though_o we_o can_v say_v that_o they_o be_v or_o aught_o to_o be_v so_o self-denied_a that_o they_o will_v not_o have_v wish_v it_o to_o have_v be_v so_o yet_o do_v they_o never_o expect_v such_o a_o commission_n as_o shall_v whole_o consist_v of_o man_n according_a to_o their_o mind_n nor_o be_v that_o ever_o any_o of_o their_o proposition_n to_o his_o highness_n direct_o or_o indirect_o yea_o their_o proposition_n do_v not_o contain_v that_o qualification_n as_o to_o any_o of_o they_o and_o we_o can_v also_o say_v that_o though_o they_o have_v be_v most_o or_o whole_o of_o that_o mind_n there_o will_v have_v be_v room_n and_o encouragement_n for_o man_n of_o our_o brethren_n judgement_n both_o to_o continue_v and_o enter_v into_o the_o ministry_n thus_o now_o have_v we_o answer_v that_o first_o and_o great_a prejudice_n wherewith_o our_o brethren_n paper_n and_o it_o seem_v their_o spirit_n be_v fraught_v against_o the_o protest_a brethren_n to_o wit_n that_o they_o do_v not_o only_o dissent_v from_o but_o also_o that_o they_o have_v it_o in_o their_o thought_n and_o design_n to_o subvert_v and_o destroy_v the_o establish_a government_n of_o the_o kirk_n of_o scotland_n by_o presbytery_n and_o synod_n and_o that_o their_o practice_n do_v manifest_o tend_v thereunto_o and_o in_o this_o we_o have_v be_v the_o large_a not_o only_o because_o we_o have_v more_o than_o probable_a ground_n to_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o the_o great_a scope_n of_o our_o brethren_n paper_n to_o fill_v and_o possess_v this_o church_n and_o the_o church_n abroad_o with_o this_o opinion_n of_o these_o brethren_n that_o they_o be_v indeed_o such_o a_o shrewd_a party_n as_o they_o describe_v they_o to_o be_v that_o so_o they_o may_v acquit_v and_o justify_v the_o resolution_n brethren_n in_o all_o that_o they_o have_v hitherto_o do_v or_o shall_v hereafter_o do_v against_o they_o but_o also_o because_o if_o there_o be_v any_o remnant_n of_o real_a inclination_n in_o our_o brethren_n bosom_n to_o a_o peace_n approve_v of_o god_n and_o tend_v to_o edification_n we_o do_v conceive_v it_o necessary_a to_o endeavour_v though_o with_o much_o weakness_n to_o roll_v out_o of_o their_o way_n that_o great_a rock_n of_o offence_n which_o they_o have_v by_o their_o own_o mistake_n so_o long_o and_o so_o much_o stumble_v upon_o unto_o the_o make_n of_o they_o halt_v more_o and_o more_o day_n by_o day_n in_o their_o affection_n towards_o the_o protest_a brethren_n there_o be_v yet_o two_o prejudice_n more_o which_o we_o find_v in_o their_o declaration_n that_o we_o shall_v more_o brief_o speak_v unto_o one_o be_v that_o they_o have_v begin_v a_o needless_a rent_n in_o the_o church_n upon_o a_o question_n so_o extrinsic_a to_o our_o doctrine_n worship_n and_o government_n so_o they_o speak_v in_o the_o four_o page_n of_o their_o declaration_n and_o in_o the_o three_o page_n they_o call_v it_o a_o toss_n about_o a_o debate_n now_o so_o far_o remove_v out_o of_o our_o way_n to_o which_o we_o answer_v first_o whatever_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o question_n about_o the_o public_a resolution_n it_o be_v certain_a and_o manifest_a that_o the_o rent_n thereupon_o be_v begin_v by_o the_o resolution_n brethren_n because_o they_o do_v in_o a_o surreptitious_a meeting_n of_o some_o of_o the_o commissioner_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n without_o give_v timous_a and_o due_a warning_n to_o other_o in_o the_o year_n 1651._o sudden_o take_v these_o resolution_n when_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o scotland_n be_v in_o possession_n of_o and_o by_o solemn_a covenant_n and_o vow_n engage_v to_o the_o truth_n to_o which_o these_o resolution_n be_v contrary_a and_o destructive_a 2._o this_o question_n be_v not_o so_o extrinsic_a to_o our_o doctrine_n worship_n and_o government_n as_o our_o brethren_n will_v make_v the_o world_n believe_v it_o do_v involve_v a_o portion_n of_o the_o precious_a truth_n of_o god_n which_o he_o have_v be_v please_v to_o reveal_v and_o hold_v forth_o in_o his_o word_n for_o the_o edification_n of_o his_o church_n and_o people_n that_o they_o may_v know_v what_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v and_o what_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o do_v in_o the_o case_n of_o entrust_n of_o know_a wicked_a malignant_a man_n enemy_n to_o truth_n and_o godliness_n with_o the_o interest_n of_o the_o lord_n work_n and_o people_n and_o this_o truth_n as_o it_o have_v all_o along_o since_o the_o reformation_n from_o popery_n be_v teach_v and_o hold_v forth_o by_o the_o kirk_n of_o scotland_n so_o have_v the_o preservation_n and_o practice_n thereof_o be_v judge_v necessary_a for_o preserve_v the_o rest_n of_o the_o doctrine_n and_o the_o worship_n and_o government_n in_o their_o purity_n and_o from_o the_o pollution_n and_o corruption_n which_o evil_a man_n use_v to_o bring_v in_o or_o give_v way_n unto_o yea_o this_o very_a thing_n as_o our_o brethren_n do_v well_o know_v be_v no_o small_a part_n of_o the_o controversy_n all_o along_o from_o the_o year_n 1638._o betwixt_o the_o well-affected_a and_o the_o popish_a and_o prelatical_a and_o malignant_a party_n they_o may_v take_v one_o instance_n of_o many_o to_o wit_v the_o desire_n of_o the_o commission_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n in_o anno_fw-la 1648._o concerning_o the_o unlawful_a engagement_n among_o which_o that_o about_o the_o qualification_n of_o instrument_n be_v one_o of_o the_o chief_a we_o desire_v they_o to_o remember_v what_o spirit_n that_o man_n will_v have_v beenjudge_v of_o who_o in_o the_o assembly_n anno_fw-la 1650._o shall_v have_v plead_v that_o to_o be_v a_o question_n much_o extrinsic_a to_o our_o doctrine_n worship_n and_o government_n and_o that_o it_o will_v furnish_v just_a ground_n of_o complaint_n against_o the_o assembly_n if_o they_o shall_v because_o thereof_o divide_v from_o the_o parliament_n which_o carry_v on_o that_o unlawful_a engagement_n in_o war_n against_o england_n 3._o if_o our_o brethren_n do_v indeed_o judge_v this_o question_n to_o be_v so_o extrinsic_a to_o our_o doctrine_n worship_n and_o government_n how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o they_o be_v so_o tenacious_a of_o the_o determination_n of_o their_o assembly_n about_o it_o if_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n and_o government_n may_v be_v preserve_v entire_a without_o it_o may_v they_o not_o for_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n condescend_v to_o take_v course_n that_o these_o determination_n shall_v not_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o the_o definitive_a judgement_n of_o this_o kirk_n or_o any_o of_o the_o judicatory_n thereof_o in_o these_o matter_n and_o how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o upon_o a_o question_n so_o extrinsic_a they_o do_v make_v and_o still_o keep_v up_o against_o minister_n elder_n expectant_n and_o professor_n act_n imporrt_v so_o severe_a censure_n against_o those_o who_o do_v not_o submit_v to_o the_o determination_n of_o their_o assembly_n concerning_o these_o thing_n next_o if_o the_o question_n be_v so_o extrinsic_a how_o come_v it_o that_o they_o sometime_o place_v the_o stand_n or_o fall_v of_o this_o church_n therein_o and_o now_o again_o they_o will_v make_v it_o of_o no_o moment_n but_o further_a we_o say_v the_o subject_a matter_n of_o these_o debate_n be_v not_o so_o far_o remove_v out_o of_o the_o way_n as_o our_o brethren_n do_v talk_v but_o do_v still_o continue_v in_o many_o respect_n 1._o in_o regard_n of_o the_o sin_n and_o guilt_n thereof_o which_o have_v not_o be_v taken-with_o nor_o repented-of_a till_o this_o day_n and_o as_o the_o resolution_n brethren_n judge_v it_o hard_o for_o the_o protest_a brethren_n to_o be_v satisfy_v with_o nothing_o unless_o they_o do_v repent_v of_o that_o as_o a_o sin_n which_o in_o their_o conscience_n they_o judge_v to_o be_v a_o duty_n so_o they_o must_v give_v leave_n to_o the_o protest_a brethren_n to_o judge_v it_o hard_o that_o the_o church_n of_o which_o they_o be_v member_n and_o minister_n shall_v lie_v under_o the_o guilt_n of_o a_o public_a transgression_n and_o under_o great_a and_o sore_a wrath_n because_o thereof_o and_o they_o in_o the_o mean_a while_o not_o be_v permit_v to_o discover_v her_o iniquity_n therein_o that_o her_o captivity_n may_v be_v turn_v away_o especial_o when_o they_o be_v engage_v by_o covenant_n so_o to_o do_v 2._o these_o resolution_n do_v continue_v in_o regard_n of_o the_o synodical_a approbation_n and_o tie_n thereof_o upon_o all_o the_o member_n of_o this_o kirk_n 3._o they_o do_v continue_v in_o regard_n of_o the_o act_n which_o be_v make_v for_o carry_v on_o thereof_o to_o wit_v those_o which_o appoint_v censure_n against_o all_o the_o member_n of_o this_o kirk_n who_o do_v not_o approve_v of_o the_o authority_n of_o that_o assembly_n at_o saint_n andrews_n and_o dundee_n and_o submit_v to_o the_o act_n and_o constitution_n thereof_o 4._o they_o do_v continue_v in_o regard_n of_o the_o public_a warning_n remonstrance_n and_o declaration_n of_o the_o commission_n
