Church is lawfull when the case so falleth out that union cannot be keeped up with her with out sin much more will a forbearing to hant the ordinances in such a particular parish to attend the Ministerie of such a particular person be iustified as no sinfull separation when the contrary cannot be done without siâ—… so it is in this case as hath been showne above Reverend Famous Doct. Voâ—…tius 〈◊〉 Eccles. Pag. 68. Quaest. 17. Granteth that upon some such occasion one may â—…bstean from explicite communion with a particular Church for these reasons 1. Such communion is not absolutly Necessary necessitaâ—… Mediâ—… nor yet necessitaâ—… praeceptâ—… when the Christian shall have more peace of conscience free exercise of Christian duâ—… else where 2. such persons may keep communion with other purer Churches in other places And Famous Mr Rutherford in his due right of presbyteries Pag. 253. Pag. 254. Where he is laying down some considerations about the degrees of separation sheweth us That there is a separation negative or a non union as That in Augustin's time when the faithfull did separate from the Donaâ—…sts which is lawfull landable now if there be a separation here it can only be a negative separation not a positive separation He sheweth us againe ibid. That there is a separation from the Church in the most worst part a separation from the least best part that these who separate from the worst greatest part do notwithstanding remaine a part of a part in the visible Church because they do not separate from the Church according to the least best part thereof as the godly in England who refused the popish ceremâ—…nies Aâ—…tichristian Bishops Hence it will follow that though now people should withdraw from communion with the greatest part of the Church which is now corrupted they cannot be accounted separatists because they hold still communion with the better though lesser part Moreover he sayeth Pag. 254 255. That there may be causes of non-union with a Church which are not sufficient causes of a separation as before the jewes came to blaspheme openly as they did Act 1â—… 44 45 46 18. 16. there was no just cause why any should have joyned to the Church of the jewes seing there was a cleaner Church to which converts might joyne themselves Act 2 40 41 42. And whether or not the reasons formerly laid down will be a just cause of non union which is all we plead for let the reader judge Lastly he tels us ibid Pag. 255. When the greatest part of a Church maketh defection from the truth the lesser part remaineing sound the greatest part is the Church of separatists though the manyest greatest part in the Actuall exercise of discipline be the Church yet in the case of right discipline the best though fewest 〈◊〉 the Church For truth 〈◊〉 like life that retireth from the manyesâ—… members unto the heart there remaineth in its fountaine in case of dangere So that it is the Major part which hath made defection that is to be accounted separatists not such as stand to their principles though they cannot complye of joyne with the corrupt majoriti Hence it is aboundantly clear that such as refused to obey this Act cannot be accused as guilty of sinfull separation It will be objected thirdly That by refuseing to obey that Act they declare they look not on these men as Ministers if they account them no Ministers they must say that their baptizeing is no baptizeing also that the Church of Scotland now is no organicall Church And that such do well who refuse to bring their Children unto them to be baptized Ans. 1. Though it were affirmed positively as it is not that all of these men were no Ministers Yet it would not follow that the Church of Scotland were no organicall Church because all these ministers who are now violently restrained from exerceing their Ministeriall function are Ministers officers of the Church of Scotland though bound up from exerceing their office for as no deed of a Magistrat can loose a Minister's relation so long as his life is in him unto the Church universall so no deed of the Magistrats can loose a Ministers relation to the nationall Church whereof he is a member so long as he remaineth â—…vis regnâ—… is not banished out of that Kingdome Yea reverend Apollâ—…nius in his jus Majestatis circa sacra Par. 1. Pag. 331. thinketh that when a Minister is wrongously put from his charge by a Magistrat he remaineth still a Minister of that Church from which he is banished jure divino Because of his call hath a right to exerce all his Church power there as a wife ravished from her husband remaineth still his wife because of the marriage covenant which is inviolable therefore all these Ministers who are yet within the Kingdom are reall officers of the Church of Scotland full compleat officers as to the power only they are violently restrained from the actuall exercise of that power And therefore the Church of Scotland is still an organicall Church as a man is an orgâ—…nicall body when bound hand foot so as he can neither work nor walk But 2. Whatever may be thought ofsome of these men whose being reall officers in the Church of God as was said may much be questioned what sad consequences may follow upon the nulling of their office let these see to it who either send such forth or imploy them Yet as to all of them this forbearing to yeeld obedience unto this Act will not ground the consequence alledged For there is a difference betuixtthe not owneing dis-countenanceing of a man as no Minister at all or no Minister of the Church universall And dis-owneing or dis-countenanceing him as not being their minister in particular or as pastor of such a particular flock It is certane a man may be a Minister of the Church universall yet not the Minister of such or such a particular place It is certane a man's relation unto such or such a particular flock may be Changed by transportation when his relation unto the Church universall abideth And so it is certane that a denying of one to be a Minister of such or such a particular flock will not by any good consequence be a denying of him to be a Minister at all Many things may loâ—…se a Minister's relation to such or such a particular congregation which will not a null his relation unto the Church universall And when his relation to such a particular flock is loosed that particular flock is loosed from being a flock owneing him as their Minister for relata se muâ—…uo ponunt et tollunt And when such or such particular persons refuse to owne such a man as their pastor in particular it cannot be inferred that therefore they deny him to be a Minister at all Unlesse this consequence
135. l. 33. decrees r. doores p. 137. l. 30. Sect. 22. p. 145. l. 25. r. 1572 p 159. l. 31. they r. them p. 176. l. 27. belonging p. 183. l. 5. essentiall p. 186. l. 17 one r. once p. 187. l. 28. guiltlesse 〈◊〉 191. l. 11. 〈◊〉 p. 193. l. 22. taking p. 207. l 28. prohibition ib l. 32. pastours p. 224. l. 9. length p. 225. l. 1. be beleeved p. 239. l. 20. yeelded p. 248. l. 4. pastor p. 260. l. 5. is r. as ib. l. 16. ever r. over p. 280. l. 31. wrestle p. 289. l. 26. known p. 293. l. 21. civis p. 305 l. 5. â—…all r. call ib. l. 6. omce r. come p. 312. l 26. further p. 322. l. 31. though p. 331. l. 32. should p. 349. l. 18. which p. 350. l. 19. I will p. 351. l. peâ—…lt how the Carthaginians p. 362. l. 16. they r. their acts p. 364. l. 25. it is r. it s p. 366. l 3. his r. this ib. l. 8. twice here r. her p. 372. l. 34. way r. may p. 373. l. 30. his r. is p. 382. l. 9. his r. this p. 383 l. â—…3 made r. make p. 385. l. 8. the r. he p. 386. l. 22. countrey p. 387. l. 22. ib. l. 35 worldly p. 404. l. 9. no r. on pag. 419. 〈◊〉 10. ever over P. 126. l. 2. close the other parenthesis after Agust 22. p. 304. l. 6. in â—…ome copies r. may be most free Pag. 329. l. 21. 330. l. 8. 324. l. 25. 353. l. 10. dele lib. 5. Others of lesser moment through a letter wanting or redundant or one for 〈◊〉 or through a comma colon or the like misplaced or wanting thou mayest correct aâ—… thoureadest An Apologeticall Relation Of the particular sufferings of faithfull Ministers Professours of the Church of Scotland since Agust 1660. IT hath been the common lot of all the afflicted persecuted people of God in all ages to meet with sad bitter reproaches as a constant concomitant of their other sufferings Satan thinking it for his advantage to adde affliction to the afflicted to use his outmost endevour to break them with one sad exercice at the back of or together with another is not satisfied with stirring up sore persecution against them but endevoureth likways to load them with such reproaches calumnies as are able to break the heart of ingenuous single hearted persons And for this cause the Lords people in all ages have been put to intreat that he would clear vindicat them their actions from such foule aspersions make their innocency breake forth as the noon-day would direct them unto such ways means as might tend through his blessing to their rationall vindication befor the world Hence have proceeded the many Apologies defences which have been used of purpose to clear to the world the true ground cause of their sufferings to discover how groundless unjust those reproaches calumnies were which men whose hearts were full of wickedness tongues dipt in gall had vented for this end alone to render both them their just righteous cause odious to strangers And at this time there may be just cause to fear that the malice of that old enemy is not asleep that he is leaving no mean un-essayed to make the suffering Church of Scotland her cause odious in the eyes of forraigne protestant Churches to the end she may not onely misse be disappointed of that Christian sympathy fellow feeling which is expected of all the true membres of Christs body but also which is far worse be condemned through her sides the cause truth of God which ought to be more preâ—…ious to Christians then any thing else be put to suffer by this means the great works of God wherby he convincingly even to enemies did testify his approbation of the work of Reformation begun caryed on there these yeers bygone be called in question fathered upon the Devill which would be the hieght of iniquity being or at least bordering upon that unpardonable sin against the Holy Ghost charged upon the Pharisees Math. 12. But notwithstanding of all this travail which this old enemy his indefatigable under-agents are or have been at according to their custome to get the prejudices against that Church which they have laboured to beget in the mindes of strangers fomented so deeply rooted as that there'shall be no place â—…or her or any in her name to publish to the world any Apology or defence or a justification of her cause ground of present suffering It is expected that Christian Churches abroad have reserved one eare open to Christ his suffering followers that a true representation of the present case condition of that suffering Church shall be heartily welcomed by them whose eares have been hithertill filled with the clamorous outcryâ—…s of men who make no conscience of oaths let be of words who have learned exactly that lesson Caâ—…umniare audacter semper aliquid hâ—…rebit Heap up many slanders vent them with boldness audacity something will slick Though there be no ground for any to thinke that nighbour protestant Churches have so far drunken in prejudices against that Church or recâ—…eived such an impression from the misreports misrepresentations which her malitious adversaries have made as that an attempt of this nature shall seem altogether useless Yet this is certaine that the most lively demonstration representation of the present case condition of that Church that can be fallen upon shal not hold forth unto strangers forraigners such convincing light evidence of all maters there as a few days being ear ey-witnesses to all her present calamities compared with the days of old when the glory of the Lord appeared in the midst of her would do And therefor though as to such who are indeed strangers unto the great things which the Lord hath wonderfully begun carryed on in that Church small successe can be expected to follow such an interprise yet as to others whether Churches or persons of whom it cannot be but that there is a great number who have both heard wondered at the works of the righthand of the most High there have received much soul-refreshment from the report wishing earnestly supplicating for the like unto themselves longing for the day wherin they might see the Lords arme streached out with the like Reformation salvation unto other Churches about this undertaking will have its own use advantage And without all question silence at such a time as this might do much both to sadden the heart to stumble such as would be glad to hear of the stedfastness of the faithfull followers of Christ in that land for if there were none to open a mouth for her now nor any to plead her cause it might be thought that all had so far changed with
AN Apologeticall Relation Of the particular sufferings of the faithfull Mâ—…nisters professours of the Church of Scotland since August 1660. Wherein severall questions usefull for the time are discussed The King 's preroâ—…gative over Parliaments people soberly enquired into The lawfulnes of defensive war cleared The supreme Magistrats power in Church matters examined Mr Stilling fleet 's notion concerning the divine right of formes of Church Government considered The author of thâ—… seasonable case answered other particulars such as the hearing of the Curats appearing before the high commission court c. canvassed Together with the rise reigne ruine of the former 〈◊〉 lats in Scotland Being A brieff account from History of the Government of the Church of Scotland from the beginning of the many troubles which Prelats have created to her first last For satisfaction of strangers incouragement of present 〈◊〉 By a well wisher to the good old cause JER 50 34. Their Redeemer is strong The Lord of hosts is his 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 shall thorówly plead their cause that he may give rest to the land 〈◊〉 quiet the inhabitants of Babylon MIC 7 9 10. I will bear the indignation of the Lord because I have sumed 〈◊〉 him untill he plead my cause execute Iudgement for me â—…e 〈◊〉 bring me fâ—…rth to light I shall behold his righteousnes then sheâ—… that 〈◊〉 mine enemy shall see it shame shall cover her which said unto me 〈◊〉 is the Lord thy God Mine eyes shall behold her now shall she be 〈◊〉 down as the mire of the streets ISA. 51 22 23. Thus saith the Lord thy God that pleadeth the cause of his people Behold I have taken out of thine hand the cup of trembling 〈◊〉 the dregs of the cup of my fury thou shalt no more drink it again But I â—…ll put it into the hand of them who afflict thee which have said to thy soule 〈◊〉 down that we may goe over thou hast laid thy body as the ground 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 â—…reas to them that went over Printed in the Yeer 1665 The Epistle to the READER Christian Reader This is a time wherein little or nothing is heard from the Churches of Christ all the world over but lamentation woeâ—… partly by reason of grievous afflictions sore persecution which is none of the worst conditions partly by reason of woefull and shamefull defection falling from former zeale integrity occasioned either by the temptations which usually attend sharpe tryalls of affliction whereby the weakness of many perversness of heart in moe is discovered Or without any such force of externall temptation from an inward decay of life love wearying of God his wayes the Worst condition that a Church can be in which is now the Epidemicall plague of this age Hence it is that the Lord seemeth to be angry with all ready to reject some of his Churches which to him are as a generation of his wrath Have not his people set up their abominations in the house which is called by his name to pollute it And may it not be feared that the curse shall devoure the earth they that dwell therein shall be made desolate because they have transgressed the lawes changed the ordinances broken the everlasting Covenant There appeareth now hanging over the head of the poor little flock of Christ a black dreadfull cloud threatning no lesse then utter ruine overthrow or at least speaking a loude alarme for awaking the secure sleâ—…ping Bride It is most sad to behold how little the Churches of Christ in every place are affected with this imminent stroke ready to light on all to see some of them quiet at rest singing a requiem to themselves as if though dispensations from the Lord doe speak the contrary to all who will but open their eyes their mountaine stood so strong as never to be moved This deadness deepe security when all things speak an approaching storme as it doth evidence a great Judgement spirituall plague from God upon the Spirits of people so it dothpresage no less then remediless â—…uine if God in the riches of his mercy prevent it not What a dreadfull night of confusion astonishment must be at hand when there is such blackness without And such deadness prodigious security within Are not the enemies of the Church as Gebal Ammen Amalek The Philistines those of â—…yre Assur the Children of Lot who are early late at their master's work devising plotting the ruine destruction of the interest Kingdome of Christ Are they not all combined together acted with the same Spirit of Antichrist for this very end purpose to helpe forward as with one shoulder to raise up his fallen interest heale his wound And are they not setting themselves to thrust King Iesus from his throne to put the crowne from his head the scepter out of his hand so to prey upon devour his little flock that if it were possible they should be no more a nation nor their name remembered any more And are they not about the swallowing up of the protestant interest as in a moment And what is the Church of Christ doing all this while Doth she stir up her selfe to call upon her head husband or to awake the watch man of Isreal who neither slumbereth nor sleepeth Is she upon her watch-tower looking out guarding against the approaching enemy or observing his motions Ah not so She is fast a sleepe while the enemy is within the walls And which is more sad lamentable with her own hands she hath helped to make the breach in the wall at which the enemy hath entered now hath faire advantage given him to accomplish his bloody designe against the protestant cause interest So little hath she gained by her sinfull compliance with the opinions practises of Antichristian men whether through base feare or carnall prudence even the cutting of it off And the bringing of his people back againe unto Babylon Who knoweth but though the Lord's enemies shall at last be troden under as straw for the dunghill he shall spread forth his hands in the midst of them as he that swimmeth spreadeth forth his hands to swim bring down their pride together with the spoiles of their hands lay low in the dust bring to the ground even the high fortresse of their wall so make all his enemies know that there is a King in Zion who shall must reigne untill all his foes be made his footstoole the onely wise God who knoweth how to turne every thing to the best may suffer the adversaries to prosper in their device designe so give up many of the people called by his name to the sword of the enemy that others may be alarmed awaked from their sleep put to their prayers even to calling upon God with their whole heart
