by our Master Christ Jesus we are taught in these words In vain Do they worship mee teaching for Doctrines the precepts of men So without respect of men those did cleave unto the Word of God and did iudge What soever is without the Word either in doctrine or religious worship or in Ecclesiastical discipline can not be accepted of God as service when he requires it not But England upon account that those who had been enured with Popish doctrine and superstitions might be the more easily allured to forsake that doctrine if the rites and discipline were retained and hoping as is hinted in the former part that by time a more perfect Reformation might be attained took this prudential course as it is called trusting especially that bishops and priests might be the more easily enduced to joyn with the Reformation So both in the Confession in King Edwards time and in the articles of the Convocation An. 1564. or according to the English Style 1563. they allowed liberty unto dissenting judgements and made large expressions and capacious words being loath to drive off from the communion any who differing in the branches meet in the main grounds of religion Those things that were retained upon such plausible motives had a twofold influence Such is the nature of humane corruption to wit 1. one superstition draweth-on another as a link of a chain If this may be used why not that 2. what was at first retained by way of toleration condescension was afterwards pressed upon mens consciences by authority that men must conform in practise of rites and to the opinion of Superiors or suffer punishment The first particular exception was made by the Papists against the The Head of the Church and Supream Iudge in al causes title The Head of the Church which was given unto King Henry and The Supream Iudge in causes Ecelesiastical which was given unto Queen Elisabet They excepted against this alwayes but the first that hath written of it was Harding in his pretended refutation of Englands Confession Bishop Jewell answereth him in his Defence of the Apolog. part 6. cap. 11. divis 1. saying Concerning the title The supream head of the Church wee need not search the Scriptures to excuse it For 1. We devised it not 2. We use it not 3. our Princes at this time claim it not Your Fathers first enrituled that noble Prince King Henry VIII with that unused and strange Style as it may wel be thought the rather to bring him into the talk and slander of the world Howbeit that the Prince is the highest Iudge and Governor over all his subjects whatsoever alswel priests as laymen without exception c. He insists at length upon this purpose as also Doct. Fulk against the Rhemists Annotations on Matth. 22. and others I shall add the Answer of Thom. Bilson sometime Warden of Wincester unto the Jesuits Apolog. Lib. 2. where the Iesuit or Philander saith You would have our faith and salvation so to hang on the Princes will and lawes as if there could be no nearer way to religion then to believe what our temporal Lord and Master list He answereth It is a cunning when you can not confute your adversaries at least to belie them that you may seem at least to say somwhat against them indeed your fourth chapter is wholly spent in refelling this position which we detest as much as you Philander replieth You begin to shrink from your former teaching He answereth in name of Theophilus You will never shrink from your former facing Did ever any man on our side affirm the Princes will to be the rule of faith have we not earnestly written and openly taught that religion must not depend on the pleasure of men Have not thousands here in England and elsewhere given our lifes for the witnes and confession of Gods Truth against Princes Lawes and Popes decrees In Spain France and Italy and other places at this day do we not endure all the torments you can devise because we will not believe what temporal Lords and Masters will your conscience knowes it is ttue that we say Why do you then charge us with this wicked assertion from which we be farther off then you For you hold opinion of Popes they can not err we do not of Princes Why do you Father your fancies upon us why do you purposely pervert the question heaping absurdities and alledging authorities against that which we do not defend Philander The oath which yee take yourselves and exact of others induces us thus to think of you for there you make Princes the only supream Governors of all persons in all causes aswell spiritual as temporall utterly renouncing all forrain jurisdictions and Superiority Upon which word mark what an horrible confusion followes If Princes be the only Governors in ecclesiasticall matters then in vain did the Holy Ghost appoint Pastors and Bishops to govern the Church If they be Supream then are they Superior to Christ himself and in effect Christs Masters If in all things and causes spiritual then they may prescribe unto the Priests and Bishops what to preach and which way to worship and serve God how and in what form to Minister the Sacraments and generally how men shall be governed in soul If all forrain jurisdiction be renounced then Christ and his Apostles because they were and are forrainers have no jurisdiction nor authority over England Theophilus VVake you or dream you That in matters of no less weight then your duty to God and the Prince you fall to these childish and pelting sophisms VVhat kind of concluding call you this Princes only bear the sword to command and punish Ergo Bishops may not teach and exhort Princes are not subject unto the Pope Ergo Superiors to Christ They may by their laws establish what Christ hath commanded Ergo they may change both Scripture and Sacraments No forrainer at this this day hath jurisdiction over this Land ergo Christ and his Apostles 1500. years ago might not preach the gospell Philand We make no such reasons Tâ—eop The former propositions are the true contents of the oath we take the later are the very absurdities which you infer upon us fortaking the oath ..... Philan. Do you not make Princes supream Governors of all spiritual things Theoph. you reason as if we did but ourwords since you will rest upon words are not so Philan. What are they then Theoph. We confess them to be supream governors of their realms and dominions Philan. And that in all spiritual things and causes Philan. Not of all spiritual things and causes Philan. What difference between those two speeches Theoph. Just as much as excludes your wrangling we make them not governors of the things them selves but of their subiects which I trust you dar notwithstand Philan. I grant they be Governors of their subjects bur not in ecclesiastical things or causes ..... Theoph. Where we profess that her highness is the only Governor of
predestinate only Son On Cap. 12. Our mind is renewed by the exercises of godliness and meditation of God's word and understanding of his law and how much one makes progress from reading the Scriptures and how much his understanding doth highly ascend in so much he is a new man and daily becomes more and more new On Gal. 3. It must needs be that beleevers are saved by only faith on Christ On Phil. 3. Because ye are perfect in faith ye are perfect in conversation placing your hope in the only faith of Christ and walking in a heavenly conversation Catal. test ver lib. 11. 8. The Danes had received the Christian faith about the year 750 by the Conversion of some Nations preaching of Heridag but liberty of religion continued among them some were Christians and some were Heathens all did acknowledge that Christ is God but the Heathens said that other Gods were more ancient and of more power Alb. Crantz in Saxon. lib. 3. cap. 25. sheweth that they rebelled against the Emperour Otho the I. and in the end he and they did agree that the Danes should accept Bishops thorow all their Country and they were the more easily induced hereunto because their King Harald being the son of a Christian Tira a daughter of the King of England was baptized and at this time the Queen Gunhilda and her son Zueno with a great many of the Nobility received the faith and were baptized Otho was present at the baptism of the Prince and called him Zuenotto Harald continued faithfull unto death but Zuenotto did forsake the faith in his fathers life time yet afterward he imbraced it again When Otho had so agreed with the Danes he turned against their neighbours the Wandals At that time Wagrii Winuli Obotriti and Polabi were dwelling along the Coast of the German sea all under one name and language called Wandali His father had subdued them but when they rebelled Otho forced them unto obedience to pay tribute and to accept the Christian religion then inumerable people were baptized and Churches were built thorow Wandalia but they abode not constant untill the daies of Otho the III. and he made Magdeburgh or Virginopolis the first Bishop-seat of the Wandals Likewise Otho the I. sent Aldebert to preach the faith unto the Pruteni and other barbarous people Northwards where the holy man was Crowned with Martyrdom saith Theod. Ã Niem About the year 965 the Polonians received the Christian faith their King Miecislaus was baptized and at his command the idols were broken down and he crected two Arch-Bishopricks and nine Bishopricks Io. Pappus in histor convers gent. About the year 966. Pilgrin Bishop of Patavium and Wolfgang Bishop of Ratisbona went into Hungary to establish religion under King Diezo the father of Stephen of whom it follows to speak in the next Century About the year 988. Vladomir Duke of Russia married Anna sister of the Eastern Emperour Basilius and was baptized at Constantinople and returning home he established the Christian religion according to the discipline and rites of the Greeks thorow his Dominions Io. Pappus ibid. Fascic temp hereupon hath this observation So so while one Nation falleth another riseth that no Nation may glory before the Father of lights CHAP. IV. Of BRITAIN 1. ABout the year 901. Edward the elder King of England expelled the The power of Law-making belongs to the King and not to the Pope Danes out of Essex Mercia and Northumberland At that time the authority of investing Bishops and other Ecclesiastical Benefices as also of prescribing Laws unto Church men as well as to the Laity was in the power of the King and not of the Pope as is evident both by the Laws of Alfred King of England and Guthurn the Danish King of Northumberland and by the election of seven Bishops and the division of five Diocies into ten in one Synod by authority of this Edward as is at length in Sir Hen. Spelman Concil but the Pope would be medling in such matters by way of confirmation Nevertheless the Pope's authority did not derogate from Kings or Princes their power of ruling all matters both Ecclesiastical and Civil within their own Dominions The like is seen in the Laws of his son Ethelstan as is written loc cit and by M. Fox in Act. monime thus I Ethelstan King by advice of Vifelm my Arch-Bishop and of other Bishops command all the Prelates of my Kingdom in the name of our Lord and of all the Saints that first of all they out of my own things pay the Tithes unto God as well of the living Beasts as of the Corns of the ground and the Bishops do the like in their property and the Elder-men .... This I will that Bishops and other head-men declare the same unto such as be under their subjection and that it â—e accomplished before the term of Saint John Baptist Let us remember what Jacob said unto the Lord ..... Seeing by this Law I have bountifully bestowed on you all things belonging unto you take ye heed unto your selves and to them whom ye ought to admonish that none of you transgress against God nor me .... Every Bishop should promote all righteousness both of God and the word c. He ordained that in every Burrough all measures and weights should be confirmed by the Bishop's advice and testimony Spelman in Concil pag. 405. In pag. 411. Hoel King of Wales made a Law that no Church-man should be a Judge in Civil affairs 2. In the year 913. Constantine the III. King of Scots gave unto Malcolm A circumstance is changed in the succession of the Scottish Kings the son of Donald the V. the Lands of Cumberland and Westmerland as unto the appearing successour of the Crown hereby making a preparative that these Lands were given by the King unto him which should be next King as afterwards the successour of the Empire was installed King of the Romans prejudging the liberty of suffrages Here by the way it is to be marked that from the first King Fergusius untill Kenneth the III. the King of Scots was by election from among only them of the Blood Royal. In the daies of King Constantine Ethelstan King of England made invasion upon these lands and did so great harm unto the Scots that the King renounced the Crown and would live a Monkish life at Saint Andrews amongst the Culdees Edmund King of England being pestered by the Danes made a League with Malcolm An. 945. and restored the above-named Lands upon condition that the Heir of the Crown should acknowledge the King of England to be Supream Lord of Cumberland and Westmerland even as afterwards the King of England did unto the French King for Normandy c. This designation of a successour was occasion of great troubles for Kenneth the III. made Malcolm the son of King Duffus Governour of those Lands and afterwards he would have preferred his own son unto the Crown but the
of evill that may follow The Pope inclineth the first way and commandeth that all be buried in silence Nevertheless the Cardinall of Capuasent these heads into Germany which some say was done by advice of the Pope to the end many might conceive hope of a Reformation in Rome Pe. Soave ibid. When November was approaching the Pope by his Bull nameth Vicentia to be the place of the Councell and because winter is at hand he nameth the first day of May in the year 1538. to be the first day of assembling At that time he sent his Legats to Vincentia and he went to Nice in Liguria under shew to make concord between the Emperour and Francis but as some said to persuade them both to quit Millain unto his son He dealt with them to send Prelats unto the Councell they had excuses and he was easily contented When he could effectuat nothing he returns and recals his Legates from Vicentia and by his Letters dated July 28. he prorogated the Councell unto Easter in the next year Pope Paul had been oft advised by the Cardinals to accurse King Henry VIII but he judged it safer to keep up his sword than draw it when he knew it could not pierce as certainly it is effectuall according as men do conceive of it But now King Henry had not only beheaded Cardinal Fisher this was an eye-sore to all the Cardinals and published books twice against the Popes authority of calling the Councell but lately also he had summoned Saint Thomas archb of Canterbury who had suffered death in defense of Papall authority and was Canonized by Pope Alexander III. and since the year 1171. had been worshipped in the Romane Church to appeare in Court had condemned him for treason and in pursuite of the condemnatory Sentence had caused the hang-man to take up his reliques and burn them and throwe the ashes into the river and had escheated all the treasure and ornaments that were dedicated unto S. Thomas And the Pope having now some hope by conference with the King of France at Nice that if he had peace with Caesar he wold invade England Upon Decemb. 17. An. 1538. accurseth Henry and ordaines that all his favourers shall be deprived of all honours and goods he commandeth all his subjects that they acknowledge him not as their Lord and all forreiners that they have not any commerce with English men and all Princes to rise in arms against him and take his King om and goods for their prey But what place this curse had it appeares saith Pe. Soave by the Leagues that the Emperour the French King and other Princes made with King Henry not long thereafter When the Pope heard that the Germanes were seeking a Conference of Divines he propoundeth this unto his Consistory and said It was necessary to determine some thing concerning the Councell Some Cardinals said Nothing could be concluded untill the Princes were reconciled Others more politick said There was more danger to be feared from Nationall Conferences than from the Councell and therefote it is more safe not to cast off a Councell but to suspend it at the Popes will indefinitely and so if any danger were appearing from any Nationall Councell or Conference he might prevent it by appointing time and place And so Juny 11. by a published Bull the Councell was suspended til the Pope should appoint time and place In the year 1541. he promised unto the Emperour to hold a Councell the next year and he would send a Legate unto the Diete at Spira to advise of the time and place and he shewed his opinion to name Vicentia He acquaintes the Venetians with this purpose They refuse because they had lately made peace with the Turke and if they consent that the Councell be within their bounds where they will treat of warr against him he will say that they conspire against him When the Emperour came into Italy Paul meets him at Busset by Parma and dealeth with him to give the Dutchy of Millain unto his son's son which had married Margarite the Emperours base Daughter and if he would do this the Pope profered to enter into league with him against France to give 150000. crowns yearly for some years and make some Cardinals of his nomination The Emperour demandeth 1000000. crowns presently and as many within a short space This he refuseth The Emperour spake not of the Councell because he had made it cleare that the stay was not his fault and he thought on other remedies after the warr They parted in shew of friendship but from that time he enclined more to aid France While he is so full of doubts he understandes that the Emperour had made a league with Henry VIII against Francis then he thinks it necessary to joyn with France The Emperour is informed how hardly the Pope had taken with his league sent him answer that Francis had made a league with the Turk and by his aid the Turks Navie had spoiled the sea-townes of Naples and why may he not then make a league of just defence with him who is a Christian albeit he deny the Pope to be the head of the Church yea and with the Popes expresse consent Francis had sought aid of the Protestants which are more adverse unto the Pope than the King of England is The Pope should ex officio have accursed the French King when he heard of his league with the Turke but it is cleare that he is an accepter of persons for when the Turkish Navy did assaile and spoile other parts of Italy they did no harme unto the dominions of the Pope and when they came to Ostia for fresh water and the Romans were amazed at the report thereof the Cardinall of Carpo who at that time of the Popes absence was his Vicar told the Citizens they needed not to feare But it did provoke the Pope yet more that the Emperour would not permit his Legate Cardinall Farnesius to go unto the Diet at Spira and had decreed concerning religion wâ—thout his knowledge yea to the evident contempt of Papall authority And again more that when in September An. 1544. Charles and Francis were reconciled Charles propounded this condition that they should both restore the old religion and amend the Court of Rome whence as from the fountain all these evills had flowed and to this effect they should force the Pope to assemble the Councell But the Pope did not feare their purpose to reform the Court because he knew they had contrary ends and he knew how to divide them when they came to the point and to make his own advantage Only this did vexe him that it shall be said They did force him to assemble a Councell Therefore he resolves to dissemble all his offences and prevented their solicitation by proclaming the Councell at Trent against March 15 and in the same Bull he exhortes the whole Church to give thanks for the peace between the two Monarchs whereby they may the
Peter-pence unto any of the Collectors This vexeth the Romane Court and all their thoughts were upon remedies Many would proceed with censures against the king and interdict all Nations to have commerce with England but they took a more moderate course to serve the time and by intercession of France to compose the business And Francis undertooke it and sent the Bishop of Parise unto Rome with tolerable propositions and in the mean while they went on slowly at Rome that they would decern nothing unless Cesar would either first ot at the same time revenge by the sword his cousin's wrong The plea was branched into 23 articles as 1. whether Prince Arthur had carnall copulation with Catherin The half of Lent was spent on this question then March 19 Newes were brought to Rome that a famous libell was published in England against the Pope and all his Court and that before the king was a comâ—dy to the great reproach of the Pope and the Cardinals Then all were in a rage and March 24 they pronounce sentence that the marriage betwixt Henry Catharin was lawfull and unless he hold her for hiâ— wife he shall he reputed as excommunicated This praecipitation pleaseth not the Pope for within sixe dayes Letters come from France shewing that Henry is content to submitt unto their judgement and obey the Pope if such Cardinals were secluded of whom he was jealous and such as were free of suspicion were sent to Camerac and there determine the plea and Francis sent Oratours for tâ—is effect Thâ—n Clemens adviseth on pretenses to suspend the Sentence and recover a lost cause But Henry said Their Sentence was nothing unto him he is the only Lord of his own kingdom as the Pope is the only Bishop of Rome and he will do as the Easterne Church did of old He renunceth the Pope and takes his power unto himself in England to wit he will keep the Christian faith and cast-off the Popes authority nor will he suffer that the Lutheran or any other heresy have place in his â—ealm And so he did for he publisheth an Edict whereby he declares himself The head of the Church of England and chargeth upon pain of death that no man assâ—ribe any power unto the Pope within Englâ—nd and commandeth all the Collectors of Peter-pence to be gone All those were confirmed by ordinance of the Estates which they call the Parliament And it was also Acted that the archb of Canterburry shall invest all the bb of England and that the Churchmen shall pay yearly unto the King 150000 pounds for defence of the kingdom against whatever enemy Various were the judgements of men concerning this action of the King some said it was done prudently that he had cast of the Romane See without any alteration of religion without any sedition among his subjects and without appeal of his cause unto a Councel for if he had permitted it unto the judgement of a Councel he saw that he could not carry it without difficulty and the issue might have been dangerous for a Councel consisting of Church-men would without doubt have maintained the Papal power seing albeit they be in some respect obnoxious unto Emper. and Princes yet they do prefer the eminency of the Pope nor among the Churchmen is any but the Pope that carrieth sway having no Superour in degree of honour But the Roman Court argueth it could not be affirmed that he had made no change in religion â—hen the chief and first article of their faith concerning the Primacy of the Pope was changed for which alone they should have kindled the fire of sedition as if all had been changed and the event did confirm this seing the King was driven by necessity of maintaining this edict to punish severely his formerly dearest minions Nor can it be easily told how great offense and sadness not only at Rome but every where this departure of so great a Prince from the obedience of the Pope wrought in the â—earts of Churchmen Certainly â—t was a cleare document of humane frailty whereby it often hapneth that what things were most advantagious turn at last to the greatest A wicked policy of the bb loss and harm For the Romish PP by dispensations of marriages and sentences of divorces either granted or denied were wont to make great advantages under the name of Christs Vicar as under a shadow covering those Princes which thought it expedient either by some incestuous marriage or by violating one and contracting another to make new purchase of other Landes or to cut away the rights and titles of diverse competitours and that made sure friendship among them The Pope and the Princes when his authority did serve to maintain their power without which the actions of Princes being unlawfull had been clearly condemned hindered nor only unto these Princes but unto all their children which might have been called to prove the lawfulness of their birth So far Pe. Soave in hist Conâ— Trid. Lib. 1. Others shew what was done in England Card. Wolsey archb of York had advised the King unto that divorcement but when he understood of his affection toward Anna Bolen he changeth his mind because she was infected so he spoke with Lutheranisme and he wrote unto the Pope that for this cause he would not consent unto the divorce Thus we see that in all these variations both at Rome and in England the Pope and his Cardinals look not to any Rule either of Gods word or of reason but are moved by the Spring of their own interest When the King understood of these Letters by his Agent lying at Rome he was highly displeased and displaceth Wolsey of his office of Chanceller in France and of two bishopricks for he had three York Duresme Winchester and at last â—e sent the Captain of his Gaird to bring him to London but he died by the way of a flixe When the king was married with Queen Anna he entangleth all the Clergy by the law Praemunire for assisting the Popes Legate They submitt themselves namely the Prelates profer for discharge of that law to give unto the king 100000 pounds out of Canterburry and 18840 pounds out of York and in their submission they call the King the head of the Church In the Parliament An. 24. of his reigne in January following he annulleth some former Acts that were made against hereticks and ordaineth that none shall be in danger for speaking against the Popes pretented authority or his Decrees or lawes which are not grounded on the holy Scriptures Item An. 25 ch 39 he appointed 32 judges out of the higher lower houses whereof 16 should be of the clergy and 16 of the temporality and all at his own nomination to examine the Synodal Canons and to determine of them either to stand in strength or to abrogat them at their discretions Item the Clergy should promise on the word of a priest never to assemble without the Kings
John the arch-chanter of Saint Peters in Rome into Novations England to compose the difference betwixt Honorius and Wilfrid the two Arch-Bishops and withall to deliver them the Acts of Pope Martin the I. and to teach them to sing the Liturgy according to the custom of Rome Beda lib. 4. cap. 18. Upon this occasion Sir Henry Spelman sheweth out of an old Manuscript a Catalogue of twelve or thirteen Liturgies that were then used and others have other forms that he hath not Behold Novations are multiplied 7. Benedictus Biscopius a Noble-man of England was famous for his journey to Rome in the service of the Church and for bringing many books into the Monasteries of Tinmouth and Wirmouth The first glass in this Island is said to be his gift 8. Here it is to be marked what Beda in hist lib. 3. cap. 26. relateth of the Custome of those times manners in this time In these daies saith he they never came into a Church but only for hearing the word and prayer no word of the Mass the King would come with five or six and he stayed till the prayer was ended All the care of these Doctours was to serve God and not the world to feed souls and not their own bodies wherefore in these daies a religious habit was much reverenced so that wheresoever a Clark or Monk did come he was accepted as a servant of God and if he were seen journeying they were glad to be signed with his hand or blessed with his mouth and they gave good heed unto the words of his exhortation and on the Lord's day they came in flocks unto the Church or Monasteries not to refresh their bodies not to hear Masses but to hear the word and if any Priest entred into a Village incontinently all the people would assemble being desirous to hear the word of life for neither did the Priests go into Villages upon any other occasion except to preach or visit the sick or in a word to feed souls These Clarks did so abhor the filthy pest of Covetousness that they would not accept any lands or possessions for building Monasteries unless they had been compelled with secular power Out of this Io. Bale Cent. 14. appr 21. hath marked that whereas Beda was wont before this time to call the Preachers Presbyters now he calleth them Priests when they had but lately received shaven crowns as the mark of the Beast At that time also saith he the Clergy and Monks in England had liberty to marry he nameth some and then saith and others without number CHAP. V. Of COUNCELS 1. OF all the Councels in this Century excepting these at Rome it is Synodes were assembled by Kings said generally that they were called by the authority of Princes within their Dominions as is plain out of the first words of each of them almost but never any syllable to the contrary where it is read By command or at the calling of the King or The King commanding Of the General Councel at Constantinople in this point is spoken before Concerning France we see in Gregory the I. lib. 9. Ep. 52 53 54. the Bishop calleth not a Councel but beseecheth the King to call one his words are Iterata vos pro vestra magna mercede aahortatione pulsamus ut congregati Synodum jubeatis In England a Synod An. 694. beginneth thus Withred the glorious King of Kent with the reverend Arch Bishop Brithwald hath commanded the Synod to be assembled in the place called Bacancelot the most gracious King of Kent Withred preceding Nota in the same Synod and the same reverend Primate of Britan and also Tobias Bishop of Rochester with Abbots Abbotesses Presbyters Deacons Dukes and Counts together considering of the affairs of the Churches of God in England c. Sir Henry Spelman in Concil constitut pag. 191. This is to be marked against the Papists who hold now that a Synod cannot be convened but by the authority of the Pope Bellarm. de conc lib. 1. cap. 12. 2. About the year 610. was the second Councel at Bracara or Braga in Synod at Bracara Portugal 1. Out of the Greek Councels many Acts were read and ratified Ca. 2. If any Bishop exercize not his calling in the Church committed unto him he ought to be excommunicated and if afterwards through compulsion he will obey let the Synod use their discretion concerning him Ca. 19. A Bishop being called unto a Synod should not contemn but go and if he can he should teach things profitable to the good of the Church and of others or he should hear if he be ignorant but if he will not go he should be guilty of censure by the Synod Ca. 45. It shall not be lawfull to read or sing from the Pulpit but to them who are approved by the Church Ca. 84. If any man enter into a Church and hear the word and then withdraw himself from the Sacrament let him be excommunicated till he shew the fruits of repentance 3. The Authour of Catalog test verit she weth out of Aventi Annal. lib. 3. Synod in Bojaria that under Lotharius was a Synod in Bojaria against the new ceremonies of Columban and Gallus but he declareth not what they were But we have seen that these two were Scots and did not agree with Augustine nor Lawrence and did oppose their Ceremonies 4. An. 618. Was the IV. Councel called the Universal at Toledo of The IV. Synod at Toledo 70. Bishops Ca. 2. It pleaseth all the Priests who embrace the unity of the Catholick faith that from henceforth we have no variety nor contrariety of rites in the Church lest any difference amongst us seem unto strangers and carnal men to savour of errout and give occasion of scandal to any therefore let one order of praying and singing be kept thorough all Spain and Galicia and no more diversity because we are in one faith and one Kingdom although the old Canons heretofore ordained each Province to keep their own tites Ca. 6. Some Parishes are noted who have no preaching on the Friday before Easter now it is decreed to preach of Christ's pashon that day that people may be the better prepared to receive the Sacrament of Christ's Body and Blood on the Feast of the resurrection Ca. 7. Because the Universal Church passeth that whole day in sorrow and abstinence for the Lord's passion whosoever on that day except little ones and old or sick persons should interrupt the Fast untill the Church service be done let him be debarred from the joy of Easter and not be admitted to the Sacrament of the Lord's Body and Blood Ca. 9. Because some Priests in Spain do omit to say the Lord's prayer except on Sunday in publick service therefore it is decreed that every day both in publick and private worship none of the Clergy omit the Lords prayer under pain of Deposition seeing Christ hath prescribed this saying When ye pray say Our Father and
