a_o good_a and_o undoubted_a title_n and_o right_n which_o ought_v in_o all_o law_n and_o reason_n to_o be_v prefer_v to_o murray_n gift_n especial_o consider_v that_o it_o have_v be_v obtain_v clancular_o &_o parte_fw-la inanditâ_fw-la alterâ_fw-la to_o the_o second_o that_o skeen_n have_v not_o deserted_n but_o be_v barbarous_o force_v from_o his_o church_n by_o notorious_a rabble_n and_o violence_n as_o be_v evident_a from_o this_o deduction_n 1._o about_o candlemas_n first_o and_o then_o several_a time_n after_o in_o the_o month_n of_o february_n and_o march_n 1688_o 9_o a_o godless_a rabble_n which_o be_v then_o overrun_v the_o country_n and_o thrust_v out_o the_o regular_a clergy_n where_o ever_o they_o come_v send_v to_o he_o peremptory_a order_n to_o remove_v from_o his_o church_n and_o desist_v from_o the_o exercise_n of_o his_o ministry_n under_o no_o less_o hazard_n than_o tear_v he_o in_o piece_n notwithstanding_o which_o he_o still_o continue_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o his_o office_n 2._o the_o rabble_n find_v those_o their_o menace_n unsuccessful_a no_o few_o than_o sixty_o of_o they_o all_o arm_a under_o the_o command_n of_o one_o steel_n come_v to_o his_o dwell_a house_n upon_o the_o 21_o of_o march_n and_o commit_v such_o outrage_n that_o they_o fright_v the_o poor_a gentlewoman_n his_o wife_n then_o big_a with_o child_n into_o her_o pang_n before_o the_o time_n in_o which_o she_o continue_v till_o the_o first_o of_o april_n that_o she_o bring_v forth_o her_o child_n die_v herself_o within_o three_o hour_n after_o the_o birth_n and_o leave_v he_o the_o weighty_a burden_n of_o eight_o motherless_a child_n yet_o neither_o for_o this_o do_v he_o forbear_v to_o exercise_v his_o minstry_n in_o the_o church_n of_o dunsyre_n until_o 3._o upon_o the_o 13_o of_o april_n the_o same_o day_n that_o the_o proclamation_n be_v order_v by_o the_o estate_n another_o barbarous_a and_o numerous_a rabble_n come_v to_o his_o house_n and_o threaten_v to_o murder_n he_o if_o he_o shall_v offer_v to_o possess_v the_o pulpit_n the_o next_o day_n which_o be_v sunday_n and_o then_o indeed_o for_o fear_n of_o his_o life_n he_o go_v not_o to_o the_o church_n yet_o he_o preach_v in_o his_o dwell_a house_n to_o such_o of_o his_o parishioner_n as_o come_v to_o hear_v he_o 4._o the_o proclamation_n be_v order_v to_o be_v read_v by_o he_o upon_o sunday_n the_o 21_o of_o april_n the_o rabble_n return_v upon_o saturday_n the_o 20_o and_o by_o violence_n barricado_v the_o church_n door_n and_o carry_v away_o the_o key_n and_o such_o utensil_n as_o they_o can_v find_v belong_v to_o the_o church_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o on_o sunday_n morning_n they_o plant_v guard_n of_o arm_a man_n at_o the_o door_n of_o the_o church_n by_o which_o they_o keep_v he_o out_o by_o force_n yet_o even_o that_o day_n too_o he_o preach_v in_o his_o dwell_a house_n nay_o 5._o he_o continue_v still_o to_o preach_v in_o his_o dwell_a house_n on_o sunday_n and_o to_o baptise_v child_n and_o visit_v the_o sick_a and_o perform_v all_o other_o part_n of_o his_o ministry_n as_o he_o have_v occasion_n till_o after_o whitsunday_n that_o another_o rabble_n come_v and_o most_o outrageous_o and_o inhumane_o cast_v he_o his_o family_n and_o all_o his_o furniture_n out_o of_o door_n so_o that_o he_o be_v then_o force_v to_o retire_v elsewhere_o for_o shelter_n all_o these_o thing_n be_v offer_v to_o be_v prove_v positive_o and_o evident_o by_o many_o famous_a and_o unquestionable_a witness_n and_o so_o the_o lord_n be_v desire_v for_o these_o reason_n to_o give_v their_o judgement_n upon_o this_o point_n whether_o skeen_n have_v thus_o continue_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o his_o ministry_n in_o the_o church_n and_o parish_n of_o dunsyre_n notwithstanding_o so_o much_o barbarous_a usage_n and_o so_o many_o forcible_a interruption_n and_o opposition_n can_v in_o law_n reason_n or_o common_a sense_n be_v repute_v a_o deserter_n of_o his_o charge_n before_o the_o 13_o of_o april_n to_o mr._n stuart_n 3d._a argument_n it_o be_v answer_v first_o that_o grant_v it_o have_v be_v true_a that_o murray_n have_v officiate_v as_o a_o pesbyterian_a minister_n in_o the_o parish_n of_o dunsyre_n yet_o he_o can_v plead_v no_o title_n to_o the_o benefice_n because_o he_o have_v neither_o be_v present_v collate_v nor_o orderly_o institute_v and_o admit_v to_o be_v pastor_n of_o that_o parish_n all_o which_o be_v necessary_a to_o constitute_v a_o legal_a right_n nay_o he_o can_v not_o pretend_v to_o so_o much_o as_o a_o call_v from_o either_o the_o great_a or_o better_a part_n of_o the_o people_n so_o that_o he_o ought_v to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o intruder_n who_o have_v force_v himself_o upon_o another_o man_n charge_n against_o law_n and_o in_o a_o schismatical_a manner_n but_o than_o second_o it_o be_v not_o true_a that_o he_o have_v officiate_v as_o a_o presbyterian_a minister_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a it_o be_v offer_v to_o be_v prove_v that_o he_o have_v refuse_v to_o preach_v and_o do_v forbid_v the_o people_n to_o come_v to_o he_o nay_o that_o he_o have_v refuse_v to_o baptise_v the_o child_n of_o his_o next_o neighbour_n in_o case_n of_o extreme_a necessity_n in_o so_o much_o that_o the_o presbyterian_a party_n in_o the_o parish_n have_v actual_o call_v one_o mr._n donaldson_n another_o presbyterian_a preacher_n to_o supply_v their_o necessity_n three_o murray_n be_v repone_v by_o act_n of_o parliament_n of_o the_o date_n april_n the_o 25_o 1690._o to_o his_o church_n at_o coulter_n have_v actual_o get_v the_o benefice_n there_o for_o the_o year_n 1689._o and_o be_v to_o get_v it_o for_o 1690._o why_o then_o shall_v he_o have_v the_o benefice_n of_o dunsyre_n for_o these_o year_n too_o what_o title_n can_v he_o plead_v for_o both_o benefice_n and_o then_o four_o it_o be_v plead_v that_o of_o all_o man_n in_o the_o world_n murray_n be_v in_o pessimo_fw-la dolo_fw-la to_o be_v skeen_n competitor_n for_o the_o benefice_n of_o dunsyre_n because_o as_o skeen_n offer_v to_o prove_v and_o make_v as_o evident_a as_o light_v and_o indeed_o he_o be_v able_a to_o have_v do_v it_o by_o a_o sufficient_a number_n of_o witness_n murray_n have_v not_o only_o never_o endeavour_v to_o quiet_a the_o rabble_n which_o he_o can_v easy_o have_v do_v have_v he_o apply_v himself_o to_o it_o notwithstanding_o skeen_n several_a time_n demand_v it_o of_o he_o but_o on_o the_o contrary_a he_o have_v open_o and_o avowed_o send_v to_o skeen_n and_o threaten_v he_o if_o he_o do_v not_o desist_v from_o the_o exercise_n of_o his_o ministry_n say_v he_o can_v not_o be_v answerable_a for_o what_o he_o have_v do_v already_o and_o he_o shall_v smart_v severe_o for_o it_o etc._n etc._n so_o that_o murray_n ought_v true_o and_o in_o law_n to_o be_v repute_v one_o of_o skeen_n rabbler_n for_o all_o which_o reason_n and_o in_o respect_n that_o the_o stipend_n for_o which_o skeen_n have_v charge_v beside_o that_o it_o belong_v to_o he_o incontrovertible_o in_o law_n and_o justice_n be_v all_o the_o reparation_n and_o assithment_n