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
step_n be_v set_v down_o thus_o when_o the_o enemy_n have_v invade_v we_o and_o a_o arm_n be_v raise_v under_o pretence_n of_o purge_v the_o force_n and_o keep_v the_o king_n interest_n under_o due_a subordination_n to_o god_n course_n be_v take_v as_o after-actings_a make_v manifest_v tend_v to_o the_o divide_v of_o the_o army_n perplex_v and_o discourage_v the_o spirit_n of_o these_o who_o labour_v to_o be_v faithful_a both_o to_o god_n and_o their_o king_n and_o humour_v of_o and_o yield_v to_o the_o untimous_a and_o dangerous_a motion_n of_o such_o who_o be_v under_o suspicion_n of_o too_o much_o affection_n to_o the_o enemy_n and_o that_o not_o without_o cause_n as_o be_v now_o too_o too_o evident_a defence_n i_o confess_v it_o be_v to_o i_o matter_n of_o sorrow_n and_o astonishment_n to_o hear_v these_o word_n be_v not_o the_o purge_n of_o the_o army_n from_o such_o of_o the_o engager_n as_o have_v not_o approven_v themselves_o in_o their_o repentance_n a_o duty_n that_o all_o of_o we_o be_v solemn_o engage_v unto_o before_o the_o lord_n have_v not_o the_o general_n assembly_n of_o this_o kirk_n and_o their_o commission_n before_o that_o time_n give_v in_o above_o twenty_o several_a petition_n warning_n and_o remonstrance_n to_o the_o parliament_n and_o committee_n of_o estate_n for_o that_o end_n have_v they_o not_o issue_v declaration_n and_o warning_n to_o all_o the_o land_n concern_v the_o necessity_n of_o that_o duty_n as_o we_o desire_v to_o prosper_v and_o be_v bless_v of_o god_n and_o have_v not_o all_o the_o congregation_n of_o the_o land_n keep_v several_a fast_n and_o humiliatious_a by_o then_o appointment_n in_o order_n thereunto_o have_v not_o the_o parliament_n and_o committee_n of_o estate_n make_v act_n and_o appoint_v commission_n there-anent_a and_o take_v the_o person_n to_o who_o commission_n be_v give_v solemn_o engage_v and_o sworâ—_n to_o go_v faithful_o about_o it_o as_o they_o will_v be_v answerable_a unto_o god_n and_o after_o all_o these_o thing_n in_o which_o many_o of_o the_o lead_a man_n of_o that_o assembly_n at_o s._n andrews_n and_o dundes_o be_v concur_v and_o consent_v to_o hear_v the_o endeavour_n of_o purge_v of_o the_o army_n so_o reflect_v upon_o and_o speak_v against_o what_o be_v this_o but_o to_o proclaim_v against_o themselves_o that_o either_o they_o do_v then_o dissemble_v or_o else_o that_o now_o they_o be_v repent_v of_o the_o thing_n which_o they_o do_v then_o concur_v in_o and_o be_v consent_v to_o as_o a_o duty_n but_o what_o ever_o be_v their_o thought_n of_o it_o as_o these_o who_o they_o now_o speak_v against_o do_v in_o the_o simplicity_n of_o their_o heart_n then_o endeavour_v it_o so_o do_v they_o still_o own_v it_o as_o a_o duty_n and_o be_v sorry_a to_o hear_v it_o otherwise_o speak_v of_o especial_o by_o these_o who_o profess_v love_n to_o reformation_n and_o i_o do_v as_o much_o wonder_n of_o that_o which_o they_o speak_v of_o the_o king_n interest_n see_v nothing_o be_v do_v in_o reference_n thereto_o but_o the_o declare_v of_o the_o due_a subordination_n thereof_o unto_o god_n and_o that_o they_o will_v not_o otherwise_o own_v he_o and_o his_o quarrel_n but_o in_o that_o subordination_n and_o that_o they_o mean_v to_o fight_v upon_o the_o same_o state_n of_o quarrel_n upon_o which_o they_o have_v do_v these_o twelve_o year_n past_a which_o be_v not_o do_v by_o any_o particular_a person_n or_o party_n but_o joint_o and_o unanimous_o both_o by_o the_o committee_n of_o estate_n and_o commission_n of_o the_o kirk_n none_o dissent_v and_o be_v homologate_v by_o the_o whole_a officer_n of_o the_o army_n in_o a_o supplication_n to_o the_o committee_n of_o estate_n and_o so_o far_o as_o do_v then_o appear_v general_o follow_v in_o their_o station_n and_o capacity_n this_o together_o with_o the_o leave_v that_o declaration_n of_o the_o commission_n of_o the_o kirk_n anent_o the_o subordination_n of_o the_o king_n interest_n out_o of_o the_o act_n of_o the_o assembly_n at_o dundee_n which_o ratifi_v the_o proceed_n of_o the_o commission_n speak_v what_o spirit_n stir_v in_o the_o assembly_n when_o these_o thing_n be_v pen_v and_o approven_v but_o say_v they_o under_o pretence_n of_o these_o thing_n course_n be_v take_v fordivide_v of_o the_o army_n and_o yet_o they_o do_v not_o tell_v what_o these_o course_n be_v at_o that_o time_n but_o labour_v to_o find_v the_o evidence_n of_o they_o in_o after_o act_n they_o do_v wise_o to_o wrap_v up_o in_o general_n without_o condescend_v upon_o any_o particular_a lest_o they_o shall_v have_v therein_o be_v find_v out_o but_o their_o general_n be_v as_o easy_o deny_v as_o affirm_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o after-actings_a require_v explication_n and_o somewhat_o over_o if_o he_o can_v make_v this_o much_o out_o of_o the_o act_n at_o hamilton_n which_o be_v their_o raze_z field-actings_a i_o shall_v wonder_v at_o his_o wit_n to_o say_v nothing_o of_o his_o conscience_n who_o these_o faithful_a one_o to_o god_n and_o the_o king_n be_v who_o spirit_n they_o do_v so_o much_o labour_n to_o perplex_v and_o discourage_v i_o do_v not_o know_v i_o do_v as_o little_a know_v what_o be_v these_o untimous_a and_o dangerous_a motion_n wherein_o such_o as_o be_v under_o suspicion_n of_o too_o much_o affection_n to_o the_o enemy_n be_v humour_v in_o and_o yield_v unto_o it_o may_v be_v remember_v that_o as_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o army_n be_v much_o weight_v in_o their_o spirit_n with_o the_o carriage_n of_o these_o especial_o some_o of_o chief_a note_n who_o do_v obstruct_v the_o purge_n of_o the_o army_n and_o give_v countenance_n and_o encouragement_n to_o such_o as_o be_v or_o shall_v have_v be_v remove_v out_o of_o the_o army_n so_o the_o whole_a army_n officer_n and_o soldier_n and_o the_o committee_n of_o estate_n be_v much_o perplex_v discourage_v and_o dissatisfied_n with_o the_o slackness_n shift_n and_o delay_n and_o solitary_a counsel_n and_o course_n of_o chief_a man_n in_o the_o army_n who_o have_v the_o lead_n of_o the_o force_n and_o for_o most_o part_n do_v do_v therein_o and_o dispose_v thereof_o as_o seem_v best_a to_o themselves_o without_o take_v much_o notice_n either_o of_o the_o committee_n of_o estate_n or_o officer_n of_o the_o army_n and_o none_o be_v more_o perplex_v discourage_v and_o dissatisfied_n with_o this_o way_n than_o some_o of_o these_o who_o have_v a_o chief_a hand_n in_o pen_v this_o declaration_n in_o so_o much_o that_o have_v once_o speak_v therein_o they_o get_v so_o unsatisfy_v a_o answer_n that_o with_o much_o discontent_n they_o do_v declare_v they_o mean_v never_o to_o speak_v again_o in_o that_o matter_n and_o it_o may_v be_v also_o remember_v that_o the_o untimous_a and_o dangerous_a motion_n of_o which_o they_o speak_v be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v think_v so_o when_o they_o be_v propon_v that_o it_o be_v the_o grief_n of_o many_o in_o the_o army_n &_o committee_n of_o estate_n yea_o and_o of_o assembly-man_n too_o who_o be_v 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 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 minister_n and_o that_o if_o any_o elder_a be_v find_v negligent_a in_o the_o duty_n of_o