were sworne to maintaine according to their place power their lives lands possessions liberties as scottish men as Christians into the hands of their implacable enemies Were these valient worthies now living who are gone off the stage with honour credite heating seeing what they might now heare see how would they stand astonished at this degenerated generation that so easily quite with that which they did lose their blood lives to purchase obtaine Yea to see or heare the self same persons who but twelue or Sixteen years ago were jeoparding their lives with them for the same cause either condemning that practice or carrying themselves so indifferently now as if these matters appeared but tâ—…islles not worth the contending for Whosoever they be who now seem to be ashamed of that cause of themselves in contributeing their help for the promoveing of the same It may be thought that it was not conscience that moved them thereunto but some other ends otherwayes their judgements would not so soon alter seing there is no other argument now seen but the winde changed from south to North which dispensation useth not to worke much upon consciences what ever it may do upon other principles If the former generations had been of such a cowardish disposition how had Scotland been delivered If they had walked upon no other principles but such as would have changed when the storme did beginne to blow upon their faces where had the land been ere now And if there be no other spirits in Scotland this day where may it be imagined shall that Church be found ere long 7. Thou mayest hereby be more enabled to disput against prelacy then possibly thou was having now seen how what way it was brought in into the Church formerly how it is ushered in to day And when it is established by force over the Churches belly how it proveth the bane of all Church order piety edification And this is a strong argument to prevaile with such as have the root of the matter in them enough to make them question such a way as no way of Christ's To say that the abuse of the power by such as are in possession of it will not plead much against the power it self will be of â—…o fore in this case where the jus of the power cannot pretend heigher then to be humanum And if its admirers should alledge that it is founded upon a jus divinum These necessary consequences as so many propria quarto medo will sufficiently ground an improbation Scotland never saw prelates without such a long traine of hellish consequences discovering to any judicious eye their rise to be from below And if the prelats now in place had thought it of their concernment they might have cut off that long taile but it seemeth if they had done so they would have lost somewhat that they thought essentiall to themselves therefore as if they had thought all the abuse whereof their predecessours were guilty was their too much lenity forbearing to persecute the godly banish piety They have made the poor Church feel that their little finger is heavier then the loynes of their forefathers And so the argument of the vulgar is confirmed with a witnesse become more unanswerable then ever 8. Thou mayest likewise have arguments put into thy mouth whereby to defend thine own practices in standing to thy former principles stope the mouth of thine adversaries before thou was willing to suffer for Christ his interest though thou could not disput much for him his truth that was a great evidence of love And now thou mayest get some help in disputing for the truth by the arguments set down in the following sheets And the few arguments which thou will finde there may bring others to thy minde thus thou mayest be helped to meet thine adversary without fear 9. But if these adversaries be of such a disposition as to take advantage of thy speaking or argueing for truth to bring thee into trouble therefore in prudence thou will think it best to keep silence Thou mavest here by be confirmed in thine own minde of the unlawfulnesse of such courses as the current of the times would draw thee unto as it doth others how unjustly thou art persecuted for refuseing to comply with such sinfull wayes And further because it is like the malice of Satan his instruments will not rest here but they will still be deviseing new wayes to lay snares for the consciences of such as walk uprightly by what is said to the particulars handled in the following sheets thou mayest be helped to judge of new emergent questions which thou mayest be exercised with afterward so to know how thou oughtest to carry thy self in reference to these new tryals 10. Thou mayest have some ground of hope That the Lord's end in suffering this sudden sad Change to continue so long is but to juâ—…ge more fully his Church from the much drosse corruption which otherwayes in all probability had never been purged away It is possible that these by-past yeers of prosperity her most afflicted condition being a prosperous state when compared with her present condition have done the Church of Scoâ—…l more harm by reason of corruption within then many yeers of sad adversity shall do The former prelats had a time before they came to their height all those many yeers wherein hâ—…y were on the riseing hand after they came to the possession of their full power the Lord was trying purging his Church And at length when his time came who waiteth that he may be gracious loseth not a fit opportunity of doing good to his Church people he brought the Church of Scotland out of the furnace laid her stones with faire colours her foundations with Saphites So that the yeers 1638 1639 were as glorious years as any which she hath seen since And these prelats though they have made great haste in their rise yet must have some time to do that work in which the Lord is imploying them as his lixes one day discovereth more now then a yeer formerly could have done One prelat blessed be the Lord who is master of work doth more then many purging committees could do Why then should we weary We know not what the Lord is about to do but when we consider what were his dispensations in former times unto that Church we may now hope that he will bring the Church of Scotland out of the furnace as faire beautifull as ever if not more So that these who saw the foundation of the old temple laid An. 1638. c. Shall not have cause to weep when they see her foundations laid of new the Lord reviveing the stones out of the rubbish which are burnt If his people were humbled did not stand in the way of their own mercies who can tell what
men look upon them account them no better then their slaves underlings And would acknowledge God's equity justice in this dispensation at length see mourne for their sinne which is so legibly as with capital characters written upon their judgment May it not come to passe that these Zelots for prelacy shall weary of this yoke wish as earnestly for the day wherein they may be delivered from this bondage as ever they did longe for the day wherein they might have their necks brought from under the sweet gentle yoke of Christ May not the peers body of the Land come at length to supplicate his majesty to loose this yoke from off their necks when their Scottish some time generous spirits shall not be able any longer to endure such unsufferable slavery This is not impossible nay nor improbable Though it were to be wished That they might Act that way upon some other principles principles of piety godly tendernesse That seèing their injury done to Christ in shaking off his governement lawes willingly following after the commandements of men mourning therefore they might lament after the Lord seek him with the whole heart engadge themselves in a Covenant with the Lord to be for him to the utmost of their power bring the land back againe to seek the Lord God of their fathers that he may have mercy upon them heal their backslideings builde up the walls of his Church make her a praise in the earth But whether the Nobles other inhabitants of the Land shall think of these indignities seek for a remedy or couch under the burden as ashamed once to desire to have the yoke shaken off which they themselves with so great delight deligence have fastened about their necks with their own handâ—… Yet it doth well become the godly of the land to be sensible of the great grievous wrongs which are done unto Christ to his Church work to cry out continually complean of these oppressions unto the Lord who will hear the cry of the oppressed will be a refuge for them judge them that the man of the earth may no more oppresse when now he seeth that she is oppressed without cause to watch carefully that the continuance of the tryall oppression weare not out the sense of these incroachments intolerable pressures lying upon the Church upon the consciences of the Lord's people And that no deadnesse seize upon them but that still the memory of the good old cause be fresh with them pressing them dayly to renew their earnest supplications to wrestle seriously with God that he would be pleased in his own good time to break the yoke of the oppressour according to his promise Isa. 49 25 26. Take away the captives from the mighty and deliver the prey from the terrible and contend with them that contend with his Church save his children and feed those that oppresse them with their own flesh and make them drunken with their own blood as with sweet wine That all flesh may knâ—…w that â—…e the Lord is their saviour ând their redeemer the mighty one of Iacob He hath said that for the oppression of the poor and for the sighing of the needy he will arise and set him in saifty from him who pusseth as him The words of the Lord are pure words as silver tryed in a furnace of earth purified seven times Therefore his people are called to waite upon the Lord. The vision may yet be for an appoynted time but at the end it will speak not lie though it tarry they must wait for it because it will surely come will not taâ—…ry His people are called now to minde duty to look what the time the opportunity the dispensation under which they are at present calleth for It is not good for them to be slacking their diligence but rather they should waxe strong in the Lord in the power of his might It is not good for them to faint sit up now as overcome with impatience hopelesse despondency of spirit but patience should have its perfect work Be stedfast therefore dearly beloved unmoveable alwayes abounding in the work of the Lord Forasmuch as you know your labour is not in vaine in the Lord. Now to him that is of power to stablish you to God only wise be glory for ever through Jesus Christ AMEN AD LECTOREM SVb pedibus LunaÌ„ Mulier nunc calcat amicta Sole caput stellae ceu diadema tegunt Conspicitur medio ut signum admirabile coelo Fixa velut medio petra decora Salo. Saepius incerto varia est ut Cynthia vultu Parte sui Semper totaque Saepe latet Fulgida Iusliti e nuper quae sole tenebris Mox velut infernis tecta sepulta jacet Firma licet Peâ—… maneant fundamina quassis Moenibus 〈◊〉 contremit ipsa domus Sidera lapsa polo capiti diadema revulsum Sponsaque Tulvereâ squallida sorde sedet Quisquis es haec totô qui non spectaveris orbe Exhibet hîc scenam Scotia moesta tibi Scotia quam varios casus sit passa procellis Quassa quibus quantis te docet ille liber Prasulis hîc mitrae pondus Regisque tiarae Penditur Christi jura bilance pari Invadit Christi regnum cum principe praesul Arrogat hic Regi quod rogat ipse Sibi Praesulis est Scotis relegandum nomen averno Prora quibus praesul puppis una mali est Hîc videas vicibus ternis quas infula strages Ediderit praesul Cerberus iste triceps Pontisicum primus fuit impetus iste retusus Evasit virgo quae fuit ante lupa Vistamen huic facta est vulpina fraude secunda Restiterat zelô plebs proceresque pio Tertius horrisici est nunc impetus ille Leonis Cernitur hic vulpes qui fuit ante Lupus Bestia bis cecidit bis cornua fracta revinxit Tertia certa feram vasta ruina manet Courteous reader ere thou read amend these Errata as followeth PAg. 4. l. 18. followers pag. 6. l. 24. Scotos p. 8. l. 9. ridiculous ib. l. 34. be p. 10. l. 34. he p. 14. l. 6. first r. fift p. 16. l. 34 effect p. 22. l. 30. dederent p. 24. l. 30. effectuall p. 29. l. 36. of p. 37. l. 22. this realme p. 42. l. 19. worthies r. worthy nobles p. 45. l. 36. of r. for p. 59. l. 14. be r the. p. 64. l. 29. chearfully p. 67. l. 31. overcometh pag. 73. lin 5. specious ibid. lin 29. effects pag. 78. lin 20. there r. their p. 80. l. 12. gentlemen ib. l. 20. perceive p. 85. l. 30. understood p 88. l. 22. 271. l. 26. this r his p. 91. l. 23. 132. l. 11. were r. where p. 109. l 13. scripture p. 110. l. 21. 202. l. 33. notion p. 125. l 21 together p.
the times as to condemne their own former proceedings to intertaine strange unbeseeming thoughts of the wonderfull works of the righthand of the most High wrought among them so become ashamed of their cause durst not adventure to speake in their own justification Therefor being consident of the good acceptance which this undertaking shall meet with from compassionate Christianly affected churches people about persuaded that God whose interest Cause this is will in his own good time arise plead the same vindicate his work from all the aspersions calumnies of men by a reviving therof in the middest of the years a best irring of himself for the carying on of the same untill the copstone be put on therby give such ane unanswerable Apologie as shall be sufficient to stop the mouths of all adversaries to confirme his followers comfort the saddened hearts of his sufferers This present piece of worke was the more chearfully undertaken to the end beside what use the present suffering members of that church might make hereof for their own satisfaction incouragement strengthening in the Lord that such of the nighbour churches about whose ears have been filled with the slanderous reports to the vexing of their souls raised by the adversaries of that church caryed on by all the art of hell to the strengthening confirming of their ill cause may be undeceived rightly informed touching the truestate of affaires in that church And to this end it will be sufficient in the first place to give a short clear Historicall relation of the troubles which the former Prelats which were in that church did creat unto her both in their rising when they did come unto their hieght of the wonderfull maner of the Lords bringing them down casting them out of that land church with shame disgrace And then to give some vieu of the present state of that church by mentioning some particulars which are the grounds of the present sufferings of the people of God there clearing the equity justice of their cause who have choysed affliction rathen then sin when by this means it shall be seen from what an exellent desirable state that church is now fallen as in a moment into what a condition of wo lamentation she is now plunged all who are Christianly affected with the afflictions of Joseph may be moved to compassionat her case to sympathize with her if they can do no more be stirred up to minde that bleeding swooning almost expiring church of Scotland at the throne of grace SECTION I. Shewing how the church of Scotland was long governed without Prelats after what maner they did arise to their height there without the Churches consent IT is not unknown that according to the testimonie of Origen Tertullian the Scots did embrace the faith amongst the first probablie as Buchan sheweth they received it from some of Iohn's disciples who fled by reason of the persecution caused by that bloudy Domitian so that about the year 203. which was the 4 year of King Donald the first Christian Religion was publickly professed the King himself his Queen diverse of the Nobles being solemnely baptized after which he purposed to root out Heathenisme out of the Kingdome but was hindered by wars with the emperour Severus There after about the year 277 King Cratilinth intended a Reformation but was much hindered by the heathenish Priests called Druides from their sacrificing in groves under oaks as some suppose who by their subtyle insinuations power had much influence upon the people yet the Lord did seconde the intentions of this good King sent several worthy men both ministers privat Christians from the South parts of Britan where the Nynth Tenth Persecution under Aurelius Disclesian did rage these for their single retired life were called Culdees quasicultores Dei more probably then because of their living in Cels and this work continowed till about the year 360 then did meet with a great interruption by reason of civill wars wherby the land was wasted all thâ—… Scots banished untill about the year 420 when Fergus the second came into Scotland whose son Ewen sent for the exiled Culdees gave them great encouragement they did set themselves to their worke And this continowed untill about the year 452 when Palladius being sent into Britaine by Pope Celestin came into Scotland who by his subtile insinuationâ—… did gaine so much upon the simple people as that in a short time he moved them to consent unto a change of the governement of the church into Prelacy himself became the Arch prelate But befor this Palladius came Scotland never saw a Prelate if our ancient Historiographers be to be beleeved such as Balcus in his Historie of the Britons c. cent 14. cap 6. saying Ante palladium Scoti c. befor Palladius came the Scots had their Bishops ministers by the ministry of the word of God chosen by the suffrage of the people after the custome of those of Asia but those things did not please the Romanes Beda in his History of England Lib. 1. who sayeth Palladiuâ—… ad Scotos c. i. e. Palladius was sent unto the Scots who beleeved in Christ by Celestin the Pope of Rome as their first Bishop Prosper in his Chron ad An. 436 saying Ad Scotos c. i e. unto the Scots then beleeving in Christ Palladius is ordained by Pope Celestin sent thither the first Bishop Iohn Fordon in his Scottish Chronic. lib. 3. c. 8. saying Ante Palladis adventum c. i. e befor the coming of Palladius the Scots had for teachers of the faith ministers of the Sacraments presbiters onely or Monks following the customes of the primitive church Iohannes Major speaking of the same Palladius who sayeth per sacerdotes monaches c. i. e. the Scots were instructed in the Christian faith by Priests Monks without any Bishop and Buchanan who sayeth nam ad id usque tempus c. i. e. to that very time speaking of Palladius coming into Scotland changing the governement the churches were ruled by monks without Bishops It is true Spotiswood in his late History would make the world beleeve that in the dayes of the Culdees there was no governement in the Church of Scotland but Prelaticall because Boetius sayeth that those priests or Culdees were wont for their better governement to elect some out of their number by common suffrage to be chief principall among them without whose knowledge consent nothing was done in any mater of importance that the person so elected was called Scotorum Episcopus farther as if his bare dissenting from Buchan would be enongh to blast the reputation weaken the credite of that Renowned Historian he sayeth p. 7. of his History what warrant he i. e. Buchan
