_o have_v bring_v do_v not_o belong_v formal_o and_o direct_o to_o the_o matter_n in_o question_n but_o he_o have_v fetch_v a_o great_a compass_n to_o get_v they_o in_o suppose_v by_o these_o thing_n to_o reach_v sore_a blow_n to_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o protester_n and_o to_o discover_v the_o hypocrisy_n thereof_o but_o how_o he_o have_v prove_v his_o alleadgeance_n i_o leave_v it_o to_o indifferent_a man_n to_o judge_v who_o may_v also_o give_v sentence_n of_o their_o carriage_n to_o the_o general_n assembly_n after_o the_o perusal_n of_o his_o vindication_n and_o this_o review_n vindication_n their_o next_o pretention_n or_o profession_n be_v that_o they_o look_v upon_o the_o present_a difference_n of_o the_o lord_n servant_n of_o the_o ministry_n as_o one_o of_o the_o great_a token_n of_o the_o lord_n his_o indignation_n against_o this_o kirk_n and_o that_o they_o hold_v it_o their_o duty_n to_o be_v humble_v before_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o sense_n thereof_o and_o by_o all_o lawful_a and_o sure_a mean_n within_o the_o compass_n of_o their_o power_n and_o station_n to_o endeavour_v the_o remedy_n very_o these_o difference_n be_v so_o to_o be_v look_v upon_o because_o of_o the_o anger_n of_o the_o lord_n this_o land_n be_v darken_v a_o man_n spare_v not_o his_o brother_n ephraim_n be_v against_o manasseh_n and_o manasseh_n against_o ephraim_n and_o both_o against_o judah_n and_o as_o all_o the_o lord_n people_n and_o servant_n in_o the_o land_n have_v cause_n to_o be_v humble_v before_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o sense_n thereof_o so_o some_o of_o these_o brethren_n in_o a_o special_a way_n as_o be_v the_o main_a author_n and_o promoter_n of_o these_o rent_n and_o division_n let_v impartial_a man_n look_v back_o and_o consider_v the_o beginning_n and_o progress_n and_o every_o step_n of_o the_o present_a division_n in_o this_o kirk_n and_o kingdom_n since_o the_o defeat_n at_o dunbar_n and_o see_v who_o have_v be_v the_o prime_a agent_n thereof_o i_o shall_v but_o point_v at_o some_o particular_n who_o be_v they_o who_o after_o the_o defeat_n at_o dunbar_n divide_v one_o part_n of_o the_o remnant_n of_o the_o army_n from_o the_o other_o which_o be_v the_o first_o appear_v step_n of_o our_o division_n and_o will_v never_o suffer_v they_o to_o join_v and_o unite_v together_o again_o be_v not_o the_o contrive_n of_o the_o western_a remonstrance_n the_o next_o step_n of_o our_o division_n and_o of_o itself_o a_o most_o divisive_a course_n as_o contain_v positive_a determination_n of_o matter_n of_o public_a and_o high_a concernment_n &_o condemn_v approven_v public_a act_n not_o only_o of_o the_o state_n but_o also_o of_o the_o gen._n assembly_n by_o private_a man_n without_o any_o advice_n have_v or_o seek_v from_o the_o public_a judicatory_n either_o of_o kirk_n or_o state_n yea_o contain_v also_o in_o the_o close_a thereof_o a_o band_n engage_v themselves_o to_o prosecute_v the_o matter_n of_o that_o remonstrance_n according_a to_o their_o power_n a_o thing_n judge_v always_o in_o this_o kirk_n a_o most_o divisive_a thing_n for_o any_o private_a man_n to_o do_v by_o themselves_o be_v it_o not_o some_o of_o these_o brethren_n who_o when_o the_o conference_n be_v at_o pearth_n upon_o the_o remonstrance_n oppose_v by_o all_o mean_v conjunction_n with_o the_o distract_a force_n of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o when_o it_o be_v propon_v in_o the_o conference_n if_o they_o enjoy_v their_o own_o judgement_n concern_v the_o dis-owning_a of_o the_o king_n interest_n yet_o upon_o other_o ground_n of_o the_o quarrel_n wherein_o they_o agree_v with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o kingdom_n will_v join_v with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o force_n for_o defence_n against_o the_o common_a enemy_n do_v not_o some_o public_o and_o plain_o profess_v that_o they_o can_v not_o and_o they_o will_v not_o join_v be_v not_o these_o brethren_n the_o man_n that_o because_o the_o sense_n give_v upon_o the_o western_a remonstrance_n though_o the_o most_o moderate_a and_o with_o much_o tenderness_n and_o respect_n of_o the_o person_n have_v hand_n in_o it_o withdraw_v themselves_o in_o a_o most_o tumultuous_a and_o disorderly_a way_n never_o deign_v themselves_o to_o come_v to_o the_o meet_v thereafter_o which_o be_v the_o next_o step_n of_o our_o division_n be_v it_o not_o a_o divisive_a course_n when_o the_o resolution_n be_v give_v to_o the_o parliament_n quare_fw-la concern_v person_n for_o to_o be_v employ_v in_o the_o defence_n of_o their_o country_n present_o to_o emit_v and_o spread_v paper_n through_o the_o country_n under_o pretence_n of_o write_v they_o only_o as_o letter_n to_o the_o commission_n express_v their_o scruple_n condemn_v the_o say_a resolution_n as_o a_o defection_n from_o the_o covenant_n and_o former_a principle_n suppose_v they_o think_v in_o their_o conscience_n these_o resolution_n to_o be_v such_o yea_o suppose_v that_o real_o they_o have_v contain_v some_o matter_n of_o that_o kind_n &_o that_o their_o commission_n have_v err_v as_o humanum_fw-la est_fw-la labi_fw-la yet_o they_o shall_v never_o be_v able_a to_o clear_v themselves_o before_o indifferent_a judge_n and_o impartial_a of_o divisive_a walk_n in_o disdain_v to_o come_v and_o propone_v their_o doubt_n and_o reason_n against_o that_o resolution_n in_o a_o amicable_a and_o modest_a way_n in_o the_o commission_n itself_o and_o take_v such_o a_o way_n of_o writing_n and_o send_v abroad_o testimony_n as_o they_o call_v they_o among_o themselves_o peremptory_o condemn_v traduce_v and_o tend_v to_o the_o render_v odion_n honest_a faithful_a and_o godly_a brethren_n and_o agent_v as_o diligent_o as_o they_o can_v to_o induce_v other_o through_o the_o country_n to_o do_v the_o like_a many_o other_o instance_n or_o divers_a motion_n may_v be_v give_v but_o by_o this_o much_o let_v any_o man_n judge_n if_o they_o have_v not_o cause_n to_o be_v deep_o humble_v for_o the_o division_n in_o the_o land_n among_o the_o lord_n servant_n review_n i_o shall_v not_o deny_v but_o some_o of_o these_o brethren_n have_v in_o a_o special_a way_n reason_n to_o be_v humble_v for_o the_o division_n of_o the_o land_n as_o they_o be_v the_o righteous_a judgement_n of_o the_o lord_n upon_o their_o sin_n which_o have_v be_v great_a than_o the_o sin_n of_o many_o neither_o be_o i_o so_o zealous_a of_o their_o credit_n as_o to_o say_v that_o no_o circumstance_n of_o their_o carriage_n in_o these_o thing_n can_v have_v be_v better_o order_v they_o be_v but_o