he_o expect_v for_o the_o murder_n of_o his_o wife_n and_o the_o violence_n and_o outrage_n do_v to_o himself_o and_o his_o child_n the_o lord_n be_v desire_v to_o prefer_v he_o to_o murray_n but_o nothing_o can_v prevail_v for_o the_o sentence_n be_v this_o word_n for_o word_n edinburgh_n 26_o of_o february_n 1691._o upon_o report_n of_o the_o lord_n anstruther_n the_o lord_n find_v that_o see_v mr._n robert_n skeen_n be_v not_o exercise_v the_o ministry_n in_o the_o kirk_n of_o dunsyre_n upon_o the_o 13_o of_o april_n 1689._o the_o church_n be_v vacant_a by_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n and_o therefore_o prefer_v mr._n anthony_n murray_n sic_fw-la subscribitur_fw-la stair_n i._n p._n d._n here_o sir_n you_o have_v the_o lord_n of_o session_n give_v their_o sense_n of_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n with_o a_o witness_n but_o i_o must_v beg_v their_o lordship_n permission_n to_o tell_v they_o plain_o that_o many_o judicious_a people_n think_v their_o lordship_n do_v even_o stretch_v the_o act_n of_o parliament_n which_o i_o be_o sure_o be_v needless_a in_o all_o conscience_n they_o stretch_v the_o act_n of_o parliament_n i_o say_v for_o skeen_n do_v actual_o exercise_v his_o ministry_n in_o the_o church_n of_o dunsyre_n upon_o the_o seven_o of_o april_n which_o be_v the_o sunday_n immediate_o before_o that_o 13_o of_o april_n so_o that_o he_o ought_v to_o have_v be_v repute_v in_o possession_n of_o his_o church_n till_o the_o end_n of_o the_o week_n for_o he_o be_v not_o oblige_v to_o be_v in_o it_o till_o next_o sunday_n unless_o it_o be_v upon_o some_o extraordinary_a occasion_n which_o be_v not_o pretend_v to_o have_v happen_v that_o week_n in_o effect_v when_o this_o their_o lordship_n sentence_n be_v consider_v it_o amount_v to_o
professor_n thereof_o have_v be_v and_o be_v great_a matter_n of_o joy_n to_o our_o heart_n and_o of_o blessing_n and_o magnify_v our_o lord_n and_o master_n in_o your_o lordship_n behalf_n so_o they_o be_v a_o door_n of_o hope_n to_o we_o and_o to_o all_o that_o love_v the_o true_a reform_a protestant_a religion_n in_o this_o land_n that_o his_o grace_n his_o majesty_n high_a commissioner_n and_o this_o honourable_a court_n of_o parliament_n will_v in_o your_o station_n go_v on_o zealous_o in_o your_o work_n of_o purge_v this_o poor_a oppress_a church_n from_o all_o corruption_n bring_v into_o it_o by_o ambitious_a and_o covetous_a churchman_n who_o seek_v their_o own_o thing_n but_o not_o the_o thing_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o from_o all_o the_o sad_a consequence_n which_o have_v follow_v upon_o the_o erect_v of_o prelacy_n such_o as_o be_v the_o drive_v several_a hundred_o of_o minister_n all_o at_o one_o time_n out_o of_o their_o church_n without_o either_o accusation_n or_o citation_n and_o the_o fill_n of_o their_o place_n with_o ignorant_a and_o scandalous_a person_n which_o his_o majesty_n be_v gracious_o please_v to_o notice_n in_o his_o declaration_n for_o scotland_n as_o a_o occasion_n of_o all_o this_o poor_a church_n misery_n and_o from_o which_o unsupportable_a suffering_n he_o declare_v his_o resolution_n to_o relieve_v and_o rescue_v we_o and_o we_o may_v add_v with_o many_o also_o erroneous_a and_o unsound_a in_o the_o faith_n enemy_n to_o the_o reformation_n and_o who_o have_v now_o appear_v disaffect_v to_o the_o present_a civil_a government_n as_o also_o frame_v of_o a_o numerous_a train_n of_o severe_a law_n severe_o execute_v both_o on_o minister_n and_o people_n of_o all_o degree_n so_o for_o that_o even_o while_o we_o be_v count_v and_o treat_v as_o sheep_n for_o the_o slaughter_n we_o may_v not_o petition_v or_o complain_v without_o render_v ourselves_o high_o criminal_a by_o the_o law_n and_o act_n then_o make_v all_o which_o we_o hope_v the_o commissioner_n his_o grace_n and_o your_o lordship_n in_o this_o present_a parliament_n will_v take_v to_o your_o serious_a consideration_n and_o will_v free_v this_o poor_a oppress_a church_n from_o such_o oppressor_n and_o oppression_n and_o settle_v it_o again_o upon_o the_o right_a foundation_n of_o government_n and_o discipline_n agreeable_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o establish_v in_o this_o church_n by_o law_n near_o a_o hundred_o year_n ago_o which_o settlement_n we_o be_v confident_a will_v prove_v the_o best_a remedy_n of_o all_o our_o otherways_o incurable_a distraction_n and_o the_o mean_a of_o quiet_v and_o unite_n the_o whole_a country_n in_o a_o joint_n and_o firm_a opposition_n against_o all_o his_o majesty_n and_o your_o lordship_n enemy_n we_o therefore_o his_o majesty_n most_o loyal_a subject_n and_o your_o lordship_n most_o humble_a and_o dutiful_a servant_n in_o christ_n humble_o beseech_v the_o commissioner_n his_o grace_n and_o honourable_a estate_n of_o parliament_n see_v the_o king_n majesty_n have_v declare_v and_o your_o lordship_n with_o he_o have_v zealous_o appear_v for_o the_o protestant_a religion_n you_o will_v be_v gracious_o please_v by_o your_o civil_a sanction_n to_o establish_v and_o ratify_v the_o late_a confession_n of_o faith_n with_o the_o large_a and_o short_a catechism_n which_o contain_v the_o sum_n and_o substance_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n the_o directory_n of_o worship_n and_o presbyterial_a church_n government_n and_o discipline_n all_o agreeable_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o former_o receive_v by_o the_o general_a consent_n of_o this_o nation_n and_o see_v prelacy_n and_o all_o who_o have_v enter_v under_o prelacy_n have_v be_v impose_v upon_o the_o church_n without_o her_o consent_n in_o any_o of_o her_o free_a general_n assembly_n and_o that_o presbyterial_a government_n can_v be_v secure_a in_o the_o hand_n of_o they_o who_o be_v of_o contrary_a principle_n therefore_o we_o humble_o petition_v that_o the_o church-government_n may_v be_v establish_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o such_o only_a who_o by_o their_o former_a carriage_n and_o suffering_n have_v evidence_v that_o they_o be_v know_v sound_a presbyterian_o and_o well_o affect_v to_o his_o majesty_n government_n or_o who_o hereafter_o shall_v be_v find_v to_o be_v such_o which_o be_v hopeful_a by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v manage_v with_o such_o christian_a prudence_n moderation_n and_o tenderness_n as_o shall_v leave_v no_o just_a matter_n of_o complaint_n to_o any_o and_o that_o not_o only_o these_o minister_n yet_o alive_a who_o be_v unjust_o thrust_v from_o their_o church_n may_v be_v restore_v thereto_o and_o these_o parish_n and_o flock_n at_o that_o time_n no_o less_o violent_o impose_v upon_o may_v be_v free_v from_o intruder_n but_o also_o all_o other_o presbyterian_a minister_n who_o either_o be_v already_o or_o may_v be_v by_o respective_a flock_n orderly_o call_v hereafter_o may_v have_v access_n to_o be_v settle_v in_o church_n after_o the_o presbyterian_a way_n as_o they_o shall_v be_v ecclesiastical_o approve_v and_o appoint_v and_o may_v have_v your_o lordship_n civil_a sanction_n add_v thereunto_o and_o we_o also_o request_v that_o the_o