election_n or_o commissioner_n be_v questionable_a to_o who_o we_o desire_v it_o earnest_o to_o be_v recomend_v that_o they_o will_v in_o a_o unanimous_a way_n make_v choice_n of_o man_n of_o approven_v ability_n and_o integrity_n and_o against_o who_o there_o can_v be_v no_o exception_n by_o the_o act_n and_o constitution_n of_o this_o church_n and_o in_o the_o last_o place_n we_o do_v humble_o represent_v and_o desire_v that_o in_o the_o interval_n of_o time_n betwixt_o this_o and_o the_o diet_n to_o which_o the_o assembly_n shall_v be_v adjourn_v there_o may_v be_v a_o solemn_a public_a humiliation_n throughout_o the_o land_n wherein_o god_n may_v be_v entreat_v to_o show_v we_o why_o he_o contend_v with_o we_o and_o to_o give_v light_n and_o clear_n on_o all_o hand_n concern_v the_o present_a difference_n of_o judgement_n and_o distemper_n of_o spirit_n that_o be_v among_o we_o that_o we_o may_v be_v of_o one_o mind_n and_o one_o heart_n for_o the_o carry_v on_o of_o the_o work_n of_o god_n among_o his_o people_n and_o your_o wisdom_n answer_v subscribe_v by_o sundry_a minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n st._n andrews_n july_n 18._o 1651._o how_o gracious_a the_o lord_n have_v be_v to_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n in_o give_v to_o her_o pure_a ordinance_n we_o trust_v shall_v be_v acknowledge_v by_o we_o while_o we_o live_v with_o thankfulness_n to_o the_o most_o high_a of_o who_o we_o desire_v mercy_n and_o grace_n to_o adhere_v unto_o the_o doctrine_n worship_n discipline_n and_o government_n establish_v in_o this_o land_n among_o the_o many_o sad_a token_n of_o the_o lord_n indignation_n against_o this_o church_n the_o present_a difference_n of_o his_o servant_n of_o the_o ministry_n be_v look_v upon_o by_o we_o as_o one_o of_o the_o great_a and_o as_o we_o hold_v it_o a_o duty_n to_o be_v deep_o humble_v before_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o sense_n thereof_o and_o by_o all_o lawful_a and_o fair_a mean_n within_o the_o compass_n of_o our_o power_n and_o station_n to_o endeavour_v the_o remedy_n thereof_o so_o we_o do_v ackdowledge_v a_o free_a general_n assembly_n lawful_o call_v and_o right_o constitute_v and_o proceed_v with_o meekness_n and_o love_n in_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n and_o the_o act_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 mean_n appoint_v of_o god_n for_o attain_v this_o end_n and_o for_o preserve_v the_o purity_n and_o advance_v the_o power_n of_o the_o work_n of_o reformation_n in_o this_o age_n and_o transmit_v the_o same_o to_o our_o posterity_n and_o to_o the_o age_n and_o generation_n that_o be_v to_o come_v but_o as_o the_o faithful_a servant_n of_o god_n in_o this_o church_n in_o former_a time_n do_v by_o his_o good_a hand_n upon_o they_o in_o the_o right_a administration_n of_o free_a and_o lawful_a assembly_n bring_v the_o work_n of_o reformation_n in_o scotland_n unto_o a_o great_a perfection_n and_o near_a conformity_n with_o the_o first_o pattern_n so_o unfaithful_a man_n mind_v their_o own_o thing_n more_o than_o the_o thing_n of_o christ_n and_o usurp_a over_o their_o brethren_n and_o over_o the_o lord_n inheritance_n do_v deface_v the_o beauty_n thereof_o first_o by_o encroach_a upon_o the_o liberty_n and_o freedom_n of_o assembly_n afterward_o by_o take_v away_o the_o assembly_n themselves_o therefore_o remember_v the_o many_o bond_n and_o obligation_n that_o lie_v upon_o we_o before_o the_o lord_n and_o be_v desirous_a to_o be_v find_v faithful_a in_o this_o day_n of_o temptation_n and_o to_o exoner_n our_o conscience_n as_o in_o his_o sight_n and_o to_o avoid_v accession_n to_o that_o guiltiness_n in_o which_o many_o have_v involve_v themselves_o and_o conceive_v that_o this_o present_a meeting_n be_v not_o a_o free_a lawful_a gen._n assembly_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n in_o regard_n that_o the_o election_n of_o commissioner_n to_o the_o same_o have_v be_v prelimited_n and_o prejudice_v in_o the_o due_a liberty_n and_o freedom_n thereof_o by_o a_o letter_n and_o act_n of_o the_o commissioner_n of_o the_o last_o gen_n 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 the_o public_a resolution_n to_o be_v cite_v to_o the_o general_n assembly_n and_o in_o regard_n that_o commissioner_n from_o many_o burrough_n and_o presbytry_n be_v absent_a as_o want_v free_a access_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o motion_n of_o the_o and_o in_o regard_n that_o many_o of_o the_o commissioner_n of_o the_o former_a assembly_n who_o have_v carry_v on_o a_o course_n of_o defection_n contrary_a to_o the_o trust_v commit_v to_o they_o and_o who_o in_o their_o remonstrance_n and_o paper_n have_v stir_v up_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n against_o such_o who_o be_v unsatisfied_a in_o their_o conscience_n with_o their_o proceed_n and_o who_o have_v by_o their_o letter_n and_o act_n prelimited_a the_o assembly_n be_v admit_v to_o sit_v and_o vote_n as_o member_n of_o the_o assembly_n and_o their_o moderator_n appoint_v to_o be_v moderator_n of_o the_o assembly_n notwithstanding_o that_o timous_a exception_n be_v make_v against_o they_o that_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v admit_v as_o member_n of_o the_o assembly_n until_o their_o proceed_n be_v first_o try_v and_o approven_v by_o the_o assembly_n and_o in_o regard_n that_o his_o majesty_n by_o his_o letter_n and_o his_o majesty_n commissioner_n by_o his_o speech_n to_o the_o assembly_n have_v incite_v to_o hard_a course_n against_o those_o who_o be_v unsatisfied_a in_o their_o conscience_n with_o the_o proceed_n of_o the_o commission_n before_o these_o proceed_n be_v try_v and_o approven_v by_o the_o assembly_n itself_o we_o do_v upon_o these_o and_o many_o other_o important_a ground_n and_o reason_n to_o be_v propound_v and_o give_v in_o in_o time_n and_o place_n convenient_a protest_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n and_o in_o our_o own_o name_n and_o in_o the_o name_n of_o all_o minister_n ruling-elders_a and_o professor_n of_o this_o church_n who_o do_v or_o shall_v adhere_v to_o we_o against_o the_o validity_n and_o constitution_n of_o this_o assembly_n as_o not_o be_v free_a and_o lawful_a and_o that_o they_o may_v not_o arrogat_fw-la nor_o assume_v to_o themselves_o any_o authority_n nor_o exercise_v any_o power_n or_o jurisdiction_n for_o determine_v of_o controversy_n make_v of_o act_n emit_v of_o declaration_n judge_v of_o protestation_n or_o appeal_n or_o proceed_n of_o synod_n or_o inferior_a judicature_n or_o censure_v of_o person_n or_o paper_n or_o issue_v of_o commission_n of_o whatsoever_o sort_n to_o any_o person_n whatsoever_o and_o particular_o we_o protest_v that_o they_o may_v not_o proceed_v unto_o the_o approve_v or_o ratify_v of_o the_o proceed_n of_o the_o former_a commission_n