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i_o have_v cite_v already_o be_v at_o it_o with_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o warmth_n and_o that_o often_o than_o once_o for_o not_o only_o towards_o the_o end_n of_o his_o sermon_n do_v he_o harangue_n direct_o and_o copious_o against_o it_o call_z it_o a_o backset_n to_o all_o that_o be_v do_v and_o a_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n etc._n etc._n but_o even_o near_o the_o beginning_n with_o more_o zeal_n than_o discretion_n he_o make_v it_o a_o infallible_a mark_n of_o infidelity_n in_o a_o prince_n to_o grant_v toleration_n do_v not_o think_v i_o be_o injurious_a to_o he_o you_o shall_v have_v his_o own_o word_n in_o respect_n of_o religion_n some_o prince_n be_v believer_n as_o joshua_n some_o infidel_n and_o so_o be_v either_o such_o as_o persecute_v religion_n as_o herod_n and_o julian_n or_o tolerate_v it_o as_o a_o trajan_n thus_o the_o zealous_a man_n not_o consider_v that_o king_n william_n have_v grant_v a_o toleration_n in_o england_n nay_o so_o much_o be_v the_o man_n tooth_n set_v on_o edge_n that_o such_o a_o thing_n shall_v have_v be_v once_o mutter_v in_o parliament_n that_o he_o be_v earnest_a in_o his_o exhortation_n to_o the_o house_n that_o they_o will_v if_o not_o hang_v at_o least_o banish_v all_o the_o prelatist_n thus_o he_o tell_v they_o it_o be_v not_o the_o wisdom_n of_o magistrate_n to_o overlook_v dangerous_a person_n by_o cruel_a indulgence_n one_o achan_n spare_v may_v endanger_v the_o whole_a camp_n of_o israel_n be_v not_o this_o as_o bad_a as_o hang_v traitor_n to_o kirk_n and_o king_n will_v be_v due_o notice_v and_o again_o person_n of_o a_o dangerous_a complexion_n to_o undermine_v the_o state_n will_v be_v incapacitate_v and_o a_o rope_n be_v the_o best_a way_n for_o that_o and_o put_v out_o of_o reach_n to_o hazard_v the_o commonwealth_n if_o he_o be_v a_o churchman_n a_o abiathar_n he_o may_v be_v send_v to_o anathoth_o this_o last_o fling_n i_o be_o apt_a to_o believe_v be_v design_v against_o the_o archbishop_n of_o glasgow_n for_o possible_o mr._n david_n dread_v he_o be_v upon_o the_o plot_n of_o the_o toleration_n stubborn_a parliament_n that_o will_v not_o provide_v halter_n or_o at_o least_o prison_n for_o all_o these_o rogue_n when_o such_o a_o godly_a man_n advise_v they_o the_o next_o thing_n wherein_o the_o church_n be_v concern_v be_v a_o act_n which_o pass_v july_n 29._o 1690._o abolish_n patronage_n and_o set_v up_o in_o their_o stead_n what_o popular_a election_n according_a to_o the_o presbyterian_a profession_n nothing_o less_o what_o then_o a_o new_a model_n for_o elect_v minister_n for_o which_o it_o will_v be_v very_o hard_a to_o find_v a_o ius_n divinum_fw-la in_o all_o the_o scripture_n for_o now_o the_o heritor_n and_o elder_n be_v to_o name_n and_o propose_v the_o person_n for_o who_o they_o incline_v to_o the_o whole_a congregation_n to_o be_v either_o approve_a or_o disapprove_v by_o they_o and_o if_o they_o disapprove_v the_o disapprover_n must_v give_v intheir_a reason_n to_o the_o effect_v the_o afsair_n may_v be_v cognosce_v upon_o by_o the_o presbytery_n of_o the_o bound_n at_o who_o judgement_n and_o by_o who_o determination_n the_o call_v and_o enter_v of_o a_o particular_a minister_n be_v to_o be_v order_v and_o conclude_v etc._n etc._n i_o be_o not_o at_o present_a to_o debate_v the_o reasonableness_n or_o conveniency_n of_o this_o new_a model_n but_o it_o surprise_v i_o at_o first_o that_o the_o presbyterian_a preacher_n be_v so_o easy_o please_v with_o this_o after_o their_o so_o warm_a and_o frequent_a protestation_n for_o the_o ius_n divinum_fw-la of_o the_o popular_a election_n but_o this_o surprise_n be_v soon_o over_o when_o i_o find_v that_o this_o method_n in_o the_o result_n bring_v the_o whole_a power_n as_o effectual_o into_o their_o hand_n and_o perhaps_o more_o easy_o than_o popular_a election_n can_v have_v do_v and_o that_o be_v all_o they_o be_v aim_v at_o and_o here_o it_o be_v that_o the_o divine_a right_n of_o any_o thing_n with_o they_o do_v common_o terminate_v at_o least_o i_o be_o very_o far_o mistake_v if_o this_o be_v not_o all_o the_o divine_a right_n that_o shall_v be_v find_v at_o the_o bottom_n of_o the_o most_o part_n of_o their_o glorious_a pretence_n the_o next_o thing_n i_o be_o to_o take_v notice_n of_o concern_v a_o set_a of_o man_n who_o i_o know_v not_o if_o you_o will_v allow_v to_o be_v call_v in_o a_o state_n of_o persecution_n viz._n those_o who_o have_v be_v deprive_v by_o the_o committee_n of_o estate_n and_o the_o council_n anno_fw-la 1689._o for_o not_o read_v the_o proclamation_n against_o the_o own_n the_o late_a king_n james_n and_o not_o pray_v public_o for_o william_n and_o mary_n as_o king_n and_o queen_n of_o scotland_n some_o of_o these_o though_o they_o have_v obey_v their_o sentence_n so_o far_o as_o not_o to_o exercise_v their_o
professor_n thereof_o have_v be_v and_o be_v great_a matter_n of_o joy_n to_o our_o heart_n and_o of_o blessing_n and_o magnify_v our_o lord_n and_o master_n in_o your_o lordship_n behalf_n so_o they_o be_v a_o door_n of_o hope_n to_o we_o and_o to_o all_o that_o love_v the_o true_a reform_a protestant_a religion_n in_o this_o land_n that_o his_o grace_n his_o majesty_n high_a commissioner_n and_o this_o honourable_a court_n of_o parliament_n will_v in_o your_o station_n go_v on_o zealous_o in_o your_o work_n of_o purge_v this_o poor_a oppress_a church_n from_o all_o corruption_n bring_v into_o it_o by_o ambitious_a and_o covetous_a churchman_n who_o seek_v their_o own_o thing_n but_o not_o the_o thing_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o from_o all_o the_o sad_a consequence_n which_o have_v follow_v upon_o the_o erect_v of_o prelacy_n such_o as_o be_v the_o drive_v several_a hundred_o of_o minister_n all_o at_o one_o time_n out_o of_o their_o church_n without_o either_o accusation_n or_o 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hope_v the_o commissioner_n his_o grace_n and_o your_o lordship_n in_o this_o present_a parliament_n will_v take_v to_o your_o serious_a consideration_n and_o will_v free_v this_o poor_a oppress_a church_n from_o such_o oppressor_n and_o oppression_n and_o settle_v it_o again_o upon_o the_o right_a foundation_n of_o government_n and_o discipline_n agreeable_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o establish_v in_o this_o church_n by_o law_n near_o a_o hundred_o year_n ago_o which_o settlement_n we_o be_v confident_a will_v prove_v the_o best_a remedy_n of_o all_o our_o otherways_o incurable_a distraction_n and_o the_o mean_a of_o quiet_v and_o unite_n the_o whole_a country_n in_o a_o joint_n and_o firm_a opposition_n against_o all_o his_o majesty_n and_o your_o lordship_n enemy_n we_o therefore_o his_o majesty_n most_o loyal_a subject_n and_o your_o lordship_n most_o humble_a and_o dutiful_a servant_n in_o christ_n humble_o beseech_v the_o commissioner_n his_o grace_n and_o honourable_a 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therefore_o we_o humble_o petition_v that_o the_o church-government_n may_v be_v establish_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o such_o only_a who_o by_o their_o former_a carriage_n and_o suffering_n have_v evidence_v that_o they_o be_v know_v sound_a presbyterian_o and_o well_o affect_v to_o his_o majesty_n government_n or_o who_o hereafter_o shall_v be_v find_v to_o be_v such_o which_o be_v hopeful_a by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v manage_v with_o such_o christian_a prudence_n moderation_n and_o tenderness_n as_o shall_v leave_v no_o just_a matter_n of_o complaint_n to_o any_o and_o that_o not_o only_o these_o minister_n yet_o alive_a who_o be_v unjust_o thrust_v from_o their_o church_n may_v be_v restore_v thereto_o and_o these_o parish_n and_o flock_n at_o that_o time_n no_o less_o violent_o impose_v upon_o may_v be_v free_v from_o intruder_n but_o also_o all_o other_o presbyterian_a minister_n who_o either_o be_v already_o or_o may_v be_v by_o respective_a flock_n orderly_o call_v hereafter_o may_v have_v access_n to_o be_v settle_v in_o church_n after_o the_o presbyterian_a way_n as_o they_o shall_v be_v ecclesiastical_o approve_v and_o appoint_v and_o may_v have_v your_o lordship_n civil_a sanction_n add_v thereunto_o and_o we_o also_o request_v that_o the_o church_n thus_o establish_v may_v be_v allow_v by_o your_o lordship_n civil_a sanction_n to_o appoint_v visitation_n for_o purge_v out_o insufficient_a negligent_a scandalous_a and_o erroneous_a minister_n and_o see_v patronage_n which_o have_v their_o rise_n in_o the_o most_o corrupt_a and_o latter_a time_n of_o antichristianism_n have_v always_o be_v a_o great_a grievance_n to_o this_o church_n as_o the_o source_n and_o fountain_n of_o a_o corrupt_a ministry_n that_o these_o may_v be_v abolish_v and_o that_o the_o church_n may_v be_v establish_v upon_o its_o former_a good_a foundation_n confirm_v by_o many_o act_n of_o parliament_n since_o the_o year_n one_o thousand_o five_o hundred_o and_o sixty_o and_o that_o all_o act_n contrary_a to_o this_o government_n that_o ratify_v ceremony_n and_o impose_v punishment_n on_o presbyterian_o for_o nonconformity_n and_o for_o worship_v of_o god_n according_a to_o their_o principle_n may_v be_v abrogate_v and_o as_o a_o good_a and_o necessary_a mean_n for_o preserve_v the_o purity_n of_o the_o church_n your_o lordship_n take_v care_v that_o learned_a sound_v and_o godly_a man_n be_v put_v in_o university_n and_o seminary_n of_o learning_n humble_o submit_v to_o your_o lordship_n wisdom_n the_o method_n of_o consider_v and_o effect_v these_o our_o desire_n thus_o all_o thing_n be_v do_v for_o the_o house_n of_o the_o god_n of_o heaven_n according_a to_o the_o commandment_n of_o the_o god_n of_o heaven_n by_o your_o lordship_n pious_a and_o wise_a manage_n these_o affair_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n this_o poor_a long_o oppress_v and_o toss_v church_n may_v at_o length_n through_o god_n blessing_n arrive_v at_o a_o safe_a and_o quiet_a harbour_n and_o the_o true_a honour_n and_o happiness_n of_o his_o majesty_n and_o your_o lordship_n as_o the_o signal_n nurse_n father_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o this_o land_n may_v be_v advance_v and_o continue_v to_o future_a generation_n and_o so_o the_o blessing_n of_o the_o church_n that_o be_v ready_a to_o perish_v may_v remain_v still_o upon_o his_o majesty_n and_o your_o lordship_n and_o your_o lordship_n petitioner_n shall_v ever_o pray_v that_o god_n may_v bless_v and_o protect_v the_o person_n of_o their_o majesty_n king_n william_n and_o queen_n mary_n long_o to_o rule_v and_o govern_v this_o nation_n and_o your_o lordship_n under_o they_o this_o petition_n word_n for_o word_n unless_o it_o be_v in_o one_o or_o two_o sentence_n have_v be_v present_v by_o they_o to_o the_o parliament_n the_o year_n before_o for_o a_o man_n may_v be_v against_o set_a form_n in_o their_o petition_n to_o god_n yet_o for_o they_o in_o petition_n to_o parliament_n while_o the_o duke_n of_o hamilton_n be_v commissioner_n but_o his_o grace_n be_v no_o way_n please_v with_o it_o for_o several_a reason_n but_o principal_o that_o they_o crave_v that_o the_o church_n government_n may_v be_v establish_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o such_o only_a who_o by_o their_o former_a carriage_n and_o suffering_n have_v evidence_v that_o they_o be_v know_v sound_a presbyterian_o for_o what_o be_v this_o say_v his_o grace_n but_o to_o pull_v down_o one_o sort_n of_o prelacy_n and_o set_v up_o another_o in_o its_o place_n to_o abolish_v one_o that_o be_v consistent_a and_o intelligible_a and_o establish_v another_o that_o imply_v contradiction_n and_o indeed_o there_o be_v no_o answer_v this_o difficulty_n for_o there_o be_v but_o about_o fifty_o or_o sixty_o such_o minister_n alive_a in_o the_o whole_a nation_n and_o it_o be_v crave_v that_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v establish_v in_o their_o hand_n in_o the_o first_o instance_n which_o what_o be_v it_o else_o but_o instead_o of_o fourteen_o prelatical_a to_o give_v we_o