that_o it_o be_v approve_v and_o accept_v by_o the_o lord_n as_o a_o necessary_a duty_n that_o gracious_a man_n who_o by_o the_o tentation_n of_o the_o time_n and_o the_o persuasion_n of_o some_o who_o judgement_n they_o respect_v be_v draw_v into_o a_o snare_n at_o sterline_n to_o disclaim_v the_o remonstrance_n they_o be_v within_o very_o few_o day_n after_o so_o challenge_v in_o conscience_n that_o they_o have_v no_o peace_n of_o mind_n till_o they_o acknowledge_v their_o fault_n and_o resolve_v to_o walk_v soft_o all_o their_o year_n in_o the_o bitterness_n of_o soul_n the_o first_o thing_n that_o they_o challenge_v in_o the_o remonstrance_n be_v that_o the_o own_n of_o the_o king_n just_a interest_n agree_v unto_o by_o the_o general_n assembly_n and_o the_o parliament_n be_v express_o lay_v aside_o and_o his_o removal_n from_o the_o exercise_n of_o his_o royal_a power_n and_o government_n advise_v to_o the_o committee_n of_o estate_n but_o in_o this_o they_o do_v not_o deal_v fair_o not_o only_o because_o they_o leave_v out_o the_o reason_n upon_o which_o this_o be_v offer_v to_o be_v consider_v by_o the_o committee_n which_o be_v very_o weighty_a and_o important_a but_o also_o because_o they_o omit_v to_o tell_v that_o the_o gentleman_n minister_n and_o force_n of_o the_o west_n have_v no_o other_o meaning_n in_o the_o remonstrance_n as_o to_o the_o king_n interest_n than_o what_o be_v express_v in_o the_o declaration_n at_o the_o west_n kirk_n of_o the_o 12._o august_n in_o the_o year_n 1650._o in_o which_o the_o committee_n of_o estate_n the_o commission_n of_o the_o kirk_n and_o the_o army_n do_v unanimous_o join_v in_o their_o several_a station_n and_o capacity_n in_o testimony_n whereof_o they_o be_v willing_a and_o do_v often_o offer_v according_o to_o clear_a and_o explain_v the_o same_o if_o so_o be_v the_o commission_n shall_v forbear_v to_o give_v any_o sense_n upon_o it_o and_o let_v unbiased_n man_n judge_v if_o it_o be_v unseasonable_a to_o remonstrate_v this_o upon_o the_o king_n desert_v the_o counsel_n of_o state_n and_o kirk_n and_o join_v with_o the_o malignant_a party_n contrary_a to_o the_o covenant_n and_o treaty_n the_o next_o thing_n challenge_v be_v that_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o committee_n of_o estate_n be_v thereby_o weaken_a but_o it_o be_v not_o tell_v how_o belike_o it_o be_v mean_v because_o of_o the_o freedom_n that_o be_v therein_o use_v in_o lay_v before_o they_o the_o sin_n and_o mis-carriage_n of_o sundry_a of_o these_o who_o be_v then_o in_o place_n and_o power_n but_o the_o discover_v and_o take_v with_o of_o sin_n do_v not_o weaken_v but_o strengthen_v authority_n that_o which_o have_v provoke_v the_o lord_n to_o dash_v our_o judicatories_n in_o piece_n and_o to_o bring_v they_o to_o nothing_o be_v because_o they_o have_v refuse_v to_o take_v with_o their_o guiltiness_n and_o to_o humble_v themselves_o under_o the_o mighty_a hand_n of_o god_n if_o the_o freedom_n that_o be_v use_v in_o the_o remonstrance_n in_o reference_n to_o member_n of_o the_o committee_n of_o estate_n offend_v any_o these_o four_o thing_n will_v be_v remember_v 1._o that_o what_o be_v therein_o represent_v be_v know_v and_o undeniable_a truth_n 2._o that_o the_o lord_n be_v call_v thereto_o by_o his_o most_o dreadful_a stroke_n 3._o that_o many_o be_v harden_v and_o habituate_n themselves_o in_o sin_n 4._o that_o the_o man_n who_o speak_v be_v about_o to_o lay_v down_o their_o life_n and_o therefore_o take_v liberty_n to_o speak_v all_o their_o heart_n that_o they_o may_v exoner_n themselves_o and_o leave_v it_o as_o their_o testimony_n with_o other_o the_o three_o be_v that_o a_o way_n of_o hold_v up_o a_o constant_a division_n from_o state_n and_o kirk_n be_v therein_o mould_v but_o nothing_o be_v say_v to_o make_v out_o this_o and_o though_o some_o of_o the_o remonstrator_n be_v judge_v and_o call_v subtle_a and_o design_v man_n yet_o as_o they_o do_v intend_v no_o such_o thing_n so_o do_v i_o doubt_v excee_o if_o they_o be_v so_o quick-sighted_a as_o to_o see_v the_o strength_n of_o this_o inference_n that_o be_v make_v upon_o it_o for_o my_o part_n i_o see_v it_o not_o and_o be_o content_a to_o be_v ignorant_a of_o it_o until_o it_o shall_v be_v discover_v unto_o i_o declaration_n the_o five_o step_n be_v when_o notwithstanding_o of_o this_o perilous_a practice_n all_o mean_n of_o union_n of_o force_n and_o heal_v of_o the_o breach_n be_v endeavour_v by_o church_n and_o state_n yet_o union_n can_v not_o be_v have_v except_o upon_o such_o condition_n as_o the_o state_n and_o church_n can_v neither_o in_o honour_n nor_o in_o conscience_n grant_v whereby_o and_o through_o the_o dissipation_n of_o these_o force_n which_o aaher_v to_o the_o remonstrance_n at_o hamilton_n the_o state_n and_o church_n be_v necessitate_v either_o to_o render_v all_o up_o to_o the_o present_a rage_n of_o a_o perfidious_a and_o prevalent_a enemy_n or_o to_o make_v use_n of_o such_o as_o have_v be_v former_o receive_v to_o repentance_n for_o their_o sinful_a course_n and_o admit_v other_o to_o repentance_n from_o who_o satisfaction_n may_v be_v get_v agreeable_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n that_o all_o togother_n may_v be_v employ_v for_o the_o just_a and_o necessary_a defence_n of_o the_o cause_n and_o kingdom_n their_o natural_a interest_n obligation_n and_o solemny_n tie_v by_o covenant_n call_v for_o the_o same_o defence_n let_v it_o be_v consider_v what_o these_o condition_n be_v which_o the_o church_n and_o state_n can_v