provocation_n they_o know_v also_o how_o to_o distinguish_v and_o have_v distinguish_v betwixt_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o work_n and_o the_o intention_n of_o the_o worker_n and_o think_v charitable_o of_o the_o one_o while_o they_o condemn_v the_o other_o yet_o these_o thing_n hinder_v they_o not_o to_o discern_v betwixt_o the_o righteous_a and_o the_o wicked_a he_o that_o serve_v god_n and_o he_o that_o serve_v he_o not_o the_o lord_n have_v teach_v we_o that_o false_a prophet_n may_v be_v know_v by_o their_o fruit_n and_o that_o man_n do_v not_o gather_v grape_n of_o thorn_n nor_o fig_n of_o thistle_n matth._n 7.16.20_o the_o transgression_n of_o the_o wicked_a say_v within_o my_o heart_n that_o there_o be_v no_o fear_n of_o god_n before_o his_o eye_n psa_n 36.1_o as_o i_o dare_v not_o judge_v of_o any_o man_n everlasting_a estate_n but_o leave_v it_o unto_o he_o with_o who_o the_o book_n be_v so_o have_v i_o not_o so_o learned_a christ_n as_o some_o man_n will_v have_v it_o to_o 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dispensation_n of_o their_o ruin_n be_v in_o the_o begin_n thereof_o at_o innerkithen_n in_o providence_n try_v with_o the_o begin_n of_o that_o assembly_n and_o afterward_o more_o full_o accomplish_v and_o perfect_v at_o other_o place_n as_o they_o and_o their_o comm_n ssion_n go_v on_o in_o ratify_v of_o these_o resolution_n and_o censure_v the_o opposer_n of_o the_o same_o and_o issue_v warning_n and_o declaration_n in_o reference_n to_o these_o thing_n 2._o because_o that_o assembly_n be_v so_o far_o from_o rejoice_v the_o heart_n or_o approve_v themselves_o unto_o the_o conscience_n of_o most_o of_o the_o godly_a in_o the_o land_n or_o from_o leave_v this_o seal_n and_o impression_n upon_o their_o heart_n that_o they_o have_v the_o image_n and_o authority_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o do_v proceed_v according_a to_o the_o law_n and_o the_o testimony_n and_o employ_v their_o power_n unto_o edification_n and_o promote_a of_o godliness_n that_o upon_o the_o contrary_n they_o do_v exceed_o sadden_fw-mi their_o spirit_n and_o leave_v a_o deep_a and_o strong_a conviction_n thereupon_o that_o they_o do_v add_v unto_o the_o land_n provocation_n and_o increase_n wrath_n and_o that_o in_o most_o of_o all_o their_o act_n they_o do_v walk_v not_o unto_o edification_n but_o unto_o destruct_v on_o 3._o because_o their_o act_n do_v rejoice_v the_o heart_n and_o strengthen_v the_o hand_n of_o these_o in_o the_o land_n who_o be_v void_a of_o grace_n and_o of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o adversary_n to_o the_o cause_n and_o people_n of_o god_n and_o mocker_n and_o hater_n of_o piety_n and_o godliness_n be_v not_o that_o assembly_n countenance_v and_o plead_v for_o and_o be_v it_o not_o to_o this_o day_n countenance_v and_o plead_v for_o by_o all_o the_o generation_n of_o malignant_a and_o profane_a person_n throughout_o the_o land_n and_o sure_a if_o it_o have_v be_v so_o much_o countenance_v and_o own_v of_o god_n it_o be_v not_o like_a that_o it_o shall_v have_v be_v so_o endear_v to_o these_o who_o have_v so_o much_o oppose_v his_o friend_n and_o interest_n in_o scotland_n these_o many_o year_n past_a 4_o because_o that_o assembly_n at_o dundee_n do_v for_o no_o other_o cause_n but_o for_o protest_v against_o their_o wrong_a constitution_n and_o the_o ratify_n of_o these_o resolution_n censure_n and_o pronounce_v the_o sentence_n of_o deposition_n and_o suspension_n against_o sundry_a godly_a man_n who_o have_v obtain_v mercy_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o be_v follower_n of_o his_o cause_n since_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o late_a reformation_n and_o who_o ministry_n have_v be_v seal_v of_o the_o lord_n upon_o the_o heart_n of_o not_o a_o few_o of_o his_o people_n 5._o because_o they_o do_v by_o their_o act_n lay_v a_o foundation_n for_o censure_v all_o minister_n elder_n expectant_n student_n and_o professor_n whatsoever_o who_o refuse_v to_o acknowledge_v the_o constitution_n of_o that_o assembly_n and_o oppose_v the_o act_n thereof_o which_o as_o it_o make_v way_n for_o the_o cast_v out_o of_o many_o able_a &_o godly_a professor_n from_o be_v church-member_n for_o it_o be_v well_o know_v how_o many_o there_o be_v of_o the_o godly_a in_o the_o land_n both_o minister_n elder_n and_o professor_n who_o can_v be_v consent_v to_o submit_v to_o these_o thing_n but_o do_v hold_v themselves_o bind_v in_o their_o station_n to_o bear_v testimony_n against_o they_o now_o to_o cast_v out_o &_o persecute_v all_o these_o or_o to_o lay_v a_o foundation_n fordo_v of_o it_o whether_o it_o be_v to_o be_v own_v &_o guide_v of_o god_n and_o to_o do_v thing_n to_o edification_n or_o if_o it_o be_v not_o rather_o to_o be_v desert_v of_o the_o lord_n to_o establish_v iniquity_n by_o a_o law_n and_o to_o decree_v unrighteous_a decree_n &_o write_v grievous_a thing_n against_o their_o brethren_n which_o they_o have_v prescribe_v i_o leave_v it_o to_o those_o who_o be_v teach_v of_o god_n to_o consider_v as_o to_o that_o passage_n in_o the_o warn_v and_o declaration_n of_o that_o assembly_n so_o much_o magnify_v and_o cry_v up_o by_o the_o author_n of_o this_o review_n it_o be_v and_o it_o be_v the_o intention_n of_o the_o protester_n through_o the_o lord_n assistance_n though_o with_o much_o weakness_n to_o oppose_v the_o design_n and_o work_v of_o the_o adversary_n on_o both_o hand_n and_o to_o tread_v the_o middle_a path_n the_o good_a old_a way_n without_o decline_v to_o the_o right_a hand_n or_o to_o the_o left_a upon_o which_o account_n it_o be_v that_o they_o can_v not_o condescend_v to_o employ_v and_o associate_v with_o and_o entrust_v one_o adversary_n for_o oppose_v another_o know_v such_o course_n to_o be_v condemn_v of_o god_n in_o his_o holy_a word_n and_o to_o have_v prove_v bitter_a often_o heretofore_o unto_o this_o nation_n and_o for_o this_o cause_n do_v solemn_o engage_v that_o we_o shall_v do_v no_o more_o so_o therefore_o have_v they_o always_o own_v and_o strict_o adhere_v to_o the_o covenant_n and_o cause_n and_o former_a principle_n of_o the_o reform_a party_n in_o this_o land_n set_v down_o in_o their_o public_a paper_n and_o that_o they_o may_v not_o partake_v of_o other_o man_n sin_n do_v not_o concur_v with_o but_o bear_v testimony_n against_o the_o carnal_a counsel_n of_o man_n own_o heart_n because_o of_o which_o the_o sword_n do_v abide_v in_o our_o city_n and_o consume_v our_o branch_n and_o devour_v they_o hos_n 11.6_o and_o the_o spirit_n that_o have_v be_v stir_v in_o they_o in_o these_o act_n i_o trust_v be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o good_a spirit_n of_o god_n the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n and_o holiness_n the_o voice_n behind_o they_o that_o speak_v in_o the_o ear_n of_o the_o lord_n people_n this_o be_v the_o way_n walk_v you_o in_o it_o when_o they_o turn_v to_o the_o right_a hand_n and_o when_o they_o turn_v to_o the_o left_a hand_n isa_n 30.21_o in_o order_n to_o this_o passage_n of_o the_o warn_v at_o dundee_n i_o wish_v the_o first_o penner_n thereof_o and_o the_o gentleman_n who_o now_o have_v cite_v it_o and_o all_o other_o to_o consider_v these_o few_o thing_n 1._o that_o not_o long_o ago_o there_o be_v a_o time_n that_o some_o of_o the_o best_a and_o most_o precious_a of_o these_o who_o now_o charge_v the_o protester_n with_o these_o harsh_a imputation_n of_o have_v a_o spirit_n stir_v in_o their_o work_n that_o have_v be_v and_o be_v most_o effectual_a for_o carry_v on_o of_o the_o design_n of_o the_o adversary_n of_o our_o cause_n be_v liable_a no_o less_o than_o the_o protester_n now_o be_v to_o the_o same_o imputation_n from_o these_o by_o who_o they_o now_o be_v cry_v up_o and_o commend_v and_o with_o who_o they_o now_o join_v issue_n in_o cast_v they_o upon_o their_o brethren_n it_o concern_v they_o to_o think_v whence_o these_o change_n be_v and_o
against_o they_o both_o by_o preach_v and_o by_o write_v their_o mind_n to_o the_o commission_n of_o the_o kirk_n and_o to_o other_o of_o their_o brethren_n as_o they_o have_v opportunity_n upon_o which_o occasion_n also_o it_o be_v that_o many_o be_v necessitate_v to_o withdraw_v from_o such_o fast_n as_o do_v involve_v a_o approbation_n of_o these_o resolution_n and_o what_o be_v in_o all_o this_o but_o duty_n may_v not_o yea_o ought_v not_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n minister_n and_o people_n bear_v testimony_n against_o decline_v and_o backslide_v and_o study_v to_o keep_v their_o own_o garment_n pure_a and_o refuse_v to_o say_v a_o confederacy_n to_o wicked_a man_n in_o the_o interest_n and_o cause_n of_o god_n it_o be_v a_o shrewd_a insinuation_n that_o be_v make_v of_o their_o draw_a faction_n among_o the_o people_n as_o if_o they_o have_v stir_v the_o people_n to_o sedition_n or_o to_o tumult_n the_o utmost_a length_n which_o minister_n go_v be_v to_o hold_v forth_o the_o sinfulness_n of_o that_o course_n how_o contrary_a it_o be_v to_o our_o former_a principle_n how_o it_o will_v help_v to_o hasten_v on_o more_o wrath_n or_o if_o it_o do_v seem_v to_o prosper_v how_o dangerous_a it_o will_v prove_v to_o the_o cause_n and_o people_n of_o god_n by_o set_v up_o of_o such_o as_o have_v be_v and_o still_o be_v adversary_n to_o both_o and_o the_o great_a length_n which_o people_n go_v be_v to_o profess_v their_o dislike_n thereof_o and_o without_o tumult_n or_o faction_n to_o withdraw_v or_o in_o a_o sober_a and_o modest_a way_n to_o refuse_v to_o concur_v because_o they_o have_v no_o clearness_n nor_o satisfaction_n in_o their_o conscience_n concern_v these_o resolution_n withal_o they_o do_v clear_o declare_v their_o judgement_n against_o the_o invasion_n and_o for_o the_o defence_n of_o the_o cause_n and_o their_o