proclamation_n of_o the_o date_n november_n 21_o 90_o have_v ratify_v and_o approven_v a_o act_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n of_o the_o date_n november_n 12._o that_o same_o year_n appoint_v a_o solemn_a national_a fast_o and_o humiliation_n to_o be_v observe_v in_o all_o the_o church_n and_o meeting-house_n within_o this_o kingdom_n the_o second_o thursday_n of_o this_o instant_a we_o declare_v that_o we_o judge_v ourselves_o oblige_v to_o give_v obedience_n to_o the_o foresay_a act_n of_o council_n in_o so_o far_o as_o that_o be_v consistent_a with_o good_a conscience_n and_o the_o duty_n we_o owe_v to_o god_n and_o his_o truth_n and_o that_o we_o be_v most_o desirous_a to_o join_v with_o all_o other_o within_o this_o nation_n in_o the_o public_a and_o solemn_a confession_n of_o our_o sin_n deprecate_v the_o wrath_n of_o god_n and_o supplicate_v for_o his_o mercy_n and_o in_o all_o the_o other_o pious_a and_o religious_a exercise_n proper_a for_o that_o day_n of_o humiliation_n and_o fast_v but_o be_v that_o there_o be_v several_a cause_n and_o reason_n express_v and_o specify_v in_o the_o say_a act_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n which_o do_v manifest_o contradict_v our_o principle_n and_o opinion_n and_o some_o thing_n affirm_v and_o assert_v irreconcilable_a to_o truth_n and_o charity_n and_o other_o christian_a duty_n and_o lest_o our_o observance_n of_o that_o fast_a shall_v be_v interpret_v the_o homologate_a of_o these_o or_o a_o sordid_a or_o deceitful_a compliance_n against_o our_o conscience_n we_o judge_v ourselves_o bind_v to_o declare_v as_o hereby_o we_o do_v declare_v that_o we_o intimate_v and_o publish_v this_o fast_a and_o will_v observe_v it_o for_o these_o reason_n and_o cause_n only_o that_o be_v consistent_a with_o our_o opinion_n which_o we_o have_v own_v by_o solemn_a oath_n and_o with_o the_o charity_n and_o other_o duty_n incumbent_a on_o we_o by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o do_v renounce_v all_o ground_n reason_n and_o cause_n contrary_a unto_o or_o inconsistent_a therewith_o and_o in_o particular_a we_o do_v protest_v 1._o that_o by_o keep_v of_o this_o fast_a we_o do_v not_o own_o or_o acknowledge_v the_o power_n and_o authority_n that_o the_o foresay_a assembly_n do_v arrogate_v over_o we_o in_o so_o far_o as_o that_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o never_o hear_v of_o in_o the_o christian_a church_n before_o this_o time_n to_o wit_n that_o presbyter_n shall_v have_v a_o power_n of_o government_n and_o jurisdiction_n over_o other_o presbyter_n who_o be_v of_o the_o same_o office_n and_o degree_n 2._o we_o do_v protest_v that_o we_o do_v not_o approve_v of_o these_o word_n that_o the_o supremacy_n be_v advance_v in_o such_o a_o way_n and_o to_o such_o a_o height_n as_o never_o any_o christian_a church_n acknowledge_v be_v we_o know_v and_o be_v ready_a to_o prove_v that_o they_o be_v false_a and_o be_v though_o the_o supremacy_n be_v take_v away_o by_o the_o law_n as_o unsuitable_a to_o the_o present_a circumstance_n of_o affair_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o declare_v a_o sinful_a prerogative_n of_o the_o crown_n neither_o do_v we_o esteem_v it_o as_o such_o 3._o we_o do_v protest_v that_o we_o do_v not_o own_o or_o assent_v unto_o that_o reason_n of_o the_o fast_a that_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v alter_v and_o prelucy_a which_o have_v always_o be_v grievous_a to_o this_o nation_n introduce_v without_o the_o church_n consent_n and_o contrary_a to_o the_o stand_a act_n of_o our_o national_a assembly_n etc._n etc._n be_v we_o certain_o know_v that_o episcopacy_n be_v never_o more_o grievous_a to_o the_o nation_n than_o presbytery_n and_o that_o it_o be_v settle_v with_o the_o church_n consent_n in_o free_a general_n assembly_n after_o the_o reformation_n and_o be_v afterward_o receive_v and_o submit_v to_o by_o the_o church_n in_o free_a meeting_n and_o assembly_n and_o in_o particular_a we_o do_v