kingdom_n to_o the_o king_n and_o the_o form_n of_o the_o invitation_n give_v he_o upon_o satisfaction_n in_o terminis_fw-la to_o these_o demand_n which_o form_n of_o invitation_n &_o declaration_n make_v therewith_o do_v exclude_v all_o engagement_n to_o make_v war_n upon_o england_n yet_o be_v there_o a_o party_n in_o the_o land_n and_o some_o in_o the_o parliament_n who_o design_n and_o endeavour_n do_v still_o tend_v to_o engage_v we_o in_o a_o war_n against_o england_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n there_o be_v cause_n to_o fear_v a_o invasion_n from_o england_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o preparation_n make_v the_o former_a year_n by_o those_o in_o power_n in_o that_o nation_n upon_o the_o report_n of_o a_o agreement_n betwixt_o the_o king_n and_o commissioner_n send_v from_o this_o kingdom_n to_o holland_n in_o the_o year_n 1649._o the_o great_a difficulty_n be_v how_o to_o steer_v a_o even_a course_n in_o reference_n to_o both_o these_o extreme_n both_o to_o prevent_v a_o sinful_a invasion_n from_o this_o land_n upon_o england_n and_o from_o england_n upon_o this_o nation_n the_o parliament_n have_v serious_o ponder_v both_o the_o danger_n take_v this_o course_n they_o send_v to_o their_o commissioner_n then_o in_o holland_n renew_v instruction_n together_o with_o a_o declaration_n wherein_o they_o make_v know_v their_o dissatisfaction_n with_o several_a thing_n in_o the_o treaty_n in_o which_o the_o commissioner_n have_v vary_v from_o their_o instruction_n particular_o they_o declare_v that_o nothing_o agree_v on_o shall_v import_v a_o obligation_n to_o make_v war_n against_o england_n and_o give_v express_v direction_n that_o none_o of_o the_o malignant_a party_n shall_v be_v permit_v to_o come_v to_o scotland_n and_o this_o instruction_n be_v forthwith_o turn_v into_o a_o law_n and_o publish_v in_o print_n by_o proclamation_n at_o the_o market_n cross_n of_o edinburgh_n and_o the_o earl_n of_o calendar_n who_o have_v adventure_v to_o come_v from_o holland_n to_o scotland_n upon_o hope_n of_o the_o approbation_n of_o that_o treaty_n be_v present_o command_v to_o go_v aboard_o a_o ship_n within_o twenty_o four_o hour_n and_o forthwith_o to_o depart_v the_o kingdom_n under_o the_o pain_n of_o imprisonment_n and_o the_o fine_a of_o a_o hundred_o thousand_o mark_n these_o instruction_n and_o the_o declaration_n of_o the_o parliament_n be_v deliver_v to_o the_o commissioner_n in_o holland_n before_o the_o king_n come_v away_o together_o also_o with_o letter_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n from_o the_o commission_n of_o the_o kirk_n to_o their_o commissioner_n to_o prevent_v the_o danger_n of_o a_o invasion_n from_o england_n the_o parliament_n do_v without_o so_o much_o as_o the_o least_o question_n or_o objection_n make_v to_o the_o contrary_a by_o any_o member_n thereof_o renew_v the_o act_n of_o posture_n and_o leavy_v which_o be_v make_v the_o year_n precede_v for_o put_v the_o kingdom_n in_o readiness_n in_o case_n of_o invasion_n and_o upon_o the_o 22._o of_o june_n 1650._o they_o write_v letter_n direct_v to_o mr._n lenthall_n speaker_n of_o the_o house_n of_o commons_o the_o lord_n fairfax_n then_o lord_n general_n lieut._n general_n cromwell_n major_a general_n lambert_n and_o the_o governor_n of_o newcastle_n in_o which_o let_v they_o show_v that_o as_o in_o their_o letter_n of_o the_o 6._o march_n 1649._o they_o do_v both_o acknowledge_v their_o obligation_n and_o do_v declare_v their_o resolution_n to_o observe_v the_o rule_n of_o remonstrate_v first_o the_o breach_n of_o peace_n of_o crave_v just_a reparation_n of_o use_v all_o fair_a mean_n of_o give_v a_o precede_a warn_v of_o three_o month_n before_o any_o engagement_n of_o these_o kingdom_n in_o war_n so_o they_o do_v again_o renew_v the_o same_o and_o do_v solemn_o profess_v that_o they_o do_v it_o in_o the_o sincerity_n of_o their_o heart_n not_o out_o of_o any_o policy_n to_o catch_v advantage_n for_o any_o other_o end_n or_o design_n but_o mere_o for_o their_o own_o defence_n which_o they_o do_v account_v abundant_o sufficient_a to_o remove_v all_o ground_n of_o jealousy_n and_o misreport_n of_o their_o intention_n and_o to_o take_v away_o all_o pretence_n of_o necessity_n of_o the_o march_v of_o force_n for_o defence_n of_o the_o border_n of_o england_n and_o be_v inform_v of_o a_o resolution_n in_o england_n to_o send_v a_o army_n to_o invade_v this_o kingdom_n they_o desire_v to_o know_v whether_o