The representation, propositions, and protestation of divers ministers, elders and professors, for themselves, and in name of many others, well-affected ministers, elders, and people in Scotland presented by the Lord Wareston, Mr. Andrew Cant, Mr. John Livingston, Mr. Samuel Rutherford and diverse others, to the ministers and elders met at Edinburgh, July 21, 1652.
      
       
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             The representation, propositions, and protestation of divers ministers, elders and professors, for themselves, and in name of many others, well-affected ministers, elders, and people in Scotland presented by the Lord Wareston, Mr. Andrew Cant, Mr. John Livingston, Mr. Samuel Rutherford and diverse others, to the ministers and elders met at Edinburgh, July 21, 1652.
             Warriston, Archibald Johnston, Lord, 1611-1663.
          
           20 p.
           
             by Evan Tyler,
             Printed at Leith [Scotland] :
             1652.
          
           
             Reproduction of original in Huntington Library.
          
        
      
    
     
       
         eng
      
       
         
           Church of Scotland -- Government.
           Scotland -- History -- 1649-1660.
        
      
    
       A57049  R10184  (Wing R1109).  civilwar no The representation, propositions, and protestation of divers ministers, elders and professors, for themselves, and in name of many others we Church of Scotland. General Assembly 1652    6977 9 0 0 0 0 0 13 C  The  rate of 13 defects per 10,000 words puts this text in the C category of texts with between 10 and 35 defects per 10,000 words. 
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           THE
           REPRESENTATION
           ,
           PROPOSITIONS
           ,
           AND
           PROTESTATION
           Of
           divers
           MINISTERS
           ,
           ELDERS
           AND
           PROFESSORS
           ,
           For
           themselves
           ,
           and
           in
           name
           of
           many
           others
           well-affected
           Ministers
           ,
           Elders
           ,
           and
           People
           in
           SCOTLAND
           .
        
         
           PRESENTED
           By
           the
           Lord
           WARESTON
           ,
           Mr.
           ANDREW
           CANT
           ,
           Mr.
           JOHN
           LIVINGSTON
           ,
           Mr.
           SAMUEL
           RUTHERFORD
           ,
           and
           diverse
           others
           ;
        
         
           To
           the
           Ministers
           and
           Elders
           met
           at
           
             EDINBURGH
          
           July
           21.
           
        
         
           1652.
           
        
         
           Printed
           at
           Leith
           by
           Evan
           Tyler
           .
           1652.
           
        
      
    
     
       
       
       
         
           Unto
           the
           Reverend
           the
           Ministers
           and
           Elders
           met
           at
           
             Edinburgh
             July
          
           21.
           1652.
           
        
         
           It
           is
           represented
           by
           the
           Ministers
           ,
           Elders
           ,
           and
           Professors
           under
           subscribing
           for
           them selves
           ,
           and
           in
           the
           name
           of
           many
           others
           well-affected
           Ministers
           ,
           Elders
           and
           People
           .
        
         
           It
           is
           matter
           of
           unspeakable
           grief
           and
           sorrow
           ,
           to
           consider
           how
           great
           Indignation
           the
           Lord
           hath
           let
           forth
           against
           us
           ,
           heaping
           wrath
           upon
           wrath
           ,
           and
           making
           one
           Judgment
           to
           follow
           another
           ;
           as
           the
           waves
           of
           the
           Sea
           ,
           and
           for
           the
           most
           part
           ,
           the
           fruits
           thereof
           through
           the
           Land
           ,
           have
           bin
           no
           other
           then
           further
           departing
           from
           his
           wayes
           ,
           and
           dividing
           one
           from
           another
           in
           judgment
           and
           affection
           .
           Our
           breach
           is
           wide
           as
           the
           Sea
           ,
           and
           who
           can
           heal
           it
           ?
           Spirituall
           Judgments
           especially
           are
           multiplied
           upon
           us
           ,
           Temptations
           abound
           ,
           and
           Divine
           Influences
           are
           restrained
           He
           hath
           poured
           upon
           us
           the
           fury
           of
           his
           anger
           ,
           and
           the
           strength
           of
           battell
           ,
           and
           it
           hath
           set
           us
           on
           fire
           round
           about
           ,
           yet
           we
           knew
           it
           not
           ,
           and
           it
           burneth
           us
           ,
           yet
           we
           lay
           it
           not
           to
           heart
           .
           There
           is
           no
           returning
           to
           the
           Lord
           ,
           his
           hand
           is
           stretched
           out
           still
           ;
           and
           is
           there
           not
           great
           cause
           to
           fear
           ,
           lest
           the
           glory
           of
           the
           Lord
           should
           depart
           from
           amongst
           us
           ?
           It
           were
           good
           for
           us
           ,
           if
           we
           could
           (
           with
           
             Jerusalem
          
           )
           remember
           all
           our
           desireable
           things
           which
           we
           had
           in
           the
           dayes
           of
           old
           ,
           and
           compare
           them
           with
           the
           days
           of
           our
           misery
           and
           affiction
           .
           If
           we
           look
           back
           to
           that
           which
           we
           have
           already
           attained
           of
           the
           Work
           of
           Reformation
           (
           notwithstanding
           our
           short
           coming
           in
           the
           power
           and
           practice
           of
           godlinesse
           )
           what
           purity
           was
           there
           of
           worship
           ?
           What
           soundnesse
           of
           Doctrine
           ?
           Unity
           of
           faithfull
           Pastors
           ?
           order
           and
           authoritie
           of
           Assemblies
           ?
           What
           endeavours
           for
           promoving
           the
           power
           of
           godlinesse
           ?
           for
           purging
           of
           the
           Ministery
           ,
           Judicatories
           and
           Armies
           ?
           and
           for
           employing
           such
           in
           places
           of
           
           power
           and
           trust
           ,
           as
           were
           of
           constant
           integritie
           and
           good
           affection
           to
           the
           Cause
           ,
           and
           of
           blamelesse
           conversation
           .
           And
           again
           ,
           if
           we
           consider
           how
           in
           place
           of
           these
           ,
           within
           these
           two
           years
           ,
           have
           succeeded
           for
           unity
           ,
           division
           ,
           for
           order
           ,
           confusion
           ,
           for
           purity
           of
           worship
           ,
           outward
           contempt
           ;
           for
           the
           power
           of
           godlinesse
           ,
           Atheisme
           and
           profanenesse
           ;
           for
           purging
           of
           the
           Ministery
           ,
           Judicatories
           and
           Armies
           ,
           sinfull
           mixtures
           ;
           for
           zeal
           ,
           lukewarmnesse
           and
           tolleration
           .
           It
           is
           too
           palpable
           ,
           that
           we
           are
           far
           gone
           on
           in
           the
           way
           of
           declining
           ,
           having
           lost
           much
           of
           that
           which
           we
           had
           attained
           ,
           and
           that
           which
           remains
           being
           ready
           to
           die
           .
           If
           we
           look
           before
           us
           ,
           it
           seems
           now
           there
           is
           a
           wide
           door
           open
           for
           conjunction
           with
           all
           parties
           ,
           in
           case
           of
           straits
           and
           necessities
           .
           How
           subtile
           are
           the
           devices
           of
           Sathan
           ,
           to
           make
           use
           of
           the
           same
           bad
           principle
           ,
           for
           contrary
           ends
           ,
           and
           may
           we
           not
           make
           use
           of
           what
           was
           said
           in
           former
           times
           ,
           to
           the
           declining
           children
           of
           this
           Church
           ?
           How
           will
           posterity
           blame
           us
           that
           we
           have
           not
           resisted
           the
           beginnings
           of
           evils
           ?
           Shall
           not
           their
           hearts
           mourn
           ,
           when
           they
           shall
           behold
           so
           fair
           a
           Fabrick
           ,
           so
           dearly
           conquest
           ,
           so
           firmly
           grounded
           ,
           to
           be
           so
           pittifully
           ruined
           be
           their
           fathers
           ?
           If
           we
           look
           inward
           to
           our
           own
           hearts
           ,
           whether
           we
           have
           had
           most
           of
           the
           Lords
           Spirit
           with
           us
           in
           the
           old
           ways
           ,
           or
           the
           late
           ;
           and
           whether
           our
           spirits
           were
           then
           more
           with
           the
           Lord
           ,
           or
           now
           ?
           It
           is
           easie
           to
           judge
           :
           If
           we
           look
           about
           us
           on
           every
           hand
           ,
           what
           hardening
           is
           there
           of
           Adversaries
           of
           all
           sorts
           ?
           what
           offence
           given
           to
           the
           weak
           ,
           who
           see
           changes
           of
           parties
           ,
           and
           fear
           change
           of
           Principles
           and
           Interests
           ,
           when
           they
           perceive
           conjunction
           with
           those
           against
           whom
           the
           Covenant
           was
           made
           ,
           and
           deserting
           of
           these
           for
           whom
           it
           was
           made
           ;
           and
           see
           mens
           interests
           preferred
           to
           the
           Lords
           ;
           sinfull
           mixtures
           make
           way
           for
           sinfull
           separations
           ,
           and
           the
           preferring
           of
           mans
           interest
           to
           Gods
           ,
           makes
           our
           Adversaries
           to
           be
           exalted
           over
           us
           .
           Thus
           he
           writes
           our
           sin
           upon
           our
           judgment
           ;
           and
           because
           we
           trusted
           his
           Interests
           to
           his
           Adversaries
           ,
           therefore
           he
           gives
           up
           our
           interests
           to
           the
           power
           of
           our
           Adversaries
           ;
           and
           Judgment
           hath
           entered
           by
           the
           door
           ,
           which
           Policy
           had
           locked
           fastest
           .
           It
           was
           the
           complaint
           of
           the
           non-Conformists
           of
           old
           ,
           that
           Conformitie
           was
           preferred
           to
           the
           duties
           of
           the
           first
           and
           second
           Table
           ;
           for
           if
           a
           Minister
           were
           conform
           ,
           grosse
           faults
           were
           passed
           over
           in
           silence
           ;
           and
           if
           he
           were
           not
           conform
           ,
           though
           an
           able
           ,
           painfull
           ,
           and
           gracious
           Pastor
           ,
           and
           blamelesse
           in
           his
           conversation
           yet
           he
           was
           the
           object
           of
           persecution
           .
           This
           was
           held
           by
           the
           non-Conformists
           ,
           a
           sure
           sign
           of
           defection
           in
           the
           Church
           :
           We
           wish
           there
           were
           nothing
           like
           this
           amongst
           us
           ,
           and
           that
           insufficient
           
