therewith_o be_v he_o not_o in_o so_o far_o a_o weakner_n gainsayer_n and_o opposer_n thereof_o 2._o if_o they_o mean_v it_o thus_o they_o have_v not_o measure_v the_o same_o measure_n unto_o themselves_o and_o to_o other_o they_o will_v have_v other_o to_o pass_v from_o their_o protestation_n under_o their_o hand_n and_o to_o engage_v themselves_o not_o to_o hold_v up_o debate_n otherwise_o they_o will_v not_o act_v joint_o with_o they_o in_o the_o judicatories_n nor_o allow_v they_o the_o legal_a capacity_n to_o act_v at_o all_o and_o yet_o while_o they_o will_v do_v no_o such_o thing_n themselves_o in_o reference_n to_o their_o assembly_n and_o the_o act_n thereof_o yea_o will_v have_v these_o assembly_n to_o stand_v as_o free_v and_o lawful_a and_o all_o the_o act_n thereof_o wherein_o their_o judgement_n be_v involve_v as_o bind_v and_o obligatory_a they_o desire_v that_o their_o brethren_n may_v be_v deal_v with_o not_o to_o let_v this_o hinder_v they_o from_o a_o joint_a act_n in_o the_o public_a judicatories_n 3._o if_o it_o be_v only_o the_o oppose_a of_o public_a resolution_n and_o the_o hold_v up_o of_o debate_n that_o they_o quarrel_n with_o how_o be_v it_o that_o in_o presbytery_n they_o will_v have_v young_a man_n who_o have_v hitherto_o be_v silent_a public_o to_o declare_v themselves_o anent_o these_o thing_n or_o else_o refuse_v to_o admit_v they_o to_o their_o trial_n or_o to_o stop_v they_o be_v admit_v or_o to_o refuse_v they_o testimonial_n be_v approven_v act_n for_o put_v in_o execution_n former_a act_n and_o constitution_n of_o general_n assembly_n anent_o try_v admit_v removing_z and_o depose_v of_o church_n officer_n censure_v of_o scandalous_a person_n receive_v of_o penitent_n and_o debar_v of_o person_n from_o the_o lord_n table_n edinburgh_n 3_o august_n 1652._o postmeridiem_fw-la sess_n 20._o the_o general_n assembly_n consider_v the_o obligation_n that_o lie_v upon_o all_o ecclesiastic_a judicatory_n and_o minister_n within_o this_o land_n by_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n and_o our_o covenant_n and_o engagement_n take_v upon_o we_o before_o god_n and_o the_o world_n whereunto_o they_o resolve_v in_o the_o power_n of_o the_o lord_n might_n constant_o to_o adhere_v and_o to_o show_v themselves_o faithful_a and_o zealous_a in_o all_o their_o administration_n for_o the_o lord_n and_o for_o advance_v the_o work_n of_o reformation_n and_o particular_o consider_v that_o the_o condition_n of_o this_o time_n do_v require_v in_o special_a way_n that_o in_o try_v admit_v removing_z and_o depose_v of_o church-officer_n censure_v of_o scandalous_a person_n dispense_n of_o ordinance_n receive_v of_o penitent_n the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o constitution_n of_o this_o kirk_n be_v diligent_o put_v in_o execution_n and_o accurat_o observe_v therefore_o the_o assembly_n ordain_v that_o presbytery_n and_o synod_n in_o admit_v of_o person_n to_o the_o ministry_n be_v accurate_a in_o their_o trial_n according_a to_o the_o order_n prescribe_v in_o this_o church_n that_o none_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o holy_a and_o high_a function_n but_o such_o as_o be_v qualify_v according_a as_o be_v require_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o constitution_n of_o this_o kirk_n both_o for_o knowledge_n in_o the_o mystery_n of_o godliness_n and_o ability_n to_o teach_v and_o convince_v the_o gainsayers_a as_o also_o in_o conversation_n and_o godliness_n that_o they_o lay_v hand_n sudden_o on_o no_o man_n nor_o be_v partaker_n of_o other_o man_n sin_n and_o for_o this_o end_n that_o every_o presbytery_n be_v careful_a to_o have_v gather_v together_o such_o act_n of_o assembly_n as_o concern_v the_o trial_n of_o minister_n and_o have_v they_o before_o they_o whensoever_o any_o person_n be_v call_v to_o any_o place_n of_o the_o ministry_n and_o be_v upon_o his_o trial_n 2._o ordain_v that_o presbytery_n and_o synod_n in_o their_o respective_a bound_n make_v conscience_n that_o such_o minister_n as_o be_v find_v either_o ignorant_a and_o not_o apt_a to_o feed_v the_o people_n of_o god_n with_o knowledge_n and_o understanding_n or_o erroneous_a in_o their_o judgement_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n or_o be_v scandalous_a in_o their_o life_n and_o conversation_n and_o be_v not_o example_n unto_o their_o flock_n in_o godly_a and_o holy_a walk_n or_o disaffect_v to_o the_o work_n of_o reformation_n be_v censure_v according_a to_o the_o degree_n of_o their_o offence_n and_o act_n of_o assembly_n and_o for_o this_o end_n that_o they_o be_v frequent_a and_o accurate_a in_o visitation_n of_o kirk_n and_o therein_o make_v conscientious_a use_n of_o the_o rule_v prescribe_v for_o visitation_n and_o of_o such_o act_n of_o former_a