church_n thus_o establish_v may_v be_v allow_v by_o your_o lordship_n civil_a sanction_n to_o appoint_v visitation_n for_o purge_v out_o insufficient_a negligent_a scandalous_a and_o erroneous_a minister_n and_o see_v patronage_n which_o have_v their_o rise_n in_o the_o most_o corrupt_a and_o latter_a time_n of_o antichristianism_n have_v always_o be_v a_o great_a grievance_n to_o this_o church_n as_o the_o source_n and_o fountain_n of_o a_o corrupt_a ministry_n that_o these_o may_v be_v abolish_v and_o that_o the_o church_n may_v be_v establish_v upon_o its_o former_a good_a foundation_n confirm_v by_o many_o act_n of_o parliament_n since_o the_o year_n one_o thousand_o five_o hundred_o and_o sixty_o and_o that_o all_o act_n contrary_a to_o this_o government_n that_o ratify_v ceremony_n and_o impose_v punishment_n on_o presbyterian_o for_o nonconformity_n and_o for_o worship_v of_o god_n according_a to_o their_o principle_n may_v be_v abrogate_v and_o as_o a_o good_a and_o necessary_a mean_n for_o preserve_v the_o purity_n of_o the_o church_n your_o lordship_n take_v care_v that_o learned_a sound_v and_o godly_a man_n be_v put_v in_o university_n and_o seminary_n of_o learning_n humble_o submit_v to_o your_o lordship_n wisdom_n the_o method_n of_o consider_v and_o effect_v these_o our_o desire_n thus_o all_o thing_n be_v do_v for_o the_o house_n of_o the_o god_n of_o heaven_n according_a to_o the_o commandment_n of_o the_o god_n of_o heaven_n by_o your_o lordship_n pious_a and_o wise_a manage_n these_o affair_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n this_o poor_a long_o oppress_v and_o toss_v church_n may_v at_o length_n through_o god_n blessing_n arrive_v at_o a_o safe_a and_o quiet_a harbour_n and_o the_o true_a honour_n and_o happiness_n of_o his_o majesty_n and_o your_o lordship_n as_o the_o signal_n nurse_n father_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o this_o land_n may_v be_v advance_v and_o continue_v to_o future_a generation_n and_o so_o the_o blessing_n of_o the_o church_n that_o be_v ready_a to_o perish_v may_v remain_v still_o upon_o his_o majesty_n and_o your_o lordship_n and_o your_o lordship_n petitioner_n shall_v ever_o pray_v that_o god_n may_v bless_v and_o protect_v the_o person_n of_o their_o majesty_n king_n william_n and_o queen_n mary_n long_o to_o rule_v and_o govern_v this_o nation_n and_o your_o lordship_n under_o they_o this_o petition_n word_n for_o word_n unless_o it_o be_v in_o one_o or_o two_o sentence_n have_v be_v present_v by_o they_o to_o the_o parliament_n the_o year_n before_o for_o a_o man_n may_v be_v against_o set_a form_n in_o their_o petition_n to_o god_n yet_o for_o they_o in_o petition_n to_o parliament_n while_o the_o duke_n of_o hamilton_n be_v commissioner_n but_o his_o grace_n be_v no_o way_n please_v with_o it_o for_o several_a reason_n but_o principal_o that_o they_o crave_v that_o the_o church_n government_n may_v be_v establish_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o such_o only_a who_o by_o their_o former_a carriage_n and_o suffering_n have_v evidence_v that_o they_o be_v know_v sound_a presbyterian_o for_o what_o be_v this_o say_v his_o grace_n but_o to_o pull_v down_o one_o sort_n of_o prelacy_n and_o set_v up_o another_o in_o its_o place_n to_o abolish_v one_o that_o be_v consistent_a and_o intelligible_a and_o establish_v another_o that_o imply_v contradiction_n and_o indeed_o there_o be_v no_o answer_v this_o difficulty_n for_o there_o be_v but_o about_o fifty_o or_o sixty_o such_o minister_n alive_a in_o the_o whole_a nation_n and_o it_o be_v crave_v that_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v establish_v in_o their_o hand_n in_o the_o first_o instance_n which_o what_o be_v it_o else_o but_o instead_o of_o fourteen_o prelatical_a to_o give_v we_o
about_o fifty_o or_o sixty_o presbyterian_a bishop_n but_o such_o be_v the_o posture_n of_o their_o affair_n at_o that_o time_n that_o there_o be_v no_o other_o way_n they_o can_v see_v for_o secure_v their_o interest_n and_o so_o they_o make_v necessity_n justify_v a_o little_a nonsense_n and_o this_o year_n they_o have_v a_o more_o favourable_a commissioner_n to_o deal_v with_o the_o good_a earl_n of_o melvill_n but_o then_o there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o considerable_a stuff_n in_o it_o for_o observe_v i_o pray_v you_o the_o charitable_a judgement_n they_o make_v of_o the_o bishop_n and_o episcopal_a clergy_n all_o the_o distraction_n have_v be_v in_o this_o kingdom_n will_v continue_v still_o incurable_a unless_o this_o poor_a oppress_a church_n be_v purge_v from_o all_o corruption_n bring_v into_o it_o by_o ambition_n and_o covetous_a churchman_n it_o be_v well_o they_o be_v allow_v to_o be_v churchman_n who_o seek_v their_o own_o thing_n but_o not_o the_o thing_n of_o jesus_n christ._n and_o with_o who_o be_v the_o church_n fill_v when_o prelacy_n be_v erect_v and_o the_o presbyterian_a minister_n turn_v out_o with_o ignorant_a and_o scandalous_a person_n nay_o with_o many_o erroneous_a and_o unsound_a in_o the_o faith_n and_o enemy_n to_o the_o reformation_n and_o till_o the_o church_n be_v free_v from_o these_o oppressor_n and_o oppression_n she_o can_v never_o be_v right_a be_v not_o all_o this_o charitable_o say_v yet_o this_o be_v not_o the_o worst_a of_o it_o for_o consider_v the_o whole_a strain_n of_o the_o petition_n and_o they_o be_v the_o only_a protestant_n of_o the_o nation_n for_o if_o we_o may_v believe_v they_o god_n stir_v up_o the_o prince_n of_o orange_n to_o espouse_v the_o interest_n of_o the_o protestant_a religion_n and_o of_o the_o afflict_a minister_n and_o professor_n thereof_o and_o yet_o i_o be_o very_o sure_a many_o will_v confident_o affirm_v he_o do_v not_o espouse_v at_o his_o first_o come_v to_o britain_n at_o least_o the_o interest_n of_o the_o afflict_a minister_n of_o their_o persuasion_n in_o scotland_n further_o god_n raise_v up_o their_o lordship_n the_o member_n of_o parliament_n their_o most_o noble_a and_o honourable_a patriot_n to_o prejoyn_v hearty_o with_o his_o majesty_n in_o appear_v zealous_o for_o serve_v the_o protestant_a religion_n in_o this_o kingdom_n and_o for_o what_o may_v tend_v for_o the_o better_a establish_n of_o it_o in_o all_o its_o concern_v now_o what_o be_v all_o this_o but_o that_o though_o king_n james_n have_v give_v a_o toleration_n to_o the_o presbyterian_o yet_o that_o put_v they_o only_o in_o a_o very_a weak_a uncertain_a and_o arbitrary_a state_n and_o they_o can_v not_o be_v well_o enough_o till_o they_o have_v a_o legal_a establishment_n exclusive_a of_o all_o popish_a prelate_n and_o their_o adherent_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o the_o step_v the_o parliament_n have_v already_o make_v have_v open_v a_o door_n of_o hope_n to_o they_o and_o to_o all_o that_o love_v the_o true_a reform_a protestant_a religion_n in_o this_o land_n that_o they_o will_v go_v on_o zealous_o etc._n etc._n which_o word_n be_v not_o capable_a of_o another_o sense_n than_o this_o that_o whosoever_o be_v not_o zealous_a against_o prelacy_n and_o for_o presbytery_n be_v not_o a_o lover_n of_o