country_n and_o their_o readiness_n to_o concur_v in_o all_o lawful_a mean_n according_a to_o the_o word_n and_o former_a principle_n for_o that_o end_n if_o any_o who_o have_v be_v former_o honest_a and_o bear_v any_o part_n of_o the_o burden_n and_o heat_n of_o the_o day_n be_v brand_v as_o backsliders_a it_o be_v not_o so_o much_o by_o dissenter_n from_o the_o public_a resolution_n as_o by_o the_o multitude_n of_o that_o generation_n with_o who_o they_o do_v associate_v i_o mean_v the_o malignant_n who_o do_v not_o spare_v open_o and_o every_o where_o to_o say_v that_o these_o honest_a man_n be_v now_o come_v to_o they_o as_o for_o other_o though_o they_o can_v so_o vindicate_v themselves_o as_o to_o say_v that_o there_o be_v none_o among_o they_o who_o do_v at_o any_o time_n speak_v rash_o or_o unadvised_o with_o his_o lip_n yet_o the_o lord_n know_v it_o be_v the_o grief_n of_o their_o heart_n that_o honest_a man_n shall_v have_v fall_v from_o their_o integrity_n and_o though_o they_o can_v not_o choose_v but_o bear_v testimony_n against_o their_o sin_n yet_o they_o do_v it_o as_o afflict_v in_o spirit_n keep_v reverence_n respect_n and_o affection_n unto_o the_o man_n themselves_o and_o have_v the_o iniquity_n be_v private_a they_o will_v most_o willing_o have_v cover_v the_o shame_n thereof_o but_o it_o be_v public_a and_o such_o as_o do_v relate_v to_o the_o public_a cause_n and_o wherein_o their_o conâ—ent_n and_o concurrence_n be_v desire_v and_o therefore_o they_o be_v force_v to_o speak_v and_o not_o to_o suffer_v sin_n upon_o themselves_o nor_o upon_o their_o brethren_n there_o be_v yet_o one_o thing_n remain_v that_o whilst_o no_o mean_n be_v leave_v unessay_v for_o make_v of_o public_a resolution_n ineffectual_a that_o no_o possible_a nor_o probable_a mean_n be_v hold_v forth_o for_o tâ—e_v relief_n of_o the_o kingdom_n if_o it_o be_v mean_v as_o to_o the_o time_n when_o these_o resolution_n be_v first_o take_v by_o the_o commission_n answer_v to_o the_o parliament_n quaere_fw-la there_o can_v nothing_o of_o that_o kind_n be_v then_o hold_v forth_o by_o such_o a_o be_v dissatisfy_v with_o these_o resolution_n because_o few_o or_o none_o of_o they_o be_v present_a advertisment_n not_o be_v so_o much_o as_o send_v to_o many_o of_o they_o and_o the_o time_n be_v so_o short_a that_o other_o can_v not_o come_v upon_o the_o advertisment_n which_o wâ—re_v send_v to_o they_o the_o advertisement_n come_v to_o sterline_v upon_o the_o tuesday_n to_o be_v dispatch_v unto_o all_o the_o presbytery_n in_o the_o west_n that_o their_o commissioner_n may_v keep_v at_o perth_n upon_o the_o thursday_n immediate_o follow_v which_o day_n can_v not_o probable_o be_v but_o past_a before_o the_o advertisement_n come_v at_o most_o of_o they_o it_o be_v in_o the_o depth_n of_o the_o winter-season_n when_o the_o day_n be_v at_o the_o short_a and_o by_o such_o bearer_n as_o be_v not_o fix_v or_o send_v of_o purpose_n but_o by_o such_o as_o be_v occasional_o go_v to_o those_o place_n for_o other_o business_n yea_o suppose_v the_o utmost_a diligence_n imaginable_a have_v be_v use_v it_o have_v not_o be_v possible_a to_o send_v these_o advertisment_n from_o sterlin_n to_o the_o commissioner_n of_o these_o presbytery_n in_o the_o west_n in_o so_o short_a a_o time_n and_o these_o commissioner_n thereupon_o to_o have_v keep_v the_o diet_n at_o perth_n as_o any_o who_o know_v the_o distance_n of_o these_o place_n will_v easy_o acknowledge_v it_o be_v above_o forty_o mile_n betwixt_o perth_n and_o glasgow_n which_o be_v the_o near_a of_o the_o presbytery_n of_o the_o west_n the_o rest_n of_o they_o be_v a_o good_a deal_n more_o remote_a some_o of_o they_o three_o or_o fourscore_o mile_n and_o if_o it_o be_v mean_v that_o after_o the_o take_n of_o these_o resolution_n no_o possible_a nor_o probable_a mean_n be_v hold_v forth_o by_o these_o who_o do_v object_n against_o they_o it_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n then_o to_o do_v it_o the_o author_n and_o abetter_n of_o they_o be_v so_o zealous_a for_o they_o that_o they_o will_v admit_v of_o no_o objection_n to_o the_o contrary_a much_o 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have_v be_v exclude_v yet_o be_v there_o as_o many_o beside_o as_o may_v have_v be_v mean_v competent_a in_o rational_a prudence_n for_o defence_n of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o cause_n especial_o in_o a_o nation_n covenant_v with_o god_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v tender_a in_o all_o their_o way_n and_o to_o stay_v themselves_o not_o upon_o horse_n and_o chariot_n but_o upon_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n after_o the_o set_n down_o of_o all_o these_o thing_n they_o be_v please_v to_o assert_v that_o they_o do_v of_o their_o own_o nature_n contribute_v no_o less_o effectual_o to_o the_o deliver_v up_o of_o all_o to_o the_o will_n of_o the_o enâ—mâ—e_n