Selected quad for the lemma: church_n

Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
church_n act_n king_n law_n 3,407 5 4.5886 4 false
View all documents for the selected quad

Text snippets containing the quad

ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A33543 A continuation of the historical relation of the late General Assembly in Scotland with an account of the commissions of that assembly, and other particulars concerning the present state of the church in that kingdom. Cockburn, John, 1652-1729. 1691 (1691) Wing C4805; ESTC R2774 64,454 78

There are 17 snippets containing the selected quad. | View original text

proclamation_n of_o the_o date_n november_n 21_o 90_o have_v ratify_v and_o approven_v a_o act_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n of_o the_o date_n november_n 12._o that_o same_o year_n appoint_v a_o solemn_a national_a fast_o and_o humiliation_n to_o be_v observe_v in_o all_o the_o church_n and_o meeting-house_n within_o this_o kingdom_n the_o second_o thursday_n of_o this_o instant_a we_o declare_v that_o we_o judge_v ourselves_o oblige_v to_o give_v obedience_n to_o the_o foresay_a act_n of_o council_n in_o so_o far_o as_o that_o be_v consistent_a with_o good_a conscience_n and_o the_o duty_n we_o owe_v to_o god_n and_o his_o truth_n and_o that_o we_o be_v most_o desirous_a to_o join_v with_o all_o other_o within_o this_o nation_n in_o the_o public_a and_o solemn_a confession_n of_o our_o sin_n deprecate_v the_o wrath_n of_o god_n and_o supplicate_v for_o his_o mercy_n and_o in_o all_o the_o other_o pious_a and_o religious_a exercise_n proper_a for_o that_o day_n of_o humiliation_n and_o fast_v but_o be_v that_o there_o be_v several_a cause_n and_o reason_n express_v and_o specify_v in_o the_o say_a act_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n which_o do_v manifest_o contradict_v our_o principle_n and_o opinion_n and_o some_o thing_n affirm_v and_o assert_v irreconcilable_a to_o truth_n and_o charity_n and_o other_o christian_a duty_n and_o lest_o our_o observance_n of_o that_o fast_a shall_v be_v interpret_v the_o homologate_a of_o these_o or_o a_o sordid_a or_o deceitful_a compliance_n against_o our_o conscience_n we_o judge_v ourselves_o bind_v to_o declare_v as_o hereby_o we_o do_v declare_v that_o we_o intimate_v and_o publish_v this_o fast_a and_o will_v observe_v it_o for_o these_o reason_n and_o cause_n only_o that_o be_v consistent_a with_o our_o opinion_n which_o we_o have_v own_v by_o solemn_a oath_n and_o with_o the_o charity_n and_o other_o duty_n incumbent_a on_o we_o by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o do_v renounce_v all_o ground_n reason_n and_o cause_n contrary_a unto_o or_o inconsistent_a therewith_o and_o in_o particular_a we_o do_v protest_v 1._o that_o by_o keep_v of_o this_o fast_a we_o do_v not_o own_o or_o acknowledge_v the_o power_n and_o authority_n that_o the_o foresay_a assembly_n do_v arrogate_v over_o we_o in_o so_o far_o as_o that_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o never_o hear_v of_o in_o the_o christian_a church_n before_o this_o time_n to_o wit_n that_o presbyter_n shall_v have_v a_o power_n of_o government_n and_o jurisdiction_n over_o other_o presbyter_n who_o be_v of_o the_o same_o office_n and_o degree_n 2._o we_o do_v protest_v that_o we_o do_v not_o approve_v of_o these_o word_n that_o the_o supremacy_n be_v advance_v in_o such_o a_o way_n and_o to_o such_o a_o height_n as_o never_o any_o christian_a church_n acknowledge_v be_v we_o know_v and_o be_v ready_a to_o prove_v that_o they_o be_v false_a and_o be_v though_o the_o supremacy_n be_v take_v away_o by_o the_o law_n as_o unsuitable_a to_o the_o present_a circumstance_n of_o affair_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o declare_v a_o sinful_a prerogative_n of_o the_o crown_n neither_o do_v we_o esteem_v it_o as_o such_o 3._o we_o do_v protest_v that_o we_o do_v not_o own_o or_o assent_v unto_o that_o reason_n of_o the_o fast_a that_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v alter_v and_o prelucy_a which_o have_v always_o be_v grievous_a to_o this_o nation_n introduce_v without_o the_o church_n consent_n and_o contrary_a to_o the_o stand_a act_n of_o our_o national_a assembly_n etc._n etc._n be_v we_o certain_o know_v that_o episcopacy_n be_v never_o more_o grievous_a to_o the_o nation_n than_o presbytery_n and_o that_o it_o be_v settle_v with_o the_o church_n consent_n in_o free_a general_n assembly_n after_o the_o reformation_n and_o be_v afterward_o receive_v and_o submit_v to_o by_o the_o church_n in_o free_a meeting_n and_o assembly_n and_o in_o particular_a we_o do_v assert_v that_o the_o assembly_n hold_v at_o glasgow_n 1610._o which_o establish_a and_o settle_a episcopacy_n be_v as_o lawful_o convocate_v and_o of_o as_o undoubted_a authority_n as_o the_o assembly_n hold_v at_o glasgow_n 1638._o which_o turn_v it_o out_o as_o also_o that_o episcopacy_n be_v restore_v by_o a_o lawful_a parliament_n an._n 1661._o and_o approve_v by_o the_o subsequent_a act_n of_o the_o church_n in_o so_o far_o as_o that_o be_v necessary_a in_o reference_n to_o a_o government_n former_o settle_v by_o act_n of_o parliament_n and_o assembly_n of_o more_o unquestionable_a authority_n than_o any_o that_o have_v abolish_v the_o same_o 4._o we_o do_v protest_v that_o we_o do_v not_o approve_v of_o these_o word_n that_o prelacy_n be_v introduce_v contrary_a to_o the_o stand_a act_n of_o our_o national_a assembly_n be_v it_o do_v imply_v that_o the_o king_n and_o parliament_n canno●_n make_v any_o law_n anent_o the_o external_n government_n and_o polity_n of_o the_o church_n if_o contrary_a to_o any_o act_n of_o a_o general_n assembly_n which_o be_v to_o give_v a_o absolute_a and_o uncontrollable_a power_n to_o church_n man_n and_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o undoubted_a right_n and_o power_n the_o state_n have_v for_o reform_v abuse_n in_o the_o administration_n of_o church-government_n and_o discipline_n and_o dispose_v of_o that_o as_o may_v best_o serve_v the_o end_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o kingdom_n 5._o we_o do_v protest_v that_o we_o do_v not_o approve_v of_o these_o word_n an●_n yet_o nevertheless_o of_o the_o then_o stand_v ministry_n of_o scotland_n many_o ●did_v sudden_o and_o ready_o comply_v with_o that_o alteration_n of_o the_o government_n some_o out_o of_o pride_n and_o covetousness_n or_o man_n please_v some_o through_o infirmity_n and_o weakness_n or_o fear_v of_o man_n and_o want_v of_o courage_n and_o zeal_n for_o god_n many_o faithful_a minister_n be_v thereupon_o cast_v out_o and_o many_o insufficient_a and_o scandalous_a thrust_n into_o in_o their_o charge_n etc._n etc._n for_o these_o do_v necessary_o imply_v the_o divine_a right_n of_o presbyterian_a government_n that_o ●no_v humane_a authority_n can_v alter_v it_o and_o that_o submission_n unto_o or_o compliance_n with_o any_o other_o be_v sinful_a and_o that_o submission_n to_o episcopacy_n restore_v an._n 1662._o do_v proceed_v from_o vicious_a cause_n as_o also_o they_o do_v imply_v a_o uncharitable_a censure_n of_o many_o faithful_a minister_n as_o man_n pleaser_n want_v courage_n and_o zeal_n for_o god_n and_o the_o like_a which_o we_o think_v very_o opposite_a to_o the_o temper_n and_o disposition_n wherewith_o the_o duty_n of_o fast_v and_o humiliation_n shall_v be_v perform_v 6._o we_o do_v protest_v that_o we_o do_v not_o approve_v of_o these_o word_n that_o there_o have_v be_v under_o the_o late_a prelacy_n a_o great_a decay_n of_o piety_n so_o that_o it_o be_v enough_o to_o make_v a_o man_n be_v nick_n name_v a_o fanatic_a if_o he_o do_v not_o run_v to_o the_o same_o excess_n of_o riot_n with_o other_o for_o though_o we_o do_v grant_v there_o have_v be_v much_o impiety_n under_o the_o late_a prelacy_n and_o do_v mourn_v for_o it_o yet_o we_o do_v affirm_v that_o it_o abound_v as_o much_o under_o presbytery_n and_o it_o be_v not_o agreeable_a to_o the_o sincerity_n of_o our_o confession_n on_o a_o day_n of_o solemn_a humiliation_n or_o at_o any_o time_n to_o be_v partial_a in_o the_o rehearsal_n of_o our_o sin_n or_o to_o distinguish_v ourselves_o from_o other_o as_o if_o we_o be_v more_o righteous_a and_o to_o confine_v religion_n and_o godliness_n to_o a_o party_n 7._o we_o do_v protest_v that_o we_o do_v not_o approve_v of_o that_o reason_n of_o the_o fast_a that_o the_o nation_n have_v be_v guilty_a of_o break_v their_o oath_n and_o impose_v and_o take_v ungodly_a and_o unlawful_a oath_n and_o bond_n etc._n etc._n in_o so_o far_o as_o these_o may_v signify_v the_o oath_n of_o allegiance_n supremacy_n and_o the_o test_n which_o oath_n as_o we_o swear_v in_o judgement_n righteousness_n and_o truth_n so_o we_o do_v still_o acknowledge_v the_o equity_n and_o obligation_n of_o they_o 8._o we_o can_v approve_v of_o that_o reason_n of_o the_o fast_a the_o wont_a care_n and_o religious_a sanctify_v of_o the_o lord_n day_n be_v go_v etc._n etc._n and_o of_o that_o petition_n we_o be_v require_v to_o send_v up_o unto_o god_n that_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n and_o dispence_v of_o the_o sacrament_n may_v be_v accompany_v with_o the_o wont_a presence_n power_n and_o blessing_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o so_o far_o as_o they_o may_v imply_v that_o the_o power_n of_o the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n be_v restrain_v and_o true_a godliness_n decay_v under_o episcopacy_n and_o that_o they_o abound_v under_o presbytery_n which_o be_v to_o make_v the_o life_n of_o religion_n depend_v upon_o opinion_n and_o outward_a form_n of_o government_n or_o to_o have_v the_o
gentle_a and_o meek_a and_o to_o deal_v tender_o with_o one_o another_o but_o it_o seem_v they_o be_v act_v by_o another_o spirit_n viz._n a_o spirit_n of_o bitterness_n cruelty_n and_o revenge_n which_o make_v they_o forward_o to_o render_v other_o miserable_a and_o to_o take_v pleasure_n when_o they_o see_v they_o afflict_v but_o it_o be_v not_o true_a that_o either_o any_o or_o all_o of_o they_o suffer_v so_o much_o as_o the_o episcopal_a clergy_n have_v in_o this_o revolution_n indeed_o by_o the_o act_n of_o glasgow_n which_o prove_v fatal_a both_o to_o church_n and_o state_n a_o good_a many_o minister_n be_v lay_v aside_o or_o rather_o they_o make_v a_o pretext_n of_o it_o to_o lay_v themselves_o aside_o think_v by_o their_o number_n to_o render_v the_o government_n odious_a or_o to_o oblige_v it_o to_o revoke_v that_o act_n which_o require_v their_o submission_n to_o episcopacy_n but_o this_o be_v nothing_o comparable_a to_o the_o treatment_n our_o minister_n meet_v with_o from_o the_o rabble_n they_o be_v forewarn_v by_o the_o act_n of_o glasgow_n and_o have_v several_a month_n allow_v they_o to_o deliberate_v upon_o it_o and_o be_v suffer_v even_o after_o the_o expire_a of_o the_o term_n prescribe_v by_o that_o act_n to_o possess_v their_o house_n and_o to_o take_v up_o their_o stipend_n nay_o very_o many_o continue_v still_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o ministry_n and_o be_v con●ived_v at_o by_o the_o government_n till_o the_o year_n 1683._o and_o a_o great_a many_o also_o of_o those_o who_o be_v actual_o turn_v out_o be_v again_o indulge_v by_o the_o clemency_n of_o the_o king_n and_o government_n to_o go_v to_o other_o parish_n which_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o a_o schism_n among_o they_o for_o they_o who_o have_v not_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o indulgence_n envy_v they_o who_o have_v it_o and_o divide_v from_o they_o and_o utter_v bitter_a word_n against_o they_o which_o oblige_v they_o to_o make_v a_o vindication_n of_o themselves_o in_o a_o book_n entitle_v a_o review_n of_o the_o history_n of_o the_o indulgence_n but_o the_o treatment_n of_o our_o minister_n be_v summary_n and_o the_o proceed_n against_o they_o very_o cruel_a and_o severe_a the_o rabble_n surprise_v they_o assault_v they_o in_o the_o night_n allow_v they_o not_o the_o least_o respite_n but_o barbarous_o thrust_v they_o their_o wife_n and_o child_n instant_o out_o of_o door_n nor_o have_v they_o time_n give_v they_o to_o dispose_v of_o their_o good_n to_o gather_v in_o their_o debt_n or_o provide_v necessary_a sustenance_n for_o themselves_o and_o family_n so_o many_o who_o may_v have_v otherwise_o live_v well_o enough_o be_v at_o present_a in_o a_o starve_a condition_n and_o be_v necessitate_v to_o receive_v alm_n that_o they_o and_o their_o family_n may_v not_o quite_o perish_v beside_o some_o have_v sustain_v the_o loss_n of_o their_o wife_n other_o of_o their_o child_n and_o some_o of_o both_o occasion_v by_o the_o inhuman_a usage_n of_o the_o rabble_n and_o whatever_o the_o episcopal_a clergy_n have_v suffer_v at_o this_o time_n they_o have_v suffer_v mere_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o episcopacy_n whereas_o in_o the_o late_a time_n none_o ever_o suffer_v mere_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o presbytery_n see_v sir_n geo._n mackenzie_n defence_n of_o the_o reign_n of_o king_n charles_n the_o second_o some_o of_o they_o indeed_o be_v hang_v as_o king_n and_o kid_n and_o two_o or_o three_o more_o very_o deserve_o because_o they_o be_v guilty_a of_o sedition_n and_o rebellion_n against_o the_o government_n there_o be_v never_o any_o severity_n show_v towards_o they_o till_o they_o be_v find_v plote_v and_o then_o indeed_o the_o security_n of_o the_o government_n do_v oblige_v our_o ruler_n to_o have_v a_o strict_a eye_n over_o they_o and_o by_o all_o mean_n to_o curb_v they_o and_o what_o government_n will_v not_o be_v severe_a to_o man_n of_o their_o principle_n who_o hold_v it_o lawful_a to_o dethrone_v and_o kill_v king_n and_o to_o murder_v those_o employ_v by_o they_o if_o they_o do_v not_o act_v agreeable_o to_o their_o mind_n and_o who_o have_v put_v those_o principle_n in_o practice_n as_o often_o as_o they_o have_v occasion_n the_o act_n which_o be_v omit_v be_v first_o that_o whereby_o john_n blair_n be_v elect_v to_o be_v agent_n for_o the_o church_n this_o person_n serve_v the_o kirk_n as_o the_o king_n solicitor_n serve_v the_o state_n he_o convey_v the_o order_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n and_o commission_n to_o particular_a presbytery_n and_o synod_n pursue_v all_o the_o cause_n wherein_o the_o kirk_n be_v concern_v and_o that_o the_o civil_a authority_n may_v assist_v that_o of_o the_o kirk_n he_o take_v out_o letter_n of_o summons_n from_o the_o council_n against_o such_o as_o contravene_v and_o refuse_v obedience_n to_o their_o act_n nay_o in_o his_o name_n some_o have_v be_v charge_v only_a 〈◊〉_d not_o comply_v with_o the_o civil_a government_n this_o the_o solicitor_n take_v ill_a and_o consider_v it_o as_o a_o encroachment_n on_o his_o office_n which_o have_v make_v he_o put_v a_o stop_n to_o some_o of_o the_o letter_n of_o summons_n that_o be_v thus_o issue_v out_o but_o if_o presbytery_n prosper_v the_o solicitor_n may_v come_v to_o pay_v for_o this_o and_o be_v make_v sensible_a that_o their_o agent_n be_v his_o equal_a if_o not_o his_o superior_a for_o they_o will_v not_o acknowledge_v their_o power_n subordinate_a to_o that_o of_o king_n it_o be_v allowable_a enough_o in_o the_o agent_n to_o assume_v a_o part_n of_o the_o solicitor_n office_n when_o his_o master_n take_v upon_o they_o to_o manage_v and_o direct_v the_o supreme_a civil_a power_n itself_o in_o the_o reign_v of_o k._n charles_n and_o k._n james_n the_o law_n sometime_o put_v minister_n on_o the_o invidious_a employment_n of_o give_v up_o list_n of_o dissinter_n and_o disaffect_v person_n within_o their_o parish_n for_o which_o the_o presbyterian_o accuse_v they_o as_o have_v a_o persecute_v spirit_n but_o let_v it_o now_o be_v consider_v who_o may_v most_o true_o be_v charge_v with_o it_o whether_o the_o episcopal_a party_n who_o do_v what_o they_o do_v with_o great_a reluctancy_n by_o force_n and_o compulsion_n of_o the_o law_n and_o who_o as_o be_v well_o know_v endeavour_v to_o save_v all_o they_o can_v or_o the_o present_a presbyterian_o who_o willing_o and_o without_o law_n dela●e_n and_o accuse_v such_o as_o they_o think_v obnoxious_a to_o the_o government_n and_o who_o have_v establish_v a_o office_n and_o install_v a_o person_n in_o it_o on_o purpose_n to_o search_v out_o such_o as_o may_v be_v think_v guilty_a and_o who_o at_o their_o instigation_n have_v cause_v summon_v and_o charge_v several_a who_o the_o government_n connive_v at_o and_o pass_v over_o but_o this_o be_v conform_v to_o the_o four_o article_n of_o the_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n which_o bind_v every_o man_n to_o be_v a_o spy_n and_o a_o informer_n even_o against_o his_o dear_a friend_n and_o near_a relation_n another_o thing_n pass_v over_o be_v a_o declaration_n of_o the_o moderator_n that_o this_o assembly_n will_v depose_v no_o incumbent_n simple_o for_o their_o judgement_n anent_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n nor_o urge_v re-ordination_a upon_o they_o i_o do_v not_o remember_v to_o have_v hear_v of_o this_o before_o and_o now_o we_o have_v it_o only_o in_o the_o table_n of_o their_o unprint_v acts._n if_o this_o have_v be_v set_v down_o at_o length_n we_o can_v have_v understand_v it_o better_o and_o that_o it_o have_v not_o be_v full_o print_v but_o huddle_v obscure_o in_o among_o the_o unprint_v act_n which_o few_o read_v over_o make_v i_o suspect_v that_o there_o be_v some_o trick_n in_o it_o when_o the_o moderator_n make_v this_o declaration_n it_o be_v then_o as_o it_o seem_v design_v to_o show_v their_o moderation_n and_o see_v they_o will_v not_o have_v it_o know_v to_o all_o man_n it_o be_v a_o sign_n that_o they_o be_v now_o ashamed_a of_o it_o however_o we_o may_v observe_v that_o this_o 〈◊〉_d act_n of_o the_o assembly_n but_o only_o a_o declaration_n of_o the_o moderator_n which_o can_v bind_v synod_n and_o presbytery_n for_o if_o any_o objection_n shall_v be_v make_v to_o they_o about_o it_o they_o can_v easy_o reply_v that_o he_o have_v do_v it_o of_o his_o own_o hand_n and_o not_o by_o any_o order_n of_o the_o brethren_n a_o instance_n of_o the_o like_a treatment_n we_o have_v in_o mr._n lion_n of_o kinghorn_n he_o be_v suspend_v by_o the_o presbytery_n of_o 〈◊〉_d from_o who_o 〈…〉_z to_o the_o general_n assembly_n which_o appoint_v a_o committ●●●or_n ●or_z ●ons●●●ring_v his_o 〈◊〉_d this_o committee_n find_v nothing_o material_a for_o inflict_v such_o a_o censure_n upon_o he_o and_o therefore_o give_v their_o advice_n that_o he_o shall_v be_v repone_v which_o be_v do_v but_o since_o that_o time_n a_o