a_o account_n of_o the_o late_a establishment_n of_o presbyterian-government_n by_o the_o parliament_n of_o scotland_n anno_fw-la 1690._o together_o with_o the_o method_n by_o which_o it_o be_v settle_v and_o the_o consequence_n of_o it_o as_o also_o several_a public_a act_n speech_n plead_n and_o other_o matter_n of_o importance_n relate_v to_o the_o church_n in_o that_o kingdom_n to_o which_o be_v add_v a_o summary_n of_o the_o visitation_n of_o the_o university_n there_o in_o a_o five_o letter_n from_o a_o gentleman_n at_o edinburgh_n to_o his_o friend_n at_o london_n si_fw-mi tibi_fw-la aquavitae_fw-la nostrae_fw-la vera_fw-la imago_fw-la sucourret_fw-la videberis_fw-la tibi_fw-la videre_fw-la captae_fw-la cum_fw-la maximè_fw-la civitatis_fw-la faciem_fw-la in_fw-la quâ_fw-la omisso_fw-la pudoris_fw-la rectique_fw-la respectu_fw-la vires_fw-la in_o consilio_fw-la sunt_fw-la velut_fw-la signo_fw-la ad_fw-la permiscenda_fw-la omne_fw-la dato_fw-la non_fw-la igni_fw-la non_fw-la ferro_fw-la abstinetur_fw-la soluta_fw-la legibus_fw-la scelera_fw-la sunt_fw-la nec_fw-la religio_fw-la quidem_fw-la quae_fw-la inter_fw-la arma_fw-la hostilia_fw-la supplices_fw-la texit_fw-la ullum_fw-la impedimentum_fw-la est_fw-la ruentium_fw-la in_o praedam_fw-la etc._n etc._n seneca_n de_fw-fr benef._n lib._n 7._o cap._n 27._o quid_fw-la nos_fw-la dura_fw-la refugimus_fw-la aetas_n quid_fw-la intactum_fw-la nefasti_fw-la liquimus_fw-la unde_fw-la manus_fw-la juventus_fw-la metu_fw-la deorum_fw-la continuit_fw-la quibus_fw-la pepercit_fw-la aris_fw-la horat._n carm._n lib._n 1._o od._n 35._o london_n print_v for_o jos._n hindmarsh_n at_o the_o golden_a ball_n over-against_o the_o royal-exchange_n in_o cornhill_n m_o dc_o xciii_o advertisement_n by_o the_o publisher_n to_o the_o reader_n i_o have_v ever_o think_v that_o justice_n and_o candour_n require_v not_o only_o that_o we_o shall_v not_o utter_v any_o thing_n against_o our_o adversary_n which_o we_o know_v to_o be_v false_a but_o also_o that_o we_o shall_v suppress_v nothing_o which_o we_o know_v will_v vindicate_v they_o or_o extenuate_v that_o whereof_o they_o be_v accuse_v and_o therefore_o have_v come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o a_o particular_a which_o escape_v the_o author_n diligence_n at_o the_o write_n of_o this_o relation_n i_o be_o satisfy_v it_o will_v be_v as_o grateful_a to_o he_o as_o fair_a to_o our_o adversary_n to_o acquaint_v the_o reader_n with_o it_o here_o the_o thing_n be_v concern_v mr._n james_n kirton_n take_v the_o benefit_n of_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n make_v in_o favour_n of_o the_o old_a presbyterian_a minister_n as_o be_v relate_v p._n 24_o of_o this_o book_n and_o after_o a_o diligent_a enquiry_n make_v by_o myself_o and_o other_o i_o find_v that_o that_o account_n be_v true_a to_o a_o tittle_n from_o the_o begin_n to_o the_o end_n of_o it_o but_o that_o which_o i_o will_v not_o conceal_v be_v that_o mr._n kirton_n have_v preach_v two_o sunday_n in_o august_n 1690_o at_o martin_n and_o thereby_o secure_v to_o himself_o the_o benefice_n from_o whitsunday_n 1689_o be_v persuade_v by_o friend_n to_o give_v mr._n meldrum_n the_o episcopal_a minister_n one_o half_a year_n of_o the_o benefice_n of_o martin_n i_o design_v to_o have_v tell_v this_o in_o its_o proper_a place_n p._n 24_o but_o this_o be_v prevent_v that_o sheet_n be_v print_v off_o soon_o than_o i_o expect_v the_o content_n a_o short_a introduction_n pag._n 1_o act_n of_o the_o privy_a council_n at_o edinburgh_n december_n the_o 24_o 1689._o prohibit_v all_o inferior_a judge_n to_o give_v or_o execute_v any_o decree_n in_o favour_n of_o such_o of_o the_o episcopal_a clergy_n as_o have_v be_v thrust_v from_o their_o charge_n by_o the_o rabble_n before_o the_o 13_o of_o april_n 1689._o ibid._n this_o act_n furnish_v a_o pretext_n to_o these_o especial_o of_o the_o western_a shire_n where_o rabble_a have_v most_o prèvail_v to_o refuse_v payment_n for_o what_o be_v due_a of_o the_o year_n 1688_o and_o precede_a year_n p._n 2_o the_o misery_n this_o act_n reduce_v the_o clergy_n to_o induce_v they_o to_o endeavour_v to_o have_v it_o repeal_v or_o favourable_o explain_v but_o their_o endeavour_n be_v in_o vain_a p._n 3_o the_o parliament_n meet_v april_n 25_o 1690._o their_o first_o act_n rescind_v the_o first_o of_o the_o second_o parliament_n of_o king_n charles_n the_o second_o 1669._o entitle_v act_n assert_v his_o majesty_n supremacy_n over_o all_o person_n and_o in_o all_o cause_n ecclesiastical_a and_o civil_a p._n 4_o 5_o the_o thorough_a pace_a presbyterian_o nick_v for_o this_o rescissory_a act_n do_v not_o reach_v many_o other_o act_n which_o assert_v the_o supremacy_n to_o a_o degree_n inconsistent_a with_o their_o pretension_n yet_o it_o encourage_v the_o presbyterian_o to_o go_v on_o and_o ask_v a_o entire_a settlement_n of_o their_o whole_a scheme_n ibid._n the_o address_n they_o present_v to_o the_o commissioner_n and_o the_o estate_n of_o parliament_n p._n 6_o 7_o 8_o 9_o remark_n upon_o this_o address_n p._n 10_o 11_o the_o case_n of_o the_o presbyterian_a minister_n who_o after_o the_o first_o of_o january_n 1661._o be_v turn_v out_o of_o the_o church_n they_o then_o possess_v and_o the_o act_n restore_v they_o p._n 12_o 13_o the_o account_n upon_o which_o these_o presbyterian_a minister_n be_v by_o act_n of_o parliament_n 1662._o put_v from_o the_o church_n which_o they_o possess_v be_v their_o refuse_v to_o give_v obedience_n to_o the_o law_n require_v they_o to_o take_v presentation_n to_o their_o church_n from_o their_o lawful_a patron_n p._n 14_o 15_o 16_o 17_o the_o act_n entitle_v a_o act_n concern_v such_o benefice_n and_o stipend_n as_o have_v be_v possess_v without_o presentation_n from_o the_o lawful_a patron_n for_o noncompliance_n with_o which_o the_o presbyterian_a minister_n be_v out_v 1662._o p._n 18_o 19_o that_o act_n justify_v p._n 20_o a_o account_n of_o the_o act_n of_o the_o privy_a council_n at_o glasgow_n in_o pursuance_n of_o the_o foresay_a act_n of_o parliament_n p._n 21_o the_o severity_n of_o the_o act_n restore_v the_o old_a presbyterian_a minister_n by_o it_o the_o episcopal_a incumbent_n be_v not_o only_o eject_v out_o of_o their_o benefice_n but_o deprive_v of_o a_o whole_a year_n rend_v for_o which_o they_o have_v serve_v the_o cure_n without_o any_o ground_n of_o hope_n to_o be_v provide_v of_o other_o church_n and_o this_o notwithstanding_o their_o compliance_n with_o the_o government_n p._n 22_o 23_o the_o rigorous_a execution_n of_o this_o act_n instance_n of_o this_o p._n 24_o 25_o a_o account_n of_o the_o act_n ratify_v the_o confession_n of_o faith_n and_o settle_v the_o presbyterian_a government_n p._n 26_o the_o art_n use_v to_o prepare_v the_o parliament_n for_o this_o act_n for_o this_o end_n the_o press_n employ_v and_o pamphlet_n publish_v recommend_v presbytery_n and_o disgrace_v and_o defame_v prelacy_n speech_n make_v by_o the_o high_a commissioner_n and_o precedent_n of_o the_o parliament_n p._n 27_o 28_o 29_o the_o pulpit_n tune_v to_o serve_v their_o design_n with_o a_o account_n of_o such_o sermon_n as_o be_v print_v p._n 30_o to_o 36_o endeavour_n of_o the_o zealot_n for_o promote_a the_o good_a old_a cause_n and_o of_o their_o agent_n and_o pensioner_n p._n 36_o a_o account_n how_o the_o act_n be_v prepare_v debate_v vote_v list_v and_o account_n of_o the_o committee_n nominate_v for_o church_n affair_n to_o who_o this_o act_n be_v recommend_v p._n 37_o 38_o the_o act_n as_o it_o be_v make_v a_o law_n p._n 39_o 40_o 41_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n read_v in_o the_o house_n and_o ratify_v the_o ratification_n of_o the_o directory_n and_o catechism_n require_v in_o the_o presbyterian_a address_n and_o yet_o these_o not_o mention_v in_o the_o act._n 42_o 43_o 44_o act_n 2._o parl._n 2._o car._n ii_o entitle_v act_n acknowledge_v and_o assert_v the_o right_n of_o sucession_n to_o the_o imperial_a crown_n of_o scotland_n repeal_v in_o this_o act_n establish_v presbytery_n sir_n james_n montgomery_n of_o skelmurly_a reason_n for_o repeal_n the_o act._n the_o duke_n of_o hamilton_n and_o lord_n stair_n reason_n against_o repeal_n it_o reflection_n make_v out_o of_o the_o house_n upon_o the_o repeal_n the_o act_n about_o succession_n 45_o 46_o that_o article_n of_o the_o act_n establish_v presbytery_n which_o put_v the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n entire_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o know_v sound_a presbyterian_o consider_v 47_o those_o episcopal_a minister_n who_o have_v give_v obedience_n to_o the_o civil_a government_n petition_v the_o parliament_n against_o that_o article_n and_o beg_v to_o be_v allow_v a_o share_n in_o the_o ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n ibid._n &_o 48_o their_o petition_n present_v and_o back_v by_o the_o duke_n of_o hamilton_n and_o yet_o reject_v with_o scorn_n ibid._n mr._n ross_n a_o member_n of_o the_o house_n propose_v that_o those_o presbyterian_a minister_n who_o have_v be_v depose_v by_o their_o own_o ecclesiastical_a judicatories_n before_o the_o re_fw-mi establishment_n of_o episcopacy_n an._n 1662._o may_v not_o be_v
clergy_n and_o forthwith_o a_o stop_n be_v put_v to_o the_o course_n of_o justice_n for_o general_o those_o who_o be_v liable_a to_o pay_v the_o tithe_n in_o the_o western_a shire_n where_o rabble_a have_v most_o prevail_v refuse_v to_o pay_v one_o farthing_n of_o what_o be_v due_a for_o the_o year_n 1688._o or_o any_o year_n precede_v have_v for_o they_o the_o pretext_n of_o this_o act_n of_o council_n neither_o will_v the_o judge_n grant_v sentence_n in_o favour_n of_o any_o such_o minister_n as_o have_v the_o hard_a fortune_n to_o stand_v in_o these_o unlucky_a circumstance_n and_o indeed_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o the_o judge_n be_v shy_a to_o meddle_v with_o such_o a_o act_n consider_v on_o the_o one_o hand_n how_o dark_o and_o indistinct_o it_o be_v word_v and_o on_o the_o other_o how_o ticklish_a the_o time_n than_o be_v and_o how_o natural_a it_o be_v for_o the_o council_n to_o have_v turn_v they_o out_o of_o their_o place_n if_o they_o have_v chance_v to_o give_v it_o a_o interpretation_n however_o consonant_n with_o the_o rule_n of_o justice_n unsuitable_a to_o the_o design_n of_o the_o government_n no_o man_n i_o think_v needs_o to_o doubt_v but_o this_o treatment_n seem_v grievous_a enough_o to_o the_o poor_a sufferer_n they_o have_v enter_v to_o their_o respective_a church_n according_a to_o law_n they_o have_v never_o be_v summon_v to_o appear_v before_o any_o court_n ecclesiastical_a or_o civil_a nor_o try_v or_o convict_v of_o any_o crime_n or_o scandal_n that_o may_v infer_v a_o deprivation_n only_o they_o have_v be_v thrust_v from_o their_o station_n by_o lawless_a force_n and_o violence_n a_o thing_n so_o far_o from_o be_v criminal_a in_o they_o that_o it_o rather_o ought_v to_o have_v engage_v the_o government_n to_o have_v take_v particular_a care_n for_o their_o redress_n and_o restitution_n what_o then_o may_v be_v think_v of_o this_o preclude_v they_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o common_a law_n for_o what_o be_v uncontrovertible_o due_a to_o they_o especial_o consider_v that_o most_o of_o they_o have_v numerous_a family_n and_o not_o one_o of_o twenty_o any_o stock_n of_o his_o own_o beside_o his_o benefice_n wherewith_o to_o maintain_v they_o hard_o enough_o sure_a well_o necessity_n you_o know_v sir_n be_v a_o rigorous_a taskmaster_n and_o put_v one_o upon_o all_o imaginable_a shift_n to_o be_v ease_v of_o its_o burden_n and_o so_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v doubt_v but_o these_o poor_a man_n will_v bestir_v themselves_o as_o effectual_o as_o they_o can_v to_o have_v that_o act_n if_o not_o repeal_v at_o least_o explain_v and_o make_v more_o favourable_a as_o indeed_o they_o do_v but_o without_o success_n for_o though_o some_o consellor_n such_o as_o the_o duke_n of_o hamilton_n in_o who_o absence_n the_o act_n be_v make_v be_v incline_v to_o do_v they_o justice_n yet_o at_o that_o time_n the_o earl_n of_o crawford_n and_o the_o lord_n cardrosse_n two_o lord_n who_o have_v some_o reason_n to_o commiserate_v the_o needy_a and_o their_o adherent_n of_o the_o presbyterian_a party_n make_v great_a number_n at_o the_o council_n board_n and_o they_o have_v make_v the_o act_n and_o so_o they_o will_v not_o so_o much_o as_o hear_v of_o admit_v it_o to_o a_o new_a deliberation_n this_o as_o soon_o as_o they_o know_v it_o make_v the_o afflict_a minister_n though_o they_o have_v prepare_v their_o petition_n quite_o give_v over_o the_o design_n of_o address_v to_o the_o council_n and_o betake_v themselves_o to_o the_o last_o remedy_n patience_n till_o the_o parliament_n shall_v meet_v to_o which_o their_o case_n by_o the_o act_n of_o council_n be_v refer_v i_o have_v hitherto_o give_v you_o but_o a_o very_a slender_a account_n of_o this_o matter_n but_o if_o you_o will_v be_v please_v to_o read_v on_o you_o shall_v have_v what_o may_v satisfy_v you_o before_o i_o have_v do_v now_o proceed_v we_o straight_o to_o the_o parliament_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n i_o must_v tell_v you_o that_o it_o be_v no_o part_n of_o my_o present_a undertake_n to_o meddle_v with_o any_o thing_n but_o what_o concern_v the_o church_n or_o the_o clergy_n and_o even_o of_o that_o too_o you_o be_v not_o to_o expect_v the_o most_o perfect_a account_n the_o parliament_n meet_v upon_o the_o 15_o of_o april_n 1690._o and_o the_o first_o thing_n they_o do_v in_o relation_n to_o the_o church_n be_v the_o abolition_n of_o the_o king_n supremacy_n in_o ecclesiastical_a matter_n but_o alas_o the_o thorough-paced_a presbyterian_o be_v sad_o nick_v in_o that_o matter_n for_o it_o be_v only_o the_o act_n which_o be_v make_v anno_fw-la 1669._o that_o be_v rescind_v and_o other_o act_n that_o assert_v the_o supremacy_n to_o a_o degree_n entire_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o prerogative_n of_o the_o kirk_n be_v keep_v in_o force_n and_o unrepeal_v at_o least_o this_o i_o be_o sure_a of_o mr._n andrew_n melvill_n a_o great_a promoter_n if_o not_o the_o first_o parent_n of_o presbyterian_a parity_n in_o scotland_n and_o mr._n david_n black_a and_o such_o ancient_a worthy_n of_o the_o sect_n reckon_v they_o intolerable_a when_o they_o call_v they_o the_o bloody_a gully_n of_o arbitrary_a power_n i._n e._n the_o cutthroat_n knife_n but_o that_o be_v no_o great_a matter_n only_o one_o thing_n let_v i_o add_v further_o concern_v the_o first_o act_n which_o be_v that_o it_o find_v the_o repeal_n of_o that_o sixty_o nine_o act_n upon_o this_o reason_n that_o that_o supremacy_n be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o establishment_n of_o the_o church-government_n not_o now_o in_o be_v for_o presbytery_n be_v not_o erect_v till_o six_o week_n after_o but_o now_o desire_v which_o what_o sense_n it_o may_v make_v in_o law_n or_o politic_n it_o be_v not_o my_o purpose_n to_o inquire_v but_o i_o remember_v many_o thought_n then_o that_o it_o be_v a_o pretty_a odd_a fetch_n in_o common_a reason_n to_o abolish_v that_o act_n because_o the_o supremacy_n as_o explain_v in_o it_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o what_o have_v no_o real_a existence_n but_o only_o a_o imaginary_a one_o in_o the_o desire_n of_o a_o party_n but_o however_o that_o be_v the_o make_v this_o act_n be_v a_o encourage_n step_v to_o the_o presbyterian_a minister_n for_o no_o soon_o have_v they_o find_v by_o this_o that_o their_o party_n be_v strong_a in_o the_o parliament_n than_o they_o present_v their_o petition_n to_o it_o crave_v a_o entire_a settlement_n of_o all_o their_o new_a and_o peculiar_a scheme_n which_o petition_n because_o it_o be_v of_o so_o considerable_a consequence_n and_o so_o far_o as_o i_o can_v learn_v though_o twice_o