say_v this_o conceit_n have_v great_a appearance_n of_o reason_n be_v of_o that_o sort_n of_o argument_n that_o arristotle_n call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d id_fw-la est_fw-la that_o have_v appearance_n but_o not_o solidity_n id_fw-la est_fw-la that_o kirk_n judicatory_n have_v no_o power_n for_o destruction_n but_o all_o their_o power_n be_v for_o edification_n he_o may_v have_v take_v a_o large_a subject_n to_o his_o denunciation_n even_o all_o judicatories_n both_o civil_a and_o ecclesiastical_a for_o no_o civil_a judicatory_a nor_o judge_n nor_o magistrate_n more_o than_o ecclesiastic_a have_v his_o power_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d id_fw-la est_fw-la moral_a power_n for_o destruction_n but_o all_o be_v for_o edificatication_n in_o their_o kind_n viz_o for_o the_o preserve_n and_o procure_v the_o good_a and_o safety_n of_o the_o people_n which_o be_v suprema_fw-la lex_fw-la by_o just_a act_n be_v then_o that_o a_o good_a consequence_n a_o assembly_n that_o make_v destructive_a act_n be_v null_a then_o it_o be_v as_o good_a a_o consequence_n a_o parliament_n that_o make_v destructive_a act_n be_v no_o parliament_n and_o a_o king_n that_o make_v destructive_a act_n be_v no_o king_n the_o truth_n be_v a_o assembly_n that_o make_v wrong_a act_n dissent_v from_o the_o rule_n it_o shall_v walk_v by_o act_v not_o as_o a_o lawful_a assembly_n shall_v do_v nor_o be_v these_o act_n make_v obligatory_a or_o to_o be_v obey_v but_o yet_o for_o all_o that_o it_o may_v be_v a_o true_a and_o lawful_a assembly_n as_o to_o the_o essence_n and_o be_v of_o a_o assembly_n and_o have_v lawful_a authority_n as_o the_o parliament_n 48._o in_o carry_v on_o the_o sinful_a engagement_n and_o many_o act_n destructive_a to_o the_o commonwealth_n and_o to_o the_o end_n of_o parliament_n which_o people_n think_v themselves_o not_o oblige_v to_o obey_v and_o be_v afterward_o condemn_v and_o yet_o that_o parliament_n be_v never_o deny_v to_o be_v a_o lawful_a parliament_n it_o be_v a_o distinction_n at_o that_o time_n common_a and_o uncontradict_v and_o for_o my_o part_n i_o can_v see_v a_o reason_n why_o it_o shall_v not_o have_v place_n in_o relation_n to_o a_o assembly_n that_o the_o act_n of_o it_o may_v be_v unlawful_a and_o yet_o itself_o a_o lawful_a assembly_n the_o other_o reason_n be_v never_o a_o whit_n more_o to_o the_o purpose_n more_o than_o the_o former_a for_o to_o let_v that_o pass_v which_o he_o say_v in_o the_o antecedent_n that_o whatever_o power_n commissioner_n of_o a_o general_n assembly_n have_v it_o be_v by_o commission_n from_o etc._n etc._n which_o deserve_v examination_n and_o if_o he_o mean_v that_o commissioner_n sit_v together_o and_o vote_v in_o a_o general_n assembly_n have_v only_o a_o delegate_v power_n and_o depute_a power_n subordinate_a to_o presbytery_n can_v hardly_o be_v reconcile_v with_o sound_a doctrine_n concern_v church_n government_n yet_o suppose_v it_o to_o be_v so_o no_o more_o follow_v but_o that_o in_o such_o act_n as_o the_o assembly_n make_v contrary_a to_o the_o limitation_n and_o rule_n contain_v therein_o they_o may_v get_v no_o obedience_n and_o that_o such_o act_n may_v be_v decline_v and_o protest_v against_o and_o indeed_o the_o writer_n himself_o in_o his_o consequent_a infer_v no_o more_o but_o this_o much_o for_o get_v in_o so_o short_a bound_n what_o he_o have_v propon_v as_o the_o point_n to_o be_v prove_v for_o these_o be_v his_o very_a word_n for_o in_o so_o far_o as_o they_o do_v any_o thing_n contrary_a to_o this_o in_o so_o far_o they_o may_v be_v decline_v as_o have_v no_o power_n or_o authority_n in_o do_v such_o thing_n which_o what_o be_v it_o else_o but_o what_o we_o have_v say_v but_o it_o do_v not_o follow_v that_o because_o they_o make_v act_n contrary_a to_o the_o limitation_n of_o their_o commission_n therefore_o the_o assembly_n may_v be_v decline_v and_o protest_v against_o absolute_o as_o not_o have_v the_o be_v of_o a_o lawful_a free_a assembly_n just_a as_o because_o the_o member_n of_o a_o parliament_n have_v all_o their_o power_n by_o commission_n from_o the_o people_n of_o the_o land_n commissioner_n of_o shire_n from_o their_o shire_n and_o commissioner_n of_o burgh_n from_o their_o burgh_n by_o a_o temporary_a election_n &_o as_o i_o humble_o conceive_v noblementâ—â—_n by_o a_o kind_n of_o election_n hereditary_a from_o the_o commonwealth_n &_o they_o be_v limit_v to_o the_o laudable_a fundamental_a law_n of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o unto_o the_o common_a principle_n of_o justice_n it_o follow_v well_o that_o if_o they_o make_v act_n contrary_a to_o these_o they_o be_v not_o obligatory_a unto_o obedience_n and_o in_o so_o far_o they_o may_v be_v protest_v against_o but_o it_o do_v not_o follow_v that_o therefore_o the_o parliament_n that_o make_v they_o may_v be_v absolute_o decline_v and_o protest_v against_o as_o no_o lawful_a or_o free_a parl._n i_o know_v there_o be_v many_o difference_n between_o these_o judicatories_n in_o other_o thing_n but_o i_o think_v the_o writer_n shall_v be_v hardly_o able_a to_o let_v we_o see_v a_o reason_n why_o the_o parallel_n of_o this_o shall_v not_o hold_v good_a this_o be_v it_o that_o take_v away_o the_o force_n of_o the_o second_o ground_n for_o prove_v the_o point_n that_o be_v intend_v however_o the_o impertinency_n of_o this_o second_o ground_n as_o to_o the_o point_n it_o be_v intend_v for_o be_v discover_v before_o and_o i_o hope_v by_o what_o have_v be_v say_v it_o be_v sufficient_o evidence_v that_o the_o writer_n have_v bring_v no_o new_a considerable_a reason_n for_o the_o nullity_n of_o the_o late_a assembly_n as_o to_o the_o be_v of_o a_o lawful_a free_a assembly_n even_o suppose_v sundry_a of_o the_o act_n and_o constitution_n be_v wrong_v upon_o the_o matter_n which_o yet_o be_v not_o grant_v and_o he_o shall_v have_v prove_v and_o not_o naked_o affirm_v but_o have_v bring_v disadvantage_n to_o himself_o and_o the_o protestation_n review_n the_o writer_n be_v not_o positive_a in_o deliver_v his_o own_o judgement_n upon_o this_o point_n that_o be_v here_o so_o much_o insist_v upon_o by_o the_o author_n but_o only_o say_v that_o it_o be_v the_o opinion_n or_o conception_n of_o some_o with_o much_o appearance_n of_o reason_n and_o therefore_o upon_o supposal_n that_o this_o opinion_n be_v not_o well_o ground_v he_o have_v bring_v little_a or_o no_o disadvantage_n either_o to_o himself_o or_o to_o the_o protestation_n in_o allege_v the_o same_o yea_o i_o believe_v he_o will_v take_v it_o for_o a_o advantage_n to_o have_v the_o truth_n discover_v unto_o he_o either_o in_o this_o or_o any_o other_o particular_a for_o my_o part_n i_o be_o loath_a neither_o do_v i_o intend_v to_o fall_v upon_o the_o debate_n of_o this_o question_n or_o to_o deliver_v my_o judgement_n positive_o therein_o because_o if_o i_o be_v not_o mistake_v it_o be_v a_o thorny_a question_n and_o full_a of_o difficulty_n on_o both_o hand_n yet_o i_o can_v but_o take_v notice_n of_o some_o thing_n that_o be_v set_v down_o by_o the_o author_n in_o his_o large_a answer_n to_o what_o be_v say_v short_o by_o the_o writer_n first_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o writer_n do_v but_o affirm_v that_o the_o act_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o assembly_n be_v wrong_a and_o that_o his_o say_n be_v not_o to_o be_v hold_v for_o sententia_fw-la lata_fw-la nor_o be_v it_o a_o oracle_n none_o speak_v oracle_n but_o god_n and_o the_o writer_n take_v no_o more_o upon_o he_o but_o to_o speak_v his_o opinion_n as_o a_o poor_a weak_a man_n but_o i_o believe_v the_o author_n know_v that_o it_o be_v not_o only_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o writer_n and_o of_o the_o protester_n and_o of_o such_o minister_n and_o professor_n as_o be_v unsatisfied_a with_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o assembly_n but_o also_o of_o many_o other_o even_o of_o not_o a_o few_o of_o those_o who_o be_v no_o opposite_n to_o the_o public_a resolution_n i_o have_v hitherto_o meet_v with_o few_o or_o none_o in_o estimation_n for_o piety_n and_o godliness_n that_o do_v justify_v and_o profess_v their_o adherence_n to_o all_o the_o act_n of_o that_o assembly_n as_o thing_n tend_v to_o edification_n and_o promove_v the_o work_n of_o reformation_n in_o the_o land_n and_o see_v he_o be_v please_v to_o make_v bold_a with_o other_o i_o think_v he_o will_v not_o offend_v if_o i_o appeal_v his_o conscience_n whether_o he_o think_v these_o act_n of_o that_o assembly_n that_o do_v relate_v to_o the_o censure_v of_o all_o minister_n expectant_n student_n elder_n and_o professor_n who_o do_v not_o acknowledge_v the_o constitution_n of_o that_o assembly_n and_o submit_v to_o the_o act_n thereof_o such_o act_n as_o in_o themselves_o tend_v to_o the_o further_a of_o the_o work_n of_o reformation_n and_o advance_v of_o piety_n and_o godliness_n in_o the_o land_n next_o i_o take_v
