in_o that_o same_o page_n that_o in_o some_o case_n a_o protestation_n be_v lawful_a how_o can_v he_o then_o judge_v this_o protestation_n unlawful_a which_o be_v ground_v upon_o the_o refusal_n of_o the_o just_a desire_n make_v in_o that_o representation_n without_o consider_v the_o same_o but_o he_o may_v not_o stay_v therefore_o he_o make_v long_a step_n that_o he_o may_v come_v soon_o at_o the_o protestation_n his_o word_n be_v these_o i_o shall_v god_n willing_a grapple_n with_o they_o in_o their_o arsenal_n of_o the_o protestation_n itself_o yet_o shrrt_o glance_v only_o at_o some_o principal_a thing_n quid_fw-la dignum_fw-la tanto_fw-la tulit_fw-la hic_fw-la promissor_n hiatu_fw-la i_o shall_v not_o trouble_v myself_o with_o his_o vain_a boasting_n but_o proceed_v to_o try_v what_o strength_n be_v in_o his_o argument_n protestation_n reviewed_n where_o i_o begin_v with_o the_o tittle_n a_o protestation_n which_o be_v gaven_n in_o against_o the_o supreme_a representative_a of_o 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reckon_v as_o to_o that_o he_o argn_v from_o mat._n 18.17_o tell_v the_o church_n i_o answer_v that_o the_o same_o commandment_n of_o god_n that_o enjoin_v acknowledge_v of_o and_o obedience_n to_o free_a and_o lawful_a general_n assembly_n in_o the_o lord_n do_v per_fw-la negationem_fw-la contrarit_fw-la according_a to_o the_o general_a rule_n of_o interpretation_n of_o command_n set_v down_o in_o our_o large_a catechism_n require_v the_o not_o acknowledge_v or_o keep_v unfree_a and_o unlawful_a general_n aslembly_n for_o where_o a_o dory_n be_v command_v the_o contrary_a sin_n be_v forbid_v and_o so_o the_o command_n to_o hear_v the_o true_a church_n requre_v our_o not_o hear_v a_o false_a or_o non-church_n within_o which_o a_o unfree_a unlawful_a and_o corrupt_a assembly_n do_v fall_v and_o therefore_o it_o be_v neither_o to_o be_v tell_v nor_o hear_v but_o to_o be_v declare_v protest_v against_o and_o discover_v in_o the_o nullity_n and_o corruption_n thereof_o as_o the_o 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yet_o can_v pass_v that_o arrogant_a tittle_n of_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o godly_a which_o they_o assume_v to_o themselves_o and_o their_o abettor_n we_o will_v not_o mention_v of_o who_o they_o learn_v this_o and_o who_o in_o many_o other_o thing_n they_o too_o much_o resemble_v but_o we_o shall_v refer_v the_o reader_n to_o that_o most_o faithful_a and_o timeous_a warn_v and_o declaration_n of_o the_o late_a assembly_n at_o dundee_n and_o the_o three_o admonition_n and_o charge_n of_o the_o second_o part_n thereof_o protestation_n defend_v he_o affirm_v that_o they_o do_v nothing_o in_o constitute_v their_o assembly_n than_o be_v do_v in_o all_o the_o assembly_n since_o the_o reformation_n but_o if_o he_o have_v understand_v well_o the_o history_n of_o proceed_n in_o this_o kirk_n he_o shall_v have_v say_v they_o do_v no_o other_o thing_n than_o be_v do_v in_o the_o six_o unlawful_a assembly_n immediate_o procede_v the_o last_o reformation_n which_o the_o review_n of_o the_o 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declaration_n of_o this_o kirk_n i_o desire_v to_o know_v if_o he_o can_v with_o so_o full_a a_o mouth_n and_o hearty_a applause_n give_v such_o a_o encomium_fw-la to_o the_o declaration_n in_o the_o year_n 1648_o against_o the_o unlawful_a engagement_n let_v any_o indifferent_a man_n read_v &_o compare_v they_o whether_o contrary_a spirit_n do_v not_o speak_v in_o these_o two_o declaration_n as_o to_o the_o passage_n cite_v by_o he_o in_o that_o warn_v i_o answer_v that_o the_o protester_n be_v very_o far_o from_o suchway_n and_o opinion_n as_o the_o member_n of_o this_o kirk_n be_v exhort_v in_o that_o warn_v to_o be_v ware_n of_o neither_o their_o profession_n nor_o practice_n do_v hold_v forth_o any_o such_o thing_n as_o that_o they_o will_v have_v a_o kirk_n make_v up_o of_o such_o person_n only_o as_o do_v evidence_n their_o regeneration_n they_o desire_v to_o beware_v of_o that_o extreme_a