constitution_n of_o judicatories_n but_o so_o far_o as_o common_a sense_n and_o reason_n can_v lead_v i_o it_o seem_v to_o i_o a_o strange_a assertion_n that_o some_o few_o person_n have_v oppose_v themselves_o to_o a_o course_n take_v by_o a_o judicatory_a entrust_v with_o the_o public_a affair_n of_o the_o kirk_n consist_v of_o man_n to_o that_o time_n judge_v faithful_a and_o still_o profess_v faithfulness_n therein_o as_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n and_o accuse_v this_o judicatory_a for_o that_o course_n they_o have_v take_v as_o guilty_a of_o defection_n and_o destroyer_n of_o the_o cause_n of_o religion_n if_o i_o say_v these_o few_o man_n be_v cite_v to_o be_v try_v by_o a_o general_n assembly_n and_o consequent_o exclude_v from_o judge_v in_o that_o particular_a matter_n which_o be_v in_o controversy_n the_o assembly_n be_v in_o this_o to_o be_v judge_v prelimited_n in_o that_o matter_n although_o there_o be_v beside_o these_o exclude_v a_o competent_a number_n of_o member_n lawful_o authorize_v for_o such_o we_o may_v suppose_v all_o the_o rest_n to_o be_v for_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v say_v in_o this_o particular_a that_o we_o be_v upon_o the_o answer_n of_o to_o make_v up_o a_o competent_a judicatory_a to_o cognosce_fw-la and_o judge_v upon_o the_o matter_n in_o controversy_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o god_n word_n and_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o kirk_n which_o they_o be_v bind_v by_o their_o commission_n and_o oath_n to_o judge_v by_o i_o desire_v no_o proof_n of_o this_o for_o it_o be_v principal_a clear_a and_o evident_a exterminis_fw-la and_o the_o writer_n assertion_n be_v no_o war_n and_o to_o receive_v it_o for_o a_o unquestionable_a truth_n i_o doubt_v not_o but_o if_o the_o writer_n shall_v assay_v to_o prove_v this_o that_o he_o shall_v fall_v upon_o that_o same_o exception_n which_o the_o remonstrant_n make_v against_o the_o synod_n of_o dort_n that_o the_o most_o part_n of_o the_o synod_n be_v their_o adverse_a party_n have_v declare_v their_o judgement_n contrary_a to_o their_o doctrine_n which_o be_v reject_v as_o a_o nats_n exception_n by_o all_o orthodox_n divine_v in_o that_o synod_n review_n before_o the_o author_n come_v direct_o to_o speak_v to_o what_o be_v allege_v by_o the_o writer_n he_o seem_v first_o to_o answer_v by_o deny_v that_o there_o be_v any_o pre-limitation_n of_o the_o assembly_n even_o upon_o supposal_n that_o these_o man_n be_v by_o that_o citation_n exclude_v from_o sit_v member_n thereof_o but_o let_v we_o consider_v the_o reason_n of_o his_o denial_n the_o first_o be_v that_o there_o be_v but_o some_o few_o person_n oppose_v themselves_o to_o a_o course_n take_v by_o a_o judicatory_a entrust_v with_o the_o public_a affair_n of_o the_o church_n consist_v of_o man_n till_o that_o time_n judge_v faithful_a and_o still_o profess_v faithfulness_n therein_o as_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n and_o accuse_v that_o judicatory_a for_o that_o course_n they_o have_v take_v as_o guilty_a of_o defection_n etc._n etc._n although_o they_o have_v be_v but_o few_o yet_o their_o testimony_n against_o the_o proceed_n of_o that_o judicatory_a as_o against_o the_o course_n of_o defection_n notwithstanding_o of_o any_o thing_n that_o that_o judicatory_a have_v former_o be_v and_o be_v then_o profess_v be_v true_a and_o clear_o consonant_a to_o the_o doctrine_n and_o determination_n of_o this_o church_n it_o be_v a_o pre-limitation_n of_o the_o assembly_n because_o of_o that_o testimony_n to_o exclude_v they_o but_o i_o have_v often_o tell_v he_o and_o make_v it_o to_o appear_v that_o they_o be_v not_o few_o but_o many_o it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o commission_n till_o that_o time_n have_v be_v judge_v faithful_a but_o it_o be_v also_o true_a that_o a_o great_a part_n of_o these_o to_o who_o that_o testimony_n be_v due_a do_v withdraw_v from_o the_o commission_n upon_o occasion_n of_o that_o defection_n and_o give_v open_a testimony_n against_o the_o same_o and_o though_o some_o eminent_a man_n do_v abide_v with_o they_o yet_o the_o plurality_n be_v such_o who_o have_v not_o be_v much_o conversant_a in_o nor_o well_o acquaint_v with_o the_o public_a affair_n of_o the_o church_n the_o other_o part_n of_o his_o answer_n be_v that_o there_o be_v beside_o these_o exclude_v a_o competent_a number_n of_o member_n lawful_o authorize_v for_o such_o as_o he_o suppose_v the_o rest_n to_o be_v for_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v say_v in_o this_o particular_a that_o he_o be_v now_o upon_o the_o answer_n of_o to_o make_v up_o a_o competent_a judicatory_a to_o cognosce_fw-la and_o judge_v upon_o that_o matter_n and_o controversy_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o god_n word_n and_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o kirk_n which_o they_o be_v bind_v by_o their_o commission_n and_o oath_n to_o judge_v by_o yield_v all_o this_o yet_o may_v there_o still_o be_v a_o pre-limitation_n incase_o other_o no_o less_o in_o capacity_n to_o be_v choose_v to_o sit_v as_o judge_n be_v exclude_v if_o the_o presbytery_n by_o order_n of_o the_o commission_n shall_v exclude_v a_o great_a many_o of_o their_o member_n in_o a_o capacity_n to_o be_v choose_v from_o be_v commissioner_n though_o they_o send_v a_o competent_a number_n of_o other_o be_v not_o the_o assembly_n prelimited_n in_o the_o election_n of_o its_o constituent_a member_n even_o as_o if_o the_o baron_n and_o burgh_n shall_v exclude_v from_o their_o election_n many_o of_o their_o number_n in_o a_o capacity_n of_o be_v choose_v commissioner_n to_o the_o parliament_n and_o yet_o send_v the_o ordinary_a number_n of_o commissioner_n will_v not_o the_o parliament_n because_o of_o this_o thing_n be_v prelimited_n in_o the_o election_n of_o its_o constituent_a member_n but_o in_o order_n to_o that_o which_o he_o say_v of_o a_o competent_a judicatory_a to_o cognosce_fw-la and_o judge_v upon_o the_o matter_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o god_n word_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o kirk_n and_o of_o the_o exception_n of_o the_o remonstrants'_v make_v against_o the_o synod_n of_o dort_n i_o desire_v he_o to_o consider_v first_o of_o that_o which_o be_v say_v of_o mr._n david_n catherwood_n a_o witness_n that_o deserve_v well_o of_o the_o kirk_n of_o scotland_n and_o who_o i_o believe_v he_o will_v not_o except_v in_o this_o matter_n on_o his_o nullity_n against_o pearth_n assembly_n and_o in_o his_o tractate_n against_o confuse_a communion_n concern_v competent_a judge_n in_o a_o time_n of_o defection_n and_o of_o what_o be_v say_v of_o the_o same_o purpose_n by_o the_o reform_a party_n in_o their_o public_a paper_n in_o the_o year_n 1637._o &_o 1638._o to_o who_o judgement_n i_o believe_v the_o protester_n will_v submit_v in_o the_o matter_n of_o a_o competent_a judge_n second_o that_o if_o the_o exception_n of_o the_o remonstrant_n of_o the_o synod_n of_o dort_n have_v be_v this_o that_o the_o member_n constituent_v of_o that_o synod_n have_v declare_v their_o judgement_n not_o only_o contrary_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o remonstrant_n but_o contrary_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o to_o the_o clear_a doctrine_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o belgic_a church_n it_o will_v in_o jure_v have_v be_v a_o relevant_a exception_n and_o be_v true_a in_o facto_fw-la have_v sustain_v as_o well_o against_o that_o synod_n as_o the_o like_a exception_n against_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n which_o be_v to_o this_o day_n count_v valid_a by_o all_o the_o protestant_n divine_n three_o let_v we_o suppose_v hâc_fw-la eadem_fw-la viâ_fw-la ac_fw-la modo_fw-la &_o methodo_fw-la that_o the_o commission_n have_v bring_v in_o the_o prelatical_a or_o popish_a party_n as_o they_o do_v the_o malignant_a party_n and_o have_v by-presbyteries_a obey_v their_o order_n there_o anent_o exclude_v all_o such_o from_o be_v member_n of_o the_o assembly_n as_o do_v bear_v testimony_n against_o they_o who_o number_n we_o shall_v also_o suppose_v to_o be_v as_o few_o as_o the_o opposer_n of_o public_a resolution_n and_o the_o number_n of_o the_o other_o as_o many_o as_o these_o who_o be_v for_o they_o whether_o will_v this_o have_v be_v a_o prelimited_n assembly_n yea_o or_o not_o and_o a_o competent_a judicatory_a to_o judge_v that_o matter_n according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n all_o these_o thing_n be_v put_v together_o make_v it_o to_o appear_v that_o the_o writer_n have_v bring_v in_o no_o such_o strait_n in_o the_o business_n as_o the_o author_n suppose_v vindication_n second_o to_o the_o former_a part_n of_o the_o reply_n i_o confess_v that_o it_o be_v probable_a that_o a_o man_n be_v cite_v to_o the_o general_n assembly_n upon_o a_o scandal_n in_o doctrine_n and_o manner_n where_o the_o scandal_n be_v uncontroverted_a and_o already_o particular_o determine_v quoad_fw-la jus_o or_o in_o point_n of_o law_n and_o the_o question_n be_v only_o about_o the_o fact_n ought_v not_o to_o
