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 this_o kirk_n although_o i_o do_v not_o deny_v but_o that_o gener_n all_o assembly_n may_v err_v and_o the_o godly_a be_v so_o put_v to_o it_o as_o to_o have_v no_o remedy_n leave_v they_o in_o law_n but_o to_o protest_v yet_o except_o the_o case_n be_v clear_a and_o sure_a this_o course_n be_v one_o of_o the_o high_a contempt_n of_o ecclesiastic_a authority_n the_o last_o refuge_n for_o remove_v of_o seandaâ—s_n be_v mat._n 18.17_o tell_v the_o church_n after_o which_o nothing_o remain_v but_o it_o he_o neglect_v to_o hear_v the_o church_n let_v he_o be_v as_o a_o heathen_a or_o a_o publican_n i_o trust_v whatsoever_o gloss_n other_o put_v on_o the_o word_n there_o be_v no_o difference_n betwixt_o our_o brethren_n and_o we_o about_o the_o exposition_n of_o they_o and_o hence_o appear_v the_o equity_n of_o that_o act_n and_o practice_n of_o our_o assembly_n inflict_v the_o hic_fw-mi hest_n censure_v on_o such_o and_o reason_n since_o they_o in_o the_o high_a measure_n neglect_n to_o hear_v the_o church_n neither_o be_v there_o now_o any_o ulterior_a or_o superior_a judicatory_a to_o go_v to_o but_o what_o if_o she_o 〈◊〉_d not_o and_o whether_o she_o do_v or_o not_o wherein_o have_v these_o man_n show_v their_o respect_n to_o their_o mother_n who_o what_o in_o they_o lie_v but_o bless_a be_v the_o lord_n it_o lie_v not_o will_v discover_v her_o nakedness_n when_o other_o than_o brethren_n be_v to_o behold_v it_o let_v they_o take_v heed_n if_o this_o be_v not_o a_o main_a step_n to_o separation_n which_o in_o word_n they_o seem_v to_o abhor_v when_o as_o they_o protest_v and_o profess_v they_o will_v not_o hear_v we_o so_o they_o will_v cast_v on_o we_o a_o kind_n of_o necessity_n to_o hold_v they_o as_o heathen_n and_o publican_n but_o to_o prevent_v this_o they_o have_v find_v a_o way_n of_o their_o own_o and_o as_o if_o they_o have_v not_o be_v of_o we_o they_o be_v go_v out_o from_o we_o and_o set_v up_o to_o do_v their_o own_o business_n without_o we_o as_o they_o seem_v to_o intimate_v in_o the_o last_o page_n of_o their_o print_a paper_n after_o the_o protestation_n contrary_a to_o the_o very_a fundamental_o of_o the_o discipline_n of_o our_o kirk_n which_o be_v and_o ever_o have_v be_v profess_v to_o be_v by_o presbytery_n synod_n and_o national_a assembly_n due_o subordinate_a one_o to_o another_o all_o which_o their_o course_n overturn_v while_o they_o walk_v in_o another_o way_n to_o make_v the_o matter_n of_o their_o proposition_n practicable_a as_o they_o say_v but_o beside_o that_o a_o protestation_n be_v at_o best_o except_o in_o the_o case_n of_o pungent_a necessity_n in_o its_o nature_n odious_a it_o be_v so_o much_o worse_o in_o our_o kirk_n where_o we_o be_v tie_v by_o the_o strict_a bond_n both_o of_o the_o nationall_n and_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n against_o all_o divisive_a motion_n and_o course_n and_o i_o pray_v i_o what_o it_o this_o other_o than_o a_o divisive_a motion_n and_o that_o of_o the_o deep_a dye_n for_o they_o to_o separate_v themselves_o and_o join_v together_o make_v a_o party_n when_o the_o supreme_a judicatories_n of_o kirk_n and_o state_n be_v go_v on_o in_o their_o continue_a act_n in_o the_o day_n of_o great_a danger_n and_o distress_n they_o may_v be_v please_v to_o remember_v their_o own_o act_n and_o speech_n when_o god_n honour_v they_o to_o be_v sit_v in_o the_o supreme_a judicatories_n how_o far_o short_a come_v the_o intend_a divisive_a supplication_n in_o anno_fw-la 1648._o of_o this_o course_n they_o be_v now_o on_o nay_o the_o very_a cross_a petition_n in_o anno_fw-la 1642._o both_o which_o some_o of_o they_o i_o say_v some_o for_o most_o of_o they_o be_v but_o of_o yesterday_o and_o have_v then_o no_o place_n in_o our_o judicatoy_n show_v so_o much_o zeal_n against_o protestation_n defend_v if_o the_o reviewer_n do_v mean_a by_o the_o begin_n of_o this_o paragraph_n which_o be_v dark_o and_o ambiguous_o express_v that_o a_o assembly_n may_v be_v wrong_a in_o the_o constitution_n and_o so_o no_o more_o to_o be_v a_o assembly_n than_o a_o paint_a manus_fw-la a_o man_n as_o the_o author_n of_o the_o vindication_n so_o much_o cry_v up_o do_v in_o that_o case_n yield_v and_o that_o the_o godly_a in_o such_o a_o case_n have_v no_o remedy_n