person_n who_o remember_v to_o have_v hear_v it_o once_o mention_v in_o the_o assembly_n so_o that_o we_o owe_v the_o knowledge_n thereof_o only_o to_o the_o presbytery_n of_o dalkeith_n who_o late_o declare_v it_o upon_o this_o occasion_n they_o send_v one_o or_o two_o of_o their_o number_n sometime_o ago_o to_o the_o parish_n of_o inverask_n which_o lie_v within_o four_o mile_n of_o edinburgh_n to_o entreat_v they_o to_o choose_v a_o minister_n and_o because_o this_o people_n unanimous_o show_v their_o aversion_n to_o a_o presbyterian_a for_o of_o three_o or_o four_o thousand_o in_o that_o parish_n there_o be_v only_o some_o twenty_o or_o thirty_o that_o incline_v to_o that_o party_n therefore_o there_o be_v a_o promise_n make_v they_o that_o if_o they_o make_v choice_n of_o any_o good_a or_o pious_a man_n who_o will_v submit_v to_o the_o civil_a government_n he_o shall_v be_v accept_v of_o whether_o he_o be_v a_o presbyterian_a or_o episcopal_a whether_o the_o person_n who_o promise_v this_o speak_v ingenuous_o his_o own_o sentiment_n or_o the_o mind_n of_o his_o brethren_n whether_o it_o be_v say_v only_o to_o dispose_v the_o people_n to_o be_v more_o favourable_o incline_v towards_o the_o presbytery_n of_o dalkeith_n or_o because_o they_o see_v it_o impossible_a to_o to_o get_v their_o consent_n to_o a_o presbyterian_a minister_n i_o shall_v not_o inquire_v but_o the_o parish_n lay_v hold_v on_o this_o promise_n and_o according_o do_v commissionate_a some_o of_o their_o number_n to_o wait_v upon_o the_o presbytery_n of_o dalkeith_n with_o a_o list_n of_o seven_o or_o eight_o person_n episcopal_a minister_n who_o have_v submit_v to_o the_o civil_a government_n and_o to_o entreat_v their_o allowance_n for_o their_o preach_v to_o they_o according_a to_o the_o promise_n which_o be_v make_v that_o such_o of_o they_o as_o please_v the_o parish_n best_o may_v be_v call_v to_o be_v their_o minister_n when_o this_o be_v first_o propose_v the_o moderator_n huff_v and_o grow_v angry_a and_o ask_v if_o they_o come_v to_o abuse_v and_o reproach_v the_o brethren_n the_o gentleman_n reply_v they_o design_v not_o to_o abuse_v any_o that_o what_o they_o allege_v be_v true_a and_o they_o be_v ready_a to_o prove_v it_o or_o they_o will_v appeal_v to_o the_o person_n themselves_o who_o have_v say_v it_o then_o the_o moderator_n tell_v they_o that_o if_o any_o brother_n have_v say_v or_o promise_v so_o he_o have_v do_v it_o rash_o of_o his_o own_o head_n and_o will_v receive_v a_o reprimand_n from_o the_o presbytery_n for_o it_o that_o the_o presbytery_n can_v allow_v of_o no_o such_o thing_n for_o there_o be_v a_o act_n of_o the_o assembly_n forbid_v episcopal_a incumbent_n to_o preach_v out_o of_o their_o own_o church_n or_o people_n to_o give_v they_o a_o call_v so_o under_o the_o shadow_n of_o this_o invisible_a act_n and_o in_o all_o appearance_n of_o their_o own_o devise_v they_o shift_v the_o promise_n make_v to_o the_o parish_n of_o inverask_n it_o be_v say_v at_o that_o time_n that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o act_n in_o all_o the_o history_n of_o the_o assembly_n to_o which_o it_o be_v reply_v that_o if_o it_o be_v not_o print_v it_o will_v be_v print_v very_o short_o which_o i_o have_v do_v lest_o the_o honest_a man_n shall_v fail_v in_o his_o word_n before_o i_o leave_v their_o act_n it_o will_v be_v fit_a to_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o reason_n of_o a_o act_n which_o be_v mention_v in_o the_o historical_a relation_n of_o the_o assembly_n viz._n a_o act_n which_o prohibit_v private_a use_n and_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n on_o any_o account_n whatsoever_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o act_n be_v worthy_a to_o be_v remark_v the_o first_o of_o they_o be_v that_o by_o the_o authority_n of_o this_o church_n in_o her_o former_a assembly_n the_o private_a use_n of_o they_o have_v be_v condemn_v which_o bring_v to_o my_o remembrance_n the_o character_n that_o the_o reverend_n and_o pious_a bishop_n leighton_n be_v wont_a to_o give_v of_o the_o presbyterian_o viz._n that_o they_o make_v themselves_o the_o standard_n of_o opinion_n and_o practice_n and_o never_o look_v either_o abroad_o into_o the_o world_n to_o see_v what_o other_o be_v do_v nor_o yet_o back_o into_o the_o former_a time_n to_o observe_v what_o may_v be_v warrant_v or_o recommend_v by_o antiquity_n and_o as_o by_o this_o mean_n they_o become_v singular_a in_o many_o thing_n so_o in_o the_o point_n in_o hand_n they_o differ_v from_o all_o other_o church_n in_o the_o world_n all_o the_o reform_a church_n abroad_o allow_v the_o use_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n to_o sick_a and_o die_a person_n which_o they_o have_v peremptory_o prohibit_v as_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o ordinary_a in_o the_o primitive_a time_n which_o may_v be_v make_v appear_v from_o several_a instance_n it_o be_v from_o this_o practice_n that_o it_o receive_v the_o name_n of_o viaticum_fw-la and_o see_v our_o bless_a lord_n do_v institute_v this_o holy_a sacrament_n for_o the_o commemorate_n his_o death_n and_o for_o the_o convey_v the_o bless_a effect_n of_o it_o to_o strengthen_v our_o faith_n and_o hope_n and_o to_o assure_v we_o of_o the_o pardon_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o of_o a_o victory_n over_o death_n and_o hell_n through_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n it_o may_v be_v true_o think_v great_a cruelty_n to_o deny_v this_o sensible_a consort_n to_o sick_a and_o die_a person_n because_o they_o stand_v most_o in_o need_n of_o it_o for_o than_o it_o be_v they_o have_v the_o deep_a sense_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o the_o great_a fear_n of_o death_n and_o its_o consequence_n the_o other_o reason_n give_v by_o they_o for_o this_o prohibition_n be_v that_o by_o allow_v the_o private_a use_n of_o the_o sacrament_n in_o pretend_a case_n of_o necessity_n the_o superstitious_a opinion_n be_v nourish_v that_o they_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n not_o only_o as_o command_v duty_n but_o as_o mean_n without_o which_o salvation_n can_v be_v contain_v therefore_o the_o assembly_n discharge_v the_o administration_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n to_o sick_a person_n in_o their_o house_n and_o all_o other_o use_n of_o the_o same_o except_o in_o the_o public_a assembly_n of_o the_o church_n and_o also_o do_v discharge_v the_o administration_n of_o baptism_n in_o private_a that_o be_v in_o any_o place_n or_o at_o any_o time_n when_o the_o congregation_n be_v not_o orderly_o call_v together_o to_o wait_v on_o the_o dispense_n of_o the_o word_n in_o which_o we_o may_v take_v notice_n of_o these_o particular_n first_o that_o they_o deny_v the_o comfort_n and_o benefit_n of_o christ_n own_o ordinance_n to_o some_o because_o other_o entertain_v wrong_a notion_n of_o they_o which_o may_v be_v more_o safe_o remove_v by_o public_a and_o private_a instruction_n second_o that_o they_o restrain_v the_o use_n of_o christ_n ordinance_n to_o time_n and_o place_n without_o any_o divine_a warrant_n for_o the_o same_o and_o yet_o mr._n rule_n have_v lay_v it_o down_o as_o a_o principal_n representation_n of_o the_o presbyterian_a government_n page_n 2._o that_o christ_n as_o head_n of_o the_o church_n have_v give_v forth_o law_n by_o which_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v manage_v and_o have_v not_o leave_v any_o nomothetick_a power_n in_o the_o church_n to_o make_v law_n for_o herself_o her_o work_n be_v to_o declare_v and_o execute_v the_o law_n of_o christ_n three_o that_o they_o have_v no_o regard_n to_o what_o our_o lord_n say_v math._n 18._o 20._o where_o two_o or_o three_o be_v gather_v together_o in_o my_o name_n there_o will_v i_o be_v among_o they_o otherwise_o they_o will_v not_o prohibit_v the_o private_a administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n in_o case_n of_o necessity_n and_o great_a conveniency_n in_o which_o they_o use_v only_o to_o be_v desire_v and_o even_o then_o they_o be_v never_o wont_a to_o be_v administer_v but_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o a_o great_a number_n than_o that_o our_o saviour_n speak_v of_o four_o this_o act_n of_o they_o about_o baptism_n proceed_v from_o a_o mistake_n of_o math._n 28._o 19_o as_o if_o thereby_o teach_v or_o preach_v be_v appoint_v to_o go_v before_o baptise_v whereas_o the_o word_n in_o the_o original_a signify_v not_o to_o preach_v but_o to_o make_v disciple_n and_o if_o their_o sense_n be_v true_a none_o ought_v to_o be_v baptise_a but_o such_o as_o be_v first_o teach_v and_o consequent_o infant_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v baptise_a at_o all_o because_o incapable_a of_o be_v teach_v five_o we_o may_v gather_v hence_o their_o wrong_a notion_n of_o p●eaching_v and_o dispense_n the_o word_n as_o they_o call_v it_o for_o as_o baptism_n be_v never_o use_v to_o be_v administer_v even_o in_o private_a among_o we_o in_o scotland_n without_o the_o word_n that_o be_v without_o some_o previous_a discourse_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o
but_o sordid_a complier_n will_v observe_v it_o for_o in_o truth_n the_o presbyterian_a fast_n be_v not_o so_o take_v now_o as_o they_o be_v former_o in_o the_o reign_n of_o the_o covenant_n for_o it_o be_v observe_v that_o mountebank_n never_o thrive_v so_o well_o the_o second_o time_n they_o set_v up_o in_o any_o place_n as_o the_o first_o this_o time_n there_o be_v several_a paper_n emit_v contain_v reason_n why_o the_o episcopal_a clergy_n will_v not_o observe_v that_o fast_a because_o they_o can_v not_o own_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o assembly_n that_o enjoin_v it_o as_o a_o lawful_a representative_a of_o this_o church_n that_o by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o the_o church_n the_o minister_n of_o the_o presbyterian_a persuasion_n have_v no_o right_a to_o impose_v command_n upon_o those_o of_o the_o episcopal_a see_v the_o essential_a constitution_n of_o their_o government_n which_o be_v parity_n give_v they_o no_o jurisdiction_n over_o the_o brethren_n and_o consequent_o their_o act_n can_v bind_v they_o without_o their_o consent_n which_o can_v be_v pretend_v to_o here_o see_v they_o have_v no_o delegate_n or_o representative_n in_o the_o assembly_n it_o be_v again_o argue_v that_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o fast_o be_v very_o ambiguous_a and_o not_o easy_o understand_v that_o if_o by_o the_o general_a defection_n and_o take_v of_o unlawful_a oath_n they_o mean_v the_o compliance_n with_o prelac●_n and_o swear_v allegiance_n and_o the_o test_n the_o episcopal_a clergy_n can_v not_o profess_v repentance_n and_o humiliation_n for_o these_o without_o a_o horrid_a profanation_n of_o the_o name_n of_o god_n while_o in_o their_o conscience_n they_o be_v not_o convince_v of_o the_o unlawfulness_n of_o these_o compliance_n and_o that_o it_o show_v the_o little_a regard_n the_o presbyterian_o have_v for_o the_o sacred_a office_n of_o religion_n to_o enjoin_v their_o observance_n of_o this_o when_o they_o know_v what_o their_o judgement_n and_o sentiment_n be_v as_o to_o these_o thing_n but_o among_o all_o the_o paper_n which_o come_v abroad_o on_o that_o occasion_n there_o be_v none_o more_o divert_v than_o the_o burlesque_fw-la poem_n on_o the_o fast_a which_o one_o wity_o call_v the_o present_a state_n of_o scotland_n for_o it_o not_o only_o give_v a_o lively_a picture_n of_o the_o presbyterian_a party_n but_o also_o it_o witty_o represent_v the_o humour_n and_o character_n of_o the_o several_a party_n within_o the_o kingdom_n and_o of_o many_o particular_a person_n so_o that_o even_o those_o concern_v think_v their_o neighbour_n part_n be_v well_o do_v however_o displease_v they_o may_v be_v with_o their_o own_o when_o the_o time_n of_o observe_v the_o fast_o draw_v near_o the_o clergy_n of_o the_o diocese_n of_o aberdeen_n take_v occasion_n to_o communicate_v their_o thought_n together_o and_o find_v themselves_o oblige_v both_o in_o conscience_n and_o reputation_n not_o to_o observe_v it_o those_o of_o angus_n perth_n and_o some_o other_o place_n follow_v their_o measure_n so_o that_o it_o be_v keep_v by_o very_a few_o in_o the_o northern_a part_n the_o episcopal_a clergy_n in_o the_o south_n have_v not_o such_o opportunity_n of_o meeting_n and_o therefore_o be_v not_o so_o unanimous_a either_o in_o their_o sentiment_n or_o practice_n some_o few_o make_v no_o scruple_n either_o of_o keep_v the_o fast_a or_o of_o read_v the_o assemblie_n reason_n for_o it_o some_o other_o keep_v the_o fast_a but_o will_v not_o read_v the_o paper_n appoint_v by_o the_o general_n assembly_n and_o what_o persuade_v they_o to_o this_o be_v a_o report_n that_o the_o court_n have_v give_v assurance_n that_o they_o who_o observe_v the_o day_n shall_v not_o suffer_v though_o they_o have_v no_o regard_n either_o to_o the_o authority_n or_o reason_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n and_o to_o make_v this_o the_o more_o probable_a there_o be_v a_o paper_n hand_v about_o among_o they_o concert_v and_o agree_v to_o as_o be_v say_v at_o london_n by_o some_o bishop_n and_o other_o there_o to_o be_v read_v instead_o of_o that_o appoint_v by_o the_o assembly_n i_o shall_v set_v it_o down_o ●ut_v i_o know_v none_o who_o make_v use_v of_o it_o a_o copy_n of_o a_o paper_n appoint_v to_o be_v read_v instead_o of_o that_o set_v forth_o by_o the_o assembly_n about_o the_o fast._n forasmuch_o as_o a_o fast_o be_v appoint_v by_o their_o majesty_n most_o honourable_a privy_a council_n to_o be_v observe_v throughout_o this_o kingdom_n upon_o the_o second_o thurs●ay_n of_o january_n next_o and_o the_o great_a and_o many_o cry_a sin_n of_o this_o nation_n and_o especial_o the_o sad_a desolation_n of_o this_o poor_a church_n and_o the_o common_a want_n of_o zeal_n which_o appear_v in_o this_o land_n for_o the_o truth_n and_o interest_n of_o the_o gospel_n together_o with_o the_o great_a intestine_a division_n and_o commotion_n among_o we_o that_o at_o once_o shake_v both_o our_o religion_n and_o the_o civil_a government_n do_v call_v aloud_o to_o all_o rank_n and_o degree_n of_o people_n serious_o to_o humble_v themselves_o before_o almighty_a god_n and_o to_o supplicate_v his_o divine_a majesty_n that_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o that_o wrath_n which_o this_o nation_n deserve_v he_o may_v remember_v mercy_n that_o he_o may_v heal_v the_o breach_n that_o be_v make_v in_o the_o wall_n of_o his_o zion_n and_o pour_v out_o the_o spirit_n of_o meekness_n charity_n and_o moderation_n upon_o all_o man_n particular_o upon_o these_o that_o serve_v at_o his_o altar_n and_o final_o that_o he_o may_v gracious_o preserve_v the_o sacred_a person_n of_o king_n william_n and_o queen_n mary_n our_o dread_a sovereign_n and_o prosper_v they_o in_o the_o defend_v their_o kingdom_n from_o the_o common_a enemy_n that_o all_o their_o subject_n may_v have_v a_o quiet_a and_o peaceable_a life_n under_o they_o in_o all_o godliness_n and_o honesty_n therefore_o you_o of_o this_o parish_n hereby_o be_v earnest_o exhort_v to_o draw_v near_o to_o god_n in_o this_o his_o house_n upon_o the_o foresay_a thursday_n be_v the_o next_o ensue_v and_o to_o come_v with_o a_o holy_a and_o religious_a preparation_n of_o soul_n and_o bedy_n for_o offer_v up_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o break_a and_o contrite_a heart_n and_o spirit_n to_o the_o father_n of_o mercy_n that_o so_o his_o judgement_n that_o be_v so_o hang_v over_o our_o head_n may_v be_v divert_v and_o by_o the_o pious_a groan_n and_o intercession_n of_o our_o humble_a soul_n he_o may_v through_o the_o mediation_n of_o his_o only_a son_n our_o redeemer_n be_v prevail_v with_o yet_o to_o make_v we_o a_o bless_a people_n in_o the_o happy_a continuance_n of_o our_o protestant_a religion_n in_o settle_v his_o church_n so_o among_o we_o as_o may_v most_o tend_v for_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o name_n and_o for_o advance_v all_o the_o great_a end_n of_o our_o most_o holy_a faith_n and_o last_o in_o establish_v peace_n and_o prosperity_n under_o our_o most_o gracious_a sovereign_n so_o as_o both_o we_o and_o our_o posterity_n after_o we_o may_v reap_v the_o comfortable_a fruit_n of_o they_o some_o be_v persuade_v that_o there_o be_v but_o too_o many_o reason_n for_o a_o fast_a and_o consider_v too_o that_o there_o be_v particular_a reason_n give_v for_o this_o fast_a by_o the_o assembly_n who_o enjoin_v it_o which_o be_v in_o every_o body_n hand_n therefore_o they_o think_v themselves_o oblige_v not_o only_o to_o observe_v a_o fast_a but_o also_o to_o take_v notice_n of_o these_o reason_n and_o so_o they_o read_v the_o assembly_n paper_n and_o comment_v upon_o it_o and_o by_o a_o excess_n of_o charity_n make_v the_o assembly_n speak_v what_o they_o ought_v to_o have_v do_v rather_o than_o what_o they_o actual_o do_v the_o minister_n of_o east_n lothian_n and_o i_o suppose_v some_o from_o the_o mers_n meet_v at_o haddington_n the_o week_n before_o the_o fast_a to_o take_v joint_a measure_n for_o the_o observation_n of_o it_o it_o be_v soon_o agree_v to_o that_o they_o can_v neither_o in_o reputation_n nor_o conscience_n observe_v it_o as_o it_o be_v enjoin_v by_o the_o assembly_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v first_o resolve_v to_o do_v it_o with_o a_o protestation_n according_o the_o following_z protestation_n be_v compose_v which_o each_o of_o they_o be_v to_o take_v a_o copy_n of_o and_o to_o read_v it_o from_o the_o pulpit_n both_o on_o sunday_n at_o the_o intimation_n of_o the_o fast_a and_o on_o thursday_n the_o eight_o of_o january_n which_o be_v the_o day_n appoint_v a_o copy_n of_o a_o protestation_n which_o some_o minister_n offer_v to_o make_v at_o the_o intimation_n of_o the_o fast_a that_o be_v keep_v upon_o the_o 8_o of_o january_n 91._o if_o some_o of_o their_o brethren_n of_o the_o presbytery_n where_o they_o have_v their_o residence_n will_v have_v join_v with_o they_o in_o it_o whereas_o their_o majesty_n most_o honourable_a privy_a council_n by_o their_o act_n and_o
