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
the contrare Christ is so far from commanding his disâ—…ples others to follow their Ministery that he disswaddeth them there from not only else where calling them blinde Leaders of the blinde such as should be let alone â—…ed from as impostors Mat. 15 13 14. saying Iohn 10 4 5. that the sheep know the voyce of a lawfull shepherd but not the voice of a stranger Yea they will not follow a stranger but will â—…ee from him this is meaned of the Pharisees as any may see who will look back to the end of the Chapt. 9. but also in this same Chapt throughout shewing at great length how naughty perverse men they were denunceing many a heavy woe curse upon them at length he calleth them a generation of vipers serpents who could not escape the damnation of hell v. 33. all which is but small incouragement to his disciples hearers to follow them or attend their Ministery And it is observable how fitly many of the particulars for which here Christ denunceth a woe unto these pharisees do agree unto the persons concerning the hearing of whom the queston is As. 1. They shut up the Kingdom of heaven against men neither will goe in themselves nor suffer such as are entering to goâ—… in 2. They are at great paines to bring poor simple people over to their opinion make them proselyts when they are made such they make them the Children of hell with themselves 3. As the scribes Pharisees taught poople shiâ—…s to evade the bonds of oaths telling them that it was nothing to sweare by the alter or by the temple so do these excell in that art of teaching perjury looseing the knots of covenants oaths as is too well known 4. They are much taken up with punctilioes of formalities in causing people at tend all their nodes desires But as for the weightier matters of the law judgment mercy faith they caste these behinde their back 5. They declare themselves the children of them who killed the prophets are fast filling up the measure of their fathers But indeed 6. They are behinde the Pharisees in cleansing the out side of the cup platter in appearing like whited tombes for they have no shew of piety therefore are so much the more to be shunned may certanely unlesse they repent expect all the woes that here are denunced upon the scribes Pharisees 6. It would be considered for furder confirmation of the last particular That the maine thing which Christ is pressing upon his hearers here is that they would beware to follow the practices of these pharisees for all that heigh place which they took upon themselvs in the Church on the by as it were he speaketh anent their receiveing of their true doctrine by way of concession or of their doing observing whatsoever they delivered as sitting in Moses's seat whereof they were presently in possession by their usurpation while there were no other ordinarily occupying that seat at that time So that these things being considered it will appear that this place maketh no way for the attending the Ministery of such men there being no command here to heare the Pharisees at all let be to heare them alwayes constantly only a command there is to do observe what they from Moses law bad do observe which may import a hearing of them expounding the law of Moses while there were no other ordinary teachers of the law But if this place prove not which it will never do that the Ministery of these scribes was to be constantly attended it will speak nothing against these who could not obey that act It will be objected in the next place That refuseing to give obedience to this act will be separation from the Church ordinances which are not nor yet can be corrupted by the corruption of administrators Ans. For clearing of this let these things be considered 1. Corruptions in administrators are of two sorts some personall these alone it is true cannot defile the ordinances in their hands make them no ordinances others are to speak so Ministeriall or such as affect the office And these againe are either of smaller moment lesse dangerous or else such as cut the very throat of the office make one no officer without all question those corruptions that destroy the office in it's essentials make the man no Minister do corrupt the ordinances in his hands he who is no minister cannot baptize nor administrat the sacrament of the Lord's supper nor preach with authority as a Minister he can do no Ministeriall act it is past questioning that such may be shunned without all hazard of separation of this sort it may be some of those now spoken of are 2. When personall faults are very grosse palpable open avowed such may be shunned without any hazard of separation because that man's being an officer câ—…ram deo is much to be questioned there is great probability that ipso sacâ—…o in the court of God he hath forsaulted the same though such should be the corruption in a Church that notwithstand of all this he may be maintained But. 3. separation is one thing not-hearing such or such a man is a far other thing there may be many just grounds of exception against such or such a particular person why he should not be countenanced as a Minister or why people may refuse to countenance him without any hazard of separation or joyneing with separatists in their principles Every not-hearing is not separation a man may many a time be absent from hearing yet cannot be justly charged with separation Yea separation is one thing refuseing to attend the Ministerie of such or such a man is another thing A man may never hear such or such a man preach yet be no separatist from the Church wherein he liveth for he may joyne with the ordinances in another congregation so testifie that he hath no prejudice against the Ministerie not against the ordinances of Christ nor against the Church but only a prejudice against such or such a man in particular 4. So then so long as the refusers to obey that Act do not cast at the ordinances but are willing to run many miles to enjoy them though they should be inhumanely used by the way by souldiers led forth of purpose For that end Nor cast at the Church as no Church though they sadly feare that God shall be provoked by this dreadfull defection which is carryed on by these men their favourers to give her a bill of divorce Nor at the ministerie for they love these who stand by their principles dearly are most willing to hear them either in publick or in privat what ever inconvenience or suffering may follow thereupon 5. It is granted by all such as write against separatists that separation from a
not fainedly O that they were wise would speedily prevent this deadly blow by repentance by serious considering how they have fallen from their first love have forgotten their first workes O that they would think of returning to the most high with fasting weeping mourning renting their hearts not their garments of turning unto the Lord their God who is gracious mercifull slow to anger of great Kindness repenteth him of the evill However his people are called to minde that word Isa. 26 20 22. Come my people enter thou into thy chamber shut thy doores about thee hide thy self as it were for a little moment untill the indignation be over past for behold the Lord cometh out of his place to punish the inhabitants of the earth for their iniquity The earth also shall disclose her bloâ—…d shall no more cover her slain In these following sheets there is some account given thee of the sad deplorable condition of the Church of Christ in Scotland It is wonderfull to see how variously Satan doth assault the Churches of God some one way some another That crasty cunning adversary doth suite his baits snares to the severall complexions of people Churches against which he opposeth himselfe Some have the tryall of cruel mockings scourgings others meet with bonds imprisonment and others with triall of some other Kinde Against some Satan doth raise cruel bloody persecutions others he endeavoureth to draw away from their stedfastness zeale by ensnareing allurements a third sort he invadeth with all his troupes forces at once And thus is the lately glorious Church of Scotland tried this day Upon the one hand he raiseth up against her men of corrupt mindes destitute of the truth who make sharpe their tounges like a Serpent under whose lips is the poison of adders These have vented doe vent most bitter slanders reproaches against her the way of reformation which the hand of God wrought in her On the other hand he hath raised within her a most cruel persecution by a popish prelaticall malignant party setting them on with rage against all who desire to keepe themselves unspotted free of the contagions of this evill time forceing some by cruel sore persecution ensnareing others that are more simple deceiving drawing them into their nâ—…t thereby causing many to comply with them in their wicked wayes to run with them unto the same excesse of sin wickednes Yet hithertill for which the name of the Lord is alone to be Magnified the designes devices of these Matchiavellian Ahitophels bloody persecuters have not taken such effect as they either wished or expected It is true many Alas too too many have been carried away with the streame and willingly walked after the commandement to the great dishonour of God amazement of nations about rejoycing of the heart of the ungodly to the great stumbling grief of the truely tender godly in that land so as the defection of that Church may be matter of astonishment to the present after generations Yet it is her mercy that there are not a few in her whom conscience Christian tenderness in their walke hath exposed to sad sufferings who therow grace have resolved to keep their garments cleane to preferre the peace of a good conscience to all the treasures of Egypt holding faith a good conscience of which many make shipwrack in the Lord their master's strength to hold fast their integrity to maintaine their ground though bonds afflictions should abide them The justification defence of such is the intended scope of this following treatise Which how well managed is left to thy discretion to Judge It is like such a worthy noble cause may suffer prejudice through the weakness of him who here doth appeare in its defence wherefore it is wished that some more able pen be engadged in this worke for clearing to the world the present sad case of that Church And vindicating her from aspersions calumnies which her adversaries laboure to fasten upon her To speak in the justification of such a mother would well become the most eminent of her Children It would be so far from being below them a disparagement that they might justly account it their glory to lay out themselves in the out most of their strength parts for the defence of such a cause when so few doe avow openly declare their owning of adherence to it But