upon_o the_o one_o hand_n but_o they_o desire_v also_o to_o beware_v of_o another_o 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their_o duty_n to_o endeavour_v that_o they_o may_v be_v observe_v and_o practise_v as_o well_o as_o they_o be_v profess_v it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o cry_n and_o most_o provoke_a sin_n of_o this_o land_n to_o make_v fair_a profession_n but_o to_o fall_v in_o the_o practice_n protestation_n reviewed_n where_o they_o affirm_v it_o their_o burden_n and_o that_o they_o have_v no_o delight_n to_o be_v conte_v with_o any_o who_o profess_v themselves_o to_o be_v maintainer_n of_o the_o government_n of_o this_o church_n it_o be_v wish_v their_o work_n be_v consonant_a to_o their_o word_n and_o make_v they_o credible_a to_o all_o on-looker_n certain_o however_o they_o may_v please_v themselves_o this_o be_v not_o the_o ordinary_a opinion_n that_o most_o man_n have_v of_o they_o protestation_n defend_v what_o opinion_n most_o man_n have_v of_o the_o protester_n be_v not_o much_o to_o their_o disadvantage_n if_o the_o great_a number_n within_o the_o land_n
be_v indeed_o of_o the_o opinion_n that_o difference_n of_o judgement_n in_o these_o thing_n shall_v be_v no_o prejudice_n to_o joint_a act_n in_o public_a judicatories_n than_o it_o concern_v they_o for_o their_o own_o vindication_n and_o for_o reconcile_a their_o practice_n with_o their_o opinion_n to_o tell_v we_o why_o their_o assembly_n at_o s._n andrews_n do_v not_o only_o approve_v of_o the_o act_n of_o commission_n appoint_v those_o who_o oppose_v the_o public_a resolution_n to_o be_v censure_v but_o also_o make_v act_n of_o their_o own_o for_o censure_v of_o such_o and_o why_o the_o assembly_n at_o edinburgh_n do_v ordain_v that_o elder_n and_o expectant_n who_o will_v not_o engage_v themselves_o under_o their_o hand_n to_o abstain_v from_o hold_v up_o this_o difference_n be_v to_o be_v exclude_v from_o sit_v in_o presbytery_n and_o be_v receive_v as_o minister_n sure_o if_o this_o difference_n need_v be_v no_o prejudice_n to_o joint_a act_n in_o public_a judicatories_n the_o maintain_v thereof_o be_v without_o ground_n make_v a_o cause_n of_o censure_n which_o must_v incapacitat_fw-la man_n to_o act_v or_o of_o exclusion_n which_o must_v bar_v they_o from_o joint_a act_n in_o judicatory_n what_o shall_v be_v say_v to_o this_o i_o do_v not_o know_v unless_o it_o be_v allege_v that_o it_o be_v not_o simple_o difference_n of_o judgement_n that_o be_v make_v a_o ground_n of_o censure_n or_o exclusion_n but_o difference_n of_o judgement_n kithe_v in_o oppose_v the_o public_a resolution_n or_o hold_v up_o debate_v and_o controversy_n in_o preach_v or_o write_v about_o these_o thing_n but_o first_o if_o it_o be_v mean_v of_o that_o difference_n of_o judgement_n that_o be_v inward_a only_a it_o be_v to_o small_a purpose_n because_o that_o be_v latent_fw-la and_o not_o know_v to_o i_o can_v be_v make_v a_o ground_n for_o my_o withdraw_a from_o joint_a act_n with_o these_o who_o thus_o differ_v from_o i_o and_o if_o it_o be_v know_v and_o profess_v how_o shall_v there_o be_v any_o know_a difference_n of_o judgement_n without_o some_o opposition_n to_o the_o adverse_a judgement_n especial_o if_o it_o be_v establish_v in_o a_o law_n he_o who_o profess_v and_o declare_v the_o difference_n of_o his_o judgement_n from_o the_o law_n and_o dis-satisfaction_n therewith_o be_v he_o not_o in_o so_o far_o a_o weakner_n gainsayer_n and_o opposer_n thereof_o 2._o if_o they_o mean_v it_o thus_o they_o have_v not_o measure_v the_o same_o measure_n unto_o themselves_o and_o to_o other_o they_o will_v have_v other_o to_o pass_v from_o their_o protestation_n under_o their_o hand_n and_o to_o engage_v themselves_o not_o to_o hold_v up_o debate_n otherwise_o they_o will_v not_o act_v joint_o with_o they_o in_o the_o judicatories_n nor_o allow_v they_o the_o legal_a capacity_n to_o act_v at_o all_o and_o yet_o while_o they_o will_v do_v no_o such_o thing_n themselves_o in_o reference_n to_o their_o assembly_n and_o