of_o these_o assembly_n so_o long_o as_o the_o authority_n thereof_o be_v not_o urge_v against_o they_o which_o if_o they_o do_v not_o grant_v we_o can_v not_o but_o foresee_v the_o ruin_n of_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n we_o do_v also_o beside_o other_o particular_n offer_v unto_o they_o that_o not_o only_a shall_v synod_n take_v their_o determination_n into_o a_o second_o consideration_n concern_v the_o irregular_a plantation_n of_o church_n by_o our_o brethren_n but_o shall_v follow_v amicable_a way_n of_o arbitration_n by_o judicious_a brethren_n of_o both_o judgement_n antecedent_o to_o the_o synod_n recognition_n as_o also_o that_o we_o shall_v concur_v with_o they_o in_o all_o effectual_a and_o orderly_a way_n for_o purge_v out_o any_o insussicient_a or_o scandalous_a minister_n §_o 50_o we_o hold_v it_o not_o necessary_a to_o discourse_v upon_o these_o our_o condescension_n see_v we_o hope_v it_o will_v appear_v we_o do_v stand_v upon_o nothing_o which_o may_v consist_v with_o the_o safety_n of_o presbyterial_a government_n and_o with_o the_o simple_a not_o condemn_v of_o our_o own_o judgement_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o our_o public_a difference_n which_o with_o more_o also_o we_o do_v allow_v to_o our_o brethren_n nor_o shall_v we_o dive_v into_o the_o reason_n which_o move_v they_o to_o decline_v union_n upon_o so_o reasonable_a term_n or_o whether_o some_o among_o they_o be_v but_o too_o active_a to_o keep_v off_o other_o who_o be_v moderate_a we_o may_v also_o clear_v how_o little_o they_o or_o at_o least_o some_o of_o they_o mind_v union_n all_o along_o in_o that_o not_o only_o in_o the_o very_a time_n of_o the_o conference_n they_o voice_v and_o agree_v upon_o the_o continuance_n of_o their_o pretend_a commission_n 1650._o and_o do_v resolve_v and_o conclude_v to_o petition_v the_o council_n here_o that_o power_n may_v be_v grant_v they_o to_o purge_v the_o church_n but_o in_o that_o all_o they_o seem_v to_o concede_fw-la be_v qualify_v with_o this_o ambiguous_a preface_n of_o reserve_v the_o liberty_n of_o their_o judgement_n and_o practice_n in_o matter_n controvert_v as_o may_v consist_v with_o truth_n and_o peace_n upon_o which_o they_o will_v never_o give_v a_o clear_a commentary_n though_o desire_v thereunto_o but_o leave_v these_o we_o shall_v brief_o declare_v what_o the_o particular_n be_v upon_o which_o the_o union_n chief_o stick_v §_o 51_o 1._o our_o brethren_n will_v not_o condescend_v to_o any_o union_n unless_o the_o act_n concern_v the_o public_a resolution_n be_v render_v of_o no_o effect_n so_o far_o as_o they_o do_v import_n or_o may_v be_v allege_v as_o the_o difinitive_a judgement_n of_o this_o church_n concern_v the_o matter_n contain_v therein_o which_o however_o they_o gloss_n the_o matter_n in_o conference_n be_v in_o effect_n that_o we_o shall_v condemn_v these_o resolution_n in_o our_o judgement_n and_o shall_v annul_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o assembly_n which_o have_v determine_v they_o as_o the_o difinitive_a judgement_n of_o the_o church_n this_o be_v no_o conjecture_n of_o our_o own_o but_o clear_o hold_v out_o in_o their_o last_o paper_n at_o that_o conference_n wherein_o they_o complain_v of_o our_o not_o grant_v of_o this_o as_o suppose_v and_o infer_v not_o only_o the_o constitution_n and_o authority_n of_o these_o assembly_n but_o also_o in_o show_n and_o appearance_n the_o justice_n and_o equity_n of_o these_o resolution_n whence_o any_o man_n may_v gather_v that_o to_o grant_v their_o desire_n be_v not_o at_o all_o to_o suppose_v any_o authority_n of_o these_o assembly_n but_o not_o to_o leave_v the_o least_o show_n of_o the_o justice_n and_o equity_n of_o these_o resolution_n which_o if_o it_o be_v to_o seek_v peace_n and_o union_n and_o not_o rather_o that_o we_o shall_v betray_v and_o yield_v up_o our_o judgement_n and_o the_o truth_n as_o we_o believe_v let_v any_o judge_n §_o 52_o 2._o they_o will_v not_o unite_v unless_o a_o extrajudicial_a committee_n of_o equal_a member_n of_o both_o judgement_n be_v set_v up_o to_o manage_v the_o chief_a matter_n occur_v in_o our_o church_n which_o unto_o we_o be_v a_o cast_n of_o the_o government_n in_o a_o new_a model_n whole_o overturning_a it_o and_o enervate_v the_o authority_n of_o presbytery_n and_o synod_n and_o allow_v to_o our_o brethren_n at_o least_o a_o negative_a voice_n in_o all_o matter_n this_o we_o can_v not_o but_o look_v upon_o as_o a_o way_n of_o government_n not_o warrant_v by_o the_o word_n and_o more_o tyrannical_a than_o the_o yoke_n of_o prelacy_n and_o though_o the_o whole_a number_n have_v be_v offer_v to_o be_v man_n of_o our_o judgement_n yet_o we_o can_v never_o hearken_v to_o a_o proposition_n