the office of Episcopacy pressing the Church with Innovations Particularly Mr Spotiswood for open ordinary prophanation of the sabbath drinking over late in taverns venting atrocious slanders interlining changeing the Acts of the Assembly at Aberdeen facrilege Simonie conniving at Heterodoxies Mr Linsday of Glasgow for oppressing of the Consciences of the Ministers in his Dioecy extorting money from some ministers withholding stipends from others oppressing his Vassals and forceing Probationers to swear some idle vaine oaths which he had invented Mr Lindsay of Edenburgh for admitting none to the ministry but such as would first take upon them the order of Deacons for bowing at the Altar useing the Rotchet other Masse-cloths in time of divine service consecrating Temples useing the Rite of Elevation at the Celebration of the Lords Supper conniving at Heterodoxies maintaining the Ubiquity of Christs body Mr Sideserf of Galloway for open ordinary prophaneing of the Lords day exercing tyranny in his Dioecy conversing with Excommunicated papists defending all the Arminlan many popish opinions Mr Maxwell for kneeling before the Altar wearing popish garments playing at Cards Dice on the Lords day even when the Sacrament had been given oppressing his vassalls keeping friday fasts defending all Arminian many of the most grosse Popish opinions Mr Whitefoord for such flagitious crimes as were notour to all So do they depose Excommunicate Mr Ballantine of Aberdeen VVedderburne of Dumblane for the generall crimes particularly Mr Ballantine for Simony for suspending Ministers because they keeped a fast on the Lords day dedicating a Chappell freeing Papists suspected of Incest from Church censures turning such an Apostate after he had appeared once so zealous for the truth Mr VVedderburne for concurring with Mr Maxwell in drawing up the book of Canons swearing profancing the Lords day commending Arminianisme many points of Popery So do they depose Mr Lindsay of Dunkell Mr Abernethy of Cathnes Mr Guthry of Murray Mr Grahame of Orknay Mr Fairly of Argile Mr Campbell of the Isles as for the generall crimes common to all so in particular Mr Lindsay for Simony Mr Abernethy for Simonie Mr Guthry for being the first who did put on the Surplice in Edenburgh Anno 1633. professing he would be yet more vile to please the King Mr Grahame for profancing the Lords day sacrilege conniving at adultery Mr Fairly for oppressing Intrants with new oaths profancing the Lords day defending the Arminian opinions Thus are those enemies to Church State after they had oppressed tyrannized over that poor Church for a long time wonderfully brought under her feet So let all thine Enemies perish o Lord. And now being filled with rage they all except some few who had acknowledged their wronge run to Court stir up his Maj. to make warr against Scotland accordingly warr is concluded both by Sea Land free tradeing is taken away the Scottish nobility at court are made to abjure the Nationall Covenant the Assembly at Glasgow The English Nobility with all their forces are commanded to meet the king at Yorke April 10. 1639. When the Covenanters see this preparation they emit 〈◊〉 Declaration shewing that Religion was their onely worke Conscience their onely Motive Reformation their Scope that they intended no harme to his Maj. nor did they intend to invade England whatever their malicious enemies did say to the contrary that all this was brought about by the means of some proud perverse Popishly affected Prelats But this Declaration was suppressed in England so that they might not know the true State of affairs and there is a contrary Declaration emitted stileing the Covenanters seditious rebells the like which was read in all the Churches of England Withall the Covenanters learne that the Earle of Huntly is made governour of the north that they are all declared Rebells in England that Berwick Carlile frontier cities were strongly garrisoned that the Earle of Arundale is made Generall that the King was to Rendevouz at York That Huntly had already four or five thousand in armes That Aberdeen was fortifying it self to take in the Kings navy That the Papists in the South were ready to rise with the Marquis of Douglas Lord Harris that the Deputy of Irland intended to Hand some men in the west And therefore after fasting prayer they resolved being in a sort the whole body of the Land the Nobility Gentry Burgesses Commons Magistrats of all sorts in City country to put themselves in a posture of defence to strengthen themselves against Invasion the best way they could to suppresse the enemies within their own bosome Wherein the Lord blessed them so as their enemies both in the North South were compesced with all they did emit a Declaration vindicating themselves their actions from all the aspersions of their enemies answering his Maj. Declaration read in the Churches of England that they might undeceive those of England May 1639. The Kings Navy cometh to Scotland with some thousands of men much provision The Covenanters send a supplication to his Maj. but in vaine for nothing is intended but fire sword The King approacheth their borders with an army the two armies are near to joyne in battell But God was pleased to prevent the shedding of bloud by moving the King to a Pacification wherein the King promiseth declareth that all causes Ecclesiasticall should be determined by Church Assemblies and that there should be a Generall Assembly every year once and that civill matters should be determined by Parliaments That there should be an Assembly held at Edenburgh the 12. of August next and a Parliament thereafter to ratify the Acts of the Assembly Whereupon the Scotish forces are disbanded the Castles are surrendred now the whole land looketh for nothing but peace The Assembly is opened up August 1639. the Earle of Traquair is present as his Maj. Commissioner all these things which were before concluded in the assembly of Glasgow are established his Maj. Commissioner assenting The Covenant was approved in all its heads clauses was subscribed both by Traquair his Maj. Commissioner by the Privy Councell according to a petition of the assembly unto the Secret Councell there is an act of Councell ordaining all in all time comeing to subscribe the Covenant according to the Generall assemblies declaration dated August 30 1639. Now according to the Pacification it was expected that these acts should have had the civill Sanction of the parliament which was to sit down the next day after the assembly was dissolved viz August 31. But before any thing was done by the Parliament to this effect it is commanded to dissolve Decemb. 18. under the paine of treason so the Parliament is prorogued unto the 2 of Jun. 1640. The Parliament for peace resolve to obey but because they had never been adjourned
what he many other brethren had to object against their office Mr Iames Laâ—…son did seconde this moved the debate touching the lawfulness of the office it self Mr Andro Melvin affirmed that none ought to be officebearers in the Church whose titles were not found in the Book of God and for the title of Bishop albeit the same was found in scripture yet was it not to be taken in the sense that the common sort did conceive there being no superiority allowed by Christ amongst Ministers he being the onely Lord of his Church and all the same servants in the same degree having the like power These beginnings the Lord was pleased so to seconde with his blessing that when it was moved by the Regent whether they would Stand unto the Policie aggreed upon at Leith or setle some other forme of governement It was resolved that a constant forme of Church policy should be sett down for this â—…ffect they nominate twenty of their number to meet at severall times places for the drawing the Modell thereof And accordingly after some pains the second Book of Discipline is finished Anno 1577. at the Generall Assembly Sess. 13. approven in all points except that touching Deacons which was referred to farther debate but Anno 1578. that head with the rest was approven by the unanimous consent of all though Spotiswood will not let the world know so much When this Second Book of discipline is thus appoven by the Nationall Assembly after prayer fasting they appoint some of their number to exhibite it to his Maj. to the end he might add his approbation thereunto Unto whom the King being then about 13. years of age did promise that he would be a proctor unto the Church caused some of his Counsellours conferr with those Ministers upon that business the heads of which conference were once insert in the Registers of the Assembly but Anno 1584. when the Court had power of the Registers those leaves were taken a way seen no more as shall be cleared hereafter and again Anno 1579. the King wrote unto the Nationall Assembly desiring a farther consultation upon the heads on which his Commissioners and their delegats did not accord the last year to the end that when all the particulars are fully aggreed upon they might be approven in the ensueing Parliament in the mean time the Assemblies are going on prohibiting any moe bishops to be chosen ordaining such as were chosen to submit themselves to the determination of the Generall Assembly under the paine of Excommunication accordingly some then all of them afterward did submit So Anno 1580. they ordained that all who were called bishops should dimit simpliciter because that office had no warrand in the word they ordained Provinciall Synods to call before them such bishops as lived in their bounds ordaine them to give obedience to this act His Majesties Commissioners who were present at this Assembly of Dundy did concurr with this Assembly in appointing some of their number to consult about the Modell of the Presbiteries In this same yeer in the moneth of March for as yet the new year did not begin untill the 25. of march is the Nationall Covenant solemnely taken by the King his Councill Court afterwards by the inhabitants of the Kingdome in which covenant prelacy under the name of Romish Hierarchy was abjured as shall be cleared in due time the Doctrine Discipline of the Church was sworne to be defended Anno 1581. in Aprile at Glasgow the Generall Assembly did insert the book of Discipline in their Registers did show how the act touching Bishops made at Dundee Anno 1580. did condemne the estate of Bishops as they were then in Scotland Unto this Assembly his Maj Commissioner William 〈◊〉 of Caprintoun presented the Confession of faith subscribed by the King his houshold as also a plot of the presbiteries to be erected mentioning their meeting places appoynting the severall parishes which should belong to such such presbiteries with a letter to the Noblemen Gentlemen of the countrey for their concurrence for the erection of presbiteries dissolution of Prelacies in his Maj name he promised that his Maj would set forward the policy until it were established by Parliament thus presbyteries began to be erected throughout the Kingdom This was a sweet sun-shine but it was followed with a very sad showre for when Amate Stuart of Aubignee afterward Duke of Lennox obtaineth by the death of the Earle of Mortoun who was executed the banishment of the Earle of Angus the superiority of Glasgow other things to secure the same to him his posterity he aggreeth with Mr. Robert Montgomery Minister at Sterlin to accept of the bishoprick to dispone to him all which belonged to that bishoprick for the yearly payment of one thousand pound Scots some horse-corne poultry which when the Church heareth he is summoned before the Assembly at St. Andrews commanded to leave the bishoprick under the paine of Excommunication the Presbitery of Sterlin is appointed to take notice of his cariage in doctrine discipline for they had found him guilty in 14 or 15 points but he went on notwithstanding the presbitery had suspended him from the exercise of the Ministry he procured an order unto the presbytery of Glasgow to receive him as their Bishop under the paine of banishment with a company of armed souldiers entred the Church pulled Mr. David Weems out of the pulpit being summoned to compear befor the Synod of Lothian the King causeth summond all the Synod to compear before him at Sterlin the 12 of Aprile Mr. Pont some others compeared in name of the rest protested that albeit they had compeared to testify their obedience to his Mat. yet they did not acknowledge him or his council judges in that mater which was an Ecclesiastick cause that nothing done at that time should prejudge the liberties of the Church But the Council rejected the protestation discharged them to proceed any further And shortely thereafter when the Generall Assembly is examining his processe the King sendeth a letter to them discharging them to proceed any further when they went on notwithstanding they are charged by a Messenger of armes to desist under the paine of Rebellion but they thinking it better to obey God then man ordained Mr. Montgomerie to compeer befor them the next day who compeered not onely a Proctor in his name appealed unto the King The Assembly did reject the appellation proceed to examine the libell given in against him finding him guilty of many hainous crimes they ordaine him to be deposed excommunicated but ere the sentence be pronounced they appoint some of their number to aquaint his Maj. with their whole procedure And ere long Mr. Montgomery submitteth passeth from his appellation acknowledgeth his faults
