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conscience_n to_o state_n the_o quarrel_n in_o november_n 1650._o according_o to_o the_o foresay_a declaration_n then_o it-was_a to_o state_n it_o in_o august_n immediate_o precede_v have_v any_o thing_n occur_v in_o order_n to_o the_o king_n for_o alter_v the_o state_n of_o the_o quarrel_n and_o make_v it_o more_o favourable_a as_o to_o he_o or_o rather_o be_v there_o not_o something_o to_o the_o contrary_a to_o wit_n his_o desert_v of_o the_o judicatories_n give_v of_o commission_n to_o the_o malignant_n and_o join_v with_o they_o or_o be_v it_o contrary_a to_o honour_n and_o conscience_n to_o satisfy_v they_o in_o the_o other_o or_o do_v not_o both_o honour_n and_o conscience_n bind_v they_o to_o it_o as_o to_o the_o employ_v of_o the_o malignant_a party_n there_o be_v so_o much_o say_v in_o a_o particular_a treatise_n to_o demonstrate_v the_o sinfulness_n of_o it_o as_o also_o that_o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n for_o it_o that_o i_o shall_v not_o now_o insist_v upon_o it_o only_o i_o desire_v that_o to_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o which_o they_o say_v of_o make_v use_n of_o such_o as_o have_v be_v former_o receive_v to_o repentance_n for_o their_o sinful_a course_n and_o admit_v other_o to_o repentance_n from_o who_o satisfaction_n may_v be_v get_v agreeable_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n that_o all_o together_o may_v be_v employ_v which_o word_n import_v that_o as_o they_o do_v require_v repentance_n in_o all_o these_o who_o be_v former_o exclude_v and_o be_v now_o to_o be_v employ_v so_o also_o that_o care_n be_v take_v to_o receive_v none_o but_o such_o as_o satisfy_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n both_o which_o be_v speak_v gratis_o and_o without_o ground_n the_o first_o because_o in_o answer_n to_o the_o quere_z and_o in_o the_o warn_v pen_v for_o the_o strengthen_n of_o it_o
a_o answer_n to_o the_o declaration_n of_o the_o pretend_a assembly_n at_o dundee_n and_o to_o a_o print_v paper_n entitle_v the_o protestation_n give_v in_o by_o the_o dissent_v brethren_n to_o the_o general_z assembly_n july_n 21._o 1652._o reviewed_n and_o refute_v etc._n etc._n in_o which_o answer_n be_v set_v down_o ten_o step_n of_o their_o defection_n who_o follow_v the_o way_n of_o the_o public_a resolution_n together_o with_o observation_n upon_o some_o of_o the_o act_n of_o the_o p._n assembly_n at_o dundee_n and_o edinburgh_n and_o some_o paper_n concern_v the_o endeavour_n of_o the_o protester_n for_o union_n with_o their_o brethren_n who_o differ_v from_o they_o in_o judgement_n print_a in_o anno_fw-la 1653._o good_a reader_n be_v please_v to_o understand_v that_o when_o that_o paper_n entitle_v the_o protestation_n give_v in_o by_o the_o dissent_v brethren_n to_o the_o gen._n assembly_n july_n 21._o 1652._o reviewed_n and_o refute_v etc._n etc._n come_v abroad_o in_o print_n there_o be_v differ_v thought_n about_o it_o among_o these_o who_o be_v concern_v to_o answer_v it_o some_o say_v that_o it_o be_v not_o worth_a a_o answer_n other_o know_v that_o it_o do_v indeed_o more_o abound_v with_o calumny_n and_o reproach_n then_o with_o argument_n yet_o do_v judge_v it_o fit_a to_o he_o answer_v because_o in_o this_o corrupt_a age_n calumny_n pass_v for_o truth_n among_o the_o generality_n of_o people_n without_o any_o serious_a disquisition_n and_o examination_n within_o very_o few_o day_n after_o that_o paper_n be_v publish_v a_o answer_n be_v draw_v by_o one_o who_o favour_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o protester_n and_o be_v by_o he_o intend_v present_o for_o the_o press_n but_o there_o it_o be_v delay_v and_o upon_o good_a ground_n the_o review_n of_o the_o vindication_n of_o the_o pretend_a assembly_n at_o st._n andrews_n and_o dundee_n have_v the_o precedency_n in_o the_o press_n for_o the_o validity_n of_o the_o protestation_n late_o make_v at_o edinburgh_n do_v much_o depend_v upon_o the_o nullity_n of_o that_o assembly_n which_o be_v assert_v and_o well_o prove_v in_o that_o review_n and_o the_o writer_n of_o that_o