king_n proceed_n and_o be_v resolve_v to_o prosecute_v and_o maintain_v his_o present_a majesty_n interest_n before_o and_o without_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o sin_n of_o his_o house_n and_o former_a way_n and_o satisfaction_n to_o god_n people_n in_o both_o kingdom_n the_o omit_v of_o which_o clause_n do_v so_o sar_n as_o i_o can_v discern_v either_o from_o the_o assembly_n own_o word_n or_o from_o the_o judgement_n and_o expression_n of_o these_o who_o have_v chief_a hand_n therein_o or_o from_o compare_v thing_n with_o thing_n indeed_o import_v a_o alter_n of_o the_o state_n of_o the_o question_n and_o bring_v it_o to_o that_o which_o be_v so_o much_o plead_v for_o by_o the_o opposer_n of_o reformation_n from_o the_o very_a beginning_n of_o our_o difference_n with_o the_o king_n father_n especial_o by_o some_o of_o the_o author_n of_o the_o cross_a petition_n in_o 1643._o and_o of_o the_o unlawful_a engagement_n in_o the_o year_n 1648._o to_o wit_n that_o though_o the_o king_n do_v not_o disclaim_v his_o former_a opposition_n to_o the_o work_n of_o god_n and_o to_o the_o covenant_n and_o likewise_o all_o the_o enemy_n thereof_o and_o own_o and_o prosecute_v the_o cause_n of_o god_n yet_o we_o ought_v to_o own_o his_o kingly_a interest_n by_o admit_v he_o to_o the_o exercise_n of_o his_o royal_a power_n and_o obey_v he_o in_o all_o thing_n lawful_a which_o how_o far_o it_o reach_v as_o to_o the_o cast_v loose_a and_o condemn_v of_o the_o former_a proceed_n of_o this_o church_n and_o kingdom_n with_o the_o king_n and_o his_o father_n and_o make_v a_o new_a state_n of_o the_o question_n have_v be_v often_o heretofore_o show_v by_o this_o church_n and_o can_v but_o be_v obvious_a to_o every_o intelligent_a man_n two_o act_n of_o the_o assembly_n at_o dundee_n and_o one_o act_n of_o the_o assembly_n at_o edinburgh_n which_o relate_v unto_o censure_n dundee_n julii_n 31._o 1651._o antemer_n sess_n 19_o act_n for_o censure_v of_o those_o who_o do_v not_o acknowledge_v this_o present_a assembly_n and_o do_v not_o acquiesce_v to_o the_o act_n thereof_o etc._n etc._n the_o general_a assembly_n consider_v that_o all_o person_n who_o protest_v against_o and_o decline_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n be_v censurable_a by_o the_o act_n and_o constitution_n of_o this_o kirk_n with_o the_o high_a censure_n thereof_o and_o that_o by_o the_o act_n of_o the_o solemn_a general_n assembly_n of_o glasgow_n 20._o decemb._n 1638._o sess_n 26._o presbytery_n and_o provincial_n be_v ordain_v to_o cite_v and_o censure_v all_o such_o as_o will_v not_o acknowledge_v the_o say_a assembly_n and_o the_o assembly_n be_v very_o sensible_a of_o the_o prejudice_n this_o kirk_n may_v suffer_v in_o her_o liberty_n and_o privilege_n by_o the_o beginning_n of_o such_o practice_n if_o they_o be_v not_o timeous_o prevent_v and_o restrain_v therefore_o according_a to_o the_o practice_n and_o example_n of_o the_o say_a assembly_n they_o ordain_v presbytery_n and_o provincial_n assembly_n to_o call_v before_o they_o all_o person_n that_o do_v not_o acknowledge_v this_o present_a assembly_n and_o to_o censure_v they_o according_a to_o the_o degree_n of_o their_o contempt_n and_o obstinacy_n to_o the_o act_n of_o this_o kirk_n and_o the_o assembly_n have_v also_o consider_v that_o by_o the_o aforementioned_a act_n of_o the_o assembly_n of_o glasgow_n and_o another_o act_n of_o the_o say_a assembly_n decemb._n 18._o sess_n 24._o presbytery_n be_v ordain_v to_o proceed_v against_o these_o that_o do_v not_o acquiesce_v to_o the_o act_n of_o the_o say_a assembly_n and_o that_o refuse_v themselves_o or_o draw_v other_o from_o the_o obedience_n of_o the_o act_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n in_o manner_n mention_v in_o the_o say_v act._n therefore_o do_v ratify_v and_o approve_v the_o say_v act_n and_o declare_v that_o they_o be_v to_o be_v extend_v against_o minister_n censure_v by_o this_o assembly_n and_o all_o those_o that_o oppose_v the_o public_a resolution_n thereof_o ordain_v also_o presbytery_n and_o provincial_a assembly_n to_o call_v before_o they_o all_o person_n that_o shall_v not_o acquiesce_v to_o the_o act_n and_o constitution_n of_o this_o present_a assembly_n and_o to_o deal_v with_o they_o by_o conference_n for_o their_o satisfaction_n and_o if_o in_o their_o conference_n with_o they_o they_o shall_v still_o oppose_v the_o act_n and_o conclusion_n of_o this_o assembly_n that_o they_o censure_v they_o according_a to_o the_o degree_n of_o their_o offence_n and_o obstinacy_n to_o the_o act_n of_o this_o assembly_n and_o where_o presbytery_n be_v negligent_a or_o want_v herein_o the_o assembly_n appoint_v the_o commission_n appoint_v for_o public_a affair_n to_o proceed_v against_o the_o say_a offender_n respective_a and_o to_o censure_v they_o in_o manner_n abovespecify_v give_v unto_o they_o full_a power_n for_o that_o effect_n eodem_fw-la die_v at_o dundee_n sesse_n 19_o antemerid_fw-la act_n against_o expectant_n who_o oppose_v the_o public_a resolution_n the_o general_a assembly_n understand_v the_o scandal_n and_o prejudice_n of_o practice_n and_o carriage_n of_o some_o expectant_n and_o student_n attender_n of_o family_n for_o performance_n of_o religious_a duty_n by_o their_o private_a or_o public_a oppose_a public_a resolution_n for_o remove_v whereof_o they_o do_v extend_v the_o act_n of_o the_o assembly_n 1640._o sess_n 10._o against_o expectant_n refuse_v to_o subscribe_v the_o covenant_n and_o the_o censure_n therein_o specify_v against_o all_o expectant_n student_n in_o divinity_n and_o attender_n upon_o family_n for_o religious_a duty_n that_o shall_v not_o acknowledge_v the_o general_a assembly_n of_o this_o kirk_n and_o this_o present_a general_n assembly_n and_o that_o shall_v not_o acquiesce_v to_o the_o act_n and_o constitution_n thereof_o and_o do_v ordain_v they_o to_o be_v remove_v from_o bursary_n and_o to_o be_v discharge_v from_o public_a preach_n and_o catechise_n in_o congregation_n and_o family_n and_o from_o all_o other_o privilege_n and_o liberty_n allow_v to_o expectant_n appoint_v presbytery_n and_o provincial_n to_o proceed_v against_o they_o according_o edinburgh_n 3_o aug._n 1652._o antemer_n sess_n 19_o act_n concern_v admit_v expectant_n to_o their_o trial_n and_o rule_v elder_n to_o act_v in_o presbytery_n and_o synod_n the_o general_a assembly_n have_v out_o of_o their_o earnest_a desire_n of_o the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o this_o kirk_n condescend_v upon_o a_o overture_n of_o peace_n and_o not_o only_o propound_v it_o to_o some_o brethren_n who_o be_v here_o opposite_a to_o the_o public_a judicatories_n of_o this_o kirk_n but_o also_o in_o pursuance_n of_o that_o end_n ordain_v the_o say_a overture_n to_o be_v