throughout_o the_o land_n timeous_o to_o take_v into_o their_o consideration_n what_o shall_v be_v their_o duty_n at_o the_o next_o meet_v which_o be_v appoint_v by_o that_o corrupt_a assembly_n at_o dundee_n and_o they_o do_v well_o approve_v of_o the_o method_n follow_v by_o the_o protester_n at_o st._n andrews_n think_v fit_v that_o first_o a_o representation_n shall_v be_v give_v in_o desire_v these_o which_o be_v to_o meet_v not_o to_o proceed_v to_o constitute_v themselves_o into_o a_o assembly_n but_o to_o enter_v into_o a_o conference_n with_o their_o brethren_n who_o differ_v from_o they_o in_o judgement_n and_o eight_o proposition_n be_v agree_v unto_o after_o mutual_a correspondence_n and_o a_o report_n make_v from_o the_o several_a quarter_n of_o the_o country_n which_o be_v to_o be_v offer_v as_o the_o subject_n of_o the_o conference_n and_o incase_o conference_n shall_v be_v deny_v and_o that_o the_o meeting_n shall_v proceed_v to_o constitute_v themselves_o into_o a_o 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be_v misplace_v 1._o for_o 2._o and_o 2._o for_o 3._o etc._n etc._n and_o the_o punctuation_n be_v bad_a as_o in_o some_o other_o place_n p._n 79._o l_o 21_o f._n can_v only_a r_o common_o p._n 103._o l._n 13._o after_o assembly_n r._n at_o s._n audâ—ews_v these_o fault_n have_v be_v observe_v upon_o a_o superficial_a read_n but_o very_o like_v there_o may_v be_v more_o which_o the_o courteous_a reader_n will_v pardon_v finis_fw-la reader_n for_o thy_o better_a information_n anent_o this_o debate_n and_o likewise_o anent_o the_o union_n which_o have_v be_v endeavour_v by_o the_o protester_n since_o the_o late_a p._n assembly_n it_o be_v think_v fit_a to_o subjoin_v the_o follow_a paper_n that_o pass_v he_o wixt_a the_o p._n commission_n and_o some_o of_o these_o who_o protest_v against_o the_o last_o p._n assembly_n to_o the_o right_n reverend_a the_o minister_n and_o elder_n meet_v at_o edinburgh_n the_o 24._o of_o novemb_n 1652._o whereas_o we_o have_v not_o only_o be_v patient_n and_o defender_n in_o the_o difference_n that_o have_v late_o arisen_a in_o this_o church_n but_o willing_a and_o ready_a to_o embrace_v all_o opportunity_n for_o remove_v they_o and_o for_o that_o end_n upon_o a_o overture_n make_v to_o we_o the_o last_o winter_n have_v since_o that_o time_n forbear_v to_o act_v authoritative_o and_o in_o the_o capacity_n of_o commissioner_n from_o the_o general_n assembly_n 1650._o which_o delegation_n we_o conceive_v to_o be_v still_o in_o force_n until_o the_o next_o lawful_a free_a general_n assembly_n and_o notwithstanding_o ground_n be_v give_v to_o we_o when_o that_o overture_n be_v make_v to_o expect_v to_o like_v from_o you_o yet_o you_o do_v assume_v to_o yourselves_o that_o authority_n and_o act_v according_o which_o have_v very_o much_o heighten_v our_o difference_n and_o forasmuch_o as_o at_o the_o late_a meeting_n of_o our_o brethren_n in_o edinburgh_n upon_o the_o ______o day_n of_o july_n last_o we_o do_v earnest_o desire_v that_o 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a_o act_n of_o meet_a favour_n and_o grace_n upon_o your_o part_n unto_o delinquent_n upon_o their_o repentance_n and_o though_o we_o hope_v that_o we_o shall_v never_o be_v ashamed_a but_o esteem_v it_o our_o mercy_n and_o glory_n to_o acknowledge_v any_o thing_n whereby_o we_o have_v provoke_v the_o lord_n or_o offend_v other_o yet_o be_v more_o and_o more_o convince_v in_o our_o conscience_n that_o what_o we_o do_v in_o these_o thing_n be_v a_o necessary_a duty_n we_o dare_v not_o purchase_v immunity_n and_o exemption_n from_o censure_n at_o so_o dear_a a_o rate_n as_o to_o deny_v the_o same_o we_o shall_v rather_o choose_v still_o to_o be_v sufferer_n and_o to_o wait_v upon_o the_o issue_n that_o the_o lord_n shall_v give_v then_o to_o provoke_v the_o eye_n of_o his_o glory_n grieve_v the_o spirit_n of_o his_o people_n and_o will_v our_o own_o conscience_n by_o so_o unsatisfy_v and_o so_o sinful_a a_o transaction_n and_o conceive_v that_o we_o shall_v not_o have_v the_o opportunity_n to_o speak_v unto_o you_o hereafter_o as_o be_v now_o about_o to_o dissolve_v our_o meeting_n we_o do_v from_o the_o zeal_n that_o we_o owe_v to_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o from_o the_o tender_a respect_n we_o owe_v to_o you_o as_o brethren_n and_o for_o exoner_v our_o own_o conscience_n most_o earnest_o