of truth as new born babes they desire the sincere milk of the word that they may grow thereby 1 Peâ—… 212. So that any who are offended with them for this must be offended with them for being Christians must be offended with new born babes for desireing the breast is it not cruelty to smite punish poor young babes for seeking the breast What cruelty must this be then to punish such for this to which their nature as Christians leadeth them 3. They have oftentimes through the breathing of the spirit of God upon such exercises found a rich in-come as they gote life quickening grace that way at the first so have they oft found their souls revived their hearts enlairged their eyes inlightened their drouping spirits encouraged their feeble knees lifted up their doubts answered cleared and their souls lifted up in the wayes of the Lord strengthened to turne the battell to the gate to stand against corruption c. And can any blame them for seeking after those watters that they have been so often refreshed by formerly 4. There was never greater necessity for upon the one hand temptations abound darknesse fainting discouragment grow And upon the other hand they have no other to goe to unlesse they would resolve to drink of fouled watters which their soul abhore let none say that they thereby drive at separation for they desire not to separat from the Church not from the publick ordinances whereever they can have them without sin they love the ordinances only they can not owne such men as their Ministers who have so palpably betrayed their trust nor can they attend the ordinances here they cannot enjoy them to edification the sheep must be a lowed to choose wholsome food not to take poison But is it not a strange thing that they will not suffer Christians to meet together for prayer It would seem they look on that God to whom the saints do pray as their enemie that they are afrayed of prayer And indeed the time hath been when the prayers fasting of the saints of God have been terrible to the great enemies of God in that land yea more terrible then Ten thousand men as themselves have professed But what is this else then to banish Christianity to professe enmity unto Christian exercises And sure no Christian will condemne Christians for flocking together as birds of one feather do for prayer other exercises in this evil time seing 1. It hath been constantly practised especially in evill times in all ages why should it be condemned now Learned Voetius de Polit. Pag. 969. Sheweth that by this meanes true religion was preserved propagated both of old of late how this course is followed where popery reigneth or where there is such formality as the truely tender cannot conforme themselves unto Further he cleareth the lawfulnesse of this practice from that meeting in the house of Cornelius Act 10. that other Act 12 12. 2. God hath approven such promised to rewarde them that in such an evill time wherein the proud were called happy they who did work wickednesse were set up Yea they that tempted God were delivered Did speak often one to another Mal. 3 16 17. the Lord hearkened heard it a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the Lord that thought upon his name they shall be mine sayeth the Lord of hosts in that day when I make up my jewels I will spare them as a man sparâ—…th his own son that serveth him would not this encourage Christians to meet together What will do it if this will not do it 3. The Apostle writting to the Hebrews cap. 10 25. sayeth not forsaking the assembling of yourselves together as the manner of some is this is a warrand for privat Christians to assemble to gether for he is there pressing duâ—…es on Christians in reference to other privat Christians as considering one another provokeing one another to love to good works And for this end presseth their frequent assembling together not only to the publick ordinances but even also to privat exercises whereby they may the better consider one another as it followeth may exhort one another Therefore this is a commanded duty God must be obeyed 4. Their necessitie calleth for it that every one should be helpfull to another therefore they should joyn together as one for the mutuall relief supply of one another vis unita fortior Eccles. 4 9 10. two are better then one for if they fall the one will lift up his fellâ—…w v. 12. if one prevaile against him two shall withstand â—…m a threefold cord is not quickly broken who then can condemne this practice 5. There are some generall comprehensive dutyes required of Christians which will necessarily require their meeting together or by good consequence cleare the lawfulnesse thereof as 1. They are commanded frequently to love one another Ioh. 13 34 15 17 12. Rom. 13 8. 1 Thes. 4 9. 1 Ioh. 3 11 and 4 7 12. Ioh. 13 35. 1 Thes. 3 12. Now as love in other societies necessarily effecteth a frequent assembling together So will this Christian love draw Christians together for these ends purposes which love setteth them on work to do each to other 2. They must be Kindely affectioned one toward another Rom. 12 10. as parents to Children is it not ordinare to see parents children together And where there ought to be such affection can any condemne their assembling together 3. They must be of one minde and of one mâ—…uth Rom. 15 5 6. 2 Cor. 13 11. 1 Cor. 1 10. Phil. 1 27 and 2 2 10. 1 Pet. 3 8. And how is this possible unlesse they meet together to communicate their mindes unto other to pray to God for light in any poynt of difference c. 6. There are some particular duties pressed upon Christians which will include their assembling together as 1. They must consider one another so provoke unto love and to good works Heb. 10 24. And this will necessarily imply their familiarity with other their frequent assembling together to provoke to love c. 2. They must exhort one another Heb. 10 25 and 3 13. can this be done if they may not conferre together assemble for this end 3. They must comfort one another 1 Thes. 4. last and 5 11. must they not meet together speak together for this end pray that God would blesse the meanes beare home the words of comfort 4. They must edifie one another 1 Thes. 5 11. And is it possible for them to do this duty live as strangers one to another this duty of edifying one another is a very comprehensive thing doth necessarily imply the saints assembling frequently together that one may be helpfull strengthening encourageing to another 5. They must
jurisdiction being exercised by Bishops or superintendenss or commissioners And these Though the assembly quarrelled them were reall Bishops And would the King by his oath abjure that Church Government which was not rejected by the Church till Iuly 12. 1580. And in the yeer 1581. Though the King Councell had presented the confession to the Assembly to be subscribed by them by the people in their parisâ—…es yet that very same yeer within six moneths thereafter there is an act of councell confirming expressly the agreement at Leth 1571. And this act of Councell the King did openly avow in the businesse of Montgomery Now it is not probable that the King Councell if they intended to abjure episcopacy by the confession would within six moneshs confirme that agreement at Leth. Ans. 1. It hath been shown but just now that severall yeers before the yeer 1580 The Generall assemblies of that Church were declareing themselves against prelats their power were acting so far as lay in their power and that was much considering what opposition they did meet with for presbyterian government 2. It is certaine that Church Government by prelats was never approved by any of the generall assemblies in those dayes 3. Though before the yeer 1580. The Assembly did not formally passe an act against Episcopacy Yet was it not equivalent when Anno 1577. 1578. The second book of discipline which overturneth the Government of the Church by Bishops was approved 4. This same act of the Generall Assembly at Dundee was before the subscribeing of the Covenant For it was in Iuly the Command for subscribeing of the Covenant came not forth till the 2 March thereafter that 2d of march was said to be Anno 1580. as well as Iuly before because at that time the denomination of the new yeer did not begin in Scotland untill the 25 of March so it is his mistake to think that the Covenant was enjoyned to be subscribed six moneths before the Act at Dundee 5. Whereas he sayes that An. 1580. there was no such thing in Scotland as government by presbyteries if he meane that that government was not setled thorow the whole Kingdom he speaks truth but nothing to the purpose but if he meane that in no part of the countrey there was any such government he is mistaken for at the assembly Anno 1578. there was mention made of presbyteries for amongst the articles which this assembly drew up to be subscribed by those prelats whom they had caused cite before them this was one viz the 6. that they should not Empire over elderships but be subject to them the 7. was that they should not usurpe the power of presbyteries So that there were presbyteries in the land at that time Yea the narrative of the 131. Act parl 8. King Jam. 6. Anno 1584. maketh mention of sindry formes of judgments jurisdictions as well in spirituall aâ—… temporall causes entered in practice and custome and that dureing 24. yeers by past those formes of judgments jurisdictions in spirituall causes were assemblies Synodall presbyteriall parochiall all which were discharged by that Act And hence it is clear that there were such judicatories in the land before the yeer 1580. Moreover at the Assembly 1579. there was a motion made about a generall order to be taken for erecting of presbyteries in places where publick exercise was used untill the policy of the Church were established by law it was answered that the exercise may be judged to be a presbytery So that the Kingdom at that time was not without presbyteries Yea their frequent nationall assemblies shew that the Church was governed presbyterially 6. This is certane That there was some government of the Church sworne to in that Covenant for there are these word in it That we joyne ourselves to this reformed kirk in doctrine faith religion and discipline promiseing and swearing by the great name of God that we shall continue in the doctrine and discipline of thiâ—… Kirk and defend the same according to our vocation and power all the dayes of ourlife Now all the difficulty is to know what this government was And it is certane That either it was the government by presbyteries or the government by prelats It could not be the government by prelats 1. because that was not the government discipline of the Kirk but the government discipline against which the Church had been striveing with all heâ—… might 2. It is not imaginable that the Ministery of the land would swear to defend the government of the Church by prelats all the dayes of their lives when they were usâ—…ing all meanes to have the Church free of that yoke 3. When the confession of faith was presented unto the gen assembly to be subscribed by them An. 1581. would they have assâ—…nted unto the same if thereby they had been bound to maintaine prelacy seing at their very last meeting they had made such an expresse Act against prelats 4. When the Laird of Caprinton his Maj. commissioner did presente unto the generall Assembly the confession of faith or nationall Covenant he presented withall from his Maj. a plot of the severall presbyteries to be erected in the Kingdome mentioning the presbyteriall meeting places designeing the severall parishes which should belong to such such presbyteries As also a letter from his Maj. to the noblemen gentlemen of the countrey for the erection of presbyteries consisting of Ministers elders for dissolution of prelacies may not any hence argue after the author's manner say is it any way probable that the King Councell if they intended to establish prelacy by the confession of faith would in that self same day which is a shorter timâ—… then halfe a yeer wherein â—…he confâ—…ssion was presented as subscribed by the King his houshold to be subscribed by the assemby presente such a plot for presbyteries thorow the whole Kingdom c Let this advocat answere this if he can It must then be an undoubted truth That the government sworne to in that nationall Covâ—…nant was presbyterian government 7. And whereas he sayeth the King within Six moneths thereafter did stand to the agreement at Leth avowed it in the businesse concerning Montgomery it will not say much if it be considered how at that time Aubignee grew great at couâ—…t as was shown above Sect 1. Obtained the superiority of Glasgow made a paction with Montgomery And when the Church judicatures were examineing the carriage of this Montgomery first last he stirred up the King against them what will all this say But that Kings had need of faithfull constant counsellours about them lest they be made to undoe their owne works in a short time There was many a change at court as contrary parties gote up so was the King sweyed He addeth That neither did tâ—…e assembly or any Minister speak of that deed of the
