be_v that_o be_v give_v to_o the_o general_n assembly_n of_o that_o business_n some_o of_o the_o commissioner_n confession_n before_o the_o commission_n of_o the_o church_n at_o strivel_a after_o dunbar_n do_v bear_v witness_n it_o may_v be_v remember_v that_o the_o moderator_n then_o regret_v that_o the_o plain_a business_n be_v not_o make_v know_v to_o the_o general_n assembly_n and_o that_o most_o of_o what_o be_v speak_v in_o that_o debate_n at_o strivel_a tend_v rather_o to_o clear_v the_o gen._n assembly_n then_o to_o justify_v the_o treaty_n and_o indeed_o these_o after_o discovery_n of_o hide_a and_o sinful_o conceal_v truth_n may_v plead_v for_o a_o fair_a construction_n of_o what_o the_o assembly_n do_v in_o approve_v their_o commissioner_n proceed_n which_o belike_o they_o will_v not_o have_v approven_v if_o they_o have_v know_v all_o the_o truth_n and_o do_v afford_v sufficient_a ground_n for_o the_o remonstrator_n afterward_o to_o remonstrate_v they_o without_o reflect_v upon_o the_o assembly_n or_o upon_o their_o own_o profession_n of_o respect_n to_o the_o doctrine_n and_o government_n of_o this_o church_n second_o these_o act_n be_v not_o so_o most_o unanimous_o conclude_v as_o the_o author_n affirm_v it_o be_v true_a that_o there_o be_v no_o protestation_n nor_o open_a and_o plain_a dissent_n by_o any_o member_n of_o the_o assembly_n against_o they_o but_o several_a member_n who_o have_v profess_v their_o dis-satisfaction_n with_o that_o matter_n in_o private_a when_o it_o come_v to_o be_v vote_v in_o public_a they_o do_v so_o qualify_v their_o vote_n that_o it_o do_v relate_v only_o to_o the_o approve_v of_o the_o diligence_n of_o the_o commissioner_n insinuate_v that_o they_o be_v not_o clear_a to_o approve_v of_o the_o matter_n i_o acknowledge_v that_o it_o be_v a_o weakness_n that_o they_o do_v not_o plain_o declare_v their_o mind_n which_o some_o of_o they_o be_v request_v to_o forbear_v but_o this_o show_v that_o there_o be_v not_o so_o great_a unanimity_n in_o that_o matter_n as_o he_o speak_v of_o he_o be_v not_o ignorant_a that_o as_o that_o business_n be_v from_o the_o first_o to_o the_o last_o rash_o transact_v and_o against_o the_o inclination_n of_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o godly_a in_o the_o land_n whilst_o they_o yet_o do_v see_v the_o king_n continue_v in_o his_o opposition_n to_o the_o work_n of_o god_n so_o also_o against_o the_o inclination_n of_o many_o in_o the_o assembly_n who_o yet_o can_v not_o find_v a_o ground_n to_o dissent_v oppen_o from_o that_o conclusion_n because_o of_o the_o fair_a representation_n of_o the_o matter_n make_v to_o they_o three_o before_o the_o remonstrance_n be_v pen_v there_o be_v palpable_a and_o clear_a discovery_n of_o the_o hollowness_n of_o that_o transaction_n in_o holland_n the_o king_n have_v give_v commission_n to_o the_o malignant_n to_o rise_v in_o arm_n and_o have_v himself_o desert_v the_o judicatories_n and_o go_v away_o to_o join_v with_o the_o malignant_n and_o several_a other_o thing_n of_o that_o kind_n be_v make_v know_v before_o there_o be_v any_o meeting_n about_o the_o remonstrance_n let_v be_v any_o conclusion_n take_v upon_o it_o four_o there_o can_v not_o be_v any_o address_n to_o these_o judicatories_n by_o way_n of_o supplication_n or_o otherwise_o to_o desire_v they_o to_o re-examine_a or_o to_o take_v to_o their_o consideration_n again_o these_o act_n and_o constitution_n because_o the_o gen._n ass_n which_o only_o by_o the_o author_n own_o acknowledgement_n have_v power_n so_o to_o do_v be_v not_o then_o sit_v nor_o to_o sit_v for_o eight_o or_o nine_o month_n thereafter_o and_o the_o lord_n have_v smite_v we_o so_o sore_o as_o at_o dunbar_n and_o be_v still_o threaten_v more_o wrath_n it_o be_v no_o time_n to_o delay_v nor_o dally_v the_o represent_v the_o ground_n of_o his_o controversy_n five_o when_o that_o remonstrance_n past_a the_o force_n of_o the_o west_n be_v enclose_v between_o the_o english_a force_n at_o glasgow_n and_o those_o at_o carlisle_n and_o resolve_v to_o lay_v down_o their_o life_n in_o the_o defence_n of_o their_o religion_n and_o country_n and_o therefore_o think_v themselves_o bind_v to_o exoner_n their_o conscience_n in_o a_o free_a and_o plain_a way_n and_o to_o leave_v that_o testimony_n behind_o they_o concern_v the_o guiltiness_n of_o the_o land_n and_o the_o judicatories_n thereof_o six_o that_o remonstrance_n be_v not_o the_o deed_n of_o some_o of_o the_o protester_n only_o but_o for_o the_o substance_n first_o the_o deed_n of_o one_o of_o the_o best_a and_o most_o famous_a synod_n of_o this_o church_n and_o afterward_o both_o for_o substance_n and_o word_n the_o deed_n of_o a_o very_a considerable_a number_n of_o officer_n gentleman_n and_o minister_n who_o integrity_n and_o zeal_n for_o the_o public_a cause_n from_o the_o beginning_n be_v know_v and_o approven_v not_o only_o to_o the_o judicatories_n of_o church_n and_o state_n but_o to_o all_o good_a man_n throughout_o the_o land_n seven_o that_o as_o it_o be_v true_a that_o these_o who_o come_v with_o the_o remonstrance_n to_o present_v it_o to_o the_o committee_n of_o estate_n be_v require_v if_o they_o have_v any_o power_n commit_v to_o they_o to_o change_v any_o thing_n thereof_o do_v plain_o declare_v that_o though_o some_o expression_n may_v be_v change_v yet_o they_o have_v no_o power_n to_o alter_v any_o thing_n in_o the_o matter_n so_o it_o be_v no_o less_o true_a that_o these_o who_o do_v require_v they_o if_o they_o have_v any_o such_o power_n be_v tell_v that_o they_o have_v power_n to_o communicate_v the_o same_o unto_o they_o before_o they_o give_v it_o in_o to_o the_o committee_n and_o to_o take_v their_o advice_n and_o assistance_n therein_o do_v not_o after_o the_o read_n and_o hear_v thereof_o profess_v any_o dislike_n of_o the_o matter_n therein_o contain_v much_o less_o do_v they_o use_v any_o argument_n to_o dissuade_v they_o from_o give_v it_o in_o which_o give_v just_a ground_n to_o the_o other_o to_o think_v that_o they_o do_v approve_v thereof_o they_o be_v man_n of_o such_o ripnesse_n of_o judgement_n freedom_n intimacy_n and_o friendliness_n with_o these_o who_o give_v it_o in_o that_o they_o can_v not_o but_o look_v upon_o their_o silence_n as_o a_o approve_v of_o their_o way_n eigth_o let_v it_o be_v consider_v whether_o the_o remonstrator_n or_o these_o who_o be_v hug_v by_o the_o commission_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o meeting_n at_o st._n andrews_n and_o dundee_n be_v their_o best_a friend_n and_o most_o forward_o for_o the_o public_a resolution_n be_v this_o day_n most_o tender_a of_o the_o liberty_n of_o church_n and_o state_n the_o latter_a consent_n to_o all_o the_o demand_n of_o the_o present_a power_n and_o the_o former_a every_o where_n refuse_v as_o to_o that_o which_o be_v say_v to_o be_v prove_v by_o mr._n john_n carstares_n his_o letter_n to_o the_o lord_n register_n how_o weak_o be_v this_o allege_a mr._n john_n carstares_n be_v then_o a_o prisoner_n at_o edinburgh_n the_o remonstrator_n be_v at_o dumfreis_n the_o remonstrance_n be_v present_v at_o strivel_a he_o know_v not_o so_o much_o as_o either_o matter_n or_o form_n of_o the_o remonstrance_n till_o it_o be_v present_v how_o then_o can_v he_o give_v advice_n therein_o or_o if_o his_o letter_n be_v intercept_v how_o can_v that_o advice_n come_v to_o their_o hand_n that_o they_o may_v hearken_v thereto_o if_o there_o have_v be_v any_o thing_n in_o that_o letter_n that_o make_v for_o his_o purpose_n why_o do_v not_o the_o author_n cite_v the_o word_n of_o it_o after_o the_o intercept_n thereof_o it_o be_v show_v to_o mr._n robert_n dowglas_n and_o diverse_a other_o and_o as_o it_o do_v then_o so_o if_o it_o be_v needful_a to_o make_v it_o public_a it_o will_v now_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o it_o of_o which_o either_o mr._n john_n or_o my_o lord_n register_n need_v to_o be_v ashamed_a and_o it_o will_v abundant_o confute_v the_o calumny_n of_o some_o and_o correct_v the_o mistake_n of_o other_o particular_o in_o the_o thing_n for_o which_o it_o be_v allege_v vindication_n second_o public_a vilify_n of_o act_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n as_o not_o to_o be_v press_v in_o matter_n of_o conscience_n witness_n mr._n james_n guthrie_n his_o speech_n utter_v public_o in_o the_o commission_n at_o strivel_a where_o in_o conference_n upon_o the_o western_a remonstrance_n when_o the_o moderator_n do_v once_o and_o again_o press_v the_o act_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n approve_v the_o close_a of_o the_o treaty_n with_o the_o king_n and_o the_o declaration_n of_o the_o same_o assembly_n emit_v when_o the_o english_a army_n enter_v the_o land_n against_o that_o part_n of_o the_o remonstrance_n condemn_v the_o close_a of_o the_o treaty_n he_o public_o answer_v press_v i_o not_o with_o humane_a constitution_n in_o matter_n of_o conscience_n all_o