           and
           scandalous
           Ministers
           ,
           made
           not
           a
           Sanctuary
           of
           the
           Publick
           Resolutions
           .
           What
           Acts
           are
           made
           against
           Expectants
           ,
           Students
           ,
           and
           Profedors
           ,
           which
           are
           not
           of
           this
           judgment
           ,
           we
           desire
           may
           be
           remembred
           ;
           And
           we
           have
           it
           to
           regrate
           ,
           That
           too
           many
           make
           it
           their
           practice
           upon
           this
           ground
           ,
           to
           debar
           such
           as
           would
           be
           usefull
           in
           the
           Lords
           Vineyard
           .
           How
           great
           influence
           this
           hath
           also
           had
           ,
           and
           may
           farther
           have
           in
           all
           Elections
           ,
           we
           need
           not
           mention
           .
           How
           much
           precious
           time
           have
           the
           publick
           resolutions
           caused
           to
           be
           spent
           in
           debates
           ,
           and
           thereby
           many
           diversions
           from
           most
           necessary
           duties
           ,
           &c.
           is
           matter
           of
           great
           stumbling
           ,
           both
           to
           the
           weak
           ,
           and
           to
           strangers
           which
           are
           amongst
           us
           ,
           that
           grosse
           ignorance
           and
           scandals
           are
           not
           onely
           to
           be
           found
           in
           Professours
           uncensured
           ,
           but
           also
           amongst
           Elders
           ;
           and
           that
           many
           Ministers
           are
           not
           onely
           carelesse
           to
           instruct
           the
           ignorant
           ,
           and
           to
           endeavour
           ,
           that
           scandals
           may
           be
           censured
           ,
           but
           some
           are
           openly
           given
           to
           the
           same
           themselves
           ,
           and
           not
           onely
           no
           course
           taken
           to
           censure
           them
           ,
           but
           some
           who
           have
           been
           justly
           censured
           for
           prophaneness
           and
           malignancie
           ,
           are
           readmitted
           ;
           and
           unqualified
           Expectants
           in
           some
           places
           ,
           put
           in
           the
           Ministery
           .
           The
           approbation
           of
           the
           publick
           Resolutions
           being
           made
           a
           main
           part
           of
           qualification
           .
           We
           hope
           it
           will
           be
           easily
           acknowledged
           on
           all
           hands
           ,
           that
           there
           hath
           been
           a
           great
           backsliding
           of
           heart
           from
           the
           Lord
           ;
           for
           the
           which
           we
           are
           filled
           with
           our
           own
           wayes
           ;
           We
           trust
           also
           that
           there
           be
           few
           that
           will
           deny
           ,
           that
           the
           Lords
           quarrell
           against
           us
           is
           for
           his
           broken
           Covenant
           ;
           and
           therefore
           it
           is
           ,
           that
           he
           hath
           threatned
           against
           us
           ,
           as
           against
           
             Israel
             ,
          
           not
           only
           that
           we
           shall
           not
           be
           a
           Kingdom
           ,
           but
           that
           we
           shall
           not
           be
           a
           Nation
           ,
           nor
           a
           Church
           ,
           but
           put
           away
           by
           a
           Bill
           of
           divorce
           .
           It
           is
           high-time
           for
           us
           then
           ,
           to
           
             search
             and
             try
             our
             wayes
             ,
             and
             turn
             again
             to
             the
             Lord
             .
          
           Let
           us
           examine
           by
           what
           way
           we
           have
           departed
           from
           him
           ,
           that
           by
           the
           same
           steps
           we
           may
           return
           ,
           wherein
           the
           Land
           hath
           declined
           from
           their
           sworn
           Covenant
           with
           the
           Lord
           ,
           and
           known
           principles
           ,
           before
           this
           ruine
           came
           upon
           us
           ;
           and
           wherein
           they
           have
           sithence
           further
           departed
           ,
           by
           staying
           upon
           those
           that
           smote
           them
           ,
           and
           forsaking
           the
           Lord
           ,
           the
           Covenanted
           God
           of
           this
           Nation
           .
           It
           was
           unto
           us
           no
           small
           matter
           of
           grief
           and
           trouble
           ,
           that
           the
           testimonies
           given
           the
           last
           ;
           year
           against
           the
           Publick
           Resolutions
           of
           the
           Commission
           of
           the
           General
           !
           Assembly
           1650
           and
           against
           the
           Meeting
           at
           
             S.
             Andrewes
          
           and
           
             Dundee
             ,
          
           and
           their
           proceedings
           ,
           was
           looked
           upon
           by
           many
           (
           of
           whom
           we
           desire
           to
           judge
           charitably
           )
           as
           not
           proceeding
           from
           principles
           of
           conscience
           ,
           but
           as
           a
           Compliance
           with
           the
           Invaders
           of
           the
           Land
           .
           Blessed
           
           be
           the
           Lord
           our
           God
           ,
           who
           knowing
           our
           Innocencie
           and
           integritie
           ,
           hath
           made
           that
           cloud
           of
           reproach
           so
           clear
           to
           evanish
           ,
           as
           we
           trust
           we
           are
           now
           freed
           from
           that
           calumnie
           ,
           in
           the
           judgments
           and
           consciences
           of
           all
           judicious
           and
           charitable
           men
           .
           There
           is
           another
           advantage
           on
           your
           path
           ,
           that
           you
           are
           now
           free
           from
           the
           temptations
           ;
           which
           reduced
           many
           to
           act
           and
           co●cur●e
           in
           these
           Resolutions
           for
           necessity
           was
           mainly
           pretended
           for
           what
           was
           done
           ;
           which
           now
           ,
           these
           temptations
           being
           removed
           ,
           can
           have
           no
           place
           for
           a
           ground
           ,
           to
           renew
           and
           re-act
           the
           same
           proceedings
           .
           We
           may
           also
           adde
           ,
           that
           time
           hath
           fully
           discovered
           ,
           and
           clearly
           determined
           ,
           how
           ●●●●ground
           there
           was
           on
           our
           〈◊〉
           to
           oppose
           the
           ●●●●itting
           of
           these
           men
           ,
           concerning
           whom
           the
           contest
           was
           the
           last
           year
           ,
           into
           places
           of
           power
           and
           trust
           over
           the
           Work
           and
           People
           of
           God
           .
           An
           Overture
           was
           made
           to
           us
           at
           our
           Meeting
           in
           Winter
           last
           ,
           That
           we
           would
           desist
           from
           making
           use
           of
           any
           power
           derived
           from
           the
           Generall
           Assembly
           1650.
           
           And
           we
           conce●ved
           we
           had
           ground
           to
           expect
           on
           the
           other
           hand
           ,
           that
           no
           use
           should
           have
           been
           made
           of
           any
           power
           ,
           by
           vertue
           of
           the
           Meeting
           at
           
             S.
             Andrews
          
           and
           
             Dundee
             .
          