of the church by Prelats is overturned church Sessions are established the way of Election tryall of Ministers contrary to the Episcopall way is appoynted severall other things tending to the right governing of the church are determined is drawne up presented to the conncell May 20. 1560. Whereupon there is an act of councill to this effect We who have subscribed these presents having advised with the Articles therein specified as is above mentioned from the begining of this book thinke the same good conforme to Godâ—… word in all points conforme to the notes additions here to eeked promise to sett the samme forward to the uttermost of our Power providing that the Bishops Abbots Priors other Prelats Beneficed men who else have adjoyned them to us bruik the revenues of their benefices during their life times they sustaining upholding the Ministry and ministers as herein is specified for the preaching of the word and administrating of the Sacraments and this act is subscribed by twenty six Noblemen among the rest by Mr. Gordon who was Bishop of Galloway by the Dean of Murray Spottswood in his History is so convinced that this book was directly against the Prelats that he sayeth pag. 174. it was framed by Iohn Knox partly in imitation of the Reformed Churches of Germany partly of that which he had seen at Geneva nather of which Churches did favoure Prelats It is true the late Historian the Archprelate would make the world beleeve that the Superintendents which are spoken of in that Book of Discipline were nothing else but Bishops But his fondo mistake in this will appear to any who will but consider these particulars 1. What the thoughts were which this Archprelate had of this book which treateth of those Superintendents as 1. That it was framed by Iohn Knox famous Knox first nor last was never a friend to prelats or prelacy 2. he sayeth that it was done in imitation of reformed Churches such as Geneva and those of Germany these Churches knew no prelats 3. He sayeth it was no better nor a dreame so could never take effect but had it been an establishing of Prelacy it had been no dreame in his accompt and he would have said that it had taken effect 4. He willed wished that Iohn Knox had retained the old Policie so this book contained a policie distinct from the old policie a Policie which was not the same with Prelacy 2. What the thoughts were which such as were for the Reformed Religion had of it Now they looked on it as the Discipline of the ancient Church therefor after it was drawn up they did supplicate the Parliament for the restauration of the Discipline of the ancient Church for the discharging of the Popes usurpation of all that Discipline which did flow there from as being inconsistent with the Discipline of the ancient Church with the Discipline contained in that book But 3. It cannot enter into the heart of any rationall man to think that these Reformers were so inconsiderate asâ—… to sett up Prelats with the one hand when they were doing what lay in their power to pull them down with the other It was not popish Prelats alone which they were labouring to turn out of the Church of Christ for when some of those who had been popish Prelats before had relinquished Popery embraced the Reformed Religion and had subscribed unto the book of Discipline as Mr Gordoun in Galloway yet they would not suffer such to exerce the power of superintendents Mr Gordoun with all his moyen could not obtaine that power so that Spotiswood when he sayeth in his Latin Pamphlet called Refutatio libelli de Regimine Ecclesiae Scoticanae pag. 4. also in the Epistle Dedicatorie that the former Bishops who joyned with the Reformers keeped still their full power jurisdiction bewrayeth his impudence falshood His words in his Epistle are these Et prasulibus pristiâ—…s modo â—…idei orthodoxa non restitissent nec ademptâ—… dignitas nec imminuta fuisset jurisdictio quod ita liquet ut hoc vel inâ—…iciari sit nâ—…gare Solem in ipsa meridie lucere in the book he sayeth quotquot autem a puriore cultu non abâ—…orrebant â—…is jâ—… utendi fruendi Episcopatuum fructibus privilegiis omnibus jurisdictio etiam quam ante usurpabant quatâ—…nus Religionis incolumâ—…t as pateretur continuata This is the height of impudency thus to avow palpable untrueths that the faithfulness of this Historian may for ever after be suspected let it be observed that in his History which he wrote in English which every one might have more easily understood so discovered his falshood he durst say no more but that these Bishops enjoyed the rents of their benefices See pag. 175. Moreover 4. The book of Discipline it self giveth the clear ground of their appointing of these Superintendents in these words We consider that if the Ministers whom God hath â—…ndued with his singular graces among us should be appointed to severall places there to make their continuall residence that then the greatest part of the Realm should be destitute of all doctrine which should not onely be the occasion of great murmure but also be dangerous to the salvation of many and therefor we have thought it expedient at this time by this means the simple and ignorant who perchance have never heard of Iesus truelie preached shall com to some knowledge and many that are dead in superstition and ignorance shall attaine to some feeling of godliness by the which they shall be provoked to seek farther knowledge of God and his true Religion and worship and therefor we desire nothing more earnestly then that Christ Iesus be once universally preached throughout the Realm c. From whence it appeareth that these Superintendents were onely chosen for that present exigent when there were so few learned able Ministers so many places of the countrey destitute of Ministers so that the harvest was great the labourers very few Superstition popery was remaining in many places of the countrey people were in hazard to continow therin having either no Minister to clear the trueth to them or such onely who were ready to harden them in their superstitious courses therefor there was a necessity at that time while the Church was but in siâ—…ri that some of the most able of the Ministry should be appointed to travell through such such places of the countrey to preach the Gospel to see to the planting of faithfull able Ministers according to the rules sett down in the book of Discipline But 5. so cautious were the Reformers that they would not acknowledge those to be Bishops either in name or thing for as their worke was extraordinary so they gave them an extraordinary name They would not suffer any who had been Bishops before in time of popery to
enjoy the place power of a Superintendent least the power place might be abused at length degenerate unto the old power of Prelats but even in those bounds where such lived did appoint others to Superintend as Mr Pont in Galloway They would not divide the bounds of those Superintendents according to the Prelats Dioceses but after another manner They devided the land into ten parts having respect to the edification advantage of the poor people These Superintendents were chosen by the consent of the whole bounds which they were to visite They were not consecrated but onely sett apart to that worke by preaching prayer as is to be seen in the order prefixed to the old Psalme-books They were tryed examined by the Ministers of these bounds They had other Ministers conjunct with them when they ordained any Nather had they sole power of Excommunication for Reformed Churches had power by the Book of Discipline to excommunicate the contumacious the tractate of Excommunication prefixed to some old Psalme-books sheweth that they might do it without the advyce of the Superintendent They were subject to the censure of the Ministers Elders of the Province who might depose them in some cases Their maine worke was preaching for they were to preach at the least thrice every week They had their own particular flocks beside with which they stayed always save when they were visiting the bounds committed untâ—… them They might not try any Minister their alone but weâ—… commanded to have the neerest reformed Church othâ—… learned men conjunct by an act of the fourth Nationall Assembly An. 1562. They might not transport a Minister without the consent of the Synod as is elear by act fourth of the fâ—… Nationall Assemblie 1562. They might not discusse any important question their alone as is clear by act first of the ninth Nationall Synod An. 1564. All were at liberty to appeal from them to the Nationall Synod as is clear by act fifth Assembly sixth They were to be subject to the Assembly as is clear by thâ—… fourth Assembly an 1562. They never did Moderate in Generall Assemblies unlesse they had been chosen by votes Who can be so foolish then as to beleeve Mr. Spotiswood saying in his Hâ—…story pag. 258. that the power of Superintendents was Episcopall for they did elect ordaine Ministers they did praeside in Synodâ—… and direct all Church censures nather was any excommunication pronunced without their warrant seing the publick acts of the Nationall Assemblies are of more credite then this prelate who knew as litle what it was to be a faithfull Historian as he knew what it was to be an accurate Logician Beside that An. 1562 at the Nationall Assembly there were some Ministers chosen to assist the five Superintendents for no moe could be gotten setled for want of maintenance had equall power with them were commanded to give accompt of their diligence unto every Nationall Synod there to lay down their office And Mr. Spotiswood hath not the face to say that these Commissioners had Episcopall power yet their power was equall with the power of Superintendents When thus the Church had shaken off so far as lay in her power the yoke of Prelacy she beginneth to exerce that power which Christ had given to her that same year 1560. there is a Nationall Assemblie keeped which did make severall Canons concerning the ordering the affairs of the church and yearly there after once or oftener prore nata according to by vertue of her intrinsick power she did keep her Courts notwithstanding that in the meane time the Queen the court were but smal friends to the Protestant cause Anno 1564 the Nationall Assemblie did send some Commissioners to the Queen to desire among other things that â—…o Bishoprick c. having more Churches then one annexed there unto should be disponed in time coming to any one man but that the Churches thereof being dissolved should be provided to severall persons so as every man having charge may serve at his own Church according to his vocation Anno 1566 at the eleventh Nationall Assembly the second Helvetian Consession of Faith was presented approven in all points except in the particular concerning festivall dayes by which Confession prelacy is accompted ane humane devyce no ordinance of Christ. But Satan envying the faire beginnings of this Infant Church stirred up some of the Statesmen against her who having possession of Church rents Prelats Benefices fearing to lose the same did therefor devyse a way for establishing themselves in the possession of those Church rents by getting in some Tulchan Bishops as they were called who might have the name of the whole Benefice but rest contented with a small part to themselves leaving the rest in the hands of these Nobles and accordingly the Earle of Morton stirred up the Earle of Marr then Viceroy to convocate an Assembly at Leith by the means of the Superintendent of Angus who when they did meet Jan. 12. 1571 did nominate six of their number to meet with six appoynted by the councill these twelve did condiscend to severall things tending to the setting up of Prelats And according to these resolutions the Earle of Morton getteth one Mr. Douglas made Bishop of Saintandrews Mr. Boyd of Glasgow Mr. Paton of Dunkel Mr. Grahame of Dumblaine This was a very sad stroke but God did not leave that poor church in that case for within two moneths thereafter A national Assembly did meet who finding that these resolutions gave such offence did appoint some of their number to examine the same but the acts of this Assembly were there after taken out of the Registers And in August 1572. at the Nationall Assembly there was a Protestation made against these inuovations 〈◊〉 that whatever condescension should be yeelded unto should be onely for the Interim till a more perfect order might be obtained So at the Assembly in Aug. 1573. it was decreed that Bishops should have no more power then the superintendents had Mr Paton of Dunkell is accused for taking more Mr Gordon of Galloway is condemned And in the nixt Assembly it is concluded that every Bishop should be subject to the Assembly should conferr no Benefice without the advyce of three Ministers Spotiswood the false Historian thought that because of his silence the world should never have gotten notice of this which these Assemblies did of purpose to heme in the power of these prelats whom the Court was setting up with such violence at such a time when they could do no more At length the day breaketh up clearer about the year 1575. the Lord stirreth up his servants putteth spirit courage in them so that in the Assembly it was debated whether these new Bishops Superintendents Commissioners were a honour or a burden to the Church Mr Iohn Dury protested that they should do nothing in prejudice of