lefâ—_n they_o in_o law_n but_o to_o protest_v against_o its_o constitution_n and_o proceed_n then_o he_o grant_v all_o that_o the_o protester_n desire_v for_o the_o subsumption_n and_o application_n fall_v within_o his_o exception_n the_o case_n be_v to_o their_o conscience_n clem_v and_o fure_z but_o if_o he_o do_v suppose_v that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o unfree_a unlawful_a assembly_n in_o the_o constitution_n thereof_o and_o that_o the_o remedy_n of_o protestation_n be_v only_o to_o be_v use_v against_o wrong_a act_n than_o he_o speak_v against_o experience_n and_o the_o know_a practice_n of_o the_o faithful_a servant_n of_o god_n in_o this_o kirk_n i_o have_v give_v several_a precedent_n of_o this_o before_o and_o the_o act_n of_o the_o assembly_n 1638._o and_o 1639._o against_o the_o six_o corrupt_a assembly_n do_v clear_o demonstrete_n the_o same_o be_v it_o not_o as_o lawful_a and_o more_o necessary_a to_o protest_v against_o a_o wrong_a authority_n or_o usurpation_n as_o against_o wrong_a act_n of_o a_o true_a authority_n for_o the_o first_o be_v far_o more_o dangerous_a to_o the_o kirk_n every_o way_n then_o the_o second_o he_o make_v it_o one_o of_o the_o high_a contempt_n of_o ecclesiastic_a authority_n to_o protest_v when_o the_o case_n be_v not_o clear_a and_o sure_a but_o he_o forget_v to_o consider_v how_o great_a a_o transgression_n it_o be_v before_o the_o lord_n and_o how_o injurious_a to_o his_o work_n and_o people_n to_o usurp_v the_o supreme_a authority_n of_o the_o kirk_n over_o all_o the_o judicatoties_fw-la thereof_o to_o decree_v unrighteous_a decree_n and_o tyrannize_v over_o conscience_n the_o sad_a consequence_n of_o such_o a_o course_n can_v be_v soon_o 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 assembly_n 1638_o and_o 1639_o have_v well_o judge_v he_o allege_v a_o act_n and_o practice_n of_o our_o assembly_n but_o he_o neither_o mention_n the_o act_n nor_o assembly_n where_o such_o a_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v find_v there_o be_v never_o any_o act_n make_v in_o this_o church_n against_o decline_v of_o assembly_n as_o unfree_a or_o unlawful_a or_o corrupt_a the_o act_n which_o he_o hint_v at_o upon_o misinformation_n but_o as_o it_o seem_v have_v never_o read_v do_v speak_v nothing_o of_o decline_v a_o assembly_n because_o of_o its_o constitution_n good_a or_o bad_a but_o against_o appeal_n from_o the_o kirk_n judicatory_a in_o a_o ecclesiastic_a cause_n to_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n as_o be_v well_o know_v to_o all_o that_o have_v peruse_v the_o act_n of_o assembly_n it_o be_v respect_n to_o true-authority_n to_o decline_v usurpation_n and_o it_o be_v a_o contempt_n yea_o in_o effect_n a_o
which_o then_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o employ_v these_o man_n there_o be_v no_o word_n of_o repentance_n or_o satisfaction_n as_o necessary_a requisite_n in_o these_o who_o be_v to_o be_v employ_v in_o the_o defence_n of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o of_o the_o cause_n but_o the_o exception_n in_o the_o answer_n exclude_v only_o excommunicate_v person_n forefault_v notorious_o profane_a or_o flagitious_a and_o such_o as_o have_v be_v from_o the_o beginning_n and_o continue_v still_o or_o be_v at_o this_o time_n obstinate_a and_o profess_a enemy_n and_o opposer_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o cause_n of_o god_n and_o most_o if_o not_o all_o the_o argument_n in_o the_o warn_v run_v for_o employ_v all_o man_n who_o be_v subject_n without_o any_o such_o qualification_n the_o last_o because_o the_o order_n prescribe_v by_o the_o gen._n assembly_n be_v not_o keep_v in_o receive_v of_o they_o that_o order_n as_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o act_n of_o the_o assembly_n 49._o concern_v the_o receive_n of_o engager_n be_v that_o because_o many_o heretofore_o have_v make_v show_n and_o profession_n of_o their_o repentance_n who_o be_v not_o convince_v of_o their_o guiltiness_n nor_o humble_v for_o the_o same_o but_o do_v thereafter_o return_v with_o the_o dog_n to_o the_o vomit_n and_o with_o the_o sow_n to_o the_o puddle_n unto_o the_o mock_n of_o god_n and_o the_o exceed_a great_a reproach_n and_o detriment_n of_o his_o cause_n therefore_o for_o the_o better_a