their good service in Parliament to God the Kirk and Commonwealth in giving their votes and suffrages to seventeen erections of the Prelacies and livings of the Kirk in temporall Lordships to attaine thirteen rounged and dilapidate Bishoprickes as was reported and complained upon to the Kings Majestie and his Councell at Hampton Court 1606. CHAP. XI That Bishoprie is against the constitution and setled estate of the Kirk and Kingdom and so most dangerous ITt is an Axiom approved in Experience and Policie Quod omnis mutatio Reipub. est periculosa etiamsi in melius how much more in deterius The reason then holdeth thus All dangerous things for the estate and common-wealth are to bee eschewed But change is dangerous namely from such an estate which is conforme to the word of God good Lawes and Constitutions the judgement of the holiest and best learned ancient and moderne the best estate of the Primitiue Kirk and best reformed Kirkes from corruption of Papistrie to an estate plaine contrarie and so most perverse and pernicious For let Lawyers and Politiques reason and judge the civill part for the estate of the Kingdome we dare boldly conclude as we haue evidently proved that it is pernicious for the Kirk of Iesus Christ And that which is pernicious thereto can never stand with the good estate of a Christian Kingdome and godly Common-wealth It is so cleare in the Histories and miserable experience of these last Ages of the would that it needs no probation being acknowledged and affirmed by all Protestants that the Popish Hierarchie and usurpation of both the swords hath brought the Romane Empire and all Kingdomes and Commonwealths in Europe that haue not resisted the same to abominable and most filthie servitude and slaverie in their goods bodies soules And those who haue cast off the yoke of that bondage and resisted thereunto haue been involved in bloudie battels and had great fear adoe to keep them safe from the most craftie and cruel practises of that pestilent throne of kirk ambition avarice And shal the drâ—gs or rather sprowtings therof be brought in again into Scotland Shall these siâ—lings sprowrings be taken up and set with guiding again in the Lords vineyard to grovv up to seed to shake and overgrovv the same Or shall these dregges be cast in a Limbique and such Aquavitie to be dravvn thereof as vvill make the braines of all giddie that tasts thereof Shall these Coâ—katrice egges be hatched in our Kingdome of nevv vvhereof all Kings Kingdomes and Estates that hâ—ue â—aâ—en therof 〈◊〉 dead in sin and spirituall and temporall slaveâ—â—â— And such 〈…〉 marked therevvith doe cry as if they vvere stung vviâ—h 〈◊〉 The Lord safe our kirk kingdom and Kâ—â—◠〈…〉 kâ—s W◠〈…〉 â—fore thâ— Lavves of our Kingdome the constitutions of our Kirk the doctrine and confession thereof vvhereunto all thâ— members both of Kirk and Commonvvealâ— Kingdome haue solemnly svvorn and subsâ—rived and vvhich hath bâ—en professed established and stood in our Kirk and Kingdom almost novv an vvhole Iubile of yeares To all the vvhich this Bishoprie this usurpation of both Offices Civill Ecclesiasticall the temporall Lordship the earthly dominion the worldly vain pomp and the most dangerous invasion of governing both court kirk is most repugnant And yet notwithstanding the walles of our Trâ—â— which were builded by the finger of our God must be demolished we with our own hands hail in that devilish Grecian horse within the Lords Citie to set it all on fire O mad folly ô terrible Judgement for the contempt of the Gospell and fruitlesse abuse of the freedome thereof so long so liberally and so gloriously bestowed on Scotland CHAP. XII This Bishoprie is against the honour and weale of the Noble Estates of Parliament THe honour and weale of the Noble Estates of Parliament namely since the light of the Gospell shined in our dark nation vvas to haue the Kirk of God and libertie of this most ancient Kingdome in speciall are fall regard to make good lawes in favour of the same aâ—â— to sâ—e them haue life and vigor by due execution Anâ— for that stâ—â—ct to haue a solemne and free advice and you wâ—thout â—â—e vvhâ—â—h 〈◊〉 thing should passe and be effectuall by any oâ—â—oy plâ—t or practâ—se whatsoever But set â—nce up these B shops once called lâ—â—g since the Princes Ledhoâ—â—e thing â—f thâ—y were never so unlawful unjust ungodly and pernitious to Kirk and Realme If they shall be borne forth by the countenance authoritie care and endevour of the King supposing such a one a God forbiâ— come in the roome of our most renoumed Soveragine for as to the best hath oftentimes succeeded the worst they shall be caried through by his Bishops set up and entertained by him for that effect and the rest of the estates not onely be indeed as cyphers but also beare the blame thereof to their great evill and dishonour And if one will aske how shall these Bishops be more subiect to be carried after the appetite of an evill prince then the rest of the estates The answer and reason is because they haue their Lordship and living their honour estimation profit and commoditie of the King by others The King may set them vp and cast them downe give them and take from them put them in and out at his pleasure And therefore they must bee at his direction to doe what liketh him and in a word he may doe with them by law because they are set vp against law but with other estates hee cannot doe so they having either heritable standing in their roomes by the fundamentall lawes or then but a commission from the estate that send them as from the Burgesses or Barones Againe if one would say Howbeit the Bishops and all the spiritualll estate vvere corrupted yet there is two or three estates beside Wee answer first there is a great number of the other estates whereof it is easie to make choyce of some that for certaine commoditie and advancement of their state and matters may be easily corrupted Next deprave me once the Ecclesiasticall estate which hath the gift of knowledge learning by others and are supposed because they should bee of best conscience that so they are the rest will easily bee miscarried And that so much the more that the officiaâ—s of estate Lords of Session Iudges Lawyers that haue their offices of the King are commonly framed after the courts affâ—ction Yea let Chancellor Secretarie Thesaurer President Controller and others that now are take heed that thâ—se new Prelats of the Kirk as convetous and ambitious as ever they were of old insinuating themselues by flatterie and obsequence in the Princes favour attaine to the bearing of all these offices of estate and crowne and to the exercising thereof as craftily avaritiously proudly and cruelly as ever the Papisticall Prelates did For as the holiâ—st bâ—st and wisest Angels of light being depraved became most wiâ—ked
