Life and diary of Lieut. Col. J. Blackader

458 LIFE OF COL. BLACKADEK. CHAP. XIX.
May 6. The Assembly taken up in answering the
King's letter. I see two parties, the hot and the mo-
derate, and these side themselves according to their
light and temper. Lord, guide both to the same end,
thy glory and the church's good. I hope it is the end
of both, though they take different means. Let there
be a right temperament made out of both ; the zeal
and heat of the one, to spur and stir up the cold and
backward; and the prudence and moderation of the
other, to check the rash and forward.
May 9. The Assembly deposed two ministers for
not praying for the King. They gave great reason to
suspect their disaffection to the government. * Dined
with the Commissioner.
May 11. This day they transported a minister,
Mr. Black from Lesmahego, to go for Rotterdam.
There was much heat and debate, and the evil of di-
vision and unwarrantable separation much exposed.
I did all I was able in this affair.
May 12. An act was voted recommending unity,
love, and charity, and against separation. I was sorry,
and told publicly that I thought it a shame that in
this venerable house there should be so much spoken
against an act for unity, &c. I see too much of
party-spirit and humour on all sides. There are some
hot people that, in my opinion, would put us all in
confusion. I bless God there are also wise and sober
men who, I hope, have the wisdom that cometh from
above.
May 20. This day I came home to Stirling, and
dined with the Lords of the Circuit.
* These were Mr. James and John Maitlands from Aberdeen-shire.
They refused also to observe the thanksgiving appointed for the King's
accession. Vid. Acts of Gen. Assembly.