the_o true_a reform_a protestant_a religion_n there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o other_o thing_n in_o this_o petition_n which_o deserve_v their_o proper_a remark_n but_o i_o will_v not_o take_v notice_n of_o they_o any_o more_o but_o as_o they_o fall_v in_o natural_o in_o the_o progress_n of_o this_o paper_n and_o then_o they_o shall_v be_v consider_v the_o first_o of_o which_o shall_v be_v the_o case_n of_o the_o presbyterian_a minister_n who_o be_v turn_v out_o of_o these_o church_n they_o possess_v after_o the_o first_o of_o january_n 1661._o where_o in_o this_o petition_n you_o see_v the_o great_a injury_n which_o be_v do_v they_o be_v mighty_o aggravate_v several_a hundred_o of_o they_o all_o at_o one_o time_n be_v drive_v out_o of_o their_o church_n without_o either_o accusation_n or_o citation_n and_o this_o be_v so_o palpable_a a_o persecution_n so_o manifest_a a_o effort_n of_o oppression_n and_o tyranny_n that_o his_o majesty_n be_v gracious_o please_v to_o take_v notice_n of_o it_o in_o his_o declaration_n for_o scotland_n 1688._o which_o it_o be_v very_o true_a he_o do_v for_o his_o word_n be_v that_o the_o dissenter_n in_o scotland_n have_v just_a cause_n of_o distrust_n when_o they_o call_v to_o mind_n how_o some_o hundred_o of_o their_o minister_n be_v drive_v out_o of_o their_o church_n without_o either_o accusation_n or_o citation_n nay_o our_o petitioner_n be_v at_o it_o again_o in_o another_o place_n of_o the_o same_o petition_n and_o crave_v that_o these_o minister_n who_o be_v unjust_o thrust_v from_o their_o church_n may_v be_v restore_v thereto_o and_o these_o parish_n and_o flock_n at_o that_o time_n no_o less_o violent_o impose_v upon_o may_v be_v free_v from_o intruder_n this_o case_n i_o say_v i_o shall_v in_o the_o first_o place_n consider_v because_o it_o be_v the_o first_o thing_n in_o the_o petition_n which_o be_v redress_v by_o the_o parliament_n for_o within_o a_o day_n or_o two_o after_o this_o petition_n be_v present_v this_o act_n be_v make_v which_o i_o have_v transmit_v to_o you_o act_z restore_v the_o presbyterian_a minister_n who_o be_v thrust_v from_o their_o church_n since_o the_o first_o of_o january_n 1661._o april_n 25._o 1690._o forasmuch_o as_o by_o a_o act_n of_o this_o present_a parliament_n relative_a to_o and_o in_o prosecution_n of_o the_o claim_n of_o right_n prelary_a and_o the_o superiority_n of_o church-officer_n above_o presbyter_n be_v abolish_v and_o that_o many_o minister_n of_o the_o presbyterian_a persuasion_n since_o the_o first_o of_o january_n 1661._o have_v be_v deprive_v of_o their_o church_n or_o banish_v for_o not_o conform_v to_o prelacy_n and_o not_o comply_v with_o the_o course_n of_o the_o time_n therefore_o their_o majesty_n with_o the_o advice_n and_o consent_n of_o the_o estate_n of_o parliament_n ordain_v and_o appoint_v that_o all_o those_o presbyterian_a minister_n yet_o alive_a who_o be_v thrust_v from_o their_o church_n since_o the_o first_o day_n of_o january_n 1661._o or_o banish_v for_o not_o conform_v to_o prelacy_n and_o not_o comply_v with_o the_o course_n of_o the_o time_n have_v forthwith_o free_a access_n to_o their_o church_n and_o that_o they_o may_v present_o exercise_v the_o ministry_n in_o those_o parish_n without_o any_o new_a call_v thereto_o and_o allow_v they_o to_o brook_v and_o enjoy_v the_o benefit_n and_o stipend_n thereunto_o belong_v and_o that_o for_o the_o whole_a crop_n 1689._o and_o immediate_o to_o enter_v to_o the_o church_n and_o manse_v where_o the_o church_n be_v vacant_a and_o where_o they_o be_v not_o vacant_a than_o their_o entry_n thereto_o be_v declare_v to_o be_v the_o half_a of_o the_o benefice_n and_o stipend_n due_a and_o payable_a at_o michaelmass_n last_o for_o the_o half_a year_n immediate_o precede_v betwixt_o whitsunday_n and_o michaelmass_n declare_v that_o the_o present_a incumbent_n shall_v have_v right_a to_o the_o other_o half_a of_o the_o stipend_n and_o benefice_n payable_a for_o the_o whitsunday_n last_o bypass_v and_o to_o the_o effect_n that_o these_o minister_n may_v meet_v with_o no_o stop_n or_o hindrance_n in_o enter_v immediate_o to_o their_o charge_n the_o present_a incumbent_n in_o such_o church_n be_v hereby_o appoint_v upon_o intimation_n hereof_o to_o desist_v from_o their_o ministry_n in_o these_o parish_n and_o to_o remove_v themselves_o from_o the_o manse_v and_o glebe_n thereunto_o belong_v betwixt_o and_o whitsunday_n next_o to_o come_v and_o that_o the_o presbyterian_a minister_n former_o put_v out_o may_v enter_v peaceable_o thereto_o and_o appoint_v the_o privy_a council_n to_o see_v this_o act_n put_v in_o execution_n which_o act_n you_o see_v use_v the_o same_o colour_n for_o represent_v the_o odiousness_n of_o the_o usage_n these_o presbyterian_a minister_n have_v receive_v that_o the_o declaration_n and_o the_o presbyterian_a petition_n have_v make_v use_n of_o before_o especial_o in_o the_o statutory_a part_n where_o it_o say_v in_o express_a term_n that_o they_o be_v thrust_v from_o their_o charge_n which_o can_v import_v no_o less_o than_o force_n and_o violence_n in_o opposition_n to_o law_n and_o justice_n it_o call_v the_o church_n from_o which_o they_o have_v be_v thus_o thrust_v their_o church_n as_o if_o notwithstanding_o their_o dispossession_n they_o have_v still_o continue_v to_o have_v a_o title_n good_a in_o law_n and_o it_o restore_v they_o forthwith_o to_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o ministry_n in_o their_o parish_n without_o any_o new_a call_v thereto_o each_o of_o which_o single_o much_o more_o altogether_o make_v it_o evident_a that_o this_o their_o restitution_n be_v intend_v by_o the_o parliament_n not_o as_o a_o
act_n of_o favour_n but_o of_o justice_n as_o if_o these_o minister_n have_v be_v unjust_o and_o illegal_o dispossess_v and_o now_o sir_n when_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v lay_v together_o so_o solemn_a a_o declaration_n the_o presbyterian_a minister_n so_o earnest_a petition_n and_o the_o parliament_n so_o public_a a_o act_n all_o conspire_v to_o represent_v that_o matter_n so_o very_o odious_a and_o unjust_a i_o hope_v it_o shall_v not_o be_v displease_v to_o you_o if_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v brief_o to_o set_v it_o in_o its_o due_a light_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o a_o good_a many_o of_o these_o minister_n be_v dispossess_v anno_fw-la 1662._o how_o many_o i_o confess_v i_o can_v tell_v exact_o but_o i_o doubt_v much_o if_o they_o be_v so_o many_o as_o they_o be_v common_o say_v to_o be_v i_o shall_v likewise_o grant_v that_o they_o be_v dispossess_v without_o either_o accusation_n or_o citation_n herein_o i_o acknowledge_v they_o speak_v truth_n and_o yet_o i_o doubt_v if_o you_o shall_v find_v so_o much_o as_o one_o jot_n of_o iniquity_n in_o their_o dispossession_n when_o it_o be_v consider_v impartial_o the_o case_n be_v true_o this_o as_o before_o the_o reformation_n of_o religion_n in_o this_o kingdom_n which_o as_o to_o its_o legal_a establishment_n be_v various_o date_v some_o reckon_n from_o the_o year_n 1560._o other_o from_o 