a_o historical_a relation_n of_o the_o late_a general_n assembly_n hold_v at_o edinburgh_n from_o octob._n 16._o to_o nou._n 13._o in_o the_o year_n 1690._o in_o a_o letter_n from_o a_o person_n in_o edinburgh_n to_o his_o friend_n in_o london_n license_v april_n the_o 20_o 1691._o london_n print_v for_o j._n hindmarsh_n at_o the_o golden-ball_n in_o cornhill_n near_o the_o royal-exchange_n mdcxci_o a_o letter_n from_o edinburgh_n to_o one_o in_o london_n etc._n etc._n sir_n i_o receive_v you_o and_o do_v not_o think_v it_o strange_a that_o those_o of_o england_n be_v so_o desirous_a to_o know_v the_o act_n and_o proceed_n of_o our_o general_n assembly_n in_o scotland_n for_o not_o only_a curiosity_n but_o interest_n may_v prompt_v they_o thereto_o i_o will_v ready_o serve_v you_o in_o this_o matter_n and_o intend_v though_o you_o have_v not_o require_v it_o to_o have_v give_v you_o a_o account_n of_o it_o that_o you_o may_v have_v occasion_n of_o gratify_v your_o worthy_a friend_n and_o acquaintance_n it_o be_v true_a i_o be_v not_o eye-witness_n of_o what_o past_a for_o you_o know_v my_o circumstance_n will_v not_o allow_v that_o and_o the_o brethren_n as_o they_o call_v themselves_o endeavour_v to_o keep_v out_o all_o that_o be_v not_o of_o their_o own_o party_n or_o who_o may_v tell_v tale_n forbid_v the_o keeper_n of_o the_o door_n to_o admit_v any_o without_o a_o leaden_a ticket_n in_o the_o shape_n of_o a_o heart_n which_o be_v the_o pass_n give_v they_o which_o be_v not_o so_o easy_o obtain_v except_o for_o their_o particular_a friend_n and_o if_o any_o of_o the_o episcopal_a party_n be_v discover_v there_o be_v a_o cry_n present_o conformist_n be_v here_o and_o the_o officer_n be_v send_v to_o thrust_v they_o out_o however_o notwithstanding_o of_o this_o strictness_n there_o be_v always_o two_o or_o three_o discreet_a and_o intelligent_a person_n of_o my_o acquaintance_n present_a at_o every_o session_n from_o who_o i_o have_v what_o i_o write_v to_o you_o and_o i_o assure_v you_o that_o you_o may_v trust_v the_o ingenuity_n and_o faithfulness_n of_o the_o relation_n but_o before_o i_o come_v to_o the_o assembly_n itself_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n previous_a to_o it_o which_o you_o ought_v to_o be_v inform_v of_o a_o general_n assembly_n in_o scotland_n you_o know_v be_v much_o of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o the_o convocation_n in_o england_n or_o a_o national_a council_n and_o of_o no_o less_o authority_n here_o nay_o our_o presbyterian_o exalt_v the_o authority_n of_o their_o assembly_n above_o that_o of_o king_n or_o parliament_n and_o there_o be_v some_o stand_a act_n of_o their_o assembly_n against_o act_n of_o parliament_n and_o which_o discharge_n obedience_n to_o they_o whereupon_o our_o presbyterian_o be_v not_o content_a with_o what_o the_o parliament_n have_v do_v for_o they_o nor_o think_v their_o authority_n sufficient_a for_o set_v up_o their_o government_n they_o require_v a_o general_n assembly_n by_o who_o authority_n which_o with_o they_o be_v supreme_a and_o next_o to_o that_o of_o jesus_n christ_n their_o government_n may_v be_v firm_o establish_v and_o all_o their_o act_n and_o proceed_n ratify_v and_o approve_v by_o it_o yet_o they_o know_v that_o a_o free_a assembly_n of_o the_o clergy_n and_o laity_n throughout_o the_o kingdom_n will_v rather_o defeat_v than_o advance_v their_o design_n therefore_o they_o consider_v how_o they_o may_v prevent_v that_o by_o some_o method_n which_o will_v exclude_v all_o who_o be_v not_o well_o affect_v to_o their_o interest_n or_o zealous_a for_o the_o good_a old_a cause_n in_o order_n hereunto_o they_o prevail_v with_o the_o parliament_n to_o lodge_v the_o whole_a government_n and_o management_n of_o church_n affair_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o those_o few_o old_a preacher_n who_o go_v off_o when_o episcopacy_n be_v reestablish_v an._n 1661._o and_o such_o as_o shall_v be_v admit_v and_o approve_v by_o they_o when_o these_o minister_n off_o the_o episcopal_a persuasion_n who_o have_v comply_v with_o the_o present_a civil_a government_n hear_v this_o they_o think_v themselves_o injure_v and_o therefore_o address_v to_o the_o parliament_n to_o be_v admit_v to_o a_o share_n of_o the_o government_n or_o at_o least_o not_o to_o be_v absolute_o subject_v to_o they_o who_o be_v their_o state_v and_o profess_v enemy_n this_o they_o claim_v as_o due_a to_o they_o not_o only_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o their_o be_v lawful_a minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o also_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o the_o public_a faith_n which_o promise_v they_o protection_n upon_o their_o compliance_n with_o the_o civil_a government_n notwithstanding_o which_o their_o petition_n be_v disdainful_o reject_v and_o the_o act_n continue_v as_o before_o in_o favour_n only_o of_o the_o abovementioned_a presbyterian_a preacher_n by_o which_o mean_v all_o the_o present_a episcopal_a clergy_n and_o such_o of_o the_o laity_n as_o favour_v their_o interest_n and_o have_v comply_v with_o they_o be_v render_v incapable_a of_o bear_v any_o office_n in_o the_o kirk_n and_o of_o sit_v and_o vote_v in_o their_o meeting_n this_o the_o episcopal_a party_n just_o complain_v of_o and_o say_v that_o though_o episcopacy_n be_v abolish_v mere_o upon_o a_o unjust_a and_o false_a pretence_n that_o that_o government_n exercise_v tyranny_n over_o the_o church_n yet_o now_o a_o real_a presbyterian_a tyranny_n be_v establish_v that_o instead_o of_o fourteen_o bishop_n sixty_o be_v set_v up_o who_o will_v lord_n it_o over_o their_o brethren_n more_o imperious_o than_o they_o either_o do_v or_o pretend_v to_o do_v and_o that_o presbyter_n be_v subject_v to_o they_o who_o own_a themselves_o to_o be_v no_o more_o than_o presbyter_n which_o have_v no_o precedent_n in_o the_o catholic_n church_n but_o also_o they_o who_o can_v not_o be_v deny_v to_o be_v lawful_a minister_n be_v exclude_v from_o any_o share_n of_o the_o discipline_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o very_a principle_n and_o tenet_n of_o the_o presbyterian_o themselves_o who_o make_v every_o private_a minister_n to_o be_v invest_v with_o the_o authority_n of_o rule_v as_o well_o as_o of_o teach_v and_o who_o affirm_v it_o unlawful_a for_o any_o minister_n to_o part_v with_o that_o