not_o only_o because_o of_o their_o want_n of_o just_a power_n and_o authority_n so_o to_o do_v but_o also_o because_o these_o proceed_n contain_v many_o thing_n contrary_a to_o the_o trust_v commit_v to_o these_o commissioner_n especial_o the_o allow_v and_o carry_v on_o of_o a_o conjunction_n with_o the_o malignant_a party_n and_o bring_v they_o in_o to_o place_n of_o power_n and_o trust_n in_o the_o army_n and_o in_o the_o judicature_n contrary_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n the_o solemn_a confession_n of_o sin_n and_o engagement_n to_o duty_n the_o constant_a tenor_n of_o the_o declaration_n warning_n remonstrance_n cause_n of_o humiliation_n letter_n supplication_n and_o act_n and_o constitution_n of_o this_o church_n and_o the_o lay_n of_o a_o foundation_n for_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n to_o meddle_v with_o minister_n in_o those_o thing_n which_o concern_v their_o doctrine_n and_o the_o exercise_n of_o ministerial_a duty_n before_o they_o be_v cite_v try_v and_o censure_v by_o the_o judicatories_n of_o the_o church_n and_o we_o protest_v that_o whatsoever_o determination_n act_n ratification_n declaration_n sentence_n censure_n or_o commission_n that_o shall_v be_v make_v or_o give_v out_o by_o they_o may_v be_v void_a and_o null_a and_o may_v be_v interpret_v as_o bind_v to_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n and_o that_o notwithstanding_o thereof_o it_o may_v be_v free_a for_o we_o and_o such_o as_o adhere_v to_o we_o to_o exercise_v our_o ministry_n and_o enjoy_v the_o warrantable_a christian_a liberty_n of_o our_o conscience_n according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o national_a covenant_n and_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n and_o solemn_a engagement_n to_o duty_n and_o all_o the_o act_n and_o constitution_n of_o this_o church_n and_o that_o there_o may_v be_v liberty_n to_o choose_v commissioner_n and_o to_o conveen_n in_o a_o free_a lawful_a general_n assembly_n when_o there_o shall_v be_v need_n and_o the_o lord_n shall_v give_v opportunity_n and_o to_o add_v
what_o further_a reason_n shall_v have_v weight_n for_o show_v the_o nullity_n of_o this_o assembly_n and_o the_o unwarrantableness_n of_o the_o proceed_n of_o the_o commission_n of_o the_o former_a assembly_n and_o that_o these_o present_n may_v be_v put_v upon_o record_n by_o the_o clerk_n in_o the_o regester_n of_o the_o assembly_n to_o be_v extant_a ad_fw-la futuram_fw-la rei_fw-la memoream_n and_o that_o we_o may_v have_v subscribe_v extract_v thereof_o under_o the_o clerk_n hand_n this_o follow_a paper_n be_v enclose_v in_o a_o letter_n from_o the_o lord_n wariston_n to_o the_o meeting_n at_o s._n andrews_n which_o letter_n although_o it_o can_v not_o be_v get_v print_v yet_o we_o have_v publish_v the_o enclose_a both_o because_o it_o tend_v very_o much_o to_o clear_v that_o the_o way_n of_o protest_v against_o every_o encroachment_n upon_o the_o liberty_n of_o this_o church_n be_v no_o new_a thing_n but_o have_v be_v the_o constant_a practice_n of_o our_o faithful_a predecessor_n from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o work_n of_o reformation_n and_o also_o because_o it_o do_v contain_v a_o particular_a testimony_n against_o the_o ratification_n of_o the_o paper_n give_v by_o the_o commission_n of_o the_o kirk_n to_o the_o parliament_n anent_o the_o confinement_n of_o the_o minister_n of_o sterline_n and_o of_o all_o other_o paper_n prejudicial_a to_o the_o covenant_n and_o cause_n of_o jesus_n christ_n the_o paper_n enclose_v within_o the_o letter_n contain_v a_o narration_n of_o some_o former_a protestation_n with_o my_o present_a protestation_n subjoin_v thereto_o anent_o the_o protestation_n it_o may_v be_v remember_v that_o the_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n of_o the_o kirk_n of_o scotland_n swear_v to_o by_o the_o covenant_n be_v clear_a anent_o thâs_n râght_n and_o privilege_n acknowledge_v even_o by_o king_n and_o parliament_n that_o none_o of_o her_o pastor_n can_v be_v judge_v or_o trouble_v by_o king_n council_n or_o parliament_n for_o their_o preach_n and_o ministerial_a duty_n ânless_a the_o assembly_n of_o the_o kirk_n the_o onây_a competent_a judge_n thereof_o have_v first_o cite_v try_v and_o censure_v they_o therefore_o and_o have_v upon_o their_o disobedience_n crave_v the_o concurrence_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n for_o clear_v whereof_o remember_v that_o this_o have_v be_v mighty_o debate_v betwixt_o the_o kirk_n and_o the_o state_n it_o be_v not_o only_o thereupon_o maintain_v and_o declare_v by_o the_o general_n assembly_n in_o 1581._o immediate_o after_o ratify_v the_o book_n of_o discipline_n and_o swear_v the_o national_a covenant_n but_o also_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o the_o king_n and_o the_o council_n in_o the_o case_n of_o mr._n walter_n balcanquel_n who_o have_v be_v challenge_v for_o a_o sermon_n as_o seditious_a thereafter_o in_o the_o assembly_n 1582._o john_n dury_n be_v challenge_v by_o king_n and_o council_n for_o his_o sermon_n as_o seditious_a and_o be_v advise_v by_o his_o friend_n to_o retire_v and_o seek_v the_o assembly_n advise_v see_v his_o doctrine_n accuse_v to_o the_o council_n be_v justify_v by_o his_o presbytery_n and_o session_n he_o be_v direct_v to_o the_o assembly_n to_o abide_v rather_o the_o charge_n of_o horning_n and_o caption_n and_o give_v his_o testimony_n against_o their_o procedor_fw-la then_o private_o to_o retire_v and_o the_o whole_a assembly_n give_v in_o their_o grievance_n to_o the_o king_n and_o to_o the_o estate_n complain_v that_o this_o their_o procedor_fw-la be_v one_o erection_n of_o a_o popedom_n in_o the_o king_n person_n and_o a_o wrong_v of_o jesus_n christ_n the_o only_a king_n of_o the_o church_n wherein_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o prophet_n be_v subject_a to_o the_o prophet_n and_o a_o confound_a of_o the_o spiritual_a and_o temporal_a jurisdiction_n which_o god_n have_v divide_v thereafter_o when_o the_o first_o act_n of_o the_o eight_o parliament_n 1584._o give_v power_n to_o the_o king_n council_n to_o inquire_v and_o examine_v anent_o these_o thing_n be_v proclaim_v it_o be_v protest_v against_o by_o the_o minister_n of_o edinburgh_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o kirk_n of_o scotland_n who_o in_o that_o hour_n of_o darkness_n be_v put_v to_o banishment_n and_o thereafter_o mr._n david_n blake_n and_o mr._n andrew_n melvin_n be_v cite_v for_o their_o doctrine_n before_o the_o king_n and_o council_n decline_v from_o both_o and_o enter_v a_o protestation_n and_o in_o the_o gen._n assembly_n june_n 1587._o the_o king_n &_o the_o estate_n in_o the_o case_n of_o m._n john_n couper_n and_o mr._n james_n gibson_n minister_n acknowledge_v the_o assembly_n to_o be_v the_o only_a