objections how he cleareth it from Act. 7 51. Hos. 2 1. Dan. 3. 6. Act. 4. 5. 6. Hos. 4. 15. Iud. v. 23. About this same time there is another minister banished indictâ causà for while he was going towards Irland upon some particular occasion he was brought back By the command of the committee of Estates committed to prisone untill the meeting of Parliament then receiveth summones of treason to which when he had desired some time to answere he is sent back to prisone when he expecteth to be called upon to give in his defences he was sentenced with banishment out of his Maj. dominions And which is more to be wondered at Neither these two ministers nor any other who were afterward banished as shall be showne could ever to this day get an extract of their sentence which no judicature in the world could ever have refuised in equity justice yea because the power of the Parliament Councell of Scotland could reach no furder then their own bounds so could banish none any further then out of Scotland they devise another way draw up a bonde where in the subscriber bindeth himself under the paine of death to remove out of all his Maj. dominions betwixt such a day not to returne without license under the paine of death this bond they caused the banished ministers subcribe before witnesses which they were all necessitated to do to save themselves from worse Judge reader if this was not both cruell unreasonable SECTION VII Concerning their sufferings who refuised to observe the Anniversary Day AMong other Acts of the first Session of Parliament there is one for a solemne anniversary thankesgiving wherein they statute ordaine That in all time coming the twenty ninth day of May which was the day of â—…his Maj. birth restauration to his government be set a pairt as a holy Day unto the Lord that in all the Churches of the Kingdome it be imployed in publick prayers preaching thankesgiving praises to God for so transcendent mercies that all trade merchandise work handy-labour other ordinary imployments be forborne the remaineing part of the day spent in such lawful divertishments as are suiteable to so solemne an occasion Unto which Act many of the ministry did give obedience out of fear But others could not in conscience yeeld thereunto not only because it is not in the power of any under heaven to appoint anniversary holy Dayes the Creator alone having reserved that power into his own hand to consecrate any portion of time he pleaseth make it holy So as holy duties must attend it as holy duties acts of worship attend the sabboth-Sabboth-day the only holy Day which is now warranted by the Word of God It is true the Church may when God by his providence is calling to mourning to fasting or to thankesgiving set some time a pairt for these duties of praying or rejoiceing but then the time doth attend the dutyes called for the duties doe not attend the time as they do the Lord's Day But also because of the grounds reasons of the solemnizeing of that Day which are contained in the narrative of the act unto which no man who had not made shipewrak of faith of a good conscience could consent as every one may see who will but ponder the Act a part whereof to give but a taste of the whole followeth The â—…states of Parliament of the Kingdome of Scotland taking to their câ—…sideration the sad condition slaverie bondage this ancient Kingdome hath groaned under durcing these twenty three years troubles in which under the specious pretences of reformation a publick rebellion hath bâ—…en by the treachery of some mispersuasion of others violently carryed on against sacred authority to the ruine destruction so far as was possible of Religion the Kings Maj. his Royal Government the laâ—…es liberties property of the people all the publick private interests of the Kingdome So that Religion it self hath been prostitute for the warrand of all these treasonable invasions made upon the Royall Authority And disloyal limitations put upon the alleagiance of the subjects c. By which what followeth it may be obvious to all who read consider the said Act. That none could so much as preach on that day or give any countenance to such a work unlesse they would condemne all which had been done for twenty three yeers space in carrying on of the work of Reformation as being the height of treachery rebellion designedly purposely carryed on under the specious pretexts of Reformation And what faithfull Minister durst adventure on that to condemne King Parliaments Church State themselves too as treatours rebells unworthy to live any longer Can any expect that Ministers before they be convinced of a fault should be so rash unadvised as to goe to pulpites with ropes about their necks declare before all that they had been so long possibly all their dayes as to some young men living a life of rebellion against the lawfull Magistrat carrying on a course of â—…rebellion to the ruine of Religion King Kingdome And can it be expected in reason that such as refused to countenance that day should be condemned by any who shall but seriously consider what are the consequences of such a complyance Neither let any say that it was out of disrespect to his Maj. that any Minister did refuise to countenance the work of that day For all of them did willingly keep a day of solemne thankesgiving at his coming home And Presbyteries Synods did chearfully appoynt dayes for that effect That which the famous learned Voetius observeth concerning such dayes in his Polit. Pag. ult viz. That it may come to passe that the time when such an anniversary day should be keeped may be a time when God calleth for fasting mourning then such may look for that woe Isa. 22 12 13. As rojoyce when they should mourne is considerable whether it was a fit season then to rejoyce or not let the Reader judge when he considereth that upon the Monday before that anniversary day the famous Marquis of Argile was executed upon the Saterday thereafter Faithfull Mr Guthry was put to death And that also which he sayeth against Ministers keeping a sinfull fast Pag. 993. Holdeth good here for Ministers were clear that this was against the common cause of God And therefore many who could not satisfy themselves with some fine distinctions evasions to reconcile themselves unto the publick lawes resolved with the primitive Christians to hazard their reputation of loyalty as Stillingslcet sheweth in his Origines Sacra Pag. 321. rather then to countenance such impiety SECTION VIII The grounds why Ministers did resuise to goe to the Prelats Courts cleared A Little after his Maj. returne he was pleased to write unto the Presbytery of