           And
           that
           in
           the
           mean
           time
           ,
           endeavour
           should
           have
           been
           used
           for
           agreement
           ,
           which
           was
           assayed
           by
           us
           once
           ,
           and
           again
           ;
           but
           the
           advantages
           of
           the
           time
           having
           setled
           on
           another
           quarter
           then
           that
           season
           wherein
           the
           Overture
           was
           made
           ,
           did
           seem
           to
           promise
           to
           such
           who
           did
           not
           well
           consider
           principles
           and
           parties
           .
           It
           is
           now
           fallen
           out
           other
           wise
           ,
           and
           by
           power
           from
           them
           ,
           without
           any
           agreement
           you
           are
           now
           conveened
           .
           In
           the
           Meeting
           at
           
             S.
             Andrews
             ,
          
           it
           was
           earnestly
           desi●ed
           ,
           that
           there
           might
           have
           been
           an
           Adjournment
           ,
           which
           through
           the
           Lords
           blessing
           might
           have
           prevented
           much
           of
           the
           division
           that
           hath
           since
           fallen
           out
           ,
           and
           the
           differences
           that
           were
           amongst
           us
           ,
           might
           have
           been
           more
           easily
           removed
           .
           The
           breach
           is
           now
           wider
           ,
           and
           only
           the
           strong
           hand
           of
           the
           Lord
           can
           help
           us
           .
           If
           you
           should
           now
           again
           proceed
           to
           assume
           unto
           your selves
           the
           power
           ,
           and
           constitute
           your selves
           into
           a
           Generall
           Assembly
           ,
           we
           look
           upon
           it
           as
           a
           very
           great
           obstruction
           in
           the
           way
           of
           our
           agreement
           ,
           and
           (
           as
           that
           which
           for
           ought
           we
           can
           yet
           see
           )
           may
           highten
           the
           difference
           :
           The
           Lord
           is
           calling
           to
           Holinesse
           ,
           and
           to
           return
           to
           the
           Work
           of
           Reformation
           ,
           and
           purging
           the
           Church
           according
           to
           the
           Word
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           approven
           rules
           of
           this
           Kirk
           ,
           and
           not
           to
           confirm
           the
           last
           years
           proceedings
           ,
           which
           were
           the
           chief
           ground
           of
           our
           Divisions
           It
           is
           a
           thing
           beyond
           all
           question
           in
           reason
           ,
           that
           all
           doubts
           and
           objections
           proponed
           ,
           concerning
           the
           constitution
           of
           an
           Assembly
           ,
           
           ought
           to
           proceed
           the
           constitution
           ,
           and
           not
           to
           follow
           after
           it
           .
           When
           the
           question
           is
           determined
           ,
           sad
           experience
           may
           teach
           us
           ,
           from
           former
           times
           ,
           what
           influence
           an
           Assembly
           hath
           according
           to
           its
           constitution
           ,
           right
           or
           wrong
           ;
           for
           which
           cause
           ,
           the
           Generall
           Assembly
           1639.
           〈◊〉
           determine
           the
           keeping
           and
           authorizing
           corrupt
           Generall
           Assemblies
           ,
           to
           be
           one
           of
           the
           chief
           causes
           of
           the
           many
           evils
           which
           had
           befallen
           this
           Church
           in
           time
           of
           defection
           .
           We
           do
           therefore
           with
           all
           tendernesse
           and
           due
           respect
           ,
           earnestly
           beseech
           ,
           That
           you
           will
           ●●●eo●sly
           consider
           ,
           how
           inconvenient
           and
           unwarrantable
           it
           is
           for
           you
           ,
           to
           constitute
           your selves
           into
           a
           Generall
           Assembly
           ,
           and
           to
           assume
           the
           Power
           and
           Authority
           thereof
           ,
           not
           only
           when
           the
           Authority
           by
           which
           you
           are
           conveened
           ,
           is
           so
           much
           questioned
           ,
           and
           such
           prelimitations
           are
           upon
           the
           elections
           of
           Commissioners
           ;
           but
           when
           you
           also
           want
           the
           concurrence
           of
           so
           many
           Presbyteries
           ,
           who
           are
           not
           clear
           in
           their
           consciences
           to
           concur
           with
           you
           .
           And
           when
           you
           want
           the
           concurrence
           of
           Commissioners
           from
           burrows
           ,
           who
           by
           reason
           of
           their
           present
           in
           capacity
           ,
           cannot
           send
           Commissioners
           to
           sit
           in
           any
           Assembly
           .
           And
           when
           the
           far
           greater
           part
           of
           Commissions
           from
           Presbytries
           ,
           and
           Universities
           are
           questioned
           and
           contraverted
           ,
           by
           Dissents
           and
           Protestations
           in
           their
           meetings
           for
           Election
           ;
           and
           some
           by
           reason
           of
           usurpation
           of
           them
           who
           are
           no
           Presbyteries
           :
           So
           that
           we
           know
           not
           how
           few
           can
           be
           admitted
           unquestioned
           Members
           ;
           and
           besides
           we
           beseech
           you
           ,
           consider
           how
           great
           a
           snare
           your
           former
           actings
           which
           were
           not
           to
           Edification
           ,
           have
           been
           to
           some
           people
           to
           tempt
           them
           to
           the
           way
           of
           separation
           ,
           and
           to
           the
           shaking
           of
           the
           Government
           of
           this
           Church
           ,
           from
           which
           as
           we
           desire
           to
           be
           keeped
           free
           as
           from
           a
           course
           highly
           displeasing
           to
           God
           ,
           and
           impedimentall
           to
           Reformation
           :
           So
           we
           desire
           you
           may
           not
           tempt
           them
           further
           ,
           and
           lay
           new
           snares
           in
           the
           way
           of
           any
           ,
           by
           your
           not
           right
           using
           of
           so
           precious
           an
           Ordinance
           of
           Christ
           ,
           as
           are
           the
           Assemblies
           of
           this
           Church
           Upon
           these
           ,
           and
           other
           grounds
           ,
           we
           are
           constrained
           to
           make
           this
           Application
           to
           you
           ,
           That
           without
           assuming
           any
           such
           power
           unto
           your selves
           ,
           you
           would
           be
           pleased
           to
           appoint
           a
           Conference
           with
           us
           ,
           wherein
           we
           may
           (
           with
           the
           Lords
           Assista●ce
           .
           )
           search
           out
           the
           causes
           of
           his
           wrath
           against
           us
           ,
           and
           freely
           and
           friendly
           debate
           concerning
           our
           Differences
           ,
           and
           propone
           Overtures
           ,
           and
           Remedies
           for
           removing
           both
           the
           one
           and
           the
           other
           :
           In
           order
           thereunto
           ,
           we
           offer
           these
           Propositions
           herewith
           communicated
           ,
           for
           the
           Subject
           of
           our
           Conference
           ;
           it
           being
           our
           earnest
           desire
           ,
           that
           an
           agreement
           being
           made
           ,
           
           we
           may
           through
           the
           Lords
           blessing
           ,
           have
           a
           free
           ,
           and
           lawfull
           well
           constituted
           Generall
           Assembly
           .
           And
           now
           having
           laid
           these
           our
           thoughts
           and
           desires
           before
           you
           ,
           we
           do
           solemnly
           obtest
           you
           by
           the
           Meeknesse
           ,
           and
           Gentlesse
           of
           Christ
           ,
           by
           his
           Consolations
           ,
           and
           the
           comfort
           of
           his
           Love
           ,
           and
           by
           the
           fellowship
           of
           the
           Spirit
           :
           If
           there
           be
           any
           bowels
           and
           mercies
           ,
           by
           the
           affection
           which
           you
           bear
           to
           the
           Word
           of
           Truth
           ,
           to
           the
           Peace
           and
           Order
           of
           this
           Church
           ,
           to
           the
           Lords
           precious
           Ordinances
           ,
           and
           to
           his
           people
           in
           this
           generation
           ,
           and
           to
           the
           posterity
           ,
           that
           you
           will
           take
           these
           things
           into
           your
           serious
           consideration
           ,
           and
           hearken
           to
           our
           Request
           .
           Who
           knoweth
           but
           the
           Lord
           may
           have
           compassion
           on
           our
           condition
           ,
           and
           
             bring
             the
             blinde
             by
             a
             way
             they
             know
             not
             ,
             lead
             them
             in
             paths
             they
             have
             not
             known
             ,
             make
             darknesse
             light
             before
             us
             ,
             and
             crooked
             things
             straight
             ?
          
           Even
           do
           all
           these
           things
           unto
           us
           ,
           and
           not
           forsake
           us
           .
        
      
       
         
           Propositions
           offered
           to
           the
           meeting
           of
           Ministers
           ,
           and
           others
           ,
           At
           
             Edinb.
             July
          
           the
           21.
           1652.
           
        
         
           WHereas
           we
           ,
           and
           many
           of
           the
           Godly
           in
           the
           Land
           ,
           have
           been
           really
           scandalized
           ,
           and
           stumbled
           at
           the
           late
           Acts
           ,
           and
           proceedings
           relating
           to
           publick
           resolutions
           ,
           conceiving
           the
           same
           in
           the
           nature
           and
           intention
           of
           the
           Work
           ,
           to
           have
           obstructed
           and
           shaken
           the
           Work
           of
           Reformation
           (
           although
           we
           think
           honourably
           of
           divers
           Godly
           and
           learned
           men
           ,
           who
           have
           been
           concurring
           in
           the
           same
           ,
           and
           dare
           not
           judge
           their
           intentions
           to
           be
           such
           as
           we
           think
           their
           work
           hath
           been
           ,
           and
           do
           allow
           charity
           to
           others
           )
           .
           Therefore
           for
           satisfaction
           of
           our
           Consciences
           ,
           and
           for
           the
           securing
           the
           Work
           of
           Reformation
           ,
           for
           purging
           the
           Church
           ,
           and
           for
           promoving
           the
           power
           of
           Godlinesse
           ,
           and
           for
           removing
           of
           these
           sad
           differences
           ,
           and
           for
           attaining
           and
           preserving
           a
           good
           understanding
           ,
           We
           desire
           ,
        
         
           
             I.
          