what_o further_a reason_n shall_v have_v weight_n for_o show_v the_o nullity_n of_o this_o assembly_n and_o the_o unwarrantableness_n of_o the_o proceed_n of_o the_o commission_n of_o the_o former_a assembly_n and_o that_o these_o present_n may_v be_v put_v upon_o record_n by_o the_o clerk_n in_o the_o regester_n of_o the_o assembly_n to_o be_v extant_a ad_fw-la futuram_fw-la rei_fw-la memoream_n and_o that_o we_o may_v have_v subscribe_v extract_v thereof_o under_o the_o clerk_n hand_n this_o follow_a paper_n be_v enclose_v in_o a_o letter_n from_o the_o lord_n wariston_n to_o the_o meeting_n at_o s._n andrews_n which_o letter_n although_o it_o can_v not_o be_v get_v print_v yet_o we_o have_v publish_v the_o enclose_a both_o because_o it_o tend_v very_o much_o to_o clear_v that_o the_o way_n of_o protest_v against_o every_o encroachment_n upon_o the_o liberty_n of_o this_o church_n be_v no_o new_a thing_n but_o have_v be_v the_o constant_a practice_n of_o our_o faithful_a predecessor_n from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o work_n of_o reformation_n and_o also_o because_o it_o do_v contain_v a_o particular_a testimony_n against_o the_o ratification_n of_o the_o paper_n give_v by_o the_o commission_n of_o the_o kirk_n to_o the_o parliament_n anent_o the_o confinement_n of_o the_o minister_n of_o sterline_n and_o of_o all_o other_o paper_n prejudicial_a to_o the_o covenant_n and_o cause_n of_o jesus_n christ_n the_o paper_n enclose_v within_o the_o letter_n contain_v a_o narration_n of_o some_o former_a protestation_n with_o my_o present_a protestation_n subjoin_v thereto_o anent_o the_o protestation_n it_o may_v be_v remember_v that_o the_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n of_o the_o kirk_n of_o scotland_n swear_v to_o by_o the_o covenant_n be_v clear_a anent_o thâ—s_n râ—ght_n and_o privilege_n acknowledge_v even_o by_o king_n and_o parliament_n that_o none_o of_o her_o pastor_n can_v be_v judge_v or_o trouble_v by_o king_n council_n or_o parliament_n for_o their_o preach_n and_o ministerial_a duty_n â—nless_a the_o assembly_n of_o the_o kirk_n the_o onâ—y_a competent_a judge_n thereof_o have_v first_o cite_v try_v and_o censure_v they_o therefore_o and_o have_v upon_o their_o disobedience_n crave_v the_o concurrence_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n for_o clear_v whereof_o remember_v that_o this_o have_v be_v mighty_o debate_v betwixt_o the_o kirk_n and_o the_o state_n it_o be_v not_o only_o thereupon_o maintain_v and_o declare_v by_o the_o general_n assembly_n in_o 1581._o immediate_o after_o ratify_v the_o book_n of_o discipline_n and_o swear_v the_o national_a covenant_n but_o also_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o the_o king_n and_o the_o council_n in_o the_o case_n of_o mr._n walter_n balcanquel_n who_o have_v be_v challenge_v for_o a_o sermon_n as_o seditious_a thereafter_o in_o the_o assembly_n 1582._o john_n dury_n be_v challenge_v by_o king_n and_o council_n for_o his_o sermon_n as_o seditious_a and_o be_v advise_v by_o his_o friend_n to_o retire_v and_o seek_v the_o assembly_n advise_v see_v his_o doctrine_n accuse_v to_o the_o council_n be_v justify_v by_o his_o presbytery_n and_o session_n he_o be_v direct_v to_o the_o assembly_n to_o abide_v rather_o the_o charge_n of_o horning_n and_o caption_n and_o give_v his_o testimony_n against_o their_o procedor_fw-la then_o private_o to_o retire_v and_o the_o whole_a assembly_n give_v in_o their_o grievance_n to_o the_o king_n and_o to_o the_o estate_n complain_v that_o this_o their_o procedor_fw-la be_v one_o erection_n of_o a_o popedom_n in_o the_o king_n person_n and_o a_o wrong_v of_o jesus_n christ_n the_o only_a king_n of_o the_o church_n wherein_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o prophet_n be_v subject_a to_o the_o prophet_n and_o a_o confound_a of_o the_o spiritual_a and_o temporal_a jurisdiction_n which_o god_n have_v divide_v thereafter_o when_o the_o first_o act_n of_o the_o eight_o parliament_n 1584._o give_v power_n to_o the_o king_n council_n to_o inquire_v and_o examine_v anent_o these_o thing_n be_v proclaim_v it_o be_v protest_v against_o by_o the_o minister_n of_o edinburgh_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o kirk_n of_o scotland_n who_o in_o that_o hour_n of_o darkness_n be_v put_v to_o banishment_n and_o thereafter_o mr._n david_n blake_n and_o mr._n andrew_n melvin_n be_v cite_v for_o their_o doctrine_n before_o the_o king_n and_o council_n decline_v from_o both_o and_o enter_v a_o protestation_n and_o in_o the_o gen._n assembly_n june_n 1587._o the_o king_n &_o the_o estate_n in_o the_o case_n of_o m._n john_n couper_n and_o mr._n james_n gibson_n minister_n acknowledge_v the_o assembly_n to_o be_v the_o only_a competent_a judge_n and_o desire_v they_o to_o try_v and_o judge_v and_o such_o like_a thereafter_o in_o the_o case_n of_o john_n rosse_n in_o the_o assembly_n 1594._o and_o the_o king_n and_o parliament_n 1592._o in_o end_n of_o the_o first_o act_n which_o be_v anent_o assembly_n repeal_v the_o foresay_a act_n 1584._o in_o so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v prejudicial_a to_o the_o privilege_n which_o god_n have_v give_v to_o his_o spiritual_a office-bearer_n in_o his_o church_n the_o assembly_n 92._o and_o 94_o 95_o 96._o give_v most_o free_a admonition_n to_o the_o king_n and_o estate_n to_o abstain_v from_o such_o procedors_n lest_o they_o commit_v high-treason_n against_o jesus_n christ_n the_o only_a monarch_n of_o his_o church_n for_o who_o they_o behove_v to_o fight_v by_o the_o spiritual_a armour_n grant_v to_o they_o of_o god_n and_o potent_a in_o he_o for_o overthrow_v all_o strong_a hold_n and_o bulwark_n set_v up_o against_o his_o kingdom_n among_o which_o it_o be_v a_o main_a one_o to_o have_v the_o freedom_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o the_o rebuke_n of_o sin_n restrain_v in_o the_o mouth_n of_o his_o servant_n and_o to_o extinguish_v the_o light_n which_o will_v show_v the_o unlawfulness_n of_o their_o proceed_n and_o stop_v under_o the_o name_n of_o vice_n of_o stir_v up_o sedition_n and_o tumult_n the_o liberty_n of_o preach_v when_o mr._n john_n craig_n and_o mr._n andrew_n melvin_n be_v threaten_v for_o their_o declinator_n and_o free_a speech_n against_o the_o act_n 84._o by_o chancellor_n arrane_n at_o the_o councel-table_n with_o stob_v they_o instant_o unloose_v their_o button_n and_o lay_v their_o breast_n open_a and_o bare_a say_v they_o dare_v receive_v if_o he_o dare_v strike_v and_o then_o public_o fore_o tell_v the_o judgement_n which_o god_n bring_v to_o pass_v upon_o he_o short_o thereafter_o and_o mr._n nichoal_n daglish_n speak_v no_o less_o resolute_o when_o the_o scaffold_n be_v erect_v for_o he_o and_o so_o do_v mr._n welsh_n and_o his_o colleg_n 1606._o both_o when_o they_o decline_v and_o protest_v against_o the_o king_n and_o the_o council_n and_o when_o they_o be_v panold_n and_o condemn_v at_o lithgow_n i_o need_v not_o insist_v on_o the_o large_a declaration_n and_o the_o reason_n thereof_o emit_v in_o this_o very_a point_n against_o the_o state_n proceed_n by_o the_o grand_a commission_n of_o the_o assembly_n 1596._o appoint_v on_o purpose_n ne_o quid_fw-la detrimenti_fw-la ecclesia_fw-la capiat_fw-la nor_o yet_o to_o insist_v on_o the_o four_o act_n of_o the_o parliament_n 1640._o anent_o the_o assembly_n determine_v all_o ecclesiastic_a matter_n nor_o the_o six_o act_n rescissory_a which_o establish_v that_o of_o the_o 92._o etc._n etc._n and_o in_o the_o end_n rescind_v all_o confinement_n banishment_n deprivation_n make_v in_o the_o time_n of_o defection_n which_o two_o act_n be_v ratify_v in_o the_o large_a treaty_n neither_o need_v i_o to_o remember_v the_o end_n of_o the_o king_n oath_n prescribe_v in_o 1567._o and_o swear_v by_o his_o majesty_n late_o at_o his_o coronation_n nor_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o parliament_n oath_n nor_o one_o of_o the_o main_a article_n of_o the_o late_a treaty_n with_o this_o king_n anent_o the_o determination_n of_o matter_n ecclesiastical_a neither_o need_v i_o transcribe_v the_o three_o last_o leau_n of_o the_o commission_n of_o the_o kirk_n vindication_n of_o their_o proceed_n from_o the_o parliament_n letter_n may_v 11._o 1648._o which_o speak_v full_o to_o this_o point_n neither_o need_v i_o transcribe_v the_o six_o page_n of_o the_o committee_n of_o estate_n observation_n upon_o the_o assembly_n declaration_n 1648._o wherein_n they_o claim_v power_n to_o challenge_v minister_n for_o seditious_a doctrine_n whereunto_o the_o commission_n of_o the_o kirk_n in_o their_o reply_n page_n 14._o say_v that_o the_o judgement_n of_o minister_n doctrine_n belong_v to_o the_o judicatories_n of_o the_o kirk_n both_o by_o divine-right_a and_o by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n and_o we_o hope_v your_o lordship_n do_v not_o intend_v under_o colour_n of_o quarrel_a sedition_n a_o new_a way_n of_o judge_v and_o try_v minister_n doctrine_n nor_o to_o assume_v to_o themselves_o the_o exercise_v of_o the_o same_o power_n over_o all_o person_n of_o whatsoever_o state_n degree_n function_n or_o condition_n they_o be_v of_o in_o all_o matter_n
election_n or_o commissioner_n be_v questionable_a to_o who_o we_o desire_v it_o earnest_o to_o be_v recomend_v that_o they_o will_v in_o a_o unanimous_a way_n make_v choice_n of_o man_n of_o approven_v ability_n and_o integrity_n and_o against_o who_o there_o can_v be_v no_o exception_n by_o the_o act_n and_o constitution_n of_o this_o church_n and_o in_o the_o last_o place_n we_o do_v humble_o represent_v and_o desire_v that_o in_o the_o interval_n of_o time_n betwixt_o this_o and_o the_o diet_n to_o which_o the_o assembly_n shall_v be_v adjourn_v there_o may_v be_v a_o solemn_a public_a humiliation_n throughout_o the_o land_n wherein_o god_n may_v be_v entreat_v to_o show_v we_o why_o he_o contend_v with_o we_o and_o to_o give_v light_n and_o clear_n on_o all_o hand_n concern_v the_o present_a difference_n of_o judgement_n and_o distemper_n of_o spirit_n that_o be_v among_o we_o that_o we_o may_v be_v of_o one_o mind_n and_o one_o heart_n for_o the_o carry_v on_o of_o the_o work_n of_o god_n among_o his_o people_n and_o your_o wisdom_n answer_v subscribe_v by_o sundry_a minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n st._n andrews_n july_n 18._o 1651._o how_o gracious_a the_o lord_n have_v be_v to_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n in_o give_v to_o her_o pure_a ordinance_n we_o trust_v shall_v be_v acknowledge_v by_o we_o while_o we_o live_v with_o thankfulness_n to_o the_o most_o high_a of_o who_o we_o desire_v mercy_n and_o grace_n to_o adhere_v unto_o the_o doctrine_n worship_n discipline_n and_o government_n establish_v in_o this_o land_n among_o the_o many_o sad_a token_n of_o the_o lord_n indignation_n against_o this_o church_n the_o present_a difference_n of_o his_o servant_n of_o the_o ministry_n be_v look_v upon_o by_o we_o as_o one_o of_o the_o great_a and_o as_o we_o hold_v it_o a_o duty_n to_o be_v deep_o humble_v before_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o sense_n thereof_o and_o by_o all_o lawful_a and_o fair_a mean_n within_o the_o compass_n of_o our_o power_n and_o station_n to_o endeavour_v the_o remedy_n thereof_o so_o we_o do_v ackdowledge_v a_o free_a general_n assembly_n lawful_o call_v and_o right_o constitute_v and_o proceed_v with_o meekness_n and_o love_n in_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n and_o the_o act_n and_o constitution_n of_o this_o church_n to_o be_v among_o the_o first_o and_o most_o effectual_a mean_n appoint_v of_o god_n for_o attain_v this_o end_n and_o for_o preserve_v the_o purity_n and_o advance_v the_o power_n of_o the_o work_n of_o reformation_n in_o this_o age_n and_o transmit_v the_o same_o to_o our_o posterity_n and_o to_o the_o age_n and_o generation_n that_o be_v to_o come_v but_o as_o the_o faithful_a servant_n of_o god_n in_o this_o