be_v indeed_o of_o the_o opinion_n that_o difference_n of_o judgement_n in_o these_o thing_n shall_v be_v no_o prejudice_n to_o joint_a act_n in_o public_a judicatories_n than_o it_o concern_v they_o for_o their_o own_o vindication_n and_o for_o reconcile_a their_o practice_n with_o their_o opinion_n to_o tell_v we_o why_o their_o assembly_n at_o s._n andrews_n do_v not_o only_o approve_v of_o the_o act_n of_o commission_n appoint_v those_o who_o oppose_v the_o public_a resolution_n to_o be_v censure_v but_o also_o make_v act_n of_o their_o own_o for_o censure_v of_o such_o and_o why_o the_o assembly_n at_o edinburgh_n do_v ordain_v that_o elder_n and_o expectant_n who_o will_v not_o engage_v themselves_o under_o their_o hand_n to_o abstain_v from_o hold_v up_o this_o difference_n be_v to_o be_v exclude_v from_o sit_v in_o presbytery_n and_o be_v receive_v as_o minister_n sure_o if_o this_o difference_n need_v be_v no_o prejudice_n to_o joint_a act_n in_o public_a judicatories_n the_o maintain_v thereof_o be_v without_o ground_n make_v a_o cause_n of_o censure_n which_o must_v incapacitat_fw-la man_n to_o act_v or_o of_o exclusion_n which_o must_v bar_v they_o from_o joint_a act_n in_o judicatory_n what_o shall_v be_v say_v to_o this_o i_o do_v not_o know_v unless_o it_o be_v allege_v that_o it_o be_v not_o simple_o difference_n of_o judgement_n that_o be_v make_v a_o ground_n of_o censure_n or_o exclusion_n but_o difference_n of_o judgement_n kithe_v in_o oppose_v the_o public_a resolution_n or_o hold_v up_o debate_v and_o controversy_n in_o preach_v or_o write_v about_o these_o thing_n but_o first_o if_o it_o be_v mean_v of_o that_o difference_n of_o judgement_n that_o be_v inward_a only_a it_o be_v to_o small_a purpose_n because_o that_o be_v latent_fw-la and_o not_o know_v to_o i_o can_v be_v make_v a_o ground_n for_o my_o withdraw_a from_o joint_a act_n with_o these_o who_o thus_o differ_v from_o i_o and_o if_o it_o be_v know_v and_o profess_v how_o shall_v there_o be_v any_o know_a difference_n of_o judgement_n without_o some_o opposition_n to_o the_o adverse_a judgement_n especial_o if_o it_o be_v establish_v in_o a_o law_n he_o who_o profess_v and_o declare_v the_o difference_n of_o his_o judgement_n from_o the_o law_n and_o dis-satisfaction_n 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 preshytery_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 centure_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 kirke_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 accestory_n 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 qual_a fie_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
much_o sway_v by_o example_n of_o these_o who_o they_o know_v to_o have_v more_o learning_n and_o piety_n than_o themselves_o and_o if_o a_o judgement_n may_v be_v give_v of_o the_o thought_n of_o the_o heart_n of_o many_o of_o the_o last_o sort_n who_o maintain_v the_o public_a resolution_n from_o their_o speech_n and_o action_n they_o be_v as_o desirous_a to_o be_v rid_v of_o these_o chief_a lead_a man_n from_o among_o they_o as_o the_o protester_n be_v desirous_a to_o receive_v they_o for_o that_o paper_n anent_o the_o conference_n at_o s._n andrew_n which_o he_o say_v be_v public_a enough_o but_o not_o contradict_v by_o any_o it_o be_v the_o first_o time_n for_o aught_o i_o know_v that_o any_o of_o the_o protester_n have_v hear_v of_o it_o and_o until_o it_o be_v in_o more_o hand_n than_o these_o of_o his_o judgement_n it_o may_v meet_v with_o no_o contradiction_n and_o yet_o well_o deserve_v it_o protestation_n reviewed_n as_o for_o any_o of_o their_o endeavour_n they_o be_v inter_fw-la occulta_fw-la de_fw-la quibus_fw-la non_fw-la judicat_fw-la ecclesia_fw-la but_o i_o shall_v desire_v it_o to_o be_v consider_v on_o the_o contrary_a how_o the_o precede_a assembly_n at_o dundee_n appoint_v that_o synod_n and_o presbytery_n shall_v deal_v with_o they_o to_o give_v they_o satisfaction_n ere_o they_o proceed_v to_o censure_v the_o public_a commission_n can_v do_v nothing_o of_o that_o kind_n be_v by_o the_o trouble_n of_o the_o time_n impede_v to_o sit_v yet_o be_v not_o such_o of_o they_o as_o can_v most_o convenient_o correspond_v altogether_o defective_a in_o this_o though_o press_v with_o either_o part_n of_o a_o doleful_a dilemma_n for_o if_o they_o shall_v act_v in_o the_o capacity_n of_o a_o commission_n the_o protester_n will_v not_o have_v confer_v and_o out_o of_o that_o capacity_n their_o act_n beside_o that_o it_o can_v not_o have_v be_v obligatorie_n to_o other_o have_v be_v a_o silent_a quit_n if_o not_o betray_v of_o their_o trust_n but_o providence_n offer_v opportunity_n thus_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o this_o year_n some_o brethren_n from_o several_a part_n of_o the_o country_n be_v sensible_a of_o the_o then_o imminent_a snare_n and_o danger_n resolve_v by_o common_a consent_n to_o come_v to_o edinburgh_n about_o the_o 12_o of_o february_n at_o which_o time_n they_o hear_v there_o be_v to_o be_v a_o great_a meeting_n of_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n where_o they_o resolve_v to_o deal_v with_o they_o that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o common_a warn_v emit_v by_o consent_n of_o all_o the_o judicatories_n of_o the_o kirk_n concern_v thing_n which_o we_o doubt_v not_o be_v agree_v to_o on_o all_o hand_n according_o they_o deal_v with_o such_o of_o they_o as_o be_v in_o town_n by_o the_o mediation_n of_o the_o minister_n of_o edinburgh_n by_o who_o they_o send_v to_o they_o material_n of_o a_o declaration_n desire_v they_o to_o change_v or_o add_v as_o they_o shall_v think_v fit_a for_o the_o purpose_n but_o they_o refuse_v to_o join_v to_o the_o great_a grief_n of_o those_o who_o do_v mediate_v pretend_v they_o will_v first_o have_v a_o conference_n about_o difference_n which_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o to_o disappoint_v the_o matter_n the_o danger_n be_v so_o near_o that_o a_o meeting_n for_o such_o a_o conference_n can_v not_o be_v convene_v and_o the_o danger_n prevent_v protestation_n defend_v it_o have_v be_v already_o show_v that_o before_o their_o act_n at_o dundee_n they_o have_v emit_v warning_n and_o declaration_n against_o such_o as_o concur_v not_o with_o they_o as_o enemy_n to_o religion_n king_n and_o kingdom_n stâ—rred_v up_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n to_o inflict_v punishment_n and_o require_v presbytery_n to_o censure_v opposer_n within_o their_o bound_n and_o that_o act_n which_o he_o mention_v leave_v no_o latitude_n to_o synod_n and_o presbytery_n to_o forbear_v censure_n except_o in_o the_o case_n of_o obedience_n to_o the_o act_n anent_o the_o public_a resolution_n though_o upon_o debate_v the_o major_a part_n of_o a_o presbytery_n shall_v have_v be_v convince_v of_o the_o evil_a of_o that_o course_n yet_o the_o act_n give_v no_o power_n to_o recede_v the_o committee_n of_o estate_n in_o 1648._o do_v profess_v in_o general_a term_n to_o offerall_a possible_a satisfaction_n and_o security_n for_o religion_n to_o which_o the_o general_n assembly_n july_n 25._o answer_v that_o they_o see_v no_o possibility_n of_o secure_v religion_n so_o long_o as_o that_o unlawful_a engagement_n be_v carry_v on_o which_o may_v be_v well_o apply_v to_o the_o present_a case_n that_o dilemma_n of_o he_o be_v but_o a_o weak_a device_n neutro_fw-la cornu_fw-la pungit_fw-la the_o protester_n never_o do_v refuse_v to_o confer_v with_o they_o let_v they_o frame_v as_o many_o capacity_n to_o themselves_o as_o they_o please_v only_o they_o refuse_v to_o acknowledge_v they_o a_o judicatory_a and_o upon_o protestation_n they_o do_v confer_v with_o these_o who_o account_v themselves_o clothe_v with_o the_o power_n of_o their_o late_a assembly_n at_o edinburgh_n and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n their_o act_n out_o of_o that_o capacity_n have_v contribute_v as_o much_o to_o the_o intend_a end_n which_o be_v by_o conference_n to_o hold_v forth_o â—ghtanent_a the_o matter_n in_o controversy_n neither_o be_v there_o any_o need_n of_o authority_n to_o oblige_v other_o who_o entrust_v they_o for_o their_o