toleration_n we_o have_v be_v several_a time_n consult_v about_o some_o endeavour_n in_o our_o poor_a capacity_n to_o discharge_v that_o duty_n with_o the_o least_o tumult_n or_o trouble_n to_o the_o country_n that_o be_v possible_a not_o be_v able_a any_o long_o to_o endure_v to_o see_v this_o pure_o reform_v and_o covenant_v land_n pollute_v again_o with_o idolatry_n and_o impunity_n of_o the_o entycer_n thereunto_o and_o thereby_o expose_v to_o the_o ineluctable_a wrath_n of_o the_o most_o high_a without_o some_o witness_n of_o our_o indignation_n at_o the_o same_o and_o thereupon_o have_v appoint_v this_o same_o concurrence_n of_o our_o brethren_n at_o this_o present_a meeting_n this_o same_o day_n to_o conclude_v upon_o some_o course_n to_o effectuate_v it_o yet_o as_o many_o of_o our_o brethren_n in_o several_a corner_n of_o the_o land_n without_o any_o correspondence_n or_o communication_n with_o one_o another_o be_v animate_v and_o encourage_v at_o one_o and_o the_o same_o 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emit_v for_o their_o vindication_n from_o some_o disorder_n false_o impute_v and_o most_o grievous_a to_o we_o we_o do_v therefore_o further_o doclare_v that_o whereas_o report_n have_v come_v to_o we_o that_o some_o have_v rob_v gentleman_n and_o some_o episcopal_a curate_n of_o their_o horse_n and_o arm_n money_n or_o household_n stuff_n as_o for_o horse_n and_o arm_n take_v in_o these_o tumultuary_a confusion_n if_o any_o be_v among_o we_o as_o we_o have_v endeavour_v so_o we_o shall_v endeavour_v restitution_n but_o as_o for_o money_n or_o any_o other_o thing_n rob_v from_o these_o we_o neither_o know_v the_o guilty_a person_n nor_o be_v partaker_n with_o they_o but_o do_v disowne_v disclaim_v and_o detest_v all_o such_o disorderly_a and_o abominable_a practice_n and_o further_o the_o we_o own_o and_o avouch_v it_o as_o our_o duty_n bind_v upon_o we_o from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n solemn_a covenant_n and_o constitution_n of_o this_o church_n to_o endeavour_v by_o all_o approven_v mean_n the_o extirpation_n of_o prelacy_n as_o well_o as_o popery_n and_o therefore_o do_v resolve_v through_o the_o lord_n help_v and_o as_o he_o shall_v give_v we_o call_v and_o capacity_n to_o contribute_v our_o outmost_a assistance_n for_o the_o remove_n and_o dispossess_v the_o prelatical_a curate_n from_o the_o church_n upon_o which_o they_o be_v intrude_v yet_o we_o do_v not_o approve_v nor_o shall_v we_o attempt_v the_o take_n of_o any_o thing_n that_o belong_v to_o they_o moreover_o we_o mean_v not_o now_o nor_o whensoever_o we_o may_v be_v constrain_v or_o call_v to_o rise_v in_o arm_n defensive_a to_o wrong_v or_o encroach_v upon_o the_o privilege_n of_o any_o city_n burgh_n or_o town_n whatsoever_o or_o disturb_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o country_n either_o by_o tumult_n or_o continue_v together_o in_o arm_n unnecessar_o to_o oppress_v either_o one_o or_o other_o but_o as_o now_o we_o intend_v so_o at_o any_o other_o time_n when_o we_o be_v together_o we_o shall_v dismiss_v and_o go_v hame_z and_o live_v in_o quiet_a so_o long_o as_o either_o duty_n or_o safety_n will_v permit_v we_o for_o tho'_o we_o be_v through_o grace_n as_o ready_a as_o ever_o to_o suffer_v persecution_n upon_o the_o same_o head_n of_o truth_n that_o we_o have_v hitherto_o contend_v for_o and_o resolve_v rather_o to_o loss_n our_o dear_a blood_n then_o to_o part_v with_o one_o hoof_n of_o they_o and_o be_v as_o resolute_a as_o ever_o to_o defend_v ourselves_o &_o all_o our_o covenant_v brother_n in_o the_o common_a cause_n &_o testimony_n against_o all_o assault_n of_o our_o malignant_a enemy_n so_o far_o as_o we_o can_v resist_v yet_o if_o they_o will_v forhear_v to_o persist_v in_o their_o persecute_v and_o murder_v we_o for_o the_o time_n we_o intend_v not_o to_o take_v or_o seek_v revenge_n of_o they_o until_o we_o see_v what_o access_n the_o lord_n our_o avenger_n will_v give_v to_o a_o legal_a prosecution_n of_o they_o only_o this_o much_o opposition_n they_o must_v expect_v that_o we_o will_v not_o embodie_o with_o they_o in_o any_o association_n for_o the_o cause_n which_o they_o have_v betray_v &_o destroy_v nor_o with_o any_o other_o know_v &_o avow_a enemy_n of_o truth_n and_o godliness_n religion_n and_o liberty_n but_o since_o the_o lord_n have_v in_o his_o