more_o easy_o without_o any_o change_n the_o king_n letter_n require_v two_o thing_n one_o be_v to_o redress_v the_o grievance_n which_o the_o episcopal_a minister_n complain_v of_o the_o other_o be_v to_o forbear_v the_o proceed_n any_o more_o against_o they_o so_o long_o as_o the_o king_n be_v absent_a from_o britain_n they_o have_v no_o mind_n to_o grant_v the_o first_o at_o all_o but_o in_o compliance_n with_o the_o last_o they_o think_v it_o convenient_a to_o stop_v a_o little_a that_o they_o may_v not_o give_v their_o adversary_n occasion_n to_o irritate_fw-la the_o king_n against_o they_o and_o to_o withdraw_v his_o favour_n which_o be_v their_o only_a present_a support_n the_o yield_n to_o this_o be_v only_o a_o delay_n their_o affair_n till_o they_o be_v better_o state_v which_o afterward_o may_v be_v easy_o compensated_a and_o by_o do_v so_o they_o will_v dispose_v the_o king_n mind_n for_o receive_v their_o defence_n for_o what_o be_v already_o do_v so_o leave_v all_o thing_n as_o they_o be_v the_o commission_n be_v adjourn_v till_o the_o next_o qarterly_a session_n but_o it_o must_v not_o be_v forget_v that_o they_o leave_v particular_a presbytery_n and_o synod_n to_o act_v their_o part_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n for_o they_o issue_v out_o no_o order_n to_o stop_v they_o neither_o make_v they_o any_o intimation_n of_o the_o king_n letter_n or_o of_o his_o will_n and_o pleasure_n therein_o unto_o they_o so_o that_o when_o it_o be_v object_v by_o any_o episcopal_a minister_n they_o still_o pretend_a ignorance_n this_o month_n the_o synod_n of_o lothian_n and_o tueddale_n meet_v at_o edinburgh_n and_o conclude_v a_o monthly_a fast_o to_o be_v keep_v for_o some_o time_n for_o this_o end_n the_o secret_a council_n be_v address_v to_o that_o they_o may_v ratify_v and_o approve_v the_o same_o by_o a_o act_n which_o indeed_o they_o do_v but_o duke_n hamilton_n will_v admit_v of_o no_o other_o reason_n for_o the_o fast_a than_o that_o of_o the_o present_a war_n and_o the_o king_n expedition_n to_o flanders_n this_o do_v not_o a_o little_a displease_v the_o brethren_n who_o to_o delude_v and_o amuse_v the_o people_n and_o to_o serve_v their_o own_o particular_a end_n have_v heap_v up_o a_o number_n of_o such_o reason_n as_o the_o assembly_n give_v for_o the_o former_a fast_o wherefore_o because_o the_o council_n will_v not_o accept_v of_o and_o agree_v to_o the_o act_n and_o reason_n as_o they_o be_v draw_v up_o by_o they_o they_o resolve_v to_o show_v no_o regard_n to_o what_o the_o council_n have_v do_v so_o at_o the_o intimation_n of_o this_o new_a fast_a they_o do_v take_v no_o notice_n of_o the_o act_n of_o council_n or_o proclamation_n publish_v by_o they_o but_o enjoin_v it_o in_o the_o synod_n name_n and_o authority_n read_v to_o the_o people_n the_o act_n and_o reason_n of_o the_o synod_n for_o it_o particular_o mr._n kirkton_n in_o the_o tolbooth_n church_n of_o edinburgh_n say_v that_o they_o ought_v to_o look_v to_o this_o paper_n which_o come_v from_o the_o synod_n for_o their_o direction_n in_o the_o end_n and_o nature_n of_o this_o fast_a and_o not_o to_o that_o other_o which_o be_v sell_v up_o and_o down_o the_o town_n by_o which_o he_o mean_v the_o act_n and_o proclamation_n of_o the_o council_n the_o earl_n of_o crawford_n and_o two_o more_o of_o the_o council_n be_v present_a one_o of_o they_o say_v that_o the_o council_n can_v not_o sit_v with_o this_o nor_o let_v it_o pass_v without_o censure_n for_o their_o authority_n be_v baffle_v and_o affront_v but_o it_o seem_v it_o be_v find_v convenient_a to_o take_v no_o notice_n of_o it_o lest_o they_o shall_v be_v more_o baffle_v and_o affront_v by_o meddle_v with_o these_o peremptory_a and_o stubborn_a kirk-man_n who_o be_v like_o a_o imperious_a wife_n that_o will_v both_o have_v all_o she_o own_o will_n and_o a_o part_n of_o her_o husband_n about_o the_o middle_n of_o july_n the_o commission_n meet_v again_o some_o few_o day_n before_o the_o two_o minister_n they_o have_v send_v over_o to_o flanders_n return_v of_o who_o reception_n by_o the_o king_n there_o be_v various_a report_n but_o in_o answer_n to_o that_o letter_n which_o they_o carry_v from_o the_o commissioner_n there_o come_v a_o second_o letter_n from_o the_o king_n which_o be_v order_v to_o be_v deliver_v to_o the_o two_o minister_n if_o they_o return_v before_o the_o meeting_n of_o the_o commission_n but_o if_o they_o be_v late_o come_v another_o be_v appoint_v to_o give_v it_o to_o the_o commission_n at_o its_o first_o sit_v down_o so_o the_o night_n before_o mr._n james_n elphinston_n go_v with_o it_o to_o mr._n john_n law_n and_o mr._n david_n blair_n who_o present_v it_o to_o the_o commission_n the_o next_o day_n with_o a_o account_n of_o their_o negotiation_n and_o diligence_n a_o copy_n of_o the_o second_o letter_n from_o the_o king_n to_o the_o commission_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n to_o the_o right_a reverend_n and_o our_o well-beloved_a minister_n and_o elder_n commissioner_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n of_o the_o church_n of_o our_o ancient_a kingdom_n of_o scotland_n w._n rex_fw-la right_o reverend_a and_o well-beloved_a we_o greet_v you_o well_o by_o the_o letter_n present_v to_o we_o from_o you_o by_o mr._n john_n law_n and_o mr._n david_n blair_n minister_n your_o two_o commissioner_n we_o do_v perceive_v you_o sufficient_o understand_v our_o intention_n contain_v in_o our_o letter_n direct_v to_o you_o from_o the_o hague_n and_o we_o be_v well-pleased_n with_o what_o you_o write_v both_o as_o to_o your_o own_o unanimous_a inclination_n to_o redress_v those_o who_o may_v be_v lese_v and_o to_o unite_v with_o such_o of_o the_o clergy_n who_o have_v serve_v under_o episcopacy_n and_o fall_v neither_o under_o the_o qualification_n of_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n nor_o the_o term_n of_o our_o letter_n and_o that_o you_o be_v sufficient_o instruct_v by_o the_o general_n assembly_n to_o receive_v they_o from_o all_o which_o we_o do_v expect_v a_o speedy_a and_o happy_a success_n and_o that_o you_o will_v be_v so_o frank_a and_o charitable_a in_o that_o matter_n that_o we_o can_v doubt_v but_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v so_o great_a a_o progress_n make_v in_o this_o union_n betwixt_o you_o before_o our_o return_n to_o britain_n that_o we_o shall_v then_o find_v no_o cause_n to_o continue_v that_o stop_n which_o at_o present_a we_o see_v necessary_a and_o that_o neither_o you_o nor_o any_o commissioner_n church-meeting_a do_v meddle_v in_o any_o process_n or_o business_n that_o may_v concern_v the_o purge_n out_o of_o the_o episcopal_a minister_n and_o we_o do_v not_o restrain_v you_o a●_n to_o other_o matter_n relative_a to_o the_o church_n or_o yourselves_o nor_o do_v we_o ever_o intend_v to_o protect_v any_o in_o the_o ministry_n who_o be_v true_o scandalous_a erroneous_a or_o supine_o negligent_a and_o therefore_o we_o do_v propose_v their_o subscribe_v the_o confession_n of_o faith_n as_o the_o standard_n of_o the_o church-communion_n which_o take_v off_o the_o suspicion_n of_o error_n and_o as_o for_o those_o who_o be_v real_o scandalous_a insufficient_a and_o supine_o negligent_a if_o such_o shall_v apply_v either_o by_o themselves_o or_o with_o other_o though_o they_o be_v willing_a to_o acknowledge_v our_o authority_n and_o to_o join_v with_o you_o we_o do_v not_o oblige_v you_o to_o receive_v such_o and_o in_o that_o case_n where_o there_o be_v just_a cause_n you_o may_v proceed_v to_o a_o fair_a impartial_a inquiry_n in_o order_n to_o their_o be_v receive_v in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n but_o not_o in_o relation_n to_o the_o turn_v they_o out_o of_o their_o benefice_n and_o ministry_n as_o the_o act_n of_o our_o parliament_n have_v leave_v they_o to_o our_o further_a order_n we_o will_v not_o doubt_v of_o the_o sincere_a performance_n of_o what_o you_o have_v so_o fair_o promise_v in_o your_o letter_n whereby_o you_o will_v best_o recommend_v yourselves_o to_o we_o and_o answer_v that_o trust_v repose_v in_o you_o by_o the_o act_n of_o our_o parliament_n so_o we_o bid_v you_o hearty_o farewell_o give_v at_o our_o court_n at_o aprebrux_n the_o ●●_o ●●_o of_o june_n 1691._o and_o of_o our_o reign_n the_o three_o year_n by_o his_o majesty_n command_n sic_fw-la subscribitur_fw-la jo._n dalrympe_n ever_o since_o this_o revolution_n the_o kingdom_n of_o scotland_n have_v be_v divide_v about_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n the_o episcopal_a party_n have_v be_v upon_o the_o defensive_a side_n first_o they_o study_v to_o preserve_v the_o government_n of_o episcopacy_n itself_o and_o for_o that_o end_n address_v to_o the_o parliament_n which_o prove_v altogether_o in_o vain_a in_o the_o next_o place_n when_o presbytery_n be_v establish_v by_o act_n of_o parliament_n the_o episcopal_a clergy_n petition_v for_o a_o share_n of_o the_o government_n of_o the_o
about_o their_o neck_n can_v not_o but_o in_o all_o reason_n and_o justice_n expect_v that_o when_o the_o lord_n shall_v return_v to_o have_v mercy_n upon_o zion_n and_o put_v the_o government_n of_o his_o house_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o his_o own_o servant_n to_o manage_v the_o affair_n of_o his_o church_n that_o we_o shall_v be_v ease_v of_o this_o unsupportable_a burden_n and_o can_v it_o be_v suppose_v any_o feign_a submission_n mr._n johnston_n can_v now_o give_v for_o this_o world_n sake_n can_v either_o satisfy_v our_o conscience_n or_o persuade_v we_o of_o his_o sincerity_n in_o this_o matter_n who_o principle_n have_v be_v to_o follow_v course_n to_o maintain_v that_o wicked_a hieratchy_a nor_o can_v it_o be_v suppose_v the_o reverend_a presbytery_n who_o have_v it_o in_o their_o power_n to_o ease_v we_o of_o this_o burden_n will_v instead_o thereof_o wreathe_v this_o yoke_n yet_o upon_o our_o neck_n and_o thereby_o sink_v we_o under_o it_o and_o make_v our_o bondage_n yet_o more_o grievous_a to_o be_v bear_v seven_o the_o presbyterian_a party_n in_o the_o parish_n be_v all_o unanimous_a never_o to_o submit_v to_o mr._n iohnston_n ministry_n nor_o to_o own_v he_o in_o that_o station_n whatever_o may_v be_v the_o event_n and_o if_o the_o gratify_n of_o he_o and_o his_o adherent_n in_o this_o matter_n be_v the_o way_n to_o secure_v and_o settle_v presbyterian_a government_n it_o may_v easy_o be_v conjecture_v when_o it_o be_v consider_v that_o there_o be_v no_o person_n for_o he_o who_o be_v not_o a_o enemy_n open_o declare_v in_o judgement_n and_o practice_n against_o presbytery_n which_o but_o correspond_v to_o mr._n iohnston_n own_o declaration_n and_o judgement_n in_o his_o case_n for_o when_o summons_n be_v give_v he_o to_o appear_v before_o this_o reverend_a presbytery_n he_o do_v even_o then_o disow_v their_o authority_n affirm_v he_o will_v not_o appear_v before_o they_o have_v another_o presbytery_n of_o his_o own_o to_o who_o he_o will_v answer_v but_o not_o to_o they_o or_o he_o will_v answer_v to_o the_o council_n eight_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v doubt_v but_o a_o disappointment_n in_o this_o matter_n will_v occasion_v such_o a_o rupture_n among_o we_o as_o will_v not_o be_v easy_o heal_v and_o what_o the_o end_n or_o event_n of_o that_o may_v be_v who_o can_v tell_v nor_o can_v it_o be_v expect_v or_o judge_v just_a to_o impose_v upon_o we_o the_o keep_n up_o of_o a_o meetinghouse_n to_o prevent_v other_o inconvenience_n since_o there_o be_v a_o legal_a maintenance_n due_a to_o the_o faithful_a minister_n there_o in_o who_o ministry_n the_o presbyterian_o there_o pretend_v the_o large_a share_n nine_o how_o can_v it_o be_v suppose_v that_o this_o man_n be_v of_o presbyterian_a principle_n or_o a_o friend_n or_o wellwisher_n to_o the_o late_a happy_a change_n in_o the_o government_n of_o church_n and_o state_n since_o all_o his_o familiarity_n be_v with_o such_o as_o be_v well_o know_v to_o be_v friend_n to_o neither_o nor_o have_v we_o a_o instance_n of_o any_o thing_n do_v by_o he_o to_o signify_v his_o satisfaction_n with_o the_o change_n except_o his_o pray_v for_o k._n w._n and_o q._n m._n which_o be_v not_o doubt_v be_v do_v by_o advice_n to_o keep_v off_o a_o present_a stroke_n and_o it_o be_v observe_v and_o general_o talk_v of_o when_o he_o be_v order_v to_o read_v that_o proclamation_n for_o pray_v for_o their_o majesty_n he_o do_v read_v it_o but_o with_o that_o contempt_n in_o his_o read_n sit_v on_o his_o bottom_n and_o mu●●ering_a it_o that_o his_o manner_n of_o read_v of_o it_o make_v many_o think_v there_o be_v more_o contempt_n in_o do_v thereof_o than_o if_o he_o have_v forbear_v it_o and_o such_o like_a there_o have_v be_v a_o solemn_a day_n of_o thanksgiving_n appoint_v to_o be_v keep_v and_o a_o proclamation_n issue_v out_o from_o the_o convention_n of_o estate_n for_o that_o effect_n for_o his_o own_o security_n he_o preach_v one_o sermon_n that_o day_n but_o speak_v not_o one_o word_n to_o the_o occasion_n of_o it_o as_o also_o there_o be_v of_o late_a a_o solemn_a day_n of_o humiliation_n to_o be_v keep_v by_o appointment_n of_o parliament_n and_o general_a meeting_n of_o minister_n for_o happy_a success_n in_o the_o king_n expedition_n for_o ireland_n etc._n etc._n he_o preach_v that_o day_n but_o be_v so_o general_a and_o unconcerned_a as_o no_o hearer_n can_v have_v judge_v by_o his_o discourse_n one_o sentence_n in_o his_o sermon_n relate_v to_o the_o occasion_n which_o can_v but_o give_v a_o discovery_n of_o the_o man_n spirit_n and_o principle_n by_o which_o he_o be_v lead_v whatever_o he_o may_v pretend_v to_o the_o contrary_a and_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n to_o see_v he_o contemn_v authority_n who_o affirm_v neither_o church_n nor_o state_n to_o be_v right_a ten_o how_o true_a a_o friend_n he_o be_v to_o the_o protestant_a religion_n and_o protestant_n for_o its_o sake_n may_v be_v conjecture_v by_o his_o charity_n to_o the_o poor_a banish_a protestant_n who_o be_v late_o force_v to_o fly_v from_o ireland_n for_o there_o have_v be_v a_o public_a collection_n appoint_v to_o be_v gather_v for_o their_o necessary_a supply_n he_o not_o only_o neglect_v to_o intimate_v the_o appointment_n to_o his_o hearer_n and_o press_v they_o to_o that_o duty_n of_o charity_n but_o it_o be_v common_o say_v he_o use_v all_o the_o mean_n he_o can_v to_o dissuade_v such_o as_o he_o have_v influence_n upon_o to_o contribute_v any_o thing_n in_o that_o charitable_a supply_n and_o the_o event_n be_v answerable_a to_o his_o design_n and_o desire_n for_o nothing_o be_v collect_v in_o that_o church_n for_o that_o use_n nor_o do_v any_o person_n within_o his_o association_n contribute_v one_o farthing_n thereto_o from_o what_o be_v say_v it_o may_v appear_v what_o just_a ground_n there_o be_v for_o try_v mr._n johnston_n anent_o his_o pretend_a ministry_n and_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o at_o brunt-island_n which_o be_v leave_v to_o the_o reverend_a presbytery_n consideration_n and_o their_o definite_a sentence_n for_o his_o removal_n from_o among_o we_o as_o to_o his_o pretend_a ministry_n be_v humble_o expect_v and_o wait_v for_o this_o be_v give_v with_o protestation_n to_o add_v further_o as_o there_o shall_v be_v occasion_n and_o beside_o all_o that_o be_v say_v mr._n pitcairn_n be_v call_v to_o the_o ministry_n of_o brunt-island_n and_o appoint_v by_o the_o synod_n of_o fife_n to_o serve_v there_o long_o before_o mr._n iohnston_n intrusion_n among_o we_o so_o that_o mr._n johnston_n can_v have_v no_o just_a pretence_n sic_fw-la subscribitur_fw-la tho._n nairn_n remark_n upon_o the_o foresay_a libel_n give_v in_o against_o mr._n geo._n johnston_n the_o first_o article_n will_v be_v confess_v and_o none_o except_o the_o ignorant_a composer_n of_o the_o libel_n will_v have_v the_o worse_a opinion_n of_o mr._n johnston_n on_o that_o account_n as_o to_o the_o second_o it_o may_v be_v say_v that_o mr._n johnston_n may_v as_o well_o take_v a_o presentation_n from_o k._n james_n who_o be_v undoubted_a patron_n of_o the_o church_n of_o brunt-island_n as_o the_o presbyterian_o a_o indulgence_n from_o the_o same_o king_n the_o one_o be_v no_o crime_n the_o other_o can_v be_v well_o justify_v because_o contrary_a to_o stand_a law_n and_o because_o they_o know_v the_o design_n be_v to_o make_v way_n for_o popery_n which_o mr._n johnston_n be_v less_o a_o friend_n to_o than_o the_o presbyterian_o be_v whereas_o it_o be_v say_v that_o he_o be_v desert_v of_o the_o people_n of_o fala_n the_o contrary_a be_v very_o well_o know_v for_o that_o people_n have_v a_o great_a love_n to_o he_o and_o he_o be_v in_o good_a esteem_n among_o they_o they_o express_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o regret_n when_o he_o part_v from_o they_o and_o if_o there_o be_v any_o who_o run_v to_o the_o presbyterian_a meetinghouse_n while_o he_o be_v there_o they_o be_v very_o few_o and_o very_o inconsiderable_a his_o manner_n of_o institution_n to_o the_o church_n of_o brunt-island_n be_v not_o singular_a nor_o yet_o irregular_a according_a to_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n and_o can_v be_v no_o reasonable_a prejudice_n against_o he_o nor_o be_v it_o true_a that_o the_o other_o minister_n of_o that_o presbytery_n disown_v he_o for_o they_o always_o do_v and_o still_o do_v entertain_v a_o brotherly_a correspondence_n with_o he_o as_o to_o the_o three_o it_o may_v have_v be_v true_a that_o the_o presbyterian_o entertain_v a_o jealousy_n of_o he_o and_o their_o groundless_a jealousy_n may_v have_v raise_v a_o prejudice_n against_o his_o ministry_n but_o notwithstanding_o of_o that_o mr._n johnston_n be_v very_o capable_a of_o do_v good_a in_o that_o parioch_n because_o the_o presbyterian_o be_v not_o near_o the_o number_n of_o the_o people_n of_o another_o persuasion_n who_o love_n mr._n iohnston_n person_n and_o be_v