assert_v that_o the_o assembly_n hold_v at_o glasgow_n 1610._o which_o establish_a and_o settle_a episcopacy_n be_v as_o lawful_o convocate_v and_o of_o as_o undoubted_a authority_n as_o the_o assembly_n hold_v at_o glasgow_n 1638._o which_o turn_v it_o out_o as_o also_o that_o episcopacy_n be_v restore_v by_o a_o lawful_a parliament_n an._n 1661._o and_o approve_v by_o the_o subsequent_a act_n of_o the_o church_n in_o so_o far_o as_o that_o be_v necessary_a in_o reference_n to_o a_o government_n former_o settle_v by_o act_n of_o parliament_n and_o assembly_n of_o more_o unquestionable_a authority_n than_o any_o that_o have_v abolish_v the_o same_o 4._o we_o do_v protest_v that_o we_o do_v not_o approve_v of_o these_o word_n that_o prelacy_n be_v introduce_v contrary_a to_o the_o stand_a act_n of_o our_o national_a assembly_n be_v it_o do_v imply_v that_o the_o king_n and_o parliament_n cannoâ—_n make_v any_o law_n anent_o the_o external_n government_n and_o polity_n of_o the_o church_n if_o contrary_a to_o any_o act_n of_o a_o general_n assembly_n which_o be_v to_o give_v a_o absolute_a and_o uncontrollable_a power_n to_o church_n man_n and_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o undoubted_a right_n and_o power_n the_o state_n have_v for_o reform_v abuse_n in_o the_o administration_n of_o church-government_n and_o discipline_n and_o dispose_v of_o that_o as_o may_v best_o serve_v the_o end_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o kingdom_n 5._o we_o do_v protest_v that_o we_o do_v not_o approve_v of_o these_o word_n anâ—_n yet_o nevertheless_o of_o the_o then_o stand_v ministry_n of_o scotland_n many_o â—did_v sudden_o and_o ready_o comply_v with_o that_o alteration_n of_o the_o government_n some_o out_o of_o pride_n and_o covetousness_n or_o man_n please_v some_o through_o infirmity_n and_o weakness_n or_o fear_v of_o man_n and_o want_v of_o courage_n and_o zeal_n for_o god_n many_o faithful_a minister_n be_v thereupon_o cast_v out_o and_o many_o insufficient_a and_o scandalous_a thrust_n into_o in_o their_o charge_n etc._n etc._n for_o these_o do_v necessary_o imply_v the_o divine_a right_n of_o presbyterian_a government_n that_o â—no_v humane_a authority_n can_v alter_v it_o and_o that_o submission_n unto_o or_o compliance_n with_o any_o other_o be_v sinful_a and_o that_o submission_n to_o episcopacy_n restore_v an._n 1662._o do_v proceed_v from_o vicious_a cause_n as_o also_o they_o do_v imply_v a_o uncharitable_a censure_n of_o many_o faithful_a minister_n as_o man_n pleaser_n want_v courage_n and_o zeal_n for_o god_n and_o the_o like_a which_o we_o think_v very_o opposite_a to_o the_o temper_n and_o disposition_n wherewith_o the_o duty_n of_o fast_v and_o humiliation_n shall_v be_v perform_v 6._o we_o do_v protest_v that_o we_o do_v not_o approve_v of_o these_o word_n that_o there_o have_v be_v under_o the_o late_a prelacy_n a_o great_a decay_n of_o piety_n so_o that_o it_o be_v enough_o to_o make_v a_o man_n be_v nick_n name_v a_o fanatic_a if_o he_o do_v not_o run_v to_o the_o same_o excess_n of_o riot_n with_o other_o for_o though_o we_o do_v grant_v there_o have_v be_v much_o impiety_n under_o the_o late_a prelacy_n and_o do_v mourn_v for_o it_o yet_o we_o do_v affirm_v that_o it_o abound_v as_o much_o under_o presbytery_n and_o it_o be_v not_o agreeable_a to_o the_o sincerity_n of_o our_o confession_n on_o a_o day_n of_o solemn_a humiliation_n or_o at_o any_o time_n to_o be_v partial_a in_o the_o rehearsal_n of_o our_o sin_n or_o to_o distinguish_v ourselves_o from_o other_o as_o if_o we_o be_v more_o righteous_a and_o to_o confine_v religion_n and_o godliness_n to_o a_o party_n 7._o we_o do_v protest_v that_o we_o do_v not_o approve_v of_o that_o reason_n of_o the_o fast_a that_o the_o nation_n have_v be_v guilty_a of_o break_v their_o oath_n and_o impose_v and_o take_v ungodly_a and_o unlawful_a oath_n and_o bond_n etc._n etc._n in_o so_o far_o as_o these_o may_v signify_v the_o oath_n of_o allegiance_n supremacy_n and_o the_o test_n