paper_n i_o mean_v the_o review_n of_o the_o protestation_n make_v at_o edinburgh_n to_o which_o the_o answer_n be_v intend_v do_v so_o hyperbolical_o commend_v that_o vindication_n of_o the_o assembly_n at_o st._n andrews_n and_o dundee_n as_o a_o nervous_a piece_n not_o yet_o answer_v nor_o easy_o answerable_a beside_o diverse_a other_o expression_n about_o it_o and_o do_v so_o often_o refer_v unto_o it_o in_o his_o review_n that_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o perceive_v that_o no_o answer_n will_v be_v account_v satisfactory_a if_o that_o vindication_n be_v not_o first_o answer_v and_o publish_v that_o sober_a and_o judicious_a man_n may_v see_v whether_o there_o be_v so_o great_a cause_n of_o boast_v of_o that_o vindication_n or_o not_o and_o to_o give_v such_o public_a provocation_n in_o print_n call_v for_o a_o answer_n to_o it_o beside_o that_o there_o be_v information_n that_o a_o course_n be_v take_v by_o some_o of_o those_o that_o maintain_v the_o public_a resolution_n for_o print_v the_o vindication_n of_o that_o assembly_n at_o london_n which_o be_v very_o true_a for_o it_o be_v print_v there_o in_o the_o year_n 1652._o after_o the_o review_n of_o the_o vindication_n be_v print_v this_o answer_n be_v a_o while_n stop_v at_o the_o press_n for_o want_v of_o licence_n to_o print_v it_o and_o as_o some_o thing_n which_o be_v in_o the_o copy_n which_o be_v at_o first_o intend_v for_o the_o press_n be_v leave_v out_o so_o other_o thing_n emergent_a be_v add_v the_o reviewer_n of_o the_o protestation_n do_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o his_o paper_n refer_v to_o a_o declaration_n make_v at_o the_o pretend_a assembly_n at_o dundee_n which_o you_o will_v find_v to_o be_v first_o answer_v here_o and_o because_o it_o abound_v with_o reproach_n and_o misinformation_n therefore_o there_o be_v a_o necessity_n to_o insist_v the_o more_o large_o in_o matter_n of_o fact_n you_o have_v next_o the_o step_n of_o their_o defection_n who_o follow_v the_o way_n of_o the_o publicâ—_fw-la r_n solution_n and_o then_o the_o answer_n to_o the_o review_n of_o the_o protestation_n and_o last_o some_o thing_n about_o the_o union_n endeavour_v by_o the_o protester_n together_o with_o observation_n upon_o some_o act_n of_o the_o say_v pretend_a assembly_n in_o all_o which_o you_o have_v their_o own_o paper_n that_o it_o may_v be_v see_v that_o no_o wrong_n be_v do_v to_o their_o cause_n in_o repeat_v their_o reason_n and_o argument_n except_o it_o be_v do_v by_o themselves_o i_o desire_v not_o to_o prejudice_v the_o reader_n by_o a_o preface_n only_o this_o much_o i_o will_v say_v further_o that_o whereas_o this_o reviewer_n boast_v that_o the_o gray_a head_a and_o age_a man_n for_o the_o most_o part_n be_v on_o their_o side_n to_o which_o there_o be_v enough_o answer_v in_o this_o treatise_n yet_o i_o will_v have_v it_o remember_v that_o the_o same_o argument_n be_v use_v by_o eliphaz_n the_o temanite_n against_o job_n chap._n 15._o v._n 9_o 10._o what_o know_v thou_o that_o we_o know_v not_o what_o understand_v thou_o which_o be_v not_o in_o we_o with_o we_o be_v both_o the_o gray-headed_a and_o very_o age_a man_n much_o elder_a than_o thy_o father_n but_o this_o be_v better_a consider_v by_o elihu_n job_n 32.7.8_o 9_o i_o say_v day_n shall_v speak_v and_o multitude_n of_o year_n shall_v teach_v wisdom_n but_o there_o be_v a_o spirit_n in_o man_n and_o the_o inspiration_n of_o the_o almighty_a give_v they_o understanding_n great_a man_n be_v not_o always_o wise_a neither_o do_v the_o age_a understand_v judgement_n farewell_n good_a reader_n read_v and_o consider_v and_o the_o lord_n give_v thou_o understanding_n in_o all_o thing_n so_o i_o rest_v thou_o in_o the_o lord_n jesus_n the_o protestation_n reviewed_n and_o refute_v brief_o show_v the_o insufficiency_n of_o the_o reason_n thereof_o and_o consequent_o the_o justice_n of_o the_o assembly_n sentence_n condemn_v it_o how_o well_o this_o reviewer_n and_o refuter_fw-la have_v perform_v what_o this_o his_o title_n seem_v to_o promise_v against_o the_o protestation_n and_o for_o the_o sentence_n of_o the_o