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 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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 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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 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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 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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
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 citation_n and_o the_o fill_n of_o their_o place_n with_o ignorant_a and_o scandalous_a person_n which_o his_o majesty_n be_v gracious_o please_v to_o notice_n in_o his_o declaration_n for_o scotland_n as_o a_o occasion_n of_o all_o this_o poor_a church_n misery_n and_o from_o which_o unsupportable_a suffering_n he_o declare_v his_o resolution_n to_o relieve_v and_o rescue_v we_o and_o we_o may_v add_v with_o many_o also_o erroneous_a and_o unsound_a in_o the_o faith_n enemy_n to_o the_o reformation_n and_o who_o have_v now_o appear_v disaffect_v to_o the_o present_a civil_a government_n as_o also_o frame_v of_o a_o numerous_a train_n of_o severe_a law_n severe_o execute_v both_o on_o minister_n and_o people_n of_o all_o degree_n so_o for_o that_o even_o while_o we_o be_v count_v and_o treat_v as_o sheep_n for_o the_o slaughter_n we_o may_v not_o petition_v or_o complain_v without_o render_v ourselves_o high_o criminal_a by_o the_o law_n and_o act_n then_o make_v all_o which_o we_o 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 estate_n of_o parliament_n see_v the_o king_n majesty_n have_v declare_v and_o your_o lordship_n with_o he_o have_v zealous_o appear_v for_o the_o protestant_a religion_n you_o will_v be_v gracious_o please_v by_o your_o civil_a sanction_n to_o establish_v and_o ratify_v the_o late_a confession_n of_o faith_n with_o the_o large_a and_o short_a catechism_n which_o contain_v the_o sum_n and_o substance_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n the_o directory_n of_o worship_n and_o presbyterial_a church_n government_n and_o discipline_n all_o agreeable_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o former_o receive_v by_o the_o general_a consent_n of_o this_o nation_n and_o see_v prelacy_n and_o all_o who_o have_v enter_v under_o prelacy_n have_v be_v impose_v upon_o the_o church_n without_o her_o consent_n in_o any_o of_o her_o free_a general_n assembly_n and_o that_o presbyterial_a government_n can_v be_v secure_a in_o the_o hand_n of_o they_o who_o be_v of_o contrary_a principle_n 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
act_n of_o favour_n but_o of_o justice_n as_o if_o these_o minister_n have_v be_v unjust_o and_o illegal_o dispossess_v and_o now_o sir_n when_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v lay_v together_o so_o solemn_a a_o declaration_n the_o presbyterian_a minister_n so_o earnest_a petition_n and_o the_o parliament_n so_o public_a a_o act_n all_o conspire_v to_o represent_v that_o matter_n so_o very_o odious_a and_o unjust_a i_o hope_v it_o shall_v not_o be_v displease_v to_o you_o if_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v brief_o to_o set_v it_o in_o its_o due_a light_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o a_o good_a many_o of_o these_o minister_n be_v dispossess_v anno_fw-la 1662._o how_o many_o i_o confess_v i_o can_v tell_v exact_o but_o i_o doubt_v much_o if_o they_o be_v so_o many_o as_o they_o be_v common_o say_v to_o be_v i_o shall_v likewise_o grant_v that_o they_o be_v dispossess_v without_o either_o accusation_n or_o citation_n herein_o i_o acknowledge_v they_o speak_v truth_n and_o yet_o i_o doubt_v if_o you_o shall_v find_v so_o much_o as_o one_o jot_n of_o iniquity_n in_o their_o dispossession_n when_o it_o be_v consider_v impartial_o the_o case_n be_v true_o this_o as_o before_o the_o reformation_n of_o religion_n in_o this_o kingdom_n which_o as_o to_o its_o legal_a establishment_n be_v various_o date_v some_o reckon_n from_o the_o year_n 1560._o other_o from_o 1567._o patronage_n of_o church_n in_o this_o kingdom_n be_v in_o force_n so_o when_o the_o church_n be_v reform_v notwithstanding_o of_o all_o the_o change_n which_o be_v then_o and_o have_v be_v since_o our_o law_n do_v still_o continue_v they_o and_o no_o man_n be_v ever_o judge_v to_o have_v a_o legal_a title_n to_o any_o church_n or_o benefice_n unless_o he_o have_v a_o presentation_n from_o the_o patron_n and_o a_o collation_n from_o the_o bishop_n whilst_o episcopacy_n be_v the_o legal_a establishment_n which_o it_o continue_v to_o be_v for_o many_o year_n after_o the_o reformation_n without_o interruption_n or_o from_o a_o presbytery_n after_o presbyterian_a government_n begin_v to_o prevail_v and_o as_o this_o be_v still_o our_o law_n without_o any_o shadow_n of_o interruption_n so_o it_o be_v likewise_o the_o constant_a practice_n of_o the_o nation_n not_o only_o before_o the_o late_a presbyterian_a rebellion_n against_o king_n charles_n the_o first_o commence_v but_o even_o for_o a_o good_a number_n of_o year_n after_o that_o