that_o they_o themselves_o though_o present_a do_v not_o offer_v to_o contradict_v it_o when_o this_o rigorous_a proceed_v of_o the_o bishop_n against_o they_o be_v in_o ordinary_a discourse_n complain_v of_o he_o defend_v himself_o by_o a_o old_a scotch_a proverb_n which_o be_v that_o a_o fidge_n mare_n shall_v be_v well_o gird_v and_o it_o have_v be_v tell_v i_o the_o subscription_n both_o of_o mr._n menzies_n and_o mr._n meldrum_n be_v still_o extant_a however_o mr._n meldrum_n pay_v true_a canonical_a obedience_n as_o much_o as_o any_o other_o minister_n to_o the_o bishop_n of_o aberdeen_n and_o live_v in_o particular_a friendship_n with_o bishop_n scowgal_n who_o succeed_v in_o that_o see_v he_o frequent_v the_o presbytery_n and_o synod_n submit_v to_o their_o act_n and_o assist_v several_a time_n when_o the_o bishop_n ordain_v and_o so_o far_o desert_v the_o principle_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o our_o scottish_a presbiteryans_n that_o he_o swear_v and_o subscribe_v the_o declaration_n when_o he_o be_v admit_v rector_n of_o the_o marishal_n college_n of_o aberdeen_n it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o he_o carry_v himself_o well_o and_o gain_v the_o good_a opinion_n of_o all_o while_o he_o keep_v his_o place_n and_o even_o after_o he_o have_v leave_v it_o for_o not_o take_v the_o test_n he_o do_v not_o desert_n the_o church_n nor_o renounce_v communion_n with_o the_o episcopal_a party_n until_o the_o time_n that_o king_n james_n discharge_v the_o take_n of_o oath_n and_o suspend_v the_o law_n which_o enact_v they_o and_o then_o because_o he_o be_v not_o permit_v to_o return_v to_o the_o exercise_n of_o his_o ministry_n at_o aberdeen_n though_o he_o be_v allow_v to_o go_v any_o where_o else_o he_o become_v so_o picque_v and_o offend_v at_o the_o bishop_n who_o he_o apprehend_v be_v the_o cause_n thereof_o that_o he_o present_o strike_v in_o with_o the_o presbyterian_o and_o either_o to_o make_v his_o change_n appear_v the_o more_o sincere_a or_o because_o he_o have_v real_o alter_v his_o judgement_n and_o the_o principle_n he_o former_o profess_v he_o have_v break_v of_o all_o correspondence_n with_o the_o episcopal_a party_n though_o some_o of_o they_o be_v his_o most_o intimate_a acquaintance_n and_o as_o occasion_n offer_v vent_v himself_o as_o bitter_o and_o severe_o against_o they_o as_o any_o presbyterian_a whatsoever_o and_o when_o he_o be_v last_o at_o aberdeen_n though_o he_o be_v kind_o and_o civil_o invite_v by_o his_o old_a colleague_n to_o take_v their_o pulpit_n yet_o he_o will_v never_o preach_v for_o they_o nor_o so_o much_o as_o hear_v they_o but_o choose_v rather_o to_o go_v preach_v in_o the_o meetinghouse_n where_o he_o exhort_v the_o people_n to_o thankfulness_n for_o the_o deliverance_n of_o the_o land_n from_o prelacy_n and_o to_o be_v earnest_a in_o their_o prayer_n that_o it_o may_v never_o return_v again_o in_o he_o we_o have_v a_o apparent_a instance_n how_o great_a a_o temptation_n even_o to_o a_o judicious_a man_n picque_n and_o interest_n and_o popularity_n do_v oftentimes_o prove_v at_o first_o he_o pretend_v that_o he_o will_v only_o attempt_v to_o reclaim_v the_o delude_a people_n of_o the_o west_n from_o their_o error_n and_o extravagancy_n who_o he_o say_v have_v be_v lose_v for_o want_n of_o good_a and_o know_a minister_n among_o they_o but_o it_o be_v plain_o foretell_v by_o a_o person_n of_o quality_n and_o great_a worth_n that_o it_o will_v appear_v he_o can_v not_o work_v upon_o they_o but_o that_o they_o will_v ensnare_v he_o and_o bring_v he_o over_o to_o all_o their_o foolery_n the_o four_o and_o last_o person_n be_v one_o mr._n hugh_n kennedy_n who_o be_v usual_o call_v father_n kennedy_n by_o the_o fanatic_n here_o and_o by_o other_o bitter_a beard_n he_o be_v of_o a_o little_a stature_n but_o such_o a_o one_o as_o have_v make_v a_o great_a bustle_n in_o his_o time_n he_o be_v a_o ringleader_n of_o the_o remonstrator-party_n and_o with_o the_o scottish_a army_n at_o newcastle_n when_o they_o deliver_v up_o king_n charles_n i._n and_o receive_v a_o part_n of_o the_o price_n of_o his_o blood_n as_o be_v common_o report_v six_o thousand_o mark_n in_o the_o year_n 1660_o he_o be_v depose_v by_o a_o synod_n of_o presbyterian_o for_o several_a crime_n especial_o for_o be_v a_o firebrand_n among_o his_o brethren_n and_o for_o a_o book_n entitle_v the_o cause_n of_o god_n wrath_n upon_o scotland_n which_o sentence_n of_o deposition_n be_v never_o take_v off_o till_o the_o last_o day_n but_o one_o of_o this_o assembly_n as_o you_o shall_v hear_v afterward_o these_o be_v the_o four_o person_n nominate_v to_o preside_v in_o the_o assembly_n when_o it_o come_v to_o the_o vote_n mr._n gilbert_n rule_n have_v four_o or_o five_o mr._n geo._n meldrum_n one_o mr._n george_n campbel_n forty_o eight_o but_o the_o most_o be_v in_o favour_n of_o mr._n hugh_n kennedy_n and_o so_o the_o chair_n be_v assign_v to_o he_o who_o come_v short_a of_o the_o rest_n in_o learning_n yet_o surpass_v they_o in_o subtlety_n and_o malice_n have_v choose_v a_o moderator_n the_o next_o thing_n requisite_a be_v a_o clerk_n they_o appoint_v mr._n john_n spalding_n who_o have_v be_v clerk_n to_o the_o general_n meeting_n to_o officiate_v in_o the_o interim_n till_o they_o shall_v choose_v one_o but_o he_o continue_v all_o the_o time_n of_o the_o assembly_n for_o there_o be_v so_o many_o competitor_n for_o the_o clerkship_n and_o each_o of_o they_o have_v such_o interest_n by_o their_o friend_n in_o the_o assembly_n that_o they_o dare_v never_o put_v it_o to_o the_o hazard_n of_o a_o vote_n for_o fear_v of_o divide_v the_o assembly_n the_o competitor_n be_v as_o we_o hear_v mersington_n corsrigge_n two_o lord_n of_o the_o session_n park_n hay_o the_o famous_a james_n stewart_n and_o one_o kerr_n in_o this_o assembly_n there_o be_v a_o hundred_o and_o eighty_o person_n clergy_n and_o laity_n there_o be_v no_o commissioner_n from_o the_o shire_n of_o angus_n merns_n aberdeen_n or_o any_o of_o the_o more_o northern_a part_n of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o even_o several_a place_n on_o the_o north_n side_n of_o tay_n have_v none_o only_o here_o and_o there_o in_o a_o corner_n where_o the_o presbyterian_o have_v seat_v themselves_o and_o assume_v the_o name_n of_o a_o presbytery_n there_o be_v one_o or_o two_o choose_a and_o commissionated_a to_o represent_v they_o in_o the_o assembly_n none_o of_o the_o university_n or_o college_n have_v any_o representative_n there_o save_v that_o of_o edinburgh_n who_o mr._n gilbert_n rule_v represent_v so_o that_o this_o be_v no_o more_o a_o general_n assembly_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n than_o that_o of_o trent_n can_v be_v call_v a_o general_n council_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n nor_o do_v any_o other_o spirit_n rule_v in_o the_o one_o than_o what_o prevail_v in_o the_o other_o i_o mean_v a_o spirit_n of_o faction_n interest_n and_o prejudice_n as_o will_v appear_v by_o the_o consideration_n of_o their_o proceed_n though_o there_o be_v prayer_n enough_o put_v up_o for_o another_o spirit_n if_o they_o have_v be_v dispose_v for_o it_o the_o presbyterian_o of_o scotland_n have_v always_o contest_v with_o king_n about_o the_o power_n of_o call_v adjourn_v and_o dissolve_v assembly_n they_o pretend_v to_o a_o intrinsic_a power_n in_o themselves_o in_o this_o matter_n to_o which_o as_o mr._n rule_n say_v in_o his_o representation_n etc._n etc._n that_o of_o the_o magistrate_n be_v cumulative_a and_o not_o privative_a the_o adjust_n of_o this_o matter_n therefore_o be_v the_o first_o difficulty_n bring_v before_o the_o moderator_n and_o no_o small_a trial_n of_o his_o skill_n for_o as_o in_o the_o one_o hand_n they_o have_v all_o the_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n to_o compliment_n and_o gratify_v the_o king_n so_o on_o the_o other_o it_o be_v well_o know_v the_o presbyterian_o be_v very_o tenacious_a of_o their_o pretend_a right_n and_o very_o jealous_a of_o encroachment_n upon_o they_o which_o make_v they_o cautious_a of_o give_v precedent_n now_o this_o difficulty_n he_o resolve_v thus_o he_o suffer_v the_o commissioner_n to_o appoint_v the_o time_n of_o their_o meeting_n and_o without_o take_v notice_n of_o what_o the_o commissioner_n have_v do_v he_o himself_o adjourn_v they_o to_o the_o same_o time_n sometime_o also_o to_o compliment_v the_o commissioner_n be_v will_v so_o cunning_o smooth_v the_o business_n as_o when_o he_o have_v resolve_v upon_o the_o time_n of_o their_o meeting_n he_o will_v first_o ask_v the_o commissioner_n if_o his_o grace_n can_v attend_v they_o at_o such_o a_o time_n and_o then_o adjourn_v to_o the_o say_a time_n so_o they_o always_o agree_v about_o the_o time_n of_o their_o meeting_n and_o by_o this_o mean_v the_o debate_n betwixt_o they_o and_o the_o king_n be_v wave_v and_o never_o decide_v there_o happen_v a_o pleasant_a passage_n to_o this_o purpose_n which_o
a_o historical_a relation_n of_o the_o late_a general_n assembly_n hold_v at_o edinburgh_n from_o octob._n 16._o to_o nou._n 13._o in_o the_o year_n 1690._o in_o a_o letter_n from_o a_o person_n in_o edinburgh_n to_o his_o friend_n in_o london_n license_v april_n the_o 20_o 1691._o london_n print_v for_o j._n hindmarsh_n at_o the_o golden-ball_n in_o cornhill_n near_o the_o royal-exchange_n mdcxci_o a_o letter_n from_o edinburgh_n to_o one_o in_o london_n etc._n etc._n sir_n i_o receive_v you_o and_o do_v not_o think_v it_o strange_a that_o those_o of_o england_n be_v so_o desirous_a to_o know_v the_o act_n and_o proceed_n of_o our_o general_n assembly_n in_o scotland_n for_o not_o only_a curiosity_n but_o interest_n may_v prompt_v they_o thereto_o i_o will_v ready_o serve_v you_o in_o this_o matter_n and_o intend_v though_o you_o have_v not_o require_v it_o to_o have_v give_v you_o a_o account_n of_o it_o that_o you_o may_v have_v occasion_n of_o gratify_v your_o worthy_a friend_n and_o acquaintance_n it_o be_v true_a i_o be_v not_o eye-witness_n of_o what_o past_a for_o you_o know_v my_o circumstance_n will_v not_o allow_v that_o and_o the_o brethren_n as_o they_o call_v themselves_o endeavour_v to_o keep_v out_o all_o that_o be_v not_o of_o their_o own_o party_n or_o who_o may_v tell_v tale_n forbid_v the_o keeper_n of_o the_o door_n to_o admit_v any_o without_o a_o leaden_a ticket_n in_o the_o shape_n of_o a_o heart_n which_o be_v the_o pass_n give_v they_o which_o be_v not_o so_o easy_o obtain_v except_o for_o their_o particular_a friend_n and_o if_o any_o of_o the_o episcopal_a party_n be_v discover_v there_o be_v a_o cry_n present_o conformist_n be_v here_o and_o the_o officer_n be_v send_v to_o thrust_v they_o out_o however_o notwithstanding_o of_o this_o strictness_n there_o be_v always_o two_o or_o three_o discreet_a and_o intelligent_a person_n of_o my_o acquaintance_n present_a at_o every_o session_n from_o who_o i_o have_v what_o i_o write_v to_o you_o and_o i_o assure_v you_o that_o you_o may_v trust_v the_o ingenuity_n and_o faithfulness_n of_o the_o relation_n but_o before_o i_o come_v to_o the_o assembly_n itself_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n previous_a to_o it_o which_o you_o ought_v to_o be_v inform_v of_o a_o general_n assembly_n in_o scotland_n you_o know_v be_v much_o of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o the_o convocation_n in_o england_n or_o a_o national_a council_n and_o of_o no_o less_o authority_n here_o nay_o our_o presbyterian_o exalt_v the_o authority_n of_o their_o assembly_n above_o that_o of_o king_n or_o parliament_n and_o there_o be_v some_o stand_a act_n of_o their_o assembly_n against_o act_n of_o parliament_n and_o which_o discharge_n obedience_n to_o they_o whereupon_o our_o presbyterian_o be_v not_o content_a with_o what_o the_o parliament_n have_v do_v for_o they_o nor_o think_v their_o authority_n sufficient_a for_o set_v up_o their_o government_n they_o require_v a_o general_n assembly_n by_o who_o authority_n which_o with_o they_o be_v supreme_a and_o next_o to_o that_o of_o jesus_n christ_n their_o government_n may_v be_v firm_o establish_v and_o all_o their_o act_n and_o proceed_n ratify_v and_o approve_v by_o it_o yet_o they_o know_v that_o a_o free_a assembly_n of_o the_o clergy_n and_o laity_n throughout_o the_o kingdom_n will_v rather_o defeat_v than_o advance_v their_o design_n therefore_o they_o consider_v how_o they_o may_v prevent_v that_o by_o some_o method_n which_o will_v exclude_v all_o who_o be_v not_o well_o affect_v to_o their_o interest_n or_o zealous_a for_o the_o good_a old_a cause_n in_o order_n hereunto_o they_o prevail_v with_o the_o parliament_n to_o lodge_v the_o whole_a government_n and_o management_n of_o church_n affair_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o those_o few_o old_a preacher_n who_o go_v off_o when_o episcopacy_n be_v reestablish_v an._n 1661._o and_o such_o as_o shall_v be_v admit_v and_o approve_v by_o they_o when_o these_o minister_n off_o the_o episcopal_a persuasion_n who_o have_v comply_v with_o the_o present_a civil_a government_n hear_v this_o they_o think_v themselves_o injure_v and_o therefore_o address_v to_o the_o parliament_n to_o be_v admit_v to_o a_o share_n of_o the_o government_n or_o at_o least_o not_o to_o be_v absolute_o subject_v to_o they_o who_o be_v their_o state_v and_o profess_v enemy_n this_o they_o claim_v as_o due_a to_o they_o not_o only_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o their_o be_v lawful_a minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o also_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o the_o public_a faith_n which_o promise_v they_o protection_n upon_o their_o compliance_n with_o the_o civil_a government_n notwithstanding_o which_o their_o petition_n be_v disdainful_o reject_v and_o the_o act_n continue_v as_o before_o in_o favour_n only_o of_o the_o abovementioned_a presbyterian_a preacher_n by_o which_o mean_v all_o the_o present_a episcopal_a clergy_n and_o such_o of_o the_o laity_n as_o favour_v their_o interest_n and_o have_v comply_v with_o they_o be_v render_v incapable_a of_o bear_v any_o office_n in_o the_o kirk_n and_o of_o sit_v and_o vote_v in_o their_o meeting_n this_o the_o episcopal_a party_n just_o complain_v of_o and_o say_v that_o though_o episcopacy_n be_v abolish_v mere_o upon_o a_o unjust_a and_o false_a pretence_n that_o that_o government_n exercise_v tyranny_n over_o the_o church_n yet_o now_o a_o real_a presbyterian_a tyranny_n be_v establish_v that_o instead_o of_o fourteen_o bishop_n sixty_o be_v set_v up_o who_o will_v lord_n it_o over_o their_o brethren_n more_o imperious_o than_o they_o either_o do_v or_o pretend_v to_o do_v and_o that_o presbyter_n be_v subject_v to_o they_o who_o own_a themselves_o to_o be_v no_o more_o than_o presbyter_n which_o have_v no_o precedent_n in_o the_o catholic_n church_n but_o also_o they_o who_o can_v not_o be_v deny_v to_o be_v lawful_a minister_n be_v exclude_v from_o any_o share_n of_o the_o discipline_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o very_a principle_n and_o tenet_n of_o the_o presbyterian_o themselves_o who_o make_v every_o private_a minister_n to_o be_v invest_v with_o the_o authority_n of_o rule_v as_o well_o as_o of_o teach_v and_o who_o affirm_v it_o unlawful_a for_o any_o minister_n to_o part_v with_o that_o right_n and_o who_o therefore_o be_v wont_a to_o exclaim_v against_o bishop_n because_o they_o seem_v to_o usurp_v it_o whole_o to_o themselves_o all_o the_o excuse_v make_v for_o this_o be_v that_o they_o can_v no_o otherwise_o make_v their_o government_n sure_a and_o that_o the_o