which_o oath_n as_o we_o swear_v in_o judgement_n righteousness_n and_o truth_n so_o we_o do_v still_o acknowledge_v the_o equity_n and_o obligation_n of_o they_o 8._o we_o can_v approve_v of_o that_o reason_n of_o the_o fast_a the_o wont_a care_n and_o religious_a sanctify_v of_o the_o lord_n day_n be_v go_v etc._n etc._n and_o of_o that_o petition_n we_o be_v require_v to_o send_v up_o unto_o god_n that_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n and_o dispence_v of_o the_o sacrament_n may_v be_v accompany_v with_o the_o wont_a presence_n power_n and_o blessing_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o so_o far_o as_o they_o may_v imply_v that_o the_o power_n of_o the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n be_v restrain_v and_o true_a godliness_n decay_v under_o episcopacy_n and_o that_o they_o abound_v under_o presbytery_n which_o be_v to_o make_v the_o life_n of_o religion_n depend_v upon_o opinion_n and_o outward_a form_n of_o government_n or_o to_o have_v the_o
but_o sordid_a complier_n will_v observe_v it_o for_o in_o truth_n the_o presbyterian_a fast_n be_v not_o so_o take_v now_o as_o they_o be_v former_o in_o the_o reign_n of_o the_o covenant_n for_o it_o be_v observe_v that_o mountebank_n never_o thrive_v so_o well_o the_o second_o time_n they_o set_v up_o in_o any_o place_n as_o the_o first_o this_o time_n there_o be_v several_a paper_n emit_v contain_v reason_n why_o the_o episcopal_a clergy_n will_v not_o observe_v that_o fast_a because_o they_o can_v not_o own_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o assembly_n that_o enjoin_v it_o as_o a_o lawful_a representative_a of_o this_o church_n that_o by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o the_o church_n the_o minister_n of_o the_o presbyterian_a persuasion_n have_v no_o right_a to_o impose_v command_n upon_o those_o of_o the_o episcopal_a see_v the_o essential_a constitution_n of_o their_o government_n which_o be_v parity_n give_v they_o no_o jurisdiction_n over_o the_o brethren_n and_o consequent_o 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other_o place_n follow_v their_o measure_n so_o that_o it_o be_v keep_v by_o very_a few_o in_o the_o northern_a part_n the_o episcopal_a clergy_n in_o the_o south_n have_v not_o such_o opportunity_n of_o meeting_n and_o therefore_o be_v not_o so_o unanimous_a either_o in_o their_o sentiment_n or_o practice_n some_o few_o make_v no_o scruple_n either_o of_o keep_v the_o fast_a or_o of_o read_v the_o assemblie_n reason_n for_o it_o some_o other_o keep_v the_o fast_a but_o will_v not_o read_v the_o paper_n appoint_v by_o the_o general_n assembly_n and_o what_o persuade_v they_o to_o this_o be_v a_o report_n that_o the_o court_n have_v give_v assurance_n that_o they_o who_o observe_v the_o day_n shall_v not_o suffer_v though_o they_o have_v no_o regard_n either_o to_o the_o authority_n or_o reason_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n and_o to_o make_v this_o the_o more_o probable_a there_o be_v a_o paper_n hand_v about_o among_o they_o concert_v and_o agree_v to_o as_o be_v say_v at_o london_n by_o some_o bishop_n and_o other_o there_o to_o be_v read_v instead_o of_o that_o appoint_v by_o the_o assembly_n i_o shall_v set_v it_o down_o â—ut_v i_o know_v none_o who_o make_v use_v of_o it_o a_o copy_n of_o a_o paper_n appoint_v to_o be_v read_v instead_o of_o that_o set_v forth_o by_o the_o assembly_n about_o the_o fast._n forasmuch_o as_o a_o fast_o be_v appoint_v by_o their_o majesty_n most_o honourable_a privy_a council_n to_o be_v observe_v throughout_o this_o kingdom_n upon_o the_o second_o thursâ—ay_n of_o january_n next_o and_o the_o great_a and_o many_o cry_a sin_n of_o this_o nation_n and_o especial_o the_o sad_a desolation_n of_o this_o poor_a church_n and_o the_o common_a want_n of_o zeal_n which_o appear_v in_o this_o land_n for_o the_o truth_n and_o interest_n of_o the_o gospel_n together_o with_o the_o great_a intestine_a division_n and_o commotion_n among_o we_o that_o at_o