determine_v the_o truth_n &_o sincerity_n of_o the_o repentance_n of_o those_o who_o desire_v to_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o covenant_n and_o communion_n it_o be_v appoint_v &_o ordain_v that_o none_o of_o those_o person_n who_o be_v debar_v from_o the_o covenant_n and_o communion_n shall_v be_v admit_v and_o receive_v thereto_o but_o such_o as_o after_o exact_a trial_n shall_v be_v find_v for_o some_o competent_a time_n before_o or_o after_o the_o offer_n of_o their_o repentance_n according_a to_o the_o discretion_n of_o the_o respective_a judicatories_n to_o have_v in_o their_o ordinary_a conversation_n give_v real_a testimony_n of_o their_o dislike_n of_o the_o late_a unlawful_a engagement_n and_o of_o the_o course_n and_o way_n of_o malignant_n and_o of_o their_o sorrow_n for_o their_o accession_n to_o the_o same_o and_o to_o live_v sober_o righteous_o and_o godly_a and_o if_o any_o shall_v be_v find_v who_o after_o the_o defeat_n of_o the_o engager_n have_v utter_v any_o malignant_a speech_n tend_v to_o the_o approbation_n of_o the_o late_a unlawful_a engagement_n or_o the_o bloodshed_n within_o the_o kingdom_n for_o promove_v of_o the_o end_n of_o the_o say_a engagement_n or_o any_o other_o project_n or_o practice_n within_o or_o without_o the_o kingdom_n prejudicial_a to_o religion_n and_o the_o covenant_n or_o tend_v to_o the_o reproach_n of_o the_o ministry_n or_o the_o civil_a government_n of_o the_o kingdom_n or_o who_o have_v unnecessary_o or_o ordinary_o converse_v with_o malignant_n and_o dis-affected_n person_n or_o who_o have_v have_v hand_n in_o or_o accession_n to_o or_o compliance_n with_o or_o have_v any_o way_n countenance_v or_o promove_v any_o malignant_a design_n prejudicial_a to_o religion_n and_o the_o covenant_n that_o these_o notwithstanding_o their_o profession_n of_o repentance_n be_v not_o sudden_o receive_v but_o a_o competent_a time_n according_a to_o the_o discretion_n of_o the_o judicatory_a be_v assign_v to_o they_o for_o trial_n of_o the_o evidence_n of_o their_o repentance_n according_a to_o the_o qualification_n abovementioned_a now_o let_v conscience_n speak_v whether_o this_o order_n in_o receive_v these_o man_n be_v observe_v yea_o or_o not_o yea_o it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o it_o that_o they_o be_v receive_v without_o such_o evidence_n in_o a_o very_a rash_a and_o precipitant_a way_n unto_o the_o most_o manifest_a mock_v of_o repentance_n that_o have_v be_v hear_v or_o see_v in_o any_o church_n in_o the_o world_n many_o of_o they_o flout_v and_o jeer_v at_o the_o judicatories_n of_o the_o kirk_n and_o one_o at_o another_o and_o make_v sport_n of_o their_o confession_n among_o their_o companion_n and_o give_v as_o much_o evidence_n of_o their_o malignancy_n and_o profanity_n and_o hate_v of_o godliness_n in_o their_o speech_n and_o carriage_n as_o of_o before_o do_v not_o the_o commission_n make_v such_o haste_n to_o receive_v these_o who_o have_v break_v out_o in_o rebellion_n and_o rise_v in_o arm_n against_o the_o cause_n and_o kingdom_n after_o dumbar_n that_o notwithstanding_o they_o have_v once_o by_o a_o act_n remit_v they_o all_o for_o censure_n to_o the_o gen._n assembly_n and_o intimate_v the_o same_o to_o presbytery_n that_o they_o may_v not_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o renew_n of_o the_o covenant_n or_o communion_n till_o the_o assembly_n shall_v judge_v of_o their_o case_n yet_o they_o do_v after_o the_o answer_n to_o the_o quere_z make_v a_o new_a act_n for_o receive_v they_o to_o the_o great_a offence_n of_o the_o godly_a and_o expose_v of_o their_o own_o authority_n to_o contempt_n and_o reproach_n declaration_n the_o 6._o step_n be_v set_v down_o thus_o notwithstanding_o some_o man_n have_v thus_o occasion_v the_o make_n up_o of_o our_o force_n as_o they_o now_o be_v yet_o not_o only_o do_v they_o themselves_o refuse_v to_o join_v with_o they_o but_o oppose_v by_o all_o mean_v possible_a the_o raise_n of_o the_o army_n according_a to_o public_a resolution_n what_o by_o preach_v what_o by_o writing_n what_o by_o brand_a hoâ—â—st_n man_n many_o of_o who_o do_v bear_v the_o burden_n and_o heaâ—_n of_o the_o day_n when_o other_o be_v not_o with_o the_o odious_a imputation_n of_o backslide_n covenant-breaking_a and_o what_o not_o