though_o we_o can_v say_v that_o they_o be_v or_o aught_o to_o be_v so_o self-denied_a that_o they_o will_v not_o have_v wish_v it_o to_o have_v be_v so_o yet_o do_v they_o never_o expect_v such_o a_o commission_n as_o shall_v whole_o consist_v of_o man_n according_a to_o their_o mind_n nor_o be_v that_o ever_o any_o of_o their_o proposition_n to_o his_o highness_n direct_o or_o indirect_o yea_o their_o proposition_n do_v not_o contain_v that_o qualification_n as_o to_o any_o of_o they_o and_o we_o can_v also_o say_v that_o though_o they_o have_v be_v most_o or_o whole_o of_o that_o mind_n there_o will_v have_v be_v room_n and_o encouragement_n for_o man_n of_o our_o brethren_n judgement_n both_o to_o continue_v and_o enter_v into_o the_o ministry_n thus_o now_o have_v we_o answer_v that_o first_o and_o great_a prejudice_n wherewith_o our_o brethren_n paper_n and_o it_o seem_v their_o spirit_n be_v fraught_v against_o the_o protest_a brethren_n to_o wit_n that_o they_o do_v not_o only_o dissent_v from_o but_o also_o that_o they_o have_v it_o in_o their_o thought_n and_o design_n to_o subvert_v and_o destroy_v the_o establish_a government_n of_o the_o kirk_n of_o scotland_n by_o presbytery_n and_o synod_n and_o that_o their_o practice_n do_v manifest_o tend_v thereunto_o and_o in_o this_o we_o have_v be_v the_o large_a not_o only_o because_o we_o have_v more_o than_o probable_a ground_n to_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o the_o great_a scope_n of_o our_o brethren_n paper_n to_o fill_v and_o possess_v this_o church_n and_o the_o church_n abroad_o with_o this_o opinion_n of_o these_o brethren_n that_o they_o be_v indeed_o such_o a_o shrewd_a party_n as_o they_o describe_v they_o to_o be_v that_o so_o they_o may_v acquit_v and_o justify_v the_o resolution_n brethren_n in_o all_o that_o they_o have_v hitherto_o do_v or_o shall_v hereafter_o do_v against_o they_o but_o also_o because_o if_o there_o be_v any_o remnant_n of_o real_a inclination_n in_o our_o brethren_n bosom_n to_o a_o peace_n approve_v of_o god_n and_o tend_v to_o edification_n we_o do_v conceive_v it_o necessary_a to_o endeavour_v though_o with_o much_o weakness_n to_o roll_v out_o of_o their_o way_n that_o great_a rock_n of_o offence_n which_o they_o have_v by_o their_o own_o mistake_n so_o long_o and_o so_o much_o stumble_v upon_o unto_o the_o make_n of_o they_o halt_v more_o and_o more_o day_n by_o day_n in_o their_o affection_n towards_o the_o protest_a brethren_n there_o be_v yet_o two_o prejudice_n more_o which_o we_o find_v in_o their_o declaration_n that_o we_o shall_v more_o brief_o speak_v unto_o one_o be_v that_o they_o have_v begin_v a_o needless_a rent_n in_o the_o church_n upon_o a_o question_n so_o extrinsic_a to_o our_o doctrine_n worship_n and_o government_n so_o they_o speak_v in_o the_o four_o page_n of_o their_o declaration_n and_o in_o the_o three_o page_n they_o call_v it_o a_o toss_n about_o a_o debate_n now_o so_o far_o remove_v out_o of_o our_o way_n to_o which_o we_o answer_v first_o whatever_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o question_n about_o the_o public_a resolution_n it_o be_v certain_a and_o manifest_a that_o the_o rent_n thereupon_o be_v begin_v by_o the_o resolution_n brethren_n because_o they_o do_v in_o a_o surreptitious_a meeting_n of_o some_o of_o the_o commissioner_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n without_o give_v timous_a and_o due_a warning_n to_o other_o in_o the_o year_n 1651._o sudden_o take_v these_o resolution_n when_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o scotland_n be_v in_o possession_n of_o and_o by_o solemn_a covenant_n and_o vow_n engage_v to_o the_o truth_n to_o which_o these_o resolution_n be_v contrary_a and_o destructive_a 2._o this_o question_n be_v not_o so_o extrinsic_a to_o our_o doctrine_n worship_n and_o government_n as_o our_o brethren_n will_v make_v the_o world_n believe_v it_o do_v involve_v a_o portion_n of_o the_o precious_a truth_n of_o god_n which_o he_o have_v be_v please_v to_o reveal_v and_o hold_v forth_o in_o his_o word_n for_o the_o edification_n of_o his_o church_n and_o people_n that_o they_o may_v know_v what_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v and_o what_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o do_v in_o the_o case_n of_o entrust_n of_o know_a wicked_a malignant_a man_n enemy_n to_o truth_n and_o godliness_n with_o the_o interest_n of_o the_o lord_n work_n and_o people_n and_o this_o truth_n as_o it_o have_v all_o along_o since_o the_o reformation_n from_o popery_n be_v teach_v and_o hold_v forth_o by_o the_o kirk_n of_o scotland_n so_o have_v the_o preservation_n and_o practice_n thereof_o be_v judge_v necessary_a for_o preserve_v the_o rest_n of_o the_o doctrine_n and_o the_o worship_n and_o government_n in_o their_o purity_n and_o from_o the_o pollution_n and_o corruption_n which_o evil_a man_n use_v to_o bring_v in_o or_o give_v way_n unto_o yea_o this_o very_a thing_n as_o our_o brethren_n do_v well_o know_v be_v no_o small_a part_n of_o the_o controversy_n all_o along_o from_o the_o year_n 1638._o betwixt_o the_o well-affected_a and_o the_o popish_a and_o prelatical_a and_o malignant_a party_n they_o may_v take_v one_o instance_n of_o many_o to_o wit_v the_o desire_n of_o the_o commission_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n in_o anno_fw-la 1648._o concerning_o the_o unlawful_a engagement_n among_o which_o that_o about_o the_o qualification_n of_o instrument_n be_v one_o of_o the_o chief_a we_o desire_v they_o to_o remember_v what_o spirit_n that_o man_n will_v have_v beenjudge_v of_o who_o in_o the_o assembly_n anno_fw-la 1650._o shall_v have_v plead_v that_o to_o be_v a_o question_n much_o extrinsic_a to_o our_o doctrine_n worship_n and_o government_n and_o that_o it_o will_v furnish_v just_a ground_n of_o complaint_n against_o the_o assembly_n if_o they_o shall_v because_o thereof_o divide_v from_o the_o parliament_n which_o carry_v on_o that_o unlawful_a engagement_n in_o war_n against_o england_n 3._o if_o our_o brethren_n do_v indeed_o judge_v this_o question_n to_o be_v so_o extrinsic_a to_o our_o doctrine_n worship_n and_o government_n how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o they_o be_v so_o tenacious_a of_o the_o determination_n of_o their_o assembly_n about_o it_o if_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n and_o government_n may_v be_v preserve_v entire_a without_o it_o may_v they_o not_o for_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n condescend_v to_o take_v course_n that_o these_o determination_n shall_v not_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o the_o definitive_a judgement_n of_o this_o kirk_n or_o any_o of_o the_o judicatory_n thereof_o in_o these_o matter_n and_o how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o upon_o a_o question_n so_o extrinsic_a they_o do_v make_v and_o still_o keep_v up_o against_o minister_n elder_n expectant_n and_o professor_n act_n imporrt_v so_o severe_a censure_n against_o those_o who_o do_v not_o submit_v to_o the_o determination_n of_o their_o assembly_n concerning_o these_o thing_n next_o if_o the_o question_n be_v so_o extrinsic_a how_o come_v it_o that_o they_o sometime_o place_v the_o stand_n or_o fall_v of_o this_o church_n therein_o and_o now_o again_o they_o will_v make_v it_o of_o no_o moment_n but_o further_a we_o say_v the_o subject_a matter_n of_o these_o debate_n be_v not_o so_o far_o remove_v out_o of_o the_o way_n as_o our_o brethren_n do_v talk_v but_o do_v still_o continue_v in_o many_o respect_n 1._o in_o regard_n of_o the_o sin_n and_o guilt_n