therefore_o the_o author_n do_v but_o seek_v out_o invention_n to_o darken_v clear_a and_o manifest_a truth_n to_o the_o answer_n which_o he_o bring_v to_o the_o ground_n of_o proof_n bring_v by_o the_o writer_n as_o to_o the_o matter_n of_o scandal_n i_o return_v these_o reply_n that_o by_o grant_v that_o the_o hear_n of_o a_o common_a report_n may_v be_v a_o ground_n of_o enquiry_n if_o he_o deal_v candid_o therein_o according_a to_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o place_n cite_v by_o the_o author_n deut._n 13.14_o it_o must_v be_v of_o diligent_a enquiry_n for_o so_o it_o be_v express_v there_o chapter_n 17._o v._n 4._o and_o 19.18_o which_o import_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v a_o enquiry_n without_o delay_n but_o this_o be_v refuse_v about_o the_o present_a case_n in_o question_n and_o notwithstanding_o of_o this_o common_a report_n and_o object_v the_o scandal_n thereof_o in_o the_o assembly_n the_o enquiry_n be_v delay_v until_o the_o assembly_n be_v constitute_v and_o no_o more_o diligence_n be_v use_v in_o it_o then_o if_o there_o have_v be_v no_o such_o report_n at_o all_o he_o do_v injury_n to_o the_o writer_n by_o labour_v to_o bear_v upon_o he_o and_o upon_o other_o that_o he_o be_v of_o that_o mind_n that_o the_o commission_n upon_o that_o common_a report_n which_o he_o allege_n to_o have_v be_v pass_v upon_o they_o shall_v have_v be_v without_o more_o ado_n sentence_v to_o censure_n the_o utmost_a that_o the_o writer_n all_o along_o have_v plead_v in_o this_o have_v be_v that_o the_o commissioner_n ought_v to_o have_v be_v remove_v till_o their_o carriage_n be_v try_v but_o two_o ground_n he_o lay_v to_o prove_v this_o to_o have_v be_v the_o writer_n mind_n 1._o that_o the_o proceed_v order_v 1_o cor._n 5._o 5._o be_v in_o order_n to_o present_a censure_n 2._o that_o he_o allege_v the_o apostle_n word_n so_o general_a without_o any_o qualification_n i_o shall_v not_o stand_v upon_o the_o first_o but_o the_o writer_n not_o be_v upon_o the_o handle_n of_o that_o point_n what_o common_a report_n or_o how_o qualify_v be_v needful_a to_o be_v a_o ground_n of_o sentence_n but_o only_o show_v that_o sometime_o common_a report_n may_v be_v so_o he_o think_v it_o enough_o to_o cite_v the_o apostle_n word_n without_o qualify_a of_o they_o and_o if_o the_o author_n will_v make_v this_o a_o ground_n of_o challenge_n against_o the_o writer_n he_o may_v make_v it_o against_o the_o apostle_n himself_o for_o he_o set_v down_o the_o word_n general_o without_o any_o such_o qualification_n and_o the_o writer_n do_v not_o extend_v they_o to_o any_o other_o case_n than_o that_o of_o which_o the_o apostle_n be_v treat_v he_o only_o say_v that_o common_a report_n be_v make_v a_o ground_n of_o proceed_v against_o the_o incestuous_a corinthian_a without_o make_v any_o application_n of_o it_o to_o the_o commission_n case_n or_o say_v that_o it_o shall_v also_o be_v a_o ground_n of_o proceed_v against_o they_o if_o it_o be_v ask_v to_o what_o purpose_n than_o it_o be_v cite_v the_o answer_n be_v very_o obvious_a and_o clear_a from_o the_o whole_a drift_n of_o the_o writer_n discourse_n which_o be_v to_o show_v that_o the_o person_n object_v against_o be_v under_o a_o scandal_n and_o this_o he_o do_v 1._o by_o show_v that_o there_o be_v a_o hear-say_n and_o common_a report_n of_o it_o upon_o which_o the_o scripture_n lay_v so_o much_o weight_n as_o sometime_o to_o make_v it_o a_o ground_n of_o trial_n as_o deut._n 13._o sometime_o a_o ground_n of_o proceed_v as_o 1_o cor._n 5._o it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o scripture_n do_v not_o make_v every_o hear-say_n and_o common_a report_n a_o ground_n to_o account_v man_n under_o a_o scandal_n or_o to_o proceed_v against_o they_o otherwise_o honest_a man_n indeed_o may_v be_v in_o a_o ill_a condition_n but_o the_o qualification_n of_o these_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v draw_v from_o the_o circumstance_n of_o the_o fact_n whereunto_o they_o be_v apply_v and_o of_o these_o we_o have_v speak_v in_o the_o fact_n of_o the_o commissioner_n and_o therefore_o the_o author_n in_o this_o particular_a do_v but_o trouble_v himself_o and_o other_o without_o cause_n yet_o must_v i_o say_v that_o though_o for_o any_o thing_n i_o know_v or_o can_v be_v collect_v from_o the_o writer_n word_n the_o utmost_a that_o he_o plead_v for_o be_v a_o delay_n of_o their_o admission_n to_o be_v member_n of_o the_o assembly_n which_o can_v not_o be_v account_v a_o sentence_n against_o they_o more_o than_o against_o other_o who_o be_v delay_v upon_o exception_n to_o be_v admit_v that_o his_o meaning_n be_v not_o that_o the_o common_a report_n that_o past_a upon_o the_o commissioner_n be_v sufficient_a to_o be_v a_o ground_n of_o present_a sentence_n against_o they_o yet_o when_o the_o author_n have_v streach_v himself_o to_o the_o utmost_a hâ—_n haâ—h_v prove_v no_o good_a advocate_n for_o the_o commissioner_n to_o exeem_v they_o from_o present_a censure_n he_o tell_v we_o that_o a_o common_a report_n that_o may_v be_v a_o ground_n of_o so_o short_a and_o summary_n proceed_v must_v be_v such_o as_o first_o be_v of_o a_o matter_n that_o â—n_a point_n de_fw-fr jure_fw-la be_v cleary_a and_o unquestionable_o a_o scandal_n 2._o for_o the_o fact_n in_o a_o manner_n universal_o uncontrolled_a eâ—â—her_o by_o the_o pâ—â—ty_n or_o any_o that_o have_v best_a or_o near_a notice_n of_o his_o action_n in_o the_o present_a case_n say_v he_o both_o â—hese_n case_n be_v want_v the_o matter_n be_v not_o clear_a de_fw-fr jure_fw-la in_o the_o main_a question_n of_o it_o its_o report_n be_v not_o so_o common_a as_o the_o contradiction_n of_o it_o but_o i_o say_v the_o matter_n be_v clear_a de_fw-fr jure_fw-la in_o the_o main_a question_n of_o it_o determine_v verbatim_o in_o former_a act_n of_o assembly_n and_o the_o fact_n be_v not_o at_o all_o controvert_v or_o control_v by_o any_o but_o take_v with_o both_o by_o the_o party_n and_o know_v and_o acknowledge_v by_o these_o that_o have_v best_o and_o near_a notice_n of_o their_o action_n the_o quality_n of_o the_o fact_n may_v