assembly_n condemn_v it_o will_v appear_v to_o these_o to_o who_o the_o lord_n give_v a_o hear_v ear_n and_o a_o see_a eye_n by_o compare_v what_o be_v say_v in_o defence_n of_o the_o protestation_n in_o answer_n to_o this_o review_n therefore_o beseech_v the_o lord_n who_o be_v no_o respecter_n of_o person_n to_o make_v what_o be_v here_o say_v unsavourie_a or_o acceptable_a unto_o the_o reader_n as_o it_o contribute_v for_o destruction_n or_o edification_n for_o darken_v or_o clear_v of_o the_o truth_n in_o this_o hour_n of_o temptation_n and_o day_n of_o blasphemy_n and_o rebuke_n i_o come_v to_o the_o matter_n itself_o review_n of_o the_o protestation_n among_o the_o many_o sad_a judgement_n 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thing_n we_o see_v not_o ouâ—_n sign_n there_o be_v no_o more_o any_o prophet_n neither_o be_v there_o among_o we_o that_o know_v how_o long_o the_o lord_n be_v become_v as_o a_o stranger_n and_o as_o a_o way_n fare_v man_n in_o the_o land_n that_o turn_v aside_o to_o tarry_v for_o a_o night_n he_o have_v cover_v himself_o with_o a_o cloud_n in_o his_o anger_n and_o prayer_n be_v restrain_v before_o he_o the_o anger_n of_o the_o lord_n have_v divide_v we_o and_o he_o seem_v no_o more_o to_o regard_v we_o but_o that_o which_o be_v most_o dreadful_a in_o itself_o and_o do_v most_o embitter_v so_o sad_a a_o condition_n be_v that_o we_o have_v fall_v from_o our_o first_o love_n we_o have_v forget_v the_o lord_n and_o deal_v false_o in_o his_o covenant_n our_o heart_n be_v turn_v back_o and_o our_o step_n have_v decline_v from_o his_o way_n we_o have_v forsake_v the_o fountain_n
provocation_n they_o know_v also_o how_o to_o distinguish_v and_o have_v distinguish_v betwixt_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o work_n and_o the_o intention_n of_o the_o worker_n and_o think_v charitable_o of_o the_o one_o while_o they_o condemn_v the_o other_o yet_o these_o thing_n hinder_v they_o not_o to_o discern_v betwixt_o the_o righteous_a and_o the_o wicked_a he_o that_o serve_v god_n and_o he_o that_o serve_v he_o not_o the_o lord_n have_v teach_v we_o that_o false_a prophet_n may_v be_v know_v by_o their_o fruit_n and_o that_o man_n do_v not_o gather_v grape_n of_o thorn_n nor_o fig_n of_o thistle_n matth._n 7.16.20_o the_o transgression_n of_o the_o wicked_a say_v within_o my_o heart_n that_o there_o be_v no_o fear_n of_o god_n before_o his_o eye_n psa_n 36.1_o as_o i_o dare_v not_o judge_v of_o any_o man_n everlasting_a estate_n but_o leave_v it_o unto_o he_o with_o who_o the_o book_n be_v so_o have_v i_o not_o so_o learned_a christ_n as_o some_o man_n will_v have_v it_o to_o put_v no_o difference_n among_o the_o professor_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o to_o call_v they_o all_o godly_a though_o estrange_v from_o the_o life_n of_o god_n through_o the_o ignorance_n that_o be_v in_o they_o and_o walk_v contrary_n to_o the_o gospel_n that_o the_o assembly_n at_o s._n andrews_n and_o dundee_n be_v own_v of_o god_n and_o that_o he_o all_o along_o in_o their_o procedor_fw-la do_v guide_v their_o pen_n as_o my_o soul_n can_v away_o with_o that_o assertion_n to_o subscribe_v to_o it_o so_o i_o fear_v it_o be_v more_o than_o the_o lord_n will_v allow_v any_o man_n to_o say_v 1._o because_o that_o assembly_n do_v say_v a_o confederacy_n to_o these_o concern_v who_o the_o lord_n speak_v to_o his_o prophet_n with_o a_o strong_a hand_n and_o instruct_v he_o that_o he_o shall_v not_o say_v a_o confederacy_n to_o they_o isa_n 8.11_o 12._o and_o therefore_o although_o they_o do_v associate_v themselves_o yet_o they_o do_v fall_v and_o fall_v together_o isa_n 31.3_o the_o sad_a dispensation_n of_o their_o ruin_n be_v in_o the_o begin_n thereof_o at_o innerkithen_n in_o providence_n try_v with_o the_o begin_n of_o that_o assembly_n and_o afterward_o more_o full_o accomplish_v and_o perfect_v at_o other_o place_n as_o they_o and_o their_o comm_n ssion_n go_v on_o in_o ratify_v of_o these_o resolution_n and_o censure_v the_o opposer_n of_o the_o same_o and_o issue_v warning_n and_o declaration_n in_o reference_n to_o these_o thing_n 2._o