untill the Lord shall be pleased to stir up set on worke some more able to prompt them with a spirit of zeale courage for such an undertaking thou must rest satisfied with this poor essay for the time Only thou mayest give charity to the author that it was not his intention to wronge in the least so glorious a cause But seeing none else did undertake or appeare in it for any thing known to him He desired in a few words that something though it should prove little better then nothing might be said in for it to make it known how worthy it were the thoughts paines of a more able head hand to deale in Many It is like will be the exceptions taken at this piece moe then can now either be thought upon or obviated such as are most obvious wee shall endeavour to remove by briefly touching answering them Some may think it strange that a piece of this nature intended as appeareth from its straine for satisfaction of Churches abroad cometh not forth in a latine-dresse It is true it was intended at first so moulded drawn up as it might be published to the world in latine for the satisfying of strangers Churches abroad But upon second thoughts When the case of the suffering people in that Church Kingdome was considered It was thought expedient that it should first be published in English That such as had hithertil valiantly resisted to the losse of their meanes liberty might be strengthened confirmed in their resolution And the more encouraged to endure afflictions when they should see that they did suffer for righteousness sake that they were called thereto of God that others might be quickened to fol low their footsteps who had so cheerfully gone before them in the way Having hereby their doubts cleared scruples removed their judgements convinced in the point of duety this was found even necessary at such a time when their temptations did abound their faintings were like to grow when such as were able to give advice in difficult cases to encourage the weak were thrust away So the consulting of their present necessity did hasten it forth in this dresse Besides that many both in England Ireland may receive information edification hereby of which they should have been deprived if it had been published in latine Afterward if it be thought
noble just much owned honoured of God There is the greater ground of hope that God will helpe such as shall undertake the defence thereof the cavils of men who may be looked upon as 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in most of these particulars are tâ—…e lesse to be feared But Christian reader what entertainment so ever it shall have with these who have out lived their zeale integrity have shamefully declined in the day of tryall And have betrayed the cause interest of Christ therefore shall looke upon themselves as not a little concerned herein pinched hereby being unwilling to have their evils ript up laid open to the view of the world Let it have a Christian entertâ—…inment with thee though it come late to thy hands through the injurie of the times let it not be the lesse welcome If the Lord shall be pleased to blesse it it may be of use for thy strengthning in this growing storme upon severall accounts grounds whereof I hint but a few 1. By what is said here thou mayest see that the cause thou sufferest for is the good old cause That same Spirit which acted the Prelats other enemies of the Church of Scotland from the beginning is now raging in her present enemies The same designe is hath been endeavoured driven on all a longs How various so ever the pretexts colours have been under which they have sought to cover themselves the covering hath proved too narrow for them first prelacy then popery was intend first last It is the same cause in the defence of which Christs worthies of old did act suffer so long as they could stand in the defence whereof they were not afrayed to beare the displeasure of King court to hazard life liberty all which waâ—… dear unto them If then the same Spirit doth act worke in the enemies of the Church now which did act worke in their predecessours of old pray thou that the same Spirit of God may act thee all the faithfull of the land which did appeare in the worthy valiant Champions of old whether thou be called to act or suffer for his sake 2. Thou mayest know from what is here related that the cause for which thou art now suffering was brought very low before these times And that the adversaries thereof have often got up to a great height yet the good cause hath got above them And how Acts of Parliament one after another all the devices of the adversary to seale the grave And to make it sure could not keep this cause of Christ from a glorious resurrection Many a time have they afflicted me from my youth might the Church of Scotland then have said many a time have they afflicted me from my youth yet have they not prevailed against me The plowers plowed upon my back made long their furrowes The Lord is righteous he hath cut asunder the coards of the wicked And shall it not yet hold true that all they who hate Zion shall be confounded turned back be made as the grasse upon the house topes which withereth be fore it be grown up There is no cause of despondency of spirit or of giving over the cause as lost there is hope in Israel concerning this matter his people may still hope trust in his name who hath wrought salvation of old He who did put that wicked party to shame confusion of face in former times made the name of Prelats to stink their posterity to be as cursed vagabonds wandering up down bearing the marks of god's displeasure still liveth reigneth doth no more approve of the Ungodly of this generation Nor of their more then barbarous carriage who have laboured to out strip their predecessours in perfidious treachery Then he did them who of old did set themselves against the Lord his Christ yea much lesse It is true the men of this generation think they have pins for stopping of such holes which their predecessours could not stop but he who sitteth in the heavens doth laugh at them hath them in derision He seeth that their day is coming It is easie with him to cause the sword which they have drawn to slay such as are of upright conversation enter into their own hearts to break the bowes which they have bent to cast down the poor needy Our God liveth reigneth shall reigne let Kings of clay rage as they will Therefore cast not away your confidence which hath a great recompence of reward for yee have need of patience that after ye have done the will of God ye may receâ—…ve the promise For yet a little while he that shall come will come will not tarry 3. Thou mayestsee that this cause work against which the wicked have conspired set themselves hath been signally owned approved of by the Lord for which he hath fought 〈◊〉 his right hand done valiantly whereby he hath got himself a name among the nations And who knoweth what God will yet doe for his great name which in this day of rebuke blasphemy is greatly reproached Hath he begun will he not finish his worke It is true the provocations of his people doe keep them long in the wildernes yet he who hath frequently wrought for his names sake that it should not be blasphemed amongst the heathen will still be tender of the same sith at this day there is much blasphemy belched forth by persons of all ranks against the great glorious works of God as much if not more then at any time or in any age wherein hath been lesse light The people of God need not be hopelesse much lesse conclude That God who is jealous of his own glory will not give it to another will suffer it now to be given to the devil on whom his work is fathered But rather will certanely be avenged on those prodigiously unparallelably impious sacrilegious persons How dreadfull a thing is it to say that Christ casteth out devils by Beelzebub the prince of devils 4. Thou mayest see clearly that the cause for which thou dost now suffer is the cause of Christ His enemies would pul the crown from off his head the scepter out of his hand by this meanes make him no King in over his Church consequently no mediatour For as mediatour he is a King in over his Kingdome that is his Church in which he dwelleth over which he ruleth with his scepter of righteousnesse They will not have his Kingdome a free Kingdome consequently they will not have him a free King They will not allow to him the liberty of appoynting or instituteing his own officers or to rule his Kingdome by his owne lawes courts ordinances censures Nor will they suffer Church-administrations to be performed in his name authority as in
reason they ought to be if he be King head of his Church He must have no more liberty to exerce his jurisdiction by the Ministery of his inferiour officers within their dominions territories then seemeth good in their eyes The discipline of his house must be exerced only in so far as they think good to permit And thus it is undeny able that they look on Christ as an evil neighbour as no good friend to Caesar They think his Kingdom is of this world therefore it must have no place within any of their Kingdomes territories Thus thou seest that in end the controversy cometh to this Whether Christ or man shall reigne in the Church as head supream Governour thereof And whether the interest of Christ or of man shall be preferred And to preferre the interest of a man unto the interest of Christ hath heretofore been accounted malignancy of the deepest dye But what shall become of this controversie how shall it end Are they or shall they be able to put our Lord from his throne out of his possession No he is set upon the holy hill Zion by a mighty hand his inheritance among the heathen is given to him by a surer deed of gift then that he should be so easily put from it He hath a rod of yron that will dash in pieces as a potters vessel all his enemies be they never so great mighty He is too strong a party for all the potèntats mighty ones of the earth therefore this which is the grand controversy of those times shall must be decided in favours of those who stand upon Christ's side maintaine his right he is a strong captaine will run thorow all the hosts of his adversaries Christ's sufferers then may rejoyce what ever affliction they are or can be put to endure for this cause which is a cause that doth highly concerne Christ the royall prerogatives of his crown Kingdome his glory as he is the only head of â—…his Church seing they may certanely expect the victory â—…re all be done And seing as famous worthy Mr 〈◊〉 in the preface to his Aaronâ—… rode blossoming sheweth 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Christ is 〈◊〉 King hath a Kingdome 〈◊〉 in his Church distinct frâ—…m the Kingdoms of the world 〈◊〉 civil Governmeâ—… 〈◊〉 this commendation and 〈◊〉 â—…oue all â—…hen 〈◊〉 that