publish_v here_o yet_o never_o reprint_v in_o england_n and_o so_o perhaps_o you_o have_v not_o have_v occasion_n to_o consider_v it_o i_o will_v here_o set_v down_o and_o give_v you_o some_o short_a animadversion_n upon_o it_o to_o his_o grace_n his_o majesty_n high-commissioner_n and_o to_o the_o right_n honourable_a the_o estate_n of_o parliament_n the_o humble_a address_n of_o the_o presbyterian_a minister_n and_o professor_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n show_n that_o as_o we_o can_v but_o acknowledge_v and_o adore_v the_o holy_a and_o righteous_a dispensation_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o all_o the_o great_a and_o long_o continue_a affliction_n wherewith_o he_o have_v afflict_v we_o for_o our_o sin_n so_o we_o be_v not_o a_o little_a fill_v with_o admiration_n at_o the_o great_a and_o wonderful_a providence_n of_o our_o most_o gracious_a god_n who_o alone_o do_v great_a wonder_n for_o his_o mercy_n endure_v for_o ever_o that_o at_o such_o a_o time_n when_o our_o strength_n be_v go_v and_o there_o be_v none_o to_o deliver_v he_o merciful_o stir_v up_o that_o pious_a and_o magnanimous_a prince_n william_n than_o prince_n of_o orange_n now_o by_o the_o good_a hand_n of_o god_n our_o gracious_a sovereign_n to_o espouse_v the_o interest_n of_o the_o protestant_a religion_n and_o of_o the_o afflict_a minister_n and_o professor_n thereof_o in_o these_o kingdom_n and_o have_v bless_v he_o in_o so_o heroic_a and_o noble_a a_o undertake_n with_o agreeable_a success_n as_o also_o have_v raise_v up_o your_o lordship_n our_o most_o noble_a and_o honourable_a patriot_n to_o join_v hearty_o with_o his_o majesty_n in_o appear_v zealous_o for_o secure_v of_o the_o protestant_a religion_n in_o this_o kingdom_n and_o for_o what_o may_v tend_v to_o the_o better_a establishment_n thereof_o in_o all_o its_o concern_v and_o in_o evidence_v your_o just_a indignation_n against_o the_o corruption_n of_o church_n and_o state_n in_o your_o lordship_n claim_v of_o right_n and_o particular_o by_o free_v we_o of_o the_o yoke_n of_o prelacy_n and_o of_o the_o undue_a power_n and_o ecclesiastical_a supremacy_n in_o church_n matter_n former_o establish_v in_o the_o supreme_a magistrate_n and_o these_o your_o lordship_n zealous_a beginning_n for_o appear_v for_o the_o interest_n of_o the_o protestant_a religion_n and_o
about_o fifty_o or_o sixty_o presbyterian_a bishop_n but_o such_o be_v the_o posture_n of_o their_o affair_n at_o that_o time_n that_o there_o be_v no_o other_o way_n they_o can_v see_v for_o secure_v their_o interest_n and_o so_o they_o make_v necessity_n justify_v a_o little_a nonsense_n and_o this_o year_n they_o have_v a_o more_o favourable_a commissioner_n to_o deal_v with_o the_o good_a earl_n of_o melvill_n but_o then_o there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o considerable_a stuff_n in_o it_o for_o observe_v i_o pray_v you_o the_o charitable_a judgement_n they_o make_v of_o the_o bishop_n and_o episcopal_a clergy_n all_o the_o distraction_n have_v be_v in_o this_o kingdom_n will_v continue_v still_o incurable_a unless_o this_o poor_a oppress_a church_n be_v purge_v from_o all_o corruption_n bring_v into_o it_o by_o ambition_n and_o covetous_a churchman_n it_o be_v well_o they_o be_v allow_v to_o be_v churchman_n who_o seek_v their_o own_o thing_n but_o not_o the_o thing_n of_o jesus_n christ._n and_o with_o who_o be_v the_o church_n fill_v when_o prelacy_n be_v erect_v and_o the_o presbyterian_a minister_n turn_v out_o with_o ignorant_a and_o scandalous_a person_n nay_o with_o many_o erroneous_a and_o unsound_a in_o the_o faith_n and_o enemy_n to_o the_o reformation_n and_o till_o the_o church_n be_v free_v from_o these_o oppressor_n and_o oppression_n she_o can_v never_o be_v right_a be_v not_o all_o this_o charitable_o say_v yet_o this_o be_v not_o the_o worst_a of_o it_o for_o consider_v the_o whole_a strain_n of_o the_o petition_n and_o they_o be_v the_o only_a protestant_n of_o the_o nation_n for_o if_o we_o may_v believe_v they_o god_n stir_v up_o the_o prince_n of_o orange_n to_o espouse_v the_o interest_n of_o the_o protestant_a religion_n and_o of_o the_o afflict_a minister_n and_o professor_n thereof_o and_o yet_o i_o be_o very_o sure_a many_o will_v confident_o affirm_v he_o do_v not_o espouse_v at_o his_o first_o come_v to_o britain_n at_o least_o the_o interest_n of_o the_o afflict_a minister_n of_o their_o persuasion_n in_o scotland_n further_o god_n raise_v up_o their_o lordship_n the_o member_n of_o parliament_n their_o most_o noble_a and_o honourable_a patriot_n to_o prejoyn_v hearty_o with_o his_o majesty_n in_o appear_v zealous_o for_o serve_v the_o protestant_a religion_n in_o this_o kingdom_n and_o for_o what_o may_v tend_v for_o the_o better_a establish_n of_o it_o in_o all_o its_o concern_v now_o what_o be_v all_o this_o but_o that_o though_o king_n james_n have_v give_v a_o toleration_n to_o the_o presbyterian_o yet_o that_o put_v they_o only_o in_o a_o very_a weak_a uncertain_a and_o arbitrary_a state_n and_o they_o can_v not_o be_v well_o enough_o till_o they_o have_v a_o legal_a establishment_n exclusive_a of_o all_o popish_a prelate_n and_o their_o adherent_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o the_o step_v the_o parliament_n have_v already_o make_v have_v open_v a_o door_n of_o hope_n to_o they_o and_o to_o all_o that_o love_v the_o true_a reform_a protestant_a religion_n in_o this_o land_n that_o they_o will_v go_v on_o zealous_o etc._n etc._n which_o word_n be_v not_o capable_a of_o another_o sense_n than_o this_o that_o whosoever_o be_v not_o zealous_a against_o prelacy_n and_o for_o presbytery_n be_v not_o a_o lover_n of_o the_o true_a reform_a protestant_a religion_n there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o other_o thing_n in_o this_o petition_n which_o deserve_v their_o proper_a remark_n but_o i_o will_v not_o take_v notice_n of_o they_o any_o more_o but_o as_o they_o fall_v in_o natural_o in_o the_o progress_n of_o this_o paper_n and_o then_o they_o shall_v be_v consider_v the_o first_o of_o which_o shall_v be_v the_o case_n of_o the_o presbyterian_a minister_n who_o be_v turn_v out_o of_o these_o church_n they_o possess_v after_o the_o first_o of_o january_n 1661._o where_o in_o this_o petition_n you_o see_v the_o great_a injury_n which_o be_v do_v they_o be_v mighty_o aggravate_v several_a hundred_o of_o they_o all_o at_o one_o time_n be_v drive_v out_o of_o their_o church_n without_o either_o accusation_n or_o citation_n and_o this_o be_v so_o palpable_a a_o persecution_n so_o manifest_a a_o effort_n of_o oppression_n and_o tyranny_n that_o his_o majesty_n be_v gracious_o please_v to_o take_v notice_n of_o it_o in_o his_o declaration_n for_o scotland_n 1688._o which_o it_o be_v very_o true_a he_o do_v for_o his_o word_n be_v that_o the_o dissenter_n in_o scotland_n have_v just_a cause_n of_o distrust_n when_o they_o call_v to_o mind_n how_o some_o hundred_o of_o their_o minister_n be_v drive_v out_o of_o their_o church_n without_o either_o accusation_n or_o citation_n nay_o our_o petitioner_n be_v at_o it_o again_o in_o another_o place_n of_o the_o same_o petition_n and_o crave_v that_o these_o minister_n who_o be_v unjust_o thrust_v from_o their_o church_n may_v be_v restore_v thereto_o and_o these_o parish_n and_o flock_n at_o that_o time_n no_o less_o violent_o impose_v upon_o may_v be_v free_v from_o intruder_n this_o case_n i_o say_v i_o shall_v in_o the_o first_o place_n consider_v because_o it_o be_v the_o first_o thing_n in_o the_o petition_n which_o be_v redress_v by_o the_o parliament_n for_o within_o a_o day_n or_o two_o after_o this_o petition_n be_v present_v this_o act_n be_v make_v which_o i_o have_v transmit_v to_o you_o act_z restore_v the_o presbyterian_a minister_n who_o be_v thrust_v from_o their_o church_n since_o the_o first_o of_o january_n 1661._o april_n 25._o 1690._o forasmuch_o as_o by_o a_o act_n of_o this_o present_a parliament_n relative_a to_o and_o in_o prosecution_n of_o the_o claim_n of_o right_n prelary_a and_o the_o superiority_n of_o church-officer_n above_o presbyter_n be_v abolish_v and_o that_o many_o minister_n of_o the_o presbyterian_a persuasion_n since_o the_o first_o of_o january_n 1661._o have_v be_v deprive_v of_o their_o church_n or_o banish_v for_o not_o conform_v to_o prelacy_n and_o not_o comply_v with_o the_o course_n of_o the_o time_n therefore_o their_o majesty_n with_o the_o advice_n and_o consent_n of_o the_o estate_n of_o parliament_n ordain_v and_o appoint_v that_o all_o those_o presbyterian_a minister_n yet_o alive_a who_o be_v thrust_v from_o their_o church_n since_o the_o first_o day_n of_o january_n 1661._o or_o banish_v for_o not_o conform_v to_o prelacy_n and_o not_o comply_v with_o the_o course_n of_o the_o time_n have_v forthwith_o free_a access_n to_o their_o church_n and_o that_o they_o may_v present_o exercise_v the_o ministry_n in_o those_o parish_n without_o any_o new_a call_v thereto_o and_o allow_v they_o to_o brook_v and_o enjoy_v the_o benefit_n and_o stipend_n thereunto_o belong_v and_o that_o for_o the_o whole_a crop_n 1689._o and_o immediate_o to_o enter_v to_o the_o church_n and_o manse_v where_o the_o church_n be_v vacant_a and_o where_o they_o be_v not_o vacant_a than_o their_o entry_n thereto_o be_v declare_v to_o be_v the_o half_a of_o the_o benefice_n and_o stipend_n due_a and_o payable_a at_o michaelmass_n last_o for_o the_o half_a year_n immediate_o precede_v betwixt_o whitsunday_n and_o michaelmass_n declare_v that_o the_o present_a incumbent_n shall_v have_v right_a to_o the_o other_o half_a of_o the_o stipend_n and_o benefice_n payable_a for_o the_o whitsunday_n last_o bypass_v and_o to_o the_o effect_n that_o these_o minister_n may_v meet_v with_o no_o stop_n or_o hindrance_n in_o enter_v immediate_o to_o their_o charge_n the_o present_a incumbent_n in_o such_o church_n be_v hereby_o appoint_v upon_o intimation_n hereof_o to_o desist_v from_o their_o ministry_n in_o these_o parish_n and_o to_o remove_v themselves_o from_o the_o manse_v and_o glebe_n thereunto_o belong_v betwixt_o and_o whitsunday_n next_o to_o come_v and_o that_o the_o presbyterian_a minister_n former_o put_v out_o may_v enter_v peaceable_o thereto_o and_o appoint_v the_o privy_a council_n to_o see_v this_o act_n put_v in_o execution_n which_o act_n you_o see_v use_v the_o same_o colour_n for_o represent_v the_o odiousness_n of_o the_o usage_n these_o presbyterian_a minister_n have_v receive_v that_o the_o declaration_n and_o the_o presbyterian_a petition_n have_v make_v use_n of_o before_o especial_o in_o the_o statutory_a part_n where_o it_o say_v in_o express_a term_n that_o they_o be_v thrust_v from_o their_o charge_n which_o can_v import_v no_o less_o than_o force_n and_o violence_n in_o opposition_n to_o law_n and_o justice_n it_o call_v the_o church_n from_o which_o they_o have_v be_v thus_o thrust_v their_o church_n as_o if_o notwithstanding_o their_o dispossession_n they_o have_v still_o continue_v to_o have_v a_o title_n good_a in_o law_n and_o it_o restore_v they_o forthwith_o to_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o ministry_n in_o their_o parish_n without_o any_o new_a call_v thereto_o each_o of_o which_o single_o much_o more_o altogether_o make_v it_o evident_a that_o this_o their_o restitution_n be_v intend_v by_o the_o parliament_n not_o as_o a_o
call_v that_o parliament_n or_o be_v present_a himself_o or_o have_v any_o commissioner_n or_o representative_a at_o it_o that_o i_o doubt_v much_o if_o he_o know_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o meeting_n till_o it_o be_v dissolve_v all_o which_o and_o many_o more_o such_o nullity_n which_o for_o brevity_n i_o forbear_v to_o mention_v be_v so_o recent_a and_o notorious_a anno_fw-la 1661._o that_o the_o parliament_n though_o it_o cast_a and_o annul_v all_o the_o act_n of_o the_o pretend_a parliament_n hold_v in_o the_o year_n 1640_o 41_o 44_o 45_o 46_o 47_o 48_o by_o its_o 15_o act_n yet_o do_v not_o so_o much_o as_o make_v the_o least_o mention_n of_o that_o meeting_n in_o the_o 49th_o not_o think_v it_o worthy_a of_o the_o name_n so_o much_o as_o of_o a_o pretend_a parliament_n for_o which_o whether_o they_o have_v not_o reason_n i_o leave_v to_o the_o world_n to_o judge_v but_o to_o proceed_v the_o parliament_n have_v lay_v such_o a_o foundation_n an._n 1661._o and_o continue_v to_o act_v consequential_o anno_fw-la 1662._o they_o make_v a_o act_n about_o the_o middle_n of_o may_n which_o because_o it_o so_o distinct_o clear_v the_o whole_a matter_n in_o its_o narrative_a i_o have_v transcribe_v at_o large_a act_z concern_v such_o benefice_n and_o stipend_n as_o have_v be_v possess_v without_o presentation_n from_o the_o lawful_a patron_n the_o king_n most_o excellent_a majesty_n be_v desirous_a that_o all_o his_o good_a subject_n may_v be_v sensible_a of_o the_o happy_a effect_n and_o fruit_n of_o the_o royal_a government_n by_o a_o free_a peaceable_a and_o easy_a enjoyment_n of_o their_o due_a interest_n and_o property_n under_o his_o protection_n and_o that_o in_o his_o restitution_n they_o may_v find_v themselves_o restore_v to_o those_o right_n which_o by_o law_n be_v secure_v unto_o they_o and_o by_o the_o violence_n and_o injustice_n of_o the_o late_a trouble_n and_o confusion_n have_v be_v wrest_v from_o they_o and_o consider_v that_o notwithstanding_o the_o right_n of_o patronage_n be_v due_o settle_v and_o establish_v by_o the_o ancient_a and_o fundamental_a law_n and_o constitution_n of_o this_o kingdom_n yet_o divers_a minister_n of_o this_o church_n have_v and_o do_v possess_v benefice_n and_o stipend_n in_o their_o respective_a cunre_n without_o any_o right_a or_o presentation_n to_o the_o same_o from_o the_o patron_n and_o it_o be_v therefore_o most_o just_a that_o the_o lawful_a and_o undoubted_a patron_n of_o kirk_n be_v restore_v to_o the_o possession_n of_o the_o right_n of_o their_o respective_a advocation_n donation_n and_o patronage_n therefore_o his_o majesty_n with_o