church_n in_o former_a time_n do_v by_o his_o good_a hand_n upon_o they_o in_o the_o right_a administration_n of_o free_a and_o lawful_a assembly_n bring_v the_o work_n of_o reformation_n in_o scotland_n unto_o a_o great_a perfection_n and_o near_a conformity_n with_o the_o first_o pattern_n so_o unfaithful_a man_n mind_v their_o own_o thing_n more_o than_o the_o thing_n of_o christ_n and_o usurp_a over_o their_o brethren_n and_o over_o the_o lord_n inheritance_n do_v deface_v the_o beauty_n thereof_o first_o by_o encroach_a upon_o the_o liberty_n and_o freedom_n of_o assembly_n afterward_o by_o take_v away_o the_o assembly_n themselves_o therefore_o remember_v the_o many_o bond_n and_o obligation_n that_o lie_v upon_o we_o before_o the_o lord_n and_o be_v desirous_a to_o be_v find_v faithful_a in_o this_o day_n of_o temptation_n and_o to_o exoner_n our_o conscience_n as_o in_o his_o sight_n and_o to_o avoid_v accession_n to_o that_o guiltiness_n in_o which_o many_o have_v involve_v themselves_o and_o conceive_v that_o this_o present_a meeting_n be_v not_o a_o free_a lawful_a gen._n assembly_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n in_o regard_n that_o the_o election_n of_o commissioner_n to_o the_o same_o have_v be_v prelimited_n and_o prejudice_v in_o the_o due_a liberty_n and_o freedom_n thereof_o by_o a_o letter_n and_o act_n of_o the_o commissioner_n of_o the_o last_o gen_n assembly_n send_v to_o presbytery_n appoint_v such_o brethren_n as_o after_o conference_n remain_v unsatisfied_a with_o and_o continue_v to_o oppose_v the_o public_a resolution_n to_o be_v cite_v to_o the_o general_n assembly_n and_o in_o regard_n that_o commissioner_n from_o many_o burrough_n and_o presbytry_n be_v absent_a as_o want_v free_a access_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o motion_n of_o the_o and_o in_o regard_n that_o many_o of_o the_o commissioner_n of_o the_o former_a assembly_n who_o have_v carry_v on_o a_o course_n of_o defection_n contrary_a to_o the_o trust_v commit_v to_o they_o and_o who_o in_o their_o remonstrance_n and_o paper_n have_v stir_v up_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n against_o such_o who_o be_v unsatisfied_a in_o their_o conscience_n with_o their_o proceed_n and_o who_o have_v by_o their_o letter_n and_o act_n prelimited_a the_o assembly_n be_v admit_v to_o sit_v and_o vote_n as_o member_n of_o the_o assembly_n and_o their_o moderator_n appoint_v to_o be_v moderator_n of_o the_o assembly_n notwithstanding_o that_o timous_a exception_n be_v make_v against_o they_o that_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v admit_v as_o member_n of_o the_o assembly_n until_o their_o proceed_n be_v first_o try_v and_o approven_v by_o the_o assembly_n and_o in_o regard_n that_o his_o majesty_n by_o his_o letter_n and_o his_o majesty_n commissioner_n by_o his_o speech_n to_o the_o assembly_n have_v incite_v to_o hard_a course_n against_o those_o who_o be_v unsatisfied_a in_o their_o conscience_n with_o the_o proceed_n of_o the_o commission_n before_o these_o proceed_n be_v try_v and_o approven_v by_o the_o assembly_n itself_o we_o do_v upon_o these_o and_o many_o other_o important_a ground_n and_o reason_n to_o be_v propound_v and_o give_v in_o in_o time_n and_o place_n convenient_a protest_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n and_o in_o our_o own_o name_n and_o in_o the_o name_n of_o all_o minister_n ruling-elders_a and_o professor_n of_o this_o church_n who_o do_v or_o shall_v adhere_v to_o we_o against_o the_o validity_n and_o constitution_n of_o this_o assembly_n as_o not_o be_v free_a and_o lawful_a and_o that_o they_o may_v not_o arrogat_fw-la nor_o assume_v to_o themselves_o any_o authority_n nor_o exercise_v any_o power_n or_o jurisdiction_n for_o determine_v of_o controversy_n make_v of_o act_n emit_v of_o declaration_n judge_v of_o protestation_n or_o appeal_n or_o proceed_n of_o synod_n or_o inferior_a judicature_n or_o censure_v of_o person_n or_o paper_n or_o issue_v of_o commission_n of_o whatsoever_o sort_n to_o any_o person_n whatsoever_o and_o particular_o we_o protest_v that_o they_o may_v not_o proceed_v unto_o the_o approve_v or_o ratify_v of_o the_o proceed_n of_o the_o former_a commission_n not_o only_o because_o of_o their_o want_n of_o just_a power_n and_o authority_n so_o to_o do_v but_o also_o because_o these_o proceed_n contain_v many_o thing_n contrary_a to_o the_o trust_v commit_v to_o these_o commissioner_n especial_o the_o allow_v and_o carry_v on_o of_o a_o conjunction_n with_o the_o malignant_a party_n and_o bring_v they_o in_o to_o place_n of_o power_n and_o trust_n in_o the_o army_n and_o in_o the_o judicature_n contrary_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n the_o solemn_a confession_n of_o sin_n and_o engagement_n to_o duty_n the_o constant_a tenor_n of_o the_o declaration_n warning_n remonstrance_n cause_n of_o humiliation_n letter_n supplication_n and_o act_n and_o constitution_n of_o this_o church_n and_o the_o lay_n of_o a_o foundation_n for_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n to_o meddle_v with_o minister_n in_o those_o thing_n which_o concern_v their_o doctrine_n and_o the_o exercise_n of_o ministerial_a duty_n before_o they_o be_v cite_v try_v and_o censure_v by_o the_o judicatories_n of_o the_o church_n and_o we_o protest_v that_o whatsoever_o determination_n act_n ratification_n declaration_n sentence_n censure_n or_o commission_n that_o shall_v be_v make_v or_o give_v out_o by_o they_o may_v be_v void_a and_o null_a and_o may_v be_v interpret_v as_o bind_v to_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n and_o that_o notwithstanding_o thereof_o it_o may_v be_v free_a for_o we_o and_o such_o as_o adhere_v to_o we_o to_o exercise_v our_o ministry_n and_o enjoy_v the_o warrantable_a christian_a liberty_n of_o our_o conscience_n according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o national_a covenant_n and_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n and_o solemn_a engagement_n to_o duty_n and_o all_o the_o act_n and_o constitution_n of_o this_o church_n and_o that_o there_o may_v be_v liberty_n to_o choose_v commissioner_n and_o to_o conveen_n in_o a_o free_a lawful_a general_n assembly_n when_o there_o shall_v be_v need_n and_o the_o lord_n shall_v give_v opportunity_n and_o to_o add_v
there_o be_v any_o who_o deserve_v the_o name_n of_o the_o prime_a contriver_n and_o stickler_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o protestation_n it_o be_v some_o of_o these_o who_o have_v no_o hand_n in_o these_o high_a course_n which_o he_o mention_n and_o who_o upon_o his_o account_n be_v among_o the_o simple_a one_o these_o crime_n which_o he_o do_v so_o positive_o and_o without_o hesitation_n charge_n upon_o some_o especial_o be_v so_o heinous_a and_o great_a it_o will_v seem_v that_o both_o charity_n and_o and_o justice_n will_v have_v require_v that_o he_o have_v bring_v some_o good_a evidence_n of_o they_o lest_o haply_o his_o reader_n trust_v not_o his_o naked_a assertion_n in_o that_o which_o do_v not_o only_o reach_v the_o reputation_n but_o also_o the_o life_n and_o be_v of_o other_o and_o if_o he_o will_v have_v man_n to_o believe_v their_o tenet_n to_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o mind_n and_o practice_n of_o all_o orthodox_n church_n and_o to_o the_o faith_n he_o will_v do_v well_o to_o prove_v they_o to_o be_v so_o until_o he_o do_v it_o he_o will_v i_o hope_v allow_v charity_n to_o these_o who_o deny_v it_o some_o of_o the_o great_a divine_n of_o this_o church_n and_o of_o this_o age_n who_o praise_n be_v in_o all_o the_o reform_a church_n do_v affirm_v and_o have_v prove_v the_o contrary_a and_o if_o the_o author_n assertion_n be_v true_a i_o fear_v not_o to_o say_v that_o the_o mind_n and_o practice_n of_o this_o church_n these_o year_n past_a have_v not_o be_v orthodox_n nor_o agreeable_a to_o the_o faith_n in_o order_n to_o these_o tenet_n because_o they_o have_v be_v clear_o teach_v and_o practise_v by_o this_o church_n these_o year_n past_a and_o a_o man_n but_o slender_o see_v in_o the_o doctrine_n thereof_o may_v bring_v forth_o these_o tenet_n assert_v by_o this_o church_n in_o the_o same_o letter_n and_o sillabes_fw-la and_o may_v give_v clear_a instance_n of_o her_o practice_n a-agreeing_a with_o the_o same_o it_o have_v be_v do_v already_o by_o some_o in_o a_o more_o convince_a way_n then_o the_o sharp_a opposer_n of_o these_o tenet_n have_v as_o yet_o satisfy_o answer_v i_o will_v fain_o know_v what_o ground_n the_o author_n have_v to_o say_v that_o the_o prime_a contriver_n and_o stickler_n find_v it_o safe_a for_o they_o rather_o altogether_o to_o disclaim_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o assembly_n then_o to_o hazard_v upon_o a_o fair_a and_o orderly_a trial_n of_o their_o matter_n their_o conscience_n do_v bear_v they_o record_v that_o it_o be_v not_o upon_o any_o jealousy_n or_o suspicion_n they_o have_v of_o their_o cause_n as_o not_o be_v able_a to_o endure_v the_o light_n &_o reason_n may_v persuade_v indifferent_a man_n to_o think_v that_o they_o do_v not_o look_v upon_o protest_v against_o the_o assembly_n as_o the_o safe_a course_n otherwise_o then_o in_o order_n to_o their_o duty_n for_o if_o we_o take_v safety_n as_o it_o may_v concern_v their_o person_n they_o can_v hardly_o have_v do_v any_o thing_n that_o can_v have_v more_o endanger_v these_o it_o be_v a_o speedy_a way_n to_o expose_v they_o to_o the_o censure_n both_o of_o church_n and_o state_n as_o do_v appear_v in_o the_o sequel_n some_o of_o they_o because_o of_o their_o protest_v be_v depose_v by_o that_o assembly_n and_o other_o of_o they_o confine_v by_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n and_o there_o be_v ground_n to_o presume_v that_o they_o will_v have_v be_v proceed_v against_o with_o further_a censure_n both_o civil_a and_o ecclesiastic_a if_o the_o lord_n have_v not_o stop_v the_o current_n of_o these_o thing_n if_o this_o be_v their_o safe_a way_n why_o do_v man_n of_o his_o own_o judgement_n so_o frequent_o say_v that_o if_o the_o protestation_n have_v be_v forbear_v the_o assembly_n will_v not_o have_v censure_v any_o no_o not_o in_o the_o case_n of_o their_o adhere_n to_o their_o judgement_n and_o dissent_v from_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o assembly_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o public_a resolution_n if_o we_o shall_v take_v safety_n in_o order_n to_o the_o cause_n they_o can_v not_o be_v so_o dull_a as_o to_o think_v that_o their_o protest_v against_o