that included both Thomson and Dickenson. The Adopting Act was a compromise that required subscription to the Westminster, but allowed scruples to be judged by presbyteries. The Adopting Act was unanimously adopted and everyone then took an exception to the Westminster's teaching on the role of the civil magistrate. The decision was unanimously reaffirmed the next year in 1730. Old Side – New Side Controversy The Old Side-New Side Controversy is the name for the split that occurred during the First Great Awakening in the Presbyterian Church. Sometimes this is lumped in with the Old Light – New Light Controversy, but this name is broader and usually refers to Congregationalists. John Thomson was a leader of the Old Lights. He opposed the revivalistic measures taken by fellow Presbyterian pastors such Gilbert Tennent. For his efforts he was often called ‘unconverted’ and received much abuse. In 1741, John Thomson along with several other ministers and elders signed a Protestation regarding the conduct of those who adhered to the New Side or the pro-Awakening side. A vote ensued regarding the Protest and the Protestors came out in the majority and led to the withdrawal of the New Side brethren. They created their own Presbytery, the Conjunct Presbytery, and would later form the Synod of New York. John Thomson continued as a member of the Synod of Philadelphia. Thomson would defend the Old Side position in print. He did this both officially and unofficially. He wrote "The Doctrine of Convictions Set in a Clear Light" in 1741. This book targeted the difference between the Old Side and the New Side with regards to how a person is convicted of sin and becomes a Christian. The New Side favored preaching the Terrors of the Law and asked for Conversion Narratives, but the Old Side opposed both. This book was denounced by Gilbert Tennent as a "detestable performance" and proof that Mr. Thomson was unconverted, and Samuel Finley, a New Side minister, wrote a formal rebuttal to it. Thomson also co-wrote "An Examination and Refutation of Mr. Gilbert Tennent's Remarks Upon the Protestation." This was done with the approval of Synod along with several other members of the Synod of Philadelphia. It was designed to respond to the pamphlet written by Rev. Gilbert Tennent that criticized the actions of Synod. This was published in 1742. Thomson went on to write another book regarding the controversy