had to write so I know not except he did build upon that which Iohannes Major sayeth But from the instruction of the Scots in the faith to conclude that the Church after it was gathered had no other for me of governement will not stand with reason for be it as they speak that by the travelle of some pions monks the Scots were first converted unto Christ it cannot be said that the Church was ruled by monks seing long after those times it was not permitted to monks to medle with the maters of the Church nor were they reckoned among the Clergy thus he To which it is easily answered 1. That the sole word of a late Historian of an Excommunicated forsworne Prelate speaking in his own cause will have lesse weight with every rationall man then the Testimony of so many famous eminent Historyographers known through the world 2. All the Prelat's logick will not conclude from these words of Boetius that there was Episcopall governement among the Culdees if Boetius himself may be heard whom all are bound to beleeve better then this Prelate who reasoneth according to his skill for he lib. 7. c. 28. sayeth erat Palladius primus omnium c. i. e. Palladius was the first of all who did bear holy Magistracy among the Scots being made Bishop by the great Pope thus he affirmeth clearly that Palladius was the first who had Episcopall Power or exercised a Magistraticall domineering power in Church maters 3. Could Buchanan a man many stages beyond the Arch-prelate know no reason or ground for what he said but what this Archprelat could perceave who had no will to open his Eyes 4. As this Archprelat doeth wrong his own credite as an Historian when without warrant he contradicteth so many famous Historians so doeth he discover much weakness in reasoning for to say that the monks did not governe the Church befor Palladius landed in Scotland because after Palladius came they were putt out of all accompt got not liberty to do so is such a ridiculous consequence as can hardly be paralleled as if one should reason now say the Church of Scotland was not governed by Ministers befor the year 1661. becaus after Bishops got all the power into their hands the Ministers had no power of governement in the Church Much more might be said here against the reasoning of this late Historian were it sitt to insist upon every such frivolous argument of his So then from these forocited Historians from Baronius in his Annal it appeareth that the Church of Scotland was severall hundereths of years without a domineering Prelate after this time that this Palladius came she was still in a decaying condition through the increase of popery which at length did overspread the whole land in which Romish darkness she did ly untill about the year 1494. About which time the Lord began to visite that poor Church with his salvation to cause some light of the Gospel to break up in severall places of the land but no sooner did the light appear but as soon did those Antichristian Prelats vassals of the Pope begin to rage to raise persecution against the young professors of the truth followers of the lamb so with fire faggot they sought to destroy all who prosessed the true Religion untill about the year 1550. when notwithstanding of all this rage cruelty of the Beast his followers the knowledge of the trueth did spread through the land a farther worke of Reformation began to he caryed on by worthies whom the Lord raised up such as famous Mr Knox others who were singularly owned of God in that work Though Mr Spotiswood according to his usuall maner of mistaking the works of God of venting his enmity to piety purity is pleased in the 60. page of his history to say that this Reformation was violent disorderly And albert at that time the Queen was endevouring by all means possible to keep up the Idolatry of Rome to suppresse the Reformed Religion so powerfully did the Lord in his goodness assist these worthves that in the year 1560. there was a large Confession of Faith drawn up at the command of the Parlament which did conveen that year in which Confession all the Popish errours were renounced after it was exhibited to the Parliament there read when it was read the Prelats who were there present had not one word to speak against it which when the Earle of Marshall did perceave he said Seing the Bishops who by their learning can for the zeal they should have to the truth would gain say if they knew any things repugnant say nothing against the said Confession I cannot but thinke that it is the very truth of God Thus this Confession was openly avowed professed by this Parliament as is clear by the act 6. parl 1. King Ja. 6. Au. 1567. act 86. par 6. An. 1579. where these words are found in both acts and decerns declairs that all sundry who either gainesayeth the word of the Evangell receaved approved as the heads of the Confession of faith professed in parliament of befor in the year of God 1560. At this Parliament there are severall acts made against popery as against the Masse against the Popes authority jurisdiction for such as were for the Reformation or the Congregation as they were then called did supplicate that they would condemne the Antichristian doctrine would restore the Discipline of the ancient Church discharge the popes jurisdiction accordingly as was said there is an act made ordaining that the Bishop of Rome called the Pope have no jurisdiction nor authority within the Realme in any time coming and that no Bishop or other prelate of the Realme use any jurisdiction in time coming by the said Bishop of Romes authority under the pain c. which was afterwards ratified by severall acts in the dayes of King James And thus by act of Parliament the Reformed Religion is established the church governement by Prelats is virtually discharged because Prelats then had no power but what they had from Rome when the current is cut off at the head it must needs cease in the streams But this will be the more clear if we consider how the Reformers were dealing for the establishment of Discipline together with the Doctrine knowing that the doctrine would not be long keeped pure if the Popish discipline governement were still retained upon this the great council giveth a charge dated April 29 1560. requiring commanding them in the name of the Eternall God as they would answer in his presence to committ to writing in a book deliver their judgements touching the Reformation of Religion which heretofore in this Realme as in others hath been utterly corrupted According unto which charge the first Booke of Discipline as it was called in which book the governement
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
professeth repentance with such solemne obtestations as affected the whole Assembly Upon this the sentence is delayed the presbitery of Glasgow is appointed to advertise the provinciall Synod of Lothian who were ordained to excommunicate him in case he relapsed And as they feared so he returned to his vomit with violence intended to enter the pulpit when the presbitery according to the appointment of the Generall Assembly were beginning a processe against him the Laird of Minto provost of the Town presented a warrant from his Maj. to stay the processe when they were going on he pulleth forth Mr. Iohn Howeson minister at Cambuslang Moderator imprisoned him in the Tolbooth But for all this Mr. Montgomery is excommunicated by Mr. Iohn Davidson the same was intimated in all the Churches The council declareth the sentence null against this the Ministers of Edenburgh give open testimonies in their preaching for this cause they are commanded to remove out of the Town within the space of twenty fowre houres At this time there was an Assembly sitting at Edenburgh who send some of their number with a supplication to his Majesty wherein they shew That indeed he was the Head of the Commonwealth but onely a member of the Church as a châ—…f member he should have the chief care thereof but now it was not so thâ—…r decrees are resâ—…inded they are forced by his servants Ministers are drawâ—…e out of pulpits that he was playing the pope usurping both the swords and when they come present it unto the Council the Earle of Arran cryeth out if there were any that durst subscribe the same where upon Mr. Andro Melvin answereth we dare taking a penne out of the clerks hand sayeth to his brethren who were commissionated with him comeforward so he they did subscribe the same This storme is not yet blowne over for the next year 1583. Mr. Andro Melvin is summoned before the Council for saying in his preaching That ministers should presente to princes the example of their predecessours as Daniel did the exemple of Nebuchadnâ—…zar to Belteshar But now if any should hold forth what evill King James the third got by a company of flatterers it would be presently said that he had gone from his text must be accused of treasone But when he compeareth he declineth their judgement affâ—…ming that what was spoken in pulpit ought first to be tried by the presbytery that they could not in primâ instantià medle therewith But they proceed though they could get nothing proven for his declining he is commanded to the Castle of Edenburgh then to Blackness but being advertised of his danger by his friends he retireth unto Berwick Annâ—… 1584. the storme groweth to a height for in May there is a parliament suddainly conveened which dischargeth all Church judicatories giveth the King power over all causes civil and ecclesiastick dischargeth all declining of the King his Council in any mater civil or ecclesiastick under the paine of treason also all Ministers to meddle in sermons with the affairs of his Highness his Estate see act 129 130 131 134. of the 8. parl of King James sixt when Mr David Lindsay Minister at Leith was sent by his brâ—…thren to intreatâ—…the King to paâ—…e no act in prejudice of the Church he is committed to Blackness there detained prisoner 47. weeks And Mrs Andro Polwart Patrick Galloway Iames Carmichel are denounced rebels are forced to flee into England So are the Ministers of Edinburgh forced to retire leaving an Apology behinde them But for all this when the acts of this Parliament were publishing Mr Robert Pont protested taking Instruments that the Church should not be obliged to yeeld obedience thereunto being denounced rebell he fleth into England Now is Mr Montgomery established Bishop of Glasgow one Mr Adamson as naughty vicious as any is setled in St Andrews no sooner get they up their head but as soon they execute their tyranny rage against the rest of the Ministry compelling them to promise obedience to them as their ordinaries under the paine of banishment confinement imprisonement deposition sequestration of their stipends Whereupon many in this day of trial did faint subscribe thinking it a sufficient salvo to adde according to the Word of God but afterward mourned for it Now none durst pray for the Ministers who had fled under the paine of treason so dark a day was this But neer the end of the next year there is a change as Court the Ministers returne a Parliament is called at Lithgow but nothing is done in favours oâ—… the Church At length 1586. the King was desirous to have some setling in the Church appointeth a Conference in February at Halyâ—…od house where some articles were drawne up referred to the General Assembly As 1. That the Bishop should have a care of one flock 2. That some Ministers should be added to him without whose counsell he should do nothing 3. His doctrine should be examined by the meeting 4. His power should be of Order not of Jurisdiction 5. Beside his own Church he might have the inspection of moe when the Assembly meeteth in May they could not assent to all these articles yet at length seeing they could not have all which they desired they accorde to this that both Bishops and Commissioners should be subject to the triall of the Generall Assembly that where they did reside they should moderate provinciall Synods Presbyteries in the meane time the order of the Presbyteries was sett down they proceed to examine the processe of Mr Adamson who had declined the provincial Synod of St Andrews he submitteth And the next year Anno 1587. Mr Montgomery resigned his place so was absolved from the sentence of Excommunication by the Assembly When the Parliament doth conveen this year Anno 1587. there are some Prelats who would sit there in name of the Church but when the Church perceived this Mrs David Lindsay Robert Pont were sent to desire that they might be removed as having no authority from the Church the most of them no function in it at all The prelats finding themselves now in a staggering condition thought it was their best to ingratiate themselves in his Majesties favour thereby secure themselves in their places therefore condiscended unto the Act of Annexation of all the Temporalites of benefices unto the Crown which was a dilapidating of the Church rents It is true Spotiswood putteth another face upon this busines in his History but the man could change with the times speake another thing in his English History then he durst speak in his Latine refutation for there he sayeth In summâ Ecclesiasticorum persidià proximis Comitâ—…is Anno 1587. transacta decreto ordinum actibus intervenientibus insinuata Nam Episcopi durissima quaeque à fratrâ—…bus
onely to the prophets 2. The libertie of the Church and Discipline presently exercised was confirmed by diverse acts of Parliament and the office-bearers were now in peaceable Possession thereof And this he did and a Copy hereof was sent through the Presbiteries to see if they would owne the same and in testimonie of their chearfull hearty owning therof it was subscribed by three or fowre hundereth Ministers This displeased the King so that he by open proclamation commanded the Commissioners of the Church to depart out of Edenburgh within twenty fowr houres under the paine of rebellion but notwithstanding of this they resolve to stay to see that the Church priviledges should not be wronged send some of their number to speake to his Mâ—…j unto whom he answered that if Mr. Black would passe from his Declinature or if they would declare that the Declinature was not a generall but onely a particular one used in Mr. Blacks case alone as being a cause of slander pertaining to the judgement of the Church he would passe from the pursuite of Mr. Black But after consultation the Comissioners resolved to adhere unto the Declinature unlesse his Maj. would passe from the processe remitt the same unto the Church Judicatory would make an act of Councill declareing that no minister should be charged for his preaching c. Whereupon the King charged the Commissioners of new to depart caused cite Mr. Black unto the last of November withall dischargeth all Barons Gentlemen others to meet with ministers in their Church assemblies without his licence When the day of Mr Blacks compearance cometh the Commissioners presente a supplication desiring them to remitt the question unto the Judge competent but the Councill goeth on therefore they protest that the processe in hand whatsoever followed thereupon should not prejudge the liberty of the Church in maters of Doctrine Afterward the King sendeth unto the Commissioners shewing he would be content with Mr. Blacks simple declaration of the truth But worthy Mr. Bruce answered That if the mater did touch Mr Black alone they were content but the liberty of Christs Kingdome had received such a wound by the Proclamations published the last Satterday that day by the usurpation of the Council that if Mr Blacks life the life of twenty others had been taken it had not grieved the hearts of the godly so much that either these things behoved to be retreated or they would oppose so long as they had breath Then the King condiscended to publish by a Declaration that he would not diminish any lawfull power or liberty which they or their Assemblies had either by the Word of God or lawes of the land that the proclamation discharging Barons others to meet with ministers was onely meaned of their meeting in armes that the Interloquâ—…tor of the Council should not be used against Mr Black or any other minister untill a lawfull General Assembly providing that Mr Black would declare in his presence the truth of the points libelled before some ministers But afternoon the Kings minde was found changed because Mr Black would not acknowledge an offence he is condemned by the Council his punishment is remitted to the King till his pleasure were known he is confined Then there is a bond devised to be subscribed by all the ministers under the paine of the lose of their stipends The tenor wherof followeth Wee the Pastors ministers of Gods word undersubscribing humbly acknowledging our duty to God obedience to the King our Souveraigne Lord whom for conscience cause we ought to obey Confesse that his Grace is soveraigne Judge to us each one of us in all causes of sedition treason other criminal civill maters to all our speaches which may import the saids crimes albeit uttered by any of us publickly in the pulpits which God forbid or in any other place that the said pulpits nor any other place whatsoever hath not that priviledge immunity to be occasion or pretence to any of us of declining of his Maj judgement in any of the saids civill or criminall causes intended against us in any time coming but rather that our offence is the greater incase which God forbid any of us commit such crimes in the saids pulpits before the people where the word of Gods truth salvation should be preached by us to our flocks In witness wherof of the humble acknowledgement of our duty in the premisses we have subscribed these presents with our hands are content that the famine be registrat in the books of secret Councell in futuram rei memoriam But faithfull ministers refused upon all hazards to subscribe the same seeing that it was a crossing of their Declinatour contrarie to the acts of the Generall Assembly to the acts of Parliament made in favours of the Church yea to the word of God because by this bond they should have acknowledged the King to be both supreme onely Judge over ministers in all causes so to have power of Judging deposing them yea of judging trying their preaching if it be but coloured with treason sedition of schisme in the Church which is sedition and seeing thereby they should be bound up from faithfull dealing in the name of the Lord because they saw it was devysed of purpose as a snare to their consciences After this Anno 1596. the king driveth on his designe indicteth an Assembly at perth formeth 55 problemes by which the Discipline of the Church formerly established was questioned to be there debatéd these problems with the following Historie at more length are to be seen in the Historie penned by Reverend laborious Mr Petry therefore a short relation shall suffice here being perswaded by his Courtiours that he should never gaine his purpose till first he took some course to breake the Union of the Church he prevaileth with Mr Patrik Galloway Mr Iames Nicolson who had been chief a little before in advising Mr Black to decline causeth Sr Patrick Murray deal with the ministers of the North to subscribe the bond to choose such such persons to the meeting at Perth and when the time of meeting cometh these Commissioners from the North were seen going in companies to the king Mr Nicolson was with the king till mid-night They were for all this two dayes in debating whether they were a lawfull Generall Assembly but honest men protested against it The meeting at length condiscendeth to these particulars 1. That no minister should reprove his maiesties lawes acts or ordinances untill such time as first he had by advyce of Presbitery Synod or Assembly complained or sought remedy of the same 2. That none should be named in pulpit except the fault were notour by the persons being fugitive convicted by ane Assise Excommunicated contumacious after citation or lawfull
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
flee About this time in other pairts of the Kingdome the ministers honest people who were urged could not give obedience resolved to follow a more regular way and to supplicat the Councell to give in a note of the errours contained in these books which accordingly they did so from severall pairts of the Kingdome there came Ministers professours with supplications sheweing how erroâ—…ons both the liturgy the other books were how dangerous a thing it was to bring in Innovations in a Church how the Reformed Churches of Austria were undone by the violent obtiusion of a liturgy how in the time of Charles the Great the Church was miserably rent some adhering to the Ambrosian Liâ—…gy others choosing the Romane of Oregorian Liturgy how dangerous it was to change the Worship bring in a worse how the King foure years before at his Coronation did solemly swear that he would alter nothing in the Kingdome of Scotland without the free consent advice of those having Interest Unto these Supplications the Councill at first gave a favourable answere told that it was not their minde to presse the publick use of these books that they had forbidden the Bishops to presse the use of these books any more that they had signified their minde to his Maj were expecting a returne The petitioners likewise sent their supplications to his Maj. with the Duke of Lennox who was then returning to London withall did wreastle with God by prayer faâ—…ing that he would incline the Kings heart to hearken unto their just desires would frustrate the endeavours of their adversaries But when the expresse cometh from his Maj. all the answere they get is an Edict published Octobr 18. commanding them to go out of the towne of Edenburgh within few hours under the paine of Rebellion When the Petitioners see this the next day they resolve to act all together joyntly that his Maj. might know it was not a few Puritanes as the impure Prelats were pleased to nickname them but a great mulitude of his Maj. most loyall subjects of all ranks who were dissatisfied And they draw up a complaint against the prelats desire liberty of the Councell to pursue them legally as being the onely authors of the Book of Canons liturgy which containe the seeds of Superstition Idolatry as being guilty of many other crimes that under the highest perrill And withall they shew the Councell that they could not leave the towne untill they saw some course taken for delivering the land from the present imminent dangers When the Councell saw that the number of the Petitioners was great dayly increasing fearing the worst they desired the petitoners would choose some of their number as their Commissioners to prosecute their business that the multitude might depairt this was yeelded unto But ere long the Councell is discharged by an Expresse from his Maj. to meddle any more in that matter Whereupon the Supplicants are necessitated to draw up a Protestation declaring that if any tumult arose through their prosecution of the Cause the Councell onely might be blamed as refusing justice When the Counsell heareth of this they resolve to hear the desire of the Commissioners