Christ himself suffered 〈◊〉 the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and sealeâ—… it with his blood For it may be 〈◊〉 fâ—…om the 〈◊〉 of his passion that this was the only pâ—…nt of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 was 〈◊〉 And avouched by 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Joh. 18 33 36 37. and Luk. 23 3. was most aggravated prosecuted and driven home by the jewes Luk. 23 2. Joh. 19 v. 12 15. Was prevalent with Pilat as the cause condemning him to die Joh. 19 12 13. And was mentioned also in the superscription upon his crosse Joh 19 19. And although in reference to God and in respect of satisfaction made to divine justice for our sinnes his death was 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a price of redemption yet in reference to men who did persecute accuse and condemne him his death was 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a martyr's testimony sealing such a truth Thus he Christ is a good second will not suffer any who contend for his crown throne scepter privileges roy all prerogatives of his Kingdom to be put to the worse If he pleade for any cause we may be sure he will plead for his own Let not then his constant valient sufferers feare for greater is he who is with for them then they who are against them Christ alone is more then match party against all Kings princes potentats Parliaments popes prelats Kingdomes armyes Yea all the Posse of devils men Therefore they may be assured that he his cause shall be victorious For he must reigne untill all his enemies be made his foot stool 5. Thou mayest see That the truth for which thou dost suffer is a truth which is after godlinesse tending to the promoveing of piety of the power of godlinesse Whileas the contrary cause course leadeth to all prophanity debauchery as experience doth this day evidently undenyably prove this is no small ground of comfort for the way which is not of for God cannot stand You may pray against your adversaries as really wicked driveing on a designe of wickednesse which is evidently demonstrated by their acts actings Their enmity against opposition unto godly faithfull Zealous able conscientious Ministers of the Gospell unto Christian meetings exercises As also their pressing of Godly conscientious persons unto perjury blasphemy which is the height of wickednesse do put the matter beyond all doubt And is not this enough to make thy soull loath stand a loos from these wayes And to blesse God for his preserving thy soull from their counsels courses so from partaking of their judgments which doe certainly make haste For God is of purer eyes then to look upon iniquity Therefore he will not alwayes look on these that deal treacherously hold his peace when the wicked devoureth the man that is more righteous then he The Lord hath ordained them for judgment the mighty God hath established them for correction when Agâ—…silaus did hear that Tissaphâ—…rnes a captaine of Persia had broken his Covenant which he had made with him was raiseing an army to come against him he was very glade said se magnam habâ—…re gratiam Tissapherni quod perjurio suo deos homines sibs infensos reddidisset adversae vero parti propitios He thanked him heartily that by his perjury he had made both God man angry at himself favourable to him and his cause may not his people be perswaded that God iâ—… this day displeased with the Covenant breakers who are not satisfied with their own treacherous dealing perfidiousnesse but will have all others intangled in the same guilt 6. Thou mayest see that Action which is now so much branded with the vile contemptible names of treachery rebellion I mean Scotlands defending of it self against its bloody enemies cleared from all these imputations foule calumnies changes of times make many Changes in peoples judgement at this time it may be feared that many have Changed their opinion because they see the watter runing in another channell then it did formerly are now ready to condemne these noble worthies valient champions who jâ—…oparded their lives unto the death in the high places of the field have shed their blood in that cause which is a more grievous guilt then many do now apprehend But here thou seest how little cause there is for condemning that Action Yea what necessity there was laid upon Scoâ—…l to stand to their defence as they would not have betrayed the cause interest of Christ which they
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
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
what he many other brethren had to object against their office Mr Iames Laâ—…son did seconde this moved the debate touching the lawfulness of the office it self Mr Andro Melvin affirmed that none ought to be officebearers in the Church whose titles were not found in the Book of God and for the title of Bishop albeit the same was found in scripture yet was it not to be taken in the sense that the common sort did conceive there being no superiority allowed by Christ amongst Ministers he being the onely Lord of his Church and all the same servants in the same degree having the like power These beginnings the Lord was pleased so to seconde with his blessing that when it was moved by the Regent whether they would Stand unto the Policie aggreed upon at Leith or setle some other forme of governement It was resolved that a constant forme of Church policy should be sett down for this â—…ffect they nominate twenty of their number to meet at severall times places for the drawing the Modell thereof And accordingly after some pains the second Book of Discipline is finished Anno 1577. at the Generall Assembly Sess. 13. approven in all points except that touching Deacons which was referred to farther debate but Anno 1578. that head with the rest was approven by the unanimous consent of all though Spotiswood will not let the world know so much When this Second Book of discipline is thus appoven by the Nationall Assembly after prayer fasting they appoint some of their number to exhibite it to his Maj. to the end he might add his approbation thereunto Unto whom the King being then about 13. years of age did promise that he would be a proctor unto the Church caused some of his Counsellours conferr with those Ministers upon that business the heads of which conference were once insert in the Registers of the Assembly but Anno 1584. when the Court had power of the Registers those leaves were taken a way seen no more as shall be cleared hereafter and again Anno 1579. the King wrote unto the Nationall Assembly desiring a farther consultation upon the heads on which his Commissioners and their delegats did not accord the last year to the end that when all the particulars are fully aggreed upon they might be approven in the ensueing Parliament in the mean time the Assemblies are going on prohibiting any moe bishops to be chosen ordaining such as were chosen to submit themselves to the determination of the Generall Assembly under the paine of Excommunication accordingly some then all of them afterward did submit So Anno 1580. they ordained that all who were called bishops should dimit simpliciter because that office had no warrand in the word they ordained Provinciall Synods to call before them such bishops as lived in their bounds ordaine them to give obedience to this act His Majesties Commissioners who were present at this Assembly of Dundy did concurr with this Assembly in appointing some of their number to consult about the Modell of the Presbiteries In this same yeer in the moneth of March for as yet the new year did not begin untill the 25. of march is the Nationall Covenant solemnely taken by the King his Councill Court afterwards by the inhabitants of the Kingdome in which covenant prelacy under the name of Romish Hierarchy was abjured as shall be cleared in due time the Doctrine Discipline of the Church was sworne to be defended Anno 1581. in Aprile at Glasgow the Generall Assembly did insert the book of Discipline in their Registers did show how the act touching Bishops made at Dundee Anno 1580. did condemne the estate of Bishops as they were then in Scotland Unto this Assembly his Maj Commissioner William 〈◊〉 of Caprintoun presented the Confession of faith subscribed by the King his houshold as also a plot of the presbiteries to be erected mentioning their meeting places appoynting the severall parishes which should belong to such such presbiteries with a letter to the Noblemen Gentlemen of the countrey for their concurrence for the erection of presbiteries dissolution of Prelacies in his Maj name he promised that his Maj would set forward the policy until it were established by Parliament thus presbyteries began to be erected throughout the Kingdom This was a sweet sun-shine but it was followed with a very sad showre for when Amate Stuart of Aubignee afterward Duke of Lennox obtaineth by the death of the Earle of Mortoun who was executed the banishment of the Earle of Angus the superiority of Glasgow other things to secure the same to him his posterity he aggreeth with Mr. Robert Montgomery Minister at Sterlin to accept of the bishoprick to dispone to him all which belonged to that bishoprick for the yearly payment of one thousand pound Scots some horse-corne poultry which when the Church heareth he is summoned before the Assembly at St. Andrews commanded to leave the bishoprick under the paine of Excommunication the Presbitery of Sterlin is appointed to take notice of his cariage in doctrine discipline for they had found him guilty in 14 or 15 points but he went on notwithstanding the presbitery had suspended him from the exercise of the Ministry he procured an order unto the presbytery of Glasgow to receive him as their Bishop under the paine of banishment with a company of armed souldiers entred the Church pulled Mr. David Weems out of the pulpit being summoned to compear befor the Synod of Lothian the King causeth summond all the Synod to compear before him at Sterlin the 12 of Aprile Mr. Pont some others compeared in name of the rest protested that albeit they had compeared to testify their obedience to his Mat. yet they did not acknowledge him or his council judges in that mater which was an Ecclesiastick cause that nothing done at that time should prejudge the liberties of the Church But the Council rejected the protestation discharged them to proceed any further And shortely thereafter when the Generall Assembly is examining his processe the King sendeth a letter to them discharging them to proceed any further when they went on notwithstanding they are charged by a Messenger of armes to desist under the paine of Rebellion but they thinking it better to obey God then man ordained Mr. Montgomerie to compeer befor them the next day who compeered not onely a Proctor in his name appealed unto the King The Assembly did reject the appellation proceed to examine the libell given in against him finding him guilty of many hainous crimes they ordaine him to be deposed excommunicated but ere the sentence be pronounced they appoint some of their number to aquaint his Maj. with their whole procedure And ere long Mr. Montgomery submitteth passeth from his appellation acknowledgeth his faults