power_n be_v limit_v and_o they_o be_v not_o warrant_v to_o depart_v from-one_a iota_fw-la of_o the_o public_a resolution_n so_o in_o that_o case_n they_o can_v not_o oblige_v nor_o be_v he_o able_a to_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o it_o have_v be_v a_o betray_n of_o their_o trust_n to_o confer_v with_o these_o who_o refuse_v to_o acknowledge_v their_o authority_n otherwise_o he_o shall_v condemn_v the_o practice_n of_o their_o late_a assembly_n at_o edinburgh_n for_o though_o they_o will_v not_o confer_v until_o they_o have_v constitute_v themselves_o into_o a_o assembly_n yet_o than_o they_o confer_v but_o the_o capacity_n he_o speak_v of_o be_v not_o acknowledge_v but_o protest_v against_o i_o know_v that_o there_o be_v such_o question_n among_o state_n to_o stick_v upon_o the_o nicety_n and_o punctilio_n of_o their_o title_n and_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o their_o power_n but_o these_o be_v too_o stately_a thing_n for_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n it_o be_v more_o suitable_a to_o use_v christian_a condescendence_n then_o to_o be_v puff_v up_o with_o the_o pomp_n of_o pretend_a or_o real_a authority_n and_o therefore_o as_o i_o see_v not_o the_o strength_n of_o this_o dilemma_n so_o i_o see_v no_o reason_n why_o their_o late_a assembly_n at_o edinburgh_n refuse_v to_o read_v a_o letter_n from_o the_o protester_n because_o they_o want_v their_o title_n endorse_v on_o the_o back_n of_o the_o letter_n as_o to_o the_o relation_n he_o make_v in_o this_o paragraphe_n it_o be_v great_o pervert_v if_o his_o ordinary_a discourse_n be_v suitable_a to_o the_o language_n of_o this_o pamphlet_n it_o will_v give_v ground_n enough_o to_o adjudge_v he_o to_o have_v lose_v the_o benefit_n of_o his_o frank_a law_n and_o never_o to_o be_v admit_v to_o be_v a_o witness_n for_o truth_n hereafter_o the_o true_a state_n of_o that_o matter_n be_v this_o the_o protester_n who_o have_v seasonable_o give_v a_o testimony_n before_o in_o a_o letter_n send_v to_o the_o general_n of_o the_o english_a force_n and_o a_o duplicat_fw-la present_v to_o the_o general_n major_a in_o edinburgh_n think_v it_o their_o duty_n to_o meet_v again_o about_o that_o time_n especial_o to_o prevent_v the_o imminent_a danger_n to_o religion_n and_o have_v stay_v about_o fourteen_o day_n together_o and_o do_v what_o become_v they_o in_o their_o station_n and_o also_o advise_v the_o minister_n of_o edinburgh_n to_o give_v a_o free_a testimony_n and_o faithful_a warning_n to_o their_o people_n upon_o the_o lord_n day_n concern_v the_o present_a snare_n and_o danger_n to_o religion_n which_o be_v do_v according_o the_o meet_v dissolve_v some_o brethren_n who_o be_v for_o the_o public_a resolution_n be_v in_o the_o town_n and_o have_v several_a diet_n of_o meeting_n at_o the_o same_o time_n when_o such_o of_o the_o protester_n as_o be_v in_o town_n do_v meet_v upon_o what_o occasion_n they_o do_v meet_v be_v not_o know_v but_o it_o be_v conceive_v to_o be_v for_o strengthen_v one_o another_o hand_n anent_o the_o public_a resolution_n and_o i_o be_o sure_a there_o be_v no_o message_n send_v to_o the_o protester_n at_o their_o meeting_n by_o the_o minister_n of_o edinburgh_n though_o they_o be_v present_a at_o the_o last_o diet_n of_o their_o meeting_n nor_o yet_o by_o any_o other_o only_o upon_o enquiry_n at_o these_o of_o the_o protester_n who_o dwell_v in_o the_o town_n i_o find_v that_o some_o day_n after_o the_o meeting_n be_v end_v some_o of_o the_o minister_n of_o edinburgh_n come_v to_o one_o of_o
trust_v himself_o on_o the_o same_o bed_n or_o roum_n with_o another_o who_o he_o have_v find_v diverse_a time_n endeavour_v to_o cut_v his_o throat_n but_o common_a scandal_n do_v not_o suspend_v the_o duty_n of_o relation_n for_o a_o son_n be_v bind_v to_o do_v duty_n to_o a_o father_n under_o censure_n for_o gross_a scandal_n before_o dumbar_n the_o remonstrator_n do_v join_v in_o arm_n with_o know_a scandalous_a person_n yet_o they_o will_v have_v scruple_v to_o have_v join_v in_o counsel_n and_o arm_n with_o notourly_a treacherous_a rebel_n that_o have_v be_v active_a and_o frequent_a in_o shed_v the_o blood_n of_o the_o lord_n people_n unless_o they_o have_v see_v evidence_n that_o they_o have_v repent_v of_o that_o enimity_n but_o to_o make_v good_a what_o be_v before_o say_v see_v act_n 9.26_o the_o disciple_n at_o jerusalem_n be_v all_o afraid_a to_o join_v with_o paul_n who_o have_v be_v a_o persecutor_n and_o believe_v not_o that_o he_o be_v a_o disciple_n though_o he_o 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suppose_v to_o be_v skill_v in_o these_o thing_n that_o they_o be_v not_o entertain_v and_o hearken_v unto_o the_o truth_n be_v never_o any_o motion_n of_o that_o kind_n make_v by_o any_o of_o these_o who_o they_o call_v of_o suspect_a affection_n from_o the_o day_n that_o our_o army_n come_v together_o until_o the_o day_n that_o it_o be_v rout_v be_v hearken_v unto_o unless_o they_o instance_n the_o in-fall_a at_o mussteburgh_n but_o only_o the_o half_a of_o that_o motion_n be_v follow_v for_o the_o party_n which_o be_v appoint_v by_o the_o unanimous_a resolution_n of_o the_o officer_n to_o make_v good_a their_o retreat_n who_o make_v the_o in-fall_a be_v not_o send_v which_o whether_o it_o be_v faithfulness_n to_o god_n and_o the_o king_n and_o to_o their_o brethren_n much_o of_o who_o blood_n be_v shed_v their_o own_o heart_n who_o do_v it_o can_v best_o judge_v as_o best_o know_v what_o be_v the_o inducement_n that_o move_v they_o not_o to_o make_v the_o resolution_n of_o the_o officer_n concern_v the_o send_n of_o that_o party_n effectual_a other_o motion_n be_v make_v by_o these_o suspect_a man_n also_o as_o to_o have_v fall_v on_o at_o goger_n and_o at_o dumbar_n to_o set_v behind_o the_o enemy_n and_o not_o before_o they_o but_o be_v not_o hearken_v to_o it_o be_v well_o know_v who_o make_v the_o motion_n to_o draw_v the_o army_n down_o the_o hill_n on_o monday_n morning_n and_o carry_v it_o by_o plurality_n of_o voice_n in_o a_o council_n of_o war_n which_o appoint_v it_o to_o be_v put_v present_o in_o execution_n yet_o upon_o a_o new_a conceit_n without_o advice_n of_o the_o officer_n he_o delay_v all_o that_o day_n till_o five_o at_o night_n that_o it_o be_v dark_a and_o then_o he_o bring_v it_o down_o contrary_a to_o the_o advice_n of_o the_o officer_n i_o trust_v
be_v add_v that_o the_o ground_n of_o that_o protestation_n at_o st._n andrews_n be_v frivolous_a and_o false_a and_o such_o as_o make_v the_o authority_n of_o all_o the_o assembly_n of_o this_o kirk_n since_o the_o begin_v reformation_n to_o be_v call_v into_o question_n upon_o the_o same_o or_o the_o like_a pretence_n and_o for_o make_v out_o this_o the_o author_n of_o this_o refutation_n remit_v his_o reader_n to_o a_o piece_n entitle_v a_o vindication_n of_o the_o late_a general_n assembly_n which_o he_o do_v here_o commend_v as_o modest_a solid_a and_o judicious_a and_o afterward_o as_o a_o plâ—ce_n not_o yet_o answer_v nor_o easy_o answerable_a it_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n more_o convince_a and_o commendable_a to_o demonstrate_v the_o ground_n of_o that_o protestation_n to_o be_v false_a and_o frivolous_a then_o to_o call_v they_o so_o and_o do_v no_o more_o that_o vindication_n have_v indeed_o in_o it_o more_o modesty_n and_o solidity_n and_o judgement_n and_o nerve_n than_o this_o refutation_n and_o review_n as_o we_o acknowledge_v a_o difference_n betwixt_o the_o man_n from_o who_o these_o proceed_v so_o also_o betwixt_o their_o writing_n yet_o if_o even_o indifferent_a man_n be_v not_o mistake_v it_o want_v much_o of_o that_o modest_a that_o have_v be_v suitable_a and_o that_o solidity_n and_o judgement_n and_o nerve_n be_v in_o it_o as_o to_o the_o vindicate_a of_o the_o freedom_n and_o authority_n of_o that_o assembly_n and_o show_v the_o frivolousnesse_n and_o falsehood_n of_o the_o ground_n of_o the_o protestation_n against_o the_o same_o may_v appear_v by_o read_v and_o ponder_v of_o the_o review_n of_o that_o vindication_n in_o which_o the_o strength_n and_o truth_n of_o the_o ground_n of_o the_o