nevertheless not only did the Ass approve it but the K. also in his fifth article calleth them the excommunicate Lords and albeit the L. Hume was at the same time excommunicated yet when he came into the Ass he named not that exception whereupon he might have had such benefite as the Earle of Anguse had found in the Assembly of the year 1590 he was guilty of the objected crime and yet the Sentence was declared to be null because of informality But an enemy is ever objecting whither true or false What he hath of the Assembly slighting the business of John Ross and An. Hunter is clear by what is above In the Parliament following in Iuny the excommunicated Lords were forfeited and Lawes were made against all willing hearers of Masse against all that are or shal be excommunicated by the Church After the Parliament because Both well had failed of his attempts by himself he joyned with the Lords in the North whereupon followed more troubles yet so that the rebells were fain to leave the Country before February XXXII The Assembly conveened at Montros Juny 24. James 1595. The 57. Assembly Nicolson was chosen Moderator I. The Assembly declares themselves Judges of marriages what are lawfull and what are unlawfull in so far as concerneth the spirituall part thereof In Sess 9. they declare two sorts unlawfull 1. When a person marryeth another whom he had before polluted by adultery 2. If the innocent person is content to remain with the nocent and the guilty or adulterer will take another Likewise marriages made by priests or by them who had served in the Ministry and are deposed from the function or by a private person such marriages are unlawfull II. All presbyteries are ordained to proceed against Papists within their bounds and against all their receipters or entertainers Under pain of deposition of the Minister in whose default the disciplin of the Church shall not be executed And the same disciplin to be used against all that have intercommoning intelligence or familarity with excommunicates III. Because many professing the truth of the Gospell do abstain for many years from participation of the Lords table under pretence of â—eud thereby declaring how litle they esteem that great benefite and in very deed cut off themselves from the communion of the Church Therefore ordinance is given unto all presbyteries to charge all such persons within their boundes to do as it becomes the members of Christ And if any person throgh infirmity or weakness of conscience shall refuse the Presbytery shall by information bring them into duty granting them some competent time to resolve themselves and if they continue obstinat to proceed against them to the sentence of excommunication IV. Sundry Sessions were taken up wiâ—h advising upon a way and meanes of a constant Plat for setling of Ministers stipends or assignations which were wont to be changed yearly V. Sir Iames Chissholm in humility confesses his offences namely his apostasy from the religion for which he was excommunicated he craves mercy from God he declares that now he renounceth Antichrist with all his errors and resolves by the grace of God to continue in the true religion and he craves to be received into the bosom of the Church again The Assembly appointes some to deal with him by conference and others to draw up the form of his satisfaction In Sess 9. he was received and the Sentence of his absolution was pronounced by the Moderator VI. Some articles of inquisition concerning the dilapidation of Benefices are prescribed unto Presbyteries VII The Kings Commissioners give the articles following to be read and answered 1. His Ma. craves that an Act be made ordaining that whosoever shall practize any treasonable enterprice or conspiracy against his Ma s person or estate being found and declared culpable by the Law shall also for that incurre the Sentence of excommunication That thereby an inseparable union may be betwixt the two swords 2. that an order be taken in excommunication specially in three points first that it be not at the appetite of two or three persons but by a convenient number of the Church gravely assembled secondly that it be not for civill causes or small faults specially for any Minister's particular interest lest it be thought they imitate the Pope's curse and so incurr the like contempt thirdly the form of summary excommunication without any citation to be abolished 3. Because Mr Craig is waiting in sicknes what hour it shall please God to call him and is altogether unable to serve any more and his Maj. intends to place J. Duncanson with the Prince and so hath no Minister but Pa. Galloway therefore craves an ordinance granting two Ministers whom he shall chuse The humble answers 1. The Assembly grantes the first Legitima cognittone Ecclesiastica praeeunte 2. Concerning the first particular of the second the Assembly agrees and the other two importing great weight and requiring deliberation the Assembly thinks meet to conclude nothing therein untill the next Assemb when by Gods grace these shall be determined and in the mean while ordaineth that none in the Ministry proceed to excommunicate without citation nisi periclitetur Ecclesia 3. It is agreed that his Maj. shall have his choise of godly and learned Ministers and to this effect ten Ministers or any sixe of them are directed to advise with his Maj. in his choise VIII In favor of the exequitours of Ministers it is ordained If a Minister dy after September 29. quia fruges sunt separaâ—ae à solo his exequitors shall have all that years stipend or rent and the half of the next IX Because there is great cause of humiliation before God whose anger is visible on this Land and is litle regarded by the most part therefore the Assembly indictes a generall fast and humiliation to be observed universally in all churches upon the first two sundayes of August next and the causes thereof to be gravely declared according to the grounds they see and conceive X. It is ordained that Presbyteries take order within their own boundes for visitation of Grammer Schools and reformation of them as occasion shall require And certain brethren are ordained to visite Colledges to examine the life and doctrine of the Masters the discipline and order there and where they find any abuse to reform it so far as they can and to report both what they shall do and what abuse they can not reform That year was quietness in the countrey excepting great troubles betwixt the Maxwells and Johnstons in the South and the like in the Hielands and by windy harvest followed great scarcety and dearth XXXIII The King knowing that the Gen. Assembly was to conveen 1596. in March sent for Robert Bruce one of the Ministers of Edinburgh and as B. Spotsword hath it hoping that by the sway he carried in these meetings some proposition that tended to the reclaiming of the exiled Lords should be made by the
said he may easily understand who will compare the new Divines with the ancient both Latine and Greek So far Berald Out of these two testimonies observe that Theophylact doth agree with the Ancients before him as Chrysostom Basilius and others of those ages whom he often quoteth and doth disagree from the multitude of Preachers in the Roman Church about the year 1533. Where then is their frequent gloriation of the constancy and unity of the Roman Church with the Ancient Fathers Hear then what Theophylact saith in the Articles of controversie in those daies In Prolog before Evang. Matth. he saith Because heresies were to bud forth which are ready to wast our manners it was thought necessary that the Gospels should be written to the end that we learning truth out of them should not be deceived with the lies of heresies and our manners should not altogether be undone On Cap. 13. near the end speaking of Christ and his mother he saith The mother would shew some human thing that she had power over her son for as yet she had no great thoughts of him and therefore while he was yet speaking she would draw him unto her Porsena here addeth on the margine Lege cautè To wit he saw that these words are against the Tenets of Rome that the Virgin was free from all sin and by right of her mother-hood she can command her son On Cap. 16. Because Peter had confessed that Jesus is the son of God he said that this confession which he had confessed shall be the foundation of Beleevers so that every man which shall build the house of faith shall lay this foundation for although we build many vertues and have not this foundation a right confession we do build unprofitably ..... They have power of binding and forgiving who receive the gift of Episcopacy or oversight as Peter did for although it was said unto Peter I will give unto thee nevertheless it was granted unto all the Apostles When when he said Whose sins ye forgive they are forgiven For when he said I will give he signifieth the time coming that is after the resurrection ...... When Peter speaks rightly Christ calleth him blessed but when he feareth without reason and will not have him to suffer he lasheth him and saith Go behind me Satan In Luc. cap. 2. Bishops should keep their Flock and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that is sing in the field sing spiritual things and teach the people and hear divine visions and sayings Bethleem is the house of bread and what other is the house of bread but the Church in which bread is provided it is therefore the duty of spiritual Shepheards to seek heavenly bread which when they have seen they must preach it unto others ..... The things whereof the Scripture is silent we should not inquire On Cap. 16. Nothing is so profitable as diligent searching of the Scriptures the Divel may falsely and apparently make a search of the dead to deceive the unwise and from Hell he may sow doctrine according to his wickedness but those who do duly search the Scriptures nothing can delude them for the Scriptures are a lantern and light which when it shines the theef is found and made manifest therefore we should beleeve them and not regard the rising of the dead And a little before he saith As it is impossible for any man to pass from the company of the just into the place of sinners so it is impossible as Abraham teacheth us to pass from the place of punishment into the place of the just .... The bosom of Abraham is the possession of good things which are prepared for the just passing from the Waves of the Sea into the Haven of Heaven On Ioh. cap. 1. The new Testament is called grace because God gives freely unto us not only remission of sins but the adoption of children And it is called truth because whatsoever the Fathers saw in figure or spoke He hath here preached these clearly ........... Here we learn that the miracles of Christ's childhood are but feigned and lies and made up by them who would scorn the mystery for if these had been true how could the Lord have been unknown which wrought them for it is no way likely that he was not famous which did such miracles But it is not so for before he was baptized he wrought no signs neither was he known On Cap. 3. If thou knowest not the wind which is a Spirit subject to sense how searchest thou curiously of regeneration by the Spirit of God how and from whom it is breathed If this spirit cannot be comprehended far less is the grace of the Holy Ghost subject to the laws of nature Confounded therefore be Macedonius the fighter against the Holy Ghost and Eunomius before him for he would make the Spirit a servant although he hear in this place that the Spirit bloweth whither it will far rather hath the Holy Ghost a more free motion and doth work where he willeth and after what manner he willeth ...... When thou hearest that the Son of man came down from Heaven think not that his flesh came down from Heaven this did Apollinarius teach that Christ had a body from Heaven which did pass thorow the Virgin as thorow a Conduit But because Christ is one person consisting in two natures therefore whatsoever belongs to the Man-hood is spoken of the Word and again what belongs unto the Word is spoken of the Man So here the Son of Man is said to come down from Heaven because He is one person and again lest when ye hear it said The Son of Man came down you would think that he is not in Heaven He saith even he which is in Heaven for do not think that I am not there because I came down but both am I here bodily and I sit there as God with the Father ..... Here we learn that the old Testament is like or of the same nature with the new and there is but one giver of the old and new Testament although Marcion and Manicheus and that rabble of Hereticks deny it He teacheth also that since the Jews beholding the brazen Serpent did escape death far rather we looking on him which was crucified and beleeving shall escape the death of the soul ..... Adam died justly because he sinned but the Lord died unjustly because he had not sinned .... and because he died unjustly he overcame him by whom he was killed and so delivered Adam from death which was laid justly upon him On Cap. 6. Diligent faith is a guide unto good works and good works do conserve faith for both works are dead without faith and faith without works ....... He saith I am the bread of life he saith not I am the bread of nourishment but of life for when all things were dead Christ maketh us alive by himself who is that bread in so far as we beleeve that the leaven of mankind is heated by the fire
