must_v not_o choose_v any_o to_o be_v commissioner_n to_o a_o general_n assembly_n that_o teach_v doctrine_n contrary_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o kirk_n agreeable_a thereunto_o and_o therefore_o if_o a_o commission_n of_o the_o gen._n assembly_n or_o any_o other_o kirk_n judicatory_a according_a to_o their_o interest_n perceive_v minister_n throughout_o the_o kirk_n teach_v contrary_a to_o the_o truth_n or_o practise_v to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n shall_v writ_v to_o presbytery_n desire_v they_o not_o to_o choose_v any_o such_o commissioner_n to_o a_o general_n assembly_n this_o be_v no_o undue_a pre-limitation_n or_o prejudging_a their_o liberty_n in_o election_n but_o a_o necessary_a and_o lawful_a warning_n putt_v they_o in_o mind_n of_o and_o stir_v they_o to_o a_o duty_n whereunto_o they_o be_v bind_v though_o no_o such_o direction_n be_v send_v to_o they_o this_o lay_v down_o in_o general_a as_o to_o that_o act_n and_o letter_n of_o the_o late_a commission_n send_v to_o presbytery_n we_o say_v first_o that_o the_o commission_n do_v nothing_o therein_o but_o that_o which_o other_o kirk-meeting_n and_o commission_n have_v do_v before_o they_o in_o the_o same_o matter_n in_o relation_n to_o the_o election_n of_o commissioner_n to_o the_o general_n assembly_n all_o which_o must_v fall_v unto_o the_o ground_n as_o null_n unfree_a and_o unlall_a if_o the_o late_a general_n assembly_n be_v unfree_a and_o unlawful_a in_o its_o constitution_n upon_o this_o account_n we_o must_v look_v back_o to_o the_o general_n assembly_n at_o glasgow_n 38._o itself_o what_o direction_n be_v send_v from_o the_o table_n then_o at_o edinburgh_n in_o relation_n to_o elect_a commissioner_n thereunto_o next_o we_o must_v refer_v also_o to_o the_o letter_n send_v to_o presbytery_n by_o the_o kirk_n commission_n annis_fw-la 1639._o 40._o 41._o concern_v commission_n to_o brethren_n to_o these_o general_n assembly_n all_o which_o be_v yet_o extant_a in_o presbytery_n book_n but_o we_o shall_v content_v ourselves_o to_o hold_v near_o hand_n the_o late_a commission_n do_v nothing_o but_o what_o the_o commission_n do_v in_o the_o year_n 48._o wherein_n the_o chief_a protester_n have_v a_o chief_a hand_n and_o yet_o maintain_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o that_o deed_n and_o the_o freedom_n and_o lawfulness_n of_o the_o constitution_n of_o that_o assembly_n that_o follow_v thereupon_o to_o this_o the_o writer_n of_o the_o large_a paper_n repli_v sundry_a thing_n in_o answer_n to_o objection_n 1._o but_o nothing_o to_o take_v away_o the_o force_n thereof_o first_o he_o hint_n at_o two_o difference_n between_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o as_o he_o will_v have_v the_o reader_n think_v he_o may_v make_v use_n of_o but_o pass_v by_o as_o have_v to_o say_v beside_o to_o say_v nothing_o say_v he_o of_o the_o difference_n of_o reference_n and_o citation_n neither_o yet_o of_o the_o difference_n of_o a_o letter_n and_o act_n import_v that_o there_o be_v a_o considerable_a difference_n between_o these_o thing_n and_o that_o the_o commission_n 48._o appoint_a person_n dissentient_a from_o they_o only_o to_o be_v refer_v and_o do_v send_v a_o letter_n only_o whereas_o the_o commission_n 50._o make_v a_o act_n also_o and_o appoint_v person_n also_o to_o be_v cite_v to_o the_o general_n assembly_n to_o which_o we_o oppone_v first_o the_o difference_n between_o a_o citation_n and_o a_o reference_n when_o the_o reference_n of_o a_o person_n to_o be_v try_v and_o judge_v on_o a_o fault_n and_o the_o person_n be_v present_a at_o the_o reference_n be_v just_a nothing_o see_v assembly_n 1643._o session_n 2._o aug._n 3._o overture_n anent_o bill_n etc._n etc._n and_o i_o desire_v the_o writer_n to_o say_v if_o it_o be_v not_o the_o purpose_n of_o the_o commission_n 48._o when_o they_o do_v require_v presbytery_n to_o refer_v such_o to_o the_o gen._n assembly_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v lay_v on_o they_o a_o obligation_n legal_a to_o compear_v personal_o before_o the_o gen._n assembly_n for_o trial_n and_o sentence_n upon_o they_o and_o what_o else_o be_v the_o end_n of_o a_o citation_n and_o summons_n nor_o yet_o be_v the_o more_o difference_n betwixt_o the_o act_n of_o the_o commission_n and_o person_n to_o be_v refer_v or_o cite_v by_o presbytery_n and_o a_o letter_n require_v it_o to_o be_v do_v for_o be_v there_o not_o a_o act_n for_o such_o a_o letter_n and_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o and_o have_v the_o letter_n itself_o the_o force_n of_o a_o act_n will_v not_o the_o refuse_v of_o what_o be_v desire_v be_v count_v disobedience_n to_o the_o commission_n but_o it_o seem_v the_o writer_n memory_n have_v fail_v here_o behold_v a_o act_n in_o terminis_fw-la as_o it_o stand_v registrate_n in_o the_o commission_n book_n the_o 5._o of_o june_n 1648._o the_o commission_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n recommend_v earnest_o to_o presbytery_n to_o take_v special_a notice_n of_o every_o brother_n carriage_n in_o the_o public_a business_n that_o if_o any_o be_v find_v that_o do_v not_o declare_v themselves_o against_a the_o present_a malignant_a course_n nor_o join_v with_o their_o brethren_n in_o the_o common_a resolution_n thereof_o they_o be_v refer_v to_o the_o next_o general_n assembly_n and_o if_o any_o of_o they_o have_v already_o declare_v for_o it_o that_o they_o be_v present_o censure_v fic_z sub_fw-la andrew_n ker._n this_o may_v make_v we_o doubt_v the_o more_o of_o alledgance_n of_o this_o kind_n afterward_o in_o matter_n of_o fact_n when_o we_o see_v not_o clear_a and_o circumstantiat_fw-la testimony_n of_o register_n bring_v forth_o review_n in_o answer_n to_o what_o be_v here_o say_v by_o the_o author_n i_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o election_n of_o commissioner_n in_o presbytery_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v such_o as_o be_v bound_v with_o no_o limitation_n and_o that_o if_o any_o commission_n of_o a_o general_n assembly_n or_o any_o other_o church_n judicatory_a according_a to_o their_o interest_n perceive_v minister_n throughout_o the_o church_n teach_v contrary_a or_o practise_v to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o the_o truth_n shall_v write_v to_o presbytery_n desire_v not_o to_o choose_v any_o such_o commissioner_n to_o a_o general_n assembly_n this_o be_v no_o undue_a pre-limitation_n or_o prejudging_a their_o liberty_n in_o election_n i_o believe_v that_o none_o of_o the_o protester_n will_v differ_v from_o the_o author_n in_o this_o that_o presbytery_n ought_v not_o to_o choose_v any_o to_o be_v commissioner_n that_o teach_v doctrine_n contrary_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o kirk_n agreeable_a thereto_o and_o if_o the_o commission_n in_o their_o letter_n and_o act_n have_v terminate_v themselves_o within_o these_o bound_n no_o protester_n will_v have_v controvert_v with_o they_o about_o it_o and_o i_o think_v neither_o will_n he_o controvert_v with_o they_o in_o this_o that_o if_o a_o commission_n or_o any_o other_o kirk_n judicatory_a teach_v doctrine_n contrary_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o to_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n agreeable_a thereunto_o and_o write_v to_o presbytery_n to_o choose_v none_o to_o be_v commissioner_n to_o the_o general_n assembly_n who_o do_v oppose_v such_o doctrine_n that_o this_o be_v a_o prelimiting_a and_o prejudging_a of_o presbytery_n in_o the_o liberty_n of_o their_o election_n according_a to_o these_o condescension_n the_o commission_n in_o the_o 51._o have_v send_v to_o presbytery_n a_o letter_n and_o act_n before_o their_o election_n relate_v thereto_o it_o seem_v avoidable_a to_o follow_v that_o some_o limitation_n and_o direction_n there_o be_v in_o that_o letter_n and_o act_n concern_v the_o election_n but_o all_o the_o question_n be_v whether_o it_o be_v a_o limitation_n warrantable_a or_o unwarrantable_a now_o if_o so_o why_o have_v the_o author_n so_o cautious_o and_o so_o much_o wrestle_v to_o deny_v that_o that_o letter_n and_o act_n have_v any_o influence_n upon_o the_o election_n in_o presbytery_n if_o it_o be_v nothing_o but_o a_o necessary_a &_o lawful_a warning_n put_v they_o in_o mind_n of_o and_o stir_v they_o up_o to_o a_o duty_n whereto_o they_o be_v bind_v though_o no_o such_o direction_n have_v be_v send_v unto_o they_o than_o there_o be_v no_o cause_n to_o be_v afraid_a of_o the_o lose_n of_o any_o ground_n by_o acknowledge_v of_o its_o influence_n the_o author_n long_o wrangle_v about_o that_o do_v either_o seem_v to_o say_v that_o he_o be_v suspicious_a of_o the_o limitation_n contain_v therein_o as_o not_o be_v warrantable_a or_o else_o that_o he_o have_v too_o great_a goodwill_n to_o dispute_v see_v this_o will_v have_v be_v a_o short_a and_o satisfy_a answer_n the_o commission_n in_o their_o letter_n and_o act_n do_v put_v no_o bond_n on_o presbytery_n in_o the_o election_n of_o commissioner_n but_o such_o as_o be_v well_o warrant_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o act_n and_o constitution_n of_o this_o
there_o be_v any_o who_o deserve_v the_o name_n of_o the_o prime_a contriver_n and_o stickler_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o protestation_n it_o be_v some_o of_o these_o who_o have_v no_o hand_n in_o these_o high_a course_n which_o he_o mention_n and_o who_o upon_o his_o account_n be_v among_o the_o simple_a one_o these_o crime_n which_o he_o do_v so_o positive_o and_o without_o hesitation_n charge_n upon_o some_o especial_o be_v so_o heinous_a and_o great_a it_o will_v seem_v that_o both_o charity_n and_o and_o justice_n will_v have_v require_v that_o he_o have_v bring_v some_o good_a evidence_n of_o they_o lest_o haply_o his_o reader_n trust_v not_o his_o naked_a assertion_n in_o that_o which_o do_v not_o only_o reach_v the_o reputation_n but_o also_o the_o life_n and_o be_v of_o other_o and_o if_o he_o will_v have_v man_n to_o believe_v their_o tenet_n to_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o mind_n and_o practice_n of_o all_o orthodox_n church_n and_o to_o the_o faith_n he_o will_v do_v well_o to_o prove_v they_o to_o be_v so_o until_o he_o do_v it_o he_o will_v i_o hope_v allow_v charity_n to_o these_o who_o deny_v it_o some_o of_o the_o great_a divine_n of_o this_o church_n and_o of_o this_o age_n who_o praise_n be_v in_o all_o the_o reform_a church_n do_v affirm_v and_o have_v prove_v the_o contrary_a and_o if_o the_o author_n assertion_n be_v true_a i_o fear_v not_o to_o say_v that_o the_o mind_n and_o practice_n of_o this_o church_n these_o year_n past_a have_v not_o be_v orthodox_n nor_o agreeable_a to_o the_o faith_n in_o order_n to_o these_o tenet_n because_o they_o have_v be_v clear_o teach_v and_o practise_v by_o this_o church_n these_o year_n past_a and_o a_o man_n but_o slender_o see_v in_o the_o doctrine_n thereof_o may_v bring_v forth_o these_o tenet_n assert_v by_o this_o church_n in_o the_o same_o letter_n and_o sillabes_fw-la and_o may_v give_v clear_a instance_n of_o her_o practice_n a-agreeing_a with_o the_o same_o it_o have_v be_v do_v already_o by_o some_o in_o a_o more_o convince_a way_n then_o the_o sharp_a opposer_n of_o these_o tenet_n have_v as_o yet_o satisfy_o answer_v i_o will_v fain_o know_v what_o ground_n the_o author_n have_v to_o say_v that_o the_o prime_a contriver_n and_o stickler_n find_v it_o safe_a for_o they_o rather_o altogether_o to_o disclaim_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o assembly_n then_o to_o hazard_v upon_o a_o fair_a and_o orderly_a trial_n of_o their_o matter_n their_o conscience_n do_v bear_v they_o record_v that_o it_o be_v not_o upon_o any_o jealousy_n or_o suspicion_n they_o have_v of_o their_o cause_n as_o not_o be_v able_a to_o endure_v the_o light_n &_o reason_n may_v persuade_v indifferent_a man_n to_o think_v that_o they_o do_v not_o look_v upon_o protest_v against_o the_o assembly_n as_o the_o safe_a course_n otherwise_o then_o in_o order_n to_o their_o duty_n for_o if_o we_o take_v safety_n as_o it_o may_v concern_v their_o person_n they_o can_v hardly_o have_v do_v any_o thing_n that_o can_v have_v more_o endanger_v these_o it_o be_v a_o speedy_a way_n to_o expose_v they_o to_o the_o censure_n both_o of_o church_n and_o state_n as_o do_v appear_v in_o the_o sequel_n some_o of_o they_o because_o of_o their_o protest_v be_v depose_v by_o that_o assembly_n and_o other_o of_o they_o confine_v by_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n and_o there_o be_v ground_n to_o presume_v that_o they_o will_v have_v be_v proceed_v against_o with_o further_a censure_n both_o civil_a and_o ecclesiastic_a if_o the_o lord_n have_v not_o stop_v the_o current_n