their_o record_n and_o good_a reason_n be_v there_o for_o such_o protestation_n especial_o in_o scotland_n because_o not_o only_o by_o god_n word_n but_o also_o by_o our_o national_a covenant_n solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n and_o solemn_a acknowledgement_n all_o interest_n of_o king_n or_o parliament_n or_o kingdom_n be_v subordinate_a to_o the_o interest_n of_o christ_n and_o all_o duty_n to_o man_n subordinate_a to_o our_o duty_n unto_o god_n in_o hoc_fw-la foederato_fw-la regno_fw-la federati_fw-la dei_fw-la according_a to_o the_o 2_o king_n 11.17_o and_o 2_o chron._n 23.16_o in_o both_o which_o the_o substance_n of_o that_o covenant_n and_o our_o covenant_n be_v that_o we_o shall_v be_v god_n people_n and_o all_o other_o relation_n subserviant_a to_o that_o sit_fw-la ergo_fw-la gloria_fw-la christi_fw-la &_o salus_fw-la eclecsiae_fw-la suprema_fw-la lex_fw-la nostra_fw-la and_o whensoever_o we_o see_v it_o in_o any_o hazard_n or_o contest_v and_o any_o thing_n in_o competition_n with_o it_o let_v we_o according_a to_o our_o call_n at_o least_o protest_v that_o our_o lord_n and_o our_o mother_n may_v get_v right_a which_o will_v lega_o preserve_v it_o to_o another_o judgement_n and_o if_o they_o get_v wrong_v thereby_o they_o will_v have_v witness_n of_o it_o which_o be_v the_o least_o which_o we_o shall_v do_v for_o he_o though_o we_o suffer_v for_o it_o who_o have_v do_v and_o suffer_v so_o much_o for_o we_o and_o who_o put_v a_o great_a favour_n and_o honour_n upon_o any_o who_o he_o call_v to_o be_v witness_n to_o and_o for_o he_o and_o where_o one_o have_v a_o necessity_n to_o protest_v for_o his_o particular_a right_n or_o place_n in_o parliament_n we_o see_v they_o do_v it_o ordinary_o and_o in_o all_o act_n of_o parliament_n the_o last_o be_v savo_fw-la jure_fw-la cujuslibet_fw-la and_o why_o not_o far_o rather_o solvo_fw-la jure_fw-la christi_fw-la ac_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la which_o protestation_n by_o communicate_v of_o this_o paper_n i_o do_v enter_v against_o the_o ratification_n of_o the_o paper_n give_v in_o by_o the_o commission_n to_o the_o parliament_n anent_o the_o confinement_n of_o the_o minister_n of_o sterling_n for_o their_o preach_n or_o of_o any_o other_o paper_n of_o they_o prejudicial_a to_o the_o covenant_n and_o cause_n of_o jesus_n christ_n reason_n prove_v that_o the_o late_a meeting_n at_o st._n andrews_n be_v not_o a_o lawful_a free_a general-assemble_o of_o the_o kirk_n of_o scotland_n with_o answer_n to_o the_o objection_n on_o the_o contrary_a that_o be_v not_o a_o lawful_a free_a general_n assembly_n the_o election_n of_o who_o commissioner_n be_v so_o prejudice_v and_o prelimited_n in_o the_o due_a liberty_n and_o freedom_n thereof_o that_o many_o minister_n of_o presbytery_n in_o a_o capacity_n of_o deserve_v to_o be_v choose_v for_o their_o ability_n and_o faithfulness_n be_v by_o the_o presbytery_n at_o the_o order_n and_o appointment_n of_o a_o superior_a judicatory_a past_a by_o and_o set_v aside_o in_o the_o election_n and_o render_v incapable_a to_o be_v member_n of_o the_o assembly_n but_o the_o late_a meeting_n at_o st._n andrews_n be_v such_o therefore_o etc._n etc._n the_o first_o proposition_n albeit_o as_o we_o conceive_v unquestionable_a yet_o shall_v afterward_o be_v alittle_o further_o speak_v to_o the_o second_o be_v prove_v by_o presbytery_n proceed_v according_a to_o the_o letter_n and_o act_n of_o the_o commission_n of_o the_o former_a assembly_n send_v unto_o they_o about_o the_o time_n of_o their_o choose_v commissioner_n appoint_v that_o such_o as_o after_o conference_n shall_v remain_v unsatisfied_a with_o and_o continue_v to_o oppose_v the_o public_a resolution_n to_o be_v cite_v to_o the_o general_n assembly_n which_o act_n do_v upon_o the_o matter_n include_v these_o four_o thing_n 1._o a_o direction_n that_o presbytery_n shall_v choose_v none_o to_o be_v commissioner_n but_o such_o as_o do_v concur_v with_o the_o public_a resolution_n 2._o a_o intimation_n of_o the_o commission_n mind_n that_o dissenter_n from_o the_o public_a resolution_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v in_o a_o capacity_n to_o be_v choose_v commissioner_n and_o to_o sit_v as_o judge_n of_o the_o matter_n in_o the_o gen._n assembly_n that_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o guilty_a person_n who_o be_v for_o their_o guiltiness_n to_o be_v cite_v and_o judge_v 3._o a_o declaration_n that_o if_o they_o shall_v be_v choose_v they_o can_v not_o be_v admit_v to_o sit_v upon_o the_o bench_n as_o judge_n but_o behove_v to_o stand_v at_o the_o bar_n and_o answer_v as_o rei_fw-la 4._o that_o if_o the_o presbytery_n shall_v choose_v they_o they_o be_v to_o be_v esteem_v disobedient_a and_o look_v upon_o as_o person_n have_v no_o respect_n to_o public_a order_n of_o the_o kirk_n which_o thing_n do_v clear_o enough_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o prelimit_v of_o the_o election_n as_o be_v former_o speak_v of_o object_n the_o commissioner_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n in_o the_o year_n 1648._o do_v by_o a_o letter_n write_v to_o the_o several_a presbytery_n appoint_v such_o minister_n as_o refuse_v to_o declare_v their_o judgement_n against_o the_o engagement_n which_o be_v then_o carry_v on_o or_o do_v declare_v themselves_o satisfy_v there_o with_o to_o be_v refer_v by_o their_o several_a presbytery_n to_o the_o general_n assembly_n which_o upon_o the_o matter_n be_v equivalent_a to_o a_o citation_n and_o yet_o be_v not_o that_o judge_v a_o pre-limitation_n of_o the_o freedom_n of_o the_o assembly_n answer_n to_o say_v nothing_o of_o the_o difference_n of_o a_o reference_n and_o citation_n neither_o yet_o of_o the_o difference_n of_o a_o letter_n and_o a_o act_n we_o desire_v these_o thing_n to_o be_v consider_v in_o answer_n to_o what_o be_v object_v 1._o that_o in_o the_o year_n 1648._o when_v a_o little_a before_o the_o election_n of_o commissioner_n by_o the_o presbytery_n to_o the_o general_n assembly_n it_o be_v move_v by_o some_o in_o the_o commission_n that_o some_o thing_n may_v be_v write_v to_o presbytery_n to_o choose_v none_o but_o such_o as_o be_v against_o the_o engagement_n it_o be_v oppose_v as_o savour_v away_o of_o pre-limitation_n and_o so_o only_a a_o letter_n be_v write_v give_v they_o a_o account_n of_o the_o commission_n proceed_v and_o exhort_v they_o to_o their_o duty_n and_o to_o choose_v able_a and_o faithful_a man_n 2._o that_o that_o letter_n which_o be_v mention_v in_o the_o objection_n be_v not_o write_v by_o the_o commission_n as_o we_o remember_v until_o most_o part_n if_o not_o all_o the_o election_n in_o presbytery_n be_v pass_v will_v be_v clear_v by_o the_o date_n thereof_o 3._o that_o before_o the_o write_n of_o that_o letter_n the_o whole_a kirk_n of_o scotland_n almost_o in_o all_o the_o presbytery_n and_o synod_n thereof_o have_v declare_v themselves_o unsatisfied_a in_o conscience_n with_o the_o engaegment_n except_v a_o very_a few_o minister_n scatter_v here_o and_o there_o in_o presbytery_n which_o few_o be_v also_o know_v to_o have_v be_v either_o opposer_n of_o the_o work_n of_o god_n or_o neutral_a and_o indifferent_a therein_o from_o the_o begin_n 4._o that_o the_o resolution_n of_o the_o commission_n be_v then_o agreeable_a to_o the_o covenant_n and_o act_n and_o constitution_n of_o former_a general_n assembly_n which_o thing_n be_v put_v together_o make_v a_o vive_fw-fr difference_n betwixt_o that_o which_o be_v then_o do_v and_o that_o which_o the_o commission_n have_v now_o do_v because_o the_o letter_n and_o act_n of_o the_o commission_n this_o year_n be_v previous_a to_o most_o part_n of_o the_o election_n in_o scotland_n and_o whilst_o many_o presbytry_n be_v bear_v testimony_n against_o their_o resolution_n and_o the_o most_o part_n of_o the_o godly_a of_o the_o land_n remain_v unsatisfied_a therewith_o and_o many_o precious_a able_a and_o faithful_a man_n in_o the_o ministry_n who_o be_v know_v to_o have_v be_v straight_o and_o zealous_a in_o the_o work_n of_o god_n from_o the_o beginning_n be_v bear_v record_n against_o it_o and_o whilst_o the_o resolution_n of_o the_o commission_n be_v pointblank_o contrary_a to_o the_o covenant_n and_o to_o the_o former_a act_n and_o constitution_n of_o this_o kirk_n objection_n it_o be_v not_o only_o in_o the_o power_n of_o the_o commission_n to_o appoint_v those_o who_o do_v oppose_v thâ—_n public_a resolution_n to_o be_v cite_v to_o the_o general_n assembly_n but_o also_o to_o have_v censure_v they_o because_o there_o be_v a_o clause_n in_o their_o commission_n which_o give_v they_o power_n to_o censure_v such_o as_o oppose_v they_o in_o their_o proceed_n as_o if_o they_o oppose_v the_o assembly_n itself_o and_o therefore_o see_v the_o commission_n have_v be_v so_o far_o from_o exclude_v that_o they_o have_v keep_v themselves_o fair_a within_o the_o limit_n and_o bond_n of_o that_o power_n give_v they_o by_o the_o assembly_n it_o can_v be_v say_v that_o their_o letter_n and_o act_n do_v
poor_a weak_a man_n compass_v with_o many_o infirmity_n and_o subject_a to_o the_o like_a passion_n with_o other_o but_o that_o they_o have_v reason_n to_o be_v humble_v in_o a_o special_a way_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o be_v the_o author_n let_v be_v the_o main_a author_n and_o promover_n of_o these_o rent_n and_o division_n be_v a_o groundless_a and_o unjust_a charge_n which_o no_o man_n be_v able_a to_o make_v out_o the_o author_n do_v either_o unknowing_o or_o willing_o mistake_v in_o that_o which_o he_o call_v the_o first_o step_n of_o the_o division_n to_o wit_n the_o divide_v of_o one_o part_n of_o the_o remnant_n of_o the_o army_n from_o the_o army_n by_o these_o brethren_n these_o gentleman_n who_o do_v remove_v from_o sterlin_n immediate_o after_o dunbar_n unto_o the_o west_n do_v go_v thither_o by_o the_o order_n and_o approbation_n of_o the_o committee_n of_o estate_n who_o do_v also_o appoint_v the_o levy_n of_o the_o west_n and_o their_o conductor_n and_o design_v their_o work_n to_o they_o from_o time_n to_o time_n as_o can_v be_v make_v good_a by_o many_o act_n and_o letter_n under_o the_o lord_n chancellor_n and_o clerk_n of_o the_o committee_n hand_n and_o they_o be_v therein_o also_o countenance_v by_o the_o commission_n of_o the_o church_n who_o write_v to_o they_o for_o their_o encouragement_n yea_o it_o be_v the_o counsel_n of_o some_o of_o these_o who_o be_v chief_a in_o the_o assembly_n at_o dundee_n that_o these_o gentleman_n go_v west_n that_o they_o do_v not_o join_v with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o force_n of_o the_o kingdom_n be_v because_o it_o be_v refuse_v to_o state_n the_o war_n as_o it_o be_v former_o state_v by_o the_o declation_n of_o the_o church_n and_o state_n on_o the_o 13._o of_o august_n 1650._o and_o to_o satisfy_v they_o in_o the_o conduct_n of_o the_o army_n by_o appoint_v a_o man_n qualify_v according_a to_o the_o solemn_a engagement_n to_o lead_v the_o force_n what_o he_o say_v of_o the_o remonstrance_n which_o he_o call_v the_o next_o step_n of_o our_o division_n be_v answer_v already_o except_o that_o which_o he_o allege_n that_o it_o do_v in_o the_o close_a thereof_o contain_v a_o bond_n engage_v themselves_o to_o prosecute_v the_o matter_n of_o that_o remonstrance_n according_a to_o their_o power_n which_o have_v be_v often_o clear_v by_o themselves_o that_o it_o do_v contain_v no_o new_a bond_n to_o any_o new_a thing_n but_o a_o declaration_n of_o their_o resolution_n to_o keep_v their_o former_a bond_n and_o engagement_n in_o testimony_n whereof_o they_o be_v willing_a and_o do_v often_o offer_v to_o explain_v their_o meaning_n in_o this_o particular_a for_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o these_o who_o doubt_v thereof_o he_o do_v under_o favour_n make_v a_o very_a lame_a relation_n of_o the_o conference_n at_o pearth_n in_o that_o conference_n these_o gentleman_n and_o minister_n who_o be_v send_v from_o the_o west_n do_v often_o declare_v that_o they_o be_v willing_a to_o fight_v upon_o that_o state_n of_o the_o quarrel_n hold_v forth_o in_o the_o declaration_n of_o the_o 13._o august_n and_o to_o join_v under_o the_o lead_a officer_n of_o the_o force_n of_o the_o kingdom_n provide_v that_o he_o be_v a_o man_n qualify_v according_a to_o the_o solemn_a engagement_n to_o duty_n to_o wit_n of_o a_o blameless_a and_o christian_a conversation_n and_o of_o unquestionable_a integrity_n and_o affection_n to_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n in_o neither_o of_o which_o satisfaction_n be_v offer_v unto_o they_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n though_o they_o have_v refuse_v to_o hearken_v to_o the_o proposition_n which_o the_o author_n speak_v of_o what_o he_o say_v of_o their_o withdraw_a themselves_o from_o the_o commission_n upon_o occasion_n of_o condemn_v the_o remonstrance_n and_o of_o their_o not_o deign_v to_o come_v again_o i_o have_v already_o answer_v somewhat_o unto_o it_o and_o shall_v answer_v more_o hereafter_o for_o clear_v of_o that_o which_o concern_v the_o letter_n write_v to_o the_o commission_n and_o testimony_n give_v against_o the_o commission_n answer_v to_o the_o parliament_n quare_fw-la i_o shall_v first_o set_v down_o some_o thing_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n then_o answer_v short_o to_o what_o the_o author_n say_v after_o that_o the_o party_n of_o malignant_a and_o disaffect_v man_n in_o the_o land_n who_o by_o subtlety_n and_o fair_a pretence_n have_v get_v the_o power_n of_o the_o judicatories_n and_o of_o the_o army_n in_o their_o hand_n anno_fw-la 1648._o be_v defeat_n at_o preston_n the_o kingdom_n and_o kirk_n of_o scotland_n take_v in_o consideration_n how_o often_o they_o have_v be_v deceive_v by_o that_o party_n and_o how_o much_o they_o have_v sin_v against_o god_n and_o smart_v under_o his_o hand_n by_o entrust_v of_o they_o and_o comply_v with_o they_o do_v in_o a_o solemn_a public_a way_n confess_v this_o sin_n and_o do_v solemn_o before_o the_o lord_n engage_v themselves_o to_o do_v no_o more_o so_o but_o to_o be_v careful_a to_o purge_v out_o all_o scandalous_a and_o malignant_a man_n out_o of_o the_o judicatories_n and_o army_n and_o to_o endeavour_v that_o such_o as_o be_v entrust_v therein_o shall_v be_v of_o a_o blameless_a and_o christian_a conversation_n and_o of_o constant_a integrity_n and_o affection_n to_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n in_o order_n to_o this_o solemn_a confession_n and_o engagement_n do_v many_o supplication_n warning_n remonstrance_n and_o declaration_n issue_v from_o the_o commission_n of_o the_o church_n and_o several_a law_n and_o act_n from_o the_o parliament_n and_o commitree_n of_o estate_n for_o purge_v and_o keep_v pure_a the_o judicatories_n &_o the_o army_n according_a to_o which_o many_o endeavour_n be_v use_v for_o put_v the_o same_o in_o execution_n which_o for_o some_o time_n go_v on_o with_o some_o measure_n of_o success_n and_o blessing_n but_o that_o so_o good_a and_o necessary_a a_o work_n do_v very_o soon_o begin_v to_o be_v retard_v and_o oppose_v first_o close_o and_o in_o a_o undermine_a way_n by_o some_o who_o do_v again_o begin_v to_o own_o malignant_a interest_n and_o afterward_o more_o open_o and_o avowed_o yet_o be_v the_o sinfulness_n of_o comply_v with_o and_o employ_v that_o party_n so_o much_o abhor_v and_o fear_v by_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n that_o not_o only_o do_v the_o commission_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n of_o the_o year_n 1649._o and_o the_o general_n assembly_n itself_o 1650._o in_o the_o very_a time_n when_o the_o land_n be_v invade_v by_o the_o english_a declare_v the_o employ_v and_o entrust_v of_o such_o to_o be_v unlawful_a even_o in_o the_o case_n of_o scarcity_n of_o man_n for_o the_o land_n defence_n but_o also_o the_o commission_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n of_o the_o year_n 1650._o do_v after_o the_o defeat_n at_o dunbar_n once_o and_o again_o give_v public_a warning_n to_o all_o the_o land_n to_o beware_v of_o compliance_n with_o that_o party_n and_o to_o take_v heed_n that_o under_o a_o pretence_n of_o do_v for_o the_o cause_n and_o for_o the_o kingdom_n they_o get_v not_o power_n and_o strength_n in_o their_o hand_n for_o advance_v and_o promote_a their_o old_a malignant_a design_n yea_o the_o question_n be_v direct_o propound_v by_o the_o king_n to_o the_o commission_n concern_v the_o employ_v of_o these_o man_n it_o be_v answer_v negative_o in_o a_o letter_n write_v to_o he_o for_o that_o effect_n yet_o after_o all_o this_o the_o commission_n do_v at_o a_o occasional_a meeting_n give_v that_o answer_n to_o the_o parliament_n quaere_fw-la by_o which_o a_o door_n be_v open_v to_o the_o speedy_a take_n in_o and_o employ_v of_o all_o that_o party_n first_o into_o the_o army_n and_o then_o into_o the_o judicatories_n concern_v which_o occasional_a meeting_n i_o desire_v to_o be_v observe_v that_o notwithstanding_o of_o all_o that_o be_v former_o say_v and_o that_o it_o be_v know_v that_o many_o member_n of_o the_o commission_n and_o many_o godly_a minister_n and_o professor_n throughout_o the_o land_n be_v in_o their_o judgement_n opposite_a to_o the_o employ_v and_o entrust_v of_o these_o man_n and_o that_o the_o resolve_v to_o employ_v they_o before_o satisfaction_n give_v to_o man_n conscience_n in_o the_o point_n can_v not_o but_o be_v matter_n of_o great_a stumble_n and_o offence_n and_o that_o a_o little_a before_o that_o time_n there_o have_v be_v one_o or_o two_o solemn_a meeting_n of_o the_o commission_n and_o that_o there_o be_v a_o set_a meeting_n of_o the_o commission_n to_o be_v within_o a_o week_n or_o two_o thereafter_o yet_o be_v there_o no_o mention_n of_o that_o business_n in_o these_o solemn_a frequent_a meeting_n and_o the_o other_o set_v meeting_n be_v prevent_v by_o that_o occasional_a meeting_n call_v by_o the_o moderator_n letter_n upon_o the_o desire_n of_o the_o parliament_n the_o lead_a man_n whereof_o at_o that_o time_n