assembly_n as_o hold_v forth_o the_o duty_n of_o minister_n and_o the_o ground_n and_o cause_n of_o censure_n 3._o ordain_v that_o where_o minister_n lawful_o depose_v be_v unlawful_o admit_v and_o not_o according_a to_o the_o order_n prescribe_v in_o the_o act_n of_o general_n assembly_n or_o intrude_v themselves_o into_o place_n presbytery_n and_o synod_n make_v use_v of_o that_o power_n and_o authority_n which_o christ_n have_v put_v in_o their_o hand_n to_o remedy_v the_o same_o and_o to_o censure_v such_o disorder_n and_o enormity_n as_o they_o deserve_v and_o that_o people_n be_v not_o accessary_a unto_o or_o concur_v with_o any_o minister_n that_o be_v depose_v in_o intrude_a themselves_o into_o place_n nor_o give_v they_o any_o countenance_n that_o do_v so_o as_o they_o will_v not_o draw_v upon_o themselves_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n by_o contemn_v and_o despise_v christ_n ordinance_n of_o discipline_n and_o that_o no_o presbytery_n or_o synod_n proceed_v to_o open_v the_o mouth_n of_o or_o re-admit_a unto_o the_o ministry_n any_o depose_a minister_n but_o according_a to_o the_o order_n prescribe_v in_o the_o act_n of_o general_n assembly_n as_o they_o will_v be_v answerable_a unto_o the_o general_n assembly_n 4._o ordain_v that_o session_n be_v careful_a that_o none_o be_v admit_v to_o be_v elder_n in_o congregation_n but_o such_o as_o be_v in_o some_o competent_a measure_n able_a and_o qualify_v with_o knowledge_n of_o religion_n and_o understanding_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o their_o call_v for_o discharge_v the_o duty_n of_o that_o office_n and_o of_o a_o blameless_a christian_a and_o godly_a conversation_n and_o that_o before_o any_o be_v admit_v to_o be_v a_o elder_a the_o person_n name_n that_o be_v design_v be_v public_o intimate_v to_o the_o congregation_n the_o lord_n day_n before_o that_o if_o any_o have_v any_o thing_n to_o object_n against_o he_o they_o may_v present_v the_o same_o to_o the_o session_n or_o to_o the_o minister_n and_o that_o if_o any_o elder_a be_v find_v negligent_a in_o the_o duty_n of_o his_o charge_n and_o continue_v so_o after_o admonition_n or_o scandalous_a in_o his_o life_n and_o conversation_n or_o to_o be_v a_o neglecter_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n in_o his_o family_n he_o be_v remove_v from_o and_o purge_v out_o of_o the_o session_n 5._o ordain_v that_o session_n and_o presbytery_n be_v careful_a and_o make_v conscience_n by_o all_o mean_n to_o censure_v impartial_o all_o person_n of_o whatsoever_o rank_n or_o condition_n that_o be_v scandalous_a either_o in_o thing_n of_o the_o first_o or_o in_o thing_n of_o the_o second_o table_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n and_o order_n which_o christ_n have_v prescribe_v in_o his_o word_n and_o to_o proceed_v to_o the_o high_a censure_n with_o such_o as_o be_v gross_o and_o obstinate_o scandalous_a or_o be_v ignorant_a and_o contemn_v and_o continued_o neglect_v the_o mean_n of_o knowledge_n as_o public_a and_o private_a catechise_n etc._n etc._n after_o they_o be_v make_v inexcusable_a by_o sufficient_a mean_n use_v to_o reclaim_v and_o gain_v they_o 6._o ordain_v that_o minister_n and_o session_n in_o congregation_n be_v careful_a as_o they_o will_v be_v answerable_a to_o christ_n jesus_n to_o debar_v from_o the_o lord_n table_n all_o such_o person_n as_o be_v find_v not_o to_o walk_v suitable_o to_o the_o gospel_n and_o be_v convince_v and_o admonish_v thereof_o do_v not_o reform_v as_o also_o all_o such_o as_o have_v not_o knowledge_n to_o examine_v themselves_o and_o to_o discern_v the_o lord_n body_n and_o that_o for_o the_o more_o orderly_o perform_v of_o this_o the_o minister_n in_o examination_n of_o the_o people_n have_v some_o of_o the_o elder_n always_o with_o he_o and_o represent_v unto_o the_o session_n such_o as_o be_v find_v gross_o ignorant_a that_o by_o order_n of_o the_o session_n they_o may_v be_v debar_v 7._o that_o presbytery_n and_o session_n make_v conscience_n that_o such_o person_n as_o be_v find_v scandalous_a and_o be_v under_o censure_n for_o that_o cause_n be_v not_o receive_v nor_o absolve_v from_o their_o censure_n unless_o they_o give_v such_o satisfaction_n and_o evidence_n of_o their_o repentance_n as_o be_v express_v in_o the_o act_n of_o the_o assembly_n concern_v the_o