these_o who_o have_v the_o present_a power_n in_o england_n do_v acknowledge_v themselves_o oblige_v or_o by_o their_o answer_n will_v oblige_v themselves_o and_o declare_v their_o resolution_n to_o observe_v the_o foresay_a way_n and_o order_n upon_o their_o part_n to_o we_o and_o plain_o and_o clear_o to_o declare_v whether_o their_o force_n do_v march_v for_o defence_n or_o offence_n for_o keep_v only_o within_o the_o border_n of_o england_n or_o come_v within_o we_o which_o way_n of_o proceaor_n in_o clear_v each_o other_o and_o deal_v plain_o be_v not_o only_o agreeable_a to_o particular_a treaty_n and_o to_o the_o many_o bond_n and_o declaration_n pass_v betwixt_o these_o kingdom_n but_o also_o to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o practice_n of_o his_o people_n in_o his_o word_n and_o to_o the_o common_a law_n and_o practice_n even_o of_o heathen_a nation_n much_o more_o of_o christian_a covenant_v kingdom_n etc._n etc._n when_o the_o force_n appoint_v to_o be_v raise_v for_o defence_n of_o the_o kingdom_n together_o with_o the_o old_a stand_a force_n that_o be_v before_o on_o foot_n be_v to_o be_v form_v and_o draw_v together_o in_o a_o body_n there_o be_v some_o difference_n in_o parliament_n one_o be_v whether_o the_o malignant_a party_n and_o person_n gross_o scandalous_a shall_v be_v exclude_v from_o the_o army_n or_o not_o there_o be_v none_o in_o parliament_n that_o have_v the_o countenance_n to_o plead_v for_o it_o direct_o our_o constant_a principle_n be_v know_v to_o be_v so_o express_v against_o it_o and_o the_o kirk_n have_v so_o often_o press_v upon_o the_o parliament_n by_o many_o petition_n remonstrance_n and_o declaration_n the_o purge_n of_o their_o force_n but_o diverse_a will_v have_v have_v the_o act_n for_o make_v up_o the_o army_n to_o pass_v without_o appoint_v any_o committee_n have_v power_n to_o remove_v such_o from_o the_o army_n another_o difference_n be_v whether_o the_o committee_n of_o estate_n shall_v have_v power_n to_o command_v the_o army_n to_o invade_v england_n as_o be_v do_v in_o the_o year_n 1648_o or_o if_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o limitation_n of_o their_o power_n only_o to_o stand_v for_o the_o defence_n of_o the_o land_n within_o our_o border_n in_o this_o question_n likewise_o there_o be_v none_o that_o plead_v express_o for_o such_o a_o power_n in_o the_o committee_n but_o they_o oppose_v the_o limitation_n some_o time_n be_v spend_v in_o conference_n and_o debate_n about_o these_o but_o they_o be_v so_o few_o in_o parliament_n that_o be_v either_o against_o the_o exclusion_n or_o limitation_n that_o when_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o parliament_n come_v to_o be_v know_v their_o number_n be_v no_o way_n considerable_a so_o that_o what_o be_v here_o represent_v by_o the_o author_n of_o that_o declaration_n against_o the_o protester_n as_o the_o first_o step_n of_o decline_v be_v in_o effect_n a_o evidence_n of_o their_o own_o decline_v from_o the_o former_a principle_n of_o state_n and_o kirk_n for_o both_o be_v then_o unanimous_a for_o exclusion_n of_o the_o malignant_a party_n and_o gross_o scandalous_a person_n from_o the_o army_n and_o against_o the_o invade_a of_o england_n which_o be_v the_o two_o question_n in_o parliament_n that_o do_v retard_v for_o some_o day_n the_o bring_v forth_o the_o new_a levy_a force_n for_o so_o soon_o as_o these_o two_o question_n be_v end_v it_o be_v evident_o see_v there_o be_v none_o more_o forward_o in_o parliament_n and_o committee_n to_o hasten_v they_o to_o the_o field_n than_o these_o who_o be_v unsatisfied_a with_o the_o late_a â—uolick_a resolution_n and_o there_o be_v together_o at_o leith_n before_o the_o english_a army_n march_v into_o scotland_n so_o considerable_a a_o number_n of_o horse_n and_o foot_n that_o they_o be_v double_a the_o number_n of_o the_o english_a sure_o no_o other_o thing_n but_o the_o change_n of_o principle_n or_o groundless_a prejudice_n can_v lead_v man_n to_o quarrel_v thus_o for_o want_n of_o a_o army_n to_o defend_v the_o land_n the_o great_a number_n whereof_o make_v the_o stroâ—e_n at_o dumbar_n the_o more_o unexpected_a doleful_a &_o dreadful_a this_o be_v the_o truth_n concern_v what_o be_v lay_v to_o the_o charge_n of_o that_o faithful_a parliament_n which_o meet_v at_o edinburgh_n in_o the_o year_n 1650_o and_o who_o endeavour_n to_o prevent_v extreme_n be_v answer_v with_o disappointment_n on_o both_o hand_n which_o i_o trust_n do_v sufficient_o answer_v what_o be_v say_v anent_o the_o first_o step_n declaration_n the_o second_o
