a_o true_a representation_n of_o the_o rise_n progress_n and_o state_n of_o the_o present_a division_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n london_n print_v in_o the_o year_n 1657._o a_o true_a representation_n of_o the_o rise_n progress_n and_o state_n of_o the_o present_a division_n in_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n §_o 1_o as_o the_o division_n and_o rent_n that_o be_v now_o in_o our_o church_n once_o beautiful_a and_o strong_a in_o its_o unity_n and_o harmony_n as_o a_o city_n compact_v together_o be_v matter_n of_o sad_a lamentation_n to_o we_o so_o it_o be_v a_o sharp_a and_o bitter_a pain_n to_o our_o spirit_n to_o be_v make_v any_o mention_n thereof_o or_o lay_v out_o the_o same_o before_o any_o except_o in_o mourning_n and_o supplication_n before_o the_o lord_n our_o god_n acknowledge_v his_o righteous_a and_o holy_a judgement_n therein_o confess_v our_o provoke_v he_o to_o give_v we_o up_o to_o dash_v one_o against_o another_o by_o not_o humble_a prize_v of_o his_o mercy_n but_o rather_o carnal_o glory_v and_o confide_v in_o our_o former_a unity_n and_o not_o improve_n it_o as_o we_o ought_v for_o his_o glory_n and_o the_o promove_v of_o his_o interest_n and_o deprecate_v his_o wrath_n therein_o lie_v so_o heavy_a upon_o we_o we_o can_v hearty_o wish_v that_o our_o breach_n have_v it_o be_v the_o lord_n good_a pleasure_n be_v remove_v ere_o now_o our_o difference_n have_v be_v bury_v in_o silence_n and_o perpetual_a oblivion_n rather_o than_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v necessitate_v yet_o to_o give_v a_o account_n thereof_o to_o the_o world_n and_o we_o be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o averse_a from_o represent_v these_o our_o difference_n division_n and_o the_o consequence_n which_o have_v follow_v thereupon_o and_o the_o effect_n they_o have_v produce_v that_o this_o can_v be_v do_v without_o some_o yet_o too_o just_a reflection_n upon_o brethren_n and_o their_o practice_n with_o some_o of_o who_o we_o have_v walk_v to_o the_o house_n of_o god_n in_o company_n and_o who_o we_o do_v still_o love_v and_o respect_n sincere_o wish_v from_o our_o heart_n as_o the_o lord_n know_v that_o we_o may_v with_o they_o serve_v the_o lord_n with_o one_o consent_n nevertheless_o consider_v how_o much_o we_o and_o the_o truth_n through_o our_o side_n have_v suffer_v through_o misrepresentation_n that_o be_v make_v of_o the_o state_n of_o our_o difference_n and_o the_o foul_a asperosin_n cast_v upon_o this_o church_n and_o the_o servant_n and_o minister_n of_o jesus_n christ_n who_o adhere_v to_o the_o public_a judicatories_n thereof_o and_o contend_v for_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o due_a authority_n and_o subordination_n of_o judicatories_n as_o by_o the_o good_a hand_n of_o our_o god_n in_o his_o great_a mercy_n they_o have_v be_v settle_v among_o we_o according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o perceive_v that_o it_o be_v our_o brethren_n design_n in_o all_o this_o either_o that_o they_o may_v find_v way_n to_o prosecute_v some_o extraordinary_a and_o irregular_a course_n for_o remedy_v of_o evil_n among_o we_o or_o at_o least_o may_v keep_v matter_n in_o the_o confusion_n and_o disorder_n wherein_o they_o be_v that_o man_n may_v do_v as_o seem_v good_a in_o their_o own_o eye_n in_o matter_n ecclesiastic_a without_o controlment_n from_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o ecclesiastic_a judicatories_n we_o be_v necessitate_v for_o the_o undeceive_n of_o these_o who_o desire_v information_n and_o for_o the_o exoneration_n and_o free_n of_o ourselves_o of_o all_o consequence_n that_o may_v follow_v in_o this_o church_n upon_o the_o continuance_n of_o our_o confusion_n through_o their_o misinsformation_n to_o give_v a_o true_a information_n and_o lay_v open_a the_o state_n of_o our_o difference_n and_o present_a case_n of_o our_o church_n §_o 2_o for_o this_o end_n we_o shall_v hold_v forth_o 1._o the_o rise_n of_o our_o division_n and_o what_o be_v the_o matter_n of_o our_o difference_n that_o so_o the_o true_a state_n of_o the_o controversy_n betwixt_o we_o and_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n may_v be_v know_v 2._o some_o of_o the_o irregular_a course_n they_o have_v run_v into_o and_o do_v practice_n for_o strengthen_v of_o their_o party_n and_o faction_n 3._o what_o mean_v we_o have_v use_v and_o what_o we_o have_v condescend_v unto_o to_o gain_v they_o to_o union_n and_o conjunction_n with_o we_o in_o the_o judicatories_n of_o the_o