up_o or_o follow_v their_o say_n opinion_n or_o practice_n without_o due_a examination_n and_o trial_n upon_o this_o account_n because_o they_o be_v godly_a person_n from_o who_o such_o thing_n proceed_v as_o be_v a_o advice_n wholesome_a and_o profitable_a in_o itself_o and_o as_o have_v ground_n to_o think_v that_o the_o estimation_n of_o some_o man_n person_n and_o judgement_n the_o last_o year_n have_v influence_n upon_o some_o to_o gain_v they_o to_o the_o public_a resolution_n and_o to_o the_o proceed_n of_o the_o assembly_n i_o do_v also_o join_v with_o he_o in_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o two_o thing_n which_o he_o add_v for_o strengthen_v of_o this_o present_a caution_n only_o desire_v he_o to_o be_v impartial_a in_o the_o application_n of_o the_o first_o and_o to_o look_v homeward_o aswell_o as_o abroad_o and_o to_o guard_v well_o both_o in_o the_o first_o and_o last_o that_o in_o discover_v the_o error_n or_o weakness_n of_o some_o who_o be_v true_o godly_a or_o the_o hypocrisy_n of_o other_o who_o pretend_v it_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o profane_a and_o such_o as_o hate_v and_o mock_v at_o godliness_n and_o insult_v over_o the_o infirmity_n and_o blemish_n of_o the_o saint_n be_v not_o strengthen_v nor_o godliness_n nor_o godly_a man_n bring_v in_o contempt_n vindication_n 3._o the_o pretence_n and_o big_a profession_n of_o good_a upright_a and_o zealous_a intention_n and_o affection_n towards_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n and_o welfare_n of_o the_o kirk_n of_o god_n in_o this_o land_n i_o shall_v nor_o dare_v question_v the_o uprightnes_n of_o the_o intention_n of_o some_o yea_o many_o of_o they_o may_v i_o be_o very_o persuade_v of_o some_o of_o they_o that_o they_o be_v far_o from_o do_v any_o thing_n intentional_o or_o formal_o and_o direct_o intend_v the_o overthrow_v or_o wrong_v any_o of_o the_o ordinance_n of_o jesus_n christ_n settle_v in_o this_o kirk_n or_o the_o peace_n thereof_o and_o that_o if_o they_o be_v lead_v in_o any_o course_n in_o the_o matter_n prejudicial_a to_o any_o of_o these_o it_o be_v as_o many_o wâ—t_v out_o with_o absolom_n in_o the_o simplicity_n of_o their_o heart_n but_o fiâ—st_v it_o will_v be_v remember_v that_o many_o may_v be_v very_o zealous_a in_o their_o intention_n for_o god_n and_o yet_o that_o zeal_n be_v not_o according_a to_o knowledge_n where_o there_o be_v much_o zeal_n for_o any_o end_n there_o be_v also_o much_o mistake_v about_o mid_n towards_o that_o end_n and_o where_o there_o be_v much_o and_o clear_a knowledge_n in_o many_o thing_n there_o may_v be_v much_o mistake_n about_o some_o or_o more_o particular_n a_o good_a intention_n be_v necessary_a that_o a_o man_n may_v be_v approven_v before_o god_n in_o his_o action_n but_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o make_v his_o action_n good_a or_o imitable_a by_o other_o and_o certain_o this_o be_v the_o chief_a thing_n to_o be_v consider_v by_o thou_o ere_o thou_o allow_v follow_v or_o comply_v with_o the_o course_n of_o any_o other_o man_n not_o what_o good_a intention_n or_o zeal_n they_o do_v profess_v but_o what_o good_a ground_n or_o reason_n they_o have_v for_o the_o course_n ay_o but_o may_v some_o great_a knower_n say_v this_o be_v poor_a who_o know_v not_o this_o this_o be_v a_o common_a know_a principle_n of_o act_v that_o we_o shall_v not_o lippen_n to_o man_n profession_n of_o straight_o honest_a and_o good_a intention_n but_o seek_v what_o warrant_v they_o have_v for_o their_o action_n it_o be_v true_a it_o be_v a_o common_a know_v and_o plain_a principle_n but_o common_a principle_n be_v better_o know_v then_o make_v use_v of_o and_o have_v need_n to_o be_v press_v that_o they_o may_v be_v hate_v in_o our_o act_n and_o among_o other_o this_o especial_o in_o these_o time_n great_a profession_n of_o honest_a and_o straight_a purpose_n and_o intention_n especial_o make_v by_o man_n who_o be_v presume_v to_o have_v much_o knowledge_n and_o have_v be_v find_v in_o many_o thing_n right_a be_v ready_a to_o make_v other_o who_o be_v credulous_a and_o more_o simple_a oftentimes_o secure_a and_o negligent_a to_o try_v and_o prove_v their_o act_n and_o so_o oftentimes_o suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v lead_v out_o of_o the_o way_n 2._o albeit_o as_o i_o say_v before_o i_o do_v not_o question_v the_o uprightnes_n and_o sincerity_n of_o some_o profession_n concern_v their_o intention_n and_o their_o affection_n yet_o i_o shall_v desire_v the_o reader_n to_o compare_v the_o profession_n make_v in_o the_o narrative_a of_o the_o protestation_n in_o hand_n with_o some_o late_a practice_n of_o some_o that_o have_v hand_n therein_o and_o these_o not_o of_o the_o low_a form_n first_o they_o profess_v that_o while_o they_o live_v it_o shall_v be_v acknowledge_v how_o gracious_a god_n have_v be_v in_o give_v to_o this_o kirk_n pure_a ordinance_n and_o that_o they_o desire_v mercy_n and_o grace_n to_o adhere_v to_o the_o worship_n doctrine_n discipline_n and_o government_n establish_v in_o this_o land_n this_o indeed_o be_v a_o good_a profession_n but_o suppose_v that_o which_o be_v certain_a and_o evident_a that_o when_o we_o speak_v of_o great_a estimation_n of_o and_o adhere_v to_o the_o discipline_n and_o government_n establish_v in_o this_o kirk_n we_o must_v conceive_v this_o in_o relation_n to_o the_o ordinance_n not_o only_o in_o the_o abstract_n and_o dogmate_a but_o also_o in_o concreto_fw-la and_o as_o they_o be_v in_o actu_fw-la exercito_fw-la actual_o exist_v and_o as_o they_o be_v exercise_v in_o judicatories_n constitute_v according_o let_v a_o man_n profess_v what_o he_o will_v of_o soundness_n and_o constancy_n in_o point_n of_o judgement_n concern_v discipline_n and_o government_n establish_v in_o the_o kirk_n yet_o if_o he_o be_v find_v a_o contemner_n of_o the_o exercise_n of_o that_o discipline_n and_o of_o the_o lawful_a judicatories_n invest_v with_o the_o government_n no_o wise_a man_n will_v acknowledge_v that_o man_n to_o have_v a_o due_a estimation_n of_o or_o to_o be_v a_o constant_a adherer_n to_o these_o ordinance_n except_o it_o may_v be_v in_o so_o far_o as_o he_o hold_v something_o of_o they_o in_o his_o own_o hand_n and_o that_o be_v himself_o nay_o such_o profession_n be_v but_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d good_a word_n and_o fair_a speech_n to_o deceive_v the_o heart_n of_o the_o simple_a this_o lay_v down_o let_v any_o ingenuous_a and_o indifferent_a man_n take_v unto_o consideration_n but_o some_o practice_n of_o some_o of_o the_o protester_n and_o judge_v how_o agreeable_a they_o be_v to_o the_o former_a profession_n and_o adhere_v to_o the_o discipline_n and_o government_n settle_v in_o this_o church_n 1._o condemn_v act_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o supreme_a judicatories_n of_o the_o kirk_n most_o unanimous_o conclude_v themselves_o be_v present_a and_o not_o contradict_v but_o positive_o by_o their_o vote_n consent_v thereunto_o and_o that_o not_o in_o a_o private_a way_n but_o in_o a_o remonstrance_n public_o emit_v to_o the_o world_n and_o present_v to_o the_o state_n without_o have_v so_o much_o respect_n to_o these_o judicatories_n as_o which_o due_a estimation_n of_o and_o adhere_v to_o the_o establish_a government_n of_o the_o kirk_n do_v require_v once_o to_o have_v have_v recourse_n to_o they_o first_o by_o supplication_n or_o desire_n to_o re-examine_a or_o to_o take_v to_o their_o consideration_n again_o these_o act_n and_o constitution_n yea_o refuse_v to_o apply_v themselves_o to_o they_o in_o such_o a_o way_n as_o that_o when_o advise_v and_o earnest_o press_v thereunto_o as_o orderly_o by_o some_o to_o who_o they_o have_v communicate_v the_o design_n of_o the_o remonstrance_n the_o former_a part_n of_o this_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o western_a remonstrance_n condemn_v the_o treaty_n with_o the_o king_n and_o close_v thereof_o allow_v approven_v and_o ratify_v by_o the_o general_n assembly_n 1650._o if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o that_o remonstrance_n be_v communicate_v to_o the_o commission_n of_o the_o kirk_n before_o it_o be_v present_v to_o the_o estate_n that_o be_v true_a but_o beside_o that_o the_o commission_n have_v not_o power_n to_o judge_v the_o act_n and_o constisution_n of_o the_o assembly_n it_o be_v present_v unto_o they_o mere_o to_o have_v have_v their_o concurrence_n in_o present_v it_o to_o the_o estate_n if_o that_o can_v have_v be_v obtain_v but_o with_o no_o desire_n to_o advise_v and_o give_v their_o judgement_n upon_o the_o matter_n contain_v in_o it_o yea_o these_o that_o come_v with_o it_o require_v if_o they_o have_v any_o power_n commit_v to_o they_o to_o change_v any_o thing_n of_o it_o they_o plain_o declare_v that_o though_o some_o expression_n may_v be_v change_v yet_o they_o have_v no_o power_n and_o be_v not_o to_o alter_v one_o jote_n of_o the_o matter_n so_o determine_v be_v they_o of_o themselves_o and_o antecedent_o to_o the_o cognition_n of_o the_o
