inflame_v the_o soul_n of_o all_o the_o lover_n of_o christ_n with_o more_o zeal_n for_o advance_v and_o promote_a reformation_n in_o this_o land_n according_a to_o the_o capacity_n and_o opportunity_n the_o lord_n have_v put_v in_o their_o hand_n but_o alas_o unsuitable_a have_v be_v our_o return_v of_o fruitfulness_n and_o thankfulness_n and_o as_o all_o of_o we_o have_v come_v far_o short_a of_o improve_n these_o opportunity_n so_o the_o practice_n of_o these_o minister_n continue_v to_o be_v very_o offensive_a and_o stumble_a who_o instead_o of_o confess_v and_o condemn_v the_o above_o write_v defection_n and_o mind_v the_o people_n of_o their_o former_a backslide_n and_o discover_v the_o sin_n of_o the_o laâ—e_a time_n that_o be_v many_o and_o heinous_a to_o the_o end_n they_o may_v be_v induce_v to_o mourn_v over_o they_o and_o to_o turn_v unto_o the_o lord_n do_v yet_o continue_v to_o defend_v and_o hide_v their_o own_o guilt_n and_o thereby_o to_o harden_v other_o in_o impenitency_n so_o that_o the_o wrong_n do_v to_o christ_n be_v like_a to_o be_v forget_v and_o bury_v and_o few_o be_v like_a to_o be_v bring_v off_o from_o the_o evil_n of_o their_o way_n we_o be_v also_o much_o discourage_v and_o dissatisfy_v that_o the_o national_a and_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n have_v not_o only_o not_o be_v renew_v but_o not_o contend_v for_o by_o many_o the_o affront_n do_v to_o they_o and_o their_o bind_a force_n not_o declare_v but_o like_a to_o be_v bury_v in_o oblivion_n and_o more_o especial_o it_o be_v wound_v to_o we_o to_o â—ear_v that_o when_o opportunity_n be_v give_v and_o access_n to_o address_v the_o king_n and_o parliament_n the_o mention_v of_o these_o holy_a covenant_n be_v omit_v and_o since_o the_o king_n and_o queen_n be_v advance_v to_o the_o throne_n we_o fear_v that_o that_o faithfulness_n &_o freedom_n have_v not_o be_v use_v as_o be_v wont_a to_o be_v in_o former_a time_n to_o warn_v and_o admonish_v their_o majesty_n of_o the_o sin_n and_o snare_n of_o the_o throne_n to_o beware_v of_o evil_a councillor_n and_o of_o the_o guilt_n and_o danger_n of_o tamper_n with_o and_o patronise_a prelacy_n in_o england_n and_o ireland_n nor_o to_o discover_v and_o declare_v to_o they_o and_o the_o parliament_n the_o sin_n and_o danger_n of_o bring_v into_o and_o keep_v in_o place_n of_o â—ower_n and_o trust_v in_o judicatory_n and_o army_n person_n be_v who_o be_v know_v malignant_a enemy_n to_o truth_n and_o godliness_n and_o to_o the_o present_a interest_n now_o to_o be_v maintain_v as_o faithful_a minister_n in_o former_a time_n use_v to_o witness_v against_o such_o sinful_a association_n and_o after_o all_o that_o be_v come_v upon_o we_o for_o our_o evil_a deed_n and_o have_v get_v such_o a_o deliverance_n as_o this_o if_o again_o his_o commandment_n be_v break_v by_o join_v in_o affinity_n with_o the_o people_n of_o these_o abomination_n it_o will_v be_v more_o than_o ever_o dangerous_a both_o to_o king_n and_o kingdom_n likewise_o albeit_o we_o dare_v not_o despise_v the_o day_n of_o small_a thing_n and_o desire_n to_o bless_v the_o lord_n for_o what_o we_o have_v see_v yet_o we_o can_v conceal_v our_o sorrow_n that_o the_o great_a and_o glorious_a attainment_n between_o the_o year_n 1638_o &_o 1649_o be_v year_n of_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o the_o most_o high_a in_o which_o we_o be_v bring_v under_o the_o renew_a bond_n of_o solemn_a covenant_n be_v not_o revive_v nor_o any_o honourable_a mention_n make_v of_o they_o in_o any_o of_o the_o act_n establish_v the_o privilege_n of_o the_o church_n which_o we_o think_v a_o lose_n of_o the_o ground_n which_o our_o father_n gain_v we_o do_v not_o say_v that_o it_o be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o minister_n to_o redress_v this_o before_z or_o after_o it_o be_v do_v yet_o as_o we_o conceive_v the_o plead_n for_o the_o full_a of_o this_o in_o their_o address_n be_v not_o above_o their_o reach_n and_o that_o they_o shall_v have_v signify_v their_o dislike_n at_o the_o want_n thereof_o and_o take_v what_o they_o get_v by_o these_o act_n with_o a_o protestation_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v without_o prejudice_n of_o their_o seek_n and_o get_v more_o so_o in_o our_o poor_a judgement_n we_o think_v in_o all_o establishment_n of_o religion_n and_o religious_a right_n in_o a_o land_n respect_n be_v always_o to_o be_v have_v to_o the_o pattern_n and_o rule_n of_o god_n reveal_v will_n in_o his_o word_n and_o not_o to_o worldly_a politic_n it_o be_v also_o very_o