reason they ought to be if he be King head of his Church He must have no more liberty to exerce his jurisdiction by the Ministery of his inferiour officers within their dominions territories then seemeth good in their eyes The discipline of his house must be exerced only in so far as they think good to permit And thus it is undeny able that they look on Christ as an evil neighbour as no good friend to Caesar They think his Kingdom is of this world therefore it must have no place within any of their Kingdomes territories Thus thou seest that in end the controversy cometh to this Whether Christ or man shall reigne in the Church as head supream Governour thereof And whether the interest of Christ or of man shall be preferred And to preferre the interest of a man unto the interest of Christ hath heretofore been accounted malignancy of the deepest dye But what shall become of this controversie how shall it end Are they or shall they be able to put our Lord from his throne out of his possession No he is set upon the holy hill Zion by a mighty hand his inheritance among the heathen is given to him by a surer deed of gift then that he should be so easily put from it He hath a rod of yron that will dash in pieces as a potters vessel all his enemies be they never so great mighty He is too strong a party for all the potèntats mighty ones of the earth therefore this which is the grand controversy of those times shall must be decided in favours of those who stand upon Christ's side maintaine his right he is a strong captaine will run thorow all the hosts of his adversaries Christ's sufferers then may rejoyce what ever affliction they are or can be put to endure for this cause which is a cause that doth highly concerne Christ the royall prerogatives of his crown Kingdome his glory as he is the only head of â—…his Church seing they may certanely expect the victory â—…re all be done And seing as famous worthy Mr 〈◊〉 in the preface to his Aaronâ—… rode blossoming sheweth 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Christ is 〈◊〉 King hath a Kingdome 〈◊〉 in his Church distinct frâ—…m the Kingdoms of the world 〈◊〉 civil Governmeâ—… 〈◊〉 this commendation and 〈◊〉 â—…oue all â—…hen 〈◊〉 that Christ himself suffered 〈◊〉 the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and sealeâ—… it with his blood For it may be 〈◊〉 fâ—…om the 〈◊〉 of his passion that this was the only pâ—…nt of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 was 〈◊〉 And avouched by 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Joh. 18 33 36 37. and Luk. 23 3. was most aggravated prosecuted and driven home by the jewes Luk. 23 2. Joh. 19 v. 12 15. Was prevalent with Pilat as the cause condemning him to die Joh. 19 12 13. And was mentioned also in the superscription upon his crosse Joh 19 19. And although in reference to God and in respect of satisfaction made to divine justice for our sinnes his death was 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a price of redemption yet in reference to men who did persecute accuse and condemne him his death was 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a martyr's testimony sealing such a truth Thus he Christ is a good second will not suffer any who contend for his crown throne scepter privileges roy all prerogatives of his Kingdom to be put to the worse If he pleade for any cause we may be sure he will plead for his own Let not then his constant valient sufferers feare for greater is he who is with for them then they who are against them Christ alone is more then match party against all Kings princes potentats Parliaments popes prelats Kingdomes armyes Yea all the Posse of devils men Therefore they may be assured that he his cause shall be victorious For he must reigne untill all his enemies be made his foot stool 5. Thou mayest see That the truth for which thou dost suffer is a truth which is after godlinesse tending to the promoveing of piety of the power of godlinesse Whileas the contrary cause course leadeth to all prophanity debauchery as experience doth this day evidently undenyably prove this is no small ground of comfort for the way which is not of for God cannot stand You may pray against your adversaries as really wicked driveing on a designe of wickednesse which is evidently demonstrated by their acts actings Their enmity against opposition unto godly faithfull Zealous able conscientious Ministers of the Gospell unto Christian meetings exercises As also their pressing of Godly conscientious persons unto perjury blasphemy which is the height of wickednesse do put the matter beyond all doubt And is not this enough to make thy soull loath stand a loos from these wayes And to blesse God for his preserving thy soull from their counsels courses so from partaking of their judgments which doe certainly make haste For God is of purer eyes then to look upon iniquity Therefore he will not alwayes look on these that deal treacherously hold his peace when the wicked devoureth the man that is more righteous then he The Lord hath ordained them for judgment the mighty God hath established them for correction when Agâ—…silaus did hear that Tissaphâ—…rnes a captaine of Persia had broken his Covenant which he had made with him was raiseing an army to come against him he was very glade said se magnam habâ—…re gratiam Tissapherni quod perjurio suo deos homines sibs infensos reddidisset adversae vero parti propitios He thanked him heartily that by his perjury he had made both God man angry at himself favourable to him and his cause may not his people be perswaded that God iâ—… this day displeased with the Covenant breakers who are not satisfied with their own treacherous dealing perfidiousnesse but will