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
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
public_a judicatories_n the_o latter_a part_n be_v evident_a by_o mr._n john_n carstaires_o letter_n write_v to_o the_o lord_n register_n about_o the_o time_n of_o the_o contrive_v that_o remonstrance_n from_o edinburgh_n and_o intercept_v at_o the_o ferry_n of_o airth_n or_o thereabouts_o review_n i_o shall_v say_v nothing_o of_o the_o charity_n he_o allow_v many_o and_o of_o the_o persuasion_n that_o he_o have_v of_o some_o that_o they_o be_v far_o from_o do_v any_o thing_n intentional_o or_o formal_o and_o direct_o intend_v to_o overthrow_n or_o wrong_v any_o of_o the_o ordinance_n of_o jesus_n christ_n settle_v in_o this_o church_n or_o the_o peace_n thereof_o he_o have_v reason_n to_o allow_v they_o that_o and_o somewhat_o more_o but_o this_o allowance_n of_o he_o to_o some_o do_v leave_v other_o under_o a_o hard_a construction_n not_o only_o in_o regard_n of_o their_o work_n but_o also_o in_o respect_n of_o that_o which_o be_v their_o formal_a and_o direct_a intention_n another_o year_n proof_n of_o they_o may_v haply_o force_v better_a thought_n both_o of_o their_o intention_n &_o action_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o some_o who_o now_o for_o along_o time_n have_v mistake_v they_o because_o they_o can_v not_o join_v in_o the_o public_a resolution_n which_o to_o they_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o way_n of_o egypt_n and_o to_o drink_v the_o water_n of_o sihor_n in_o the_o mean_a while_o they_o be_v comfort_v in_o this_o that_o their_o own_o heart_n do_v not_o condemn_v they_o neither_o in_o their_o intention_n or_o action_n what_o he_o say_v of_o a_o zeal_n not_o according_a to_o knowledge_n and_o of_o mistake_n about_o midse_n and_o of_o a_o good_a intention_n that_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o make_v a_o man_n action_n good_a or_o imitable_a by_o other_o but_o that_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v what_o good_a ground_n or_o reason_n they_o have_v for_o their_o course_n and_o of_o the_o apply_v of_o common_a principle_n which_o be_v better_a know_v than_o make_v use_v of_o in_o all_o these_o thing_n i_o do_v agree_v with_o he_o and_o wish_n that_o they_o may_v be_v bless_v of_o god_n unto_o his_o reader_n and_o all_o other_o but_o let_v we_o come_v to_o examine_v the_o thing_n whereby_o he_o endeavour_v to_o render_v the_o profession_n of_o the_o protester_n suspect_v as_o not_o agree_v with_o some_o of_o their_o principle_n and_o action_n for_o make_v out_o of_o which_o he_o desire_v the_o reader_n to_o compare_v the_o profession_n make_v in_o the_o narrative_a of_o the_o protestation_n with_o some_o late_a principle_n of_o some_o that_o have_v hand_n therein_o and_o these_o not_o of_o the_o low_a note_n firâ—_n say_v he_o they_o profess_v that_o while_o they_o live_v etc._n etc._n i_o acknowledge_v that_o i_o have_v no_o great_a skill_n of_o school_n term_n but_o i_o conceive_v that_o when_o in_o this_o place_n he_o speak_v of_o the_o ordinance_n in_o concreto_fw-la and_o as_o they_o be_v in_o actu_fw-la exercito_fw-la actual_o exist_v and_o as_o they_o be_v exercise_v in_o judicatory_n constitute_v according_o he_o mean_v not_o of_o every_o kind_n of_o concretion_n and_o exercise_n of_o ordinance_n quovis_fw-la modo_fw-la for_o they_o may_v have_v a_o honest_a and_o honourable_a estimation_n of_o ordinance_n who_o bear_v testimony_n against_o the_o corruption_n and_o mal-administrations_a of_o the_o abuser_n of_o they_o otherways_o these_o who_o have_v be_v most_o zealous_a and_o straight-hearted_n for_o the_o ordinance_n in_o all_o age_n shall_v be_v find_v among_o the_o despiser_n of_o ordinance_n and_o none_o more_o than_o many_o of_o the_o gracious_a worthy_n of_o this_o land_n who_o be_v ready_a to_o lay_v down_o their_o life_n for_o the_o ordinance_n and_o yet_o do_v bear_v public_a testimony_n both_o against_o the_o corrupt_a constitution_n and_o corrupt_a act_n of_o assembly_n and_o all_o male-administrations_a that_o be_v of_o any_o importance_n to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o the_o kirk_n or_o any_o of_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n therein_o which_o be_v so_o far_o from_o render_v their_o profession_n suspect_v that_o it_o be_v a_o real_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o sincerity_n thereof_o but_o i_o think_v he_o mean_v of_o such_o a_o concretion_n and_o exercise_n of_o ordinance_n though_o it_o have_v be_v fit_a to_o express_v it_o more_o clear_o as_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o god_n word_n for_o so_o he_o seem_v to_o hint_n when_o he_o say_v as_o they_o be_v judicatory_n constitute_v according_o and_o in_o this_o sense_n the_o carriage_n of_o the_o protester_n do_v well_o stand_v with_o their_o professior_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o ordinance_n have_v lay_v down_o this_o ground_n and_o distinction_n of_o ordinance_n not_o only_o in_o the_o abstract_n and_o dogmate_a but_o also_o in_o concreto_fw-la and_o as_o they_o be_v in_o actu_fw-la exercito_fw-la he_o come_v in_o the_o next_o place_n to_o give_v some_o instance_n of_o some_o practice_n of_o some_o of_o the_o protester_n in_o set_v down_o of_o which_o he_o have_v be_v very_o industrious_a to_o gather_v and_o put_v together_o a_o bundle_n of_o such_o thing_n as_o he_o think_v may_v bring_v their_o profession_n in_o suspicion_n and_o contempt_n i_o shall_v not_o meet_v he_o with_o the_o like_a measure_n if_o it_o be_v christian_n and_o seasonable_a work_n more_o haply_o may_v be_v hold_v forth_o of_o the_o practice_n not_o of_o some_o only_a but_o of_o many_o stickler_n for_o the_o public_a resolution_n that_o go_v cross_v their_o profession_n to_o the_o doctrine_n worship_n discipline_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n than_o the_o author_n can_v or_o will_v answer_v but_o because_o to_o recriminate_a be_v not_o to_o answer_v i_o come_v to_o the_o particular_a instance_n which_o he_o give_v the_o first_o be_v their_o condemn_a act_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o supreme_a judicatories_n of_o this_o church_n which_o he_o aggravate_v by_o many_o circumstance_n first_o that_o these_o act_n be_v most_o unanimous_o conclude_v second_o that_o themselves_o be_v present_a and_o do_v not_o contradict_v three_o that_o they_o be_v positive_o consent_v thereto_o by_o their_o vote_n four_o that_o they_o condemn_v these_o act_n not_o in_o a_o private_a way_n but_o in_o a_o remonstrance_n public_o emit_v to_o the_o world_n and_o present_v to_o the_o state_n five_o that_o all_o this_o be_v do_v without_o have_v so_o much_o respect_n to_o these_o judicatories_n as_o first_o to_o have_v recourse_n to_o they_o by_o supplication_n and_o desire_v to_o re-examine_a or_o take_v to_o consideration_n again_o these_o act_n and_o constitution_n yea_o refuse_v to_o apply_v themselves_o to_o they_o in_o such_o a_o way_n when_o advise_v and_o earnest_o press_v thereto_o as_o orderly_o by_o some_o to_o who_o they_o have_v communicate_v the_o design_n of_o the_o remonstrance_n to_o all_o which_o i_o return_v that_o the_o argument_n take_v in_o its_o strength_n do_v not_o