and_o constitution_n of_o this_o kirk_n with_o the_o high_a censure_n thereof_o and_o that_o by_o the_o act_n of_o the_o solemn_a general_n assembly_n of_o glasgow_n 20._o decemb._n 1638._o sess_n 26._o presbytery_n and_o provincial_n be_v ordain_v to_o cite_v and_o censure_v all_o such_o as_o will_v not_o acknowledge_v the_o say_a assembly_n and_o the_o assembly_n be_v very_o sensible_a of_o the_o prejudice_n this_o kirk_n may_v suffer_v in_o her_o liberty_n and_o privilege_n by_o the_o beginning_n of_o such_o practice_n if_o they_o be_v not_o timeous_o prevent_v and_o restrain_v therefore_o according_a to_o the_o practice_n and_o example_n of_o the_o say_a assembly_n they_o ordain_v presbytery_n and_o provincial_n assembly_n to_o call_v before_o they_o all_o person_n that_o do_v not_o acknowledge_v this_o present_a assembly_n and_o to_o censure_v they_o according_a to_o the_o degree_n of_o their_o contempt_n and_o obstinacy_n to_o the_o act_n of_o this_o kirk_n and_o the_o assembly_n have_v also_o consider_v that_o by_o the_o aforementioned_a act_n of_o the_o assembly_n of_o glasgow_n and_o another_o act_n of_o the_o say_a assembly_n decemb._n 18._o sess_n 24._o presbytery_n be_v ordain_v to_o proceed_v against_o these_o that_o do_v not_o acquiesce_v to_o the_o act_n of_o the_o say_a assembly_n and_o that_o refuse_v themselves_o or_o draw_v other_o from_o the_o obedience_n of_o the_o act_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n in_o manner_n mention_v in_o the_o say_v act._n therefore_o do_v ratify_v and_o approve_v the_o say_v act_n and_o declare_v that_o they_o be_v to_o be_v extend_v against_o minister_n censure_v by_o this_o assembly_n and_o all_o those_o that_o oppose_v the_o public_a resolution_n thereof_o ordain_v also_o presbytery_n and_o provincial_a assembly_n to_o call_v before_o they_o all_o person_n that_o shall_v not_o acquiesce_v to_o the_o act_n and_o constitution_n of_o this_o present_a assembly_n and_o to_o deal_v with_o they_o by_o conference_n for_o their_o satisfaction_n and_o if_o in_o their_o conference_n with_o they_o they_o shall_v still_o oppose_v the_o act_n and_o conclusion_n of_o this_o assembly_n that_o they_o censure_v they_o according_a to_o the_o degree_n of_o their_o offence_n and_o obstinacy_n to_o the_o act_n of_o this_o assembly_n and_o where_o presbytery_n be_v negligent_a or_o want_v herein_o the_o assembly_n appoint_v the_o commission_n appoint_v for_o public_a affair_n to_o proceed_v against_o the_o say_a offender_n respective_a and_o to_o censure_v they_o in_o manner_n above_o specify_v give_v unto_o they_o full_a power_n for_o that_o effect_n eodem_fw-la die_v at_o dundee_n sesse_n 19_o antemerid_fw-la act_n against_o expectant_n who_o oppose_v the_o public_a resolution_n the_o general_a assembly_n understand_v the_o scandal_n and_o prejudice_n of_o practice_n and_o carriage_n of_o some_o expectant_n and_o student_n attender_n of_o family_n for_o performance_n of_o religious_a duty_n by_o their_o private_a or_o public_a oppose_a public_a resolution_n for_o remove_v whereof_o they_o do_v extend_v the_o act_n of_o the_o assembly_n 1640._o sess_n 10._o against_o expectant_n refuse_v to_o subscribe_v the_o covenant_n and_o the_o censure_n therein_o specify_v against_o all_o expectant_n student_n in_o divinity_n and_o attender_n upon_o family_n for_o religious_a duty_n that_o shall_v not_o acknowledge_v the_o general_a assembly_n of_o this_o kirk_n and_o this_o present_a general_n assembly_n and_o that_o shall_v not_o acquiesce_v to_o the_o act_n and_o constitution_n thereof_o and_o do_v ordain_v they_o to_o be_v remove_v from_o bursary_n and_o to_o be_v discharge_v from_o public_a preach_n and_o catechise_n in_o congregation_n and_o family_n and_o from_o all_o other_o privilege_n and_o liberty_n allow_v to_o expectant_n appoint_v presbytery_n and_o provincial_n to_o proceed_v against_o they_o according_o edinburgh_n 3_o aug._n 1652._o antemer_n sess_n 19_o act_n concern_v admit_v expectant_n to_o their_o trial_n and_o rule_v elder_n to_o act_v in_o presbytery_n and_o synod_n the_o general_a assembly_n have_v out_o of_o their_o earnest_a desire_n of_o the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o this_o kirk_n condescend_v upon_o a_o overture_n of_o peace_n and_o not_o only_o propound_v it_o to_o some_o brethren_n who_o be_v here_o opposite_a to_o the_o public_a judicatories_n of_o this_o kirk_n but_o also_o in_o pursuance_n of_o that_o end_n ordain_v the_o say_a overture_n to_o be_v present_v and_o offer_v by_o the_o several_a presbytery_n or_o synod_n to_o all_o in_o their_o respective_a bound_n who_o have_v protest_v against_o and_o decline_v or_o consent_v or_o adhere_v unto_o the_o protestation_n and_o declinatour_n make_v against_o this_o and_o the_o precede_a general_n assembly_n and_o the_o condition_n therein_o contain_v to_o be_v require_v of_o they_o and_o consider_v the_o great_a prejudice_n like_a to_o arise_v to_o this_o kirk_n by_o increase_a of_o our_o unhappy_a difference_n and_o distraction_n if_o young_a man_n shall_v be_v admit_v into_o the_o ministry_n which_o shall_v still_o blow_v the_o sire_n of_o contention_n and_o continue_v in_o avow_a opposition_n to_o and_o contempt_n