right_n and_o who_o therefore_o be_v wont_a to_o exclaim_v against_o bishop_n because_o they_o seem_v to_o usurp_v it_o whole_o to_o themselves_o all_o the_o excuse_v make_v for_o this_o be_v that_o they_o can_v no_o otherwise_o make_v their_o government_n sure_a and_o that_o the_o episcopal_a party_n deserve_v to_o be_v thus_o treat_v for_o their_o apostasy_n in_o betray_v and_o renounce_v the_o true_a right_n and_o interest_n of_o the_o church_n by_o comply_v with_o episcopacy_n hence_o it_o be_v infer_v that_o presbyterian_o do_v juggle_v both_o with_o god_n and_o man_n for_o whereas_o they_o will_v have_v the_o world_n believe_v that_o their_o model_n of_o government_n and_o form_n of_o discipline_n be_v so_o much_o of_o divine_a right_n that_o they_o can_v submit_v to_o no_o term_n of_o composition_n with_o man_n about_o they_o so_o when_o it_o make_v for_o their_o interest_n they_o can_v without_o any_o scruple_n introduce_v essential_a alteration_n thereof_o for_o parity_n which_o they_o make_v the_o institution_n of_o christ_n be_v now_o take_v away_o and_o out_o of_o the_o pretend_a exigence_n of_o the_o church_n nine_o hundred_o minister_n be_v suspend_v from_o one_o half_a of_o that_o power_n give_v they_o by_o christ_n which_o at_o other_o time_n be_v say_v to_o be_v so_o essential_a to_o they_o that_o they_o can_v be_v minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n without_o it_o short_o after_o the_o pass_v that_o act_n of_o parliament_n for_o set_v up_o the_o presbyterian_a government_n and_o commit_v the_o care_n and_o management_n thereof_o to_o these_o few_o survive_a presbyterian_a minister_n who_o have_v not_o comply_v with_o episcopacy_n there_o be_v a_o meeting_n at_o edinburgh_n of_o presbyterian_a minister_n and_o lay-elder_n to_o advise_v about_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o kirk_n and_o to_o lay_v down_o method_n how_o a_o general_a assembly_n shall_v be_v call_v and_o constitute_v because_o as_o i_o have_v observe_v one_o can_v not_o be_v have_v according_a to_o their_o mind_n after_o the_o old_a manner_n and_o stand_a rule_n of_o general_a assembly_n by_o virtue_n of_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n none_o have_v the_o right_a to_o meddle_v with_o the_o government_n and_o affair_n of_o the_o church_n but_o such_o minister_n as_o have_v be_v remove_v by_o the_o restoration_n of_o episcopacy_n and_o certain_o these_o man_n be_v great_o oversee_v when_o they_o part_v with_o that_o privilege_n and_o admit_v other_o to_o share_v with_o they_o before_o they_o have_v settle_v the_o church_n according_a to_o their_o mind_n for_o by_o these_o mean_v they_o be_v overpower_v and_o outvote_v and_o force_v to_o yield_v to_o
same_o shall_v not_o be_v grant_v to_o he_o as_o if_o every_o one_o of_o they_o have_v have_v a_o decisive_n voice_n and_o which_o be_v without_o example_n in_o any_o judicatory_a for_o any_o of_o the_o judge_n to_o interrupt_v the_o defender_n speak_v and_o to_o cry_v out_o their_o opinion_n or_o rather_o sentence_n before_o the_o defender_n be_v remove_v and_o which_o open_o discover_v their_o prejudice_n design_n and_o resolution_n of_o proceed_v against_o the_o say_a mr._n alexander_n although_o without_o just_a cause_n 6thly_a the_o prejudice_n and_o design_n of_o the_o synod_n proceed_v against_o the_o say_a mr._n alexander_n on_o the_o say_v lame_a weak_a and_o incumbent_a probation_n be_v evident_a in_o so_o far_o as_o several_a member_n of_o their_o number_n do_v speak_v and_o deal_v with_o he_o to_o demit_fw-la or_o that_o otherways_o they_o will_v depose_v he_o and_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o certain_a than_o that_o they_o will_v never_o have_v deal_v with_o he_o to_o demit_fw-la if_o the_o probation_n against_o he_o have_v be_v good_a their_o malice_n to_o the_o regular_a clergy_n be_v such_o as_o that_o they_o will_v rather_o depose_v they_o for_o immorality_n and_o error_n in_o doctrine_n to_o expose_v they_o than_o suffer_v they_o to_o demit_fw-la and_o get_v off_o without_o stain_n when_o they_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o same_o but_o mr._n alexander_n be_v conscious_a of_o his_o own_o innocency_n refuse_v to_o demit_fw-la but_o rather_o to_o suffer_v their_o extremity_n from_o which_o he_o hope_v god_n in_o his_o good_a time_n will_v vindicate_v he_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o ground_n aforesaid_a that_o the_o synod_n have_v behave_v themselves_o most_o partial_o and_o against_o all_o law_n and_o form_n the_o say_a mr._n alexander_n do_v therefore_o protest_v against_o the_o synod_n further_o proceed_v in_o the_o say_a matter_n and_o appeal_v from_o they_o and_o from_o any_o sentence_n they_o shall_v give_v therein_o to_o the_o next_o lawful_a general_n assembly_n and_o to_o their_o majesty_n protection_n for_o justice_n and_o relief_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n and_o protest_v that_o the_o say_a libel_n and_o witness_n deposition_n take_v thereupon_o may_v be_v preserve_v and_o not_o put_v out_o of_o the_o way_n that_o so_o the_o â—â—me_n and_o not_o copy_n thereof_o may_v be_v produce_v to_o the_o next_o general_n assembly_n or_o to_o any_o their_o majesty_n shall_v be_v please_v out_o of_o their_o royal_a authority_n to_o appoint_v to_o consider_v the_o same_o and_o that_o as_o the_o say_a mr._n alexander_n will_v publish_v and_o disperse_v his_o appeal_n and_o his_o answer_n to_o the_o first_o libel_n which_o he_o only_o do_v see_v for_o his_o own_o vindication_n from_o any_o sentence_n that_o shall_v follow_v hereupon_o so_o he_o expect_v and_o earnest_o desire_v that_o the_o say_a synod_n may_v print_v both_o the_o libel_n against_o he_o and_o deposition_n take_v thereupon_o for_o vindication_n of_o their_o justice_n if_o they_o can_v conceive_v they_o have_v do_v right_o but_o which_o mr._n alexander_n hope_n will_v rather_o vindicate_v his_o innocency_n and_o further_o mr._n alexander_n crave_v and_o protest_v that_o this_o his_o appeal_n may_v be_v insert_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o synod_n notwithstanding_o of_o the_o appeal_v aforesaid_a the_o synod_n proceed_v and_o depose_v the_o say_a mr._n alexander_n from_o his_o ministry_n and_o thereupon_o the_o eldership_n of_o the_o parish_n be_v invade_v and_o some_o few_o several_n of_o they_o scarce_o worth_a to_o be_v