be_v controvert_v whether_o right_a or_o wrong_n which_o be_v a_o point_n belong_v to_o the_o jus_o of_o it_o but_o the_o fact_n itself_o be_v not_o contradict_v either_o by_o the_o commissioner_n or_o any_o other_o and_o his_o omnino_fw-la auditur_fw-la and_o passim_fw-la &_o in_fw-la tota_fw-la achaia_fw-la etc._n etc._n and_o res_fw-la manifesta_fw-la passim_fw-la cum_fw-la magno_fw-la offenaiculo_fw-la publicata_fw-la as_o to_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v true_a of_o that_o which_o the_o commissioner_n have_v do_v the_o offence_n and_o stumble_v of_o the_o godly_a be_v not_o causeless_a &_o bear_v upon_o they_o by_o the_o misinformation_n and_o misrepresentation_n of_o the_o commissioner_n proceed_n by_o some_o of_o the_o same_o person_n who_o be_v the_o alleadger_n the_o author_n there_o do_v a_o double_a wrong_n to_o the_o godly_a in_o scotland_n 1._o that_o he_o make_v they_o to_o have_v stumble_v without_o a_o cause_n whereas_o there_o be_v very_o real_a cause_n of_o stumble_v give_v unto_o they_o both_o in_o regard_n of_o that_o which_o be_v do_v and_o for_o the_o manner_n of_o do_v that_o which_o be_v do_v be_v employ_v of_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o land_n promiscuous_o a_o very_a few_o person_n be_v except_v among_o who_o be_v many_o malignant_a and_o dis-affected_n man_n who_o have_v be_v former_o exclude_v and_o with_o who_o the_o lord_n people_n in_o the_o land_n have_v learn_v from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o from_o the_o constant_a tenor_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o all_o the_o faithful_a minister_n of_o this_o church_n to_o keep_v a_o distance_n as_o to_o employ_v they_o in_o the_o defence_n of_o the_o cause_n and_o kingdom_n as_o this_o be_v a_o main_a occasion_n of_o contrive_v the_o league_n and_o covenant_n so_o be_v there_o a_o special_a article_n therein_o relate_v thereto_o the_o breach_n whereof_o be_v one_o of_o the_o special_a and_o main_a sin_n confess_v in_o the_o solemn_a acknowledgement_n of_o 〈◊〉_d and_o the_o contrary_a duty_n one_o of_o the_o main_a thing_n to_o which_o we_o engage_v our_o selus_fw-la in_o our_o solemn_a engagement_n it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o commission_n have_v do_v this_o &_o find_v many_o to_o stumble_v do_v afterward_o find_v out_o some_o evasion_n and_o distinction_n to_o save_v their_o own_o credit_n but_o the_o contradiction_n between_o their_o resolution_n and_o former_a principle_n &_o proceed_n be_v primâ_fw-la front_n so_o palpable_a and_o obvious_a that_o man_n of_o all_o sort_n both_o well-affected_a and_o ill-affected_a do_v see_v it_o so_o as_o the_o one_o do_v rejoice_v and_o the_o other_o mourn_v the_o godly_a do_v not_o more_o stumble_v then_o the_o malignant_a and_o profane_a be_v glad_a and_o both_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o as_o
man_n in_o that_o meeting_n earnest_o endeavour_v that_o condescend_v upon_o public_a cause_n of_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n manifest_v in_o that_o defate_n at_o dumbar_n as_o cause_n of_o a_o fast_o may_v be_v delay_v until_o the_o week_n next_o follow_v that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o full_a meeting_n of_o the_o commission_n conveen_v together_o to_o go_v about_o that_o purpose_n with_o authority_n and_o more_o deliberation_n but_o be_v bear_v down_o by_o the_o vehemency_n and_o headstrong_a forwardness_n of_o some_o who_o be_v chief_a man_n in_o this_o protestation_n profess_v so_o much_o respect_n to_o the_o establish_a government_n of_o this_o kirk_n 3._o that_o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n of_o haste_n in_o emit_v particular_a cause_n there_o be_v rather_o much_o danger_n in_o do_v it_o upon_o so_o short_a deliberation_n see_v the_o public_a calamity_n and_o know_v public_a sin_n be_v cause_n evident_a enough_o to_o all_o of_o humiliation_n for_o the_o present_a and_o within_o 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and_o rash_o to_o say_v to_o the_o best_a of_o it_o spare_v not_o to_o traduce_v they_o as_o apostate_n and_o backslider_n but_o this_o be_v it_o i_o will_v say_v that_o man_n shall_v take_v heed_n that_o they_o make_v not_o a_o snare_n of_o their_o opinion_n yea_o or_o the_o real_a conviction_n of_o the_o godliness_n they_o have_v of_o any_o person_n by_o approve_v take_v up_o or_o follow_v their_o say_n opinion_n or_o practice_n without_o due_a examination_n and_o trial_n upon_o this_o account_n because_o they_o be_v godly_a person_n from_o who_o such_o thing_n proceed_v it_o be_v well_o and_o expedient_a for_o such_o as_o will_v in_o this_o dangerous_a time_n walk_v circumspect_o and_o shun_v snare_n to_o remember_v as_o to_o this_o present_a caution_n two_o thing_n 1._o that_o true_a godliness_n be_v not_o of_o such_o perfection_n in_o any_o on_o this_o side_n of_o eternity_n as_o do_v exempt_v they_o from_o all_o err_a whether_o in_o judgement_n or_o practice_n nor_o yet_o from_o 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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 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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 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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
poor_a weak_a man_n compass_v with_o many_o infirmity_n and_o subject_a to_o the_o like_a passion_n with_o other_o but_o that_o they_o have_v reason_n to_o be_v humble_v in_o a_o special_a way_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o be_v the_o author_n let_v be_v the_o main_a author_n and_o promover_n of_o these_o rent_n and_o division_n be_v a_o groundless_a and_o unjust_a charge_n which_o no_o man_n be_v able_a to_o make_v out_o the_o author_n do_v either_o unknowing_o or_o willing_o mistake_v in_o that_o which_o he_o call_v the_o first_o step_n of_o the_o division_n to_o wit_n the_o divide_v of_o one_o part_n of_o the_o remnant_n of_o the_o army_n from_o the_o army_n by_o these_o brethren_n these_o gentleman_n who_o do_v remove_v from_o sterlin_n immediate_o after_o dunbar_n unto_o the_o west_n do_v go_v thither_o by_o the_o order_n and_o approbation_n of_o the_o committee_n of_o estate_n who_o do_v also_o appoint_v the_o levy_n of_o the_o west_n and_o their_o conductor_n and_o design_v their_o work_n to_o they_o from_o