because_o that_o assembly_n be_v so_o far_o from_o rejoice_v the_o heart_n or_o approve_v themselves_o unto_o the_o conscience_n of_o most_o of_o the_o godly_a in_o the_o land_n or_o from_o leave_v this_o seal_n and_o impression_n upon_o their_o heart_n that_o they_o have_v the_o image_n and_o authority_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o do_v proceed_v according_a to_o the_o law_n and_o the_o testimony_n and_o employ_v their_o power_n unto_o edification_n and_o promote_a of_o godliness_n that_o upon_o the_o contrary_n they_o do_v exceed_o sadden_fw-mi their_o spirit_n and_o leave_v a_o deep_a and_o strong_a conviction_n thereupon_o that_o they_o do_v add_v unto_o the_o land_n provocation_n and_o increase_n wrath_n and_o that_o in_o most_o of_o all_o their_o act_n they_o do_v walk_v not_o unto_o edification_n but_o unto_o destruct_v on_o 3._o because_o their_o act_n do_v rejoice_v the_o heart_n and_o strengthen_v the_o hand_n of_o these_o in_o the_o land_n who_o be_v void_a of_o grace_n and_o of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o adversary_n to_o the_o cause_n and_o people_n of_o god_n and_o mocker_n and_o hater_n of_o piety_n and_o godliness_n be_v not_o that_o assembly_n countenance_v and_o plead_v for_o and_o be_v it_o not_o to_o this_o day_n countenance_v and_o plead_v for_o by_o all_o the_o generation_n of_o malignant_a and_o profane_a person_n throughout_o the_o land_n and_o sure_a if_o it_o have_v be_v so_o much_o countenance_v and_o own_v of_o god_n it_o be_v not_o like_a that_o it_o shall_v have_v be_v so_o endear_v to_o these_o who_o have_v so_o much_o oppose_v his_o friend_n and_o interest_n in_o scotland_n these_o many_o year_n past_a 4_o because_o that_o assembly_n at_o dundee_n do_v for_o no_o other_o cause_n but_o for_o protest_v against_o their_o wrong_a constitution_n and_o the_o ratify_n of_o these_o resolution_n censure_n and_o pronounce_v the_o sentence_n of_o deposition_n and_o suspension_n against_o sundry_a godly_a man_n who_o have_v obtain_v mercy_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o be_v follower_n of_o his_o cause_n since_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o late_a reformation_n and_o who_o ministry_n have_v be_v seal_v of_o the_o lord_n upon_o the_o heart_n of_o not_o a_o few_o of_o his_o people_n 5._o because_o they_o do_v by_o their_o act_n lay_v a_o foundation_n for_o censure_v all_o minister_n elder_n expectant_n student_n and_o professor_n whatsoever_o who_o refuse_v to_o acknowledge_v the_o constitution_n of_o that_o assembly_n and_o oppose_v the_o act_n thereof_o which_o as_o it_o make_v way_n for_o the_o cast_v out_o of_o many_o able_a &_o godly_a professor_n from_o be_v church-member_n for_o it_o be_v well_o know_v how_o many_o there_o be_v of_o the_o godly_a in_o the_o land_n both_o minister_n elder_n and_o professor_n who_o can_v be_v consent_v to_o submit_v to_o these_o thing_n but_o do_v hold_v themselves_o bind_v in_o their_o station_n to_o bear_v testimony_n against_o they_o now_o to_o cast_v out_o &_o persecute_v all_o these_o or_o to_o lay_v a_o foundation_n fordo_v of_o it_o whether_o it_o be_v to_o be_v own_v &_o guide_v of_o god_n and_o to_o do_v thing_n to_o edification_n or_o if_o it_o be_v not_o rather_o to_o be_v desert_v of_o the_o lord_n to_o establish_v iniquity_n by_o a_o law_n and_o to_o decree_v unrighteous_a decree_n &_o write_v grievous_a thing_n against_o their_o brethren_n which_o they_o have_v prescribe_v i_o leave_v it_o to_o those_o who_o be_v teach_v of_o god_n to_o consider_v as_o to_o that_o passage_n in_o the_o warn_v and_o declaration_n of_o that_o assembly_n so_o much_o magnify_v and_o cry_v up_o by_o the_o author_n of_o this_o review_n it_o be_v and_o it_o be_v the_o intention_n of_o the_o protester_n through_o the_o lord_n assistance_n though_o with_o much_o weakness_n to_o oppose_v the_o design_n and_o work_v of_o the_o adversary_n on_o both_o hand_n and_o to_o tread_v the_o middle_a path_n the_o good_a old_a way_n without_o decline_v to_o the_o right_a hand_n or_o to_o the_o left_a upon_o which_o account_n it_o be_v that_o they_o can_v not_o