so_o destructive_a to_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n §_o 53_o 3._o they_o decline_v also_o to_o engage_v themselves_o to_o that_o submission_n to_o the_o government_n and_o to_o observe_v that_o subordination_n of_o person_n and_o judicatories_n in_o matter_n of_o discipline_n which_o we_o be_v will_v shall_v be_v mutual_a and_o albeit_o we_o require_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v essential_a to_o presbyterial_a government_n and_o that_o which_o the_o assembly_n 1647._o in_o the_o act_n concern_v the_o cxi_o proposition_n in_o the_o seven_o head_n of_o doctrine_n therein_o contain_v do_v approve_v and_o albeit_o their_o former_a act_n have_v give_v we_o just_a cause_n to_o require_v the_o same_o may_v be_v secure_v for_o the_o future_a yet_o they_o do_v whole_o decline_v it_o which_o be_v in_o effect_n to_o make_v all_o union_n void_a for_o have_v we_o agree_v in_o all_o thing_n beside_o yet_o when_o they_o please_v they_o may_v have_v step_v out_o again_o at_o that_o door_n and_o make_v the_o breach_n worse_o §_o 54_o we_o have_v thus_o brief_o declare_v our_o mind_n in_o these_o matter_n of_o our_o difference_n and_o give_v a_o true_a account_n of_o the_o consequence_n thereof_o and_o of_o our_o carriage_n thereupon_o not_o the_o lord_n know_v to_o render_v the_o person_n of_o our_o brethren_n odious_a nor_o to_o be_v a_o impediment_n to_o union_n but_o only_o for_o our_o own_o vindication_n and_o to_o prevent_v any_o prejudice_n to_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n and_o government_n of_o this_o church_n through_o our_o silence_n now_o when_o they_o be_v so_o active_a in_o prosecute_a some_o design_n prejudicial_a thereunto_o as_o we_o have_v no_o great_a ambition_n in_o the_o world_n then_o to_o have_v this_o church_n unite_v in_o the_o judicatories_n thereof_o in_o its_o former_a harmony_n and_o unity_n and_o as_o we_o drive_v no_o particular_a interest_n nor_o desire_v any_o thing_n but_o what_o tend_v to_o the_o common_a good_a of_o this_o whole_a church_n our_o brethren_n as_n well_o as_o we_o so_o our_o heart_n and_o arm_n be_v yet_o open_a and_o ready_a to_o embrace_v they_o upon_o safe_a term_n provide_v they_o will_v not_o seek_v any_o thing_n irregular_a and_o destructive_a to_o or_o our_o of_o the_o channel_n of_o the_o government_n we_o be_v persuade_v in_o our_o conscience_n that_o the_o discipline_n and_o government_n of_o this_o church_n be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o word_n and_o we_o in_o this_o nation_n be_v oblige_v by_o the_o oath_n of_o god_n to_o the_o maintenance_n thereof_o and_o to_o continue_v therein_o all_o the_o day_n of_o our_o life_n and_o therefore_o we_o can_v recede_v from_o it_o in_o the_o least_o but_o be_v resolve_v in_o the_o lord_n strength_n to_o adhere_v thereunto_o and_o as_o our_o brethren_n be_v engage_v with_o we_o in_o this_o bond_n which_o make_v their_o course_n the_o more_o sad_a and_o grievous_a unto_o we_o so_o we_o can_v but_o expect_v to_o be_v encourage_v and_o countenance_v in_o this_o resolution_n by_o the_o people_n of_o god_n in_o the_o two_o neighbour_a nation_n who_o be_v bind_v by_o the_o same_o oath_n of_o god_n to_o maintain_v the_o discipline_n and_o government_n establish_v in_o this_o church_n but_o if_o our_o brethren_n will_v still_o persist_v in_o their_o irregular_a design_n and_o if_o it_o please_v the_o lord_n for_o the_o further_a exercise_n of_o this_o poor_a church_n to_o permit_v they_o to_o proceed_v in_o they_o and_o to_o overturn_v yet_o more_o the_o government_n they_o be_v bind_v to_o maintain_v we_o must_v leave_v the_o matter_n upon_o the_o lord_n and_o wait_v on_o he_o content_v ourselves_o that_o we_o have_v deliver_v our_o soul_n and_o be_v not_o accessary_a nor_o consent_v unto_o any_o such_o destructive_a innovation_n finis_fw-la
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
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 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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