of_o these_o thing_n if_o this_o be_v their_o safe_a way_n why_o do_v man_n of_o his_o own_o judgement_n so_o frequent_o say_v that_o if_o the_o protestation_n have_v be_v forbear_v the_o assembly_n will_v not_o have_v censure_v any_o no_o not_o in_o the_o case_n of_o their_o adhere_n to_o their_o judgement_n and_o dissent_v from_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o assembly_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o public_a resolution_n if_o we_o shall_v take_v safety_n in_o order_n to_o the_o cause_n they_o can_v not_o be_v so_o dull_a as_o to_o think_v that_o their_o protest_v against_o the_o assembly_n will_v keep_v the_o assembly_n from_o try_v and_o judge_v of_o their_o cause_n or_o other_o indifferent_a man_n from_o search_v into_o the_o same_o and_o if_o before_o the_o protestation_n it_o can_v not_o abide_v the_o trial_n it_o do_v but_o put_v they_o in_o a_o much_o worse_a condition_n to_o protest_v upon_o a_o unwarrantable_a ground_n it_o be_v worse_o to_o defend_v two_o evil_a cause_n than_o one_o and_o therefore_o it_o do_v not_o appear_v from_o these_o thing_n that_o self-interest_n be_v the_o spring_n from_o whence_o these_o act_n do_v flow_v yea_o the_o contrary_n if_o any_o thing_n be_v manifest_a because_o by_o such_o a_o way_n they_o can_v expect_v nothing_o but_o the_o hightning_n of_o all_o former_a reproach_n cast_v on_o they_o the_o expose_v of_o themselves_o to_o the_o censure_n both_o of_o church_n and_o state_n if_o man_n that_o in_o all_o their_o precious_a interest_n must_v be_v sufferer_n because_o of_o their_o do_v of_o such_o thing_n be_v lead_v to_o act_v therein_o upon_o a_o principle_n of_o selfish_a interest_n we_o leave_v it_o to_o judicious_a and_o indifferent_a man_n to_o consider_v and_o give_v their_o judgement_n whether_o it_o be_v very_o apparent_a yea_o or_o not_o it_o be_v true_a that_o some_o two_o or_o three_o do_v partly_o by_o the_o persuasion_n and_o partly_o by_o the_o threaten_n of_o some_o at_o dundee_n resile_v a_o little_a from_o the_o testimony_n which_o they_o have_v give_v at_o st_n andrews_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o protestation_n which_o within_o a_o short_a time_n thereafter_o they_o do_v repent_v of_o and_o again_o adhere_v to_o their_o former_a testimony_n not_o upon_o any_o selfish-interest_n or_o eye_n to_o credit_n or_o advantage_n as_o the_o author_n affirm_v there_o be_v no_o appearance_n first_o or_o last_o that_o by_o adhere_v to_o the_o protestation_n they_o can_v gain_v any_o of_o these_o thing_n but_o on_o the_o check_n of_o their_o own_o conscience_n and_o the_o voice_n they_o hear_v behind_o they_o say_v this_o be_v the_o way_n walk_v you_o in_o it_o when_o they_o have_v turn_v aside_o some_o of_o they_o be_v since_o that_o time_n take_v out_o of_o the_o land_n of_o the_o live_n and_o i_o trust_v be_v now_o in_o glory_n and_o i_o can_v assure_v the_o author_n and_o all_o other_o and_o if_o it_o be_v doubt_v i_o will_v get_v it_o attest_v under_o the_o hand_n of_o famous_a witness_n that_o after_o their_o resil_n from_o that_o testimony_n they_o have_v no_o peace_n nor_o quietness_n in_o their_o spirit_n for_o a_o long_a time_n but_o go_v down_o mourning_n to_o their_o grave_n because_o they_o have_v so_o do_v and_o upon_o their_o death_n bed_n do_v often_o and_o sad_o bemoan_v it_o that_o they_o have_v miss_v the_o opportunity_n to_o give_v some_o public_a testimony_n and_o declaration_n with_o other_o of_o their_o sorrow_n for_o the_o same_o and_o of_o their_o purpose_n and_o resolution_n to_o adhere_v to_o the_o protestation_n it_o have_v be_v no_o loss_n to_o the_o author_n nor_o his_o cause_n to_o have_v spare_v such_o sharp_a let_v i_o not_o say_v bitter_a and_o personal_a reflection_n upon_o conscientious_a and_o godly_a man_n as_o he_o many_o time_n needless_o use_v he_o and_o all_o other_o who_o eye_n god_n have_v open_v to_o see_v their_o way_n can_v but_o be_v conscious_a to_o themselves_o of_o their_o own_o wander_n and_o how_o much_o they_o owe_v to_o the_o exceed_a riches_n of_o the_o mercy_n and_o free_a grace_n of_o god_n that_o have_v recover_v they_o out_o of_o snare_n vindication_n second_o estimation_n of_o the_o person_n the_o author_n or_o abettor_n of_o this_o protestation_n god_n forbid_v i_o shall_v think_v say_v or_o advise_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o prejudice_n or_o disadvantage_n of_o godliness_n or_o godly_a person_n neither_o shall_v i_o question_v their_o godliness_n my_o judgement_n concern_v some_o yea_o many_o of_o they_o be_v very_o positive_a have_v by_o experience_n and_o acquaintance_n see_v i_o must_v say_v much_o of_o the_o image_n of_o jesus_n christ_n in_o they_o as_o for_o other_o what_o ever_o they_o have_v be_v every_o whit_n i_o take_v not_o on_o i_o to_o judge_v they_o nor_o yet_o think_v i_o it_o pertinent_a or_o fit_a so_o to_o do_v that_o there_o be_v godly_a man_n not_o a_o few_o on_o the_o other_o side_n too_o be_v manifest_a some_o that_o be_v in_o christ_n before_o they_o and_o man_n that_o have_v suffer_v for_o the_o truth_n and_o cause_n of_o god_n when_o other_o have_v not_o the_o honour_n to_o be_v doer_n for_o it_o and_o be_v ready_a to_o suffer_v if_o he_o shall_v call_v they_o to_o it_o though_o some_o uncharitable_o
for_o constitute_v one_o a_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a kirk_n and_o sundry_a other_o weighty_a point_n of_o the_o doctrine_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n be_v chief_a cause_n that_o have_v bring_v the_o present_a judgement_n on_o the_o land_n which_o i_o dare_v say_v the_o presenter_n of_o they_o will_v never_o hazard_v to_o have_v present_v have_v he_o not_o know_v of_o some_o good_a like_n of_o they_o in_o some_o minister_n nay_o i_o will_v say_v further_o though_o the_o man_n be_v understand_v as_o to_o his_o station_n beyond_o many_o other_o yet_o who_o ever_o know_v he_o best_o and_o will_v consider_v the_o stile_n contrivance_n &_o conception_n in_o those_o article_n now_o extant_a in_o print_n will_v i_o doubt_v not_o say_v there_o have_v be_v the_o hand_n of_o joab_n another_o head_n and_o pen_n in_o they_o then_o his_o own_o this_o by_o the_o way_n that_o which_o i_o will_v have_v especial_o observe_v in_o this_o passage_n be_v to_o what_o purpose_n in_o this_o place_n be_v bring_v in_o these_o unfaithful_a man_n the_o prelate_n who_o mind_v their_o own_o thing_n etc._n etc._n and_o all_o this_o make_v a_o antecedent_n whereupon_o be_v infer_v the_o protestation_n against_o the_o late_a assembly_n for_o immediate_o it_o follow_v therefore_o remember_v &c._n &c._n whereunto_o tend_v all_o this_o but_o to_o bear_v all_o in_o hand_n that_o shall_v happen_v to_o read_v this_o protestation_n that_o the_o brethren_n that_o have_v be_v late_o &_o be_v opposite_a to_o they_o the_o professor_n have_v be_v and_o be_v tread_v the_o step_n of_o these_o unfaithful_a man_n the_o prelate_n and_o their_o mention_a practice_n a_o shrewd_a suggestion_n to_o say_v no_o more_o against_o their_o brethren_n many_o of_o they_o not_o only_o such_o as_o yet_o they_o dare_v not_o but_o profess_v to_o esteem_v high_o of_o but_o even_o many_o other_o who_o they_o despise_v have_v be_v honour_v of_o god_n to_o stand_v constant_a against_o the_o 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of_o the_o narrative_a of_o the_o protestation_n be_v the_o grammar_n and_o logic_n of_o it_o in_o relation_n to_o antecedence_n and_o consequence_n concern_v which_o he_o think_v that_o too_o great_a forwardness_n to_o let_v out_o indirect_o a_o blow_n at_o honest_a man_n be_v make_v the_o protester_n somewhat_o to_o over_o see_v themselves_o but_o he_o spare_v the_o clear_n of_o it_o and_o not_o be_v worth_a the_o while_n till_o it_o bâ—_n câ—eâ—ed_v these_o who_o see_v it_o can_v take_v with_o it_o in_o the_o next_o place_n albeit_o he_o profess_v himself_o not_o to_o be_v give_v to_o be_v jealous_a yet_o it_o be_v too_o great_a jealousy_n and_o prejudice_n that_o raise_v so_o great_a a_o stir_n about_o so_o innocent_a and_o harmless_a a_o expression_n as_o this_o that_o the_o faâ—thfall_a minister_n of_o jesus_n christ_n in_o former_a time_n bring_v the_o work_n of_o reformation_n in_o scotland_n to_o a_o great_a perfection_n and_o near_a conformity_n to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n what_o mystery_n be_v here_o have_v not_o the_o like_a expression_n be_v use_v heretofore_o in_o the_o paper_n and_o book_n of_o the_o relater_n and_o asserter_n of_o reformation_n and_o government_n of_o this_o church_n but_o say_v the_o author_n great_a and_o near_o be_v here_o diminish_v term_n and_o import_v yet_o something_o to_o be_v want_v to_o perfection_n and_o conformity_n to_o the_o pattern_n and_o therefore_o he_o think_v the_o brethren_n will_v do_v well_o to_o tell_v &_o that_o it_o be_v wisdom_n for_o every_o honest_a professor_n to_o inquire_v what_o that_o be_v that_o be_v yet_o want_v the_o brethren_n do_v tell_v &_o all_o honest_a professor_n may_v be_v persuade_v to_o believe_v that_o they_o have_v no_o will_n before_o they_o that_o expression_n and_o that_o they_o do_v willing_o subscribe_v to_o the_o testimony_n of_o a_o worthy_a man_n in_o this_o church_n who_o love_n unto_o and_o estimation_n of_o the_o work_n of_o reformation_n be_v above_o all_o exception_n to_o wit_n that_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n after_o the_o reformation_n do_v by_o degree_n attain_v to_o as_o great_a perfection_n both_o in_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n as_o any_o other_o reform_v church_n in_o europe_n but_o it_o may_v be_v this_o will_v not_o satisfy_v the_o author_n because_o his_o logic_n teach_v he_o that_o by_o say_v great_a perfection_n and_o near_a conformity_n they_o have_v say_v less_o than_o if_o they_o have_v say_v simple_o it_o be_v come_v to_o perfection_n and_o conformity_n to_o say_v nothing_o that_o the_o work_n of_o reformation_n be_v capable_a of_o a_o great_a growth_n in_o the_o practical_a use_n of_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v know_v and_o profess_v and_o of_o a_o discovery_n of_o further_a degree_n of_o light_n and_o persuasion_n in_o these_o thing_n will_v the_o author_n say_v that_o nothing_o at_o all_o no_o not_o the_o least_o pin_n or_o circumstance_n of_o perfection_n &_o conformity_n with_o the_o first_o pattern_n be_v then_o want_v to_o the_o work_n of_o reformation_n in_o scotland_n if_o so_o we_o desire_v he_o to_o tell_v we_o what_o kind_n of_o power_n it_o be_v that_o be_v exercise_v by_o the_o magistrate_n and_o counsel_n of_o burgh_n than_o they_o choose_v commissioner_n to_o the_o general_n assembly_n and_o what_o be_v the_o extent_n of_o the_o doctor_n office_n i_o ask_v not_o these_o thing_n to_o cast_v any_o blemish_n on_o the_o work_n of_o reformation_n which_o i_o do_v willing_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v such_o as_o may_v compare_v with_o any_o of_o the_o reform_a church_n and_o in_o some_o respect_n so_o far_o as_o i_o know_v have_v the_o pre-eminence_n but_o to_o satisfy_v the_o author_n needless_a curiosity_n these_o thing_n be_v consider_v make_v it_o to_o appear_v that_o these_o word_n even_o when_o streach_v upon_o the_o tenterhooks_n of_o the_o author_n nicety_n do_v yet_o bear_v a_o convenient_a and_o true_a meaning_n and_o that_o none_o need_v thence_o to_o fear_v a_o serpent_n lurk_v in_o the_o bush_n i_o acknowledge_v that_o it_o have_v be_v the_o way_n of_o some_o in_o these_o land_n since_o the_o work_n of_o reformation_n begin_v in_o they_o to_o say_v that_o the_o work_n of_o reformation_n in_o scotland_n be_v a_o good_a way_n on_o but_o that_o there_o be_v yet_o further_a attainment_n than_o it_o be_v bring_v unto_o but_o it_o be_v apparent_a from_o other_o of_o their_o expression_n and_o from_o the_o whole_a tenor_n of_o their_o carriage_n that_o they_o have_v therein_o a_o bad_a meaning_n to_o wit_n that_o we_o shall_v not_o hold_v fast_o the_o thing_n which_o we_o have_v already_o nor_o walk_v by_o the_o same_o rule_n but_o that_o we_o shall_v make_v a_o alteration_n and_o change_n thereof_o and_o therefore_o there_o be_v reason_n to_o be_v jealous_a over_o such_o but_o to_o be_v jealous_a over_o these_o who_o expressision_n &_o carriage_n give_v no_o ground_n for_o it_o be_v but_o to_o torment_v ourselves_o with_o needless_a fear_n and_o to_o wrong_v other_o i_o have_v already_o give_v some_o account_n of_o the_o paper_n present_v to_o the_o meeting_n at_o edinburgh_n which_o the_o author_n do_v here_o repeat_v again_o and_o shall_v now_o add_v these_o few_o thing_n in_o answer_n to_o some_o circumstance_n of_o his_o discourse_n first_o that_o paper_n be_v not_o present_v to_o a_o meeting_n that_o either_o real_o be_v or_o do_v pretend_v to_o be_v the_o commission_n of_o the_o church_n but_o only_o to_o a_o meeting_n of_o minister_n and_o professor_n act_v not_o in_o the_o capacity_n of_o any_o judicatory_a real_a or_o pretend_a second_o that_o all_o the_o minister_n who_o be_v there_o do_v testify_v their_o dislike_n of_o that_o paper_n and_o even_o these_o who_o the_o author_n and_o some_o other_o do_v haply_o most_o suspect_a do_v serious_o dissuade_v from_o the_o in-giving_a of_o it_o three_o i_o know_v not_o who_o be_v the_o joab_n he_o