he neither can finde out the cause nor make any good use of the particulars Archip. Ye know both the truth of the generall and the true cause thereof and therefore let me know the particular Epaph. Vpon that last day of the Parliament before foure houres after noone vvhen all the Actes vvere now concluded and mens hearts vvere insulting upon the Defenders glorying in their own vvittie counsels rejoycing in their great successâ— gaping for great thankes and reward and wishing every one he vvere the first reporter that he might be carver of his own praise as if he had recovered the Kingdom of Bohemia and the Palatinat The Lord Commissioner rising from his throne for ratifying all that vvas done by touch of the Scepter vvas trysted by the God of heaven For at the verie moment of that ratification the heavens send in through the vvhole vvindowes of the house an extraordinarie great lightning after the first a second more glancing and then a third most terrible of all Immediately after the lightnings an unâ—outh and extraordinarie darkenes for the suddennesse and greatnesse therof astonishing all and couching the insolent joyes of some The lightning vvere seconded vvith three louâ— blasts of thunder in sound and short continuance of every blast like the shot of some Cannon extraordinary great and were taken by many vvithin the house of Parliament to be shotts from the Castle It appeared to all that dwelt within ten or twelue miles that the clowdes stood right aboue the town and that the darkenesse overshadowed that part onely By one of the blasts the Beacon standing in the entry of Leith haven vvas beaten down After the lightnings darknes and thundering their fell down a shoure of haile stones extraordinary great and last of all a strange raine making the streetes to runne like rivers imprisoning the Lords about the space of an houre and a halfe and straitly forbidding to honour these fiue Articles vvith ordinarie pompe and solemnity So that the servants rode home on the footmantles and the Masters vvith drew themselues some by coach and some on foot through the neerest privie wayes Next as if the heavens had resolved never to countenance these ill-gotten creatures upon Munday the 20 of August vvhen the Actâ—s vvere proclaimed the same mâ—â—gâ—ation vvas renewed by thunder si◠〈◊〉 and great raine coâ—â—â—â—ing all the time of the riding at the Crosse And thirdly vvhat hath followed since yee can vvitnesse your selfe The tempests of vvind and raine bâ—gâ—n at that time haue so continued through the uâ—â—outh unseasonaâ—â—â—nesse of the â—â—e harvest in many places S Luke gat not a stâ—wâ—k and the â—â—â—ne universally are shaken and rotten in such measure that never was there in this Country such it equality of â—riâ—es in 〈◊〉 short time never greater feare of famine vvant of â—â—ed to sâ—â— the ground for the next crop It is pittifull to remember if it could be forgotten so long as there is a Kirk in Scotland the impetuous inundations of vvater carrying away vvith their violenâ—e not onely cornes cattle and bridges but houses plenishing people and all Perth hath good reason to call to mind the month of May the yeare 1591 vvherein by certaine commissioners they confessed to the Generall Assembly their rash and suddain receiving of the apostat Lords troublers of Kirk and Kingdome and promised never to giue suâ—h occasion in time comming but to assist and maintaine the Kirk of God and the true Religion presently professed vvithin thâ—â— Realme as at more length is contained iâ— theâ—â— own confesâ—ion From the months of March 1â—â—6 and August 1618 vvherein râ—sâ—eâ—â—â— vvas both begun and câ—ncluded that unhappie chaâ—ge whâ— iâ— hath been and is a cursed mother of many miseries to this Kirk and Kingdome unto vvhich howsoever they were disposed it vvas openly spoken in the publiâ—k meeting that they were inclinable And if it were so they 〈…〉 as farre from their first promâ—sâ— as thâ—y inclined to that altâ—â—ation Item Item the moneth of Octob. 1621 vvherein the 〈◊〉 and rumbling of vvaters and fear and danger vvithin their 〈◊〉 sends them to seek their safety by the losse of their faâ—â— â—â—â—ly bridge vvith such affection as the merchant casts his goods in the sea or the owner runnes his ship on ground for safety of mens lâ—ues The Lord had an eye to the teares of their sorrow and hâ—ard their cryes from the depths he releeved and saved them and they stand his debters of themsâ—lues for their great redemption and that wonderfull deliverance And likewise the town of Berwick did see the unresistable rage of Tweed by whose violence was hurled away not onely their ancient vvodden bridge but that new and strong one sinely builded of stone no lesse destinate to beare that honourable remembrance Hoc uno ponte duo regna conjunxi Deus diu conjuncta consâ—rvet then to be a common servant to the North and South parts of this Iland It is moreover pittifull to heare the lamentation of vvidowes children and friends at home for the lâ—sse of their deere husbands loving fathers and trustie and tender friends by sea and specially in those townes that are most zâ—alous to follow novelties in religion and also pittiful to remember the great regrat of Borgh and Land for vvant of fewel to prepare their meat and drinke and refresh their persons against the injuries of the vehement cold And yet few strikes upon the thigh and askes why are all these things come upon us But for further humiliation the Lords hands is yet stretched out to see if any vvill repent and returne For before the vvearisome end of this unseasonable harvest and the vvheat seed which farre by the ordinarie custome of this Country vvas not begun in December there is come on a heavie Winter vvith great hunger and cold striking all that haue fore sight vvith feare and care to ease themselues of such persons as they may spare and to liue as retired as possible they can and daily increasing pittifull cryes not onely of vagabond beggars but of many honest persons who if they had employment as before were able to succour themselues by the fruit of their labours What the spring and summer following may bring forth of such beginnings it is hard for us to inquire 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Read Euseb l. 9. cap. 7. after him Niceph. l. 7 cap. 28. Rules for reducing the iudgements of God to their own proper causes and best for all To watch and pray to be zealous and amend and to resolue to exercise their patience and charitie as the Lord hath measured unto them Archip. I know that the providence of God ruleth and the fin of man procureth all judgements and afflictions And I thank my God I haue learned against the Atheisme of the times some rules to direct me how to reduce particular judgements to particular causes and to father them right upon their owne deserving sinnes As 1 by denunciation in the word