of_o the_o public_a judicatories_n therefore_o ordain_v presbytery_n to_o take_v special_a care_n that_o upon_o the_o call_n of_o any_o expectant_a to_o a_o particular_a charge_n of_o the_o ministry_n before_o they_o admit_v he_o to_o his_o trial_n they_o require_v he_o under_o his_o hand_n to_o pass_v from_o the_o protestation_n and_o declinatour_n against_o this_o and_o the_o precede_a general_n assembly_n if_o he_o have_v be_v accessary_a to_o the_o same_o and_o to_o promise_v and_o give_v assurance_n that_o he_o shall_v abstain_v from_o hold_v up_o debate_n and_o controversy_n about_o matter_n of_o difference_n in_o this_o kirk_n since_o the_o assembly_n 1650_o in_o preach_v write_v or_o other_o way_n upon_o the_o performance_n whereof_o the_o presbytery_n shall_v proceed_v to_o his_o trial_n if_o not_o in_o that_o case_n the_o presbytery_n shall_v foebear_v to_o proceed_v until_o the_o next_o general_n assembly_n leave_v liberty_n to_o the_o presbytery_n and_o congregation_n for_o plant_v of_o the_o place_n otherwise_o and_o the_o assembly_n ordain_v and_o require_v that_o presbytery_n be_v not_o sudden_a to_o lay_v by_o such_o young_a man_n as_o at_o first_o refuse_v or_o scruple_n to_o perform_v these_o condition_n mention_v but_o that_o pain_n be_v take_v upon_o they_o to_o convince_v they_o of_o the_o reasonableness_n thereof_o and_o to_o persuade_v they_o to_o embrace_v they_o and_o to_o give_v they_o a_o competent_a time_n for_o that_o effect_n likeas_n the_o assembly_n consider_v the_o prejudice_n of_o elder_n come_v to_o presbytery_n for_o strengthen_v a_o faction_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o public_a judicatories_n ordain_v that_o presbytery_n shall_v require_v the_o same_o thing_n fore_o mention_v of_o every_o rule_v elder_a that_o come_v to_o sit_v and_o act_n in_o presbytery_n and_o in_o case_n of_o his_o refusal_n shall_v not_o admit_v he_o to_o act_v as_o a_o elder_a in_o the_o presbytery_n but_o require_v the_o kirk_n session_n from_o which_o he_o be_v send_v to_o make_v choice_n of_o and_o send_v another_o who_o for_o the_o peace_n of_o this_o church_n shall_v agree_v to_o perform_v the_o condition_n require_v these_o three_o act_n i_o have_v put_v together_o because_o they_o be_v much_o of_o the_o fame_n or_o like_a nature_n that_o be_v such_o as_o ordain_v censure_n upon_o these_o who_o do_v not_o acknowledge_v the_o authority_n of_o that_o assembly_n at_o dundee_n or_o who_o shall_v not_o acquiesce_v to_o the_o act_n and_o constitution_n thereof_o or_o who_o shall_v not_o pass_v from_o the_o protestation_n against_o these_o two_o pretend_a assembly_n at_o dundee_n and_o edinburgh_n and_o i_o offer_v unto_o the_o reader_n these_o animadversion_n upon_o they_o 1._o that_o in_o the_o first_o act_n at_o dundee_n the_o act_n of_o the_o assembly_n at_o glasgow_n 20._o decemb_v 1638._o sess_n 26._o be_v not_o faithful_o make_v use_n of_o but_o by_o leave_v out_o of_o some_o word_n be_v stretch_v beyond_o the_o sense_n and_o meaning_n thereof_o the_o word_n of_o that_o act_n decemb._n 20._o 1638_o be_v that_o all_o such_o as_o be_v scandalous_a and_o malicious_a and_o will_v not_o acknowledge_v nor_o acquiesce_v unto_o the_o act_n thereof_o be_v censure_v according_a to_o their_o malice_n and_o contempt_n but_o at_o dundee_n these_o word_n scandalous_a and_o malicious_a be_v leave_v out_o and_o the_o censure_n be_v extend_v to_o all_o person_n that_o do_v not_o acknowledge_v that_o assembly_n how_o blameless_a or_o holy_a soever_o they_o be_v in_o their_o carriage_n or_o how_o tender_a or_o sober_a soever_o they_o be_v in_o not_o acknowledge_v the_o same_o 2._o whereas_o the_o act_n of_o glasgow_n 1638._o decemb._n 18._o sess_n 24._o ordain_v presbytery_n to_o proceed_v with_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o kirk_n to_o excommunication_n against_o those_o minister_n only_o who_o be_v depose_v acquiesce_v not_o
to_o their_o sentence_n but_o exercise_v some_o part_n of_o their_o ministerial_a function_n refuse_v themselves_o and_o withdraw_v other_o from_o the_o obedience_n of_o the_o act_n of_o the_o assembly_n by_o the_o act_n at_o dundee_n all_o person_n whatsoever_o who_o shall_v so_o do_v be_v make_v liable_a to_o excommunication_n that_o the_o sin_n and_o snare_n of_o these_o three_o act_n may_v be_v the_o better_o understand_v i_o desire_v a_o short_a view_n to_o be_v take_v 1._o of_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v thereby_o make_v censurable_a 2._o of_o the_o censure_n themselves_o 3._o of_o the_o person_n who_o fall_v under_o that_o censure_n the_o thing_n that_o be_v make_v censurable_a be_v the_o not_o acknowledge_v of_o that_o assembly_n or_o not_o acquiesce_v to_o the_o act_n and_o constitution_n thereof_o or_o refuse_v to_o pass_v