thereof_o which_o have_v not_o be_v taken-with_o nor_o repented-of_a till_o this_o day_n and_o as_o the_o resolution_n brethren_n judge_v it_o hard_o for_o the_o protest_a brethren_n to_o be_v satisfy_v with_o nothing_o unless_o they_o do_v repent_v of_o that_o as_o a_o sin_n which_o in_o their_o conscience_n they_o judge_v to_o be_v a_o duty_n so_o they_o must_v give_v leave_n to_o the_o protest_a brethren_n to_o judge_v it_o hard_o that_o the_o church_n of_o which_o they_o be_v member_n and_o minister_n shall_v lie_v under_o the_o guilt_n of_o a_o public_a transgression_n and_o under_o great_a and_o sore_a wrath_n because_o thereof_o and_o they_o in_o the_o mean_a while_o not_o be_v permit_v to_o discover_v her_o iniquity_n therein_o that_o her_o captivity_n may_v be_v turn_v away_o especial_o when_o they_o be_v engage_v by_o covenant_n so_o to_o do_v 2._o these_o resolution_n do_v continue_v in_o regard_n of_o the_o synodical_a approbation_n and_o tie_n thereof_o upon_o all_o the_o member_n of_o this_o kirk_n 3._o they_o do_v continue_v in_o regard_n of_o the_o act_n which_o be_v make_v for_o carry_v on_o thereof_o to_o wit_v those_o which_o appoint_v censure_n against_o all_o the_o member_n of_o this_o kirk_n who_o do_v not_o approve_v of_o the_o authority_n of_o that_o assembly_n at_o saint_n andrews_n and_o dundee_n and_o submit_v to_o the_o act_n and_o constitution_n thereof_o 4._o they_o do_v continue_v in_o regard_n of_o the_o public_a warning_n remonstrance_n and_o declaration_n of_o the_o commission_n
they_o and_o do_v by_o the_o other_o take_v the_o matter_n simple_o and_o without_o respect_n to_o their_o number_n and_o we_o believe_v the_o protest_a brethren_n will_v be_v content_a to_o stand_v or_o fall_v by_o it_o and_o if_o it_o be_v the_o plurality_n of_o the_o number_n only_o we_o can_v account_v that_o â—…specially_o in_o a_o time_n of_o corruption_n a_o sufficient_a plea_n either_o for_o condemn_v the_o one_o or_o justify_v the_o other_o the_o three_o thing_n wherewith_o they_o labour_v to_o make_v out_o the_o design_n and_o endeavour_n of_o the_o protest_a brethren_n to_o subvert_v the_o government_n be_v as_o they_o be_v please_v to_o express_v it_o in_o the_o four_o page_n of_o their_o declaration_n that_o they_o have_v cast_v many_o and_o foul_a reproach_n upon_o they_o at_o home_n and_o abroad_o both_o by_o word_n and_o writ_n that_o so_o they_o may_v make_v they_o hateful_a and_o purchase_v credit_n and_o power_n to_o their_o own_o party_n whereby_o also_o they_o have_v endeavour_v to_o render_v this_o national_a church_n odious_a in_o the_o view_n of_o the_o world_n and_o expose_v she_o to_o be_v a_o laughingstock_n to_o all_o her_o enemy_n and_o furnish_v they_o with_o weapon_n if_o say_v they_o their_o foul_a slander_n deserve_v to_o have_v credit_n whereby_o to_o fight_v against_o she_o and_o justify_v their_o opposition_n to_o she_o when_o her_o own_o child_n bear_v such_o witness_n against_o she_o and_o as_o they_o express_v it_o in_o the_o five_o page_n of_o that_o paper_n their_o brand_a church-officer_n and_o inferior_a judicatory_n as_o general_o corrupt_a that_o so_o all_o of_o they_o may_v be_v cast_v loose_a or_o at_o least_o mould_v to_o their_o mind_n if_o our_o lord_n and_o master_n jesus_n christ_n have_v not_o forewarn_v we_o herein_o we_o shall_v have_v wonder_v that_o the_o brethren_n for_o the_o public_a resolution_n shall_v see_v a_o mote_n in_o their_o neighbour_n eye_n and_o not_o consider_v the_o beam_n in_o their_o own_o eye_n have_v it_o not_o be_v their_o work_n at_o home_n and_o abroad_o in_o private_a and_o public_a in_o print_n and_o writ_n to_o cast_v foul_a reproach_n and_o slander_n upon_o the_o protest_a brethren_n that_o one_o scurril_a pamphlet_n publish_v under_o the_o name_n of_o uldericus_fw-la veridicus_fw-la which_o have_v be_v better_o style_v falsidicus_n may_v testify_v of_o what_o spirit_n some_o of_o our_o brethren_n be_v who_o know_v that_o the_o tongue_n of_o the_o poor_a man_n the_o author_n thereof_o will_v be_v no_o slander_n at_o home_n so_o small_a be_v his_o credit_n in_o this_o church_n when_o he_o live_v that_o now_o after_o his_o death_n they_o have_v send_v his_o crazy_a discourse_n abroad_o in_o a_o latin_a dress_n to_o gain_v credit_n to_o their_o cause_n among_o stranger_n in_o the_o reform_a church_n and_o make_v the_o world_n believe_v the_o protester_n be_v man_n fanatic_a and_o abominable_a like_o thomas_n munster_n or_o john_n of_o leyden_n but_o will_v any_o be_v at_o the_o pain_n to_o turn_v it_o into_o the_o scotish_a tongue_n it_o shall_v not_o only_o prove_v a_o sufficient_a resutation_n of_o the_o manifold_a lie_n and_o calumny_n therein_o contain_v but_o open_v the_o eye_n of_o many_o that_o they_o may_v perceive_v by_o what_o pillar_n that_o cause_n be_v support_v but_o it_o do_v most_o grieve_v we_o that_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v so_o often_o take_v in_o vain_a by_o our_o brother_n fill_v their_o preach_n and_o prayer_n in_o the_o pulpit_n with_o such_o stuff_n as_o go_v abroad_o in_o other_o of_o their_o pamphlet_n whether_o it_o be_v for_o scarcity_n of_o other_o purpose_n or_o from_o the_o abundance_n of_o that_o humour_n predomine_v in_o their_o breast_n we_o shall_v not_o determine_v but_o sure_o we_o be_v that_o thereby_o not_o only_o many_o hungry_a soul_n be_v disappoint_v of_o their_o food_n but_o those_o ordinance_n be_v render_v irksome_a even_o to_o many_o hearer_n of_o their_o own_o judgement_n and_o the_o 〈◊〉_d sort_n be_v furnish_v with_o a_o common_a theme_n for_o the_o tavern_n but_o to_o leave_v this_o and_o answer_v that_o which_o be_v charge_v upon_o the_o protester_n our_o brethren_n as_o we_o conceive_v do_v by_o these_o reproach_n and_o slander_n and_o branding_n mean_v a_o paper_n of_o the_o protest_a brethren_n which_o hold_v forth_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o grow_a defection_n in_o the_o land_n with_o another_o paper_n that_o hold_v forth_o a_o corrupt_a party_n among_o the_o ministry_n since_o the_o day_n of_o the_o prelate_n who_o by_o the_o late_a public_a resolution_n for_o bringing-in_n of_o the_o malignant_a party_n have_v get_v up_o the_o head_n and_o carry_v the_o vote_n and_o sway_n in_o many_o the_o judicatory_n of_o the_o kirk_n with_o some_o 〈◊〉_d paper_n and_o conference_n of_o that_o kind_n 〈◊〉_d these_o brethren_n have_v be_v necessary_o draw_v in_o 〈◊〉_d own_o defence_n concerning_o which_o we_o say_v 〈◊〉_d that_o if_o these_o thing_n be_v indeed_o slander_n and_o false_a 〈◊〉_d themselves_o and_o have_v be_v coin_v and_o vent_v 〈◊〉_d the_o protest_a brethren_n for_o the_o end_n allege_v 〈◊〉_d lie_v they_o be_v great_a transgressor_n and_o wretched_a 〈◊〉_d who_o the_o resolution_n brethren_n have_v at_o a_o 〈◊〉_d advantage_n and_o if_o they_o can_v but_o a_o little_a wait_n 〈◊〉_d possess_v their_o soul_n with_o patience_n god_n will_v 〈◊〉_d their_o innocency_n and_o discover_v the_o other_o malice_n against_o they_o and_o their_o treachery_n against_o his_o cause_n but_o second_o if_o these_o thing_n be_v no_o invention_n 〈◊〉_d they_o but_o have_v real_a and_o sad_a truth_n in_o the_o bottom_n and_o have_v be_v vent_v by_o they_o not_o out_o of_o malice_n against_o the_o person_n nor_o for_o render_v the_o church_n odious_a or_o subvert_v the_o government_n or_o any_o such_o sinistrous_a end_n as_o these_o but_o that_o according_a to_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n they_o may_v plead_v with_o their_o mother_n hos._n 2._o 2._o that_o free_a and_o faithful_a warning_n be_v give_v of_o her_o backslide_n revolt_a condition_n the_o sin_n