be_v till_o about_o the_o year_n 1646._o or_o 1647._o when_o the_o rebellion_n by_o divine_a permission_n turn_v prosperous_a and_o the_o king_n affair_n be_v reduce_v to_o a_o very_a low_a ebb_n and_o the_o presbyterian_a interest_n be_v in_o a_o very_a flourish_a condition_n till_o that_o time_n i_o say_v presentation_n by_o patron_n to_o church_n be_v in_o constant_a practice_n as_o well_o as_o warrant_v by_o law_n in_o this_o kingdom_n but_o then_o indeed_o the_o kirk-man_n sensible_a of_o their_o strength_n begin_v to_o adventure_v among_o other_o illegal_a usurpation_n to_o say_v no_o worse_o to_o take_v upon_o they_o the_o disposal_n of_o church_n and_o benefice_n by_o bring_v that_o cheat_n which_o they_o call_v popular_a election_n in_o vogue_n and_o presentation_n by_o patron_n in_o desuetude_n i_o call_v popular_a election_n a_o cheat_n for_o in_o effect_v it_o be_v no_o other_o and_o the_o poor_a delude_a populace_n have_v no_o more_o true_a power_n than_o before_o and_o minister_n be_v as_o much_o impose_v on_o they_o then_o as_o ever_o as_o may_v easy_o be_v make_v appear_v not_o only_o from_o the_o common_a method_n be_v then_o take_v in_o manage_v election_n but_o also_o from_o the_o express_a limitation_n and_o restriction_n with_o which_o even_o the_o general_a assembly_n clog_v they_o however_o the_o sound_n of_o the_o name_n for_o a_o while_n enchant_v the_o unthinking_a multitude_n and_o the_o party_n have_v a_o turn_n to_o serve_v by_o it_o and_o so_o it_o be_v push_v on_o with_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o zeal_n in_o many_o place_n without_o any_o considerable_a opposition_n as_o indeed_o who_o dare_v then_o adventure_v to_o oppose_v what_o the_o minister_n be_v for_o the_o party_n thus_o find_v their_o strength_n successful_a in_o so_o many_o single_a instance_n gather_v suitable_a degree_n of_o courage_n and_o pursue_v their_o design_n so_o effectual_o that_o at_o last_o they_o get_v patronage_n abolish_v and_o popular_a election_n set_v up_o by_o a_o certain_a meeting_n of_o some_o nobleman_n gentleman_n and_o burgess_n who_o be_v please_v to_o call_v themselves_o a_o parliament_n anno_fw-la 1649._o and_o this_o act_n of_o that_o pretend_a parliament_n if_o it_o even_o deserve_v that_o name_n be_v all_o the_o pretence_n of_o law_n that_o ever_o be_v for_o popular_a election_n in_o this_o church_n since_o the_o reformation_n but_o it_o be_v enough_o for_o the_o than_o kirk_n any_o shadow_n or_o colour_n of_o a_o pretext_n be_v still_o both_o law_n and_o gospel_n to_o they_o when_o it_o make_v for_o their_o purpose_n and_o according_o all_o the_o minister_n who_o be_v settle_v in_o any_o church_n after_o that_o time_n till_o the_o happy_a restitution_n of_o the_o monarchy_n that_o be_v for_o eleven_o or_o twelve_o year_n be_v promote_v after_o this_o new_a method_n no_o man_n i_o think_v can_v doubt_v but_o this_o be_v a_o palpable_a encroachment_n upon_o the_o right_n of_o patron_n and_o a_o trample_n on_o law_n and_o by_o consequence_n a_o thing_n that_o call_v loud_o for_o redress_n when_o the_o king_n be_v restore_v and_o the_o government_n begin_v to_o turn_v upon_o its_o proper_a hinge_n and_o so_o no_o wonder_n if_o the_o first_o parliament_n which_o be_v call_v by_o his_o majesty_n take_v notice_n of_o it_o as_o indeed_o they_o do_v in_o their_o first_o session_n which_o be_v hold_v anno_fw-la 1661._o for_o in_o that_o session_n two_o act_n be_v make_v which_o demonstrate_v that_o the_o parliament_n still_o look_v upon_o patronage_n as_o subsist_v by_o law_n notwithstanding_o the_o illegal_a interruption_n which_o have_v be_v make_v by_o the_o act_n of_o the_o pretend_a parliament_n in_o 1649._o for_o instance_n in_o act_n 36._o 1._o parl._n ch._n 2d_o session_n 1._o it_o be_v statute_v and_o ordain_v that_o all_o patron_n shall_v be_v careful_a in_o time_n come_v to_o grant_v presentation_n only_o to_o such_o as_o shall_v give_v sufficient_a evidence_n of_o their_o piety_n loyalty_n literature_n and_o peaceable_a disposition_n and_o who_o before_o they_o receive_v the_o presentation_n shall_v take_v the_o oath_n of_o allegiance_n etc._n etc._n and_o in_o that_o same_o act_n it_o be_v narrate_v that_o the_o king_n majesty_n have_v give_v a_o commission_n under_o the_o great_a seal_n as_o to_o all_o presentation_n to_o all_o parsonage_n vicarage_n and_o other_o benefice_n and_o kirk_n at_o his_o majesty_n presentation_n and_o all_o this_o without_o so_o much_o as_o once_o take_v notice_n of_o that_o act_n 1649._o and_o the_o 54th_o act_n of_o that_o same_o first_o session_n be_v altogether_o in_o favour_n of_o laic_a patron_n now_o both_o these_o act_n i_o say_v be_v make_v anno_fw-la 1661._o and_o so_o before_o episcopacy_n be_v restore_v which_o be_v not_o till_o may_n 1662._o which_o i_o observe_v because_o our_o present_a presbyterian_o in_o their_o so_o often_o name_v petition_n make_v the_o turn_n out_o of_o their_o minister_n anno_fw-la 1662._o one_o of_o the_o sad_a consequence_n of_o the_o erection_n of_o prelacy_n for_o see_v the_o parliament_n before_o the_o restitution_n of_o prelacy_n have_v