competent_a judge_n and_o desire_v they_o to_o try_v and_o judge_v and_o such_o like_a thereafter_o in_o the_o case_n of_o john_n rosse_n in_o the_o assembly_n 1594._o and_o the_o king_n and_o parliament_n 1592._o in_o end_n of_o the_o first_o act_n which_o be_v anent_o assembly_n repeal_v the_o foresay_a act_n 1584._o in_o so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v prejudicial_a to_o the_o privilege_n which_o god_n have_v give_v to_o his_o spiritual_a office-bearer_n in_o his_o church_n the_o assembly_n 92._o and_o 94_o 95_o 96._o give_v most_o free_a admonition_n to_o the_o king_n and_o estate_n to_o abstain_v from_o such_o procedors_n lest_o they_o commit_v high-treason_n against_o jesus_n christ_n the_o only_a monarch_n of_o his_o church_n for_o who_o they_o behove_v to_o fight_v by_o the_o spiritual_a armour_n grant_v to_o they_o of_o god_n and_o potent_a in_o he_o for_o overthrow_v all_o strong_a hold_n and_o bulwark_n set_v up_o against_o his_o kingdom_n among_o which_o it_o be_v a_o main_a one_o to_o have_v the_o freedom_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o the_o rebuke_n of_o sin_n restrain_v in_o the_o mouth_n of_o his_o servant_n and_o to_o extinguish_v the_o light_n which_o will_v show_v the_o unlawfulness_n of_o their_o proceed_n and_o stop_v under_o the_o name_n of_o vice_n of_o stir_v up_o sedition_n and_o tumult_n the_o liberty_n of_o preach_v when_o mr._n john_n craig_n and_o mr._n andrew_n melvin_n be_v threaten_v for_o their_o declinator_n and_o free_a speech_n against_o the_o act_n 84._o by_o chancellor_n arrane_n at_o the_o councel-table_n with_o stob_v they_o instant_o unloose_v their_o button_n and_o lay_v their_o breast_n open_a and_o bare_a say_v they_o dare_v receive_v if_o he_o dare_v strike_v and_o then_o public_o fore_o tell_v the_o judgement_n which_o god_n bring_v to_o pass_v upon_o he_o short_o thereafter_o and_o mr._n nichoal_n daglish_n speak_v no_o less_o resolute_o when_o the_o scaffold_n be_v erect_v for_o he_o and_o so_o do_v mr._n welsh_n and_o his_o colleg_n 1606._o both_o when_o they_o decline_v and_o protest_v against_o the_o king_n and_o the_o council_n and_o when_o they_o be_v panold_n and_o condemn_v at_o lithgow_n i_o need_v not_o insist_v on_o the_o large_a declaration_n and_o the_o reason_n thereof_o emit_v in_o this_o very_a point_n against_o the_o state_n proceed_n by_o the_o grand_a commission_n of_o the_o assembly_n 1596._o appoint_v on_o purpose_n ne_o quid_fw-la detrimenti_fw-la ecclesia_fw-la capiat_fw-la nor_o yet_o to_o insist_v on_o the_o four_o act_n of_o the_o parliament_n 1640._o anent_o the_o assembly_n determine_v all_o ecclesiastic_a matter_n nor_o the_o six_o act_n rescissory_a which_o establish_v that_o of_o the_o 92._o etc._n etc._n and_o in_o the_o end_n rescind_v all_o confinement_n banishment_n deprivation_n make_v in_o the_o time_n of_o defection_n which_o two_o act_n be_v ratify_v in_o the_o large_a treaty_n neither_o need_v i_o to_o remember_v the_o end_n of_o the_o king_n oath_n prescribe_v in_o 1567._o and_o swear_v by_o his_o majesty_n late_o at_o his_o coronation_n nor_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o parliament_n oath_n nor_o one_o of_o the_o main_a article_n of_o the_o late_a treaty_n with_o this_o king_n anent_o the_o determination_n of_o matter_n ecclesiastical_a neither_o need_v i_o transcribe_v the_o three_o last_o leau_n of_o the_o commission_n of_o the_o kirk_n vindication_n of_o their_o proceed_n from_o the_o parliament_n letter_n may_v 11._o 1648._o which_o speak_v full_o to_o this_o point_n neither_o need_v i_o transcribe_v the_o six_o page_n of_o the_o committee_n of_o estate_n observation_n upon_o the_o assembly_n declaration_n 1648._o wherein_n they_o claim_v power_n to_o challenge_v minister_n for_o seditious_a doctrine_n whereunto_o the_o commission_n of_o the_o kirk_n in_o their_o reply_n page_n 14._o say_v that_o the_o judgement_n of_o minister_n doctrine_n belong_v to_o the_o judicatories_n of_o the_o kirk_n both_o by_o divine-right_a and_o by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n and_o we_o hope_v your_o lordship_n do_v not_o intend_v under_o colour_n of_o quarrel_a sedition_n a_o new_a way_n of_o judge_v and_o try_v minister_n doctrine_n nor_o to_o assume_v to_o themselves_o the_o exercise_v of_o the_o same_o power_n over_o all_o person_n of_o whatsoever_o state_n degree_n function_n or_o condition_n they_o be_v of_o in_o all_o matter_n
be_v that_o be_v give_v to_o the_o general_n assembly_n of_o that_o business_n some_o of_o the_o commissioner_n confession_n before_o the_o commission_n of_o the_o church_n at_o strivel_a after_o dunbar_n do_v bear_v witness_n it_o may_v be_v remember_v that_o the_o moderator_n then_o regret_v that_o the_o plain_a business_n be_v not_o make_v know_v to_o the_o general_n assembly_n and_o that_o most_o of_o what_o be_v speak_v in_o that_o debate_n at_o strivel_a tend_v rather_o to_o clear_v the_o gen._n assembly_n then_o to_o justify_v the_o treaty_n and_o indeed_o these_o after_o discovery_n of_o hide_a and_o sinful_o conceal_v truth_n may_v plead_v for_o a_o fair_a construction_n of_o what_o the_o assembly_n do_v in_o approve_v their_o commissioner_n proceed_n which_o belike_o they_o will_v not_o have_v approven_v if_o they_o have_v know_v all_o the_o truth_n and_o do_v afford_v sufficient_a ground_n for_o the_o remonstrator_n afterward_o to_o remonstrate_v they_o without_o reflect_v 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john_n carstares_n be_v then_o a_o prisoner_n at_o edinburgh_n the_o remonstrator_n be_v at_o dumfreis_n the_o remonstrance_n be_v present_v at_o strivel_a he_o know_v not_o so_o much_o as_o either_o matter_n or_o form_n of_o the_o remonstrance_n till_o it_o be_v present_v how_o then_o can_v he_o give_v advice_n therein_o or_o if_o his_o letter_n be_v intercept_v how_o can_v that_o advice_n come_v to_o their_o hand_n that_o they_o may_v hearken_v thereto_o if_o there_o have_v be_v any_o thing_n in_o that_o letter_n that_o make_v for_o his_o purpose_n why_o do_v not_o the_o author_n cite_v the_o word_n of_o it_o after_o the_o intercept_n thereof_o it_o be_v show_v to_o mr._n robert_n dowglas_n and_o diverse_a other_o and_o as_o it_o do_v then_o so_o if_o it_o be_v needful_a to_o make_v it_o public_a it_o will_v now_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o it_o of_o which_o either_o mr._n john_n or_o my_o lord_n register_n need_v to_o be_v ashamed_a and_o it_o will_v abundant_o confute_v the_o calumny_n of_o some_o and_o correct_v the_o mistake_n of_o other_o particular_o in_o the_o thing_n for_o which_o it_o be_v allege_v vindication_n second_o public_a vilify_n of_o act_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n as_o not_o to_o be_v press_v in_o matter_n of_o conscience_n witness_n mr._n james_n guthrie_n his_o speech_n utter_v public_o in_o the_o commission_n at_o strivel_a where_o in_o conference_n upon_o the_o western_a remonstrance_n when_o the_o moderator_n do_v once_o and_o again_o press_v the_o act_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n approve_v the_o close_a of_o the_o treaty_n with_o the_o king_n and_o the_o declaration_n of_o the_o same_o assembly_n emit_v when_o the_o english_a army_n enter_v the_o land_n against_o that_o part_n of_o the_o remonstrance_n condemn_v the_o close_a of_o the_o treaty_n he_o public_o answer_v press_v i_o not_o with_o humane_a constitution_n in_o matter_n of_o conscience_n all_o
