a_o answer_n to_o the_o declaration_n of_o the_o pretend_a assembly_n at_o dundee_n and_o to_o a_o print_v paper_n entitle_v the_o protestation_n give_v in_o by_o the_o dissent_v brethren_n to_o the_o general_z assembly_n july_n 21._o 1652._o reviewed_n and_o refute_v etc._n etc._n in_o which_o answer_n be_v set_v down_o ten_o step_n of_o their_o defection_n who_o follow_v the_o way_n of_o the_o public_a resolution_n together_o with_o observation_n upon_o some_o of_o the_o act_n of_o the_o p._n assembly_n at_o dundee_n and_o edinburgh_n and_o some_o paper_n concern_v the_o endeavour_n of_o the_o protester_n for_o union_n with_o their_o brethren_n who_o differ_v from_o they_o in_o judgement_n print_a in_o anno_fw-la 1653._o good_a reader_n be_v please_v to_o understand_v that_o when_o that_o paper_n entitle_v the_o protestation_n give_v in_o by_o the_o dissent_v brethren_n to_o the_o gen._n assembly_n july_n 21._o 1652._o reviewed_n and_o refute_v etc._n etc._n come_v abroad_o in_o print_n there_o be_v differ_v thought_n about_o it_o among_o these_o who_o be_v concern_v to_o answer_v it_o some_o say_v that_o it_o be_v not_o worth_a a_o answer_n other_o know_v that_o it_o do_v indeed_o more_o abound_v with_o calumny_n and_o reproach_n then_o with_o argument_n yet_o do_v judge_v it_o fit_a to_o he_o answer_v because_o in_o this_o corrupt_a age_n calumny_n pass_v for_o truth_n among_o the_o generality_n of_o people_n without_o any_o serious_a disquisition_n and_o examination_n within_o very_o few_o day_n after_o that_o paper_n be_v publish_v a_o answer_n be_v draw_v by_o one_o who_o favour_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o protester_n and_o be_v by_o he_o intend_v present_o for_o the_o press_n but_o there_o it_o be_v delay_v and_o upon_o good_a ground_n the_o review_n of_o the_o vindication_n of_o the_o pretend_a assembly_n at_o st._n andrews_n and_o dundee_n have_v the_o precedency_n in_o the_o press_n for_o the_o validity_n of_o the_o protestation_n late_o make_v at_o edinburgh_n do_v much_o depend_v upon_o the_o nullity_n of_o that_o assembly_n which_o be_v assert_v and_o well_o prove_v in_o that_o review_n and_o the_o writer_n of_o that_o paper_n i_o mean_v the_o review_n of_o the_o protestation_n make_v at_o edinburgh_n to_o which_o the_o answer_n be_v intend_v do_v so_o hyperbolical_o commend_v that_o vindication_n of_o the_o assembly_n at_o st._n andrews_n and_o dundee_n as_o a_o nervous_a piece_n not_o yet_o answer_v nor_o easy_o answerable_a beside_o diverse_a other_o expression_n about_o it_o and_o do_v so_o often_o refer_v unto_o it_o in_o his_o review_n that_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o perceive_v that_o no_o answer_n will_v be_v account_v satisfactory_a if_o that_o vindication_n be_v not_o first_o answer_v and_o publish_v that_o sober_a and_o judicious_a man_n may_v see_v whether_o there_o be_v so_o great_a cause_n of_o boast_v of_o that_o vindication_n or_o not_o and_o to_o give_v such_o public_a provocation_n in_o print_n call_v for_o a_o answer_n to_o it_o beside_o that_o there_o be_v information_n that_o a_o course_n be_v take_v by_o some_o of_o those_o that_o maintain_v the_o public_a resolution_n for_o print_v the_o vindication_n of_o that_o assembly_n at_o london_n which_o be_v very_o true_a for_o it_o be_v print_v there_o in_o the_o year_n 1652._o after_o the_o review_n of_o the_o vindication_n be_v print_v this_o answer_n be_v a_o while_n stop_v at_o the_o press_n for_o want_v of_o licence_n to_o print_v it_o and_o as_o some_o thing_n which_o be_v in_o the_o copy_n which_o be_v at_o first_o intend_v for_o the_o press_n be_v leave_v out_o so_o other_o thing_n emergent_a be_v add_v the_o reviewer_n of_o the_o protestation_n do_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o his_o paper_n refer_v to_o a_o declaration_n make_v at_o the_o pretend_a assembly_n at_o dundee_n which_o you_o will_v find_v to_o be_v first_o answer_v here_o and_o because_o it_o abound_v with_o reproach_n and_o misinformation_n therefore_o there_o be_v a_o necessity_n to_o insist_v the_o more_o large_o in_o matter_n of_o fact_n you_o have_v next_o the_o step_n of_o their_o defection_n who_o follow_v the_o way_n of_o the_o publicâ—_fw-la r_n solution_n and_o then_o the_o answer_n to_o the_o review_n of_o the_o protestation_n and_o last_o some_o thing_n about_o the_o union_n endeavour_v by_o the_o protester_n together_o with_o observation_n upon_o some_o act_n of_o the_o say_v pretend_a assembly_n in_o all_o which_o you_o have_v their_o own_o paper_n that_o it_o may_v be_v see_v that_o no_o wrong_n be_v do_v to_o their_o cause_n in_o repeat_v their_o reason_n and_o argument_n except_o it_o be_v do_v by_o themselves_o i_o desire_v not_o to_o prejudice_v the_o reader_n by_o a_o preface_n only_o this_o much_o i_o will_v say_v further_o that_o whereas_o this_o reviewer_n boast_v that_o the_o gray_a head_a and_o age_a man_n for_o the_o most_o part_n be_v on_o their_o side_n to_o which_o there_o be_v enough_o answer_v in_o this_o treatise_n yet_o i_o will_v have_v it_o remember_v that_o the_o same_o argument_n be_v use_v by_o eliphaz_n the_o temanite_n against_o job_n chap._n 15._o v._n 9_o 10._o what_o know_v thou_o that_o we_o know_v not_o what_o understand_v thou_o which_o be_v not_o in_o we_o with_o we_o be_v both_o the_o gray-headed_a and_o very_o age_a man_n much_o elder_a than_o thy_o father_n but_o this_o be_v better_a consider_v by_o elihu_n job_n 32.7.8_o 9_o i_o say_v day_n shall_v speak_v and_o multitude_n of_o year_n shall_v teach_v wisdom_n but_o there_o be_v a_o spirit_n in_o man_n and_o the_o inspiration_n of_o the_o almighty_a give_v they_o understanding_n great_a man_n be_v not_o always_o wise_a neither_o do_v the_o age_a understand_v judgement_n farewell_n good_a reader_n read_v and_o consider_v and_o the_o lord_n give_v thou_o understanding_n in_o all_o thing_n so_o i_o rest_v thou_o in_o the_o lord_n jesus_n the_o protestation_n reviewed_n and_o refute_v brief_o show_v the_o insufficiency_n of_o the_o reason_n thereof_o and_o consequent_o the_o justice_n of_o the_o assembly_n sentence_n condemn_v it_o how_o well_o this_o reviewer_n and_o refuter_fw-la have_v perform_v what_o this_o his_o title_n seem_v to_o promise_v against_o the_o protestation_n and_o for_o the_o sentence_n of_o the_o assembly_n condemn_v it_o will_v appear_v to_o these_o to_o who_o the_o lord_n give_v a_o hear_v ear_n and_o a_o see_a eye_n by_o compare_v what_o be_v say_v in_o defence_n of_o the_o protestation_n in_o answer_n to_o this_o review_n therefore_o beseech_v the_o lord_n who_o be_v no_o respecter_n of_o person_n to_o make_v what_o be_v here_o say_v unsavourie_a or_o acceptable_a unto_o the_o reader_n as_o it_o contribute_v for_o destruction_n or_o edification_n for_o darken_v or_o clear_v of_o the_o truth_n in_o this_o hour_n of_o temptation_n and_o day_n of_o blasphemy_n and_o rebuke_n i_o come_v to_o the_o matter_n itself_o review_n of_o the_o protestation_n among_o the_o many_o sad_a judgement_n wherewith_o the_o holy_a bless_a god_n be_v please_v to_o exercise_v this_o sinful_a land_n stain_v the_o pride_n of_o all_o our_o glory_n there_o be_v none_o more_o terrible_a then_o that_o he_o threaten_v to_o remove_v our_o candlestick_n defence_n of_o the_o protestation_n albeit_o the_o generation_n of_o the_o righteous_a in_o the_o land_n who_o be_v instruct_v with_o a_o strong_a hand_n be_v preserve_v in_o hope_n that_o the_o thought_n of_o the_o lord_n towards_o this_o poor_a church_n be_v thought_n of_o peace_n and_o not_o of_o evil_a to_o give_v we_o a_o expect_a end_n yet_o that_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n which_o threaten_v that_o most_o dreadful_a judgement_n of_o remove_v the_o candlestick_n he_o that_o runâ—_n may_v read_v the_o shadow_n of_o the_o evening_n be_v grow_v long_o and_o the_o wild_a beast_n be_v come_v out_o of_o their_o den_n our_o battlement_n be_v break_v down_o and_o the_o adversary_n have_v stretch_v forth_o his_o hand_n upon_o all_o our_o pleasant_a thing_n we_o see_v not_o ouâ—_n sign_n there_o be_v no_o more_o any_o prophet_n neither_o be_v there_o among_o we_o that_o know_v how_o long_o the_o lord_n be_v become_v as_o a_o stranger_n and_o as_o a_o way_n fare_v man_n in_o the_o land_n that_o turn_v aside_o to_o tarry_v for_o a_o night_n he_o have_v cover_v himself_o with_o a_o cloud_n in_o his_o anger_n and_o prayer_n be_v restrain_v before_o he_o the_o anger_n of_o the_o lord_n have_v divide_v we_o and_o he_o seem_v no_o more_o to_o regard_v we_o but_o that_o which_o be_v most_o dreadful_a in_o itself_o and_o do_v most_o embitter_v so_o sad_a a_o condition_n be_v that_o we_o have_v fall_v from_o our_o first_o love_n we_o have_v forget_v the_o lord_n and_o deal_v false_o in_o his_o covenant_n our_o heart_n be_v turn_v back_o and_o our_o step_n have_v decline_v from_o his_o way_n we_o have_v forsake_v the_o fountain_n