must_v not_o choose_v any_o to_o be_v commissioner_n to_o a_o general_n assembly_n that_o teach_v doctrine_n contrary_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o kirk_n agreeable_a thereunto_o and_o therefore_o if_o a_o commission_n of_o the_o gen._n assembly_n or_o any_o other_o kirk_n judicatory_a according_a to_o their_o interest_n perceive_v minister_n throughout_o the_o kirk_n teach_v contrary_a to_o the_o truth_n or_o practise_v to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n shall_v writ_v to_o presbytery_n desire_v they_o not_o to_o choose_v any_o such_o commissioner_n to_o a_o general_n assembly_n this_o be_v no_o undue_a pre-limitation_n or_o prejudging_a their_o liberty_n in_o election_n but_o a_o necessary_a and_o lawful_a warning_n putt_v they_o in_o mind_n of_o and_o stir_v they_o to_o a_o duty_n whereunto_o they_o be_v bind_v though_o no_o such_o direction_n be_v send_v to_o they_o this_o lay_v down_o in_o general_a as_o to_o that_o act_n and_o letter_n of_o the_o late_a commission_n send_v to_o presbytery_n we_o say_v first_o that_o the_o commission_n do_v nothing_o therein_o but_o that_o which_o other_o kirk-meeting_n and_o commission_n have_v do_v before_o they_o in_o the_o same_o matter_n in_o relation_n to_o the_o election_n of_o commissioner_n to_o the_o general_n assembly_n all_o which_o must_v fall_v unto_o the_o ground_n as_o null_n unfree_a and_o unlall_a if_o the_o late_a general_n assembly_n be_v unfree_a and_o unlawful_a in_o its_o constitution_n upon_o this_o account_n we_o must_v look_v back_o to_o the_o general_n assembly_n at_o glasgow_n 38._o itself_o what_o direction_n be_v send_v from_o the_o table_n then_o at_o edinburgh_n in_o relation_n to_o elect_a commissioner_n thereunto_o next_o we_o must_v refer_v also_o to_o the_o letter_n send_v to_o presbytery_n by_o the_o kirk_n commission_n annis_fw-la 1639._o 40._o 41._o concern_v commission_n to_o brethren_n to_o these_o general_n assembly_n all_o which_o be_v yet_o extant_a in_o presbytery_n book_n but_o we_o shall_v content_v ourselves_o to_o hold_v near_o hand_n the_o late_a commission_n do_v nothing_o but_o what_o the_o commission_n do_v in_o the_o year_n 48._o wherein_n the_o chief_a protester_n have_v a_o chief_a hand_n and_o yet_o maintain_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o that_o deed_n and_o the_o freedom_n and_o lawfulness_n of_o the_o constitution_n of_o that_o assembly_n that_o follow_v thereupon_o to_o this_o the_o writer_n of_o the_o large_a paper_n repli_v sundry_a thing_n in_o answer_n to_o objection_n 1._o but_o nothing_o to_o take_v away_o the_o force_n thereof_o first_o he_o hint_n at_o two_o difference_n between_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o as_o he_o will_v have_v the_o reader_n think_v he_o may_v make_v use_n of_o but_o pass_v by_o as_o have_v to_o say_v beside_o to_o say_v nothing_o say_v he_o of_o the_o difference_n of_o reference_n and_o citation_n neither_o yet_o of_o the_o difference_n of_o a_o letter_n and_o act_n import_v that_o there_o be_v a_o considerable_a difference_n between_o these_o thing_n and_o that_o the_o commission_n 48._o appoint_a person_n dissentient_a from_o they_o only_o to_o be_v refer_v and_o do_v send_v a_o letter_n only_o whereas_o the_o commission_n 50._o make_v a_o act_n also_o and_o appoint_v person_n also_o to_o be_v cite_v to_o the_o general_n assembly_n to_o which_o we_o oppone_v first_o the_o difference_n between_o a_o citation_n and_o a_o reference_n when_o the_o reference_n of_o a_o person_n to_o be_v try_v and_o judge_v on_o a_o fault_n and_o the_o person_n be_v present_a at_o the_o reference_n be_v just_a nothing_o see_v assembly_n 1643._o session_n 2._o aug._n 3._o overture_n anent_o bill_n etc._n etc._n and_o i_o desire_v the_o writer_n to_o say_v if_o it_o be_v not_o the_o purpose_n of_o the_o commission_n 48._o when_o they_o do_v require_v presbytery_n to_o refer_v such_o to_o the_o gen._n assembly_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v lay_v on_o they_o a_o obligation_n legal_a to_o compear_v personal_o before_o the_o gen._n assembly_n for_o trial_n and_o sentence_n upon_o they_o and_o what_o else_o be_v the_o end_n of_o a_o citation_n and_o summons_n nor_o yet_o be_v the_o more_o difference_n betwixt_o the_o act_n of_o the_o commission_n and_o person_n to_o be_v refer_v or_o cite_v by_o presbytery_n and_o a_o letter_n require_v it_o to_o be_v do_v for_o be_v there_o not_o a_o act_n for_o such_o a_o letter_n and_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o and_o have_v the_o letter_n itself_o the_o force_n of_o a_o act_n will_v not_o the_o refuse_v of_o what_o be_v desire_v be_v count_v disobedience_n to_o the_o commission_n but_o it_o seem_v the_o writer_n memory_n have_v fail_v here_o behold_v a_o act_n in_o terminis_fw-la as_o it_o stand_v registrate_n in_o the_o commission_n book_n the_o 5._o of_o june_n 1648._o the_o commission_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n recommend_v earnest_o to_o presbytery_n to_o take_v special_a notice_n of_o every_o brother_n carriage_n in_o the_o public_a business_n that_o if_o any_o be_v find_v that_o do_v not_o declare_v themselves_o against_a the_o present_a malignant_a course_n nor_o join_v with_o their_o brethren_n in_o the_o common_a resolution_n thereof_o they_o be_v refer_v to_o the_o next_o general_n assembly_n and_o if_o any_o of_o they_o have_v already_o declare_v for_o it_o that_o they_o be_v present_o censure_v fic_z sub_fw-la andrew_n ker._n this_o may_v make_v we_o doubt_v the_o more_o of_o alledgance_n of_o this_o kind_n afterward_o in_o matter_n of_o fact_n when_o we_o see_v not_o clear_a and_o circumstantiat_fw-la testimony_n of_o register_n bring_v forth_o review_n in_o answer_n to_o what_o be_v here_o say_v by_o the_o author_n i_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o election_n of_o commissioner_n in_o presbytery_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v such_o as_o be_v bound_v with_o no_o limitation_n and_o that_o if_o any_o commission_n of_o a_o general_n assembly_n or_o any_o other_o church_n judicatory_a according_a to_o their_o interest_n perceive_v minister_n throughout_o the_o church_n teach_v contrary_a or_o practise_v to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o the_o truth_n shall_v write_v to_o presbytery_n desire_v not_o to_o choose_v any_o such_o commissioner_n to_o a_o general_n assembly_n this_o be_v no_o undue_a pre-limitation_n or_o prejudging_a their_o liberty_n in_o election_n i_o believe_v that_o none_o of_o the_o protester_n will_v differ_v from_o the_o author_n in_o this_o that_o presbytery_n ought_v not_o to_o choose_v any_o to_o be_v commissioner_n that_o teach_v doctrine_n contrary_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o kirk_n agreeable_a thereto_o and_o if_o the_o commission_n in_o their_o letter_n and_o act_n have_v terminate_v themselves_o within_o these_o bound_n no_o protester_n will_v have_v controvert_v with_o they_o about_o it_o and_o i_o think_v neither_o will_n he_o controvert_v with_o they_o in_o this_o that_o if_o a_o commission_n or_o any_o other_o kirk_n judicatory_a teach_v doctrine_n contrary_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o to_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n agreeable_a thereunto_o and_o write_v to_o presbytery_n to_o choose_v none_o to_o be_v commissioner_n to_o the_o general_n assembly_n who_o do_v oppose_v such_o doctrine_n that_o this_o be_v a_o prelimiting_a and_o prejudging_a of_o presbytery_n in_o the_o liberty_n of_o their_o election_n according_a to_o these_o condescension_n the_o commission_n in_o the_o 51._o have_v send_v to_o presbytery_n a_o letter_n and_o act_n before_o their_o election_n relate_v thereto_o it_o seem_v avoidable_a to_o follow_v that_o some_o limitation_n and_o direction_n there_o be_v in_o that_o letter_n and_o act_n concern_v the_o election_n but_o all_o the_o question_n be_v whether_o it_o be_v a_o limitation_n warrantable_a or_o unwarrantable_a now_o if_o so_o why_o have_v the_o author_n so_o cautious_o and_o so_o much_o wrestle_v to_o deny_v that_o that_o letter_n and_o act_n have_v any_o influence_n upon_o the_o election_n in_o presbytery_n if_o it_o be_v nothing_o but_o a_o necessary_a &_o lawful_a warning_n put_v they_o in_o mind_n of_o and_o stir_v they_o up_o to_o a_o duty_n whereto_o they_o be_v bind_v though_o no_o such_o direction_n have_v be_v send_v unto_o they_o than_o there_o be_v no_o cause_n to_o be_v afraid_a of_o the_o lose_n of_o any_o ground_n by_o acknowledge_v of_o its_o influence_n the_o author_n long_o wrangle_v about_o that_o do_v either_o seem_v to_o say_v that_o he_o be_v suspicious_a of_o the_o limitation_n contain_v therein_o as_o not_o be_v warrantable_a or_o else_o that_o he_o have_v too_o great_a goodwill_n to_o dispute_v see_v this_o will_v have_v be_v a_o short_a and_o satisfy_a answer_n the_o commission_n in_o their_o letter_n and_o act_n do_v put_v no_o bond_n on_o presbytery_n in_o the_o election_n of_o commissioner_n but_o such_o as_o be_v well_o warrant_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o act_n and_o constitution_n of_o this_o