but_o neither_o be_v that_o new_a because_o the_o commission_n at_o edinburgh_n before_o the_o king_n home_n come_v have_v in_o a_o very_a large_a letter_n to_o the_o commissioner_n at_o holland_n hold_v forth_o their_o great_a dis-satisfaction_n with_o the_o proceed_n of_o that_o treaty_n in_o many_o particular_n and_o the_o commission_n at_o leith_n before_o the_o defeat_n at_o dumbar_n have_v also_o hold_v forth_o the_o malignant_a design_n that_o be_v then_o carry_v on_o and_o have_v give_v it_o in_o as_o a_o public_a cause_n of_o humiliation_n to_o the_o committee_n of_o estate_n it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o commission_n be_v the_o facto_fw-la convene_v within_o eight_o day_n but_o as_o we_o have_v already_o say_v it_o be_v not_o propable_a at_o the_o time_n or_o emit_v these_o cause_n that_o it_o shall_v so_o have_v be_v and_o i_o pray_v the_o author_n or_o any_o rational_a man_n sober_o to_o think_v what_o motive_n but_o the_o sense_n of_o duty_n and_o the_o press_a expediencie_n of_o the_o thing_n shall_v have_v induce_v these_o protester_n of_o who_o he_o speak_v to_o be_v so_o headstrong_a and_o forward_a to_o anticipate_v the_o meeting_n of_o the_o commission_n see_v they_o have_v ground_n to_o think_v that_o the_o commission_n at_o their_o meeting_n be_v like_a to_o condescend_v on_o these_o thing_n as_o cause_n of_o god_n wrath_n which_o be_v verify_v thereafter_o by_o the_o approve_v thereof_o but_o the_o author_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o commission_n do_v both_o alter_v somewhat_o of_o which_o i_o shall_v afterward_o speak_v and_o add_v some_o thing_n to_o wit_n a_o postscript_n recommend_v prayer_n for_o the_o king_n aswell_o as_o mourning_n for_o his_o sin_n which_o by_o the_o debate_n that_o be_v make_v against_o it_o by_o mr._n james_n guthrie_n and_o the_o register_n for_o the_o space_n of_o half_a a_o hour_n as_o he_o say_v seem_v to_o have_v be_v purposely_o leave_v out_o and_o that_o which_o the_o commission_n approve_v be_v the_o 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meet_v or_o make_v any_o such_o addition_n do_v pray_v for_o the_o king_n and_o why_o shall_v they_o have_v oppose_v that_o which_o be_v their_o own_o practice_n the_o author_n be_v a_o little_a beyond_o due_a bound_n when_o he_o say_v it_o seem_v to_o have_v be_v leave_v out_o of_o purpose_n their_o debate_n against_o the_o add_v of_o it_o be_v because_o at_o first_o they_o do_v not_o conceive_v that_o there_o be_v any_o necessity_n to_o make_v a_o express_a and_o distinct_a article_n of_o that_o more_o thâ—n_n of_o many_o other_o thing_n which_o we_o be_v no_o less_o bind_v to_o pray_v for_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n so_o obvious_a common_a and_o ordinary_a and_o that_o now_o to_o add_v it_o be_v to_o minister_v occasion_n without_o ground_n to_o make_v other_o conceive_v that_o it_o have_v be_v indeed_o former_o leave_v out_o of_o purpose_n and_o so_o to_o raise_v needless_a jealousy_n and_o suspicion_n of_o some_o as_o be_v disaffect_v to_o the_o king_n next_o because_o they_o take_v it_o to_o be_v include_v in_o the_o cause_n former_o emit_v though_o not_o express_o yet_o so_o as_o may_v be_v memorandum_n enough_o for_o decern_v man_n not_o to_o omit_v it_o he_o that_o mourn_v right_o for_o the_o king_n sin_n will_v also_o be_v a_o intercessor_n to_o god_n for_o he_o to_o bestow_v upon_o he_o the_o contrary_a grace_n and_o virtue_n i_o shall_v not_o debate_v with_o the_o author_n whether_o the_o commission_n do_v approve_v only_o the_o matter_n or_o also_o the_o way_n of_o emission_n of_o these_o cause_n sure_o i_o be_o they_o do_v not_o condemn_v the_o way_n of_o emission_n and_o if_o he_o shall_v be_v please_v to_o look_v upon_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o letter_n that_o at_o that_o time_n be_v write_v by_o the_o commission_n to_o the_o several_a presbytery_n wherein_o these_o cause_n be_v mention_v he_o will_v find_v something_o that_o look_v towards_o a_o approve_v of_o the_o way_n of_o emission_n as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o matter_n it_o be_v true_a that_o 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the_o commission_n and_o he_o will_v find_v it_o so_o that_o it_o be_v a_o preparative_n tend_v to_o the_o overthrow_n of_o government_n i_o can_v see_v when_o i_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o impartial_o as_o i_o can_v i_o know_v that_o he_o former_o call_v it_o a_o usurpation_n and_o if_o it_o have_v be_v so_o there_o be_v some_o ground_n for_o this_o new_a charge_n but_o i_o trust_v i_o have_v sufficient_o vindicate_v it_o from_o usurpation_n and_o therefore_o there_o be_v nothing_o bring_v that_o can_v bear_v the_o weight_n of_o this_o but_o for_o the_o discover_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o all_o this_o business_n upon_o which_o so_o great_a a_o stress_n be_v lay_v i_o desire_v the_o reader_n to_o be_v inform_v that_o when_o these_o cause_n of_o humiliation_n be_v first_o send_v abroad_o one_o of_o the_o commissioner_n of_o the_o church_n who_o have_v be_v employ_v in_o holland_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o treaty_n with_o the_o king_n conceive_v that_o his_o carriage_n in_o that_o employment_n be_v reflect_v upon_o in_o that_o article_n which_o speak_v of_o the_o crooked_a and_o precipitant_a way_n that_o be_v take_v for_o carry_v on_o the_o treaty_n with_o the_o king_n as_o one_o of_o the_o cause_n for_o which_o the_o land_n ought_v to_o be_v humble_v he_o do_v take_v it_o so_o impatient_o that_o not_o only_o do_v he_o declare_v that_o he_o can_v not_o read_v these_o cause_n as_o they_o be_v first_o emit_v and_o that_o if_o they_o shall_v be_v read_v in_o the_o congregation_n wherein_o he_o have_v charge_n he_o behove_v to_o make_v some_o protestation_n or_o bear_v some_o testimony_n against_o they_o but_o also_o when_o he_o come_v te_fw-mi the_o commission_n do_v sharp_o challenge_v the_o way_n of_o emit_v of_o they_o the_o want_n of_o a_o article_n relate_v to_o prayer_n for_o the_o king_n and_o that_o article_n concern_v the_o treaty_n as_o reflect_v upon_o the_o carriage_n of_o the_o commissioner_n of_o the_o church_n employ_v in_o holland_n in_o that_o business_n because_o the_o article_n as_o it_o be_v first_o emit_v do_v mention_v the_o crooked_a and_o precipitant_a way_n that_o be_v take_v by_o sundry_a for_o carry_v on_o of_o the_o treaty_n without_o restrict_v the_o same_o to_o our_o statesman_n therefore_o for_o peace_n sake_n and_o to_o give_v he_o satisfaction_n a_o postscript_n be_v add_v to_o the_o letter_n which_o be_v at_o that_o time_n write_v by_o the_o commission_n and_o send_v to_o prebytery_n concern_v prayer_n for_o the_o king_n and_o the_o article_n concern_v the_o treaty_n with_o the_o king_n be_v some_o what_o alter_v by_o restrict_v the_o sundry_a that_o be_v speak_v therein_o to_o sundry_a of_o our_o statesman_n whereas_o before_o it_o be_v indefinite_a and_o without_o any_o such_o restriction_n and_o these_o be_v the_o addition_n and_o alteration_n that_o he_o
length_n to_o condemn_v these_o thing_n and_o for_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o act_n they_o acknowledge_v themselves_o to_o be_v man_n subject_a to_o the_o like_a passion_n with_o other_o but_o know_v no_o cause_n why_o for_o these_o the_o trade_n of_o prelatical_a steâ—s_n shall_v be_v change_v rather_o upon_o they_o thâ—n_o upon_o other_o some_o in_o the_o follow_n of_o their_o duty_n be_v more_o emiss_a and_o other_o more_o forward_a but_o as_o long_o as_o they_o do_v strait_o and_o honest_o own_o their_o duty_n it_o be_v hard_a either_o because_o of_o the_o one_o or_o of_o the_o other_o to_o charge_v they_o with_o so_o heavy_a impuâ—ations_n vindication_n we_o shall_v now_o weigh_v these_o reason_n whereupon_o the_o protestation_n be_v build_v and_o which_o have_v be_v add_v late_o as_o batterage_n to_o hold_v it_o up_o sure_o the_o ground_n whereupon_o man_n will_v adventure_v on_o such_o a_o act_n or_o other_o will_v join_v in_o approve_v of_o it_o have_v need_n to_o be_v weighty_a in_o themselves_o and_o relevant_a and_o also_o clear_a in_o man_n conscience_n to_o protest_v against_o â—â—r_a dissent_n from_o some_o particular_a act_n and_o constitution_n of_o a_o gen._n assembly_n be_v a_o thing_n which_o may_v be_v do_v without_o schism_n and_o derogation_n to_o the_o authority_n and_o be_v of_o government_n but_o when_o a_o gen._n assembly_n itself_o be_v protest_v against_o and_o decline_v as_o unlawful_a and_o have_v no_o authority_n at_o all_o who_o see_v not_o how_o sad_a the_o consequence_n must_v ready_o be_v in_o hat_n kirk_n hardly_o can_v it_o be_v by_o any_o outward_a mean_n but_o turn_v to_o a_o fix_a schism_n which_o thing_n how_o have_v godly_a orthodox_n christian_n in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o kirk_n detest_a and_o abhor_v choose_v rather_o ever_o to_o tolerate_v great_a offence_n which_o they_o do_v see_v but_o can_v not_o mend_v rather_o then_o to_o aâ—vide_v the_o kirk_n of_o christ_n and_o then_o it_o will_v be_v serious_o consider_v if_o the_o reason_n and_o ground_n of_o such_o a_o act_n be_v not_o clear_a and_o relevant_a how_o high_a a_o attempt_n it_o against_o the_o kingly_a office_n of_o christ_n to_o trample_v under_o foot_n his_o supreme_a external_a court_n in_o a_o nationall_n kirk_n come_v we_o then_o and_o ponder_v the_o reason_n allege_v for_o this_o protestation_n and_o declinature_n whether_o they_o be_v find_v weighty_a