consider_v patronage_n as_o still_o subsist_v by_o law_n as_o be_v evident_a from_o these_o two_o acts._n it_o be_v evident_a if_o they_o be_v to_o act_n consequential_o they_o can_v not_o forbear_v to_o make_v some_o such_o act_n as_o be_v make_v anno_fw-la 1662._o of_o which_o i_o shall_v instant_o give_v you_o a_o further_a account_n though_o episcopacy_n have_v never_o be_v establish_v nor_o can_v there_o be_v any_o imaginable_a difficulty_n to_o any_o man_n in_o this_o matter_n unless_o it_o be_v make_v a_o question_n whether_o the_o parliament_n when_o they_o thus_o suppose_a patronage_n as_o still_o subsist_v by_o law_n make_v a_o just_a supposition_n but_o that_o i_o think_v may_v be_v very_o soon_o determine_v for_o as_o i_o have_v say_v all_o the_o old_a law_n of_o the_o kingdom_n be_v positive_a for_o patronage_n only_o that_o act_n of_o the_o pretend_a parliament_n anno_fw-la 1649._o can_v be_v plead_v for_o popular_a election_n and_o what_o a_o parliament_n be_v that_o a_o convention_n of_o rebel_n who_o have_v presume_v to_o meet_v without_o be_v call_v by_o any_o authority_n except_o what_o they_o treasonable_o assume_v to_o themselves_o for_o all_o the_o world_n know_v that_o king_n charles_n the_o i._o at_o that_o time_n be_v dead_a i_o need_v not_o tell_v you_o how_o and_o king_n charles_n the_o ii_o be_v not_o within_o his_o dominion_n and_o be_v so_o far_o from_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
indeed_o it_o be_v not_o preach_v till_o after_o presbytery_n be_v establish_v and_o so_o you_o may_v think_v it_o be_v inartificial_o do_v to_o bring_v it_o in_o here_o but_o i_o have_v rather_o take_v a_o reproof_n for_o transgress_v the_o rule_n of_o history_n than_o not_o record_v the_o testimony_n of_o such_o a_o vigorous_a witness_n especial_o consider_v how_o notable_a it_o be_v for_o it_o be_v in_o real_a sense_n that_o christ_n be_v a_o martyr_n for_o presbyterian_a government_n his_o very_a word_n be_v these_o church-government_n be_v no_o light_a matter_n it_o be_v a_o ordinance_n of_o god_n the_o royal_a diadem_n of_o christ_n he_o be_v a_o martyr_n on_o this_o head_n it_o be_v his_o ditty_n on_o the_o cross._n joh._n 19_o 19_o jesus_n of_o nazareth_n king_n of_o the_o jew_n a_o wonderful_a sermon_n this_o be_v as_o ever_o you_o read_v i_o be_v once_o at_o the_o pain_n to_o number_v the_o particular_n he_o have_v amass_v in_o it_o and_o if_o my_o memory_n serve_v i_o they_o be_v about_o 180._o i_o have_v thus_o give_v you_o this_o taste_n of_o their_o sermon_n at_o once_o though_o it_o be_v not_o so_o exact_o agreeable_a to_o the_o true_a order_n of_o thing_n that_o you_o may_v have_v the_o full_a view_n of_o they_o and_o i_o may_v not_o be_v oblige_v to_o make_v so_o many_o interruption_n as_o another_o method_n will_v have_v require_v and_o by_o this_o sample_n you_o may_v judge_v both_o of_o the_o part_n and_o zeal_n of_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o brethren_n for_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v doubt_v but_o those_o who_o sermon_n be_v not_o judge_v accurate_a enough_o for_o the_o press_n be_v yet_o every_o whit_n as_o much_o heat_v with_o the_o holy_a fire_n according_a to_o the_o proportion_n of_o their_o capacity_n as_o these_o first_o rate-man_n but_o neither_o be_v all_o this_o yet_o enough_o for_o secure_v the_o precious_a interest_n it_o be_v necessary_a to_o set_v other_o tool_n also_o a_o go_v one_o there_o be_v which_o i_o believe_v have_v no_o inconsiderable_a influence_n there_o be_v a_o generation_n of_o female_a advocate_n belike_o some_o of_o they_o disciple_n of_o such_o as_o mr._n david_n williamson_n ladies_n and_o gentlewoman_n who_o come_v at_o that_o time_n and_o stay_v at_o edinburgh_n and_o make_v it_o their_o work_n by_o all_o imaginable_a way_n to_o influence_n the_o member_n of_o parliament_n into_o a_o zealous_a disposition_n to_o carry_v on_o the_o work_n there_o be_v also_o great_a throng_n of_o the_o preacher_n still_o in_o town_n who_o can_v not_o have_v any_o other_o business_n but_o to_o do_v what_o they_o can_v for_o advance_v the_o cause_n but_o i_o believe_v the_o holy_a sister_n the_o citizen_n wife_n and_o some_o of_o themselves_o too_o be_v as_o successful_a in_o make_v proselyte_n as_o the_o preacher_n for_o they_o have_v better_a occasion_n to_o traffic_v with_o such_o of_o the_o member_n as_o stay_v at_o their_o house_n or_o be_v of_o their_o acquaintance_n and_o beside_o they_o have_v other_o shilling_n in_o great_a readiness_n to_o give_v for_o a_o pint_n of_o sack_n and_o that_o go_v very_o far_o with_o well_o dispose_v people_n after_o all_o these_o there_o be_v a_o certain_a company_n of_o planet_n little_a luminary_n member_n of_o parliament_n some_o of_o who_o i_o can_v name_v if_o it_o be_v needful_a who_o make_v it_o their_o trade_n early_o and_o late_o in_o season_n and_o out_o of_o season_n in_o all_o company_n and_o on_o all_o occasion_n to_o vex_v the_o more_o intelligent_a and_o to_o fright_v the_o less_o discern_v and_o very_o many_o be_v such_o into_o a_o forwardness_n for_o presbytery_n nay_o more_o yet_o it_o