whether_o they_o have_v give_v diligent_a heed_n to_o that_o word_n of_o exhortation_n that_o say_v let_v they_o come_v to_o thou_o but_o go_v not_o thou_o to_o they_o 2._o that_o the_o protester_n have_v study_v to_o take_v hold_n of_o every_o opportunity_n to_o declare_v and_o make_v know_v their_o approbation_n of_o and_o adherence_n unto_o the_o work_n of_o reformation_n and_o to_o bear_v testimony_n against_o all_o injury_n do_v thereunto_o and_o encroachment_n make_v thereupon_o and_o have_v endeavour_v to_o the_o utmost_a of_o their_o power_n to_o prevent_v and_o remedy_v the_o same_o 3._o that_o the_o author_n and_o abettor_n of_o the_o public_a resolution_n have_v now_o meet_v several_a time_n in_o their_o assembly_n and_o commission_n yet_o to_o this_o day_n have_v we_o have_v no_o word_n of_o testimony_n from_o they_o against_o these_o adversary_n of_o our_o cause_n with_o the_o promote_a of_o who_o design_n they_o do_v so_o much_o charge_v the_o protester_n but_o their_o spirit_n and_o zeal_n have_v be_v spend_v another_o way_n as_o to_o what_o they_o have_v do_v at_o their_o late_a assembly_n with_o close_a door_n none_o be_v present_a but_o themselves_o that_o can_v be_v look_v on_o as_o a_o testimony_n to_o the_o cause_n of_o christ_n and_o at_o the_o best_a it_o will_v amount_v to_o no_o high_a than_o the_o profession_n of_o nicodemus_n in_o private_a why_o have_v they_o not_o make_v it_o a_o testimony_n indeed_o and_o appoint_v some_o of_o their_o number_n to_o present_v own_o and_o avow_v it_o before_o some_o of_o these_o against_o who_o they_o testify_v as_o the_o protester_n do_v seasonable_o and_o with_o the_o first_o opportunity_n or_o why_o do_v they_o remove_v all_o other_o out_o of_o their_o meeting_n be_v they_o afraid_a that_o some_o shall_v have_v bear_v witness_n and_o testify_v what_o they_o have_v do_v if_o they_o look_v on_o themselves_o as_o a_o assembly_n of_o this_o kirk_n they_o can_v be_v ignorant_a that_o the_o transaction_n of_o general_n assembly_n ought_v and_o use_v to_o be_v public_a and_o especial_o their_o testimony_n or_o why_o do_v they_o not_o communicate_v the_o same_o to_o synod_n presbytery_n and_o congregation_n but_o let_v it_o lie_v in_o the_o dark_a to_o this_o day_n if_o they_o desire_v to_o be_v account_v faithful_a they_o will_v either_o give_v a_o more_o distinct_a and_o certain_a sound_n concern_v these_o adversary_n or_o else_o speak_v less_o against_o the_o protester_n lest_o they_o bewray_v more_o passion_n than_o piety_n and_o more_o of_o the_o zeal_n of_o themselves_o then_o of_o the_o true_a zeal_n of_o god_n 4._o where_o have_v that_o spirit_n lodge_v which_o this_o last_o year_n past_a have_v be_v most_o effectual_a for_o carry_v on_o the_o design_n of_o the_o adversary_n whether_o among_o the_o protester_n or_o among_o the_o author_n and_o abettor_n of_o the_o public_a resolution_n let_v themselves_o speak_v but_o because_o he_o be_v please_v from_o that_o warn_v and_o declaration_n of_o the_o assembly_n at_o dundee_n to_o mention_v seven_o step_n of_o progress_n whereby_o they_o labour_v to_o prove_v what_o they_o do_v assert_v in_o the_o former_a passage_n act_v by_o he_o therefore_o see_v that_o declaration_n which_o be_v fraught_v with_o much_o ill-grounded_a charity_n to_o malignant_n and_o with_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o causeless_a prejudice_n and_o mistake_a zeal_n against_o many_o of_o the_o precious_a and_o godly_a in_o the_o land_n begin_v again_o to_o be_v dig_v up_o out_o of_o its_o grave_n wherein_o sad_a dispensation_n of_o providence_n do_v once_o seem_v to_o bury_v it_o before_o it_o can_v be_v hear_v speak_v in_o many_o of_o the_o congregation_n of_o the_o land_n therefore_o though_o he_o do_v insist_v on_o the_o last_o step._n yet_o for_o truth_n sake_n and_o for_o clear_v of_o these_o who_o be_v traduce_v without_o cause_n i_o shall_v speak_v short_o to_o all_o the_o seven_o the_o declaration_n at_o dundee_n the_o first_o step_n be_v express_v thus_o the_o credulity_n of_o some_o believe_v the_o hypocritical_a pretence_n of_o this_o now_o prevail_a faction_n of_o sectary_n mix_v apparent_o with_o the_o crafty_a design_n of_o other_o will_v not_o so_o much_o as_o admit_v the_o suspicion_n of_o this_o enemy_n purpose_n to_o invade_v we_o and_o thereupon_o do_v resist_v and_o retard_v the_o lift_n of_o a_o army_n for_o the_o defence_n of_o the_o cause_n and_o kingdom_n until_o the_o enemy_n be_v very_o near_o our_o border_n and_o have_v emit_v a_o declaration_n of_o their_o resolution_n to_o invade_v we_o so_o that_o all_o mean_n of_o defence_n be_v like_a to_o be_v utter_o mar_v defence_n two_o thing_n be_v charge_v here_o upon_o the_o protester_n and_o their_o adherent_n as_o the_o principle_n of_o their_o act_n credulity_n in_o some_o and_o design_n in_o other_o as_o to_o the_o first_o it_o be_v indeed_o ordinary_a to_o gracious_a man_n to_o be_v credulous_a of_o these_o who_o have_v the_o show_n of_o godliness_n until_o they_o see_v they_o deny_v the_o power_n thereof_o and_o i_o think_v this_o fault_n if_o it_o be_v a_o fault_n may_v be_v easy_o pardon_v by_o these_o who_o allow_v so_o large_a charity_n to_o malignant_n upon_o bare_a and_o naked_a profession_n now_o and_o then_o when_o they_o come_v before_o the_o judicatories_n of_o the_o kirk_n notwithstanding_o of_o their_o many_o former_a breach_n and_o relapse_n and_o know_v dissimulatio_fw-la &_o contrary_a carriage_n in_o the_o tenor_n of_o their_o speech_n &_o act_n but_o what_o ever_o be_v these_o man_n credulity_n yet_o see_v they_o walk_v in_o the_o simplicity_n of_o their_o heart_n the_o lord_n have_v to_o this_o day_n keep_v they_o out_o of_o snare_n and_o give_v they_o as_o to_o the_o main_a of_o their_o carriage_n to_o keep_v the_o straight_a way_n decline_v extreme_n on_o both_o hand_n as_o to_o the_o second_o to_o wit_n a_o crafty_a design_n in_o other_o it_o be_v allege_v to_o be_v apparent_o so_o but_o no_o evidence_n be_v bring_v of_o that_o neither_o can_v any_o evidence_n be_v bring_v of_o it_o it_o be_v a_o mere_a alleadgeance_n without_o all_o ground_n of_o truth_n such_o thing_n have_v be_v speak_v and_o write_v and_o preach_v by_o some_o now_o for_o a_o good_a while_n pass_v it_o be_v now_o high_a time_n since_o it_o have_v be_v so_o often_o call_v for_o for_o their_o own_o credit_n sake_n to_o bring_v some_o proof_n of_o what_o they_o say_v i_o beseech_v the_o author_n if_o these_o word_n and_o of_o all_o such_o expression_n as_o before_o the_o lord_n and_o as_o they_o will_v not_o wrong_v themselves_o nor_o their_o brethren_n nor_o delude_v and_o do_v injury_n to_o other_o by_o fill_v their_o heart_n with_o thought_n of_o jealousy_n and_o rancour_n against_o innocent_a man_n if_o they_o know_v any_o thing_n of_o this_o kind_n to_o bring_v it_o forth_o and_o if_o they_o know_v nothing_o to_o forbear_v such_o reproach_n which_o though_o for_o the_o present_a they_o be_v bitter_a to_o these_o who_o they_o asperse_v yet_o in_o the_o end_n the_o shame_n will_v return_v upon_o the_o head_n of_o these_o who_o have_v broach_v and_o vent_v they_o it_o nay_o be_v remember_v that_o reproach_n of_o this_o kind_n be_v cast_v upon_o the_o most_o eminent_a and_o faithful_a in_o the_o year_n 1648_o by_o the_o author_n of_o the_o unlawful_a engagement_n because_o of_o their_o oppose_v thereof_o and_o bear_v testimony_n against_o the_o same_o but_o pass_v these_o i_o come_v to_o that_o which_o be_v allege_v to_o be_v their_o work_n and_o that_o be_v that_o they_o do_v resist_v and_o retard_v the_o lift_n of_o a_o army_n for_o defence_n of_o the_o cause_n and_o kingdom_n for_o clear_v and_o confute_v of_o which_o it_o will_v be_v remember_v that_o as_o in_o resolve_v and_o condescend_v upon_o the_o instruction_n give_v to_o the_o commissioner_n of_o this_o kingdom_n for_o treat_v with_o the_o king_n there_o be_v some_o who_o too_o much_o favour_v the_o malignant_a party_n will_v have_v have_v it_o put_v in_o instruction_n that_o this_o kingdom_n will_v engage_v in_o a_o war_n against_o england_n for_o restore_v the_o king_n to_o his_o throne_n upon_o condition_n of_o his_o give_a satisfaction_n in_o the_o demand_n propound_v to_o he_o which_o when_o they_o can_v not_o obtain_v their_o next_o endeavour_n be_v that_o the_o transaction_n at_o bredah_n may_v be_v so_o carry_v as_o that_o the_o king_n and_o his_o party_n may_v have_v some_o probable_a assurance_n of_o this_o and_o therefore_o be_v the_o first_o invitation_n give_v to_o the_o king_n there_o contrive_v in_o such_o word_n &_o expression_n as_o seem_v to_o import_v the_o same_o which_o be_v send_v home_o to_o this_o kingdom_n be_v censure_v &_o correct_v by_o the_o parl._n 〈◊〉_d new_a instruction_n send_v back_o to_o holland_n contain_v the_o express_a demand_n of_o this_o
which_o then_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o employ_v these_o man_n there_o be_v no_o word_n of_o repentance_n or_o satisfaction_n as_o necessary_a requisite_n in_o these_o who_o be_v to_o be_v employ_v in_o the_o defence_n of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o of_o the_o cause_n but_o the_o exception_n in_o the_o answer_n exclude_v only_o excommunicate_v person_n forefault_v notorious_o profane_a or_o flagitious_a and_o such_o as_o have_v be_v from_o the_o beginning_n and_o continue_v still_o or_o be_v at_o this_o time_n obstinate_a and_o profess_a enemy_n and_o opposer_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o cause_n of_o god_n and_o most_o if_o not_o all_o the_o argument_n in_o the_o warn_v run_v for_o employ_v all_o man_n who_o be_v subject_n without_o any_o such_o qualification_n the_o last_o because_o the_o order_n prescribe_v by_o the_o gen._n assembly_n be_v not_o keep_v in_o receive_v of_o they_o that_o order_n as_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o act_n of_o the_o assembly_n 49._o concern_v the_o receive_n of_o engager_n be_v that_o because_o many_o heretofore_o have_v make_v show_n and_o profession_n of_o their_o repentance_n who_o be_v not_o convince_v of_o their_o guiltiness_n nor_o humble_v for_o the_o same_o but_o do_v thereafter_o return_v with_o the_o dog_n to_o the_o vomit_n and_o with_o the_o sow_n to_o the_o puddle_n unto_o the_o mock_n of_o god_n and_o the_o exceed_a great_a reproach_n and_o detriment_n of_o his_o cause_n therefore_o for_o the_o better_a determine_v the_o truth_n &_o sincerity_n of_o the_o repentance_n of_o those_o who_o desire_v to_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o covenant_n and_o communion_n it_o be_v appoint_v &_o ordain_v that_o none_o of_o those_o