or_o light_a uincat_fw-la veritas_fw-la review_n i_o shall_v not_o stand_v to_o discuse_v the_o relevancy_n of_o all_o that_o be_v assert_v in_o this_o general_a discourse_n but_o return_v this_o answer_n thereunto_o it_o seem_v the_o author_n do_v not_o deny_v that_o it_o be_v lawful_a and_o in_o some_o case_n necessary_a to_o protest_v against_o and_o decline_v some_o gen._n assembly_n and_o that_o it_o will_v be_v so_o in_o our_o hypothesis_n if_o the_o ground_n be_v clear_a and_o relevant_a whatsoever_o will_v plead_v for_o a_o protestation_n against_o particular_a act_n that_o be_v wrongthe_n same_o &_o great_a reason_n will_v plead_v for_o a_o protestation_n against_o a_o wrong_a constitution_n because_o the_o error_n of_o a_o wrong_a constitution_n be_v of_o great_a consequence_n as_o import_v more_o prejudice_n to_o the_o work_n and_o people_n of_o god_n and_o be_v a_o high_a attempt_n against_o the_o kingly_a office_n of_o jesus_n christ_n than_o many_o wrong_a act_n be_v and_o therefore_o there_o be_v the_o great_a reason_n to_o prevent_v the_o same_o in_o jure_fw-la where_o it_o can_v be_v do_v in_o facto_fw-la even_o as_o man_n by_o such_o like_a protestation_n preserve_v their_o right_n jure_v when_o by_o the_o spate_o of_o a_o decline_a judicatory_a they_o be_v like_a to_o be_v oppress_v de_fw-la facto_fw-la and_o therefore_o have_v orthodox_n christian_n in_o all_o age_n bear_v testimony_n and_o protest_v against_o corrupt_a counsel_n as_o well_o as_o corrupt_v act_n we_o shall_v not_o go_v far_o back_o to_o seek_v instance_n it_o be_v know_v what_o the_o protestant_a church_n do_v against_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n and_o how_o often_o faithful_a man_n in_o the_o church_n since_o the_o reformation_n from_o popery_n have_v bear_v testimony_n and_o protest_v against_o unlawful_a assembly_n as_o well_o as_o against_o unwarrantable_a act_n neither_o do_v it_o cause_n schism_n in_o the_o church_n or_o derogate_v any_o thing_n from_o the_o authority_n and_o be_v of_o government_n to_o protest_v against_o usurper_n corrupter_n or_o perverter_n of_o it_o in_o a_o false_a court_n but_o it_o be_v the_o lawful_a and_o have_v be_v the_o usual_a mean_n in_o this_o church_n bless_v unto_o she_o of_o the_o lord_n to_o prevent_v and_o remead_v schism_n and_o to_o preserve_v the_o authority_n and_o be_v of_o government_n with_o the_o purity_n and_o liberty_n of_o all_o the_o ordinance_n and_o whatsoever_o sad_a consequence_n can_v be_v imagine_v to_o follow_v upon_o it_o do_v lie_n at_o the_o door_n of_o these_o who_o by_o decline_v from_o their_o principle_n carry_v on_o and_o cleave_v to_o a_o corrupt_a constitution_n of_o a_o assembly_n and_o not_o on_o these_o who_o adhere_v to_o sound_a principle_n do_v from_o the_o conscience_n of_o their_o duty_n bear_v testimony_n against_o the_o same_o it_o have_v be_v often_o and_o true_o say_v that_o the_o side_n wall_n which_o fall_v and_o not_o the_o gevill_n which_o stand_v be_v to_o blame_v for_o the_o rent_n and_o ruin_n of_o the_o house_n i_o do_v willing_o acknowledge_v that_o it_o be_v a_o high_a attempt_n against_o the_o kingly_a office_n of_o jesus_n christ_n to_o trample_v under_o foot_n his_o supreme_a external_a court_n in_o a_o nationall_n church_n but_o as_o the_o protester_n be_v guilty_a of_o this_o high_a attempt_n if_o they_o have_v protest_v against_o the_o meeting_n at_o st._n andrews_n and_o dundee_n without_o a_o cause_n and_o upon_o ground_n that_o be_v not_o relevant_a so_o if_o the_o author_n and_o abettor_n of_o the_o public_a resolution_n have_v corrupt_v this_o court_n in_o the_o free_a and_o lawful_a constitution_n thereof_o and_o have_v take_v upon_o themselves_o to_o be_v a_o assembly_n whilst_o they_o be_v none_o then_o will_v they_o and_o not_o the_o other_o be_v find_v guilty_a of_o this_o high_a attempt_n let_v we_o therefore_o come_v to_o the_o discuss_n and_o clear_v of_o the_o reason_n that_o the_o protester_n plead_v for_o themselves_o vindication_n their_o first_o reason_n for_o unfreenesse_n and_o unlawfulnesse_n of_o the_o assembly_n that_o the_o election_n of_o commissioner_n to_o the_o same_o be_v prelimited_a and_o prejudge_v in_o the_o due_a liberty_n thereof_o by_o a_o act_n &_o letter_n of_o their_o commission_n of_o the_o last_o assembly_n send_v to_o presbytery_n appoint_v such_o brethren_n as_o after_o conference_n remain_v unsatisfied_a with_o and_o continue_v to_o oppose_v public_a resolution_n to_o be_v cite_v to_o the_o gen._n assembly_n thus_o it_o be_v brief_o propon_v in_o the_o protestation_n in_o the_o late_o large_a paper_n emit_v and_o spread_v abroad_o since_o wherein_o as_o may_v be_v conceive_v be_v muster_v all_o the_o force_n that_o can_v be_v gather_v together_o against_o that_o assembly_n and_o many_o head_n have_v be_v employ_v in_o that_o one_o every_o man_n that_o read_v it_o decern_v who_o pen_n have_v give_v the_o form_n and_o frame_v to_o it_o and_o any_o decern_a man_n also_o may_v perceive_v in_o it_o something_o of_o school_n and_o something_o of_o law_n and_o register_n which_o the_o former_a behove_v to_o have_v from_o these_o quarrier_n it_o be_v put_v in_o a_o sy_n logistick_a form_n thus_o that_o it_o be_v no_o free_a general_n assembly_n the_o election_n of_o who_o commissioner_n be_v so_o prejudge_v and_o prelimited_n in_o the_o due_a freedom_n and_o liberty_n thereof_o that_o many_o minister_n of_o presbytery_n in_o a_o capacity_n to_o be_v choose_v for_o their_o ability_n and_o faithfulness_n be_v by_o the_o presbytery_n at_o the_o order_n of_o the_o supreme_a judicatory_a past_a by_o and_o set_v aside_o in_o the_o election_n and_o render_v uncapable_a to_o be_v member_n thereof_o but_o the_o late_a meeting_n be_v such_o therefore_o etc._n etc._n we_o will_v not_o follow_v out_o foot_n for_o foot_n the_o tract_n of_o many_o objection_n which_o the_o contriver_n of_o this_o paper_n have_v either_o find_v some_o way_n make_v by_o other_o or_o have_v form_v themselves_o at_o their_o own_o pleasure_n against_o this_o and_o other_o follow_v reason_n and_o their_o reply_n thereunto_o but_o shall_v propone_v such_o reasen_n as_o we_o conceive_v discover_v the_o nullity_n of_o these_o and_o other_o reason_n not_o omit_v the_o consideration_n of_o any_o thing_n contain_v in_o this_o paper_n which_o shall_v seem_v to_o meet_v with_o what_o we_o shall_v bring_v as_o occasion_n shall_v be_v offer_v without_o tie_v ourselves_o to_o the_o order_n of_o this_o paper_n for_o answer_v then_o to_o this_o
the_o assemb_v reject_v of_o the_o exception_n and_o allow_v the_o commissioner_n against_o who_o it_o be_v propound_v to_o sit_v notwithstanding_o the_o propound_v thereof_o be_v a_o real_a approve_v of_o the_o commission_n and_o of_o what_o the_o presbytery_n do_v thereupon_o as_o we_o shall_v afterward_o godwilling_o clear_o show_v three_o he_o say_v that_o the_o assembly_n have_v not_o yet_o consider_v the_o proceed_n of_o the_o commission_n neither_o be_v it_o in_o their_o power_n to_o cognosce_fw-la upon_o exception_n against_o the_o commission_n without_o change_n of_o the_o order_n of_o proceed_n which_o have_v be_v use_v constant_o in_o all_o time_n bygone_a this_o be_v a_o pretty_a fancy_n to_o defend_v a_o ill_a cause_n the_o church_n of_o scotland_n have_v find_v it_o necessary_a in_o the_o interval_n betwixt_o general_n assembly_n to_o have_v her_o commission_n who_o trust_n shall_v be_v to_o preserve_v the_o liberty_n of_o the_o church_n and_o to_o take_v care_n of_o some_o thing_n of_o more_o general_n concernment_n commit_v unto_o they_o and_o that_o in_o all_o these_o thing_n they_o shall_v keep_v themselves_o within_o the_o bound_n of_o their_o commission_n and_o proceed_v according_a to_o the_o stand_a act_n of_o former_a general_n assembly_n and_o that_o in_o the_o next_o ensue_a assembly_n they_o shall_v give_v a_o account_n of_o their_o proceed_n during_o the_o whole_a time_n of_o their_o commission_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o assembly_n before_o any_o other_o cause_n or_o matter_n be_v handle_v and_o their_o proceed_n to_o be_v allow_v or_o dis-allowed_n as_o the_o assembly_n shall_v think_v expedient_a now_o say_v the_o author_n this_o matter_n of_o pre-limitation_n be_v a_o exception_n against_o the_o commission_n can_v not_o be_v take_v in_o consideration_n without_o the_o change_n of_o this_o order_n i_o shall_v not_o say_v that_o it_o may_v have_v be_v do_v without_o any_o shadow_n of_o change_n of_o order_n but_o i_o desire_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o it_o never_o be_v the_o intention_n nor_o do_v it_o ever_o come_v into_o the_o mind_n of_o any_o free_a lawful_a general_n assembly_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n to_o give_v power_n to_o their_o commissioner_n to_o give_v law_n concern_v the_o constitutng_a of_o a_o assembly_n these_o be_v clear_o set_v down_o in_o the_o policy_n and_o act_n of_o the_o church_n according_a to_o which_o the_o commission_n ought_v to_o walk_v in_o all_o thing_n commit_v to_o their_o trust_n not_o meddle_v with_o any_o thing_n not_o commit_v unto_o they_o much_o less_o meddle_v with_o it_o in_o a_o way_n contrary_a