Series 3 > Minutes of the Synod of Argyll, 1639-1651 (1652-1661) > 1652-1661

xxviii SYNOD OF ARGYLL
the Edinburgh ministers, equally cautious with Baillie,
decided to make their protest verbally by Sharp, then about
to return to London, and accordingly instructed him to
4 use all lawfull and prudent meanes to represent the sinful-
nes and offensivenes ’ of the Toleration article, ‘ that it may
be timeously remedied.’1
In October 1659 the Marquess of Argyll announced to
the meeting the unanimous desire of the Synod of Glas¬
gow and Ayr to endeavour to bring to an end the Church’s
feud and their seeking the co-operation of the Synod
of Argyll in so good a design; a committee was at once
appointed to correspond with or meet delegates from
other synods or presbyteries, ‘ they always not sydeing
with any one side of the said divisions . . . and to make a
report to the next synod of their diligence.’2 Before the
Synod met again, in May 1660, a letter had come from
the Glasgow brethren enclosing ‘ overtures made by the
synod of Lothian for union, together with their acceptation
and hearty embraceing of the said overtures . . . and
wishing the concurrence of this synod.’ The former com¬
mittee was added to and asked ‘ to think on what other
overtures may be fitt for the effect foirsaid and to make
report to this synod.’ 3
This new desire for union was subsequent to the
Resolutioners’ printed Declaration of 1658.4 The effect of
the latter on the Protesters was like casting oil on a fire
which had begun to burn low; the charred fragments were
gathered together again and fresh fuel added. The Pro¬
testers are charged with ‘ setting up in effect a new Ecclesi¬
astical! jurisdiction . . . not only suspending the established
1 Consultations of the Ministers of Edinburgh (S.H.S.), ii. 149.
2 Minutes, ii. pp. 206, 207. * Ibid., ii. p. 212.
1 A Declaration of the Brethren who are for the established Government
and Judicatories of this Church, expressing their earnest desires of Union
and peace with their Dissenting Brethren. (Edinburgh, 1658.)