the_o act_n thereof_o yea_o will_v have_v these_o assembly_n to_o stand_v as_o free_v and_o lawful_a and_o all_o the_o act_n thereof_o wherein_o their_o judgement_n be_v involve_v as_o bind_v and_o obligatory_a they_o desire_v that_o their_o brethren_n may_v be_v deal_v with_o not_o to_o let_v this_o hinder_v they_o from_o a_o joint_a act_n in_o the_o public_a judicatories_n 3._o if_o it_o be_v only_o the_o oppose_a of_o public_a resolution_n and_o the_o hold_v up_o of_o debate_n that_o they_o quarrel_n with_o how_o be_v it_o that_o in_o presbytery_n they_o will_v have_v young_a man_n who_o have_v hitherto_o be_v silent_a public_o to_o declare_v themselves_o anent_o these_o thing_n or_o else_o refuse_v to_o admit_v they_o to_o their_o trial_n or_o to_o stop_v they_o be_v admit_v or_o to_o refuse_v they_o testimonial_n be_v approven_v act_n for_o put_v in_o execution_n former_a act_n and_o constitution_n of_o general_n assembly_n anent_o try_v admit_v removing_z and_o depose_v of_o church_n officer_n censure_v of_o scandalous_a person_n receive_v of_o penitent_n and_o debar_v of_o person_n from_o the_o lord_n table_n edinburgh_n 3_o august_n 1652._o postmeridiem_fw-la sess_n 20._o the_o general_n assembly_n consider_v the_o obligation_n that_o lie_v upon_o all_o ecclesiastic_a judicatory_n and_o minister_n within_o this_o land_n by_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n and_o our_o covenant_n and_o engagement_n take_v upon_o we_o before_o god_n and_o the_o world_n whereunto_o they_o resolve_v in_o the_o power_n of_o the_o lord_n might_n constant_o to_o adhere_v and_o to_o show_v themselves_o faithful_a and_o zealous_a in_o all_o their_o administration_n for_o the_o lord_n and_o for_o advance_v the_o work_n of_o reformation_n and_o particular_o consider_v that_o the_o condition_n of_o this_o time_n do_v require_v in_o special_a way_n that_o in_o try_v admit_v removing_z and_o depose_v of_o church-officer_n censure_v of_o scandalous_a person_n dispense_n of_o ordinance_n receive_v of_o penitent_n the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o constitution_n of_o this_o kirk_n be_v diligent_o put_v in_o execution_n and_o accurat_o observe_v therefore_o the_o assembly_n ordain_v that_o presbytery_n and_o synod_n in_o admit_v of_o person_n to_o the_o ministry_n be_v accurate_a in_o their_o trial_n according_a to_o the_o order_n prescribe_v in_o this_o church_n that_o none_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o holy_a and_o high_a function_n but_o such_o as_o be_v qualify_v according_a as_o be_v require_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o constitution_n of_o this_o kirk_n both_o for_o knowledge_n in_o the_o mystery_n of_o godliness_n and_o ability_n to_o teach_v and_o convince_v the_o gainsayers_a as_o also_o in_o conversation_n and_o godliness_n that_o they_o lay_v hand_n sudden_o on_o no_o man_n nor_o be_v partaker_n of_o other_o man_n sin_n and_o for_o this_o end_n that_o every_o presbytery_n be_v careful_a to_o have_v gather_v together_o such_o act_n of_o assembly_n as_o concern_v the_o trial_n of_o minister_n and_o have_v they_o before_o they_o whensoever_o any_o person_n be_v call_v to_o any_o place_n of_o the_o ministry_n and_o be_v upon_o his_o trial_n 2._o ordain_v that_o preshytery_n and_o synod_n in_o their_o respective_a bound_n make_v conscience_n that_o such_o minister_n as_o be_v find_v either_o ignorant_a and_o not_o apt_a to_o feed_v the_o people_n of_o god_n with_o knowledge_n and_o understanding_n or_o erroneous_a in_o their_o judgement_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n or_o be_v scandalous_a in_o their_o life_n and_o conversation_n and_o be_v not_o example_n unto_o their_o flock_n in_o godly_a and_o holy_a walk_n or_o disaffect_v to_o the_o work_n of_o reformation_n be_v centure_v according_a to_o the_o degree_n of_o their_o offence_n and_o act_n of_o assembly_n and_o for_o this_o end_n that_o they_o be_v frequent_a and_o accurate_a in_o visitation_n of_o kirke_n and_o therein_o make_v conscientious_a use_n