advice_n and_o consent_n of_o his_o estate_n of_o parliament_n do_v statute_n and_o ordain_v that_o all_o these_o minister_n who_o enter_v to_o the_o cure_n of_o any_o parish_n in_o burgh_n or_o land_n within_o this_o kingdom_n in_o or_o since_o the_o year_n 1649._o at_o and_o before_o which_o time_n the_o patron_n be_v most_o injurious_o dispossess_v of_o their_o patronage_n have_v no_o right_n unto_o nor_o shall_v receive_v uplift_v nor_o possess_v the_o rent_n of_o any_o benefice_n modify_v stipend_n mause_n or_o glebe_n for_o this_o present_a crop_n 1662._o nor_o any_o year_n follow_v but_o their_o place_n benefice_n and_o kirk_n be_v ipso_fw-la jure_fw-la vacant_a yet_o his_o majesty_n to_o evidence_n his_o willingness_n to_o pass_v by_o and_o cover_v the_o miscarriage_n of_o his_o people_n do_v with_o advice_n aforesaid_a declare_v that_o this_o act_n shall_v not_o be_v prejudicial_a to_o any_o of_o these_o minister_n in_o what_o they_o have_v possess_v or_o be_v due_a to_o they_o since_o their_o admission_n and_o that_o every_o such_o minister_n who_o shall_v obtain_v a_o presentation_n from_o the_o lawful_a patron_n and_o have_v collation_n from_o the_o bishop_n of_o the_o diocese_n where_o he_o live_v betwixt_o and_o the_o twenty_o of_o september_n next_o to_o come_v shall_v thenceforth_o have_v right_a to_o and_o enjoy_v his_o church_n benefice_n mause_n glebe_n as_o full_o and_o free_o as_o if_o he_o have_v be_v lawful_o present_v and_o admit_v thereto_o at_o his_o first_o entry_n or_o as_o any_o minister_n within_o the_o kingdom_n do_v or_o may_v do_v and_o for_o that_o end_n it_o be_v hereby_o ordain_v that_o the_o respective_a patron_n shall_v give_v presentation_n to_o all_o the_o present_a incumbent_n who_o in_o due_a time_n shall_v make_v application_n to_o they_o for_o the_o same_o and_o in_o case_n any_o of_o these_o church_n shall_v not_o be_v thus_o due_o provide_v before_o the_o say_v twenty_o of_o september_n than_o the_o patron_n shall_v have_v freedom_n to_o present_v another_o betwixt_o and_o the_o twenty_o day_n of_o march_n 1663._o which_o if_o he_o shall_v refuse_v or_o neglect_v the_o presentation_n shall_v then_o fall_v to_o the_o bishop_n jure_fw-la devoluto_fw-la according_a to_o former_a law_n and_o such_o like_o his_o majesty_n with_o advice_n foresay_a do_v statute_n and_o ordain_v the_o archbishop_n and_o bishop_n to_o have_v the_o power_n of_o new_a admission_n and_o collation_n to_o all_o such_o church_n and_o benefice_n as_o belong_v to_o their_o respective_a see_v and_o which_o have_v vault_v since_o the_o year_n 1637._o and_o to_o be_v careful_a to_o plant_v and_o provide_v these_o their_o own_o kirk_n conform_v to_o this_o act._n this_o act_n you_o see_v be_v so_o very_o clear_a and_o plain_a that_o it_o will_v be_v superfluous_a to_o insist_v on_o any_o long_a explication_n of_o it_o only_o three_o thing_n i_o will_v desire_v you_o to_o remember_v in_o it_o the_o first_o be_v that_o as_o i_o note_v before_o the_o parliament_n insist_o main_o on_o the_o right_n and_o privilege_n of_o the_o patron_n in_o the_o narrative_a and_o form_n of_o this_o act_n so_o that_o the_o presbyterian_o talk_v wide_a in_o their_o petition_n when_o they_o say_v that_o this_o act_n be_v one_o of_o the_o sad_a consequence_n of_o the_o erection_n of_o prelacy_n nay_o second_o as_o it_o be_v obvious_a to_o any_o who_o consider_v this_o this_o act_n do_v not_o at_o all_o consider_v these_o minister_n as_o presbyterian_a for_o than_o it_o will_v have_v consider_v all_o presbyterian_a minister_n equal_o which_o it_o do_v not_o for_o it_o only_o consider_v such_o as_o have_v illegal_o possess_v themselves_o of_o such_o church_n and_o benefice_n from_o the_o year_n 1649._o at_o least_o so_o far_o as_o laic_a patron_n be_v concern_v but_o not_o so_o much_o as_o a_o word_n of_o such_o as_o have_v enter_v before_o that_o year_n and_o yet_o there_o be_v many_o such_o and_o this_o act_n be_v so_o far_o from_o deprive_v they_o that_o they_o continue_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o ministry_n and_o enjoy_v their_o benefice_n for_o many_o year_n after_o that_o act_n be_v make_v and_o put_v in_o execution_n the_o three_o thing_n be_v the_o clemency_n of_o the_o then_o government_n even_o towards_o these_o who_o have_v possess_v themselves_o illegal_o of_o church_n after_o the_o year_n 1649._o for_o you_o see_v the_o act_n declare_v that_o the_o parliament_n sentence_n pronounce_v all_o such_o church_n ipso_fw-la jure_fw-la vacant_a be_v without_o prejudice_n to_o any_o of_o these_o minister_n who_o shall_v apply_v themselves_o to_o the_o lawful_a patron_n and_o obtain_v his_o presentation_n what_o great_a temper_n can_v the_o government_n then_o show_v will_v they_o have_v have_v it_o to_o have_v downright_o authorize_v their_o illegal_a usurpation_n be_v this_o to_o thrust_v they_o from_o their_o charge_n when_o they_o may_v have_v keep_v they_o upon_o so_o equitable_a term_n and_o be_v this_o a_o grievous_a persecution_n but_o to_o go_v on_o notwithstanding_o that_o this_o act_n be_v as_o peremprory_n as_o it_o be_v just_a and_o reasonable_a yet_o a_o great_a many_o of_o these_o minister_n who_o have_v enter_v illegal_o after_o the_o year_n 1649_o from_o what_o principle_n i_o be_o not_o now_o to_o inquire_v turn_v obstinate_a and_o refuse_v to_o take_v the_o benefit_n offer_v by_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n against_o the_o time_n prefix_v and_o therefore_o the_o privy_a council_n meet_v at_o glasgow_n after_o the_o term_n be_v expire_v in_o pursuance_n of_o the_o design_n of_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n make_v a_o act_n declare_v all_o such_o church_n ipso_fw-la facto_fw-la vacant_a this_o be_v that_o famous_a act_n which_o common_o pass_v under_o the_o name_n of_o the_o act_n of_o glasgow_n and_o god_n know_v how_o many_o ill_a thing_n it_o have_v be_v call_v since_o by_o the_o party_n but_o with_o what_o reason_n let_v any_o man_n consider_v but_o perhaps_o that_o act_n have_v be_v execute_v with_o some_o wonderful_a rigidity_n and_o that_o have_v raise_v the_o clamour_n no_o such_o matter_n for_o in_o effect_n they_o themselves_o prevent_v all_o the_o trouble_n of_o a_o rigid_a execution_n for_o immediate_o upon_o the_o publication_n of_o the_o act_n of_o glasgow_n they_o
general_o forbear_v the_o exercise_n of_o their_o ministry_n and_o desert_v their_o flock_n whether_o they_o do_v so_o from_o a_o mistake_a conceit_n that_o the_o church_n can_v not_o be_v serve_v without_o they_o and_o that_o ere_o long_o the_o government_n will_v find_v itself_o oblige_v to_o give_v they_o their_o will_n and_o court_v they_o to_o return_v to_o their_o charge_n as_o many_o then_o judge_v i_o shall_v not_o now_o affirm_v but_o that_o they_o actual_o do_v so_o be_v so_o very_o notorious_a that_o to_o this_o very_a day_n they_o themselves_o dare_v not_o deny_v it_o and_o there_o be_v nothing_o better_o know_v than_o that_o they_o have_v more_o than_o once_o condemn_v themselves_o and_o be_v condemn_v by_o the_o most_o judicious_a of_o their_o parry_n for_o part_v so_o tame_o with_o their_o church_n and_o now_o sir_n consider_v all_o i_o have_v say_v where_o be_v the_o necessity_n of_o either_o accusation_n or_o citation_n how_o ordinary_a be_v it_o in_o all_o kingdom_n and_o commonwealth_n to_o prescribe_v such_o term_n by_o law_n as_o whosoever_o shall_v not_o perform_v shall_v be_v deprive_v of_o such_o and_o such_o public_a encouragement_n without_o further_a process_n of_o law_n need_v i_o rub_v up_o your_o memory_n for_o example_n or_o have_v you_o not_o one_o fresh_a before_o your_o eye_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o england_n beside_o it_o have_v be_v absolute_o improper_a in_o their_o case_n for_o the_o parliament_n be_v not_o to_o punish_v they_o as_o indeed_o it_o do_v not_o but_o only_o it_o do_v declare_v that_o they_o have_v no_o title_n as_o it_o be_v evident_a they_o have_v none_o i_o will_v only_o add_v one_o thing_n more_o upon_o this_o head_n suppose_v nothing_o can_v have_v be_v say_v in_o vindication_n of_o their_o deprivation_n or_o rather_o dispossession_n but_o it_o have_v be_v true_o unjust_a yet_o methinks_v it_o will_v very_o ill_o become_v the_o presbyterian_a party_n ever_o after_o the_o year_n 1688._o and_o 1689._o to_o open_v their_o mouth_n about_o it_o consider_v how_o many_o minister_n who_o have_v without_o controversy_n enter_v to_o their_o charge_n according_a to_o law_n be_v most_o barbarous_o turn_v out_o of_o their_o church_n by_o pure_a force_n and_o rabble_n and_o all_o this_o be_v justify_v and_o their_o church_n thereupon_o declare_v vacant_a by_o i_o need_v not_o tell_v you_o who_o but_o of_o this_o more_o afterward_o and_o so_o much_o at_o present_a about_o the_o dispossession_n of_o the_o presbyterian_a minister_n anno_fw-la 1662._o but_o i_o have_v not_o yet_o do_v with_o our_o act_n of_o parliament_n which_o restore_v they_o for_o beside_o the_o good_a office_n it_o do_v they_o we_o must_v try_v if_o it_o do_v any_o bad_a office_n to_o any_o other_o and_o here_o i_o think_v we_o may_v make_v short_a work_n of_o it_o for_o you_o can_v no_o soon_o set_v your_o eye_n upon_o it_o than_o you_o may_v see_v that_o where_o the_o church_n be_v not_o vacant_a i._n e._n where_o at_o the_o date_n of_o the_o act_n viz._n the_o 25_o of_o april_n 1690._o they_o be_v possess_v by_o the_o episcopal_a clergy_n from_o which_o the_o presbyterian_o have_v be_v thrust_v out_o their_o restitution_n to_o they_o be_v declare_v to_o be_v to_o the_o half_a of_o the_o benefice_n and_o stipend_n due_a and_o payable_a at_o michaelmas_n anno_fw-la 1689._o for_o the_o half_a year_n immediate_o precede_v betwixt_o whitsunday_n and_o michaelmas_n and_o the_o present_a prelatical_a incumbent_n shall_v have_v right_a only_o to_o the_o other_o half_a payable_a at_o whitsunday_n and_o withal_o to_o the_o effect_n the_o presbyterian_a minister_n may_v meet_v with_o no_o stop_n or_o hindrance_n in_o enter_v immediate_o to_o their_o charge_n the_o present_a incumbent_n in_o such_o church_n be_v appoint_v upon_o intimation_n of_o this_o act_n to_o desist_v from_o their_o ministry_n in_o these_o parish_n and_o to_o remove_v themselves_o from_o the_o mause_n and_o glebe_n thereto_o belong_v betwixt_o and_o whitsunday_n next_o to_o come_v that_o be_v in_o six_o week_n time_n or_o perhaps_o six_o day_n just_a as_o the_o intimation_n shall_v be_v make_v now_o not_o to_o insist_v on_o their_o case_n who_o have_v make_v no_o compliance_n with_o the_o civil_a government_n because_o i_o know_v not_o what_o severity_n their_o sin_n may_v merit_v i_o will_v only_o ask_v you_o what_o may_v be_v think_v of_o the_o case_n of_o those_o who_o have_v comply_v with_o the_o present_a civil_a government_n and_o have_v still_o continue_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o ministry_n at_o their_o respective_a church_n many_o of_o they_o till_o near_a whitsunday_n 1690._o and_o some_o of_o they_o after_o it_o whether_o be_v it_o equitable_a or_o not_o thus_o to_o deprive_v they_o of_o a_o whole_a year_n benefice_n for_o which_o they_o have_v serve_v and_o notwithstanding_o they_o be_v as_o good_a subject_n as_o their_o majesty_n can_v desire_v to_o turn_v they_o out_o of_o their_o church_n to_o which_o they_o have_v enter_v according_a to_o law_n without_o the_o least_o ground_n of_o hope_n to_o be_v provide_v of_o other_o church_n or_o live_n be_v they_o protect_v and_o encourage_v according_a to_o the_o merit_n of_o their_o compliance_n will_v this_o usage_n they_o have_v meet_v with_o be_v a_o good_a motive_n for_o prevail_v with_o the_o scrupulous_a to_o bring_v they_o into_o a_o dutiful_a submission_n to_o the_o government_n well_o the_o good_a old_a cause_n be_v a_o wonderful_a thing_n what_o can_v it_o not_o justify_v but_o enough_o of_o this_o and_o so_o i_o have_v do_v with_o the_o second_o act_n of_o the_o last_o session_n of_o parliament_n which_o concern_v the_o church_n or_o the_o clergy_n only_o before_o i_o proceed_v to_o the_o next_o it_o will_v not_o be_v amiss_o i_o think_v to_o hint_n at_o some_o of_o its_o effect_n i_o think_v you_o will_v not_o be_v very_o unwilling_a to_o believe_v that_o those_o know_v sound_a gentleman_n in_o who_o favour_n it_o be_v make_v will_v be_v forward_o enough_o to_o have_v it_o put_v in_o execution_n and_o indeed_o there_o be_v no_o want_n of_o zeal_n that_o way_n but_o whether_o according_a to_o the_o strict_a rule_n of_o christian_a simplicity_n and_o self_n denial_n in_o all_o instance_n you_o may_v judge_v by_o these_o two_o at_o the_o present_a the_o first_o shall_v be_v the_o famous_a mr._n james_n kirtoun_n one_o of_o the_o most_o note_a presbyterian_a preacher_n in_o the_o whole_a kingdom_n this_o know_v sound_n man_n have_v enter_v by_o the_o thing_n call_v the_o popular_a call_n to_o the_o church_n of_o martin_n in_o the_o last_o time_n of_o presbytery_n and_o have_v be_v deprive_v with_o the_o rest_n in_o the_o year_n 1662._o when_o k._n james_n give_v his_o toleration_n anno_fw-la 1687._o he_o be_v prefer_v to_o a_o meetinghouse_n in_o edinburgh_n where_o it_o seem_v he_o find_v better_a encouragement_n than_o he_o expect_v to_o meet_v with_o if_o he_o shall_v return_v to_o his_o own_o country-parish_n of_o martin_n and_o in_o this_o meetinghouse_n he_o continue_v till_o after_o this_o act_n of_o parliament_n pass_v mr._n meldrum_n the_o episcopal_a minister_n at_o martin_n have_v comply_v with_o the_o civil_a government_n and_o do_v all_o duty_n and_o so_o continue_v still_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o his_o ministry_n there_o till_o towards_o the_o end_n of_o august_n 1690._o that_o be_v ten_o or_o twelve_o week_n after_o whitsunday_n and_o not_o till_o then_o it_o be_v that_o good_a mr._n kirkton_n go_v to_o visit_v his_o poor_a old_a parish_n but_o then_o he_o go_v indeed_o with_o energy_n suitable_a to_o his_o party_n for_o no_o soon_o arrive_v he_o there_o but_o present_o he_o turn_v peremptory_a demand_v the_o benefit_n of_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n thrust_v meldrum_n from_o the_o parsonage-house_n and_o the_o church_n preach_v two_o sunday_n there_o and_o secure_v thereby_o his_o title_n to_o the_o whole_a benefice_n from_o whitsunday_n 1689._o and_o then_o return_v to_o edinburgh_n where_o as_o i_o hear_v he_o have_v still_o reside_v since_o without_o ever_o more_o mind_v his_o old_a flock_n at_o martin_n and_o who_o can_v blame_v he_o for_o every_o one_o who_o know_v they_o both_o know_v that_o edinburgh_n be_v a_o much_o better_a place_n and_o now_o he_o have_v leave_v his_o meeting_n house_n and_o possess_v himself_o of_o a_o church_n in_o that_o city_n after_o a_o certain_a sort_n of_o providential_a manner_n but_o i_o will_v not_o trouble_v you_o with_o a_o account_n of_o it_o at_o present_a hope_v that_o you_o may_v learn_v it_o short_o from_o another_o hand_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n martin_n continue_v still_o vacant_a kirkton_n be_v wise_a as_o i_o have_v say_v than_o to_o put_v it_o in_o the_o balance_n with_o edinburgh_n the_o rest_n of_o the_o presbyterian_a divine_n think_v it_o reasonable_a to_o take_v the_o best_a benefice_n so_o long_o