wonderful_a providence_n which_o we_o adore_v raise_v up_o help_v and_o honour_v the_o illustrious_a prince_n of_o orange_n to_o be_v a_o instrument_n in_o his_o hand_n of_o break_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n the_o unsupportable_a yoke_n of_o that_o absolute_a tyranny_n under_o which_o we_o have_v be_v long_o howl_v as_o we_o pray_v the_o lord_n so_o to_o incline_v his_o heart_n to_o favour_v the_o lord_n righteous_a cause_n and_o that_o he_o may_v pity_v and_o not_o permit_v the_o yet_o remain_v ireacherous_a and_o truculent_a promotter_n abettor_n and_o executioner_n of_o that_o tyranny_n to_o devour_v and_o destroy_v we_o any_o more_o so_o we_o mind_n in_o due_a season_n to_o remonstrate_v to_o his_o highness_n the_o unparalelled_a grievance_n and_o severity_n we_o have_v sustain_v from_o they_o and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n do_v our_o best_a in_o dependence_n on_o the_o lord_n strength_n to_o defend_v ourselves_o against_o their_o insult_v final_o we_o conclude_v declare_v our_o cordial_a and_o constant_a adherence_n to_o the_o good_a old_a way_n and_o cause_n of_o scotland_n covenant_v reformation_n in_o all_o it_o be_v receive_v and_o establish_v doctrine_n worship_n discipline_n and_o government_n according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n confession_n of_o faith_n catechism_n national_a covenant_n &_o solemn_a league_n solemn_a acknowledgement_n of_o sin_n and_o engagement_n to_o duty_n cause_n of_o wrath_n act_n of_o general_a assembly_n both_o the_o ancient_a unrepeal_v act_n and_o those_o from_o 1638._o to_o 1650._o and_o all_o the_o testomony_n protestation_n remonstrance_n and_o declaration_n of_o old_a and_o of_o late_a found_v upon_o and_o consonant_a to_o the_o same_o against_o popery_n prelacy_n erastianism_n sectarianism_n tyranny_n and_o all_o the_o encroachment_n of_o absolute_a power_n over_o law_n and_o liberty_n of_o church_n and_o state_n either_o by_o persecution_n or_o toleration_n this_o in_o short_a be_v the_o state_n of_o our_o testimony_n transmit_v to_o we_o from_o our_o renown_a ancestor_n seal_v by_o the_o martyr_n and_o confessor_n of_o christ_n in_o our_o day_n which_o we_o hope_v the_o lord_n will_v more_o and_o more_o vindicate_v and_o propagate_v to_o posterity_n publish_a at_o douglass_n the_o 4_o the_o of_o january_n 1689._o thereafter_o beginning_n to_o get_v more_o converse_n with_o some_o of_o our_o brethren_n which_o the_o violence_n of_o persecution_n preclude_v all_o access_n to_o before_o and_o this_o converse_n beget_v more_o desire_n of_o unity_n and_o amity_n with_o they_o we_o entertain_v the_o first_o motion_n from_o some_o of_o the_o reverend_a minister_n of_o glasgow_n to_o confer_v with_o they_o about_o point_n of_o difference_n and_o method_n of_o compose_v they_o the_o conference_n at_o that_o time_n produce_v only_o some_o jangle_n and_o at_o length_n some_o overture_n tender_v on_o both_o side_n wherein_o we_o can_v not_o agree_v these_o reverend_a brethren_n propose_v after_o some_o premit_v consideration_n press_v the_o necessity_n of_o union_n that_o a_o act_n of_o oblivion_n be_v agree_v upon_o for_o all_o failling_n about_o point_n or_o practice_n controvert_v among_o presbyterian_o since_o the_o year_n 1650_o to_o this_o day_n and_o that_o the_o basis_n of_o our_o union_n be_v the_o holy_a scripture_n sense_v and_o apply_v for_o the_o resolution_n of_o all_o controvert_v practice_n among_o we_o according_a to_o the_o laudable_a constitution_n custom_n practice_n act_n of_o our_o national_a assembly_n book_n of_o discipline_n gonfession_n of_o faith_n covenant_n etc._n etc._n that_o caution_n be_v observe_v from_o all_o reflection_n etc._n etc._n that_o after_o sight_v and_o approve_v their_o ordination_n and_o licenses_fw-la