notice_v as_o residenter_n have_v usurp_v the_o power_n of_o elect_v elder_n and_o have_v elect_v many_o more_o than_o the_o number_n former_o use_v purposely_o as_o they_o think_v to_o make_v the_o great_a figure_n although_o but_o of_o the_o most_o inconsiderable_a of_o the_o parish_n and_o of_o design_n to_o call_v impose_v and_o obtrude_v a_o minister_n upon_o the_o rest_n against_o their_o will_n contrary_a to_o the_o law_n of_o charity_n practice_n of_o christian_a church_n and_o profession_n of_o presbyterian_o notwithstanding_o that_o the_o say_v mr._n alexander_n heriot_n his_o appeal_n do_v in_o law_n preserve_v his_o right_n and_o keep_v all_o in_o statu_fw-la quo_fw-la the_o time_n of_o the_o appeal_n while_o it_o be_v discuss_v whereupon_o not_o only_o the_o say_a mr._n alexander_n heriott_n but_o likewise_o the_o heritor_n and_o parishioner_n of_o dalkeith_n have_v give_v in_o a_o petition_n to_o the_o lord_n of_o their_o majesty_n most_o honourable_a privy_a council_n that_o they_o may_v be_v please_v to_o forbid_v the_o call_v of_o a_o minister_n until_o the_o appeal_n be_v discuss_v and_o that_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n he_o may_v be_v restore_v to_o the_o exercise_n of_o his_o ministry_n and_o that_o the_o presbytery_n of_o dalkeith_n and_o other_o who_o have_v the_o libel_n give_v in_o against_o he_o and_o deposition_n of_o the_o witness_n may_v make_v the_o same_o know_v to_o he_o as_o law_n appoint_v that_o he_o may_v know_v what_o be_v libel_v or_o may_v seem_v to_o be_v prove_v to_o the_o effect_n he_o may_v the_o better_o clear_v himself_o of_o the_o same_o which_o be_v nothing_o but_o false_a lie_n and_o calumny_n and_o whereof_o several_a of_o the_o presbyterian_a minister_n who_o have_v see_v the_o libel_n and_o deposition_n affirm_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o pretend_v to_o be_v prove_v but_o the_o dance_n about_o the_o bonfire_n which_o be_v not_o only_o clear_o redargue_v to_o be_v false_a as_o say_v be_v there_o be_v no_o bonfire_n either_o on_o the_o foresay_a day_n nor_o for_o several_a month_n either_o before_o or_o after_o but_o likewise_o if_o the_o person_n who_o have_v depone_v it_o be_v know_v and_o re-examined_a it_o will_v be_v find_v they_o have_v depone_v false_o and_o that_o they_o have_v be_v deal_v with_o so_o to_o depone_n and_o that_o this_o falsehood_n may_v not_o be_v discover_v not_o only_o be_v the_o deposition_n keep_v up_o contrary_a to_o express_v law_n and_o act_n of_o parliament_n but_o likewise_o no_o notice_n can_v be_v get_v who_o be_v the_o person_n who_o have_v depone_v it_o that_o they_o may_v be_v insist_v against_o whereas_o it_o be_v pretend_v that_o the_o lord_n of_o their_o majesty_n privy_a council_n be_v not_o judge_n competent_a to_o the_o sentence_n of_o ecclesiastic_a court_n and_o that_o as_o they_o can_v put_v in_o minister_n in_o church_n so_o they_o can_v meddle_v with_o sentence_n of_o deposition_n it_o be_v answer_v that_o by_o the_o 1._o act_n 8_o parl._n ja._n 6._o it_o be_v statute_n and_o ordain_v that_o his_o majesty_n and_o council_n shall_v be_v judge_n competent_a to_o all_o person_n spiritual_a and_o temporal_a in_o all_o matter_n and_o to_o pretend_v that_o the_o council_n be_v not_o judge_n competent_a to_o sentence_n of_o ecclesiastic_a court_n be_v no_o other_o they_o to_o affirm_v that_o these_o court_n have_v a_o arbitrary_a power_n and_o may_v do_v wrong_a at_o their_o pleasure_n without_o remeed_n or_o control_v for_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o mr._n herriott_n be_v most_o unjust_o pursue_v and_o depose_v and_o it_o be_v also_o evident_a that_o if_o it_o be_v not_o redress_v by_o the_o council_n he_o will_v never_o be_v restore_v by_o those_o minister_n who_o have_v deal_v so_o unjust_o with_o he_o and_o whereas_o it_o be_v allege_v that_o as_o the_o council_n can_v put_v in_o minister_n so_o they_o can_v meddle_v with_o sentence_n of_o deposition_n it_o be_v answer_v that_o the_o council_n have_v not_o the_o power_n of_o admission_n and_o ordination_n of_o minister_n but_o if_o a_o minister_n have_v a_o lawful_a call_n the_o presbytery_n shall_v refuse_v to_o admit_v and_o ordain_v he_o albeit_o they_o have_v nothing_o to_o object_n against_o he_o upon_o application_n to_o the_o council_n or_o session_n letter_n will_v be_v direct_v to_o charge_v the_o presbytery_n to_o admit_v and_o ordain_v he_o but_o multo_fw-la magis_fw-la in_o this_o case_n where_o a_o minister_n be_v depose_v from_o his_o ministry_n as_o likewise_o from_o his_o benefice_n which_o be_v his_o livelihood_n and_o maintenance_n and_o yet_o most_o unjust_o and_o without_o ground_n or_o reason_n the_o council_n be_v most_o proper_a judge_n for_o restore_a he_o against_o the_o foresay_a oppression_n injury_n and_o unjust_a sentence_n and_o for_o a_o further_a evidence_n of_o this_o unjust_a sentence_n it_o be_v humble_o desire_v that_o the_o lord_n of_o their_o majesty_n privy_a council_n will_v be_v please_v to_o take_v notice_n that_o in_o the_o first_o libel_n there_o be_v many_o article_n which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v admit_v in_o law_n and_o it_o be_v say_v that_o there_o be_v none_o of_o they_o prove_v but_o the_o dance_a about_o the_o bonfire_n and_o yet_o the_o presbytery_n by_o their_o sentence_n find_v the_o libel_n relevant_a and_o prove_v which_o must_v be_v understand_v as_o to_o the_o
ministry_n a_o three_o person_n bring_v before_o the_o assembly_n be_v one_o mr._n forseith_n minister_n at_o st._n ninian_n he_o be_v accuse_v for_o marry_v a_o man_n to_o his_o first_o wife_n niece_n which_o he_o confess_v before_o the_o assembly_n and_o also_o that_o he_o have_v be_v inform_v of_o the_o relation_n and_o dissuade_v from_o do_v it_o by_o the_o episcopal_a clergy_n among_o who_o he_o live_v all_o his_o excuse_n be_v that_o he_o be_v not_o much_o himself_n when_o he_o do_v it_o be_v in_o great_a confusion_n and_o consternation_n because_o of_o the_o rabble_n that_o be_v then_o up_o and_o who_o continual_o threaten_v he_o as_o they_o have_v fall_v upon_o his_o neighbour_n minister_n and_o he_o further_o allege_v that_o it_o be_v the_o only_a miscarriage_n he_o can_v be_v charge_v with_o in_o thirty_o five_o year_n exercise_v of_o the_o ministry_n and_o therefore_o he_o desire_v the_o assembly_n to_o pardon_v he_o and_o to_o restore_v he_o