have all others intangled in the same guilt 6. Thou mayest see that Action which is now so much branded with the vile contemptible names of treachery rebellion I mean Scotlands defending of it self against its bloody enemies cleared from all these imputations foule calumnies changes of times make many Changes in peoples judgement at this time it may be feared that many have Changed their opinion because they see the watter runing in another channell then it did formerly are now ready to condemne these noble worthies valient champions who jâ—…oparded their lives unto the death in the high places of the field have shed their blood in that cause which is a more grievous guilt then many do now apprehend But here thou seest how little cause there is for condemning that Action Yea what necessity there was laid upon Scoâ—…l to stand to their defence as they would not have betrayed the cause interest of Christ which they
passi non aliud perfugium haâ—…bant quam ut Aâ—…licorum libidâ—…i se dederâ—…nt he sayeth The Bishops were so hard put to it that they had no other refuge but thus to satisfie the Court give away their revenues to their lusts Anno 1590. The Generall Assembly doeth abrogate the power of Commissioners devolveth the work on Presbytâ—…ries Anno 1591. The Recantation of Mr Patrick Adamson is presented unto the Assembly where among other things he confessed he had eâ—…red in thinking the governement of the Church was like other civil governements in labouring to have the Church in maters Ecclesiastick subject to the Kings lawes And with all he confesseth that the Earle of Arran had a minde to have burnt the Registers of the Assembly Anno 1584. that at Falkland before they were delivered to his Maj. a Bishop Mr Henry Hammilton took out some leaves which spoke against the Governement by Bishops that he had consented thereunto Anno 1592. in May the Generall Assembly doth meet resolveth on some propoâ—…itions to be presented to the ensuing Parliament As 1. That the Acts of Parliament made Anno 1584. against the discipline liberty authority of the Church be annulled 2. That the Discipline of the Church be raâ—…isied 3. That the Act of Annexation be repealed and 4. That the Abbots Pâ—…iors other Prelats bearing the titles of Church-men giving voice in Parl. in name of the Church without her consent be discharged to vote any more When the parliament conveeneth in June The liberties of the Church are ratified all her Courts Generall provinciall and presbiteriall Assemblies Church Sessionâ—… the Juâ—…sdiction Discipline thero â—…s declared to be just good godly in it self in all time coming not â—…anding of whatsoever sâ—…atutes acts canons â—…vilier municipâ—…ll lawes made in the contrare All acts fomerly made for establishing the Popes authority are abolished It is likeways declared that the 129. act Anno 1584. anent the Kings Supremacy against declining of the King his Councill in Church maters shall be no wayes prejudâ—…iall nor derâ—…gate any thing to the previledge that God hath given to the sâ—…rituall office-bearers in the kâ—…k concerning heads of Religion maters of heresy Excommunication collation or deprivation of Ministers or any such like 〈◊〉 â—…all censures specially grounded having warrant of the word of God Item they abrogate annull that act of parl 1584. which did grant Commission to Bishops other Iudges constitute iâ—… Ecclesiasticaell causes to receive his Highness presentations to benefices to give collation there upon to put order to all causes Ecclesiasticall And they ordaine that all presentations to Benefices be directed to the particular Presbiteries in all time coming with full power to give Collation thereupon to putt order to all maters causes Ecclesiasticall within their bounds according to the Discipline of the Kirk Thus did the Lord cary on his work unto this period notwithstanding of much opposition which was made thereunto by men of corrupt principles wicked lives who loved not to part with the Church rents the sweet morsell which they desired alwayes to enjoy now is the Churâ—…h there become a shineing Church being reformed both in Doctrine in Discipline now is she become a pleasant vineyaird well dressed hedged about defended from the wilde boars of the forrest King Iames himself was convinced of this when he gave this reason to an English divine why that Church was not troubled with heresie viz because if it spring up in a parish there is an Eldership there to take notice of it suppresse it if it be too strong for theÌ„ the psesbitery is ready to crush it if the presbitery cannot provide against the obstinate heshall finde moe witty he ads in the Synod if he be not convinced there the Generall Assembly will not spare him yea seldome or never did any errour trouble all those Courts for usually it was crushed by presbiteries except what some Bishops did maintaine And thus that Church was indeed as an army with banners terrible to the adversaries of the truth Then were there endevours to have a through worke of Reformation caried on the iniquities of the land were searched out corruptions in Ministers other ranks of people were taken notice of effectuall courses were laid down for preventing such abuses in time coming Publick Fasts were indicted keeped whole eight dayes together And thus the Lord created upon every dwelling place of Mount Zion upon her Assemblies a cloud smoak by day the shineing of a flaming fire by night for upon all the glory was a defence Isai. 4. 