his Kingdom and execute Justice by the Counsel of his Nobles All these things should the King swear in his own Person before he be Crowned Mat. Parisien describes the manners of the Countrey at his coming thus The Nobles were given to gluttony and letchery they went not to Church in the Christian maner in the morning but onely had a Priest which made haste with the Mattens and Mass in their Chambers and they heard a little with their ears The Clergy were so ignorant that if any knew the Grammar he was admired by them All men were so given to carousing that both nights and days were spent in that exercise c. This King had no Children and sent for Edward the outlaw he came and died within a year at London leaving one Son Edgar and two Daughters Margaret and Christiana After Edward Harold Earl of Oxford was Crowned then William Duke of Normandy came into England with an Army pretending a right by covenant with King Edward and did so prevail ann 1067. that Harold was slain and he was called William the Conqueror Within a few years he made a great alteration in the Kingdom the most part of his Knights and Bishops were Normans and many English with Edgar fled into Scotland where King Malcolm had married Margaret Edgar's Sister and they incited Malcolm to invade England and he entered into the North part ann 1071. At last a peace was concluded upon condition that a Mark-Stone was set up in Stanmoor as the mark of both Kingdom with the portraict of both Kings on the sides of the Stone Ia. Vsser de Eccles statu c. 6. shews out of sundry Authors that when the Wars were twixt William and Harold William sought the Pope's advice and Harold dispised the Pope So Alexander II. then Pope sent unto William a Standart in good luck or hope of his victory and when William had obtained the victory he sent Harold's Standart unto Alexander Thereafter the Pope writes unto him thus Thy wisdom knows that the Kingdom of England since the Name of Christ was known there hath been under the power and defence of the Prince of the Apostles until some becoming members of that wicked head and following the pride of their father Satan have forsaken God's Covenant and turned away the English People from the way of truth for as thou knowest well while the English were faithful upon account of their pious devotion they gave a yearly Pension unto the Apostolical See of which a part was brought unto the Roman high Priest and a part unto the Church of S. Mary which is called The School of the English for the use of the Brethren c. King William confirmeth the gift and as it follows thereafter some pages until he was established Hildebrand was so affected toward him that he was evil reported by the Brethren grumbling that he had so affected and helped the committing of so many Homicides and that William was devoted unto the Apostolical See above all others of his condition But when the Pope was not content with the King's Liberality and sought an Oath of Loyalty William wrote unto him saying Religious Father Hubert thy Legate admonished me in your name that I should give Loyalty unto thee and thy Successors and that I should be more mindfull of the Money which my Ancestors were wont to send unto the Roman Church the one I have accepted and not the other Loyalty I would not give nor will I because neither have I promised it nor do I finde that my Ancestors have done it unto thy Ancestors While I was three years in France the Money was gathered carelesly but since my returning by the Divine mercy what is gathered is sent by thy foresaid Legate Pray for me and for the standing of our Kingdom c. Hildebrand was not pleased with this Letter and therefore in an Epistle unto Hubert he said Thou knowest very well what account I make of Money without Honor. And then speaking of King William he saith The Roman Church may lay many things unto his charge none of all the Kings even of the Heathenish have presumed to attempt against the Apostolique See what he hath not been ashamed to do to wit that any hath been so irreverent and shameless as to discharge his Bishops and Arch-Bishops from the Churches of the Apostles Therefore we will that thou in our name study to admonish him that as he would take it ill if his Subjects give him not due honor so he would not empair the honor of the holy Roman Church and by giving due thanks he may procure the favor of blessed Peter For we being mindefull of our former love toward him and following the meekness of the Apostle by God's help so far as we can have spared his fault hitherto but if he will not put an end unto this and others his faults that thou knowest let him surely know that he will grievously provoke the wrath of blessed Peter c. Among his other faults that were offensive unto Hildebrand William had imprisoned his own Brother Odo Bishop Baiocen without regard of his Episcopal Order as he writes unto the King saying One thing toucheth us near and by touching vexeth us and among the excellent monuments of thy Royal Vertues doth violently overcloud the joy of our friendly heart that in taking a Bishop thy own Brother not providing for thy honor as it became thee but preferring thy earthly wariness and reason unto God's Law thou hast not taken notice of Priestly dignity The honor of a Brother and Episcopal Dignity are no way to be matched in comparison if you will compare it to the glory of a King or to the Crown of Princes these are more inferior then if you would compare Lead unto Gold So Hildebrand And nevertheless Baronius assureth us that the King made no account of his Intercession nor Argument 4. Before this time were â—o Diocies or Bishopricks in Scotland and sure Alteration of the Church diâ—cipline â—n Scotland it is by Act of Parliament at Scone under Constantine the II. all Church-men were forbidden to meddle with secular business therefore at that time a Church-man could not be a Parliamentary Lord. But King Malcolm Cammore brought in new Titles of honor into the Civil Estate after the maner of other Nations and so he changed the Government of the Church and erected six Bishopricks At that time as all our Historians write many strangers from Hungary and England which both were tributary unto Rome and in great troubles came into this Land with Queen Margaret and by her and their information the King was perswaded unto such changes both in the Civil Estate and Church Here then is a change of the Discipline in the Church of this Land and we see by what means it came even from Rome where things were very corrupt at that time But let us look back into former times and compare all together Bishop potswood in his History would have
the Bishops to have been more ancient and saith that Amphibal was the first Bishop of the Scots who lived in the Isle of Man where King Cratiliâ—th built a stately Church to the honor why would he not say for the service or worship of our Savior and called it Sodorense Faâ—â—m and that was the Cathedral of the Bishops of the Isles till the Scots were dispossessed of that Isle and from thence the Isle Jona or Icolmkil hath been the seat of the Bishops Then page 7. he telleth of Ninian the first Bishop of Galloway or Candida Casa and of Palladius sent by Eclestin Bishop of Rome and that he ordained Servan Bishop of Orkney and Tervaâ— Bishop of the Northern Picts Page 11. he telleth of a Bishop about Aldham but saith he the story doth not express his name For answer the Histories shew that such men were in Scotland but that they were not Prelates or Bishops in that sâ—nse as of late the name was used is very certain For first All who have written the History of Scotland do testifie that the Church was governed without Bishops and by Teachers who were called Culdees that is The worshippers of God or who taught the worship of God and these were called sometimes Monks for their strictness of life and Priests or Presbyters and sometimes they were called Bishops either in the sense of the Scripture or according to the Custom of other Nations but by that term declaring them to be lawful Teachers or Pastors Boeth li. 6. c. 5. calleth them by these three names Culdees Monks and Priests and Laurentius the second Bishop of Canterbury calleth them Fratres Episcopos Abbates And Bishop Jewel in defense of the Apolo page 122. saith These three names Bishop Priest and Presbyter were all one And it is certain that at Icolmkil was a Colledge of Students and there was one who is sometime called Abbas and sometime Doctor and sometime Episcopus as in that Epistle written by the Clergy of Rome after the death of Pope Severin which is directed unto the Bishops Presbyters Doctors or Abbots These Titles are knit with the particle sive Likewise about the year 600. Columba was the Church-man which was most respected in Scotland and he was the Doctor of Icolmkil for as the King Aidan did use his counsel so when he fought against the Picts Columba did call his Colleagues together and exhorted them to turn their supplications into thanksgiving because the King had got the victory albeit the place of the battel was distant from Jona where Columba lived and was at that time 200. miles at least saith Bishop Spotswood And the same Bishop calleth Convallan Governor of that Monastery after Columba And Buchanan li. 6. in the life of King Kenneth III. saith The ancient Bishops of the Scots were chosen out of the Monasteries and these Monasteries were not for Monks in that sense as they speak afterwards for in li. 7. Buchanan speaking of King Malcolm and the Colledge at Scone saith Malcolm turned the Colledge of Priests that was there into a Monastery of Monks Secondly That the Church of Scotland was not subordinate to Rome and that they loved not the Discipline nor Rites of Rome is most certain by that Contestation which was in Century VII Thirdly That testimony of the Synod at Celicyth in England about the year 816. is without all contradiction that at that time were no Prelates in Scotland seeing they testifie that the Scots gave no honor to Metropolitans nor other Bishops and therefore they forbid the Scots to have any Function in England But in the contrary Bishop Spotswood telleth of Wiro and Plechelm which were consecrate at Rome Bishop of the Scots in the year 632. as it is written saith he in Baron Annal. ad ann 632. and he addeth But by the Cardinals leave our Church had no such Custom before that time nor will it be shewed that before these two any did go to Rome either to be consecrate or confirmed And then he addeth We finde him Wiro shortly thereafter turn Confessor to King Pipin But if he was Confessor to King Pipin he was not Bishop of the Scots nor was Pipin King of France till the year 750. and so Wiro must have been above 160. years old ere he was Confessor I have looked on that place of Baronius and he shews his Author to be Surius ad Maij diem 8. and all both Papists and others hold Surius to be a most fabulous writer as in that particular he writes fabulously for he saith Wiro was Confessor unto Duke Pipin and that Pipin was wont to come unto him with bare feet when he made his Confession This I say is fabulous seeing it is marked as an unmeasureable shew of humility that Justinian II. Emperor made such obedience unto Pope Constantine in falling down at his feet and did not cast off his shoes Nor can it be shewed that any Writer of that Century hath the word Confessor in that sense or that such an Office was at that time In the days of the Emperor Theodosius some such thing had been in use upon a particular occasion but upon a vile scandal it was forbidden Socrat. Hist l. 5. c. 19. And then Baronius ad ann 697. calleth Wiro Episcopum Deirorum when he speaks of the Synod at Utrecht Now it is clear in the life of Pope Gregory I. prefixed before his works that a part of England was at that time called Deira therefore Wiro was not a Bishop of Scotland and therein Baronius Plechelm is called de Candida Massa or Casa But Bishop Spotswood page 4. saith No Bishop in Scotland had any Diocy before King Malcolm III. and so that phrase de candida casa sheweth that Plechelm was born at that place and not that he was Bishop there Likewise Bishop Spotswood page 20. speaks of two Bishops Sedulus and Pergustus who having assisted in a Synod at Rome called by Gregory II. in the year 721. after their return made great disturbance in the Church for erecting of Images It is true in the subscriptions of that Synod such names are there and the one Sedulus is called Episcopus Scotorum and the other is called Episcopus Pictorum And so every Presbyter who went out of Scotland was called a Scotch Bishop but that he was a Prelate of Scotland it is contrary to that testimony of the Synod at Celicyth in Century IX which was near a 100. years after Gregory II. And then see what he did he pressed the worship of Images and the Culdees denied it to be lawful saith Io. Bale Cent. XIV and therefore many of them were deposed such was the fruit of their gading to Rome And Bishop Spotswood page 26. saith expresly that Kellach was the first Bishop of this Kingdom who went to Rome to seek confirmation and that was about the year 904. This instance condemneth what he hath said before of all those others whom he calleth Scotch Bishops Neither
do best know the life of each one as also we have seen it lately done in the Ordination of our Colleague Sabinus that by the suffrages of all the Fraternity and the Bishops meeting together and by their judgements which sent Letters unto us the Episcopacy was conferred on him and hand was laid on him in place of Basilides So far he Hence it is clear that first these above-named titles are given unto a Pastor of a Congregation Secondly Such Pastors meeting together for ordering Church-affairs are indifferently called a Council Society Fraternity Synod copious body of Priests c. Thirdly Ordination was done in presence of the People and specially by their suffrage Fourthly A hand was laid on the elected manus imponeretur and this was all the Rites that were used at the Ordination of a Bishop as is clear also elsewhere But in Scotland after the division into Diocies as they spoke was much business for Ordination or as they called it Consecration or running to York or Canterbury and after the year 1200. they must all go to Rome for Consecration or else it was not reputed valid which maner practised at Rome or places subject thereunto yet was no where else And as it was unworthily and I may say superstitiously done so it is unworthy to be reported albeit that kinde of men have taken pleasure in practising and writing such fooleries as if none were lawfully called without these lately devised toys Now to knit all this purpose together I add from Bishop Spotswood Hist pag. 51. that before the Abbey of St. Andrews was founded the Culdees were the onely Electors of the Bishop and thereafter they were excluded by a Bull of Pope Innocent II. and the election was committed to the Prior and the Canons whence arose a great strife among them which by the Authority of good King David was agreed in those times that so many of the Culdees as would be Chanons and enter into the Monastery should have voice with them But saith he to elude this appointment a Mandate was obtained from the Pope to admit none into the Convent without the advice of the Prior and most part of the Chanons and thus the Culdees were held out and deprived of all voice in the election In the year 1298. William Cumine Provost of the Culdees supposing to get some advantage in those troublous times this was after the death of King Alexander III. did oppose the election of William Lamberton and the matter by appeal was drawn to the Court of Rome both parties went thither Lamberton did prevail and was consecrate by Pope Boniface VIII This turned to the disgrace of the Culdees so that after that time we have no more of them saith he And thus by Authority of Antichrist the ancient Government of this Church was extinguished and Episcopacy set up Is not therefore Episcopacy a branch of Antichristian Hierarchy As for England since the Saxons or Englishes receiving the faith by The first Bishops in England Augustine they had always Bishops for they had their pattern from Rome as it was then But if we look up to the ancient Britans in that Land we shall finde it otherways I have said in Century VII Chapter IV. that seven Bishops and one Arch-Bishop came from the Britans unto Augustin and there I followed the words of Bishop Jewel in the defence of the Apology page 14. Edit ann 1570. where he quoteth Beda Hist lib. 2. cap. 2. and in the same page he repeateth these words and citeth Galfrid lib. 8. cap. 8. What I wrote then upon trust I have afterwards examined and I finde that Beda speaks not so for in the Edition in fol. at Cambridge ann 1643. he saith Loc. Cit. Augustin called the Bishops or Doctors of the nearest Province of the Britans and in the same page he speaking of the same persons saith A blinde English boy was brought unto the Priests of the Britans and again They said they could not depart from the ancient Customs without the consent and license Suorum In the margent it is said in the Saxon Language it is without the permission and license of their Nation Then speaking of the second conference he saith Then came seven Bishops as they said and more very learned men especially of that famous Monastery of which the Governor at that time was Dinooth In a word Beda hath not one word of an Arch-Bishop not in all his History nameth he a Bishops See nor any Bishops name and whom he calleth Bishops of Britan he calleth them Doctors or Teachers and Priests yea he calleth them oftner Priests nor calleth he them simply Bishops as he calleth them simply Priests but Bishops as they say or Bishops or Teachers Certainly Beda could distinguish between a Bishop and a Priest for lib. 3. cap. 3. speaking of Aidan and other Scots who came at the entreating of Oswald King of Northumberland he saith They were especially Monks that came and Aidan himself was a Monk for he was sent from the Isle of Hij the Monastery of which Isle was the chief of all the Monasteries of the Northern Scots and of all the Pichts and the Doctor of that Isle was not a Bishop but a Presbyter and a Monk Then cap. 4. he saith Laurence Arch-Bishop of Canterbury with the other Bishops sent unto the Priests of the Britans to confirm them in the Catholique unity but how they did prevail the present times do declare saith he He meaneth the Priests would not yield unto the Bishops or the Britans continued in their old Custom What can be concluded out of all those words but that no Bishop or Prelate was among the Britans other then Priests As for Galfrid it is no marvel that he wrote according to the style of his own time that is the year 1150. But if we will ascend higher then Beda none can be had but Gildas a Britan Presbyter he lived after the coming of the Saxons and before the coming of Augustin and he saith If his Countrey-men have written any thing at all it cannot be found but was either burnt by the enemies or carried away with the Captives He shews that in the days of Tiberius Caesar the Son of righteousness sent into that Land his beams that is his Word and the Prince did forbid the preaching of it but the Council would not consent unto him and so the Gospel was spread there without impediment until the persecution of Dioclesian and after that the Christians gathered again out of their Caves and lurking-holes and kept the truth in simplicity untill the pest of Arianism which infected all the world came over the Sea into this Island semper aliquid novi audire gaudenti nihil certi firmiter retinenti Beda lib. 1. cap. 8. repeateth the same words Then Gildas rebuketh the vices of the several degrees of men first of the Princes and Civil Estate in his Book De excidio Britannico and then of the Church-men in the
Tribute and understand it as an indignity unto himself and his Realm The Pope was moved with the argument of his purse and restored the Bishop to his own and gave him a Palle Such was the custom in those days and until this present time in Germany France and Spain that albeit the Prince do principally name the Bishops yet they cannot be admitted unless they go to Rome for their Palle which custom is a burden to the Nations and bingeth no small gain to Rome Cumi Ventura in Thes Polit. Discepta de Vrbe Rom. 8. In this Century as reckoneth Sir Hen. Spelman in Concil were compiled Ecclesiastical Laws the Ecclesiastical Laws which go under the name of Aelfrick unto Wulfin Bishop among which are these I say unto you Priests I will not suffer your negligence in your Ministery but in truth I tell you what is ordained for Priests Christ himself hath given an example of Christian institution and purity of life or chastity therefore all who will walk with him in his way have forsaken all earthly things not looking unto their wives wherefore he saith in his Gospel Who hateth not his wife is not worthy to be my disciple C. II. After the ascension of Christ the departure of his Venerable Apostles so great a persecution was raised on earth that the Ministers of God could not meet in a Synod because the heathens lay in wait for them until Constantine having the Government of the earth became a Christian In many words there is condemned the marriage of Bishops and Priests and also second marriage and then C. X. it is said There be seven degrees in the Church Ostiarius Lector Exorcista Acoluthus Sub-Diaconus Diaconus Presbyter C. XVII Presbyter is the Missal Priest or Elder not for his age but ancient wisdom it is his office to consecrate the body of the Lord in the Sacrament even as our Savior hath ordained he should lead the people into the faith both by preaching and exercising the holy Ministery chastely being a pattern unto Christians and not living after the maner of Laicks There is no difference twixt a Bishop and a Priest but that a Bishop is appointed to give ordination and to visit or have care of things belonging unto God which may not be permitted unto the multitude they have both the same Order albeit in this respect the Bishop is more worthy C. XVIII There is no other Order in the Ministery of the Church but these seven Monks and Abbots are of another sort and not to be reckoned with them nor have they the name of any order and nevertheless they are called holy Orders and they lead the souls of their Priests unto blessedness if they abide holy C. XXIII A Presbyter or Mass-Priest should on Sundays and Mass-days teach the People in English the understanding of the Gospel and the Lord's Prayer and the Creed and that they learn the Creed or Christian Confession by heart as the Lord commandeth by the Prophet saying They are dumb dogs that cannot bark they must therefore bark and exhort the People lest we destroy them for want of teaching C. XXVII A Presbyter should not sell his Ministery C. XXVIII Nor pass from one Church to another for gain C. XXIX Nor be a drunkard C. XXX Nor a Merchant nor a Lawyer nor bear weapons The same Author hath a Letter of Pope Nicolaus unto King Edward called the Confessor where it is said It is clear that the Kings of England for their reverence and devotion which they have given to blessed Peter have flourished in glory and honor and by his defense they have obtained glorious triumphs by the merits of which blessed Apostle the Almighty God may bring to pass your desire and confirm unto you the Empire of your Fathers Kingdom We commit unto you and the Kings your Successors the advocation and maintaining of that place speaking of the Abbey of Westminster that Edward had re-builded and enlarged and of all the Churches in all England that in our place Vice Nostra Note here He would have the King to be his Vicar and not alone but Ye with the advice of Bishops and Abbots may ordain every where things that are just knowing that for these things you shall receive reward from Him whose Kingdom and Empire shall have no end The same Author page 571. saith The Ecclesiastical Laws of Maccabaeus King of Scots Note here an error in the name Maccabaeus for Macbeth of whom Buchanan saith lib. 7. In the beginning he made good Laws both many and useful which now are not known or are neglected taken out of his Register are these One who is entered into Orders call thou not before a profane Judge if he be summoned and appear do not thou judge him but remit him unto the holy Rulers Give willingly the tenth part of all the fruits of the ground unto the Pastors of the Churches and worship God continually with vows and oblations Who being accursed shall contemn the Authority of the Church for a whole year and shall not reconcile himself let him be accounted an enemy of the Realm and if he continue two years in that contumacy let him be forfaulted of all his goods If any shall accompany as a servant another man by whose charges he is not dayly sustained either unto the Church or publique Convention or a Market let him want the head Boet. Hist li. 12. hath these and others of his Civil Laws 9. Anselm an Italian was transported against his will as saith M. Fox in Act. from the Abbey Becheloin in Normandy unto the See of Canterbury This is he who said He had rather be in hell without sin then in heaven with sin A man of special note in his time for as Gul. Malmesbu de gest Anglo pontif li. 1. reporteth when the Greeks disputed at Barri against Pope Urban concerning the procession of the holy Ghost the Pope cried aloud Father and Master Anselm where are you come now and defend your Mother the Church And when they brought him into presence Urban said Let us take him into our world as the Pope of the other world He wrote many books The doctrine of faith in Century XI which to this day are commonly in hands and declare the doctrine of the faith as it was then professed In the general is a remarkable passage in lib. 1. epist 68. according to the Edition of the Jesuit The. Raynaud directed unto Lanfranc saying Concerning those things which are said in that little book you do by a wise and wholesome advice admonish to consider more exactly in the ballance of the minde and to confer with the Learned in their holy books and where reason faileth to confirm them by divine Authority I have done so both before and since I have received your fatherly and loving admonition so far as I could for that was my intention through all that disputation to assert nothing at all but what I saw undoubtingly might be