from_o the_o protestation_n against_o the_o two_o late_a assembly_n etc._n etc._n thing_n that_o be_v in_o themselves_o not_o censurable_a but_o commendable_a not_o sin_n but_o duty_n as_o be_v sufficient_o demonstrate_v in_o other_o paper_n and_o treatise_n which_o be_v already_o publish_v because_o that_o assembly_n at_o dundee_n be_v no_o free_a nor_o lawful_a assembly_n the_o censure_n contain_v in_o these_o act_n be_v either_o in_o reference_n to_o place_n and_o trust_n in_o the_o church_n or_o in_o reference_n to_o church-fellowship_n and_o communion_n as_o church-member_n the_o censure_n of_o the_o first_o kind_n be_v either_o for_o keep_v from_o place_n and_o trust_n or_o for_o remove_v from_o the_o same_o the_o first_o be_v relative_a 1_o to_o expectant_n student_n of_o divinity_n attender_n upon_o family_n who_o by_o the_o second_o act_n at_o dundee_n and_o by_o their_o extend_v the_o act_n of_o the_o assembly_n 1640._o sess_n 10._o be_v declare_v uncapable_a of_o a_o pedagogie_n teach_v of_o a_o school_n catechise_n of_o a_o family_n preach_v or_o catechise_n in_o a_o congregation_n or_o of_o a_o bursary_n or_o of_o liberty_n to_o reside_v within_o a_o burgh_n university_n or_o college_n or_o of_o any_o other_o privilege_n and_o liberty_n allow_v to_o expectant_n and_o by_o the_o act_n at_o edinburgh_n it_o be_v provide_v that_o if_o any_o of_o they_o be_v call_v to_o a_o particular_a charge_n of_o the_o ministry_n that_o the_o presbytery_n shall_v not_o admit_v he_o to_o his_o trial_n unless_o he_o do_v under_o his_o hand_n pass_v from_o the_o protestation_n against_o these_o two_o assembly_n at_o dundee_n and_o at_o edinburgh_n and_o promise_n and_o give_v assurance_n never_o any_o more_o to_o open_v his_o mouth_n nor_o put_v pen_n to_o paper_n against_o the_o public_a resolution_n and_o the_o thing_n that_o have_v follow_v thereupon_o which_o they_o express_v by_o abstain_v from_o hold_v up_o debate_n and_o controversy_n about_o matter_n of_o difference_n in_o this_o kirk_n since_o the_o assembly_n 1650._o which_o if_o he_o do_v refuse_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o proceed_n in_o his_o trial_n till_o the_o next_o general_n assembly_n and_o that_o in_o the_o mean_a while_n liberty_n be_v leave_v to_o the_o presbytery_n and_o congregation_n to_o plant_v the_o place_n otherwise_o 2._o to_o rule_v elder_n come_v to_o sit_v and_o act_n in_o presbytery_n who_o by_o the_o act_n at_o edinburgh_n incase_o of_o their_o refusal_n to_o perform_v the_o thing_n former_o mention_v the_o presbytery_n be_v ordain_v not_o to_o admit_v they_o to_o act_v as_o elder_n in_o the_o presbytery_n these_o censure_n that_o concern_v remove_v from_o place_n and_o trust_n be_v determine_v in_o regard_n of_o elder_n in_o presbytery_n and_o expectant_n to_o preach_v or_o catechise_v in_o family_n or_o congregation_n or_o have_v bursary_n for_o both_o these_o if_o they_o do_v not_o condescend_v to_o the_o former_a condition_n must_v unjust_o be_v remove_v and_o discharge_v the_o elder_a from_o sit_v in_o the_o presbytery_n the_o expectant_a from_o his_o preach_n or_o catechise_n or_o bursarie_n concern_v minister_n they_o be_v not_o so_o express_v but_o leave_v it_o to_o presbytery_n to_o proceed_v according_a to_o the_o degree_n of_o the_o offence_n yet_o so_o as_o there_o be_v clear_a ground_n lay_v for_o their_o suspension_n or_o deposition_n yea_o far_o more_o because_o they_o not_o only_o appoint_v censure_n equivalent_a to_o the_o suspension_n or_o deposition_n of_o minister_n upon_o expectant_n and_o elder_n and_o have_v go_v before_o by_o their_o own_o example_n suspend_v some_o minister_n and_o depose_v other_o but_o do_v ordain_v presbytery_n and_o provincial_n assembly_n to_o call_v before_o they_o all_o person_n that_o do_v not_o acknowledge_v that_o assembly_n at_o dundee_n and_o to_o censure_v they_o and_o do_v also_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o first_o act_n declare_v that_o all_o person_n who_o protest_v against_o and_o decline_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n be_v censurable_a by_o the_o act_n and_o constitution_n of_o this_o kirk_n with_o the_o high_a censure_n of_o this_o kirk_n and_o in_o the_o body_n thereof_o do_v declare_v that_o the_o two_o act_n of_o the_o assembly_n at_o glasgow_n 1638._o the_o first_o whereof_o ordain_v presbytery_n to_o proceed_v with_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o kirk_n to_o excommunication_n be_v not_o only_o to_o be_v extend_v against_o minister_n censure_v at_o dundee_n but_o also_o against_o all_o those_o that_o oppose_v the_o public_a resolution_n thereof_o the_o censure_n that_o relate_v to_o church-fellowship_n and_o communion_n be_v design_v in_o the_o first_o act_n which_o strike_v equal_o against_o