protestation_n be_v convince_o establish_v and_o cleaâ—ed_v and_o the_o many_o great_a mistake_n of_o the_o author_n of_o that_o vindication_n both_o in_o matter_n of_o judgement_n and_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v discover_v and_o the_o protester_n ease_v of_o the_o burden_n of_o many_o heavy_a thing_n lay_v upon_o they_o i_o may_v say_v more_o for_o that_o review_n but_o it_o need_v not_o my_o commendation_n i_o suppose_v it_o shall_v not_o want_v that_o from_o adversary_n as_o to_o that_o which_o this_o refuter_fw-la say_v of_o the_o devil_n design_n of_o division_n i_o shall_v easy_o grant_v that_o division_n among_o brethren_n be_v a_o evil_a thing_n in_o which_o the_o devil_n have_v indeed_o a_o design_n and_o a_o active_a hand_n but_o that_o subtle_a serpent_n sometime_o gain_v by_o union_n as_o well_o as_o by_o division_n and_o therefore_o be_v satan_n as_o loath_a to_o be_v divide_v against_o satan_n as_o he_o be_v desireâ—us_a to_o divide_v the_o child_n of_o god_n among_o themselves_o and_o when_o he_o get_v a_o multitude_n go_v in_o a_o wrong_a way_n he_o can_v as_o much_o plead_v for_o union_n and_o peace_n and_o against_o division_n as_o any_o as_o it_o have_v be_v the_o grief_n of_o the_o protester_n soul_n to_o see_v their_o brethren_n divide_v from_o their_o former_a good_a and_o sound_a principle_n so_o do_v they_o and_o do_v hold_v themselves_o bind_v to_o adhere_v and_o cleave_v thereto_o though_o never_o so_o many_o shall_v forsake_v they_o therein_o and_o cry_v out_o upon_o they_o because_o they_o will_v not_o follow_v multitude_n to_o do_v evil_a there_o be_v in_o the_o same_o place_n a_o despiteful_a exageration_n of_o the_o give_v in_o and_o publish_v of_o the_o protestation_n against_o the_o last_o assembly_n at_o edinburgh_n as_o a_o act_n of_o satan_n in_o which_o he_o do_v add_v violence_n to_o despite_n etc._n etc._n it_o be_v not_o good_a to_o meet_v reproach_n with_o reproach_n i_o shall_v only_o say_v that_o what_o the_o protester_n do_v therein_o they_o do_v it_o with_o sad_a heart_n and_o not_o till_o a_o necessity_n of_o duty_n do_v constrain_v they_o thereâ—nto_o because_o of_o a_o most_o wilful_a and_o peremptory_a refusal_n of_o any_o conference_n in_o order_n to_o union_n and_o peace_n before_o the_o assume_v of_o the_o power_n of_o a_o assembly_n notwithstanding_o that_o the_o same_o be_v most_o earnest_o desire_v and_o much_o press_v not_o only_o by_o the_o protester_n themselves_o but_o also_o by_o some_o of_o the_o most_o judicious_a godly_a and_o eminent_a man_n of_o that_o meeting_n and_o after_o that_o it_o be_v clear_o hold_v forth_o to_o have_v be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o practice_n of_o former_a assembly_n and_o that_o it_o can_v have_v bring_v no_o apparent_a prejudice_n to_o the_o cause_n of_o these_o who_o be_v most_o zealous_a for_o the_o sit_v of_o the_o assembly_n unless_o it_o be_v to_o have_v put_v they_o to_o the_o charge_n of_o stay_v some_o few_o day_n long_o in_o the_o town_n it_o be_v well_o he_o acknowledge_v that_o it_o be_v do_v by_o man_n who_o be_v eminent_a in_o our_o assembly_n it_o seem_v when_o a_o testimony_n to_o their_o eminency_n in_o assembly_n can_v contribute_v for_o the_o aggravation_n of_o the_o suppose_a offence_n his_o heart_n can_v give_v it_o unto_o they_o but_o when_o the_o deny_v can_v make_v for_o weaken_v their_o cause_n he_o can_v studious_o depress_v they_o and_o study_v so_o far_o to_o undervalue_v they_o as_o that_o man_n shall_v account_v they_o nothing_o as_o he_o do_v in_o the_o 12._o page_n of_o his_o pamphlet_n it_o be_v indeed_o true_a that_o not_o a_o few_o of_o these_o who_o have_v hand_n in_o that_o protestation_n have_v be_v in_o our_o assembly_n and_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o this_o mercy_n among_o other_o they_o do_v hold_v themselves_o the_o more_o bind_v to_o plead_v for_o the_o freedom_n of_o assembly_n and_o to_o bear_v testimony_n against_o the_o corrupt_a one_o at_o st._n andrews_n and_o edinburgh_n that_o it_o be_v do_v in_o the_o city_n of_o our_o solemnity_n and_o in_o the_o face_n of_o the_o assembly_n be_v because_o where_o the_o carcase_n be_v thither_o will_v the_o eagle_n resort_n the_o treâ—passe_n be_v there_o and_o so_o behove_v the_o testimony_n be_v there_o also_o that_o it_o be_v put_v to_o the_o press_n albeit_o i_o see_v not_o the_o fault_n in_o so_o do_v they_o against_o who_o it_o be_v give_v in_o have_v now_o constitute_v themselves_o and_o be_v sit_v open_o and_o avowed_o in_o a_o assembly_n yet_o i_o be_o confident_a there_o be_v no_o resolution_n take_v nor_o order_v give_v by_o the_o meeting_n of_o the_o protester_n for_o so_o do_v but_o private_a copy_n be_v take_v and_o who_o be_v oblige_v to_o hinder_v such_o as_o please_v to_o cause_n print_v it_o when_o some_o of_o the_o number_n hear_v that_o it_o be_v in_o print_v they_o desire_v and_o endeavour_v that_o it_o may_v be_v stop_v till_o they_o shall_v see_v the_o issue_n of_o the_o conference_n that_o then_o be_v betwixt_o some_o few_o of_o both_o side_n the_o copy_n be_v not_o publish_v till_o the_o next_o day_n after_o that_o conference_n be_v break_v off_o and_o business_n as_o to_o that_o time_n render_v in_o all_o appearance_n hopeless_a as_o to_o a_o agreement_n because_o the_o assembly_n have_v not_o pass_v a_o act_n for_o ratify_v the_o proceed_n of_o the_o commissioner_n appoint_v by_o the_o assembly_n at_o dundee_n which_o do_v include_v the_o public_a refolution_n and_o have_v also_o signify_v what_o length_n they_o mean_v to_o go_v in_o order_n to_o the_o difference_n betwixt_o we_o and_o they_o which_o be_v only_o to_o take_v censure_n off_o these_o brethren_n who_o have_v be_v censure_v by_o the_o assembly_n at_o dundee_n because_o of_o their_o protest_v and_o to_o declare_v that_o other_o involve_v therein_o and_o in_o the_o protestation_n against_o the_o assembly_n at_o edinburgh_n shall_v not_o be_v censure_v provide_v that_o they_o will_v judicial_o under_o their_o hand_n pass_v from_o these_o protestation_n and_o engage_v themselver_n to_o forbear_v meddle_v in_o the_o ground_n of_o these_o difference_n by_o preach_v write_v or_o otherwise_o which_o do_v import_v a_o stand_n of_o all_o these_o act_n at_o dundee_n concern_v the_o public_a resolution_n and_o the_o opposer_n of_o the_o same_o and_o a_o pass_v from_o and_o revoke_v of_o all_o the_o testimony_n give_v against_o the_o land_n backslide_v and_o a_o engagement_n to_o forbear_v for_o ever_o hereafter_o to_o say_v that_o kirk_n or_o state_n have_v sin_v in_o these_o resolution_n and_o these_o be_v the_o bowel_n of_o christian_a condescendence_n of_o which_o this_o member_n of_o that_o assembly_n at_o edinburgh_n speak_v the_o sum_n whereof_o be_v a_o pardon_n upon_o repentance_n or_o rather_o a_o hire_n upon_o compliance_n a_o forebearing_a to_o afflict_v and_o persecute_v any_o more_o provide_v that_o we_o will_v abandon_v the_o truth_n and_o call_v good_a evil_n and_o evil_a good_a but_o we_o dare_v not_o be_v accessary_a to_o the_o receive_v such_o wage_n of_o unrighteousness_n let_v we_o rather_o suffer_v then_o sin_n and_o