once_o shake_v both_o our_o religion_n and_o the_o civil_a government_n do_v call_v aloud_o to_o all_o rank_n and_o degree_n of_o people_n serious_o to_o humble_v themselves_o before_o almighty_a god_n and_o to_o supplicate_v his_o divine_a majesty_n that_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o that_o wrath_n which_o this_o nation_n deserve_v he_o may_v remember_v mercy_n that_o he_o may_v heal_v the_o breach_n that_o be_v make_v in_o the_o wall_n of_o his_o zion_n and_o pour_v out_o the_o spirit_n of_o meekness_n charity_n and_o moderation_n upon_o all_o man_n particular_o upon_o these_o that_o serve_v at_o his_o altar_n and_o final_o that_o he_o may_v gracious_o preserve_v the_o sacred_a person_n of_o king_n william_n and_o queen_n mary_n our_o dread_a sovereign_n and_o prosper_v they_o in_o the_o defend_v their_o kingdom_n from_o the_o common_a enemy_n that_o all_o their_o subject_n may_v have_v a_o quiet_a and_o peaceable_a life_n under_o they_o in_o all_o godliness_n and_o honesty_n therefore_o you_o of_o this_o parish_n hereby_o be_v earnest_o exhort_v to_o draw_v near_o to_o god_n in_o this_o his_o house_n upon_o the_o foresay_a thursday_n be_v the_o next_o ensue_v and_o to_o come_v with_o a_o holy_a and_o religious_a preparation_n of_o soul_n and_o bedy_n for_o offer_v up_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o break_a and_o contrite_a heart_n and_o spirit_n to_o the_o father_n of_o mercy_n that_o so_o his_o judgement_n that_o be_v so_o hang_v over_o our_o head_n may_v be_v divert_v and_o by_o the_o pious_a groan_n and_o intercession_n of_o our_o humble_a soul_n he_o may_v through_o the_o mediation_n of_o his_o only_a son_n our_o redeemer_n be_v prevail_v with_o yet_o to_o make_v we_o a_o bless_a people_n in_o the_o happy_a continuance_n of_o our_o protestant_a religion_n in_o settle_v his_o church_n so_o among_o we_o as_o may_v most_o tend_v for_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o name_n and_o for_o advance_v all_o the_o great_a end_n of_o our_o most_o holy_a faith_n and_o last_o in_o establish_v peace_n and_o prosperity_n under_o our_o most_o gracious_a sovereign_n so_o as_o both_o we_o and_o our_o posterity_n after_o we_o may_v reap_v the_o comfortable_a fruit_n of_o they_o some_o be_v persuade_v that_o there_o be_v but_o too_o many_o reason_n for_o a_o fast_a and_o consider_v too_o that_o there_o be_v particular_a reason_n give_v for_o this_o fast_a by_o the_o assembly_n who_o enjoin_v it_o which_o be_v in_o every_o body_n hand_n therefore_o they_o think_v themselves_o oblige_v not_o only_o to_o observe_v a_o fast_a but_o also_o to_o take_v notice_n of_o these_o reason_n and_o so_o they_o read_v the_o assembly_n paper_n and_o comment_v upon_o it_o and_o by_o a_o excess_n of_o charity_n make_v the_o assembly_n speak_v what_o they_o ought_v to_o have_v do_v rather_o than_o what_o they_o actual_o do_v the_o minister_n of_o east_n lothian_n and_o i_o suppose_v some_o from_o the_o mers_n meet_v at_o haddington_n the_o week_n before_o the_o fast_a to_o take_v joint_a measure_n for_o the_o observation_n of_o it_o it_o be_v soon_o agree_v to_o that_o they_o can_v neither_o in_o reputation_n nor_o conscience_n observe_v it_o as_o it_o be_v enjoin_v by_o the_o assembly_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v first_o resolve_v to_o do_v it_o with_o a_o protestation_n according_o the_o following_z protestation_n be_v compose_v which_o each_o of_o they_o be_v to_o take_v a_o copy_n of_o and_o to_o read_v it_o from_o the_o pulpit_n both_o on_o sunday_n at_o the_o intimation_n of_o the_o fast_a and_o on_o thursday_n the_o eight_o of_o january_n which_o be_v the_o day_n appoint_v a_o copy_n of_o a_o protestation_n which_o some_o minister_n offer_v to_o make_v at_o the_o intimation_n of_o the_o fast_a that_o be_v keep_v upon_o the_o 8_o of_o january_n 91._o if_o some_o of_o their_o brethren_n of_o the_o presbytery_n where_o they_o have_v their_o residence_n will_v have_v join_v with_o they_o in_o it_o whereas_o their_o majesty_n most_o honourable_a privy_a council_n by_o their_o act_n and_o