condescend_v to_o employ_v and_o associate_v with_o and_o entrust_v one_o adversary_n for_o oppose_v another_o know_v such_o course_n to_o be_v condemn_v of_o god_n in_o his_o holy_a word_n and_o to_o have_v prove_v bitter_a often_o heretofore_o unto_o this_o nation_n and_o for_o this_o cause_n do_v solemn_o engage_v that_o we_o shall_v do_v no_o more_o so_o therefore_o have_v they_o always_o own_v and_o strict_o adhere_v to_o the_o covenant_n and_o cause_n and_o former_a principle_n of_o the_o reform_a party_n in_o this_o land_n set_v down_o in_o their_o public_a paper_n and_o that_o they_o may_v not_o partake_v of_o other_o man_n sin_n do_v not_o concur_v with_o but_o bear_v testimony_n against_o the_o carnal_a counsel_n of_o man_n own_o heart_n because_o of_o which_o the_o sword_n do_v abide_v in_o our_o city_n and_o consume_v our_o branch_n and_o devour_v they_o hos_n 11.6_o and_o the_o spirit_n that_o have_v be_v stir_v in_o they_o in_o these_o act_n i_o trust_v be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o good_a spirit_n of_o god_n the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n and_o holiness_n the_o voice_n behind_o they_o that_o speak_v in_o the_o ear_n of_o the_o lord_n people_n this_o be_v the_o way_n walk_v you_o in_o it_o when_o they_o turn_v to_o the_o right_a hand_n and_o when_o they_o turn_v to_o the_o left_a hand_n isa_n 30.21_o in_o order_n to_o this_o passage_n of_o the_o warn_v at_o dundee_n i_o wish_v the_o first_o penner_n thereof_o and_o the_o gentleman_n who_o now_o have_v cite_v it_o and_o all_o other_o to_o consider_v these_o few_o thing_n 1._o that_o not_o long_o ago_o there_o be_v a_o time_n that_o some_o of_o the_o best_a and_o most_o precious_a of_o these_o who_o now_o charge_v the_o protester_n with_o these_o harsh_a imputation_n of_o have_v a_o spirit_n stir_v in_o their_o work_n that_o have_v be_v and_o be_v most_o effectual_a for_o carry_v on_o of_o the_o design_n of_o the_o adversary_n of_o our_o cause_n be_v liable_a no_o less_o than_o the_o protester_n now_o be_v to_o the_o same_o imputation_n from_o these_o by_o who_o they_o now_o be_v cry_v up_o and_o commend_v and_o with_o who_o they_o now_o join_v issue_n in_o cast_v they_o upon_o their_o brethren_n it_o concern_v they_o to_o think_v whence_o these_o change_n be_v and_o
throughout_o the_o land_n timeous_o to_o take_v into_o their_o consideration_n what_o shall_v be_v their_o duty_n at_o the_o next_o meet_v which_o be_v appoint_v by_o that_o corrupt_a assembly_n at_o dundee_n and_o they_o do_v well_o approve_v of_o the_o method_n follow_v by_o the_o protester_n at_o st._n andrews_n think_v fit_v that_o first_o a_o representation_n shall_v be_v give_v in_o desire_v these_o which_o be_v to_o meet_v not_o to_o proceed_v to_o constitute_v themselves_o into_o a_o assembly_n but_o to_o enter_v into_o a_o conference_n with_o their_o brethren_n who_o differ_v from_o they_o in_o judgement_n and_o eight_o proposition_n be_v agree_v unto_o after_o mutual_a correspondence_n and_o a_o report_n make_v from_o the_o several_a quarter_n of_o the_o country_n which_o be_v to_o be_v offer_v as_o the_o subject_n of_o the_o conference_n and_o incase_o conference_n shall_v be_v deny_v and_o that_o the_o meeting_n shall_v proceed_v to_o constitute_v themselves_o into_o a_o 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officer_n thereunto_o appoint_v in_o the_o church_n according_a to_o mat._n 18._o and_o 1._o cor._n 14._o yet_o they_o do_v desire_v to_o render_v all_o due_a respect_n to_o the_o saint_n so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v know_v unto_o they_o and_o do_v acknowledge_v that_o they_o have_v so_o far_o a_o interest_n in_o these_o matter_n as_o that_o they_o can_v be_v deny_v a_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n and_o when_o they_o see_v corruption_n in_o government_n to_o supplicat_fw-la for_o a_o redress_n and_o what_o for_o a_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v he_o that_o will_v not_o lay_v more_o weight_n upon_o the_o judgement_n of_o such_o as_o live_v according_a to_o godliness_n then_o upon_o the_o judgement_n of_o