upon_o which_o account_n a_o wrangler_n may_v haply_o deny_v that_o there_o be_v any_o prelimitation_n at_o all_o of_o election_n for_o if_o man_n be_v suffer_v to_o make_v any_o election_n or_o so_o patient_n in_o it_o that_o if_o they_o have_v be_v leave_v to_o themselves_o they_o will_v have_v take_v another_o course_n but_o what_o if_o they_o have_v some_o inclination_n that_o way_n yet_o be_v not_o herein_o full_o determine_v but_o be_v hover_v and_o suspend_v the_o ultimate_a determination_n of_o their_o judgement_n until_o they_o shall_v hear_v the_o matter_n debate_v in_o their_o presbytery_n or_o advise_v and_o confer_v with_o other_o of_o their_o brethren_n abroad_o and_o then_o the_o letter_n and_o act_n of_o the_o commission_n come_v unto_o they_o and_o by_o the_o authority_n hereof_o determine_v that_o judgement_n and_o shut_v out_o all_o that_o thereafter_o can_v be_v say_v by_o any_o to_o the_o contrary_n be_v there_o not_o a_o passive_a prelimitation_n here_o though_o such_o person_n do_v not_o mere_o follow_v the_o direction_n of_o the_o commission_n but_o also_o in_o some_o part_n their_o own_o inclination_n which_o i_o think_v indeed_o be_v the_o case_n of_o many_o of_o the_o presbytery_n next_o when_o he_o say_v that_o if_o the_o presbytery_n who_o be_v the_o only_a elector_n use_v their_o own_o freedom_n their_o election_n be_v free_a and_o valide_fw-la if_o he_o mean_v as_o to_o any_o prelimitation_n from_o without_o it_o be_v true_a but_o if_o he_o mean_v simple_o and_o in_o all_o case_n wherein_o they_o use_v their_o own_o freedom_n i_o deny_v that_o the_o election_n be_v always_o free_a and_o valade_v if_o the_o presbytery_n have_v free_o and_o by_o mutual_a agreement_n among_o themselves_o or_o two_o or_o three_o presbytery_n or_o one_o presbytery_n for_o the_o plurality_n of_o it_o have_v agree_v to_o exclude_v all_o these_o from_o voice_n in_o the_o election_n or_o from_o be_v elect_v who_o be_v for_o or_o those_o who_o be_v against_o the_o public_a resolution_n will_v these_o election_n have_v be_v free_a and_o valid_a may_v not_o presbytery_n themselves_o unwarrantable_o â—nâ—_n rench_v upon_o the_o freedom_n of_o their_o own_o election_n be_v as_o well_o as_o it_o may_v be_v do_v by_o other_o from_o without_o thâ—rdly_o i_o desire_v that_o to_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o which_o he_o say_v for_o illustrate_v the_o business_n that_o solicitation_n active_a of_o judge_n and_o member_n of_o aâ—y_a judicatory_a prove_v not_o a_o judicatory_a corrupt_a unless_o it_o can_v â—e_v evidence_v that_o they_o have_v accept_v and_o yield_v to_o the_o solicitation_n well_o then_o if_o their_o acceptance_n and_o yield_a can_v be_v evidence_v it_o prove_v they_o corrupt_v by_o the_o author_n own_o grant_n whether_o the_o paper_n prove_v either_o of_o these_o as_o it_o under-takes_a we_o shall_v see_v anon_o for_o verify_v the_o last_o of_o these_o the_o paper_n say_v that_o it_o be_v prove_v by_o the_o presbytery_n proceed_v according_a to_o the_o act_n and_o letter_n of_o the_o commission_n send_v to_o they_o about_o the_o time_n of_o choose_v the_o commissioner_n appoint_v that_o such_o etc._n etc._n over_o this_o probation_n the_o author_n make_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o business_n upon_o the_o writer_n to_o all_o which_o i_o say_v that_o he_o be_v not_o so_o simple_a as_o to_o entertain_v himself_o with_o such_o thought_n and_o purpose_n as_o the_o author_n speak_v of_o he_o do_v well_o enough_o know_v that_o what_o he_o say_v in_o this_o matter_n will_v come_v under_o the_o consideration_n of_o decern_v and_o both_o impartial_a and_o partial_a judgement_n and_o do_v expect_v contradiction_n either_o from_o the_o author_n or_o some_o other_o of_o his_o mind_n and_o therefore_o these_o thing_n need_v not_o but_o it_o be_v no_o probation_n but_o petitio_fw-la principii_fw-la say_v he_o a_o naked_a affirm_v of_o the_o same_o which_o be_v allege_v before_o under_o favour_n it_o be_v not_o so_o it_o be_v not_o the_o same_o thing_n to_o say_v that_o presbytery_n at_o the_o order_n and_o appointment_n of_o judicatories_n pass_v by_o etc._n etc._n and_o to_o say_v that_o presbytery_n proceed_v according_a the_o letter_n and_o act_n of_o the_o commission_n the_o second_o specify_v what_o supreme_a judicatory_a it_o be_v not_o the_o absolute_o or_o first_o supreme_a in_o this_o church_n to_o wit_n the_o assembly_n but_o the_o supreme_a by_o delegation_n in_o thing_n commit_v to_o they_o to_o wit_n the_o commission_n and_o it_o speak_v also_o what_o order_n and_o appointment_n it_o be_v condescend_v upon_o it_o in_o particular_a that_o it_o be_v a_o letter_n and_o act_n for_o this_o purpose_n so_o that_o the_o last_o bring_v clear_a light_n and_o evidence_n in_o both_o these_o particular_n than_o the_o first_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o petitio_fw-la principii_fw-la or_o a_o naked_a affirm_v of_o the_o same_o thing_n though_o it_o be_v not_o so_o full_a a_o proof_n of_o the_o whole_a matter_n which_o the_o writer_n think_v not_o so_o needful_a all_o at_o once_o because_o he_o be_v to_o speak_v of_o it_o afterward_o in_o answer_n to_o the_o objection_n which_o be_v bring_v in_o of_o purpose_n that_o the_o whole_a business_n may_v be_v clear_v and_o confirm_v but_o let_v all_o be_v never_o so_o true_a which_o â—s_v say_v afterward_o for_o proâ—f_n of_o the_o assumption_n the_o author_n wiâ—_n have_v nothing_o to_o be_v say_v or_o give_v to_o the_o reader_n here_o but_o word_n if_o it_o be_v true_a which_o be_v say_v afterward_o as_o i_o hope_v it_o shall_v after_o trial_n be_v find_v it_o be_v no_o great_a matter_n though_o he_o be_v suffer_v to_o enjoy_v his_o opinion_n in_o this_o vindication_n i_o affirm_v and_o make_v good_a that_o presbytery_n be_v not_o positive_o prelimited_n but_o do_v choose_v free_o 1._o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o presbytery_n i_o may_v say_v without_o overreach_v four_o part_n for_o five_o at_o that_o time_n have_v no_o opposite_a to_o the_o public_a resolution_n among_o they_o and_o so_o be_v not_o capable_a by_o pre-limitation_n to_o exclude_v who_o they_o have_v not_o 2._o of_o these_o presbytery_n who_o have_v any_o opposite_a to_o the_o resolution_n the_o far_o most_o part_n do_v choose_v such_o and_o no_o other_o for_o the_o commissioner_n some_o choose_v such_o and_o otherwise_o mind_v indifferent_o as_o will_v appear_v by_o the_o roll_n of_o the_o assembly_n and_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o presbytery_n at_o that_o time_n and_o these_o very_a few_o who_o do_v pass_v they_o by_o in_o their_o election_n we_o ready_o avow_v they_o do_v it_o mere_o of_o their_o own_o accord_n follow_v the_o freedom_n of_o their_o own_o mind_n without_o all_o pre-limitation_n by_o any_o from_o without_o the_o contrary_a be_v not_o prove_v and_o we_o can_v instruct_v the_o affirmitive_a of_o some_o who_o do_v pass_v by_o such_o ere_o that_o act_n or_o letter_n come_v to_o they_o or_o be_v make_v know_v to_o they_o review_n let_v we_o examine_v these_o thing_n upon_o which_o the_o author_n be_v bold_a to_o affirm_v and_o promise_n to_o make_v good_a that_o presbytery_n be_v not_o passive_o prelimited_a but_o do_v choice_n free_o the_o first_o be_v that_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o presbytery_n four_o part_n of_o five_o at_o that_o time_n have_v no_o opposite_a to_o the_o public_a resolution_n among_o they_o and_o so_o be_v not_o capable_a by_o prelimitation_n to_o exclude_v who_o they_o have_v not_o what_o though_o it_o be_v true_a that_o as_o many_o presbytery_n as_o he_o speak_v of_o have_v no_o opposite_a at_o that_o time_n to_o the_o public_a resolution_n yet_o what_o if_o all_o or_o some_o of_o these_o presbytery_n have_v in_o they_o some_o few_o or_o many_o who_o be_v as_o yet_o indifferent_a and_o not_o determine_v in_o the_o business_n but_o be_v afterward_o oversway_v with_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o commissioner_n letter_n and_o act_n be_v there_o not_o a_o prelimitation_n upon_o they_o in_o their_o voice_n in_o the_o election_n of_o commissioner_n because_o oversway_v by_o the_o letter_n and_o act_n of_o the_o commission_n to_o choose_v these_o who_o do_v approve_v of_o the_o public_a resolution_n which_o before_o the_o influence_n that_o that_o letter_n and_o act_n have_v upon_o they_o they_o be_v not_o determine_v in_o but_o may_v haply_o have_v be_v determine_v in_o the_o contrary_a upon_o supposal_n that_o many_o be_v indifferent_a at_o that_o time_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o public_a resolution_n as_o indeed_o not_o a_o few_o be_v if_o we_o may_v judge_v by_o their_o carriage_n because_o they_o have_v not_o declare_v their_o judgement_n for_o or_o against_o they_o who_o know_v but_o they_o may_v before_o the_o election_n have_v be_v determine_v against_o they_o if_o by_o the_o letter_n and_o act_n of_o the_o commission_n that_o give_v evidence_n of_o
provision_n that_o none_o shall_v be_v admit_v to_o place_n of_o power_n and_o trust_v but_o such_o as_o be_v qualify_v positive_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o that_o case_n hold_v forth_o in_o our_o solemn_a engagement_n to_o pass_v by_o the_o way_n of_o carry_v of_o it_o which_o be_v palpable_a and_o obvious_a to_o the_o whole_a land_n be_v not_o add_v until_o the_o force_n be_v almost_o complete_o levy_v and_o the_o bulk_n of_o the_o malignant_a party_n bring_v into_o employment_n and_o place_n of_o power_n and_o trust_v in_o the_o army_n the_o second_o item_n ordain_v presbytery_n to_o proceed_v with_o person_n former_o guilty_a of_o malignant_a course_n for_o admission_n of_o they_o into_o public_a repentance_n in_o a_o way_n conform_v to_o the_o rule_v set_v down_o by_o the_o general_n assembly_n for_o admit_v such_o upon_o testimony_n from_o presbytery_n bear_v satisfaction_n give_v by_o then_o conform_v to_o these_o rule_n be_v not_o at_o all_o include_v in_o the_o commission_n answer_v neither_o be_v there_o so_o much_o of_o it_o as_o one_o word_n in_o that_o large_a warn_v of_o the_o 7._o of_o jan._n 1651._o emit_v by_o the_o commission_n for_o strengthen_v of_o that_o answer_n and_o when_o anything_o of_o that_o kind_n in_o latter_a warning_n act_n and_o letter_n come_v to_o be_v add_v be_v always_o hold_v forth_o but_o as_o expedient_a in_o order_n to_o the_o employ_v of_o these_o man_n but_o never_o be_v press_v in_o any_o of_o these_o paper_n as_o a_o necessary_a duty_n to_o exclude_v all_o these_o from_o be_v employ_v for_o defence_n of_o the_o cause_n and_o kingdom_n who_o do_v not_o give_v evidence_n of_o their_o repentance_n according_a to_o the_o act_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n nay_o it_o can_v not_o be_v so_o press_v unless_o they_o have_v destroy_v the_o foundation_n which_o they_o have_v lay_v in_o their_o answer_n to_o the_o quaere_fw-la and_o in_o that_o warn_v the_o truth_n be_v what_o be_v do_v in_o the_o matter_n of_o repentance_n in_o order_n to_o the_o employ_v these_o man_n be_v upon_o the_o stumble_a and_o out-crying_a of_o many_o against_o the_o public_a resolution_n as_o they_o come_v first_o forth_o and_o yet_o so_o as_o the_o first_o ground_n be_v always_o hold_v fast_o as_o to_o the_o matter_n of_o judgement_n and_o for_o practice_n the_o business_n be_v hereby_o rather_o make_v worse_o before_o the_o lord_n and_o to_o the_o point_n of_o guiltiness_n than_o it_o be_v before_o the_o commission_n not_o only_o ranverse_v former_a act_n make_v by_o themselves_o for_o exclude_v these_o from_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n who_o be_v in_o the_o rebellion_n after_o dumbar_n till_o the_o next_o general_n assembly_n and_o make_v new_a act_n for_o receive_v of_o they_o but_o receive_v promiscuous_o such_o as_o come_v unto_o they_o and_o by_o their_o example_n teach_v presbytery_n to_o do_v the_o like_a by_o which_o be_v produce_v a_o fearful_a mock_n of_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n in_o public_a repentance_n which_o no_o doubt_n have_v be_v one_o of_o the_o provoke_a cause_n of_o the_o lord_n wrath_n to_o draw_v on_o these_o dreadful_a stroke_n wherewith_o he_o have_v again_o smite_v our_o army_n and_o our_o whole_a land_n but_o to_o the_o hypothesis_n itself_o grant_v to_o the_o author_n that_o which_o he_o allege_n that_o this_o hypothesis_n be_v not_o clear_a at_o the_o time_n of_o the_o protestation_n because_o as_o yet_o there_o be_v not_o any_o particular_a determination_n thereanent_a in_o former_a general_n assembly_n first_o i_o doubt_v of_o that_o assertion_n of_o he_o that_o when_o a_o imputation_n of_o scandal_n depend_v upon_o a_o particular_a hypothesis_n which_o at_o lest_o be_v questionable_a and_o the_o very_a point_n in_o controversy_n betwixt_o they_o and_o their_o accuser_n it_o be_v against_o all_o reason_n and_o equity_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v hold_v to_o be_v under_o a_o presumption_n of_o scandal_n until_o that_o particular_a hypothesis_n be_v discuss_v and_o clear_v and_o therefore_o until_o that_o be_v do_v the_o adversary_n alleadgeance_n against_o they_o be_v to_o be_v hold_v but_o as_o a_o mere_a alleadgeance_n upon_o which_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v exclude_v from_o sit_v as_o member_n in_o the_o assembly_n until_o their_o cause_n be_v judge_v and_o try_v i_o suppose_v that_o some_o commissioner_n to_o the_o assembly_n shall_v object_v against_o other_o commissioner_n that_o have_v comit_v murder_n and_o shall_v offer_v instant_o to_o verify_v the_o same_o and_o desire_v that_o the_o person_n against_o who_o it_o be_v propound_v shall_v be_v remove_v from_o sit_v as_o member_n until_o it_o migbt_v be_v try_v and_o they_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n shall_v say_v that_o it_o be_v true_a they_o have_v take_v the_o life_n of_o such_o person_n but_o in_o their_o own_o just_a and_o necessary_a defence_n and_o therefore_o they_o can_v not_o be_v hold_v under_o a_o scandal_n of_o murder_n nor_o be_v thereupon_o remove_v from_o sit_v in_o the_o assembly_n till_o that_o particular_a hypothesis_n be_v first_o determine_v will_v the_o author_n think_v it_o a_o wrong_n do_v to_o these_o person_n or_o rather_o a_o duty_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o assembly_n to_o remove_v they_o tâ—â—l_v the_o matter_n shall_v be_v cognosce_v upon_o 2._o i_o do_v affirm_v that_o not_o only_o former_a assembly_n but_o the_o assembly_n 1651._o do_v remove_v commissioner_n upon_o exception_n propound_v against_o they_o the_o ground_n whereof_o be_v not_o yet_o clear_o determine_v in_o law_n for_o instance_n the_o commissioner_n of_o the_o first_o election_n of_o the_o presbytery_n of_o glasgow_n who_o be_v lay_v aside_o as_o for_o other_o reason_n so_o also_o for_o this_o as_o one_o in_o foro_fw-la controdictorio_n sustain_v to_o be_v relevant_a because_o of_o the_o exception_n of_o the_o oppose_a of_o public_a resolution_n propound_v against_o they_o next_o mr._n robert_n cauden_n commissioner_n from_o the_o presbytery_n of_o dunce_n be_v remove_v upon_o the_o propound_v of_o this_o exception_n that_o there_o be_v but_o three_o or_o four_o minister_n in_o that_o presbytery_n to_o choose_v commissioner_n all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o church_n thereof_o be_v vacant_a and_o can_v any_o determination_n of_o this_o kirk_n be_v produce_v that_o three_o or_o four_o minister_n in_o a_o presbytery_n where_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o church_n