Maj. in his letter viz that there should be constant moderators in presbyteries chosen that where the bishops did reside they should moderate both in Synods presbyteries is concluded some cautions added but to no purpose for there was a clause annexed which did cast all loose viz that if either upon his Maj. advyce proposition to the assembly or upon their own supplication the Generall assembly were moved to grant a relaxation of any of the Caveats that then their promise should make no derogation to their liberty Synods presbyteries refused to owne this Act but at length were charged to obey under the paine of treason Anno 1608. There was another Assembly at Lithgow July 26. but did no good thereafter there were some conferences at Falkland Sterlin but to no purpose the intended businesse was still carried on Anno 1610. Juny 6. There is a meeting at Glasgow unto which resorteth all the constant Maderators who had their hundreth pounds per annum and they bring with them other two ministers such as they liked whom the king desired by his letters The king had three Commissioners there The Earle of Dumber was sent thither with a strong guard to affright the ministers so as severall ministers coming out of the west with a purpose to protest were forced to returne back againe There was also money brought thither to hire votes Mr Spotiswood sayeth it was to pay the constant Moderators their due But Mr Lawder in Coberspath was no moderator yet he came to the Earle complained that though he travailed furdest and had least to live upon though his vote was as good as the best yet he was neglected to whom the Earle replyed that he was too late in coming asking his purse-master what was left he findeth there was nothing but seventeen Shillings Sterlin to give him Come sayeth Mr Lawder let me have it it will help to bear my charges homeward And the Non-liquets got nothing At this corrupt meeting it is concluded 1. That the indiction of all Generall Assemblies belonged to the king by the prerogative of his Crowne without his license all such meetings were unlawfull 2. That Synods should be moderated by the Prelats or some appointed by them 3. No excommunication or absolution without the Bishops approbation direction who is answerable to God to his Maj. for his proceedings 4. All presentations must be directed to the Prelats 5. That he with some associated should silence depose ministers 6 That every minister at his entry should swear obedience to his Maj. to his ordinary as it was ordained Anno 1571. 7. If any minister absente himself from the Bishops visitation he shall be suspended if he amend not deposed 8. That the exercises or quondam presbyteries should be moderated by the bishops or whom they will appoint And 9. That no minister speak against any of the foresaid acts in publick nor dispute about the equality or inequality of ministers This yeer also was the High Commission instituted proclamed by a Herald giving power to the Archbishops to depose excommunicat imprison fine confine for causes Ecclesiastick whether in Doctrine or manners whether in Noblemen ministers or common people When the meeting at Glasgow is dissolved Mr Spotiswood of Glasgow Mr Lamb of Brichen Mr Hamilton of Galloway go to London there are consecrated the 21 of Octob. when they returne they consecrate the rest then all of them domineer over the people over the faithfull ministers Anno 1612. a Parliament conveened which ratified all the acts of that meeting at Glasgow inserted in their Registers the oath which every minister at his admission was to swear thus I A B. admitted to the Kirk of D. testify declare in my conscience that the right excellent right High mighty Prince Iames the sixth by the grace of God King of Scotland c. is the onely lawfull supreme Governour of this Realme as well in matters Spiritual Ecclesiastick as in things temporall that no forraigne Prince State nor Potentate hath or ought to have any Jurisdiction Power Superiority Preheminence or authority Ecclesiasticall or Spirituall within Realme And therefore I utterly renunce forsake all forraigne Jurisdiction Power Superiorities authorities promise that from this forth I shall will bear faith true allaidgeance to his Highnesse his aires lawfull successours And to my power shall assist defend all Jurisdictions Privileges Preheminences authority granted belonging to his Highnesse his aires lawfull successours or united annexed to his Royall Crown And furder I acknowledge confesse to have to holde the said Church possession of the same under God of his Maj. his Crown Royall of this Realme And for the saids possessions I do homage presently to his Highnesse in your presence to his Majesty his aires lawfull successours shall be true So help me God And also I A B. now admitted to the Church of C. promiseth sweareth to E. F. Bishop of that Dioecy obedience to his successours in all things lawfull So help me God Anno 1616. There was a meeting of the ministers at Aberdeen appointing that a book of Common Prayer be made that children should be confirmed by the bishops or visitors in their name But the year before this the former commission for the High commission was renewed instead of the two Courts in the two Provinces of Saint Andrews Glasgow there is one appointed consisting of 55 or 56. one of the Archbishops is sine quo non he other five may do all Such as refuse to compeer are sisted by force by the Sherifs other magistrats They meddle with blasphemie heresy schisme errour Idolatry simony lotry absence from the Liturgy on holy Dayes perjury incest adultery fornication rapes clandestine marriages stricking of clergy men speaking against their meetings They have power to excommunicat silence depose sine imprison confine as long as they please the Secret Councell must pursue the contumacious as rebells Anno 1617. A Parliament conveeneth at which the King himself is present maketh an act That whatsoever his Maj. should determine in the externall governement of the Church with the advyce of the archbishops Bishops a competent number of the ministry should have the strength of a law when the honest ministry hear of this see thereby a door opened for bringing in all the English-popish Ceremonies they give in a Protestation against the same which when the king heareth he causeth the Clerk passe by that act when he was to read all the rest And now the king is violent for the Ceremonies chideth the Archbishops for not receiving the five articles as he commanded the former year and they promise to do it if he would indict a Generall assembly And upon Mr Galleway's undertaking the king indicteth a meeting at St
of one though their own father before their tyrannicall Court Now is there a black cloud over the Church for many years piety is dayly decaying formality profanity increasing the godly are mourning lamenting the wicked rejoyceing But the Prelats have not yet ended their purpose For Anno 1633. when King Charles was present at a Parliament there is an Act carried through but not without some opposition made thereunto by some of the Nobles granting power to his Maj. to command what habits he pleaseth for all men in office whether in Church or State that as a priviledge annexed to the Crowne by this means a door was opened to bring in the Surplice the Corner cap other trash These worthies being traduced by the Prelats as contemners of authority sowers of sedition in Church State procure the kings displeasure by their freedome For the king did not onely chide them openly but with his own hand he wrote down their names as disloyall subjects which made these Nobles thinke of drawing up a supplication which being drawn up by William Haig his Maj. solicitour was committed to the trust of the Earle of Rothes Lord Loudoun to present it as they found conveniency but they perceiving that it would not be well accepted resolved to keep it up But at length some way or other a copy thereof cometh to the Bishops hands they deliver it unto the king withall complaine of those Noble-men as standing in the way of his subjects yeelding chearfull obedience And upon their importunat requeests there is a Commission granted to certaine persons as a committee to proceed against the Authors abettors of that supplication as guilty of sedition treason Whereupon William Haig fleeth all his goods are confiscat Some Noblemen are questioned the Lord Balmerino who had the supplication in his custody is imprisoned at length condemned to die but obtaineth pardon Now the prelats do reigne there being none who durst peep or move a wing against them The Achprelate of Saint Andrews was Chancellour other eight of the prelats were in great places being either Lords of the privy Councell or Lords of the Exchequer being thus lifted up in power honour they are puffed up with pride what durst they not attempt now thinke they Therefore they proceed to do more wickedness draw up a book of Canons which was printed approven by the Kings Maj. all were commanded to obey the Bishops in all points By this book that which remained of presbyterian governement is taken away Parochiall Sessions Classicall Presbyteries are accounted Conventicles Ruleing Elders Deacons are cast out of the Church all Ecclesiasticall causes are brought only to the Pelats tribunall So were they about the drawing up of a Liturgy a Book of Ordination against which before ever they were printed or seen all were discharged to speak under the pain of Excommunication And at length the book of Common Prayer is published imposed on the Church by the kings command as the onely forme of publick divine worship Every Parish is commanded to have two at least of these books under the paine of horning being punished as rebells And a strict command cometh forth enjoyning the same to be used from Pasch forward Anno 1637. But some of the Prelats as of Rose Dumblaine did anticipate the day made use of it in their Cathedralls Others of the Prelats propone the matter to their Synods but the Ministers replyed that such a change should not be made without a Nationall Assembly but it was answered that they were the Representatives of the Church However some prelats gave Ministers liberty to advise untill Octob. but through the furious importunity of some a letter is procured from his Maj. commanding the useing of the Liturgy with all expedition in the Churches of Edinburgh The Ministers being called to see what they would do such as refused are presently suspended SECTION II. The way how the Lord brought down these Prelats the History continued IT was sad lamentable to see what a face the Church of Scotland had now No hedge of Discipline to keep the vineyaird from foxes wilde boars all the Discipline which was was tyrannie over consciences over mens persons estates profanitie was not curbed but encouraged Prelats themselves being chief in all those crying abhominations as will be cleared ere long yea that poor Church was now posteing fast to Rome The Prelats their underlings beside the points of Arminianisme which were accounted speciall pieces of their qualification did avow openly severall points of Popery so that it was taught publickly in the chief Citie That the Pope was not Antichrist And thus all things were growing worse the worship corrupted like to be corrupted more the mindes of people were filled with feares that God would depairt leave that Church altogether so thattheir case looked most deplorable desperat like But asoftentimes the Church people of God have found him who was the hope ofIsrael the Saviour thereof in times of trouble a ready help in time of need so did the poor Church of Scotland finde it now by experience that whē the storme was sorest it was neerest an end that this was as the darke houre before the dawning of the day for now the Lord awaketh as one after wine looketh through the cloud with Compassion on a long tossed sorely afflicted Church which had groaned under oppression of cruell task-masters till they could do no more sheweth that his hand was not shortened that it could not save but that he was the hearer of prayer that now his appointed time was come to take vengeance on his adversaries even the vengeance of his Temple And as ordinariely the Lords great works appear to carnall reason to be despicable at the beginning so the Lord began this great change alteration of affaires in that poor Church in a way that seemed not to promise much yet such a way it was as the hand of God was to be seen in it and seen carrying of it on wonderfully as shall appear In obedience to his Maj. last letter which commanded the reading of the liturgie in all haste the Bishop of Edenburgh the first sabbath day thereafter resolved to do it when he beginneth there ariseth a tumult among the people begun by some women which encreased so as that the prelate when he came out of the Church did hardly escape in the rest of the Churches of Edenburgh the reading was stopped Immediatly after dinner the Secret Counsell did meet resolve to search out the authors of this tumult commanded the use of the service book all to speake reverently of the Bishops but notwithstanding of this the people rage more then ever against the Prelats after the afternoons sermon they set upon the Prelate with stones forced him to