beseech_v and_o obtest_v you_o by_o your_o appear_v before_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n to_o give_v yourselves_o unto_o prayer_n and_o search_v of_o your_o own_o heart_n and_o way_n in_o order_n to_o public_a resolution_n and_o action_n until_o each_o of_o you_o find_v out_o wherein_o you_o have_v turn_v aside_o from_o the_o straight_a way_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o employ_v your_o gift_n and_o power_n not_o for_o edification_n but_o for_o grieve_v the_o spirit_n of_o many_o of_o the_o godly_a and_o strengthen_v of_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o wicked_a and_o to_o repent_v thereof_o and_o to_o do_v no_o more_o so_o lest_o wrath_n be_v increase_v from_o the_o lord_n the_o godly_a of_o the_o land_n more_o offend_v and_o our_o breach_n make_v wide_a and_o our_o wound_n more_o incurable_a if_o both_o you_o and_o we_o may_v obtain_v mercy_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o know_v our_o trespass_n and_o why_o he_o contend_v and_o to_o accept_v the_o punishment_n of_o our_o iniquity_n and_o humble_v ourselves_o before_o hime_n who_o know_v but_o that_o he_o may_v yet_o have_v compassion_n upon_o we_o and_o pardon_v our_o sin_n and_o heal_v our_o land_n july_n the_o 28._o antemerid_fw-la 1652._o mr._n andrew_n cant_n mr_n samuel_n rutherford_n mr_n james_n guthry_n my_o lord_n waristoun_n mr_n robert_n trail_n mr_n john_n nevay_n mr_n james_n nasmith_n be_v nominate_v to_o meet_v &_o confer_v with_o some_o brethren_n member_n of_o the_o present_a pretend_a assembly_n the_o instruction_n follow_v be_v give_v they_o and_o the_o meeting_n do_v require_v and_o expect_v that_o they_o will_v walk_v according_a thereto_o i._o that_o they_o shall_v declare_v to_o the_o 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at_o dundee_n and_o of_o this_o at_o edinburgh_n and_o what_o they_o mind_n to_o do_v in_o reference_n to_o the_o same_o v._o that_o in_o case_n there_o be_v not_o satisfaction_n obtain_v in_o these_o so_o just_a and_o necessary_a thing_n they_o do_v profess_v their_o own_o and_o our_o dissatisfaction_n with_o any_o thing_n that_o have_v be_v offer_v by_o they_o to_o we_o or_o answer_v to_o our_o desire_n first_o or_o last_o and_o that_o they_o protest_v for_o themselves_o and_o we_o that_o as_o we_o have_v seek_v peace_n and_o pursue_v it_o by_o all_o lawful_a and_o possible_a mean_n though_o much_o in_o vain_a on_o their_o part_n so_o we_o be_v henceforth_o free_a from_o the_o guilt_n and_o blame_n of_o the_o sad_a prejudices_fw-la and_o evil_a consequence_n whatsoever_o which_o may_v follow_v upon_o their_o present_a way_n and_o their_o former_a and_o future_a act_n of_o that_o nature_n so_o contrary_a and_o destructive_a to_o edification_n and_o peace_n right_o reverend_n we_o have_v now_o for_o these_o fourteen_o day_n past_a be_v employ_v in_o use_v our_o best_a endeavour_n and_o wait_v for_o overture_n from_o you_o for_o heal_v the_o breach_n and_o remove_v the_o difference_n that_o be_v among_o we_o and_o now_o there_o be_v no_o ground_n of_o hope_n give_v we_o nor_o any_o desire_n make_v unto_o we_o for_o continue_v the_o conference_n whereby_o a_o better_a understanding_n may_v be_v attain_v we_o have_v think_v good_a before_o our_o part_n from_o this_o place_n to_o send_v unto_o you_o this_o enclose_a paper_n together_o with_o the_o instruction_n give_v in_o write_v to_o these_o who_o be_v send_v from_o we_o to_o the_o conference_n the_o copy_n whereof_o be_v offer_v by_o they_o to_o these_o who_o be_v send_v from_o your_o number_n and_o leave_v with_o they_o both_o which_o paper_n we_o desire_v you_o to_o communicate_v to_o those_o of_o your_o meeting_n and_o so_o we_o rest_v your_o very_a love_a brethren_n in_o the_o lord_n edinb_n 29._o july_n 1652._o subscribe_v in_o the_o name_n of_o many_o minister_n elder_n and_o professor_n throughout_o the_o land_n who_o desire_v truth_n and_o peace_n direct_v for_o the_o reverend_a brother_n mr._n david_n dickson_n professor_n of_o divinity_n in_o the_o college_n of_o edinburgh_n proposition_n which_o be_v offer_v to_o the_o meeting_n of_o minister_n and_o other_o appoint_v to_o be_v keep_v at_o edinburgh_n july_n 21._o 1652._o whereas_o we_o and_o many_o of_o the_o godly_a in_o the_o land_n have_v be_v real_o scandalize_v and_o stumble_v at_o their_o late_a act_n and_o proceed_n relate_v to_o public_a resolution_n concern_v the_o same_o in_o the_o nature_n and_o intention_n of_o the_o work_n to_o have_v obstruct_v and_o shake_v the_o work_n of_o reformation_n although_o we_o think_v honourable_o of_o diverse_a godly_a and_o learned_a man_n who_o have_v be_v concur_v in_o the_o same_o and_o dare_v not_o judge_v their_o intention_n to_o be_v such_o as_o we_o think_v their_o work_n 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dundee_n and_o the_o act_n thereof_o finis_fw-la