these_o committee_n without_o the_o advice_n and_o consent_n of_o these_o delegate_n neither_o will_v our_o brother_n negative_a voice_n prove_v it_o because_o as_o these_o delegate_n have_v not_o a_o negative_a voice_n in_o all_o case_n as_o we_o have_v already_o show_v to_o wit_n in_o the_o case_n of_o ratify_v of_o the_o proceed_n of_o these_o committee_n the_o synod_n be_v free_a notwithstanding_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o overture_n to_o ratify_v albeit_o the_o delegate_n shall_v not_o consent_v but_o advise_v otherwise_o so_o it_o be_v a_o new_a device_n to_o say_v that_o a_o negative_a voice_n infer_v a_o superior_a jurisdiction_n and_o power_n for_o at_o most_o it_o make_v but_o a_o coordinate_a power_n and_o that_o there_o be_v any_o absurdity_n in_o this_o that_o a_o committee_n of_o delegate_n nominate_v by_o the_o common_a consent_n of_o all_o the_o synod_n shall_v in_o this_o condition_n of_o the_o church_n have_v such_o a_o power_n if_o yet_o it_o be_v a_o power_n of_o jurisdiction_n we_o do_v not_o see_v 4._o this_o overture_n be_v not_o propound_v as_o a_o perpetual_a stand_a way_n always_o to_o be_v follow_v and_o keep_v up_o in_o the_o church_n as_o our_o brethren_n be_v please_v to_o insinuate_v much_o less_o be_v it_o propound_v hereby_o to_o lay_v a_o way_n for_o perpetuate_n of_o difference_n and_o contention_n a_o prejudice_n also_o they_o be_v please_v to_o load_v it_o with_o but_o as_o it_o express_o bear_v to_o continue_v only_o till_o the_o present_a difference_n be_v heal_v or_o till_o the_o lord_n in_o providence_n minister_v some_o better_a way_n for_o settle_v peace_n among_o we_o will_v the_o resolution_n brethren_n in_o this_o present_a sickly_a decline_a and_o distract_a condition_n of_o the_o church_n allow_v of_o no_o remedy_n for_o purge_v thereof_o and_o compose_v difference_n that_o be_v in_o any_o circumstance_n out_o of_o the_o common_a road_n of_o the_o ordinary_a procedure_n of_o presbytery_n and_o synod_n we_o know_v that_o they_o will_v tell_v we_o that_o the_o church_n be_v sound_a and_o healthy_a and_o sufficient_o able_a by_o presbytery_n and_o synod_n to_o purge_v herself_o but_o why_o then_o we_o pray_v our_o brethren_n to_o tell_v we_o do_v the_o general_n assembly_n before_o these_o difference_n do_v arise_v unanimous_o judge_v that_o presbytery_n and_o synod_n be_v not_o sufficient_o able_a to_o do_v it_o and_o do_v upon_o conviction_n hereof_o appoint_v extraordinary_a commission_n and_o visitation_n for_o do_v of_o it_o if_o our_o brethren_n say_v that_o the_o gen._n assembly_n be_v the_o supreme_a church-judicatory_a in_o the_o nation_n and_o therefore_o may_v so_o do_v they_o can_v easy_o answer_v themselves_o that_o the_o question_n be_v of_o the_o move_a cause_n or_o the_o ground_n or_o reason_n upon_o which_o they_o do_v it_o it_o be_v not_o to_o show_v their_o supremacy_n and_o authority_n which_o be_v not_o question_v nor_o controvert_v by_o any_o synod_n or_o presbytery_n but_o as_o our_o brethren_n well_o know_v because_o they_o do_v conceive_v and_o be_v convince_v that_o presbytery_n and_o synod_n be_v not_o so_o healthy_a as_o to_o do_v these_o duty_n of_o themselves_o and_o if_o they_o be_v not_o so_o then_o when_o neutral_a and_o malignant_a and_o disaffect_v 〈◊〉_d be_v under_o board_n how_o much_o less_o now_o when_o 〈◊〉_d of_o they_o be_v get_v above_o the_o hatch_n and_o sundry_a 〈◊〉_d they_o be_v set_v to_o stir_v the_o rudder_n or_o if_o they_o will_v say_v that_o presbytery_n and_o synod_n be_v now_o sufficient_o able_a and_o willing_a of_o themselves_o to_o do_v thâ—…_z work_v we_o pray_v they_o then_o to_o tell_v we_o why_o it_o be_v noâ—…_n do_v have_v not_o most_o of_o the_o godly_a of_o the_o lanâ—…_n ben_z cry_v upon_o they_o these_o seven_o year_n by-gone_a that_o they_o will_v arise_v and_o be_v do_v that_o good_a anâ—…_n necessary_a work_n and_o yet_o what_o have_v all_o their_o 〈◊〉_d prevail_v be_v they_o not_o hear_v with_o deaf_a ear_n what_o wonder_n be_v it_o then_o though_o the_o protest_a brethren_n do_v propound_v such_o overture_n as_o be_v embrace_v may_v probable_o in_o some_o measure_n satisfiâ—…_n somewhat_o of_o the_o lawful_a and_o just_a desire_n of_o thâ—…_z godly_a in_o that_o soul-concern_a matter_n in_o propound_v whereof_o their_o design_n be_v none_o of_o those_o sinistrous_a thing_n that_o be_v cast_v upon_o they_o by_o their_o brethren_n but_o that_o by_o some_o mean_a or_o another_o that_o be_v not_o sinful_a the_o house_n of_o god_n may_v be_v purge_v and_o therefore_o that_o it_o may_v appear_v to_o their_o brethren_n that_o it_o be_v not_o domination_n nor_o the_o set_n up_o of_o themselves_o and_o the_o tread_n down_o of_o the_o other_o that_o they_o be_v seek_v they_o be_v content_a not_o to_o exercise_v the_o power_n give_v by_o the_o commission_n of_o the_o assembly_n 1650._o which_o in_o their_o judgement_n because_o no_o lawful_a general_n assembly_n have_v since_o interveen_v be_v still_o in_o force_n and_o do_v propound_v unto_o they_o in_o that_o meeting_n at_o edinburgh_n that_o for_o make_v of_o the_o work_n of_o purge_v effectual_a and_o in_o order_n to_o other_o public_a affair_n of_o the_o church_n that_o those_o person_n who_o be_v nominate_v upon_o the_o commission_n and_o visitation_n by_o the_o assembly_n 1650._o may_v sit_v if_o not_o by_o the_o authority_n derive_v from_o that_o assembly_n yet_o by_o the_o mutual_a condescendence_n and_o approbation_n of_o presbytery_n and_o by_o the_o same_o mutual_a condescendence_n and_o approbation_n these_o person_n may_v have_v power_n to_o compose_v the_o particular_a difference_n that_o be_v now_o or_o shall_v be_v hereafter_o in_o particular_a presbytery_n and_o congregation_n this_o be_v not_o to_o assume_v the_o particular_a nomination_n of_o any_o person_n to_o themselves_o or_o to_o state_n business_n upon_o difference_n of_o judgement_n or_o to_o make_v any_o thing_n like_o a_o party_n or_o a_o faction_n or_o to_o desire_v a_o equality_n of_o the_o number_n of_o both_o judgement_n or_o to_o do_v any_o injury_n unto_o or_o make_v any_o encroachment_n upon_o the_o due_a right_n of_o presbytery_n and_o synod_n unless_o we_o will_v say_v that_o the_o general_n assembly_n wrong_v they_o by_o appoint_v those_o commission_n and_o visitation_n yet_o be_v this_o also_o refuse_v and_o reject_v by_o our_o brethren_n whence_o it_o appear_v that_o nothing_o will_v please_v unless_o the_o protest_a brethren_n condescend_v as_o ass_n to_o bow_v down_o under_o the_o burden_n by_o a_o absolute_a submission_n to_o presbytery_n and_o synod_n as_o now_o constitute_v that_o be_v upon_o the_o matter_n to_o the_o brethren_n for_o the_o public_a resolution_n the_o protest_a brethren_n be_v by_o their_o own_o verdict_n a_o few_o number_n in_o comparison_n of_o the_o body_n of_o the_o ministry_n of_o this_o church_n in_o their_o present_a and_o future_a act_n how_o negligent_a or_o corrupt_a soever_o which_o themselves_o make_v evident_a in_o the_o next_o thing_n whereupon_o they_o impeach_v they_o as_o projector_n against_o and_o subverter_n of_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n to_o wit_n their_o refuse_n to_o engage_v themselves_o to_o a_o absolute_a submission_n to_o the_o sentence_n of_o the_o church-judicatory_n they_o do_v say_v they_o towards_o the_o end_n of_o the_o five_o page_n of_o their_o declaration_n express_o refuse_v subordination_n and_o submission_n to_o the_o church-judicatory_n to_o which_o they_o and_o we_o be_v solemn_o engage_v at_o our_o admission_n to_o the_o ministry_n and_o which_o we_o be_v willing_a to_o renew_v for_o our_o part_n and_o without_o which_o our_o establish_a judicatory_n shall_v be_v nothing_o else_o but_o so_o many_o consultative_a meeting_n a_o principle_n inconsistent_a with_o presbyterial_a government_n in_o speak_v to_o this_o particular_a we_o shall_v first_o short_o repeat_v the_o sum_n of_o the_o protest_a brethren_n their_o desire_n and_o offer_v and_o answer_n thereanent_o in_o the_o conference_n at_o edinburgh_n novemb._n 1655._o and_o in_o the_o next_o place_n shall_v speak_v somewhat_o to_o the_o matter_n itself_o as_o to_o the_o first_o in_o so_o far_o as_o concern_v presbyterial_a government_n and_o the_o due_a subordination_n of_o church-judicatory_n that_o they_o may_v testify_v their_o approbation_n thereâ—…_n and_o that_o they_o do_v continue_v constant_a in_o their_o former_a solemn_a public_a profession_n and_o engagement_n they_o do_v propound_v unto_o their_o brethren_n that_o in_o matter_n concerning_o the_o doctrine_n worship_n government_n and_o discipline_n of_o this_o church_n and_o the_o enemy_n of_o truth_n and_o godliness_n and_o the_o work_n of_o reformation_n there_o may_v be_v mutual_a evidence_n and_o assurance_n give_v for_o adherence_n unto_o these_o article_n of_o our_o covenant_n and_o the_o solemn_a public_a confession_n of_o sin_n and_o engagement_n unto_o duty_n and_o all_o the_o act_n of_o uncontroverted_a assembly_n