present_v and_o offer_v by_o the_o several_a presbytery_n or_o synod_n to_o all_o in_o their_o respective_a bound_n who_o have_v protest_v against_o and_o decline_v or_o consent_v or_o adhere_v unto_o the_o protestation_n and_o declinatour_n make_v against_o this_o and_o the_o precede_a general_n assembly_n and_o the_o condition_n therein_o contain_v to_o be_v require_v of_o they_o and_o consider_v the_o great_a prejudice_n like_a to_o arise_v to_o this_o kirk_n by_o increase_a of_o our_o unhappy_a difference_n and_o distraction_n if_o young_a man_n shall_v be_v admit_v into_o the_o ministry_n which_o shall_v still_o blow_v the_o fire_n of_o contention_n and_o continue_v in_o avow_a opposition_n to_o and_o contempt_n of_o the_o public_a judicatories_n therefore_o ordain_v presbytery_n to_o take_v special_a care_n that_o upon_o the_o call_n of_o any_o expectant_a to_o a_o particular_a charge_n of_o the_o ministry_n before_o they_o admit_v he_o to_o his_o trial_n they_o require_v he_o under_o his_o hand_n to_o pass_v from_o the_o protestation_n and_o declinatour_n against_o this_o and_o the_o precede_a general_n assembly_n if_o he_o have_v be_v accessary_a to_o the_o same_o and_o to_o promise_v and_o give_v assurance_n that_o he_o shall_v abstain_v from_o hold_v up_o debate_n and_o controversy_n about_o matter_n of_o difference_n in_o this_o kirk_n since_o the_o assembly_n 1650_o in_o preach_v write_v or_o other_o way_n upon_o the_o performance_n whereof_o the_o presbytery_n shall_v proceed_v to_o his_o trial_n if_o not_o in_o that_o case_n the_o presbytery_n shall_v foebear_v to_o proceed_v until_o the_o next_o general_n assembly_n leave_v liberty_n to_o the_o presbytery_n and_o congregation_n for_o plant_v of_o the_o place_n otherwise_o and_o the_o assembly_n ordain_v and_o require_v that_o presbytery_n be_v not_o sudden_a to_o lay_v by_o such_o young_a man_n as_o at_o first_o refuse_v or_o scruple_n to_o perform_v these_o condition_n mention_v but_o that_o pain_n be_v take_v upon_o they_o to_o convince_v they_o of_o the_o reasonableness_n thereof_o and_o to_o persuade_v they_o to_o embrace_v they_o and_o to_o give_v they_o a_o competent_a time_n for_o that_o effect_n likeas_n the_o assembly_n consider_v the_o prejudice_n of_o elder_n come_v to_o presbytery_n for_o
minister_n and_o that_o if_o any_o elder_a be_v find_v negligent_a in_o the_o duty_n of_o his_o charge_n and_o continue_v so_o after_o admonition_n or_o scandalous_a in_o his_o life_n and_o conversation_n or_o to_o be_v a_o neglecter_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n in_o his_o family_n he_o be_v remove_v from_o and_o purge_v out_o of_o the_o session_n 5._o ordain_v that_o session_n and_o presbytery_n be_v careful_a and_o make_v conscience_n by_o all_o mean_n to_o censure_v impartial_o all_o person_n of_o whatsoever_o rank_n or_o condition_n that_o be_v scandalous_a either_o in_o thing_n of_o the_o first_o or_o in_o thing_n of_o the_o second_o table_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n and_o order_n which_o christ_n have_v prescribe_v in_o his_o word_n and_o to_o proceed_v to_o the_o high_a censure_n with_o such_o as_o be_v gross_o and_o obstinate_o scandalous_a or_o be_v ignorant_a and_o contemn_v and_o continued_o neglect_v the_o mean_n of_o knowledge_n as_o public_a and_o private_a catechise_n etc._n etc._n after_o they_o be_v make_v inexcusable_a by_o sufficient_a mean_n use_v to_o reclaim_v and_o gain_v they_o 6._o ordain_v that_o minister_n and_o session_n in_o congregation_n be_v careful_a as_o they_o will_v be_v answerable_a to_o christ_n jesus_n to_o debar_v from_o the_o lord_n table_n all_o such_o person_n as_o be_v find_v not_o to_o walk_v suitable_o to_o the_o gospel_n and_o be_v convince_v and_o admonish_v thereof_o do_v not_o reform_v as_o also_o all_o such_o as_o have_v not_o knowledge_n to_o examine_v themselves_o and_o to_o discern_v the_o lord_n body_n and_o that_o for_o the_o more_o orderly_o perform_v of_o this_o the_o minister_n in_o examination_n of_o the_o people_n have_v some_o of_o the_o elder_n always_o with_o he_o and_o represent_v unto_o the_o session_n such_o as_o be_v find_v gross_o ignorant_a that_o by_o order_n of_o the_o session_n they_o may_v be_v debar_v 7._o that_o presbytery_n and_o session_n make_v conscience_n that_o such_o person_n be_v find_v scandalous_a and_o be_v under_o censure_n for_o that_o cause_n be_v not_o receive_v nor_o absolve_v from_o their_o censure_n unless_o they_o give_v such_o satisfaction_n and_o evidence_n of_o their_o repentance_n as_o be_v express_v in_o the_o act_n of_o the_o assembly_n concern_v the_o receive_n of_o penitent_n j._n makghie_n observation_n this_o act_n as_o be_v profess_v and_o give_v out_o by_o many_o be_v not_o only_o intend_v but_o if_o they_o may_v be_v trust_v do_v indeed_o and_o upon_o the_o matter_n give_v full_a and_o clear_a satisfaction_n to_o the_o proposition_n which_o be_v offer_v by_o the_o protester_n unto_o their_o brethren_n of_o the_o assembly_n at_o their_o first_o down-sitting_a as_o the_o best_a mean_n for_o satisfy_v of_o their_o conscience_n secure_v of_o the_o work_n of_o reformation_n purge_v the_o church_n promove_v the_o power_n of_o godliness_n remove_v of_o these_o sad_a difference_n and_o for_o attain_v and_o preserve_v a_o good_a understanding_n and_o therefore_o these_o as_o they_o allege_v be_v satisfy_v the_o propounder_n of_o they_o not_o acquiesce_v therein_o must_v have_v some_o other_o thing_n before_o they_o therefore_o for_o vindicate_v of_o these_o i_o shall_v mark_v a_o few_o thing_n for_o show_v how_o unsatisfactory_a all_o that_o be_v contain_v in_o this_o act_n be_v unto_o the_o desire_v contain_v in_o these_o proposition_n until_o there_o may_v be_v opportunity_n to_o make_v a_o more_o full_a discovery_n thereof_o 1._o to_o pass_v the_o ambiguity_n of_o their_o answer_n to_o the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o first_o proposition_n wherein_o it_o be_v desire_v that_o they_o give_v evidence_n etc._n etc._n they_o omit_v the_o whole_a second_o proposition_n to_o wit_n that_o it_o be_v serious_o lay_v to_o heart_n etc._n etc._n which_o in_o order_n to_o the_o end_n that_o be_v propound_v in_o the_o preface_n to_o these_o proposition_n to_o wit_n the_o satisfaction_n of_o our_o conscience_n be_v as_o to_o the_o present_a condition_n of_o affair_n betwixt_o they_o and_o the_o protester_n the_o most_o important_a of_o these_o proposition_n yea_o in_o their_o other_o paper_n these_o thing_n which_o the_o protester_n complain_v of_o as_o defection_n they_o commend_v as_o duty_n and_o profess_v their_o adherence_n thereunto_o and_o appoint_v censure_n to_o be_v inflict_v upon_o all_o the_o opposer_n thereof_o 2._o they_o also_o omit_v the_o whole_a three_o proposition_n to_o