of_o that_o presbytery_n be_v vacant_a can_v choose_v commissioner_n to_o the_o general_n assembly_n 3._o i_o do_v upon_o the_o ground_n which_o the_o author_n himself_o lay_v down_o prove_v the_o carriage_n of_o the_o commissioner_n to_o have_v be_v scandalous_a and_o such_o as_o do_v minister_v just_a ground_n of_o except_v against_o they_o why_o they_o shall_v not_o sit_v as_o member_n in_o the_o general_n assembly_n till_o their_o carriage_n shall_v be_v first_o try_v my_o argument_n be_v this_o whosoever_o commissioner_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n be_v in_o their_o trust_n and_o carriage_n in_o the_o public_a affair_n of_o the_o kirk_n limit_v and_o tie_v to_o proceed_v according_a to_o act_n of_o former_a general_n assembly_n do_v upon_o the_o account_n of_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o trust_n declare_v many_o godly_a minister_n in_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n till_o then_o of_o unquestionable_a integrity_n and_o faithfulness_n in_o the_o work_n of_o god_n to_o be_v malignant_n and_o unfaithful_a in_o the_o cause_n etc._n etc._n and_o require_v presbytery_n to_o censure_v they_o and_o to_o refer_v and_o cite_v they_o to_o the_o general_n assembly_n because_o of_o their_o oppose_v of_o resolution_n take_v and_o issue_v by_o they_o concern_v which_o there_o be_v no_o particular_a determination_n in_o any_o former_a assembly_n they_o give_v scandal_n and_o offence_n in_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o trust_n and_o may_v just_o because_o thereof_o be_v except_v against_o as_o not_o fit_a to_o sit_v in_o the_o general_n assembly_n as_o member_n thereof_o before_o their_o carriage_n be_v try_v but_o the_o commissioner_n of_o the_o assembly_n 1651._o who_o be_v member_n of_o the_o commission_n be_v such_o ergo_fw-la etc._n etc._n the_o assumption_n be_v clear_a the_o matter_n of_o fact_n contain_v therein_o be_v evident_a from_o their_o own_o paper_n and_o that_o they_o be_v not_o warrant_v by_o any_o act_n of_o the_o assembly_n so_o to_o do_v be_v the_o author_n own_o ground_n the_o first_o proposition_n i_o prove_v thus_o whosoever_o so_o far_o transgress_v the_o bound_n of_o their_o commission_n as_o upon_o the_o account_n thereof_o to_o declare_v many_o former_o faithful_a to_o be_v malignant_n unfaithful_a and_o ordain_v they_o to_o be_v censure_v and_o cite_v when_o they_o have_v no_o warrant_n thereby_o so_o to_o do_v gives_z scandal_n and_o offence_n in_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o trust_n but_o the_o commissioner_n by_o
the_o nullity_n of_o the_o pretended-assemble_o at_o saint_n andrews_n &_o dundee_n wherein_o be_v contain_v the_o representation_n for_o adjournment_n the_o protestation_n &_o reason_n thereof_o together_o with_o a_o review_n and_o examination_n of_o the_o vindication_n of_o the_o say_v p._n assembly_n hereunto_o be_v subjoin_v the_o solemn_a acknowledgement_n of_o sin_n and_o engagement_n to_o duty_n make_v and_o take_v by_o the_o nobility_n gentry_n burrough_n ministry_n and_o commonalty_n in_o the_o year_n 1648._o when_v the_o covenant_n be_v renew_a with_o sundry_a other_o paper_n relate_v unto_o in_o the_o foresay_a review_n print_a in_o the_o year_n 1652._o reader_n we_o have_v here_o observe_v some_o few_o escape_n of_o the_o press_n some_o more_o gross_a error_n thou_o will_v find_v in_o the_o vindication_n for_o which_o neither_o the_o printer_n nor_o theje_fw-fr who_o give_v he_o the_o copy_n can_v be_v blame_v for_o the_o truth_n be_v a_o letter_n be_v write_v to_o the_o moderator_n of_o the_o late_a p._n assembly_n at_o edinburgh_n desire_v a_o perfect_a copy_n of_o the_o vindication_n by_o which_o any_o error_n in_o that_o copy_n which_o have_v come_v to_o our_o hand_n may_v have_v be_v correct_v and_o in_o that_o same_o letter_n there_o be_v desire_v a_o copy_n of_o the_o king_n letter_n to_o the_o p._n assembly_n at_o st._n andrews_n with_o the_o commissioner_n speech_n see_v the_o vindication_n do_v refer_v to_o these_o although_o it_o have_v be_v spread_v alone_o and_o these_o copy_n keep_v up_o but_o to_o neither_o of_o these_o desire_n be_v there_o any_o answer_n return_v errata_fw-la page_n 4_o for_o nonformist_n read_v nonconformist_n pag._n 7._o f._n who_o r._n wherein_o f._n tenant_n r._n tenet_n pag._n 8._o f._n too_o sharp-sighted_a r._n to_o be_v etc._n etc._n pag._n 15._o f._n may_v r._n nay_o pag._n 17._o f._n require_v r._n be_v require_v pag._n 30._o l._n 25._o r._n which_o seem_v pag._n 37._o l._n 1._o r._n gentleman_n pag._n 58._o r._n as_o for_o and_o ibid._n l._n 29._o r._n no_o evil_a before_o they_o in_o pag._n 59_o l._n 13._o f._n then_o r._n when_o pag._n 62._o r._n these_o after_o against_o ibid._n f._n accept_v r._n except_a ibid._n r._n patiar_fw-la f._n patior_fw-la ibid._n r._n defection_n f._n desertion_n pag._n 63._o r._n for_o after_z why_o pag._n 67._o r._n quary_z f._n presbytery_n r._n prelacy_n pag._n 170._o l._n 8._o r._n man_n and_o this_o ibid._n l._n 9_o r._n as_o appear_v p._n 171._o l._n 19_o r._n concession_n to_o the_o christian-reader_n christian-reader_n that_o thou_o may_v with_o understanding_n read_v this_o book_n and_o the_o debate_n contain_v therein_o thou_o be_v to_o take_v notice_n that_o in_o the_o year_n 1651._o in_o the_o month_n of_o july_n many_o of_o the_o commissioner_n from_o presbytery_n meet_v at_o st._n andrews_n do_v proceed_v to_o constitute_v themselves_o into_o and_o to_o act_v as_o a_o general_n assembly_n of_o the_o kirk_n of_o scotland_n against_o the_o constitution_n of_o which_o assembly_n sundry_a of_o the_o minister_n who_o have_v former_o bear_v testimony_n against_o the_o employ_v and_o entrust_v of_o the_o malignant_a party_n with_o the_o cause_n and_o kingdom_n do_v enter_v a_o public_a protestation_n in_o writing_n subscribe_v by_o their_o hand_n as_o not_o be_v a_o free_a and_o lawful_a general_n assembly_n within_o a_o few_o week_n thereafter_o one_o as_o it_o seem_v of_o those_o protester_n do_v pen_v a_o paper_n for_o strengthen_v and_o clear_n the_o ground_n of_o that_o protestation_n and_o take_v off_o such_o objection_n as_o be_v usual_o make_v against_o the_o same_o in_o answer_n to_o both_o these_o a_o member_n as_o i_o take_v it_o of_o that_o assembly_n at_o st._n andrews_n do_v within_o few_o month_n after_o write_v a_o treatise_n entitle_v a_o vindication_n of_o the_o freedom_n and_o lawfulness_n and_o so_o of_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n meet_v at_o st._n andrews_n etc._n etc._n to_o which_o treatise_n in_o the_o month_n of_o may_n last_o there_o be_v a_o reply_n write_v bear_v the_o name_n of_o the_o nullity_n of_o the_o assembly_n at_o st._n andrews_n or_o a_o review_n of_o a_o vindication_n etc._n etc._n which_o do_v set_v down_o and_o make_v answer_n unto_o that_o vindication_n by_o parcel_n and_o section_n all_o these_o four_o be_v now_o offer_v to_o thou_o in_o this_o book_n and_o in_o that_o order_n in_o which_o they_o be_v first_o pen_v to_o wit_n the_o protestation_n against_o the_o meeting_n at_o st._n andrews_n in_o the_o first_o place_n the_o reason_n for_o strengthen_v and_o clear_n thereof_o in_o the_o second_o place_n the_o vindication_n and_o the_o review_n thereof_o together_o in_o last_o place_n there_o be_v also_o add_v some_o other_o paper_n upon_o the_o by_o for_o clear_v of_o some_o thing_n in_o the_o debate_n the_o lord_z give_v unto_o thou_o a_o spirit_n of_o judgement_n and_o understanding_n in_o read_v that_o thou_o may_v judge_v true_a and_o righteous_a judgement_n condemn_v the_o guilty_a and_o absolve_v the_o innocent_a unto_o the_o moderator_n &_o brethren_n assemble_v at_o st._n andrews_n the_o humble_a representation_n and_o desire_n of_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n under_o subscribe_v among_o the_o many_o sad_a token_n of_o the_o lord_n indignation_n and_o wrath_n against_o this_o church_n the_o present_a unhappy_a differrence_n of_o his_o servant_n of_o the_o ministry_n be_v look_v upon_o by_o we_o and_o we_o believe_v by_o all_o the_o godly_a of_o the_o land_n as_o one_o of_o the_o great_a and_o as_o we_o hold_v it_o a_o duty_n lie_v upon_o we_o to_o be_v deep_o humble_v before_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o sense_n thereof_o and_o in_o our_o station_n and_o calling_n to_o endeavour_v by_o all_o lawful_a and_o fair_a mean_n the_o remedy_n and_o removal_n of_o the_o same_o so_o we_o acknowledge_v a_o free_a gen._n assembly_n lawful_o call_v and_o right_o constitute_v and_o meet_v together_o in_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o proceed_v with_o meekness_n and_o love_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o his_o word_n and_o constitution_n of_o this_o church_n to_o be_v among_o the_o first_o and_o most_o effectual_a remedy_n appoint_v of_o god_n for_o attain_v of_o these_o end_n therefore_o consider_v that_o the_o election_n of_o commissioner_n for_o the_o assembly_n have_v be_v in_o many_o place_n limit_v and_o prejudice_v in_o the_o due_a liberty_n and_o freedom_n thereof_o by_o the_o letter_n and_o act_n of_o the_o commission_n of_o the_o last_o gen._n assembly_n to_o presbytery_n appoint_v such_o as_o remain_v unsatisfied_a with_o and_o bear_v testimony_n against_o the_o public_a resolution_n to_o be_v cite_v to_o the_o general_n assembly_n which_o upon_o the_o matter_n have_v in_o many_o presbytery_n real_o obstruct_v the_o elect_v of_o such_o though_o otherwise_o man_n of_o approven_v ability_n and_o constant_a faithfulness_n and_o zeal_n for_o the_o work_n of_o reformation_n since_o the_o begin_n thereof_o and_o that_o many_o election_n be_v questionable_a some_o as_o contain_v person_n not_o in_o a_o capacity_n to_o be_v choose_v by_o the_o act_n of_o this_o church_n and_o some_o as_o not_o be_v make_v in_o a_o due_a order_n and_o right_a way_n and_o that_o many_o commissioner_n of_o presbytery_n and_o burrough_n be_v absent_a some_o of_o they_o want_v free_a access_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o english_a lie_v in_o the_o country_n and_o some_o upon_o other_o impediment_n and_o occasion_n and_o remember_v that_o such_o reason_n have_v former_o have_v weight_n in_o point_n of_o discussion_n of_o the_o validity_n of_o some_o assembly_n and_o may_v still_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o important_a and_o weighty_a by_o these_o who_o may_v happen_v not_o to_o be_v satisfy_v in_o their_o conscience_n with_o your_o proceed_n we_o do_v with_o all_o humble_a earnestness_n and_o in_o the_o bowel_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n desire_n and_o beseech_v you_o for_o truth_n and_o peace_n sake_n and_o that_o further_a mistake_n and_o division_n may_v not_o be_v increase_v unto_o the_o prejudice_n of_o the_o lord_n work_v and_o rejoice_v of_o enemy_n and_o sad_v the_o heart_n of_o his_o people_n that_o the_o diet_n of_o the_o gen._n assembly_n may_v by_o the_o common_a consent_n and_o advice_n of_o the_o brethren_n now_o meet_v together_o be_v adjourn_v for_o some_o competent_a time_n and_o that_o by_o the_o same_o mutual_a advice_n and_o consent_n it_o may_v be_v declare_v that_o the_o letter_n and_o act_n of_o the_o commission_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v any_o prejudice_n to_o these_o who_o remain_v unsatisfied_a with_o the_o public_a resolution_n why_o they_o may_v not_o be_v choose_v commissioner_n to_o the_o general_n assembly_n and_o that_o such_o presbytery_n as_o shall_v think_v fit_a may_v make_v their_o election_n of_o new_a again_o especial_o these_o presbytery_n who_o
import_v any_o prelimitation_n of_o the_o assembly_n or_o any_o prejudice_n to_o the_o freedom_n of_o election_n or_o any_o wrong_n to_o these_o who_o be_v ordain_v to_o be_v cite_v answ_n we_o deny_v that_o the_o commission_n have_v any_o power_n either_o to_o censure_v or_o cite_v these_o who_o oppose_v the_o public_a resolution_n now_o in_o controversy_n the_o clause_n of_o the_o commission_n in_o 1648._o to_o which_o we_o suppose_v they_o to_o be_v consonant_n be_v that_o all_o opposer_n of_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o commission_n in_o matter_n entrust_v to_o they_o shall_v be_v hold_v as_o opposer_n of_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n but_o be_v never_o entru_v to_o they_o to_o bring_v in_o the_o malignant_a party_n nay_o a_o great_a part_n of_o their_o trust_n be_v to_o keep_v they_o out_o but_o for_o further_a clear_n of_o the_o business_n we_o desire_v that_o it_o may_v be_v consider_v that_o as_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o common_a reason_n teach_v all_o superior_a judicatories_n to_o limit_v any_o to_o who_o they_o give_v delegation_n and_o commission_n to_o a_o certain_a rule_n according_a to_o which_o they_o be_v to_o walk_v in_o their_o administration_n to_o wit_n the_o know_v stand_a law_n of_o the_o incorporation_n to_o which_o the_o judicatory_n do_v belong_v and_o to_o a_o certain_a end_n which_o they_o be_v to_o have_v before_o they_o in_o all_o their_o act_n to_o wit_n the_o good_a and_o preservation_n of_o the_o whole_a body_n to_o who_o they_o belong_v so_o unless_o we_o will_v speak_v gross_a absurdity_n it_o be_v undeniable_a that_o the_o commission_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n be_v in_o all_o their_o act_n to_o have_v walk_v according_a to_o the_o act_n of_o former_a general_n assembly_n and_o to_o have_v have_v before_o they_o the_o preserve_n and_o promove_v of_o the_o work_n of_o reformation_n and_o the_o keep_n of_o the_o liberty_n and_o privilege_n of_o the_o kirk_n entire_a and_o untouched_a ne_fw-la quid_fw-la deurementi_fw-la capiat_fw-la ecclesia_fw-la have_v be_v the_o main_a end_n why_o commissioner_n from_o general_a assembly_n be_v at_o first_o appoint_v but_o so_o it_o be_v that_o their_o resolution_n and_o proceed_n in_o order_n to_o the_o take_n in_o of_o the_o malignant_a party_n be_v not_o only_o without_o the_o warrant_n of_o any_o act_n of_o assembly_n and_o not_o only_o not_o contributive_a for_o the_o preserve_n and_o advance_v of_o the_o work_n of_o reformation_n but_o express_o contrary_a to_o the_o clear_a letter_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o of_o multitude_n of_o act_n and_o destructive_a to_o the_o work_n and_o therefore_o have_v they_o no_o power_n at_o all_o either_o to_o censure_n or_o cite_v such_o as_o do_v oppose_v they_o therein_o and_o stand_v for_o the_o covenant_n and_o act_n of_o the_o assembly_n and_o by_o assume_v to_o themselves_o such_o a_o power_n they_o do_v not_o only_o beyond_o the_o bond_n of_o their_o commission_n but_o destroy_v the_o very_a end_n for_o which_o their_o commission_n be_v give_v they_o to_o wit_n the_o preserve_v the_o liberty_n and_o privilege_n of_o the_o kirk_n for_o by_o this_o mean_v they_o bring_v the_o gen._n assembly_n itself_o into_o servitude_n and_o bondage_n by_o exclude_v all_o such_o therefrom_o as_o will_v not_o be_v consent_v to_o that_o course_n of_o defection_n which_o they_o have_v carry_v on_o a_o very_a dangerous_a and_o damnable_a preparative_n which_o lay_v a_o foundation_n first_o for_o the_o total_a overthrow_n of_o the_o discipline_n of_o this_o kirk_n then_o of_o the_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n for_o by_o this_o mean_n if_o the_o commission_n once_o be_v corrupt_v though_o it_o be_v so_o far_o as_o to_o the_o introduce_v of_o prelacy_n and_o the_o service-book_n nay_o though_o it_o be_v to_o the_o bring_n in_o of_o the_o pope_n supremacy_n and_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o popery_n there_o be_v no_o remedy_n leave_v none_o can_v vote_n in_o a_o gen._n assembly_n where_o the_o remedy_n be_v to_o be_v expect_v but_o such_o as_o concur_v with_o they_o in_o judgement_n other_o who_o differ_v and_o oppose_v be_v to_o be_v cite_v and_o censure_v object_n albeit_o the_o commission_n do_v send_v such_o a_o letter_n and_o act_n as_o be_v speak_v of_o yet_o it_o do_v not_o from_o thence_o follow_v that_o thereby_o election_n of_o commissioner_n in_o presbytery_n to_o the_o assembly_n be_v prelimited_a or_o pre-judged_n in_o the_o due_a liberty_n and_o freedom_n thereof_o 1_o because_o it_o be_v free_a to_o presbytery_n notwithstanding_o thereof_o to_o choose_v who_o they_o please_v 2_o a_o citation_n to_o the_o general_n assembly_n do_v not_o bar_v a_o man_n from_o be_v choose_a commissioner_n thereto_o nor_o exclude_v he_o when_o he_o be_v choose_v from_o vote_v therein_o 3_o because_o that_o letter_n and_o act_n have_v little_a or_o no_o influence_n upon_o presbytery_n in_o the_o choice_n of_o their_o commissioner_n but_o notwithstanding_o thereof_o several_a presbytery_n do_v choose_v man_n who_o be_v unsatisfied_a with_o the_o public_a resolution_n 4_o none_o who_o be_v unsatisfied_a with_o the_o public_a resolution_n