from_o bear_v charge_n in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n and_o how_o many_o such_o have_v be_v brought-in_v we_o do_v believe_v that_o it_o may_v be_v true_o assert_v that_o the_o resolution_n brethren_n in_o one_o synod_n since_o that_o time_n have_v bring_v in_o more_o who_o be_v former_o public_o censure_v for_o their_o scandalous_a and_o malignant_a carriage_n than_o all_o the_o synod_n in_o scotland_n of_o that_o judgement_n have_v purge_v out_o there_o be_v in_o one_o synod_n nine_o or_o ten_o such_o bring_v into_o the_o ministry_n beside_o four_o or_o five_o other_o who_o mouth_n be_v open_v to_o preach_v public_o and_o likewise_o some_o other_o who_o be_v connive_v at_o to_o preach_v and_o administer_v the_o ordinance_n notwithstanding_o of_o their_o be_v twice_o depose_v former_o because_o of_o gross_a offence_n let_v they_o name_v we_o if_o they_o can_v so_o many_o purged-out_a by_o the_o resolution-party_n in_o all_o the_o synod_n of_o their_o way_n these_o seven_o year_n past_a why_o then_o do_v they_o speak_v such_o big_a word_n of_o their_o willingness_n to_o and_o activity_n in_o purge_v yea_o who_o know_v not_o that_o many_o of_o their_o party_n oppose_v union_n upon_o this_o very_a account_n and_o that_o even_o good_a man_n among_o they_o who_o be_v wont_a to_o be_v of_o another_o spirit_n be_v too_o slow_a and_o backward_o in_o this_o duty_n by_o which_o it_o have_v come_v to_o pass_v that_o a_o few_o process_n that_o have_v by_o importunity_n be_v set_v on_o foot_n against_o some_o naughty_a man_n in_o some_o synod_n have_v by_o the_o resolution_n brethren_n their_o exercise_v their_o wit_n and_o invention_n to_o find_v out_o and_o cast_v in_o legal_a show_n of_o defence_n such_o as_o variety_n of_o exception_n against_o witness_n and_o gloss_n upon_o their_o deposition_n and_o such_o like_a be_v render_v more_o tedious_a and_o involve_v in_o more_o notional_a debate_n than_o ready_o be_v to_o be_v find_v at_o the_o most_o litigious_a civil_a bar_n and_o after_o all_o these_o thing_n have_v come_v but_o to_o a_o poor_a issue_n in_o the_o end_n very_o few_o if_o any_o of_o these_o man_n be_v depose_v from_o the_o ministry_n notwithstanding_o of_o many_o and_o gross_a scandal_n which_o they_o do_v lie_v under_o it_o be_v the_o sad_a complaint_n of_o the_o godly_a that_o the_o simplicity_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o good_a old_a way_n that_o be_v wont_a to_o be_v use_v in_o the_o church_n in_o the_o try_n of_o insufficient_a and_o scandalouâ—…_n minister_n be_v forsake_v and_o such_o a_o way_n take_v as_o rather_o give_v they_o ground_n and_o encouragement_n to_o cover_v and_o hold_v fast_o their_o iniquity_n than_o do_v contribute_v to_o the_o convince_n of_o their_o conscience_n and_o make_v they_o acknowledge_v their_o sin_n by_o which_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o poor_a soul_n who_o groan_v under_o the_o burden_n be_v discourage_v to_o offer_v the_o ground_n of_o their_o grievance_n as_o much_o despair_v to_o find_v any_o remedy_n thereof_o but_o say_v the_o resolution_n brethren_n they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o foreslow_v or_o obstruct_v purge_a that_o to_o delare_fw-la their_o readiness_n and_o sincerity_n in_o that_o matter_n they_o be_v content_a if_o their_o brethren_n be_v not_o satisfy_v with_o the_o rule_n of_o procedure_n hitherto_o agree_v upon_o that_o they_o condescend_v upon_o the_o strict_a rule_n can_v be_v desire_v in_o justice_n for_o trial_n and_o censure_n and_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v willing_a to_o observe_v they_o provide_v they_o be_v rule_n bind_v for_o all_o and_o to_o which_o all_o will_v submit_v both_o we_o and_o they_o to_o which_o we_o answer_v first_o that_o they_o do_v not_o adhere_v unto_o nor_o put_v in_o practice_n the_o rule_n already_o agree_v upon_o to_o what_o purpose_n then_o shall_v new_a rule_n be_v agree_v upon_o it_o be_v former_o agree_v upon_o that_o synod_n ought_v in_o the_o case_n of_o the_o negligence_n of_o presbytery_n to_o appoint_v visitation_n for_o trial_n and_o censure_n in_o their_o several_a bound_n but_o in_o very_o few_o of_o the_o synod_n of_o the_o resolution_n judgement_n have_v there_o be_v any_o such_o visitation_n appoint_v or_o keep_v since_o these_o resolution_n have_v a_o be_v albeit_o presbytery_n be_v negligent_a of_o their_o duty_n yea_o sundry_a brethren_n in_o sundry_a of_o these_o synod_n show_v themselves_o dissatisfy_v with_o and_o speak_v against_o such_o visitation_n and_o as_o long_o as_o the_o synod_n themselves_o do_v not_o practise_v they_o there_o be_v so_o much_o need_n of_o they_o how_o can_v we_o otherways_o judge_v but_o that_o they_o do_v dislike_v they_o second_o it_o be_v former_o agree_v upon_o that_o the_o kirk-judicatory_n may_v in_o the_o trial_n of_o minister_n proceed_v by_o way_n of_o inquisition_n but_o now_o this_o be_v dissent_v from_o and_o casten_z at_o by_o many_o of_o the_o resolution_n brethren_n who_o will_v have_v no_o trial_n some_o of_o they_o without_o a_o libel_n and_o other_o of_o they_o without_o a_o libel_n and_o a_o accuser_n too_o engage_v to_o prove_v his_o allegiance_n under_o pain_n of_o be_v censure_v as_o a_o slanderer_n three_o sundry_a thing_n such_o as_o drunkenness_n swear_v etc._n etc._n which_o be_v former_o proceed_v against_o with_o the_o censure_n of_o suspension_n and_o deposition_n be_v now_o so_o extâ—…nuated_v by_o many_o of_o these_o brethren_n that_o they_o do_v refuse_v to_o censure_v they_o with_o these_o censure_n unless_o the_o habit_n or_o many_o continue_a reiterate_a act_n of_o these_o thing_n can_v be_v prove_v and_o yet_o the_o author_n of_o this_o declaration_n do_v so_o talk_v as_o if_o all_o the_o brethren_n of_o that_o judgement_n do_v strict_o adhere_v unto_o and_o be_v unanimous_a about_o the_o former_a way_n of_o procedure_n in_o the_o trial_n and_o censure_n of_o minister_n but_o beside_o this_o departure_n from_o former_a rule_n they_o do_v but_o trifle_v when_o they_o say_v that_o they_o be_v content_a that_o the_o protest_a brethren_n condescend_v upon_o the_o strict_a rule_n can_v be_v desire_v in_o justice_n for_o trial_n and_o censure_n because_o it_o be_v always_o with_o the_o supposal_n of_o this_o foundation_n which_o they_o have_v already_o lay_v to_o wit_n that_o these_o rule_n shall_v be_v apply_v or_o execute_v by_o man_n of_o their_o own_o judgement_n who_o be_v the_o plurality_n in_o presbytery_n and_o synod_n and_o what_o purge_v we_o may_v expect_v from_o they_o these_o seven_o year_n practice_n do_v now_o sufficient_o manifest_a three_o the_o insufficiency_n of_o these_o proposal_n do_v appear_v from_o this_o that_o they_o do_v offer_v and_o hold_v forth_o no_o remedy_n for_o the_o grievance_n of_o the_o protest_a brethren_n and_o of_o the_o godly_a throughout_o the_o land_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o plant_v congregation_n upon_o the_o call_n of_o the_o plurality_n in_o parish_n many_o of_o which_o be_v ignorant_a and_o disaffect_v and_o malignant_a by_o which_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o man_n get_v into_o the_o ministry_n that_o can_v speak_v a_o word_n in_o season_n to_o a_o weary_a soul_n and_o who_o discountenance_n piety_n and_o godliness_n which_o if_o there_o be_v not_o some_o effectual_a remedy_n provide_v against_o it_o can_v but_o prove_v a_o evil_a very_o destructive_a to_o the_o church_n and_o afflict_v to_o all_o who_o do_v unfeigned_o desire_v and_o seek_v the_o advancement_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n four_o these_o proposal_n do_v not_o mention_v any_o remedy_n against_o such_o minister_n expectant_n and_o schoolmaster_n who_o be_v depose_v or_o silence_v or_o remove_v from_o their_o charge_n by_o general_a assembly_n or_o synod_n or_o their_o commissioner_n or_o by_o presbytery_n before_o these_o difference_n do_v arise_v and_o have_v again_o intrude_v themselves_o or_o be_v repone_v into_o public_a station_n in_o the_o ministry_n or_o school_n or_o have_v their_o mouth_n open_v by_o presbytery_n or_o synod_n without_o confession_n and_o acknowledgement_n of_o and_o repentance_n for_o all_o the_o particular_n contain_v in_o their_o sentence_n and_o otherwise_o than_o be_v provide_v in_o the_o act_n of_o uncontroverted_a general_n assembly_n nor_o do_v they_o hold_v forth_o any_o thing_n as_o to_o the_o way_n of_o call_v of_o a_o general_n assembly_n and_o the_o elect_n of_o commissioner_n thereunto_o and_o handle_v of_o matter_n therein_o all_o which_o as_o also_o the_o give_n of_o mutual_a evidence_n and_o assurance_n in_o matter_n concerning_o the_o doctrine_n worship_n discipline_n and_o government_n of_o this_o church_n and_o the_o enemy_n of_o truth_n and_o godliness_n and_o the_o work_n of_o reformation_n for_o adhere_v unto_o these_o article_n of_o our_o covenant_n and_o the_o solemn_a public_a confession_n of_o sin_n and_o engagement_n unto_o duty_n and_o all_o the_o act_n of_o uncontroverted_a assembly_n relate_v
