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
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
AN Apologeticall Relation Of the particular sufferings of the faithfull Mâ—…nisters professours of the Church of Scotland since August 1660. Wherein severall questions usefull for the time are discussed The King 's preroâ—…gative over Parliaments people soberly enquired into The lawfulnes of defensive war cleared The supreme Magistrats power in Church matters examined Mr Stilling fleet 's notion concerning the divine right of formes of Church Government considered The author of thâ—… seasonable case answered other particulars such as the hearing of the Curats appearing before the high commission court c. canvassed Together with the rise reigne ruine of the former 〈◊〉 lats in Scotland Being A brieff account from History of the Government of the Church of Scotland from the beginning of the many troubles which Prelats have created to her first last For satisfaction of strangers incouragement of present 〈◊〉 By a well wisher to the good old cause JER 50 34. Their Redeemer is strong The Lord of hosts is his 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 shall thorówly plead their cause that he may give rest to the land 〈◊〉 quiet the inhabitants of Babylon MIC 7 9 10. I will bear the indignation of the Lord because I have sumed 〈◊〉 him untill he plead my cause execute Iudgement for me â—…e 〈◊〉 bring me fâ—…rth to light I shall behold his righteousnes then sheâ—… that 〈◊〉 mine enemy shall see it shame shall cover her which said unto me 〈◊〉 is the Lord thy God Mine eyes shall behold her now shall she be 〈◊〉 down as the mire of the streets ISA. 51 22 23. Thus saith the Lord thy God that pleadeth the cause of his people Behold I have taken out of thine hand the cup of trembling 〈◊〉 the dregs of the cup of my fury thou shalt no more drink it again But I â—…ll put it into the hand of them who afflict thee which have said to thy soule 〈◊〉 down that we may goe over thou hast laid thy body as the ground 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 â—…reas to them that went over Printed in the Yeer 1665 The Epistle to the READER Christian Reader This is a time wherein little or nothing is heard from the Churches of Christ all the world over but lamentation woeâ—… partly by reason of grievous afflictions sore persecution which is none of the worst conditions partly by reason of woefull and shamefull defection falling from former zeale integrity occasioned either by the temptations which usually attend sharpe tryalls of affliction whereby the weakness of many perversness of heart in moe is discovered Or without any such force of externall temptation from an inward decay of life love wearying of God his wayes the Worst condition that a Church can be in which is now the Epidemicall plague of this age Hence it is that the Lord seemeth to be angry with all ready to reject some of his Churches which to him are as a generation of his wrath Have not his people set up their abominations in the house which is called by his name to pollute it And may it not be feared that the curse shall devoure the earth they that dwell therein shall be made desolate because they have transgressed the lawes changed the ordinances broken the everlasting Covenant There appeareth now hanging over the head of the poor little flock of Christ a black dreadfull cloud threatning no lesse then utter ruine overthrow or at least speaking a loude alarme for awaking the secure sleâ—…ping Bride It is most sad to behold how little the Churches of Christ in every place are affected with this imminent stroke ready to light on all to see some of them quiet at rest singing a requiem to themselves as if though dispensations from the Lord doe speak the contrary to all who will but open their eyes their mountaine stood so strong as never to be moved This deadness deepe security when all things speak an approaching storme as it doth evidence a great Judgement spirituall plague from God upon the Spirits of people so it dothpresage no less then remediless â—…uine if God in the riches of his mercy prevent it not What a dreadfull night of confusion astonishment must be at hand when there is such blackness without And such deadness prodigious security within Are not the enemies of the Church as Gebal Ammen Amalek The Philistines those of â—…yre Assur the Children of Lot who are early late at their master's work devising plotting the ruine destruction of the interest Kingdome of Christ Are they not all combined together acted with the same Spirit of Antichrist for this very end purpose to helpe forward as with one shoulder to raise up his fallen interest heale his wound And are they not setting themselves to thrust King Iesus from his throne to put the crowne from his head the scepter out of his hand so to prey upon devour his little flock that if it were possible they should be no more a nation nor their name remembered any more And are they not about the swallowing up of the protestant interest as in a moment And what is the Church of Christ doing all this while Doth she stir up her selfe to call upon her head husband or to awake the watch man of Isreal who neither slumbereth nor sleepeth Is she upon her watch-tower looking out guarding against the approaching enemy or observing his motions Ah not so She is fast a sleepe while the enemy is within the walls And which is more sad lamentable with her own hands she hath helped to make the breach in the wall at which the enemy hath entered now hath faire advantage given him to accomplish his bloody designe against the protestant cause interest So little hath she gained by her sinfull compliance with the opinions practises of Antichristian men whether through base feare or carnall prudence even the cutting of it off And the bringing of his people back againe unto Babylon Who knoweth but though the Lord's enemies shall at last be troden under as straw for the dunghill he shall spread forth his hands in the midst of them as he that swimmeth spreadeth forth his hands to swim bring down their pride together with the spoiles of their hands lay low in the dust bring to the ground even the high fortresse of their wall so make all his enemies know that there is a King in Zion who shall must reigne untill all his foes be made his footstoole the onely wise God who knoweth how to turne every thing to the best may suffer the adversaries to prosper in their device designe so give up many of the people called by his name to the sword of the enemy that others may be alarmed awaked from their sleep put to their prayers even to calling upon God with their whole heart
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.