and_o be_v commissioner_n be_v upon_o that_o account_n of_o their_o not_o be_v satisfy_v or_o be_v cite_v deny_v a_o voice_n in_o the_o assembly_n answ_n as_o to_o the_o first_o it_o be_v true_a that_o presbytery_n be_v physical_o free_a notwithstanding_o of_o that_o letter_n and_o act_n to_o choose_v who_o they_o please_v that_o be_v the_o letter_n and_o act_n put_v no_o external_a coaction_n and_o constraint_n upon_o they_o by_o any_o coersive_a power_n upon_o the_o outward_a man_n but_o they_o be_v not_o moral_o free_a that_o be_v they_o be_v not_o free_a from_o a_o moral_a over-awing_a power_n have_v influence_n upon_o their_o will_n to_o wit_n the_o authority_n of_o the_o commission_n command_v they_o upon_o the_o matter_n to_o choose_v none_o such_o and_o upon_o the_o matter_n threaten_v they_o if_o they_o shall_v do_v otherwise_o they_o be_v so_o far_o bind_v as_o the_o commission_n can_v bind_v they_o and_o who_o know_v not_o what_o influence_n the_o direction_n and_o command_v thereof_o have_v upon_o presbytery_n to_o determine_v they_o in_o their_o act_n as_o to_o the_o second_o though_o every_o citation_n or_o citation_n of_o all_o kind_n do_v not_o exclude_v a_o man_n from_o be_v choose_v a_o commissioner_n or_o sit_v a_o member_n of_o the_o assembly_n yet_o we_o think_v that_o it_o will_v not_o be_v deny_v that_o a_o citation_n in_o matter_n of_o scandal_n either_o in_o doctrine_n or_o manner_n will_n and_o aught_o to_o exclude_v he_o from_o be_v choose_a commissioner_n to_o or_o sit_v in_o a_o gen._n assembly_n the_o assembly_n since_o the_o first_o reformation_n and_o that_o upon_o good_a ground_n have_v always_o take_v care_n that_o all_o her_o member_n shall_v be_v free_a of_o scandal_n and_o of_o a_o good_a report_n and_o that_o this_o be_v a_o scandal_n more_o than_o ordinary_a in_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o commission_n both_o in_o doctrine_n and_o manner_n be_v clear_a from_o their_o paper_n and_o warning_n wherein_o they_o do_v not_o only_o load_v it_o with_o many_o grievous_a imputation_n but_o stir_v up_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n to_o punish_v such_o as_o be_v guilty_a of_o it_o and_z gives_z direction_n to_o presbytery_n for_o censure_v they_o with_o ecclesiastical_a censure_n beside_o it_o be_v unquestionable_a that_o all_o citation_n do_v exclude_v man_n from_o be_v judge_n in_o the_o matter_n for_o which_o they_o be_v cite_v and_o therefore_o though_o they_o may_v have_v be_v admit_v to_o sit_v as_o judge_n in_o the_o assembly_n in_o other_o particular_n which_o yet_o be_v not_o grant_v for_o the_o reason_n above_o mention_v yet_o it_o be_v above_o controversy_n that_o they_o can_v not_o have_v sit_v in_o this_o and_o therefore_o it_o still_o follow_v that_o as_o to_o this_o particular_a which_o be_v indeed_o the_o main_a thing_n if_o not_o in_o a_o sort_n all_o that_o be_v to_o be_v handle_v in_o the_o assembly_n it_o be_v prelimited_a as_o to_o the_o three_o that_o that_o letter_n and_o act_n have_v no_o influence_n upon_o presbytery_n in_o the_o choice_n of_o their_o commissioner_n it_o be_v speak_v against_o the_o truth_n as_o will_v appear_v by_o these_o instance_n 1_o all_o those_o minister_n who_o oppose_v the_o public_a resolution_n be_v know_v to_o be_v honest_a and_o faithful_a man_n and_o most_o of_o they_o as_o have_v wont_a ordinary_o these_o year_n past_a because_o of_o their_o ability_n and_o integrity_n to_o be_v choose_v commissioner_n but_o few_o of_o these_o be_v choose_v in_o presbytery_n this_o year_n to_o be_v commissioner_n to_o the_o assembly_n and_o if_o any_o such_o be_v choose_v it_o be_v where_o the_o whole_a presbytery_n be_v unanimous_a against_o the_o public_a resolution_n or_o if_o the_o presbytery_n be_v divide_v in_o their_o
that_o be_v present_a who_o be_v many_o from_o several_a part_n of_o the_o kingdom_n beside_o commissioner_n can_v well_o remember_v this_o review_n if_o mr._n ja._n guthrie_n be_v a_o vilifier_n of_o the_o act_n of_o the_o assembly_n he_o seem_v to_o be_v neither_o so_o ingenuous_a nor_o prudent_a as_o need_n be_v for_o none_o have_v plead_v more_o act_n of_o assembly_n in_o all_o these_o public_a difference_n and_o for_o any_o thing_n i_o know_v hitherto_o without_o any_o satisfy_a answer_n as_o for_o that_o speech_n of_o he_o it_o be_v thus_o in_o that_o meeting_n many_o argument_n be_v bring_v to_o confirm_v the_o remonstrance_n in_o that_o point_n relate_v to_o the_o treaty_n and_o some_o continue_v still_o to_o argue_v against_o the_o remonstrance_n in_o that_o particular_a mr._n ro._n ramsay_n sum_v up_o the_o argument_n bring_v for_o strengthen_v the_o remonstrance_n into_o a_o syllogism_n to_o which_o no_o reply_n be_v make_v but_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o gen_n assembly_n be_v press_v in_o the_o mean_a while_n some_o godly_a and_o tender_a man_n who_o be_v commissioner_n for_o the_o church_n in_o holland_n do_v public_o and_o with_o much_o weight_n of_o spirit_n declare_v themselves_o in_o the_o hear_n of_o all_o the_o meeting_n that_o they_o by_o their_o mistake_n in_o that_o matter_n do_v conceive_v themselves_o accessary_a to_o all_o the_o misery_n that_o be_v come_v upon_o scotland_n &_o that_o they_o desire_v to_o repent_v thereof_o and_o other_o have_v add_v somewhat_o concern_v the_o smiting_n of_o their_o conscience_n in_o that_o particular_a it_o be_v reply_v by_o one_o in_o the_o meeting_n where_o be_v all_o these_o tender_a conscience_n at_o the_o general_n assembly_n and_o when_o he_o who_o make_v that_o reply_n and_o other_o do_v insist_v in_o press_v the_o act_n of_o the_o assembly_n mr._n james_n guthrie_n say_v you_o will_v study_v to_o satisfy_v the_o scruple_n of_o man_n conscience_n otherways_o then_o by_o press_v on_o they_o the_o act_n of_o the_o assembly_n be_v this_o speech_n thus_o circumstantiate_a a_o public_a vilify_n of_o the_o act_n of_o the_o assembly_n let_v we_o take_v the_o word_n as_o the_o author_n allege_n they_o yet_o have_v they_o a_o very_a good_a meaning_n because_o humane_a constitution_n as_o such_o do_v not_o bind_v the_o conscience_n neque_fw-la enim_fw-la cum_fw-la hominibus_fw-la sed_fw-la cum_fw-la uno_fw-la deo_fw-la negotium_fw-la est_fw-la conscientiis_fw-la nostris_fw-la say_v a_o gteat_fw-la divine_a and_o therefore_o unless_o man_n will_v strain_v the_o word_n of_o their_o brethren_n further_o than_o charity_n or_o verity_n will_v allow_v they_o there_o can_v be_v no_o weight_n lay_v upon_o these_o word_n for_o prove_v mr._n james_n guthries_n practise_v to_o be_v contrary_a to_o his_o profession_n we_o shall_v find_v the_o author_n haply_o before_o the_o close_a of_o this_o vindication_n go_v as_o great_a a_o length_n as_o this_o speech_n will_v reach_v in_o order_n to_o act_n of_o general_n assembly_n and_o yet_o i_o believe_v he_o will_v think_v it_o hard_a measure_n to_o infer_v such_o consequence_n from_o his_o word_n vindication_n three_o tumultuous_a desert_v and_o run_v out_o of_o the_o public_a judicatories_n of_o the_o kirk_n and_o threaten_v the_o same_o because_o of_o some_o matter_n carry_v therein_o contrary_a to_o their_o own_o mind_n witness_v their_o carriage_n at_o the_o commission_n in_o perth_n novemb_v 1650._o where_n because_o of_o that_o moderate_a sense_n give_v they_o upon_o the_o western_a remonstrance_n many_o of_o they_o do_v in_o a_o disorderly_a way_n desert_n and_o leave_v the_o commission_n never_o deign_v to_o come_v to_o any_o meeting_n thereof_o afterward_o some_o of_o they_o as_o they_o be_v go_v out_o threaten_v from_o a_o high_a place_n with_o a_o loud_a voice_n and_o revenge_n flame_v out_o of_o their_o eye_n in_o such_o word_n as_o these_o we_o hope_v well_o we_o shall_v get_v our_o day_n about_o of_o they_o yet_o review_n they_o do_v not_o tumultuous_o desert_n and_o run_v out_o of_o the_o commission_n much_o less_o do_v they_o threaten_v the_o same_o because_o of_o some_o matter_n carry_v therein_o contrary_a to_o their_o mind_n such_o of_o they_o as_o do_v depart_v do_v go_v away_o in_o a_o peaceable_a and_o quiet_a way_n without_o any_o tumult_n and_o disorder_n have_v now_o stay_v for_o a_o considerable_a time_n first_o at_o sterlin_n and_o then_o at_o perth_n and_o not_o know_v any_o further_a business_n of_o importance_n that_o the_o commission_n mean_v to_o meddle_v with_o at_o that_o time_n as_o for_o the_o instance_n give_v by_o the_o author_n see_v he_o be_v please_v in_o other_o place_n of_o his_o paper_n to_o name_v particular_a person_n why_o do_v he_o not_o also_o name_v the_o person_n who_o speak_v these_o threaten_a word_n with_o revenge_n flame_v out_o of_o their_o eye_n i_o do_v indeed_o remember_v that_o the_o spirit_n of_o many_o gracious_a man_n who_o be_v then_o present_a be_v much_o weight_v and_o sore_o grieve_v with_o the_o precipitant_a proceed_n of_o the_o commission_n at_o that_o time_n and_o that_o a_o brother_n do_v lay_v this_o serious_o before_o the_o commission_n and_o do_v use_v some_o such_o expression_n as_o the_o author_n relate_v but_o that_o it_o be_v in_o a_o threaten_a way_n or_o with_o revenge_n flame_v out_o of_o his_o eye_n be_v more_o than_o can_v be_v make_v good_a such_o a_o word_n may_v be_v speak_v with_o soberness_n of_o mind_n and_o to_o good_a purpose_n without_o any_o threaten_a or_o desire_n of_o revenge_n whither_o they_o do_v never_o deign_v to_o come_v to_o any_o meeting_n of_o the_o commission_n thereafter_o i_o can_v confident_o speak_v to_o it_o either_o upon_o the_o one_o hand_n or_o on_o the_o other_o but_o i_o can_v confident_o say_v that_o as_o they_o do_v never_o take_v any_o resolution_n not_o to_o come_v so_o also_o that_o their_o stay_v a_o way_n be_v not_o so_o much_o occasion_v by_o this_o proceed_n against_o the_o remonstrance_n though_o that_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o stumble_v and_o offence_n unto_o they_o as_o by_o something_o that_o follow_v thereafter_o which_o do_v convince_v they_o that_o their_o come_n to_o the_o commission_n may_v well_o increase_v strife_n and_o debate_n but_o that_o it_o will_v contribute_v little_a or_o nothing_o for_o their_o own_o edification_n or_o the_o edification_n of_o other_o before_o we_o pass_v this_o point_n i_o shall_v give_v the_o reader_n a_o short_a account_n of_o this_o whole_a business_n after_o the_o present_n of_o the_o remonstrance_n unto_o the_o committee_n of_o estate_n at_o sterline_n it_o be_v think_v fit_a both_o by_o the_o committee_n of_o estate_n and_o commission_n of_o the_o assembly_n that_o these_o respective_a meeting_n shall_v meet_v at_o sterline_n the_o ______o day_n of_o ______o to_o take_z into_o consideration_n what_o answer_v it_o be_v fit_a to_o give_v unto_o the_o remonstrance_n and_o what_o to_o do_v in_o other_o thing_n that_o do_v concern_v the_o defence_n of_o religion_n and_o of_o the_o kingdom_n in_o that_o straight_o they_o then_o stand_v and_o that_o therefore_o not_o only_o the_o member_n of_o these_o meeting_n but_o also_o several_a other_o gentleman_n and_o minister_n shall_v be_v advertise_v to_o keep_v the_o diet_n notwithstanding_o of_o which_o appointment_n the_o committee_n of_o estate_n do_v afterward_o adjourn_v their_o meeting_n to_o pearth_n where_o the_o king_n be_v for_o the_o time_n the_o commission_n of_o the_o church_n according_a to_o the_o first_o appointment_n with_o several_a other_o minister_n have_v meet_v at_o sterline_n the_o remonstrator_n come_v there_o to_o understand_v their_o judgement_n of_o the_o matter_n contain_v in_o the_o remonstrance_n which_o be_v read_v and_o the_o chief_a head_n thereof_o debate_v the_o major_a part_n of_o the_o commission_n then_o present_a seem_v to_o be_v satisfy_v therewith_o and_o some_o be_v desirous_a to_o have_v a_o present_a determination_n upon_o it_o the_o moderator_n and_o some_o other_o incline_v to_o give_v no_o sense_n at_o all_o upon_o it_o either_o for_o it_o or_o against_o it_o and_o the_o committee_n of_o estate_n which_o be_v then_o sit_v at_o perth_n have_v now_o once_o and_o again_o write_v to_o the_o commission_n it_o be_v for_o peace_n sake_n condescend_v to_o on_o all_o hand_n that_o no_o sense_n shall_v be_v pass_v on_o the_o remonstrance_n by_o the_o commission_n and_o that_o the_o meeting_n shall_v be_v adjourn_v to_o pearth_n and_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v their_o endeavour_n that_o the_o state_n shall_v declare_v nothing_o against_o it_o this_o resolution_n be_v take_v at_o sterlin_n upon_o the_o saturday_n the_o member_n of_o the_o commission_n and_o such_o other_o minister_n as_o be_v present_a and_o the_o remonstrator_n do_v address_v themselves_o to_o pearth_n on_o the_o monday_n morning_n the_o remonstrator_n after_o their_o come_n thither_o hear_v that_o
length_n to_o condemn_v these_o thing_n and_o for_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o act_n they_o acknowledge_v themselves_o to_o be_v man_n subject_a to_o the_o like_a passion_n with_o other_o but_o know_v no_o cause_n why_o for_o these_o the_o trade_n of_o prelatical_a steâ—s_n shall_v be_v change_v rather_o upon_o they_o thâ—n_o upon_o other_o some_o in_o the_o follow_n of_o their_o duty_n be_v more_o emiss_a and_o other_o more_o forward_a but_o as_o long_o as_o they_o do_v strait_o and_o honest_o own_o their_o duty_n it_o be_v hard_a either_o because_o of_o the_o one_o or_o of_o the_o other_o to_o charge_v they_o with_o so_o heavy_a impuâ—ations_n vindication_n we_o shall_v now_o weigh_v these_o reason_n whereupon_o the_o protestation_n be_v build_v and_o which_o have_v be_v add_v late_o as_o batterage_n to_o hold_v it_o up_o sure_o the_o ground_n whereupon_o man_n will_v adventure_v on_o such_o a_o act_n or_o other_o will_v join_v in_o approve_v of_o it_o have_v need_n to_o be_v weighty_a in_o themselves_o and_o relevant_a and_o also_o clear_a in_o man_n conscience_n to_o protest_v against_o â—â—r_a dissent_n from_o some_o particular_a act_n and_o constitution_n of_o a_o gen._n assembly_n be_v a_o thing_n which_o may_v be_v do_v without_o schism_n and_o derogation_n to_o the_o authority_n and_o be_v of_o government_n but_o when_o a_o gen._n assembly_n itself_o be_v protest_v against_o and_o decline_v as_o unlawful_a and_o have_v no_o authority_n at_o all_o who_o see_v not_o how_o sad_a the_o consequence_n must_v ready_o be_v in_o hat_n kirk_n hardly_o can_v it_o be_v by_o any_o outward_a mean_n but_o turn_v to_o a_o fix_a schism_n which_o thing_n how_o have_v godly_a orthodox_n christian_n in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o kirk_n detest_a and_o abhor_v choose_v rather_o ever_o to_o tolerate_v great_a offence_n which_o they_o do_v see_v but_o can_v not_o mend_v rather_o then_o to_o aâ—vide_v the_o kirk_n of_o christ_n and_o then_o it_o will_v be_v serious_o consider_v if_o the_o reason_n and_o ground_n of_o such_o a_o act_n be_v not_o clear_a and_o relevant_a how_o high_a a_o attempt_n it_o against_o the_o kingly_a office_n of_o christ_n to_o trample_v under_o foot_n his_o supreme_a external_a court_n in_o a_o nationall_n kirk_n come_v we_o then_o and_o ponder_v the_o reason_n allege_v for_o this_o protestation_n and_o declinature_n whether_o they_o be_v find_v weighty_a or_o light_a uincat_fw-la veritas_fw-la review_n i_o shall_v not_o stand_v to_o discuse_v the_o relevancy_n of_o all_o that_o be_v assert_v in_o this_o general_a discourse_n but_o return_v this_o answer_n thereunto_o it_o seem_v the_o author_n do_v not_o deny_v that_o it_o be_v lawful_a and_o in_o some_o case_n necessary_a to_o protest_v against_o and_o decline_v some_o gen._n assembly_n and_o that_o it_o will_v be_v so_o in_o our_o hypothesis_n if_o the_o ground_n be_v clear_a and_o relevant_a whatsoever_o will_v plead_v for_o a_o protestation_n against_o particular_a act_n that_o be_v wrongthe_n same_o &_o great_a reason_n will_v plead_v for_o a_o protestation_n against_o a_o wrong_a constitution_n because_o the_o error_n of_o a_o wrong_a constitution_n be_v of_o great_a consequence_n as_o import_v more_o prejudice_n to_o the_o work_n and_o people_n of_o god_n and_o be_v a_o high_a attempt_n against_o the_o kingly_a office_n of_o jesus_n christ_n than_o many_o wrong_a act_n be_v and_o therefore_o there_o be_v the_o great_a reason_n to_o prevent_v the_o same_o in_o jure_fw-la where_o it_o can_v be_v do_v in_o facto_fw-la even_o as_o man_n by_o such_o like_a protestation_n preserve_v their_o right_n jure_v when_o by_o the_o spate_o of_o a_o decline_a judicatory_a they_o be_v like_a to_o be_v oppress_v de_fw-la facto_fw-la and_o therefore_o have_v orthodox_n christian_n in_o all_o age_n bear_v testimony_n and_o protest_v against_o corrupt_a counsel_n as_o well_o as_o corrupt_v act_n we_o shall_v not_o go_v far_o back_o to_o seek_v instance_n it_o be_v know_v what_o the_o protestant_a church_n do_v against_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n