episcopal_a party_n deserve_v to_o be_v thus_o treat_v for_o their_o apostasy_n in_o betray_v and_o renounce_v the_o true_a right_n and_o interest_n of_o the_o church_n by_o comply_v with_o episcopacy_n hence_o it_o be_v infer_v that_o presbyterian_o do_v juggle_v both_o with_o god_n and_o man_n for_o whereas_o they_o will_v have_v the_o world_n believe_v that_o their_o model_n of_o government_n and_o form_n of_o discipline_n be_v so_o much_o of_o divine_a right_n that_o they_o can_v submit_v to_o no_o term_n of_o composition_n with_o man_n about_o they_o so_o when_o it_o make_v for_o their_o interest_n they_o can_v without_o any_o scruple_n introduce_v essential_a alteration_n thereof_o for_o parity_n which_o they_o make_v the_o institution_n of_o christ_n be_v now_o take_v away_o and_o out_o of_o the_o pretend_a exigence_n of_o the_o church_n nine_o hundred_o minister_n be_v suspend_v from_o one_o half_a of_o that_o power_n give_v they_o by_o christ_n which_o at_o other_o time_n be_v say_v to_o be_v so_o essential_a to_o they_o that_o they_o can_v be_v minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n without_o it_o short_o after_o the_o pass_v that_o act_n of_o parliament_n for_o set_v up_o the_o presbyterian_a government_n and_o commit_v the_o care_n and_o management_n thereof_o to_o these_o few_o survive_a presbyterian_a minister_n who_o have_v not_o comply_v with_o episcopacy_n there_o be_v a_o meeting_n at_o edinburgh_n of_o presbyterian_a minister_n and_o lay-elder_n to_o advise_v about_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o kirk_n and_o to_o lay_v down_o method_n how_o a_o general_a assembly_n shall_v be_v call_v and_o constitute_v because_o as_o i_o have_v observe_v one_o can_v not_o be_v have_v according_a to_o their_o mind_n after_o the_o old_a manner_n and_o stand_a rule_n of_o general_a assembly_n by_o virtue_n of_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n none_o have_v the_o right_a to_o meddle_v with_o the_o government_n and_o affair_n of_o the_o church_n but_o such_o minister_n as_o have_v be_v remove_v by_o the_o restoration_n of_o episcopacy_n and_o certain_o these_o man_n be_v great_o oversee_v when_o they_o part_v with_o that_o privilege_n and_o admit_v other_o to_o share_v with_o they_o before_o they_o have_v settle_v the_o church_n according_a to_o their_o mind_n for_o by_o these_o mean_v they_o be_v overpower_v and_o outvote_v and_o force_v to_o yield_v to_o
be_v read_v in_o church_n council_n by_o the_o king_n and_o council_n and_o a_o certain_a great_a man_n be_v so_o picque_v at_o he_o upon_o this_o account_n that_o he_o will_v neither_o hear_v his_o defence_n against_o the_o other_o article_n of_o the_o libel_n nor_o yet_o interpose_v his_o authority_n which_o be_v then_o the_o high_a in_o the_o state_n for_o keep_v he_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o his_o ministry_n though_o it_o be_v desire_v by_o the_o generality_n and_o the_o best_a of_o his_o parish_n mr._n wood_n of_o dumbar_n be_v charge_v in_o his_o libel_n with_o cruelty_n and_o a_o persecute_v spirit_n because_o he_o persuade_v a_o friend_n of_o he_o to_o put_v away_o a_o servant_n who_o will_v not_o keep_v the_o church_n and_o thereby_o make_v both_o herself_o and_o her_o mistress_n liable_a to_o the_o law_n he_o be_v also_o accuse_v for_o say_v to_o one_o who_o express_v his_o fear_n as_o if_o the_o liturgy_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n will_v be_v introduce_v among_o they_o god_n send_v we_o no_o worse_o and_o that_o he_o have_v never_o express_v his_o thankfulness_n to_o god_n for_o the_o deliverance_n of_o the_o land_n from_o popery_n and_o prelacy_n to_o the_o first_o he_o reply_v that_o he_o be_v indeed_o sorry_a if_o any_o such_o expression_n have_v drop_v from_o he_o because_o he_o be_v sensible_a it_o be_v too_o mean_a for_o so_o great_a and_o so_o glorious_a a_o church_n as_o that_o of_o england_n to_o the_o other_o he_o say_v that_o he_o thank_v god_n hearty_o for_o any_o deliverance_n that_o the_o land_n have_v from_o popery_n but_o he_o can_v not_o do_v so_o for_o the_o overthrow_n of_o prelacy_n unless_o he_o either_o act_v the_o hypocrite_n or_o be_v convince_v that_o presbytery_n be_v the_o great_a blessing_n and_o the_o more_o ancient_a and_o apostolical_a government_n which_o he_o never_o yet_o see_v make_v out_o mr._n graham_n who_o i_o mention_v before_o have_v in_o his_o libel_n impute_v to_o he_o the_o take_z the_o oath_n of_o allegiance_n and_o canonical_a obedience_n which_o they_o say_v show_v he_o incorrigible_o episcopal_a mr._n couper_n have_v add_v to_o his_o libel_n his_o take_v the_o oath_n of_o the_o test_n mr._n johnstone_n of_o salin_n be_v accuse_v for_o be_v too_o much_o affect_v to_o the_o episcopal_a government_n and_o for_o recommend_v superstitious_a and_o erroneous_a book_n to_o the_o people_n as_o they_o be_v please_v to_o call_v the_o whole_a duty_n man_n which_o be_v express_o mention_v another_o mr._n johnstone_n minister_n of_o burn_a island_n be_v libel_v for_o converse_v with_o some_o person_n who_o they_o allege_v to_o be_v no_o friend_n to_o the_o government_n either_o of_o church_n or_o state_n and_o for_o use_v the_o doxology_n etc._n etc._n which_o etc._n etc._n can_v only_o refer_v to_o the_o creed_n and_o lord_n prayer_n the_o minister_n of_o abbotshall_n be_v accuse_v for_o neglect_v the_o catechism_n of_o the_o westminster_n divine_v and_o use_v that_o which_o be_v first_o set_v forth_o by_o the_o synod_n of_o edinburgh_n and_o afterward_o enlarge_v by_o the_o reverend_n and_o pious_a bishop_n scowgal_n the_o catechism_n i_o must_v tell_v you_o be_v as_o well_o as_o the_o whole_a duty_n of_o man_n much_o speak_v against_o and_o severe_o condemn_v as_o erroneous_a but_o what_o be_v the_o particular_a error_n of_o it_o which_o make_v it_o so_o dangerous_a i_o can_v never_o learn_v nor_o do_v i_o believe_v you_o can_v guess_v they_o except_o they_o be_v tell_v you_o by_o these_o instance_n you_o may_v understand_v the_o nature_n of_o our_o presbyterian_a libel_n i_o forbear_v to_o give_v you_o more_o because_o i_o suppose_v there_o will_v be_v a_o collection_n of_o they_o publish_v but_o you_o must_v know_v that_o they_o will_v never_o give_v any_o of_o the_o episcopal_a clergy_n the_o title_n of_o minister_n but_o only_o that_o of_o incumbent_n mr._n graham_n complain_v of_o this_o and_o demand_v a_o reason_n who_o be_v tell_v by_o way_n of_o answer_n by_o one_o that_o preach_v at_o innerkeithing_n that_o there_o be_v no_o true_a minister_n but_o presbyterian_a minister_n and_o as_o they_o deny_v they_o the_o title_n of_o minister_n so_o to_o take_v away_o their_o right_n to_o their_o respective_a parish_n one_o article_n of_o their_o libel_n be_v their_o enter_v by_o presentation_n from_o a_o patron_n and_o by_o ordination_n collation_n and_o institution_n of_o the_o bishop_n contrary_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o constitution_n of_o this_o church_n act_n of_o assembly_n and_o the_o land_n solemn_a engagement_n when_o the_o lead_a man_n of_o that_o party_n be_v upbraid_v for_o make_v episcopal_a ordination_n a_o ground_n of_o a_o libel_n they_o excuse_v themselves_o and_o lay_v the_o blame_n of_o it_o upon_o the_o people_n but_o in_o this_o they_o show_v their_o hypocrisy_n and_o deceitful_a deal_v for_o it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o the_o presbyterian_a minister_n be_v always_o consult_v in_o the_o form_n of_o the_o libel_n and_o many_o of_o they_o be_v draw_v up_o by_o themselves_o and_o that_o all_o they_o be_v every_o where_o of_o the_o same_o strain_n which_o make_v it_o evident_a that_o it_o be_v a_o concerted_a business_n among_o they_o to_o beget_v in_o the_o people_n mind_n a_o aversion_n to_o episcopal_a minister_n as_o not_o true_a minister_n nor_o enter_v in_o at_o the_o right_a door_n though_o they_o be_v also_o careful_a to_o foist_v in_o some_o other_o thing_n to_o excuse_v their_o censure_n with_o the_o more_o judicious_a who_o can_v not_o be_v so_o easy_o delude_v and_o impose_v upon_o as_o the_o article_n of_o the_o libel_n be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n frivolous_a and_o impertinent_a so_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o process_n be_v neither_o legal_a nor_o reasonable_a for_o seldom_o do_v they_o let_v the_o minister_n accuse_v know_v his_o accuser_n and_o so_o he_o may_v have_v be_v make_v a_o witness_n against_o he_o which_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o law_n of_o all_o nation_n beside_o they_o always_o receive_v the_o libel_n and_o sustain_v the_o validity_n of_o it_o before_o he_o be_v hear_v and_o not_o regard_v what_o defence_n may_v be_v oppone_v cause_v he_o to_o be_v cite_v to_o hear_v and_o see_v himself_o depose_v nor_o be_v he_o suffer_v to_o be_v present_a at_o the_o examination_n of_o the_o witness_n but_o in_o many_o place_n if_o not_o everywhere_o the_o witness_n be_v allow_v to_o be_v present_a all_o together_o when_o they_o give_v in_o their_o evidence_n by_o the_o civil_a and_o canon_n law_n and_o the_o reasonable_a practice_n of_o all_o nation_n they_o who_o bear_v hatred_n malice_n or_o have_v discover_v any_o prejudice_n against_o the_o accuse_a can_v witness_v in_o judgement_n against_o he_o but_o this_o be_v whole_o neglect_v and_o pass_v by_o and_o the_o most_o avow_a profess_a and_o open_a enemy_n receive_v as_o witness_n and_o such_o also_o allow_v to_o sit_v as_o judge_n thus_o mr._n calderwood_n a_o profess_a and_o bitter_a enemy_n of_o mr._n heriot_n minister_n of_o dalkeith_n who_o be_v the_o chief_a if_o not_o the_o only_a informer_n against_o he_o sit_v and_o judge_v he_o in_o the_o presbytery_n in_o the_o quality_n of_o a_o rule_v elder_n and_o when_o the_o say_a mr._n heriot_n desire_v that_o he_o may_v be_v remove_v it_o be_v utter_o refuse_v he_o so_o when_o mr._n george_n purves_n minister_n at_o glencorse_n appear_v before_o the_o same_o presbytery_n at_o dalkeith_n he_o object_v against_o some_o of_o the_o witness_n as_o carry_v heart-malice_n and_o ill_a will_n towards_o he_o they_o have_v sometime_o before_o assault_v he_o in_o the_o pulpit_n with_o sword_n and_o staff_n and_o take_v he_o by_o the_o throat_n have_v go_v near_o to_o have_v strangle_v he_o if_o he_o have_v not_o get_v present_a relief_n therefore_o say_v he_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v allow_v as_o witness_n against_o i_o for_o they_o that_o do_v so_o what_o will_v they_o not_o do_v to_o procure_v my_o ruin_n upon_o which_o the_o very_a reverend_n and_o worthy_a matthew_n selkirk_n who_o be_v now_o settle_a minister_n at_o crighton_n rise_v up_o and_o speak_v to_o the_o moderator_n that_o if_o these_o man_n have_v do_v so_o out_o of_o malice_n and_o personal_a prejudice_n they_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v receive_v as_o witness_n but_o if_o they_o have_v do_v it_o for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n he_o see_v no_o reason_n why_o they_o may_v not_o be_v admit_v if_o one_o part_n of_o the_o deposition_n seem_v to_o prove_v the_o libel_n or_o any_o article_n of_o it_o though_o the_o other_o do_v exculpate_v the_o minister_n or_o extenuate_v his_o fault_n the_o first_o be_v mark_v and_o the_o other_o leave_v out_o so_o i_o be_v tell_v of_o one_o who_o be_v since_o dead_a who_o be_v accuse_v for_o say_v that_o woman_n want_v soul_n the_o witness_v
declare_v he_o have_v hear_v he_o say_v so_o but_o that_o he_o only_o deliver_v as_o the_o opinion_n of_o another_o and_o yet_o upon_o this_o the_o article_n be_v look_v upon_o as_o prove_v when_o the_o witness_n clear_v the_o minister_n or_o assert_v his_o innocence_n they_o be_v dismiss_v as_o know_v nothing_o of_o the_o matter_n but_o such_o be_v great_o encourage_v and_o cherish_v as_o show_v themselves_o earnest_a and_o forward_a to_o divest_v he_o of_o the_o character_n of_o a_o faithful_a pious_a and_o upright_a pastor_n and_o when_o they_o pass_v the_o sentence_n of_o suspension_n or_o deposition_n against_o any_o at_o the_o intimation_n of_o it_o from_o the_o pulpit_n in_o his_o own_o church_n the_o whole_a libel_n be_v read_v though_o several_a of_o the_o article_n be_v so_o frivolous_a and_o trivial_a as_o not_o censurable_a by_o law_n and_o other_o of_o they_o that_o contain_v matter_n of_o scandal_n be_v no_o way_n prove_v as_o for_o the_o episcopal_a clergy_n some_o of_o they_o disow_v their_o authority_n and_o will_v not_o appear_v other_o appear_v and_o give_v in_o their_o defence_n and_o some_o perceive_v the_o partiality_n of_o the_o particular_a presbytery_n appeal_v to_o the_o next_o general_n assembly_n hope_v to_o meet_v with_o great_a moderation_n there_o or_o at_o least_o that_o before_o that_o time_n the_o civil_a government_n will_v put_v a_o stop_n to_o these_o rigid_a and_o unreasonable_a proceed_n thus_o matter_n go_v till_o the_o sit_v of_o the_o assembly_n and_o by_o these_o proceed_n the_o presbyterian_o not_o only_o increase_v the_o prejudices_fw-la of_o those_o who_o differ_v from_o they_o but_o they_o also_o disgust_v many_o of_o their_o friend_n the_o presbyterian_o you_o know_v be_v much_o inferior_a to_o the_o episcopal_a party_n in_o number_n quality_n learning_n or_o good_a sense_n and_o i_o assure_v you_o that_o now_o they_o have_v lose_v much_o even_o of_o that_o interest_n which_o they_o have_v in_o this_o nation_n many_o who_o think_v well_o of_o they_o while_o they_o be_v keep_v under_o be_v now_o ashamed_a of_o they_o and_o have_v desert_v they_o i_o be_o tell_v that_o many_o even_o in_o the_o west_n abominate_a they_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o in_o other_o place_n of_o the_o kingdom_n they_o be_v fear_v and_o dread_v as_o a_o plague_n to_o mankind_n just_a as_o the_o jesuit_n be_v when_o the_o time_n of_o the_o assembly_n draw_v near_o the_o several_a presbytery_n set_v about_o the_o choose_n commissioner_n for_o it_o and_o thing_n be_v so_o lay_v that_o the_o most_o bigoted_a and_o hotheaded_a be_v general_o choose_v and_o those_o of_o a_o more_o moderate_a temper_n put_v by_o if_o there_o have_v be_v any_o respect_n to_o the_o qualification_n of_o man_n none_o in_o that_o part_n of_o the_o country_n he_o live_v in_o will_v have_v be_v prefer_v to_o honest_a dr._n hardy_n but_o because_o heretofore_o he_o have_v keep_v correspondence_n with_o the_o episcopal_a party_n and_o still_o press_v moderation_n towards_o they_o he_o be_v exclude_v in_o like_a manner_n mr._n alexander_n pitcairn_n of_o dron_n be_v put_v by_o because_o of_o his_o carriage_n at_o the_o last_o general_n meet_v though_o he_o be_v say_v to_o have_v more_o learning_n than_o the_o most_o of_o they_o and_o there_o be_v but_o three_o other_o in_o the_o presbytery_n with_o he_o and_o none_o of_o they_o of_o these_o old_a man_n to_o who_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v entrust_v by_o the_o late_a act_n of_o parliament_n he_o indeed_o come_v to_o the_o assembly_n sit_v in_o it_o and_o interpose_v his_o judgement_n but_o be_v no_o member_n of_o it_o and_o so_o consequent_o have_v no_o vote_n when_o these_o measure_n be_v perceive_v it_o be_v conclude_v that_o mr._n george_n campbel_n shall_v be_v also_o shuffle_v out_o of_o the_o assembly_n but_o that_o will_v have_v make_v their_o design_n too_o apparent_a there_o be_v none_o of_o his_o presbytery_n who_o they_o can_v bring_v in_o competition_n with_o he_o as_o also_o they_o have_v not_o much_o reason_n to_o fear_v any_o opposition_n from_o he_o because_o of_o his_o modesty_n and_o quietness_n which_o make_v he_o averse_a to_o contest_v and_o jangle_v he_o have_v indeed_o the_o