approved there the same may be with publick humiliation all Religious answerable solemnity sworne subscribed by all true professors of the Reformed Religion all his Maj. good subjects in both Kingdoms Thereafter on the same day it was approvedby the Convention of estates then sent unto the kingdome of England where after mature deliberation it was approved by the learned assembly of Divines by Both Howses of Parliament by them in their solemne assemblies after sermon solemnely sworne subscribed by Ordinance of Parliament sworne suhscribed in all the parishes of the Kingdome a copy thereof appointed to be affixed in every parish Church also a faire Copy thereof with all the names of the members of Parliament who subscribed the same is ordained to be affixed at the end of the great Hall of Westminster When thus it was sworne subscribed in England The Commissioners of the Gen. Assembly Octob. 11. 1643. ordained the same to be with publick Humiliation all Religious solemnities received sworne subscribed by all ministers professours within the Kirk for this effect it is ordained That the League Covenant be forthwith printed that the printed copies bound with some clean sheets of paper be sent unto the ministry that every minister upon the first Lords day after the same shall come to his hands read explaine it by Exhortation prepare the people to the swearing subscribing thereof solemnely the Lords day next immediately following ordaine that presbiteries proceed with the censures of the church against all such as shall refuse or shift to swear subscribe the same And the Commissioners thinke it very convenient for good example the better encouragement of others that it be solemnely sworne subscribed by themselves now present before the Congregation in the East kirk upon friday next the 13 of this instant after sermon exhortation to be made by Mr Robert Douglas Moderator that the Commissioners of the Convention of estates now in towne the Commissioners from the Parliament of England Divines of that kingdome here present be earnestly desired to joyne with them in this solemne Religion action Upon the 12 of Octob. the Commissioners of the convention of Estates did also ordaine the same to be sworne subscribed under the paine of being punished as enemies to Religion his Maj. honour peace of the kingdoms to have their goods â—…ents confiscate c. also ordaine all Sheriffs Stuarts others his Maj. magistrates in Brugh land Committies in the severall shires to be assisting to ministers and presbiteries in procuriing reall obedience hereunto Which deed of the Commission of the Church was ratified approved by the Gen. assembly Jun. 28. 1645. So is the deed of the convention of estates their commissioners approved ratified by act of Parl. July 15. 1644. where the League Covenant is insert in the Registers Thus the kingdoms of Scotland England after other meanes of Supplication remonstrance Protestation and sufferings to the end they might preserve themselves and their Religion from utter ruine and destruction according to the commendable practises of these Kingdomes in former times and the example of Gods people in other Nations after mature deliberation resolved and determined to enter into a mutuall and solemne League and Covenant wherein all did subscribe and with hands lifted up to the most High God did swear as they should answer at that great day to God the searcher of all hearts That sincerly really and constantly they should endevour in their severall places and callings 1. To preserve the Reformed Religion in the Church of Scotland in Doctrine worship Discipline and Governement and to Reforme England and Ireland according to the word of God and the example of the best Reformed Churches and to bring the three kingdoms to the nearest conjunction and uniformity in Religion Confession of Faith forme of Church governement Directory for worship and Catechising 2. To endevour the extirpation of popery Prelacy Superstition Heresy Schisme Prophaness and whatsoever shall be found contrary to sound doctrine and the power of godliness 3. To preserve the Rights and privileges of the Parliaments liberties of the Kingdomes and the Kings Maj. person and authority in the preservation and defence of the true Religion and liberties of the Kingdomes 4. To discover all such as have been or shall be incendiaries Malignants or evill Instruments hindering the Resermation of Religion dividing the king from his people and the kingdomes one from another or making any fâ—…on or parties among the people contrary to this League and Covenant that they may be brought to triall and condigne punishment 5. To endevour that these kingdomes may remaine conjoyned in a firme place union to all posterity 6. To assist such as enter into this Covenant and not to suffer themselves any maner of way to be divided or to make defection or to give themselves to a detestable indifferency and neutrality in this cause but shall continue