and_o how_o often_o faithful_a man_n in_o the_o church_n since_o the_o reformation_n from_o popery_n have_v bear_v testimony_n and_o protest_v against_o unlawful_a assembly_n as_o well_o as_o against_o unwarrantable_a act_n neither_o do_v it_o cause_n schism_n in_o the_o church_n or_o derogate_v any_o thing_n from_o the_o authority_n and_o be_v of_o government_n to_o protest_v against_o usurper_n corrupter_n or_o perverter_n of_o it_o in_o a_o false_a court_n but_o it_o be_v the_o lawful_a and_o have_v be_v the_o usual_a mean_n in_o this_o church_n bless_v unto_o she_o of_o the_o lord_n to_o prevent_v and_o remead_v schism_n and_o to_o preserve_v the_o authority_n and_o be_v of_o government_n with_o the_o purity_n and_o liberty_n of_o all_o the_o ordinance_n and_o whatsoever_o sad_a consequence_n can_v be_v imagine_v to_o follow_v upon_o it_o do_v lie_n at_o the_o door_n of_o these_o who_o by_o decline_v from_o their_o principle_n carry_v on_o and_o cleave_v to_o a_o corrupt_a constitution_n of_o a_o assembly_n and_o not_o on_o these_o who_o adhere_v to_o sound_a principle_n do_v from_o the_o conscience_n of_o their_o duty_n bear_v testimony_n against_o the_o same_o it_o have_v be_v often_o and_o true_o say_v that_o the_o side_n wall_n which_o fall_v and_o not_o the_o gevill_n which_o stand_v be_v to_o blame_v for_o the_o rent_n and_o ruin_n of_o the_o house_n i_o do_v willing_o acknowledge_v that_o it_o be_v a_o high_a attempt_n against_o the_o kingly_a office_n of_o jesus_n christ_n to_o trample_v under_o foot_n his_o supreme_a external_a court_n in_o a_o nationall_n church_n but_o as_o the_o protester_n be_v guilty_a of_o this_o high_a attempt_n if_o they_o have_v protest_v against_o the_o meeting_n at_o st._n andrews_n and_o dundee_n without_o a_o cause_n and_o upon_o ground_n that_o be_v not_o relevant_a so_o if_o the_o author_n and_o abettor_n of_o the_o public_a resolution_n have_v corrupt_v this_o court_n in_o the_o free_a and_o lawful_a constitution_n thereof_o and_o have_v take_v upon_o themselves_o to_o be_v a_o assembly_n whilst_o they_o be_v none_o then_o will_v they_o and_o not_o the_o other_o be_v find_v guilty_a of_o this_o high_a attempt_n let_v we_o therefore_o come_v to_o the_o discuss_n and_o clear_v of_o the_o reason_n that_o the_o protester_n plead_v for_o themselves_o vindication_n their_o first_o reason_n for_o unfreenesse_n and_o unlawfulnesse_n of_o the_o assembly_n that_o the_o election_n of_o commissioner_n to_o the_o same_o be_v prelimited_a and_o prejudge_v in_o the_o due_a liberty_n thereof_o by_o a_o act_n &_o letter_n of_o their_o commission_n of_o the_o last_o assembly_n send_v to_o presbytery_n appoint_v such_o brethren_n as_o after_o conference_n remain_v unsatisfied_a with_o and_o continue_v to_o oppose_v public_a resolution_n to_o be_v cite_v to_o the_o gen._n assembly_n thus_o it_o be_v brief_o propon_v in_o the_o protestation_n in_o the_o late_o large_a paper_n emit_v and_o spread_v abroad_o since_o wherein_o as_o may_v be_v conceive_v be_v muster_v all_o the_o force_n that_o can_v be_v gather_v together_o against_o that_o assembly_n and_o many_o head_n have_v be_v employ_v in_o that_o one_o every_o man_n that_o read_v it_o decern_v who_o pen_n have_v give_v the_o form_n and_o frame_v to_o it_o and_o any_o decern_a man_n also_o may_v perceive_v in_o it_o something_o of_o school_n and_o something_o of_o law_n and_o register_n which_o the_o former_a behove_v to_o have_v from_o these_o quarrier_n it_o be_v put_v in_o a_o sy_n logistick_a form_n thus_o that_o it_o be_v no_o free_a general_n assembly_n the_o election_n of_o who_o commissioner_n be_v so_o prejudge_v and_o prelimited_n in_o the_o due_a freedom_n and_o liberty_n thereof_o that_o many_o minister_n of_o presbytery_n in_o a_o capacity_n to_o be_v choose_v for_o their_o ability_n and_o faithfulness_n be_v by_o the_o presbytery_n at_o the_o order_n of_o the_o supreme_a judicatory_a past_a by_o and_o set_v aside_o in_o the_o election_n and_o render_v uncapable_a to_o be_v member_n thereof_o but_o the_o late_a meeting_n be_v such_o therefore_o etc._n etc._n we_o will_v not_o follow_v out_o foot_n for_o foot_n the_o tract_n of_o many_o objection_n which_o the_o contriver_n of_o this_o paper_n have_v either_o find_v some_o way_n make_v by_o other_o or_o have_v form_v themselves_o at_o their_o own_o pleasure_n against_o this_o and_o other_o follow_v reason_n and_o their_o reply_n thereunto_o but_o shall_v propone_v such_o reasen_n as_o we_o conceive_v discover_v the_o nullity_n of_o these_o and_o other_o reason_n not_o omit_v the_o consideration_n of_o any_o thing_n contain_v in_o this_o paper_n which_o shall_v seem_v to_o meet_v with_o what_o we_o shall_v bring_v as_o occasion_n shall_v be_v offer_v without_o tie_v ourselves_o to_o the_o order_n of_o this_o paper_n for_o answer_v then_o to_o this_o
first_o ground_n 1._o as_o it_o lie_v in_o the_o protestation_n it_o can_v have_v no_o force_n to_o prove_v any_o illegality_n or_o nullity_n of_o the_o assembly_n at_o the_o time_n of_o the_o protestation_n suppose_v that_o the_o commissioner_n act_n &_o letter_n send_v to_o presbytery_n and_o indeed_o contain_v under_o prelimitation_n because_o this_o fault_n of_o the_o commission_n can_v not_o be_v impute_v to_o the_o assembly_n to_o nullify_v it_o while_o as_o yet_o it_o be_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o assembly_n but_o a_o aliedgance_n not_o prove_v that_o such_o under_o pre-limitation_n have_v be_v use_v in_o the_o election_n of_o commissioner_n and_o that_o they_o have_v not_o as_o yet_o determine_v nor_o approven_v the_o deed_n of_o the_o commission_n nor_o deed_n of_o presbytery_n do_v thereupon_o in_o election_n at_o the_o give_v in_o of_o this_o protestation_n the_o assembly_n have_v not_o as_o yet_o consider_v the_o commissioner_n proceed_n neither_o indeed_o be_v it_o in_o their_o power_n to_o cognosce_fw-la upon_o exception_n against_o the_o commission_n without_o change_n of_o the_o order_n of_o proceed_v that_o have_v be_v use_v constant_o in_o all_o by-gone_a time_n and_o upon_o a_o great_a debate_n with_o the_o parliament_n itself_o in_o the_o assembly_n 1648._o have_v be_v establish_v by_o a_o formal_a act_n as_o the_o protester_n themselves_o well_o understand_v and_o acknowledge_v and_o therefore_o it_o be_v that_o upon_o this_o they_o offer_v to_o the_o assembly_n before_o the_o choose_n of_o a_o moderator_n a_o paper_n press_v the_o change_n and_o reform_v the_o order_n of_o proceed_v in_o the_o general_n assembly_n which_o before_o have_v always_o be_v in_o use_n as_o if_o some_o of_o themselves_o have_v not_o be_v the_o main_a maintainer_n and_o procurer_n of_o the_o establishment_n of_o that_o order_n before_o when_o it_o make_v for_o they_o and_o as_o the_o assembly_n as_o yet_o but_o in_o heap_n of_o the_o matter_n and_o not_o constitute_v into_o a_o judicatory_a can_v have_v take_v into_o consideration_n and_o have_v alter_v the_o practice_n and_o constitution_n of_o former_a assembly_n the_o assembly_n therefore_o do_v offer_v to_o call_v in_o this_o exception_n and_o to_o give_v unto_o it_o all_o due_a consideration_n as_o soon_o as_o possible_o they_o can_v win_v at_o it_o review_n what_o need_v all_o this_o waist_n of_o word_n concern_v the_o gather_n and_o muster_v of_o force_n and_o the_o employ_v of_o many_o head_n and_o the_o pen_n that_o give_v the_o form_n and_o some_o thing_n of_o school_n and_o something_o of_o law_n and_o register_n which_o the_o former_a behove_v to_o have_v from_o these_o qâ—aerees_n the_o truth_n be_v that_o if_o it_o be_v a_o purpose_n to_o tell_v it_o there_o be_v very_o few_o head_n employ_v in_o that_o business_n haply_o as_o few_o as_o about_o the_o vindication_n and_o there_o be_v little_a gather_v of_o force_n for_o it_o the_o difficulty_n of_o correspondence_n and_o shortness_n of_o time_n wherein_o it_o be_v pen_v admit_v of_o very_o little_a communication_n of_o thought_n and_o the_o author_n be_v mistake_v when_o he_o speak_v of_o two_o quaeres_fw-la one_o of_o school_n another_o of_o register_n and_o of_o law_n out_o of_o which_o the_o former_a behove_v to_o have_v his_o material_n and_o haply_o also_o concern_v the_o pen_n that_o give_v it_o the_o frame_n as_o some_o other_o have_v be_v before_o he_o but_o what_o though_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v true_a which_o he_o allege_v be_v it_o any_o fault_n in_o weak_a soldier_n to_o call_v in_o their_o fellow_n to_o their_o help_n and_o to_o strengthen_v one_o another_o in_o maintain_v of_o their_o ground_n against_o many_o and_o strong_a adversary_n or_o do_v he_o hunt_v after_o commendation_n and_o applause_n by_o set_v forth_o the_o preparation_n and_o multitude_n and_o strength_n of_o his_o opposite_n who_o yet_o he_o by_o himself_o alone_o suppose_v to_o have_v defeat_n it_o be_v free_a for_o the_o author_n in_o answer_v the_o reason_n contain_v in_o the_o protestation_n and_o the_o other_o paper_n relate_v to_o it_o to_o choose_v such_o a_o method_n as_o seem_v best_a to_o he_o though_o it_o will_v have_v seem_v to_o be_v more_o easy_a for_o his_o reader_n if_o he_o have_v follow_v foot_n for_o foot_n what_o be_v contain_v in_o these_o paper_n i_o do_v more_o wonder_n that_o he_o have_v leave_v many_o thing_n of_o importance_n unanswered_a not_o so_o much_o as_o once_o touch_v they_o but_o let_v we_o come_v to_o the_o answer_n which_o he_o give_v which_o i_o shall_v take_v as_o they_o lie_v in_o the_o vindication_n upon_o supposal_n that_o the_o letter_n and_o act_n send_v by_o the_o commission_n to_o presbytery_n do_v contain_v a_o under-prelimitation_a the_o first_o ground_n as_o it_o lie_v in_o the_o protestation_n have_v force_n to_o prove_v the_o illegality_n or_o nudity_n in_o the_o assembly_n notwithstanding_o of_o any_o thing_n the_o author_n say_v to_o the_o contrary_n first_o he_o seem_v to_o lay_v this_o ground_n that_o nothing_o can_v be_v of_o force_n to_o prove_v the_o illegality_n or_o nullity_n of_o the_o assembly_n but_o that_o which_o can_v be_v impute_v to_o the_o assembly_n itself_o but_o i_o fear_v that_o this_o ground_n which_o be_v here_o hint_v at_o by_o he_o and_o much_o make_v use_n of_o by_o some_o other_o in_o this_o particular_a shall_v fail_v all_o who_o lean_a thereupon_o i_o suppose_v that_o by_o a_o letter_n and_o act_n of_o the_o commission_n and_o a_o deed_n of_o the_o presbytery_n do_v thereupon_o election_n have_v be_v so_o prelimited_n that_o alâ—_n ruling_n elder_n have_v be_v exclude_v and_o minister_n only_o choose_v or_o the_o one_o half_a of_o the_o minister_n exclude_v without_o a_o just_a cause_n from_o have_v voice_n in_o the_o election_n or_o from_o be_v choose_v commissioner_n will_v not_o these_o prelimitations_a have_v force_v to_o prove_v a_o nul_fw-fr assembly_n the_o same_o be_v propon_v and_o reject_v as_o not_o relevant_a exception_n when_o the_o commissioner_n do_v meet_v to_o constitute_v themselves_o into_o a_o assembly_n it_o seem_v by_o the_o author_n ground_n they_o can_v not_o because_o they_o be_v but_o alledgeance_n not_o yet_o prove_v and_o they_o have_v not_o determine_v therein_o no_o approven_v thereof_o because_o it_o be_v not_o in_o their_o power_n to_o cognosce_fw-la upon_o exception_n against_o the_o commission_n without_o change_n of_o the_o order_n of_o proceed_n to_o the_o ass_n which_o have_v be_v constant_o use_v in_o all_o time_n by_o go_v there_o may_v be_v many_o thing_n do_v in_o commission_n &_o presbytery_n in_o prelimit_v and_o pervert_v the_o election_n that_o can_v be_v impute_v yea_o which_o the_o assembly_n may_v condemn_v that_o may_v make_v a_o illegal_a and_o null_a assembly_n and_o therefore_o upon_o supposal_n that_o the_o letter_n and_o act_n send_v to_o presbytery_n do_v contain_v a_o under-pre-limitation_n it_o may_v have_v force_n at_o the_o time_n of_o the_o protestation_n to_o prove_v a_o nats_n assembly_n though_o it_o can_v not_o be_v impute_v to_o the_o assembly_n itself_o but_o how_o do_v he_o prove_v that_o it_o can_v not_o be_v impute_v to_o the_o assembly_n first_o it_o be_v say_v he_o to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o assembly_n but_o a_o alledgeance_n not_o prove_v it_o seem_v the_o author_n do_v not_o question_v the_o relevancie_n of_o it_o in_o jure_fw-la if_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o fact_n have_v be_v prove_v but_o it_o be_v relevant_a in_o jure_fw-la as_o upon_o his_o supposal_n it_o needs_o must_v and_o offer_v to_o be_v prove_v in_o facto_fw-la yea_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n as_o to_o the_o presumption_n of_o it_o be_v manifest_a to_o the_o conscience_n of_o many_o of_o the_o assembly_n ought_v they_o not_o before_o constitute_v themselves_o in_o a_o assembly_n either_o to_o have_v try_v and_o discuss_v the_o same_o or_o else_o to_o have_v lay_v aside_o the_o person_n against_o who_o it_o be_v propound_v from_o sit_v as_o member_n in_o the_o assembly_n until_o it_o may_v have_v be_v get_v try_v and_o discuss_v but_o they_o do_v neither_o of_o these_o and_o be_v not_o this_o to_o be_v impute_v to_o the_o assembly_n next_o he_o say_v that_o the_o assembly_n have_v not_o yet_o determine_v in_o nor_o approven_v the_o deed_n of_o the_o commission_n nor_o the_o deed_n of_o presbytery_n do_v thereupon_o in_o election_n at_o the_o give_v in_o of_o the_o protestation_n bâ—t_o in_o this_o he_o be_v much_o mistake_v because_o the_o assembly_n by_o admit_v the_o commissioner_n from_o presbytery_n so_o elect_v do_v as_o real_o approve_v these_o limit_a election_n and_o so_o the_o deed_n of_o the_o commission_n and_o presbytery_n do_v thereupon_o as_o ever_o any_o precede_a assem_fw-la use_v to_o approve_v the_o most_o free_a election_n to_o wit_n only_o by_o admit_v the_o commissioner_n yea_o
the_o assemb_v reject_v of_o the_o exception_n and_o allow_v the_o commissioner_n against_o who_o it_o be_v propound_v to_o sit_v notwithstanding_o the_o propound_v thereof_o be_v a_o real_a approve_v of_o the_o commission_n and_o of_o what_o the_o presbytery_n do_v thereupon_o as_o we_o shall_v afterward_o godwilling_o clear_o show_v three_o he_o say_v that_o the_o assembly_n have_v not_o yet_o consider_v the_o proceed_n of_o the_o commission_n neither_o be_v it_o in_o their_o power_n to_o cognosce_fw-la upon_o exception_n against_o the_o commission_n without_o change_n of_o the_o order_n of_o proceed_n which_o have_v be_v use_v constant_o in_o all_o time_n bygone_a this_o be_v a_o pretty_a fancy_n to_o defend_v a_o ill_a cause_n the_o church_n of_o scotland_n have_v find_v it_o necessary_a in_o the_o interval_n betwixt_o general_n assembly_n to_o have_v her_o commission_n who_o trust_n shall_v be_v to_o preserve_v the_o liberty_n of_o the_o church_n and_o to_o take_v care_n of_o some_o thing_n of_o more_o general_n concernment_n commit_v unto_o they_o and_o that_o in_o all_o these_o thing_n they_o shall_v keep_v themselves_o within_o the_o bound_n of_o their_o commission_n and_o proceed_v according_a to_o the_o stand_a act_n of_o former_a general_n assembly_n and_o that_o in_o the_o next_o ensue_a assembly_n they_o shall_v give_v a_o account_n of_o their_o proceed_n during_o the_o whole_a time_n of_o their_o commission_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o assembly_n before_o any_o other_o cause_n or_o matter_n be_v handle_v and_o their_o proceed_n to_o be_v allow_v or_o dis-allowed_n as_o the_o assembly_n shall_v think_v expedient_a now_o say_v the_o author_n this_o matter_n of_o pre-limitation_n be_v a_o exception_n against_o the_o commission_n can_v not_o be_v take_v in_o consideration_n without_o the_o change_n of_o this_o order_n i_o shall_v not_o say_v that_o it_o may_v have_v be_v do_v without_o any_o shadow_n of_o change_n of_o order_n but_o i_o desire_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o it_o never_o be_v the_o intention_n nor_o do_v it_o ever_o come_v into_o the_o mind_n of_o any_o free_a lawful_a general_n assembly_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n to_o give_v power_n to_o their_o commissioner_n to_o give_v law_n concern_v the_o constitutng_a of_o a_o assembly_n these_o be_v clear_o set_v down_o in_o the_o policy_n and_o act_n of_o the_o church_n according_a to_o which_o the_o commission_n ought_v to_o walk_v in_o all_o thing_n commit_v to_o their_o trust_n not_o meddle_v with_o any_o thing_n not_o commit_v unto_o they_o much_o less_o meddle_v with_o it_o in_o a_o way_n contrary_a to_o that_o policy_n &_o these_o act_n and_o therefore_o do_v they_o appoint_v the_o proceed_n of_o these_o commissioner_n to_o be_v try_v and_o allow_v or_o dis-allowed_n in_o the_o next_o assembly_n before_o the_o do_v of_o any_o thing_n else_o now_o a_o commission_n contrary_n to_o their_o trust_n do_v meddle_v with_o the_o constitution_n of_o a_o assembly_n