a_o absolute_a and_o autocratorick_n but_o a_o limit_a and_o hyperetic-power_n and_o that_o church_n decree_n and_o sentence_n be_v all_o of_o they_o regulae_fw-la regulatae_fw-la rule_n that_o be_v subordinate_v and_o do_v not_o bind_v but_o in_o the_o lord_n and_o so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v conform_v to_o that_o first_o inflexible_a and_o unerring-rule_n prescribe_v by_o himself_o luke_n 22._o 24_o 25_o 26_o 27._o gal._n 6._o 16._o 1_o peter_n 5._o 2_o 3._o â—…_z tim._n 3._o 15_o 16_o 17._o 1_o thes._n 5._o 12._o ephes._n 6._o 1._o calvin_n treat_v of_o church-power_n say_v well_o non_fw-la est_fw-la igitur_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la potestas_fw-la inâ—…inita_fw-la sed_fw-la subjecta_fw-la verbo_fw-la domini_fw-la and_o in_fw-la eo_fw-la quasi_fw-la inclusa_fw-la inst._n lib._n 4._o cap._n 8._o 4_o that_o all_o church-judicatory_n whether_o congregational-edership_n or_o presbytery_n or_o synod_n whether_o provincial_n or_o national_a or_o oecumenick_a be_v constitute_v of_o man_n that_o be_v weak_a frail_a and_o ignorant_a in_o part_n be_v in_o their_o detâ—…rminations_n fallible_a and_o subject_a to_o error_n isai._n 40_o 6_o 7_o 8._o rom._n 3._o 4._o 1_o cor._n 13._o 9_o 12._o 5._o that_o in_o so_o far_o as_o any_o of_o these_o do_v actual_o err_v and_o decline_v from_o the_o truth_n they_o do_v in_o so_o far_o act_v without_o power_n and_o authority_n from_o jesus_n christ_n they_o can_v do_v nothing_o of_o themselves_o they_o may_v do_v but_o not_o by_o his_o commission_n and_o warrant_n against_o the_o truth_n but_o for_o the_o truth_n 2_o cor._n 13._o 8._o the_o power_n which_o he_o have_v give_v they_o be_v to_o edification_n and_o not_o to_o destruction_n 2_o cor._n 13._o 12._o 6._o sad_a experience_n almost_o in_o every_o generation_n do_v teach_v we_o that_o church-guide_n and_o church-judicatory_n do_v oftentimes_o decline_v from_o the_o streigâ—…t-wayes_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o decree_v unrighteous_a decree_n and_o write_v grievous_a thing_n which_o they_o have_v prescribe_v isa._n 9_o 15_o 16._o ier._n 8._o 8_o 9_o mal._n 2._o 8_o 9_o ier._n 2._o 8._o and_o that_o while_o they_o be_v boast_v of_o the_o authority_n give_v to_o they_o of_o god_n and_o of_o their_o skill_n in_o the_o law_n and_o profess_v to_o walk_v according_a thereto_o they_o be_v pervert_v the_o precious_a truth_n of_o god_n and_o persecuâ—…ing_v these_o who_o cleave_v thereunto_o ier_n 18._o 18._o isa._n 66._o 5._o ioh._n 7._o 48_o 49._o 7._o that_o the_o same_o lord_n who_o have_v command_v we_o not_o to_o despise_v prophesy_v 1_o thes._n 5._o 19_o have_v also_o command_v we_o to_o prove_v all_o thing_n and_o to_o hold_v fast_o that_o which_o be_v good_a ver._n 20._o and_o no_o to_o believe_v every_o spirit_n but_o to_o try_v the_o spirit_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n because_o many_o false_a prophet_n be_v go_v forth_o into_o the_o world_n 1_o ioh._n 4._o 1._o and_o that_o whatsoever_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n be_v sin_n rom._n 14._o 15._o and_o that_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v the_o servant_n of_o man_n 1_o cor._n 7._o 23._o that_o be_v to_o do_v thing_n especial_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o god_n for_o which_o we_o have_v no_o other_o warrant_n but_o the_o mear_z pleasure_n and_o will_n of_o man_n which_o the_o apostle_n peter_n call_v live_v to_o the_o lust_n of_o man_n and_o not_o to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n 1_o pet._n 4._o 2._o and_o that_o it_o be_v therefore_o both_o the_o duty_n and_o privilege_n of_o every_o church-member_n and_o of_o every_o inferior_a church-judicatory_n to_o examine_v by_o the_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n every_o thing_n which_o the_o church-authority_n join_v whether_o it_o be_v agreeable_a or_o repugnant_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n and_o if_o after_o a_o diligent_a and_o impartial_a search_n it_o be_v find_v repugnant_a they_o be_v not_o to_o bring_v their_o conscience_n in_o bondage_n thereto_o neither_o be_v the_o allow_v and_o exercise_v of_o the_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n by_o inferior_n the_o set_v they_o as_o judge_n over_o their_o superior_n or_o make_v they_o transgress_v the_o line_n or_o limit_n of_o that_o due_a subordination_n and_o submission_n appoint_v unto_o they_o of_o god_n protestant_n divine_v in_o their_o writing_n de_fw-la judice_fw-la controverstarum_fw-la have_v full_o answer_v this_o and_o show_v we_o that_o it_o do_v not_o make_v a_o private_a man_n or_o a_o inferior_a judge_n of_o the_o sentence_n and_o decree_n of_o his_o superior_n but_o only_o of_o his_o own_o action_n have_v premise_v these_o thing_n we_o offer_v these_o reason_n against_o the_o submission_n so_o much_o plead_v for_o by_o our_o brethren_n first_o this_o submission_n we_o mean_v a_o absolute_a submission_n or_o such_o a_o submission_n as_o be_v comprehensive_a of_o subjection_n to_o such_o decree_n and_o sentence_n of_o church-judicatory_n as_o be_v upon_o the_o matter_n and_o for_o the_o ground_n of_o they_o unjust_a and_o repugnant_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n have_v neither_o precept_n nor_o precedent_n for_o it_o in_o the_o book_n of_o god_n if_o any_o man_n say_v it_o have_v we_o desire_v he_o to_o bring_v it_o forth_o we_o know_v that_o the_o lord_n do_v enjoin_v his_o people_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n under_o very_o severe_a punishment_n to_o do_v according_a to_o the_o sentence_n which_o they_o shall_v be_v teach_v by_o the_o priest_n the_o levite_n in_o the_o place_n which_o the_o lord_n shall_v choose_v deut._n 17._o 9_o 10_o 11_o 12._o but_o calvin_n tell_v we_o well_o ubi_fw-la de_fw-la ijs_fw-la audiendis_fw-la agitur_fw-la ibi_fw-la nominatim_fw-la ponitur_fw-la ut_fw-la secundum_fw-la legem_fw-la dei_fw-la respondeant_fw-la that_o in_o the_o same_o scripture_n where_o it_o be_v command_v to_o hear_v they_o that_o it_o be_v also_o command_v that_o they_o shall_v answer_v according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o lord_n we_o also_o know_v that_o under_o the_o new_a testament_n we_o be_v command_v to_o obey_v they_o that_o have_v the_o rule_n over_o we_o and_o to_o submit_v ourselves_o but_o it_o be_v in_o the_o lord_n 1_o thess._n 5._o 12._o that_o which_o we_o call_v for_o be_v some_o precept_n or_o bind_a precedent_n in_o scripture_n that_o hold_v forth_o submission_n to_o aâ—…_n ecclesiastic_a determination_n or_o sentence_n that_o be_v unjust_a and_o contrary_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n 2._o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o clear_a scripture_n precept_n and_o scripture_n precedent_n to_o scripture_n precept_n such_o as_o these_o be_v not_o servant_n of_o man_n 1_o cor._n 7._o 23._o stand_v fast_o therefore_o in_o the_o liberty_n wherewith_o christ_n have_v make_v we_o free_a and_o be_v not_o entangle_v again_o with_o the_o yoke_n of_o bondage_n gal._n 5._o 1._o it_o be_v better_a to_o obey_v god_n then_o man_n act._n 5._o 29._o preach_v the_o word_n be_v instant_a in_o season_n and_o out_o of_o season_n 2_o tim._n 4._o 2._o do_v this_o in_o remembrance_n of_o i_o 1_o cor._n 11._o 24._o to_o refrain_v from_o duty_n upon_o the_o mere_a will_n and_o commandment_n of_o man_n be_v to_o be_v a_o servant_n unto_o man_n and_o to_o betray_v christian_a liberty_n