men look upon them account them no better then their slaves underlings And would acknowledge God's equity justice in this dispensation at length see mourne for their sinne which is so legibly as with capital characters written upon their judgment May it not come to passe that these Zelots for prelacy shall weary of this yoke wish as earnestly for the day wherein they may be delivered from this bondage as ever they did longe for the day wherein they might have their necks brought from under the sweet gentle yoke of Christ May not the peers body of the Land come at length to supplicate his majesty to loose this yoke from off their necks when their Scottish some time generous spirits shall not be able any longer to endure such unsufferable slavery This is not impossible nay nor improbable Though it were to be wished That they might Act that way upon some other principles principles of piety godly tendernesse That seèing their injury done to Christ in shaking off his governement lawes willingly following after the commandements of men mourning therefore they might lament after the Lord seek him with the whole heart engadge themselves in a Covenant with the Lord to be for him to the utmost of their power bring the land back againe to seek the Lord God of their fathers that he may have mercy upon them heal their backslideings builde up the walls of his Church make her a praise in the earth But whether the Nobles other inhabitants of the Land shall think of these indignities seek for a remedy or couch under the burden as ashamed once to desire to have the yoke shaken off which they themselves with so great delight deligence have fastened about their necks with their own handâ—… Yet it doth well become the godly of the land to be sensible of the great grievous wrongs which are done unto Christ to his Church work to cry out continually complean of these oppressions unto the Lord who will hear the cry of the oppressed will be a refuge for them judge them that the man of the earth may no more oppresse when now he seeth that she is oppressed without cause to watch carefully that the continuance of the tryall oppression weare not out the sense of these incroachments intolerable pressures lying upon the Church upon the consciences of the Lord's people And that no deadnesse seize upon them but that still the memory of the good old cause be fresh with them pressing them dayly to renew their earnest supplications to wrestle seriously with God that he would be pleased in his own good time to break the yoke of the oppressour according to his promise Isa. 49 25 26. Take away the captives from the mighty and deliver the prey from the terrible and contend with them that contend with his Church save his children and feed those that oppresse them with their own flesh and make them drunken with their own blood as with sweet wine That all flesh may knâ—…w that â—…e the Lord is their saviour ând their redeemer the mighty one of Iacob He hath said that for the oppression of the poor and for the sighing of the needy he will arise and set him in saifty from him who pusseth as him The words of the Lord are pure words as silver tryed in a furnace of earth purified seven times Therefore his people are called to waite upon the Lord. The vision may yet be for an appoynted time but at the end it will speak not lie though it tarry they must wait for it because it will surely come will not taâ—…ry His people are called now to minde duty to look what the time the opportunity the dispensation under which they are at present calleth for It is not good for them to be slacking their diligence but rather they should waxe strong in the Lord in the power of his might It is not good for them to faint sit up now as overcome with impatience hopelesse despondency of spirit but patience should have its perfect work Be stedfast therefore dearly beloved unmoveable alwayes abounding in the work of the Lord Forasmuch as you know your labour is not in vaine in the Lord. Now to him that is of power to stablish you to God only wise be glory for ever through Jesus Christ AMEN AD LECTOREM SVb pedibus LunaÌ„ Mulier nunc calcat amicta Sole caput stellae ceu diadema tegunt Conspicitur medio ut signum admirabile coelo Fixa velut medio petra decora Salo. Saepius incerto varia est ut Cynthia vultu Parte sui Semper totaque Saepe latet Fulgida Iusliti e nuper quae sole tenebris Mox velut infernis tecta sepulta jacet Firma licet Peâ—… maneant fundamina quassis Moenibus 〈◊〉 contremit ipsa domus Sidera lapsa polo capiti diadema revulsum Sponsaque Tulvereâ squallida sorde sedet Quisquis es haec totô qui non spectaveris orbe Exhibet hîc scenam Scotia moesta tibi Scotia quam varios casus sit passa procellis Quassa quibus quantis te docet ille liber Prasulis hîc mitrae pondus Regisque tiarae Penditur Christi jura bilance pari Invadit Christi regnum cum principe praesul Arrogat hic Regi quod rogat ipse Sibi Praesulis est Scotis relegandum nomen averno Prora quibus praesul puppis una mali est Hîc videas vicibus ternis quas infula strages Ediderit praesul Cerberus iste triceps Pontisicum primus fuit impetus iste retusus Evasit virgo quae fuit ante lupa Vistamen huic facta est vulpina fraude secunda Restiterat zelô plebs proceresque pio Tertius horrisici est nunc impetus ille Leonis Cernitur hic vulpes qui fuit ante Lupus Bestia bis cecidit bis cornua fracta revinxit Tertia certa feram vasta ruina manet Courteous reader ere thou read amend these Errata as followeth PAg. 4. l. 18. followers pag. 6. l. 24. Scotos p. 8. l. 9. ridiculous ib. l. 34. be p. 10. l. 34. he p. 14. l. 6. first r. fift p. 16. l. 34 effect p. 22. l. 30. dederent p. 24. l. 30. effectuall p. 29. l. 36. of p. 37. l. 22. this realme p. 42. l. 19. worthies r. worthy nobles p. 45. l. 36. of r. for p. 59. l. 14. be r the. p. 64. l. 29. chearfully p. 67. l. 31. overcometh pag. 73. lin 5. specious ibid. lin 29. effects pag. 78. lin 20. there r. their p. 80. l. 12. gentlemen ib. l. 20. perceive p. 85. l. 30. understood p 88. l. 22. 271. l. 26. this r his p. 91. l. 23. 132. l. 11. were r. where p. 109. l 13. scripture p. 110. l. 21. 202. l. 33. notion p. 125. l 21 together p.