may_v be_v repent_v of_o and_o reform_v by_o those_o who_o be_v guilty_a and_o the_o danger_n avoid_v by_o those_o who_o desire_v to_o keep_v their_o garment_n pure_a and_o that_o it_o may_v appear_v that_o they_o do_v not_o without_o just_a reason_n call_v and_o cry_v for_o purge_v of_o the_o house_n of_o god_n that_o insufficient_a and_o scandalous_a and_o corrupt_a man_n be_v remove_v from_o the_o exercise_n of_o government_n and_o the_o administration_n of_o holy_a thing_n the_o government_n may_v be_v preserve_v and_o improve_v to_o edification_n and_o the_o son_n of_o levi_n be_v purify_v and_o purge_v they_o may_v offer_v unto_o the_o lord_n a_o offering_n in_o righteousness_n and_o â—…hat_o the_o offering_n of_o his_o people_n may_v be_v please_v â—…o_o he_o as_o in_o the_o day_n of_o old_a and_o as_o in_o former_a year_n if_o we_o say_v there_o be_v truth_n at_o the_o bottom_n of_o these_o thing_n and_o if_o in_o speak_v and_o write_v thereof_o they_o have_v these_o good_a end_n before_o they_o which_o they_o have_v profess_v then_o may_v the_o lord_n through_o grace_n therein_o accept_v and_o hear_v and_o have_v compassion_n upon_o they_o and_o his_o people_n by_o find_v out_o the_o mean_n to_o purge_v his_o house_n though_o man_n will_v not_o hear_v nor_o pity_o but_o account_v they_o foul_a slanderer_n and_o subtle_a subverter_n for_o discover_v and_o complain_v of_o these_o thing_n thâ—…rdly_o to_o the_o thing_n itself_o they_o have_v frequent_o acknowledge_v and_o testify_v that_o there_o be_v a_o precious_a gospel-godly_a ministry_n in_o scotland_n which_o they_o do_v not_o confine_v to_o these_o of_o their_o own_o judgement_n only_o but_o extend_v also_o to_o not_o a_o few_o of_o the_o brethren_n of_o the_o other_o judgement_n also_o though_o they_o dare_v not_o approve_v of_o their_o way_n as_o to_o these_o late_a revolution_n and_o be_v much_o grieve_v in_o spirit_n and_o judge_v it_o a_o matter_n to_o be_v lament_v before_o the_o lord_n that_o they_o shall_v so_o far_o mistake_v their_o old_a friend_n who_o strive_v though_o in_o much_o weakness_n to_o keep_v the_o good_a old_a way_n wherein_o both_o be_v wont_a to_o walk_v for_o carrying-on_n of_o the_o woâ—…k_n of_o reformation_n as_o to_o account_v they_o the_o waster_n and_o destroyer_n of_o the_o lord_n vine_n and_o become_v so_o kindly_a companion_n and_o patron_n to_o man_n of_o another_o stamp_n that_o they_o judge_v themselves_o wound_v if_o their_o sore_n be_v touch_v but_o fourthly_a be_v the_o protest_a brethren_n in_o fault_n if_o they_o have_v often_o bemoan_v it_o before_o god_n and_o complain_v of_o it_o unto_o man_n both_o to_o our_o brethren_n and_o other_o when_o call_v thereunto_o that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o ignorant_a insufficient_a and_o
themselves_o tell_v a_o whole_a synod_n that_o they_o ought_v to_o esteem_v that_o best_a which_o seem_v so_o to_o superior_n and_o that_o this_o be_v a_o sufficient_a ground_n to_o the_o conscience_n for_o obey_v though_o the_o thing_n be_v inconvenient_a we_o say_v that_o congregation_n ought_v indeed_o to_o be_v subject_a to_o presbytery_n and_o synod_n yet_o not_o absolute_o but_o in_o the_o lord_n and_o in_o thing_n lawful_a and_o to_o this_o purpose_n the_o constitution_n of_o presbytery_n and_o synod_n be_v to_o be_v examine_v by_o the_o judgement_n of_o christian_a discretion_n for_o a_o synod_n be_v judex_fw-la judicandus_fw-la and_o regula_fw-la regulata_fw-la so_o that_o it_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v blind_o obey_v whether_o the_o ordinance_n be_v convenient_a or_o inconvenient_a have_v now_o vindicate_v the_o protest_a brethren_n from_o the_o aspersion_n unjust_o cast_v upon_o they_o in_o that_o declaration_n and_o give_v a_o reason_n why_o they_o can_v accept_v thereof_o as_o contain_v right_a and_o fit_a foundation_n of_o union_n we_o have_v only_o to_o add_v that_o we_o know_v and_o be_v persuade_v in_o our_o spirit_n that_o as_o the_o division_n of_o this_o church_n be_v among_o the_o deep_a wound_n and_o great_a affliction_n of_o their_o soul_n so_o there_o be_v nothing_o next_o unto_o communion_n and_o fellowship_n with_o god_n in_o his_o truth_n which_o they_o do_v more_o earnest_o desire_v than_o a_o sinless_a union_n and_o peace_n in_o the_o church_n and_o will_v redeem_v it_o at_o any_o rate_n that_o shall_v not_o pollute_v their_o conscience_n and_o widen_v the_o breach_n with_o god_n and_o therefore_o as_o through_o the_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n these_o brethren_n have_v a_o witness_n of_o their_o innocency_n and_o of_o the_o justice_n of_o their_o cause_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o many_o of_o the_o precious_a and_o godly_a in_o the_o land_n so_o we_o desire_v that_o none_o of_o the_o lord_n people_n will_v receive_v the_o accusation_n that_o be_v lay_v against_o they_o or_o look_v upon_o they_o as_o man_n of_o implacable_a spirit_n who_o hold_v up_o contention_n and_o division_n in_o the_o church_n but_o esteem_v they_o such_o as_o stand_v for_o the_o defence_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o be_v seek_v and_o pursue_v such_o a_o union_n and_o peace_n as_o may_v be_v not_o for_o the_o destruction_n but_o for_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o cause_n of_o god_n which_o they_o conceive_v themselves_o bind_v to_o and_o tender_a before_o their_o own_o person_n and_o ministry_n postscript_n after_o that_o this_o answer_n be_v send_v to_o the_o press_n the_o author_n of_o the_o declaration_n to_o which_o it_o do_v contain_v a_o reply_n together_o with_o several_a other_o brethren_n of_o their_o judgement_n meet_v at_o edinburgh_n in_o a_o extrajudicial_a way_n two_o month_n after_o the_o first_o publish_v thereof_o do_v resolve_v that_o the_o declaration_n shall_v be_v tender_v to_o the_o several_a presbytery_n of_o that_o judgement_n for_o their_o approbation_n and_o thereafter_o offer_v by_o they_o to_o the_o protest_a brethren_n in_o the_o several_a part_n of_o the_o country_n and_o that_o their_o answer_n shall_v be_v desire_v thereupon_o whether_o the_o imputation_n which_o they_o conceive_v to_o be_v cast_v upon_o they_o by_o some_o synod_n refâ—…sing_v to_o declare_v themselves_o as_o to_o their_o approve_v thereof_o of_o which_o we_o have_v have_v a_o credible_a report_n or_o any_o other_o consideration_n do_v lead_v they_o hereunto_o we_o shall_v not_o determine_v but_o we_o can_v but_o take_v notice_n 1._o that_o herein_o they_o have_v have_v little_a or_o no_o regard_n to_o the_o due_a liberty_n of_o presbytery_n and_o synod_n notwithstanding_o of_o their_o great_a pretension_n and_o profession_n unto_o the_o contrary_a in_o all_o their_o debate_n with_o the_o protest_a brethren_n a_o few_o private_a person_n have_v first_o without_o acquaint_v they_o with_o that_o paper_n or_o desire_v their_o approbation_n thereof_o publish_v the_o same_o as_o the_o judgement_n and_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o brethren_n who_o be_v for_o the_o establish_a government_n of_o the_o kirk_n of_o scotland_n and_o then_o ex_fw-la post_fw-la facto_fw-la a_o long_a time_n after_o it_o have_v go_v abroad_o material_o in_o their_o name_n to_o endeavour_v to_o engage_v they_o in_o the_o approbation_n thereof_o 2._o that_o the_o presbytery_n of_o that_o judgement_n have_v walk_v in_o a_o very_a different_a and_o dissonant_n way_n in_o order_n to_o that_o without_o justify_v the_o narrative_a 〈◊〉_d and_o other_o have_v approve_v the_o whole_a paper_n title_n and_o body_n as_o it_o stand_v and_o in_o these_o term_n tender_v it_o as_o a_o ground_n