be_v confident_o talk_v that_o not_o a_o few_o of_o the_o mean_a sort_n of_o member_n get_v money_n and_o be_v keep_v upon_o pension_n that_o they_o may_v be_v serviceable_a by_o these_o and_o other_o such_o art_n be_v the_o cause_n carry_v on_o and_o no_o method_n be_v leave_v unessay_v till_o a_o competent_a number_n of_o vote_n be_v secure_v for_o every_o thing_n that_o the_o commissioner_n intend_v while_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n the_o club_n be_v entire_o break_v and_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o kingdom_n who_o be_v of_o other_o principle_n find_v themselves_o oblige_v to_o live_v quiet_o and_o wait_v a_o more_o proper_a season_n for_o diligence_n and_o action_n and_o so_o much_o for_o the_o first_o part_n of_o my_o undertake_n come_v we_o now_o to_o the_o second_o which_o be_v to_o give_v you_o a_o brief_a account_n how_o this_o act_n be_v prepare_v debate_v vote_v and_o at_o last_o get_v the_o royal_a assent_n in_o the_o house_n it_o be_v introduce_v according_a to_o its_o quality_n by_o the_o earl_n of_o sutherland_n who_o present_v a_o act_n to_o the_o house_n concern_v it_o upon_o the_o day_n of_o i_o have_v see_v a_o copy_n of_o it_o and_o think_v once_o upon_o transcribe_v it_o for_o your_o use_n but_o it_o be_v tedious_o long_a and_o coarse_o word_v and_o it_o contain_v little_o more_o than_o what_o you_o have_v 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 levingston_n william_n heggins_n l._n cardross_n laird_n of_o brodie_n james_n kenman_n l._n carmichael_n laird_n of_o dalfoilly_n patrick_n mordock_n all_o of_o the_o true_a stamp_n except_o the_o laird_n of_o levingston_n who_o it_o be_v think_v be_v name_v mere_o for_o show_v or_o that_o it_o may_v not_o be_v say_v they_o be_v all_o presbyterian_o beside_o these_o first_o eighteen_o i_o think_v other_o two_o be_v add_v afterward_o but_o i_o have_v forget_v their_o name_n this_o committee_n meet_v very_o often_o and_o common_o they_o have_v some_o of_o the_o lead_a minister_n with_o they_o for_o advice_n at_o last_o after_o many_o a_o hour_n and_o much_o pain_n spend_v about_o it_o it_o be_v return_v by_o the_o committee_n to_o the_o house_n on_o friday_n the_o 23d_o of_o may_n more_o brief_o and_o distinct_o digest_v indeed_o and_o much_o more_o smooth_o word_v and_o yet_o without_o any_o substantial_a alteration_n or_o difference_n betwixt_o it_o and_o the_o e._n of_o sutherland_n 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 church_n and_o kingdom_n in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o settle_v and_o secure_v therein_o the_o true_a protestant_a religion_n according_a to_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n word_n as_o it_o have_v of_o a_o long_a time_n be_v profess_v within_o this_o land_n as_o also_o the_o government_n of_o christ_n '_o s_o church_n within_o this_o nation_n agreeable_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o most_o conducive_a to_o the_o advancement_n of_o true_a piety_n and_o godliness_n and_o the_o establish_n of_o peace_n and_o tranquillity_n within_o this_o realm_n and_o that_o by_o a_o article_n of_o the_o claim_n of_o right_n it_o be_v declare_v that_o prelacy_n and_o the_o superiority_n of_o any_o office_n in_o the_o church_n above_o presbyter_n be_v and_o have_v be_v a_o great_a and_o unsupportable_a grte_n vance_v and_o trouble_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
that_o all_o who_o own_v the_o civil_a government_n and_o be_v willing_a to_o continue_v in_o their_o charge_n without_o bishop_n may_v have_v be_v oblige_v to_o live_v peaceable_o together_o and_o carry_v on_o the_o common_a work_n of_o the_o ministry_n but_o it_o seem_v the_o parliament_n be_v resolute_a to_o support_v a_o party_n but_o enough_o of_o this_o there_o be_v some_o dispute_n also_o about_o a_o clause_n which_o be_v in_o the_o act_n as_o it_o be_v prepare_v by_o the_o committee_n in_o that_o article_n which_o grant_v the_o power_n to_o the_o presbyterian_a minister_n and_o elder_n even_o before_o the_o general_n assembly_n shall_v meet_v to_o appoint_v and_o keep_v visitation_n for_o try_v and_o purge_v out_o all_o insufficient_a negligent_a scandalous_a and_o erroneous_a minister_n that_o be_v all_o who_o be_v void_a of_o the_o grace_n of_o presbyterianism_n by_o due_a course_n of_o ecclesiastical_a process_n and_o censure_n and_o redress_v all_o other_o church-disorder_n for_o here_o it_o be_v subjoin_v to_o all_o which_o censure_v the_o civil_a sanction_n be_v hereby_o interpose_v about_o this_o clause_n i_o say_v there_o be_v some_o dispute_n but_o it_o last_v not_o long_o for_o the_o duke_n of_o hamilton_n his_o reason_v prevail_v which_o be_v that_o that_o clause_n must_v necessary_o import_v a_o implicit_a faith_n in_o the_o presbyterian_a minister_n inerrability_n for_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o they_o may_v judge_v wrong_a shall_v the_o civil_a sanction_n for_o all_o that_o be_v still_o interpose_v how_o strange_a will_v that_o be_v and_o what_o may_v be_v its_o consequence_n so_o that_o clause_n as_o you_o see_v be_v