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
of Babilon is aggraiged upon this score Ezek. 17 19. soâ—… judgments are threatened therefore Therefore thus sayeth the Lord God as I live surely mine oath that he hath despised and my Covenant that he hath broken even it will I recompense upon his owne head The oath is called God's oath the Covenant God's Covenant which v. 16. is called the King of Babilon his oath his Covenant And upon this account the sin is aggraiged he is the more assured of judgments because of his breach of this Covenant So likewise that Covenant mentioned Ier. 34 8 9 10. wherein thâ—… princes the people did sweare to let their Hebrew servants goe free is called God's Covenant v. 18. upon this account sorer judgments are threatened v. 19 20. And I will give the men that have transgressed my Covenant which have not performed the words of the Covenant which they had made before me into the hand of their enemies So then the breach of this Covenant which was sworn with hands lifted up to the most high God in an eminent way before the Lord must be the breach of a Covenant which God will owne as his Covenant as his oath therefore the greater sin 6. It will be the breach of Covenants made with God for they containea vow a promise confirmed with an oath made for doing of such things as God commandeth in his word therefora greater sin for Covenants made with God should be more bindeing inviolable then Covenants betwixt man man For in Covenants betwixt man man there may be dispensations in remissions of the obligation moreover the ground of those Covenants may faile Now none can either dispense with or grant remissions in the matters of God Moreover Covenants made with God are more absolute lesse clogged with conditions so more obligeing And therefore the sin of breaking such covenants must be the greater all may be sure that God shall avenge the quarrell of these Covenants which are his owne he being in them not only judge witnesse but also altera pars contraâ—…ens the party with whom the Covenant is made Lev. 26 15 16 17 25. 7. It will be the breach of Covenants made with God about morall duties It is a morall duty to abjure all the poynts of popery which was done in the nationall Covenant it is a morall duty to endeavour our own reformation the reformation of the Church which was sworne to in both Covenants It is a morall duty to endeavour the reformation of England Irland in doctrine worshipe discipline and Government which was sworne to in the league Covenant It is a morall duty to purge out all unlawfull officers out of God's house to endeavour the extirpation of heresy schisme whatsoever is contrary to sound doctrine which was sworne to there also It is a morall duty to do what God had commanded towards superiours inferiours equalls which by the league Covenant all were bound unto And therefore the Covevenants are strongly obligeing being more absolute then other cov because they binde vi materiae vi sanctionis both by reason of the matter by reason of the oath so are perpetuall Ier. 50 5. And therefore a breach of these must be a greater fault then the breach of such Covenants as are about things not morally evil which only binde vi sanctionis so it is beyond all doubt that the breach of these Covenants is a most hainous crying sin 8. It will be a breach of such Covenants as are so framed as that they cannot be made void though they should be broken buried forgotten Because they are Covenants about morall indispensable duries such duties upon which dependeth the glory of God the advancement of the Kingdome of our Lord saviour Jesus Christ The honour happinesse of the King's Majesty his posterity the true publick liberty saifty peace of the Kingdomes the good of posterity in all time coming the Lord's being one his name one in all the three Kingdomes And so the transgessing of such Covenants must be a greater fault then the bâ—…each of such which are of that nature as to be made void after some period of time or after a failzy by the one party Therefore seing those Covenants must binde though all had broken them brunt them also so long as â—…fe lasteth It must be a hainous crime to break them 9. It will be a breach of Covenants reall hereditary such as reach not only the persons themselves entering into Covenant but likewise their posterity like that betwixt David Ionathan 2. Sam. 9 7. 21 7. that betwixt Iosua the Gibeonits that mentioned Deut. 29 14 15. For this Covenant is of that nature as shall appear if that which Grotius de jur â—…el pac lib. 2. c. 16. § 16. Sayeth concerning these Covenants be considered where he giveth this as one evidence of such Covenants viz. When the subject is of a permanent nature addeth albeit the state of a commonwealth be changed into a Kingdome the Covenant must binde quia manet idem corpus etsi mutato capite though the head be changed the body of the commonwâ—…alth is the same And againe he sayeth as grving another evidence of such Covenants When there is such a clause in the Covenant as that it should be perpetuall or when it is such as is made for the good of the Kingdome addeth When neither maâ—…er nor expressions can certanely determine then favorabiliora creduntur esse realia the most favourable advantagious are reall Covenants So that by these marks evidences it is clear that these Covenants are reall Covenants obligeing not only them but also their posterity for 1. The subject or the person who did first enter into this Covenant was the body or universality of the people themselves then their Parliaments in their Parliamentary capacity like the oath of Iosua the princes which did binde the people in all time coming notwithstanding of what they might have said for themselves as not owneing the same but murmureing against it Yea the King in his princely capacity sitting on his throne with the crowne on his head in the day of his solemne inauguration this though there were no more will make it a reall Covenant binding the people according to that imperator foedus percussit videtur populus percussisse Romanus As King Zedekiah's oath to the King of Babilon did oblige the people Now then seing where either the body of a land their Parliaments or their prince in their severall capacities do Covenante the Covenant becometh reall perpetually obligeing much more must it be so where all these three are so theseoaths being Regall oaths Parliamentary oaths nationall oaths covenants they must be covenants perpetually obligeing so that as long as Scotland
who sometime could not only have beene a member but a president of any judicatory in Europe have spoken for the cause interest of Christ before Kings to the stopping of the mouths of gainsayers He was triumphed over particularly by the Archprelat Sharp who then with the black crue of his false brotherhood did sit in Parliament as constituting the third Estate And was condemned to die in the manner abovementioned So that that Parliament which was consecrated with the blood of two Noble witnesses in the entry was shut up and closed with the blood death of this worthy witnesse But which is to be remembered with admiration behold this half dead man when the day of his death came had a wonderfull reviving was beyond the expectation of all graciously visited mightyly assisted of God hearing the many prayers of his people put up in his behalf So as hee gave a noble testimony to that honourable cause worke In carrying on of which he had been honoured of God to be a worthy instrument from the beginning And Christ triumphed in him over all his enemies that watched for his halting as the reader may see by his speech carriage on the scaffold set down in