and_o by_o their_o letter_n and_o act_n and_o the_o deed_n of_o presbytery_n thereupon_o the_o election_n be_v prelimited_a as_o the_o author_n be_v content_a to_o suppose_v and_o when_o the_o assembly_n meet_v and_o this_o be_v propon_v as_o a_o exception_n to_o be_v take_v in_o consideration_n against_o such_o member_n of_o the_o ass_n as_o be_v member_n of_o that_o commission_n he_o tell_v we_o it_o can_v be_v consider_v without_o change_n of_o order_n be_v a_o exception_n against_o the_o commissioner_n proceed_n what_o a_o sad_a case_n the_o church_n be_v bring_v to_o by_o this_o mean_n that_o â—s_n to_o suffer_v the_o constitution_n of_o her_o assembly_n to_o be_v corrupt_v by_o she_o own_o commission_n and_o that_o without_o remedy_n or_o why_o it_o must_v as_o to_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o assemb_v be_v take_v in_o consideration_n before_o the_o admit_v of_o these_o commissioner_n to_o fit_a as_o member_n or_o else_o not_o at_o all_o because_o if_o if_o the_o commissioner_n be_v once_o receive_v the_o member_n admit_v and_o the_o assemb_v constitute_v hoc_fw-la ipso_fw-la that_o these_o thing_n be_v do_v that_o prelimitation_n be_v approven_v or_o why_o the_o assem_fw-la have_v already_o constitute_v &_o find_v themselves_o a_o lawful_a assem_fw-la with_o these_o commissioner_n inclusive_a notwithstanding_o of_o that_o exception_n that_o the_o matter_n may_v be_v yet_o further_o clear_v it_o will_v be_v consider_v that_o against_o the_o constitution_n of_o judicatories_n in_o their_o member_n there_o may_v be_v exception_n of_o several_a sort_n some_o that_o be_v more_o personal_a or_o particular_a relate_v to_o one_o or_o two_o or_o some_o few_o upon_o personal_a scandal_n and_o miscarriage_n some_o more_o common_a and_o universal_a that_o concern_v all_o or_o many_o a_o judicatory_a may_v proceed_v to_o constitute_v itself_o and_o act_n as_o a_o judicatory_a before_o discuss_v exception_n of_o the_o first_o sort_n have_v lay_v aside_o the_o member_n against_o who_o these_o exception_n be_v propound_v till_o convenient_o they_o may_v be_v get_v try_v and_o discuss_v because_o there_o be_v no_o exception_n but_o against_o a_o few_o and_o upon_o particular_a and_o personal_a scandal_n the_o far_o great_a part_n be_v member_n uncontrollable_a and_o right_o qualify_v but_o they_o can_v proceed_v to_o constitute_v themselves_o and_o act_n as_o a_o judicatory_a before_o discuss_v of_o exception_n of_o the_o second_o sort_n unless_o we_o will_v suppose_v that_o after_o constitute_v themselves_o into_o a_o judicatory_a or_o find_v themselves_o to_o be_v a_o judicatory_a they_o may_v again_o find_v themselves_o to_o be_v no_o judicatory_a exception_n of_o a_o more_o common_a and_o universal_a influence_n against_o causa_fw-la causae_fw-la of_o the_o constitution_n of_o a_o assembly_n to_o wit_n against_o election_n which_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o the_o commission_n as_o the_o commission_n be_v of_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o assembly_n aught_o to_o be_v consider_v before_o constitution_n be_v declare_v for_o unfree_a election_n make_v null_a commission_n and_o all_o or_o a_o great_a many_o incumbent_a commission_n make_v a_o nats_n assembly_n from_o these_o thing_n i_o trust_v it_o be_v manifest_a that_o the_o exception_n against_o the_o freedom_n of_o election_n because_o of_o the_o act_n and_o letter_n of_o the_o commission_n and_o the_o deed_n of_o the_o presbytery_n follow_v thereupon_o aught_o to_o have_v be_v take_v in_o consideration_n before_o the_o meeting_n do_v constitute_v themselves_o in_o a_o assembly_n and_o that_o the_o commissioner_n who_o that_o exception_n do_v concern_v ought_v not_o to_o have_v be_v admit_v to_o sit_v as_o member_n before_o the_o try_v and_o discuss_v thereof_o as_o to_o that_o of_o the_o change_n of_o the_o order_n of_o proceed_v which_o have_v be_v use_v constant_o upon_o which_o the_o author_n seem_v to_o lay_v so_o much_o weight_n beside_o what_o be_v answer_v already_o i_o say_v there_o need_v no_o change_n in_o that_o order_n in_o discuss_v of_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v entrust_v to_o the_o commission_n for_o this_o be_v not_o within_o the_o compassâ—_n of_o their_o power_n and_o trust_v but_o diametral_o opposite_a to_o the_o same_o and_o therefore_o the_o commission_n have_v so_o far_o exceed_v their_o bound_n as_o to_o meddle_v with_o constitution_n of_o the_o assembly_n by_o prelimit_v of_o the_o election_n this_o do_v avoidable_a necessitate_v the_o cognition_n and_o consideration_n of_o that_o part_n of_o thâ—_n commission_n proceed_v so_o far_o as_o it_o do_v relate_v to_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o assembly_n though_o not_o formal_o as_o it_o do_v concern_v their_o carriage_n i_o know_v not_o to_o what_o purpose_n the_o author_n allege_n that_o that_o order_n be_v on_o a_o debate_n wâ—th_v the_o parliament_n itself_o in_o the_o year_n 1648._o establish_v by_o a_o former_a act_n as_o the_o protester_n themselves_o well_o understand_v will_v he_o by_o this_o insinuate_v that_o there_o be_v a_o debate_n betwixt_o the_o parliament_n and_o the_o assembly_n concern_v the_o commission_n prelimiting_a of_o election_n and_o that_o the_o parl._n desire_v this_o to_o be_v consider_v of_o before_o the_o assembly_n constitute_v themselves_o into_o a_o judicatory_a and_o that_o the_o assembly_n do_v refuse_v it_o and_o afterward_o establish_v the_o act_n which_o he_o speak_v of_o oâ—_n that_o the_o parliament_n do_v desire_v the_o commissioner_n of_o the_o former_a assembly_n shall_v be_v remove_v from_o sit_v as_o member_n in_o the_o assembly_n 1648._o until_o the_o exception_n propound_v against_o they_o by_o they_o shall_v be_v take_v in_o consideration_n and_o discuss_v if_o he_o mean_v any_o of_o these_o he_o be_v much_o mistake_v because_o there_o be_v no_o such_o debate_n betwixt_o the_o parliament_n and_o the_o assembly_n nor_o betwixt_o the_o assembly_n and_o any_o person_n whatsoever_o in_o the_o year_n 1648._o as_o we_o shall_v afterward_o convince_o clear_a and_o
he_o be_v no_o less_o mistake_v when_o he_o say_v that_o it_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o the_o protester_n and_o that_o upon_o this_o they_o offer_v to_o the_o assembly_n at_o st._n andrews_n before_o the_o choose_n of_o a_o moderator_n a_o paper_n press_v the_o change_n and_o reform_v the_o order_n of_o proceed_v in_o the_o general_n assembly_n which_o before_o have_v always_o be_v in_o use_n the_o protester_n may_v haply_o acknowledge_v a_o act_n of_o the_o assembly_n concern_v the_o try_v and_o allow_v and_o disallow_a the_o proceed_n of_o the_o commission_n before_o the_o handle_n of_o any_o other_o cause_n or_o matter_n if_o there_o be_v any_o question_n about_o that_o act_n it_o can_v not_o but_o be_v ready_o acknowledge_v by_o the_o protester_n have_v be_v so_o late_o revive_v in_o the_o assem_fw-la 1648._o but_o that_o there_o be_v any_o such_o acknowledgement_n as_o the_o author_n insinuate_v be_v allege_v without_o all_o ground_n as_o also_o that_o which_o he_o say_v of_o their_o offering_n a_o paper_n for_o change_v of_o their_o former_a order_n they_o do_v never_o offer_v any_o such_o paper_n nor_o do_v they_o ever_o pen_n or_o draw_v up_o any_o such_o paper_n and_o the_o author_n do_v wrong_v they_o not_o a_o little_a and_o himself_o more_o when_o he_o do_v affirm_v it_o they_o do_v indeed_o offer_v a_o paper_n to_o the_o assembly_n before_o the_o choose_n of_o the_o moderator_n but_o there_o be_v not_o one_o title_n therein_o concern_v the_o change_n and_o reform_v of_o the_o order_n of_o proceed_v former_o use_v by_o the_o assembly_n but_o upon_o knowledge_n and_o conscience_n of_o the_o main_a weight_n that_o lie_v against_o that_o meeting_n why_o they_o can_v not_o be_v a_o lawful_a free_a general_n assembly_n the_o protester_n do_v offer_v a_o paper_n unto_o they_o for_o choose_v of_o the_o moderator_n contain_v a_o humble_a desire_n and_o some_o reason_n to_o persuade_v they_o to_o adjourn_v their_o meeting_n and_o to_o forbear_v to_o 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maintainer_n and_o procurer_n of_o to_o get_v it_o establish_v before_o when_o it_o make_v for_o they_o he_o have_v quite_o miss_v they_o and_o wound_v himself_o by_o allege_v thing_n that_o be_v not_o true_a vindication_n but_o come_v we_o to_o the_o argument_n as_o it_o lie_v in_o its_o full_a form_n and_o strength_n in_o the_o late_a paper_n pass_v the_o first_o proposition_n thereof_o let_v we_o come_v to_o the_o trial_n of_o the_o second_o or_o the_o assumption_n that_o the_o election_n of_o commissioner_n to_o the_o assembly_n be_v prejudge_v and_o prelimited_a in_o the_o due_a freedom_n thereof_o that_o this_o alleadgeance_n may_v be_v verify_v it_o be_v necessary_a to_o have_v make_v clear_o out_o first_o that_o the_o commissioner_n act_n and_o letter_n exclude_v and_o discharge_v many_o minister_n to_o be_v choose_v second_o that_o the_o presbytery_n in_o the_o election_n be_v possible_o prelimited_a by_o the_o letter_n of_o the_o commission_n i._n e._n admit_v the_o prelimitation_n of_o the_o commissioner_n and_o do_v not_o use_v their_o own_o freedom_n in_o elect_v but_o mere_o follow_v the_o direction_n of_o the_o commission_n let_v the_o commission_n be_v never_o so_o guilty_a and_o their_o brethren_n never_o so_o undue_o prelimited_a yet_o if_o the_o presbytery_n who_o be_v the_o only_a elector_n use_v their_o own_o freedom_n their_o election_n be_v free_a and_o valid_a and_o nothing_o can_v be_v force_v against_o the_o assembly_n as_o unfree_a and_o unlegall_a in_o the_o constitution_n of_o it_o because_o of_o any_o such_o act_n or_o letter_n of_o the_o commission_n as_o solicitation_n active_a of_o judge_n and_o member_n of_o any_o judicatory_a prove_v not_o a_o judicatory_a corrupt_a unless_o it_o can_v be_v evidence_v that_o they_o have_v except_v and_o yield_v unto_o the_o solicitation_n now_o do_v this_o paper_n prove_v either_o of_o these_o as_o it_o undertake_v and_o will_v bear_v the_o reader_n in_o hand_n when_o it_o say_v the_o second_o proposition_n be_v prove_v etc._n etc._n good_a and_o ingenuous_a reader_n consider_v if_o it_o do_v so_o and_o first_o for_o the_o latter_a of_o these_o particular_n what_o say_v it_o the_o second_o be_v prove_v by_o the_o presbytery_n proceed_v according_a to_o the_o letter_n and_o act_n of_o the_o commission_n send_v unto_o they_o about_o the_o time_n of_o choose_v the_o commissioner_n appoint_v that_o such_o etc._n etc._n answer_v do_v the_o writer_n of_o this_o paper_n at_o the_o emit_v of_o it_o think_v that_o it_o shall_v ever_o come_v under_o the_o consideration_n of_o decern_v and_o impartial_a judgement_n that_o will_v try_v ere_o they_o trust_v or_o rather_o have_v he_o purpose_v that_o it_o shall_v come_v to_o none_o bâ—t_o such_o as_o be_v pray_fw-mi engage_v or_o preinclined_n to_o take_v any_o thing_n off_o his_o hand_n for_o good_a coin_n proof_n good_a enough_o for_o here_o as_o to_o that_o part_n of_o the_o assumption_n on_o the_o which_o we_o be_v for_o the_o present_a there_o be_v nothing_o but_o a_o naked_a petitio_fw-la principii_fw-la a_o naked_a affirm_v of_o the_o same_o which_o be_v allege_v before_o in_o the_o first_o â—etting_v down_o of_o the_o assumption_n for_o what_o be_v it_o else_o that_o be_v say_v presbytery_n proceed_v according_a to_o the_o letter_n and_o act_n of_o the_o commission_n about_o the_o time_n etc._n etc._n but_o the_o same_o that_o be_v allege_v there_o that_o presbytery_n at_o the_o order_n and_o appointment_n of_o a_o supreme_a judicatory_a pass_v by_o etc._n etc._n and_o therefore_o whatever_o the_o writer_n say_v afterward_o in_o the_o pretend_a proof_n of_o that_o assumption_n concern_v thing_n include_v in_o the_o commission_n act_n and_o letter_n to_o show_v that_o they_o intend_v prelimitation_n of_o the_o election_n of_o commissioner_n let_v all_o be_v never_o so_o true_a it_o be_v but_o word_n he_o give_v his_o reader_n in_o the_o close_a of_o that_o section_n say_v these_o thing_n do_v clear_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o prelimitation_n of_o election_n as_o be_v former_o speak_v of_o for_o let_v these_o thing_n be_v never_o so_o clear_o speak_v of_o the_o commission_n act_n and_o letter_n yet_o for_o aught_o that_o he_o say_v as_o yet_o it_o be_v not_o clear_a that_o presbytery_n proceed_v according_a to_o these_o or_o be_v positive_o prelimited_a by_o they_o that_o they_o do_v not_o use_v their_o own_o liberty_n in_o election_n and_o so_o the_o second_o proposition_n be_v not_o yet_o prove_v review_n see_v he_o be_v please_v to_o pass_v the_o first_o proposition_n of_o the_o argument_n as_o it_o lie_v in_o the_o second_o paper_n i_o shall_v also_o pass_v it_o conceive_v that_o he_o take_v it_o for_o a_o truth_n as_o indeed_o it_o be_v to_o the_o assumption_n he_o say_v many_o thing_n which_o i_o shall_v take_v in_o order_n as_o they_o lie_v let_v it_o be_v yield_v to_o he_o that_o for_o verification_n of_o the_o alleadgeance_n contain_v therein_o that_o these_o two_o thing_n which_o he_o mention_n be_v to_o be_v make_v out_o viz._n that_o the_o letter_n and_o act_n of_o the_o commission_n do_v exclude_v and_o discharge_v many_o minister_n to_o be_v choose_v and_o that_o the_o presbytery_n do_v admit_v of_o that_o prelimitation_n or_o be_v passive_o prelimited_a by_o that_o letter_n and_o act_n yet_o with_o these_o animadversion_n upon_o that_o which_o he_o speak_v in_o the_o explication_n of_o his_o passive_a prelimitation_n first_o that_o he_o confine_v his_o passive_a prelimitation_n within_o too_o narrow_a a_o bound_n and_o he_o will_v not_o have_v it_o extend_v to_o the_o presbytery_n unless_o they_o do_v mere_o follow_v the_o election_n of_o the_o commission_n in_o that_o matter_n that_o be_v as_o i_o take_v his_o meaning_n go_v quite_o contrary_a to_o their_o own_o inclination_n and_o judgement_n so_o as_o they_o be_v but_o mere_a patient_n in_o that_o business_n
as_o their_o commissioner_n than_o some_o sort_n of_o election_n there_o behove_v to_o be_v as_o indeed_o there_o be_v both_o to_o that_o assembly_n at_o lithgow_n 1606._o and_o that_o of_o glasgow_n 1610._o for_o clear_v of_o which_o it_o will_v be_v remember_v that_o there_o be_v a_o election_n material_a when_o person_n be_v instruct_v and_o authorize_v by_o we_o as_o our_o commissioner_n though_o we_o have_v not_o nominate_v and_o formal_o choose_v they_o for_o that_o effect_n and_o a_o election_n formal_a when_o we_o do_v formal_o nominate_v and_o choose_v a_o election_n material_a there_o be_v at_o lithgow_n because_o those_o who_o be_v nominate_v by_o the_o king_n letter_n be_v instruct_v and_o authorize_v by_o the_o presbytery_n as_o their_o commissioner_n and_o therefore_o in_o the_o 4._o reason_n for_o nullify_a of_o that_o assembly_n there_o be_v mention_n of_o the_o power_n which_o these_o minister_n have_v and_o of_o the_o limitation_n thereof_o by_o their_o presbytery_n but_o there_o be_v no_o formal_a nomination_n of_o these_o man_n by_o the_o presbytery_n therefore_o it_o be_v say_v in_o the_o 2._o reason_n that_o they_o be_v not_o at_o all_o elect_a by_o their_o presbytery_n but_o at_o glasgow_n 1610._o there_o be_v both_o a_o material_a and_o formal_a election_n though_o not_o free_a but_o prelimited_n because_o the_o king_n and_o the_o bishop_n have_v design_v the_o person_n who_o they_o will_v have_v they_o to_o send_v and_o let_v it_o be_v consider_v whether_o upon_o the_o matter_n there_o be_v not_o the_o like_a and_o as_o realll_v a_o pre-limitation_n by_o the_o act_n and_o letter_n of_o the_o commission_n in_o the_o year_n 1606._o and_o 1610._o the_o king_n and_o the_o bishop_n nominate_v who_o shall_v come_v and_o design_n who_o the_o presbytery_n shall_v send_v without_o leave_v they_o to_o choose_v such_o of_o their_o number_n as_o they_o think_v fit_a and_o in_o the_o year_n 1651._o the_o commission_n design_n who_o of_o their_o number_n they_o shall_v not_o send_v to_o wit_n none_o that_o be_v opposite_a to_o the_o public_a resolution_n for_o this_o much_o their_o act_n wherein_o they_o require_v they_o to_o be_v cite_v to_o the_o assembly_n do_v import_v as_o afterward_o shall_v be_v clear_v not_o leave_v presbytery_n to_o their_o own_o freedom_n choose_v such_o of_o their_o number_n as_o they_o think_v fit_a and_o be_v not_o the_o one_o of_o there_o a_o pre-limitation_n and_o hinder_v a_o free_a choice_n as_o well_o as_o the_o other_o do_v not_o he_o prelimite_a who_o say_v that_o you_o shall_v not_o choose_v such_o man_n of_o your_o number_n as_o well_o as_o he_o who_o say_v you_o shall_v choose_v such_o man_n of_o your_o number_n in_o the_o mean_a while_o it_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v that_o the_o assembly_n 38._o