character_n of_o a_o learned_a good_a and_o discreet_a man_n and_o by_o his_o moderation_n at_o first_o he_o do_v very_o much_o displease_v his_o brethren_n which_o as_o i_o be_o inform_v but_o be_o loath_a to_o believe_v have_v oblige_v he_o for_o remove_v their_o jealousy_n to_o express_v himself_o of_o late_o more_o severe_o against_o the_o episcopal_a party_n than_o he_o use_v to_o do_v former_o as_o for_o lay-commissioner_n such_o be_v pick_v out_o as_o either_o be_v most_o bygotted_o affect_v to_o their_o interest_n or_o who_o they_o desire_v and_o design_v to_o make_v fast_o friend_n to_o their_o party_n in_o the_o presbytery_n of_o churnside_n the_o laird_n of_o be_v choose_v and_o in_o dunse_n the_o competition_n lie_v betwixt_o the_o laird_n of_o lanton_n and_o m._n the_o last_o be_v like_a to_o have_v carry_v it_o but_o some_o one_o suggest_v to_o the_o moderator_n that_o it_o will_v very_o much_o reflect_v upon_o they_o to_o have_v both_o the_o commissioner_n for_o the_o merse_n stain_v with_o the_o scandal_n of_o adultery_n upon_o which_o the_o commission_n be_v give_v to_o lanton_n and_o the_o other_o be_v put_v by_o who_o yet_o they_o will_v fain_o have_v oblige_v he_o be_v one_o who_o have_v at_o present_a a_o considerable_a place_n in_o the_o kingdom_n the_o king_n you_o know_v aught_o to_o have_v a_o commissioner_n at_o every_o assembly_n to_o see_v that_o affair_n of_o state_n be_v not_o meddle_v with_o by_o the_o brethren_n who_o indeed_o still_o retain_v the_o strong_a inclination_n which_o they_o as_o well_o as_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v always_o show_v to_o meddle_v with_o they_o pretend_v they_o only_o do_v this_o in_o ordine_fw-la ad_fw-la spiritualia_fw-la every_o one_o look_v that_o the_o earl_n of_o crawford_n shall_v have_v be_v the_o person_n who_o the_o king_n shall_v have_v honour_v with_o that_o employment_n and_o his_o lordship_n himself_o rejoice_v in_o expectation_n of_o it_o but_o to_o the_o surprisal_n of_o all_o some_o few_o day_n before_o the_o assembly_n sit_v a_o commission_n come_v down_o for_o my_o lord_n carmichael_n which_o make_v the_o zealous_a brethren_n hang_v down_o their_o ear_n and_o my_o lord_n crawford_n give_v a_o indication_n of_o his_o secret_a grudge_n at_o the_o disappointment_n by_o his_o entertain_v every_o body_n who_o come_v to_o see_v he_o with_o protestation_n that_o he_o do_v not_o desire_v it_o and_o with_o reason_n and_o excuse_n why_o he_o will_v not_o have_v accept_v of_o it_o if_o it_o have_v be_v offer_v to_o he_o but_o we_o may_v just_o suspect_v that_o his_o lordship_n will_v not_o have_v refuse_v it_o see_v he_o frequent_v the_o assembly_n and_o officious_o meddle_v in_o all_o the_o concern_v of_o it_o even_o before_o he_o be_v make_v a_o member_n and_o upon_o carmichael_n advancement_n there_o be_v letter_n immediate_o dispatch_v to_o procure_v a_o commission_n for_o his_o lordship_n from_o some_o burgh_n or_o other_o because_o a_o commission_n from_o a_o presbytery_n have_v be_v neglect_v upon_o a_o expectation_n that_o his_o lordship_n shall_v have_v represent_v the_o king_n himself_o in_o the_o assembly_n his_o lordship_n be_v so_o humble_a that_o have_v miss_v of_o the_o high_a station_n he_o will_v rather_o serve_v in_o the_o mean_a than_o not_o have_v a_o hand_n in_o advance_v the_o good_a cause_n or_o be_v deprive_v of_o the_o occasion_n of_o perfect_v what_o he_o have_v so_o zealous_o begin_v he_o have_v indeed_o merit_v the_o high_a honour_n in_o the_o kirk_n but_o all_o except_o the_o very_a bygot_n of_o that_o side_n approve_v the_o king_n choice_n as_o best_a and_o wise_a for_o himself_o and_o the_o interest_n of_o the_o state_n for_o my_o lord_n carmichael_n be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o man_n of_o good_a sense_n and_o he_o have_v late_o give_v proof_n of_o his_o discretion_n and_o moderate_a temper_n at_o the_o visitation_n of_o the_o college_n of_o glasgow_n whereas_o my_o lord_n crawford_n keep_v within_o no_o bound_n of_o moderation_n at_o the_o visitation_n of_o the_o university_n of_o s._n andrews_n and_o be_v much_o take_v notice_n of_o for_o his_o rough_a usage_n of_o the_o master_n particular_o the_o reverend_n old_a dr._n weemse_n dean_n of_o s._n andrew_n and_o principle_n of_o s._n leonard_n college_n who_o have_v be_v a_o master_n in_o the_o say_a university_n for_o the_o space_n of_o 45_o year_n under_o who_o my_o lord_n crawford_n study_v philosophy_n and_o to_o who_o he_o be_v then_o particular_o oblige_v the_o dr._n have_v also_o be_v a_o zealous_a assertor_n of_o the_o protestant_a religion_n and_o design_v to_o have_v make_v the_o university_n
i_o must_v not_o omit_v mr._n gabr._n cunninghame_n preside_v one_o day_n in_o the_o absence_n of_o the_o ordinary_a moderator_n he_o ask_v the_o commissioner_n what_o shall_v be_v the_o next_o time_n of_o their_o meeting_n but_o whether_o it_o be_v out_o of_o forgetfulness_n that_o he_o do_v so_o or_o not_o he_o correct_v himself_o in_o his_o prayer_n for_o he_o begin_v with_o a_o acknowledgement_n of_o christ_n jesus_n be_v supreme_a head_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n and_o then_o say_v these_o word_n thou_o know_v o_o lord_n that_o when_o we_o own_o any_o other_o it_o be_v only_o for_o decency_n sake_n the_o next_o day_n they_o meet_v and_o only_o hear_v the_o king_n letter_n read_v and_o appoint_v some_o person_n to_o draw_v up_o a_o answer_n we_o expect_v to_o have_v see_v both_o in_o print_n as_o be_v usual_a but_o neither_o of_o they_o have_v be_v as_o yet_o publish_v because_o as_o be_v suppose_v there_o be_v something_o in_o the_o king_n letter_n a_o little_a check_v which_o they_o will_v not_o have_v every_o one_o to_o know_v viz._n that_o he_o favour_v their_o government_n because_o he_o be_v make_v to_o understand_v it_o be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o the_o inclination_n of_o the_o people_n that_o he_o will_v have_v they_o very_o moderate_a in_o their_o proceed_n and_o do_v nothing_o which_o may_v displease_v their_o neighbour_n church_n this_o last_o do_v not_o go_v down_o well_o with_o they_o for_o it_o trouble_v they_o to_o be_v make_v in_o any_o way_n accountable_a to_o a_o church_n which_o in_o all_o their_o discourse_n they_o exclaim_v against_o as_o superstitious_a and_o idolatrous_a and_o into_o which_o they_o be_v design_v to_o introduce_v their_o glorious_a reformation_n neither_o be_v the_o first_o very_o acceptable_a for_o if_o the_o inclination_n of_o the_o people_n be_v the_o motive_n of_o set_v up_o presbyterian_a government_n when_o it_o shall_v as_o it_o very_o easy_o might_n be_v represent_v that_o the_o inclination_n of_o the_o people_n be_v against_o presbytery_n and_o the_o spirit_n and_o ractice_n p_o of_o the_o present_a presbyterian_o his_o majesty_n may_v be_v move_v to_o remove_v this_o and_o set_v up_o another_o government_n therefore_o in_o their_o answer_n they_o assert_v that_o their_o government_n be_v not_o only_o suitable_a to_o the_o inclination_n of_o the_o people_n but_o also_o most_o agreeable_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o that_o this_o may_v not_o be_v look_v upon_o mere_o as_o the_o flourish_n of_o a_o epistle_n they_o design_v to_o back_v it_o with_o the_o authority_n of_o a_o act_n which_o shall_v declare_v their_o government_n both_o of_o divine_a right_n and_o also_o the_o true_a legal_a government_n of_o this_o church_n which_o they_o pretend_v have_v never_o suffer_v any_o alteration_n except_o in_o time_n of_o usurpation_n tyranny_n and_o great_a oppression_n but_o the_o commissioner_n apprehend_v the_o consequence_n of_o such_o a_o act_n think_v it_o not_o fit_a to_o let_v the_o same_o pass_n without_o advice_n from_o court_n and_o therefore_o desire_v a_o copy_n of_o it_o to_o send_v to_o the_o king_n his_o master_n who_o it_o seem_v do_v not_o approve_v of_o it_o for_o it_o never_o more_o appear_v here_o at_o which_o the_o brethren_n have_v not_o a_o little_a murmur_v and_o if_o it_o have_v pass_v as_o it_o will_v not_o have_v contribute_v much_o to_o the_o establishment_n of_o their_o government_n it_o be_v the_o act_n of_o so_o inconsiderable_a a_o assembly_n so_o it_o will_v only_o have_v discover_v their_o ignorance_n falsehood_n and_o impudence_n for_o it_o be_v clear_a from_o our_o history_n as_o be_v declare_v in_o a_o late_a discourse_n that_o presbytery_n heretofore_o be_v never_o settle_v but_o in_o time_n of_o rebellion_n and_o what_o enemy_n our_o scottish_a presbyterian_o have_v be_v always_o to_o king_n and_o how_o much_o they_o be_v wont_a to_o encourage_v rebellion_n king_n james_n vi_o have_v from_o his_o experience_n full_o and_o plain_o declare_v in_o his_o basilicon_fw-la doron_n where_o he_o caution_n his_o son_n against_o they_o as_o the_o most_o barbarous_a treacherous_a and_o perfidious_a sort_n of_o people_n who_o be_v less_o to_o be_v trust_v than_o the_o thieve_a borderer_n or_o the_o wild_a uncivilized_a highlander_n the_o argument_n also_o which_o sir_n james_n montgomery_n of_o skelmor_o use_v for_o presbytery_n in_o the_o parliament_n show_v how_o much_o it_o favour_v monarchy_n and_o kingly_a power_n which_o be_v this_o that_o it_o be_v the_o people_n only_a security_n against_o the_o encroachment_n of_o king_n and_o a_o proper_a curb_n to_o restrain_v their_o insolence_n and_o extravagancy_n and_o indeed_o when_o they_o be_v encourage_v they_o so_o restrain_v they_o as_o to_o make_v they_o signify_v nothing_o as_o appear_v by_o their_o behaviour_n to_o king_n james_n vi_o before_o he_o go_v to_o england_n and_o what_o they_o do_v to_o king_n charles_n i._n who_o they_o persecute_v and_o pursue_v to_o death_n as_o to_o the_o moderation_n which_o his_o majesty_n require_v of_o they_o they_o promise_v with_o a_o solemn_a attestation_n that_o they_o will_v show_v all_o the_o moderation_n that_o his_o majesty_n can_v expect_v which_o when_o consider_v be_v not_o a_o very_a great_a obligation_n on_o they_o for_o if_o the_o king_n understand_v they_o aright_o his_o expectation_n will_v be_v very_o small_a moderation_n be_v very_o rare_o to_o be_v find_v among_o presbyterian_o it_o be_v a_o old_a custom_n of_o general_a assembly_n to_o ease_v the_o minister_n of_o the_o place_n where_o they_o meet_v from_o preach_v they_o order_v this_o day_n who_o shall_v preach_v the_o follow_a sunday_n and_o when_o they_o be_v appoint_v preacher_n for_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o church_n and_o meeting-house_n in_o edinburgh_n one_o coliness_n stand_v up_o and_o say_v it_o be_v fit_a to_o send_v minister_n to_o the_o conformist_n kirk_n too_o but_o the_o moderator_n perceive_v the_o commissioner_n displease_v at_o the_o proposal_n reply_v that_o they_o seek_v none_o of_o their_o help_n and_o they_o shall_v get_v as_o little_a the_o first_o that_o preach_v in_o the_o high_a church_n before_o the_o commissioner_n be_v mr._n geo._n meldrum_n who_o text_n be_v philip._n 4._o ver._n 5._o the_o sermon_n be_v frame_v to_o please_v the_o various_a humour_n of_o man_n and_o to_o recommend_v himself_o to_o person_n of_o different_a temper_n for_o the_o general_a drift_n of_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v for_o moderation_n which_o both_o the_o court_n and_o all_o good_a discreet_a people_n call_v for_o yet_o he_o caution_v it_o with_o such_o restriction_n and_o exception_n as_o that_o he_o may_v justify_v himself_o with_o the_o more_o rigid_a and_o prevent_v their_o jealousy_n and_o suspicion_n of_o he_o he_o who_o preach_v the_o sunday_n follow_v if_o my_o memory_n fail_v not_o be_v one_o hamilton_n who_o be_v somewhat_o singular_a in_o his_o reckon_n the_o year_n during_o which_o we_o of_o this_o nation_n have_v be_v deprive_v of_o the_o gospel_n for_o whereas_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o presbyterian_o reckon_v but_o 28._o viz._n from_o the_o restauration_n of_o the_o royal_a family_n and_o episcopacy_n he_o run_v ten_o year_n far_a backward_o and_o make_v it_o 38._o leave_v people_n to_o guess_v his_o reason_n and_o when_o the_o matter_n be_v inquire_v into_o it_o be_v find_v that_o he_o date_v the_o want_n of_o the_o gospel_n from_o the_o year_n 1652._o because_o since_o that_o time_n they_o never_o have_v a_o general_n assembly_n and_o then_o too_o they_o be_v not_o suffer_v to_o sit_v for_o the_o english_a governor_n here_o raise_v they_o because_o they_o have_v no_o warrant_n from_o cromwell_n and_o carry_v they_o out_o surround_v with_o guard_n to_o bruntsfield-link_n where_o he_o dismiss_v they_o with_o a_o severe_a threaten_n if_o any_o three_o of_o they_o shall_v be_v find_v together_o it_o will_v be_v tedious_a to_o give_v you_o a_o particular_a account_n of_o all_o the_o sermon_n which_o be_v preach_v here_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o assembly_n but_o in_o general_n i_o assure_v you_o they_o be_v very_o nauseat_v to_o all_o rational_a person_n for_o except_v one_o or_o two_o preach_v by_o mr._n carstair_n and_o mr._n robert_n wyllie_n they_o be_v either_o miserable_o flat_a and_o dull_a or_o else_o full_a of_o bitter_a zeal_n against_o the_o episcopal_a party_n instead_o of_o the_o doctrine_n and_o duty_n of_o christianity_n the_o excellency_n and_o divine_a institution_n of_o their_o government_n be_v the_o subject_n of_o their_o discourse_n and_o when_o they_o happen_v on_o any_o necessary_a or_o weighty_a point_n of_o religion_n they_o treat_v they_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o if_o they_o have_v design_v to_o burlesque_fw-la religion_n and_o render_v it_o ridiculous_a which_o give_v a_o great_a advantage_n to_o atheistical_a and_o profane_a man_n so_o it_o be_v observe_v that_o religion_n do_v