Print But he may have hereafter more full satisfaction both concerning him the Noble Marquis of Argile famous Mr Guthry when the world shall see their Processes their defences in Print or when these following sheets shall be reprinted if that shall be thought expedient necessary not only for these now mentioned particulars but also for further explaineing confirming vindicating of any or all of the rest of the purposes here spoken to after fuller information had in those particulars Till then let the reader rest satisfied with the hints that are given here in the following sheets of the case carriage of those worthies pardone what is spoken short unsuitable to their worth As to those who have appeared before the High commission court induced thereto by the evil counsell of some others or the not thorow narrow examination of the complex-case as circumstantiated or being otherwayes circumvented And are now suffering upon some other account wherein they found more clearness satisfaction And as to others also who have not fully seen the evill of some things which in the following debate are clearly demonstrated to be sinfull yet as to other particulars are endeavouring to keep their former integrity to guaird against complyance Let none of those think that any thing here is said intentionally to put them to shame or to proclame before the world their weakness defection or to make glad the heart of the wicked for if there had been any other way for vindicating such as doe suffer upon the account of these particulars and for preventing the fall of others into the same snare this way had never been made choise of therefore seeing nothing is said upon any sinfull or sinister designe these brethren Christians will take this smiting as a Kindness these reproofs as an excellent oyle that will not break the head They will not take in evil part the discovery here made They are of another spiâ—…it then to be embittered at such free full â—…iping up of the evils of the course which many in this houâ—…e of darkness do follow Yea it cannot but be hoped certainly expected that such as truely feare the Lord will blesse his name with all their heart for such things made known to them that in time they may repent of the same see cause of wondering at his goodness mercy in not leaving them to themselves in other particulars of tryall notwithstanding of their sailing of duty in that their begun tryall And who knoweth but serious mourning and repenting before the Lord for fainting so far would open a doore for a great in-come of joy and consolation to the sweetning of the bitterness of suffering to the strengthning and bearing up of their soules under their mighty pressures So then the designe both Operantis Operis being good let no tender Christian be displeased with the way of the prosâ—…cution of these particulars or think that there is too much sharpness used that the consequences are drawn too strait For if in the Particulars themselves truth be maintained as may be supposed will be granted the arguments made use of can give no just offence especially such as are drawn from the Covenants which now are trampled upon by this sinfull backslyding Generation upon which many otherwise not ill minded think not much especially now when it is reckoned a crime once to name them as standing in force obligeing the lands And when the Spirit of these who carry on with violence this woefull course of defection are so enraged at the same that they cannot endure to heare a Covenant so much as named though it were even the Covenant of grace This however incredibleiâ—… may seeme to be will hardly be received by a Christian eare is a well known truth Now at such a time to put people in minde of their ingagements unto God to discover how such such practises are contrary to their Covenant obligations vowes cannot justly be condemned but approved of all who desire to stand fast in this houre of temptation It is beyond all question the Particulars here asserted shall meet with much contradiction from men of corrupt mindes whose principles will lead them to oppose what here is spoken in vindication of truth of the honest sufferers of Christ And upon that account it may be expected that the same honour shall be done to this which hath been done to other more worthy pieces viz. that it shall be committed to the fire there to receive a quick dispatch answer which will be so far from lessening the credit of the booke that it will render it much more desireable confirme the weake concerning the truth of the Particulars here spoken to of the unanswerableness of the arguments here made use of so the authors expectations shall be fully answered But if they shall doe it the justice to commit it to examiners one or moâ—… who with sobriety moderation shall publish their exceptions to the contrary shall examine these papers by the word of God right reason the fundamentall municipall lawes of Scotland the particulars here spoken to shall be revindicated The Lord granting life strength liberty from all their exceptions Only let not such as undertake this taske improve the advantage of authority now on their side so far as to doe nothing but raile at randome stuff their reply with unbeseeming to say no worse And Unchristian expressions outcries of treason treason for in that case it will be thought expedient not to answer such in their folly A good cause is a mighty second to a weak man And so being perswaded that the cause is
the Lord would do how shoon he would appeare for his oppressed people interest declare that he hath chosen Ziou hath desired it for his habitation then clothe her priests with salvation cause her saints to shout aloud for joy The popish prelaticall malignant faction have been losers when they thought themselves gainers all their victoryes have proven hurtfull to their owne cause And who can tell but this day which they think they have gained and the victory whereof they think themselves so firmly and certanely possessed as that they shall never lose it againe may prove the most fatal day that ever they saw a victory tending to the everlasting ruine of their cause interest 11. Thou mayest see these Covenants against which in this degenerate age reproach cannot sufficiently be poured forth vindicated And the lands obliged Covenanted lands before the Lord what ever course hath been taken by higher powers to loose the obligation This Gordian Knot will not be gotten so easily loosed as some would imagine People may think to close their eyes then reason themselves out of the obligation ofa Covenant oath taken before the Lord so cast themselves at liberty But that will only wreeth the heavy yoke ofGods curse straiter about their neck It is no small matter of admiration to hear how basely many men do speak of these holy bonds sacred Covenants But let men who take pleasure in venting the venome that is within say what they will Scotland hath no cause to be ashamed of these Covenants It was a sweet day when the nationall Covenant which had been long buried in oblivion was raised out of the dust renewed And it may be Scotland shall have as sweet a day when both that Covenant the solemne league Covenant which now lyeth buried under a heep of the ashes of contempt reproach shall be raised up renewed with great acclamation of joy It is true this seemeth not to be very probable now but Scotlands covenanted God liveth his arme is not shortened There was not very great probability of renewing the nationall Covenant some few years before when the prelats were tyrannizing at pleasure no man durst so much as complaine of any injury they did It is easie with God to put Spirit courage in people make them