as_o they_o have_v so_o much_o scope_n for_o choice_n neither_o will_v they_o suffer_v meldrum_n the_o prelatist_n to_o return_v at_o any_o rate_n and_o they_o be_v in_o the_o right_n for_o the_o first_o book_n of_o discipline_n say_v it_o be_v better_a to_o have_v no_o minister_n at_o all_o than_o a_o bad_a one_o now_o the_o subsumption_n be_v easy_a if_o the_o man_n ever_o own_a episcopacy_n the_o other_o instance_n shall_v be_v mr._n william_n violent_a one_o of_o the_o grave_a and_o able_a man_n of_o the_o party_n he_o have_v be_v minister_n before_o the_o restitution_n of_o the_o government_n at_o east-ferry_n in_o the_o shire_n of_o fife_n and_o be_v also_o dispossess_v with_o the_o rest_n anno_fw-la 1662._o but_o he_o want_v a_o benefice_n no_o long_o i_o think_v than_o till_o k._n charles_n ii_o grant_v his_o indulgence_n for_o plant_v some_o church_n in_o the_o west_n with-presbyterian_a minister_n which_o be_v in_o the_o year_n 1669._o for_o he_o be_v among_o the_o first_o that_o embrace_v that_o indulgence_n and_o be_v possess_v of_o the_o church_n of_o cambus-netham_a where_o he_o continue_v till_o about_o the_o year_n 1684._o when_o that_o indulgence_n be_v retract_v and_o the_o law_n be_v put_v in_o execution_n but_o after_o k._n james_n his_o toleration_n come_v out_o in_o the_o year_n 1678_o he_o take_v the_o benefit_n of_o that_o too_o return_v to_o cambus-netham_a get_v a_o meetinghouse_n for_o the_o church_n be_v plant_v with_o a_o regular_a minister_n and_o continue_v there_o without_o ever_o mind_v the_o ferry_n where_o there_o be_v no_o such_o encouragement_n till_o he_o have_v this_o act_n of_o parliament_n for_o he_o and_o then_o about_o whitsunday_n 1690._o to_o the_o ferry_n he_o come_v dispossess_v mr._n white_a a_o very_a old_a man_n who_o by_o reason_n of_o his_o age_n be_v not_o able_a to_o officiate_v by_o himself_o but_o his_o assistant_n one_o mr._n wood_n have_v comply_v in_o all_o point_n with_o the_o civil_a government_n secure_v to_o himself_o the_o benefice_n according_a to_o the_o act_n and_o then_o return_v to_o his_o better_a provision_n at_o cambus-netham_a where_o he_o have_v the_o benefice_n also_o by_o another_o act_n of_o the_o same_o parliament_n and_o where_o he_o still_o continue_v till_o he_o get_v a_o call_v to_o be_v a_o professor_n of_o theology_n in_o the_o new_a college_n in_o st._n andrews_n and_o so_o in_o one_o year_n he_o get_v the_o rent_n of_o no_o less_o than_o three_o benefice_n now_o this_o be_v pretty_a strange_a consider_v that_o it_o be_v wont_a to_o be_v one_o of_o the_o principal_a common_a place_n of_o the_o party_n in_o their_o invidious_a declamation_n against_o the_o pretend_a corruption_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n for_o none_o be_v represent_v in_o black_a dress_n than_o the_o business_n of_o plurality_n unless_o it_o be_v her_o antichristian_a hierarchy_n and_o idolatrous_a liturgy_n but_o i_o remember_v i_o hear_v a_o rare_a note_n of_o a_o sermon_n which_o be_v preach_v within_o these_o three_o year_n the_o godly_a may_v sin_v but_o the_o wicked_a must_v not_o and_o so_o i_o leave_v that_o second_o act_n of_o the_o late_a parliament_n and_o all_o its_o appendage_n proceed_v we_o now_o to_o consider_v the_o next_o which_o concern_v the_o church_n and_o clergy_n namely_o that_o wonderful_o famous_a one_o entitle_v act_n ratify_v the_o confession_n of_o faith_n and_o settle_v presbyterian_a church-government_n date_v at_o edinburgh_n june_n the_o seven_o 1690._o this_o presbyterian_a church_n government_n be_v the_o great_a diana_n of_o the_o party_n and_o the_o true_a parent_n of_o all_o these_o tumult_n rabble_n and_o confusion_n which_o ruin_v religion_n desolate_v the_o church_n and_o oppress_v the_o clergy_n and_o therefore_o this_o act_n that_o establish_v it_o deserve_v a_o little_a more_o full_o to_o be_v consider_v which_o i_o shall_v do_v by_o these_o step_n 1._o i_o shall_v brief_o deduce_v the_o art_n be_v use_v and_o the_o method_n be_v take_v to_o work_v up_o the_o parliament_n to_o a_o suitable_a temper_n before_o this_o weighty_a point_n come_v to_o be_v debate_v and_o vote_v in_o the_o house_n 2._o i_o shall_v consider_v the_o treatment_n it_o meet_v with_o in_o the_o house_n and_o 3._o what_o consequence_n it_o have_v produce_v since_o to_o begin_v with_o the_o first_o indeed_o all_o hand_n be_v never_o more_o busy_a at_o work_n than_o on_o that_o occasion_n prelacy_n as_o no_o doubt_n you_o know_v already_o have_v be_v declare_v a_o intolerable_a grievance_n and_o trouble_n to_o this_o nation_n and_o contrary_a to_o the_o inclination_n of_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o people_n ever_o since_o the_o reformation_n the_o year_n before_o in_o our_o new_a claim_n of_o right_n this_o the_o meeting_n of_o estate_n have_v do_v in_o a_o hurry_n how_o true_o and_o honest_o you_o may_v perhaps_o learn_v more_o full_o on_o another_o occasion_n after_o the_o whole_a ecclesiastical_a state_n and_o a_o great_a many_o member_n of_o both_o the_o other_o two_o have_v desert_v the_o house_n in_o pursuance_n of_o the_o same_o article_n of_o the_o claim_n of_o right_n the_o same_o intolerable_a prelacy_n be_v abolish_v by_o the_o same_o meeting_n of_o estate_n after_o it_o be_v declare_v a_o parliament_n about_o the_o 8_o of_o july_n the_o same_o year_n but_o then_o the_o house_n can_v not_o agree_v about_o a_o new_a form_n of_o government_n to_o be_v introduce_v upon_o the_o church_n several_a scheme_n be_v draw_v and_o present_v but_o none_o please_v all_o party_n and_o so_o no_o form_n at_o all_o be_v establish_v but_o the_o church_n continue_v in_o a_o state_n of_o mere_a matter_n without_o form_n and_o void_a of_o government_n for_o eleven_o month_n after_o a_o strange_a state_n sure_a for_o a_o christian_a church_n i_o doubt_v if_o you_o shall_v find_v its_o parallel_n since_o ever_o there_o be_v one_o for_o there_o be_v much_o more_o in_o it_o than_o a_o seed_n vacant_a but_o to_o go_v on_o during_o this_o state_n of_o anarchy_n in_o the_o church_n some_o people_n head_n begin_v to_o settle_v as_o indeed_o they_o have_v need_v after_o such_o a_o universal_a giddiness_n and_o the_o sudden_a zeal_n many_o have_v late_o take_v up_o for_o presbytherian_a parity_n begin_v to_o cool_v and_o relent_v if_o not_o to_o decay_v and_o languish_v people_n turn_v thoughtful_a and_o begin_v to_o reflect_v and_o examine_v whether_o they_o have_v find_v prelacy_n so_o intolerable_a a_o burden_n as_o the_o meeting_n of_o the_o estate_n have_v declare_v it_o to_o have_v be_v and_o their_o own_o sense_n not_o tell_v they_o any_o such_o thing_n but_o find_v their_o neck_n not_o so_o much_o gall_v by_o that_o yoke_n which_o for_o some_o 27_o or_o 28_o year_n have_v lie_v upon_o they_o and_o withal_o call_v to_o mind_n how_o many_o neck_n have_v smart_v so_o very_o sharp_o under_o the_o former_a reign_n of_o presbytery_n that_o they_o be_v no_o long_o able_a to_o bear_v their_o head_n they_o begin_v to_o compare_v thing_n and_o to_o consider_v if_o it_o be_v not_o better_a to_o continue_v at_o blunt_a cudgel_n with_o prelacy_n than_o come_v straight_o to_o downright_a sharps_n with_o parity_n in_o short_a so_o far_o do_v such_o reason_n and_o recollection_n prevail_v that_o the_o inclination_n of_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o people_n which_o have_v be_v make_v the_o standard_n in_o april_n 1689._o be_v beginning_n to_o discover_v themselves_o to_o be_v very_o much_o different_a from_o what_o the_o party_n expect_v about_o the_o end_n of_o that_o year_n and_o the_o beginning_n of_o 1690._o and_o there_o be_v no_o little_a solicitude_n among_o they_o lest_o they_o have_v mistake_v their_o measure_n and_o their_o dear_a parity_n may_v chance_v not_o to_o be_v establish_v according_a to_o their_o wish_n and_o therefore_o i_o say_v all_o hand_n be_v most_o active_o at_o work_n and_o the_o whole_a sect_n be_v study_v to_o acquit_v themselves_o with_o a_o suitable_a diligence_n and_o application_n about_o the_o time_n the_o parliament_n be_v a_o meeting_n for_o instance_n not_o only_o have_v the_o preacher_n their_o old_a petition_n in_o readiness_n to_o be_v present_v whenever_o it_o shall_v be_v seasonable_a of_o which_o i_o have_v discourse_v already_o but_o also_o that_o same_o week_n if_o i_o remember_v right_a the_o very_a day_n before_o the_o parliament_n meet_v a_o worthy_a piece_n come_v hot_a from_o the_o press_n entitle_v a_o true_a representation_n of_o presbyterian_a government_n etc._n etc._n it_o be_v write_v by_o one_o mr._n gilbert_n rule_v the_o pamphleteer_n general_n for_o the_o party_n we_o have_v no_o less_o than_o three_o edition_n of_o it_o in_o a_o very_a few_o day_n and_o the_o last_o the_o most_o considerable_a for_o beside_o several_a correction_n and_o enlargement_n in_o the_o book_n it_o have_v the_o addition_n of_o a_o preface_n wherein_o we_o be_v
to_o this_o nation_n and_o contrary_a to_o the_o inclination_n of_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o people_n ever_o since_o the_o reformation_n they_o have_v reform_v from_o popery_n by_o presbyter_n and_o therefore_o aught_o to_o be_v abolish_v like_a as_o by_o a_o act_n of_o the_o last_o session_n of_o this_o parliament_n prelacy_n be_v abolish_v therefore_o their_o majesty_n with_o the_o advice_n and_o consent_n of_o the_o say_v three_o estate_n do_v hereby_o revive_v ratify_v and_o perpetual_o confirm_v all_o law_n statute_n and_o act_n of_o parliament_n make_v against_o popery_n and_o papist_n and_o for_o the_o maintenance_n and_o preservation_n of_o the_o true_a reform_a protestant_a religion_n and_o for_o the_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n within_o this_o kingdom_n in_o so_o far_o as_o they_o confirm_v the_o same_o or_o be_v make_v in_o favour_n thereof_o like_o as_o they_o by_o these_o present_n ratify_v and_o establish_v the_o confession_n of_o faith_n now_o read_v in_o their_o presence_n and_o vote_v and_o approven_v by_o they_o as_o the_o public_a and_o avow_a confession_n of_o this_o church_n contain_v the_o sum_n and_o substance_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n which_o confession_n of_o faith_n be_v subjoin_v to_o this_o present_a act_n as_o also_o they_o do_v establish_v ratify_v and_o confirm_v the_o presbyterian_a church-government_n and_o discipline_n that_o be_v to_o say_v the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n by_o kirk-session_n presbytery_n provincial_a synod_n and_o general_a assembly_n ratify_v and_o establish_v by_o the_o 114_o act_n jac._n vi_o parl._n 12._o anno_fw-la 1592._o entitle_v ratification_n of_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o true_a kirk_n etc._n etc._n and_o thereafter_o receive_v by_o the_o general_n consent_v of_o this_o nation_n to_o be_v the_o only_a government_n of_o christ_n church_n within_o this_o kingdom_n revive_v renew_v and_o confirm_v the_o foresay_a act_n of_o parliament_n in_o the_o whole_a head_n thereof_o except_o that_o part_n of_o it_o relate_v to_o patronage_n which_o be_v hereafter_o to_o be_v take_v into_o consideration_n and_o rescind_v annul_v and_o make_v void_a the_o act_n of_o parliament_n follow_v viz._n act_n anent_o restitution_n of_o bishop_n jac._n vi_o parl._n 18._o cap._n 2._o act_n ratify_v the_o act_n of_o the_o assembly_n 1610._o jac._n vi_o parl._n 21._o cap._n 1._o act_n anent_o the_o election_n of_o arch-bishop_n and_o bishop_n jac._n vi_o parl._n 22._o cap._n 1._o act_n entitle_v ratification_n of_o the_o five_o article_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n at_o perth_n jac._n vi_o parl._n 23._o cap._n 1._o act_n entitle_v for_o the_o restitution_n and_o re-establishment_n of_o the_o ancient_a government_n of_o the_o church_n by_o arch-bishop_n and_o bishop_n charl._n ii_o parl._n 1._o sess._n 2._o act_n 1._o act_n anent_o the_o constitution_n of_o a_o national_a synod_n charl._n ii_o parl._n 1._o sess._n 3._o act_n 5._o act_n against_o such_o as_o refuse_v to_o depone_v against_o delinquent_n ch._n ii_o parl._n 2._o sess._n 2._o act_n 2._o act_n entitle_v act_n acknowledge_v and_o assert_v the_o right_a of_o succession_n to_o the_o imperial_a crown_n of_o scotland_n ch._n ii_o parl._n 3_o act_n 2._o act_n entitle_v act_n anent_o religion_n and_o the_o test._n ch._n ii_o parl._n 3_o act_n 6._o with_o all_o other_o act_n law_n statute_n ordinance_n and_o proclamation_n and_o that_o in_o so_o far_o allanerly_a as_o the_o say_n act_n and_o other_o general_o and_o particular_o above_o mention_v be_v contrary_a or_o prejudicial_a to_o inconsistent_a with_o or_o derogatory_n from_o the_o protestant_a religion_n and_o presbyterian_a government_n now_o establish_v and_o allow_v and_o declare_v that_o the_o church-government_n be_v