clergy_n as_o their_o ancestor_n the_o pharisee_n be_v with_o the_o question_n about_o john_n baptism_n for_o on_o the_o one_o side_n they_o fear_v the_o court_n who_o desire_v and_o require_v they_o to_o be_v moderate_a and_o indeed_o they_o perceive_v that_o it_o be_v their_o interest_n at_o this_o time_n to_o make_v some_o show_n of_o moderation_n but_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n it_o be_v against_o their_o interest_n to_o condemn_v the_o proceed_n of_o the_o presbytery_n nor_o can_v they_o do_v it_o because_o they_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o rule_v concert_v and_o prescribe_v by_o the_o general_a meeting_n so_o follow_v the_o policy_n of_o the_o pharisee_n they_o wave_v the_o difficulty_n by_o remit_v all_o to_o the_o commission_n and_o particular_a synod_n by_o this_o mean_n they_o secure_v what_o be_v already_o do_v from_o be_v renver_v and_o also_o free_v the_o assembly_n from_o the_o blame_n of_o any_o injury_n or_o injustice_n do_v or_o to_o be_v do_v for_o then_o these_o thing_n may_v be_v charge_v on_o particular_a person_n and_o not_o on_o the_o whole_a party_n however_o they_o venture_v upon_o three_o or_o four_o process_n and_o by_o they_o you_o may_v guess_v what_o they_o will_v have_v do_v with_o the_o rest_n the_o first_o be_v that_o of_o mr._n lesk_n minister_n of_o turreff_a within_o the_o diocese_n of_o aberdeen_n who_o church_n be_v claim_v by_o one_o mr._n arthur_n mitchell_n by_o virtue_n of_o that_o act_n of_o parliament_n which_o restore_v the_o old_a presbyterian_o to_o their_o church_n whether_o they_o be_v vacant_a or_o possess_v by_o other_o mr._n lesk_n first_o make_v application_n to_o the_o council_n and_o think_v to_o have_v suspend_v mr._n mitchell_n as_o not_o be_v comprehend_v within_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n which_o only_o be_v design_v in_o favour_n of_o these_o who_o have_v leave_v their_o ministry_n for_o not_o comply_v with_o episcopacy_n whereas_o mr._n mitchell_n be_v depose_v and_o deprive_v long_o before_o that_o time_n but_o that_o not_o take_v effect_n the_o matter_n be_v bring_v before_o the_o assembly_n where_o mr._n lesk_n instruct_v that_o mr._n arthur_n mitchell_n be_v never_o legal_o settle_a minister_n of_o turreff_a that_o about_o the_o year_n 1655._o he_o be_v actual_o depose_v and_o that_o though_o he_o continue_v to_o preach_v there_o by_o mean_n of_o a_o prevail_a faction_n of_o remonstrator_n under_o the_o usurper_n he_o be_v never_o look_v upon_o as_o minister_v of_o the_o place_n and_o that_o in_o the_o year_n 60._o the_o synod_n of_o aberdeen_n be_v free_v of_o the_o force_n and_o restraint_n that_o be_v former_o upon_o they_o do_v ratify_v the_o former_a sentence_n of_o deposition_n and_o as_o for_o himself_o he_o plead_v that_o he_o have_v be_v legal_o settle_v minister_n according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n that_o he_o have_v submit_v to_o the_o present_a civil_a government_n which_o have_v promise_v protection_n to_o they_o who_o do_v so_o and_o that_o the_o heritor_n and_o people_n of_o his_o parish_n be_v for_o his_o continuance_n among_o they_o and_o altogether_o averse_a to_o mr._n arthur_n mitchell_n to_o prove_v this_o last_o he_o produce_v a_o declaration_n and_o petition_n subscribe_v by_o the_o gentleman_n and_o other_o of_o the_o parish_n mr._n mitchell_n allege_v that_o one_o or_o two_o of_o the_o subscription_n be_v not_o genuine_a and_o therefore_o that_o the_o whole_a aught_o to_o be_v neglect_v as_o a_o forgery_n mr._n lesk_n reply_v that_o he_o lay_v not_o the_o stress_n of_o this_o cause_n on_o that_o paper_n that_o he_o only_o produce_v it_o as_o a_o adminicle_n that_o he_o have_v not_o go_v about_o seek_v subscription_n for_o he_o look_v upon_o that_o as_o below_o the_o character_n of_o a_o minister_n but_o that_o it_o be_v give_v he_o by_o honest_a man_n and_o therefore_o he_o have_v reason_n to_o believe_v the_o subscription_n genuine_a and_o if_o they_o lay_v any_o stress_n on_o the_o inclination_n of_o the_o people_n if_o a_o competent_a time_n be_v allow_v he_o he_o will_v easy_o prove_v that_o they_o be_v for_o he_o but_o at_o present_v it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v whether_o he_o be_v legal_a and_o rightful_a minister_n of_o that_o place_n after_o two_o day_n debate_v it_o come_v to_o a_o vote_n and_o the_o vote_n be_v not_o whether_o mr._n lesk_n or_o mr._n mitchell_n shall_v be_v continue_v minister_n at_o turreff_a but_o whether_o mr._n mitchell_n be_v not_o rightful_a minister_n anno_fw-la 1661._o and_o only_o turn_v out_o by_o the_o unjust_a course_n of_o the_o time_n and_o whether_o he_o be_v not_o now_o to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o rightful_a minister_n there_o which_o vote_n be_v carry_v in_o the_o affirmative_a and_o mr._n lesk_n be_v call_v in_o be_v tell_v that_o the_o assembly_n have_v deprive_v he_o and_o ordain_v mr._n arthur_n mitchell_n to_o be_v minister_n at_o turreff_a he_o ask_v the_o reason_n of_o their_o sentence_n which_o be_v refuse_v but_o what_o ever_o may_v have_v be_v pretend_v the_o true_a reason_n be_v that_o they_o be_v glad_a of_o any_o pretence_n for_o cast_v out_o episcopal_a minister_n who_o be_v always_o in_o their_o sermon_n and_o discourse_n call_v the_o priest_n of_o baal_n by_o virtue_n of_o that_o act_n of_o parliament_n i_o just_o now_o mention_v all_o the_o church_n be_v take_v from_o the_o episcopal_a minister_n to_o which_o any_o presbyterian_a have_v the_o least_o pretence_n though_o the_o former_a have_v comply_v with_o the_o civil_a government_n and_o the_o other_o be_v settle_v in_o other_o place_n which_o they_o be_v not_o resolve_v to_o leave_v so_o for_o instance_n mr._n james_n kirkton_n who_o have_v a_o meetinghouse_n in_o edinburgh_n and_o be_v call_v to_o be_v one_o of_o the_o minister_n of_o that_o city_n go_v out_o to_o the_o parish_n of_o martin_n where_o he_o have_v be_v former_o minister_n and_o force_v away_o mr._n andrew_n meldrum_n present_a minister_n without_o allow_v he_o time_n to_o dispose_v of_o his_o good_n and_o after_o he_o have_v perform_v this_o noble_a and_o heroic_a exploit_n and_o preach_v a_o sunday_n or_o two_o to_o get_v a_o right_n to_o the_o stipend_n he_o return_v to_o his_o charge_n at_o edinburgh_n and_o turn_v his_o back_n upon_o that_o in_o the_o country_n as_o if_o there_o have_v be_v no_o more_o to_o be_v fear_v see_v the_o curate_n be_v drive_v away_o the_o next_o appeal_n which_o i_o suppose_v be_v consider_v be_v that_o of_o mr._n sleery_n from_o the_o presbytery_n of_o linlithgow_n he_o be_v a_o minister_n of_o the_o west_n who_o have_v be_v rabble_v out_o of_o his_o own_o church_n and_o thereafter_o be_v desire_v by_o the_o minister_n of_o falkirk_n to_o serve_v his_o cure_n during_o his_o sickness_n which_o he_o do_v and_o when_o that_o minister_n die_v the_o heritor_n and_o people_n of_o the_o parish_n upon_o the_o experience_n they_o have_v of_o he_o desire_z that_o he_o may_v continue_v to_o preach_v to_o they_o promise_v that_o when_o the_o government_n be_v settle_v they_o will_v take_v care_n to_o get_v he_o a_o legal_a title_n to_o the_o parish_n but_o it_o be_v firm_o resolve_v on_o by_o all_o possible_a mean_n to_o put_v out_o and_o disable_v all_o episcopal_a minister_n the_o presbytery_n of_o linlithgow_n cause_v the_o say_a mr._n sleery_n to_o be_v cite_v before_o they_o who_o compeir_a be_v interrogated_a by_o what_o authority_n he_o preach_v at_o falkirk_n and_o how_o he_o come_v to_o use_v the_o doxology_n the_o last_o he_o say_v be_v the_o custom_n of_o the_o place_n and_o that_o he_o do_v the_o first_o at_o the_o desire_n of_o the_o people_n the_o presbytery_n not_o be_v satisfy_v with_o his_o answer_n to_o these_o and_o some_o other_o question_n discharge_v he_o from_o preach_v there_o any_o long_o and_o declare_v the_o church_n vacant_a to_o which_o sentence_n he_o refuse_v to_o submit_v and_o appeal_v therefore_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o interpose_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o assembly_n for_o dispossess_v he_o of_o that_o church_n which_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o he_o be_v call_v upon_o when_o he_o compeir_v the_o moderator_n ask_v he_o if_o he_o acknowledge_v the_o civil_a government_n and_o if_o he_o will_v submit_v to_o that_o of_o the_o church_n to_o both_o which_o he_o answer_v affirmative_o but_o when_o it_o be_v ask_v he_o if_o he_o repent_v of_o his_o compliance_n with_o episcopacy_n he_o say_v if_o it_o be_v a_o sin_n he_o will_v repent_v of_o it_o his_o answer_n do_v neither_o please_v nor_o satisfy_v they_o for_o the_o moderator_n tell_v he_o it_o seem_v he_o yet_o doubt_v whether_o it_o be_v a_o sin_n or_o not_o so_o find_v by_o this_o and_o some_o other_o thing_n that_o he_o be_v not_o yet_o a_o through_o convert_n they_o deprive_v he_o of_o his_o church_n and_o discharge_v he_o the_o exercise_n of_o his_o
ministry_n a_o three_o person_n bring_v before_o the_o assembly_n be_v one_o mr._n forseith_n minister_n at_o st._n ninian_n he_o be_v accuse_v for_o marry_v a_o man_n to_o his_o first_o wife_n niece_n which_o he_o confess_v before_o the_o assembly_n and_o also_o that_o he_o have_v be_v inform_v of_o the_o relation_n and_o dissuade_v from_o do_v it_o by_o the_o episcopal_a clergy_n among_o who_o he_o live_v all_o his_o excuse_n be_v that_o he_o be_v not_o much_o himself_n when_o he_o do_v it_o be_v in_o great_a confusion_n and_o consternation_n because_o of_o the_o rabble_n that_o be_v then_o up_o and_o who_o continual_o threaten_v he_o as_o they_o have_v fall_v upon_o his_o neighbour_n minister_n and_o he_o further_o allege_v that_o it_o be_v the_o only_a miscarriage_n he_o can_v be_v charge_v with_o in_o thirty_o five_o year_n exercise_v of_o the_o ministry_n and_o therefore_o he_o desire_v the_o assembly_n to_o pardon_v he_o and_o to_o restore_v he_o this_o they_o refuse_v and_o confirm_v the_o sentence_n of_o his_o deposition_n which_o be_v very_o just_a and_o the_o only_a justifiable_a act_n of_o the_o assembly_n from_o its_o sit_v down_o to_o its_o rise_n a_o four_o affair_n which_o the_o assembly_n have_v before_o they_o be_v that_o of_o mr._n john_n mekenzie_n at_o kirkliston_n i_o suppose_v you_o have_v see_v a_o account_n of_o his_o process_n before_o the_o presbytery_n of_o linlithgow_n for_o he_o carry_v it_o up_o with_o he_o to_o london_n to_o show_v it_o to_o his_o friend_n there_o but_o in_o case_n you_o have_v not_o meet_v with_o he_o nor_o receive_v a_o account_n of_o the_o whole_a matter_n take_v it_o in_o short_a thus_o when_o rabble_a be_v practise_v and_o in_o fashion_n here_o he_o among_o many_o other_o of_o his_o brethren_n have_v the_o church_n door_n shut_v against_o he_o and_o by_o this_o mean_n be_v hinder_v from_o the_o exercise_n of_o his_o ministry_n in_o that_o parish_n but_o have_v comply_v with_o the_o civil_a government_n he_o make_v a_o interest_n by_o his_o friend_n to_o maintain_v his_o legal_a right_n and_o title_n to_o the_o say_a church_n which_o vex_v and_o gall_v the_o presbyterian_o who_o by_o this_o mean_n be_v keep_v from_o settle_v a_o minister_n of_o their_o own_o persuasion_n there_o all_o endeavour_n be_v use_v to_o remove_v he_o first_o they_o set_v he_o upon_o he_o to_o dimit_v voluntary_o which_o he_o refuse_v they_o next_o threaten_v to_o force_v he_o to_o it_o upon_o article_n of_o scandal_n but_o his_o innocence_n and_o unblameable_a conversation_n be_v sufficient_a proof_n against_o that_o they_o at_o last_o pursue_v he_o before_o the_o presbytery_n of_o linlithgow_n upon_o the_o pretence_n of_o desert_v his_o people_n he_o appear_v before_o they_o and_o defend_v himself_o declare_v he_o be_v always_o ready_a and_o willing_a to_o exercise_v his_o ministry_n if_o the_o rabble_n will_v have_v suffer_v he_o and_o allow_v he_o access_n to_o his_o church_n and_o therefore_o the_o fault_n do_v not_o lie_v at_o his_o door_n upon_o this_o he_o be_v blame_v for_o speak_v contemptible_o of_o the_o rabble_n who_o be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o necessary_a preliminary_n to_o the_o government_n both_o of_o church_n and_o state_n and_o from_o that_o they_o will_v have_v be_v infer_v his_o secret_a disaffection_n to_o both_o the_o presbytery_n be_v force_v to_o vindicate_v he_o from_o all_o imputation_n of_o scandal_n and_o for_o a_o mark_n of_o their_o singular_a and_o extraordinary_a favour_n they_o say_v they_o will_v give_v he_o recommendatory_a letter_n to_o put_v he_o in_o capacity_n of_o be_v elect_a minister_n of_o another_o parish_n but_o still_o they_o urge_v his_o quit_n of_o that_o of_o kirkliston_n and_o when_o he_o perceive_v that_o they_o have_v firm_o resolve_v to_o declare_v his_o church_n vacant_a to_o gratify_v the_o rabble_n and_o some_o few_o other_o unreasonable_a person_n who_o be_v dissatisfy_v with_o he_o he_o appeal_v from_o they_o to_o the_o king_n and_o the_o next_o lawful_o call_v general_a assembly_n this_o be_v the_o tenor_n of_o his_o appeal_n many_o of_o the_o assembly_n speak_v against_o the_o receive_n or_o sustain_v it_o allege_v that_o it_o be_v not_o to_o they_o he_o appeal_v for_o his_o expression_n do_v imply_v that_o this_o assembly_n be_v not_o lawful_o call_v see_v it_o be_v call_v before_o he_o appeal_v and_o yet_o he_o make_v no_o particular_a reference_n to_o it_o beside_o say_v they_o it_o be_v clear_a he_o mean_v a_o episcopal_a assembly_n by_o his_o appeal_n to_o the_o king_n joint_o with_o the_o assembly_n for_o these_o episcopalian_o do_v make_v the_o king_n the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n whereas_o we_o can_v own_v any_o such_o thing_n my_o lord_n arbruchel_n desire_v the_o assembly_n to_o be_v favourable_a to_o he_o for_o he_o know_v he_o to_o be_v well_o affect_v to_o the_o government_n and_o that_o he_o have_v serve_v the_o king_n abroad_o for_o the_o space_n of_o seven_o year_n to_o which_o one_o reply_v that_o he_o be_v as_o well_o pay_v for_o it_o he_o serve_v he_o for_o wage_n and_o so_o will_v he_o have_v do_v the_o turk_n too_o they_o be_v much_o irritate_v by_o his_o go_v to_o london_n to_o represent_v their_o proceed_n and_o to_o clamour_n against_o they_o every_o man_n take_v occasion_n to_o vent_v his_o passion_n and_o pique_n at_o he_o some_o say_v he_o be_v scandalous_a and_o call_v he_o a_o drunkard_n and_o swearer_n some_o call_v he_o one_o thing_n and_o some_o another_o and_o one_o say_v he_o shall_v be_v depose_v because_o he_o be_v a_o proud_a stubborn_a and_o insolent_a fellow_n the_o commissioner_n apprehend_v there_o will_v be_v little_a justice_n where_o there_o be_v so_o much_o pique_n and_o prejudice_n desire_v the_o moderator_n to_o delay_v the_o affair_n and_o to_o allow_v the_o young_a man_n time_n to_o appear_v and_o answer_v for_o himself_o but_o the_o moderator_n reply_v that_o it_o be_v best_a to_o proceed_v now_o and_o more_o for_o the_o young_a man_n reputation_n for_o if_o he_o be_v present_a they_o will_v be_v oblige_v to_o take_v notice_n of_o some_o crime_n and_o scandal_n which_o now_o they_o will_v pass_v over_o without_o inquire_v into_o they_o forget_v that_o the_o presbytery_n have_v acquit_v he_o of_o all_o such_o gild_n and_o that_o he_o himself_o have_v give_v he_o a_o good_a testimony_n when_o the_o affair_n be_v first_o bring_v before_o the_o assembly_n the_o commissioner_n still_o urge_v that_o they_o will_v deal_v tender_o and_o gentle_o with_o he_o indeed_o reply_v the_o moderator_n your_o grace_n shall_v find_v that_o we_o will_v use_v great_a tenderness_n towards_o the_o young_a man_n and_o we_o shall_v be_v very_o discreet_a for_o we_o shall_v only_o take_v his_o kirk_n from_o he_o which_o they_o do_v immediate_o so_o that_o you_o have_v a_o sample_n of_o the_o presbyterian_a tenderness_n which_o i_o think_v be_v very_a near_o a_o kin_n to_o the_o tender_a mercy_n of_o the_o wicked_a which_o solomon_n declare_v to_o be_v cruel_a for_o when_o they_o deprive_v one_o of_o his_o livelihood_n and_o good-name_n they_o call_v it_o tenderness_n and_o if_o it_o be_v so_o i_o pray_v god_n save_v we_o from_o their_o cruelty_n except_o these_o four_o i_o hear_v of_o no_o other_o process_n wherein_o the_o episcopal_a clergy_n be_v concern_v that_o be_v revise_v and_o discuss_v before_o the_o assembly_n there_o be_v indeed_o one_o or_o two_o more_o mention_v by_o the_o interest_n make_v by_o the_o person_n concern_v paper_n as_o the_o business_n of_o mr._n heriot_n in_o dalkeith_n and_o mr._n wood_n in_o dumbar_n but_o they_o with_o the_o rest_n be_v refer_v back_o to_o particular_a synod_n and_o presbytery_n all_o this_o while_n the_o presbyterian_o have_v be_v intent_n upon_o the_o empty_n of_o church_n now_o at_o last_o they_o begin_v to_o consider_v how_o church_n shall_v be_v fill_v and_o vacancy_n supply_v they_o want_v labourer_n for_o their_o harvest_n and_o therefore_o they_o first_o pass_v a_o act_n for_o call_v home_o such_o of_o their_o party_n as_o be_v serve_v in_o other_o place_n abroad_o and_o appoint_v the_o draw_v up_o and_o direct_v of_o letter_n for_o acquaint_v those_o in_o holland_n particular_o with_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o assembly_n and_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o church_n it_o happen_v that_o of_o these_o who_o be_v speak_v of_o one_o be_v dead_a and_o another_o detain_v prisoner_n in_o dunkirk_n wherefore_o one_o say_v at_o the_o read_n of_o the_o letter_n that_o the_o assembly_n need_v the_o power_n of_o miracle_n for_o bring_v back_o the_o one_o and_o that_o they_o ought_v to_o address_v to_o the_o french_a king_n to_o obtain_v the_o other_o in_o the_o next_o place_n for_o the_o increase_a the_o number_n of_o the_o brethren_n they_o appoint_v some_o to_o search_v out_o and_o to_o give_v in_o