neither_o in_o honour_n nor_o conscience_n grant_v as_o for_o the_o king_n exercise_v of_o his_o power_n the_o remonstrator_n do_v declare_v that_o they_o have_v in_o humility_n propound_v their_o judgement_n and_o the_o reason_n thereof_o unto_o the_o committee_n of_o estate_n but_o it_o be_v in_o their_o power_n to_o hearken_v unto_o they_o and_o to_o do_v so_o yea_o or_o no_o as_o they_o think_v fit_a and_o that_o if_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v please_v still_o to_o debar_v the_o king_n from_o the_o exercise_n of_o his_o power_n as_o he_o have_v be_v former_o they_o will_v not_o refuse_v to_o live_v peaceable_o under_o he_o as_o the_o magistrate_n of_o the_o land_n only_o two_o thing_n they_o do_v desire_n in_o order_n to_o their_o unite_n with_o the_o force_n of_o the_o kingdom_n 1._o that_o the_o quarrel_n upon_o which_o they_o fight_v may_v be_v state_v as_o in_o the_o declaration_n of_o the_o 13._o of_o aug._n 1650._o 2._o that_o there_o may_v be_v one_o to_o command_v the_o force_n qualify_v according_a to_o the_o solemn_a engagement_n unto_o duty_n to_o wit_n of_o a_o blameless_a and_o christian_a conversation_n and_o of_o know_a integrity_n and_o constant_a affection_n to_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n both_o which_o condition_n be_v refuse_v now_o i_o will_v fain_o know_v a_o reason_n why_o these_o thing_n may_v not_o be_v condescend_v unto_o in_o honour_n and_o conscience_n be_v it_o less_o honour_n or_o conscience_n to_o state_n the_o quarrel_n in_o november_n 1650._o according_o to_o the_o foresay_a declaration_n then_o it-was_a to_o state_n it_o in_o august_n immediate_o precede_v have_v any_o thing_n occur_v in_o order_n to_o the_o king_n for_o alter_v the_o state_n of_o the_o quarrel_n and_o make_v it_o more_o favourable_a as_o to_o he_o or_o rather_o be_v there_o not_o something_o to_o the_o contrary_a to_o wit_n his_o desert_v of_o the_o judicatories_n give_v of_o commission_n to_o the_o malignant_n and_o join_v with_o they_o or_o be_v it_o contrary_a to_o honour_n and_o conscience_n to_o satisfy_v they_o in_o the_o other_o or_o do_v not_o both_o honour_n and_o conscience_n bind_v they_o to_o it_o as_o to_o the_o employ_v of_o the_o malignant_a party_n there_o be_v so_o much_o say_v in_o a_o particular_a treatise_n to_o demonstrate_v the_o sinfulness_n of_o it_o as_o also_o that_o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n for_o it_o that_o i_o shall_v not_o now_o insist_v upon_o it_o only_o i_o desire_v that_o to_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o which_o they_o say_v of_o make_v use_n of_o such_o as_o have_v be_v former_o receive_v to_o repentance_n for_o their_o sinful_a course_n and_o admit_v other_o to_o repentance_n from_o who_o satisfaction_n may_v be_v get_v agreeable_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n that_o all_o together_o may_v be_v employ_v which_o word_n import_v that_o as_o they_o do_v require_v repentance_n in_o all_o these_o who_o be_v former_o exclude_v and_o be_v now_o to_o be_v employ_v so_o also_o that_o care_n be_v take_v to_o receive_v none_o but_o such_o as_o satisfy_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n both_o which_o be_v speak_v gratis_o and_o without_o ground_n the_o first_o because_o in_o answer_n to_o the_o quere_z and_o in_o the_o warn_v pen_v for_o the_o strengthen_n of_o it_o
bring_v in_o malignant_n to_o defend_v the_o work_n of_o reformation_n and_o the_o protester_n language_n be_v the_o same_o with_o the_o declaration_n and_o answer_n of_o the_o commission_n of_o the_o kirk_n and_o general_a assembly_n 1648._o and_o the_o reply_v make_v in_o the_o year_n 1642._o whereby_o it_o do_v appear_v who_o word_n be_v yea_o and_o nay_o 2_o cor._n 1.17_o 19_o and_o who_o walk_v in_o the_o same_o step_n and_o in_o the_o same_o spirit_n 2_o cor._n 12.18_o and_o who_o build_v again_o what_o they_o destroy_v and_o make_v themselves_o transgressor_n and_o who_o condemn_v themselves_o in_o that_o which_o they_o allow_v rom._n 14.23_o proteseation_n reviewed_n for_o the_o follow_a word_n which_o be_v of_o the_o stamp_n with_o the_o former_a i_o shall_v only_o add_v 1._o what_o measure_v every_o one_o that_o come_v not_o up_o their_o full_a length_n may_v expect_v of_o they_o if_o their_o former_a act_n have_v not_o sufficient_o clear_v their_o present_a expression_n put_v out_o of_o all_o doubt_n 2._o it_o be_v not_o one_o of_o the_o characteristical_a property_n of_o the_o godly_a to_o be_v oft_o assune_v that_o title_n 3._o such_o heinous_a accusation_n must_v not_o be_v take_v upon_o trust_n when_o nought_o be_v say_v to_o make_v they_o appear_v 4._o i_o believe_v the_o assembly_n know_v of_o none_o receive_v to_o the_o ministry_n but_o according_a to_o the_o public_a order_n and_o when_o aught_o shall_v appear_v to_o the_o contrary_a will_v take_v such_o course_n therewith_o as_o in_o justice_n accord_v protestation_n defend_v to_o the_o first_o i_o answer_v that_o he_o do_v well_o to_o grant_v that_o the_o present_a expression_n and_o former_a act_n of_o the_o protester_n do_v agree_v the_o like_a can_v be_v say_v of_o all_o that_o be_v for_o the_o public_a resolution_n though_o it_o be_v too_o true_a of_o many_o of_o they_o the_o protester_n be_v indeed_o for_o purge_v out_o all_o insufficient_a scandalous_a &_o ill-affected_a but_o that_o be_v very_o far_o from_o judge_v such_o as_o come_v not_o up_o the_o full_a length_n that_o they_o desire_v he_o know_v what_o measure_n faithful_a minister_n and_o professor_n get_v in_o their_o act_n at_o dundee_n and_o he_o may_v remember_v his_o own_o intimation_n page_n 5._o of_o a_o necessity_n to_o hold_v they_o as_o heathen_n and_o publican_n to_o the_o second_o i_o say_v that_o they_o do_v neither_o often_o assume_v nor_o at_o all_o appropriate_a as_o he_o say_v elsewhere_o the_o title_n of_o godly_a to_o themselves_o the_o subscriber_n of_o the_o protestation_n be_v speak_v of_o other_o to_o who_o these_o of_o best_a account_n in_o their_o assembly_n will_v not_o deny_v the_o testimony_n of_o godliness_n and_o yet_o when_o they_o be_v reproach_v and_o condemn_v they_o may_v even_o concern_v themselves_o use_v some_o freedom_n in_o their_o vindication_n for_o which_o there_o be_v diverse_a example_n in_o scripture_n to_o the_o three_o see_v that_o assembly_n to_o which_o the_o protestation_n be_v present_v account_n themselves_o