discourage_v and_o offensive_a and_o we_o can_v but_o complain_v of_o it_o that_o now_o when_o there_o be_v a_o opportunity_n to_o purge_v the_o church_n from_o these_o corruption_n wherewith_o she_o have_v be_v long_o pester_v and_o plague_v yet_o tho'_o prelacy_n be_v abolish_v by_o the_o state_n and_o many_o curate_n put_v away_o some_o one_o way_n some_o another_o we_o hear_v of_o none_o censure_v and_o remove_v for_o prelacy_n perjury_n and_o intrusion_n and_o some_o minister_n be_v also_o plead_v for_o keep_v they_o in_o upon_o carnal_a and_o politic_a ground_n who_o we_o fear_v may_v afterward_o do_v more_o hurt_v and_o mischief_n than_o the_o good_a now_o pretend_a can_v countervail_v and_o that_o if_o this_o occasion_n be_v lose_v of_o purge_v the_o church_n of_o insufficient_a corrupt_a and_o scandalous_a officer_n of_o all_o sort_n especial_o of_o prelatic_a curate_n and_o of_o plant_v it_o with_o godly_a faithful_a and_o able_a minister_n we_o may_v all_o repent_v of_o it_o too_o late_a more_o especial_o it_o be_v very_o stumble_v and_o offensive_a to_o we_o that_o albeit_o there_o be_v a_o opportunity_n without_o fear_n and_o danger_n to_o exercise_v discipline_n impartial_o and_o faithful_o yet_o some_o who_o have_v former_o take_v the_o abominable_a test_n and_o be_v guilty_a of_o other_o gross_a scandal_n be_v admit_v to_o be_v officer_n of_o the_o church_n some_o to_o be_v minister_n and_o some_o to_o be_v elder_n and_o many_o guilty_a of_o very_o gross_a degree_n of_o compliance_n be_v admit_v to_o the_o sacrament_n without_o any_o public_a acknowledgement_n of_o their_o offence_n whereby_o they_o and_o other_o be_v harden_v and_o many_o of_o the_o godly_a stumble_v to_o the_o great_a disadvatage_n of_o the_o church_n to_o conclude_v right_o reverend_a we_o expect_v and_o entreat_v that_o you_o will_v not_o offend_v at_o our_o freedom_n in_o what_o we_o here_o represent_v but_o our_o meaning_n and_o end_n to_o have_v difference_n satisfy_o remove_v will_v move_v you_o to_o put_v a_o favourable_a construction_n upon_o that_o which_o a_o critical_a disposition_n may_v be_v ready_a to_o censure_v for_o rashness_n and_o ignorance_n and_o meddle_v in_o matter_n wherein_o we_o be_v not_o concern_v but_o though_o we_o shall_v be_v condemn_v and_o censure_v with_o the_o great_a severity_n and_o be_v count_v yet_o more_o vile_a we_o must_v seek_v we_o must_v cry_v for_o the_o remove_n of_o these_o stumble_v block_n and_o condemn_v these_o course_n which_o have_v do_v our_o lord_n jesus_n so_o much_o wrong_v and_o his_o child_n so_o much_o hurt_v in_o the_o stand_n in_o the_o way_n of_o their_o comfortable_a and_o edify_a communion_n with_o the_o church_n let_v the_o famish_v and_o starve_a case_n of_o our_o soul_n through_o want_n of_o the_o bless_a gospel_n and_o our_o hunger_a to_o hear_v it_o preach_v by_o you_o prevail_v with_o you_o to_o consider_v our_o complaint_n and_o let_v the_o wound_n of_o our_o bleed_a mother_n pant_v to_o be_v heal_v by_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o tender_a heart_a physician_n have_v weight_n with_o you_o not_o to_o slight_v or_o despise_v our_o desire_n but_o if_o you_o shall_v shut_v your_o eye_n and_o ear_n at_o they_o than_o we_o know_v at_o the_o time_n no_o remedy_n leave_v we_o but_o to_o complain_v and_o protest_v unto_o judicatories_n and_o cry_v sigh_n and_o groan_v to_o the_o father_n of_o mercy_n who_o be_v tender_a of_o all_o his_o little_o one_o and_o be_v the_o hearer_n of_o prayer_n that_o he_o may_v see_v to_o it_o and_o heal_v our_o backslide_n and_o breach_n in_o his_o own_o time_n and_o way_n and_o not_o lay_v it_o to_o your_o charge_n that_o you_o have_v have_v so_o little_a regard_n to_o the_o stumble_a and_o sadden_v of_o so_o many_o of_o his_o poor_a break_a bruise_a and_o scatter_a sheep_n and_o that_o you_o have_v not_o have_v great_a care_n to_o strengthen_v the_o disease_a and_o to_o heal_v that_o which_o be_v sick_a and_o to_o bind_v up_o that_o which_o be_v break_v and_o to_o bring_v again_o that_o which_o be_v drive_v away_o and_o to_o seek_v that_o which_o be_v lose_v after_o subscribe_v of_o the_o paper_n some_o man_n be_v choose_v in_o name_n of_o the_o rest_n to_o present_v it_o to_o the_o assembly_n to_o desire_v a_o answer_n and_o to_o use_v