of_o the_o rule_v prescribe_v for_o visitation_n and_o of_o such_o act_n of_o former_a assembly_n as_o hold_v forth_o the_o duty_n of_o minister_n and_o the_o ground_n and_o cause_n of_o censure_n 3._o ordain_v that_o where_o minister_n lawful_o depose_v be_v unlawful_o admit_v and_o not_o according_a to_o the_o order_n prescribe_v in_o the_o act_n of_o general_n assembly_n or_o intrude_v themselves_o into_o place_n presbytery_n and_o synod_n make_v use_v of_o that_o power_n and_o authority_n which_o christ_n have_v put_v in_o their_o hand_n to_o remedy_v the_o same_o and_o to_o censure_v such_o disorder_n and_o enormity_n as_o they_o deserve_v and_o that_o people_n be_v not_o accestory_n unto_o or_o concur_v with_o any_o minister_n that_o be_v depose_v in_o intrude_a themselves_o into_o place_n nor_o give_v they_o any_o countenance_n that_o do_v so_o as_o they_o will_v not_o draw_v upon_o themselves_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n by_o contemn_v and_o despise_v christ_n ordinance_n of_o discipline_n and_o that_o no_o presbytery_n or_o synod_n proceed_v to_o open_v the_o mouth_n of_o or_o re-admit_a unto_o the_o ministry_n any_o depose_a minister_n but_o according_a to_o the_o order_n prescribe_v in_o the_o act_n of_o general_n assembly_n as_o they_o will_v be_v answerable_a unto_o the_o general_n assembly_n 4._o ordain_v that_o session_n be_v careful_a that_o none_o be_v admit_v to_o be_v elder_n in_o congregation_n but_o such_o as_o be_v in_o some_o competent_a measure_n able_a and_o qual_a fie_v with_o knowledge_n of_o religion_n and_o understanding_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o their_o call_v for_o discharge_v the_o duty_n of_o that_o office_n and_o of_o a_o blameless_a christian_a and_o godly_a conversation_n and_o that_o before_o any_o be_v admit_v to_o be_v a_o elder_a the_o person_n name_n that_o be_v design_v be_v public_o intimate_v to_o the_o congregation_n the_o lord_n day_n before_o that_o if_o any_o have_v any_o thing_n to_o object_n against_o he_o they_o may_v present_v the_o same_o to_o the_o session_n or_o to_o the_o
conscience_n comply_v with_o these_o overture_n though_o they_o be_v man_n eminent_a for_o gift_n and_o grace_n and_o have_v be_v very_o useful_a and_o profitable_a servant_n in_o the_o lord_n vinyard_n and_o differ_v in_o nothing_o in_o judgement_n with_o their_o brethren_n in_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n directory_n for_o worship_n and_o government_n yet_o they_o must_v be_v cast_v forth_o as_o unsavoury_a salt_n because_o they_o can_v agree_v to_o a_o novation_n which_o never_o be_v hear_v of_o before_o in_o this_o church_n and_o which_o themselves_o in_o their_o vindication_n grant_v to_o be_v indeterminati_fw-la juris_fw-la the_o same_o severity_n be_v enact_v against_o expectant_n to_o the_o ministry_n and_o they_o must_v be_v debar_v for_o this_o sole_a cause_n though_o they_o be_v never_o so_o well_o qualify_v if_o this_o be_v not_o usurpation_n and_o tyranny_n the_o prelate_n be_v very_o excusable_a for_o their_o carriage_n 6._o observe_v how_o their_o answer_n to_o we_o and_o letter_n to_o the_o presbytery_n be_v stufle_v with_o carnal_a policy_n and_o very_o far_o from_o that_o simplicity_n and_o candour_n which_o become_v minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n they_o say_v they_o be_v desirous_a to_o have_v the_o memory_n of_o our_o difference_n and_o distraction_n bury_v yet_o with_o the_o same_o breath_n they_o give_v out_o sentence_n that_o we_o have_v not_o only_o be_v agent_n but_o active_a agent_n and_o vigorous_o active_a and_o affirm_v this_o to_o be_v conspicuous_a not_o only_o to_o some_o but_o to_o all_o who_o have_v be_v look_v on_o the_o matter_n but_o be_v it_o so_o what_o need_n be_v there_o to_o tell_v it_o if_o they_o will_v have_v these_o thing_n bury_v why_o do_v they_o assemble_v so_o frequent_o this_o summer_n to_o dig_v they_o out_o of_o their_o grave_n be_v it_o not_o great_a ingenuity_n to_o tell_v the_o truth_n as_o some_o of_o their_o number_n