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a_o number_n and_o such_o a_o way_n as_o shall_v
be_v most_o convenient_a consider_v the_o case_n of_o the_o time_n for_o hold_v forth_o to_o they_o so_o far_o as_o we_o can_v and_o the_o lord_n shall_v assist_v we_o light_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o their_o difference_n from_o the_o public_a judicatories_n and_o for_o search_v into_o further_a knowledge_n of_o the_o lord_n controversy_n with_o we_o and_o speak_v in_o love_n and_o soberness_n of_o spirit_n in_o such_o other_o thing_n as_o may_v conduce_v for_o heal_v our_o breach_n and_o it_o shall_v be_v matter_n of_o our_o earnest_a desire_n and_o prayer_n to_o the_o god_n of_o peace_n as_o we_o doubt_v not_o but_o it_o will_v also_o be_v in_o our_o brethren_n if_o they_o embrace_v this_o way_n that_o he_o may_v be_v gracious_o please_v so_o to_o bless_v these_o endeavour_n that_o the_o issue_n may_v be_v a_o clear_n of_o his_o way_n to_o we_o all_o a_o heal_n of_o our_o wound_n and_o a_o unite_n of_o we_o in_o himself_o to_o serve_v he_o with_o one_o consent_n in_o do_v or_o 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november_n 1652._o antemeridiem_fw-la sess_n 6._o the_o commission_n of_o the_o gen_n assembly_n have_v appoint_v master_n roâ—_n blair_n james_n wood_n davin_n forrest_n andrew_n honniman_n james_n sharp_a and_o the_o moderator_n mr._n david_n dickson_n incase_o the_o convenieney_n of_o his_o health_n and_o affair_n can_v permit_v to_o meet_v at_o st._n andrews_n the_o first_o wednesday_n of_o jannary_n next_o and_o there_o to_o attend_v such_o of_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n as_o shall_v come_v to_o they_o and_o to_o confer_v with_o they_o upon_o the_o particular_n express_v in_o the_o answer_n to_o their_o paper_n jo._n makghie_n edinburgh_n 27._o november_n 1653._o whereas_o our_o earnest_a desire_n and_o overture_n for_o fist_v the_o present_a difference_n to_o make_v way_n for_o a_o union_n have_v be_v meet_v on_o your_o part_n with_o no_o small_a heighten_v of_o the_o difference_n by_o your_o act_n in_o matter_n controvert_v betwixt_o the_o time_n of_o our_o give_v in_o a_o 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that_o they_o will_v not_o obstruct_v the_o levy_n but_o this_o they_o refuse_v thereafter_o that_o they_o will_v be_v please_v for_o peace_n sake_n to_o with_o draw_v for_o a_o season_n from_o sterlin_n and_o they_o will_v provide_v their_o place_n but_o this_o they_o also_o refuse_v although_o mr._n blair_n then_o apparent_o a_o die_a do_v grave_o obtest_v they_o hoth_v for_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o which_o be_v represent_v to_o the_o committee_n of_o estate_n and_o they_o thereafter_o inform_v how_o those_o minister_n continue_v in_o their_o former_a practice_n they_o write_v for_o they_o once_o and_o again_o to_o come_v to_o perth_n but_o ere_o they_o come_v the_o most_o part_n of_o the_o committee_n be_v remove_v to_o the_o north_n they_o who_o remain_v desire_v they_o to_o stay_v at_o perth_n or_o dundee_n till_o the_o rest_n shall_v return_v against_o which_o they_o protest_v in_o very_o high_a term_n as_o encroach_a upon_o the_o ministry_n etc._n etc._n by_o the_o 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a_o sad_a business_n be_v berk_n some_o few_o member_n of_o the_o commission_n without_o advertisement_n send_v to_o other_o do_v at_o the_o desire_n of_o the_o state_n determine_v a_o matter_n of_o doctrine_n with_o great_a precipitation_n contrary_a to_o receive_v and_o know_v principle_n and_o then_o they_o strain_v their_o wit_n to_o devise_v several_a sort_n of_o argument_n to_o maintain_v the_o same_o 1_o what_o a_o strange_a conversion_n be_v here_o of_o thousand_o all_o on_o a_o sudden_a follow_v upon_o a_o act_n of_o parliament_n bestow_n place_n though_o just_a now_o many_o of_o they_o be_v in_o arm_n against_o