1567._o patronage_n of_o church_n in_o this_o kingdom_n be_v in_o force_n so_o when_o the_o church_n be_v reform_v notwithstanding_o of_o all_o the_o change_n which_o be_v then_o and_o have_v be_v since_o our_o law_n do_v still_o continue_v they_o and_o no_o man_n be_v ever_o judge_v to_o have_v a_o legal_a title_n to_o any_o church_n or_o benefice_n unless_o he_o have_v a_o presentation_n from_o the_o patron_n and_o a_o collation_n from_o the_o bishop_n whilst_o episcopacy_n be_v the_o legal_a establishment_n which_o it_o continue_v to_o be_v for_o many_o year_n after_o the_o reformation_n without_o interruption_n or_o from_o a_o presbytery_n after_o presbyterian_a government_n begin_v to_o prevail_v and_o as_o this_o be_v still_o our_o law_n without_o any_o shadow_n of_o interruption_n so_o it_o be_v likewise_o the_o constant_a practice_n of_o the_o nation_n not_o only_o before_o the_o late_a presbyterian_a rebellion_n against_o king_n charles_n the_o first_o commence_v but_o even_o for_o a_o good_a number_n of_o year_n after_o that_o be_v till_o about_o the_o year_n 1646._o or_o 1647._o when_o the_o rebellion_n by_o divine_a permission_n turn_v prosperous_a and_o the_o king_n affair_n be_v reduce_v to_o a_o very_a low_a ebb_n and_o the_o presbyterian_a interest_n be_v in_o a_o very_a flourish_a condition_n till_o that_o time_n i_o say_v presentation_n by_o patron_n to_o church_n be_v in_o constant_a practice_n as_o well_o as_o warrant_v by_o law_n in_o this_o kingdom_n but_o then_o indeed_o the_o kirk-man_n sensible_a of_o their_o strength_n begin_v to_o adventure_v among_o other_o illegal_a usurpation_n to_o say_v no_o worse_o to_o take_v upon_o they_o the_o disposal_n of_o church_n and_o benefice_n by_o bring_v that_o cheat_n which_o they_o call_v popular_a election_n in_o vogue_n and_o presentation_n by_o patron_n in_o desuetude_n i_o call_v popular_a election_n a_o cheat_n for_o in_o effect_v it_o be_v no_o other_o and_o the_o poor_a delude_a populace_n have_v no_o more_o true_a power_n than_o before_o and_o minister_n be_v as_o much_o impose_v on_o they_o then_o as_o ever_o as_o may_v easy_o be_v make_v appear_v not_o only_o from_o the_o common_a method_n be_v then_o take_v in_o manage_v election_n but_o also_o from_o the_o express_a limitation_n and_o restriction_n with_o which_o even_o the_o general_a assembly_n clog_v they_o however_o the_o sound_n of_o the_o name_n for_o a_o while_n enchant_v the_o unthinking_a multitude_n and_o the_o party_n have_v a_o turn_n to_o serve_v by_o it_o and_o so_o it_o be_v push_v on_o with_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o zeal_n in_o many_o place_n without_o any_o considerable_a opposition_n as_o indeed_o who_o dare_v then_o adventure_v to_o oppose_v what_o the_o minister_n be_v for_o the_o party_n thus_o find_v their_o strength_n successful_a in_o so_o many_o single_a instance_n gather_v suitable_a degree_n of_o courage_n and_o pursue_v their_o design_n so_o effectual_o that_o at_o last_o they_o get_v patronage_n abolish_v and_o popular_a election_n set_v up_o by_o a_o certain_a meeting_n of_o some_o nobleman_n gentleman_n and_o burgess_n who_o be_v please_v to_o call_v themselves_o a_o parliament_n anno_fw-la 1649._o and_o this_o act_n of_o that_o pretend_a parliament_n if_o it_o even_o deserve_v that_o name_n be_v all_o the_o pretence_n of_o law_n that_o ever_o be_v for_o popular_a election_n in_o this_o church_n since_o the_o reformation_n but_o it_o be_v enough_o for_o the_o than_o kirk_n any_o shadow_n or_o colour_n of_o a_o pretext_n be_v still_o both_o law_n and_o gospel_n to_o they_o when_o it_o make_v for_o their_o purpose_n and_o according_o all_o the_o minister_n who_o be_v settle_v in_o any_o church_n after_o that_o time_n till_o the_o happy_a restitution_n of_o the_o monarchy_n that_o be_v for_o eleven_o or_o twelve_o year_n be_v promote_v after_o this_o new_a method_n no_o man_n i_o think_v can_v doubt_v but_o this_o be_v a_o palpable_a encroachment_n upon_o the_o right_n of_o patron_n and_o a_o trample_n on_o law_n and_o by_o consequence_n a_o thing_n that_o call_v loud_o for_o redress_n when_o the_o king_n be_v restore_v and_o the_o government_n begin_v to_o turn_v upon_o its_o proper_a hinge_n and_o so_o no_o wonder_n if_o the_o first_o parliament_n which_o be_v call_v by_o his_o majesty_n take_v notice_n of_o it_o as_o indeed_o they_o do_v in_o their_o first_o session_n which_o be_v hold_v anno_fw-la 1661._o for_o in_o that_o session_n two_o act_n be_v make_v which_o demonstrate_v that_o the_o parliament_n still_o look_v upon_o patronage_n as_o subsist_v by_o law_n notwithstanding_o the_o illegal_a interruption_n which_o have_v be_v make_v by_o the_o act_n of_o the_o pretend_a parliament_n in_o 1649._o for_o instance_n in_o act_n 36._o 1._o parl._n ch._n 2d_o session_n 1._o it_o be_v statute_v and_o ordain_v that_o all_o patron_n shall_v be_v careful_a in_o time_n come_v to_o grant_v presentation_n only_o to_o such_o as_o shall_v give_v sufficient_a evidence_n of_o their_o piety_n loyalty_n literature_n and_o peaceable_a disposition_n and_o who_o before_o they_o receive_v the_o presentation_n shall_v take_v the_o oath_n of_o allegiance_n etc._n etc._n and_o in_o that_o same_o act_n it_o be_v narrate_v that_o the_o king_n majesty_n have_v give_v a_o commission_n under_o the_o great_a seal_n as_o to_o all_o presentation_n to_o all_o parsonage_n vicarage_n and_o other_o benefice_n and_o kirk_n at_o his_o majesty_n presentation_n and_o all_o this_o without_o so_o much_o as_o once_o take_v notice_n of_o that_o act_n 1649._o and_o the_o 54th_o act_n of_o that_o same_o first_o session_n be_v altogether_o in_o favour_n of_o laic_a patron_n now_o both_o these_o act_n i_o say_v be_v make_v anno_fw-la 1661._o and_o so_o before_o episcopacy_n be_v restore_v which_o be_v not_o till_o may_n 1662._o which_o i_o observe_v because_o our_o present_a presbyterian_o in_o their_o so_o often_o name_v petition_n make_v the_o turn_n out_o of_o their_o minister_n anno_fw-la 1662._o one_o of_o the_o sad_a consequence_n of_o the_o erection_n of_o prelacy_n for_o see_v the_o parliament_n before_o the_o restitution_n of_o prelacy_n have_v consider_v patronage_n as_o still_o subsist_v by_o law_n as_o be_v evident_a from_o these_o two_o acts._n it_o be_v evident_a if_o they_o be_v to_o act_n consequential_o they_o can_v not_o forbear_v to_o make_v some_o such_o act_n as_o be_v make_v anno_fw-la 1662._o of_o which_o i_o shall_v instant_o give_v you_o a_o further_a account_n though_o episcopacy_n have_v never_o be_v establish_v nor_o can_v there_o be_v any_o imaginable_a difficulty_n to_o any_o man_n in_o this_o matter_n unless_o it_o be_v make_v a_o question_n whether_o the_o parliament_n when_o they_o thus_o suppose_a patronage_n as_o still_o subsist_v by_o law_n make_v a_o just_a supposition_n but_o that_o i_o think_v may_v be_v very_o soon_o determine_v for_o as_o i_o have_v say_v all_o the_o old_a law_n of_o the_o kingdom_n be_v positive_a for_o patronage_n only_o that_o act_n of_o the_o pretend_a parliament_n anno_fw-la 1649._o can_v be_v plead_v for_o popular_a election_n and_o what_o a_o parliament_n be_v that_o a_o convention_n of_o rebel_n who_o have_v presume_v to_o meet_v without_o be_v call_v by_o any_o authority_n except_o what_o they_o treasonable_o assume_v to_o themselves_o for_o all_o the_o world_n know_v that_o king_n charles_n the_o i._o at_o that_o time_n be_v dead_a i_o need_v not_o tell_v you_o how_o and_o king_n charles_n the_o ii_o be_v not_o within_o his_o dominion_n and_o be_v so_o far_o from_o