assembly_n and_o their_o commission_n after_o the_o come_n of_o the_o english_a army_n to_o invade_v this_o land_n do_v not_o positive_o and_o often_o than_o once_o determine_v and_o warn_v against_o the_o employ_v and_o entrust_v malignant_a and_o dis-affected_n man_n in_o our_o army_n even_o in_o the_o case_n of_o scarcity_n of_o man_n for_o the_o land_n defence_n seven_o whether_o at_o the_o time_n of_o the_o commission_n its_o give_v their_o answer_n to_o the_o parliament_n quere_z there_o be_v not_o a_o very_a numerous_a party_n of_o malignant_a and_o dis-affected_n man_n in_o the_o land_n who_o do_v adhere_v to_o their_o former_a principle_n eight_o whether_o the_o answer_n to_o the_o quere_z or_o any_o thing_n contain_v in_o the_o public_a resolution_n do_v acknowledge_v it_o or_o hold_v it_o forth_o as_o sinful_a and_o unlawful_a to_o employ_v and_o intrust_v malignant_a and_o dis-affected_n man_n in_o the_o defence_n of_o the_o cause_n and_o kingdom_n or_o whether_o that_o answer_n and_o these_o resolution_n do_v acknowledge_v and_o hold_v it_o forth_o to_o be_v lawful_a to_o employ_v and_o intrust_v such_o nine_o whether_o there_o be_v any_o act_n or_o constitution_n or_o warn_v or_o declaration_n of_o this_o church_n or_o any_o public_a evidence_n of_o her_o judgement_n before_o the_o answer_n to_o the_o quere_z that_o speak_v for_o the_o warrant_n and_o allow_v the_o public_a resolution_n or_o what_o it_o be_v or_o where_o we_o may_v find_v it_o ten_o that_o the_o commissioner_n be_v yet_o content_a to_o have_v their_o late_a resolution_n try_v and_o judge_v by_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n be_v no_o great_a matter_n when_o they_o have_v first_o prelimited_n a_o assembly_n exclude_v many_o of_o these_o who_o be_v of_o a_o contrary_a mind_n and_o constitute_v it_o most_o of_o these_o who_o be_v of_o their_o own_o judgement_n and_o have_v make_v act_n for_o censure_v of_o all_o who_o shall_v not_o acknowledge_v the_o constitution_n of_o that_o assembly_n and_o after_o conference_n submit_v to_o the_o obedience_n of_o these_o act_n but_o if_o the_o author_n will_v take_v the_o collective_a church_n of_o scotland_n to_o sit_v as_o judge_n upon_o the_o late_a resolution_n of_o the_o commission_n and_o state_n the_o question_n thus_o whether_o be_v the_o late_a resolution_n of_o the_o commission_n agreeable_a to_o the_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n and_o to_o former_a act_n constitution_n warning_n and_o declaration_n of_o this_o church_n i_o fear_v the_o determination_n shall_v be_v in_o the_o negative_a yeâ—_n if_o the_o whole_a ministerial_a church_n shall_v speak_v their_o heart_n of_o that_o question_v as_o before_o the_o lord_n i_o still_o fear_v it_o shall_v be_v in_o the_o negative_a all_o the_o orthodox_n church_n in_o the_o world_n be_v a_o broad_a word_n and_o i_o say_v no_o more_o of_o it_o but_o that_o man_n well_o skill_v in_o their_o doctrine_n and_o to_o who_o i_o believe_v the_o author_n himself_o in_o this_o respect_n and_o for_o piety_n and_o learning_n will_v not_o deny_v a_o honourable_a testimony_n do_v teach_v we_o otherways_o the_o matter_n be_v already_o plead_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o act_n and_o constitution_n of_o this_o church_n and_o i_o shall_v now_o speak_v no_o more_o thereof_o vindication_n but_o second_o whatever_o be_v to_o be_v say_v to_o the_o nature_n of_o these_o resolution_n yet_o the_o matter_n be_v at_o least_o alike_o to_o the_o general_n assembly_n at_o the_o time_n of_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o assembly_n and_o the_o protestation_n against_o the_o same_o for_o the_o resolution_n and_o proceed_n of_o the_o commission_n 48._o be_v no_o less_o quarrel_v by_o a_o opposite_a party_n than_o be_v the_o resolution_n of_o the_o commission_n 51._o the_o party_n quarrel_v 48_o be_v no_o less_o than_o the_o parliament_n and_o in_o this_o only_a few_o minister_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o former_a be_v a_o great_a deal_n strong_a and_o hard_a to_o be_v loose_v the_o general_n assembly_n be_v here_o judge_n to_o both_o as_o in_o the_o first_o quarrel_n the_o commission_n will_v not_o be_v absolve_v from_o the_o accusation_n charge_v upon_o they_o until_o all_o be_v hear_v and_o try_v so_o the_o commission_n 51_o can_v not_o be_v condemn_v for_o the_o exception_n and_o alleadgeance_n of_o a_o few_o brethren_n before_o that_o any_o of_o they_o be_v or_o can_v be_v cognosce_v upon_o by_o all_o this_o which_o have_v be_v speak_v that_o what_o the_o writer_n say_v shut_v up_o the_o same_o that_o these_o thing_n be_v put_v together_o make_v up_o a_o wide_a difference_n between_o that_o which_o be_v then_o do_v 48_o and_o that_o 51_o be_v but_o a_o groundless_a assertion_n we_o have_v evident_o show_v that_o there_o be_v no_o difference_n betwixt_o the_o one_o deed_n and_o the_o other_o so_o that_o if_o the_o one_o be_v guilty_a of_o pre-limitation_n of_o election_n of_o commissioner_n so_o be_v the_o other_o no_o less_o except_o that_o the_o deed_n of_o the_o commission_n 51_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n more_o spare_v and_o moderate_a so_o we_o have_v vindicate_v that_o particular_a answer_n to_o the_o first_o reason_n against_o the_o freedom_n and_o lawfulness_n of_o the_o late_a assembly_n allege_v pre-limitation_n of_o the_o election_n of_o commissioner_n viz._n that_o the_o commission_n do_v nothing_o therein_o but_o what_o be_v do_v by_o the_o commission_n 48_o who_o deed_n the_o protester_n maintain_v with_o we_o review_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o give_v sundry_a material_a difference_n 1._o these_o resolution_n at_o the_o time_n of_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o assembly_n and_o the_o give_v in_o of_o the_o protestation_n beside_o that_o they_o be_v against_o the_o clear_a letter_n of_o act_n of_o former_a assembly_n so_o be_v sundry_a stand_v up_o in_o the_o assembly_n and_o offer_v instant_o to_o verify_v that_o it_o be_v so_o but_o in_o the_o 48_o the_o proceed_n be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o act_n of_o the_o assembly_n and_o albeit_o there_o be_v some_o who_o desire_v that_o these_o proceed_n might_n not_o be_v approven_v till_o they_o be_v hear_v yet_o none_o do_v offer_v instant_o or_o at_o all_o to_o verify_v thathey_a have_v carry_v on_o a_o course_n of_o defection_n contrary_a to_o the_o covenant_n and_o act_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n second_o in_o the_o 48_o the_o proceed_n of_o the_o commission_n be_v not_o testify_v against_o by_o presbytery_n and_o synod_n much_o less_o dissent_v from_o and_o protest_v against_o by_o many_o in_o the_o commission_n itself_o but_o so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o 51_o not_o only_o do_v presbytery_n and_o synod_n bear_v testimony_n against_o these_o thing_n but_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o commission_n yea_o so_o great_a a_o part_n that_o whoso_o shall_v reckon_v i_o believe_v shall_v find_v they_o very_o near_o if_o not_o equal_v the_o one_o half_a of_o the_o number_n to_o who_o the_o trust_n of_o these_o thing_n be_v commit_v by_o the_o general_n assembly_n three_o in_o the_o 48_o there_o be_v no_o exception_n at_o all_o proponed_a from_o the_o unfreedome_n of_o election_n or_o from_o person_n under_o scandal_n because_o of_o defection_n and_o backslide_n from_o former_a principle_n but_o so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o 51._o these_o thing_n evidence_n a_o very_a great_a difference_n between_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o at_o the_o time_n of_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o assembly_n &_o the_o protestation_n against_o the_o same_o and_o to_o take_v off_o any_o thing_n that_o the_o author_n say_v for_o prove_v they_o to_o be_v alike_o i_o do_v desire_v it_o further_a to_o be_v consider_v that_o as_o in_o the_o 48_o it_o be_v not_o the_o parliament_n who_o be_v the_o party_n quarrel_v the_o commission_n before_o the_o assembly_n the_o parliament_n be_v rise_v a_o good_a while_n before_o the_o assembly_n sit_v down_o so_o in_o all_o this_o business_n of_o the_o quarrel_v that_o be_v make_v against_o the_o commission_n in_o the_o assembly_n 48_o be_v much_o mistaken_a and_o mis-represened_n by_o the_o author_n all_o along_v his_o vindication_n as_o shall_v in_o its_o proper_a place_n be_v clear_v second_o that_o it_o be_v not_o desire_v as_o the_o author_n do_v insinuate_v that_o the_o commission_n 51_o shall_v be_v condemn_v for_o the_o exception_n and_o alleadgeance_n of_o a_o few_o brethren_n before_o that_o any_o of_o these_o resolution_n be_v or_o can_v be_v cognosce_v upon_o but_o only_o that_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v admit_v to_o sit_v as_o member_n of_o the_o assembly_n until_o the_o exception_n propon_v against_o they_o be_v try_v and_o discuss_v three_o that_o in_o the_o 48_o as_o the_o party_n quarrel_v do_v not_o either_o at_o the_o time_n of_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o assembly_n or_o afterward_o before_o the_o try_v and_o approve_v of_o the_o proceed_n of_o the_o commission_n
the_o nullity_n of_o the_o pretended-assemble_o at_o saint_n andrews_n &_o dundee_n wherein_o be_v contain_v the_o representation_n for_o adjournment_n the_o protestation_n &_o reason_n thereof_o together_o with_o a_o review_n and_o examination_n of_o the_o vindication_n of_o the_o say_v p._n assembly_n hereunto_o be_v subjoin_v the_o solemn_a acknowledgement_n of_o sin_n and_o engagement_n to_o duty_n make_v and_o take_v by_o the_o nobility_n gentry_n burrough_n ministry_n and_o commonalty_n in_o the_o year_n 1648._o when_v the_o covenant_n be_v renew_a with_o sundry_a other_o paper_n relate_v unto_o in_o the_o foresay_a review_n print_a in_o the_o year_n 1652._o reader_n we_o have_v here_o observe_v some_o few_o escape_n of_o the_o press_n some_o more_o gross_a error_n thou_o will_v find_v in_o the_o vindication_n for_o which_o neither_o the_o printer_n nor_o theje_fw-fr who_o give_v he_o the_o copy_n can_v be_v blame_v for_o the_o truth_n be_v a_o letter_n be_v write_v to_o the_o moderator_n of_o the_o late_a p._n assembly_n at_o edinburgh_n desire_v a_o perfect_a copy_n of_o the_o vindication_n by_o which_o any_o error_n in_o that_o copy_n which_o have_v come_v to_o our_o hand_n may_v have_v be_v correct_v and_o in_o that_o same_o letter_n there_o be_v desire_v a_o copy_n of_o the_o king_n letter_n to_o the_o p._n assembly_n at_o st._n andrews_n with_o the_o commissioner_n speech_n see_v the_o vindication_n do_v refer_v to_o these_o although_o it_o have_v be_v spread_v alone_o and_o these_o copy_n keep_v up_o but_o to_o neither_o of_o these_o desire_n be_v there_o any_o answer_n return_v errata_fw-la page_n 4_o for_o nonformist_n read_v nonconformist_n pag._n 7._o f._n who_o r._n wherein_o f._n tenant_n r._n tenet_n pag._n 8._o f._n too_o sharp-sighted_a r._n to_o be_v etc._n etc._n pag._n 15._o f._n may_v r._n nay_o pag._n 17._o f._n require_v r._n be_v require_v pag._n 30._o l._n 25._o r._n which_o seem_v pag._n 37._o l._n 1._o r._n gentleman_n pag._n 58._o r._n as_o for_o and_o ibid._n l._n 29._o r._n no_o evil_a before_o they_o in_o pag._n 59_o l._n 13._o f._n then_o r._n when_o pag._n 62._o r._n these_o after_o against_o ibid._n f._n accept_v r._n except_a ibid._n r._n patiar_fw-la f._n patior_fw-la ibid._n r._n defection_n f._n desertion_n pag._n 63._o r._n for_o after_z why_o pag._n 67._o r._n quary_z f._n presbytery_n r._n prelacy_n pag._n 170._o l._n 8._o r._n man_n and_o this_o ibid._n l._n 9_o r._n as_o appear_v p._n 171._o l._n 19_o r._n concession_n to_o the_o christian-reader_n christian-reader_n that_o thou_o may_v with_o understanding_n read_v this_o book_n and_o the_o debate_n contain_v therein_o thou_o be_v to_o take_v notice_n that_o in_o the_o year_n 1651._o in_o the_o month_n of_o july_n many_o of_o the_o commissioner_n from_o presbytery_n meet_v at_o st._n andrews_n do_v proceed_v to_o constitute_v themselves_o into_o and_o to_o act_v as_o a_o general_n assembly_n of_o the_o kirk_n of_o scotland_n against_o the_o constitution_n of_o which_o assembly_n sundry_a of_o the_o minister_n who_o have_v former_o