this_o they_o refuse_v and_o confirm_v the_o sentence_n of_o his_o deposition_n which_o be_v very_o just_a and_o the_o only_a justifiable_a act_n of_o the_o assembly_n from_o its_o sit_v down_o to_o its_o rise_n a_o four_o affair_n which_o the_o assembly_n have_v before_o they_o be_v that_o of_o mr._n john_n mekenzie_n at_o kirkliston_n i_o suppose_v you_o have_v see_v a_o account_n of_o his_o process_n before_o the_o presbytery_n of_o linlithgow_n for_o he_o carry_v it_o up_o with_o he_o to_o london_n to_o show_v it_o to_o his_o friend_n there_o but_o in_o case_n you_o have_v not_o meet_v with_o he_o nor_o receive_v a_o account_n of_o the_o whole_a matter_n take_v it_o in_o short_a thus_o when_o rabble_a be_v practise_v and_o in_o fashion_n here_o he_o among_o many_o other_o of_o his_o brethren_n have_v the_o church_n door_n shut_v against_o he_o and_o by_o this_o mean_n be_v hinder_v from_o the_o exercise_n of_o his_o ministry_n in_o that_o parish_n but_o have_v comply_v with_o the_o civil_a government_n he_o make_v a_o interest_n by_o his_o friend_n to_o maintain_v his_o legal_a right_n and_o title_n to_o the_o say_a church_n which_o vex_v and_o gall_v the_o presbyterian_o who_o by_o this_o mean_n be_v keep_v from_o settle_v a_o minister_n of_o their_o own_o persuasion_n there_o all_o endeavour_n be_v use_v to_o remove_v he_o first_o they_o set_v he_o upon_o he_o to_o dimit_v voluntary_o which_o he_o refuse_v they_o next_o threaten_v to_o force_v he_o to_o it_o upon_o article_n of_o scandal_n but_o his_o innocence_n and_o unblameable_a conversation_n be_v sufficient_a proof_n against_o that_o they_o at_o last_o pursue_v he_o before_o the_o presbytery_n of_o linlithgow_n upon_o the_o pretence_n of_o desert_v his_o people_n he_o appear_v before_o they_o and_o defend_v himself_o declare_v he_o be_v always_o ready_a and_o willing_a to_o exercise_v his_o ministry_n if_o the_o rabble_n will_v have_v suffer_v he_o and_o allow_v he_o access_n to_o his_o church_n and_o therefore_o the_o fault_n do_v not_o lie_v at_o his_o door_n upon_o this_o he_o be_v blame_v for_o speak_v contemptible_o of_o the_o rabble_n who_o be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o necessary_a preliminary_n to_o the_o government_n both_o of_o church_n and_o state_n and_o from_o that_o they_o will_v have_v be_v infer_v his_o secret_a disaffection_n to_o both_o the_o presbytery_n be_v force_v to_o vindicate_v he_o from_o all_o imputation_n of_o scandal_n and_o for_o a_o mark_n of_o their_o singular_a and_o extraordinary_a favour_n they_o say_v they_o will_v give_v he_o recommendatory_a letter_n to_o put_v he_o in_o capacity_n of_o be_v elect_a minister_n of_o another_o parish_n but_o still_o they_o urge_v his_o quit_n of_o that_o of_o kirkliston_n and_o when_o he_o perceive_v that_o they_o have_v firm_o resolve_v to_o declare_v his_o church_n vacant_a to_o gratify_v the_o rabble_n and_o some_o few_o other_o unreasonable_a person_n who_o be_v dissatisfy_v with_o he_o he_o appeal_v from_o they_o to_o the_o king_n and_o the_o next_o lawful_o call_v general_a assembly_n this_o be_v the_o tenor_n of_o his_o appeal_n many_o of_o the_o assembly_n speak_v against_o the_o receive_n or_o sustain_v it_o allege_v that_o it_o be_v not_o to_o they_o he_o appeal_v for_o his_o expression_n do_v imply_v that_o this_o assembly_n be_v not_o lawful_o call_v see_v it_o be_v call_v before_o he_o appeal_v and_o yet_o he_o make_v no_o particular_a reference_n to_o it_o beside_o say_v they_o it_o be_v clear_a he_o mean_v a_o episcopal_a assembly_n by_o his_o appeal_n to_o the_o king_n joint_o with_o the_o assembly_n for_o these_o episcopalian_o do_v make_v the_o king_n the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n whereas_o we_o can_v own_v any_o such_o thing_n my_o lord_n arbruchel_n desire_v the_o assembly_n to_o be_v favourable_a to_o he_o for_o he_o know_v he_o to_o be_v well_o affect_v to_o the_o government_n and_o that_o he_o have_v serve_v the_o king_n abroad_o for_o the_o space_n of_o seven_o year_n to_o which_o one_o reply_v that_o he_o be_v as_o well_o pay_v for_o it_o he_o serve_v he_o for_o wage_n and_o so_o will_v he_o have_v do_v the_o turk_n too_o they_o be_v much_o irritate_v by_o his_o go_v to_o london_n to_o represent_v their_o proceed_n and_o to_o clamour_n against_o they_o every_o man_n take_v occasion_n to_o vent_v his_o passion_n and_o pique_n at_o he_o some_o say_v he_o be_v scandalous_a and_o call_v he_o a_o drunkard_n and_o swearer_n some_o call_v he_o one_o thing_n and_o some_o another_o and_o one_o say_v he_o shall_v be_v depose_v because_o he_o be_v a_o proud_a stubborn_a and_o insolent_a fellow_n the_o commissioner_n apprehend_v there_o will_v be_v little_a justice_n where_o there_o be_v so_o much_o pique_n and_o prejudice_n desire_v the_o moderator_n to_o delay_v the_o affair_n and_o to_o allow_v the_o young_a man_n time_n to_o appear_v and_o answer_v for_o himself_o but_o the_o moderator_n reply_v that_o it_o be_v best_a to_o proceed_v now_o and_o more_o for_o the_o young_a man_n reputation_n for_o if_o he_o be_v present_a they_o will_v be_v oblige_v to_o take_v notice_n of_o some_o crime_n and_o scandal_n which_o now_o they_o will_v pass_v over_o without_o inquire_v into_o they_o forget_v that_o the_o presbytery_n have_v acquit_v he_o of_o all_o such_o gild_n and_o that_o he_o himself_o have_v give_v he_o a_o good_a testimony_n when_o the_o affair_n be_v first_o bring_v before_o the_o assembly_n the_o commissioner_n still_o urge_v that_o they_o will_v deal_v tender_o and_o gentle_o with_o he_o indeed_o reply_v the_o moderator_n your_o grace_n shall_v find_v that_o we_o will_v use_v great_a tenderness_n towards_o the_o young_a man_n and_o we_o shall_v be_v very_o discreet_a for_o we_o shall_v only_o take_v his_o kirk_n from_o he_o which_o they_o do_v immediate_o so_o that_o you_o have_v a_o sample_n of_o the_o presbyterian_a tenderness_n which_o i_o think_v be_v very_a near_o a_o kin_n to_o the_o tender_a mercy_n of_o the_o wicked_a which_o solomon_n declare_v to_o be_v cruel_a for_o when_o they_o deprive_v one_o of_o his_o livelihood_n and_o good-name_n they_o call_v it_o tenderness_n and_o if_o it_o be_v so_o i_o pray_v god_n save_v we_o from_o their_o cruelty_n except_o these_o four_o i_o hear_v of_o no_o other_o process_n wherein_o the_o episcopal_a clergy_n be_v concern_v that_o be_v revise_v and_o discuss_v before_o