           That
           they
           give
           evidence
           ,
           and
           assurance
           that
           they
           approve
           of
           ,
           and
           will
           adhere
           unto
           ,
           our
           Covenants
           ,
           and
           the
           solemn
           Publick
           Confession
           of
           sins
           ,
           and
           engagement
           to
           Duties
           ,
           and
           all
           the
           Acts
           of
           the
           uncontraversed
           Assemblies
           of
           this
           Church
           ,
           for
           advancing
           the
           work
           of
           Reformation
           ,
           in
           the
           Litterall
           and
           Genuine
           sense
           and
           meaning
           thereof
           :
           And
           that
           in
           dispensing
           of
           the
           Ordinances
           ,
           censuring
           of
           
           scandalous
           persons
           ,
           receiving
           of
           Penitents
           ,
           trying
           ,
           admitting
           ,
           removing
           ,
           &
           deposing
           of
           Church
           officers
           ,
           they
           walk
           according
           to
           the
           same
           .
        
         
           
             II.
          
           That
           it
           may
           be
           laid
           seriously
           to
           heart
           before
           the
           Lord
           ,
           how
           after
           such
           a
           defection
           ,
           and
           so
           sad
           judgements
           for
           it
           ,
           the
           Lord
           may
           be
           restored
           to
           his
           Honour
           ,
           the
           Land
           to
           his
           Favour
           ,
           and
           the
           like
           defection
           prevented
           in
           time
           coming
           .
        
         
           
             III.
          
           That
           as
           we
           are
           ready
           in
           our
           station
           to
           follow
           all
           religious
           &
           conscionable
           means
           and
           overtures
           for
           securing
           ,
           and
           guarding
           of
           the
           Cause
           and
           VVork
           of
           God
           ,
           against
           Errour
           ,
           Heresie
           ,
           and
           Schisme
           ,
           on
           the
           one
           hand
           :
           So
           they
           would
           hold
           out
           to
           us
           a
           solide
           Way
           for
           securing
           the
           same
           ,
           against
           dangers
           from
           Malignancie
           on
           the
           other
           .
           And
           ,
           we
           desire
           to
           know
           what
           shal
           be
           the
           Characters
           in
           time
           coming
           by
           which
           Malignants
           may
           be
           known
           ,
           and
           judged
           .
        
         
           
             IV.
          
           That
           a
           reall
           and
           effectuall
           course
           be
           taken
           ,
           according
           to
           the
           established
           Rule
           of
           this
           Kirk
           ,
           for
           purging
           out
           ,
           and
           holding
           out
           all
           such
           from
           being
           Church
           Officers
           as
           have
           not
           the
           positive
           qualifications
           required
           in
           the
           Word
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           Acts
           of
           this
           Kirk
           ;
           particularly
           ,
           that
           Ministers
           deposed
           by
           lawfull
           Assemblies
           ,
           who
           have
           intruded
           themselves
           ,
           or
           have
           been
           unwarnantably
           restored
           by
           Synods
           ,
           and
           Presbyteries
           to
           their
           charges
           ,
           contrary
           to
           the
           Form
           ,
           and
           Order
           prescribed
           in
           the
           Acts
           of
           Assemblies
           ,
           be
           removed
           ,
           and
           condign
           censures
           inflicted
           ,
           and
           that
           sufficient
           provision
           be
           made
           for
           preventing
           the
           like
           in
           time
           coming
           .
        
         
           
             V.
          
           That
           effectuall
           means
           be
           fallen
           upon
           ,
           and
           followed
           for
           censuring
           of
           all
           Scandals
           ,
           and
           scandalous
           persons
           ,
           and
           casting
           out
           of
           these
           who
           shall
           be
           found
           grosly
           ,
           and
           obstinately
           scandalous
           ,
           or
           ignorant
           ,
           after
           they
           are
           made
           inexcusable
           by
           sufficient
           means
           ,
           and
           pains
           taken
           for
           their
           instructing
           ,
           and
           reclaiming
           .
        
         
           
             VI
             .
          
           That
           some
           course
           more
           effectuall
           then
           any
           hath
           been
           fallen
           upon
           hitherto
           ,
           may
           be
           condescended
           upon
           ,
           for
           putting
           in
           execution
           the
           Acts
           of
           this
           Kirk
           ,
           anent
           debarring
           from
           the
           Lords
           Table
           such
           persons
           ,
           who
           are
           found
           not
           to
           walk
           sutable
           to
           the
           Gospel
           ,
           and
           have
           not
           the
           knowledge
           to
           examine
           themselves
           ,
           and
           to
           discern
           the
           Lords
           Body
           .
        
         
           
             VII
             .
          
           That
           in
           the
           receiving
           of
           Penitents
           ,
           care
           may
           be
           had
           ,
           that
           none
           be
           admitted
           to
           the
           publick
           Profession
           of
           Repentance
           ,
           or
           reconciled
           to
           the
           Church
           ,
           but
           these
           who
           are
           found
           to
           give
           such
           evidence
           of
           their
           Repentance
           ,
           as
           is
           expressed
           in
           the
           Acts
           of
           the
           Assemblies
           ,
           concerning
           the
           receiving
           of
           Penitents
           .
        
         
         
           
             VIII
             .
          
           That
           an
           effectuall
           course
           may
           be
           taken
           for
           securing
           of
           the
           Work
           and
           People
           of
           God
           ,
           from
           the
           harme
           and
           evill
           consequences
           which
           bath
           already
           ,
           and
           may
           further
           ensue
           from
           the
           late
           pretended
           Assembly
           ,
           at
           
             St.
             Andrews
             ,
          
           and
           
             Dundee
             ,
          
           and
           the
           Acts
           thereof
           ,
           and
           for
           preserving
           the
           right
           constitution
           of
           free
           Generall
           Assemblies
           for
           time
           to
           come
           .
        
         
           
             Subscribed
             in
             name
             of
             many
             Ministers
             ,
             Elders
             ,
             and
             Professors
             throughout
             the
             Land
             ,
             who
             desire
             Truth
             and
             Peace
             ,
             by
          
           
             
               Mr.
            
             Andrew
             Cant.
             
          
        
      
       
         
           
             Unto
             the
             Reverend
             ,
             the
             Ministers
             and
             Elders
             met
             at
          
           Edinburgh
           July
           21.
           1652.
           
        
         
           The
           Protestation
           of
           the
           Ministers
           ,
           Elders
           ,
           and
           Professors
           under
           subscribing
           for
           themselves
           ,
           and
           in
           name
           of
           many
           others
           well-affected
           Ministers
           ,
           Elders
           and
           People
           .
        
         
           IT
           is
           so
           wel
           known
           to
           divers
           of
           your
           number
           ,
           what
           peaceable
           endeavours
           we
           have
           used
           without
           successe
           ,
           in
           order
           to
           the
           removing
           of
           the
           differences
           that
           are
           amongst
           us
           ,
           that
           we
           shall
           not
           trouble
           you
           therewith
           ;
           nor
           how
           we
           were
           neglected
           in
           the
           sending
           timeous
           advertisements
           for
           your
           last
           Meeting
           in
           this
           place
           ,
           where
           a
           desire
           of
           reconciliation
           was
           presented
           ,
           but
           peremptorily
           the
           electing
           and
           sending
           of
           Commissioners
           from
           Presbyteries
           ,
           to
           keep
           the
           day
           indicted
           by
           the
           pretended
           authority
           of
           the
           Meeting
           at
           
             Dundee
             ,
          
           was
           concluded
           on
           as
           the
           only
           mean
           to
           heal
           our
           breach
           ;
           and
           not
           so
           much
           as
           some
           few
           dayes
           of
           delay
           could
           be
           obtained
           ,
           by
           these
           few
           of
           our
           number
           which
           were
           then
           present
           ,
           whereby
           they
           might
           give
           advertisement
           to
           others
           .
           We
           have
           laboured
           with
           some
           in
           private
           ,
           and
           have
           given
           a
           Paper
           to
           all
           in
           publick
           ,
           with
           some
           Propositions
           ,
           wherein
           we
           have
           the
           concurrence
           of
           the
           generality
           of
           the
           Godly
           in
           the
           Land
           ,
           earnestly
           entreating
           a
           conference
           ,
           wherein
           we
           might
           have
           opportunity
           with
           the
           Lords
           assistance
           ,
           to
           have
           laid
           before
           you
           the
           Causes
           of
           the
           Lords
           controversie
           against
           the
           Land
           ,
           and
           how
           we
           might
           be
           united
           in
           the
           Lord
           ;
           being
           ready
           also
           to
           have
           heard
           what
           