and_o remove_v these_o stumbling-block_n which_o have_v offend_v the_o conscience_n of_o many_o tender_a and_o serious_a people_n therefore_o in_o all_o humility_n and_o reverence_n we_o must_v take_v the_o freedom_n to_o represent_v to_o this_o reverend_a assembly_n in_o a_o few_o particular_n what_o thing_n chief_o have_v stumble_v we_o and_o occasion_v our_o withdraw_n for_o so_o long_a a_o time_n from_o many_o minister_n of_o this_o church_n which_o we_o can_v omit_v to_o complian_a of_o and_o protest_v against_o design_v hereby_o not_o to_o irritate_fw-la or_o offend_v nor_o to_o lay_v the_o fault_n of_o any_o open_a unto_o the_o world_n nor_o to_o plead_v our_o own_o innocence_n but_o desire_v to_o acknowledge_v our_o deep_a accession_n also_o to_o the_o sin_n which_o have_v provoke_v the_o lord_n to_o all_o this_o anger_n against_o this_o church_n and_o kingdom_n that_o which_o have_v draw_v from_o we_o the_o mention_v of_o these_o thing_n be_v that_o the_o remember_v of_o they_o may_v help_v we_o all_o to_o the_o sight_n and_o sense_n of_o these_o sin_n among_o other_o that_o we_o may_v be_v find_v mourn_v for_o they_o and_o keep_v up_o a_o testimony_n against_o they_o and_o to_o show_v our_o earnest_a desire_n of_o have_v peace_n and_o truth_n union_n and_o order_n among_o all_o the_o lover_n and_o well_o wisher_n of_o zion_n settle_v upon_o last_a and_o solid_a foundation_n and_o comfortable_a communion_n in_o ordinance_n restore_v to_o we_o who_o have_v be_v long_o drive_v away_o from_o that_o benefit_n by_o these_o offence_n as_o it_o be_v not_o a_o little_a afflict_v to_o behold_v so_o it_o be_v now_o no_o pleasure_n to_o remember_v that_o when_o prelacy_n condemn_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o abjure_v by_o our_o covenant_n be_v establish_v many_o minister_n do_v hear_v and_o join_v with_o these_o perjure_a hyrling_n and_o intruder_n the_o prelate_n and_o their_o curate_n yea_o and_o persuade_v other_o to_o the_o like_a practice_n whereby_o their_o hand_n be_v strengthen_v and_o the_o heart_n of_o many_o of_o the_o godly_a be_v sadn_v and_o their_o conscience_n stumble_v we_o desire_v to_o be_v thankful_a that_o prelacy_n be_v condemn_v by_o act_n of_o parliament_n nevertheless_o we_o be_v grieve_v that_o such_o join_v and_o comply_v therewith_o be_v not_o yet_o condemn_v nor_o the_o practice_n of_o these_o that_o withdraw_v approve_v as_o it_o be_v no_o small_a grief_n of_o heart_n to_o see_v the_o supremacy_n which_o belong_v only_o to_o the_o lord_n jesus_n as_o king_n and_o head_n of_o his_o church_n give_v away_o to_o a_o miserable_a mortal_n and_o settle_v upon_o he_o by_o law_n so_o it_o be_v a_o augmentation_n to_o our_o sorrow_n to_o see_v a_o indulgence_n flow_v therefrom_o clog_v with_o restriction_n very_o prejudicial_a to_o the_o honour_n and_o freedom_n of_o christ_n ambassador_n embrace_v by_o several_a minister_n and_o justify_v by_o other_o which_o do_v much_o strengthen_v these_o wicked_a usurpation_n on_o our_o lord_n crown_n right_n &_o his_o church_n liberty_n and_o give_v occasion_n of_o great_a stumble_v and_o offence_n and_o be_v a_o bone_n of_o contention_n among_o the_o lord_n people_n in_o this_o land_n but_o yet_o tho'_o both_o the_o accurse_a fountain_n and_o impure_a stream_n be_v remove_v and_o cut_v off_o for_o which_o we_o desire_v to_o bless_v the_o lord_n the_o sin_n thereof_o nevertheless_o be_v not_o confess_v and_o condemn_v the_o do_v whereof_o we_o be_v persuade_v will_v be_v very_o contributive_a to_o the_o turn_v away_o of_o the_o lord_n anger_n and_o satisfy_v all_o offend_a it_o be_v very_o stumble_v and_o offensive_a to_o we_o when_o many_o snare_n and_o tentation_n be_v abound_v and_o go_v through_o the_o land_n that_o then_o many_o minister_n who_o shall_v have_v preach_v in_o season_n and_o out_o of_o season_n and_o who_o no_o dispensation_n can_v discharge_v from_o that_o great_a and_o necessary_a duty_n do_v not_o set_v the_o trumpet_n to_o their_o mouth_n to_o give_v faithful_a warning_n in_o time_n of_o such_o danger_n as_o become_v watchman_n but_o tho'_o often_o call_v to_o preach_v in_o the_o country_n do_v either_o faint_o leave_v the_o land_n or_o lurk_v and_o lie_v by_o in_o the_o land_n and_o other_o when_o they_o preach_v either_o do_v not_o apply_v their_o doctrine_n to_o the_o time_n so_o as_o we_o may_v take_v it_o up_o or_o be_v ambiguous_a in_o their_o application_n of_o their_o doctrine_n to_o the_o danger_n of_o the_o time_n whereby_o many_o be_v leave_v to_o perish_v in_o their_o iniquity_n and_o the_o hand_n of_o these_o who_o endeavour_v to_o keep_v clean_a garment_n be_v not_o strengthen_v yea_o it_o be_v very_o offensive_a to_o behold_v the_o practice_n and_o carriage_n of_o some_o minister_n who_o instead_o of_o strengthen_v their_o hand_n who_o be_v at_o that_o time_n most_o