passi non aliud perfugium haâ—…bant quam ut Aâ—…licorum libidâ—…i se dederâ—…nt he sayeth The Bishops were so hard put to it that they had no other refuge but thus to satisfie the Court give away their revenues to their lusts Anno 1590. The Generall Assembly doeth abrogate the power of Commissioners devolveth the work on Presbytâ—…ries Anno 1591. The Recantation of Mr Patrick Adamson is presented unto the Assembly where among other things he confessed he had eâ—…red in thinking the governement of the Church was like other civil governements in labouring to have the Church in maters Ecclesiastick subject to the Kings lawes And with all he confesseth that the Earle of Arran had a minde to have burnt the Registers of the Assembly Anno 1584. that at Falkland before they were delivered to his Maj. a Bishop Mr Henry Hammilton took out some leaves which spoke against the Governement by Bishops that he had consented thereunto Anno 1592. in May the Generall Assembly doth meet resolveth on some propoâ—…itions to be presented to the ensuing Parliament As 1. That the Acts of Parliament made Anno 1584. against the discipline liberty authority of the Church be annulled 2. That the Discipline of the Church be raâ—…isied 3. That the Act of Annexation be repealed and 4. That the Abbots Pâ—…iors other Prelats bearing the titles of Church-men giving voice in Parl. in name of the Church without her consent be discharged to vote any more When the parliament conveeneth in June The liberties of the Church are ratified all her Courts Generall provinciall and presbiteriall Assemblies Church Sessionâ—… the Juâ—…sdiction Discipline thero â—…s declared to be just good godly in it self in all time coming not â—…anding of whatsoever sâ—…atutes acts canons â—…vilier municipâ—…ll lawes made in the contrare All acts fomerly made for establishing the Popes authority are abolished It is likeways declared that the 129. act Anno 1584. anent the Kings Supremacy against declining of the King his Councill in Church maters shall be no wayes prejudâ—…iall nor derâ—…gate any thing to the previledge that God hath given to the sâ—…rituall office-bearers in the kâ—…k concerning heads of Religion maters of heresy Excommunication collation or deprivation of Ministers or any such like 〈◊〉 â—…all censures specially grounded having warrant of the word of God Item they abrogate annull that act of parl 1584. which did grant Commission to Bishops other Iudges constitute iâ—… Ecclesiasticaell causes to receive his Highness presentations to benefices to give collation there upon to put order to all causes Ecclesiasticall And they ordaine that all presentations to Benefices be directed to the particular Presbiteries in all time coming with full power to give Collation thereupon to putt order to all maters causes Ecclesiasticall within their bounds according to the Discipline of the Kirk Thus did the Lord cary on his work unto this period notwithstanding of much opposition which was made thereunto by men of corrupt principles wicked lives who loved not to part with the Church rents the sweet morsell which they desired alwayes to enjoy now is the Churâ—…h there become a shineing Church being reformed both in Doctrine in Discipline now is she become a pleasant vineyaird well dressed hedged about defended from the wilde boars of the forrest King Iames himself was convinced of this when he gave this reason to an English divine why that Church was not troubled with heresie viz because if it spring up in a parish there is an Eldership there to take notice of it suppresse it if it be too strong for theÌ„ the psesbitery is ready to crush it if the presbitery cannot provide against the obstinate heshall finde moe witty he ads in the Synod if he be not convinced there the Generall Assembly will not spare him yea seldome or never did any errour trouble all those Courts for usually it was crushed by presbiteries except what some Bishops did maintaine And thus that Church was indeed as an army with banners terrible to the adversaries of the truth Then were there endevours to have a through worke of Reformation caried on the iniquities of the land were searched out corruptions in Ministers other ranks of people were taken notice of effectuall courses were laid down for preventing such abuses in time coming Publick Fasts were indicted keeped whole eight dayes together And thus the Lord created upon every dwelling place of Mount Zion upon her Assemblies a cloud smoak by day the shineing of a flaming fire by night for upon all the glory was a defence Isai. 4. 5. But this faire Summer Suneshine did not long last The infinitely wise God saw it sitt to bring that Church unto a wilderness againe to cause her meet with a dark dreadfull long lasting winter night Satan stirreth up Papists upon the one hand who saw that if this hedg of discipline were keeped up they could not enjoy the liberty peace they desired prophane politicians Courteours upon the other hand who saw that by this Discipline their licentiousnes would be curbed to bestirre themselves against this established discipline And accordingly they use their power with the King at length prevaile to get him to oppose the discipline to prosecute that designe piece piece till at length Prelats were established in all their power as the following discourse will clearly evince When Anno 1596. the Popish Lords who had conspired with Spaine against the countrey and had been upon that acount banished viz Huntly Arrol Angus were called home the Church saw Religion in danger ordained that particular flocks should be advertised hereof indicted a Fast appointed that some out of each Presbitery should concurre with the Presbitery of Edenburgh in considering of the most expedient way for securing of Religion and now because the Church would not consent unto the Kings calling home those popish Lords he is stirred up by his popish Courteours against the Church incroacheth dayly more more upon her liberties For Mr D. Black minister at St Andr. is cited before the Councill for some alledged expressions in his sermon The ministry seeing that the spirituall Governement of the house of God was intended to be quite subverted thought it best that he give in a Declinatour there in shew that though he was able to defend all that he spoke yet seing his answering to that accusation before them might import a prejudice to the liberties of the Church be taken for an acknowledgement of his Maj jurisdiction in maters meerly spirituall he was constrained to decline that Judicatorie 1. because the Lord Jesus had given to him his word for a Rule so he could not fall under any civill law but in so farr as he should be found after triall to have passed from his Instructions which triall belongeth
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
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
the office of Episcopacy pressing the Church with Innovations Particularly Mr Spotiswood for open ordinary prophanation of the sabbath drinking over late in taverns venting atrocious slanders interlining changeing the Acts of the Assembly at Aberdeen facrilege Simonie conniving at Heterodoxies Mr Linsday of Glasgow for oppressing of the Consciences of the Ministers in his Dioecy extorting money from some ministers withholding stipends from others oppressing his Vassals and forceing Probationers to swear some idle vaine oaths which he had invented Mr Lindsay of Edenburgh for admitting none to the ministry but such as would first take upon them the order of Deacons for bowing at the Altar useing the Rotchet other Masse-cloths in time of divine service consecrating Temples useing the Rite of Elevation at the Celebration of the Lords Supper conniving at Heterodoxies maintaining the Ubiquity of Christs body Mr Sideserf of Galloway for open ordinary prophaneing of the Lords day exercing tyranny in his Dioecy conversing with Excommunicated papists defending all the Arminlan many popish opinions Mr Maxwell for kneeling before the Altar wearing popish garments playing at Cards Dice on the Lords day even when the Sacrament had been given oppressing his vassalls keeping friday fasts defending all Arminian many of the most grosse Popish opinions Mr Whitefoord for such flagitious crimes as were notour to all So do they depose Excommunicate Mr Ballantine of Aberdeen VVedderburne of Dumblane for the generall crimes particularly Mr Ballantine for Simony for suspending Ministers because they keeped a fast on the Lords day dedicating a Chappell freeing Papists suspected of Incest from Church censures turning such an Apostate after he had appeared once so zealous for the truth Mr VVedderburne for concurring with Mr Maxwell in drawing up the book of Canons swearing profancing the Lords day commending Arminianisme many points of Popery So do they depose Mr Lindsay of Dunkell Mr Abernethy of Cathnes Mr Guthry of Murray Mr Grahame of Orknay Mr Fairly of Argile Mr Campbell of the Isles as for the generall crimes common to all so in particular Mr Lindsay for Simony Mr Abernethy for Simonie Mr Guthry for being the first who did put on the Surplice in Edenburgh Anno 1633. professing he would be yet more vile to please the King Mr Grahame for profancing the Lords day sacrilege conniving at adultery Mr Fairly for oppressing Intrants with new oaths profancing the Lords day defending the Arminian opinions Thus are those enemies to Church State after they had oppressed tyrannized over that poor Church for a long time wonderfully brought under her feet So let all thine Enemies perish o Lord. And now being filled with rage they all except some few who had acknowledged their wronge run to Court stir up his Maj. to make warr against Scotland accordingly warr is concluded both by Sea Land free tradeing is taken away the Scottish nobility at court are made to abjure the Nationall Covenant the Assembly at Glasgow The English Nobility with all their forces are commanded to meet the king at Yorke April 10. 