add_v as_o jehoshaphat_n the_o king_n of_o judah_n do_v right_a in_o help_v of_o ahab_n and_o israel_n so_o the_o lord_n have_v approve_v of_o the_o war_n which_o may_v give_v a_o dash_n to_o the_o many_o objection_n muster_v up_o from_o the_o lord_n reproof_n to_o jehoshaphat_n against_o the_o commission_n resolution_n §_o 20_o second_o as_o the_o judgement_n and_o practice_n of_o christian_n and_o church_n in_o former_a and_o latter_a age_n at_o home_o and_o abroad_o do_v justify_v this_o resolution_n so_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n do_v strong_o plead_v for_o we_o in_o this_o matter_n for_o as_o in_o the_o natural_a body_n nature_n have_v put_v a_o instinct_n in_o all_o the_o member_n to_o put_v forth_o themselves_o for_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o whole_a and_o one_o of_o another_o so_o the_o practical_a principle_n of_o nature_n lay_v a_o moral_a obligation_n upon_o the_o member_n of_o a_o political_a body_n to_o join_v mutual_o together_o for_o the_o defence_n of_o the_o 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lawful_a for_o a_o christian_a be_v free_a to_o enter_v into_o that_o fellowship_n and_o christian_n continuance_n in_o servitude_n to_o heathen_n unless_o they_o be_v make_v free_a now_o if_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o abide_v in_o one_o civil_a incorporation_n with_o such_o it_o be_v also_o not_o only_o lawful_a for_o they_o but_o their_o duty_n which_o they_o may_v not_o neglect_v when_o need_n require_v to_o join_v and_o concur_v with_o their_o co-member_n in_o such_o act_n as_o be_v for_o their_o kind_a lawful_a which_o essential_o belong_v to_o the_o relation_n and_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o incorporation_n and_o the_o just_a common_a interest_n thereof_o such_o as_o conjunction_n in_o arm_n to_o repel_v invasion_n be_v 3._o as_o christ_n never_o come_v to_o a_o people_n with_o his_o gospel_n to_o make_v that_o unlawful_a which_o be_v lawful_a before_o to_o
they_o by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n as_o this_o conjunction_n in_o arm_n in_o the_o case_n already_o mention_v must_v be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v before_o a_o people_n embrace_v the_o gospel_n so_o we_o doubt_v not_o but_o understanding_n christian_n will_v find_v that_o the_o scripture_n speak_v to_o christian_n live_v under_o heathenish_a power_n and_o command_v they_o to_o perform_v to_o they_o all_o thing_n lawful_a and_o competent_a to_o the_o relation_n wherein_o they_o stand_v to_o they_o do_v positive_o warrant_v they_o to_o join_v with_o their_o fellow-citizen_n in_o this_o case_n and_o particular_o that_o passage_n rom._n 13.5_o 6_o 7_o 8._o do_v clear_o evince_v this_o where_o the_o apostle_n command_v christian_n to_o be_v subject_a to_o heathenish_a magistrate_n not_o only_o for_o wrath_n but_o conscience_n sake_n and_o to_o pay_v tribute_n to_o they_o whereby_o they_o maintain_v their_o war_n and_o that_o be_v a_o voluntary_a and_o active_a way_n upon_o the_o account_n that_o they_o be_v the_o minister_n of_o god_n attend_v upon_o that_o very_a thing_n even_o to_o protect_v subject_n and_o commonwealth_n §_o 24_o four_o the_o other_o branch_n of_o our_o brethren_n assertion_n concern_v godly_a man_n not_o join_v with_o a_o army_n so_o constitute_v it_o so_o gross_a that_o all_o who_o condemn_v withdraw_a from_o exercise_n of_o divine_a worship_n agreeable_a in_o the_o matter_n of_o divine_a institution_n as_o a_o sinful_a separation_n will_v abhor_v it_o see_v by_o their_o denial_n of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o concurrence_n in_o a_o lawful_a necessary_a duty_n because_o of_o the_o personal_a sin_n to_o fellow-actor_n in_o it_o they_o homologate_v with_o the_o tenant_n and_o practice_n of_o separatism_n yea_o we_o believe_v that_o they_o who_o be_v most_o strict_a in_o the_o matter_n of_o ecclesiastic_a communion_n will_v deny_v that_o such_o strictness_n be_v requisite_a in_o military_a conjunction_n especial_o in_o the_o case_n of_o invasion_n and_o we_o be_v the_o more_o confirm_v in_o this_o judgement_n that_o some_o of_o the_o great_a stickler_n in_o our_o debate_n have_v separate_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o this_o church_n and_o that_o as_o they_o profess_v upon_o the_o very_a principle_n whereby_o they_o be_v lead_v with_o the_o rest_n of_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n yea_o one_o of_o our_o brethren_n now_o at_o his_o rest_n in_o the_o lord_n be_v desire_v by_o they_o to_o handle_v the_o controversy_n against_o the_o separatist_n after_o he_o have_v study_v it_o accurate_o for_o a_o time_n do_v profess_v ingenuous_o before_o his_o removal_n as_o be_v know_v to_o some_o of_o we_o and_o other_o who_o be_v ear-witness_n that_o he_o find_v it_o impossible_a to_o maintain_v the_o truth_n against_o separatist_n retain_v their_o principle_n upon_o which_o they_o have_v go_v against_o the_o commission_n of_o the_o church_n §_o 25_o we_o be_v not_o ignorant_a that_o not_o only_o against_o this_o assertion_n as_o we_o have_v propound_v it_o but_o even_o against_o the_o resolution_n which_o be_v more_o strict_a a_o great_a noise_n be_v make_v of_o objection_n from_o place_n of_o scripture_n gather_v together_o in_o heap_n and_o as_o to_o we_o this_o resolution_n be_v charge_v upon_o we_o as_o a_o defection_n from_o our_o former_a principle_n