forwardlie_a and_o zealous_o appear_v and_o contend_v for_o the_o cause_n and_o interest_n of_o christ_n and_o join_v with_o countenance_v or_o encourage_v the_o minister_n who_o be_v valiant_a for_o the_o truth_n and_o jeopard_v their_o life_n in_o the_o high_a place_n of_o the_o field_n for_o the_o testimony_n of_o christ_n do_v condemn_v their_o laudable_a endeavour_n and_o reproach_v they_o and_o their_o act_n and_o suffering_n both_o at_o home_n and_o abroad_o more_o especial_o it_o be_v sad_a and_o stumble_a to_o we_o when_o many_o mischief_n be_v frame_v into_o law_n by_o a_o throne_n of_o iniquity_n when_o many_o wicked_a oath_n and_o bond_n ensnare_a conscience_n contrare_fw-la to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o our_o national_a covenant_n be_v impose_v and_o when_o we_o be_v require_v upon_o pain_n of_o death_n to_o own_o the_o authority_n of_o and_o acknowledge_v allegiance_n to_o tyrant_n and_o usurper_n as_o our_o lawful_a magistrate_n who_o god_n have_v set_v over_o we_o as_o his_o minister_n of_o justice_n that_o then_o many_o minister_n do_v comply_v with_o these_o wicked_a law_n and_o teach_v the_o people_n to_o obey_v they_o and_o some_o do_v take_v and_o subscribe_v these_o oath_n and_o bond_n themselves_o and_o persuade_v people_n to_o take_v they_o and_o not_o only_o own_v and_o acknowledge_v allegiance_n to_o these_o tyrant_n and_o usurper_n pray_v for_o they_o and_o their_o government_n and_o plead_v for_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o their_o authority_n yea_o some_o pray_v for_o the_o pretend_a prince_n of_o wales_n but_o instead_o of_o sympathize_v with_o the_o suffering_n of_o these_o that_o can_v not_o in_o conscience_n own_o that_o authooity_n condemn_v and_o inveigh_v against_o they_o as_o fool_n and_o die_v in_o a_o error_n we_o have_v reason_n to_o be_v thankful_a for_o this_o revive_n in_o our_o bondage_n and_o that_o the_o yoke_n of_o oppression_n and_o persecution_n be_v take_v from_o off_o our_o neck_n yet_o we_o wish_v that_o untender_a carriage_n towards_o conscientious_a sufferer_n be_v resent_v and_o the_o head_n and_o cause_n be_v approven_v and_o justify_v upon_o which_o these_o reproach_v martyr_n and_o confessor_n suffer_v it_o be_v very_o burdensome_a to_o our_o conscience_n that_o a_o popish_a toleration_n design_v to_o introduce_v popery_n into_o this_o land_n again_o grant_v by_o k._n james_n from_o his_o absolute_a power_n which_o he_o blasphemous_o arrogate_a to_o himself_o and_o whereby_o he_o presume_v to_o stop_v the_o penal_a law_n against_o papist_n and_o clog_v with_o many_o limitation_n be_v embrace_v by_o many_o presbyterian_a minister_n and_o address_v for_o to_o that_o popish_a usurper_n in_o the_o name_n of_o all_z which_o many_o of_o the_o godly_a of_o the_o land_n look_v upon_o with_o weep_a eye_n as_o a_o sad_a step_n of_o defection_n from_o the_o wont_a zeal_n of_o the_o minister_n of_o scotland_n the_o sin_n and_o scandal_n of_o this_o course_n be_v evident_a in_o a_o testimony_n give_v in_o against_o the_o same_o by_o some_o minister_n which_o we_o here_o own_o yet_o now_o notwithstanding_o that_o it_o be_v remove_v and_o the_o wicked_a power_n it_o flow_v from_o we_o can_v think_v the_o sin_n and_o scandal_n of_o it_o be_v take_v away_o so_o long_o as_o the_o same_o be_v not_o confess_v mourn_v over_o and_o condemn_v the_o condemn_v of_o all_o these_o course_n of_o compliance_n and_o defection_n will_v not_o only_o be_v as_o a_o beacon_n set_v up_o to_o hinder_v the_o follow_a generation_n from_o spliting_a on_o such_o dangerous_a rock_n but_o also_o will_v make_v our_o unite_n and_o join_v with_o these_o from_o who_o we_o stand_v at_o a_o distance_n which_o we_o long_o for_o and_o pray_v for_o cordial_a and_o comfortable_a we_o be_v also_o dissatisfy_v and_o offend_v at_o several_a thing_n at_o present_a it_o may_v have_v be_v expect_v that_o the_o mercy_n we_o have_v meet_v with_o of_o late_a shall_v have_v fill_v our_o heart_n with_o kindly_a sorrow_n for_o our_o former_a sin_n and_o backslide_a and_o