lie_v under_o or_o be_v put_v under_o censure_n with_o a_o good_a conscience_n then_o be_v free_v from_o they_o with_o a_o evil_a conscience_n i_o have_v now_o answer_v what_o be_v say_v against_o the_o protester_n in_o that_o declatation_n of_o the_o pretend_a assembly_n at_o durdee_n which_o this_o reviewer_n and_o refuter_fw-la mention_v with_o so_o great_a commendation_n and_o applause_n and_o see_v these_o who_o have_v decline_v from_o their_o former_a principle_n have_v make_v it_o their_o work_n to_o endeavour_v to_o discover_v step_n of_o defection_n in_o those_o who_o have_v wnitess_v and_o protest_v against_o the_o defection_n that_o have_v be_v in_o this_o land_n which_o be_v the_o usual_a way_n of_o the_o prelate_n against_o nonconformist_n in_o former_a time_n i_o shall_v for_o make_v a_o clear_a discovery_n go_v near_o to_o the_o springhead_n and_o rise_v of_o our_o difference_n than_o this_o reviewer_n and_o his_o friend_n of_o the_o pretend_a assembly_n have_v do_v who_o will_v shroud_v themselves_o in_o some_o particular_a wind_n and_o turn_n of_o affeir_n by_o which_o they_o will_v amuse_v simple_a understanding_n but_o they_o keep_v a_o great_a distance_n from_o the_o fountain_n and_o begin_n of_o our_o division_n and_o be_v loath_a to_o remember_v where_o we_o be_v once_o and_o wherefore_o we_o part_v therefore_o i_o shall_v short_o set_v forth_o some_o few_o step_n of_o the_o late_a defection_n and_o declining_n from_o our_o former_a principle_n and_o let_v indifferent_a man_n judge_v who_o have_v be_v the_o author_n and_o be_v to_o this_o day_n the_o abetter_n thereof_o since_o the_o time_n that_o the_o lord_n begin_v a_o work_n of_o reformation_n in_o the_o year_n 1637._o there_o have_v be_v a_o constant_a harmony_n among_o the_o lord_n people_n and_o in_o all_o proceed_n declaration_n and_o public_a act_n of_o state_n and_o kirk_n great_a unanimity_n against_o the_o malignant_a party_n and_o their_o interest_n and_o though_o in_o the_o year_n 1648._o the_o state_n decline_v yet_o the_o kirk_n and_o body_n of_o zealous_a professor_n in_o the_o land_n remain_v steadfast_a in_o their_o principle_n and_o after_o the_o defeat_n of_o the_o force_n that_o go_v into_o england_n the_o whole_a land_n do_v for_o their_o further_a confirmation_n in_o the_o lord_n way_n enter_v into_o a_o solemn_a acknowledgement_n of_o sin_n and_o engagement_n to_o duty_n at_o the_o renew_n of_o the_o covenant_n which_o be_v about_o the_o end_n of_o that_o year_n in_o the_o year_n 1649._o there_o be_v great_a concord_n betwixt_o kirk_n and_o state_n both_o adhere_n to_o their_o principle_n and_o the_o lord_n wonderful_o bless_v their_o counsel_n and_o force_n as_o also_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o year_n 1650._o and_o whatever_o secret_a underhand_o deal_n there_o be_v for_o the_o promote_a the_o malignant_a interest_n and_o conjunction_n with_o that_o party_n yet_o it_o be_v little_o know_v to_o the_o far_o great_a part_n in_o judicatories_n of_o state_n and_o kirk_n who_o i_o be_o confident_a go_v on_o in_o the_o simplicity_n of_o their_o heart_n in_o their_o proceed_n studious_o desirous_a to_o avoid_v the_o split_a on_o the_o rock_n of_o malignancy_n aswell_o as_o the_o rock_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n the_o first_o visible_a step_n of_o deeline_v that_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o by_o the_o generality_n of_o zealous_a professor_n in_o the_o land_n be_v that_o transaction_n make_v at_o bredah_n with_o the_o king_n by_o the_o commissioner_n of_o state_n and_o kirk_n express_o contrary_a to_o their_o instruction_n and_o notwithstanding_o both_o state_n and_o kirk_n do_v unanimous_o signify_v their_o great_a dis-satisfaction_n therewith_o and_o declare_v against_o the_o say_a agreement_n in_o maâ—y_v particular_n especial_o in_o reference_n to_o malignant_a interest_n and_o design_n and_o conjunction_n with_o that_o party_n all_o which_o be_v make_v know_v to_o the_o say_a commissioner_n by_o letter_n and_o declaration_n from_o state_n and_o kirk_n which_o be_v deliver_v unto_o they_o before_o the_o king_n come_v from_o holland_n yet_o without_o so_o much_o as_o acquaint_v the_o king_n therewith_o they_o bring_v he_o on_o shipboard_n and_o along_v with_o he_o the_o chief_a of_o the_o scottish_a and_o english_a malignant_n know_a enemy_n to_o the_o cause_n and_o work_n of_o reformation_n i_o do_v not_o charge_v all_o the_o commissioner_n as_o equal_o sharer_n in_o the_o guilt_n of_o that_o sad_a transaction_n for_o which_o the_o land_n suff_v r_v and_o lament_v to_o this_o day_n i_o know_v that_o such_o of_o they_o as_o have_v least_o hand_n therein_o have_v be_v most_o ready_a to_o acknowledge_v their_o offence_n and_o that_o these_o who_o be_v most_o guilty_a do_v stand_v for_o their_o own_o justification_n which_o aggravate_v their_o sin_n both_o before_o god_n and_o man_n as_o to_o that_o which_o be_v do_v afterward_o sad_a experience_n have_v teach_v we_o that_o it_o be_v but_o a_o pitiful_a aftergame_n they_o make_v in_o their_o second_o treaty_n while_o the_o king_n be_v at_o sea_n immediate_o before_o his_o land_n in_o scotland_n and_o it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o remedy_n as_o it_o have_v prove_v a_o inlet_n to_o further_a transgression_n and_o misery_n the_o second_o step_n of_o defection_n be_v that_o these_o commissioner_n when_o they_o be_v come_v home_o be_v desirous_a to_o maintain_v their_o own_o credit_n deal_v not_o faithful_o in_o give_v a_o true_a account_n of_o their_o proceed_n to_o the_o parliament_n and_o general_n assembly_n but_o conceal_v many_o thing_n of_o consequence_n and_o smooth_v and_o varn_v shed_v their_o report_n of_o proceed_n with_o fair_a general_n whereby_o both_o the_o parliament_n and_o general_n assembly_n be_v deceive_v and_o induce_v to_o allow_v and_o ratify_v their_o proceed_n the_o three_o step_n be_v that_o when_o after_o dumbar_n the_o king_n have_v give_v commission_n to_o the_o malignant_a party_n to_o rise_v in_o arm_n and_o upon_o their_o rise_n have_v desert_v the_o counsel_n of_o state_n and_o kirk_n and_o go_v away_o to_o join_v with_o that_o party_n the_o state_n do_v fond_a for_o the_o king_n and_o forthwith_o admit_v he_o to_o have_v the_o chief_a hand_n and_o government_n in_o all_o their_o counsel_n and_o manage_n of_o affair_n from_o which_o upon_o weighty_a considerarion_n he_o have_v be_v still_o debar_v former_o by_o the_o state_n upon_o advice_n with_o the_o kirk_n and_o not_o many_o day_n after_o his_o return_n matter_n be_v so_o convey_v as_o a_o agreement_n be_v make_v with_o these_o wicked_a and_o bloody_a revel_n and_o not_o only_o their_o present_a rebellion_n and_o band_n into_o which_o they_o have_v enter_v among_o themselves_o but_o all_o their_o former_a transgression_n be_v pass_v over_o by_o the_o state_n and_o in_o that_o transaction_n also_o there_o be_v a_o foundation_n lay_v for_o employment_n of_o they_o in_o place_n of_o trust_n it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o commission_n of_o the_o church_n give_v some_o testimony_n against_o these_o proceed_n the_o conscience_n of_o diverse_a of_o that_o meeting_n be_v then_o oftend_v with_o so_o gross_a decline_a but_o afterward_o through_o the_o great_a opposition_n they_o meet_v with_o be_v much_o blunt_v the_o four_o step_n be_v that_o as_o the_o kirk_n and_o state_n begin_v to_o grow_v in_o their_o favour_n and_o respect_n towards_o the_o malignant_a party_n this_o new_a friendship_n beget_v a_o alienation_n of_o their_o heart_n from_o honest_a and_o faithful_a man_n who_o give_v testimony_n against_o these_o corruption_n for_o usual_o conjunction_n with_o god_n enemy_n be_v attend_v with_o persecution_n of_o his_o friend_n and_o therefore_o the_o western_a force_n be_v dissipate_v and_o great_a hope_n conceive_v of_o the_o assistance_n of_o the_o malignant_a party_n both_o state_n and_o kirk_n do_v condemn_v the_o testimony_n give_v by_o the_o gentleman_n officer_n and_o minister_n in_o the_o west_n in_o their_o remonstrance_n to_o the_o committee_n of_o estate_n notwithstane_v that_o in_o a_o meeting_n of_o the_o commission_n of_o the_o kirk_n at_o sterline_n that_o remonstrance_n be_v clear_v and_o vindicate_v and_o all_o objection_n against_o it_o be_v so_o full_o answer_v by_o member_n of_o the_o commission_n as_o the_o chief_a oppofite_n thereof_o have_v no_o more_o to_o say_v against_o it_o but_o be_v silent_a notwithstanding_o also_o that_o some_o of_o the_o gentleman_n give_v in_o a_o supplication_n to_o the_o commission_n wherein_o they_o desire_v that_o before_o any_o censure_n past_v thereupon_o these_o that_o be_v concern_v therein_o may_v be_v allow_v a_o due_a hear_n and_o that_o a_o convenient_a diet_n may_v be_v appoint_v at_o which_o they_o be_v very_o hopeful_a to_o remove_v all_o mistake_n and_o clear_v it_o from_o all_o sinister_a interpretation_n the_o five_o step_n be_v that_o some_o lead_a man_n of_o the_o commission_n do_v conveen_v ex_fw-la raordinary_o a_o small_a