religion_n and_o their_o country_n and_o other_o on_o their_o way_n to_o join_v with_o they_o the_o state_n first_o nominate_v malignant_a officer_n and_o then_o they_o come_v to_o make_v a_o bare_a show_n of_o repentance_n before_o the_o commission_n of_o the_o kirk_n and_o they_o accept_v it_o 2_o observe_v that_o it_o be_v not_o true_a which_o be_v allege_v for_o defence_n of_o the_o commission_n that_o they_o prescribe_v good_a rule_n but_o the_o state_n transgress_v they_o for_o according_a to_o the_o commission_n dilemma_n bring_v to_o maintain_v their_o resolution_n the_o state_n do_v not_o transgress_v the_o limit_n prescribe_v when_o they_o nominate_v person_n not_o yet_o excommunicate_v for_o say_v the_o commission_n if_o they_o satisfy_v not_o they_o be_v to_o be_v excommunicate_v and_o so_o be_v exclude_v and_o to_o say_v the_o truth_n the_o state_n can_v not_o think_v that_o the_o commission_n judge_v any_o to_o be_v obstinate_a enemy_n or_o notorious_o flagitious_a who_o neither_o be_v excommunicate_v nor_o under_o process_n of_o excommunication_n and_o so_o the_o commissioner_n of_o the_o kirk_n be_v chief_a in_o the_o transgression_n for_o they_o do_v not_o excommunicate_v any_o one_o malignant_a in_o scotland_n but_o short_o after_o their_o answer_n do_v relax_v from_o excommunication_n a_o chief_a malignant_a who_o have_v be_v excommunicate_v a_o little_a before_o their_o answer_n for_o be_v a_o ringleader_n of_o a_o present_a rebellion_n 3_o how_o contrary_a be_v that_o to_o former_a principle_n to_o reason_n from_o man_n be_v admit_v to_o repentance_n to_o their_o employment_n in_o place_n of_o trust_n for_o that_o be_v the_o thing_n complain_v of_o in_o the_o protestation_n and_o answer_v by_o this_o reviewer_n the_o act_n of_o assembly_n 1648._o 1649._o and_o 1650._o and_o declaration_n of_o the_o commission_n of_o the_o kirk_n speak_v express_o against_o employ_v of_o malignant_n notwithstanding_o any_o outward_a satisfaction_n be_v not_o the_o solemn_a acknowledgement_n of_o our_o great_a sin_n in_o employ_v malignant_n make_v particular_o in_o relation_n to_o the_o employ_v those_o who_o have_v give_v satisfaction_n to_o the_o kirk_n for_o none_o be_v employ_v in_o place_n of_o power_n and_o authority_n but_o such_o as_o have_v first_o satisfy_v the_o kirk_n do_v not_o the_o assembly_n 1649._o express_o distinguish_v betwixt_o admission_n of_o malignant_n to_o repentance_n and_o their_o admission_n to_o trust_n which_o even_o in_o kirk_n session_n be_v discharge_v without_o express_a warrant_n of_o assembly_n and_o then_o 4_o as_o to_o their_o repentance_n how_o few_o of_o the_o great_a multitude_n admit_v be_v receive_v according_a to_o the_o order_n prescribe_v in_o the_o general_n assembly_n at_o glasgow_n and_o the_o general_n assembly_n 1649_o upon_o evidence_n it_o be_v in_o the_o judgement_n of_o many_o judicious_a and_o pious_a man_n the_o very_a cape-stone_n of_o that_o defection_n that_o the_o lord_n ordinance_n be_v make_v to_o serve_v the_o corrupt_a end_n and_o design_n of_o man_n and_o the_o mock_n of_o repentance_n make_v a_o patent_n way_n to_o trust_n and_o preferment_n what_o better_a be_v it_o then_o if_o the_o priest_n of_o old_a have_v admit_v leper_n into_o the_o lord_n house_n and_o then_o to_o excuse_v themselves_o have_v pronounce_v they_o all_o to_o be_v clean_a when_o the_o leprosy_n have_v spring_v
up_o and_o spread_v in_o their_o bald-head_n that_o certain_o shall_v be_v account_v a_o double_a guilt_n as_o for_o those_o which_o he_o say_v be_v free_a from_o new_a out-breaking_n all_o that_o i_o know_v of_o that_o kind_n will_v hardly_o exceed_v that_o which_o we_o can_v only_o call_v a_o perfect_a number_n their_o repentance_n be_v very_o rare_a it_o be_v too_o manifest_a that_o many_o of_o they_o have_v according_a to_o their_o mutable_a principle_n go_v from_o one_o extreme_a to_o another_o for_o his_o boast_n of_o what_o he_o can_v speak_v of_o any_o of_o the_o protester_n they_o fear_v he_o not_o only_o let_v he_o speak_v no_o more_o hereafter_o than_o he_o can_v make_v good_a which_o be_v the_o best_a way_n to_o bring_v himself_o into_o credit_n again_o the_o other_o thing_n which_o he_o deny_v in_o this_o place_n be_v the_o subject_n of_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o word_n in_o the_o mouth_n of_o christ_n ambassador_n to_o the_o immediate_a judicial_a cognizance_n 