do_v that_o these_o public_a resolution_n must_v stand_v as_o the_o authority_n and_o warrant_n for_o the_o body_n of_o the_o people_n to_o rise_v all_o in_o arm_n without_o make_v distinction_n of_o friend_n and_o enemy_n to_o the_o lord_n his_o work_n and_o people_n and_o associate_v among_o themselves_o and_o with_o foreigner_n when_o they_o shall_v land_n with_o the_o king_n they_o say_v they_o will_v not_o question_v whether_o we_o do_v from_o a_o desire_n of_o remove_v difference_n forbear_v to_o act_v in_o the_o capacity_n of_o commissioner_n from_o the_o general_n assembly_n 1650._o yet_o in_o the_o very_a next_o word_n they_o do_v express_o question_v it_o and_o say_v it_o seem_v not_o to_o consist_v well_o with_o our_o answer_n to_o the_o synod_n of_o lothian_n this_o be_v but_o a_o seem_a inconsistency_n ground_v on_o a_o real_a mistake_n for_o the_o overture_n mention_v by_o we_o be_v not_o the_o same_o with_o that_o propose_v by_o the_o synod_n of_o lothian_n neither_o for_o the_o matter_n person_n propounder_n or_o the_o time_n of_o make_v thereof_o it_o be_v a_o more_o equal_a overture_n then_o that_o from_o the_o brethren_n of_o lothian_n for_o it_o do_v not_o condemn_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o commission_n 1650._o more_o than_o that_o of_o 1651._o as_o that_o from_o lathian_n do_v and_o it_o be_v propound_v at_o a_o conference_n with_o some_o of_o the_o brethren_n of_o the_o presbytery_n of_o st._n andrews_n and_o that_o diverse_a month_n after_o the_o overture_n make_v by_o the_o brethren_n in_o lothian_n if_o our_o brethren_n have_v be_v well_o advise_v they_o have_v spare_v this_o reflection_n they_o say_v they_o abstein_v from_o meet_v so_o much_o as_o to_o adjourn_v the_o commission_n and_o that_o to_o prevent_v the_o heighten_v of_o difference_n till_o the_o time_n of_o the_o assembly_n do_v approach_v that_o they_o behove_v to_o meet_v i_o will_v not_o say_v as_o our_o brethren_n do_v that_o i_o will_v not_o question_v if_o it_o be_v for_o that_o end_n they_o do_v abstain_v and_o then_o follow_v it_o with_o a_o contradiction_n i_o do_v plain_o and_o ingenuous_o profess_v that_o i_o think_v it_o be_v another_o reason_n which_o make_v they_o abstain_v it_o be_v a_o clear_a case_n to_o all_o who_o converse_v with_o they_o at_o that_o time_n that_o fear_v of_o interruption_n by_o the_o english_a and_z drawing_z prejudices_fw-la on_o their_o person_n make_v they_o abstain_v until_o the_o malignant_a party_n their_o penitent_n and_o correspondent_o begin_v to_o have_v power_n and_o favour_n and_o procure_v some_o underhand_o assurance_n for_o their_o security_n and_o it_o may_v be_v well_o remember_v that_o their_o meeting_n at_o that_o time_n in_o may_n before_o their_o assembly_n be_v colour_v with_o specious_a pretence_n of_o use_v endeavour_n for_o union_n with_o the_o dissenter_n from_o the_o public_a resolution_n yet_o here_o they_o plain_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o express_a end_n be_v to_o determine_v the_o place_n of_o the_o ensue_a assembly_n to_o which_o i_o do_v ready_o give_v credit_n for_o they_o slight_v the_o send_v advertisement_n to_o we_o and_o will_v not_o delay_v one_o fourthight_n at_o the_o earnest_a desire_n of_o some_o few_o of_o our_o number_n that_o be_v present_a at_o that_o meeting_n they_o say_v they_o can_v not_o delay_v to_o constitute_v themselves_o into_o a_o general_n assembly_n without_o unfaithfulness_n notwithstanding_o they_o know_v that_o it_o be_v agreeable_a unto_o the_o practice_n of_o diverse_a gen-assembly_n to_o adjourn_v without_o constitution_n and_o no_o prejudice_n at_o all_o to_o their_o liberty_n as_o be_v represent_v to_o they_o at_o the_o same_o time_n they_o say_v that_o it_o have_v be_v constant_o hold_v in_o this_o church_n that_o a_o lawful_a general_n assembly_n such_o as_o this_o be_v be_v the_o most_o soveragin_v mean_a to_o heal_v rupture_n &_o distraction_n in_o the_o church_n if_o they_o take_v out_o these_o word_n such_o as_o this_o be_v which_o they_o have_v foist_v