bear_v testimony_n against_o the_o employ_v and_o entrust_v of_o the_o malignant_a party_n with_o the_o cause_n and_o kingdom_n do_v enter_v a_o public_a protestation_n in_o writing_n subscribe_v by_o their_o hand_n as_o not_o be_v a_o free_a and_o lawful_a general_n assembly_n within_o a_o few_o week_n thereafter_o one_o as_o it_o seem_v of_o those_o protester_n do_v pen_v a_o paper_n for_o strengthen_v and_o clear_n the_o ground_n of_o that_o protestation_n and_o take_v off_o such_o objection_n as_o be_v usual_o make_v against_o the_o same_o in_o answer_n to_o both_o these_o a_o member_n as_o i_o take_v it_o of_o that_o assembly_n at_o st._n andrews_n do_v within_o few_o month_n after_o write_v a_o treatise_n entitle_v a_o vindication_n of_o the_o freedom_n and_o lawfulness_n and_o so_o of_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n meet_v at_o st._n andrews_n etc._n etc._n to_o which_o treatise_n in_o the_o month_n of_o may_n last_o there_o be_v a_o reply_n write_v bear_v the_o name_n of_o the_o nullity_n of_o the_o assembly_n at_o st._n andrews_n or_o a_o review_n of_o a_o vindication_n etc._n etc._n which_o do_v set_v down_o and_o make_v answer_n unto_o that_o vindication_n by_o parcel_n and_o section_n all_o these_o four_o be_v now_o offer_v to_o thou_o in_o this_o book_n and_o in_o that_o order_n in_o which_o they_o be_v first_o pen_v to_o wit_n the_o protestation_n against_o the_o meeting_n at_o st._n andrews_n in_o the_o first_o place_n the_o reason_n for_o strengthen_v and_o clear_n thereof_o in_o the_o second_o place_n the_o vindication_n and_o the_o review_n thereof_o together_o in_o last_o place_n there_o be_v also_o add_v some_o other_o paper_n upon_o the_o by_o for_o clear_v of_o some_o thing_n in_o the_o debate_n the_o lord_z give_v unto_o thou_o a_o spirit_n of_o judgement_n and_o understanding_n in_o read_v that_o thou_o may_v judge_v true_a and_o righteous_a judgement_n condemn_v the_o guilty_a and_o absolve_v the_o innocent_a unto_o the_o moderator_n &_o brethren_n assemble_v at_o st._n andrews_n the_o humble_a representation_n and_o desire_n of_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n under_o subscribe_v among_o the_o many_o sad_a token_n of_o the_o lord_n indignation_n and_o wrath_n against_o this_o church_n the_o present_a unhappy_a differrence_n of_o his_o servant_n of_o the_o ministry_n be_v look_v upon_o by_o we_o and_o we_o believe_v by_o all_o the_o godly_a of_o the_o land_n as_o one_o of_o the_o great_a and_o as_o we_o hold_v it_o a_o duty_n lie_v upon_o we_o to_o be_v deep_o humble_v before_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o sense_n thereof_o and_o in_o our_o station_n and_o calling_n to_o endeavour_v by_o all_o lawful_a and_o fair_a mean_n the_o remedy_n and_o removal_n of_o the_o same_o so_o we_o acknowledge_v a_o free_a gen._n assembly_n lawful_o call_v and_o right_o constitute_v and_o meet_v together_o in_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o proceed_v with_o meekness_n and_o love_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o his_o word_n and_o constitution_n of_o this_o church_n to_o be_v among_o the_o first_o and_o most_o effectual_a remedy_n appoint_v of_o god_n for_o attain_v of_o these_o end_n therefore_o consider_v that_o the_o election_n of_o commissioner_n for_o the_o assembly_n have_v be_v in_o many_o place_n limit_v and_o prejudice_v in_o the_o due_a liberty_n and_o freedom_n thereof_o by_o the_o letter_n and_o act_n of_o the_o commission_n of_o the_o last_o gen._n assembly_n to_o presbytery_n appoint_v such_o as_o remain_v unsatisfied_a with_o and_o bear_v testimony_n against_o the_o public_a resolution_n to_o be_v cite_v to_o the_o general_n assembly_n which_o upon_o the_o matter_n have_v in_o many_o presbytery_n real_o obstruct_v the_o elect_v of_o such_o though_o otherwise_o man_n of_o approven_v ability_n and_o constant_a faithfulness_n and_o zeal_n for_o the_o work_n of_o reformation_n since_o the_o begin_n thereof_o and_o that_o many_o election_n be_v questionable_a some_o as_o contain_v person_n not_o in_o a_o capacity_n to_o be_v choose_v by_o the_o act_n of_o this_o church_n and_o some_o as_o not_o be_v make_v in_o a_o due_a order_n and_o right_a way_n and_o that_o many_o commissioner_n of_o presbytery_n and_o burrough_n be_v absent_a some_o of_o they_o want_v free_a access_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o english_a lie_v in_o the_o country_n and_o some_o upon_o other_o impediment_n and_o occasion_n and_o remember_v that_o such_o reason_n have_v former_o have_v weight_n in_o point_n of_o discussion_n of_o the_o validity_n of_o some_o assembly_n and_o may_v still_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o important_a and_o weighty_a by_o these_o who_o may_v happen_v not_o to_o be_v satisfy_v in_o their_o conscience_n with_o your_o proceed_n we_o do_v with_o all_o humble_a earnestness_n and_o in_o the_o bowel_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n desire_n and_o beseech_v you_o for_o truth_n and_o peace_n sake_n and_o that_o further_a mistake_n and_o division_n may_v not_o be_v increase_v unto_o the_o prejudice_n of_o the_o lord_n work_v and_o rejoice_v of_o enemy_n and_o sad_v the_o heart_n of_o his_o people_n that_o the_o diet_n of_o the_o gen._n assembly_n may_v by_o the_o common_a consent_n and_o advice_n of_o the_o brethren_n now_o meet_v together_o be_v adjourn_v for_o some_o competent_a time_n and_o that_o by_o the_o same_o mutual_a advice_n and_o consent_n it_o may_v be_v declare_v that_o the_o letter_n and_o act_n of_o the_o commission_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v any_o prejudice_n to_o these_o who_o remain_v unsatisfied_a with_o the_o public_a resolution_n why_o they_o may_v not_o be_v choose_v commissioner_n to_o the_o general_n assembly_n and_o that_o such_o presbytery_n as_o shall_v think_v fit_a may_v make_v their_o election_n of_o new_a again_o especial_o these_o presbytery_n who_o
election_n or_o commissioner_n be_v questionable_a to_o who_o we_o desire_v it_o earnest_o to_o be_v recomend_v that_o they_o will_v in_o a_o unanimous_a way_n make_v choice_n of_o man_n of_o approven_v ability_n and_o integrity_n and_o against_o who_o there_o can_v be_v no_o exception_n by_o the_o act_n and_o constitution_n of_o this_o church_n and_o in_o the_o last_o place_n we_o do_v humble_o represent_v and_o desire_v that_o in_o the_o interval_n of_o time_n betwixt_o this_o and_o the_o diet_n to_o which_o the_o assembly_n shall_v be_v adjourn_v there_o may_v be_v a_o solemn_a public_a humiliation_n throughout_o the_o land_n wherein_o god_n may_v be_v entreat_v to_o show_v we_o why_o he_o contend_v with_o we_o and_o to_o give_v light_n and_o clear_n on_o all_o hand_n concern_v the_o present_a difference_n of_o judgement_n and_o distemper_n of_o spirit_n that_o be_v among_o we_o that_o we_o may_v be_v of_o one_o mind_n and_o one_o heart_n for_o the_o carry_v on_o of_o the_o work_n of_o god_n among_o his_o people_n and_o your_o wisdom_n answer_v subscribe_v by_o sundry_a minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n st._n andrews_n july_n 18._o 1651._o how_o gracious_a the_o lord_n have_v be_v to_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n in_o give_v to_o her_o pure_a ordinance_n we_o trust_v shall_v be_v acknowledge_v by_o we_o while_o we_o live_v with_o thankfulness_n to_o the_o most_o high_a of_o who_o we_o desire_v mercy_n and_o grace_n to_o adhere_v unto_o the_o doctrine_n worship_n discipline_n and_o government_n establish_v in_o this_o land_n among_o the_o many_o sad_a token_n of_o the_o lord_n indignation_n against_o this_o church_n the_o present_a difference_n of_o his_o servant_n of_o the_o ministry_n be_v look_v upon_o by_o we_o as_o one_o of_o the_o great_a and_o as_o we_o hold_v it_o a_o duty_n to_o be_v deep_o humble_v before_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o sense_n thereof_o and_o by_o all_o lawful_a and_o fair_a mean_n within_o the_o compass_n of_o our_o power_n and_o station_n to_o endeavour_v the_o remedy_n thereof_o so_o we_o do_v ackdowledge_v a_o free_a general_n assembly_n lawful_o call_v and_o right_o constitute_v and_o proceed_v with_o meekness_n and_o love_n in_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n and_o the_o act_n and_o constitution_n of_o this_o church_n to_o be_v among_o the_o first_o and_o most_o effectual_a mean_n appoint_v of_o god_n for_o attain_v this_o end_n and_o for_o preserve_v the_o purity_n and_o advance_v the_o power_n of_o the_o work_n of_o reformation_n in_o this_o age_n and_o transmit_v the_o same_o to_o our_o posterity_n and_o to_o the_o age_n and_o generation_n that_o be_v to_o come_v but_o as_o the_o faithful_a servant_n of_o god_n in_o this_o church_n in_o former_a time_n do_v by_o his_o good_a hand_n upon_o they_o in_o the_o right_a administration_n of_o free_a and_o lawful_a assembly_n bring_v the_o work_n of_o reformation_n in_o scotland_n unto_o a_o great_a perfection_n and_o near_a conformity_n with_o the_o first_o pattern_n so_o unfaithful_a man_n mind_v their_o own_o thing_n more_o than_o the_o thing_n of_o christ_n and_o usurp_a over_o their_o brethren_n and_o over_o the_o lord_n inheritance_n do_v deface_v the_o beauty_n thereof_o first_o by_o encroach_a upon_o the_o liberty_n and_o freedom_n of_o assembly_n afterward_o by_o take_v away_o the_o assembly_n themselves_o therefore_o remember_v the_o many_o bond_n and_o obligation_n that_o lie_v upon_o we_o before_o the_o lord_n and_o be_v desirous_a to_o be_v find_v faithful_a in_o this_o day_n of_o temptation_n and_o to_o exoner_n our_o conscience_n as_o in_o his_o sight_n and_o to_o avoid_v accession_n to_o that_o guiltiness_n in_o which_o many_o have_v involve_v themselves_o and_o conceive_v that_o this_o present_a meeting_n be_v not_o a_o free_a lawful_a gen._n assembly_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n in_o regard_n that_o the_o election_n of_o commissioner_n to_o the_o same_o have_v be_v prelimited_n and_o prejudice_v in_o the_o due_a liberty_n and_o freedom_n thereof_o by_o a_o letter_n and_o act_n of_o the_o commissioner_n of_o the_o last_o gen_n assembly_n send_v to_o presbytery_n appoint_v such_o brethren_n as_o after_o conference_n remain_v unsatisfied_a with_o and_o continue_v to_o oppose_v the_o public_a resolution_n to_o be_v cite_v to_o the_o general_n assembly_n and_o in_o regard_n that_o commissioner_n from_o many_o burrough_n and_o presbytry_n be_v absent_a as_o want_v free_a access_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o motion_n of_o the_o and_o in_o regard_n that_o many_o of_o the_o commissioner_n of_o the_o former_a assembly_n who_o have_v carry_v on_o a_o course_n of_o defection_n contrary_a to_o the_o trust_v commit_v to_o they_o and_o who_o in_o their_o remonstrance_n and_o paper_n have_v stir_v up_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n against_o such_o who_o be_v unsatisfied_a in_o their_o conscience_n with_o their_o proceed_n and_o who_o have_v by_o their_o letter_n and_o act_n prelimited_a the_o assembly_n be_v admit_v to_o sit_v and_o vote_n as_o member_n of_o the_o assembly_n and_o their_o moderator_n appoint_v to_o be_v moderator_n of_o the_o assembly_n notwithstanding_o that_o timous_a exception_n be_v make_v against_o they_o that_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v admit_v as_o member_n of_o the_o assembly_n until_o their_o proceed_n be_v first_o try_v and_o approven_v by_o the_o assembly_n and_o in_o regard_n that_o his_o majesty_n by_o his_o letter_n and_o his_o majesty_n commissioner_n by_o his_o speech_n to_o the_o assembly_n have_v incite_v to_o hard_a course_n against_o those_o who_o be_v unsatisfied_a in_o their_o conscience_n with_o the_o proceed_n of_o the_o commission_n before_o these_o proceed_n be_v try_v and_o approven_v by_o the_o assembly_n itself_o we_o do_v upon_o these_o and_o many_o other_o important_a ground_n and_o reason_n to_o be_v propound_v and_o give_v in_o in_o time_n and_o place_n convenient_a protest_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n and_o in_o our_o own_o name_n and_o in_o the_o name_n of_o all_o minister_n ruling-elders_a and_o professor_n of_o this_o church_n who_o do_v or_o shall_v adhere_v to_o we_o against_o the_o validity_n and_o constitution_n of_o this_o assembly_n as_o not_o be_v free_a and_o lawful_a and_o that_o they_o may_v not_o arrogat_fw-la nor_o assume_v to_o themselves_o any_o authority_n nor_o exercise_v any_o power_n or_o jurisdiction_n for_o determine_v of_o controversy_n make_v of_o act_n emit_v of_o declaration_n judge_v of_o protestation_n or_o appeal_n or_o proceed_n of_o synod_n or_o inferior_a judicature_n or_o censure_v of_o person_n or_o paper_n or_o issue_v of_o commission_n of_o whatsoever_o sort_n to_o any_o