the_o assembly_n will_v keep_v the_o assembly_n from_o try_v and_o judge_v of_o their_o cause_n or_o other_o indifferent_a man_n from_o search_v into_o the_o same_o and_o if_o before_o the_o protestation_n it_o can_v not_o abide_v the_o trial_n it_o do_v but_o put_v they_o in_o a_o much_o worse_a condition_n to_o protest_v upon_o a_o unwarrantable_a ground_n it_o be_v worse_o to_o defend_v two_o evil_a cause_n than_o one_o and_o therefore_o it_o do_v not_o appear_v from_o these_o thing_n that_o self-interest_n be_v the_o spring_n from_o whence_o these_o act_n do_v flow_v yea_o the_o contrary_n if_o any_o thing_n be_v manifest_a because_o by_o such_o a_o way_n they_o can_v expect_v nothing_o but_o the_o hightning_n of_o all_o former_a reproach_n cast_v on_o they_o the_o expose_v of_o themselves_o to_o the_o censure_n both_o of_o church_n and_o state_n if_o man_n that_o in_o all_o their_o precious_a interest_n must_v be_v sufferer_n because_o of_o their_o do_v of_o such_o thing_n be_v lead_v to_o act_v therein_o upon_o a_o principle_n of_o selfish_a interest_n we_o leave_v it_o to_o judicious_a and_o indifferent_a man_n to_o consider_v and_o give_v their_o judgement_n whether_o it_o be_v very_o apparent_a yea_o or_o not_o it_o be_v true_a that_o some_o two_o or_o three_o do_v partly_o by_o the_o persuasion_n and_o partly_o by_o the_o threaten_n of_o some_o at_o dundee_n resile_v a_o little_a from_o the_o testimony_n which_o they_o have_v give_v at_o st_n andrews_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o protestation_n which_o within_o a_o short_a time_n thereafter_o they_o do_v repent_v of_o and_o again_o adhere_v to_o their_o former_a testimony_n not_o upon_o any_o selfish-interest_n or_o eye_n to_o credit_n or_o advantage_n as_o the_o author_n affirm_v there_o be_v no_o appearance_n first_o or_o last_o that_o by_o adhere_v to_o the_o protestation_n they_o can_v gain_v any_o of_o these_o thing_n but_o on_o the_o check_n of_o their_o own_o conscience_n and_o the_o voice_n they_o hear_v behind_o they_o say_v this_o be_v the_o way_n walk_v you_o in_o it_o when_o they_o have_v turn_v aside_o some_o of_o they_o be_v since_o that_o time_n take_v out_o of_o the_o land_n of_o the_o live_n and_o i_o trust_v be_v now_o in_o glory_n and_o i_o can_v assure_v the_o author_n and_o all_o other_o and_o if_o it_o be_v doubt_v i_o will_v get_v it_o attest_v under_o the_o hand_n of_o famous_a witness_n that_o after_o their_o resil_n from_o that_o testimony_n they_o have_v no_o peace_n nor_o quietness_n in_o their_o spirit_n for_o a_o long_a time_n but_o go_v down_o mourning_n to_o their_o grave_n because_o they_o have_v so_o do_v and_o upon_o their_o death_n bed_n do_v often_o and_o sad_o bemoan_v it_o that_o they_o have_v miss_v the_o opportunity_n to_o give_v some_o public_a testimony_n and_o declaration_n with_o other_o of_o their_o sorrow_n for_o the_o same_o and_o of_o their_o purpose_n and_o resolution_n to_o adhere_v to_o the_o protestation_n it_o have_v be_v no_o loss_n to_o the_o author_n nor_o his_o cause_n to_o have_v spare_v such_o sharp_a let_v i_o not_o say_v bitter_a and_o personal_a reflection_n upon_o conscientious_a and_o godly_a man_n as_o he_o many_o time_n needless_o use_v he_o and_o all_o other_o who_o eye_n god_n have_v open_v to_o see_v their_o way_n can_v but_o be_v conscious_a to_o themselves_o of_o their_o own_o wander_n and_o how_o much_o they_o owe_v to_o the_o exceed_a riches_n of_o the_o mercy_n and_o free_a grace_n of_o god_n that_o have_v recover_v they_o out_o of_o snare_n vindication_n second_o estimation_n of_o the_o person_n the_o author_n or_o abettor_n of_o this_o protestation_n god_n forbid_v i_o shall_v think_v say_v or_o advise_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o prejudice_n or_o disadvantage_n of_o godliness_n or_o godly_a person_n neither_o shall_v i_o question_v their_o godliness_n my_o judgement_n concern_v some_o yea_o many_o of_o they_o be_v very_o positive_a have_v by_o experience_n and_o acquaintance_n see_v i_o must_v say_v much_o of_o the_o image_n of_o jesus_n christ_n in_o they_o as_o for_o other_o what_o ever_o they_o have_v be_v every_o whit_n i_o take_v not_o on_o i_o to_o judge_v they_o nor_o yet_o think_v i_o it_o pertinent_a or_o fit_a so_o to_o do_v that_o there_o be_v godly_a man_n not_o a_o few_o on_o the_o other_o side_n too_o be_v manifest_a some_o that_o be_v in_o christ_n before_o they_o and_o man_n that_o have_v suffer_v for_o the_o truth_n and_o cause_n of_o god_n when_o other_o have_v not_o the_o honour_n to_o be_v doer_n for_o it_o and_o be_v ready_a to_o suffer_v if_o he_o shall_v call_v they_o to_o it_o though_o some_o uncharitable_o
public_a judicatories_n the_o latter_a part_n be_v evident_a by_o mr._n john_n carstaires_o letter_n write_v to_o the_o lord_n register_n about_o the_o time_n of_o the_o contrive_v that_o remonstrance_n from_o edinburgh_n and_o intercept_v at_o the_o ferry_n of_o airth_n or_o thereabouts_o review_n i_o shall_v say_v nothing_o of_o the_o charity_n he_o allow_v many_o and_o of_o the_o persuasion_n that_o he_o have_v of_o some_o that_o they_o be_v far_o from_o do_v any_o thing_n intentional_o or_o formal_o and_o direct_o intend_v to_o overthrow_n or_o wrong_v any_o of_o the_o ordinance_n of_o jesus_n christ_n settle_v in_o this_o church_n or_o the_o peace_n thereof_o he_o have_v reason_n to_o allow_v they_o that_o and_o somewhat_o more_o but_o this_o allowance_n of_o he_o to_o some_o do_v leave_v other_o under_o a_o hard_a construction_n not_o only_o in_o regard_n of_o their_o work_n but_o also_o in_o respect_n of_o that_o which_o be_v their_o formal_a and_o direct_a intention_n another_o year_n proof_n of_o they_o may_v haply_o force_v better_a thought_n both_o of_o their_o intention_n &_o action_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o some_o who_o now_o for_o along_o time_n have_v mistake_v they_o because_o they_o can_v not_o join_v in_o the_o public_a resolution_n which_o to_o they_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o way_n of_o egypt_n and_o to_o drink_v the_o water_n of_o sihor_n in_o the_o mean_a while_o they_o be_v comfort_v in_o this_o that_o their_o own_o heart_n do_v not_o condemn_v they_o neither_o in_o their_o intention_n or_o action_n what_o he_o say_v of_o a_o zeal_n not_o according_a to_o knowledge_n and_o of_o mistake_n about_o midse_n and_o of_o a_o good_a intention_n that_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o make_v a_o man_n action_n good_a or_o imitable_a by_o other_o but_o that_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v what_o good_a ground_n or_o reason_n they_o have_v for_o their_o course_n and_o of_o the_o apply_v of_o common_a principle_n which_o be_v better_a know_v than_o make_v 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as_o they_o be_v exercise_v in_o judicatory_n constitute_v according_o he_o mean_v not_o of_o every_o kind_n of_o concretion_n and_o exercise_n of_o ordinance_n quovis_fw-la modo_fw-la for_o they_o may_v have_v a_o honest_a and_o honourable_a estimation_n of_o ordinance_n who_o bear_v testimony_n against_o the_o corruption_n and_o mal-administrations_a of_o the_o abuser_n of_o they_o otherways_o these_o who_o have_v be_v most_o zealous_a and_o straight-hearted_n for_o the_o ordinance_n in_o all_o age_n shall_v be_v find_v among_o the_o despiser_n of_o ordinance_n and_o none_o more_o than_o many_o of_o the_o gracious_a worthy_n of_o this_o land_n who_o be_v ready_a to_o lay_v down_o their_o life_n for_o the_o ordinance_n and_o yet_o do_v bear_v public_a testimony_n both_o against_o the_o corrupt_a constitution_n and_o corrupt_a act_n of_o assembly_n and_o all_o male-administrations_a that_o be_v of_o any_o importance_n to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o the_o kirk_n or_o any_o of_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n therein_o which_o be_v so_o far_o from_o render_v their_o profession_n suspect_v that_o it_o be_v a_o real_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o sincerity_n thereof_o but_o i_o think_v he_o mean_v of_o such_o a_o concretion_n and_o exercise_n of_o ordinance_n though_o it_o have_v be_v fit_a to_o express_v it_o more_o clear_o as_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o god_n word_n for_o so_o he_o seem_v to_o hint_n when_o he_o say_v as_o they_o be_v judicatory_n constitute_v according_o and_o in_o this_o sense_n the_o carriage_n of_o the_o protester_n do_v well_o stand_v with_o their_o professior_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o ordinance_n have_v lay_v down_o this_o ground_n and_o distinction_n of_o ordinance_n not_o only_o in_o the_o abstract_n and_o dogmate_a but_o also_o in_o concreto_fw-la and_o as_o they_o be_v in_o actu_fw-la exercito_fw-la he_o come_v in_o the_o next_o place_n to_o give_v some_o instance_n of_o some_o practice_n of_o some_o of_o the_o protester_n in_o set_v down_o of_o which_o he_o have_v be_v very_o industrious_a to_o gather_v and_o put_v together_o a_o bundle_n of_o such_o thing_n as_o he_o think_v may_v bring_v their_o profession_n in_o suspicion_n and_o contempt_n i_o shall_v not_o meet_v he_o with_o the_o like_a measure_n if_o it_o be_v christian_n and_o seasonable_a work_n more_o haply_o may_v be_v hold_v forth_o of_o the_o practice_n not_o of_o some_o only_a but_o of_o many_o stickler_n for_o the_o public_a resolution_n that_o go_v cross_v their_o profession_n to_o the_o doctrine_n worship_n discipline_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n than_o the_o author_n can_v or_o will_v answer_v but_o because_o to_o recriminate_a be_v not_o to_o answer_v i_o come_v to_o the_o particular_a instance_n which_o he_o give_v the_o first_o be_v their_o condemn_a act_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o supreme_a judicatories_n of_o this_o church_n which_o he_o aggravate_v by_o many_o circumstance_n first_o that_o these_o act_n be_v most_o unanimous_o conclude_v second_o that_o themselves_o be_v present_a and_o do_v not_o contradict_v three_o that_o they_o be_v positive_o consent_v thereto_o by_o their_o vote_n four_o that_o they_o condemn_v these_o act_n not_o in_o a_o private_a way_n but_o in_o a_o remonstrance_n public_o emit_v to_o the_o world_n and_o present_v to_o the_o state_n five_o that_o all_o this_o be_v do_v without_o have_v so_o much_o respect_n to_o these_o judicatories_n as_o first_o to_o have_v recourse_n to_o they_o by_o supplication_n and_o desire_v to_o re-examine_a or_o take_v to_o consideration_n again_o these_o act_n and_o constitution_n yea_o refuse_v to_o apply_v