of his Commission against the deposing of married Priests for that their heresie the people cried with shouting The Pope hath no Authority over Millan neither will we lose our liberty which our Fathers have maintained nor will we go under the yoke of any forain Church With this the Bells rang the Trumpets sounded and all the People were in an uproar so that at this time nothing could be altered nor in all the days of Landulf After his death his Brother Erlembald coming into his room stirred the former coal he went to Pope Alexander II. unto Luca ann 1065. and easily obtained a Decree against the Clergy The Arch-Bishop would have it examined on Easter-day but Erlembald and Ariald commoved the People so that Wido durst not go out at his gate In the next year Wido and his followers prepared themselves against their enemies and Ariald fled for fear when he was drawn back by force he was accused as the Author of the tumult and shamefully put to death then Erlembald held his peace But the next year he obtained another Decree That none should be accounted a lawful Bishop without the consent of the Pope notwithstanding the election and approbation of the People and Clergy In the absence of Wido he compelled the People and Clergy to subscribe this Decree The Bishop was astonished when he heard it and being now old and desirous of rest renounced his Bishoprick and sent the badges of his Office to the Emperor Henry IV. who sent Godifrid Castillionaeus into that See ann 1068. Pope Alexander threatned him with his curse that he should not be so rash and Erlembald by force thrust him out of the City And when Wido died the Pope sent Atho a Priest of Millan into that See at the request of Erlembald who also caused him to be received with great murmuration of the People that such dignity should depend on the Pope The Emperor did pursue his right and therefore a new broil began twixt him and the Pope The Pope accused the Emperor of Simony and Heresie By this means the Church of Millan was brought under the yoke of the See of Rome Ph. Mornay in Myst pag. 237. About that time the Saracens had divided Spain into several Dominions and those Lords were called Kings they could not agree among themselves and the Bishops took usually arms for their several Kings especially the Bishops of Ausa Gerumda and Barcinon went under the colours of King Zeluma against Almahad and were all three killed in battel Baron Annal. ad ann 1011. This division among the Saracens gave some advantage unto Alfonso V. and Ferdinand yet for some ages they could not subdue nor expel those Kings of Castile Infidels 9. Before this time Priests were forbidden to marry but could not be Contention for marriage of the Clergy restrained from their liberty and many had their own wife In the year 1074. Hildebrand in a Synod at Rome condemned all married Priests as Nicolaitans He directed his Bulls as they called them to Bishops Dukes and other Powers declaring them all to be no Priests which had a Wife forbidding People to salute them or pay them Tithes or to acknowledge them in any way This was a new example and as many said inconsiderate judgement saith Matth. Parisi in Williel Conquest and against the sentence of the Fathers especially it was against Canon Apostolor 6. saying Let not a Bishop or Presbyter put away his Wife under pretext of Religion or if he put her away let him be excommunicate It was against their own decrees Dist 28. c. Siquis If any shall teach That a Priest should for Religion forsake his Wife let him be anathema And Dist 31. c. Siquis If any do blame Marriage or shall detest a faithful Woman for lying with her own Husband or think the Man culpable as if for that cause he cannot enter into the Kingdom of Heaven let him be anathema It was contrary to Pope Leo IX who in epist ad Nicet Abba saith We always confess It is not lawful unto a Bishop or Priest nor Deacon to forsake his own Wife for Religion but that he should give her food and raiment and not lie with her bodily as we read the holy Apostles did even as the blessed Apostle saith Have we not power to lead about a Wife a Sister Pol. Vergil de inven rer li. 5. c. 4. is large in this purpose and concludes thus This I may say That that forced chastity was so far from being better then married chastity that no crime did bring imprint or burn-mark more shame upon the Order more evil upon Religion or more sorrow unto good men then the blot of Priests lusts therefore it may be thought useful both unto the Christian Re-publique and to the Order that at last the liberty of marriage might be restored unto Priests which they may keep holily without infamy rather then to defile themselves most filthily with that vice The Index expurgatorius of the year 1571. hath ordained all these words and many more of that Chapter to be blotted out And what obedience was given unto this Decree of Hildebrand is clear in Naucle vol. 2. gener 36. where he hath this Epistle unto Constance Gregory Bishop the servant of God's servants unto the Clerks and Laicks both greater and lesser in the Diocy of Constance salutation and blessing We have sent unto our brother your Bishop Otho exhortatory letters by which according to the necessity of our Office by Apostolical Authority we have commanded him to exclude Simoniacal heresie altogether out of his Church and that he shall earnestly preach the chastity of Priests But your Bishop neither reverencing the command of blessed Peter nor taking heed unto his own duty as it is reported unto us hath not done what we did fatherly advise and not onely disobediently but rebelliously hath he as we have understood publikely permitted unto his Clerks altogether contrary unto our command or rather of blessed Peter that they which have wives may keep them and they which have none may have them by unlawful temerity which so soon as we heard taking it ill we wrote again unto him shewing how he had provoked our indignation and also we have summoned him unto our Synod at Rome to give the reasons and in the audience of the whole Convent declare the causes of his disobedience if they be reasonable These things most dear children we make known unto you that we may provide for your salvation for if your Bishop will with open hand fight against us and be contumacious it is not fit he should rule c. Wherefore as we have said by Apostolical Authority we command all those which are obedient unto God and blessed Peter if he shall continue hardened that ye give him no reverence of obedience nor think that to be any hurt unto your soul for if he will be contrary unto the Apostolical precepts we by the Authority of blessed Peter do absolve
a Bishop that any Bishop so called had any Jurisdiction without or larger then one Town within the space of the first 300. years Rhegium a little Town had a Bishop of as great power within his Town as the Bishop of Rome had within his Town as witnesseth Jerom ad Evangr and neither of them had power in the others Town And therefore if men will leave the direction of Scripture and follow the first declination of Antiquity every Town should have its own Bishop We have read of more Bishops in one Town but for the first 300. years two Towns were not under one Bishop Or who will shew it Erit mihi magnus Apollo Object not a Canon of Nice I crave a testimony within the first 300. years and if the word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in that Canon be taken in the Apostles sense Acts 15. 7. for a good while ago certainly it carrieth not a long space of time In sum every Town should have their own Church-Council whether the Praeses be per vices monethly or quarterly or yearly or ad vitam or ad culpam and so that the Church-Council may act without the Praeses being necessarily or wilfully absent but not he without his Colleagues as Cyprian testifieth of himself in Epist 10. ad Presbyt Diacon edit Basil ann 1521. Let this be understood without the prejudice of larger Synods which Antiquity did ever acknowledge Now because I would joyn all this purpose together for the more clearing of it I add three particulars First Of the ground and platform of The first pattern of Episcopal degrees Bishops Secondly Of the Election and Consecration of them Thirdly Of the rise and growth of their Jurisdiction Concerning the first Lombard li. 4. Di. 24. § 9. teacheth thus The Canons judge excellently that onely two Orders are holy Deacons and Priests for the primitive Church had onely these so far as we read and we have the commandment of the Apostle concerning them onely for the Apostles ordained Bishops and Elders in every City we read also that the Apostles ordained Levites of whom the chief was Steven but afterward the Church ordained Sub-Deacons and aco luthi And in se 11. he saith The Order of Bishops is four-fold to wit Patriarchs Arch-Bishops Metropolitans and Bishops This distinction seemeth to have been brought from the Heathens who called their Priests some Flamines simply others Archy-Flamines and others Proto-Flamines for the Heathens called their Priests Flamines c. Lombard was a Bishop and knew Antiquity if he could have said more for the credit of his Order he would not have been deficient For the second Pope Vergil de inven rer li. 4. cap. 6. saith Of old in Consecration of a Bishop was no Their consecration other Ceremony but the people which for that end as Cyprian witnesseth not in one place onely especially in Epist 4. ad Felic Presby were always present at the Election of Bishops did pray and the Presbyters laid on their hands this was the Consecration used at first by the Apostles and Fathers Lest any be mistaken the priestly Order can no way be said to proceed from the Bishop of Rome unless it be understood among the Italians onely c. In c. 10. he saith The power of choosing Bishops Priests and Deacons from the beginning did belong unto the Apostles and then unto the Priests of the Cities yet not without the suffrage of the people and the judgement of neghboring Bishops Cyprian witnesseth not in one place onely especially in Epist 4. ad Felic that this Custom continued a long time and there he discourseth of this clearly but seeing that Law is long since out of date it is to no purpose to repeat his words When a Bishop was chosen so the other Bishops did initiate him and this was done by a Decree of the Synod at Nice where it was ordained that a Bishop should be entered if possible by all the Bishops of the Province but if that could hardly be at least by three and not without the Authority of the Metropolitan But now both those belong unto the Roman High Priest for he createth a Bishop and initiateth him or according to the Nicen Order he commandeth him to be initiated that is consecrated But afterwards the creation of Bishops was turned into another form by Boniface the Third He ordained that they should be chosen by the people and Society of Priests the Prince of the place not gain-saying and the Roman High Priest consenting with these words Volumus jubemus But this Decree as too good went soon out of use all things falling into worse then they began to advise with the Emperor but Lewes Son of Charles the Great renounced unto the High Priest Paschalis the right which Hadrian had given unto the Father Charles but now many Princes gripe fast to this yea not onely declare and call Bishops as they please without the suffrage of Priests and people but by their onely Seals give inferior Benefices which Simplicius and Gregory did altogether forbid So far he In these days some plead much for Antiquity in Government of the Church and yet their pretences go not higher then the corrupt times It may be truly thought if some questions much stood upon now had been asked of Cyprian he had answered I know not as What difference between the Ordination of a Minister and the Consecration of a Bishop what is a Presentation what is a Patent what difference between Ordination Institution and Collation what is a Chappel where Ministers are Ordained and not one of his flock present and many such others As to the rise and growth of Episcopal Jurisdiction Pe. Soave in Hist Concil Triden li. 4. sheweth it fully saying This place requireth saith he to shew the original of this Jurisdiction that it may appear by what degrees it hath come unto this power which is envied by Princes and feared by all Nations When Christ did commit unto the Apostles the preaching of the Gospel and administration of the Sacraments he gave unto them in the person of all Believers a great commandment that they should love one another and forgive wrongs mutually commanding each one to mediate twixt dissenting brethren and to compose jars and as the last and highest remedy commending that charge unto the body of the Church with this promise that it should be bound or loosed in heaven what they should binde or loose on earth and the Father will give what they with mutual consent do crave to wit this pious duty of Charity in procuring satisfaction unto the injured party and pardon unto the offender was the continual work and exercise of the primitive Church And according to this commandment Saint Paul exhorteth that when Civil questions arise twixt brethren they should not go to the Benches of Infidels but suffer their controversies to be judged by wise men chosen among themselves This had a form of Civil Judicatory as the
and possess the City as Constantine and Justinian had done and from thence to rule all Italy and Germany and they complain that the Clergy had conspired with Sicilie against the City and they promise all maner of obedience and loyalty The sum of their sute was comprised in few verses Rex valeat quicquid cupit obtineat super hostes Imperium teneat Romae sedeat regat orbem Princeps terrarum ceu fecit Iustinianus Caesaris accipiat Caesar quae sunt sua praesul Vt Christus jussit Petro solvente tributum The whole Letter is in Otho Frissing de gest Frider. l. 1. c. 28. But Conrade was so pestered with wars in Germany that their imploration was in vain When Eugenius was come into the City he understood of plots against him and fled down the river in a ship the Citizens pursue him with weapons and darts as once they did with Gelasius saith Naucler He went to Pisae and thence to France This is the sum of the Historians now hear Bern. in l. 4. de consider he saith unto Eugenius Name but one man in all the great City who hath accepted thee for Pope without price or hope of price When he was chosen Bernard wrote unto the Roman Court the 236. Epistle saying The Lord forgive you what have ye done one which was buried ye have brought again among men one that was fleeing from cares and troubles ye have pestered with cares and troubles ye have made the last first and behold his last condition is more perilous then his first he who was crucified to the world is by you revived unto the world hath he left Pisae that he might have Rome he who could not manage the Vicounty of one Church was he seeking the Government of the whole Church But seeing it is so and many say It is of God it is your duty oh most dear that it be diligently cherished by your fervent endeavors and faithful obedience which certainly is wrought by your hands and therefore if any consolation be in you if any vertue of charity in the Lord if any miseration of piety if any bowels of compassion do ye aid and work with him in the work whereunto he is assumed of the Lord by you And in the next Epistle unto Eugenius he saith I was expecting that some of my sons would come and lighten the father's sorrow and say Joseph thy son is living and ruleth in all the Land of Egypt therefore have I now written not so much of mine own accord as of necessity being constrained by the intreaties of friends unto whom I cannot refuse the residue of my life And seeing I have begun I will speak unto my Lord for now I dare not call thee my son because the son is turned to be the father and the father is the son and he who came after me is preferred before me but I do not envy it because what was deficient in me I am confident that I have it in him who came not onely after me but even by me for if you offend not I have begot thee by the Gospel what then is our hope our joy and the hope of our glory is it not you before God In a word a wise son is the glory of his father And henceforth thou shalt no more be called son but a new name shall be given unto thee which the mouth of the Lord hath named this is the change of the right hand of the most High and many shall rejoyce in this change for as of old Abram was turned unto Abraham and Jacob unto Israel or rather to speak of thy predecessors as Simon to Cephas and Saul to Paul so my son Bernard into my father Eugenius by a very joyful and as I hope profitable change This is the finger of God raising the needy out of the dust and the poor from the dung that he may sit with the Princes and possess the throne of glory It followeth that this change being made of you that the Bride of thy Lord which is committed unto thee be also changed into the better note and that she be no more