oâ_n the_o cause_n of_o the_o lord_n controversy_n and_o offer_v and_o advise_v the_o âame_n to_o be_v make_v use_n of_o by_o all_o the_o lord_n people_n in_o this_o land_n be_v it_o a_o fault_n in_o our_o nonconforming_a forefather_n to_o bear_v a_o testimony_n and_o give_v their_o judgement_n against_o the_o six_o corrupt_a assembly_n and_o to_o reckon_v these_o assembly_n among_o the_o sin_n and_o guiltiness_n of_o the_o land_n and_o to_o desire_v the_o land_n to_o be_v humble_v for_o they_o if_o any_o of_o the_o presbytery_n of_o these_o time_n do_v pass_v a_o presbyterial_a judgement_n and_o sentence_n upon_o the_o nullity_n of_o any_o of_o those_o assembly_n and_o the_o iniquity_n of_o their_o act_n do_v they_o wrong_v in_o so_o do_v and_o be_v this_o more_o than_o any_o power_n on_o earth_n can_v do_v that_o be_v inferior_a to_o another_o general_n assembly_n if_o it_o be_v thus_o the_o church_n be_v like_a to_o be_v in_o a_o ill_a case_n if_o a_o general_n assembly_n once_o 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insinuate_v that_o he_o can_v add_v mo_z instance_n not_o a_o few_o it_o be_v like_o that_o he_o have_v bring_v forth_o these_o in_o which_o he_o conceive_v the_o great_a weight_n to_o lie_v and_o if_o these_o be_v weigh_v in_o the_o balance_n be_v find_v light_n we_o need_v not_o be_v afraid_a of_o what_o be_v yet_o in_o his_o treasure_n he_o say_v true_a that_o the_o instance_n which_o he_o have_v bring_v do_v not_o belong_v formal_o and_o direct_o to_o the_o matter_n in_o question_n but_o he_o have_v fetch_v a_o great_a compass_n to_o get_v they_o in_o suppose_v by_o these_o thing_n to_o reach_v sore_a blow_n to_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o protester_n and_o to_o discover_v the_o hypocrisy_n thereof_o but_o how_o he_o have_v prove_v his_o alleadgeance_n i_o leave_v it_o to_o indifferent_a man_n to_o judge_v who_o may_v also_o give_v sentence_n of_o their_o carriage_n to_o the_o general_n assembly_n after_o the_o perusal_n of_o his_o vindication_n and_o this_o review_n 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faithful_a and_o godly_a brethren_n and_o agent_v as_o diligent_o as_o they_o can_v to_o induce_v other_o through_o the_o country_n to_o do_v the_o like_a many_o other_o instance_n or_o divers_a motion_n may_v be_v give_v but_o by_o this_o much_o let_v any_o man_n judge_n if_o they_o have_v not_o cause_n to_o be_v deep_o humble_v for_o the_o division_n in_o the_o land_n among_o the_o lord_n servant_n review_n i_o shall_v not_o deny_v but_o some_o of_o these_o brethren_n have_v in_o a_o special_a way_n reason_n to_o be_v humble_v for_o the_o division_n of_o the_o land_n as_o they_o be_v the_o righteous_a judgement_n of_o the_o lord_n upon_o their_o sin_n which_o have_v be_v great_a than_o the_o sin_n of_o many_o neither_o be_o i_o so_o zealous_a of_o their_o credit_n as_o to_o say_v that_o no_o circumstance_n of_o their_o carriage_n in_o these_o thing_n can_v have_v be_v better_o order_v they_o be_v but_o
of_o zion_n and_o happy_a be_v the_o man_n that_o can_v be_v the_o peacemaker_n and_o repairer_n of_o our_o breach_n but_o if_o the_o late_a and_o present_a practice_n of_o these_o our_o brethren_n do_v well_o agree_v with_o profession_n let_v god_n and_o indifferent_a godly_a man_n judge_v i_o shall_v not_o now_o insist_v upon_o the_o carriage_n and_o motion_n of_o some_o of_o they_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o late_a assembly_n at_o st._n andrews_n which_o be_v by_o a_o reverend_a and_o judicious_a godly_a man_n in_o their_o own_o hear_n say_v just_o to_o be_v fiery_a motion_n and_o petere_fw-la jugulum_fw-la pacis_fw-la nor_o yet_o upon_o the_o protestation_n against_o the_o assembly_n as_o to_o this_o effect_n of_o which_o i_o be_o now_o upon_o i_o shall_v only_o say_v this_o for_o the_o present_a have_v it_o not_o be_v a_o more_o probable_a and_o christian_n like_o mean_a for_o the_o remead_n of_o the_o division_n to_o have_v deal_v for_o a_o meeting_n of_o judicious_a and_o 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give_v testimony_n against_o this_o as_o usurpation_n which_o may_v heighten_v difference_n and_o render_v they_o more_o incurable_a may_v not_o these_o thing_n have_v be_v forbear_v without_o prejudice_n to_o themselves_o for_o peace_n safety_n at_o least_o till_o that_o other_o way_n have_v be_v assay_v i_o speak_v not_o now_o of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o the_o late_a assembly_n or_o of_o the_o public_a resolution_n but_o suppose_v these_o matter_n to_o be_v sub_fw-la judice_fw-la as_o they_o be_v at_o most_o betwixt_o we_o and_o they_o can_v there_o have_v be_v a_o way_n more_o obstructive_a to_o union_n between_o the_o party_n differ_v or_o more_o effectual_a to_o render_v the_o division_n desperate_a then_o for_o the_o one_o party_n and_o that_o the_o far_o less_o party_n by_o more_o at_o ten_o to_o one_o to_o condemn_v the_o other_o in_o a_o public_a way_n and_o represent_v they_o as_o the_o main_a procurer_n of_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o land_n and_o to_o take_v upon_o they_o at_o their_o own_o hand_n to_o be_v judge_n over_o their_o brethren_n god_n will_v not_o be_v mock_v this_o be_v not_o agreeable_a to_o their_o profession_n and_o endeavour_n by_o all_o lawful_a and_o fair_a mean_n to_o use_v remedy_n of_o peace_n what_o these_o our_o brethren_n will_v do_v hereafter_o towards_o peace_n i_o will_v not_o nâw_o take_v upon_o i_o to_o predetermine_v nor_o to_o prepossess_v any_o with_o prejudices_fw-la against_o they_o many_o of_o they_o i_o be_o persuade_v be_v man_n fear_v god_n and_o not_o only_o love_v the_o peace_n of_o zion_n but_o also_o be_v learned_a and_o understanding_n in_o these_o thing_n that_o belong_v to_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o kirk_n yet_o certain_o it_o be_v fear_v by_o many_o both_o godly_a and_o wise_a that_o some_o among_o they_o for_o all_o the_o business_n that_o be_v make_v about_o conference_n upon_o difference_n which_o indeed_o be_v not_o to_o be_v reject_v but_o to_o be_v follow_v by_o all_o mean_n and_o 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endeavour_v the_o remedy_n of_o the_o division_n it_o be_v true_a that_o one_o of_o the_o member_n