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bring_v in_o malignant_n to_o defend_v the_o work_n of_o reformation_n and_o the_o protester_n language_n be_v the_o same_o with_o the_o declaration_n and_o answer_n of_o the_o commission_n of_o the_o kirk_n and_o general_a assembly_n 1648._o and_o the_o reply_v make_v in_o the_o year_n 1642._o whereby_o it_o do_v appear_v who_o word_n be_v yea_o and_o nay_o 2_o cor._n 1.17_o 19_o and_o who_o walk_v in_o the_o same_o step_n and_o in_o the_o same_o spirit_n 2_o cor._n 12.18_o and_o who_o build_v again_o what_o they_o destroy_v and_o make_v themselves_o transgressor_n and_o who_o condemn_v themselves_o in_o that_o which_o they_o allow_v rom._n 14.23_o proteseation_n reviewed_n for_o the_o follow_a word_n which_o be_v of_o the_o stamp_n with_o the_o former_a i_o shall_v only_o add_v 1._o what_o measure_v every_o one_o that_o come_v not_o up_o their_o full_a length_n may_v expect_v of_o they_o if_o their_o former_a act_n have_v not_o sufficient_o clear_v their_o present_a expression_n 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worship_n discipline_n and_o government_n of_o this_o kirk_n and_o particular_o the_o nationall_n assembly_n so_o long_o as_o they_o be_v preserve_v from_o corruption_n in_o the_o constitution_n thereof_o but_o many_o need_n better_a argument_n to_o persuade_v they_o of_o this_o than_o their_o bare_a profession_n or_o practice_n this_o year_n and_o the_o last_o of_o which_o we_o may_v well_o say_v what_o ever_o be_v the_o purpose_n of_o man_n it_o be_v evident_o the_o aim_n of_o the_o devil_n to_o ruin_v general_n assembly_n and_o so_o to_o raze_v the_o wall_n of_o our_o jerusalem_n and_o they_o will_v do_v well_o to_o consider_v if_o and_o how_o far_o they_o have_v be_v instrumental_a to_o drive_v on_o that_o design_n protestation_n defend_v the_o prophet_n word_n be_v well_o consider_v before_o they_o be_v set_v down_o in_o the_o protestation_n and_o they_o be_v very_o applicable_a to_o the_o party_n of_o which_o the_o protester_n speak_v it_o be_v know_v to_o the_o world_n what_o 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who_o follow_v the_o way_n of_o separation_n belike_o they_o still_o dwell_v beside_o evil_a neighbour_n but_o which_o be_v worse_o they_o be_v hardly_o believe_v when_o man_n call_v to_o mind_n and_o consider_v how_o now_o of_o a_o long_a time_n still_o they_o take_v the_o patrociny_n of_o all_o that_o be_v suspect_v to_o follow_v those_o way_n 2._o what_o progress_n some_o of_o their_o chief_a and_o cryed-up_a man_n have_v make_v in_o those_o way_n 3._o what_o affection_n they_o still_o carry_v to_o they_o and_o how_o familiar_o they_o converse_v with_o they_o even_o although_o excommunicate_a 4._o but_o especial_o how_o unavoidable_a separation_n be_v upon_o their_o ground_n for_o if_o it_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o conscience_n for_o they_o to_o join_v with_o other_o in_o civil_a duty_n that_o necessary_o belong_v to_o the_o incorporation_n whereof_o both_o be_v member_n sure_a much_o more_o in_o ecclesiastic_a but_o a_o little_a time_n will_v further_o clear_v this_o protestation_n 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all_o the_o part_n thereof_o and_o for_o elect_v of_o commissioner_n to_o the_o next_o ensue_a general_n assembly_n and_o if_o they_o shall_v refuse_v to_o accept_v this_o offer_n continue_v to_o hold_v up_o the_o division_n the_o assembly_n leave_v it_o to_o the_o judgement_n of_o all_o the_o kirk_n of_o christ_n abroad_o to_o bear_v witness_n if_o we_o have_v not_o faithful_o endeavour_v for_o our_o part_n to_o heal_v our_o present_a breach_n and_o if_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v free_a of_o the_o guilt_n of_o the_o sad_a consequence_n that_o may_v come_v to_o the_o work_n and_o people_n of_o god_n in_o this_o land_n by_o continue_a distraction_n j._n makghie_n observation_n this_o overture_n for_o the_o substance_n of_o it_o as_o be_v hint_v in_o the_o paper_n itself_o be_v in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o sit_v of_o that_o assembly_n communicate_v in_o a_o conference_n by_o some_o of_o the_o member_n thereof_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o rest_n unto_o some_o who_o be_v send_v from_o 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affection_n and_o diversity_n of_o judgement_n that_o be_v arisen_a