seem_v to_o conclude_v much_o for_o evacuate_v the_o profession_n of_o the_o protester_n to_o the_o doctrine_n worship_n discipline_n and_o government_n of_o this_o church_n unless_o we_o lay_v this_o for_o a_o ground_n that_o whosoever_o represent_v and_o remonstrate_v his_o judgement_n against_o any_o one_o of_o the_o act_n of_o the_o assembly_n of_o this_o church_n belie_v the_o profession_n which_o he_o make_v of_o respect_n to_o the_o doctrine_n worship_n government_n and_o discipline_n thereof_o second_o the_o assembly_n be_v not_o sufficient_o inform_v concern_v these_o transaction_n with_o the_o king_n but_o several_a important_a particular_n which_o will_v have_v contribute_v much_o for_o clear_v of_o the_o business_n be_v keep_v up_o from_o and_o not_o report_v to_o the_o assembly_n to_o wit_n the_o first_o invitation_n give_v to_o the_o king_n the_o act_n appoint_v he_o to_o be_v restore_v to_o the_o exercise_n of_o his_o power_n the_o king_n letter_n to_o james_n graham_n the_o king_n take_v the_o sacrament_n after_o the_o order_n of_o the_o service_n book_n kneel_v from_o a_o episcopal_a doctor_n and_o a_o irish_a bishop_n notwithstanding_o that_o he_o have_v sign_v the_o treaty_n and_o that_o intercession_n be_v make_v to_o he_o both_o by_o word_n and_o write_v to_o forbear_v the_o bring_n to_o sea_n with_o the_o king_n all_o the_o english_a and_o scots_a malignant_n that_o be_v with_o he_o at_o breda_n after_o the_o commissioner_n have_v receive_v the_o letter_n and_o act_n both_o of_o church_n and_o state_n disapprove_v the_o treaty_n at_o breda_n the_o way_n how_o the_o king_n be_v induce_v to_o subscribe_v the_o covenant_n and_o how_o immediate_o before_o his_o take_n it_o be_v ready_a to_o land_n in_o scotland_n he_o be_v about_o to_o have_v make_v a_o protestation_n but_o that_o some_o of_o the_o commissioner_n will_v not_o tender_v he_o the_o covenant_n upon_o these_o term_n how_o lame_a the_o account_n
as_o their_o commissioner_n than_o some_o sort_n of_o election_n there_o behove_v to_o be_v as_o indeed_o there_o be_v both_o to_o that_o assembly_n at_o lithgow_n 1606._o and_o that_o of_o glasgow_n 1610._o for_o clear_v of_o which_o it_o will_v be_v remember_v that_o there_o be_v a_o election_n material_a when_o person_n be_v instruct_v and_o authorize_v by_o we_o as_o our_o commissioner_n though_o we_o have_v not_o nominate_v and_o formal_o choose_v they_o for_o that_o effect_n and_o a_o election_n formal_a when_o we_o do_v formal_o nominate_v and_o choose_v a_o election_n material_a there_o be_v at_o lithgow_n because_o those_o who_o be_v nominate_v by_o the_o king_n letter_n be_v instruct_v and_o authorize_v by_o the_o presbytery_n as_o their_o commissioner_n and_o therefore_o in_o the_o 4._o reason_n for_o nullify_a of_o that_o assembly_n there_o be_v mention_n of_o the_o power_n which_o these_o minister_n have_v and_o of_o the_o limitation_n thereof_o by_o their_o presbytery_n but_o there_o be_v no_o formal_a nomination_n of_o these_o man_n by_o the_o presbytery_n therefore_o it_o be_v say_v in_o the_o 2._o reason_n that_o they_o be_v not_o at_o all_o elect_a by_o their_o presbytery_n but_o at_o glasgow_n 1610._o there_o be_v both_o a_o material_a and_o formal_a election_n though_o not_o free_a but_o prelimited_n because_o the_o king_n and_o the_o bishop_n have_v design_v the_o person_n who_o they_o will_v have_v they_o to_o send_v and_o let_v it_o be_v consider_v whether_o upon_o the_o matter_n there_o be_v not_o the_o like_a and_o as_o realll_v a_o pre-limitation_n by_o the_o act_n and_o letter_n of_o the_o commission_n in_o the_o year_n 1606._o and_o 1610._o the_o king_n and_o the_o bishop_n nominate_v who_o shall_v come_v and_o design_n who_o the_o presbytery_n shall_v send_v without_o leave_v they_o to_o choose_v such_o of_o their_o number_n as_o they_o think_v fit_a and_o in_o the_o year_n 1651._o the_o commission_n design_n who_o of_o their_o number_n they_o shall_v not_o send_v to_o wit_n none_o that_o be_v opposite_a to_o the_o public_a resolution_n for_o this_o much_o their_o act_n wherein_o they_o require_v they_o to_o be_v cite_v to_o the_o assembly_n do_v import_v as_o afterward_o shall_v be_v clear_v not_o leave_v presbytery_n to_o their_o own_o freedom_n choose_v such_o of_o their_o number_n as_o they_o think_v fit_a and_o be_v not_o the_o one_o of_o there_o a_o pre-limitation_n and_o hinder_v a_o free_a choice_n as_o well_o as_o the_o other_o do_v not_o he_o prelimite_a who_o say_v that_o you_o shall_v not_o choose_v such_o man_n of_o your_o number_n as_o well_o as_o he_o who_o say_v you_o shall_v choose_v such_o man_n of_o your_o number_n in_o the_o mean_a while_o it_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v that_o the_o assembly_n 38._o have_v no_o such_o distinction_n as_o that_o of_o active_a and_o passive_a solicitation_n but_o infer_v the_o last_o presumption_n juris_fw-la &_o de_fw-la jure_fw-la from_o and_o upon_o the_o first_o and_o not_o without_o good_a reason_n because_o none_o doubt_v of_o the_o influence_n of_o command_n of_o superior_n when_o the_o desire_n be_v grant_v and_o the_o direction_n be_v follow_v by_o the_o inferior_a especial_o when_o the_o effect_n be_v contrary_a to_o the_o former_a custom_n and_o practice_n when_o they_o be_v free_a because_o the_o author_n have_v endeavour_v to_o darken_v as_o much_o as_o he_o can_v the_o prelimiting_a of_o the_o election_n in_o presbytery_n by_o the_o letter_n and_o act_n of_o the_o commission_n by_o his_o distinction_n of_o active_a and_o passive_a pre-limitation_n therefore_o upon_o supposal_n that_o the_o letter_n and_o act_n of_o the_o commission_n do_v contain_v a_o pre-limitation_n of_o the_o election_n which_o shall_v be_v afterward_o clear_v i_o reason_v thus_o for_o prove_v that_o presbytery_n be_v passive_o prelimited_n in_o their_o election_n by_o that_o letter_n and_o act_n who_o so_o in_o their_o election_n accept_v of_o and_o yield_v obedience_n unto_o a_o letter_n and_o act_n contain_v a_o pre-limitation_n of_o their_o election_n be_v passive_o prelimited_n in_o their_o election_n but_o the_o presbytery_n do_v accept_v of_o and_o yield_v obedience_n to_o such_o a_o letter_n and_o act_n ergo_fw-la etc._n etc._n the_o first_o proposition_n be_v a_o clear_a truth_n and_o agreeable_a to_o the_o author_n own_o word_n when_o he_o be_v explain_v passive_a pre-limitation_n active_a solicitation_n of_o judge_n and_o member_n of_o a_o judicatory_a say_v he_o prove_v not_o a_o judicatory_a corrupt_a unless_o it_o can_v be_v evidence_v that_o they_o have_v accept_v and_o yield_v unto_o the_o solicitation_n the_o second_o proposition_n to_o wit_n that_o the_o presbytery_n do_v accept_v of_o and_o yield_v obedience_n unto_o that_o letter_n and_o act_n because_o it_o be_v not_o only_o receive_v and_o read_v in_o the_o most_o part_n of_o presbytery_n before_o their_o election_n without_o any_o testimony_n give_v against_o it_o but_o also_o appoint_v to_o be_v put_v upon_o record_n in_o their_o book_n in_o testimony_n of_o their_o approve_v thereof_o and_o as_o the_o ground_n and_o order_n of_o their_o proceed_n in_o the_o thing_n contain_v therein_o and_o obedience_n be_v give_v thereto_o in_o most_o place_n by_o forbear_v to_o choose_v any_o such_o as_o appear_v