themselves_o to_o they_o in_o such_o a_o way_n when_o advise_v and_o earnest_o press_v thereto_o as_o orderly_o by_o some_o to_o who_o they_o have_v communicate_v the_o design_n of_o the_o remonstrance_n to_o all_o which_o i_o return_v that_o the_o argument_n take_v in_o its_o strength_n do_v not_o seem_v to_o conclude_v much_o for_o evacuate_v the_o profession_n of_o the_o protester_n to_o the_o doctrine_n worship_n discipline_n and_o government_n of_o this_o church_n unless_o we_o lay_v this_o for_o a_o ground_n that_o whosoever_o represent_v and_o remonstrate_v his_o judgement_n against_o any_o one_o of_o the_o act_n of_o the_o assembly_n of_o this_o church_n belie_v the_o profession_n which_o he_o make_v of_o respect_n to_o the_o doctrine_n worship_n government_n and_o discipline_n thereof_o second_o the_o assembly_n be_v not_o sufficient_o inform_v concern_v these_o transaction_n with_o the_o king_n but_o several_a important_a particular_n which_o will_v have_v contribute_v much_o for_o clear_v of_o the_o business_n be_v keep_v up_o from_o and_o not_o report_v to_o the_o assembly_n to_o wit_n the_o first_o invitation_n give_v to_o the_o king_n the_o act_n appoint_v he_o to_o be_v restore_v to_o the_o exercise_n of_o his_o power_n the_o king_n letter_n to_o james_n graham_n the_o king_n take_v the_o sacrament_n after_o the_o order_n of_o the_o service_n book_n kneel_v from_o a_o episcopal_a doctor_n and_o a_o irish_a bishop_n notwithstanding_o that_o he_o have_v sign_v the_o treaty_n and_o that_o intercession_n be_v make_v to_o he_o both_o by_o word_n and_o write_v to_o forbear_v the_o bring_n to_o sea_n with_o the_o king_n all_o the_o english_a and_o scots_a malignant_n that_o be_v with_o he_o at_o breda_n after_o the_o commissioner_n have_v receive_v the_o letter_n and_o act_n both_o of_o church_n and_o state_n disapprove_v the_o treaty_n at_o breda_n the_o way_n how_o the_o king_n be_v induce_v to_o subscribe_v the_o covenant_n and_o how_o immediate_o before_o his_o take_n it_o be_v ready_a to_o land_n in_o scotland_n he_o be_v about_o to_o have_v make_v a_o protestation_n but_o that_o some_o of_o the_o commissioner_n will_v not_o tender_v he_o the_o covenant_n upon_o these_o term_n how_o lame_a the_o account_n
for_o constitute_v one_o a_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a kirk_n and_o sundry_a other_o weighty_a point_n of_o the_o doctrine_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n be_v chief_a cause_n that_o have_v bring_v the_o present_a judgement_n on_o the_o land_n which_o i_o dare_v say_v the_o presenter_n of_o they_o will_v never_o hazard_v to_o have_v present_v have_v he_o not_o know_v of_o some_o good_a like_n of_o they_o in_o some_o minister_n nay_o i_o will_v say_v further_o though_o the_o man_n be_v understand_v as_o to_o his_o station_n beyond_o many_o other_o yet_o who_o ever_o know_v he_o best_o and_o will_v consider_v the_o stile_n contrivance_n &_o conception_n in_o those_o article_n now_o extant_a in_o print_n will_v i_o doubt_v not_o say_v there_o have_v be_v the_o hand_n of_o joab_n another_o head_n and_o pen_n in_o they_o then_o his_o own_o this_o by_o the_o way_n that_o which_o i_o will_v have_v especial_o observe_v in_o this_o passage_n be_v to_o what_o 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of_o the_o narrative_a of_o the_o protestation_n be_v the_o grammar_n and_o logic_n of_o it_o in_o relation_n to_o antecedence_n and_o consequence_n concern_v which_o he_o think_v that_o too_o great_a forwardness_n to_o let_v out_o indirect_o a_o blow_n at_o honest_a man_n be_v make_v the_o protester_n somewhat_o to_o over_o see_v themselves_o but_o he_o spare_v the_o clear_n of_o it_o and_o not_o be_v worth_a the_o while_n till_o it_o bâ—_n câ—eâ—ed_v these_o who_o see_v it_o can_v take_v with_o it_o in_o the_o next_o place_n albeit_o he_o profess_v himself_o not_o to_o be_v give_v to_o be_v jealous_a yet_o it_o be_v too_o great_a jealousy_n and_o prejudice_n that_o raise_v so_o great_a a_o stir_n about_o so_o innocent_a and_o harmless_a a_o expression_n as_o this_o that_o the_o faâ—thfall_a minister_n of_o jesus_n christ_n in_o former_a time_n bring_v the_o work_n of_o reformation_n in_o scotland_n to_o a_o great_a perfection_n and_o near_a conformity_n to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n what_o mystery_n be_v here_o have_v not_o the_o like_a expression_n be_v use_v heretofore_o in_o the_o paper_n and_o book_n of_o the_o relater_n and_o asserter_n of_o reformation_n and_o government_n of_o this_o church_n but_o say_v the_o author_n great_a and_o near_o be_v here_o diminish_v term_n and_o import_v yet_o something_o to_o be_v want_v to_o perfection_n and_o conformity_n to_o the_o pattern_n and_o therefore_o he_o think_v the_o brethren_n will_v do_v well_o to_o tell_v &_o that_o it_o be_v wisdom_n for_o every_o honest_a professor_n to_o inquire_v what_o that_o be_v that_o be_v yet_o want_v the_o brethren_n do_v tell_v &_o all_o honest_a professor_n may_v be_v persuade_v to_o believe_v that_o they_o have_v no_o will_n before_o they_o that_o expression_n and_o that_o they_o do_v willing_o subscribe_v to_o the_o testimony_n of_o a_o worthy_a man_n in_o this_o church_n who_o love_n unto_o and_o estimation_n of_o the_o work_n of_o reformation_n be_v above_o all_o exception_n 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to_o the_o work_n of_o reformation_n in_o scotland_n if_o so_o we_o desire_v he_o to_o tell_v we_o what_o kind_n of_o power_n it_o be_v that_o be_v exercise_v by_o the_o magistrate_n and_o counsel_n of_o burgh_n than_o they_o choose_v commissioner_n to_o the_o general_n assembly_n and_o what_o be_v the_o extent_n of_o the_o doctor_n office_n i_o ask_v not_o these_o thing_n to_o cast_v any_o blemish_n on_o the_o work_n of_o reformation_n which_o i_o do_v willing_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v such_o as_o may_v compare_v with_o any_o of_o the_o reform_a church_n and_o in_o some_o respect_n so_o far_o as_o i_o know_v have_v the_o pre-eminence_n but_o to_o satisfy_v the_o author_n needless_a curiosity_n these_o thing_n be_v consider_v make_v it_o to_o appear_v that_o these_o word_n even_o when_o streach_v upon_o the_o tenterhooks_n of_o the_o author_n nicety_n do_v yet_o bear_v a_o convenient_a and_o true_a meaning_n and_o that_o none_o need_v thence_o to_o fear_v a_o serpent_n lurk_v in_o the_o bush_n i_o acknowledge_v that_o it_o have_v be_v the_o way_n of_o some_o in_o these_o land_n since_o the_o work_n of_o reformation_n begin_v in_o they_o to_o say_v that_o the_o work_n of_o reformation_n in_o scotland_n be_v a_o good_a way_n on_o but_o that_o there_o be_v yet_o further_a attainment_n than_o it_o be_v bring_v unto_o but_o it_o be_v apparent_a from_o other_o of_o their_o expression_n and_o from_o the_o whole_a tenor_n of_o their_o carriage_n that_o they_o have_v therein_o a_o bad_a meaning_n to_o wit_n that_o we_o shall_v not_o hold_v fast_o the_o thing_n which_o we_o have_v already_o nor_o walk_v by_o the_o same_o rule_n but_o that_o we_o shall_v make_v a_o alteration_n and_o change_n thereof_o and_o therefore_o there_o be_v reason_n to_o be_v jealous_a over_o such_o but_o to_o be_v jealous_a over_o these_o who_o expressision_n &_o carriage_n give_v no_o ground_n for_o it_o be_v but_o to_o torment_v ourselves_o with_o needless_a fear_n and_o to_o wrong_v other_o i_o have_v already_o give_v some_o account_n of_o the_o paper_n present_v to_o the_o meeting_n at_o edinburgh_n which_o the_o author_n do_v here_o repeat_v again_o and_o shall_v now_o add_v these_o few_o thing_n in_o answer_n to_o some_o circumstance_n of_o his_o discourse_n first_o that_o paper_n be_v not_o present_v to_o a_o meeting_n that_o either_o real_o be_v or_o do_v pretend_v to_o be_v the_o commission_n of_o the_o church_n but_o only_o to_o a_o meeting_n of_o minister_n and_o professor_n act_v not_o in_o the_o capacity_n of_o any_o judicatory_a real_a or_o pretend_a second_o that_o all_o the_o minister_n who_o be_v there_o do_v testify_v their_o dislike_n of_o that_o paper_n and_o even_o these_o who_o the_o author_n and_o some_o other_o do_v haply_o most_o suspect_a do_v serious_o dissuade_v from_o the_o in-giving_a of_o it_o three_o i_o know_v not_o who_o be_v the_o joab_n he_o
must_v not_o choose_v any_o to_o be_v commissioner_n to_o a_o general_n assembly_n that_o teach_v doctrine_n contrary_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o kirk_n agreeable_a thereunto_o and_o therefore_o if_o a_o commission_n of_o the_o gen._n assembly_n or_o any_o other_o kirk_n judicatory_a according_a to_o their_o interest_n perceive_v minister_n throughout_o the_o kirk_n teach_v contrary_a to_o the_o truth_n or_o practise_v to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n shall_v writ_v to_o presbytery_n desire_v they_o not_o to_o choose_v any_o such_o commissioner_n to_o a_o general_n assembly_n this_o be_v no_o undue_a pre-limitation_n or_o prejudging_a their_o liberty_n in_o election_n but_o a_o necessary_a and_o lawful_a warning_n putt_v they_o in_o mind_n of_o and_o stir_v they_o to_o a_o duty_n whereunto_o they_o be_v bind_v though_o no_o such_o direction_n be_v send_v to_o they_o this_o lay_v down_o in_o general_a as_o to_o that_o act_n and_o letter_n of_o the_o late_a commission_n send_v to_o presbytery_n we_o say_v first_o that_o the_o commission_n do_v nothing_o therein_o but_o that_o which_o other_o kirk-meeting_n and_o commission_n have_v do_v before_o they_o in_o the_o same_o matter_n in_o relation_n to_o the_o election_n of_o commissioner_n to_o the_o general_n assembly_n all_o which_o must_v fall_v unto_o the_o ground_n as_o null_n unfree_a and_o unlall_a if_o the_o late_a general_n assembly_n be_v unfree_a and_o unlawful_a in_o its_o constitution_n upon_o this_o account_n we_o must_v look_v back_o to_o the_o general_n assembly_n at_o glasgow_n 38._o itself_o what_o direction_n be_v send_v from_o the_o table_n then_o at_o edinburgh_n in_o relation_n to_o elect_a commissioner_n thereunto_o next_o we_o must_v refer_v also_o to_o the_o letter_n send_v to_o presbytery_n by_o the_o kirk_n commission_n annis_fw-la 1639._o 40._o 41._o concern_v commission_n to_o brethren_n to_o these_o general_n assembly_n all_o which_o be_v yet_o extant_a in_o presbytery_n book_n but_o we_o shall_v content_v ourselves_o to_o hold_v near_o hand_n the_o late_a commission_n do_v nothing_o but_o what_o the_o commission_n do_v in_o the_o year_n 48._o wherein_n the_o chief_a protester_n have_v a_o chief_a hand_n and_o yet_o maintain_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o