our_o sentiment_n be_v shallow_a and_o changeable_a as_o other_o man_n have_v the_o imperfection_n of_o mutability_n as_o well_o as_o fallibility_n common_a to_o all_o in_o this_o side_n of_o time_n nevertheless_o it_o be_v not_o any_o change_n of_o sentiment_n but_o only_o change_v of_o providential_a circumstance_n that_o make_v we_o now_o submit_v and_o not_o before_o for_o as_o we_o adhere_v to_o our_o testimony_n exhibit_v to_o the_o venerable_a assembly_n and_o to_o the_o substance_n of_o all_o our_o former_a testimovy_n so_o we_o know_v no_o truth_n or_o duty_n that_o ever_o we_o assert_v or_o contend_v for_o but_o what_o we_o think_v we_o can_v seal_v with_o our_o blood_n if_o we_o be_v call_v to_o it_o and_o we_o know_v no_o corruption_n defection_n or_o sin_n that_o ever_o we_o witness_v against_o or_o withdraw_v from_o but_o what_o we_o will_v yet_o contend_v against_o and_o withdraw_v from_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n if_o we_o be_v in_o the_o same_o circumstance_n and_o 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reconciliation_n peace_n union_n and_o communion_n among_o the_o people_n of_o god_n even_o when_o there_o be_v several_a dissension_n faint_n failling_n offence_n corruption_n and_o defection_n among_o they_o in_o several_a circumstance_n nowayes_o involve_v the_o joiner_n in_o sin_n but_o so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o present_a circumstance_n we_o may_v have_v such_o union_n and_o communion_n without_o partake_v of_o their_o guilt_n with_o who_o we_o join_v for_o the_o sin_n and_o scandal_n that_o scar_v we_o from_o this_o benefit_n in_o time_n of_o defection_n and_o division_n be_v so_o far_o happy_o remove_v and_o antiquate_a that_o they_o be_v neither_o establish_v in_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n nor_o ratify_v and_o approven_v in_o act_n of_o assembly_n nor_o persist_v in_o by_o present_a administration_n nor_o any_o way_n affect_v ministerial_a exercise_n nor_o do_v they_o continue_v to_o be_v our_o snare_n and_o stumbling-block_n either_o to_o involve_v we_o in_o the_o guilt_n of_o they_o or_o to_o keep_v we_o still_o jangle_v about_o they_o and_o consequent_o must_v cease_v to_o be_v ground_n of_o separation_n there_o be_v now_o no_o part_n of_o the_o presbyterian_a ministry_n that_o in_o ministerial_a exercise_n be_v hamper_v with_o or_o have_v any_o dependence_n on_o exotic_a erastian_n usurpation_n none_o of_o their_o meeting_n do_v now_o hold_v their_o freedom_n from_o nor_o be_v modify_v by_o the_o supremacy_n or_o any_o encroach_a power_n and_o therefore_o in_o our_o present_a communion_n we_o keep_v ourselves_o free_a of_o all_o participation_n with_o these_o corruption_n now_o remove_v and_o our_o join_v can_v not_o so_o much_o as_o be_v interpret_v a_o submit_v to_o or_o comply_v with_o any_o defection_n direct_o or_o indirect_o it_o be_v true_a the_o guilt_n of_o these_o defection_n remain_v as_o long_o as_o they_o be_v not_o acknowledge_v but_o the_o establishment_n of_o they_o the_o practice_n of_o they_o the_o present_a offence_n and_o tentation_n of_o they_o do_v not_o remain_v it_o remain_v to_o be_v their_o guilt_n that_o will_v not_o acknowledge_v they_o and_o they_o that_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o guilt_n of_o they_o and_o will_v not_o confess_v so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v convince_v from_o search_v the_o scripture_n and_o their_o own_o conscience_n show_v themselves_o no_o friend_n to_o the_o church_n peace_n but_o if_o because_o they_o will_v not_o hear_v our_o soul_n shall_v weep_v in_o secret_a place_n &_o as_o we_o be_v call_v we_o do_v not_o omit_v a_o witness_n against_o these_o defection_n the_o want_n of_o that_o confession_n through_o want_n of_o conviction_n of_o the_o sinfulness_n of_o these_o course_n offend_v we_o can_v neither_o be_v a_o sin_n to_o we_o nor_o a_o ground_n of_o separation_n be_v only_o a_o difference_n of_o judgement_n which_o we_o always_o disclaim_v to_o be_v a_o ground_n of_o withdraw_a 2_o it_o be_v always_o our_o judgement_n and_o intention_n that_o when_o ever_o presbyterial_a government_n in_o its_o court_n power_n order_n and_o freedom_n be_v establish_v we_o shall_v submit_v to_o it_o nay_o it_o be_v not_o only_o our_o resolution_n but_o our_o engagement_n at_o the_o renew_n of_o the_o covenant_n that_o we_o shall_v not_o separate_a from_o any_o part_n of_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o true_a reform_a covenant_v church_n of_o scotland_n hold_v pure_o and_o entire_o the_o doctoine_n worship_n discipline_n and_o government_n of_o the_o same_o in_o principle_n and_o exercise_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o christ_n and_o stand_v act_n and_o constitution_n of_o this_o churth_n and_o that_o then_o we_o shall_v study_v to_o maintain_v union_n and_o communion_n in_o truth_n and_o duty_n with_o all_o the_o