expunge_v indeed_o the_o civil_a sanction_n have_v be_v interpose_v very_o laudable_o many_o a_o time_n since_o if_o that_o clause_n have_v be_v retain_v and_o many_o a_o sweet_a sentence_n have_v it_o back_v but_o it_o be_v no_o part_n of_o my_o present_a task_n to_o meddle_v with_o these_o i_o may_v insist_v upon_o a_o great_a many_o other_o thing_n which_o breed_v no_o little_a dispute_n such_o as_o the_o king_n power_n in_o ecclesiastical_a matter_n and_o especial_o in_o call_v and_o dissolve_v general_a assembly_n etc._n etc._n the_o duke_n of_o hamilton_n and_o sir_n john_n dalrymple_n be_v advocate_n for_o the_o prerogative_n of_o the_o king_n and_o sir_n james_n montgomery_n of_o skelmurly_a and_o other_o for_o the_o prerogative_n of_o the_o kirk_n it_o be_v a_o nice_a point_n and_o vast_a harangue_n be_v make_v on_o both_o side_n it_o be_v debate_v all_o the_o three_o day_n i._n e._n the_o 23._o 26_o and_o 28_o of_o may_n and_o at_o last_o leave_v in_o sufficient_a obscurity_n but_o to_o be_v brief_a i_o will_v only_o insist_v on_o one_o article_n more_o which_o deserve_v a_o little_a more_o full_o to_o be_v represent_v it_o be_v that_o famous_a article_n in_o the_o act_n concern_v the_o rable_v minister_n i_o think_v i_o need_v not_o tell_v you_o how_o they_o be_v turn_v out_o of_o their_o church_n by_o force_n and_o tumult_n about_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o late_a revolution_n nor_o how_o they_o be_v direct_o exclude_v the_o protection_n of_o the_o government_n by_o that_o admirable_a proclamation_n of_o the_o meeting_n of_o estate_n date_a april_n 13._o anno_fw-la 1689._o these_o thing_n and_o many_o more_o which_o concern_v these_o poor_a people_n you_o can_v be_v ignorant_a of_o if_o you_o have_v ever_o read_v the_o four_o letter_n or_o the_o case_n of_o the_o present_a afflict_a clergy_n in_o scotland_n and_o sure_o i_o be_o any_o man_n that_o understand_v how_o they_o be_v treat_v in_o that_o wonderful_a year_n 1689._o can_v but_o think_v they_o meet_v with_o very_o hard_a measure_n yet_o for_o all_o that_o they_o have_v still_o some_o hope_n of_o redress_n for_o they_o can_v not_o believe_v but_o the_o government_n sometime_o or_o other_o will_v take_v their_o case_n to_o consideration_n and_o do_v they_o something_o like_o justice_n in_o this_o faith_n i_o say_v they_o live_v till_o this_o act_n be_v form_v so_o that_o when_o they_o hear_v of_o the_o article_n that_o concern_v their_o case_n it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o they_o be_v sad_o dishearten_v as_o indeed_o they_o be_v to_o such_o a_o degree_n that_o the_o most_o part_n of_o they_o who_o be_v then_o at_o edinburgh_n have_v once_o very_o near_o resolve_v calm_o and_o silent_o to_o sit_v still_o and_o receive_v the_o blow_n which_o be_v design_v they_o without_o ever_o give_v the_o parliament_n the_o trouble_n of_o any_o address_n or_o petition_n yet_o after_o the_o first_o consternation_n be_v over_o i_o know_v not_o how_o but_o some_o of_o they_o collect_v so_o much_o courage_n as_o to_o think_v of_o give_v in_o a_o petition_n which_o may_v represent_v their_o case_n and_o crave_v a_o remedy_n what_o say_v they_o may_v the_o world_n think_v of_o we_o how_o may_v it_o condemn_v we_o of_o a_o unaccountable_a negligence_n if_o have_v receive_v such_o notorious_a injury_n we_o shall_v seek_v no_o redress_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v suppose_v but_o a_o parliament_n which_o call_v itself_o christian_n will_v show_v at_o least_o that_o they_o be_v so_o much_o man_n as_o to_o pity_v our_o case_n when_o it_o be_v represent_v to_o they_o but_o if_o they_o will_v not_o if_o they_o shall_v take_v no_o notice_n of_o such_o oppression_n if_o the_o worst_a shall_v happen_v if_o they_o shall_v make_v such_o a_o act_n as_o be_v now_o before_o they_o it_o be_v no_o great_a loss_n to_o lose_v the_o pain_n of_o draw_v a_o petition_n one_o effect_n it_o can_v miss_v to_o have_v which_o will_v easy_o counterbalance_v all_o that_o expense_n it_o will_v put_v a_o thorn_n in_o their_o foot_n and_o be_v a_o witness_n against_o they_o and_o render_v they_o inexcusable_a before_o the_o world_n if_o they_o make_v such_o a_o act_n concern_v we_o have_v reason_v with_o themselves_o after_o this_o manner_n i_o say_v upon_o saturday_n the_o 24_o of_o may_v some_o of_o they_o meet_v and_o resolve_v upon_o this_o form_n which_o because_o it_o contain_v the_o true_a state_n of_o their_o case_n in_o few_o word_n i_o will_v here_o thanscribe_v as_o follow_v unto_o his_o grace_n their_o majesty_n commissioner_n and_o the_o honourable_a estate_n of_o parliament_n the_o petition_n of_o the_o minister_n who_o be_v thrust_v from_o their_o church_n by_o force_n and_o violence_n in_o december_n 1688._o or_o at_o any_o time_n thereafter_o before_o the_o 13_o day_n of_o april_n 1689._o humble_o show_v whereas_o your_o petitioner_n though_o they_o enter_v to_o their_o office_n and_o benefice_n at_o their_o respective_a church_n according_a to_o law_n and_o be_v in_o uncontroverted_a possession_n of_o they_o be_v thrust_v from_o these_o their_o office_n