Ecclesiastical obedience according to former custom or else he would discharge all the Bishops of the Kingdom that they shall not consecrate him nor acknowledge him if he shall be consecrated by foreiners Thomas would not acknowledge him in that maner and sought consecration from Rome Then Anselm wrote an Epistle unto Paschalis praying that Thomas be not consecrated until he profess due obedience unto him and that the Pope would not give him a Palle not saith he that I do envy him a Palle but if he get one he thinketh he may deny profession of obedience unto Canterbury and so the Church of England shall be divided and the rigor of Apostolical discipline shall be weakened and he shall not abide in England Shortly thereafter Anselm died ann 1110. 11. Moreover I have noted three Epistles of this Anselm one unto Alexander A counsel to a King King of Scots wherein after congratulation of his Succession he saith I know that your Highness loveth me and desireth counsel therefore first I pray God that he would so direct you by the grace of his holy Spirit and give you counsel in all your actions that after this life he may bring you into the heavenly kingdom And my counsel is that you indeavor to hold fast the fear of God by his help from whom you have received it and those good maners which you began to have in your infancy and youth-hood for Kings do reign well when they live according to the will of God and serve him in fear and when they rule themselves nor are subject unto vices but overcome the importunity or tentations by constant fortitude for constancy of vertue and royal fortitude are not inconsistent in a King for some Kings as David have lived holily and ruled the people committed unto them with rigor of justice and meekness of holiness according to the exigence of things do you so carry your self that evil men may fear you and the good may love you and that your conversation may please God always and you at all times remember the punishment of the wicked and reward of the godly after this life The Almighty God commit you and all your actions unto none other but his own dispensation This is a rare counsel given by a Bishop especially in these days unto a King In another Epistle unto Muriardach King of Ireland he exhorteth him to amend with Of the Church of Ireland all earnestness whatsoever he knoweth that in his Kingdom hath need to be amended according to the Christian Religion seeing God hath exalted him unto that Royal power for the end that with the rod of righteousness he should govern his Subjects and strike with that rod and remove whatsoever is contrary unto righteousness especially he lamenteth that in that Countrey men did put away their wives and change one with another each as they do exchange their horses or any other thing at your pleasure Another that their Bishops had not Diocies or appointed bounds and were ordained one by one even as any Presbyter which saith he is contrary unto the holy Canons which ordain certain bounds of superinspection and that a Bishop should not be ordained by fewer then three Bishops Out of this Epistle it appeareth that first The Magistrate is not excluded from Government of the Church as the Popes did afterwards exclude them Secondly That all abuses could not be rooted out with the first plantation of Religion and what is tolerated at a time should be amended Thirdly That the Church of Ireland had not Diocesan Bishops as they were wont to be called from their first Reformation nor was subject unto Rome at that time but had such discipline as was then in Scotland For confirmation of these points add here by the by from Bernard in Vita Malachiae in c. 6. he saith At that time the Irish paid not Tithes nor first-fruits they had not lawful marriages they made not confessions nor did any seek or enjoyn pennance there were very few Ministers of the Altar And in c. 7. he saith A Bishoprick was not content with one Bishop but every Church almost had its own Bishop until as it followeth there Malchus an Elder of Lesmore and Gislebert the first Legate of the Apostolical See in Ireland perswaded the Bishops and Princes there to change their ancient custom It is true Bernard speaketh there of Ireland as barbarous at that time but excepting that of the marriage in all the other particulars though they were not conformable unto the Church of Rome yet they have many Reformed Churches conformable unto them at this time even though the corrupt Romanists call them barbarous But I return unto Anselm in another Epistle unto Waleran Bishop of Nuemburgh Of Ceremonies who had written admiring what way so great diversity of Ceremonies had entered seeing there is but one faith one baptism and one spouse of Christ especially he admireth of the Rites in the Sacrament diverse not onely from the perpetual custom in Germany but likewise different from the ancient Roman order c. Anselm answereth in Thesi concerning indifferent ceremonies well saying Your reverence complaineth of the Sacraments of the Church because they are not administred in all places after one maner Truly it were good and laudable if they were performed through all the Church after one maner and with one minde but because there is great diversity nor differing in the substance of the Sacrament nor in the vertue thereof nor in the faith nor can they all be brought to one custom I think they should be tolerated in peace and love rather then be condemned with jars and scandal for we have learned from the holy Father if the unity of love be kept in the Catholique faith diversity of custom hindereth not But where you ask Whence hath that variety of custom come I know no other but the diversity of mens opinions which albeit they differ not in the substance of things and in unity yet agree not in the expediency and decency of administration because one judgeth this fitter another thinketh it not so fit nor think I that difference in such things is any straying from the truth 12. William the Conqueror wrote unto Pope Gregory VII thus Hubert your Legate Religious Father coming unto me hath admonished me as from you that I should do fealty unto you and your Successors and that I should bethink my self of the money which my predecessors were wont to send unto the Church of Rome I have accepted of the one and not the other I would not acknowledge fealty nor will I do it because neither have I promised it nor do I finde that my predecessors performed it unto yours The Pope returned answer unto his Legate which is in Gregorii VII Regist li. 7. epi. 5. tom 5. concil edit Binii Where after signification how little he doth value money without due honor he saith of the King There be many things the holy Roman Church may lay
two Gentlemen for cutting his horse tail On the fifth day four Gentlemen did kill him in the year 1171. At Easter Pope Alexander canonized him as a Saint and would have excommunicated the King for his death but the King by his Ambassadors purged himself that he knew not of his death yet because he did carry grudge at him he was forced to renounce the investiture of Bishops and thereby his Kingdom became more slavish then before And the Pope in token of his victory to the shame of the King and credit of the Clergy did pretend some miracles as done by this Thomas after his death and commanded his feast to be kept throughout the Kingdom and the Cathedral which before was called Christ's Church was after that called St. Thomas Becket's and to the end the King might suffer this infamy the more patiently and also to make Ireland the more subject unto the See of Rome Pope Alexander confirmed again unto King Henry the Lordship of Ireland and ordained that the Bishops there should obey the Laws of England For in the year 1155. Murchard or as some call him Dermot mac Morrog King of Leinster being exiled by O. Roricy King of Midia sought aid from Henry II. he sent Richard Strongbow Earl of Penbrok who had married the onely Daughter of Murchard with a considerable Army into Ireland and within a short space he restored his father in law and conquered other Lands so that Henry was jealous of his power and commanded by open Proclamation him and all his Army to return under pain of forfeiture In obedience Richard gave into the King's hand all his purchase and his wifes inheritance and again received as his vassal Weisford Ossoria Carterlogia c. But in the year 1172 Henry went personally into Ireland and the most part submitted themselves unto him as unto their onely and lawful Soveraign whereas in former times that Nation was divided into four petty Kingdoms and several Dukedoms and one of them was chosen Monarch The same Henry did claim the Lands of Northumberland and from the Scots Malcolm the maiden and his Brother William at two several times went to London and did acknowledge the King for these Lands whereas in former times the Heir of the Crown did onely perform that ceremony But then Henry would have more that all the Bishops of Scotland should be under the yoke of the Arch-Bishop The Bishops of Scotland will not submit to the Primate of York of York as their Metropolitan At the first meeting at Norham the Scots put it off but with slender delays The next year Hugo Cardinal de S. Angelo sent into England was for Henry in this purpose and did cite the Bishops of Scotland to compear before him in Northampton they went thither and the Cardinal had a speech of humility and obedience all to perswade the Scotch Bishops to submit themselves unto the Primate of York who was a Prelate of great respect and whose credit in the Court of Rome might serve them to good use A yong Clerk stood up and spake in name of the others his speech is written diversly I shall shew it as I have copied it out of an old Register of Dunkel by the favor of Bishop Alexander Lindsay It is true English Nation thou mightest have been noble and more noble then some other Nations if thou hadst not craftily turned the power of thy Nobility and the strength of thy fearful might into the presumption of tyranny and thy knowledge of Liberal Science into the shifting Glosses of Sophistry but thou disposest not thy purposes as if thou wert lead with reason and being puft up with thy strong Armies and trusting in thy great wealth thou attemptest in thy wretched ambition and lust of domineering to bring under thy jurisdiction thy neghbor Provinces and Nations more noble I will not say in multitude or power but in linage and antiquity unto whom if thou wilt consider ancient records thou shouldest rather have been humbly obedient or at least laying aside thy rancor have reigned together in perpetual love and now with all wickedness of pride that thou shewest without any reason or law but in thy ambitious power thou seekest to oppress thy mother the Church of Scotland which from the beginning hath been Catholique and free and which brought thee when thou wast straying in the wilderness of heathenism into the safe-guard of the true faith and way unto life even unto Jesus Christ the Author of eternal rest she did wash thy Kings and Princes and people in the laver of holy Baptism she taught thee the commandments of God and instructed thee in moral duties she did accept many of thy Nobles and others of meaner rank when they were desirous to learn to read and gladly gave them dayly entertainment without price books also to read and instruction freely she did also appoint ordain and consecrate thy Bishops and Priests by the space of thirty years and above she maintained the primacy and pontifical dignity within thee on the North side of Thames as Beda witnesseth And now I pray what recompence renderest thou unto her that hath bestowed so many benefits on thee is it bondage or such as Judea rendered unto Christ evil for good it seemeth no other thing Thou unkinde vine how art thou turned into bitterness we looked for grapes and thou bringest forth wilde grapes for judgement and behold iniquity and crying If thou couldest do as thou wouldest thou wouldest draw thy mother the Church of Scotland whom thou shouldest honor with all reverence into the basest and most wretchedst bondage Fie for shame what is more base when thou wilt do no good to continue in doing wrong even the serpents will not do harm to their own albeit they cast forth to the hurt of others the vice of ingratitude hath not so much moderation an ungrateful man doth wrack and masacre himself and he dispiseth and minceth the benefits for which he should be thankful but multiplieth and enlargeth injuries It was a true saying of Seneca I see The more some do owe they hate the more a small debt maketh a grievous enemy What sayest thou David it is true They rendered me evil for good and hatred for my love It is a wretched thing saith Gregory to serve a Lord who cannot be appeased with whatsoever obeysance Therefore thou Church of England doest as becomes thee not thou thinkest to carry what thou cravest and to take what is not granted seek what is just if thou wilt have pleasure in what thou seekest And to the end I do not weary others with my words albeit I have no charge to speak for the liberty of the Church of Scotland and albeit all the Clergy of Scotland would think otherwise yet I dissent from subjecting her and I do appeal unto the Apostolical Lord unto whom immediately she is subject and if it were needful for me to die in the cause here I am ready to lay down my
all deceiving tyranny fraud and oppression of truth I will not speak of their filthiness more then Sodomitish did these high Priests employ their times so that then Rome did deserve to be called the synagogue of Satan or seat of the Divel and justly might be reputed the habitation of foul spirits and the sink of all uncleanness Revel 2 18. Wherefore when they went to their general Councels or their Legates were sent unto the Nations under colour of reconciliation and reformation it may seem that so oft did Satan come out from the presence of the Lord to smite Job for whatsoever he is said in the Scriptures to have done the same did these his hooded Vicars nor did their hellish madness spare the most puissant Princes but hereafter shall the Kingdom of Abaddon which is the King of Locusts or Friers of the begging Order by their sophistry lay waste and destroy all things until Pope Julius the II. that is the space of 260. years but that the Lord will have sparks of honesty to be seen here and there 6. So many Cardinals were poisoned at the last election that they which were alive would not conveen until the Emperor did charge them to go on with the election with certification that if they would not he would cause his Soldiers to plunder their Lands Cities and houses and until the French King told them that he would choose a Pope for the Church of his own Kingdom Mat. Paris INNOCENTIUS the IV. was then chosen he was one of these whom the Emperor had under arrest and had been familiar with him but now he forgot his kindeness and without delay did confirm the sentence of Pope Gregory against the Emperor so the wars did continue He profered the Kingdom of Italy unto Edmund for a certain sum of money but his father Henry King of England was scant of money saith Mat. Par. that he could not perform what was required because he had foolishly tied his Kingdom unto the Popish Merchants In the Councel at Lions which Bellarmin calleth the thirtieth general Councel he would not delay his curse three days against the Emperor albeit he understood that the Emperor was upon his journey to come before him and satisfie He ordained the feast Octava festivitatis Mariae And that Cardinals should ride with foot-mantles ◠〈…〉 ◠garments and red hats and red clokes for honor of their Order saith Platina or in imitation of the Jewish Priests saith Po. Virg. de inven rer lib. 4. cap. 9. or rather it came so pass that the prophecy might be fulfilled and the Beast be cloathed in scarlet Revel 17. 3. He added unto the Decretals and honored the Dominicks with apostatical they say Apostolical honors and priviledges and advanced them unto Bishopricks and in favor of Curates he discharged all begging Friers to exercise any of their function Mortous Appeal lib. 5. cap. 4. § 6. ex Azor. Iesui Thus he did ramverse the priviledge granted by Pope Honorius the III. After the Councel when he heard that the Imperial forces did prevail in sundry places he like a lion robbed of his whelps rageth and leaveth no means unessayed to cut off the Emperor especially he enticeth some of his domesticks Theobald Francis James de Mora Pandulf de Fasanellis and William de S. Severino to lie in wait for his life either by poison secretly or by weapons violently it was made known unto the Emperor and yet he could not be so watchful but he was poisoned in Pulia as appeareth by his Letters unto his Brother in law Henry the III. King of England The doers of this fact saith he being accompanied with a number of Friers Minorites do openly avow that they are about the affairs of the Mother Church of Rome and that they are signed by Apostolical Letters against us and the Pope is the Author of our death and disinheriting Matth. Parisien So soon as the Pope heard of the Emperor's death he taketh his journey into Italy when he went from Lions the Bishop and other chief men of the City did accompany him and unto them he said I have done much good in this City since I came into it At that time were but three or four Stews in it now is but one howbeit a large one from the East-gate to the West-gate Idem ad An. 1251. He coming into Italy ceased not to draw the Cities cleaving unto the Emperor from his Son Conrade yea at the same time when Lewes the French King and his Navy were in great peril of the Turks in Syria he caused to proclaim greater pardon unto all who would fight against Conrade then he or any Pope had profered to fight against the Turks for he caused it to be preached in all the pulpits of Italy If any will fight against Conrade both the signed that is the fighter under the sign of the Cross and his father and mother shall have pardon of all their sins When he heard of Conrades death he laughed loudly and said I am glad and let all the Church of Rome rejoyce for now our two greatest enemies are out of the way Conrade King of Siciles and Robert Bishop of Lincoln And immediately he went unto Naples to take possession of that Kingdom Not long thereafter he directeth Letters into England to take up the dead body of the before named Robert and cause him to be proclaimed an Heathen the same night after this direction he thought that the same Robert did smite him on the side and for his impiety did threaten him with the judgement of God the next day his side was very sore and within few days he died Matth. Paris 7. ALEXANDER the IV. was chosen at Naples when the See had been vacant two years His first exploit was to follow the wars moved by his Predecessors against Manfred then King of both Sicilies to this effect he sent his locusts the Friers to preach that every one should send Subsidy unto the holy wars against the enemy of the Church Some did see the Pope's insatiable greediness and others were perswaded and so all Italy was in an uproar He rewarded his Friers with red hats and cornered caps He gave the Kingdoms of Sicily and Pulia unto Edmund Son of Henry III. King of England for the conquering and for this effect he sent Legate Rostand to collect all the tenths of England and Scotland against Manfred still prevailing not onely in Naples but in Hetruria and Lombardie and many abominable things saith Matth. Paris did flow from the sulphurous fount of the Roman Church fie for sorrow to the dammage of many Such an exaction was not heard as the Pope craved at that time Rostand said in the Assembl◠at London All the Churches belong unto my Master the Pope One Leonard in name of the Bishops said It is true for defence but not for possession nor dissipation as all things belong unto the King In a word at three several meetings he
Kingdom forty two years The Successor of Hyatho made apostasie and called himself Mahumet Cham and the Son of Cobila forsook the faith Then Cothos Melechmeses Sultan of Egypt slew him in a battel and drave all the Tartars out of Syria they had their refuge unto Armenia Benedeclar Sultan of Egypt hunted them and conquering that Land called himself King of Armenia Argon the Brother Son of Mahumet Cham took his Uncle and cut him in the middle with a saw and by agreement with the Sultan was King and kept the faith Cusan the Nephew of Cobila was also a Christian and had nothing so dear as to advance the faith in singular wisdom he kept peace with his neighbors and obtained great victories against the Sultan of Egypt and conquered all Syria about the year 1320. In his Son's time both the faith and power of the Tartars failed for the Sultan of Parthia entered into Persia and the house of Otoman overcame all the rest of Asia unto Pontus and the Tartars were rooted out of all their conquest about the year 1350. their power continued about 130. years This History and the Greek article of the accusative case in Revel 20. 7. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 give occasion to consider whether these words and the verse following be not a prediction of this their Empire and their Apostasie rather then of any instruments of Satan in pursuing the believers CHAP. IV. Of BRITAIN 1. IN the year 1203. a certain number of Greeks came from Athens into England and asserted that the Latins had erred from the way of truth in the Articles of Christian faith and they would shew the right way by invincible arguments which all should receive if they will be saved This was reported unto King John he answered Our faith is grounded upon the Authority of Christ and the Saints and I will not suffer that it be tossed with disputes and janglings of men nor will we change the certainty for uncertainty go therefore let me hear no more of you So they departed Matth. Parisien 2. Alexander Abbot of the Benedictines at Canterbury was sent by King John in commission unto Rome there he maintained before Pope Innocentius and the Clergy that there is no power under God higher then a King and that the Clergy should not have temporal Government since the Kingdom of Christ is not of this world He proved these two Articles by Scripture and Reason and by testimony of Gregory the I. in an Epistle unto Augustine Bishop of Canterbury Behold the event Pandulf the Legate suborneth some English Barons to accuse the Abbot and he accursed and deposed him so brought him to poverty Then the worshippers of the Roman Beast did boast saying Behold the man that took not God for his help Idem 3. In the year 1205. Hubert Bishop of Canterbury died the same night Contention between the Pope and Iohn King of England the young Monks chose their Superior to be Arch-Bishop without the knowledge of King John being then in Normandy The elder Monks sent unto the King craving his gracious licence to chuse their Arch-Bishop according to their Canons The King gave them his assent provided that for his sake they would shew favor to John Bishop of Norwich They obeyed and the King sent to Rome for confirmation Reginold preveeneth his Messenger The Suffragans of Canterbury were offended at both parties and sent speedily to Rome to stop both the elections because they both were without their knowledge Then arose no small trouble both at home and at Rome At home was such a strife that the King sent Letters and Commissioners commanding them to leave their contentions and attend their ministration or he would deprive them of their Benefices c. At Rome was reasoning on all sides and Innocentius said The disposition of that See appertained unto the Monks onely and he willed them to chuse Stephen Langton Cardinal of St. Chrysogono None durst refuse but the King's Procurator When Stephen came unto King John he was content so that his Soveraignty be preserved entire Stephen loved not this supposition and shewed some haughtiness The Monks receive the Cardinal because it was the Pope's pleasure Therefore the King banished sixty four of them as contemners of Royal Authority and he sent Letters unto the Pope expostulating 1. That he had rejected the Bishop of Norwich and had set up another which was unknown to him and brought up among his enemies and which is worse who derogateth from the Royal priviledges wherefore I cannot admire enough that the Bishop and Court of Rome do not consider how necessary said he my favor is unto the Roman Church and that they weigh not how vast revenues have been gathered out of England the like whereof they have not received from any Nation about the Alps. As for his priviledges he said he would rather quit his life then forsake them Finally he concludeth If the Pope will not hearken unto his request he will so provide that there shall be no more such gadding to Rome neither the sinews and riches of the Land any more transported whereby he was made less able to resist his enemies and he had of his own sufficiently instructed at home in all kinde of literature that he needed not to seek justice abroad Breifly the Pope excommunicated King John and forgave all his adherents in time past but he condemned all who in time coming shall serve or aid him or pay him tribute c. And he commanded the Bishops and Clergy to publish this sentence every Sunday Some forsook the Countrey but none durst publish the sentence nevertheless it became known unto all whence began great distraction of mindes and the King was severe against all which denied him homage Some were not afraid to speak for the King that the Pope had not power to domineer over any King since Peter had received onely Ecclesiastical power Matth. Parisi saith It were tedious to tell all their names which spake thus Then Innocentius wrote unto Philip King of France proffering unto him full remission of all his sins and clear possession of all England unto him and his heirs if he will kill John or expel him The French King accepteth prepareth and armeth himself especially with Bishops Priests Monks and their adherents John understanding this as also perceiving how his Lords and Barons were diversly enclined for fear of the curse as such who took part with him and for the foresaid dispensation unto all who forsook him and they were not a little byassed by that command to deny all service and debts duties and allegiance he knew not whither to turn In the mean time cometh a Nuntio from Rome unto the King and his Nobles at Canterbury with this Commission That the King and they would consider their present danger and be reconciled unto his Holiness in time Then the Lords swear unto the Nuntio that unless the King will obey his Commission they will make him
obey whether he will or not The King in this strait submitteth himself and resigneth the Crown of England and Ireland from him and his heirs for ever upon condition that he and his heirs should have again the same Dominions from the Pope for paying yearly unto the See of Rome 1000. marks of Silver Then he kneeled and gave his Crown unto Pandulf the Legate who kept it five days as a seizing of these two R ealms and the King confirmeth the same by his Charter obligatory Here by way of anticipation it is marked in the Histories that no King of England did acknowledge this subjection nor pay the farm Pol. Virgil. in Hist Anglor lib. 15. Matth. Parisien saith It is reported by many that this detestable Charter was burnt in the chamber of Pope Innocentius the IV. An. 1245. when he caused his own wardrobe to be burnt to the end he might obtain a new taxation from the Bishops which were conveened at the general Councel and after the Councel he sent a Charter with a command unto all the Bishops of England to subscribe it and King Henry was not onely enraged against the Bishops for subscribing it but did also swear that he would stand for the freedom of his Kingdom and would not pay tribute to the Court of Rome so long as he breathed But to return at that time some of the Priests and Abbots consented not unto this shameful action of whom some came afterwards like blinde idiots unto Pandulf and begged remission the baser sort was forgiven and the heads as fattest and fittest for the Pope's mouth were sent to Rome In the mean time Innocentius was holding his Latronal Councel and there did excommunicate Otho the Emperor John King of England Peter King of Arragon Raymund Earl of Tolouse c. Then Stephen Langton was sent and absolved King John and immediately he called many Bishops Abbots Earls and Barons unto London and perswadeth them into a league against the King unless he will renounce all title unto vacant Benefices wards of marriages c. Then Innocentius sent Nicolaus Bishop of Tusculo and he began to intrude persons into vacant Benefices of Canterbury as it pleased him The Arch-Bishop refused and appealed to Rome and sundry Nobles took part with him alledging that they would defend the Liberties of their Countrey Innocentius approveth generally all that his Legate had done The Bishop and Lords stood for their Liberties The King began to think how to be relieved of his new tribute and sent unto the Pope requesting him to excommunicate the Bishop of Canterbury who had been the occasion of all these broils with some of the Lords and he would never intend exemption of his fue-duty and with his Letter he sent a sum of money But this stir was soon calmed but by and by that faction did conveen again and did force the King to yield unto all their above named demands The King then sendeth unto the Pope and sheweth how they had wrested his power from him and craveth his aid for recovery The Pope sendeth his excommunication against them all his Nuntio chargeth Stephen to publish the excommunication he refuseth and posteth toward Rome where after he was heard he was suspended and another sentence of excommunication was directed against all the Nobles and Barons which had conspired against the Pope's beloved Son and remission of sins was proclaimed to all the subjects of the Kingdom which will take part with the King and the Legate against the Lords and all the Bishops were commanded to publish this excommunication under no less pain then to be in the same danger Then the Lords Matth. Parisien calleth them Londoners to wit because of their league made in London were in despair and knew no more whither to turn then the King did before but they cried out in reproach of the King saying Wo to thee John the last of Kings the abomination of English Princes and confusion of our Nobility Alas thou hast wasted England and more wilt thou be wasted alas England England c. Then twenty four of them in name of the rest went unto Philip King of France and intreated him to give them his eldest Son to be their King The Pope understanding this motion sent Wallo Cardinal of St. Martin and chargeth Philip to desist from so rash attempts and to defend his vassal John and the Lands of the Church against those Traitors Philip did judge this an insolency and he hoped that the Lords would stand to their promise and partly he trusted in the league lately renewed with Alexander King of Scots and therefore he answered The Kingdom of England was never a part of Peter's patrimony nor shall it be hereafter no Prince may pledge or give away his Kingdom without the consent of his Barons which are tied to defend it If the Pope shall bring this preparative into Christendom he will set at naught all Kings and Kingdoms I love not this example which is begun in these days and therefore I cannot allow what John hath done though he be my utter enemy and I lament that he hath so ruined that noble Realm The Peers standing by cried as in a fury with one voice We will stand to this Article though to the losing of our lives let John do as he willeth no King can put his Land under tribute and so make his Nobility slaves Lewes said The Barons of England have elected me for their Lord and King surely I will not lose my right but will fight for it unto death I doubt not but I shall obtain it for I have friends among them his Mother was Sister of King John At this time John was going from place to place possessing himself of the Noble mens Lands yet fearing their attempts he came to Dover expecting aid from forraign Countries and many came to him from Flanders Braband and Holland on the one side and from Guien Gascony and Poictiers on the other and a most wonderful number of men from other Countries for the report went that the Pope had written unto them to assist King John Wallo the Legate followed Lewis into England An. 1216. and renewed the curse against him for usurping against John and against Simon Langton and other English which had excited Lewis and against Alexander the II. King of Scots with a wonderful solemnity causing all the bells to be tolled candles lighted Church-doors opened and committing them all to the Divel for their contumacy Lewis caused the curse to be proclaimed null and was accepted at London as King He made Simon high Chancellor King Alexander wasted the North parts of England And every one said The Bulls were of no force since the ordering of temporal affairs did not belong unto the Pope and what hath the Bishop of Rome to do with our wars behold he will be the Successor of Constantine and not of Peter Matth. Parisien ad An. 1216. It happened at that time that the Viscount of Mandevil who