church_n but_o without_o any_o success_n sect._n 3_o as_o for_o the_o first_o head_n we_o shall_v not_o trouble_v man_n with_o rip_v up_o the_o secret_a act_n of_o that_o spirit_n of_o division_n which_o at_o last_o appear_v in_o its_o own_o colour_n open_o among_o we_o in_o some_o of_o they_o while_o as_o we_o be_v yet_o go_v along_o together_o and_o there_o be_v no_o breach_n between_o our_o brethren_n and_o we_o albeit_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o before_o even_o long_o before_o that_o godly_a understand_a man_n who_o be_v upon_o public_a judicature_n and_o have_v occasion_n to_o observe_v more_o near_o the_o way_n of_o some_o of_o our_o brethren_n discern_v therein_o principle_n and_o design_n tend_v to_o that_o which_o afterward_o break_v forth_o but_o we_o shall_v not_o rip_v up_o these_o thing_n the_o conception_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o division_n be_v too_o long_o a_o be_v look_v to_o that_o it_o may_v have_v be_v crush_v it_o be_v now_o come_v to_o such_o maturity_n that_o it_o want_v but_o a_o opportunity_n to_o break_v forth_o which_o for_o the_o punishment_n of_o the_o provocation_n of_o a_o sinful_a generation_n be_v by_o the_o holy_a dispensation_n of_o divine_a providence_n quick_o bring_v to_o pass_v for_o short_o after_o the_o flroak_n upon_o this_o nation_n at_o dumbar_n come_v forth_o that_o remonstrance_n entitle_v the_o remonstrance_n of_o the_o gentleman_n officer_n and_o minister_n attend_v the_o western_a force_n contain_v matter_n of_o great_a importance_n and_o which_o be_v the_o first_o matter_n of_o our_o public_a church-difference_n and_o do_v produce_v the_o first_o open_a rapture_n and_o division_n in_o the_o judicature_n concern_v which_o these_o thing_n will_v be_v observe_v and_o consider_v §_o 4_o 1._o it_o be_v from_o this_o evident_a to_o all_o impartial_a observer_n that_o the_o church_n judicatories_n be_v far_o from_o begin_v this_o division_n by_o any_o resolution_n of_o they_o which_o be_v now_o charge_v upon_o we_o as_o a_o defection_n and_o whereof_o our_o brethren_n do_v make_v so_o much_o use_v to_o carry_v on_o their_o design_n yea_o they_o be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o a_o occasion_n of_o this_o rapture_n but_o while_o they_o be_v about_o their_o duty_n and_o in_o the_o simplicity_n of_o their_o heart_n wrestle_v with_o the_o difficulty_n of_o the_o time_n on_o all_o hand_n our_o brethren_n with_o some_o other_o do_v contrive_v and_o bring_v to_o light_v this_o remonstrance_n desire_v the_o concurrence_n of_o the_o commissioner_n of_o the_o assembly_n in_o present_v it_o to_o the_o state_n and_o albeit_o it_o do_v contain_v many_o point_n of_o high_a concernment_n and_o contrary_a unto_o the_o constant_a resolution_n of_o both_o church_n and_o state_n as_o be_v after_o to_o be_v clear_v yet_o they_o will_v not_o lay_v it_o aside_o for_o any_o entreaty_n and_o join_v with_o their_o brethren_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o nation_n but_o do_v prosecute_v it_o with_o eagerness_n and_o insolence_n and_o upon_o that_o account_n do_v act_n in_o a_o separate_a way_n from_o the_o judicatories_n and_o force_n of_o this_o nation_n till_o themselves_o be_v break_v and_o the_o church_n and_o state_n cast_v upon_o all_o the_o difficulty_n which_o after_o follow_v and_o particular_o upon_o these_o resolution_n which_o our_o brethren_n do_v so_o much_o condemn_v §_o 9_o 2._o if_o we_o consider_v the_o matter_n of_o that_o remonstrance_n it_o will_v yet_o further_o appear_v that_o they_o begin_v this_o rapture_n in_o the_o church_n and_o that_o not_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o the_o public_a resolution_n which_o be_v not_o then_o in_o be_v for_o in_o that_o remonstrance_n they_o do_v condemn_v and_o propound_v that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o overturning_a of_o all_o the_o resolution_n of_o the_o church_n and_o state_n take_v by_o they_o for_o secure_v of_o religion_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o supreme_a magistrate_n and_o that_o not_o only_o all_o along_o since_o the_o begin_n of_o our_o late_a reformation_n but_o more_o especial_o in_o the_o year_n 1649._o and_o 1650._o after_o the_o state_n have_v be_v purge_v by_o the_o seclude_v of_o the_o malignant_n and_o the_o conclusion_n agree_v upon_o be_v more_o strict_a than_o any_o former_o yea_o and_o these_o who_o have_v a_o chief_a hand_n in_o that_o remonstrance_n be_v very_o active_a in_o carry_v on_o these_o public_a conclusion_n and_o determination_n from_o which_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o