a_o judicatory_a why_o do_v they_o not_o acknowledge_v the_o relevancie_n of_o the_o ground_n and_o then_o they_o may_v have_v desire_v the_o protester_n to_o prove_v they_o wherein_o if_o they_o have_v fail_v the_o assembly_n have_v the_o great_a advantage_n but_o they_o be_v loath_a to_o put_v the_o business_n upon_o that_o issue_n to_o the_o four_o i_o desire_v he_o to_o consider_v what_o mr._n john_n knox_n say_v to_o the_o council_n of_o england_n when_o they_o challenge_v he_o for_o do_v contrary_a to_o the_o public_a order_n his_o reason_n be_v say_v he_o because_o their_o public_a order_n be_v contrary_a to_o christ_n order_n and_o so_o be_v their_o public_a order_n at_o dundee_n contrary_n to_o the_o first_o good_a old_a constant_a order_n of_o this_o kirk_n establish_v according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o be_v to_o be_v very_o watchful_a in_o admission_n of_o minister_n as_o appear_v by_o mr._n knox_n his_o last_o letter_n to_o the_o general_n assembly_n a_o little_a before_o his_o death_n but_o do_v not_o the_o writer_n of_o this_o paper_n know_v that_o some_o depose_a minister_n be_v admit_v contrary_a to_o public_a order_n of_o the_o assembly_n 1649_o and_o 1650_o in_o several_a place_n and_o particular_o within_o the_o synod_n of_o tividale_n and_o mers_n i_o believe_v he_o be_v not_o ignorant_a of_o it_o and_o however_o i_o be_o sure_a a_o great_a part_n if_o not_o the_o most_o part_n of_o the_o assembly_n do_v know_v it_o and_o the_o whole_a assembly_n may_v have_v know_v it_o if_o they_o do_v examine_v synod-book_n and_o their_o proceed_n protestation_n reviewed_n for_o their_o allusion_n to_o the_o prophet_n word_n i_o shall_v desire_v themserious_o to_o read_v they_o again_o and_o perpend_v if_o in_o conscience_n they_o be_v applicable_a to_o the_o present_a point_n of_o difference_n next_o they_o tell_v we_o it_o shall_v be_v their_o purpose_n to_o maintain_v the_o doctrine_n worship_n discipline_n and_o government_n of_o this_o kirk_n and_o particular_o the_o nationall_n assembly_n so_o long_o as_o they_o be_v preserve_v from_o corruption_n in_o the_o constitution_n thereof_o but_o many_o need_n better_a argument_n to_o persuade_v they_o of_o this_o than_o their_o bare_a profession_n or_o practice_n this_o year_n and_o the_o last_o of_o which_o we_o may_v well_o say_v what_o ever_o be_v the_o purpose_n of_o man_n it_o be_v evident_o the_o aim_n of_o the_o devil_n to_o ruin_v general_n assembly_n and_o so_o to_o raze_v the_o wall_n of_o our_o jerusalem_n and_o they_o will_v do_v well_o to_o consider_v if_o and_o how_o far_o they_o have_v be_v instrumental_a to_o drive_v on_o that_o design_n protestation_n defend_v the_o prophet_n word_n be_v well_o consider_v before_o they_o be_v set_v down_o in_o the_o protestation_n and_o they_o be_v very_o applicable_a to_o the_o party_n of_o which_o the_o protester_n speak_v it_o be_v know_v to_o the_o world_n what_o some_o of_o the_o protester_n have_v do_v for_o maintenance_n of_o the_o government_n of_o this_o kirk_n i_o may_v say_v of_o they_o all_o without_o any_o boast_n that_o they_o have_v do_v more_o for_o it_o than_o any_o who_o question_n the_o reality_n of_o their_o profession_n there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o it_o be_v the_o devil_n design_n to_o ruin_v general_n assembly_n and_o every_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n if_o he_o can_v but_o the_o way_n by_o which_o satan_n have_v most_o advance_v that_o design_n have_v be_v through_o their_o own_o corruption_n and_o when_o they_o be_v faithful_a opposition_n have_v little_o prevail_v protestation_n reviewed_n but_o they_o will_v make_v some_o clear_n here_o by_o tell_v we_o that_o all_o who_o be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o principle_n and_o practice_n of_o our_o worthy_a predecessor_n and_o of_o the_o learned_a &_o godly_a non-conformists'_a in_o england_n will_v easy_o see_v how_o far_o they_o be_v from_o their_o judgement_n and_o practice_n who_o follow_v the_o way_n of_o separation_n belike_o they_o still_o dwell_v beside_o evil_a neighbour_n but_o which_o be_v worse_o they_o be_v hardly_o believe_v when_o man_n call_v to_o mind_n and_o consider_v how_o now_o of_o a_o long_a time_n still_o they_o take_v the_o patrociny_n of_o all_o that_o be_v suspect_v to_o follow_v those_o way_n 2._o what_o progress_n some_o of_o their_o chief_a and_o cryed-up_a man_n have_v make_v in_o those_o way_n 3._o what_o affection_n they_o still_o carry_v to_o they_o and_o how_o familiar_o they_o converse_v with_o they_o even_o although_o excommunicate_a 4._o but_o especial_o how_o unavoidable_a separation_n be_v upon_o their_o ground_n for_o if_o it_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o conscience_n for_o they_o to_o join_v with_o other_o in_o civil_a duty_n that_o necessary_o belong_v to_o the_o incorporation_n whereof_o both_o be_v member_n sure_a much_o more_o in_o ecclesiastic_a but_o a_o little_a time_n will_v further_o clear_v this_o protestation_n defend_v here_o he_o bend_v all_o his_o endeavour_n to_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o the_o protester_n incline_v to_o separation_n but_o he_o answer_v not_o what_o be_v say_v in_o the_o protestation_n for_o their_o vindication_n to_o wit_n that_o their_o way_n be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o principle_n and_o practice_n of_o their_o predecessor_n and_o the_o nonconformist_n in_o england_n he_o bring_v four_o consideration_n why_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o protester_n be_v not_o believe_v first_o he_o say_v that_o the_o protester_n still_o take_v the_o patrociny_n of_o all_o that_o be_v suspect_v to_o follow_v these_o way_n but_o what_o do_v all_o this_o amount_v unto_o for_o he_o say_v not_o that_o they_o patronise_v these_o who_o follow_v but_o these_o who_o be_v suspect_v to_o follow_v the_o way_n of_o separation_n it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o too_o many_o have_v a_o evil_a eye_n against_o reformation_n and_o have_v suspect_v all_o