1639. When the Covenanters see this preparation they emit 〈◊〉 Declaration shewing that Religion was their onely worke Conscience their onely Motive Reformation their Scope that they intended no harme to his Maj. nor did they intend to invade England whatever their malicious enemies did say to the contrary that all this was brought about by the means of some proud perverse Popishly affected Prelats But this Declaration was suppressed in England so that they might not know the true State of affairs and there is a contrary Declaration emitted stileing the Covenanters seditious rebells the like which was read in all the Churches of England Withall the Covenanters learne that the Earle of Huntly is made governour of the north that they are all declared Rebells in England that Berwick Carlile frontier cities were strongly garrisoned that the Earle of Arundale is made Generall that the King was to Rendevouz at York That Huntly had already four or five thousand in armes That Aberdeen was fortifying it self to take in the Kings navy That the Papists in the South were ready to rise with the Marquis of Douglas Lord Harris that the Deputy of Irland intended to Hand some men in the west And therefore after fasting prayer they resolved being in a sort the whole body of the Land the Nobility Gentry Burgesses Commons Magistrats of all sorts in City country to put themselves in a posture of defence to strengthen themselves against Invasion the best way they could to suppresse the enemies within their own bosome Wherein the Lord blessed them so as their enemies both in the North South were compesced with all they did emit a Declaration vindicating themselves their actions from all the aspersions of their enemies answering his Maj. Declaration read in the Churches of England that they might undeceive those of England May 1639. The Kings Navy cometh to Scotland with some thousands of men much provision The Covenanters send a supplication to his Maj. but in vaine for nothing is intended but fire sword The King approacheth their borders with an army the two armies are near to joyne in battell But God was pleased to prevent the shedding of bloud by moving the King to a Pacification wherein the King promiseth declareth that all causes Ecclesiasticall should be determined by Church Assemblies and that there should be a Generall Assembly every year once and that civill matters should be determined by Parliaments That there should be an Assembly held at Edenburgh the 12. of August next and a Parliament thereafter to ratify the Acts of the Assembly Whereupon the Scotish forces are disbanded the Castles are surrendred now the whole land looketh for nothing but peace The Assembly is opened up August 1639. the Earle of Traquair is present as his Maj. Commissioner all these things which were before concluded in the assembly of Glasgow are established his Maj. Commissioner assenting The Covenant was approved in all its heads clauses was subscribed both by Traquair his Maj. Commissioner by the Privy Councell according to a petition of the assembly unto the Secret Councell there is an act of Councell ordaining all in all time comeing to subscribe the Covenant according to the Generall assemblies declaration dated August 30 1639. Now according to the Pacification it was expected that these acts should have had the civill Sanction of the parliament which was to sit down the next day after the assembly was dissolved viz August 31. But before any thing was done by the Parliament to this effect it is commanded to dissolve Decemb. 18. under the paine of treason so the Parliament is prorogued unto the 2 of Jun. 1640. The Parliament for peace resolve to obey but because they had never been adjourned
to make way for repaireing of the ruines building up the breaches thereof for establishing the same on right sure foundations in your Maj. person family and to do those things when they were so litle expected in so quyet peaceable a way and without the effusion of Christian blood imbroyling the Kingdomes in the misery calamities of a new war And as we adore the wonderfull wise hand of God blesse his name who hath done these things so it is not only our practice for the present but our sincere resolution for the time to come to pouâ—… forth the fervent desires supplicatioâ—… of our soull unto the most high by whom kings reigne for the preservation saiftie of your Maj. person for the multiplication of his spirit increase of it upon you that you may imploy your power to his praise the comfort of his people for the Establishing of your just power greatnesse in subordination to him to be faithfull loyall rendering all the dutyes of honour subjection obedience to your Maj. that are due from humble loving subjects unto their native lawfull prince soveraigne And we desire to be perswaded with confidence to promise to ourselves that your Maj. will accept of those our professions as proceeding from loyall honest hearts allow us the protection countenance incouragement in our station callings that may be expected from a gracious king And considering the great happinesse that ariseth both to kirk and state all the members thereof by the mutuall good understanding betuixt the supreme Magistrat the faithfull of the land when it pleaseth divine providence so to dispose the many calamities miseries that in the holy justice just indignation of God do attend the separating or violating of these only sure foundations of states and 〈◊〉 kingdomes We are bold in the integrity of our hearts in the zeal of the glory of the Lord of the good of his church of your Maj. honour happinesse from the sense of manifold great obligations that be upon us before the Lord so to do particularly that of the Covenant That what lets we are not able of our selves to suppresse and overcome we shall reveal and make known that they may be prevented remedied Humbly to presente unto your Maj. and make known the great danger that threateneth religion and the work of reformation in the churches of God in these kingdomes from the desires and endeavour of the remanent of the popish prelaticall and malignant party therein which is begining to lift up the head not only to render hatefull but to bear downe many of your Maj. good subjects who have been imployed as instruments in the work have keeped within the bounds of their duty in promoveing preserving the same so far as humane frailty would permit but also to overthrow that blessed work it self and to reintroduce prelacy the ceremonies the service book and all these corruptions which were formerly cast out as inconsistent with that pure and spotelesse rule of church governement discipline and divine worshipe delivered to us in the word of God as a yoke of bondage that neither we nor our fathers were able to bear and though we know that that Spirit will not want its specious pretences plausible insinuations for compassing these ends yet as there cannot readily be greater disservice to the church of God to these Kingdoms to your Maj. honour happinesse then actings of that nature so we cannot without horrour of Spirit astonishment of heart think upon what dreadfull guiltinesse King Princes Ministers People shall be involved into what fearfull wrath shall attend them from the face of an angry jealous God if after all the light that he hath made to shine in these kingdomes from his blessed word for discovery of the error Impiety of these things after his hand hath been lifted up so high for casting out of the same after solemne vowes engadgments taken upon themselves before God angels men against them if they should againe lick up the vomit thereof God forbid that we should either hear or see such heart astonishing bitter things which would turne the mirth of the Lords people into mourning their songs into most sad lamentations Neither are we lesse apprehensive of the endeavours of the spirit of errour that possesseth Sectaries in these Nations which as it did at first promove a vast tolleration in things religious and afterwards did proceed to the frameing of mischief into a law so we doubt not but it will still be active unto the promoving procuring of the same under the specious pretext of liberty to tender consciences the effects whereof have in a few years past been so dreadfull that we cannot think of the continuing thereof but with much trembling fear Therefore knowing that to Kings Princes Rulers Magistrats appertaineth the purgation preservation of religion that nothing can contribute more unto the preserving and promoveing of religion the work of reformation then that all places of power trust be filled with men of a blamelesse christian conversation approven integrity known affection to the cause of God We your Maj. most humble supplicants subjects with bowed knees bended affections humbly supplicat your Maj. that you would imploy your royall power unto the preservation of the reformed religion in the church of Scotland in doctrine worship discipline governement for the reformation of Religion in the Kingdome of England Irland in doctrine worshipe discipline goverment and to the carrying on of the work of uniformity of religion in the church of God in the three Kingdomes in one confession of faith forme of church goverment directory of worshipe catechisâ—…ing and to the extirpation of popery prelacy superstition heresy schisme prophanesse whatsoever is contrary to sound doctrine the power of Godlinesse And that all places of trust under your Majest may be filled with such as have taken the Covenant are of approven integrity known affection to the cause of God If in a matter that so much concerneth the honour of God the good of his Church your Maj. honour happinesse we be jealous with a godly jealousy we know your Maj. wisdom lenity to be such as will easily pardon And the sense of our duty to God to your Maj. the fear of those kingdoms transgressions by building up againe the things that were destroyed constraineth us to be petitioners against the same earnestly to intreat that any beginnings of stumbling which already have been given in those things especially in the matter of Prelacy ceremonies the Servicebook in your Majesty chappell and family and other places of your Dominions may be removed and taken away And that there may be no