and_o cure_n by_o notorious_a force_n and_o violence_n cast_v out_o of_o their_o dwelling_n with_o their_o family_n and_o furniture_n and_o threaten_v with_o death_n if_o they_o shall_v offer_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 upon_o such_o violent_a treatment_n make_v application_n to_o his_o present_a majesty_n then_o his_o highness_n the_o prince_n of_o orange_n who_o at_o the_o humble_a desire_n of_o divers_a lord_n and_o gentleman_n of_o this_o kingdom_n have_v then_o take_v upon_o he_o the_o government_n and_o administration_n of_o the_o affair_n of_o this_o realm_n by_o their_o humble_a petition_n for_o protection_n of_o the_o date_n at_o glasgow_n the_o 22d_o of_o january_n 1688_o 9_o present_v to_o his_o majesty_n by_o dr._n robert_n scott_n minister_n at_o hamilton_n impower_v by_o your_o petitioner_n for_o that_o effect_n as_o will_v appear_v from_o his_o commission_n of_o the_o same_o date_n and_o upon_o that_o application_n his_o majesty_n do_v emit_v a_o declaration_n for_o keep_v the_o peace_n etc._n etc._n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o scotland_n of_o the_o date_n at_o st._n james_n '_o be_v the_o 6_o day_n of_o february_n 1688_o 9_o whereby_o he_o do_v express_o prohibit_v all_o disturbance_n and_o violence_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o religion_n and_o authorize_v all_o protestant_n to_o enjoy_v their_o several_a opinion_n and_o form_n of_o worship_n whether_o in_o church_n or_o meeting-house_n whether_o according_a to_o law_n or_o otherways_o with_o the_o same_o freedom_n and_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n in_o which_o they_o do_v enjoy_v they_o in_o the_o month_n of_o october_n precede_v as_o the_o say_a declaration_n at_o more_o length_n bear_v whereby_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o his_o majesty_n and_o his_o counsellor_n and_o adviser_n for_o scotish_n affair_n at_o that_o time_n be_v clear_o convince_v of_o the_o violent_a wrong_n your_o petitioner_n have_v meet_v with_o and_o of_o the_o irregularity_n and_o illegality_n thereof_o whereas_o notwithstanding_o the_o say_a declaration_n the_o persecution_n of_o your_o petitioner_n continue_v as_o
hot_a as_o ever_o as_o be_v evident_a from_o a_o second_o tumult_n at_o glasgow_n upon_o the_o 17_o day_n of_o february_n and_o year_n abovesaid_a be_v the_o lord_n day_n on_o which_o both_o minister_n and_o hearer_n have_v assemble_v for_o divine_a worship_n according_a to_o law_n and_o upon_o the_o protection_n and_o security_n contain_v in_o the_o say_a declaration_n be_v most_o violent_o assault_v by_o a_o enrage_a multitude_n in_o the_o high_a church_n of_o that_o city_n and_o a_o great_a many_o other_o instance_n which_o may_v be_v easy_o adduce_v and_o a_o representation_n of_o that_o tumult_n in_o glasgow_n and_o a_o second_o application_n for_o protection_n be_v make_v to_o his_o majesty_n by_o dr._n james_n fall_v principal_a of_o the_o college_n of_o glasgow_n and_o his_o majesty_n refer_v the_o matter_n to_o the_o meeting_n of_o estate_n indict_v by_o he_o to_o sit_v at_o edinburgh_n the_o 14_o of_o march_n and_o year_n aforesaid_a whereas_o the_o say_v meet_v of_o estate_n 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 council_n date_v december_n the_o 24_o 1689._o whereby_o intimation_n be_v make_v to_o all_o judge_n that_o the_o case_n of_o the_o minister_n who_o be_v not_o in_o the_o actual_a exercise_n of_o their_o ministerial_a function_n the_o 13_o of_o april_n 1689._o lie_v under_o the_o consideration_n of_o parliament_n and_o they_o be_v require_v in_o execute_v of_o sentence_n already_o recover_v and_o in_o judge_v of_o process_n to_o be_v intent_a at_o the_o instance_n of_o such_o minister_n to_o behave_v themselves_o as_o they_o will_v be_v answerable_a which_o act_n not_o only_o the_o debior_n of_o your_o petitioner_n stipend_n pretend_v for_o not_o pay_v the_o same_o as_o say_v be_v but_o also_o many_o inferior_a judge_n do_v so_o construct_v that_o they_o will_v grant_v no_o decree_n in_o favour_n of_o your_o petitioner_n and_o whereas_o by_o the_o law_n of_o this_o realm_n your_o petitioner_n be_v minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n and_o have_v enter_v legal_o to_o their_o 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 the_o day_n on_o which_o the_o whole_a act_n be_v vote_v but_o before_o i_o come_v to_o the_o work_n of_o that_o day_n i_o must_v give_v you_o a_o account_n of_o some_o skirmishing_n have_v be_v concern_v it_o on_o friday_n the_o 23d_o for_o the_o duke_n of_o hamilton_n obtain_v no_o less_o than_o three_o amendment_n in_o that_o article_n that_o day_n which_o that_o you_o may_v the_o better_o understand_v i_o will_v set_v down_o the_o article_n as_o it_o be_v prepare_v by_o the_o committee_n and_o then_o tell_v you_o brief_o upon_o what_o reason_n the_o amendment_n be_v make_v the_o article_n as_o it_o be_v prepare_v by_o the_o committee_n run_v thus_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 their_o church_n precede_v the_o 13_o of_o april_n 1689._o and_o aught_o not_o to_o be_v repone_v 