person_n whatsoever_o and_o particular_o we_o protest_v that_o they_o may_v not_o proceed_v unto_o the_o approve_v or_o ratify_v of_o the_o proceed_n of_o the_o former_a commission_n not_o only_o because_o of_o their_o want_n of_o just_a power_n and_o authority_n so_o to_o do_v but_o also_o because_o these_o proceed_n contain_v many_o thing_n contrary_a to_o the_o trust_v commit_v to_o these_o commissioner_n especial_o the_o allow_v and_o carry_v on_o of_o a_o conjunction_n with_o the_o malignant_a party_n and_o bring_v they_o in_o to_o place_n of_o power_n and_o trust_n in_o the_o army_n and_o in_o the_o judicature_n contrary_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n the_o solemn_a confession_n of_o sin_n and_o engagement_n to_o duty_n the_o constant_a tenor_n of_o the_o declaration_n warning_n remonstrance_n cause_n of_o humiliation_n letter_n supplication_n and_o act_n and_o constitution_n of_o this_o church_n and_o the_o lay_n of_o a_o foundation_n for_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n to_o meddle_v with_o minister_n in_o those_o thing_n which_o concern_v their_o doctrine_n and_o the_o exercise_n of_o ministerial_a duty_n before_o they_o be_v cite_v try_v and_o censure_v by_o the_o judicatories_n of_o the_o church_n and_o we_o protest_v that_o whatsoever_o determination_n act_n ratification_n declaration_n sentence_n censure_n or_o commission_n that_o shall_v be_v make_v or_o give_v out_o by_o they_o may_v be_v void_a and_o null_a and_o may_v be_v interpret_v as_o bind_v to_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n and_o that_o notwithstanding_o thereof_o it_o may_v be_v free_a for_o we_o and_o such_o as_o adhere_v to_o we_o to_o exercise_v our_o ministry_n and_o enjoy_v the_o warrantable_a christian_a liberty_n of_o our_o conscience_n according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o national_a covenant_n and_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n and_o solemn_a engagement_n to_o duty_n and_o all_o the_o act_n and_o constitution_n of_o this_o church_n and_o that_o there_o may_v be_v liberty_n to_o choose_v commissioner_n and_o to_o conveen_n in_o a_o free_a lawful_a general_n assembly_n when_o there_o shall_v be_v need_n and_o the_o lord_n shall_v give_v opportunity_n and_o to_o add_v
oâ—_n the_o cause_n of_o the_o lord_n controversy_n and_o offer_v and_o advise_v the_o â—ame_n to_o be_v make_v use_n of_o by_o all_o the_o lord_n people_n in_o this_o land_n be_v it_o a_o fault_n in_o our_o nonconforming_a forefather_n to_o bear_v a_o testimony_n and_o give_v their_o judgement_n against_o the_o six_o corrupt_a assembly_n and_o to_o reckon_v these_o assembly_n among_o the_o sin_n and_o guiltiness_n of_o the_o land_n and_o to_o desire_v the_o land_n to_o be_v humble_v for_o they_o if_o any_o of_o the_o presbytery_n of_o these_o time_n do_v pass_v a_o presbyterial_a judgement_n and_o sentence_n upon_o the_o nullity_n of_o any_o of_o those_o assembly_n and_o the_o iniquity_n of_o their_o act_n do_v they_o wrong_v in_o so_o do_v and_o be_v this_o more_o than_o any_o power_n on_o earth_n can_v do_v that_o be_v inferior_a to_o another_o general_n assembly_n if_o it_o be_v thus_o the_o church_n be_v like_a to_o be_v in_o a_o ill_a case_n if_o a_o general_n assembly_n once_o go_v wrong_n i_o know_v that_o inferior_a judicatories_n have_v not_o power_n over_o the_o superior_a as_o a_o commission_n or_o presbytery_n over_o a_o general_n assembly_n but_o this_o hinder_v not_o if_o any_o assume_v to_o themselves_o the_o name_n and_o power_n of_o the_o superior_a to_o who_o they_o do_v not_o belong_v and_o by_o the_o pretend_a authority_n thereof_o make_v unjust_a act_n but_o the_o inferior_a may_v from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o from_o the_o act_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n declare_v the_o nullity_n of_o these_o power_n and_o the_o iniquity_n of_o these_o acts._n the_o author_n have_v teach_v we_o that_o a_o assembly_n both_o wrong_n constitute_v and_o err_a or_o only_o wrong_v constitute_v be_v no_o other_o way_n a_o assembly_n than_o a_o paint_a man_n be_v a_o man_n and_o it_o can_v be_v no_o great_a fault_n for_o any_o live_a man_n to_o discover_v the_o deceit_n of_o a_o image_n that_o other_o be_v not_o deceive_v thereby_o he_o insinuate_v that_o he_o can_v add_v mo_z instance_n not_o a_o few_o it_o be_v like_o that_o he_o have_v bring_v forth_o these_o in_o which_o he_o conceive_v the_o great_a weight_n to_o lie_v and_o if_o these_o be_v weigh_v in_o the_o balance_n be_v find_v light_n we_o need_v not_o be_v afraid_a of_o what_o be_v yet_o in_o his_o treasure_n he_o say_v true_a that_o the_o instance_n which_o he_o have_v bring_v do_v not_o belong_v formal_o and_o direct_o to_o the_o matter_n in_o question_n but_o he_o have_v fetch_v a_o great_a compass_n to_o get_v they_o in_o suppose_v by_o these_o thing_n to_o reach_v sore_a blow_n to_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o protester_n and_o to_o discover_v the_o hypocrisy_n thereof_o but_o how_o he_o have_v prove_v his_o alleadgeance_n i_o leave_v it_o to_o indifferent_a man_n to_o judge_v who_o may_v also_o give_v sentence_n of_o their_o carriage_n to_o the_o general_n assembly_n after_o the_o perusal_n of_o his_o vindication_n and_o this_o review_n vindication_n their_o next_o pretention_n or_o profession_n be_v that_o they_o look_v upon_o the_o present_a difference_n of_o the_o lord_n servant_n of_o the_o ministry_n as_o one_o of_o the_o great_a token_n of_o the_o lord_n his_o indignation_n against_o this_o kirk_n and_o that_o they_o hold_v it_o their_o duty_n to_o be_v humble_v before_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o sense_n thereof_o and_o by_o all_o lawful_a and_o sure_a mean_n within_o the_o compass_n of_o their_o power_n and_o station_n to_o endeavour_v the_o remedy_n very_o these_o difference_n be_v so_o to_o be_v look_v upon_o because_o of_o the_o anger_n of_o the_o lord_n this_o land_n be_v darken_v a_o man_n spare_v not_o his_o brother_n ephraim_n be_v against_o manasseh_n and_o manasseh_n against_o ephraim_n and_o both_o against_o judah_n and_o as_o all_o the_o lord_n people_n and_o servant_n in_o the_o land_n have_v cause_n to_o be_v humble_v before_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o sense_n thereof_o so_o some_o of_o these_o brethren_n in_o a_o special_a way_n as_o be_v the_o main_a author_n and_o promoter_n of_o these_o rent_n and_o division_n let_v impartial_a man_n look_v back_o and_o consider_v the_o beginning_n and_o progress_n and_o every_o step_n of_o the_o present_a division_n in_o this_o kirk_n and_o kingdom_n since_o the_o defeat_n at_o dunbar_n and_o see_v who_o have_v be_v the_o prime_a agent_n thereof_o i_o shall_v but_o point_v at_o some_o particular_n who_o be_v they_o who_o after_o the_o defeat_n at_o dunbar_n divide_v one_o part_n of_o the_o remnant_n of_o the_o army_n from_o the_o other_o which_o be_v the_o first_o appear_v step_n of_o our_o division_n and_o will_v never_o suffer_v they_o to_o join_v and_o unite_v together_o again_o be_v not_o the_o contrive_n of_o the_o western_a remonstrance_n the_o next_o step_n of_o our_o division_n and_o of_o itself_o a_o most_o divisive_a course_n as_o contain_v positive_a determination_n of_o matter_n of_o public_a and_o high_a concernment_n &_o condemn_v approven_v public_a act_n not_o only_o of_o the_o state_n but_o also_o of_o the_o gen._n assembly_n by_o private_a man_n without_o any_o advice_n have_v or_o seek_v from_o the_o public_a judicatory_n either_o of_o kirk_n or_o state_n yea_o contain_v also_o in_o the_o close_a thereof_o a_o band_n engage_v themselves_o to_o prosecute_v the_o matter_n of_o that_o remonstrance_n according_a to_o their_o power_n a_o thing_n judge_v always_o in_o this_o kirk_n a_o most_o divisive_a thing_n for_o any_o private_a man_n to_o do_v by_o themselves_o be_v it_o not_o some_o of_o these_o brethren_n who_o when_o the_o conference_n be_v at_o pearth_n upon_o the_o remonstrance_n oppose_v by_o all_o mean_v conjunction_n with_o the_o distract_a force_n of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o when_o it_o be_v propon_v in_o the_o conference_n if_o they_o enjoy_v their_o own_o judgement_n concern_v the_o dis-owning_a of_o the_o king_n interest_n yet_o upon_o other_o ground_n of_o the_o quarrel_n wherein_o they_o agree_v with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o kingdom_n will_v join_v with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o force_n for_o defence_n against_o the_o common_a enemy_n do_v not_o some_o public_o and_o plain_o profess_v that_o they_o can_v not_o and_o they_o will_v not_o join_v be_v not_o these_o brethren_n the_o man_n that_o because_o the_o sense_n give_v upon_o the_o western_a remonstrance_n though_o the_o most_o moderate_a and_o with_o much_o tenderness_n and_o respect_n of_o the_o person_n have_v hand_n in_o it_o withdraw_v themselves_o in_o a_o most_o tumultuous_a and_o disorderly_a way_n never_o deign_v themselves_o to_o come_v to_o the_o meet_v thereafter_o which_o be_v the_o next_o step_n of_o our_o division_n be_v it_o not_o a_o divisive_a course_n when_o the_o resolution_n be_v give_v to_o the_o parliament_n quare_fw-la concern_v person_n for_o to_o be_v employ_v in_o the_o defence_n of_o their_o country_n present_o to_o emit_v and_o spread_v paper_n through_o the_o country_n under_o pretence_n of_o write_v they_o only_o as_o letter_n to_o the_o commission_n express_v their_o scruple_n condemn_v the_o say_a resolution_n as_o a_o defection_n from_o the_o covenant_n and_o former_a principle_n suppose_v they_o think_v in_o their_o conscience_n these_o resolution_n to_o be_v such_o yea_o suppose_v that_o real_o they_o have_v contain_v some_o matter_n of_o that_o kind_n &_o that_o their_o commission_n have_v err_v as_o humanum_fw-la est_fw-la labi_fw-la yet_o they_o shall_v never_o be_v able_a to_o clear_v themselves_o before_o indifferent_a judge_n and_o impartial_a of_o divisive_a walk_n in_o disdain_v to_o come_v and_o propone_v their_o doubt_n and_o reason_n against_o that_o resolution_n in_o a_o amicable_a and_o modest_a way_n in_o the_o commission_n itself_o and_o take_v such_o a_o way_n of_o writing_n and_o send_v abroad_o testimony_n as_o they_o call_v they_o among_o themselves_o peremptory_o condemn_v traduce_v and_o tend_v to_o the_o render_v odion_n honest_a faithful_a and_o godly_a brethren_n and_o agent_v as_o diligent_o as_o they_o can_v to_o induce_v other_o through_o the_o country_n to_o do_v the_o like_a many_o other_o instance_n or_o divers_a motion_n may_v be_v give_v but_o by_o this_o much_o let_v any_o man_n judge_n if_o they_o have_v not_o cause_n to_o be_v deep_o humble_v for_o the_o division_n in_o the_o land_n among_o the_o lord_n servant_n review_n i_o shall_v not_o deny_v but_o some_o of_o these_o brethren_n have_v in_o a_o special_a way_n reason_n to_o be_v humble_v for_o the_o division_n of_o the_o land_n as_o they_o be_v the_o righteous_a judgement_n of_o the_o lord_n upon_o their_o sin_n which_o have_v be_v great_a than_o the_o sin_n of_o many_o neither_o be_o i_o so_o zealous_a of_o their_o credit_n as_o to_o say_v that_o no_o circumstance_n of_o their_o carriage_n in_o these_o thing_n can_v have_v be_v better_o order_v they_o be_v but_o