the Iesuits of late haue shaken a Minerva out of their braines for maintaining multitudes of monsters I referre to your selfe and vvill giue but two instances of our purpose one of heresie under the Gospell another of idolatry under the Law Archip. That vvere sufficient vvhat heresie meane you Epaph Never was there an heretick that defended a more pestilent opinion with more plausible pretexts Pretexts for Arrianisme and subtil evasions then Arrius and his sectaries for vvhen they were desired to acknowledge Christ to be the son of God as he is called in the Creed they accepted of that word because the Apostle sayth We are all the sonns of God When they vvere assayed vvith the word onely begotten they received it meaning of that dignitie singular glory in him aboue all the creatures beside And to this end alledged the known place Prov. 8. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 for 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Thirdly there was added Before the world was made This they exponed of the creation of Christ and all the Angels before the vvorld vvas made The fourth addition God of God they escaped by acknowledging all the Angells also to bee Gods of God And the fift light of light they esteemed to be common to all the godly Ye are the light of the world once darknes but now light When sixtly they excluded adoption by adding True God of the true God that they admitted also because the true uncreated God cannot be the author nor maker of false Gods When seventhly for stopping of this starting hole it was added Begotten not made they escaped by the place of Deuteronomie Thou hast forsaken the God who begat thee Never could this monster of heresie be catched by coÌ„fessioÌ„ of faith til at last the kirk was led by the spirit to the vvord 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 vvhich in end proved to be the Shibboleth As the other three words 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 vvere used by other three councels against the other three kinds of heresies concerning the person of Christ God-man Archip. I perceiue that Heretickes and Polititians vvere not shepheards of Colliers of old more then the learned seducers in out dayes that it is hard to frame a confession of faith vvhich they vvill refuse to subscribe and yet for any contrarie errour or practise can soone find some evasion and that no heresie nor errour ever wanted the owne probabilitie and pretext Come now to the second instance Epaph. It is the Idolatry of Ieroboam which might haue been defended or excused by the kirk and state of that time as well as the Idolatry of this age by the authoritie and Clergie now Archip. Idolatry aboue all other sinnes is the service of the Divells Idolatry is that to the all seeing iealous God vvhich adulterie is to a loving and iealous husband committed in his owne sight Idolls are things of naught dung excrements sorrowes abhominations vanities lies Idolaters of all sinners haue the threatning and execution of the greatest iudgements in this life diseases of all kindes Levit. 26. vvithout respect of persons 2. Chron. 21.18.19 famine for many yeares 1. King 17. the sword Levit. 26.26 the desolation of Cities and scattering of the inhabitants among other nations All vvhich came to passe in particular upon Israell In the vvorld to come they shall not inherite the Kingdome of God And all that are of their fellowship shall be confounded Es 44 11. Ieroboam could tell this full well he heard himselfe rebuked by the Prophet he felt his arme miraculously first dryed up and then cured againe he saw vvith his eyes the Altar rent he lost in one battell fiue hundreth thousand chosen men 2 Chron. 13 17 and the children of Iudah prevailed because they relyed upon the Lord God of their fathers ver 18 his sonne Abijah was taken from him and Gods hand was still against that house till it vvas sweeped out from the ground I am sure he could haue no excuse for his sinn Epaph. Idolatry hath this evill beside other evils and aboue the evill of other sinnes that no man confesseth himselfe to be an idolater or his vvorship to be idolatry but ostinately defends disputes preacheth writeth persecuteth for it closeth his heart against whatsoever can be said from the word of the Lord against it and sets his â—it on edge to devise pretences and find out shifts to excuse it Archip. What could Ieroboams Priests or Polititians say for him and his worship Epaph. The truth is Pretexts 〈◊〉 Ieroboams idolatry that his desire to confirme the Kingdome to himselfe feare of the alienation of the peoples hearts in case they were suffered to resort to Ierusalem want of faith to beleeue the promise of God and to seek counsell of him prevailed so far with him and with the estates of the Kingdome that they resolved to set up a worship of their own not like that of Iudab And vvhen the Priests and Levits according to their duety resisted the novation as liking better of their better warranted old profession both they and some of all the Tribes of Israel following the voyce of God in their mouthes were hardly intreated vvhereupon there arose a great schisme The men of Iudah and some of Israel objected that they had forsaken God but the most part of Israel judged them to be renters of the unity of the Kirk rebells against the King who was advanced by the Lord beside all expectation vvas their lawfull Prince peaceably disposed contenting himselfe with his own Kingdome providing for the good estate of his own people and using all meanes that they follow not other gods and esteemed them to be superstitious Precisians in standing out against so gracious a King commanding nothing against any article of faith against any fundamentall point of salvation detesting the Gods of the Nations and all kinde of idolatry The matters he urged were but circumstantiall rituall and variable and such as the best Kings having the Lords approbation had changed before They could say that the worship vvas the same in substance that they served the same God who brought them out of Egypt with the sacrifices and observation of all the statutes kept by all the fathers since the beginning of the world That their Bullockes which Precisians called idols were similitudes representing the onely sacrifice of the Messiah in whom they looked for salvation Were there not Cherubines in the Tabernacle and Temple and twelu Oxen or Buls of brasse appointed by the wisest King The Lord forbiddeth such images onely as haue divine worship done unto theÌ„ like the Calfe in the wildernes turning the glory of God into the similitude of a bullock that eateth grasse But they could say that they worshipped not these Calues more then the images of the Cherubines Are we so grosse when we say Behold our Gods as to think that they brought us out of Egypt We speake figuratiuely as the Arke vvas called the King of Glorie and the holy Lord God