of_o the_o commission_n to_o who_o i_o do_v not_o deny_v the_o testimony_n of_o a_o reverend_a judicious_a and_o godly_a man_n do_v call_v the_o exception_n propound_v against_o those_o member_n of_o the_o assembly_n who_o have_v be_v member_n of_o the_o commission_n a_o fiery_a motion_n and_o such_o a_o thing_n as_o petit_fw-la jugulum_fw-la pacis_fw-la which_o be_v not_o then_o more_o sharp_o speak_v than_o it_o be_v modest_o take_v but_o to_o say_v nothing_o that_o in_o that_o particular_a he_o be_v a_o party_n that_o speak_v so_o pace_fw-la tanti_fw-la viri_fw-la there_o be_v no_o just_a reason_n to_o call_v it_o so_o the_o exception_n be_v so_o well_o ground_v as_o it_o be_v i_o wish_v the_o author_n may_v lay_v as_o much_o weight_n upon_o the_o word_n of_o that_o worthy_a man_n in_o other_o thing_n concern_v the_o public_a resolution_n as_o he_o do_v in_o that_o speech_n of_o he_o as_o to_o the_o author_n discourse_n concern_v their_o take_n upon_o they_o the_o authority_n of_o a_o public_a judicatory_a and_o declare_v peremptory_o that_o they_o will_v so_o do_v and_o condemn_v the_o other_o side_n they_o be_v by_o far_o the_o few_o number_n and_o while_o the_o matter_n be_v yet_o sub_fw-la judice_fw-la when_o he_o shall_v be_v please_v to_o give_v we_o a_o answer_n concern_v his_o and_o other_o man_n take_v upon_o they_o to_o be_v a_o assembly_n and_o to_o make_v act_n not_o only_o condemn_v their_o brethren_n judgement_n but_o also_o censure_v they_o with_o the_o sentence_n of_o suspension_n &_o deposition_n then_o shall_v a_o answer_n be_v give_v he_o concern_v this_o if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o they_o be_v a_o lawful_a assembly_n but_o the_o other_o be_v no_o lawful_a commission_n that_o be_v the_o question_n and_o if_o truth_n be_v on_o his_o side_n as_o to_o the_o freedom_n and_o lawfulness_n of_o the_o assembly_n what_o he_o say_v of_o their_o set_n up_o of_o the_o commission_n have_v weight_n but_o if_o that_o assembly_n be_v no_o assembly_n than_o be_v the_o former_a commission_n still_o stand_v and_o they_o be_v in_o no_o fault_n to_o conveen_n and_o exercise_v the_o same_o it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o matter_n be_v sub_fw-la judice_fw-la but_o be_v not_o the_o matter_n also_o sub_fw-la judice_fw-la betwixt_o the_o meeting_n at_o dundee_n and_o the_o protester_n when_o that_o meeting_n take_v upon_o they_o notwithstanding_o of_o the_o protestation_n to_o be_v a_o assembly_n and_o do_v make_v act_n censure_v some_o and_o lay_v a_o foundation_n for_o the_o censure_v of_o all_o these_o that_o shall_v refuse_v to_o acknowledge_v their_o constitution_n or_o after_o conference_n oppose_v their_o acts._n in_o answer_n to_o the_o rest_n of_o his_o discourse_n upon_o this_o head_n i_o desire_v the_o reader_n to_o take_v notice_n that_o after_o several_a essay_n of_o a_o conference_n with_o the_o commission_n by_o the_o synod_n of_o glasgow_n to_o little_a or_o no_o effect_n at_o the_o meeting_n at_o st._n andrews_n these_o who_o be_v dissatisfy_v with_o the_o public_a resolution_n do_v offer_v to_o the_o meet_v a_o humble_a suppcation_n desire_v they_o to_o forbear_v to_o constitute_v themselves_o in_o a_o assembly_n and_o to_o adjurne_v the_o meeting_n until_o peaceable_a and_o fair_a mean_n shall_v be_v use_v for_o compose_v of_o difference_n which_o be_v altogether_o refuse_v to_o be_v read_v then_o after_o that_o the_o meeting_n have_v constitute_v themselves_o in_o a_o assembly_n it_o be_v desire_v by_o these_o brethren_n that_o they_o will_v appoint_v some_o of_o their_o number_n to_o confer_v with_o they_o about_o difference_n which_o be_v long_o &_o tenacious_o oppose_v as_o carry_v with_o it_o a_o reflection_n upon_o these_o of_o the_o commission_n who_o have_v carry_v on_o the_o public_a resolution_n and_o a_o
prejudice_n to_o the_o assembly_n in_o judge_v of_o these_o resolution_n at_o last_o the_o result_n be_v this_o that_o such_o of_o the_o assembly_n as_o they_o desire_v to_o confer_v with_o may_v speak_v with_o they_o but_o that_o no_o particular_a person_n shall_v be_v nominate_v nor_o any_o thing_n write_v thereof_o in_o the_o minute_n of_o the_o assembly_n in_o prosecution_n of_o this_o desire_n some_o of_o the_o unsatisfy_a brethren_n do_v meet_v with_o the_o moderator_n of_o that_o assembly_n and_o some_o other_o eminent_a man_n member_n of_o the_o commission_n at_o mr._n robert_n blair_n his_o chamber_n two_o several_a diet_n and_o after_o some_o conference_n to_o and_o fro_o do_v earnest_o beseech_v and_o press_v upon_o they_o some_o with_o tear_n that_o they_o will_v be_v please_v to_o be_v instrumental_a in_o adjourn_v the_o assembly_n and_o in_o delay_v to_o ratify_v the_o public_a resolution_n but_o they_o be_v not_o please_v to_o condescend_v so_o much_o as_o to_o 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synod_n in_o their_o respective_a bound_n to_o proceed_v to_o the_o execution_n thereof_o and_o give_v power_n to_o their_o commission_n for_o that_o effect_n where_o presbytery_n be_v negligent_a what_o length_n their_o commission_n be_v go_v and_o what_o they_o have_v in_o consideration_n against_o the_o protester_n when_o they_o be_v interrupt_v and_o break_v off_o by_o the_o surprisal_n at_o eliot_n themselves_o best_o know_v after_o that_o time_n the_o lord_n be_v please_v to_o exercise_v the_o land_n with_o so_o sad_a dispensation_n as_o for_o a_o good_a while_n make_v all_o public_a meeting_n of_o minister_n very_o difficult_a and_o dangerous_a until_o the_o country_n be_v somewhat_o quiet_v about_o the_o midst_n of_o october_n these_o who_o have_v protest_v against_o the_o meeting_n at_o st._n andrews_n and_o dundee_n as_o not_o be_v a_o lawful_a and_o free_a general_n assembly_n with_o many_o other_o minister_n and_o elder_n from_o several_a part_n of_o the_o country_n do_v meet_v at_o edinburgh_n where_o after_o some_o day_n spend_v together_o in_o prayer_n and_o supplication_n and_o in_o confess_v of_o their_o sin_n to_o god_n and_o one_o to_o another_o they_o do_v in_o the_o next_o place_n after_o conference_n and_o mutual_a communication_n of_o light_a one_o with_o another_o set_v down_o their_o thought_n concern_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o lord_n wrath_n against_o the_o land_n that_o in_o that_o time_n of_o darkness_n there_o may_v be_v some_o light_n and_o directory_n in_o these_o thing_n to_o such_o as_o be_v willing_a to_o receive_v and_o make_v use_n thereof_o among_o these_o cause_n of_o wrath_n they_o do_v condescend_v upon_o and_o reckon_v the_o public_a resolution_n of_o church_n and_o state_n for_o bring_v the_o malignant_a party_n first_o to_o the_o army_n and_o then_o to_o the_o judicatories_n and_o the_o actual_a entrust_v of_o they_o with_o the_o power_n of_o the_o kingdom_n both_o military_a and_o civil_a and_o the_o prelimit_v and_o