step_n be_v set_v down_o thus_o when_o the_o enemy_n have_v invade_v we_o and_o a_o arm_n be_v raise_v under_o pretence_n of_o purge_v the_o force_n and_o keep_v the_o king_n interest_n under_o due_a subordination_n to_o god_n course_n be_v take_v as_o after-actings_a make_v manifest_v tend_v to_o the_o divide_v of_o the_o army_n perplex_v and_o discourage_v the_o spirit_n of_o these_o who_o labour_v to_o be_v faithful_a both_o to_o god_n and_o their_o king_n and_o humour_v of_o and_o yield_v to_o the_o untimous_a and_o dangerous_a motion_n of_o such_o who_o be_v under_o suspicion_n of_o too_o much_o affection_n to_o the_o enemy_n and_o that_o not_o without_o cause_n as_o be_v now_o too_o too_o evident_a defence_n i_o confess_v it_o be_v to_o i_o matter_n of_o sorrow_n and_o astonishment_n to_o hear_v these_o word_n be_v not_o the_o purge_n of_o the_o army_n from_o such_o of_o the_o engager_n as_o have_v not_o approven_v themselves_o in_o their_o repentance_n a_o duty_n that_o all_o of_o we_o be_v solemn_o engage_v unto_o before_o the_o lord_n have_v not_o the_o general_n assembly_n of_o this_o kirk_n and_o their_o commission_n before_o that_o time_n give_v in_o above_o twenty_o several_a petition_n warning_n and_o remonstrance_n to_o the_o parliament_n and_o committee_n of_o estate_n for_o that_o end_n have_v they_o not_o issue_v declaration_n and_o warning_n to_o all_o the_o land_n concern_v the_o necessity_n of_o that_o duty_n as_o we_o desire_v to_o prosper_v and_o be_v bless_v of_o god_n and_o have_v not_o all_o the_o congregation_n of_o the_o land_n keep_v several_a fast_n and_o humiliatious_a by_o then_o appointment_n in_o order_n thereunto_o have_v not_o the_o parliament_n and_o committee_n of_o estate_n make_v act_n and_o appoint_v commission_n there-anent_a and_o take_v the_o person_n to_o who_o commission_n be_v give_v solemn_o engage_v and_o sworâ—_n to_o go_v faithful_o about_o it_o as_o they_o will_v be_v answerable_a unto_o god_n and_o after_o all_o these_o thing_n in_o which_o many_o of_o the_o lead_a man_n of_o that_o assembly_n at_o s._n andrews_n and_o dundes_o be_v concur_v and_o consent_v to_o hear_v the_o endeavour_n of_o purge_v of_o the_o army_n so_o reflect_v upon_o and_o speak_v against_o what_o be_v this_o but_o to_o proclaim_v against_o themselves_o that_o either_o they_o do_v then_o dissemble_v or_o else_o that_o now_o they_o be_v repent_v of_o the_o thing_n which_o they_o do_v then_o concur_v in_o and_o be_v consent_v to_o as_o a_o duty_n but_o what_o ever_o be_v their_o thought_n of_o it_o as_o these_o who_o they_o now_o speak_v against_o do_v in_o the_o simplicity_n of_o their_o heart_n then_o endeavour_v it_o so_o do_v they_o still_o own_v it_o as_o a_o duty_n and_o be_v sorry_a to_o hear_v it_o otherwise_o speak_v of_o especial_o by_o these_o who_o profess_v love_n to_o reformation_n and_o i_o do_v as_o much_o wonder_n of_o that_o which_o they_o speak_v of_o the_o king_n interest_n see_v nothing_o be_v do_v in_o reference_n thereto_o but_o the_o declare_v of_o the_o due_a subordination_n thereof_o unto_o god_n and_o that_o they_o will_v not_o otherwise_o own_v he_o and_o his_o quarrel_n but_o in_o that_o subordination_n and_o that_o they_o mean_v to_o fight_v upon_o the_o same_o state_n of_o quarrel_n upon_o which_o they_o have_v do_v these_o twelve_o year_n past_a which_o be_v not_o do_v by_o any_o particular_a person_n or_o party_n but_o joint_o and_o unanimous_o both_o by_o the_o committee_n of_o estate_n and_o commission_n of_o the_o kirk_n none_o dissent_v and_o be_v homologate_v by_o the_o whole_a officer_n of_o the_o army_n in_o a_o supplication_n to_o the_o committee_n of_o estate_n and_o so_o far_o as_o do_v then_o appear_v general_o follow_v in_o their_o station_n and_o capacity_n this_o together_o with_o the_o leave_v that_o declaration_n of_o the_o commission_n of_o the_o kirk_n anent_o the_o subordination_n of_o the_o king_n interest_n out_o of_o the_o act_n of_o the_o assembly_n at_o dundee_n which_o ratifi_v the_o proceed_n of_o the_o commission_n speak_v what_o spirit_n stir_v in_o the_o assembly_n when_o these_o thing_n be_v pen_v and_o approven_v but_o say_v they_o under_o pretence_n of_o these_o thing_n course_n be_v take_v fordivide_v of_o the_o army_n and_o yet_o they_o do_v not_o tell_v what_o these_o course_n be_v at_o that_o time_n but_o labour_v to_o find_v the_o evidence_n of_o they_o in_o after_o