time_n to_o time_n as_o can_v be_v make_v good_a by_o many_o act_n and_o letter_n under_o the_o lord_n chancellor_n and_o clerk_n of_o the_o committee_n hand_n and_o they_o be_v therein_o also_o countenance_v by_o the_o commission_n of_o the_o church_n who_o write_v to_o they_o for_o their_o encouragement_n yea_o it_o be_v the_o counsel_n of_o some_o of_o these_o who_o be_v chief_a in_o the_o assembly_n at_o dundee_n that_o these_o gentleman_n go_v west_n that_o they_o do_v not_o join_v with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o force_n of_o the_o kingdom_n be_v because_o it_o be_v refuse_v to_o state_n the_o war_n as_o it_o be_v former_o state_v by_o the_o declation_n of_o the_o church_n and_o state_n on_o the_o 13._o of_o august_n 1650._o and_o to_o satisfy_v they_o in_o the_o conduct_n of_o the_o army_n by_o appoint_v a_o man_n qualify_v according_a to_o the_o solemn_a engagement_n to_o lead_v the_o force_n what_o he_o say_v of_o the_o remonstrance_n which_o he_o call_v the_o next_o step_n of_o our_o division_n be_v answer_v already_o except_o that_o which_o he_o allege_n that_o it_o do_v in_o the_o close_a thereof_o contain_v a_o bond_n engage_v themselves_o to_o prosecute_v the_o matter_n of_o that_o remonstrance_n according_a to_o their_o power_n which_o have_v be_v often_o clear_v by_o themselves_o that_o it_o do_v contain_v no_o new_a bond_n to_o any_o new_a thing_n but_o a_o declaration_n of_o their_o resolution_n to_o keep_v their_o former_a bond_n and_o engagement_n in_o testimony_n whereof_o they_o be_v willing_a and_o do_v often_o offer_v to_o explain_v their_o meaning_n in_o this_o particular_a for_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o these_o who_o doubt_v thereof_o he_o do_v under_o favour_n make_v a_o very_a lame_a relation_n of_o the_o conference_n at_o pearth_n in_o that_o conference_n these_o gentleman_n and_o minister_n who_o be_v send_v from_o the_o west_n do_v often_o declare_v that_o they_o be_v willing_a to_o fight_v upon_o that_o state_n of_o the_o quarrel_n hold_v forth_o in_o the_o declaration_n of_o the_o 13._o august_n and_o to_o join_v under_o the_o lead_a officer_n of_o the_o force_n of_o the_o kingdom_n provide_v that_o he_o be_v a_o man_n qualify_v according_a to_o the_o solemn_a engagement_n to_o duty_n to_o wit_n of_o a_o blameless_a and_o christian_a conversation_n and_o of_o unquestionable_a integrity_n and_o affection_n to_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n in_o neither_o of_o which_o satisfaction_n be_v offer_v unto_o they_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n though_o they_o have_v refuse_v to_o hearken_v to_o the_o proposition_n which_o the_o author_n speak_v of_o what_o he_o say_v of_o their_o withdraw_a themselves_o from_o the_o commission_n upon_o occasion_n of_o condemn_v the_o remonstrance_n and_o of_o their_o not_o deign_v to_o come_v again_o i_o have_v already_o answer_v somewhat_o unto_o it_o and_o shall_v answer_v more_o hereafter_o for_o clear_v of_o that_o which_o concern_v the_o letter_n write_v to_o the_o commission_n and_o testimony_n give_v against_o the_o commission_n answer_v to_o the_o parliament_n quare_fw-la i_o shall_v first_o set_v down_o some_o thing_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n then_o answer_v short_o to_o what_o the_o author_n say_v after_o that_o the_o party_n of_o malignant_a and_o disaffect_v man_n in_o the_o land_n who_o by_o subtlety_n and_o fair_a pretence_n have_v get_v the_o power_n of_o the_o judicatories_n and_o of_o the_o army_n in_o their_o hand_n anno_fw-la 1648._o be_v defeat_n at_o preston_n the_o kingdom_n and_o kirk_n of_o scotland_n take_v in_o consideration_n how_o often_o they_o have_v be_v deceive_v by_o that_o party_n and_o how_o much_o they_o have_v sin_v against_o god_n and_o smart_v under_o his_o hand_n by_o entrust_v of_o they_o and_o comply_v with_o they_o do_v in_o a_o solemn_a public_a way_n confess_v this_o sin_n and_o do_v solemn_o before_o the_o lord_n engage_v themselves_o to_o do_v no_o more_o so_o but_o to_o be_v careful_a to_o purge_v out_o all_o scandalous_a and_o malignant_a man_n out_o of_o the_o judicatories_n and_o army_n and_o to_o endeavour_v that_o such_o as_o be_v entrust_v therein_o shall_v be_v of_o a_o blameless_a and_o christian_a conversation_n and_o of_o constant_a integrity_n and_o affection_n to_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n in_o order_n to_o this_o solemn_a confession_n and_o engagement_n do_v many_o supplication_n warning_n remonstrance_n and_o declaration_n issue_v from_o the_o commission_n of_o the_o church_n and_o several_a law_n and_o act_n from_o the_o parliament_n and_o commitree_n of_o estate_n for_o purge_v and_o keep_v pure_a the_o judicatories_n &_o the_o army_n according_a to_o which_o many_o endeavour_n be_v use_v for_o put_v the_o same_o in_o execution_n which_o for_o some_o time_n go_v on_o with_o some_o measure_n of_o success_n and_o blessing_n but_o that_o so_o good_a and_o necessary_a a_o work_n do_v very_o soon_o begin_v to_o be_v retard_v and_o oppose_v first_o close_o and_o in_o a_o undermine_a way_n by_o some_o who_o do_v again_o begin_v to_o own_o malignant_a interest_n and_o afterward_o more_o open_o and_o avowed_o yet_o be_v the_o sinfulness_n of_o comply_v with_o and_o employ_v that_o party_n so_o much_o abhor_v and_o fear_v by_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n that_o not_o only_o do_v the_o commission_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n of_o the_o year_n 1649._o and_o the_o general_n assembly_n itself_o 1650._o in_o the_o very_a time_n when_o the_o land_n be_v invade_v by_o the_o english_a declare_v the_o employ_v and_o entrust_v of_o such_o to_o be_v unlawful_a even_o in_o the_o case_n of_o scarcity_n of_o man_n for_o the_o land_n defence_n but_o also_o the_o commission_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n of_o the_o year_n 1650._o do_v after_o the_o defeat_n at_o dunbar_n once_o and_o again_o give_v public_a warning_n to_o all_o the_o land_n to_o beware_v of_o compliance_n with_o that_o party_n and_o to_o take_v heed_n that_o under_o a_o pretence_n of_o do_v for_o the_o cause_n and_o for_o the_o kingdom_n they_o get_v not_o power_n and_o strength_n in_o their_o hand_n for_o advance_v and_o promote_a their_o old_a malignant_a design_n yea_o the_o question_n be_v direct_o propound_v