Series 3 > Register of the consultations of the ministers of Edinburgh and some other brethren of the ministry > Volume 1

FIRST REGISTER: ANSWER TO PAPER 133
intrudeing themselves againe, absolutely accorded, which
was not taken notice off.
8. Concerning what hath been observed in our answer
relateing to the 7th article of our Brethren’s overture,
we conceive the answer given by us to be sufficiently
satisfactorie in that matter, l,For if the Acts of the Generali
Assemblie mentioned in our answer, particularly that
Act of the Assembly 1649, be conscienciously observed,
as it is our minde and we doe pourpose for our owne part
it should be observed, no persons formerly excluded from
having hand in the election of Ministers will be aniewayes
brought in, without due satisfaction, to have hand therein ;
or if anie that have bin brought in be upon due triall
found to be what they were, they will be excluded from
haveing hand therein. 2, To the other thing inquired
in that observation, it is answered that wee needed not
condiscend upon the particular Acts instanced by our
Brethren in their querees, seeing we accorded that the
election and triall of ministers shall be caried on according
to the Acts of Generali Assemblies preceeding our late
differences, and these particulars are comprehended
under the generall.
9. As to the sense which was given by some upon the
overture represented by us concerning arbiters to compose
amicablie such contraversies as are about Ministers lately
planted, whose gifts and calling are questioned, and con-
trarie plantations betwixt and the nixt meetings of the
Provincial! Synods, wee cannot thinke that it amounts
to so little as hath been alledged, seeing the sentences
already determined by Synods are againe referred to
the consideration and amicable interposeing of arbiters,
and it is not to be supposed in charity that such men as
wee have agreed should be the arbiters, that is, judicious,
knowenly godly and faithfull men, will be moved and
led by such respects as have been alledged, to adhere
stifly to anie bypast determination in the maters recom¬
mended to their arbitrement. And granting that it
shall happen that these maters shall not be agreed and
settled by their amicable interposition, or if the composeing