and_o a_o violation_n of_o our_o covenant_n and_o engagement_n as_o to_o this_o last_o chalange_n we_o shall_v add_v nothing_o to_o what_o be_v say_v in_o the_o observation_n upon_o our_o difference_n pag._n 34_o 35_o 36._o neither_o shall_v we_o enter_v upon_o a_o particular_a examination_n of_o these_o scripture_n only_o this_o in_o the_o general_n most_o part_n of_o they_o be_v out_o of_o the_o old_a testament_n speak_v to_o the_o people_n of_o the_o jew_n then_o by_o divine_a institution_n as_o in_o their_o religion_n so_o in_o their_o state_n separate_v from_o all_o other_o people_n of_o the_o world_n and_o relate_v to_o enter_v into_o voluntary_a and_o elective_a confederacy_n and_o association_n with_o other_o kingdom_n or_o nation_n yea_o and_o some_o of_o they_o for_o active_a assistance_n unto_o the_o nation_n with_o who_o the_o confederacy_n be_v make_v and_o so_o do_v not_o at_o all_o touch_n our_o case_n of_o joint_a act_n in_o arm_n for_o just_a and_o necessary_a defence_n of_o subject_n of_o one_o nation_n habitual_o and_o antecedent_o incorporate_v and_o now_o in_o common_a hazard_n and_o for_o these_o allege_v from_o the_o new_a testament_n they_o be_v such_o as_o be_v allege_v by_o separatist_n for_o separation_n from_o church_n for_o the_o the_o sin_n of_o fellow-member_n as_o that_o 2_o cor._n 6.14_o 15._o etc._n etc._n which_o yet_o we_o believe_v judicious_a separatist_n themselves_o will_v judge_v to_o be_v impertinent_o apply_v to_o a_o separation_n in_o the_o case_n now_o in_o hand_n as_o for_o that_o passage_n deut._n 23.9_o which_o be_v continual_o in_o their_o mouth_n in_o this_o debate_n it_o will_v be_v consider_v that_o it_o be_v speak_v in_o the_o first_o instance_n to_o people_n so_o separate_v from_o all_o nation_n as_o have_v be_v say_v and_o in_o so_o far_o as_o it_o may_v contain_v a_o moral_a rule_n for_o all_o age_n it_o do_v not_o hold_v out_o any_o rule_n for_o regulate_v the_o constitution_n of_o a_o army_n but_o only_o the_o conversation_n and_o carriage_n of_o a_o people_n in_o a_o army_n go_v forth_o against_o a_o enemy_n that_o they_o shall_v then_o especial_o keep_v themselves_o from_o sin_n and_o provoke_a god_n when_o they_o be_v carry_v their_o life_n in_o their_o hand_n as_o the_o scripture_n speak_v this_o appear_v from_o ver_fw-la 10.11_o where_o purity_n be_v require_v not_o only_o from_o gross_a open_a and_o formal_o voluntary_a sin_n but_o also_o from_o secret_a sin_n and_o the_o involuntary_a issue_n of_o natural_a corruption_n which_o we_o believe_v fall_v not_o under_o the_o trial_n of_o man_n nor_o can_v be_v follow_v or_o look_v unto_o in_o constitute_v of_o army_n §_o 26_o we_o shall_v add_v no_o more_o concern_v this_o resolution_n but_o this_o one_o word_n however_o our_o brethren_n charge_v this_o upon_o we_o as_o a_o defection_n from_o our_o former_a principle_n yet_o we_o profess_v we_o never_o know_v any_o such_o principle_n own_v in_o our_o church_n so_o encroach_a upon_o the_o power_n of_o civil_a magistrate_n and_o so_o dangerous_a to_o all_o christian_a nation_n and_o we_o do_v for_o ourselves_o disow_v and_o disclaim_v it_o before_o the_o world_n humble_o obte_v all_o civil_a power_n and_o church_n abroad_o that_o they_o entertain_v no_o such_o thought_n that_o ever_o such_o a_o principle_n or_o doctrine_n be_v or_o be_v own_v by_o this_o church_n what_o ever_o have_v be_v the_o judgement_n or_o practice_n of_o some_o particular_a man_n as_o to_o this_o matter_n §_o 27_o as_o for_o the_o other_o public_a resolution_n of_o may_n 24._o 1651._o concern_v the_o rescind_n of_o the_o act_n of_o class_n there_o be_v so_o little_o say_v against_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o that_o we_o need_v not_o insist_v on_o it_o it_o be_v true_a not_o only_o those_o who_o be_v against_o the_o former_a resolution_n but_o other_o also_o in_o the_o state_n who_o be_v most_o active_a in_o the_o former_a do_v with_o great_a eagerness_n impede_fw-la the_o ask_n or_o give_v a_o resolution_n in_o this_o case_n but_o they_o have_v their_o own_o heart_n to_o examine_v whether_o it_o be_v not_o dissatisfaction_n as_o to_o the_o sinfulness_n of_o the_o matter_n but_o self_n interest_n that_o drive_v they_o so_o to_o do_v it_o be_v true_a also_o much_o be_v speak_v to_o the_o complex_fw-la business_n and_o prosecution_n of_o this_o resolution_n but_o the_o church_n can_v therefore_o be_v charge_v with_o defection_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o the_o resolution_n itself_o which_o be_v only_o their_o deed_n for_o it_o contain_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o clear_n of_o the_o commission_n that_o they_o claim_v no_o right_a to_o have_v hand_n in_o or_o meddle_v with_o the_o make_n or_o rescind_v