and civill iurisdictions and callings in the person of one Ergo. Numb 18. vers 4.5 Yee shall keep the charge of the tabernacle of the congregation for all the service of the tabernacle and no stranger shall come neere unto you the stranger that comes neere shall bee slaine The ministers then of Gods service and the civill rulers are strangers one to another and should not bee confounded under paine of death 2. Chron. 19.11 Behold Amarith the Priest shall be chiefe over you in all the matters of the Lord and Zebadiah the son of Ismael a ruler of the house of Judah shall be for all the Kings affaires Deut. 22.9 Thou shalt not sow thy vineyard with divers sorts of seeds least thou defile the increase of thy seed which thou hast sowen and the fruit of thy vineyard Thou shalt not plow with an Oxe and an Asse together thou shalt not weare a garment of divers sorts as of woollen and linnen together Doth God play the Gardiner Ploughman or Webster here or is not this a ceremoniall command to eschew all mixture and confusion in the Lords vineyard field and shop which is his Kirk and people This also the Apostle 1. Corinth chap. 9. teacheth us citing that Ceremoniall command Thou shalt not mussell the mouth of the Oxe that treadeth out the corne for the provision of the Ministers of the kirk with things temporall And finally our master in the Gospell distinguisheth expresly Betwixt the things pertaining to God and to Caesar saying Give vnto Caesar that which is Caesars and to God that which is Gods Argum. V. That the Officers of Christs Kingdome should meddle with things not pertaining to the kingdom of Christ is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to bee busie bodies in matters impertinent to them against the Scripture But civill and worldly offices and matters pertain not to the kingdome of Christ and yet are medled with by these Bishops therefore against the Scripture Iohn 6.18 Jesus then knoing that they were come to take him and make him their king bee withdrew himselfe into the mountaine alone Ioh. 18.36 Iesus answered and sayd unto Pilat My kingdome is not of this world Remembring the vvhich confessions that Christ was a king but his kingdome vvas not of this vvorld the Apostle Paul gives a charge unto Timothie I charge thee sayth he in the sight of God who quickens all things and before Iesus Christ who under Pontius Pilat witnessed a good confession that thou keep this commandement meaning anent the whole discipline and ruling of the whole kingdome of Iesus Christ that is not of this vvorld set down by the Apostle in that Epistle 1. Tim. 6.13 Ioh. 8.11 Iesus sayd to the adultresse neither doe I iudge thee goe and sin no more Luk. 12.13.14 And one of the multitude sayd vnto him Master speak to my brother that he may divide the heritage with me be sayd unto him O man who made me a judge over you The civill and worldly offices then haue nothing to doe with the kingdome of Christ in their persons and are such as neither Christ nor his Apostles ever took on or vvould take upon them Argum. VI. That Christs ministers should beare worldly preheminence bruâ—k ambitious stiles and be called gracious Lords is against the word of God and speciall scripture vnderwritten But the office of Bishoprick brings in all these wherin they pride themselues against the scriptures Mat. 23.6 The Scribes and Pharisees love the first rooms at feasts and the chiefest rooms in the Synagogues and salutations in the Markets and be called Rabbi But be ye not called Rabbi for yee haue one master and ye are all brethren Let him that is great among you be a servant for whosoever will lift himselfe up shall be câ—ften downe and be that will humble himselfe shall be exalted Luk. 22.15 There entred a contention among them who should be greatest But he sayd vnto them The Kings of the Nations beare rule over them and are called gracious Lords but ye shall not be so but he that is greatest among you let him be as the least and he that is the guide as the servant And in very deed experience proves that these ambitious stiles vvherewith they are honoured by Heraulds flattered by a great number and scorned by farr moe makes them as the Apostle speakes of vvidowes to grow vvanton against Christ miskenning him them selues and their calling to despise their equals and to presume over their superiours Argum. VII That the Souldier of Christ should be involved in the affaires of this life and one bound to serve two maisters is flat repugnant to the word of God But this office of Bishoprick involveth them c. Ergo. Numb 4.3 From thirtie yeare old and aboue all that are meet to take on this warfare to doe the work in the tabernacle of the congregation 2. Tim. 2.3.4 Thou therefore suffer affliction as a good souldier of Iesus Christ No man that warreth entangleth himselfe with the affaires of this life that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a souldier It is evident by all these Scriptures and a number moe which may be brought forth that the office of these Bishops is repugnant and direct against the word of God As for Episcopall corruptions in vsurping authoritie aboue the Pastors of the Kirk arrogating to them the governmeÌ„t of the kirk which appertains to the common care and counsell of the Elders in Assemblies and Presbyteries by the vvord of God because they dare not defend I insist not to lay it out plainly but think it enough for the present to quot these places of Scripture and Fathers following till we heare it brought in question 1. Tim. 4.1 Tim. 3.1 Tit. 1. Act. 20. 1 Cor. 12. 1. Tim. 5. Rom. 12. 1. Cor. 5. 1. Thess 5. Heb. 13. Math. 5. 18. Act. 15. 21. Math. 16. Ephes 4. 1. Pet. 5. Math. 23. Luk. 22. Phil. 1. Ioh. 20. Act. 14.23 Tertul. Apologet 39. Hieron l. 2. c. 3. Origenes Hom. 7. in Iosuam Irenaeus ad Victor Cypr. lib. 2. Epist lib. 6. Epist 9. Ambros serm 11. Epiphanius contra haereses heres 75. August de cor gratia c. 5. Euseb de vita Constantin l. 3. Prosper de vitand corrup l. 10. cap. Chrysost de sacerdotio c. CHAP. II. That such a Bishoprie is against the ancient Canons of Kirk and Councels THAT the Pastors and Bishops of the Kirk should set themselves to politicke administration and court affairs and bee occupied in secular and worldly matters leaving their flocks and follow the puffed vp pomp and glory of the world is against the ancient Canons of the Kirk namely these following which as epitomes of many other to the like effect we are content with for the present Amongst these most ancient Canons called the Apost the 80 Canon 1â— Dicimus quod non oportet Episcopum aut Presbyterum politicis se administrationibus immiscere sed