of_o union_n and_o peace_n 3._o that_o sundry_a of_o these_o brethren_n and_o presbytery_n of_o the_o resolution_n judgement_n who_o have_v approve_v and_o tender_v this_o paper_n to_o several_a of_o the_o protest_v brethâ—…en_v have_v do_v it_o in_o such_o a_o way_n as_o do_v more_o savour_n of_o the_o custom_n of_o litigious_a man_n than_o do_v beseem_v the_o gospel_n and_o servant_n of_o jesus_n christ_n to_o wit_n by_o civil_a notary_n and_o instrument_n require_v under_o their_o hand_n 4._o that_o some_o presbytery_n of_o that_o judgement_n have_v because_o of_o some_o protest_v brethren_n of_o the_o presbytery_n their_o refuse_n to_o join_v with_o they_o in_o condemn_v the_o practice_n and_o proposal_n mention_v in_o that_o declaration_n as_o contrary_a and_o destructive_a to_o the_o government_n of_o this_o kirk_n declare_v they_o to_o be_v such_o as_o do_v dissent_n from_o the_o government_n itself_o beside_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v say_v in_o the_o body_n of_o this_o reply_n it_o may_v by_o these_o thing_n further_o appear_v what_o reason_n there_o be_v upon_o the_o one_o hanâ—…_n to_o hasten_v forth_o a_o answer_n to_o that_o paper_n and_o upon_o the_o other_o how_o small_a reason_n from_o the_o paper_n itself_o how_o lubâ—…ick_a ground_n from_o the_o dissonant_n proceed_n of_o the_o resolution_n brethren_n thereupon_o the_o brethren_n for_o the_o protestation_n have_v to_o embrace_v the_o same_o as_o a_o foundation_n of_o union_n and_o peace_n or_o if_o they_o do_v so_o in_o how_o great_a â—…_z cloud_n of_o uncertainty_n they_o must_v walk_v and_o what_o hard_a condition_n they_o must_v swallow_v finis_fw-la
protester_n no_o subverter_n and_o presbytery_n no_o papacy_n or_o a_o vindication_n of_o the_o protest_a brethren_n and_o of_o the_o government_n of_o the_o kirk_n of_o scotland_n from_o the_o aspersion_n unjust_o cast_v upon_o they_o in_o a_o late_a pamphlet_n of_o some_o of_o the_o resolution-party_n entitle_v a_o declaration_n etc._n etc._n with_o a_o discovery_n of_o the_o insufficiency_n inequality_n and_o iniquity_n of_o the_o thing_n propound_v in_o that_o pamphlet_n as_o overture_n of_o union_n and_o peace_n especial_o of_o the_o iniquity_n of_o that_o absolute_a and_o unlimited_a submission_n to_o the_o sentence_n of_o church-judicatory_n that_o be_v hold_v forth_o therein_o and_o most_o unjust_o plead_v to_o belong_v to_o the_o be_v and_o essence_n of_o presbyterial_a government_n to_o the_o law_n and_o to_o the_o testimony_n isa._n 8._o 20._o we_o can_v do_v nothing_o against_o the_o truth_n but_o for_o the_o truth_n 2_o cor._n 13._o 8._o by_o some_o witness_n to_o the_o way_n of_o the_o protestation_n edinburgh_n print_v anno_fw-la domini_fw-la 1658._o protester_n no_o subverter_n and_o presbytery_n no_o papacy_n or_o a_o vindication_n of_o the_o protest_a brethren_n and_o of_o the_o government_n of_o the_o kirk_n of_o scotland_n etc._n etc._n though_o the_o brethren_n for_o the_o protestation_n be_v not_o unsensible_a of_o the_o manifold_a injury_n do_v unto_o they_o by_o a_o pamphlet_n bear_v the_o title_n but_o little_o more_o of_o a_o true_a representation_n of_o the_o rise_n progress_n and_o state_n of_o the_o present_a division_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n and_o diligent_o spread_v at_o home_n and_o abroad_o and_o industrious_o put_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o public_a person_n in_o both_o nation_n for_o make_v they_o take_v up_o such_o thought_n and_o entertain_v such_o impression_n of_o these_o brethren_n and_o their_o principle_n and_o cause_n as_o be_v with_o more_o animosity_n than_o candour_n or_o truth_n represent_v therein_o yet_o have_v as_o we_o conceive_v the_o conscience_n of_o their_o own_o innocency_n and_o the_o testimony_n which_o they_o have_v thereof_o in_o the_o heart_n of_o most_o of_o the_o godly_a in_o the_o land_n with_o the_o small_a delight_n they_o have_v to_o spend_v their_o spirit_n and_o their_o time_n and_o to_o trouble_v the_o world_n with_o a_o frequent_a reiterate_n and_o multiply_v of_o answer_n to_o groundless_a and_o unjust_a imputation_n persuade_v they_o hithertill_n to_o be_v silent_a and_o to_o rest_v satisfy_v with_o what_o be_v by_o they_o former_o publish_v in_o the_o defence_n of_o their_o cause_n and_o person_n neither_o will_v we_o have_v any_o to_o wonder_v that_o they_o do_v not_o return_v a_o answer_n to_o that_o paper_n late_o publish_v bear_v title_n a_o declaration_n of_o the_o brethren_n who_o be_v for_o the_o establish_a government_n and_o judicatory_n of_o this_o kirk_n express_v their_o earnest_a desire_n of_o union_n and_o peace_n with_o their_o dissent_v brethren_n though_o we_o do_v not_o as_o the_o author_n of_o this_o paper_n in_o order_n to_o the_o publickresolution_n party_n take_v upon_o we_o to_o speak_v in_o their_o name_n yet_o may_v we_o as_o not_o be_v altogether_o stranger_n to_o their_o mind_n in_o these_o matter_n say_v that_o they_o be_v silent_a also_o at_o this_o paper_n 1._o because_o though_o it_o do_v in_o some_o part_n of_o the_o title_n and_o content_n thereof_o profess_v for_o and_o pretend_v unto_o peace_n yet_o be_v it_o upon_o the_o matter_n and_o for_o the_o body_n of_o it_o but_o cram_v recocta_fw-la with_o the_o former_a a_o bundle_n of_o the_o same_o calumny_n where_o with_o the_o former_a be_v fraught_v a_o little_a more_o close_o knit_v and_o publish_v to_o the_o world_n in_o a_o new_a dress_n and_o set_v off_o with_o a_o profession_n and_o pretext_n of_o desire_n to_o union_n and_o peace_n and_o why_o shall_v so_o many_o put_v themselves_o to_o the_o pain_n to_o assemble_v together_o for_o answer_v thing_n that_o have_v be_v often_o answer_v already_o and_o be_v not_o indeed_o a_o overture_n of_o peace_n but_o in_o effect_n a_o heap_n of_o bitter_a invective_n and_o reproach_n if_o the_o author_n of_o it_o have_v not_o set_v the_o word_n of_o union_n and_o peace_n in_o the_o frontispiece_n of_o it_o we_o doubt_v that_o ever_o any_o shall_v have_v own_v it_o or_o know_v it_o by_o that_o name_n for_o it_o do_v everywhere_o breath_n discord_n and_o war_n that_o we_o may_v true_o say_v with_o the_o prophet_n micah_n ch._n 3._o 5._o while_o they_o cry_v peace_n peace_n they_o bite_v with_o their_o tooth_n and_o with_o the_o psalmist_n psal._n 55._o 21._o that_o while_o the_o word_n of_o their_o mouth_n be_v smooth_a than_o butter_n yet_o waâ—…_n be_v in_o their_o heart_n that_o while_o some_o of_o their_o word_n be_v soft_a as_o oil_n yet_o most_o of_o they_o be_v like_o draw_a sword_n or_o if_o there_o be_v any_o real_a inclination_n to_o peace_n upon_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o author_n of_o this_o paper_n we_o may_v fit_o compare_v they_o to_o the_o first_o painter_n in_o some_o country_n of_o old_a who_o draught_n be_v so_o rude_a that_o unless_o they_o have_v write_v above_o the_o head_n thereof_o this_o be_v a_o horse_n this_o be_v a_o ox_n etc._n etc._n the_o beholder_n will_v never_o have_v discover_v their_o aim_n therein_o or_o we_o may_v say_v of_o they_o as_o georgius_n major_fw-la write_v of_o the_o father_n of_o berge_n who_o be_v author_n of_o the_o book_n call_v formula_fw-la concordiae_fw-la bergensis_fw-la aut_fw-la mens_fw-la vulcanum_fw-la aut_fw-la forceps_fw-la indocta_fw-la fefellit_fw-la {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o voluit_fw-la cudere_fw-la cudit_fw-la {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o the_o smith_n unskilful_a mind_n or_o tong_o have_v sure_a deceive_v he_o far_o when_o as_o he_o will_v have_v forge_v a_o peace_n he_o hammer_v out_o a_o war_n union_n and_o