of_o act_n of_o parliament_n a_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n to_o shorten_v or_o lengthen_v civil_a punishment_n constitute_v and_o inflict_v by_o himself_o as_o he_o find_v just_a and_o necessary_a for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o commonwealth_n and_o a_o resoluton_n in_o point_n of_o conscience_n be_v thereunto_o require_v that_o the_o state_n may_v without_o sin_n take_v off_o the_o censure_v inflict_v by_o themselves_o in_o the_o act_n of_o class_n with_o positive_a and_o express_a provilion_n that_o they_o shall_v observe_v the_o most_o strict_a condition_n &_o qualification_n in_o the_o person_n that_o have_v be_v at_o any_o time_n former_o require_v all_o which_o be_v so_o justifiable_a that_o we_o believe_v no_o ingenuous_a and_o judicious_a christian_a will_v carp_v at_o they_o and_o therefore_o our_o brethren_n do_v but_o unjust_o challenge_v we_o on_o this_o
spirit_n in_o our_o brethren_n 3._o that_o they_o shall_v take_v upon_o they_o in_o these_o meeting_n to_o determine_v upon_o matter_n of_o great_a importance_n already_o determine_v both_o in_o state_n and_o church_n as_o the_o first_o time_n these_o conclusion_n agree_v upon_o by_o both_o mention_v in_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o remonstrance_n be_v express_o condemn_v be_v in_o their_o first_o meeting_n of_o this_o sort_n for_o not_o only_o do_v it_o reflect_v upon_o the_o establish_a judicatory_n as_o not_o worthy_a to_o be_v trust_v in_o these_o thing_n but_o neither_o have_v they_o any_o power_n of_o themselves_o to_o determine_v in_o these_o thing_n nor_o have_v the_o generality_n of_o the_o godly_a who_o they_o pretend_v to_o represent_v power_n to_o authorise_v they_o for_o that_o effect_n unless_o they_o will_v join_v issue_n with_o five_o monarchy-man_n in_o their_o opinion_n concern_v the_o power_n of_o saint_n 4._o that_o by_o their_o determination_n in_o those_o meeting_n so_o contrary_a to_o truth_n and_o the_o receive_a principle_n of_o this_o church_n and_o the_o result_v and_o practice_n that_o flow_v from_o they_o and_o all_o under_o the_o name_n of_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o godly_a they_o expose_v piety_n to_o hatred_n and_o contempt_n among_o we_o while_o as_o man_n see_v pretender_n thereunto_o so_o absurd_a and_o irregular_a in_o their_o opinion_n and_o practice_n by_o this_o mean_n we_o may_v say_v it_o with_o regrate_a impiety_n and_o irreligion_n have_v spread_v more_o within_o these_o few_o year_n than_o of_o a_o long_a time_n former_o §_o 35_o their_o next_o course_n for_o carry_v on_o their_o work_n be_v the_o erect_n of_o the_o pretend_a commission_n from_o the_o general_a assembly_n 1650._o as_o still_o in_o force_n because_o of_o the_o preâ—ended_a nullity_n of_o the_o assembly_n that_o have_v succeed_v thereunto_o the_o set_n up_o of_o this_o commission_n be_v one_o of_o the_o result_v of_o their_o first_o extrajudicial_a meeting_n in_o october_n or_o november_n 1651._o at_o which_o time_n what_o they_o have_v agree_v upon_o in_o their_o meeting_n concern_v the_o cause_n of_o wrath_n and_o the_o overturning_a of_o the_o settle_a resolution_n of_o state_n and_o church_n be_v publish_v as_o the_o deed_n of_o that_o commission_n hereby_o suppose_v to_o add_v authority_n thereunto_o but_o in_o effect_n brand_a this_o church_n as_o infamous_a while_o as_o they_o who_o pretend_v to_o have_v supreme_a power_n therein_o for_o present_a and_o give_v out_o themselves_o to_o be_v the_o only_a man_n who_o have_v adhere_v to_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n do_v make_v null_n and_o void_a all_o the_o public_a transaction_n conclude_v in_o the_o view_n of_o the_o world_n do_v maintain_v such_o inconsistent_a principle_n and_o do_v retract_v and_o condemn_v these_o thing_n which_o be_v hold_v out_o as_o the_o constant_a tenor_n of_o the_o church_n conclusion_n and_o declaration_n §_o 36_o as_o this_o be_v the_o first_o act_n of_o that_o pretend_a commission_n so_o they_o have_v since_o from_o time_n to_o time_n adjourn_v and_o vote_v the_o continuance_n of_o that_o power_n as_o still_o in_o force_n to_o this_o day_n and_o albeit_o for_o any_o thing_n we_o know_v they_o have_v no_o authentic_a copy_n of_o their_o commission_n whereby_o they_o may_v know_v their_o power_n what_o be_v entrust_v to_o they_o and_o the_o number_n which_o make_v a_o quorum_fw-la yea_o albeit_o not_o only_o that_o commission_n be_v legal_o expire_v at_o the_o day_n of_o the_o meeting_n of_o the_o next_o assembly_n which_o convene_v in_o the_o year_n 1651._o but_o albeit_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o member_n thereof_o do_v give_v up_o their_o commission_n and_o proceed_n to_o be_v try_v