among_o the_o ministry_n and_o upon_o the_o first_o of_o these_o they_o do_v insist_v at_o length_n hold_v it_o forth_o to_o be_v carnal_a and_o therefore_o say_v they_o the_o more_o dangerous_a because_o it_o suffer_v not_o the_o brethren_n who_o affection_n be_v separate_v to_o unite_v themselves_o with_o effauld_n and_o uniform_a counsel_n and_o advice_n to_o resist_v the_o subtle_a practice_n of_o the_o common_a enemy_n and_o so_o give_v he_o place_n with_o his_o subtle_a craft_n and_o shift_n to_o enter_v into_o the_o kirk_n of_o god_n and_o thereby_o to_o supplant_v and_o undermine_v the_o same_o therefore_o their_o advice_n be_v that_o as_o the_o danger_n increase_v by_o the_o nourish_a of_o the_o distract_a affection_n of_o the_o brethren_n even_o so_o the_o cure_n be_v the_o more_o necessary_a and_o hasty_o to_o be_v apply_v to_o wit_n that_o the_o whole_a brethren_n of_o the_o ministry_n shall_v present_o 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to_o your_o mother-kirk_a now_o distress_v on_o all_o hand_n most_o suitable_a to_o your_o covenant_n and_o profession_n and_o contributive_a as_o to_o your_o peace_n comfort_n and_o credit_n in_o this_o life_n so_o to_o the_o furtherance_n of_o your_o reckon_n in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o lord_n subscribe_v in_o name_n and_o at_o command_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n by_o observation_n a._n it_o suffice_v not_o the_o author_n and_o abettor_n of_o the_o public_a resolution_n who_o be_v member_n of_o that_o assembly_n to_o have_v stir_v up_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n against_o their_o brethren_n and_o to_o have_v make_v act_n in_o the_o commission_n where_o these_o resolution_n be_v first_o take_v first_o require_v presbytery_n to_o censure_v the_o opposer_n thereof_o then_o to_o cite_v they_o to_o the_o assembly_n and_o in_o these_o two_o assembly_n for_o exclude_v and_o remove_v they_o from_o all_o ecclesiastic_a employment_n from_o church_n communion_n and_o fellowship_n but_o 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these_o be_v first_o admit_v without_o repentance_n and_o then_o whilst_o they_o be_v proclaim_v their_o impenitency_n to_o the_o whole_a land_n by_o their_o evil_a fruit_n be_v send_v to_o reclaim_v such_o who_o do_v bear_v testimony_n against_o receive_v of_o they_o sure_o this_o be_v a_o strange_a method_n and_o if_o there_o have_v not_o be_v a_o turn_n of_o thing_n up-side_n down_o it_o will_v not_o have_v be_v thus_o b._n that_o some_o of_o they_o have_v such_o a_o purpose_n i_o do_v not_o question_v but_o that_o the_o great_a part_n have_v it_o be_v not_o like_a 1._o because_o at_o their_o former_a meeting_n at_o edinburgh_n the_o twelve_o of_o may_n they_o do_v refuse_v to_o delay_v the_o indict_v the_o diet_n of_o their_o assembly_n for_o a_o few_o day_n until_o some_o considerable_a number_n of_o those_o who_o do_v differ_v from_o they_o may_v be_v advertise_v to_o meet_v notwithstanding_o that_o it_o be_v earnest_o desire_v to_o the_o effect_n that_o by_o mutual_a previous_a 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be_v not_o free_a because_o the_o letter_n of_o their_o commission_n from_o their_o meeting_n at_o edinburgh_n in_o may_n do_v contain_v a_o pre-limitation_n appoint_v the_o election_n to_o be_v make_v according_a to_o a_o rule_n which_o do_v include_v the_o act_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o assembly_n at_o dundee_n which_o do_v exclude_v all_o that_o be_v opposite_a to_o the_o public_a resolution_n and_o because_o there_o be_v dissent_n and_o protestation_n against_o the_o election_n in_o several_a place_n neither_o be_v they_o send_v forth_o from_o all_o part_n of_o the_o kingdom_n because_o there_o be_v many_o presbytery_n who_o do_v send_v forth_o no_o commissioner_n at_o all_o f._n whether_o there_o be_v any_o grievous_a aspersion_n and_o unjust_a imputation_n contain_v in_o that_o protestation_n do_v appear_v from_o the_o reply_n that_o be_v give_v to_o the_o paper_n wherein_o those_o pretend_a aspersion_n and_o imputation_n be_v hold_v forth_o g._n yearly_o general_n 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minister_n and_o elder_n of_o the_o land_n do_v will_v not_o submit_v unto_o it_o 3._o it_o be_v time_n for_o they_o to_o plead_v that_o excuse_v when_o they_o meet_v with_o that_o difficulty_n tell_v i_o