such_o as_o lead_v a_o life_n direct_o fight_v against_o it_o in_o all_o which_o they_o differ_v nothing_o from_o the_o receive_a doctrine_n and_o discipline_n of_o this_o kirk_n he_o will_v not_o find_v in_o all_o the_o protester_n paper_n any_o thing_n which_o may_v give_v he_o ground_n to_o think_v that_o these_o meeting_n of_o minister_n and_o professor_n be_v look_v upon_o by_o they_o as_o judicatories_n and_o therefore_o what_o need_v all_o these_o suggestion_n of_o mystery_n and_o i_o know_v not_o what_o but_o it_o be_v a_o time_n of_o reproach_n and_o we_o must_v resolve_v in_o the_o lord_n strength_n to_o endure_v the_o scourge_n of_o the_o tongue_n so_o long_o as_o there_o be_v so_o many_o enemy_n in_o the_o land_n to_o his_o truth_n and_o cause_n and_o now_o to_o conclude_v i_o trust_v that_o the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o the_o protestation_n stand_v unshaken_a and_o sure_a for_o all_o that_o the_o writer_n of_o this_o paper_n have_v object_v against_o they_o and_o likewise_o that_o â—t_a be_v very_o agreeable_a to_o the_o principle_n from_o which_o they_o do_v it_o to_o protest_v against_o the_o authority_n constitution_n act_n and_o proceed_n of_o the_o pretend_a assembly_n which_o late_o do_v meet_v at_o edinburgh_n reader_n it_o be_v leave_v to_o thy_o own_o discretion_n to_o correct_v fault_n in_o the_o punctation_n and_o other_o escape_n which_o the_o sense_n may_v discover_v beside_o those_o take_v notice_n that_o pag_n 6._o line_n 25_o these_o word_n be_v leave_v out_o many_o able_a and_o godly_a minister_n and_o elder_n from_o be_v church-officer_n so_o likewise_o pag_n 31._o line_n 5._o for_o yea_o they_o be_v admit_v read_v aâ—d_v afterward_o thâ—y_o be_v admit_v p._n 34._o â—_o 8._o f._n and_o that_o solidity_n and_o judgement_n and_o neruâ—s_n be_v in_o it_o 〈◊〉_d as_o to_o the_o vindicate_a etc._n etc._n r._n and_o what_o solidity_n and_o judgement_n and_o nerveâ—_n be_v inâ—t_o as_o to_o the_o vindicate_a etc._n etc._n p_o 47._o l._n 14._o f._n and_o act_n and_o censure_n 〈◊〉_d and_o make_v act_n and_o censure_n p._n 60._o l._n 6._o after_o the_o parenthesis_n deal_n &_o p._n â—5_n l_o 2._o f._n ground_n and_o expression_n r._n ground_n and_o manner_n of_o expression_n p._n 78._o &_o 79._o the_o figure_n be_v misplace_v 1._o for_o 2._o and_o 2._o for_o 3._o etc._n etc._n and_o the_o punctuation_n be_v bad_a as_o in_o some_o other_o place_n p._n 79._o l_o 21_o f._n can_v only_a r_o common_o p._n 103._o l._n 13._o after_o assembly_n r._n at_o s._n audâ—ews_v these_o fault_n have_v be_v observe_v upon_o a_o superficial_a read_n but_o very_o like_v there_o may_v be_v more_o which_o the_o courteous_a reader_n will_v pardon_v finis_fw-la reader_n for_o thy_o better_a information_n anent_o this_o debate_n and_o likewise_o anent_o the_o union_n which_o have_v be_v endeavour_v by_o the_o protester_n since_o the_o late_a p._n assembly_n it_o be_v think_v fit_a to_o subjoin_v the_o follow_a paper_n that_o pass_v he_o wixt_a the_o p._n commission_n and_o some_o of_o these_o who_o protest_v against_o the_o last_o p._n assembly_n to_o the_o right_n reverend_a the_o minister_n and_o elder_n meet_v at_o edinburgh_n the_o 24._o of_o novemb_n 1652._o whereas_o we_o have_v not_o only_o be_v patient_n and_o defender_n in_o the_o difference_n that_o have_v late_o arisen_a in_o this_o church_n but_o willing_a and_o ready_a to_o embrace_v all_o opportunity_n for_o remove_v they_o and_o for_o that_o end_n upon_o a_o overture_n make_v to_o we_o the_o last_o winter_n have_v since_o that_o time_n forbear_v to_o act_v authoritative_o and_o in_o the_o capacity_n of_o commissioner_n from_o the_o general_n assembly_n 1650._o which_o delegation_n we_o conceive_v to_o be_v still_o in_o force_n until_o the_o next_o lawful_a free_a general_n assembly_n and_o notwithstanding_o ground_n be_v give_v to_o we_o when_o that_o overture_n be_v make_v to_o expect_v to_o like_v from_o you_o yet_o you_o do_v assume_v to_o yourselves_o that_o authority_n and_o act_v according_o which_o have_v very_o much_o heighten_v our_o difference_n and_o forasmuch_o as_o at_o the_o late_a meeting_n