in_o that_o assembly_n and_o be_v according_o approve_v and_o a_o new_a commission_n give_v as_o be_v also_o do_v at_o the_o assembly_n thereafter_o 1652._o yet_o our_o brethren_n be_v but_o a_o small_a number_n of_o the_o member_n of_o that_o commission_n upon_o a_o pretence_n of_o the_o nullity_n of_o these_o assembly_n do_v judge_n upon_o the_o validity_n of_o their_o own_o protestation_n against_o they_o and_o set_v themselves_o down_o as_o a_o commission_n which_o for_o any_o thing_n we_o know_v may_v be_v a_o perpetual_a court_n see_v they_o allege_v the_o continuance_n of_o their_o power_n till_o the_o next_o free_a and_o lawful_a general_a assembly_n and_o none_o such_o can_v be_v have_v so_o long_o as_o they_o please_v to_o protest_v against_o it_o even_o albeit_o the_o presbytery_n and_o generality_n of_o the_o national_a church_n shall_v own_v it_o as_o they_o do_v at_o both_o these_o controvert_v assembly_n we_o know_v not_o what_o can_v be_v if_o this_o be_v not_o a_o usurpation_n upon_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o church_n when_o some_o of_o these_o who_o be_v entrust_v with_o a_o deligate_n power_n till_o the_o next_o assembly_n do_v make_v themselves_o perpetual_a prelate_n and_o usurp_v a_o negative_a voice_n over_o the_o presbytery_n and_o their_o commissioner_n meet_v in_o a_o general_a assembly_n yea_o and_o over_o the_o major_a part_n of_o these_o entrust_v with_o they_o and_o so_o do_v cast_v all_o who_o ought_v to_o call_v they_o to_o a_o account_n that_o they_o may_v still_o continue_v in_o power_n §_o 37_o a_o three_o course_n take_v by_o our_o brethren_n to_o make_v and_o keep_v a_o party_n and_o faction_n be_v their_o way_n of_o celebrate_v communion_n and_o observe_v of_o public_a fast_n albeit_o the_o general_a assembly_n in_o the_o year_n 1645._o do_v establish_v a_o order_n for_o uniformity_n and_o prevent_v of_o confusion_n in_o the_o celebration_n of_o that_o sacrament_n wherewith_o this_o whole_a church_n than_o rest_v well_o satisfy_v yet_o since_o our_o division_n our_o dissent_v brethren_n have_v take_v up_o a_o new_a and_o irregular_a way_n to_o omit_v their_o way_n of_o admit_v person_n who_o come_v from_o other_o congregation_n they_o do_v not_o now_o usual_o celebrate_v that_o ordinance_n but_o they_o have_v a_o great_a many_o six_o or_o seven_o and_o sometime_o double_a or_o more_o of_o minister_n gather_v to_o it_o who_o congregation_n most_o part_n be_v leave_v destitute_a of_o preach_v that_o day_n great_a confluence_n from_o all_o the_o country_n and_o many_o congregation_n about_o be_v gather_v at_o they_o and_o on_o every_o day_n of_o their_o meeting_n which_o be_v saturday_n the_o lord_n day_n and_o monday_n many_o of_o these_o minister_n do_v preach_v successive_o one_o after_o another_o so_o that_o three_o or_o four_o and_o sometime_o more_o do_v preach_v at_o their_o preparation_n and_o as_o many_o on_o the_o monday_n follow_v and_o on_o the_o lord_n day_n sometime_o three_o or_o four_o do_v preach_v before_o they_o go_v to_o the_o action_n beside_o these_o who_o preach_v to_o the_o multitude_n of_o people_n that_o can_v be_v contain_v in_o the_o church_n these_o practice_n as_o they_o be_v a_o clear_a violation_n of_o the_o order_n unanimous_o establish_v in_o this_o church_n and_o do_v occasion_n great_a animosity_n and_o alienation_n in_o simple_a people_n against_o those_o minister_n who_o will_v not_o imitate_v these_o irregular_a course_n so_o uninteress_v observer_n do_v perceive_v a_o clear_a design_n in_o all_o this_o to_o set_v up_o themselves_o as_o the_o only_a pious_a and_o zealous_a people_n worthy_a to_o be_v trust_v and_o follow_v in_o our_o public_a difference_n which_o if_o it_o be_v not_o a_o injury_n to_o that_o sacred_a ordinance_n and_o a_o improve_n thereof_o which_o be_v a_o bond_n of_o unity_n and_o communion_n to_o be_v a_o wedge_n to_o drive_v on_o and_o fix_v a_o rent_n let_v the_o judicious_a and_o sober_a judge_n §_o 38_o the_o like_a may_v be_v say_v of_o their_o public_a fast_n appoint_v by_o themselves_o and_o for_o cause_n which_o they_o emit_v without_o the_o concurrence_n of_o the_o judicatories_n we_o shall_v not_o insist_v to_o clear_v how_o untrue_a many_o of_o their_o cause_n be_v upon_o the_o matter_n as_o determine_v in_o our_o public_a difference_n contrary_a to_o the_o judgement_n of_o this_o church_n nor_o to_o assert_v their_o want_n of_o authority_n to_o appoint_v fast_n and_o determine_v the_o cause_n thereof_o except_o upon_o cause_n proper_a to_o the_o congregation_n where_o the_o fast_o be_v observe_v especial_o upon_o such_o cause_n as_o be_v otherwise_o determine_v by_o the_o church_n judicatories_n but_o two_o thing_n we_o can_v pass_v in_o this_o matter_n 1._o that_o a_o study_a schism_n and_o rent_n be_v carry_v on_o by_o these_o fast_n as_o will_v appear_v partly_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o time_a of_o they_o so_o as_o may_v make_v the_o division_n betwixt_o they_o and_o their_o brethren_n conspicuous_a in_o these_o thing_n since_o our_o division_n the_o judicatories_n of_o the_o church_n have_v be_v tender_a of_o a_o visible_a rapture_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o public_a fast_n