as_o they_o have_v so_o much_o scope_n for_o choice_n neither_o will_v they_o suffer_v meldrum_n the_o prelatist_n to_o return_v at_o any_o rate_n and_o they_o be_v in_o the_o right_n for_o the_o first_o book_n of_o discipline_n say_v it_o be_v better_a to_o have_v no_o minister_n at_o all_o than_o a_o bad_a one_o now_o the_o subsumption_n be_v easy_a if_o the_o man_n ever_o own_a episcopacy_n the_o other_o instance_n shall_v be_v mr._n william_n violent_a one_o of_o the_o grave_a and_o able_a man_n of_o the_o party_n he_o have_v be_v minister_n before_o the_o restitution_n of_o the_o government_n at_o east-ferry_n in_o the_o shire_n of_o fife_n and_o be_v also_o dispossess_v with_o the_o rest_n anno_fw-la 1662._o but_o he_o want_v a_o benefice_n no_o long_o i_o think_v than_o till_o k._n charles_n ii_o grant_v his_o indulgence_n for_o plant_v some_o church_n in_o the_o west_n with-presbyterian_a minister_n which_o be_v in_o the_o year_n 1669._o for_o he_o be_v among_o the_o first_o 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copy_n be_v thus_o prepare_v and_o return_v to_o the_o house_n in_o the_o first_o place_n it_o be_v twice_o read_v over_o all_o the_o member_n compose_v themselves_o to_o a_o diligent_a and_o headful_n attention_n this_o do_v not_o a_o few_o point_n in_o it_o be_v debate_v and_o several_a amendment_n be_v make_v but_o before_o i_o proceed_v further_o i_o will_v set_v it_o down_o as_o it_o be_v at_o last_o agree_v upon_o and_o make_v a_o law_n and_o then_o give_v you_o a_o brief_a account_n of_o some_o particular_n in_o it_o which_o may_v perchance_o contribute_v something_o to_o your_o better_a understanding_n of_o it_o act_z ratify_v the_o confession_n of_o faith_n and_o settle_v presbyterian_a church-government_n june_n 7._o 1690._o our_o sovereign_a lord_n and_o lady_n the_o king_n and_o queen_n majesty_n and_o the_o three_o estate_n of_o parliament_n conceive_v it_o to_o be_v their_o bind_a duty_n after_o the_o great_a deliverance_n that_o god_n have_v late_o wrought_v for_o this_o church_n and_o kingdom_n in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o settle_v and_o secure_v therein_o the_o true_a protestant_a religion_n according_a to_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n word_n as_o it_o have_v of_o a_o long_a time_n be_v profess_v within_o this_o land_n as_o also_o the_o government_n of_o christ_n '_o s_o church_n within_o this_o nation_n agreeable_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o most_o conducive_a to_o the_o advancement_n of_o true_a piety_n and_o godliness_n and_o the_o establish_n of_o peace_n and_o tranquillity_n within_o this_o realm_n and_o that_o by_o a_o article_n of_o the_o claim_n of_o right_n it_o be_v declare_v that_o prelacy_n and_o the_o superiority_n of_o any_o office_n in_o the_o church_n above_o presbyter_n be_v and_o have_v be_v a_o great_a and_o unsupportable_a grte_n vance_v and_o trouble_v
to_o this_o nation_n and_o contrary_a to_o the_o inclination_n of_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o people_n ever_o since_o the_o reformation_n they_o have_v reform_v from_o popery_n by_o presbyter_n and_o therefore_o aught_o to_o be_v abolish_v like_a as_o by_o a_o act_n of_o the_o last_o session_n of_o this_o parliament_n prelacy_n be_v abolish_v therefore_o their_o majesty_n with_o the_o advice_n and_o consent_n of_o the_o say_v three_o estate_n do_v hereby_o revive_v ratify_v and_o perpetual_o confirm_v all_o law_n statute_n and_o act_n of_o parliament_n make_v against_o popery_n and_o papist_n and_o for_o the_o maintenance_n and_o preservation_n of_o the_o true_a reform_a protestant_a religion_n and_o for_o the_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n within_o this_o kingdom_n in_o so_o far_o as_o they_o confirm_v the_o same_o or_o be_v make_v in_o favour_n thereof_o like_o as_o they_o by_o these_o present_n ratify_v and_o establish_v the_o confession_n of_o faith_n now_o read_v in_o their_o presence_n and_o vote_v and_o approven_v by_o they_o as_o the_o public_a and_o avow_a confession_n of_o this_o church_n contain_v the_o sum_n and_o substance_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n which_o confession_n of_o faith_n be_v subjoin_v to_o this_o present_a act_n as_o also_o they_o do_v establish_v ratify_v and_o confirm_v the_o presbyterian_a church-government_n and_o discipline_n that_o be_v to_o say_v the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n by_o kirk-session_n presbytery_n provincial_a synod_n and_o general_a assembly_n ratify_v and_o establish_v by_o the_o 114_o act_n jac._n vi_o parl._n 12._o anno_fw-la 1592._o entitle_v ratification_n of_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o true_a kirk_n etc._n etc._n and_o thereafter_o receive_v by_o the_o general_n consent_v of_o this_o nation_n to_o be_v the_o only_a government_n of_o christ_n church_n within_o this_o kingdom_n revive_v renew_v and_o confirm_v the_o foresay_a act_n of_o parliament_n in_o the_o whole_a head_n thereof_o except_o that_o part_n of_o it_o relate_v to_o patronage_n which_o be_v hereafter_o to_o be_v take_v into_o consideration_n and_o rescind_v annul_v and_o make_v void_a the_o act_n of_o parliament_n follow_v viz._n act_n anent_o restitution_n of_o bishop_n jac._n vi_o parl._n 18._o cap._n 2._o act_n ratify_v the_o act_n of_o the_o assembly_n 1610._o jac._n vi_o parl._n 21._o cap._n 1._o act_n anent_o the_o election_n of_o arch-bishop_n and_o bishop_n jac._n vi_o parl._n 22._o cap._n 1._o act_n entitle_v ratification_n of_o the_o five_o article_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n at_o perth_n jac._n vi_o parl._n 23._o cap._n 1._o act_n entitle_v for_o the_o restitution_n and_o re-establishment_n of_o the_o ancient_a government_n of_o the_o church_n by_o arch-bishop_n and_o bishop_n charl._n ii_o parl._n 1._o sess._n 2._o act_n 1._o act_n anent_o the_o constitution_n of_o a_o national_a synod_n charl._n ii_o parl._n 1._o sess._n 3._o act_n 5._o act_n against_o such_o as_o refuse_v to_o depone_v against_o delinquent_n ch._n ii_o parl._n 2._o sess._n 2._o act_n 2._o act_n entitle_v act_n acknowledge_v and_o assert_v the_o right_a of_o succession_n to_o the_o imperial_a crown_n of_o scotland_n ch._n ii_o parl._n 3_o act_n 2._o act_n entitle_v act_n anent_o religion_n and_o the_o test._n ch._n ii_o parl._n 3_o act_n 6._o with_o all_o other_o act_n law_n statute_n ordinance_n and_o proclamation_n and_o that_o in_o so_o far_o allanerly_a as_o the_o say_n act_n and_o other_o general_o and_o particular_o above_o mention_v be_v contrary_a or_o prejudicial_a to_o inconsistent_a with_o or_o derogatory_n from_o the_o protestant_a religion_n and_o presbyterian_a government_n now_o establish_v