to_o that_o policy_n &_o these_o act_n and_o therefore_o do_v they_o appoint_v the_o proceed_n of_o these_o commissioner_n to_o be_v try_v and_o allow_v or_o dis-allowed_n in_o the_o next_o assembly_n before_o the_o do_v of_o any_o thing_n else_o now_o a_o commission_n contrary_n to_o their_o trust_n do_v meddle_v with_o the_o constitution_n of_o a_o assembly_n and_o by_o their_o letter_n and_o act_n and_o the_o deed_n of_o presbytery_n thereupon_o the_o election_n be_v prelimited_a as_o the_o author_n be_v content_a to_o suppose_v and_o when_o the_o assembly_n meet_v and_o this_o be_v propon_v as_o a_o exception_n to_o be_v take_v in_o consideration_n against_o such_o member_n of_o the_o ass_n as_o be_v member_n of_o that_o commission_n he_o tell_v we_o it_o can_v be_v consider_v without_o change_n of_o order_n be_v a_o exception_n against_o the_o commissioner_n proceed_n what_o a_o sad_a case_n the_o church_n be_v bring_v to_o by_o this_o mean_n that_o â—s_n to_o suffer_v the_o constitution_n of_o her_o assembly_n to_o be_v corrupt_v by_o she_o own_o commission_n and_o that_o without_o remedy_n or_o why_o it_o must_v as_o to_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o assemb_v be_v take_v in_o consideration_n before_o the_o admit_v of_o these_o commissioner_n to_o fit_a as_o member_n or_o else_o not_o at_o all_o because_o if_o if_o the_o commissioner_n be_v once_o receive_v the_o member_n admit_v and_o the_o assemb_v constitute_v hoc_fw-la ipso_fw-la that_o these_o thing_n be_v do_v that_o prelimitation_n be_v approven_v or_o why_o the_o assem_fw-la have_v already_o constitute_v &_o find_v themselves_o a_o lawful_a assem_fw-la with_o these_o commissioner_n inclusive_a notwithstanding_o of_o that_o exception_n that_o the_o matter_n may_v be_v yet_o further_o clear_v it_o will_v be_v consider_v that_o against_o the_o constitution_n of_o judicatories_n in_o their_o member_n there_o may_v be_v exception_n of_o several_a sort_n some_o that_o be_v more_o personal_a or_o particular_a relate_v to_o one_o or_o two_o or_o some_o few_o upon_o personal_a scandal_n and_o miscarriage_n some_o more_o common_a and_o universal_a that_o concern_v all_o or_o many_o a_o judicatory_a may_v proceed_v to_o constitute_v itself_o and_o act_n as_o a_o judicatory_a before_o discuss_v exception_n of_o the_o first_o sort_n have_v lay_v aside_o the_o member_n against_o who_o these_o exception_n be_v propound_v till_o convenient_o they_o may_v be_v get_v try_v and_o discuss_v because_o there_o be_v no_o exception_n but_o against_o a_o few_o and_o upon_o particular_a and_o personal_a scandal_n the_o far_o great_a part_n be_v member_n uncontrollable_a and_o right_o qualify_v but_o they_o can_v proceed_v to_o constitute_v themselves_o and_o act_n as_o a_o judicatory_a before_o discuss_v of_o exception_n of_o the_o second_o sort_n unless_o we_o will_v suppose_v that_o after_o constitute_v themselves_o into_o a_o judicatory_a or_o find_v themselves_o to_o be_v a_o judicatory_a they_o may_v again_o find_v themselves_o to_o be_v no_o judicatory_a exception_n of_o a_o more_o common_a and_o universal_a influence_n against_o causa_fw-la causae_fw-la of_o the_o constitution_n of_o a_o assembly_n to_o wit_n against_o election_n which_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o the_o commission_n as_o the_o commission_n be_v of_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o assembly_n aught_o to_o be_v consider_v before_o constitution_n be_v declare_v for_o unfree_a election_n make_v null_a commission_n and_o all_o or_o a_o great_a many_o incumbent_a commission_n make_v a_o nats_n assembly_n from_o these_o thing_n i_o trust_v it_o be_v manifest_a that_o the_o exception_n against_o the_o freedom_n of_o election_n because_o of_o the_o act_n and_o letter_n of_o the_o commission_n and_o the_o deed_n of_o the_o presbytery_n follow_v thereupon_o aught_o to_o have_v be_v take_v in_o consideration_n before_o the_o meeting_n do_v constitute_v themselves_o in_o a_o assembly_n and_o that_o the_o commissioner_n who_o that_o exception_n do_v concern_v ought_v not_o to_o have_v be_v admit_v to_o sit_v as_o member_n before_o the_o try_v and_o discuss_v thereof_o as_o to_o that_o of_o the_o change_n of_o the_o order_n of_o proceed_v which_o have_v be_v use_v constant_o upon_o which_o the_o author_n seem_v to_o lay_v so_o much_o weight_n beside_o what_o be_v answer_v already_o i_o say_v there_o need_v no_o change_n in_o that_o order_n in_o discuss_v of_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v entrust_v to_o the_o commission_n for_o this_o be_v not_o within_o the_o compassâ—_n of_o their_o power_n and_o trust_v but_o diametral_o opposite_a to_o the_o same_o and_o therefore_o the_o commission_n have_v so_o far_o exceed_v their_o bound_n as_o to_o meddle_v with_o constitution_n of_o the_o assembly_n by_o prelimit_v of_o the_o election_n this_o do_v avoidable_a necessitate_v the_o cognition_n and_o consideration_n of_o that_o part_n of_o thâ—_n commission_n proceed_v so_o far_o as_o it_o do_v relate_v to_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o assembly_n though_o not_o formal_o as_o it_o do_v concern_v their_o carriage_n i_o know_v not_o to_o what_o purpose_n the_o author_n allege_n that_o that_o order_n be_v on_o a_o debate_n wâ—th_v the_o parliament_n itself_o in_o the_o year_n 1648._o establish_v by_o a_o former_a act_n as_o the_o protester_n themselves_o well_o understand_v will_v he_o by_o this_o insinuate_v that_o there_o be_v a_o debate_n betwixt_o the_o parliament_n and_o the_o assembly_n concern_v the_o commission_n prelimiting_a of_o election_n and_o that_o the_o parl._n desire_v this_o to_o be_v consider_v of_o before_o the_o assembly_n constitute_v themselves_o into_o a_o judicatory_a and_o that_o the_o assembly_n do_v refuse_v it_o and_o afterward_o establish_v the_o act_n which_o he_o speak_v of_o oâ—_n that_o the_o parliament_n do_v desire_v the_o commissioner_n of_o the_o former_a assembly_n shall_v be_v remove_v from_o sit_v as_o member_n in_o the_o assembly_n 1648._o until_o the_o exception_n propound_v against_o they_o by_o they_o shall_v be_v take_v in_o consideration_n and_o discuss_v if_o he_o mean_v any_o of_o these_o he_o be_v much_o mistake_v because_o there_o be_v no_o such_o debate_n betwixt_o the_o parliament_n and_o the_o assembly_n nor_o betwixt_o the_o assembly_n and_o any_o person_n whatsoever_o in_o the_o year_n 1648._o as_o we_o shall_v afterward_o convince_o clear_a and_o
he_o be_v no_o less_o mistake_v when_o he_o say_v that_o it_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o the_o protester_n and_o that_o upon_o this_o they_o offer_v to_o the_o assembly_n at_o st._n andrews_n before_o the_o choose_n of_o a_o moderator_n a_o paper_n press_v the_o change_n and_o reform_v the_o order_n of_o proceed_v in_o the_o general_n assembly_n which_o before_o have_v always_o be_v in_o use_n the_o protester_n may_v haply_o acknowledge_v a_o act_n of_o the_o assembly_n concern_v the_o try_v and_o allow_v and_o disallow_a the_o proceed_n of_o the_o commission_n before_o the_o handle_n of_o any_o other_o cause_n or_o matter_n if_o there_o be_v any_o question_n about_o that_o act_n it_o can_v not_o but_o be_v ready_o acknowledge_v by_o the_o protester_n have_v be_v so_o late_o revive_v in_o the_o assem_fw-la 1648._o but_o that_o there_o be_v any_o such_o acknowledgement_n as_o the_o author_n insinuate_v be_v allege_v without_o all_o ground_n as_o also_o that_o which_o he_o say_v of_o their_o offering_n a_o paper_n for_o change_v of_o their_o former_a order_n they_o do_v never_o offer_v any_o such_o paper_n nor_o do_v they_o ever_o pen_n or_o draw_v up_o any_o such_o paper_n and_o the_o author_n do_v wrong_v they_o not_o a_o little_a and_o himself_o more_o when_o he_o do_v affirm_v it_o they_o do_v indeed_o offer_v a_o paper_n to_o the_o assembly_n before_o the_o choose_n of_o the_o moderator_n but_o there_o be_v not_o one_o title_n therein_o concern_v the_o change_n and_o reform_v of_o the_o order_n of_o proceed_v former_o use_v by_o the_o assembly_n but_o upon_o knowledge_n and_o conscience_n of_o the_o main_a weight_n that_o lie_v against_o that_o meeting_n why_o they_o can_v not_o be_v a_o lawful_a free_a general_n assembly_n the_o protester_n do_v offer_v a_o paper_n unto_o they_o for_o choose_v of_o the_o moderator_n contain_v a_o humble_a desire_n and_o some_o reason_n to_o persuade_v they_o to_o adjourn_v their_o meeting_n and_o to_o forbear_v to_o constitute_v themselves_o in_o a_o assembly_n the_o paper_n be_v yet_o extant_a under_o the_o hand_n of_o all_o the_o protester_n and_o may_v be_v see_v by_o any_o who_o please_v if_o the_o meeting_n at_o that_o time_n have_v be_v please_v to_o read_v and_o hearken_v to_o the_o desire_n of_o that_o paper_n many_o thing_n that_o have_v follow_v since_o may_v have_v be_v prevent_v but_o many_o whether_o from_o a_o fear_n of_o miss_v a_o ratification_n of_o the_o public_a resolution_n or_o upon_o any_o other_o ground_n themselves_o best_o know_v do_v show_v themselves_o so_o zealous_a against_o the_o very_a offer_n of_o it_o that_o the_o meeting_n will_v not_o so_o much_o as_o read_v or_o hear_v it_o and_o therefore_o