           you
           should
           offer
           to
           us
           upon
           the
           same
           subject
           ;
           but
           this
           ye
           have
           denied
           unto
           us
           ,
           and
           proceeded
           to
           assume
           the
           power
           ,
           and
           constitute
           your selves
           into
           a
           Generall
           Assembly
           .
           It
           is
           a
           burden
           upon
           our
           spirits
           ,
           and
           we
           have
           no
           delight
           to
           be
           contesting
           with
           ,
           and
           opposing
           any
           who
           professe
           themselves
           to
           be
           maintainers
           of
           the
           Government
           of
           this
           Kirk
           ;
           but
           the
           truth
           is
           (
           with
           grief
           of
           heart
           we
           desire
           to
           speak
           it
           ;
           for
           we
           think
           that
           it
           doth
           much
           provoke
           the
           Lord
           ,
           and
           threaten
           his
           departure
           from
           the
           Land
           )
           that
           although
           with
           the
           renewing
           of
           the
           Nationall
           Covenant
           ,
           and
           with
           the
           casting
           out
           of
           Prelates
           ,
           and
           the
           corruptions
           introduced
           by
           them
           ,
           the
           Lord
           was
           graciously
           pleased
           to
           give
           repentance
           to
           not
           a
           few
           ,
           who
           were
           involved
           in
           that
           defection
           ;
           yet
           since
           that
           time
           there
           hath
           alwayes
           remained
           a
           corrupt
           party
           of
           insufficient
           ,
           scandalous
           ,
           and
           ill-affected
           Ministers
           in
           this
           Kirk
           ,
           enemies
           to
           the
           power
           of
           Godlinesse
           ,
           and
           Obstructers
           of
           the
           Work
           of
           Reformation
           ,
           and
           purging
           of
           the
           Kirk
           ,
           whereof
           many
           were
           sworn
           Vassals
           to
           the
           Prelats
           (
           as
           we
           are
           able
           to
           make
           good
           by
           their
           subscriptions
           to
           horrid
           oaths
           )
           this
           party
           complied
           with
           the
           times
           ,
           and
           pretended
           for
           Reformation
           ,
           though
           they
           were
           groaning
           under
           it
           as
           a
           heavy
           yoke
           which
           they
           could
           not
           endure
           ,
           as
           did
           appear
           by
           their
           carriage
           and
           expressions
           ,
           upon
           several
           occasions
           ,
           when
           any
           revolution
           offered
           them
           the
           opportunity
           of
           discovering
           their
           mindes
           ,
           particularly
           in
           the
           time
           of
           
             James
             Grahams
          
           Prevailing
           ,
           and
           of
           the
           Engagement
           against
           
             England
             ;
          
           and
           having
           of
           lategotten
           a
           greater
           advantage
           then
           at
           any
           time
           before
           ,
           since
           the
           beginning
           of
           this
           Reformation
           ,
           by
           the
           publick
           Resolutions
           and
           actings
           of
           the
           Commission
           for
           bringing
           in
           of
           the
           Malignant
           party
           ,
           to
           places
           of
           power
           and
           trust
           ,
           and
           bearing
           down
           of
           such
           as
           were
           opposers
           of
           these
           Resolutions
           ,
           and
           had
           bin
           faithfull
           and
           straight
           in
           the
           Cause
           ,
           and
           stirring
           up
           the
           Civill
           Magistrate
           against
           them
           ,
           subjecting
           also
           the
           liberty
           of
           the
           Word
           in
           the
           mouth
           of
           Christs
           Ambassadors
           for
           the
           reproof
           of
           sin
           ,
           to
           the
           immediat
           judiciall
           cognisance
           ,
           restraint
           and
           censure
           of
           the
           Civill
           Magistrate
           ,
           contrary
           to
           the
           many
           Acts
           and
           practices
           of
           our
           Predecessors
           grounded
           on
           the
           Word
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           our
           Covenants
           ,
           having
           the
           countenance
           of
           King
           ,
           State
           and
           Army
           ,
           and
           diverse
           worthy
           and
           gracious
           men
           (
           of
           whom
           we
           shall
           ever
           esteem
           honourable
           ,
           and
           love
           them
           dearly
           )
           upon
           consideration
           of
           the
           straits
           and
           pressures
           of
           the
           time
           ,
           concurring
           also
           with
           them
           in
           the
           Publick
           Resolutions
           ,
           that
           Party
           perceiving
           ,
           that
           they
           were
           not
           able
           to
           endure
           tryall
           in
           a
           time
           of
           Reformation
           and
           purging
           ,
           began
           the
           last
           year
           to
           lift
           up
           their
           heads
           ,
           and
           speak
           the
           language
           of
           their
           
           own
           ,
           being
           much
           encouraged
           by
           the
           Constitution
           ,
           Acts
           and
           Censures
           of
           the
           pretended
           Assembly
           at
           
             S.
             Andrews
          
           and
           
             Dundee
             ,
          
           they
           have
           so
           strengthened
           themselves
           by
           their
           practices
           since
           in
           the
           Judicatories
           of
           the
           Kirk
           ,
           as
           they
           now
           carry
           the
           determinations
           therof
           to
           their
           own
           ends
           .
           And
           may
           we
           not
           with
           sad
           hearts
           say
           ,
           what
           can
           be
           expected
           from
           such
           of
           whom
           we
           have
           experience
           ,
           how
           forward
           they
           are
           to
           favour
           wicked
           men
           ,
           and
           every
           evill
           course
           ,
           to
           persecute
           such
           as
           make
           conscience
           to
           seek
           the
           Lord
           in
           sincerity
           of
           heart
           ,
           and
           suppresse
           the
           power
           of
           godlinesse
           ,
           and
           to
           open
           the
           door
           of
           the
           Ministery
           to
           such
           as
           for
           insufficiencie
           ,
           scandals
           ,
           or
           dis-affection
           ,
           have
           been
           justly
           deposed
           ,
           and
           to
           bring
           in
           the
           like
           .
           In
           regard
           whereof
           ,
           we
           wish
           there
           were
           not
           too
           great
           cause
           to
           make
           use
           of
           the
           words
           of
           the
           Prophet
           ,
           
             I
             have
             seen
             also
             in
             the
             Prophets
             of
             Jerusalem
             ,
             saith
             the
             Lord
             ,
             a
             herrid
             thing
             ,
             they
             strengthen
             the
             hands
             of
             evil
             doers
             ,
             that
             none
             doth
             return
             from
             his
             wickednes
             :
             therefore
             thus
             saith
             the
             Lord
             of
             hosts
             concerning
             the
             Prophets
             ,
             Behold
             ,
             I
             will
             feed
             them
             with
             wormwood
             ,
             and
             make
             them
             drink
             the
             water
             of
             gall
             ;
             for
             from
             the
             Prophets
             of
             Jerusalem
             is
             prophaneness
             gone
             forth
             into
             all
             the
             land
             .
          
           These
           things
           we
           speak
           not
           to
           reflect
           upon
           the
           Ordinances
           of
           Jesus
           Christ
           in
           this
           Land
           ;
           it
           shall
           be
           our
           stedfast
           purpose
           (
           as
           the
           Lord
           shall
           enable
           us
           )
           to
           maintain
           the
           Doctrine
           ,
           Worship
           ,
           Discipline
           and
           Government
           of
           this
           Kirk
           ,
           and
           particularly
           the
           Nationall
           Assemblies
           ,
           which
           we
           look
           upon
           as
           a
           rich
           priviledge
           ,
           and
           speciall
           blessing
           from
           Heaven
           ,
           for
           suppressing
           errour
           on
           the
           one
           hand
           ,
           and
           prophanenesse
           on
           the
           other
           ,
           so
           long
           as
           they
           are
           preserved
           from
           corruption
           in
           the
           constitution
           thereof
           .
           And
           ,
           we
           trust
           ,
           all
           who
           are
           acquainted
           with
           the
           principles
           and
           practices
           of
           our
           worthy
           Predecessors
           ,
           and
           of
           the
           learned
           and
           godly
           non-Conformists
           in
           
             England
             ,
          
           wil
           easily
           see
           how
           far
           we
           are
           from
           their
           judgments
           who
           follow
           the
           wayes
           of
           separation
           .
           We
           hold
           it
           our
           duty
           ,
           firmly
           to
           adhere
           to
           the
           Church
           of
           
             Scotland
             ,
          
           wherein
           (
           through
           the
           Lords
           goodnes
           )
           we
           do
           this
           day
           enjoy
           the
           purity
           of
           Doctrine
           and
           Worship
           ,
           and
           the
           Government
           which
           Christ
           hath
           appointed
           in
           his
           House
           ,
           though
           there
           be
           corruptions
           in
           the
           Constitution
           of
           a
           pretended
           Assembly
           .
           Whereby
           we
           are
           deprived
           of
           the
           benefit
           of
           a
           free
           ,
           lawfull
           ,
           and
           well
           constitute
           Assembly
           for
           the
           present
           ;
           where
           we
           meet
           with
           corruptions
           ,
           we
           shall
           (
           the
           Lord
           assisting
           )
           disclaime
           and
           oppose
           them
           .
           And
           herein
           we
           have
           the
           approbation
           of
           the
           first
           and
           second
           Assembly
           of
           this
           Kirk
           ,
           in
           the
           beginning
           of
           this
           last
           Reformation
           ;
           the
           one
           annulling
           and
           declaring
           void
           six
           severall
           
           Assemblies
           ,
           upon
           many
           of
           the
           same
           grounds
           ,
           for
           which
           we
           do
           protest
           against
           the
           present
           corrupt
           Assemblies
           .
           And
           the
           other
           having
           clearly
           determined
           the
           keeping
           ,
           and
           Authorizing
           corrupt
           Generall
           Assemblies
           ,
           to
           have
           been
           one
           of
           the
           chief
           causes
           of
           the
           many
           evills
           which
           have
           befallen
           this
           Church
           .
           We
           trust
           in
           the
           Lord
           our
           God
           ,
           that
           our
           Actions
           shall
           abundantly
           witnesse
           for
           us
           in
           this
           respect
           ,
           and
           so
           we
           shall
           not
           further
           insist
           upon
           it
           .
           We
           have
           clear
           grounds
           in
           Scripture
           to
           warrand
           us
           to
           plead
           ,
           and
           testific
           against
           Corruption
           ;
           and
           therefore
           being
           sensible
           that
           there
           is
           a
           course
           of
           defection
           carried
           on
           in
           the
           Church
           ,
           we
           have
           endeavoured
           ,
           first
           to
           prevent
           the
           same
           ,
           in
           the
           beginnings
           thereof
           ,
           and
           afterward
           to
           give
           Testimony
           against
           it
           ,
           as
           it
           comes
           to
           be
           discovered
           to
           us
           ;
           We
           have
           since
           studied
           in
           a
           Christian
           ,
           and
           brotherly
           way
           ,
           to
           reclaime
           the
           Authors
           thereof
           ,
           and
           these
           that
           have
           concurred
           with
           them
           ,
           and
           now
           when
           still
           we
           perceive
           our
           labours
           and
           endeavours
           to
           be
           without
           successe
           ,
           as
           we
           professe
           our
           adherence
           to
           former
           Testimonies
           against
           the
           late
           Defection
           ,
           so
           we
           are
           necessitated
           to
           adde
           this
           upon
           the
           grounds
           before
           mentioned
           ;
           and
           for
           all
           ,
           or
           some
           of
           the
           Reasons
           following
           .
        