and_o allow_v and_o declare_v that_o the_o church-government_n be_v establish_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o and_o exercise_v by_o these_o presbyterian_a minister_n who_o be_v out_v since_o the_o first_o of_o january_n 1661._o for_o nonconformity_n to_o prelacy_n or_o not_o comply_v with_o the_o course_n of_o the_o time_n and_o be_v now_o restore_v by_o the_o late_a act_n of_o parliament_n and_o such_o minister_n and_o elder_n only_o as_o they_o have_v admit_v or_o receive_v or_o shall_v hereafter_o admit_v or_o receive_v and_o also_o that_o all_o the_o say_v presbyterian_a minister_n have_v and_o shall_v have_v right_a to_o the_o maintenance_n right_n and_o other_o privilege_n by_o law_n provide_v to_o the_o minister_n of_o christ_n church_n within_o this_o kingdom_n as_o they_o be_v or_o shall_v be_v legal_o admit_v to_o particular_a church_n like_o as_o in_o pursuance_n of_o the_o promise_n their_o majesty_n do_v hereby_o appoint_v the_o first_o meeting_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n of_o this_o church_n as_o above_o establish_v to_o be_v at_o edinburgh_n the_o three_o thursday_n of_o october_n next_o to_o come_v in_o this_o instant_a year_n 1690._o and_o because_o many_o conform_a minister_n either_o have_v desert_v or_o be_v remove_v from_o preach_v in_o their_o church_n precede_v the_o 13_o day_n of_o april_n 1689._o and_o other_o be_v deprive_v for_o not_o give_v obedience_n to_o the_o act_n of_o the_o estate_n make_v the_o say_v 13_o of_o april_n 1689._o entitle_v proclamation_n against_o the_o own_n of_o the_o late_a king_n james_n and_o appoint_v public_a prayer_n for_o king_n william_n and_o queen_n mary_n therefore_o their_o majesty_n with_o advice_n and_o consent_n aforesaid_a do_v hereby_o declare_v all_o the_o church_n either_o desert_v or_o from_o which_o the_o conform_a minister_n be_v remove_v or_o deprive_v as_o say_v be_v to_o be_v vacant_a and_o that_o the_o presbyterian_a minister_n exercise_v their_o ministry_n within_o any_o of_o these_o parish_n or_o where_o the_o last_o incumbent_n be_v dead_a by_o the_o desire_n or_o consent_v of_o the_o parish_n shall_v continue_v their_o passession_n and_o have_v right_a to_o the_o benefice_n and_o stipend_n according_a to_o their_o entry_n in_o the_o year_n 1689._o and_o in_o time_n come_v ay_o and_o while_o the_o church_n as_o now_o establish_v take_v further_a course_n therewith_o and_o to_o the_o effect_n the_o disorder_n that_o have_v happen_v in_o this_o church_n may_v be_v redress_v their_o majesty_n with_o advice_n and_o consent_n foresay_a do_v hereby_o allow_v the_o general_n meet_v and_o representives_n of_o the_o foresay_a presbyterian_a minister_n and_o elder_n in_o who_o hand_n the_o exercise_n of_o the_o church-government_n be_v establish_v either_o by_o themselves_o or_o by_o such_o minister_n and_o elder_n as_o shall_v be_v appoint_v and_o authorize_v disitor_n by_o they_o according_a to_o the_o custom_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o presbyterian_a government_n through_o the_o whole_a kingdom_n and_o several_a part_n thereof_o to_o try_v and_o purge_v out_o all_o insufficient_a negligent_a scandalous_a and_o erroneous_a minister_n by_o due_a course_n of_o ecclesiastical_a process_n and_o censure_n and_o likewise_o for_o redress_v all_o other_o church_n disorder_n and_o further_o it_o be_v hereby_o provide_v that_o whatsoever_o minister_n be_v convene_v before_o the_o say_a general_n meeting_n and_o representative_n of_o the_o presbyterian_a minister_n and_o elder_n or_o the_o visitor_n to_o be_v appoint_v by_o they_o shall_v either_o prove_v contumacious_a in_o not_o appear_v or_o be_v find_v guilty_a and_o shall_v be_v therefore_o censure_v whether_o by_o suspension_n or_o deposition_n they_o shall_v ipso_fw-la facto_fw-la be_v suspend_v from_o or_o deprive_v of_o their_o stipend_n and_o benefice_n if_o one_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o dispute_v how_o much_o matter_n may_v this_o act_n afford_v he_o but_o that_o be_v no_o part_n of_o my_o present_a task_n i_o will_v therefore_o as_o i_o promise_v only_o give_v you_o a_o brief_a account_n how_o some_o thing_n in_o it_o be_v debate_v before_o it_o receive_v the_o sanction_n first_o then_o though_o any_o man_n who_o read_v it_o may_v easy_o observe_v that_o all_o along_o the_o framer_n of_o the_o act_n have_v have_v their_o eye_n fix_v on_o the_o presbyterian_a petition_n which_o i_o have_v give_v you_o already_o yet_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n be_v only_o ratify_v and_o approve_v and_o the_o catechism_n and_o directory_n who_o ratification_n be_v likewise_o crave_v in_o the_o petition_n be_v omit_v how_o come_v this_o to_o be_v do_v the_o truth_n in_o short_a be_v this_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v in_o the_o act_n as_o it_o be_v prepare_v by_o the_o committee_n but_o when_o they_o begin_v to_o consider_v that_o article_n in_o the_o house_n begin_v with_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n the_o duke_n of_o hamilton_n move_v that_o it_o may_v be_v read_v all_o over_o with_o a_o audible_a and_o distinct_a voice_n and_o attentive_o consider_v before_o they_o shall_v give_v it_o the_o legal_a sanction_n for_o as_o he_o argue_v that_o confession_n of_o faith_n have_v never_o be_v ratify_v in_o parliament_n before_o and_o it_o be_v not_o suitable_a to_o the_o weight_n and_o importance_n of_o
never_o absent_a from_o the_o council_n board_n be_v sure_a to_o entertain_v with_o very_o terrible_a resentment_n 3._o if_o the_o duke_n of_o hamilton_n be_v absent_a it_o be_v folly_n to_o petition_n for_o it_o be_v sure_a to_o be_v reject_v nay_o sometime_o when_o he_o be_v present_a yet_o if_o two_o or_o three_o of_o these_o who_o use_v to_o vote_n with_o he_o be_v not_o at_o the_o board_n it_o be_v extreme_o dangerous_a to_o venture_v for_o if_o a_o petition_n be_v once_o reject_v it_o be_v hard_a to_o get_v it_o consider_v a_o second_o time_n for_o then_o crawford_n be_v furnish_v with_o a_o pithy_a argument_n against_o it_o once_o indeed_o for_o i_o must_v do_v he_o justice_n i_o hear_v his_o lordship_n be_v forward_o to_o grant_v a_o conformist_n petition_n so_o very_o forward_o that_o he_o be_v clear_v it_o shall_v be_v grant_v before_o it_o be_v read_v but_o there_o be_v a_o singularity_n in_o the_o case_n which_o when_o you_o understand_v perhaps_o you_o will_v not_o be_v much_o surprise_v at_o this_o his_o lordship_n forwardness_n even_o though_o there_o be_v a_o presbyterian_a minister_n concern_v for_o alas_o the_o man_n weary_a of_o his_o wife_n have_v fall_v into_o the_o sin_n of_o adultery_n with_o another_o woman_n and_o his_o lordship_n be_v mighty_o afraid_a lest_o this_o shall_v have_v be_v mention_v in_o the_o petition_n or_o by_o some_o ill_a nature_a person_n at_o the_o council-table_n who_o know_v the_o story_n if_o his_o lordship_n have_v make_v any_o bustle_n about_o it_o as_o he_o use_v to_o do_v on_o other_o occasion_n which_o he_o have_v no_o mind_n for_o this_o be_v the_o reason_n of_o his_o frankness_n in_o the_o matter_n but_o beside_o my_o lord_n