the_o assembly_n there_o be_v indeed_o one_o or_o two_o more_o mention_v by_o the_o interest_n make_v by_o the_o person_n concern_v paper_n as_o the_o business_n of_o mr._n heriot_n in_o dalkeith_n and_o mr._n wood_n in_o dumbar_n but_o they_o with_o the_o rest_n be_v refer_v back_o to_o particular_a synod_n and_o presbytery_n all_o this_o while_n the_o presbyterian_o have_v be_v intent_n upon_o the_o empty_n of_o church_n now_o at_o last_o they_o begin_v to_o consider_v how_o church_n shall_v be_v fill_v and_o vacancy_n supply_v they_o want_v labourer_n for_o their_o harvest_n and_o therefore_o they_o first_o pass_v a_o act_n for_o call_v home_o such_o of_o their_o party_n as_o be_v serve_v in_o other_o place_n abroad_o and_o appoint_v the_o draw_v up_o and_o direct_v of_o letter_n for_o acquaint_v those_o in_o holland_n particular_o with_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o assembly_n and_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o church_n it_o happen_v that_o of_o these_o who_o be_v speak_v of_o one_o be_v dead_a and_o another_o detain_v prisoner_n in_o dunkirk_n wherefore_o one_o say_v at_o the_o read_n of_o the_o letter_n that_o the_o assembly_n need_v the_o power_n of_o miracle_n for_o bring_v back_o the_o one_o and_o that_o they_o ought_v to_o address_v to_o the_o french_a king_n to_o obtain_v the_o other_o in_o the_o next_o place_n for_o the_o increase_a the_o number_n of_o the_o brethren_n they_o appoint_v some_o to_o search_v out_o and_o to_o give_v in_o
see_v there_o be_v so_o much_o babble_n &_o in_o their_o print_a &_o consequent_o more_o deliberate_a discourse_n a_o acquaintance_n of_o you_o have_v make_v a_o rare_a collection_n of_o note_n of_o their_o sermon_n both_o print_v and_o unprint_v to_o which_o i_o refer_v you_o for_o instance_n to_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o what_o i_o have_v be_v say_v the_o last_o sermon_n that_o be_v publish_v come_v forth_o the_o first_o week_n of_o the_o ass_n the_o author_n be_v one_o mr._n james_n clark_n who_o preach_v in_o the_o meeting_n house_n at_o dumbar_n it_o be_v a_o sermon_n ad_fw-la clerum_fw-la preach_v as_o be_v say_v at_o the_o depose_n of_o the_o parson_n of_o old-hamstocks_a which_o be_v a_o extraordinary_a occasion_n something_o better_a then_o ordinary_a be_v expect_v but_o there_o never_o appear_v a_o more_o silly_a and_o empty_a discourse_n nor_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o you_o can_v conceive_v so_o mean_o of_o it_o as_o it_o deserve_v it_o be_v even_o far_o below_o mr._n andrew_n gray_n sermon_n the_o very_a presbyterian_o who_o gust_n crave_v no_o fine_a thing_n be_v ashamed_a of_o it_o my_o lord_n czawford_n to_o excuse_v it_o lay_v the_o blame_n on_o the_o printer_n and_o complain_v of_o he_o at_o the_o council_n table_n for_o offer_v to_o publish_v it_o without_o a_o licence_n allege_v also_o that_o it_o be_v without_o the_o author_n consent_n and_o that_o the_o copy_n be_v a_o imperfect_a uncorrect_a one_o which_o some_o ignorant_a or_o malicious_a person_n have_v take_v from_o the_o author_n mouth_n but_o when_o the_o printer_n be_v examine_v he_o produce_v a_o authentic_a copy_n from_o the_o author_n himself_o and_o declare_v that_o he_o revise_v the_o sheet_n as_o they_o come_v from_o the_o press_n so_o the_o printer_n be_v free_a of_o the_o fault_n that_o be_v in_o it_o and_o they_o can_v be_v only_o charge_v on_o mr._n clark_n who_o it_o be_v believe_v show_v all_o the_o learning_n and_o eloquence_n he_o be_v master_n of_o but_o it_o be_v fit_a now_o we_o return_v to_o the_o ass_n and_o give_v you_o a_o account_n of_o what_o act_n they_o pass_v for_o regulate_v the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n for_o the_o future_a the_o first_o of_o this_o kind_n and_o the_o first_o also_o of_o any_o other_o that_o pass_v in_o the_o ass_n be_v a_o act_n against_o marriage_n without_o public_a proclamation_n as_o also_o against_o the_o private_a administration_n of_o the_o two_o sacrament_n baptism_n and_o the_o lord_n supper_n mr._n gilbert_n rule_v press_v that_o the_o sacrament_n of_o baptism_n may_v not_o at_o all_o be_v administer_v but_o in_o public_a and_o after_o sermon_n and_o call_v the_o private_a administration_n not_o only_o superstitious_a but_o also_o sorcery_n and_o charm_v and_o say_v further_a that_o the_o same_o be_v contrary_a to_o scripture_n and_o antiquity_n mr_n kirkton_n take_v he_o up_o brisk_o and_o say_v that_o be_v disputable_a that_o he_o can_v buckle_v he_o or_o any_o man_n upon_o that_o point_n but_o will_v not_o debate_v it_o now_o he_o add_v that_o by_o their_o rigorous_a imposition_n of_o indifferent_a thing_n he_o have_v lose_v five_o man_n of_o considerable_a note_n the_o last_o week_n and_o conclude_v tho_o there_o be_v a_o thousand_o act_n against_o it_o he_o will_v rather_o baptise_v in_o private_a then_o suffer_v the_o child_n to_o go_v to_o the_o curate_n some_o highland_n minister_n cray_v that_o they_o may_v not_o be_v liable_a to_o that_o act_n because_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o bring_v all_o the_o child_n of_o their_o parish_n to_o the_o kirk_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o vast_a distance_n some_o of_o their_o people_n live_v at_o from_o they_o but_o whether_o they_o intend_v to_o give_v a_o dispensation_n be_v not_o express_v the_o moderator_n to_o excuse_v their_o own_o practice_n heretofore_o say_v there_o be_v a_o distinction_n both_o of_o time_n and_o place_n for_o say_v he_o in_o time_n of_o persecution_n i_o think_v a_o honest_a minister_n ride_v on_o the_o way_n may_v go_v into_o a_o man_n house_n baptise_v a_o bairn_n and_o come_v out_o and_o take_v his_o horse_n again_o though_o while_o they_o be_v under_o restraint_n they_o make_v no_o scruple_n of_o baptise_v private_o the_o child_n of_o those_o of_o their_o own_o persuasion_n yet_o now_o they_o refuse_v to_o baptize_v any_o except_o in_o public_a nor_o will_v they_o do_v it_o but_o when_o there_o be_v a_o sermon_n and_o they_o be_v so_o strict_a upon_o the_o point_n that_o they_o suffer_v the_o child_n to_o die_v rather_o then_o slacken_v their_o rigour_n in_o the_o country_n the_o benefit_n of_o baptism_n can_v be_v only_o have_v on_o sunday_n because_o then_o only_o there_o be_v preach_v and_o if_o child_n can_v live_v so_o long_o they_o must_v take_v their_o hazard_n of_o depart_v