informed wrote unto the Duke of Lennox marquis of Hamilton the Earle of Morton to know if his Maj. would accept of a supplication sent one unto them to be presented by them but the king would not look upon it at length he is moved to send the marquis of Hamilton down toward Scotland to labour by all means to setle peace But in the mean time there is a ship sent from London with Amunition unto the Castle of Edenburgh which because not usuall was taken notic of the Covenanters fearing the worst resolved to watch the Castle that none of it should be taken in When Hamilton cometh down the Covenanters petition for a free Generall Assembly a lawfull Parliament He replyeth that he was not able to grant either unlesse they would render back their subscribed Covenant but this they could not do without open perjury So that he resolveth to returne but first July 4 he published a Declaration against which contrary to their resolution for they were made to beleeve it was some other thing then indeed it was they drew up a Protestation hearing that the Councell had approved of the said proclamation they prepare a supplication but the Councell did not suffer the Act to be recorded but did tear it in Pieces thereafter Hamilton the most part of the Councell declared solemnely that the act of the Councell was no approbation of the same but a warrant to the Clerk to cause publish it When the Marquis of Hamilton was going back to London againe he promiseth to procure a warrant from his Maj. for a Generall assembly before the 22 of Septr otherways they should have free liberty to appoint one themselves And when according to his promise he returneth againe he bringeth a proclamation with him tacitely condemning all the proceedings of the Covenanters marring the freedome of an Assembly and therefore the Covenanters were constrained to make use of a Protestation against it Sept 22. On the same day also did the Councell publish his Maj. Indictment of an Assembly to be holden at Glasgow Nov. 21. of a Parliament to be holden at Edenburgh the 15 of May thereafter Anno 1639. As also a new engine is used for disappointing the Covenanters in their explicatory addition viz. The Councell at the Kings command subscribe the Nationall Covenant the bond for his Maj. preservation appoint Commissioners to see it done through the Kingdome but withall there is a clause added viz. We subscribe the Confession of faith of according to the date tenour Anno 1580. 1590. as it was then professed within this Kingdome supposing but by a grosse mistake that at that time Prelacy Ceremonies were then professed But the Prelats fearing this would not abide the triall desired the Councell to signe a writing obligeing themselves to defend Episcopacy Sâ—…o shew that Episcopacy is not abjured by the Covenant bâ—… 〈◊〉 deâ—…e was not granted At the day appointed the Assembly at Glasgow is opened up notwithstanding of some indirect meanes used by the Prelats to hinder it The Prelats being summoned compeer not but decline the Judicatory Within some dayes the Marquis of Hamilton being the Kings Commissioner offers to dissolve the Assembly chargeth them to depart so removeth himself but though this was very astonishing yet they did resolve to hold the Court of Christ in so doing 〈◊〉 obey God â—…ather then man then did take into consideration the grounds of the Declinature which may be seen atlength in printed papers in Mr Spangs Historia Motuâ—… c. Upon the 29 of Nov. his Maj. Commissioner published a Proclamation commanding their dissolution against which there is a Protestation drawn up answering what was allaidged in the Proclamation The assembly do proceed after some search finde that all these Meetings of ministers which had brought in these Innovations that had troubled the Church so much were no lawfull Generall Assemblies by sundry reasons confirmed by the Registers of the Assembly by the books of presbiteries by the Kings Maj. own letters by the testimony of diverse old Reverend ministers verifying the same iâ—… the face of the Assembly and so declared that these meetings at Lithgow 1606 1608 at Glasgow 1610 at Aberdeen 1616 at St Andrews 1617 at Perth 1608. were from the beginning unfree unlawfull null Assemblies The reasons are more fully to be seen in the printed Records of the Assembly Likewise they condemne the book of Commâ—…n prayer because deâ—…ysed brought in by the pretended Pâ—…ts without direction from the Church and pressâ—…d on Ministers without warrant from the Church because 〈◊〉 contained a Popish frame forme of divine service many Popish errours ceremonies the seeds of manifold grosse Superstition Idolatry so repugnant to the Doctrine Discipline order of the Church to the Confession of faith constitutions of Generall Assemblies acts of Parliament establishing the true Religion So do they condemne the book of Canons as devised by prelats without warrant direction from the Generall Assembly to establishâ—…â—…nicall power in their own persons over the worshipe of God mens consciences liberties goods to overthrow the whole Discipline governement of the Church by Geneâ—…ll provinciall Assemblies by preâ—…biteries Sessions 〈◊〉 contrary to the Confessâ—… of faith the established goâ—…nement the Book of Discipline the acts Constituâ—…ons of the Church So they condemne the Book of Consc â—…tion Ordination as being inâ—…ced without waâ—… civill or Ecclesiastick establiâ—…hing offâ—…es in Godâ—… house without warrant of hiâ—… word as 〈◊〉 to the Discipline Constitutions of the Church as impeding the entry of fit â—…orthy men to the ministry the discharge of their duety â—…er their entry They condemne the High Commâ—… as â—…cted without the conseur of Church or State as subverting the ordinary Church Iudicatories as arbitraâ—…y not regulated â—…y lawes civil or Ecclesiastick as giving to Church men the power of both swords to persons meerly civill the power of the Keyes so as unlawfull in it self prejudiciall to the â—…ties of Christs Church Kingdome the Kings honour in â—…taining the established lawes Iudicatoâ—…ies of the Church â—…o do they shew declare that the five Articles or ceremoniesâ—…cluded â—…cluded at Perth of which mention was made before were â—…jured by the Nat. Covenant as may be seen at length in their 17. Act. As also they declare act 16. That Episcopacy â—…s abjured by the Confession of faith or Nationall Covenant Anno 1580. which shall be more fully cleared afterward So â—…ving examined discussed the severall processes given in aâ—…inst the pretended prelats They depose Excommunicaâ—… Mrs Spotâ—…swood of St Andrews Lindsay of Glasgow â—…dsay oâ—… â—…enburgh Sidserfe of Galloway Maxwell of Rosse 〈◊〉 of Brichen for breach of the Cautions aggreed on in the Assembly 1600. for receiving Consecration to
scruple now at the taking of that oath let wise men judge Next as to the rise of this power over the Church the occasion of this oath in Scotland seing it may sufficiently be gathered from the short historical narration of the government of the Church set down Sect. 1. a short recapitulation will be sufficient here In the confession of faith which was ratified approved by the Parliament Anno 1560. againe ratified insert in the records Anno 1567 cap. 25. the power in Church matters which is there given unto the civil Magistrat is in these words That to them chiefly and most principally appertaineth the conservation purgation of religion and they are appoynted for the maintenance of the true religion and for suppressing of idolaâ—…ry and superstition in that same Parl. An. 1567 Act 2. there is an act which was made Anno 1560. ratified ordaineing that the â—…ishop of Rome called the Pope have no jurisdiction or authority within this realme and that none of his Maj. subjects suite or desire title or right of the said Bishop of Rome or his sect to any thing within his realme under the paine of banishment c. and that no Bishop use any jurisdiction in time coming by the said Bishop of Romes authority under the paine forsaid whereby the Popes authority was quite rejected not only in civil matters but in Church matters yet there is no expresse word of the Kings being invested with any such power Anno 1568. There was one Thomas Bassenden Printer in Edinburgh who did printe a book intituled the fall of the Roman Church and in that book the King was called the supreme head of the Church This gave great offence moved the generall assembly to cause call in these books to delete that title of the Kings But all this did not preserve the Church from incroachments for when Montgom pretended Archb. of Glasgow was proceeded against the king summoned the whole synod of Lothian before him afterward when this same Mr Montgomery was summoned before the Nationall Assembly there came a Messinger of armes from his Maj. to discharge the Assembly under the paine of rebellion of puting of them to the horne to proceed any furder whereupon the assembly did complaine of this incroachment April 27 Anno 1580. as such the like whereof had never been made before But this availed not for Mr Balcanquell Mr Dury were summoned before the Councell for some freedome which they had used in preaching Of this the Assembly did complaine againe which occasioned a conference betwixt the King some Ministers the result whereof was That in all time coming the tryal of Ministers doctrine should be referred to Church Iudicatories as the only competent Iudge But this was soon forgotten for Anno 1581. Mr Balcanquell was againe accused the privileges of the Church were incroached upon which did put the Church to supplicat Anno 1582. complaine that His Maj. by advice of some consellours was about to take the spirituall Power authority upon himself propperly belonging unto Christ as the King head of his church of the ministery the execution thereof unto such as bear office in ecclesiasticall government so that in his person some men presse to erect a new Popedome as if his Maj. could not be full King head of the commonwealth unlesse the spirituall as well as the temporall power should be put into his hand unlesse Christ be bereft of his authority the two jurisdictions confounded which God hath divided which tendeth directly to the wrecke of all true relig it their next assembly there was an article drawn up to be presented unto his Maj. to this affect That seing the jurisdiction of the Church was granted by God the Father through our Mediator JESUS CHRIST given to those only who by preaching overseeing bear office within the same to be exercised not by the injunctions of men but by the only rule of God's Word That an Act of Parliament concerning the liberty jurisdiction of the Church be so plainely declared that hereafter none other under whatsoever pretence have any colour to ascribe or take upon them any part thereof in placeing or displaceing of Ministers of God's Word in spirituall livings or offices without the Churches admission or in stopping the mouthes of preachers or taking upon them the judgment or tryall of doctrine or of hindering or disannulling the censures of the Church or exeeming any offendour there from By the endeavours of these faithfull worthies any may see what a Spirit was stirring then when the King would assume to himself spirituall power authority so rob Christ of that which belongeth to him as King head of the Church make himself a Pope the fountaine of all power jurisdiction both civill ecclesiastick challenge power to give commission for deposeing ordaineing of Ministers hinder free preaching to try censure doctrine to anull all Church censures as he pleased This was the Spirit that was then stirring at court this is the supremacy to the life this was it which court parasites said did belong unto the crown let the Church say do to the contrary what she could Hence a little after this Mr Melvin was accused for his sermon after he had declined the King his Councell as incompetent judges in that cause was forced to withdraw to Berwick for fear of his life Anno 1584. The Parliament which was suddainely convocated did put the copestone upon this bussinesse gave the King in forme what he had assumed to himself formerly upon the matter in their very first Act give him Royal power and authority over all Estates as well spiritual as temporal within the realme And Statute and ordaine that he and his heires or successours be themselves and their Councels in all time coming judges competent to all persones of whatsoever Estate degree function 〈◊〉 condition they be of spiritual or temporal in all matters that none decline their judgement in the premisses under the paine of treason From this supremacy flowed the impowering of Bishops with Church jurisdiction as commissioners from the King so that when the King wrote unto a Prelat he stilled him Our beloved Clerck Commissioner in Ecclesiastical causes So that by this supremacy the power of Church jurisdiction was made propper to the King the exercise thereof was committed by him to whom he would After this blast was something blown over Anno 1592. Papists others at court stirr up his Maj. against the government of the Church so that when the commissioners of the Generall Assembly had met had sent some of their number to shew the King what offence was taken at his calling home the Popish Lords he was offended asked how they durst meet without his warrâ—…nd But Mr Andrew Melvin answered That there were two Kings two