hear_v and_o reason_n as_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o policy_n of_o the_o kirk_n and_o act_n of_o assembly_n 1581._o and_o 1586_o and_o 1596._o all_o which_o express_v this_o as_o a_o part_n of_o the_o freedom_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n of_o the_o kirk_n of_o scotland_n and_o it_o be_v the_o usual_a practice_n of_o this_o kirk_n to_o desire_v any_o judicious_a member_n of_o the_o kirk_n to_o present_v unto_o the_o assembly_n in_o write_v their_o thought_n of_o any_o danger_n to_o religion_n or_o to_o the_o kirk_n and_o of_o the_o best_a remedy_n of_o the_o same_o as_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o record_n of_o the_o assembly_n 1567._o 1587._o 159â—_n 1594_o 1595_o and_o especial_o in_o the_o time_n of_o any_o trouble_n or_o difference_n yet_o notwithstanding_o of_o all_o these_o thing_n sir_n archibald_n johnstouâ—_n clerk_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n a_o man_n to_o this_o time_n undeniable_o faithful_a and_o singular_o acquaint_v with_o the_o act_n and_o proceed_n of_o this_o kirk_n and_o with_o the_o matter_n present_o in_o controversy_n and_o debate_n and_o who_o have_v be_v useful_a above_o many_o in_o all_o the_o tract_n of_o the_o work_n of_o reformation_n from_o the_o begin_n throughout_o all_o the_o step_n thereof_o both_o at_o home_n and_o abroad_o have_v write_v his_o mind_n to_o the_o meeting_n not_o be_v able_a to_o come_v himself_o about_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v to_o be_v agitat_fw-la in_o the_o assembly_n and_o hold_v out_o much_o clear_a light_n from_o the_o scripture_n and_o from_o act_n of_o former_a assembly_n in_o these_o particular_n albeit_o the_o letter_n be_v deliver_v public_o to_o the_o moderator_n in_o the_o face_n of_o the_o assembly_n and_o urge_v to_o be_v read_v by_o he_o who_o present_v it_o that_o then_o the_o moderator_n do_v break_v it_o up_o and_o promise_v to_o cause_v read_v it_o and_o that_o many_o member_n do_v thereafter_o upon_o several_a occasion_n and_o at_o several_a diet_n press_v the_o read_n of_o it_o yet_o can_v never_o the_o read_n thereof_o be_v obtain_v but_o it_o be_v smother_v together_o with_o a_o ptotestation_n which_o be_v contain_v therein_o against_o a_o paper_n give_v in_o by_o the_o commission_n to_o the_o parliament_n approve_v what_o be_v do_v by_o the_o king_n and_o the_o committee_n of_o estate_n against_o the_o minister_n of_o sterline_n 5_o reas_n that_o can_v be_v account_v a_o free_a assembly_n to_o which_o there_o be_v not_o free_a access_n and_o recess_n but_o there_o be_v not_o free_a access_n to_o this_o assembly_n by_o reason_n of_o two_o army_n be_v interjacent_a betwixt_o the_o place_n of_o meeting_n and_o the_o dwelling_n of_o many_o of_o the_o commissioner_n these_o army_n in_o the_o very_a time_n when_o the_o commissioner_n shall_v have_v come_v to_o the_o assembly_n be_v pursue_v one_o another_o hot_o and_o have_v their_o party_n rove_a abroad_o every_o where_o therefore_o many_o member_n be_v absent_a above_o the_o one_o half_a of_o the_o burrough_n and_o many_o presbytery_n to_o the_o number_n of_o nine_o or_o ten_o neither_o be_v there_o free_a recess_n from_o it_o not_o only_o because_o of_o the_o former_a reason_n but_o also_o because_o the_o king_n and_o the_o committee_n of_o estate_n do_v detain_v and_o keep_v under_o a_o kind_n of_o confinement_n at_o sterling_n several_a member_n thereof_o as_o they_o be_v return_v to_o their_o own_o home_n have_v nothing_o nor_o allege_v any_o thing_n to_o challenge_v they_o of_o unless_o it_o be_v their_o carriage_n at_o the_o assembly_n 6_o reas_n that_o be_v not_o a_o lawful_a free_a assembly_n in_o which_o person_n lawful_o under_o the_o trial_n thereof_o be_v admit_v to_o sit_v as_o judge_n in_o the_o same_o thing_n for_o which_o they_o be_v under_o trial_n but_o the_o meeting_n at_o st._n andrews_n and_o dundee_n be_v such_o because_o the_o commissioner_n of_o the_o gen_n assembly_n be_v before_o the_o approbation_n of_o their_o proceed_n by_o the_o assembly_n admit_v to_o sit_v as_o judge_n of_o the_o protestation_n a_o part_n whereof_o be_v that_o their_o proceed_n shall_v not_o be_v ratify_v because_o they_o do_v involve_v a_o conjunction_n with_o the_o malignant_a party_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n the_o solemn_a engagement_n many_o act_n warning_n and_o declaration_n of_o this_o kirk_n etc._n etc._n yea_o not_o only_o do_v they_o before_o the_o approve_v of_o these_o proceed_n by_o the_o assembly_n judge_v the_o protestation_n whereof_o their_o own_o proceed_n be_v a_o part_n but_o do_v also_o before_o the_o approve_v their_o proceed_n judge_v the_o person_n who_o have_v give_v it_o in_o and_o give_v their_o voice_n among_o other_o who_o of_o they_o shall_v be_v cite_v in_o order_n to_o censure_n nay_o the_o committee_n wherein_o that_o business_n relate_v to_o the_o protestation_n and_o the_o in-giver_n of_o it_o be_v handle_v and_o upon_o who_o report_n thereanent_fw-la the_o resolution_n of_o the_o assembly_n therein_o do_v main_o hang_v be_v for_o most_o part_n make_v up_o of_o those_o who_o have_v be_v member_n of_o the_o commission_n which_o thing_n when_o they_o be_v impartial_o consider_v by_o indifferent_a man_n i_o believe_v will_v be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v very_o unsuitable_a and_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o liberty_n of_o a_o free_a assembly_n there_o be_v two_o thing_n as_o to_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n needful_a to_o be_v verify_v in_o this_o argument_n one_o be_v that_o the_o protestation_n be_v judge_v and_o condemn_v and_o the_o five_o member_n appoint_v to_o be_v cite_v before_o the_o approve_v of_o the_o commission-book_n another_o be_v this_o that_o the_o member_n of_o the_o commission_n have_v voice_n in_o these_o thing_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o both_o these_o we_o be_v inform_v by_o some_o but_o if_o any_o doubt_n we_o shall_v desire_v he_o to_o lay_v no_o weight_n upon_o the_o argument_n until_o he_o get_v the_o certainty_n and_o we_o ourselves_o do_v not_o lay_v any_o weight_n upon_o it_o but_o as_o these_o thing_n shall_v be_v find_v true_a object_n albeit_o these_o reason_n do_v indeed_o hold_v forth_o some_o kind_n of_o encroachment_n upon_o the_o liberty_n and_o freedom_n of_o the_o assembly_n yet_o do_v they_o not_o prove_v the_o nullity_n thereof_o every_o degree_n of_o encroachment_n be_v not_o such_o as_o destroy_v a_o assembly_n and_o make_v it_o no_o assembly_n but_o it_o be_v hard_o ever_o to_o find_v a_o lawful_a free_a assembly_n in_o the_o world_n ans_fw-fr it_o be_v true_a that_o every_o encroachment_n upon_o the_o liberty_n of_o a_o assembly_n do_v not_o destroy_v it_o and_o make_v it_o no_o assembly_n but_o we_o deny_v that_o these_o encroachment_n contain_v in_o our_o argument_n do_v it_o not_o and_o we_o give_v these_o two_o reason_n of_o our_o denial_n 1_o because_o the_o thing_n mention_v destroy_v almost_o all_o the_o essential_a requisit_n of_o a_o free_a assembly_n freedom_n of_o election_n freedom_n of_o voice_v free_a access_n &_o recess_n and_o free_a hear_n of_o what_o be_v offer_v for_o light_n impartial_a hear_n and_o discuss_v of_o exception_n against_o constituent_a member_n admit_v party_n or_o these_o who_o be_v under_o trial_n to_o be_v judge_n in_o the_o same_o thing_n 2_o because_o these_o be_v such_o encroachment_n as_o move_v the_o general_n assembly_n in_o the_o year_n 1638._o because_o of_o the_o like_a to_o judge_v several_a of_o the_o former_a assembly_n of_o this_o kirk_n to_o be_v null_a as_o may_v be_v see_v in_o the_o act_n of_o that_o assembly_n we_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v none_o of_o these_o pretend_a assembly_n for_o the_o nullity_n of_o which_o strong_a reason_n be_v bring_v then_o these_o be_v which_o we_o have_v bring_v for_o the_o nullity_n of_o this_o and_o will_v appear_v to_o those_o who_o shall_v take_v but_o a_o little_a pain_n to_o compare_v they_o together_o object_n if_o so_o be_v this_o assembly_n have_v proceed_v right_a upon_o the_o matter_n or_o according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o these_o who_o oppose_v the_o public_a resolution_n it_o be_v not_o like_a that_o they_o will_v have_v think_v that_o the_o reason_n allege_v do_v prove_v the_o nullity_n of_o it_o and_o if_o so_o why_o then_o shall_v such_o thing_n be_v make_v use_n of_o to_o prove_v the_o nullity_n of_o it_o because_o some_o man_n be_v not_o satisfy_v with_o the_o proceed_n and_o act_n thereof_o a._n albeit_o there_o be_v no_o such_o reason_n as_o be_v allege_v nor_o any_o thing_n relate_v to_o the_o point_n of_o form_n yet_o conceive_v and_o that_o with_o much_o appearance_n of_o reason_n that_o any_o assembly_n proceed_v wrong_a upon_o the_o matter_n be_v a_o null_a assembly_n because_o kirk_n judicatory_n have_v no_o power_n to_o destruction_n but_o all_o their_o power_n be_v to_o edification_n but_o whatsoever_o power_n the_o