to tell you plain too much commoved without cause your Fatherhood may consider that the days be evil 1. The holy Land lieth in misery and peril 2. All the Greek Church is departed from us 3. Frederick the mightiest Prince of Christendom is against us 4. Both your Holiness and we are exiled from your Papal seat and thrust out of Italy 5. Hungary and all the Nations thereabout look for nothing but utter ruine from the Tartars 6. Germany is tossed with intestin wars 7. Spain is fierce and cruel against us even to the cutting out of Bishops tongues 8. France is by us impoverished and like to conspire against us 9. Now wretched England so oft plagued by us much like Balaam's ass goared with spurs begineth to complain of her intolerable griefs and we after the maner of Ismael hating all men do provoke all men to hate us ...... Matth. Parisien ad An. 1246. But Innocentius would relent nothing yea made his exaction more grievous and began to excite Lewis King of France to slay or expel King Henry France remembred former times and Lewis refused to vex his Cousin But saith the before named writer the hearts of all men were provoked to mislike the Pope and Church of Rome whereof the one sought to be esteemed a Father and the other to be the Mother of all Churches but he proved a step father and she a step-dame 4. In the year 1222. the in-dwellers of Caithnes refused to pay tenths unto Adam their Bishop and therefore he excommunicated them all then they came into his house and in his chamber they slew a Monk and his Servant and they drew him into his kitchin and burnt him with all the house Pope Honorius rested not till he had caused King Alexander to hang four hundred of them and the Earl of Caithnes hardly obtained pardon albeit he was not accessory unto the deed Boet. lib. 13. cap. 14. About that William Bishop of St. Andrews brought from France some Dominicans Franciscans Jacobines and some Monks called vallis umbrosae these by their crafty insinuations with people did supplant the credit of Priests and drew unto themselves both credit and means of the Ministry and were maintained by the Popes because they studied especially to advance their designs Spotsw Hist p. 43. 5. Nigellus Vireker a learned and much respected Monk at Canterbury writ a Book De abusu Verum Ecclesiae and sent it unto William Bishop of Ely Chancellour of England a man saith Bale most envious In this Book he rebuked not the proud Prelate only but all Teachers under the Tyranny of the Pope because they committed the cure of souls unto children belly-gods and despisers of the sacred Word 6. Walter Mapez Arch-Deacon of Oxford was once sent by King John unto Rome after his return he did write several books against the Pope and his Clergy closely reproving the Pope somtimes under the name of Goliah somtimes of Pluto and shewing manifestly that then Antichrist was reigning in the World He had a fellow with him who made shew of a Pleasant or Rimer but all his rimes were said to be written by Mapez himself In them he plainly paints forth the Roman Court and calleth the Prelats proud beasts The rimes begin thus Roma Caput Mundi sed nil capit mundum Quod pendet à Capite totum est immundum Trahit enim vitium primum secundum Et de sundo redolet quod est juxta fundum Roma capit singulos res singulorum Romanorum Curia non est nisi forum Ibi sunt venalia jura Senatorum Et solvit contraria copia nummorum In hoc Consistorio siquis causam regat Suam vel alterius hic imprimis legat Nisi des pecuniam Roma totum negat Qui plus dat pecuniae meliùs allegat c. Io. Bale In Catalog test verit lib. 14. we find these rimes ascribed unto this Mapez Vide Deus ultionum Vide videns omnia Quod spelunca vespillonum Facta est Ecclesia Quod in Templum Solomonis Venit Princeps Babylonis Et excelsum sibi Thronum Posuit in medio These words are to no sense unless the Temple signifie the Church of Christ and the Prince of Babylon signifie the Pope of Rome 7. An. 1237. was a conference at York between Henry the III. King of England and Alexander the II. King of Scots where they did accord upon the matters of debate between the kingdoms Then Otto the Pope's Legate would go into Scotland for redressing as he said the affairs of the Church But Alexander said unto him I remember not that evera Legate was in my Land neither have I need of one thanks be unto God neither was any in my Father's time nor in any of my Ancestours neither will I suffer any so long as I may Otto returned with King Henry Matth. Parisien Nevertheless this Alexander did suffer Peter Red to take away 3000. pounds for the Pope which no King of Scotland had suffered before Idem ad An. 1240. But Boet. lib. 13. cap. 20. addeth He sent the Earls of Carrict and Athale to accompany Lewis King of France into Syria and he sent unto the Pope a thousand marks lest he should think himself despised 8. Robert Grosshead alias Capito Bishop of Lincoln was the most renowned Bishop of his time a godly man an admonisher of his King a fearfull rebuker of the Pope a bold reprover of Prelates a corrector of Monks a directer and teacher of Priests a favourer of Students a Preacher to the people a defender of fatherless and widows a persecutor of the incontinent a searcher of the Scriptures a lover of truth a hammerer and contemner of the Romans saith Matth. Paris In the year 1237. his own Clarks gave him poison in a drink but as it pleased God he escaped death at that time by help of medicine The Priests which taught not the word of God but human traditions he called the Ministers of Satan theeves of the night robbers in the day corrupters of manners murtherers of souls and Angels of darkness and he called their exemptions snares of the Divel An. 1253. Pope Innocentius sent unto him a Letter commanding him to provide a Canons place for an Italian in his Diocy nihil obstante He returned answer I am most willing to obey Apostolical commandments but those things which are contrary unto the Apostles command I will gain-stand since I am obliged unto both by the command of God ..... The tenor of your aforesaid Letter agreeth not with Apostolical holiness but plainly disagreeth 1. Because by that word non obstante in that and so many other Letters do abound a deluge of inconstancy shamelesness lying deceiving difficulty of trusting any and innumerable other vices following thereupon shaking and confounding the purity of Religion and the quietness of all sociable conversation ..... 2. Except the sin of Lucifer which is also the sin of Antichrist there cannot be a greater sin nor
more contrary unto the Apostles or more hateful unto Christ Jesus then to destroy souls by defrauding them of the Ministry ..... In a word the holiness of the Apostolical seat cannot do any thing but unto edification and not to destruction for this is the fulness of power to edification But those things which they call Provisions are not to edification but most manifest destruction The Pope hearing this Letter foamed as in a rage and sware by Peter and Paul that he would hurl such a phrenetick wretch into confusion which durst so boldly controle his command and make him a fable unto the world Is not the King of England our vassal yea and slave whom I at my nod may thrust into prison The Cardinals namely Aegidius a Spaniard and some others touched in conscience could scarcely appease his fury and among other words they said To confess the truth unto your Holiness it is true what he saith and we cannot condemn him for it he is a Catholick man more holy and religious then we our selves are and as it is judged amongst all the Prelates there is none better nor his equal this is not unknown universally nor can our contradiction avail against him wherefore we think best to pass by such a thing lest perhaps some tumult arise thereupon especially seeing it is manifest unto all men that once must come a defection and departure from the Church of Rome When Robert lay on his death bed he said unto the brethren coming to visit him Heresid is an opinion taken up by human sense contrary Heresie white unto the holy Scriptures openly avowed and pertinaciously maintained Is not Innocentius therefore an Heretick and since Christ came into the The Pope an Heretick and Antichrist World to save souls may not the Pope be justly called the Antichrist who feareth not to destroy souls The Pope doth impudently annul the priviledges of his Ancestours .... and therefore the contemner should be contemned according to that saying of Esay Wo to thee who despisest ..... Matth. Parisien 9. In the year 1240. a Carthusian Monk at Cambridge said openly before Otho the Legate Gregory is not the head of the Chutch but there is another head thereof Satan is loosed the Pope is an Heretick Gregory which is called Pope defileth the Church and the World The Legate said unto him Is not power given from above unto the Pope to loose and bind souls and to exerce the charge of Peter on earth The Monk replied How can I think that such power as was given unto Peter is given to a Simoniack and Usurer yea and who is defiled with greater crimes The Legate did blush for shame and said We may not strive in words with a fool Idem 10. Seval Arch-Bishop of York followed in the same footsteps when he saw the pride of the Pope usurping and tyrannizing above the Kings he was astonished and in the grief of his heart he intreated Pope Alexander the IV. by Letters that he would leave off from such daily enormities or at least refrain himself and follow the example of good men that he would feed Christ's Lambs as Peter did and not pull the skins off them and devour them like an hungry Wolf The Pope had given the fattest of his Benefices unto some wanton young men and ignorant of the language as he made Jordanus Dean of York c. Seval would admit none of them wherefore the Pope excommunicated him with bells and candles He could suffer these ceremonies but he could not suffer strangers to be set over the people and the more he was cursed by the Pope he was the more beloved of the people and they did bless him yet quietly for fear of the Romans Although he was not murthered yet for his sufferings he was called a Martyr Idem ad An. 1257. 11. Matthew of Paris whom I have often named was a Benedictine of Saint Alban he wrote the History of England from the days of William the Conqueror until the year of his own death 1260. where he describeth how others spoke against the abomination of Antichrist to the end that posterity might know and abhor it and thereby he giveth us to understand what were his own thoughts as here and there he expresseth himself e. g. ad An. 1237. he saith It is manifestly known that the Church of Rome alas hath deserved the wrath of God for the guides thereof seek not the devotion of people but their full purses not to gain souls unto God but to collect revenues to themselves to oppress the religious and many ways impudently to catch other mens goods ...... hence ariseth grumbling among men and the wrath of God is provoked dayly Ad An. 1238. he calleth the Pope the Successor but not the imitator of Peter Ad An. 1245. he saith The Pope sent unto the King of Arragon and then unto the King of England craving that he may come and abide in their Kingdoms and the Nobility did refuse because the Papal Court was so infamous that the strength thereof went up unto the clouds Ad An. 1251. he saith The threatning of the Apostle may be thought to be fulfilled Vnless there be a departing the son of perdition shall not be revealed Behold that mens hearts depart and not their bodies from the Pope who is enraged like a step-father and from the Church of Rome which is cruel in persecuting like a step-mother 12. John Russel an English Gentleman who married the Widow of Walter Cumin Earl of Lenox about the year 1262. afterwards he purchased Letters from the Pope to summon a number of Scots to appear in England before the Legate for slandering his wife of witchcraft and poisoning her first husband The Scots dispised the citation alledging their ancient priviledge that Scotch men cannot be charged to answer without their own Country and so the summons turned to nothing saith Buchan Hist lib. 7. 13. Within some few years King Alexander the III. was encombred with The Lords and Bishops strive for precedency the pride of Priests and Monks saith the same Author there he understandeth certainly Bishops and Abbots which being enriched saith he by former Kings and enjoying long prosperity began to grow rank and would go before the Nobility as in wealth so in all other things or at least be equal with them The Noble men took this in ill part and dealt roughly with them wherefore they complain unto the King Whether he thought these injuries not to be so hainous as the Priests called them or if he thought that they were not without cause yet he made no account of them therefore the Bishops did excommunicate all the Noble men excepting the King only and with many threats do prepare themselves to go unto Rome Then the King calling to minde what broils Tho. Becket had raised in England by his ambition called the Bishops from their journey and compelled the Nobility to yeild unto their pride Thus the spiritual
consented to none of them and intending the peace of the Church he sent unto the Emperor whose Authority and care should have been principal in this case saith Frossard and unto the Kings of England Bohemia and Hungary intreating them not to be deficient unto publick tranquility After the year 1397. when the Noble men of France were redeemed from the power of the Turks King Charls wrote again unto the Emperor They appointed to meet at Rhems pretending other causes of their meeting After consultation they sent the Bishop of Camerak unto Rome exhorting Boniface that for the good of the Church he would lay aside his Papal honor for a time until by advice of Princes and learned men a necessary overture were provided The Pope said He would follow the advice of the Cardinals But the people of Rome did exhort him to maintain his own right and not to submit to any Prince of them all At the second conference Boniface said He would submit if Benedict would submit also The Bishop did report this answer unto the Emperor at Confluentia and returned into France and he was sent unto Benedict with the same proposition His Cardinals could agree upon no certain answer and he said He was lawfully chosen and would not renounce for any mans pleasure Wherefore a Captain that was sent with the Bishop laid hands on the Pope and took him Then Charls advertised the Emperor and he intreated the King of England to lay aside all faction for a space and contribute his aid in this case When this came in consultation the Estates were desirous of the purpose but it did offend them that the business was carried on by Authority of the French King and they said France shall never prescribe an order in Religion unto England The same year Charls died and Richard was committed to the Tower Frossard lib. 4. Then France agreed with Benedict upon condition he should procure the peace of the Church Many Cities in Italy revolted from Boniface as may be seen in Platin. and he was brought into such great penury that he sent unto all Countries offering pardons for so much money as their charges towards Rome would require By such Indulgences his Legate brought from one Country 100000. florens Theod. Ã Niem lib. 1. cap. 68. Mornay He called his Legates to account and finding that they had reaped more gain he put them to death But his pardons were so contemned saith Platin. that many crimes were done because people thought they could have remission for money Pol. Virg. de inven rer lib. 8. cap. 1. reporteth the same He kept the Jubilee An. 1400. when many hundreds of people died of the plague at Rome After that the Cardinals of Avenion went to Rome to treat of peace but Boniface said He only was Pope and Peter de Luna was the Anti-Pope They replied Their Master was not a Simoniack He discharged them of the City and within three days he died An. 1404. CHAP. II. Of EMPERORS 1. ALBERT Duke of Austria summoned a Diet at Frankford he renounced his former election and was chosen again Pope Boniface the VIII was his only foe but afterwards he confirmed him on condition he would expel Philip King of France and take his Kingdom to himself But Albert in stead of war married the Daughter of Philip and lived for the most part in peace After the example of his Father he would never go into Italy yet he governed his part of it by Deputies and Dukes He had wars with the Kingdom of Bohemia and conquered it unto his eldest Son At whatsoever occasion he had any fight he was present in person and was always victorious therefore he was called Albertus Triumphans He was once poisoned by the Bishop of Salzburgh and by help of medicine was preserved At last he died unfortunately by conspiracy of his Brother's Son John in the tenth year of his reign An. 1308. All the time of Adulph and Albert Andronicus the Son of Michael Paleologus reigned in Constantinople he would never acknowledge the Pope of Rome Philip King of France thought now to be Emperor because the Pope was in his Realm but Clemens did fear his power and wrote unto the Electors to hasten the election 2. HENRY the VII Earl of Lutzenburgh was chosen and quickly confirmed by Clemens on condition that he should go to Rome and be crowned within two years The Pope required this because he thought by him to beat down the troubles in Italy saith Io. Naucler He had wars with the Duke of Wittembergh Albert's Brother's Son for the Kingdom of Bohemia Albert's Son was dead leaving but one Daughter whom Henry did sue for his Son Then he went into Italy and subdued Robert King of Pulia The Pope sent three Cardinals to crown him at Rome but he began to fear his power and gave the Cardinals in charge to require homage of him and that he should swear faithfulness unto the See of Rome Henry said unto the Cardinals It was not the custom of his Ancestors and against the freedom of the Empire that the Prince of Princes should give an oath of fidelity unto the Servant of Servants Nevertheless he was crowned and received graciously by the Clergy and many Cities and he compelled them to obedience who did refuse The Pope did strengthen the above named Robert against him and because that course could not prevail Jacobine a Dominican gave him poison in the wine at the Mass in Bonconvento An. 1315. The Pope by his divulged Bulls would have excused the Frier but the people were so inraged for this villany that they arose against that Order and killed many of them and burnt their houses in Tuscia and Lombardy Andronicus was now become old and assumed his Son Michael to govern equally but he lived not long time his Son Andronicus rebelled against the old Emperor so that Greece was divided and became a prey unto Othoman At that time Chatiles Governor of Peloponesus sent for the aid of the Turks they came and carried great spoil out of Thracia The other party sent unto the Italians and Spaniards which both sought their own gain and when the Greeks were sensible of their folly they did submit themselves unto young Andronicus and then he dealt roughly both with the Turks and Italians so that they both became his enemies Laonic. Chalco con de reb Turci lib. 1. 3. After the death of Henry the Electors could not agree for four chose Lewis Duke of Bavier of those four the Duke of Brandeburgh gave his sentence by his Proctor and the other three chose Frederick Duke of Austria who thereafter purchased the consent of Brandeburgh they were crowned by two Bishops severally Lewis at Aken and the other at Bonna and great sedition arose in Germany They both by their Ambassades sought confirmation from the Pope Unto LEWIS he said He had already usurped too much and gone beyond the power of an absolute Emperor FREDERICK did alledge
his flock But the Pope of Rome was so busie against the Pope of Avenion that neither of them had leasure to attend such matters and Wickliff did return It happened that he became sick and there was little hope of his recovery the Friers sent four of their Order and four elder men unto him and wished him then in the hour of his death to recant his former opinions He desired his friends to set him up and then said with a loud voice I shall not die but live and declare the most wicked facts of Friers they left him with confusion and he did recover and wrote a Treatise against the Order of Friers of which Treatise Doctor James maketh mention in his Book called Wickliff's conformity to the Church of England An. 1382. they assembled a Convocation against him to condemn his Doctrine and Books in the very hour of their first meeting all England was shaken with an earth-quake that all who were assembled thought it expedient to surcease for that time At last he died in peace in Lutterworth where he had been Parson An. 1387. Such a God is the Lord that whom he will keep nothing can hurt John Bale hath a catalogue of his Books in five full pages and Aen. Silvius in Histor Bohem. testifieth that more of his Books were extant than of Augustine The late Papists do impute many errors unto him and so did the Councel of Constance but others have cleared him of those imputations especially the above named Antiquary Doctor James And that the reader may see the falshood of those criminations this is one that he condemned all oaths therein savoring of Anabaptism But by the testimony which I have cited out of The path-way it is clear that he speaketh of customary and false swearing and in that same Chapter he saith that to swear by any is the honor of God alone and therefore it is Idolatry to swear by any Saint or creature and by this one instance it may be judged of others The Councel of Constance ordained to take up his body and burn it and so the English Prelates took up his bones forty and one years after his death to burn them such was their rage against the professors of truth At that time happened a rebellion in Ireland Richard A prank of the Bishops the II. went to suppress it while he was there Thomas Arundel Arch-Bishop of Canterbury and the other Bishops stole away the hearts of his subjects from him because he had hearkened to the doctrine of Wickliff and perswaded them to advance Henry Earl of Derby to the Crown to the end that both they might be rid of such a Soveraign and have a King for ever obliged to authorise their bloody designs against God's people but all their treason and cruelty could not smother the truth It is bitterly enough marked saith Io. Bale Cent. 6. 25. in Appen that the Earl of Salisbury despised confession Many were called Lollards and the Popish Sacraments at his death Sir John Montague threw down all Images within his Lands John Purvey wrote Books in defence of his Master's Lessons he wrote a Commentary on the Revelations where he saith Seven years are past since the Pope of Rome was generally made known to be the Antichrist to wit from the year 1382. Behold how God bringeth light out of darkness I had not written such things against Antichrist and his Prelates if they had not imprisoned me lest I did speak against them There he applieth all the prophesies concerning Antichrist and the Whore unto the Pope and his Court. The Arch-Bishop had imprisoned this Purvey and by cruel torments caused him to recant seven godly Articles at Paul's Cross but when he was at liberty he spoke more boldly and accused the Pope for denying that the Word of God is sufficient to salvation without the Decrees and Decretals He said also Spiritual men write Books against the Pope and these Books are either hid or burnt nor is any man suffered to preach but which are devoted unto the Pope and good men are drawn into prison but said he more Books and more vehement shall be written against the Pope For these and such other things Henry Chichelay Successor to Thomas imprisoned him again An. 1393. Walter Bruite was in question before the Bishop of Hereford and delivered a book yet extant saith Geo. Abbot against Hill in answer to the first reason in the Register of that Diocy wherein he wrote these and many such positions Bread remaineth in the Sacrament after the consecration the Pope is the Antichrist nothing is to be believed as necessary to salvation but what may be confirmed by Scripture the City described in Revel 7. is Rome justification is freely by Christ alone miracles now are no assurance of truth infants dying before baptism are not therefore condemned auricular confession is not prescribed in the Scriptures the Canon Law is ill grounded the numeral letters of DVX CLERI make up the number 66â— worship of Images is Idolatry that men are not rashly to be reputed Saints the Pope hath no power beyond other Saints nor is the head of the Church Papists mistake the keys of binding and loosing the Pope deceiveth men in his pardons absolution is to be sought at the hands of God only Priests use vain prayers in the Mass exorcisms and holy water are unlawful Priests do sin who bargain to sing for the souls of men departed religious men and women are the devourers of widows houses selling of Orders and Dirges is naught the Pope is the Beast with the two horns like the Lamb while he challengeth the double sword temporal goods may be taken from the Clergy offending The same Author loc cit sect 25. saith Yea so far was the Doctrine of Wickliff spread the Pope Gregory XI in the year 1378. did direct his Bull to the University of Oxford against the Doctrine and Articles of that learned man even Rome it self ringing of his opinions in that University neither did his followers die when he died but long after that Pope Gregory the XII did direct another Bull to Oxford in which he useth the same words which his Predecessor had that is that Wickliff did follow the doctrine of Marsilius of Padua and of John of Gandune of unworthy memory Which speech is worth the marking saith Abbot to shew that this man had his predecessors The Copy of this latter Bull is to be seen in a Book which that worthy lover of Antiquities Mr. Hare gave to our University saith he 13. In time of the rebellion against King Richard amongst all the Bishops only Thomas Merks Bishop of Carlile was for him In the Parliament they were not content to depose him but were devising more mischiefs against him Then said Thomas None here present is worthy to pass his sentence on so worthy a King whom they have obeyed as their lawful Prince full twenty two years this is the part of traitors cut-throats
Councel for a long time and many things are to be reformed both in the clergy and laity the Emperour will deal with the high Bishop that a Councel shal be summoned within a half year and begin within a year after Unto this decree the Duke and his collegues after consultation reply by his Lawier Pontan They do not acknowledge that their Confession was refuted by testimonies of the Scriptures as they would have demonstrated if a copy of that which is called a refutation had been given them and so far as they could remember by their hearing of it read they have written a reply which if the Emperour will be pleased to read he shall finde that their religion is sure and unmovable And where as they are commanded to print nothing nor change any more they will do nothing whereof they may be justly accused As for Anabaptists and such as despise the sacrament of the altar none such have place within their jurisdiction And because the decree containes sundry things of weight they crave copies of it that at the time they may give the more advised answer They do present the Apology but Caesar would not accept it and the next day he threateneth them sharply if they do not obey the decree So these Princes went away leaving their Deputies behind them and having craved and obtained leave When they began to treat in the Diet concerning the warrs these Deputies do in name of their Principals promise to contribute their aid against the Turks if peace shall be granted unto religion About the first of October a sharper decree was read against the Cities which had given-in the other Confession Finally a third decree concerning religion was read to this sense Caesar ordaineth that they shall not be tolerated which teach of the Lords Supper otherwise than hath been received heretofore Let nothing be changed in private or publick Masse Let children be confirmed with oil and the sick be anointed with consecrate oil Images statues should not be removed and where they have been taken away they shall be set up again Their opinion which deny the free-will of man may not be received for it is beastly and contumelious against God Let nothing be taught which doth any way empaire the authority of the Magistrate That opinion of justification by faith only shall not be received Keep the sacraments in their place number as before Keep still all the cetemonies of the Church all the rites the manner of buriall and such others Priesthoods Vacant shall be bestowed on qualified persons the priests and Church-men that are married shall be deprived of their Benefices which shall be bestowed on others and if any will put away his wife and crave absolution at the will of the Pope the bb may restore such and all others shall have no refuge but be exiled or suffer other deserved punishment Let the life of priests be honest their cloaths comely and eschue all offense ..... Briefly in the matters of faith and worship of God let nothing be changed whoever doth contrarily shall underly the danger of body life and goods Jo. Sleida Lib. 7. These decrees were grievous unto many namely Melanthon gave himself to weeping being pensive not so much as he professed for himself for he knew what he believed as for the posterity When Luther understood this he conforts Luther's Consolatory unto Melanthon him by Letters That seing it is not the cause of man but of God all the burden should be cast on him why then doest thou said he afflict and torment thyself feing God hath given his Son for us why do we tremble or feare why do we sigh is Satan stronger then God will he who hath given so great a benefite forsake us in lighter matters why should we fear the world which Christ hath ouercome if we defend an ill cause why do we not change if the cause be just and pious why do we not trust to Gods promise certainly Satan can take no more from us but our life but Christ reigneth for ever under whose protection Verity consists he will not faile to be with us untill the end If he be not with us I beseech where shall he be found if we be not of his Church do yee think that the Bishop of Rome our adversaries are of it we are sinners indeed many waies but Christ is not a liar whose cause we have in hand Let Kings and Nations â—reat foame as they please he that sits in heaven shall laugh them to scorn God had maintained his cause hithertils without our Counsell and so he will do unto the end ..... As for any agreement it is vain to look for it for neither can we deprive the Bishop of Rome nor can the true doctrine be in security while Popery shall endure If they condemn our doctrin why seek we an uniformity if they allow it why maintain they their old errours But they condemne it openly where fore it is but dissimulation falsehood whatsoever they go about In that you will have the Lords Supper communicated wholly and give no place to them which hold in indifferent you do well for ..... They cry that we condemn all the Church but we shew how the Church was violently oppressed by tyranny and therefore is to be excused as the Synagogue was to be excused when under the captivity of Babylon they keeped not the law of Moses seing they were prohibited by force Ibid. XXVIII When the Protestants understood that the Pope had written The prostants writ to forrein Kings 1531. against them unto severall Kings they in Febr. 1531. assemble at Smalcald and send their Letters unto the same Kings shewing that it was an old complaint of good men that they were traduced by their enemies as Nic. Clemangis in France Jo. Colet in England c and where as now they are traduced by their enemies and they declare what was done at Ausburg they are guilty of none of these crimes that are layd unto their charge as they doubt not to cleare themselves if there were a free general Councel and especially it is grievous unto them that they are said to condemn Magistracy and lawes ..... and they entreat them that they would not believe such calumnies and to entreat Caesar that for the good of the Church he would call a godly and free Councel in Germany where such controversies may be lawfully debated and defined rather than put them to fire and sword The King of France returnes them answer thanking them for emparting such a business rejoicing that they did purge themselves of the objected crimes and allowing their demand of a Councel as necessary for the good not of Germany only but of the whole Church To the same purpose writes the King of England and addeth that he earnestly wishes there were a councel and that he will interceed with Caesar for peace At that time many Protestants were summoned to appear before the Chamber of