advise the Bishops to withdraw themselves When the Commissioners compeer they show their Intention was to prosecute their business against the Prelats whom they would prove guilty of grievous crimes under the highest perrill therefore desired the prelats might be excluded it not being fit that parties should be judges The Councell because of the forementioned Expresse might do nothing Onely they write to his Maj. who thereafter sendeth for the Earle of Traquair but he for fear of the Prelats did misrepresent the Cause of the Supplicants returned with a Proclamation from his Maj. which he caused publish at Sterlin where the Councell was sitting in Febr. 1638 In which Proclamation the King owned the books which the petitioners did supplicat against and condemned the meetings of the Supplicants as conspiracies contrary to the lawes of the Land Against this the petitioners prepared a Protestation a copy wherof was affixed at the Crosse of Sterlin herein protested against these Books as full of errours as Innovations against their refusing to receive libells against the Prelats against the High Commission Court obtruded on Scotland contrary to the fundamentall lawes of the land without any Municipall law That prelate should not be judges in their own cause And that all their own meetings were lawfull And that they could not forbear with a good conscience unlesse they should wrong the Glory of God the honour of his Maj. the liberties of kirk Kingdome And because they were commanded to depart forth of the town of Sterlin they go together towards Edenburg there after serious thoughts they finde the maine procureing cause of all these calamities to be the violation of the Nationall Covenant therefore unanimously they resolve to renew that Covenant accordingly they draw it up with some explicatory additions confirmations out of the acts of Parliament binde themselves to adhere unto defend the true Religion forbearâ—…g the practise of all novations already introduced in the matters of the worship of God or approbation of the corruptions of the publick government of the Kirke or civill places power of Kirkmen till they be tried allowed in free Assemblies in Parliaments to labour by all meanes lawfull to to recover the purity liberty of the Gospell as it was established professed before the foresaid Innovations promise swear to continoâ—… in the profession and obedience of the foresaid Religon â—…resist all contrarie errours and corruptions ând that they had no intention to attempt any thing that might turne to the dishonour of God or to the diminution of the Kings greatness and authority and to defend themselves mutually in the same cause c. When the Covenant is thus drawn up it was subscribed by all present copies thereof were sent to such as were absent being read in the Churches was heartily embraced sworne subscribed with tears great joy Great was this day of the Lords power for much willingness chearfulness was among the people so as in a short time few in all the land did refuse except some Papists some aspiring Courteours who had no will to displease the King some who were addicted unto the English rites Ceremonies some few Ministers who had sworne the oath at their entry which was mentioned Anno 1612. Yea such willingness was among the nobles others that they had their own copies of the Covenant subscribed by others of the Nobles Barons ministry laid up in their Charter chists where possibly many of them are at this day When matters are at this passe the Prelats do animate his Maj. to a war and the Covenanters desireing his Maj. might be rightly
is one that are so intrusted by law to call for such promises engadgments do search into mens apprehensions concerning the grounds of their power or not yet the very promiseing of obedience in things lawfull for in things unlawfull obedience must not be promised to any lawfull power under heaven is an acknowledgment of the lawfulnesse of their power of subjection as due unto them an owneing of them as lawfull officers lawfully installed authorized because this could not be done therefore neither could the other be done He replyeth 1. It is not obedience under a reduplication and as formally obedience they call for If it be obedience materiall they are satisfied Ans. And what more doth the most lawfull power under heaven ask do they search into the principles of mens doing such such acts do they examine the reduplications under which they act But. 2. Whether they call for it under that reduplication or not It is reall obedience they call for and. 3. The promiseing of obedience under whatsoever reduplication hath in its bosome an acknowledging of the lawfulnesse of the authority calling for such obedience He replyeth 2. Suppose it were so that obedience as formally obedience were required yet it were hard to say it could not be promised or that it could not be acknowledged that they have any laâ—…full authority for looking upon them as the Kings Maj. commissioners in causes ecclesiasticke for regulating the externall order of the Church in their severall bounds and impowered by the law of the land so to do the strickest presbyterians will not finde ground to disowne their office in that consideration Ans. Then 1. Prelats are nothing else but the Magistrats commissioners have no power or authority jure divino by any warrant of Gods law more then any other of the Magistrat's commissioners 2. whence had the prelats in the first three hundered yeers if so be there was any such as this author is bold enough to affirme but faileth in his undertaking to prove it their commission had they it from Nero the rest of the persecuting heathenish Emperours and if they had no commission from them whence had they their power or by what commission did they act or how could they be Bishops without such a commission How will this advocat extricate himself out of these difficulties evite a contradiction But. 3. If they be the Magistrat's commissioners in causes ecclesiasticke their power must reach no further then the Magistrats power doth in Church causes viz the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 or his externall order If he streach it no surder How then cometh it to passe that they meddle with more then what concerneth the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 or will hâ—… say that all the causes which prelats as prelats meddle with are but such ecclesiasticke causes As are for the regulating the externall order of the Church Then he must say that their chief power in ordination their chief if not only power in jurisdiction floweth from the Magistrat by vertue of his commission they act in that sphaere capacity and if he say so he speaketh plainely but without any ground in the word for then Magistrats might ordaine alone at least have a chief hand in ordaineing with others for what they may commissionate others to do in their name they may do themselves But how or what way shall we see this proved Where will he shew any example of any Magistrat as such ordaineing or deposeing Ministers censureing or excommunicating Offenders since the World began What a wilde notion must this be then And if this be the Basis which is so rotten let any judge what the superstructure must be It were tedious here to lanch forth into this debate concerning the Magistrats power in Church matters But sure it was never the doctrine of the Church of Scotland noâ—… of any reformed Church that what power the Prelats challenge to themselves as such did primarily belong unto reside in the hand of the civill Magistrat might be derived by commission from him unto them And this must be granted as a truth if it be once said that prelats Act in Church matters by vertue of a commission from the supreme Magistrat for a commission is distinct from a command the supreme Magistrat may command ministers to preach baptize do what himself cannot do for the doing whereof ministers borrow no power from him but he cannot propperly give them any commission for that effect The giving of a commission importeth the conveyance of a power for effectuating that which is to be done by the commissioner and that the person granting the commission might himself do that which he commissionateth others to do See this consequence fully cleared by famous Voctius Polit Eccles. pag. 146. arg 12. But now if there were no more to hinder any from acknowledging such a power in the prelats this is sufficient that it is granted they have all that power over presbyters by being his Maj. commissioners that they have all that power derived from him consequently that they have no such power at all because he from whom they derive that power by a commission hath no such power himself The confession of faith of the Church of Scotland acknowledgeth no such power in the civill Magistrat The scriptureâ—… by which all are to regulat their actions in the Church of God giveth warrand for no such power No reformed divine except Arminians Erastians doth acknowledge any such power nor any confession of faith of any of the reformed Churches Behold then Reader see what monsters the Prelats are swollen up to that bignesse with mere winde phancies observe by what art they ascend They make the supreme Magistrat beleeve that all the power belongeth unto him to the end he may devolve it back againe over on them by a commission so authorize them according to that Tu facis hunc dominum te facit ille deum Thus you see they derive their power a non-habente potestatem from such as have it not to give therefore their commission is simpliciter null cannot be acknowledged by any faithfull minister or Christian Nor can their power be submitted unto And hence also it is clear what reason these honest Ministers had to refuise this acknowlegment not to take the canonicall oath which was so contradictory unto the oath of the Covenant But he replyeth That there is no contradiction betwixt the covenant and that canonicall oath or promise of obedience to the prelate because Timorcus who is tender in the matter of oaths maintaineth that the ministers who of old took the canonical oath did not swear the contradictory there to when they took the covenant whâ—…nce it will follow necessaryly that they who have taken the Covenant do not contradict that oath if they should take the oath of canonical obedience Ans. Though this canonicall oath should not contradict the second
year 1662. or in time comeing as having no right thereto and that they do not acknowledge them for their lawfull pastours in repaireing to their sermones under the paine of being punished as frequenters of private conventicles meetings commanding chargeing the saids Ministers to remove themselves their families out of their parishes betuixt the first day of Novemb. thereafter not to reside within the bounds of their respective presbyteries This was very sad threatening no lesse then ruine to Ministers and their poor families to be put from their houses in the middest of winter to seek new places of abode not having the small stipend which was due to them allowed for to transport their families with all or to provide themselves in necessaries But yet they resolved to cast themselves on Gods providence trusting in his word accounting it better to suffer affliction with the people of God to enjoy peace of conscience then to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season and accordingly did remove themselves By which meanes there were some hundereds of parishes left destitute the shepherds were scattered up down the land seeking a sheltering place for themselves It was a sad lamentable sight to see the sad farewell betwixt the loving pastor his beloved floke the teares the cryes and the bitter groanes that were there Now were the breasts pulled from the mouthes of the young infants the table was drawne the people were made to wander up downe the mountaines seeking the word of the Lord could not finde it they had silent Sabbaths empty pulpites some countrey sides were hereby laid utterly desolate And what could these faithfull Ministers do in this case but sigh groan to God seeing they could not in conscience yeeld obedience unto these commands therefore they resolved to be subject for conscience sake and to submit unto the punishment of banishment out of the bounds of the presbytery where they lived which was afterward made more sad for they were commanded to remove Twenty miles from their own parish Church Six miles from a a cathedrall three or foure miles from a brugh Now judge o reader whether this cruelty would not have more beseemed Turks how little cause there was for all this severity rigour to Ministers who had been endeavouring with some measure of faithfulnesse On their part fruitfulnesse through the Lor'ds blessing on their labours to enlarge the Kingdome of Iesus Christ to build up poor souls in their most holy faith because they would not give obedience unto such Acts as were but snares for the conscience to which obedience could not be yeelded without sin SECTION X. The oath of Alleagiance explained as to its civil part some reasons Against the taking thereof even upon that account adduced The act rescissory his Maj. prerogative canvassed AFter that there were some other Ministers whom the forementioned Acts did not reach removed out of some of the chief cities Brevi manu without any processe There are some wayes devised how moe of these might be removed with some colour or pretext therefore some Six or Seven were called before the Parliament at their second session and because they refused to take the oath which was tendered they were sentenced with banishment by act of Parliament ordained to remove off the Kingdome so soon as his Maj. commissioner should signify his minde the reanent But this sentence was not put in execution possibly because they saw an inconsistencie betuixt this deed an Act which they had made the former year in their first session By which all such as refuised to take that oath were to be uncapable of any publicke trust to be looked upon as persones disaffected to his Maj authority government this was all But in Decemb. 1662. The privy councell called some other Ministers before them tendered the oath unto them because of their refuiseing of the same they banished them out of all his Maj. dominions then gave them a bond to subscribe wherein they did binde themselves to remove out of all his Maj. dominions within a moneth not to returne under the paine of death otherwayes they would commit them to close imprisonment there keep them untill they had occasion to send them elswhere Whereupon these Ministers saw a necessity of subscribeing that bond of banishment Though it was very hard to binde themselves to remove within so short a time that in the midst of winter But strange it is that when the King himself by his oath at his coronation is bound to rule the land by the lawes and constitutions received therein This his councell which by the fundamentall lawes of the land as appeareth by the 12 Act of the 2 parliam of King Iames 4. whereby they are first established is to give his highness a true and essauld counsell in all matters concerning his Maj. and his realnie and to be responsall and accusable to the King and his estates of their counsell so is a judicatory subordinat unto the Parliament accountable to censur able by them would banish such as the lawes of the land did not account worthy of banishment whether they would do right if they should punish with death such a fault as by the Established lawes of the land deserved only to be punished by a fine or a summe of money let lawyers judge whether this be not an arbitrary illegall power which they have assumed any that considereth what is said the act 27. of the 2. Parliam of Char. 1. may judge possibly it was for this cause that they resuised to give an extract of their sentence although it was humbly craved But to clear what good grounds there were yet are for refuiseing to take that oath Let first the oath it self be considered compared with the former oath of alleagiance The oath now tendered is thus worded in the acts of this Parliament severall times I for testification of my faithfull obedience to my most gracious redoubted soveraigne Charles King of Great-Britaine france Irland c. affirme testify declare by this my solemne oath That I acknowledge my said soveraigne only supreme governour of this Kingdom over all persones in all causes that no forraigne prince power or state or person civill or â—…elesiasticke hath any jurisdiction power or superiority over the same and therefore do utterly reâ—…nce all forâ—…aigne power jurisdictions authorities shall at my out most power defend assist maintaine his Maj. jurisdiction foâ—…elaid against all deadly shall never decline his Maj. power jurisdiction as I shall answer to God This is the oath which they call the oath of alleagiance but is indeed very far different therefrom as will easily appear to any who will compare the same with that oath of alleagiance which King Iames treateth of in his dialogue
displeasure of many at court when Ministers were freely rebuking sin in about the court they were accounted railers traitours And being accused of treason before the King his Councill They declined them as incompetent Judges Upon this account in this houre of darknesse by the meanes of the Earle of Arran This Parliament is suddenly called wherby there were two Parliaments in one year 1584. the one meeting May 22. the other which is called the ninth Parliament as the former was called the eight Agust 22. which granteth this supremacy to the King over persones ecclesiastick for formalities sake civil therefore in the end of that act it is declared to be treason to decline his Maj. or his Council in any case So then the question was not betwixt the King the Parliament But betwixt the King or his Councel the Church in spirituall matters It is true also that in the 1. Act of Parliament 18. Anno 1606. His Maj. soveraigne authority Princely power Royall prerogative and privilege of his Crowne over all Estates persones and causes whatsoever is acknowledged But this act is of the same nature with the former no prerogative over above the Estates of Parliament is acknowledged here to belong properly to the Crown And moreover these words are but faire flourishes parliamentary complements Finally the prerogative here spoken of is founded upon personal qualifications where with they say he was endued far beyond his predecessours such as extraordinary graces most rare and excellent vertues singular judgment for sight Princely wisdome the like these may be wanting in one possessing the crowne therefore it could not be the minde of the Parliament to give a supremacy founded upon such qualifications to these who had not those qualifications so they could not annex it unto the Crowne 9. Together with these particulars let this be considered That in 3 Article of the league Covenant they did all swear Sincerly really and constantly in their severall vocations to endeavour the preservation of the rights and privileges of the Parliaments And then it shall appear that there was good ground of scrupleing at that oath which as explained by their acts tendeth to the overturning of those rights privileges For none who desired to make conscience of the oath of the Covenant might swear an oath so apparently opposite thereunto It is true those questions concerning the power of Princes Parliaments are dark ticklish Ministers not being lawyers by profession can not be supposed to be well acquanted with the lawes constitutions of the realme or with the nature extent of the same in all points Yet it concerneth them to see to this that they run not themselves upon the rocks of contradictory oaths And having sworne to endeavour in their places callings the preservation of the rights privileges of Parl. it concerneth them all not alitle to search so far into the rights privileges of Parl. as that they may know when an oath is tendered unto them which crosseth the same being once engadged in an oath in a matter not sinfull not to change or to swear that which destroyeth contradicteth the former oath But leaving those things not laying more weight on them then they will bear other particulars more weighty pressing must be spoken to therefore let it be considered 10. What dreadfull consequences will follow upon the taking of this oath thus explained as to its civil part by the forementioned act concerning the prerogative other acts now to be mentioned as 1. A condemning of the convention of Estates Anno 1643. conform to the Act 6. of this Parliament 2. A condemning of the Parliaments Anno 1640 1641 1644 1645 1646 1647 1648. conforme to their Act 15. as also the committees Parliaments thereafter Anno 1649 1650 1651. conforme to their Act 9. 3. A condemning of all the Acts made by these Parliaments conforme to their Act 3. 4. A condemning of all the meetings Councells Conventions of the subjects at the beginning of the late work of Reformation conforme to their 4 Act. 5. A condemning of the League Covenant conforme to their Act 7. 6. A condemning of Scotlands joyning with helping of England in the day of their straite conforme to their Act 7. 7. A condemning of the renueing of the Nationall Covenant Anno 1638 1639. conforme to the last words of the 11 Act. 8. A condemning of the Generall Assembly 1638 severall others thereafter conforme to their 4 Act. 9. A condemning of Scotlands riseing in armes in their own defence against the Popish Prelaticall malignant Party conforme to their 5 Act. 10. A condemning of their seizing upon forts castles in their own defence conforme to the said 5 Act. Was there not then cause to scruple at the taking of this oath which would have imported a condemning of all those things sure there was as shall be showne in speaking to each of the particulars mentioned Now it is clear that the taking of this oath would have imported a condemning of all these particulars from this That the Parliament doth condemne all these mentioned particulars as the acts specified do clear because done without his Maj consent which ought say they to have been had by vertue of his prerogative royall and supremacy the perogative doth explaine his supremacy in things civill as shall be showne more fully hereafter But to come to the particulars first There was no ground for condemning that convention of Estates 1643. notwithstanding that the Kings consent was not had therto 1. Because in poynt of conscience the Estates of the land being essentially judges are bound when the publict affaires of the Kingdom do require to conveen consult thereanent when Religion lawes liberties are in hazard when the necessitie is such as will admit of no delay pure legall formalities of state must be dispensed with when they cannot be gotten followed as in this case it was clear The true protestant religion his Maj. honour the peace of the Kingdomes were in hazard by papists their adherents in armes in England Irland The King refuised to call a Parliament at that time though he was oftin requeested there unto In this case what could the states of the Land do who were bound by the lawes of God of nature of nations to see to the preservation of the Kingdom to their own interests to religion that should be dearâ—… to them then any thingâ—… else were bound by the law of God to judge governe the land but obey God disâ—…ense with state formalities according to the many examples of the Estates of Scotland before who did conveen in Parliament whether the King would or not as that Parliament which did imprison donald the 70. King the Parliament at Scone which summoned King Culenus before them that Parliament which