peace_n when_o state_v upon_o the_o right_a basis_n and_o carried-on_v by_o lawful_a mean_n and_o in_o order_n to_o right_a end_n be_v thing_n precious_a and_o excellent_a how_o seasonable_a and_o strengthen_v and_o refresh_v a_o blessing_n will_v such_o a_o union_n be_v unto_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n in_o this_o day_n of_o her_o trial_n will_v god_n that_o these_o resolution-brethren_n who_o do_v in_o this_o paper_n testify_v so_o high_o of_o themselves_o as_o to_o their_o make_v consciâ—…nce_o to_o lament_v our_o division_n before_o the_o lord_n and_o of_o afflict_v their_o soul_n because_o of_o they_o and_o for_o the_o sin_n procure_v the_o same_o and_o of_o their_o peaceable_a disposition_n and_o patience_n to_o bear_v and_o readinesâ—…e_v to_o forgive_v injury_n have_v be_v so_o happy_a therein_o as_o to_o tread_v the_o path_n of_o peace_n and_o to_o speak_v the_o word_n of_o soberness_n and_o truth_n we_o be_v hopeful_a it_o have_v find_v answerable_a entertainment_n from_o their_o brethren_n for_o the_o protestation_n who_o from_o no_o disrespect_n to_o they_o but_o from_o the_o conscience_n of_o their_o duty_n and_o zeal_n of_o the_o lord_n cause_n have_v in_o some_o thing_n witness_v against_o their_o way_n but_o when_o they_o do_v thus_o use_v they_o or_o rather_o abuse_v they_o as_o seem_v to_o speak_v they_o for_o union_n and_o peace_n and_o yet_o not_o only_o hold_v fast_o most_o of_o what_o have_v be_v the_o ground_n of_o their_o grievance_n and_o complaint_n but_o operous_o labour_v and_o industrious_o endeavour_v by_o a_o congestion_n of_o groundless_a alleagence_n and_o gross_a misrepresentation_n of_o matter_n of_o fact_n with_o ill-knit_a consequence_n deduce_v therefrom_o and_o from_o some_o other_o thing_n true_a and_o honest_a in_o themselves_o to_o prove_v they_o and_o proclaim_v they_o to_o the_o world_n to_o be_v a_o party_n of_o ambitious_a turbulent_a subdolous_a man_n who_o have_v be_v all_o this_o while_n affect_v domination_n in_o the_o church_n and_o design_o project_v the_o subversion_n and_o overthrow_n of_o its_o government_n yea_o that_o their_o lead_a man_n have_v of_o late_o attempt_v the_o utter_a ruin_n of_o this_o church_n and_o of_o those_o who_o differ_v from_o they_o we_o hope_v that_o no_o man_n of_o a_o impartial_a judgement_n will_v think_v that_o the_o protest_a brethren_n can_v otherwise_o entertain_v such_o a_o treaty_n of_o union_n and_o peace_n that_o be_v the_o eslux_n of_o so_o bitter_a and_o unpeaceable_a a_o spirit_n than_o with_o deep_a silence_n and_o just_a contempt_n unless_o they_o will_v betray_v their_o own_o innocency_n and_o the_o justness_n of_o the_o cause_n which_o they_o do_v maintain_v by_o treat_v a_o peace_n upon_o such_o persuasive_n and_o foundation_n as_o do_v all-along_o heighten_v division_n and_o build_v up_o war_n 2._o though_o this_o paper_n bear_v the_o name_n of_o a_o declaration_n of_o the_o brethren_n who_o be_v for_o the_o establish_a government_n and_o judicatory_n of_o
iniquity_n whereof_o we_o shall_v afterward_o discover_v but_o leave_v these_o general_a consideration_n we_o shall_v take_v notice_n of_o the_o insufficiency_n inequality_n and_o iniquity_n of_o their_o proposal_n for_o union_n and_o peace_n first_o they_o be_v insufficient_a because_o 1._o there_o be_v no_o remedy_n unless_o it_o be_v a_o mock-remedy_n hold_v forth_o therein_o as_o to_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o public_a resolution_n and_o the_o corrupt_a constitution_n of_o the_o two_o pretend_a assembly_n at_o saint_n andrews_n and_o dundee_n and_o edinburgh_n for_o prevent_v the_o like_a corrupt_a constitution_n for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v which_o thing_n they_o know_v to_o be_v two_o great_a ground_n of_o the_o protest_a brethren_n their_o grievance_n these_o brethren_n do_v in_o the_o conference_n at_o edinburgh_n novemb_n 8._o 1655._o propound_v and_o desire_n that_o the_o act_n of_o the_o commission_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n 1650._o concerning_o the_o public_a resolution_n and_o their_o declaration_n and_o warning_n and_o act_n result_v thereupon_o and_o the_o declaration_n and_o act_n of_o the_o two_o late_o controvert_v assembly_n of_o dundee_n and_o edinburgh_n and_o all_o other_o declaration_n and_o act_n in_o presbytery_n and_o synod_n that_o be_v the_o result_v thereof_o be_v render_v of_o none_o effect_n in_o order_n to_o censure_v past_a or_o to_o come_v and_o also_o so_o far_o as_o they_o do_v import_v or_o may_v be_v allege_v as_o the_o public_a definitive_a judgement_n of_o this_o kirk_n or_o of_o any_o of_o the_o judicatory_n thereof_o anent_o the_o matter_n contain_v therein_o and_o that_o they_o be_v not_o react_v in_o any_o time_n hereafter_o next_o that_o it_o be_v declare_v that_o the_o two_o controvert_v assembly_n at_o saint_n andrews_n and_o dundee_n and_o edinburgh_n shall_v be_v as_o to_o their_o constitution_n in_o the_o thing_n protest_v and_o except_v against_o no_o precedent_n nor_o prejudice_n to_o the_o constitution_n of_o future_a general_n assembly_n of_o all_o that_o be_v contain_v in_o these_o desire_n they_o do_v only_o proffer_v a_o cessation_n from_o the_o execution_n of_o these_o act_n whereby_o a_o bar_n be_v lay_v in_o the_o way_n to_o keep_v man_n who_o be_v not_o of_o their_o judgement_n from_o the_o ministry_n and_o that_o they_o shall_v agree_v that_o they_o be_v make_v void_a and_o null_a by_o the_o next_o general_n assembly_n if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o they_o do_v also_o agree_v that_o the_o matter_n concerning_o the_o public_a resolution_n be_v remit_v to_o the_o determination_n of_o a_o general_n assembly_n it_o be_v true_a they_o do_v so_o and_o that_o be_v the_o mock-remedy_n we_o speak_v of_o conceive_v we_o have_v just_a reason_n to_o call_v it_o so_o not_o only_o because_o in_o the_o same_o place_n they_o will_v have_v it_o a_o assembly_n according_a to_o the_o establish_a order_n which_o be_v expound_v according_a to_o the_o act_n of_o their_o two_o late_a assembly_n import_v a_o admit_n of_o such_o only_a to_o be_v member_n who_o do_v acknowledge_v the_o constitution_n and_o submit_v to_o the_o act_n of_o these_o assembly_n that_o ratify_v these_o resolution_n and_o the_o thing_n relate_v thereunto_o all_o other_o by_o their_o establish_a order_n be_v incapable_a to_o be_v choose_v member_n but_o also_o because_o they_o be_v sure_a to_o have_v a_o assembly_n according_a to_o their_o mind_n the_o plurality_n of_o presbytery_n be_v of_o that_o judgement_n and_o the_o protest_a brethren_n be_v as_o they_o call_v they_o but_o a_o small_a number_n in_o comparison_n of_o these_o who_o be_v for_o the_o public_a resolution_n but_o haply_o some_o will_v say_v that_o the_o resolution_n brethren_n can_v without_o quit_v of_o their_o judgement_n condescend_v that_o the_o public_a resolution_n shall_v not_o hereafter_o be_v look_v upon_o or_o acknowledge_v as_o the_o public_a definitive_a judgement_n of_o the_o kirk_n of_o scotland_n we_o know_v that_o themselves_o do_v so_o say_v but_o of_o this_o we_o can_v never_o hear_v a_o satisfy_a reason_n from_o they_o and_o we_o believe_v man_n of_o more_o pierce_a judgement_n than_o we_o be_v shall_v hardly_o reach_v it_o be_v the_o repeal_n of_o one_o act_n of_o that_o assembly_n to_o which_o they_o do_v vote_n and_o which_o they_o do_v still_o in_o their_o judgement_n approve_v as_o just_a and_o equitable_a upon_o the_o matter_n a_o quit_n of_o their_o judgement_n more_o than_o the_o repeal_n of_o another_o to_o which_o they_o do_v also_o vote_n and_o do_v still_o