without_o that_o sign_n and_o seal_v of_o their_o salvation_n i_o know_v a_o parish_n where_o two_o or_o three_o person_n importune_v the_o minister_n to_o baptize_v their_o child_n public_o or_o private_o as_o he_o please_v but_o he_o peremptory_o refuse_v to_o do_v it_o on_o a_o weekday_n though_o they_o who_o intend_v to_o have_v be_v present_a at_o the_o baptism_n will_v have_v make_v a_o competent_a number_n for_o a_o ordinary_a country_n sermon_n and_o before_o sunday_n two_o of_o the_o child_n die_v we_o have_v late_o in_o this_o city_n a_o more_o notable_a instance_n of_o the_o stiffness_n of_o their_o humour_n in_o this_o particular_a a_o certain_a citizen_n design_v to_o have_v his_o child_n baptize_v on_o a_o week_n day_n at_o the_o ordinary_a time_n of_o sermon_n he_o with_o the_o gossip_n come_v in_o time_n enough_o to_o the_o church_n but_o because_o the_o child_n be_v bring_v in_o about_o the_o close_a of_o the_o sermon_n neither_o mr._n kennedy_n who_o preach_v nor_o mr._n erskine_n the_o minister_n of_o the_o parish_n can_v be_v prevail_v with_o to_o administer_v the_o sacrament_n to_o the_o infant_n but_o they_o cause_v it_o to_o be_v carry_v home_o again_o without_o baptism_n the_o people_n general_o take_v this_o very_a ill_n and_o be_v very_o much_o displease_v with_o the_o presbyterian_a minister_n on_o this_o account_n wherefore_o to_o justify_v themselves_o they_o frequent_o preach_v against_o the_o necessity_n of_o baptism_n and_o to_o talk_v of_o it_o as_o if_o it_o be_v a_o ordinance_n neither_o necessary_a nor_o much_o to_o be_v regard_v and_o do_v account_v the_o esteem_n and_o value_n which_o be_v ordinary_o put_v upon_o it_o and_o earnest_n desire_v the_o people_n have_v after_o it_o to_o be_v the_o dregs_o and_o relic_n of_o popery_n among_o we_o when_o a_o child_n be_v bring_v to_o mr._n kirkton_n he_o take_v occasion_n to_o show_v the_o superstition_n of_o that_o ceremony_n and_o say_v to_o the_o people_n you_o think_v it_o necessary_a to_o have_v your_o child_n baptise_a but_o i_o tell_v you_o say_v he_o i_o know_v a_o good_a godly_a minister_n who_o live_v till_o he_o be_v fourscore_a that_o be_v never_o baptise_a all_o his_o life_n time_n in_o the_o next_o place_n they_o renew_v a_o act_n of_o a_o general_n assembly_n appoint_v pedagogue_n chaplain_n preacher_n and_o student_n to_o take_v and_o subscribe_v the_o confession_n of_o faith_n and_o further_o they_o commissionated_a some_o to_o draw_v up_o a_o list_n of_o all_o these_o act_n of_o assembly_n which_o be_v fit_a to_o to_o be_v observe_v and_o put_v in_o use_n wherein_o they_o act_v very_o cunning_o for_o though_o it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o they_o receive_v all_o the_o act_n of_o assembly_n as_o if_o they_o be_v scripture_n and_o pay_v no_o less_o regard_n to_o they_o yet_o because_o some_o of_o these_o encroach_v upon_o the_o power_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n therefore_o to_o prevent_v the_o jealousy_n of_o the_o king_n they_o will_v not_o make_v a_o general_a act_n ratify_v and_o approve_v they_o in_o cumulo_fw-la nor_o yet_o will_v they_o condemn_v or_o censure_v any_o of_o they_o but_o they_o enforce_v such_o as_o be_v proper_a and_o suitable_a to_o the_o present_a state_n of_o affair_n and_o wave_v the_o declaration_n of_o their_o sentiment_n concern_v the_o rest_n four_o because_o the_o ass_n can_v not_o sit_v so_o long_o as_o be_v necessary_a to_o determine_v all_o particular_n and_o to_o give_v rule_n and_o measure_n for_o the_o settle_n of_o the_o church_n in_o this_o juncture_n nor_o be_v it_o sit_v it_o shall_v do_v it_o therefore_o they_o resolve_v to_o choose_v a_o committee_n who_o may_v sit_v after_o the_o dissolution_n of_o the_o ass_n who_o shall_v have_v full_a and_o supreme_a power_n to_o act_n in_o all_o thing_n that_o relate_v to_o the_o church_n it_o be_v say_v that_o this_o overture_n be_v first_o make_v by_o the_o moderate_a man_n who_o think_v by_o this_o mean_n to_o reduce_v affair_n to_o a_o better_a temper_n than_o the_o
ass_n be_v like_a to_o do_v by_o reason_n of_o the_o many_o rigid_a and_o indiscreet_a man_n who_o be_v in_o it_o therefore_o six_o be_v propose_v to_o be_v a_o part_n of_o this_o committee_n and_o to_o name_v the_o other_o person_n of_o who_o the_o committee_n shall_v consist_v four_o of_o these_o six_o go_v under_o the_o character_n of_o moderate_a man_n the_o other_o two_o be_v of_o another_o temper_n and_o be_v join_v to_o they_o on_o purpose_n to_o prevent_v suspicion_n but_o the_o high_a fly_v brethren_n soon_o smell_v out_o the_o design_n and_o therefore_o they_o first_o vote_v two_o more_o of_o their_o own_o side_n and_o because_o that_o only_o put_v they_o in_o aequilibrio_fw-la they_o again_o get_v four_o more_o to_o be_v add_v so_o that_o they_o be_v double_a the_o number_n of_o the_o other_o and_o by_o this_o mean_v the_o committee_n consist_v most_o part_n of_o the_o strict_a and_o most_o rigid_a presbyterian_o their_o name_n be_v as_o follow_v for_o the_o south_n minister_n john_n veith_n gab._n simple_a gilbert_n rule_n m._n james_n kirkton_n john_n spalding_n michael_n bruce_n gab._n cuninghame_n william_n erskine_n william_n weir_n alex._n pitcairn_n m._n richard_n howison_n james_n veitch_n patrick_n simpson_n matthew_n crawford_n george_n campbell_n james_n laurce_fw-fr archibald_n hamilton_n m._n patrick_n peacock_n rob._n duncauson_n john_n balandine_n william_n ker_n patrick_n venier_n m._n john_n hutchison_n william_n eccles_n neil_n gitless_a m._n andrew_n morton_n thomas_n forester_n william_n violin_n m._n david_n blair_n samuel_n nairn_n elder_n earl_n of_o crawford_n earl_n sutherland_n visc_n of_o arburthnet_n la._n halleraig_n laird_n of_o ormestone_n sir_n john_n hall_n sir_n james_n riddel_n balife_o muir_n laird_n balife_o macklurg_n george_n stirling_n coltness_n glanderston_n lammington_n air_n john_n muir_n provost_n of_o hamilton_n of_o grange_n for_o the_o north._n minister_n john_n law_n hugh_n kennedy_n m._n will._n crighton_n john_n anderson_n alex._n forbes_n william_n legget_n robert_n rule_n m._n james_n frazer_n go_v meldrum_n edward_n jenuson_n james_n rymer_n thomas_n ramsay_n m._n robert_n young_a william_n mack_n andrew_n buey_n elder_n ja._n ardbruchill_n green_n know_v naughton_n meggins_n lewchatt_n afterward_o it_o be_v represent_v that_o the_o visitor_n for_o the_o