corrupt_v of_o the_o general_n assembly_n in_o the_o free_a and_o lawful_a constitution_n thereof_o and_o its_o ratify_v of_o the_o public_a resolution_n which_o do_v involve_v a_o defection_n from_o the_o cause_n and_o lay_v a_o foundation_n for_o censure_v of_o all_o such_o who_o do_v not_o approve_v of_o the_o constitution_n of_o that_o assembly_n and_o submit_v to_o the_o act_n there_o of_o and_o find_v themselves_o more_o and_o more_o convince_v of_o the_o nullity_n of_o that_o assembly_n at_o dundee_n and_o how_o needful_a it_o be_v to_o preserve_v the_o church_n of_o scotland_n in_o the_o possession_n of_o her_o due_a privilege_n and_o to_o keep_v together_o a_o remnant_n who_o may_v be_v as_o a_o branch_n of_o hope_n if_o so_o be_v the_o lord_n will_v be_v favourable_a to_o they_o and_o take_v pleasure_n in_o they_o for_o repair_v of_o the_o breach_n such_o of_o they_o as_o be_v member_n of_o the_o commission_n of_o the_o gen._n assembly_n do_v find_v themselves_o warrant_v and_o call_v of_o god_n to_o take_v possession_n of_o the_o power_n and_o trust_v commit_v unto_o they_o by_o the_o assembly_n 1650._o yet_o so_o as_o they_o do_v not_o authoritative_o impose_v or_o require_v obedience_n to_o any_o of_o their_o emission_n concern_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o lord_n wrath_n which_o be_v the_o only_a thing_n they_o meddle_v with_o but_o have_v agree_v upon_o these_o cause_n with_o the_o advice_n of_o diverse_a brethren_n from_o several_a part_n of_o the_o kingdom_n do_v offer_v and_o advise_v the_o same_o to_o be_v make_v use_n of_o by_o all_o the_o lord_n people_n in_o the_o land_n leave_v place_n to_o add_v as_o the_o lord_n shall_v make_v further_a discovery_n thereafter_o at_o the_o same_o time_n all_o the_o brethren_n who_o be_v meet_v do_v write_v letter_n to_o sundry_a reverend_a and_o godly_a man_n in_o the_o ministry_n of_o a_o different_a judgement_n desire_v a_o amicable_a conference_n with_o they_o and_o conceive_v that_o they_o can_v not_o well_o be_v bring_v together_o to_o one_o place_n in_o such_o a_o season_n of_o the_o year_n and_o when_o travel_v be_v so_o difficult_a they_o do_v appoint_v some_o of_o their_o number_n to_o wait_v upon_o some_o of_o they_o at_o st._n andrews_n and_o upon_o other_o of_o they_o at_o glasgow_n who_o may_v hold_v forth_o unto_o they_o what_o in_o their_o judgement_n be_v the_o most_o conducible_a mean_n for_o union_n and_o peace_n both_o with_o god_n and_o among_o ourselves_o and_o to_o hear_v what_o shall_v be_v offer_v unto_o they_o by_o these_o brethren_n what_o pass_v in_o these_o conference_n i_o leave_v it_o to_o these_o who_o be_v present_a to_o relate_v hope_v that_o none_o who_o be_v present_a will_v say_v that_o the_o desire_n and_o endeavour_n of_o union_n do_v break_v off_o upon_o our_o side_n those_o of_o our_o number_n not_o only_o profess_v themselves_o willing_a to_o confer_v &_o hear_v what_o shall_v be_v offer_v unto_o they_o but_o to_o attend_v at_o any_o other_o diet_n that_o shall_v be_v appoint_v and_o to_o endeavour_v if_o it_o be_v desire_v a_o more_o numerous_a and_o frequent_a meeting_n of_o brethren_n of_o both_o side_n from_o all_o which_o it_o do_v appear_v that_o the_o protester_n all_o along_o have_v be_v pursuer_n of_o peace_n and_o not_o promoter_n and_o fosterer_n of_o division_n the_o author_n propound_v the_o question_n if_o it_o have_v not_o be_v a_o more_o probable_a and_o christian_n like_o mean_a for_o remedy_v the_o division_n to_o have_v deal_v for_o a_o meeting_n of_o judicious_a and_o godly_a man_n on_o both_o side_n and_o for_o a_o amicable_a and_o brotherly_a conference_n on_o equal_a term_n about_o the_o difference_n then_o that_o the_o protester_n be_v but_o the_o one_o side_n shall_v have_v take_v upon_o themselves_o the_o authority_n of_o a_o public_a judicatory_a and_o by_o themselves_o straightway_o to_o condemn_v the_o other_o side_n as_o guilty_a in_o answer_n to_o which_o beside_o what_o be_v already_o say_v i_o will_v first_o ask_v the_o author_n whether_o it_o be_v fair_a deal_n that_o these_o at_o st._n andrews_n after_o they_o be_v earnest_o entreat_v of_o their_o brethren_n to_o adjourn_v and_o delay_v the_o ratify_n of_o the_o public_a resolution_n shall_v first_o take_v upon_o they_o the_o authority_n of_o a_o general_n assembly_n to_o ratify_v the_o public_a resolution_n condemn_v their_o brethren_n who_o protest_v against_o they_o censure_v some_o of_o they_o with_o suspension_n and_o other_o of_o they_o with_o deposition_n for_o that_o very_a thing_n and_o lay_v a_o foundation_n for_o censure_v all_o of_o they_o and_o all_o other_o in_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n who_o shall_v continue_v to_o differ_v from_o they_o and_o oppose_v they_o in_o these_o thing_n and_o then_o afterward_o cry_v out_o upon_o their_o brethren_n who_o hold_v forth_o the_o sin_n and_o iniquity_n of_o such_o proceed_n as_o upon_o man_n who_o be_v not_o for_o peace_n
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 âs_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 wâth_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
provocation_n which_o be_v great_a and_o many_o they_o will_v by_o this_o also_o have_v be_v accessary_a to_o what_o the_o nation_n smart_v under_o this_o day_n as_o the_o righteous_a reward_n of_o such_o revolt_n from_o god_n and_o therefore_o if_o you_o have_v no_o more_o to_o instance_n but_o this_o it_o do_v not_o prove_v but_o that_o they_o may_v all_o of_o they_o be_v still_o call_v faithful_a and_o honest_a man_n second_o he_o say_v be_v it_o so_o that_o some_o be_v wont_a to_o be_v choose_v commissioner_n who_o be_v not_o now_o choose_v yet_o this_o be_v little_a to_o the_o point_n that_o election_n be_v carry_v by_o influence_n of_o the_o commission_n letter_n and_o act._n but_o grant_v that_o presbytery_n do_v upon_o that_o letter_n and_o act_n leave_v their_o wont_a way_n these_o year_n pass_v in_o thâir_a election_n it_o be_v to_o the_o point_n in_o hand_n because_o it_o be_v praesumptio_fw-la juris_fw-la &_o de_fw-fr jure_fw-la that_o this_o change_n flow_v from_o the_o influence_n that_o the_o letter_n and_o act_n have_v upon_o they_o the_o author_n see_v somewhat_o of_o this_o intimate_v another_o cause_n that_o move_v that_o change_n to_o wit_n that_o the_o whole_a kirk_n be_v grow_v sensible_a of_o this_o thing_n as_o dangerous_a whereby_o the_o whole_a power_n of_o public_a government_n be_v near_o become_v settle_v in_o the_o person_n of_o some_o particular_a man_n and_o these_o but_o a_o few_o as_o constant_a commissioner_n in_o which_o he_o think_v there_o will_v be_v need_n to_o prelimite_a presbytery_n that_o they_o make_v not_o a_o use_n of_o it_o if_o the_o lord_n shall_v be_v please_v again_o to_o grant_v the_o liberty_n of_o a_o assembly_n but_o to_o say_v nothing_o that_o this_o be_v the_o language_n