stand upon their feet become an exceeding great army who were before but dry bones yea very dry bones howbeit now that league Cov. be looked upon as a device contrived purposely to overturne the throne Yet as it hath already proven so againe it may prove as sure a pillar for the throne as any as effectuall a meane to preserve the same from being overturned as any other But Christian reader by what thou will see in the following sheets thou Mayest easily perceive that it is both a sinfull dangerous thing to break Covenant a sin which heathens have scarred at And therefore remember thy Covenants and vowes made unto the most high let not the speaches nor carriage of others who think they cannot exceed in casting out the venome of their heart against these Covenants lessen thine estimation of them but rather increase the same And the more thou hear others cry down these Covenants as null keep thy self under their tye so much the more carefully Make conscience of studying these Covenants the duties unto which thou standest bound before the Lord by vertue thereof It is true thou art noâ—… now in a capacity to Act for the carrying on of the endâ—… of those Covenants as some time thou hast been yet keep thy Spirit still under the impression of their obligeing force when thou cannot by acting promove the ends of the Covenant thou mayest do it by constancie in patient suffering for adhereing to that cause Covenant See what thou art obliged unto by vertue of these Covenants let never these duties be forgotten but as the Lord offereth occasion let it appear that thou art under the impression of the oath of God thus shalâ—… thou have peace joy when shame shall cover the faces of all Covenant breakers 12. Thou mayest see how this yoke of prelacy wreethed in former times about the necks of the inhabitants of Scotland did prove so intolerably grievous that they were made to groan under it and how they became restlesse untill they shook it off And experience this day doth prove how necessaryly it is attended with grievous oppression soul affliction It hath been found is seen this day how prelats have trampled do trample upon the nobility gentâ—…ie burgesses of the Land The land formerly hath found to day doth finde what the weight of a Saint Andrew's crosse of the prelate's râ—…het is And that their little finger is heavier then the loyns of Ministers whatever grudge out-cry there was against the discipline of the Church It is true they proclame liberty give way to all vice iniquity are leaders into these wicked wayes themselves are paterns patrons unto the people whom they encourage by their evil example to follow them in their trade of wickednesse it is like this is the only thing which maketh that Goyernment desirable unto many who love not to be curbed in their licentious wicked courses but desire to have the bridle laid upon their necks liberty to follow the swinge of their own corruptions beastly lusts Yet it may be that many are ere now wearying of them Yea who knoweth but before this time many of the nobles others of the land who did earnestly pant after a change of Church Government wishing the day wherein prelats might be re-established in their power faithfull Ministers oppressed put to the door that so they might enjoy full free liberty to commit sin with greadinesse do beginne to be think themselves to be sensible of their folly when they see how Prelats trade upon their necks not careing what disrespect they put upon them or how basely they use them when they see that they have acted below themselves below men when they made shipwrack of their consciences sold their souls to promove their ambitious designes to help them to ascend unto the tope of their intended grandour no doubt many are thinking with themselves that they have run too fast when they see that all the thanks that they are like to have from those who excell in ingratitude is to be trode upon as mire of the streets It is a bad reward but the just righteous hand of God may be seen in it to inslave the persons bodies of such who have voluntarily iâ—…slaved their souls to set them on high O that the nobles gentry of the land would at length resent this indignity observe the hand of God punishing them with a whipe of their own making when they see how undervalueingly these
onely to the prophets 2. The libertie of the Church and Discipline presently exercised was confirmed by diverse acts of Parliament and the office-bearers were now in peaceable Possession thereof And this he did and a Copy hereof was sent through the Presbiteries to see if they would owne the same and in testimonie of their chearfull hearty owning therof it was subscribed by three or fowre hundereth Ministers This displeased the King so that he by open proclamation commanded the Commissioners of the Church to depart out of Edenburgh within twenty fowr houres under the paine of rebellion but notwithstanding of this they resolve to stay to see that the Church priviledges should not be wronged send some of their number to speake to his Mâ—…j unto whom he answered that if Mr. Black would passe from his Declinature or if they would declare that the Declinature was not a generall but onely a particular one used in Mr. Blacks case alone as being a cause of slander pertaining to the judgement of the Church he would passe from the pursuite of Mr. Black But after consultation the Comissioners resolved to adhere unto the Declinature unlesse his Maj. would passe from the processe remitt the same unto the Church Judicatory would make an act of Councill declareing that no minister should be charged for his preaching c. Whereupon the King charged the Commissioners of new to depart caused cite Mr. Black unto the last of November withall dischargeth all Barons Gentlemen others to meet with ministers in their Church assemblies without his licence When the day of Mr Blacks compearance cometh the Commissioners presente a supplication desiring them to remitt the question unto the Judge competent but the Councill goeth on therefore they protest that the processe in hand whatsoever followed thereupon should not prejudge the liberty of the Church in maters of Doctrine Afterward the King sendeth unto the Commissioners shewing he would be content with Mr. Blacks simple declaration of the truth But worthy Mr. Bruce answered That if the mater did touch Mr Black alone they were content but the liberty of Christs Kingdome had received such a wound by the Proclamations published the last Satterday that day by the usurpation of the Council that if Mr Blacks life the life of twenty others had been taken it had not grieved the hearts of the godly so much that either these things behoved to be retreated or they would oppose so long as they had breath Then the King condiscended to publish by a Declaration that he would not diminish any lawfull power or liberty which they or their Assemblies had either by the Word of God or lawes of the land that the proclamation discharging Barons others to meet with ministers was onely meaned of their meeting in armes that the Interloquâ—…tor of the Council should not be used against Mr Black or any other minister untill a lawfull General Assembly providing that Mr Black would declare in his presence the truth of the points libelled before some ministers But afternoon the Kings minde was found changed because Mr Black would not acknowledge an offence he is condemned by the Council his punishment is remitted to the King till his pleasure were known he is confined Then there is a bond devised to be subscribed by all the ministers under the paine of the lose of their stipends The tenor wherof followeth Wee the Pastors ministers