they_o do_v begin_v a_o rent_n by_o depart_v from_o the_o receive_a principle_n of_o this_o church_n yea_o and_o from_o what_o themselves_o do_v former_o judge_v a_o sufficient_a security_n to_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n and_o a_o great_a mercy_n to_o obtain_v it_o and_o according_o some_o of_o they_o be_v but_o a_o little_a before_o chief_o active_a in_o close_v treaty_n and_o transaction_n upon_o these_o principle_n who_o afterward_o endeavour_v to_o overturn_v they_o this_o may_v discover_v to_o the_o world_n what_o a_o spirit_n it_o be_v which_o lead_v our_o brethren_n in_o their_o way_n see_v they_o can_v not_o only_o not_o acquiesce_v in_o the_o determine_v ation_n of_o the_o supreme_a authority_n of_o a_o church_n or_o state_n concern_v matter_n of_o great_a concernment_n to_o both_o nor_o content_v themselves_o with_o the_o exoneration_n of_o their_o own_o conscience_n if_o they_o be_v not_o satisfy_v but_o when_o themselves_o have_v agree_v to_o these_o thing_n and_o have_v be_v chief_a contriver_n of_o they_o there_o can_v be_v no_o security_n give_v but_o they_o will_v retract_v their_o judgement_n and_o overturn_v they_o again_o which_o principle_n and_o way_n be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o safety_n or_o stand_v of_o any_o humane_a society_n whatsoever_o it_o be_v true_a in_o their_o remonstrance_n and_o since_o in_o their_o emission_n to_o the_o world_n in_o print_n they_o will_v lay_v the_o great_a stress_n of_o this_o alteration_n in_o their_o judgement_n and_o way_n upon_z after_z discovery_n of_o crooked_a way_n in_o manage_v of_o transaction_n in_o pursuance_n of_o these_o principle_n and_o of_o some_o particular_n in_o these_o transaction_n which_o be_v keep_v up_o from_o the_o judicatories_n upon_o the_o knowledge_n whereof_o they_o do_v see_v the_o evil_a and_o sin_n of_o these_o conclusion_n of_o church_n and_o state_n but_o if_o it_o be_v to_o any_o purpose_n to_o trouble_v the_o world_n with_o story_n of_o matter_n of_o fact_n we_o can_v easy_o demonstrate_v what_o a_o gain_v trade_n they_o have_v make_v of_o misrepresentation_n of_o this_o kind_n and_o in_o particular_a that_o it_o be_v more_o than_o evident_a to_o all_o who_o be_v acquaint_v with_o these_o affair_n that_o these_o resolution_n be_v faithful_o manage_v and_o full_a satisfaction_n obtain_v in_o all_o that_o be_v require_v previous_a to_o a_o conclusion_n and_o that_o no_o particular_a though_o in_o matter_n only_o upon_o the_o by_o and_o that_o whereof_o they_o make_v so_o much_o noise_n be_v only_o a_o person_n who_o be_v breed_v in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n his_o take_v the_o communion_n once_o kneel_v after_o he_o have_v enter_v on_o a_o treaty_n be_v keep_v up_o from_o these_o who_o now_o complain_v of_o it_o nay_o or_o from_o the_o assembly_n itself_o as_o will_v appear_v from_o the_o report_n give_v in_o to_o the_o assembly_n and_o be_v now_o in_o public_a record_n but_o wave_v all_o these_o it_o be_v clear_a from_o their_o paper_n emit_v to_o the_o world_n entitle_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o lord_n wrath_n against_o scotland_n that_o they_o do_v hold_v out_o the_o very_a resolution_n and_o determination_n of_o church_n and_o state_n in_o these_o matter_n previous_a to_o any_o conclusion_n as_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o lord_n controversy_n against_o the_o land_n so_o that_o assert_v what_o they_o please_v to_o gloss_n the_o matter_n they_o have_v make_v a_o defection_n from_o the_o principle_n of_o this_o church_n and_o prosecute_v the_o same_o with_o a_o rapture_n and_o separation_n §_o 6_o 3._o what_o ever_o may_v be_v say_v of_o supreme_a judicatories_n and_o their_o power_n to_o recognosce_fw-la and_o re-examine_a their_o own_o conclusion_n yet_o it_o will_v be_v consider_v that_o the_o contriver_n presenter_n and_o prosecuter_n of_o that_o remonstrance_n be_v but_o private_a man_n or_o do_v it_o in_o a_o private_a capacity_n they_o be_v some_o inferior_a officer_n gentleman_n and_o minister_n attend_v some_o force_n who_o take_v upon_o they_o to_o condemn_v act_n and_o conclusion_n of_o supreme_a judicatory_n unanimous_o conclude_v many_o of_o themselves_o as_o have_v be_v say_v be_v present_a and_o not_o contradict_v but_o positive_o consent_v thereunto_o and_o that_o concern_v matter_n of_o state_n and_o civil_a government_n of_o great_a importance_n which_o any_o unbiased_a and_o sober_a