         
           
             I.
          
           This
           meeting
           hath
           dependance
           upon
           ,
           and
           the
           power
           and
           authority
           to
           which
           it
           can
           lay
           claime
           ;
           for
           the
           indiction
           thereof
           is
           derived
           from
           the
           pretended
           Assembly
           which
           met
           at
           
             St.
             Andrews
             ,
          
           and
           adjourned
           to
           
             Dundee
             ,
          
           which
           being
           unfree
           ,
           unlawfull
           ,
           and
           corrupt
           ,
           cannot
           derive
           or
           communicate
           to
           another
           that
           which
           it
           had
           not
           in
           it self
           .
        
         
           
             II.
          
           It
           is
           constitute
           after
           the
           same
           manner
           (
           for
           the
           most
           part
           )
           of
           the
           Members
           constituted
           as
           the
           former
           pretended
           Assembly
           ,
           of
           Persons
           which
           were
           Authors
           ,
           and
           Abettors
           of
           and
           have
           carried
           on
           a
           course
           of
           defection
           in
           this
           Church
           ,
           contrary
           to
           the
           VVord
           of
           God
           ,
           the
           solemn
           League
           and
           Covenant
           ,
           the
           solemn
           Engagement
           ,
           and
           the
           expresse
           Acts
           and
           Declarations
           of
           the
           Kirk
           ,
           which
           Persons
           being
           under
           so
           great
           a
           scandall
           ,
           are
           by
           the
           Acts
           of
           the
           Kirk
           incapable
           to
           be
           Members
           of
           Generall
           Assemblies
           .
        
         
           
             III.
          
           Because
           of
           the
           pre-limitation
           of
           Election
           by
           the
           Acts
           made
           at
           
             Dundee
             ,
          
           injoyning
           Provinciall
           Synods
           ,
           and
           Presbyteries
           to
           proceed
           with
           the
           Censures
           of
           the
           Kirk
           against
           Ministers
           ,
           Students
           ,
           Expectants
           ,
           &
           Professors
           ,
           who
           altogether
           opposed
           the
           Publick
           Resolutions
           ,
           or
           shall
           not
           acquiesce
           to
           the
           Acts
           made
           at
           
             Dundee
             ;
          
           and
           so
           excludes
           all
           who
           are
           not
           involved
           in
           the
           course
           of
           defection
           ,
           as
           incapable
           of
           election
           ,
           which
           is
           a
           corrupt
           rule
           for
           election
           and
           constituting
           Assemblies
           ;
           
           and
           in
           pursuance
           thereof
           ,
           there
           were
           several
           pre-limitations
           made
           since
           by
           severall
           Synods
           ,
           and
           Ptesbyteries
           ,
           in
           their
           Acts
           ,
           Ratifying
           the
           Proceedings
           of
           the
           pretended
           Assembly
           at
           
             Dundee
             .
          
        
         
           
             IV.
          
           There
           are
           many
           Presbyteries
           who
           have
           expresly
           refused
           to
           send
           Commissioners
           to
           this
           meeting
           as
           an
           Assembly
           and
           who
           do
           concur
           in
           Protesting
           against
           the
           same
           ,
           and
           where
           Presbyteries
           have
           sent
           Commissioners
           ,
           the
           Elections
           are
           generally
           contraverted
           ,
           there
           being
           Protestations
           made
           ,
           or
           at
           least
           dissents
           entred
           against
           most
           of
           their
           Elections
           upon
           good
           grounds
           conform
           to
           the
           Acts
           of
           the
           Kirk
           ;
           also
           there
           be
           wanting
           Commissioners
           from
           Burrows
           ,
           who
           in
           regard
           of
           their
           present
           incapacity
           ,
           cannot
           send
           Commissioners
           .
           The
           generality
           of
           the
           godly
           in
           the
           Land
           go
           along
           with
           us
           ,
           and
           approve
           our
           protesting
           against
           this
           meeting
           ,
           as
           an
           unlawfull
           and
           corrupt
           Assembly
           .
        
         
           Therefore
           from
           the
           zeal
           we
           owe
           to
           the
           glory
           of
           God
           ,
           to
           this
           Cause
           and
           Truth
           ,
           the
           Duty
           of
           our
           Callings
           ,
           as
           set
           for
           the
           defence
           of
           the
           Gospel
           ,
           and
           according
           to
           our
           Covenant
           ,
           wherein
           we
           are
           bound
           to
           prevent
           ,
           and
           reveal
           all
           parties
           and
           courses
           contrary
           thereunto
           ,
           from
           the
           sense
           of
           the
           awful
           judgements
           of
           an
           angry
           God
           ,
           both
           felt
           ,
           and
           feared
           for
           these
           begun
           ,
           and
           continued
           in-defections
           ,
           that
           we
           may
           according
           to
           the
           example
           of
           our
           forefathers
           ,
           acquit
           our selves
           as
           guiltlesse
           of
           this
           growing
           Apostacie
           to
           the
           present
           age
           ,
           and
           transmit
           to
           our
           posterity
           the
           right
           Constitution
           of
           free
           and
           lawfull
           Generall
           Assemblies
           ,
           and
           to
           prevent
           the
           Lords
           giving
           a
           Bill
           of
           divorce
           to
           the
           Land
           .
           We
           do
           hereby
           solemnly
           Declare
           and
           Protest
           ,
           against
           the
           Constitution
           ,
           Authority
           ,
           Acts
           ,
           and
           Proceedings
           of
           this
           pretended
           Assembly
           met
           at
           
             Edinburgh
             ,
          
           and
           particularly
           against
           their
           ratifying
           or
           renewing
           the
           former
           defection
           ,
           in
           the
           matter
           of
           Publick
           Resolutions
           ,
           and
           against
           their
           entering
           into
           any
           the
           like
           Confederacie
           ,
           or
           association
           with
           any
           party
           opposite
           in
           Principles
           ,
           and
           Practices
           to
           the
           Word
           ,
           Work
           ,
           Covenant
           ,
           Cause
           ,
           and
           People
           of
           God
           in
           this
           Land
           ,
           against
           their
           appointing
           of
           Commissions
           ,
           emitting
           of
           Declarations
           ,
           Warnings
           ,
           Causes
           of
           Humiliation
           ,
           and
           against
           their
           receiving
           and
           discussing
           of
           Appeals
           ,
           References
           ,
           and
           Dissents
           ,
           or
           doing
           any
           thing
           competent
           to
           a
           free
           ,
           lawfull
           Generall
           Assembly
           ,
           and
           that
           neither
           the
           Authority
           ,
           Acts
           ,
           or
           Censures
           of
           the
           meeting
           at
           St.
           
             Andrews
             ,
          
           and
           
             Dundee
             ,
          
           or
           of
           this
           present
           Meeting
           ,
           shall
           be
           obligatory
           to
           any
           Synod
           ,
           Presbytery
           ,
           Minister
           ,
           Elder
           ,
           or
           Member
           of
           this
           Church
           .
           And
           we
           do
           humbly
           beseech
           and
           implore
           the
           Lord
           our
           God
           ,
           
           that
           he
           wil
           not
           look
           upon
           these
           your
           proceedings
           as
           the
           deeds
           of
           the
           representative
           of
           the
           Kirk
           of
           
             Scotland
             ,
          
           nor
           impute
           the
           same
           into
           the
           Collective
           Body
           ;
           But
           that
           he
           would
           be
           pleased
           in
           his
           mercy
           ,
           freely
           to
           pardon
           all
           our
           transgressions
           .
           And
           we
           do
           further
           protest
           ,
           that
           the
           General
           Assembly
           1650
           be
           held
           and
           accounted
           in
           this
           Church
           as
           the
           last
           free
           and
           lawfull
           Generall
           Assembly
           ;
           And
           that
           it
           shall
           be
           lawfull
           to
           us
           ,
           and
           every
           one
           of
           us
           ,
           to
           continue
           in
           the
           full
           and
           free
           exercise
           of
           our
           Function
           ,
           and
           in
           our
           Callings
           and
           stations
           to
           observe
           and
           keep
           the
           former
           good
           old
           Principles
           ,
           Declarations
           ,
           and
           Acts
           of
           the
           lawfull
           and
           free
           Generall
           Assemblies
           of
           this
           Kirk
           ,
           notwithstanding
           any
           Declarations
           ,
           Warnings
           ,
           Proceeding
           ,
           and
           Censures
           of
           the
           said
           Meetings
           at
           St.
           
