I may assert th' Eternal Providence, and justifie the wayes of God to men.
The term that would best fit as the opposition of an argument would be a "counterclaim." By definition, a counterclaim is a term used to describe a claim wherein it serves as a "rebut" from the person that is the subject of the accusation. It is of course defined in the constitution, that the accused has the right to defend himself/herself thus making a counterclaim.
Answer:
action or speech that makes someone annoyed or angry, especially deliberately: you should remain calm and not respond to provocation | he burst into tears at the slightest provocation.
• Law action or speech held to be likely to prompt physical retaliation: the assault had taken place under provocation