diligence_n therein_o of_o which_o they_o be_v to_o give_v a_o account_n to_o their_o friend_n but_o the_o deliver_n of_o it_o in_o be_v think_v requisite_a to_o be_v delay_v a_o little_a until_o it_o be_v know_v what_o will_v be_v do_v with_o a_o paper_n give_v in_o to_o the_o assembly_n by_o mr_n thomas_n lining_n mr_n alexander_n sheild_n and_o mr_n william_n boyd_n yet_o tho'_o it_o be_v not_o expedient_a to_o relate_v either_o the_o isue_n of_o that_o business_n or_o how_o the_o same_o be_v manage_v nevertheless_o it_o be_v not_o unsuitable_a to_o the_o present_a purpose_n to_o mention_v this_o that_o instead_o of_o a_o satisfactory_a answer_n it_o be_v very_o offensive_a to_o many_o that_o the_o assembly_n by_o a_o vote_n refuse_v to_o read_v the_o foresay_a paper_n present_v by_o the_o minister_n above_o name_v upon_o the_o reason_n give_v in_o by_o the_o committee_n of_o overture_n why_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v read_v which_o condemn_v the_o same_o before_o it_o be_v hear_v especial_o the_o person_n entrust_v with_o the_o subscribe_v and_o in-giving_a of_o our_o paper_n and_o some_o other_o be_v so_o offend_v that_o they_o judge_v it_o duty_n to_o signify_v their_o dissatisfaction_n therewith_o to_o the_o assembly_n whereupon_o a_o short_a paper_n be_v draw_v up_o be_v subscribe_v by_o the_o man_n choose_v to_o deliver_v the_o other_o paper_n in_o their_o own_o name_n represent_v it_o as_o a_o additional_a complaint_n that_o the_o assembly_n have_v in_o the_o manner_n above_o specify_v refuse_v to_o read_v the_o foresay_a paper_n to_o get_v opportunity_n for_o deliver_v in_o both_o these_o paper_n to_o the_o committee_n of_o overture_n by_o who_o they_o may_v be_v transmit_v to_o the_o whole_a assembly_n the_o man_n go_v to_o the_o place_n where_o the_o say_a committee_n be_v sit_v where_o meet_v with_o two_o minister_n member_n thereof_o and_o after_o some_o conference_n with_o they_o concern_v the_o paper_n one_o of_o the_o minister_n say_v he_o will_v inform_v the_o committee_n of_o they_o according_o they_o have_v both_o go_v in_o acquaint_v the_o committee_n therewith_o who_o instead_o of_o give_v the_o man_n access_n a_o privilege_n deny_v to_o none_o but_o they_o only_o nominate_v two_o minister_n and_o a_o rule_v elder_a to_o speak_v with_o they_o these_o immediate_o come_v out_o have_v conference_n with_o the_o man_n before_o who_o first_o the_o short_a paper_n next_o the_o large_a be_v read_v after_o hear_v both_o and_o desire_v some_o thing_n to_o be_v alter_v in_o the_o large_a paper_n which_o can_v not_o be_v condescend_v unto_o they_o endeavour_v to_o dissuade_v the_o man_n from_o press_v the_o read_n of_o they_o in_o the_o assembly_n which_o the_o man_n insist_v earnest_o for_o and_o for_o a_o answer_n to_o return_v to_o their_o friend_n when_o these_o minister_n find_v they_o so_o press_v for_o this_o they_o promise_v to_o represent_v it_o to_o the_o committee_n whereupon_o one_o of_o they_o go_v in_o speak_v of_o it_o to_o they_o and_o deliver_v the_o paper_n to_o the_o clerk_n after_o this_o the_o man_n at_o several_a occasion_n solicit_v the_o minister_n above_o mention_v and_o some_o other_o that_o the_o paper_n may_v be_v read_v in_o the_o assembly_n and_o to_o have_v somewhat_o to_o return_v to_o their_o friend_n but_o the_o answer_n they_o receive_v be_v a_o letter_n subscribe_v by_o three_o minister_n direct_v to_o they_o which_o follow_v love_v friend_n the_o paper_n you_o give_v in_o to_o the_o assembly_n be_v first_o give_v in_o to_o the_o committee_n of_o overture_n and_o we_o be_v by_o they_o appoint_v to_o confer_v with_o you_o and_o after_o some_o conference_n with_o you_o we_o move_v in_o the_o committee_n that_o the_o assembly_n will_v order_v the_o paper_n to_o be_v give_v in_o to_o these_o who_o be_v to_o draw_v up_o the_o monitory_a letter_n and_o cause_n of_o the_o fast_a that_o they_o may_v make_v their_o own_o use_n thereof_o in_o draw_v up_o the_o same_o which_o at_o the_o first_o next_o session_n of_o the_o assembly_n on_o saturnday_n last_o the_o first_o of_o november_n be_v according_o do_v in_o open_a assembly_n and_o we_o by_o the_o assembly_n allow_v to_o report_v the_o same_o to_o you_o which_o now_o according_o we_o do_v and_o we_o hope_v this_o will_v satisfy_v you_o and_o other_o who_o do_v commissionate_a you_o and_o that_o the_o lord_n will_v incline_v your_o heart_n to_o peace_n and_o to_o guard_v against_o any_o further_a rent_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o in_o this_o hope_n we_o subscribe_v ourselves_o edinburgh_n november_n 3._o 1690_o your_o friend_n and_o servant_n in_o the_o lord_n from_o which_o letter_n we_o shall_v only_o take_v notice_n of_o this_o that_o as_o we_o have_v never_o yet_o see_v the_o monitory_a letter_n mention_v therein_o whereby_o we_o do_v not_o know_v what_o use_n be_v make_v in_o it_o of_o our_o paper_n so_o albeit_o we_o have_v get_v a_o sight_n of_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o fast_a from_o which_o it_o be_v say_v several_a time_n that_o we_o