north_n be_v too_o few_o there_o be_v add_v these_o follow_a minister_n james_n stewart_n james_n vrquhart_n m._n alex._n dumbar_n alex._n frazer_n thomas_n hog_n hugh_n anderson_n william_n machay_n m._n walter_n denune_n geo._n meldrum_n at_o glass_n arthur_n mitchel_n william_n ramsay_n m._n francis_n melvil_n john_n maccullork_n elder_n brodie_n grant_v grange_n dumber_n eight_o colloden_n dalfolly_n parkhay_n sir_n john_n monro_n sir_n george_n monro_n embo_n sir_n david_n frazer_n m._n john_n campbell_n of_o moye_fw-fr this_o committee_n be_v appoint_v to_o keep_v quarterly_a session_n viz._n on_o the_o three_o wednesday_n of_o january_n and_o the_o three_o wednesday_n of_o april_n and_o to_o appoint_v afterward_o their_o meeting_n as_o often_o as_o they_o shall_v think_v fit_a that_o a_o quorum_fw-la shall_v be_v ten_o minister_n and_o five_o ruling-elders_a and_o they_o be_v allow_v to_o choose_v their_o own_o moderator_n and_o clerk_n the_o instruction_n prepare_v for_o they_o by_o the_o committee_n for_o overture_n be_v first_o read_v and_o debate_v on_o thursday_n before_o the_o ass_n rose_z but_o they_o be_v not_o agree_v to_o till_o the_o tuesday_n thereafter_o on_o monday_n they_o be_v read_v with_o some_o alteration_n but_o mr._n kirkton_n and_o a_o great_a many_o more_o adhered_a to_o the_o exception_n which_o they_o make_v at_o the_o first_o read_n and_o say_v that_o the_o alteration_n be_v not_o considerable_a he_o allege_v also_o that_o what_o be_v then_o read_v be_v not_o a_o true_a copy_n of_o that_o which_o the_o committee_n have_v agree_v to_o and_o offer_v to_o the_o moderator_n a_o true_a double_a of_o it_o but_o the_o moderator_n refuse_v it_o say_v he_o know_v nothing_o of_o the_o matter_n and_o because_o the_o ass_n be_v not_o like_a to_o come_v to_o a_o agreement_n at_o that_o time_n therefore_o the_o matter_n be_v refer_v back_o again_o to_o the_o committee_n and_o all_o who_o have_v any_o thing_n to_o say_v about_o it_o be_v appoint_v to_o attend_v they_o the_o next_o day_n it_o be_v bring_v back_o again_o to_o the_o ass_n and_o conclude_v mr._n kirkton_n and_o some_o other_o who_o press_v alteration_n be_v absent_a to_o satisfy_v your_o and_o my_o own_o curiosity_n i_o use_v mean_n to_o procure_v a_o copy_n of_o the_o instruction_n and_o get_v they_o with_o some_o difficulty_n which_o i_o here_o set_v down_o instruction_n for_o the_o committee_n or_o commission_n of_o the_o kirk_n first_o they_o be_v to_o take_v into_o their_o cognizance_n all_o reference_n and_o appeal_v not_o discuss_v in_o the_o assembly_n and_o such_o matter_n as_o have_v be_v state_v before_o the_o ass_n and_o refer_v to_o they_o and_o to_o discuss_v and_o determine_v the_o famine_n second_o they_o be_v to_o give_v their_o advice_n to_o all_o synod_n and_o presbytery_n when_o require_v and_o though_o not_o require_v yet_o upon_o information_n of_o any_o irregularity_n or_o precipitancy_n of_o proceed_n in_o presbytery_n they_o be_v to_o interpose_v their_o advice_n for_o sist_z process_n till_o the_o next_o synod_n or_o ass_n when_o this_o 2d_o article_n be_v read_v some_o ask_v if_o the_o commission_n have_v power_n to_o call_v before_o themselves_o any_o business_n and_o to_o take_v the_o same_o out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o presbytery_n to_o which_o the_o moderator_n answer_v no_o but_o they_o be_v only_o to_o give_v their_o advice_n and_o say_v he_o i_o think_v no_o presbytery_n will_v refuse_v it_o which_o if_o they_o do_v it_o must_v be_v cum_fw-la periculo_fw-la and_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n will_v be_v free_a from_o any_o imputation_n of_o their_o act_n three_o they_o be_v to_o have_v power_n to_o visit_v all_o minister_n in_o presbytery_n as_o well_o presbyterian_a as_o other_o four_o they_o be_v to_o purge_v out_o of_o the_o church_n all_o who_o upon_o due_a trial_n shall_v be_v find_v insufficient_a scandalous_a erroneous_a or_o supine_o negligent_a it_o be_v move_v that_o the_o word_n supine_o negligent_a may_v be_v leave_v out_o but_o the_o same_o be_v refuse_v five_o they_o be_v to_o be_v careful_a that_o none_o be_v admit_v by_o they_o to_o ministerial_a communion_n or_o to_o a_o share_n in_o the_o government_n but_o such_o as_o upon_o due_a trial_n for_o which_o the_o visitor_n shall_v take_v a_o competent_a time_n shall_v be_v find_v to_o be_v orthodox_n in_o their_o doctrine_n of_o competent_a ability_n have_v a_o pious_a godly_a and_o peaceable_a conversation_n as_o become_v a_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o a_o edify_a gift_n and_o who_o the_o commission_n shall_v have_v ground_n to_o believe_v will_v be_v faithful_a to_o god_n and_o the_o government_n and_o diligent_a in_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o ministerial_a duty_n and_o that_o all_o who_o shall_v be_v admit_v to_o the_o ministry_n or_o shall_v be_v receive_v into_o a_o share_n of_o the_o government_n shall_v be_v oblige_v to_o own_o and_o subscribe_v the_o confession_n of_o faith_n and_o to_o profess_v their_o submission_n and_o willingness_n to_o join_v and_o concur_v with_o the_o presbyterian_a church-government_n at_o first_o it_o be_v presbyterian_a communion_n and_o only_o faithful_a to_o the_o government_n mr._n kirkton_n say_v that_o this_o article_n be_v a_o matter_n of_o very_o great_a consequence_n and_o desire_v it_o may_v be_v well_o consider_v for_o in_o hoc_fw-la vertitur_fw-la fortuna_fw-la scotia_n and_o complain_v that_o there_o be_v not_o one_o word_n of_o the_o scandal_n of_o conform_v which_o he_o say_v be_v the_o great_a of_o all_o scandal_n mr._n frazer_n of_o brae_n propose_v that_o the_o clause_n of_o repentance_n may_v be_v insert_v the_o moderator_n answer_v that_o in_o effect_v it_o be_v there_o already_o if_o they_o look_v upon_o the_o commissioner_n as_o discreet_a and_o judicious_a man_n for_o so_o say_v he_o they_o will_v admit_v none_o without_o repentance_n for_o without_o that_o they_o can_v have_v ground_n to_o believe_v that_o ever_o they_o will_v be_v faithful_a to_o the_o government_n mr._n kirkton_n reply_v that_o they_o can_v never_o be_v sure_a of_o episcopal_a minister_n for_o many_o of_o they_o say_v he_o have_v change_v three_o or_o four_o time_n already_o and_o they_o will_v do_v it_o at_o every_o turn_n mr._n william_n weir_n move_v that_o they_o may_v be_v oblige_v to_o declare_v that_o they_o shall_v neither_o by_o advice_n nor_o any_o other_o way_n endeavour_v the_o alteration_n of_o the_o presbyterian_a government_n six_o that_o they_o be_v very_o cautious_a in_o receive_v in_o information_n and_o form_v libel_n against_o the_o late_a conformist_n and_o present_a incumbent_n and_o that_o they_o