Caspar Contaren Reynold Poole Peter Bembus and Frederik Fregosius who all were sensible that the Church needed some Reformation Then Martyr was restored to his liberty of preaching but could not enjoy it long time for he became dangerously sick and by the advice of Physicians the Superiors of his order seeing that the air of that City did not agree with him made him General Visitor of the Order In that Office he so demeaned himself that good men much commended his integrity constancy and gravity and others feared him yet durst not discover their malice Not long after in a publick Convention of that Order he was made Prior of a Monastery in Luca some consented unto this promotion out of love others thinking it would be his ruine because of an enmity between Florence and Luca. But he engaged the hearts of the people there that he was no less beloved then if he had been born among them In that Colledge were many learned men and hopefull youths and he took care that the younger sort were instructed in the three languages for which end he had Paul Lacisius of Verona to read Latine Celsus Martinengus to read Greek and Immanuel Tremellius the Hebrew and for Divinity he himself daily expounded the Epistles of Paul and every night before supper he expounded a part of the Psalms Very many of the City of the Senators and Nobility resorted unto his Lecturs and he preached publickly every Lords day The enemies of the trueth could not endure him and laid snares for him nor could conceil their malice When he was admonished by his friends he chused to leave them and went to Strawsburgh What fruit his teaching brought forth may be known by this that in one years space after his departure eighteen Fellowes of that Colledge left it and went into the Reformed places among whom was Celsus Martinengus afterwards Minister of the Italian Church in Geneva Hieron Zanchius Im. Tremellius c. Many Citizens also went into exile voluntarily that they might enjoy the trueth in safety Ex Vita â—e Martyris Another instance was in Bonnonia in the year 1554. the Popes Governours attempted to make innovations there which the people would not receive contrary to their former Lawes The Innovators said They were not tied to former Lawes but had authority from the Pope who is King of the Countrey and may change statutes and ordinances without consent of the people Against this tyranny both the learned men and the people opposed themselves and in the Monastry of the black Friers was a generall Convention where Thomas de Finola Rector of the University set forth this Position All Rulers whether Supreme or Inferiour may and should be reformed or bridled to speak moderatly by them by whom they are chosen confirmed or admitted to their Office so oft as they break that promise made by oath unto their subjects Because the Prince is no less bound by oath unto their subjects then are the subjects unto their Prince and it should be kept and reformed equally according to Law and condition of the oath that is made by either party Vicenâ—ius de Placentia sustained this Position And when all reasons that the Popes Governors could alledge were heard the Pope was fain to take up the matter and did promise not only to keep the liberty of the people but that he should neither abrogate any antient Statute nor make any new one without their consent The Histor of the Reformation of Scotland Pag 399 edit Edinburgh 1644. which was writen by Jo. Knox albeit somesentences have been added by another after him At that time John Craig a Scotish man who afterwards was Minister of Edinburgh of whom mention is made hereafter was a Monk and considering the common doctrin of justification by works did not approve it and shewed unto an old Monk his arguments in the contrary The old man said It is true as you say but be silent lest you fall into danger for the dayes are evill But such was the mans zeal unto trueth that he could not contain himself and for this and other things that he taught he was carried to Rome and cast into prison with many hundreds more in the time of Paul 3 but they all escaped that night of the Popes death when the Citizens broke up the prisons XLIX John a Lasco a Noble man of Poland intending to see other Nations went to Zurik there he was easily perswaded by Zuinglius to betake himself Reformation in Poland to the studie of Divinity and where as he might have been advanced unto honour in his native Countrey yet such was his love to Christ and hatred to Popery that he choosed to embrace that Religion which hath it's soundation upon the Word of God In the year 1542. he was called to be Pastor at Embden the next year Anna the widow Countess of Oldenburgh invites him to reforme the Churches there which he endeavoured with great diligence Afterwards Edward King of England sent by information of Cranmer for him to be Preacher unto a Dutch Church at London In the first year of Queen Mary he obtained leave to return beyond sea a great part of his Congregation went with him and Martin Micron another Preacher to Copenhagen but the King would not suffer them to stay within his kingdoms unless they would embrace the doctrine of Luther concerning the local presence of Christs body and use the ceremonies ordained by him For the same cause they were refused by the Hans-towns and Churches of Saxony At last that vexed congregation was received at Embden Then he would visite his own Countrey after twenty years absence there he found many affecting a Reformation but few Preachers The Popish clergy sought by all means to destroy him or to have him bannished and they accused him unto the King for an heretick The King said Though they called him an heretick yet the States had not decerned so and he was ready to cleare himself from such imputations In the year 1557. a Parliament was assembled at Warsaw there was great contention for Religion The Princes whom they call Vaivodes crave that the Augustan Confession should be established The Bishops strove against it so that the Princes could not obtain any liberty Nevertheless after the Parliament they caused the Gospel to be preached in their own Provinces without the Kings permission John á Lasâ—o impugned the doctrine of the local presence and caused the trueth which the adversaries called Calvinisme to be received by many and unto this day that Church is miserably rent the King and most part are Popish many are Anabaptists few are Ubiquitaries yet a great many hold constantly the sounder Trueth L. When the Kings of Spain had subdued the Sarracens who had continued The Reformation in the Netherlands there some hundred years and expelled them out of the realm many of them not willing to leave the countrey fained themselves to be Christians and afterwards they were convinced to despise
and propound unto the King the inconstancy of promises from an hostile king he needs not go into England for any benefite seing he hath enough at home they promise to give him yearly 30000 crowns from the Church and of them which are rebellious against the holy Father the Pope and his lawes he may make unto the Crown yearly above 100000 Crouns if he will authorize such a Judge as they would name to proceed against them Nor can there be any danger in arraigning them seing it is known that they do use the Bible in English they talk commonly of the Popes power they despise the Service of the Church they deny obedience unto sacred persons and are not worthy to live under a king By these persuasions the king gives-over his journey to York Wherefore king Henry was offended and prepares an Army against Scotland and James prepares another to inuade England In time of these levies the Cardinal gives unto the king a catalogue of above 300 persons whom in his inquisition he had appointed unto death but this bloody designe was stayd by that preparation and taken away by the death of the king For the sum of the warrs is when the Scots were past Solvay a gentle man Oliver Sinclare shewes his Commission to be Commander in chieff the Noble men refuse to fight under his command and were taken captives the water flowing they could not return and King James hearing of their overthrow died in sorow within 3. dayes on December 13. year 1542 leaving a Daughter Mary five dayes old to be his heire Then were various discourses what might be the issue of those warrs Every one talkes as he wisheth or feareth Henry calleth for the captives unto White-hall and shewes them how God had offered them a most fit occasion of firme concord if their Queen were contracted with his son They do promise to use their diligence so far as they could without prejudice of the kingdom and their own infamy and so were dismissed in January Buchan Histor Libr. 14. 15. Then the Cardinall had more than hope to be Regent he causeth a Priest Hen. Balfour to write as the Kings last will that he and some others should be Governours and the Queen Dowager favoureth him But these who loved not his Inquisition and others calling to mind the former difficulties of the kingdom in the like case chuseth and declareth February 10. James hamilton Earle of Arran who was one of these whom the Cardinal had appointed unto death and next heire of the â—rown to be Regent during the minority of the infant Queen He had two preachers Thomas Guilliam and John rough sound in religion according to these times The Card. was not content with the Regent nor his preachers he endeavoureth to molest him and to stay the preaching of the Word In March a Parliament was assembled thither Ralph Sadler Ambassadour from England comes for common peace and by the way to put in mind the former captives of their promises The Contract of promise was once concluded but the Qu. Dowager the Card. and the Prelates do so wilfully oppose it that with common voice of the most part the Cardinal was removed and shut up strait in a chamber untill the votes were asked then the marriage was concluded other conditions of peace were penned and pledges were ordained to be sent into England The Cardinal was convoied to Palkeith and there kept as in firme warde by intercession of the Queen he obtaines liberty to go unto Seton and afterwards was set at full liberty In the same The first Pâ—blick step of Reformation Parliament the rigour of Acts against them who have English Bibles was taken off The Prelates did obiect that the Church had forbidden all languages in religion but three Hebrew Greek and Latine The Lords demande When was that inhibition made seing Chrysostom complaines that men will not use the sacred books in their own language The Bishops answer These were Greeks The Lords reply Christ commandeth that his Word be preached unto all Nations and therefore it should be preached in every language which the Nation understands best and if it should he preached in all tongues why should it not be read in all tongues In the end the best part prevailes and liberty was granted to read the Bible and to say prayers in the vulgar language This was not a small victory of the trueth and thereby many simple ones receive information Sundry treatises went abroad against the tyranny and abuses of the Church of Rome and many in forrein Nations praise God for the Regent At that time the New Testament was so unknowen unto the multitude of priests that they were not ashamed to say in their preachings That book was written by Luther Not long after the Abbot of Pasley comes out of France and prevailes so with his brother the Regent that Frier Guilliam and hindred again was put from preaching and went into England and John rogh went to Kyle and all godly men were terrified from Court Likewise the Card. hindereth the sending of the pledges into England and by his meanes and of his complices the Regent was persuaded to alliance with France Yea the craftly insinuations of the Card. and Abbot move the Regent to ren ounce the profession of the Gospell and submit himself unto the Pope Then every thing was done at the nod of the Cardinal many were persecuted of whom some fled and some were burnt as An. 1546. in February Ja. huncer Will. lambe Witanderson and Ja. rannelt burgesses of Sant Iohn stoun because they had eaten a goose on a fryday and a woman because in her travelling she would not call upon Mary John rogers a black â—rier who had faithfully preached the gospell unto many in Anguise and Merns was murdered in the sea-tower of Santandrews and then was thrown over the wall and a report was spred that he had broken his own George VVishart neck In the year 1544. came home that blessed servant of Christ George wishart one of great learning Zeal and modesty as I being young have heard of very antient men he had been Schoolemaster of Montros and there did teach his disciples the new testament in Greek for this fault he was delated unto the Bishop of Brechen in time of the persecution An. 1538. when he was summoned to appear he fled and after sixe years returnes with more knowledge of the trueth and with more Zeall He preached first in Montros within a private house next unto the church except one then in Dundie where by authority of the Card. he was prohibited to preach because the town was so ready to forsake the Word of God for boast of a man he foretold that a scourge was coming shortly upon them From thence he went to Aire and preached in the open fields at the church of Gastoun for he was hindered by the Bishop of Glasgow to preach in a Church There he is informed that within
with greater audience than ever he had before There the Earles Marshall Glencairn and others advise him to write unto the Regent an exhortation unto the hearing of Gods word He obeâ—etâ— them but it was in vain He is called by his flock at Frankford to return he goeth against the mind of many but promiseth to return if they abide constant in the trueth Then the Bishops summon him again for no-compearance they burn him in effigie at the cross of Edinburgh in July An. 1556. He wrote his appeal and caused it to be printed and directed it unto the Nobility and Commons of Scotland William harlaw preaches publickly in Edinburgh so did John Douglas a Carmelite and sometimes in Lieth Paul meffin preacheth ordinarily in Dundy and many leaving the Cloisters preach in all parts of the Country and the number of professors of Reformation was multiplied When the priests saw that they were much deserted they complain unto the Bishops and the Bishops judge it vain to summon these Preachers for heresy therefore they complain unto the Regent and accuse the Preachers of mutiny and sedition The Regent knew that the multitude of all sorts were earnest that way and saith It is safer to delay for a time all contrary course let the hereticks have some way and wee shall wait our opportunity Buchan Hist Lib. 16. V. After the death of King Henry followes a blessed Reformation in Publik Reformation in England under King Edward England for he had caused his young son Edward to be well instructed by Do. Cox and Edward L. Herford who then was called Protectour of England and Duke of Somerset both loved the Reformation and did his endeavour that the true light of the Gospell might shine everywhere He had a good helper Tho. Cranmer archb of Canterbury The King also was of singulare gifts above his age one of the rarest Princes that had been in many ages yea it is doubted if ever he had an equall in prudence besides his knowledge of Sciences and languages Greek Latine and French So he as another Josias purgeth the temple of the Lord from Popish idolatry and false invocation and would have brought it to greater perfection if time and life had answered unto his godly purpose It may be easily conceived how difficult it was to Reform all things at the first when the greatest part of the Privy Counsell of the Bishops and Nobility were open or close Papists but his purpose was not to leave one hooâ—e of the Romish Beast and did forbid that the Masse should be permitted unto his sister In â— is first year by authority of Parliament the sacrament of the Lords supper was administred unto the people with both elements and Cranmer did translate and in some measure purge the Missal and Breviary In the second year that book under the name The book of common prayer and administration of Sacraments was by act of Parliament to be used in all churches and chappells and that none practize nor speak against it nor any part of it Providing also that they who are acquainted with other languages may use that which they understand best in chappells but not in parish-parish-churches In this third year an Act was made against all books called Antiphoners Missals grailes processionals manuals legends pies portuisses paimers and other books whatsoever used before for service in the Church of England in English or Latine other than were then or after shal be set forth by the King Item against all images of stone timber alabaster or earth graven carved or painted in any church or chappell except only images or pictures upon any tombe for monument only of any person which had been of good reputation The book of Common prayer was some what amended in the year 1552. He put the Popish Bishops and priests to silence and removed them from their Benefices Boâ—er Bishop of London was removed and for contumacy was condemned to perpetuall prison in the Tower and Do. Ridley became Bishop of London Gardener was deposed from Winchester c. But he killed none yea when the Counsell would persuade him to burn a woman Joan butâ—her he said What will yee send her quick to the Devill in her errours When the Reformation was first intended a generall Visitation of the Bishopricks was made by certaine prudent and learned men which were appointed Commissioners for severall Diocies and unto every Company two or three preachers were adjoined to preach at every Session and dehort the people from their wonted superstition and inform them in the trueth And that they might proceed the more orderly in their Commâ—ssions or visitations 32 persons as in the time of King Henry VIII were appointed to prescribe certain instructions and orders of Visitation The troubles in Germany at that time did contribute by the gracious providence of God to the furtherance of the Gospell in England Tho. Cranmer by Letters brought Martin Bucer Paul Fagius Peter Martyr and other learned men in the year 1548 and 1549 their coming was most acceptable unto the King country Fagius an expert Hebrician and Bucer were sent to be Doctors in Cambridge and Martyr was designed Reader of Divinity in Oxford But as Theod. Beza in â—esp ad Fr. Balduin Vol. 1. Tractat. Pag. 322 edit An. 1570. hath observed in epist Buceri daâ—ed Cantabrig Januar. 12 An. 1550 concerning the purity of rites the advice of no forreiner was sought what they could do they did not fail both by word and write to advise the people to chuse good Pastours and to endeavour more purity both in doctrine and rites but some through mans wisdom and vanishing thoughts would glue God and Belial with the leaven of Antichrist And John à Lasco a Polonian was then a preacher of a Dutch congregation in London he in his preface before his book de Ecclesiastico ordine saith That most holy King was desirous to have the whole Religion so reformed throughout aâ—â— the king â—om that he was carefull of no other thing almost but because some Lawes of the country were in the way that the publick rites of Divine worship especially which had been in use under Popery could not be purged out as the King himself would and I was instant for the forrein Churches it pleased them at last that the publick rites should be purged out of the English churches by degrees so soon as they could by the lawes and in the mean time forreiners which in this respect were not so tied unto these lawes of the Country should order their churches freely and without any respect unto the rites of tâ—e Country if their doctrin were only Apostolicall for so it may come to passe that the English churches also might be moved by unanimous consent of the Estates to embrace the Apostolical purity and some tooke tâ— is so ill that they did strive against the Kâ— purpose So far he yea they did so strive and were so malicious that they did accuse the Duke of
having interess That none of them take in hand to hold any consistory for administration of the said wicked lawes or assist there to in any way from thence forth Vnder the pain of death As yee will answer to us thereupon The which to do we commit to you conjunctly and severally our full power Given under our signet at Dundy the 14 day of December and of our reignes the second and 18 years These two Proclamations are not that I have seen in print but I have them by mee as yet with the Signet whole and entire which I received as I have hinted before among the papers of John erskin of Dun. The difference of the time in the Date is clear for the Queen was marryed in the beginning of Decemb. An. 1558. And I make use of them here against the impudent slaunders of An observation out of the premisses that malevolent Author who in that Latin History lately printed calleth the Reformation of the Church of Scotland a tumultuous and Vandal Reformation howbeit out of these Proclamations and all other proceedings heertofore it appeares clearly that whatsoever was done had the authority of the Publick Convention of the Estates and lesser things were done by the Counsell but the Queen being a Minor and not in the Country ftom her infancy and being under the tutory of her Vncle a stranger and an enemy of Religion who had given his power unto strangers for opposing Religion And all the antient Churches as yet standing both in burroughs and country do bear witnes that they did not at that time throw down any necessary church but only the abbeyes and monasteries and their churches IX About the 20. of December Robert Meluill of Raith who was sent with Lethintoun into England returnes and shewes that the Queen of England had granted a supply and appointed the Duke of Norfolk A treaty with England and the Frenches make trouble to their own losse to treat at Berwick with the Commissioners of the Scotish Nobility When the Regent was advertised of this conclusion she with her Counsell resolves to make an end of the warre before the English support could be in readiness and to begin at Fife Thereupon the French men take their journy by Sterlin and spoil where they come when they had passed the bridge the storm was so bitter and the snow had fallen so deep that they could not passe thorough the midle of the country but resolve to march by the coast and so unto Santandrewes and to have fortified the castle and City The Lord James stuart and others hearing that they were passed Sterlin sent some Forces with the Lord Ruthuen to withstand them and in his company was the Earle of Sutherland being directed as he professed by the Earle of Huntly to offer his assistance but his principall commission was for the Regent as afterward was made known But he was not long time in their company for in the first rancounter of the Scots and French men at Kingorn Sutherland was hurt in the arme and went back to Couper The French men being the greater number took Kingorn and the Scots return to Dysert where they continued skirmishing for three weeks that the enemies could not march further and the country was preserved from the spoil so soon as the Regent heard that Kingorn was taken she sent post to France shewing that thousands of the hereticks were slain and the rest were fled and requiring that some of her friends would come and take the glory of that Victory So Martiques was sent again with two ships A day was appointed by the Noble men to meet at Couper for sending Commissioners to treat with the Duke of Norfolk unto this meeting went the Noble men that were at Dysert and sixe were sent to Berwick both parties did quickly agree upon a league for defense of both kingdoms whosoever shall inuade either of them The contract was dated Fabruat 27. The capacity of a Treaty with England shewes what a considerable part of the kingdom the Congregation was at that time The Frenchmen at Kingorn hearing that the Noble men were gone from Dysert march a long the coast and at Kincraig they see a fleet of ships they apprehend them a supply from France but they were by and by informed that it was a fleet of Englishes and also that an Army was coming by land Wherefore they fearing to be severed from their fellowes at Lieth made the greater hast by night and day and came to Lieth on the third day losing more of their company by the way than they had killed of their adversaries as they had done more evill to their friends for of all that were professed enemies unto them only the Laird of Grange had his house blown up with powder but others of their faction were forced to furnish them or the souldiers took the readiest they could apprehend When complaints were made to the French Captaines they scornfully answered These were the Congregation-mens goods Or if they made faith that these were their own goods they were railed upon as unworthy and niggard cowards that made more account of their goods than of their friends And the professours of religion had put their goods out of the way But this spoil made that faction joyn the more willingly with the defenders of their liberty At that time the Barons of the Merns were busy in the Reformation of Aberdien The Earle of Huntly withstood but when he heard of the advancing of the Englishes he sent unto the Lords craving to be admitted among them as also he heard that Proclamations were sent through all the country charging all the subjects to meet in arms at Lithgow the last day of March and thence to passe in persuite of the French enemies At that time the English forces consisting of two thousand horse and 600 foot entred into Scotland and the Scots army joyned with them April 4. An. 1660. The same day the Regent removes her family to the castle of Edinburgh the Lord Erskin knowing that she was of intention to have the Frenches Masters of that strength would not deny her entry but he was so circumspect that both she and the castle were still in his power X. The Noble men then wrote unto her humbly again and again entreating Mediation of peace An. 1560 that she would dismiss the French souldiers and profering that they shall be safely conveyed into France and promising never to forsake dutifull obedience unto their Queen nor resist the King her husband in any thing that shall not tend to the subversion of the liberties of the Kingdom and beseeching her to weigh the equity of their petition and the inconveniences of warre The English Generall did in like manner direct two gentle men unto the French men in Lieth for the same purpose Both were answered with delayes but would not be delayed and assault the town and were repulsed twice with the losse of two men The King of France hearing