upon_o which_o account_n a_o wrangler_n may_v haply_o deny_v that_o there_o be_v any_o prelimitation_n at_o all_o of_o election_n for_o if_o man_n be_v suffer_v to_o make_v any_o election_n or_o so_o patient_n in_o it_o that_o if_o they_o have_v be_v leave_v to_o themselves_o they_o will_v have_v take_v another_o course_n but_o what_o if_o they_o have_v some_o inclination_n that_o way_n yet_o be_v not_o herein_o full_o determine_v but_o be_v hover_v and_o suspend_v the_o ultimate_a determination_n of_o their_o judgement_n until_o they_o shall_v hear_v the_o matter_n debate_v in_o their_o presbytery_n or_o advise_v and_o confer_v with_o other_o of_o their_o brethren_n abroad_o and_o then_o the_o letter_n and_o act_n of_o the_o commission_n come_v unto_o they_o and_o by_o the_o authority_n hereof_o determine_v that_o judgement_n and_o shut_v out_o all_o that_o thereafter_o can_v be_v say_v by_o any_o to_o the_o contrary_n be_v there_o not_o a_o passive_a prelimitation_n here_o though_o such_o person_n do_v not_o mere_o follow_v the_o direction_n of_o the_o commission_n but_o also_o in_o some_o part_n their_o own_o inclination_n which_o i_o think_v indeed_o be_v the_o case_n of_o many_o of_o the_o presbytery_n next_o when_o he_o say_v that_o if_o the_o presbytery_n who_o be_v the_o only_a elector_n use_v their_o own_o freedom_n their_o election_n be_v free_a and_o valide_fw-la if_o he_o mean_v as_o to_o any_o prelimitation_n from_o without_o it_o be_v true_a but_o if_o he_o mean_v simple_o and_o in_o all_o case_n wherein_o they_o use_v their_o own_o freedom_n i_o deny_v that_o the_o election_n be_v always_o free_a and_o valade_v if_o the_o presbytery_n have_v free_o and_o by_o mutual_a agreement_n among_o themselves_o or_o two_o or_o three_o presbytery_n or_o one_o presbytery_n for_o the_o plurality_n of_o it_o have_v agree_v to_o exclude_v all_o these_o from_o voice_n in_o the_o election_n or_o from_o be_v elect_v who_o be_v for_o or_o those_o who_o be_v against_o the_o public_a resolution_n will_v these_o election_n have_v be_v free_a and_o valid_a may_v not_o presbytery_n themselves_o unwarrantable_o â—nâ—_n rench_v upon_o the_o freedom_n of_o their_o own_o election_n be_v as_o well_o as_o it_o may_v be_v do_v by_o other_o from_o without_o thâ—rdly_o i_o desire_v that_o to_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o which_o he_o say_v for_o illustrate_v the_o business_n that_o solicitation_n active_a of_o judge_n and_o member_n of_o aâ—y_a judicatory_a prove_v not_o a_o judicatory_a corrupt_a unless_o it_o can_v â—e_v evidence_v that_o they_o have_v accept_v and_o yield_v to_o the_o solicitation_n well_o then_o if_o their_o acceptance_n and_o yield_a can_v be_v evidence_v it_o prove_v they_o corrupt_v by_o the_o author_n own_o grant_n whether_o the_o paper_n prove_v either_o of_o these_o as_o it_o under-takes_a we_o shall_v see_v anon_o for_o verify_v the_o last_o of_o these_o the_o paper_n say_v that_o it_o be_v prove_v by_o the_o presbytery_n proceed_v according_a to_o the_o act_n and_o letter_n of_o the_o commission_n send_v to_o they_o about_o the_o time_n of_o choose_v the_o commissioner_n appoint_v that_o such_o etc._n etc._n over_o this_o probation_n the_o author_n make_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o business_n upon_o the_o writer_n to_o all_o which_o i_o say_v that_o he_o be_v not_o so_o simple_a as_o to_o entertain_v himself_o with_o such_o thought_n and_o purpose_n as_o the_o author_n speak_v of_o he_o do_v well_o enough_o know_v that_o what_o he_o say_v in_o this_o matter_n will_v come_v under_o the_o consideration_n of_o decern_v and_o both_o impartial_a and_o partial_a judgement_n and_o do_v expect_v contradiction_n either_o from_o the_o author_n or_o some_o other_o of_o his_o mind_n and_o therefore_o these_o thing_n need_v not_o but_o it_o be_v no_o probation_n but_o petitio_fw-la principii_fw-la say_v he_o a_o naked_a affirm_v of_o the_o same_o which_o be_v allege_v before_o under_o favour_n it_o be_v not_o so_o it_o be_v not_o the_o same_o thing_n to_o say_v that_o presbytery_n at_o the_o order_n and_o appointment_n of_o judicatories_n pass_v by_o etc._n etc._n and_o to_o say_v that_o presbytery_n proceed_v according_a the_o letter_n and_o act_n of_o the_o commission_n the_o second_o specify_v what_o supreme_a judicatory_a it_o be_v not_o the_o absolute_o or_o first_o supreme_a in_o this_o church_n to_o wit_n the_o assembly_n but_o the_o supreme_a by_o delegation_n in_o thing_n commit_v to_o they_o to_o wit_n the_o commission_n and_o it_o speak_v also_o what_o order_n and_o appointment_n it_o be_v condescend_v upon_o it_o in_o particular_a that_o it_o be_v a_o letter_n and_o act_n for_o this_o purpose_n so_o that_o the_o last_o bring_v clear_a light_n and_o evidence_n in_o both_o these_o particular_n than_o the_o first_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o petitio_fw-la principii_fw-la or_o a_o naked_a affirm_v of_o the_o same_o thing_n though_o it_o be_v not_o so_o full_a a_o proof_n of_o the_o whole_a matter_n which_o the_o writer_n think_v not_o so_o needful_a all_o at_o once_o because_o he_o be_v to_o speak_v of_o it_o afterward_o in_o answer_n to_o the_o objection_n which_o be_v bring_v in_o of_o purpose_n that_o the_o whole_a business_n may_v be_v clear_v and_o confirm_v but_o let_v all_o be_v never_o so_o true_a which_o â—s_v say_v afterward_o for_o proâ—f_n of_o the_o assumption_n the_o author_n wiâ—_n have_v nothing_o to_o be_v say_v or_o give_v to_o the_o reader_n here_o but_o word_n if_o it_o be_v true_a which_o be_v say_v afterward_o as_o i_o hope_v it_o shall_v after_o trial_n be_v find_v it_o be_v no_o great_a matter_n though_o he_o be_v suffer_v to_o enjoy_v his_o opinion_n in_o this_o vindication_n i_o affirm_v and_o make_v good_a that_o presbytery_n be_v not_o positive_o prelimited_n but_o do_v choose_v free_o 1._o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o presbytery_n i_o may_v say_v without_o overreach_v four_o part_n for_o five_o at_o that_o time_n have_v no_o opposite_a to_o the_o public_a resolution_n among_o they_o and_o so_o be_v not_o capable_a by_o pre-limitation_n to_o exclude_v who_o they_o have_v not_o 2._o of_o these_o presbytery_n who_o have_v any_o opposite_a to_o the_o resolution_n the_o far_o most_o part_n do_v choose_v such_o and_o no_o other_o for_o the_o commissioner_n some_o choose_v such_o and_o otherwise_o mind_v indifferent_o as_o will_v appear_v by_o the_o roll_n of_o the_o assembly_n and_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o presbytery_n at_o that_o time_n and_o these_o very_a few_o who_o do_v pass_v they_o by_o in_o their_o election_n we_o ready_o avow_v they_o do_v it_o mere_o of_o their_o own_o accord_n follow_v the_o freedom_n of_o their_o own_o mind_n without_o all_o pre-limitation_n by_o any_o from_o without_o the_o contrary_a be_v not_o prove_v and_o we_o can_v instruct_v the_o affirmitive_a of_o some_o who_o do_v pass_v by_o such_o ere_o that_o act_n or_o letter_n come_v to_o they_o or_o be_v make_v know_v to_o they_o 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resolution_n of_o the_o late_a commission_n be_v point_n blank_a contrary_n to_o the_o covenant_n and_o the_o former_a act_n and_o constitution_n of_o this_o kirk_n answer_v this_o be_v the_o only_a material_a difference_n between_o the_o two_o act_n take_v to_o wit_n from_o the_o matter_n that_o the_o commission_n resolution_n 48._o be_v right_o but_o the_o other_o 51._o wrong_v and_o upon_o this_o alleadgance_n that_o the_o resolution_n of_o the_o late_a commission_n be_v contrary_a to_o the_o covenant_n and_o constitution_n of_o this_o kirk_n hang_v the_o strength_n of_o the_o most_o part_n of_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o argument_n bring_v to_o prove_v the_o unlawfulnesse_n of_o the_o late_a assembly_n i_o will_v not_o challenge_v the_o writer_n that_o allege_v the_o error_n if_o these_o resolution_n he_o so_o often_o mention_n only_o the_o covenant_n and_o act_n and_o constitution_n of_o assembly_n and_o seldom_o the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o scripture_n for_o my_o part_n in_o speak_v 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matter_n of_o conscience_n the_o author_n like_v not_o the_o maintain_n much_o less_o the_o press_n of_o these_o without_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o some_o will_v perhaps_o think_v that_o a_o man_n of_o that_o mind_n may_v bear_v with_o his_o brother_n say_v press_v i_o not_o with_o humane_a constitution_n in_o matter_n of_o conscience_n sed_fw-la multum_fw-la interest_n quid_fw-la loquatur_fw-la the_o reason_n why_o the_o writer_n do_v often_o mention_v only_o the_o covenant_n act_n and_o constitution_n of_o assembly_n be_v because_o when_o we_o speak_v of_o a_o defection_n in_o resolution_n and_o act_n from_o former_a principle_n it_o be_v the_o more_o near_o and_o convince_a way_n to_o mention_v the_o former_a act_n and_o constitution_n of_o that_o church_n which_o immediate_o must_v decide_v whether_o a_o delegated_a commission_n which_o be_v only_o entrust_v to_o execute_v former_a act_n and_o have_v no_o power_n to_o make_v new_a one_o have_v walk_v according_a to_o their_o trust_n yea_o or_o not_o and_o a_o second_o reason_n be_v because_o the_o writer_n take_v it_o for_o uncontroverted_a as_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o all_o the_o kirk_n of_o scotland_n that_o the_o covenant_n and_o act_n and_o constitution_n of_o this_o church_n do_v presuppose_v and_o include_v the_o first_o and_o supreme_a rule_n the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o author_n can_v but_o know_v that_o though_o the_o writer_n have_v not_o mention_v the_o word_n of_o god_n further_a than_o it_o be_v include_v in_o the_o covenant_n and_o act_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n he_o have_v great_a patron_n for_o his_o so_o do_v to_o wit_n the_o assembly_n at_o glasgow_n 1638._o which_o in_o their_o great_a act_n against_o episcopacy_n five_o article_n of_o pearth_n service_n book_n etc._n etc._n do_v state_n vote_n and_o print_v the_o question_n anent_o they_o mere_o upon_o their_o contrariety_n to_o the_o nationall_n covenant_n and_o act_n and_o constitution_n of_o this_o church_n without_o mention_v regulam_fw-la regulantem_fw-la that_o be_v presuppose_v by_o all_o as_o be_v include_v in_o regula_n regulata_fw-la but_o to_o the_o point_n first_o the_o author_n deny_v that_o the_o resolution_n of_o the_o late_a commission_n be_v contrary_a to_o the_o covenant_n and_o constitution_n of_o this_o kirk_n and_o say_v that_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o land_n minister_n and_o other_o as_o intelligent_a in_o religion_n as_o the_o writer_n be_v do_v and_o do_v this_o day_n judge_v otherwise_o of_o they_o then_o he_o and_o that_o he_o shall_v never_o be_v able_a to_o prove_v it_o there_o have_v be_v more_o say_v for_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o then_o for_o aught_o i_o know_v have_v be_v answer_v to_o this_o day_n or_o can_v be_v answer_v if_o man_n deal_v fair_o and_o ingenuous_o and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v not_o here_o stay_v to_o repeat_v and_o resume_v these_o thing_n i_o shall_v only_o ask_v the_o author_n a_o very_a few_o plain_a question_n and_o desire_v a_o down-tight_a and_o plain_a answer_n to_o they_o in_o order_n to_o this_o point_n first_o whether_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o many_o of_o these_o who_o be_v by_o the_o public_a resolution_n of_o the_o commission_n 1651._o admit_v to_o trust_v in_o the_o army_n and_o state_n the_o solemn_z league_n and_o covenant_n and_o former_a act_n and_o constitution_n of_o this_o church_n be_v not_o opposite_a to_o these_o resolution_n second_o whether_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o many_o of_o the_o godly_a in_o the_o land_n these_o resolution_n and_o proceed_n be_v not_o opposite_a to_o the_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n and_o the_o former_a act_n and_o constitution_n of_o this_o church_n and_o can_v not_o be_v reconcile_v therewith_o three_o whether_o it_o be_v not_o think_v and_o speak_v by_o no_o mean_a man_n member_n of_o the_o commission_n 1651_o and_o other_o who_o carry_v on_o the_o public_a resolution_n that_o these_o who_o have_v hand_n in_o the_o pen_n of_o the_o public_a paper_n of_o the_o kirk_n these_o year_n past_a have_v in_o reference_n to_o the_o matter_n then_o in_o debate_n foist_v in_o many_o sentence_n and_o expression_n in_o these_o paper_n contrary_a to_o the_o true_a intent_n and_o meaning_n of_o the_o judicatories_n of_o the_o church_n which_o they_o then_o make_v use_v of_o for_o their_o own_o end_n 4._o whether_o the_o sin_n of_o employ_v many_o malignant_a &_o dis-affected_n man_n in_o our_o army_n which_o be_v confess_v in_o the_o solemn_a public_a confession_n of_o sin_n be_v not_o comprehensive_a of_o employ_v of_o such_o in_o our_o defensive_a war_n against_o james_n grahame_n five_o whether_o the_o solemn_a engagement_n in_o the_o 48_o do_v not_o bind_v we_o to_o avoid_v all_o the_o sin_n that_o we_o acknowledge_v in_o the_o solemn_a confession_n and_o all_o the_o snare_n and_o temptation_n that_o lead_v thereunto_o and_o to_o endeavour_v all_o the_o contrary_a duty_n six_o whether_o the_o general_n