without_o stroke_n of_o sword_n then_o if_o it_o have_v be_v purposely_o intend_v as_o no_o evil_a cause_n can_v of_o itself_o produce_v any_o good_a effect_n so_o neither_o can_v any_o good_a cause_n of_o itself_o produce_v a_o evil_a effect_n good_a and_o evil_n be_v contrary_a in_o their_o nature_n and_o the_o one_o not_o native_o arise_v out_o of_o the_o other_o what_o be_v do_v in_o these_o be_v duty_n and_o good_a in_o itself_o and_o therefore_o have_v no_o connexion_n in_o itself_o with_o any_o evil_a thing_n that_o be_v charge_v upon_o it_o when_o i_o read_v this_o chargeâ—_n i_o remember_v the_o challenge_n of_o the_o pripet_n of_o judâ—h_n against_o the_o prophet_n jeremiah_n that_o he_o weaken_v the_o hand_n of_o the_o man_n of_o war_n that_o remain_v in_o the_o city_n and_o the_o hand_n of_o all_o the_o people_n and_o that_o he_o seek_v not_o the_o welfare_n of_o the_o people_n but_o their_o hurt_n jer._n 38.4_o declaration_n the_o last_o step_n be_v set_v down_o in_o this_o answer_n to_o the_o protestation_n but_o because_o it_o be_v usher_v in_o with_o a_o large_a preface_n that_o be_v not_o mention_v in_o this_o answer_n therefore_o i_o shall_v speak_v
have_v carry_v on_o a_o course_n of_o defection_n and_o it_o be_v offer_v to_o verify_v the_o same_o and_o thereupon_o desire_v that_o these_o commissioner_n may_v not_o be_v admit_v to_o sit_v as_o member_n in_o the_o assembly_n till_o that_o matter_n be_v try_v it_o be_v refuse_v and_o notwithstanding_o of_o the_o except_o on_o timeous_o propound_v and_o offer_v to_o be_v instruct_v they_o be_v before_o the_o take_n try_v all_o thereof_o allow_v to_o sit_v which_o be_v in_o effect_n to_o reject_v the_o exception_n either_o as_o irrelevat_a in_o law_n or_o as_o false_a in_o fact_n and_o so_o to_o approve_v they_o before_o try_v all_o yea_o they_o be_v admit_v to_o â—iâ—â—s_a judge_n in_o their_o own_o cause_n for_o the_o protestation_n be_v particular_o found_v on_o the_o sinfulness_n and_o unwarrantableness_n of_o their_o proceed_n yet_o they_o be_v allow_v to_o sit_v as_o judge_n and_o to_o condemn_v the_o protestation_n as_o destructive_a to_o the_o government_n and_o liberty_n of_o this_o kirk_n and_o censurable_a with_o the_o high_a censure_n thereof_o upon_o the_o 23_o of_o july_n 1651._o notwithstanding_o their_o proceed_n be_v not_o approven_v till_o the_o day_n after_o which_o be_v the_o 24._o that_o other_o of_o they_o do_v absolute_o decline_v the_o authority_n of_o that_o assembly_n and_o protest_v against_o it_o as_o null_n be_v a_o practice_n that_o have_v many_o commendable_a and_o praiseworthy_a parallel_n in_o this_o church_n and_o therefore_o they_o do_v speak_v more_o from_o their_o own_o spirit_n then_o from_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n who_o cry_v out_o that_o it_o have_v no_o parallel_n but_o that_o of_o the_o perfidious_a prelate_n the_o declinatour_n of_o the_o prelate_n against_o the_o assembly_n at_o glasgow_n 1638._o as_o any_o who_o please_v to_o read_v the_o same_o will_v find_v that_o it_o do_v strike_v at_o the_o root_n of_o presbyterial_a government_n and_o general_n assembly_n in_o regard_n of_o the_o essential_o of_o their_o constitution_n but_o the_o protestation_n do_v acknowledge_v and_o plead_v for_o the_o government_n and_o for_o the_o due_a liberty_n and_o freedom_n and_o right_a constitution_n of_o assembly_n according_a to_o the_o ruâ—e_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o act_n of_o this_o kirk_n and_o do_v only_o bear_v testimony_n against_o and_o decline_v that_o assembly_n because_o of_o unwarrantable_a prelimit_v of_o the_o election_n admit_v of_o person_n under_o scandal_n before_o try_v oâ—_n they_o admit_v of_o the_o same_o man_n to_o be_v both_o judge_n and_o party_n want_v of_o frâ—â—_n access_n and_o recess_n absence_n of_o many_o commissioner_n want_v of_o freedom_n in_o voice_n deny_v to_o hear_v what_o be_v offer_v for_o hold_v forth_o of_o light_n whereby_o â—t_a appear_v that_o there_o be_v little_a conscience_n and_o ingenuity_n and_o less_o charity_n in_o make_v of_o that_o parallel_n but_o the_o history_n and_o act_n of_o our_o church_n do_v furnish_v we_o many_o just_a and_o true_a parallel_n of_o this_o practice_n in_o the_o carriage_n of_o the_o faithful_a witness_n of_o our_o lord_n in_o our_o own_o and_o our_o father_n day_n who_o have_v stand_v to_o plead_v for_o the_o doctrine_n government_n worship_n and_o discipline_n of_o this_o kirk_n i_o shall_v only_o name_v a_o few_o the_o first_o be_v in_o the_o year_n 1597._o at_o which_o time_n the_o commissioner_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n have_v contrary_a to_o the_o trust_v commit_v to_o they_o in_o these_o intervall_n betwixt_o assembly_n petition_v and_o obtain_v from_o the_o king_n and_o estate_n of_o the_o kingdom_n that_o minister_n shall_v sit_v in_o parliament_n as_o the_o three_o estate_n