by_o the_o roll_n of_o the_o commissioner_n in_o same_o place_n ranverse_v former_a election_n and_o appoint_v new_a one_o to_o be_v make_v up_o on_o that_o ground_n as_o appear_v in_o the_o election_n of_o the_o presbytery_n of_o dunkell_n in_o some_o place_n oppose_v the_o choose_n of_o such_o as_o be_v opposite_a to_o the_o public_a resolution_n and_o dissent_v from_o and_o protest_v against_o their_o be_v choose_v as_o in_o the_o election_n of_o glasgow_n in_o such_o place_n intimate_v to_o such_o as_o be_v choose_v in_o their_o absence_n that_o they_o may_v not_o admit_v they_o unless_o they_o do_v declare_v themselves_o satisfy_v with_o the_o public_a resolution_n as_o in_o the_o presbytery_n of_o mearnes_n for_o verify_v of_o which_o i_o desire_v it_o to_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o that_o that_o presbytery_n have_v choose_v the_o lord_n arburthnet_n to_o be_v rule_v elder_a to_o the_o general_n assembly_n they_o do_v afterward_o write_v unto_o he_o a_o letter_n and_o send_v by_o some_o of_o their_o own_o number_n in_o which_o letter_n be_v contain_v these_o word_n we_o have_v send_v two_o of_o our_o number_n who_o will_v take_v your_o lordship_n declaration_n when_o you_o accept_v and_o give_v your_o oath_n to_o discharge_v your_o trust_n faithful_o whether_o your_o lordship_n be_v satisfy_v with_o the_o public_a resolution_n but_o if_o you_o have_v any_o hesitation_n and_o scrouple_n therein_o as_o we_o hope_v you_o have_v not_o we_o must_v make_v choice_n of_o another_o and_o in_o some_o place_n refuse_v upon_o that_o account_n to_o subscribe_v and_o approve_v the_o commission_n of_o these_o who_o be_v send_v from_o burghe_n as_o in_o the_o presbytery_n of_o kirkaldie_n who_o after_o the_o read_v the_o say_a act_n and_o letter_n of_o the_o commission_n do_v refuse_v to_o subscribe_v the_o commission_n give_v by_o the_o burgh_n of_o bruntiland_n to_o magnus_n aitoun_n because_o he_o compear_v not_o with_o the_o commission_n himself_o to_o declare_v his_o mind_n anent_o the_o public_a resolution_n these_o may_v be_v instance_n enough_o to_o prove_v their_o obedience_n if_o it_o be_v needful_a to_o take_v up_o time_n in_o so_o clear_a a_o business_n we_o can_v bring_v sundry_a more_o which_o we_o now_o delay_v because_o they_o may_v be_v subjoin_v to_o the_o end_n of_o this_o paper_n but_o to_o say_v no_o more_o of_o this_o purpose_n the_o synod_n and_o presbytery_n cite_v of_o such_o to_o the_o general_n assembly_n as_o do_v oppose_v the_o public_a resolution_n by_o the_o order_n of_o the_o letter_n and_o act_n which_o order_n for_o citation_n do_v by_o necessary_a consequence_n incapacitate_v they_o to_o be_v commissioner_n be_v a_o undeniable_a testimony_n that_o they_o accept_v of_o and_o yield_v obedience_n thereunto_o vindication_n but_o let_v we_o prove_v it_o further_o in_o the_o discovery_n of_o the_o nullity_n of_o the_o first_o reason_n and_o for_o that_o purpose_n consider_v the_o other_o particular_a thereof_o which_o concern_v the_o commission_n act_n and_o letter_n as_o to_o the_o matter_n in_o general_n the_o protester_n themselves_o nor_o any_o other_o judicious_a or_o sound_a christian_a will_v say_v and_o think_v that_o the_o election_n of_o commissioner_n in_o presbytery_n ought_v to_o be_v of_o such_o a_o lax_n liberty_n as_o be_v bound_v with_o no_o limitation_n at_o all_o this_o be_v the_o loose_a way_n plead_v for_o by_o the_o arminian_o at_o the_o synod_n of_o dort_n and_o which_o will_v tend_v to_o the_o subversion_n of_o true_a religion_n certain_a it_o be_v that_o presbytery_n be_v so_o far_o limit_v in_o this_o that_o they_o
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 that_o time_n according_a to_o the_o direction_n of_o the_o then_o commission_n exception_n be_v make_v by_o some_o that_o such_o person_n can_v not_o be_v choose_v commissioner_n and_o consequent_o can_v not_o be_v upon_o a_o list_n this_o motion_n be_v reject_v by_o some_o judicious_a and_o pious_a affirm_v indeed_o that_o such_o person_n can_v not_o well_o vote_v in_o the_o assembly_n until_o their_o matter_n be_v try_v but_o that_o that_o reference_n can_v not_o hinder_v they_o to_o be_v upon_o a_o list_n for_o election_n and_o consequent_o not_o from_o be_v elect_v to_o be_v commissioner_n now_o such_o be_v the_o case_n of_o the_o citation_n in_o hand_n it_o be_v upon_o alleadgeance_n of_o scandal_n as_o yet_o controversi_fw-la juris_fw-la as_o to_o any_o particular_a determination_n thereanent_a by_o the_o public_a judgement_n of_o the_o kirk_n and_o therefore_o both_o the_o person_n cite_v and_o these_o that_o ordain_v they_o to_o be_v cite_v be_v to_o be_v try_v and_o judge_v by_o the_o assembly_n and_o for_o that_o remove_v in_o that_o particular_a not_o only_o about_o the_o fact_n but_o also_o about_o the_o matter_n juris_n of_o law_n however_o if_o this_o please_v not_o the_o writer_n let_v he_o answer_v what_o he_o will_v for_o clear_v the_o order_n of_o the_o commission_n 48_o and_o it_o will_v serve_v as_o well_o the_o order_n of_o the_o commission_n 51._o as_o to_o any_o illegality_n relate_v to_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o assembly_n for_o upon_o the_o form_n clear_o both_o be_v alike_o except_o in_o what_o will_v make_v for_o the_o advantage_n of_o the_o late_a and_o as_o for_o the_o matter_n in_o both_o it_o be_v alike_o as_o to_o the_o general_n assembly_n judgement_n at_o the_o time_n of_o the_o protestation_n and_o also_o in_o reipsâ_fw-la which_o we_o take_v upon_o we_o to_o make_v good_a review_n albeit_o this_o be_v more_o than_o probable_a as_o appear_v from_o the_o constant_a tenor_n of_o the_o proceed_n of_o assembly_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o commissioner_n which_o be_v intimate_v by_o the_o writer_n yet_o i_o be_o content_a to_o take_v what_o the_o author_n give_v he_o distinguish_v betwixt_o a_o scandal_n which_o as_o to_o the_o ground_n of_o it_o be_v controversi_fw-la juris_fw-la &_o a_o scandal_n which_o be_v determinati_fw-la juris_fw-la and_o make_v the_o scandal_n of_o oppose_v the_o public_a resolution_n to_o have_v be_v only_o controversi_fw-la juris_fw-la as_o to_o any_o particular_a determination_n thereof_o by_o the_o public_a judgement_n of_o the_o kirk_n and_o thence_o infer_v that_o the_o opposer_n of_o public_a resolution_n may_v have_v be_v choose_v this_o notwithstanding_o and_o admit_v to_o sit_v as_o judge_n in_o the_o assembly_n though_o not_o in_o this_o particular_a and_o i_o offer_v these_o particular_n hereanent_a first_o that_o by_o the_o author_n own_o grant_n they_o be_v still_o exclude_v from_o sit_v as_o judge_n in_o that_o particular_a and_o therefore_o as_o to_o a_o competent_a 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 general_n assembly_n define_v these_o thing_n to_o be_v scandal_n they_o do_v as_o to_o these_o thing_n act_v without_o a_o commission_n and_o without_o authority_n and_o be_v beyond_o their_o bound_n and_o lead_v with_o no_o spirit_n of_o tenderness_n the_o author_n do_v a_o little_a while_n ago_o seem_v to_o say_v that_o the_o commission_n have_v no_o power_n to_o cite_v or_o to_o censure_v the_o opposer_n of_o any_o resolution_n make_v by_o themselves_o and_o yet_o here_o he_o tell_v that_o these_o thing_n