person_n who_o be_v debar_v from_o the_o covenant_n and_o communion_n shall_v be_v admit_v and_o receive_v thereto_o but_o such_o as_o after_o exact_a trial_n shall_v be_v find_v for_o some_o competent_a time_n before_o or_o after_o the_o offer_n of_o their_o repentance_n according_a to_o the_o discretion_n of_o the_o respective_a judicatories_n to_o have_v in_o their_o ordinary_a conversation_n give_v real_a testimony_n of_o their_o dislike_n of_o the_o late_a unlawful_a engagement_n and_o of_o the_o course_n and_o way_n of_o malignant_n and_o of_o their_o sorrow_n for_o their_o accession_n to_o the_o same_o and_o to_o live_v sober_o righteous_o and_o godly_a and_o if_o any_o shall_v be_v find_v who_o after_o the_o defeat_n of_o the_o engager_n have_v utter_v any_o malignant_a speech_n tend_v to_o the_o approbation_n of_o the_o late_a unlawful_a engagement_n or_o the_o bloodshed_n within_o the_o kingdom_n for_o promove_v of_o the_o end_n of_o the_o say_a engagement_n or_o any_o other_o project_n or_o practice_n within_o or_o without_o the_o kingdom_n prejudicial_a to_o religion_n and_o the_o covenant_n or_o tend_v to_o the_o reproach_n of_o the_o ministry_n or_o the_o civil_a government_n of_o the_o kingdom_n or_o who_o have_v unnecessary_o or_o ordinary_o converse_v with_o malignant_n and_o dis-affected_n person_n or_o who_o have_v have_v hand_n in_o or_o accession_n to_o or_o compliance_n with_o or_o have_v any_o way_n countenance_v or_o promove_v any_o malignant_a design_n prejudicial_a to_o religion_n and_o the_o covenant_n that_o these_o notwithstanding_o their_o profession_n of_o repentance_n be_v not_o sudden_o receive_v but_o a_o competent_a time_n according_a to_o the_o discretion_n of_o the_o judicatory_a be_v assign_v to_o they_o for_o trial_n of_o the_o evidence_n of_o their_o repentance_n according_a to_o the_o qualification_n abovementioned_a now_o let_v conscience_n speak_v whether_o this_o order_n in_o receive_v these_o man_n be_v observe_v yea_o or_o not_o yea_o it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o it_o that_o they_o be_v receive_v without_o such_o evidence_n in_o a_o very_a rash_a and_o precipitant_a way_n unto_o the_o most_o manifest_a mock_v of_o repentance_n that_o have_v be_v hear_v or_o see_v in_o any_o church_n in_o the_o world_n many_o of_o they_o flout_v and_o jeer_v at_o the_o judicatories_n of_o the_o kirk_n and_o one_o at_o another_o and_o make_v sport_n of_o their_o confession_n among_o their_o companion_n and_o give_v as_o much_o evidence_n of_o their_o malignancy_n and_o profanity_n and_o hate_v of_o godliness_n in_o their_o speech_n and_o carriage_n as_o of_o before_o do_v not_o the_o commission_n make_v such_o haste_n to_o receive_v these_o who_o have_v break_v out_o in_o rebellion_n and_o rise_v in_o arm_n against_o the_o cause_n and_o kingdom_n after_o dumbar_n that_o notwithstanding_o they_o have_v once_o by_o a_o act_n remit_v they_o all_o for_o censure_n to_o the_o gen._n assembly_n and_o intimate_v the_o same_o to_o presbytery_n that_o they_o may_v not_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o renew_n of_o the_o covenant_n or_o communion_n till_o the_o assembly_n shall_v judge_v of_o their_o case_n yet_o they_o do_v after_o the_o answer_n to_o the_o quere_z make_v a_o new_a act_n for_o receive_v they_o to_o the_o great_a offence_n of_o the_o godly_a and_o expose_v of_o their_o own_o authority_n to_o contempt_n and_o reproach_n declaration_n the_o 6._o step_n be_v set_v down_o thus_o notwithstanding_o some_o man_n have_v thus_o occasion_v the_o make_n up_o of_o our_o force_n as_o they_o now_o be_v yet_o not_o only_o do_v they_o themselves_o refuse_v to_o join_v with_o they_o but_o oppose_v by_o all_o mean_v possible_a the_o raise_n of_o the_o army_n according_a to_o public_a resolution_n what_o by_o preach_v what_o by_o writing_n what_o by_o brand_a hoâ—â—st_n man_n many_o of_o who_o do_v bear_v the_o burden_n and_o heaâ—_n of_o the_o day_n when_o other_o be_v not_o with_o the_o odious_a imputation_n of_o backslide_n covenant-breaking_a and_o what_o not_o public_a fast_n be_v separate_v from_o and_o contemn_v faction_n draw_v among_o the_o people_n in_o a_o word_n no_o mean_n be_v leave_v unessay_v to_o make_v public_a resolution_n in_o order_n to_o the_o raise_n of_o the_o army_n ineffectual_a without_o hold_v forth_o any_o possible_a or_o probable_a mean_n for_o the_o relief_n of_o the_o kingdom_n all_o which_o what_o ever_o have_v be_v the_o intention_n of_o man_n do_v of_o their_o own_o nature_n contribute_v no_o less_o effectual_o to_o the_o deliver_v up_o of_o all_o to_o the_o will_n of_o the_o enemy_n without_o stroke_n of_o sword_n then_o if_o it_o have_v be_v purposely_o intend_v defence_n prejudice_n stretch_v far_o to_o reach_v a_o blow_n albeit_o it_o be_v here_o assert_v that_o some_o man_n do_v by_o all_o mean_v possible_a oppose_v the_o raise_n of_o the_o army_n according_a to_o the_o public_a resolution_n and_o that_o they_o leave_v no_o mean_n unessay_v to_o make_v these_o resolution_n ineffectual_a for_o raise_v of_o the_o army_n yet_o they_o must_v be_v the_o man_n who_o thus_o occasion_v the_o make_n up_o of_o the_o army_n as_o it_o be_v how_o this_o shall_v be_v i_o do_v not_o well_o know_v unless_o it_o be_v by_o a_o antiperistasis_n as_o heat_v sometime_o occasion_n cold_a and_o cold_a heat_n or_o as_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n occasion_n war_n upon_o the_o earth_n it_o be_v like_a enough_o that_o the_o testimony_n which_o be_v bear_v against_o that_o way_n do_v instate_v man_n corruption_n and_o make_v they_o more_o violent_a and_o headstrong_a in_o the_o prosecution_n of_o the_o same_o but_o their_o meaning_n happy_o be_v that_o these_o man_n do_v oppose_v the_o union_n of_o the_o force_n or_o will_v not_o suffer_v other_o to_o rise_v for_o the_o defence_n of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o cause_n and_o so_o put_v the_o committee_n of_o estate_n upon_o a_o necessity_n of_o employ_v of_o these_o to_o join_v of_o the_o force_n we_o have_v speak_v before_o and_o show_v upon_o what_o term_n they_o be_v willing_a to_o have_v join_v and_o that_o there_o never_o come_v to_o they_o any_o order_n or_o command_n from_o the_o state_n for_o conjunction_n and_o for_o the_o other_o until_o there_o be_v stumbling-block_n put_v in_o their_o way_n by_o the_o public_a resolution_n they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o hinder_v any_o against_o who_o there_o be_v not_o just_a exception_n that_o they_o be_v willing_a to_o employ_v themselves_o to_o the_o utmost_a in_o defence_n of_o the_o cause_n and_o kingdom_n and_o give_v abundant_a proof_n thereof_o from_o the_o time_n they_o first_o take_v up_o arm_n until_o the_o month_n of_o december_n that_o the_o lord_n be_v please_v in_o his_o wiâ—e_a dispensation_n to_o break_v they_o at_o hamilton_n the_o public_a resolution_n be_v contrary_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o to_o the_o covenant_n and_o to_o the_o act_n and_o proceed_n of_o both_o kirk_n and_o state_n in_o the_o cause_n these_o many_o year_n past_a and_o involve_v so_o sudden_a and_o gross_a a_o change_n both_o of_o principle_n and_o practice_n give_v occasion_n to_o many_o gracious_a one_o throughout_o the_o land_n to_o stumble_v and_o to_o many_o minister_n to_o bear_v testimony_n
against_o they_o both_o by_o preach_v and_o by_o write_v their_o mind_n to_o the_o commission_n of_o the_o kirk_n and_o to_o other_o of_o their_o brethren_n as_o they_o have_v opportunity_n upon_o which_o occasion_n also_o it_o be_v that_o many_o be_v necessitate_v to_o withdraw_v from_o such_o fast_n as_o do_v involve_v a_o approbation_n of_o these_o resolution_n and_o what_o be_v in_o all_o this_o but_o duty_n may_v not_o yea_o ought_v not_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n minister_n and_o people_n bear_v testimony_n against_o decline_v and_o backslide_v and_o study_v to_o keep_v their_o own_o garment_n pure_a and_o refuse_v to_o say_v a_o confederacy_n to_o wicked_a man_n in_o the_o interest_n and_o cause_n of_o god_n it_o be_v a_o shrewd_a insinuation_n that_o be_v make_v of_o their_o draw_a faction_n among_o the_o people_n as_o if_o they_o have_v stir_v the_o people_n to_o sedition_n or_o to_o tumult_n the_o utmost_a length_n which_o minister_n go_v be_v to_o hold_v forth_o the_o sinfulness_n of_o that_o course_n how_o contrary_a it_o be_v to_o our_o former_a principle_n how_o it_o will_v help_v to_o hasten_v on_o more_o wrath_n or_o if_o it_o do_v seem_v to_o prosper_v how_o dangerous_a it_o will_v prove_v to_o the_o cause_n and_o people_n of_o god_n by_o set_v up_o of_o such_o as_o have_v be_v and_o still_o be_v adversary_n to_o both_o and_o the_o great_a length_n which_o people_n go_v be_v to_o profess_v their_o dislike_n thereof_o and_o without_o tumult_n or_o faction_n to_o withdraw_v or_o in_o a_o sober_a and_o modest_a way_n to_o refuse_v to_o concur_v because_o they_o have_v no_o clearness_n nor_o satisfaction_n in_o their_o conscience_n concern_v these_o resolution_n withal_o they_o do_v clear_o declare_v their_o judgement_n against_o the_o invasion_n and_o for_o the_o defence_n of_o the_o cause_n and_o their_o country_n and_o their_o readiness_n to_o concur_v in_o all_o lawful_a mean_n according_a to_o the_o word_n and_o former_a principle_n for_o that_o end_n if_o any_o who_o have_v be_v former_o honest_a and_o bear_v any_o part_n of_o the_o burden_n and_o heat_n of_o the_o day_n be_v brand_v as_o backsliders_a it_o be_v not_o so_o much_o by_o dissenter_n from_o the_o public_a resolution_n as_o by_o the_o multitude_n of_o that_o generation_n with_o who_o they_o do_v associate_v i_o mean_v the_o malignant_n who_o do_v not_o spare_v open_o and_o every_o where_o to_o