Selected quad for the lemma: ground_n

Word A	Word B	Word C	Word D	Occurrence	Frequency Band	MI	MI Band	Prominent
ground_n	write_v	writer_n	year_n	32	3	4.1788	3	false

Text snippets containing the quad

ID	Title	Author	Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication)	STC	Words	Pages
A85789	The nullity of the pretended-assembly at Saint Andrews & Dundee: wherein are contained, the representation for adjournment, the protestation & reasons therof. Together with a review and examination of the Vindication of the said p. assembly. Hereunto is subjoyned the solemn acknowledgment of sins, and engagement to duties, made and taken by the nobility, gentry, burroughs, ministry, and commonalty, in the year 1648. when the Covenant was renewed. With sundry other papers, related unto in the foresaid review.	Guthrie, James, 1612?-1661.; Wood, James, 1608-1664.	1652 (1652)	Wing G2263; Wing W3400; Thomason E688_13; ESTC R202246	280,404	351

cite_v to_o general_n assembly_n or_o to_o censure_v present_o these_o who_o be_v otherwise_o dispose_v without_o leave_v any_o of_o they_o first_o now_o such_o as_o be_v under_o any_o censure_n clear_a can_v not_o be_v choose_v commissioner_n &_o the_o writer_n himself_o say_v in_o answer_n to_o the_o 3_o objection_n branch_n 2_o that_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v that_o a_o citation_n in_o matter_n of_o scandal_n in_o doctrine_n or_o manner_n will_n or_o aught_o to_o exclude_v a_o man_n from_o be_v a_o commissioner_n therefore_o upon_o the_o matter_n that_o the_o commission_n do_v require_v that_o presbytery_n shall_v choose_v none_o but_o such_o as_o be_v against_o the_o engagement_n the_o act_n and_o letter_n of_o the_o commission_n 51_o if_o it_o do_v import_v exclusion_n of_o any_o from_o be_v commissioner_n be_v not_o so_o wide_a by_o far_o it_o require_v not_o all_o unsatisfied_a but_o such_o as_o continue_v to_o oppose_v to_o be_v cite_v and_o there_o be_v many_o unsatisfied_a at_o that_o time_n who_o make_v no_o opposition_n and_o therefore_o may_v have_v be_v for_o aught_o that_o can_v be_v any_o way_n draw_v from_o the_o act_n and_o letter_n choose_v to_o be_v commissioner_n as_o sundry_a be_v de_fw-fr facto_fw-la second_o consideration_n present_v in_o answer_n to_o the_o former_a alleadgeance_n be_v that_o that_o letter_n of_o the_o commission_n 48_o be_v not_o write_v by_o the_o commission_n as_o we_o remember_v until_o most_o part_n if_o not_o all_o election_n in_o presbytery_n be_v pass_v as_o will_v be_v clear_v in_o the_o date_n thereof_o ans_fw-fr so_o be_v many_o of_o the_o election_n of_o presbytery_n pass_v before_o the_o letter_n of_o the_o late_a commission_n come_v to_o they_o but_o that_o all_o or_o most_o part_n of_o election_n be_v pass_v before_o that_o letter_n be_v write_v 48_o to_o presbytery_n we_o can_v upon_o a_o naked_a assertion_n believe_v the_o writer_n will_v have_v do_v well_o here_o to_o express_v the_o date_n of_o the_o letter_n for_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o he_o may_v have_v have_v it_o out_o of_o some_o near_a presbytery_n book_n i_o can_v give_v a_o double_a of_o it_o for_o the_o present_a but_o i_o shall_v give_v a_o evident_a presumption_n that_o it_o be_v otherways_o then_o it_o be_v say_v here_o first_o in_o some_o presbytery_n i_o will_v take_v upon_o i_o to_o prove_v that_o some_o presbytery_n day_n ere_o they_o begin_v to_o think_v on_o the_o election_n of_o commissioner_n some_o of_o their_o member_n be_v upon_o that_o letter_n of_o silence_n in_o the_o public_a business_n refer_v and_o cite_v to_o the_o gen._n assembly_n next_o look_v to_o the_o date_n of_o the_o act_n of_o that_o commission_n former_o set_v down_o here_o it_o be_v upon_o the_o 5._o of_o june_n now_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o this_o act_n have_v be_v make_v in_o order_n to_o that_o letter_n if_o itself_o be_v not_o also_o send_v with_o it_o and_o the_o assembly_n do_v sit_v that_o year_n upon_o the_o 12._o of_o july_n so_o that_o betwixt_o the_o appointment_n of_o the_o letter_n and_o the_o date_n of_o it_o can_v not_o be_v much_o after_o it_o and_o the_o down-sitting_a of_o the_o assembly_n there_o interveen_v full_o five_o week_n now_o allow_v eight_o day_n for_o the_o dispatch_n thereof_o unto_o presbytery_n to_o the_o most_o part_n to_o what_o presbytery_n it_o may_v soon_o come_v it_o may_v have_v be_v at_o presbytery_n twenty_o or_o twenty_o five_o day_n before_o the_o assembly_n now_o it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o few_o presbytery_n except_o it_o be_v such_o as_o be_v far_a distant_a choose_v their_o commissioner_n so_o long_o before_o the_o assembly_n review_n that_o no_o more_o be_v do_v in_o the_o commission_n of_o the_o 48_o then_o write_v of_o that_o letter_n which_o give_v the_o presbytery_n a_o account_n of_o their_o proceed_n &c._n &c._n be_v not_o assert_v by_o the_o writer_n yea_o he_o tell_v plain_o enough_o that_o more_o be_v do_v for_o the_o thing_n which_o he_o say_v be_v that_o no_o more_o be_v then_o do_v h._n e._n when_o that_o motion_n be_v make_v and_o within_o two_o or_o three_o line_n he_o subjoin_v that_o that_o letter_n which_o be_v mention_v in_o the_o objection_n be_v not_o write_v by_o the_o commission_n until_o most_o part_n if_o not_o all_o the_o election_n in_o presbytery_n be_v pass_v and_o therefore_o the_o author_n do_v wrong_v when_o he_o leave_v out_o the_o circumstance_n of_o time_n which_o the_o writer_n put_v in_o and_o expound_v he_o so_o to_o his_o reader_n as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v that_o there_o be_v no_o more_o do_v at_o any_o time_n neither_o then_o nor_o thereafter_o but_o he_o can_v understand_v what_o all_o that_o be_v say_v of_o