minister_n and_o member_n of_o this_o church_n that_o do_v and_o in_o so_o far_o as_o they_o do_v follow_v the_o institution_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o when_o they_o return_v unto_o and_o fix_v their_o ground_n on_o the_o old_a establish_a 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presbyterial_a be_v now_o restore_v to_o what_o it_o be_v anno_o 1592._o wherefore_o we_o must_v needs_o return_v to_o our_o ancient_a union_n communion_n and_o order_n when_o the_o church_n be_v now_o return_v to_o the_o enjoyment_n and_o establishment_n of_o her_o ancient_a constitution_n when_o the_o prelatic_a erastian_n antichristian_a and_o tyrannical_a usurpation_n on_o the_o church_n right_n and_o the_o defection_n and_o corruption_n flow_v therefrom_o and_o introduce_v thereby_o be_v remove_v and_o the_o church_n intrinsic_a power_n and_o capacity_n to_o remove_v legal_o all_o remain_a offence_n be_v restore_v and_o redintegrate_v we_o can_v not_o but_o submit_v ourselves_o &_o pay_v that_o deference_n to_o ecclesiastic_a judicatories_n fence_v in_o the_o name_n of_o our_o only_a head_n and_o king_n jesus_n christ_n as_o to_o subject_v ourselves_o to_o they_o we_o never_o own_v a_o division_n from_o the_o church_n but_o only_o from_o a_o party_n carry_v on_o defection_n in_o a_o break_a and_o decline_a state_n of_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o when_o the_o church_n be_v not_o now_o in_o that_o state_n but_o recover_v her_o freedom_n from_o these_o breach_n &_o backslide_n we_o can_v not_o now_o maintain_v such_o a_o division_n as_o long_o as_o they_o be_v involve_v in_o and_o promote_a course_n of_o deformation_n we_o stand_v aloof_o but_o now_o when_o they_o be_v promote_a reformation_n in_o assert_v the_o doctrine_n worship_n discipline_n and_o government_n and_o oppose_a popery_n prelacy_n erastianism_n sectarianism_n and_o what_o be_v contrare_fw-la to_o sound_a doctrine_n and_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n we_o can_v not_o but_o join_v with_o they_o it_o be_v true_a several_a corruption_n yet_o remain_v unreformed_a as_o some_o of_o the_o former_a be_v not_o condemn_v but_o as_o all_o those_o corruption_n on_o which_o we_o found_v our_o separation_n because_o of_o the_o hazard_n of_o our_o partake_n of_o the_o guilt_n of_o they_o be_v remove_v so_o we_o can_v not_o suspend_v our_o
those_o minister_n and_o preacher_n who_o have_v former_o act_v independent_o upon_o their_o brethren_n preach_v collegiat_o with_o some_o minister_n settle_v in_o a_o presbytry_n for_o remove_v of_o former_a stumbling_n and_o final_o that_o such_o fail_n be_v lay_v to_o heart_n by_o all_o sort_n of_o minister_n and_o preacher_n as_o they_o be_v convince_v of_o that_o they_o be_v set_v down_o in_o order_n and_o pitch_v on_o as_o cause_n of_o a_o public_a fast_o and_o humiliation_n upon_o some_o week_n day_n through_o all_o the_o meeting_n of_o presbyterian_o within_o this_o kingdom_n and_o that_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o people_n be_v intermix_v among_o these_o cause_n &c_n &c_n this_o be_v the_o sum_n of_o the_o overture_n offer_v by_o these_o reverend_a minister_n only_o in_o their_o own_o name_n but_o they_o promise_v to_o meditate_v with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o minister_n for_o according_a thereunto_o in_o answer_n to_o these_o we_o propose_v these_o overture_n premit_v also_o some_o motive_n together_o with_o the_o qualification_n of_o the_o union_n we_o desire_v that_o the_o basis_n of_o our_o union_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n confession_n of_o faith_n covenant_n book_n of_o discipline_n act_n of_o general_a assembly_n and_o the_o whole_a contexture_n of_o the_o order_n of_o this_o church_n before_o the_o public_a resolution_n in_o the_o pure_a period_n of_o this_o church_n which_o we_o may_v with_o one_o mind_n seek_v to_o have_v redintegrate_v that_o we_o may_v search_v and_o try_v our_o way_n and_o unite_v first_o in_o confess_v sin_n in_o keep_v day_n of_o humiliation_n for_o the_o same_o wherein_o we_o offer_v to_o confess_v our_o offence_n so_o far_o as_o we_o can_v be_v convince_v any_o manner_n of_o way_n that_o church_n judicatories_n shall_v appoint_v and_o desire_v the_o minister_n from_o who_o we_o differ_v to_o confess_v doctrinal_o their_o offence_n that_o have_v