whilst_o the_o author_n think_v to_o have_v reach_v a_o great_a blow_n to_o the_o protester_n in_o fasten_v upon_o they_o the_o press_v of_o the_o change_n &_o reform_v the_o order_n which_o themselves_o not_o long_o ago_o as_o he_o allege_n have_v be_v the_o main_a maintainer_n and_o procurer_n of_o to_o get_v it_o establish_v before_o when_o it_o make_v for_o they_o he_o have_v quite_o miss_v they_o and_o wound_v himself_o by_o allege_v thing_n that_o be_v not_o true_a vindication_n but_o come_v we_o to_o the_o argument_n as_o it_o lie_v in_o its_o full_a form_n and_o strength_n in_o the_o late_a paper_n pass_v the_o first_o proposition_n thereof_o let_v we_o come_v to_o the_o trial_n of_o the_o second_o or_o the_o assumption_n that_o the_o election_n of_o commissioner_n to_o the_o assembly_n be_v prejudge_v and_o prelimited_a in_o the_o due_a freedom_n thereof_o that_o this_o alleadgeance_n may_v be_v verify_v it_o be_v necessary_a to_o have_v make_v clear_o out_o first_o that_o the_o commissioner_n act_n and_o letter_n exclude_v and_o discharge_v many_o minister_n to_o be_v choose_v second_o that_o the_o presbytery_n in_o the_o election_n be_v possible_o prelimited_a by_o the_o letter_n of_o the_o commission_n i._n e._n admit_v the_o prelimitation_n of_o the_o commissioner_n and_o do_v not_o use_v their_o own_o freedom_n in_o elect_v but_o mere_o follow_v the_o direction_n of_o the_o commission_n let_v the_o commission_n be_v never_o so_o guilty_a and_o their_o brethren_n never_o so_o undue_o prelimited_a yet_o if_o the_o presbytery_n who_o be_v the_o only_a elector_n use_v their_o own_o freedom_n their_o election_n be_v free_a and_o valid_a and_o nothing_o can_v be_v force_v against_o the_o assembly_n as_o unfree_a and_o unlegall_a in_o the_o constitution_n of_o it_o because_o of_o any_o such_o act_n or_o letter_n of_o the_o commission_n as_o solicitation_n active_a of_o judge_n and_o member_n of_o any_o judicatory_a prove_v not_o a_o judicatory_a corrupt_a unless_o it_o can_v be_v evidence_v that_o they_o have_v except_v and_o yield_v unto_o the_o solicitation_n now_o do_v this_o paper_n prove_v either_o of_o these_o as_o it_o undertake_v and_o will_v bear_v the_o reader_n in_o hand_n when_o it_o say_v the_o second_o proposition_n be_v prove_v etc._n etc._n good_a and_o ingenuous_a reader_n consider_v if_o it_o do_v so_o and_o first_o for_o the_o latter_a of_o these_o particular_n what_o say_v it_o the_o second_o be_v prove_v by_o the_o presbytery_n proceed_v according_a to_o the_o letter_n and_o act_n of_o the_o commission_n send_v unto_o they_o about_o the_o time_n of_o choose_v the_o commissioner_n appoint_v that_o such_o etc._n etc._n answer_v do_v the_o writer_n of_o this_o paper_n at_o the_o emit_v of_o it_o think_v that_o it_o shall_v ever_o come_v under_o the_o consideration_n of_o decern_v and_o impartial_a judgement_n that_o will_v try_v ere_o they_o trust_v or_o rather_o have_v he_o purpose_v that_o it_o shall_v come_v to_o none_o bâ—t_o such_o as_o be_v pray_fw-mi engage_v or_o preinclined_n to_o take_v any_o thing_n off_o his_o hand_n for_o good_a coin_n proof_n good_a enough_o for_o here_o as_o to_o that_o part_n of_o the_o assumption_n on_o the_o which_o we_o be_v for_o the_o present_a there_o be_v nothing_o but_o a_o naked_a petitio_fw-la principii_fw-la a_o naked_a affirm_v of_o the_o same_o which_o be_v allege_v before_o in_o the_o first_o â—etting_v down_o of_o the_o assumption_n for_o what_o be_v it_o else_o that_o be_v say_v presbytery_n proceed_v according_a to_o the_o letter_n and_o act_n of_o the_o commission_n about_o the_o time_n etc._n etc._n but_o the_o same_o that_o be_v allege_v there_o that_o presbytery_n at_o the_o order_n and_o appointment_n of_o a_o supreme_a judicatory_a pass_v by_o etc._n etc._n and_o therefore_o whatever_o the_o writer_n say_v afterward_o in_o the_o pretend_a proof_n of_o that_o assumption_n concern_v thing_n include_v in_o the_o commission_n act_n and_o letter_n to_o show_v that_o they_o intend_v prelimitation_n of_o the_o election_n of_o commissioner_n let_v all_o be_v never_o so_o true_a it_o be_v but_o word_n he_o give_v his_o reader_n in_o the_o close_a of_o that_o section_n say_v these_o thing_n do_v clear_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o prelimitation_n of_o election_n as_o be_v former_o speak_v of_o for_o let_v these_o thing_n be_v never_o so_o clear_o speak_v of_o the_o commission_n act_n and_o letter_n yet_o for_o aught_o that_o he_o say_v as_o yet_o it_o be_v not_o clear_a that_o presbytery_n proceed_v according_a to_o these_o or_o be_v positive_o prelimited_a by_o they_o that_o they_o do_v not_o use_v their_o own_o liberty_n in_o election_n and_o so_o the_o second_o proposition_n be_v not_o yet_o prove_v review_n see_v he_o be_v please_v to_o pass_v the_o first_o proposition_n of_o the_o argument_n as_o it_o lie_v in_o the_o second_o paper_n i_o shall_v also_o pass_v it_o conceive_v that_o he_o take_v it_o for_o a_o truth_n as_o indeed_o it_o be_v to_o the_o assumption_n he_o say_v many_o thing_n which_o i_o shall_v take_v in_o order_n as_o they_o lie_v let_v it_o be_v yield_v to_o he_o that_o for_o verification_n of_o the_o alleadgeance_n contain_v therein_o that_o these_o two_o thing_n which_o he_o mention_n be_v to_o be_v make_v out_o viz._n that_o the_o letter_n and_o act_n of_o the_o commission_n do_v exclude_v and_o discharge_v many_o minister_n to_o be_v choose_v and_o that_o the_o presbytery_n do_v admit_v of_o that_o prelimitation_n or_o be_v passive_o prelimited_a by_o that_o letter_n and_o act_n yet_o with_o these_o animadversion_n upon_o that_o which_o he_o speak_v in_o the_o explication_n of_o his_o passive_a prelimitation_n first_o that_o he_o confine_v his_o passive_a prelimitation_n within_o too_o narrow_a a_o bound_n and_o he_o will_v not_o have_v it_o extend_v to_o the_o presbytery_n unless_o they_o do_v mere_o follow_v the_o election_n of_o the_o commission_n in_o that_o matter_n that_o be_v as_o i_o take_v his_o meaning_n go_v quite_o contrary_a to_o their_o own_o inclination_n and_o judgement_n so_o as_o they_o be_v but_o mere_a patient_n in_o that_o business_n
must_v not_o choose_v any_o to_o be_v commissioner_n to_o a_o general_n assembly_n that_o teach_v doctrine_n contrary_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o kirk_n agreeable_a thereunto_o and_o therefore_o if_o a_o commission_n of_o the_o gen._n assembly_n or_o any_o other_o kirk_n judicatory_a according_a to_o their_o interest_n perceive_v minister_n throughout_o the_o kirk_n teach_v contrary_a to_o the_o truth_n or_o practise_v to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n shall_v writ_v to_o presbytery_n desire_v they_o not_o to_o choose_v any_o such_o commissioner_n to_o a_o general_n assembly_n this_o be_v no_o undue_a pre-limitation_n or_o prejudging_a their_o liberty_n in_o election_n but_o a_o necessary_a and_o lawful_a warning_n putt_v they_o in_o mind_n of_o and_o stir_v they_o to_o a_o duty_n whereunto_o they_o be_v bind_v though_o no_o such_o direction_n be_v send_v to_o they_o this_o lay_v down_o in_o general_a as_o to_o that_o act_n and_o letter_n of_o the_o late_a commission_n send_v to_o presbytery_n we_o say_v first_o that_o the_o commission_n do_v nothing_o therein_o but_o that_o which_o other_o kirk-meeting_n and_o commission_n have_v do_v before_o they_o in_o the_o same_o matter_n in_o relation_n to_o the_o election_n of_o commissioner_n to_o the_o general_n assembly_n all_o which_o must_v fall_v unto_o the_o ground_n as_o null_n unfree_a and_o unlall_a if_o the_o late_a general_n assembly_n be_v unfree_a and_o unlawful_a in_o its_o constitution_n upon_o this_o account_n we_o must_v look_v back_o to_o the_o general_n assembly_n at_o glasgow_n 38._o itself_o what_o direction_n be_v send_v from_o the_o table_n then_o at_o edinburgh_n in_o relation_n to_o elect_a commissioner_n thereunto_o next_o we_o must_v refer_v also_o to_o the_o letter_n send_v to_o presbytery_n by_o the_o kirk_n commission_n annis_fw-la 1639._o 40._o 41._o concern_v commission_n to_o brethren_n to_o these_o general_n assembly_n all_o which_o be_v yet_o extant_a in_o presbytery_n book_n but_o we_o shall_v content_v ourselves_o to_o hold_v near_o hand_n the_o late_a commission_n do_v nothing_o but_o what_o the_o commission_n do_v in_o the_o year_n 48._o wherein_n the_o chief_a protester_n have_v a_o chief_a hand_n and_o yet_o maintain_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o that_o deed_n and_o the_o freedom_n and_o lawfulness_n of_o the_o constitution_n of_o that_o assembly_n that_o follow_v thereupon_o to_o this_o the_o writer_n of_o the_o large_a paper_n repli_v sundry_a thing_n in_o answer_n to_o objection_n 1._o but_o nothing_o to_o take_v away_o the_o force_n thereof_o first_o he_o hint_n at_o two_o difference_n between_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o as_o he_o will_v have_v the_o reader_n think_v he_o may_v make_v use_n of_o but_o pass_v by_o as_o have_v to_o say_v beside_o to_o say_v nothing_o say_v he_o of_o the_o difference_n of_o reference_n and_o citation_n neither_o yet_o of_o the_o difference_n of_o a_o letter_n and_o act_n import_v that_o there_o be_v