             Andrews
             ,
             Dundee
             ,
          
           and
           
             Edinburgh
             ,
          
           or
           any
           Commission
           following
           therefrom
           ,
           or
           any
           exemption
           thereof
           ,
           by
           any
           other
           ;
           and
           likewise
           that
           it
           shall
           be
           lawfull
           to
           conveen
           in
           a
           free
           Generall
           Assembly
           ,
           when
           the
           Lord
           shall
           give
           opportunity
           .
           And
           lastly
           ,
           We
           do
           Protest
           ,
           that
           it
           shall
           be
           lawfull
           to
           us
           to
           give
           in
           to
           this
           Meeting
           ,
           or
           publish
           to
           the
           World
           ,
           or
           to
           present
           to
           the
           first
           free
           and
           lawfull
           Generall
           Assembly
           this
           our
           Protestation
           ,
           and
           to
           enlarge
           the
           same
           as
           shall
           be
           found
           most
           to
           conduce
           to
           the
           honour
           of
           God
           ,
           the
           good
           of
           his
           Work
           ,
           comfort
           of
           his
           People
           ,
           and
           for
           our
           exoneration
           .
           In
           Testimony
           thereof
           ,
           We
           subscribe
           thir
           presents
           ,
           and
           do
           take
           Instruments
           .
        
         
           
             The
             Names
             of
             the
             Ministers
             who
             subscribed
             the
             fore-going
             Protestation
             .
          
           
             
               
                 
                   M.
                   Andrew
                   Cant.
                   
                
                 
                   M.
                   James
                   Ker.
                   
                
              
               
                 
                   M.
                   Samuel
                   Rutherfurd
                   .
                
                 
                   M.
                   John
                   Scot
                   .
                
              
               
                 
                   M.
                   Robert
                   Trail
                   .
                
                 
                   M.
                   John
                   Vetche
                   .
                
              
               
                 
                   M.
                   John
                   Sterline
                   .
                
                 
                   M.
                   William
                   Guthrie
                   .
                
              
               
                 
                   M.
                   John
                   Nevay
                   .
                
                 
                   M.
                   Ralph
                   Rodgers
                   .
                
              
               
                 
                   M.
                   Matthew
                   Mowat
                   .
                
                 
                   M.
                   Geo.
                   Nairne
                   .
                
              
               
                 
                   M.
                   John
                   Livingstoun
                   .
                
                 
                   M.
                   William
                   Oliphant
                   .
                
              
               
                 
                   M.
                   Ja.
                   Guthrie
                   .
                
                 
                   M.
                   And.
                   Donaldsone
                   .
                
              
               
                 
                   M.
                   Pat.
                   Gillespie
                   .
                
                 
                   M.
                   Robert
                   Stidman
                   .
                
              
               
                 
                   M.
                   James
                   Symsone
                   .
                
                 
                   M.
                   Ephraim
                   Melvill
                   .
                
              
               
               
                 
                   M.
                   Hew
                   Kennedy
                   .
                
                 
                   M.
                   Iohn
                   Sinclar
                   .
                
              
               
                 
                   M.
                   Iohn
                   Cleland
                   .
                
                 
                   M.
                   Iohn
                   Gray
                   .
                
              
               
                 
                   M.
                   Gilbert
                   Kennedy
                   .
                
                 
                   M.
                   Robert
                   Fergusen
                   .
                
              
               
                 
                   M.
                   Al.
                   Living
                   stoun
                   .
                
                 
                   M.
                   James
                   Ferguson
                   .
                
              
               
                 
                   M.
                   Tho.
                   Ramsey
                   .
                
                 
                   M.
                   Iohn
                   Crafurd
                   .
                
              
               
                 
                   M.
                   William
                   Wishart
                   .
                
                 
                   M.
                   Harie
                   Simpil
                   .
                
              
               
                 
                   M.
                   William
                   Iack
                   .
                
                 
                   M.
                   Robert
                   Rue
                   .
                
              
               
                 
                   M.
                   Iohn
                   Dicksone
                   .
                
                 
                   M.
                   Io.
                   Macmichan
                
              
               
                 
                   M.
                   Iam.
                   Donaldsone
                   .
                
                 
                   M.
                   Iohn
                   Mean
                   .
                
              
               
                 
                   M.
                   Francis
                   Aird
                   .
                
                 
                   M.
                   Iames
                   Rust.
                   
                
              
               
                 
                   M.
                   Robert
                   Keith
                   .
                
                 
                   M.
                   Samuel
                   Row
                   .
                
              
               
                 
                   M.
                   Iohn
                   Sempil
                   .
                
                 
                   M.
                   Iohn
                   Durie
                   .
                
              
               
                 
                   M.
                   Iames
                   Wallace
                   .
                
                 
                   M.
                   will
                   Somervell
                   .
                
              
               
                 
                   M.
                   David
                   Swann
                   .
                
                 
                   M.
                   Iohn
                   Hamilton
                   .
                
              
               
                 
                   M.
                   Gilbert
                   Hall
                   .
                
                 
                   M.
                   Iames
                   Nisbet
                   .
                
              
               
                 
                   Mr.
                   Will.
                   Somervell
                   .
                
                 
                   M.
                   Robert
                   Lockhart
                   .
                
              
               
                 
                   Mr.
                   Adam
                   Kae
                   .
                
                 
                   M.
                   Daniel
                   Donglas
                   .
                
              
               
                 
                   Mr.
                   Alex.
                   Dunlop
                   .
                
                 
                   M.
                   Gabriel
                   Maxwel
                   .
                
              
               
                 
                   Mr.
                   George
                   Gladstaines
                   .
                
                 
                   M.
                   Robert
                   Broun
                   .
                
              
               
                 
                   M.
                   Arthur
                   Mitchel
                   .
                
                 
                   M.
                   Iohn
                   Lithgow
                   .
                
              
               
                 
                   M.
                   Alex.
                   Turnbull
                   .
                
                 
                   M.
                   Robert
                   Lockart
                   .
                
              
               
                 
                   M.
                   The
                   .
                   Wyllie
                   .
                
                 
                   M.
                   Iohn
                   Hamilton
                   .
                
              
               
                 
                   M.
                   Iames
                   Tuedie
                   .
                
                 
                   M.
                   Will.
                   Ferguson
                   .
                
              
               
                 
                   M.
                   Pat.
                   Macclellan
                   .
                
                 
                   Sixty
                   Seven
                   .
                
              
            
          
        
         
         
           
             Elders
             ,
             Professors
             ,
             and
             Expectants
             ,
             many
             of
             whom
             subscribed
             not
             onely
             in
             their
             own
             Names
             ,
             but
             in
             Name
             of
             others
             ,
             from
             whom
             they
             were
             sent
             to
             the
             Meeting
             .
          
           
             
               
                 
                   Lord
                   Kilcudbright
                   .
                
                 
                   Rob.
                   Iack
                   .
                
              
               
                 
                   Sir
                   Arch.
                   Iohnstoun
                   .
                
                 
                   William
                   Gordoun
                   .
                
              
               
                 
                   Sir
                   Iohn
                   Cheislie
                   .
                
                 
                   Robert
                   Cannoun
                   .
                
              
               
                 
                   Sir
                   Andrew
                   Ker.
                   
                
                 
                   William
                   Gordoun
                   .
                
              
               
                 
                   William
                   Bruce
                   .
                
                 
                   William
                   Creickton
                   .
                
              
               
                 
                   Alex.
                   Pringle
                   of
                   Whitebank
                   .
                
                 
                   Iam.
                   Mosman
                   .
                
              
               
                 
                   Sir
                   walter
                   Riddel
                
                 
                   Iohn
                   Cannoun
                   .
                
              
               
                 
                   Walter
                   Pringle
                   of
                   Greenkno
                   .
                
                 
                   Iohn
                   Lamb
                   .
                
              
               
                 
                   Colonell
                   Robert
                   Halked
                   .
                
                 
                   Iohn
                   Thomson
                   ,
                
              
               
                 
                   Sir
                   Tho.
                   Nicolsone
                   .
                
                 
                   William
                   Meik
                   .
                
              
               
                 
                   I.
                   Dundas
                   of
                   Dudinstoun
                   .
                
                 
                   Iames
                   Selkirk
                   .
                
              
               
                 
                   I.
                   Hepburne
                   of
                   Smeitoun
                   .
                
                 
                   William
                   Crafurd
                   .
                
              
               
                 
                   Pat.
                   Whartlaw
                   .
                
                 
                   Iohn
                   Maclinchie
                   .
                
              
               
                 
                   Peter
                   Rollock
                   of
                   Piltoun
                   .
                   t
                
                 
                   David
                   Coventry
                   .
                
              
               
                 
                   M.
                   Arch.
                   Iohnstoun
                   of
                   Hil
                   oun
                   .
                