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 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 from_o arbitrary_a power_n to_o secure_v liberty_n and_o property_n as_o well_o as_o religion_n but_o how_o be_v it_o consistent_a with_o this_o to_o deprive_v so_o many_o protestant_a minister_n of_o their_o church_n and_o live_n for_o no_o imaginable_a reason_n in_o law_n or_o equity_n beside_o when_o first_o the_o government_n of_o this_o kingdom_n be_v transfer_v on_o his_o majesty_n do_v he_o not_o receive_v these_o man_n into_o his_o protection_n by_o his_o declaration_n date_v february_n the_o 6_o 1688_o 9_o but_o how_o be_v it_o consistent_a with_o the_o common_a protection_n due_a to_o subject_n to_o deprive_v they_o of_o their_o undoubted_a right_n so_o very_o arbitrary_o these_o and_o many_o other_o such_o unanswerable_a argument_n do_v his_o grace_n insist_v on_o neither_o do_v any_o one_o man_n so_o much_o as_o once_o offer_v at_o show_v how_o such_o a_o thing_n can_v consist_v with_o law_n justice_n or_o reason_n while_o the_o duke_n be_v thus_o plead_v sir_n patrick_n 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
ministry_n in_o their_o own_o church_n yet_o have_v adventure_v to_o preach_v in_o neighbour_a church_n and_o for_o this_o they_o pretend_v they_o be_v only_o deprive_v of_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o ministry_n at_o such_o a_o place_n the_o council_n though_o it_o have_v deprive_v they_o have_v not_o unminister_v they_o it_o be_v still_o lawful_a for_o they_o to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n when_o they_o have_v occasion_n and_o as_o they_o think_v they_o have_v but_o too_o much_o of_o that_o consider_v how_o many_o vacancy_n be_v make_v and_o how_o few_o of_o these_o church_n be_v plant_v so_o very_o few_o that_o in_o many_o corner_n of_o the_o country_n you_o shall_v have_v find_v six_o eight_o ten_o church_n all_o empty_a in_o one_o neighbourhood_n beside_o as_o they_o still_o pretend_v they_o preach_v nothing_o but_o the_o solid_a and_o substantial_a point_n of_o christianity_n faith_n and_o repentance_n etc._n etc._n they_o do_v not_o meddle_v with_o crown_n and_o sceptre_n and_o government_n but_o make_v it_o their_o work_n to_o persuade_v people_n to_o a_o sober_a righteous_a and_o godly_a life_n however_o this_o irritate_v the_o government_n or_o at_o least_o the_o presbyterian_a party_n in_o the_o government_n exceed_o and_o therefore_o upon_o the_o 22_o of_o july_n 1690._o this_o act_n mass_fw-mi wade_v about_o they_o the_o estate_n of_o parliament_n take_v into_o their_o consideration_n that_o several_a minister_n deprive_v for_o not_o pray_v public_o for_o king_n william_n and_o queen_n mary_n as_o king_n and_o queen_n of_o this_o realm_n and_o not_o read_v the_o proclamation_n of_o the_o estate_n emit_v upon_o the_o 13_o of_o april_n 1689._o for_o that_o effect_n be_v up_o their_o sentence_n of_o deprivation_n express_o prohibit_v to_o exercise_v any_o part_n of_o their_o ministerial_a function_n within_o the_o parish_n from_o which_o they_o be_v deprive_v do_v nevertheless_o now_o far_o more_o pernicious_o and_o dangerous_o diffuse_v the_o poison_n of_o their_o disaffection_n by_o take_v the_o liberty_n to_o preach_v and_o pray_v at_o other_o church_n and_o elsewhere_o where_o they_o neglect_v to_o pray_v for_o king_n william_n and_o queen_n mary_n in_o manner_n enjoin_v by_o the_o say_a proclamation_n to_o the_o manifest_a contempt_n of_o public_a authority_n and_o the_o stirrrng_a up_o and_o foment_v the_o disaffection_n of_o the_o people_n to_o their_o majesty_n and_o the_o present_a government_n and_o the_o encouragement_n of_o all_o their_o enemy_n therefore_o our_o sovereign_a lord_n and_o lady_n the_o king_n and_o queen_n majesty_n with_o advice_n and_o consent_n of_o the_o say_a estate_n of_o parliament_n do_v hereby_o prohibit_v and_o discharge_v the_o whole_a foresay_a minister_n deprive_v as_o say_v be_v to_o preach_v or_o exercise_v any_o part_n of_o the_o ministerial_a function_n either_o in_o church_n or_o elsewhere_o upon_o any_o pretext_n whatsoever_o until_o first_o they_o present_v themselves_o before_o the_o lord_n of_o their_o majesty_n secret_a council_n and_o there_o in_o presence_n of_o the_o lord_n thereof_o cake_n swear_v and_o subscribe_v the_o oath_n of_o allegiance_n and_o also_o engage_v themselves_o under_o their_o hand_n to_o pray_v for_o king_n william_n and_o queen_n mary_n as_o king_n and_o queen_n of_o this_o realm_n and_o not_o to_o own_o or_o acknowledge_v the_o late_a k._n james_n the_o seven_o for_o their_o king_n in_o any_o sort_n conform_v to_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o say_a proclamation_n certify_v such_o minister_n as_o shall_v do_v in_o the_o contrary_a that_o they_o shall_v be_v proceed_v against_o as_o person_n disaffect_v &_o enemy_n to_o their_o majesty_n government_n with_o all_o rigour_n and_o further_o their_o majesty_n with_o advice_n and_o consent_n foresay_a ordain_v the_o say_a proclamation_n and_o act_n of_o the_o estate_n of_o the_o kingdom_n to_o be_v put_v to_o further_a execution_n