constitution_n of_o judicatories_n but_o so_o far_o as_o common_a sense_n and_o reason_n can_v lead_v i_o it_o seem_v to_o i_o a_o strange_a assertion_n that_o some_o few_o person_n have_v oppose_v themselves_o to_o a_o course_n take_v by_o a_o judicatory_a entrust_v with_o the_o public_a affair_n of_o the_o kirk_n consist_v of_o man_n to_o that_o time_n judge_v faithful_a and_o still_o profess_v faithfulness_n therein_o as_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n and_o accuse_v this_o judicatory_a for_o that_o course_n they_o have_v take_v as_o guilty_a of_o defection_n and_o destroyer_n of_o the_o cause_n of_o religion_n if_o i_o say_v these_o few_o man_n be_v cite_v to_o be_v try_v by_o a_o general_n assembly_n and_o consequent_o exclude_v from_o judge_v in_o that_o particular_a matter_n which_o be_v in_o controversy_n the_o assembly_n be_v in_o this_o to_o be_v judge_v prelimited_n in_o that_o matter_n although_o there_o be_v beside_o these_o exclude_v a_o competent_a number_n of_o member_n lawful_o authorize_v for_o such_o we_o may_v suppose_v all_o the_o rest_n to_o be_v for_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v say_v in_o this_o particular_a that_o we_o be_v upon_o the_o answer_n of_o to_o make_v up_o a_o competent_a judicatory_a to_o cognosce_fw-la and_o judge_v upon_o the_o matter_n in_o controversy_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o god_n word_n and_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o kirk_n which_o they_o be_v bind_v by_o their_o commission_n and_o oath_n to_o judge_v by_o i_o desire_v no_o proof_n of_o this_o for_o it_o be_v principal_a clear_a and_o evident_a exterminis_fw-la and_o the_o writer_n assertion_n be_v no_o war_n and_o to_o receive_v it_o for_o a_o unquestionable_a truth_n i_o doubt_v not_o but_o if_o the_o writer_n shall_v assay_v to_o prove_v this_o that_o he_o shall_v fall_v upon_o that_o same_o exception_n which_o the_o remonstrant_n make_v against_o the_o synod_n of_o dort_n that_o the_o most_o part_n of_o the_o synod_n be_v their_o adverse_a party_n have_v 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of_o defection_n etc._n etc._n although_o they_o have_v be_v but_o few_o yet_o their_o testimony_n against_o the_o proceed_n of_o that_o judicatory_a as_o against_o the_o course_n of_o defection_n notwithstanding_o of_o any_o thing_n that_o that_o judicatory_a have_v former_o be_v and_o be_v then_o profess_v be_v true_a and_o clear_o consonant_a to_o the_o doctrine_n and_o determination_n of_o this_o church_n it_o be_v a_o pre-limitation_n of_o the_o assembly_n because_o of_o that_o testimony_n to_o exclude_v they_o but_o i_o have_v often_o tell_v he_o and_o make_v it_o to_o appear_v that_o they_o be_v not_o few_o but_o many_o it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o commission_n till_o that_o time_n have_v be_v judge_v faithful_a but_o it_o be_v also_o true_a that_o a_o great_a part_n of_o these_o to_o who_o that_o testimony_n be_v due_a do_v withdraw_v from_o the_o commission_n upon_o occasion_n of_o that_o defection_n and_o give_v open_a testimony_n against_o the_o same_o and_o though_o some_o eminent_a man_n do_v abide_v with_o they_o yet_o the_o plurality_n be_v such_o who_o have_v not_o be_v much_o conversant_a in_o nor_o well_o acquaint_v with_o the_o public_a affair_n of_o the_o church_n the_o other_o part_n of_o his_o answer_n be_v that_o there_o be_v beside_o these_o exclude_v a_o competent_a number_n of_o member_n lawful_o authorize_v for_o such_o as_o he_o suppose_v the_o rest_n to_o be_v for_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v say_v in_o this_o particular_a that_o he_o be_v now_o upon_o the_o answer_n of_o to_o make_v up_o a_o competent_a judicatory_a to_o cognosce_fw-la and_o judge_v upon_o that_o matter_n and_o controversy_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o god_n word_n and_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o kirk_n which_o they_o be_v bind_v by_o their_o commission_n and_o oath_n to_o judge_v by_o yield_v all_o this_o yet_o may_v there_o still_o be_v a_o pre-limitation_n incase_o other_o no_o less_o in_o capacity_n to_o be_v choose_v to_o sit_v as_o judge_n be_v exclude_v if_o the_o presbytery_n by_o order_n of_o the_o commission_n shall_v exclude_v a_o great_a many_o of_o their_o member_n in_o a_o capacity_n to_o be_v choose_v from_o be_v commissioner_n though_o they_o send_v a_o competent_a number_n of_o other_o be_v not_o the_o assembly_n prelimited_n in_o the_o election_n of_o its_o constituent_a member_n even_o as_o if_o the_o baron_n and_o burgh_n shall_v exclude_v from_o their_o election_n many_o of_o their_o number_n in_o a_o capacity_n of_o be_v choose_v commissioner_n to_o the_o parliament_n and_o yet_o send_v the_o ordinary_a number_n of_o commissioner_n will_v not_o the_o parliament_n because_o of_o this_o thing_n be_v prelimited_n in_o the_o election_n of_o its_o constituent_a member_n but_o in_o order_n to_o that_o which_o he_o say_v of_o a_o competent_a judicatory_a to_o cognosce_fw-la and_o judge_v upon_o the_o matter_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o god_n word_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o kirk_n and_o of_o the_o exception_n of_o the_o remonstrants'_v make_v against_o the_o synod_n of_o dort_n i_o desire_v he_o to_o consider_v first_o of_o that_o which_o be_v say_v of_o mr._n david_n catherwood_n a_o witness_n that_o deserve_v well_o of_o the_o kirk_n of_o scotland_n and_o who_o i_o believe_v he_o will_v not_o except_v in_o this_o matter_n on_o his_o nullity_n against_o pearth_n assembly_n and_o in_o his_o tractate_n against_o confuse_a communion_n concern_v competent_a judge_n in_o a_o time_n of_o defection_n and_o of_o what_o be_v say_v of_o the_o same_o purpose_n by_o the_o reform_a party_n in_o their_o public_a paper_n in_o the_o year_n 1637._o &_o 1638._o to_o who_o judgement_n i_o believe_v the_o protester_n will_v submit_v in_o the_o matter_n of_o a_o competent_a judge_n second_o that_o if_o the_o exception_n of_o the_o remonstrant_n of_o the_o synod_n of_o dort_n have_v be_v this_o that_o the_o member_n constituent_v of_o that_o synod_n have_v declare_v their_o judgement_n not_o only_o contrary_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o remonstrant_n but_o contrary_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o to_o the_o clear_a doctrine_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o belgic_a church_n it_o will_v in_o jure_v have_v be_v a_o relevant_a exception_n and_o be_v true_a in_o facto_fw-la have_v sustain_v as_o well_o against_o that_o synod_n as_o the_o like_a exception_n against_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n which_o be_v to_o this_o day_n count_v valid_a by_o all_o the_o protestant_n divine_n three_o let_v we_o suppose_v hâc_fw-la eadem_fw-la viâ_fw-la ac_fw-la modo_fw-la &_o methodo_fw-la that_o the_o commission_n have_v bring_v in_o the_o prelatical_a or_o popish_a party_n as_o they_o do_v the_o malignant_a party_n and_o have_v by-presbyteries_a obey_v their_o order_n there_o anent_o exclude_v all_o such_o from_o be_v member_n of_o the_o assembly_n as_o do_v bear_v testimony_n against_o they_o who_o number_n we_o shall_v also_o suppose_v to_o be_v as_o few_o as_o the_o opposer_n of_o public_a resolution_n and_o the_o number_n of_o the_o other_o as_o many_o as_o these_o who_o be_v for_o they_o whether_o will_v this_o have_v be_v a_o prelimited_n assembly_n yea_o or_o not_o and_o a_o competent_a judicatory_a to_o judge_v that_o matter_n according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n all_o these_o thing_n be_v put_v together_o make_v it_o to_o appear_v that_o the_o writer_n have_v bring_v in_o no_o such_o strait_n in_o the_o business_n as_o the_o author_n suppose_v vindication_n second_o to_o the_o former_a part_n of_o the_o reply_n i_o confess_v that_o it_o be_v probable_a that_o a_o man_n be_v cite_v to_o the_o general_n assembly_n upon_o a_o scandal_n in_o doctrine_n and_o manner_n where_o the_o scandal_n be_v uncontroverted_a and_o already_o particular_o determine_v quoad_fw-la jus_o or_o in_o point_n of_o law_n and_o the_o question_n be_v only_o about_o the_o fact_n ought_v not_o to_o
admit_v to_o sit_v in_o all_o other_o particular_n except_o in_o the_o try_v and_o judge_v of_o these_o and_o he_o who_o oppose_v they_o shall_v be_v suspend_v from_o sit_v in_o any_o particular_a till_o these_o be_v try_v and_o judge_v on_o what_o he_o say_v to_o the_o second_o particular_a i_o offer_v â—_o that_o the_o writer_n do_v not_o all_o along_o this_o paper_n bear_v his_o reader_n in_o hand_n as_o the_o author_n allege_n that_o the_o commission_n have_v give_v order_n for_o cite_v such_o as_o be_v unsatisfy_v indefinite_o because_o the_o very_a first_o time_n that_o he_o mention_n the_o letter_n and_o act_n of_o the_o commission_n he_o say_v that_o it_o be_v a_o letter_n and_o act_n appoint_v that_o such_o as_o after_o conference_n shall_v remain_v unsatisfied_a with_o and_o continue_v to_o oppose_v the_o public_a resolution_n shall_v be_v cite_v and_o have_v thus_o once_o set_v down_o the_o true_a nature_n and_o extent_n of_o it_o it_o be_v needless_a as_o often_o as_o he_o speak_v of_o it_o to_o repeat_v the_o same_o word_n and_o be_v enough_o qualicunque_fw-la modo_fw-la to_o circumscribe_v it_o therefore_o the_o author_n do_v more_o harm_n to_o himself_o then_o the_o writer_n when_o he_o tax_v he_o as_o speak_v contrary_a to_o the_o truth_n in_o this_o 2._o that_o it_o help_v he_o not_o to_o say_v that_o as_o the_o assembly_n 51._o do_v ratify_v the_o letter_n and_o act_n of_o the_o commission_n so_o also_o do_v the_o assembly_n 48._o because_o of_o the_o many_o difference_n already_o establish_v betwixt_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o to_o which_o i_o shall_v now_o add_v this_o as_o to_o the_o point_n of_o ratification_n that_o the_o act_n and_o letter_n 48._o be_v not_o controvert_v by_o any_o nor_o any_o election_n because_o of_o it_o nor_o any_o exception_n propon_v thereupon_o against_o the_o freedom_n of_o the_o assembly_n nor_o indeed_o well_o can_v be_v it_o be_v clothe_v with_o such_o circumstance_n as_o we_o have_v former_o speak_v of_o which_o need_v not_o now_o to_o be_v repeat_v but_o in_o 51._o it_o be_v controvert_v and_o election_n thereupon_o be_v question_v and_o exception_n thereupon_o propon_v against_o the_o freedom_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n which_o be_v reject_v notwithstanding_o of_o contrary_a circumstance_n wherewith_o the_o letter_n and_o act_n be_v clothe_v 3._o that_o the_o author_n by_o yield_v that_o the_o assembly_n approve_v of_o the_o letter_n and_o act_n of_o the_o commission_n which_o he_o be_v necessitate_v to_o yield_v because_o it_o be_v so_o do_v import_v that_o notwithstanding_o opposer_n do_v sitâ—_n yet_o they_o ought_v in_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o assembly_n to_o have_v be_v exclude_v put_v himself_o to_o the_o disadvantage_n many_o way_n 1._o because_o the_o assembly_n approve_v simul_fw-la &_o semel_fw-la all_o the_o act_n warning_n declaration_n and_o remonstrance_n of_o the_o commission_n against_o opposer_n of_o the_o public_a resolution_n do_v not_o only_o judge_v that_o such_o by_o that_o letter_n and_o act_n ought_v ab_fw-la initio_fw-la to_o have_v be_v debar_v from_o sit_v in_o the_o assembly_n in_o that_o particular_a but_o also_o in_o all_o other_o particular_n yea_o not_o at_o all_o to_o have_v be_v choose_v 2._o this_o go_v far_o to_o nullify_v the_o assembly_n another_o way_n because_o it_o acknowledge_v that_o de_fw-fr facto_fw-la they_o allow_v many_o scandalous_a man_n to_o sit_v as_o member_n thereof_o who_o de_fw-fr jure_fw-la and_o by_o a_o law_n approven_v of_o themselves_o aught_o to_o have_v be_v remove_v 3._o it_o hold_v forth_o a_o gross_a contradiction_n betwixt_o the_o assembly_n principle_n and_o their_o practice_n and_o so_o make_v more_o than_o probable_a what_o the_o writer_n say_v for_o admit_v some_o to_o sit_v upon_o policy_n and_o design_n 4._o it_o hold_v forth_o a_o great_a solicism_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o justice_n that_o be_v socij_fw-la criminis_fw-la to_o sit_v as_o judge_n to_o give_v sentence_n on_o their_o complice_n to_o wit_n other_o opposer_n of_o the_o public_a resolution_n who_o be_v cite_v and_o now_o stand_v as_o rei_fw-la before_o the_o general_n assembly_n all_o these_o thing_n which_o the_o author_n have_v bring_v in_o answer_n to_o the_o first_o reason_n against_o the_o late_a assembly_n and_o what_o be_v set_v down_o for_o confirm_v and_o uphold_v of_o it_o in_o the_o other_o paper_n be_v now_o full_o discuss_v i_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o reader_n to_o judge_v whether_o that_o reason_n of_o the_o protestation_n do_v not_o still_o stand_v strong_a against_o the_o freedom_n and_o lawfulness_n of_o that_o assembly_n and_o how_o little_a cause_n he_o have_v to_o say_v that_o if_o it_o have_v any_o force_n malignant_n may_v think_v themselves_o oblige_v to_o the_o protester_n for_o teach_v they_o if_o ever_o they_o shall_v have_v power_n again_o how_o to_o call_v in_o question_n and_o condemn_v the_o assembly_n 1648._o yea_o and_o if_o they_o find_v it_o move_v for_o their_o purpose_n even_o other_o assemble_v too_o even_o that_o solemn_a assembly_n 1638._o as_o unfree_a and_o unlawful_a because_o of_o the_o pre-limitation_n of_o election_n of_o commissioner_n thereto_o the_o malignant_n be_v in_o themselves_o prone_a enough_o to_o evil_a invention_n though_o they_o be_v not_o teach_v they_o by_o other_o but_o i_o believe_v themselves_o be_v judge_n they_o have_v rather_o as_o to_o the_o matter_n of_o