see_v there_o be_v so_o much_o babble_n &_o in_o their_o print_a &_o consequent_o more_o deliberate_a discourse_n a_o acquaintance_n of_o you_o have_v make_v a_o rare_a collection_n of_o note_n of_o their_o sermon_n both_o print_v and_o unprint_v to_o which_o i_o refer_v you_o for_o instance_n to_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o what_o i_o have_v be_v say_v the_o last_o sermon_n that_o be_v publish_v come_v forth_o the_o first_o week_n of_o the_o ass_n the_o author_n be_v one_o mr._n james_n clark_n who_o preach_v in_o the_o meeting_n house_n at_o dumbar_n it_o be_v a_o sermon_n ad_fw-la clerum_fw-la preach_v as_o be_v say_v at_o the_o depose_n of_o the_o parson_n of_o old-hamstocks_a which_o be_v a_o extraordinary_a occasion_n something_o better_a then_o ordinary_a be_v expect_v but_o there_o never_o appear_v a_o more_o silly_a and_o empty_a discourse_n nor_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o you_o can_v conceive_v so_o mean_o of_o it_o as_o it_o deserve_v it_o be_v even_o far_o below_o mr._n andrew_n gray_n sermon_n the_o very_a presbyterian_o who_o gust_n crave_v no_o fine_a thing_n be_v ashamed_a of_o it_o my_o lord_n czawford_n to_o excuse_v it_o lay_v the_o blame_n on_o the_o printer_n and_o complain_v of_o he_o at_o the_o council_n table_n for_o offer_v to_o publish_v it_o without_o a_o licence_n allege_v also_o that_o it_o be_v without_o the_o author_n consent_n and_o that_o the_o copy_n be_v a_o imperfect_a uncorrect_a one_o which_o some_o ignorant_a or_o malicious_a person_n have_v take_v from_o the_o author_n mouth_n but_o when_o the_o printer_n be_v examine_v he_o produce_v a_o authentic_a copy_n from_o the_o author_n himself_o and_o declare_v that_o he_o revise_v the_o sheet_n as_o they_o come_v from_o the_o press_n so_o the_o printer_n be_v free_a of_o the_o fault_n that_o be_v in_o it_o and_o they_o can_v be_v only_o charge_v on_o mr._n clark_n who_o it_o be_v believe_v show_v all_o the_o learning_n and_o eloquence_n he_o be_v master_n of_o but_o it_o be_v fit_a now_o we_o return_v to_o the_o ass_n and_o give_v you_o a_o account_n of_o what_o act_n they_o pass_v for_o regulate_v the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n for_o the_o future_a the_o first_o of_o this_o kind_n and_o the_o first_o also_o of_o any_o other_o that_o pass_v in_o the_o ass_n be_v a_o act_n against_o marriage_n without_o public_a proclamation_n as_o also_o against_o the_o private_a administration_n of_o the_o two_o sacrament_n baptism_n and_o the_o lord_n supper_n mr._n gilbert_n rule_v press_v that_o the_o sacrament_n of_o baptism_n may_v not_o at_o all_o be_v administer_v but_o in_o public_a and_o after_o sermon_n and_o call_v the_o private_a administration_n not_o only_o superstitious_a but_o also_o sorcery_n and_o charm_v and_o say_v further_a that_o the_o same_o be_v contrary_a to_o scripture_n and_o antiquity_n mr_n kirkton_n take_v he_o up_o brisk_o and_o say_v that_o be_v disputable_a that_o he_o can_v buckle_v he_o or_o any_o man_n upon_o that_o point_n but_o will_v not_o debate_v it_o now_o he_o add_v that_o by_o their_o rigorous_a imposition_n of_o indifferent_a thing_n he_o have_v lose_v five_o man_n of_o considerable_a note_n the_o last_o week_n and_o conclude_v tho_o there_o be_v a_o thousand_o act_n against_o it_o he_o will_v rather_o baptise_v in_o private_a then_o suffer_v the_o child_n to_o go_v to_o the_o curate_n some_o highland_n minister_n cray_v that_o they_o may_v not_o be_v liable_a to_o that_o act_n because_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o bring_v all_o the_o child_n of_o their_o parish_n to_o the_o kirk_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o vast_a distance_n some_o of_o their_o people_n live_v at_o from_o they_o but_o whether_o they_o intend_v to_o give_v a_o dispensation_n be_v not_o express_v the_o moderator_n to_o excuse_v their_o own_o practice_n heretofore_o say_v there_o be_v a_o distinction_n both_o of_o time_n and_o place_n for_o say_v he_o in_o time_n of_o persecution_n i_o think_v a_o honest_a minister_n ride_v on_o the_o way_n may_v go_v into_o a_o man_n house_n baptise_v a_o bairn_n and_o come_v out_o and_o take_v his_o horse_n again_o though_o while_o they_o be_v under_o restraint_n they_o make_v no_o scruple_n of_o baptise_v private_o the_o child_n of_o those_o of_o their_o own_o persuasion_n yet_o now_o they_o refuse_v to_o baptize_v any_o except_o in_o public_a nor_o will_v they_o do_v it_o but_o when_o there_o be_v a_o sermon_n and_o they_o be_v so_o strict_a upon_o the_o point_n that_o they_o suffer_v the_o child_n to_o die_v rather_o then_o slacken_v their_o rigour_n in_o the_o country_n the_o benefit_n of_o baptism_n can_v be_v only_o have_v on_o sunday_n because_o then_o only_o there_o be_v preach_v and_o if_o child_n can_v live_v so_o long_o they_o must_v take_v their_o hazard_n of_o depart_v without_o that_o sign_n and_o seal_v of_o their_o salvation_n i_o know_v a_o parish_n where_o two_o or_o three_o person_n importune_v the_o minister_n to_o baptize_v their_o child_n public_o or_o private_o as_o he_o please_v but_o he_o peremptory_o refuse_v to_o do_v it_o on_o a_o weekday_n though_o they_o who_o intend_v to_o have_v be_v present_a at_o the_o baptism_n will_v have_v make_v a_o competent_a number_n for_o a_o ordinary_a country_n sermon_n and_o before_o sunday_n two_o of_o the_o child_n die_v we_o have_v late_o in_o this_o city_n a_o more_o notable_a instance_n of_o the_o stiffness_n of_o their_o humour_n in_o this_o particular_a a_o certain_a citizen_n design_v to_o have_v his_o child_n baptize_v on_o a_o week_n day_n at_o the_o ordinary_a time_n of_o sermon_n he_o with_o the_o gossip_n come_v in_o time_n enough_o to_o the_o church_n but_o because_o the_o child_n be_v bring_v in_o about_o the_o close_a of_o the_o sermon_n neither_o mr._n kennedy_n who_o preach_v nor_o mr._n erskine_n the_o minister_n of_o the_o parish_n can_v be_v prevail_v with_o to_o administer_v the_o sacrament_n to_o the_o infant_n but_o they_o cause_v it_o to_o be_v carry_v home_o again_o without_o baptism_n the_o people_n general_o take_v this_o very_a ill_n and_o be_v very_o much_o displease_v with_o the_o presbyterian_a minister_n on_o this_o account_n wherefore_o to_o justify_v themselves_o they_o frequent_o preach_v against_o the_o necessity_n of_o baptism_n and_o to_o talk_v of_o it_o as_o if_o it_o be_v a_o ordinance_n neither_o necessary_a nor_o much_o to_o be_v regard_v and_o do_v account_v the_o esteem_n and_o value_n which_o be_v ordinary_o put_v upon_o it_o and_o earnest_n desire_v the_o people_n have_v after_o it_o to_o be_v the_o dregs_o and_o relic_n of_o popery_n among_o we_o when_o a_o child_n be_v bring_v to_o mr._n kirkton_n he_o take_v occasion_n to_o show_v the_o superstition_n of_o that_o ceremony_n and_o say_v to_o the_o people_n you_o think_v it_o necessary_a to_o have_v your_o child_n baptise_a but_o i_o tell_v you_o say_v he_o i_o know_v a_o good_a godly_a minister_n who_o live_v till_o he_o be_v fourscore_a that_o be_v never_o baptise_a all_o his_o life_n time_n in_o the_o next_o place_n they_o renew_v a_o act_n of_o a_o general_n assembly_n appoint_v pedagogue_n chaplain_n preacher_n and_o student_n to_o take_v and_o subscribe_v the_o confession_n of_o faith_n and_o further_o they_o commissionated_a some_o to_o draw_v up_o a_o list_n of_o all_o these_o act_n of_o assembly_n which_o be_v fit_a to_o to_o be_v observe_v and_o put_v in_o use_n wherein_o they_o act_v very_o cunning_o for_o though_o it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o they_o receive_v all_o the_o act_n of_o assembly_n as_o if_o they_o be_v scripture_n and_o pay_v no_o less_o regard_n to_o they_o yet_o because_o some_o of_o these_o encroach_v upon_o the_o power_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n therefore_o to_o prevent_v the_o jealousy_n of_o the_o king_n they_o will_v not_o make_v a_o general_a act_n ratify_v and_o approve_v they_o in_o cumulo_fw-la nor_o yet_o will_v they_o condemn_v or_o censure_v any_o of_o they_o but_o they_o enforce_v such_o as_o be_v proper_a and_o suitable_a to_o the_o present_a state_n of_o affair_n and_o wave_v the_o declaration_n of_o their_o sentiment_n concern_v the_o rest_n four_o because_o the_o ass_n can_v not_o sit_v so_o long_o as_o be_v necessary_a to_o determine_v all_o particular_n and_o to_o give_v rule_n and_o measure_n for_o the_o settle_n of_o the_o church_n in_o this_o juncture_n nor_o be_v it_o sit_v it_o shall_v do_v it_o therefore_o they_o resolve_v to_o choose_v a_o committee_n who_o may_v sit_v after_o the_o dissolution_n of_o the_o ass_n who_o shall_v have_v full_a and_o supreme_a power_n to_o act_n in_o all_o thing_n that_o relate_v to_o the_o church_n it_o be_v say_v that_o this_o overture_n be_v first_o make_v by_o the_o moderate_a man_n who_o think_v by_o this_o mean_n to_o reduce_v affair_n to_o a_o better_a temper_n than_o the_o
ass_n be_v like_a to_o do_v by_o reason_n of_o the_o many_o rigid_a and_o indiscreet_a man_n who_o be_v in_o it_o therefore_o six_o be_v propose_v to_o be_v a_o part_n of_o this_o committee_n and_o to_o name_v the_o other_o person_n of_o who_o the_o committee_n shall_v consist_v four_o of_o these_o six_o go_v under_o the_o character_n of_o moderate_a man_n the_o other_o two_o be_v of_o another_o temper_n and_o be_v join_v to_o they_o on_o purpose_n to_o prevent_v suspicion_n but_o the_o high_a fly_v brethren_n soon_o smell_v out_o the_o design_n and_o therefore_o they_o first_o vote_v two_o more_o of_o their_o own_o side_n and_o because_o that_o only_o put_v they_o in_o aequilibrio_fw-la they_o again_o get_v four_o more_o to_o be_v add_v so_o that_o they_o be_v double_a the_o number_n of_o the_o other_o and_o by_o this_o mean_v the_o committee_n consist_v most_o part_n of_o the_o strict_a and_o most_o rigid_a presbyterian_o their_o name_n be_v as_o follow_v for_o the_o south_n minister_n john_n veith_n gab._n simple_a gilbert_n rule_n m._n james_n kirkton_n john_n spalding_n michael_n bruce_n gab._n cuninghame_n william_n erskine_n william_n weir_n alex._n pitcairn_n m._n richard_n howison_n james_n veitch_n patrick_n simpson_n matthew_n crawford_n george_n campbell_n james_n laurce_fw-fr archibald_n hamilton_n m._n patrick_n peacock_n rob._n duncauson_n john_n balandine_n william_n ker_n patrick_n venier_n m._n john_n hutchison_n william_n eccles_n neil_n gitless_a m._n andrew_n morton_n thomas_n forester_n william_n violin_n m._n david_n blair_n samuel_n nairn_n elder_n earl_n of_o crawford_n earl_n sutherland_n visc_n of_o arburthnet_n la._n halleraig_n laird_n of_o ormestone_n sir_n john_n hall_n sir_n james_n riddel_n balife_o muir_n laird_n balife_o macklurg_n george_n stirling_n coltness_n glanderston_n lammington_n air_n john_n muir_n provost_n of_o hamilton_n of_o grange_n for_o the_o north._n minister_n john_n law_n hugh_n kennedy_n m._n will._n crighton_n john_n anderson_n alex._n forbes_n william_n legget_n robert_n rule_n m._n james_n frazer_n go_v meldrum_n edward_n jenuson_n james_n rymer_n thomas_n ramsay_n m._n robert_n young_a william_n mack_n andrew_n buey_n elder_n ja._n ardbruchill_n green_n know_v naughton_n meggins_n lewchatt_n afterward_o it_o be_v represent_v that_o the_o visitor_n for_o the_o north_n be_v too_o few_o there_o be_v add_v these_o follow_a minister_n james_n stewart_n james_n vrquhart_n m._n alex._n dumbar_n alex._n frazer_n thomas_n hog_n hugh_n anderson_n william_n machay_n m._n walter_n denune_n geo._n meldrum_n at_o glass_n arthur_n mitchel_n william_n ramsay_n m._n francis_n melvil_n john_n maccullork_n elder_n brodie_n grant_v grange_n dumber_n eight_o colloden_n dalfolly_n parkhay_n sir_n john_n monro_n sir_n george_n monro_n embo_n sir_n david_n frazer_n m._n john_n campbell_n of_o moye_fw-fr this_o committee_n be_v appoint_v to_o keep_v quarterly_a session_n viz._n on_o the_o three_o wednesday_n of_o january_n and_o the_o three_o wednesday_n of_o april_n and_o to_o appoint_v afterward_o their_o meeting_n as_o often_o as_o they_o shall_v think_v fit_a that_o a_o quorum_fw-la shall_v be_v ten_o minister_n and_o five_o ruling-elders_a and_o they_o be_v allow_v to_o choose_v their_o own_o moderator_n and_o clerk_n the_o instruction_n prepare_v for_o they_o by_o the_o committee_n for_o overture_n be_v first_o read_v and_o debate_v on_o thursday_n before_o the_o ass_n rose_z but_o they_o be_v not_o agree_v to_o till_o the_o tuesday_n thereafter_o on_o monday_n they_o be_v read_v with_o some_o alteration_n but_o mr._n kirkton_n and_o a_o great_a many_o more_o adhered_a to_o the_o exception_n which_o they_o make_v at_o the_o first_o read_n and_o say_v that_o the_o alteration_n be_v not_o considerable_a he_o allege_v also_o that_o what_o be_v then_o read_v be_v not_o a_o true_a copy_n of_o that_o which_o the_o committee_n have_v agree_v to_o and_o offer_v to_o the_o moderator_n a_o true_a double_a of_o it_o but_o the_o moderator_n refuse_v it_o say_v he_o know_v nothing_o of_o the_o matter_n and_o because_o the_o ass_n be_v not_o like_a to_o come_v to_o a_o agreement_n at_o that_o time_n therefore_o the_o matter_n be_v refer_v back_o again_o to_o the_o committee_n and_o all_o who_o have_v any_o thing_n to_o say_v about_o it_o be_v appoint_v to_o attend_v they_o the_o next_o day_n it_o be_v bring_v back_o again_o to_o the_o ass_n and_o conclude_v mr._n kirkton_n and_o some_o other_o who_o press_v alteration_n be_v absent_a to_o satisfy_v your_o and_o my_o own_o curiosity_n i_o use_v mean_n to_o procure_v a_o copy_n of_o the_o instruction_n and_o get_v they_o with_o some_o difficulty_n which_o i_o here_o set_v down_o instruction_n for_o the_o committee_n or_o commission_n of_o the_o kirk_n first_o they_o be_v to_o take_v into_o their_o cognizance_n all_o reference_n and_o appeal_v not_o discuss_v in_o the_o assembly_n and_o such_o matter_n as_o have_v be_v state_v before_o the_o ass_n and_o refer_v to_o they_o and_o to_o discuss_v and_o determine_v the_o famine_n second_o they_o be_v to_o give_v their_o advice_n to_o all_o synod_n and_o presbytery_n when_o require_v and_o though_o not_o require_v yet_o upon_o information_n of_o any_o irregularity_n or_o precipitancy_n of_o proceed_n in_o presbytery_n they_o be_v to_o interpose_v their_o advice_n for_o sist_z process_n till_o the_o next_o synod_n or_o ass_n when_o this_o 2d_o article_n be_v read_v some_o ask_v if_o the_o commission_n have_v power_n to_o call_v before_o themselves_o any_o business_n and_o to_o take_v the_o same_o out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o presbytery_n to_o which_o the_o moderator_n answer_v no_o but_o they_o be_v only_o to_o give_v their_o advice_n and_o say_v he_o i_o think_v no_o presbytery_n will_v refuse_v it_o which_o if_o they_o do_v it_o must_v be_v cum_fw-la periculo_fw-la and_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n will_v be_v free_a from_o any_o imputation_n of_o their_o act_n three_o they_o be_v to_o have_v power_n to_o visit_v all_o minister_n in_o presbytery_n as_o well_o presbyterian_a as_o other_o four_o they_o be_v to_o purge_v out_o of_o the_o church_n all_o who_o upon_o due_a trial_n shall_v be_v find_v insufficient_a scandalous_a erroneous_a or_o supine_o negligent_a it_o be_v move_v that_o the_o word_n supine_o negligent_a may_v be_v leave_v out_o but_o the_o same_o be_v refuse_v five_o they_o be_v to_o be_v careful_a that_o none_o be_v