how_o many_o of_o that_o kind_n can_v be_v instance_a who_o they_o have_v not_o censure_v who_o have_v not_o submit_v to_o their_o censure_n 4._o the_o not_o submit_v to_o their_o censure_n do_v not_o hinder_v they_o to_o proceed_v very_o zealous_o against_o sundry_a minister_n and_o many_o elder_n who_o adhere_v unto_o the_o protestation_n and_o bear_v testimony_n against_o the_o public_a resolution_n let_v conscience_n speak_v as_o before_o the_o lord_n whether_o they_o have_v faithful_o and_o zealous_o improven_v the_o power_n and_o authority_n that_o remain_v with_o they_o in_o synod_n presbytery_n and_o session_n for_o purge_v of_o the_o house_n of_o god_n even_o according_a to_o these_o thing_n which_o they_o seem_v to_o grant_v or_o whether_o they_o have_v not_o be_v negligent_a exceed_o in_o this_o to_o say_v no_o worse_o and_o employ_v most_o of_o their_o endeavour_n and_o zeal_n to_o bear_v down_o the_o protester_n reasins_z why_o the_o minister_n elder_n and_o professor_n who_o protest_v against_o the_o pretend_a assembly_n as_o st._n andrews_n dundee_n and_o edinburgh_n can_v agree_v to_o the_o overture_n make_v unto_o they_o at_o the_o conference_n upon_o the_o 28._o and_o 29_o of_o july_n 1652._o etc._n etc._n albeit_o the_o essay_n and_o endeavour_n which_o be_v use_v by_o we_o before_o our_o come_n hither_o for_o remove_v of_o difference_n and_o attain_v of_o union_n and_o peace_n upon_o such_o ground_n as_o might_n indeed_o bring_v forth_o a_o discovery_n of_o our_o and_o the_o land_n sin_n and_o contribute_v for_o remove_v the_o guilt_n thereof_o and_o for_o secure_v and_o promove_v the_o work_n of_o reformation_n among_o we_o may_v in_o a_o great_a part_n have_v arquit_v our_o conscience_n and_o clear_v we_o before_o the_o world_n yet_o the_o deep_a sense_n that_o we_o have_v of_o the_o many_o and_o great_a prejudices_fw-la which_o do_v ensue_v to_o the_o work_n and_o people_n of_o god_n by_o our_o continue_a division_n and_o our_o ardent_a desire_n of_o peace_n and_o union_n upon_o the_o ground_n aforesaid_a constrain_v we_o to_o lay_v hold_n upon_o the_o opportunity_n of_o your_o meeting_n together_o at_o this_o time_n and_o to_o represent_v unto_o you_o some_o necessary_a and_o just_a proposition_n as_o a_o fit_a subject_n of_o our_o conference_n and_o that_o we_o be_v willing_a to_o hear_v what_o shall_v be_v offer_v by_o you_o to_o we_o in_o order_n to_o these_o end_n and_o that_o therefore_o you_o will_v forbear_v to_o assume_v unto_o yourselves_o the_o power_n of_o or_o constitute_v yourselves_o into_o a_o gen._n assembly_n and_o when_o we_o find_v this_o in-effectual_a and_o our_o union_n render_v more_o hopeless_a by_o your_o deny_v a_o desire_n so_o just_a and_o reasonable_a and_o so_o agreeable_a to_o the_o practice_n of_o former_a assembly_n as_o be_v instance_a before_o you_o by_o these_o who_o know_v the_o record_n nevertheless_o upon_o a_o surmise_n of_o a_o purpose_n in_o you_o to_o confer_v with_o we_o we_o do_v for_o divers_a day_n wait_v upon_o you_o be_v desirous_a to_o have_v see_v upon_o your_o part_n some_o serious_a apply_v of_o yourselves_o to_o the_o real_a mean_n of_o heal_a and_o to_o have_v find_v solid_a satisfaction_n unto_o the_o thing_n contain_v in_o the_o proposition_n offer_v to_o you_o by_o we_o but_o in_o place_n of_o this_o the_o brethren_n who_o be_v appoint_v by_o you_o to_o confer_v with_o some_o of_o our_o number_n do_v intimate_v unto_o we_o that_o all_o which_o they_o have_v in_o commission_n to_o make_v offer_n of_o be_v that_o you_o be_v willing_a to_o take-off_a the_o censure_n inflict_v by_o the_o former_a assembly_n at_o st._n andrews_n and_o dundee_n and_o the_o censurableness_n that_o person_n who_o have_v transgress_v against_o the_o act_n thereof_o may_v be_v liable_a unto_o provide_v that_o these_o brethren_n censure_v and_o deserve_a censure_n shall_v pass_v from_o their_o protestation_n against_o the_o former_a and_o present_a assembly_n and_o judicial_o before_o their_o presbytery_n and_o synod_n engage_v themselves_o under_o their_o hand_n not_o hereafter_o to_o deliver_v their_o judgement_n in_o preach_v or_o write_v or_o any_o way_n else_o to_o hold_v up_o the_o late_a difference_n which_o overture_n when_o it_o be_v earnest_o desire_v by_o these_o of_o our_o number_n to_o be_v give_v to_o they_o in_o write_v according_a to_o their_o instruction_n not_o only_o because_o it_o