approve_v of_o they_o be_v content_a for_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n to_o repeal_v these_o act_n that_o do_v relate_v to_o the_o censure_n of_o such_o as_o do_v oppose_v these_o resolution_n and_o this_o they_o can_v do_v without_o condemn_v or_o quit_v of_o their_o judgement_n and_o may_v they_o not_o also_o without_o condemn_v or_o quit_v of_o their_o judgement_n for_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n repeal_v these_o act_n that_o declare_v these_o resolution_n to_o be_v the_o definitive_a sentence_n of_o the_o kirk_n of_o scotland_n this_o will_v not_o be_v a_o quit_n or_o alter_v their_o judgement_n concerning_o the_o thing_n themselves_o but_o only_o the_o taking-off_n the_o synodical_a or_o juridical_a tie_n not_o because_o of_o any_o error_n in_o the_o thing_n themselves_o but_o upon_o other_o extrinsic_a consideration_n a_o thing_n very_o ordinary_a in_o judicatory_n both_o civil_a and_o ecclesiastic_a and_o we_o believe_v unbiased_a man_n will_v think_v that_o our_o brethren_n who_o profess_v and_o publish_v the_o matter_n of_o the_o public_a resolution_n to_o be_v a_o question_n so_o extrinsic_a to_o our_o doctrine_n worship_n and_o government_n and_o a_o debate_n now_o so_o far_o remove_v out_o of_o our_o way_n be_v bind_v the_o rather_o so_o to_o do_v because_o our_o doctrine_n worship_n and_o government_n can_v receive_v no_o prejudice_n by_o taking-off_n a_o synodical_a tie_n in_o matter_n of_o opinion_n that_o be_v so_o extrinsic_a thereto_o if_o our_o resolution_n brethren_n do_v indeed_o judge_v they_o so_o extrinsic_a and_o yet_o will_v not_o herein_o condescend_v they_o give_v more_o than_o cause_n even_o to_o indifferent_a man_n to_o apprehend_v that_o all_o their_o profession_n for_o and_o pretension_n unto_o peace_n be_v but_o professious_a and_o pretensious_a or_o else_o that_o they_o mean_v to_o hold_v up_o the_o totter_a foundation_n of_o these_o rot_a resolution_n in_o order_n to_o some_o new_a fabric_n that_o they_o intend_v to_o build_v thereupon_o when_o opportunity_n shall_v serve_v unto_o the_o produce_n of_o the_o like_a or_o worse_a division_n and_o persecution_n in_o the_o church_n than_o they_o have_v former_o bring_v forth_o second_o these_o proposal_n of_o they_o be_v unsufficient_a because_o they_o do_v contain_v or_o hold_v forth_o no_o effectual_a mean_n for_o purge_v of_o the_o lord_n house_n of_o insufficient_a and_o scandalous_a and_o corrupt_a minister_n and_o elder_n which_o be_v one_o of_o the_o main_a desire_n propound_v by_o the_o protest_a brethren_n and_o one_o of_o the_o most_o necessary_a duty_n that_o lie_v upon_o the_o church_n at_o this_o time_n there_o be_v so_o many_o of_o that_o sort_n in_o the_o land_n they_o do_v in_o this_o particular_a give_v they_o a_o number_n of_o good_a word_n but_o when_o they_o be_v compare_v with_o their_o practice_n and_o performance_n they_o shall_v be_v find_v but_o word_n and_o no_o more_o they_o tell_v they_o that_o they_o do_v not_o contravert_v with_o they_o in_o this_o business_n have_v often_o profess_v their_o willingness_n to_o go_v about_o that_o work_n in_o the_o most_o strict_a way_n according_a to_o justice_n and_o the_o common_a rule_n of_o church-judicatory_n in_o such_o case_n and_o that_o they_o have_v not_o only_o often_o entreat_v they_o to_o unite_v upon_o this_o very_a account_n that_o the_o work_n of_o purge_v may_v be_v carried-on_v more_o effectual_o but_o have_v upon_o all_o occasion_n of_o any_o report_n of_o scandal_n or_o insufficiency_n lay_v forth_o themselves_o to_o the_o utmost_a to_o try_v and_o examine_v the_o truth_n thereof_o and_o have_v not_o be_v want_v in_o inflict_v due_a censure_n for_o any_o thing_n that_o at_o any_o time_n be_v find_v when_o we_o read_v these_o word_n our_o spirit_n be_v fill_v with_o astonishment_n and_o grief_n and_o what_o answer_v to_o return_v to_o such_o asseveration_n we_o do_v not_o know_v unless_o it_o be_v to_o commit_v the_o cause_n unto_o god_n who_o know_v their_o way_n in_o these_o matter_n and_o whether_o they_o have_v make_v conscience_n of_o the_o work_n of_o purge_v these_o seven_o year_n past_a or_o have_v neglect_v and_o obstruct_v the_o same_o yea_o have_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n undo_v what_o be_v former_o do_v therein_o how_o few_o insufficient_a scandalous_a minister_n since_o the_o birth_n of_o these_o public_a resolution_n to_o this_o day_n have_v be_v remove_v
thereunto_o in_o the_o literal_a and_o genuine_a sense_n and_o meaning_n thereof_o which_o be_v propound_v by_o the_o brethren_n for_o the_o protestation_n in_o the_o conference_n at_o edinburgh_n november_n 1655._o as_o conducible_a and_o fit_a mean_n to_o the_o make_n up_o of_o a_o solid_a union_n and_o well-grounded_a peace_n in_o the_o next_o place_n we_o desire_v it_o to_o be_v consider_v whether_o these_o overture_n of_o union_n and_o peace_n propound_v by_o these_o brethren_n be_v not_o very_o unequal_a it_o have_v be_v and_o be_v their_o manner_n to_o profess_v and_o print_v that_o they_o be_v willing_a to_o offer_v very_o equal_a term_n of_o peace_n so_o in_o the_o nine_o page_n of_o this_o declaration_n that_o they_o have_v already_o offer_v that_o tâ—…ough_o they_o hold_v fast_o their_o own_o judgement_n yet_o they_o will_v not_o impose_v upon_o the_o protest_a brethren_n their_o judgement_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o their_o first_o difference_n but_o these_o profession_n notwithstanding_o they_o do_v in_o sundry_a particular_n impose_v upon_o their_o judgement_n as_o first_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o protestation_n they_o do_v require_v that_o these_o brethren_n do_v declare_v that_o their_o protestation_n against_o the_o two_o late_o controvert_v assembly_n and_o their_o resolution_n and_o act_n thereunto_o relate_v shall_v not_o hereafter_o be_v make_v use_n of_o in_o any_o judicatory_n of_o this_o kirk_n for_o continue_v as_o they_o be_v please_v to_o express_v it_o or_o hold_v up_o debate_n about_o the_o matter_n of_o our_o present_a difference_n so_o in_o their_o paper_n of_o the_o sixteen_o of_o november_n 1655._o in_o the_o conference_n at_o edinburgh_n which_o in_o another_o paper_n of_o the_o 24._o of_o november_n at_o that_o conference_n they_o expound_v thus_o that_o their_o meaning_n be_v that_o they_o shall_v not_o make_v use_n of_o these_o protestation_n in_o any_o judicatory_n to_o call_v in_o question_n and_o anul_v the_o constitution_n and_o authority_n of_o these_o two_o late_a assembly_n which_o if_o the_o protest_a brethren_n shall_v consent_v unto_o will_v upon_o the_o matter_n make_v they_o to_o condemn_v their_o own_o judgement_n and_o infer_v their_o pass_n from_o and_o renounce_v of_o these_o protestation_n in_o so_o far_o as_o they_o may_v be_v a_o remedy_n against_o the_o corrupt_a constitution_n of_o these_o two_o assembly_n in_o order_n to_o which_o they_o do_v conceive_v themselves_o bind_v in_o duty_n and_o conscience_n to_o make_v they_o yea_o it_o shall_v with_o their_o consent_n make_v way_n to_o establish_v for_o the_o future_a the_o constitution_n and_o authority_n of_o these_o two_o assembly_n because_o it_o shall_v with_o their_o own_o consent_n take_v out_o of_o the_o way_n all_o the_o legal_a bar_n that_o be_v stand_v against_o that_o constitution_n and_o authority_n second_o what_o great_a impose_v can_v there_o be_v upon_o their_o judgement_n or_o what_o more_o unequal_a condition_n of_o peace_n can_v be_v propound_v unto_o they_o then_o to_o require_v that_o they_o shall_v engage_v themselves_o to_o a_o absolute_a and_o unlimited_a submission_n