all_o person_n whatsoever_o who_o be_v church-member_n minister_n elder_n expectant_n and_o professor_n who_o if_o they_o do_v not_o acknowledge_v that_o assembly_n at_o dundee_n be_v appoint_v to_o be_v cite_v and_o censure_v according_a to_o the_o degree_n of_o their_o contempt_n and_o obstinacy_n against_o the_o act_n of_o this_o kirk_n and_o if_o they_o oppose_v the_o resolution_n or_o do_v not_o acquiesce_v to_o the_o act_n and_o constitution_n of_o that_o assembly_n then_o to_o be_v proceed_v against_o and_o censure_v according_a to_o these_o act_n at_o glasgow_n which_o be_v extend_v unto_o they_o now_o the_o not_o acknowledge_v or_o decline_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o assembly_n be_v in_o their_o construction_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o this_o act_n censurable_a with_o the_o high_a censure_n of_o the_o kirk_n according_a to_o the_o act_n and_o constitution_n of_o this_o kirk_n and_o the_o oppose_a of_o the_o public_a resolution_n or_o the_o not_o acquiesce_v to_o the_o act_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o assembly_n at_o dundee_n be_v to_o be_v censure_v with_o the_o censure_n contain_v in_o the_o act_n at_o glasgow_n dec._n 18._o sess_n 28._o 1638._o thus_o all_o the_o minister_n elder_n and_o expectant_n in_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n who_o do_v not_o acknowledge_v that_o assembly_n or_o oppose_v the_o resolution_n thereof_o or_o do_v not_o acquiesce_v to_o the_o act_n and_o constitution_n thereof_o be_v to_o be_v lay_v aside_o discharged_z silence_v suspend_v or_o depose_v yea_o all_o the_o minister_n elder_n expectant_n and_o professor_n in_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n who_o do_v not_o acknowledge_v that_o assembly_n or_o who_o do_v oppose_v the_o resolution_n thereof_o or_o who_o do_v not_o acquiesce_v to_o the_o act_n and_o constitution_n thereof_o be_v make_v liable_a to_o excommunication_n if_o after_o conference_n they_o do_v not_o receive_v satisfaction_n from_o what_o be_v already_o say_v it_o do_v appear_v who_o be_v the_o person_n as_o to_o the_o matter_n of_o their_o suppose_a offence_n be_v to_o be_v censure_v i_o shall_v only_o add_v that_o as_o to_o their_o real_a qualification_n and_o carriage_n that_o they_o be_v not_o such_o who_o have_v be_v enemy_n or_o dis-affected_n to_o the_o work_n of_o reformation_n or_o scandalous_a or_o loose_a in_o their_o conversation_n but_o such_o as_o have_v be_v zealous_a thereof_o and_o faithful_a therein_o from_o the_o beginning_n and_o blameless_a in_o their_o conversation_n and_o can_v acknowledge_v that_o assembly_n nor_o acquiesce_v to_o the_o act_n and_o constitution_n thereof_o for_o conscience_n sake_n have_v a_o well-warranted_a persuasion_n in_o themselves_o that_o they_o do_v herein_o walk_v according_a to_o former_a sound_a principle_n to_o depart_v from_o which_o be_v but_o to_o involve_v themselves_o in_o the_o common_a defection_n with_o other_o and_o as_o these_o person_n be_v so_o qualify_v in_o their_o carriage_n to_o the_o public_a work_n and_o in_o their_o conversation_n so_o for_o their_o number_n they_o make_v up_o a_o very_a great_a part_n of_o the_o godly_a in_o the_o land_n whether_o minister_n elder_n expectant_n or_o professor_n a_o act_n and_o overture_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n for_o the_o peace_n and_o union_n of_o the_o kirk_n edinburgh_n 2._o august_n 1652._o postmeridiem_fw-la sess_n 18._o the_o general_n assembly_n be_v deep_o affect_v with_o sense_n of_o the_o many_o and_o
the_o punishment_n of_o our_o iniquity_n and_o humble_v ourselves_o before_o hime_n who_o know_v but_o that_o he_o may_v yet_o have_v compassion_n upon_o we_o and_o pardon_v our_o sin_n and_o heal_v our_o land_n july_n the_o 28._o antemerid_fw-la 1652._o mr._n andrew_n cant_n mr_n samuel_n rutherford_n mr_n james_n guthry_n my_o lord_n waristoun_n mr_n robert_n trail_n mr_n john_n nevay_n mr_n james_n nasmith_n be_v nominate_v to_o meet_v &_o confer_v with_o some_o brethren_n member_n of_o the_o present_a pretend_a assembly_n the_o instruction_n follow_v be_v give_v they_o and_o the_o meeting_n do_v require_v and_o expect_v that_o they_o will_v walk_v according_a thereto_o i._o that_o they_o shall_v declare_v to_o the_o brethren_n with_o who_o they_o be_v to_o meet_v that_o as_o they_o do_v adhere_v to_o the_o protestation_n former_o and_o late_o give_v in_o so_o they_o do_v protest_v that_o they_o do_v not_o meet_v nor_o confer_v with_o they_o nor_o receive_v any_o paper_n from_o they_o as_o be_v in_o the_o capacity_n of_o commissioner_n of_o a_o general_n assembly_n but_o only_o as_o send_v from_o a_o meeting_n of_o minister_n and_o elder_n want_v any_o such_o authority_n ii_o that_o whatever_o be_v offer_v