wee must for both thirds and two parts are rigorously taken from us aâ—d our tenants One said if others will follow my Counsell the Guard and the Papists shall complain al 's long as the Ministers have done Then the former sharpness was coloured and the speaker alledgeth that he meaneth not of all Ministers Christopher goodman an English answereth My Lord Secretary if you can shew what just tittle either the Queen hath to the third or the Papists to the two parts then I think I could resolve whither she be debtour to Ministers within burgh or not The Secretary replieth Ne sit peregrinus curiosus in aliena Republica Goodman answereth Albeit I be a stranger in your policy yet I am not so in the Church of God and therefore the care doth no less appertain unto mee here than if I were in the midst of England The Hist of Reformation Lib. cit This debate was because the Popish prelates were permitted to enjoy their tyths enduring their life so that a competent stipend were provided unto the Ministers and when the Queen returned home at the demand of the Counsell the Prelats condescended to quite the third part of the tyths for entertainment of the Queen's family and the provision of Ministers but the Guard received the thirds and gave nothing or little unto Ministers and they had oft complained of their want In all these quick reasonings I. Knox spoke not a word but thereafter he said I have traveled Right honourable and beloved Brethren since my last returning into this realm in an upright conscience before my God seeking nothing more as he is witnes than the advancement of his glory and the stabillty of his Church within this realm and of late dayes I have been accused as a seditious man and as one that usurpes to myself power that becomes mee not true it is I have given advertisement to the Brethren in diverse quarters of the extremity intended against the faithfull for looking to a priest going to Masse and for observing those that transgresse against just laws but that here in I have usurped further power than was given mee till that by you I be condemned I utteâ—ly deny for I say by you that is by the Generall Assembly I have all just power to advertise the brethren from time totime of dangers appearing as I have powr to preach the word of God in the pulpit of Edinburgh for by you was I appointed unto the one as unto the other and therefore in the name of God I crave your judgements the danger that appeared unto mee in my accusation was not so fearfull as the words that came to my ears were dolorous to my heart for these words were plainly spoken and that by some Protestants What can the Pope do more than to send forth his letters and require them to be obeied Let mee have your judgements therefore whither I have usurped any power to myself or If I have obeied your commandement Ibid. John Knox is removed and then the Lord Lindsay the Lairds of Kilwood Abbotshall Cuninghamheed the Superintendents of Anguise Fife Lothian West and Galloway Mrs John Row W. Christeson Ro. Hamilton Chri. goodman with the most part of the assembly did declare that they remember very well that Jo. Knox would have had himselfe exonered of the foresaid charge and that the Church at that time would not suffer him to refuse it but that he should continue as before to advertise from time to time as occasion shall be given An extract of the Acts of tbe nationall assemblies 3. The Noble men and Barons present do finally consent that for their own parts the tenants or labourers of the ground shall have their own tyths upon composition 4 It was thought needfull for confirmation of the book of discipline that certain commissioners or any three or four of them shall revise it and consider diligently the contents thereof noting their judgements in write and reporte the same unto the next assembly or if any Parliament shall interveen they shall report their judgements unto the Lords of the Articles 5. All Ministers and Readers having Manses at their Churches shall make residence there 6. Concerning Thomas duncanson who was Schoolmaster and Reader in Sterlin and having committed fornication had made publick repentance it was ordained that he shall abstain from that office in the Church untill the Church of Sterlin make request for him unto the Superintendents and he shall marry the woman if she require it 7. Alexander Jardin Minister at Kilspindy having committed fornication and therefore suspended by the Superintendent of Fife and thereafter had made publick repentance and married the same woman Is again suspended from all function in the Ministery untill the next Assembly and then to receive his answere 8. Commission was given unto five Ministers to take cognition of a complaint given by the Superintendent of Fife against Ge. Lesly Minister at Stramiglo and to decide therein and to notify their Sentence unto the Superintendent of Anguise In this year by past was great death and dearth through all the Country that the prices of corne and flesh was triple above the custom The writer of The Histo of Reformotion saith God did so according to the threatning in the law punish our ingratitude that suffered them to defile the Land with that abomination that he had so potently purged by the power of his word and for the riotous feasting both in City and country but alas who lookes to the true cause of our calamity Likewise in the winter following fell great rain which in the falling freezed so vehemently that the earth was but a shot of ice the fowls both great small could not flee but freezed and died and some were layd by the fire that their feathers might dissolve This frost is said to have been in January An. 1563. to wit according to the old account which was not changed in Scotland untill the year 1600. and then was changed but continueth in England untill the year 1660. CHAP. â— Of COVNCELS I. IT hath been shewd with what difficulty the Councel was called to Trents the History of it is most exquisitly penned by Petro Soave a Venetian The opening of Councel of Trent and translated into sundry languages here I add a compend faithfully and plainly in so far as concerneth the mannaging the Articles of doctrin for the most part When Pope Paul could no longer decline the calling of this councel as is before in the beginning of the year 1545. he sent three Legats John Maria de Monte a Card. Bishop of Palestina Marcellus Cervinus a priest Cardinall de Sancta Cruce and Reginald Pool a deacon Cardinal of S. Mary in Cosmedin with a Breve of legation but no particular instruction being as yet uncertain what commission to give them and intending to dispose as occasions namely the affairs of the Emperour shall require When the Legates were gone he consults the Cardinals what faculty is
Lions at Roan Diep Meausia Orleans and other parts within one month 30000 Thuan Li. ciâ— and in that year above 100000 Protestants were massacred Th. Rogers in the preface of The Catholick doctrine Not only were the Protestants murdered that way but many others for privat malice or avarice of the executioners Some of the Governors refused to obey that command as Claudius Count de Tende when he had read it said He would obey the former edict but he doubted that this other was only coloured with the Kings name Therefore at the Kings command he was poisoned at Avenion within few dayes Mons Sautheram Governor of Auvergne refused saying He was the Kings Lieutenant for execution of justice and not to be a hang-man Additions to the 10 book of French Commen Great mirth and processions were at Rome when the Pope heard of those massacres By the Kings commande horsemen were dispatched into all parts that no Governor be absent from his charge and to watche and warde diligently and to search narrowly all the assemblies of the Reformed and to punish them without exception In all parts of the realm they were apprehended who keept their houses upon trust of the Kings protection many were murdered and all almost were robbed as if they had been vanquish'd enemies so that nothing seemed to remain unto them but utter confusion On the 10 day of September Charles sent for the Prince of Condee and willed him to choose one of three either Masse or death or perpetual prison He answered He would never choose the first and he left the other two unto the Kings pleasure Thuan. lib. 53. Before he obtained liberty he was induced to subscribe that abjuration whereof a copy is in the 10 Book of the French Comment So did Henry King of Navarsway with the times These two easily without petitioning received pardon from Pope Gregory XIII by intercession of King Charles In the dayes of the late Queen of Navar had been an assembly in Bearn and by free consent of the States the Masse was discharged throughout all that realm but then in the year 1572 October 15 king Henry published a contrary edict forbidding the Reformed Religion and he sent Mons Grammount granting leave unto the Reformed to sell their lands within a year and then remove or to conform themselves The people were not moved by these Letters and said These letters were extorted from the king in his captivity Thuan-ibi Nevertheless those examples moved many who were thought to love the Religion to profess the contrary The cities Rochell Montauban Sanser Anduz and other towns in Vivaretz and Sevenatz continued constant but it seemed unto many of themselves great folly joyned with madness after so great overthrow of all the Nobility and so many others to think upon any defence when scarce any Noble man durst owne the Religion and not a few said It is not lawfull that subjects should bear arms against their king albeit he be wicked as it had appeared by the success â—n a word all of them were uncertain what to do and inevitable destruction seemed to be brought on the Church in France the chief men were gone they had no help from Germany nor England as before yet the helping hand of God appeared in due time French Comment lib. 11. The king sent Noble men unto those Cities commanding them to receive garrisons and a Lieutenant They were all perplexed on both sides death seemed to be at hand they were resolved to yeeld but fear made theâ— to delay The citizens of Castre received a garrison upon trust of the kings promise they were all put to the edge of the sword with no less cruelty then others before Rochell was ready to have given obedience but when they were informed of that false cruelty or cruell deceit they refused to render and so began the fourth warrs in France with the seege of Rochell and other parts were invaded with hudge violence It was the Divine providence that the Nobility failing he alone might be known the author of the work The particulars are described in the book last mentioned and would go beyond my purpose to repeat them I will only touch the seege of Rochell and the end of those warres The seege continued seven months in it two things are very remarkable first notwithstanding all the Ordinance and battering picces that were discharged against them to the number of 6000. shot only 25. Rochellers were slain and how many of the beseegers were slain it is uncertain but it may be coniectured that 132. Commanders were killed of whom the chief was Claude Duke d' Aumale uncle of the Duke of Guise March 3. 1573. The greatest assaults were seven The other remarkable thing is the poorest sort of the town began to want bread and a new sort of supply was furnished unto them to wit every day in the river they had plenty of fishes Surdones which they had never seen before and the same day that the seege was raised those wereseen no more So both rich and poor had plenty within and the Kings Army without was grieved with famine Wherefore Charles sent word unto his Brother Henry commanding him either to take-in the town instantly if it be possible or to leave it in Aprile He continued two months longer untill word was brought that he was chosen king of Poland In the mean while Sanserre suffered a hard seege that parents did eat their own little ones A general peace was proclamed and liberty of Religion was granted in July An. 1573. Thuan. Lib. 54. The edict of pacification was conceived in generall terms without naming any city those of Nismes and Languedoc took exception at that thereupon all the Protestant towns wrote unto the Duke of Aniow giving him thanks for the peace and beseeching him to procure unto them leave to assemble in a fit place to the end they may know the particulares of the pacification in convenient time and that he would grant them his Letters patent for their assurance Then many conveened from all parts of the realm as the time would suffer and so they provided for themselves Fre. Commen Lib. 12. The next year Charles died in that book it is written of his death thus Certain it is that he died of a bloody flixe and it is reported for truth by the greater part that the blood is hued out of sundry parts of his body and in his bed he could have litle rest but horribly blasphemed the name of God which he was wont to do even from his childhood Thuan Lib. 57. witnesseth of his unrest and affrighments in the night and that heendeavoured to setle it by musick And because it was suspected that he had been poisoned to the end he might vomit the blood with the more ease he was bolstered up with pillowes that his feet lay higher then his head Another hath comprised the cause and manner of his death in those verses Naribus ore oculis atque auribus
who teach that the erroneous should be forced to return unto the Church albeit the antient scandals be not removed and new ones are multiplied c. He speaks also of their means of alluring men of their policies and corruptions more particularly Another saith The four wings of these locusts are arrogancy of learning their flattering of Princes and wealthy persons impudence in denying and the great power that they have purchased CHAP. IV. Of BRITANNE 1. I Left at the gracious providence of God towards Queen Elisabet in God protected Queen Elisabeth continuance thereof is here to be remembred 1. that Pope Pius V. did accurse her An. 1569. and caused the Breve to be affixed on the Bishop of London's palace An. 1570. by John Felton yet neither did her subjects love her the less nor other Princes leave off correspondence with her and the worst effect was Felton was hanged and. 2. The Earls of Northhumberland and Westmerland hearing of the curse and trusting to the promises of aid from the Pope and from Spain raised a rebellion in the North the one was taken and beheaded and Westmerland escaped into Flanders and died in a poor condition 3. The next year Leonard Dacres began to revive the rebellion in the same Shiers and was soon defeated 4. About the same time Iohn Story a Doctor of law and one Prestol were apprehended and convinced of treason for giving information unto Duke d'Alva how he might invade England and cause Irland revolt 5. John â—esley bishop of Ross plotted with sundry Englishes to intercept the Queen and set Queen Mary at liberty An. 1571. God turned their plots to their dammage 6. John Duke of Austria aiming at that kingdom sought Queen Mary in marriage in the midst of his projected plots he died suddenly An. 1567. 7. Thomas stuckly plotted first with Pius V. and then with Gregory XV. to conquer Irland unto the Pope's son he was made General and sent away with 800. Italians but God disposed so that Stukly was first employd to aid Sebastian King of Portugal against the Mauritanians and died there 8. Nicolas Sanders a priest entred into Irland with an Army of Spaniards An 1580. and ioyning with other rebellious Papists made a great insurrection they were soon quasshed 9. The next year numbers of Seminaries and Jesuits came from Rome to prepare the subiects unto a change and to take part with forrein powers when they shall come into the Land for this cause greater restraint was layd upon Papists of those incendiaries some were executed for treason and many were sent out of the kingdom 10. In the year 1583. John Somerwill was taken when he was going to kill the Queen he confessed that he was persvaded to do so byreading books written by the Seminaries he was condemned and strangled himself in New-gate 11. An. 1585. William Parry having an absolution from the Pope vowed to kill her but God struck him with such terror that having opportunity he could not do it his purpose was discovered and he received the reward of a traitor 12. An. 1586. John Ballard a priest stirred up some gentle men to kill Her when she went abroad to take the air this was discovered before they had opportunity they confessed their plot to bring-in forrein forces fourteen was executed as traâ—tors 13. William Stafford a young gentle man and one Moody were persvaded by a forrein Ambassador lying in England An 1587 to kill Her this was discovered 14. An. 1588. Philip King of Spain sent an hudge navy which he supposed as it was called invincible the Lord of land and sea heard the prayers of both kingdoms England and Scotland and dissipated that naâ—y by stormy winds 15. An. 1593. Lopez a Iew and the Queen 's ordinary Physician undertook to poison her upon promise of 50000. crouns from King Philip but before the hyre came the traitor was punished 16. The next year Patrik Cullen an Irish fencer was hired by English fugitives in Flanders to kill Her intelligence was given and he was apprehended 17. The same year other two undertook the â—ame fact as also to set her Navy on fire with bals of wild-fire and received the like reward 18. An. 1598. Edward Squire was suborned in Spain by a Iesuit to poison Her by laying strong poison on the pommel of the sadle whereon she was wont to ride that she laying her hand on it might carry the sent of it unto her nose Squire followed direction and did the deed on a day when she was going to ride and if She had touched the pommel it had been her death but Divine providence so ruled that she touched it not the treason was discovered and rewarded 19. The Earle of Tyron came from Spain An 1599. and raised the greatest rebellion in Irland that was in her time yet he was overthrown 20 An. 1600. a plot was layd to remove some chief Officers and Counselors from her and then the Papists thought to find their opportunity this project was discovered and prevented 20. Henry Garnet Superior of the Seminaries in England and others had another plot and sent Thomas winter into Spain An. 1601. King Philip embraced the motion and promised to help them but before it came the Queen ended her dayes in peace Seing so many plots were discovered it may not improbably be iudged that moe were intended but she was so safe under the wings of the Almighty that neither open hostility nor privy conspiracy could annoy her The remembrance hereof may teach others to trust in God as the safest policy I return unto Church-affaires First we may profitably observe the cause of the difference in the Reformation of the Churches in those two Kingdoms It is true both looked unto the Worde as the rule of Reformation but they varied in the manner of application for England held that whatsoever in discipline and rites is not contrary unto Gods word should be retained for in the twentieth article of the Convocation An. 1563. it is said The Church hath power to decree rites or ceremonies and authority in matters of faith and yet it is not lawfull for the Church to ordain any thing that is contrary unto Gods word neither may it so expound one place that it be contrary unto another wherefore although the Church be a witness and keeper of holy Writ yet as it not ought not decree any thing against the same so besides the same ought it not to enforce any thing to be believed for necessity of salvation But Scotland applied the Rule more closs in this manner What soever hath not a warrant in the Word should be abolished as in the fourtienth article of Confession they say Evill works are not only those that are done expresly against Gods commandement but those also that in matters of religion and inworshipping of God have no other assurance but the invention and opinion of man which God hath ever from the beginning rejected as by the prophet Isaiah and
preachers should be placed oppidatim how can it well be thought that three or four preachers may suffice for a shire ...... Some there be that are mislikers of the godly Reformation in Religion once established wishing indeed that there were no preachers at all and so by depriving of Ministers impugne Religion Non aperto Marte sed in cuniculis much like the Bishops in your Fathers time who would have had the English translation of the Bible called-in as evill translated and the new translation to be committed unto them which they never intended to perform A number there is and that exceeding great altogether worldly-minded ...... And because the preaching of Gods Word which to all Christians conscience is sweet and delectable to them having Cauterizatas conscientias is bitter and grievous ..... they wish that there were no preachers at all but they dare not directly condem the office of preaching so expresly commanded by Gods Word for that were open blasphemy they turn themselves altogether and with the same meaning as others do against the persons of them that are admitted to preach But God forbid Madam that you should open your ears unto any of these wicked persuasions Cum defecerit Propheta dissipabitur Populus saith Salomon Prov. 27. Where it is thought that the reading of godly Homilies set forth by publick authority may suffice the reading of these hath it's commodities but it is nothing comparable to the office of preaching ...... These were devised by godly Bishops in your The use of the Book of Homilies brothers dayes only to supply necessite by want of preachers and are by the statute not to be preferred but to give place to Sermons wheresoever they may be had and were never thought in themselves to contain alone sufficient instruction for the Church of England For it was found then as it is now that this Church had been by appropriations not without sacriledge spoiled of the livings which at the first were appointed to the office of preaching or teaching which appropriations were first annexed to Abayes and after came to the crown and now are disposed to privat mens possessions without hope to reduce the same to the original institution ..... Concerning the second point which is of the learned exercises and conferences amongst the Ministers of the Church I have The exercise of Ministers consulted with diverse of my brethren the Bishops who think of the same as I do a thing profitable to the Church And therefore expedient to be continued and I trust your Majesty will think the like when you shall be informed of the matter and order thereof what authority it hath of the Scriptures what commodity it bringeth with it and what discommodities will follow if it be clean taken away The authors of this exercise are the Bishops of the Diocess where it is used who by the law of God and by the canons and constitutions of the Church now in force have authority to appoint exercise to their inferior Ministers for encrease of learning and knowledge of the Scriptures as to them seemes expedient for that pertaines ad disciplinam Clericalem So after he hath spoken of the matter and order of that Exercise and the ground of it from 1. Sam. 10. and 1. Cor. 14. he addeth This gift of interpreting the Scriptures in S. Pauls time was given to many by a special miracle without study ...... but now miracles ceasing men must attain to the Hebrew Greek and Latin tongues ...... by travel and study God gives the increase So must men attain by the like means to the gifts of expounding and interpreting the Scriptures and amongst other helps nothing is so necessary as these above named exercises and conferences amongst the Ministers of the Church which in effect are all one with the exercises of Students in Divinity in the Universities saving that the first is done in a tongue understanded to the more edifying of the unlearned hearers Howsoever report hath been to your Majesty concerning these exercises yet I and others of York whose names are noted as followes 1. Cantuariensis 2. London 3. Winch 4. Bathon 5. Lichfield 6. Glocester 7. Lincoln 8. Chester 9. Exon 10. Meneven alià s Davids as they have testified unto mee by their Letters have found by experience that these profits and commodities following have ensued of them 1. The Ministers of the Church are more skilfull and more ready in the Scriptures and more Apt to teach their flocks 2. It withdrawes them from idleness wandring gaming c. 3. Some afore suspected in doctrine are brought to the knowledge of the truth 4. Ignorant Ministers are driven to study if not for conscience yet for shame and fear of discipline 5. The opinion of lay men touching the ableness of the Clergy is hereby removed 6. Nothing by experience beats down Popery more then that 7. Ministers as some of my brethren do confess grow to such knowledge by means of those exercises that where a fore were not able Ministers not three now are thretty able and meet to preach at Pauls cross and 40 or 50 besids able to instruct their own Cures so as it is found by experience the best means to increase knowledge in the simple and to continue it in the learned Only backward men in religion and contemners of learning in the countries abroad do fret against it which in truth doth the more commend it The dissolution of it would bâ—eed triumph in the Adversary and great sorow and grief unto the favorers of Religion contrary to the Counsel of Ezek. 13. 18. Cor justi non est contristandum Although some have abused this good and necessary exercise there is no reason that the malice of a few should prejudice all abuses may be reformed and that which is good may remain Neither is there any just cause of offences to be taken if diverse men make diverse senses of one sentence of Scripture so that all the senses be good and agreable to the analogy and proportion of faith for otherwise we must condemn all the antient Fathers and diverse of the Church who most commonly expound one and the same text of Scripture diversely and yet all to the good of the Church .... Because I am well assured ..... that these exercises for the interpretation of the Scriptures and for exhortation and confort are profitable ......... I am inforced with all humility and yet plainly to profess that I can not with safe conscience and without the offence of the Majesty of God give my assent to the suppressing of these exercises much less can I send out any Injunction for the utter and universal subversion of the same I say with Paul I have no power to destroy but only to edify and I can do nothing against the truth but with the truth If it be your Majesties pleasure or for any other cause to remove me I consider with myself Quod horrendum est incidere in manus Dei viventis
and also Quod qui facit contra conscientiam Divinis in rebus aedificat ad gehennam ...... Beare with me Madam I beseech you if I chuse rather to offend your earthly Majesty then to offend the heavenly Majesty of God ...... I will draw to an end most B. Grindals petitions humbly praying that you will consider these short petitions I. that you would referr all these ecclesiasticall matters unto the Bishops and Divines of the Church of your realm according to the exemple of all Christian Emperours and Princes of all ages for indeed they are to be judged as an Antient writes in Ecclesia seu Synodo non in Palatio When your Majesty hath questions of the laws of your realm you do not decide them in your Court or palace but send them to your Judges to be determined ......... Ambrose to Theodosius used these words Si de causâ—s pecuniariis Comites tuos consulis quanto magis in causa Religionis Sacerdotes Domini aequum est consulas ...... My second petition is that when you deal in matters of faith and religion or matters that touch the Church of Christ which is the Spouse bought with so dear a price you would not pronounce so resolutely and peremptorily quasi ex authoritatâ— as you may do in civil and external matters but alwayes remember that in Gods cause the will of God and not the will of any creature is to take place It is the Antichristian voice Sic volo sic jubeo sâ—et pro ratione voluntas In Gods matters all Princes ought to bow their Scepters to the Son of God and to ask counsell at his mouth what they ought to do David exhorts all Kings and rulers to serve God with fear and trembling Remember Madam that you are a mortal creature look not only as was said to Theodosius upon the people and princely array wherewith you are apparelled but consider also what it is that is covered there with .......... Must you not one day appear ante terrendum tribunal Crucifixi ut recipias ibi prout gesseris in corpore sive bonum sive malum And although you are a mighty Prince yet remember ...... As the Psalmist saith 76. Terribilis est is qui aufert Spiritum principum terribilis super omnes Reges terrae Wherefore I beseech you Madam in visceribus Christi when you deal in these religious causes set the Majesty of God before your eies laying aside all earthly Majesty determin with yourself to obey his voice and with all humility say unto him Non mea sed tua voluntas fiat God hath blessed you with great felicity now many years beware you do not impute it to your deserts or policy but give God the glory ...... Take heed you never think of declining from God lest it be verified of you which is written of Joash Cum corroboratus esset elevatum est cor ejus in interitum suum neglexit Deum He concludes trusting better of her and praying for her What could be written saith Fuller with more spirit and less animosity More humility and less dejection I see a lambe in his own can be a Lion in God and his Churches cause Say not that Orbitas senectus only encouraged Grindall in this his writing whose necessary boldness did arise partly from his confidence in the goodness of the cause for which partly from the gratiousnes of the Queen to whom he made his adress But alas all in vain Leicester had so filled her eares with complaints against him there was no room to receive this petition But to return to the former purpose we see from this Letter that the form of Exercise was allowed by ten Bishops and the history shewes that the Ministers who used that exercise were not conformists unto the rites But NB. VVhit gift's severity iâ— opposed some Bishops of that age were so zealous of their authority and jealous of the prophecyings that diligent Ministers must needs conform or then the flocks shall want teaching and the Queen must bear the blam of all More of these trouble followers here I add that â— Whitgift succeeding to Grindal was the first Reformed Bishop that was Counselor of State and most vehement in pressing conformity yet not without many checks and lets For not only did the Counsell sent Letters unto that Archbishop willing him to relent of his severity but as the same author writes in the Parliament Aâ— 1587. the House of Commons presented unto the House of Lords a petition complaining that many parishes were destitute of preachers and craving amongst other things that no oath nor subscription might be tendered to any at their enterance into the Ministery but such as is expressly prescribed by the statutes of the realm excep the oath against corrupt entring That they may not be troubled for omission of some rites or portions prescribed in the book of Common prayer That such as had been suspended or deprived for no other offence but only for not subscribing might be restored and that the Bishops would forbear their excommunication exofficio mero of godly and learned preachers not detected for open offence of life or apparent error in doctrine c. And the Lords rancountred the Bishops so hardly especially against plurality of Benefices that matters flying so high the Archbishop conceived it the safest way to apply himself by petition unto the Queen in this manner The wofull and distressed estate whereinto we are like to fall forceth us with grief of heart in most humble manner to crave your Majesties soveraign protection For the pretence being made of the maintenance and increase of learned ministry when it is throughly weighed decrieth learning spoileth their livings takes away the set form of prayer in the Church and it is the means to bring in confusion and barbarisme How dangerous innovations are in a setled Estate whosoever hath judgement perceiveth Set dangers apart yet such great inconveniences may ensue as will make an estate lamentable and miserable Our nighbours miseries may make us fearfull but that we know who ruleth the same All the Churches in Europe can not compare with England in the number of learned Ministers These benefits of your Majesties most sacred and carefull government with hearty joy we feel and humbly acknowledge senseless are they that repine at it The respect hereof made the Prophet to say Dij estis All the faithfull and discreet clergy say O Deacertè Nothing is impossible with God Requests without grounded reasons are lightly to be rejected We therefore not as Directors but as humble Remembrancers beseech your Highness favourable beholding of our estate present and what it will be in time to come if the Bill against pluralities should take any place c. With this petition was annexed a catalogue of pretended inconveniences So that in effect no thing was enacted in relation to this matter but at the dissolution of the Parliament the Bishops were more â—evere then