this_o be_v to_o that_o which_o be_v allege_v that_o the_o late_a commission_n have_v do_v nothing_o but_o that_o which_o the_o commission_n in_o the_o 48._o have_v do_v before_o they_o it_o be_v to_o that_o which_o be_v allege_v because_o it_o contribute_v for_o clear_v of_o the_o commission_n of_o the_o 48._o as_o to_o the_o matter_n of_o pre-limitation_n because_o they_o do_v reject_v all_o motion_n tend_v that_o way_n it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o act_n and_o letter_n of_o the_o 51._o do_v not_o express_o and_o in_o the_o word_n bear_v that_o none_o who_o do_v oppose_v the_o public_a resolution_n shall_v be_v choose_v commissioner_n but_o it_o do_v by_o good_a and_o clear_a consequence_n import_v no_o less_o and_o what_o ever_o the_o author_n be_v please_v to_o say_v of_o the_o recommendation_n that_o be_v send_v to_o presbytery_n in_o the_o 48._o that_o it_o do_v contain_v as_o much_o and_o more_o than_o the_o letter_n and_o act_n of_o the_o 1651._o yet_o have_v he_o not_o prove_v it_o the_o author_n tell_v we_o that_o he_o will_v not_o say_v who_o make_v the_o motion_n in_o the_o commission_n in_o the_o 48._o for_o write_v to_o presbytery_n to_o choose_v none_o but_o such_o as_o be_v against_o the_o engagement_n and_o withal_o what_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v that_o the_o like_a motion_n be_v make_v in_o the_o commission_n 51._o and_o oppose_v and_o refuse_v i_o believe_v as_o he_o will_v not_o say_v so_o so_o he_o can_v say_v who_o make_v the_o motion_n and_o the_o man_n who_o haply_o by_o such_o hint_n he_o will_v render_v suspect_v be_v not_o the_o maker_n but_o the_o opposer_n of_o it_o if_o the_o like_a motion_n be_v make_v and_o oppose_v in_o the_o commission_n 51._o why_o do_v he_o not_o speak_v it_o out_o but_o conceive_v these_o thing_n to_o little_a purpose_n he_o fall_v upon_o prove_v by_o the_o writer_n own_o ground_n that_o the_o commission_n 48._o do_v upon_o the_o matter_n that_o that_o do_v as_o real_o pre-limitate_a presbytery_n that_o they_o shall_v choose_v none_o but_o such_o as_o do_v oppose_v the_o engagement_n as_o if_o they_o have_v write_v as_o much_o to_o they_o in_o formal_a express_a term_n his_o proof_n of_o this_o point_n as_o he_o lay_v it_o down_o may_v be_v thus_o draw_v in_o form_n whosoever_o require_v presbytery_n either_o to_o refer_v to_o the_o general_n assembly_n or_o to_o censure_v present_o these_o who_o be_v otherwise_o dispose_v they_o do_v by_o the_o writer_n ground_n pre-limitate_a the_o presbytery_n in_o their_o election_n but_o the_o commission_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n 1648._o do_v so_o ergo_fw-la etc._n etc._n the_o first_o proposition_n he_o make_v out_o thus_o such_o as_o be_v under_o a_o clear_a censure_n can_v not_o be_v choose_v commissioner_n and_o the_o writer_n himself_o say_v in_o answer_n to_o the_o three_o objection_n 2._o branch_n that_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v that_o a_o citation_n in_o matter_n of_o scandal_n in_o doctrine_n or_o manner_n will_v or_o aught_o to_o exclude_v a_o man_n from_o be_v a_o commissioner_n i_o shall_v not_o in_o answer_n to_o this_o yield_v unto_o he_o all_o that_o he_o allege_v though_o it_o all_o may_v be_v yield_v without_o any_o prejudice_n to_o the_o cause_n because_o on_o supposal_n that_o there_o have_v be_v a_o limitation_n in_o that_o which_o be_v do_v by_o the_o commission_n in_o the_o 48._o it_o be_v a_o limitation_n agreeable_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o constitution_n of_o this_o church_n it_o be_v due_a and_o warrantable_a which_o the_o other_o in_o the_o 51._o be_v not_o but_o leave_v this_o to_o fall_v in_o its_o own_o place_n i_o return_v answer_n first_o to_o the_o first_o proposition_n by_o distinguish_v of_o the_o time_n when_o such_o a_o thing_n be_v do_v whosoever_o before_o or_o in_o the_o time_n of_o election_n require_v this_o thing_n it_o be_v true_a of_o they_o that_o they_o do_v prelimite_a election_n but_o who_o so_o require_v not_o this_o till_o the_o election_n be_v first_o make_v it_o be_v not_o true_a of_o these_o and_o this_o be_v the_o

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 w●t_v out_o with_o absolom_n in_o the_o simplicity_n of_o their_o heart_n but_o fi●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

have_v long_o hunt_v after_o and_o earnest_o press_v that_o conjunction_n do_v then_o on_o occasion_n of_o the_o defeat_n of_o the_o force_n at_o hamilton_n drive_v it_o vehement_o on_o under_o a_o pretence_n of_o necessity_n and_o there_o be_v few_o above_o a_o quorum_fw-la of_o the_o commission_n present_a at_o this_o occasional_a meeting_n and_o many_o of_o these_o out_o of_o the_o synod_n of_o fife_n who_o have_v go_v far_o in_o the_o determination_n of_o that_o business_n in_o their_o synod_n before_o that_o time_n neither_o can_v it_o be_v allege_v true_o that_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o member_n of_o the_o commission_n be_v advertise_v to_o keep_v the_o diet_n because_o no_o advertisement_n at_o all_o be_v send_v to_o many_o in_o the_o north_n who_o both_o might_n and_o ought_v to_o have_v be_v advertise_v the_o business_n be_v of_o so_o great_a and_o common_a concernment_n and_o so_o much_o scruple_v in_o conscience_n and_o the_o advertisement_n for_o sterline_n dumblane_n glasgow_n dumbartan_n pasley_n hamilton_n irwine_n air_n lanrick_n and_o these_o place_n where_o a_o great_a many_o of_o the_o commissioner_n be_v and_o who_o be_v most_o like_a to_o scrouple_v at_o the_o business_n come_v but_o to_o sterline_v on_o tuesday_n about_o ten_o a_o clock_n in_o the_o forenoon_n to_o keep_v the_o diet_n of_o the_o commission_n the_o next_o thursday_n thereafter_o