5. But this faire Summer Suneshine did not long last The infinitely wise God saw it sitt to bring that Church unto a wilderness againe to cause her meet with a dark dreadfull long lasting winter night Satan stirreth up Papists upon the one hand who saw that if this hedg of discipline were keeped up they could not enjoy the liberty peace they desired prophane politicians Courteours upon the other hand who saw that by this Discipline their licentiousnes would be curbed to bestirre themselves against this established discipline And accordingly they use their power with the King at length prevaile to get him to oppose the discipline to prosecute that designe piece piece till at length Prelats were established in all their power as the following discourse will clearly evince When Anno 1596. the Popish Lords who had conspired with Spaine against the countrey and had been upon that acount banished viz Huntly Arrol Angus were called home the Church saw Religion in danger ordained that particular flocks should be advertised hereof indicted a Fast appointed that some out of each Presbitery should concurre with the Presbitery of Edenburgh in considering of the most expedient way for securing of Religion and now because the Church would not consent unto the Kings calling home those popish Lords he is stirred up by his popish Courteours against the Church incroacheth dayly more more upon her liberties For Mr D. Black minister at St Andr. is cited before the Councill for some alledged expressions in his sermon The ministry seeing that the spirituall Governement of the house of God was intended to be quite subverted thought it best that he give in a Declinatour there in shew that though he was able to defend all that he spoke yet seing his answering to that accusation before them might import a prejudice to the liberties of the Church be taken for an acknowledgement of his Maj jurisdiction in maters meerly spirituall he was constrained to decline that Judicatorie 1. because the Lord Jesus had given to him his word for a Rule so he could not fall under any civill law but in so farr as he should be found after triall to have passed from his Instructions which triall belongeth
necessary expedient this or some other may be published to the world in Latine with lesse prejudice to the present sufferers Next some may think that severall questions here handled might have been forborne especially such as touch upon the civil Magistrat his power prerogative seing in all probability he shall be the more enraged thereby It is true Higher powers will not take well such free round dealing But what â—…medy is there Amicus Plato Amicus 〈◊〉 sed 〈◊〉 â—…mica vâ—…ritas it had been a just ground of offence If to please the higher powers truth had been betrayed when necessity did call for witnessing unto it The interest of Christ is much more to be valued Then the pretended imaginary interests of the highest powers on earth The work of God ought to be justified who ever be offended therewith And when many of the Lords worthy pretious ones have adventured layd downe their lives in the carrying on of such a work unto which they were called of God can it give just offence to any to heare it now pleaded for because it is maligâ—…ed blasphemed yea such an essay as this in defence justification thereof at such a time should in reason be accounted the more seasonable necessary If there be any unbeseeming expressions or savouring of passion these shall willingly be disowned provideing that the cause suffer no prejudice thereby knowing that the wrath of man worketh not the righteousnes of God And that no railing accusation or speaking evill of dignities which is condemned in the word ought to be approved Yea the reader shall find upon narrow search considering the matter that much more plainnesse sharpenesse might have been used in such a dispute And that as much inoffensivenesâ—… hath been studied as might be without hurt to the cause And that purposely many particulars which might have been mentioned have beene passed by And that no particulars have been pitched upon but such as are still upon record in their printed Acts or were publickly acted concluded in their publick meetings And as to these consequences drawn from their Acts actings which appeare dangerous destructive to the throne let such as have laid the foundation in the premises see to that ex veris nilnisi verum Who give twice two cannot be justly offended with any who shall thence conclude that they give foure whether the Consequences be cleare undenyable or not the reader now hath it before him to judge As to the Kings supremacy in Church matters no truely reformed divine can justly take any exception against that which is here spoken upon that head The priviledges of the crowne scepter of christ should be highly valued earnestly contended for by all who call account themselves Christians a discourse or debate on that subject cannot but be accounted necesâ—…y at this time when the powers of the earth as would appeare have combined together to rob Christ of his crowne to share his priviledges amongst themselves to the great scandall of the Gospel prejudice of the Kingdome interest of Christ in souls through the world Further it is like some would have wished that the historical part contained in the first second sections had been much more large Such may know that brevity was studied as much as could be all alongs yea so much that it may be feared the reader shall thinke it the more unpleasant in reading that the scope intendment of that part of the tractare was only to give a hint of the many various troubles which prelats from the beginning had created unto that Church by what steps wayes she was brought under their yoke so that a large history could not be expected It is true such a worke as that would be both most seasonable usefull in this juncture of time And it were to be wished that such as have the History penned