to_o the_o sentence_n of_o the_o kirk-judicatory_n especial_o when_o the_o resolution_n brethren_n be_v not_o only_o the_o plurality_n in_o most_o of_o the_o judicatory_n but_o when_o many_o of_o they_o be_v not_o such_o for_o qualification_n and_o carriage_n as_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v what_o be_v this_o but_o to_o give-up_v their_o judgement_n and_o conscience_n unto_o the_o mere_a arbitrament_n and_o will_n of_o man_n to_o be_v impose_v upon_o by_o they_o and_o rule_v at_o their_o pleasure_n three_o how_o unequal_a a_o proposal_n be_v it_o that_o the_o matter_n in_o difference_n shall_v be_v refer_v and_o submit_v to_o the_o determination_n of_o the_o next_o general_n assembly_n when_o most_o of_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o land_n of_o who_o that_o assembly_n be_v in_o all_o probability_n to_o be_v make_v up_o how_o contrary_a to_o the_o covenant_n and_o many_o act_n and_o declaration_n of_o former_a uncontroverted_a assembly_n be_v already_o declare_v have_v engage_v themselves_o many_o way_n for_o these_o resolution_n which_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o the_o difference_n these_o few_o particular_n may_v make_v it_o appear_v that_o the_o resolution_n brethren_n do_v not_o walk_v with_o a_o equal_a and_o even_a â—…oot_n in_o their_o proposal_n we_o mean_v they_o do_v not_o offer_v such_o term_n of_o peace_n as_o be_v equal_o free_a of_o impose_v upon_o either_o party_n or_o do_v equal_o yeâ—…ld_v as_o much_o as_o they_o require_v which_o we_o do_v not_o take_v notice_n of_o as_o if_o this_o be_v a_o commendable_a and_o approve_a way_n in_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n we_o judge_v it_o but_o the_o effect_n of_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o to_o smell_v rank_o of_o a_o carnal_a poltick_a spirit_n to_o half_a and_o divide_v the_o thiug_n of_o god_n for_o make_v peace_n among_o man_n but_o to_o discover_v that_o our_o brethren_n do_v not_o walk_v up_o to_o their_o own_o profession_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o union_n and_o peace_n and_o that_o while_o they_o will_v make_v the_o nation_n and_o the_o world_n believe_v that_o they_o offer_v equal_a condition_n and_o do_v not_o desire_v in_o any_o thing_n to_o impose_v upon_o their_o brethren_n yet_o their_o condition_n be_v very_o unequal_a and_o that_o they_o will_v high_o impose_v upon_o they_o but_o if_o the_o overture_n for_o union_n and_o peace_n propound_v by_o these_o brethren_n be_v insufficient_a and_o unequal_a only_o though_o upon_o these_o two_o branch_n there_o be_v just_a ground_n for_o the_o protest_a brethren_n to_o deny_v they_o entertainment_n yet_o be_v they_o more_o tolerable_a if_o they_o do_v not_o involve_v injustice_n and_o iniquity_n which_o may_v be_v show_v in_o sundry_a particular_n but_o this_o answer_n have_v draw_v to_o a_o great_a length_n than_o be_v at_o first_o intend_v we_o shall_v now_o only_o speak_v to_o that_o one_o in_o which_o these_o brethren_n assert_v the_o essence_n and_o be_v of_o presbyterial_a government_n to_o consist_v and_o for_o deny_v of_o which_o they_o hold_v forth_o the_o protest_a brethren_n as_o man_n that_o have_v recede_v from_o their_o former_a principle_n and_o have_v in_o their_o judgement_n and_o practice_n turn_v adversary_n to_o the_o very_a being_n of_o the_o government_n to_o wit_n that_o arbitary_a and_o unlimited_a submission_n to_o the_o sentence_n of_o the_o church-judicatory_n in_o matter_n of_o discipline_n and_o government_n which_o be_v require_v by_o these_o brethren_n we_o have_v already_o speak_v unto_o the_o state_n of_o the_o question_n and_o have_v show_v how_o far_o submission_n to_o the_o sentence_n of_o the_o judicatory_n of_o the_o kirk_n be_v condescend_v and_o yâ—…lded_v unto_o by_o the_o protest_a brethren_n as_o also_o how_o far_o it_o be_v urge_v and_o require_v by_o the_o brethren_n for_o the_o resolution_n and_o what_o reason_n and_o ground_n they_o do_v bring_v for_o their_o judgement_n in_o that_o particular_a to_o which_o we_o have_v answer_v it_o now_o remain_v that_o we_o shall_v bring_v these_o reason_n that_o seem_v to_o plead_v the_o unwarrantableness_n and_o iniquity_n of_o that_o submission_n require_v by_o they_o that_o if_o they_o can_v convenient_o satisfy_v therein_o they_o may_v be_v recede_v from_o or_o if_o otherwise_o that_o they_o may_v cease_v to_o urge_v that_o matter_n any_o further_o or_o at_o least_o that_o indifferent_a person_n may_v know_v that_o it_o be_v not_o refuse_v but_o upon_o weighty_a reason_n before_o we_o propound_v our_o argument_n we_o shall_v premise_v some_o common_a and_o know_a truth_n concerning_o church_n judicatory_n and_o their_o decree_n and_o sentence_n as_o 1._o that_o to_o express_v it_o in_o calvin_n word_n in_o the_o eight_o chap._n of_o the_o four_o book_n of_o his_o institution_n whatsoever_o reverence_n or_o dignity_n be_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o the_o scripture_n give_v whether_o to_o the_o priest_n oâ—…_n prophet_n or_o apostle_n or_o their_o successor_n all_o of_o it_o be_v give_v not_o proper_o to_o man_n themselves_o but_o to_o the_o ministry_n wherewhtih_o they_o be_v clothe_v or_o to_o speak_v more_o expedite_o to_o the_o word_n the_o ministry_n whereof_o be_v commit_v unto_o they_o exod._n 3._o 4._o exod._n 14._o 31._o deut._n 17._o â—…_z mal._n 2._o 46._o deut._n 17._o 10._o ezek._n 3._o 17._o ier._n 23._o 28._o ier._n 1._o 6._o matth._n 28._o 19_o act_n 15._o 10_o etc._n etc._n 2._o that_o as_o their_o authority_n be_v found_v upon_o and_o whole_o derive_v from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n so_o in_o the_o administration_n and_o exercise_n thereof_o thy_o be_v in_o all_o thing_n to_o walk_v according_a to_o this_o rule_n isa._n 8._o 19_o 20._o mal._n 2._o 6_o 7._o matth._n 28._o 19_o 3._o that_o church-power_n be_v not_o a_o lordly_a and_o magisterialpower_v but_o a_o lowly_a and_o ministerial-power_n not_o
a_o absolute_a and_o autocratorick_n but_o a_o limit_a and_o hyperetic-power_n and_o that_o church_n decree_n and_o sentence_n be_v all_o of_o they_o regulae_fw-la regulatae_fw-la rule_n that_o be_v subordinate_v and_o do_v not_o bind_v but_o in_o the_o lord_n and_o so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v conform_v to_o that_o first_o inflexible_a and_o unerring-rule_n prescribe_v by_o himself_o luke_n 22._o 24_o 25_o 26_o 27._o gal._n 6._o 16._o 1_o peter_n 5._o 2_o 3._o â—…_z tim._n 3._o 15_o 16_o 17._o 1_o thes._n 5._o 12._o ephes._n 6._o 1._o calvin_n treat_v of_o church-power_n say_v well_o non_fw-la est_fw-la igitur_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la potestas_fw-la inâ—…inita_fw-la sed_fw-la subjecta_fw-la verbo_fw-la domini_fw-la and_o in_fw-la eo_fw-la quasi_fw-la inclusa_fw-la inst._n lib._n 4._o cap._n 8._o 4_o that_o all_o church-judicatory_n whether_o congregational-edership_n or_o presbytery_n or_o synod_n whether_o provincial_n or_o national_a or_o oecumenick_a be_v constitute_v of_o man_n that_o be_v weak_a frail_a and_o ignorant_a in_o part_n be_v in_o their_o detâ—…rminations_n fallible_a and_o subject_a to_o error_n isai._n 40_o 6_o 7_o 8._o rom._n 3._o 4._o 1_o cor._n 13._o 9_o 12._o 5._o that_o in_o so_o far_o as_o any_o of_o these_o do_v actual_o err_v and_o decline_v from_o the_o truth_n they_o do_v in_o so_o far_o act_v without_o power_n and_o authority_n from_o jesus_n christ_n they_o can_v do_v nothing_o of_o themselves_o they_o may_v do_v but_o not_o by_o his_o commission_n and_o warrant_n against_o the_o truth_n but_o for_o the_o truth_n 2_o cor._n 13._o 8._o the_o