wit_n that_o as_o we_o be_v ready_a in_o our_o station_n etc._n etc._n by_o which_o ommission_n they_o give_v just_a ground_n to_o suspect_v that_o there_o be_v in_o their_o apprehension_n no_o malignant_a party_n that_o need_v to_o be_v discover_v or_o from_o who_o the_o work_n of_o god_n stand_v in_o danger_n and_o though_o the_o protester_n do_v not_o in_o the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o proposition_n take_v upon_o they_o to_o secure_v and_o guard_v the_o cause_n and_o work_n of_o god_n against_o error_n heresy_n and_o schism_n but_o only_o by_o this_o overture_n give_v evidence_n of_o the_o sincerity_n of_o their_o intention_n in_o order_n to_o that_o end_n that_o so_o they_o may_v satisfy_v their_o brethren_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o their_o jealousy_n thereanent_a yet_o as_o they_o do_v still_o apprehend_v a_o great_a danger_n to_o the_o lord_n work_v from_o a_o numerous_a party_n of_o malignant_n still_o in_o the_o lord_n so_o be_v they_o much_o unsatisfied_a that_o the_o assembly_n give_v no_o expression_n of_o their_o sense_n of_o danger_n this_o way_n nor_o evidence_n of_o their_o willingness_n to_o concur_v in_o secure_v against_o the_o same_o nor_o hold_v forth_o any_o way_n for_o the_o discover_v and_o know_v of_o these_o for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v 3._o whereas_o they_o seem_v to_o grant_v much_o in_o order_n to_o the_o try_v admit_v removing_z and_o depose_v of_o church-officer_n censuting_a of_o scandalous_a person_n dispense_n of_o ordinance_n and_o receive_v of_o penitent_n they_o do_v real_o and_o in_o effect_n grant_v little_a or_o nothing_o yea_o they_o do_v express_o refuse_v the_o desire_n of_o the_o proposition_n upon_o these_o thing_n and_o establish_v the_o very_a contrary_n because_o the_o desire_n of_o the_o proposition_n be_v that_o the_o late_a meeting_n at_o dundee_n and_o the_o act_n thereof_o be_v take_v out_o of_o the_o way_n and_o the_o work_n and_o people_n of_o god_n secure_v from_o the_o harm_n and_o evil_a consequence_n which_o have_v already_o and_o may_v further_o ensue_v from_o the_o same_o as_o be_v express_v in_o the_o last_o proposition_n which_o they_o whole_o omit_v all_o these_o thing_n may_v be_v do_v according_a to_o the_o act_n of_o former_a uncontroverted_a assembly_n of_o this_o church_n concern_v the_o work_n of_o reformation_n in_o the_o literal_a and_o genuine_a sense_n and_o meaning_n thereof_o but_o their_o grant_n and_o concession_n do_v include_v for_o the_o rule_n according_a to_o which_o they_o be_v to_o be_v regulate_v viz._n the_o act_n of_o general_a assembly_n and_o constitution_n of_o this_o church_n indefinite_o which_o in_o their_o sense_n do_v clear_o and_o undeniable_o include_v the_o act_n of_o the_o last_o assembly_n at_o dundee_n and_o edinburgh_n which_o instead_o of_o purge_v of_o the_o church_n from_o ignorant_a and_o disaffect_v and_o scandalous_a minister_n and_o professor_n purge_v it_o from_o a_o very_a great_a part_n of_o the_o able_a well_o affect_v &_o good_a minister_n elder_n expectant_n and_o professor_n of_o the_o land_n because_o of_o their_o not_o acknowledge_v the_o authority_n and_o acquiesce_v to_o the_o constitution_n of_o these_o assembly_n 4._o their_o action_n which_o before_o the_o lord_n and_o also_o with_o intelligent_a and_o discern_a man_n be_v the_o most_o real_a evidence_n of_o the_o reality_n and_o sincerity_n of_o man_n intention_n since_o that_o time_n do_v demonstrate_v whether_o they_o have_v grant_v the_o desire_n of_o these_o proposition_n tell_v i_o how_o many_o ignorant_a disaffect_v scandalous_a minister_n or_o elder_n be_v censure_v by_o the_o author_n of_o the_o public_a resolution_n since_o the_o last_o assembly_n or_o how_o many_o lawful_o depose_v and_o unlawful_o admit_v be_v proceed_v against_o etc._n etc._n they_o will_v fain_o find_v some_o shadow_n of_o a_o excuse_n for_o so_o gross_a a_o oversight_n and_o cast_v the_o blame_n upon_o the_o protester_n who_o say_v they_o have_v so_o weaken_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n that_o her_o censure_n be_v render_v altogether_o ineffectual_a but_o 1._o to_o say_v nothing_o that_o spiritual_a censure_n be_v not_o always_o to_o be_v foreborn_a because_o man_n refuse_v to_o obey_v yea_o in_o many_o case_n they_o be_v the_o more_o vigorous_o to_o be_v prosecute_v 2._o with_o what_o colour_n of_o reason_n can_v it_o be_v allege_v that_o those_o who_o not_o only_o acknowledge_v their_o authority_n but_o very_o zealous_o plead_v for_o it_o as_o most_o of_o the_o scandalous_a and_o disaffect_v
that_o it_o be_v approve_v and_o accept_v by_o the_o lord_n as_o a_o necessary_a duty_n that_o gracious_a man_n who_o by_o the_o tentation_n of_o the_o time_n and_o the_o persuasion_n of_o some_o who_o judgement_n they_o respect_v be_v draw_v into_o a_o snare_n at_o sterline_n to_o disclaim_v the_o remonstrance_n they_o be_v within_o very_o few_o day_n after_o so_o challenge_v in_o conscience_n that_o they_o have_v no_o peace_n of_o mind_n till_o they_o acknowledge_v their_o fault_n and_o resolve_v to_o walk_v soft_o all_o their_o year_n in_o the_o bitterness_n of_o soul_n the_o first_o thing_n that_o they_o challenge_v in_o the_o remonstrance_n be_v that_o the_o own_n of_o the_o king_n just_a interest_n agree_v unto_o by_o the_o general_n assembly_n and_o the_o parliament_n be_v express_o lay_v aside_o and_o his_o removal_n from_o the_o exercise_n of_o his_o royal_a power_n and_o government_n advise_v to_o the_o committee_n of_o estate_n but_o in_o this_o they_o do_v not_o deal_v fair_o not_o only_o because_o they_o leave_v out_o the_o reason_n upon_o which_o this_o be_v offer_v to_o be_v consider_v by_o the_o committee_n which_o be_v very_o weighty_a and_o important_a but_o also_o because_o they_o omit_v to_o tell_v that_o the_o gentleman_n minister_n and_o force_n of_o the_o west_n have_v no_o other_o meaning_n in_o the_o remonstrance_n as_o to_o the_o king_n interest_n than_o what_o be_v express_v in_o the_o declaration_n at_o the_o west_n kirk_n of_o the_o 12._o august_n in_o the_o year_n 1650._o in_o which_o the_o committee_n of_o estate_n the_o commission_n of_o the_o kirk_n and_o the_o army_n do_v unanimous_o join_v in_o their_o several_a station_n and_o capacity_n in_o testimony_n whereof_o they_o be_v willing_a and_o do_v often_o offer_v according_o to_o clear_a and_o explain_v the_o same_o if_o so_o be_v the_o commission_n shall_v forbear_v to_o give_v any_o sense_n upon_o it_o and_o let_v unbiased_n man_n judge_v if_o it_o be_v unseasonable_a to_o remonstrate_v this_o upon_o the_o king_n desert_v the_o counsel_n of_o state_n and_o kirk_n and_o join_v with_o the_o malignant_a party_n contrary_a to_o the_o covenant_n and_o treaty_n the_o next_o thing_n