as_o to_o the_o public_a judgement_n of_o the_o kirk_n be_v controversi_fw-la juris_fw-la and_o if_o so_o they_o be_v as_o yet_o but_o resolution_n of_o their_o own_o and_o they_o have_v no_o power_n to_o cite_v or_o censure_v any_o or_o to_o give_v order_n to_o cite_v or_o censure_v any_o for_o oppose_v thereof_o that_o the_o public_a resolution_n be_v controversi_fw-la and_o not_o determinati_fw-la juris_fw-la by_o the_o public_a judgement_n of_o the_o kirk_n that_o the_o commission_n have_v no_o power_n for_o cite_v or_o censure_v any_o oppose_v resolution_n make_v by_o themselves_o that_o they_o give_v order_n to_o presbytery_n to_o censure_n and_o cite_v the_o opposer_n of_o public_a resolution_n be_v thing_n that_o i_o can_v reconcile_v i_o will_v not_o say_v but_o the_o author_n engine_n may_v find_v a_o shift_n but_o if_o he_o extricate_v these_o thing_n to_o the_o clear_a capacity_n of_o plain_a and_o ordinary_a understanding_n be_v more_o than_o at_o present_a my_o weak_a eye_n do_v see_v as_o for_o that_o he_o tell_v we_o concern_v the_o reject_v the_o motion_n of_o put_v off_o of_o some_o from_o the_o list_n to_o be_v commissioner_n who_o have_v be_v refer_v and_o cite_v to_o the_o assembly_n in_o the_o year_n 1648._o i_o can_v say_v little_a to_o it_o as_o not_o know_v it_o nor_o the_o circumstance_n thereof_o i_o believe_v it_o be_v a_o instance_n of_o a_o particular_a person_n in_o a_o
scandal_n of_o carry_v on_o a_o coarse_n of_o defection_n he_o say_v that_o it_o be_v manifest_a not_o only_o from_o common_a report_n the_o first_o whereof_o be_v make_v deut_n 13.12_o a_o ground_n of_o search_n and_o the_o other_o a_o ground_n of_o proceed_v against_o the_o incestuous_a person_n 1_o cor._n 5._o we_o may_v see_v by_o this_o what_o doom_n the_o late_a commissioner_n likely_a may_v have_v get_v have_v the_o writer_n of_o this_o paper_n be_v judge_n excommunication_n summary_n from_o this_o church_n and_o destruction_n by_o the_o sword_n from_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n such_o consider_v the_o crime_n he_o charge_v on_o they_o and_o the_o place_n cite_v be_v not_o only_o hint_v at_o but_o bless_v be_v god_n that_o so_o illwilled_a a_o cow_n have_v so_o short_a horn_n but_o also_o from_o those_o four_o 1._o the_o stumble_a and_o sad_a complaint_n of_o the_o godly_a against_o their_o proceed_n 2._o the_o testimony_n and_o letter_n of_o many_o presbytetery_n bear_v their_o stumble_n and_o dissatisfaction_n with_o the_o same_o 3_o the_o clear_a stand_a act_n remonstrance_n and_o declaration_n of_o former_a assembly_n unto_o which_o these_o be_v diametral_o opposite_a 4._o the_o testimony_n of_o sundry_a brethren_n in_o the_o assembly_n offer_v to_o prove_v it_o review_n before_o i_o come_v to_o the_o discussing_n of_o the_o author_n answer_n to_o this_o reason_n i_o can_v but_o take_v notice_n of_o a_o few_o interlude_n of_o his_o in_o repeat_v of_o these_o thing_n which_o the_o writer_n bring_v in_o for_o clear_v and_o conâ—â—rming_v of_o it_o first_o these_o word_n of_o hâ—s_n for_o the_o former_a he_o allege_n first_o that_o it_o be_v without_o controversy_n and_o next_o he_o bring_v four_o thing_n for_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o name_v not_o one_o passage_n of_o it_o the_o writer_n say_v not_o that_o it_o be_v without_o controversy_n but_o his_o word_n be_v these_o albeit_o as_o we_o conceive_v no_o great_a controversy_n will_v be_v about_o it_o and_o although_o he_o have_v say_v that_o it_o be_v without_o controversy_n be_v it_o a_o fault_n to_o bring_v something_o for_o strengthen_v assent_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o that_o he_o name_v no_o passage_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v because_o he_o take_v it_o to_o be_v lippis_fw-la &_o tonsoribus_fw-la notum_fw-la among_o christian_n that_o a_o elder_a shall_v be_v blameless_a and_o of_o good_a report_n a_o second_o be_v that_o it_o be_v good_a that_o the_o writer_n yea_o even_o in_o this_o heat_n of_o disputation_n find_v something_o right_a in_o the_o commissioner_n paper_n out_o that_o he_o tell_v not_o all_o the_o truth_n the_o writer_n desire_v not_o at_o any_o time_n to_o be_v so_o hot_a against_o the_o commission_n as_o not_o to_o acknowledge_v and_o commend_v what_o be_v right_a in_o their_o paper_n and_o act_n and_o why_o shall_v it_o be_v make_v a_o matter_n of_o challenge_n against_o he_o that_o he_o tell_v not_o all_o the_o truth_n see_v he_o have_v not_o to_o do_v with_o any_o more_o than_o he_o tell_v his_o point_n be_v to_o tell_v that_o the_o person_n under_o scandal_n aught_o to_o be_v remove_v from_o the_o assembly_n and_o not_o the_o positive_a qualification_n to_o be_v require_v in_o these_o who_o be_v to_o be_v admit_v to_o fit_v a_o member_n if_o the_o author_n think_v that_o that_o can_v contribute_v any_o thing_n either_o for_o strengthen_v what_o the_o writer_n intend_v to_o prove_v or_o for_o clear_v of_o the_o commission_n he_o do_v well_o allow_v it_o to_o be_v tell_v three_o these_o word_n of_o he_o the_o writer_n magno_fw-la hiatu_fw-la bid_v any_o man_n in_o the_o world_n bring_v a_o reason_n his_o magno_fw-la hiatu_fw-la be_v not_o word_n very_o beseem_v that_o soberness_n and_o gravity_n that_o become_v a_o man_n of_o his_o place_n and_o part_n he_o may_v remember_v that_o he_o use_v the_o like_a expression_n himself_o all_o the_o world_n say_v he_o in_o a_o certain_a place_n of_o his_o vindication_n shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o clear_v this_o from_o usurpation_n and_o be_v there_o not_o need_v of_o as_o wide_o a_o mouth_n for_o the_o one_o of_o these_o as_o for_o the_o other_o but_o that_o which_o be_v most_o observable_a be_v the_o strange_a inference_n which_o he_o draw_v from_o the_o writer_n cite_v deut._n 13.12_o to_o prove_v that_o common_a report_n be_v make_v a_o ground_n of_o search_n 1_o cor._n 5._o to_o prove_v that_o it_o be_v make_v a_o ground_n of_o proceed_n we_o may_v see_v by_o this_o what_o doom_n the_o late_a commiss_n likely_o may_v have_v get_v have_v the_o writer_n of_o this_o be_v judge_n excommunication_n summary_o from_o â—his_n church_n and_o destruction_n by_o the_o sword_n from_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n consider_v the_o crime_n he_o charge_v on_o they_o and_o the_o place_n cite_v be_v not_o only_o hint_v at_o but_o bless_v be_v god_n that_o so_o illwilled_n a_o cow_n have_v so_o short_a horn_n but_o also_o from_o the_o 2._o thess_n 3.11_o the_o author_n tell_v we_o above_o that_o he_o be_v not_o give_v to_o be_v jealous_a but_o this_o favour_n too_o too_o much_o of_o jealousy_n and_o of_o the_o want_n of_o charity_n which_o think_v not_o evil_a i_o will_v fain_o know_v from_o what_o topick_n he_o will_v from_o all_o that_o the_o writer_n have_v say_v frame_v a_o probable_a argument_n that_o it_o be_v like_a that_o if_o the_o writer_n be_v judge_n the_o commissioner_n doom_n will_v be_v summar_n excommunication_n from_o this_o church_n and_o destruction_n by_o the_o sword_n from_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n i_o know_v he_o to_o be_v a_o man_n that_o have_v good_a ability_n in_o argumentation_n but_o it_o will_v surpass_v all_o his_o engine_n by_o any_o probable_a consequence_n