term_n as_o to_o that_o in_o the_o year_n 1582._o it_o be_v gross_o mistake_v because_o it_o be_v no_o way_n anent_o decline_v of_o unlawful_a assembly_n but_o against_o appeal_n from_o lawful_a assembly_n to_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n in_o ecclesiastic_a cause_n for_o stop_v ecclesiastic_a discipline_n against_o the_o person_n appealer_n as_o be_v further_a evident_a by_o the_o occasion_n thereof_o mr._n robert_n montgomery_n bishop_n of_o glasgow_n his_o produce_v letter_n of_o horning_n from_o the_o king_n &_o counsel_n charge_v the_o assembly_n to_o desist_v from_o his_o process_n and_o suspend_v their_o sentence_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n till_o the_o king_n and_o counsel_n consider_v the_o same_o against_o which_o the_o kirk_n enter_v a_o protestation_n from_o these_o thing_n it_o may_v appear_v how_o unwarantable_o the_o meeting_n at_o dundee_n do_v upon_o alleadgance_n of_o this_o act_n fall_v upon_o debate_n of_o the_o summar_n excommunication_n of_o these_o who_o have_v protest_v a_o vindication_n of_o the_o freedom_n and_o lawfulness_n and_o so_o of_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o late_a general_n assembly_n begin_v at_o st._n andrews_n and_o continue_v at_o dundee_n in_o answer_n to_o the_o reason_n allege_v against_o the_o same_o in_o the_o protestation_n and_o declinator_n give_v in_o by_o some_o brethren_n at_o st._n andrews_n and_o in_o another_o paper_n late_o contrive_v by_o some_o etc._n etc._n 1651._o together_o with_o a_o review_n of_o the_o say_a vindication_n plain_o hold_v forth_o the_o nullity_n and_o unlawfulnesse_n of_o that_o pretend_a general_n assembly_n in_o which_o the_o aspersion_n cast_v upon_o the_o protester_n in_o that_o vindication_n be_v take_v off_o and_o the_o answer_v bring_v unto_o the_o reason_n contain_v in_o the_o protestation_n against_o the_o freedom_n and_o lawfulness_n of_o that_o meeting_n and_o in_o the_o paper_n afterward_o pen_v for_o clear_v and_o confirm_v thereof_o be_v discuss_v and_o the_o strength_n of_o these_o reason_n establish_v to_o be_v a_o null_a assembly_n by_o a_o friend_n of_o the_o protester_n cause_n gal_n 5.1_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 2._o cor._n 10.8_o our_o authority_n which_o the_o lord_n have_v give_v we_o for_o edification_n and_o not_o for_o your_o destruction_n for_o we_o can_v do_v nothing_o against_o the_o truth_n but_o for_o the_o truth_n print_a anno_fw-la dom._n 1652._o the_o inscription_n of_o the_o vindication_n a_o vindication_n of_o the_o freedom_n and_o lawfulness_n and_o so_o of_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o late_a general_n assembly_n begin_v at_o s._n andrews_n and_o continue_v at_o dundee_n in_o answer_n to_o the_o reason_n allege_v against_o the_o same_o in_o the_o protestation_n and_o declinator_n give_v in_o by_o some_o brethren_n at_o s._n andrews_n and_o in_o another_o paper_n late_o contrive_v by_o 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church_n be_v a_o heavy_a imputation_n yet_o be_v conscious_a to_o themselves_o of_o their_o own_o innocence_n they_o be_v not_o much_o move_v with_o it_o remember_v that_o it_o be_v the_o common_a topick_n whence_o decliner_n in_o all_o the_o age_n of_o the_o church_n have_v argue_v against_o these_o who_o will_v not_o be_v consent_v unto_o or_o do_v testify_v against_o their_o defection_n peace_n and_o unity_n have_v be_v their_o plea_n and_o sedition_n division_n and_o schism_n their_o charge_n against_o their_o opposer_n upon_o this_o account_n do_v the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o his_o apostle_n by_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n and_o elder_n of_o the_o jew_n luther_n and_o calvin_n and_o our_o first_o reformer_n by_o the_o pope_n and_o his_o clergy_n nonformists_n by_o the_o prelate_n and_o their_o adherent_n stand_v record_v in_o the_o catalogue_n of_o these_o who_o practise_v to_o foment_n division_n and_o fix_v a_o schism_n in_o the_o church_n 3._o it_o be_v assert_v that_o 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vain_o nor_o boast_o spread_v it_o to_o the_o provoke_a of_o any_o so_o do_v they_o not_o purposely_o keep_v it_o up_o from_o any_o of_o whatsoever_o judgement_n but_o be_v willing_a and_o desirous_a that_o it_o shall_v go_v abroad_o for_o edify_v of_o as_o many_o as_o the_o lord_n shall_v be_v please_v to_o bless_v it_o unto_o and_o therefore_o do_v they_o not_o only_o give_v copy_n to_o such_o as_o do_v desire_v they_o but_o also_o do_v use_v some_o mean_n to_o have_v get_v it_o print_v and_o can_v get_v none_o to_o undertake_v it_o vindication_n before_o i_o fall_v upon_o the_o examination_n of_o the_o reason_n bring_v against_o and_o the_o discovery_n of_o the_o false_a aspersion_n cast_v upon_o the_o assembly_n by_o these_o paper_n mention_v i_o do_v obtest_v the_o reader_n whosoever_o he_o be_v into_o who_o hand_n this_o vindication_n shall_v come_v in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o as_o thou_o
and_o rash_o to_o say_v to_o the_o best_a of_o it_o spare_v not_o to_o traduce_v they_o as_o apostate_n and_o backslider_n but_o this_o be_v it_o i_o will_v say_v that_o man_n shall_v take_v heed_n that_o they_o make_v not_o a_o snare_n of_o their_o opinion_n yea_o or_o the_o real_a conviction_n of_o the_o godliness_n they_o have_v of_o any_o person_n by_o approve_v take_v up_o or_o follow_v their_o say_n opinion_n or_o practice_n without_o due_a examination_n and_o trial_n upon_o this_o account_n because_o they_o be_v godly_a person_n from_o who_o such_o thing_n proceed_v it_o be_v well_o and_o expedient_a for_o such_o as_o will_v in_o this_o dangerous_a time_n walk_v circumspect_o and_o shun_v snare_n to_o remember_v as_o to_o this_o present_a caution_n two_o thing_n 1._o that_o true_a godliness_n be_v not_o of_o such_o perfection_n in_o any_o on_o this_o side_n of_o eternity_n as_o do_v exempt_v they_o from_o all_o err_a whether_o in_o judgement_n or_o practice_n nor_o yet_o from_o stiff_o maintain_v mistake_n when_o once_o they_o have_v turn_v aside_o unto_o they_o luther_n be_v a_o godly_a man_n and_o have_v much_o of_o christ_n in_o he_o i_o think_v none_o of_o they_o interest_v in_o the_o present_a business_n will_v compare_v with_o he_o yet_o who_o know_v not_o what_o great_a erroun_n he_o hold_v in_o the_o matter_n of_o god_n and_o maintain_v not_o only_o stiff_o but_o violent_o to_o the_o great_a prejudice_n of_o religion_n and_o obstruction_n of_o the_o work_n of_o reformation_n under_o which_o the_o reform_a kirk_n do_v groan_v yet_o unto_o this_o day_n 2._o how_o woeful_a a_o snare_n this_o i_o mean_v not_o godliness_n but_o the_o overweigh_a conceit_n of_o person_n repute_v to_o be_v godly_a have_v prove_v in_o the_o neighbour_n nation_n and_o kirk_n have_v not_o this_o be_v one_o of_o the_o chief_a stratagem_n and_o engine_n whereby_o satan_n have_v prevail_v to_o mar_v the_o fair_a work_n of_o reformation_n so_o happy_o and_o hopeful_o once_o begin_v there_o and_o sill_v that_o land_n with_o unparalelled_a confusion_n under_o which_o now_o it_o groan_n foelix_fw-la quem_fw-la faciunt_fw-la aliena_fw-la pericula_fw-la cautum_fw-la it_o be_v good_a for_o we_o to_o learn_v wisdom_n by_o other_o man_n danger_n and_o to_o be_v warn_v by_o the_o beacon_n which_o other_o shipwreck_n have_v set_v up_o to_o we_o lest_o we_o also_o make_v shipwreck_n upon_o the_o the_o same_o schelve_n and_o then_o say_v but_o too_o late_a non_fw-la putavimus_fw-la proverb_n still_o scottish_a man_n wise_a behind_o the_o hand_n prove_v all_o thing_n from_o whatsoever_o hand_n they_o come_v and_o hold_v fast_o that_o which_o be_v good_a review_n i_o do_v indeed_o believe_v that_o the_o author_n do_v not_o intend_v to_o say_v or_o advise_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o prejudice_n or_o disadvantage_n of_o godliness_n or_o godly_a man_n yet_o do_v i_o desire_v he_o serious_o and_o in_o soberness_n of_o mind_n as_o before_o the_o lord_n to_o consider_v whether_o there_o have_v be_v something_o in_o the_o late_a public_a resolution_n and_o in_o the_o proceed_n and_o act_n of_o the_o late_a assembly_n at_o dundee_n to_o both_o which_o if_o i_o mistake_v not_o he_o have_v a_o great_a accession_n that_o be_v prejudicial_a to_o godliness_n and_o to_o godly_a man_n respect_v to_o these_o do_v exceed_o abate_v with_o the_o public_a resolution_n yea_o enimity_n against_o these_o do_v exceed_o grow_v with_o these_o resolution_n a_o thing_n so_o manifest_a that_o they_o who_o do_v run_v can_v not_o but_o read_v it_o and_o do_v not_o the_o act_n at_o dundee_n wherein_o beside_o the_o censure_n that_o be_v inflict_v on_o some_o all_o whether_o minister_n elder_n expectant_n schoolmaster_n student_n or_o professor_n of_o whatsoever_o sort_n who_o shall_v not_o acquiesce_v to_o the_o act_n and_o conclusion_n of_o that_o assembly_n and_o who_o after_o conference_n for_o their_o satisfaction_n oppose_v the_o same_o be_v appoint_v to_o be_v censure_v do_v not_o i_o say_v these_o act_n import_v a_o prejudice_n to_o godliness_n and_o godly_a man_n if_o prosecute_v and_o execute_v they_o will_v at_o last_o non-office_n and_o non-church_n many_o godly_a church-officer_n and_o godly_a church-member_n yea_o i_o fear_v the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o godly_a in_o the_o land_n his_o testimony_n concern_v the_o godliness_n of_o many_o of_o the_o author_n and_o abettor_n of_o