a_o considerable_a difference_n between_o these_o thing_n and_o that_o the_o commission_n 48._o appoint_a person_n dissentient_a from_o they_o only_o to_o be_v refer_v and_o do_v send_v a_o letter_n only_o whereas_o the_o commission_n 50._o make_v a_o act_n also_o and_o appoint_v person_n also_o to_o be_v cite_v to_o the_o general_n assembly_n to_o which_o we_o oppone_v first_o the_o difference_n between_o a_o citation_n and_o a_o reference_n when_o the_o reference_n of_o a_o person_n to_o be_v try_v and_o judge_v on_o a_o fault_n and_o the_o person_n be_v present_a at_o the_o reference_n be_v just_a nothing_o see_v assembly_n 1643._o session_n 2._o aug._n 3._o overture_n anent_o bill_n etc._n etc._n and_o i_o desire_v the_o writer_n to_o say_v if_o it_o be_v not_o the_o purpose_n of_o the_o commission_n 48._o when_o they_o do_v require_v presbytery_n to_o refer_v such_o to_o the_o gen._n assembly_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v lay_v on_o they_o a_o obligation_n legal_a to_o compear_v personal_o before_o the_o gen._n assembly_n for_o trial_n and_o sentence_n upon_o they_o and_o what_o else_o be_v the_o end_n of_o a_o citation_n and_o summons_n nor_o yet_o be_v the_o more_o difference_n betwixt_o the_o act_n of_o the_o commission_n and_o person_n to_o be_v refer_v or_o cite_v by_o presbytery_n and_o a_o letter_n require_v it_o to_o be_v do_v for_o be_v there_o not_o a_o act_n for_o such_o a_o letter_n and_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o and_o have_v the_o letter_n itself_o the_o force_n of_o a_o act_n will_v not_o the_o refuse_v of_o what_o be_v desire_v be_v count_v disobedience_n to_o the_o commission_n but_o it_o seem_v the_o writer_n memory_n have_v fail_v here_o behold_v a_o act_n in_o terminis_fw-la as_o it_o stand_v registrate_n in_o the_o commission_n book_n the_o 5._o of_o june_n 1648._o the_o commission_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n recommend_v earnest_o to_o presbytery_n to_o take_v special_a notice_n of_o every_o brother_n carriage_n in_o the_o public_a business_n that_o if_o any_o be_v find_v that_o do_v not_o declare_v themselves_o against_a the_o present_a malignant_a course_n nor_o join_v with_o their_o brethren_n in_o the_o common_a resolution_n thereof_o they_o be_v refer_v to_o the_o next_o general_n assembly_n and_o if_o any_o of_o they_o have_v already_o declare_v for_o it_o that_o they_o be_v present_o censure_v fic_z sub_fw-la andrew_n ker._n this_o may_v make_v we_o doubt_v the_o more_o of_o alledgance_n of_o this_o kind_n afterward_o in_o matter_n of_o fact_n when_o we_o see_v not_o clear_a and_o circumstantiat_fw-la testimony_n of_o register_n bring_v forth_o review_n in_o answer_n to_o what_o be_v here_o say_v by_o the_o author_n i_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o election_n of_o commissioner_n in_o presbytery_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v such_o as_o be_v bound_v with_o no_o limitation_n and_o that_o if_o any_o commission_n of_o a_o general_n assembly_n or_o any_o other_o church_n judicatory_a according_a to_o their_o interest_n perceive_v minister_n throughout_o the_o church_n teach_v contrary_a or_o practise_v to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o the_o truth_n shall_v write_v to_o presbytery_n desire_v not_o to_o choose_v any_o such_o commissioner_n to_o a_o general_n assembly_n this_o be_v no_o undue_a pre-limitation_n or_o prejudging_a their_o liberty_n in_o election_n i_o believe_v that_o none_o of_o the_o protester_n will_v differ_v from_o the_o author_n in_o this_o that_o presbytery_n ought_v not_o to_o choose_v any_o to_o be_v commissioner_n that_o teach_v doctrine_n contrary_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o kirk_n agreeable_a thereto_o and_o if_o the_o commission_n in_o their_o letter_n and_o act_n have_v terminate_v themselves_o within_o these_o bound_n no_o protester_n will_v have_v controvert_v with_o they_o about_o it_o and_o i_o think_v neither_o will_n he_o controvert_v with_o they_o in_o this_o that_o if_o a_o commission_n or_o any_o other_o kirk_n judicatory_a teach_v doctrine_n contrary_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o to_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n agreeable_a thereunto_o and_o write_v to_o presbytery_n to_o choose_v none_o to_o be_v commissioner_n to_o the_o general_n assembly_n who_o do_v oppose_v such_o doctrine_n that_o this_o be_v a_o prelimiting_a and_o prejudging_a of_o presbytery_n in_o the_o liberty_n of_o their_o election_n according_a to_o these_o condescension_n the_o commission_n in_o the_o 51._o have_v send_v to_o presbytery_n a_o letter_n and_o act_n before_o their_o election_n relate_v thereto_o it_o seem_v avoidable_a to_o follow_v that_o some_o limitation_n and_o direction_n there_o be_v in_o that_o letter_n and_o act_n concern_v the_o election_n but_o all_o the_o question_n be_v whether_o it_o be_v a_o limitation_n warrantable_a or_o unwarrantable_a now_o if_o so_o why_o have_v the_o author_n so_o cautious_o and_o so_o much_o wrestle_v to_o deny_v that_o that_o letter_n and_o act_n have_v any_o influence_n upon_o the_o election_n in_o presbytery_n if_o it_o be_v nothing_o but_o a_o necessary_a &_o lawful_a warning_n put_v they_o in_o mind_n of_o and_o stir_v they_o up_o to_o a_o duty_n whereto_o they_o be_v bind_v though_o no_o such_o direction_n have_v be_v send_v unto_o they_o than_o there_o be_v no_o cause_n to_o be_v afraid_a of_o the_o lose_n of_o any_o ground_n by_o acknowledge_v of_o its_o influence_n the_o author_n long_o wrangle_v about_o that_o do_v either_o seem_v to_o say_v that_o he_o be_v suspicious_a of_o the_o limitation_n contain_v therein_o as_o not_o be_v warrantable_a or_o else_o that_o he_o have_v too_o great_a goodwill_n to_o dispute_v see_v this_o will_v have_v be_v a_o short_a and_o satisfy_a answer_n the_o commission_n in_o their_o letter_n and_o act_n do_v put_v no_o bond_n on_o presbytery_n in_o the_o election_n of_o commissioner_n but_o such_o as_o be_v well_o warrant_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o act_n and_o constitution_n of_o this_o
under_o a_o kind_n of_o confinement_n several_a number_n thereof_o at_o their_o return_v to_o their_o own_o home_n have_v nothing_o nor_o allege_v any_o thing_n to_o challenge_v they_o for_o but_o their_o carriage_n at_o the_o assembly_n answer_v i_o must_v profess_v ingenuous_o when_o at_o first_o i_o do_v read_v the_o protestation_n i_o wonder_v much_o how_o man_n especial_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n make_v so_o solemn_a and_o high_a profession_n and_o attestation_n as_o they_o do_v in_o this_o protestation_n viz._n that_o they_o make_v one_o of_o the_o ground_n contain_v therein_o as_o be_v desirous_a to_o be_v faithful_a in_o the_o day_n of_o tentation_n and_o to_o exoner_n their_o conscience_n as_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o lord_n can_v alleadg_n this_o as_o ground_n to_o disclaim_v the_o late_a assembly_n as_o not_o a_o free_a and_o lawful_a assembly_n of_o this_o kirk_n i_o confess_v my_o wonder_v be_v not_o a_o whit_n abate_v but_o increase_v by_o this_o second_o propound_v argumentation_n of_o it_o for_o first_o as_o to_o the_o proposal_n of_o it_o in_o the_o protestation_n suppose_v that_o a_o good_a many_o commissioner_n of_o brough_n and_o presbytery_n have_v be_v absent_a then_o this_o may_v have_v be_v allege_v with_o some_o appearance_n of_o reason_n to_o show_v that_o the_o assembly_n be_v not_o so_o full_a in_o partibus_fw-la integralibus_fw-la so_o numerous_a as_o can_v have_v be_v wish_v yet_o with_o no_o colour_n can_v it_o be_v allege_v that_o it_o be_v not_o free_a legal_a ______o essential_a requisite_a for_o the_o constitution_n thereof_o unless_o it_o can_v be_v demonstrat_fw-la either_o that_o their_o absence_n be_v for_o want_v of_o timous_a advertisement_n concern_v the_o time_n and_o place_n of_o it_o which_o can_v be_v allege_v the_o time_n be_v know_v by_o the_o precede_a assembly_n and_o advertisement_n concern_v the_o place_n have_v be_v give_v timous_o by_o the_o commission_n or_o that_o there_o be_v some_o appearance_n that_o some_o in_o the_o assembly_n may_v have_v be_v incline_v to_o act_v favourable_o for_o the_o enemy_n or_o that_o the_o enemy_n may_v have_v some_o influence_n on_o the_o assembly_n to_o corrupt_v or_o pervert_v it_o which_o i_o conceive_v the_o protester_n will_v not_o say_v i_o know_v that_o the_o absence_n of_o many_o commissioner_n be_v allege_v as_o one_o ground_n anull_v this_o pretend_a assembly_n condemn_v at_o glasgow_n 38._o but_o it_o be_v as_o well_o know_v that_o the_o absence_n of_o commissioner_n be_v cause_v by_o untimous_a indiction_n and_o advertisement_n or_o some_o other_o internal_a cause_n have_v influence_n upon_o the_o corruption_n of_o this_o assembly_n 2._o it_o have_v be_v requisite_a the_o writer_n of_o the_o last_o paper_n have_v condescend_v namely_o upon_o these_o 9_o or_o 10._o presbytery_n absent_a which_o have_v he_o do_v i_o doubt_v but_o it_o will_v have_v be_v find_v that_o some_o of_o they_o be_v absent_a because_o they_o have_v none_o to_o send_v or_o be_v not_o presbytery_n exist_v