to_o infer_v this_o conclusion_n from_o the_o writer_n cite_v of_o these_o place_n of_o scripture_n to_o prove_v that_o common_a report_n be_v make_v a_o ground_n of_o search_n and_o proceed_n and_o i_o be_o 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 and_o make_v that_o particular_a good_a which_o he_o shall_v never_o be_v able_a to_o do_v but_o for_o clear_a satisfaction_n to_o all_o honest_a christian_n about_o this_o matter_n we_o present_v this_o consideration_n in_o answer_n to_o this_o argument_n 1._o the_o very_a like_o accusation_n &_o exception_n come_v into_o the_o assem_fw-la 48_o from_o the_o very_a parliament_n against_o the_o member_n of_o their_o commissioner_n who_o be_v commissioner_n to_o the_o assembly_n and_o yet_o after_o a_o long_a and_o serious_a debate_n it_o be_v find_v by_o none_o more_o than_o our_o present_a protester_n and_o conclude_v that_o none_o of_o they_o can_v be_v remove_v from_o sit_v in_o the_o assembly_n and_o vote_v in_o other_o matter_n until_o their_o proceed_n be_v first_o hear_v and_o try_v when_o the_o writer_n shall_v shape_v a_o answer_n to_o justify_v the_o constitution_n of_o that_o assembly_n notwithstanding_o this_o that_o be_v â—one_n than_o we_o doubt_v not_o but_o it_o shall_v ______o the_o late_a assembly_n so_o we_o see_v that_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o truth_n which_o the_o writer_n allege_v in_o answer_n to_o the_o first_o objection_n against_o this_o argument_n when_o he_o say_v that_o though_o it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o member_n of_o the_o commission_n have_v be_v allow_v to_o sit_v until_o their_o proceed_n be_v try_v and_o judge_v yet_o that_o be_v as_o true_a that_o such_o objection_n and_o exception_n be_v propon_v be_v never_o reject_v we_o have_v give_v a_o fresh_a and_o recent_a instance_n to_o the_o contrary_n what_o he_o add_v there_o viz._n that_o since_o the_o late_a reformation_n there_o be_v no_o cause_n to_o propone_v such_o thing_n the_o commissioner_n till_o this_o year_n have_v carry_v themselves_o faithful_o we_o grant_v the_o former_a do_v carry_v themselves_o faithful_o and_o
to_o the_o generality_n of_o they_o do_v then_o and_o do_v at_o this_o day_n agree_v in_o this_o that_o the_o public_a resolution_n be_v not_o agreeable_a to_o former_a principle_n and_o proceed_n there_o be_v cause_n of_o stumble_v give_v also_o to_o the_o godly_a in_o regard_n of_o the_o commissioner_n their_o manner_n of_o proceed_v because_o a_o quorum_fw-la very_a few_o more_o of_o the_o commission_n do_v lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o these_o resolution_n not_o only_o without_o the_o rest_n of_o their_o number_n but_o also_o without_o advertise_v a_o great_a many_o of_o they_o and_o so_o many_o be_v absent_a and_o not_o advertise_v they_o do_v in_o a_o day_n or_o two_o determine_v that_o most_o grave_a case_n which_o have_v often_o before_o that_o time_n be_v determine_v in_o the_o negative_a and_o send_v abroad_o their_o determination_n to_o presbytery_n require_v obedience_n and_o upon_o man_n offering_n the_o ground_n of_o their_o dis-satisfaction_n and_o profess_v their_o adherence_n thereto_o till_o satisfaction_n shall_v be_v give_v do_v issue_v such_o warning_n and_o act_n as_o we_o have_v former_o speak_v of_o i_o appeal_v the_o author_n himself_o whether_o at_o the_o time_n of_o the_o give_v of_o the_o answer_n to_o the_o quaere_fw-la it_o be_v not_o know_v to_o the_o commission_n that_o many_o godly_a and_o faithful_a minister_n and_o professor_n in_o the_o land_n be_v averse_a from_o employ_v these_o man_n in_o the_o army_n and_o have_v great_a scruple_n about_o it_o and_o that_o many_o member_n of_o the_o commission_n who_o be_v not_o to_o be_v despise_v have_v often_o profess_v their_o dislike_n of_o it_o albeit_o the_o matter_n have_v be_v lawful_a sure_o there_o be_v great_a precipitancy_n and_o rashness_n in_o the_o first_o resolution_n which_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o sober_a man_n even_o of_o the_o same_o judgement_n but_o such_o be_v the_o zeal_n and_o forwardness_n of_o the_o court_n and_o of_o some_o parliament_n man_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o the_o readiness_n of_o sundry_a of_o the_o commission_n who_o have_v before_o that_o time_n declare_v themselves_o for_o that_o way_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n to_o hearken_v unto_o they_o and_o the_o faintness_n of_o any_o that_o be_v present_a to_o oppose_v it_o that_o hold_v be_v take_v of_o the_o opportunity_n to_o do_v it_o quovis_fw-la modo_fw-la whereby_o real_a offence_n be_v give_v to_o the_o godly_a in_o the_o land_n si_fw-mi quid_fw-la importuna_fw-la levitate_fw-la aut_fw-la lascivia_fw-la aut_fw-la temeritate_fw-la non_fw-la ordine_fw-la nec_fw-la svo_fw-la loco_fw-la facias_fw-la quo_fw-la imperiti_fw-la imbecillesque_fw-la offendantur_fw-la scandalum_fw-la abs_fw-la te_fw-la datum_fw-la dicetur_fw-la quoniam_fw-la tua_fw-la culpa_fw-la factum_fw-la fuit_fw-la ut_fw-la ejusmodi_fw-la offensio_fw-la suscitaretur_fw-la ac_fw-la omnino_fw-la scandalum_fw-la in_o re_fw-la aliqua_fw-la datum_fw-la dicitur_fw-la cujus_fw-la culpa_fw-la ab_fw-la autore_fw-la rei_fw-la ipsus_fw-la profecta_fw-la est_fw-la be_v the_o word_n of_o a_o great_a divine_a speak_v of_o scandal_n very_o applicable_a to_o this_o case_n next_o he_o do_v a_o wrong_n in_o make_v they_o so_o ignorant_a simple_a and_o facile_a as_o in_o these_o thing_n to_o be_v lead_v away_o with_o the_o misrepresentation_n and_o misinformation_n of_o other_o many_o of_o the_o most_o judicious_a decern_a christian_n in_o the_o land_n be_v stumble_v at_o the_o commission_n proceed_n upon_o the_o first_o hear_v of_o they_o &_o before_o the_o protester_n do_v make_v either_o right_a or_o wrong_a representation_n of_o they_o i_o will_v not_o say_v but_o they_o be_v confirm_v in_o the_o dislike_n of_o these_o proceed_n by_o conference_n with_o the_o protester_n &_o other_o minister_n of_o that_o judgement_n as_o they_o also_o be_v mutual_o edify_v and_o confirm_v by_o they_o but_o that_o all_o the_o stumble_a and_o dislike_n do_v arise_v from_o the_o suggestion_n and_o practising_n of_o some_o or_o all_o of_o the_o same_o person_n who_o the_o author_n call_v the_o alleadger_n and_o accuser_n be_v not_o true_a yea_o i_o dare_v say_v that_o albeit_o all_o the_o protester_n and_o all_o the_o minister_n in_o scotland_n have_v be_v of_o one_o mind_n with_o the_o commission_n in_o the_o matter_n the_o public_a resolution_n yet_o many_o of_o the_o godly_a in_o scotland_n will_v have_v stumble_v thereat_o it_o will_v have_v be_v in_o this_o case_n as_o in_o the_o business_n of_o the_o treaty_n wherewith_o many_o of_o the_o godly_a in_o scotland_n be_v dissatisfy_v notwithstanding_o that_o there_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o harmony_n and_o consent_n among_o the_o ministry_n there_o anent_o that_o there_o be_v more_o testimony_n for_o the_o commissioner_n from_o presbetery_n and_o synod_n than_o be_v against_o they_o be_v no_o great_a wonder_n multitude_n common_o incline_v to_o the_o worst_a side_n in_o the_o day_n of_o tentation_n and_o they_o be_v but_o few_o who_o keep_v their_o garment_n pure_a yet_o do_v not_o the_o