called Sarai but Sarah understand what I say and the Lord give thee understanding If thou be the friend of the Bridegroom call her no more my Princess but the Princess usurping nothing as thine in her but that if it be needful thou shouldest give thy life for her if Christ hath sent thee thou wilt think that thou camest not to be served but to serve and to minister not onely thy means but even thy life as I have said A true successor of Paul will say with Paul Not that we domineer over your faith but we are helpers of your joy An heir of Peter will hear Peter saying Neither as Lords over the people but we were examples of the flock for so now not a servant but the free-woman and the fair one of the most fair Bridegroom shall by thee come unto his long wished for arms for by whom other shall this so necessary freedom be hoped if you also which God forbid seek in God's inheritance your own things who even before had learned I will not say not to possess any thing as your own but not to be your own therefore she having such confidence in you as she seemed to have in none of your predecessors in many ages before note all the Church of the Saints every where is justly glad and glorieth in the Lord and especially she whose womb hath born thee and whose breast thou didst suck What then may I not rejoyce with them that rejoyce shall I onely not be of the number of them which are glad I confess I have joyed but with fear I have joyed but in the very moment of my exaltation fear and trembling hath come upon me for albeit I have laid aside the name of father yet have I not laid down fear nor care nor affection and bowels of a father I consider the height and fear a fall I consider the pinacle of honor and I behold the surface of the gulf below I look up to the top of dignity and I fear danger approaching as it is written Man when he was in honor did not understand which in my judgement relateth to the cause and not to the time that it is so meant as if it were said Honor swalloweth understanding c. When Eugenius fled out of Rome Bernard wrote unto the Emperor Conrade thus The Kingdom and Priest-hood could not be more sweetly more friendly yea more straitly conjoyned and complanted one in another then when they were both together in the person of our Lord which was made unto us of both the tribes according to the flesh the highest both Priest and King yet not onely so but he hath commixed and coupled them together in his body which is the Christian people and he the head thereof so that this sort of men are by the Apostolical word called a chosen royal Priest-hood and in another
Idols Silvester the II. did worse ...... The Church which is represented by the Councel is the Mother of all Believers and therefore the Mother of the Pope and she is so called by Anacletus and Calixtus The Church is the Spouse of Christ and the Pope is but his Vicar now the Vicar cannot be superiour unto the Spouse but rather obedient unto her Sylvius lib. cit The result of the Diets was that in respect of the person and place of Eugenius the Councel should be intreated to surcease from process against him After great concertation an Act was past in the great Congregation May 15. concluding the first three Truths And unto that Request they published their Answer January 17. An. 1438. The sum is Because Pope Eugenius will not repent of his wicked attempt unless he be suspended from his administration so now since he hath sinned more hainously they have no hope that he will repent for simple intreating therefore they will proceed to his deposition yet not hastily but as they have allowed more then due space of citation so after he is suspended they will delay his deprivation and wait his amendment His citation was upon ninety days Then came forth the Acts of the Councel of Ferraria against the Councel of Basil and the Acts of this against the other as they be annexed unto the Councel of Basil In Session 34. June 25. An. 1439. Pope Eugenius alias Gabriel being convicted of notorious contumacy of disobedience unto the commands of the Church universal of continual contemning the Canons of the Councels of disturbing the peace of God's Church of Simony Perjury Schism Heresie ...... was simpliciter deprived of the Papacy And in Session 39. in November immediately following Amadaeus Duke of Savoy who had been an Eremite in Ripalia a Wilderness in the Diocy Gebennen was chosen Pope and called Felix the V. After that nothing was done but for defense of the Councel Answers were published refuting the libels of Pope Eugenius and his Councel it were were wearisome to relate all yet I shall hint at one Reply dated October 7. An. 1439. After the Preface whereas Eugenius said The Authority of Councels above the Pope was established only by the faction of Pope John the XXIII They say All the Fathers consented in Councel deposing two Popes and electing a third And Pope Martin with consent of the whole Councel defined it to be an errour if any dare say that it is not of the necessity of salvation to believe that the Church of Rome is supream among all Churches if by the Church of Rome be understood the Church universal or General Councel Item When any shall be suspected of the Heresies of Wickliff he should be demanded Whether he believe that whatsoever the Councel of Constance hath defined concerning Faith and Salvation should be approved and held by all Believers and yet Martin was not ignorant of the former Act And in this Councel at Basil the same was renewed when there was no difference of factions In the end they compare Eugenius unto the Jews Donatists Arians and other Hereticks who were wont to call the better part Hereticks divellish and separated from the true Church so doth Eugenius now c. IV. The fourth principal purpose of that Councel was the Reformation of the Church according to the Act of Session 41. at Constance So in Session 12. it was ordained That every Church and Monastery should chuse their own Prelate without any reservation to the Roman Pope but onely of those places that are under the Roman Church in respect of Dominion In Session 15. Every Bishop should have a Synod twice or at least once every year which shall continue two or three days or longer as seemeth good unto him and there he shall admonish his own Clergy of their general and particular duties he should diligently inquire of their manners he should exhort them unto good manners and direct those who have charge of souls to instruct their people with wholesome doctrine and admonitions the Provincial Statutes should be read and any compendious Treatise concerning the administration of the Sacraments and other things conducing to the instruction of Priests he should by due correction beat down simony usury and fornication and revoke the dilapidations of Church-goods he should reform the abuses of the Clergy and other people so far as concerneth Divine Service and especially he should take heed that his Diocy be not infected with heresie errours scandals lottery divination inchantation superstition or any other divellish device Item In every Province shall be a Provincial Synod within two years after this Councel and after that a Provincial Synod every third year where all the Arch-Bishops and all the Suffragans and all quorum interest should be present where an Arch-Bishop or one in his name should have the Exhortation admonition shall be that Benefices and Orders should be bestowed on the worthiest without simony and that mature examination be had of such as the cure of souls is committed unto and that Church-goods be not abused it should be inquired how Bishops bestow Benefices and confirm Elections and preach unto their People and punish the vices of their Subjects observe the Episcopal Synods and discharge other parts of their Office It shall also be inquired of the Metropolitan in all these particulars if any contentions arise to disturb the peace of a Province the Synod should indeavour to settle them if such discords arise between Kingdoms or Princedoms the Bishops should assemble Synods in both and concur one with another to take away the occasion of these discords respecting only the glory of God and welfare of the People In the Provincial Synods it shall be advised what is to be propounded in the insuing General Councel In Session 20. It is not necessary to forsake the company of excommunicated persons unless the Sentence be laid and published against such a certain person or persons expresly and their cause can have no tergiversation nor excuse by Law Item That no City nor place can be subject unto Ecclesiastical Interdiction but for the fault of the Governours of that place not for the fault of a private or any forraign person Item No appellations should be made after the first being annulled In Session 21. Annates should not be required by the Roman Church nor elsewhere for confirmation of Election nor for a Collation In other Sessions Statutes were made concerning the Service in the Mass the election and profession of Priests the number and quality of Cardinals and reservation of cases unto Rome In Session 30. An. 1437. Laicks are not tied by the command of Christ to communicate of both bread and wine but the Church hath power to direct how it should be administred ..... that whether they communicate in one kinde or in both according to the Ordinance of the Church it is profitable to salvation unto the worthy Communicant yet the laudable custom of the Church should be observed
an end of the work and draw up a supplication unto the Queen and Parliament for promoting the Reformation The Prelats hearing of it were highly enraged that any man durst presume to appear in so great a crime and said They would not depart a jote from the decrees of Trent But a little afterwards they made offer to commit the cause to dispute trusting to carry it because they were to be the Judges The Congregation accepts the disputation with two conditions 1. the controversies in debate shall be decided by Scripture 2. such of the brethren who were exiled or condemned might savely bee at the dispute Both these were refused they would admit no other Canon but the canon-law nor would they dispence with any Sentence that they had pronounced Then the priests propound other articles but so unworthy saith Buchan that they are unworthy of an answer to wit if the Congregation would continue in former reverence acknowledge purgatory prayers to Saints and prayers for the dead they shall be permitted to use the common language in prayers and administration of the Sacraments They therefore did entreat the Queen to present their Supplication unto the Parliament publickly She answered I think it not expedient at this time for it will make the Ecclesiasticall persons adverse unto the main business in hand but how soon order shall be taken heerin yee shall know my good mind They were content to give place for a time but withall they thought good to make protestation ere the Parliament were dissolued in this manner IT IS not unknown unto this Honourable Parliament what controversy is A Protestation made in Parliament 1558. lately risen betwixt those that will be called the Prelats and Rulers of the Church and a great number of us the Nobility and Commonaltâ— of the Realme for the true worship of God for the duty of Ministers and the right administration of Christ Jesus his holy sacraments How wee have complained by our supplication unto the Queen Regent that our consciences are burdened with unprofitable ceremonies that wee are compelled to adhere unto idolatry That such as take upon them the ecclesiasticall office discharge no part thereof as becomes true Ministers to do And finally that wee and our brethren are most jujuriously oppressed by their usurped authority And wee suppose it is sufficiently known that wee were of mind to seek redresse of these enormities at this present Parliament But considering that the troubles of the time do not suffer such Reformation as wee do by Gods plain word require wee are enforced to delay that which wee most earnestly desire And yet lest our silence may give occasion unto our adversaries to think that wee repent of our former enterprises wee can not cease to protest for remedy against that most uniust tyranny which heretofore wee have most patiently sustained And so I. wee protest that seing wee can not obtain a just Reformation according to Gods word that it be lawfull unto us to use ourselves in matters of Religion and conscience as wee must answer unto God untill such time our adverfariers be able to prove themselves the true Ministers of Christs Church and to purge themselves of such crimes as wee have already layd unto their charge offering ourselves to prove the same whensoever the Sacred Authority shall please to give us andience II. Wee protest that neither wee nor any other of the godly that list to join with us in the true faith which is grounded upon the inuincible word of God shall in cur any danger of life or lands or any politicall pain for not observing such Acts as heretofore have passed in favours of our adversaries nor for violating such rites as man without Gods commandement or word hath commanded III. Wee protest that if any tumult or uprore shall arise among the members of this realme for the diversity of Religion and if it shall chance that abuses be violently Reformed that the crime thereof be not imputed unto us who now do most humbly seek all to be reformed by Order but rather whatsoever inconvenient shall happen to follow for lack of Order taken it may be imputed unto those that do refuse the same IV. and lastly wee protest that these our requests proceeding from conscience do tend to none other end but to the Reformation of abuses in Religion only Most humbly beseeching the sacred Authority to take us faithfull and obedient subiects into protection against our adversaries and to shew unto us such indifferency in our most just petition as it becometh Gods Lieutenant to do unto those who in his name do call for defense against cruell oppressors and blood-thristy tyrants This Protestation was publickly read and they craved to have it inserted in the common Register but that was denied by the adversaries nevertless the Q. Regent said VVee will remember what is protested and wee shall put good Order after this to all things that now be in controversy With this answere they depart in good hope of her favour and praising God that she was so well enclined But when the Parliament was closed and a generall Peace was concluded betwixt Spain France England and Scotland the Regents countenance was altered against these which were for the Reformation and she said Seing now wee are free from these vexations which most troubled my mind wee will labour to restore the Authority by some notable example unto that reverend esteem which it hath lately lost Then she takes the names of all the Mâ—nisters and caused summon them to compear at Sterlin May 10. 1559 and the Prelates become more insolent And they devised to send the Earle of Argile and L. James Stuart Priour of Santandrews into France with the matrimoniall Diademe But these considering how all the Comissioners were cut off or returned not which were sent unto the solemnization of the marriage and what mightfall out at home in time of their absence delaid to take voiage from time to time VIII In the next Spring the Earle of Glencairn and Sir Hugh Cambell Troubles arise 1559. Shireff of Aire weresent unto the Regent to enquire the reason of that summons and to entreat her not to molest the Ministers unless they could be charged of false doctrine or behaving themselves disorderly The Regent said with vehemency of passion Maugre your hearrs and all that will take part with them these Ministers shall be banished Scotland though they preached al 's soundly as ever S. Paul did The Noble men besought her in a humble manner to think of the promises Shee had made from time to time In greater choler She saith Promises of Princes should be no further strained than it seemes unto them convenient to performe Then said they If this be your resolution to keep no promises unto the subjects wee can not any more acknowledge your authority and will henceforth renounce all obedience unto you and what inconveniences may arise of this you may bethink yourself This answer