throughout_o the_o land_n timeous_o to_o take_v into_o their_o consideration_n what_o shall_v be_v their_o duty_n at_o the_o next_o meet_v which_o be_v appoint_v by_o that_o corrupt_a assembly_n at_o dundee_n and_o they_o do_v well_o approve_v of_o the_o method_n follow_v by_o the_o protester_n at_o st._n andrews_n think_v fit_v that_o first_o a_o representation_n shall_v be_v give_v in_o desire_v these_o which_o be_v to_o meet_v not_o to_o proceed_v to_o constitute_v themselves_o into_o a_o assembly_n but_o to_o enter_v into_o a_o conference_n with_o their_o brethren_n who_o differ_v from_o they_o in_o judgement_n and_o eight_o proposition_n be_v agree_v unto_o after_o mutual_a correspondence_n and_o a_o report_n make_v from_o the_o several_a quarter_n of_o the_o country_n which_o be_v to_o be_v offer_v as_o the_o subject_n of_o the_o conference_n and_o incase_o conference_n shall_v be_v deny_v and_o that_o the_o meeting_n shall_v proceed_v to_o constitute_v themselves_o into_o a_o general_n assembly_n as_o they_o have_v do_v former_o it_o be_v think_v a_o necessary_a duty_n that_o these_o who_o be_v to_o repair_v to_o the_o place_n of_o meet_v shall_v protest_v against_o the_o authority_n constitution_n and_o act_n of_o that_o assembly_n now_o in_o all_o this_o what_o be_v there_o of_o a_o praemeditated_a faction_n there_o be_v indeed_o a_o considerable_a number_n in_o all_o quarter_n of_o the_o land_n of_o such_o as_o in_o former_a time_n have_v be_v find_v to_o be_v faithful_a who_o perceive_v that_o the_o edge_n of_o church-discipline_n be_v turn_v against_o many_o of_o the_o godly_a in_o the_o land_n and_o for_o protect_v and_o countenance_v the_o wicked_a and_o profane_a that_o some_o godly_a minister_n be_v already_o suffer_v and_o that_o both_o minister_n &_o professor_n be_v like_a to_o suffer_v more_o by_o the_o prevail_a faction_n of_o a_o corrupt_a party_n in_o the_o ministry_n they_o hold_v it_o their_o duty_n to_o use_v all_o lawful_a mean_n in_o their_o power_n to_o remedy_v past_a evil_n &_o to_o prevent_v they_o for_o the_o future_a by_o offer_v their_o humble_a advice_n to_o that_o meeting_n and_o incase_o of_o their_o proccede_v in_o the_o course_n of_o the_o begin_v defection_n to_o protest_v against_o these_o corruption_n and_o this_o be_v alâ—_n they_o be_v very_o far_o from_o rigid_a censure_v of_o other_o as_o this_o writer_n will_v have_v the_o world_n to_o believe_v there_o be_v many_o who_o judgement_n be_v for_o the_o public_a resolution_n who_o will_v be_v loath_a to_o account_v all_o professor_n in_o the_o land_n to_o be_v godly_a and_o in_o their_o sermon_n and_o otherwise_o they_o do_v make_v a_o difference_n among_o professor_n as_o well_o as_o the_o protester_n do_v and_o they_o also_o do_v very_o well_o know_v that_o the_o protester_n do_v not_o subject_v the_o ministerial_a authority_n to_o any_o other_o but_o unto_o their_o master_n from_o who_o they_o have_v their_o commission_n and_o to_o the_o officer_n thereunto_o appoint_v in_o the_o church_n according_a to_o mat._n 18._o and_o 1._o cor._n 14._o yet_o they_o do_v desire_v to_o render_v all_o due_a respect_n to_o the_o saint_n so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v know_v unto_o they_o and_o do_v acknowledge_v that_o they_o have_v so_o far_o a_o interest_n in_o these_o matter_n as_o that_o they_o can_v be_v deny_v a_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n and_o when_o they_o see_v corruption_n in_o government_n to_o supplicat_fw-la for_o a_o redress_n and_o what_o for_o a_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v he_o that_o will_v not_o lay_v more_o weight_n upon_o the_o judgement_n of_o such_o as_o live_v according_a to_o godliness_n then_o upon_o the_o judgement_n of_o such_o as_o lead_v a_o life_n direct_o fight_v against_o it_o in_o all_o which_o they_o differ_v nothing_o from_o the_o receive_a doctrine_n and_o discipline_n of_o this_o kirk_n he_o will_v not_o find_v in_o all_o the_o protester_n paper_n any_o thing_n which_o may_v give_v he_o ground_n to_o think_v that_o these_o meeting_n of_o minister_n and_o professor_n be_v look_v upon_o by_o they_o as_o judicatories_n and_o therefore_o what_o need_v all_o these_o suggestion_n of_o mystery_n and_o i_o know_v not_o what_o but_o it_o be_v a_o time_n of_o reproach_n and_o we_o must_v resolve_v in_o the_o lord_n strength_n to_o endure_v the_o scourge_n of_o the_o tongue_n so_o long_o as_o there_o be_v so_o many_o enemy_n in_o the_o land_n to_o his_o truth_n and_o cause_n and_o now_o to_o conclude_v i_o trust_v that_o the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o the_o protestation_n stand_v unshaken_a and_o sure_a for_o all_o that_o the_o writer_n of_o this_o paper_n have_v object_v against_o they_o and_o likewise_o that_o â—t_a be_v very_o agreeable_a to_o the_o principle_n from_o which_o they_o do_v it_o to_o protest_v against_o the_o authority_n constitution_n act_n and_o proceed_n of_o the_o pretend_a assembly_n which_o late_o do_v meet_v at_o edinburgh_n reader_n it_o be_v leave_v to_o thy_o own_o discretion_n to_o correct_v fault_n in_o the_o punctation_n and_o other_o escape_n which_o the_o sense_n may_v discover_v beside_o those_o take_v notice_n that_o pag_n 6._o line_n 25_o these_o word_n be_v leave_v out_o many_o able_a and_o godly_a minister_n and_o elder_n from_o be_v church-officer_n so_o likewise_o pag_n 31._o line_n 5._o for_o yea_o they_o be_v admit_v read_v aâ—d_v afterward_o thâ—y_o be_v admit_v p._n 34._o â—_o 8._o f._n and_o that_o solidity_n and_o judgement_n and_o neruâ—s_n be_v in_o it_o 〈◊〉_d as_o to_o the_o vindicate_a etc._n etc._n r._n and_o what_o solidity_n and_o judgement_n and_o nerveâ—_n be_v inâ—t_o as_o to_o the_o vindicate_a etc._n etc._n p_o 47._o l._n 14._o f._n and_o act_n and_o censure_n 〈◊〉_d and_o make_v act_n and_o censure_n p._n 60._o l._n 6._o after_o the_o parenthesis_n deal_n &_o p._n â—5_n l_o 2._o f._n ground_n and_o expression_n r._n ground_n and_o manner_n of_o expression_n p._n 78._o &_o 79._o the_o figure_n be_v misplace_v 1._o for_o 2._o and_o 2._o for_o 3._o etc._n etc._n and_o the_o punctuation_n be_v bad_a as_o in_o some_o other_o place_n p._n 79._o l_o 21_o f._n can_v only_a r_o common_o p._n 103._o l._n 13._o after_o assembly_n r._n at_o s._n audâ—ews_v these_o fault_n have_v be_v observe_v upon_o a_o superficial_a read_n but_o very_o like_v there_o may_v be_v more_o which_o the_o courteous_a reader_n will_v pardon_v finis_fw-la reader_n for_o thy_o better_a information_n anent_o this_o debate_n and_o likewise_o anent_o the_o union_n which_o have_v be_v endeavour_v by_o the_o protester_n since_o the_o late_a p._n assembly_n it_o be_v think_v fit_a to_o subjoin_v the_o follow_a paper_n that_o pass_v