public_a fast_n be_v separate_v from_o and_o contemn_v faction_n draw_v among_o the_o people_n in_o a_o word_n no_o mean_n be_v leave_v unessay_v to_o make_v public_a resolution_n in_o order_n to_o the_o raise_n of_o the_o army_n ineffectual_a without_o hold_v forth_o any_o possible_a or_o probable_a mean_n for_o the_o relief_n of_o the_o kingdom_n all_o which_o what_o ever_o have_v be_v the_o intention_n of_o man_n do_v of_o their_o own_o nature_n contribute_v no_o less_o effectual_o to_o the_o deliver_v up_o of_o all_o to_o the_o will_n of_o the_o enemy_n without_o stroke_n of_o sword_n then_o if_o it_o have_v be_v purposely_o intend_v defence_n prejudice_n stretch_v far_o to_o reach_v a_o blow_n albeit_o it_o be_v here_o assert_v that_o some_o man_n do_v by_o all_o mean_v possible_a oppose_v the_o raise_n of_o the_o army_n according_a to_o the_o public_a resolution_n and_o that_o they_o leave_v no_o mean_n unessay_v to_o make_v these_o resolution_n ineffectual_a for_o raise_v of_o the_o army_n yet_o they_o must_v be_v the_o man_n who_o thus_o occasion_v the_o make_n up_o of_o the_o army_n as_o it_o be_v how_o this_o shall_v be_v i_o do_v not_o well_o know_v unless_o it_o be_v by_o a_o antiperistasis_n as_o heat_v sometime_o occasion_n cold_a and_o cold_a heat_n or_o as_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n occasion_n war_n upon_o the_o earth_n it_o be_v like_a enough_o that_o the_o testimony_n which_o be_v bear_v against_o that_o way_n do_v instate_v man_n corruption_n and_o make_v they_o more_o violent_a and_o headstrong_a in_o the_o prosecution_n of_o the_o same_o but_o their_o meaning_n happy_o be_v that_o these_o man_n do_v oppose_v the_o union_n of_o the_o force_n or_o will_v not_o suffer_v other_o to_o rise_v for_o the_o defence_n of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o cause_n and_o so_o put_v the_o committee_n of_o estate_n upon_o a_o necessity_n of_o employ_v of_o these_o to_o join_v of_o the_o force_n we_o have_v speak_v before_o and_o show_v upon_o what_o term_n they_o be_v willing_a to_o have_v join_v and_o that_o there_o never_o come_v to_o they_o any_o order_n or_o command_n from_o the_o state_n for_o conjunction_n and_o for_o the_o other_o until_o there_o be_v stumbling-block_n put_v in_o their_o way_n by_o the_o public_a resolution_n they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o hinder_v any_o against_o who_o there_o be_v not_o just_a exception_n that_o they_o be_v willing_a to_o employ_v themselves_o to_o the_o utmost_a in_o defence_n of_o the_o cause_n and_o kingdom_n and_o give_v abundant_a proof_n thereof_o from_o the_o time_n they_o first_o take_v up_o arm_n until_o the_o month_n of_o december_n that_o the_o lord_n be_v please_v in_o his_o wiâ—e_a dispensation_n to_o break_v they_o at_o hamilton_n the_o public_a resolution_n be_v contrary_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o to_o the_o covenant_n and_o to_o the_o act_n and_o proceed_n of_o both_o kirk_n and_o state_n in_o the_o cause_n these_o many_o year_n past_a and_o involve_v so_o sudden_a and_o gross_a a_o change_n both_o of_o principle_n and_o practice_n give_v occasion_n to_o many_o gracious_a one_o throughout_o the_o land_n to_o stumble_v and_o to_o many_o minister_n to_o bear_v testimony_n
have_v carry_v on_o a_o course_n of_o defection_n and_o it_o be_v offer_v to_o verify_v the_o same_o and_o thereupon_o desire_v that_o these_o commissioner_n may_v not_o be_v admit_v to_o sit_v as_o member_n in_o the_o assembly_n till_o that_o matter_n be_v try_v it_o be_v refuse_v and_o notwithstanding_o of_o the_o except_o on_o timeous_o propound_v and_o offer_v to_o be_v instruct_v they_o be_v before_o the_o take_n try_v all_o thereof_o allow_v to_o sit_v which_o be_v in_o effect_n to_o reject_v the_o exception_n either_o as_o irrelevat_a in_o law_n or_o as_o false_a in_o fact_n and_o so_o to_o approve_v they_o before_o try_v all_o yea_o they_o be_v admit_v to_o â—iâ—â—s_a judge_n in_o their_o own_o cause_n for_o the_o protestation_n be_v particular_o found_v on_o the_o sinfulness_n and_o unwarrantableness_n of_o their_o proceed_n yet_o they_o be_v allow_v to_o sit_v as_o judge_n and_o to_o condemn_v the_o protestation_n as_o destructive_a to_o the_o government_n and_o liberty_n of_o this_o kirk_n and_o censurable_a with_o the_o