say_v that_o these_o honest_a man_n be_v now_o come_v to_o they_o as_o for_o other_o though_o they_o can_v so_o vindicate_v themselves_o as_o to_o say_v that_o there_o be_v none_o among_o they_o who_o do_v at_o any_o time_n speak_v rash_o or_o unadvised_o with_o his_o lip_n yet_o the_o lord_n know_v it_o be_v the_o grief_n of_o their_o heart_n that_o honest_a man_n shall_v have_v fall_v from_o their_o integrity_n and_o though_o they_o can_v not_o choose_v but_o bear_v testimony_n against_o their_o sin_n yet_o they_o do_v it_o as_o afflict_v in_o spirit_n keep_v reverence_n respect_n and_o affection_n unto_o the_o man_n themselves_o and_o have_v the_o iniquity_n be_v private_a they_o will_v most_o willing_o have_v cover_v the_o shame_n thereof_o but_o it_o be_v public_a and_o such_o as_o do_v relate_v to_o the_o public_a cause_n and_o wherein_o their_o conâ—ent_n and_o concurrence_n be_v desire_v and_o therefore_o they_o be_v force_v to_o speak_v and_o not_o to_o suffer_v sin_n upon_o themselves_o nor_o upon_o their_o brethren_n there_o be_v yet_o one_o thing_n remain_v that_o whilst_o no_o mean_n be_v leave_v unessay_v for_o make_v of_o public_a resolution_n ineffectual_a that_o no_o possible_a nor_o probable_a mean_n be_v hold_v forth_o for_o tâ—e_v relief_n of_o the_o kingdom_n if_o it_o be_v mean_v as_o to_o the_o time_n when_o these_o resolution_n be_v first_o take_v by_o the_o commission_n answer_v to_o the_o parliament_n quaere_fw-la there_o can_v nothing_o of_o that_o kind_n be_v then_o hold_v forth_o by_o such_o a_o be_v dissatisfy_v with_o these_o resolution_n because_o few_o or_o none_o of_o they_o be_v present_a advertisment_n not_o be_v so_o much_o as_o send_v to_o many_o of_o they_o and_o the_o time_n be_v so_o short_a that_o other_o can_v not_o come_v upon_o the_o advertisment_n which_o wâ—re_v send_v to_o they_o the_o advertisement_n come_v to_o sterline_v upon_o the_o tuesday_n to_o be_v dispatch_v unto_o all_o the_o presbytery_n in_o the_o west_n that_o their_o commissioner_n may_v keep_v at_o perth_n upon_o the_o thursday_n immediate_o follow_v which_o day_n can_v not_o probable_o be_v but_o past_a before_o the_o advertisement_n come_v at_o most_o of_o they_o it_o be_v in_o the_o depth_n of_o the_o winter-season_n when_o the_o day_n be_v at_o the_o short_a and_o by_o such_o bearer_n as_o be_v not_o fix_v or_o send_v of_o purpose_n but_o by_o such_o as_o be_v occasional_o go_v to_o those_o place_n for_o other_o business_n yea_o suppose_v the_o utmost_a diligence_n imaginable_a have_v be_v use_v it_o have_v not_o be_v possible_a to_o send_v these_o advertisment_n from_o sterlin_n to_o the_o commissioner_n of_o these_o presbytery_n in_o the_o west_n in_o so_o short_a a_o time_n and_o these_o commissioner_n thereupon_o to_o have_v keep_v the_o diet_n at_o perth_n as_o any_o who_o know_v the_o distance_n of_o these_o place_n will_v easy_o acknowledge_v it_o be_v above_o forty_o mile_n betwixt_o perth_n and_o glasgow_n which_o be_v the_o near_a of_o the_o presbytery_n of_o the_o west_n the_o rest_n of_o they_o be_v a_o good_a deal_n more_o remote_a some_o of_o they_o three_o or_o fourscore_o mile_n and_o if_o it_o be_v mean_v that_o after_o the_o take_n of_o these_o resolution_n no_o possible_a nor_o probable_a mean_n be_v hold_v forth_o by_o these_o who_o do_v object_n against_o they_o it_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n then_o to_o do_v it_o the_o author_n and_o abetter_n of_o they_o be_v so_o zealous_a for_o they_o that_o they_o will_v admit_v of_o no_o objection_n to_o the_o contrary_a much_o less_o be_v content_a to_o wave_v these_o resolution_n and_o go_v to_o a_o calm_a and_o peaceable_a enquiry_n about_o other_o possible_a or_o probable_a mean_n of_o defence_n and_o yet_o as_o before_o the_o take_n of_o these_o resolution_n the_o possibility_n and_o probability_n of_o other_o mean_n have_v be_v often_o hold_v forth_o so_o be_v it_o also_o hold_v forth_o after_o the_o take_n of_o these_o resolution_n to_o say_v nothing_o of_o treaty_n and_o conference_n which_o be_v move_v by_o some_o but_o peremptory_o and_o bitter_o reject_v by_o other_o the_o possibility_n and_o probability_n of_o get_v a_o army_n without_o employ_v and_o entrust_v of_o the_o malignant_a party_n be_v hold_v forth_o and_o they_o who_o do_v assert_v otherwise_o do_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o wrong_n to_o the_o kingdom_n and_o kirk_n of_o scotland_n and_o make_v they_o too_o much_o malignant_a it_o be_v true_a they_o be_v considerable_a for_o number_n power_n and_o policy_n who_o be_v and_o aught_o to_o have_v be_v exclude_v yet_o be_v there_o as_o many_o beside_o as_o may_v have_v be_v mean_v competent_a in_o rational_a prudence_n for_o defence_n of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o cause_n especial_o in_o a_o nation_n covenant_v with_o god_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v tender_a in_o all_o their_o way_n and_o to_o stay_v themselves_o not_o upon_o horse_n and_o chariot_n but_o upon_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n after_o the_o set_n down_o of_o all_o these_o thing_n they_o be_v please_v to_o assert_v that_o they_o do_v of_o their_o own_o nature_n contribute_v no_o less_o effectual_o to_o the_o deliver_v up_o of_o all_o to_o the_o will_n of_o the_o enâ—mâ—e_n without_o stroke_n of_o sword_n then_o if_o it_o have_v be_v purposely_o intend_v as_o no_o evil_a cause_n can_v of_o itself_o produce_v any_o good_a effect_n so_o neither_o can_v any_o good_a cause_n of_o itself_o produce_v a_o evil_a effect_n good_a and_o evil_n be_v contrary_a in_o their_o nature_n and_o the_o one_o not_o native_o arise_v out_o of_o the_o other_o what_o be_v do_v in_o these_o be_v duty_n and_o good_a in_o itself_o and_o therefore_o have_v no_o connexion_n in_o itself_o with_o any_o evil_a thing_n that_o be_v charge_v upon_o it_o when_o i_o read_v this_o chargeâ—_n i_o remember_v the_o challenge_n of_o the_o pripet_n of_o judâ—h_n against_o the_o prophet_n jeremiah_n that_o he_o weaken_v the_o hand_n of_o the_o man_n of_o war_n that_o remain_v in_o the_o city_n and_o the_o hand_n of_o all_o the_o people_n and_o that_o he_o seek_v not_o the_o welfare_n of_o the_o people_n but_o their_o hurt_n jer._n 38.4_o declaration_n the_o last_o step_n be_v set_v down_o in_o this_o answer_n to_o the_o protestation_n but_o because_o it_o be_v usher_v in_o with_o a_o large_a preface_n that_o be_v not_o mention_v in_o this_o answer_n therefore_o i_o shall_v speak_v
darkness_n bear_v the_o heat_n and_o hard_a of_o the_o day_n 3._o scarce_o twenty_o of_o they_o be_v yet_o of_o six_o year_n stand_v in_o the_o ministry_n &_o but_o about_o five_o only_o of_o they_o be_v minister_n when_o the_o nationall_n covenant_n be_v sucscribe_v 4._o and_o general_o all_o the_o old_a minister_n and_o those_o that_o be_v admit_v before_o the_o episcopal_a encroachment_n be_v for_o the_o assembly_n 5._o and_o last_o will_v we_o speak_v of_o those_o that_o suffer_v under_o the_o prelate_n the_o assembly_n will_v be_v find_v to_o have_v three_o for_o it_o where_o one_o be_v against_o it_o protestation_n defend_v what_o the_o writer_n of_o this_o paper_n do_v mean_a by_o the_o common_a subscription_n i_o do_v not_o well_o know_v if_o by_o common_a he_o mean_v that_o to_o which_o most_o of_o the_o conformist_n do_v subscribe_v i_o say_v that_o be_v a_o horrid_a oath_n as_o do_v appear_v from_o the_o record_n of_o their_o subscription_n if_o by_o common_a he_o mean_v the_o lesser_a oath_n and_o account_v the_o matter_n of_o that_o oath_n common_a i_o shall_v set_v down_o the_o true_a copy_n both_o of_o the_o great_a and_o lesser_a oath_n the_o conformist_n do_v subscribe_v and_o let_v the_o reader_n judge_n if_o the_o least_o of_o the_o two_o may_v not_o be_v account_v horrid_a enough_o for_o a_o minister_n of_o jesus_n christ_n to_o swear_v at_o his_o entry_n to_o such_o a_o holy_a call_v the_o great_a oath_n sweat_v to_o practice_v all_o the_o corruption_n of_o the_o time_n and_o implicit_a obedience_n for_o what_o shall_v be_v after_o conclude_v under_o the_o pain_n of_o deprivation_n infamy_n and_o perjury_n the_o lesser_a oath_n swear_v solemn_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o corruption_n of_o the_o time_n and_o particular_o for_o episcopacy_n and_o the_o five_o article_n of_o perth_n and_o what_o shall_v be_v lawful_o conclude_v thereafter_o by_o the_o church_n as_o then_o constitute_v of_o archbishop_n bishop_n etc._n etc._n under_o the_o pain_n of_o deposition_n and_o perjury_n the_o protestation_n do_v acknowledge_v that_o the_o lord_n be_v gracious_o please_v to_o give_v repentance_n to_o not_o a-few_a who_o be_v involve_v in_o that_o defection_n and_o concern_v that_o which_o he_o say_v that_o it_o shall_v neither_o have_v be_v so_o long_o conceal_v nor_o now_o reveal_v at_o such_o a_o time_n and_o in_o such_o a_o way_n it_o be_v not_o long_o since_o it_o be_v make_v know_v to_o these_o who_o have_v join_v in_o the_o protestation_n neither_o have_v it_o be_v reveal_v now_o unless_o man_n since_o their_o seem_a to_o repent_v thereof_o at_o the_o take_n of_o the_o nationall_n covenant_n have_v by_o their_o after-carriage_n discover_v their_o hypocrisy_n and_o rottenness_n of_o their_o way_n beside_o it_o have_v only_o be_v reveal_v in_o the_o general_a and_o the_o protester_n have_v not_o publish_v their_o name_n their_o subscription_n say_v he_o be_v general_o know_v i_o grant_v their_o conformity_n be_v know_v but_o not_o their_o subscription_n at_o least_o that_o it_o be_v to_o a_o oath_n and_o so_o horrid_a a_o oath_n i_o do_v very_o suppose_v and_o not_o without_o ground_n that_o some_o who_o have_v subscribe_v as_o aforesaid_a have_v forget_v that_o the_o oath_n be_v so_o gross_a