Kingdomes in Scotland that Christ was a King the Church his Kingdome that he himself was a subject unto Christ a member of his Church neither head nor King thereof that the spirituall office bearers to whom he had committed the government of his Church had power warrant to conveen But the King went on told the Ministers thereafter That there should be no agreement betwixt him them untill the marches of their jurisdiction were rid that they might not speak in pulpit of the affaires of the Estate or Councell that no Generall Assembly should meet without his special command that Church judicatures should meddle with fornication luch like scandalls but not with causes whereupon his lawes do strick shortly thereafter Mr Blake was summoned did decline his declinature was owned by severall hundereds of Ministers when King Iames saw this he laboured to ensnare the Ministery therefore invented the bond which was mentioned Sect. 1. Pag. 27. whereby any may see what was intended designed But when he is in possession of the crown of England then the poor Church findeth his hand heavier then formerly for Anno 1606. Six Ministers were convicted of treason condemned for declineing the councell as an incompetent judge in matters ecclesiastick all by vertue of the Act of Parl. 1584. And the Parliament which did meet that yeer 1606. to make all sure did acknowledge his Maj. soveraigne authority princely power royall perogative privilege of his crown over all Estates persons and causes whatsoever and ratifieth approveth and perpetually confirmeth the same at absolutely amply and freely in all respects and considerations as ever his 〈◊〉 or any of his royall progenitoure Kings of Scotland in any time by gone possessed used and exercised Thus was the copestone of this supremacy put on againe And at that pretended assembly at Glasgow Aâ—…no 1610. it was acknowledged that The indiction of the Generall Assembly did appertaine unto his Maj. by the prerogative of his royall crown And it was ordained that the oath which is set down before pag. 37. be sworne by all ministers at their ordination the Parliament which conveened Anno 1612. ratified all this And finally Anno 1633. in the 1 Parl. of King Charles Act 3. that Act which was made Anno 1606. was againe ratified this conclusion was drawne from it that he hath power to prescribe what apparell he thinketh fit for Kirk men which was done of purpose for this end that his Maj. might with greater facility get the use of the surplice by Ministers established by law and practised And now by all this any may see what is the nature of that supremacy which the higher powers have been all alongs grasping after which the faithfull servants of Christ have been withstanding according to their power But in the last place the sense meaning of this late Parliament which did tender the oath must be sought out of their acts actings out of some commissions granted by his Maj. thereby it shall be seen what ground there was of scrupling at the oath how the feares of such as did then scruple at the oath were not groundlesse seing the after actings of king Parliaâ—… have abundantly confirmed the apprehentions which such had of their giving to the King of his taking more power in Church matters then themselves would then acknowledge or confesse did belong to him Now for clearing what power was then is now assumed by given to the King in Church matters these particulars may be noticed 1. When these Six or Seven Ministers who were cited before the Parliament had offored a sense in which they would willingly have taken the oath they could not be heard though they granted unto him in their sâ—…nse offered as much power in Church matters as the word of God the confessions of faith both of the Church of Scotland of other reformed Churches did allow for they did grant that his soveraignity did retch ecclesiastik causes objectively though in its own nature it was alwayes civill extrinsick But this did not satisfie therefore it was evident enough that they did intend some other thing by that oath then every one could well see 2. In the 4. Act of their first session it is made a part of the Kings prerogative That none of his heighnesse subjects of whatsoever quality state or function presume to convocat conveen or assemble themselves for holding of councells to treat consult determine in any matter of state civil or ecclesiastick except in ordinary judgments without his Maj. speciall command of expresse license had obtained thereto under the paines c. By which it is apparent that they will have no Church judicatories without his command or license otherwise his prerogative is violated so it is a piece of his perogative supremacy to have all these assemblies depending â—…o upon him as civill meetings do that is that they shall be null without his expresse consent and command for this part of the act is in every word conforme relative to that black act Anno 1584. viz act 3. parl 8. King Iam. 6 by which all Church judicatories which had been set up conforme to the second book of discipline viz sessions presbyteries synods were discharged 3. In the 16 Act of the first session concerning religion and Church government they say That as to the government of the Church his Maj. will make it his care to setle secure the same in such a frame as shall be most agreeable to the word of God most suiteable to monarchicall governement most complying with the publicke peace quyet of the Kingdome in the meane time his Maj. with advice consent foresaid doth allow the present administration by sessions presbyteries Synods So that by this act it is clear that they think that there is no particular forme of Church government sâ—…t down in the word 2. That every nation is left at liberty in this to choose what forme they will as most suitâ—…ing to civil government complying with the people temper 3. That he is judge of what forme of government is most agreeable to the word of God 4. That this governement must be some other government then that which is by Sessions Presbyteries and Synods which is but allowed in the interim 4. There is a commission or act from his Maj. for a Nationall Synod ratified by Parliament in their second Session which is worth the noticeing the Act is thus worded For as much as the ordering disposall of the externall government of the Churh the nomination of the persones by whose advice matters relating to the famine are to be setled doth belong to his Maj. as an inherent right of the Crown by vertue of his prerogative Royall supreme authority in causes Ecclesiastick And in prosecution of this trust his Maj. considering how
before him which was sufficiently answered by worthy learned Mr Gillespy in his Aarons rod blossoming though he will not so much as once take notice of his replyes The ancients did so understand the place particularly Orig. Tract 6. in Mat. But that it may be cleared how there is a foundation here laid down for a way of removing of scandals by Church officers in communi associated together in a judicature so how there is a way laid down for presbyterian Government let those particulars be considered 1. From the beginning of the chapt the Lord is speaking of scandals first of scandals given as is clear v. 6 8 9. after he hath used some arguments to presse his followers to beware of that evill he cometh v. 15. with an 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 which may be rendered but if thy brother to another case about the same purpose or head viz. to cleare this question what shall be a christians carriage when his neighbour stumbleth or offendeth him by his unchristian carriage in his ordinary walk So Galvin Aretius others so he is speaking of reall scandals for 1. They are Brethren or Church members with whom this course must be taken 2. The offending brother is to be rebuked or convinced of his fault 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 importeth such a convinceing as ' is for sin Ioh. 8 9 46. so the LXX use it Lev. 19 17. where sinnes scandals are spoken of 3. He sayes if he hear thee not if he repay thee the wrong he hath done or if he be reconciled 4. Then he is gained now 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 as Stillingfleet himself confesseth is used for conversion turning others from sin 1. Cor. 9 19. 1. Pet. 3 1. compared with Iam 5 20. Hence 2. It would be considered that the Christian's scope in this bussinesse should be to gaine the man's soull for this cause he is to assay all calme peaceable gaineing private meanes to bring the offending brother to conviction acknowledgment of his fault so first speak to him alone then take some others with him to be witnes both of his Christian carriage towards him in desireing to have him gained of his unwillingnesse to be gained that so they may bear witnesse of both unto the Church judicature 3. When privat means do not worke he is to be delated unto the Church judicature for the person offended must tell the Church What Church He must tell that Church unto which the witnesses will be usefull that is a judicature for to that witnesses have a relation That Church which is able to convince if any do it That Church whose sentence is the last remedy Thâ—… Church which hath power to binde loose That Church which hath power to binde loose with a promise of the ratification of what they do in heaven That Church which hath the keyes Mat. 16. power authoritatively to pardon retaine sinnes Ioh. 20 23. That Church which hath power to pronunce that sentence after which the man is to be looked upon as a heathen a publican 4. And when this Church judicature can not get him convinced they must passe a sentence upon him this sentence is the sentence of excommunication as learned Mr Gillespy hath abundantly shewed Aaron's rod. book 3. c. 2. 3. Hence it is clear 5. That here is set downe the way of taking away Church scandalls by inflicting Church censures And this by Christ's appoyntment is not to be done by any one person but by the Church officers in communi collegiatly for it was never heard of to this day either in sacred or prophane writtings that one man was called a Church or 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 And this is a good basis for Government yea for presbyterian Government or the Government of the Church communi consilio presbyterorum here there is not only a foundation for graduall appeals as himself confesseth here though part 2. cap. ult § 8. he would say that presbyterians found their subordination of courts Upon the principles of humane prudence for Church censures for the lawfull use of excommunication as he confesseth also But also for the species or modell of Government Or for the manner of the constitution of the judicatures which should excommunicat take notice of Church scandalls for it is called the Church so cannot be meaned of a prelat who is no where so called and yet arrogateth to himself all the power of jurisdiction But Mr Stilling fleet hath two arguments whereby he endeavoureth to prove that Christ did never intend to institute any one forme of Government in the Church part 2. c. 4. § 4. 5 6. c. This is a great undertaking and his arguments must needs be very strong but whether so or not the reader may judge The summe of the first is this If there be any such institution of Christs as a standing law it must either be expressed in direct termes which cannot here be showne Or deduced by a necessary consequence and no consequences can make new institutions but only apply one to particular cases And then the obligation of what is drawne by a necessary consequence must be expressed in scripture Ans. It hath been showne that the practice of the Apostles was for a forme of Government and from their practice a law may by necessary consequence be drawne considering their place office how they were sent forth to plant Churches to set up officers to appoynt unto each of them their proper work c. And for this cause were endued with extraordinary qualifications assistence confirming their commission by many signes wonders And this carryeth an obligation in its bosome There hath been showne also a standing law of Christ's from which a forme of Governement may be deduced a standing law about the removing of scandals which will found a species of Governement by Church officers in common as well as appeals Church censures excommunication from thence there is an obligation for the one as well as for the rest 2. But if all this will not satisfie let Mr Stilling fleet satisfie himself with the standing obligation of the moralitie of the first day Sabbath he shall with all satisfie himself as to the standing obligation of the moralitie of a species of Church Governement He can produce no law for the first day Sabbath but a law deduced by necessary consequence without any obligation expressed in scripture concerning that which is so drawn by consequence if this be enough in the case of the first day Sabbath why not also in the case of Governement If he say in the bussinesse of the Lord's day there was only an application of an institution to a particular case It is Ans. So is it in the matter of Church Governement for there was a law for a Governement in genere this law drawn by consequence from the