up_o and_o spread_v in_o their_o bald-head_n that_o certain_o shall_v be_v account_v a_o double_a guilt_n as_o for_o those_o which_o he_o say_v be_v free_a from_o new_a out-breaking_n all_o that_o i_o know_v of_o that_o kind_n will_v hardly_o exceed_v that_o which_o we_o can_v only_o call_v a_o perfect_a number_n their_o repentance_n be_v very_o rare_a it_o be_v too_o manifest_a that_o many_o of_o they_o have_v according_a to_o their_o mutable_a principle_n go_v from_o one_o extreme_a to_o another_o for_o his_o boast_n of_o what_o he_o can_v speak_v of_o any_o of_o the_o protester_n they_o fear_v he_o not_o only_o let_v he_o speak_v no_o more_o hereafter_o than_o he_o can_v make_v good_a which_o be_v the_o best_a way_n to_o bring_v himself_o into_o credit_n again_o the_o other_o thing_n which_o he_o deny_v in_o this_o place_n be_v the_o subject_n of_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o word_n in_o the_o mouth_n of_o christ_n ambassador_n to_o the_o immediate_a judicial_a cognizance_n restraint_n and_o censure_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n this_o be_v so_o full_o clear_v in_o the_o review_n of_o the_o vindication_n as_o i_o need_v say_v nothing_o in_o answer_n to_o the_o relation_n here_o make_v only_o i_o observe_v this_o difference_n betwixt_o the_o vindication_n and_o this_o reviewer_n that_o the_o vindication_n deni_v that_o the_o magistrate_n confine_v the_o minister_n of_o sterlin_n be_v star_v up_o thereunto_o by_o the_o commissioner_n of_o the_o assembly_n and_o the_o writer_n of_o this_o paper_n to_o avoid_v the_o inference_n that_o may_v be_v make_v upon_o the_o magistrate_n judge_v they_o in_o prima_fw-la instantia_fw-la say_v that_o the_o magistrate_n do_v conveen_v they_o upon_o a_o representation_n make_v by_o the_o commissioner_n to_o the_o committee_n of_o estate_n but_o he_o know_v that_o the_o commission_n of_o the_o kirk_n have_v pass_v no_o judgement_n against_o these_o minister_n nor_o indeed_o can_v they_o walk_v within_o the_o bound_n of_o their_o commission_n yet_o do_v they_o approve_v the_o proceed_n of_o the_o state_n without_o so_o much_o as_o hear_v the_o defence_n of_o these_o minister_n though_o present_a in_o the_o same_o town_n where_o they_o be_v sit_v protestation_n reviewed_n as_o for_o their_o purge_a humour_n which_o time_n with_o these_o sad_a dispensation_n may_v have_v purge_v out_o of_o they_o but_o belike_o it_o will_v never_o leave_v they_o we_o grant_v indeed_o the_o kirk_n shall_v be_v careful_a to_o purge_v out_o the_o old_a leaven_n all_o our_o question_n be_v anent_o the_o manner_n how_o and_o i_o shall_v desire_v they_o in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n to_o consider_v whether_o their_o practice_n in_o this_o have_v be_v in_o every_o thing_n square_v to_o the_o apostle_n rule_n 1_o tim._n 5.19_o tit._n 3.10_o gal._n 6.1_o jud._n 22.23_o and_o whether_o or_o not_o they_o make_v it_o a_o politic_a screw_n to_o wind_v themselves_o into_o all_o place_n of_o power_n and_o authority_n civil_a and_o ecclesiastical_a and_o a_o mean_a of_o revenge_n exerce_v it_o uncharitable_o and_o unreasonable_o protestation_n defend_v how_o offensive_a must_v this_o need_v be_v both_o in_o the_o ear_n of_o god_n and_o good_a man_n that_o one_o who_o pretend_v to_o be_v a_o patron_n of_o a_o assembly_n of_o the_o kirk_n shall_v so_o public_o and_o scornful_o reproach_v that_o necessary_a and_o covenant_v duty_n which_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o kirk_n and_o their_o commission_n in_o their_o declaration_n warning_n and_o remonstrance_n above_o the_o number_n of_o twenty_o have_v press_v upon_o the_o parliament_n and_o committee_n of_o estate_n from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o our_o covenant_n as_o they_o will_v avoid_v the_o lord_n eternal_a wrath_n on_o themselves_o and_o a_o curse_n upon_o the_o land_n and_o still_o challenge_v they_o as_o negligent_a and_o defective_a in_o all_o which_o the_o man_n of_o most_o deserve_a estimation_n in_o their_o assembly_n have_v a_o very_a great_a hand_n the_o cause_n of_o humiliation_n present_v to_o the_o state_n before_o dumbar_n at_o leith_n and_o the_o cause_n after_o dumbar_n at_o sterlin_n show_v and_o acknowledge_v the_o notpurging_a the_o judicatories_n and_o army_n according_a to_o our_o vow_n and_o profession_n to_o be_v a_o great_a cause_n of_o the_o lord_n wrath_n upon_o the_o land_n afterward_o he_o will_v seem_v not_o altogether_o to_o condemn_v the_o duty_n and_o will_v state_n the_o disterence_n upon_o the_o manner_n and_o by_o the_o word_n he_o speak_v and_o text_n hint_v he_o seem_v to_o desiderat_fw-la justice_n prudence_n charity_n and_o what_o not_o it_o will_v please_v such_o a_o master_n far_o better_a to_o sit_v idle_a then_o to_o work_v but_o such_o to_o who_o heart_n the_o lord_n have_v make_v the_o language_n of_o his_o word_n to_o speak_v though_o they_o do_v readly_a acknowledge_v a_o great_a mixture_n of_o humane_a infirmity_n in_o their_o performance_n of_o all_o duty_n yet_o they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o thought_n of_o repent_v what_o they_o have_v do_v in_o that_o matter_n as_o they_o desire_v to_o mourn_v before_o the_o lord_n that_o the_o work_n of_o purge_v have_v be_v so_o much_o slight_v in_o all_o judicatories_n both_o ecclesiastical_a and_o civil_a sometime_o he_o undervalue_v the_o protester_n as_o a_o company_n of_o young_a man_n of_o small_a account_n and_o at_o other_o time_n he_o hold_v they_o forth_o as_o man_n who_o have_v a_o great_a sway_n in_o judicatories_n of_o kirk_n and_o state_n he_o say_v purge_v be_v make_v a_o politic_a screw_n to_o wind_v into_o power_n and_o authority_n in_o kirk_n and_o state_n to_o which_o i_o answer_v in_o his_o own_o word_n that_o such_o heinous_a accusation_n must_v not_o be_v take_v upon_o trust_n when_o nothing_o be_v say_v to_o make_v they_o appear_v especial_o when_o they_o be_v speak_v by_o a_o person_n who_o take_v more_o pleasure_n to_o reproach_n then_o to_o reason_n i_o be_o sure_a if_o it_o be_v before_o acceptable_a in_o judicatories_n to_o speak_v for_o purge_v it_o be_v now_o more_o acceptable_a to_o speak_v against_o it_o and_o i_o think_v i_o may_v in_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n desire_v good_a man_n who_o be_v very_o industrious_a and_o zealous_a for_o purge_v the_o house_n of_o god_n the_o judicatories_n and_o army_n and_o now_o be_v engage_v in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o public_a resolution_n to_o consider_v the_o boldness_n of_o this_o man_n who_o they_o do_v well_o enough_o know_v and_o either_o to_o take_v with_o the_o thing_n he_o charge_v upon_o their_o former_a act_n and_o to_o let_v the_o world_n know_v that_o then_o they_o be_v wrong_v but_o now_o be_v right_a together_o with_o the_o reason_n of_o their_o change_n or_o else_o to_o be_v sensible_a of_o their_o lift_n up_o the_o head_n of_o such_o man_n by_o decline_v to_o their_o way_n and_o to_o remember_v whence_o they_o be_v fall_v and_o to_o repent_v protestasion_n reviewed_n as_o for_o any_o power_n in_o any_o to_o carry_v public_a determination_n to_o any_o wrong_a end_n we_o can_v and_o do_v bless_v god_n the_o contrary_a be_v know_v to_o be_v true_a and_o all_o the_o assembly_n determination_n speak_v the_o same_o language_n to_o the_o whole_a world_n yea_o i_o hope_v to_o their_o conscience_n also_o when_o the_o heat_n of_o their_o passion_n be_v a_o little_a allay_v protestation_n defend_v the_o act_n make_v in_o their_o assembly_n at_o dundee_n and_o at_o edinburgh_n against_o faithful_a minister_n elder_n and_o expectant_n from_o which_o some_o of_o best_a esteem_n dissent_v do_v evidence_n that_o public_a determination_n be_v carry_v to_o wrong_a end_n which_o make_v a_o worthy_a brother_n a_o member_n of_o the_o late_a assembly_n at_o edinburgh_n grave_o to_o tell_v they_o when_o these_o act_n and_o overture_n pass_v that_o the_o word_n of_o the_o prophet_n micah_n against_o the_o prophet_n in_o his_o day_n may_v be_v apply_v to_o they_o chap._n 3._o ver_fw-la 5._o they_o bite_v with_o their_o tooth_n and_o cry_v peace_n he_o say_v that_o the_o assembly_n determination_n speak_v the_o same_o language_n their_o late_a assembly_n at_o edinburgh_n speak_v the_o same_o language_n with_o that_o of_o dundee_n but_o neither_o of_o they_o speak_v the_o language_n of_o former_a assembly_n since_o our_o reformation_n as_o the_o paper_n send_v to_o they_o from_o the_o keeper_n of_o the_o register_n of_o the_o assembly_n which_o they_o refuse_v to_o read_v do_v full_o show_v their_o language_n be_v the_o same_o with_o that_o of_o the_o parliament_n and_o committee_n of_o estate_n 1648._o plead_v for_o the_o unlawful_a engagement_n it_o do_v also_o well_o agree_v with_o the_o king_n declaration_n and_o the_o oxfordian_a doctor_n argument_n from_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o practice_n of_o nation_n for_o employ_v papist_n to_o defend_v his_o person_n and_o the_o protestant_a religion_n as_o their_o argument_n be_v for_o