high_a censure_n thereof_o upon_o the_o 23_o of_o july_n 1651._o notwithstanding_o their_o proceed_n be_v not_o approven_v till_o the_o day_n after_o which_o be_v the_o 24._o that_o other_o of_o they_o do_v absolute_o decline_v the_o authority_n of_o that_o assembly_n and_o protest_v against_o it_o as_o null_n be_v a_o practice_n that_o have_v many_o commendable_a and_o praiseworthy_a parallel_n in_o this_o church_n and_o therefore_o they_o do_v speak_v more_o from_o their_o own_o spirit_n then_o from_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n who_o cry_v out_o that_o it_o have_v no_o parallel_n but_o that_o of_o the_o perfidious_a prelate_n the_o declinatour_n of_o the_o prelate_n against_o the_o assembly_n at_o glasgow_n 1638._o as_o any_o who_o please_v to_o read_v the_o same_o will_v find_v that_o it_o do_v strike_v at_o the_o root_n of_o presbyterial_a government_n and_o general_n assembly_n in_o regard_n of_o the_o essential_o of_o their_o constitution_n but_o the_o protestation_n do_v acknowledge_v and_o plead_v for_o the_o government_n and_o for_o the_o due_a liberty_n and_o freedom_n and_o right_a constitution_n of_o assembly_n according_a to_o the_o ruâ—e_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o act_n of_o this_o kirk_n and_o do_v only_o bear_v testimony_n against_o and_o decline_v that_o assembly_n because_o of_o unwarrantable_a prelimit_v of_o the_o election_n admit_v of_o person_n under_o scandal_n before_o try_v oâ—_n they_o admit_v of_o the_o same_o man_n to_o be_v both_o judge_n and_o party_n want_v of_o frâ—â—_n access_n and_o recess_n absence_n of_o many_o commissioner_n want_v of_o freedom_n in_o voice_n deny_v to_o hear_v what_o be_v offer_v for_o hold_v forth_o of_o light_n whereby_o â—t_a appear_v that_o there_o be_v little_a conscience_n and_o ingenuity_n and_o less_o charity_n in_o make_v of_o that_o parallel_n but_o the_o history_n and_o act_n of_o our_o church_n do_v furnish_v we_o many_o just_a and_o true_a parallel_n of_o this_o practice_n in_o the_o carriage_n of_o the_o faithful_a witness_n of_o our_o lord_n in_o our_o own_o and_o our_o father_n day_n who_o have_v stand_v to_o plead_v for_o the_o doctrine_n government_n worship_n and_o discipline_n of_o this_o kirk_n i_o shall_v only_o name_v a_o few_o the_o first_o be_v in_o the_o year_n 1597._o at_o which_o time_n the_o commissioner_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n have_v contrary_a to_o the_o trust_v commit_v to_o they_o in_o these_o intervall_n betwixt_o assembly_n petition_v and_o obtain_v from_o the_o king_n and_o estate_n of_o the_o kingdom_n that_o minister_n shall_v sit_v in_o parliament_n as_o the_o three_o estate_n which_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o our_o prelatic_a their_o proceed_n in_o that_o petition_n and_o the_o thing_n relate_v thereto_o be_v approven_v in_o the_o assembly_n by_o the_o preval_v influence_n of_o the_o king_n and_o these_o commissioner_n notwithstanding_o of_o the_o reason_n propound_v against_o the_o same_o by_o sundry_a of_o the_o ministry_n m._n john_n davidson_n a_o most_o worthy_a and_o pious_a minister_n of_o this_o church_n endue_v with_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n in_o many_o thing_n and_o as_o anti-prelaticall_a and_o true_o tender_a of_o presbyterial_a government_n and_o of_o the_o authority_n of_o assembly_n as_o any_o this_o church_n have_v bring_v forth_o do_v solemn_o protest_v against_o that_o assembly_n as_o not_o free_a and_o lawful_a to_o which_o protestation_n mr._n david_n calâ—erwood_n a_o strenuous_a maintainer_n of_o the_o government_n of_o this_o church_n and_o a_o constant_a adversary_n to_o prelate_n &_o a_o unsuspect_n witness_n in_o this_o present_a controversy_n declare_v in_o his_o story_n his_o own_o adherence_n &_o the_o adherence_n of_o many_o of_o the_o most_o sincere_a pastor_n and_o professor_n of_o this_o kirk_n as_o see_v the_o beginning_n and_o fear_v the_o growth_n of_o that_o defection_n likeas_n he_o do_v often_o from_o that_o experience_n express_v his_o fear_n and_o thereupon_o his_o opinion_n against_o put_v too_o much_o power_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o a_o commission_n and_o prognosticate_v a_o defection_n to_o ensue_v thereupon_o whensoever_o the_o king_n and_o the_o court_n