establish_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o and_o exercise_v by_o these_o presbyterian_a minister_n who_o be_v out_v since_o the_o first_o of_o january_n 1661._o for_o nonconformity_n to_o prelacy_n or_o not_o comply_v with_o the_o course_n of_o the_o time_n and_o be_v now_o restore_v by_o the_o late_a act_n of_o parliament_n and_o such_o minister_n and_o elder_n only_o as_o they_o have_v admit_v or_o receive_v or_o shall_v hereafter_o admit_v or_o receive_v and_o also_o that_o all_o the_o say_v presbyterian_a minister_n have_v and_o shall_v have_v right_a to_o the_o maintenance_n right_n and_o other_o privilege_n by_o law_n provide_v to_o the_o minister_n of_o christ_n church_n within_o this_o kingdom_n as_o they_o be_v or_o shall_v be_v legal_o admit_v to_o particular_a church_n like_o as_o in_o pursuance_n of_o the_o promise_n their_o majesty_n do_v hereby_o appoint_v the_o first_o meeting_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n of_o this_o church_n as_o above_o establish_v to_o be_v at_o edinburgh_n the_o three_o thursday_n of_o october_n next_o to_o come_v in_o this_o instant_a year_n 1690._o and_o because_o many_o conform_a minister_n either_o have_v desert_v or_o be_v remove_v from_o preach_v in_o their_o church_n precede_v the_o 13_o day_n of_o april_n 1689._o and_o other_o be_v deprive_v for_o not_o give_v obedience_n to_o the_o act_n of_o the_o estate_n make_v the_o say_v 13_o of_o april_n 1689._o entitle_v proclamation_n against_o the_o own_n of_o the_o late_a king_n james_n and_o appoint_v public_a prayer_n for_o king_n william_n and_o queen_n mary_n therefore_o their_o majesty_n with_o advice_n and_o consent_n aforesaid_a do_v hereby_o declare_v all_o the_o church_n either_o desert_v or_o from_o which_o the_o conform_a minister_n be_v remove_v or_o deprive_v as_o say_v be_v to_o be_v vacant_a and_o that_o the_o presbyterian_a minister_n exercise_v their_o ministry_n within_o any_o of_o these_o parish_n or_o where_o the_o last_o incumbent_n be_v dead_a by_o the_o desire_n or_o consent_v of_o the_o parish_n shall_v continue_v their_o passession_n and_o have_v right_a to_o the_o benefice_n and_o stipend_n according_a to_o their_o entry_n in_o the_o year_n 1689._o and_o in_o time_n come_v ay_o and_o while_o the_o church_n as_o now_o establish_v take_v further_a course_n therewith_o and_o to_o the_o effect_n the_o disorder_n that_o have_v happen_v in_o this_o church_n may_v be_v redress_v their_o majesty_n with_o advice_n and_o consent_n foresay_a do_v hereby_o allow_v the_o general_n meet_v and_o representives_n of_o the_o foresay_a presbyterian_a minister_n and_o elder_n in_o who_o hand_n the_o exercise_n of_o the_o church-government_n be_v establish_v either_o by_o themselves_o or_o by_o such_o minister_n and_o elder_n as_o shall_v be_v appoint_v and_o authorize_v disitor_n by_o they_o according_a to_o the_o custom_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o presbyterian_a government_n through_o the_o whole_a kingdom_n and_o several_a part_n thereof_o to_o try_v and_o purge_v out_o all_o insufficient_a negligent_a scandalous_a and_o erroneous_a minister_n by_o due_a course_n of_o ecclesiastical_a process_n and_o censure_n and_o likewise_o for_o redress_v all_o other_o church_n disorder_n and_o further_o it_o be_v hereby_o provide_v that_o whatsoever_o minister_n be_v convene_v before_o the_o say_a general_n meeting_n and_o representative_n of_o the_o presbyterian_a minister_n and_o elder_n or_o the_o visitor_n to_o be_v appoint_v by_o they_o shall_v either_o prove_v contumacious_a in_o not_o appear_v or_o be_v find_v guilty_a and_o shall_v be_v therefore_o censure_v whether_o by_o suspension_n or_o deposition_n they_o shall_v ipso_fw-la facto_fw-la be_v suspend_v from_o or_o deprive_v of_o their_o stipend_n and_o benefice_n if_o one_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o dispute_v how_o much_o matter_n may_v this_o act_n afford_v he_o but_o that_o be_v no_o part_n of_o my_o present_a task_n i_o will_v therefore_o as_o i_o promise_v only_o give_v you_o a_o brief_a account_n how_o some_o thing_n in_o it_o be_v debate_v before_o it_o receive_v the_o sanction_n first_o then_o though_o any_o man_n who_o read_v it_o may_v easy_o observe_v that_o all_o along_o the_o framer_n of_o the_o act_n have_v have_v their_o eye_n fix_v on_o the_o presbyterian_a petition_n which_o i_o have_v give_v you_o already_o yet_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n be_v only_o ratify_v and_o approve_v and_o the_o catechism_n and_o directory_n who_o ratification_n be_v likewise_o crave_v in_o the_o petition_n be_v omit_v how_o come_v this_o to_o be_v do_v the_o truth_n in_o short_a be_v this_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v in_o the_o act_n as_o it_o be_v prepare_v by_o the_o committee_n but_o when_o they_o begin_v to_o consider_v that_o article_n in_o the_o house_n begin_v with_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n the_o duke_n of_o hamilton_n move_v that_o it_o may_v be_v read_v all_o over_o with_o a_o audible_a and_o distinct_a voice_n and_o attentive_o consider_v before_o they_o shall_v give_v it_o the_o legal_a sanction_n for_o as_o he_o argue_v that_o confession_n of_o faith_n have_v never_o be_v ratify_v in_o parliament_n before_o and_o it_o be_v not_o suitable_a to_o the_o weight_n and_o importance_n of_o
much_o sense_n as_o sir_n james_n montgomery_n so_o it_o be_v conjecture_v he_o have_v some_o other_o thing_n at_o the_o bottom_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n it_o seem_v as_o strange_a to_o many_o that_o the_o duke_n of_o hamilton_n shall_v have_v plead_v so_o zealous_o for_o the_o continuation_n of_o that_o act_n and_o for_o the_o lineal_a succession_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o say_v they_o consider_v he_o as_o duke_n of_o hamilton_n and_o he_o have_v good_a reason_n to_o appear_v for_o it_o it_o be_v so_o near_o the_o concern_v of_o his_o own_o family_n but_o consider_v he_o as_o a_o precedent_n of_o the_o late_a meeting_n of_o estate_n and_o the_o principal_a person_n who_o depose_v k._n james_n and_o exclude_v he_o who_o he_o himself_o have_v sometime_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v the_o prince_n of_o scotland_n without_o ever_o offer_v at_o a_o reason_n for_o it_o and_o transfer_v the_o crown_n upon_o their_o present_a majesty_n and_o they_o can_v not_o see_v how_o he_o be_v consistent_a with_o himself_o but_o as_o for_o my_o lord_n stair_n few_o thought_n it_o strange_a that_o he_o shall_v have_v so_o reason_v it_o be_v treason_n to_o move_v the_o rescind_n of_o that_o act_n even_o in_o parliament_n unless_o a_o man_n have_v a_o good_a back_n which_o be_v ready_o interpret_v to_o be_v just_a as_o much_o as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v that_o a_o man_n that_o have_v a_o good_a back_n power_n and_o party_n enough_o may_v say_v any_o thing_n in_o parliament_n or_o out_o of_o parliament_n without_o be_v guilty_a of_o treason_n but_o perhaps_o you_o may_v be_v apt_a to_o say_v what_o be_v all_o this_o but_o digression_n for_o wherein_o be_v the_o church_n or_o the_o clergy_n concern_v in_o this_o matter_n to_o which_o i_o shall_v make_v no_o other_o reply_v but_o be_v not_o all_o this_o stir_v make_v about_o this_o act_n in_o behalf_n of_o the_o protestant_a religion_n the_o next_o thing_n i_o will_v have_v you_o to_o consider_v be_v the_o establish_v the_o whole_a government_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o know_v sound_a presbyterian_o etc._n etc._n as_o it_o be_v crave_v in_o the_o petition_n i_o have_v tell_v you_o already_o how_o this_o article_n displease_v the_o year_n before_o while_o the_o duke_n of_o hamilton_n be_v commissioner_n but_o now_o you_o see_v it_o be_v grant_v yet_o not_o without_o some_o opposition_n for_o on_o friday_n may_v 23._o the_o first_o day_n that_o the_o act_n be_v debate_v in_o the_o house_n a_o petition_n be_v give_v in_o by_o some_o of_o these_o episcopal_a minister_n who_o have_v give_v obedience_n to_o the_o civil_a government_n i_o be_o afraid_a the_o copy_n i_o have_v of_o it_o be_v not_o correct_v and_o therefore_o i_o will_v not_o transcribe_v it_o in_o form_n but_o it_o be_v this_o for_o substance_n they_o for_o themselves_o and_o other_o of_o the_o episcopal_a persuasion_n who_o have_v submit_v to_o the_o government_n of_o their_o present_a majesty_n according_a to_o law_n do_v humble_o supplicate_v that_o according_a to_o the_o protection_n promise_v they_o they_o may_v be_v secure_v in_o the_o possession_n of_o their_o office_n and_o benefice_n they_o humble_o conceive_v that_o to_o put_v the_o ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n entire_o into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o presbyterian_o and_o establish_v they_o the_o sole_a judge_n of_o their_o life_n and_o doctrine_n will_v be_v in_o effect_n to_o turn_v they_o out_o of_o that_o protection_n for_o they_o shall_v not_o only_o thereby_o be_v deprive_v of_o all_o share_n and_o interest_n in_o ecclesiastical_a government_n though_o they_o have_v every_o way_n as_o good_a a_o right_n to_o and_o be_v as_o capable_a of_o manage_v that_o trust_n as_o the_o presbyterian_a minister_n and_o do_v very_o far_o exceed_v they_o in_o number_n but_o also_o shall_v be_v subject_v to_o the_o arbitrament_n of_o a_o party_n who_o profess_v it_o their_o duty_n to_o purge_v the_o church_n of_o all_o minister_n who_o have_v at_o any_o time_n declare_v for_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o episcopacy_n who_o therefore_o though_o they_o be_v not_o afraid_a of_o the_o strict_a impartial_a trial_n they_o decline_v as_o their_o judge_n which_o declinature_n the_o presbyterian_a minister_n themselves_o can_v but_o in_o reason_n acknowledge_v to_o be_v just_a and_o equitable_a consider_v that_o they_o have_v all_o along_o refuse_v to_o submit_v to_o the_o jurisdiction_n of_o the_o bishop_n upon_o the_o like_a reason_n that_o it_o have_v be_v still_o matter_n of_o regret_n of_o they_o that_o the_o difference_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o opinion_n about_o church_n government_n have_v be_v so_o much_o keep_v up_o that_o therefore_o it_o will_v please_v the_o parliament_n to_o appoint_v a_o conference_n betwixt_o some_o minister_n of_o both_o persuasion_n which_o they_o most_o humble_o conceive_v may_v prove_v a_o good_a expedient_a for_o cure_v the_o distemper_n or_o at_o least_o for_o find_v where_o it_o lie_v they_o do_v not_o take_v upon_o they_o to_o prescribe_v to_o the_o high_a and_o honourable_a court_n but_o in_o all_o humility_n supplicate_v for_o these_o thing_n to_o the_o end_n that_o the_o true_a protestant_a religion_n for_o which_o they_o have_v still_o declare_v their_o zeal_n may_v flourish_v and_o they_o and_o other_o for_o their_o opinion_n about_o church-government_n which_o they_o be_v ready_a to_o maintain_v and_o justify_v may_v not_o be_v oppress_v in_o their_o conscience_n and_o interest_n the_o petitioner_n do_v not_o expect_v that_o the_o grand_a point_n of_o the_o church-government_n shall_v have_v be_v so_o soon_o bring_v to_o the_o house_n so_o that_o this_o their_o petition_n be_v pen_v in_o such_o haste_n that_o they_o have_v not_o time_n to_o wait_v upon_o the_o commissioner_n and_o acquaint_v he_o with_o it_o before_o it_o be_v present_v however_o while_o the_o duke_n of_o hamilton_n be_v dispute_v the_o equity_n and_o reasonableness_n of_o that_o article_n in_o the_o house_n one_o jame_v more_o of_o stonywood_n present_v it_o and_o crave_v that_o it_o may_v be_v read_v the_o duke_n of_o hamilton_n back_v he_o warm_o so_o it_o be_v read_v but_o than_o it_o be_v immediate_o hiss_v at_o the_o noise_n be_v great_a and_o the_o cry_n be_v loud_a that_o it_o be_v indiscree_a unmannerly_a arrogant_a and_o what_o not_o and_o all_o this_o forsooth_o because_o they_o call_v themselves_o minister_n of_o the_o episcopal_a persuasion_n compare_v themselves_o for_o ability_n with_o the_o presbyterian_a minister_n decline_v they_o as_o their_o judge_n crave_v a_o conference_n and_o undertake_v to_o maintain_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o episcopacy_n extravagant_a impudence_n sure_a this_o petition_n be_v thus_o reject_v with_o disdain_n the_o duke_n think_v it_o not_o fit_a at_o this_o time_n to_o insist_v any_o long_o so_o there_o be_v no_o more_o that_o day_n concern_v that_o article_n except_o that_o one_o mr._n ross_n a_o commissioner_n for_o some_o northern_a burgh_n 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prince_n of_o orange_n declaration_n for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o scotland_n from_o the_o great_a purpose_n of_o his_o come_n to_o britain_n from_o his_o declaration_n for_o keep_v the_o peace_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o scotland_n date_v february_n 6._o 1688_o 9_o from_o the_o proclamation_n of_o the_o estate_n april_n 13._o 1689_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o from_o many_o other_o topic_n but_o all_o to_o no_o purpose_n for_o when_o it_o come_v to_o a_o vote_n it_o carry_v easy_o that_o the_o article_n shall_v stand_v as_o you_o now_o see_v it_o in_o the_o act_n thus_o be_v some_o hundred_o of_o the_o episcopal_a persuasion_n by_o act_n of_o parliament_n expose_v to_o the_o fury_n of_o fifty_o or_o sixty_o swear_a enemy_n without_o any_o imaginable_a necessity_n for_o have_v it_o not_o be_v easy_a for_o the_o parliament_n if_o they_o have_v have_v a_o mind_n to_o it_o to_o have_v settle_v presbyterian_a government_n so_o as_o