possiblie shall finde some unfaire dealing However unto these whom he cirâ—…th it will be sufficient though he had foure for each one to oppose the testimonie of Churches which may be seen in the harmonie of confessions whose testimonie is of much more authoritie then the testimonie of Twenty privat divines moreover he well knoweth that of privat divines many are against him for one who is for him Obs. 11. He telleth the reader in his preface that he doth not write to increase the controversies of the times nor to soment differences but his designe is to allay the heat abate the fury of that ignis sacâ—…r or erysipelas of contention so all alongs in his preface he would make his reader beleve that he designed nothing but peace accordingly he intituled his book Irenicum a Weapon-salve for the Churches wounds No man must search his heart or judge in those matters but this is certane if such was his designe the meanes he hath fallen upon look not to be very suiteable thereunto how such an under taking as this shall heale the Churches wounds is hardly imaginable And therefore it may very well be stiled a Weapon-salve whose way of cureing is not very rationall or obvions to every one Yea nor naturall if many may be beleeved And this phisitian's undertaking shall never cure the Churches wounds by Sympathie what ever it may do by antipathy It seemeth to be a sad interlocuture of a judge when a plea cometh before him betuixt a rober one who offereth to produce his evidences rights for such a possession to say that all is common every man hath a like right to all may lay clame to what he pleaseth just such is this learned man's determination of the question in hand The Presbyterians offâ—…r to prove their right by the Testament of Iesus Christ to prove that prelats are usurpers his interlocuture is that neither presbyterian nor prelat hath more right then other each may take what they please If this be a way of ending controversies healing wounds it is indeed by the weapon salve of antipathy And the reader may judge whether it be not the readiest way to increase divisions contention in the Church whether or not these piles that seem very sweet pleasant to the palate may not prove â—…uell to that bilious humor which as he himself confesseth is too too predominant already Sure it is he seemeth not be a man for peace who thus hath his hand against every man every mans hand against him But if he would have united the broken divided subdivided Church he should have taken a way to have strengthened her union with the head Union in an evill cause is not good Pilat Herod can a gree in a matter against Christ such an union as this looketh rather like the fruite of the weapon salve then any thing else It is sad that he could not get this weapon salve made up without such an ingredient in it as wrongeth the head King of the Church it is an evidence of an Empirick ill skilled phisitian who cannot attempt the cureing of one desease without the causing of a worse nor make a salve to cure a wound in the body till first he wounde wronge the head Could this learned man fall upon no way to cure the bleeding wounds of the Church but such a way as in some degree measure is a putting the crown off the head of Christ Iesus who is head of the Church the scepter out of his hand for to say that he hath not setled the Governement of his own house by appoynting his own officers appoynting each of them to their own work is to say he doth not acte the part of a King Governour in the Church which is his Kingdom of how dangerous consequence this is himself may easily perceive Obs. 12. It is likewise strange that this learned man should have made choise of such an opportunity occasion wherein to vente his notion for in so doing he hath no way consulted the good edification of the Church Because he might well have known that by his book the higher powers of the land would have been much encouraged to set up the former prelaticall Government which had occasioned so much persecution unto the truely godly so much opposition to piety to the work of grace so he might well have expected to see all these evil consequences natively springing up againe to see the Church of God decaying as much if not more then ever for that is a Governem which destroyeth the very ends of Government because no man were he never so good could governe the Churches after that manner to edification He might easily see that one man could not watch over in all the duties of a watch man so many thousands or rather hundereds of thousands as by that Government he would be set over It is true he adviseth to have lesser dioeceses but still his thesis standeth many will read ponder his thesis the drift scope of his book that will never value or regaird these few lines of cautions or of advice which he setteth down in the end of his book He might well have known that the setting up of that Governement would have been as he may now see with his eyes matter of joy Gladnesse unto all the prophane rablâ—… in the land matter of lamentation grief unto the godly pious He might well have known that by that government godly pious conscientious able Ministers of the Gospell should be persecuted thrust to the door prophane lazy every way unfit men should be put in the Ministery who can do nothing else but read the service book a homily He might well have known that by that governement such as were no Church officers should have the management of discipline such as Chancelours their assistants Yea he might well have known that if that government had been set up againe the whole work of reformation should be demolished cast to ground as he may see it done to day his eye may affect his heart if he be a kindly son of Zion a lover of the work of reformation which God owned carryed on wonderfully to the Amazement of all might not these things have deterred this learned man from venting his notions when he might as easily have seen as he might have opened his eyes that the consequences thereof should have been bitter lamentation wo to the poor Church of Christ in Britaine Irland what he can pretend to counter vaile this damage is not imaginable For all his pretensions of peace union evanish at the first appearance of these destructive irremediable inconveniences And finally it is yet more wonderfull strange how this learned man hath been so bewitched blinded with his
but the Church judicature also in so doing should acknowledge the validity of the sentence and consequently the lawfulnesse of the power from which it did slow But it will be objected 1. That that sentence cometh not from the Bishop alone but from a Synod whereof he is only the moderator Ans. Though the sentence be given out at the meeting of such as are underlings to complyers with him Yet the sentence is only his sentence this he is pleased to signifie unto all at their meeting left they should forget it so mistake him themselves both And he indeed maketh a fashion of asking their votes to the end they may be partakers of the guilt of the odium with himself But he acknowledgeth them to have no power unlesse it be to give their counsell advice But. 2. It hath been showne above that such meetings are no lawfull Church judicatures no presbyterian meetings but prelaticall conventions conventicles set up of purpose for his ends for the carrying on of his designes And their not compeering before these meetings sayeth they did not acknowledge them to be lawfull meetings therefore they cannot now acknowledge their sentence It will be objected 2. That though they ought not to be submitted unto as prelats or coâ—…rts of prelats Yet they ought to be submitted unto as the King's commissioners their sentence is in so far to be reverenced Ans. Whether they sit Act there as principall or as commissioners yet any such sentence proceeding from them is a non-habente poâ—…estatem from such as have no power For of themselves they have no such power they can have no such power from the King for nemo pâ—…test dare quod non habet the King can not give them the power which he hath not The King cannot depose a Minister immediatly It is true he may put a lawfull judicature to whom this power doth properly belong to do it or he may imprison or banish consequently put from the exercise in such a place but formally he cannot give out any Church censure of suspension or deposition against any Minister therefore he can commit no such power unto any man whether he be a civil man or a Church man And thus It is still clear that this sentence should not be submitted unto if it were no more but for this one cause because it should be an acknowledgeing of the Magistrat's power in the matter of Church censures which is an assertion unto which no sound reformed divine will assent It will be objected 3. That seing it is certane such shall be put from their Ministerie ere long however for if they submit not unto the sentence the civil Magistrat will either banish or imprisone or some other way put them from it whether they will or not were it not faifer then to prevent further suffering to themselves theirs by submitting in time Ans. It is true that in all probability the civill powers will not suffer such to preach long after such a sentence is dissobeyed But yet it is the duty of all so to carry themselves when suffering is at hand as that they may have most peace of conscience quietnesse under the crosse And it is certane they shall have far more peace who continue preaching as opportunity offereth notwithstanding of any such sentence untill some phisicall restraint or what is equivalent be laid upon them Then such as shall willingly submit unto an unlawfull sentence proceeding from an unlawfull judicature deriveing power from an empty fountaine thereby give offence great scandall both to good bad It will be Objected 4. That submission to judicaturies established by law is necessarie Either obedience active or passive is necessary otherwise there shall be no order Ans. Whatever may be said anent submission or non-submission unto the unjust sentences of lawfull judicatures Yet it will be clear that no submission should be yeelded unto the unjust sentences of unlawfull judicatures For the authors of the review examination of that book intituled Protesters no subverters and Presbytery no Papacy grant Pag. 96. This much saying we plead not for submission to officers judicatories not of Christ's own institution such as not only popes but prelates were no lawfull Church officers so that here their arguments conclude not taken from the practice of Ministers not submitting to the sentences of prelats in the Church So that then all the Church of Scotland as to this particular it seemeth was of one judgment and thought that Ministers should not submit unto prelats passing a sentence of suspension or deposition against them these prelats being no lawfull Church officers so it is clear that this non-submission in this case is no new thing in that Church but was the practice of severall worthy precious men before as the book before mentioned sheweth which instances are worth the noticeing now SECTION XVIII It is lawfull for the people to hear those suffering Ministers to meet for prayer other Christian exercises in private WHen the poor people cannot in conscience attend the ministry of such as are thrust in upon them against their will for the reasons already given their temptation groweth double upon them their trouble increaseth for now when they goe to hear such Ministers as they may lawfully hear either in publict or in private it is a cause sufficient for persecution yea or if they meet two or three together in any privat place for prayer conference or any other Christian exercise they are in hazard to be hailed to prison punished as keepers of conventicles Doubtlesse it cannot be very necessary to speak much for the justification defence of those who either have suffered or may hereafter suffer upon that account seing few who owne Christianity or know the sweet of Christian exercises and of Christian fellowshipe will condemne such as value the good advantage of their souls beyond their bodies yet lest some should be moved to think that at such a time such wayes should be forborn a little must be spoken to justify both those courses And first for their going to heare either in publick or privat such Ministers as are still lawfull Ministers what ever sentence hath passed against them have given a faithfull testimony unto the truth by adhereing to their principles notwithstanding of all the sufferings they do or can meet with much needeth not be said seing 1. They are so expresly often commanded to heare the word of truth to heare what is the minde of the Lord for by the Ministery of his servants doth God manifest his minde unto his people The priests lips should preserve knowledge and the people should seek the law at their mouth who are the messingers of the Lord of hosts It is their duty to waite at the posts of wisdomes doors this will be undenyable 2. There is an innate desire in the saints after the word