of_o our_o brethren_n in_o edinburgh_n upon_o the_o ______o day_n of_o july_n last_o we_o do_v earnest_o desire_v that_o 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for_o they_o slight_v the_o send_v advertisement_n to_o we_o and_o will_v not_o delay_v one_o fourthight_n at_o the_o earnest_a desire_n of_o some_o few_o of_o our_o number_n that_o be_v present_a at_o that_o meeting_n they_o say_v they_o can_v not_o delay_v to_o constitute_v themselves_o into_o a_o general_n assembly_n without_o unfaithfulness_n notwithstanding_o they_o know_v that_o it_o be_v agreeable_a unto_o the_o practice_n of_o diverse_a gen-assembly_n to_o adjourn_v without_o constitution_n and_o no_o prejudice_n at_o all_o to_o their_o liberty_n as_o be_v represent_v to_o they_o at_o the_o same_o time_n they_o say_v that_o it_o have_v be_v constant_o hold_v in_o this_o church_n that_o a_o lawful_a general_n assembly_n such_o as_o this_o be_v be_v the_o most_o soveragin_v mean_a to_o heal_v rupture_n &_o distraction_n in_o the_o church_n if_o they_o take_v out_o these_o word_n such_o as_o this_o be_v which_o they_o have_v foist_v in_o to_o destroy_v the_o text_n their_o own_o conscience_n will_v bear_v witness_n to_o we_o that_o we_o be_v of_o the_o same_o judgement_n but_o to_o say_v that_o a_o pretend_a assembly_n make_v up_o of_o such_o as_o have_v bring_v in_o novation_n and_o carry_v on_o a_o course_n of_o defection_n &_o continue_v therein_o without_o repentance_n be_v a_o sovereign_n mean_a to_o heal_v rupture_n and_o distraction_n be_v so_o far_o contrary_a to_o all_o reason_n and_o experience_n as_o it_o have_v prove_v to_o be_v a_o main_a cause_n of_o the_o evil_n and_o trouble_n of_o this_o church_n as_o be_v declare_v by_o the_o general_n assembly_n 1639._o in_o their_o act_n of_o the_o 17_o of_o ______o they_o do_v without_o cause_n resent_v that_o the_o narrative_a of_o our_o overture_n do_v cast_v upon_o they_o reflection_n and_o aspersion_n and_o yet_o all_o along_o their_o answer_n they_o make_v it_o their_o study_n under_o the_o covert_n of_o albeit_n although_n and_o parenthesis_n to_o abuse_v we_o with_o calumny_n they_o declare_v that_o they_o shall_v not_o at_o this_o meeting_n nor_o hereafter_o until_o the_o three_o wednesday_n of_o february_n act_n in_o prosecution_n of_o censure_n already_o pronounce_v or_o which_o may_v be_v incur_v by_o their_o brethren_n and_o that_o they_o will_v interpose_v with_o synod_n and_o presbytery_n for_o the_o like_a but_o what_o sophistry_n be_v there_o here_o to_o delude_v the_o woâ—lâ—_n oâ—_n rather_o to_o mock_v their_o brethren_n for_o first_o they_o act_n what_o they_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o act_v in_o reference_n to_o matter_n in_o difference_n and_o then_o after_o their_o meeting_n be_v dissolve_v and_o no_o soon_o they_o declare_v to_o we_o they_o will_v act_v no_o more_o at_o that_o meeting_n nor_o hereafter_o till_o the_o three_o wednesday_n of_o febr._n and_o that_o be_v the_o time_n of_o their_o next_o quarterly-meeting_a 2_o this_o seem_a forbearence_n to_o act_v during_o that_o time_n be_v not_o general_a but_o limit_v to_o the_o matter_n of_o censure_n 3_o that_o be_v clog_v with_o another_o limitation_n for_o say_v they_o we_o must_v leave_v synod_n &_o presbytery_n to_o that_o prudence_n and_o discretion_n which_o the_o exigence_n of_o their_o condition_n shall_v require_v for_o put_v in_o execution_n the_o act_n for_o debar_v elder_n from_o vote_v in_o these_o judicatories_n and_o expectant_n from_o the_o ministry_n which_o themselves_o the_o last_o year_n do_v account_v to_o be_v no_o small_a censure_n in_o the_o debar_v malignant_n from_o trust_n but_o how_o much_o more_o in_o this_o case_n which_o have_v great_a influence_n to_o corrupt_v the_o ministry_n and_o judicatories_n 4_o their_o expression_n which_o they_o choose_v in_o their_o letter_n to_o the_o presbytery_n and_o synod_n be_v such_o as_o do_v rather_o incite_v to_o censure_n then_o prohibit_v for_o they_o insinuate_v a_o dislike_n of_o their_o former_a moderation_n in_o censure_n which_o they_o say_v be_v well_o know_v to_o they_o and_o to_o all_o man_n