of Gods word undersubscribing humbly acknowledging our duty to God obedience to the King our Souveraigne Lord whom for conscience cause we ought to obey Confesse that his Grace is soveraigne Judge to us each one of us in all causes of sedition treason other criminal civill maters to all our speaches which may import the saids crimes albeit uttered by any of us publickly in the pulpits which God forbid or in any other place that the said pulpits nor any other place whatsoever hath not that priviledge immunity to be occasion or pretence to any of us of declining of his Maj judgement in any of the saids civill or criminall causes intended against us in any time coming but rather that our offence is the greater incase which God forbid any of us commit such crimes in the saids pulpits before the people where the word of Gods truth salvation should be preached by us to our flocks In witness wherof of the humble acknowledgement of our duty in the premisses we have subscribed these presents with our hands are content that the famine be registrat in the books of secret Councell in futuram rei memoriam But faithfull ministers refused upon all hazards to subscribe the same seeing that it was a crossing of their Declinatour contrarie to the acts of the Generall Assembly to the acts of Parliament made in favours of the Church yea to the word of God because by this bond they should have acknowledged the King to be both supreme onely Judge over ministers in all causes so to have power of Judging deposing them yea of judging trying their preaching if it be but coloured with treason sedition of schisme in the Church which is sedition and seeing thereby they should be bound up from faithfull dealing in the name of the Lord because they saw it was devysed of purpose as a snare to their consciences After this Anno 1596. the king driveth on his designe indicteth an Assembly at perth formeth 55 problemes by which the Discipline of the Church formerly established was questioned to be there debatéd these problems with the following Historie at more length are to be seen in the Historie penned by Reverend laborious Mr Petry therefore a short relation shall suffice here being perswaded by his Courtiours that he should never gaine his purpose till first he took some course to breake the Union of the Church he prevaileth with Mr Patrik Galloway Mr Iames Nicolson who had been chief a little before in advising Mr Black to decline causeth Sr Patrick Murray deal with the ministers of the North to subscribe the bond to choose such such persons to the meeting at Perth and when the time of meeting cometh these Commissioners from the North were seen going in companies to the king Mr Nicolson was with the king till mid-night They were for all this two dayes in debating whether they were a lawfull Generall Assembly but honest men protested against it The meeting at length condiscendeth to these particulars 1. That no minister should reprove his maiesties lawes acts or ordinances untill such time as first he had by advyce of Presbitery Synod or Assembly complained or sought remedy of the same 2. That none should be named in pulpit except the fault were notour by the persons being fugitive convicted by ane Assise Excommunicated contumacious after citation or lawfull
the King upon the prelat who hath a negative voice in them whose dioecesian meetings they are being now modelled conforme to the number of prelats whileas before in some dioecies there were three provinciall Synods Moreover the passage which was cited before out of the Proclamation Ian. 15. 1662. cleareth this aboundantly for there it is said expresly that the administration of the Church in the way it had been that is the administration of presbyterian goverment is inconsistent with that which is now established or Episcopall goverment and the councell is better to be beleeved then this man who speaketh without ground againe why did King Councell discharge those meetings but because they were making way for the setling of Episcopacie and finally why is the jurisdiction and exercise of Church discipline which was allowed for a time set in opposition to the jurisdiction exercise of Church Goverment ordered in the respective synods presbyteries sessions by the appoyntment authority of the Archbishops Bishops thereof according to their known privilege practice conforme therto If not to clear this difference He objecteth pag. 8. sayeth That the supreme Magistrat hath undowbted power to convocat synods when he seeth it needfull no protestant minister would refuise to come at his comand nor is there any ranke or degree of subjects that can without the staine of sinfull disobedience refuise to meet upon his Maj. command and ministers cannot plead exemption from the common duties of subjects It is answered 1. It is true ministers are subjects no lesse then others are obliged in conscience to subject themselves Unto the civill Magistrat in the Lord no lesse then others But. 2. Neither ministers nor others are bound at the Magistrat's command to sin against God it being alwayes better to obey God then man here in obeying this command Ministers should have hainonsly sinned against God for 1. They should have therby acknowledged upon the matter that the Magistrats power in Church matters is such as that he may appoynt what forme of Goverment he will which no presbyterian in conscience could yeeld to without wronging of Christ the head King of his Church as shall in due time be made furder to appear 2. They should have therby testified acknouledged their approbation of Episcopall Goverment contrary to their oath subscription for this was pressed as a badge of conformitie signe of subjection unto Episcopall Goverment as the Proclamation of the Privie Councell before mentioned doth abundantly clear these meetings are meer episcopall meetings as is showne 3. Ansâ—…as to the ground of the objection viz. That the Magistrat hath power to convocate synods It would require a longer time then can be now allowed to discusse the same to try how in what cases it willhold good But this is certane that the judgment of the Church of Scotland as to this particular as may be seen in the Act of Assembly Anno 1647. approving the confession of faith prefixed therunto is that in Churches constituted such as the Church of Scotland was the Magistrats authority is not sufficient to call a Synod without any other call that is without delegation from their Churches that 〈◊〉 is free to Ministers to Assemble together synodically as well prorenata as at the ordinary times upon delegaetion from the Churches by their intrinsecall power received from Christ as often as it is necessary in case the Magistrat deny his consent But be it granted as in some cases it may Yet it will not follow that therefore Ministers were bound in conscience to have countenanced those meetings and that for these reasons 1. Because these were no extraordinary Synods called by his Maj. prore nata Nor. 2. Were they any of the former Synods used while presbyterian Goverment was in force But. 3. They were new meetings upon new principles having their rise from a new spring fountaine constituted otherwise in a new forme and so they were no meetings consonant unto the principles of presbyterian Goverment but wholly dissonant meetings complying with flowing from Episcopall power jurisdiction ordered by prelaticall authority appoyntment 3. Countenanceing of these meetings upon the matter would have been an assenting consenting unto the pulling down of presbyterian Governement which they were sworne to maintaine 4. Yea it would have been a fearful matter of offence stumbling unto the godly truely tender