their_o first_o protestation_n and_o declinatour_n and_o thereafter_o immediate_o do_v not_o only_a desert_n the_o assembly_n but_o leave_v the_o place_n of_o their_o meeting_n retire_v to_o their_o own_o home_n so_o that_o the_o assembly_n can_v have_v no_o opportunity_n to_o confer_v with_o they_o that_o they_o may_v fall_v upon_o amicable_a way_n to_o take_v they_o off_o that_o divisive_a course_n short_o after_o that_o assembly_n when_o the_o condition_n of_o assair_n be_v so_o alter_v as_o they_o need_v apprehend_v no_o prejudice_n have_v the_o judicatories_n be_v never_o so_o violent_a some_o of_o we_o do_v deal_v with_o some_o of_o they_o that_o they_o will_v forbear_v to_o prosecute_v their_o protestation_n by_o counteractings_a or_o follow_v any_o irregular_a course_n but_o will_v let_v the_o matter_n lie_v for_o a_o time_n if_o so_o be_v spirit_n of_o man_n may_v now_o be_v calm_v and_o there_o may_v be_v a_o heal_n of_o that_o rapture_n but_o instead_o of_o harken_v thereunto_o they_o proceed_v immediate_o to_o convene_v in_o their_o extrajudicial_a meeting_n to_o erect_v their_o pretend_a commission_n and_o to_o publish_v such_o thing_n to_o the_o world_n and_o fall_v upon_o such_o irregular_a act_n as_o do_v widen_v the_o breach_n and_o afford_v we_o too_o just_a ground_n of_o fear_n that_o nothing_o will_v satisfy_v they_o unless_o they_o have_v all_o their_o will_n and_o be_v invest_v with_o chief_a power_n to_o manage_v all_o church_n matter_n and_o govern_v the_o whole_a church_n thereafter_o in_o may_n 1652._o at_o a_o meeting_n of_o correspondent_o from_o synod_n it_o be_v desire_v that_o they_o will_v join_v in_o the_o assembly_n short_o after_o ensue_v see_v the_o assembly_n only_o can_v apply_v a_o sit_v and_o effectual_a remedy_n for_o cure_v of_o that_o breach_n but_o they_o do_v not_o only_o refuse_v to_o hearken_v to_o this_o desire_n but_o scatter_v their_o paper_n throughout_o the_o land_n some_o whereof_o be_v since_o publish_v in_o print_n persuade_v not_o only_o those_o who_o have_v protest_v against_o the_o former_a assembly_n but_o all_o who_o be_v not_o satisfy_v with_o the_o public_a resolution_n not_o to_o join_v in_o elect_v or_o be_v elect_a commissioner_n to_o this_o assembly_n a_o desire_n beside_o the_o iniquity_n thereof_o upon_o the_o matter_n most_o divisive_a &_o destructive_a to_o church_n unity_n and_o contrary_a to_o the_o apostle_n rule_v of_o keep_v unity_n in_o a_o bond_n of_o peace_n where_o there_o may_v be_v difference_n in_o judgement_n about_o some_o particular_n as_o we_o be_v persuade_v learned_a and_o rational_a man_n will_v perceive_v and_o judge_v and_o albeit_o they_o do_v refuse_v to_o join_v with_o we_o yet_o that_o assembly_n be_v constitute_v and_o notwithstanding_o they_o do_v protest_v against_o the_o same_o behave_v themselves_o so_o in_o that_o matter_n as_o we_o have_v no_o pleasure_n to_o repeat_v do_v not_o cast_v off_o thought_n of_o peace_n but_o make_v a_o overture_n to_o they_o for_o peace_n wherein_o all_o they_o require_v be_v not_o retract_v of_o their_o judgement_n nor_o a_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o offence_n they_o have_v give_v by_o their_o practice_n which_o yet_o have_v former_o be_v require_v of_o man_n who_o have_v not_o do_v so_o great_a disservice_n to_o the_o church_n but_o only_a that_o they_o will_v for_o peace_n sake_n pass_v from_o their_o protestation_n and_o declinature_n which_o have_v make_v such_o a_o breach_n upon_o church-government_n and_o lead_v so_o bad_a a_o preparative_n for_o any_o who_o shall_v please_v to_o trace_v their_o step_n as_o a_o combine_a party_n of_o some_o minister_n former_o dispose_v do_v in_o part_n at_o that_o same_o assembly_n and_o that_o they_o will_v forbear_v to_o keep_v up_o debate_n upon_o the_o matter_n of_o our_o public_a difference_n as_o those_o for_o the_o assembly_n be_v also_o content_a to_o do_v but_o our_o brethren_n do_v not_o so_o much_o as_o once_o hearken_v to_o this_o overture_n but_o utter_o reject_v it_o as_o hope_v tospeed_n better_o another_o way_n in_o their_o design_n as_o indeed_o they_o do_v some_o particular_n whereof_o be_v touch_v former_o §_o 49_o three_o though_o our_o brethren_n after_o that_o time_n put_v we_o out_o of_o all_o hope_n of_o peace_n and_o