at_o pearth_n and_o no_o man_n can_v rational_o say_v that_o these_o advertisement_n can_v be_v transmit_v from_o thence_o and_o the_o commissioner_n come_v thereupon_o timeous_o to_o pearth_n within_o the_o space_n of_o 48._o hour_n it_o be_v now_o the_o winter_n season_n and_o when_o the_o day_n be_v about_o the_o short_a nay_o though_o convenient_a speed_n be_v use_v in_o dispatch_v these_o letter_n from_o sterline_n yet_o the_o diet_n be_v circumduce_v before_o the_o advertisement_n come_v to_o several_a of_o the_o commissioner_n hand_n i_o be_o not_o ignorant_a that_o all_o this_o be_v colour_v with_o the_o necessity_n of_o a_o present_a levy_n because_o of_o the_o defeat_n of_o the_o force_n at_o hamilton_n but_o to_o say_v nothing_o that_o that_o seem_v to_o presuppose_v a_o determination_n of_o the_o question_n in_o the_o affirmitive_a before_o it_o be_v either_o propound_v or_o debate_v neither_o yet_o to_o say_v any_o thing_n that_o in_o the_o construction_n of_o too_o many_o who_o do_v drive_v on_o a_o conjunction_n with_o the_o malignant_a party_n the_o necessity_n of_o a_o present_a levy_n be_v not_o increase_v but_o rather_o diminish_v by_o the_o defeat_n at_o hamilton_n if_o there_o be_v such_o a_o necessity_n than_o such_o a_o course_n ought_v to_o have_v be_v take_v as_o be_v most_o like_a to_o bring_v the_o business_n soon_o to_o effect_n which_o be_v to_o have_v do_v thing_n in_o a_o fair_a way_n and_o after_o mutual_a debate_n and_o advice_n of_o all_o party_n have_v interest_n and_o not_o thus_o to_o have_v carry_v it_o without_o acquaint_v let_v be_v hear_v or_o satisfy_v of_o many_o who_o be_v no_o less_o interest_v than_o they_o and_o who_o they_o know_v to_o have_v many_o thing_n to_o object_n against_o the_o employ_v of_o these_o man_n but_o after-carriage_n do_v make_v it_o plain_o to_o appear_v that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o press_a impression_n of_o necessity_n as_o be_v pretend_v because_o no_o great_a speed_n be_v make_v in_o the_o levy_n for_o sundry_a month_n thereafter_o and_o nothing_o be_v act_v for_o a_o long_a time_n after_o the_o levy_v of_o the_o army_n and_o until_o the_o act_n of_o class_n be_v rescind_v yea_o and_o until_o the_o general_n assembly_n be_v set_v down_o to_o interpone_v their_o judgement_n in_o approve_v the_o public_a resolution_n which_o be_v six_o month_n after_o give_v the_o answer_n to_o the_o quare_fw-la and_o can_v not_o that_o necessity_n that_o admit_v of_o so_o many_o month_n before_o execution_n have_v admit_v of_o some_o week_n before_o resolution_n the_o commission_n have_v thus_o determine_v in_o this_o grave_n and_o important_a case_n do_v present_o write_v letter_n to_o presbytery_n require_v they_o to_o concur_v in_o their_o station_n to_o make_v the_o levy_n effectual_a according_a to_o the_o order_n and_o resolution_n of_o the_o parliament_n thereanent_fw-la which_o be_v found_v upon_o the_o commission_n answer_v to_o the_o quaere_fw-la wherewith_o many_o presbytery_n not_o be_v satisfy_v in_o their_o conscience_n do_v write_v the_o ground_n of_o their_o stumble_a and_o dis-satisfaction_n in_o their_o several_a respective_a letter_n and_o send_v the_o same_o to_o the_o commission_n by_o some_o of_o their_o own_o number_n which_o letter_n be_v not_o spread_v abroad_o before_o they_o be_v communicate_v to_o the_o commission_n and_o if_o the_o commission_n have_v give_v a_o satisfy_a answer_n it_o be_v not_o like_a that_o they_o will_v have_v be_v spread_v at_o all_o but_o presbytery_n be_v still_o press_v to_o obedience_n without_o satisfaction_n to_o their_o conscience_n they_o can_v not_o but_o make_v know_v the_o reason_n of_o their_o refusal_n lest_o they_o shall_v have_v seem_v to_o other_o to_o be_v wilful_a and_o obstinate_a that_o they_o do_v among_o themselves_o call_v they_o testimony_n and_o among_o other_o too_o i_o believe_v it_o to_o be_v true_a and_o that_o incase_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v satisfy_v th●y_o do_v intend_v they_o as_o stand_v testimony_n of_o their_o duty_n in_o that_o particular_a which_o yet_o they_o think_v more_o fit_a to_o do_v by_o letter_n then_o any_o other_o more_o public_a way_n that_o they_o may_v therein_o show_v themselves_o the_o more_o tender_a and_o respective_a of_o the_o commission_n that_o they_o condemn_v the_o public_a resolution_n as_o a_o defection_n from_o the_o covenant_n and_o former_a principle_n be_v that_o which_o their_o duty_n and_o their_o conscience_n call_v they_o unto_o yet_o do_v they_o no_o other_o way_n condemn_v they_o then_o by_o assert_v that_o they_o conceive_v they_o to_o be_v so_o of_o which_o assertion_n they_o do_v give_v a_o reason_n from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o from_o the_o covenant_n and_o warning_n declaration_n and_o remonstrance_n of_o this_o church_n to_o which_o if_o the_o commission_n have_v return_v a_o satisfactory_a answer_n they_o will_v have_v be_v quiet_a and_o say_v no_o more_o in_o the_o business_n that_o they_o do_v not_o come_v themselves_o and_o propound_v their_o doubt_n be_v because_o they_o be_v many_o in_o several_a place_n whole_a presbytery_n &_o such_o a_o way_n as_o this_o seem_v to_o they_o to_o savour_n rather_o of_o tumult_n and_o faction_n then_o the_o way_n which_o they_o take_v and_o experience_n do_v prove_v that_o no_o great_a satisfaction_n be_v to_o be_v expect_v in_o that_o way_n because_o when_o the_o minister_n of_o sterlin_n be_v call_v by_o the_o commission_n to_o a_o conference_n at_o st._n andrews_n and_o do_v not_o acquiesce_v to_o be_v silent_a &_o say_v no_o more_o against_o the_o public_a resolution_n the_o commission_n on_o do_v inform_v the_o king_n and_o committee_n of_o estate_n