by_o the_o brethren_n with_o who_o they_o do_v confer_v they_o desire_v to_o get_v it_o in_o write_v from_o they_o as_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o meeting_n whereof_o they_o be_v member_n that_o it_o be_v communicate_v to_o we_o answer_n may_v be_v give_v thereunto_o by_o our_o whole_a meeting_n iii_o that_o they_o do_v not_o engage_v in_o conference_n with_o they_o at_o first_o about_o the_o matter_n of_o censure_n it_o be_v neither_o the_o chief_a nor_o only_a ground_n of_o our_o grievance_n and_o because_o with_o we_o thing_n of_o that_o nature_n and_o any_o thing_n of_o personal_a concernment_n aught_o to_o be_v of_o the_o small_a value_n while_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n in_o question_n betwixt_o they_o and_o we_o of_o far_o high_a consequence_n to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o interest_n as_o anent_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n controversy_n with_o the_o land_n and_o the_o way_n of_o remedy_n and_o cure_v of_o the_o former_a and_o late_a defection_n and_o the_o way_n of_o prevent_v the_o like_a in_o time_n come_v the_o establish_n and_o promove_v the_o work_n of_o reformation_n and_o the_o purge_n of_o the_o kirk_n and_o the_o like_a as_o be_v lay_v before_o they_o in_o our_o proposition_n give_v in_o to_o their_o meeting_n and_o that_o they_o do_v intimate_v to_o the_o brethren_n aforesaid_a that_o we_o can_v look_v upon_o a_o offer_n relate_v only_o to_o the_o censure_n upon_o some_o of_o our_o number_n as_o satisfaction_n to_o they_o or_o we_o and_o that_o beside_o what_o we_o have_v say_v for_o other_o reason_n to_o be_v communicate_v in_o dise_z time_n to_o their_o meeting_n and_o that_o therefore_o they_o shall_v offer_v to_o these_o brethren_n and_o desire_v of_o they_o that_o if_o there_o be_v any_o conference_n at_o all_o the_o subject_a matter_n of_o it_o may_v be_v upon_o the_o whole_a proposition_n in_o the_o order_n as_o they_o stand_v iv_o that_o in_o case_n of_o their_o refuse_v the_o latter_a part_n of_o the_o former_a article_n they_o shall_v require_v and_o demand_v from_o the_o brethren_n of_o the_o other_o meet_v that_o they_o will_v declare_v whether_o we_o may_v expect_v that_o these_o from_o who_o they_o be_v send_v will_v either_o by_o the_o say_a brethren_n or_o any_o other_o way_n give_v answer_n and_o satisfaction_n to_o we_o anent_o the_o proposition_n and_o what_o be_v their_o sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o the_o public_a resolution_n and_o anent_o the_o constitution_n act_n and_o proceed_n of_o the_o meeting_n at_o dundee_n and_o of_o this_o at_o edinburgh_n and_o what_o they_o mind_n to_o do_v in_o reference_n to_o the_o same_o v._o that_o in_o case_n there_o be_v not_o satisfaction_n obtain_v in_o these_o so_o just_a and_o necessary_a thing_n they_o do_v profess_v their_o own_o and_o our_o dissatisfaction_n with_o any_o thing_n that_o have_v be_v offer_v by_o they_o to_o we_o or_o answer_v to_o our_o desire_n first_o or_o last_o and_o that_o they_o protest_v for_o themselves_o and_o we_o that_o as_o we_o have_v seek_v peace_n and_o pursue_v it_o by_o all_o lawful_a and_o possible_a mean_n though_o much_o in_o vain_a on_o their_o part_n so_o we_o be_v henceforth_o free_a from_o the_o guilt_n and_o blame_n of_o the_o sad_a prejudices_fw-la and_o evil_a consequence_n whatsoever_o which_o may_v follow_v upon_o their_o present_a way_n and_o their_o former_a and_o future_a act_n of_o that_o nature_n so_o contrary_a and_o destructive_a to_o edification_n and_o peace_n right_o reverend_n we_o have_v now_o for_o these_o fourteen_o day_n past_a be_v employ_v in_o use_v our_o best_a endeavour_n and_o wait_v for_o overture_n from_o you_o for_o heal_v the_o breach_n and_o remove_v the_o difference_n that_o be_v among_o we_o and_o now_o there_o be_v no_o ground_n of_o hope_n give_v we_o nor_o any_o desire_n make_v unto_o we_o for_o continue_v the_o conference_n whereby_o a_o better_a understanding_n may_v be_v attain_v we_o have_v think_v good_a before_o our_o part_n from_o this_o place_n to_o send_v unto_o you_o this_o enclose_a paper_n together_o with_o the_o instruction_n give_v in_o write_v to_o these_o who_o be_v send_v from_o we_o to_o the_o conference_n the_o copy_n whereof_o be_v offer_v by_o they_o to_o these_o who_o be_v send_v from_o your_o number_n and_o leave_v with_o they_o both_o which_o paper_n we_o desire_v you_o to_o communicate_v to_o those_o of_o your_o meeting_n and_o so_o we_o rest_v your_o very_a love_a brethren_n in_o the_o lord_n edinb_n 29._o july_n 1652._o subscribe_v in_o the_o name_n of_o many_o minister_n elder_n and_o professor_n throughout_o the_o land_n who_o desire_v truth_n and_o peace_n direct_v for_o the_o reverend_a brother_n mr._n david_n