obtained a great victory that same year they renewed their Covenant at Brunna in which Covenant the other Ten Cantons at severall times thereafter being oppressed by their Nobles did joyne at length by warre brought themselves into that state of liberty in which they are at this day See for all this Simlerus de Repub. Helvet 12. And lastly they have the practice of the Bohemians who in the Dayes of Wenceslaus Sigismond waged great warres under the conduct of valiant Zizca See Fox's acts monuments Vol. 1. And thereafter in the dayes of Ferdinand they resolved to fight couragiously against all their enemies how great so ever they were But in case some should be so bold as to condemne all those Acts as treacherous rebellious let it be considered 6. That some of those same practices are allowed and approved even by the Kings of Britaine for King Iames in his answer to cardinall perron justifyeth the protestants of France their taking up armes in their own defence Memorable is that speach which King Iames had in the Parliament house Anno 1609. a King sayeth he governing in a setled Kingdome â—…easeth to be a King degenerateth into a tyrant so soon as he leaveth to rule by his lawes much more when he begineth to invade his subjects persones rights liberties to set up an arbitrary power impose unlawfull taxes raise forces make warre upon his subjects whom he should protect rule in peace to pillage plunder waste spoile his Kingdom Imprison murder destroy his people in a hostile manner to capâ—…vat them to hâ—…e pleasure This is a sentence well worthy to come out of a Kings mouth to beâ—…ingraven upon the thrones of Kings princes and doth more then abundantly justify Scotland in their late defensive warre Moreover Queen Elizabeth King Iames both by the publick advice consent of their realmes did give publick aid assistance unto the protestants of France against their King to the Netherlands against the king of Spaine and to the protestants in Germany Bohemia against the Emperour entered into solemne leagues covenants with them if they had been traitours rebells that action of defence utterly unlawfull would those princes have joyned with them in this manner who can think this So did King Charles the first openly avow to aide the protestants in France at Ree Rotchell against their King who was come in armes against them the Germane Princes against the Emperour the Netherlands against the King of Spaine And entered into a solemne league with them for that end All which do aboundantly justify the Scottish defensive warres free Scotland from the aspersion of disloyalty rebellion But moreover 7. It is to be considered That King Charles I. himself hath fully freed them of all these aspersions in his publick Acts in his Parliaments declareing The Scots late taking up armes against him his Consellours in defence of their religion lawes privileges to be no treason nor rebellion them to be his true loyall subjects notwithstanding of all aspersions cast upon them by the Prelaticall Popish party because they had no evill nor disloyall intentions at all against his Maj. person crown dignity but only a care of their own preservation the redresse of these enoâ—…mities pressures grievances in Church state which threatened desolation to both See the acts of oblivion pacification Here is enough to stope the mouthes of all Calumniators to vindicate them to cleare the innocency of their cause before all the Woâ—…d And furder King Charles who now is did approve of the same in his declaration at Dumfermlâ—… which is cited Sect 2. 8. Some of their chief antagonists are forced through the clearnesse of truth to assert such things grant such particulars as will by clear undenyable consequence justify their taking up of armes resisting the armies of their King when they came against then to destroy Religion Lives Lawes Liberties Beside that all of them are forced to speak most in consequently unto their own principles by their concessions do overthrow their own grounds arguments as might easily be made to appear if to discourse at length of this subject were designed now As 1. Iohn Barclay Lib. 4. Cap. 16. he sayeth expresly That if a King will alionate and subjecte his Kingdom to another without his subjects their consent or be carryed with a hostile minde to the destruction of all his people his Kingdom is actually lost and the people may not only lawfully resist and disobey but also depose him This is more then the Scots could desire for they plead not for deposeing or dethroning of kings but only for resisting withstanding them when they carry a hostile minde against them whereof a strong army of strangers marching with armes to their borders after they were contrary to all law declared rebels is as evident a demonstration as can be are seeking the ruine destruction of their own subjects They plead only That in that case the people may are bound before God to defend themselves when their religion which ought to be dearer to them then any thing else is sought to be taken away or altered service books or masse books the like tyrannically obtruded upon them So Contra Monarch lib. 3. c. 8. He granteth that the people have right to defend themselves against great cruelty what greater cruelty could be expected by a nation from their King then to be blocked up by sea land threatened with utter ruine extiâ—…pation unlesse they would sell soull conscience all doth not this speak abundantly for the justifying of them 2. D. Fern. Part. 3. s. 5. acknowledgeth that personall defence is lawfull against the suddaine illegall assaules of the Kings messingers or of himself in so far as to ward off his blowes to held his hands and when the assault is inovitable Now if resistence be lawfull against suddaine assaults much more against premediated deliberated advised assaults If resistence of illegall assaults be lawfull then they cannot be condemned because the assaults of the King's forces were against all law reason for there is no law warranding the King or any other having a commission from him to force popery upon them by armes If resistence be lawfull against inevitable assaults then they are justified for how could they resist the assault of so many thousand armed men but with armed men Yea when he alloweth in such a case that hands may be laid upon the prince he more then justifieth them who never did intend harme to his Maj. person honour but wished sought the saifty preservation thereof by all meanes And againe when he would answere the argument taken from Elisha's resisting of the King he granteth that itis lawfull to resist the Kings cutthroats and what did Scotland more then resist his
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
fit necessary it is for the honour service of almighty God the good quyet of the Church the better government thereof in unity order That there be a National Synod Assembly duely constitut within this kingdome Hath therefore appoynted declared by these presents appoynts declares That there shall be a National Synod of the Church of Scotland And that this Synod for the lawfull members thereof shall consist be constituted of the Archbishops of St Andrews Glasgow the remanent Bishops of these two Provinces of all Deanes of cathedrall Churches Archdeacons of all the moderators of meetings for exercise allowed by the Bishops of the respective dioeceses of one Presbyter or Minister of each meeting to be chosen elected by the moderator plurality of the Presbyters of the same And of one or two from the University of St Andrews one from Glasgow one from the King's colledge one from Marshells colledge of Aberdeen one from Edinburgh And this Synod thus constitut is to meet at such times in such places as his Maj. by his proclamation shall appoynt And is to debate treat consider consult conclude determine upon such pious matters causes things concerning the doctrine worship discipline governement of this Church as his Maj. under his Royal hand shall deliver or cause be delivered to the Archbishop of St Andrews president of the said Nationall Assembly to be by him offered to their consideration The Estates of Parliament do humbly recognosce acknowledge his Maj. Royall power prerogative afore said with the piety justice prudence of his Maj. resolution therein Like as his Maj. with their advice consent doth hereby establish ratify confirme this constitution of a Nationall Assembly as the lawfull constitution of the Nationall Synods Assemblies of this Church His Maj. or his Commissioner without whose presence no Nationall Synod can be keeped being alwayes present declareth that no Act canon order or ordinance shall be owned as an ordinance of the Nationall Synod of the Church of Scotland so as to be of any effect force or validitie in law to be observed keeped by the Archbishops Bishops the inferiour Clergy all other persons within the realme as far as lawfully being members of this Nationall Church it doth concerne them but that which shall be considered consulted agreed upon by the president major part of the members above specified It is alwayes hereby provided that nothing be enacted or put in execution by authority of a Nationall Synod within this Kingdome which shall be contrary to his Maj. Royall prerogative or to the lawes of the Kingdom that no act matter or cause be debated consulted concluded upon but what shall be allowed approved confirmed by his Maj. or his Commissioner present at the said Nationall Synod In which Act these things are remarkable 1. That Church Assemblies may not meet without his warrand 2. The King or his Commissioner are essentiall constituent members thereof 3. That the King hath power to appoynt the very constituent members of the Synod 4. Ruleing elders are excluded out of Church judicatories 5 That the constant moderator hath a more then ordinary voice in the exercise for the member to be chosen there must be elected by him the major part of the rest 6. Nothing can be agreed upon without the consent of the Archbishop of St Andrews thus he hath a negative voice 7. Nothing must be debated either concerning doctrine worshipe discipline or government but what his Maj. pleaseth 8. Nothing must be concluded but what his Maj. or his commissioner doth approve confirme 9 All this is founded on his supremacy 10. And his supreme authority over all persones in all causes his prerogative royall are declared to be all one 5. There is another commission granted for the heigh commission a part whereof followeth Our Soveraigne Lord ordaines a commission to be passed exped under his Maj. great seall of the Kingdome of Scotland making mention That in consideration of the multiplicity weight of Church affaires of the Estate incumbent upon the Lords of privy councell so as they cannot attaine the due execution of the lawes to the effect that the disorders contempt of authority may be timeously suppressed His Maj. by vertue of his prerogative in all causes over all persons as well ecclesiastike as civill has given granted like as his Maj. by the tenor hereof giveth granteth full power commission to the Archbishop of St Andrews The Lord chancellour L. treasurer archbishop of Glasgow Duk Hamilton Marques of Monâ—…se c. or any five of them an Archbishop or Bishop being one of the number To summon and call before them all contemners of the discipline of the Church for that cause suspend deprive and excommunicat all keepers of conventicles c. to appoynt ministers to be censured by suspension and deposition and punished by fineing confineing and incarcerating them and all other persons who shell be found transgressours as aforesaid c. Out of this Act these things are remarkable 1. Here is a mixed court made up of Church men civill men 2. A court medling both with civil ecclesiastick punishments for they have power of deposeing excommunicating fineing and imprisoneing 3. A court founded upon his Maj. prerogative in all causes over all persons as wel ecclesiasticke as civil 4. An Archbishop or Bishop is sâ—…e quo non one of those with four others may do all themselves By what is said something of the meaning of this oath according to their sense who tender it may be discovered the bussinesse being so clear much time needeth not be spent in handling that long tedious controversie concerning the Magistrats power in Church matters Onely a hint at some few things as reasons why this oath thus tendered explained could not be taken will be sufficient 1. By this meanes they should upon the matter have affirmed that the King was head of the Church for it is clear that he assumeth to himself power of appoynting new officers in Christ's house new courts judicatures which Christ did never appoynt of committing Church power to whom he will of appoynting what forme of Government in the Church he thinketh fit modelling the constitution of Church idicatories appoynting who shall be members who not who members siue quibus non of limiting the bounds of their procedour by appoynting what they shall treat of what not of puting life in their canons constitutions c. Thus all Church power shall flow from him he shall become the head of the Church under Christ the same way that he is head of the commonwealth under God And indeed the prelate their creatures are not ashamed in their publick prayers to stile the King head of the Church Now could any faithfull
before what is the judgment of the Church of Scotland in this particular in their preface to the confession of faith 3. There is no expresse command either for seeking or having his expresse consent The reformers of the Church of Scotland never once thought of this but as oft as conveniently they might as necessity urged they keeped Assemblies not only without the consent of the supreme Magistrat but oftimes against their will thinking it their duty to Assemble for the relief of the Church ay untill some difficulty were laid in their way which they could not win over untill some phisicall restraint or some what equivalent were laid upon them 5. It would neither be fit nor saife for them to condemne the worthies who stood so zealously for the truth keeped that Assembly at Aberdeen which occasioned their banishment 2. That the power of convocating indicting of Synods Assemblies doth belong only unto the Magistrat The act for the National Synod doth abundantly cleare this But to assent to this were a palpable wronging of the Church which hath intrinsick power for this needeth not goe out of her self to seek it The Synod which did meet 〈◊〉 15 was not indicted by any civil Magistrat The Church should then be in an irremediable case when the civil Magistrat is an enemy but God hath provided meanes for the saifty preservation of his Church Even when the higher powers are but small friends unto her as oftimes it falleth out see the judicious learned doct Voet de Pol Eccles Pag. 184. Quaest 5. 3. That the power of delegating unto assemblies doth belong to him alone so as he may appoynt all the constituent members thereof according as he pleaseth as the Act for the nationall Synod sayeth he doth that by vertue of his supremacy But this were a grosse wronging robbing of Churches of their power privilege of delegating such as they think fit according to the Example of Antioch sending Paul Barnabas to that Synod Act 15. the practice of the Church in all ages see Voet ubi supra Pag. 187 Quaest. 7. 8. Yea if so the persones delegated should vote in his name not in the name of Christ or of the Church the meeting should not be a pure Church meeting but either wholly politicall or else politico-ecclesiasticall 4. That he might dissolve Church assemblies Synods when he pleaseth for the fore mentioned Act for the Nat. Synod warrandeth them to meet only at such times as he pleaseth But this were a great wrong done unto the Church privileges See Voet. ubi supra Pag. 190. Qâ—… 13. 14. Synods should be no helps unto the poor Church if they might sit no longeri what ever necessity might urge then his Maj thought good to suffer There is no warrand for any such dependence of Church judicatories upon the civil Magistrat's discretion If Christ hath allowed Synods to his Church for determineing in Church affaires he hath allowed them to sit untill they finish the bussinesse for which they did assemble Yea if they should yeeld to this they should condemne the assembly at Glasgow 1638. which did sit untill they had ended their bussinesse notwithstanding of a command to dissolve 5. That his presence or the presence of his commissioner is necessary unto each nationall assembly for the Act of Parliament ratifying the Act for the nationall Synod sayeth expresly that without the presence of the King or of his commissioner no nationall Synod can be keeped But 1. there is no law of God for this 2. The Synods in the primitive times were held without his presence 3. There were many generall assemblies held in Scotland without his presence 4. The Magistrat as such is no constituent member of the Synod therefore his presence is not necessarily requisite see Voet ubi supra Pag. 188. Quaest. 9. 5. If there be such a necessity for his presence at nationall Synods he must not be absent from lesser assemblies thus there shall be no Church judicature held without his presence which were most absurd See what the learned famous Voetius sayeth to this pol. Eccles. Part. 1. Pag. 199. 200. 6. That Ministers have no proper decisive fuffrage in Synods because the forecited Act sayeth That matters are to be setled only by their advice So that in their Synod they are only the King's counsellers conveened to advise consult a power only to advise is no decisive fuffrage so the Act concluded is the deed of the supreme Magistrat following their advice is not their deed Now this is most absurd destructive to all Synods of all their power thus it should be far worse with Synods now when Magistrats are Christians then when they were heathens Moreover there is no warrand for his having with the rest of 〈◊〉 the commissioners a voice in those Synods far lesse for his having the whole power It is clear that as a Magistat he can have no suffrage or voice in these Synods for then heathens who are no way qualified for such a bussinesse should have it likewise Yea if it were so all the determinations of Synods should be civil Acts no Church Acts being done by one who is no Church officer yea nor a Church member as such let be a Church judicature This was Episcopius the Arminian his judgment in disput de jure Magistratus circa sacra Thes. 16. viz. that he may convocat assemblies choose members prescribe lawes unto them the way of prâ—…cedour aske the suffrages either peremptorily enact or approve what is done that it may passe into a law see Voet. ubi supra pag. 191. Qâ—… 16. 7. That the judicatories of the Church be prelimited for nothing may be enacted by the nationall Synod which is contrary to his Maj. royal prerogative or to the lawes of the land so sayeth the Parliaments ratification of the Act for the nationall Synod But what if iniquity be established by a law what if Christ's royall prerogatives be taken from him given to the King shall the Church in her judicatories do nothing for the truth shall she give no testimony against these usurpations shall the lawes of the land the King's prerogatives be her Cynosura what use shall be made of the word of God then where is there any such caution or limitation given to the Church But enough of this 8. That Church judicatories may not so much as consult debate about any Act matter or cause but what shall be allowed approved by his Maj. or his commissioner for these are the very words of the Act of Parliament But who can assent unto this intolerable jncroachment destructive of all Church judicatures making them no judicatories at all but a company of men conveened for giving advice But where was there ever the like of this Church judicature The nameing of those things is sufficient to discover their vanity see