nor_o the_o conduct_n of_o those_o who_o be_v in_o office_n and_o i_o will_v not_o say_v but_o some_o who_o be_v in_o the_o office_n of_o episcopacy_n and_o that_o comply_v with_o that_o government_n may_v have_v be_v in_o some_o measure_n accessary_a to_o the_o corruption_n by_o their_o bad_a example_n or_o connivance_n and_o neglect_v of_o the_o true_a exercise_n of_o discipline_n but_o yet_o i_o can_v think_v that_o the_o settle_n of_o a_o imparity_n of_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o defection_n or_o that_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n in_o itself_o unlawful_a or_o that_o it_o be_v of_o itself_o introductory_n of_o the_o abound_a of_o wickedness_n and_o scandal_n in_o the_o church_n this_o i_o may_v with_o the_o great_a confidence_n affirm_v that_o religion_n never_o flourish_v more_o in_o the_o world_n than_o it_o do_v when_o and_o where_o there_o be_v a_o imparity_n among_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n and_o this_o i_o know_v that_o 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to_o go_v beyond_o sea_n this_o be_v a_o true_a copy_n of_o the_o letter_n to_o the_o right_a reverend_n and_o our_o well-beloved_a minister_n and_o elder_n commissioner_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n of_o the_o church_n of_o our_o ancient_a kingdom_n of_o scotland_n right_o reverend_a and_o well-beloved_a we_o greet_v you_o well_o whereas_o there_o have_v be_v humble_a application_n make_v to_o we_o by_o several_a minister_n for_o themselves_o and_o other_o who_o late_o serve_v under_o episcopacy_n in_o that_o our_o ancient_a kingdom_n we_o have_v think_v good_a as_o well_o for_o the_o good_a and_o advantage_n of_o that_o church_n as_o the_o public_a justice_n and_o welfare_n of_o the_o nation_n and_o the_o interest_n of_o our_o government_n to_o signify_v our_o pleasure_n to_o you_o that_o you_o make_v no_o distinction_n of_o man_n otherwise_o well_o qualify_v for_o the_o ministry_n who_o be_v willing_a to_o join_v with_o you_o in_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o and_o submission_n to_o the_o government_n of_o church_n and_o state_n as_o it_o be_v by_o law_n now_o establish_v though_o they_o have_v former_o conform_v to_o the_o law_n introduce_v episcopacy_n and_o that_o you_o give_v they_o no_o vexation_n or_o disturbance_n for_o that_o cause_n or_o upon_o that_o head_n and_o that_o in_o regard_n many_o of_o these_o minister_n be_v turn_v out_o summary_n without_o any_o sentence_n or_o order_n of_o law_n if_o such_o shall_v be_v call_v to_o be_v minister_n of_o any_o congregation_n by_o plurality_n of_o heritor_n and_o elder_n we_o judge_v it_o reasonable_a that_o you_o admit_v they_o where_o there_o be_v no_o just_a cause_n to_o the_o contrary_a without_o make_v any_o difficulty_n whereas_o some_o of_o these_o minister_n complain_v of_o severity_n and_o hardship_n by_o several_a sentence_n pronounce_v against_o they_o we_o think_v fit_a to_o give_v you_o opportunity_n to_o review_v what_o case_n shall_v be_v bring_v before_o you_o that_o yourselves_o may_v give_v such_o just_a redress_n as_o the_o matter_n require_v before_o we_o take_v any_o further_a notice_n of_o these_o complaint_n we_o will_v assure_v you_o we_o will_v protect_v you_o and_o maintain_v the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n in_o that_o our_o ancient_a kingdom_n by_o presbytery_n without_o suffer_v any_o invasion_n to_o be_v make_v upon_o it_o and_o therefore_o we_o will_v expect_v that_o you_o will_v avoid_v all_o occasion_n of_o division_n and_o resentment_n and_o cordial_o unite_v with_o those_o that_o will_v agree_v with_o you_o in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o protestant_a religion_n and_o own_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n which_o the_o law_n have_v establish_v as_o the_o standard_n of_o the_o communion_n of_o that_o church_n and_o it_o be_v our_o