have_v no_o such_o distinction_n as_o that_o of_o active_a and_o passive_a solicitation_n but_o infer_v the_o last_o presumption_n juris_fw-la &_o de_fw-la jure_fw-la from_o and_o upon_o the_o first_o and_o not_o without_o good_a reason_n because_o none_o doubt_v of_o the_o influence_n of_o command_n of_o superior_n when_o the_o desire_n be_v grant_v and_o the_o direction_n be_v follow_v by_o the_o inferior_a especial_o when_o the_o effect_n be_v contrary_a to_o the_o former_a custom_n and_o practice_n when_o they_o be_v free_a because_o the_o author_n have_v endeavour_v to_o darken_v as_o much_o as_o he_o can_v the_o prelimiting_a of_o the_o election_n in_o presbytery_n by_o the_o letter_n and_o act_n of_o the_o commission_n by_o his_o distinction_n of_o active_a and_o passive_a pre-limitation_n therefore_o upon_o supposal_n that_o the_o letter_n and_o act_n of_o the_o commission_n do_v contain_v a_o pre-limitation_n of_o the_o election_n which_o shall_v be_v afterward_o clear_v i_o reason_v thus_o for_o prove_v that_o presbytery_n be_v passive_o prelimited_n in_o their_o election_n by_o that_o letter_n and_o act_n who_o so_o in_o their_o election_n accept_v of_o and_o yield_v 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presbytery_n give_v his_o judgement_n anent_o the_o li_n of_o another_o but_o when_o it_o be_v all_o grant_v it_o yield_v a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o cause_n to_o wit_n that_o these_o person_n can_v not_o sit_v in_o the_o assembly_n as_o judge_n in_o that_o particular_a and_o if_o i_o be_v not_o mistake_v in_o my_o conjecture_n about_o the_o person_n i_o think_v i_o may_v say_v if_o that_o judicious_a and_o pious_a man_n who_o reject_v that_o motion_n have_v be_v in_o any_o fear_n that_o these_o person_n will_v be_v choose_v belike_o he_o will_v have_v hold_v his_o peace_n and_o suffer_v the_o motion_n to_o pass_v uncontrolled_a but_o the_o author_n if_o this_o please_v not_o the_o writer_n desire_v he_o to_o answer_v what_o he_o will_v for_o clear_v of_o the_o order_n of_o the_o commission_n 48._o and_o it_o will_v serve_v aswell_o the_o order_n of_o the_o commission_n 51._o as_o to_o any_o illegality_n relate_v to_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o assembly_n because_o say_v he_o 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the_o very_a election_n be_v yet_o undiscuss_v and_o be_v please_v to_o stay_v in_o the_o assembly_n sit_v and_o vote_n in_o that_o same_o very_a particular_a i_o mean_v the_o resolution_n of_o the_o commission_n how_o then_o can_v they_o be_v real_o exclude_v from_o be_v judge_n in_o that_o particular_a wherein_o they_o real_o do_v sit_v judge_n or_o be_v any_o of_o they_o exclude_v after_o the_o act_n and_o letter_n be_v approven_v if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o approve_v of_o that_o act_n and_o letter_n do_v import_v that_o they_o ought_v in_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o assembly_n to_o have_v be_v exclude_v i_o answer_v 1._o yet_o though_o this_o may_v say_v somewhat_o that_o the_o assembly_n determination_n in_o this_o point_n de_fw-fr jure_fw-la do_v not_o agree_v well_o with_o that_o pre-ceding_a fact_n in_o admit_v such_o member_n to_o judge_v in_o
admit_v to_o sit_v in_o all_o other_o particular_n except_o in_o the_o try_v and_o judge_v of_o these_o and_o he_o who_o oppose_v they_o shall_v be_v suspend_v from_o sit_v in_o any_o particular_a till_o these_o be_v try_v and_o judge_v on_o what_o he_o say_v to_o the_o second_o particular_a i_o offer_v â—_o that_o the_o writer_n do_v not_o all_o along_o this_o paper_n bear_v his_o reader_n in_o hand_n as_o the_o author_n allege_n that_o the_o commission_n have_v give_v order_n for_o cite_v such_o as_o be_v unsatisfy_v indefinite_o because_o the_o very_a first_o time_n that_o he_o mention_n the_o letter_n and_o act_n of_o the_o commission_n he_o say_v that_o it_o be_v a_o letter_n and_o act_n appoint_v that_o such_o as_o after_o conference_n shall_v remain_v unsatisfied_a with_o and_o continue_v to_o oppose_v the_o public_a resolution_n shall_v be_v cite_v and_o have_v thus_o once_o set_v down_o the_o true_a nature_n and_o extent_n of_o it_o it_o be_v needless_a as_o often_o as_o he_o 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their_o purpose_n even_o other_o assemble_v too_o even_o that_o solemn_a assembly_n 1638._o as_o unfree_a and_o unlawful_a because_o of_o the_o pre-limitation_n of_o election_n of_o commissioner_n thereto_o the_o malignant_n be_v in_o themselves_o prone_a enough_o to_o evil_a invention_n though_o they_o be_v not_o teach_v they_o by_o other_o but_o i_o believe_v themselves_o be_v judge_n they_o have_v rather_o as_o to_o the_o matter_n of_o constitution_n of_o assembly_n and_o the_o interpretation_n of_o their_o act_n be_v disciple_n to_o the_o author_n and_o abetter_n of_o the_o public_a resolution_n then_o to_o the_o protester_n for_o they_o have_v there_o in_o a_o little_a time_n learn_v the_o way_n how_o notwithstanding_o of_o all_o former_a act_n exclude_v they_o to_o be_v admit_v to_o all_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o church_n and_o to_o be_v employ_v both_o in_o the_o army_n and_o judicatories_n and_o by_o comply_v with_o the_o commission_n to_o get_v a_o assembly_n after_o 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of_o dort_n who_o in_o answer_n to_o the_o protestation_n of_o the_o remonstrant_n speak_v thus_o quae_fw-la ratio_fw-la reddi_fw-la potest_fw-la cur_n suffragiorum_fw-la jure_fw-la priventur_fw-la omnes_fw-la illi_fw-la pastor_n qui_fw-la ex_fw-la officio_fw-la receptam_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la doctrinam_fw-la propugnantes_fw-la secus_fw-la docentibus_fw-la adversati_fw-la sunt_fw-la si_fw-la hoc_fw-la obtinere_fw-la nova_fw-la dogmata_fw-la spargentibus_fw-la nemo_fw-la obsisteret_fw-la ne_fw-la ipso_fw-la facto_fw-la jus_o omne_fw-la post_fw-la modum_fw-la de_fw-la illis_fw-la controversiis_fw-la judicandi_fw-la amitteret_fw-la vindication_n we_o go_v on_o now_o to_o the_o second_o in_o order_n of_o the_o protestation_n which_o be_v this_o because_o of_o the_o absence_n of_o commissioner_n of_o many_o burgh_n as_o want_v free_a access_n because_o of_o the_o motion_n of_o the_o enemy_n in_o the_o order_n of_o the_o late_a paper_n wherein_o other_o reason_n be_v add_v to_o these_o in_o the_o protestation_n this_o be_v set_v down_o in_o the_o 5._o place_n and_o be_v cast_v in_o ______o with_o some_o addition_n to_o the_o matter_n because_o as_o first_o propon_v it_o have_v not_o seem_v fast_o enough_o thus_o that_o can_v be_v a_o free_a assembly_n to_o which_o there_o be_v no_o free_a access_n and_o recess_n but_o there_o be_v no_o free_a access_n to_o the_o assembly_n by_o reason_n of_o two_o army_n interjacent_a between_o the_o place_n of_o the_o meeting_n and_o the_o dwell_n of_o many_o of_o the_o commissioner_n and_o be_v pursue_v one_o another_o very_o hot_o have_v their_o party_n come_v abroad_o every_o where_n at_o the_o time_n they_o shall_v have_v come_v to_o the_o assembly_n and_o therefore_o many_o be_v absent_a about_o the_o one_o half_a of_o the_o burgh_n many_o presbytery_n to_o the_o number_n of_o 9_o or_o 10._o neither_o be_v there_o free_a recess_n from_o it_o not_o only_o because_o of_o the_o former_a reason_n but_o because_o the_o king_n and_o committee_n of_o estate_n do_v detain_v and_o keep_v
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very_o well_o stand_v with_o incitation_n to_o censure_n and_o that_o whatever_o be_v the_o way_n of_o propon_v whether_o by_o way_n of_o mere_a desire_n as_o the_o author_n allege_n or_o otherways_o yet_o be_v it_o not_o without_o threaten_a speech_n upon_o the_o matter_n of_o which_o i_o be_o content_a that_o judgement_n may_v be_v give_v by_o the_o letter_n and_o speech_n themselves_o he_o dare_v affirm_v that_o in_o speak_v &_o vote_v about_o these_o resolution_n there_o be_v as_o great_a freedom_n and_o liberty_n as_o be_v in_o assembly_n these_o year_n past_a yea_o more_o than_o be_v in_o some_o of_o they_o but_o in_o this_o he_o be_v too_o dare_v be_v there_o any_o assembly_n these_o year_n past_a that_o have_v so_o many_o bond_n and_o restraint_n upon_o they_o as_o we_o have_v already_o instance_a all_o that_o he_o instance_n be_v that_o some_o of_o these_o who_o accuse_v this_o assembly_n of_o the_o want_n of_o freedom_n and_o liberty_n have_v in_o other_o assembly_n endeavour_v to_o carry_v matter_n with_o strong_a hand_n calling_z down_z with_o sharp_a reflection_n and_o flout_v such_o as_o any_o way_n dare_v to_o speak_v and_o vote_v in_o a_o different_a way_n from_o they_o for_o proof_n of_o this_o he_o give_v we_o it_o be_v well_o know_v and_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o some_o of_o themselves_o in_o their_o late_a confession_n i_o think_v indeed_o that_o it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o too_o often_o in_o most_o of_o our_o kirk_n judicatory_n there_o be_v in_o most_o man_n that_o sit_v therein_o too_o much_o of_o a_o carnal_a spirit_n and_o too_o little_a of_o the_o sober_a holy_a grave_a spiritual_a meek_a way_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o some_o of_o these_o man_n have_v as_o to_o their_o own_o carriage_n in_o judicatories_n acknowledge_v this_o and_o be_v indeed_o convince_v of_o it_o before_o the_o lord_n desire_v mercy_n in_o his_o sight_n and_o grace_n that_o if_o ever_o it_o shall_v be_v again_o allow_v they_o to_o sit_v in_o judicatories_n there_o may_v be_v more_o of_o the_o beauty_n and_o image_n of_o the_o lord_n upon_o they_o and_o their_o way_n but_o that_o they_o cry_v down_o such_o with_o sharp_a reflection_n and_o flout_v as_o dare_v to_o speak_v or_o vote_v otherways_o then_o they_o do_v be_v that_o which_o no_o man_n be_v able_a to_o make_v good_a &_o which_o i_o tâ—ow_v their_o own_o conscience_n do_v not_o accuse_v they_o of_o haply_o some_o will_v have_v expect_v that_o the_o author_n will_v have_v spare_v to_o have_v reflect_v upon_o these_o person_n in_o their_o confession_n see_v he_o be_v a_o man_n subject_n to_o the_o like_a passion_n that_o other_o be_v and_o i_o doubt_v not_o to_o the_o same_o conviction_n and_o confession_n upon_o they_o his_o defence_n of_o the_o king_n letter_n be_v such_o that_o i_o fear_v shall_v satisfy_v few_o 1._o he_o repeat_v that_o it_o be_v not_o therein_o desire_v to_o censure_v any_o for_o differ_v from_o the_o public_a resolution_n simple_o to_o what_o i_o have_v speak_v already_o next_o it_o be_v but_o a_o subterfuge_n which_o he_o say_v that_o it_o be_v not_o desire_v that_o the_o assembly_n shall_v censure_v they_o without_o try_v or_o approve_v their_o resolution_n but_o the_o king_n suppose_v they_o to_o be_v right_a and_o just_a in_o themselves_o and_o after_o the_o assembly_n shall_v after_o due_a trial_n find_v they_o to_o be_v such_o desire_z that_o such_o as_o have_v oppose_v they_o howbeit_o it_o can_v not_o be_v but_o to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o the_o defence_n of_o the_o cause_n and_o kingdom_n may_v be_v deal_v with_o to_o be_v reclaim_v or_o if_o that_o can_v not_o be_v obtain_v censure_v there_o be_v nothing_o here_o for_o answer_v what_o be_v allege_v by_o the_o writer_n to_o wit_n that_o the_o assembly_n while_o they_o have_v not_o yet_o meddle_v with_o the_o public_a resolution_n and_o have_v not_o find_v they_o right_n be_v stir_v up_o to_o censure_v these_o that_o can_v not_o be_v reclaim_v from_o they_o and_o take_v it_o as_o the_o author_n do_v allege_v that_o the_o king_n do_v suppose_v they_o to_o be_v right_a and_o withal_o that_o he_o speak_v nothing_o to_o the_o assembly_n to_o allow_v a_o fair_a hear_n to_o these_o of_o a_o contrary_a mind_n or_o to_o search_v whither_o they_o be_v right_a or_o wrong_n it_o say_v that_o the_o king_n letter_n do_v contain_v a_o clear_a intimation_n of_o his_o mind_n to_o the_o assembly_n not_o only_o in_o order_n to_o these_o who_o shall_v continue_v to_o oppose_v or_o can_v not_o be_v reclaim_v but_o also_o in_o order_n to_o these_o who_o shall_v vote_n pro_fw-la or_o contra_fw-la in_o the_o assembly_n that_o letter_n and_o that_o speech_n be_v but_o a_o express_a of_o the_o commission_n warning_n and_o act_n and_o act_n of_o parliament_n make_v there_o anent_o in_o order_n to_o the_o further_a the_o execution_n thereof_o by_o get_v they_o back_v with_o a_o new_a act_n of_o the_o assembly_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n as_o afterward_o they_o be_v i_o can_v well_o decern_v whither_o the_o parenthesis_n cast_v in_o by_o the_o author_n in_o these_o word_n howbeit_o it_o can_v not_o be_v but_o to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o the_o defence_n of_o the_o cause_n and_o kingdom_n be_v cite_v by_o he_o as_o the_o king_n word_n or_o interline_v as_o his_o own_o and_o therefore_o shall_v not_o give_v judgement_n of_o they_o 2._o his_o next_o defence_n that_o the_o king_n be_v bind_v by_o the_o treaty_n to_o follow_v the_o advice_n of_o the_o commission_n of_o the_o kirk_n in_o matter_n ecclesiastic_a in_o intervall_n of_o assembly_n which_o he_o lose_v himself_o by_o acknowledge_v that_o he_o shall_v have_v use_v his_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n upon_o any_o resolution_n give_v he_o by_o the_o commission_n but_o because_o the_o author_n interlace_n in_o order_n to_o this_o several_a particular_n therefore_o in_o answer_n to_o what_o he_o say_v in_o this_o part_n of_o his_o defence_n i_o offer_v these_o thing_n first_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o here_o speak_v by_o the_o author_n that_o make_v for_o the_o vindication_n of_o the_o king_n letter_n it_o speak_v indeed_o to_o the_o vindicate_a at_o least_o to_o the_o excuse_v of_o the_o king_n himself_o in_o write_v such_o a_o letter_n because_o he_o be_v advise_v by_o the_o commission_n as_o to_o the_o public_a resolution_n but_o that_o do_v not_o say_v that_o the_o letter_n do_v not_o contain_v such_o thing_n as_o be_v apt_a to_o hinder_v liberty_n of_o vote_v in_o the_o assembly_n second_o i_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o king_n be_v indeed_o in_o a_o right_n ticklish_a condition_n but_o who_o have_v put_v he_o in_o that_o condition_n but_o the_o author_n and_o abettor_n of_o the_o public_a resolution_n who_o after_o a_o express_a article_n of_o the_o treaty_n for_o remove_v of_o malignant_n from_o he_o and_o express_v desire_n from_o the_o general_n assembly_n and_o their_o commission_n renew_v again_o and_o again_o and_o express_v answer_n to_o the_o quaere_fw-la propon_v by_o himself_o of_o bring_v in_o the_o malignant_a party_n in_o the_o negative_a do_v advise_v he_o to_o employ_v and_o bring_v in_o that_o party_n for_o his_o own_o defence_n and_o the_o defence_n of_o the_o cause_n and_o kingdom_n three_o as_o to_o the_o peremptorinesse_n of_o some_o to_o have_v in_o that_o condition_n in_o the_o article_n of_o the_o treaty_n i_o know_v it_o not_o but_o though_o it_o be_v so_o it_o be_v no_o more_o than_o his_o predecessor_n be_v use_v to_o be_v tie_v unto_o before_o the_o reformation_n in_o the_o old_a oath_n of_o coronation_n and_o which_o his_o own_o father_n have_v condescend_v unto_o in_o the_o treaty_n at_o the_o brick_n as_o appear_v in_o the_o act_n of_o the_o assembly_n and_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n 1639_o and_o 1640._o forthly_a