â—…in against all opposition and promote the same according to their power against all sets and impedimentes whatsoever When these hands did thus enter in Covenant with the great God of heaven earth many of soul was converted which was as the finite of this noble Marriage when they saw the wonderfull works of the Lords right hand whereby he openly â—…nyably owned that Covenant such as entred into 〈◊〉 Then did these Churches flourish begin to have a beautifull countenance to be admired abroad by strangers who stood astonished at the report of what they did hear dayly of the Lords owneing fighting for that Covenant seconding the Covenanters in carrying on the Ends of the same But at length after the Lord had by many signes wonders testified his displeasure against broken the whole strength force of the Popish Prelaticall Malignant faction wrought deliverances in all the three kingdoms for the people that engadged in Covenant with him It seemed good in his eyes who doth all things according to the counsell of his own will to suffer another enemy to arise to trouble his Church to try his people viz. the Sectarian party who grew to such an hieght in the English Army that they over-ruled the Parliament of England putting away the House of Peers they modelled the House of Commons as they thought good erected a New Court which they called an High Court of Iustice before which they did Impannel the King at length did violently take away his life Januar. 30. 1649. against which deed the Commissioners both from the Church State of Scotland did protest were therefore hardly used at London When the report of this cometh to the eares of the Parliament of Scotland which was then sitting They upon the 5. of Febr. 1649. considering that for as much as the kings Maj. who lately reigned
furder proceeding in these things which grieve the Spirit of God and give offence to your Maj. good subjects who are engadged with you in the same Covenant and work of reformation And that your Maj. for establishing the hearts and strengthening the hands of these who are faithfull in the work of the Lord for quashing the hopes endeavours of adversaries would be pleased to give publick signification of your approbation of the Covenant And of your purpose to adhere unto the same to carry on the work of God in these Kingdoms according thereunto that your Maj. eyes may be upon the faithfull of the land that they may dwell with you We hope your Maj. will not take offence 〈◊〉 we be the Lord's remembrancers to you That you were pleased a little before your coming to this kingdom afterwards at the time of your coronation to assure declare by your solemne Oath under your hand seal in the presence oâ—… Almighty God The searcher of hearts your allowance approbation of the Nationall Covenant the Solemne League Covenant faithfully obligeing your self to prosecute the ends thereof in your station calling that your Maj. for your self Successours should consent agree to all acts of Parl. enjoyning the nationall Cov Solemne League Cov. fully establishing Presbyteriall Gov directory for Worship confession of faith Cathecismes in the Kingdom of Scotland as they are approven by the Gen. Assemblies of this kirk And Parliaments of this Kingdom And that your Maj. should give your Royall assent to acts ordinances of Parl. past or to be past enjoyning the same in your Maj. Dominions that yow should observe these in your practice family should never make opposition to any of those Nor endeavour any change thereof And we desire to be persuaded that no length of time hath made your Maj. forget Or weakened in your Maj. heart the sense of the obligation of the great solemne Oath of God in the Covenants Yea that the afflictions where with God hath exercised your Maj. these years past the great wonderfull deliverance that of late he hath granted unto you hath fixed deeper Impressions upon your heart spirit that among all the kings of the earth Reformation of Religion shall have no greater friend then your Maj Yea that as yee are more excellent then the kings of the Earth in regaird of the purity of profession solemne engadgments unto God And long exercisednesse with manifold afflictions in the Lord 's setting you over these Kingdomes which are not only thorow grace the first fruites of the gentiles But also are among all we know in the World the most eminent for the power purity of the Gospel So shall your Maj. in your Princely Station dignity excell them in the zeal of God for the Kingdom of Iesus Christ And that by how much more your Maj. by the constitution good hand of the Almighty is lifted up above the sphere of your subjects by so much more shall your motion be more vigorous active unto the carrying about by the influence of your royall Head by your example all the Orbs of inferiour powers persones in these kingdomes in subordination to God your Maj. in the practice of godlinesse vertue It is the desire of our soul that your Maj. may