be_v divers_a way_n represent_v by_o such_o of_o your_o number_n as_o do_v confer_v with_o they_o but_o also_o that_o they_o may_v the_o more_o perfect_o and_o better_a understand_v the_o same_o and_o be_v able_a to_o make_v a_o exact_a report_n thereof_o to_o these_o who_o send_v they_o and_o mistake_v thereupon_o may_v be_v prevent_v it_o be_v most_o peremptory_o refuse_v albeit_o most_o earnest_o urge_v and_o desire_v during_o the_o whole_a time_n of_o the_o conference_n therefore_o have_v set_v down_o the_o same_o as_o true_o and_o impartial_o as_o our_o judgement_n and_o memory_n can_v attain_v we_o do_v for_o our_o own_o vindication_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o other_o give_v these_o reason_n follow_v why_o we_o can_v accept_v thereof_o 1._o because_o there_o be_v hereby_o no_o remedy_n at_o all_o offer_v for_o the_o course_n of_o defection_n involve_v in_o the_o public_a resolution_n nor_o for_o prevent_v the_o like_a for_o time_n to_o come_v which_o be_v the_o main_a ground_n of_o difference_n but_o upon_o the_o contrary_n we_o be_v require_v upon_o the_o matter_n to_o retract_v our_o testimony_n thereanent_a and_o judicial_o to_o give_v bond_n and_o engagement_n hereafter_o to_o be_v silent_a concern_v the_o sin_n and_o guilt_n thereof_o ii_o because_o our_o pass_v from_o our_o protestant_n do_v import_v a_o real_a acknowledgement_n of_o the_o lawfulness_n and_o freedom_n of_o the_o assembly_n in_o regard_n of_o their_o constitution_n and_o of_o power_n in_o they_o to_o inflict_v and_o take-off_a censure_n and_o so_o by_o our_o own_o consent_n do_v not_o only_o retract_v and_o condemn_v the_o testimony_n which_o we_o former_o give_v against_o the_o same_o but_o also_o obstruct_v the_o remead_n of_o what_o be_v past_a and_o the_o attain_v a_o lawful_a free_a general_a assembly_n for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v and_o so_o wreath_n about_o our_o own_o neck_n and_o the_o neck_n of_o the_o lord_n people_n the_o yoke_n of_o unfree_a corrupt_a and_o unlawful_a assembly_n iii_o because_o the_o offer_n which_o be_v make_v though_o it_o contain_v immunity_n in_o regard_n of_o these_o who_o have_v not_o a_o quiesced_a unto_o or_o opse_v these_o act_n for_o the_o time_n past_a yet_o the_o act_n of_o themselves_o do_v not_o withstand_v thereof_o still_o stand_v in_o force_n as_o a_o ground_n of_o persecution_n against_o all_o these_o minister_n and_o professor_n who_o shall_v not_o accept_v of_o the_o condition_n contain_v in_o this_o offer_n or_o thereafter_o fail_v in_o performance_n of_o the_o same_o iv_o because_o this_o offer_n be_v so_o far_o from_o reach_a satisfaction_n to_o all_o or_o most_o part_n of_o the_o proposition_n offer_v by_o we_o that_o it_o do_v not_o give_v satisfaction_n to_o any_o one_o of_o they_o put_v pitch_v upon_o a_o particular_a which_o ought_v to_o be_v of_o least_o consequence_n with_o we_o as_o import_v but_o our_o personal_a suffering_n without_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o land_n defection_n and_o of_o those_o thing_n which_o do_v concern_v the_o kingdom_n and_o interest_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o purge_n of_o his_o house_n and_o what_o a_o sin_n and_o provocation_n shall_v it_o be_v against_o the_o lord_n and_o what_o a_o stumble_a and_o grief_n of_o heart_n unto_o the_o godly_a who_o have_v concur_v in_o these_o proposition_n and_o after_o such_o a_o defection_n do_v expect_v repentance_n and_o reformation_n and_o the_o purge_n of_o his_o house_n of_o corrupt_a officer_n and_o member_n if_o we_o shall_v make_v such_o a_o transaction_n as_o seem_v to_o promise_v present_a sesecurity_n to_o ourselves_o but_o do_v not_o contribute_v for_o preserve_v of_o the_o truth_n and_o attain_v a_o solid_a peace_n and_o union_n in_o the_o lord_n v._o we_o can_v see_v how_o the_o pass_a from_o these_o proposition_n and_o the_o take_n upon_o we_o such_o engagement_n for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v as_o be_v desire_v shall_v not_o involve_v we_o in_o the_o condemn_v of_o our_o own_o judgement_n and_o in_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o a_o sin_n and_o offence_n in_o make_v these_o protestation_n and_o bear_v testimony_n against_o the_o public_a resolution_n and_o import_v that_o what_o be_v do_v by_o you_o in_o take_v off_o of_o censure_n and_o censurableness_n as_o you_o term_v it_o be_v