act_n they_o do_v wise_o to_o wrap_v up_o in_o general_n without_o condescend_v upon_o any_o particular_a lest_o they_o shall_v have_v therein_o be_v find_v out_o but_o their_o general_n be_v as_o easy_o deny_v as_o affirm_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o after-actings_a require_v explication_n and_o somewhat_o over_o if_o he_o can_v make_v this_o much_o out_o of_o the_o act_n at_o hamilton_n which_o be_v their_o raze_z field-actings_a i_o shall_v wonder_v at_o his_o wit_n to_o say_v nothing_o of_o his_o conscience_n who_o these_o faithful_a one_o to_o god_n and_o the_o king_n be_v who_o spirit_n they_o do_v so_o much_o labour_n to_o perplex_v and_o discourage_v i_o do_v not_o know_v i_o do_v as_o little_a know_v what_o be_v these_o untimous_a and_o dangerous_a motion_n wherein_o such_o as_o be_v under_o suspicion_n of_o too_o much_o affection_n to_o the_o enemy_n be_v humour_v in_o and_o yield_v unto_o it_o may_v be_v remember_v that_o as_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o army_n be_v much_o weight_v in_o their_o spirit_n with_o the_o carriage_n of_o these_o especial_o some_o of_o chief_a note_n who_o do_v obstruct_v the_o purge_n of_o the_o army_n and_o give_v countenance_n and_o encouragement_n to_o such_o as_o be_v or_o shall_v have_v be_v remove_v out_o of_o the_o army_n so_o the_o whole_a army_n officer_n and_o soldier_n and_o the_o committee_n of_o estate_n be_v much_o perplex_v discourage_v and_o dissatisfied_n with_o the_o slackness_n shift_n and_o delay_n and_o solitary_a counsel_n and_o course_n of_o chief_a man_n in_o the_o army_n who_o have_v the_o lead_n of_o the_o force_n and_o for_o most_o part_n do_v do_v therein_o and_o dispose_v thereof_o as_o seem_v best_a to_o themselves_o without_o take_v much_o notice_n either_o of_o the_o committee_n of_o estate_n or_o officer_n of_o the_o army_n and_o none_o be_v more_o perplex_v discourage_v and_o dissatisfied_n with_o this_o way_n than_o some_o of_o these_o who_o have_v a_o chief_a hand_n in_o pen_v this_o declaration_n in_o so_o much_o that_o have_v once_o speak_v therein_o they_o get_v so_o unsatisfy_v a_o answer_n that_o with_o much_o discontent_n they_o do_v declare_v they_o mean_v never_o to_o speak_v again_o in_o that_o matter_n and_o it_o may_v be_v also_o remember_v that_o the_o untimous_a and_o dangerous_a motion_n of_o which_o they_o speak_v be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v think_v so_o when_o they_o be_v propon_v that_o it_o be_v the_o grief_n of_o many_o in_o the_o army_n &_o committee_n of_o estate_n yea_o and_o of_o assembly-man_n too_o who_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v skill_v in_o these_o thing_n that_o they_o be_v not_o entertain_v and_o hearken_v unto_o the_o truth_n be_v never_o any_o motion_n of_o that_o kind_n make_v by_o any_o of_o these_o who_o they_o call_v of_o suspect_a affection_n from_o the_o day_n that_o our_o army_n come_v together_o until_o the_o day_n that_o it_o be_v rout_v be_v hearken_v unto_o unless_o they_o instance_n the_o in-fall_a at_o mussteburgh_n but_o only_o the_o half_a of_o that_o motion_n be_v follow_v for_o the_o party_n which_o be_v appoint_v by_o the_o unanimous_a resolution_n of_o the_o officer_n to_o make_v good_a their_o retreat_n who_o make_v the_o in-fall_a be_v not_o send_v which_o whether_o it_o be_v faithfulness_n to_o god_n and_o the_o king_n and_o to_o their_o brethren_n much_o of_o who_o blood_n be_v shed_v their_o own_o heart_n who_o do_v it_o can_v best_o judge_v as_o best_o know_v what_o be_v the_o inducement_n that_o move_v they_o not_o to_o make_v the_o resolution_n of_o the_o officer_n concern_v the_o send_n of_o that_o party_n effectual_a other_o motion_n be_v make_v by_o these_o suspect_a man_n also_o as_o to_o have_v fall_v on_o at_o goger_n and_o at_o dumbar_n to_o set_v behind_o the_o enemy_n and_o not_o before_o they_o but_o be_v not_o hearken_v to_o it_o be_v well_o know_v who_o make_v the_o motion_n to_o draw_v the_o army_n down_o the_o hill_n on_o monday_n morning_n and_o carry_v it_o by_o plurality_n of_o voice_n in_o a_o council_n of_o war_n which_o appoint_v it_o to_o be_v put_v present_o in_o execution_n yet_o upon_o a_o new_a conceit_n without_o advice_n of_o the_o officer_n he_o delay_v all_o that_o day_n till_o five_o at_o night_n that_o it_o be_v dark_a and_o then_o he_o bring_v it_o down_o contrary_a to_o the_o advice_n of_o the_o officer_n i_o trust_v