                 
                   Cap.
                   And.
                   Arnot
                   .
                
              
               
                 
                   Francis
                   Galloway
                   .
                
                 
                   Tho.
                   Bannatyn
                   .
                
              
               
                 
                   Will.
                   Broun
                   of
                   Dolphingtoun
                   .
                
                 
                   George
                   Pringle
                   .
                
              
               
                 
                   William
                   Laurie
                   of
                   Blakewood
                   .
                
                 
                   William
                   Douglas
                   .
                
              
               
                 
                   M.
                   Iohn
                   Sprewil
                   .
                
                 
                   Iames
                   Masson
                   .
                
              
               
                 
                   Alex.
                   Gordoun
                   of
                   Knockgray
                   .
                
                 
                   David
                   Park
                   .
                
              
               
                 
                   Alex.
                   Forbes
                   Tutor
                   of
                   Pitsligo
                   .
                
                 
                   M.
                   Wil.
                   Duguid
                   .
                
              
               
                 
                   M
                   :
                   Iohn
                   Inglis
                   of
                   Cramount
                   .
                
                 
                   Quintin
                   Makadam
                   .
                
              
               
                 
                   Iohn
                   Cranstoun
                   of
                   Glenn
                   .
                
                 
                   Iohn
                   Stother
                   .
                
              
               
                 
                   Major
                   Robert
                   Stuart
                   .
                
                 
                   Iohn
                   Dickson
                   .
                
              
               
                 
                   Iames
                   Gray
                   .
                
                 
                   M.
                   Iohn
                   Douglas
                   .
                
              
               
                 
                   Iames
                   Kirkco
                   .
                
                 
                   David
                   Mure
                   .
                
              
               
                 
                   M.
                   Arch.
                   Porteous
                   .
                
                 
                   C
                
              
               
               
                 
                   Iohn
                   Nairn
                   .
                
                 
                   Geo.
                   Dickson
                   .
                
              
               
                 
                   M.
                   Tho.
                   Stuart
                   .
                
                 
                   Rob.
                   Bruce
                   .
                
              
               
                 
                   M.
                   Iohn
                   Pearson
                   .
                
                 
                   Edward
                   Gordown
                   .
                
              
               
                 
                   And.
                   Adirson
                   .
                
                 
                   John
                   Myln
                   .
                
              
               
                 
                   Patr.
                   List●●n
                   .
                
                 
                   Mr.
                   James
                   Stuart
                   .
                
              
               
                 
                   Iames
                   Spittell
                   of
                   K.
                   
                
                 
                   Alexander
                   Mershall
                   .
                
              
               
                 
                   M.
                   And
                   Ruthurfurd
                   .
                
                 
                   James
                   Hill
                   .
                
              
               
                 
                   M.
                   Geo
                   Walker
                   .
                
                 
                   James
                   Morison
                   .
                
              
               
                 
                   Iam.
                   Greirson
                   .
                
                 
                   Mr.
                   John
                   Justice
                   .
                
              
               
                 
                   Iames
                   Hamilton
                   .
                
                 
                   William
                   Falconer
                   .
                
              
               
                 
                   Iohn
                   Tait
                   .
                
                 
                   Mr.
                   Peter
                   Kidd
                   .
                
              
               
                 
                   A.
                   Iohnstoun
                   .
                
                 
                   Andrew
                   Kirkco
                   .
                
              
               
                 
                   David
                   Matthie
                   .
                
                 
                   Pat.
                   Anderson
                   .
                
              
               
                 
                   Tho.
                   Douglas
                   .
                
                 
                   James
                   Melros
                   .
                
              
               
                 
                   Jam.
                   Bruce
                   .
                
                 
                   Mr.
                   Jo
                   Crooksbank
                   younger
                   .
                
              
               
                 
                   John
                   Gordown
                   .
                
                 
                   Mr.
                   Alexander
                   Janison
                   .
                   95.
                   
                
              
            
          
           
             Besides
             divers
             others
             ;
             some
             of
             whose
             names
             could
             not
             well
             be
             read
             ;
             others
             being
             with-drawen
             by
             their
             necessary
             affairs
             ,
             were
             not
             present
             with
             the
             rest
             in
             time
             of
             Subscribing
             ,
             and
             the
             many
             hundreds
             of
             the
             well-affected
             throughout
             the
             Land
             ,
             who
             have
             by
             these
             whom
             they
             sent
             abundantly
             shown
             their
             love
             to
             the
             businesse
             ,
             and
             will
             Subscribe
             with
             their
             own
             hands
             when
             they
             have
             opportunity
             .
          
        
         
           
             The
             Names
             of
             the
             Ministers
             who
             presented
             these
             Papers
             .
          
           
             
               
                 
                   Mr.
                   Andr.
                   Cant.
                   
                
                 
                   Mr.
                   John
                   Livingston
                   .
                
              
               
                 
                   Mr.
                   Sam.
                   Rutherford
                   .
                
                 
                   Mr.
                   James
                   Guthry
                   .
                
              
               
               
                 
                   Mr.
                   Matth.
                   Mowat
                   .
                
                 
                   Mr.
                   Sam.
                   Row
                   .
                
              
               
                 
                   Mr.
                   Patr.
                   Gillespie
                   .
                
                 
                   Mr.
                   James
                   Nasmith
                   .
                
              
               
                 
                   Mr.
                   Ephraim
                   Melvil
                   .
                
                 
                   Mr.
                   Jam.
                   Symson
                   .
                
              
               
                 
                   Mr.
                   Will.
                   Oliphant
                   .
                
                 
                   Mr.
                   James
                   Ker.
                   
                
              
               
                 
                   Mr.
                   Rob.
                   Trail
                   .
                
                 
                   Mr.
                   John
                   Dickson
                   .
                
              
               
                 
                   Mr.
                   Rob.
                   Keith
                   .
                
                 
                   Mr.
                   Thom.
                   Wyllie
                   .
                
              
               
                 
                   Mr.
                   Alex.
                   Livingston
                   .
                
                 
                    
                
              
            
          
        
         
           
             The
             Names
             of
             the
             Ruling
             Elders
             ,
             and
             Professors
             .
          
           
             
               
                 
                   Lord
                   Kirkudbright
                   .
                
                 
                   Laird
                   of
                   Blair
                   .
                
              
               
                 
                   Tutor
                   of
                   Pitslago
                   .
                
                 
                   Whytbank
                   .
                
              
               
                 
                   Sir
                   .
                   And.
                   Ker
                   of
                   Greenheed
                   .
                
                 
                   Walt.
                   Pringle
                   of
                   Greenknow
                   .
                
              
               
                 
                   Sir
                   Archibad
                   Johnston
                   of
                   Wariston
                   .
                
                 
                   J.
                   Johnston
                   of
                   Hilton
                   .
                
              
               
                 
                    
                
                 
                   John
                   Graham
                   .
                
              
               
                 
                   Sir
                   John
                   Chiesley
                   .
                
                 
                   Mr.
                   John
                   Spreul
                   .
                
              
               
                 
                   Col.
                   Rob.
                   Halket
                   .
                
                 
                   Mr.
                   William
                   Ferguson
                   .
                
              
               
                 
                   J.
                   Dundas
                   of
                   Duddiston
                   .
                
                 
                   Smeatoun
                   Hepburn
                   .
                
              
               
                 
                   Sir
                   Walter
                   Riddell
                   .
                
                 
                   Alex.
                   Gordoun
                   of
                   Knockgray
                   .
                
              
               
                 
                   Sir
                   William
                   Bruce
                   .
                
                 
                    
                
              
            
          
           
             These
             35
             were
             nominated
             and
             appointed
             by
             their
             meeting
             ,
             to
             present
             the
             Papers
             .
          
           
             UPon
             
               Thursday
               ,
            
             the
             meeting
             of
             Protesters
             did
             divide
             themselves
             in
             four
             severall
             Committees
             ,
             to
             think
             upon
             ,
             
             and
             confer
             about
             Overtures
             ,
             how
             to
             make
             the
             matters
             of
             their
             Propositions
             practicable
             and
             effectuall
             in
             their
             own
             stations
             ,
             according
             to
             their
             capacities
             .
             And
             the
             next
             morning
             ,
             the
             minde
             of
             the
             several
             Committees
             upon
             that
             matter
             being
             reported
             in
             writ
             .
             The
             several
             clerks
             of
             these
             Committees
             were
             apointed
             to
             meet
             together
             ,
             and
             draw
             up
             in
             one
             Paper
             ,
             all
             that
             was
             reported
             ,
             which
             being
             done
             ,
             there
             was
             another
             Committee
             appointed
             to
             meet
             upon
             it
             ,
             and
             to
             consult
             and
             advise
             more
             deliberately
             thereanent
             ,
             and
             to
             report
             their
             diligence
             upon
             
               Munday
            
             to
             the
             whole
             Meeting
             ,
             whereby
             it
             appears
             that
             they
             do
             really
             ,
             and
             seriously
             mind
             the
             work
             themselves
             ,
             which
             they
             prop●●●
             to
             others
             ,
             which
             will
             appear
             the
             more
             by
             their
             Resolutions
             ,
             when
             they
             come
             forth
             after
             the
             Overtures
             are
             digested
             ,
             and
             fully
             agreed
             upon
             .
          
           
             FINIS
             .