shall_v receive_v satisfaction_n to_o our_o scruple_n yet_o we_o be_v so_o far_o from_o get_v of_o the_o same_o that_o we_o must_v complain_v not_o only_o of_o the_o ambiguity_n of_o some_o expresion_n in_o it_o but_o also_o of_o its_o lameness_n several_a thing_n be_v omit_v which_o be_v step_n of_o defection_n and_o cause_n of_o wrath_n and_o that_o the_o abominable_a test_n declaration_n prelatical_a intrusion_n be_v once_o in_o be_v put_v out_o again_o we_o hope_v as_o well_o as_o serious_o desire_v that_o our_o design_n in_o publish_v what_o be_v above_o may_v not_o be_v mistake_v but_o right_o construct_v see_v it_o be_v not_o to_o irritate_fw-la or_o offend_v any_o person_n but_o to_o make_v manifest_a what_o have_v be_v our_o endeavour_n in_o order_n to_o get_v a_o comfortable_a union_n with_o these_o minister_n from_o who_o we_o be_v yet_o stand_v at_o a_o distance_n as_o also_o to_o let_v they_o know_v how_o unexpected_a yea_o astonish_a it_o be_v to_o we_o when_o we_o hear_v that_o our_o paper_n of_o complaint_n be_v so_o little_o regard_v as_o not_o once_o to_o be_v read_v either_o in_o the_o committee_n or_o open_a assembly_n it_o contain_v what_o real_o be_v and_o be_v ground_n of_o offence_n and_o matter_n of_o complaint_n to_o we_o and_o whatever_o be_v pretend_v for_o not_o read_v thereof_o yet_o the_o consequence_n have_v be_v sad_a have_v create_v jealousy_n scruple_n and_o discontent_n and_o have_v be_v though_o occasion_n of_o a_o further_a rent_n for_o it_o can_v not_o be_v rational_o expect_v that_o to_o deny_v that_o privilege_n to_o they_o which_o be_v grant_v to_o other_o be_v the_o way_n to_o heal_v the_o breach_n which_o be_v wide_a and_o remove_v the_o scruple_n that_o be_v many_o of_o these_o who_o be_v conscientious_a this_o be_v rather_o the_o way_n to_o â—oment_n new_a debate_n and_o jar_n then_o to_o cement_v or_o remove_v the_o old_a and_o in_o like_a manner_n that_o we_o may_v have_v opportunity_n and_o occasion_n hereby_o again_o to_o desire_v of_o and_o cry_v unto_o minister_n not_o only_o for_o remove_v of_o our_o former_a scruple_n and_o redress_v of_o our_o old_a complaint_n and_o grievance_n but_o also_o to_o represent_v some_o new_a one_o which_o be_v not_o only_o burdensome_a grievous_a and_o offensive_a to_o we_o but_o to_o many_o of_o the_o godly_a in_o the_o land_n earnest_o entreat_v and_o fervent_o desire_v that_o minister_n may_v do_v what_o be_v incumbent_n for_o they_o and_o in_o their_o power_n for_o remove_v of_o the_o same_o one_o be_v the_o admission_n of_o some_o of_o the_o prelatical_a curate_n not_o only_o to_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o ministry_n but_o to_o a_o share_n of_o the_o government_n of_o this_o church_n of_o which_o we_o crave_v leave_v to_o signify_v our_o dislike_n and_o dissatisfaction_n and_o to_o testify_v against_o the_o pester_v and_o pollute_v the_o church_n with_o they_o in_o regard_v it_o be_v the_o receive_n in_o of_o such_o man_n who_o the_o scripture_n declare_v shall_v be_v avoid_v and_o with_o draw_v from_o because_o they_o have_v cause_v division_n and_o offence_n contrare_fw-la to_o the_o doctrine_n which_o this_o church_n learned_a and_o walk_v not_o only_o disorderly_a themselves_o but_o many_o of_o they_o compel_v other_o to_o do_v so_o and_o persecute_v these_o who_o desire_v to_o keep_v their_o garment_n clean_o in_o regard_v it_o be_v unreasonable_a and_o not_o consistent_a with_o policy_n to_o put_v weapone_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o enemy_n lest_o they_o may_v turn_v they_o against_o we_o if_o not_o open_o yet_o in_o a_o way_n as_o dangerous_a yea_o it_o be_v not_o long_o since_o all_o of_o they_o be_v reckon_v such_o and_o whatever_o some_o of_o they_o pretend_v to_o now_o yet_o the_o time_n of_o this_o change_n
make_v the_o sincerity_n of_o their_o repentance_n strong_o suspicious_a neither_o do_v it_o seem_v reasonable_a or_o safe_a to_o admit_v such_o man_n to_o a_o share_n of_o the_o government_n who_o oppose_v the_o same_o while_o power_n be_v in_o their_o hand_n or_o to_o commit_v to_o they_o the_o care_n of_o soul_n who_o former_o have_v poison_v and_o do_v great_a hurt_n to_o many_o of_o they_o in_o regard_n they_o be_v incapable_a to_o give_v security_n for_o their_o be_v faithful_a and_o true_a to_o the_o government_n as_o be_v require_v in_o the_o instruction_n give_v by_o the_o assembly_n be_v man_n not_o only_o guilty_a of_o intrusion_n dreadful_a apostasy_n advance_v the_o kingdom_n of_o satan_n persecution_n some_o one_o way_n some_o another_o of_o