and_o to_o be_v entangle_v with_o the_o yoke_n of_o bondage_n and_o to_o obey_v man_n rather_o than_o god_n and_o to_o say_v that_o we_o will_v not_o preach_v the_o gospel_n nor_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n though_o god_n have_v command_v we_o so_o to_o do_v let_v we_o suppose_v that_o a_o man_n due_o qualify_v be_v suspend_v from_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n or_o from_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o ministry_n or_o excommunicate_v and_o cast_v out_o of_o the_o church_n because_o of_o his_o press_n and_o hold_v forth_o some_o precious_a truth_n of_o god_n which_o a_o kirk-judicatory_n condemn_v for_o a_o lie_n and_o pass_v such_o sentence_n and_o censure_n upon_o he_o because_o he_o do_v adhere_v thereunto_o shall_v we_o say_v that_o this_o man_n be_v bind_v not_o to_o communicate_v not_o to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o absent_v himself_o from_o the_o fellowship_n and_o prayer_n of_o the_o saint_n our_o brethren_n will_v haply_o tell_v we_o that_o he_o be_v bind_v for_o peace_n sake_n so_o to_o do_v till_o his_o appeal_n be_v discuss_v but_o what_o shall_v the_o innocent_a man_n do_v when_o it_o be_v discuss_v against_o he_o and_o the_o unjust_a sentence_n of_o the_o inferior_a judicatory_a confirm_v by_o the_o superior_a shall_v he_o go_v to_o a_o high_a and_o when_o he_o be_v go_v to_o the_o high_a and_o be_v condemn_v there_o too_o as_o christ_n be_v crucify_v at_o jerusalem_n what_o will_v they_o now_o allow_v he_o will_v they_o have_v he_o still_o to_o be_v a_o servant_n of_o man_n and_o still_o to_o be_v in_o bondage_n and_o though_o the_o lord_n jesus_n have_v command_v he_o to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o say_v unto_o he_o woe_n unto_o thou_o if_o
protester_n no_o subverter_n and_o presbytery_n no_o papacy_n or_o a_o vindication_n of_o the_o protest_a brethren_n and_o of_o the_o government_n of_o the_o kirk_n of_o scotland_n from_o the_o aspersion_n unjust_o cast_v upon_o they_o in_o a_o late_a pamphlet_n of_o some_o of_o the_o resolution-party_n entitle_v a_o declaration_n etc._n etc._n with_o a_o discovery_n of_o the_o insufficiency_n inequality_n and_o iniquity_n of_o the_o thing_n propound_v in_o that_o pamphlet_n as_o overture_n of_o union_n and_o peace_n especial_o of_o the_o iniquity_n of_o that_o absolute_a and_o unlimited_a submission_n to_o the_o sentence_n of_o church-judicatory_n that_o be_v hold_v forth_o therein_o and_o most_o unjust_o plead_v to_o belong_v to_o the_o be_v and_o essence_n of_o presbyterial_a government_n to_o the_o law_n and_o to_o the_o testimony_n isa._n 8._o 20._o we_o can_v do_v nothing_o against_o the_o truth_n but_o for_o the_o truth_n 2_o cor._n 13._o 8._o by_o some_o witness_n to_o the_o way_n of_o the_o protestation_n edinburgh_n print_v anno_fw-la domini_fw-la 1658._o protester_n no_o subverter_n and_o presbytery_n no_o papacy_n or_o a_o vindication_n of_o the_o protest_a brethren_n and_o of_o the_o government_n of_o the_o kirk_n of_o scotland_n etc._n etc._n though_o the_o brethren_n for_o the_o protestation_n be_v not_o unsensible_a of_o the_o manifold_a injury_n do_v unto_o they_o by_o a_o pamphlet_n bear_v the_o title_n but_o little_o more_o of_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 of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n and_o diligent_o spread_v at_o home_n and_o abroad_o and_o industrious_o put_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o public_a person_n in_o both_o nation_n for_o make_v they_o take_v up_o such_o thought_n and_o entertain_v such_o impression_n of_o these_o brethren_n and_o their_o principle_n and_o cause_n as_o be_v with_o more_o animosity_n than_o candour_n or_o truth_n represent_v therein_o yet_o have_v as_o we_o conceive_v the_o conscience_n of_o their_o own_o innocency_n and_o the_o testimony_n which_o they_o have_v thereof_o in_o the_o heart_n of_o most_o of_o the_o godly_a in_o the_o land_n with_o the_o small_a delight_n they_o have_v to_o spend_v their_o spirit_n and_o their_o time_n and_o to_o trouble_v the_o world_n with_o a_o frequent_a reiterate_n and_o multiply_v of_o answer_n to_o groundless_a and_o unjust_a imputation_n persuade_v they_o hithertill_n to_o be_v silent_a and_o to_o rest_v satisfy_v with_o what_o be_v by_o they_o former_o publish_v in_o the_o defence_n of_o their_o cause_n and_o person_n neither_o will_v we_o have_v any_o to_o wonder_v that_o they_o do_v not_o return_v a_o answer_n to_o that_o paper_n late_o publish_v bear_v title_n a_o declaration_n of_o the_o brethren_n who_o be_v for_o the_o establish_a government_n and_o judicatory_n of_o this_o kirk_n express_v their_o earnest_a desire_n of_o union_n and_o peace_n with_o their_o dissent_v 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thing_n that_o have_v be_v often_o answer_v already_o and_o be_v not_o indeed_o a_o overture_n of_o peace_n but_o in_o effect_n a_o heap_n of_o bitter_a invective_n and_o reproach_n if_o the_o author_n of_o it_o have_v not_o set_v the_o word_n of_o union_n and_o peace_n in_o the_o frontispiece_n of_o it_o we_o doubt_v that_o ever_o any_o shall_v have_v own_v it_o or_o know_v it_o by_o that_o name_n for_o it_o do_v everywhere_o breath_n discord_n and_o war_n that_o we_o may_v true_o say_v with_o the_o prophet_n micah_n ch._n 3._o 5._o while_o they_o cry_v peace_n peace_n they_o bite_v with_o their_o tooth_n and_o with_o the_o psalmist_n psal._n 55._o 21._o that_o while_o the_o word_n of_o their_o mouth_n be_v smooth_a than_o butter_n yet_o waâ—…_n be_v in_o their_o heart_n that_o while_o some_o of_o their_o word_n be_v soft_a as_o oil_n yet_o most_o of_o they_o be_v like_o draw_a sword_n or_o if_o there_o be_v any_o real_a inclination_n to_o peace_n upon_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o author_n of_o this_o paper_n we_o may_v fit_o compare_v they_o to_o the_o first_o painter_n in_o some_o country_n of_o old_a who_o draught_n be_v so_o rude_a that_o unless_o they_o have_v write_v above_o the_o head_n thereof_o this_o be_v a_o horse_n this_o be_v a_o ox_n etc._n etc._n the_o beholder_n will_v never_o have_v discover_v their_o aim_n therein_o or_o we_o may_v say_v of_o they_o as_o georgius_n major_fw-la write_v of_o the_o father_n of_o berge_n who_o be_v author_n of_o the_o book_n call_v formula_fw-la concordiae_fw-la bergensis_fw-la aut_fw-la mens_fw-la vulcanum_fw-la aut_fw-la forceps_fw-la indocta_fw-la fefellit_fw-la {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o voluit_fw-la cudere_fw-la cudit_fw-la {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o the_o smith_n unskilful_a mind_n or_o tong_o have_v sure_a deceive_v he_o far_o when_o as_o he_o will_v have_v forge_v a_o peace_n he_o hammer_v out_o a_o war_n union_n and_o peace_n when_o state_v upon_o the_o right_a basis_n and_o carried-on_v by_o lawful_a mean_n and_o in_o order_n to_o right_a end_n be_v thing_n precious_a and_o excellent_a how_o seasonable_a and_o strengthen_v and_o refresh_v a_o blessing_n will_v such_o a_o union_n be_v unto_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n in_o this_o day_n of_o her_o trial_n will_v god_n that_o these_o resolution-brethren_n who_o do_v in_o this_o paper_n testify_v so_o high_o of_o themselves_o as_o to_o their_o make_v consciâ—…nce_o to_o lament_v our_o division_n before_o the_o lord_n and_o of_o afflict_v their_o soul_n because_o of_o they_o and_o for_o the_o sin_n procure_v the_o same_o and_o of_o their_o peaceable_a disposition_n and_o patience_n to_o bear_v and_o readinesâ—…e_v to_o forgive_v injury_n have_v be_v so_o happy_a therein_o as_o to_o tread_v the_o path_n of_o peace_n and_o to_o speak_v the_o word_n of_o soberness_n and_o truth_n we_o be_v hopeful_a it_o have_v find_v answerable_a entertainment_n from_o their_o brethren_n for_o the_o protestation_n who_o from_o no_o disrespect_n to_o they_o but_o from_o the_o conscience_n of_o their_o duty_n and_o zeal_n of_o the_o lord_n cause_n have_v in_o some_o thing_n witness_v against_o their_o way_n but_o when_o they_o do_v thus_o use_v they_o or_o rather_o abuse_v they_o as_o seem_v to_o speak_v they_o for_o union_n and_o peace_n and_o yet_o not_o only_o hold_v fast_o most_o of_o what_o have_v be_v the_o ground_n of_o their_o grievance_n and_o complaint_n but_o operous_o labour_v and_o industrious_o endeavour_v by_o a_o congestion_n of_o groundless_a alleagence_n and_o gross_a misrepresentation_n of_o matter_n of_o fact_n with_o ill-knit_a consequence_n deduce_v therefrom_o and_o from_o some_o other_o thing_n true_a and_o honest_a in_o themselves_o to_o prove_v they_o and_o proclaim_v they_o to_o the_o world_n to_o be_v a_o party_n of_o ambitious_a turbulent_a subdolous_a man_n who_o have_v be_v all_o this_o while_n affect_v domination_n in_o the_o church_n and_o design_o project_v the_o subversion_n and_o overthrow_n of_o its_o government_n yea_o that_o their_o lead_a man_n have_v of_o late_o attempt_v the_o utter_a ruin_n of_o this_o church_n and_o of_o those_o who_o differ_v from_o they_o we_o hope_v that_o no_o man_n of_o a_o impartial_a judgement_n will_v think_v that_o the_o protest_a brethren_n can_v otherwise_o entertain_v such_o a_o treaty_n of_o union_n and_o peace_n that_o be_v the_o eslux_n of_o so_o bitter_a and_o unpeaceable_a a_o spirit_n than_o with_o deep_a silence_n and_o just_a contempt_n unless_o they_o will_v betray_v their_o own_o innocency_n and_o the_o justness_n of_o the_o cause_n which_o they_o do_v maintain_v by_o treat_v a_o peace_n upon_o such_o persuasive_n and_o foundation_n as_o do_v all-along_o heighten_v division_n and_o build_v up_o war_n 2._o though_o this_o paper_n bear_v the_o name_n of_o a_o declaration_n of_o the_o brethren_n who_o be_v for_o the_o establish_a government_n and_o judicatory_n of_o