began to praise God that he had so mercifully heard them in their extremity and had sent such support that without effusion of blood the rage of their enemies might be stayd The same night the Earle of Argile and L. James were sent from Sterlin and coming the next day began to advise unto agreement of which they were all willing but some were suspicious that promises would not be keeped longer then their adversaries saw their advantage John willock came with them of the West country then he and Iohn knox went to the Earle of Argile and L. Iames accusing them that they had deftauded the brethren of their dutifull assistance in such necessity They both answered Their heart was constant with their brethren and they would defend that cause to the uttermost of their power but because they had promised to endeavoure a concorde and to assist the Queen if yee shall refuse reasonable offers in conscience and honour we could do no less than be faithfull in our promise made and therefore we yet require that the brethren may be persuaded to consent unto a reasonable appointment and we promise in Gods presence that if the Queen shall break in any jote thereof we with our whole power will concurre with the brethren in all time coming So Maie 28. the appointment containing the forenamed conditions was concluded and free entry was made unto the Queen the Duke and the French men Before the departing of the Congregation A peace was made Iohn knox had a Sermon exhorting them all unto constancy and unfainedly to thank God for that it had pleased his mercy to stay the malice of the enemy without effusion of blood and that none should be weary to support such as shall hereafter be persecuted for said he I am assured that no part of this promise shall be longer keeped than the Queen and the French men have the upper hand Many of the adversaries were at the Sermon And before the Lords went away this bond was drawn-up At Perth the last day of May in the year 1559. the Congregations of the West Country with the Congregations of Fife Perth Dundy Anguise Merns and Montrose being conveened in the town of Terth in the name of Jesus Christ A new bond for setting forth his glory understanding nothing more necessary for the same than to keep constant amity unity and fellowship together according as they are commanded by God Are confederated and become bounden and obliged in the presence of God to concur and assist together in doing all things required of God in his Scripture that may be to his glory And at their whol powers to destroy and put away all things that do dishonour to his name so that God may be truly and purely worshipped And incase any trouble be intended against the said Congregation or any part or member thereof the whole congregation shall concur assist and conveen together to the defense of the same congregation or person troubled And shall not spare labours goods substance bodies and lifes in maintaining the liberty of the whole congregation and every member thereof against whatsoever person shall intend the said trouble for cause of Religion or any other cause depending thereupon or lay to their charge under pretense thereof although it happen to be coloured with any other outward cause In witnessing and testimony of the which the whole congregation fore said have ordained and appointed the Noble men and persons underwritten to subscribe these presents It was subscribed by the Earls Argile and Glencairn and by the Lords James Stuart Boyd Uchiltry and Mathew cambell of Tarmganart The hist of refor li. 2 Immediatly after their departing all the heads of the Capituâ—â—â—on were broken some citizens were exiled others were fined in great sums the Magistrats thrust out of their office new ones against the usuall manner intruded and four companies left for a garrison and these were charged to permit no other Service but of the Roman Church Some desiring matters to be carried more peaceably told her these things would be interpreted a breach of the Articles She answered The promise was to leave no French Souldiers in the town which she had done for those were al Scots men It was replied that all who took wages of the French King would be called French Souldiers She said Promises are not to be kept to hereticks and if she could make an honest excuse after the fact committed she would take upon her conscience to kill and undo all that Sect And Princes should not be so strictly urged to keep promises These speeches beeing divulged did procure to her much ill nor did she after that time see a good day but was despised and misregarded by all sorts of people The Earle of Argile and L. James thinking their honour touched by the breach of the peace did forsake her and went to the Congregation Therefore they were charged to appear before Her Counsell but they answer Seing the Queen had broken conditions which by warrant from herself they had made with the Lords of the Congregation they would medle no more in such dishonest courses and do their best to repair things Thè Noble men were gone to Santandrews and because they feared some sudden attempt for the Queen and the Frenches lay at Faulkland they sent to the Lairds of Dun Pittarrow and entreated them of Angulse Merns to meet at Santandrews Juny 4 and they went to Creil whither all that had warning came with great forewardness and were not a little encouraged by John Knox in a Sermon he told them that then they saw it true what he had said at Perth concerning the Queens sincerity and exhorted them to be no longer deluded with fair promises of them who had no regard of contracts covenants nor oaths and because there will be no quietnes till one of the parties were Masters he wished them to prepare themselves to dy as men or to live victorious By this exhortation the hearers were so moved that immediatly they pull down altars images and all the moniments of idolatry within the town and the next day they did the like in Anstruther from thence they hasten to S. Andrews The Bishop hearing what they had done and thinking they would attempt the same reformation in the City came to it well accompanied to withstand them but when he had tried the affections of the people he goeth the next morning unto the Queen That day being sunday John Knox preached in the parish-Parish-church he compared the estate of the Church which was at Jerusalem when Christ purged the temple unto the estate of the present Church and declared what was the duty of these to whom God had given authority and power He did so incite the hearers that after Sermon they went and made spoil of the Churches and rased the monasteries of the black and gray Friers I will not scan whither the acts of such zeal was according to Gods law but to speak
estates and degrees committed to their charge by God whether they be ecclesiastical or temporal and restrain with the civil sword the stubborn and ill doers So far they If it be here obiected that the autority of the Convocation is not a sufficient ground for that which was enacted in Parliament I answer These articles stand confirmed by Royal assent of the Prince for the establishing of whose supremacy the oath was framed and also by a special Act of Parliament in the 13. year of Queen Elisabet ch 12. Seing therefore the makers of the law have full authority to expound the law and they have sufficiently manifested that by Supream Government given unto the Prince they understand that Government only which is exercised with the Civil sword I couclude that nothing can be more plain then this That without all scruple the Kings Majesty may be acknowledged in this sense to be the supream Governor of all his dominions and Countries aswell in all spiritual or ecclesiastical things as temporall And so I have cleared the first main branch of the oath So far In Vsher And because this oath was so understood excluding all forrain power I have not found that any man excep the Papists did object against it And albeit Scotland used not this title in formality of words yet they did ever acknowledge the same power in their Soveraigne as is clear in the Confession of faith which was presented unto the Parliament An. 1567. where in Article 24. it is said We confess and acknowledge that such persons as are placed in authority are to be beloved honored feared and holden in most reverent estimation because they are the Lieutenents of God in whose seats God himself doth sit and judge yea even the Judges and Princes themselves to whom by God is given the sword to the praise and defence of good men and to revenge and punish all malefactors Moreover to Kings Princes Rulers and Magistrats we affirm that chiefly and most principally the conservation and purgation of religion appertaineth so that not only they are appointed for Civil policy but also for mainteinance of true religion and suppressing of idolatry and superstition whatsoever As in David Josaphat Ezechias Josias and others highly commended for their zeal in that case may be espied And therefore we confess and avow that such as resist the Supream power doing that thing which appertaines to his charge do resist Gods ordinance and therefore can not be guiltless c. Next it is remarkable that howbeit the Missal The Servicebook was not pressed was abolished and the Service-book was authorized in England yet the the Ministers were not astricted unto the full prosecution of it from the beginning the one might not be used and the other might be used yet they were not tiedunto it for many were for that Principle of Scotland whereof mention is made before and would have put away all ceremonies that had no warrant from the word of God and they did forsake them Neither did Mathew Parker Archbishop of Canterburry press any of his diocie to use those rites It is true he required them to use the Service book as we find he required John Fox to subscribe the old man produced the new Testament in Greek and said To this I will subscribe But when the subscription of the Canons was required he refused and said I have nothing in the Church but a prebend at Salisbury and much good may it do you if you will take it from mee So he was dismissed and continued in his Ministry till the day of his death And Ed. Grindal succeeding in that See was so far from pressing any unto Conformity as it was then called that he incurred the Queen displeasure for his connivence yea he not only connived but he was a favourer of the Not-conformists and when they began to use prophecying which in Scotland is called The. Exercise he resorted with them and commended them as appeares by that his Letter which he being under restraint wrote and sent unto the Queen in the year 1580. of which I have transcribed a part from Thom. Fuller's Church-Histor Lib. 9. he beginneth thus With most humble A Letter of Grindai in defence of many Ministers and of Prophecying remembrance of bounden duty unto your Majesty It may please the same to be advertised that the speeches which it pleased you to deliver unto mee when I last attended on your Highness concerning the number of preachers and the utter snbuersion of all learned Exercises and conferences amongst the Ministers of the Church allowed by the bishops and Ordinaries have exceedingly dismayd and disconforted mee not so much for that the said speeches sounded very hardly against my own person being but one particular man and not so much to be accounted of but most of all for that the same might tend to the publick harm of Gods Church whereof your Majesty by office ought to be Nutricia and also the heavy burden of your conscience before God if they should be put to execution ....... I thought it my duty by writing to declare some part of my mind unto your Highness beseeching the same with patience to read over this ........ If I should use dissembling silence I should very ill requite so many your Majesties and so great benefits for in so doing both you might fall into perrill towards God and I my self into endless damnation ...... I beseech your Majesty thus to think of mee that I do not conceive any ill opinion of you although I can not assent unto those two Articles then expounded I do with all the rest of your good subjects acknowledge that we have received by your government many and most excellent benefits as amongst others freedom of conscience suppression of Idolatry ...... I am also persuaded that ever in those matters which you seem to urge your meaning and zeal is for the best the like hath hapned to many the best Princes that ever were yet have not refused afterwards to be better informed ...... David hath not evill meaning when he commanded to number the people ...... Yet saith the Scripture his own heart stroke him and God by the Prophet reprehended him ........ And so to come to the present case ..... Surely I can not maruell enough how this strange opinion should once enter into your minde that it should be good for the Church to have few preachers Alas Madam is the Scripture more plain in any thing then that the Gospel of Christ should be plentifully preached and that plenty of laborers should be sent into the Lords harvest which being great and large stands in need not of a few but of many workmen There was appointed to Solomons material temple artificers and laborers besids 3000. overseers and shall we think that a few preachers may suffice to the building of the spiritual temple of Christ ...... I beseech your Majesty to note one thing necessary If the Holy Ghost prescribeth expressly that