until_o that_o conference_n be_v give_v up_o and_o make_v hopeless_a i._o they_o allege_v that_o a_o conference_n be_v offer_v by_o they_o but_o they_o neither_o tell_v when_o nor_o how_o nor_o to_o who_o it_o be_v offer_v and_o i_o believe_v it_o will_v trouble_v they_o so_o to_o do_v for_o they_o do_v keep_v such_o a_o distance_n that_o they_o will_v neither_o send_v nor_o allow_v any_o of_o their_o number_n to_o motion_n a_o conference_n to_o their_o brethren_n who_o be_v meet_v together_o but_o desire_v some_o of_o their_o number_n to_o tell_v such_o of_o they_o as_o they_o meet_v with_o upon_o the_o street_n that_o they_o be_v willing_a to_o confer_v and_o when_o at_o length_n there_o be_v some_o meeting_n of_o some_o few_o of_o both_o side_n those_o of_o that_o assembly_n who_o be_v upon_o the_o conference_n can_v by_o no_o persuasion_n nor_o reason_n be_v induce_v to_o give_v any_o note_n of_o their_o overture_n in_o writing_n though_o it_o be_v often_o and_o earnest_o desire_v 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minister_n and_o elder_n of_o the_o land_n do_v will_v not_o submit_v unto_o it_o 3._o it_o be_v time_n for_o they_o to_o plead_v that_o excuse_v when_o they_o meet_v with_o that_o difficulty_n tell_v i_o how_o many_o of_o that_o kind_n can_v be_v instance_a who_o they_o have_v not_o censure_v who_o have_v not_o submit_v to_o their_o censure_n 4._o the_o not_o submit_v to_o their_o censure_n do_v not_o hinder_v they_o to_o proceed_v very_o zealous_o against_o sundry_a minister_n and_o many_o elder_n who_o adhere_v unto_o the_o protestation_n and_o bear_v testimony_n against_o the_o public_a resolution_n let_v conscience_n speak_v as_o before_o the_o lord_n whether_o they_o have_v faithful_o and_o zealous_o improven_v the_o power_n and_o authority_n that_o remain_v with_o they_o in_o synod_n presbytery_n and_o session_n for_o purge_v of_o the_o house_n of_o god_n even_o according_a to_o these_o thing_n which_o they_o seem_v to_o grant_v or_o whether_o they_o have_v not_o be_v 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persecution_n against_o all_o these_o minister_n and_o professor_n who_o shall_v not_o accept_v of_o the_o condition_n contain_v in_o this_o offer_n or_o thereafter_o fail_v in_o performance_n of_o the_o same_o iv_o because_o this_o offer_n be_v so_o far_o from_o reach_a satisfaction_n to_o all_o or_o most_o part_n of_o the_o proposition_n offer_v by_o we_o that_o it_o do_v not_o give_v satisfaction_n to_o any_o one_o of_o they_o put_v pitch_v upon_o a_o particular_a which_o ought_v to_o be_v of_o least_o consequence_n with_o we_o as_o import_v but_o our_o personal_a suffering_n without_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o land_n defection_n and_o of_o those_o thing_n which_o do_v concern_v the_o kingdom_n and_o interest_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o purge_n of_o his_o house_n and_o what_o a_o sin_n and_o provocation_n shall_v it_o be_v against_o the_o lord_n and_o what_o a_o stumble_a and_o grief_n of_o heart_n unto_o the_o godly_a who_o have_v concur_v in_o these_o proposition_n and_o after_o such_o a_o defection_n do_v expect_v repentance_n and_o reformation_n and_o the_o purge_n of_o his_o house_n of_o corrupt_a officer_n and_o member_n if_o we_o shall_v make_v such_o a_o transaction_n as_o seem_v to_o promise_v present_a sesecurity_n to_o ourselves_o but_o do_v not_o contribute_v for_o preserve_v of_o the_o truth_n and_o attain_v a_o solid_a peace_n and_o union_n in_o the_o lord_n v._o we_o can_v see_v how_o the_o pass_a from_o these_o proposition_n and_o the_o take_n upon_o we_o such_o engagement_n for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v as_o be_v desire_v shall_v not_o involve_v we_o in_o the_o condemn_v of_o our_o own_o judgement_n and_o in_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o a_o sin_n and_o offence_n in_o make_v these_o protestation_n and_o bear_v testimony_n against_o the_o public_a resolution_n and_o import_v that_o what_o be_v do_v by_o you_o in_o take_v off_o of_o censure_n and_o censurableness_n as_o you_o term_v it_o be_v