alswell in time past as henceforth may be punished according to these lawes especially the contemners of the lawes in Aberdien Cars of Gourie and other places as shall be specified When the Noble men heard these articles they said they thought it not convenient to propound them in that manner but rather they would collect them into two heads thus First they would declare unto her Majesty the good mindes and obedience of them there assembled and as for religion seing it concerneth the said Lords most especially being members of the Church they would deale with her Majesty that the same may be observed according to the Order established at her Highness arrivall And they say they doubt not but they shall obtain so gracious answer from her Majesty as may satisfy the assembly And concerning the sustentation of the Ministers they will likewise deale for it and they hope that they shall be reasonably satisfied Thereafter the same Lords declare how they were not only accepted by her Majesty in good part but that shee had accorded to the performance of the petitions and they promise in her Majesties name unto the assembly the accomplishment For said they if they were not persuaded in their hearts that her Majesty meant sinceerly they would not have been messingers of her answer On the other side all the assembly thank God and her Majesty that their reasonable petitions were so graciously answered and they desire the same Lords reciprocally to promise unto her Majesty in their behalfe all dutifull obedience love and submission which can be expected by any Christian Prince of most faithfull and humble subjects Promising also that if any of their number shall happen to forget the duty of a good subject in offending against her Majesties lawes they all shall concurr ingenuously to the punition of the offender according to the quality of the trespasse and as they shall be required Item concerning the jurisdiction of the Church the assembly nameth four Superintendents Elleven Ministers and four Gentle men to conveen the morn and conferr on the causes and jurisdiction pertaining unto the Church and report their opinions Item it is concluded that a Minister being once placed may not leave that congregation without the knowledge of the flock and consent of the Superintendent or wholl Church and his cause be considered whither lawfull or not Item it is decerned that Pa. Cowston shall not leave his congregation nor go out of the country even albeit he petitioneth it for a time to augment his knowledge Item whereas the Commissioner of Murray had complained on Wi. Sutherland parson of Moy that he had committed fornication and when he was charged to marry the woman he had despitefully torn the Commissioners letters whereupon he was charged to compear before this assembly and hath not come the Assemblie deprives him of all ecclesiasticall function and ordaines the Commissioner to proceed with censures against him for his contempt On Decemb. 13. was a Parliam at Edinb But saith the Hist of Refor the Queen would not cause proclame the Parliament untill she had desired the Earle of Murray by whose means chiefly the Earle of Lennox came into Scotland and was then to be restored that there shall no word be spoken in the Parliament or at least nothing concluded concerning Religion But he answered He could not promise it Some articles were then presented by the Commissioners of the Church especially for abolishing the Masse and punishment of vice but nothing was granted excep that it was statute a hat scandalous livers shall be punished first by prison and then publickly shewed unto the people with ignominy But this was not put in execution The Nationall assembly The VIII Nationall Assembly conveenes at Edinburgh Decemb. 25. Jo. Erskin Superintendent is chosen Moderator It is ordained that the publick affairs shall first in order be treated and then particulars shal be propounded in writ and if any persons cause requires hasty resolution it shall be dispatched in this assembly or els it shall be referred unto the Superintendent of the bounds and certain Ministers to examine it and put their judgement in writ which shall be reported unto the next assemblie 2. The assemblie causeth propounde unto the Lords of Secret Counsell the articles following and humbly require their H. H. to solicite the Queens Majesty for answer 1. To signifie that the transgressors of the proclamations that have been against the sayers and hearers of Masse and the abusers of the sacraments are so common that it may be greatly feared that judgements shall shortly follow unless remedy be provided in time 2. To require the paiment of Ministers stipends 3. That Superintedents may be placed in such parts where none are 4. That these be punished who do shut the church-doors against the preachers coming to preach the word 5. humbly to require of her Majesty what the Church can expect of Benefices vaking or that shall vake 6. By what means Ministers shall come to the possession of Manses glebs whither they be set in fue or not 7. That the Act concerning the reparing of churches be put into execution III. Because there is a common report that many ignorants and of leud conversation are admitted to be Ministers and exhorters and Readers the Superintendents of Anguise Lothian and the West were ordained to visite certain bounds alloted now unto them and John Knox is to visite the Churches of Fife and Perth and others to visite other parts with power to trie suspend depose as they shall finde cause IV. Unto a supplication of Paull Meffan containing sundrie particulars it is answered that the assemblie is ready to accept him if he shall present himselfe before them shewing signes of unfained repentance and be willing to obey as the Church shall appoint unto him But to delete his processe the Church can no way condescend nor think they that petition to proceed from the Holy Ghost seeing David was not ashamed to write his own offense for glorifying God And to admitt him into the Ministry within the realm it is judged no way tollerable untill the memory of his crime be more deeply buried and some Church make request for him And it is signified unto him that the Church is grievously offended that he being excommunicat in Scotland hath taken upon him a Ministry in England I omitt the censures of Superintendents and Commissioners of visiting because it was ordinary Here also is mention of exhorters these were men not furnished with sufficient gifts for the Ministry and because of the scarcety of Ministers were permitted not only to read in a Church but to exercize also their talent in exhorting the people and if they did increase in gifts were admitted into the Ministry III. February following the Queen was in Fife and the Papists waxing more bold went to Masse and uttered words of blasphemie Which was delated to the Lords of Counsell As also some Popish Bishops Priests did brag that
entertainment of their Ministers and the â—uperplus thereof if any shall by to bee distribute unto the poore and hospitalls within the burgh as the almes of Minister and elders thereof 1566. The XI Assembly IV. In Marth An. 1566. arose more strife twixt the King and Queen for killing David Rizio her Secretary and Juny 19. she was deliver of a sone Juny 25. the Nationall assembly conveenes in Edinburg by plurality of voices J. Erskine is continued Moderator A supplication was sent unto the Lords of Counsell and Session that no excommunicate person have process before them untill they be reconciled unto the Church especially when excommunication is notorious and objected against them II. Paul Meffan came and openly with great expression of grieff for his adultery craves to be absolved from the sentence of excommunication he is conforted and ordained to declare his repentance in some churches and the next assembly shall decerne III. In respect of the dangers where The later Confession of Helvetia is approved with this Church is assaulted by mighty enemies the Assembly ordaines a publick fast in all the Churches Some mo particulares were handled The Churches of Helvetia Geneva and other Reformed Churches in France and Germany sent unto the Church of Scotland the sum or Confession of faith desiring to know if wee agree in uniformity of Doctrin Wherefore the Superintendents together with many other most qualified Ministers conveen in September at Santandrews and having read the Letters and Confession sent answer that wee agree in all points with these Churches and differ in nothing from them except that wee assent not in keeping festival days seing the Sabbothday only is keeped in Scotland Decemb. 17. Prince James was baptized in Sterlin in time of the solemnity the Queen subscribe a writing for mantenance of the Ministers by assignation of a part of the thirds of Benefices The Nationall assembly conveened Decemb. 25. at Edinburgh John Erskin is continued Moderator 1. The assignation The XII Assembly granted by the Queen is delivered by Alexander called Bishop of of Galloway and at that time Lord of the privy Counsell The answer of the assembly is They having just title to crave their bodily sustentation at the hands of the people which heare the doctrine of salvation from them they are content with what it will please them to give for their sustentation thogh it were but bread and water nor will refuse nor desist from their vocation but to take from others against their will whom they serve not they judge it not their duty nor reasonable And the assembly protests that the acceptation of that assignation shall not prejudge the liberty of the Church to suit the patrimony thereof in time and place convenient Then it was demanded Whither the tiths appertaine properly unto the Church and should only be employd to the sustentation of the Ministers of the poore mantaining of schools repairing of churches and other godly uses at the discretion of the Church Answered affirmativè without contradiction Then it was demanded Whither Ministers may with safe conscience keep silence when the patrimony of the Church is most unjustly taken up and wasted on vain things by these that have no office in the Church and in the mean time the ministry failing for necessity the poor perishing for hunger and churches falling to the ground Answered they should not be silent but earnestly admonish every man of his duty Thirdly Whither the Church men may require all possessors to pay tiths unto the Church only and inhibite all others to intromet therewith Answered After due admonitions used and no obedience following they should use the censure of the Church 2. Albeit the Church wanted not their own troubls yet they were not unmindfull of the affliction of Jacob elswhere and especially their afflicted Brethren in England as witnesseth this Letter sent by this Assembly with Jo. Knox The Superintendents with other Ministers and Commissioners of the Churches of God in the Kingdom of Scotland unto their brethren the Bishops Pastors of Gods Church who have renounced the Roman Antichrist and do professe with them the Lord Jesus Christ in syncerity desire the perpetuall increase of the Holy Spirit By word and writ it is come to our knowledge Reverend Pastors that diverse of our deare Brethren of whom some are the best learned within that realm are deprived from ecclesiasticall function and forbidden to preach and so are hindred by you to promote the kingdom of Jesus Christ because their conscience will not suffer them to take upon them at command of authority such garments as idolaters in time of blindenss have vsed in their idolatry which bruit can not but be dolorous unto our hearts mindefull of that sentence of the Apostle If yee bite and devour one another take heed lest yee be consumed one of another Wee intend not at this time to enter into the ground of that question which wee hear is agitated with greater vehemency by either partie than well lyketh us to be accounted among things tha are simply indefferent But in the bowells of Christ Jesus wee crave that Christian charity may prevail in you wee say the Pastors and leaders of Christ's flock in that realm that yee do not to others what yee would not have others do unto you yee can not be ignorant how tender a thing the conscience of men is all that have knowledge are not alike persuaded your conscience reclaimes not at the wearing of such garments but many thousands both godly learned are otherwise persuaded whose consciences are continually strucken with these sentences What hath Christ to do with Belial what fellowship hathlight with darknes If Surplice cornercape and tippet have been badges of idolaters in the very act of idolatry what hath the preacher of Christian liberty and the rebuker of all superstition to do with these dregs of that Romish beast yea who should not fear either to take in his hands or forehead the print and marke of that odious beast Our brethren that of conscience refuse that unprofitable apparel do neither condem nor molest you that use such vaine triffls If yee shall do the like to them wee doubt not but yee shall please God and confort the hearts of many who are wounded by the extremities used against these godly welbeloved brethren Colour of rhetorick or humane persuasion wee will use none but charitably wee desire you to call that sentence of Peter to minde Feed the flock of God which is committed to your charge caring for it not by constraint but willingly not as if yee were Lords over Gods heritage but that yee may be exempls unto the flock And moreover wee desire you to meditate on that saying of the Apostle Give no offence neither to the Jewes nor Greeks nor to the Church of God In what condition of time yee and wee both travell in the promoting of Christs Kingdom wee suppose yee are not ignorant
these persons at their request 2. If their marriage were slanderons and hurtfull I did well to warn all men of it in time 3. as I had of duty declared unto them the Princes will so did I faithfully teach them by word exemple what God craved of them But on tuysday next I was called before the Counsell and accused that I had passed the bounds of my commission in calling the Queens marriage odious scandalous before the world I answered The bounds of my commission which is the Word of God good lawes naturall reason was able to prove whatsoever I spake yea that their own consciences could not but bear witnes that such a marriage could not but be odious and scandalous to all that shall heare of it if all the circumstances be rightly considered But when I was coming to my probation my Lord put mee to silence and sent mee away Upon wednesday I repeated all things before spoken and exhorted the Brethren not to accuse mee if that marriage proceed but rather themselves who for fear would not appose it but sharpned their tongues against mee because I admonished them of their duty and suffered not the cankred consciences of hypocrites to sliep in rest Protesting at all times to them that it was not my proclaming but rather their silence that gave any lewfulnes unto that marriage for as the proclaming Did take all excuse from them so my privat and publick impugnation did save my conscience sufficiently And so far I proceeded in this marriage as the Church of Edinburgh Earls Lords and Barons that heard will bear witnes Now seing I have been shamefully slandered both in England and Scotland by wrong information false report of them that hated my Ministrie I desire first the judgement of the Church and next the same to be published that all men may understand whither I be worthy of such imputation or not 5. A complaint is given against the Countess of Argile that she being a prosessor of the Euangell and having been admitted to the Lords Table had revolted in giving her assistance presence at the baptizing of the King in a Popish manner This Lady compeares and confesses her fault and submitts herselfe unto the discipline of the Church They ordain her to declare her repentance in the Chappell-Rojal of Sterlin upon a sunday and this to be don at such time as the Superintedent of Lothian shall appoint Providing it be before the next assembly 6. Ministers John Craig David Lindsay and Ge. Buchan or any two of them are ordained to send edicts not only throgh Fife but to the adiacent parts that Ministers and Elders might compear in Couper January 22. with their complaints against the Superintendent of Fife and to try them and to repoâ—t unto the next Assemybl 7. Alexander gordon called b. of Galloway and Commissioner is accused that he hath not visited the Churches these three years or there by that he doth altogether hant the Court and hath procured to be one of the Priuy Counsell and of the Session which can not stand with the office of a Pastor and also hath resigned the Abbey of Inchaffray in fauors of a young child and hath set lands in fue He personally confesseth his fault in al these that they had layd to his charge Upon some considerations the Assembly continueth him untill the next Assembly upon condition of his diligence in his Visitation VII In the Spring the Q. escapes out of Lochlevin and soght to repossess 1568. The XV. Assembly the Governement An Army flocketh unto her and was routed by the Regents Army at Langside May 13. Then she fled into England The Assembly conveenes at Edinb July 1. J. Willock is chosen Moderator Because heertofore all Ministers that would come were admitted to have vote and now the number is increased and Commissioners of Shyres were chosen in the Shiref-Court this Assembly makes an Act of three parts concerning the admission of members 1. That none shall have place to vote but Superintendents Commissioners for visiting Churches Min. and Commiss of Shyres and burghs chosen as followes together with Commissioners of Universities 2. Ministers and Commissioners of Shyres shall be chosen at the Synode of the boundes by the Ministers and gentle men conveening there and the Commissioners of Burghes shall be chosen by the Counsell and church-session of each town 3. None to be received without commission in write and lest this turn to a monopoly and perpetuall election of a few it is prouided that the persons be changen at every Assembly Wee will bear that this act and some other concerning the satisfaction of delinquents were afterwards changed again 2. It was delated that Thomas Bassenden Printer in Edinburgh had printed a booke entituled The fall of the Roman Church naming the King The Supream Head of the Church And he had printed at the end of the Psalm-book a bawdy song He is ordained to call-in all these books that he hath sold and sell no moe untill he change that title and delete the bawdy song And that in time coming he print not without licence of the Supream Magistrate and revising the books appertaining to religion by those that shall be appointed by the Church for that purpose and they appoint Alex. Arbuthnot to revise that book and report his judgement of it 3. It is ordained that Papists refusing to adjoin themselves unto the Church after they have received sufficient admonitions and remaining obstinat shall be declared publickly in all churches requisite to be out of the society of Christs body and excommunicated 4. Seven Articles were sent unto the Regent to wit 1. That the assignations of Ministers stipends are not answered nor are able as they be ordered to pay the half of the stipends and in some places not the fourth part 2. It is thoght unreasonable that Papists which are enemies to Gods Church and the Commonwealth and others who labor not in the Ministry do possesse two parts of the Benefices without any imposition and the Ministers do not possesse the third heerfore they propound humbly that the charges of the Commonwealth may be layd upon the two parts of the Benefices and the third remain free unto the Ministers and the superplus to be allowed for help of Schools the poore So that account thereof be made yearly unto the Counsell 3. where as many Churches are now vaking that he would present qualified persons unto them or suffer the Church to dispose of them and namely the Churches that did appertain to Nunneries 4. To give commmission for reforming the Colledge of Aberdien that corrupt teachers may be removed and qualified persons placed in their rooms 5. That order be taken for suppressing of vice and justice be execute against odious crimes 6. That such as were appointed by the Counsell may conveen with these that were appointed by the Assembly to decide the questions of the jurisdiction of the Church and that time and place
may be condescended-upon for that effect 7. That in places where no Superintendents are some may be placed Answers were returned on July 8. giving in a word a favorable answer unto them all and for the sixth article the eight day of August was named but that day was not keept and so nothing was done therein 5. None should bring unto the Gen. Assembly any question or complaint that should and may be decided in a provinciall Synod or if they shall they shall be rejected 6. Because the Bishop of Orknay hath given obedience and submission now upon his petition the Assembly restores him Providing that on a certain day he shall have the Sermon in the Church of Halyrudhouse and in the end theteof confesse his offence in marrying the Queen with the Earle of Bothuell which the Bishop promiseth to do 7. The Bishop of Galloway is ordeined to declare whither he will wait upon Court and Counsell or upon preaching the word and visiting the Churches the Superintendent of Fife Lothian and Anguise are appointed to crave and report his answer unto the next assembly and in the mean time John rowe Minister at Santjohnstoun is appointed to visite the Churches of Galloway 8. No man should possesse the patrimony of the Church and not do dutifull seruice and because it is known that some of them have gifts whereby they may be profitable in the Church admonition is given to such that they shall apply themselves according to their gifts and as the Church shall judge them able unto the Ministry And because all such persons are not present the Superintendenrs and Visitors of Churches shall cause warn them all to be present at the next generall Assembly When the 25. of December was come few did conveen because a report was that the town was infected with the pest and also were great stormes both in the south and north therefore letters of advertisement were sent to all Superintendents and Commissioners of visiting churches to keep the 25. day of February VIII The Regent returnes to Edinburgh February 2. from a Treaty 1569. with the Queen of England concerning the proceedings of this Country with Queen Mary and about the twenty day of the same month the Duke returnes with commission from the Queen Mary to be her Deputy he causeth publish Letters prohibiting the subjects to acknowledge any other Soveraigne than the Queen Wherefore the Regent by proclamation chargeth in the Kings name the subjects to meet him at Glasgow March 10. The Assembly conveenes at Edinburgh February 2â— to wit Commissioners according to the Act of the former Assembly Da. Lindsay Minister The XVI Assembly at Lieth is chosen Moderator 1. A supplication is sent unto the Regent craving to take order with such persons as have received Benefices in time of Papistry and because they had quite the thirds think themselves free of all cure in the Church 2. That no Minister of Gods word have power to set tacks of his Benefice 3. To reduce all Benefices given to any person contrary to the Acts of Parliament or Counsell granted in favor of the Church The ordinary affaires were handled untill March 7. when a Letter was brought from the Duke shewing his good affection unto the Religion and his purpose to have all the subjects to live in a peaceable and quiet manner under the obedience of the Queen our Soveraigne regrating the proclamations made by the Earle of Morray and that not for fear of them as not deserving such and confident that the people and Nobilâ—ty will not be against him finally requiring to make his affaires and minde parent unto the people Or if they find not on his part that he offereth seekes what duty requires of his Christian profession that they would come and reason with him When this letter was read it was answered unto the bearer that they would send and acquaint the Regent with it and as it shall please please Him they will either write or send some of their number unto the Duke So they sent two Superintendents and a Minister unto the Regent to know his pleasure therein Aâ—ter conference the result was that the Assembly should send unto the Duke and conferre with him and others of the Nobility that may bee with him and use all meanes to reconcile both him and them unto the obedience of the King and his Regent 3. A generall fast is appointed to be keept throughout all the realm to begin the 13. day of this instant in such places as may be timously advertised by the Superintendents and in other places so soon as they may be advertised and to continue for eicht dayes inclusivè and in the mean time to use the exercise prescribed before and to use sobriety in eating drinking praying namely that God would be pleased to quench that appearing fire of intestine troubles 4. Moe articles were sent unto the Regent to wit 1. That remedy may be provided against the oppression of the Earle Huntly and of others who have opposed the Collectors of the Church and tyrannously placed their own 2. That it may please his Gr. and the Counsell that the Church may proceed from admonitions to further censures against the said Earle all others guilty of the like oppression even to excommunication in case of his and their contempt 3. That the Church without offense may appoint Robert Pont in some other place where his labors may be more frutefull than heertofore they have been in Murray 4. That order be taken against such odious crimes as provoke Gods wrath against the wholl land and if his Gr. send us to the Justice-Clerk experience teaches sufficiently what he had done in any such matter 5. That once the Jurisdiction of the Church may be distinguished from that which is Civill 6. That the Question of adultery may be determined whither the adulterer shall be admitted to the benefite of marriage After this Assembly and the fast by means of these which were sent from the Assembly an agreement was made betwixt the Regent and the Duke in this manner that the Duke should submit himself to the Kings authority he and his friends should be restored unto their honors and possessions and that he should give surety for his their continuing in obedience unto the King The Earls Argile Huntly refuse to be comprised under this agreement but deal by themselves When the Duke heard that they would not accept the conditions though he came to Edinburgh at the day appointed he would have shifted the giving of his surety and rashly vented his mind that if he were free of that promise he would never consent unto it Therefore he and the Lord Hereis who was thought to have diverted him were imprisoned in the castle of Edinburgh Then Argyle and Huntly made their submission and agreement Then the Regent goeth into the North and setled all these parts in peace and took pledges of them for observing peace in time coming