he_o wixt_a the_o p._n commission_n and_o some_o of_o these_o who_o protest_v against_o the_o last_o p._n assembly_n to_o the_o right_n reverend_a the_o minister_n and_o elder_n meet_v at_o edinburgh_n the_o 24._o of_o novemb_n 1652._o whereas_o we_o have_v not_o only_o be_v patient_n and_o defender_n in_o the_o difference_n that_o have_v late_o arisen_a in_o this_o church_n but_o willing_a and_o ready_a to_o embrace_v all_o opportunity_n for_o remove_v they_o and_o for_o that_o end_n upon_o a_o overture_n make_v to_o we_o the_o last_o winter_n have_v since_o that_o time_n forbear_v to_o act_v authoritative_o and_o in_o the_o capacity_n of_o commissioner_n from_o the_o general_n assembly_n 1650._o which_o delegation_n we_o conceive_v to_o be_v still_o in_o force_n until_o the_o next_o lawful_a free_a general_n assembly_n and_o notwithstanding_o ground_n be_v give_v to_o we_o when_o that_o overture_n be_v make_v to_o expect_v to_o like_v from_o you_o yet_o you_o do_v assume_v to_o yourselves_o that_o authority_n and_o act_v according_o which_o have_v very_o much_o heighten_v our_o difference_n and_o forasmuch_o as_o at_o the_o late_a meeting_n of_o our_o brethren_n in_o edinburgh_n upon_o the_o ______o day_n of_o july_n last_o we_o do_v earnest_o desire_v that_o they_o will_v forbear_v to_o constitute_v themselves_o into_o a_o general_n assembly_n which_o have_v they_o be_v please_v to_o grant_v may_v through_o the_o lord_n blessing_n have_v prove_v a_o effectual_a mean_n of_o peace_n so_o now_o we_o be_v meet_v together_o and_o understanding_n that_o you_o be_v to_o meet_v upon_o the_o ______o of_o this_o instant_n and_o we_o be_v still_o desirous_a of_o peace_n and_o of_o a_o union_n with_o our_o brethren_n in_o the_o lord_n and_o to_o entertain_v with_o all_o due_a respect_n the_o endeavour_n of_o some_o godly_a and_o reverend_a brethren_n for_o this_o effect_n we_o do_v earnest_o beseech_v you_o by_o the_o love_n you_o bear_v to_o the_o peace_n of_o this_o church_n and_o by_o your_o desire_n to_o heal_v the_o breach_n thereof_o that_o you_o will_v present_o declare_v that_o you_o will_v forbear_v all_o act_n as_o commissioner_n of_o a_o general_n assembly_n so_o
that_o have_v be_v do_v these_o fourteen_o year_n in_o the_o lord_n work_v as_o tend_v to_o separation_n but_o what_o will_v he_o say_v for_o his_o associate_n who_o have_v not_o only_o take_v the_o patrociny_n of_o man_n suspect_v for_o malignancy_n but_o of_o these_o that_o be_v condemn_v and_o excommunicate_v for_o be_v murderer_n of_o the_o people_n of_o god_n yea_o and_o what_o if_o they_o have_v recommend_v they_o to_o public_a trust_n and_o employment_n to_o that_o which_o he_o allege_v in_o the_o second_o place_n i_o answer_v that_o this_o be_v the_o old_a prelatical_a song_n against_o the_o nonconformist_n because_o some_o of_o their_o number_n turn_v separatist_n therefore_o to_o say_v that_o they_o be_v all_o for_o separation_n though_o they_o keep_v christ_n middle_a way_n between_o extreme_n and_o do_v much_o more_o against_o separation_n by_o word_n write_v and_o print_n than_o all_o the_o prelatical_a party_n and_o i_o may_v say_v the_o like_a of_o the_o protester_n that_o they_o have_v take_v more_o pain_n by_o word_n and_o writ_n to_o prevent_v and_o remedy_v the_o decline_a of_o some_o to_o the_o way_n of_o separation_n than_o all_o that_o be_v for_o the_o public_a resolution_n have_v do_v beside_o he_o will_v consider_v what_o be_v say_v in_o the_o representation_n which_o be_v give_v in_o before_o the_o protestation_n how_o great_a a_o snare_n your_o former_a act_n which_o be_v not_o to_o edification_n have_v be_v to_o some_o people_n to_o tempt_v they_o to_o the_o way_n of_o separation_n and_o to_o the_o shake_n of_o the_o government_n of_o this_o church_n etc._n etc._n he_o may_v also_o bethink_v himself_o what_o great_a number_n of_o these_o that_o be_v most_o zealous_a for_o the_o public_a resolution_n have_v either_o depart_v from_o their_o principle_n to_o the_o contrary_a way_n against_o which_o they_o be_v fight_v the_o former_a year_n or_o otherwise_o if_o they_o be_v still_o walk_v upon_o their_o principle_n it_o be_v true_a which_o the_o protester_n a_o league_n that_o the_o public_a resolution_n lay_v a_o foundation_n for_o conjunction_n with_o all_o party_n whatsoever_o to_o the_o three_o i_o say_v that_o he_o have_v forget_v the_o rule_n recommend_v by_o he_o to_o the_o protester_n in_o the_o precede_a page_n anent_o purge_v out_o scandaious_a insufficient_a and_o ill-assected_n minister_n will_v he_o not_o allow_v the_o same_o moderation_n to_o man_n repute_v godly_a when_o they_o fall_v into_o a_o error_n of_o judgement_n he_o recommend_v to_o the_o protester_n consideration_n 1._o tim._n 5.19_o tit._n 3.6_o gal._n 1._o brethren_n if_o a_o man_n be_v over-taken_a in_o a_o fault_n you_o which_o be_v spiritual_a restore_v such_o a_o one_o in_o the_o spirit_n of_o meekness_n consider_v thyself_o leave_v thou_o also_o he_o tempt_v he_o recommend_v also_o judas_n 22_o 23._o and_o of_o some_o have_v compassion_n make_v a_o difference_n and_o other_o save_v with_o sear_n etc._n etc._n i_o wish_v these_o rule_n have_v be_v observe_v in_o the_o excommunication_n of_o some_o for_o rash_a censure_n bring_v authority_n in_o contempt_n i_o add_v unto_o these_o another_o place_n 2._o thess_n 3.14_o 15._o and_o if_o any_o man_n obey_v not_o our_o word_n by_o this_o epistle_n note_v that_o man_n and_o have_v no_o company_n with_o he_o that_o he_o may_v be_v ashamed_a and_o yet_o count_v he_o not_o as_o a_o enemy_n but_o admonish_v he_o as_o a_o brother_n and_o i_o say_v no_o more_o but_o desire_v that_o he_o and_o his_o party_n may_v be_v as_o studious_a to_o observe_v these_o rule_n in_o their_o censure_n as_o the_o protester_n be_v desirous_a to_o make_v conscience_n of_o keep_v these_o rule_n in_o their_o conversation_n as_o for_o his_o four_o consideration_n he_o mistake_v the_o question_n there_o be_v more_o in_o the_o case_n of_o non-concurrence_n with_o the_o force_n of_o the_o kingdom_n than_o association_n with_o malignant_n for_o the_o state_n of_o the_o quarrel_n be_v change_v from_o what_o be_v agree_v on_o by_o state_n kirk_n and_o army_n before_o the_o fight_n at_o dumbar_n as_o have_v be_v show_v before_o next_o the_o interest_n and_o end_n of_o the_o war_n be_v change_v when_o the_o malignant_a party_n become_v the_o predominant_a