spirit_n will_v perceive_v to_o be_v a_o matter_n above_o their_o reach_n and_o station_n especial_o to_o have_v condemn_v they_o by_o way_n of_o remonstrance_n public_o emit_v to_o the_o world_n and_o present_v to_o the_o state_n without_o so_o much_o respect_n have_v to_o these_o judicatories_n as_o once_o to_o desire_v they_o first_o to_o re-examine_a and_o take_v into_o consideration_n these_o act_n and_o conclusion_n yea_o refuse_v to_o apply_v themselves_o to_o such_o a_o way_n as_o that_o when_o advise_v and_o earnest_o press_v thereunto_o as_o more_o orderly_o by_o some_o to_o who_o they_o do_v communicate_v their_o design_n and_o albeit_o the_o commissioner_n of_o the_o general_a assembly_n be_v then_o sit_v to_o who_o the_o management_n of_o public_a affair_n of_o the_o church_n be_v commit_v and_o who_o ought_v to_o have_v be_v consult_v with_o in_o all_o weighty_a matter_n especial_o when_o our_o brethren_n do_v call_v in_o question_n the_o conclusion_n of_o the_o precede_a assembly_n yet_o it_o please_v they_o not_o to_o own_v they_o in_o this_o matter_n but_o of_o themselves_o do_v by_o positive_a determination_n contrary_a to_o the_o act_n of_o the_o assembly_n prevent_v their_o advice_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o after_o thy_o have_v conclude_v the_o matter_n they_o who_o be_v entrust_v by_o the_o rest_n do_v present_v the_o remonstrance_n to_o the_o commissioner_n of_o the_o general_a assembly_n desire_v their_o concurrence_n in_o present_v it_o to_o the_o state_n but_o withal_o it_o be_v to_o be_v remember_v that_o when_o it_o be_v inquire_v if_o they_o have_v any_o power_n to_o change_v any_o thing_n in_o it_o they_o answer_v that_o though_o some_o expression_n may_v be_v change_v yet_o they_o have_v no_o power_n and_o be_v not_o to_o alter_v any_o thing_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o which_o be_v in_o effect_n to_o obtrude_v their_o determination_n upon_o the_o church-judicatorie_a as_o these_o thing_n do_v evidence_n their_o small_a respect_n to_o the_o government_n of_o this_o church_n and_o their_o stretch_a themselves_o beyond_o their_o line_n by_o determine_v in_o their_o private_a capacity_n not_o only_o antecedent_o but_o contrary_a to_o the_o conclusion_n of_o the_o supreme_a judicatories_n so_o divers_a of_o these_o who_o go_v a_o long_a with_o they_o in_o it_o at_o first_o perceive_v short_o after_o how_o divisive_a and_o destructive_a to_o all_o order_n that_o course_n be_v do_v quick_o withdraw_v from_o they_o repent_v that_o ever_o they_o have_v engage_v with_o they_o sect._n 7.4_o what_o ever_o charity_n may_v have_v be_v allow_v they_o in_o present_v their_o thought_n upon_o these_o transaction_n or_o of_o other_o fault_n for_o a_o testimony_n and_o exoneration_n of_o their_o own_o conscience_n and_o desire_v to_o have_v they_o redress_v in_o a_o orderly_a way_n by_o the_o competent_a judicatories_n yet_o this_o can_v no_o way_n be_v justify_v that_o not_o only_o they_o second_v their_o testimony_n with_o a_o separation_n but_o in_o the_o close_a of_o the_o remonstrance_n they_o hold_v forth_o a_o declaration_n and_o avow_v of_o engagement_n upon_o their_o heart_n these_o be_v the_o very_a word_n before_o god_n if_o he_o shall_v lengthen_v their_o day_n and_o take_v pleasure_n in_o they_o to_o make_v they_o any_o way_n instrumental_a in_o his_o work_n and_o for_o his_o people_n good_a and_o safety_n that_o they_o shall_v to_o the_o utmost_a of_o their_o power_n endeavour_v to_o get_v these_o thing_n remedy_v according_a to_o their_o place_n and_o calling_n which_o be_v a_o real_a and_o plain_a engage_v and_o band_v of_o themselves_o together_o to_o prosecute_v the_o matter_n of_o their_o remonstrance_n by_o arm_n and_o force_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o most_o part_n of_o the_o remonstrator_n than_o be_v in_o a_o military_a place_n and_o calling_n and_o this_o several_a passage_n in_o their_o carriage_n before_o they_o be_v break_v do_v clear_o enough_o evidence_n to_o be_v their_o purpose_n and_o intention_n and_o the_o judgement_n of_o this_o church_n of_o such_o divisive_a banding_n of_o party_n have_v be_v so_o well_o know_v especial_o since_o the_o general_a assembly_n 1642._o that_o our_o brethren_n can_v free_v themselves_o of_o walk_v contrary_n to_o the_o establish_a order_n of_o this_o church_n in_o that_o their_o practic_n §_o 8_o 5._o albeit_o our_o brethren_n by_o this_o remonstrance_n and_o the_o prosecution_n thereof_o have_v make_v a_o broach_n upon_o our_o sweet_a harmony_n and_o unity_n and_o lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o our_o follow_a breach_n yet_o the_o commission_n
