Law, against the Plots and Practises of Malignants, and against the
Principles and Tenents of _Erastianism_, which spread among divers in this
Kingdom; For the better confutation whereof, it is hereby Recommended to
the Ministery to study that point of controversie well, that they may be
the more able to stop the mouths of gainsayers: Tis also hereby
Recommended to the several Presbyteries and Provincial Synods, that they
make special enquiry and trial concerning all the Ministery in their
bounds, And if any be found too sparing general, or ambiguous in the
foresaid applications and reproofs that they be sharply rebuked, dealt
with, and warned to amend under the pain of suspension from their
Ministery; And if after such warning given they amend not, that such be
suspended by Presbyteries, and in case of their negligence by the Synods
till the next General Assembly; But if there be any, who do neglect and
omit such applications and reproofs, and continue in such negligence after
admonition and dealing with them, they are to be cited, and after due
triall of the offence to be deposed, for being pleasers of men rather then
servants of _Christ_, for giving themselves to a detestable indifferency
or neutrality in the Cause of God, &c. for defrauding the souls of people,
yea for being highly guilty of the blood of souls in not giving them
warning: Much more are such Ministers to be censured with Deposition from
their Ministry who preach for the lawfulnes or pray for the success of the
present unlawfull Engagement, or that go along with the Army themselves,
or who subscribe any Bands or take any Oaths not approved by the General
Assembly or their Commissioners, or by their counsel, countenance or
approbation make themselves accessory to the taking of such Bands and
Oaths by others: It is to be understood that if any Minister preach in
defence of or pray for the successe of the Sectaries in _England_, he is
likewayes to be censured by deposition. And this we adde as a generall
rule to be observed on both hands, but not as if we had found any of the
Ministery of this Kingdom to be favourers of the Sectaries in _England_:

And in case any Minister for his freedom in preaching, and faithfull
discharge of his conscience shall be in the face of the Congregation or
elsewhere upbraided, railed at, mocked, or threatened, or if any injury or
violence be done to his person, or any stop and disturbance made to him in
the exercise of his Min