by the learned industrious Mr Calderwâ—…od would think upon the most ready effectuall way for publishing it that the world may have a full clear satisfactory view of the many tossings which that poor Church hath endured the many wrestlings which she had with a popish prelaticall malignant party from the beginning Meanwhile Mr Knox Mr Peâ—…ree their Histories Vindâ—…ciae Epistolae Philadelphi Printed with altare damascenum Mr Spang's Historia motuum c. the Nullity of perth assembly the course of conformity such other printed pieces together with the Printed Acts of generall assemblies since the yeer 1638. will give some light to such as peruse the same Many no doubt will think it strange that there is no mention made here of the sufferings of that worthy renowned instrument of the worke of reformation the zealous faithfull Lord Warisâ—…oun As to this the reader may know that this was occasioned onely through the want of a full information of his case of the grounds on which the Parl. did goe in takeing away his life condemning him to death as some notorious malefactour to be hanged his head fixed on the port of Edinburgh near to the head of worthy famous Mr Guthry who speaketh when dead This know that after the King's returne to England And after the imprisonment of the truely noble Marquis of Argyle in the Tower of London he sent orders to Scotland to cause apprehend him some others but he receiveing intelligence hereof did withdraw by the good hand of God was secretly conveighed out of the Kingdome upon which the Parliament when assembled did declare him fugitive So that he was necessitated still to withdraw knowing that for the good service he had done to Christ evill was determined against him if he should fall into their hands which afterward came to pasle It is certaine also that while he was abroad at Hamburgh visited with sore sicknes one Dr Bates one of the King's Phisitians worthy to be cast unto the bates rather then to live amongst Christians Intending to kill him contrary to his faith office did prescribe unto him poison for Physick and then caused draw from this Melancholy-Patient sixty unces of blood whereby though the Lord did wonderfully preserve his life he was brought neer the gates of death made in a manner no man Having lost his memory so that he could not remember what he had done or said a quarter of an houre before In which condition he continued till his dying day but all this did not satisfy his cruel bloodthirsting enemies he was sought after carefully at length given up apprehended at Rowan in France sent to England where he did continue a prisoner in the Towre of London untill the last session of Parl. in Scotland Anno 1663. Where even when he was not able to speak in his own defence being to the conviction of his adversaries no man far much different from that Lord Warisâ—…oun
noble just much owned honoured of God There is the greater ground of hope that God will helpe such as shall undertake the defence thereof the cavils of men who may be looked upon as 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in most of these particulars are tâ—…e lesse to be feared But Christian reader what entertainment so ever it shall have with these who have out lived their zeale integrity have shamefully declined in the day of tryall And have betrayed the cause interest of Christ therefore shall looke upon themselves as not a little concerned herein pinched hereby being unwilling to have their evils ript up laid open to the view of the world Let it have a Christian entertâ—…inment with thee though it come late to thy hands through the injurie of the times let it not be the lesse welcome If the Lord shall be pleased to blesse it it may be of use for thy strengthning in this growing storme upon severall accounts grounds whereof I hint but a few 1. By what is said here thou mayest see that the cause thou sufferest for is the good old cause That same Spirit which acted the Prelats other enemies of the Church of Scotland from the beginning is now raging in her present enemies The same designe is hath been endeavoured driven on all a longs How various so ever the pretexts colours have been under which they have sought to cover themselves the covering hath proved too narrow for them first prelacy then popery was intend first last It is the same cause in the defence of which Christs worthies of old did act suffer so long as they could stand in the defence whereof they were not afrayed to beare the displeasure of King court to hazard life liberty all which waâ—… dear unto them If then the same Spirit doth act worke in the enemies of the Church now which did act worke in their predecessours of old pray thou that the same Spirit of God may act thee all the faithfull of the land which did appeare in the worthy valiant Champions of old whether thou be called to act or suffer for his sake 2. Thou mayest know from what is here related that the cause for which thou art now suffering was brought very low before these times And that the adversaries thereof have often got up to a great height yet the good cause hath got above them And how Acts of Parliament one after another all the devices of the adversary to seale the grave And to make it sure could not keep this cause of Christ from a glorious resurrection Many a time have they afflicted me from my youth might the Church of Scotland then have said many a time have they afflicted me from my youth yet have they not prevailed against me The plowers plowed upon my back made long their furrowes The Lord is righteous he hath cut asunder the coards of the wicked And shall it not yet hold true that all they who hate Zion shall be confounded turned back be made as the grasse upon