pleasure_n that_o during_o our_o absence_n out_o of_o britain_n until_o we_o give_v our_o further_a direction_n that_o you_o proceed_v to_o no_o more_o process_n or_o any_o other_o business_n and_o dispose_v yourselves_o to_o give_v out_o your_o best_a mean_n for_o heal_v and_o reconcile_a differnce_n and_o apply_v yourselves_o to_o give_v impartial_a redress_n upon_o any_o complaint_n that_o shall_v be_v offer_v unto_o you_o against_o sentence_n already_o past_a that_o we_o be_v not_o oblige_v to_o give_v ourselves_o any_o further_a trouble_n thereanent_fw-la so_o we_o bid_v you_o hearty_o farewell_o give_v at_o our_o court_n in_o the_o hague_n feb._n 13._o 1690._o and_o of_o our_o reign_n the_o three_o year_n sic_fw-la subscribitur_fw-la by_o his_o majesty_n command_n jo._n dalrymple_n when_o this_o letter_n be_v read_v the_o anger_n and_o displeasure_n of_o the_o brethren_n be_v to_o be_v see_v in_o their_o countenance_n one_o say_v that_o there_o be_v no_o regard_n to_o be_v have_v to_o it_o because_o the_o king_n hand_n be_v not_o at_o it_o another_o reply_v that_o whether_o it_o have_v come_v only_o from_o the_o secretary_n himself_o or_o be_v send_v by_o the_o order_n of_o the_o king_n there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o take_v any_o notice_n of_o it_o or_o be_v concern_v with_o it_o for_o it_o proceed_v from_o a_o mistake_n and_o misinformation_n as_o if_o they_o have_v turn_v out_o any_o summarily_a without_o any_o sentence_n or_o order_n of_o law_n whereas_o they_o be_v conscious_a of_o no_o such_o thing_n it_o be_v report_v of_o the_o moderator_n that_o when_o the_o content_n of_o this_o letter_n be_v first_o impart_v to_o he_o he_o say_v if_o the_o king_n have_v not_o so_o many_o man_n at_o his_o back_n he_o will_v make_v two_o of_o it_o but_o a_o person_n of_o honour_n assure_v i_o that_o when_o he_o be_v speak_v to_o he_o of_o it_o his_o answer_n be_v that_o the_o king_n will_v be_v as_o wise_a to_o let_v these_o matter_n alone_o after_o much_o deliberation_n it_o be_v resolve_v to_o write_v a_o answer_n to_o the_o king_n and_o to_o send_v two_o of_o their_o number_n to_o negotiate_v their_o affair_n with_o his_o majesty_n and_o to_o remove_v the_o prejudices_fw-la he_o may_v have_v conceive_v against_o they_o by_o false_a representation_n the_o person_n who_o be_v think_v fit_a to_o be_v send_v be_v mr._n john_n law_n and_o mr._n david_n blair_n the_o letter_n which_o they_o be_v to_o carry_v with_o they_o be_v but_o once_o read_v public_o nor_o do_v the_o moderator_n suffer_v any_o at_o the_o time_n to_o propose_v his_o judgement_n about_o it_o for_o he_o say_v that_o there_o be_v a_o private_a committee_n appoint_v for_o that_o matter_n and_o so_o he_o desire_v every_o one_o to_o come_v in_o apart_o by_o himself_o and_o there_o to_o declare_v his_o mind_n what_o he_o will_v have_v add_v to_o it_o or_o take_v away_o from_o it_o which_o be_v do_v either_o to_o keep_v the_o thing_n more_o secret_a or_o that_o the_o draught_n of_o the_o letter_n which_o the_o moderator_n and_o other_o lead_v man_n have_v make_v may_v pass_v
about_o their_o neck_n can_v not_o but_o in_o all_o reason_n and_o justice_n expect_v that_o when_o the_o lord_n shall_v return_v to_o have_v mercy_n upon_o zion_n and_o put_v the_o government_n of_o his_o house_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o his_o own_o servant_n to_o manage_v the_o affair_n of_o his_o church_n that_o we_o shall_v be_v ease_v of_o this_o unsupportable_a burden_n and_o can_v it_o be_v suppose_v any_o feign_a submission_n mr._n johnston_n can_v now_o give_v for_o this_o world_n sake_n can_v either_o satisfy_v our_o conscience_n or_o persuade_v we_o of_o his_o sincerity_n in_o this_o matter_n who_o principle_n have_v be_v to_o follow_v course_n to_o maintain_v that_o wicked_a hieratchy_a nor_o can_v it_o be_v suppose_v the_o reverend_a presbytery_n who_o have_v it_o in_o their_o power_n to_o ease_v we_o of_o this_o burden_n will_v instead_o thereof_o wreathe_v this_o yoke_n yet_o