necessarie he shall sweare to subscribe and fulfill under the penalties foresayd and otherwise not to be admitted 9 And in case he be deposed by the general Assembly Synod or Presbyterie from his office of the ministery he shall also tyne his vote in Parliament ipso facto and his benefice shall vaike And further caution to be made as the kirk pleases and findes occasion anent his name that for the kirk should vote in parliament it is advised by vniforme consent of the whole brethren that he shall bee called commissioner of such a place It is also statute and ordained that none of them that shall haue vote in Parliament shall come as commissioners to any generall Assembly nor have vote in the same in any time comming except he be authorized with a commission from his own presbyterie to that effect It is moreover found by the Assembly that crimâ—u ambitus shall bee a sufficient cause of deprivation of him that shall have vote in parliament Sess 8. The generall Assembly having reasoned aâ— length the question anent his commission who shall vote in Parliament whether he should endure for his life time except some crime or offence intervene or for a shorter time at the pleasure of the Kirk Findes and decernes that he shall annuatim giue accompt of his commission obtained from the Assemblie and lay down the same at their feet to be continued or altered therefrom by his Majestie and the Assemblie as the Assem with consent of his Maâ— shall think expedient to the weale of the Kirke Whose whole conclusions being read in audience of the whole assembly and they being ripely advised therewith ratified allowed and approved the same and thought expedient that the said Cautions together with such others as shal be concluded upon by the Assemblie be insert in the bodie of the Act of Parliament that is to be made for confirmation of vote in Parliament to the Kirk as most necessarie and substantiall parts of the same Then briefly to assume and conclude but so it is that their new L. B. neither in the entrie to their office nor yet in their behaviour therein hitherto haue kept one jot of these constitutions and cautions but hath broken all therefore such roomes and offices should not be confirmed to them in this present Parliament CHAP. VII That the Office of Bishoprie is against the lawes of this Realme OVr Soveraigne the Kings most excellent Majestie came into the world and entered to his Kingdome of this Realme with the cleare light of the Gospell and the establishing of a reformed Kirk therfore as a most godly and Christian Prince hath in his all Parliaments confirmed ratified and approved the freedome and libertie of the true Kirk of God and religion publickly professed within his Majestie Realme as in his first Parliament holden by his Majesties good Regent the Earle of Murray Likewise in his Highnesse second holden by his grandfather the Earl of Lennox the same is ratified in the first Act of his first Parliament holden after the taking of the governement in his Highnesse own person Also in the first of his sixt Parliament holden at Edinburgh the 20 of October 1579. Our Soveraigne Lord with advice and consent of his three Estates and whole bodie of this present Parliament ratifies approues all and whatsoever Acts Statutes made of before by his Highnes with advice of his Regents in his own reigne or his Predecessors anent the libertie and freedom of the true Kirk of God and religion now presently professed within this realme and specially c. The second act of the same sixt Parliament is expresly for the jurisdiction of the Kirk which is there said to consist stand in the preaching of Iesus Christ correction of manners and adminstration of the holy Sacraments and declares that there is no other face of a Kirk nor other face of Religion then is presently by the favour of God established within this realme And that there be no other Iurisdiction Ecclesiasticall acknowledged within this Realm other then that which is shal be within the same kirk or that which flowes there from concerning the premisses And in his Majesties seventh Parliament at Edinburgh October 1581. In the first Act there is a generall ratification of the libertie of the true Kirk of God and confirmation of all the Actes and Lawes made to that effect before by particular rehearsall and catalogue and amongst the rest The ratification of the libertie of the true Kirk of God and religion and anent the Iurisdiction of the Kirk of God twice And after the Kings perfect age of 21 yeares in the eleventh Parliament At Edinburgh Iuly 1587 there is a cleare and full ratification of all Lawes made anent the libertie of the Kirk Now if any will say what is all these Actes against the Bishops I say direct for whatsoever is for the Ministers Presbyters and Assemblies is against the Bishops But so it is that all these Acts are for theÌ„ because as we haue shown the doctrine and constitutions of the Ministers Assemblies hath been ever since the reformation against the corruption of Bishops and that is the freedom libertie and discipline of the Kirk which is confirmed for verification whereof we alledge first the Confession of faith confirmed by Parliament and registred among the Actes thereof wherein the 19 Article anent the notes of the true Kirk ye haue last Ecclesiasticall Discipline uprightly ministred as Gods word prescrived But so it is that out of the Word the doctrine of the Ministers hath been against the Bishops as also the discipline set down in the Generall Assemblies Next that the first Act of his Majesties Acts of Parliament Our soveraigne Lord with advice of his three estates and whole bodie of this present Parliament hath declared and declares the Ministers of the blessed Evangell of Iesus Christ whom God of his mercie hath now raised up to be the true and holy Kirk Thirdly that golden Act which clearely crownes and formally concludes the cause viz. the first Act of the 12 Parliament of King James the 6. At Edinburgh Iunii 1592 intitulate Ratification of the libertie of the true Kirk of generall and synodall Assemblies of the Presbyteries of Discipline which speakes this plainly in the end Item our Soveraigne Lord and Estates in Parliament foresaid abrogates casses and annulles the Act of Parliament made in anno 1584 granting commission to B. and other Iudges constitute in Ecclesiasticall causes to receiue his Highnesse presentation to Benefices and giue collation thereupon and to put order in all causes Ecclesiasticall which his Majestie and Estates foresaid declares to be expired in it selfe and to be null in time comming and of none availe Force nor effect And therfore ordaines all presentations of Benefices to be direct to particular Presbyteries in all time comming with full power to giue collation thereupon and to put order to all manners and causes