it may not be a supersede as to an Act a ground of exemption to the subject from the rigour thereof till the law be revived by a posteriour act which was never yet done lawyers may judge But which is more there is an Act of Parl. Anno 1592. declareing that that former Act shall no wayes be prejudiciall nor derogat any thing to the privilege that God hath given to the spirituall office bearers of the church concerning heads of religion matters of heresy excommunication collation or deprivation of ministers or any such like essentiall censures specially grounded have and warrand of the word of God And which is more considerable The parliament 1648. did disclaime any such power of judging in church matters took it for an unjust challenge charge to say that they took an antecedent judgment in maters of religion for in their letter to the presbyteries of Scotland being their Act 16. May 11. 1648. they have these words Neither can it be with any truth or justice in any sort alleidged that we have in the least measure wronged or violated the true privileges or liberties of the church or any way taken upon us the determination or decision of any matters of faith or church discipline though we be unjustly charged with taking an antecedent judgment in matters of religion By which every one may see that the parliament did looke upon themselves as an incompetent judge in matters of faith or religion Primo instanti or antecedently unto the decision determination of the church And now let lawyers judge whether when the parliament the supreme judicature of that land doth declare themselves incompetent judges in matters of religion The Privy Councell which is a judicature inferiour to the parliament by the fundamentall lawes of that land having its originall power antiquity from the Kings Maj. the estates of parliament so is subordinat there to ought to be countable to censureable by them according to the 12 Act of Parl. 2. King Iames 4. See for this Act 27. Parl 2. of King Charl I. 1640. may become judges thereof whether seing by confession of Parliament they can be no lesse incompetent judges then the parliament it self it can be truely treasonable to decline them Though it were granted that that Act of Parliament 1584. were no way weakened by the other Act 1592. which yet is expressely explicatory thereof yet it could no wayes be treasonable in him to decline the councell as an incompetent judge to him in that case because the Act 1584. is to be understod in such cases only in which they are propper judges But it will be replyed that the Act maketh them judges competent to all persones spirituall or tempâ—…rall in all matters wherin they or any of them shall be apprehended summoned or charged Answ. True the act speaks so in the generall yet it is well known that notwithstanding thereof any of his majesties subjects might decline them when cited for causes the cognition whereof did popperly belong to another distinct judicature such as the court of exchequer or the Lords of the Session so that this all is to be restricted to such causes as do belong to them And under it causes purely ecclesiastike cannot be understood because of that which the Parliament Anno 1648. said Parliaments know best what causes belong to their cognition what doth not belong to a Parliament will never belong to the Privy Councell If it be replyed againe that the meaning of the Parliament 1584. was to give the councell power in church matters because this act was devised of purpose to hinder ministers to protest against the King his counsell as they had done before Ans. that is true But that will say nothing now when the Parliament 1648. hath declined to be judges in such matters and Parliaments can best expound their own lawes and acts can best explaine the extent of their own power and consequently can best declare what causes these are of which the Privie Councell is competent judge what not when they declare that themselves are not competent judges in matters of doctrine religion they do more then sufficiently declare that the Privie Councell is not a competent judge in those matters But for all this this worthy man must die he dieth a martyr for the truth against the Erastian abomination SECTION VI. The sufferings of some other Ministers related AMong other acts of the Committy of Estates there was a proclamation which they caused be read at all the church doores of the Kingdome upon the Lord's day in which they discharged ministers to speak or preach any thing against them or their proceedings this was to command them to handle the word of the Lord deceitfully to become false prophets to preach smooth things and to prophecy deceits wherby the malicious ill affected people who did not love their ministers were encouraged to give in delations of such such things as they thought good to allaidge against them as uttered in their sermones bring in any prophane persones they pleased for witnesses By which meanes some though many were in no hazard thinking it commendable prudence to be silent at such a time were brought to trouble both by the Committe of Estates by the Parliament being imprisoned or confined and other wayes hardly used though litle of what was allaidged could be proved against them More over ther was one minister who after the Parliament had annulled the covenant passed many other acts against the work of reformation thought himself bound in conscience to give faithfull free warning to shew the greatnesse of the sin of backslideing defection from the cause and truth of God to protest publikely in a Ministeriall way for his own exoneration after the example of Samuel at the comandement of God against the course of defection carryed on all acts made in prejudice of the covenanted worke of reformation for which cause he was summoned before the Parliament and at length condemned of treason sedition onely upon that acount therafter was banished out of all his Maj. dominions And if any say that ministers should have been silent not meddled with state affairs let the answers which famous doct Voet giveth in his Politia Eccles. pag. 982. 983. c. be considered which are these 1. It is the duty of Ministers to give faithfull warning unto people Ezek. 3 17 22. 2. This was not to meddle with the politie but with the abuse of it by men in power 3. Rulers no lesse then others must be touched when they provoke God to wrath by their carriage 1 Thes. 5 11. Iam. 5 20. 1 Sam. 15 14. Isa. 58. 1. 4. Then they should never speake to a hundered places of scripture which do speake so directly against Magistrats abuseing their power See what he sayeth furder to this purpose there in answering therest of the
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
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
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
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
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
the ground of the answere is clear from the very words of the commission which putteth no difference betuixt the way of their appoynting Ministers to be suspended or deposed the way of their appoynting others to be fined confined or incarcerated we must not distinguish where we have no ground And therefore it is said more clearly in the former part of the commission that they have power for the causes specified to suspend deprive excemmunicate these words make the matter as clear as can be 2. This coâ—…t is raised of purpose to put the Acts of Parliament in execution immediatly for so sayeth the commission it self That they are to â—…se their outmost endeavour that the Acts of Parliament and councell â—…or the peace and order of the Church c. 〈◊〉 put in vigour and in impartiall execution Now as for this end they immediatly execute the lawes for fineing confineing c. So have they power also immediatly to execute these lawes that are for suspending deposeing of Ministers 3. The end why this court was erected sheweth further that it is in part a Church judicature For it was erected to keep the peace order of the Church the governement thereof by Archbishops Bishops to punish such as presume to violat contemne disobey the Ecclesiastick authority 4. That which doth put the matter yet more out of doubt is the Basis or ground on which this High commission is reared up viz. his Maj. prerogative royall in all causes and over all persones as well Ecclesiastick as civil Now if they looked upon this court only as a civil court haveing power to meddle only with civil punishments his prerogative royall in causes civil had been a sufficient Basis for this Therefore the expresse mentioning of his prerogative royall in causes Ecclesiastick putteth it beyond all debate that they have proper Church power granted unto them so may immediatly depose suspend c. In the last place Some may object against the arguments brought from the unlawfulnesse of Church men their taking upon them civil places And say That though they will prove it unlawfull now for Ministers to take upon them such places Yet they will not prove it unlawfull for any to compeaâ—… before them when instaled in those places More then it can be unlawfull to come before a judge who possiblie hath come'â—… to the place by unlawfull indirect meanes that is his fault others are not concerned therein so here it is the prelates their fault to take upon them these places private persones are not so much concerned therein Ans. There is a vaste difference betwixt the prelates in this court other judges in other courts though comeing to these places by indirect meanes For. 1. These other courts places of judicature are unquestionably lawfull But the High commission is not a court so unquestionably lawfull 2. Other courts are not affected in the poynt of lawfulnesse or unlawfulnesse by the quality of the persones But it is otherwise here in the High commission the very lawfulnesse of the court is questioned upon the account of the prelats being members thereof sine quibâ—…s non 3. These vices or indirect meanes used by others for attaineing of such or such a place in a judicature are for â—…he most partsecrete not clear undeyable or obvious unto all But that which is objected against the prelats is notour to all who read the gospell where they are expresly discharged by Christ to meddle in such a manner with any civil place or power so 4. That which is objected against the prelates is such a thing as affecteth the very person incapacitateth him for the place but in the other cases instanced these vices affect only the manner of entry but do not incapacitate the person a man may be one fit enough for such or such a place in a judicature as to be a judge or a justice of peace or thelike though he use indirect meanes to come by the place but the prelats as prelats if so be they will be accounted Church officers because they are Church men are uncapable of such a place therefore though it will not be unlawfull to acknowledge a judicature unquestionablie lawfull notwithstanding of some secret corruption in the entry ofhim who is in possession of the place Yet it will be unlawfull to acknowledge a judicature in it selfquestionable at best whether lawfull or not when such persones are made constituent members thereof yea members sine quibus non that by the expresse law of Christ are uncapable ofsuch a place and the acknowledging of this judicature cannot but be an approveing of that corruption Because the very acknowledging of the judicature sayeth that the persons who are constituent members thereof are really legally capable of the place as the compearing before acknowledging of a court made up of mere civil persons having power to try ordaine rebuke depose or excommunicate Ministers should be 〈◊〉 acknowledgeing of civil persons their having Church power contrare to the lawes of the gospell Therefore the arguments brought from the unlawfulnesse of Church men taking upon them civil places are still in force By those particulars It is abundantly clear that that high commission court is a most sinfull court even as to it's constitution how dangerous it is to compear before it upon any account without a declinature how it is saifest to with draw escape the snare that is laid there for catching of unwarry souls ere they be aware See the learned Voetius pol. eccles pag. 214. quaest 2. 