the house topes which withereth be fore it be grown up There is no cause of despondency of spirit or of giving over the cause as lost there is hope in Israel concerning this matter his people may still hope trust in his name who hath wrought salvation of old He who did put that wicked party to shame confusion of face in former times made the name of Prelats to stink their posterity to be as cursed vagabonds wandering up down bearing the marks of god's displeasure still liveth reigneth doth no more approve of the Ungodly of this generation Nor of their more then barbarous carriage who have laboured to out strip their predecessours in perfidious treachery Then he did them who of old did set themselves against the Lord his Christ yea much lesse It is true the men of this generation think they have pins for stopping of such holes which their predecessours could not stop but he who sitteth in the heavens doth laugh at them hath them in derision He seeth that their day is coming It is easie with him to cause the sword which they have drawn to slay such as are of upright conversation enter into their own hearts to break the bowes which they have bent to cast down the poor needy Our God liveth reigneth shall reigne let Kings of clay rage as they will Therefore cast not away your confidence which hath a great recompence of reward for yee have need of patience that after ye have done the will of God ye may receâ—…ve the promise For yet a little while he that shall come will come will not tarry 3. Thou mayestsee that this cause work against which the wicked have conspired set themselves hath been signally owned approved of by the Lord for which he hath fought 〈◊〉 his right hand done valiantly whereby he hath got himself a name among the nations And who knoweth what God will yet doe for his great name which in this day of rebuke blasphemy is greatly reproached Hath he begun will he not finish his worke It is true the provocations of his people doe keep them long in the wildernes yet he who hath frequently wrought for his names sake that it should not be blasphemed amongst the heathen will still be tender of the same sith at this day there is much blasphemy belched forth by persons of all ranks against the great glorious works of God as much if not more then at any time or in any age wherein hath been lesse light The people of God need not be hopelesse much lesse conclude That God who is jealous of his own glory will not give it to another will suffer it now to be given to the devil on whom his work is fathered But rather will certanely be avenged on those prodigiously unparallelably impious sacrilegious persons How dreadfull a thing is it to say that Christ casteth out devils by Beelzebub the prince of devils 4. Thou mayest see clearly that the cause for which thou dost now suffer is the cause of Christ His enemies would pul the crown from off his head the scepter out of his hand by this meanes make him no King in over his Church consequently no mediatour For as mediatour he is a King in over his Kingdome that is his Church in which he dwelleth over which he ruleth with his scepter of righteousnesse They will not have his Kingdome a free Kingdome consequently they will not have him a free King They will not allow to him the liberty of appoynting or instituteing his own officers or to rule his Kingdome by his owne lawes courts ordinances censures Nor will they suffer Church-administrations to be performed in his name authority as in
135. l. 33. decrees r. doores p. 137. l. 30. Sect. 22. p. 145. l. 25. r. 1572 p 159. l. 31. they r. them p. 176. l. 27. belonging p. 183. l. 5. essentiall p. 186. l. 17 one r. once p. 187. l. 28. guiltlesse 〈◊〉 191. l. 11. 〈◊〉 p. 193. l. 22. taking p. 207. l 28. prohibition ib l. 32. pastours p. 224. l. 9. length p. 225. l. 1. be beleeved p. 239. l. 20. yeelded p. 248. l. 4. pastor p. 260. l. 5. is r. as ib. l. 16. ever r. over p. 280. l. 31. wrestle p. 289. l. 26. known p. 293. l. 21. civis p. 305 l. 5. â—…all r. call ib. l. 6. omce r. come p. 312. l 26. further p. 322. l. 31. though p. 331. l. 32. should p. 349. l. 18. which p. 350. l. 19. I will p. 351. l. peâ—…lt how the Carthaginians p. 362. l. 16. they r. their acts p. 364. l. 25. it is r. it s p. 366. l 3. his r. this ib. l. 8. twice here r. her p. 372. l. 34. way r. may p. 373. l. 30. his r. is p. 382. l. 9. his r. this p. 383 l. â—…3 made r. make p. 385. l. 8. the r. he p. 386. l. 22. countrey p. 387. l. 22. ib. l. 35 worldly p. 404. l. 9. no r. on pag. 419. 〈◊〉 10. ever over P. 126. l. 2. close the other parenthesis after Agust 22. p. 304. l. 6. in â—…ome copies r. may be most free Pag. 329. l. 21. 330. l. 8. 324. l. 25. 353. l. 10. dele lib. 5. Others of lesser moment through a letter wanting or redundant or one for 〈◊〉 or through a comma colon or the like misplaced or wanting thou mayest correct aâ—… thoureadest An Apologeticall Relation Of the particular sufferings of faithfull Ministers Professours of the Church of Scotland since Agust 1660. IT hath been the common lot of all the afflicted persecuted people of God in all ages to meet with sad bitter reproaches as a constant concomitant of their other sufferings Satan thinking it for his advantage to adde affliction to the afflicted to use his outmost endevour to break them with one sad exercice at the back of or together with another is not satisfied with stirring up sore persecution against them but endevoureth likways to load them with such reproaches calumnies as are able to break the heart of ingenuous single hearted persons And for this cause the Lords people in all ages have been put to intreat that he would clear vindicat them their actions from such foule aspersions make their