crafâ—â—â— and cruell Divells so the learnedest and best pastor perverted and poysoned by that old serpent with avarice and ambition becomes the falsest worst and most cruell man as experience in all ages hath proved A further consideration of this poynt also we leaue to the Lawyers Politiques and Statesmen CHAP. XIII That this Bishoprie is against the weale of all Scottishmen in soule body and goods HOwbeit that this be cleare enough of all that haue been spoken in the chapters preceding yet particularizing the same we will make it more cleare Wee call them good Scottishmen that have a true sence of the honour of God love of their Christ care of the sinceritie of the Gospell and libertie of his Kirke a feeling of the need of their soules a hunger and thirst for righteousnesse and that word of life which is the food therof and therewithall a loue of their natiue countrey of the freedome and weale of the same Now this Bisâ—oprie shall eiâ—her take away all true religion and sinceritie of the Gospell or then the fruitfull vse thereof for the feeding and comfort of soules For if there arise a Popish or prophane Prince they must alter with hâ—m and please and obey him or tyne their places their honours their riches and pleasures the which they will not doe because they have already given their consciences honestie truth and credit before God and man as a price for these things of the world And put case true religion stand what care will they haue of feeding of soules who haue sold their owne for the world All their care and travell must bee to keep their Court please the King acquire and conserve more plentie of goods honour and pleasures And they being thus set and given their inferiour ministers for the most part will follow their fashions so there shall bee nothing amongst men but atheisme licentiousnesse and profanitie For as concerning discipline it being put into the hands of Bishops they will make merchandise of it or let the reines thereof loose in favour of this or that great man or of one Courteor or other as hath ever been the nature and custome of thesâ— Bishops to be men pleasers and hunters after the favour and friendship of the world not daring to displease or adhere unto the execution thereof upon others least it should strike upon themselues commonly more guiltie and slanderous then any other And thus the true worship of God and care of the salvation of soules shall utterly perish Next I call them good Scottish men who haue a care and loue of the libertie of their countrey and of their bodies to liue as free men therein in safetie and good health But so it is this Bishoprie will bring the countrey the lawes the priviledges thereof with the bodies of men in slaverie servitude and riotous dissolution which breedes manifold diseases distruction and death of body For if any succeeding Prince please to play the tyrant and governe all not by lawes but by his will and pleasure signified by missiues articles and directions these Bishops shall never admonish him as faithfull pastors and messengers of God for that they are not having no lawfull calling nor authoritie from God and his kirk but as they are made up by man they must and will flatter pleasure and obey men And as they stand by affection of the Prince so will they by no meanes jeopard their standing but be the readiest of all to put the Kings will and pleasure in execution and it were to take and apprehend the bodies of the best and such namely as would stand for the lawes and freedome of the Realme and cast them in dark and stinking prisons put them in exile from their natiue land c. Attour besides this vnlesse that men of whatsoever estate or ranke they be cap and kneele to them give them their ambitious stiles places and salutations slavishly abusing their bodies against their hearts they shall not misse their indignation to be interest and crossed and wronged in their caâ—ands and affaires and to bee traduced at Court by them or by their meanes Last their companie and entertainment will be an example of ryot and excesse whereto that Bishoprie is much given And if thus the Realme the lawes and priviledges therof and the persons of good Scotishmen may be used it is easie to gather the like of their goods and geare The Bishop in his owne citie and among his vassals will thinke himselfe a pettie Roy vvho dare deny to lend to give to serve them with whatsoever they haue or if they doe deny can they not and their Lawyers Domestiques Dependaries devise the way how to get him to the Horne or into some inconvenience and danger of the law and then their whole goods and estate falling into the Bishops hands they shall bee pilled and polled sickerly The pittifull experience in times past makes us bold to give the warning for the time to come for it hath been seen and felt and yet dayly is in this Iland And finally it is already too manifest that if the Prince bee prodigall or would inrich his Courtiers by taxations imposts subsidies and exactions layd upon the subject of the Realme who have been or shall bee so ready to conclude and impose that by parliament as these who are made and set up for that and the like service And whatsoever become of the poore tenents and labourers by land or sea they shall bee ever winners by that block and butie Then to conclude seeing this Bishoprie as wee have clearly evidently shown and verified is against the written word of God against the Canons of the ancient kirk against the ancient Fathers and Doctors of the kirk against the iudgement of all the found moderne divines and reformed kirkes in Europe against the doctrine of the kirk of Scotland preached these 46 yeares against the confession of faith subscrived and sworne by the King and whole body of the Realme against the constitutions of the kirk of Scotland in her assemblies against the lawes of the realme against the honour of God and his Christ against the honour and weale of the king against the honour and weale of the realme against the constitute and setled estate of the Kirk and kingdome against the honour and weale of the noble estates in Parliament And finally against the weale of all good Scottishmen in soule body and goods Our earnest request and exhortation is with all humilitie submisse and reverend duetie to his most excellent Maiesty and most ancient and noble estates of this present parliamenâ— that as they tender the glory of God the honour of his Christ the peaceable and flourishing estate of Kirk and Common-weale the welfare and honour of your selves and the weale and good of all estates and subiects of this realme committed by God to their government an protection that they erect not of new that unlawful most pernitious estate of Bishops But