this_o protestation_n i_o do_v willing_o accept_v as_o savour_v of_o ingenuity_n and_o have_v truth_n in_o it_o i_o wish_v he_o have_v be_v as_o plain_a and_o positive_a in_o give_v his_o judgement_n concern_v other_o while_o he_o difference_n they_o from_o these_o to_o who_o godliness_n he_o bear_v testimony_n and_o say_v that_o what_o ever_o they_o have_v be_v every_o whit_n he_o will_v not_o take_v upon_o he_o to_o judge_v it_o seem_v that_o he_o will_v render_v they_o suspect_v if_o not_o have_v they_o take_v for_o person_n naughty_a or_o little_a worth_n what_o ever_o be_v his_o meaning_n in_o it_o or_o his_o judgement_n of_o these_o other_o i_o shall_v not_o stand_v to_o inquire_v into_o it_o there_o be_v none_o of_o the_o author_n or_o abettor_n of_o that_o protestation_n to_o who_o many_o of_o the_o godly_a in_o scotland_n will_v not_o give_v a_o honest_a testimony_n neither_o will_v any_o thing_n that_o any_o of_o they_o have_v be_v contradict_v the_o same_o if_o at_o any_o time_n they_o have_v be_v in_o a_o wrong_a way_n yet_o have_v they_o through_o grace_n repent_v of_o and_o forsake_v the_o same_o and_o it_o concern_v the_o author_n who_o have_v be_v a_o sharer_n of_o the_o like_a precious_a mercy_n not_o to_o upbraid_v they_o but_o to_o acknowledge_v the_o goodness_n of_o the_o lord_n both_o to_o they_o and_o to_o himself_o i_o deny_v not_o that_o there_o be_v godly_a man_n on_o the_o other_o side_n and_o such_o as_o suffer_v for_o the_o truth_n and_o cause_n of_o god_n but_o why_o he_o shall_v say_v that_o some_o of_o they_o be_v in_o christ_n before_o the_o protester_n and_o that_o they_o be_v sufferer_n for_o the_o truth_n when_o other_o have_v not_o the_o honour_n to_o be_v deor_n for_o it_o i_o do_v not_o well_o understand_v sundry_a of_o the_o protester_n for_o their_o be_v in_o christ_n and_o suffer_v for_o the_o truth_n and_o cause_n of_o god_n be_v through_o grace_n of_o a_o very_a old_a and_o longstanding_n and_o famous_a &_o honourable_a in_o all_o this_o church_n i_o can_v reckon_v the_o month_n or_o year_n since_o the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o do_v begin_v to_o be_v in_o christ_n and_o have_v the_o honour_n to_o suffer_v for_o the_o truth_n neither_o do_v i_o desire_v to_o insist_v on_o the_o comparison_n bless_a be_v the_o lord_n for_o all_o that_o be_v in_o christ_n and_o for_o all_o who_o suffer_v for_o his_o cause_n i_o wish_v and_o pray_v that_o all_o of_o they_o may_v conquer_v and_o overcome_v and_o if_o any_o of_o they_o be_v turn_v out_o of_o the_o way_n the_o lord_n may_v again_o recover_v they_o and_o make_v their_o last_o day_n better_o than_o their_o first_o it_o be_v true_a some_o of_o the_o protester_n have_v not_o the_o honour_n to_o be_v doer_n for_o the_o cause_n yea_o be_v opposer_n of_o it_o when_o some_o of_o the_o other_o side_n be_v suffer_v for_o it_o but_o what_o if_o they_o have_v obtain_v mercy_n because_o they_o do_v it_o ignorant_o through_o unbelief_n if_o not_o to_o be_v a_o doer_n for_o the_o cause_n yea_o if_o to_o be_v bearer_n down_o and_o opposer_n of_o the_o cause_n when_o other_o be_v suffer_v for_o it_o be_v a_o good_a plea_n against_o any_o of_o the_o protester_n i_o fear_v most_o part_n of_o the_o late_a assembly_n must_v leave_v their_o bench_n and_o go_v to_o the_o bar._n i_o know_v none_o that_o traduce_v these_o godly_a man_n as_o apostate_n yea_o i_o know_v and_o be_o persuade_v that_o the_o protester_n have_v a_o high_a and_o honourable_a estimation_n of_o they_o for_o their_o piety_n and_o part_n and_o for_o the_o great_a thing_n whereof_o the_o lord_n have_v make_v sundry_a of_o they_o instrumental_a in_o his_o house_n and_o though_o they_o can_v but_o testify_v unless_o they_o will_v be_v unfaithful_a that_o the_o course_n which_o these_o man_n have_v follow_v this_o while_n pass_v in_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o public_a resolution_n be_v a_o course_n of_o defection_n and_o backslide_n yet_o do_v they_o not_o use_v to_o call_v they_o backsliders_a much_o less_o apostate_n and_o if_o any_o other_o do_v it_o they_o be_v not_o therein_o approven_v or_o allow_v by_o they_o i_o join_v with_o the_o author_n in_o his_o advice_n that_o man_n shall_v take_v heed_n that_o they_o make_v not_o a_o snare_n of_o the_o opinion_n yea_o or_o the_o real_a conviction_n of_o the_o godliness_n they_o have_v of_o any_o person_n by_o approve_v take_v
be_v choose_v commissioner_n to_o the_o assembly_n at_o least_o not_o to_o sit_v and_o vote_n until_o he_o be_v try_v and_o judge_v for_o i_o doubt_v if_o he_o may_v not_o be_v choose_v commissioner_n if_o there_o be_v not_o some_o probable_a presumption_n of_o the_o fact_n but_o if_o the_o scandal_n be_v yet_o controversi_fw-la &_o indeterminati_fw-la juris_fw-la controvert_v and_o as_o yet_o not_o a_o determine_a case_n in_o point_n of_o law_n by_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o kirk_n i_o see_v not_o but_o a_o man_n cite_v upon_o such_o a_o ground_n may_v be_v choose_v a_o commissioner_n to_o the_o assembly_n and_o sit_v and_o vote_n as_o a_o member_n in_o other_o matter_n except_o that_o thereupon_o he_o be_v cite_v and_o do_v remember_v well_o that_o upon_o this_o very_a ground_n anno_fw-la 48_o upon_o the_o put_n off_o of_o some_o from_o the_o list_n to_o be_v commissioner_n to_o the_o assembly_n who_o have_v be_v refer_v and_o cite_v to_o the_o assembly_n for_o silence_n at_o 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judge_n in_o this_o particular_a which_o be_v the_o main_a if_o not_o the_o all_o of_o the_o assembly_n the_o assembly_n be_v prelimited_n second_o that_o this_o be_v not_o a_o business_n which_o be_v controversi_fw-la juris_fw-la but_o as_o clear_o determinati_fw-la juris_fw-la as_o any_o thing_n can_v be_v i_o mean_v that_o the_o oppose_v of_o the_o public_a resolution_n be_v no_o fault_n but_o a_o duty_n clear_o determine_v by_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n i_o confess_v man_n may_v question_v any_o thing_n even_o the_o clear_a truth_n but_o there_o be_v no_o case_n often_o or_o more_o clear_o determine_v by_o this_o kirk_n then_o that_o of_o the_o unwarrantableness_n of_o join_v in_o counsel_n or_o arm_n with_o the_o malignant_a party_n for_o the_o defence_n of_o the_o cause_n and_o kingdom_n and_o of_o the_o obligation_n that_o lie_v upon_o minister_n especial_o to_o bear_v testimony_n against_o the_o same_o and_o therefore_o a_o notable_a injury_n be_v do_v and_o a_o gross_a pre-limitation_n commit_v by_o cite_v they_o upon_o that_o account_n three_o suppose_v it_o have_v not_o yet_o be_v determinati_fw-la juris_fw-la as_o to_z the_o public_a judgement_n of_o the_o church_n in_o a_o assembly_n yet_o as_o to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o commission_n and_o presbytery_n who_o do_v hear_v and_o obey_v they_o it_o be_v determinati_fw-la juris_fw-la and_o man_n be_v exclude_v from_o election_n and_o cite_v to_o the_o assembly_n there-upon_a as_o upon_o a_o thing_n that_o be_v determinati_fw-la juris_fw-la therefore_o as_o there_o be_v thereby_o a_o pre-limitation_n in_o regard_n of_o these_o who_o though_o they_o be_v choose_v yet_o can_v not_o sit_v in_o that_o particular_a because_o of_o the_o citation_n so_o also_o in_o regard_n of_o other_o who_o be_v thereby_o exclude_v from_o be_v choose_v 4._o if_o this_o scandal_n be_v not_o determinati_fw-la juris_fw-la by_o the_o public_a judgement_n of_o the_o church_n the_o author_n will_v let_v we_o know_v why_o the_o commission_n in_o their_o warning_n at_o perth_n march_v 20_o by_o apply_v many_o former_a act_n and_o remonstrance_n of_o gen._n assembly_n against_o it_o do_v define_v it_o to_o be_v so_o and_o what_o warrant_v the_o commission_n have_v by_o their_o trust_n from_o the_o gen._n assembly_n not_o only_o to_o declare_v the_o opposer_n of_o their_o resolution_n to_o be_v guilty_a of_o practice_n lead_v to_o encourage_v the_o heart_n and_o strengthen_v the_o hand_n of_o enemy_n in_o prosecute_a their_o wicked_a purpose_n to_o make_v faint_a the_o heart_n and_o feeble_a the_o hand_n of_o god_n people_n and_o to_o seduce_v their_o mind_n with_o devisive_a and_o separate_a counsel_n and_o principle_n and_o thereupon_o not_o only_o to_o require_v presbytery_n to_o censure_v they_o but_o also_o to_o stir_v up_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n against_o they_o sure_o if_o the_o commission_n do_v all_o this_o without_o any_o public_a judgement_n of_o the_o kirk_n that_o be_v of_o former_a 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confident_a that_o as_o he_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o bring_v any_o probable_a evidence_n of_o what_o he_o have_v allege_v so_o also_o that_o it_o do_v never_o enter_v into_o the_o writer_n heart_n to_o have_v such_o a_o thought_n vindication_n thus_o far_o the_o writer_n so_o we_o have_v now_o before_o we_o at_o one_o view_v this_o argument_n so_o operous_a and_o large_a as_o full_a and_o strong_a as_o it_o can_v be_v make_v to_o which_o a_o very_a short_a answer_n may_v be_v make_v for_o all_o hang_v upon_o this_o that_o the_o late_a commissioner_n be_v under_o