which_o be_v wont_a to_o be_v speak_v by_o dis-affected_n man_n these_o year_n past_a especial_o dis-affected_n minister_n who_o fall_v under_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n who_o pretence_n and_o alleadgeance_n in_o this_o particular_a have_v strength_n add_v unto_o they_o by_o the_o author_n assert_v the_o same_o thing_n it_o be_v non_fw-la causa_fw-la pro_fw-la causa_fw-la as_o will_v appear_v by_o these_o two_o thing_n first_o there_o be_v a_o good_a many_o of_o these_o who_o be_v for_o the_o public_a resolution_n who_o have_v wont_a to_o be_v commissioner_n these_o year_n past_a and_o who_o have_v a_o great_a some_o of_o they_o a_o great_a sway_n in_o government_n than_o the_o other_o and_o yet_o most_o if_o not_o all_o of_o these_o be_v choose_v also_o the_o last_o year_n now_o if_o that_o be_v the_o cause_n which_o the_o author_n speak_v of_o why_o do_v it_o not_o bring_v forth_o the_o like_a effect_n in_o regard_n of_o both_o see_v both_o be_v alike_o liable_a to_o that_o exception_n next_o if_o the_o whole_a church_n be_v so_o grow_v in_o the_o sense_n of_o that_o evil_a why_o do_v they_o not_o provide_v the_o remedy_n at_o the_o last_o assembly_n it_o be_v in_o their_o power_n so_o to_o have_v do_v and_o the_o commissioner_n as_o the_o author_n assertion_n will_v import_v have_v such_o a_o impression_n of_o the_o same_o upon_o their_o spirit_n if_o the_o author_n will_v speak_v his_o conscience_n i_o think_v he_o will_v not_o deny_v but_o if_o these_o man_n who_o he_o say_v to_o have_v be_v exclude_v upon_o that_o ground_n have_v be_v for_o the_o public_a resolution_n even_o these_o among_o they_o who_o that_o ground_n may_v have_v be_v conceive_v to_o reach_v most_o will_v have_v be_v choose_v and_o admit_v commissioner_n as_o well_o as_o other_o if_o the_o whole_a church_n be_v grow_v sensible_a of_o this_o thing_n sure_o the_o meeting_n at_o st._n andrews_n do_v little_a regard_n or_o express_v it_o when_o they_o choose_v one_o to_o be_v their_o moderator_n who_o not_o only_o have_v be_v moderator_n of_o the_o former_a commission_n who_o proceed_n be_v then_o in_o question_n and_o to_o be_v examine_v but_o also_o in_o many_o precede_a commission_n and_o aâlen_a biâes_n and_o who_o have_v be_v a_o chief_a aâtor_n all_o that_o while_n in_o all_o these_o thing_n that_o concern_v public_a government_n which_o i_o speak_v not_o to_o bear_v any_o particular_a blame_n upon_o he_o or_o upon_o his_o carriage_n but_o to_o let_v see_v that_o either_o the_o whole_a church_n be_v not_o grow_v sensible_a of_o this_o as_o the_o author_n insinuate_v or_o else_o that_o hâr_a sense_n of_o it_o in_o her_o representative_a be_v let_v out_o or_o hold_v in_o upon_o man_n according_a to_o their_o judgement_n and_o carriage_n in_o the_o public_a resolution_n and_o so_o be_v not_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o presbytery_n not_o choose_v such_o as_o they_o be_v wont_a to_o choose_v three_o thaâ_n few_o opposer_n be_v choose_v he_o think_v it_o be_v no_o wonder_n because_o they_o be_v but_o few_o in_o comparison_n of_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o land_n how_o few_o soever_o they_o be_v in_o comparison_n of_o thâ_n rest_n of_o the_o ministry_n in_o the_o land_n yet_o these_o of_o they_o who_o be_v former_o wont_v to_o be_v choose_v commissioner_n be_v not_o few_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o commissioner_n neither_o yet_o be_v they_o so_o few_o as_o the_o author_n reckon_v they_o when_o he_o say_v that_o four_o part_n of_o five_o of_o the_o presbytery_n have_v in_o they_o at_o that_o time_n no_o opposer_n to_o the_o public_a resolution_n nay_o they_o be_v and_o be_v still_o a_o very_a considerable_a number_n and_o whensoever_o a_o exact_a calculation_n shall_v be_v make_v by_o a_o particular_a list_n of_o the_o whole_a ministry_n in_o the_o land_n and_o of_o these_o who_o be_v against_o the_o public_a resolution_n at_o the_o time_n of_o the_o election_n and_o of_o the_o whole_a commissioner_n of_o the_o assembly_n at_o s._n andrews_n and_o dundee_n i_o believe_v it_o shall_v be_v find_v that_o the_o number_n of_o commissioner_n who_o be_v choose_v from_o among_o these_o who_o be_v against_o the_o public_a resolution_n waâ_n no_o way_n in_o proportion_n answerable_a to_o the_o number_n of_o the_o other_o that_o some_o unsatisfied_a be_v choose_v without_o another_o election_n and_o without_o protestation_n even_o when_o neither_o whole_a society_n be_v unanimous_a against_o the_o resolution_n not_o yet_o the_o plurality_n be_v opposer_n he_o do_v affirm_v it_o but_o do_v not_o prove_v it_o for_o the_o instance_n which_o he_o give_v of_o the_o commissioner_n both_o of_o the_o presbytery_n and_o university_n of_o aberdeen_n prove_v nothing_o less_o for_o the_o university_n the_o letter_n and_o act_n come_v not_o to_o it_o at_o least_o be_v not_o read_v in_o it_o and_o the_o plurality_n there_o be_v opposer_n of_o the_o public_a resolution_n and_o for_o the_o presbytery_n by_o his_o own_o grant_n there_o be_v a_o protestation_n against_o the_o oppose_a brother_n who_o be_v choose_v which_o be_v take_v up_o again_o with_o much_o difficulty_n and_o by_o earnest_a deal_n of_o some_o of_o the_o brethren_n opposite_a to_o the_o public_a resolution_n who_o desire_n be_v condescend_v unto_o with_o condition_n that_o their_o shall_v be_v a_o three_o commissioner_n it_o be_v in_o the_o mean_a while_n suggest_v in_o private_a that_o he_o who_o have_v first_o appear_v in_o the_o protestation_n against_o the_o opposer_n may_v be_v the_o man_n which_o i_o relate_v not_o upon_o hear-say_n but_o upon_o the_o subscribe_v testimony_n of_o these_o who_o be_v witness_n to_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n so_o i_o hope_v that_o nothing_o against_o the_o truth_n have_v be_v assert_v by_o the_o writer_n in_o this_o part_n of_o his_o answer_n the_o author_n say_v in_o a_o parenthesis_n that_o dissent_v in_o the_o enumeration_n be_v idle_o reckon_v up_o why_o he_o shall_v say_v so_o i_o do_v not_o conjecture_v unless_o that_o it_o be_v he_o think_v dissent_v and_o protest_v the_o same_o thing_n which_o they_o be_v not_o as_o appear_v clear_o from_o a_o act_n of_o the_o assembly_n 1644._o concern_v dissent_n 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the_o doctrine_n of_o that_o reform_a kirk_n