which_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o our_o prelatic_a their_o proceed_n in_o that_o petition_n and_o the_o thing_n relate_v thereto_o be_v approven_v in_o the_o assembly_n by_o the_o preval_v influence_n of_o the_o king_n and_o these_o commissioner_n notwithstanding_o of_o the_o reason_n propound_v against_o the_o same_o by_o sundry_a of_o the_o ministry_n m._n john_n davidson_n a_o most_o worthy_a and_o pious_a minister_n of_o this_o church_n endue_v with_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n in_o many_o thing_n and_o as_o anti-prelaticall_a and_o true_o tender_a of_o presbyterial_a government_n and_o of_o the_o authority_n of_o assembly_n as_o any_o this_o church_n have_v bring_v forth_o do_v solemn_o protest_v against_o that_o assembly_n as_o not_o free_a and_o lawful_a to_o which_o protestation_n mr._n david_n calâ—erwood_n a_o strenuous_a maintainer_n of_o the_o government_n of_o this_o church_n and_o a_o constant_a adversary_n to_o prelate_n &_o a_o unsuspect_n witness_n in_o this_o present_a controversy_n declare_v in_o his_o story_n his_o own_o adherence_n &_o the_o adherence_n of_o many_o of_o the_o most_o sincere_a pastor_n and_o professor_n of_o this_o kirk_n as_o see_v the_o beginning_n and_o fear_v the_o growth_n of_o that_o defection_n likeas_n he_o do_v often_o from_o that_o experience_n express_v his_o fear_n and_o thereupon_o his_o opinion_n against_o put_v too_o much_o power_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o a_o commission_n and_o prognosticate_v a_o defection_n to_o ensue_v thereupon_o whensoever_o the_o king_n and_o the_o court_n shall_v have_v influence_n upon_o the_o lead_a man_n thereof_o concern_v which_o he_o have_v not_o be_v mistake_v 2._o do_v not_o many_o worthy_a pastor_n and_o professor_n of_o this_o church_n protest_v against_o the_o corrupt_a assembly_n annul_v by_o the_o assembly_n at_o glasgow_n sundry_a of_o which_o protestation_n be_v to_o be_v see_v in_o the_o book_n call_v the_o course_n of_o conformity_n let_v our_o predecessor_n supplication_n reason_n admonition_n protestation_n present_v to_o the_o parliament_n 1617._o and_o 1621._o be_v consider_v wherein_o they_o assert_v the_o assembly_n then_o controvert_v to_o be_v unlawful_o constitute_v and_o to_o be_v but_o pretend_a assembly_n though_o no_o authority_n have_v declare_v the_o same_o see_v also_o the_o observation_n print_v 1635_o with_o the_o grievance_n give_v in_o by_o the_o minister_n to_o the_o parliament_n 1633_o it_o be_v here_o well_o say_v that_o the_o safety_n of_o religion_n depend_v not_o upon_o assembly_n of_o whatsoever_o kind_n but_o upon_o the_o liberty_n of_o free_a and_o right_o constitute_v assembly_n aâ—_n in_o the_o commonweal_n he_o be_v not_o to_o be_v think_v a_o faithful_a patriot_n who_o will_v not_o stand_v as_o much_o for_o the_o liberty_n of_o a_o parliament_n as_o his_o own_o possession_n because_o the_o safety_n of_o all_o other_o liberty_n stand_v in_o the_o preservation_n of_o that_o main_a liberty_n 3._o do_v not_o these_o who_o spirit_n the_o lord_n stir_v up_o to_o appear_v against_o the_o prelate_n and_o to_o set_v on_o foot_n the_o work_n of_o reformation_n in_o the_o year_n 16â—7_n express_o declare_v theiâ—_n adherence_n to_o all_o these_o protestation_n make_v by_o their_o father_n and_o predecessor_n declare_v the_o nullity_n of_o these_o corrupt_a assembly_n and_o thereby_o establish_v the_o declinatour_n against_o the_o same_o before_o the_o assembly_n at_o glasgow_n which_o practice_n be_v as_o strange_o look_v upon_o and_o as_o muâ—h_v speak_v against_o then_o as_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o protester_n in_o the_o year_n 1651._o 4._o our_o nationall_n covenant_n do_v both_o mention_n and_o allow_v these_o protestation_n against_o that_o whole_a course_n of_o defection_n whence_o it_o appear_v that_o that_o practice_n at_o dâ—â—dee_n have_v many_o both_o very_o worthy_a precedent_n and_o parallel_n and_o that_o to_o protest_v against_o corrupt_a assembly_n such_o as_o that_o be_v have_v be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v look_v upon_o by_o discer_v faithful_a and_o godly_a man_n in_o this_o kirk_n as_o the_o throw_n down_o of_o the_o hedge_n of_o discipline_n and_o make_v way_n for_o every_o beast_n of_o the_o forest_n to_o break_v in_o as_o this_o reviewer_n allege_v that_o they_o have_v use_v it_o as_o one_o of_o the_o best_a mean_n for_o prevent_v and_o remedy_v of_o these_o evil_n and_o so_o it_o be_v indeed_o because_o as_o it_o be_v well_o observe_v and_o true_o assert_v in_o the_o great_a act_n of_o the_o assembly_n concern_v the_o by_o go_v evil_n of_o this_o church_n and_o the_o remedy_n thereof_o that_o the_o keeep_v or_o authorise_v of_o corrupt_a general_n assembly_n have_v be_v one_o of_o the_o main_a cause_n of_o our_o evil_n by_o these_o it_o be_v that_o the_o prelate_n and_o all_o the_o train_n of_o superstitious_a ceremony_n do_v enter_v and_o have_v have_v such_o worthy_a precedent_n in_o oppose_v of_o such_o and_o such_o doolful_a and_o dear_a buy_v experience_n of_o the_o wrong_n they_o have_v do_v to_o this_o poor_a church_n there_o be_v the_o great_a reason_n to_o take_v heed_n to_o stand_v fast_o in_o the_o liberty_n wherewith_o christ_n have_v make_v we_o free_a and_o not_o to_o be_v again_o entangle_v with_o the_o yoke_n of_o bondage_n of_o corrupt_a assembly_n it_o