a_o scandal_n of_o carry_v on_o a_o course_n of_o defection_n and_o this_o hang_v necessary_o upon_o the_o three_o particular_a last_o mention_v which_o the_o writer_n only_o dictate_v magisterial_o we_o deny_v which_o alone_o lay_v the_o whole_a argument_n in_o the_o hollow_a and_o suspend_v assent_v to_o the_o conclusion_n thereof_o until_o the_o writer_n shall_v in_o a_o new_a edition_n follow_v out_o his_o argument_n 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therein_o but_o that_o the_o commissioner_n shall_v have_v be_v lay_v aside_o until_o the_o assembly_n have_v be_v constitute_v to_o take_v the_o same_o into_o consideration_n which_o clear_v 2._o thing_n former_o assert_v 1._o that_o it_o be_v not_o desire_v that_o any_o sentence_n shall_v be_v pass_v upon_o the_o commissioner_n by_o the_o assembly_n before_o the_o constitution_n thereof_o 2._o that_o the_o commissioner_n before_o the_o judge_n of_o their_o proceed_n by_o the_o assembly_n do_v judge_n and_o give_v sentence_n upon_o the_o relevancy_n of_o a_o desire_n make_v against_o themselves_o to_o wit_n that_o they_o may_v be_v remove_v till_o their_o proceed_n shall_v be_v first_o judge_v 3._o i_o deny_v not_o but_o this_o exception_n behove_v to_o have_v be_v try_v and_o discuss_v as_o to_o the_o relevancy_n of_o it_o so_o far_o as_o be_v needful_a for_o lay_v aside_o of_o the_o commissioner_n till_o further_a trial_n and_o to_o that_o which_o the_o author_n say_v that_o it_o 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find_v it_o irrelevant_a be_v not_o the_o allow_v of_o the_o commissioner_n to_o sit_v after_o propound_v of_o and_o debate_n upon_o that_o exception_n as_o real_a a_o judge_n of_o the_o irrelevancy_n thereof_o as_o the_o remove_n of_o other_o commissioner_n upon_o exception_n propound_v against_o they_o be_v a_o judge_n of_o those_o exception_n to_o be_v relevant_a yea_o do_v not_o he_o himself_o express_o say_v in_o answer_n to_o the_o writer_n dilemma_n that_o it_o be_v indeed_o to_o be_v determine_v that_o it_o be_v not_o relevant_a in_o that_o circumstance_n of_o time_n 4._o i_o see_v not_o to_o what_o purpose_v it_o be_v that_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o election_n of_o commissioner_n be_v not_o question_v in_o their_o presbytery_n that_o some_o of_o the_o protester_n vote_v and_o consent_v to_o the_o choose_n of_o they_o that_o they_o have_v a_o formal_a commission_n and_o that_o the_o exception_n be_v personal_a as_o to_o that_o assembly_n &_o not_o propound_v against_o 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glasgow_n upon_o this_o ground_n that_o the_o commissioner_n be_v opposer_n of_o the_o public_a resolution_n which_o if_o we_o may_v believe_v the_o author_n be_v yet_o a_o questionable_a hypothesis_n in_o jure_fw-la three_o i_o suppose_v that_o in_o these_o case_n which_o he_o say_v be_v clear_a any_o person_n interest_v shall_v have_v object_v that_o the_o protestation_n be_v false_a and_o fictitious_a or_o that_o their_o be_v voder_n censure_n be_v a_o mere_a alleadgance_n or_o that_o the_o ground_n of_o the_o protestation_n and_o censure_n be_v a_o hypothesis_n not_o yet_o determine_v in_o jure_fw-la i_o ask_v he_o whether_o the_o assembly_n in_o these_o case_n be_v to_o admit_v the_o person_n or_o to_o lay_v aside_o the_o commission_n and_o remove_v the_o person_n till_o the_o matter_n shall_v be_v try_v if_o he_o say_v they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v admit_v than_o they_o behove_v to_o refuse_v to_o hear_v all_o party_n interest_v and_o to_o take_v a_o questionable_a case_n for_o clear_a and_o grant_v before_o they_o hear_v and_o try_v which_o seem_v to_o be_v absurd_a if_o he_o say_v that_o they_o be_v to_o fall_v upon_o the_o discuss_n of_o question_n and_o objection_n hinc_fw-la inde_fw-la than_o i_o pray_v you_o why_o not_o one_o questionable_a exception_n as_o well_o as_o another_o why_o not_o the_o questionable_a exception_n propon_v against_o the_o commissioner_n as_o well_o as_o the_o questionable_a exception_n contain_v in_o the_o protestation_n against_o the_o election_n in_o presbytery_n and_o if_o he_o say_v that_o it_o be_v not_o absurd_a to_o lay_v aside_o the_o person_n notwithstanding_o of_o their_o allege_v that_o the_o protestation_n be_v false_a and_o fictitious_a etc._n etc._n but_o that_o the_o matter_n be_v questionable_a they_o be_v to_o be_v lay_v aside_o till_o it_o shall_v be_v try_v and_o clear_v then_o why_o not_o also_o the_o commissioner_n upon_o the_o exception_n of_o a_o scandal_n of_o defection_n propon_v against_o they_o notwithstanding_o of_o their_o deny_v thereof_o and_o assert_v the_o contrary_a see_v by_o his_o own_o ground_n the_o matter_n be_v not_o yet_o clear_a to_o the_o assembly_n either_o upon_o the_o one_o hand_n or_o the_o other_o by_o these_o thing_n we_o may_v see_v what_o will_v come_v of_o the_o author_n conclusion_n to_o wit_n that_o no_o exception_n questionable_a can_v be_v discuss_v until_o the_o judicatory_a be_v first_o constitute_v and_o the_o moderator_n choose_v and_o that_o therefore_o it_o make_v nothing_o against_o the_o freedom_n of_o the_o late_a assembly_n that_o before_o it_o be_v constitute_v and_o the_o moderator_n choose_v that_o the_o commissioner_n be_v not_o remove_v upon_o the_o exception_n make_v against_o they_o because_o the_o relevancy_n of_o the_o exception_n be_v questionable_a in_o many_o thing_n de_fw-fr jure_fw-la belong_v thereunto_o be_v controvert_v at_o least_o and_o not_o primâ_fw-la front_n clear_v the_o clear_n and_o discuss_v whereof_o do_v belong_v most_o intimate_o and_o essential_o to_o the_o verify_n or_o falsify_v of_o the_o exception_n upon_o the_o matter_n itself_o whereupon_o the_o meeting_n not_o constitute_v into_o a_o judicatory_a can_v not_o meddle_v upon_o which_o conclusion_n i_o ask_v these_o question_n first_o if_o no_o exception_n questionable_a can_v be_v discuss_v until_o the_o judicatory_a be_v constitute_v and_o the_o moderator_n choose_v then_o how_o do_v the_o meeting_n at_o st._n andrews_n before_o the_o constitute_n of_o the_o judicatory_a and_o choose_v of_o the_o moderator_n reject_v the_o exception_n propon_v by_o the_o protester_n against_o the_o commissioner_n as_o not_o relevant_a to_o remove_v they_o be_v not_o that_o to_o discuss_v a_o exception_n questionable_a as_o to_o the_o relevancie_n of_o be_v a_o ground_n of_o remove_v or_o not_o remove_v second_o i_o ask_v how_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o they_o remove_v the_o commissioner_n of_o glasgow_n upon_o the_o exception_n of_o their_o 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the_o exception_n be_v not_o relevant_a or_o it_o be_v false_a but_o both_o be_v absurd_a his_o answer_n be_v that_o it_o be_v indeed_o to_o be_v determine_v that_o it_o be_v not_o relevant_a in_o that_o circumstance_n of_o time_n when_o it_o be_v propon_v for_o remove_v of_o they_o from_o the_o assembly_n and_o this_o he_o deny_v to_o have_v be_v absurd_a or_o to_o contradict_v clear_a reason_n and_o tell_v we_o that_o he_o have_v clear_v the_o contrary_n when_o i_o have_v read_v these_o word_n again_o and_o again_o i_o can_v not_o with_o any_o persuasion_n fall_v upon_o the_o author_n meaning_n his_o way_n of_o expression_n be_v dubious_a he_o say_v it_o be_v to_o be_v determine_v which_o make_v i_o suspect_v that_o he_o may_v haply_o point_v at_o the_o determination_n which_o be_v afterward_o make_v by_o the_o assembly_n when_o the_o relevancy_n of_o that_o exception_n be_v condemn_v in_o the_o protestation_n if_o that_o be_v his_o meaning_n he_o have_v but_o cover_v himself_o with_o figtree_n leave_v because_o the_o reject_v of_o it_o be_v the_o actual_a determine_n of_o the_o irrelevancy_n of_o it_o as_o to_o the_o be_v a_o ground_n of_o remove_v the_o commissioner_n out_o of_o the_o assembly_n but_o if_o he_o mean_v that_o it_o be_v determine_v not_o relevant_a when_o proponed_a i_o will_v know_v why_o it_o be_v not_o relevant_a in_o that_o circumstance_n of_o time_n whether_o because_o of_o the_o matter_n contain_v therein_o as_o not_o be_v relevant_a in_o jure_fw-la or_o because_o the_o assembly_n can_v not_o judge_v thereof_o the_o moderator_n not_o be_v yet_o choose_v nor_o the_o assembly_n constitute_v if_o he_o say_v not_o relevant_a upon_o the_o matter_n at_o that_o circumstance_n of_o time_n than_o this_o non-relevancie_a be_v either_o because_o the_o exception_n be_v found_v upon_o thing_n do_v by_o the_o commissioner_n agreeable_a to_o the_o law_n and_o so_o no_o matter_n of_o exception_n but_o matter_n or_o commendation_n or_o else_o because_o found_v upon_o thing_n questionable_a and_o yet_o not_o determine_v in_o jure_fw-la not_o the_o first_o because_o that_o have_v be_v to_o determine_v the_o commissioner_n proceed_n to_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o law_n before_o the_o try_v of_o they_o not_o the_o last_o because_o that_o have_v be_v to_o determine_v that_o the_o proceed_n of_o the_o commissioner_n be_v not_o yet_o determine_v by_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n before_o the_o try_v and_o judge_v of_o these_o proceed_n the_o truth_n be_v the_o assembly_n give_v no_o such_o judgement_n upon_o that_o exception_n nor_o no_o such_o reason_n of_o their_o reject_v of_o it_o but_o the_o only_a reason_n that_o be_v speak_v of_o and_o do_v carry_v the_o business_n in_o the_o assembly_n be_v that_o the_o assembly_n can_v not_o fall_v upon_o the_o trial_n of_o it_o the_o moderator_n not_o yet_o be_v choose_v and_o the_o assembly_n not_o constitute_v &_o if_o this_o be_v the_o author_n meaning_n when_o he_o say_v it_o waa_n