against_o all_o such_o minister_n who_o have_v not_o as_o yet_o give_v obedience_n thereto_o by_o pray_v for_o their_o majesty_n in_o manner_n foresay_a and_o that_o the_o lord_n of_o their_o majesty_n privy_a council_n proceed_v therein_o or_o empower_v the_o sheriff_n or_o magistrate_n of_o burgh_n to_o do_v the_o same_o within_o their_o respective_a bound_n as_o they_o shall_v see_v cause_n neither_o be_v this_o thought_n enough_o for_o within_o a_o few_o day_n after_o another_o act_n be_v make_v against_o the_o distinction_n of_o de_fw-fr jure_fw-la and_o de_fw-fr facto_fw-la and_o appoint_v a_o certain_a declaration_n which_o they_o call_v the_o assurance_n to_o be_v take_v by_o every_o person_n in_o public_a employment_n and_o among_o the_o rest_n the_o deprive_v minister_n for_o it_o be_v a_o express_a clause_n in_o the_o act_n that_o all_o shall_v take_v it_o who_o be_v oblige_v by_o law_n to_o swear_v the_o oath_n of_o allegiance_n to_o their_o majesty_n i_o be_o now_o almost_o weary_v and_o therefore_o i_o can_v be_v at_o pain_n to_o transcribe_v that_o act_n of_o parliament_n but_o i_o be_o afraid_a you_o may_v be_v angry_a if_o you_o get_v not_o a_o copy_n of_o the_o assurance_n and_o therefore_o take_v it_o as_o follow_v jab_n do_v in_o the_o sincerity_n of_o my_o heart_n assent_n acknowledge_v and_o declare_v that_o their_o majesty_n king_n william_n and_o queen_n mary_n be_v the_o only_a lawful_a undoubted_a sovereign_n king_n and_o queen_n of_o scotland_n as_o well_o de_fw-fr jure_fw-la as_o de_fw-fr facto_fw-la and_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o government_n and_o therefore_o i_o do_v sincere_o and_o faithful_o promise_v and_o engage_v that_o i_o will_v with_o heart_n and_o hand_n life_n and_o good_n maintain_v and_o defend_v their_o majesty_n title_n and_o government_n against_o the_o late_a king_n james_n his_o adherent_n and_o all_o other_o enemy_n who_o either_o by_o open_a or_o secret_a attempt_n shall_v disturb_v or_o disquiet_v their_o majesty_n in_o the_o exercise_n thereof_o thus_o the_o parliament_n think_v fit_a to_o seeure_n their_o majesty_n government_n by_o explode_v that_o pitiful_a distinction_n of_o de_fw-fr jure_fw-la and_o de_fw-fr facto_fw-la rational_o sure_a and_o consequential_o for_o in_o a_o kingdom_n where_o the_o government_n be_v incontrovertible_o monarchical_a and_o hereditary_a such_o as_o scotland_n be_v how_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o one_o can_v be_v king_n de_fw-fr facto_fw-la if_o he_o be_v not_o first_o such_o de_fw-fr jure_fw-la a_o usurper_n he_o may_v be_v but_o can_v never_o be_v a_o king_n a_o king_n in_o such_o a_o constitution_n be_v necessary_o nomen_fw-la juris_fw-la but_o to_o let_v this_o pass_v because_o it_o be_v no_o part_n of_o my_o present_n concern_v be_v not_o our_o non-complyers_a our_o non-reader_n and_o non-prayer_n our_o clergyman_n who_o be_v deprive_v anno_fw-la 1689_o pretty_a well_o take_v notice_n of_o by_o these_o two_o act_n of_o parliament_n i_o believe_v you_o will_v not_o ready_o imagine_v that_o many_o of_o they_o will_v incline_v to_o qualify_v themselves_o according_a to_o these_o law_n for_o the_o further_a exercise_n of_o their_o ministry_n neither_o indeed_o so_o far_o as_o i_o can_v learn_v have_v one_o of_o they_o do_v it_o in_o all_o the_o kingdom_n they_o be_v force_v therefore_o to_o choose_v the_o other_o side_n of_o the_o alternative_a and_o cease_v from_o the_o public_a exercise_n of_o their_o ministry_n either_o in_o church_n or_o elsewhere_o and_o do_v so_o for_o a_o certain_a time_n that_o they_o look_v about_o they_o and_o consider_v a_o little_a better_o and_o then_o in_o several_a place_n they_o adventure_v to_o have_v divine_a worship_n somewhat_o public_o in_o their_o own_o house_n that_o be_v they_o pray_v and_o sing_v psalm_n according_a to_o the_o scottish_a fashion_n and_o also_o give_v their_o family_n a_o sermon_n but_o so_o as_o they_o do_v not_o shut_v their_o gate_n but_o leave_v they_o open_a that_o whosoever_o please_v may_v meet_v with_o they_o this_o give_v mighty_a provocation_n to_o the_o presbyterian_a preacher_n for_o wherever_o this_o be_v do_v it_o empty_v their_o convinticle_n of_o a_o great_a many_o of_o the_o common_a sort_n and_o beside_o the_o gentry_n general_o flock_v to_o these_o private_a meeting_n of_o the_o deprive_a man_n which_o be_v a_o unsupportable_a grievance_n and_o trouble_v to_o the_o brethren_n for_o so_o long_o as_o that_o be_v the_o guise_n they_o conclude_v it_o will_v be_v impossible_a their_o interest_n what_o ever_o pretence_n of_o law_n they_o may_v have_v on_o their_o side_n can_v be_v secure_v but_o what_o remedy_n be_v proper_a for_o such_o a_o dangerous_a disease_n shall_v they_o cite_v they_o before_o their_o presbytery_n or_o synod_n and_o enter_v in_o ecclesiastical_a process_n against_o they_o but_o that_o will_v be_v to_o no_o purpose_n for_o they_o will_v be_v sure_a not_o to_o appear_v and_o if_o the_o pursuit_n shall_v proceed_v to_o the_o outmost_a if_o they_o shall_v excommunicate_v they_o nothing_o will_v be_v gain_v for_o the_o sting_n be_v