a_o continuation_n of_o the_o historical_a relation_n of_o the_o late_a general_n assembly_n in_o scotland_n with_o a_o account_n of_o the_o commission_n of_o that_o assembly_n and_o other_o particular_n concern_v the_o present_a state_n of_o the_o church_n in_o that_o kingdom_n they_o know_v not_o neither_o will_v they_o understand_v they_o walk_v on_o in_o darkness_n psal._n 82._o 5_o license_v november_n 14_o 1691._o london_n print_v by_o b._n griffin_n for_o samuel_n keble_n at_o the_o great_a turk's-head_n in_o fleetstreet_n over_o against_o fetter-lane-end_a 1691._o a_o continuation_n of_o the_o historical_a relation_n of_o the_o late_a general_z assembly_n in_o scotland_n etc._n etc._n it_o be_v in_o write_v as_o in_o building_n when_o once_o a_o man_n engage_v himself_o in_o it_o before_o he_o have_v do_v he_o be_v necessitate_v to_o carry_v it_o on_o further_a than_o what_o he_o first_o think_v on_o the_o historical_a relation_n of_o the_o late_a general_n assembly_n in_o scotland_n be_v at_o first_o extort_a from_o i_o by_o the_o curiosity_n of_o a_o private_a friend_n who_o afterward_o prevail_v to_o have_v it_o publish_v when_o i_o yield_v to_o it_o i_o think_v my_o business_n be_v do_v and_o expect_v no_o further_o trouble_v but_o now_o i_o be_o make_v to_o believe_v that_o there_o lie_v a_o obligation_n upon_o i_o to_o continue_v the_o history_n of_o our_o presbyterian_o in_o scotland_n because_o my_o former_a relation_n have_v increase_v in_o many_o a_o curiosity_n to_o understand_v more_o and_o more_o of_o the_o genius_n and_o act_n of_o that_o party_n and_o because_o what_o i_o have_v do_v will_v be_v incomplete_a if_o i_o do_v not_o add_v to_o it_o a_o account_n of_o the_o commission_n of_o that_o assembly_n for_o the_o south_n and_o for_o the_o north_n of_o scotland_n i_o know_v that_o by_o such_o enterprise_n i_o expose_v myself_o to_o the_o malice_n and_o aspersion_n of_o a_o party_n of_o who_o revenge_n and_o calumny_n we_o have_v frequent_a instance_n but_o see_v i_o have_v already_o dip_v my_o hand_n in_o the_o affair_n i_o will_v proceed_v in_o it_o for_o what_o ever_o prejudice_n it_o may_v be_v to_o myself_o it_o may_v be_v a_o advantage_n to_o posterity_n to_o lay_v open_a the_o error_n and_o miscarriage_n of_o those_o who_o to_o the_o destruction_n of_o many_o have_v set_v themselves_o up_o as_o the_o true_a light_n of_o the_o world_n the_o false_a opinion_n which_o the_o world_n have_v of_o the_o presbyterian_a party_n have_v twice_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o shipwreck_n to_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n and_o it_o may_v be_v expect_v that_o the_o show_v they_o such_o as_o they_o be_v may_v both_o prevent_v it_o a_o three_o time_n and_o also_o help_v to_o recover_v it_o for_o this_o for_o i_o hope_v people_n will_v not_o be_v so_o mad_a as_o to_o suffer_v themselves_o any_o more_o to_o be_v lead_v blind_o by_o such_o guide_n as_o they_o see_v have_v not_o knowledge_n enough_o to_o qualify_v they_o for_o the_o office_n and_o who_o while_n they_o pretend_v to_o be_v the_o pure_a part_n of_o christian_n commit_v such_o thing_n as_o even_a heathen_n will_v scruple_n at_o since_o the_o publish_n of_o the_o historical_a relation_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n they_o have_v print_v the_o principal_a act_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n with_o a_o index_n or_o table_n of_o such_o act_n as_o be_v not_o think_v fit_a to_o be_v publish_v by_o this_o the_o truth_n of_o many_o particular_n in_o my_o former_a relation_n be_v confirm_v only_o i_o find_v a_o mistake_n in_o one_o or_o two_o act_n i_o make_v mention_n of_o as_o also_o one_o or_o two_o more_o which_o be_v altogether_o omit_v in_o the_o 52d_o page_n of_o the_o historical_a relation_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n it_o be_v say_v that_o pedagogue_n chaplain_n and_o student_n be_v appoint_v to_o own_o and_o subscribe_v the_o confession_n of_o faith_n but_o i_o find_v in_o the_o first_o article_n of_o that_o act_n entitle_v a_o act_n approve_v several_a overture_n which_o relate_v to_o that_o matter_n that_o probationer_n license_v to_o preach_v intrant_v into_o the_o ministry_n and_o all_o other_o minister_n and_o elder_n receive_v into_o communion_n with_o they_o in_o church_n government_n be_v oblige_v to_o this_o and_o no_o mention_n of_o pedag●gues_n chaplain_n and_o student_n but_o i_o be_o assure_v that_o they_o be_v name_v in_o the_o first_o draught_n of_o the_o act_n present_v to_o the_o assembly_n and_o those_o who_o inform_v i_o do_v not_o advert_v to_o the_o alteration_n of_o it_o which_o be_v cause_v by_o the_o commissioner_n who_o know_v that_o otherwise_o it_o will_v occasion_v no_o little_a disturbance_n in_o this_o country_n for_o as_o there_o be_v many_o pedagogue_n and_o chaplain_n who_o will_v have_v refuse_v it_o so_o the_o family_n in_o which_o they_o be_v will_v have_v be_v disgu_v with_o the_o government_n if_o they_o have_v be_v oblige_v to_o part_v with_o they_o again_o it_o be_v say_v page_n 61._o that_o mr._n gilbert_n rule_n be_v join_v to_o mr._n alexander_n pitcairn_n for_o write_v a_o answer_n to_o the_o print_a account_n of_o the_o persecution_n of_o the_o episcopal_a clergy_n and_o that_o the_o latter_a have_v excuse_v himself_o for_o not_o do_v it_o soon_o by_o the_o want_n of_o due_a information_n of_o matter_n of_o fact_n but_o it_o appear_v now_o from_o the_o index_n of_o their_o imprint_v act_n that_o this_o task_n be_v whole_o commit_v to_o mr._n gilbert_n rule_n and_o mr._n pit●airn_n declare_v late_o to_o one_o of_o my_o acquaintance_n that_o he_o refuse_v that_o employment_n altogether_o at_o the_o assembly_n because_o by_o some_o information_n that_o have_v be_v send_v to_o 〈◊〉_d he_o see_v these_o account_n can_v not_o be_v otherwise_o answer_v than_o by_o justify_v of_o the_o rabble_n which_o he_o neither_o will_v nor_o can_v do_v my_o author_n do_v not_o remember_v that_o they_o hear_v such_o free_a and_o plain_a language_n at_o the_o assembly_n and_o certain_o it_o be_v too_o remarkable_a not_o to_o be_v take_v notice_n of●_n but_o because_o mr._n pitcairn_n say_v it_o i_o make_v no_o doubt_n but_o this_o have_v pass_v in_o some_o private_a committee_n where_o he_o have_v express_v himself_o so_o free_o upon_o this_o head_n that_o they_o find_v he_o too_o honest_a and_o ingenuous_a for_o serve_v their_o design_n and_o have_v think_v mr._n gilbert_n rule_v a_o fit_a tool_n by_o far_o for_o their_o purpose_n the_o time_n of_o the_o sit_v of_o a_o new_a assembly_n do_v approach_v to_o which_o he_o be_v oblige_v to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o his_o diligence_n and_o yet_o nothing_o of_o this_o nature_n have_v appear_v from_o he_o from_o which_o we_o may_v conclude_v that_o he_o find_v the_o task_n very_o hard_o for_o he_o and_o that_o he_o be_v much_o puzzle_v both_o at_o once_o to_o save_v his_o honesty_n and_o to_o excuse_v his_o party_n if_o he_o be_v the_o author_n of_o that_o pamphlet_n entitle_v a_o vindication_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n which_o be_v a_o answer_n to_o the_o ten_o question_n about_o presbyterian_o as_o be_v common_o report_v and_o believe_v we_o may_v easy_o guess_v how_o and_o after_o what_o manner_n he_o be_v to_o answer_v these_o account_n viz._n first_o by_o a_o impudent_a denial_n of_o the_o truth_n second_o by_o extenuate_v the_o suffering_n of_o our_o clergy_n in_o comparison_n of_o what_o they_o suffer_v for_o it_o be_v say_v there_o that_o all_o the_o instance_n allege_v be_v false_a and_o that_o any_o one_o of_o many_o among_o they_o suffer_v more_o than_o all_o the_o episcopal_a clergy_n his_o ingenuity_n in_o the_o first_o appear_v from_o what_o i_o have_v say_v of_o mr._n pitcairn_n who_o refuse_v to_o make_v any_o reply_n to_o these_o print_a account_n because_o the_o information_n send_v to_o he_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o they_o and_o as_o to_o the_o other_o though_o it_o be_v true_a that_o they_o suffer_v as_o much_o or_o more_o yet_o that_o be_v no_o reasonable_a excuse_n for_o the_o present_a suffering_n of_o the_o episcopal_a clergy_n as_o the_o common_a proverb_n be_v two_o black_n make_v not_o a_o white_a nor_o will_v it_o justify_v the_o ill_n and_o grievance_n of_o the_o present_a time_n that_o in_o former_a time_n there_o be_v as_o great_a and_o as_o many_o if_o they_o have_v have_v a_o due_a sense_n of_o their_o suffering_n or_o if_o they_o have_v right_o improve_v they_o this_o will_v have_v prompt_v they_o to_o mercy_n and_o compassion_n the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n teach_v we_o as_o to_o bear_v the_o cross_n when_o it_o be_v on_o ourselves_o patient_o and_o cheerful_o ●o_o to_o prevent_v it_o in_o other_o as_o much_o as_o be_v possible_a and_o when_o it_o fall_v upon_o they_o to_o ease_v and_o relieve_v they_o all_o we_o can_v it_o make_v man_n
synod_n in_o fife_n will_v have_v he_o again_o lay_v aside_o upon_o the_o former_a indictment_n tell_v he_o that_o the_o private_a judgement_n or_o advice_n of_o a_o particular_a committee_n do_v not_o oblige_v they_o see_v the_o assembly_n make_v no_o act_n in_o his_o favour_n `_o again_o it_o be_v say_v that_o they_o will_v not_o depose_v they_o simple_o for_o their_o judgement_n about_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n that_o be_v for_o this_o thing_n only_o but_o withal_o it_o imply_v that_o this_o may_v be_v one_o reason_n and_o we_o see_v it_o be_v often_o make_v a_o principal_a one_o for_o they_o lie_v such_o stress_n upon_o it_o that_o for_o this_o cause_n they_o set_v spy_n on_o person_n action_n and_o search_v out_o all_o that_o can_v be_v say_v to_o render_v any_o odious_a who_o differ_v from_o they_o in_o this_o matter_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o person_n principle_n together_o with_o the_o place_n which_o they_o hold_v have_v be_v the_o great_a motive_n of_o prosecute_a they_o hitherto_o but_o what_o be_v most_o remarkable_a be_v that_o it_o be_v say_v they_o will_v not_o urge_v re-ordination_a upon_o they_o for_o not_o to_o urge_v a_o thing_n certain_o import_v this_o much_o that_o they_o may_v require_v it_o though_o for_o grave_n and_o weighty_a reason_n they_o will_v also_o dispense_v with_o it_o it_o be_v advise_o do_v to_o make_v this_o only_a a_o declaration_n of_o the_o moderator_n for_o it_o will_v not_o probable_o have_v pass_v into_o a_o act_n for_o though_o there_o be_v none_o other_o in_o the_o world_n who_o call_v in_o question_n the_o lawfulness_n and_o validity_n of_o episcopal_a ordination_n boxt_a himself_o believe_v it_o so_o necessary_a that_o he_o will_v needs_o be_v ordain_v by_o a_o bishop_n if_o i_o remember_v aright_o it_o be_v bishop_n hall_n after_o he_o have_v receive_v the_o ordination_n of_o presbyter_n yet_o the_o most_o of_o they_o at_o present_a carry_v thing_n so_o high_a as_o to_o deny_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o it_o and_o there_o be_v some_o instance_n of_o re-ordination_a in_o the_o former_a time_n of_o presbytery_n so_o little_o do_v they_o regard_v the_o ordination_n and_o ministerial_a authority_n of_o episcopal_a man_n that_o it_o have_v be_v declare_v frequent_o in_o their_o sermon_n that_o all_o the_o time_n of_o episcopacy_n people_n have_v be_v without_o a_o ministry_n and_o without_o sacrament_n some_o two_o or_o three_o year_n ago_o there_o be_v one_o who_o preach_v up_o this_o doctrine_n so_o warm_o in_o and_o about_o the_o lead-mine_n of_o hopton_n that_o as_o be_v report_v he_o prevail_v with_o many_o to_o suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v rebaptise_v and_o remarried_n and_o have_v twelve_o penny_n from_o each_o of_o they_o for_o so_o do_v and_o one_o mr._n cassine_n in_o fife_n when_o he_o be_v admit_v elder_n in_o the_o kirk_n of_o flisk_n cause_v they_o before_o the_o congregation_n to_o renounce_v their_o baptism_n and_o all_o the_o sacrament_n and_o ordinance_n which_o they_o have_v receive_v from_o curate_n as_o he_o call_v episcopal_a minister_n by_o way_n of_o contempt_n this_o be_v so_o true_a that_o the_o heritor_n and_o parishioner_n of_o abdie_n do_v upon_o this_o very_a head_n protest_v against_o mr._n cassine_n his_o come_n among_o they_o but_o notwithstanding_o this_o the_o presbytery_n of_o couper_n admit_v he_o so_o that_o it_o seem_v they_o have_v not_o look_v upon_o that_o as_o any_o fault_n or_o error_n now_o what_o juggle_v and_o hypocrisy_n be_v it_o how_o do_v they_o play_v at_o fast_o and_o loose_v with_o we_o when_o sometime_o they_o tell_v we_o that_o they_o will_v make_v no_o difference_n on_o the_o account_n of_o man_n judgement_n and_o sentiment_n about_o matter_n of_o government_n and_o yet_o never_o check_v or_o censure_v such_o gross_a and_o wild_a extravagancy_n nay_o so_o far_o from_o it_o as_o to_o encourage_v such_o as_o be_v guilty_a of_o they_o and_o to_o be_v forward_o to_o settle_v they_o in_o church_n while_o other_o more_o moderate_a be_v slight_v and_o neglect_v as_o mr._n alexander_n orrok_n who_o as_o all_o that_o know_v he_o say_v have_v more_o sense_n and_o learning_n than_o the_o most_o of_o they_o and_o yet_o for_o all_o the_o vacancy_n they_o have_v never_o bestow_v one_o church_n upon_o he_o and_o they_o join_v with_o mr._n rymer_n to_o keep_v he_o out_o of_o st._n andrews_n to_o which_o he_o have_v a_o call_n from_o the_o presbyterian_a party_n there_o and_o where_o he_o himself_o desire_v to_o be_v and_o all_o this_o because_o he_o be_v somewhat_o moderate_a as_o to_o the_o distinguish_a principle_n and_o entertain_v some_o favourable_a sentiment_n of_o many_o of_o the_o episcopal_a clergy_n and_o as_o they_o do_v not_o encourage_v their_o own_o unless_o they_o be_v rigid_a and_o severe_a about_o their_o model_n of_o government_n and_o discipline_n so_o they_o give_v all_o discouragement_n to_o such_o as_o have_v serve_v under_o episcopacy_n but_o be_v willing_a to_o submit_v to_o presbytery_n and_o to_o live_v peaceable_o with_o they_o mr._n william_n hamilton_n offer_v himself_o with_o such_o submission_n that_o they_o have_v no_o shadow_n of_o excuse_n for_o refuse_v to_o admit_v he_o into_o their_o communion_n but_o they_o deny_v he_o all_o other_o kindness_n and_o favour_n they_o neither_o offer_v to_o repone_v he_o to_o either_o of_o the_o church_n out_o of_o which_o he_o be_v rable_v nor_o do_v they_o encourage_v any_o call_n to_o any_o other_o for_o they_o have_v so_o concert_v it_o among_o themselves_o as_o that_o none_o shall_v invite_v he_o to_o preach_v or_o any_o wise_a employ_v he_o he_o have_v late_o a_o invitation_n to_o serve_v the_o cure_n at_o curry_n in_o the_o absence_n of_o another_o mr._n hamilton_n who_o be_v settle_v minister_n there_o at_o first_o the_o presbytery_n of_o edinburgh_n agree_v to_o it_o but_o afterward_o mr._n hugh_n kemedy_n revoke_v the_o order_n and_o dash_v it_o out_o of_o the_o minute_n of_o the_o presbytery_n with_o his_o own_o hand_n he_o have_v also_o another_o call_n to_o the_o kirk_n and_o parish_n of_o lauder_n subscribe_v by_o the_o magistrate_n of_o the_o town_n and_o the_o most_o of_o the_o heritor_n and_o parishioner_n which_o when_o he_o present_v to_o the_o presbytery_n they_o reject_v it_o and_o prefer_v another_o make_v by_o five_o weaver_n we_o have_v another_o late_a instance_n of_o their_o want_n of_o moderation_n towards_o these_o who_o differ_v from_o they_o in_o point_n of_o church_n government_n which_o if_o it_o do_v not_o express_o contradict_v the_o abovementioned_a declaration_n of_o the_o moderator_n of_o the_o assembly_n yet_o it_o clear_o show_v that_o the_o inferior_a judicature_n of_o synod_n and_o presbyter_n be_v not_o of_o that_o mind_n nor_o resolve_v to_o bind_v themselves_o up_o to_o these_o measure_n mr._n john_n miller_n a_o licentiate_a under_o episcopacy_n who_o live_v with_o that_o reverend_n and_o good_a man_n mr._n laurence_n charter_n and_o sometime_o officiate_v for_o he_o when_o he_o be_v under_o any_o bodily_a indisposition_n this_o person_n be_v no_o way_n scandalous_a nor_o have_v he_o maleverse_v in_o any_o manner_n nor_o be_v any_o crime_n or_o fault_n object_v to_o he_o yet_o the_o presbytery_n of_o hadington_n do_v prohibit_v he_o to_o preach_v any_o more_o within_o their_o bound_n and_o though_o he_o have_v at_o divers_a time_n address_v to_o they_o for_o a_o licence_n to_o preach_v at_o such_o time_n only_o when_o mr._n charter_n sickness_n and_o infirmity_n disable_v he_o for_o that_o exercise_n nevertheless_o they_o peremptorly_a refuse_v it_o and_o do_v continue_v the_o former_a restraint_n mere_o because_o after_o conference_n they_o do_v find_v he_o not_o such_o a_o 〈…〉_z presbyterian_a as_o themselves_o as_o be_v manifest_a from_o the_o final_a 〈◊〉_d which_o he_o have_v from_o the_o moderator_n of_o the_o presbytery_n in_o present●a_n which_o be_v as_o follow_v for_o as_o much_o as_o your_o answer_n be_v the_o same_o that_o it_o be_v the_o last_o day_n and_o after_o further_a deliberation_n you_o seem_v to_o be_v more_o confirm_v in_o it_o and_o be_v not_o clear_v simple_o to_o say_v that_o you_o wish_v the_o conti●ance_n of_o the_o present_a church_n government_n and_o to_o declare_v your_o approbation_n of_o it_o and_o your_o preference_n of_o it_o to_o all_o other_o we_o do_v think_v fit_a to_o continue_v the_o restraint_n former_o lay_v upon_o you_o by_o the_o presbytery_n whilst_o i_o be_o show_v my_o own_o omission_n i_o may_v be_v excuse_v if_o i_o give_v a_o account_n of_o a_o omission_n of_o the_o clerk_n or_o recorder_n of_o the_o assembly_n who_o have_v forget_v to_o set_v down_o a_o act_n say_v to_o be_v make_v by_o they_o either_o among_o the_o print_a act_n or_o in_o the_o list_n of_o the_o unprint_v one_o and_o i_o confess_v for_o his_o excuse_n that_o i_o can_v meet_v with_o any_o
person_n of_o man_n in_o admiration_n and_o favour_n of_o that_o spiritual_a and_o pharisaical_a pride_n which_o will_v render_v all_o our_o solemn_a humiliation_n hateful_a to_o god_n 9_o we_o do_v protest_v that_o these_o word_n we_o have_v sin_v notwithstanding_o of_o promise_n and_o solemn_a vow_v and_o covenant_v with_o god_n to_o the_o contrary_a be_v not_o understand_v by_o we_o with_o any_o reference_n to_o the_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n which_o some_o do_v apprehend_v to_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n all_o these_o and_o the_o like_a reason_n and_o cause_n of_o the_o fast_a though_o not_o here_o express_v that_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o our_o declare_a opinion_n be_v renounce_v and_o disow_v by_o we_o and_o we_o do_v protest_v that_o our_o observance_n of_o this_o fast_a shall_v not_o be_v interpret_v as_o the_o approve_v and_o homologate_a any_o of_o these_o and_o we_o do_v desire_n and_o entreat_v all_o that_o be_v of_o the_o same_o principle_n with_o we_o as_o they_o will_v avoid_v the_o sin_n of_o hypocrisy_n and_o mock_v of_o god_n and_o will_v be_v accept_v of_o he_o that_o they_o careful_o separate_v betwixt_o these_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o the_o fast_a that_o be_v agreeable_a to_o and_o these_o that_o be_v contrary_a to_o their_o duty_n and_o good_a conscience_n and_o that_o they_o join_v with_o we_o in_o this_o our_o protestation_n open_o own_v and_o declare_v their_o judgement_n anent_o the_o same_o we_o do_v also_o earnest_o exhort_v all_o in_o the_o love_n and_o fear_n of_o god_n that_o lay_v aside_o all_o prejudices_fw-la malice_n uncharitableness_n and_o indiscreet_a and_o irregular_a zeal_n lie_v and_o slander_v that_o they_o may_v unite_v together_o in_o confess_v the_o sin_n they_o be_v guilty_a of_o and_o humble_v themselves_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n for_o their_o sin_n and_o the_o sin_n of_o their_o fore_n father_n without_o any_o partial_a respect_n to_o the_o opinion_n that_o have_v occasion_v some_o division_n and_o difference_n in_o present_a and_o former_a time_n and_o that_o they_o send_v up_o their_o fervent_a prayer_n to_o almighty_a god_n that_o he_o will_v be_v please_v to_o bestow_v of_o his_o grace_n and_o spirit_n upon_o all_o order_n and_o rank_n of_o people_n that_o they_o may_v live_v as_o become_v the_o gospel_n and_o show_v forth_o the_o praise_n of_o he_o who_o have_v call_v they_o from_o darkness_n to_o his_o marvellous_a light_n and_o in_o particular_a that_o they_o will_v pray_v that_o it_o may_v please_v our_o most_o merciful_a father_n to_o inspire_v all_o the_o member_n of_o his_o church_n with_o the_o meek_a and_o love_a spirit_n of_o our_o bless_a lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n and_o that_o every_o one_o may_v seek_v after_o these_o thing_n that_o make_v for_o peace_n and_o whereby_o they_o may_v edify_v one_o another_o that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o mutual_a forbearance_n of_o one_o another_o as_o to_o the_o opinion_n anent_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n which_o have_v occasion_v so_o much_o disquiet_v and_o disorder_v to_o this_o church_n and_o kingdom_n and_o that_o none_o be_v force_v or_o tempt_v to_o declare_v or_o do_v against_o their_o conscience_n and_o that_o amid_o the_o difference_n of_o opinion_n there_o may_v be_v a_o cheerful_a concurrence_n in_o all_o thing_n that_o have_v a_o respect_n unto_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o advancement_n of_o true_a godliness_n final_o we_o do_v exhort_v all_o as_o we_o ourselves_o do_v resolve_v by_o divine_a assistance_n religious_o and_o devout_o to_o observe_v the_o fast_a for_o all_o these_o end_n and_o purpose_n and_o in_o the_o manner_n specify_v in_o the_o act_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n in_o so_o far_o as_o that_o be_v consistent_a with_o this_o our_o protestation_n and_o be_v allowable_a by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o upon_o second_o thought_n it_o be_v