admit_v by_o they_o to_o ministerial_a communion_n or_o to_o a_o share_n in_o the_o government_n but_o such_o as_o upon_o due_a trial_n for_o which_o the_o visitor_n shall_v take_v a_o competent_a time_n shall_v be_v find_v to_o be_v orthodox_n in_o their_o doctrine_n of_o competent_a ability_n have_v a_o pious_a godly_a and_o peaceable_a conversation_n as_o become_v a_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o a_o edify_a gift_n and_o who_o the_o commission_n shall_v have_v ground_n to_o believe_v will_v be_v faithful_a to_o god_n and_o the_o government_n and_o diligent_a in_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o ministerial_a duty_n and_o that_o all_o who_o shall_v be_v admit_v to_o the_o ministry_n or_o shall_v be_v receive_v into_o a_o share_n of_o the_o government_n shall_v be_v oblige_v to_o own_o and_o subscribe_v the_o confession_n of_o faith_n and_o to_o profess_v their_o submission_n and_o willingness_n to_o join_v and_o concur_v with_o the_o presbyterian_a church-government_n at_o first_o it_o be_v presbyterian_a communion_n and_o only_o faithful_a to_o the_o government_n mr._n kirkton_n say_v that_o this_o article_n be_v a_o matter_n of_o very_o great_a consequence_n and_o desire_v it_o may_v be_v well_o consider_v for_o in_o hoc_fw-la vertitur_fw-la fortuna_fw-la scotia_n and_o complain_v that_o there_o be_v not_o one_o word_n of_o the_o scandal_n of_o conform_v which_o he_o say_v be_v the_o great_a of_o all_o scandal_n mr._n frazer_n of_o brae_n propose_v that_o the_o clause_n of_o repentance_n may_v be_v insert_v the_o moderator_n answer_v that_o in_o effect_v it_o be_v there_o already_o if_o they_o look_v upon_o the_o commissioner_n as_o discreet_a and_o judicious_a man_n for_o so_o say_v he_o they_o will_v admit_v none_o without_o repentance_n for_o without_o that_o they_o can_v have_v ground_n to_o believe_v that_o ever_o they_o will_v be_v faithful_a to_o the_o government_n mr._n kirkton_n reply_v that_o they_o can_v never_o be_v sure_a of_o episcopal_a minister_n for_o many_o of_o they_o say_v he_o have_v change_v three_o or_o four_o time_n already_o and_o they_o will_v do_v it_o at_o every_o turn_n mr._n william_n weir_n move_v that_o they_o may_v be_v oblige_v to_o declare_v that_o they_o shall_v neither_o by_o advice_n nor_o any_o other_o way_n endeavour_v the_o alteration_n of_o the_o presbyterian_a government_n six_o that_o they_o be_v very_o cautious_a in_o receive_v in_o information_n and_o form_v libel_n against_o the_o late_a conformist_n and_o present_a incumbent_n and_o that_o they_o
minister_n at_o peebles_n which_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n can_v then_o admit_v of_o viz._n designation_n and_o appointment_n of_o the_o patron_n with_o the_o consent_n and_o concurrence_n of_o the_o heritor_n elder_n and_o by_o far_o the_o great_a and_o most_o substantial_a part_n of_o the_o people_n and_o want_v only_o the_o formality_n of_o a_o induction_n or_o institution_n in_o regard_n there_o be_v no_o legal_a ecclesiastical_a judicatory_a then_o in_o be_v to_o confer_v it_o on_o he_o continue_v in_o the_o free_a and_o peaceable_a exercise_n of_o his_o ministry_n until_o the_o sixteen_o of_o february_n 1690_o when_o some_o violent_a interruption_n be_v offer_v unto_o he_o by_o a_o company_n of_o unruly_a people_n as_o he_o be_v come_v to_o the_o church_n on_o the_o lord_n day_n in_o the_o morning_n the_o heritor_n elder_n and_o people_n as_o aforesaid_a be_v so_o much_o concern_v that_o by_o a_o express_a obligation_n subscribe_v under_o their_o hand_n they_o declare_v their_o resolution_n to_o adhere_v to_o the_o say_a mr._n knock_n as_o their_o minister_n and_o commissioned_n some_o of_o their_o number_n to_o pursue_v that_o high_a riot_n before_o the_o most_o honourable_a lord_n of_o their_o majesty_n privy_a council_n upon_o who_o complaint_n and_o application_n the_o lord_n of_o council_n find_v mr._n knox_n to_o have_v good_a right_o to_o serve_v the_o cure_n at_o the_o church_n of_o peebles_n do_v just_o punish_v the_o author_n of_o the_o tumult_n and_o oblige_v the_o magistrate_n of_o peebles_n to_o take_v such_o care_n of_o the_o peace_n that_o there_o may_v be_v no_o interruption_n offer_v to_o he_o for_o the_o future_a and_o thereafter_o he_o enjoy_v his_o ministry_n comfortable_o and_o peaceable_o until_o the_o presbytery_n have_v as_o will_v seem_v by_o all_o their_o posterior_n act_n resolve_v to_o thrust_v he_o out_o and_o obtrude_v another_o on_o the_o parish_n do_v by_o their_o act_n of_o the_o 24_o of_o july_n last_o at_o kirkurd_n without_o ever_o examine_v his_o right_n and_o title_n or_o give_v he_o any_o citation_n proceed_v upon_o a_o false_a supposition_n as_o if_o he_o have_v possess_v himself_o wrongous_o of_o the_o church_n require_v he_o to_o forbear_v preach_v till_o he_o shall_v be_v allow_v by_o they_o the_o extract_n of_o which_o act_n be_v deliver_v to_o he_o by_o the_o present_a provost_n of_o peebles_n most_o unreasonable_o upon_o the_o lord_n day_n thereafter_o just_a as_o he_o be_v go_v to_o the_o pulpit_n he_o take_v it_o as_o the_o act_n plain_o bear_v to_o be_v only_o a_o temporary_a restraint_n till_o such_o time_n as_o he_o shall_v apply_v himself_o to_o the_o presbytery_n for_o their_o allowance_n do_v patient_o and_o pleasant_o obey_v it_o take_v his_o seat_n among_o the_o auditor_n while_o the_o provost_n fetch_v a_o minister_n from_o the_o meetinghouse_n to_o preach_v in_o the_o church_n who_o after_o sermon_n by_o a_o order_n as_o he_o say_v from_o the_o presbytery_n surprise_v the_o parish_n by_o declare_v the_o church_n to_o be_v vacant_a for_o the_o supply_n of_o which_o pretend_a vacancy_n the_o say_a presbytery_n send_v mr._n robert_n eliot_n one_o of_o their_o own_o number_n upon_o the_o 24_o of_o august_n be_v the_o lord_n day_n to_o preach_v and_o hold_v a_o meeting_n for_o the_o call_n of_o one_o mr._n william_n veatch_n which_o meeting_n be_v call_v after_o sermon_n the_o heritor_n either_o by_o themselves_o or_o their_o proxy_n together_o with_o all_o the_o ordinary_a elder_n of_o the_o parish_n and_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o whole_a people_n compeered_a and_o protest_v against_o the_o call_n of_o mr._n veatch_n appeal_n from_o the_o presbytery_n to_o the_o next_o provincial_n or_o general_a assembly_n that_o shall_v happen_v to_o be_v promise_v to_o give_v in_o the_o double_a of_o their_o protestation_n and_o appeal_n with_o the_o reason_n thereof_o to_o the_o presbytery_n the_o first_o day_n of_o their_o meeting_n whereupon_o they_o take_v instrument_n the_o say_a mr._n robert_n elliot_n in_o a_o strange_a and_o unbecoming_a heat_n and_o transport_v insolent_o presume_v to_o take_v instrument_n against_o they_o in_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o without_o any_o regard_n to_o their_o protestation_n he_o with_o his_o associate_n proceed_v to_o nominate_v so_o many_o pretend_a commissioner_n to_o go_v the_o next_o day_n with_o mr._n william_n russel_n who_o be_v send_v by_o the_o presbytery_n and_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o parish_n of_o peebles_n to_o offer_v a_o pretend_a call_n to_o the_o say_a mr._n veatch_n among_o which_o commissioner_n the_o notorious_a villain_n beatty_n who_o occasion_v the_o former_a tumult_n be_v one_o who_o for_o his_o horrid_a profanation_n of_o the_o lord_n day_n and_o villainous_a attempt_n thereupon_o against_o mr._n knox_n have_v be_v late_o and_o deserve_o punish_v by_o the_o privy_a council_n to_o which_o call_v albeit_o only_o sign_v by_o cardronno_n who_o have_v but_o small_a interest_n in_o the_o parish_n and_o two_o or_o three_o mean_a heritor_n who_o have_v but_o two_o aikers_n of_o ground_n a_o piece_n almost_o mr._n veatch_n cordial_o embrace_v come_v and_o present_v it_o to_o the_o presbytery_n of_o peebles_n at_o and_o within_o the_o chapel_n thereof_o upon_o the_o 〈◊〉_d day_n of_o september_n follow_v the_o which_o day_n and_o place_n the_o heritor_n etc._n etc._n by_o themselves_o and_o their_o proxy_n compear_v and_o give_v in_o their_o protestation_n and_o appeal_n in_o write_v with_o the_o most_o grave_a and_o weighty_a reason_n thereof_o viz._n that_o the_o church_n can_v not_o be_v repute_v vacant_a mr._n knox_n who_o have_v beside_o possession_n a_o good_a right_n and_o title_n thereto_o and_o to_o who_o they_o be_v firm_o resolve_v to_o adhere_v not_o be_v either_o depose_v or_o deprive_v but_o only_o inhibit_v for_o a_o time_n by_o the_o act_n of_o the_o presbytery_n and_o his_o right_a not_o examine_v and_o discuss_v either_o by_o the_o presbytery_n or_o any_o other_o competent_a judicatory_a and_o suppose_v the_o church_n have_v be_v vacant_a as_o it_o be_v not_o yet_o the_o say_v pretend_v call_v of_o mr._n veatche_n be_v ipso_fw-la facto_fw-la void_a and_o null_a in_o regard_n of_o several_a essential_a defect_n and_o informality_n of_o it_o such_o as_o the_o call_n have_v not_o be_v make_v in_o a_o regular_a way_n by_o a_o public_a meeting_n of_o heritor_n elder_n and_o town_n council_n but_o by_o private_a subscription_n which_o the_o magistrate_n of_o peebles_n by_o menace_n and_o promise_n have_v secret_o collect_v from_o a_o multitude_n of_o person_n legal_o uncapable_a of_o any_o vote_n in_o the_o election_n some_o of_o they_o have_v no_o interest_n at_o all_o in_o the_o parish_n that_o there_o be_v none_o of_o the_o elder_n consent_v thereunto_o and_o of_o a_o multitude_n of_o considerable_a heritor_n in_o the_o parish_n only_o two_o or_o three_o petty_a and_o obscure_a one_o consent_v all_o which_o reason_n be_v more_o full_o express_v in_o the_o appeal_n whereupon_o they_o take_v instrument_n but_o the_o whole_a presbytery_n except_o a_o old_a grave_a man_n who_o dissent_v all_o along_o take_v no_o notice_n thereof_o nor_o to_o vouchsafe_v in_o the_o least_o any_o answer_n thereto_o accept_v of_o and_o sustain_v the_o aforesaid_a pretend_a call_n exhibit_v unto_o they_o in_o favour_n of_o mr._n veatch_n order_v a_o edict_n to_o be_v serve_v for_o he_o the_o next_o lord_n day_n which_o edict_n be_v return_v to_o the_o presbytery_n upon_o the_o 17_o of_o september_n and_o call_v at_o the_o chapel_n door_n compear_v again_o the_o heritor_n elder_n etc._n etc._n and_o declare_v their_o adherence_n to_o their_o former_a protestation_n and_o appeal_n with_o the_o whole_a reason_n thereof_o and_o subjoyn_v some_o more_o pregnant_a reason_n thereto_o viz._n that_o the_o say_a mr._n veatch_n be_v a_o person_n utter_o unknown_a to_o they_o and_o that_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v constrain_v with_o a_o implicit_a faith_n to_o intrust_v the_o care_n of_o their_o soul_n to_o a_o man_n of_o who_o they_o have_v no_o competent_a knowledge_n yea_o that_o he_o be_v a_o stranger_n to_o the_o presbytery_n itself_o and_o that_o they_o have_v never_o be_v at_o the_o pain_n to_o hear_v he_o preach_v that_o they_o may_v judge_v of_o his_o qualification_n for_o so_o eminent_a a_o place_n that_o the_o little_a trial_n the_o parish_n have_v of_o he_o in_o two_o or_o three_o sermon_n they_o be_v in_o their_o private_a judgement_n of_o discretion_n not_o well_o please_v with_o his_o way_n of_o preach_v for_o several_a grave_n and_o weighty_a exception_n which_o they_o have_v ready_a to_o produce_v that_o for_o the_o prospect_n of_o a_o more_o lucrative_a place_n he_o have_v by_o indirect_a method_n get_v himself_o loose_v from_o other_o call_v that_o he_o may_v force_v himself_o in_o upon_o the_o parish_n of_o peebles_n and_o final_o
same_o shall_v not_o be_v grant_v to_o he_o as_o if_o every_o one_o of_o they_o have_v have_v a_o decisive_n voice_n and_o which_o be_v without_o example_n in_o any_o judicatory_a for_o any_o of_o the_o judge_n to_o interrupt_v the_o defender_n speak_v and_o to_o cry_v out_o their_o opinion_n or_o rather_o sentence_n before_o the_o defender_n be_v remove_v and_o which_o open_o discover_v their_o prejudice_n design_n and_o resolution_n of_o proceed_v against_o the_o say_a mr._n alexander_n although_o without_o just_a cause_n 6thly_a the_o prejudice_n and_o design_n of_o the_o synod_n proceed_v against_o the_o say_a mr._n alexander_n on_o the_o say_v lame_a weak_a and_o incumbent_a probation_n be_v evident_a in_o so_o far_o as_o several_a member_n of_o their_o number_n do_v speak_v and_o deal_v with_o he_o to_o demit_fw-la or_o that_o otherways_o they_o will_v depose_v he_o and_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o certain_a than_o that_o they_o will_v never_o have_v deal_v with_o he_o to_o demit_fw-la if_o the_o probation_n against_o he_o have_v be_v good_a their_o malice_n to_o the_o regular_a clergy_n be_v such_o as_o that_o they_o will_v rather_o depose_v they_o for_o immorality_n and_o error_n in_o doctrine_n to_o expose_v they_o than_o suffer_v they_o to_o demit_fw-la and_o get_v off_o without_o stain_n when_o they_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o same_o but_o mr._n alexander_n be_v conscious_a of_o his_o own_o innocency_n refuse_v to_o demit_fw-la but_o rather_o to_o suffer_v their_o extremity_n from_o which_o he_o hope_v god_n in_o his_o good_a time_n will_v vindicate_v he_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o ground_n aforesaid_a that_o the_o synod_n have_v behave_v themselves_o most_o partial_o and_o against_o all_o law_n and_o form_n the_o say_a mr._n alexander_n do_v therefore_o protest_v against_o the_o synod_n further_o proceed_v in_o the_o say_a matter_n and_o appeal_v from_o they_o and_o from_o any_o sentence_n they_o shall_v give_v therein_o to_o the_o next_o lawful_a general_n assembly_n and_o to_o their_o majesty_n protection_n for_o justice_n and_o relief_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n and_o protest_v that_o the_o say_a libel_n and_o witness_n deposition_n take_v thereupon_o may_v be_v preserve_v and_o not_o put_v out_o of_o the_o way_n that_o so_o the_o â—â—me_n and_o not_o copy_n thereof_o may_v be_v produce_v to_o the_o next_o general_n assembly_n or_o to_o any_o their_o majesty_n shall_v be_v please_v out_o of_o their_o royal_a authority_n to_o appoint_v to_o consider_v the_o same_o and_o that_o as_o the_o say_a mr._n alexander_n will_v publish_v and_o disperse_v his_o appeal_n and_o his_o answer_n to_o the_o first_o libel_n which_o he_o only_o do_v see_v for_o his_o own_o vindication_n from_o any_o sentence_n that_o shall_v follow_v hereupon_o so_o he_o expect_v and_o earnest_o desire_v that_o the_o say_a synod_n may_v print_v both_o the_o libel_n against_o he_o and_o deposition_n take_v thereupon_o for_o vindication_n of_o their_o justice_n if_o they_o can_v conceive_v they_o have_v do_v right_o but_o which_o mr._n alexander_n hope_n will_v rather_o vindicate_v his_o innocency_n and_o further_o mr._n alexander_n crave_v and_o protest_v that_o this_o his_o appeal_n may_v be_v insert_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o synod_n notwithstanding_o of_o the_o appeal_v aforesaid_a the_o synod_n proceed_v and_o depose_v the_o say_a mr._n alexander_n from_o his_o ministry_n and_o thereupon_o the_o eldership_n of_o the_o parish_n be_v invade_v and_o some_o few_o several_n of_o they_o scarce_o worth_a to_o be_v notice_v as_o residenter_n have_v usurp_v the_o power_n of_o elect_v elder_n and_o have_v elect_v many_o more_o than_o the_o number_n former_o use_v purposely_o as_o they_o think_v to_o make_v the_o great_a figure_n although_o but_o of_o the_o most_o inconsiderable_a of_o the_o parish_n and_o of_o design_n to_o call_v impose_v and_o obtrude_v a_o minister_n upon_o the_o rest_n against_o their_o will_n contrary_a to_o the_o law_n of_o charity_n practice_n