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have_v be_v debate_v betwixt_o the_o parliament_n and_o they_o we_o may_v be_v first_o hard_a all_o these_o we_o desire_v for_o no_o other_o end_n but_o that_o these_o untimely_a difference_n and_o rent_n now_o grow_v to_o so_o great_a a_o height_n as_o that_o they_o threaten_v the_o ruin_n both_o of_o church_n and_o state_n may_v by_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n in_o the_o spirit_n of_o meekness_n be_v cuâed_v and_o bind_v up_o that_o neither_o malignant_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n may_v have_v occasion_n to_o laugh_v at_o our_o division_n nor_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n encourage_v and_o strengthen_v against_o we_o but_o that_o we_o as_o former_o may_v go_v on_o in_o one_o way_n be_v all_o engage_v in_o one_o cause_n for_o one_o and_o the_o selfsame_a end_n and_o so_o may_v receive_v a_o blessing_n from_o the_o lord_n of_o peace_n and_o order_n which_o hate_v the_o instrument_n of_o division_n and_o confusion_n upon_o all_o our_o endeavour_n for_o advance_v the_o bless_a work_n of_o 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or_o both_o lithgow_n 1606._o first_o &_o second_o glasgow_n 1610._o first_o session_n 3._o many_o voter_n as_o judge_n have_v no_o commission_n from_o the_o kirk_n lithgow_n 1608._o only_a 22._o man_n officer_n of_o state_n counsellor_n baron_n and_o bishop_n glasgow_n 1610._o 30._o nobleman_n and_o baron_n beside_o the_o pretend_a bishop_n aberdeen_n 1616._o 25._o nobleman_n &_o gentleman_n perth_n 1618._o 19_o nobleman_n and_o baron_n 11_o bishop_n 4_o many_o supernumerary_a commissioner_n for_o presbytry_n burrough_n in_o sundry_n of_o they_o 5_o threaten_v of_o commissioner_n to_o vote_n as_o the_o king_n will_v glasgow_n 1610._o 3_o perth_n 1618._o with_o the_o wrath_n of_o authority_n imprisonment_n banishment_n deprivation_n of_o minister_n utter_a subversion_n of_o the_o estate_n yea_o that_o whether_o reason_v or_o number_n of_o vote_n shall_v carry_v the_o matter_n bribe_v of_o commissioner_n glasgow_n 1610._o 3_o 5_o 7._o no_o election_n of_o a_o moderator_n but_o 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not_o such_o encroachment_n as_o move_v the_o assembly_n 38._o because_o of_o the_o like_a to_o judge_v several_a of_o the_o former_a assembly_n to_o be_v null_a or_o whether_o strong_a reason_n be_v bring_v for_o nullify_a any_o of_o these_o pretend_a assembly_n then_o of_o this_o the_o author_n think_v these_o to_o be_v too_o bold_a assertion_n in_o the_o writer_n but_o i_o hope_v they_o be_v not_o more_o bold_a than_o true_a and_o viritas_fw-la non_fw-la quaerit_fw-la angulos_fw-la that_o the_o writer_n do_v not_o make_v any_o particular_a parallel_n of_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o nullity_n of_o this_o assembly_n with_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o nullity_n of_o these_o assembly_n be_v upon_o no_o such_o politic_a principle_n as_o the_o author_n insinuat_v to_o wit_n the_o fear_n of_o wrong_v his_o credit_n or_o the_o discover_n of_o the_o rashness_n of_o his_o assertion_n but_o to_o spare_v as_o i_o conceive_v he_o think_v needless_a pain_n the_o act_n of_o the_o assembly_n be_v so_o 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the_o reason_n bring_v for_o anull_v of_o all_o and_o every_o one_o of_o these_o assembly_n be_v quadrant_a to_o this_o assembly_n but_o that_o there_o be_v none_o of_o these_o assembly_n for_o the_o nullify_n of_o which_o strong_a reason_n be_v bring_v and_o therefore_o though_o some_o breach_n of_o the_o right_a rule_n of_o constitution_n may_v haply_o be_v find_v in_o some_o of_o these_o assembly_n which_o be_v not_o instance_a in_o this_o assembly_n it_o make_v nothing_o against_o this_o assertion_n nor_o for_o justify_v this_o assembly_n more_o than_o these_o because_o there_o be_v none_o of_o these_o in_o which_o more_o or_o more_o weighty_a breach_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o constitution_n can_v be_v find_v then_o can_v be_v find_v in_o this_o but_o let_v we_o take_v a_o view_n of_o the_o most_o considerable_a reason_n bring_v for_o nullify_a these_o assembly_n and_o compare_v they_o with_o the_o reason_n which_o be_v bring_v for_o nullify_a this_n the_o first_o be_v the_o want_n of_o timous_a indiction_n which_o cause_v the_o absence_n of_o many_o commissioner_n to_o this_o there_o be_v something_o equivalent_a in_o this_o assembly_n that_o cause_v the_o absence_n of_o many_o commissioner_n to_o wit_n the_o trouble_n of_o the_o time_n which_o in_o some_o place_n hinder_v the_o election_n and_o in_o other_o hinder_v the_o commissioner_n from_o come_v the_o second_o be_v want_v of_o freedom_n in_o the_o election_n of_o commissioner_n in_o presbytery_n because_o of_o letter_n from_o the_o king_n and_o the_o prelate_n require_v they_o to_o choose_v such_o and_o such_o to_o which_o be_v equivalent_a in_o this_o assembly_n the_o pray_v limit_v of_o election_n of_o their_o freedom_n by_o the_o letter_n and_o act_n of_o the_o commission_n exclude_v all_o those_o who_o be_v opposite_a to_o the_o public_a resolution_n the_o three_o be_v the_o admitting_z many_o to_o voice_n in_o the_o assembly_n who_o have_v no_o call_v nor_o commission_n so_o to_o do_v to_o which_o be_v equivalent_a in_o this_o assembly_n the_o admit_v the_o commissioner_n to_o voice_n notwithstanding_o of_o just_a exception_n propon_v against_o they_o before_o the_o discuss_n of_o these_o exception_n and_o the_o admit_v they_o to_o voice_n in_o the_o discuss_n of_o they_o the_o four_o be_v the_o want_n of_o freedom_n in_o voice_n because_o of_o threaten_n under_o no_o less_o pain_n than_o the_o wrath_n of_o authority_n imprisonment_n deprivation_n of_o minister_n etc._n etc._n to_o which_o be_v equivalent_a in_o this_o assembly_n the_o king_n letter_n and_o the_o commissioner_n speech_n with_o the_o previous_a warning_n remonstrance_n letter_n and_o act_n of_o the_o commission_n characterize_n those_o who_o be_v against_o public_a resolution_n as_o malignant_n and_o appoint_v they_o to_o be_v censure_v and_o stir_v up_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n against_o they_o together_o with_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n make_v against_o such_o which_o act_n do_v involve_v more_o and_o more_o certain_o against_o the_o opposer_n of_o public_a resolution_n than_o any_o of_o these_o threaten_n can_v do_v because_o there_o be_v no_o law_n as_o yet_o for_o execute_v of_o they_o the_o five_o be_v the_o practise_v some_o of_o the_o article_n conclude_v in_o these_o assembly_n before_o the_o assembly_n itself_o notwithstanding_o that_o these_o article_n be_v former_o condemn_v by_o the_o church_n by_o which_o their_o voice_n be_v pre-judged_n by_o the_o practice_n or_o these_o article_n before_o condemn_v by_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o they_o shall_v have_v be_v seclude_v from_o voice_n to_o which_o in_o this_o assembly_n be_v equivalent_a the_o practise_v the_o public_a resolution_n by_o many_o member_n of_o the_o assembly_n before_o the_o assembly_n conclude_v the_o same_o notwithstanding_o they_o be_v before_o that_o time_n clear_o condemn_v by_o the_o church_n i_o dare_v say_v as_o clear_o as_o ever_o kneel_v at_o the_o communion_n or_o feastval-day_n be_v condemn_v by_o this_o