be_v most_o stumble_a viz._n hear_v the_o prelatical_a curate_n the_o late_a indulgence_n addressing_z for_z and_o accept_n of_o the_o toleration_n &c_n &c_n and_o concur_v in_o procure_v the_o condemnation_n of_o these_o thing_n in_o ecclesiastic_a assembly_n that_o the_o covenant_n may_v be_v renew_a with_o accommodation_n to_o our_o times-and_a a_o solemn_a acknowledgement_n of_o the_o public_a breach_n and_o engagement_n to_o the_o duty_n thereof_o apply_v to_o the_o present_a day_n that_o to_o prevent_v all_o future_a division_n the_o former_a offence_n may_v never_o hereafter_o be_v comply_v with_o under_o pain_n of_o church_n censure_n nor_o any_o other_o mould_n or_o model_n of_o presbyterian_a government_n than_o what_o be_v establish_v between_o the_o year_n 1638_o and_o 1650._o nor_o any_o state_n contrivance_n or_o constitution_n whatsoever_o be_v admit_v or_o submit_v unto_o which_o may_v infer_v a_o recognizance_n of_o any_o erastian_n usurpation_n that_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n the_o minister_n settle_v in_o paroch_n under_o the_o late_a indulgence_n and_o toleration_n may_v declare_v that_o now_o they_o have_v another_o hold_v than_o either_o of_o these_o and_o that_o they_o now_o officiate_v in_o place_n where_o they_o be_v fix_v according_a to_o the_o old_a presbyterian_a order_n and_o final_o that_o endeavour_n shall_v be_v use_v to_o check_v and_o suppress_v the_o foment_n that_o nourish_v and_o increase_v division_n on_o either_o hand_n as_o heart_n animosity_n alienation_n of_o affection_n passion_n prejudice_n jealousy_n receive_v and_o report_v misinformation_n and_o all_o other_o thing_n of_o that_o nature_n tend_v thereunto_o these_o mutual_a overture_n be_v refer_v to_o far_a consideration_n we_o think_v it_o a_o good_a expedient_a both_o to_o promote_v and_o direct_v a_o desirable_a union_n with_o our_o brethren_n to_o renew_v the_o covenant_n with_o a_o public_a accknowledgment_n both_o of_o their_o and_o our_o breach_n thereof_o and_o engagement_n to_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o covenant_n with_o accommodation_n to_o our_o present_a circumstance_n which_o we_o solemn_o accomplish_v at_o lesmabego_n march_v 3._o 1689._o in_o the_o acknowledgement_n we_o confess_v with_o relation_n to_o by-gone_a difference_n art_n 2._o page_n 56._o that_o as_o many_o by_o defection_n both_o in_o compliance_n with_o prelacy_n and_o erastianisme_n have_v break_v the_o church_n beauty_n and_o band_n order_n and_o union_n in_o make_v a_o faction_n repugnant_a to_o her_o establish_a order_n and_o censurable_a by_o her_o stand_a act_n in_o bring_v in_o novation_n in_o the_o government_n and_o make_v a_o rent_n in_o the_o bowel_n of_o the_o church_n by_o cause_v division_n and_o offence_n contrare_fw-la to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o this_o church_n have_v make_v themselves_o guilty_a of_o schism_n so_o other_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n have_v upon_o slender_a and_o unsufficient_a ground_n separate_a both_o from_o minister_n even_o the_o most_o faithful_a and_o zealous_a and_o such_o as_o be_v not_o chargeable_a with_o compliance_n and_o from_o christian_a society_n and_o family_n because_o of_o difference_n in_o judgement_n in_o incident_a debate_n not_o necessary_a nor_o material_a nor_o wherein_o the_o testimony_n of_o christ_n be_v much_o concern_v or_o because_o of_o personal_a offence_n easy_o remove_v not_o observe_v the_o rule_n of_o christ_n for_o remove_v they_o nor_o have_v respect_n to_o his_o great_a command_n of_o charity_n forbearance_n forgive_a one_o another_o or_o condescendency_n and_o between_o divide_a party_n which_o in_o our_o day_n have_v long_o be_v bite_v and_o devour_v one_o another_o there_o have_v be_v too_o much_o both_o of_o sinful_a union_n and_o confederacy_n in_o term_n prejudicial_a to_o truth_n and_o duty_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o of_o sinful_a heat_n animosity_n jealousy_n pride_n passion_n and_o prejudices_fw-la on_o the_o other_o hand_n grieve_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n eat_v up_o the_o power_n and_o much_o hinder_v the_o holy_a practice_n and_o spiritual_a exercise_n of_o religion_n and_o too_o much_o also_o of_o sow_v discord_n among_o brethren_n and_o promot_v our_o contention_n by_o too_o credulous_a and_o