constitution_n of_o assembly_n and_o the_o interpretation_n of_o their_o act_n be_v disciple_n to_o the_o author_n and_o abetter_n of_o the_o public_a resolution_n then_o to_o the_o protester_n for_o they_o have_v there_o in_o a_o little_a time_n learn_v the_o way_n how_o notwithstanding_o of_o all_o former_a act_n exclude_v they_o to_o be_v admit_v to_o all_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o church_n and_o to_o be_v employ_v both_o in_o the_o army_n and_o judicatories_n and_o by_o comply_v with_o the_o commission_n to_o get_v a_o assembly_n after_o their_o own_o mind_n for_o ratify_v and_o approve_v all_o these_o thing_n which_o will_v never_o have_v be_v teach_v unto_o they_o by_o the_o protester_n who_o study_v to_o hold_v fast_o the_o act_n of_o assembly_n in_o reference_n to_o malignant_n in_o the_o genuine_a and_o literal_a sense_n and_o meaning_n thereof_o and_o to_o prevent_v and_o oppose_v all_o corrupt_a constitution_n of_o assembly_n and_o that_o they_o may_v be_v compose_v of_o such_o as_o do_v adhere_v to_o former_a principle_n which_o be_v attain_v there_o be_v no_o cause_n to_o fear_v that_o malignant_n shall_v easy_o ranverse_v either_o the_o assembly_n 48._o or_o the_o assembly_n 38._o or_o any_o other_o lawful_a free_a general_n assembly_n of_o this_o church_n i_o shall_v close_v this_o whole_a business_n annent_fw-la the_o pre_fw-es limit_v of_o the_o election_n and_o the_o exclude_v of_o those_o who_o oppose_v the_o public_a resolution_n with_o one_o sentence_n of_o the_o britain_n divine_v in_o the_o synod_n of_o dort_n who_o in_o answer_n to_o the_o protestation_n of_o the_o remonstrant_n speak_v thus_o quae_fw-la ratio_fw-la reddi_fw-la potest_fw-la cur_n suffragiorum_fw-la jure_fw-la priventur_fw-la omnes_fw-la illi_fw-la pastor_n qui_fw-la ex_fw-la officio_fw-la receptam_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la doctrinam_fw-la propugnantes_fw-la secus_fw-la docentibus_fw-la adversati_fw-la sunt_fw-la si_fw-la hoc_fw-la obtinere_fw-la nova_fw-la dogmata_fw-la spargentibus_fw-la nemo_fw-la obsisteret_fw-la ne_fw-la ipso_fw-la facto_fw-la jus_o omne_fw-la post_fw-la modum_fw-la de_fw-la illis_fw-la controversiis_fw-la judicandi_fw-la amitteret_fw-la vindication_n we_o go_v on_o now_o to_o the_o second_o in_o order_n of_o the_o protestation_n which_o be_v this_o because_o of_o the_o absence_n of_o commissioner_n of_o many_o burgh_n as_o want_v free_a access_n because_o of_o the_o motion_n of_o the_o enemy_n in_o the_o order_n of_o the_o late_a paper_n wherein_o other_o reason_n be_v add_v to_o these_o in_o the_o protestation_n this_o be_v set_v down_o in_o the_o 5._o place_n and_o be_v cast_v in_o ______o with_o some_o addition_n to_o the_o matter_n because_o as_o first_o propon_v it_o have_v not_o seem_v fast_o enough_o thus_o that_o can_v be_v a_o free_a assembly_n to_o which_o there_o be_v no_o free_a access_n and_o recess_n but_o there_o be_v no_o free_a access_n to_o the_o assembly_n by_o reason_n of_o two_o army_n interjacent_a between_o the_o place_n of_o the_o meeting_n and_o the_o dwell_n of_o many_o of_o the_o commissioner_n and_o be_v pursue_v one_o another_o very_o hot_o have_v their_o party_n come_v abroad_o every_o where_n at_o the_o time_n they_o shall_v have_v come_v to_o the_o assembly_n and_o therefore_o many_o be_v absent_a about_o the_o one_o half_a of_o the_o burgh_n many_o presbytery_n to_o the_o number_n of_o 9_o or_o 10._o neither_o be_v there_o free_a recess_n from_o it_o not_o only_o because_o of_o the_o former_a reason_n but_o because_o the_o king_n and_o committee_n of_o estate_n do_v detain_v and_o keep_v
provision_n that_o none_o shall_v be_v admit_v to_o place_n of_o power_n and_o trust_v but_o such_o as_o be_v qualify_v positive_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o that_o case_n hold_v forth_o in_o our_o solemn_a engagement_n to_o pass_v by_o the_o way_n of_o carry_v of_o it_o which_o be_v palpable_a and_o obvious_a to_o the_o whole_a land_n be_v not_o add_v until_o the_o force_n be_v almost_o complete_o levy_v and_o the_o bulk_n of_o the_o malignant_a party_n bring_v into_o employment_n and_o place_n of_o power_n and_o trust_v in_o the_o army_n the_o second_o item_n ordain_v presbytery_n to_o proceed_v with_o person_n former_o guilty_a of_o malignant_a course_n for_o admission_n of_o they_o into_o public_a repentance_n in_o a_o way_n conform_v to_o the_o rule_v set_v down_o by_o the_o general_n assembly_n for_o admit_v such_o upon_o testimony_n from_o presbytery_n bear_v satisfaction_n give_v by_o then_o conform_v to_o these_o rule_n be_v not_o at_o all_o include_v in_o the_o commission_n answer_v neither_o be_v there_o so_o much_o of_o it_o as_o one_o word_n in_o that_o large_a warn_v of_o the_o 7._o of_o jan._n 1651._o emit_v by_o the_o commission_n for_o strengthen_v of_o that_o answer_n and_o when_o anything_o of_o that_o kind_n in_o latter_a warning_n act_n and_o letter_n come_v to_o be_v add_v be_v always_o hold_v forth_o but_o as_o expedient_a in_o order_n to_o the_o employ_v of_o these_o man_n but_o never_o be_v press_v in_o any_o of_o these_o paper_n as_o a_o necessary_a duty_n to_o exclude_v all_o these_o from_o be_v employ_v for_o defence_n of_o the_o cause_n and_o kingdom_n who_o do_v not_o give_v evidence_n of_o their_o repentance_n according_a to_o the_o act_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n nay_o it_o can_v not_o be_v so_o press_v unless_o they_o have_v destroy_v the_o foundation_n which_o they_o have_v lay_v in_o their_o answer_n to_o the_o quaere_fw-la and_o in_o that_o warn_v the_o truth_n be_v what_o be_v do_v in_o the_o matter_n of_o repentance_n in_o order_n to_o the_o employ_v these_o man_n be_v upon_o the_o stumble_a and_o out-crying_a of_o many_o against_o the_o public_a resolution_n as_o they_o come_v first_o forth_o and_o yet_o so_o as_o the_o first_o ground_n be_v always_o hold_v fast_o as_o to_o the_o matter_n of_o judgement_n and_o for_o practice_n the_o business_n be_v hereby_o rather_o make_v worse_o before_o the_o lord_n and_o to_o the_o point_n of_o guiltiness_n than_o it_o be_v before_o the_o commission_n not_o only_o ranverse_v former_a act_n make_v by_o themselves_o for_o exclude_v these_o from_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n who_o be_v in_o the_o rebellion_n after_o dumbar_n till_o the_o next_o general_n assembly_n and_o make_v new_a act_n for_o receive_v of_o they_o but_o receive_v promiscuous_o such_o as_o come_v unto_o they_o and_o by_o their_o example_n teach_v presbytery_n to_o do_v the_o like_a by_o which_o be_v produce_v a_o fearful_a mock_n of_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n in_o public_a repentance_n which_o no_o doubt_n have_v be_v one_o of_o the_o provoke_a cause_n of_o the_o lord_n wrath_n to_o draw_v on_o these_o dreadful_a stroke_n wherewith_o he_o have_v again_o smite_v our_o army_n and_o our_o whole_a land_n but_o to_o the_o hypothesis_n itself_o grant_v to_o the_o author_n that_o which_o he_o allege_n that_o this_o hypothesis_n be_v not_o clear_a at_o the_o time_n of_o the_o protestation_n because_o as_o yet_o there_o be_v not_o any_o particular_a determination_n thereanent_a in_o former_a general_n assembly_n first_o i_o doubt_v of_o that_o assertion_n of_o he_o that_o when_o a_o imputation_n of_o scandal_n depend_v upon_o a_o particular_a hypothesis_n which_o at_o lest_o be_v questionable_a and_o the_o very_a point_n in_o controversy_n betwixt_o they_o and_o their_o accuser_n it_o be_v against_o all_o reason_n and_o equity_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v hold_v to_o be_v under_o a_o presumption_n of_o scandal_n until_o that_o particular_a hypothesis_n be_v discuss_v and_o clear_v and_o therefore_o until_o that_o be_v do_v the_o adversary_n alleadgeance_n against_o they_o be_v to_o be_v hold_v but_o as_o a_o mere_a alleadgeance_n upon_o which_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v exclude_v from_o sit_v as_o member_n in_o the_o assembly_n until_o their_o cause_n be_v judge_v and_o try_v i_o suppose_v that_o some_o commissioner_n to_o the_o assembly_n shall_v object_v against_o other_o commissioner_n that_o have_v comit_v murder_n and_o shall_v offer_v instant_o to_o verify_v the_o same_o and_o desire_v that_o the_o person_n against_o who_o it_o be_v propound_v shall_v be_v remove_v from_o sit_v as_o member_n until_o it_o migbt_v be_v try_v and_o they_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n shall_v say_v that_o it_o be_v true_a they_o have_v take_v the_o life_n of_o such_o person_n but_o in_o their_o own_o just_a and_o necessary_a defence_n and_o therefore_o they_o can_v not_o be_v hold_v under_o a_o scandal_n of_o murder_n nor_o be_v thereupon_o remove_v from_o sit_v in_o the_o assembly_n till_o that_o particular_a hypothesis_n be_v first_o determine_v will_v the_o author_n think_v it_o a_o wrong_n do_v to_o these_o person_n or_o rather_o a_o duty_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o assembly_n to_o remove_v they_o tâ—â—l_v the_o matter_n shall_v be_v cognosce_v upon_o 2._o i_o do_v affirm_v that_o not_o only_o former_a assembly_n but_o the_o assembly_n 1651._o do_v remove_v commissioner_n upon_o exception_n propound_v against_o they_o the_o ground_n whereof_o be_v not_o yet_o clear_o determine_v in_o law_n for_o instance_n the_o commissioner_n of_o the_o first_o election_n of_o the_o presbytery_n of_o glasgow_n who_o be_v lay_v aside_o as_o for_o other_o reason_n so_o also_o for_o this_o as_o one_o in_o foro_fw-la controdictorio_n sustain_v to_o be_v relevant_a because_o of_o the_o exception_n of_o the_o oppose_a of_o public_a resolution_n propound_v against_o they_o next_o mr._n robert_n cauden_n commissioner_n from_o the_o presbytery_n of_o dunce_n be_v remove_v upon_o the_o propound_v of_o this_o exception_n that_o there_o be_v but_o three_o or_o four_o minister_n in_o that_o presbytery_n to_o choose_v commissioner_n all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o church_n thereof_o be_v vacant_a and_o can_v any_o determination_n of_o this_o kirk_n be_v produce_v that_o three_o or_o four_o minister_n in_o a_o presbytery_n where_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o church_n of_o that_o presbytery_n be_v vacant_a can_v choose_v commissioner_n to_o the_o general_n assembly_n 3._o i_o do_v upon_o the_o ground_n which_o the_o author_n himself_o lay_v down_o prove_v the_o carriage_n of_o the_o commissioner_n to_o have_v be_v scandalous_a and_o such_o as_o do_v minister_v just_a ground_n of_o except_v against_o they_o why_o they_o shall_v not_o sit_v as_o member_n in_o the_o general_n assembly_n till_o their_o carriage_n shall_v be_v first_o try_v my_o argument_n be_v this_o whosoever_o commissioner_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n be_v in_o their_o trust_n and_o carriage_n in_o the_o public_a affair_n of_o the_o kirk_n limit_v and_o tie_v to_o proceed_v according_a to_o act_n of_o former_a general_n assembly_n do_v upon_o the_o account_n of_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o trust_n declare_v many_o godly_a minister_n in_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n till_o then_o of_o unquestionable_a integrity_n and_o faithfulness_n in_o the_o work_n of_o god_n to_o be_v malignant_n and_o unfaithful_a in_o the_o cause_n etc._n etc._n and_o require_v presbytery_n to_o censure_v they_o and_o to_o refer_v and_o cite_v they_o to_o the_o general_n assembly_n because_o of_o their_o oppose_v of_o resolution_n take_v and_o issue_v by_o they_o concern_v which_o there_o be_v no_o particular_a determination_n in_o any_o former_a assembly_n they_o give_v scandal_n and_o offence_n in_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o trust_n and_o may_v just_o because_o thereof_o be_v except_v against_o as_o not_o fit_a to_o sit_v in_o the_o general_n assembly_n as_o member_n thereof_o before_o their_o carriage_n be_v try_v but_o the_o commissioner_n of_o the_o assembly_n 1651._o who_o be_v member_n of_o the_o commission_n be_v such_o ergo_fw-la etc._n etc._n the_o assumption_n be_v clear_a the_o matter_n of_o fact_n contain_v therein_o be_v evident_a from_o their_o own_o paper_n and_o that_o they_o be_v not_o warrant_v by_o any_o act_n of_o the_o assembly_n so_o to_o do_v be_v the_o author_n own_o ground_n the_o first_o proposition_n i_o prove_v thus_o whosoever_o so_o far_o transgress_v the_o bound_n of_o their_o commission_n as_o upon_o the_o account_n thereof_o to_o declare_v many_o former_o faithful_a to_o be_v malignant_n unfaithful_a and_o ordain_v they_o to_o be_v censure_v and_o cite_v when_o they_o have_v no_o warrant_n thereby_o so_o to_o do_v gives_z scandal_n and_o offence_n in_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o trust_n but_o the_o commissioner_n by_o