innocency breake forth as the noon-day would direct them unto such ways means as might tend through his blessing to their rationall vindication befor the world Hence have proceeded the many Apologies defences which have been used of purpose to clear to the world the true ground cause of their sufferings to discover how groundless unjust those reproaches calumnies were which men whose hearts were full of wickedness tongues dipt in gall had vented for this end alone to render both them their just righteous cause odious to strangers And at this time there may be just cause to fear that the malice of that old enemy is not asleep that he is leaving no mean un-essayed to make the suffering Church of Scotland her cause odious in the eyes of forraigne protestant Churches to the end she may not onely misse be disappointed of that Christian sympathy fellow feeling which is expected of all the true membres of Christs body but also which is far worse be condemned through her sides the cause truth of God which ought to be more preâ—…ious to Christians then any thing else be put to suffer by this means the great works of God wherby he convincingly even to enemies did testify his approbation of the work of Reformation begun caryed on there these yeers bygone be called in question fathered upon the Devill which would be the hieght of iniquity being or at least bordering upon that unpardonable sin against the Holy Ghost charged upon the Pharisees Math. 12. But notwithstanding of all this travail which this old enemy his indefatigable under-agents are or have been at according to their custome to get the prejudices against that Church which they have laboured to beget in the mindes of strangers fomented so deeply rooted as that there'shall be no place â—…or her or any in her name to publish to the world any Apology or defence or a justification of her cause ground of present suffering It is expected that Christian Churches abroad have reserved one eare open to Christ his suffering followers that a true representation of the present case condition of that suffering Church shall be heartily welcomed by them whose eares have been hithertill filled with the clamorous outcryâ—…s of men who make no conscience of oaths let be of words who have learned exactly that lesson Caâ—…umniare audacter semper aliquid hâ—…rebit Heap up many slanders vent them with boldness audacity something will slick Though there be no ground for any to thinke that nighbour protestant Churches have so far drunken in prejudices against that Church or recâ—…eived such an impression from the misreports misrepresentations which her malitious adversaries have made as that an attempt of this nature shall seem altogether useless Yet this is certaine that the most lively demonstration representation of the present case condition of that Church that can be fallen upon shal not hold forth unto strangers forraigners such convincing light evidence of all maters there as a few days being ear ey-witnesses to all her present calamities compared with the days of old when the glory of the Lord appeared in the midst of her would do And therefor though as to such who are indeed strangers unto the great things which the Lord hath wonderfully begun carryed on in that Church small successe can be expected to follow such an interprise yet as to others whether Churches or persons of whom it cannot be but that there is a great number who have both heard wondered at the works of the righthand of the most High there have received much soul-refreshment from the report wishing earnestly supplicating for the like unto themselves longing for the day wherin they might see the Lords arme streached out with the like Reformation salvation unto other Churches about this undertaking will have its own use advantage And without all question silence at such a time as this might do much both to sadden the heart to stumble such as would be glad to hear of the stedfastness of the faithfull followers of Christ in that land for if there were none to open a mouth for her now nor any to plead her cause it might be thought that all had so far changed with
souldeours away captives keepeth them in bondage full ten years Under which oppression they lay groaning wishing for a day of delivery At length after ten years exile the Lord returned their prince without stroake of sword and setled him upon his throne which occasioned great acclamations of joy through the whole land seing that now the yoke of the oppressour was brocken and the Lord had restored to them in a wonderfull unexpected maner their law full judges and governours Now were people filled with hops of good and desirable dayes both for Church and State But alace how suddainly are all their hopes turned into fears and their joy into mourning how are their faces filled with confusion because of the sad disappointment which now they did meet with Their yoke beginneth now to be wreathed more straitly about their necks then ever their bondage and oppression in conscience groweth they see with their eyes the glorious worke of Reformation which had been wonderfully carried on by the mighty power of the most High cemented with the bloud of his Saints who spared not their lives in the defence maintenance of that cause both against malignants Sectaries razed to the very foundation the carved worke thereof brocken down with axes hammers at once and all things growing dayly worse worse Some particulars where of though the calling to minde making mention of such sad doolfull things will occasion fresh sorrow grief to the people of God as the purpose in hand will suffer shall be mentioned in the following Sections SECTION III. The grounds of the sufferings of such as were