shall_v have_v influence_n upon_o the_o lead_a man_n thereof_o concern_v which_o he_o have_v not_o be_v mistake_v 2._o do_v not_o many_o worthy_a pastor_n and_o professor_n of_o this_o church_n protest_v against_o the_o corrupt_a assembly_n annul_v by_o the_o assembly_n at_o glasgow_n sundry_a of_o which_o protestation_n be_v to_o be_v see_v in_o the_o book_n call_v the_o course_n of_o conformity_n let_v our_o predecessor_n supplication_n reason_n admonition_n protestation_n present_v to_o the_o parliament_n 1617._o and_o 1621._o be_v consider_v wherein_o they_o assert_v the_o assembly_n then_o controvert_v to_o be_v unlawful_o constitute_v and_o to_o be_v but_o pretend_a assembly_n though_o no_o authority_n have_v declare_v the_o same_o see_v also_o the_o observation_n print_v 1635_o with_o the_o grievance_n give_v in_o by_o the_o minister_n to_o the_o parliament_n 1633_o it_o be_v here_o well_o say_v that_o the_o safety_n of_o religion_n depend_v not_o upon_o assembly_n of_o whatsoever_o kind_n but_o upon_o the_o liberty_n of_o free_a and_o right_o constitute_v assembly_n aâ—_n in_o the_o commonweal_n he_o be_v not_o to_o be_v think_v a_o faithful_a patriot_n who_o will_v not_o stand_v as_o much_o for_o the_o liberty_n of_o a_o parliament_n as_o his_o own_o possession_n because_o the_o safety_n of_o all_o other_o liberty_n stand_v in_o the_o preservation_n of_o that_o main_a liberty_n 3._o do_v not_o these_o who_o spirit_n the_o lord_n stir_v up_o to_o appear_v against_o the_o prelate_n and_o to_o set_v on_o foot_n the_o work_n of_o reformation_n in_o the_o year_n 16â—7_n express_o declare_v theiâ—_n adherence_n to_o all_o these_o protestation_n make_v by_o their_o father_n and_o predecessor_n declare_v the_o nullity_n of_o these_o corrupt_a assembly_n and_o thereby_o establish_v the_o declinatour_n against_o the_o same_o before_o the_o assembly_n at_o glasgow_n which_o practice_n be_v as_o strange_o look_v upon_o and_o as_o muâ—h_v speak_v against_o then_o as_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o protester_n in_o the_o year_n 1651._o 4._o our_o nationall_n covenant_n do_v both_o mention_n and_o allow_v these_o protestation_n against_o that_o whole_a course_n of_o defection_n whence_o it_o appear_v that_o that_o practice_n at_o dâ—â—dee_n have_v many_o both_o very_o worthy_a precedent_n and_o parallel_n and_o that_o to_o protest_v against_o corrupt_a assembly_n such_o as_o that_o be_v have_v be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v look_v upon_o by_o discer_v faithful_a and_o godly_a man_n in_o this_o kirk_n as_o the_o throw_n down_o of_o the_o hedge_n of_o discipline_n and_o make_v way_n for_o every_o beast_n of_o the_o forest_n to_o break_v in_o as_o this_o reviewer_n allege_v that_o they_o have_v use_v it_o as_o one_o of_o the_o best_a mean_n for_o prevent_v and_o remedy_v of_o these_o evil_n and_o so_o it_o be_v indeed_o because_o as_o it_o be_v well_o observe_v and_o true_o assert_v in_o the_o great_a act_n of_o the_o assembly_n concern_v the_o by_o go_v evil_n of_o this_o church_n and_o the_o remedy_n thereof_o that_o the_o keeep_v or_o authorise_v of_o corrupt_a general_n assembly_n have_v be_v one_o of_o the_o main_a cause_n of_o our_o evil_n by_o these_o it_o be_v that_o the_o prelate_n and_o all_o the_o train_n of_o superstitious_a ceremony_n do_v enter_v and_o have_v have_v such_o worthy_a precedent_n in_o oppose_v of_o such_o and_o such_o doolful_a and_o dear_a buy_v experience_n of_o the_o wrong_n they_o have_v do_v to_o this_o poor_a church_n there_o be_v the_o great_a reason_n to_o take_v heed_n to_o stand_v fast_o in_o the_o liberty_n wherewith_o christ_n have_v make_v we_o free_a and_o not_o to_o be_v again_o entangle_v with_o the_o yoke_n of_o bondage_n of_o corrupt_a assembly_n it_o