216. quast 3 SECTION XX. The dreadfulness of the sin of covenant breaking particularly of abjureing the nationall Covenant the solemne league Covenant manifested MAny sad particulars have been mentioned which may occasion grief sorrow unto all the people of God yet there is one other which putteth on the copestone may deservedly make that land a gazeing-stock a hissing unto all nations round about who may stand astonished wonder what is become of Covenanted Scotland For it was not enough for the Parliament to condemne the Covenants which were solemnely sworne subscribed by Parliament at their command by all ranckes of people in the land by the King himself as was showne in the 2. Section But they formed a declaration Septembr 5. 1662. which they ordained to be subscribed by all officers of state members of Parliament privy councellers Lords of Session Commissioners in the exchequer members of the college of justice Sheriffs Stewards or commissaries their deputies and clerkes Magistrats and councells of Brughs justices of peace and their clerks or any other who have publick charge office and trust within the Kingdom And by the subscribeing of this declaration they promise as followeth I do sincerly affirme and declare that I judge it unlawfull to subjects upon pretence of reformation or any other pretence
solide peace agreement for the time to come offered to K. Iames. 5. Then unmarried his doughter to make him King of great Britane after his dâ—…ath in the mean time to give him the stile of the Duk of yorke King Iames pleasing these proffers assenteth câ—…descendeth on a day on which he should meet with the King of England accord upon all matters But at the instigation of the popish-Church men other courtiers who were driveing on their own dâ—…signe he breakeh his promise with the King of England And when Anno 1540. Ambassadours were sent againe from England to desire that the King would goe to York there treat with the King of England conforme to the last agreement The priests stood in the way here also with which the King of England was offended resolved to raise warrs against Scotland The result of which war was that at length the scottish forces were all scattered broken at the report of which defeate the King was so grieved vexed that within few dayes he died Againe when King Iames 5. Dieth the King of England communeth with the Scottish prisoners whom he had taken at the last battell concerning the marrying of his sone with the young Queen King Iames his doughter when they promised to do what they could without wronging either the publick good or their own credite he sent them home appoynting them to leave some pledges in their room at New castle This was in the end of the year 1542. when the Parl. conveened in March next the businesse was concluded thereafter the contract was signed by both Kingdoms solemnely subscribed in the abbay of Halirood house the sacrament was broken as the forme was betwixt the Governour of Scotland Mr Sadler Ambassadour from England But the old Queen the Cardinall being against the match stirre up all to a breach perswade those who had been prisoners in England not to return thither to relieve their pledges only the Earle of Cassiles from whose constancy faithfulnesse the Earle who now is is not degenerated but as his predecessour was sole in keeping Covenant so is he singular went according to his promise relieved his owne pledges being approven by Henry for his constancie faithfulnesse was freely set at liberty sent home But what followed upon this breach of Covenant Many sad intestine broiles and commotions tending to the weakening breaking of the Kingdom at length King Henry took occasion to avenge this breach of Covenant sent his Navy towards Scotland landing ten thousand men at Leth who did burne Edinb many places thereabout againe his army did enter the borders waste burne all about Kelso jedburgh thereafter they spoile waste all the Mers Teviotdale Lauderdale some yeers thereafter viz. Anno 1547. He sendeth a great army againe into Scotland when it lay about Pinckie there was a letter sent unto the scottish forces shewing the ground of the war not to be avarice hatred or envy but a desire of a firme â—…asting peace which could not otherwise be had then by the marriage which was proposed assented unto by the Estates an agreement thereupon sworne subscribed But the scottish army would not hear of this but resolve on battell at length were overcome suffered great lose For almost all the young nobleman of Scotland with their friends followers were killed This 10. of Septemb. 1547. may yet preach unto Scotland how God will avenge perfidy all the nobles and others of Scotland who have now broken Covenant may remember pinckie field The french History sheweth us what way the Lord avenged the bloody perfidiousnesse of Charles 9. who had broken five or six severall pacifications conclusions of peace solemnely made ratified betwixt him the protestants For he was smitten with a vehement desease causeing him to wallow in his own blood which he vomited out in great abundance by all the conduits of his body for divers houres till he died And how Henry the 3. Who had been perfidious in breaking the articles of peace concluded with the protestants first about the year 1576. where among other things he avowed by solemne declaration that the Massacre committed Anno 1572. was against all right law of armes then againe An. 1580. Was stabbed in the belly with a knife by Iames Clement a Iacobin Friar in the very chamber where the former King contrived that Barbarous massacre on S. Bartholomew's day Anno 1572. Any who is well versed in History may fill up many pages with such sad lamentable Histories concerning Gods avengeing Covenant breaking these which have been mentioned may suffice for a taste SECTION XXII The solemne league Covenant vindicated And the author of the seasonable case caet Answered THe last thing which remaineth is to shew the vanity of their pretensions who plead the nullity or non obligation of those Covenants It is matter both of admiration of grief sorrow that there should be any found within the Church of Scotland who had so far forgotten themselves as now to turn not only enemies to piety Christianity but enemies also to very humanity not only break Covenant-tyes themselves but also teach others to do the fame that without any fear of punishment either from God or man But God who is Jealous will not be mocked let men dream of exemption as they please by sophisticall chifts think to blinde their owne eyes the eyes of others God who will not hold them guilt lesse that take his name in vaine will no doubt by sad answers from heaven discover the impiety folly of these patrons of prophanity inhumanity Severall in the Kingdom of Engl. have vented their skill in that blake art of looseing the bonds of sacred Covenants But their principles tending to all prophanity have been sufficiently discovered answered by Ms Crofton Timorcus there is one in Scotland who in a late pamphlet intituled The seasonable case of submission to the Church Government c. tryeth how far his skill will reach in this art O how fitly may that of Plautus be applyed to this generation Nostra â—…t as non mulâ—…um fidei gâ—…rst Tabulaeotaniâ—…r adsunt 〈◊〉 dâ—…odecim Tempus â—…cumque sâ—…bit actuarius Tamen invenâ—…r Rhâ—…r qui factum negat But who the author is who can tell For though the pamphlet be published by orderâ—… so countenanced by authority Yet he putteth not to his name being as would appear ashamed to patronize such a bad cause least of all can he be known by the description he giveth of himself in the frontispiece 〈◊〉 lover of the peace of this Church Kingdom unlesse he meane such a peace as is the plague of God upon the heart filling it with senslesnesse stupidity lulling it asleep in his iust judgment
is a new obligation added ariseing from the oath Had not the Covenants oaths which the children of Israel swore concerning morall dutyes the law the worshipe of God an additionall tye obligation Ier. 50 5. Ios. 24. Deut. 29 3. By this meanes this author would take away this piece of God's worship service of vowing swearing unto him for it must either be about things necessary or about things indifferent But he will have no oath or vow made about things necessary because sayes he that is needlesse nor will he have any oath or vow made about things indifferent as shall be seen afterward so if he speak truth there ought to be no vowes or oaths at all 4. But why may not people look even to the Covenant obligation in things determined by the word Doth not God lay the breach of Covenant oftentimes unto the charge of his people doth not this say that they were bound to look to their promises obligations It is true that oaths Covenants should not be the only ground upon which to plead the lawfulnesse of such or such things yet these promises vowes Covenants ought to have their own secondary place So then it is a poor thing to say that such as plead for the standing force obligation of the Covenant must suppone that Episcopacy is a thing indifferent for by this same reason they must suppone also that the other great duties which are engadged to in that Covenant relating to true religion a holy life from which himself sayeth Pag. 37. no power on earth can loose to which they are indispensably tyed are of an indifferent nature which were most reasonlesse absurd 5. This is a hard case unto which this author would bring the Covenanters viz. That either they must quite the obligation of the Covenant or else say that all those particulars sworne to in the second article which is the article he mainely instanceth are but matters of indifferency and consequently say that not only prelacy in it's height as Hierarchicall but poperie heresie schisme every thing which is contrary to sound doctrine the power of godlinesse are matters of indifferencie But would he say so in his own case If one who had taken the oath of alleagiance or fidelity to his lawfull prince or the oath de fideli administratione in some office or other should afterward alledge that these bondes did not binde him for either the matter there obliged to was a thing indifferent if so he was not bound to wrong