in_o to_o destroy_v the_o text_n their_o own_o conscience_n will_v bear_v witness_n to_o we_o that_o we_o be_v of_o the_o same_o judgement_n but_o to_o say_v that_o a_o pretend_a assembly_n make_v up_o of_o such_o as_o have_v bring_v in_o novation_n and_o carry_v on_o a_o course_n of_o defection_n &_o continue_v therein_o without_o repentance_n be_v a_o sovereign_n mean_a to_o heal_v rupture_n and_o distraction_n be_v so_o far_o contrary_a to_o all_o reason_n and_o experience_n as_o it_o have_v prove_v to_o be_v a_o main_a cause_n of_o the_o evil_n and_o trouble_n of_o this_o church_n as_o be_v declare_v by_o the_o general_n assembly_n 1639._o in_o their_o act_n of_o the_o 17_o of_o ______o they_o do_v without_o cause_n resent_v that_o the_o narrative_a of_o our_o overture_n do_v cast_v upon_o they_o reflection_n and_o aspersion_n and_o yet_o all_o along_o their_o answer_n they_o make_v it_o their_o study_n under_o the_o covert_n of_o albeit_n although_n and_o parenthesis_n to_o abuse_v we_o with_o calumny_n they_o declare_v that_o they_o shall_v not_o at_o this_o meeting_n nor_o hereafter_o until_o the_o three_o wednesday_n of_o february_n act_n in_o prosecution_n of_o censure_n already_o pronounce_v or_o which_o may_v be_v incur_v by_o their_o brethren_n and_o that_o they_o will_v interpose_v with_o synod_n and_o presbytery_n for_o the_o like_a but_o what_o sophistry_n be_v there_o here_o to_o delude_v the_o woâ—lâ—_n oâ—_n rather_o to_o mock_v their_o brethren_n for_o first_o they_o act_n what_o they_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o act_v in_o reference_n to_o matter_n in_o difference_n and_o then_o after_o their_o meeting_n be_v dissolve_v and_o no_o soon_o they_o declare_v to_o we_o they_o will_v act_v no_o more_o at_o that_o meeting_n nor_o hereafter_o till_o the_o three_o wednesday_n of_o febr._n and_o that_o be_v the_o time_n of_o their_o next_o quarterly-meeting_a 2_o this_o seem_a forbearence_n to_o act_v during_o that_o time_n be_v not_o general_a but_o limit_v to_o the_o matter_n of_o censure_n 3_o that_o be_v clog_v with_o another_o limitation_n for_o say_v they_o we_o must_v leave_v synod_n &_o presbytery_n to_o that_o prudence_n and_o discretion_n which_o the_o exigence_n of_o their_o condition_n shall_v require_v for_o put_v in_o execution_n the_o act_n for_o debar_v elder_n from_o vote_v in_o these_o judicatories_n and_o expectant_n from_o the_o ministry_n which_o themselves_o the_o last_o year_n do_v account_v to_o be_v no_o small_a censure_n in_o the_o debar_v malignant_n from_o trust_n but_o how_o much_o more_o in_o this_o case_n which_o have_v great_a influence_n to_o corrupt_v the_o ministry_n and_o judicatories_n 4_o their_o expression_n which_o they_o choose_v in_o their_o letter_n to_o the_o presbytery_n and_o synod_n be_v such_o as_o do_v rather_o incite_v to_o censure_n then_o prohibit_v for_o they_o insinuate_v a_o dislike_n of_o their_o former_a moderation_n in_o censure_n which_o they_o say_v be_v well_o know_v to_o they_o and_o to_o all_o man_n
minister_n and_o that_o if_o any_o elder_a be_v find_v negligent_a in_o the_o duty_n of_o his_o charge_n and_o continue_v so_o after_o admonition_n or_o scandalous_a in_o his_o life_n and_o conversation_n or_o to_o be_v a_o neglecter_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n in_o his_o family_n he_o be_v remove_v from_o and_o purge_v out_o of_o the_o session_n 5._o ordain_v that_o session_n and_o presbytery_n be_v careful_a and_o make_v conscience_n by_o all_o mean_n to_o censure_v impartial_o all_o person_n of_o whatsoever_o rank_n or_o condition_n that_o be_v scandalous_a either_o in_o thing_n of_o the_o first_o or_o in_o thing_n of_o the_o second_o table_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n and_o order_n which_o christ_n have_v prescribe_v in_o his_o word_n and_o to_o proceed_v to_o the_o high_a censure_n with_o such_o as_o be_v gross_o and_o obstinate_o scandalous_a or_o be_v ignorant_a and_o contemn_v and_o continued_o neglect_v the_o mean_n of_o knowledge_n as_o public_a