yet_o can_v pass_v that_o arrogant_a tittle_n of_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o godly_a which_o they_o assume_v to_o themselves_o and_o their_o abettor_n we_o will_v not_o mention_v of_o who_o they_o learn_v this_o and_o who_o in_o many_o other_o thing_n they_o too_o much_o resemble_v but_o we_o shall_v refer_v the_o reader_n to_o that_o most_o faithful_a and_o timeous_a warn_v and_o declaration_n of_o the_o late_a assembly_n at_o dundee_n and_o the_o three_o admonition_n and_o charge_n of_o the_o second_o part_n thereof_o protestation_n defend_v he_o affirm_v that_o they_o do_v nothing_o in_o constitute_v their_o assembly_n than_o be_v do_v in_o all_o the_o assembly_n since_o the_o reformation_n but_o if_o he_o have_v understand_v well_o the_o history_n of_o proceed_n in_o this_o kirk_n he_o shall_v have_v say_v they_o do_v no_o other_o thing_n than_o be_v do_v in_o the_o six_o unlawful_a assembly_n immediate_o procede_v the_o last_o reformation_n which_o the_o review_n of_o the_o vindication_n of_o the_o assembly_n at_o st._n andrews_n and_o dundee_n do_v clear_o manifest_a and_o that_o they_o have_v constitute_v themselves_o in_o a_o way_n contrary_a to_o the_o strain_n and_o tenor_n of_o the_o act_n of_o this_o kirk_n anent_o constitution_n of_o assembly_n from_o our_o first_o reformation_n and_o if_o that_o at_o st_n andrews_n be_v no_o lawful_a assembly_n of_o this_o kirk_n than_o the_o commission_n of_o the_o gen._n assem_fw-la 1650_o be_v still_o in_o force_n and_o need_v not_o a_o new_a constitution_n the_o commission_n be_v ordain_v to_o endure_v in_o the_o interval_n until_o the_o next_o free_a lawful_a general_n assembly_n and_o though_o one_o half_a of_o the_o member_n appoint_v on_o that_o commission_n by_o the_o general_n assembly_n 1650_o have_v contrary_a to_o express_v limitation_n in_o their_o commission_n agree_v on_o the_o public_a resolution_n and_o contrary_a to_o the_o establish_a order_n of_o this_o kirk_n procure_v a_o unlawful_a assembly_n to_o ratify_v their_o proceed_n yet_o there_o be_v twice_o the_o number_n of_o a_o quorum_fw-la of_o the_o member_n of_o that_o commission_n which_o have_v never_o assent_v to_o nor_o concur_v in_o these_o public_a resolution_n the_o desire_n of_o the_o protester_n to_o that_o meeting_n at_o edinburgh_n for_o not_o constitute_v of_o themselves_o and_o for_o entertain_v of_o a_o conference_n be_v show_v by_o he_o who_o have_v the_o trust_n of_o the_o register_n of_o the_o kirk_n and_o most_o knowledge_n thereof_o to_o be_v agreeable_a to_o divers_a practice_n even_o of_o lawful_a assembly_n in_o this_o kirk_n as_o in_o the_o year_n 1568_o 1569_o 1578_o 1586_o 1591._o 1597._o which_o be_v do_v at_o the_o desire_n of_o mr._n blair_n and_o the_o particular_n offer_v to_o be_v instruct_v the_o writer_n of_o this_o review_n may_v remember_v what_o sharp_a return_n mr._n blair_n meet_v with_o because_o of_o his_o repeat_v and_o press_v these_o thing_n when_o the_o protester_n do_v remove_v as_o to_o that_o he_o say_v that_o they_o be_v not_o in_o a_o capacity_n to_o answer_v the_o representation_n of_o the_o protester_n until_o they_o be_v constitute_v i_o assert_v they_o be_v only_o in_o a_o capacity_n to_o answer_v before_o constitution_n and_o not_o after_o it_o for_o question_n about_o constitution_n must_v precede_v and_o not_o follow_v after_o constitution_n therefore_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o protest_v present_o against_o their_o wrong_a constitution_n and_o it_o be_v either_o a_o weak_a answer_n which_o many_o of_o their_o assembly_n give_v that_o adjournment_n or_o a_o few_o day_n will_v annul_v all_o their_o commission_n their_o being_n no_o such_o limitation_n or_o provision_n in_o their_o commission_n nor_o any_o act_n of_o this_o kirk_n to_o that_o purpose_n but_o if_o the_o conference_n have_v be_v grant_v for_o the_o end_v desire_v and_o bless_v of_o the_o lord_n with_o a_o agreement_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o proposition_n there_o have_v be_v no_o great_a difficulty_n to_o have_v accord_v anent_o assembly_n in_o time_n come_v the_o generality_n of_o the_o godly_a be_v not_o mention_v in_o the_o paper_n of_o the_o protester_n without_o a_o previous_a report_n of_o godly_a minister_n and_o professor_n from_o several_a part_n of_o the_o land_n though_o he_o say_v he_o will_v not_o mention_v of_o who_o the_o protester_n learn_v this_o and_o who_o in_o many_o