be_v add_v that_o the_o ground_n of_o that_o protestation_n at_o st._n andrews_n be_v frivolous_a and_o false_a and_o such_o as_o make_v the_o authority_n of_o all_o the_o assembly_n of_o this_o kirk_n since_o the_o begin_v reformation_n to_o be_v call_v into_o question_n upon_o the_o same_o or_o the_o like_a pretence_n and_o for_o make_v out_o this_o the_o author_n of_o this_o refutation_n remit_v his_o reader_n to_o a_o piece_n entitle_v a_o vindication_n of_o the_o late_a general_n assembly_n which_o he_o do_v here_o commend_v as_o modest_a solid_a and_o judicious_a and_o afterward_o as_o a_o plâ—ce_n not_o yet_o answer_v nor_o easy_o answerable_a it_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n more_o convince_a and_o commendable_a to_o demonstrate_v the_o ground_n of_o that_o protestation_n to_o be_v false_a and_o frivolous_a then_o to_o call_v they_o so_o and_o do_v no_o more_o that_o vindication_n have_v indeed_o in_o it_o more_o modesty_n and_o solidity_n and_o judgement_n and_o nerve_n than_o this_o refutation_n and_o review_n as_o we_o acknowledge_v a_o difference_n betwixt_o the_o man_n from_o who_o these_o proceed_v so_o also_o betwixt_o their_o writing_n yet_o if_o even_o indifferent_a man_n be_v not_o mistake_v it_o want_v much_o of_o that_o modest_a that_o have_v be_v suitable_a and_o that_o solidity_n and_o judgement_n and_o nerve_n be_v in_o it_o as_o to_o the_o vindicate_a of_o the_o freedom_n and_o authority_n of_o that_o assembly_n and_o show_v the_o frivolousnesse_n and_o falsehood_n of_o the_o ground_n of_o the_o protestation_n against_o the_o same_o may_v appear_v by_o read_v and_o ponder_v of_o the_o review_n of_o that_o vindication_n in_o which_o the_o strength_n and_o truth_n of_o the_o ground_n of_o the_o protestation_n be_v convince_o establish_v and_o cleaâ—ed_v and_o the_o many_o great_a mistake_n of_o the_o author_n of_o that_o vindication_n both_o in_o matter_n of_o judgement_n and_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v discover_v and_o the_o protester_n ease_v of_o the_o burden_n of_o many_o heavy_a thing_n lay_v upon_o they_o i_o may_v say_v more_o for_o that_o review_n but_o it_o need_v not_o my_o commendation_n i_o suppose_v it_o shall_v not_o want_v that_o from_o adversary_n as_o to_o that_o which_o this_o refuter_fw-la say_v of_o the_o devil_n design_n of_o division_n i_o shall_v easy_o grant_v that_o division_n among_o brethren_n be_v a_o evil_a thing_n in_o which_o the_o devil_n have_v indeed_o a_o design_n and_o a_o active_a hand_n but_o that_o subtle_a serpent_n sometime_o gain_v by_o union_n as_o well_o as_o by_o division_n and_o therefore_o be_v satan_n as_o loath_a to_o be_v divide_v against_o satan_n as_o he_o be_v desireâ—us_a to_o divide_v the_o child_n of_o god_n among_o themselves_o and_o when_o he_o get_v a_o multitude_n go_v in_o a_o wrong_a way_n he_o can_v as_o much_o plead_v for_o union_n and_o peace_n and_o against_o division_n as_o any_o as_o it_o have_v be_v the_o grief_n of_o the_o protester_n soul_n to_o see_v their_o brethren_n divide_v from_o their_o former_a good_a and_o sound_a principle_n so_o do_v they_o and_o do_v hold_v themselves_o bind_v to_o adhere_v and_o cleave_v thereto_o though_o never_o so_o many_o shall_v forsake_v they_o therein_o and_o cry_v out_o upon_o they_o because_o they_o will_v not_o follow_v multitude_n to_o do_v evil_a there_o be_v in_o the_o same_o place_n a_o despiteful_a exageration_n of_o the_o give_v in_o and_o publish_v of_o the_o protestation_n against_o the_o last_o assembly_n at_o edinburgh_n as_o a_o act_n of_o satan_n in_o which_o he_o do_v add_v violence_n to_o despite_n etc._n etc._n it_o be_v not_o good_a to_o meet_v reproach_n with_o reproach_n i_o shall_v only_o say_v that_o what_o the_o protester_n do_v therein_o they_o do_v it_o with_o sad_a heart_n and_o not_o till_o a_o necessity_n of_o duty_n do_v constrain_v they_o thereâ—nto_o because_o of_o a_o most_o wilful_a and_o peremptory_a refusal_n of_o any_o conference_n in_o order_n to_o union_n and_o peace_n before_o the_o assume_v of_o the_o power_n of_o a_o assembly_n notwithstanding_o that_o the_o same_o be_v most_o earnest_o desire_v and_o much_o press_v not_o only_o by_o the_o protester_n themselves_o but_o also_o by_o some_o of_o the_o most_o judicious_a godly_a and_o eminent_a man_n of_o that_o meeting_n and_o after_o that_o it_o be_v clear_o hold_v forth_o to_o have_v be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o practice_n of_o former_a assembly_n and_o that_o it_o can_v have_v bring_v no_o apparent_a prejudice_n