and_o private_a catechise_n etc._n etc._n after_o they_o be_v make_v inexcusable_a by_o sufficient_a mean_n use_v to_o reclaim_v and_o gain_v they_o 6._o ordain_v that_o minister_n and_o session_n in_o congregation_n be_v careful_a as_o they_o will_v be_v answerable_a to_o christ_n jesus_n to_o debar_v from_o the_o lord_n table_n all_o such_o person_n as_o be_v find_v not_o to_o walk_v suitable_o to_o the_o gospel_n and_o be_v convince_v and_o admonish_v thereof_o do_v not_o reform_v as_o also_o all_o such_o as_o have_v not_o knowledge_n to_o examine_v themselves_o and_o to_o discern_v the_o lord_n body_n and_o that_o for_o the_o more_o orderly_o perform_v of_o this_o the_o minister_n in_o examination_n of_o the_o people_n have_v some_o of_o the_o elder_n always_o with_o he_o and_o represent_v unto_o the_o session_n such_o as_o be_v find_v gross_o ignorant_a that_o by_o order_n of_o the_o session_n they_o may_v be_v debar_v 7._o that_o presbytery_n and_o session_n make_v conscience_n that_o such_o person_n be_v find_v scandalous_a and_o be_v under_o censure_n for_o that_o cause_n be_v not_o receive_v nor_o absolve_v from_o their_o censure_n unless_o they_o give_v such_o satisfaction_n and_o evidence_n of_o their_o repentance_n as_o be_v express_v in_o the_o act_n of_o the_o assembly_n concern_v the_o receive_n of_o penitent_n j._n makghie_n observation_n this_o act_n as_o be_v profess_v and_o give_v out_o by_o many_o be_v not_o only_o intend_v but_o if_o they_o may_v be_v trust_v do_v indeed_o and_o upon_o the_o matter_n give_v full_a and_o clear_a satisfaction_n to_o the_o proposition_n which_o be_v offer_v by_o the_o protester_n unto_o their_o brethren_n of_o the_o assembly_n at_o their_o first_o down-sitting_a as_o the_o best_a mean_n for_o satisfy_v of_o their_o conscience_n secure_v of_o the_o work_n of_o reformation_n purge_v the_o church_n promove_v the_o power_n of_o godliness_n remove_v of_o these_o sad_a difference_n and_o for_o attain_v and_o preserve_v a_o good_a understanding_n and_o therefore_o these_o as_o they_o allege_v be_v satisfy_v the_o propounder_n of_o they_o not_o acquiesce_v therein_o must_v have_v some_o other_o thing_n before_o they_o therefore_o for_o vindicate_v of_o these_o i_o shall_v mark_v a_o few_o thing_n for_o show_v how_o unsatisfactory_a all_o that_o be_v contain_v in_o this_o act_n be_v unto_o the_o desire_v contain_v in_o these_o proposition_n until_o there_o may_v be_v opportunity_n to_o make_v a_o more_o full_a discovery_n thereof_o 1._o to_o pass_v the_o ambiguity_n of_o their_o answer_n to_o the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o first_o proposition_n wherein_o it_o be_v desire_v that_o they_o give_v evidence_n etc._n etc._n they_o omit_v the_o whole_a second_o proposition_n to_o wit_n that_o it_o be_v serious_o lay_v to_o heart_n etc._n etc._n which_o in_o order_n to_o the_o end_n that_o be_v propound_v in_o the_o preface_n to_o these_o proposition_n to_o wit_n the_o satisfaction_n of_o our_o conscience_n be_v as_o to_o the_o present_a condition_n of_o affair_n betwixt_o they_o and_o the_o protester_n the_o most_o important_a of_o these_o proposition_n yea_o in_o their_o other_o paper_n these_o thing_n which_o the_o protester_n complain_v of_o as_o defection_n they_o commend_v as_o duty_n and_o profess_v their_o adherence_n thereunto_o and_o appoint_v censure_n to_o be_v inflict_v upon_o all_o the_o opposer_n thereof_o 2._o they_o also_o omit_v the_o whole_a three_o proposition_n to_o wit_n that_o as_o we_o be_v ready_a in_o our_o station_n etc._n etc._n by_o which_o ommission_n they_o give_v just_a ground_n to_o suspect_v that_o there_o be_v in_o their_o apprehension_n no_o malignant_a party_n that_o need_v to_o be_v discover_v or_o from_o who_o the_o work_n of_o god_n stand_v in_o danger_n and_o though_o the_o protester_n do_v not_o in_o the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o proposition_n take_v upon_o they_o to_o secure_v and_o guard_v the_o cause_n and_o work_n of_o god_n against_o error_n heresy_n and_o schism_n