strength_n of_o the_o testimony_n upon_o the_o one_o hand_n or_o on_o the_o other_o lie_v in_o the_o number_n of_o the_o witness_n but_o upon_o the_o truth_n and_o clearness_n of_o their_o evidence_n what_o be_v testify_v by_o the_o opposer_n of_o the_o commission_n be_v confirm_v by_o clear_a evidence_n from_o the_o constant_a doctrine_n of_o this_o church_n ground_v upon_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o set_v down_o in_o the_o covenant_n and_o solemn_a acknowledgement_n of_o sin_n and_o engagement_n to_o duty_n and_o public_a warning_n declaration_n remonstrance_n etc._n etc._n but_o not_o so_o much_o as_o a_o tittle_n of_o these_o for_o evidence_n on_o the_o other_o side_n it_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o the_o author_n himself_o that_o the_o public_a resolution_n be_v a_o case_n not_o former_o determine_v by_o any_o public_a judgement_n of_o this_o kirk_n and_o if_o so_o there_o can_v no_o evidence_n be_v bring_v from_o the_o doctrine_n of_o this_o church_n for_o clear_v and_o confirm_v of_o these_o resolution_n the_o author_n be_v please_v to_o call_v the_o testimony_n give_v against_o the_o public_a resolution_n real_o and_o in_o themselves_o scandal_n tend_v most_o evident_o to_o the_o expose_v of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o of_o the_o cause_n to_o the_o power_n of_o the_o invader_n he_o be_v please_v a_o little_a above_o to_o call_v they_o slander_n and_o so_o all_o the_o godly_a in_o scotland_n who_o speak_v against_o these_o resolution_n be_v upon_o his_o account_n slanderer_n but_o these_o testimony_n be_v neither_o slander_n nor_o scandal_n they_o do_v contain_v real_a truth_n and_o be_v duty_n to_o which_o the_o giver_n of_o they_o be_v oblige_v in_o a_o backslide_a time_n for_o deliver_v of_o their_o own_o soul_n and_o preserve_v the_o cause_n of_o god_n from_o be_v overbear_v with_o a_o spate_o of_o defection_n and_o though_o in_o many_o thing_n they_o acknowledge_v themselves_o to_o be_v among_o the_o most_o sinful_a yet_o in_o this_o they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o expose_v of_o the_o kingdom_n &_o cause_n to_o the_o power_n of_o the_o invader_n that_o they_o hold_v themselves_o bind_v to_o bless_v the_o lord_n while_o they_o live_v who_o give_v they_o mercy_n to_o be_v keep_v free_a from_o that_o carnal_a sinful_a course_n that_o do_v provoke_v the_o lord_n to_o give_v so_o great_a a_o stroke_n to_o the_o kingdom_n and_o the_o cause_n in_o those_o dreadful_a rod_n wherewith_o he_o have_v smite_v we_o since_o these_o resolution_n what_o be_v the_o sense_n that_o the_o invader_n themselves_o have_v of_o this_o i_o do_v not_o well_o know_v but_o this_o it_o be_v like_a enough_o they_o rejoice_v in_o our_o division_n but_o it_o be_v not_o the_o oppose_a of_o the_o public_a resolution_n wherein_o they_o do_v direct_o rejoice_v nothing_o from_o us-ward_n will_v have_v be_v matter_n of_o so_o great_a terror_n to_o they_o as_o to_o have_v see_v we_o unanimous_a in_o separate_v from_o and_o oppose_v of_o all_o malignant_a interest_n as_o it_o be_v upon_o the_o other_o hand_n the_o matter_n of_o their_o confidence_n and_o joy_n that_o their_o former_a quarrel_n seem_v to_o be_v justify_v by_o the_o public_a resolution_n which_o do_v so_o much_o strengthen_v and_o promove_v malignant_a interest_n if_o we_o may_v believe_v their_o own_o expression_n and_o letter_n write_v from_o some_o of_o the_o chief_a of_o they_o to_o the_o high_a power_n in_o england_n he_o tell_v we_o that_o for_o that_o cause_n some_o of_o the_o testimony_n be_v soon_o put_v into_o their_o hand_n then_o communicate_v to_o the_o commissioner_n and_o they_o in_o thankfulness_n be_v very_o thankful_a to_o cause_n print_v they_o this_o be_v a_o crimination_n of_o no_o small_a consequence_n to_o the_o name_n and_o fame_n of_o these_o of_o who_o the_o author_n speak_v and_o therefore_o if_o he_o have_v deal_v candid_o and_o speak_v truth_n upon_o persuasion_n and_o evidence_n he_o shall_v have_v tell_v we_o of_o what_o testimony_n he_o mean_v and_o who_o
behove_v to_o do_v ere_o it_o can_v be_v clear_a about_o the_o relevancy_n of_o their_o exception_n for_o their_o remove_n because_o as_o the_o writer_n grant_v the_o exception_n relevant_a to_o remove_v person_n must_v be_v prima_fw-la front_n clear_a in_o the_o law_n certain_o it_o can_v not_o and_o therefore_o of_o necessity_n they_o can_v not_o upon_o that_o exception_n be_v remove_v before_o the_o election_n of_o the_o moderator_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o judicatory_a as_o for_o their_o member_n except_v against_o and_o thereupon_o remove_v there_o be_v a_o wide_a difference_n the_o exception_n against_o they_o be_v as_o to_o the_o relevancy_n for_o their_o remove_n in_o case_n every_o way_n clear_a and_o determine_v before_o in_o so_o far_o as_o be_v requisite_a for_o that_o to_o wit_n protestation_n in_o presbytery_n against_o their_o election_n stand_v censure_n exclude_v they_o from_o all_o kirk_n judicatory_n unrepealed_a so_o we_o see_v the_o exception_n wherewith_o the_o writer_n meet_v here_o may_v stand_v good_a with_o a_o little_a exception_n viz._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 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 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 point_v de_fw-fr jure_fw-la belong_v thereunto_o be_v controvert_v at_o least_o not_o prima_fw-la front_n the_o clear_n and_o discuss_v thereof_o do_v belong_v most_o intimat_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 wherewith_o a_o meeting_n not_o constitute_v into_o a_o judicatory_a can_v not_o meddle_v 4._o as_o to_o the_o writer_n dilemma_n in_o the_o end_n that_o the_o refuse_v to_o remove_v the_o commissioner_n upon_o the_o exception_n make_v against_o they_o be_v to_o determine_v either_o that_o the_o exception_n be_v not_o relevant_a or_o that_o it_o be_v false_a and_o both_o be_v absurd_a we_o answer_v 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 they_o off_o the_o assembly_n and_o whereas_o he_o say_v this_o be_v to_o contradict_v clear_a reason_n this_o be_v but_o a_o naked_a assertion_n and_o we_o have_v clear_v the_o contrary_n review_n first_o i_o desire_v it_o to_o be_v consider_v that_o he_o yield_v that_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v desire_v by_o the_o protester_n at_o the_o entry_n of_o the_o assembly_n before_o the_o choice_n of_o the_o moderator_n be_v not_o express_o and_o formal_o yea_o nor_o implicit_o nor_o material_o the_o trial_n and_o discuss_n of_o the_o exception_n as_o to_o the_o truth_n allege_v 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 can_v not_o be_v do_v because_o it_o do_v involve_v a_o great_a question_n de_fw-fr jure_fw-la which_o be_v yet_o questionable_a and_o not_o clear_a whereas_o it_o be_v yield_v by_o the_o writer_n that_o the_o exception_n ought_v to_o be_v relevant_a in_o law_n at_o least_o such_o as_o prima_fw-la front_n seem_v relevant_a i_o answer_v that_o that_o question_n be_v prima_fw-la front_n relevant_a in_o law_n because_o prima_fw-la front_n agreeable_a to_o the_o very_a letter_n of_o the_o law_n i_o may_v appeal_v to_o himself_o if_o the_o public_a resolution_n do_v not_o prima_fw-la front_n seem_v to_o