general_a argument_n from_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o self-preservation_n etc._n etc._n which_o show_v that_o he_o have_v nothing_o to_o answer_v in_o particular_a to_o the_o argument_n bring_v against_o they_o many_o act_n and_o declaration_n of_o this_o kirk_n have_v be_v make_v use_n of_o in_o former_a paper_n against_o the_o public_a resolution_n but_o never_o any_o one_o act_n or_o declaration_n can_v be_v produce_v for_o they_o all_o their_o argument_n from_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n have_v be_v answer_v former_o by_o the_o protester_n and_o it_o have_v be_v show_v that_o it_o be_v against_o nature_n light_n to_o associate_v with_o actual_a enemy_n and_o bloody_a rebel_n they_o have_v but_o a_o poor_a plea_n to_o plead_v before_o conscience_n bar_v to_o say_v that_o nature_n teach_v they_o to_o pronounce_v absoluution_n to_o all_o the_o malignant_a party_n and_o to_o declare_v they_o friend_n to_o the_o lord_n his_o work_n and_o people_n without_o evidence_n of_o repentance_n to_o the_o end_n they_o may_v be_v strengthen_v by_o their_o help_n and_o assistance_n for_o defence_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o country_n it_o be_v a_o sad_a matter_n that_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n who_o shall_v magnify_v the_o law_n and_o make_v it_o honourable_a shall_v make_v it_o a_o hand_n maid_n to_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n whereby_o it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v the_o lord_n may_v be_v provoke_v to_o remove_v scripture_n light_n from_o his_o seer_n and_o to_o let_v they_o walk_v in_o the_o light_n of_o their_o own_o fire_n and_o in_o the_o spark_n which_o they_o have_v kindle_v i_o do_v not_o easy_o believe_v that_o he_o who_o delight_v so_o much_o in_o reflection_n and_o aspersion_n against_o these_o who_o he_o dislike_v will_v pass_v any_o bypass_a act_n of_o the_o protester_n as_o he_o say_v if_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n he_o can_v with_o any_o show_n of_o reason_n quarrel_n yet_o he_o conclude_v the_o protestation_n be_v needless_a and_o the_o ground_n of_o it_o frivolous_a and_o he_o will_v fetch_v a_o proof_n hereof_o from_o themselves_o because_o they_o say_v they_o do_v protest_v for_o all_o or_o some_o of_o the_o reason_n follow_v which_o say_v he_o do_v insinuate_v that_o some_o of_o they_o will_v not_o hold_v water_n but_o he_o witting_o omit_v in_o the_o same_o place_n that_o they_o do_v also_o protest_v upon_o the_o ground_n before_o mention_v wherein_o they_o all_o do_v agree_v and_o these_o alone_o have_v be_v sufficient_a to_o infer_v the_o conclusion_n the_o true_a reason_n of_o that_o expression_n for_o all_o or_o some_o of_o the_o reason_n follow_v be_v this_o there_o be_v among_o the_o protester_n against_o the_o late_a corrupt_a assembly_n at_o edinburgh_n diverse_a who_o be_v full_o persuade_v concern_v the_o sinfulness_n of_o the_o public_a resolution_n and_o account_v the_o assembly_n at_o dundee_n corrupt_v for_o the_o matter_n yet_o have_v some_o doubt_n anent_o the_o form_n but_o perceive_v this_o year_n a_o corrupt_a constitution_n continue_v according_a to_o that_o corrupt_a act_n and_o rule_v of_o constitution_n of_o assembly_n make_v at_o dundee_n they_o be_v clear_a that_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n to_o protest_v against_o this_o assembly_n at_o edinburgh_n as_o corrupt_v in_o the_o form_n and_o constitution_n but_o the_o most_o part_n by_o far_o be_v clear_a that_o it_o be_v a_o duty_n to_o protest_v against_o the_o constitution_n of_o that_o assembly_n at_o st._n andrews_n and_o dundee_n yet_o do_v not_o judge_v it_o expedient_a to_o make_v two_o several_a protestation_n because_o of_o this_o difference_n when_o they_o agree_v in_o the_o main_a therefore_o that_o all_o may_v join_v in_o one_o protestation_n that_o manner_n of_o expression_n be_v use_v and_o what_o have_v this_o reviewer_n to_o insult_v in_o against_o the_o protester_n when_o all_o the_o matter_n be_v that_o the_o number_n of_o the_o protester_n against_o the_o late_a assembly_n at_o edinburgh_n be_v increase_v above_o the_o number_n of_o protester_n against_o their_o assembly_n at_o st._n andrews_n protestation_n reviewed_n their_o first_o reason_n be_v that_o this_o meeting_n have_v its_o dependence_n power_n and_o authority_n for_o its_o indiction_n from_o that_o of_o st._n andrews_n and_o dundee_n be_v not_o that_o to_o beg_v the_o question_n and_o beside_o have_v no_o weight_n neither_o in_o respect_n of_o we_o who_o hold_v and_o have_v determine_v it_o a_o free_a lawful_a general_n assembly_n as_o indeed_o it_o be_v and_o do_v appear_v from_o the_o vindication_n thereof_o a_o nervous_a piece_n not_o yet_o answer_v nor_o easy_o answerable_a nor_o in_o respect_n of_o themselves_o and_o their_o principle_n who_o in_o their_o argument_n against_o that_o assembly_n do_v determine_v that_o presbytery_n may_v by_o mutual_a consent_n meet_v in_o a_o free_a lawful_a general_n assembly_n now_o the_o commission_n direct_v to_o this_o do_v presuppose_v and_o import_v the_o mutual_a consent_n of_o presbytery_n protestation_n defend_v it_o be_v not_o a_o beg_a the_o question_n because_o the_o reason_n give_v in_o the_o protestation_n against_o the_o assembly_n at_o st._n andrews_n be_v clear_v and_o confirm_v and_o that_o vindication_n which_o he_o extoll_v as_o a_o nervous_a unanswerable_a piece_n be_v full_o and_o convince_o answer_v and_o refute_v in_o the_o review_n of_o that_o vindication_n and_o the_o nullity_n of_o that_o assembly_n therein_o demonstrate_v and_o however_o the_o writer_n of_o this_o paper_n be_v please_v to_o commend_v the_o vindication_n of_o that_o assembly_n yet_o the_o weak_a ground_n hold_v forth_o therein_o by_o a_o man_n of_o such_o ability_n have_v confirm_v some_o concern_v the_o unlawfulnesse_n of_o that_o assembly_n the_o strength_n of_o the_o first_o reason_n give_v in_o the_o protestation_n lie_v in_o this_o that_o the_o assembly_n which_o meet_v at_o st._n andrews_n and_o adjourn_v to_o dundee_n be_v unfree_a unlawful_a and_o corrupt_a and_o have_v neither_o power_n nor_o authority_n to_o make_v act_n obligatory_a of_o this_o kirk_n much_o â—oâ—â—e_n to_o censure_v any_o member_n thereof_o or_o to_o make_v rule_n for_o election_n of_o commissioner_n to_o ensue_a general_n assembly_n nor_o to_o convern_v they_o according_a to_o these_o rule_n as_o they_o pretend_v in_o their_o act_n and_o the_o act_n of_o their_o commission_n the_o follow_a assembly_n at_o edinburgh_n convene_v by_o that_o pretend_a authority_n can_v be_v in_o no_o better_a capacity_n than_o the_o pretend_a assembly_n which_o do_v so_o conveen_v it_o see_v they_o can_v not_o communicate_v that_o to_o another_o that_o which_o they_o have_v not_o in_o themselves_o and_o albeâ—â—_n he_o think_v that_o this_o suit_v not_o with_o their_o new_a principle_n yet_o it_o suit_v well_o with_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o protester_n and_o sound_a reason_n and_o it_o make_v nothing_o against_o this_o that_o protester_n hold_v that_o presbytery_n may_v by_o a_o intrensecall_a power_n meet_v in_o a_o free_a lawful_a general_n assembly_n without_o such_o prelimitations_a and_o according_a to_o the_o rule_v let-down_a in_o uncontraverted_a assembly_n but_o it_o speak_v against_o they_o who_o reject_v