excellent Voâ—…t ubi suprâ—… Pag. 189. Quaest. 11. 9. That no Church canon or ordinance hath any effect force or validity but what shall be approved confirmed by him or his commissioner for so much doth the fore cited Act import now who but he who hath drunken in the opinions of Erastus Arminians will assent unto this It is true the canons ordinances of a Church judicatory cannot have the strength of a municipall law without the Magistrat's civill sanction But yet they may have the strength of Church Canons whether he approve of them or not as the Acts of the Councell at Ierusal Act 15. of all other Synods Assemblies which the Church had dureing the first three hundered yeers had Otherwise the Church should be in a hard case when the civill Magistrat did refuse his concurrence as hath been oft hinted in a better case under heathens then under Christian Magistrats Therefore this could not be assented unto 10. That all Church Canons are his proper Acts flow natively from him his power for the meeting is but for Counsell advice to him all which they say is without force unlesse he approve it as the Act sayeth so all their Acts Canons are his only not theirs But this could not be granted because 1. what ever he doth as supreme Governour or Magistrat is a civill Act no Church Act so no Church Canon 2. No Church Canon can be made by any but by Church Officers who are impowered by Iesus Christ for that effect but the Magistrat as such is no Church Officer 3. This power is without all warrand of Scripture therefore can not be acknowledged Thus you see what incroachments upon the Privileges of the Church the taking of this oath thus sensed by them carryeth along with it albeit there be some Erastians others who take these for no incroachments but trutâ—…es Yet reformed divines such as famous worthy Voetius Apollonius others have sufficiently manifested them to be grosle errours because the end designed in this undertaking is satisfaction to orthodox reformed sound divines with whose principles the present suffering Church of Scotland doth accord it is accounted sufficient only to mention those things which the taking of this oath as explained by their Acts deeds who tender it would clearly import an assenting unto But to proceed 15. By this oath They should grant that the Church is very imperfect so long as she wanteth a Christian Magistrat for she wanteth a chief Officer And hence it will follow that the Church in the dayes of the Apostles some hundereds of Years thereafter was imperfect as to its Constitution wanting this supreme Governour Otherwise they must say that Nero Caligula the rest of the Roman persecuting Emperours did sufficiently fill up this place And that the Apostles did upon the matter would not have refused plainely to have affirmed that these persecuting heathens were supreme Governours over all persones in all causes Civill Ecclesiastick But none of those can be affirmed with any probality or shew of reason 16. Yea by taking this oath They should grant that the Apostles primitive Church walked not regularly in the matter of governing the Church Because they acted with no such subordination unto the supreme Magistrat who then was they derived no power from him as their supreme Governour in causes Ecclesiastick To say that necessity did put them to this is but a poor defence for then out of necessity the primitive Church did rob the Magistrat of his power or else this power agreeth not to all Magistrats but only to Christian Magistrats it so it cannot be a power or Privilege annexed to the Crown And further it doth not agree to them as Christians nor yet as Magistrats otherwise it should agree to all Christians to all Magistrats which is false therefore i cannot agree to them as Christian Magistrats for as learned renowned Doct. Vâ—…us sayeth Polâ—…t Eccles. Pag. 137. Duo subjecta principia formalia quae non sunt unum auâ—… unâ—…a per se non possunt fundare effectum formalem per se unum sc. ex gr Homo unus si sit Consul Patâ—…r non poteâ—… dici habere potestatem consularem in cives qua Consul-paâ—…er nec potestatem patriam in sâ—…ium quâ Pater-consul 17. By taking of this oath They should yeeld unto the opening of a door unto the utter destruction overthrow of all Church judicatories for by their judgment who tender that oath the King is the fountaine of all Church power who ever executeth any Church power executeth it as his Commissioner he may imploy in this bussinesse whom he pleaseth by the Act for the heigh commission he imployeth civill persones who are no Church Officers in deposeing Ministers in excommunicating so he may imploy such persons alwayes only such for he is at liberty to imploy whom he will so at length he may put aside all Church Officers so lay aside all Church judicatures handle all Church bussinesse in civill courts But what Christian could yeeld to this See Voetius ubi supra Pag. 146 Arg. 11. 18. By this oath they should grant unto the Civill Magistrat power to erect new courts which have no warrand in the word such courts as the Church had not all the dayes of the Apostles nor many centuries of years thereafter for by vertue of his supremacy he erecteth this new court called a Heigh or Grand Commission wherein civill persons meddle with Church matters execute Church censures Church-men meddle with civill matters civill censures But to yeeld to this should be to destroy all Church power to condemne the Apostles for not leaving behinde them the example of such a court the primitive Church for not setting up such a court By Presbyterian principles no judicature must be acknowledged for a court of Christ but that which hath Christs warrand 19. By taking this oath They should yeeld unto the lawfulnesse of appealing from a Church judicature unto the civil Magistrat for it is lawfull to appeal from an inferiour judicature unto a superiour by the tenderers of the oath the supreme Magistrat is a superiour judicature It is lawfull to appeall from the Commissioners unto such as have given them that commission And Ministers in these judicatories are but his Commissioners But sound divines writting against Erastus the Arminiant will justify their refuseing to yeeld to this if they should have yeelded to this they should have condemned the Generall Assemblies that declared such as appealed from a Church judicature unto the King his Councell censurable with the sentence of excommunication And approved of such perverse troublers of the Church as took this corrupt course to keep themselves from censure Moreover there is no example of any such lawfull appellation for Paul's
of any change in the Apostle Paul's time for the author mentioneth here his Epistle to Timothy which was writen near to the end of his dayes 3. Though there had been some change alteration even in the Apostles dayes as to the manner of going about the work of preaching and baptizing these are all the particulars which the author mentioneth some order setled thereanent which had not been setled before what will this speak to the matter of Government which is the only thing now under debate will it follow that because there was a setled order condescended on in preaching and baptizeing which at sirst was not followed therefore the Apostles in some Churches erected presbyterian Government and in others Episcopall By what Medium will this consequence be proved 4. But how how shall it beleeved that things were better setled afterward then they were in the Apostles dayes or that the practice of after ages is as obligatory as the practice of the Apostles It is but a dream then to think that the Apostles did not observe any setled forme in Governing Churches but only Acted according to the principles of humane prudence according to the necessities occasions of the severall Churches which they had planted for neither this author nor any other which he hath cited to this effect doth prove it And though they should all say it we were not bound to beleeve them seing the law the testimony showeth the contrary as may be seen in the writings of such as plead for Presbyterian Governement where they shew that the Church of Ierusalem Ephesus others were Governed by the common consent of Presbyters that the manner of the governement of all Gospell Churches mentioned in the new Testament was uniforme But he hath another thing to say against the practice of the Apostles viz. That we cannot have that certainety of Apostolicall practice which is necessary to constitute a divine right This notion he prosecuteth at great length Chap. 6. as a ground thereunto he Prefixeth § 4. That the Apostles in the forming of Churches did observe the customes of the jewish synagogue And thereupon proceedeth to cleare both what the Governement of the jewish synagogues was how the forme set up in the Christian Church did correspond thereunto all which concerneth the bussinesse in hand litle or nothing there fore may be passed seing it is not very materiall to consider whether or not jewish synagogues were so Governed whether or not the Apostles did follow that copy for that which is now sought for is such a Government as was practised by the Apostles instituted as the forme of Church Government which was to continue such a Governement as had the stamp of divine authority or of a divine institution But now no jewish Governement as such could have this but only such a Governement as these by their practice did institute who were thereunto appoynted of God extraordinarily called qualified And moreover if the jewish Synagogues were Governed uniformly if the Apostles did set up a Governement in the Gospell Churches in a way correspondent there unto It will inevitably follow that the Apostles did take an uniforme way in setling the Governement of all the Churches this crosseth what he said of late confirmeth what was Answered But leaving this The proposition now under consideration is a question of fact the certanety of which is doubted of as he allaidgeth viz what course the Apostles took in Governing Churches or after what manner did they setle a Governement among them The uncertanety of this matter of fact he thinketh to evince by three arguments The last of which viz the defectivenesse ambiguity partiality repugnancy of the records of the succeeding ages which should informâ—… 〈◊〉 what Apostolicall practice was which he prosecuteh largely satisfactorily From § 16. to § 19. may be passed as concerning the bussinesse in hand nothing as to Presbyteriaus for if they be not able to prove the practice of the Apostles out of the sacred write they dispaire as much as he can do of proving the same from humane records that for the same reasons which he there giveth But as for the other two reasons or grounds they must be examined The first then is this The equivalency of the names the doubtfulnesse of their signification by which this forme should be determined now there is a fourefold equivalency of names Bishop Presbyter 1. That both should signifie a Presbyter as Theodor in 1. Tim. 3. 1. 2. That both should signifie a Bishop 3. That both should signifie promiscuously some time a Bishop and sometime a Presbyter and. 4. That the name Bishop alwayes imports a singular Bishop but the name Presbyter doth promiscuously signifie both equivocall words can never of themselves determine what sensethey are to be taken in all that can be inferred from the promiscuous sense of the words is that they may be understood only in this sense but it must be proved that they can be understood in no other sense before any one particular forme of Governement as necessary can be inferred from the use of them Ans. 1. This is a ready way to cast all scripture as unable to determine any controversy for if adversaries may be beleeved all these passages which are made use of against them do carry another sense must be otherwise interpreted so all scripture must goe under the name of equivocall sentences must be laid aside 2. Presbyterians do not lay the stresse of their bussinesse upon the name They have other things whereby to prove their poynt then either the one name or the other And so this doth not concerne them much 3. The question betuixt Presbyterians their adversaries is this whether there be such an officer as a prelat having superiority of jurisdiction over Presbyters people sole power of ordination instituted by Christ or not not whether these two words signifie one thing or another for it is granted by all the Episcopall party except one who in his Annot on act 11. sayeth that there is no evidence whereby these inferiour presbyters may appear to have been brought in the Church so early That there were presbyters ordained in the Apostles dayes and all the question is concerning bishops as distinct from presbyters whether or not they were ordained Presbyterian divines do demonstrat that even in those places where the name Bishop is no such officer can be understood As to that which some fathers say who writting some centuries of yeers after the Apostles dayes speaking of the state of the Church in the Apostles dayes after the forme manner in their times concerning the promiscuous use of the two names it doth no way wrong the cause in hand untill it be proved that there was indeed such an officer in rerum natura this is not yet done 4. Whatever these names may signifie is not
been already said Obs 8. Mr Stilling fleet is not well pleased with such as lay any weight upon the former ground mentioned viz Christ's being obliged there unto by his office as mediator King Lord of his house would have them rather proving that Christ hath determined a forme of Governement then that he ought so to have done Therefore we shall shew that Christ hath so done indeed And what the Apostles did at his command or by vertue of the commission he gave unto them will easily be granted to be equivalent But to passe this Christ himself hath laid down the maine ground foundation of a species of governement in Math. 18 ver 15 16 17. For there he is setting down a course for the removing of scandalls that will fall out among his Disciples followers ordering the matter so that when privat meanes will not gaine the offending brother more publick meanes must be used he must be brought unto the Church judicature that Church judicature hath power to excommunicat him if so be he heare them not as to the removing of the scandall It is true many parties endeavour to presse these words for their own use but it will not hence follow that therefore these words are incompetent to determine any one forme for if this ground be relevant much of the scripture should become incompetent to determine matters of faith doctine because severall parties labour to wrest the same to their own judgment It would be tedious here to examine the clames of all parties unto this place the present work is only to deal with Mr Stillingsleet therefore only his notions concerning this place must be examined Concerning this place then he giveth his judgment 2. part cap. 5. § 8. first he taketh the trespasses mentioned to be matters of private offence injury not matters of Scandall his grounds are these 1. The parallel place Luk. 17 ver 3. is to be understood of privat injuries because it is in the power of each privat person to forgive them Ans. So said Erastus before him but after narrow search it will be found that the forgiving mentioned in the Text Math. 18. is a desisting from any further prosecution of the bussinesse a forgiving which must not be granted untill the brother be gained But whether the offending brother be gained or not all private injuris must be forgiven him none must keep up a Spirit of revenge against him And therefore these trespasses must be matters of Scandall which unlesse the offending brother be gained must be prosecuted untill the yondmost step be used 2. He sayeth It appears from the next words of Peter ver 20. This is another of Erastus's shifts But for answere It will not appear till Mr Stillingfleet first cleare that there is such a connexion betwixt these verses as will undoubtedly demonstrat that one purpose is to be understood in Both. But commentators shewe the matter to be otherwise indeed there is nothing that can so much as ground a probability of such a connexion here unlesse it be these words Then came Peter to him but whosoever shall look on Luk. 8 v. 19. shall have the like thus Then came to him his mother c. And yet this was not immediatly after what was said before as will appear when compared with other Evangelists And so since it is not certaine that this was immediatly after the former purpose no reason can be given to evince the identity of these purposes 3. He sayeth If it were meant of any scandalous sin it might so fall out that matters of scandal should be brought before the Church when only one person knowes it Ans. It is not said that every such scandall or trespasse whereof only one is conscious should be brought in publick but that more noture scandalls ought to be brought before Church judicatures when more privat admonitions will not gaine the offender But 2. This inconvenience will recurre upon himself in the case of privat offences But next as to the word Church he sayes It is a select company called together to hear the whole cause this was agreable to the jewish practice pudefacere coram multis delictum publicare to this the Apostle alludeth 2 Cor. 2 v. 6. this is the reproof before all 1 Tim. 5 v. 20. Ans. 1. The word Church is not usually so taken in the New Testament the Hebrew words 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in the Old Test. do alwayes import a company imbodied in a stated way as a fixed congregation either for governement or Worship Mr Leigh in his Critica sacra sayeth that among the Grecians chiefly the Athenians from whom it came it was used for a multitude called together by the command of a Magistrat 2. Christ sayeth tell the Church 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 so directeth them to a fixed standing company 3. That pudefacere coram multie being the same with 2 Cor. 2 6 the censure of many confirmeth this For that censure was by a Church judicature conveened in the name of the Lord Iesus to take course with a scandalous person 1 Cor. 5. Againe 4. No commentator taketh the words so only Grotius other Erastians put such a glosse upon them 5. Christ's scope is to have the offending brother gained not to have matters of fact which are questionable cleared 6. If this be the meaning of the word Church what shall be the sense meaning of these words Let him be unto thee as a heathen man a Publican He answereth Tho meaning is look upon him as an obstinat refractary creature meddle no more with him then with a heathen a publican And is this all the punishment which the offender must meet with Who gave privat men this power to passe such a sentence But 2. This must be a Church sentence because it is added Whatsoever you shall binde on earth shall be bound in Heaven c. To this he replyeth That the meaning is it is an evidence that his sin is bound upon him that he is lyable to punishment But how is his sin bound upon him or how is he made lyable to punishment There must be something done on earth which God must ratify in Heaven on earth there is none to do any thing but either the pursuer himself or the select company It cannot be the pursuer for that were a dreadful intolerable slavery to subjecte every man to the lust of his enemy pursuer If it be the select company how or whence have they this power If they be cloathed with authority then are they a judicature this is the thing pleaded for And thus it appeareth that scandals are here understood that this Church is a Church judicature notwithstanding of all which Mr Still hath said to the contrary which is but the very same which others had said