his liberty or else duties antecedent to the oath then the oath hath no force on him he is no way perjured though he crosse a hundered of those oaths Now what will this author reply in this case hath he not as it is usuall for such as pleaâ—…d for error in seeking to wound the Covenanters killed himself what evasions he findeth out for subjects to reject all the bondes of oaths imposed by superiours every one seeth And whether in so doing he doth his Maj. good service Acteth the part of a loyall subject and faithfull casuist any may judge But to proceed in the examination of the case set downe 4. Let this also be given unto this Author though it may not be granted he will not gaine his cause for let it be supponed that Episcopacy is a thing indifferent will it thence follow that the Church may not determine in a matter of indifferencie concerning Church government without the supreme Magistrat's expresse consent Whether is the Church or the Magistrat the fittest judge of that government which best suiteth the Church tendeth most to edification is most expedient whether are the Churches that live under the Turk more able to judge of the most expedient edifying way of Church government or the Turk himself If he reply That he speaketh of Christian Magistrats It is answered That heathens are as essentially Magistrats as Christians are that text Numb 30. groundeth no more an analogy for Christian Magistrats then for heathens And if that be a law then he would remember that non est distinguendum ubi lex non distinguit that Christians may be subjects unto heathen Magistrats is beyond all question And therefore if this argueing hold good a Christian Church living under the Turk might not vow to maintaine and follow such a forme of Church government as they judged most agreeable to the word of God most advantagious for the ends of government because forsooth it were a prejudging of the right of the great Turk their superiour If he reply that the case is altered because of the Turk 's granting liberty unto these Churches to do in these things as they think meet Ans. Then the Turk is a better friend unto the Church then the Christian Magistrat it were better for the Church to be under the Turk then under a Christian Magistrat 5. Let all this be yet granted by way of supposition he will not gaine his poynt for their oath in this Covenant doth not prejudge the right of the superiour because they sweare only to endeavour in their severall places callings such such alterations what incroachment can this make upon the superiours right May not a wife or a doughter sweare in their places according to their callings to endeavour the alteration of such or such a thing in the family yet never attempt it without the consent of the parent or husband May not here oath be lawfull binde hâ—…re to use all faire lawfull meanes to move incline the parent or husband there unto So that what ever he be pleased to say of the way of Scotland their carrying on that businesse in which how sowlely he erreth may be showne hereafter were it granted to him will make nothing against the Covenant concerning the obligation of which is the difference now Till then he make it appear that the Covenant as worded did directly prejudge the right of the superiour his alledgiance is frivolous groundlesse 6. This might be granted to him also which yet cannot be done his cause gaine no advantage that for this reason Because that place Numb 30. Exponed accord-to his owne glosse commentary maketh for the Covenanters every way For. 1. They had no open dissent declared It is true there is mention made of a proclamation declareing it unlawfull to enter into that Covenant but Mr Crofton in his Analepsis Analephthe Pag. 120. sayeth that it was not regular being done without the advice of his Councell who are vailed by the session of Parliament sheweth also how it was a breach of privilege But as to that this may satisfie That as that proclamation did not anull the act but only prohibite it so it did not concerne them in Scotland Now if the parent or husband hold his peace the oath is confirmed requiritur sayeth doct Sanders de jur prom obl
Covenant And presbyterian Government was no way secured it not being once named but wrapped up in generall under the reformation in doctrine worship discipline Government unto which independents separatists might assent purposeing to preserve the same against the common enemy yea even such as entered into the Covenant could not agree in its sense as may be seen in the Parliament of England's baffling the Scottish Commissioner's declaration Anno 1647. other papers Ans. 1. To say that the Covenant was purposely framed in generall termes that severall parties might be fast united against prelacy is a base slanderous imputation But suteth him well who pleadeth for such a cause If the Covenant for the most part be thus conceived in generall ambiguous termes how cometh it to passe that he produceth not instances thereof no not so much as one Was it not as cleare as the sun shineth at noon day that the reformed government of the Church of Scotland at that time was presbyteriall And did not himself say a little before that at that time there was no such officers in the Church of Scotl. as are mentioned in the second article of the league Covenant And whereas he sayeth that severall sects did lurk under the lap thereof doth â—…he think this a cogent argument to prove it's ambiguity What sect is it which doth not plead scripture Shall scripture therefore be accounted ambiguous 〈◊〉 No not at all Let men of corrupt mindes principles wrest words in the Covenant as they please the Covenant to any who shall reade it is plaine clear enough he who will wink may wander at noon day let men imagine put what glosses they will on scripture It is plaine hath but one sense But what will all this make to the businesse Will the obligation of a Covenant in which some men think there lyeth some ambiguities be loosed upon that account This must be proved ere it be received off his hand as a truth neither he nor any of his party hath hit hertill attempted any such thing Lastly is there any ambiguity in the second article Yet sayeth he were it not better to lay aside when now it is disclamed by Kiâ—…g Parliament all persons of trust in the land a human for me which in respect of the composure of it is apt to be hath been is like to be a seminary of variety of parties worse evills then prelacy is imagined to be When he hath made it to appear that this composure is apt of its own nature to be such a seminary of worse evills then prelacy his advice may be taken to consideration but till then which will be ad Calendas gracas he must excuse the Covenanters for neither King nor Parliament though they had the pope with them can give a dispensation in a matter of an oath And King Parliament with all the persones of trust will have enough to do to hold the broad roll the curse off themselves their houses their posterity to keep themselves out of his hands Who will be a swift witnesse against false swearers though they undertake not to protect others from the wrath vengeance of God The last particular which he exaggerateth is the limited or conditionall preservation of the King's Maj. person authority viz. in the preservation defence of the true religion c. He enquireth whether this was right or not And if difference in religion loose a people from their duty to the King To which a short reply will suffice 1. Though it were granted that there were some thing wrong here this will not ground the non-obligation of the Covenant in other particulars what hath he gained then 2. What ever wrong may be in wording this article thus The blame is not be laid upon the first authors of this league Covenant For in the nationall Covenant which was subscribed at first by King Iames his houshold Anno 1580. And in obedience to an act of Councell together with an Act of the Generall Assembly by persons of all rankes Anno 1581. And againe subscribed by all sorts of persons Anno 1590. 1591. The Covenanters duety towards the King is so qualified in these words We protest promise with our hearts under the same oath hand write paines that we shall defend his person authority with our gear bodyes lives in the defence of Christ's evangell liberties of our contrey ministration of justice punishment of iniquity against all enemies within thâ—… realme or without So that if he annull the leagué Covenant upon this account he must much more annull the nationall Covenant whereof King Iames was the author For in that there is more addâ—…d to the qualification of their duty to the King viz. his minisiration of justice and punishment of juiquity So then this clause in the league being consonant unto that in the nationall Covenant needeth not be so much quarrelled at 3. It is like he is displeased with any such qualification but his reason is not very forceable viz. because it would insinuat that they were no otherwayes bound to defend him for it will only insinuat that the Covenanters are to preferre that which is of greater moment unto that which is of lesser concernment that they are to preferre the end unto the mean leading to the end That is when the King is in direct opposition unto the cause work of God it becometh them to preferre the interest of Christ before man's not to help the mighty against the Lord but the Lord against the mighty And when defending promoveing or any way advanceing the authority of the King shall directly tend to the ruine of the interest of Christ religion no Christian is bound to concurre And this was granted even by the Parliament Anno 1648. So that the question betwixt the Parliament the Church at that time was not whether religion the interests of Christ should be preferred to the interest of the King or not But whether the Engadgement which was then carryed on was not a preferring of Man's interests to Christ's for as to the thesâ—…s or major proposition it was granted by the Parliament viz. That Christ's interest should be sought before man's the King's interests only in a subordination to Christ's Thus they did professe openly their owneing of the Covenant their resolution to prosecute the ends of the covenant to seek to secure establish the King's interests only in subordination to the interests of Christ for in their letter to the presbyteries Printed in their records May. 11. They shew that they were resolved to proceed for the preservation defence of religion before all other worldly interests whatsoever to carry on sincerely really constantly the Covenant all the ends of it And againe in their answer to the supplications from Synods presbyteries Iun. 10. insert likewise in their
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
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