to_o the_o cause_n of_o these_o who_o be_v most_o zealous_a for_o the_o sit_v of_o the_o assembly_n unless_o it_o be_v to_o have_v put_v they_o to_o the_o charge_n of_o stay_v some_o few_o day_n long_o in_o the_o town_n it_o be_v well_o he_o acknowledge_v that_o it_o be_v do_v by_o man_n who_o be_v eminent_a in_o our_o assembly_n it_o seem_v when_o a_o testimony_n to_o their_o eminency_n in_o assembly_n can_v contribute_v for_o the_o aggravation_n of_o the_o suppose_a offence_n his_o heart_n can_v give_v it_o unto_o they_o but_o when_o the_o deny_v can_v make_v for_o weaken_v their_o cause_n he_o can_v studious_o depress_v they_o and_o study_v so_o far_o to_o undervalue_v they_o as_o that_o man_n shall_v account_v they_o nothing_o as_o he_o do_v in_o the_o 12._o page_n of_o his_o pamphlet_n it_o be_v indeed_o true_a that_o not_o a_o few_o of_o these_o who_o have_v hand_n in_o that_o protestation_n have_v be_v in_o our_o assembly_n and_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o this_o mercy_n among_o other_o they_o do_v hold_v themselves_o the_o more_o bind_v to_o plead_v for_o the_o freedom_n of_o assembly_n and_o to_o bear_v testimony_n against_o the_o corrupt_a one_o at_o st._n andrews_n and_o edinburgh_n that_o it_o be_v do_v in_o the_o city_n of_o our_o solemnity_n and_o in_o the_o face_n of_o the_o assembly_n be_v because_o where_o the_o carcase_n be_v thither_o will_v the_o eagle_n resort_n the_o treâ—passe_n be_v there_o and_o so_o behove_v the_o testimony_n be_v there_o also_o that_o it_o be_v put_v to_o the_o press_n albeit_o i_o see_v not_o the_o fault_n in_o so_o do_v they_o against_o who_o it_o be_v give_v in_o have_v now_o constitute_v themselves_o and_o be_v sit_v open_o and_o avowed_o in_o a_o assembly_n yet_o i_o be_o confident_a there_o be_v no_o resolution_n take_v nor_o order_v give_v by_o the_o meeting_n of_o the_o protester_n for_o so_o do_v but_o private_a copy_n be_v take_v and_o who_o be_v oblige_v to_o hinder_v such_o as_o please_v to_o cause_n print_v it_o when_o some_o of_o the_o number_n hear_v that_o it_o be_v in_o print_v they_o desire_v and_o endeavour_v that_o it_o may_v be_v stop_v till_o they_o shall_v see_v the_o issue_n of_o the_o conference_n that_o then_o be_v betwixt_o some_o few_o of_o both_o side_n the_o copy_n be_v not_o publish_v till_o the_o next_o day_n after_o that_o conference_n be_v break_v off_o and_o business_n as_o to_o that_o time_n render_v in_o all_o appearance_n hopeless_a as_o to_o a_o agreement_n because_o the_o assembly_n have_v not_o pass_v a_o act_n for_o ratify_v the_o proceed_n of_o the_o commissioner_n appoint_v by_o the_o assembly_n at_o dundee_n which_o do_v include_v the_o public_a refolution_n and_o have_v also_o signify_v what_o length_n they_o mean_v to_o go_v in_o order_n to_o the_o difference_n betwixt_o we_o and_o they_o which_o be_v only_o to_o take_v censure_n off_o these_o brethren_n who_o have_v be_v censure_v by_o the_o assembly_n at_o dundee_n because_o of_o their_o protest_v and_o to_o declare_v that_o other_o involve_v therein_o and_o in_o the_o protestation_n against_o the_o assembly_n at_o edinburgh_n shall_v not_o be_v censure_v provide_v that_o they_o will_v judicial_o under_o their_o hand_n pass_v from_o these_o protestation_n and_o engage_v themselver_n to_o forbear_v meddle_v in_o the_o ground_n of_o these_o difference_n by_o preach_v write_v or_o otherwise_o which_o do_v import_v a_o stand_n of_o all_o these_o act_n at_o dundee_n concern_v the_o public_a resolution_n and_o the_o opposer_n of_o the_o same_o and_o a_o pass_v from_o and_o revoke_v of_o all_o the_o testimony_n give_v against_o the_o land_n backslide_v and_o a_o engagement_n to_o forbear_v for_o ever_o hereafter_o to_o say_v that_o kirk_n or_o state_n have_v sin_v in_o these_o resolution_n and_o these_o be_v the_o bowel_n of_o christian_a condescendence_n of_o which_o this_o member_n of_o that_o assembly_n at_o edinburgh_n speak_v the_o sum_n whereof_o be_v a_o pardon_n upon_o repentance_n or_o rather_o a_o hire_n upon_o compliance_n a_o forebearing_a to_o afflict_v and_o persecute_v any_o more_o provide_v that_o we_o will_v abandon_v the_o truth_n and_o call_v good_a evil_n and_o evil_a good_a but_o we_o dare_v not_o be_v accessary_a to_o the_o receive_v such_o wage_n of_o unrighteousness_n let_v we_o rather_o suffer_v then_o sin_n and_o