thereof_o who_o send_v for_o they_o to_o perth_n and_o consign_v they_o a_o month_n in_o that_o place_n and_o when_o the_o synod_n of_o glasgow_n by_o their_o letter_n to_o the_o commission_n desire_v a_o conference_n no_o satisfaction_n be_v obtain_v in_o the_o point_n of_o the_o public_a resolution_n that_o they_o do_v in_o these_o thing_n traduce_v honest_a godly_a and_o faithful_a brethren_n i_o think_v they_o may_v with_o reason_n deny_v these_o letter_n contain_v nothing_o that_o be_v personal_a but_o only_o that_o which_o concern_v the_o matter_n of_o these_o resolution_n which_o if_o it_o be_v evil_a on_o these_o brethren_n part_n who_o be_v author_n and_o abettor_n of_o the_o same_o there_o be_v no_o cause_n to_o charge_v those_o who_o do_v endeavour_v the_o discovery_n thereof_o as_o traducer_n or_o as_o the_o doer_n of_o these_o thing_n that_o tend_v to_o render_v their_o brethren_n odious_a that_o they_o do_v agent_n diligent_o through_o the_o country_n to_o induce_v other_o to_o do_v the_o like_a be_v more_o than_o the_o author_n can_v well_o prove_v but_o though_o it_o have_v be_v so_o be_v there_o not_o a_o cause_n to_o stop_v if_o they_o can_v the_o beginning_n of_o backslide_n and_o defection_n which_o be_v as_o the_o break_n out_o of_o water_n therefore_o be_v they_o well_o able_a to_o clear_v themselves_o before_o indifferent_a and_o impartial_a judge_n of_o divisive_a walk_n in_o this_o matter_n notwithstanding_o of_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v say_v by_o the_o author_n in_o the_o contrary_n vindication_n as_o for_o their_o profession_n by_o all_o lawful_a and_o fair_a mean_n within_o the_o compass_n of_o their_o power_n and_o station_n to_o remead_v the_o division_n it_o be_v the_o duty_n indeed_o of_o all_o who_o will_v prove_v lively_a member_n of_o christ_n body_n and_o lover_n of_o the_o prosperity_n

case_n in_o the_o year_n 48._o the_o election_n be_v pass_v in_o most_o place_n before_o it_o be_v do_v and_o may_v be_v just_o presume_v to_o have_v be_v pass_v in_o all_o as_o shall_v afterward_o be_v more_o full_o clear_v but_o it_o be_v not_o so_o in_o the_o 51._o what_o be_v then_o do_v be_v previous_a to_o the_o election_n next_o i_o give_v clear_a answer_n by_o deny_v the_o minor_a because_o the_o commission_n do_v not_o require_v such_o a_o thing_n the_o most_o that_o they_o do_v be_v to_o recommend_v it_o which_o be_v far_o from_o require_v and_o therefore_o by_o the_o writer_n ground_n the_o author_n have_v prove_v nothing_o at_o all_o to_o the_o second_o consideration_n that_o the_o letter_n and_o act_n of_o the_o commission_n 48._o be_v not_o write_v until_o most_o part_n or_o all_o election_n in_o presbytery_n be_v past_a he_o make_v answer_v that_o so_o be_v many_o of_o the_o election_n of_o presbytery_n before_o the_o letter_n and_o act_n of_o the_o commission_n 51._o come_v unto_o they_o but_o that_o be_v not_o true_a if_o we_o take_v the_o author_n own_o ground_n to_o wit_n that_o few_o presbytery_n except_o it_o be_v such_o as_o be_v far_a distant_a choose_v their_o commissioner_n 20._o or_o 25._o day_n before_o the_o assembly_n and_o allow_v 8._o day_n for_o dispatch_v to_o presbytery_n and_o take_v withal_o the_o date_n of_o the_o letter_n and_o act_n of_o the_o commission_n 1651._o which_o be_v the_o 28._o day_n of_o may_n and_o compare_v it_o with_o the_o day_n of_o the_o down_o sit_v of_o the_o assembly_n which_o be_v the_o 16._o day_n of_o july_n the_o untruth_n of_o this_o will_v appear_v because_o between_o the_o date_n of_o the_o act_n and_o the_o diet_n of_o the_o assembly_n be_v 48._o day_n of_o which_o deducing_a 8._o for_o the_o dispatch_n there_o do_v remain_v 40._o day_n till_o the_o assembly_n which_o do_v far_o exceed_v the_o time_n speak_v of_o by_o the_o author_n for_o the_o other_o part_n of_o it_o that_o most_o part_n of_o the_o election_n 48._o be_v pass_v before_o the_o letter_n and_o act_n of_o the_o commission_n come_v unto_o they_o i_o do_v appeal_n to_o the_o presbytery_n book_n there_o be_v little_a or_o no_o weight_n in_o the_o presumption_n that_o the_o author_n give_v to_o the_o contrary_n 1._o he_o take_v upon_o he_o to_o prove_v that_o some_o presbytery_n do_v upon_o that_o letter_n and_o act_n refer_v and_o cite_v some_o of_o their_o member_n to_o the_o general_n assembly_n some_o presbytery_n day_n before_o they_o begin_v to_o think_v upon_o the_o election_n of_o commissioner_n but_o he_o have_v name_v none_o and_o comprise_v they_o under_o the_o word_n some_o haply_o lest_o it_o shall_v be_v know_v how_o few_o there_o be_v probable_o but_o one_o that_o be_v st._n andrews_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o one_o of_o their_o university_n man_n who_o be_v also_o a_o minister_n next_o he_o make_v a_o supputation_n but_o of_o 8._o day_n for_o the_o dispatch_n of_o the_o letter_n to_o presbytery_n and_o that_o to_o the_o most_o part_n of_o presbytery_n it_o may_v have_v soon_o come_v and_o but_o of_o 20._o or_o 25._o day_n interveen_v betwixt_o the_o diet_n of_o the_o assembly_n and_o the_o election_n in_o most_o part_n of_o presbytery_n if_o the_o custom_n of_o dispatch_n have_v be_v by_o past_z hire_v and_o dispatch_v to_o several_a part_n immediate_o after_o the_o write_n of_o the_o letter_n and_o make_v of_o the_o act_n it_o may_v have_v come_v to_o the_o most_o part_n of_o presbytery_n in_o 8._o day_n but_o so_o it_o be_v not_o neither_o in_o the_o 48._o nor_o 51._o but_o by_o occasional_a bearer_n and_o therefore_o will_v take_v more_o time_n and_o i_o think_v it_o be_v say_v gratis_o that_o few_o presbytery_n do_v make_v their_o election_n 20._o or_o 25._o day_n before_o the_o assembly_n but_o there_o be_v no_o sure_a way_n of_o determine_v these_o