by_o their_o irregular_a act_n and_o endeavour_n to_o subvert_v the_o government_n of_o this_o church_n for_o some_o year_n and_o by_o divers_a mean_n and_o way_n do_v give_v unto_o we_o matter_n of_o sad_a mourning_n before_o the_o lord_n and_o serious_a apprehension_n of_o the_o result_n of_o their_o practice_n and_o way_n yet_o as_o union_n be_v still_o in_o our_o heart_n and_o desire_n to_o god_n both_o in_o public_a and_o private_a so_o we_o continue_v in_o our_o moderate_a way_n of_o bear_v their_o injurious_a reproach_n and_o forbear_v to_o irritate_fw-la they_o by_o any_o censure_n though_o sometime_o the_o judicatory_n be_v necessitate_v for_o their_o own_o exoneration_n naked_o to_o answer_v their_o reproach_n and_o declare_v their_o dissatisfaction_n and_o non-approbation_n of_o their_o irregularity_n and_o when_o we_o be_v hopeless_a of_o cure_v our_o public_a difference_n at_o least_o till_o we_o have_v a_o general_a assembly_n yet_o consider_v the_o many_o disorder_n follow_v upon_o these_o difference_n we_o do_v at_o meeting_n in_o june_n 1655._o propound_v some_o overture_n to_o our_o brethren_n for_o prevent_v the_o total_a subversion_n of_o church-government_n by_o these_o disorder_n till_o a_o assembly_n may_v meet_v which_o be_v reject_v by_o they_o thereafter_o when_o they_o do_v profess_v a_o desire_n of_o union_n which_o how_o and_o upon_o what_o account_v it_o come_v on_o foot_n among_o they_o themselves_o best_o know_v and_o according_o there_o be_v a_o meeting_n and_o conference_n for_o that_o effect_n in_o november_n 1655._o we_o glad_o lay_v hold_v of_o the_o opportunity_n and_o lay_v aside_o all_o prejudices_fw-la do_v stretch_v ourselves_o to_o the_o utmost_a keep_v truth_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n to_o gain_v they_o if_o possible_a to_o a_o union_n in_o the_o judicatories_n of_o the_o church_n the_o paper_n which_o pass_v at_o that_o conference_n be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o divers_a and_o will_v speak_v for_o themselves_o and_o we_o be_v confident_a will_v plead_v for_o we_o in_o this_o matter_n in_o the_o judgement_n of_o discern_v and_o unbiased_a man_n the_o particular_n of_o our_o condescension_n be_v too_o large_a to_o be_v here_o relate_v only_o let_v this_o suffice_v in_o brief_a in_o order_n to_o peace_n and_o union_n it_o be_v offer_v that_o whatever_o be_v our_o own_o judgement_n of_o the_o censure_n inflict_v upon_o any_o by_o the_o assembly_n at_o st._n andrews_n and_o dundee_n yet_o we_o be_v content_a that_o all_o these_o censure_n shall_v be_v take_v off_o and_o that_o in_o such_o a_o way_n as_o might_n neither_o reflect_v upon_o the_o assembly_n nor_o our_o brethren_n or_o we_o that_o any_o act_n ordain_v censure_n because_o of_o these_o matter_n shall_v be_v sist_v till_o a_o assembly_n wherein_o we_o shall_v endeavour_v the_o abrogation_n of_o they_o that_o in_o our_o after-joynt-actings_a we_o shall_v abstract_a from_o all_o reflection_n upon_o bypass_a difference_n that_o as_o to_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o resolution_n and_o the_o two_o controvert_v assembly_n however_o we_o can_v not_o in_o our_o conscience_n condemn_v nor_o be_v consent_v to_o the_o annul_v thereof_o yet_o we_o do_v not_o urge_v they_o to_o renounce_v their_o own_o judgement_n in_o either_o of_o these_o nor_o that_o they_o shall_v pass_v from_o their_o protestation_n as_o a_o stand_a testimony_n of_o their_o judgement_n whatever_o we_o judge_v they_o ought_v to_o do_v but_o be_v content_a that_o these_o resolution_n and_o act_n and_o declaration_n concern_v the_o same_o shall_v never_o be_v urge_v against_o they_o as_o the_o definitive_a judgement_n of_o this_o church_n to_o any_o effect_n that_o the_o authority_n of_o these_o assembly_n shall_v not_o be_v urge_v against_o they_o that_o however_o we_o doubt_v not_o of_o the_o lawful_a constitution_n thereof_o yet_o ensue_v assembly_n shall_v be_v constitute_v according_a to_o the_o constitution_n of_o general_a assembly_n precede_v our_o difference_n and_o that_o we_o will_v not_o bind_v they_o up_o if_o they_o please_v from_o propound_v reason_n to_o any_o ensue_a assembly_n against_o the_o public_a resolution_n though_o we_o judge_v they_o will_v never_o be_v able_a to_o bring_v any_o sufficient_a reason_n against_o they_o only_o we_o desire_v they_o will_v not_o urge_v we_o to_o renounce_v our_o judgement_n in_o condemn_v these_o resolution_n and_o declare_v null_a the_o authority_n of_o these_o assembly_n and_o that_o they_o will_v declare_v that_o they_o shall_v not_o at_o any_o time_n hereafter_o make_v use_n of_o these_o protestation_n in_o any_o judicatory_a to_o call_v in_o question_n and_o annul_v the_o constitution_n and_o authority_n