III. That they do not engage in Conference with them at first about the matter of Censures; It being neither the chief nor only ground of our grievance; and because with us things of that nature, and any thing of personal concernment, ought to be of the smallest value, while there are many things in question betwixt them and us, of far higher consequence to the Kingdom of Christ and his Interest, as anent the causes of Gods controversie with the Land, and the way of remedy and cure of the former and late defection, and the way of preventing the like in time coming. The establishing and promoving the Work of Reformation, and the purging of the Kirk, and the like, as are laid before them in our Propositions given in to their Meeting; And that they do intimate to the Brethren foresaid, that we cannot look upon an offer relating onely to the Censures, upon some of our number, as satisfaction to them or us, and that (besides what we have said) for other reasons to be communicated in due time to their Meeting. And that therefore they shall offer to these Brethren, and desire of them, that if there be any Conference at all, the subject matter of it may be upon the whole Propositions in the order as they stand.
IV. That in case of their refusing the latter part of the former Article, they shall require and demand from the Brethren of the other Meeting, That they would declare whether we may expect, that these from whom they were sent, will either by the said Brethren, or any other way, give answer and satisfaction to us anent the Propositions, and what is their sense and meaning of the Publick Resolutions, and anent the Constitution, Acts, and Proceedings of the Meeting at Dundee, and of this at Edinburgh, and what they minde to do in reference to the same.
V. That in case there be not satisfaction obtained in these so just and necessary things, They do professe their own and our dis-satisfaction with any thing that hath been offered by them to us, or answered to our desires first or last. And that they protest for themselves and us, That as we have sought Peace, and pursued it by all lawfull and possible means, though much in vain on their part. So we are henceforth free from the guilt and blame of the sad prejudices and evil consequences whatsomever, which may follow upon their present way, and their former and future actings of that nature, so contrary and destructive to Edification and Peace.
Right Reverend,
We have now for these fourteen dayes past, been imployed in using our best endeavours, and waited for Overtures from you, for healing the breach, and, removing the differences that are amongst us; And now there being no ground of hope given us, nor any desire made unto us for continuing the Conference, whereby a better understanding might be attained, We have thought good before our parting from this place, to send unto you this inclosed Paper, together with the Instructions given in writing to these who were sent from us to the Conference, the Copy whereof was offered by them to these who were sent from your number, and left with them; Both which Papers we desire you to communicate to those of your meeting. And so we rest,
Your very loving Brethren in the Lord.
Edinb. 29 July, 1652.
Subscribed in the name of many Ministers, Elders, and Professors throughout the Land, who desire truth and peace.
Directed. For the Reverend Brother, Mr David Dickson, Professor of Divinity in the Colledge of Edinburgh.