because_o one_o assembly_n will_v have_v it_o so_o but_o say_v our_o brethren_n how_o shall_v unity_n and_o order_n otherways_o be_v preserve_v in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n we_o answer_v very_o well_o because_o if_o the_o sentence_n be_v unjust_a it_o ought_v to_o be_v recognize_v and_o repeal_v if_o it_o be_v just_a and_o of_o a_o inferior_a nature_n if_o the_o person_n will_v not_o submit_v they_o be_v after_o due_a procedure_n to_o be_v cast_v out_o as_o those_o that_o will_v not_o hear_v the_o church_n and_o so_o both_o unity_n and_o purity_n both_o order_n and_o truth_n be_v preserve_v will_v our_o brethren_n under_o a_o pretext_n of_o order_n destroy_v christian-liberty_n and_o bring-in_n popish-tyranny_n it_o be_v christ_n order_n and_o the_o king_n of_o saint_n peace_n that_o every_o believer_n have_v the_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n whether_o the_o judicatory_n of_o the_o kirk_n speak_v according_a to_o the_o scripture_n or_o whether_o they_o ought_v to_o obey_v or_o submit_v or_o gainsay_v or_o counteract_v and_o what_o christ_n have_v give_v they_o no_o man_n can_v take_v from_o they_o their_o three_o argument_n be_v take_v from_o the_o judgement_n and_o practice_n of_o this_o and_o other_o church_n which_o as_o they_o affirm_v plead_v for_o this_o subordination_n and_o submission_n require_v by_o they_o in_o their_o answer_n to_o the_o query_n of_o the_o 16._o of_o november_n 1655._o they_o say_v that_o this_o submission_n have_v be_v establish_v by_o the_o general_a assembly_n especial_o by_o the_o assembly_n in_fw-la anno_fw-la 1648._o sess._n 30._o and_o practise_v by_o the_o general_n assembly_n 1646._o in_o the_o case_n of_o mr._n james_n morison_n and_o the_o presbytery_n of_o kirkwall_n and_o that_o it_o have_v be_v the_o constant_a practice_n of_o all_o the_o judicatory_n and_o member_n of_o this_o kirk_n ever_o since_o the_o late_a reformation_n until_o our_o present_a difference_n do_v arise_v and_o in_o their_o paper_n of_o the_o 24._o of_o novemb._n 1655._o they_o do_v cite_v for_o prove_v of_o this_o submission_n the_o act_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n 1647._o concerning_o the_o hundred_o and_o eleven_o proposition_n and_o the_o seven_o head_n of_o doctrinâ—…_n therein_o contain_v and_o in_o the_o 39_o page_n and_o 43._o section_n of_o their_o representation_n they_o be_v so_o confident_a as_o to_o tell_v the_o brethren_n for_o the_o protestation_n that_o their_o practice_n in_o matter_n of_o discipline_n and_o government_n be_v never_o hear_v of_o in_o this_o church_n nor_o we_o believe_v say_v they_o in_o any_o church_n where_o thâ—…_z officer_n and_o constitution_n thereof_o be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o whatever_o the_o superior_a judicatory_n may_v do_v as_o they_o will_v be_v answerable_a notwithstanding_o a_o appeal_n yet_o the_o appealer_n and_o inferior_a do_v always_o submit_v and_o sist_z their_o proceed_n till_o their_o cause_n waâ—…_n hear_v and_o try_v and_o to_o confirm_v all_o this_o in_o the_o five_o page_n of_o their_o declaration_n they_o tell_v we_o that_o both_o themselves_o and_o the_o prâ—…testing_a brethren_n be_v solemn_o engage_v to_o this_o submission_n at_o their_o admission_n to_o the_o ministry_n as_o to_o the_o judgement_n of_o our_o church_n and_o of_o her_o general_a assembly_n we_o do_v deny_v that_o ever_o they_o be_v of_o this_o judgement_n or_o have_v declare_v any_o such_o thing_n but_o upon_o the_o contrary_a let_v the_o confession_n of_o faith_n present_v unto_o the_o parliament_n and_o ratify_v by_o they_o in_o the_o year_n 1567._o bear_v witness_n artic._n 21._o concerning_o the_o power_n and_o authority_n of_o council_n lawful_o gather_v the_o word_n be_v these_o so_o far_o as_o the_o council_n prove_v the_o determination_n and_o commandment_n that_o it_o give_v by_o the_o plain_a word_n of_o god_n so_o sooâ—…_n do_v we_o reverence_v and_o embrace_v the_o same_o but_o if_o man_n under_o the_o name_n of_o a_o council_n pretend_v to_o forge_v unto_o we_o new_a article_n of_o our_o faith_n or_o to_o make_v constitution_n repugnâ—…ng_v to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n then_o utter_o we_o must_v refuse_v the_o same_o as_o the_o doctrine_n of_o devil_n which_o draw_v our_o soul_n from_o the_o voice_n of_o our_o only_a god_n to_o follow_v the_o doctrine_n and_o constitution_n of_o man_n in_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o reformation_n 1562._o it_o be_v conclude_v by_o the_o whole_a ministry_n in_o the_o assembly_n hold_v that_o year_n sess._n 2._o that_o minister_n shall_v be_v subject_a in_o all_o lawful_a admonition_n as_o be_v prescribe_v in_o the_o book_n of_o discipline_n likewise_o it_o be_v provide_v in_o the_o article_n agree_v upon_o by_o the_o gen._n assembly_n hold_v at_o edinburgh_n in_o march_n 1570._o sess._n 2._o concerning_o the_o jurisdiction_n of_o the_o kirk_n that_o the_o suspension_n and_o deprivation_n of_o minister_n and_o other_o admit_v to_o function_n in_o the_o kirk_n charge_v of_o soul_n etc._n etc._n shall_v be_v for_o lawful_a cause_n in_o the_o book_n of_o discipline_n agree_v upon_o in_o divers_a precede_a general_n assembly_n and_o record_v in_o the_o year_n 1581._o by_o order_n of_o the_o assembly_n hold_v in_o april_n sess._n 9_o to_o the_o defence_n of_o which_o discipline_n the_o king_n and_o subject_n of_o all_o rank_n do_v then_o subscribe_v and_o swear_v which_o be_v also_o renew_v in_o the_o year_n 1638._o it_o be_v express_o declare_v chap._n 7._o concerning_o eldership_n assembly_n and_o discipline_n that_o office-bearer_n be_v to_o be_v depose_v for_o good_a and_o just_a cause_n deserve_v deprivation_n if_o it_o be_v needful_a we_o can_v cite_v more_o of_o this_o kind_n we_o shall_v only_o add_v other_o two_o testimony_n from_o very_o late_a assembly_n of_o this_o kirk_n the_o assembly_n convene_v at_o s._n andrews_n in_fw-la anno_fw-la 1642._o â—…ess_n 8._o in_o the_o overture_n for_o transplantation_n of_o minister_n do_v declare_v that_o no_o presbytery_n or_o assembly_n shall_v pass_v a_o sentence_n for_o transportation_n of_o any_o minister_n till_o they_o give_v reason_n for_o the_o expediency_n of_o the_o same_o both_o tâ—…_n he_o and_o his_o congregation_n and_o to_o the_o presbytery_n whereof_o he_o be_v a_o member_n that_o if_o they_o acquiesce_v to_o the_o reason_n give_v it_o be_v so_o much_o the_o better_a if_o they_o do_v not_o acquiesce_v yet_o the_o presbytery_n or_o assembly_n by_o give_v such_o reason_n before_o the_o pass_n of_o their_o sentence_n shall_v make_v it_o manifest_a that_o what_o they_o do_v be_v not_o pro_fw-la arbitratu_fw-la vel_fw-la imperio_fw-la only_a but_o upon_o ground_n of_o reason_n and_o the_o assembly_n convene_v at_o edinburgh_n in_fw-la anno_fw-la 1647._o in_o their_o brotherly_a exhortation_n to_o their_o brethren_n of_o england_n do_v declare_v as_o follow_v we_o will_v not_o say_v they_o have_v our_o zeal_n for_o presbyterial_a government_n misunderstand_v as_o if_o it_o tend_v to_o any_o rigour_n or_o domineer_a over_o the_o flock_n or_o to_o hinder_v and_o exclude_v that_o instruct_n in_o meekness_n they_o that_o oppose_v themselves_o which_o the_o apostolical_a rule_n hold_v forth_o or_o as_o if_o we_o will_v have_v any_o such_o to_o be_v entrust_v with_o that_o government_n as_o be_v find_v not_o yet_o purge_v either_o from_o their_o old_a profaneness_n or_o from_o the_o prelatical_a principle_n and_o practice_n which_o be_v to_o put_v a_o piece_n