power_n which_o he_o have_v give_v they_o be_v to_o edification_n and_o not_o to_o destruction_n 2_o cor._n 13._o 12._o 6._o sad_a experience_n almost_o in_o every_o generation_n do_v teach_v we_o that_o church-guide_n and_o church-judicatory_n do_v oftentimes_o decline_v from_o the_o streigâ—…t-wayes_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o decree_v unrighteous_a decree_n and_o write_v grievous_a thing_n which_o they_o have_v prescribe_v isa._n 9_o 15_o 16._o ier._n 8._o 8_o 9_o mal._n 2._o 8_o 9_o ier._n 2._o 8._o and_o that_o while_o they_o be_v boast_v of_o the_o authority_n give_v to_o they_o of_o god_n and_o of_o their_o skill_n in_o the_o law_n and_o profess_v to_o walk_v according_a thereto_o they_o be_v pervert_v the_o precious_a truth_n of_o god_n and_o persecuâ—…ing_v these_o who_o cleave_v thereunto_o ier_n 18._o 18._o isa._n 66._o 5._o ioh._n 7._o 48_o 49._o 7._o that_o the_o same_o lord_n who_o have_v command_v we_o not_o to_o despise_v prophesy_v 1_o thes._n 5._o 19_o have_v also_o command_v we_o to_o prove_v all_o thing_n and_o to_o hold_v fast_o that_o which_o be_v good_a ver._n 20._o and_o no_o to_o believe_v every_o spirit_n but_o to_o try_v the_o spirit_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n because_o many_o false_a prophet_n be_v go_v forth_o into_o the_o world_n 1_o ioh._n 4._o 1._o and_o that_o whatsoever_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n be_v sin_n rom._n 14._o 15._o and_o that_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v the_o servant_n of_o man_n 1_o cor._n 7._o 23._o that_o be_v to_o do_v thing_n especial_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o god_n for_o which_o we_o have_v no_o other_o warrant_n but_o the_o mear_z pleasure_n and_o will_n of_o man_n which_o the_o apostle_n peter_n call_v live_v to_o the_o lust_n of_o man_n and_o not_o to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n 1_o pet._n 4._o 2._o and_o that_o it_o be_v therefore_o both_o the_o duty_n and_o privilege_n of_o every_o church-member_n and_o of_o every_o inferior_a church-judicatory_n to_o examine_v by_o the_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n every_o thing_n which_o the_o church-authority_n join_v whether_o it_o be_v agreeable_a or_o repugnant_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n and_o if_o after_o a_o diligent_a and_o impartial_a search_n it_o be_v find_v repugnant_a they_o be_v not_o to_o bring_v their_o conscience_n in_o bondage_n thereto_o neither_o be_v the_o allow_v and_o exercise_v of_o the_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n by_o inferior_n the_o set_v they_o as_o judge_n over_o their_o superior_n or_o make_v they_o transgress_v the_o line_n or_o limit_n of_o that_o due_a subordination_n and_o submission_n appoint_v unto_o they_o of_o god_n protestant_n divine_v in_o their_o writing_n de_fw-la judice_fw-la controverstarum_fw-la have_v full_o answer_v this_o and_o show_v we_o that_o it_o do_v not_o make_v a_o private_a man_n or_o a_o inferior_a judge_n of_o the_o sentence_n and_o decree_n of_o his_o superior_n but_o only_o of_o his_o own_o action_n have_v premise_v these_o thing_n we_o offer_v these_o reason_n against_o the_o submission_n so_o much_o plead_v for_o by_o our_o brethren_n first_o this_o submission_n we_o mean_v a_o absolute_a submission_n or_o such_o a_o submission_n as_o be_v comprehensive_a of_o subjection_n to_o such_o decree_n and_o sentence_n of_o church-judicatory_n as_o be_v upon_o the_o matter_n and_o for_o the_o ground_n of_o they_o unjust_a and_o repugnant_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n have_v neither_o precept_n nor_o precedent_n for_o it_o in_o the_o book_n of_o god_n if_o any_o man_n say_v it_o have_v we_o desire_v he_o to_o bring_v it_o forth_o we_o know_v that_o the_o lord_n do_v enjoin_v his_o people_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n under_o very_o severe_a punishment_n to_o do_v according_a to_o the_o sentence_n which_o they_o shall_v be_v teach_v by_o the_o priest_n the_o levite_n in_o the_o place_n which_o the_o lord_n shall_v choose_v deut._n 17._o 9_o 10_o 11_o 12._o but_o calvin_n tell_v we_o well_o ubi_fw-la de_fw-la ijs_fw-la audiendis_fw-la agitur_fw-la ibi_fw-la nominatim_fw-la ponitur_fw-la ut_fw-la secundum_fw-la legem_fw-la dei_fw-la respondeant_fw-la that_o in_o the_o same_o scripture_n where_o it_o be_v command_v to_o hear_v they_o that_o it_o be_v also_o command_v that_o they_o shall_v answer_v according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o lord_n we_o also_o know_v that_o under_o the_o new_a testament_n we_o be_v command_v to_o obey_v they_o that_o have_v the_o rule_n over_o we_o and_o to_o submit_v ourselves_o but_o it_o be_v in_o the_o lord_n 1_o thess._n 5._o 12._o that_o which_o we_o call_v for_o be_v some_o precept_n or_o bind_a precedent_n in_o scripture_n that_o hold_v forth_o submission_n to_o aâ—…_n ecclesiastic_a determination_n or_o sentence_n that_o be_v unjust_a and_o contrary_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n 2._o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o clear_a scripture_n precept_n and_o scripture_n precedent_n to_o scripture_n precept_n such_o as_o these_o be_v not_o servant_n of_o man_n 1_o cor._n 7._o 23._o stand_v fast_o therefore_o in_o the_o liberty_n wherewith_o christ_n have_v make_v we_o free_a and_o be_v not_o entangle_v again_o with_o the_o yoke_n of_o bondage_n gal._n 5._o 1._o it_o be_v better_a to_o obey_v god_n then_o man_n act._n 5._o 29._o preach_v the_o word_n be_v instant_a in_o season_n and_o out_o of_o season_n 2_o tim._n 4._o 2._o do_v this_o in_o remembrance_n of_o i_o 1_o cor._n 11._o 24._o to_o refrain_v from_o duty_n upon_o the_o mere_a will_n and_o commandment_n of_o man_n be_v to_o be_v a_o servant_n unto_o man_n and_o to_o betray_v christian_a liberty_n and_o to_o be_v entangle_v with_o the_o yoke_n of_o bondage_n and_o to_o obey_v man_n rather_o than_o god_n and_o to_o say_v that_o we_o will_v not_o preach_v the_o gospel_n nor_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n though_o god_n have_v command_v we_o so_o to_o do_v let_v we_o suppose_v that_o a_o man_n due_o qualify_v be_v suspend_v from_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n or_o from_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o ministry_n or_o excommunicate_v and_o cast_v out_o of_o the_o church_n because_o of_o his_o press_n and_o hold_v forth_o some_o precious_a truth_n of_o god_n which_o a_o kirk-judicatory_n condemn_v for_o a_o lie_n and_o pass_v such_o sentence_n and_o censure_n upon_o he_o because_o he_o do_v adhere_v thereunto_o shall_v we_o say_v that_o this_o man_n be_v bind_v not_o to_o communicate_v not_o to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o absent_v himself_o from_o the_o fellowship_n and_o prayer_n of_o the_o saint_n our_o brethren_n will_v haply_o tell_v we_o that_o he_o be_v bind_v for_o peace_n sake_n so_o to_o do_v till_o his_o appeal_n be_v discuss_v but_o what_o shall_v the_o innocent_a man_n do_v when_o it_o be_v discuss_v against_o he_o and_o the_o unjust_a sentence_n of_o the_o inferior_a judicatory_a confirm_v by_o the_o superior_a shall_v he_o go_v to_o a_o high_a and_o when_o he_o be_v go_v to_o the_o high_a and_o be_v condemn_v there_o too_o as_o christ_n be_v crucify_v at_o jerusalem_n what_o will_v they_o now_o allow_v he_o will_v they_o have_v he_o still_o to_o be_v a_o servant_n of_o man_n and_o still_o to_o be_v in_o bondage_n and_o though_o the_o lord_n jesus_n have_v command_v he_o to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o say_v unto_o he_o woe_n unto_o thou_o if_o