say_v this_o conceit_n have_v great_a appearance_n of_o reason_n be_v of_o that_o sort_n of_o argument_n that_o arristotle_n call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d id_fw-la est_fw-la that_o have_v appearance_n but_o not_o solidity_n id_fw-la est_fw-la that_o kirk_n judicatory_n have_v no_o power_n for_o destruction_n but_o all_o their_o power_n be_v for_o edification_n he_o may_v have_v take_v a_o large_a subject_n to_o his_o denunciation_n even_o all_o judicatories_n both_o civil_a and_o ecclesiastical_a for_o no_o civil_a judicatory_a nor_o judge_n nor_o magistrate_n more_o than_o ecclesiastic_a have_v his_o power_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d id_fw-la est_fw-la moral_a power_n for_o destruction_n but_o all_o be_v for_o edificatication_n in_o their_o kind_n viz_o for_o the_o preserve_n and_o procure_v the_o good_a and_o safety_n of_o the_o people_n which_o be_v suprema_fw-la lex_fw-la by_o just_a act_n be_v then_o that_o a_o good_a consequence_n a_o assembly_n that_o make_v destructive_a act_n be_v null_a then_o it_o be_v as_o good_a a_o consequence_n a_o parliament_n that_o make_v destructive_a act_n be_v no_o parliament_n and_o a_o king_n that_o make_v destructive_a act_n be_v no_o king_n the_o truth_n be_v a_o assembly_n that_o make_v wrong_a act_n dissent_v from_o the_o rule_n it_o shall_v walk_v by_o act_v not_o as_o a_o lawful_a assembly_n shall_v do_v nor_o be_v these_o act_n make_v obligatory_a or_o to_o be_v obey_v but_o yet_o for_o all_o that_o it_o may_v be_v a_o true_a and_o lawful_a assembly_n as_o to_o the_o essence_n and_o be_v of_o a_o assembly_n and_o have_v lawful_a authority_n as_o the_o parliament_n 48._o in_o carry_v on_o the_o sinful_a engagement_n and_o many_o act_n destructive_a to_o the_o commonwealth_n and_o to_o the_o end_n of_o parliament_n which_o people_n think_v themselves_o not_o oblige_v to_o obey_v and_o be_v afterward_o condemn_v and_o yet_o that_o parliament_n be_v never_o deny_v to_o be_v a_o lawful_a parliament_n it_o be_v a_o distinction_n at_o that_o time_n common_a and_o uncontradict_v and_o for_o my_o part_n i_o can_v see_v a_o reason_n why_o it_o shall_v not_o have_v place_n in_o relation_n to_o a_o assembly_n that_o the_o act_n of_o it_o may_v be_v unlawful_a and_o yet_o itself_o a_o lawful_a assembly_n the_o other_o reason_n be_v never_o a_o whit_n more_o to_o the_o purpose_n more_o than_o the_o former_a for_o to_o let_v that_o pass_v which_o he_o say_v in_o the_o antecedent_n that_o whatever_o power_n commissioner_n of_o a_o general_n assembly_n have_v it_o be_v by_o commission_n from_o etc._n etc._n which_o deserve_v examination_n and_o if_o he_o mean_v that_o commissioner_n sit_v together_o and_o vote_v in_o a_o general_n assembly_n have_v only_o a_o delegate_v power_n and_o depute_a power_n subordinate_a to_o presbytery_n can_v hardly_o be_v reconcile_v with_o sound_a doctrine_n concern_v church_n government_n yet_o suppose_v it_o to_o be_v so_o no_o more_o follow_v but_o that_o in_o such_o act_n as_o the_o assembly_n make_v contrary_a to_o the_o limitation_n and_o rule_n contain_v therein_o they_o may_v get_v no_o obedience_n and_o that_o such_o act_n may_v be_v decline_v and_o protest_v against_o and_o indeed_o the_o writer_n himself_o in_o his_o consequent_a infer_v no_o more_o but_o this_o much_o for_o get_v in_o so_o short_a bound_n what_o he_o have_v propon_v as_o the_o point_n to_o be_v prove_v for_o these_o be_v his_o very_a word_n for_o in_o so_o far_o as_o they_o do_v any_o thing_n contrary_a to_o this_o in_o so_o far_o they_o may_v be_v decline_v as_o have_v no_o power_n or_o authority_n in_o do_v such_o thing_n which_o what_o be_v it_o else_o but_o what_o we_o have_v say_v but_o it_o do_v not_o follow_v that_o because_o they_o make_v act_n contrary_a to_o the_o limitation_n of_o their_o commission_n therefore_o the_o assembly_n may_v be_v decline_v and_o protest_v against_o absolute_o as_o not_o have_v the_o be_v of_o a_o lawful_a free_a assembly_n just_a as_o because_o the_o member_n of_o a_o parliament_n have_v all_o their_o power_n by_o commission_n from_o the_o people_n of_o the_o land_n commissioner_n of_o shire_n from_o their_o shire_n and_o commissioner_n of_o burgh_n from_o their_o burgh_n by_o a_o temporary_a election_n &_o as_o i_o humble_o conceive_v noblementâ—â—_n by_o a_o kind_n of_o election_n hereditary_a from_o the_o commonwealth_n &_o they_o be_v limit_v to_o the_o laudable_a fundamental_a law_n of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o unto_o the_o common_a principle_n of_o justice_n it_o follow_v well_o that_o if_o they_o make_v act_n contrary_a to_o these_o they_o be_v not_o obligatory_a unto_o obedience_n and_o in_o so_o far_o they_o may_v be_v protest_v against_o but_o it_o do_v not_o follow_v that_o therefore_o the_o parliament_n that_o make_v they_o may_v be_v absolute_o decline_v and_o protest_v against_o as_o no_o lawful_a or_o free_a parl._n i_o know_v there_o be_v many_o difference_n between_o these_o judicatories_n in_o other_o thing_n but_o i_o think_v the_o writer_n shall_v be_v hardly_o able_a to_o let_v we_o see_v a_o reason_n why_o the_o parallel_n of_o this_o shall_v not_o hold_v good_a this_o be_v it_o that_o take_v away_o the_o force_n of_o the_o second_o ground_n for_o prove_v the_o point_n that_o be_v intend_v however_o the_o impertinency_n of_o this_o second_o ground_n as_o to_o the_o point_n it_o be_v intend_v for_o be_v discover_v before_o and_o i_o hope_v by_o what_o have_v be_v say_v it_o be_v sufficient_o evidence_v that_o the_o writer_n have_v bring_v no_o new_a considerable_a reason_n for_o the_o nullity_n of_o the_o late_a assembly_n as_o to_o the_o be_v of_o a_o lawful_a free_a assembly_n even_o suppose_v sundry_a of_o the_o act_n and_o constitution_n be_v wrong_v upon_o the_o matter_n which_o yet_o be_v not_o grant_v and_o he_o shall_v have_v prove_v and_o not_o naked_o affirm_v but_o have_v bring_v disadvantage_n to_o himself_o and_o the_o protestation_n review_n the_o writer_n be_v not_o positive_a in_o deliver_v his_o own_o judgement_n upon_o this_o point_n that_o be_v here_o so_o much_o insist_v upon_o by_o the_o author_n but_o only_o say_v that_o it_o be_v the_o opinion_n or_o conception_n of_o some_o with_o much_o appearance_n of_o reason_n and_o therefore_o upon_o supposal_n that_o this_o opinion_n be_v not_o well_o ground_v he_o have_v bring_v little_a or_o no_o disadvantage_n either_o to_o himself_o or_o to_o the_o protestation_n in_o allege_v the_o same_o yea_o i_o believe_v he_o will_v take_v it_o for_o a_o advantage_n to_o have_v the_o truth_n discover_v unto_o he_o either_o in_o this_o or_o any_o other_o particular_a for_o my_o part_n i_o be_o loath_a neither_o do_v i_o intend_v to_o fall_v upon_o the_o debate_n of_o this_o question_n or_o to_o deliver_v my_o judgement_n positive_o therein_o because_o if_o i_o be_v not_o mistake_v it_o be_v a_o thorny_a question_n and_o full_a of_o difficulty_n on_o both_o hand_n yet_o i_o can_v but_o take_v notice_n of_o some_o thing_n that_o be_v set_v down_o by_o the_o author_n in_o his_o large_a answer_n to_o what_o be_v say_v short_o by_o the_o writer_n first_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o writer_n do_v but_o affirm_v that_o the_o act_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o assembly_n be_v wrong_a and_o that_o his_o say_n be_v not_o to_o be_v hold_v for_o sententia_fw-la lata_fw-la nor_o be_v it_o a_o oracle_n none_o speak_v oracle_n but_o god_n and_o the_o writer_n take_v no_o more_o upon_o he_o but_o to_o speak_v his_o opinion_n as_o a_o poor_a weak_a man_n but_o i_o believe_v the_o author_n know_v that_o it_o be_v not_o only_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o writer_n and_o of_o the_o protester_n and_o of_o such_o minister_n and_o professor_n as_o be_v unsatisfied_a with_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o assembly_n but_o also_o of_o many_o other_o even_o of_o not_o a_o few_o of_o those_o who_o be_v no_o opposite_n to_o the_o public_a resolution_n i_o have_v hitherto_o meet_v with_o few_o or_o none_o in_o estimation_n for_o piety_n and_o godliness_n that_o do_v justify_v and_o profess_v their_o adherence_n to_o all_o the_o act_n of_o that_o assembly_n as_o thing_n tend_v to_o edification_n and_o promove_v the_o work_n of_o reformation_n in_o the_o land_n and_o see_v he_o be_v please_v to_o make_v bold_a with_o other_o i_o think_v he_o will_v not_o offend_v if_o i_o appeal_v his_o conscience_n whether_o he_o think_v these_o act_n of_o that_o assembly_n that_o do_v relate_v to_o the_o censure_v of_o all_o minister_n expectant_n student_n elder_n and_o professor_n who_o do_v not_o acknowledge_v the_o constitution_n of_o that_o assembly_n and_o submit_v to_o the_o act_n thereof_o such_o act_n as_o in_o themselves_o tend_v to_o the_o further_a of_o the_o work_n of_o reformation_n and_o advance_v of_o piety_n and_o godliness_n in_o the_o land_n next_o i_o take_v