of_o new_a cloth_n into_o a_o old_a garment_n and_o so_o to_o make_v the_o rent_n worse_o or_o to_o put_v new_a wine_n into_o old_a bottle_n and_o so_o to_o lose_v both_o wine_n and_o bottle_n from_o these_o passage_n impartial_o consider_v it_o be_v manifest_a that_o the_o general_a assembly_n have_v judge_v that_o as_o it_o be_v rigor_n and_o a_o domineer_n over_o the_o lord_n flock_n for_o the_o judicatory_n of_o the_o kirk_n to_o determine_v or_o do_v any_o thing_n pro_fw-la arbitratu_fw-la vel_fw-la â—…mperio_fw-la or_o without_o give_v a_o reason_n thereof_o from_o the_o word_n so_o when_o they_o do_v thus_o determine_v and_o judge_v there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o submit_v thereunto_o or_o acquiesce_v therein_o as_o to_o what_o be_v cite_v by_o our_o brethren_n from_o the_o act_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n in_o anno_fw-la 1648._o sess._n 30._o we_o answer_v that_o though_o the_o word_n just_o be_v not_o express_v in_o the_o letter_n of_o the_o act_n that_o be_v among_o the_o praecognita_fw-la or_o praesupposita_fw-la of_o all_o those_o that_o do_v make_v or_o require_v obedience_n to_o law_n that_o they_o make_v and_o mean_v of_o just_a law_n yet_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o it_o speak_v of_o those_o minister_n who_o be_v just_o suspend_v or_o depose_v from_o the_o function_n of_o the_o ministry_n shall_v continue_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o ministry_n or_o intromet_v with_o the_o stipend_n belong_v to_o those_o kirk_n they_o serve_v at_o as_o do_v
thou_o preach_v not_o the_o gospel_n and_o have_v command_v he_o to_o eat_v of_o his_o body_n and_o drink_v of_o his_o blood_n and_o not_o to_o forsake_v the_o assemble_v himself_o with_o the_o saint_n of_o god_n yet_o because_o man_n pro_fw-la arbitratu_fw-la et_fw-la imperio_fw-la yea_o because_o of_o his_o adhere_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n which_o they_o have_v reject_v and_o condemn_v have_v forbid_v he_o so_o to_o do_v that_o be_v shall_v not_o obey_v god_n this_o be_v a_o hard_a say_n who_o can_v receive_v it_o it_o be_v also_o contrary_a to_o clear_a scripture_n precedent_n jeremiah_n be_v often_o command_v by_o the_o authority_n both_o ecclesiastic_a and_o civil_a to_o forbear_v speak_v of_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n yet_o do_v he_o give_v no_o subjection_n to_o the_o sentence_n either_o of_o the_o one_o or_o of_o the_o other_o but_o go_v on_o in_o his_o ministry_n notwithstanding_o of_o all_o the_o inhibition_n and_o censure_n past_a against_o he_o chap._n 26._o ch._n 32._o ch._n 37._o and_o ch._n 38._o amos_n be_v command_v by_o amaziah_n the_o priest_n to_o prophesy_v no_o more_o at_o bethel_n because_o it_o be_v the_o king_n chapel_n and_o the_o king_n court_n yet_o he_o do_v not_o submit_v but_o do_v counteract_v that_o commandment_n and_o do_v continue_v to_o prophesy_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n amos_n 5._o 13_o 14_o 15_o 16._o daniel_n be_v command_v to_o make_v no_o petition_n to_o any_o god_n or_o man_n for_o thirty_o day_n save_v to_o king_n darius_n yet_o do_v he_o not_o submit_v but_o counteract_v by_o go_v into_o his_o house_n and_o open_v his_o chamber-window_n towards_o jerusalem_n and_o kneel_v on_o his_o knee_n three_o time_n a_o day_n and_o pray_v and_o give_v thanks_o before_o his_o god_n as_o he_o do_v aforetime_o dan._n 6_o 6_o 7_o 8_o 9_o 10._o the_o jew_n do_v agree_v that_o if_o any_o man_n do_v confess_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n he_o shall_v be_v put_v out_o of_o the_o synagogue_n yet_o do_v the_o poor_a man_n who_o eye_n he_o have_v open_v confess_v he_o open_o and_o though_o he_o be_v actual_o cast_v out_o for_o do_v of_o it_o yet_o do_v he_o not_o submit_v but_o go_v on_o to_o confess_v he_o still_o joh._n 9_o 22_o 30_o 31_o 32_o 33_o 34_o 35_o 36_o 37_o 38._o the_o apostle_n be_v command_v once_o and_o again_o by_o the_o council_n at_o jerusalem_n not_o to_o speak_v nor_o teach_v any_o more_o in_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n but_o they_o tell_v they_o that_o they_o can_v not_o but_o speak_v the_o thing_n which_o they_o have_v see_v and_o hear_v and_o that_o they_o ought_v to_o obey_v god_n rather_o than_o man_n and_o notwithstanding_o they_o be_v first_o threaten_v and_o afterwards_o imprison_v and_o three_o beat_v by_o they_o for_o so_o do_v yet_o do_v they_o not_o submit_v nor_o forbear_v but_o daily_o in_o the_o temple_n and_o from_o house_n to_o house_n they_o cease_v not_o to_o teach_v and_o preach_v jesus_n christ_n act._n 4._o 19_o 20_o 21._o act._n 5._o 17_o 18_o 29_o 40_o 42._o paul_n be_v accuse_v first_o before_o festus_n and_o afterwards_o before_o felix_n the_o roman_a deputy_n that_o he_o be_v a_o pestilent_a fellow_n and_o a_o mover_n of_o sedition_n among_o the_o jew_n throughout_o the_o world_n and_o a_o ringleader_n of_o the_o sect_n of_o the_o nazaren_n who_o also_o have_v go_v about_o to_o profane_v the_o temple_n do_v not_o only_o appeal_v to_o cesar_n but_o go_v on_o in_o his_o course_n and_o preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o preach_v that_o the_o jew_n kill_v the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o their_o own_o prophet_n and_o persecute_v the_o apostle_n and_o please_v not_o god_n and_o be_v contrary_a to_o all_o man_n act._n 24._o 5_o 6._o act._n 25._o 7_o 8_o 9_o 10._o 1_o thess._n 2._o 15._o 3._o this_o submission_n dethron_v jesus_n christ_n who_o only_o have_v power_n over_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n to_o bind_v they_o by_o his_o authority_n by_o attribute_v such_o a_o power_n and_o authority_n to_o church-judicatoric_n as_o do_v bind_v man_n conscience_n upon_o their_o mere_a arbitrement_n and_o pleasure_n for_o we_o must_v be_v subject_a because_o they_o will_v have_v it_o so_o though_o the_o reason_n why_o they_o command_v this_o subjection_n to_o wit_n our_o suppose_a delinquency_n be_v a_o mere_a non_fw-la ens_fw-la and_o such_o as_o have_v no_o foundation_n in_o truth_n and_o equity_n if_o it_o be_v tell_v we_o that_o the_o conscience_n be_v not_o bind_v because_o the_o judgement_n be_v still_o leave_v free_a and_o the_o outward_a act_n only_o restrain_v we_o will_v have_v our_o brethren_n to_o remember_v that_o some_o of_o themselves_o and_o other_o who_o do_v oppose_v conformity_n to_o the_o ceremony_n do_v tell_v the_o prelate_n and_o their_o party_n when_o they_o use_v this_o defence_n against_o the_o argument_n take_v from_o bind_v the_o conscience_n to_o wit_n that_o if_o the_o bare_a authority_n of_o a_o ecclesiastical_a law_n without_o any_o other_o reason_n then_o the_o will_n and_o pleasure_n of_o man_n be_v make_v to_o restrain_v we_o in_o the_o use_n of_o thing_n which_o be_v in_o themselves_o indifferent_a then_o be_v christian_a liberty_n take_v away_o and_o if_o so_o in_o thing_n indifferent_a how_o much_o more_o be_v it_o so_o in_o thing_n necessary_a such_o as_o keep_v fellowship_n with_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o public_a prayer_n and_o praise_n and_o eat_v and_o drink_v at_o the_o table_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o preach_v the_o gospel_n etc._o etc._o the_o practice_n whereof_o be_v thing_n command_v of_o god_n unto_o person_n due_o qualify_v and_o instruct_v thereunto_o if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o these_o thing_n cease_v to_o be_v oblige_v duty_n to_o such_o a_o person_n hic_fw-la et_fw-la nunc_fw-la and_o that_o the_o sentence_n of_o the_o church_n command_v he_o to_o abstain_v lose_v he_o from_o the_o obedience_n that_o he_o do_v otherwise_o owe_v unto_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n we_o desire_v a_o warrant_n from_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n for_o such_o doctrine_n as_o that_o which_o prefer_v the_o commandment_n of_o man_n unto_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n and_o say_v that_o it_o be_v better_a to_o obey_v man_n than_o god_n shall_v the_o sole_a will_n and_o mere_a pleasure_n of_o man_n lose_v a_o man_n from_o the_o obligation_n he_o owe_v unto_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n if_o so_o let_v we_o no_o more_o blame_v the_o pope_n for_o dispense_v with_o divine_a law_n i_o can_v abstain_v from_o take_v christ_n body_n and_o blood_n or_o from_o preach_v the_o gospel_n say_v the_o innocent_a man_n unjust_o sentence_v because_o i_o be_o thereunto_o call_v and_o command_v of_o god_n but_o say_v the_o synod_n or_o kirk-judicatory_n we_o have_v command_v you_o to_o abstain_v and_o therefore_o you_o shall_v abstain_v and_o may_v be_v satisfy_v in_o