conclude_v that_o the_o protestation_n may_v give_v great_a offence_n than_o the_o total_a neglect_n of_o the_o fast_a and_o so_o at_o last_o it_o be_v agree_v that_o none_o shall_v observe_v the_o fast_a in_o any_o wise_a but_o one_o mr._n d._n who_o be_v not_o present_a be_v advise_v that_o it_o be_v safe_a to_o make_v some_o observation_n of_o it_o that_o he_o may_v not_o be_v singular_a he_o prevail_v with_o the_o minister_n of_o haddington_n and_o one_o or_o two_o more_o to_o break_v off_o from_o that_o general_a resolution_n and_o to_o keep_v the_o fast_a with_o he_o in_o edinburgh_n it_o be_v only_o observe_v by_o mr._n wilkie_n in_o the_o tolbooth_n and_o mr._n craig_n in_o the_o lady_n yesters_n church_n but_o no_o man_n behaviour_n in_o this_o affair_n be_v so_o worthy_a to_o be_v remark_v as_o that_o of_o the_o reverend_n mr._n charter_n heretofore_o professor_n of_o divinity_n in_o the_o college_n of_o edinburgh_n and_o at_o present_a minister_n of_o dirleton_n all_o who_o have_v any_o acquaintance_n with_o he_o know_v that_o he_o be_v a_o person_n both_o of_o great_a learning_n and_o piety_n who_o charity_n prompt_v he_o to_o think_v all_o the_o good_a of_o every_o one_o that_o can_v be_v reasonable_o conceive_v he_o be_v convince_v that_o there_o be_v too_o many_o reason_n and_o cause_n which_o call_v for_o fast_v mourn_a and_o humiliation_n but_o as_o he_o well_o know_v the_o practice_n of_o presbyterian_o in_o former_a time_n so_o it_o seem_v evident_a to_o he_o that_o at_o this_o time_n they_o be_v endeavour_v to_o carry_v on_o their_o own_o selfish_a end_n under_o the_o colour_n of_o religion_n and_o have_v appoint_v this_o fast_a to_o be_v a_o snare_n whereby_o the_o weak_a and_o ignorant_a may_v be_v draw_v unaware_o to_o own_o and_o acknowledge_v their_o false_a and_o narrow_a principle_n and_o which_o may_v afford_v a_o fair_a opportunity_n of_o inflict_v ecclesiastical_a censure_n and_o other_o punishment_n upon_o other_o who_o will_v not_o so_o sordid_o desert_n their_o principle_n nor_o debase_v their_o former_a character_n and_o profession_n he_o have_v such_o a_o impression_n of_o this_o base_a deal_n of_o the_o scandal_n and_o prejudice_n which_o religion_n suffer_v by_o it_o and_o of_o the_o danger_n which_o threaten_v the_o best_a part_n of_o the_o church_n that_o he_o think_v every_o one_o oblige_v to_o testify_v against_o this_o act_n of_o the_o assembly_n and_o to_o do_v all_o he_o can_v to_o prevent_v the_o people_n be_v deceive_v and_o because_o a_o bare_a forbear_v a_o fast_a in_o his_o judgement_n be_v not_o a_o sufficient_a remonstrance_n 〈…〉_z to_o be_v read_v the_o assembly_n act_n and_o reason_n public_o in_o the_o congregation_n and_o afterward_o he_o speak_v to_o the_o people_n to_o this_o purpose_n you_o have_v hear_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o fast_a as_o they_o be_v represent_v by_o the_o general_n assembly_n they_o have_v recommend_v it_o to_o pastor_n and_o other_o to_o be_v serious_a and_o sincere_a in_o the_o confession_n and_o acknowledgement_n of_o their_o own_o and_o the_o nation_n transgresion_n and_o to_o be_v earnest_a in_o the●r_a supplication_n for_o such_o favour_n from_o god_n as_o the_o present_a condition_n and_o circumstance_n in_o which_o this_o and_o other_o reform_a church_n be_v do_v call_v for_o i_o hope_v after_o the_o hear_n of_o so_o long_a a_o paper_n you_o will_v have_v a_o little_o further_a patience_n while_o i_o sincere_o represent_v to_o you_o something_n concern_v the_o sin_n we_o be_v to_o confess_v and_o the_o mercy_n for_o which_o we_o be_v to_o supplicate_v all_o who_o be_v wise_a and_o have_v a_o right_a sense_n of_o true_a religion_n and_o christianity_n can_v but_o see_v that_o there_o have_v be_v a_o great_a defection_n among_o we_o this_o defection_n have_v not_o be_v from_o the_o truth_n or_o from_o the_o fundamental_a article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n but_o from_o the_o life_n of_o god_n and_o the_o power_n of_o religion_n and_o from_o that_o temper_n and_o conversation_n which_o the_o gospel_n require_v in_o we_o so_o that_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o we_o and_o all_o good_a man_n will_v join_v with_o the_o assembly_n in_o acknowledge_v the_o sin_n and_o defection_n of_o the_o nation_n but_o whereas_o the_o assembly_n seem_v to_o represent_v episcopacy_n as_o a_o principal_a and_o capital_a point_n of_o the_o defection_n and_o as_o introductory_n into_o further_a degree_n of_o corruption_n i_o find_v myself_o oblige_v to_o declare_v my_o sense_n in_o this_o affair_n upon_o this_o occasion_n i_o do_v not_o take_v myself_o to_o be_v bind_v to_o endeavour_v to_o justify_v the_o manner_n of_o the_o introduction_n of_o episcopacy_n into_o this_o church_n an._n 1662._o nor_o the_o manner_n of_o election_n and_o nomination_n of_o person_n to_o that_o office_n which_o be_v in_o use_n among_o we_o nor_o the_o legal_a establishment_n nor_o the_o law_n by_o which_o it_o be_v establish_v among_o we_o
be_v judge_v by_o his_o first_o resolution_n and_o if_o there_o be_v but_o the_o least_o flaw_n in_o one_o compliance_n he_o be_v deal_v with_o as_o if_o he_o have_v not_o offer_v any_o compliance_n at_o all_o by_o these_o mean_v a_o great_a many_o more_o of_o the_o episcopal_a clergy_n be_v lay_v aside_o and_o the_o presbyterian_o will_v have_v be_v glad_a to_o have_v have_v all_o turn_v out_o this_o way_n for_o than_o they_o think_v the_o odium_n will_v not_o lie_v upon_o they_o but_o this_o method_n fail_v at_o last_o too_o for_o the_o council_n become_v weary_a of_o it_o as_o they_o have_v reason_n so_o the_o next_o thing_n resolve_v on_o as_o be_v report_v be_v to_o procure_v a_o act_n of_o parliament_n for_o declare_v all_o the_o church_n within_o the_o kingdom_n vacant_a the_o pretence_n be_v that_o the_o present_a incumbent_n be_v all_o obtrude_v upon_o the_o parish_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v fit_a that_o the_o people_n shall_v have_v their_o free_a choice_n and_o be_v allow_v to_o call_v minister_n suitable_a to_o their_o own_o inclination_n but_o they_o be_v advise_v not_o to_o propose_v this_o as_o that_o which_o will_v be_v very_o far_o from_o serve_v their_o design_n because_o upon_o calculation_n it_o will_v be_v find_v that_o most_o of_o the_o parish_n within_o the_o kingdom_n will_v call_v back_o their_o own_o minister_n or_o other_o episcopal_a one_o for_o by_o this_o time_n the_o people_n be_v every_o where_o show_v their_o disgust_n both_o at_o presbytery_n and_o the_o present_a presbyterian_o and_o by_o manifold_a instance_n it_o appear_v that_o neither_o of_o they_o be_v acceptable_a to_o the_o great_a and_o better_a part_n of_o the_o nation_n see_v therefore_o they_o can_v work_v no_o more_o by_o other_o man_n mean_n the_o presbyterian_a clergy_n resolve_v to_o do_v the_o work_v themselves_o howsoever_o invidious_a it_o may_v seem_v to_o be_v and_o for_o this_o end_n they_o get_v the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n and_o all_o ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n by_o act_n of_o parliament_n put_v into_o their_o own_o hand_n when_o the_o covenant_n be_v in_o force_n they_o find_v good_a service_n of_o itinerant_a committee_n or_o commission_n and_o they_o judge_v it_o will_v be_v of_o no_o less_o use_n now_o to_o set_v they_o up_o again_o and_o so_o before_o the_o rise_n of_o the_o assembly_n two_o be_v appoint_v one_o for_o the_o south_n and_o a_o other_o for_o the_o north_n with_o full_a power_n to_o visit_v all_o minister_n and_o to_o purge_v out_o of_o the_o church_n such_o as_o shall_v be_v think_v insufficient_a scandalous_a erroneous_a or_o supine_o negligent_a the_o name_n of_o the_o person_n appoint_v for_o these_o commission_n together_o with_o a_o abstract_n of_o their_o instruction_n be_v set_v down_o page_z 53_o 54_o and_o 55._o of_o the_o historical_a relation_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n the_o give_v they_o instruction_n seem_v to_o limit_v they_o but_o in_o truth_n they_o have_v all_o the_o power_n of_o a_o general_n assembly_n itself_o and_o be_v so_o much_o free_a that_o they_o have_v not_o one_o from_o the_o king_n to_o check_v and_o control_v they_o i_o shall_v begin_v with_o the_o committee_n or_o commission_n for_o the_o south_n which_o according_a to_o appointment_n sit_v down_o at_o edinburgh_n the_o 21_o of_o january_n 91._o be_v the_o three_o wednesday_n of_o that_o month._n several_a minister_n up_o and_o down_o the_o country_n receive_v citation_n to_o appear_v before_o they_o and_o among_o the_o rest_n mr._n alexander_n malcolm_n mr._n james_n hutchison_n mr._n john_n farqhuar_n three_o minister_n of_o edinburgh_n mr._n kay_n at_o leith_n mr._n samuel_n nimbo_fw-la minister_n of_o collinton_n mr._n andrew_n lumsden_n minister_n at_o dudduston_n and_o mr._n john_n monro_n minister_n at_o sterline_n there_o be_v also_o many_o other_o who_o process_n have_v be_v refer_v to_o they_o either_o by_o the_o general_n assembly_n or_o some_o particular_a presbytery_n the_o three_o minister_n of_o edinburgh_n receive_v the_o citation_n on_o saturday_n the_o 10_o of_o january_n betwixt_o nine_o and_o ten_o a_o clock_n at_o night_n which_o both_o the_o minister_n and_o other_o construct_v to_o be_v do_v on_o design_n to_o discompose_v they_o for_o preach_v the_o day_n follow_v at_o this_o very_a hour_n also_o they_o send_v a_o summons_n to_o dr._n robe●●son_n minister_n of_o the_o gray-frier-church_n in_o edinburgh_n who_o have_v be_v sick_a for_o a_o long_a time_n and_o who_o all_o the_o city_n know_v to_o be_v then_o in_o articulo_fw-la mortis_fw-la as_o indeed_o he_o die_v some_o few_o hour_n after_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o summons_n be_v this_o to_o compeir_n before_o the_o commission_n upon_o the_o twenty_o first_o of_o january_n to_o be_v try_v in_o life_n and_o doctrine_n and_o discharge_v of_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o ministerial_a function_n and_o censure_v by_o the_o say_a commission_n as_o they_o shall_v think_v iust._n mr._n alexander_n malcolm_n mr._n james_n hutchison_n mr._n john_n farqhuar_n mr._n samuel_n nimbo_fw-la and_o mr._n andrew_n lumsden_n meet_v and_o all_o of_o they_o resolve_v to_o take_v the_o same_o joint-measure_n see_v they_o be_v all_o in_o the_o same_o circumstance_n according_o on_o the_o 21_o day_n of_o january_n to_o which_o they_o have_v be_v cite_v mr._n james_n hutchison_n present_v himself_o before_o the_o commission_n and_o in_o his_o own_o name_n and_o in_o name_n of_o the_o other_o four_o he_o desire_v of_o the_o commission_n a_o special_a citation_n contain_v and_o express_o name_v their_o crime_n or_o crime_n for_o which_o they_o be_v to_o be_v try_v and_o censure_v the_o accuser_n and_o witness_n name_n and_o a_o competent_a time_n for_o prepare_v such_o defence_n as_o be_v legal_a and_o just_a but_o all_o this_o be_v flat_o deny_v the_o next_o day_n mr._n malcolm_n compeir_v and_o propose_v in_o his_o own_o name_n and_o in_o the_o name_n of_o his_o brethren_n the_o same_o thing_n and_o have_v the_o same_o answer_n for_o mr._n kennedy_n the_o moderator_n say_v that_o the_o commission_n be_v not_o bind_v to_o give_v a_o account_n why_o they_o summon_v they_o nor_o to_o tell_v who_o be_v their_o accuser_n nor_o for_o what_o they_o be_v accuse_v or_o who_o be_v to_o witness_v against_o they_o but_o that_o be_v cite_v they_o be_v oblige_v to_o answer_v instant_o to_o what_o shall_v be_v ask_v of_o they_o and_o if_o they_o refuse_v he_o tell_v they_o the_o commission_n have_v power_n to_o censure_v they_o and_o will_v do_v it_o to_o which_o mr._n malcolm_n reply_v that_o it_o be_v illegal_a to_o summon_v any_o super_fw-la inquirendis_fw-la that_o he_o and_o his_o brethren_n be_v not_o bind_v either_o by_o civil_a law_n or_o ecclesiastical_a cannon_n to_o regard_v or_o obey_v general_a citation_n and_o that_o none_o of_o they_o will_v answer_v except_o they_o get_v citation_n which_o be_v special_a and_o particular_a he_o add_v that_o they_o be_v more_o unjust_a than_o festus_n a_o heathen_a judge_n for_o he_o think_v it_o unreasonable_a to_o send_v a_o prisoner_n to_o caesar_n and_o not_o withal_o to_o signify_v the_o crime_n lay_v against_o he_o but_o say_v he_o we_o be_v here_o convene_v before_o you_o and_o you_o will_v not_o tell_v we_o for_o what_o cause_n upon_o this_o he_o be_v order_v by_o the_o moderator_n to_o remove_v january_n the_o 23d_o these_o five_o minister_n to_o free_v themselves_o of_o far_a trouble_n from_o the_o commission_n resolve_v to_o disown_n and_o decline_v their_o authority_n and_o so_o they_o send_v one_o mr._n french_a as_o proctor_n for_o they_o with_o the_o follow_a declaration_n which_o he_o deliver_v and_o take_v instrument_n upon_o the_o delivery_n of_o it_o we_o under-subscribers_a mr._n alexander_n malcolm_n james_n hutchison_n john_n farqhuar_n minister_n of_o edinburgh_n mr._n samuel_n nimbo_fw-la minister_n of_o collinton_n and_o andrew_n lumsden_n minister_n of_o duddiston_n be_v continue_v in_o the_o peaceable_a exercise_n of_o our_o ministerial_a function_n notwithstanding_o of_o the_o alteration_n of_o the_o church-government_n by_o act_n of_o parliament_n and_o be_v under_o the_o protection_n of_o their_o present_a majesty_n by_o our_o submission_n and_o obedience_n to_o authority_n and_o we_o be_v nevertheless_o cite_v to_o compeir_n before_o the_o commission_n of_o the_o late_a general_n assembly_n to_o hear_v and_o see_v the_o judgement_n of_o the_o say_a commission_n give_v anent_o we_o and_o our_o session_n book_n and_o record_n and_o to_o hear_v and_o see_v such_o trial_n take_v of_o our_o life_n doctrine_n and_o discharge_v of_o the_o duty_n of_o our_o function_n as_o the_o say_a commission_n shall_v think_v iust._n we_o have_v all_o of_o we_o consider_v the_o import_n of_o the_o say_a compeirance_n upon_o the_o citation_n give_v we_o do_v hereby_o declare_v that_o we_o have_v no_o freedom_n in_o our_o conscience_n to_o compeir_n or_o
subject_v ourselves_o to_o any_o trial_n whatsoever_o before_o the_o say_a commission_n and_o that_o by_o reason_n of_o our_o know_a principle_n and_o former_a engagement_n to_o episcopacy_n and_o this_o we_o own_o to_o be_v our_o judgement_n with_o all_o due_a deference_n and_o submission_n to_o authority_n in_o witness_v whereof_o we_o have_v subscribe_v these_o present_n with_o our_o hand_n at_o edinburgh_n january_n 21._o 1691._o sic_fw-la subscribitur_fw-la alexander_n malcolm_n james_n hutchison_n john_n farqhuar_n samuel_n nimbo_fw-la andrew_n lumsden_n this_o be_v the_o first_o declinature_n from_o their_o authority_n which_o any_o have_v make_v therefore_o the_o commission_n resolve_v to_o put_v some_o severe_a censure_n upon_o it_o some_o propose_v immediate_a deprivation_n and_o deposition_n other_o be_v for_o excommunication_n and_o as_o be_v say_v the_o first_o carry_v it_o over_o the_o last_o only_o by_o two_o vote_n which_o be_v intimate_v in_o the_o several_a church_n the_o very_a next_o lord_n day_n as_o the_o commission_n be_v censure_v by_o some_o for_o their_o rigid_a and_o summar_n proceed_n against_o these_o minister_n and_o never_o offer_v to_o treat_v with_o they_o in_o any_o gentle_a manner_n so_o these_o five_o minister_n be_v blame_v by_o other_o for_o their_o precipitancy_n in_o decline_v the_o commission_n for_o it_o be_v say_v that_o have_v so_o far_o own_v they_o as_o to_o appear_v before_o they_o and_o former_o to_o give_v up_o their_o session_n book_n when_o they_o be_v ask_v of_o they_o it_o be_v no_o way_n agreeable_a now_o to_o give_v in_o a_o declinature_n and_o as_o their_o practice_n be_v disagreeable_a and_o inconsistent_a so_o they_o have_v thereby_o much_o wrong_v themselves_o for_o by_o this_o mean_v they_o have_v occasion_v their_o own_o deprivation_n and_o deposition_n whereas_o if_o they_o have_v take_v a_o other_o course_n compeir_v before_o the_o commission_n and_o suffer_v they_o to_o accuse_v and_o lead_v probation_n as_o they_o will_v have_v be_v oblige_v to_o do_v they_o may_v have_v continue_v in_o their_o office_n a_o long_a time_n and_o perhaps_o defeat_v the_o commission_n altogether_o because_o it_o will_v have_v be_v very_o hard_o to_o have_v prove_v any_o thing_n that_o may_v have_v depose_v any_o of_o they_o and_o if_o they_o have_v only_o appeal_v when_o the_o commission_n be_v about_o to_o do_v they_o some_o palpable_a injustice_n they_o then_o may_v have_v expect_v protection_n and_o redress_n from_o the_o civil_a authority_n but_o these_o minister_n answer_v thus_o for_o themselves_o that_o some_o of_o they_o have_v never_o any_o way_n own_v the_o presbyterian_a government_n as_o yet_o and_o other_o of_o they_o but_o very_o little_a and_o that_o that_o little_a acknowledgement_n which_o they_o have_v make_v can_v neither_o infer_v that_o they_o have_v renounce_v their_o former_a sentiment_n about_o episcopacy_n nor_o yet_o entire_o submit_v to_o presbytery_n and_o that_o they_o have_v good_a reason_n to_o decline_v or_o disow_v the_o commission_n consider_v the_o injustice_n and_o illegality_n of_o their_o proceed_n which_o be_v both_o contrary_n to_o scripture_n the_o canon_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o act_n of_o assembly_n own_v by_o themselves_o for_o as_o in_o scripture_n it_o be_v command_v first_o to_o tell_v man_n their_o fault_n in_o private_a and_o not_o to_o receive_v any_o accusation_n against_o a_o elder_a of_o the_o church_n but_o before_o two_o or_o three_o witness_n so_o by_o a_o act_n of_o the_o assembly_n at_o perth_n march_v 1._o 1596._o none_o ought_v to_o be_v summon_v super_fw-la inquirendis_fw-la without_o instance_v the_o name_n of_o the_o accuser_n and_o the_o crime_n and_o fault_n they_o be_v accuse_v of_o and_o by_o a_o other_o act_n of_o a_o general_n assembly_n at_o st._n andrews_n april_n 24._o 1582._o it_o be_v appoint_v that_o minister_n within_o the_o kingdom_n shall_v have_v forty_o day_n allow_v they_o whereas_o only_o ten_o have_v be_v give_v they_o they_o say_v further_o that_o they_o have_v reason_n to_o disow_v the_o commission_n and_o to_o refuse_v to_o appear_v before_o they_o consider_v how_o they_o have_v treat_v other_o and_o how_o partial_a they_o be_v that_o they_o be_v not_o judge_n proper_o but_o party_n and_o enemy_n who_o have_v resolve_v upon_o their_o ruin_n before_o ever_o they_o meet_v and_o who_o have_v not_o only_o determine_v to_o have_v they_o out_o quovis_fw-la modo_fw-la but_o have_v also_o assign_v their_o several_a church_n to_o particular_a person_n viz._n the_o grayfrier_fw-mi church_n to_o mr._n gilbert_n rule_n the_o old_a church_n to_o mr._n blair_n and_o the_o tolbooth_n church_n to_o mr._n kirkton_n which_o be_v indeed_o common_o talk_v long_o before_o and_o it_o prove_v true_a be_v a_o demonstration_n that_o there_o be_v a_o lay_v and_o form_v design_n of_o turn_v out_o all_o the_o minister_n of_o edinburgh_n by_o one_o mean_n or_o other_o though_o they_o themselves_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o the_o more_o speedy_a execution_n of_o it_o notwithstanding_o the_o act_n and_o sentence_n of_o the_o commission_n these_o five_o