sedulous_a take_v up_o &_o spread_a report_n &_o reproach_n one_o of_o another_o and_o in_o our_o renew_a engagement_n to_o covenant_n duty_n with_o relation_n to_o present_a difference_n and_o union_n with_o our_o brethren_n we_o declare_v our_o resolve_a endeavour_n and_o vow_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n to_o labour_n to_o recover_v and_o preserve_v the_o liberty_n and_o purity_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n from_o all_o corruption_n novation_n and_o invention_n of_o man_n popish_a prelatical_a erastian_n or_o any_o other_o and_o if_o we_o can_v not_o get_v those_o corruption_n reform_v or_o remove_v to_o study_v to_o keep_v ourselves_o free_a of_o communion_n and_o participation_n with_o the_o same_o according_a to_o artic._n 1._o §_o 2._o pag._n 68_o and_o to_o refuse_v withstand_v and_o witness_v against_o all_o encroachment_n on_o the_o liberty_n of_o this_o church_n in_o all_o time_n come_v and_o withdraw_v ourselves_o from_o communion_n with_o all_o such_o meeting_n and_o congregation_n that_o hold_v their_o freedom_n from_o &_o be_v modify_v by_o such_o usurpation_n as_o indulgence_n and_o toleration_n according_a to_o artic._n 2._o §_o 3._o ibid._n and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n that_o we_o shall_v guard_v against_o all_o schism_n and_o sinful_a separation_n or_o unjust_a rash_a and_o disorderly_a withdraw_n from_o congregation_n society_n &c_n &c_n or_o any_o part_n of_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o true_a reform_a covenant_v church_n of_o scotland_n hold_v pure_o and_o entire_o the_o doctrine_n worship_n discipline_n and_o government_n of_o the_o same_o in_o principle_n and_o exercise_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o christ_n and_o stand_v act_n and_o constitution_n of_o this_o church_n and_o that_o we_o shall_v neither_o gather_v nor_o set_v up_o form_v separate_v church_n or_o society_n under_o other_o ordinance_n government_n or_o ministry_n distinct_a from_o the_o presbyterian_a church_n of_o scotland_n nor_o withdraw_v from_o minister_n or_o member_n of_o that_o body_n for_o any_o offence_n in_o any_o case_n where_o either_o the_o offence_n may_v be_v legal_o remove_v without_o our_o withdraw_n or_o be_v a_o thing_n to_o be_v condescend_v on_o forbear_v or_o forgive_v but_o shall_v study_v to_o maintain_v union_n &_o communion_n in_o truth_n &_o duty_n with_o all_o the_o minister_n and_o member_n of_o the_o say_a church_n that_o do_v and_o in_o so_o far_o as_o they_o do_v follow_v the_o institution_n of_o christ_n as_o in_o artic._n 2._o §_o 4._o pag._n 69._o and_o in_o artic._n 6._o pag._n 71._o we_o engage_v that_o we_o shall_v likewise_o desire_v design_n and_o endeavour_v to_o get_v the_o defection_n unworthy_a neutrality_n and_o unhappy_a division_n that_o have_v long_a and_o lamentable_o wound_v and_o wreck_v the_o church_n remove_v difference_n settle_v and_o breach_n heal_v in_o such_o a_o way_n and_o upon_o such_o term_n as_o may_v be_v honourable_a and_o
union_n and_o communion_n until_o those_o that_o remain_v shall_v be_v reform_v and_o the_o former_a condemn_v but_o rather_o think_v it_o expedient_a to_o unite_n that_o they_o may_v be_v the_o soonner_fw-fr reform_a as_o it_o be_v more_o probable_a we_o may_v soon_o obtain_v a_o reformation_n of_o the_o present_a and_o a_o condemnation_n of_o past_a corruption_n in_o a_o unite_a way_n then_o in_o a_o divide_a way_n it_o be_v foolish_a to_o expect_v the_o church_n can_v be_v settle_v without_o corruption_n all_o at_o once_o in_o one_o day_n or_o one_o year_n but_o must_v crave_v time_n as_o the_o build_n of_o solomon_n temple_n and_o the_o second_o temple_n after_o the_o babylonish_n captivity_n which_o be_v not_o accomplish_v in_o several_a year_n nor_o can_v it_o be_v plant_v over_o again_o all_o at_o once_o no_o more_o then_o in_o joshuas_n day_n or_o the_o judge_n or_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o reform_a king_n of_o judah_n until_o the_o canaanite_n &_o other_o enemy_n be_v subdue_v nor_o can_v it_o be_v purge_v total_o altogether_o but_o gradual_o lest_o it_o be_v in_o hazard_n of_o a_o superpurgation_n 3._o it_o be_v ever_o our_o judgement_n that_o division_n be_v a_o great_a misery_n and_o when_o unnecessary_a and_o unseasonable_a a_o great_a sin_n and_o even_o when_o we_o can_v not_o avoid_v