by_o the_o king_n to_o the_o commission_n concern_v the_o employ_v of_o these_o man_n it_o be_v answer_v negative_o in_o a_o letter_n write_v to_o he_o for_o that_o effect_n yet_o after_o all_o this_o the_o commission_n do_v at_o a_o occasional_a meeting_n give_v that_o answer_n to_o the_o parliament_n quaere_fw-la by_o which_o a_o door_n be_v open_v to_o the_o speedy_a take_n in_o and_o employ_v of_o all_o that_o party_n first_o into_o the_o army_n and_o then_o into_o the_o judicatories_n concern_v which_o occasional_a meeting_n i_o desire_v to_o be_v observe_v that_o notwithstanding_o of_o all_o that_o be_v former_o say_v and_o that_o it_o be_v know_v that_o many_o member_n of_o the_o commission_n and_o many_o godly_a minister_n and_o professor_n throughout_o the_o land_n be_v in_o their_o judgement_n opposite_a to_o the_o employ_v and_o entrust_v of_o these_o man_n and_o that_o the_o resolve_v to_o employ_v they_o before_o satisfaction_n give_v to_o man_n conscience_n in_o the_o point_n can_v not_o but_o be_v matter_n of_o great_a stumble_n and_o offence_n and_o that_o a_o little_a before_o that_o time_n there_o have_v be_v one_o or_o two_o solemn_a meeting_n of_o the_o commission_n and_o that_o there_o be_v a_o set_a meeting_n of_o the_o commission_n to_o be_v within_o a_o week_n or_o two_o thereafter_o yet_o be_v there_o no_o mention_n of_o that_o business_n in_o these_o solemn_a frequent_a meeting_n and_o the_o other_o set_v meeting_n be_v prevent_v by_o that_o occasional_a meeting_n call_v by_o the_o moderator_n letter_n upon_o the_o desire_n of_o the_o parliament_n the_o lead_a man_n whereof_o at_o that_o time_n
prejudice_n to_o the_o assembly_n in_o judge_v of_o these_o resolution_n at_o last_o the_o result_n be_v this_o that_o such_o of_o the_o assembly_n as_o they_o desire_v to_o confer_v with_o may_v speak_v with_o they_o but_o that_o no_o particular_a person_n shall_v be_v nominate_v nor_o any_o thing_n write_v thereof_o in_o the_o minute_n of_o the_o assembly_n in_o prosecution_n of_o this_o desire_n some_o of_o the_o unsatisfy_a brethren_n do_v meet_v with_o the_o moderator_n of_o that_o assembly_n and_o some_o other_o eminent_a man_n member_n of_o the_o commission_n at_o mr._n robert_n blair_n his_o chamber_n two_o several_a diet_n and_o after_o some_o conference_n to_o and_o fro_o do_v earnest_o beseech_v and_o press_v upon_o they_o some_o with_o tear_n that_o they_o will_v be_v please_v to_o be_v instrumental_a in_o adjourn_v the_o assembly_n and_o in_o delay_v to_o ratify_v the_o public_a resolution_n but_o they_o be_v not_o please_v to_o condescend_v so_o much_o as_o to_o 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synod_n in_o their_o respective_a bound_n to_o proceed_v to_o the_o execution_n thereof_o and_o give_v power_n to_o their_o commission_n for_o that_o effect_n where_o presbytery_n be_v negligent_a what_o length_n their_o commission_n be_v go_v and_o what_o they_o have_v in_o consideration_n against_o the_o protester_n when_o they_o be_v interrupt_v and_o break_v off_o by_o the_o surprisal_n at_o eliot_n themselves_o best_o know_v after_o that_o time_n the_o lord_n be_v please_v to_o exercise_v the_o land_n with_o so_o sad_a dispensation_n as_o for_o a_o good_a while_n make_v all_o public_a meeting_n of_o minister_n very_o difficult_a and_o dangerous_a until_o the_o country_n be_v somewhat_o quiet_v about_o the_o midst_n of_o october_n these_o who_o have_v protest_v against_o the_o meeting_n at_o st._n andrews_n and_o dundee_n as_o not_o be_v a_o lawful_a and_o free_a general_n assembly_n with_o many_o other_o minister_n and_o elder_n from_o several_a part_n of_o the_o country_n do_v meet_v at_o edinburgh_n where_o after_o some_o day_n spend_v together_o in_o prayer_n and_o supplication_n and_o in_o confess_v of_o their_o sin_n to_o god_n and_o one_o to_o another_o they_o do_v in_o the_o next_o place_n after_o conference_n and_o mutual_a communication_n of_o light_a one_o with_o another_o set_v down_o their_o thought_n concern_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o lord_n wrath_n against_o the_o land_n that_o in_o that_o time_n of_o darkness_n there_o may_v be_v some_o light_n and_o directory_n in_o these_o thing_n to_o such_o as_o be_v willing_a to_o receive_v and_o make_v use_n thereof_o among_o these_o cause_n of_o wrath_n they_o do_v condescend_v upon_o and_o reckon_v the_o public_a resolution_n of_o church_n and_o state_n for_o bring_v the_o malignant_a party_n first_o to_o the_o army_n and_o then_o to_o the_o judicatories_n and_o the_o actual_a entrust_v of_o they_o with_o the_o power_n of_o the_o kingdom_n both_o military_a and_o civil_a and_o the_o prelimit_v and_o corrupt_v of_o the_o general_n assembly_n in_o the_o free_a and_o lawful_a constitution_n thereof_o and_o its_o ratify_v of_o the_o public_a resolution_n which_o do_v involve_v a_o defection_n from_o the_o cause_n and_o lay_v a_o foundation_n for_o censure_v of_o all_o such_o who_o do_v not_o approve_v of_o the_o constitution_n of_o that_o assembly_n and_o submit_v to_o the_o act_n there_o of_o and_o find_v themselves_o more_o and_o more_o convince_v of_o the_o nullity_n of_o that_o assembly_n at_o dundee_n and_o how_o needful_a it_o be_v to_o preserve_v the_o church_n of_o scotland_n in_o the_o possession_n of_o her_o due_a privilege_n and_o to_o keep_v together_o a_o remnant_n who_o may_v be_v as_o a_o branch_n of_o hope_n if_o so_o be_v the_o lord_n will_v be_v favourable_a to_o they_o and_o take_v pleasure_n in_o they_o for_o repair_v of_o the_o breach_n such_o of_o they_o as_o be_v member_n of_o the_o commission_n of_o the_o gen._n assembly_n do_v find_v themselves_o warrant_v and_o call_v of_o god_n to_o take_v possession_n of_o the_o power_n and_o trust_v commit_v unto_o they_o by_o the_o assembly_n 1650._o yet_o so_o as_o they_o do_v not_o authoritative_o impose_v or_o require_v obedience_n to_o any_o of_o their_o emission_n concern_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o lord_n wrath_n which_o be_v the_o only_a thing_n they_o meddle_v with_o but_o have_v agree_v upon_o these_o cause_n with_o the_o advice_n of_o diverse_a brethren_n from_o several_a part_n of_o the_o kingdom_n do_v offer_v and_o advise_v the_o same_o to_o be_v make_v use_n of_o by_o all_o the_o lord_n people_n in_o the_o land_n leave_v place_n to_o add_v as_o the_o lord_n shall_v