minister_n be_v resolve_v to_o continue_v the_o exercise_n of_o their_o ministry_n unless_o they_o meet_v with_o violence_n from_o a_o rabble_n or_o that_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n concur_v with_o the_o commission_n many_o think_v the_o civil_a magistrate_n will_v not_o meddle_v in_o the_o matter_n and_o a_o rabble_n be_v not_o much_o fear_v in_o edinburgh_n these_o who_o frequent_v the_o episcopal_a church_n be_v resolve_v to_o defend_v their_o minister_n if_o they_o meet_v with_o any_o disturbance_n but_o on_o saturday_n and_o sunday_n morning_n the_o provost_n of_o edinburgh_n send_v to_o mr._n malcolm_n mr._n hutchison_n and_o mr._n farqhuar_n forbid_v they_o upon_o the_o high_a peril_n to_o attempt_v preach_v or_o to_o be_v see_v about_o their_o church_n that_o day_n so_o they_o keep_v their_o house_n and_o the_o episcopal_a party_n be_v disappoint_v come_v back_o from_o the_o church_n both_o in_o discontent_n and_o rage_n and_o if_o their_o temper_n be_v as_o much_o incline_v to_o tumult_n as_o the_o presbyterian_o be_v a_o little_a matter_n will_v have_v occasion_v one_o that_o day_n and_o indeed_o the_o provost_n fear_v it_o and_o upon_o the_o apprehension_n of_o it_o order_v the_o captain_n of_o the_o town_n guard_v to_o have_v all_o his_o man_n together_o in_o readiness_n for_o prevent_v any_o such_o thing_n all_o the_o minister_n of_o edinburgh_n be_v now_o lay_v aside_o either_o by_o the_o council_n or_o the_o commission_n except_o mr._n wilkie_n in_o the_o tolbooth_n church_n who_o be_v also_o at_o this_o time_n turn_v out_o by_o a_o cunning_a trick_n which_o have_v no_o parallel_n then_o and_o indeed_o none_o but_o the_o presbyterian_o be_v capable_a of_o give_v any_o but_o if_o they_o continue_v we_o may_v come_v to_o have_v enough_o such_o instance_n for_o mr._n craig_n of_o the_o cannon_n gate_n his_o case_n be_v much_o like_o it_o as_o shall_v be_v relate_v afterward_o upon_o dr._n robertson_n death_n mr._n wilkie_n be_v appoint_v by_o a_o act_n of_o the_o town_n council_n to_o go_v to_o the_o grey_a friar_n church_n to_o be_v colleague_n to_o mr._n hutchison_n there_o because_o no_o presbyterian_a will_v join_v either_o and_o because_o by_o put_v they_o together_o they_o save_v a_o church_n for_o the_o use_n of_o one_o of_o their_o presbyterian_a minister_n who_o keep_v at_o as_o great_a distance_n from_o these_o that_o be_v episcopal_a as_o ever_o their_o predccessor_n the_o pharisee_n do_v from_o heathen_n and_o publican_n who_o yet_o our_o saviour_n often_o prefer_v to_o they_o when_o mr._n wilkie_n be_v advertise_v of_o this_o by_o two_o of_o their_o numbe●_n viz._n george_n hume_n bailiff_n and_o james_n crawford_n apothecary_n send_v to_o he_o for_o this_o end_n he_o reply_v that_o he_o will_v very_o ready_o obey_v the_o good_a town_n provide_v his_o legal_a right_n as_o one_o of_o the_o minister_n of_o edingburgh_n be_v not_o thereby_o prejudge_v or_o obstruct_v and_o then_o it_o be_v tell_v he_o that_o he_o need_v not_o fear_v that_o for_o there_o be_v no_o design_n to_o wrong_v he_o by_o transplant_n he_o this_o be_v on_o the_o 23d_o of_o january_n and_o on_o the_o 25_o mr._n kirkton_n be_v bring_v to_o the_o tolbooth_n church_n and_o settle_a minister_n in_o it_o without_o the_o call_n or_o consent_v of_o the_o parish_n the_o formality_n of_o a_o edict_n or_o any_o thing_n of_o that_o nature_n usual_a in_o the_o admission_n of_o a_o minister_n but_o while_o mr._n wilkie_n be_v think_v to_o take_v possession_n of_o the_o grey_a friar_n church_n the_o lord_n provost_n send_v for_o he_o acquaint_v he_o that_o the_o commission_n have_v appoint_v mr._n david_n williamson_n to_o preach_v in_o the_o grey_a friar_n church_n for_o intimate_v the_o sentence_n of_o deposition_n against_o mr._n hutchison_n wherefore_o his_o lordship_n
desire_v to_o forbear_v that_o day_n for_o mr._n david_n crave_v both_o forenoon_n and_o afternoon_n and_o he_o assure_v he_o that_o he_o shall_v sustain_v no_o prejudice_n by_o it_o to_o which_o mr._n wilkie_n also_o yield_v be_v very_o desirous_a to_o please_v they_o and_o gain_v their_o favour_n some_o other_o excuse_v be_v invent_v for_o shift_v the_o next_o sunday_n to_o and_o so_o on_o for_o two_o or_o three_o sunday_n till_o mr._n wilkie_n turn_v impatient_a at_o their_o delay_n to_o settle_v he_o in_o the_o grey_a friar_n church_n when_o he_o have_v so_o easy_o part_v with_o the_o tolbooth_n church_n and_o he_o be_v not_o a_o little_a apprehensive_a of_o some_o disingenuous_a t●i0ck_n when_o it_o be_v tell_v he_o that_o they_o who_o preach_v in_o the_o grey_a friar_n church_n use_v to_o pray_v for_o the_o reverend_a brother_n abroad_o who_o that_o parish_n belong_v to_o this_o mr._n wilkie_n conclude_v be_v not_o himself_o as_o indeed_o it_o be_v mean_v of_o mr._n gilbert_n rule_n who_o be_v then_o in_o england_n about_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o kirk_n then_o private_a entreaty_n can_v no_o more_o prevail_v with_o mr._n wilkie_n so_o that_o they_o be_v force_v to_o interpose_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o whole_a town_n council_n to_o which_o mr._n wilkie_n only_o consent_v for_o some_o two_o or_o three_o day_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o follow_a act_n give_v under_o the_o town_n clerk_n own_o hand_n edinburgh_n the_o 13_o day_n of_o february_n 1691._o the_o which_o day_n the_o lord_n provost_n bailiff_n council_z and_o deacon_n of_o craft_n be_v convene_v in_o council_n have_v consider_v their_o act_n transplant_n mr._n tho._n wilkie_n from_o the_o tolbooth-church_n to_o the_o grayfriar_n they_o do_v appoint_v some_o of_o their_o number_n to_o commune_v with_o the_o say_a mr._n thomas_n wilkie_n and_o to_o represent_v to_o he_o for_o several_a weighty_a consideration_n that_o it_o be_v necessary_a the_o say_a mr_n thomas_n wilkie_n shall_v forbear_v preach_v for_o some_o lord_n day_n which_o the_o say_a mr._n thomas_n wilkie_n in_o obedience_n to_o the_o council_n command_n consent_v he_o shall_v forbear_v preach_v for_o three_o lord_n day_n only_o provide_v the_o say_a forbearance_n do_v not_o prejudice_v his_o legal_a title_n as_o one_o of_o the_o minister_n of_o edinburgh_n extract_v by_o i_o aeneas_n mackland_n but_o when_o pretence_n and_o dissimulation_n can_v no_o more_o be_v use_v it_o be_v plain_o tell_v he_o that_o the_o grey_a friar_n church_n be_v to_o be_v otherwise_o bestow_v notwithstanding_o he_o have_v not_o only_o the_o private_a promise_n and_o assurance_n of_o the_o provost_n and_o other_o magistrate_n but_o also_o the_o public_a faith_n of_o the_o town_n council_n by_o a_o act_n of_o they_o date_v january_n 23_o which_o be_v the_o condition_n on_o which_o he_o part_v with_o the_o tolbooth_n church_n though_o mr._n wilkie_n may_v have_v guess_v this_o from_o the_o first_o time_n that_o they_o desire_v his_o forbearance_n to_o preach_v and_o though_o he_o be_v forewarn_v by_o several_a person_n that_o a_o trick_n be_v design_v he_o yet_o he_o can_v not_o keep_v himself_o from_o be_v mighty_o surprise_v and_o trouble_v at_o this_o final_a answer_n and_o resolution_n the_o loss_n of_o his_o live_n vex_v he_o and_o the_o manner_n of_o take_v it_o away_o be_v matter_n of_o more_o vexation_n than_o if_o it_o have_v be_v do_v by_o the_o formality_n of_o a_o sentence_n though_o never_o so_o unjust_a it_o gall_v he_o exceed_o that_o he_o shall_v have_v be_v so_o simple_a as_o to_o trust_v man_n of_o no_o ingenuity_n and_o that_o by_o curry_v the_o favour_n of_o those_o who_o design_v he_o a_o cheat_n he_o have_v suffer_v himself_o to_o be_v trick_v on_o it_o of_o his_o ministry_n without_o citation_n or_o process_n and_o while_o he_o be_v under_o no_o sentence_n or_o censure_n neither_o be_v accuse_v of_o any_o crime_n or_o maleversation_n which_o may_v have_v deprive_v he_o he_o make_v great_a complaint_n but_o they_o have_v no_o success_n the_o good_a lord_n provost_n and_o bailiff_n excuse_v themselves_o in_o that_o the_o minister_n will_v not_o quit_v the_o possession_n they_o have_v get_v and_o the_o minister_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n tell_v he_o that_o his_o business_n be_v with_o the_o magistrate_n for_o they_o have_v not_o meddle_v with_o he_o he_o have_v not_o consult_v they_o when_o he_o dimit_v the_o tolbooth_n church_n and_o as_o they_o be_v not_o to_o inquire_v upon_o what_o term_n he_o do_v it_o so_o he_o can_v not_o blame_v they_o for_o take_v possession_n of_o church_n that_o be_v vacant_a thus_o betwixt_o the_o two_o he_o be_v keep_v out_o of_o his_o just_a right_n and_o all_o the_o defence_n that_o can_v be_v make_v for_o it_o be_v that_o the_o presbyterian_o have_v now_o declare_v open_a war_n with_o the_o episcopal_a party_n and_o their_o ally_n and_o all_o that_o have_v be_v in_o confederacy_n with_o they_o and_o in_o war_n man_n use_v not_o much_o to_o regard_v the_o point_n of_o justice_n and_o ingenuity_n if_o the_o enemy_n be_v defeat_v and_o weaken_v it_o be_v no_o matter_n by_o what_o mean_n whether_o by_o give_v fair_a and_o open_a battle_n or_o by_o secret_a ambuscadoe_n the_o city_n or_o castle_n which_o be_v once_o in_o possession_n be_v keep_v though_o they_o have_v be_v win_v not_o by_o force_n or_o generous_a valour_n but_o by_o baseness_n and_o treachery_n after_o much_o importunity_n to_o silence_v his_o clamour_n they_o first_o proffer_v he_o mr._n kirtons_n meet_v house_n in_o the_o castle_n hill_n which_o he_o refuse_v because_o it_o be_v a_o uncertain_a thing_n and_o none_o of_o the_o legal_a church_n of_o the_o city_n to_o one_o of_o which_o he_o have_v a_o undoubted_a right_n then_o at_o last_o they_o bestow_v on_o he_o the_o lady_n yesters_n church_n which_o he_o have_v accept_v of_o and_o seem_v to_o be_v content_v with_o at_o present_a but_o it_o will_v be_v find_v that_o they_o be_v still_o befool_v he_o for_o beside_o that_o the_o earl_n of_o twedale_n debate_v with_o the_o good_a town_n the_o right_n of_o plan_v that_o church_n it_o have_v no_o parish_n annex_v to_o it_o and_o the_o magistrate_n of_o edinburgh_n when_o they_o find_v their_o opportunity_n may_v have_v many_o pretence_n for_o the_o shut_v it_o up_o again_o but_o it_o be_v believe_v and_o not_o without_o reason_n that_o the_o give_v this_o church_n to_o mr._n wilkie_n be_v do_v not_o so_o much_o to_o repair_v the_o injury_n he_o have_v receive_v as_o to_o be_v a_o pretext_n for_o turn_v out_o mr._n craig_n and_o his_o people_n that_o have_v no_o other_o place_n to_o go_v to_o they_o may_v find_v themselves_o under_o a_o kind_n of_o necessity_n of_o unite_n with_o the_o presbyterian_a congregation_n in_o the_o connon-gate_n because_o i_o have_v mention_v this_o case_n of_o mr._n craig_n and_o that_o it_o have_v some_o resemblance_n to_o that_o of_o mr._n wilkie_n i_o will_v give_v some_o short-account_n of_o it_o here_o though_o it_o be_v posterior_n to_o the_o other_o in_o time_n by_o several_a month_n this_o mr._n craig_n be_v one_o of_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o cannongate_n and_o have_v have_v the_o whole_a charge_n of_o that_o parish_n these_o two_o or_o three_o year_n because_o mr._n burnet_n the_o other_o minister_n be_v deprive_v by_o the_o council_n this_o parish_n of_o the_o cannongate_n have_v the_o use_n of_o the_o lady_n yesters_n church_n from_o the_o town_n of_o edinburgh_n until_o such_o time_n as_o a_o new-one_a of_o their_o own_o shall_v be_v build_v when_o this_o new_a one_o be_v finish_v which_o be_v only_o in_o summer_n last_o the_o presbytery_n of_o edinburgh_n appoint_v another_o mr._n wilkie_n who_o preach_v in_o the_o meetinghouse_n to_o take_v possession_n of_o it_o and_o with_o his_o elder_n to_o choose_v another_o minister_n as_o if_o there_o have_v be_v a_o total_a vacancy_n never_o regard_v mr._n craig_n right_a to_o be_v a_o minister_n there_o mr._n craig_n and_o those_o of_o the_o episcopal_a persuasion_n in_o that_o parish_n which_o be_v in_o proportion_n more_o than_o three_o of_o four_o when_o they_o hear_v this_o they_o address_v the_o presbytery_n for_o the_o maintenance_n of_o their_o right_n and_o privilege_n and_o receive_v no_o satisfactiun_n from_o they_o they_o bring_v it_o before_o the_o lord_n of_o the_o council_n where_o also_o the_o presbyterian_a party_n prevail_v for_o the_o council_n ratify_v and_o approve_v the_o order_n of_o the_o presbytery_n and_o so_o mr._n craig_n be_v shuffle_v out_o of_o his_o right_n though_o he_o be_v willing_a to_o submit_v to_o presbytery_n and_o to_o join_v with_o mr._n wilkie_n the_o presbyterian_a and_o have_v condescend_v not_o only_o not_o to_o pretend_v to_o any_o priority_n and_o preceedency_n as_o the_o elder_a minister_n and_o possessor_n but_o even_o also_o
wont_a to_o do_v from_o the_o episcopal_a minister_n be_v find_v in_o edinburgh_n he_o be_v shut_v up_o in_o prison_n and_o detain_v several_a month_n till_o of_o late_a with_o difficulty_n he_o have_v procure_v his_o enlargement_n so_o little_a reason_n be_v there_o to_o talk_v of_o their_o harmony_n and_o union_n except_o it_o be_v in_o the_o opposition_n which_o both_o make_v to_o the_o episcopal_a party_n that_o the_o cameronian_n to_o distinguish_v themselves_o the_o better_a from_o the_o other_o presbyterian_o have_v take_v up_o a_o new_a name_n viz._n that_o of_o the_o society_n they_o do_v not_o add_v of_o jesus_n lest_o they_o shall_v be_v take_v for_o the_o disciple_n of_o ignatius_n loyola_n those_o of_o this_o sect_n sometime_o begin_v their_o meeting_n at_o ten_o or_o twelve_o at_o night_n or_o at_o the_o dawn_n of_o the_o morning_n and_o they_o use_v to_o be_v well_o arm_v with_o sword_n and_o staff_n and_o i_o be_o tell_v there_o have_v be_v hard_a blow_n give_v betwixt_o they_o and_o the_o other_o presbyterian_o in_o the_o southern_a and_o western_a shives_n as_o happen_v in_o the_o late_a time_n so_o now_o we_o may_v expect_v variety_n of_o sect_n and_o opinion_n which_o will_v ruin_v religion_n as_o well_o as_o disturb_v the_o public_a peace_n and_o quiet_n for_o fanaticism_n be_v a_o spiritual_a vertigo_n which_o make_v people_n reel_v and_o stagger_v from_o side_n to_o side_n and_o run_v about_o till_o they_o fall_v into_o atheism_n and_o gross_a impiety_n to_o return_v to_o the_o commission_n which_o sit_v down_o again_o upon_o wednesday_n the_o fifteen_o of_o april_n when_o they_o be_v meet_v sir_n william_n leccart_n the_o king_n solicitor_n come_v and_o present_v to_o the_o moderator_n a_o letter_n from_o the_o king_n which_o be_v not_o receive_v with_o that_o respect_n which_o be_v due_a the_o moderator_n without_o rise_v from_o his_o seat_n bid_v he_o give_v it_o in_o to_o the_o clerk_n tell_v he_o that_o there_o be_v very_o much_o noise_n of_o that_o letter_n for_o indeed_o it_o be_v not_o only_o talk_v of_o but_o also_o several_a copy_n of_o it_o be_v spread_v up_o and_o down_o both_o city_n and_o country_n then_o the_o moderator_n turn_v to_o the_o clerk_n and_o say_v man_n take_v off_o the_o scab_n of_o the_o wamb_n of_o it_o and_o see_v what_o be_v within_o it_o for_o so_o as_o be_v say_v he_o call_v the_o king_n seal_n upon_o it_o this_o letter_n be_v the_o effect_n of_o that_o address_n which_o those_o commissionated_a by_o the_o episcopal_a clergy_n who_o be_v still_o in_o place_n make_v to_o the_o king_n before_o his_o go_v to_o flanders_n whither_o also_o two_o of_o they_o follow_v he_o viz._n dr._n canary_n and_o mr._n lesk_n that_o they_o may_v even_o there_o negotiate_v the_o affair_n of_o their_o party_n and_o get_v that_o stop_v put_v to_o the_o procceding_n of_o the_o presbyterian_o which_o be_v promise_v they_o but_o which_o can_v not_o be_v present_o give_v because_o of_o the_o king_n haste_n to_o go_v beyond_o sea_n this_o be_v a_o true_a copy_n of_o the_o letter_n to_o the_o right_a reverend_n and_o our_o well-beloved_a minister_n and_o elder_n commissioner_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n of_o the_o church_n of_o our_o ancient_a kingdom_n of_o scotland_n right_o reverend_a and_o well-beloved_a we_o greet_v you_o well_o whereas_o there_o have_v be_v humble_a application_n make_v to_o we_o by_o several_a minister_n for_o themselves_o and_o other_o who_o late_o serve_v under_o episcopacy_n in_o that_o our_o ancient_a kingdom_n we_o have_v think_v good_a as_o well_o for_o the_o good_a and_o advantage_n of_o that_o church_n as_o the_o public_a justice_n and_o welfare_n of_o the_o nation_n and_o the_o interest_n of_o our_o government_n to_o signify_v our_o pleasure_n to_o you_o that_o you_o make_v no_o distinction_n of_o man_n otherwise_o well_o qualify_v for_o the_o ministry_n who_o be_v willing_a to_o join_v with_o you_o in_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o and_o submission_n to_o the_o government_n of_o church_n and_o state_n as_o it_o be_v by_o law_n now_o establish_v though_o they_o have_v former_o conform_v to_o the_o law_n introduce_v episcopacy_n and_o that_o you_o give_v they_o no_o vexation_n or_o disturbance_n for_o that_o cause_n or_o upon_o that_o head_n and_o that_o in_o regard_n many_o of_o these_o minister_n be_v turn_v out_o summary_n without_o any_o sentence_n or_o order_n of_o law_n if_o such_o shall_v be_v call_v to_o be_v minister_n of_o any_o congregation_n by_o plurality_n of_o heritor_n and_o elder_n we_o judge_v it_o reasonable_a that_o you_o admit_v they_o where_o there_o be_v no_o just_a cause_n to_o the_o contrary_a without_o make_v any_o difficulty_n whereas_o some_o of_o these_o minister_n complain_v of_o severity_n and_o hardship_n by_o several_a sentence_n pronounce_v against_o they_o we_o think_v fit_a to_o give_v you_o opportunity_n to_o review_v what_o case_n shall_v be_v bring_v before_o you_o that_o yourselves_o may_v give_v such_o just_a redress_n as_o the_o matter_n require_v before_o we_o take_v any_o further_a notice_n of_o these_o complaint_n we_o will_v assure_v you_o we_o will_v protect_v you_o and_o maintain_v the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n in_o that_o our_o ancient_a kingdom_n by_o presbytery_n without_o suffer_v any_o invasion_n to_o be_v make_v upon_o it_o and_o therefore_o we_o will_v expect_v that_o you_o will_v avoid_v all_o occasion_n of_o division_n and_o resentment_n and_o cordial_o unite_v with_o those_o that_o will_v agree_v with_o you_o in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o protestant_a religion_n and_o own_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n which_o the_o law_n have_v establish_v as_o the_o standard_n of_o the_o communion_n of_o that_o church_n and_o it_o be_v our_o pleasure_n that_o during_o our_o absence_n out_o of_o britain_n until_o we_o give_v our_o further_a direction_n that_o you_o proceed_v to_o no_o more_o process_n or_o any_o other_o business_n and_o dispose_v yourselves_o to_o give_v out_o your_o best_a mean_n for_o heal_v and_o reconcile_a differnce_n and_o apply_v yourselves_o to_o give_v impartial_a redress_n upon_o any_o complaint_n that_o shall_v be_v offer_v unto_o you_o against_o sentence_n already_o past_a that_o we_o be_v not_o oblige_v to_o give_v ourselves_o any_o further_a trouble_n thereanent_fw-la so_o we_o bid_v you_o hearty_o farewell_o give_v at_o our_o court_n in_o the_o hague_n feb._n 13._o 1690._o and_o of_o our_o reign_n the_o three_o year_n sic_fw-la subscribitur_fw-la by_o his_o majesty_n command_n jo._n dalrymple_n when_o this_o letter_n be_v read_v the_o anger_n and_o displeasure_n of_o the_o brethren_n be_v to_o be_v see_v in_o their_o countenance_n one_o say_v that_o there_o be_v no_o regard_n to_o be_v have_v to_o it_o because_o the_o king_n hand_n be_v not_o at_o it_o another_o reply_v that_o whether_o it_o have_v come_v only_o from_o the_o secretary_n himself_o or_o be_v send_v by_o the_o order_n of_o the_o king_n there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o take_v any_o notice_n of_o it_o or_o be_v concern_v with_o it_o for_o it_o proceed_v from_o a_o mistake_n and_o misinformation_n as_o if_o they_o have_v turn_v out_o any_o summarily_a without_o any_o sentence_n or_o order_n of_o law_n whereas_o they_o be_v conscious_a of_o no_o such_o thing_n it_o be_v report_v of_o the_o moderator_n that_o when_o the_o content_n of_o this_o letter_n be_v first_o impart_v to_o he_o he_o say_v if_o the_o king_n have_v not_o so_o many_o man_n at_o his_o back_n he_o will_v make_v two_o of_o it_o but_o a_o person_n of_o honour_n assure_v i_o that_o when_o he_o be_v speak_v to_o he_o of_o it_o his_o answer_n be_v that_o the_o king_n will_v be_v as_o wise_a to_o let_v these_o matter_n alone_o after_o much_o deliberation_n it_o be_v resolve_v to_o write_v a_o answer_n to_o the_o king_n and_o to_o send_v two_o of_o their_o number_n to_o negotiate_v their_o affair_n with_o his_o majesty_n and_o to_o remove_v the_o prejudices_fw-la he_o may_v have_v conceive_v against_o they_o by_o false_a representation_n the_o person_n who_o be_v think_v fit_a to_o be_v send_v be_v mr._n john_n law_n and_o mr._n david_n blair_n the_o letter_n which_o they_o be_v to_o carry_v with_o they_o be_v but_o once_o read_v public_o nor_o do_v the_o moderator_n suffer_v any_o at_o the_o time_n to_o propose_v his_o judgement_n about_o it_o for_o he_o say_v that_o there_o be_v a_o private_a committee_n appoint_v for_o that_o matter_n and_o so_o he_o desire_v every_o one_o to_o come_v in_o apart_o by_o himself_o and_o there_o to_o declare_v his_o mind_n what_o he_o will_v have_v add_v to_o it_o or_o take_v away_o from_o it_o which_o be_v do_v either_o to_o keep_v the_o thing_n more_o secret_a or_o that_o the_o draught_n of_o the_o letter_n which_o the_o moderator_n and_o other_o lead_v man_n have_v make_v may_v pass_v