a hardening of others who had complyed withall a dangerous casting of themselves into temptation as experience doth abundantly prove dayly and therefore this comand could not be obeyed for no command of a Magistrat can warrand any to sin by doing that which is in it self sinfull yea or what is a reall ground of offence unto others provideing the matter be not absolutely necessary antecedently unto the command of the Magistrat But he addeth Is this rationall that where two commands of the Magistrat are joyned the one undowbtedly lawfull the other dowbted of that subjects should disobey the Magistrat in that which is clearly lawfull because â—…ey have a dowbt or unclearnesse anent obeying him in the other command had they come to the place it would protanto have shewed their respect unto authority Ans. It is a great question if this man speake rationally here doth he thinke that the civill Magistrat did intend two commands in that one he may as well say that he did intend twenty will he so metaphisically anatomize the commands of councells Parliaments as to render them ridiculous would he have had ministers sporting jesting in such a serious matter with the supreme Magistrat if the Ministers had come't to towne seen what of the cloke it was then returned home would this casuist have cleared them either protanto or prototo Nay he would without all doubt have exaggerated that crime as the height of contempt as an open preaching proclameing of their contempt unto the world But in such a sad declineing time the faithfull ministers of Christ had some other thing to think upon then thus to sport themselves mocke authority by halveing orquartering the commands and injunctions thereof therefore would neither get on horse backe nor come half the way not to the place appoynted because they might not in conscience concurr with the prelat there in that dioecesian meeting which was the onely thing commanded their coming to the towne was no more commanded save as subservient thereunto then their riseing out of their Bed that morning or their taking horse c. In the 3 place he addeth What ground could they have for separation from the Synod is it the want of liberty to choose a moderator or is it that he who presideth is a Bishop and claimeth more power then they can allow-as of a negative voyce or is it the want of unpreaching elders in the meeting It is Ans Neither any of these
called God the King lately reprinted published by his Maj. royall proclaâ—…tion for the instruction of all his subjects in their duty alleagiance for thus is that oath worded I A. B. Do truely sincerely acknowledge professe tostifie declare in my conscience before God the world that our Soveraigne Lord King Iames is lawfull and â—…ightfull King of this realme of all other his Maj. dominions countreyes that the pope neither of himself nor by any authority by the Church see of Rome or by any other meanes with any other hath any power or authority to depose the King or to dispose of any of his Maj. dominions or Kingdomes or to authorize any forraigne prince to invade or annoy him or his countreyes or to discharge any of his subjects of their alleagiance obedience to his Maj. or to give license or leave to any of them to bear armes raise tumults or to offer any violence or hurt to his Maj. royall person state or government or to any of his Maj. subjects within his Maj. dominions Also I do swear from my heart that notwithstanding any declaration or sentence of excommunication or deprivation made or granted or to be made or granted by the pope or his successours or by any authority derived or pretended to be derived from him or his see against the said King his 〈◊〉 or successours or any absolution of the saids subjects from their obedience I will beâ—… faith true alleagiance to his Maj. his aires successours him them will defend to the uttermost of my power against all conspiracies attempts whatsoever which shall be made against his or their persones their crowne dignity by â—…easone or colour of any such sentence declaration or otherwise will do my best endeavour to disclose make known unto his Maj. his aires successours all treasons or treitours or conspiracies which I shall know or hear of to be against him or any of them And I do furder swear that I do from my heart abhoâ—…e detest abjure as impious hereticall this damnable doctrine position That princes which be excommunicated or deprived by the pope may be deposed or murdered by their subjects or any other whatsomever And I do beleeve in conscience am resolved That neither the Pope nor any person what somever hath power to absolve me of this oath or any part thereof which I acknowledge by good lawfull authority to be lawfully Ministered unto me And do reâ—…unce all pardons dispensations to the contray And all these things I do planely sincerely acknowledge swear according to these expresse words by me spoken according to the plaine common sense understanding of the same words without any equivocation or mentall evasion or secret reservation whatsoever And I do make this recognition acknowledgment heartily willingly truely upon the true faith of a Christian. So help me God This is the oath of alleagiance how far it differeth from the former which was lately tendered is easily discerned These few words in the short oath only supreme governour in this Kingdome over all persones in all causes containe the main difference betwixt the two the main grounds of scruple for they hold forth two things The King's supremacy in matters civill his supremacy in matters ecclesiasticke It is true Ministers ought both to be to carry duti fully as becometh subjects to refuise nothing lawfull which is required of subjects but oathes being matters about which much tendernesse carefulnesse ought to be used it becometh Ministers to look well to this not to engadge in any oath rashly Advisement deliberation is most requisite here especially in a time when snares abound when there is good ground to suppose that the oath is tendered of purpose to be a snare to the conscience The oath as to it is substance or maine thing intended which lyeth wrapped up in those few words last cited is not as is obvious to any so clear as oaths ought to be yea the imposers themselves will not deny this but are forced to acknowledge that as it is worded in respect of that part thereof which is onely scrupled at which containeth the substance maine thing intended it is at best ambiguous generall for this cause if there were no more every Christian ought to forbear to swear the same And that because every oath must be sworne in truth in judgment in righteousnesse Ier. 4 2. but an unclear ambiguous oath cannot be sworne in truth because it hath no truth in it for what is ambiguous is not true as doctor Sanderson sayeth de jur promis oblig prael 6. § 10. a preposition of an ambiguous indefinite sense before the matter be distinguished is not a true proposition yea nor a proposition at all for a proposition as its definition cleareth should signify either a truth or a falshood without any ambiguity And therefore this proposition that the King is onely supreme governous over all persones in all causes being ambiguous till it be clared by some distinctions cannot be sworne in truth because the truth thereof cannot be known Nor can it be sworne in righteousnesse because such as swear it cannot be sure but that in taking that oath they may be wronging others wronging Parliaments which is worse wronging the Lord Iesus Christ who is King head of his Church Nor can it be sworne in judgment because its meaning cannot be known But now seing the oath in respect of its substantiall part as it is now