another_o extremity_n do_v assert_v that_o it_o be_v sinful_a and_o unlawful_a for_o any_o honest_a and_o godly_a subject_n to_o go_v forth_o and_o join_v in_o a_o army_n constitute_v according_a to_o the_o resolution_n albeit_o call_v and_o require_v thereunto_o by_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n in_o the_o case_n of_o necssary_a defence_n of_o the_o nation_n and_o every_o particular_a interest_n in_o it_o and_o in_o several_a paper_n do_v positive_o maintain_v this_o assertion_n and_o by_o many_o argument_n labour_v to_o bear_v it_o in_o upon_o people_n the_o gross_a absurdity_n of_o both_o which_o assertion_n may_v be_v clear_o see_v in_o these_o few_o particular_n §_o 16_o first_o if_o we_o look_v upon_o all_o nation_n and_o state_n through_o out_o the_o world_n it_o may_v just_o seem_v a_o strange_a paradox_n and_o of_o dangerous_a consequence_n if_o once_o admit_v among_o they_o that_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n in_o the_o case_n of_o foreign_a invasion_n to_o raise_v a_o army_n as_o be_v qualify_v in_o the_o resolution_n for_o defence_n of_o the_o nation_n and_o much_o more_o that_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o godly_a subject_n to_o join_v with_o a_o army_n so_o constitute_v yea_o albeit_o that_o resolution_n be_v more_o limit_v and_o straight_o upon_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o expediency_n yet_o we_o doubt_v not_o but_o that_o in_o the_o case_n of_o the_o invasion_n of_o a_o nation_n by_o foreign_a force_n and_o when_o the_o whole_a nation_n be_v in_o common_a hazard_n all_o subject_n and_o compatriot_n as_o well_o these_o that_o be_v orthodox_n christian_n as_o other_o though_o they_o be_v idolater_n jew_n turk_n or_o heathen_n may_v be_v call_v forth_o and_o that_o a_o conjunction_n of_o they_o in_o arm_n for_o the_o defence_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n and_o their_o own_o mutual_a preservation_n be_v lawful_a yea_o and_o a_o necessary_a duty_n to_o which_o the_o magistrate_n ought_v to_o call_v they_o and_o wherein_o they_o ought_v to_o concur_v especial_o when_o their_o conjunction_n altogether_o be_v in_o rational_a prudence_n a_o mean_a necessary_a in_o ordinary_a providence_n for_o their_o preservation_n from_o the_o violence_n of_o the_o invade_a power_n §_o 17_o as_o this_o be_v the_o universal_a and_o constant_a principle_n and_o practice_n of_o all_o state_n and_o kingdom_n wherein_o there_o be_v such_o difference_n among_o subject_n as_o most_o part_n of_o nation_n have_v some_o one_o or_o other_o of_o these_o mixture_n and_o where_o there_o be_v most_o unity_n in_o religion_n yet_o most_o of_o the_o subject_n be_v carnal_a and_o profane_a and_o without_o which_o it_o be_v no_o great_a difficulty_n for_o a_o iavader_n to_o make_v a_o prey_n of_o any_o such_o kingdom_n as_o suppose_v the_o turk_n shall_v invade_v germany_n so_o we_o sin_v christian_n and_o godly_a man_n in_o all_o age_n and_o time_n have_v never_o question_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o but_o by_o their_o practice_n have_v go_v along_o with_o it_o to_o pass_v the_o example_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n where_o in_o christian_n be_v so_o far_o from_o make_v question_n of_o this_o that_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o force_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n consist_v of_o christian_n as_o tertullian_n do_v affirm_v as_o also_o of_o orthodox_n christian_n in_o other_o nation_n who_o be_v join_v in_o civil_a society_n with_o other_o corrupt_v in_o religion_n do_v make_v no_o scruple_n of_o join_v in_o arm_n with_o they_o and_o who_o may_v just_o resent_v the_o scandal_n cast_v upon_o protestant_a church_n by_o the_o start_n of_o such_o a_o debate_n we_o shall_v only_o mention_v the_o example_n of_o our_o own_o worthy_a reformer_n who_o in_o the_o case_n of_o foreign_a invasion_n make_v no_o scruple_n to_o join_v in_o arm_n with_o those_o who_o have_v be_v in_o bloody_a opposition_n to_o the_o people_n of_o god_n so_o soon_o as_o they_o be_v willing_a to_o come_v off_o from_o the_o contrary_a party_n and_o profess_v repentance_n for_o their_o former_a course_n witness_v their_o join_n with_o the_o duke_n of_o chattellarault_n and_o his_o follower_n who_o have_v be_v in_o opposition_n to_o the_o congregation_n as_o they_o be_v then_o call_v yea_o after_o some_o disaster_n receive_v by_o