(A SYNOD PROPOSAL FOR UNION—BRETHREN UNDER CENSURE.)

(A SYNOD PROPOSAL FOR UNION—BRETHREN UNDER CENSURE.)

R EVEREND AND DEAR BROTHER,—I would gladly know the issue of your Synod. We did profess we could not be concluded[515] by the Synod of Fife's [overtures] of union, but upon condition of the taking off the censures of our brethren, which we think injuriously are inflicted. Much is promised to us for the remedying of these censures. I shall believe when I see their performances. I hope you will see that the brethren get no wrong, or the house of God in their persons; and send me a line of the conclusion of the Synod in that business. The paper of union is very general, and comes to no particulars: it only tells the good of union, and contains some obtestations to us that insinuate the unsavouriness of irregular courses; yet we thought it not safe to yield to any union of that kind, so long as our brethren are under the censures.[516] I much doubt of their honest meaning, and that barriers in the way of entrant ministers and elders be revived. And I see no engagement, so much as verbal, for purging; but the contrary practice is here. Mr. Robert Anderson[517] is as much opposed as if he were the most corrupt sectary or Jesuit.

My wife remembers her to you. Remember me to your own bed-fellow. Grace be with you.

Your own brother,

S. R.

St. Andrews, Jan. 25, 1660.