upon_o our_o neck_n and_o thereby_o sink_v we_o under_o it_o and_o make_v our_o bondage_n yet_o more_o grievous_a to_o be_v bear_v seven_o the_o presbyterian_a party_n in_o the_o parish_n be_v all_o unanimous_a never_o to_o submit_v to_o mr._n iohnston_n ministry_n nor_o to_o own_v he_o in_o that_o station_n whatever_o may_v be_v the_o event_n and_o if_o the_o gratify_n of_o he_o and_o his_o adherent_n in_o this_o matter_n be_v the_o way_n to_o secure_v and_o settle_v presbyterian_a government_n it_o may_v easy_o be_v conjecture_v when_o it_o be_v consider_v that_o there_o be_v no_o person_n for_o he_o who_o be_v not_o a_o enemy_n open_o declare_v in_o judgement_n and_o practice_n against_o presbytery_n which_o but_o correspond_v to_o mr._n iohnston_n own_o declaration_n and_o judgement_n in_o his_o case_n for_o when_o summons_n be_v give_v he_o to_o appear_v before_o this_o reverend_a presbytery_n he_o do_v even_o then_o disow_v their_o authority_n affirm_v he_o will_v not_o appear_v before_o they_o have_v another_o presbytery_n of_o his_o own_o to_o who_o he_o will_v answer_v but_o not_o to_o they_o or_o he_o will_v answer_v to_o the_o council_n eight_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v doubt_v but_o a_o disappointment_n in_o this_o matter_n will_v occasion_v such_o a_o rupture_n among_o we_o as_o will_v not_o be_v easy_o heal_v and_o what_o the_o end_n or_o event_n of_o that_o may_v be_v who_o can_v tell_v nor_o can_v it_o be_v expect_v or_o judge_v just_a to_o impose_v upon_o we_o the_o keep_n up_o of_o a_o meetinghouse_n to_o prevent_v other_o inconvenience_n since_o there_o be_v a_o legal_a maintenance_n due_a to_o the_o faithful_a minister_n there_o in_o who_o ministry_n the_o presbyterian_o there_o pretend_v the_o large_a share_n nine_o how_o can_v it_o be_v suppose_v that_o this_o man_n be_v of_o presbyterian_a principle_n or_o a_o friend_n or_o wellwisher_n to_o the_o late_a happy_a change_n in_o the_o government_n of_o church_n and_o state_n since_o all_o his_o familiarity_n be_v with_o such_o as_o be_v well_o know_v to_o be_v friend_n to_o neither_o nor_o have_v we_o a_o instance_n of_o any_o thing_n do_v by_o he_o to_o signify_v his_o satisfaction_n with_o the_o change_n except_o his_o pray_v for_o k._n w._n and_o q._n m._n which_o be_v not_o doubt_v be_v do_v by_o advice_n to_o keep_v off_o a_o present_a stroke_n and_o it_o be_v observe_v and_o general_o talk_v of_o when_o he_o be_v order_v to_o read_v that_o proclamation_n for_o pray_v for_o their_o majesty_n he_o do_v read_v it_o but_o with_o that_o contempt_n in_o his_o read_n sit_v on_o his_o bottom_n and_o muâ—â—ering_a it_o that_o his_o manner_n of_o read_v of_o it_o make_v many_o think_v there_o be_v more_o contempt_n in_o do_v thereof_o than_o if_o he_o have_v forbear_v it_o and_o such_o like_a there_o have_v be_v a_o solemn_a day_n of_o thanksgiving_n appoint_v to_o be_v keep_v and_o a_o proclamation_n issue_v out_o from_o the_o convention_n of_o estate_n for_o that_o effect_n for_o his_o own_o security_n he_o preach_v one_o sermon_n that_o day_n but_o speak_v not_o one_o word_n to_o the_o occasion_n of_o it_o as_o also_o there_o be_v of_o late_a a_o solemn_a day_n of_o humiliation_n to_o be_v keep_v by_o appointment_n of_o parliament_n and_o general_a meeting_n of_o minister_n for_o happy_a success_n in_o the_o king_n expedition_n for_o ireland_n etc._n etc._n he_o preach_v that_o day_n but_o be_v so_o general_a and_o unconcerned_a as_o no_o hearer_n can_v have_v judge_v by_o his_o discourse_n one_o sentence_n in_o his_o sermon_n relate_v to_o the_o occasion_n which_o can_v but_o give_v a_o discovery_n of_o the_o man_n spirit_n and_o principle_n by_o which_o he_o be_v lead_v whatever_o he_o may_v pretend_v to_o the_o contrary_a and_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n to_o see_v he_o contemn_v authority_n who_o affirm_v neither_o church_n nor_o state_n to_o be_v right_a ten_o how_o true_a a_o friend_n he_o be_v to_o the_o protestant_a religion_n and_o protestant_n