other_o thing_n they_o resemble_v yet_o the_o protester_n be_v not_o ashamed_a of_o these_o to_o who_o they_o be_v disciple_n in_o this_o expression_n and_o many_o other_o thing_n of_o necessary_a use_n in_o the_o present_a debate_n whosoever_o shall_v peruse_v the_o paper_n of_o this_o kirk_n in_o the_o year_n 1638_o and_o 1648_o may_v be_v abundant_o satisfy_v that_o the_o protester_n follow_v the_o way_n and_o word_n of_o these_o who_o have_v go_v before_o they_o in_o the_o work_n of_o reformation_n the_o five_o argument_n against_o the_o unlawful_a engagement_n be_v found_v upon_o the_o same_o ground_n and_o expression_n it_o be_v very_o like_v they_o have_v offend_v as_o much_o if_o the_o protester_n have_v use_v the_o word_n make_v use_v of_o in_o the_o like_a case_n by_o our_o predecessor_n against_o the_o course_n of_o defection_n which_o be_v the_o equivalent_a hereof_o viz._n the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o most_o zealous_a professor_n in_o the_o land_n no_o question_n that_o be_v think_v by_o many_o of_o that_o corrupt_a age_n as_o arrogant_a a_o tittle_n to_o be_v assume_v by_o the_o protester_n of_o these_o day_n against_o the_o corruption_n of_o that_o time_n as_o this_o reviewer_n think_v the_o tittle_n of_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o godly_a to_o be_v when_o it_o be_v use_v by_o the_o present_a protester_n the_o singular_a testimony_n which_o he_o give_v to_o the_o warn_v and_o declaration_n at_o dundee_n speak_v that_o he_o have_v a_o singular_a estimation_n thereof_o in_o his_o heart_n above_o many_o former_a warning_n and_o declaration_n of_o this_o kirk_n i_o desire_v to_o know_v if_o he_o can_v with_o so_o full_a a_o mouth_n and_o hearty_a applause_n give_v such_o a_o encomium_fw-la to_o the_o declaration_n in_o the_o year_n 1648_o against_o the_o unlawful_a engagement_n let_v any_o indifferent_a man_n read_v &_o compare_v they_o whether_o contrary_a spirit_n do_v not_o speak_v in_o these_o two_o declaration_n as_o to_o the_o passage_n cite_v by_o he_o in_o that_o warn_v i_o answer_v that_o the_o protester_n be_v very_o far_o from_o suchway_n and_o opinion_n as_o the_o member_n of_o this_o kirk_n be_v exhort_v in_o that_o warn_v to_o be_v ware_n of_o neither_o their_o profession_n nor_o practice_n do_v hold_v forth_o any_o such_o thing_n as_o that_o they_o will_v have_v a_o kirk_n make_v up_o of_o such_o person_n only_o as_o do_v evidence_n their_o regeneration_n they_o desire_v to_o beware_v of_o that_o extreme_a upon_o the_o one_o hand_n but_o they_o desire_v also_o to_o beware_v of_o another_o 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a_o act_n of_o meet_a favour_n and_o grace_n upon_o your_o part_n unto_o delinquent_n upon_o their_o repentance_n and_o though_o we_o hope_v that_o we_o shall_v never_o be_v ashamed_a but_o esteem_v it_o our_o mercy_n and_o glory_n to_o acknowledge_v any_o thing_n whereby_o we_o have_v provoke_v the_o lord_n or_o offend_v other_o yet_o be_v more_o and_o more_o convince_v in_o our_o conscience_n that_o what_o we_o do_v in_o these_o thing_n be_v a_o necessary_a duty_n we_o dare_v not_o purchase_v immunity_n and_o exemption_n from_o censure_n at_o so_o dear_a a_o rate_n as_o to_o deny_v the_o same_o we_o shall_v rather_o choose_v still_o to_o be_v sufferer_n and_o to_o wait_v upon_o the_o issue_n that_o the_o lord_n shall_v give_v then_o to_o provoke_v the_o eye_n of_o his_o glory_n grieve_v the_o spirit_n of_o his_o people_n and_o will_v our_o own_o conscience_n by_o so_o unsatisfy_v and_o so_o sinful_a a_o transaction_n and_o conceive_v that_o we_o shall_v not_o have_v the_o 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the_o godly_a of_o the_o land_n more_o offend_v and_o our_o breach_n make_v wide_a and_o our_o wound_n more_o incurable_a if_o both_o you_o and_o we_o may_v obtain_v mercy_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o know_v our_o trespass_n and_o why_o he_o contend_v and_o to_o accept_v the_o punishment_n of_o our_o iniquity_n and_o humble_v ourselves_o before_o hime_n who_o know_v but_o that_o he_o may_v yet_o have_v compassion_n upon_o we_o and_o pardon_v our_o sin_n and_o heal_v our_o land_n july_n the_o 28._o antemerid_fw-la 1652._o mr._n andrew_n cant_n mr_n samuel_n rutherford_n mr_n james_n guthry_n my_o lord_n waristoun_n mr_n robert_n trail_n mr_n john_n nevay_n mr_n james_n nasmith_n be_v nominate_v to_o meet_v &_o confer_v with_o some_o brethren_n member_n of_o the_o present_a pretend_a assembly_n the_o instruction_n follow_v be_v give_v they_o and_o the_o meeting_n do_v require_v and_o expect_v that_o they_o will_v walk_v according_a thereto_o i._o that_o they_o shall_v declare_v to_o the_o 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at_o dundee_n and_o of_o this_o at_o edinburgh_n and_o what_o they_o mind_n to_o do_v in_o reference_n to_o the_o same_o v._o that_o in_o case_n there_o be_v not_o