these_o of_o their_o number_n who_o be_v dissatisfied_n with_o the_o public_a resolution_n as_o they_o be_v attest_v out_o of_o the_o register_n or_o by_o member_n of_o these_o presbytery_n and_o synod_n who_o be_v witness_n to_o their_o proceed_n in_o these_o thing_n 1._o instance_n in_o the_o presbytery_n of_o jedburgh_n the_o letter_n and_o act_n of_o the_o commission_n of_o the_o gen._n assembly_n 1650._o concern_v the_o cite_v of_o such_o of_o their_o number_n as_o be_v opposite_a to_o the_o public_a resolution_n come_v to_o the_o presbytery_n of_o jedburgh_n before_o the_o choose_n of_o their_o commissioner_n to_o the_o assembly_n at_o the_o time_n of_o the_o election_n the_o presbytery_n after_o the_o read_n thereof_o do_v in_o obedience_n thereto_o make_v enquiry_n who_o of_o their_o number_n be_v not_o satisfy_v with_o the_o public_a resolution_n and_o find_v that_o mr._n john_n livingston_n mr._n ja._n ker_n and_o mr._n jo._n scot_n be_v dissatisfy_v with_o these_o resolution_n they_o do_v appoint_v conference_n with_o these_o brethren_n in_o order_n to_o their_o satisfaction_n by_o read_v of_o some_o public_a paper_n refuse_v any_o other_o way_n of_o conference_n unto_o they_o after_o which_o they_o go_v on_o to_o the_o election_n of_o their_o commissioner_n pass_v by_o these_o dissatisfied_n brethren_n and_o cite_v they_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o act_n of_o the_o commission_n to_o compear_v before_o the_o general_n assembly_n to_o be_v hold_v at_o st._n andrews_n the_o ______o day_n of_o july_n 1651._o 2._o instance_n in_o the_o presbytery_n of_o dunkel_n the_o presbytery_n of_o dunkel_n have_v choose_v such_o of_o their_o number_n to_o be_v commissioner_n to_o the_o general_n assembly_n 1651._o as_o be_v in_o their_o judgement_n opposite_a to_o the_o public_a resolution_n some_o of_o the_o presbytery_n dissent_v from_o the_o election_n of_o these_o person_n upon_o the_o ground_n of_o their_o be_v uncapable_a to_o be_v commissioner_n because_o of_o a_o act_n of_o the_o commission_n for_o cite_v of_o such_o to_o the_o assembly_n and_o urge_v that_o the_o dissent_n and_o ground_n thereof_o may_v be_v mark_v in_o the_o presbytery-book_n to_o be_v judge_v by_o the_o synod_n 3._o instance_n in_o the_o synod_n of_o perth_n the_o synod_n of_o perth_n which_o meet_v in_o june_n 1651._o have_v receive_v and_o read_v the_o letter_n and_o act_n of_o the_o commission_n concern_v the_o cite_n these_o who_o be_v opposite_a to_o the_o public_a resolution_n do_v find_v it_o incumbent_n unto_o they_o for_o satisfy_v the_o say_a letter_n and_o act_n to_o appoint_v the_o several_a presbytery_n within_o their_o bound_n and_o where_o the_o plurality_n of_o the_o presbytery_n be_v dissatisfied_n with_o the_o public_a resolution_n some_o nominate_v by_o themselves_o to_o confer_v with_o dissatisfied_n brethren_n and_o in_o case_n of_o their_o not_o receive_v satisfaction_n by_o conference_n to_o cite_v they_o to_o the_o gen._n assembly_n at_o st._n andrews_n from_o which_o act_n of_o the_o synod_n such_o dissatisfied_n brethren_n as_o be_v present_a who_o be_v about_o eight_o or_o nine_o do_v passent_v and_o be_v therefore_o cite_v apudacta_fw-la by_o the_o synod_n to_o compear_v before_o the_o assembly_n because_o of_o their_o opposition_n to_o the_o public_a resolution_n and_o concern_v the_o rest_n who_o be_v absent_a it_o be_v order_v by_o the_o synod_n that_o personal_a summons_n shall_v be_v send_v unto_o some_o of_o they_o and_o that_o other_o of_o they_o in_o case_n of_o their_o not_o be_v satisfy_v by_o conference_n shall_v be_v cite_v by_o their_o respective_a presbytery_n and_o such_o as_o be_v appoint_v to_o confer_v with_o they_o at_o the_o same_o time_n the_o synod_n take_v in_o consideration_n the_o dissent_n of_o some_o of_o the_o member_n of_o the_o presbytery_n of_o dunkel_n and_o the_o ground_n thereof_o from_o the_o election_n of_o their_o commissioner_n do_v sustain_v the_o same_o and_o appoint_v the_o presbitry_n to_o make_v a_o new_a election_n 4._o instance_n in_o the_o presbytery_n of_o kirkaldie_n the_o presbytery_n of_o kirkaldie_n have_v receive_v and_o read_v the_o letter_n and_o act_n of_o the_o commission_n do_v thereafter_o and_o in_o order_n thereto_o refuse_v to_o subscribe_v the_o commission_n of_o magnus_n aytoun_n than_o choose_a commissioner_n to_o the_o general_n assembly_n by_o the_o town_n of_o bruntiland_n because_o when_o his_o commission_n be_v present_v to_o the_o presbytery_n he_o be_v not_o present_a to_o declare_v his_o judgement_n concern_v the_o public_a resolution_n the_o same_o presbytry_n do_v by_o virtue_n of_o the_o same_o letter_n and_o act_n find_v themselves_o oblige_v to_o refer_v or_o summon_v two_o of_o their_o number_n to_o wit_n mr._n alex._n muncreiff_n and_o mr._n george_n nairne_n to_o the_o general_n assembly_n because_o of_o their_o be_v dissatisfied_n with_o the_o public_a resolution_n but_o remember_v that_o these_o two_o have_v a_o little_a before_o that_o time_n dissent_v from_o a_o act_n of_o the_o synod_n of_o fife_n appoint_v such_o minister_n in_o the_o bound_n of_o that_o synod_n as_o be_v dissatisfied_n with_o the_o public_a resolution_n to_o be_v refer_v to_o the_o general_n assembly_n do_v find_v that_o they_o be_v oblige_v to_o compear_v before_o the_o assembly_n to_o give_v in_o the_o reason_n of_o their_o dissent_n from_o that_o act_n and_o therefore_o the_o presbytery_n do_v draw_v up_o a_o paper_n mention_v their_o regard_n to_o the_o act_n and_o letter_n of_o the_o commission_n and_o also_o bear_v the_o dissent_n of_o these_o two_o brethren_n and_o that_o they_o judge_v it_o not_o necessary_a to_o summon_v they_o who_o be_v already_o by_o their_o dissent_n oblige_v to_o compear_v and_o this_o paper_n they_o do_v deliver_v to_o their_o commissioner_n appoint_v they_o to_o present_v it_o to_o the_o assembly_n 5._o instance_n in_o the_o presbytery_n of_o glasgow_n the_o presbytery_n of_o glasgow_n do_v choose_v commissioner_n to_o the_o general_n assembly_n 1651._o before_o the_o letter_n and_o act_n of_o the_o commission_n come_v to_o their_o hand_n from_o which_o election_n some_o of_o their_o number_n do_v dissent_n upon_o this_o ground_n among_o other_o because_o the_o person_n choose_v be_v of_o a_o contrary_a judgement_n to_o the_o public_a resolution_n and_o that_o they_o know_v that_o the_o commission_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n be_v to_o send_v some_o public_a direction_n to_o the_o presbytery_n anent_o that_o matter_n and_o the_o dissent_v part_n of_o the_o presbytery_n though_o the_o small_a number_n by_o many_o do_v thereafter_o make_v a_o new_a election_n of_o their_o own_o and_o do_v cite_v some_o of_o these_o of_o the_o presbytery_n who_o be_v opposite_a to_o the_o public_a resolution_n to_o compear_v before_o the_o assembly_n upon_o the_o ground_n contain_v in_o the_o letter_n and_o act_n of_o the_o commission_n and_o some_o of_o the_o same_o dissent_v part_n of_o the_o presbytery_n who_o be_v frequent_o with_o the_o commission_n in_o promote_a these_o affair_n do_v send_v the_o letter_n and_o act_n of_o the_o commission_n enclose_v in_o a_o letter_n of_o their_o own_o to_o two_o of_o the_o brethren_n of_o the_o presbytery_n of_o lanrick_n advise_v they_o that_o before_o the_o election_n of_o commissioner_n in_o their_o presbytery_n they_o shall_v cause_v read_v the_o letter_n and_o act_n of_o the_o commission_n and_o endeavour_v to_o carry_v on_o the_o election_n according_o and_o that_o if_o they_o can_v not_o attain_v this_o that_o then_o these_o of_o their_o number_n who_o do_v approve_v of_o the_o public_a resolution_n shall_v make_v a_o new_a election_n among_o themselves_o and_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o assembly_n to_o judge_v which_o of_o the_o two_o election_n be_v valid_a signify_v withal_o unto_o they_o that_o they_o have_v do_v so_o in_o the_o presbytery_n of_o glasgow_n 6._o instance_n in_o the_o presbytery_n of_o biggar_n the_o letter_n and_o act_n of_o the_o commission_n 1650._o concern_v such_o as_o do_v differ_v from_o the_o public_a resolution_n come_v to_o the_o presbytery_n of_o biggar_n and_o be_v public_o read_v therein_o before_o the_o choose_n of_o their_o commissioner_n to_o the_o general_n assembly_n and_o thereupon_o interogator_n be_v make_v to_o the_o brethren_n for_o try_v of_o their_o judgement_n anent_o the_o public_a resolution_n that_o these_o who_o profess_v themselves_o dissatisfied_n therewith_o may_v be_v render_v uncapable_a to_o be_v choose_v commissioner_n to_o the_o general_n assembly_n 7._o instance_n in_o the_o presbytery_n of_o the_o mern_n the_o presbytery_n of_o the_o mern_n have_v choose_v the_o lord_n arbuthnet_n in_o his_o absence_n from_o the_o presbytery_n to_o be_v commissioner_n as_o rule_v elder_a to_o the_o general_n assembly_n 1651._o do_v send_v two_o of_o their_o number_n unto_o he_o to_o take_v his_o oath_n to_o be_v faithful_a in_o that_o employment_n and_o withal_o to_o take_v trial_n whether_o he_o be_v satisfy_v
committee_n of_o estate_n the_o assembly_n continue_v until_o the_o morn_n at_o ten_o hour_n that_o examination_n of_o the_o proceed_n of_o the_o commission_n of_o the_o late_a assembly_n and_o do_v appoint_v that_o time_n for_o hear_v any_o new_a exception_n the_o committee_n of_o estate_n have_v to_o give_v in_o against_o the_o proceed_n of_o the_o say_a commission_n paper_n send_v into_o the_o assembly_n whereas_o it_o have_v be_v the_o constant_a care_n and_o endeavor_n of_o the_o parliament_n and_o committee_n of_o estate_n to_o use_v all_o mean_n for_o remove_v and_o settle_v the_o difference_n betwixt_o the_o church_n and_o the_o state_n and_o in_o pursuance_n of_o that_o good_a way_n the_o committee_n do_v yesterday_o give_v in_o some_o new_a desire_n and_o offer_v to_o the_o gen._n assembly_n that_o some_o may_v be_v appoint_v to_o meet_v and_o confer_v with_o such_o as_o shall_v be_v appoint_v by_o the_o committee_n thereupon_o but_o since_o instead_o of_o embrace_v and_o lay_v hold_n of_o this_o opportunity_n of_o compose_v difference_n the_o gen._n assembly_n do_v proceed_v towards_o a_o approbation_n of_o the_o proceed_n of_o the_o commissioner_n of_o the_o assembly_n whereby_o we_o conceive_v all_o hope_n of_o make_v up_o the_o breach_n will_v be_v remove_v and_o the_o prejudices_fw-la will_v be_v great_a that_o will_v thereby_o ensue_v to_o this_o cause_n and_o kingdom_n for_o prevent_v whereof_o we_o hold_v ourselves_o oblige_v again_o to_o desire_v you_o as_o you_o tender_v the_o furtherance_n of_o the_o work_n of_o reformation_n the_o good_a peace_n &_o union_n of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o the_o compose_n of_o all_o difference_n and_o jealousy_n that_o you_o will_v apply_v yourselves_o to_o these_o our_o desire_n and_o appoint_v some_o of_o your_o number_n to_o confer_v with_o we_o thereupon_o for_o the_o exception_n we_o have_v against_o the_o proceed_n of_o the_o commissioner_n of_o the_o gen._n assembly_n we_o have_v confidence_n a_o conference_n may_v preveen_v the_o same_o and_o be_v more_o willing_a not_o to_o give_v they_o in_o at_o all_o or_o at_o least_o only_a to_o give_v they_o in_o to_o those_o you_o shall_v appoint_v to_o confer_v with_o we_o that_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a difference_n may_v yet_o be_v remove_v then_o that_o we_o be_v necessitate_v to_o appear_v in_o public_a among_o they_o and_o that_o this_o and_o our_o former_a paper_n may_v remain_v as_o a_o testimony_n of_o our_o desire_n for_o unity_n and_o peace_n we_o desire_v that_o they_o may_v be_v record_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n the_o assembly_n do_v give_v this_o humble_a return_n to_o the_o paper_n send_v this_o day_n from_o the_o hon._n committee_n of_o estate_n that_o they_o be_v most_o willing_a to_o appoint_v a_o conference_n with_o any_o of_o their_o lordsh_fw-mi number_n but_o that_o according_a to_o the_o order_n and_o act_n of_o former_a gen._n asembly_n they_o conceive_v themselves_o oblige_v first_o to_o examine_v the_o proceed_n of_o the_o commission_n of_o the_o late_a gen._n assembly_n and_o thereafter_o shall_v be_v willing_a to_o confer_v be_v also_o now_o ready_a as_o of_o before_o to_o hear_v exception_n if_o there_o be_v any_o against_o the_o proceed_n of_o the_o say_a commission_n subscrib_n a._n ker._n the_o committee_n of_o estate_n understand_v that_o the_o gen._n assembly_n be_v to_o proceed_v to_o the_o examination_n of_o the_o proceed_n of_o the_o commissioner_n of_o the_o late_a gen._n assembly_n in_o order_n to_o a_o approbation_n before_o they_o agree_v to_o a_o conference_n and_o the_o committee_n be_v to_o give_v in_o their_o just_a exception_n against_o the_o proceed_n of_o the_o say_a commissioner_n do_v desire_v the_o gen._n assembly_n to_o allow_v some_o few_o day_n delay_v to_o the_o committee_n to_o prepare_v their_o exception_n before_o the_o assembly_n proceed_v in_o the_o business_n the_o assembly_n continue_v the_o examination_n of_o the_o proceed_n of_o the_o late_a gen._n assembly_n until_o four_o afternoon_n and_o appoint_v that_o time_n for_o hear_v any_o new_a exception_n the_o honourable_a committee_n of_o estate_n have_v to_o give_v in_o against_o the_o proceed_n of_o the_o say_a commission_n subscrib_n a._n ker._n the_o committee_n of_o estate_n find_v it_o impossible_a in_o so_o short_a a_o time_n to_o prepare_v their_o objection_n against_o such_o of_o the_o proceed_n of_o the_o commissioner_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n as_o relate_v to_o their_o engagement_n and_o yet_o be_v most_o willing_a to_o essay_n all_o fair_a mean_n for_o procure_v a_o happy_a understanding_n betwixt_o kirk_n and_o state_n be_v content_a to_o appoint_v some_o of_o their_o number_n to_o meet_v with_o such_o as_o shall_v be_v appoint_v by_o the_o general_n assembly_n for_o compose_v of_o difference_n betwixt_o the_o church_n and_o state_n without_o prejudice_n to_o they_o to_o use_v all_o their_o just_a objection_n against_o the_o proceed_n of_o the_o commissioner_n of_o the_o late_a general_n assembly_n if_o the_o conference_n shall_v not_o produce_v these_o happy_a effect_n they_o earnest_o wish_v the_o general_a assembly_n unto_o the_o motion_n send_v this_o afternoon_n from_o the_o honourable_a committee_n of_o estate_n do_v return_v humble_o this_o answer_n that_o they_o yield_v to_o their_o lordship_n desire_n of_o a_o conference_n and_o for_o this_o end_n appoint_v m_n r_n david_n calderwood_n david_n dickson_n robert_n douglass_n andrew_n cant_v john_n moncreif_n john_n smith_n and_o john_n mac_n clelland_n minister_n and_o the_o earl_n of_o cassilles_n the_o earl_n of_o louthian_n lord_n balmernio_n the_o laird_n of_o moncreif_n and_o freeland_n with_o the_o moderator_n to_o confer_v with_o any_o appoint_v by_o the_o honourable_a committee_n of_o estate_n at_o such_o time_n and_o place_n as_o shall_v be_v appoint_v by_o their_o lordship_n upon_o the_o present_a danger_n to_o religion_n and_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n the_o great_a prejudices_fw-la do_v to_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o kirk_n and_o the_o best_a remedy_n thereof_o and_o to_o report_v the_o result_n of_o their_o conference_n from_o time_n to_o time_n and_o they_o have_v also_o power_n to_o receive_v any_o offer_n or_o paper_n from_o the_o honourable_a committee_n of_o estate_n and_o to_o present_v the_o same_o to_o the_o assembly_n declare_v that_o the_o proceed_n of_o the_o commission_n of_o the_o late_a assembly_n be_v new_a exact_o try_v and_o unanimous_o approven_v there_o be_v no_o place_n leave_v for_o any_o objection_n against_o the_o same_o subscrib_n a._n ker._n reasins_z why_o these_o who_o dis-approved_n the_o public_a resolution_n and_o act_n at_o dundee_n ratify_v the_o same_o and_o ordain_v censure_n to_o pass_v upon_o the_o opposer_n and_o unsatisfied_a can_v keep_v the_o assembly_n now_o indict_v nor_o be_v consent_v unto_o the_o election_n of_o commissioner_n for_o that_o effect_n the_o chief_a cause_n of_o many_o evil_n which_o have_v befall_v this_o church_n in_o time_n of_o defection_n under_o prelacy_n be_v clear_o determine_v by_o the_o gen_n assembly_n at_o edinburgh_n 1639._o to_o have_v be_v the_o keep_n and_o authorise_v corrupt_a general_n assembly_n it_o be_v of_o high_a concernment_n that_o we_o take_v heed_n that_o we_o be_v not_o consent_v nor_o concur_v to_o the_o keep_n and_o authorise_v such_o assembly_n in_o this_o decline_a time_n among_o which_o the_o assembly_n indict_v by_o the_o commissioner_n of_o the_o pretend_a assembly_n at_o st._n andrews_n and_o dundee_n be_v to_o be_v reckon_v and_o consequent_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v keep_v by_o any_o who_o have_v protest_v against_o or_o be_v in_o their_o conscience_n unsatisfied_a with_o the_o public_a resolution_n and_o act_n of_o the_o assembly_n at_o dundee_n establish_v the_o same_o as_o involving_a defection_n and_o backslide_n from_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n and_o covenant_n to_o speak_v nothing_o of_o the_o indiction_n of_o the_o ensue_a assembly_n which_o can_v neither_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o any_o who_o have_v protest_v against_o or_o by_o any_o who_o doubt_v of_o the_o freedom_n lawfulness_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o assembly_n at_o dundee_n but_o allanerly_a of_o the_o constitution_n thereof_o in_o so_o far_o as_o it_o depend_v upon_o the_o act_n of_o that_o assembly_n these_o reason_n seem_v to_o warrant_n and_o require_v the_o forbearance_n and_o non-concurrence_n of_o all_o these_o who_o disallow_v of_o the_o act_n of_o the_o pretend_a assembly_n at_o dundee_n in_o the_o election_n of_o commissioner_n unto_o a_o keep_n the_o diet_n of_o the_o assembly_n now_o indict_v 1._o no_o man_n ought_v to_o be_v consent_v unto_o the_o authorise_a of_o commissioner_n to_o keep_v a_o assembly_n which_o be_v constitute_v by_o a_o corrupt_a rule_n but_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o such_o as_o approve_v not_o the_o act_n of_o the_o assembly_n of_o dundee_n the_o ensue_a assembly_n be_v constitute_v by_o a_o corrupt_a rule_n ergo_fw-la the_o major_a