and_o prevalent_a part_n in_o judicatory_n and_o army_n it_o be_v one_o thing_n to_o join_v with_o a_o few_o evil_a doer_n in_o a_o great_a army_n it_o be_v another_o thing_n to_o join_v with_o the_o congregation_n of_o evill-doer_n and_o where_o notorious_a evil_a doer_n bear_v the_o sway_n and_o rule_v in_o government_n there_o be_v a_o three_o thing_n that_o though_o all_o be_v clear_a anent_o the_o unlawfulnesse_n of_o the_o invasion_n and_o do_v concur_v to_o oppose_v it_o yet_o very_o needless_o several_a be_v make_v to_o scruple_n in_o their_o act_n and_o their_o hand_n be_v weaken_v by_o the_o state_n slight_v and_o reject_v the_o offer_n of_o a_o treaty_n for_o peace_n which_o be_v make_v by_o general_n and_o council_n of_o the_o english_a force_n not_o long_o after_o the_o fight_n at_o dumbar_n see_v it_o have_v be_v a_o easy_a matter_n in_o a_o few_o day_n to_o have_v make_v trial_n and_o discovery_n whether_o there_o be_v any_o reality_n in_o that_o offer_n or_o not_o but_o not_o so_o much_o as_o a_o answer_n be_v return_v by_o word_n or_o writing_n to_o that_o letter_n notwithstanding_o that_o it_o be_v once_o resolve_v on_o by_o the_o most_o part_n of_o the_o member_n of_o the_o committee_n of_o estate_n that_o be_v then_o present_a at_o sterline_n now_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o these_o thing_n be_v of_o a_o different_a nature_n from_o the_o question_n about_o separation_n from_o worship_n because_o of_o the_o sin_n of_o follow-worshipper_n but_o yet_o further_o i_o say_v there_o be_v many_o clear_a difference_n betwixt_o non-concurrence_n with_o the_o malignant_a party_n in_o arm_n according_a to_o the_o public_a resolution_n &_o separation_n from_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o fellow-worshipper_n for_o in_o act_n of_o worship_n the_o effect_n be_v to_o every_o man_n according_a to_o his_o faith_n but_o in_o fight_v together_o there_o be_v one_o common_a effect_n result_v to_o all_o &_o all_o must_v share_v therein_o according_a as_o the_o lord_n dispense_v a_o victory_n or_o defeat_n now_o the_o lord_n be_v with_o his_o friend_n and_o bless_v they_o and_o against_o his_o enemy_n and_o curse_v they_o therefore_o jehosaphat_n and_o amaziah_n be_v forbid_a conjunction_n with_o israel_n 2_o chron._n 19_o and_o 25._o and_o to_o express_v it_o further_o i_o give_v this_o instance_n that_o when_o man_n join_v in_o arm_n they_o fight_v one_o for_o another_o but_o in_o participation_n of_o the_o sacrament_n they_o do_v not_o communicate_v one_o for_o another_o also_o there_o be_v no_o implicit_a obedience_n to_o be_v give_v in_o act_n of_o worship_n as_o there_o must_v be_v in_o war_n in_o some_o case_n for_o inferior_a officer_n and_o soldier_n be_v swear_v to_o obedience_n by_o their_o military_a oath_n and_o if_o they_o shall_v refuse_v until_o they_o understand_v a_o reason_n for_o the_o command_v give_v they_o it_o will_v be_v judge_v mutiny_n and_o worthy_a of_o death_n therefore_o friend_n and_o not_o our_o bloody_a enemy_n be_v to_o be_v entrust_v as_o commander_n likewise_o there_o be_v not_o such_o command_n prohibition_n and_o covenant_n in_o the_o one_o case_n as_o the_o other_o and_o we_o see_v in_o scripture_n that_o jehosaphat_n and_o amaziah_n be_v forbid_a conjunction_n with_o the_o israelite_n in_o war_n yet_o incase_o the_o same_o israelite_n have_v come_v to_o jerusalem_n to_o worship_n jehosaphat_n and_o amaziah_n have_v be_v oblige_v to_o join_v with_o they_o in_o act_n of_o worship_n there_o be_v diverse_a other_o difference_n but_o because_o they_o be_v set_v down_o in_o other_o paper_n for_o answer_v the_o same_o objection_n i_o shall_v not_o repeat_v they_o here_o in_o the_o last_o place_n i_o shall_v add_v a_o further_a consideration_n and_o that_o be_v even_o in_o the_o case_n of_o abstain_v from_o conjunction_n with_o these_o that_o not_o only_o come_v the_o length_n of_o profession_n but_o serious_o to_o essay_n to_o join_v themselves_o with_o the_o church_n which_o it_o seem_v this_o reviewer_n do_v condemn_v as_o altogether_o unlawful_a in_o any_o case_n whatsoever_o there_o be_v great_a difference_n betwixt_o open_a enmity_n against_o the_o lord_n and_o his_o work_n and_o bloody_a persecution_n of_o his_o people_n and_o betwixt_o common_a scandal_n these_o two_o be_v not_o to_o be_v confound_v together_o for_o actual_a enmity_n suspend_v the_o duty_n of_o all_o relation_n so_o long_o as_o it_o be_v continue_v even_o between_o father_n and_o son_n and_o husband_n and_o wife_n at_o least_o these_o duty_n which_o can_v be_v perform_v without_o real_a danger_n for_o nature_n light_n teach_v that_o one_o will_v not_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 assay_v to_o join_v himself_o to_o they_o and_o no_o doubt_n paul_n be_v so_o wise_a a_o man_n and_o know_v how_o great_a offence_n his_o former_a carriage_n have_v give_v do_v declare_v to_o some_o of_o they_o the_o manner_n of_o his_o conversion_n when_o he_o do_v essay_n to_o join_v himself_o yet_o he_o can_v not_o obtain_v this_o without_o barnabas_n his_o testimony_n to_o the_o apposty_n anent_o the_o sincerity_n of_o his_o conversion_n it_o be_v well_o say_v by_o calvin_n upon_o the_o place_n &_o timendum_fw-la erat_fw-la ne_fw-la periculum_fw-la sibi_fw-la temerè_fw-la accerserent_fw-la si_fw-la prabuissent_fw-la se_fw-la adeo_fw-la faciles_fw-la itaque_fw-la timorem_fw-la illis_fw-la justa_fw-la de_fw-la causa_fw-la conceptum_fw-la nemo_fw-la vitio_fw-la vertere_fw-la debet_fw-la nam_fw-la si_fw-la ad_fw-la reddendam_fw-la fidei_fw-la rationem_fw-la vocati_fw-la fuissent_fw-la non_fw-la paulum_fw-la mode_n sed_fw-la omnes_fw-la inferorum_fw-la furias_fw-la intripidè_fw-la provocassent_fw-la it_o be_v the_o judgement_n of_o some_o divine_n upon_o gal._n 16_o 17_o 18_o that_o paul_n have_v then_o be_v three_o year_n preach_v after_o his_o conversion_n at_o damascus_n and_o in_o arabia_n before_o he_o come_v to_o jerusalem_n which_o if_o so_o may_v further_o strengthen_v the_o argument_n if_o there_o be_v need_n and_o however_o act_v 22_o 18._o such_o be_v the_o lord_n gracious_a condescendence_n far_o different_a from_o the_o imperious_a and_o boisterous_a way_n of_o ruler_n upon_o earth_n that_o though_o upon_o right_a information_n concern_v paul_n all_o scruple_n may_v have_v be_v remove_v yet_o he_o give_v command_v to_o paul_n to_o depart_v from_o jerurusalem_n make_v