it_o we_o be_v weary_a of_o it_o and_o long_v and_o pray_v for_o a_o time_n of_o heal_a and_o a_o opportunity_n of_o bring_v it_o to_o a_o close_a but_o if_o ever_o there_o be_v a_o time_n when_o division_n be_v a_o misery_n and_o a_o sin_n because_o unnecessary_a and_o unseasonable_a now_o it_o be_v and_o if_o ever_o there_o be_v a_o opportunity_n of_o heal_a now_o there_o be_v when_o the_o cause_n and_o occasion_n of_o our_o division_n be_v remove_v and_o antiquate_v when_o the_o object_n of_o they_o be_v so_o far_o alter_v that_o the_o providence_n of_o this_o day_n call_v and_o encourage_v all_o divide_a party_n among_o presbyterian_o to_o contend_v together_o for_o the_o common_a reformation_n against_o the_o common_a adversary_n when_o the_o sad_a effect_n of_o they_o have_v make_v all_o the_o godly_a weary_a of_o they_o and_o the_o future_a effect_n of_o their_o continuance_n at_o this_o time_n more_o to_o be_v fear_v then_o ever_o when_o the_o wicked_a contrivance_n of_o enemy_n to_o divide_v and_o destroy_v the_o church_n and_o hinder_v its_o reformation_n be_v so_o many_o and_o mighty_a when_o error_n and_o ignorance_n make_v the_o people_n a_o prey_n be_v so_o abound_v when_o also_o the_o proper_a remedy_n of_o they_o be_v now_o in_o our_o offer_n have_v a_o nail_n grant_v to_o we_o in_o the_o holy_a place_n to_o set_v up_o the_o house_n of_o our_o god_n and_o to_o repair_v the_o desolation_n thereof_o by_o access_n to_o assembly_n and_o when_o thing_n be_v now_o come_v so_o such_o a_o chock_n and_o crisis_n that_o if_o there_o be_v not_o present_a application_n of_o the_o remedy_n and_o some_o endeavour_n use_v for_o union_n now_o in_o the_o tide_n of_o it_o the_o breach_n in_o all_o probability_n will_v grow_v wide_a and_o more_o incurable_a when_o we_o consider_v both_o the_o mercy_n of_o the_o time_n the_o matter_n of_o praise_n bring_v forth_o so_o many_o considerable_a advantage_n to_o the_o cause_n and_o our_o selus_fw-la we_o can_v not_o but_o think_v ourselves_o call_v to_o another_o work_n than_o break_v what_o god_n be_v heal_v and_o retard_v the_o work_n by_o our_o division_n and_o when_o we_o consider_v the_o misery_n of_o the_o time_n and_o matter_n of_o mourn_a the_o past_a and_o present_a cause_n and_o effect_n of_o the_o lord_n anger_n burn_v up_o &_o like_v to_o consume_v this_o church_n and_o kingdom_n we_o can_v not_o but_o see_v other_o work_n shape_v out_o to_o we_o than_o this_o bite_a and_o devour_v one_o another_o when_o the_o lord_n in_o his_o holy_a judgement_n &_o the_o antichristian_a party_n in_o their_o wicked_a design_n be_v threaten_v to_o devout_a we_o all_o 4._o we_o be_v always_o of_o the_o opinion_n that_o holy_a union_n be_v a_o necessary_a duty_n and_o comfortable_a blessing_n be_v so_o frequent_o command_v commend_v promise_v and_o pray_v for_o as_o a_o blessing_n and_o the_o want_n of_o it_o threaten_v and_o lament_v as_o a_o misery_n in_o scripture_n and_o as_o we_o always_o pray_v for_o it_o and_o long_v for_o it_o and_o bemoan_v the_o miss_n of_o it_o so_o we_o always_o desire_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v and_o wait_v until_o we_o obtain_v access_n to_o get_v it_o qualify_v as_o the_o scripture_n require_v it_o that_o it_o may_v be_v both_o happy_a &_o holy_a and_o as_o aaron_n precious_a ointment_n that_o run_v down_o to_o the_o skirt_n of_o his_o garment_n compose_v according_a to_o divine_a art_n make_v up_o not_o of_o carnal_a and_o corrupt_a politic_n in_o a_o sinful_a confederacy_n or_o conspiracy_n for_o defection_n but_o compose_v of_o gospel_n simple_n by_o the_o wisdom_n which_o be_v from_o above_o first_o pure_a then_o peaceable_a that_o it_o may_v be_v in_o the_o lord_n and_o for_o the_o lord_n in_o truth_n and_o holiness_n have_v pure_a love_n for_o its_o motive_n bond_n and_o beauty_n christ_n for_o its_o foundation_n and_o his_o word_n for_o its_o rule_n but_o tho'_o we_o can_v not_o get_v every_o thing_n in_o this_o present_a union_n that_o may_v make_v it_o comfortable_a and_o acceptable_a to_o all_o nor_o every_o thing_n remove_v that_o be_v gravaminous_a and_o impair_v its_o comfort_n yet_o we_o know_v nothing_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o which_o be_v offensive_a upon_o the_o account_n of_o its_o sinfulness_n for_o it_o will_v abide_v the_o trial_n of_o these_o repuired_a qualification_n it_o