the_o french_a at_o lie_v after_o that_o conjunction_n they_o do_v not_o look_v upon_o the_o receive_n of_o he_o as_o a_o cause_n of_o that_o sad_a stroke_n as_o some_o will_v make_v the_o world_n believe_v from_o mr._n knox_n sermon_n at_o sterlin_n for_o in_o the_o head_n of_o that_o sermon_n print_v in_o the_o history_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n page_n 217._o edit_fw-la edinburgh_n 1644._o in_o 4._o there_o be_v no_o mention_n of_o any_o such_o thing_n but_o only_o of_o their_o carnal_a confidence_n that_o possible_o they_o have_v not_o sincere_o repent_v their_o former_a opposition_n and_o that_o they_o who_o be_v late_o come_v in_o be_v make_v to_o feel_v in_o their_o own_o heart_n how_o bitter_a a_o cup_n they_o have_v make_v other_o to_o drink_v before_o they_o nor_o do_v he_o as_o our_o brethren_n tenet_n now_o lead_v they_o press_v they_o to_o purge_v out_o such_o as_o be_v late_o admit_v but_o do_v only_o press_v repentance_n upon_o all_o of_o they_o §_o 17_o but_o we_o need_v not_o insist_v on_o this_o to_o instruct_v what_o be_v the_o judgement_n of_o our_o first_o reformer_n in_o this_o matter_n see_v before_o that_o time_n they_o invite_v even_o the_o very_a papist_n remain_v yet_o papist_n to_o conjunction_n in_o arm_n with_o they_o against_o the_o queen_n regent_n and_o the_o french_a party_n as_o will_v appear_v from_o the_o declaration_n record_v in_o the_o history_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n page_n 179._o etc._n etc._n wherein_o as_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n remarkable_a to_o our_o present_a purpose_n so_o their_o exhortatory_n close_o speak_v thus_o page_n 182_o 183._o if_o you_o tender_v true_a religion_n i.e._n if_o you_o be_v protestant_n you_o know_v her_o majesty_n bear_v herself_o plain_a enemy_n thereunto_o if_o religion_n be_v not_o persuasive_a unto_o you_o i.e._n if_o you_o be_v papist_n yet_o cast_v not_o away_o the_o care_n you_o have_v over_o your_o commonwealth_n which_o you_o see_v manifest_o and_o violent_o ruin_v before_o your_o eye_n if_o this_o will_v not_o move_v you_o remember_v your_o dear_a wife_n child_n and_o posterity_n your_o ancient_a heritage_n etc._n etc._n then_o brethren_n let_v we_o join_v our_o force_n and_o both_o with_o wit_n and_o manhood_n resist_v their_o beginning_n let_v no_o man_n withdraw_v himself_o and_o if_o any_o will_v be_v so_o unhappy_a and_o mischievous_a as_o we_o suppose_v none_o to_o be_v let_v we_o altogether_o repute_n hold_v and_o use_v he_o as_o he_o be_v indeed_o for_o a_o enemy_n to_o we_o and_o to_o himself_o and_o to_o his_o commonwealth_n all_o which_o do_v make_v it_o clear_a that_o they_o make_v no_o scruple_n of_o join_v with_o papist_n be_v their_o country_n man_n and_o compatriot_n and_o that_o even_o when_o the_o quarrel_n with_o the_o enemy_n be_v complexe_v both_o for_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o country_n and_o the_o interest_n of_o true_a religion_n they_o be_v content_a and_o desirous_a that_o their_o country_n man_n though_o disaffect_v to_o religion_n shall_v join_v with_o they_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o their_o common_a civil_a in_o terest_n as_o they_o also_o afterward_o express_v in_o another_o declaration_n record_v in_o the_o same_o history_n page_n 197._o at_o the_o beginning_n §_o 18_o unto_o this_o judgement_n of_o our_o worthy_a ancestor_n speak_v so_o clear_o to_o the_o point_n in_o controversy_n we_o shall_v only_o add_v the_o testimony_n of_o a_o late_a learned_a writer_n who_o in_o his_o treatise_n entule_v lex_n rex_fw-la quest_n 37._o pag._n 379._o speak_v of_o their_o opinion_n who_o think_v if_o the_o king_n command_n papist_n and_o prelate_n to_o rise_v against_o the_o parliament_n of_o england_n that_o we_o be_v oblige_v in_o conscience_n and_o by_o our_o oath_n and_o covenant_n to_o help_v our_o native_a prince_n against_o they_o he_o subjoin_v to_o which_o opinion_n with_o hand_n and_o foot_n i_o shall_v accord_v if_o our_o king_n cause_n be_v just_a and_o lawful_a and_o a_o little_a after_o in_o the_o same_o page_n he_o add_v i_o see_v no_o reason_n but_o the_o civil_a law_n of_o a_o kingdom_n do_v oblige_v any_o citizen_n to_o help_v a_o innocent_a man_n against_o a_o murder_a robber_n and_o that_o he_o may_v be_v judicial_o accuse_v as_o a_o murderer_n who_o fail_v in_o his_o duty_n etc._n etc._n and_o afterward_o page_n 382._o after_o this_o supposition_n and_o assertion_n if_o a_o army_n of_o turk_n and_o pagan_n will_v come_v upon_o britam_n one_o part_n of_o britain_n will_v help_v another_o which_o include_v more_o than_o the_o conjunction_n of_o fellow-subject_n of_o one_o kingdom_n he_o