otherwise_o why_o will_v they_o deny_v it_o when_o the_o subscription_n be_v in_o record_n under_o their_o hand_n he_o say_v some_o of_o they_o appear_v with_o the_o first_o against_o the_o service-book_n i_o think_v few_o but_o semi-papists_a or_o atheist_n will_v have_v willing_o embrace_v that_o book_n though_o fear_n may_v prevail_v with_o some_o for_o compliance_n but_o how_o few_o of_o they_o appear_v at_o first_o against_o episcopacy_n and_o the_o five_o article_n of_o perth_n to_o which_o they_o have_v swear_v he_o offer_v five_o thing_n to_o clear_v the_o matter_n further_o but_o two_o of_o they_o be_v coiucident_n as_o to_o the_o first_o for_o any_o thing_n i_o know_v or_o can_v learn_v he_o can_v instance_n but_o one_o of_o the_o number_n of_o protester_n who_o comply_v with_o the_o prelate_n which_o have_v beâ—n_v matter_n of_o humiliation_n and_o a_o mean_v sanctify_v of_o the_o lord_n to_o fit_v he_o the_o more_o for_o oppose_v these_o and_o the_o like_a corruption_n he_o have_v now_o for_o fifteen_o year_n give_v large_a proof_n of_o the_o sincerity_n of_o his_o repentance_n and_o have_v be_v very_o useful_a in_o his_o station_n for_o promote_a the_o work_n of_o reformation_n beyond_o other_o of_o who_o more_o be_v expect_v and_o as_o for_o the_o number_n of_o those_o that_o stand_v for_o the_o public_a resolution_n who_o subscribe_v oath_n or_o at_o least_o practise_v the_o corruption_n of_o that_o time_n he_o will_v find_v their_o number_n no_o small_a than_o some_o hundred_o the_o second_o thing_n which_o he_o propones_fw-la to_o consideration_n be_v coincident_a with_o the_o five_o for_o who_o do_v bear_v the_o heat_n and_o hard_a of_o the_o day_n in_o that_o hour_n and_o power_n of_o darkness_n but_o these_o who_o suffer_v under_o the_o prelate_n yet_o in_o the_o second_o he_o say_v that_o these_o of_o their_o number_n be_v ten_o for_o one_o with_o these_o that_o be_v protester_n but_o upon_o better_a consideration_n in_o the_o five_o he_o fall_v down_o to_o three_o for_o one_o and_o though_o he_o have_v say_v only_o that_o their_o number_n which_o suffer_v under_o the_o prelate_n be_v equal_a to_o the_o number_n of_o protester_n that_o suffer_v he_o shall_v upon_o a_o just_a computation_n have_v find_v difficulty_n to_o make_v it_o good_a but_o because_o he_o be_v accustom_v to_o speak_v big_a word_n i_o shall_v pass_v this_o as_o a_o brag_n to_o beguile_v simple_a reader_n though_o i_o think_v i_o may_v say_v the_o suffering_n of_o the_o protester_n be_v great_a but_o bless_v be_v the_o lord_n for_o the_o faithfulness_n of_o all_o that_o suffer_v as_o to_o the_o three_o i_o do_v so_o far_o differ_v from_o he_o in_o my_o computation_n and_o i_o suppose_v i_o know_v the_o protester_n near_o as_o well_o as_o he_o that_o i_o can_v scarce_o find_v twenty_o of_o they_o under_o six_o year_n stand_v in_o the_o ministry_n which_o then_o concur_v in_o the_o protestation_n though_o bless_v be_v the_o lord_n their_o number_n increase_v if_o he_o can_v help_v my_o memory_n in_o two_o or_o three_o that_o will_v be_v the_o most_o he_o say_v that_o about_o five_o of_o they_o only_o be_v minister_n when_o the_o nationall_n covenant_n be_v subscribe_v which_o be_v about_o fifteen_o year_n since_o i_o can_v find_v he_o about_o five_o time_n five_o who_o be_v then_o minister_n that_o join_v in_o the_o protestation_n and_o there_o be_v diverse_a more_o who_o be_v unsatisfied_a with_o the_o public_a resolution_n though_o they_o adhere_v not_o to_o the_o protestation_n and_o what_o great_a advantage_n be_v this_o i_o pray_v you_o that_o he_o so_o earnest_o hunt_v after_o whether_o be_v it_o more_o commendation_n for_o several_a of_o the_o protester_n that_o be_v ready_a to_o have_v enter_v into_o the_o ministry_n to_o forbear_v to_o enter_v by_o subscribe_v to_o such_o sinful_a oath_n or_o for_o many_o of_o these_o that_o be_v for_o the_o public_a resolution_n that_o they_o enter_v by_o such_o a_o corrupt_a way_n and_o so_o be_v minister_n when_o the_o national_a covenant_n be_v subscribe_v will_v this_o argument_n have_v any_o weight_n with_o judicious_a man_n against_o mr._n george_n gillespy_v testimony_n for_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n because_o he_o enter_v not_o into_o the_o ministry_n till_o after_o the_o reformation_n begin_v 4._o he_o say_v that_o general_o all_o the_o old_a minister_n and_o these_o that_o be_v admit_v before_o the_o episcopal_a encroachment_n be_v for_o the_o assembly_n the_o defection_n begin_v in_o 1597._o and_o upon_o king_n james_n his_o entry_n to_o england_n which_o be_v about_o fifty_o year_n since_o the_o episcopal_a encroachment_n begin_v and_o all_o opposer_n of_o the_o defection_n be_v discountenance_v and_o such_o as_o be_v for_o it_o favour_v and_o encourage_v by_o the_o king_n state_n bishop_n and_o corrupt_a assembly_n for_o my_o own_o part_n i_o know_v few_o that_o can_v be_v of_o that_o stand_n in_o the_o ministry_n but_o i_o know_v some_o who_o have_v be_v about_o that_o time_n in_o the_o room_n of_o the_o ministry_n who_o be_v not_o long_o since_o depose_v for_o insufficiency_n and_o scandal_n and_o like_a enough_o there_o be_v more_o of_o that_o sort_n let_v this_o reviewer_n do_v the_o worst_a he_o can_v to_o cast_v aspersion_n and_o reproach_n upon_o the_o protester_n i_o do_v believe_v that_o in_o no_o time_n of_o the_o defection_n of_o the_o assembly_n of_o this_o kirk_n there_o can_v be_v produce_v so_o great_a a_o number_n of_o faithful_a witness_n that_o adventure_v to_o give_v in_o protestation_n against_o the_o corruption_n of_o the_o
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 restraint_n and_o censure_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n this_o be_v so_o full_o clear_v in_o the_o review_n of_o the_o vindication_n as_o i_o need_v say_v nothing_o in_o answer_n to_o the_o relation_n here_o make_v only_o i_o observe_v this_o difference_n betwixt_o the_o vindication_n and_o this_o reviewer_n that_o the_o vindication_n deni_v that_o the_o magistrate_n confine_v the_o minister_n of_o sterlin_n be_v star_v up_o thereunto_o by_o the_o commissioner_n of_o the_o assembly_n and_o the_o writer_n of_o this_o paper_n to_o avoid_v the_o inference_n that_o may_v be_v make_v upon_o the_o magistrate_n judge_v they_o in_o prima_fw-la instantia_fw-la say_v that_o the_o magistrate_n do_v conveen_v they_o upon_o a_o representation_n make_v by_o the_o commissioner_n to_o the_o committee_n of_o estate_n but_o he_o know_v that_o the_o commission_n of_o the_o kirk_n have_v pass_v no_o judgement_n against_o these_o minister_n nor_o indeed_o can_v they_o walk_v within_o the_o bound_n of_o their_o commission_n yet_o do_v they_o approve_v the_o proceed_n of_o the_o state_n without_o so_o much_o as_o hear_v the_o defence_n of_o these_o minister_n though_o present_a in_o the_o same_o town_n where_o they_o be_v sit_v protestation_n reviewed_n as_o for_o their_o purge_a humour_n which_o time_n with_o these_o sad_a dispensation_n may_v have_v purge_v out_o of_o they_o but_o belike_o it_o will_v never_o leave_v they_o we_o grant_v indeed_o the_o kirk_n shall_v be_v careful_a to_o purge_v out_o the_o old_a leaven_n all_o our_o question_n be_v anent_o the_o manner_n how_o and_o i_o shall_v desire_v they_o in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n to_o consider_v whether_o their_o practice_n in_o this_o have_v be_v in_o every_o thing_n square_v to_o the_o apostle_n rule_n 1_o tim._n 5.19_o tit._n 3.10_o gal._n 6.1_o jud._n 22.23_o and_o whether_o or_o not_o they_o make_v it_o a_o politic_a screw_n to_o wind_v themselves_o into_o all_o place_n of_o power_n and_o authority_n civil_a and_o ecclesiastical_a and_o a_o mean_a of_o revenge_n exerce_v it_o uncharitable_o and_o unreasonable_o protestation_n defend_v how_o offensive_a must_v this_o need_v be_v both_o in_o the_o ear_n of_o god_n and_o good_a man_n that_o one_o who_o pretend_v to_o be_v a_o patron_n of_o a_o assembly_n of_o the_o kirk_n shall_v so_o public_o and_o scornful_o reproach_v that_o necessary_a and_o covenant_v duty_n which_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o kirk_n and_o their_o commission_n in_o their_o declaration_n warning_n and_o remonstrance_n above_o the_o number_n of_o twenty_o have_v press_v upon_o the_o parliament_n and_o committee_n of_o estate_n from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o our_o covenant_n as_o they_o will_v avoid_v the_o lord_n eternal_a wrath_n on_o themselves_o and_o a_o curse_n upon_o the_o land_n and_o still_o challenge_v they_o as_o negligent_a and_o defective_a in_o all_o which_o the_o man_n of_o most_o deserve_a estimation_n in_o their_o assembly_n have_v a_o very_a great_a hand_n the_o cause_n of_o humiliation_n present_v to_o the_o state_n before_o dumbar_n at_o leith_n and_o the_o cause_n after_o dumbar_n at_o sterlin_n show_v and_o acknowledge_v the_o notpurging_a the_o judicatories_n and_o army_n according_a to_o our_o vow_n and_o profession_n to_o be_v a_o great_a cause_n of_o the_o lord_n wrath_n upon_o the_o land_n afterward_o he_o will_v seem_v not_o altogether_o to_o condemn_v the_o duty_n and_o will_v state_n the_o disterence_n upon_o the_o manner_n and_o by_o the_o word_n he_o speak_v and_o text_n hint_v he_o seem_v to_o desiderat_fw-la justice_n prudence_n charity_n and_o what_o not_o it_o will_v please_v such_o a_o master_n far_o better_a to_o sit_v idle_a then_o to_o work_v but_o such_o to_o who_o heart_n the_o lord_n have_v make_v the_o language_n of_o his_o word_n to_o speak_v though_o they_o do_v readly_a acknowledge_v a_o great_a mixture_n of_o humane_a infirmity_n in_o their_o performance_n of_o all_o duty_n yet_o they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o thought_n of_o repent_v what_o they_o