incarcerated by the Committy of Estates the 23 Day of Agust 1660. discovered AFter God had broken the yoke of the oppressours had restored their own governous it might have been expected that justice should have flowed down as a river and when the committe of Estates which had been nominated Anno 1651. Were commanded by his Maj. to sit order the affaires of the Kingdome untill the ensueing Parliament should meet every one might have been in expectation of some good following their governement But alas their little finger becometh heavier then the loyns of the former oppressours A litle taste of which there is given on the very first day of their sitting downe for upon the 23. Day of August 1660. While there were some faithfull Zealous servants of Christ to the number of Ten Ministers with one Gentleman met in a private house where they resolved to meet that they might give the lesse offence for the drawing up of a supplication unto his Maj. wherein after their congratulating his Maj. returne they in all humility presse exhort him in the fear of the Lord to minde his oaths unto covenants with God a very necessary seasonable work The committee of Estates sent thither some of their number to apprehend those persones to take them to the castle of Edenburgh where they abode for the space of some weeks were afterward except Mr Guthry confined to their chambers in the towne for some considerable time This was a terrible alarme unto the hearts of the godly presaging sad doolfull dayes to follow when at the very first there is so much cruelty exerced against these faithfull zealous servants of Christ who were evidenceing their love respect unto their Prince in mindeing him of his vowes which he had made unto the most high of his duty which he did owe unto God who had so wonderfully delivered him for which no colourable pretence could be allaidged save one of those Either that their meeting was not warranted by the lawes of the land or that they were about a sinfull work The first could not be allaidged with any colour of law because there was no standing law then in force against such meetings for whatever law ther was of that nature before was made null void by posterior acts of Parliament which posterior acts were not as yet resciâ—…ded and further what great wrong was it for so many ministers to meet together in a privat chamber for such an end when as many moe prophane persones will be suffered to meet dayly to drink debauch and what could these worthies have suspected now seing the like liberty was enjoyed while the land was under the feet of oppressours might not they in reason have expected as good quarters at the hands of their own governoursas they gote from stangers enemies But it is like the work they were about gave offence it is true they were pleased to brande it with the names of treason sedition but whether it was so or not the reader will be better able to judge when he hath pondered considered the true copy of their supplication which is here following Most gratious dreed soveraigne We your Maj. most humble subjects considering the duty which as Christians we owe to our Lord Iesus Christ who is king of kings Lord of Lords and which as subjects we owe unto your Maj. as our native lawfull king under him We do hold ourselves bound to tender unto your Maj. this most humble addresse supplication How hatefull the actings of the late usurped powers in offering violence to the Parl. of Engl in their unchristian barbarous murthering of your royall father in their insolent changeing of the ancient civill goverment of the kingdome of Engl. and by armed violence unjustly secluding your Maj. there from In their most unjust invadeing of the kingdome of Scotland inthralling of the same in subjection to themselves and beyond all their impious incroaching on the kingdome of Iesus Christ the liberties thereof and in promoteing establishing a vast tolleration in things religious throughout those nations unto the perverting of the precious truthes of the Gospell defaceing of the ordinances of Iesus Christ opening a wide door to all sorts of evill heresy schisme imprety prophanenesse How abhominable these things were to us the Lord who searcheth the heart tryeth the reâ—…es doth know against which we gave many publike testimonies before the world to witnesse our abhorrence thereof And the same Lord knoweth that as we did earnestly pray for breath after his appearing to witnesse against those so saveing that Christian pity and compassion we owe to the persones of men though our very enemies we rejoyce in his putting down of them that did set up themselves in staineing the pride of their glory in breaking the yoke of their power from off the necke of these Kingdomes We hold our selves also bound thankfully to acknowledge the Lord's signall preserving of your Maj. person in the middest of many fold dangers designes threatening the same these years past And that after long Exile from your own house people he hath been pleased to bring you back to the same And when the foundations of the ancient civill goverment were overthrown againe