be_v contrary_a to_o many_o thing_n former_o express_v in_o the_o act_n constitution_n and_o public_a paper_n of_o this_o church_n and_o though_o he_o will_v deny_v it_o yet_o sure_o i_o be_o all_o indifferent_a man_n will_v acknowledge_v it_o that_o whatsoever_o may_v be_v in_o the_o matter_n itself_o yet_o there_o be_v at_o least_o a_o seem_a contrariety_n betwixt_o these_o i_o shall_v remember_v he_o of_o the_o speech_n of_o a_o judicious_a and_o godly_a man_n who_o word_n be_v cite_v by_o himself_o in_o his_o vindication_n in_o another_o case_n who_o in_o a_o conference_n at_o st._n andrews_n about_o the_o public_a resolution_n when_o the_o act_n warning_n and_o declaration_n of_o the_o assembly_n be_v object_v against_o these_o resolution_n say_v i_o confess_v that_o you_o have_v the_o seek_v of_o the_o assembly_n for_o you_o yea_o in_o this_o thing_n that_o prima_fw-la front_n it_o seem_v to_o be_v so_o we_o have_v the_o universal_a consent_n almost_o of_o the_o whole_a land_n as_o well_o these_o who_o be_v for_o the_o public_a resolution_n as_o those_o who_o be_v against_o they_o else_o what_o mean_v that_o which_o be_v so_o frequent_a in_o the_o mouth_n of_o some_o of_o the_o commission_n and_o many_o other_o the_o last_o year_n who_o when_o act_v of_o assembly_n and_o public_a paper_n be_v object_v say_v that_o some_o man_n who_o have_v hand_n in_o the_o pen_n of_o these_o paper_n have_v upon_o design_n foist_v in_o many_o thing_n in_o they_o which_o they_o now_o make_v use_n of_o against_o the_o public_a resolution_n and_o that_o which_o be_v then_o and_o be_v still_o frequena_o speak_v by_o the_o generality_n of_o malignant_a and_o disaffect_v man_n in_o the_o land_n to_o wit_n the_o church_n be_v now_o come_v to_o we_o and_o we_o be_v not_o go_v to_o they_o these_o thing_n be_v more_o palpable_a and_o better_o know_v then_o that_o they_o can_v with_o any_o colour_n of_o truth_n be_v deny_v but_o 3._o be_v not_o the_o exception_n propound_v by_o the_o protester_n against_o the_o commissioner_n discuss_v by_o the_o assembly_n as_o to_o the_o relevancy_n thereof_o before_o the_o election_n of_o the_o moderator_n do_v they_o not_o after_o the_o propound_v of_o it_o suffer_v the_o commissioner_n to_o sit_v which_o they_o can_v not_o have_v do_v unless_o they_o have_v reject_v it_o and_o how_o can_v they_o reject_v it_o unless_o they_o have_v 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 their_o be_v commissioner_n but_o now_o in_o the_o assembly_n convene_v what_o be_v all_o this_o as_o to_o the_o keep_n of_o the_o assembly_n from_o consider_v and_o discuss_v of_o the_o same_o be_v there_o not_o other_o who_o have_v a_o formal_a and_o uncontroverted_a commission_n not_o object_v against_o in_o the_o presbytery_n who_o yet_o upon_o personal_a exception_n propound_v in_o the_o assembly_n be_v remove_v till_o these_o exception_n shall_v be_v discuss_v and_o try_v and_o be_v it_o not_o as_o free_v to_o propound_v personal_a exception_n in_o the_o assembly_n as_o in_o the_o presbytery_n and_o be_v propound_v there_o be_v they_o not_o of_o as_o great_a weight_n as_o if_o propound_v elsewhere_a and_o ought_v not_o the_o assembly_n to_o have_v take_v they_o in_o consideration_n be_v they_o not_o primo_fw-la instanti_fw-la the_o proper_a judge_n of_o they_o as_o well_o as_o the_o presbytery_n that_o some_o of_o the_o commissioner_n be_v
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 oppose_v the_o public_a resolution_n be_v not_o that_o also_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 as_o before_z three_o if_o the_o relevancy_n of_o the_o exception_n be_v questionable_a in_o many_o point_v de_fw-fr jure_fw-la belong_v thereunto_o the_o clear_n and_o discuss_v whereof_o do_v belong_v most_o intimat_o and_o essential_o to_o the_o verify_n or_o falsify_v of_o the_o matter_n itself_o how_o can_v it_o be_v judge_v and_o discuss_v as_o to_o the_o relevancy_n thereof_o and_o yet_o this_o be_v no_o prejudice_n to_o a_o judgement_n upon_o the_o matter_n contain_v therein_o or_o how_o can_v the_o exception_n be_v find_v non-relevant_a and_o the_o commissioner_n proceed_n be_v also_o find_v to_o involve_v a_o course_n of_o defection_n four_o if_o the_o clear_n and_o discuss_v of_o that_o exception_n have_v such_o connection_n with_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o commissioner_n proceed_n that_o first_o when_o it_o be_v propon_v it_o can_v not_o be_v judge_v before_o the_o judge_n of_o the_o questionable_a hypothesis_n of_o their_o proceed_n how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o the_o assembly_n afterward_o do_v judge_v it_o and_o admit_v the_o commissioner_n themselves_o to_o sit_v as_o judge_n therein_o before_o the_o judge_n of_o that_o hypothesis_n five_o if_o the_o exception_n be_v so_o questionable_a in_o jure_fw-la how_o can_v the_o assembly_n before_o the_o discuss_n of_o the_o commissioner_n proceed_n so_o severe_o reprove_v the_o dissenter_n for_o propon_v of_o it_o and_o condemn_v the_o protestation_n found_v thereupon_o these_o thing_n to_o my_o weak_a understanding_n seem_v inconsistent_a and_o such_o as_o ordinary_a reader_n can_v reconcile_v in_o the_o last_o place_n he_o labour_v to_o give_v answer_n to_o the_o writer_n dilemma_n to_o wit_n at_o the_o refuse_v to_o remove_v the_o commissioner_n upon_o the_o exception_n propon_v against_o they_o be_v to_o determine_v either_o that_o 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
judge_n and_o condemn_v the_o exception_n contain_v therein_o as_o irrelevant_a they_o must_v upon_o supposal_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o fact_n which_o be_v manifest_a and_o acknowledge_v find_v these_o exception_n irrelevant_a either_o because_o these_o fact_n upon_o which_o they_o be_v found_v be_v consonant_n to_o the_o law_n by_o which_o they_o be_v to_o be_v judge_v to_o wit_n the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o act_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n or_o because_o they_o be_v not_o condemn_v thereby_o if_o they_o judge_v they_o consonant_n to_o the_o law_n they_o can_v afterward_o find_v they_o wrong_v by_o that_o law_n because_o they_o have_v already_o by_o the_o same_o law_n find_v they_o right_n if_o not_o condemn_v neither_o can_v they_o find_v they_o wrong_n because_o that_o be_v to_o find_v they_o condemn_v by_o the_o law_n by_o which_o they_o have_v already_o find_v they_o not_o condemn_v if_o it_o be_v say_v which_o for_o any_o thing_n my_o weakness_n reach_v be_v the_o only_a thing_n that_o can_v with_o any_o colour_n be_v say_v that_o they_o may_v find_v these_o fact_n as_o to_o the_o relevancy_n or_o irrelevancy_n of_o they_o not_o condemn_v nor_o determine_v by_o any_o act_n of_o any_o general_a assembly_n and_o so_o no_o ground_n of_o relevant_a exception_n when_o they_o be_v offer_v unto_o the_o assembly_n and_o yet_o may_v afterward_o find_v they_o condemn_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o so_o find_v they_o wrong_n i_o return_v 1._o that_o by_o this_o answer_v it_o be_v grant_v that_o these_o can_v never_o be_v find_v wrong_n by_o any_o act_n of_o the_o assembly_n which_o then_o be_v in_o be_v 2._o that_o the_o commissioner_n and_o the_o assembly_n when_o they_o judge_v