difference_n about_o circumstance_n of_o time_n when_o neither_o the_o one_o nor_o the_o other_o letter_n come_v to_o presbytery_n but_o from_o the_o presbytery_n book_n and_o therefore_o to_o these_o i_o do_v appeal_n to_o stand_v or_o fall_v in_o this_o matter_n at_o their_o sentence_n only_o remember_v this_o that_o it_o be_v clear_a that_o the_o date_n of_o the_o letter_n and_o act_n of_o the_o commission_n 48._o be_v but_o five_o week_n before_o the_o assembly_n whereas_o the_o date_n of_o the_o other_o be_v 7._o week_n before_o the_o assembly_n vindication_n the_o three_o consideration_n present_v by_o the_o writer_n of_o this_o paper_n be_v that_o before_o the_o write_n of_o that_o letter_n by_o the_o commission_n 48._o the_o whole_a kirk_n of_o scotland_n almost_o in_o all_o the_o presbytery_n and_o synod_n thereof_o have_v declare_v themselves_o in_o conscience_n unsatisfy_a with_o the_o engagement_n except_v a_o very_a few_o minister_n scatter_v here_o and_o there_o in_o presbytery_n which_o few_o be_v also_o know_v to_o be_v opposite_n to_o the_o work_n of_o god_n or_o neutral_n and_o indifferent_a therein_o from_o the_o beginning_n answer_v 1_o if_o by_o the_o kirk_n of_o scotland_n be_v here_o understand_v the_o collective_a kirk_n i_o can_v see_v how_o it_o be_v true_a that_o be_v say_v here_o that_o the_o whole_a kirk_n of_o scotland_n for_o the_o most_o part_n except_o a_o few_o minister_n have_v declare_v themselves_o unsatisfied_a with_o the_o engagement_n certain_a it_o be_v and_o too_o certain_a that_o very_o many_o in_o the_o kirk_n of_o scotland_n in_o this_o sense_n of_o all_o rank_n in_o all_o quarter_n almost_o be_v too_o evident_o too_o active_a for_o it_o as_o the_o censure_n civil_a and_o ecclesiastical_a which_o thereupon_o follow_v do_v witness_n if_o the_o ministerial_a kirk_n be_v understand_v it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o far_o great_a part_n be_v dissatisfied_n but_o yet_o they_o be_v not_o so_o few_o minister_n that_o be_v of_o a_o contrary_a mind_n they_o be_v too_o many_o and_o in_o some_o place_n the_o great_a part_n of_o whole_a presbytery_n it_o may_v well_o be_v remember_v what_o a_o sum_n they_o be_v like_a to_o have_v account_v to_o at_o the_o time_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n and_o it_o seem_v to_o i_o too_o much_o that_o all_o of_o they_o be_v either_o opposer_n of_o the_o work_n whether_o hereby_o be_v understand_v the_o outward_a work_n of_o reformation_n or_o the_o power_n of_o religion_n or_o neutral_n or_o indifferent_a from_o the_o beginning_n the_o contrary_a be_v know_v of_o some_o of_o they_o and_o i_o will_v not_o say_v so_o much_o of_o all_o they_o that_o be_v censure_v though_o i_o acknowledge_v their_o censure_n be_v just_a 2._o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o kirk_n of_o scotland_n before_o the_o write_n of_o the_o late_a commission_n letter_n have_v declare_v themselves_o satisfy_v with_o the_o commission_n resolution_n and_o dissatisfy_v with_o the_o course_n of_o the_o opposer_n thereof_o and_o count_v when_o the_o writer_n will_v he_o shall_v find_v that_o the_o dissenter_n from_o the_o commission_n 48._o be_v not_o few_o yea_o not_o so_o few_o as_o the_o dissenter_n from_o the_o commission_n 51._o we_o know_v that_o the_o number_n of_o these_o amount_v to_o at_o their_o great_a meeting_n at_o ______o of_o late_a and_o howsoever_o more_o of_o these_o then_o of_o the_o first_o be_v godly_a man_n and_o have_v be_v more_o faithful_a in_o the_o cause_n former_o yet_o their_o present_a course_n at_o that_o time_n be_v not_o faithfulness_n to_o the_o cause_n but_o prejudicial_a to_o it_o and_o the_o whole_a kirk_n and_o country_n both_o they_o may_v just_o have_v be_v refer_v and_o call_v before_o the_o gen._n assembly_n to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o their_o way_n as_o well_o as_o the_o former_a be_v though_o they_o be_v more_o tender_o deal_v with_o as_o to_o themselves_o be_v evident_o see_v in_o the_o whole_a progress_n with_o they_o and_o be_v also_o real_o apparent_a in_o the_o very_a act_n and_o letter_n of_o the_o commission_n review_n i_o think_v the_o author_n do_v well_o enough_o know_v that_o in_o set_v down_o of_o the_o three_o difference_n the_o writer_n do_v not_o mean_a of_o the_o collective_a but_o of_o the_o ministerial_a church_n of_o which_o not_o only_o the_o great_a part_n but_o almost_o all_o have_v declare_v themselves_o unsatisfied_a in_o conscience_n with_o the_o engagement_n except_v a_o few_o minister_n scatter_v here_o and_o there_o in_o presbytery_n who_o be_v know_v either_o to_o be_v opposer_n of_o the_o work_n of_o god_n or_o neutral_a and_o indifferent_a therein_o from_o the_o beginning_n it_o be_v true_a they_o be_v too_o many_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o evil_a course_n they_o be_v engage_v into_o yet_o be_v they_o but_o few_o in_o number_n who_o do_v not_o at_o that_o time_n in_o some_o outward_a way_n at_o least_o give_v some_o