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
oath it self as worded will take in all their sense meaning For it giveth to him a supremacy of power both over Civill Ecclesistick persones causes all persons all causes will take in both supreme Governour over all these persons in all these causes will take in a great power a very large supremacy Yea the very grammaticall construction of the oath will bear this large sense fully enough Any of understanding may easily see these three things here 1. That the King is the same way supreme Governour over Church men as he is over Civill men 2. That he is made the same way Governour in Church causes as in Civill causes And 3. That he is the same way Governour over Church men in their Church capacity or in their Church causes actions as over Civil men in their civil capacities in their Civill causes actions 6. Obj. The sense can be no other then this That he is supreme Governour over all persons what ever action they be about as if he were in a ship he should be supreme Governour over all the persons there what ever their trade or occupation were of the Governour of the ship among the rest And yet it will not follow that he is the supreme Governour of the action of guideing the ship but only that the Governour of the ship while he is guideing her is a subject And just so is it here as to Churchmen Ans. Even his supremacy over civill persons in civill causes is much to be questioned as hath been said But to wave this here their Acts deeds which are more authentick interpretations of the oath then any privat conjectures speak some other thing were the oath worded thus he is supreme Governour over all Persons this objection would have some colour but when it is said in all causes yea in all causes all is wrong Next it is certane from what hath been said Sect. 10 11. that they intend more as to the civill part then that he is supreme Governour over civill persons that they remaine subjects while about civill Actions For he is made supreme Governour over civill persons in civill causes And must it not be so likewise as to the Church part seing the oath puteth no difference lesse or more betwixt them 3. One maine end of the oath was to shoulder out the Pope his power this was an immediat cognition of Church affaires a power not only over persons but over causes And what was taken from the Pope with the one hand was devolved on the King with the other 4. The simile is a plaine dissimile as it is set down but make the parallel run thus There is a forraigner within the ship challenging power of making lawes to all persons within it particularly to the pilote power of judging him in his actions as pilote betwixt whom the Prince the debate cometh to that height that he is ejected to the end he may never be re-admitted the Prince imposeth an oath upon all within the Vessâ—…ll particularly upon the pilote seamen That they should acknowledge him to be their only supreme Governour in all their actions causes And then any of ordinary capacity may discerne whether or not the pilot be not bound by his oath to acknowledge some thing more then that he is a civill subject while he is about his calling work But all this is to no purpose now seing their Acts actings make the bussinesse clear enough as is shown above 7. Obj. Where a Civil Magist. is affirmed to be Govern of his dominions by common intendment this must be understoodof a civil government may not be extended to that of another kinde Ans. With all due respect to the reverend author of this reply viz. Bishop Vsher in his speach concerning the oath of supremacy in the Starre Chamber in Irland This doth not satisfie because by the same reason might one who were clear for the primacy of Scotland lawfully swear that the Archprelat of Saint Andrews were supreme Governour of Scotland over all persons in all causes because by parity of reason when the governement of a Church officer is spoken of by common intendment this must be understood of an Ecclesiastick governement may not be extended to that of another kinde And yet no doubt this oath would be scrupled at notwithstanding of that common intendment But 2. Their acts deeds destroy that common intendment respect must be had to their intendment not to the common intendment 3. Even as to this common intendment in respect of the civil part it hath been showne what just ground of scruple there was 8. Obj. No other thing can be understood for he is capable of no more the predicat can agree no further to the subject then its capacity will permit Ans. This is a shift for Children but for none else For. 1. Such subjects are seen to assume to themselves more then they are truely by any law of God capable of 2. By this meanes one might swear that the civil Magistrat were Head husband King saviour of the Church without all hazard of perjurie for these predicats can agree to him no further then he is capable As also one might lawfully swear that the Pope were supreme civil judge of the King's Dominions yea swear the greatest untruths imaginable but such Salvo's will prove too narrow to cover perjury in the day of accounts 3. Oaths are the end of controversies but this oath should then decide no controversie For the King's power should be as uncertaine as ever it was for all this oath 4. The question is not so much what power doth really appertaine unto the civil Magistat but another thing founded on this viz. what power may one lawfully say swear doth indeed belong to him And will any be so prophane grosse as to say It may be acknowledged by oath that he hath more power then indeed he hath Such like metaphisicall distinctions will not defend from the wrath of God in the day when he shall be a swift witnesse against all false swearers 9. Obj. Is it faife to contend with heigher powers about such things bring on such sad sufferings Ans. Christians should be most taken up with duty should not value sufferings They should buy the truth by no means sell it this matter under debate is no small bussinesse whatever some may think Not to mention here the sad consequences of this oath as to the civil part thereof if the Ecclesiastick part therof be only noticed it will appear to be a matter of greater moment then every one will beleeve as may appear from the reasons mentioned Sect 12. Men who would be accounted loyal subjects unto a King of clay will think it their duty to stand contend for a small inconsiderable bit of a thing going under the name of
a privilege of the crown to the hazard of life all shall any Christian accounte such things as are reall privileges of the crown of Christ frivolous And not worth the hazarding of any thing for The asserting of Christ to be head King of his Kingdom which is distinct from all other Kingdoms upon earth that he alone hath power to rule this his Kingdom with his own lawes by his own officers And that none may rob him of his crowne scepter or of any part or pendicle thereof seem to be no small matters Who will condemne the generation of the righteous who like valiant souldiours have stood for the defence of their master's prerogatives would not give their consent unto the spoiling of his crown no not in the least even when condemned to death therefore banished out of the land of their nativity The words of famous Mr Welsch in his letter to the Lady fleeming from his prison at Blacknesse Ian. 1606. Are worthy to be noticed keeped on record What am I sayeth he that he should first have called me then constituted me a minister of glad things of the Gospell of salvation these fiftine yeers already and now last of all to be a sufferer for his cause and Kingdom to witnesse that good confession that Iesus Christ is the King of saints that his Church is a most free Kingdom yea as free as any Kingdome under heaven not only to convocate hold and keep her meetings conventions and assemblies But also to judge of all her affaires in all her meetings and conventions among his members and subjects These two poynts 1. That Christ is tho head of his Church 2. That she is free in her governement from all other jurisdiction except Christ's are the speciall cause of our imprisonment being now convict as traitors for maintaining thereof We have been waiting with joyfulnesse to give the last testimonie of our blood in confirmation thereof If it would please our God to be so favourable as to honoure us with that dignity Obj. 10. Howbeit the matter as set forth by you seem considerable yet as comprehended in the oath it seemeth very inconsiderable Were these things expresly affirmed there were some colour of reason for refuseing to acknowledge the same but seing they are only your inferences groundlesse feares there is lesse reason to refuse the oath Ans. It is no new thing for sufferers to be blamed as faulty This is certaine every one may see it that the temptation is stronger for taking then for refuseing of the oath there being much more outward worldly advantage to be had by taking then by refuseing of it and therefore such should be Christianly sympathized with seing the matter they stand upon is not tâ—…ial the bussinesse they contend for is concerning the due bounds marches of the Kingdome of Christ concerning the just extent of the privileges of his crown if they be mistaken it is in this they are mistaken They desire not to rob the civil Mag. of his due but when they apprehend that there is an in croachment made by him upon the privileges of Christ as King head of his Church no tender Christian will blame them for standing upon their ground to be willing for the interest of their Lord master to lose their liberties yea their lives too But. 2. It is sufficiently manifested already that neither these inferences nor their feares were groundlesse so that it were superfluous to adde any more here for cleareing of the same Obj. 11. But the Parliament or Councell would give liberty to persones to explaine themselves to expresse what their meaning of the oath was in what sense they would take it Why was not this favour accepted might they not have taken it in their owne sense seing no doubt that would have been a saife sense Ans. 1. Some indeed reporte that this favour courtesy was conferred on them in private and therefore they had no scruple to take the oath but all had not this in their offer 2. Others as wise judicious would have looked upon such an offer as no savour or courtesie at all indeed it deserveth not the name of a favour to give liberty to any to mock God others themselves Such a liberty could be nothing else but a snare to the conscience For by words to put a glosse upon a written or printed oath which in strick construction it will not bear then sweare it subscribe to it is to mock the most high who will not be mocked To subscribe an oath in terminis as it is offered set down in write or print after it is mentally or verbally glossed is to stumble the truely godly to harden the wicked in the age present to mock posterity who shall see the oath in terminis subscribed but neither see nor hear of the glosse which as a salvo was cast in yea it is to deceive themselves by intangleing themselves into the bonde of a sinfull oath with faire speaches plausible apprehensions or rather dreames But. 3. Why would they not suffer such as they required to take the oath to set down their sense in plaine tearmes before their subscription And why would they not rest satisfied with that which the Six or Seven forementioned ministers did Sure if it had been tendered upon any other account then as a snare to the conscience this would have been granted but it is true the taking of the oath after that manner would not have served their purpose so well as now it will when subscribed as set down in terminis liâ—…ra scripta manet dolus versatur in generalibus 4. Who ever would have fuller satisfaction to this objection let him consult Doct Sanders de jur prom oblig prael 6. § 10. whose words shall be here translated set downe atlength because so full satisfactory dico sayeth he speaking to the same case c. i. e. I say that it may be suspected that there is some deceit â—…rking therefore every pious prudent man should refuse such an oath offered under such termes 1. Because in the oath it self truth is required but a proposition having an indefinit and ambiguous sense before there be a distinction used for clearing is no true proposition yea it is not a proposition at all for a proposition as children know by it's dâ—…ition should signifie either truth or falshood without ambiguity 2. Because of him who tendereth the oath for the proper end of an oath is that he in whose favours it is taken should have some certainty of that whereof he doubted before but there can no certanty be had out of words which have no certaine sense 3. Because of him who sweareth who if he take such an oath on these termes either stumbleth his neighbour or else spreadeth a net for his own feet For to what else should such
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
admonish one another Rom. 15 13. Presse or urge a thing upon the minde of another so instruct them aright as children are instructed this sayeth they must often be together for this end 9. They must teach and admonish one another in psalms and hymnes and spirituall songs Col 3 16. can this be done unlesse they assemble together 7. They must be kinde or profitable one to another Ephes. 4. last this sayeth they must not be strangers to other 8. They must serve one another in love Gal. 5. 13. that is they should spend themselves for one another for their spirituall advantage that in love should they not then assemble together 9. They must receive one another Rom. 15 7. that is receive with affection imbrace one another And must they then scarre at the company of one another And not rather receive other into their intimate fellowship 10. They must be subject one to another Ephes. 5 21. 1 Pet. 5 5. every one ready to give to take reproofs to from another to do service to other as called thereto this sayeth they must not live as strangers to other 11. They must confesse their sinnes to one another and pray for another Iam. 5 16. 12. They must ministere their gifts to one another 1 Pet. 4 v. 10. Obj. It will be objected that this is sedition opposeing of established lawes made for the good of the common wealth against such conventicles therefore such controvâ—…ers cannot be justified Ans. It is not for fear of any disturbance to the peace of the common wealth that such Acts are made for a few women who in all likelihood are able to do little that way may not meet together 2. The heathens did pretend this when they made lawes against the meetings of the primitive Christians And therefore their meetings were called Factions And conventicles And yet the primitive Christians did not forsake the assembling of themselves together notwithstanding of all these edicts albeit that severall times they were put to suffer upon that account seâ—… this fully made out by the learned Mr Stilling fleet in his Origines sacrâ—… Lib. 2 cap. 9. Pag. 316. c. And who then will condemne these Zealous Christians now for so doing SECTION XIX The unlawfulnesse of compeering before the high Commission Court demonstrated TO the end that the forementioned persecution of the saints servants of God might be the better carryed on There is a high commission court erected consisting of the two arch prelats some other prelats of some noble men some Magistrats of brughs some souldiers others And this number or any five of them a prelate being alwayes one of the five have power granted to them from the King who appoynteth them by vertue of his prerogative royall supremacy over all persons in all causes ecclesiastiek as was shown above Sect. 12. To suspend deprive excommunicate as also to punish by fineing consineing committing incarcerating all keepers of conventicles all Ministers who contrare to the lawes acts of Parliament councell remaine or introduce themselves upon the exercise of the function of the Ministery in those parishes bounds inhibited by those acts all preachers who come from England Irland without sufficient testimonialls or leave of the Bishops of their dioceses all such persons who keep meetings fasts at the administration of the sacrament of the Lord's supper which are not approven by authority All who speak preach write or printe to the scandall reproach detriment of the Estate or government of the Church Kingdom as it is now established All who contemne molest injure ministers who are orderly setled All who do not ordinarily attend divine worship administration of the word sacraments performed in their respective parishes by ministers legally authorized for taking the cure of these parishes All such who without any lawfull calling as bussy bodies goe about houses places for corrupting disaffecting people from their alleagiance respect obedience to the lawes And generally without any prejudice to the particulars specified all who expresse their dissaâ—…sfaction to his Maj. authority by contraveening the acts of Parliament Councell in relation to Church affaires etc. This court appeareth terrible unto the godly for the persecution of whom of none else no not the most flagitious prophane it is erected seemeth to be as a new court of inquisition But that which is more lamentable is this That there lyeth hid here a dreadfull snare for tender consciences For it is such a court as tender hearted Christians cannot but scruple to acknowledge or compeer before without a declinature the giving in of which would be accounted laese Majesty therefore in such a case such as resolved to keep a good conscience in this day of tryall defection saw a necessity of withdrawing of not compeering at their summonds even though they might have pleaded them selves innocent of any crime laid to their charge Now if any would desire to know the reasons why such a court cannot in conscience be owned acknowledged or submitted unto as a lawfull judicature let him consider these particulars lay them together he shall see clear reason for either declineing or withdrawing 1. This is a judicature meddling with censures purely ecclesiastick such as suspension deposition of Ministers excommunication both of Ministers people therefore must be acknowledged to be a Church judicature Now there is no warrand for any such Church judicature in all the new testament nor is there any precedent of the like to be found in the Gospell Christians must acknowledge no Church judicature but what hath a speciall warrand from Christ's law testament 2. This is a Church judicature having its rise power commission only from the King the King granteth this power to this Commission authorizeth this court by vertue of his royall prerogative over all persons and in all causes as well ecclesiasticke as civil So that none can acknowledge this court but withall they must acknowledge the Kings prerogative royall supremacy in all causes over all persons particularly they must acknowledge that pure proper church power doth properly reside in the person of the supreme Magistrat that he hath proper power to suspend depose ministers also to excommunicate so hath power to Commiâ—…sionat any of his subjects he thinketh good for that effect But what presbyterian yea what sound protestant who is not devoted to Erasius's Antichristian notions will or can acknowledge this 3. In this judicature civil persons as such viz. the Chancellour Thesaâ—…rer duk Hammilton Marquis of Montrose Earles Lords others who are no Church officers have power in Church matters viz to suspend depose excommunicate But this is against all the Discipline lawes of Christ's house for Christ will have the affaires of his house governed by