entertainment of their Ministers and the â—uperplus thereof if any shall by to bee distribute unto the poore and hospitalls within the burgh as the almes of Minister and elders thereof 1566. The XI Assembly IV. In Marth An. 1566. arose more strife twixt the King and Queen for killing David Rizio her Secretary and Juny 19. she was deliver of a sone Juny 25. the Nationall assembly conveenes in Edinburg by plurality of voices J. Erskine is continued Moderator A supplication was sent unto the Lords of Counsell and Session that no excommunicate person have process before them untill they be reconciled unto the Church especially when excommunication is notorious and objected against them II. Paul Meffan came and openly with great expression of grieff for his adultery craves to be absolved from the sentence of excommunication he is conforted and ordained to declare his repentance in some churches and the next assembly shall decerne III. In respect of the dangers where The later Confession of Helvetia is approved with this Church is assaulted by mighty enemies the Assembly ordaines a publick fast in all the Churches Some mo particulares were handled The Churches of Helvetia Geneva and other Reformed Churches in France and Germany sent unto the Church of Scotland the sum or Confession of faith desiring to know if wee agree in uniformity of Doctrin Wherefore the Superintendents together with many other most qualified Ministers conveen in September at Santandrews and having read the Letters and Confession sent answer that wee agree in all points with these Churches and differ in nothing from them except that wee assent not in keeping festival days seing the Sabbothday only is keeped in Scotland Decemb. 17. Prince James was baptized in Sterlin in time of the solemnity the Queen subscribe a writing for mantenance of the Ministers by assignation of a part of the thirds of Benefices The Nationall assembly conveened Decemb. 25. at Edinburgh John Erskin is continued Moderator 1. The assignation The XII Assembly granted by the Queen is delivered by Alexander called Bishop of of Galloway and at that time Lord of the privy Counsell The answer of the assembly is They having just title to crave their bodily sustentation at the hands of the people which heare the doctrine of salvation from them they are content with what it will please them to give for their sustentation thogh it were but bread and water nor will refuse nor desist from their vocation but to take from others against their will whom they serve not they judge it not their duty nor reasonable And the assembly protests that the acceptation of that assignation shall not prejudge the liberty of the Church to suit the patrimony thereof in time and place convenient Then it was demanded Whither the tiths appertaine properly unto the Church and should only be employd to the sustentation of the Ministers of the poore mantaining of schools repairing of churches and other godly uses at the discretion of the Church Answered affirmativè without contradiction Then it was demanded Whither Ministers may with safe conscience keep silence when the patrimony of the Church is most unjustly taken up and wasted on vain things by these that have no office in the Church and in the mean time the ministry failing for necessity the poor perishing for hunger and churches falling to the ground Answered they should not be silent but earnestly admonish every man of his duty Thirdly Whither the Church men may require all possessors to pay tiths unto the Church only and inhibite all others to intromet therewith Answered After due admonitions used and no obedience following they should use the censure of the Church 2. Albeit the Church wanted not their own troubls yet they were not unmindfull of the affliction of Jacob elswhere and especially their afflicted Brethren in England as witnesseth this Letter sent by this Assembly with Jo. Knox The Superintendents with other Ministers and Commissioners of the Churches of God in the Kingdom of Scotland unto their brethren the Bishops Pastors of Gods Church who have renounced the Roman Antichrist and do professe with them the Lord Jesus Christ in syncerity desire the perpetuall increase of the Holy Spirit By word and writ it is come to our knowledge Reverend Pastors that diverse of our deare Brethren of whom some are the best learned within that realm are deprived from ecclesiasticall function and forbidden to preach and so are hindred by you to promote the kingdom of Jesus Christ because their conscience will not suffer them to take upon them at command of authority such garments as idolaters in time of blindenss have vsed in their idolatry which bruit can not but be dolorous unto our hearts mindefull of that sentence of the Apostle If yee bite and devour one another take heed lest yee be consumed one of another Wee intend not at this time to enter into the ground of that question which wee hear is agitated with greater vehemency by either partie than well lyketh us to be accounted among things tha are simply indefferent But in the bowells of Christ Jesus wee crave that Christian charity may prevail in you wee say the Pastors and leaders of Christ's flock in that realm that yee do not to others what yee would not have others do unto you yee can not be ignorant how tender a thing the conscience of men is all that have knowledge are not alike persuaded your conscience reclaimes not at the wearing of such garments but many thousands both godly learned are otherwise persuaded whose consciences are continually strucken with these sentences What hath Christ to do with Belial what fellowship hathlight with darknes If Surplice cornercape and tippet have been badges of idolaters in the very act of idolatry what hath the preacher of Christian liberty and the rebuker of all superstition to do with these dregs of that Romish beast yea who should not fear either to take in his hands or forehead the print and marke of that odious beast Our brethren that of conscience refuse that unprofitable apparel do neither condem nor molest you that use such vaine triffls If yee shall do the like to them wee doubt not but yee shall please God and confort the hearts of many who are wounded by the extremities used against these godly welbeloved brethren Colour of rhetorick or humane persuasion wee will use none but charitably wee desire you to call that sentence of Peter to minde Feed the flock of God which is committed to your charge caring for it not by constraint but willingly not as if yee were Lords over Gods heritage but that yee may be exempls unto the flock And moreover wee desire you to meditate on that saying of the Apostle Give no offence neither to the Jewes nor Greeks nor to the Church of God In what condition of time yee and wee both travell in the promoting of Christs Kingdom wee suppose yee are not ignorant
publickly read I. In the beginning of the Conference it was thought good that a Supplication be penned by the Assembly concerning those that shall vote in Parliament in name of the Church This is appointed to be penned by John Row and Robert Pont and be brought unto the Assembly on Mooneday II. Concerning the Observations the Assembly proceeds as followes In Chap. 2. the 3. article is agreed-upon conform to the conference In Chap. 3. the 7. article is to be further considered the tenth article is thought plain in itselfe Concerning the advice what censure shall be put to non-residents the Church thinks meet a civill law be craved decerning the Benefice to vaik for not-residence In Chap. 4. the 9. article agreed conform to the conference and desiring the penalty of persons excommunicat to be horning or caption by speciall act of Parliament to be executed by the Treasurer or others whom it will please his Majesty to appoint In Chap. 5. agreed with the two supplications desired In Chap. 6. the perpetuity of the persons of the Elders agreed conforme Here the book of the Assembly wants two leafes Then is some what of visitation of colledges schools and hospitalls and the book wants other two leafes Then concerning commissioners of countries or Provinces and other two leafes are wanting The next assembly is appointed to conveen at Edinb Octob. 24. The historicall Narration saith All that could be obtained in this Parliament was a Commission to conferre upon the Heads of the book the Commissioners which sought the ratification of it took this for a shifting seing the book was before allowed in the conference except four particulares wherein was no difficulty and were now explaâ—â—ed by the Assembly and therefore they craved that at last so many may be ratified as were agreed upon that was not granted for Morton was the chief leader in this Parliament In the assembly October 24. David Ferguson is chosen Moderator 1. The Noble men in the town are desired to be present 2. At The 36. Assembly the desire of the assembly came the Lord Chancelor the Earle of Montrose the L. L. Sâ—ton Lindsay It was shewd by the Moderator what care and study the church had taken to entertain and keep the purity of the sincere word of God unmixt with the inventions of their own heads which their speciall care was to reserve unto the posterity and seing true religion can not continue long without good Disciplin in that part also they have employd their wit study and drawn forth of the pure fountain of Gods word such a discipline as is meet to remain in the church this they have presented unto the Kings M. with their supplication at whose direction certain commissioners were appointed to reason with these who were appointed by the church there the wholl matter being disputed it was resolved and agreed except a few heads and thereafter being presented unto the Lords of the articles that the same disciplin might take place and be established by acts lawes of the realm but their travells have not succeeded praying therefore the Nobility present alswell openly to make profession to the assembly if they will allow and maintain the religion presently established within the realm as also the disciplin and policy already mentioned and to labour at the Kings and Counsells hands for answer unto the Heads after following that is that his Gr. and Counsell will establish such heads of the policy as were already resolved and agreed-upon by the Commissioners and cause the others to be reasoned and put to an end and that his Gr. and Counsell will restore the church unto the act of Parliament concerning the thirds and that none vote in Parliament in name of the church but such as shall have commission from the church for that effect and that presentations of Benefices be directed to the commissioners of countries where the Benefices lye And to the end the matter may be the better and sooner exped that their Lordships would appoint a time convenient thereunto as they may best spare that such brethren as shall be named may wait upon their Honours The Noble men answered that some of them had made publick profession of the Religion heretofore and all now declair they embrace the religion and shall maintain the same to their power and in the other particulares they think that supplication be made unto the King and Counsell and they will insist with the King for his answer and they will shew them to morrow the time for that effect 3. The act of the preceeding assembly concerning the suspension of Benefices the Assembly otdaines it to stand in full strength untill the next Assembly 4. James boid Bishop of Glasgow being required to submitt according to tâ—e Act of the last assembly gave his answer in write as followes I understand the name office and reverence born to a Bishop to be lawfull by the Scriptures of God and being elected by the Church and King to be Bishop of Glasgow I esteem my calling and office lawfull and as for my executing of that charge committed unto mee I am content to endeavour at my utmost ability to perform the same and every point thereof and to abide the judgement of the Church from time to time if I offend in my duty Craving always a brotherly construction at their hands seing the charge is weighty and the claimes to be layd to my charge are to be examined by the Canon left by the Apostle 1 Tim. 3. as that place was pointed unto mee at my reception thereby to understand the duties of a Bishop As for my living and rents and other things granted by the Prince unto mee and my successors for serving that charge I reckon the same lawfull As to my duty unto the Supreme Magistrate in assisting his Gr. in counsell or parliament when I am craved thereunto my subjection compelles mee to obey it and it 's no hurt but good to the Church that some of our number be at the making of good lawes and ordinances in the doing whereof I protest before God I intend never to do anything but what I believe shall stand with the purity of the Scriptures and a well reformed country As also a good part of the living which I possess hath been given for that cause This answer was read and after voting is judged not satisfactory and therefore he is oâ—dered to return after noon with better resolution Here the books of the Assembly want two leafes and it appeares thaet asupplication was sent unto the King and Counsell by these imperfect words following Vices universally abounding within this realm may be punished and bridled and to insist with convenient diligence with his Ma. Counsell for granting the premisses And to reporte 5. All that are now or hereafter shal be deposed from the Ministry for their offenses shall be charged by the commissioners of the bounds to dimitt their Benefice .... and if they
excommunication c. And for better execution of this Act it is statute that a Synodall Assembly shall be holden in every Province where any usurping Bishop is and to begin August 18. next where the Bishops shal be called and summoned by the Visitors of these countries To compear before the Synodall assembly namely the Bishop of Santandrews to compear in Santandr the Bishop of Aberdien ...... To give obedience unto this Act which if they refuse to do the saids Synodall assemblies shall appoint certain Brethren of the ministry to give them publick admonition out of the pulpit and warn them if they disobey to compear before the next Gen. Assembiy which shal be holden at Edin Octob. 