of_o christian_a church_n and_o profession_n of_o presbyterian_o notwithstanding_o that_o the_o say_v mr._n alexander_n heriot_n his_o appeal_n do_v in_o law_n preserve_v his_o right_n and_o keep_v all_o in_o statu_fw-la quo_fw-la the_o time_n of_o the_o appeal_n while_o it_o be_v discuss_v whereupon_o not_o only_o the_o say_a mr._n alexander_n heriott_n but_o likewise_o the_o heritor_n and_o parishioner_n of_o dalkeith_n have_v give_v in_o a_o petition_n to_o the_o lord_n of_o their_o majesty_n most_o honourable_a privy_a council_n that_o they_o may_v be_v please_v to_o forbid_v the_o call_v of_o a_o minister_n until_o the_o appeal_n be_v discuss_v and_o that_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n he_o may_v be_v restore_v to_o the_o exercise_n of_o his_o ministry_n and_o that_o the_o presbytery_n of_o dalkeith_n and_o other_o who_o have_v the_o libel_n give_v in_o against_o he_o and_o deposition_n of_o the_o witness_n may_v make_v the_o same_o know_v to_o he_o as_o law_n appoint_v that_o he_o may_v know_v what_o be_v libel_v or_o may_v seem_v to_o be_v prove_v to_o the_o effect_n he_o may_v the_o better_o clear_v himself_o of_o the_o same_o which_o be_v nothing_o but_o false_a lie_n and_o calumny_n and_o whereof_o several_a of_o the_o presbyterian_a minister_n who_o have_v see_v the_o libel_n and_o deposition_n affirm_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o pretend_v to_o be_v prove_v but_o the_o dance_n about_o the_o bonfire_n which_o be_v not_o only_o clear_o redargue_v to_o be_v false_a as_o say_v be_v there_o be_v no_o bonfire_n either_o on_o the_o foresay_a day_n nor_o for_o several_a month_n either_o before_o or_o after_o but_o likewise_o if_o the_o person_n who_o have_v depone_v it_o be_v know_v and_o re-examined_a it_o will_v be_v find_v they_o have_v depone_v false_o and_o that_o they_o have_v be_v deal_v with_o so_o to_o depone_n and_o that_o this_o falsehood_n may_v not_o be_v discover_v not_o only_o be_v the_o deposition_n keep_v up_o contrary_a to_o express_v law_n and_o act_n of_o parliament_n but_o likewise_o no_o notice_n can_v be_v get_v who_o be_v the_o person_n who_o have_v depone_v it_o that_o they_o may_v be_v insist_v against_o whereas_o it_o be_v pretend_v that_o the_o lord_n of_o their_o majesty_n privy_a council_n be_v not_o judge_n competent_a to_o the_o sentence_n of_o ecclesiastic_a court_n and_o that_o as_o they_o can_v put_v in_o minister_n in_o church_n so_o they_o can_v meddle_v with_o sentence_n of_o deposition_n it_o be_v answer_v that_o by_o the_o 1._o act_n 8_o parl._n ja._n 6._o it_o be_v statute_n and_o ordain_v that_o his_o majesty_n and_o council_n shall_v be_v judge_n competent_a to_o all_o person_n spiritual_a and_o temporal_a in_o all_o matter_n and_o to_o pretend_v that_o the_o council_n be_v not_o judge_n competent_a to_o sentence_n of_o ecclesiastic_a court_n be_v no_o other_o they_o to_o affirm_v that_o these_o court_n have_v a_o arbitrary_a power_n and_o may_v do_v wrong_a at_o their_o pleasure_n without_o remeed_n or_o control_v for_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o mr._n herriott_n be_v most_o unjust_o pursue_v and_o depose_v and_o it_o be_v also_o evident_a that_o if_o it_o be_v not_o redress_v by_o the_o council_n he_o will_v never_o be_v restore_v by_o those_o minister_n who_o have_v deal_v so_o unjust_o with_o he_o and_o whereas_o it_o be_v allege_v that_o as_o the_o council_n can_v put_v in_o minister_n so_o they_o can_v meddle_v with_o sentence_n of_o deposition_n it_o be_v answer_v that_o the_o council_n have_v not_o the_o power_n of_o admission_n and_o ordination_n of_o minister_n but_o if_o a_o minister_n have_v a_o lawful_a call_n the_o presbytery_n shall_v refuse_v to_o admit_v and_o ordain_v he_o albeit_o they_o have_v nothing_o to_o object_n against_o he_o upon_o application_n to_o the_o council_n or_o session_n letter_n will_v be_v direct_v to_o charge_v the_o presbytery_n to_o admit_v and_o ordain_v he_o but_o multo_fw-la magis_fw-la in_o this_o case_n where_o a_o minister_n be_v depose_v from_o his_o ministry_n as_o likewise_o from_o his_o benefice_n which_o be_v his_o livelihood_n and_o maintenance_n and_o yet_o most_o unjust_o and_o without_o ground_n or_o reason_n the_o council_n be_v most_o proper_a judge_n for_o restore_a he_o against_o the_o foresay_a oppression_n injury_n and_o unjust_a sentence_n and_o for_o a_o further_a evidence_n of_o this_o unjust_a sentence_n it_o be_v humble_o desire_v that_o the_o lord_n of_o their_o majesty_n privy_a council_n will_v be_v please_v to_o take_v notice_n that_o in_o the_o first_o libel_n there_o be_v many_o article_n which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v admit_v in_o law_n and_o it_o be_v say_v that_o there_o be_v none_o of_o they_o prove_v but_o the_o dance_a about_o the_o bonfire_n and_o yet_o the_o presbytery_n by_o their_o sentence_n find_v the_o libel_n relevant_a and_o prove_v which_o must_v be_v understand_v as_o to_o the_o
whole_a article_n of_o the_o libel_n complexlie_o than_o which_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o false_a as_o will_v appear_v by_o the_o libel_n and_o deposition_n if_o they_o be_v produce_v and_o yet_o thereupon_o mr._n heriott_n be_v first_o suspend_v by_o the_o presbytery_n and_o refer_v by_o they_o to_o the_o general_n assembly_n for_o further_a censure_n as_o if_o great_a immorality_n in_o life_n and_o error_n in_o doctrine_n have_v be_v prove_v against_o he_o and_o the_o synod_n to_o which_o the_o assembly_n remit_v he_o follow_v the_o step_n of_o the_o presbytery_n depose_v he_o now_o when_o presbytery_n and_o synod_n have_v act_v thus_o contrary_a to_o express_v law_n and_o have_v do_v open_a and_o manifest_a unjustice_n and_o whereof_o all_o that_o hear_v of_o it_o be_v convince_v and_o sensible_a and_o have_v state_v themselves_o party_n against_o he_o there_o can_v be_v no_o remedy_n expect_v from_o the_o say_a unjustice_n injury_n and_o oppression_n unless_o the_o lord_n of_o their_o majesty_n privy_a council_n interpose_v their_o authority_n if_o it_o be_v allege_v that_o the_o late_a act_n of_o parliament_n the_o act_n of_o supremacy_n in_o church_n matter_n be_v repeal_v it_o be_v answer_v that_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n 1669_o be_v rescind_v which_o extend_v the_o supremacy_n to_o the_o order_v and_o disposal_n of_o the_o external_n government_n and_o policy_n of_o the_o church_n and_o to_o the_o enact_v of_o constitution_n act_n and_o order_n in_o the_o church_n but_o the_o foresay_a act_n of_o k._n ja._n 6._o his_fw-la 8_o parliament_n be_v not_o rescind_v which_o be_v only_o as_o to_o the_o judge_n of_o ecclesiastic_a person_n in_o matter_n complain_v upon_o and_o which_o power_n be_v inherent_a in_o the_o crown_n otherways_o there_o shall_v be_v regnum_fw-la in_o regno_fw-la and_o church_n judicatory_n shall_v have_v arbitrary_a power_n without_o redress_n or_o control_v as_o say_v be_v in_o regard_v whereof_o the_o lord_n of_o their_o majesty_n privy_a council_n be_v judge_n competent_a to_o this_o injury_n vnjustice_n and_o oppression_n and_o the_o desire_n of_o the_o petition_n ought_v to_o be_v grant_v act_z of_o the_o general_n assembly_n anent_o a_o solemn_a national_a fast_o and_o humiliation_n with_o the_o cause_n thereof_o at_o edinburgh_n november_n 12._o 1690._o postmeridiem_fw-la sess_z 25._o the_o general_a assembly_n have_v take_v into_o their_o most_o serious_a consideration_n the_o late_a great_a and_o general_a defection_n of_o this_o church_n and_o kingdom_n have_v think_v fit_a to_o appoint_v a_o day_n of_o solemn_a humiliation_n and_o fast_v for_o confession_n of_o sin_n and_o make_v supplication_n to_o our_o gracious_a god_n to_o forgive_v and_o remove_v the_o guilt_n thereof_o in_o order_n whereunto_o they_o have_v ordain_v the_o confession_n of_o sin_n and_o cause_n of_o fast_v follow_v to_o be_v due_o intimate_fw-la and_o publish_v recommend_v it_o most_o earnest_o to_o all_o person_n both_o minister_n and_o other_o that_o every_o one_o of_o we_o may_v not_o only_o search_v and_o try_v our_o own_o heart_n and_o way_n and_o stir_v up_o ourselves_o to_o seek_v the_o lord_n but_o also_o in_o our_o station_n and_o as_o we_o have_v access_n deal_v with_o one_o another_o in_o all_o love_n and_o tenderness_n to_o prepare_v for_o so_o great_a and_o necessary_a a_o duty_n that_o we_o may_v find_v mercy_n in_o god_n sight_n and_o he_o may_v be_v gracious_o reconcile_v to_o our_o land_n in_o our_o lord_n jesus_n and_o take_v delight_n to_o dwell_v among_o we_o although_o our_o gracious_a god_n have_v of_o late_a for_o his_o own_o name_n sake_n wrought_v great_a and_o wonderful_a thing_n for_o britain_n and_o ireland_n and_o for_o this_o church_n and_o nation_n in_o particular_a yet_o the_o inhabitant_n thereof_o have_v cause_n to_o remember_v their_o own_o evil_a way_n and_o to_o loathe_v themselves_o in_o their_o own_o sight_n for_o their_o iniquity_n alas_o we_o and_o our_o father_n our_o prince_n our_o pastor_n and_o people_n of_o all_o rank_n have_v sin_v and_o have_v be_v under_o great_a transgression_n to_o this_o day_n for_o though_o our_o gracious_a god_n show_v early_a kindness_n to_o this_o land_n in_o send_v the_o gospel_n among_o we_o and_o afterward_o in_o our_o reformation_n from_o popish_a superstition_n and_o idolatry_n and_o it_o have_v the_o honour_n beyond_o many_o nation_n of_o be_v after_o our_o first_o reformation_n solemn_o devote_v unto_o god_n both_o prince_n and_o people_n yet_o we_o have_v deal_v treacherous_o with_o the_o lord_n and_o be_v unsteadfast_a in_o his_o covenant_n and_o have_v not_o walk_v suitable_o to_o our_o mercy_n receive_v from_o he_o nor_o obligation_n to_o he_o through_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n this_o church_n have_v attain_v to_o a_o great_a purity_n of_o doctrine_n worship_n and_o government_n but_o this_o be_v not_o accompany_v with_o suitable_a personal_a reformation_n neither_o be_v our_o fruit_n answerable_a to_o the_o pain_n take_v on_o we_o by_o word_n and_o work_n we_o have_v much_o gospel-preaching_a but_o too_o little_a gospel-practice_n too_o many_o go_v on_o in_o open_a wickedness_n and_o some_o have_v but_o a_o form_n of_o godliness_n deny_v the_o power_n thereof_o many_o also_o who_o have_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o truth_n fall_v from_o their_o first_o love_n and_o fall_v under_o sad_a languish_n and_o decay_n and_o when_o for_o our_o sin_n the_o anger_n of_o the_o lord_n have_v divide_v we_o and_o we_o be_v bring_v under_o the_o foot_n of_o stranger_n and_o many_o of_o our_o brethren_n kill_v other_o take_v captive_a and_o sell_v as_o slave_n yet_o we_o sin_v still_o and_o after_o we_o be_v free_v from_o the_o yoke_n of_o stranger_n instead_o of_o return_v to_o the_o lord_n and_o be_v lead_v to_o repentance_n by_o his_o goodness_n the_o land_n make_v open_a defection_n from_o the_o good_a way_n of_o the_o lord_n many_o behave_v as_o if_o they_o have_v be_v deliver_v to_o work_v abomination_n the_o floodgate_n of_o impiety_n be_v opend_v and_o a_o deluge_n of_o wickedness_n do_v overspread_v the_o land_n who_o can_v without_o grief_n and_o shame_n remember_v the_o shameful_a debauchery_n and_o drunkenness_n that_o then_o be_v and_o this_o accompany_v with_o horrid_a and_o hellish_a curse_v and_o swear_v and_o follow_v with_o frequent_a filthiness_n adultery_n and_o other_o abomination_n and_o the_o reprover_n be_v hate_v and_o he_o that_o depart_v from_o iniquity_n make_v himself_o a_o reproach_n or_o prey_n and_o when_o by_o these_o and_o such_o like_a corrupt_a practice_n man_n conscience_n be_v debauch_v they_o proceed_v to_o sacrifice_v the_o interest_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o privilege_n of_o his_o church_n to_o the_o lust_n and_o will_v of_o man_n 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 the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v alter_v and_o prelacy_n which_o have_v be_v always_o grievous_a to_o this_o nation_n introduce_v without_o the_o church_n consent_n and_o contrair_a to_o the_o stand_a act_n of_o our_o national_a assembly_n both_o which_o the_o present_a parliament_n have_v bless_v be_v god_n late_o find_v and_o yet_o nevertheless_o of_o the_o then_o stand_v ministry_n of_o scotland_n many_o do_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-pleasing_a some_o through_o infirmity_n or_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 man_n thrust_v in_o on_o their_o charge_n and_o many_o family_n ruin_v because_o they_o will_v not_o own_v they_o as_o their_o pastor_n and_o alas_o it_o be_v undeniable_a 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 nickname_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 and_o shall_v it_o not_o be_v lament_v for_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v there_o have_v be_v in_o some_o a_o dreadful_a atheistical_a boldness_n against_o god_n some_o have_v dispute_v the_o be_v of_o god_n and_o his_o providence_n the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n the_o life_n to_o come_v and_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n yea_o and_o scoff_v at_o these_o thing_n there_o have_v be_v also_o a_o horrid_a profanation_n of_o the_o holy_a and_o dreadful_a name_n of_o god_n by_o curse_v and_o swear_v ah_o there_o have_v be_v so_o much_o swear_v and_o forswear_n among_o we_o that_o no_o nation_n under_o heaven_n have_v be_v more_o guilty_a in_o this_o than_o we_o some_o by_o swear_v rash_o or_o ignorant_o some_o false_o by_o break_v their_o oath_n and_o impose_v