the_o godly_a and_o not_o a_o few_o of_o they_o of_o profanity_n and_o error_n but_o also_o of_o gross_a perjury_n by_o take_v wicked_a and_o contradictory_n oath_n as_o that_o abominable_a test_n etc._n etc._n and_o teach_v other_o to_o do_v so_o all_o repugnant_a to_o our_o solemn_a covenant_n whereby_o they_o have_v forefault_v the_o honour_n of_o any_o trust_n among_o honest_a man_n much_o more_o in_o such_o great_a and_o weighty_a matter_n as_o be_v the_o have_v a_o share_n in_o the_o government_n of_o christ_n house_n and_o the_o care_n and_o oversight_n of_o soul_n in_o regard_n the_o take_n in_o of_o these_o man_n will_v tend_v to_o the_o present_a hurt_n of_o the_o church_n see_v it_o will_v occasion_v a_o great_a breach_n and_o division_n in_o the_o same_o which_o will_v do_v much_o more_o hurt_n than_o all_o the_o good_a these_o man_n will_v do_v can_v countervail_v in_o regard_v it_o will_v rend_v to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o the_o posterity_n who_o advantage_n shall_v be_v seek_v by_o endeavour_v to_o transmit_v pure_a ordinance_n to_o they_o which_o we_o think_v not_o well_o be_v do_v and_o those_o preserve_v entire_a if_o these_o man_n be_v entrust_v with_o the_o dispense_n of_o they_o for_o as_o they_o be_v know_v former_o to_o be_v of_o corrupt_a principle_n and_o practice_n themselves_o and_o the_o soundness_n of_o the_o change_n that_o they_o make_v consider_v the_o time_n thereof_o beside_o other_o thing_n be_v great_o to_o be_v fear_v so_o they_o will_v endeavour_v by_o degree_n to_o bring_v in_o other_o of_o the_o same_o stamp_n whereby_o at_o length_n other_o die_a a_o little_a leaven_n may_v leaven_n the_o whole_a lump_n and_o so_o the_o ordinance_n be_v in_o great_a danger_n of_o be_v corrupt_v if_o not_o change_v which_o will_v tend_v to_o the_o unspeakable_a disadvantage_n of_o the_o posterity_n and_o in_o regard_n it_o will_v tend_v to_o the_o hurt_n of_o these_o man_n themselves_o see_v to_o admit_v they_o to_o such_o a_o great_a trust_n so_o easy_o and_o hasty_o may_v harden_v they_o in_o their_o former_a evil_a way_n whereas_o a_o more_o strict_a and_o sharp_a deal_n according_a as_o the_o rule_n of_o discipline_n prescribe_v to_o take_v with_o such_o scandalous_a person_n may_v by_o the_o blessing_n of_o the_o lord_n bring_v they_o to_o a_o sight_n and_o conviction_n of_o the_o same_o these_o and_o many_o other_o reason_n that_o may_v be_v adduce_v have_v weight_n with_o we_o and_o we_o be_v hopeful_a will_v so_o far_o prevail_v with_o minister_n as_o to_o withstand_v and_o oppose_v now_o when_o they_o have_v power_n and_o opportunity_n the_o pollute_a and_o pester_v the_o church_n and_o any_o mix_n with_o the_o man_n of_o these_o abomination_n notwithstanding_o of_o what_o authority_n may_v enjoin_v but_o if_o it_o shall_v be_v otherways_o as_o it_o will_v presage_v sad_a thing_n to_o this_o poor_a church_n and_o kingdom_n so_o it_o will_v give_v ground_n of_o sâ—â—mbling_v at_o other_o in_o like_a manner_n as_o it_o be_v offensive_a and_o stumble_a to_o we_o that_o some_o minister_n and_o elder_n have_v be_v admit_v to_o be_v constituent_a member_n of_o the_o assembly_n who_o be_v so_o heinous_o guilty_a and_o be_v so_o deep_o involve_v in_o the_o defection_n of_o the_o late_a defyl_a time_n as_o by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o constititution_n of_o this_o church_n will_v debar_v they_o so_o it_o can_v but_o be_v more_o stumble_v and_o be_v matter_n of_o complaint_n that_o albeit_o there_o be_v many_o reverend_a and_o worthy_a divine_n in_o the_o assembly_n and_o commission_n thereof_o yet_o oft_o time_n when_o they_o have_v have_v public_a matter_n to_o manage_v and_o some_o thing_n to_o put_v in_o print_n that_o such_o shall_v have_v be_v appoint_v for_o that_o end_n who_o be_v laxe_v and_o deep_o involve_v in_o that_o late_a defection_n the_o sad_a effect_n and_o consequence_n whereof_o appear_v already_o and_o certain_o will_v be_v more_o evident_a afterward_o particular_o by_o that_o book_n entitle_v a_o second_o vindication_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n etc._n etc._n wherein_o the_o author_n who_o be_v employ_v for_o draw_v up_o thereof_o and_o do_v it_o name_n of_o the_o whole_a not_o only_o give_v ignominious_a character_n and_o epithet_n unto_o honest_a and_o conscientious_a sufferer_n but_o also_o condemn_v and_o disowne_v their_o laudable_a act_n in_o ease_v the_o church_n and_o themselves_o in_o the_o interregnum_fw-la of_o these_o perjure_a hireling_n and_o intruder_n the_o curate_n wherein_o