for_o its_o sake_n may_v be_v conjecture_v by_o his_o charity_n to_o the_o poor_a banish_a protestant_n who_o be_v late_o force_v to_o fly_v from_o ireland_n for_o there_o have_v be_v a_o public_a collection_n appoint_v to_o be_v gather_v for_o their_o necessary_a supply_n he_o not_o only_o neglect_v to_o intimate_v the_o appointment_n to_o his_o hearer_n and_o press_v they_o to_o that_o duty_n of_o charity_n but_o it_o be_v common_o say_v he_o use_v all_o the_o mean_n he_o can_v to_o dissuade_v such_o as_o he_o have_v influence_n upon_o to_o contribute_v any_o thing_n in_o that_o charitable_a supply_n and_o the_o event_n be_v answerable_a to_o his_o design_n and_o desire_n for_o nothing_o be_v collect_v in_o that_o church_n for_o that_o use_n nor_o do_v any_o person_n within_o his_o association_n contribute_v one_o farthing_n thereto_o from_o what_o be_v say_v it_o may_v appear_v what_o just_a ground_n there_o be_v for_o try_v mr._n johnston_n anent_o his_o pretend_a ministry_n and_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o at_o brunt-island_n which_o be_v leave_v to_o the_o reverend_a presbytery_n consideration_n and_o their_o definite_a sentence_n for_o his_o removal_n from_o among_o we_o as_o to_o his_o pretend_a ministry_n be_v humble_o expect_v and_o wait_v for_o this_o be_v give_v with_o protestation_n to_o add_v further_o as_o there_o shall_v be_v occasion_n and_o beside_o all_o that_o be_v say_v mr._n pitcairn_n be_v call_v to_o the_o ministry_n of_o brunt-island_n and_o appoint_v by_o the_o synod_n of_o fife_n to_o serve_v there_o long_o before_o mr._n iohnston_n intrusion_n among_o we_o so_o that_o mr._n johnston_n can_v have_v no_o just_a pretence_n sic_fw-la subscribitur_fw-la tho._n nairn_n remark_n upon_o the_o foresay_a libel_n give_v in_o against_o mr._n geo._n johnston_n the_o first_o article_n will_v be_v confess_v and_o none_o except_o the_o ignorant_a composer_n of_o the_o libel_n will_v have_v the_o worse_a opinion_n of_o mr._n johnston_n on_o that_o account_n as_o to_o the_o second_o it_o may_v be_v say_v that_o mr._n johnston_n may_v as_o well_o take_v a_o presentation_n from_o k._n james_n who_o be_v undoubted_a patron_n of_o the_o church_n of_o brunt-island_n as_o the_o presbyterian_o a_o indulgence_n from_o the_o same_o king_n the_o one_o be_v no_o crime_n the_o other_o can_v be_v well_o justify_v because_o contrary_a to_o stand_a law_n and_o because_o they_o know_v the_o design_n be_v to_o make_v way_n for_o popery_n which_o mr._n johnston_n be_v less_o a_o friend_n to_o than_o the_o presbyterian_o be_v whereas_o it_o be_v say_v that_o he_o be_v desert_v of_o the_o people_n of_o fala_n the_o contrary_a be_v very_o well_o know_v for_o that_o people_n have_v a_o great_a love_n to_o he_o and_o he_o be_v in_o good_a esteem_n among_o they_o they_o express_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o regret_n when_o he_o part_v from_o they_o and_o if_o there_o be_v any_o who_o run_v to_o the_o presbyterian_a meetinghouse_n while_o he_o be_v there_o they_o be_v very_o few_o and_o very_o inconsiderable_a his_o manner_n of_o institution_n to_o the_o church_n of_o brunt-island_n be_v not_o singular_a nor_o yet_o irregular_a according_a to_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n and_o can_v be_v no_o reasonable_a prejudice_n against_o he_o nor_o be_v it_o true_a that_o the_o other_o minister_n of_o that_o presbytery_n disown_v he_o for_o they_o always_o do_v and_o still_o do_v entertain_v a_o brotherly_a correspondence_n with_o he_o as_o to_o the_o three_o it_o may_v have_v be_v true_a that_o the_o presbyterian_o entertain_v a_o jealousy_n of_o he_o and_o their_o groundless_a jealousy_n may_v have_v raise_v a_o prejudice_n against_o his_o ministry_n but_o notwithstanding_o of_o that_o mr._n johnston_n be_v very_o capable_a of_o do_v good_a in_o that_o parioch_n because_o the_o presbyterian_o be_v not_o near_o the_o number_n of_o the_o people_n of_o another_o persuasion_n who_o love_n mr._n iohnston_n person_n and_o be_v