in_o god_n as_o become_v the_o pastor_n of_o the_o kirk_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v a_o thing_n in_o itself_o very_o good_a and_o commendable_a but_o also_o to_o be_v silent_a in_o all_o matter_n of_o difference_n about_o the_o government_n and_o discipline_n of_o the_o kirk_n by_o which_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v lest_o they_o shall_v thereby_o hinder_v union_n and_o peace_n and_o weaken_v joint_a endeavour_n against_o the_o common_a enemy_n that_o whilst_o the_o shepherd_n be_v sing_v asleep_o the_o fox_n come_v in_o and_o destroy_v the_o vine_n which_o may_v give_v warning_n to_o all_o the_o minister_n elder_n and_o member_n of_o this_o church_n who_o desire_n to_o have_v the_o work_n of_o reformation_n preserve_v in_o purity_n and_o promove_v in_o power_n that_o they_o be_v not_o as_o their_o father_n and_o predecessor_n not_o long_o ago_o charm_v into_o silence_n by_o the_o sweet_a song_n of_o union_n and_o peace_n until_o they_o be_v cheat_v out_o of_o the_o precious_a truth_n and_o pure_a ordinance_n of_o god_n but_o that_o they_o take_v notice_n of_o and_o resist_v the_o beginning_n of_o evil_a by_o refuse_v to_o be_v consent_v thereto_o and_o concur_v therein_o though_o haply_o they_o shall_v because_v of_o this_o be_v cry_v out_o on_o as_o the_o troubler_n of_o israel_n and_o as_o these_o who_o weaken_v the_o hand_n of_o the_o church_n against_o the_o common_a enemy_n by_o contend_v about_o thing_n of_o no_o great_a importance_n the_o other_o thing_n which_o i_o take_v notice_n of_o in_o this_o overture_n be_v that_o notwithstanding_o the_o author_n and_o approver_n thereof_o charge_v the_o protester_n with_o lay_v of_o the_o ground_n of_o separation_n and_o for_o make_v good_a their_o charge_n do_v among_o other_o ground_n allege_v that_o though_o they_o be_v but_o the_o small_a and_o the_o few_o number_n they_o take_v upon_o they_o to_o judge_v and_o act_n in_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o church_n and_o to_o exercise_v jurisdiction_n and_o authority_n over_o their_o brethren_n yet_o in_o this_o overture_n this_o power_n seem_v to_o be_v give_v by_o the_o assembly_n to_o the_o small_a part_n or_o few_o number_n in_o presbytery_n or_o synod_n who_o acknowledge_v the_o authority_n of_o these_o two_o assembly_n at_o dundee_n and_o edinburgh_n because_o both_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o propound_v the_o overture_n and_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o report_v of_o diligence_n and_o in_o after_o do_n the_o same_o thing_n be_v commit_v and_o entrust_v to_o the_o few_o or_o small_a number_n which_o be_v commit_v &_o entrust_v to_o the_o whole_a or_o great_a part_n of_o the_o presbytery_n or_o synod_n it_o be_v true_a that_o they_o ordain_v they_o to_o do_v as_o they_o find_v by_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n and_o the_o act_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o gen._n assembly_n of_o this_o kirk_n to_o be_v most_o necessary_a and_o conducible_a for_o preservation_n of_o truth_n for_o promove_v the_o peace_n and_o welfare_n of_o the_o kirk_n and_o maintain_v of_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o assembly_n thereof_o but_o yet_o put_v a_o restriction_n upon_o the_o small_a part_n to_o proceed_v even_o to_o censure_n against_o the_o great_a part_n but_o only_o lay_v down_o the_o rule_n according_a to_o which_o they_o ought_v to_o proceed_v and_o the_o end_n which_o they_o ought_v to_o have_v before_o they_o in_o their_o procedure_n when_o they_o do_v proceed_v unto_o or_o abstain_v from_o censure_n as_o seem_v to_o be_v clear_a by_o their_o way_n of_o expression_n and_o to_o confirm_v that_o this_o be_v the_o meaning_n i_o desire_v it_o to_o be_v consider_v first_o that_o if_o they_o have_v a_o other_o meaning_n it_o have_v be_v easy_a for_o they_o to_o express_v it_o in_o such_o word_n as_o will_v have_v hold_v forth_o their_o sense_n clear_o and_o unquestionable_o second_o these_o limitation_n which_o they_o use_v as_o to_o the_o matter_n of_o procedure_n be_v equal_o hold_v forth_o both_o to_o the_o great_a and_o small_a part_n of_o presbytery_n and_o synod_n three_o they_o do_v take_v notice_n of_o the_o small_a part_n of_o presbytery_n in_o several_a place_n of_o the_o country_n who_o have_v withdraw_v and_o separate_v from_o the_o great_a part_n and_o act_v presbyterial_o and_o apart_o by_o themselves_o not_o only_o without_o the_o concurrence_n and_o consent_n but_o against_o the_o authority_n and_o declaration_n of_o the_o great_a part_n yea_o they_o do_v receive_v commissioner_n from_o some_o