that_o deed_n and_o the_o freedom_n and_o lawfulness_n of_o the_o constitution_n of_o that_o assembly_n that_o follow_v thereupon_o to_o this_o the_o writer_n of_o the_o large_a paper_n repli_v sundry_a thing_n in_o answer_n to_o objection_n 1._o but_o nothing_o to_o take_v away_o the_o force_n thereof_o first_o he_o hint_n at_o two_o difference_n between_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o as_o he_o will_v have_v the_o reader_n think_v he_o may_v make_v use_n of_o but_o pass_v by_o as_o have_v to_o say_v beside_o to_o say_v nothing_o say_v he_o of_o the_o difference_n of_o reference_n and_o citation_n neither_o yet_o of_o the_o difference_n of_o a_o letter_n and_o act_n import_v that_o there_o be_v a_o considerable_a difference_n between_o these_o thing_n and_o that_o the_o commission_n 48._o appoint_a person_n dissentient_a from_o they_o only_o to_o be_v refer_v and_o do_v send_v a_o letter_n only_o whereas_o the_o commission_n 50._o make_v a_o act_n also_o and_o appoint_v person_n also_o to_o be_v cite_v to_o the_o general_n assembly_n to_o which_o we_o oppone_v first_o the_o difference_n between_o a_o citation_n and_o a_o reference_n when_o the_o reference_n of_o a_o person_n to_o be_v try_v and_o judge_v on_o a_o fault_n and_o the_o person_n be_v present_a at_o the_o reference_n be_v just_a nothing_o see_v assembly_n 1643._o session_n 2._o aug._n 3._o overture_n anent_o bill_n etc._n etc._n and_o i_o desire_v the_o writer_n to_o say_v if_o it_o be_v not_o the_o purpose_n of_o the_o commission_n 48._o when_o they_o do_v require_v presbytery_n to_o refer_v such_o to_o the_o gen._n assembly_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v lay_v on_o they_o a_o obligation_n legal_a to_o compear_v personal_o before_o the_o gen._n assembly_n for_o trial_n and_o sentence_n upon_o they_o and_o what_o else_o be_v the_o end_n of_o a_o citation_n and_o summons_n nor_o yet_o be_v the_o more_o difference_n betwixt_o the_o act_n of_o the_o commission_n and_o person_n to_o be_v refer_v or_o cite_v by_o presbytery_n and_o a_o letter_n require_v it_o to_o be_v do_v for_o be_v there_o not_o a_o act_n for_o such_o a_o letter_n and_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o and_o have_v the_o letter_n itself_o the_o force_n of_o a_o act_n will_v not_o the_o refuse_v of_o what_o be_v desire_v be_v count_v disobedience_n to_o the_o commission_n but_o it_o seem_v the_o writer_n memory_n have_v fail_v here_o behold_v a_o act_n in_o terminis_fw-la as_o it_o stand_v registrate_n in_o the_o commission_n book_n the_o 5._o of_o june_n 1648._o the_o commission_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n recommend_v earnest_o to_o presbytery_n to_o take_v special_a notice_n of_o every_o brother_n carriage_n in_o the_o public_a business_n that_o if_o any_o be_v find_v that_o do_v not_o declare_v themselves_o against_a the_o present_a malignant_a course_n nor_o join_v with_o their_o brethren_n in_o the_o common_a resolution_n thereof_o they_o be_v refer_v to_o the_o next_o general_n assembly_n and_o if_o any_o of_o they_o have_v already_o declare_v for_o it_o that_o they_o be_v present_o censure_v fic_z sub_fw-la andrew_n ker._n this_o may_v make_v we_o doubt_v the_o more_o of_o alledgance_n of_o this_o kind_n afterward_o in_o matter_n of_o fact_n when_o we_o see_v not_o clear_a and_o circumstantiat_fw-la testimony_n of_o register_n bring_v forth_o review_n in_o answer_n to_o what_o be_v here_o say_v by_o the_o author_n i_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o election_n of_o commissioner_n in_o presbytery_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v such_o as_o be_v bound_v with_o no_o limitation_n and_o that_o if_o any_o commission_n of_o a_o general_n assembly_n or_o any_o other_o church_n judicatory_a according_a to_o their_o interest_n perceive_v minister_n throughout_o the_o church_n teach_v contrary_a or_o practise_v to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o the_o truth_n shall_v write_v to_o presbytery_n desire_v not_o to_o choose_v any_o such_o commissioner_n to_o a_o general_n assembly_n this_o be_v no_o undue_a pre-limitation_n or_o prejudging_a their_o liberty_n in_o election_n i_o believe_v that_o none_o of_o the_o protester_n will_v differ_v from_o the_o author_n in_o this_o that_o presbytery_n ought_v not_o to_o choose_v any_o to_o be_v commissioner_n that_o teach_v doctrine_n contrary_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o kirk_n agreeable_a thereto_o and_o if_o the_o commission_n in_o their_o letter_n and_o act_n have_v terminate_v themselves_o within_o these_o bound_n no_o protester_n will_v have_v controvert_v with_o they_o about_o it_o and_o i_o think_v neither_o will_n he_o controvert_v with_o they_o in_o this_o that_o if_o a_o commission_n or_o any_o other_o kirk_n judicatory_a teach_v doctrine_n contrary_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o to_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n agreeable_a thereunto_o and_o write_v to_o presbytery_n to_o choose_v none_o to_o be_v commissioner_n to_o the_o general_n assembly_n who_o do_v oppose_v such_o doctrine_n that_o this_o be_v a_o prelimiting_a and_o prejudging_a of_o presbytery_n in_o the_o liberty_n of_o their_o election_n according_a to_o these_o condescension_n the_o commission_n in_o the_o 51._o have_v send_v to_o presbytery_n a_o letter_n and_o act_n before_o their_o election_n relate_v thereto_o it_o seem_v avoidable_a to_o follow_v that_o some_o limitation_n and_o direction_n there_o be_v in_o that_o letter_n and_o act_n concern_v the_o election_n but_o all_o the_o question_n be_v whether_o it_o be_v a_o limitation_n warrantable_a or_o unwarrantable_a now_o if_o so_o why_o have_v the_o author_n so_o cautious_o and_o so_o much_o wrestle_v to_o deny_v that_o that_o letter_n and_o act_n have_v any_o influence_n upon_o the_o election_n in_o presbytery_n if_o it_o be_v nothing_o but_o a_o necessary_a &_o lawful_a warning_n put_v they_o in_o mind_n of_o and_o stir_v they_o up_o to_o a_o duty_n whereto_o they_o be_v bind_v though_o no_o such_o direction_n have_v be_v send_v unto_o they_o than_o there_o be_v no_o cause_n to_o be_v afraid_a of_o the_o lose_n of_o any_o ground_n by_o acknowledge_v of_o its_o influence_n the_o author_n long_o wrangle_v about_o that_o do_v either_o seem_v to_o say_v that_o he_o be_v suspicious_a of_o the_o limitation_n contain_v therein_o as_o not_o be_v warrantable_a or_o else_o that_o he_o have_v too_o great_a goodwill_n to_o dispute_v see_v this_o will_v have_v be_v a_o short_a and_o satisfy_a answer_n the_o commission_n in_o their_o letter_n and_o act_n do_v put_v no_o bond_n on_o presbytery_n in_o the_o election_n of_o commissioner_n but_o such_o as_o be_v well_o warrant_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o act_n and_o constitution_n of_o this_o
assembly_n and_o their_o commission_n after_o the_o come_n of_o the_o english_a army_n to_o invade_v this_o land_n do_v not_o positive_o and_o often_o than_o once_o determine_v and_o warn_v against_o the_o employ_v and_o entrust_v malignant_a and_o dis-affected_n man_n in_o our_o army_n even_o in_o the_o case_n of_o scarcity_n of_o man_n for_o the_o land_n defence_n seven_o whether_o at_o the_o time_n of_o the_o commission_n its_o give_v their_o answer_n to_o the_o parliament_n quere_z there_o be_v not_o a_o very_a numerous_a party_n of_o malignant_a and_o dis-affected_n man_n in_o the_o land_n who_o do_v adhere_v to_o their_o former_a principle_n eight_o whether_o the_o answer_n to_o the_o quere_z or_o any_o thing_n contain_v in_o the_o public_a resolution_n do_v acknowledge_v it_o or_o hold_v it_o forth_o as_o sinful_a and_o unlawful_a to_o employ_v and_o intrust_v malignant_a and_o dis-affected_n man_n in_o the_o defence_n of_o the_o cause_n and_o kingdom_n or_o whether_o that_o answer_n and_o these_o resolution_n do_v acknowledge_v and_o hold_v it_o forth_o to_o be_v lawful_a to_o employ_v and_o intrust_v such_o nine_o whether_o there_o be_v any_o act_n or_o constitution_n or_o warn_v or_o declaration_n of_o this_o church_n or_o any_o public_a evidence_n of_o her_o judgement_n before_o the_o answer_n to_o the_o quere_z that_o speak_v for_o the_o warrant_n and_o allow_v the_o public_a resolution_n or_o what_o it_o be_v or_o where_o we_o may_v find_v it_o ten_o that_o the_o commissioner_n be_v yet_o content_a to_o have_v their_o late_a resolution_n try_v and_o judge_v by_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n be_v no_o great_a matter_n when_o they_o have_v first_o prelimited_n a_o assembly_n exclude_v many_o of_o these_o who_o be_v of_o a_o contrary_a mind_n and_o constitute_v it_o most_o of_o these_o who_o be_v of_o their_o own_o judgement_n and_o have_v make_v act_n for_o censure_v of_o all_o who_o shall_v not_o acknowledge_v the_o constitution_n of_o that_o assembly_n and_o after_o conference_n submit_v to_o the_o obedience_n of_o these_o act_n but_o if_o the_o author_n will_v take_v the_o collective_a church_n of_o scotland_n to_o sit_v as_o judge_n upon_o the_o late_a resolution_n of_o the_o commission_n and_o state_n the_o question_n thus_o whether_o be_v the_o late_a resolution_n of_o the_o commission_n agreeable_a to_o the_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n and_o to_o former_a act_n constitution_n warning_n and_o declaration_n of_o this_o church_n i_o fear_v the_o determination_n shall_v be_v in_o the_o negative_a yeâ—_n if_o the_o whole_a ministerial_a church_n shall_v speak_v their_o heart_n of_o that_o question_v as_o before_o the_o lord_n i_o still_o fear_v it_o shall_v be_v in_o the_o negative_a all_o the_o orthodox_n church_n in_o the_o world_n be_v a_o broad_a word_n and_o i_o say_v no_o more_o of_o it_o but_o that_o man_n well_o skill_v in_o their_o doctrine_n and_o to_o who_o i_o believe_v the_o author_n himself_o in_o this_o respect_n and_o for_o piety_n and_o learning_n will_v not_o deny_v a_o honourable_a testimony_n do_v teach_v we_o otherways_o the_o matter_n be_v already_o plead_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o act_n and_o constitution_n of_o this_o church_n and_o i_o shall_v now_o speak_v no_o more_o thereof_o vindication_n but_o second_o whatever_o be_v to_o be_v say_v to_o the_o nature_n of_o these_o resolution_n yet_o the_o matter_n be_v at_o least_o alike_o to_o the_o general_n assembly_n at_o the_o time_n of_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o assembly_n and_o the_o protestation_n against_o the_o same_o for_o the_o resolution_n and_o proceed_n of_o the_o commission_n 48._o be_v no_o less_o