church_n or_o at_o least_o to_o be_v secure_v from_o the_o jurisdiction_n of_o the_o presbyterian_o who_o have_v declare_v themselves_o a_o state_v party_n against_o they_o but_o neither_o be_v this_o hearken_v to_o then_o as_o their_o last_o refuge_n they_o consider_v how_o to_o save_v themselves_o their_o personal_a right_n and_o privilege_n that_o they_o may_v sustain_v no_o prejudice_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o their_o private_a sentiment_n and_o persuasion_n and_o for_o this_o cause_n they_o resolve_v to_o address_v king_n william_n himself_o see_v the_o application_n make_v to_o other_o be_v so_o ineffectual_a therefore_o dr._n canary_n be_v send_v from_o some_o of_o the_o clergy_n on_o the_o southside_n of_o tay_n mr._n mac_n gill_n and_o mr._n small_a from_o angus_n dr._n gaider_n mr._n leisk_n and_o mr._n fobess_n from_o the_o diocese_n of_o aberdeen_n this_o last_o design_n succeed_v better_a than_o any_o of_o the_o former_a for_o the_o king_n think_v their_o request_n reasonable_a and_o promise_v they_o his_o protection_n in_o this_o matter_n and_o in_o both_o his_o letter_n to_o the_o commission_n of_o the_o assembly_n he_o require_v this_o as_o that_o which_o be_v most_o just_a and_o equitable_a nay_o the_o refuse_v it_o be_v judge_v so_o unreasonable_a that_o it_o be_v say_v that_o those_o presbyterian_a minister_n who_o be_v send_v up_o from_o the_o rest_n do_v express_o promise_v to_o receive_v such_o episcopal_a minister_n not_o only_o into_o communion_n but_o into_o the_o government_n as_o can_v not_o be_v except_v against_o either_o for_o life_n or_o doctrine_n and_o which_o be_v yet_o more_o it_o appear_v from_o king_n william_n second_o letter_n that_o the_o commission_n have_v give_v some_o such_o thing_n under_o their_o hand_n wherefore_o to_o try_v their_o sincerity_n it_o be_v think_v fit_a to_o put_v they_o to_o it_o by_o make_v some_o of_o the_o episcopal_a clergy_n address_v to_o they_o the_o nature_n and_o form_n of_o the_o address_n be_v draw_v up_o and_o concert_v at_o london_n and_o send_v down_o to_o scotland_n with_o mr._n mac_n gill_n and_o mr._n small_a for_o it_o be_v judge_v requisite_a they_o shall_v address_v all_o after_o the_o same_o manner_n the_o tenor_n of_o which_o be_v as_o follow_v to_o the_o reverend_a the_o minister_n and_o other_o by_o law_n impower_v to_o establish_v the_o judicatories_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n the_o humble_a petition_n of_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o episcopal_a persuasion_n humble_o show_v that_o whereas_o episcopacy_n be_v by_o law_n abolish_v in_o this_o kingdom_n we_o who_o have_v in_o the_o most_o dangerous_a time_n manifest_v our_o zeal_n against_o popery_n be_v now_o ready_a to_o give_v all_o the_o assurance_n that_o be_v or_o can_v be_v by_o law_n require_v of_o we_o of_o our_o aversion_n to_o popery_n of_o our_o firmness_n to_o the_o protestant_a religion_n of_o our_o duty_n and_o fidelity_n to_o their_o majesty_n king_n william_n and_o queen_n mary_n we_o be_v further_a ready_a and_o willing_a in_o our_o respective_a charge_n and_o station_n to_o do_v every_o thing_n that_o be_v incumbent_n on_o we_o as_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o advance_v the_o power_n of_o religion_n or_o repress_v of_o scandal_n and_o vice_n and_o for_o the_o secure_v the_o peace_n and_o quiet_a of_o their_o majesty_n government_n and_o to_o act_v in_o church-judicatories_a for_o carry_v on_o of_o these_o end_n without_o any_o regard_n to_o the_o difference_n of_o persuasion_n in_o matter_n that_o be_v not_o fundamental_a we_o do_v therefore_o humble_o and_o earnest_o desire_v that_o in_o order_n to_o these_o end_n we_o may_v be_v suffer_v to_o act_v as_o presbyter_n in_o this_o church_n in_o our_o several_a precinct_n and_o paroch_n this_o be_v propose_v to_o the_o episcopal_a clergy_n several_a argument_n be_v use_v to_o persuade_v the_o subscribe_v it_o which_o some_o decline_a fo●_n one_o reason_n and_o some_o for_o another_o some_o guess_v the_o success_n from_o the_o presbyterian_a temper_n think_v it_o will_v be_v a_o prostitute_v their_o reputation_n to_o offer_v a_o thing_n which_o will_v not_o be_v accept_v other_o apprehend_v that_o to_o be_v yield_v of_o the_o episcopal_a cause_n to_o the_o presbyterian_o and_o therefore_o will_v not_o do_v it_o but_o in_o the_o diocese_n of_o aberdeen_n the_o most_o part_n condescend_v and_o give_v a_o commission_n to_o mr._n leisk_n to_o wait_v upon_o the_o commission_n at_o edinburgh_n so_o soon_o as_o it_o shall_v sit_v and_o in_o their_o name_n to_o address_v they_o as_o above_o which_o he_o do_v but_o the_o moderator_n say_v to_o he_o that_o they_o can_v not_o receive_v it_o for_o there_o be_v a_o particular_a commission_n appoint_v for_o all_o on_o the_o north_n side_n of_o tay_n and_o if_o the_o minister_n of_o these_o place_n have_v any_o thing_n to_o say_v they_o ought_v to_o say_v it_o to_o they_o mr._n leisk_n reply_v that_o there_o be_v no_o commission_n sit_v in_o the_o north_n at_o that_o time_n that_o he_o be_v moderator_n of_o both_o commission_n and_o he_o judge_v it_o all_o one_o which_o of_o they_o he_o apply_v himself_o to_o that_o the_o king_n letter_n be_v direct_v to_o they_o which_o require_v they_o to_o receive_v such_o as_o shall_v make_v application_n unto_o they_o and_o if_o they_o refuse_v it_o he_o will_v protest_v and_o take_v instrument_n the_o moderator_n bid_v he_o do_v what_o he_o please_v and_o so_o after_o protestation_n he_o remove_v mr._n small_a go_v along_o with_o mr._n leisk_n and_o while_o mr._n leisk_n be_v talk_v with_o the_o moderator_n one_o of_o the_o brethren_n rise_v from_o his_o seat_n come_v towards_o mr._n small_a take_v he_o by_o the_o shoulder_n and_o with_o a_o most_o frown_a countenance_n say_v to_o he_o you_o be_v a_o pack_n of_o profane_a rascal_n and_o deserve_v no_o pity_n neither_o aught_o to_o be_v receive_v after_o which_o he_o return_v to_o his_o seat_n leave_v mr._n small_a surprise_v with_o his_o discretion_n and_o civility_n in_o such_o a_o place_n and_o at_o such_o a_o time_n the_o same_o day_n or_o the_o day_n follow_v mr._n tho._n wood_n minister_n at_o dumb●r_n and_o mr._n william_n denune_n go_v and_o offer_v to_o the_o commission_n the_o same_o address_v subscribe_v by_o about_o a_o dozen_o of_o parson_n which_o be_v do_v by_o minister_n on_o the_o southside_n of_o tay_n they_o have_v not_o the_o former_a pretence_n for_o reject_v it_o they_o crave_v a_o answer_n the_o moderator_n say_v to_o they_o sir_n you_o be_v very_o hasty_a you_o take_v time_n to_o draw_v it_o up_o and_o you_o must_v allow_v we_o time_n to_o answer_v it_o and_o so_o he_o put_v they_o off_o for_o some_o day_n at_o their_o next_o application_n they_o be_v desire_v to_o explain_v some_o part_n of_o the_o address_n as_o what_o they_o mean_v by_o act_v as_o presbyter_n whether_o they_o mean_v the_o act_n separable_o by_o themselves_o independent_o on_o they_o or_o if_o it_o be_v to_o 〈◊〉_d understand_v of_o their_o joint_a concurrence_n with_o they_o to_o this_o it_o be_v answer_v that_o they_o have_v it_o not_o in_o their_o commission_n to_o make_v any_o explication_n and_o therefore_o can_v not_o do_v it_o so_o upon_o the_o 22d_o of_o july_n they_o have_v this_o answer_n give_v they_o the_o commission_n for_o visitation_n on_o the_o southside_n of_o tay._n appoint_v by_o the_o late_a general_n assembly_n of_o this_o church_n have_v consider_v a_o petition_n present_v to_o they_o by_o mr._n thomas_n wood_n and_o mr._n william_n denune_n sign_v by_o they_o and_o twelve_o other_o minister_n who_o call_v themselves_o of_o the_o episcopal_a persuasion_n do_v find_v that_o some_o of_o these_o petitioner_n be_v depose_v some_o suspend_v both_o of_o they_o for_o gross_a immorality_n other_o of_o they_o be_v in_o process_n refer_v by_o the_o general_n assembly_n to_o this_o commission_n and_o some_o declare_v contumacious_a by_o the_o presbytery_n of_o the_o bound_n where_o they_o have_v their_o residence_n and_o some_o live_v without_o the_o bound_n commit_v to_o the_o inspection_n of_o this_o commission_n they_o do_v also_o find_v that_o not_o only_o these_o petitioner_n do_v not_o look_v upon_o this_o commission_n as_o a_o judicatory_a of_o this_o church_n but_o also_o do_v mistake_v their_o work_n by_o ascribe_v to_o they_o a_o power_n to_o establish_v the_o judicatories_n of_o this_o church_n which_o be_v not_o commit_v to_o they_o by_o the_o general_n assembly_n and_o though_o the_o commission_n be_v satisfy_v to_o hear_v of_o their_o zeal_n against_o popery_n and_o firmness_n in_o the_o protestant_a religion_n duty_n and_o fidelity_n to_o their_o majesty_n yet_o they_o find_v that_o see_v the_o petitioner_n have_v not_o offer_v to_o own_o and_o subscribe_v the_o confession_n of_o faith_n which_o by_o law_n be_v make_v the_o standard_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o this_o
church_n they_o give_v no_o security_n against_o error_n nor_o do_v they_o offer_v to_o submit_v and_o concur_v with_o the_o present_a establish_a government_n of_o this_o church_n according_a to_o the_o instruction_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n much_o less_o to_o acknowledge_v it_o as_o be_v require_v by_o his_o majesty_n gracious_a letter_n and_o whereas_o in_o the_o petition_n the_o petitioner_n seem_v to_o desire_v a_o allowance_n for_o set_v up_o a_o government_n separate_v from_o and_o independent_a upon_o that_o which_o be_v establish_v by_o law_n and_o have_v refuse_v when_o desire_v by_o the_o commission_n to_o explain_v either_o for_o their_o brethren_n or_o for_o themselves_o this_o or_o any_o other_o expression_n that_o seem_v dark_a and_o doubtful_a to_o the_o commission_n declare_v also_o express_o that_o they_o have_v no_o further_o to_o say_v than_o what_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o petition_n and_o that_o they_o can_v do_v nothing_o separately_z by_o themselves_o without_o their_o constituent_n therefore_o on_o these_o ground_n the_o commission_n can_v grant_v this_o petition_n as_o it_o stand_v in_o terminis_fw-la however_o willing_a they_o be_v to_o receive_v such_o of_o they_o as_o personal_o shall_v be_v find_v due_o qualify_v according_a to_o the_o instruction_n of_o the_o assembly_n and_o his_o majesty_n gracious_a letter_n mr._n wood_n and_o mr._n denune_n have_v get_v this_o last_o answer_n they_o make_v a_o protestation_n against_o the_o commission_n for_o refuse_v they_o the_o favour_n which_o the_o king_n letter_n require_v of_o they_o some_o blame_v both_o the_o minister_n and_o the_o commission_n and_o think_v that_o neither_o of_o they_o act_v so_o candid_o as_o do_v become_v they_o for_o while_o both_o pretend_v a_o willingness_n to_o unite_v each_o of_o they_o keep_v at_o a_o distance_n and_o study_v what_o may_v hinder_v rather_o than_o what_o may_v far_o the_o union_n it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o minister_n do_v needless_o offend_v the_o commission_n by_o the_o title_n of_o their_o address_n for_o see_v they_o make_v no_o scruple_n of_o address_v to_o the_o commission_n they_o may_v have_v make_v as_o little_a of_o give_v they_o their_o due_a title_n and_o it_o be_v either_o mere_a nicety_n to_o refuse_v it_o or_o it_o be_v do_v with_o a_o design_n to_o pique_n they_o that_o they_o may_v not_o accept_v of_o the_o address_n again_o it_o be_v say_v that_o they_o be_v very_o unreasonable_a in_o refuse_v to_o explain_v the_o ambiguous_a term_n of_o the_o address_n and_o that_o they_o give_v the_o commission_n a_o good_a pretext_n for_o deny_v their_o request_n when_o they_o will_v not_o tell_v what_o be_v the_o nature_n and_o import_n of_o it_o for_o the_o commission_n can_v not_o be_v oblige_v to_o grant_v what_o they_o do_v not_o understand_v on_o the_o other_o hand_n the_o answer_n of_o the_o commission_n be_v find_v fault_n with_o very_o much_o and_o it_o be_v say_v that_o by_o it_o they_o clear_o show_v that_o they_o be_v no_o wise_a willing_a to_o receive_v episcopal_a minister_n whatsoever_o they_o have_v profess_v or_o write_v to_o the_o king_n the_o very_a addressing_z to_o they_o be_v think_v such_o a_o condescendence_n in_o episcopal_a minister_n as_o to_o deserve_v a_o better_a and_o more_o kindly_a reception_n than_o that_o which_o it_o meet_v with_o and_o the_o commission_n be_v censure_v not_o only_o as_o very_o indiscreet_a but_o as_o most_o unjust_a for_o give_v they_o these_o odious_a epithet_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o their_o answer_n for_o there_o be_v but_o one_o or_o two_o who_o they_o have_v any_o shadow_n or_o p●e●ence_n to_o name_n so_o and_o even_o these_o two_o offer_v to_o vindicate_v themselves_o if_o they_o be_v allow_v a_o fair_a hear_v the_o great_a part_n of_o those_o who_o subscribe_v be_v neither_o under_o process_n nor_o censure_n nor_o have_v they_o be_v at_o any_o time_n libel_v so_o that_o the_o answer_n be_v unjust_a to_o they_o whatever_o it_o may_v be_v to_o the_o rest_n further_o it_o be_v very_o unjust_a to_o reject_v the_o address_n because_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n be_v not_o offer_v to_o be_v subscribe_v for_o though_o this_o be_v not_o express_v in_o terminis_fw-la yet_o it_o be_v clear_o enough_o imply_v and_o it_o be_v then_o only_a time_n to_o make_v that_o objection_n when_o the_o confession_n be_v put_v to_o they_o and_o refuse_v final_o though_o the_o minister_n keep_v to_o general_n and_o refuse_v to_o explain_v what_o they_o mean_v by_o act_v as_o presbyter_n yet_o that_o be_v think_v no_o just_a or_o sufficient_a reason_n for_o deny_v their_o request_n for_o if_o they_o can_v not_o grant_v it_o in_o the_o large_a extent_n it_o be_v in_o their_o power_n to_o set_v limitation_n to_o it_o they_o may_v have_v be_v sure_a that_o episcopal_a minister_n will_v not_o be_v receive_v at_o all_o if_o not_o under_o the_o notion_n and_o character_n of_o true_a and_o lawful_a presbyter_n without_o be_v oblige_v to_o receive_v new_a ordination_n and_o in_o this_o sense_n they_o ought_v to_o have_v interpret_v the_o petition_n unless_o the_o minister_n have_v in_o express_a term_n crave_v more_o and_o as_o they_o can_v not_o be_v blame_v for_o refuse_v to_o allow_v they_o to_o act_v independent_o so_o their_o not_o admit_v they_o as_o presbyter_n and_o not_o consent_v to_o their_o have_v the_o power_n and_o privilege_n of_o such_o which_o be_v all_o that_o seem_v to_o be_v require_v be_v a_o clear_a demonstration_n that_o either_o they_o do_v not_o own_v they_o to_o be_v presbyter_n or_o that_o they_o do_v not_o desire_v to_o join_v with_o they_o they_o have_v so_o few_o minister_n of_o their_o own_o party_n that_o it_o may_v be_v think_v they_o will_v have_v be_v glad_a to_o have_v receive_v any_o that_o be_v willing_a to_o come_v over_o to_o they_o but_o in_o truth_n they_o choose_v rather_o to_o want_v than_o to_o admit_v of_o any_o who_o have_v serve_v under_o episcopacy_n and_o think_v the_o one_o a_o less_o inconvenience_n than_o the_o other_o as_o appear_v from_o the_o treatment_n which_o some_o minister_n who_o be_v call_v anti-tester_n meet_v with_o five_o of_o these_o who_o refuse_v the_o test_n viz._n mr._n lundy_n mr._n craig_n mr._n paterson_n mr._n marchiston_n and_o mr._n carmichael_n make_v application_n to_o they_o both_o at_o their_o last_o s●ssion_n in_o april_n and_o this_o in_o july_n they_o think_v their_o case_n more_o favourable_a than_o that_o of_o other_o episcopal_a minister_n and_o it_o be_v say_v that_o they_o design_v to_o go_v a_o very_a great_a length_n i_o can_v tell_v positive_o what_o it_o be_v they_o will_v have_v do_v for_o they_o resolve_v to_o deliver_v their_o mind_n by_o word_n of_o mouth_n and_o not_o to_o give_v any_o thing_n under_o their_o hand_n but_o they_o will_v not_o so_o much_o as_o give_v they_o access_n they_o will_v neither_o hear_v they_o nor_o take_v their_o case_n into_o consideration_n thus_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o they_o be_v resolve_v not_o to_o admit_v any_o minister_n of_o the_o episcopal_a persuasion_n nor_o any_o who_o have_v heretofore_o serve_v under_o the_o episcopal_a government_n for_o though_o the_o king_n have_v require_v this_o in_o his_o letter_n yet_o by_o their_o instruction_n they_o be_v enjoin_v to_o receive_v none_o but_o such_o as_o they_o have_v ground_n to_o believe_v will_v be_v true_a and_o faithful_a to_o the_o government_n and_o it_o be_v conclude_v that_o none_o can_v be_v trust_v to_o who_o do_v not_o renounce_v their_o former_a sentiment_n abjure_v episcopacy_n and_o cry_v peccavi_fw-la for_o their_o compliance_n with_o it_o but_o it_o may_v be_v reasonable_a enough_o to_o trust_v to_o they_o who_o do_v this_o because_o such_o will_v be_v so_o much_o abhor_v by_o the_o episcopal_a party_n who_o they_o desert_v that_o they_o will_v then_o find_v it_o their_o interest_n to_o keep_v up_o presbytery_n this_o be_v express_o require_v of_o mr._n thomas_n wilkie_n minister_n of_o the_o tolbooth_n church_n for_o when_o he_o humble_o supplicate_v they_o to_o be_v receive_v make_v great_a promise_n of_o a_o entire_a submission_n to_o their_o government_n the_o moderator_n ask_v if_o he_o have_v no_o more_o to_o say_v and_o press_v he_o to_o declare_v himself_o more_o full_o to_o which_o mr._n wilkie_n reply_v that_o he_o think_v he_o have_v say_v enough_o and_o give_v a_o sufficient_a declaration_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o indeed_o perhaps_o he_o have_v say_v more_o upon_o the_o head_n than_o can_v be_v well_o justify_v yet_o nothing_o will_v satisfy_v they_o unless_o he_o will_v say_v that_o his_o compliance_n with_o episcopacy_n be_v a_o sin_n and_o because_o he_o make_v a_o scruple_n of_o that_o they_o obstruct_v his_o business_n as_o be_v relate_v before_o and_o refuse_v to_o receive_v he_o but_o upon_o these_o term_n they_o admit_v one_o mr._n