have_v do_v in_o that_o matter_n as_o they_o desire_v to_o mourn_v before_o the_o lord_n that_o the_o work_n of_o purge_v have_v be_v so_o much_o slight_v in_o all_o judicatories_n both_o ecclesiastical_a and_o civil_a sometime_o he_o undervalue_v the_o protester_n as_o a_o company_n of_o young_a man_n of_o small_a account_n and_o at_o other_o time_n he_o hold_v they_o forth_o as_o man_n who_o have_v a_o great_a sway_n in_o judicatories_n of_o kirk_n and_o state_n he_o say_v purge_v be_v make_v a_o politic_a screw_n to_o wind_v into_o power_n and_o authority_n in_o kirk_n and_o state_n to_o which_o i_o answer_v in_o his_o own_o word_n that_o such_o heinous_a accusation_n must_v not_o be_v take_v upon_o trust_n when_o nothing_o be_v say_v to_o make_v they_o appear_v especial_o when_o they_o be_v speak_v by_o a_o person_n who_o take_v more_o pleasure_n to_o reproach_n then_o to_o reason_n i_o be_o sure_a if_o it_o be_v before_o acceptable_a in_o judicatories_n to_o speak_v for_o purge_v it_o be_v now_o more_o acceptable_a to_o speak_v against_o it_o and_o i_o think_v i_o may_v in_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n desire_v good_a man_n who_o be_v very_o industrious_a and_o zealous_a for_o purge_v the_o house_n of_o god_n the_o judicatories_n and_o army_n and_o now_o be_v engage_v in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o public_a resolution_n to_o consider_v the_o boldness_n of_o this_o man_n who_o they_o do_v well_o enough_o know_v and_o either_o to_o take_v with_o the_o thing_n he_o charge_v upon_o their_o former_a act_n and_o to_o let_v the_o world_n know_v that_o then_o they_o be_v wrong_v but_o now_o be_v right_a together_o with_o the_o reason_n of_o their_o change_n or_o else_o to_o be_v sensible_a of_o their_o lift_n up_o the_o head_n of_o such_o man_n by_o decline_v to_o their_o way_n and_o to_o remember_v whence_o they_o be_v fall_v and_o to_o repent_v protestasion_n reviewed_n as_o for_o any_o power_n in_o any_o to_o carry_v public_a determination_n to_o any_o wrong_a end_n we_o can_v and_o do_v bless_v god_n the_o contrary_a be_v know_v to_o be_v true_a and_o all_o the_o assembly_n determination_n speak_v the_o same_o language_n to_o the_o whole_a world_n yea_o i_o hope_v to_o their_o conscience_n also_o when_o the_o heat_n of_o their_o passion_n be_v a_o little_a allay_v protestation_n defend_v the_o act_n make_v in_o their_o assembly_n at_o dundee_n and_o at_o edinburgh_n against_o faithful_a minister_n elder_n and_o expectant_n from_o which_o some_o of_o best_a esteem_n dissent_v do_v evidence_n that_o public_a determination_n be_v carry_v to_o wrong_a end_n which_o make_v a_o worthy_a brother_n a_o member_n of_o the_o late_a assembly_n at_o edinburgh_n grave_o to_o tell_v they_o when_o these_o act_n and_o overture_n pass_v that_o the_o word_n of_o the_o prophet_n micah_n against_o the_o prophet_n in_o his_o day_n may_v be_v apply_v to_o they_o chap._n 3._o ver_fw-la 5._o they_o bite_v with_o their_o tooth_n and_o cry_v peace_n he_o say_v that_o the_o assembly_n determination_n speak_v the_o same_o language_n their_o late_a assembly_n at_o edinburgh_n speak_v the_o same_o language_n with_o that_o of_o dundee_n but_o neither_o of_o they_o speak_v the_o language_n of_o former_a assembly_n since_o our_o reformation_n as_o the_o paper_n send_v to_o they_o from_o the_o keeper_n of_o the_o register_n of_o the_o assembly_n which_o they_o refuse_v to_o read_v do_v full_o show_v their_o language_n be_v the_o same_o with_o that_o of_o the_o parliament_n and_o committee_n of_o estate_n 1648._o plead_v for_o the_o unlawful_a engagement_n it_o do_v also_o well_o agree_v with_o the_o king_n declaration_n and_o the_o oxfordian_a doctor_n argument_n from_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o practice_n of_o nation_n for_o employ_v papist_n to_o defend_v his_o person_n and_o the_o protestant_a religion_n as_o their_o argument_n be_v for_o
public_a resolution_n be_v admit_v or_o not_o subsequent_a assembly_n be_v still_o questionable_a therefore_o there_o be_v a_o necessity_n to_o protest_v or_o else_o to_o give_v way_n to_o a_o corrupt_a constitution_n of_o assembly_n hereafter_o which_o be_v as_o poison_v in_o the_o fountain_n a_o defect_n in_o the_o cause_n a_o error_n in_o the_o principle_n and_o foundation_n and_o have_v a_o universal_a influence_n in_o the_o stream_n effect_n and_o superstructure_n he_o affirm_v that_o these_o presbytery_n which_o refuse_v to_o send_v commissioner_n be_v legal_o warn_v but_o there_o can_v be_v no_o legal_a warning_n where_o there_o be_v no_o authority_n to_o give_v a_o warning_n he_o grant_v there_o be_v dissent_n but_o deni_v in_o his_o answer_n to_o the_o second_o consideration_n that_o there_o be_v any_o protestation_n make_v in_o presbytery_n but_o protestation_n be_v only_o needful_a in_o those_o presbytery_n which_o refuse_v to_o put_v dissent_n upon_o record_n to_o the_o rest_n of_o what_o he_o say_v there_o i_o say_v no_o more_o but_o if_o he_o have_v know_v that_o several_a presbytery_n do_v send_v two_o or_o three_o of_o their_o number_n warrant_v by_o commission_n to_o protest_v he_o may_v have_v spare_v his_o censure_n of_o a_o suppose_a tautology_n protestation_n reviewed_n where_o presbytery_n have_v send_v commissioner_n the_o election_n be_v general_o controvert_v there_o be_v protestation_n make_v at_o least_o dissent_v enter_v against_o most_o of_o their_o election_n upon_o good_a ground_n but_o here_o i_o think_v a_o special_a providence_n have_v rule_v that_o there_o be_v no_o protestation_n in_o most_o presbytery_n there_o be_v no_o dissent_n at_o all_o and_o all_o that_o we_o hear_v of_o be_v simple_o against_o the_o election_n not_o against_o the_o person_n elect_v beside_o that_o they_o be_v not_o prosecute_v nor_o bring_v in_o to_o be_v discuss_v and_o a_o dissent_n infer_v not_o by_o the_o act_n of_o the_o assembly_n a_o suspending_a let_v be_v a_o repeal_n of_o the_o act_n of_o the_o judicatory_a only_o it_o make_v the_o judge_n liable_a to_o the_o censure_n of_o their_o superior_n for_o what_o they_o have_v do_v which_o if_o it_o be_v amiss_o the_o dissenter_n be_v not_o involve_v in_o their_o guilt_n or_o censure_n but_o if_o not_o he_o be_v censurable_a himself_o and_o if_o it_o be_v otherways_o we_o shall_v absurd_o be_v force_v to_o confess_v that_o every_o member_n of_o a_o judicatory_a have_v a_o negative_a voice_n which_o will_v open_v a_o door_n whereby_o every_o faction_n may_v elide_v all_o general_n assembly_n for_o ever_o protestation_n defend_v for_o his_o answer_n to_o the_o three_o it_o be_v reply_v that_o there_o be_v dissent_n or_o otherwise_o no_o commissioner_n send_v in_o more_o than_o most_o part_n of_o presbytery_n as_o be_v find_v upon_o trial_n by_o the_o protester_n in_o the_o very_a time_n of_o that_o assembly_n where_o there_o be_v no_o election_n there_o need_v not_o a_o dissent_n and_o where_o dissent_n be_v enter_v there_o need_v not_o protestation_n and_o if_o the_o dissent_n be_v against_o the_o election_n it_o do_v necessary_o infer_v a_o not_o election_n of_o the_o person_n and_o for_o the_o prosecution_n of_o these_o dissent_n they_o be_v timeous_o object_v against_o in_o their_o assembly_n at_o the_o read_n of_o the_o commission_n and_o a_o offer_v make_v to_o prosecute_v they_o if_o according_a to_o the_o constant_a practice_n of_o this_o kirk_n the_o commission_n shall_v be_v lay_v aside_o until_o they_o be_v try_v but_o this_o be_v reject_v contrary_a to_o the_o know_a rule_n acknowledge_v even_o by_o the_o assembly_n and_o the_o so_o much_o cry_v up_o vindication_n to_o wit_n that_o a_o dissent_v enter_v in_o the_o presbytery_n and_o timeous_o propon_v in_o the_o assembly_n and_o offer_v to_o be_v prosecute_v shall_v be_v a_o ground_n to_o lay_v aside_o controvert_v commission_n until_o the_o relevancie_n of_o the_o reason_n of_o dissent_n be_v examine_v and_o proof_n make_v of_o what_o be_v allege_v sed_fw-la ubi_fw-la semel_fw-la deerratum_fw-la est_fw-la in_o praeceps_fw-la ruitur_fw-la protestation_n reviewed_n there_o be_v want_v commissioner_n from_o burgh_n in_o respect_n of_o their_o present_a incapacity_n we_o need_v say_v no_o more_o to_o this_o since_o themselves_o answer_v it_o that_o they_o be_v in_o a_o incapacity_n and_o suppose_v they_o be_v not_o yet_o have_v they_o not_o a_o negative_a voice_n beside_o that_o all_o be_v not_o absent_a protestation_n defend_v to_o his_o four_o answer_n i_o say_v that_o he_o know_v that_o the_o assembly_n at_o glasgow_n make_v use_v of_o this_o joint_o with_o other_o reason_n for_o nullify_a the_o pretend_a assembly_n and_o their_o be_v in_o a_o incapacity_n ought_v to_o have_v carry_v its_o own_o weight_n for_o suspend_v the_o constitute_n themselves_o into_o a_o assembly_n especial_o when_o so_o many_o other_o thing_n do_v concur_v he_o say_v further_a that_o all_o be_v not_o absent_a but_o all_o of_o they_o that_o be_v present_a for_o aught_o i_o can_v learn_v if_o they_o be_v dualis_fw-la yet_o they_o be_v not_o pluralis_fw-la numeri_fw-la protestation_n reviewed_n the_o generality_n of_o the_o godly_a in_o the_o land_n go_v along_o with_o we_o say_v they_o and_o approve_v our_o protest_v against_o this_o meeting_n a_o strange_a assertion_n and_o of_o dangerous_a consequence_n this_o protestation_n be_v give_v in_o at_o the_o very_a beginning_n of_o the_o assembly_n ere_o ever_o it_o be_v constitute_v and_o that_o upon_o the_o delay_n of_o take_v in_o their_o first_o paper_n and_o be_v it_o probable_a they_o can_v gather_v all_o their_o consent_n in_o so_o short_a a_o time_n or_o have_v they_o they_o before_o but_o that_o smell_v of_o a_o prae-meditate_a faction_n or_o go_v their_o resolution_n along_o with_o whatsoever_o these_o protester_n do_v