at_o all_o at_o that_o time_n as_o orknay_v and_o caithness_n 2._o it_o shall_v be_v find_v that_o some_o of_o these_o commissioner_n of_o presbytery_n come_v within_o short_a space_n to_o the_o place_n where_o the_o assembly_n be_v sit_v and_o will_v not_o come_v forward_o to_o it_o as_o for_o instance_n these_o of_o hambleton_n 3._o commissioner_n come_v to_o the_o assembly_n between_o who_o and_o the_o place_n of_o the_o assembly_n the_o army_n be_v as_o interjacent_a as_o to_o those_o that_o come_v not_o for_o do_v not_o commissioner_n from_o presbytery_n of_o merâ—e_n and_o tevidale_n galloway_n glasgow_n west_n country_n yea_o the_o commissioner_n of_o the_o presbytery_n of_o far_a part_n off_o lie_v that_o way_n be_v present_a and_o that_o other_o come_v not_o it_o may_v seem_v to_o have_v proceed_v out_o of_o negligence_n rather_o than_o from_o a_o necessity_n why_o then_o shall_v the_o assembly_n be_v count_v null_n for_o the_o absence_n of_o such_o it_o be_v know_v that_o commissioner_n come_v not_o from_o burgh_n and_o yet_o minister_n come_v out_o of_o these_o same_o burgh_n so_o if_o because_o of_o the_o absence_n of_o some_o commissioner_n for_o fear_v of_o the_o motion_n of_o the_o enemy_n or_o because_o of_o lie_v of_o army_n through_o the_o country_n the_o late_a assembly_n be_v judge_v unfree_a and_o unlawful_a then_o by_o as_o good_a reason_n must_v the_o assembly_n in_o the_o time_n of_o james_n graham_n his_o reign_v and_o rage_v through_o the_o country_n be_v hold_v unfree_a for_o as_o many_o if_o not_o mâ—e_a commissioner_n be_v upon_o that_o occasion_n absent_a from_o the_o same_o assembly_n then_o see_v here_o again_o how_o good_a friend_n our_o brethren_n prove_v to_o the_o former_a assembly_n by_o devise_v argument_n against_o the_o late_a assembly_n whereby_o they_o plain_o teach_v malignant_n who_o be_v censure_v by_o this_o assembly_n how_o to_o cast_v they_o as_o nul_fw-fr upon_o ground_n of_o conscience_n six_o let_v the_o roll_n of_o this_o assembly_n be_v compare_v with_o the_o roll_n of_o former_a unquestioned_a assembly_n and_o it_o shall_v be_v find_v to_o have_v be_v more_o numerous_a and_o full_a than_o sundry_n of_o they_o yea_o we_o know_v that_o at_o the_o assembly_n of_o aberdeen_n 1650._o there_o be_v but_o about_o twenty_o person_n present_a which_o notwithstanding_o be_v own_v by_o the_o kirk_n of_o scotland_n as_o a_o free_a and_o lawful_a general_n assembly_n and_o it_o can_v be_v say_v that_o any_o such_o excuse_n as_o this_o be_v make_v in_o that_o assembly_n for_o the_o absence_n of_o any_o and_o grant_v that_o the_o motion_n of_o the_o enemy_n have_v hinder_v some_o yet_o here_o be_v so_o inconsiderable_a a_o number_n in_o comparison_n of_o this_o assembly_n these_o who_o be_v convene_v shall_v not_o nor_o can_v not_o lawful_o be_v hold_v a_o assembly_n and_o go_v about_o their_o duty_n seven_o as_o for_o what_o be_v say_v about_o the_o want_n of_o freedom_n of_o recess_n the_o first_o part_n be_v certain_a and_o clear_a in_o common_a sense_n that_o if_o any_o assembly_n may_v sit_v or_o do_v sit_v out_o its_o time_n and_o conclude_v free_o though_o there_o be_v danger_n to_o the_o member_n in_o their_o recess_n this_o can_v in_o any_o way_n reflect_v upon_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o assembly_n how_o many_o member_n of_o the_o assembly_n in_o james_n grahame_v time_n be_v there_o that_o have_v not_o safe_a recess_n to_o their_o own_o home_n for_o the_o other_o part_n of_o these_o member_n speak_v of_o here_o have_v protest_v against_o and_o decline_v the_o assembly_n and_o desert_a which_o the_o writer_n wise_o pass_v in_o silence_n and_o say_v only_a they_o be_v return_v to_o their_o own_o home_n as_o if_o for_o soothe_v the_o assembly_n have_v be_v close_v or_o that_o they_o have_v take_v fair_a leave_n before_o the_o close_a and_o may_v not_o the_o king_n and_o the_o committee_n do_v all_o this_o they_o say_v 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lithgo_n 1606_o &_o that_o at_o aberdeen_n
so_o do_v do_v so_o far_o transgress_v the_o bound_n of_o their_o commission_n etc._n etc._n ergo_fw-la what_o the_o author_n will_v here_o answer_v i_o do_v not_o well_o know_v but_o i_o will_v fain_o have_v he_o to_o tell_v a_o reason_n why_o the_o commission_n deal_v so_o sharp_o with_o many_o godly_a man_n as_o to_o issue_v such_o declaration_n and_o warning_n against_o they_o and_o to_o appoint_v they_o to_o be_v censure_v and_o cite_v and_o to_o stir_v up_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n against_o they_o because_o of_o their_o oppose_v of_o public_a resolution_n while_o by_o his_o own_o acknowledgement_n there_o be_v as_o yet_o no_o determination_n of_o the_o church_n in_o favour_n of_o these_o resolution_n or_o against_o the_o opposer_n of_o they_o i_o think_v it_o have_v be_v his_o mind_n that_o the_o commission_n can_v not_o censure_v any_o or_o ordain_v any_o to_o be_v censure_v for_o oppose_a resolution_n of_o their_o own_o not_o yet_o determine_v nor_o approven_v in_o a_o 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the_o doctrine_n of_o that_o reform_a kirk_n
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any_o guilt_n they_o have_v in_o the_o in-giving_a of_o it_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o lord_n try_v that_o doolful_a stroke_n at_o inerkeithen_n with_o the_o more_o doolfuâ—_n defection_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n do_v indeed_o afflict_v they_o and_o wound_v their_o heart_n as_o often_o as_o they_o remember_v of_o it_o but_o in_o the_o in-giving_a of_o the_o protestation_n they_o have_v peace_n as_o have_v do_v their_o duty_n therein_o that_o any_o of_o they_o do_v kythe_a contentment_n and_o insultation_n in_o their_o countenance_n and_o speech_n at_o the_o very_a circumstance_n of_o time_n be_v a_o causeless_a reproach_n and_o more_o than_o he_o or_o any_o other_o shall_v ever_o be_v able_a to_o make_v good_a or_o have_v any_o just_a ground_n to_o allege_v he_o have_v deal_v fair_o if_o he_o have_v set_v down_o these_o speech_n that_o give_v evidence_n of_o their_o insultation_n their_o own_o breast_n best_o know_v what_o be_v the_o frame_n of_o their_o spirit_n 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to_o the_o be_v of_o a_o free_a and_o lawful_a assembly_n though_o it_o may_v be_v err_v in_o some_o particular_a act_n and_o ordain_v excommunication_n to_o be_v the_o censure_n of_o these_o that_o decline_v and_o protest_v against_o such_o a_o assembly_n i_o mean_v as_o to_o the_o very_o be_v of_o it_o true_o this_o dilemmatick_a argument_n of_o the_o writer_n have_v be_v make_v aswell_o against_o that_o act_n make_v by_o jesus_n christ_n math._n 18.17_o he_o that_o neglect_v to_o hear_v the_o church_n let_v he_o be_v as_o a_o heathen_a or_o publican_n id_fw-la est_fw-la excommunicate_a for_o i_o suppose_v this_o canon_n comprehend_v not_o only_o such_o person_n as_o have_v offend_v against_o particular_a brethren_n come_v by_o degree_n of_o process_n before_o the_o church_n but_o also_o such_o as_o shall_v offend_v only_o immediate_o against_o that_o church_n itself_o 2._o it_o be_v propound_v in_o general_a term_n without_o any_o express_a distinction_n or_o limitation_n he_o that_o neglect_v to_o hear_v the_o church_n let_v he_o be_v excommunicate_a just_o as_o this_o he_o that_o decline_v a_o gen._n assemg_o let_v he_o be_v excommunicate_a may_v not_o then_o those_o that_o hear_v that_o canon_n first_o propound_v reason_n it_o just_a as_o the_o writer_n do_v here_o if_o his_o argument_n be_v good_a to_o make_v such_o a_o one_o as_o that_o be_v unreasonable_a for_o it_o be_v to_o suppose_v either_o that_o a_o church_n can_v be_v corrupt_o constitute_v and_o do_v err_v yet_o that_o it_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v disobey_v or_o decline_v but_o the_o argument_n have_v be_v a_o cavillation_n for_o neither_o do_v follow_v necessary_o to_o be_v suppose_v there_o be_v a_o three_o a_o church_n univocal_o so_o call_v id_fw-la est_fw-la a_o church_n right_o constitute_v and_o do_v duty_n though_o not_o unerrable_a in_o itself_o review_n the_o
of_o the_o assembly_n without_o satisfaction_n in_o which_o they_o can_v not_o acknowledge_v the_o assembly_n and_o the_o reason_n why_o they_o do_v sit_v and_o vote_n till_o the_o day_n of_o inerkeithing_n be_v that_o which_o i_o have_v tell_v already_o because_o they_o be_v loath_a to_o use_v the_o last_o remedy_n till_o there_o be_v no_o hope_n that_o any_o other_o can_v be_v effectual_a to_o bring_v thing_n to_o any_o tolerable_a condition_n the_o author_n can_v but_o remember_v that_o there_o be_v conference_n both_o upon_o the_o thursday_n and_o upon_o the_o friday_n betwixt_o some_o of_o the_o commissioner_n and_o some_o of_o the_o protester_n in_o order_n to_o a_o good_a understanding_n and_o some_o right_a way_n of_o compose_v difference_n and_o prevent_v of_o further_a division_n and_o of_o a_o wide_a breach_n and_o how_o much_o and_o how_o earnest_o some_o do_v with_o tear_n press_v the_o commissioner_n that_o they_o will_v be_v instrumental_a to_o get_v the_o assembly_n 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