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do_v not_o think_v it_o convenient_a in_o that_o interim_n by_o their_o authority_n to_o repossess_v your_o petitioner_n of_o their_o just_a legal_a and_o undouble_v right_n as_o appear_v from_o their_o proclamation_n of_o the_o date_n at_o edinburgh_n the_o 13_o day_n of_o april_n 1689._o so_o that_o your_o petitioner_n want_v protection_n dare_v never_o since_o without_o the_o manifest_a peril_n of_o their_o life_n adventure_v to_o return_v to_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o ministry_n at_o their_o respective_a church_n whereas_o your_o petitioner_n beside_o the_o unspeakable_a grief_n it_o be_v to_o they_o to_o be_v thus_o restrain_v from_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o sacred_a function_n be_v general_o reduce_v to_o great_a necessity_n and_o many_o of_o they_o with_o numerous_a family_n be_v at_o the_o point_n of_o starve_v have_v no_o livelihood_n but_o their_o stipend_n and_o be_v refuse_v payment_n of_o these_o by_o the_o debior_n thereof_o upon_o pretence_n of_o a_o act_n of_o 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office_n and_o benefice_n as_o say_v be_v have_v right_a to_o protection_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o ministry_n at_o their_o respective_a church_n and_o to_o their_o benefice_n ad_fw-la vitam_fw-la vel_fw-la culpam_fw-la and_o can_v neither_o be_v deprive_v of_o either_o without_o a_o legal_a sentence_n and_o now_o your_o grace_n and_o the_o estate_n be_v meet_v in_o parliament_n to_o which_o the_o case_n of_o your_o petitioner_n be_v refer_v by_o the_o aforesaid_a act_n of_o privy_a council_n may_v it_o therefore_o please_v your_o grace_n and_o the_o honourable_a estate_n of_o parliament_n to_o take_v the_o premise_n under_o consideration_n and_o interpose_v your_o authority_n for_o restore_v your_o petitioner_n to_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o ministry_n at_o their_o respective_a church_n for_o cause_v make_v payment_n of_o the_o stipend_n that_o be_v due_a to_o they_o by_o law_n and_o for_o protect_v they_o both_o in_o their_o office_n and_o benefice_n according_a to_o 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thus_o form_v their_o petition_n their_o next_o work_n be_v to_o wait_v upon_o the_o commissioner_n and_o show_v he_o a_o copy_n of_o it_o but_o that_o night_n they_o can_v not_o have_v access_n it_o be_v a_o post-night_n and_o his_o grace_n be_v busy_a write_v letter_n so_o they_o return_v on_o monday_n morning_n and_o be_v at_o last_o admit_v into_o his_o grace_n presence_n where_o one_o of_o they_o in_o very_o few_o word_n tell_v he_o they_o be_v of_o the_o number_n of_o these_o minister_n who_o have_v be_v thrust_v from_o their_o church_n by_o force_n and_o violence_n before_o the_o 13_o of_o april_n 1689._o that_o they_o be_v inform_v that_o the_o parliament_n have_v now_o their_o case_n under_o consideration_n that_o therefore_o they_o have_v form_v a_o petition_n which_o they_o be_v to_o present_v to_o the_o parliament_n and_o so_o be_v come_v to_o acquaint_v his_o grace_n with_o it_o and_o give_v he_o a_o copy_n of_o it_o that_o he_o may_v thereby_o understand_v the_o true_a 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just_a and_o righteous_a thing_n to_o all_o man_n to_o which_o it_o be_v forthwith_o reply_v that_o they_o seek_v nothing_o but_o justice_n give_v they_o that_o and_o they_o be_v satisfy_v and_o with_o that_o they_o leave_v he_o the_o next_o thing_n to_o be_v do_v be_v to_o search_v out_o some_o member_n of_o parliament_n who_o may_v do_v they_o the_o favour_n of_o present_v the_o petition_n to_o the_o house_n at_o last_o they_o find_v sir_n patrick_n scott_n of_o ancrum_n a_o discreet_a gentleman_n who_o undertake_v it_o for_o you_o must_v know_v it_o be_v not_o every_o body_n that_o have_v courage_n for_o such_o a_o employment_n as_o matter_n then_o go_v well_o on_o monday_n the_o 26_o of_o may_n there_o be_v no_o opportunity_n for_o it_o the_o read_v the_o westminster_n confession_n as_o i_o have_v say_v weary_v the_o whole_a house_n so_o that_o article_n about_o the_o rabble_v clergy_n be_v not_o consider_v till_o the_o last_o and_o great_a day_n wednesday_n the_o 28_o of_o may_n 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other_o be_v deprive_v for_o not_o give_v obedience_n to_o the_o act_n of_o the_o estate_n of_o the_o say_v 13_o of_o april_n 1689._o therefore_o their_o majesty_n with_o advice_n and_o consent_n foresay_a do_v hereby_o declare_v all_o the_o church_n either_o desert_v or_o from_o which_o the_o conform_a minister_n be_v remove_v or_o deprive_v as_o say_v be_v to_o be_v vacant_a and_o that_o the_o presbyterian_a minister_n exercise_v within_o any_o of_o these_o parish_n or_o where_o the_o last_o incumbent_n be_v dead_a shall_v continue_v their_o possession_n and_o have_v right_o to_o the_o legal_a benefice_n and_o stipend_n forth_o and_o from_o the_o time_n of_o their_o enter_n and_o in_o time_n come_v ay_o and_o while_o the_o church_n as_o now_o establish_v take_v further_a course_n therewith_o in_o the_o article_n thus_o digest_v you_o see_v that_o it_o be_v say_v that_o conform_a minister_n who_o have_v deserted_n which_o none_o have_v or_o be_v remove_v from_o their_o church_n 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in_o several_a parish_n even_o since_o king_n james_n toleration_n which_o be_v in_o the_o year_n 1687._o so_o that_o this_o clause_n give_v they_o title_n even_o since_o that_o year_n though_o both_o in_o that_o year_n and_o the_o next_o there_o be_v a_o legal_a incumbent_n in_o the_o actual_a and_o uninterrupted_a exercise_n of_o his_o ministry_n in_o the_o parish_n what_o iniquity_n be_v this_o hereupon_o the_o time_n of_o their_o enter_n be_v limit_v to_o the_o year_n 1689._o as_o now_o you_o have_v it_o i_o have_v represent_v these_o thing_n that_o you_o may_v see_v as_o severe_a as_o the_o act_n be_v how_o much_o more_o so_o it_o have_v be_v if_o the_o committee_n draught_n have_v pass_v or_o if_o the_o duke_n of_o hamilton_n have_v not_o be_v at_o very_a much_o pain_n beside_o these_o amendment_n in_o this_o article_n procure_v by_o his_o grace_n on_o that_o 23d_o of_o may_n there_o be_v another_o thing_n propose_v by_o the_o laird_n of_o kellburn_n one_o of_o the_o commissioner_n i_o think_v for_o the_o shire_n of_o bute_n it_o be_v that_o such_o minister_n as_o have_v not_o have_v free_a access_n to_o their_o church_n and_o by_o consequence_n can_v not_o give_v obedience_n to_o the_o proclamation_n of_o the_o estate_n april_v the_o 13_o upon_o the_o day_n appoint_v but_o be_v willing_a to_o obey_v when_o they_o shall_v have_v opportunity_n may_v be_v except_v out_o of_o the_o number_n of_o these_o who_o the_o parliament_n be_v to_o declare_v deprive_v and_o their_o church_n vacant_a but_o that_o be_v reject_v with_o scorn_n come_v we_o now_o to_o our_o wednesday_n on_o which_o the_o great_a point_n in_o the_o article_n be_v debate_v viz._n whether_o the_o deed_n of_o the_o rabble_n shall_v be_v justify_v and_o all_o these_o minister_n who_o have_v be_v drive_v from_o their_o church_n by_o the_o rabble_n shall_v be_v deprive_v the_o duke_n of_o hamilton_n plead_v earnest_o that_o this_o article_n may_v not_o pass_v it_o be_v wonderful_a to_o call_v these_o man_n deserter_n for_o be_v it_o not_o notorious_a all_o the_o kingdom_n over_o that_o they_o be_v violent_o force_v from_o their_o church_n by_o tumult_n and_o rabble_n and_o can_v not_o without_o the_o evident_a peril_n of_o their_o life_n continue_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o ministry_n at_o their_o respective_a church_n it_o be_v as_o wonderful_a to_o declare_v their_o church_n vacant_a because_o of_o their_o be_v remove_v from_o they_o for_o what_o will_v be_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o word_n remove_v in_o the_o present_a case_n be_v it_o not_o plain_a that_o it_o be_v just_o neither_o more_o nor_o less_o than_o rabble_v and_o what_o may_v the_o world_n think_v of_o the_o justice_n of_o the_o parliament_n if_o it_o shall_v sustain_v that_o as_o a_o sufficient_a ground_n for_o declare_v their_o church_n vacant_a these_o man_n have_v enter_v to_o their_o church_n according_a to_o law_n how_o then_o can_v they_o be_v deprive_v without_o a_o legal_a trial_n what_o evil_a have_v they_o do_v they_o have_v never_o have_v opportunity_n to_o disobey_v the_o government_n they_o be_v violent_o thrust_v from_o their_o church_n by_o the_o rabble_n before_o the_o 13_o of_o april_n 1689._o so_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o they_o to_o obey_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o meeting_n of_o the_o estate_n in_o that_o day_n proclamation_n nay_o consider_v that_o proclamation_n and_o it_o will_v be_v find_v that_o it_o do_v not_o bind_v they_o be_v they_o chargeable_a with_o any_o other_o crime_n or_o scandal_n why_o then_o let_v they_o be_v first_o try_v and_o convict_v and_o then_o deprive_v by_o due_a course_n be_v it_o ever_o hear_v that_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n be_v turn_v out_o of_o their_o office_n and_o live_n without_o the_o least_o gild_n fix_v on_o they_o what_o a_o reflection_n will_v it_o cast_v upon_o the_o king_n if_o such_o a_o act_n shall_v be_v make_v do_v not_o he_o come_v to_o these_o kingdom_n to_o deliver_v we_o 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scott_n present_v the_o petition_n and_o crave_v it_o may_v be_v read_v he_o be_v assist_v by_o the_o duke_n who_o press_v it_o very_o warm_o and_o then_o there_o be_v no_o little_a stir_n in_o the_o house_n for_o such_o as_o be_v resolve_v to_o vote_n the_o petitioner_n out_o of_o their_o right_n know_v very_o well_o if_o it_o shall_v be_v read_v they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o render_v a_o solid_a reason_n why_o what_o it_o crave_v shall_v not_o be_v grant_v and_o therefore_o they_o have_v no_o inclination_n that_o the_o house_n shall_v hear_v it_o but_o than_o it_o be_v as_o difficult_a to_o find_v a_o colour_n of_o reason_n why_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v read_v crawford_n say_v it_o can_v not_o be_v read_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o act_n a_o wise_a tale_n indeed_o for_o when_o be_v it_o proper_a to_o read_v it_o if_o not_o when_o the_o case_n it_o
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much_o surprise_v at_o this_o his_o lordship_n forwardness_n even_o though_o there_o be_v a_o presbyterian_a minister_n concern_v for_o alas_o the_o man_n weary_a of_o his_o wife_n have_v fall_v into_o the_o sin_n of_o adultery_n with_o another_o woman_n and_o his_o lordship_n be_v mighty_o afraid_a lest_o this_o shall_v have_v be_v mention_v in_o the_o petition_n or_o by_o some_o ill_a nature_a person_n at_o the_o council-table_n who_o know_v the_o story_n if_o his_o lordship_n have_v make_v any_o bustle_n about_o it_o as_o he_o use_v to_o do_v on_o other_o occasion_n which_o he_o have_v no_o mind_n for_o this_o be_v the_o reason_n of_o his_o frankness_n in_o the_o matter_n but_o beside_o my_o lord_n crawford_n there_o be_v some_o other_o councillor_n who_o sometime_o do_v obstruct_v the_o read_n of_o petition_n perhaps_o on_o more_o odious_a ground_n than_o his_o lordship_n for_o example_n i_o can_v name_v a_o certain_a privy_a councillor_n who_o for_o several_a day_n hinder_v a_o certain_a rabble_v minister_n petition_n to_o be_v read_v until_o the_o poor_a man_n be_v force_v to_o come_v to_o he_o and_o offer_v to_o quit_v he_o some_o twelve_o or_o thirteen_o pound_n sterling_a which_o he_o be_v oblige_v to_o pay_v of_o the_o benefice_n and_o then_o his_o lordship_n appear_v for_o he_o indeed_o and_o obtain_v both_o the_o read_n and_o grant_v of_o his_o petition_n have_v he_o be_v as_o poor_a as_o my_o lord_n crawford_n perhaps_o he_o have_v be_v the_o more_o excusable_a but_o he_o be_v a_o man_n of_o a_o good_a estate_n which_o make_v the_o trick_n the_o base_a however_o i_o will_v not_o name_v he_o at_o present_a from_o what_o i_o have_v say_v you_o may_v competent_o understand_v the_o whole_a matter_n of_o the_o petition_v which_o be_v some_o while_n on_o foot_n and_o of_o which_o perhaps_o you_o have_v hear_v i_o can_v deny_v but_o many_o be_v the_o better_a for_o it_o but_o they_o owe_v all_o the_o thanks_o to_o the_o duke_n of_o hamilton_n and_o some_o other_o councillor_n but_o none_o to_o the_o parliament_n and_o yet_o for_o all_o this_o perhaps_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o give_v you_o as_o many_o instance_n of_o petition_n that_o be_v reject_v if_o not_o more_o than_o be_v grant_v but_o i_o will_v only_o insist_v on_o one_o man_n case_n whereby_o you_o will_v clear_o and_o distinct_o perceive_v in_o what_o sense_n both_o the_o council_n and_o session_n the_o two_o chief_a judicatories_n in_o in_o the_o nation_n understand_v our_o act_n of_o parliament_n which_o to_o represent_v in_o its_o true_a colour_n be_v the_o chief_a aim_n of_o this_o part_n of_o this_o letter_n the_o case_n shall_v be_v that_o of_o one_o mr._n robert_n skeen_n this_o gentleman_n have_v enter_v to_o his_o church_n at_o dunsyre_n within_o the_o shire_n of_o lancick_n according_a to_o law_n and_o serve_v there_o in_o the_o holy_a ministry_n faithful_o and_o painful_o for_o a_o good_a many_o year_n a_o man_n of_o very_o good_a ability_n and_o unblameable_a in_o his_o life_n in_o the_o year_n 1684._o a_o circuit_n court_n be_v keep_v in_o these_o part_n for_o execute_v the_o law_n against_o nonconformist_n and_o so_o one_o mr._n anthony_n murray_n a_o old_a presbyterian_a minister_n who_o have_v be_v still_o connive_v at_o before_o because_o he_o will_v not_o then_o conform_v be_v deprive_v of_o the_o church_n and_o benefice_n of_o coulter_n this_o mr._n murray_n have_v a_o little_a estate_n in_o the_o parish_n of_o dunsyre_n where_o mr._n skeen_n be_v minister_v thither_o he_o retire_v after_o his_o deprivation_n and_o live_v quiet_o without_o make_v any_o disturbance_n to_o mr._n skeen_n or_o keep_v any_o conventicle_n till_o the_o year_n 1687._o that_o k._n james_n grant_v his_o fatal_a toleration_n but_o then_o with_o the_o advice_n of_o his_o brethren_n of_o the_o gang_n who_o have_v resolve_v in_o their_o club_n to_o carry_v on_o a_o schism_n in_o the_o church_n he_o begin_v to_o set_v up_o again_o not_o in_o his_o old_a parish_n of_o coulter_n to_o which_o one_o will_v think_v he_o shall_v