satisfaction_n obtain_v in_o these_o so_o just_a and_o necessary_a thing_n they_o do_v profess_v their_o own_o and_o our_o dissatisfaction_n with_o any_o thing_n that_o have_v be_v offer_v by_o they_o to_o we_o or_o answer_v to_o our_o desire_n first_o or_o last_o and_o that_o they_o protest_v for_o themselves_o and_o we_o that_o as_o we_o have_v seek_v peace_n and_o pursue_v it_o by_o all_o lawful_a and_o possible_a mean_n though_o much_o in_o vain_a on_o their_o part_n so_o we_o be_v henceforth_o free_a from_o the_o guilt_n and_o blame_n of_o the_o sad_a prejudices_fw-la and_o evil_a consequence_n whatsoever_o which_o may_v follow_v upon_o their_o present_a way_n and_o their_o former_a and_o future_a act_n of_o that_o nature_n so_o contrary_a and_o destructive_a to_o edification_n and_o peace_n right_o reverend_n we_o have_v now_o for_o these_o fourteen_o day_n past_a be_v employ_v in_o use_v our_o best_a endeavour_n and_o wait_v for_o overture_n from_o you_o for_o heal_v the_o breach_n and_o remove_v the_o difference_n that_o be_v among_o we_o and_o now_o there_o be_v no_o ground_n of_o hope_n give_v we_o nor_o any_o desire_n make_v unto_o we_o for_o continue_v the_o conference_n whereby_o a_o better_a understanding_n may_v be_v attain_v we_o have_v think_v good_a before_o our_o part_n from_o this_o place_n to_o send_v unto_o you_o this_o enclose_a paper_n together_o with_o the_o instruction_n give_v in_o write_v to_o these_o who_o be_v send_v from_o we_o to_o the_o conference_n the_o copy_n whereof_o be_v offer_v by_o they_o to_o these_o who_o be_v send_v from_o your_o number_n and_o leave_v with_o they_o both_o which_o paper_n we_o desire_v you_o to_o communicate_v to_o those_o of_o your_o meeting_n and_o so_o we_o rest_v your_o very_a love_a brethren_n in_o the_o lord_n edinb_n 29._o july_n 1652._o subscribe_v in_o the_o name_n of_o many_o minister_n elder_n and_o professor_n throughout_o the_o land_n who_o desire_v truth_n and_o peace_n direct_v for_o the_o reverend_a brother_n mr._n david_n dickson_n professor_n of_o divinity_n in_o the_o college_n of_o edinburgh_n proposition_n which_o be_v offer_v to_o the_o meeting_n of_o minister_n and_o other_o appoint_v to_o be_v keep_v at_o edinburgh_n july_n 21._o 1652._o whereas_o we_o and_o many_o of_o the_o godly_a in_o the_o land_n have_v be_v real_o scandalize_v and_o stumble_v at_o their_o late_a act_n and_o proceed_n relate_v to_o public_a resolution_n concern_v the_o same_o in_o the_o nature_n and_o intention_n of_o the_o work_n to_o have_v obstruct_v and_o shake_v the_o work_n of_o reformation_n although_o we_o think_v honourable_o of_o diverse_a godly_a and_o learned_a man_n who_o have_v be_v concur_v in_o the_o same_o and_o dare_v not_o judge_v their_o intention_n to_o be_v such_o as_o we_o think_v their_o work_n have_v be_v and_o do_v allow_v charity_n to_o other_o therefore_o for_o satisfaction_n of_o or_o conscience_n and_o for_o secure_v the_o work_n of_o reformation_n for_o purge_v the_o church_n and_o for_o promove_v the_o power_n of_o godliness_n and_o for_o remove_v of_o these_o sad_a difference_n and_o for_o attain_v and_o preserve_v a_o good_a understanding_n we_o desire_v that_o they_o give_v evidence_n and_o assurance_n that_o they_o approve_v of_o and_o will_v adhere_v unto_o the_o solemn_a public_a confession_n of_o sin_n and_o engagement_n to_o duty_n and_o all_o the_o act_n of_o the_o uncontroverted_a assembly_n of_o this_o church_n concern_v the_o work_n of_o reformation_n in_o the_o literal_a and_o genuine_a sense_n and_o meaning_n thereof_o and_o that_o in_o dispense_n of_o the_o ordinance_n censure_v of_o scandalous_a person_n receive_v of_o penitent_n try_v admit_v removing_z and_o depose_n of_o church-officer_n they_o will_v walk_v according_a to_o the_o same_o that_o it_o be_v lay_v serious_o to_o heart_n before_o the_o lord_n how_o after_o such_o a_o defection_n and_o so_o sad_a judgement_n for_o it_o the_o lord_z may_v be_v restore_v to_o his_o honour_n the_o land_n to_o his_o favour_n and_o the_o like_a defection_n prevent_v in_o time_n come_v that_o as_o we_o be_v ready_a in_o our_o station_n to_o follow_v all_o religious_a and_o conscionable_a mean_n and_o overture_n for_o secure_v and_o guard_v the_o cause_n and_o work_n of_o god_n against_o error_n heresy_n and_o schism_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n so_o they_o will_v hold_v out_o to_o we_o a_o solid_a way_n for_o secure_v the_o same_o against_o danger_n from_o malignancy_n on_o the_o other_o and_o we_o will_v know_v what_o shall_v be_v the_o character_n in_o time_n come_v by_o which_o malignancy_n may_v be_v know_v and_o judge_v that_o a_o real_a and_o effectual_a course_n be_v take_v according_a to_o the_o establish_a rule_n of_o this_o kirk_n for_o purge_v out_o and_o hold_v out_o all_o such_o 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dundee_n and_o the_o act_n thereof_o finis_fw-la