challenge_v be_v that_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o committee_n of_o estate_n be_v thereby_o weaken_a but_o it_o be_v not_o tell_v how_o belike_o it_o be_v mean_v because_o of_o the_o freedom_n that_o be_v therein_o use_v in_o lay_v before_o they_o the_o sin_n and_o mis-carriage_n of_o sundry_a of_o these_o who_o be_v then_o in_o place_n and_o power_n but_o the_o discover_v and_o take_v with_o of_o sin_n do_v not_o weaken_v but_o strengthen_v authority_n that_o which_o have_v provoke_v the_o lord_n to_o dash_v our_o judicatories_n in_o piece_n and_o to_o bring_v they_o to_o nothing_o be_v because_o they_o have_v refuse_v to_o take_v with_o their_o guiltiness_n and_o to_o humble_v themselves_o under_o the_o mighty_a hand_n of_o god_n if_o the_o freedom_n that_o be_v use_v in_o the_o remonstrance_n in_o reference_n to_o member_n of_o the_o committee_n of_o estate_n offend_v any_o these_o four_o thing_n will_v be_v remember_v 1._o that_o what_o be_v therein_o represent_v be_v know_v and_o undeniable_a truth_n 2._o that_o the_o lord_n be_v call_v thereto_o by_o his_o most_o dreadful_a stroke_n 3._o that_o many_o be_v harden_v and_o habituate_n themselves_o in_o sin_n 4._o that_o the_o man_n who_o speak_v be_v about_o to_o lay_v down_o their_o life_n and_o therefore_o take_v liberty_n to_o speak_v all_o their_o heart_n that_o they_o may_v exoner_n themselves_o and_o leave_v it_o as_o their_o testimony_n with_o other_o the_o three_o be_v that_o a_o way_n of_o hold_v up_o a_o constant_a division_n from_o state_n and_o kirk_n be_v therein_o mould_v but_o nothing_o be_v say_v to_o make_v out_o this_o and_o though_o some_o of_o the_o remonstrator_n be_v judge_v and_o call_v subtle_a and_o design_v man_n yet_o as_o they_o do_v intend_v no_o such_o thing_n so_o do_v i_o doubt_v excee_o if_o they_o be_v so_o quick-sighted_a as_o to_o see_v the_o strength_n of_o this_o inference_n that_o be_v make_v upon_o it_o for_o my_o part_n i_o see_v it_o not_o and_o be_o content_a to_o be_v ignorant_a of_o it_o until_o it_o shall_v be_v discover_v unto_o i_o declaration_n the_o five_o step_n be_v when_o notwithstanding_o of_o this_o perilous_a practice_n all_o mean_n of_o union_n of_o force_n and_o heal_v of_o the_o breach_n be_v endeavour_v by_o church_n and_o state_n yet_o union_n can_v not_o be_v have_v except_o upon_o such_o condition_n as_o the_o state_n and_o church_n can_v neither_o in_o honour_n nor_o in_o conscience_n grant_v whereby_o and_o through_o the_o dissipation_n of_o these_o force_n which_o aaher_v to_o the_o remonstrance_n at_o hamilton_n the_o state_n and_o church_n be_v necessitate_v either_o to_o render_v all_o up_o to_o the_o present_a rage_n of_o a_o perfidious_a and_o prevalent_a enemy_n or_o to_o make_v use_n of_o such_o as_o have_v be_v former_o receive_v to_o repentance_n for_o their_o sinful_a course_n and_o admit_v other_o to_o repentance_n from_o who_o satisfaction_n may_v be_v get_v agreeable_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n that_o all_o togother_n may_v be_v employ_v for_o the_o just_a and_o necessary_a defence_n of_o the_o cause_n and_o kingdom_n their_o natural_a interest_n obligation_n and_o solemny_n tie_v by_o covenant_n call_v for_o the_o same_o defence_n let_v it_o be_v consider_v what_o these_o condition_n be_v which_o the_o church_n and_o state_n can_v neither_o in_o honour_n nor_o conscience_n grant_v as_o for_o the_o king_n exercise_v of_o his_o power_n the_o remonstrator_n do_v declare_v that_o they_o have_v in_o humility_n propound_v their_o judgement_n and_o the_o reason_n thereof_o unto_o the_o committee_n of_o estate_n but_o it_o be_v in_o their_o power_n to_o hearken_v unto_o they_o and_o to_o do_v so_o yea_o or_o no_o as_o they_o think_v fit_a and_o that_o if_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v please_v still_o to_o debar_v the_o king_n from_o the_o exercise_n of_o his_o power_n as_o he_o have_v be_v former_o they_o will_v not_o refuse_v to_o live_v peaceable_o under_o he_o as_o the_o magistrate_n of_o the_o land_n only_o two_o thing_n they_o do_v desire_n in_o order_n to_o their_o unite_n with_o the_o force_n of_o the_o kingdom_n 1._o that_o the_o quarrel_n upon_o which_o they_o fight_v may_v be_v state_v as_o in_o the_o declaration_n of_o the_o 13._o of_o aug._n 1650._o 2._o that_o there_o may_v be_v one_o to_o command_v the_o force_n qualify_v according_a to_o the_o solemn_a engagement_n unto_o duty_n to_o wit_n of_o a_o blameless_a and_o christian_a conversation_n and_o of_o know_a integrity_n and_o constant_a affection_n to_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n both_o which_o condition_n be_v refuse_v now_o i_o will_v fain_o know_v a_o reason_n why_o these_o thing_n may_v not_o be_v condescend_v unto_o in_o honour_n and_o conscience_n be_v it_o less_o honour_n or_o conscience_n to_o state_n the_o quarrel_n in_o november_n 1650._o according_o to_o the_o foresay_a declaration_n then_o it-was_a to_o state_n it_o in_o august_n immediate_o precede_v have_v any_o thing_n occur_v in_o order_n to_o the_o king_n for_o alter_v the_o state_n of_o the_o quarrel_n and_o make_v it_o more_o favourable_a as_o to_o he_o or_o rather_o be_v there_o not_o something_o to_o the_o contrary_a to_o wit_n his_o desert_v of_o the_o judicatories_n give_v of_o commission_n to_o the_o malignant_n and_o join_v with_o they_o or_o be_v it_o contrary_a to_o honour_n and_o conscience_n to_o satisfy_v they_o in_o the_o other_o or_o do_v not_o both_o honour_n and_o conscience_n bind_v they_o to_o it_o as_o to_o the_o employ_v of_o the_o malignant_a party_n there_o be_v so_o much_o say_v in_o a_o particular_a treatise_n to_o demonstrate_v the_o sinfulness_n of_o it_o as_o also_o that_o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n for_o it_o that_o i_o shall_v not_o now_o insist_v upon_o it_o only_o i_o desire_v that_o to_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o which_o they_o say_v of_o make_v use_n of_o such_o as_o have_v be_v former_o receive_v to_o repentance_n for_o their_o sinful_a course_n and_o admit_v other_o to_o repentance_n from_o who_o satisfaction_n may_v be_v get_v agreeable_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n that_o all_o together_o may_v be_v employ_v which_o word_n import_v that_o as_o they_o do_v require_v repentance_n in_o all_o these_o who_o be_v former_o exclude_v and_o be_v now_o to_o be_v employ_v so_o also_o that_o care_n be_v take_v to_o receive_v none_o but_o such_o as_o satisfy_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n both_o which_o be_v speak_v gratis_o and_o without_o ground_n the_o first_o because_o in_o answer_n to_o the_o quere_z and_o in_o the_o warn_v pen_v for_o the_o strengthen_n of_o it_o