haste_n say_v the_o lord_n and_o get_v thou_o quick_o out_o of_o jerusalem_n for_o they_o will_v not_o receive_v thy_o testimony_n concern_v i_o as_o for_o paul_n answer_n although_o interpreter_n differ_v about_o the_o meaning_n thereof_o yet_o it_o be_v most_o probable_a that_o his_o word_n be_v a_o confirmation_n of_o what_o the_o lord_n have_v say_v and_o a_o humble_a confession_n that_o they_o have_v reason_n to_o scruple_n in_o receive_v his_o testimony_n and_o if_o paul_n have_v be_v offer_v a_o reason_n to_o the_o lord_n for_o his_o stay_n at_o jerusalem_n as_o some_o think_v he_o will_v have_v add_v something_o about_o the_o reality_n of_o his_o conversion_n as_o barnabas_n do_v for_o he_o act_v 9.27_o but_o however_o the_o lord_n renew_v his_o command_n vers_fw-la 21._o depart_v for_o i_o will_v send_v thou_o far_o hence_o to_o the_o gentile_n these_o consideration_n together_o with_o the_o present_a practice_n of_o the_o protester_n may_v suffice_v to_o vindicate_v they_o from_o such_o calumny_n protestation_n reviewed_n as_o for_o a_o argument_n draw_v from_o the_o disclaim_n corrupt_a assembly_n at_o glasgow_n or_o the_o follow_a assembly_n at_o edinburgh_n its_o affirm_v those_o corrupt_a assembly_n be_v a_o chief_a cause_n of_o the_o evil_n we_o then_o groan_v under_o how_o weak_a i_o say_v such_o a_o argument_n will_v be_v for_o justify_v their_o present_a practice_n be_v palpable_a to_o any_o who_o will_v either_o look_v to_o the_o matter_n conclude_v in_o those_o corrupt_a meeting_n or_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o procedure_n or_o the_o particular_a reason_n whereon_o they_o be_v condemn_v in_o all_o which_o there_o be_v nothing_o alike_o i_o wonder_v why_o they_o be_v allege_v except_o perhaps_o they_o know_v many_o of_o their_o proselyte_n will_v take_v upon_o trust_n whatsoever_o come_v from_o they_o or_o seem_v to_o borrow_v countenance_n from_o glasgow_n protestation_n defend_v it_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v that_o where_o the_o protestation_n upon_o good_a ground_n say_v that_o the_o secend_v assembly_n after_o this_o last_o reformation_n have_v clear_o determine_v the_o keep_n and_o authorise_v corrupt_a general_n assembly_n to_o have_v be_v one_o of_o the_o chief_a cause_n of_o the_o many_o evil_n which_o have_v befall_v this_o church_n he_o only_o say_v that_o it_o affirm_v that_o these_o corrupt_a assembly_n be_v a_o chief_a cause_n etc._n etc._n if_o any_o of_o the_o protester_n have_v speak_v so_o bare_o of_o so_o solemn_a a_o act_n and_o determination_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n it_o have_v be_v a_o crime_n to_o have_v be_v note_v with_o great_a letter_n but_o he_o also_o pass_v over_o these_o word_n keep_v and_o authorise_v these_o corrupt_a assembly_n which_o be_v the_o word_n of_o the_o act_n and_o of_o no_o small_a use_n in_o this_o debate_n betwixt_o they_o and_o the_o protester_n and_o if_o the_o late_a assembly_n be_v corrupt_a the_o forbear_v to_o keep_v they_o and_o to_o concur_v for_o authorise_v they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o separation_n that_o it_o be_v a_o duty_n so_o to_o do_v in_o the_o next_o place_n i_o observe_v that_o he_o seem_v to_o grant_v the_o nullity_n of_o the_o late_a assembly_n if_o they_o be_v like_a unto_o the_o six_o corrupt_a assembly_n either_o in_o matter_n manner_n or_o reason_n condemn_v the_o same_o and_o if_o he_o shall_v be_v please_v diligent_o to_o peruse_v the_o review_n of_o the_o late_a vindication_n he_o may_v see_v their_o likeness_n in_o all_o the_o three_o though_o he_o yield_v that_o one_o of_o they_o be_v enough_o as_o to_o that_o bitter_a scoff_n say_v that_o the_o protester_n i_o know_v many_o of_o their_o proselyte_n will_v take_v upon_o trust_n whatsoever_o come_v from_o they_o or_o seem_v to_o borrow_v countenance_n from_o glasgow_n i_o wish_v the_o writer_n of_o this_o paper_n have_v as_o great_a ability_n and_o dexterity_n to_o speak_v in_o thing_n concern_v edification_n and_o the_o promote_a of_o godliness_n as_o he_o have_v for_o jeer_n and_o scoff_n wherein_o he_o seem_v to_o speak_v as_o one_o who_o have_v delight_v to_o exercise_v himself_o therewith_o from_o his_o youth_n but_o sure_o he_o be_v great_o mistake_v in_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o he_o say_v and_o if_o he_o shall_v ask_v these_o who_o he_o call_v proselyte_n i_o trust_v he_o shall_v find_v they_o in_o some_o measure_n able_a to_o render_v a_o reason_n of_o their_o do_n and_o that_o they_o act_n from_o a_o principle_n of_o knowledge_n and_o not_o of_o ignorance_n protestation_n reviewed_n they_o say_v they_o have_v a_o clear_a warrant_n from_o scripture_n to_o plead_v and_o testify_v against_o corruption_n it_o be_v indeed_o but_o withal_o they_o shall_v have_v better_a ground_n than_o any_o we_o have_v yet_o hear_v of_o or_o can_v conceive_v before_o they_o trouble_v the_o peace_n of_o a_o kirk_n and_o so_o peremptory_o conclude_v that_o a_o corruption_n which_o they_o can_v prove_v one_o yea_o what_o all_o not_o only_o reform_v church_n from_o the_o light_n of_o scripture_n be_v persuade_v of_o but_o even_o general_o all_o people_n from_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o upon_o the_o principle_n of_o self-preservation_n be_v convince_v be_v a_o duty_n we_o pass_v for_o the_o present_a to_o give_v any_o verdict_n concern_v some_o by_o past_a act_n of_o they_o which_o they_o mention_v how_o good_a they_o be_v or_o how_o true_a what_o be_v say_v be_v sufficient_a to_o clear_v that_o this_o their_o protestation_n be_v also_o needless_a to_o say_v no_o worse_o as_o the_o follow_a ground_n give_v for_o it_o be_v frivolous_a which_o themselves_o seem_v in_o part_n to_o assent_v to_o while_o they_o say_v they_o do_v it_o for_o all_o or_o some_o of_o the_o reason_n follow_v and_o so_o insinuate_v that_o some_o of_o they_o will_v not_o hold_v water_n which_o in_o my_o humble_a opinion_n they_o may_v safe_o have_v affirm_v of_o they_o all_o protestation_n defend_v when_o the_o protester_n bring_v argument_n from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n from_o swear_a covenant_n and_o the_o act_n and_o declaration_n of_o this_o kirk_n to_o prove_v a_o defection_n in_o this_o kirk_n and_o that_o in_o the_o public_a resolution_n they_o have_v depart_v from_o former_a principle_n than_o this_o reviewer_n take_v himself_o to_o