summary_o excommunicate_v deny_v that_o ever_o the_o church_n in_o any_o of_o her_o assembly_n make_v any_o such_o act_n in_o so_o general_a and_o unlimited_a term_n and_o he_o give_v this_o for_o a_o reason_n of_o his_o denial_n that_o from_o hence_o it_o will_v follow_v either_o that_o they_o think_v that_o a_o assembly_n can_v not_o be_v wrong_a in_o its_o constitution_n and_o can_v not_o err_v or_o else_o that_o though_o wrong_v in_o constitution_n or_o err_a that_o they_o can_v not_o be_v protest_v against_o both_o which_o he_o say_v be_v absurd_a to_o this_o the_o author_n answer_v that_o consider_v that_o the_o act_n appoint_v such_o to_o be_v summary_o excommunicate_v be_v intend_v only_o against_o protest_v against_o and_o decline_v of_o a_o general_n assembly_n not_o in_o any_o particular_a act_n or_o act_n thereof_o which_o he_o confess_v may_v be_v protest_v against_o but_o against_o the_o very_a be_v of_o it_o as_o null_n in_o itself_o and_o have_v no_o authority_n there_o be_v no_o necessity_n either_o of_o the_o one_o supposition_n or_o of_o the_o other_o follow_v upon_o it_o not_o of_o the_o latter_a etc._n etc._n but_o first_o to_o pass_v by_o that_o he_o seem_v in_o all_o this_o debate_n to_o suppose_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o act_n in_o so_o general_a and_o unlimited_a term_n which_o i_o believe_v shall_v not_o be_v find_v nor_o do_v the_o word_n of_o the_o act_n of_o the_o assembly_n 38._o say_v or_o suppose_v any_o such_o thing_n it_o deserve_v consideration_n which_o he_o say_v that_o that_o act_n concern_v the_o excommunicate_v such_o as_o protest_v against_o or_o decline_v a_o assembly_n be_v intend_v only_o against_o those_o who_o protest_v against_o the_o be_v of_o a_o assembly_n and_o not_o in_o any_o particular_a act_n or_o act_n thereof_o because_o as_o the_o writer_n tell_v he_o the_o act_n 1582._o which_o be_v the_o only_a act_n relate_v to_o that_o business_n so_o far_o as_o i_o know_v or_o can_v be_v inform_v by_o these_o who_o take_v most_o pain_n in_o the_o record_n of_o the_o assembly_n be_v not_o anent_o decline_a assembly_n in_o their_o be_v and_o constitution_n but_o against_o appeal_n from_o lawful_a act_n of_o lawful_a assembly_n to_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n in_o ecclesiastic_a cause_n for_o stop_v of_o ecclesiastic_a discipline_n second_o though_o a_o assembly_n wrong_v constitute_v and_o err_a both_o or_o only_o wrong_v constitute_v be_v no_o otherways_o a_o assembly_n than_o a_o paint_a man_n be_v a_o man_n that_o it_o be_v not_o real_o or_o true_o but_o seem_o only_a yet_o it_o be_v seem_o a_o assembly_n it_o get_v ordinary_o and_o in_o common_a expression_n that_o denomination_n and_o as_o a_o paint_a man_n draw_v by_o the_o hand_n of_o a_o cunning_a painter_n may_v deceive_v these_o who_o have_v not_o discern_v eye_n and_o be_v take_v for_o a_o true_a man_n so_o a_o assembly_n wrong_v in_o the_o constitution_n and_o act_n or_o in_o the_o constitution_n only_o may_v by_o the_o vermilion_n of_o fair_a pretext_n put_v upon_o it_o pass_v with_o many_o for_o a_o true_a assembly_n yea_o in_o ordinary_a way_n of_o expression_n a_o assembly_n which_o have_v any_o thing_n of_o the_o colour_n or_o shadow_n of_o the_o be_v of_o a_o lawful_a and_o right_a proceed_n assembly_n be_v call_v a_o assembly_n though_o wrong_n in_o its_o constitution_n or_o also_o err_v in_o its_o act_n and_o therefore_o to_o have_v say_v simple_o in_o a_o act_n that_o decliner_n of_o a_o general_n assembly_n without_o any_o qualification_n lawful_a or_o unlawful_a err_a or_o unerring_a or_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o act_n insinuate_v or_o express_v the_o same_o shall_v be_v excommunicate_v it_o will_v follow_v that_o though_o a_o assembly_n shall_v be_v wrong_o constitute_v and_o err_v in_o its_o proceed_n yet_o it_o can_v not_o be_v decline_v as_o to_o the_o three_o to_o pass_v by_o that_o the_o general_n assembly_n at_o st._n andrews_n and_o dundee_n be_v none_o of_o these_o assembly_n but_o a_o assembly_n wrong_a both_o in_o its_o constitution_n and_o in_o its_o act_n the_o act_n if_o it_o be_v so_o general_a as_o that_o cite_a and_o answer_v by_o the_o writer_n it_o will_v suppose_v more_o than_o any_o of_o these_o to_o wit_n a_o general_n assembly_n which_o be_v only_o such_o nomine_fw-la tenus_fw-la and_o secundum_fw-la apparentiam_fw-la in_o regard_n of_o its_o constitution_n and_o a_o general_n assembly_n right_a upon_o the_o constitution_n and_o err_v whole_o even_o in_o the_o thing_n of_o great_a consequence_n upon_o the_o matter_n as_o to_o this_o simile_n of_o his_o bring_v from_o the_o word_n of_o christ_n math._n 18._o it_o do_v not_o hold_v because_o christ_n never_o maintain_v it_o to_o be_v unlawful_a to_o decline_v any_o church_n true_a or_o false_a as_o these_o who_o the_o writer_n speak_v of_o in_o his_o objection_n the_o truth_n be_v that_o the_o writer_n mean_v of_o propound_v and_o answer_v that_o objection_n to_o remove_v a_o gross_a mistake_n that_o have_v be_v ordinary_a in_o the_o mouth_n of_o many_o that_o a_o general_n assembly_n can_v not_o be_v decline_v nor_o protest_v against_o because_o of_o a_o act_n of_o a_o assembly_n appoint_v such_o to_o be_v summary_o excommunicate_v which_o in_o the_o common_a construction_n that_o pass_v upon_o it_o be_v so_o expound_v that_o whosoever_o upon_o whatsoever_o ground_n do_v protest_v against_o a_o general_n assembly_n of_o this_o church_n or_o any_o of_o the_o act_n thereof_o right_a or_o wrong_n be_v by_o the_o act_n of_o the_o assembly_n summary_o to_o be_v excommunicate_v which_o mistake_v the_o writer_n study_v to_o take_v off_o by_o hold_v torch_n the_o absurd_a consequence_n that_o will_v have_v follow_v upon_o such_o a_o act_n as_o that_o thereby_o to_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o act_n in_o so_o absolute_a and_o il-limited_n term_n as_o will_v reach_v these_o who_o protest_v against_o assembly_n wrong_v in_o their_o constitution_n or_o also_o err_v in_o their_o act_n and_o this_o be_v gain_v he_o have_v all_o that_o he_o do_v intend_v to_o prove_v and_o hold_v forth_o in_o this_o particular_a conclusion_n of_o the_o vindication_n here_o i_o leave_v the_o writer_n with_o these_o additional_a reason_n and_o leave_v all_o that_o have_v be_v say_v hither_o till_o to_o be_v impartial_o ponder_v by_o the_o christian_a reader_n and_o according_o judge_v of_o the_o father_n of_o light_n give_v unto_o thou_o and_o all_o his_o servant_n and_o people_n in_o the_o land_n wisdom_n even_o that_o which_o be_v from_o above_o pure_a and_o peaceable_a review_n the_o author_n have_v be_v please_v to_o leave_v the_o writer_n here_o with_o his_o additional_a reason_n and_o other_o thing_n contain_v in_o his_o answer_n to_o objection_n but_o if_o some_o of_o good_a judgement_n be_v not_o mistake_v he_o have_v do_v it_o to_o the_o disadvantage_n of_o his_o cause_n because_o he_o have_v leave_v he_o with_o many_o thing_n that_o be_v bring_v by_o he_o in_o that_o paper_n of_o additional_a reason_n unanswered_a i_o shall_v not_o say_v what_o some_o have_v say_v that_o if_o the_o thing_n in_o that_o paper_n which_o the_o author_n have_v not_o answer_v hold_v relevant_a and_o true_a they_o will_v go_v far_o to_o justify_v the_o protestation_n and_o annul_v the_o assembly_n albeit_o all_o his_o answer_n to_o the_o thing_n which_o he_o have_v take_v notice_n of_o have_v not_o be_v satisfy_o take_v off_o but_o i_o confess_v that_o i_o do_v somewhat_o wonder_v that_o the_o author_n have_v take_v so_o much_o pain_n to_o contend_v with_o no_o small_a earnestness_n and_o at_o length_n about_o many_o thing_n that_o be_v in_o the_o by_o and_o thing_n that_o be_v of_o no_o such_o consequence_n in_o the_o cause_n shall_v yet_o pass_v in_o silence_n not_o a_o few_o thing_n of_o importance_n contain_v in_o that_o paper_n which_o do_v more_o concern_v he_o to_o have_v answer_v i_o shall_v say_v no_o more_o but_o wish_v the_o lord_n gracious_o to_o appear_v in_o the_o convince_a and_o comfortable_a determination_n of_o this_o question_n to_o all_o his_o servant_n and_o people_n in_o this_o poor_a desolate_a and_o distract_a church_n that_o our_o bruise_n which_o be_v sore_o and_o our_o wound_n which_o be_v incurable_a may_v be_v bind_v up_o and_o heal_v by_o his_o hand_n who_o have_v smite_v we_o in_o his_o wrath_n because_o of_o the_o multitude_n of_o our_o iniquity_n to_o the_o praise_n and_o glory_n of_o his_o free_a grace_n in_o all_o the_o church_n amen_o finis_fw-la instance_n of_o the_o influence_n that_o the_o letter_n and_o act_n of_o the_o commission_n of_o the_o gen._n assembly_n 1650._o have_v upon_o several_a presbytery_n and_o synod_n and_o upon_o several_a person_n therein_o in_o the_o election_n of_o commissioner_n to_o the_o assembly_n 1651._o and_o in_o the_o cite_v of_o