of_o they_o and_o admit_v they_o to_o sit_v as_o member_n of_o their_o assembly_n four_o they_o give_v commission_n for_o overpower_v the_o great_a part_n in_o some_o presbytery_n that_o church_n may_v be_v plant_v and_o thing_n do_v contrary_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o great_a part_n if_o notwithstanding_o of_o these_o thing_n or_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v intend_v in_o the_o overture_n itself_o they_o will_v vindicate_v it_o from_o such_o a_o meaning_n i_o believe_v it_o shall_v be_v acceptable_o take_v off_o their_o hand_n but_o until_o it_o be_v do_v i_o wish_v none_o of_o they_o may_v charge_v the_o protester_n with_o separation_n upon_o that_o ground_n for_o which_o they_o themselves_o to_o the_o apprehension_n of_o the_o protester_n have_v both_o in_o their_o act_n and_o practice_n clear_o pave_v the_o way_n edinb_n 5._o aug._n 1â—52_n antemer_n sess_n 23._o a_o right_a honourable_a right_a worshipful_a and_o worthy_o respect_v we_o be_v meet_v in_o edinburgh_n at_o the_o time_n appoint_v by_o the_o former_a assembly_n at_o dundee_n b_o of_o purpose_n to_o study_v the_o heal_n of_o begin_v breach_n in_o this_o kirk_n be_v interrupt_v at_o our_o first_o down-sitting_a and_o hinder_v from_o constitution_n of_o the_o assembly_n by_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n their_o offer_n of_o proposition_n and_o desire_n to_o be_v grant_v by_o we_o which_o can_v not_o to_o any_o good_a purpose_n c_o either_o be_v debate_v or_o effectual_o grant_v as_o be_v require_v before_o the_o assembly_n be_v constitute_v and_o the_o judicatory_a fix_v which_o short_a delay_n of_o our_o answer_n till_o we_o be_v in_o capacity_n to_o answer_v d_o be_v meet_v with_o a_o protestation_n prepare_v before_o hand_n for_o a_o declinatour_n of_o the_o judicatory_a and_o all_o the_o commissioner_n of_o presbytery_n e_o as_o freelychosen_a as_o any_o be_v and_o send_v forth_o from_o all_o part_n of_o the_o kingdom_n in_o which_o protestation_n be_v contain_v f_o many_o grievous_a and_o unjust_a aspersion_n upon_o we_o and_o other_o who_o dare_v not_o pass_v from_o the_o possession_n of_o g_o yearly_a general_n assembly_n which_o be_v in_o former_a time_n interrupt_v be_v purchase_v at_o a_o dear_a rate_n before_o it_o be_v recover_v h_o and_o all_o this_o be_v present_o put_v in_o print_n to_o the_o great_a disadvantage_n of_o we_o and_o misinformation_n of_o all_o the_o kingdom_n after_o the_o assembly_n be_v constitute_v i_o a_o conference_n be_v offer_v by_o we_o wherein_o some_o from_o we_o desire_v that_o to_o the_o intent_n we_o may_v join_v the_o better_a for_o promove_v the_o work_n of_o reformation_n legal_a bar_n hinder_v we_o from_o peace_n to_o wit_n protestation_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o censure_v inflict_v or_o which_o may_v be_v inflict_v on_o the_o other_o hand_n be_v remove_v they_o shall_v give_v assurance_n to_o forbear_v to_o trouble_v the_o kirk_n by_o hold_v up_o debate_v on_o the_o matter_n of_o our_o late_a difference_n about_o the_o manage_n of_o public_a affair_n k_o but_o after_o conference_n find_v no_o ground_n of_o hope_n for_o present_a agreement_n we_o have_v make_v the_o same_o offer_n to_o all_o they_o who_o adhere_v to_o the_o protestation_n whether_o in_o the_o town_n for_o the_o time_n or_o not_o as_o our_o act_n the_o copy_n whereof_o be_v with_o these_o come_v to_o your_o hand_n at_o more_o length_n do_v declare_v and_o grant_v unto_o all_o time_n to_o advise_v till_o the_o second_o wednesday_n of_o november_n next_o to_o come_v and_o now_o because_o our_o dissent_v l_o brethren_n have_v the_o advantage_n of_o the_o press_n for_o the_o present_a and_z and_z be_v too_o too_o diligent_a and_o painful_a in_o gather_v of_o hand_n and_o subscription_n to_o their_o protestation_n of_o young_a man_n or_o elder_n master_n or_o servant_n without_o any_o trial_n of_o their_o qualification_n to_o n_o make_v the_o world_n think_v that_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o godly_a as_o they_o in_o their_o paper_n presume_v to_o call_v themselves_o and_o that_o in_o great_a number_n do_v stand_v for_o their_o divisive_a way_n o_o therefore_o we_o think_v it_o our_o duty_n to_o write_v unto_o you_o all_o who_o love_v the_o union_n and_o peace_n of_o this_o afflict_a kirk_n that_o by_o your_o counsel_n conferrence_n and_o all_o other_o godly_a mean_n so_o many_o as_o in_o your_o bound_n minister_n or_o other_o be_v upon_o this_o