against_o the_o judicatories_n and_o their_o proceed_n from_o which_o it_o be_v clear_a that_o the_o commission_n use_v more_o tenderness_n in_o that_o case_n than_o be_v usual_a and_o approven_v former_o in_o this_o church_n if_o our_o brethren_n as_o they_o do_v recurre_v to_o this_o that_o the_o proceed_n of_o the_o commission_n 1648._o be_v right_o upon_o the_o matter_n as_o these_o in_o the_o 51._o be_v not_o and_o so_o the_o case_n be_v different_a we_o hope_v what_o have_v be_v say_v of_o these_o resolution_n will_v refute_v that_o imputation_n and_o clear_a there_o be_v a_o parity_n still_o and_o however_o we_o believe_v that_o matter_n of_o formality_n in_o constitute_v judicatory_n must_v be_v still_o the_o same_o in_o all_o matter_n and_o what_o ever_o may_v be_v conclude_v from_o the_o matter_n as_o to_o one_o act_n of_o the_o judicatorie_a yet_o it_o can_v be_v simple_o null_a if_o it_o proceed_v in_o form_n but_o according_a to_o former_a approven_v practice_n 3._o it_o will_v be_v impartial_o consider_v what_o effect_n that_o letter_n have_v as_o to_o prelimit_v the_o assembly_n in_o the_o election_n of_o its_o member_n wherein_o we_o hope_v the_o nullity_n of_o the_o allegiance_n will_v sufficient_o appear_v for_o 1._o it_o be_v know_v that_o letter_n be_v send_v but_o to_o a_o very_a few_o presbytery_n &_o these_o most_o of_o they_o after_o their_o election_n be_v pass_v 2._o it_o need_v not_o to_o be_v send_v to_o many_o for_o that_o end_n they_o mention_v viz._n to_o prelimit_v they_o in_o their_o election_n for_o many_o presbytery_n have_v none_o at_o all_o of_o their_o judgement_n among_o they_o and_o other_o very_o few_o and_o however_o they_o have_v emit_v to_o the_o world_n a_o account_n of_o some_o in_o most_o of_o presbytery_n of_o their_o judgement_n yet_o when_o they_o reckon_v again_o they_o will_v find_v they_o have_v wrong_v some_o who_o they_o name_v as_o they_o and_o yet_o to_o this_o day_n they_o continue_v opposite_a to_o their_o course_n and_o that_o they_o can_v not_o make_v such_o a_o account_n then_o of_o many_o as_o they_o may_v do_v now_o since_o divers_a take_v advantage_n of_o the_o time_n and_o seek_v their_o own_o interest_n have_v fall_v to_o they_o 3._o whatever_o they_o say_v of_o the_o commission_n deed_n or_o their_o active_a prelimitation_n thereby_o yet_o if_o they_o shall_v assert_v there_o be_v any_o passive_a prelimitation_n either_o of_o presbytery_n in_o elect_v or_o the_o assembly_n admit_v of_o such_o to_o be_v member_n in_o which_o case_n only_o it_o can_v plead_v the_o nullity_n of_o the_o assembly_n we_o may_v bold_o declare_v that_o they_o speak_v against_o clear_a truth_n for_o nowithstand_v that_o letter_n the_o most_o part_n of_o the_o most_o active_a opposer_n be_v choose_v by_o presbytery_n and_o admit_v and_o act_v in_o that_o assembly_n till_o it_o please_v themselves_o to_o protest_v and_o leave_v it_o yea_o further_o to_o assert_v this_o passive_a prelimitation_n of_o presbytery_n will_v strike_v not_o only_o against_o the_o commission_n but_o against_o all_o the_o presbytery_n of_o the_o land_n as_o unfaithful_a and_o betrayer_n of_o their_o trust_n which_o be_v too_o heavy_a a_o charge_n against_o a_o nationall_n church_n the_o truth_n be_v the_o carriage_n both_o of_o the_o commission_n presbytery_n and_o general_n assembly_n do_v make_v it_o clear_a there_o be_v no_o prelimitation_n intend_v nor_o practise_v in_o elect_a member_n to_o nor_o admit_v they_o to_o sit_v in_o the_o general_n assembly_n for_o they_o not_o only_a might_n but_o be_v actual_o choose_v and_o admit_v in_o it_o only_o as_o be_v say_v the_o commission_n think_v it_o fit_v they_o shall_v be_v cite_v thither_o and_o that_o however_o they_o may_v act_v and_o vote_n in_o other_o thing_n yet_o the_o commission_n and_o they_o shall_v be_v try_v together_o in_o that_o debate_n which_o we_o believe_v any_o unbiased_a christian_n will_v judge_v to_o have_v be_v their_o duty_n and_o very_o far_o from_o prelimit_v of_o the_o assembly_n and_o a_o irrelevant_a ground_n on_o which_o they_o shall_v have_v make_v a_o rent_n and_o such_o a_o inlet_n of_o confusion_n upon_o this_o church_n as_o have_v follow_v thereupon_o §_o 33_o have_v so_o brief_o as_o may_v consist_v with_o perspicuity_n lay_v open_v the_o true_a state_n of_o the_o controversy_n betwixt_o our_o brethren_n and_o we_o and_o the_o progress_n of_o our_o public_a