Earle of Glencarne Hugh Campbel sheriff of Aire were sent unto the Queen regent in name of the congregation to deprecat her anger that was going out against them among other things they requeested her to minde her promises But she answered That princes should performe their promises no further then they see it for their own advantage Unto which they replyed that if so They would passe from their alleagiance obedience acknowledge her no more for Queen It was such a thing as this which did animate the congregation to with stand the Queen regent the fenches because as sayeth 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 they had to fight with an â—…iable cruel adversary which made light of all equity right law promises faith oaths so that upon every small gale of hope of advantage they annull both their words their deeds therefore there is no agreement to be made with them nor no peace till one of the parties be quite destroyed overthrown or else all the strangers be put out of the land So that they must resolve either to overcome or to die And hence it was that a little thereafter when there was a treaty there could be no peace concluded because the reformed congregation being so often deceived could not beleeve their promises any more The CONCLUSION THus reader thou hast a clear view of the present state condition of the Church of Scotland the true grounds upon which she is now suffering Thou seest how the wayes of Zion do mourn how the Lord hath covered her with a cloud in his anger how he hath violently taken away his tabernacle as if it were of a garden he hath destroyed his places of the assembly caused the solemne feasts sabbaths to be forgotton in Zion how he hath cast off his altar abhorred his sanctuary given up into the hand of her enemyes the walls of her palaces so that she is now made to cry out is it nothing to you'all yee that passe by behold see if there be any sorrow like unto my sorrow which is done unto me wherewith the Lord hath afflicted me in the day of his fierce anger All who passe by clap their hands at her they hisse wag their head saying is this the city that men call the perfection of beauty the joy of the whole earth all her enemies have opened their mouth against her they hisse gnash their teeth they say we have swallowed her up certanely this is the day that we looked for we have found we have seen it And therefore they are consulting to cut her off that she may no more be a nation But which is worse The anger of God is gone out against her he hideth his face testifieth his displeasure against her her câ—…s And in so doing just righteous is he for she hath rebelled against him It is the Lord who hath given her to the spoile to the robbers even he against whom she hath sinned for she would not walk in his wayes neither be obedient unto his law therefore hath he poured upon her the fury of his anger the strength of battell it hath set her on fire round about yet she knew it not it burned her yet she laid it not to heart Therefore let no man think whatever apologie any make in her behalf that she or they do intend to quarrell with the most high for any of his dispensations towards her Nay he is just righteous in all his wayes yea though he should punish her yet Seven times more it would become her to put her mouth in the dust to be silent to bear the indignation of the Lord because she hath sinned against him And as yet she must say that whatever wrongs her enemies are doing to her how ever unjustly she be suffering at their hands yet the righteous God is doing her no wrong but punishing her lesse then her iniquities do deserve so that as to his dealing with her she hath no cause to complaine for it is of the Lord's mercy that she is not consumed because his compassions faile not And yet it cannot but be expected that such as have tasted of the cup of affliction themselves have resisted unto blood striveing against sin c have known by experience what refreshing hath been in the known sympathy of neighbour Churches in the day of their tryall temptation will minde make conscience of this Christian duty of sympathy towards the poor Church of Scotland now when her enemies are the chief prosper have spread out their hands upon all her pleasant things when her gates are desolat her priests sighe It cannot be thought that such Churches as owne Christ for their head husband can look upon a poor bleeding sister Church which was once decked with ornaments when her head and King took pleasure in her habitations but now is striped naked exposed to shame to the scorne contempt of her enemies not have their eyes affecting their heart Shall it be thought that there are any of the reformed Churches who Esau-like can look on the day of their sister in the day that she is become a stranger that can rejoyce over her in the day of her destruction or speak proudly in the day of her distresse or look on her affliction in the day of her calamity or lay hands on her substance in the day of her calamity or stand in the crosse way to cut off these of hers that escape or deliver up those of hers that did remaine in the day of distresse Nay it is hoped that as the elect of God holy beloved they have put on bowells of mercies kindenesse have learned to have compassion to love as brethren to be pitifull so cannot forget the afflictions of his people in those Islands but do bear them on their heart when they have accesse unto the throne of grace say spare thy people o Lord give not thine heritage to reproach that the heathen should rule over them wherefore should they say among the people where is their God Seing it is the desire of that poor afflicted Church that all would cry unto their God her God that he would turne from his hote wrath displeasure turne to her with healing under his wings That he would heale her backslideings and love her freely and that untill he be pleased to turne from the fiercenesse of his anger his people may be blessed with Christian patience submission under the mighty hand of God helped to hear the voice of the rode who hath appoynted it to turne unto him who smiteth that he may binde up heale that which he hath brokenâ—… That the iniquity of Iacob may be purged the finite of all this may be to take away sin at length his heart may turne within him his repentings may be kindled together that