such_o a_o overture_n make_v at_o the_o meeting_n 12._o may_v 1652._o and_o will_v have_v to_o assembly_n but_o such_o a_o one_o as_o do_v depend_v upon_o the_o authority_n and_o act_n of_o the_o assembly_n at_o dundee_n protestation_n reviewed_n their_o second_o reason_n be_v that_o it_o be_v constitute_v after_o the_o same_o manner_n and_o for_o the_o most_o part_n of_o the_o same_o member_n that_o the_o last_o assembly_n be_v to_o wit_n of_o person_n that_o have_v carry_v on_o a_o course_n of_o defection_n and_o in_o respect_n hereof_o be_v incapable_a of_o be_v commissioner_n which_o again_o beg_v the_o question_n and_o beside_o that_o it_o be_v answer_v in_o the_o fore_n cite_v vindication_n include_v this_o falsehood_n that_o they_o be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n the_o same_o member_n constituent_v whereas_o the_o roll_n compare_v will_v clear_v that_o not_o the_o three_o man_n who_o be_v present_v the_o last_o year_n be_v member_n of_o this_o neither_o do_v this_o moderator_n precede_v in_o that_o challenge_v commission_n of_o the_o kirk_n nor_o be_v so_o much_o as_o present_v at_o it_o but_o especial_o this_o argument_n our_o remonstrator_n have_v borrow_v from_o the_o remonstrant_n of_o the_o netherlands_o their_o protestation_n against_o the_o council_n of_o dort_n at_o which_o meeting_n it_o be_v large_o and_o learned_o refute_v as_o may_v be_v see_v in_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o orthodox_n divine_v thereupon_o protestation_n defend_v he_o be_v still_o in_o the_o wrong_n to_o say_v the_o protester_n beg_v the_o question_n for_o what_o be_v assert_v in_o the_o protestation_n be_v before_o the_o make_n thereof_o clear_o prove_v in_o former_a paper_n he_o do_v often_o cast_v in_o the_o protester_n way_n that_o vindication_n but_o it_o seem_v
5_o they_o well_o know_v by_o the_o conference_n which_o we_o have_v with_o they_o in_o july_n last_o that_o it_o be_v not_o their_o censure_n we_o fear_v or_o much_o value_v but_o that_o we_o desire_v that_o both_o of_o we_o may_v be_v in_o the_o account_n of_o either_o in_o a_o fit_a capacity_n to_o confer_v together_o and_o not_o they_o look_v on_o we_o as_o delinquent_n at_o the_o bar_n and_o themselves_o as_o our_o judge_n otherwise_o we_o see_v not_o to_o what_o good_a purpose_n we_o shall_v meet_v 6_o the_o time_n place_n way_n and_o number_n of_o person_n which_o indeed_o be_v least_o of_o all_o ought_v to_o have_v be_v ageeed_o upon_o by_o mutual_a consent_n yet_o even_o in_o these_o small_a matter_n they_o must_v keep_v a_o state_n and_o authoritative_o enjoin_v all_o without_o the_o give_v we_o the_o least_o intimation_n of_o their_o resolution_n till_o they_o be_v rise_v and_o the_o meeting_n be_v adjourn_v in_o the_o close_a of_o their_o paper_n they_o will_v fain_o vindicate_v themselves_o from_o persecution_n but_o they_o will_v consider_v that_o justify_v defection_n end_v ever_o in_o persecution_n of_o the_o witness_n against_o it_o some_o who_o at_o the_o begin_n of_o this_o defection_n abhor_v the_o very_a supposition_n of_o trouble_v any_o godly_a brethren_n who_o differ_v from_o they_o in_o judgement_n within_o some_o month_n be_v perceive_v to_o make_v no_o great_a scruple_n to_o help_v forward_o the_o persecution_n other_o who_o call_v it_o a_o persecution_n the_o last_o year_n to_o debar_v malignant_n from_o civil_a and_o military_a trust_n will_v have_v it_o this_o year_n no_o persecution_n to_o debar_v godly_a and_o faithful_a elder_n from_o trust_n in_o the_o kirk_n and_o able_a gracious_a and_o well_o qualify_v expectant_n from_o the_o ministry_n conjunction_n with_o god_n enemy_n be_v always_o attend_v with_o persecution_n of_o his_o friend_n and_o experience_n may_v teach_v we_o that_o large_a charity_n to_o malignant_n will_v dry_v up_o much_o former_a love_n to_o god_n people_n man_n heart_n be_v deceitful_a above_o all_o thing_n i_o say_v no_o more_o but_o i_o desire_v hearty_o to_o pray_v the_o lord_n to_o forgive_v they_o the_o deed_n and_o thing_n who_o storm_n so_o grievous_o to_o be_v tell_v of_o the_o name_n of_o persecution_n finis_fw-la observation_n upon_o the_o chief_a act_n of_o the_o two_o late_a p._n assembly_n at_o st._n andrews_n and_o dundee_n the_o year_n of_o god_n 1651_o and_o 1652._o together_o with_o the_o reason_n why_o the_o minister_n elder_n and_o professor_n who_o protest_v against_o the_o say_a pretend_a assembly_n and_o the_o pretend_a assembly_n at_o edinburgh_n can_v agree_v to_o the_o overture_n make_v to_o they_o at_o the_o conference_n upon_o the_o 28._o and_o 29._o day_n of_o july_n 1652._o as_o also_o the_o instruction_n give_v by_o they_o to_o such_o of_o their_o number_n as_o be_v send_v to_o the_o say_a conference_n and_o the_o letter_n direct_v to_o mr._n david_n dickson_n for_o communicate_v their_o paper_n whereunto_o be_v subjoin_v the_o 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 print_a in_o the_o year_n 1653._o observation_n upon_o the_o chief_a act_n of_o the_o two_o late_a p._n assembly_n at_o s._n andrews_n and_o dundee_n the_o year_n of_o god_n 1651._o and_o 1652._o act_n at_o dundee_n approve_v the_o proceed_n of_o the_o commission_n of_o the_o former_a assembly_n july_n 24._o 1651._o postmeridiem_fw-la the_o general_n assembly_n have_v consider_v the_o report_n of_o the_o committee_n appoint_v for_o revise_v the_o proceed_n of_o the_o commission_n of_o the_o precede_a assembly_n a_o and_o have_v also_o hear_v the_o doubt_n and_o objection_n of_o diverse_a brethren_n against_o their_o act_n and_o resolution_n aftermentioned_a after_o due_a examination_n long_o and_o much_o debate_n and_o mature_a deliberation_n b_o the_o assembly_n find_v the_o zeal_n diligence_n wisdom_n and_o faithfulness_n of_o the_o say_a commissioner_n in_o the_o discharge_n of_o the_o trust_v commit_v unto_o they_o very_o great_a and_o in_o the_o manifold_a difficulty_n of_o this_o last_o year_n great_a and_o dangerous_a occasion_n their_o watchfulness_n and_o labour_n to_o have_v be_v very_o singular_a and_o more_o than_o ordinary_a and_o therefore_o do_v approve_v their_o act_n and_o proceed_n c_o especial_o their_o sense_n of_o the_o western_a remonstrance_n perth_n novemb_n 28_o their_o answer_n to_o the_o parliament_n quaere_fw-la anent_o the_o more_o general_a call_n forth_o of_o the_o people_n perth_n decemb._n 13._o their_o solemn_a warn_v perth_n jan._n 6_o their_o answer_n to_o the_o letter_n of_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o presbytery_n of_o stirling_n perth_n jan._n 6._o their_o answer_n to_o the_o letter_n from_o other_o brethren_n and_o presbytery_n in_o relation_n to_o public_a resolution_n their_o answer_n to_o his_o majesty_n and_o committee_n of_o estate_n letter_n anent_o the_o protestation_n of_o the_o minister_n of_o stirling_n perth_n march_v 18_o their_o act_n concern_v the_o opposer_n of_o public_a resolution_n and_o letter_n to_o presbytery_n thereupon_o their_o answer_n to_o the_o quaere_fw-la anent_o the_o act_n of_o class_n d_o and_o in_o these_o and_o the_o rest_n of_o their_o proceed_n do_v judge_v they_o to_o deserve_v high_a commendation_n e_o only_a the_o assembly_n have_v consider_v their_o act_n and_o declaration_n of_o august_n 13_o 1650._o at_o the_o west_n kirk_n find_v that_o some_o have_v already_o make_v ill_a use_n of_o the_o same_o and_o to_o the_o end_n that_o it_o may_v not_o hereafter_o be_v to_o any_o a_o ground_n of_o unwarrantable_a proceed_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o king_n majesty_n or_o any_o of_o his_o successor_n declare_v that_o the_o say_a act_n and_o declaration_n shall_v not_o in_o any_o time_n come_v be_v interpret_v to_o have_v any_o other_o meaning_n then_o that_o the_o king_n interest_n be_v not_o to_o be_v own_v but_o in_o subordination_n to_o god_n the_o kirk_n be_v ever_o willing_a as_o their_o duty_n be_v to_o own_o and_o maintain_v in_o their_o station_n his_o majesty_n interest_n in_o that_o subordination_n according_a to_o the_o covenant_n and_o the_o assembly_n ordain_v master_n robert_n bailÈie_a moderator_n pro_fw-la tempore_fw-la to_o return_v to_o their_o say_a brethren_n hearty_a