difference_n till_o it_o come_v to_o a_o state_v rapture_n by_o their_o protestation_n we_o shall_v now_o in_o pursuance_n of_o the_o second_o head_n propound_v give_v a_o brief_a account_n of_o some_o consequence_n and_o practice_n that_o have_v follow_v upon_o this_o rapture_n it_o may_v be_v and_o be_v the_o matter_n of_o our_o sad_a lamentation_n before_o the_o lord_n and_o we_o may_v pour_v out_o abundance_n of_o complaint_n in_o the_o bosom_n of_o sympathyse_v christian_n who_o ever_o be_v sensible_a of_o the_o mercy_n of_o a_o church_n enjoy_v the_o sweet_a of_o harmony_n that_o by_o these_o division_n sad_a prejudices_fw-la have_n redound_v to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n among_o we_o that_o the_o work_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v exceed_o retard_v thereby_o atheism_n and_o irreligion_n increase_v true_a religion_n and_o godliness_n expose_v to_o hatred_n and_o reproach_n because_o of_o the_o carriage_n and_o way_n of_o many_o who_o profess_v it_o the_o authority_n of_o church-judicatories_a enervate_a and_o render_v contemptible_a their_o meeting_n which_o some_o time_n be_v a_o revive_n now_o turn_v into_o occasion_n of_o grief_n to_o the_o lover_n and_o friend_n of_o church-government_n and_o order_n yea_o and_o the_o work_n of_o purge_v which_o our_o brethren_n do_v so_o much_o call_v for_o exceed_o retard_v and_o obstruct_v but_o leave_v these_o before_o the_o lord_n who_o alone_o can_v apply_v a_o effectual_a remedy_n thereunto_o we_o hold_v it_o our_o duty_n to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o some_o of_o our_o brethren_n irregular_a practice_n follow_v upon_o their_o rent_v from_o the_o judicatories_n whereby_o as_o by_o the_o effect_n it_o may_v appear_v what_o their_o spirit_n and_o way_n in_o these_o difference_n be_v and_o it_o may_v be_v discern_v what_o accession_n they_o have_v to_o these_o sad_a distemper_n former_o mention_v §_o 34_o their_o first_o course_n take_v for_o carry_v on_o their_o design_n and_o strengthen_v their_o faction_n and_o which_o they_o set_v on_o foot_n short_o after_o their_o first_o protestation_n be_v the_o convening_n of_o great_a number_n of_o minister_n elder_n professor_n and_o expectant_n from_o all_o part_n of_o the_o land_n in_o extrajudicial_a meeting_n wherein_o after_o confession_n of_o sin_n and_o prayer_n perform_v indifferent_o by_o minister_n elder_n or_o other_o in_o these_o great_a meeting_n they_o do_v and_o do_v proceed_v to_o determination_n of_o particular_n tend_v to_o the_o strengthen_n of_o their_o cause_n and_o engage_v of_o other_o in_o it_o and_o do_v give_v equal_a power_n to_o all_o present_a in_o voice_n and_o determine_v in_o these_o matter_n of_o most_o public_a concernment_n the_o lord_n know_v that_o we_o do_v from_o our_o heart_n approve_v of_o the_o duty_n of_o private_a mutual_a edification_n as_o they_o be_v enjoin_v in_o the_o word_n and_o be_v recommend_v and_o bound_v by_o the_o act_n of_o our_o general_a assembly_n with_o the_o conseat_v and_o to_o the_o good_a like_n then_o of_o all_o our_o brethren_n and_o we_o do_v account_v it_o not_o suitable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o these_o duty_n to_o make_v a_o noise_n of_o profess_v our_o own_o practice_n thereof_o according_o but_o we_o do_v not_o see_v that_o our_o brethren_n way_n in_o these_o be_v at_o all_o agreeable_a to_o the_o rule_n nor_o consistent_a with_o the_o peace_n of_o any_o constitute_v national_a church_n and_o particular_o we_o can_v but_o resent_v in_o their_o way_n 1._o that_o they_o shall_v make_v use_n of_o these_o religious_a exercise_n as_o a_o subservient_fw-fr mean_v for_o carry_v on_o these_o course_n which_o we_o hope_v by_o what_o be_v say_v will_v appear_v to_o be_v most_o unlawful_a in_o themselves_o 2._o that_o by_o give_v out_o themselves_o in_o these_o meeting_n as_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o godly_a throughout_o the_o land_n or_o delegate_n in_o a_o sort_n from_o they_o they_o do_v cast_v a_o imputation_n upon_o the_o bulk_n of_o the_o national_a church_n beside_o who_o be_v against_o their_o way_n and_o do_v not_o join_v with_o they_o in_o these_o course_n as_o not_o only_o wrong_v in_o that_o matter_n but_o as_o not_o godly_a some_o very_a few_o except_v which_o as_o we_o know_v to_o be_v a_o most_o false_a imputation_n not_o many_o of_o these_o of_o any_o rank_n who_o own_v the_o cause_n from_o the_o beginning_n go_v along_o with_o they_o so_o it_o be_v a_o evidence_n of_o a_o strange_a divisive_a and_o separate_a