quarrel_v by_o a_o opposite_a party_n than_o be_v the_o resolution_n of_o the_o commission_n 51._o the_o party_n quarrel_v 48_o be_v no_o less_o than_o the_o parliament_n and_o in_o this_o only_a few_o minister_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o former_a be_v a_o great_a deal_n strong_a and_o hard_a to_o be_v loose_v the_o general_n assembly_n be_v here_o judge_n to_o both_o as_o in_o the_o first_o quarrel_n the_o commission_n will_v not_o be_v absolve_v from_o the_o accusation_n charge_v upon_o they_o until_o all_o be_v hear_v and_o try_v so_o the_o commission_n 51_o can_v not_o be_v condemn_v for_o the_o exception_n and_o alleadgeance_n of_o a_o few_o brethren_n before_o that_o any_o of_o they_o be_v or_o can_v be_v cognosce_v upon_o by_o all_o this_o which_o have_v be_v speak_v that_o what_o the_o writer_n say_v shut_v up_o the_o same_o that_o these_o thing_n be_v put_v together_o make_v up_o a_o wide_a difference_n between_o that_o which_o be_v then_o do_v 48_o and_o that_o 51_o be_v but_o a_o groundless_a assertion_n we_o have_v evident_o show_v that_o there_o be_v no_o difference_n betwixt_o the_o one_o deed_n and_o the_o other_o so_o that_o if_o the_o one_o be_v guilty_a of_o pre-limitation_n of_o election_n of_o commissioner_n so_o be_v the_o other_o no_o less_o except_o that_o the_o deed_n of_o the_o commission_n 51_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n more_o spare_v and_o moderate_a so_o we_o have_v vindicate_v that_o particular_a answer_n to_o the_o first_o reason_n against_o the_o freedom_n and_o lawfulness_n of_o the_o late_a assembly_n allege_v pre-limitation_n of_o the_o election_n of_o commissioner_n viz._n that_o the_o commission_n do_v nothing_o therein_o but_o what_o be_v do_v by_o the_o commission_n 48_o who_o deed_n the_o protester_n maintain_v with_o we_o review_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o give_v sundry_a material_a difference_n 1._o these_o resolution_n at_o the_o time_n of_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o assembly_n and_o the_o give_v in_o of_o the_o protestation_n beside_o that_o they_o be_v against_o the_o clear_a letter_n of_o act_n of_o former_a assembly_n so_o be_v sundry_a stand_v up_o in_o the_o assembly_n and_o offer_v instant_o to_o verify_v that_o it_o be_v so_o but_o in_o the_o 48_o the_o proceed_n be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o act_n of_o the_o assembly_n and_o albeit_o there_o be_v some_o who_o desire_v that_o these_o proceed_n might_n not_o be_v approven_v till_o they_o be_v hear_v yet_o none_o do_v offer_v instant_o or_o at_o all_o to_o verify_v thathey_a have_v carry_v on_o a_o course_n of_o defection_n contrary_a to_o the_o covenant_n and_o act_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n second_o in_o the_o 48_o the_o proceed_n of_o the_o commission_n be_v not_o testify_v against_o by_o presbytery_n and_o synod_n much_o less_o dissent_v from_o and_o protest_v against_o by_o many_o in_o the_o commission_n itself_o but_o so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o 51_o not_o only_o do_v presbytery_n and_o synod_n bear_v testimony_n against_o these_o thing_n but_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o commission_n yea_o so_o great_a a_o part_n that_o whoso_o shall_v reckon_v i_o believe_v shall_v find_v they_o very_o near_o if_o not_o equal_v the_o one_o half_a of_o the_o number_n to_o who_o the_o trust_n of_o these_o thing_n be_v commit_v by_o the_o general_n assembly_n three_o in_o the_o 48_o there_o be_v no_o exception_n at_o all_o proponed_a from_o the_o unfreedome_n of_o election_n or_o from_o person_n under_o scandal_n because_o of_o defection_n and_o backslide_n from_o former_a principle_n but_o so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o 51._o these_o thing_n evidence_n a_o very_a great_a difference_n between_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o at_o the_o time_n of_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o assembly_n &_o the_o protestation_n against_o the_o same_o and_o to_o take_v off_o any_o thing_n that_o the_o author_n say_v for_o prove_v they_o to_o be_v alike_o i_o do_v desire_v it_o further_a to_o be_v consider_v that_o as_o in_o the_o 48_o it_o be_v not_o the_o parliament_n who_o be_v the_o party_n quarrel_v the_o commission_n before_o the_o assembly_n the_o parliament_n be_v rise_v a_o good_a while_n before_o the_o assembly_n sit_v down_o so_o in_o all_o this_o business_n of_o the_o quarrel_v that_o be_v make_v against_o the_o commission_n in_o the_o assembly_n 48_o be_v much_o mistaken_a and_o mis-represened_n by_o the_o author_n all_o along_v his_o vindication_n as_o shall_v in_o its_o proper_a place_n be_v clear_v second_o that_o it_o be_v not_o desire_v as_o the_o author_n do_v insinuate_v that_o the_o commission_n 51_o shall_v be_v condemn_v for_o the_o exception_n and_o alleadgeance_n of_o a_o few_o brethren_n before_o that_o any_o of_o these_o resolution_n be_v or_o can_v be_v cognosce_v upon_o but_o only_o that_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v admit_v to_o sit_v as_o member_n of_o the_o assembly_n until_o the_o exception_n propon_v against_o they_o be_v try_v and_o discuss_v three_o that_o in_o the_o 48_o as_o the_o party_n quarrel_v do_v not_o either_o at_o the_o time_n of_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o assembly_n or_o afterward_o before_o the_o try_v and_o approve_v of_o the_o proceed_n of_o the_o commission_n
as_o the_o remonstrant_n have_v do_v and_o therefore_o these_o minister_n accuse_v by_o they_o can_v not_o be_v hold_v as_o under_o scandal_n of_o schism_n or_o presumption_n thereof_o until_o the_o point_n in_o controversy_n be_v try_v whether_o the_o remonstrants_n tenant_n be_v erroneous_a and_o of_o what_o consequence_n and_o importance_n they_o be_v and_o until_o then_o the_o remonstrants_n challenge_n of_o schism_n against_o they_o can_v not_o be_v repute_v but_o a_o mere_a alleadgance_n i_o know_v other_o thing_n be_v answer_v to_o this_o reason_n of_o that_o protestation_n by_o the_o foreign_a divine_n from_o the_o member_n themselves_o in_o controversy_n betwixt_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o but_o it_o may_v be_v evident_o perceive_v in_o sundry_a of_o their_o judgement_n upon_o that_o protestation_n that_o they_o have_v all_o one_o eye_n to_o this_o that_o we_o have_v say_v hence_o be_v it_o that_o of_o the_o judicious_a britain_n divine_v in_o the_o second_o branch_n of_o their_o answer_n to_o that_o accusation_n constat_fw-la haec_fw-la synodus_fw-la ex_fw-la personis_fw-la nulla_fw-la censura_fw-la ecclesiastica_fw-la notatis_fw-la nullo_n publico_fw-la aut_fw-la legitimo_fw-la judicio_fw-la de_fw-la scismate_n convictis_fw-la unquam_fw-la aut_fw-la condemnatis_fw-la protestatio_fw-la autem_fw-la remonstrantium_fw-la facta_fw-la in_o contrarium_fw-la vim_o latae_fw-la sententiae_fw-la habere_fw-la non_fw-la debet_fw-la and_o that_o of_o the_o nasâ—ean_n divine_v est_fw-la veneranda_fw-la &_o sancta_fw-la haec_fw-la synodus_fw-la congregata_fw-la in_o eum_fw-la finem_fw-la ut_fw-la doctrinam_fw-la remonstranium_fw-la propositam_fw-la defensamque_fw-la audiat_fw-la ad_fw-la dei_fw-la verbum_fw-la probe_n examinet_fw-la de_fw-la ejus_fw-la veritate_fw-la vel_fw-la falsitate_fw-la pronunciet_a eousque_fw-la igitur_fw-la sententiam_fw-la de_fw-la scismate_n ejusque_fw-la authoribus_fw-la suspendendam_fw-la esse_fw-la sentiamus_fw-la so_o say_v we_o the_o many_o business_n of_o the_o late_a general_n assembly_n be_v to_o hear_v try_v and_o examine_v the_o proceed_n and_o resolution_n of_o the_o late_a commissioner_n whether_o they_o be_v conform_v to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o covenant_n and_o constitution_n of_o this_o kirk_n and_o what_o can_v be_v say_v for_o or_o against_o they_o and_o therefore_o until_o then_o be_v the_o matter_n of_o defection_n object_v against_o they_o to_o be_v suspend_v from_o all_o this_o that_o have_v be_v say_v it_o be_v evident_a that_o see_v the_o assembly_n be_v to_o go_v about_o the_o trial_n of_o the_o commission_n proceed_n with_o all_o convenient_a expedition_n it_o be_v no_o way_n a_o relevant_a exception_n against_o the_o freedom_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o assembly_n that_o they_o be_v admit_v to_o sit_v as_o member_n notwithstanding_o the_o exception_n that_o be_v allege_v against_o their_o sit_v and_o as_o for_o the_o same_o objection_n it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o stick_v upon_o the_o protester_n themselves_o at_o first_o that_o mr._n andrew_n cant_n with_o the_o goodliking_a of_o all_o of_o they_o so_o far_o as_o can_v be_v perceive_v do_v put_v mr._n robert_n blair_n and_o mr._n william_n ret_o upon_o the_o list_n of_o moderation_n and_o sundry_a of_o they_o give_v their_o vote_n to_o mr._n robert_n blair_n to_o be_v moderator_n let_v be_v to_o fit_a as_o a_o ordinary_a member_n of_o the_o assembly_n review_n this_o instance_n which_o the_o author_n give_v of_o the_o belgic_a remonstrance_n in_o their_o protestation_n against_o the_o synod_n of_o dort_n be_v quite_o differ_v from_o our_o case_n in_o several_a respect_n first_o the_o hypothesis_n that_o be_v in_o question_n betwixt_o the_o remonstrant_n and_o the_o antiremonstrants_a who_o they_o desire_v to_o be_v remove_v out_o of_o the_o synod_n as_o they_o be_v determine_v in_o the_o confession_n and_o catechism_n of_o the_o belgic_a and_o other_o reform_a church_n so_o do_v the_o antiremonstrants_a which_o be_v member_n of_o that_o synod_n adhere_v to_o these_o determination_n and_o be_v willing_a that_o their_o doctrine_n shall_v be_v judge_v thereby_o whereas_o the_o remonstrance_n do_v decline_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o belgic_a and_o reform_v church_n in_o their_o catechism_n and_o confession_n and_o do_v require_v it_o as_o one_o of_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o synod_n that_o every_o man_n shall_v give_v his_o oath_n that_o he_o shall_v have_v no_o regard_n in_o this_o business_n to_o confession_n or_o catechism_n but_o only_o to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o appear_v from_o their_o own_o word_n which_o be_v these_o ideoque_fw-la cuique_fw-la sub_fw-la fide_fw-la juramenti_fw-la coram_fw-la deo_fw-la sanctè_fw-la praestandi_fw-la promittat_fw-la se_fw-la non_fw-la respecturum_fw-la in_o hoc_fw-la negotio_fw-la ad_fw-la confessionem_fw-la catechismum_fw-la aut_fw-la ullum_fw-la aliud_fw-la humanae_fw-la authoritis_fw-la scriptum_fw-la scriptoremque_fw-la sed_fw-la