thanks_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o assembly_n for_o their_o great_a pain_n travel_n and_o fidelity_n sic_fw-la subscribitur_fw-la a._n ker_n observation_n upon_o the_o same_o act._n a._n there_o be_v neither_o such-fair_a hear_n allow_v nor_o such_o due_a examination_n use_v nor_o such_o mature_a deliberation_n take_v as_o be_v requisite_a in_o such_o a_o case_n anent_o which_o such_o a_o multitude_n of_o godly_a minister_n elder_n and_o professor_n in_o the_o land_n have_v so_o great_a dissatisfaction_n in_o their_o conscience_n for_o 1._o albeit_o the_o most_o material_a and_o important_a of_o these_o proceed_n of_o the_o commission_n to_o wit_n their_o answer_n and_o resolution_n about_o employ_v such_o as_o be_v former_o exclude_v be_v of_o thing_n which_o the_o author_n thereof_o acknowledge_v not_o to_o have_v be_v determine_v by_o any_o of_o the_o former_a assembly_n of_o this_o kirk_n as_o be_v grant_v in_o the_o vindication_n of_o that_o assembly_n yea_o of_o thing_n which_o to_o their_o knowledge_n be_v in_o the_o judgement_n of_o many_o gracious_a one_o in_o the_o land_n contrary_a to_o many_o act_n warning_n and_o declaration_n of_o former_a assembly_n and_o to_o the_o covenant_n and_o the_o word_n of_o god_n yet_o as_o the_o commission_n have_v at_o first_o determine_v the_o same_o in_o a_o very_a thin_a meeting_n at_o perth_n not_o only_o before_o communicate_v the_o same_o to_o presbytery_n and_o hear_v their_o judgement_n there-anent_a but_o the_o great_a part_n of_o their_o number_n be_v absent_a and_o many_o of_o they_o not_o be_v at_o all_o advertise_v so_o do_v that_o assembly_n at_o dundee_n go_v on_o very_o sudden_o notwithstanding_o that_o a_o delay_n be_v most_o earnest_o desire_v at_o s._n andrews_n where_o they_o first_o meet_v and_o that_o it_o be_v express_o provide_v by_o a_o act_n of_o the_o assembly_n 1639_o that_o no_o novation_n which_o may_v disturb_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n and_o make_v division_n be_v sudden_o propound_v and_o enact_v but_o so_o as_o the_o motion_n be_v first_o communicate_v to_o the_o several_a synod_n presbytery_n and_o kirk_n that_o the_o matter_n may_v be_v approve_v by_o all_o at_o home_n and_o commissioner_n may_v come_v well_o prepare_v unanimous_o to_o conclude_v a_o solid_a deliberation_n upon_o these_o point_n in_o the_o general_n assembly_n 2._o albeit_o many_o thing_n be_v offer_v unto_o they_o both_o from_o the_o scripture_n and_o reason_n and_o from_o many_o act_n of_o former_a assembly_n against_o the_o proceed_n of_o the_o commission_n and_o
king_n proceed_n and_o be_v resolve_v to_o prosecute_v and_o maintain_v his_o present_a majesty_n interest_n before_o and_o without_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o sin_n of_o his_o house_n and_o former_a way_n and_o satisfaction_n to_o god_n people_n in_o both_o kingdom_n the_o omit_v of_o which_o clause_n do_v so_o sar_n as_o i_o can_v discern_v either_o from_o the_o assembly_n own_o word_n or_o from_o the_o judgement_n and_o expression_n of_o these_o who_o have_v chief_a hand_n therein_o or_o from_o compare_v thing_n with_o thing_n indeed_o import_v a_o alter_n of_o the_o state_n of_o the_o question_n and_o bring_v it_o to_o that_o which_o be_v so_o much_o plead_v for_o by_o the_o opposer_n of_o reformation_n from_o the_o very_a beginning_n of_o our_o difference_n with_o the_o king_n father_n especial_o by_o some_o of_o the_o author_n of_o the_o cross_a petition_n in_o 1643._o and_o of_o the_o unlawful_a engagement_n in_o the_o year_n 1648._o to_o wit_n that_o though_o the_o king_n do_v not_o disclaim_v his_o former_a opposition_n to_o the_o work_n of_o god_n and_o to_o the_o covenant_n and_o likewise_o all_o the_o enemy_n thereof_o and_o own_o and_o prosecute_v the_o cause_n of_o god_n yet_o we_o ought_v to_o own_o his_o kingly_a interest_n by_o admit_v he_o to_o the_o exercise_n of_o his_o royal_a power_n and_o obey_v he_o in_o all_o thing_n lawful_a which_o how_o far_o it_o reach_v as_o to_o the_o cast_v loose_a and_o condemn_v of_o the_o former_a proceed_n of_o this_o church_n and_o kingdom_n with_o the_o king_n and_o his_o father_n and_o make_v a_o new_a state_n of_o the_o question_n have_v be_v often_o heretofore_o show_v by_o this_o church_n and_o can_v but_o be_v obvious_a to_o every_o intelligent_a man_n two_o act_n of_o the_o assembly_n at_o dundee_n and_o one_o act_n of_o the_o assembly_n at_o edinburgh_n which_o relate_v unto_o censure_n dundee_n julii_n 31._o 1651._o antemer_n sess_n 19_o act_n for_o censure_v of_o those_o who_o do_v not_o acknowledge_v this_o present_a assembly_n and_o do_v not_o acquiesce_v to_o the_o act_n thereof_o etc._n etc._n the_o general_a assembly_n consider_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 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 abovespecify_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 fire_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 resolation_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
a_o act_n of_o meet_a favour_n and_o grace_n upon_o your_o part_n unto_o delinquent_n upon_o their_o repentance_n and_o though_o we_o hope_v that_o we_o shall_v never_o be_v ashamed_a but_o esteem_v it_o our_o mercy_n and_o glory_n to_o acknowledge_v any_o thing_n whereby_o we_o have_v provoke_v the_o lord_n or_o offend_v other_o yet_o be_v more_o and_o more_o convince_v in_o our_o conscience_n that_o what_o we_o do_v in_o these_o thing_n be_v a_o necessary_a duty_n we_o dare_v not_o purchase_v immunity_n and_o exemption_n from_o censure_n at_o so_o dear_a a_o rate_n as_o to_o deny_v the_o same_o we_o shall_v rather_o choose_v still_o to_o be_v sufferer_n and_o to_o wait_v upon_o the_o issue_n that_o the_o lord_n shall_v give_v then_o to_o provoke_v the_o eye_n of_o his_o glory_n grieve_v the_o spirit_n of_o his_o people_n and_o will_v our_o own_o conscience_n by_o so_o unsatisfy_v and_o so_o sinful_a a_o transaction_n and_o conceive_v that_o we_o shall_v not_o have_v the_o opportunity_n to_o speak_v unto_o you_o hereafter_o as_o be_v now_o about_o to_o dissolve_v our_o meeting_n we_o do_v from_o the_o zeal_n that_o we_o owe_v to_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o from_o the_o tender_a respect_n we_o owe_v to_o you_o as_o brethren_n and_o for_o exoner_v our_o own_o conscience_n most_o earnest_o beseech_v and_o obtest_v you_o by_o your_o appear_v before_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n to_o give_v yourselves_o unto_o prayer_n and_o search_v of_o your_o own_o heart_n and_o way_n in_o order_n to_o public_a resolution_n and_o action_n until_o each_o of_o you_o find_v out_o wherein_o you_o have_v turn_v aside_o from_o the_o straight_a way_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o employ_v your_o gift_n and_o power_n not_o for_o edification_n but_o for_o grieve_v the_o spirit_n of_o many_o of_o the_o godly_a and_o strengthen_v of_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o wicked_a and_o to_o repent_v thereof_o and_o to_o do_v no_o more_o so_o lest_o wrath_n be_v increase_v from_o the_o lord_n the_o godly_a of_o the_o land_n more_o offend_v and_o our_o breach_n make_v wide_a and_o our_o wound_n more_o incurable_a if_o both_o you_o and_o we_o may_v obtain_v mercy_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o know_v our_o trespass_n and_o why_o he_o contend_v and_o to_o accept_v 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 due_a 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 the_o godly_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 or_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 and_o guard_v the_o cause_n and_o work_n of_o god_n against_o error_n heresy_n and_o schism_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n so_o they_o will_v hold_v out_o to_o we_o a_o solid_a way_n for_o secure_v the_o same_o against_o danger_n from_o malignancy_n on_o the_o other_o and_o we_o will_v know_v what_o shall_v be_v the_o character_n in_o time_n come_v by_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 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dundee_n and_o the_o act_n thereof_o finis_fw-la