20. next to hear the sentence of excommunication pronounced against them for their disobedience Unto this Act the Bishop of Dâ—nblain consenteth submitting himself to be ruled thereby 4. Albeit sundry Acts have before been concluded in sundry assemblies to stay unjust alienation and wasting the Church-rents patrimony by such of the Ministry as have Benefices and yet neither respect or fear of God nor reverence to his Church nor good lawes set out in the contrary hath repressed their unsatiable and cursed avarice from â—o inordinate dealing to the heavy prejudice of the Church and common grief of all good men For remedy thereof the Brethren assembled after reasoning and mature deliberation with uniformity of votes have thought meet and concluded that all persons within the Ministry both they who usurp the style of Bishops and others that shal be tryed hereafter to diminish the rents of their Benefice either by diminution of the old rentall by setting victuall for small prices or within the worth or any other way unjustly dilapidating and putting away the rent thereof by the sight and judgement of the Generall Assembly shall underly the Sentence of excommunication without further process 5. For purgation of the Church from scandall the Assembly requires in the name of God and desireth all men either gentle Men or others conveened at this time if they know any within the Ministry scandalous in life unable to teach unprofitable or curious teachers negligent in preaching non-residents or desertors having plurality of Benefices and offices dissolute in manners having mixt jurisdictions givers of pensions out of their Benefice or receivers thereof To give their names in writ unto the Moderator and his assessors to morrow at seven hours in the morning that order may be taken with them c. 6. The Assembly after long reasoning hath concluded that the Office of Readers who have no more gift but simple reading of the Scriptures is not an ordinary Office in the Church and because some have moved the question Whither in respect of necessity and circumstance of time they may be suffered to continue the disputation of this is delayed untill the next day and then it was concluded that all Readers shall be tryed de novo by the Commissioners of Countries and their assessors so far as possibly they may before the next Generall assembly and so many as shall be found to have travelled in reading two years and have not so profited that they are able to be Pastors shall be deposed from their reading by the Commissioners as is said And their diligence to be reported ..... And because such Readers have no ordinary office within the Church no simple Reader shall be capable of any Benefice nor possesse any in time coming nor possesse the Manse or gleeb where is a Minister actually serving 7. In Sess 7. A Letter was brought from the Earle of Lennox as followes It is not I think unknown unto yow how it hath pleased God of his goodness to call mee by his grace to the knowledge of my salvation since my coming into this Land wherefore I render most earnestly humble thanks unto his Divine Majesty finding my vojage towards these parts most happily bestowed in this respect And albeit I have made open declaration of my calling first by my own mouth in the Church of Edinb and next by my hand writing in the Church at Sterlin where I subseribed the confession of faith yet I have found it was my duty yee being generally conveened to send this G Man my Cousin and friend accompanied with my Letter towards you to make unto you free and humble offer in my name of due obedience and to receive your will in any thing that shall please you I did farther in the accomplishment of my said confession assuring you that I shall be ready to perform the same with all humility as also to procure and advance all other things that may further the glory of God and increase of his Church the common well of the Country and of the Kings Ma. service at my utter possibility And so hoping in all time coming to be participant in your godly prayers and favor I salute you most lovingly in Jesus Christ our Savior From Santandrews July 14. 8. The Assembly hath recommended the execution of the Kings proclamation concerning Papists unto all the Commissioners as they will answer unto his Hieness and the Church 9. It is thought meet to crave of his Hieness that the Church may be restored unto the benefite of the Act of Parliament concerning the thirds c. 10. Compeares Henry kier Servitor to the Earle of Lennox and declares that albeit he had long remained in blindnes and papistry it hath pleased God to illuminate and call him to the knowledge of the true word wherein by his gtace he is now resolved acknowledging the same word to be truly preached professed within this realm and by Act of Parliament established and to be the only true religion of God wherein he is content either now or when the Kings house shall be setled with his heart to subscribe at the will of the Church c. 11. After long disputation it is concluded that it is not lawfull by the word of God that a Pastor be burdened with the charge or feeding of two sundry flocks nor bear the name or be called Pastor of moe congregations than one 12. Compeares Captain Anstruther and lamented that he being in France some years since had given his bodily presence unto the Masse albeit in his conscience he hated it as idolatry and alwayes keeped upright mind toward the religion professed in this realm and feeling grief in his conscience for his defection is come to declare his repentance unfainedly for the same submitting him to whatsoever correction the church will enioyn him desiring to be reconciled And in token of his sinceer meaning he held up his hand As to the butchery and massacre of Paris he declares hee kept the Kings gate of Lour at that time but went no further 13. The Act made before concerning the suspending of Collation of Benefices shall stand in full strength with this addition If any Collation or admission shal be given by any Visitor against the tenor thereof it shal be null
King and Counsell the fast keept at Edinburgh at the feasting of the French Ambassadors generall fasts indicted through the realm without the Ks knowledge the usurping of ecclesiasticall jurisdiction by a number of Ministers gentlemen the alteration of the lawes at their pleasure c. And for satisfying good people strangers al 's well as subiects concerning his Ma s good affection towards religion certain articles were penned and subjoined to that Declaration to make it appeare that his Majesty intended nothing but to have a setled policy established in the Church But these things gave not much satisfaction and were replied-unto in pamphlets which dayly came forth against the Court and rulers of it ............ All this summer troubles continued the Ministers being dayly called before the Counsell and a great business made of their subscription to certain articles concerning their obedience unto the Bishops they who refuse had their stipends sequestrat which caused a great out-crying among the people and made the rebells to be the more favored The King to rid himselfe of these vexations did call the principall Ministers and having shewd that all his desire was to have the Church peaceably governed he willed them to set down their reasons in writing why they refuse subscription that he may consider them and satisfy their doubts They chuse rather to propound the same by word and after some conference were induced to subscribe the Articles this cause being added agreeing with the word of God So far there This clause gave occasion of contention for the Ministers did declare tha◠they would be obedient unto the things that were commanded unto them according to the word of God and in this sense they would obey the Kings command But the adverse party took and expound ir as an acknowledgement that episcopall Jurisdiction was according to the word of God because it was said They submitted themselves unto episcopall jurisdiction in such things according to the word of God The causes of deposition of Ministers not having vote in Parliament were published in the Kings name among these was one the acceptation of the place of Judicature in whatsoever Civill or criminall causes as being of the number of the Colledge of Justice Commissary Advocate Court-clerke Notary the making of testaments only excepted And for not subscribing the band and obligation devised by act of Parliament for dutifull submission fidelity to our Soverain Lord and shew their obedience to their ordinary Bishop or Commissionare appointed by his Majesty to have the exercise of the spirituall jurisdiction in their diocy So the power of jurisdiction was proper unto the King and the exercise thereof was committed by him unto whom hee would as I have seen his Patent committing unto John Erskin of Dun who is there called our wel beloved Clerk and our Commissioner in ecclesiasticall causes that exercise within the diocy of Brechin Providing that his authority in any grave matter be limited and circumscribed to the counsell of thretteen of the most antient wise and godly pastors of the said diocy to be elected forth of the wholl Synodall assembly and allowed by Us with answer of our Privy Counsell or the most part of them And to make cleare the estate of the Church at that time I adde the substance of an epistle written then by Andrew melvin unto Divines abroad and is to be found in Vindicat. Philadelph pag. 54. It hath pleased the Lord so to blesse the endeavoures of his servants that they have undertaken according to what is prescribed in his word and to increase the Churches of Scotland with so great and so incredible felicity heretofore of his singulare bountifulness But alas when wee do not answere unto so great and rare grace bountifulness of God toward us with such thankfulness of hearts and performance of duties as became us behold through a marvellous yet just judgement of God Satan hath so blinded with ambition and avarice one thogh not of us yet a Minister of the word among us that forgetting as one saith decorisque sui sociûmque salutis he continueth uncessantly to confound heaven and earth and to disturb all things for when he had deserted his flock and without knowledge of the Church had creept into Court when he had not only in a most wicked manner entred into that false episcopacy rising again out of hell against which he had before foughten evermore but also had taken that dominion which he had in a Sermon and before a frequent Assembly after abjured and by his subscription at severall cimes had renounced when he had adioyned himselfe unto the sworn enemies of the Church and religion in a base slavishness and most vile cause when in doubtfull things and desparing of his health he had not only advised with witches and with tears begged their help ...... And also had plotted with the Machiavilian Courtiers and the Pop's emissaries against the life of a very godly and religious man for all which causes he feared rhe censures of the Church to be discharged from the Office of preaching he obtaines from his Royall Majesty a free Ambassage to go into other countries under color of seeking health but as experience teaches to vexe the Church ...... And so at London he carrying himself as an Amssassador had frequent consultations with the Ambassadors of France Spain and with the Bishops there for he abode there and intended not to go further he traduced the best subjects as seditious traitors and was altogether taken up with counsells by which the most learned and faithfullest preachers in both the Kingdoms are compelled now to be altogether silent and leave the Ministery or to provide themselves by flying exile or to suffer the inconveniencies of prison or against Duty conscience subscribe unto the ambitious tyranny of Bishops and the impiety of many rites From him came these Archiepiscopall Letters unto you and the brethren of Zurick wherein by his cunning craft of faining and dissembling he chargeth us with false crimes and accuseth the discipline of our Churches with many calumnies albeit he know very well and our conscience beare us witnes that it was our wholl care to ground our discipline upon the word of God so far as wee could Wee assure you that that good order of the Church which Adamson did first craftily undermine then openly impugne and at last revile as Papall tyranny as the mother of confusion and the cause of sedition was from the beginning of abolishing popery sought by our church out of the word of God and thereafter was allowed by the suffrages of the wholl Church and by degrees brought at last as we were able unto some measure of perfection by the blessing of God and three years since was approved sealed and confirmed with profession of mouth subscription of hand and religion of oath by the King and every subject of every Estate particularly ............ He hath persuaded the Kings Majesty and these
The power of Presbyteries 1. The power of a Presbytery is to give diligent labours in their own bounds that the churches be keept in good order to enquired diligently of naughty ungodly persons and travell to bring them into the way again by admonition and threatning of Gods judgement or by correction 2. It appertaines to them to take heed that the word of God be purely preached within their bounds the Sacraments rightly administred the disciplin mantained and the church-goods incorruptly destributed 3. It belongs unto them to cause the ordinances made by the Assemblies Provinciall and Generall to be observed and put execution 4. To make constitutions which concern TÃ’ PREPON in the Church or good order for their particular churches Providing that they change no rule made by the Provinciall or Gener. assemblies and that they shew unto the Provinciall the rules which they make and to abolish constitutions tending to the hurt of these churches 5. It hath power to excommunicate the obstinat His Majesty agrieth in this manner It hath power to excommunicat the obstinat formall process being led and due intervall of time 6. Faults to be censured in the presbytery are heresy papistry idolatry witchcraft consulters with witches contempt of the word not resorting to hear â—he word continuance in blasphemy against God and his truth perjury fornication dunkennes these things for the present and more when order shall be taken in the Conference IV. Particular The power of Church-Sessions or Counsels Churches if they be lawfully ruled by a sufficient Minister and Session have power of jurisdiction in their own congregation in matters ecclesiasticall to take order therewith and what things they can not conveniently decide to bring them unto the Presbytery XI Commissioners are appointed to present unto his Majesty and Counsell the humble petitions complaints Articles and Heads delivered to them and humbly to crave his Ma s answers thereunto To treat conferr reason thereupon and upon such heads and articles as shall be propounded unto them by his M. or his Commissioners and what herein shall be done to report unto the Assembly For clearing what is here I will only adde from The Historicall Narration that the Synod of Fife did cut off Pa. Adamson as a rotten member not only for the notoriety of offenses for which he was suspected before but likewise for impugning the setled order of Generall assemblies and presbyteries for contempt of the Synod and for other notorious slanders whereof he was to be accused but refused to underly the tryall The next day after the Sentence pronounced against him two of the Bishops servants went to the church of the city at time of publick prayer as the custome was then evening and morning on the days when there was no Sermon and without any citation or process caused Samuel Cuningham Reader pronounce the Sentence of excommunication against And. Melvin James Melvin and some others who he thought had been most forward against the Bishop Wee see in the last Session of this Assembly the censure and tryall of this fact was remitted unto the Presbytery I have not read what was done in the matter but I knew the man and that he could never be admitted unto the Ministry though he often suited it untill another change came into the Church and then he was promoted by a Bishop into an obscure charge and was hatefull all his days and durst scarcely appear in a presbytery The bare narration of the proceedings of this Assembly as they be extracted out of the Assemblies books confute the perverse imputations and slanders of the contrarily minded The rest of that year the King was taken up partly with setling some troubles in the Isles and Kentyre and partly in the Articles of a League with England and immediatly thereafter with a process that was intended and went on against his mother This last purpose was occasion of some variance be twixt the King and the Ministers of