declinator_n of_o true-ecclesiastick_a authority_n to_o acknowledge_v unlawful_a intruder_n upon_o the_o same_o it_o be_v not_o to_o the_o present_a case_n to_o tell_v we_o that_o divine_n say_v reverence_n be_v dueâ—o_o the_o church_n when_o she_o err_v the_o question_n be_v whether_o the_o two_o late_a assembly_n be_v a_o lawful_a representative_a yea_o or_o no_o and_o not_o about_o a_o assembly_n lawful_o constitute_v and_o err_v in_o their_o proceed_n the_o learned_a review_n of_o the_o council_n of_o tront_n and_o the_o gravamina_fw-la contra_fw-la concilium_fw-la tridentinum_fw-la make_v use_v of_o by_o the_o go_v all_o assembly_n at_o glasgow_n against_o the_o bishop_n declinatur_fw-la do_v full_o show_v the_o judgement_n of_o protestant_a divine_n for_o deline_v and_o protest_v against_o a_o assembly_n not_o lawful_o and_o right_o constitute_v but_o what_o if_o she_o err_v not_o say_v he_o i_o answer_v that_o be_v sufficient_o clear_v in_o several_a treatise_n which_o have_v be_v long_o since_o disperse_v in_o write_v and_o have_v come_v to_o the_o hand_n of_o many_o of_o the_o contrary_a judgement_n but_o have_v never_o yet_o be_v answer_v by_o any_o of_o they_o there_o be_v so_o little_a doubt_n among_o she_o most_o part_n of_o zealous_a professor_n anent_o the_o sinfulness_n of_o the_o public_a resolution_n as_o i_o need_v not_o here_o to_o dispute_v it_o but_o say_v he_o whether_o she_o err_v or_o not_o wherein_o have_v these_o man_n show_v their_o respect_n and_o reverence_n to_o their_o mother_n i_o reply_v that_o reverence_n to_o their_o true_a mother_n make_v they_o disclaim_v such_o stepmother_n and_o i_o desire_v to_o hear_v it_o prove_v by_o good_a reason_n what_o more_o right_o pretend_a assembly_n have_v to_o call_v themselves_o the_o mother_n of_o all_o the_o people_n of_o god_n in_o this_o church_n than_o the_o prelate_n have_v to_o call_v themselves_o our_o spiritual_a father_n for_o that_o which_o be_v say_v the_o protester_n will_v discover_v her_o nakedness_n when_o other_o than_o brethren_n be_v to_o behold_v it_o i_o shall_v give_v the_o same_o answer_n to_o it_o which_o be_v give_v to_o the_o like_a calumny_n by_o our_o protest_v fore-bathers_a in_o their_o supplication_n to_o the_o parliament_n 1621._o record_v in_o the_o course_n of_o conformity_n their_o word_n be_v these_o the_o reason_n whereby_o we_o be_v uphold_v in_o our_o course_n and_o pratestation_n and_o just_a defence_n against_o the_o opposition_n intend_v be_v all_o make_a patent_n to_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o world_n no_o way_n to_o lay_v open_a the_o nakedness_n of_o our_o mother_n to_o the_o scandal_n of_o the_o enemy_n or_o just_o to_o offend_v any_o otherwise_o mind_v but_o that_o the_o multitude_n of_o our_o professor_n be_v not_o taint_v with_o the_o venom_n of_o maliciousness_n contrary_a to_o the_o sincere_a milk_n which_o they_o have_v receive_v etc._n etc._n in_o the_o next_o place_n he_o bid_v we_o take_v heed_n if_o this_o be_v not_o a_o main_a step_n to_o separation_n that_o we_o refuse_v to_o hear_v they_o as_o the_o lawful_a representative_a church_n but_o we_o must_v take_v heed_n in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o another_o thing_n viz._n not_o to_o separate_v from_o know_v and_o receive_v principle_n the_o declaration_n of_o the_o assembly_n 1647_o say_v that_o next_o to_o the_o change_n of_o principle_n the_o change_n of_o party_n the_o assist_v of_o these_o who_o we_o shall_v suppress_v and_o persecute_v these_o who_o we_o shall_v assist_v the_o join_n with_o these_o against_o who_o the_o covenant_n be_v make_v and_o against_o these_o for_o who_o it_o be_v make_v be_v the_o great_a breach_n of_o covevant_n and_o separation_n from_o the_o covenant_v union_n which_o be_v hold_v forth_o in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o covenant_n oblige_v we_o not_o to_o be_v divide_v and_o withdraw_v from_o that_o bless_a union_n and_o conjunction_n by_o make_v defection_n to_o the_o contrary_a part_n etc._n etc._n the_o nationall_n covenant_n descrive_v these_o to_o be_v the_o church_n of_o scotland_n who_o agree_v with_o our_o first_o reformer_n in_o doctrine_n etc._n etc._n the_o declaration_n of_o this_o kirk_n make_v in_o 1648_o say_v that_o out_o union_n in_o the_o covenant_n with_o god_n his_o cause_n and_o people_n stand_v in_o keep_v the_o principle_n thereof_o and_o separation_n stand_v in_o defection_n therefrom_o it_o be_v declare_v by_o the_o assembly_n that_o year_n a_o principle_n of_o our_o cause_n and_o necessary_a for_o security_n of_o religion_n that_o the_o malignant_a party_n be_v esteem_v enemy_n to_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n and_o that_o association_n with_o they_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o to_o the_o covenant_n so_o do_v the_o assembly_n 1649_o