ad_fw-la solam_fw-la scripturam_fw-la quae_fw-la pro_fw-la solâ_fw-la fidei_fw-la norma_fw-la haebetur_fw-la but_o the_o commissioner_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n as_o they_o do_v deny_v their_o resolution_n to_o have_v be_v former_o determine_v by_o this_o church_n and_o so_o upon_o the_o matter_n do_v handsome_o decline_v to_o be_v judge_v in_o these_o thing_n by_o the_o act_n thereof_o as_o not_o be_v quadrant_a to_o their_o case_n so_o do_v they_o cry_v out_o upon_o the_o opposer_n of_o public_a resolution_n for_o cite_v these_o act_n so_o often_o against_o they_o and_o for_o insist_v so_o little_a upon_o the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o they_o call_v for_o as_o the_o only_a rule_n whereby_o they_o will_v be_v judge_v in_o these_o thing_n to_o be_v determine_v by_o former_a assembly_n so_o be_v they_o most_o willing_a and_o desirous_a that_o they_o and_o the_o commissioner_n in_o their_o judgement_n and_o act_n upon_o these_o thing_n shall_v be_v judge_v thereby_o second_o the_o remonstrant_n do_v accuse_v the_o antiremonstrants_a of_o schism_n and_o as_o schismatic_n most_o unjust_o of_o which_o we_o shall_v give_v the_o reason_n in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o britain_n divine_v then_o in_o the_o synod_n quia_fw-la ipsi_fw-la remonstrante_n recedendo_fw-la à _fw-la doctrinam_fw-la cemmuniter_fw-la recepta_fw-la initium_fw-la &_o causatio_fw-la huius_fw-la separationis_fw-la extiterum_fw-la nam_fw-la veritas_fw-la habetur_fw-la quod_fw-la â_fw-la primordio_fw-la in_o ecclesiâ_fw-la aliquâ_fw-la traditum_fw-la &_o receptum_fw-la fuerit_fw-la erpor_fw-la reputatur_fw-la quod_fw-la postea_fw-la inducitur_fw-la donec_fw-la habito_fw-la legitimo_fw-la examine_v &_o judicio_fw-la contrarium_fw-la concludatur_fw-la quo_fw-la etiam_fw-la accedit_fw-la quod_fw-la illi_fw-la dici_fw-la non_fw-la possunt_fw-la a_o doctrinâ_fw-la remonstrantium_fw-la recessisse_fw-la quod_fw-la in_fw-la schismate_fw-la praesupponendum_fw-la est_fw-la qui_fw-la illam_fw-la nunquam_fw-la receperint_fw-la sed_fw-la ab_fw-la initio_fw-la sibi_fw-la propositam_fw-la rejecerint_fw-la &_o condemnârint_fw-la word_n worthy_a of_o observation_n in_o order_n to_o the_o whole_a debate_n upon_o the_o public_a resolution_n but_o these_o who_o do_v except_v against_o the_o sit_v of_o the_o commissioner_n in_o the_o general_n assembly_n upon_o their_o make_a defection_n from_o the_o cause_n and_o covenant_n do_v it_o just_o because_o of_o their_o depart_n from_o the_o receive_a doctrine_n of_o this_o church_n and_o the_o bring_n in_o of_o new_a and_o strange_a doctrine_n in_o that_o point_n which_o the_o other_o offer_v to_o verify_v three_o the_o thing_n which_o the_o remonstrant_n do_v desire_v be_v that_o the_o antiremonstrants_a shall_v be_v remove_v whole_o out_o of_o the_o synod_n and_o be_v set_v to_o the_o bar_n to_o answer_v as_o guilty_a of_o schism_n and_o as_o party_n against_o the_o remonstrant_n in_o this_o business_n and_o hence_o be_v these_o sentencet_n of_o the_o britain_n and_o of_o the_o other_o divine_n which_o be_v cite_v by_o the_o author_n but_o the_o thing_n desire_v by_o these_o who_o except_v against_o the_o commissioner_n be_v not_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v remove_v whole_o from_o the_o assembly_n or_o hold_v as_o guilty_a before_o trial_n but_o that_o their_o sit_v in_o the_o assembly_n may_v be_v suspend_v until_o it_o be_v try_v whether_o they_o be_v guilty_a yea_o or_o not_o and_o therefore_o the_o author_n in_o cite_v and_o expound_v these_o sentence_n as_o he_o do_v have_v not_o only_o do_v wrong_n to_o the_o protester_n but_o also_o to_o the_o constant_a receive_v order_n of_o this_o church_n in_o the_o constitution_n of_o her_o assembly_n because_o if_o these_o sentence_n be_v expon_v not_o only_o against_o the_o remove_n whole_o out_o of_o the_o assembly_n but_o also_o against_o the_o remove_n of_o they_o for_o a_o time_n till_o they_o be_v try_v then_o have_v all_o the_o assembly_n of_o this_o church_n follow_v a_o wrong_a method_n who_o do_v ordinary_o upon_o exception_n propon_v remove_v sundry_a of_o their_o number_n though_o they_o be_v not_o as_o yet_o convicti_fw-la nor_o condemnati_fw-la and_o though_o they_o do_v suspend_v their_o sentence_n about_o remove_v of_o they_o whole_o yet_o do_v they_o not_o suspend_v their_o sentence_n about_o remove_v they_o for_o a_o time_n until_o the_o exception_n shall_v be_v
try_v this_o be_v the_o very_a way_n establish_v and_o constant_o follow_v in_o all_o the_o free_a and_o lawful_a assembly_n of_o this_o kirk_n for_o keep_v of_o her_o assembly_n pure_a if_o the_o author_n will_v not_o admit_v of_o the_o remove_n of_o any_o till_o he_o be_v convict_v and_o will_v have_v those_o divine_n at_o dort_n so_o to_o be_v expon_v then_o let_v he_o tell_v we_o how_o he_o will_v reconcile_v they_o and_o our_o church_n in_o this_o particular_a but_o it_o be_v easy_a by_o the_o answer_n which_o we_o have_v give_v so_o to_o do_v yea_o it_o be_v manifest_a from_o the_o whole_a scope_n of_o the_o business_n at_o dort_n that_o these_o divine_n speak_v in_o order_n to_o a_o total_a removal_n which_o be_v never_o desire_v by_o the_o protester_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o commissioner_n but_o let_v we_o turn_v the_o schene_n a_o little_a and_o suppose_v that_o the_o belgic_a church_n have_v choose_v and_o send_v to_o the_o synod_n of_o dort_n the_o remonstrant_n as_o their_o commissioner_n and_o that_o the_o antiremonstrants_a have_v be_v cite_v before_o the_o synod_n and_o have_v propon_v as_o a_o exception_n against_o the_o remonstrant_n sit_v in_o the_o synod_n that_o they_o be_v under_o a_o scandal_n of_o erroneous_a and_o corrupt_a doctrine_n which_o they_o do_v offer_v instany_o to_o prove_v by_o compare_v their_o doctrine_n with_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o belgic_a and_o reform_v church_n in_o their_o confession_n and_o catechism_n and_o thereupon_o desire_v that_o they_o may_v be_v remove_v from_o sit_v as_o member_n in_o the_o synod_n until_o this_o exception_n be_v try_v do_v the_o author_n think_v that_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o synod_n will_v or_o can_v in_o reason_n have_v refuse_v to_o grant_v this_o desire_n from_o all_o these_o thing_n i_o hope_v it_o do_v appear_v that_o notwithstanding_o of_o any_o thing_n answer_v by_o the_o author_n it_o be_v a_o relevant_a exception_n against_o the_o freedom_n and_o right_a constitution_n of_o the_o assembly_n that_o they_o do_v before_o try_v of_o the_o commissioner_n proceed_n admit_v they_o to_o sit_v as_o member_n of_o the_o assembly_n notwithstanding_o of_o the_o exception_n of_o scandal_n upon_o they_o timeous_o propon_v and_o offer_v to_o be_v instruct_v as_o for_o that_o which_o the_o author_n say_v of_o the_o protester_n suffer_v mr._n andrew_n cant_n with_o good_a like_n of_o all_o of_o they_o so_o far_o as_o can_v be_v perceive_v to_o put_v mr._n robert_n blair_n and_o mr._n william_n reate_n upon_o the_o list_n to_o be_v moderator_n and_o that_o sundry_a of_o they_o give_v their_o vote_n to_o mr._n robert_n blair_n to_o be_v moderator_n let_v be_v to_o sit_v as_o a_o ordinary_a member_n of_o the_o assembly_n i_o answer_v there_o be_v many_o of_o the_o protester_n who_o have_v no_o place_n to_o speak_v in_o make_v of_o the_o lâ—st_o as_o not_o be_v member_n of_o the_o meeting_n and_o i_o believe_v that_o these_o do_v give_v no_o token_n either_o of_o their_o good_a or_o ill_a like_n of_o what_o mr._n andrew_n cant_n do_v in_o that_o particular_a these_o who_o vote_v though_o they_o will_v not_o refuse_v to_o vote_n in_o the_o election_n of_o a_o moderator_n as_o they_o do_v afterward_o for_o some_o time_n in_o other_o particular_n not_o yet_o despair_v of_o some_o reasonable_a satisfaction_n to_o their_o desire_n of_o adjourn_v the_o assembly_n and_o that_o they_o vote_v to_o mr._n rob._n blair_n as_o one_o of_o the_o most_o pious_a prudent_a &_o peaceable_a of_o that_o way_n there_o be_v none_o else_o upon_o the_o list_n yet_o do_v they_o vote_n with_o a_o protestation_n and_o though_o they_o have_v make_v no_o protestation_n the_o most_o that_o it_o will_v prove_v be_v this_o that_o from_o loathnesse_n to_o be_v hear_v and_o hope_n of_o satisfaction_n in_o a_o peaceable_a way_n they_o go_v further_o with_o the_o assembly_n then_o adhere_v strict_o to_o their_o right_n they_o shall_v have_v do_v and_o i_o believe_v a_o passionate_a desire_n of_o peace_n do_v also_o move_v mr._n andrew_n cant_v to_o put_v these_o man_n upon_o the_o list_n though_o afterward_o when_o it_o can_v not_o be_v obtain_v without_o prejudice_n to_o the_o truth_n he_o see_v good_a cause_n to_o protest_v against_o the_o assembly_n as_o not_o free_a and_o as_o unlawful_a vindication_n as_o for_o the_o particular_n contain_v in_o the_o writer_n large_a prosecution_n of_o this_o argument_n we_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o insist_v much_o upon_o they_o nor_o yet_o will_v we_o follow_v he_o in_o answer_n to_o his_o objection_n only_o somewhat_o brief_o to_o some_o particular_n and_o first_o what_o be_v allege_v from_o the_o assembly_n 1562_o 80_o 81._o first_o it_o have_v be_v good_a the_o writer_n have_v set_v down_o the_o very_a act_n relate_v in_o their_o full_a and_o formar_n word_n that_o we_o may_v have_v see_v for_o every_o one_o of_o we_o be_v not_o keeper_n of_o the_o register_n nor_o have_v copy_n of_o they_o beside_o we_o whether_o they_o mean_v all_o person_n against_o who_o any_o scandal_n be_v allege_v shall_v be_v remove_v even_o before_o the_o assembly_n be_v constitute_v into_o a_o judicatory_a which_o be_v the_o thing_n pretend_v by_o the_o protester_n and_o because_o not_o do_v be_v the_o ground_n of_o the_o quarrel_n for_o we_o see_v not_o this_o by_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v bring_v here_o second_o we_o suppose_v it_o can_v not_o be_v the_o mind_n of_o these_o assembly_n that_o alleadgeance_n of_o scandal_n against_o person_n shall_v be_v a_o cause_n to_o remove_v they_o from_o sit_v in_o that_o assembly_n as_o member_n altogether_o unless_o the_o scandal_n be_v clear_a and_o unquestionable_a for_o the_o point_n de_fw-fr jure_fw-la and_o so_o their_o appointment_n come_v not_o home_n to_o our_o present_a case_n next_o for_o the_o ground_n bring_v to_o prove_v that_o the_o commissioner_n be_v under_o scandal_n of_o defection_n first_o we_o grant_v that_o hear_n of_o a_o common_a report_n may_v be_v a_o 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