fast_o be_v urge_v out_o of_o fear_n of_o god_n wrath_n and_o after_o that_o be_v subjoin_v the_o high_a peril_n from_o they_o which_o some_o say_v be_v like_o the_o proclamation_n of_o one_o borthwiâ—k_n sometime_o a_o bailiff_n in_o this_o city_n which_o be_v wont_a to_o be_v under_o the_o pain_n of_o death_n and_o forty_o pound_v beside_o the_o mention_v of_o these_o print_a act_n bring_v to_o my_o memory_n a_o passage_n of_o the_o printer_n some_o in_o hope_n of_o get_v gain_n thereby_o petition_v the_o ass_n for_o the_o gift_n of_o publish_v their_o acts._n mrs._n anderson_n claim_v the_o privilege_n by_o virtue_n of_o a_o gift_n from_o the_o king_n to_o print_v all_o public_a act_n and_o proclamation_n and_o withal_o she_o may_v have_v deserve_v such_o a_o savour_n from_o they_o have_v ever_o heretofore_o favour_v their_o party_n and_o allow_v they_o the_o use_n of_o her_o press_n for_o publish_v their_o pamphlet_n and_o even_o such_o as_o dare_v not_o be_v well_o avow_v but_o either_o because_o they_o will_v have_v a_o printer_n of_o their_o own_o distinct_a from_o the_o king_n or_o that_o they_o will_v not_o show_v kindness_n to_o she_o who_o have_v accession_n to_o the_o guilt_n of_o the_o late_a reign_n by_o print_v their_o sinful_a act_n and_o proclamation_n for_o one_o or_o both_o these_o reason_n they_o deny_v she_o the_o favour_n and_o bestow_v it_o on_o george_n mosman_n who_o represent_v in_o his_o petition_n that_o he_o be_v not_o only_o always_o a_o true_a friend_n to_o their_o interest_n but_o also_o a_o sufferer_n for_o the_o cause_n and_o it_o be_v true_a he_o be_v ever_o whig_n enough_o but_o what_o his_o suffering_n be_v it_o be_v not_o well_o know_v see_v he_o ever_o live_v peaceable_o at_o edinburgh_n and_o have_v the_o freedom_n of_o a_o good_a trade_n whereby_o he_o be_v become_v fat_a every_o way_n other_o man_n lose_v by_o their_o suffering_n but_o they_o gain_v by_o they_o even_o in_o this_o life_n so_o mr._n johnston_n die_v two_o thousand_o pound_n sterling_n rich_a who_o be_v not_o worth_a forty_o or_o fifty_o pound_n when_o he_o leave_v his_o charge_n though_o mrs._n anderson_n be_v repulse_v by_o the_o ass_n yet_o she_o will_v not_o give_v over_o but_o next_o try_v her_o interest_n with_o the_o council_n that_o at_o least_o she_o may_v have_v the_o print_n of_o those_o act_n which_o have_v the_o civil_a sanction_n add_v to_o they_o they_o be_v comprehend_v within_o her_o gift_n crawford_n who_o think_v all_o the_o act_n of_o the_o presbyterian_o shall_v be_v like_o the_o law_n of_o the_o mede_n and_o persian_n stand_v up_o for_o mosman_n other_o plead_v mrs._n anderson_n right_a it_o not_o be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o the_o council_n far_o less_o of_o the_o ass_n to_o take_v away_o their_o right_n and_o property_n or_o any_o part_n of_o it_o but_o one_o say_v smart_o that_o the_o case_n shall_v be_v state_v not_o betwixt_o mrs._n anderson_n and_o mosman_n but_o betwixt_o the_o king_n and_o the_o ass_n whether_o the_o king_n shall_v yield_v to_o the_o ass_n or_o the_o ass_n to_o the_o king_n my_o lord_n crawford_n think_v the_o first_o no_o absurdity_n and_o offer_v to_o produce_v instance_n of_o it_o in_o former_a time_n but_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o councillor_n think_v they_o be_v oblige_v in_o civility_n to_o prefer_v the_o king_n and_o so_o mrs_n anderson_n carry_v it_o i_o believe_v i_o may_v have_v weary_v you_o with_o the_o length_n of_o my_o letter_n i_o crave_v pardon_n only_o to_o add_v two_o or_o three_o particular_n more_o and_o i_o shall_v close_v the_o first_o be_v their_o appoint_v a_o answer_n to_o be_v make_v to_o the_o print_a account_n of_o the_o persecution_n of_o the_o episcopal_a clergy_n in_o this_o kingdom_n at_o the_o general_a meeting_n it_o be_v lay_v on_o mr._n meldrum_n who_o decline_v it_o then_o it_o be_v recommend_v to_o mr._n alexander_n pitcairine_n who_o do_v nothing_o in_o it_o he_o excuse_v himself_o before_o the_o ass_n in_o that_o he_o know_v not_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n and_o the_o true_a information_n be_v not_o send_v he_o the_o ass_n order_v he_o again_o to_o go_v on_o in_o it_o and_o appoint_a mr_n gilbert_n rule_n and_o some_o other_o to_o assist_v he_o in_o the_o work_n and_o require_v all_o the_o member_n to_o furnish_v they_o with_o instruction_n proper_a for_o it_o mr._n meldrum_n in_o a_o sermon_n before_o the_o ass_n offer_a to_o justify_v the_o barbarity_n of_o the_o rabble_n and_o the_o ill_a usage_n which_o the_o episcopal_a clergy_n meet_v with_o allege_v that_o their_o error_n vice_n and_o scandal_n deserve_v no_o better_o at_o the_o people_n hand_n but_o what_o justification_n &_o defence_n will_v be_v make_v by_o those_o who_o be_v appoint_v to_o do_v it_o in_o name_n of_o the_o ass_n i_o do_v not_o know_v but_o this_o i_o be_o confident_a that_o they_o will_v never_o prove_v any_o material_a circumstance_n in_o matter_n of_o fact_n to_o be_v false_a a_o second_o particular_a i_o be_o to_o make_v you_o acquaint_v with_o be_v a_o act_n for_o take_v off_o the_o sentence_n of_o deposition_n which_o be_v pronounce_v against_o some_o minister_n especial_o those_o of_o the_o remonstrator_n party_n anno_fw-la 1660_o i_o tell_v you_o before_o that_o it_o have_v be_v propose_v at_o the_o general_n meeting_n but_o be_v then_o lay_v aside_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o mistake_n that_o be_v like_a to_o arise_v among_o the_o brethren_n about_o it_o now_o the_o moderator_n who_o be_v main_o concern_v in_o the_o business_n find_v himself_o a_o little_a better_o state_v make_v a_o overture_n of_o it_o to_o the_o ass_n the_o day_n it_o be_v dissolve_v and_o to_o obtain_v it_o the_o more_o easy_o he_o bring_v it_o in_o by_o way_n of_o a_o surprise_n brethren_n say_v he_o you_o may_v remember_v there_o be_v once_o some_o unhappy_a difference_n among_o we_o which_o some_o carry_v so_o high_a as_o to_o proceed_v to_o inflict_v the_o sentence_n of_o deposition_n upon_o some_o on_o that_o account_n now_o i_o think_v it_o sit_v before_o we_o part_v that_o this_o sentence_n be_v revoke_v that_o as_o we_o be_v all_o one_o man_n bairn_n so_o we_o may_v be_v all_o alike_o state_v mr._n gilbert_n rule_v reply_v that_o he_o judge_v it_o better_a to_o bury_v these_o matter_n in_o oblivion_n that_o they_o can_v not_o pass_v a_o general_a act_n for_o repon_v these_o man_n without_o re-examining_a their_o process_n which_o be_v no_o way_n fit_a &_o perhaps_o they_o will_v not_o be_v find_v all_o alike_o for_o some_o may_v be_v depose_v for_o scandal_n and_o other_o crime_n and_o not_o only_o for_o these_o unhappy_a heat_n and_o difference_n the_o moderator_n answer_v he_o brother_n there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o condescend_v or_o particular_n and_o i_o believe_v they_o will_v be_v find_v all_o alike_o and_o that_o they_o be_v all_o very_a honest_a man_n that_o be_v concern_v so_o he_o name_v mr._n wier_n and_o some_o other_o and_o among_o the_o rest_n himself_o in_o the_o three_o person_n say_v there_o be_v one_o mr._n hugh_n kennedy_n who_o i_o warrant_v you_o ken_v all_o well_o enough_o to_o conclude_v the_o act_n pass_v the_o sentence_n of_o deposition_n lie_v upon_o these_o person_n be_v make_v void_a and_o they_o declare_v to_o be_v true_a and_o lawful_a minister_n and_o herein_o true_o the_o moderator_n wit_n fail_v he_o for_o instead_o of_o right_v himself_o which_o he_o design_v he_o raise_v objection_n against_o himself_o which_o otherwise_o will_v have_v be_v forget_v and_o by_o this_o act_n bring_v a_o indelible_a tash_n both_o upon_o his_o own_o public_a ministry_n these_o two_o three_o year_n and_o also_o upon_o the_o present_a ass_n in_o that_o the_o moderator_n and_o many_o of_o its_o member_n be_v both_o legal_o and_o canonical_o incapable_a now_o that_o they_o hear_v this_o they_o pretend_v that_o the_o sentence_n be_v take_v off_o former_o and_o that_o the_o ass_n only_o ratify_v and_o confirm_v what_o be_v former_o do_v in_o these_o man_n favour_n and_o that_o it_o be_v usual_a to_o ratify_v in_o the_o first_o general_n ass_n the_o act_n of_o inferior_a judicatories_n but_o as_o they_o can_v instance_n the_o time_n nor_o the_o meeting_n in_o which_o these_o person_n be_v repone_v so_o they_o never_o have_v any_o proper_a or_o avow_a meeting_n for_o such_o a_o business_n till_o the_o indulgence_n grant_v by_o king_n james_n and_o we_o never_o hear_v it_o so_o much_o as_o propose_v before_o in_o any_o of_o their_o avow_a meeting_n till_o the_o last_o general_a one_o as_o be_v already_o declare_v and_o either_o the_o sentence_n lie_v upon_o these_o person_n be_v valid_a or_o not_o if_o it_o be_v not_o than_o what_o need_v such_o a_o solemn_a annul_n of_o it_o by_o a_o act_n of_o the_o general_n ass_n
but_o if_o it_o be_v valid_a than_o the_o ass_n approve_v of_o man_n who_o be_v contumatious_a to_o the_o discipline_n &_o government_n of_o their_o own_o church_n for_o they_o receive_v such_o to_o be_v member_n of_o the_o ass_n and_o also_o choose_v one_o of_o that_o gang_n to_o preside_n in_o it_o whatever_o may_v be_v say_v as_o to_o the_o deposition_n of_o these_o man_n if_o it_o be_v find_v expedient_a that_o the_o ass_n shall_v pass_v a_o verdict_n on_o it_o it_o have_v be_v prudent_a and_o proper_a to_o have_v do_v it_o before_o their_o admission_n as_o member_n and_o if_o the_o credit_n of_o the_o ass_n have_v be_v regard_v they_o will_v not_o have_v choose_v a_o moderator_n against_o who_o there_o be_v such_o a_o considerable_a exception_n certain_o a_o less_o reason_n may_v invalidate_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o ass_n render_v it_o unlawful_a and_o unworthy_a to_o be_v own_v and_o submit_v to_o the_o last_o particular_a i_o shall_v trouble_v you_o with_o be_v about_o the_o choose_n commissioner_n to_o go_v from_o the_o ass_n to_o the_o king_n to_o make_v a_o true_a representation_n of_o their_o proceed_n to_o entreat_v the_o continuance_n of_o his_o favour_n and_o to_o vindicate_v themselves_o from_o the_o aspersion_n of_o their_o enemy_n it_o be_v say_v that_o mr._n carstair_n who_o the_o king_n have_v send_v down_o with_o letter_n of_o instruction_n to_o the_o ass_n expect_a that_o they_o will_v have_v honour_v he_o with_o that_o trust_n but_o whether_o it_o be_v out_o of_o any_o jealousy_n of_o his_o conduct_n or_o faithfulness_n or_o if_o it_o be_v to_o gratify_v other_o who_o may_v have_v have_v particular_a design_n of_o their_o own_o they_o pass_v by_o mr._n carstair_n and_o give_v the_o employment_n to_o mr._n gilbert_n ride_v and_o mr._n david_n blair_n the_o first_o i_o have_v often_o have_v occasion_n to_o mention_v the_o other_o preach_v in_o a_o meeting_n house_n here_o he_o be_v say_v to_o be_v not_o so_o course_n but_o something_o better_a polish_v than_o other_o common_a presbyterian_o he_o be_v son_n to_o mr._n robert_n blair_n minister_n at_o st._n andrews_n who_o be_v famous_a for_o many_o thing_n but_o especial_o his_o civility_n to_o king_n charles_n the_o second_o when_o he_o make_v he_o a_o visit_n at_o his_o own_o house_n mr._n blair_n when_o the_o king_n come_v in_o be_v sit_v in_o a_o chair_n and_o it_o seem_v at_o the_o time_n under_o a_o bodily_a infirmity_n which_o both_o keep_v he_o from_o rise_v and_o excuse_v it_o when_o mrs._n blair_n run_v to_o to_o fetch_v a_o chair_n to_o the_o king_n he_o say_v my_o heart_n do_v not_o trouble_v yourself_o he_o be_v a_o young_a man_n he_o may_v draw_v in_o one_o to_o himself_o at_o last_o i_o come_v to_o the_o dissolution_n of_o the_o assembly_n which_o be_v talk_v of_o several_a day_n before_o and_o actual_o conclude_v and_o resolve_v upon_o nou._n 13._o their_o last_o sederunt_fw-la be_v in_o the_o afternoon_n and_o continue_v till_o it_o be_v night_n there_o they_o debate_v the_o call_n of_o another_o ass_n and_o the_o time_n of_o its_o sit_v some_o be_v for_o one_o month_n some_o be_v for_o another_o and_o there_o be_v few_o month_n of_o the_o year_n but_o be_v favour_v by_o one_o or_o other_o as_o sit_v for_o a_o ass_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o these_o debate_n among_o themselves_o the_o commissioner_n who_o advice_n they_o never_o seek_v in_o the_o affair_n stand_v up_o and_o dissolve_v they_o in_o the_o king_n name_n and_o by_o the_o same_o authority_n call_v and_o appoint_v another_o to_o meet_v on_o the_o first_o of_o nove._n next_o to_o come_v 1691._o the_o assembly_n be_v surprise_v with_o this_o but_o it_o will_v seem_v they_o think_v not_o fit_a to_o call_v it_o in_o question_n therefore_o they_o submit_v and_o all_o be_v conclude_v with_o a_o prayer_n and_o psalm_n the_o psalm_n they_o sing_v be_v the_o 133._o thus_o end_v our_o famous_a assembly_n a_o account_n whereof_o i_o have_v give_v you_o as_o full_o and_o exact_o as_o i_o can_v i_o be_v not_o overhasty_a to_o believe_v any_o information_n till_o i_o find_v it_o confirm_v by_o two_o or_o three_o other_o if_o i_o be_v mistake_v in_o some_o small_a circumstance_n which_o the_o best_a historian_n may_v err_v in_o i_o be_o sure_a no_o material_a falsehood_n can_v be_v charge_v upon_o i_o let_v it_o be_v no_o prejudice_n against_o the_o truth_n of_o my_o relation_n that_o i_o sometime_o appear_v no_o friend_n to_o the_o party_n but_o though_o i_o be_v not_o i_o will_v not_o willing_o and_o witting_o lie_v upon_o they_o i_o need_v not_o assure_v you_o of_o my_o ingenuity_n who_o know_v that_o i_o hate_v to_o utter_v a_o lie_n either_o for_o advance_v the_o best_a cause_n or_o destroy_v the_o worst_a but_o i_o confess_v i_o can_v hardly_o bridle_v my_o passion_n when_o i_o consider_v the_o error_n and_o injustice_n the_o unreasonableness_n and_o hypocrisy_n which_o these_o people_n be_v guilty_a of_o who_o if_o you_o will_v take_v their_o word_n for_o it_o be_v the_o only_a true_a godly_a and_o who_o only_o have_v a_o sense_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o but_o i_o be_o confident_a neither_o church_n nor_o religion_n will_v prosper_v till_o that_o spirit_n be_v cast_v out_o which_o possess_v they_o i_o pray_v god_n convert_v they_o and_o let_v out_o much_o of_o his_o spirit_n upon_o they_o and_o all_o other_o that_o our_o land_n may_v have_v peace_n and_o that_o the_o division_n of_o our_o church_n may_v be_v heal_v that_o our_o confusion_n may_v be_v whole_o remove_v and_o order_n and_o good_a government_n restore_v and_o that_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n may_v be_v due_o and_o decent_o perform_v as_o may_v best_o tend_v to_o the_o advancement_n of_o his_o glory_n and_o the_o good_a and_o edification_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o his_o people_n with_o this_o prayer_n for_o the_o church_n and_o my_o hearty_a wish_n for_o yourself_o i_o take_v my_o leave_n at_o this_o time_n december_n 1690._o finis_fw-la information_n for_o the_o heritor_n elder_n etc._n etc._n of_o the_o parish_n of_o peebles_n against_o m_n r._n william_n veatch_n the_o late_a mr._n john_n hay_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n at_o peebles_n be_v by_o bodily_a pain_n and_o sickness_n utter_o disable_v for_o the_o public_a exercise_n of_o his_o ministry_n and_o apprehend_v the_o time_n of_o his_o departure_n to_o be_v approach_v out_o of_o a_o deep_a concern_v for_o his_o flock_n after_o the_o example_n of_o good_a and_o faithful_a pastor_n in_o all_o age_n resolve_v to_o look_v out_o for_o a_o successor_n and_o for_o that_o effect_n write_v to_o the_o duke_n of_o queensbery_n than_o undoubted_a patron_n of_o the_o parish_n of_o peebles_n to_o nominate_v some_o able_a and_o godly_a minister_n who_o may_v assist_v he_o as_o a_o helper_n during_o his_o life_n and_o to_o who_o he_o may_v recommend_v and_o leave_v his_o charge_n at_o his_o death_n his_o grace_n be_v well_o satisfy_v with_o so_o pious_a a_o desire_n remit_v the_o choice_n to_o himself_o whereupon_o he_o call_v and_o invite_v mr._n robert_n knock_n one_o of_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o city_n of_o glasgow_n who_o have_v accept_v the_o call_n and_o to_o the_o great_a comfort_n of_o the_o pastor_n and_o people_n serve_v the_o cure_n for_o sometime_o the_o sick_a man_n have_v his_o peaceable_a exit_fw-la in_o the_o lord_n solace_v himself_o in_o this_o that_o he_o have_v not_o leave_v his_o flock_n as_o sheep_n without_o a_o shepherd_n immediate_o after_o who_o decease_n the_o heritor_n elder_n and_o parochioner_n do_v apply_v themselves_o to_o the_o duke_n factor_n to_o petition_v the_o duke_n then_o at_o london_n and_o to_o acquaint_v he_o that_o they_o unanimous_o desire_v mr._n robert_n knock_n to_o be_v their_o minister_n in_o place_n of_o the_o decease_a mr._n john_n hay_o which_o according_o the_o duke_n agree_v to_o and_o order_v mr._n knox_n to_o continue_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o his_o ministry_n there_o and_o thereafter_o upon_o the_o 17_o of_o november_n 1689_o be_v the_o lord_n day_n after_o sermon_n the_o session_n be_v sit_v and_o the_o duke_n letter_n read_v unto_o they_o the_o whole_a heritor_n elder_n and_o parochioner_n then_o present_a do_v unanimous_o and_o cheerful_o receive_v the_o say_a letter_n and_o nomination_n and_o promise_v to_o mr._n knox_n all_o the_o encouragement_n that_o can_v be_v expect_v from_o a_o dutiful_a people_n and_o the_o session_n do_v order_v the_o laird_n of_o haystoun_n and_o halkshaw_n william_n plenderleith_n john_n hope_v and_o john_n gevan_n late_a provost_n of_o peebles_n to_o wait_v upon_o the_o duke_n at_o his_o return_n and_o give_v he_o thanks_o in_o all_o their_o name_n for_o his_o care_n of_o they_o after_o which_o time_n mr._n knox_n have_v all_o the_o right_a to_o be_v