but_o that_o be_v not_o suitable_a to_o they_o that_o be_v true_o godly_a to_o have_v their_o faith_n pin_v to_o the_o slieve_v of_o any_o how_o high_a soever_o they_o hold_v their_o head_n or_o be_v it_o that_o they_o will_v allow_v none_o to_o be_v of_o the_o number_n of_o the_o godly_a who_o go_v not_o along_o with_o they_o in_o every_o thing_n this_o i_o suspect_v be_v the_o marrow_n of_o the_o matter_n but_o who_o give_v they_o that_o power_n to_o put_v out_o and_o put_v in_o into_o the_o roll_n of_o the_o godly_a who_o they_o please_v and_o as_o we_o doubt_v of_o their_o authority_n so_o to_o do_v even_o so_o also_o of_o their_o power_n can_v they_o reach_v the_o heart_n or_o be_v they_o quick_a sight_v than_o elias_n who_o see_v not_o one_o of_o the_o seven_o thousund_v god_n have_v reserve_v to_o himself_o will_v they_o condemn_v all_o for_o ungodly_a that_o be_v not_o of_o their_o way_n how_o suit_v that_o with_o their_o profession_n elsewhere_o i_o be_o sure_a we_o have_v here_o reason_n to_o dissent_v and_o appeal_v from_o such_o a_o uncharitable_a censure_n of_o they_o that_o have_v no_o power_n to_o the_o righteous_a trihunall_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o who_o we_o stand_v there_o may_v be_v somewhat_o more_o yet_o of_o dangerous_a consequence_n in_o it_o in_o that_o they_o seem_v to_o subject_v the_o public_a ministerial_a authority_n to_o the_o people_n and_o among_o they_o to_o such_o only_a as_o be_v visible_a saint_n where_o if_o there_o be_v any_o mystery_n they_o will_v do_v well_o to_o unfold_v it_o and_o now_o for_o the_o solemn_a word_n of_o the_o protestation_n the_o ground_n and_o reason_n thereof_o be_v hough_v we_o need_v say_v no_o more_o but_o if_o those_o principle_n from_o which_o they_o say_v they_o do_v it_o viz._n the_o zeal_n they_o owe_v to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n be_v right_o weigh_v they_o will_v infer_v and_o have_v produce_v the_o qutte_n contrary_a conclusion_n which_o the_o lord_n out_o of_o his_o tender_a mercy_n to_o this_o poor_a bleed_a church_n and_o country_n imprint_n upon_o their_o spirit_n for_o christ_n cause_n amen_o protestation_n defend_v as_o for_o the_o five_o that_o term_n of_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o godly_a have_v be_v clear_v before_o and_o the_o argument_n be_v use_v by_o this_o kirk_n diverse_a time_n likewise_o if_o he_o please_v he_o may_v first_o quarrel_n with_o the_o general_n assembly_n 1648._o for_o the_o expression_n anâ—_n argument_n both_o the_o ground_n upon_o which_o the_o protester_n have_v make_v use_n of_o that_o reason_n be_v this_o at_o the_o meeting_n in_o st._n andrews_n the_o protester_n deliver_v in_o a_o representation_n notwithstanding_o whereof_o the_o meeting_n do_v proceed_v to_o constitute_v themselves_o into_o a_o assembly_n and_o thereafter_o do_v approve_v of_o the_o public_a resolution_n and_o enact_v severe_a censure_n against_o all_o minister_n and_o professor_n in_o the_o land_n that_o be_v of_o a_o different_a judgement_n which_o give_v a_o occasion_n to_o many_o minister_n and_o professor_n
contain_v in_o the_o act_n at_o glasgow_n dec._n 18._o sess_n 28._o 1638._o thus_o all_o the_o minister_n elder_n and_o expectant_n in_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n who_o do_v not_o acknowledge_v that_o assembly_n or_o oppose_v the_o resolution_n thereof_o or_o do_v not_o acquiesce_v to_o the_o act_n and_o constitution_n thereof_o be_v to_o be_v lay_v aside_o discharged_z silence_v suspend_v or_o depose_v yea_o all_o the_o minister_n elder_n expectant_n and_o professor_n in_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n who_o do_v not_o acknowledge_v that_o assembly_n or_o who_o do_v oppose_v the_o resolution_n thereof_o or_o who_o do_v not_o acquiesce_v to_o the_o act_n and_o constitution_n thereof_o be_v make_v liable_a to_o excommunication_n if_o after_o conference_n they_o do_v not_o receive_v satisfaction_n from_o what_o be_v already_o say_v it_o do_v appear_v who_o be_v the_o person_n as_o to_o the_o matter_n of_o their_o suppose_a offence_n be_v to_o be_v censure_v i_o shall_v only_o add_v that_o as_o to_o their_o real_a qualification_n and_o carriage_n that_o they_o be_v not_o such_o who_o have_v be_v enemy_n or_o dis-affected_n to_o the_o work_n of_o reformation_n or_o scandalous_a or_o loose_a in_o their_o conversation_n but_o such_o as_o have_v be_v zealous_a thereof_o and_o faithful_a therein_o from_o the_o beginning_n and_o blameless_a in_o their_o conversation_n and_o can_v acknowledge_v that_o assembly_n nor_o acquiesce_v to_o the_o act_n and_o constitution_n thereof_o for_o conscience_n sake_n have_v a_o well-warranted_a persuasion_n in_o themselves_o that_o they_o do_v herein_o walk_v according_a to_o former_a sound_a principle_n to_o depart_v from_o which_o be_v but_o to_o involve_v themselves_o in_o the_o common_a defection_n with_o other_o and_o as_o these_o person_n be_v so_o qualify_v in_o their_o carriage_n to_o the_o public_a work_n and_o in_o their_o conversation_n so_o for_o their_o number_n they_o make_v up_o a_o very_a great_a part_n of_o the_o godly_a in_o the_o land_n whether_o minister_n elder_n expectant_n or_o professor_n a_o act_n and_o overture_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n for_o the_o peace_n and_o union_n of_o the_o kirk_n edinburgh_n 2._o august_n 1652._o postmeridiem_fw-la sess_n 18._o the_o general_n assembly_n be_v deep_o affect_v with_o sense_n of_o the_o many_o and_o sad_a evil_n &_o calamity_n that_o have_v already_o arisen_a both_o to_o kirk_n and_o state_n within_o this_o land_n by_o the_o lamentable_a division_n and_o distraction_n among_o minister_n and_o other_o of_o the_o people_n of_o god_n in_o this_o kirk_n and_o apprehensive_a of_o great_a evil_n which_o may_v yet_o follow_v to_o the_o over-throwing_a of_o the_o bless_a work_n of_o reformation_n which_o the_o lord_n in_o his_o great_a and_o special_a mercy_n be_v please_v to_o set_v up_o among_o we_o have_v carry_v it_o through_o many_o difficulty_n and_o opposition_n and_o to_o the_o lay_n of_o the_o kirk_n of_o god_n waste_n and_o desolat_a if_o these_o division_n and_o distraction_n shall_v continue_v and_o be_v most_o desirous_a as_o the_o servant_n of_o jesus_n christ_n who_o be_v the_o prince_n of_o peace_n to_o use_v all_o necessary_a and_o lawful_a mean_n so_o far_o as_o their_o knowledge_n and_o power_n can_v reach_v for_o prevent_v the_o increase_n of_o these_o division_n and_o make_v up_o of_o the_o breach_n and_o be_v firm_o resolve_v for_o obtain_v of_o this_o desirable_a end_n in_o all_o meekness_n gentleness_n and_o moderation_n to_o condescend_v so_o far_o as_o they_o can_v without_o violation_n of_o truth_n and_o of_o the_o just_a authority_n of_o the_o government_n and_o court_n of_o jesus_n christ_n in_o his_o kirk_n unto_o their_o brethren_n of_o the_o ministry_n and_o other_o of_o the_o people_n of_o god_n who_o have_v be_v this_o late_a time_n bypass_a and_o be_v at_o difference_n with_o the_o judicatories_n of_o the_o kirk_n for_o bring_v they_o to_o a_o happy_a conjunction_n with_o their_o brethren_n in_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n therefore_o for_o give_v a_o evidence_n and_o demonstration_n of_o their_o real_a intention_n &_o sincere_a purpose_n about_o the_o premise_n as_o they_o have_v already_o by_o some_o of_o their_o number_n commissionated_a for_o that_o effect_n declare_v and_o make_v offer_n to_o some_o of_o these_o their_o dissent_v brethren_n who_o be_v here_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o assembly_n so_o now_o again_o do_v declare_v and_o make_v offer_n by_o this_o present_a act_n that_o the_o four_o brethren_n who_o by_o the_o precede_a general_n assembly_n at_o s._n andrews_n and_o dundee_n be_v upon_o special_a consideration_n just_o censure_v for_o protest_v against_o and_o decline_v the_o authority_n thereof_o shall_v have_v the_o censure_n inflict_v on_o they_o by_o that_o assembly_n for_o the_o cause_n foresay_a take_v off_o they_o and_o further_o that_o no_o censure_n shall_v be_v inflict_v on_o they_o for_o not_o submit_v to_o the_o foresay_a censure_n yea_o and_o that_o no_o censure_n shall_v be_v inflict_v for_o their_o protest_v against_o and_o decline_v of_o this_o present_a gen._n ass_n provide_v 1._o that_o they_o do_v pass_v from_o the_o say_v two_o protestation_n against_o and_o declinator_n of_o the_o two_o foresay_a assembly_n judicial_o under_o their_o hand_n between_z and_z the_o second_o wednesday_n of_o november_n next_o ensue_v in_o their_o several_a presbytery_n or_o synod_n respectiuè_fw-la 2._o that_o they_o also_o give_v assurance_n in_o manner_n foresay_a that_o they_o shall_v forbear_v hold_v up_o division_n by_o debate_n about_o matter_n of_o our_o late_a difference_n since_o the_o assembly_n 1650._o in_o preach_v write_a or_o any_o otherwise_o likeas_n the_o assembly_n do_v declare_v and_o make_v offer_n that_o all_o such_o as_o do_v concur_v in_o or_o have_v be_v accessary_a unto_o the_o protestation_n and_o declinatour_n against_o the_o assembly_n at_o s._n andrews_n and_o dundee_n and_o be_v not_o censure_v shall_v be_v free_a from_o whatsoever_o censure_n may_v have_v be_v inflict_v by_o any_o act_n of_o the_o say_a assembly_n and_o that_o no_o such_o act_n shall_v have_v any_o force_n against_o they_o hereafter_o in_o any_o judicatory_a of_o this_o kirk_n and_o that_o no_o censure_n shall_v be_v inflict_v on_o they_o for_o their_o accession_n unto_o the_o late_a protestation_n and_o declinatour_n against_o the_o present_a assembly_n provide_v they_o shall_v perform_v the_o foresay_a provision_n within_o the_o time_n and_o after_o the_o manner_n therein_o specify_v and_o for_o prosecution_n of_o this_o