make_v further_a discovery_n thereafter_o at_o the_o same_o time_n all_o the_o brethren_n who_o be_v meet_v do_v write_v letter_n to_o sundry_a reverend_a and_o godly_a man_n in_o the_o ministry_n of_o a_o different_a judgement_n desire_v a_o amicable_a conference_n with_o they_o and_o conceive_v that_o they_o can_v not_o 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though_o there_o be_v presumption_n enough_o in_o some_o man_n against_o they_o and_z as_o for_o some_o person_n offer_v to_o instruct_v it_o that_o be_v to_o little_a purpose_n to_o argue_v they_o scandallous_a but_o the_o great_a sophism_n in_o this_o whole_a discourse_n whereinto_o i_o will_v not_o determine_v whether_o out_o of_o inanimadvertency_n or_o willing_o the_o writer_n have_v run_v lie_v in_o this_o that_o the_o main_a and_o principal_a question_n de_fw-fr jure_fw-la which_o shall_v have_v be_v clear_v to_o the_o effect_n that_o scandal_n may_v be_v just_o charge_v upon_o the_o commissioner_n be_v not_o the_o general_n or_o thesis_fw-la whether_o betray_v of_o trust_n or_o make_v defection_n from_o the_o covenant_n and_o cause_n if_o it_o be_v such_o a_o fault_n as_o deserve_v exclusion_n from_o sit_v as_o a_o member_n in_o a_o general_n assembly_n but_o this_o particular_a hypothesis_n whether_o the_o resolve_v that_o all_o person_n in_o the_o land_n except_v such_o as_o 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exception_n contain_v in_o the_o commission_n answer_v to_o the_o quaere_fw-la or_o else_o that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o necessity_n of_o a_o universal_a come_n forth_o as_o be_v allow_v in_o that_o answer_n and_o that_o therefore_o the_o necessity_n that_o be_v allege_v for_o employ_v of_o these_o man_n who_o be_v former_o exclude_v be_v but_o mere_o pretend_v second_o that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o item_n as_o he_o add_v in_o the_o commission_n answer_v to_o the_o quaere_fw-la which_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o public_a resolution_n and_o the_o main_a thing_n in_o debate_n betwixt_o the_o commission_n and_o the_o opposite_n of_o these_o public_a resolution_n the_o first_o item_n resolve_v that_o the_o time_n of_o civil_a censure_n inflict_v by_o the_o parliament_n upon_o person_n accessory_a to_o former_a malignant_a course_n as_o the_o sinful_a engagement_n may_v be_v dispense_v with_o and_o take_v off_o by_o the_o parliament_n with_o this_o
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 general_n assembly_n and_o i_o will_v have_v he_o to_o give_v a_o reason_n why_o he_o account_n it_o against_o all_o equity_n that_o when_o the_o imputation_n of_o scandal_n against_o the_o commissioner_n depend_v upon_o a_o particular_a hypothesis_n which_o at_o least_o be_v questionable_a and_o the_o very_a point_n of_o controversy_n betwixt_o they_o and_o their_o accuser_n as_o he_o call_v they_o though_o unjust_o because_o they_o as_o member_n of_o the_o assembly_n be_v do_v of_o that_o duty_n which_o be_v common_a and_o competent_a to_o every_o member_n of_o the_o assembly_n that_o be_v to_o object_v what_o they_o know_v of_o scandal_n against_o any_o other_o member_n that_o the_o assembly_n may_v be_v constitute_v of_o person_n right_o qualify_v they_o shall_v be_v hold_v to_o be_v under_o a_o presumption_n of_o scandal_n until_o that_o hypothesis_n be_v discuss_v and_o clear_v and_o why_o it_o shall_v be_v agreeable_a to_o equity_n and_o reason_n that_o upon_o such_o a_o 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 help_v the_o protester_n to_o prove_v the_o equity_n and_o reason_n of_o remove_v commissioner_n even_o upon_o supposal_n that_o it_o be_v but_o a_o questionable_a hypothesis_n 4._o i_o desire_v to_o know_v of_o the_o author_n by_o what_o power_n or_o in_o what_o capacity_n the_o commission_n do_v look_v upon_o they_o to_o determine_v this_o questionable_a hypothesis_n as_o a_o commission_n they_o can_v not_o do_v it_o because_o there_o be_v no_o clause_n in_o their_o commission_n that_o give_v they_o power_n or_o warrant_v to_o determine_v any_o point_n of_o doctrine_n not_o former_o determine_v by_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n but_o their_o commission_n tie_v they_o in_o all_o thing_n to_o walk_v according_a to_o former_a determination_n act_n and_o constitution_n of_o general_a assembly_n and_o i_o think_v he_o will_v not_o say_v that_o by_o virtue_n of_o any_o other_o power_n or_o capacity_n they_o either_o do_v it_o or_o can_v do_v it_o the_o author_n have_v by_o his_o own_o confession_n and_o ground_n bring_v the_o commission_n a_o great_a length_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o power_n than_o ever_o the_o gen._n assembly_n do_v give_v to_o they_o or_o for_o any_o thing_n i_o know_v do_v mean_a to_o give_v unto_o they_o that_o be_v to_o determine_v point_n of_o doctrine_n of_o great_a importance_n and_o consequence_n as_o to_o the_o security_n of_o religion_n and_o of_o the_o cause_n and_o covenant_n not_o former_o determine_v by_o this_o church_n in_o any_o of_o she_o gen._n assembly_n &_o upon_o these_o determination_n to_o declare_v such_o as_o be_v unsatisfied_a with_o and_o do_v oppose_v the_o same_o not_o only_o to_o be_v censurable_a but_o also_o appoint_v they_o to_o be_v censure_v i_o think_v if_o any_o thing_n have_v be_v the_o proper_a work_n of_o a_o gen._n assembly_n this_o have_v be_v it_o but_o more_o direct_o to_o the_o point_n i_o do_v affirm_v that_o this_o hypothesis_n the_o public_a resolution_n determine_v by_o the_o commission_n 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make_v they_o unfit_a to_o sit_v in_o that_o judicatory_a as_o member_n i_o suppose_v be_v clear_a and_o the_o remonstrants'_v bring_v many_o plausible_a presumption_n that_o they_o be_v guilty_a of_o it_o more_o plausible_a a_o great_a deal_n then_o this_o writer_n allege_n against_o the_o late_a commissioner_n they_o bring_v particular_a instance_n of_o fact_n as_o keep_v separate_v congregation_n and_o presbytery_n from_o the_o remonstrant_fw-la refuse_v to_o join_v in_o prayer_n or_o sacrament_n with_o they_o whereas_o our_o writer_n allege_n nothing_o but_o general_n offence_n of_o many_o godly_a pregnant_a presumption_n man_n undertake_v to_o instruct_v etc._n etc._n but_o here_o be_v a_o question_n in_o hypothesi_fw-la whether_o it_o be_v a_o schism_n to_o keep_v separate_v congregation_n and_o presbytry_n from_o and_o to_o refuse_v to_o join_v in_o prayer_n and_o sacrament_n with_o man_n that_o have_v depart_v in_o their_o doctrine_n from_o such_o and_o such_o article_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o that_o reform_a kirk_n