your_o conscience_n so_o to_o do_v because_o our_o command_n lose_v you_o from_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n hence_o a_o four_o argument_n 4._o this_o submission_n conclude_v a_o man_n under_o a_o necessity_n of_o sin_v against_o god_n by_o omit_v those_o necessary_a duty_n that_o be_v command_v he_o of_o god_n upon_o a_o non-relevant_a reason_n to_o wit_n the_o mere_a will_n and_o pleasure_n of_o man_n to_o who_o god_n have_v give_v no_o power_n against_o the_o truth_n but_o for_o the_o truth_n no_o power_n to_o destruction_n but_o to_o edification_n 5._o if_o such_o a_o submission_n be_v due_a to_o the_o judicatory_n of_o the_o kirk_n in_o matter_n of_o discipline_n and_o government_n we_o do_v not_o see_v how_o it_o be_v not_o also_o due_a unto_o they_o in_o matter_n of_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n the_o authoritative_a and_o juridical_a power_n belong_v to_o class_n and_o synod_n be_v threefold_a dogmatic_a diatactick_a and_o critic_n dogmatic_a in_o reference_n to_o matter_n of_o faith_n and_o rule_n of_o worship_n which_o god_n have_v lay_v down_o and_o prescribe_v to_o we_o in_o his_o word_n and_o the_o inconsistency_n of_o heresy_n error_n and_o corruption_n therewith_o diatactick_n in_o reference_n to_o external_a order_n and_o policy_n in_o matter_n circumstantial_a relate_v to_o time_n place_n and_o person_n the_o conveniency_n whereof_o be_v determinable_a by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o christian_a prudence_n and_o the_o general_a rule_n of_o the_o word_n such_o as_o these_o that_o we_o shall_v do_v all_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n to_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n and_o in_o order_n and_o decency_n etc._n etc._n critic_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o repress_n of_o scandal_n error_n heresy_n schism_n obstinacy_n and_o contempt_n and_o preserve_v of_o the_o purity_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o holiness_n of_o conversation_n and_o unity_n of_o judgement_n and_o affection_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n by_o exercise_v the_o spiritual_a
themselves_o tell_v a_o whole_a synod_n that_o they_o ought_v to_o esteem_v that_o best_a which_o seem_v so_o to_o superior_n and_o that_o this_o be_v a_o sufficient_a ground_n to_o the_o conscience_n for_o obey_v though_o the_o thing_n be_v inconvenient_a we_o say_v that_o congregation_n ought_v indeed_o to_o be_v subject_a to_o presbytery_n and_o synod_n yet_o not_o absolute_o but_o in_o the_o lord_n and_o in_o thing_n lawful_a and_o to_o this_o purpose_n the_o constitution_n of_o presbytery_n and_o synod_n be_v to_o be_v examine_v by_o the_o judgement_n of_o christian_a discretion_n for_o a_o synod_n be_v judex_fw-la judicandus_fw-la and_o regula_fw-la regulata_fw-la so_o that_o it_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v blind_o obey_v whether_o the_o ordinance_n be_v convenient_a or_o inconvenient_a have_v now_o vindicate_v the_o protest_a brethren_n from_o the_o aspersion_n unjust_o cast_v upon_o they_o in_o that_o declaration_n and_o give_v a_o reason_n why_o they_o can_v accept_v thereof_o as_o contain_v right_a and_o fit_a foundation_n of_o union_n we_o have_v only_o to_o add_v that_o we_o know_v and_o be_v persuade_v in_o our_o spirit_n that_o as_o the_o division_n of_o this_o church_n be_v among_o the_o deep_a wound_n and_o great_a affliction_n of_o their_o soul_n so_o there_o be_v nothing_o next_o unto_o communion_n and_o fellowship_n with_o god_n in_o his_o truth_n which_o they_o do_v more_o earnest_o desire_v than_o a_o sinless_a union_n and_o peace_n in_o the_o church_n and_o will_v redeem_v it_o at_o any_o rate_n that_o shall_v not_o pollute_v their_o conscience_n and_o widen_v the_o breach_n with_o god_n and_o therefore_o as_o through_o the_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n these_o brethren_n have_v a_o witness_n of_o their_o innocency_n and_o of_o the_o justice_n of_o their_o cause_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o many_o of_o the_o precious_a and_o godly_a in_o the_o land_n so_o we_o desire_v that_o none_o of_o the_o lord_n people_n will_v receive_v the_o accusation_n that_o be_v lay_v against_o they_o or_o look_v upon_o they_o as_o man_n of_o implacable_a spirit_n who_o hold_v up_o contention_n and_o division_n in_o the_o church_n but_o esteem_v they_o such_o as_o stand_v for_o the_o defence_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o be_v seek_v and_o pursue_v such_o a_o union_n and_o peace_n as_o may_v be_v not_o for_o the_o destruction_n but_o for_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o cause_n of_o god_n which_o they_o conceive_v themselves_o bind_v to_o and_o tender_a before_o their_o own_o person_n and_o ministry_n postscript_n after_o that_o this_o answer_n be_v send_v to_o the_o press_n the_o author_n of_o the_o declaration_n to_o which_o it_o do_v contain_v a_o reply_n together_o with_o several_a other_o brethren_n of_o their_o judgement_n meet_v at_o edinburgh_n in_o a_o extrajudicial_a way_n two_o month_n after_o the_o first_o publish_v thereof_o do_v resolve_v that_o the_o declaration_n shall_v be_v tender_v to_o the_o several_a presbytery_n of_o that_o judgement_n for_o their_o approbation_n and_o thereafter_o offer_v by_o they_o to_o the_o protest_a brethren_n in_o the_o several_a part_n of_o the_o country_n and_o that_o their_o answer_n shall_v be_v desire_v thereupon_o whether_o the_o imputation_n which_o they_o conceive_v to_o be_v cast_v upon_o they_o by_o some_o synod_n refâ—…sing_v to_o declare_v themselves_o as_o to_o their_o approve_v thereof_o of_o which_o we_o have_v have_v a_o credible_a report_n or_o any_o other_o consideration_n do_v lead_v they_o hereunto_o we_o shall_v not_o determine_v but_o we_o can_v but_o take_v notice_n 1._o that_o herein_o they_o have_v have_v little_a or_o no_o regard_n to_o the_o due_a liberty_n of_o presbytery_n and_o synod_n notwithstanding_o of_o their_o great_a pretension_n and_o profession_n unto_o the_o contrary_a in_o all_o their_o debate_n with_o the_o protest_a brethren_n a_o few_o private_a person_n have_v first_o without_o acquaint_v they_o with_o that_o paper_n or_o desire_v their_o approbation_n thereof_o publish_v the_o same_o as_o the_o judgement_n and_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o brethren_n who_o be_v for_o the_o establish_a government_n of_o the_o kirk_n of_o scotland_n and_o then_o ex_fw-la post_fw-la facto_fw-la a_o long_a time_n after_o it_o have_v go_v abroad_o material_o in_o their_o name_n to_o endeavour_v to_o engage_v they_o in_o the_o approbation_n thereof_o 2._o that_o the_o presbytery_n of_o that_o judgement_n have_v walk_v in_o a_o very_a different_a and_o dissonant_n way_n in_o order_n to_o that_o without_o justify_v the_o narrative_a 〈◊〉_d and_o other_o have_v approve_v the_o whole_a paper_n title_n and_o body_n as_o it_o stand_v and_o in_o these_o term_n tender_v it_o as_o a_o ground_n of_o union_n and_o peace_n 3._o that_o sundry_a of_o these_o brethren_n and_o presbytery_n of_o the_o resolution_n judgement_n who_o have_v approve_v and_o tender_v this_o paper_n to_o several_a of_o the_o protest_v brethâ—…en_v have_v do_v it_o in_o such_o a_o way_n as_o do_v more_o savour_n of_o the_o custom_n of_o litigious_a man_n than_o do_v beseem_v the_o gospel_n and_o servant_n of_o jesus_n christ_n to_o wit_n by_o civil_a notary_n and_o instrument_n require_v under_o their_o hand_n 4._o that_o some_o presbytery_n of_o that_o judgement_n have_v because_o of_o some_o protest_v brethren_n of_o the_o presbytery_n their_o refuse_n to_o join_v with_o they_o in_o condemn_v the_o practice_n and_o proposal_n mention_v in_o that_o declaration_n as_o contrary_a and_o destructive_a to_o the_o government_n of_o this_o kirk_n declare_v they_o to_o be_v such_o as_o do_v dissent_n from_o the_o government_n itself_o beside_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v say_v in_o the_o body_n of_o this_o reply_n it_o may_v by_o these_o thing_n further_o appear_v what_o reason_n there_o be_v upon_o the_o one_o hanâ—…_n to_o hasten_v forth_o a_o answer_n to_o that_o paper_n and_o upon_o the_o other_o how_o small_a reason_n from_o the_o paper_n itself_o how_o lubâ—…ick_a ground_n from_o the_o dissonant_n proceed_n of_o the_o resolution_n brethren_n thereupon_o the_o brethren_n for_o the_o protestation_n have_v to_o embrace_v the_o same_o as_o a_o foundation_n of_o union_n and_o peace_n or_o if_o they_o do_v so_o in_o how_o great_a â—…_z cloud_n of_o uncertainty_n they_o must_v walk_v and_o what_o hard_a condition_n they_o must_v swallow_v finis_fw-la