whole_a article_n of_o the_o libel_n complexlie_o than_o which_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o false_a as_o will_v appear_v by_o the_o libel_n and_o deposition_n if_o they_o be_v produce_v and_o yet_o thereupon_o mr._n heriott_n be_v first_o suspend_v by_o the_o presbytery_n and_o refer_v by_o they_o to_o the_o general_n assembly_n for_o further_a censure_n as_o if_o great_a immorality_n in_o life_n and_o error_n in_o doctrine_n have_v be_v prove_v against_o he_o and_o the_o synod_n to_o which_o the_o assembly_n remit_v he_o follow_v the_o step_n of_o the_o presbytery_n depose_v he_o now_o when_o presbytery_n and_o synod_n have_v act_v thus_o contrary_a to_o express_v law_n and_o have_v do_v open_a and_o manifest_a unjustice_n and_o whereof_o all_o that_o hear_v of_o it_o be_v convince_v and_o sensible_a and_o have_v state_v themselves_o party_n against_o he_o there_o can_v be_v no_o remedy_n expect_v from_o the_o say_a unjustice_n injury_n and_o oppression_n unless_o the_o lord_n of_o their_o majesty_n privy_a council_n interpose_v their_o authority_n if_o it_o be_v allege_v that_o the_o late_a act_n of_o parliament_n the_o act_n of_o supremacy_n in_o church_n matter_n be_v repeal_v it_o be_v answer_v that_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n 1669_o be_v rescind_v which_o extend_v the_o supremacy_n to_o the_o order_v and_o disposal_n of_o the_o external_n government_n and_o policy_n of_o the_o church_n and_o to_o the_o enact_v of_o constitution_n act_n and_o order_n in_o the_o church_n but_o the_o foresay_a act_n of_o k._n ja._n 6._o his_fw-la 8_o parliament_n be_v not_o rescind_v which_o be_v only_o as_o to_o the_o judge_n of_o ecclesiastic_a person_n in_o matter_n complain_v upon_o and_o which_o power_n be_v inherent_a in_o the_o crown_n otherways_o there_o shall_v be_v regnum_fw-la in_o regno_fw-la and_o church_n judicatory_n shall_v have_v arbitrary_a power_n without_o redress_n or_o control_v as_o say_v be_v in_o regard_v whereof_o the_o lord_n of_o their_o majesty_n privy_a council_n be_v judge_n competent_a to_o this_o injury_n vnjustice_n and_o oppression_n and_o the_o desire_n of_o the_o petition_n ought_v to_o be_v grant_v act_z of_o the_o general_n assembly_n anent_o a_o solemn_a national_a fast_o and_o humiliation_n with_o the_o cause_n thereof_o at_o edinburgh_n november_n 12._o 1690._o postmeridiem_fw-la sess_z 25._o the_o general_a assembly_n have_v take_v into_o their_o most_o serious_a consideration_n the_o late_a great_a and_o general_a defection_n of_o this_o church_n and_o kingdom_n have_v think_v fit_a to_o appoint_v a_o day_n of_o solemn_a humiliation_n and_o fast_v for_o confession_n of_o sin_n and_o make_v supplication_n to_o our_o gracious_a god_n to_o forgive_v and_o remove_v the_o guilt_n thereof_o in_o order_n whereunto_o they_o have_v ordain_v the_o confession_n of_o sin_n and_o cause_n of_o fast_v follow_v to_o be_v due_o intimate_fw-la and_o publish_v recommend_v it_o most_o earnest_o to_o all_o person_n both_o minister_n and_o other_o that_o every_o one_o of_o we_o may_v not_o only_o search_v and_o try_v our_o own_o heart_n and_o way_n and_o stir_v up_o ourselves_o to_o seek_v the_o lord_n but_o also_o in_o our_o station_n and_o as_o we_o have_v access_n deal_v with_o one_o another_o in_o all_o love_n and_o tenderness_n to_o prepare_v for_o so_o great_a and_o necessary_a a_o duty_n that_o we_o may_v find_v mercy_n in_o god_n sight_n and_o he_o may_v be_v gracious_o reconcile_v to_o our_o land_n in_o our_o lord_n jesus_n and_o take_v delight_n to_o dwell_v among_o we_o although_o our_o gracious_a god_n have_v of_o late_a for_o his_o own_o name_n sake_n wrought_v great_a and_o wonderful_a thing_n for_o britain_n and_o ireland_n and_o for_o this_o church_n and_o nation_n in_o particular_a yet_o the_o inhabitant_n thereof_o have_v cause_n to_o remember_v their_o own_o evil_a way_n and_o to_o loathe_v themselves_o in_o their_o own_o sight_n for_o their_o iniquity_n alas_o we_o and_o our_o father_n our_o prince_n our_o pastor_n and_o people_n of_o all_o rank_n have_v sin_v and_o have_v be_v under_o great_a transgression_n to_o this_o day_n for_o though_o our_o gracious_a god_n show_v early_a kindness_n to_o this_o land_n in_o send_v the_o gospel_n among_o we_o and_o afterward_o in_o our_o reformation_n from_o popish_a superstition_n and_o idolatry_n and_o it_o have_v the_o honour_n beyond_o many_o nation_n of_o be_v after_o our_o first_o reformation_n solemn_o devote_v unto_o god_n both_o prince_n and_o people_n yet_o we_o have_v deal_v treacherous_o with_o the_o lord_n and_o be_v unsteadfast_a in_o his_o covenant_n and_o have_v not_o walk_v suitable_o to_o our_o mercy_n receive_v from_o he_o nor_o obligation_n to_o he_o through_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n this_o church_n have_v attain_v to_o a_o great_a purity_n of_o doctrine_n worship_n and_o government_n but_o this_o be_v not_o accompany_v with_o suitable_a personal_a reformation_n neither_o be_v our_o fruit_n answerable_a to_o the_o pain_n take_v on_o we_o by_o word_n and_o work_n we_o have_v much_o gospel-preaching_a but_o too_o little_a gospel-practice_n too_o many_o go_v on_o in_o open_a wickedness_n and_o some_o have_v but_o a_o form_n of_o godliness_n deny_v the_o power_n thereof_o many_o also_o who_o have_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o truth_n fall_v from_o their_o first_o love_n and_o fall_v under_o sad_a languish_n and_o decay_n and_o when_o for_o our_o sin_n the_o anger_n of_o the_o lord_n have_v divide_v we_o and_o we_o be_v bring_v under_o the_o foot_n of_o stranger_n and_o many_o of_o our_o brethren_n kill_v other_o take_v captive_a and_o sell_v as_o slave_n yet_o we_o sin_v still_o and_o after_o we_o be_v free_v from_o the_o yoke_n of_o stranger_n instead_o of_o return_v to_o the_o lord_n and_o be_v lead_v to_o repentance_n by_o his_o goodness_n the_o land_n make_v open_a defection_n from_o the_o good_a way_n of_o the_o lord_n many_o behave_v as_o if_o they_o have_v be_v 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