worded is ambiguous unclear reason would require that the tenderers thereof should explaine the meaning thereof make it as clear as may be But when this is refuised what can such do who are pressed to take that oath but refuise the same partly because of its ambiguity partly because by the sense which by their other Acts Actings they who tender it do put upon it it appeareth to to be most unlawful all divines casuists do grant that an oath must be taken in his sense meaning in whose favours for whose sake faifty it is conceived who tendereth it And therefore it is not only lawfull but necessary to enquire what sense the Acts Actings of the Parliament do put upon it And as to the civill part of the oath which here is to be examined no other explication needeth to be enquired after then what they give forth in their Acts on record all which to cite here at length would be tedious The citeing of the acknowledgement of his Maj. prorogative which is a part of the 11 Act Anno 1661. where the substance of many preceeding Acts is summed up will be a sufficient evidence and here it is declared That it is an inherent privilege of the crown an undowbted part of the royall prerogative of the Kings of
oath it self as worded will take in all their sense meaning For it giveth to him a supremacy of power both over Civill Ecclesistick persones causes all persons all causes will take in both supreme Governour over all these persons in all these causes will take in a great power a very large supremacy Yea the very grammaticall construction of the oath will bear this large sense fully enough Any of understanding may easily see these three things here 1. That the King is the same way supreme Governour over Church men as he is over Civill men 2. That he is made the same way Governour in Church causes as in Civill causes And 3. That he is the same way Governour over Church men in their Church capacity or in their Church causes actions as over Civil men in their civil capacities in their Civill causes actions 6. Obj. The sense can be no other then this That he is supreme Governour over all persons what ever action they be about as if he were in a ship he should be supreme Governour over all the persons there what ever their trade or occupation were of the Governour of the ship among the rest And yet it will not follow that he is the supreme Governour of the action of guideing the ship but only that the Governour of the ship while he is guideing her is a subject And just so is it here as to Churchmen Ans. Even his supremacy over civill persons in civill causes is much to be questioned as hath been said But to wave this here their Acts deeds which are more authentick interpretations of the oath then any privat conjectures speak some other thing were the oath worded thus he is supreme Governour over all Persons this objection would have some colour but when it is said in all causes yea in all causes all is wrong Next it is certane from what hath been said Sect. 10 11. that they intend more as to the civill part then that he is supreme Governour over civill persons that they remaine subjects while about civill Actions For he is made supreme Governour over civill persons in civill causes And must it not be so likewise as to the Church part seing the oath puteth no difference lesse or more betwixt them 3. One maine end of the oath was to shoulder out the Pope his power this was an immediat cognition of Church affaires a power not only over persons but over causes And what was taken from the Pope with the one hand was devolved on the King with the other 4. The simile is a plaine dissimile as it is set down but make the parallel run thus There is a forraigner within the ship challenging power of making lawes to all persons within it particularly to the pilote power of judging him in his actions as pilote betwixt whom the Prince the debate cometh to that height that he is ejected to the end he may never be re-admitted the Prince imposeth an oath upon all within the Vessâ—…ll particularly upon the pilote seamen That they should acknowledge him to be their only supreme Governour in all their actions causes And then any of ordinary capacity may discerne whether or not the pilot be not bound by his oath to acknowledge some thing more then that he is a civill subject while he is about his calling work But all this is to no purpose now seing their Acts actings make the bussinesse clear enough as is shown above 7. Obj. Where a Civil Magist. is affirmed to be Govern of his dominions by common intendment this must be understoodof a civil government may not be extended to that of another kinde Ans. With all due respect to the reverend author of this reply viz. Bishop Vsher in his speach concerning the oath of supremacy in the Starre Chamber in Irland This doth not satisfie because by the same reason might one who were clear for the primacy of Scotland lawfully swear that the Archprelat of Saint Andrews were supreme Governour of Scotland over all persons in all causes because by parity of reason when the governement of a Church officer is spoken of by common intendment this must be understood of an Ecclesiastick governement may not be extended to that of another kinde And yet no doubt this oath would be scrupled at notwithstanding of that common intendment But 2. Their acts deeds destroy that common intendment respect must be had to their intendment not to the common intendment 3. Even as to this common intendment in respect of the civil part it hath been showne what just ground of scruple there was 8. Obj. No other thing can be understood for he is capable of no more the predicat can agree no further to the subject then its capacity will permit Ans. This is a shift for Children but for none else For. 1. Such subjects are seen to assume to themselves more then they are truely by any law of God capable of 2. By this meanes one might swear that the civil Magistrat were Head husband King saviour of the Church without all hazard of perjurie for these predicats can agree to him no further then he is capable As also one might lawfully swear that the Pope were supreme civil judge of the King's Dominions yea swear the greatest untruths imaginable but such Salvo's will prove too narrow to cover perjury in the day of accounts 3. Oaths are the end of controversies but this oath should then decide no controversie For the King's power should be as uncertaine as ever it was for all this oath 4. The question is not so much what power doth really appertaine unto the civil Magistat but another thing founded on this viz. what power may one lawfully say swear doth indeed belong to him And will any be so prophane grosse as to say It may be acknowledged by oath that he hath more power then indeed he hath Such like metaphisicall distinctions will not defend from the wrath of God in the day when he shall be a swift witnesse against all false swearers 9. Obj. Is it faife to contend with heigher powers about such things bring on such sad sufferings Ans. Christians should be most taken up with duty should not value sufferings They should buy the truth by no means sell it this matter under debate is no small bussinesse whatever some may think Not to mention here the sad consequences of this oath as to the civil part thereof if the Ecclesiastick part therof be only noticed it will appear to be a matter of greater moment then every one will beleeve as may appear from the reasons mentioned Sect 12. Men who would be accounted loyal subjects unto a King of clay will think it their duty to stand contend for a small inconsiderable bit of a thing going under the name of
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