rather_o have_v return_v but_o in_o the_o parish_n of_o dunsyre_n and_o endeavour_v to_o draw_v the_o people_n after_o he_o and_o true_a it_o be_v some_o of_o the_o mean_a sort_n he_o get_v but_o mr._n skeen_n still_o keep_v the_o church_n and_o the_o better_a part_n of_o the_o parish_n adhere_v to_o he_o till_o april_n 1689._o that_o he_o be_v turn_v out_o by_o the_o rabble_n or_o rather_o till_o after_o whitsunday_n as_o you_o shall_v hear_v instant_o skeen_n thus_o force_v away_o murray_n continue_v to_o preach_v a_o while_n after_o he_o be_v go_v and_o therefore_o after_o this_o our_o act_n of_o parliament_n pass_v in_o june_n 1690._o he_o resolve_v to_o take_v the_o benefit_n of_o it_o and_o so_o petition_v the_o council_n for_o the_o benefice_n of_o dunsyre_n for_o both_o year_n 1689._o and_o 1690._o and_o obtain_v his_o request_n without_o difficulty_n skeen_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n know_v nothing_o of_o it_o one_o will_v think_v that_o this_o be_v even_o but_o course_n justice_n for_o grant_v the_o act_n of_o parliament_n declare_v all_o their_o church_n vacant_a who_o have_v be_v rabble_v before_o the_o 13_o of_o april_n 1689._o have_v be_v never_o so_o just_a and_o righteous_a yet_o how_o do_v it_o appear_v to_o their_o lordship_n that_o skeen_n be_v rabble_v before_o that_o day_n be_v it_o enough_o that_o they_o have_v murray_n word_n for_o it_o in_o his_o petition_n ought_v not_o skeen_n to_o have_v have_v notice_n to_o appear_v for_o his_o interest_n but_o let_v that_o pass_v with_o the_o rest_n mr._n skeen_n be_v a_o very_a poor_a man_n and_o no_o wonder_n consider_v that_o he_o have_v no_o patrimony_n of_o his_o own_o his_o benefice_n be_v but_o small_a and_o his_o family_n be_v numerous_a and_o so_o it_o be_v as_o little_a wonderful_a if_o he_o be_v surprise_v when_o he_o hear_v the_o unwelcome_a tiding_n of_o mr._n murray_n have_v get_v a_o gift_n of_o his_o benefice_n for_o these_o two_o year_n but_o how_o to_o right_v himself_o be_v the_o question_n he_o know_v very_o well_o already_o in_o what_o sense_n the_o council_n understand_v the_o act_n of_o parliament_n but_o the_o session_n have_v never_o yet_o have_v occasion_n to_o give_v their_o sense_n of_o it_o so_o he_o resolve_v to_o try_v his_o title_n before_o their_o lordship_n and_o according_o charge_n those_o who_o be_v liable_a in_o payment_n of_o the_o stipend_n for_o the_o whole_a year_n 1689._o and_o the_o half_a of_o 1690._o to_o make_v payment_n to_o he_o this_o be_v do_v about_o the_o middle_n of_o january_n 1691._o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v doubt_v but_o murray_n will_v soon_o get_v notice_n of_o this_o charge_n so_o he_o make_v his_o address_n to_o some_o of_o the_o lord_n of_o the_o session_n and_o obtain_v letter_n of_o suspension_n against_o skeen_n till_o the_o case_n shall_v be_v debate_v before_o their_o lordship_n and_o so_o the_o case_n come_v to_o be_v fair_o state_v before_o that_o judicature_n sir_n david_n thoris_fw-la be_v advocate_n for_o skeen_n and_o james_n stuart_n for_o murray_n for_o who_o title_n he_o produce_v these_o three_o argument_n 1._o murray_n have_v a_o act_n of_o council_n for_o he_o so_o that_o it_o be_v res_fw-la hactenus_fw-la judicata_fw-la 2._o skeen_n have_v deserted_n and_o be_v remove_v from_o his_o church_n before_o the_o 13_o of_o april_n and_o so_o be_v deprive_v by_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n 3._o murray_n have_v officiate_v as_o a_o presbyterian_a minister_n in_o the_o parish_n of_o dunsyre_n during_o these_o year_n for_o which_o he_o have_v get_v his_o gift_n to_o these_o argument_n sir_n david_n thores_fw-la give_v these_o follow_a answer_n to_o the_o first_o that_o skeen_n have_v legal_o enter_v to_o the_o church_n of_o dunsyre_n and_o have_v
a_o good_a and_o undoubted_a title_n and_o right_n which_o ought_v in_o all_o law_n and_o reason_n to_o be_v prefer_v to_o murray_n gift_n especial_o consider_v that_o it_o have_v be_v obtain_v clancular_o &_o parte_fw-la inanditâ_fw-la alterâ_fw-la to_o the_o second_o that_o skeen_n have_v not_o deserted_n but_o be_v barbarous_o force_v from_o his_o church_n by_o notorious_a rabble_n and_o violence_n as_o be_v evident_a from_o this_o deduction_n 1._o about_o candlemas_n first_o and_o then_o several_a time_n after_o in_o the_o month_n of_o february_n and_o march_n 1688_o 9_o a_o godless_a rabble_n which_o be_v then_o overrun_v the_o country_n and_o thrust_v out_o the_o regular_a clergy_n where_o ever_o they_o come_v send_v to_o he_o peremptory_a order_n to_o remove_v from_o his_o church_n and_o desist_v from_o the_o exercise_n of_o his_o ministry_n under_o no_o less_o hazard_n than_o tear_v he_o in_o piece_n notwithstanding_o which_o he_o still_o continue_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o his_o office_n 2._o the_o rabble_n find_v those_o their_o menace_n unsuccessful_a no_o few_o than_o sixty_o of_o they_o all_o arm_a under_o the_o command_n of_o one_o steel_n come_v to_o his_o dwell_a house_n upon_o the_o 21_o of_o march_n and_o commit_v such_o outrage_n that_o they_o fright_v the_o poor_a gentlewoman_n his_o wife_n then_o big_a with_o child_n into_o her_o pang_n before_o the_o time_n in_o which_o she_o continue_v till_o the_o first_o of_o april_n that_o she_o bring_v forth_o her_o child_n die_v herself_o within_o three_o hour_n after_o the_o birth_n and_o leave_v he_o the_o weighty_a burden_n of_o eight_o motherless_a child_n yet_o neither_o for_o this_o do_v he_o forbear_v to_o exercise_v his_o minstry_n in_o the_o church_n of_o dunsyre_n until_o 3._o upon_o the_o 13_o of_o april_n the_o same_o day_n that_o the_o proclamation_n be_v order_v by_o the_o estate_n another_o barbarous_a and_o numerous_a rabble_n come_v to_o his_o house_n and_o threaten_v to_o murder_n he_o if_o he_o shall_v offer_v to_o possess_v the_o pulpit_n the_o next_o day_n which_o be_v sunday_n and_o then_o indeed_o for_o fear_n of_o his_o life_n he_o go_v not_o to_o the_o church_n yet_o he_o preach_v in_o his_o dwell_a house_n to_o such_o of_o his_o parishioner_n as_o come_v to_o hear_v he_o 4._o the_o proclamation_n be_v order_v to_o be_v read_v by_o he_o upon_o sunday_n the_o 21_o of_o april_n the_o rabble_n return_v upon_o saturday_n the_o 20_o and_o by_o violence_n barricado_v the_o church_n door_n and_o carry_v away_o the_o key_n and_o such_o utensil_n as_o they_o can_v find_v belong_v to_o the_o church_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o on_o sunday_n morning_n they_o plant_v guard_n of_o arm_a man_n at_o the_o door_n of_o the_o church_n by_o which_o they_o keep_v he_o out_o by_o force_n yet_o even_o that_o day_n too_o he_o preach_v in_o his_o dwell_a house_n nay_o 5._o he_o continue_v still_o to_o preach_v in_o his_o dwell_a house_n on_o sunday_n and_o to_o baptise_v child_n and_o visit_v the_o sick_a and_o perform_v all_o other_o part_n of_o his_o ministry_n as_o he_o have_v occasion_n till_o after_o whitsunday_n that_o another_o rabble_n come_v and_o most_o outrageous_o and_o inhumane_o cast_v he_o his_o family_n and_o all_o his_o furniture_n out_o of_o door_n so_o that_o he_o be_v then_o force_v to_o retire_v elsewhere_o for_o shelter_n all_o these_o thing_n be_v offer_v to_o be_v prove_v positive_o and_o evident_o by_o many_o famous_a and_o unquestionable_a witness_n and_o so_o the_o lord_n be_v desire_v for_o these_o reason_n to_o give_v their_o judgement_n upon_o this_o point_n whether_o skeen_n have_v thus_o continue_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o his_o ministry_n in_o the_o church_n and_o parish_n of_o dunsyre_n notwithstanding_o so_o much_o barbarous_a usage_n and_o so_o many_o forcible_a interruption_n and_o opposition_n can_v in_o law_n reason_n or_o common_a sense_n be_v repute_v a_o deserter_n of_o his_o charge_n before_o the_o 13_o of_o april_n to_o mr._n stuart_n 3d._a argument_n it_o be_v answer_v first_o that_o grant_v it_o have_v be_v true_a that_o murray_n have_v officiate_v as_o a_o pesbyterian_a minister_n in_o the_o parish_n of_o dunsyre_n yet_o he_o can_v plead_v no_o title_n to_o the_o benefice_n because_o he_o have_v neither_o be_v present_v collate_v nor_o orderly_o institute_v and_o admit_v to_o be_v pastor_n of_o that_o parish_n all_o which_o be_v necessary_a to_o constitute_v a_o legal_a right_n nay_o he_o can_v not_o pretend_v to_o so_o much_o as_o a_o call_v from_o either_o the_o great_a or_o better_a part_n of_o the_o people_n so_o that_o he_o ought_v to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o intruder_n who_o have_v force_v himself_o upon_o another_o man_n charge_n against_o law_n and_o in_o a_o schismatical_a manner_n but_o than_o second_o it_o be_v not_o true_a that_o he_o have_v officiate_v as_o a_o presbyterian_a minister_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a it_o be_v offer_v to_o be_v prove_v that_o he_o have_v refuse_v to_o preach_v and_o do_v forbid_v the_o people_n to_o come_v to_o he_o nay_o that_o he_o have_v refuse_v to_o baptise_v the_o child_n of_o his_o next_o neighbour_n in_o case_n of_o extreme_a necessity_n in_o so_o much_o that_o the_o presbyterian_a party_n in_o the_o parish_n have_v actual_o call_v one_o mr._n donaldson_n another_o presbyterian_a preacher_n to_o supply_v their_o necessity_n three_o murray_n be_v repone_v by_o act_n of_o parliament_n of_o the_o date_n april_n the_o 25_o 1690._o to_o his_o church_n at_o coulter_n have_v actual_o get_v the_o benefice_n there_o for_o the_o year_n 1689._o and_o be_v to_o get_v it_o for_o 1690._o why_o then_o shall_v he_o have_v the_o benefice_n of_o dunsyre_n for_o these_o year_n too_o what_o title_n can_v he_o plead_v for_o both_o benefice_n and_o then_o four_o it_o be_v plead_v that_o of_o all_o man_n in_o the_o world_n murray_n be_v in_o pessimo_fw-la dolo_fw-la to_o be_v skeen_n competitor_n for_o the_o benefice_n of_o dunsyre_n because_o as_o skeen_n offer_v to_o prove_v and_o make_v as_o evident_a as_o light_v and_o indeed_o he_o be_v able_a to_o have_v do_v it_o by_o a_o sufficient_a number_n of_o witness_n murray_n have_v not_o only_o never_o endeavour_v to_o quiet_a the_o rabble_n which_o he_o can_v easy_o have_v do_v have_v he_o apply_v himself_o to_o it_o notwithstanding_o skeen_n several_a time_n demand_v it_o of_o he_o but_o on_o the_o contrary_a he_o have_v open_o and_o avowed_o send_v to_o skeen_n and_o threaten_v he_o if_o he_o do_v not_o desist_v from_o the_o exercise_n of_o his_o ministry_n say_v he_o can_v not_o be_v answerable_a for_o what_o he_o have_v do_v already_o and_o he_o shall_v smart_v severe_o for_o it_o etc._n etc._n so_o that_o murray_n ought_v true_o and_o in_o law_n to_o be_v repute_v one_o of_o skeen_n rabbler_n for_o all_o which_o reason_n and_o in_o respect_n that_o the_o stipend_n for_o which_o skeen_n have_v charge_v beside_o that_o it_o belong_v to_o he_o incontrovertible_o in_o law_n and_o justice_n be_v all_o the_o reparation_n and_o assithment_n he_o expect_v for_o the_o murder_n of_o his_o wife_n and_o the_o violence_n and_o outrage_n do_v to_o himself_o and_o his_o child_n the_o lord_n be_v desire_v to_o prefer_v he_o to_o murray_n but_o nothing_o can_v prevail_v for_o the_o sentence_n be_v this_o word_n for_o word_n edinburgh_n 26_o of_o february_n 1691._o upon_o report_n of_o the_o lord_n anstruther_n the_o lord_n find_v that_o see_v mr._n robert_n skeen_n be_v not_o exercise_v the_o ministry_n in_o the_o kirk_n of_o dunsyre_n upon_o the_o 13_o of_o april_n 1689._o the_o church_n be_v vacant_a by_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n and_o therefore_o prefer_v mr._n anthony_n murray_n sic_fw-la subscribitur_fw-la stair_n i._n p._n d._n here_o sir_n you_o have_v the_o lord_n of_o session_n give_v their_o sense_n of_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n with_o a_o witness_n but_o i_o must_v beg_v their_o lordship_n permission_n to_o tell_v they_o plain_o that_o 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in_o the_o print_a act_n and_o therefore_o after_o some_o more_o think_v i_o judge_v it_o not_o worth_a the_o pain_n although_o it_o be_v believe_v that_o it_o be_v compile_v by_o some_o of_o the_o brethren_n who_o be_v best_a study_v in_o the_o matter_n some_o other_o scheme_n be_v also_o give_v in_o by_o some_o other_o member_n but_o his_o lordship_n be_v get_v the_o preference_n it_o be_v most_o regard_v and_o best_o like_v by_o melvil_n and_o crawford_n who_o probable_o have_v see_v it_o before_o and_o so_o it_o be_v particular_o recommend_v to_o the_o committee_n which_o be_v nominate_v for_o church_n affair_n eighteen_o be_v at_o first_o name_v to_o be_v of_o that_o committee_n viz._n nobleman_n baron_n burgess_n earl_n of_o crawford_n sir_n john_n maxwell_n sir_n tho._n stewart_n of_o coltness_n e._n of_o sutherland_n sir_n patrick_n hume_n anderson_n for_o glascow_n v._o of_o arburthnet_n sir_n john_n monro_n smith_n for_o st._n andrews_n v._o of_o stair_n laird_n of_o 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copy_n be_v thus_o prepare_v and_o return_v to_o the_o house_n in_o the_o first_o place_n it_o be_v twice_o read_v over_o all_o the_o member_n compose_v themselves_o to_o a_o diligent_a and_o headful_n attention_n this_o do_v not_o a_o few_o point_n in_o it_o be_v debate_v and_o several_a amendment_n be_v make_v but_o before_o i_o proceed_v further_o i_o will_v set_v it_o down_o as_o it_o be_v at_o last_o agree_v upon_o and_o make_v a_o law_n and_o then_o give_v you_o a_o brief_a account_n of_o some_o particular_n in_o it_o which_o may_v perchance_o contribute_v something_o to_o your_o better_a understanding_n of_o it_o act_z ratify_v the_o confession_n of_o faith_n and_o settle_v presbyterian_a church-government_n june_n 7._o 1690._o our_o sovereign_a lord_n and_o lady_n the_o king_n and_o queen_n majesty_n and_o the_o three_o estate_n of_o parliament_n conceive_v it_o to_o be_v their_o bind_a duty_n after_o the_o great_a deliverance_n that_o god_n have_v late_o wrought_v for_o this_o 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