testimony_n against_o that_o engagement_n though_o alas_o some_o of_o these_o in_o these_o late_a resolution_n have_v now_o dissemble_v it_o in_o their_o word_n and_o more_o have_v betray_v it_o in_o their_o action_n that_o what_o they_o then_o do_v in_o condemn_v the_o engagement_n and_o afterward_o approve_v the_o solemn_a public_a confession_n of_o sin_n and_o engagement_n to_o duty_n be_v against_o their_o heart_n when_o the_o author_n have_v streatched_a their_o number_n to_o the_o utmost_a the_o most_o he_o dare_v say_v of_o it_o be_v the_o great_a part_n of_o whole_a presbytery_n in_o some_o place_n but_o these_o some_o place_n that_o he_o speak_v of_o be_v so_o few_o that_o it_o will_v be_v find_v they_o will_v come_v to_o a_o very_a poor_a account_n when_o they_o shall_v be_v name_v they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v like_a to_o amount_v to_o any_o number_n at_o the_o general_n assembly_n if_o he_o mean_v of_o these_o who_o be_v member_n of_o the_o assembly_n that_o there_o be_v few_o if_o any_o at_o all_o who_o do_v not_o join_v in_o approve_v the_o declaration_n of_o the_o assembly_n against_o the_o engagement_n if_o he_o mean_v of_o these_o who_o subscribe_v the_o divisive_a supplication_n these_o be_v so_o few_o that_o they_o do_v not_o all_o of_o they_o be_v put_v together_o amount_v to_o the_o twenty_o part_n of_o the_o ministry_n of_o scotland_n and_o sundry_a even_o of_o these_o do_v before_o the_o election_n join_v with_o their_o presbytery_n and_o synod_n in_o bear_v testimony_n against_o the_o engagement_n i_o will_v not_o blame_v he_o for_o his_o charity_n to_o some_o of_o these_o man_n the_o writer_n do_v not_o say_v that_o all_o of_o they_o be_v know_v to_o be_v opposer_n or_o neutral_a or_o indifferent_a in_o the_o work_n of_o god_n from_o the_o beginning_n but_o speak_v indefinite_o mean_v as_o i_o take_v it_o of_o the_o bulk_n and_o generality_n of_o they_o and_o i_o believe_v the_o author_n himself_o be_v judge_n but_o few_o instance_n to_o the_o contrary_n can_v be_v give_v it_o be_v true_a that_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n before_o the_o write_n of_o the_o late_a commission_n letter_n have_v declare_v themselves_o satisfy_v with_o the_o commission_n resolution_n and_o dissatisfy_v with_o the_o course_n of_o the_o opposer_n thereof_o but_o it_o be_v also_o true_a that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n who_o have_v not_o declare_v themselves_o satisfy_v with_o these_o resolution_n yea_o a_o great_a part_n who_o have_v declare_v themselves_o dissatisfied_n therewith_o and_o it_o be_v a_o wonder_n to_o i_o that_o the_o author_n shall_v say_v that_o count_v when_o the_o writer_n will_v he_o shall_v find_v that_o the_o dissenter_n from_o the_o commission_n 1648._o be_v not_o few_o yea_o not_o so_o few_o as_o dissenter_n from_o the_o commission_n 1651._o i_o hope_v he_o be_v speak_v of_o the_o ministerial_a church_n in_o regard_n of_o both_o the_o question_n now_o be_v of_o prelimiting_a the_o election_n and_o it_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n to_o speak_v of_o any_o other_o in_o regard_n of_o these_o let_v he_o name_v if_o he_o can_v any_o synod_n presbytery_n or_o kirk-session_n in_o scotland_n that_o do_v give_v any_o testimony_n or_o evidence_n of_o their_o dissent_n from_o the_o proceed_n of_o the_o commission_n against_o the_o engagement_n 1648._o if_o he_o will_v believe_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n 1650._o the_o whole_a ministry_n and_o body_n of_o the_o people_n in_o the_o land_n do_v join_v in_o their_o prayer_n and_o supplication_n in_o private_a and_o in_o public_a against_o the_o engagement_n and_o the_o minister_n every_o where_o in_o their_o sermon_n do_v bear_v clear_a testimony_n against_o it_o and_o all_o the_o church_n judicatories_n synod_n presbytery_n and_o session_n do_v petition_v the_o parliament_n against_o it_o and_o another_o declaration_n of_o the_o same_o assembly_n within_o a_o few_o day_n thereafter_o in_o answer_n to_o a_o passage_n of_o the_o declaration_n of_o the_o english_a army_n tell_v he_o somewhat_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n we_o do_v not_o remember_v say_v they_o that_o any_o of_o the_o minister_n do_v preach_v and_o cry_v up_o a_o war_n against_o england_n and_o as_o we_o know_v that_o the_o body_n of_o the_o ministry_n be_v unanimous_a and_o zealous_a in_o bear_v a_o joint_a testimony_n both_o in_o their_o sermon_n and_o otherwise_o against_o that_o war_n so_o these_o few_o that_o be_v silent_a have_v be_v censure_v for_o their_o silence_n and_o the_o committee_n of_o estate_n at_o the_o same_o time_n in_o their_o declaration_n testify_v thus_o do_v not_o all_o the_o judicatories_n of_o the_o kirk_n unanimous_o oppose_v and_o declare_v against_o it_o do_v not_o the_o minister_n faithful_o preach_v and_o pray_v against_o it_o and_o general_o all_o that_o fear_v god_n in_o the_o land_n petition_n against_o it_o and_o many_o such_o passage_n be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o our_o public_a paper_n from_o the_o time_n of_o carry_v on_o the_o engagement_n yet_o the_o author_n be_v so_o zealous_a to_o weaken_v every_o thing_n that_o the_o writer_n say_v for_o difference_v that_o which_o be_v do_v by_o the_o commission_n 1648._o and_o the_o commission_n 1651._o that_o he_o have_v rather_o retrench_v upon_o that_o which_o have_v be_v often_o and_o true_o declare_v by_o this_o church_n of_o their_o be_v free_a of_o any_o accession_n to_o the_o unlawful_a engagement_n than_o not_o to_o do_v it_o this_o deserve_v his_o second_o thought_n but_o upon_o the_o other_o hand_n beside_o the_o generality_n of_o these_o in_o the_o land_n who_o be_v of_o know_v approven_v godliness_n and_o piety_n and_o be_v dissatisfied_n with_o the_o public_a resolution_n as_o will_v i_o trust_v be_v acknowledge_v by_o godly_a man_n of_o a_o contrary_a mind_n speak_v sober_o and_o without_o the_o heat_n of_o dispute_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o give_v he_o some_o instance_n of_o some_o synod_n and_o of_o many_o prerbytery_n beside_o many_o particular_a member_n in_o presbytery_n throughout_o all_o the_o corner_n of_o the_o counrry_a who_o be_v not_o only_o silent_a in_o speak_v for_o the_o public_a resolution_n but_o who_o do_v bear_v testimony_n and_o speak_v open_o against_o they_o a_o thing_n so_o well_o know_v that_o i_o need_v not_o stay_v to_o name_v the_o particular_n