to_o the_o generality_n of_o they_o do_v then_o and_o do_v at_o this_o day_n agree_v in_o this_o that_o the_o public_a resolution_n be_v not_o agreeable_a to_o former_a principle_n and_o proceed_n there_o be_v cause_n of_o stumble_v give_v also_o to_o the_o godly_a in_o regard_n of_o the_o commissioner_n their_o manner_n of_o proceed_v because_o a_o quorum_fw-la very_a few_o more_o of_o the_o commission_n do_v lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o these_o resolution_n not_o only_o without_o the_o rest_n of_o their_o number_n but_o also_o without_o advertise_v a_o great_a many_o of_o they_o and_o so_o many_o be_v absent_a and_o not_o advertise_v they_o do_v in_o a_o day_n or_o two_o determine_v that_o most_o grave_a case_n which_o have_v often_o before_o that_o time_n be_v determine_v in_o the_o negative_a and_o send_v abroad_o their_o determination_n to_o presbytery_n require_v obedience_n and_o upon_o man_n offering_n the_o ground_n of_o their_o dis-satisfaction_n and_o profess_v their_o adherence_n thereto_o till_o satisfaction_n shall_v be_v give_v do_v issue_v such_o warning_n and_o act_n as_o we_o have_v former_o speak_v of_o i_o appeal_v the_o author_n himself_o whether_o at_o the_o time_n of_o the_o give_v of_o the_o answer_n to_o the_o quaere_fw-la it_o be_v not_o know_v to_o the_o commission_n that_o many_o godly_a and_o faithful_a minister_n and_o professor_n in_o the_o land_n be_v averse_a from_o employ_v these_o man_n in_o the_o army_n and_o have_v great_a scruple_n about_o it_o and_o that_o many_o member_n of_o the_o commission_n who_o be_v not_o to_o be_v despise_v have_v often_o profess_v their_o dislike_n of_o it_o albeit_o the_o matter_n have_v be_v lawful_a sure_o there_o be_v great_a precipitancy_n and_o rashness_n in_o the_o first_o resolution_n which_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o sober_a man_n even_o of_o the_o same_o judgement_n but_o such_o be_v the_o zeal_n and_o forwardness_n of_o the_o court_n and_o of_o some_o parliament_n man_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o the_o readiness_n of_o sundry_a of_o the_o commission_n who_o have_v before_o that_o time_n declare_v themselves_o for_o that_o way_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n to_o hearken_v unto_o they_o and_o the_o faintness_n of_o any_o that_o be_v present_a to_o oppose_v it_o that_o hold_v be_v take_v of_o the_o opportunity_n to_o do_v it_o quovis_fw-la modo_fw-la whereby_o real_a offence_n be_v give_v to_o the_o godly_a in_o the_o land_n si_fw-mi quid_fw-la importuna_fw-la levitate_fw-la aut_fw-la lascivia_fw-la aut_fw-la temeritate_fw-la non_fw-la ordine_fw-la nec_fw-la svo_fw-la loco_fw-la facias_fw-la quo_fw-la imperiti_fw-la imbecillesque_fw-la offendantur_fw-la scandalum_fw-la abs_fw-la te_fw-la datum_fw-la dicetur_fw-la quoniam_fw-la tua_fw-la culpa_fw-la factum_fw-la fuit_fw-la ut_fw-la ejusmodi_fw-la offensio_fw-la suscitaretur_fw-la ac_fw-la omnino_fw-la scandalum_fw-la in_o re_fw-la aliqua_fw-la datum_fw-la dicitur_fw-la cujus_fw-la culpa_fw-la ab_fw-la autore_fw-la rei_fw-la ipsus_fw-la profecta_fw-la est_fw-la be_v the_o word_n of_o a_o great_a divine_a speak_v of_o scandal_n very_o applicable_a to_o this_o case_n next_o he_o do_v a_o wrong_n in_o make_v they_o so_o ignorant_a simple_a and_o facile_a as_o in_o these_o thing_n to_o be_v lead_v away_o with_o the_o misrepresentation_n and_o misinformation_n of_o other_o many_o of_o the_o most_o judicious_a decern_a christian_n in_o the_o land_n be_v stumble_v at_o the_o commission_n proceed_n upon_o the_o first_o hear_v of_o they_o &_o before_o the_o protester_n do_v make_v either_o right_a or_o wrong_a representation_n of_o they_o i_o will_v not_o say_v but_o they_o be_v confirm_v in_o the_o dislike_n of_o these_o proceed_n by_o conference_n with_o the_o protester_n &_o other_o minister_n of_o that_o judgement_n as_o they_o also_o be_v mutual_o edify_v and_o confirm_v by_o they_o but_o that_o all_o the_o stumble_a and_o dislike_n do_v arise_v from_o the_o suggestion_n and_o practising_n of_o some_o or_o all_o of_o the_o same_o person_n who_o the_o author_n call_v the_o alleadger_n and_o accuser_n be_v not_o true_a yea_o i_o dare_v say_v that_o albeit_o all_o the_o protester_n and_o all_o the_o minister_n in_o scotland_n have_v be_v of_o one_o mind_n with_o the_o commission_n in_o the_o matter_n the_o public_a resolution_n yet_o many_o of_o the_o godly_a in_o scotland_n will_v have_v stumble_v thereat_o it_o will_v have_v be_v in_o this_o case_n as_o in_o the_o business_n of_o the_o treaty_n wherewith_o many_o of_o the_o godly_a in_o scotland_n be_v dissatisfy_v notwithstanding_o that_o there_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o harmony_n and_o consent_n among_o the_o ministry_n there_o anent_o that_o there_o be_v more_o testimony_n for_o the_o commissioner_n from_o presbetery_n and_o synod_n than_o be_v against_o they_o be_v no_o great_a wonder_n multitude_n common_o incline_v to_o the_o worst_a side_n in_o the_o day_n of_o tentation_n and_o they_o be_v but_o few_o who_o keep_v their_o 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this_o church_n for_o clear_v and_o confirm_v of_o these_o resolution_n the_o author_n be_v please_v to_o call_v the_o testimony_n give_v against_o the_o public_a resolution_n real_o and_o in_o themselves_o scandal_n tend_v most_o evident_o to_o the_o expose_v of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o of_o the_o cause_n to_o the_o power_n of_o the_o invader_n he_o be_v please_v a_o little_a above_o to_o call_v they_o slander_n and_o so_o all_o the_o godly_a in_o scotland_n who_o speak_v against_o these_o resolution_n be_v upon_o his_o account_n slanderer_n but_o these_o testimony_n be_v neither_o slander_n nor_o scandal_n they_o do_v contain_v real_a truth_n and_o be_v duty_n to_o which_o the_o giver_n of_o they_o be_v oblige_v in_o a_o backslide_a time_n for_o deliver_v of_o their_o own_o soul_n and_o preserve_v the_o cause_n of_o god_n from_o be_v overbear_v with_o a_o spate_o of_o defection_n and_o