Edinburgh For XXIII In January of the year 1587. the King hearing that the death 1587. of his mother was determined gave order unto the Ministers to pray for her The adversarics of the Church-disciplin say The Ministers denied it absolutely and they call that denyall a barbarous inhumanity But Vindiciae Philadelp Pag. 56. shew that the Papists were plotting the destruction of Queen Elisabeth nor was Queen Mary free of these plots and by that means the ruln of religion was intended and the Ministers of Edinburgh answered unto the King that they would pray for the salvation of her soul but they could not pray against her punishment if she had deserved and in that case his Majesty should rather give God thanks because they understood that both his person and the Church would be delivered from imminent danger For whosoever trespasseth against the publick no man should preferr his particular interest unto publik duty This answer did not satisfy the King he did appoint the third of February for solem prayers to be made in behalf of his mother and commanded Pat. Adamson to preach that day John Couper a young man was set up in the pulpit before the Bishop came The King seeing him said That place was appointed at this time for another but seing you are there if you will obey the charge and pray for my mother you shall go-on He replied He will do as the Spirit of God shall direct him Whereupon he was commanded to leave the place and because he made no haste the Captain of the Guard went and pulled him out and he burst out into unreverent speaches Then the Bisbop went up In the after-noon the young man was called before the Counsell where Wi. Watson Minister accompanying him for offensive speaches the two were discharged from preaching in Edinburgh during his Ma s pleasure and Couper was sent prisoner to Blackness The The 48. Assembly Assembly conveenes at Edinburgh Juny 20. Andrew Melvin Is chosen Moderator I. Two Ministers being directed unto the King to sute his Ma s presence report that he had named the Lord Secretary and Justice-Clerk to be present and concurre and they had promised to be present as their opportunity could serve yet willing that the Assembly according to his Ma s mind do treat before any other thing of John Cowper's cause and nevertheless after some reasoning were content it be delayd till the next day and that the brethren of the Conference shall consider it II. His Ma s Commissioners offer theyr concurrence to the recovery of the Assemblie's books if it may be known in whose hands they are The Moderator craves that if any can give light in this matter they would shew it and namely Pa. Galloway who was directed by the last Assembly unto the King to seek the delivery of the Register he answereth that his Majesty promised to deliver them John Brand declares that at the last Assembly in his house Pa. Adamson in presence of David Ferguson said he knew
be advised hereupon against mooneday when every Presbytery shall have readie the names of such as they think meet for their presbytery to attend the Plat for Churches admit persons presented to Benefices and to designe Manses In Sess 15. Whereas before Commissioners of countries had the charge to enroll the Ministers their stipends at the Plat to receive presentations and to give collation to designe Manfes and gliebs henceforth the well constitute presbyteries and each one of them shall yearly ay and while the necessity thereof craves elect out of their number a brother in name of the Presbytery for enrolling expedition of their stipend at the Plat authorized instructed by them with commission subscribed by the Moderator and Clerk of the Presbytery To be shewed and produced unto the Modefiers And the same Commissioner to designe Manses gliebs within the bounds of their presbytery And in all things concerning the execution of his commission to be countable and subject to the judgement censure of the Presbytery from which he receives it And that all presentations be directed â—n time coming unto the Presbytery where the Benefice lyeth Providing in admission and deprivation of Ministers within Buchan Aberdien Garioch and Marre that Aberdien Buchan proceed with mutuall advice and so Marre Garioch likewise with mutuall advice and in case of wariance there the matter shall be referred to the Generall assembly X. It is thought meet for the common profite of all the people that an uniform order be keept in examination before the Communion and to this end that a short form of examination be penned before the next assembly whereunto four persons are named XI Because the patrimony of the Church hath been wasted by these who had the title of Benefices and thereby the provision of the Ministry failes All presbyteries are commanded to try the Beneficed within their boundes and in what condition they received their Benefice and in what condition they are presently and who have set tacks or have disponed the title of their Benefice or any part thereof without consent of the Generall assembly And to report unto the Provinciall Synod what they have found and the Synod to try if any thing hath been neglected by them and report unto the next Generall assembly XII Gâ—eat slander lyeth upon the Church through manifold murders notorious adulteries and incests and the parties being brought under process oftymes elude the Church by shifting from place to place so that the process can not be brought well to a finall Sentence therefore it is voted Whither parties falling into so odious crimes may summarily upon the notoriety of the crime be excommunicated and it is concluded affirmativè XIII Forsomuch as the dangerous inâ—urrection at the bridge of Dee being considered to have notoriously imported speciall prejudice to the true religion and the speciall authours and enterprisers thereof continuing under that slander have never intended to purge themselves thereof by confessing their offence Therefore the Assembly gives their power and commission unto the Presbytery of Edinhurgh with other nyne Ministers then named to summon before them in Edinburgh the Earls Lords Barous and free holders who were at that insurrection and to charge them to confesse their offense against the true Church of God and his religion and to make satisfaction for the slander committed by them Under the pain of excommunication And that before the first day of February next Referring to their discretion the particular dyets and order of process to be keept therein Providing that this commission be execute before the said day and requiring John Craig to remember this matter unto these commissioners as he will eschue the blame of the brethren in case of negligence Many things may be observed in this Assembly as 1. Their impartiality without respect of persons of whatsoever condition 2. B Spotswood reportes the Kings presence and many of his words in this assembly whereby he confutes what he had said before of the Kings dissimulation and indignation against the Assembly but he omittes what was done concerning the disciplin because though he and some others were present and voted unto â—hese Acts concerning the disciplin yet afterwards he and they became enemies thereof and accepted Bishopricks yea and the same year the K. hearing of the afflictions of the Antiepiscopal party in England wrote unto the Queen in their favors as also he did again in the year following as witnesseth Fuller in Church-histo li. 9. and expresseth the second Letter thus Hearing of the apprehension of Mr Vdall and Mr Cartwright and certain other Ministers of the Evangel within your realm of whose good erudition and faithfull travels in the Church we hear a very credible commendation howsoever that their diversity from the Bishops and others of your clergy in matters touching them in conscience hath been a mean by their delation to work them your disliking at this present we can not weighing the duty which we owe to such as are afflicted for their conscience in that profession but by our most effectuous and earnest Letter interpone us at your hands to stay any harder usage of them for that cause Requesting you most earnestly that for our cause and intercession it may please you to let them be relieved of their present strait and whatsoever further accusation or suit depending on that ground Respecting both their former merit in setting forth the Evangel the simplicity of their conscience in this defence which can not well be their let by communion and the great slander which can not fail to fall out upon their further streighting for any such occasion Which we assure us your zeal to religion besides the expectation we have of your good will to pleasure us will willingly accord to our request having such proofs from time to time of our like disposition to you in any matters which you recommend unto us ...... Dated Edinburgh June 12. 1591. Fuller saith One word from archb Whitgift befriended Mr Cartwright more then both the Letters from the King of Scotland But who can tell whither the archbishop was not moved with the earnestness of these Letters from such a Soliciter to speak a word for his antagonist lest he had been set at liberty whither he would or not Howsoever it was these Letters shew the Kings affection unto the cause and his esteem of their persons XXVIII The Nationall Assembly conveens at Edinburgh July 2. The 53. Assembly 1591. Nicol dalgleish is chosen Moderator I. Because the Assembly hath changed their place whereupon some may doubt of the authority thereof It is voted and coucluded that there is a reasonable and weighty cause for the change and that nothing is done in prejudice of their power seing the cause is the desire of his Ma. who for sundry reasons hath willed the Ass to site heerat this time and if any brother craves to be further satisfied the brethren of the Conference will resolve
playes of robinhood murderers which overflow the Land Item that the Ministers already planted may be provided with sufficient livings Item the Act of annexation to be dissolved the new erections and patronages may be discharged the Act of dissolution of prelacies and Benefices consisting of moe churches to be ratified established The Act of February An. 1587. the exception of Juny 8. being added may have place That small Benefices that are disponed to Ministers may be free of taxation c. XII The next Assembly is appointed to conveen at Aberdien August 17. in the year 1592. but if a Parliament shall be called the brethren being advertised by the presbytery of Edinburgh shall conveen two dayes before in the Town where the Parliament shall be called The contest between the Assembly and the Session is recorded by B. Spotswood to have begun thus John Graham of Halyairds within the parish of Kirklistoun being then L Justice and one of the Colledge of Justice had intended an Action of removing against some fuars and to bear out his plea suborned Ro. Ramsay a Notary in Sterlin to give him an instrument that made for his purpose The defendents offer to disprove the instrument and in the mean time upon a Warrant obtained from his Ma. they apprehend the Notary who confessed that the instrument which he had subscribed was brought to him by William Graham brother to the foresaid John and that he knew nothing of the business and being pursued criminally was upon his confession condemned of falshood and execute to death The pursuer as he was a man bold and impudent to maintain the truth of the instrument did intend Action against Patrick Simson who had dealt with Ro. Ramsay to confesse the truth of that instrument alledging that he Simson had seduced the man and made him deny the instrument The Minister regrates his case unto the Assembly there upon John Graham is summoned to answer for the scandall raised against the Minister He compeares and answereth thaâ— he would prove what he had alledged before the Iudge competent The Assembly replieth He must qualify it befnre them or they would censure him as a slanderer Hereupon followed the contest The issue was the Lords esteeming this an encroaching upon their priviledges and that upon such grounds all actions that touched any Minister might be drawn from their Iudicatory do resolve to send a prohibition unto the Assembly and discharge their proceeding but by the mediation of some well disposed persons that loved not to have questions of Jurisdiction moved the business was setled and both actions ordained to cease But the instrument was sustained by the Lords and judged to make faith which in end turned to the pursuers undoing So far he XXIX The King was diligent to remove the broils of the Nobles by calling them before the Counsell and causing them submit their quarells and partly by making strict lawes against the troublers of the common peace but it was long work and new troubles wereay breaking out as in the end of the year the Earle of Bothwell and some others envying the credite of the Chancelor made a conspiracy and sturre in the Kings palace and on February 7. year 1592. the Earle of Huntly killed the Earle of Murray in Dunibrissell and the Papist Lords were plotting a traiterous comspiracy 1592. with the King of Spain by means of Scots Jesuites some lying in Spain and some in Scotland interchanging letters for assistance to invade first Scotland and then England as the Letters were intercepted in the end of that year that were some written and some blank and appointed to be filled up by the Jesuits in Spain as the trustees in that business and all subscribed by Huntly Anguse and Erroll These Letters were printed and the discovery of the Confession of George Ker and David Graham of Fentry who was arraigned and be headed at Edinburg February 16. year 1593. These being Civil I would have omitted but these are the ground of other things following The Nationall assembly conveenes at Edinburgh May 22. Robert Bruce is chosen Moderator I. It was considered to The 54. Assembly propound unto the King Parliament these petitions 1. That the Acts of Parliament in the the year 1584. against the disciplin of the Church and their liberty be annulled the same disciplin whereof the Church hath been now in practise may be ratified 2. Abolition of the Act of annexation and restitution of the patrimony of the Church 3. That Abbots Priors and others pretending the title of the Church and voting in name of the Church without their power and commision be not admitted to vote in name of the Church neitherin Parliament nor other convention 4. That the Country may be purged of fearfull idolatry and blood-shed Commissioners were named for this end II. It is referred to consultation whither is be lawfull that the Ministry should succeed in the place of Prelates to vote in Parliament III. It is ordained that Ministers receiving Commissions from the Church if they be slothfull in execution shall be rebuked in the face of the Assembly for their negligence IV. The Church considering their duty to God and the necessity of the charge layd upon them and seeing the dayly decay of religion and lack of justice whereof the effects to the regrate of all true Christianes do more and more fall-out in miserable experience And that the duty of their office burdeneth them to discharge their consciences in this behalf unto their Soveraigne unto whom it chiefly appertaines to procure remedy there of Therefore they direct certain brethren to passe immediatly unto his Ma. and to lament the dayly decay of religion disorder and lack of justice within this realm and to admonish gravely that he will do for remedy of these evills as he will answer unto God and like wise to admonish in name of the Eternall to have respect in time unto the estate of true religion perishing and to the manifold murders oppressions enormities dayly multiplied through impunity And to discharge his Kingly Office in both as He would eschue the fearfull challenge of God and turn his wrath from his Ma. and the wholl Land And to the end his Ma. may be the better enformed they are ordered to declare the particulaâ—es V. Alexander dickson being summoned compeares he is asked whither he had subscribed the articles of religion presently professed established within the realm and whether he had communicat at the Lords Table He answereth he had done both when he was a Student in Santandrews Then he is asked In what heads he differeth now He answereth There be sundry heads wherein he agrees not with the Confession of faith He is bidden either now by word or too morrow by writ declare the specialls He plainly avoweth and protests he differeth from them in all the substantiall points of religion wherein the Papists controvert with them Upon this his confession the Assembly findes that