be like unto David a man according to Gods own heart Like unto Solomon of an understanding heart to judge the Lord's people to discerne betwixt good bad Like unto Iehosaphat whose heart was lifted up in the wayes of the Lord Like unto Hezekiah eminent for godlinesse and integrity Like unto Iosiah who was of a tender heart did humble himself before God when he heard his word against Ierusalem the inhabitants of Iudah and not only made a Covenant before the Lord to walk after the Lord and keep his commandements with all his heart and with all his soul to performe the Covenant but also caused all that were in Ierusalem Benjamin to stand to it took away the abomination out of all the countreyes that pertained to all the children of Israël and made all that were present in Israël to serve even to serve the Lord their God So shall your Maj. inherite the honour blessing of these kings upon the earth and their happinesse in heaven So shall your Maj. person be preserved your government established over these kingdomes Which is the unfeigned desire and fervent supplication of your Maj. most humble loyall subjects Now the Reader having considered this humble addresse and supplication may judge if there was any thing therin either treasonable or seditious reflecting on his Maj. on the government of the kingdom of England or the constitution of the present Committy of Estates or any thing tending to the raiseing of new tumults and re-kindleing a civill warre among his Maj. good subjects as their enemies were pleased to give it out oâ—… which did deserve imprisonement yea whether it was not their duty the duty of all the Ministers of Scotland to be thus faithfull in giving timeous warning and faithfull exhortation unto their Prince that they might have prevented as much as lay in them the sad defection which was then feared indeed followed thereafter Nether let any say that such things might well be gathered from their other letters for they had nothing beside that letter save some scrols of a letter and some instructions to one of their number for no other purpose then for the communicating of the supplication unto the Ministers of their judgment in severall Presbyteries within the Synod of Glasgow for desiring their approbation thereof concurrence therein This is one sad dispensation But it is only the beginning of sorrow of much woe following SECTION IIII. The suffering of the Noble Marquise of Argile who was executed the 27 Day of May 1661. examined by law WHile the Parliament is in hand with reverend Mr Guthriâ—… who had been a prisoner since the 23 day of August 1660 of whom mention shall be made in the next section They have also the worthy renowned Marguese of Argile among their hands who though he had a maine hand in bringing home the king closeing the second treaty at Breda yet while he is going up to London after the kings late returne from exile to congratulat his Maj. returne is made prisoner in the Tour of London thereafter is sent down to Scotland indited of heigh treason before the Parl. at length is beheaded his head is stuck up upon the tolbooth of Edenburgh Questionlesse strangers will think it behoved to be some great matter for which the life of such an eminent famous nobleman who had been so renowned at home abroad for his faithfulnesse and constancy in carrying on the work cause of God was taken But the very truth is what ever
there is no just exception why they are not of bindeing force and this shall be made to appear in the 22 23 Sections following And this will further aggravat the hainousnesse of this sin of breaking these Covenants SECTION XXI The great dreadfull hazard of perjury or Covenant breaking is demonstrated HAving shown how sinfull hainous a crime it is to break Covenant It followeth in the next place that it be shown how God's curse wrath cannot but be expected to follow the breach of Covenants though Matchiavell would make his admirers beleeve that such as broke Covenants did prosper thereby Very heathens can preach â—…orth this doctrine That God will be avenged on false and perfidious Covenant breakers Hesiodus speaking of oaths said as Claudian translateth him Clades mort alibus unde Adveniunt quoties fallaci pectore jurant Cicero pro Roscio Comoedo sayeth whatsoever punishment is appoynted by the immortall Gods unto perjured persons the same is appoynted unto lyars for The Gods are wroth for the perfidy and malice whereby snares are laid for others in these covenants and againe in his book de legibus Llb. 2. he sayeth that the punishment with which God punisheth perjury is destruction and man punisheth it with disgrace And Hesiod as paraphrased by Claudian sayeth In prolem dilata ruunt perjuria patris Et poenam merito filius ore legit Et quas fallacis collegit lingu parentis Has eadem nâ—…ti lingua refundit opes Though perjuries God doth not visite On parents but them long do'th spaire The children sure shall them inherite Their punishments