the_o approve_v thereof_o the_o read_n of_o a_o part_n whereof_o to_o wit_n sir_n archibald_n johnstoun_n of_o waristoun_n their_o own_o clerk_n his_o letter_n be_v much_o press_v at_o several_a diet_n by_o many_o of_o their_o own_o number_n yet_o be_v not_o these_o thing_n hear_v nor_o take_v in_o consideration_n nor_o can_v the_o read_n of_o that_o letter_n be_v obtain_v notwithstanding_o that_o it_o be_v once_o public_o promise_v by_o the_o moderator_n b._n will_v to_o god_n their_o wisdom_n and_o faithfulness_n in_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o trust_n have_v be_v such_o as_o may_v just_o deserve_v such_o a_o commendation_n but_o we_o fear_v that_o upon_o examination_n it_o shall_v be_v find_v not_o to_o have_v be_v so_o 1._o because_o they_o do_v not_o keep_v themselves_o within_o the_o bound_n of_o their_o trust_n which_o be_v to_o treat_v and_o determine_v in_o the_o matter_n refer_v unto_o they_o as_o their_o commission_n express_o bear_v but_o it_o be_v not_o refer_v unto_o they_o to_o determine_v case_n not_o former_o determine_v by_o any_o assembly_n of_o this_o church_n there_o be_v no_o such_o clause_n in_o their_o commission_n yet_o do_v they_o determine_v a_o very_a grave_a case_n to_o wit_n the_o employ_v of_o these_o who_o be_v former_o exclude_v which_o by_o the_o chief_a author_n of_o that_o determination_n be_v acknowledge_v to_o have_v be_v indeterminati_fw-la juris_fw-la a_o fault_n that_o be_v the_o great_a because_o it_o be_v provide_v by_o the_o act_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n 1641_o that_o since_o it_o have_v please_v god_n to_o vouchsafe_v we_o the_o liberty_n of_o yearly_a general_n assembly_n that_o no_o novation_n in_o doctrine_n worship_n or_o government_n be_v bring_v in_o or_o practise_v in_o this_o kirk_n unless_o it_o be_v first_o propound_v examine_v and_o allow_v in_o the_o general_n assembly_n 2._o because_o they_o do_v not_o only_o go_v beyond_o their_o trust_n but_o walk_v contrary_a unto_o their_o trust_n great_a part_n of_o their_o trust_n be_v to_o preserve_v the_o establish_a doctrine_n discipline_n worship_n and_o government_n of_o this_o kirk_n against_o all_o who_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o bring_v in_o any_o contrary_n thereunto_o to_o censure_v complyer_n and_o person_n disaffect_v to_o the_o covenant_n according_a to_o the_o act_n of_o the_o assembly_n and_o to_o protest_v against_o all_o encroachment_n upon_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o kirk_n in_o all_o which_o three_o they_o fail_v 1._o in_o the_o matter_n of_o preserve_v the_o doctrine_n not_o only_o because_o they_o teach_v and_o allow_v that_o malignant_n be_v subject_n may_v be_v employ_v and_o entrust_v for_o defence_n of_o the_o cause_n and_o kingdom_n as_o appear_v at_o length_n in_o their_o warn_v of_o the_o date_n january_n ______o 1651._o and_o in_o their_o answer_n to_o the_o letter_n of_o the_o presbytery_n of_o stirling_n at_o the_o same_o diet_n notwithstanding_o that_o the_o contrary_n have_v be_v constant_o teach_v and_o hold_v by_o this_o kirk_n these_o year_n past_a but_o also_o be_v instrumental_a unto_o the_o actual_a employ_v and_o entrust_v of_o these_o man_n which_o as_o to_o man_n can_v not_o but_o prove_v destructive_a to_o the_o doctrine_n worship_n discipline_n and_o government_n of_o this_o kirk_n 2._o in_o the_o matter_n of_o censure_a complyer_n and_o person_n dis-affected_n to_o the_o covenant_n according_a to_o the_o act_n of_o the_o assembly_n because_o they_o do_v not_o only_o allow_v person_n who_o be_v not_o of_o constant_a integrity_n and_o affection_n to_o the_o cause_n and_o of_o a_o blameless_a and_o christian_a conversation_n to_o be_v employ_v and_o entrust_v which_o be_v contrary_a to_o our_o solemn_a engagement_n but_o also_o because_o they_o take_v off_o censure_n which_o have_v be_v former_o inflict_v upon_o many_o dis-affected_n person_n who_o have_v not_o in_o their_o ordinary_a conversation_n give_v real_a testimony_n of_o their_o dislike_n of_o the_o late_a unlawful_a engagement_n and_o of_o the_o course_n and_o way_n of_o malignant_n and_o of_o their_o sorrow_n for_o accession_n to_o the_o same_o and_o to_o live_v sober_o righteous_o and_o godly_a notwithstanding_o that_o this_o be_v express_o provide_v by_o the_o act_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n 1649._o and_o do_v ordain_v presbytery_n to_o censure_v all_o such_o minister_n within_o their_o bound_n as_o do_v oppose_v or_o bear_v testimony_n against_o these_o their_o proceed_n 3._o in_o the_o matter_n of_o protest_v against_o encroachment_n upon_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o kirk_n because_o when_o some_o minister_n be_v confine_v at_o perth_n by_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n for_o their_o doctrine_n before_o they_o be_v cite_v or_o sentence_v by_o any_o of_o the_o judicatories_n for_o the_o same_o they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o protest_v against_o this_o that_o as_o they_o be_v silent_a when_o these_o minister_n be_v first_o cite_v notwithstanding_o that_o the_o letter_n of_o citation_n be_v communicate_v unto_o they_o by_o the_o committee_n of_o estate_n so_o by_o a_o public_a paper_n give_v in_o to_o the_o parliament_n they_o do_v condemn_v the_o protestation_n of_o these_o minister_n against_o that_o citation_n and_o confinement_n which_o paper_n be_v especial_o approven_v in_o this_o act._n c._n it_o be_v not_o our_o purpose_n to_o fall_v upon_o the_o particular_n which_o be_v say_v to_o be_v especial_o approven_v here_o but_o by_o the_o word_n especial_o and_o by_o the_o particular_n which_o be_v here_o mention_v it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o spirit_n which_o rule_v in_o the_o assembly_n at_o dundee_n be_v zealous_a above_o measure_n for_o the_o public_a resolution_n most_o of_o all_o the_o proceed_n of_o the_o commission_n that_o relate_v thereunto_o or_o to_o the_o opposer_n thereof_o or_o any_o testimony_n give_v against_o the_o same_o be_v particular_o mention_v and_o especial_o without_o leave_v out_o much_o less_o except_v so_o much_o as_o their_o act_n concern_v the_o opposer_n of_o public_a resolution_n and_o letter_n to_o presbytery_n thereupon_o by_o which_o all_o of_o they_o be_v appoint_v to_o be_v cite_v as_o person_n guilty_a to_o the_o assembly_n and_o so_o be_v exclude_v from_o have_v any_o hand_n to_o treat_v or_o vote_v therein_o in_o any_o thing_n concern_v the_o public_a resolution_n which_o beside_o the_o injury_n do_v to_o the_o person_n be_v to_o prae-limit_n the_o assembly_n and_o to_o make_v it_o up_o of_o such_o only_a as_o do_v approve_v of_o their_o proceed_n d._n the_o generality_n of_o malignant_a and_o dis-affected_n person_n in_o the_o land_n who_o have_v be_v enemy_n to_o reformation_n and_o godliness_n do_v