but_o they_o must_v still_o be_v few_o in_o his_o catalogue_n we_o know_v say_v he_o what_o the_o number_n of_o these_o amount_v to_o at_o their_o great_a meeting_n at_o edinburgh_n of_o late_a if_o he_o mean_v that_o all_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o land_n who_o be_v of_o that_o judgement_n be_v at_o that_o meeting_n he_o be_v much_o mistake_v and_o if_o not_o so_o it_o be_v not_o much_o to_o the_o purpose_n there_o be_v many_o minister_n in_o the_o land_n of_o that_o judgement_n who_o be_v not_o at_o that_o meeting_n and_o yet_o there_o be_v very_o near_o a_o hundred_o minister_n at_o that_o meeting_n who_o be_v approven_v in_o the_o conscience_n of_o the_o godly_a throughout_o the_o land_n he_o acknowledge_v that_o many_o more_o of_o these_o then_o of_o the_o first_o be_v godly_a man_n and_o have_v be_v faithful_a former_o but_o their_o present_a course_n at_o that_o time_n be_v not_o faithfulness_n to_o the_o cause_n but_o prejudicial_a to_o it_o and_o the_o whole_a kirk_n and_o country_n as_o he_o think_v they_o may_v just_o be_v refer_v and_o call_v before_o the_o assembly_n as_o well_o as_o the_o other_o it_o be_v well_o that_o they_o be_v godly_a and_o such_o as_o have_v be_v former_o faithful_a as_o for_o their_o unfaithfulnesse_n at_o that_o time_n it_o be_v the_o point_n in_o question_n betwixt_o they_o and_o the_o author_n and_o abbettot_n of_o the_o public_a resolution_n they_o be_v persuade_v in_o their_o conscience_n and_o have_v clear_o hold_v forth_o the_o same_o unto_o other_o that_o they_o be_v keep_v the_o ground_n on_o which_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n do_v run_v these_o many_o year_n past_a for_o defend_v the_o country_n and_o cause_n against_o the_o enemy_n thereof_o and_o if_o other_o do_v forsake_v their_o ground_n they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v esteem_v unfaithful_a nor_o to_o be_v charge_v with_o that_o crime_n because_o they_o will_v not_o leave_v their_o master_n colour_n i_o shall_v not_o insist_v upon_o what_o he_o speak_v of_o the_o tender_a deal_n which_o they_o meet_v with_o because_o there_o may_v be_v opportunity_n to_o speak_v to_o this_o afterward_o what_o be_v apparent_a in_o the_o letter_n and_o act_n of_o the_o commission_n be_v already_o speak_v unto_o vindication_n the_o four_o consideration_n propon_v by_o the_o writer_n be_v that_o the_o resolution_n then_o viz._n 48_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o covenant_n act_n and_o constitution_n of_o former_a general_n assembly_n whereas_o the_o

that_o there_o be_v no_o just_a cause_n of_o propon_v that_o exception_n against_o the_o commission_n 48_o and_o we_o affirm_v that_o the_o commission_n 51_o carry_v themselves_o faithful_o and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o just_a cause_n of_o propon_v that_o exception_n against_o they_o which_o the_o protester_n make_v but_o whether_o it_o be_v so_o or_o otherways_o in_o reipsâ_fw-la in_o the_o very_a deed_n itself_o since_o both_o exception_n at_o the_o time_n they_o be_v make_v be_v alike_o to_o the_o assembly_n and_o therefore_o to_o borrow_v the_o word_n of_o the_o writer_n we_o desire_v any_o man_n in_o the_o world_n to_o bring_v a_o reason_n why_o the_o one_o assembly_n shall_v be_v condemn_v for_o reject_v such_o a_o exception_n before_o the_o proceed_n of_o the_o person_n except_v against_o be_v try_v and_o judge_v when_o as_o the_o other_o assembly_n which_o reject_v the_o like_a exception_n be_v maintain_v but_o good_a reader_n look_v forward_o upon_o the_o writer_n follow_v of_o his_o answer_n to_o the_o objection_n mention_v and_o see_v a_o mystery_n and_o judge_v thou_o if_o it_o be_v not_o of_o iniquity_n against_o all_o the_o late_a general_n assembly_n of_o this_o kirk_n he_o tell_v we_o of_o a_o act_n make_v anno_o 1601_o and_o renew_v 1648_o and_o say_v that_o it_o do_v necessary_o infer_v that_o the_o commissioner_n of_o a_o former_a assembly_n shall_v not_o be_v admit_v as_o member_n in_o the_o succeed_a assembly_n although_o there_o be_v no_o scandal_n or_o exception_n propon_v upon_o their_o proceed_n until_o they_o be_v try_v much_o less_o when_o a_o scandal_n or_o exception_n be_v propon_v this_o be_v a_o fair_a blow_n by_o one_o str●ak_n give_v to_o the_o late_a constitution_n of_o all_o the_o assembly_n of_o this_o kirk_n posterior_n to_o that_o assembly_n at_o glasgow_n without_o exception_n and_o most_o of_o all_o to_o the_o assembly_n 48_o for_o in_o all_o of_o they_o commissioner_n of_o the_o precede_a assembly_n respective_a have_v be_v admit_v to_o sit_v as_o member_n before_o their_o proceed_n be_v try_v and_o judge_v and_o in_o that_o assembly_n 48_o they_o be_v admit_v to_o sit_v notwithstanding_o exception_n be_v make_v against_o their_o sit_v by_o the_o supreme_a civil_a power_n of_o the_o land_n this_o be_v remarkable_a that_o the_o writer_n to_o the_o effect_n he_o may_v pull_v down_o the_o late_a assembly_n 51_o he_o will_v put_v down_o all_o the_o rest_n with_o it_o but_o the_o truth_n be_v the_o writer_n be_v somewhat_o rash_a in_o his_o assertion_n concern_v the_o consequence_n of_o that_o act_n mention_v look_v the_o tenor_n of_o it_o as_o it_o be_v extant_a in_o the_o assembly_n 48_o sess_n 6._o it_o say_v only_o this_o much_o that_o the_o commissioner_n of_o former_a assembly_n shall_v give_v a_o account_n of_o their_o proceed_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o assembly_n before_o any_o other_o matter_n or_o cause_n be_v handle_v and_o their_o proceed_n to_o be_v allow_v or_o dis-allowed_n etc._n etc._n from_o which_o i_o confess_v this_o much_o may_v be_v infer_v by_o one_o stick_v precise_o to_o the_o letter_n of_o the_o word_n that_o after_o the_o assembly_n