but_o only_o by_o this_o overture_n give_v evidence_n of_o the_o sincerity_n of_o their_o intention_n in_o order_n to_o that_o end_n that_o so_o they_o may_v satisfy_v their_o brethren_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o their_o jealousy_n thereanent_a yet_o as_o they_o do_v still_o apprehend_v a_o great_a danger_n to_o the_o lord_n work_v from_o a_o numerous_a party_n of_o malignant_n still_o in_o the_o lord_n so_o be_v they_o much_o unsatisfied_a that_o the_o assembly_n give_v no_o expression_n of_o their_o sense_n of_o danger_n this_o way_n nor_o evidence_n of_o their_o willingness_n to_o concur_v in_o secure_v against_o the_o same_o nor_o hold_v forth_o any_o way_n for_o the_o discover_v and_o know_v of_o these_o for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v 3._o whereas_o they_o seem_v to_o grant_v much_o in_o order_n to_o the_o try_v admit_v removing_z and_o depose_v of_o church-officer_n censuting_a of_o scandalous_a person_n dispense_n of_o ordinance_n and_o receive_v of_o penitent_n they_o do_v real_o and_o in_o effect_n grant_v little_a or_o nothing_o yea_o they_o do_v express_o refuse_v the_o desire_n of_o the_o proposition_n upon_o these_o thing_n and_o establish_v the_o very_a contrary_n because_o the_o desire_n of_o the_o proposition_n be_v that_o the_o late_a meeting_n at_o dundee_n and_o the_o act_n thereof_o be_v take_v out_o of_o the_o way_n and_o the_o work_n and_o people_n of_o god_n secure_v from_o the_o harm_n and_o evil_a consequence_n which_o have_v already_o and_o may_v further_o ensue_v from_o the_o same_o as_o be_v express_v in_o the_o last_o proposition_n which_o they_o whole_o omit_v all_o these_o thing_n may_v be_v do_v according_a to_o the_o act_n of_o former_a uncontroverted_a assembly_n of_o this_o church_n concern_v the_o work_n of_o reformation_n in_o the_o literal_a and_o genuine_a sense_n and_o meaning_n thereof_o but_o their_o grant_n and_o concession_n do_v include_v for_o the_o rule_n according_a to_o which_o they_o be_v to_o be_v regulate_v viz._n the_o act_n of_o general_a assembly_n and_o constitution_n of_o this_o church_n indefinite_o which_o in_o their_o sense_n do_v clear_o and_o undeniable_o include_v the_o act_n of_o the_o last_o assembly_n at_o dundee_n and_o edinburgh_n which_o instead_o of_o purge_v of_o the_o church_n from_o ignorant_a and_o disaffect_v and_o scandalous_a minister_n and_o professor_n purge_v it_o from_o a_o very_a great_a part_n of_o the_o able_a well_o affect_v &_o good_a minister_n elder_n expectant_n and_o professor_n of_o the_o land_n because_o of_o their_o not_o acknowledge_v the_o authority_n and_o acquiesce_v to_o the_o constitution_n of_o these_o assembly_n 4._o their_o action_n which_o before_o the_o lord_n and_o also_o with_o intelligent_a and_o discern_a man_n be_v the_o most_o real_a evidence_n of_o the_o reality_n and_o sincerity_n of_o man_n intention_n since_o that_o time_n do_v demonstrate_v whether_o they_o have_v grant_v the_o desire_n of_o these_o proposition_n tell_v i_o how_o many_o ignorant_a disaffect_v scandalous_a minister_n or_o elder_n be_v censure_v by_o the_o author_n of_o the_o public_a resolution_n since_o the_o last_o assembly_n or_o how_o many_o lawful_o depose_v and_o unlawful_o admit_v be_v proceed_v against_o etc._n etc._n they_o will_v fain_o find_v some_o shadow_n of_o a_o excuse_n for_o so_o gross_a a_o oversight_n and_o cast_v the_o blame_n upon_o the_o protester_n who_o say_v they_o have_v so_o weaken_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n that_o her_o censure_n be_v render_v altogether_o ineffectual_a but_o 1._o to_o say_v nothing_o that_o spiritual_a censure_n be_v not_o always_o to_o be_v foreborn_a because_o man_n refuse_v to_o obey_v yea_o in_o many_o case_n they_o be_v the_o more_o vigorous_o to_o be_v prosecute_v 2._o with_o what_o colour_n of_o reason_n can_v it_o be_v allege_v that_o those_o who_o not_o only_o acknowledge_v their_o authority_n but_o very_o zealous_o plead_v for_o it_o as_o most_o of_o the_o scandalous_a and_o disaffect_v