join_v in_o this_o high_a testimony_n and_o cry-up_a these_o proceed_n and_o the_o author_n thereof_o as_o deserve_v high_a commendation_n but_o most_o of_o the_o godly_a of_o the_o land_n refuse_v to_o put_v to_o their_o seal_n thereto_o and_o make_v these_o proceed_n the_o matter_n of_o their_o mourning_n beg_a pardon_n and_o repentance_n unto_o the_o author_n thereof_o e._n this_o be_v another_o evidence_n what_o spirit_n lead_v that_o assembly_n as_o every_o thing_n must_v be_v cry_v up_o that_o make_v for_o strengthen_v of_o the_o public_a resolution_n so_o every_o thing_n must_v be_v cryed-down_a that_o make_v for_o weaken_v thereof_o yea_o that_o very_a declaration_n which_o before_o dumbar_n be_v unanimous_o condescend_v upon_o and_o approven_v both_o by_o the_o commission_n of_o the_o kirk_n and_o the_o committee_n of_o estate_n for_o hold_v forth_o the_o true_a state_n of_o the_o quarrel_n upon_o which_o the_o kingdom_n then_o fight_v and_o for_o shut_v out_o every_o malignant_a party_n or_o quarrel_n or_o interest_n 1._o by_o insinuate_v that_o it_o have_v already_o be_v to_o some_o a_o ground_n of_o unwarrantable_a proceed_n in_o these_o word_n of_o their_o act_n to_o the_o end_n it_o may_v not_o hereafter_o be_v to_o any_o a_o ground_n of_o unwarrantable_a proceed_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o king_n majesty_n or_o any_o of_o his_o successor_n 2._o they_o take_v only_o one_o clause_n of_o the_o whole_a declaration_n to_o wit_n that_o the_o king_n interest_n be_v not_o to_o be_v own_v but_o in_o subordination_n to_o god_n leave_v whole_o out_o another_o material_a part_n thereof_o to_o wit_n and_o so_o far_o as_o he_o own_v and_o prosecute_v the_o cause_n of_o god_n and_o disclaim_v he_o and_o his_o father_n opposition_n to_o the_o work_n of_o god_n and_o to_o the_o covenant_n and_o likewise_o all_o the_o enemy_n thereof_o which_o be_v again_o repeat_v thus_o in_o the_o close_a of_o that_o declaration_n and_o that_o they_o will_v with_o convenient_a speed_n take_v in_o consideration_n the_o paper_n late_o send_v unto_o they_o and_o vindicate_v themselves_o from_o all_o the_o falsehood_n contain_v therein_o especial_o in_o those_o thing_n wherein_o the_o quarrel_n betwixt_o we_o and_o that_o party_n be_v mis-stated_n as_o if_o we_o own_v the_o late_a
which_o then_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o employ_v these_o man_n there_o be_v no_o word_n of_o repentance_n or_o satisfaction_n as_o necessary_a requisite_n in_o these_o who_o be_v to_o be_v employ_v in_o the_o defence_n of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o of_o the_o cause_n but_o the_o exception_n in_o the_o answer_n exclude_v only_o excommunicate_v person_n forefault_v notorious_o profane_a or_o flagitious_a and_o such_o as_o have_v be_v from_o the_o beginning_n and_o continue_v still_o or_o be_v at_o this_o time_n obstinate_a and_o profess_a enemy_n and_o opposer_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o cause_n of_o god_n and_o most_o if_o not_o all_o the_o argument_n in_o the_o warn_v run_v for_o employ_v all_o man_n who_o be_v subject_n without_o any_o such_o qualification_n the_o last_o because_o the_o order_n prescribe_v by_o the_o gen._n assembly_n be_v not_o keep_v in_o receive_v of_o they_o that_o order_n as_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o act_n of_o the_o assembly_n 49._o concern_v the_o receive_n of_o engager_n be_v that_o because_o many_o heretofore_o have_v make_v show_n and_o profession_n of_o their_o repentance_n who_o be_v not_o convince_v of_o their_o guiltiness_n nor_o humble_v for_o the_o same_o but_o do_v thereafter_o return_v with_o the_o dog_n to_o the_o vomit_n and_o with_o the_o sow_n to_o the_o puddle_n unto_o the_o mock_n of_o god_n and_o the_o exceed_a great_a reproach_n and_o detriment_n of_o his_o cause_n therefore_o for_o the_o better_a determine_v the_o truth_n &_o sincerity_n of_o the_o repentance_n of_o those_o who_o desire_v to_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o covenant_n and_o communion_n it_o be_v appoint_v &_o ordain_v that_o none_o of_o those_o person_n who_o be_v debar_v from_o the_o covenant_n and_o communion_n shall_v be_v admit_v and_o receive_v thereto_o but_o such_o as_o after_o exact_a trial_n shall_v be_v find_v for_o some_o competent_a time_n before_o or_o after_o the_o offer_n of_o their_o repentance_n according_a to_o the_o discretion_n of_o the_o respective_a judicatories_n to_o have_v in_o their_o ordinary_a conversation_n give_v real_a testimony_n of_o their_o dislike_n of_o the_o late_a unlawful_a engagement_n and_o of_o the_o course_n and_o way_n of_o malignant_n and_o of_o their_o sorrow_n for_o their_o accession_n to_o the_o same_o and_o to_o live_v sober_o righteous_o and_o godly_a and_o if_o any_o shall_v be_v find_v who_o after_o the_o defeat_n of_o the_o engager_n have_v utter_v any_o malignant_a speech_n tend_v to_o the_o approbation_n of_o the_o late_a unlawful_a engagement_n or_o the_o bloodshed_n within_o the_o kingdom_n for_o promove_v of_o the_o end_n of_o the_o say_a engagement_n or_o any_o other_o project_n or_o practice_n within_o or_o without_o the_o kingdom_n prejudicial_a to_o religion_n and_o the_o covenant_n or_o tend_v to_o the_o reproach_n of_o the_o ministry_n or_o the_o civil_a government_n of_o the_o kingdom_n or_o who_o have_v unnecessary_o or_o ordinary_o converse_v with_o malignant_n and_o dis-affected_n person_n or_o who_o have_v have_v hand_n in_o or_o accession_n to_o or_o compliance_n with_o or_o have_v any_o way_n countenance_v or_o promove_v any_o malignant_a design_n prejudicial_a to_o religion_n and_o the_o covenant_n that_o these_o notwithstanding_o their_o profession_n of_o repentance_n be_v not_o sudden_o receive_v but_o a_o competent_a time_n according_a to_o the_o discretion_n of_o the_o judicatory_a be_v assign_v to_o they_o for_o trial_n of_o the_o evidence_n of_o their_o repentance_n according_a to_o the_o qualification_n abovementioned_a now_o let_v conscience_n speak_v whether_o this_o order_n in_o receive_v these_o man_n be_v observe_v yea_o or_o not_o yea_o it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o it_o that_o they_o be_v receive_v without_o such_o evidence_n in_o a_o very_a rash_a and_o precipitant_a way_n unto_o the_o most_o manifest_a mock_v of_o repentance_n that_o have_v be_v hear_v or_o see_v in_o any_o church_n in_o the_o world_n many_o of_o they_o flout_v and_o jeer_v at_o the_o judicatories_n of_o the_o kirk_n and_o one_o at_o another_o and_o make_v sport_n of_o their_o confession_n among_o their_o companion_n and_o give_v as_o much_o evidence_n of_o their_o malignancy_n and_o profanity_n and_o hate_v of_o godliness_n in_o their_o speech_n and_o carriage_n as_o of_o before_o do_v not_o the_o commission_n