deferred beare Parents false tongues do riches gain Children them vomite up againe Homer Ilâ—…ad 4. Sheweth how Agamemnon inveigheth against the perjury of the Trojans thus as he is paraphrased by one Etsiperjuros violato foedere Troas Iupiter e coelis praesenti haud puniat ira At quandoque graves magno cum fâ—…enere poenâ—… Hi cum conjugibus tum 〈◊〉 a stirpe rependent Though perjur'd Trojans Covenant who breake Jov ' doth not plague from heav'n with present ire Yet sometime shall he on them vengeance take Pay them theirs with increase of their hyre And againe â—…bid contemni numen olympi Haud impune sinunt Superi sceira impia quanquam Distulerunt culpas hominum gravior a morantuâ—… Supplicia i. e. The Gods they do not passe unpunish'd those Who with contempt the heavenly pow'rs oppose Deserved punishments though they delay For greater crimes plagues greater waiting stay And Iâ—…venall could say that such should not escape fore punishment Saâ—…yr 13. Nullane perjuri capitis fraudisque nefandae Poena erit abreptum crede hunc graviore catena Protiniâ—…s nosiro quid plus veliâ—… ira neâ—…ari Arbitrio i. e. Shall to a false perjur'd head Of fraud treachery all made No punishment appoynted be Beleeve me thon may'st this man see In weighty chaines setters bound In triumph led cast to the ground Then have him kill'd at will pleasure Can all our wrath wish harder measure Hence their fictions of Iupiter's fountane of Tyana the watters in Sardinta Bythynia the Aâ—…dine wel which had severall malignant influences upon perfidious persons all speaking out what judgments they expected should follow the perfidious breach of Covenants This same is held forth by their way of Entering into Covenant such as their throwing away a stone saying per jovem lapidem thereby imprecating and so expecting that if they did wittingly willingly break that Covenant Iupiter might cast them away as that stone was cast away And their throwing of pieces of red hote iron into the sea did import that they expected the Gods might would so extinguish Covenant breakers So also their wishing that God wold so strike the Covenant breakers as the publick officer did strik or cut the beast as Liv. hath it Lib. 9. sheweth what they did look for if they did break the Covenant Beside that which natures light might teach Christians to expect from God as the due punishment of Covenant breakers Scripture doth plainly hold forth that Covenant breakers shall not escape the judgment of God He will not hold thâ—… guiltlesse that take his name in vame The judgment which followed the perdâ—…e of Saul in breaking the Covenant which was made with the 〈◊〉 some hundereds of yeers after it was made may make Christians to tremble So these sad threatnings against Zedekiah Ezck. 17 15 16 17 19 20. Shall he prosper shall he escape that doth such things Or shall he break the Covenant be delivered as 〈◊〉 live say eth the Lord in the place where the King dwelleth that made him King he shall diâ—… he shall not escape Therefore thus sayeth the Lord God as I live surely mine oath that he hath despised my Covenant that he hath broken even it will I reâ—…perse upon his own head I will spread my net upon him he shall be taken in my snare I will bring him to â—…abilon will plead with him there Such as break their Covenant are bloody deceitfull men shall be brought down into the pit of destruction shall not live out half their dayes Psal. 55 20. Compared with v. 23. That is a dreadfull word Neh. 5 13. Also I shoke my lap said so God shake out every man from his house from his labour that performeth not this promise even thus be he shaken out emptied Covenant breakers need expect no lesse then to be shaken out of God's house for the Man that shall ascend into the hill of the Lord is that man who hath not sworne deceiâ—…fully Ps. 24 3 4. And he that shall abâ—…de in the tabernacle of God is the man who though he sweare to his own hurt yet he changeth not Psalm 15 1 4. That is a dreadfull word Zech 5 2 4. the flying roll the length whereof is Twenty cubites the breadth thereof Ten cubites shall enter into the house of him that sweareth falsly shall remaine in the midst of his house shall consume it with the timber thereof the stones thereof And Ier. 34 17. behold I proclame a liberty for you sayeth the Lord to the sword to the pestilence to the famine will make you to be removed into all the Kingdomes of the earth v. 12. And I will give the men that have transgressed my Covenant which they have made before me when they cut the calfe in twaine passed between the parts thereof v. 20. I will even give them into the hand of their enemies into the hand of them that seek their life their dead bodyes shall be meat unto the soules of heaven to the beasts of the earth Doth not the Lord Mal. 3 5. Say That he will be a swift witnesse against fals swearers And Livit. 26 15 16. he sayeth He will appoynt terrour consumption the burning ague that shall consume the eyes