of_o they_o in_o order_n to_o the_o relevancy_n of_o the_o exception_n found_v upon_o they_o do_v not_o only_o neglect_v to_o give_v a_o judgement_n on_o they_o according_a to_o the_o just_a and_o infalible_a rule_n by_o which_o they_o be_v bind_v in_o the_o first_o place_n and_o by_o their_o oath_n to_o square_v all_o their_o proceed_n to_o wit_n the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o also_o give_v a_o judgement_n of_o they_o contrary_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o wit_n that_o they_o be_v not_o relevant_a ground_n of_o exception_n which_o be_v a_o judgement_n contrary_a to_o the_o word_n because_o the_o thing_n be_v in_o themselves_o wrong_a by_o the_o word_n can_v but_o be_v relevant_a ground_n of_o exception_n if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o all_o that_o they_o judge_v be_v that_o it_o be_v not_o yet_o manifest_a by_o the_o word_n that_o they_o be_v relevant_a ground_n of_o exception_n that_o still_o iâ—_n but_o a_o poor_a shift_n to_o defend_v a_o ill_a cause_n because_o this_o follow_v that_o they_o do_v condemn_v they_o before_o they_o know_v whither_o the_o word_n of_o god_n do_v condemn_v they_o or_o approve_v they_o and_o this_o be_v indeed_o to_o my_o understanding_n the_o upshot_n of_o the_o business_n that_o it_o must_v either_o be_v yield_v that_o the_o condemn_v of_o these_o exception_n be_v the_o approve_v of_o these_o proceed_n or_o else_o that_o man_n in_o condemn_v of_o they_o go_v on_o blind_o not_o know_v whether_o they_o do_v therein_o judge_v according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o against_o it_o because_o what_o i_o have_v already_o say_v do_v clear_a and_o take_v in_o what_o be_v material_a and_o of_o consequence_n to_o this_o business_n therefore_o i_o shall_v be_v the_o shoâ—ter_n upon_o his_o answer_n to_o the_o other_o two_o particular_n mention_v by_o the_o writer_n he_o do_v not_o deny_v but_o the_o protestatian_a be_v judge_v before_o the_o approbation_n of_o the_o commissioner_n proceed_n and_o sure_o if_o so_o this_o be_v no_o handsome_a work_n not_o only_o because_o the_o commissioner_n sit_v as_o judge_n to_o condemn_v the_o exception_n propound_v against_o themselves_o but_o also_o because_o a_o part_n of_o the_o protestation_n be_v that_o the_o commissioner_n proceed_n shall_v not_o be_v approven_v as_o involve_v a_o conjunction_n with_o the_o malignant_a party_n etc._n etc._n and_o it_o be_v somewhat_o strange_a that_o they_o shall_v condemn_v a_o protestation_n against_o the_o approve_v of_o these_o resolution_n before_o they_o find_v these_o resolution_n approvable_a &_o that_o the_o man_n who_o be_v under_o trial_n in_o order_n to_o these_o resolution_n shall_v sit_v as_o judge_n in_o condemn_v a_o protestation_n against_o the_o approve_v of_o they_o the_o author_n think_v that_o the_o argument_n will_v be_v find_v by_o any_o indifferent_a judicious_a man_n in_o the_o world_n to_o bear_v little_a weight_n and_o to_o be_v a_o mere_a paralogism_n in_o the_o whole_a probation_n of_o the_o assumption_n to_o win_v that_o the_o commissioner_n do_v sit_v as_o judge_n in_o the_o very_a thing_n for_o which_o they_o be_v under_o trial_n i_o hope_v before_o this_o time_n judicious_a man_n may_v see_v something_o in_o it_o that_o will_v bear_v weight_n and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o paralogism_n in_o the_o probation_n of_o the_o assumption_n the_o first_o part_n of_o his_o answer_n to_o the_o first_o particular_a â—s_a à _fw-la posse_fw-la ad_fw-la esse_fw-la that_o the_o assembly_n may_v have_v do_v so_o therefore_o they_o do_v so_o that_o the_o assembly_n may_v have_v judge_v the_o protestation_n before_o the_o approbation_n of_o the_o commission_n and_o yet_o in_o judge_v of_o it_o not_o judge_v the_o matter_n whereof_o the_o commissioner_n be_v yet_o under_o trial_n yea_o very_o they_o may_v say_v he_o for_o why_o they_o may_v as_o to_o that_o part_n of_o it_o which_o be_v allege_v in_o this_o argument_n viz._n that_o the_o commissioner_n proceed_n shall_v not_o be_v ratify_v have_v judge_v that_o they_o shall_v go_v on_o to_o try_v they_o and_o if_o they_o do_v find_v they_o right_a and_o agreeable_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o constitution_n in_o this_o kirk_n in_o that_o case_n to_o ratify_v they_o whether_o they_o may_v have_v do_v this_o be_v not_o now_o the_o debate_n it_o seem_v by_o what_o be_v say_v that_o they_o can_v not_o have_v do_v it_o but_o he_o dare_v take_v it_o on_o he_o that_o if_o they_o do_v judge_v the_o protestation_n before_o the_o approbation_n of_o the_o commission_n they_o do_v no_o other_o thing_n in_o relation_n to_o that_o particular_a now_o say_v he_o that_o they_o shall_v go_v on_o in_o the_o trial_n of_o the_o commission_n to_o approve_v they_o if_o it_o shall_v be_v find_v as_o say_v be_v and_o to_o judge_v in_o the_o thing_n wherein_o the_o commission_n be_v under_o trial_n etc._n etc._n be_v not_o the_o same_o but_o very_o different_a thing_n as_o any_o man_n that_o have_v half_o a_o eye_n may_v see_v and_o dâ—scern_v this_o seem_v to_o suppose_v that_o when_o the_o assembly_n do_v first_o condemn_v the_o protestation_n they_o do_v not_o condemn_v it_o all_o but_o only_o a_o part_n of_o it_o to_o wit_n that_o part_n that_o be_v against_o the_o lawfulness_n and_o freedom_n of_o the_o assembly_n leave_v a_o reserve_n for_o the_o other_o part_n against_o the_o ratify_n of_o the_o commission_n proceed_n until_o these_o proceed_n shall_v be_v try_v but_o i_o can_v take_v this_o for_o grant_v until_o he_o verify_v it_o by_o the_o act_n itself_o which_o do_v condemn_v the_o protestation_n whereof_o i_o doubt_v exceed_o if_o it_o do_v contain_v any_o such_o limitation_n if_o it_o have_v it_o be_v like_a that_o he_o will_v have_v tell_v we_o direct_o of_o it_o but_o upon_o supposal_n that_o it_o do_v yet_o that_o do_v not_o take_v off_o the_o difficulty_n nor_o answer_v the_o argument_n because_o as_o we_o have_v already_o show_v the_o commissioner_n by_o judge_v the_o relevancy_n of_o the_o exception_n propon_v against_o themselves_o which_o they_o judge_v of_o when_o they_o condemn_v the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o protestation_n against_o the_o lawfulness_n &_o freedom_n of_o the_o assemb_v they_o judge_v their_o own_o proceed_n whereof_o no_o such_o instance_n can_v be_v give_v either_o in_o the_o 48._o or_o any_o other_o lawful_a free_a assem_fw-la of_o this_o kirk_n as_o to_o that_o of_o the_o 48._o we_o have_v often_o show_v that_o in_o all_o that_o business_n he_o go_v upon_o mistake_n to_o wit_n that_o the_o parliament_n do_v except_v against_o such_o member_n of_o the_o assembly_n as_o be_v member_n of_o the_o commission_n as_o to_o his_o judgement_n of_o the_o writer_n reason_v it_o be_v such_o as_o do_v make_v it_o appear_v that_o he_o have_v rather_o choose_v to_o allow_v to_o he_o the_o testimony_n of_o some_o ability_n than_o not_o to_o fasten_v the_o imputation_n of_o a_o foul_a miscarriage_n upon_o he_o for_o he_o say_v he_o can_v tell_v whether_o the_o writer_n have_v reason_v this_o loose_o out_o of_o mistake_n or_o of_o purpose_n he_o can_v hardly_o suppose_v the_o former_a consider_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