make_v such_o haste_n to_o receive_v these_o who_o have_v break_v out_o in_o rebellion_n and_o rise_v in_o arm_n against_o the_o cause_n and_o kingdom_n after_o dumbar_n that_o notwithstanding_o they_o have_v once_o by_o a_o act_n remit_v they_o all_o for_o censure_n to_o the_o gen._n assembly_n and_o intimate_v the_o same_o to_o presbytery_n that_o they_o may_v not_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o renew_n of_o the_o covenant_n or_o communion_n till_o the_o assembly_n shall_v judge_v of_o their_o case_n yet_o they_o do_v after_o the_o answer_n to_o the_o quere_z make_v a_o new_a act_n for_o receive_v they_o to_o the_o great_a offence_n of_o the_o godly_a and_o expose_v of_o their_o own_o authority_n to_o contempt_n and_o reproach_n declaration_n the_o 6._o step_n be_v set_v down_o thus_o notwithstanding_o some_o man_n have_v thus_o occasion_v the_o make_n up_o of_o our_o force_n as_o they_o now_o be_v yet_o not_o only_o do_v they_o themselves_o refuse_v to_o join_v with_o they_o but_o oppose_v by_o all_o mean_v possible_a the_o raise_n of_o the_o army_n according_a to_o public_a resolution_n what_o by_o preach_v what_o by_o writing_n what_o by_o brand_a hoâ—â—st_n man_n many_o of_o who_o do_v bear_v the_o burden_n and_o heaâ—_n of_o the_o day_n when_o other_o be_v not_o with_o the_o odious_a imputation_n of_o backslide_n covenant-breaking_a and_o what_o not_o public_a fast_n be_v separate_v from_o and_o contemn_v faction_n draw_v among_o the_o people_n in_o a_o word_n no_o mean_n be_v leave_v unessay_v to_o make_v public_a resolution_n in_o order_n to_o the_o raise_n of_o the_o army_n ineffectual_a without_o hold_v forth_o any_o possible_a or_o probable_a mean_n for_o the_o relief_n of_o the_o kingdom_n all_o which_o what_o ever_o have_v be_v the_o intention_n of_o man_n do_v of_o their_o own_o nature_n contribute_v no_o less_o effectual_o to_o the_o deliver_v up_o of_o all_o to_o the_o will_n of_o the_o enemy_n without_o stroke_n of_o sword_n then_o if_o it_o have_v be_v purposely_o intend_v defence_n prejudice_n stretch_v far_o to_o reach_v a_o blow_n albeit_o it_o be_v here_o assert_v that_o some_o man_n do_v by_o all_o mean_v possible_a oppose_v the_o raise_n of_o the_o army_n according_a to_o the_o public_a resolution_n and_o that_o they_o leave_v no_o mean_n unessay_v to_o make_v these_o resolution_n ineffectual_a for_o raise_v of_o the_o army_n yet_o they_o must_v be_v the_o man_n who_o thus_o occasion_v the_o make_n up_o of_o the_o army_n as_o it_o be_v how_o this_o shall_v be_v i_o do_v not_o well_o know_v unless_o it_o be_v by_o a_o antiperistasis_n as_o heat_v sometime_o occasion_n cold_a and_o cold_a heat_n or_o as_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n occasion_n war_n upon_o the_o earth_n it_o be_v like_a enough_o that_o the_o testimony_n which_o be_v bear_v against_o that_o way_n do_v instate_v man_n corruption_n and_o make_v they_o more_o violent_a and_o headstrong_a in_o the_o prosecution_n of_o the_o same_o but_o their_o meaning_n happy_o be_v that_o these_o man_n do_v oppose_v the_o union_n of_o the_o force_n or_o will_v not_o suffer_v other_o to_o rise_v for_o the_o defence_n of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o cause_n and_o so_o put_v the_o committee_n of_o estate_n upon_o a_o necessity_n of_o employ_v of_o these_o to_o join_v of_o the_o force_n we_o have_v speak_v before_o and_o show_v upon_o what_o term_n they_o be_v willing_a to_o have_v join_v and_o that_o there_o never_o come_v to_o they_o any_o order_n or_o command_n from_o the_o state_n for_o conjunction_n and_o for_o the_o other_o until_o there_o be_v stumbling-block_n put_v in_o their_o way_n by_o the_o public_a resolution_n they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o hinder_v any_o against_o who_o there_o be_v not_o just_a exception_n that_o they_o be_v willing_a to_o employ_v themselves_o to_o the_o utmost_a in_o defence_n of_o the_o cause_n and_o kingdom_n and_o give_v abundant_a proof_n thereof_o from_o the_o time_n they_o first_o take_v up_o arm_n until_o the_o month_n of_o december_n that_o the_o lord_n be_v please_v in_o his_o wiâ—e_a dispensation_n to_o break_v they_o at_o hamilton_n the_o public_a resolution_n be_v contrary_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o to_o the_o covenant_n and_o to_o the_o act_n and_o proceed_n of_o both_o kirk_n and_o state_n in_o the_o cause_n these_o many_o year_n past_a and_o involve_v so_o sudden_a and_o gross_a a_o change_n both_o of_o principle_n and_o practice_n give_v occasion_n to_o many_o gracious_a one_o throughout_o the_o land_n to_o stumble_v and_o to_o many_o minister_n to_o bear_v testimony_n
against_o they_o both_o by_o preach_v and_o by_o write_v their_o mind_n to_o the_o commission_n of_o the_o kirk_n and_o to_o other_o of_o their_o brethren_n as_o they_o have_v opportunity_n upon_o which_o occasion_n also_o it_o be_v that_o many_o be_v necessitate_v to_o withdraw_v from_o such_o fast_n as_o do_v involve_v a_o approbation_n of_o these_o resolution_n and_o what_o be_v in_o all_o this_o but_o duty_n may_v not_o yea_o ought_v not_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n minister_n and_o people_n bear_v testimony_n against_o decline_v and_o backslide_v and_o study_v to_o keep_v their_o own_o garment_n pure_a and_o refuse_v to_o say_v a_o confederacy_n to_o wicked_a man_n in_o the_o interest_n and_o cause_n of_o god_n it_o be_v a_o shrewd_a insinuation_n that_o be_v make_v of_o their_o draw_a faction_n among_o the_o people_n as_o if_o they_o have_v stir_v the_o people_n to_o sedition_n or_o to_o tumult_n the_o utmost_a length_n which_o minister_n go_v be_v to_o hold_v forth_o the_o sinfulness_n of_o that_o course_n how_o contrary_a it_o be_v to_o our_o former_a principle_n how_o it_o will_v help_v to_o hasten_v on_o more_o wrath_n or_o if_o it_o do_v seem_v to_o prosper_v how_o dangerous_a it_o will_v prove_v to_o the_o cause_n and_o people_n of_o god_n by_o set_v up_o of_o such_o as_o have_v be_v and_o still_o be_v adversary_n to_o both_o and_o the_o great_a length_n which_o people_n go_v be_v to_o profess_v their_o dislike_n thereof_o and_o without_o tumult_n or_o faction_n to_o withdraw_v or_o in_o a_o sober_a and_o modest_a way_n to_o refuse_v to_o concur_v because_o they_o have_v no_o clearness_n nor_o satisfaction_n in_o their_o conscience_n concern_v these_o resolution_n withal_o they_o do_v clear_o declare_v their_o judgement_n against_o the_o invasion_n and_o for_o the_o defence_n of_o the_o cause_n and_o their_o country_n and_o their_o readiness_n to_o concur_v in_o all_o lawful_a mean_n according_a to_o the_o word_n and_o former_a principle_n for_o that_o end_n if_o any_o who_o have_v be_v former_o honest_a and_o bear_v any_o part_n of_o the_o burden_n and_o heat_n of_o