officers of his owne appoyntment Who then can acknowledge such a court not with all consent unto this intolerable incroachment upon the privileges of Christ his crowne justling of our Lord out of his rights is not this the fountaine of all disorder confusion tending in end to the utter overthrow of all Church discipline to to the totall overturning of the Established order of Christ's house can any acknowledge such a court seing such sad consequences will follow thereupon 4. In this judicature ecclesiasticke persons have power of civill matters civill punishments for the court hath power to fine coâ—…fine committ and incâ—…rcerat for contraveening the Acts of Parliament But that Church officers should medle with civill matters is diametrically opposite unto Christ's word Mat. 20 25. Luk. 22 25. where he forbiddeth all the exercise of any such power as was exercised by Kings and civill powers on earth saying the princes of the gentiles exercise dominion and they that are great exercise authority but it shall not be so among you so that the very exercise of the power is prohibited if any should think that he meaneth only the â—…anny abuse of the power because he useth the compound words 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Luk doth sufficiently take away this objection when he useth the simple words 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the scope of the place cleareth it also for the question unto which Christ returneth this answere is concerning primacy power and not concerning the abuse of the power So then whoever do acknowledge this court do approve in so far of this contradiction to Christ's command 5. The acknowging of this court would be upon the matter a justifying of all the Acts of persecution exercised against the worthles of old for avouching the Kingly office power of Christ declineing the civill courts in Church matters so a condemning of the Zeal of those worthies who hazarded life all which was dear to them in giving testimony against the incroachments made upon the crown and privileges of Christ as King But certanely a Christian tender of the glory of God of his cause which hath been is hated persecuted by his enemies would scarre at this 6. Particularly the acknowleding of this court would be a condemning of worthy precious Mr Rutherfoord Mr Dickson who declined the High commission and refused to passe from their declinature on any termes wherein they were singularly eminently owned of God approved by his testimony to their spirits And what tender Christian could do this 7. The acknowledging of this court is a clear breach of the first article of the league covenant in severall particulars as 1. the acknowledging of this court is an overturning of all the principles of Presbytâ—…rian Government so contrary to that oath whereby every one is sincerely really and constantly through the grace of God to endeavoure the preservation of the reformed religion of the Church of Scotland in doctrine worshipe discipline and government And that because 1. It is contrary to the principles of presbyterian Government to have Church power derived in whole or in part from any prince or potent at upon earth but only from Iesus Christ the sole King head of his Church 2. It is contrary to the principles of presbyterian government to have Church censures dispensed by any except Church officers 3. It is contrary to the principles of presbyterian government to have Church officers medling with civill affairs 4. It it contrary to the principles of presbyterian government to have any other Church judicatories then such as are allowed by the Gospell 5. It is contrary to the principles of presbyterian government to have Church power civill power confounded in-distinct 2. The acknowledging of this judicature would be a condemning of the work of reformation in part for this is one piece of the doctrine of the Church of Scotland one piece of the reformation viz. That Church officers should not meddle with civill power or places this was much looked to at the begining of the late work of reformation condemned both by Church and state Anno 1638 1639 1640. And therefore tender Christians could not do this sinne against God 8. The acknowledging of this judicature is a breach of the second article of the same league Covenant Upon this account that it is an acknowledging of the power of prelats in the highest degree of that power which ever they had in Scotland And next upon this account that it is an approving of that which is contrary to sound doctrine the power of godlinesse so a partaking of other mens sinnes a runing the hazard of receiving of their plagues expresly contrary to that article 9. As to the civill part of this court for it is a monster of judicatories viz. two distinct bodies under one head The acknowledging of it would be a crossing of the third article of the league Covenant upon a two fold account 1. In that it is a wronging of the rights privileges of Parliaments â—…o owne a judicature not approved established by any Act of Parliament old or late 2. In that it is a wronging of the liberties of the Kingdome to consent unto an arbitrary power assumed by the prince over them contrary to the fundamentall lawes of the land in setting up what judicatories he pleaseth without consent of Parliament without whose speciall warrant authority the meanest fixed court cannot be erected 10. It is a court unamimously condemned by the Church of Scotland in their assembly 1638. Act Sâ—…ss 14. upon very pregnant considerable grounds for they found that it had been erecâ—…d without the consent or procurement of the Kâ—…rk or consenâ—… the â—…states of Parliament That it did subvert the jurisdiction and ordinary judicatories assemblies of the Kirk sessions presbyteries provinciall and nationall assemblies That it was not regulated by lawes civill or ecclesiasticall but at the descretion and arbitrement of the câ—…mmissioners That it gave to ecclesiasticall persons the power of both tâ—… swords and to persons merely civill the power of the keyes and Kirk censures and therefore did prohibite the use and practice of it as being a court unlawfull in it self and prejudiciall to the liberties of Christ's Kirk and Kingdome and the King's honour in maintaining the Established lawes and judicatories of the Kirk Now how could any true member officer of the Church of Scotland acknowledge this judicature so unanimously dis-allowed condemned by that Church 11. The acknowledging of this court would be a clear breach of the nationall covenant as sworne subscribed Annâ—… 1638 1639. for in that covenant the land was sworne to resist all corruptions according to their vocation to the uttermost of that power which God had put into their hands all the
dayes of their life And among other things referred to the determination of the Generall assembly this concerning the civil places power of Kirk men was one And accordingly the Generall Assembly did determine act sess 25 Decemb. 19. 1638. That it was both inexpedient unlawfull for pastors separated unto the Gospell to brook civil places offices the next day there was an act made for subscribing of the covenant accord ing to this determination for say they it is found by the confession of faith that the five articles of Perth and the civil places and power of Kirkmen are declared to be unlawfull The assembly alloweth and approveth of the same in all heads and articles thereof and ordaineth that all ministers masters of universities colleges schoolâ—… and all others who have not already subscribed the said confession and covenant shall subscribe the same with these words prefixed to the subscription viz. The article of this covenant which was at the first subscription referred to the determination of the Gen. assembly being now determined at Glasgow in Dec. 1638. And thereby-the civill places power of Kirkmen being declared to be unlawfull We subscribe according to the determination of the same free lawfull generall assembly So that it is most clear that none can owne this judicature without the breach of this covenant so explained because they cannot acknowledge this judicature but withall they must acknowledge the civil power places of Kirkmen It will be objected That the Commissioners of that court and particularly the prelats may be owned as his Maj. Commissioners so it will be lawfull enough to compear be fore them Ans. If they be looked on as his Maj. Commissioners Then either as his commissioners in spirituall matters or in civill matters If as his commissioners in Church matters then no Minister or Christian could owne them as cloathed with such a power because his Maj. hath no such power from God therefore they can have no power from him by vertue of this Commission moreover compearing before them under that notion as having power of Church censuras by vertue of a commission from the King is an acknowledging of such a power in the King which is contrary to truth as is showne above If as his commissioners in matters civil then Church men should be owned as having civil power which were contrary to the clear word of Christ to the expresse determination of the Assembly also contrary unto the nationall covenant But it will be objected in the next place That upon the same ground no man might lawfully compear before the High court of Parliament because prelats are now made constituent members thereof so compearing before them would be an acknowledging of the lawfulnesse of the Church men their having civil places power Ans. It is true they may do nothing that may be an approving of their having civil places civil power therefore thâ—…ough they might not decline the court of Parliament in a civil businesse yet at their first compearance they would be necessitated to declare that they do not acknowledge nor approve of Church men their having civill places and power to protest that by their compearance before the High court of Parliament they might not be looked upon as approving thereof which protestation might in this case salve the conscience but no wayes in the other case of appearing before the High commission that because the Parliament is a full compleat court without the prelats so that though they were laid aside the Parliament would be a Parliament still but without the prelats the high Commission is no court for one of them at least is sine quo non so that lay these all aside you have no high commission courtâ—… therefore they being essentiall members of the court it is impossible to compear protest that in compearing you do not acknowledge their civil power without a self contradiction for in your protestation you have them virtually laid by as no constituent members if they be no constituent members there is no court yet your compearance sayeth that they are a court so it would be a palpable contradiction to protest against these as no constituent members yet stand before them answere as before a court But as to the Parliament the case is far different for when the prelats are there laid aside there is a full compleet court remaineing before which you may stand answere for your selfe the Parliament hath been may be a full compleat Parliament without prelats but the high commission never was a court without prelats may be a court with full power authority when there are no other constituent members beside prelats Some may object in the third place say This High commission court doth not meddle with Church censures therefore cannot be looked on as a Church judicature meddleing with Church causes Church censures but is only a civil court medleing with civil causes viz. the putting of the Acts of parliament to execution Ans. 1. Though this were granted Yet there is ground enough of scrupleing at the owneing of the same as may be seen in the 4 7 9 10 11. reasons formerly adduced But. 2. It is not very materiall to consider either how little or how much of their power they do put unto execution but the maine thing is to see what power they may exerce Now the best way to finde out this is to look to their commission which will abundantly cleare us in this Their commission sheweth how far their power doth reach or what actions or causes fall within the compasse of their power And by this we can best take up the nature of the judicature So that if their commission give them power to suspende depose excommunicate every one must look upon them as a judicature having that power whether they should alwayes or never exerce it And that their commission granteth to them this power will not be denyed by any who hath ever seen the same And that part of it which was cited doth cleare it suffeciently And therefore it is a mixed judicature being as well Ecclesiastick as civil If it be replyed That properly they have no power of suspending deposeing excommunicating immediatly But the meaneing is they are to cause the respective Church judicatures to suspende depose excommunicate for the Act or commission containeing their power sayeth they have power to appoynt ministers to be censured by suspension or depâ—…ion It is Answered 1. They have power to appoynt Ministers to be censured by suspension or deposition the same way that they have power to appoynt them others to be punished by fineing confineing committing incarcerating but this power they execute not by putting other civil judicatures to do it but they themselves immediatly do it therefore so have they power granted to them to do the other immediatly
God to have a tender conscience to make this their exercise to keep a good conscience both towards God man will be loath to condemne them in the least Yea or if they saw what a deluge of prophanity is now broken in upon these lands what unparalleled wickednesse is there perpetrated what abhomination of all sorts reigneth since this course of defection was begun Their hearts would tremble they would scar at such a course as is so destructive to the Kingdome of God within so advantagious for the promoveing of the maine interest of Satan never acknowledge that to be a divine truth which is not after Godlinesse Sure there is a principle in all the godly which will incline them to affect that course best which is most for promoveing the work of grace in souls abhore that which openeth a gap to all prophanity licentiousnesse And though they could disput none against such a course this were enough to make their gracious souls abhore it Let none say that such precisenesse refuseing to cede in a little will prove destructive to the Church by incenseing the civil Magistrat the more For God's way is alwayes the best both for particular persons for Churches an instance cannot be showne where a Church by her faithfull adhereing to the truth of God standing to her principles refuseing to goe back in the least hath ruined herself But upon the other hand it hath frequently been seen how a Church by her yeelding unto the snares of her adversaries through fear or prudence falsely so called hath brought ruine destruction insensibly upon herself The yeelding unto a little in the beginning of a defection hath proven the bane neck-break of Churches cedeing to little formes at first hath brought in the masse at last But now it is hoped that such as shall duely Christianly ponder the premisses shall not account the grounds of the sufferings of that Church people punctilioes or inconsiderable triffles whatever such as do not weighâ—… matters in the ballance of the sanctuary but according to their owne phancies may judge And therefore it may be thought that strangers who shall judge of matters according to the truth shall rather stand astonished wonder at the pusilanimity fainting of heart which hath there appeared at this time enquire what â—…s become of that Spirit of boldnesse zeal courage for the cause truth of God which formerly did act the faithfull ministers professours of the Land And where are all those worthies who set their faces against greater stormes then any that hath appeared of late And how is it that so many have out lived their own zeal faithfulnesse by silence at such a time when God in his dispensations did call upon thâ—… to cry aloud not to spare have betrayed the precious interests of Christ which their predecessours valued beyond their lives And how is it that this generation hath degenerated so far as their predecessours might be ignorant of them not acknowledge them have forgotten their former zeal May not the world wonder at this But what wonder is it that it be so when now their rock hath sold them the Lord hath shut them up when now the Lord hath been displeased and hath made them to drink the wine of astonishment for their provocations hath taken spirit courage from them that they may know at length how evill bitter a thing it is that they have forsaken the Lord their God And therefore this dispensation of the Lord unto that Church may ought to be improved by other protestant neighbour Churches as a warning from the Lord to repent returne unto him for because of her backslideings hath the Lord brought all this upon her he is a jealous God who will sparâ—… none but the greater their injoyments have been when these are abused to licentiousnesse not improved for the glory of God the advancement of the work of reformation of Churches of particular persons the sorâ—… will the plagues judgments be with which he will visit such It concerneth all about all who hear of the Lord 's dealing with her to repent remember from whence they are fallen to do their first works for because of her departing from the love of her espousals the kindenesse of her youth the Lord is now visiteing her with sore sharpe rodes Professions yea large professions will not save in the day of God's anger He searcheth the hearts the reines he loveth truth in the inward parts therefore the faire flourishes of outward professions will not satisfie if there be not more Covenanting with the Lord will not hold off judgments when conscience is not made of these covenants And now it hath not been Scotland's Covenanting with God that hath brought all this upon her But Scotlands dealing deceitfully in the Covenant For so long as she was with some singlenesse of heart aimeing honestly at the promoveing of the ends of the Covenant the Lord made her â—…errible unto all her adversaries made one chase an hundereth But so soon as this vow was forgotten the ends thereof not sincerely minded sought after then the Lord departed from her she could not shake her self as before Finally it would become all neighbour reformed Churches to be upon their guaird for the same Spirit that troubleth that Church now is the Spirit of Antichrist seeking to re-enter there after he hath been cast out with all his appurtenances in a most universall solemne manner the door barâ—…ed with solemne Covenants oaths made unto the most high And indeed hath gained great footing already for there is more popâ—…ry openly professed this day then hath been openly avowed almost these hundered of yeers And if Antichrist shall againe get possession there any may judge what hazard other Churches are into what cause they have to withstand the same if they can do no more for that effect to pray to him who will hear at length that he would hasten that day in his own time wherein it might be said Babilon the great is fallen is fallen is become the habitation of devils the hold of every foule Spirit so that the Kings of the earth who have Committed 〈◊〉 lived deliciously with her may bewaile her lament for her when they shall see the smoak of her burnings for he will at length judge the great whore which did corrupt the earth with her fornications will avenge the blood of his servants at her hand then shall that Church being fully freed from the yoke of prelacy other abhominations with others be glade rejoyce when that wicked with all his appurtenances shall be consumed with the Spirit of his mouth shall be destroyed with the brightnesse of his coming Even so come Lord Iesus AMEN The Contents THe INTRODUCTION Pag. 1. Sheweth
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