on the coÌ„trarie that it would please his Highnesse with advice of his estates in this present Parliament to ratifie againe of new the established goverment and discipline of the Kirke and confirme the cautions made in generall Assemblies namely where his Maiestie was present to save the Kirke and Realme from the most pestilent corruptions of that false Bishoprie that these fearfull dangers and inconveniences being thus prevented the blessing of grace peace and glory may be continued and multiplied upon the kings most excellent Maiestie his most honourable estates and whole realme and the Kirk and kingdome of Iesus Christ may flourish in all quietnes with holines and truth Amen Archip. Let others glory in their audacious conscience as there will ever be a Hiel found to reedifie Iericho although he know that it will cost him and his never so deare for my selfe I had rather in the basest estate abide the bensall of all episcopall authoritie without then the forcible contradiction of these reasons within set vpon the highest top of their ambition especially if the rest of the steppes bee answerable to the first Wearie not to goe through them with me And now shew me which was the second Epaph. It is easier for me to tell you now then it was for them to determine at that time when their preferment was so odious to the whole body of the ministerie yet it was seen at last that Invasio perpetuae dictaturae was viâ— ad imperium Second step of prelacie Perpetuall moderation and therfore let them first be constant moderators which was wrought by this engine First summa papaverum capita demetendi for in the yeare 1606 when this course was in hand the ministers and rulers of the kirk who stood in their watch were dissipate many were drawne out of the Countrey and after that they were long detained at Court for the modest cariage of single ministers in a matter proper for civill and ecclesiasticall jurisdiction as was the convention at Aberdein Some of them as Athanasius like Andrew Melvill and Hilarius like Iames Melvill haue died in exile others were permitted to returne but with restraint Of the rest remaining at home albeit some stand to this day in their owne stedfastnesse yet a great part wanting their former encouragement and loving the world were moved to leaue their long continued opposition Linlithgow Assembly 2 In the time of that absence and dissipation for advancing the Prelats to this second step of dignitie there is appointed at Linlithgow December 12 a convention in profession preparatorie for a generall Assembly but keeped like a generall assembly albeit inspired with another spirit consisting of Noble men Statesmen and such ministers as were readiest to take and give 3. It was pretended that the cause of the weaknesse of the kirk against the Papists was the appearance of the division in the ministerie and alienation of his maiesties minde from some ministers And that the cause of this cause vvas partly a feare of the subversion of the discipline and libertie of the Kirk by removing of Sessions Presbyteries Provinciall and generall Assemblies by some of their owne brethren vsurpation of vnlawfull Iurisdiction in their own persons a griefe for the afflicted case of their well affected brethren And vpon the other side that the charge of the kirk government was committed to men who had not wisedome and experience for keeping the kirk in quietnesse 4. For removing this cause upon the one side there was a declaration made in such generall and ambiguous tearmes as might both gull the simple making them to conceiue that there was no change intended and yet include their owne particular intention in case they should be examined afterward upon their own declaration The words are There is no purpose to subvert the Discipliâ—e of the Kirke of Scotland but rather to augment and strengthen the same so farre as it can serve for the weale of the Gospell and restraint of vice And say the whole Bishops it is not our intention to usurpe and exercise any tyrannous and vnlawfull Iurisdiction over our brethren nor to engyre our selves in any way vnlawfully in the Kirk government c. But for removing the cause upon the other side there was no declaration accepted that the wisest and most experienced men should be chosen thereafter But the Bishops must be constant moderators alwayes restrained by 13 severall cautions and bands not unlike the caveats at Montrose But that they play fast and loose in the end by casting to this provision If either upon his maiesties advice and proposition to the assembly or upon their owne supplication the generall assembly be moved thereafter to grant them any relaxation of any of the caveâ—ts which upon good reason might appeare to the sayd assembly to be over strait that this their promisâ— should make no derogation to their libertie Even as a little before they professed their willingnes to dimit their benefices at the pleasure of the assembly for taking away all offence from their brethren but with proviso that his Maâ— consent and approbation be had thereto Never a more pernitious and plausible assembly in this kirk every one of the Prelats Vatinius-like preventing accusation by confession and protestation And yet no intention but to bee perpetuat in their moderation for atchieving that which they all disclaimed in word Archip. Was the applause so great that there was no opposition Epaph. The opposition could not at the first be so great as at the first step by reason of the dissipation of the opponents the professed qualitie of the convention the faire pretexts the great promises c. By some the plat was embraced as a barre of brasse to hold out Bishops by others as a pathway to their preferment as the event did proue And many blinded before did see immediatly after that convention that the constant moderators were as was sayd at that time the little theeves entring at the narrow windowes to make open the doores to the great theeves In all the quarters of the countrey great disputation of the power of Ecclesiasticall assemblies in choosing their owne mouth and moderator I might produce the reasons that were penned at that time against this second step but that vvere infinite and the particulars were to some of the actors yet living intollerable Archip. I have heard of your adversaries that about these times there were faire offers made of conference and disputation for finall decision of all controverted matters but that they failed ever on your side Epaph. But the truth is another generall assembly but of the new sort consisting of Noble men Statesmen and many Ministers was keeped at Linlithgow Iuly 26 1608 vvhere all the causes of the diseases of the kirk vvhich vvere mightily then aggreged are brought to two heads one was the contempt and discredit of the kirk and of her vvonted government another most speciall cause was the distraction of the ministers