dickson_n professor_n of_o divinity_n in_o the_o college_n of_o edinburgh_n proposition_n which_o be_v offer_v to_o the_o meeting_n of_o minister_n and_o other_o appoint_v to_o be_v keep_v at_o edinburgh_n july_n 21._o 1652._o whereas_o we_o and_o many_o of_o thegodly_a in_o the_o land_n have_v be_v real_o scandalize_v and_o stumble_v at_o their_o late_a act_n and_o proceed_n relate_v to_o public_a resolution_n concern_v the_o same_o in_o the_o nature_n and_o intention_n of_o the_o work_n to_o have_v obstruct_v and_o shake_v the_o work_n of_o reformation_n although_o we_o think_v honourable_o of_o diverse_a godly_a and_o learned_a man_n who_o have_v be_v concur_v in_o the_o same_o and_o dare_v not_o judge_v their_o intention_n to_o be_v such_o as_o we_o think_v their_o work_n have_v be_v and_o do_v allow_v charity_n to_o other_o therefore_o for_o satisfaction_n of_o our_o conscience_n and_o for_o secure_v the_o work_n of_o reformation_n for_o purge_v the_o church_n and_o for_o promove_v the_o power_n of_o godliness_n and_o for_o remove_v of_o these_o sad_a difference_n and_o for_o attain_v and_o preserve_v a_o good_a understanding_n we_o desire_v that_o they_o give_v evidence_n and_o assurance_n that_o they_o approve_v of_o and_o will_v adhere_v unto_o the_o solemn_a public_a confession_n of_o sin_n and_o engagement_n to_o duty_n and_o all_o the_o act_n of_o the_o uncontroverted_a assembly_n of_o this_o church_n concern_v the_o work_n of_o reformation_n in_o the_o literal_a and_o genuine_a sense_n and_o meaning_n thereof_o and_o that_o in_o dispense_n of_o the_o ordinance_n censure_v of_o scandalous_a person_n receive_v of_o penitent_n try_v admit_v removing_z and_o depose_n of_o church-officer_n they_o will_v walk_v according_a to_o the_o same_o that_o it_o be_v lay_v serious_o to_o heart_n before_o the_o lord_n how_o after_o such_o a_o defection_n and_o so_o sad_a judgement_n for_o it_o the_o lord_z may_v be_v restore_v to_o his_o honour_n the_o land_n to_o his_o favour_n and_o the_o like_a defection_n prevent_v in_o time_n come_v that_o as_o we_o be_v ready_a in_o our_o station_n to_o follow_v all_o religious_a and_o conscionable_a mean_n and_o overture_n for_o secure_v 〈◊〉_d guard_v the_o cause_n and_o work_n of_o god_n against_o error_n 〈…〉_o on_o the_o one_o hand_n so_o they_o will_v hold_v out_o to_o we_o a_o 〈…〉_o the_o same_o against_o danger_n from_o malignancy_n on_o 〈…〉_o we_o will_v know_v what_o shall_v be_v the_o character_n in_o time_n 〈…〉_o which_o malignancy_n may_v be_v know_v and_o judge_v that_o a_o real_a and_o effectual_a course_n be_v take_v according_a to_o the_o establish_a rule_n of_o this_o kirk_n for_o purge_v out_o and_o hold_v out_o all_o such_o church-officer_n as_o have_v not_o the_o position_n and_o qualification_n require_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n &_o act_n of_o this_o kirk_n partiular_o where_o minister_n depose_v by_o lawful_a assembly_n have_v intrude_v themselves_o or_o have_v be_v unwarrantable_o restore_v by_o synod_n and_o presbytery_n to_o their_o charge_n contrary_a to_o the_o form_n and_o order_n prescribe_v in_o the_o act_n of_o assembly_n be_v romove_v and_o condign_a censure_n inflict_v and_o that_o sufficient_a provision_n be_v make_v for_o prevent_v the_o like_a in_o time_n come_v that_o after_o mean_n be_v fall_v upon_o and_o follow_v for_o censure_v of_o all_o scandal_n and_o scandalous_a person_n and_o cast_v out_o of_o these_o who_o shall_v be_v find_v gross_o and_o obstinate_o scandalous_a or_o ignorant_a after_o they_o be_v make_v inexcusable_a by_o sufficient_a mean_n and_o pain_n take_v for_o their_o instruct_n and_o reclaim_v that_o some_o course_n more_o effectual_a than_o any_o have_v be_v fall_v upon_o hitherto_o may_v be_v condescend_v upon_o for_o put_v in_o execution_n the_o act_n of_o this_o kirk_n anent_o debar_v from_o the_o lord_n table_n such_o person_n who_o be_v find_v not_o to_o walk_v suitable_o to_o the_o gospel_n and_o have_v not_o knowledge_n to_o examine_v themselves_o and_o to_o discern_v the_o lord_n body_n that_o in_o the_o receive_n of_o penitent_n care_n may_v be_v have_v that_o none_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o public_a profession_n of_o repentance_n or_o reconcile_v to_o the_o church_n but_o these_o who_o be_v find_v to_o give_v such_o evidence_n of_o their_o repentance_n as_o be_v express_v in_o the_o act_n of_o the_o assembly_n concern_v the_o receive_n of_o penitent_n that_o a_o effectual_a course_n may_v be_v take_v for_o secure_v of_o the_o work_n and_o people_n of_o god_n from_o the_o harm_n and_o evil_a consequence_n which_o have_v already_o and_o may_v further_o ensue_v from_o the_o late_a pretend_a assembly_n at_o s._n andrews_n and_o dundee_n and_o the_o act_n thereof_o finis_fw-la