governement was which by this covenant they were bound to owne to continue in consequently what governement was abjured thereby Therefore all the difficulty is to know what that government was which the Church did owne yet there is no difficulty here for it is as clear as the sun at noonday that it was Church governement by presbyteries Synods assemblies which they both before at after that time did owne defend till it was violently taken away And if the citations of the assembly 1638 will amount to this they will sufficiently declare that Episcopacy was abjured at that time And whether their citations shall do so or not the indifferent reader may judge when he hath considered laid together these two twenty particulars into which the citations shall be branched forth 1. When the Church had been wreâ—…ing could not prevaile against Bishops from the yeer 1571 unto the yeer 1575 being continually wearied with complaints given in against them they entered at last into a search of the office it self did agree in this that the name Bishop was common to every one who had a particular flock to which he preached administrated the sacraments so it could not designe a distinct officer 2. Anno 1576. the assembly did censure such prelats as had not betaken themselves to some particular flocks 3. In the assembly 1578 the second book of discipline was unanimously agreed upon 4 At another assembly that same yeer the moderator told Montrose Chanceler Seaton Lindsay That they had drawn up out of the pure fountaine of God's word such a discipline as was meet to remaine in this kirk 5. At that same assembly it was ordained that such as were called Bishops should be content to be pastours of one flock should usurp no criminall jurisdiction should not vote in Parliament without a commission from the kirk should not Empire over their particular elderships should not usurpe the power of presbyteries 6. An. 1579 The assembly judgeth that every meeting for exercise might be accounted a presbytery 7. An. 1580. after deliberation it was found that the office of prelats was pretended had no warrand in the word And they ordained that such should dimit Leave the samine as an office unto which they were not called of God this was before as was said above the subscription of the Covenant 8. The same assembly sendeth some commissioners to his Maj. desireing that the book of policy might be established by an Act of Councell untill the meeting of a Parliament 9. In the assembly 1581. At Glasgow the Act of the former assembly at Dundee was explained iâ—… was showne that thereby the Church did condemne the whole state of Bishops as they were then in Scotland 10. At this assembly the confession of faith was presented the plot of presbyteries with the King's letter to the noblemen gentlemen of the countrey for furthering the erection of presbyteries thus at the very presenting of the confession to the assembly to be subscribed the King the assembly agree in one judgement as to the governement of the Church viz. That it should be presbyteriall according to this harmonious desire presbyteries were erected in severall places 11. In that same assembly The second book of discipline was insert in the registres of the Church immediatly after the Covenant was insert That all posterity might see that the governement which they swore to maintaine owne in the confession or Covenant was the same which was contained in the book of discipline thus that book of discipline the confession or Covenant did harmoniously accord 12. Anno 1581. The assembly would not suffer Mr Montgomery Minister at Sterlin to become bishop of Glasgow but commanded him to waire on his Ministery at Sterlin under the paine of excommunication 13. In the same assembly it was acknowledged that the Estate of Bishops was condemned by the kirk a commission for erecting of moe presbyteries was granted and a new ordinance made for subscribeing the Covenant can any man now doubt what that government was which the Church in those dayes owned by that Covenant 14. Anno 1582. a new commission was granted for erecting of moe presbyteries Mr Montgomery for usurping the place of a bishop was ordained to be excommunicated for presbytery prelacy are incompatible 15 In another assembly that same yeer commission was given to some presbyteries to try censure such as were called bishops and some were sent unto the Councill to desire their approbation of an Act for establishing of presbyteries Synods assemblies did the Church incline any thing to prelacy then 16. Anno 1586. It was determined at an assembly that there are no other Church officers set down in the scripture beside Pastors Doctors Elders Deacons that should be in the Church now 17. Anno 1587. It was ordained at an Assembly that the admission of Mr Montgomery suppose but to the temporality of the bishoprick of Glasgow should be annulled with all possible diligence that slander might be removed from the Church 18. In the same Assembly there was a letter drawn up unto his Maj. shewing that they found the office of bishops not agreable to the word of God but damned in diverse assemblies 19. Anno 1590. when the confession or Covenant was subscribed universally of new the assembly desired a ratification of the liberties of the Kirk in her jurisdiction discipline in presbyteries Synods and generall assemblies 20. It was ordained also that all intrants should subscribe the book of discipline especially the heads controverted also all who were presently in office under the paine of excommunication 21. In the assembly 1591. the forementioned Act was renewed 22. Anno 1592. commissioners were sent to attend the Parliament to desire a rescindeing of the Acts of Parliament Anno 1584. made in prejudice of of the Church a ratifying of the discipline of the Church both which were granted now the reader may judge from these particulars what was the sense of the Church of Scotland at that time of the confession or Covenant whether these citations amount to any thing or not And whether or not this author had any reason to slight undervalue so far as he doth the paines taken by that reverend Assembly to cleare the oath according to the sense of those who first took it But he addeth That Episcopacy was not accounted unlawfull even in the judgment of the assembly of the Church within Six yeers after where it was declared That the name bishop hath a speciall charge function thereto annexed by the word of God and that such may be admitted to a benefiâ—…e Ans. It is true Anno 1586. there was a conference drawn on at Haly rude house by the King betwixt some Ministers some whom he did commissionat which did conclude that the Bishop should have a care of one flock That he
The grounds ends of this undertaking SECTION 1. Pag. 5. Sheweth When the Christian religion began first in Scotland That Palladius was the first prelate in Scotland No prelats among the Culdees How when reformation from popery began Superintendents no prelats Nationall Assemblies from the beginning of the reformation How the Tulchan Bishops came in over the Church her belly The Church wrestleth till these be put away presbyterian Government be setled in all her judicatories Anno 1592. The King thereafter incroacheth upon the privileges of the Church Prevaileth with some of the Ministers who betray the Church yeeld to Parliament-Bishops hinder the Church from enjoying her privileges liberties in her free Assemblies The faithfull Zealous are persecuted Parliaments carry on the King's designe with violence Corrupt Assemblies are convocated to further his Maj. designe to give Church power unto these Parliamentary Prelats Parliaments ratifie all The Church protesteth striveth against all this what she can The prelats being now inthroned tyrannize over oppresse the faithfull laboure to have ceremonies imposed upon the Church with force acts made in Parliament for bringing in the surplice Corner cap unto which some worthy nobles could not assent Anno 1633. Who are therefore accounted rebels traitours And Balmerino is condemned The prelats rage without all law draw up a service book book of canans c. SECT 2. Pag. 44. Sheweth How the use of the service book was hindered in Edenburgh Ministers people from all parts of the Kingdome petitioned against it The King favoureth not the petitioners They not withstanding continue in petitioning against the service book high Commission prelats c. Renew the nationall Covenant thorow the whole land The King intendeth a war An Assembly is indicted at Glasgow Nov. 21. And opened up This Assembly condemneth anulleth severall pretended Assemblies the book of common prayer the book of canons the book of consecration ordination the high commission court the ceremonies excommunicateth some deposeth all the prelats War is prepared against them They defend themselves A pacification is concluded another Assembly promised a Parliament thereafter The Assembly is opened up The Parliament is convocated but quickly adjourned Commissioners are sent to London imprisoned A new war is raised by the King Scotland prepareth for defence A new pacification The Parliament meeteth ratifieth all which the Covenanters had done Those acts are againe ratified The Parl. of Engl. beginneth a work of reformation entereth into a Covenant with Scotland the two nations joyntly proceed in the begun work of reformation A party in England strengthen themselves alter the judicatures take away the King's life Scotland bringeth home the prince who sweareth the Covenants is overcome by the Englishes in battell keeped in bondage ten yeers till the exiled King returned Anno 1660. SECT 3. Pag. 69. Sheweth Why these Ministers others who met Agust 23. 1660 were incarcerated what their supplication was And how unjustly they suffered upon that account SECT 4. Pag. 77. Sheweth What were the grounds upon which the Marquise of Argilâ—… suffered how insufficient in poynt of law from severall considerations SECT 5. Pag. 83. Sheweth What were the grounds upon which the life of precious Mr Guthry was taken how insufficient Either in law or conscience SECT 6. Pag. 86. Sheweth Upon what account other Ministers were persecuted And how unjustly Some banished for righteousnesse sake some indictâ causâ An extract of the sentence was refused to thosâ—… to all others SECT 7. Pag. 88. Sheweth The grounds why conscientious Ministers could not observe the anniversary day SECT 8. Pag. 91. Sheweth The reasons why Ministers could not observe the prelatâ—… meetings The author of the seasonable case c. Answered SECT 9. Pag. 101. Sheweth The reasons why ministers could not seek presentations from patrons nor collations from prelats The author of the seasonable case answered SECT 10. Pag. 114. Sheweth The true sense of the oath of alleagiance which was tendered Anno 1661. c. Compared with the former how it holdeth forth a great civil supremacie in the King cleared by the act 11 parl 1661. Which at least is much to be questioned from nine severall grounds And cannot lawfully be acknowledged because of ten dreadfull consequences which shall necessarily follow thereupon The former proceedings of the Church state of Scotland vindicated cleared SECT 11. Pag. 140. Sheweth The lawfulnesse of Scotlands defensive war first from the former practices of Scotland other Kingdomes King Iames King Charles confessions of adversaries next from a true clearing of the state of that war in Six Particulars which obviat all the objections of adversaries And lastly from lawyers adversaries the law of nature the law of nations the law of God sound reason SECT 12. Pag. 169. Sheweth What is the meaning of the oath of alleagiance as to its Ecclesiasticall part What way the King's supremacy over Church persons in Church causes began was carryed on in England How the same was advanced to a great height in Scotland What sense this King the late Parliament did put upon the oath of alleagianee by their Acts Actings How it were sinfull to acknowledge by taking the oath That so much Church power belongeth unto the civil Magistrate cleared by Nineteen particulars SECT 13. Pag. 200. Sheweth The groundlesnesse of Mr Stilling fleet 's notion concerning the divine right of formes of Church governement by making it appear how he overturneth his owne grounds how he misstateth the question the practice of the Apostles ground a jus divinum here Christ's institution the institution of the Apostles is for a particular species Christ's faithfulnesse in his office speaketh much for this The hazard is great in leaving the species undetermined The confession of the faith of severall Churches for a Species How he misseth his pretended end arme And how unseasonable his book is at this time uselesse so long as the league Covenant standeth in force though his notion were true in thesi SECT 14. Pag. 254. Sheweth How weak the Reasons are which plead for the taking of the oath of alleagiance by answereing Sixteen of them SECT 15. Pag. 270 Sheweth How unlawfull it is to owne acknowledge the curats foâ—… lawfull Ministers by fourteen reasons Foure objections answered SECT 16. Pag. 298. Sheweth That it is lawfull for Ministers banished from their owne flocks by a sentence of the civil Magistrate to preach in publick or private as God calleth by Eight reasons Thrâ—… objections are answered SECT 17. Pag 305. Sheweth That it is lawfull for Ministers though censured by the pretended prelate to preach as God giveth a call whether in publick or in private by Six reasons Foure objections are answered SECT 18. Pag. 310. Sheweth That it is lawfull for people to meet together for hearing honest Ministers preach publickly or privately And for other Christian duties notwithstanding of Acts made against it by severall reasons One objection answered SECT 19. Pag. 316. Sheweth How unlawfull it is to acknowledge the high commission court by compeering before it by Eleven reasons Foure or five objections are answered SECT 20. Pag. 327. Sheweth How dreadfull a sin it is to abjure the Covenant a sin aggravated by twelue particulars SECT 21. Pag. 347. Sheweth What judgements perjury hath brought on in all ages out of history sacred prophane SECT 22. Pag. 359. Sheweth The lawfulnesse binding force of the solemne league Covenant notwithstanding of all which the author of the seasonable case c. hath said against it SECT 23. Pag. 391. Sheweth The lawfulnesse of the nationall Covenant as it was sworne subscribed Anno 1638 1639 c. Notwithstanding of all which the author of the seasonable case c. Hath said to the contrary The CONCLUSION Pag. 416. Sheweth What the now afflicted Church of Scotland expecteth from strangers what use they should make of this sad dispensation c. FINIS Whence may not men destruction feare Who with deceitfull hearts do sweare This age wherein we live is void of faith For writes are signed twelue witnesses before The notar writt'th both time place what more Yet come'th a man of words who all deny'th King's words have weight great respect More then all oaths which men exact