be_v constitute_v the_o handle_n of_o all_o other_o matter_n shall_v be_v suspend_v until_o the_o commissioner_n proceed_n shall_v be_v try_v and_o put_v to_o a_o point_n during_o which_o trial_n the_o commissioner_n that_o be_v member_n vi_fw-la materiae_fw-la must_v be_v remove_v because_o the_o same_o person_n can_v try_v their_o own_o proceed_n but_o that_o they_o may_v not_o be_v admit_v in_o any_o way_n to_o be_v member_n of_o the_o assembly_n not_o so_o much_o as_o to_o vote_n in_o the_o election_n of_o a_o moderator_n which_o be_v the_o thing_n require_v by_o the_o protester_n can_v be_v infer_v from_o thence_o if_o it_o be_v other_o way_n it_o seem_v strange_a to_o i_o that_o that_o same_o assembly_n 48_o which_o do_v renew_v that_o act_n do_v at_o the_o same_o very_a time_n admit_v the_o commissioner_n of_o the_o precede_a assembly_n sundry_a of_o the_o present_a protester_n and_o among_o the_o rest_n none_o more_o than_o the_o writer_n of_o this_o paper_n and_o the_o suggester_n to_o he_o of_o this_o consideration_n be_v chief_a actor_n in_o the_o business_n to_o sit_v as_o member_n of_o the_o astembly_n before_o their_o proceed_n be_v try_v yea_o and_o to_o vote_n in_o sundry_a other_o matter_n during_o the_o time_n of_o their_o trial_n and_o that_o whenas_o there_o be_v exception_n make_v against_o they_o but_o beside_o this_o retortion_n of_o the_o argument_n which_o the_o protester_n be_v oblige_v to_o answer_v review_n albeit_o the_o author_n be_v please_v to_o say_v that_o the_o writer_n shall_v never_o be_v able_a to_o make_v good_a that_o the_o public_a resolution_n be_v diametral_o opposite_a to_o clear_v stand_v act_n remonstrance_n and_o declaration_n of_o former_a assembly_n yet_o he_o or_o some_o other_o in_o his_o room_n have_v often_o make_v this_o good_a out_o of_o these_o act_n remonstrance_n declaration_n etc._n etc._n wherein_o the_o very_a contradictory_n of_o the_o public_a resolution_n be_v clear_o set_v down_o upon_o the_o very_a circumstantiat_fw-la case_n of_o defend_v the_o cause_n and_o country_n against_o foreign_a invasion_n and_o therefore_o though_o there_o be_v no_o more_o to_o uphold_v the_o argument_n but_o this_o the_o conclusion_n thereof_o may_v safe_o be_v assent_v to_o without_o any_o new_a edition_n of_o the_o writer_n in_o follow_v his_o argument_n i_o be_o glad_a that_o the_o author_n be_v bring_v to_o acknowledge_v that_o all_o hang_v upon_o this_o and_o doubt_n that_o some_o of_o his_o friend_n who_o quarrel_n at_o sundry_a former_a act_n remonstrance_n and_o declaration_n as_o not_o know_v how_o to_o reconcile_v they_o with_o public_a resolution_n approve_v he_o in_o this_o he_o will_v remember_v &_o other_o will_v be_v inform_v that_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o meeting_n at_o st._n andrews_n this_o point_n be_v offer_v to_o be_v instant_o verify_v out_o of_o the_o record_n of_o the_o church_n under_o the_o clerk_n hand_n who_o be_v general●y_o acknowledge_v to_o know_v they_o best_o of_o a●y_n and_o be_v bind_v by_o his_o place_n and_o particular_a act_n of_o assembly_n to_o offer_v they_o unto_o they_o and_o yet_o they_o can_v not_o be_v hear_v and_o the_o exception_n be_v relevant_a in_o itself_o as_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o the_o author_n and_o reject_v when_o offer_v to_o be_v instruct_v as_o to_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n it_o be_v alike_o as_o if_o it_o have_v be_v prove_v for_o it_o stand_v for_o prove_v in_o law_n as_o to_o the_o judge_n who_o refuse_v to_o admit_v probation_n to_o be_v instant_o produce_v ex_fw-la act_n suis_fw-la to_o his_o first_o particular_a answer_n i_o reply_v first_o that_o no_o like_a accusation_n nor_o exception_n come_v into_o the_o assembly_n 1648_o from_o the_o very_a parliament_n or_o any_o other_o against_o the_o member_n of_o the_o commission_n who_o be_v commissioner_n to_o the_o assembly_n neither_o after_o a_o long_a and_o serious_a debate_n be_v it_o find_v either_o by_o our_o present_a protester_n or_o any_o other_o and_o conclude_v that_o none_o of_o they_o can_v be_v remove_v from_o sit_v in_o the_o assembly_n and_o vote_v in_o other_o matter_n until_o their_o proceed_n be_v first_o hear_v and_o try_v there_o be_v in_o the_o assembly_n 1648._o no_o such_o accusation_n nor_o exception_n nor_o debate_n nor_o conclusion_n which_o be_v a_o short_a and_o clear_a answer_n for_o justify_v that_o assembly_n and_o for_o vindicate_v the_o truth_n of_o that_o which_o be_v allege_v by_o the_o writer_n in_o answer_n to_o the_o first_o objection_n to_o wit_n that_o such_o exception_n be_v propound_v be_v never_o reject_v and_o do_v withal_o give_v a_o clear_a reason_n why_o the_o one_o assembly_n shall_v be_v condemn_v though_o the_o other_o be_v justify_v because_o the_o one_o assembly_n reject_v so_o relevant_n a_o exception_n which_o the_o other_o do_v not_o it_o be_v never_o propound_v unto_o they_o in_o all_o this_o business_n the_o author_n be_v great_o mistake_v and_o whether_o through_o misinformation_n or_o how_o i_o know_v not_o do_v assert_v that_o for_o a_o truth_n which_o never_o have_v a_o be_v and_o therefore_o all_o his_o defence_n build_v upon_o it_o do_v at_o one_o instant_a fall_n to_o the_o ground_n the_o story_n which_o as_o it_o seem_v he_o hint_n at_o in_o the_o 48._o be_v brief_o this_o in_o the_o year_n 1648._o the_o assembly_n be_v meet_v and_o constitute_v without_o any_o exception_n propound_v or_o mention_v by_o any_o person_n or_o party_n whatsoever_o against_o these_o who_o have_v be_v member_n of_o the_o former_a commission_n and_o be_v now_o member_n of_o the_o assembly_n after_o they_o have_v sit_v five_o or_o six_o day_n as_o be_v evident_a from_o compare_v the_o