though_o in_o many_o thing_n they_o acknowledge_v themselves_o to_o be_v among_o the_o most_o sinful_a yet_o in_o this_o they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o expose_v of_o the_o kingdom_n &_o cause_n to_o the_o power_n of_o the_o invader_n that_o they_o hold_v themselves_o bind_v to_o bless_v the_o lord_n while_o they_o live_v who_o give_v they_o mercy_n to_o be_v keep_v free_a from_o that_o carnal_a sinful_a course_n that_o do_v provoke_v the_o lord_n to_o give_v so_o great_a a_o stroke_n to_o the_o kingdom_n and_o the_o cause_n in_o those_o dreadful_a rod_n wherewith_o he_o have_v smite_v we_o since_o these_o resolution_n what_o be_v the_o sense_n that_o the_o invader_n themselves_o have_v of_o this_o i_o do_v not_o well_o know_v but_o this_o it_o be_v like_a enough_o they_o rejoice_v in_o our_o division_n but_o it_o be_v not_o the_o oppose_a of_o the_o public_a resolution_n wherein_o they_o do_v direct_o rejoice_v nothing_o from_o us-ward_n will_v have_v be_v matter_n of_o so_o great_a terror_n to_o they_o as_o to_o have_v see_v we_o unanimous_a in_o separate_v from_o and_o oppose_v of_o all_o malignant_a interest_n as_o it_o be_v upon_o the_o other_o hand_n the_o matter_n of_o their_o confidence_n and_o joy_n that_o their_o former_a quarrel_n seem_v to_o be_v justify_v by_o the_o public_a resolution_n which_o do_v so_o much_o strengthen_v and_o promove_v malignant_a interest_n if_o we_o may_v believe_v their_o own_o expression_n and_o letter_n write_v from_o some_o of_o the_o chief_a of_o they_o to_o the_o high_a power_n in_o england_n he_o tell_v we_o that_o for_o that_o cause_n some_o of_o the_o testimony_n be_v soon_o put_v into_o their_o hand_n then_o communicate_v to_o the_o commissioner_n and_o they_o in_o thankfulness_n be_v very_o thankful_a to_o cause_n print_v they_o this_o be_v a_o crimination_n of_o no_o small_a consequence_n to_o the_o name_n and_o fame_n of_o these_o of_o who_o the_o author_n speak_v and_o therefore_o if_o he_o have_v deal_v candid_o and_o speak_v truth_n upon_o persuasion_n and_o evidence_n he_o shall_v have_v tell_v we_o of_o what_o testimony_n he_o mean_v and_o who_o
and_o require_v the_o commission_n to_o make_v report_n to_o they_o what_o effect_n their_o deal_n with_o their_o brethren_n shall_v take_v the_o commissioner_n according_o have_v meet_v at_o st._n andrews_n and_o have_v have_v a_o conference_n with_o these_o brethren_n &_o have_v find_v by_o their_o own_o acknowledgement_n that_o in_o public_a they_o have_v practise_v against_o public_a resolution_n &_o in_o private_a have_v give_v to_o some_o person_n as_o they_o say_v ask_v their_o advice_n resolution_n that_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a to_o continue_v in_o that_o service_n be_v in_o such_o a_o conjunction_n as_o the_o resolution_n carry_v first_o they_o labour_v to_o give_v they_o satisfaction_n about_o their_o resolution_n but_o have_v effectuate_v nothing_o therein_o at_o last_o they_o deal_v with_o they_o in_o most_o earnestness_n and_o tenderness_n both_o public_o and_o private_o to_o give_v assurance_n that_o they_o will_v not_o proceed_v to_o do_v or_o speak_v any_o thing_n in_o their_o public_a doctrine_n or_o in_o private_a to_o the_o hinder_v and_o obstruct_v of_o the_o levy_n which_o be_v go_v on_o according_a to_o the_o resolution_n or_o may_v tend_v to_o the_o move_n of_o any_o of_o the_o garrison_n to_o quit_v their_o charge_n which_o they_o refuse_v peremptory_o to_o do_v and_o so_o depart_v home_o from_o the_o conference_n the_o commission_n have_v send_v a_o mere_a report_n and_o narration_n rei_fw-la gestae_fw-la without_o more_o or_o less_o to_o the_o committee_n of_o estate_n according_a as_o they_o be_v require_v the_o committee_n require_v these_o brethren_n by_o letter_n to_o come_v to_o perth_n that_o some_o course_n may_v be_v take_v in_o relation_n to_o they_o for_o secure_v the_o garrison_n of_o sterlin_n from_o danger_n the_o brethren_n have_v come_v to_o perth_n but_o not_o at_o the_o first_o diet_n appoint_v to_o they_o the_o committee_n require_v they_o to_o attend_v at_o perth_n or_o at_o dundee_n until_o the_o king_n return_n from_o aberdeen_n that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o more_o full_a meeting_n of_o the_o committee_n a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o most_o considerable_a member_n thereof_o be_v with_o he_o after_o the_o king_n return_n a_o paper_n be_v send_v in_o by_o the_o committee_n of_o estate_n to_o the_o commission_n of_o the_o kirk_n require_v the_o commission_n advice_n as_o about_o other_o passage_n that_o have_v pass_v between_o they_o and_o these_o brethren_n what_o shall_v be_v do_v with_o these_o brethren_n in_o relation_n to_o secure_v of_o the_o garrison_n of_o sterline_n the_o commission_n declare_v in_o their_o answer_n as_o to_o this_o they_o can_v not_o take_v upon_o they_o to_o determine_v the_o matter_n be_v mere_o civil_a but_o that_o they_o desire_v and_o expect_v that_o the_o committee_n will_v deal_v with_o they_o in_o tenderness_n and_o respect_n as_o be_v minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n this_o be_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o business_n in_o sum_n so_o it_o do_v appear_v evident_o 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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 of_o the_o late_a gen._n assembly_n until_o four_o afternoon_n and_o appoint_v that_o time_n for_o hear_v any_o new_a exception_n the_o honourable_a 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 subscrib_n a._n ker._n the_o committee_n of_o estate_n find_v it_o impossible_a in_o so_o short_a a_o time_n to_o prepare_v their_o objection_n against_o such_o of_o the_o proceed_n of_o the_o commissioner_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n as_o relate_v to_o their_o engagement_n and_o yet_o be_v most_o willing_a to_o essay_n all_o fair_a mean_n for_o procure_v a_o happy_a understanding_n betwixt_o kirk_n and_o state_n be_v content_a to_o appoint_v some_o of_o their_o number_n to_o meet_v with_o such_o as_o shall_v be_v appoint_v by_o the_o general_n assembly_n for_o compose_v of_o difference_n betwixt_o the_o church_n and_o state_n without_o prejudice_n to_o they_o to_o use_v all_o their_o just_a objection_n against_o the_o proceed_n 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