crawford_n there_o be_v some_o other_o councillor_n who_o sometime_o do_v obstruct_v the_o read_n of_o petition_n perhaps_o on_o more_o odious_a ground_n than_o his_o lordship_n for_o example_n i_o can_v name_v a_o certain_a privy_a councillor_n who_o for_o several_a day_n hinder_v a_o certain_a rabble_v minister_n petition_n to_o be_v read_v until_o the_o poor_a man_n be_v force_v to_o come_v to_o he_o and_o offer_v to_o quit_v he_o some_o twelve_o or_o thirteen_o pound_n sterling_a which_o he_o be_v oblige_v to_o pay_v of_o the_o benefice_n and_o then_o his_o lordship_n appear_v for_o he_o indeed_o and_o obtain_v both_o the_o read_n and_o grant_v of_o his_o petition_n have_v he_o be_v as_o poor_a as_o my_o lord_n crawford_n perhaps_o he_o have_v be_v the_o more_o excusable_a but_o he_o be_v a_o man_n of_o a_o good_a estate_n which_o make_v the_o trick_n the_o base_a however_o i_o will_v not_o name_v he_o at_o present_a from_o what_o i_o have_v say_v you_o may_v competent_o understand_v the_o whole_a matter_n of_o the_o petition_v which_o be_v some_o while_n on_o foot_n and_o of_o which_o perhaps_o you_o have_v hear_v i_o can_v deny_v but_o many_o be_v the_o better_a for_o it_o but_o they_o owe_v all_o the_o thanks_o to_o the_o duke_n of_o hamilton_n and_o some_o other_o councillor_n but_o none_o to_o the_o parliament_n and_o yet_o for_o all_o this_o perhaps_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o give_v you_o as_o many_o instance_n of_o petition_n that_o be_v reject_v if_o not_o more_o than_o be_v grant_v but_o i_o will_v only_o insist_v on_o one_o man_n case_n whereby_o you_o will_v clear_o and_o distinct_o perceive_v in_o what_o sense_n both_o the_o council_n and_o session_n the_o two_o chief_a judicatories_n in_o in_o the_o nation_n understand_v our_o act_n of_o parliament_n which_o to_o represent_v in_o its_o true_a colour_n be_v the_o chief_a aim_n of_o this_o part_n of_o this_o letter_n the_o case_n shall_v be_v that_o of_o one_o mr._n robert_n skeen_n this_o gentleman_n have_v enter_v to_o his_o church_n at_o dunsyre_n within_o the_o shire_n of_o lancick_n according_a to_o law_n and_o serve_v there_o in_o the_o holy_a ministry_n faithful_o and_o painful_o for_o a_o good_a many_o year_n a_o man_n of_o very_o good_a ability_n and_o unblameable_a in_o his_o life_n in_o the_o year_n 1684._o a_o circuit_n court_n be_v keep_v in_o these_o part_n for_o execute_v the_o law_n against_o nonconformist_n and_o so_o one_o mr._n anthony_n murray_n a_o old_a presbyterian_a minister_n who_o have_v be_v still_o connive_v at_o before_o because_o he_o will_v not_o then_o conform_v be_v deprive_v of_o the_o church_n and_o benefice_n of_o coulter_n this_o mr._n murray_n have_v a_o little_a estate_n in_o the_o parish_n of_o dunsyre_n where_o mr._n skeen_n be_v minister_v thither_o he_o retire_v after_o his_o deprivation_n and_o live_v quiet_o without_o make_v any_o disturbance_n to_o mr._n skeen_n or_o keep_v any_o conventicle_n till_o the_o year_n 1687._o that_o k._n james_n grant_v his_o fatal_a toleration_n but_o then_o with_o the_o advice_n of_o his_o brethren_n of_o the_o gang_n who_o have_v resolve_v in_o their_o club_n to_o carry_v on_o a_o schism_n in_o the_o church_n he_o begin_v to_o set_v up_o again_o not_o in_o his_o old_a parish_n of_o coulter_n to_o which_o one_o will_v think_v he_o shall_v rather_o have_v return_v but_o in_o the_o parish_n of_o dunsyre_n and_o endeavour_v to_o draw_v the_o people_n after_o he_o and_o true_a it_o be_v some_o of_o the_o mean_a sort_n he_o get_v but_o mr._n skeen_n still_o keep_v the_o church_n and_o the_o better_a part_n of_o the_o parish_n adhere_v to_o he_o till_o april_n 1689._o that_o he_o be_v turn_v out_o by_o the_o rabble_n or_o rather_o till_o after_o whitsunday_n as_o you_o shall_v hear_v instant_o skeen_n thus_o force_v away_o murray_n continue_v to_o preach_v a_o while_n after_o he_o be_v go_v and_o therefore_o after_o this_o our_o act_n of_o parliament_n pass_v in_o june_n 1690._o he_o resolve_v to_o take_v the_o benefit_n of_o it_o and_o so_o petition_v the_o council_n for_o the_o benefice_n of_o dunsyre_n for_o both_o year_n 1689._o and_o 1690._o and_o obtain_v his_o request_n without_o difficulty_n skeen_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n know_v nothing_o of_o it_o one_o will_v think_v that_o this_o be_v even_o but_o course_n justice_n for_o grant_v the_o act_n of_o parliament_n declare_v all_o their_o church_n vacant_a who_o have_v be_v rabble_v before_o the_o 13_o of_o april_n 1689._o have_v be_v never_o so_o just_a and_o righteous_a yet_o how_o do_v it_o appear_v to_o their_o lordship_n that_o skeen_n be_v rabble_v before_o that_o day_n be_v it_o enough_o that_o they_o have_v murray_n word_n for_o it_o in_o his_o petition_n ought_v not_o skeen_n to_o have_v have_v notice_n to_o appear_v for_o his_o interest_n but_o let_v that_o pass_v with_o the_o rest_n mr._n skeen_n be_v a_o very_a poor_a man_n and_o no_o wonder_n consider_v that_o he_o have_v no_o patrimony_n of_o his_o own_o his_o benefice_n be_v but_o small_a and_o his_o family_n be_v numerous_a and_o so_o it_o be_v as_o little_a wonderful_a if_o he_o be_v surprise_v when_o he_o hear_v the_o unwelcome_a tiding_n of_o mr._n murray_n have_v get_v a_o gift_n of_o his_o benefice_n for_o these_o two_o year_n but_o how_o to_o right_v himself_o be_v the_o question_n he_o know_v very_o well_o already_o in_o what_o sense_n the_o council_n understand_v the_o act_n of_o parliament_n but_o the_o session_n have_v never_o yet_o have_v occasion_n to_o give_v their_o sense_n of_o it_o so_o he_o resolve_v to_o try_v his_o title_n before_o their_o lordship_n and_o according_o charge_n those_o who_o be_v liable_a in_o payment_n of_o the_o stipend_n for_o the_o whole_a year_n 1689._o and_o the_o half_a of_o 1690._o to_o make_v payment_n to_o he_o this_o be_v do_v about_o the_o middle_n of_o january_n 1691._o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v doubt_v but_o murray_n will_v soon_o get_v notice_n of_o this_o charge_n so_o he_o make_v his_o address_n to_o some_o of_o the_o lord_n of_o the_o session_n and_o obtain_v letter_n of_o suspension_n against_o skeen_n till_o the_o case_n shall_v be_v debate_v before_o their_o lordship_n and_o so_o the_o case_n come_v to_o be_v fair_o state_v before_o that_o judicature_n sir_n david_n thoris_fw-la be_v advocate_n for_o skeen_n and_o james_n stuart_n for_o murray_n for_o who_o title_n he_o produce_v these_o three_o argument_n 1._o murray_n have_v a_o act_n of_o council_n for_o he_o so_o that_o it_o be_v res_fw-la hactenus_fw-la judicata_fw-la 2._o skeen_n have_v deserted_n and_o be_v remove_v from_o his_o church_n before_o the_o 13_o of_o april_n and_o so_o be_v deprive_v by_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n 3._o murray_n have_v officiate_v as_o a_o presbyterian_a minister_n in_o the_o parish_n of_o dunsyre_n during_o these_o year_n for_o which_o he_o have_v get_v his_o gift_n to_o these_o argument_n sir_n david_n thores_fw-la give_v these_o follow_a answer_n to_o the_o first_o that_o skeen_n have_v legal_o enter_v to_o the_o church_n of_o dunsyre_n and_o have_v