the_o day_n be_v brand_v as_o backsliders_a it_o be_v not_o so_o much_o by_o dissenter_n from_o the_o public_a resolution_n as_o by_o the_o multitude_n of_o that_o generation_n with_o who_o they_o do_v associate_v i_o mean_v the_o malignant_n who_o do_v not_o spare_v open_o and_o every_o where_o to_o say_v that_o these_o honest_a man_n be_v now_o come_v to_o they_o as_o for_o other_o though_o they_o can_v so_o vindicate_v themselves_o as_o to_o say_v that_o there_o be_v none_o among_o they_o who_o do_v at_o any_o time_n speak_v rash_o or_o unadvised_o with_o his_o lip_n yet_o the_o lord_n know_v it_o be_v the_o grief_n of_o their_o heart_n that_o honest_a man_n shall_v have_v fall_v from_o their_o integrity_n and_o though_o they_o can_v not_o choose_v but_o bear_v testimony_n against_o their_o sin_n yet_o they_o do_v it_o as_o afflict_v in_o spirit_n keep_v reverence_n respect_n and_o affection_n unto_o the_o man_n themselves_o and_o have_v the_o iniquity_n be_v private_a they_o will_v most_o willing_o have_v cover_v the_o shame_n thereof_o but_o it_o be_v public_a and_o such_o as_o do_v relate_v to_o the_o public_a cause_n and_o wherein_o their_o conâ—ent_n and_o concurrence_n be_v desire_v and_o therefore_o they_o be_v force_v to_o speak_v and_o not_o to_o suffer_v sin_n upon_o themselves_o nor_o upon_o their_o brethren_n there_o be_v yet_o one_o thing_n remain_v that_o whilst_o no_o mean_n be_v leave_v unessay_v for_o make_v of_o public_a resolution_n ineffectual_a that_o no_o possible_a nor_o probable_a mean_n be_v hold_v forth_o for_o tâ—e_v relief_n of_o the_o kingdom_n if_o it_o be_v mean_v as_o to_o the_o time_n when_o these_o resolution_n be_v first_o take_v by_o the_o commission_n answer_v to_o the_o parliament_n quaere_fw-la there_o can_v nothing_o of_o that_o kind_n be_v then_o hold_v forth_o by_o such_o a_o be_v dissatisfy_v with_o these_o resolution_n because_o few_o or_o none_o of_o they_o be_v present_a advertisment_n not_o be_v so_o much_o as_o send_v to_o many_o of_o they_o and_o the_o time_n be_v so_o short_a that_o other_o can_v not_o come_v upon_o the_o advertisment_n which_o wâ—re_v send_v to_o they_o the_o advertisement_n come_v to_o sterline_v upon_o the_o tuesday_n to_o be_v dispatch_v unto_o all_o the_o presbytery_n in_o the_o west_n that_o their_o commissioner_n may_v keep_v at_o perth_n upon_o the_o thursday_n immediate_o follow_v which_o day_n can_v not_o probable_o be_v but_o past_a before_o the_o advertisement_n come_v at_o most_o of_o they_o it_o be_v in_o the_o depth_n of_o the_o winter-season_n when_o the_o day_n be_v at_o the_o short_a and_o by_o such_o bearer_n as_o be_v not_o fix_v or_o send_v of_o purpose_n but_o by_o such_o as_o be_v occasional_o go_v to_o those_o place_n for_o other_o business_n yea_o suppose_v the_o utmost_a diligence_n imaginable_a have_v be_v use_v it_o have_v not_o be_v possible_a to_o send_v these_o advertisment_n from_o sterlin_n to_o the_o commissioner_n of_o these_o presbytery_n in_o the_o west_n in_o so_o short_a a_o time_n and_o these_o commissioner_n thereupon_o to_o have_v keep_v the_o diet_n at_o perth_n as_o any_o who_o know_v the_o distance_n of_o these_o place_n will_v easy_o acknowledge_v it_o be_v above_o forty_o mile_n betwixt_o perth_n and_o glasgow_n which_o be_v the_o near_a of_o the_o presbytery_n of_o the_o west_n the_o rest_n of_o they_o be_v a_o good_a deal_n more_o remote_a some_o of_o they_o three_o or_o fourscore_o mile_n and_o if_o it_o be_v mean_v that_o after_o the_o take_n of_o these_o resolution_n no_o possible_a nor_o probable_a mean_n be_v hold_v forth_o by_o these_o who_o do_v object_n against_o they_o it_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n then_o to_o do_v it_o the_o author_n and_o abetter_n of_o they_o be_v so_o zealous_a for_o they_o that_o they_o will_v admit_v of_o no_o objection_n to_o the_o contrary_a much_o less_o be_v content_a to_o wave_v these_o resolution_n and_o go_v to_o a_o calm_a and_o peaceable_a enquiry_n about_o other_o possible_a or_o probable_a mean_n of_o defence_n and_o yet_o as_o before_o the_o take_n of_o these_o resolution_n the_o possibility_n and_o probability_n of_o other_o mean_n have_v be_v often_o hold_v forth_o so_o be_v it_o also_o hold_v forth_o after_o the_o take_n of_o these_o resolution_n to_o say_v nothing_o of_o treaty_n and_o conference_n which_o be_v move_v by_o some_o but_o peremptory_o and_o bitter_o reject_v by_o other_o the_o possibility_n and_o probability_n of_o get_v a_o army_n without_o employ_v and_o entrust_v of_o the_o malignant_a party_n be_v hold_v forth_o and_o they_o who_o do_v assert_v otherwise_o do_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o wrong_n to_o the_o kingdom_n and_o kirk_n of_o scotland_n and_o make_v they_o too_o much_o malignant_a it_o be_v true_a they_o be_v considerable_a for_o number_n power_n and_o policy_n who_o be_v and_o aught_o to_o have_v be_v exclude_v yet_o be_v there_o as_o many_o beside_o as_o may_v have_v be_v mean_v competent_a in_o rational_a prudence_n for_o defence_n of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o cause_n especial_o in_o a_o nation_n covenant_v with_o god_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v tender_a in_o all_o their_o way_n and_o to_o stay_v themselves_o not_o upon_o horse_n and_o chariot_n but_o upon_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n after_o the_o set_n down_o of_o all_o these_o thing_n they_o be_v please_v to_o assert_v that_o they_o do_v of_o their_o own_o nature_n contribute_v no_o less_o effectual_o to_o the_o deliver_v up_o of_o all_o to_o the_o will_n of_o the_o enâ—mâ—e_n without_o stroke_n of_o sword_n then_o if_o it_o have_v be_v purposely_o intend_v as_o no_o evil_a cause_n can_v of_o itself_o produce_v any_o good_a effect_n so_o neither_o can_v any_o good_a cause_n of_o itself_o produce_v a_o evil_a effect_n good_a and_o evil_n be_v contrary_a in_o their_o nature_n and_o the_o one_o not_o native_o arise_v out_o of_o the_o other_o what_o be_v do_v in_o these_o be_v duty_n and_o good_a in_o itself_o and_o therefore_o have_v no_o connexion_n in_o itself_o with_o any_o evil_a thing_n that_o be_v charge_v upon_o it_o when_o i_o read_v this_o chargeâ—_n i_o remember_v the_o challenge_n of_o the_o pripet_n of_o judâ—h_n against_o the_o prophet_n jeremiah_n that_o he_o weaken_v the_o hand_n of_o the_o man_n of_o war_n that_o remain_v in_o the_o city_n and_o the_o hand_n of_o all_o the_o people_n and_o that_o he_o seek_v not_o the_o welfare_n of_o the_o people_n but_o their_o hurt_n jer._n 38.4_o declaration_n the_o last_o step_n be_v set_v down_o in_o this_o answer_n to_o the_o protestation_n but_o because_o it_o be_v usher_v in_o with_o a_o large_a preface_n that_o be_v not_o mention_v in_o this_o answer_n therefore_o i_o shall_v speak_v