purpose_n the_o general_n assembly_n ordain_v the_o several_a presbytery_n or_o synod_n of_o this_o kirk_n to_o present_v this_o offer_n with_o the_o provision_n therein_o contain_v unto_o all_o such_o person_n as_o be_v beforementioned_a within_o their_o bound_n respectiuè_v and_o incase_o the_o plurality_n of_o presbytery_n or_o synod_n shall_v refuse_v to_o propound_v the_o same_o the_o assembly_n do_v warrant_n such_o brethren_n as_o acknowledge_v the_o authority_n of_o these_o assembly_n to_o propound_v they_o and_o have_v make_v report_n of_o their_o diligence_n and_o success_n therein_o to_o the_o next_o ensue_v quarterly_o meet_v of_o the_o commission_n of_o the_o kirk_n if_o they_o be_v then_o sit_v thereafter_o to_o do_v as_o they_o find_v by_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o act_n and_o constitution_n of_o general_n assembly_n of_o this_o kirk_n to_o be_v most_o necessary_a and_o conducible_a for_o preservation_n of_o truth_n for_o procure_v the_o peace_n and_o welfare_n of_o the_o kirk_n and_o maintenance_n of_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o assembly_n thereof_o as_o they_o will_v be_v answerable_a to_o the_o next_o general_n assembly_n and_o recommend_v unto_o they_o to_o take_v advice_n of_o the_o commission_n of_o the_o kirk_n for_o their_o proceed_n in_o any_o matter_n of_o importance_n of_o this_o kind_n and_o now_o the_o general_n assembly_n have_v out_o of_o tender_a affection_n towards_o their_o brethren_n and_o sincere_a desire_n of_o unity_n and_o concord_n with_o they_o in_o the_o lord_n and_o for_o the_o lord_n condescend_v unto_o this_o moderation_n and_o meekness_n do_v obtest_v all_o and_o every_o one_o of_o they_o in_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o expect_v as_o they_o tender_v the_o preservation_n of_o the_o government_n of_o this_o kirk_n which_o adversary_n without_o and_o within_o take_v advantage_n of_o our_o division_n and_o distraction_n be_v labour_v to_o subvert_v and_o as_o they_o love_v the_o establish_n and_o promove_v of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n in_o this_o land_n and_o will_v be_v answerable_a to_o he_o in_o the_o great_a day_n that_o they_o will_v accept_v of_o this_o offer_n of_o love_n return_v unto_o unity_n with_o their_o brethren_n in_o their_o several_a respective_a place_n and_o judicatories_n and_o concur_v in_o a_o unanimous_a way_n for_o preserve_v and_o promove_v the_o work_n of_o reformation_n in_o
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 brethren_n with_o who_o they_o be_v to_o meet_v that_o as_o they_o do_v adhere_v to_o the_o protestation_n former_o and_o late_o give_v in_o so_o they_o do_v protest_v that_o they_o do_v not_o meet_v nor_o confer_v with_o they_o nor_o receive_v any_o paper_n from_o they_o as_o be_v in_o the_o capacity_n of_o commissioner_n of_o a_o general_n assembly_n but_o only_o as_o send_v from_o a_o meeting_n of_o minister_n and_o elder_n want_v any_o such_o authority_n ii_o that_o whatever_o be_v offer_v by_o the_o brethren_n with_o who_o they_o do_v confer_v they_o desire_v to_o get_v it_o in_o write_v from_o they_o as_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o meeting_n whereof_o they_o be_v member_n that_o it_o be_v communicate_v to_o we_o answer_n may_v be_v give_v thereunto_o by_o our_o whole_a meeting_n iii_o that_o they_o do_v not_o engage_v in_o conference_n with_o they_o at_o first_o about_o the_o matter_n of_o censure_n it_o be_v neither_o the_o chief_a nor_o only_a ground_n of_o our_o grievance_n and_o because_o with_o we_o thing_n of_o that_o nature_n and_o any_o thing_n of_o personal_a concernment_n aught_o to_o be_v of_o the_o small_a value_n while_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n in_o question_n betwixt_o they_o and_o we_o of_o far_o high_a consequence_n to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o interest_n as_o anent_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n controversy_n with_o the_o land_n and_o the_o way_n of_o remedy_n and_o cure_v of_o the_o former_a and_o late_a defection_n and_o the_o way_n of_o prevent_v the_o like_a in_o time_n come_v the_o establish_n and_o promove_v the_o work_n of_o reformation_n and_o the_o purge_n of_o the_o kirk_n and_o the_o like_a as_o be_v lay_v before_o they_o in_o our_o proposition_n give_v in_o to_o their_o meeting_n and_o that_o they_o do_v intimate_v to_o the_o brethren_n aforesaid_a that_o we_o can_v look_v upon_o a_o offer_n relate_v only_o to_o the_o censure_n upon_o some_o of_o our_o number_n as_o satisfaction_n to_o they_o or_o we_o and_o that_o beside_o what_o we_o have_v say_v for_o other_o reason_n to_o be_v communicate_v in_o due_a time_n to_o their_o meeting_n and_o that_o therefore_o they_o shall_v offer_v to_o these_o brethren_n and_o desire_v of_o they_o that_o if_o there_o be_v any_o conference_n at_o all_o the_o subject_a matter_n of_o it_o may_v be_v upon_o the_o whole_a proposition_n in_o the_o order_n as_o they_o stand_v iv_o that_o in_o case_n of_o their_o refuse_v the_o latter_a part_n of_o the_o former_a article_n they_o shall_v require_v and_o demand_v from_o the_o brethren_n of_o the_o other_o meet_v that_o they_o will_v declare_v whether_o we_o may_v expect_v that_o these_o from_o who_o they_o be_v send_v will_v either_o by_o the_o say_a brethren_n or_o any_o other_o way_n give_v answer_n and_o satisfaction_n to_o we_o anent_o the_o proposition_n and_o what_o be_v their_o sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o the_o public_a resolution_n and_o anent_o the_o constitution_n act_n and_o proceed_n of_o the_o meeting_n 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 have_v be_v and_o do_v allow_v charity_n to_o other_o therefore_o for_o satisfaction_n of_o or_o conscience_n and_o for_o secure_v the_o work_n of_o reformation_n for_o purge_v the_o church_n and_o for_o promove_v the_o power_n of_o godliness_n and_o for_o remove_v of_o these_o sad_a difference_n and_o for_o attain_v and_o preserve_v a_o good_a understanding_n we_o desire_v that_o they_o give_v evidence_n and_o assurance_n that_o they_o approve_v of_o and_o will_v adhere_v unto_o the_o solemn_a public_a confession_n of_o sin_n and_o engagement_n to_o duty_n and_o all_o the_o act_n of_o the_o uncontroverted_a assembly_n of_o this_o church_n concern_v the_o work_n of_o reformation_n in_o the_o literal_a and_o genuine_a sense_n and_o meaning_n thereof_o and_o that_o in_o dispense_n of_o the_o ordinance_n censure_v of_o scandalous_a person_n receive_v of_o penitent_n try_v admit_v removing_z and_o depose_n of_o church-officer_n they_o will_v walk_v according_a to_o the_o same_o that_o it_o be_v lay_v serious_o to_o heart_n before_o the_o lord_n how_o after_o such_o a_o defection_n and_o so_o sad_a judgement_n for_o it_o the_o lord_z may_v be_v restore_v to_o his_o honour_n the_o land_n to_o his_o favour_n and_o the_o like_a defection_n prevent_v in_o time_n come_v that_o as_o we_o be_v ready_a in_o our_o station_n to_o follow_v all_o religious_a and_o conscionable_a mean_n and_o overture_n for_o secure_v and_o guard_v the_o cause_n and_o work_n of_o god_n against_o error_n heresy_n and_o schism_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n so_o they_o will_v hold_v out_o to_o we_o a_o solid_a way_n for_o secure_v the_o same_o against_o danger_n from_o malignancy_n on_o the_o other_o and_o we_o will_v know_v what_o shall_v be_v the_o character_n in_o time_n come_v by_o which_o malignancy_n may_v be_v know_v and_o judge_v that_o a_o real_a and_o effectual_a course_n be_v take_v according_a to_o the_o establish_a rule_n of_o this_o kirk_n for_o purge_v out_o and_o hold_v out_o all_o such_o church-officer_n as_o have_v not_o the_o position_n and_o qualification_n require_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n &_o act_n of_o this_o kirk_n partiular_o where_o minister_n depose_v by_o lawful_a assembly_n have_v intrude_v themselves_o or_o have_v be_v unwarrantable_o restore_v by_o synod_n and_o presbytery_n to_o their_o charge_n contrary_a to_o the_o form_n and_o order_n prescribe_v in_o the_o act_n of_o assembly_n be_v romove_v and_o condign_a censure_n inflict_v and_o that_o sufficient_a provision_n be_v make_v for_o prevent_v the_o like_a in_o time_n come_v that_o after_o mean_n be_v fall_v upon_o and_o follow_v for_o censure_v of_o all_o scandal_n and_o scandalous_a person_n and_o cast_v out_o of_o these_o who_o shall_v be_v find_v gross_o and_o obstinate_o scandalous_a or_o ignorant_a after_o they_o be_v make_v inexcusable_a by_o sufficient_a mean_n and_o pain_n take_v for_o their_o instruct_n and_o reclaim_v that_o some_o course_n more_o effectual_a than_o any_o have_v be_v fall_v upon_o hitherto_o may_v be_v condescend_v upon_o for_o put_v in_o execution_n the_o act_n of_o this_o kirk_n anent_o debar_v from_o the_o lord_n table_n such_o person_n who_o be_v find_v not_o to_o walk_v suitable_o to_o the_o gospel_n and_o have_v not_o knowledge_n to_o examine_v themselves_o and_o to_o discern_v the_o lord_n body_n that_o in_o the_o receive_n of_o penitent_n care_n may_v be_v have_v that_o none_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o public_a profession_n of_o repentance_n or_o reconcile_v to_o the_o church_n but_o these_o who_o be_v find_v to_o give_v such_o evidence_n of_o their_o repentance_n as_o be_v express_v in_o the_o act_n of_o the_o assembly_n concern_v the_o receive_n of_o penitent_n that_o a_o effectual_a course_n may_v be_v take_v for_o secure_v of_o the_o work_n and_o people_n of_o god_n from_o the_o harm_n and_o evil_a consequence_n which_o have_v already_o and_o may_v further_o ensue_v from_o the_o late_a pretend_a assembly_n at_o s._n andrews_n and_o dundee_n and_o the_o act_n thereof_o finis_fw-la