in_o the_o act_n against_o engager_n now_o i_o say_v that_o these_o who_o be_v for_o the_o public_a resolution_n have_v change_v some_o of_o their_o principle_n and_o also_o change_v their_o party_n for_o they_o have_v join_v with_o the_o malignant_a party_n and_o act_n and_o censure_n for_o persecute_v these_o with_o who_o they_o be_v join_v before_o where_o then_o lie_v the_o guilt_n of_o division_n and_o who_o make_v the_o first-step_n to_o separation_n à _fw-fr dee_fw-mi foedere_fw-la &_o ecclefia_fw-la pristina_fw-la scoticana_fw-la with_o whosoever_o these_o thing_n be_v find_v let_v they_o be_v account_v separatist_n indeed_o as_o for_o hear_v they_o and_o confert_v with_o they_o in_o a_o extra_fw-la judicial_a way_n the_o protester_n have_v never_o decline_v it_o but_o the_o hear_n which_o they_o require_v be_v to_o be_v acknowledge_v as_o the_o lawful_a representative_a of_o this_o kirk_n and_o to_o be_v obey_v according_o and_o the_o reviewer_n intimate_v that_o there_o be_v a_o necessity_n of_o hold_v the_o protester_n as_o heathen_n and_o publican_n but_o that_o they_o have_v find_v out_o away_o of_o their_o own_o to_o prevent_v it_o a_o hard_a sentence_n indeed_o to_o excommunicate_v they_o all_o what_o exclamation_n of_o rigour_n have_v there_o be_v if_o such_o a_o expression_n have_v drop_v from_o the_o pen_n of_o a_o protester_n i_o shall_v say_v no_o more_o to_o it_o but_o that_o this_o reviewer_n have_v a_o zeal_n of_o god_n but_o not_o according_a to_o knowledge_n he_o say_v the_o protester_n have_v go_v out_o from_o they_o and_o set_v up_o to_o do_v their_o own_o business_n alone_o and_o overturn_v the_o fundamental_o of_o the_o discipline_n of_o this_o kirk_n but_o he_o have_v no_o better_a proof_n than_o the_o last_o page_n of_o that_o paper_n wherein_o the_o protestation_n be_v print_v which_o be_v no_o deed_n of_o the_o meeting_n â—or_a do_v i_o ever_o hear_v that_o any_o member_n of_o the_o meeting_n do_v own_o the_o write_n of_o that_o page_n but_o what_o be_v the_o crime_n he_o thus_o aggrege_v the_o proposition_n give_v in_o to_o the_o part_n end_v assembly_n be_v such_o as_o they_o can_v make_v no_o just_a exception_n against_o they_o and_o when_o they_o refuse_v to_o grant_v the_o protester_n desire_n what_o fault_n be_v there_o for_o brethren_n to_o recommend_v it_o one_o to_o a_o other_o 〈◊〉_d their_o station_n to_o endeavour_v to_o put_v in_o execution_n act_n of_o uâ—_n controvert_v assembly_n yea_o what_o they_o have_v do_v in_o order_n thereunto_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o custom_n of_o this_o kirk_n and_o commendable_a in_o this_o corrupt_a and_o trouble_a estate_n thereof_o he_o be_v much_o mistake_v when_o he_o say_v a_o protestation_n be_v in_o its_o nature_n odious_a and_o it_o argue_v small_a knowledge_n of_o the_o state_n of_o the_o kirk_n of_o scotland_n in_o former_a time_n to_o say_v it_o be_v worse_o in_o this_o kirk_n then_o elsewhere_o it_o be_v the_o mean_a which_o the_o lord_n have_v bless_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o our_o father_n and_o our_o own_o to_o preserve_v the_o cause_n of_o god_n and_o his_o kirk_n in_o time_n of_o defection_n as_o the_o paper_n send_v by_o the_o clerk_n of_o the_o assembly_n and_o procurator_n for_o the_o kirk_n to_o their_o meeting_n at_o st._n audrews_n do_v sufficient_o manifest_a i_o desire_v this_o reviewer_n may_v be_v please_v to_o take_v a_o look_n of_o the_o narrative_a of_o the_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n and_o nationall_n covenant_n where_o he_o will_v find_v protestation_n reckon_v as_o a_o mean_a for_o preservation_n of_o religion_n and_o so_o protestation_n be_v no_o divisive_a way_n but_o a_o lawful_a endeavour_n to_o which_o we_o be_v tie_v by_o covenant_n and_o in_o the_o 6._o article_n what_o we_o be_v not_o able_a ourselves_o to_o suppress_v or_o overcome_v we_o be_v bind_v to_o reveal_v and_o make_v know_v that_o it_o may_v be_v timely_o prevent_v on_o remove_v if_o he_o have_v consider_v well_o it_o have_v be_v more_o for_o his_o advantage_n to_o have_v spare_v the_o mention_v the_o crosse-petition_n in_o 1642._o and_o divisive_a supplication_n in_o anno_fw-la 1648_o both_o these_o
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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