we_o be_v concern_v in_o it_o we_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o shame_v thereof_o that_o we_o stand_v not_o to_o let_v it_o be_v know_v that_o we_o be_v chief_o sorry_a we_o be_v not_o more_o active_a and_o we_o may_v adventure_v with_o some_o confidence_n to_o say_v the_o like_a in_o behalf_n of_o other_o and_o in_o some_o singleness_n of_o heart_n may_v add_v that_o what_o we_o do_v therein_o be_v from_o a_o principle_n of_o conscience_n and_o as_o a_o duty_n lie_v bind_v on_o we_o and_o not_o mere_o because_o they_o be_v our_o persecuter_n another_o thing_n offensive_a to_o we_o and_o many_o other_o be_v the_o seldom_o mention_v of_o our_o national_a and_o solemn_a covenant_n not_o only_o in_o preach_v but_o at_o baptise_v of_o child_n at_o which_o time_n former_o it_o be_v usual_a to_o mention_v they_o but_o now_o by_o some_o only_a dark_o hint_v at_o and_o by_o other_o altogether_o lay_v aside_o and_o it_o can_v but_o be_v grievous_a and_o wound_a unto_o we_o that_o the_o author_n of_o the_o foresay_a book_n shall_v insinuat_fw-la so_o much_o as_o it_o be_v conclude_v so_o be_v do_v we_o be_v not_o for_o give_v direction_n unto_o minister_n nevertheless_o we_o humble_o conceive_v we_o may_v safe_o complain_v of_o the_o silence_n of_o many_o of_o they_o in_o this_o especial_o when_o it_o be_v like_a to_o produce_v such_o sad_a and_o lamentable_a effect_n as_o the_o wear_n out_o among_o many_o of_o the_o sense_n and_o impression_n of_o the_o obligation_n and_o bind_a force_n of_o these_o covenant_n and_o that_o not_o a_o few_o be_v like_a to_o forget_v that_o the_o same_o have_v be_v break_v and_o burn_v in_o this_o land_n whatever_o difficulty_n be_v allege_v hinder_v the_o solemn_a renovation_n of_o they_o at_o this_o time_n yet_o minister_n may_v even_o at_o this_o season_n shâ—w_v people_n that_o perjury_n and_o breach_n of_o covenant_n be_v among_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o land_n and_o what_o way_n all_o rank_n be_v guilty_a of_o the_o same_o as_o also_o that_o these_o covenant_n be_v still_o bind_v and_o the_o obligation_n of_o they_o remain_v inviolable_a notwithstanding_o of_o any_o iniquious_a law_n make_v against_o they_o in_o the_o late_a unhappy_a time_n like_o as_o it_o be_v offensive_a to_o we_o and_o many_o other_o that_o minister_n have_v be_v so_o silent_a at_o the_o encroachment_n already_o make_v upon_o the_o privilege_n of_o this_o church_n in_o put_v a_o stoup_n in_o a_o great_a measure_v to_o the_o purge_n out_o of_o the_o episcopal_a clergy_n by_o which_o reformation_n be_v hinder_v and_o negligent_a erroneous_a insufficient_a and_o scandalous_a man_n be_v still_o keep_v in_o as_o also_o their_o silence_n at_o the_o adjournment_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n by_o proclamation_n whereby_o that_o ecclesiastical_a court_n be_v make_v like_o one_o of_o the_o civil_a judicatories_n of_o the_o nation_n these_o encroachment_n and_o usurpation_n against_o which_o we_o for_o our_o part_n not_o but_o witness_n and_o protest_v make_v we_o afraid_a of_o the_o plague_n of_o erastiansim_fw-la of_o which_o we_o hearty_o wish_v we_o may_v be_v disappoint_v the_o begining_n whereof_o and_o the_o very_a appearance_n of_o a_o supremacy_n over_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n arrogate_v by_o king_n or_o council_n or_o any_o whosoever_o minister_n especial_o aught_o to_o withstand_v and_o not_o be_v hinder_v from_o assert_v the_o privilege_n of_o his_o house_n either_o for_o the_o terror_n pleasure_n or_o persuasion_n of_o any_o mortal_a high_a or_o low_o great_a or_o small_a to_o conclude_v that_o it_o may_v be_v manifest_a for_o what_o end_n we_o mention_v these_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o from_o pleasure_n to_o speak_v of_o they_o or_o to_o make_v a_o noise_n about_o they_o but_o from_o a_o fervent_a desire_n to_o have_v they_o redress_v and_o remove_v and_o that_o all_o concern_v may_v know_v how_o desireous_a we_o be_v ofvnion_n in_o the_o lord_n and_o what_o longing_n we_o have_v for_o the_o benefiâ—_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o purity_n and_o power_n again_o and_o again_o we_o earnest_o entreat_v and_o serious_o beseech_v that_o these_o our_o complaint_n and_o grivance_n above_o may_v be_v lay_v to_o heart_n and_o that_o some_o effectual_a way_n may_v be_v fall_v upon_o to_o remove_v and_o take_v they_o away_o which_o we_o long_o for_o that_o so_o ourvnion_n may_v be_v more_o comfortable_a and_o we_o expect_v the_o blessing_n of_o the_o lord_n thereupon_o