acts of Parliament paâ—t in favors of the same with sorrow and sore against our harts we will be constrained to use the remedy of Protestation Like as aâ—hering to the protestations made to the Parliament holden at Pâ—rth in the yeare of God 1606 and to the Protestation used in the last Parliament holden at Edinburgh and to all other Protestationâ— whatsoever made in favour of this Kirk and against all hurts and injuries intended against the same By these presents we solemnly protest all and whatsoever Articles â—â—ctes and others whatsoever shall be propoued concluded and publâ—shed in or from this present Parliament in prejudice of the iurâ—sdiction and libertie of the Kirk Assemblies therof order stâ—â—â—â—shed or any part therof or in favours of usurped governement and damned Hierarchie of Ceremonies and alterations whatsoever concerning the ministration of the Sacraments or any other point or practise of discipline received in this Kingdome And for due execution hereof wills and request our welbeloved Brother _____ to subscribe and to present the same as offâ—cers in open face of Parliament to the Lords of Articles being conveened and if need bee to affixe the same upon the Parliament house dore or Market crosse of Edinburgh To the effect that our reasonable dissâ—ssent from all and whatsoever may in any sort preâ—udge the forme of Religion established in this Kingdome may be not oâ—ly knowen At Edinburgh the 25 day of Iuly 1621. Archip. Ye haue shewed me evident testimonies of their fidelitie vvhich maugre oblivion and malice vvill bide after them vvhen they are gone out of â—his vvorld as they lâ—ft â—hem behind vvhen they vvere put out of that Towne I would now know vvhat vvas the successe Epaph. The former reasons and admonitions took impression in many hearts few vvere in any doubt vvhat to doe if they had been left to their own libertie for there was not one vvhâ— either respected these fiue Articles for their own good qualitie or for the Kirks authoritie neithâ—r ever to this day were they honoured with the name of an Act of the generall Assembly but beare the note of basenesse in the title of Articles All the perplexity was vvhat to doe in so great extremitie and urging importunitie for the Masters of vvork both for compassing the purpose and keeping themselues from censure set their wits by all meanes to vvorke so many as they might to be of their mind And for this effect there vvas no small businesse in the beginning to single out and set inclinable Lords and Noblemen and so to make way for their Election who vvere to sit upon the Articles that therby might be gained in hope of further victorie thirty and two Votes at least in their judgement vvho had made prosperous tryall of such cunning first at Perth and now knowing vvith vvhom they dealt had no lesse hope of successe here Archipp That would seeme to be like the policie of our late Ecclesiasticall Assemblies in chosing of the privie conference But after so full preparation vvhether vvas the day appointed for holding the Parliament now at last observed vvith the vvonted solemnitie Epaph. It vvas Riding of the Parliâ—ment for upon Wednesday the 25 of Iuly 1621 at the Palace of Halvroode-house there is first a Majesticall appearance of high honour and splendor glancing from that glorious convention prepared for the sacred and high Court of Parliament the most excellent person of the mightie King and Head of this Monarchie being resembled by the potent and noble Lord Iames Marquesse of Hammilton his Highnesse Commissioner and the Estates of Parliament ranked according to the worth of their persons and the deserved and unspotted dignitie of their places And then they marched in state from the said palace with honourâ— borne according to thâ— custome of this ancient Kingdome the Crown by the Earle of Angusâ— the Scepter by thâ— Earle of Marâ— the Sword by the Earle of Rothesse to the Parliament house where they entred and set themselues in their honourable places neither Papists nor any other sort of persons desirous to heare and see being excluded Archipp Why passe yee the Prelacie vvho of dutie ought to haue beene first remembred in this their owne Ceremoniall Parliament Epaph. Neither ye not I can remember them vvith such acclamation of joy as a Papist did who before many Gentlemen cryed aloud in the street vvith lifted up hand directing his speech to the Bi hop of Santandroes God blesse you my Lord with all your Brethren and favourers of your course for you and they are furthering the way to content his Majestie and us all that are Catholickes which God prosper and none resists except a number of evill disposed Ministers But the clamour of the multitude and the accustomed noise at suâ—h times suppressed the bablings of the seditious Parasite and buried them in their eares vvho vvere neerest unto himselfe Archipp Seeing Papists tooke the boldnesse both to speak upon the street and to be present in the house modest Ministers would haue been overseen notwithstanding of the straitnesse of the Proclamation against them Epaph. Yet there vvas speciall care recommended to the double guard vvithout and vvithin and as great attendance given that no Mâ—nister vvanting the Bishops licence should be suffered to enter And after that the members of the Parliament vvere placed a second search made for Ministers that if any had been permitted to enter they might be removed Archip. How can yee be able to lead me through to the end seeing ye were neither an actor nor permitted to be witnesse of the remanent proceeding Epaph. The Lyâ—ian ring is worne away long since Any of the beholders could relate all that vvas done openly every one of the members of the Court could not see vvhat vvas done secretly Lookers on many times see more then gamesters and in the valâ— the hill is best seen Archip. If ye take upon you to tell me the truth I will cease to be curious about the mean of your information vvhat was done in that first meeting Epaph. First the B. of Santandroes after a verie short prayer read a part of Scripture Speeches in â—â—e house of Parliament Rom. 13.7 and delivered a discourse chiefly intending to perswade the taxation After him my Lord Commissioner had a speech declaring to the Estates his Maj. great and extraordinary troubles and continuall debursements in supporting the King of Boheme his Queen their mother and in continual sending of Embassadors to France Germany and Spaine to travel for peace among the Christian Princes besides the extraordinary aids given to the Germane Princes to retain them vvithin the compasse of the band of friendship and alliance the charges of maintaining a sea Navie under the conduct of Sir Robert Mansfield adding also that his Maj. suslained and suffered more for the persecutions afflictions of the Protestants and for the defence of the Reformed Kirk then all the Princes in the world besides with divers