fellonious doctrine which robbed the Queens subjects of their law full liberty yet he was no competent Judge in this controversy and though he had a dead hand against offenders yet these doctrines though condemned by him took the priviledge to pardon themselves and were published more generally then before Th. Fuller in the Church hist lib. 9. XXXV The Synod of Fife meeting at Couper February 8. 3597. ordained every Presbytery within the bounds to direct two of their number to meet at Santand february 21. to confer and resolve with common consent upon the most solide answers unto these questions for strengthening the brethren They sent also some Ministers to supplicat the King not to hold that Convention which was appointed to be at Perth or at least to delay it untill the time of the ordinary assembly which is to be in Aprile and to shew unto him that no presbytery hath power to give commission unto any of their brether to call in question or put into doubt the determinations conclusions of the Generall assembly as also to supplicat his Majesty to relaxe the Ministers of Edinburgh from the horn and restore David Black to his own place They set down instructions limitations unto the Commissioners that were to be sent from the Presbyteries to Perth if the dyet shal be keept The Presbytery of Edinburgh and others did the like The brethren that were appointed by the Synod of Fife meet in Santandrews and resolve upon answers to the questions others also namely Pa. Galloway took paines there-in The Ministers come to Perth february 29 moe out of the north than were wont to be seen at any Gen. assembly Great paines was taken by Courtiers Politicians to divide them into factions they complain unto the Ministers of the North. that the South Ministers were seveer undiscreet arrogant and usurp the government of the wholl they commend the Ministers of the North as men of better disposition and more discretion and doubted not if they were acquainted with his Majesty they shall in short time see all matters brought to a good point Sir Patrik murray was diligent in making their acquaintance with the K. and they had accesse late at night and early in the morning The cheif of these wrought upon others comming from the North so they began to look bigg on their brethren and blamed the Ministers of the south namely as they were informed to speak the Popes of Edinburgh that they had not handled matters well and had almost losed the King Others how beit grieved at such speaches stood to their instructions both privatly and publickly so that the sitting of the Assembly was put off for two or three days James Nicolson had long conference with the King till midnicht and when he returned to his chamber he told James Melvin some of the Kings speaches insinuations mixed with threatnings and added I perceive the King will wreck himself and the Church both unless we look better about us and yâ—eld so faâ— as wee may rather than lose all James Melvin perceiving him to be changed said I see no better resolution than as they have done in former times to seek God by prayer and discharge our duties faithfully committing the event unto God to whom the cause belongeth as â—or my selfe by Gods grace I will never yeeld â—o any thing contrary to what we have sufficiently warranted by his word and have possessed so long with so confortable frutes If wee passe at this time from the least point it will shake us loose disarm us of the trust we have in the equity of our cause and break that unity whereby we have stood so strong untill now On the third day the Ministers were 〈◊〉 Sir Patrick Mâ—rray in the Kings name to resolve Whether they would hold the Assembly or not Peter Blackburn Minister at Aberdien â—â—aintained that they might and James Melvin held the negâ—tive The brethren seemed for the most part to encline unto the negative but by the persuasive speaches of James Nicolson and especially by the Kings authority many were induced to consent Commissioners from eight Presbyteries voted in the negative that the meeting could not be held for a Generall assembly and commissioners from elleven allowed it for an extraordinary Generall assembly ...... They which were in the negative acknowledged the meeting to be lawfull and that they came in obedience unto his Ma. but not as having the power of a Gen. assembly but rather to remitt the finall answer unto the Assembly it was a meeting of the Ministry upon the Kings missives sent unto them and others than Ministers should be members of the Generall Assembly according to the acts and practise of the Church and whereas the Moderator of the preceeding Assembly was woâ—â— to begin with exhortation and prayer and then a Moderator was chosen now by instigation of Courtiers David Lindsay Minister at Lieth took upon him the office of Moderator without election The former Clerck being defunct now another was not chosen nor taken sworn according to the former order So here order and unity was broken So for from the beginning of Section 34. I have written out of The Historicall Narration Now I returnt unto the book of the Assemblies I. In Sess 3. March 2. The Kings Commissioners do present the articles following with this preamble Seing the quietnes of the Church and the freeing of the same from slander which upon the contrary effects would necessarily follow is the chief Butt and end at which his Majesty shuteth in the conveening holding of this present Assembly Therefore and for avoiding fashions and longsom disputations whereupon diverse uncomely controversies and debates may arise his Majesty hath thought good to remitt the decision of a great number of the pretended questions to a better opportunity to be reasoned in the mean time by such as shall be authorized by commission to that effect and for the present shall content himself with the decision of these few articles following having made choice of none but such as necessity of time could not permitt to be delayd without great harm and slander to follow 1. That it be not thought unlawfuli either to the Prince or any of the Pastors at any time heerafter to move doubts reason or crave reformation in any point of the externall policy government or disciplin of the Church that are not essentially concerning salvation or is not answered affirmativè or negativè by any expresse part of the Scripture Providing it be done decenter in right time and place animo aedisicandi non tentandi 2. Seing the Civill Politicall government of the Church belongeth alanerly unto the King his Officers and Counsell and is no way pertinent to the Spirituall Ministry of the word that no Minister shall hereafter at any time medle with matters of the Estate in the pulpit or with any of his Maj. lawes statutes and ordinances but if any Minister shall think any of them
the houses from all persons living inordinatly whose bad example might bring slander unto their profession specially from them that are suspect in religion or found any way busy in dealing against the Truth and quietness of the countrey 4. Endeavour to have their churches provided with sufficient stipends and wel qualified persons and procure that by their authority and assistance the disciplin of the church may have execution within their bounds 5. Urge the performance of the Articles which they did subscribe at their reconciliation and extract these Articles out of the register 6. Persuade them to make honest provision of stipends for the Pastors resident at their Houses or chief dwelling places and to make choise of wise grave and learned Pastors thereunto 7. Inform the Kings Majesty from time to time how they do profit and what company resorts unto them and of what disposition is their company VI. Certain Overtures were given unto the Commissioners unto the â—lat concerning the provision of churches VII Certain Ministers were appointed to visit the presbyteries and parriculat congregation in seuerall Shires and after deâ—iberation Rules were given which should be observed universally to wit 1. The Visitors shall appoint two or three dayes Rules forvisiting Ministers for tryall of each presbytery and acquaint the presbytery a month or three weeks at least before their coming and send them an Edict to be published at every parish-church of the bounds by some other brother then the Minister of the place let it be duly executed indorsed and reported unto the Visitors the first day of theit meeting 2. Let the Edict be so directed by the Presbyteries that an equall number of Pastors be tryed each one of the dayes appointed for the tryall of the Presbytery and the commissioners of the congregations to be present on their day respectivâ— 3. Try the condition of every Minister particularly then the estates of the congregations and lastly of the Presbytery generally The tryall of the Pastors should be in this manner 1. Try each one in his graces and ability to discharge his calling in his furniture of books and other necessary helps of enabling with what fidelity aâ—d prudence he discharges himself in calling doctrin disciplin and conversation 2. For this effect enquire of the commissioners of his congregation what testimony he hath of his own Session and others of his flock and especially whether he reside in his Manse whether his life and the government of his family be such as he be not scandalous but edifieth his flock whether he teaches every sabboth once or twice or any other day besids in the week whether he keeps weekly convention with his Session for the exercise of disciplin whether he Ministreth the Communion yearly with due examinations preceeding whether he hath an establish'd Session of Elders and deacons whether he catechizeth weekly a part of his parishon whether he keeps an ordinary visitation of some families weekly whether he visits the sick and distressed when occasion requires whether he be diligent to remove all variances in his congregation Then try him if need shall be by expounding some passage of Scripture and by questions Enquire of him what helps he hath for advancement of his studies whether he hath the text of the Scripture in the originall languages what knowledge he hath of those tongues whether he hath the Translation of the old Testament by Tremellius and of the new by Beza with the vulgar English what books he hath for the common Heads and the ecclesiasticall history what commentaries he hath on the Scriptures specially on his ordinary Text whether he hath the Acts of Councels what writers he hath upon the controverfies of Religion whether he useth the conference of Brethren for his resolution in the doubts occurring in his reading and of whom whether he hath an ordinary course in reading the Scripture Ecclesiasticall histories and the controversies whether he makes any memoriall of his travels in writ What is his ordinary Text Whether he be provided to the parsonage or vicarage and whether he hath set any tacks thereof to whom and on what condition In whose hands are the tiths of his parishon and what Overture he can give for provision of a stipend there if it be not sufficiently provided And examin his Session-book When the brother is removed let the Presbytery be enquired one by one and declare upon their conscience what they know of his graces fidelity in doctrin disciplin and conversation After this tryall let him be judged and either approved or admonished or otherwise censured as the cause requires Next in the Visitation of congregations And congregatious Try every Minister particularly whether there be any Jesuites Papists Seminary-priests trafficquers against the Religion and peace of the countrey or any maintainers of them within that congregation Whether there be any witches excommunicat persons or disobedient unto the disciplin of the Church Whether there be any superstitious dayes keept by setting forth of fires or otherways Whether there be any superstitious places of pilgrimages wells or chappels Whether there be any not-communicants any homicides or deadly feâ—ds any adulterers incestuous persons Whither the sabboth be profaned by keeping of maâ—kets or working especially in time of harvest As they shall find in the premisses let them take order for reformation of any point thereof Thirdly concerning the visitation of Presbyteries Let And of Presbyteries the Moderator be enquired if they keep their ordinary meetings If they have their monthly handling of the Common Heads and disputations If they visit all the churches since the last generall Visitation If they take weekly or monthly account of their Brethren diligences in the discharge of their duty by catechizing their flock and visiting the families If any of their number be insolent and will not acquiesce in the determinations of the Brethren What unplanted churches are within their bounds VIII The Brethren that were appointed to consider the propositions of the Synod of Fife which are written before condescended upon the answers following 1. The Nationall Asse should be appointed and keept according to the Act of Parliament July 2. year 1592. the words are inserted even as they be here above P. 489. 2. If his Majesty shall proceed against Ministers according to his own declaration made and enacted in the assembly at Dundy in the year 1597. the desire of the second article is satisfied and no other thing is meant 3. The Act concerning application in Exercise should not be extended to forbid the application of Gods word unto the generall ends thereof which is lawfull in this manner This point of doctrin serves for refutation of such an error for the rebuik of such a vice for consorting men in such a case as for personall application it is to be advised whether it should be or not and how far And thinks good that it be argued in the Presbyteries which shall send with their Commissioners unto