menzies_n mr._n hugh_n nisbet_n and_o mr._n arrot_n minister_n of_o ginglekirk_n who_o be_v the_o only_a person_n that_o have_v go_v entire_o over_o to_o the_o presbyterian_a party_n and_o the_o episcopal_a party_n have_v sustain_v no_o loss_n by_o their_o desertion_n for_o mr._n hugh_n nisbet_n have_v the_o character_n of_o be_v ignorant_a insufficient_a and_o scandalous_a mr._n arrot_n beside_o that_o he_o be_v ignorant_a he_o be_v so_o sordid_o covetous_a that_o he_o be_v not_o ashamed_a of_o any_o base_a thing_n if_o it_o will_v bring_v in_o filthy_a lucre_n to_o save_v himself_o from_o the_o rabble_n he_o at_o the_o very_a beginning_n go_v to_o the_o pulpit_n with_o invective_n against_o the_o episcopal_a government_n and_o be_v not_o short_a of_o the_o wild_a cameronian_n in_o raillery_n and_o vile_a expression_n and_o that_o he_o may_v oblige_v the_o presbyterian_o to_o let_v he_o keep_v his_o possession_n he_o offer_v to_o put_v on_o sackcloth_n and_o to_o do_v penance_n in_o as_o may_v church_n as_o they_o please_v and_o as_o for_o mr._n menzies_n he_o be_v first_o a_o hill-preacher_n next_o he_o submit_v to_o episcopacy_n and_o receive_v a_o church_n under_o that_o government_n which_o afterward_o he_o desert_v and_o run_v again_o to_o the_o hill_n and_o be_v in_o the_o rebellion_n at_o bothwell-bridge_n which_o render_v he_o obnoxious_a to_o the_o law_n and_o that_o he_o may_v escape_v the_o due_a punishment_n of_o his_o crime_n he_o surrender_v himself_o to_o the_o mercy_n of_o the_o government_n and_o take_v and_o swear_v the_o oath_n of_o the_o test._n by_o these_o instance_n it_o do_v appear_v what_o qualification_n be_v requisite_a to_o recommend_v one_o to_o the_o favour_n of_o the_o commission_n and_o as_o we_o have_v see_v one_o part_n of_o the_o king_n letter_n disobey_v so_o neither_o be_v the_o other_o regard_v which_o require_v the_o redress_v the_o grievance_n which_o the_o episcopal_a minister_n complain_v of_o no_o censure_n be_v abate_v no_o process_n revise_v nor_o do_v they_o recall_v the_o sentence_n of_o suspension_n and_o deposition_n pronounce_v by_o particular_a presbytery_n and_o synod_n against_o minister_n who_o all_o the_o world_n know_v to_o be_v innocent_a but_o whether_o the_o censure_n be_v inflict_v just_o or_o unjust_o they_o continue_v they_o and_o to_o make_v it_o evident_a that_o some_o episcopal_a minister_n have_v reason_n to_o complain_v of_o partiality_n and_o injustice_n i_o shall_v instead_o of_o many_o instance_n which_o will_v make_v i_o tedious_a narrate_v full_o the_o case_n of_o mr._n simon_n cuper_n minister_n at_o dumfermlin_n and_o mr._n george_n johnson_n minister_n of_o brunt-island_n but_o first_o i_o will_v divert_v the_o reader_n with_o a_o account_n of_o something_o which_o happen_v in_o fife_n while_o this_o commission_n be_v sit_v the_o noise_n of_o the_o king_n be_v two_o letter_n spread_v abroad_o and_o the_o intimation_n of_o his_o favourable_a inclination_n towards_o episcopal_a minister_n who_o will_v own_o his_o government_n both_o alarm_v and_o awaken_v the_o presbyterian_a party_n and_o put_v they_o upon_o divers_a invention_n how_o to_o prevent_v what_o they_o so_o little_o desire_v and_o what_o they_o think_v will_v prove_v prejudicial_a to_o they_o at_o the_o last_o this_o be_v think_v the_o best_a expedient_a which_o may_v keep_v the_o episcopal_a clergy_n from_o own_v and_o submit_v to_o the_o civil_a government_n because_o it_o be_v upon_o the_o hope_n and_o promise_v of_o this_o that_o so_o much_o favour_n be_v procure_v to_o they_o and_o to_o effectuate_v this_o it_o be_v resolve_v to_o make_v use_n of_o their_o common_a stratagem_n that_o be_v to_o let_v the_o rabble_n loose_v upon_o such_o minister_n as_o they_o will_v be_v rid_v of_o and_o to_o fright_v they_o from_o a_o compliance_n indeed_o they_o have_v not_o prosecute_v this_o design_n but_o the_o attempt_n upon_o the_o minister_n of_o kemback_n in_o fife_n be_v a_o sufficient_a proof_n of_o it_o a_o account_n of_o which_o i_o have_v from_o one_o who_o be_v present_a who_o upon_o a_o mistake_n be_v near_o to_o have_v suffer_v for_o the_o other_o and_o it_o be_v as_o follow_v on_o july_n the_o 22_o 1691._o about_o twelve_o a_o clock_n at_o night_n there_o come_v two_o man_n and_o knock_v at_o the_o gate_n of_o the_o minister_n of_o kembock_n house_n desire_v a_o servant_n to_o direct_v two_o strangeer_n gentleman_n who_o have_v lose_v the_o road_n through_o the_o darkness_n of_o the_o night_n a_o short_a while_n after_o they_o come_v up_o to_o the_o chamber_n window_n and_o ask_v the_o same_o favour_n in_o the_o name_n of_o one_o andrew_n clepan_n a_o near_a relation_n of_o the_o laird_n of_o kembock_n and_o who_o belong_v to_o major_a balfour_n troop_n which_o be_v lie_v at_o st._n andrew_n some_o four_z mile_n distant_a the_o minister_n himself_o be_v not_o at_o home_n for_o he_o have_v go_v the_o day_n before_o to_o angus_n to_o visit_v his_o father_n who_o be_v sick_a and_o there_o be_v only_o a_o deprive_a minister_n lodging_n at_o his_o house_n at_o the_o time_n this_o stranger_n make_v they_o no_o answer_n at_o first_o apprehend_v they_o be_v rogue_n who_o be_v come_v to_o rob_v the_o house_n when_o therefore_o their_o lie_n and_o fair_a language_n prove_v ineffectual_a they_o begin_v more_o plain_o to_o discover_v themselves_o call_v at_o the_o window_n to_o open_v in_o the_o king_n and_o council_n name_n threaten_v if_o it_o be_v not_o do_v to_o pistol_n the_o minister_n and_o fire_n the_o house_n about_o he_o then_o the_o stranger_n answer_v from_o within_o your_o design_n can_v be_v just_a see_v you_o have_v twice_o make_v use_n of_o lie_n the_o minister_n of_o kembock_n who_o you_o pretend_v to_o seek_v be_v not_o at_o home_n i_o be_o unknown_a to_o you_o and_o you_o do_v not_o pretend_v to_o search_v for_o i_o and_o therefore_o i_o entreat_v you_o to_o be_v go_v upon_o this_o answer_n they_o beat_v up_o the_o window_n fire_v pistol_n into_o the_o chamber_n and_o thrust_n in_o their_o sword_n which_o make_v the_o stranger_n leave_v his_o bed_n and_o run_v naked_a out_o of_o the_o chamber_n for_o his_o clothes_n be_v so_o near_o the_o window_n that_o he_o dare_v not_o go_v to_o fetch_v they_o find_v the_o low_a window_n well_o bar_v with_o iron_n they_o scale_v the_o house_n and_o attempt_v to_o get_v in_o at_o the_o upper_a window_n but_o be_v disappoint_v there_o too_o they_o next_o batter_v the_o door_n of_o the_o house_n with_o great_a stone_n and_o at_o last_o by_o frequent_a push_v with_o a_o long_a tree_n or_o pole_n which_o they_o find_v in_o the_o closs_n loose_v the_o band_n break_v the_o lock_n and_o force_v open_v the_o door_n but_o nevertheless_o they_o dare_v not_o venture_v forward_o at_o first_o fear_v that_o he_o who_o be_v within_o have_v lay_v some_o snare_n for_o they_o or_o that_o he_o be_v in_o readiness_n to_o kill_v the_o first_o who_o advance_v this_o make_v they_o with_o great_a oath_n and_o strong_a asseveration_n promise_v safety_n to_o his_o person_n which_o somewhat_o encourage_v he_o but_o as_o soon_o as_o they_o find_v he_o they_o drag_v he_o in_o his_o shirt_n to_o the_o gate_n abuse_v he_o with_o most_o opprobrious_a language_n as_o hellhound_n s●ul-murdering_a dog_n etc._n etc._n he_o assure_v they_o he_o be_v not_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o place_n who_o they_o pretend_v to_o seek_v but_o acknowledge_v that_o he_o be_v a_o minister_n deprive_v by_o the_o council_n and_o they_o still_o suppose_v otherwise_o twelve_o of_o they_o in_o country_n clothes_n with_o draw_v sword_n and_o cock_v pistol_n make_v he_o twice_o kneel_v swear_v that_o they_o will_v allow_v he_o but_o one_o minute_n for_o prayer_n and_o that_o all_o of_o they_o be_v resolve_v to_o have_v the_o honour_n of_o take_v his_o heart_n blood_n but_o while_o he_o be_v in_o this_o sad_a case_n expect_v the_o worst_a a_o boy_n who_o they_o call_v guide_n when_o he_o perceive_v they_o be_v in_o earnest_n cry_v out_o vehement_o and_o bitter_o that_o man_n be_v not_o the_o minister_n of_o this_o place_n for_o say_v he_o i_o know_v the_o minister_n very_o well_o ten_o of_o they_o upon_o this_o go_v aside_o to_o consult_v the_o matter_n and_o return_v with_o a_o resolution_n to_o let_v he_o go_v if_o he_o will_v swear_v never_o to_o preach_v again_o he_o ask_v if_o ever_o any_o of_o they_o have_v oath_n force_v upon_o they_o two_o of_o they_o answer_v yes_o he_o ask_v in_o the_o next_o place_n if_o they_o do_v keep_v they_o and_o they_o say_v that_o they_o think_v they_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o do_v it_o then_o he_o reply_v why_o will_v you_o impose_v a_o oath_n upon_o i_o which_o yourselves_o acknowledge_v one_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o keep_v after_o some_o commune_n they_o agree_v to_o accept_v of_o his_o oath_n never_o
complain_v of_o this_o burden_n and_o application_n be_v make_v to_o some_o then_o in_o power_n that_o they_o may_v be_v free_v of_o that_o trouble_n it_o be_v answer_v that_o the_o ordinary_a course_n of_o such_o jud●catories_n require_v it_o but_o that_o two_o or_o three_o may_v go_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o rest_n which_o be_v represent_v to_o the_o elder_n three_o be_v condescend_v on_o viz._n john_n cupar_n thomas_n steinson_n and_o john_n main_a the_o rest_n each_o one_o contribute_v eight_o shilling_n scot_n to_o defray_v their_o expense_n to_o the_o second_o the_o parioch_n of_o dumfermlin_n extend_v on_o every_o side_n two_o mile_n from_o the_o town_n in_o some_o corner_n three_o it_o consist_v of_o above_o two_o thousand_o seven_o hundred_o examinable_a person_n every_o family_n in_o the_o town_n be_v visit_v ordinary_o once_o a_o year_n and_o twice_o examine_v the_o landward_o be_v divide_v into_o upward_o of_o twenty_o district_n these_o be_v visit_v twice_o a_o year_n and_o all_o person_n capable_a be_v convene_v to_o be_v examine_v on_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n the_o duty_n of_o holiness_n and_o relative_a duty_n be_v particular_o recommend_v beside_o on_o all_o accidental_a occasion_n of_o baptism_n marriage_n difference_n in_o family_n or_o between_o neighbour_n etc._n etc._n they_o be_v particular_o treat_v with_o in_o private_a the_o sick_a upon_o notice_n give_v be_v careful_o attend_v and_o the_o scripture_n explain_v sometime_o in_o large_a sometime_o in_o lesser_a portion_n to_o the_o three_o and_o four_o all_o due_a endeavour_n be_v use_v to_o debar_v scandalous_a and_o notarly_a vicious_a person_n from_o the_o lord_n supper_n the_o elder_n be_v man_n of_o as_o unquestionable_a integrity_n as_o any_o of_o their_o quality_n in_o the_o parioch_n at_o lest_o nothing_o to_o the_o contrary_a of_o either_o communicant_n or_o elder_n be_v ever_o private_o or_o public_o signify_v to_o he_o discipline_n have_v be_v careful_o and_o impartial_o exercise_v to_o the_o six_o his_o entrance_n to_o the_o charge_n be_v by_o presentation_n of_o the_o heretor_n and_o magistrate_n the_o then_o undoubted_a patron_n his_o admission_n be_v legal_a and_o approve_a by_o the_o favourable_a reception_n of_o the_o parioch_n his_o ministry_n countenance_v by_o all_o a_o few_o except_v be_v ordinary_a attender_n on_o the_o public_a worship_n and_o partaker_n of_o other_o ordinance_n of_o religion_n under_o his_o ministry_n indictment_n and_o libel_n against_o mr._n james_n graham_n incumbent_a at_o dumfermlin_n give_v in_o against_o he_o to_o the_o presbytery_n of_o dumfermlin_n the_o twenty_o of_o august_n 1690._o that_o whereas_o by_o several_a act_n of_o the_o general_a assembly_n of_o this_o church_n and_o consonant_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o in_o particular_a by_o act_n of_o the_o late_a general_a meeting_n ratify_v by_o a_o act_n of_o this_o present_a current_a parliament_n all_o scandalous_a erroneous_a persecute_v and_o supine_o negligent_a minister_n be_v to_o be_v cognosce_v upon_o and_o censure_v according_a to_o their_o demerit_n by_o the_o respective_a presbytery_n in_o which_o they_o live_v and_o it_o be_v of_o verity_n that_o the_o say_v mr._n james_n graham_n be_v guilty_a of_o the_o scandal_n enormity_n and_o transgression_n follow_v viz._n as_o first_o that_o he_o have_v enter_v and_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o charge_n of_o the_o parioch_n of_o dumfermlin_n by_o presentation_n of_o the_o patron_n collation_n and_o institution_n of_o the_o prelate_n and_o that_o against_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o godly_a and_o serious_a person_n within_o the_o say_v parioch_n and_o that_o the_o say_v mr._n graham_n have_v in_o all_o thing_n join_v and_o comply_v with_o and_o assist_v prelacy_n contrary_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n establish_a law_n of_o this_o church_n and_o the_o land_n be_v solemn_a engagement_n thereto_o and_o his_o take_n of_o declaration_n and_o canonical_a oath_n have_v testify_v his_o incorrigibleness_n second_o that_o he_o have_v be_v supine_o negligent_a contrary_a to_o 1_o tim._n 3._o 2._o as_o 1._o that_o he_o do_v not_o visit_v family_n ministerial_o nor_o 2._o have_v not_o private_o and_o personal_o stir_v up_o the_o people_n to_o the_o duty_n of_o holiness_n 3._o in_o neglect_v to_o visit_v the_o sick_n 4._o that_o he_o omit_v to_o lecture_n or_o to_o explain_v the_o scripture_n according_a to_o the_o order_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n for_o that_o effect_n 5._o that_o he_o catechise_n not_o according_a to_o the_o large_a and_o short_a catechism_n 6._o that_o he_o take_v no_o notice_n of_o quaker_n in_o his_o parioch_n who_o exercise_n all_o the_o duty_n of_o their_o religion_n without_o control_n three_o that_o he_o have_v horrible_o profane_v the_o ordinance_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n by_o his_o admit_v of_o unclean_a person_n to_o that_o holy_a ordinance_n 2._o that_o he_o have_v admit_v and_o keep_v on_o his_o session_n very_o scandalous_a elder_n some_o of_o which_o be_v tipler_n other_o swearer_n and_o the_o most_o part_n ignorant_a and_o neglecter_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n in_o their_o family_n prophaner_n of_o the_o sabbath_n four_o that_o he_o take_v no_o notice_n of_o person_n public_o profane_v the_o sabbath-day_n in_o the_o town_n and_o about_o it_o by_o dight_v of_o their_o beer_n to_o the_o pot_n bring_v in_o of_o water_n and_o kail_v and_o their_o walk_n drink_v and_o cabal_n child_n play_v and_o his_o own_o among_o the_o rest_n and_o that_o in_o a_o constant_a course_n which_o be_v not_o unknown_a to_o he_o at_o least_o shall_v not_o be_v be_v so_o public_o act_v five_o that_o he_o have_v not_o bring_v several_a scandalous_a person_n such_o as_o adulterer_n fornicator_n and_o other_o nor_o so_o much_o as_o endeavour_v to_o bring_v they_o to_o repentance_n nor_o to_o undergo_v just_a censure_n in_o order_n thereunto_o for_o proof_n of_o which_o the_o session-book_n be_v require_v for_o all_o which_o and_o sundry_a other_o not_o express_v he_o be_v just_o censurable_a and_o therefore_o it_o be_v humble_o crave_v that_o the_o brethren_n of_o the_o presbytery_n of_o dumfermlin_n will_v take_v cognisance_n of_o the_o same_o and_o be_v find_v guilty_a thereof_o that_o the_o presbytery_n may_v inflict_v such_o censure_n as_o in_o their_o godly_a wisdom_n they_o shall_v think_v meet_a and_o that_o he_o may_v be_v examine_v upon_o his_o doctrine_n and_o sufficiency_n be_v desire_v by_o andrew_n rolland_n of_o gask_n and_o william_n smith_n in_o dumfermlin_n in_o name_n of_o several_a presbyterian_o in_o dumfermlin_n the_o life_n and_o conversation_n of_o these_o two_o minister_n be_v so_o innocent_a and_o exemplary_a that_o there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o pretext_n of_o charge_v any_o immorality_n upon_o they_o nor_o any_o crime_n but_o what_o be_v forge_v by_o ignorance_n and_o malice_n wherefore_o their_o libel_n be_v adduce_v as_o a_o special_a and_o particular_a proof_n to_o show_v how_o unjust_a and_o ridiculous_a the_o presbyterian_a clergy_n be_v towards_o such_o as_o be_v of_o another_o persuasion_n especial_o when_o it_o be_v require_v to_o try_v mr._n graham_n in_o his_o doctrine_n and_o sufficiency_n a_o person_n who_o all_o know_v to_o be_v a_o able_a divine_a and_o a_o eminent_a scholar_n it_o happen_v that_o some_o carry_v these_o libel_n to_o london_n where_o the_o matter_n be_v represent_v to_o a_o certain_a person_n of_o quality_n a_o great_a friend_n and_o prop_n to_o the_o presbyterian_a party_n and_o interest_n and_o he_o be_v so_o set_v upon_o for_o this_o that_o he_o think_v himself_o oblige_v to_o write_v to_o the_o lead_a man_n of_o his_o party_n in_o scotland_n to_o meddle_v no_o more_o with_o the_o minister_n of_o dumfermlin_n because_o it_o be_v make_v a_o great_a objection_n against_o they_o this_o be_v the_o cause_n why_o the_o process_n against_o mr._n graham_n be_v let_v fall_n but_o though_o there_o be_v the_o same_o reason_n to_o right_a mr._n cupar_n yet_o because_o the_o sentence_n be_v already_o past_a against_o he_o they_o will_v not_o recall_n it_o as_o if_o all_o their_o act_n be_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o law_n of_o mede_n and_o persians'_n the_o general_a assembly_n refer_v they_o to_o the_o commission_n and_o from_o one_o session_n of_o the_o commission_n he_o be_v put_v off_o to_o another_o with_o this_o excuse_v only_o that_o they_o have_v no_o leisure_n for_o other_o business_n to_o consider_v his_o case_n at_o last_o mr._n cupar_n be_v weary_v with_o so_o long_a and_o so_o frequent_a attendance_n and_o find_v his_o parioch_n grudge_v the_o want_n of_o his_o ministry_n at_o their_o importunity_n he_o have_v return_v to_o the_o exercise_n of_o his_o ministry_n the_o presbyterian_o not_o be_v able_a to_o oppose_v or_o hinder_v it_o unless_o by_o the_o french_a method_n of_o dragoon_v the_o parioch_n mr._n george_n johnston_n his_o case_n represent_v information_n