be_v not_o a_o union_n of_o confederacy_n in_o compliance_n with_o wicked_a usurpation_n but_o in_o subjection_n to_o the_o church_n intrinsic_a power_n and_o in_o the_o use_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o the_o church_n liberty_n it_o be_v not_o a_o union_n of_o conspiracy_n in_o deformation_n but_o in_o endeavour_n to_o promote_v reformation_n it_o be_v not_o a_o union_n in_o or_o with_o or_o under_o prelacy_n supremacy_n or_o tyranny_n indulgence_n or_o toleration_n etc._n etc._n but_o in_o and_z with_o and_o under_o presbyterial_a government_n which_o be_v a_o holy_a ordinance_n of_o christ_n it_o be_v not_o a_o union_n that_o obstruct_v any_o duty_n forego_v any_o truth_n or_o involve_v we_o in_o any_o sin_n it_o be_v not_o a_o union_n with_o sin_n tho'_o it_o be_v of_o sinner_n with_o sinner_n now_o mutual_o return_v to_o their_o common_a duty_n all_o the_o common_a rule_n of_o approven_v union_n agree_v in_o this_o there_o be_v no_o ground_n of_o division_n stand_v which_o can_v warrant_v a_o breach_n if_o there_o have_v be_v none_o before_o and_o therefore_o there_o be_v no_o ground_n to_o continue_v it_o in_o the_o present_a circumstance_n there_o be_v nothing_o in_o it_o to_o involve_v we_o in_o the_o guilt_n of_o past_a or_o present_a sin_n of_o the_o time_n there_o be_v nothing_o in_o it_o oblige_v we_o to_o condemn_v duty_n or_o justify_v sin_n or_o restrain_v we_o from_o any_o duty_n we_o be_v call_v to_o we_o be_v neither_o require_v to_o justify_v defection_n nor_o to_o condemn_v our_o testimony_n against_o they_o nor_o to_o subscribe_v to_o any_o sinful_a imposition_n in_o the_o term_n of_o communion_n put_v we_o in_o hazard_n of_o partake_v with_o any_o sin_n on_o the_o contrare_fw-la we_o be_v allow_v to_o exhibit_v our_o remonstrance_n and_o testimony_n against_o all_o the_o past_a or_o present_a corruption_n stumble_v to_o we_o and_o no_o other_o basis_n be_v state_v whereupon_o we_o unite_v but_o the_o word_n of_o god_n confession_n of_o faith_n book_n of_o discipline_n act_n of_o general_a assembly_n national_a and_o solemn_a covenant_n and_o the_o whole_a contexture_n of_o the_o ancient_a order_n of_o this_o church_n 5._o we_o always_o think_v indeed_o a_o testimony_n be_v needful_a against_o all_o the_o defection_n of_o the_o time_n and_o that_o this_o be_v not_o to_o be_v recede_v from_o nor_o bury_v in_o oblivion_n we_o be_v of_o the_o same_o mind_n still_o and_o if_o union_n can_v not_o have_v be_v obtain_v on_o any_o other_o term_n than_o such_o as_o impose_v the_o recede_a from_o or_o condemn_v of_o our_o former_a testimony_n against_o defection_n we_o will_v neither_o have_v seek_v it_o nor_o embrace_v it_o but_o as_o the_o particular_a testimony_n of_o every_o time_n in_o several_a respect_n must_v change_v with_o the_o time_n according_a as_o the_o enemy_n of_o truth_n change_v their_o assault_n &_o weapon_n against_o it_o and_o defection_n from_o it_o perversion_n of_o it_o and_o contradiction_n to_o it_o do_v vary_v and_o as_o it_o can_v never_o be_v bury_v so_o long_o as_o all_o truth_n and_o duty_n be_v witness_v for_o and_o error_n and_o sin_n be_v witness_v against_o by_o we_o in_o our_o respective_a station_n and_o nothing_o be_v condemn_v by_o we_o that_o be_v approve_v before_o nor_o approve_v that_o be_v condemn_v before_o and_o there_o be_v no_o engagement_n to_o forebear_v any_o duty_n so_o have_v be_v allow_v to_o exhibit_v our_o testimony_n to_o a_o assembly_n in_o a_o more_o public_a manner_n than_o ever_o we_o have_v access_n before_o and_o be_v not_o require_v nor_o resolve_v to_o alter_v the_o matter_n of_o our_o testimony_n only_o the_o manner_n of_o it_o by_o separation_n we_o think_v our_o present_a union_n and_o submission_n be_v so_o far_o from_o bury_v our_o testimony_n against_o defection_n that_o it_o tend_v much_o for_o its_o honour_n to_o give_v occasion_n of_o record_v it_o that_o such_o a_o people_n continue_v it_o always_o under_o all_o discouragement_n and_o difficulty_n while_o deffection_n stand_v but_o as_o soon_o as_o ever_o they_o find_v themselves_o in_o any_o capacity_n to_o join_v with_o the_o ministry_n without_o sin_n they_o have_v such_o respect_n to_o the_o ordinance_n and_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n that_o they_o will_v no_o long_o separate_a 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