of these propositions not with that addition Physicè probabiliter or the like Under the pain of the censure foresaid XI In Sess 16. His Ma s answers were returned from Sterlin 1. Understanding the first point to be meant of granting the benefit of pacification unto David Chalmers his Master and knowing that man to have been fotfeited only for that common action of his being at the field of Langside for which pardon was granted to so many he thought it no new or strange thing at the request of such as moved him to grant unto him the same benefit which many others had obtained yet no way intending to spare the due punishment of him or any other that may be charged or found guilty of the murder of his dearest Father or that are or shall be adversaries to the religion or impugners thereof against the lawes the execution of which he hath been is and will be willing to further 2. The second head being particularly mean'd of Fintry his M. wisheth the assembly to remember how he hath dealt in that matter and what testimoniall the Church of Edinb gave him nor hath his Majesty hindered the proceedings of the Church against him nor any other but mindeth to hold hand thereunto according to the lawes The third being meant of Wi. Holt an English man escaping out of the castle of Edinburgh his Majesty hath answered the Queen's late Ambassador and it is no strange thing to hear of a mans escaping but what they understand by indirect means of letting him depart his Majesty being specially informed thereof will after due tryall see the offenders punished according to their deservings The fourth head being very Generall his Majesty thinks the assembly will not judge it pertinent unto them to have vote in chusing his servants or to be too curious of the occasions of placing or removing them nor of the intelligence twixt him and other Countries for entertaining Civill peace from which no Princes or Common wealths abstain though being diverse in religion The 5. Head containing a generall complaint upon some specialls appearingly expressed in the matters following his Majesty wisheth the Assembly as they would be specially directly answered so to form their petitions forbearing particular exampls to ground their generall propositions and to remember that since he took the Government in his own person moe good lawes have been made for advancement of the Church and true religion then were before and the defect of the execution hath not been his default The sixth concerning the tack set to Seagy of certain victualls out of the superplus of the thirds which he had before in pension that is no new thing nor any way prohibited he could alswell content him with the pension as he had before free of all paiment of duty the necessary considerations moving to grant it are well enough known to many he is employd in publick service wanting the living whereunto he is provided in title during his father's life and his service is and may be necessary both to his Hi. and the Church For any thing that may be thought omitted in the provision of Ministers serving at the Churches annexed to Abbeys in the late disposition of them that is well supplied by the Act of Parliament The execution whereof is stayed these two years in their own default rather then any other way whill they have been craving their assignations continued as before and as yet have not answered his message sent by his Master of requests unto the Assembly at Santandrews Nevertheless his Ma. made choise of certain Barons and others of good qualification known to be zealous to the furtherance of that good work hoping to have had the assignations formed before the Assembly but being uncertain of the time appointed thereunto this year is doubtfull if they come to Edinburgh But if they come his Maj. shall sent them direction to proceed and also other things most needfull shall be resolved without delay Concerning the giving of church-livings to children and translating them to temporall Lordships his Majesty considereth his own losse and hinderance of his service there-in Whatsoever abuse hath entred before he accepted the government time and the approbations of these provisions by decriets of the Session have brought the matter unto that estate as it can be helped no other way but by the Parliament unto which when it shall be propounded his Majesty shall hold hand to have all possible reformation thereof The default of punishing vices mentioned in the. 9. head and of the provision of the poor and punishing vagabonds can not justly be imputed unto his Ma. who was ever willing to give commission unto such as the Ministers thought meetest to execute the same The. 10. head being generall his Majesty would be glad not only to have it explained but to hear all good advices that shal be offered for reformation of that which may be found amiss and how his lawes may have place and justice administred to the confort common benefit of all his good subjects The 10. head is also very generall as for that one exemple the removing of the Principall of Aberdien to be Minister of Santandrews his Majesty trusteth the assembly will not think that matter the substance being well considered to be either so proper to the Church or so improper unto the Civill estate but that his Hi. and Counsell had good ground and reason to direct his Letters as he did upon the generall respect of the north country wherein none was prejudged seing there was no charge containing power to denounce at the first but rather to do the thing required or compeare and show a cause in the contraty What is said before briefly of a process against Pa. Adamson is cleared by The Historicall Narration that he had a long and filthy sicknes and for curing it he had sought help of a witch and recovering health in some measure he in a preaching before the King declared against the Lords which lately had guarded the King and against the Ministry for which he was warned by the Presbytery of Santandrews and the witch with whom he had consulted and from the Presbyrery the cause was brought before the Synod of Fife In the Assembly the processe was found orderly deduced and he had been warned by the Synod apud acta to compear before the Generall assembly in October for contumacy in not compearing by the assembly he was suspended from the office of the Ministry and it was appointed that farther tryall should be taken of his life and corrupt doctrine But he pretending that he was going to the well of Spae for his health purchased from the K. security that during his absence the church should not proceed against him yet it was his purpose to stay in England and there to seek the advice of the most corrupt sort for the overthrow of disciplin in the Church of Scotland for he thoughr that the surest course to keep his Benefice At
that time the Civill estate was more and more troubled for they who in the convenion of Estates Oct. 8. year 1582. vvere declared to have don good necessary Service unto the K. and Country and they with all their partakers were exonered of all action that might be intended against them for what they had done at Ruthven these I say aâ—ter Arran's returning to Court were charged to enter into warde particularly designed unto them This they obeyd not except the Earle Auguise and therefore were denounced rebells and when harder course was intended against them they fled some to England others ro France and some to Irland The Ministers were not silent at this time Among others John Dury said in a Sermon As the blind man whose eies Christ had opened Joh. 9. when the the pharisies said Wee know this man to be a sinner did reply Whither he be a sinner I know not one thing I know that though I was born blind yet now I see So whatsoever sort of men these be I knowe not but this I know that the Church was misetably vexed and almost oppressed but by theyr meanes it was delivered For these words likely otherwise delated he was summoned to compear before the Counsell he stood to the defense of what he had spoken and therefore he was confined in the town of Montros soon after this the Min. there died and the Church made choise of Jo. Dury to succeed then the King gave him and his eldest son enduring their lifes a pension of 200. pounds out of two Abbeys There was more work with Andrew Melvin in a Sermon as Santadr he said Daniel propoundes unto Baltazar the example of his grand father Nebuchadnezar and so it is the duty of the Ministers of God to lay before the Prince and people of their time the examples of their ancestors if need require But in our time if any would speake before the Court what evill came unto James the fifth by familiarity of flatterers that so the King would take heed of that kind of beasts they will say That preacher leaves his text and possibly he shall be accused of treason For these words he was charged to appeare before the Counsell He appeares and when worse words were layd unto his charge he said His doctrin in pulpit should first be tryed and judged by the Presbytery He was bidden submit himselfe unto the King and Counsell by no persuasion could he be induced to submit The K. and Councell as his lawfull Judges proceed to examine witnesses He appeales unto the judgement of the Church and saith If the Church shall condem what he had spoken he shall willingly suffer whatsover torment shall be inflicted on his body At eight a clock at night he is charged to enter as prisoner into the castle within twelve hours In the morning Arran changeth his warde and before seven a Messinger of armes chargeth him to enter into Blackness withim 24. hours at that time his friends said to him They would take his life â—efore mid-day he went away to Berwick After this summons were directed against Andrew Hay Andrew Polwart Patrick Galloway and Ja. Carmichel Ministers to answer before the Counsell for keeping correspondence with the rebells An. Hay compeares nothing could be qualified against him but upon suspicion he was confined in the north The others for not compearing were denounced rebells and fled into England XXI What Pa. Adamson did in England we shall have a hint of it anone 1584. The Current Parliament he returned in May year 1584. by Act of Counsell a Parliament was appointed to sit May 22. Because there was no proclamation preceeding they called it A current Parliament The Historicall Narration saith They who were privy to it were of Arrans faction or such as durst not oppose any thing the Lords of the Articles were sworn to be secrete they had fyve Sessions in three daies the doores were keept so closse that none of the Ministry could find accesse Pa. Adamson and Ro. Mongomery sat as representing the third Estate and gave votes forsooth to make themselves Bishops The King and Parliament suspecting that the Ministers of Edinb would preach against their proceedings sent a charge unto the Provest and Bailives to pull the Ministers by force out of the pulpit and committ them to prison if they did so What was done in the Parliament appeares by the Acts Spotswood hath the sum of them saying The King's authority over all persons in all causes was confirmed The declining of his Ma s judgement and the Councels in whatsoever matter declared to be treason the impugning of the authority of the three Estates or procuring the innovation or diminution of the power of any of them was inhibited under the same pain All jurisdictions and judicatures spirituall or temporall not approved by his Higness and the three Estates were discharged and an ordinance was made that none of whatsoever function quality or degree shall presume privatly or publickly in Sermons declamations or familiar conferences to utter any false untrue or slanderous speaches to the reproach of his Majesty his Counsell and proceedings or to the dishonor hurt or prejudice of his Highness his parents progenitors or to medle with the affaires of his Hi. and Estate under the paines in the Acts of Parliaments made against the makers reporters of lies While these statutes were in framing the Ministers who were informed thereof sent David Lindsay to entreat the King that nothing should passe in Act concerning the Church till they were first heard Arran getting intelligence of this caused arrest him as one that keeped intelligence with England and he was not permitted to come unto the King The first night he was keept in Halirudhouse and the next morning sent prisoner to Blackness where he was detained 47 weeks Ja. Lowson and Wa. Balcanquall Ministers of Edinburgh hearing that he was committed fled into England leaving a short writing behind them to shew the reasons of their departing So Edinburgh was left without any preacher Ro. Pont Minister of S. Cutberts and one of the Senators of the Colledge of justice because of the misregarde of the Church as he pretended in concluding these Acts when the Heralds were proclaming them took instruments in the hands of a Notary of his dissenting and that they were not obliged to give their obedience thereunto Which done he likewise fleeing was denounced rebell and put from the place in Session Hereupon rumors being dispersed that the King was enclined to Popery had made diverse Acts to hinder the free passage of the Gospell and abolish all order and policy of the Church Command was given to form a brief Declaration of his Ma s intention and to publish it for detecting these false rumors In this declaration the occasion that enforced the King to make these statutes were set down as the allowance of the fact at Ruthven by the Assembly of the Church Andrew Melvins declining the
either willfully with stand or ungraciously tread the same under your feet for God doth not disclose his will to any such end but that you should yet now at the length with all your main and might endeavour that Christ whose easy yoke and light burthen wee have of long time cast off from us might rule and raign in his Church by the scepter of his word only May it therefore please your wisdomes to understand Wee in England are so far from having a Church rightly reformed according to the prescript of Gods word that as yet wee are not come to the outward face of the same For to speak of that whereof all consent and whereupon all writers accord the outward marks whereby a true Church is known are the preaching of the word purely Ministring the sacraments sincerely and ecclesiasticall disciplin which consistes in admonition and correction of faults severely Touching the first namely the Ministry of the word although it must 2. Against corruptious in the Miâ—istry be confessed that the substance of doctrin by many delivered is sound good yet herein it faileth that neither the Ministers thereof are according to Gods vvord proved elected called or ordained nor the function in such sort so narrovvly looked unto as of right it ought and is of necessity required For vvhereas in the old Church a tryall vvas had both of their ability to instruct and of their godly conversation also novv by the letters commendatory of some one man Noble or other tag rag learned or unlearned of the basest sort of the people to the slander of the gospell in the mouthes of adversaries are freely received ...... Then they taught others novv they must be instructed themselves and therefore like young children they some of them must learn Catechismes Then election was made by the common consent of the wholl Church now every one picketh out for himself some notable good Benefice he obtaineth the next advouson by money or by favor and so things himselfe to be â—ufficiently chosen Then the Congregation had authority to call Ministers in stead thereof now they run they ride and by unlawfull sute and buying prevent other suters also Then no Minister was placed in any congregation but by consent of the people now that authority is given into the hands of the B. alone who by his sole authority thrustes upon them such as many times alswell for unhonest life as for lack of learning they may and do justlâ— dislike Then none was admitted to the Ministry but a place was void before hand to which he should be called but now Bb. to whom the right of ordering Ministers doth at no hand appertain do make 60. 80. or a 100. at a clap and send them abroad into the Counâ—ry like masterless men Then after just tryall and vocation they were admitted to the function by laying on of the hands of the company of the Eledrship only now neitheir of these being looked unto there is required and all be a surpless a vestiment a pastorall staff besids that ridiculous and as they use it to their new creatures blasphemous saying receive yee the holy Ghost Then every Pastor had his flock and every flock his shepherd or els shepherds now they do not only run fysking from place to place a miserable disorder in Gods Church but covetously joyn living to living making shipwrack of their own consciences and being but one shepherd nay would to God they were shepherds and not wolves have flocks Then the Ministers were Preachers now bare Readers and if any be so well disposed to preach in their own charges they may not vvithout my Lord's licence In these days they vvere knovvn by voice learning doctrin novv they must be discerned from others by popish and anti-Christian apparell as cap govvn tippet c. Then as God gave utterance they preached the vvord only novv they read homilies Articles injunctions c. Then it vvas painfull novv gainfull then poor and ignominious novv rich and glorious And therefore titles livings and offices by Anticrhist devised are given to them as Metropolitane Archbishop Lords grace Lord Bishop Suffâ—agan Dean Archdeacon Prelate of the Gatter Earle County Palatine High Commissioners Justices of peace and Quorum c. All which together with their offices as they are strange unheard-of in Christs Church nay plainly in Gods word forbidden So are they utterly with speed out of the same to be removed Then Ministers were not tied to any form of prayers invented by man but as the spirit moved them so they powred out hearty supplications to the Lord Now they are bound of necessity to a prescript order of service and book of common prayer in which a great number of things contrary to Gods word are contained as baptism by women privat communions Jewish purifyings observings of holy days c. patched if not altogether yet the greatest peece out of the Pop's portuis Then feeding the flock diligently now teaching quarterly then preaching in season out of season novv once in a month is thought sufficient if tvvice it is judged a vvork of supererogation then nothing taught but Gods vvord novv Princes pleasures mens devices popish ceremonies and Antichristian rites in publick pulpits are defended Then they sought them now these seek theirs These and a great many other abuses are in the Ministry remaining which unless they be removed and the truth brought in not only Gods justice shall be powred forth but Gods Church in this realm shall never be builded for if they who seem to be workmen are not workmen indeed but in name or els work not so dâ—ligently and in such order as the workmaster commandeth it is not only unlikly that the building shall go foreward but altogether impossible that ever it shall be perfected The way therefore to avoid these inconveniences and to reform these deformities is this your wisdoms have to remove advousons patronages Impropriations and B. authority claming to themselfs thereby right to ordain Ministers and to bring-in that old true election which was accustomed to be made by the congregation you must displace these ignorant unable Ministers already placed and in their roomes appoint such as can and will by Gods assistance feed the flock you must pluck down and utterly overthrow without hope of restitution the court of Faculties from whence not only licences to enjoy many benefices are obtained as Pluralities Trialities Totquots c. But all things for the most part as in the court of Rome are set on sale licences to marry to eat flesh in times prohibited to lie from Benefices and charges a great number beside of such abominations Appoint to eveâ—y congregation a learned diligent preacher Remove Homilies articles injunctions a prescript order of service made ouâ— of the Masse-book Take avvay the Lordship the loytering the pomp the idleness and livings of Bishops but yet employ them to such ends as they vvere in the old Church appointed for
Let a lavvfull goodly Seigniory look that they preach not quarterly or monthly but continually â—ot for filthy lucre sake but of a ready minde So God shall be glorified your consciences discharged and the flock of Christ purchased vvith his own blood edified The second point concerning the Sacraments I passe over because I have spoken of these rites in another place then it followes The third part concernes ecclesticall disciplin the officers that have to deal 3. For another disciplin in Churches in this charge are chiefly three Ministers preachers or pastors of whom before Seniors or Elders and deacons Concerning Seniors not only their office but their name also is out of this English Church utterly removed Their office was to govern the Church with the rest of the Ministers consult to admonish to correct and to order all things appertainning to the state of the congregation In stead of these Seniors in every Church the Pope hath brought in and wee yet maintain the Lordship of one man over many churches yea over sundry Shires These Seniors then because their charge was not over much did execute their office in their own persons without substitutes Our Lord Bishops have their under-officers as Suffraganes Chancellors Archdeacons Officials Commissiaries and the like Touching Deacons thogh the name be remaining yet is the office sowly perverted turned upside down For their duty in the primitive Church was to gather the alms diligently and to distribute it faithfully also for the sick and impotent persons to provide painfully having ever a diligent care that the charity of godly men were not wasted on loiterers and idle vagabounds Now it is the first step to the Ministery nay rather a meer order of priesthood for they may baptize in the presence of a Bishop or priest or in their absence if necessity require Minister the other sacrament likwise read the holy Scriptures and homilies in the congregation instruct the youth in the catechism and also preach if he be commanded by the Bishop Again in the old church every congregation had their deacons now they are tied to Cathedrall churches only and what do they there gather the almes and distribut to the poore nay that is the least peece or rather no part of their function What then to sing a gospell when the Bishop Ministreth the communion If this he not a perverting of this office charge let every one judge And yet lest the reformers of our time should seem to take utterly out of Gods Church this necessary function they appoint somewhat to it concerning the poore and that is to search for the sick needy impotent people of the parish and to intimate their estates names places where they dwell to the Curat that by his exhortation they may be relieved by the parish or other convenient almes And this you see is the nighest part of his office and yet you must understand it to be in such places where is a Curate and a deacon every parish can not be at that cost to have both nay no parish so far as can be gathered at this present hath Now then if you will restore the Church to its ancient officers this you must do in stead of an Archbishop or Lord Bishop you must make equality of Ministers In stead of Chancelors archdeacons officials commissaries proctors doctors summoners churchwardens and the like you have to plant in every congregation a lawfull godly Seigniory The deaconship must not be confounded with the Ministry nor the collectors for the poor may not usurpe the deacones office but he that hath an office must look to his office and every man must keep himself within the bounds limites of his own vocation And to these three jointly that is the Minister Seniors deacons is the whole regiment of the Church to be committed The vse â—â— disciplâ—n This regiment consists especially in ecclesiasticall disciplin which is an order lest by God unto his Church whereby men learn to frame their wills and doings according to the law of God by instructing admonishing one another yea and by correcting punishing all wilfull persons rnd contemners of the same Of this disciplin there are two kindes one privat wherewith we will not deal because it is impertinent to our purpose another publick which although it hath been long banished yet if now at length it might be restored would be very necessary profitable for the building up of Gods house The finall end of this disciplin is the reforming of the disordered and to bring them to repentance and to bridle such as would offend The chiefest part and last punishment of this disciplin is excommunication by the consent of the Church determined if the offender be obstinat which how miserably it hath been by the Popes proctors and is by our new canonists abused who seeth not In the primitive Church it was in many mens hands now one alone excommunicates In those dayes it was the last censure of the Church and never went forth but for notorious crimes now it is pronounced for every light trifle then excommunication was greatly regarded feared now because it is a money-matter no whit at at all esteemed Then for great sins severe punishment and fot small offenses litle censures now great sins either not at all punished as blasphemy usury c. or sleightly passed over with pricking in a blanket or pinning in a sheet as adultery whoordom drunkenness c. Again such as are no sins as if a man conform not himselfe to popish orders ceremones if he come not at the whistle of him who by Gods word hath no authority to call wee mean Chancelors Officials Doctors and all that rable are grievously punished not only by excommunication suspension deprivation and other as they tearme it spirituall coërcion but also by banishing imprisoning reviling taunting and what not Then the Sentence was tempered according to the notoriousness of the fact now on the one side either hatred against some persons carrieth men head long into rash cruell judgement or els favor affection or money mitigates the rigor of the same and all this comes to passe because the regiment left by Christ unto his Church is committed into the mans hand whom alone it shall be more easy for the wicked by bribing to pervert than to overthrow the faith piety of a zealous godly company for such manner of men should the Seigniors bee Then it was said Tell the Church now it is spoken Complain to my Lords grace primate Metropolitane of all England or to his inferior my Lord B. of the Diocesse if not to him Shew the Chancelor or Officiall or Commissary or Doctor Again whereas the excommunicate were never received till they had publickly confessed their offence now for paying the fees of the Court they shall by Master Officiall or Chancelor easily be absolved in some privat place Then the Congregation grieved by the wickednes
cariage on the sabbath and to cause them give one day of the week unto their tennents in time of harvest for winning their cornes lest they be necessarily abstracted from the Service of God on the sabbath The Earle's answer was he shall use all diligence that the sabbath be not profaned and so soon as he returnes he shall in his Court establish Acts and penalties for restraining the violation of the sabbath In Sess 11. John liverance for his rash excommunicating Wiliam Earle of Anguise was ordained to confesse â—is offence unto God and against the Noble man publickly in the Church where the Sentence was pronounced and the Sentence reducing that process to be publickly intimated by another Minister in audience of the Congregation on a Sunday V. The Lord Sommer well alledgeth the priviledge of holding the market at Carnwath on the sabbath day at last he condescendes that no maâ—ket shall be held there any more on the sabbath And if he faile the Presbytery is ordained to proceed against him according to the generall Acts. VI. A generall complaint is made of manifold kindes of profaning the Lords day by mills salt pans mowing and leading of cornes carrying victualls into and from Burrowes The assembly declares all these unlawfull ordaines presbyteries to deal with their bounds to grant some week-day unto their tennants which upon necessity mowe and lead their corn upon the Lords day And all the Ministers present are ordained to give in writ the names of the persons which can best stopp the Markets within their bounds to the end his Majesty may be supplicated to interpon his authority and command them to do so VII In Sess 8. His Majesty praiseth God that he was born in such a time of the light of the Gospell and that he is a King of a Country where is such a Church even the sinceerest Church on earth the Church of Geneva not excepted seing they keep some festivall dayes as Easter and Christmes what have they for them where have they any institution for them as for our nighbours in England there Service is an ill-mumbled Masse in English they want litle of the Masse but the liftings Now I charge you my good people Barons gentle men Ministers and Elders that yee all stand to your purity and exhort the people to do the same and so long as I have life and Crown I shall maintain the same against all deadly For a quarter of an hour or thereby was nothing heard but praising of God and praying for the King by all the Assembly Then the Moderator in name of the Assembly craves from his Majesty a ratification of the liberties of the Church the purging of the Country from priests and all Papists and that every church may be provided with a Minister and mantenance The King answereth In all Parliaments the liberties of the Church are first ratified and he will have care to see the same observed for the second they knew what he had done before his going to Denmark and he will do what lawfully he can do for purging the Countrey of Papists and for the third it concerned him but in part and many mo have interest and therefore they shall do wee l to appoint some of their number to wait upon the Counsell for answer thereof and to conserr upon the means of effectuating it Then he speaks of the barbarous feuds and odious murders that thereby were committed and did seriously commend unto them as who should of all others most study to make peace the removing of such barbarities so far as in them lay wishing them in their Sermons to strick oft on that point and make people to understand how sinfull it is and how shamefull to the whole Nation as also to employ the discreetest among them for reconciling the variances that abound in the Countrey for myself sayd he I will employ all the power I have that way and if yee shall apply yourselfs to do the like my work shall be the more easy and have the better success This was greatly applauded of al. In the same Session the King nameth Robert Bruce Da. Lindsay Ro. Pont and the Moderator to attend the Counsell and to present the petitions of the Assembly to wit 1. In respect many promises have been made and no execution followed that now performance may be made thereof 2. A ratification is craved of all lawes that have been made for the good of the true Church and a new Act of Parliament specially establishing the jurisdiction of the Church their generall and Provinciall Synods and presbyteries and all Acts made contrary to the liberty and jutisdiction of the Church preceeding the date present to be annulled and untill a Parliament be called to conclude these by Act of Counsell or Convention of Estates if any shall be in the mean time 3. The purging of the Church and Countrey of all Jesuites priests and excommunicat papists and a law against the abusing of the holy sacraments 3. A law and meants whereby Ministers may be possessed in their gliebs Manses and peaceably possess them 4. An order against them who did conveen at the bridge of Dee 5. A law and ordinance against all profanation of the sabbath 6. A law against them that trouble and hurt Ministers going to the Church and executing their office 7. A law for repressing murders in the countrey 8. That all churches may be sufficiently planted with Ministers and others office-bearers and competent stipends out of the tyths and other rents that have been mortified for use of the Church and what is over to be employed upon Colledges upbreeding of youth the sustentation of the poor the fabrick of churches and other common affaires thereof VIII Seing it is certain the word of God can not be keept in sincerity unless holy disciplin be observed It is therefore by common consent of all the brethren and Commissioners present concluded that whosoever hath born office in the Ministery of the Church or presently beare or shall hereafter bear office here in shall be charged by every presbytery where their residence is to subscribe the Heads of the disciplin of the Church set down and allowed by Act of the Assembly in the book of Policy which is registred in the Register of the Church and namely the controverted heads by the enemies of the disciplin before the next Provincial assembly Under pain of excommunication to be executed against the non subscribers And the Presbyteries which shall be found negligent herein to receive publick rebuke of the Generall assembly And to the end that the disciplin may be known as it should be it is ordained that one of each presbytery shall receive from the Clerk of the assembly a copy of that book under his subscription upon the expences of the Presbytery before the first day of September next IX It is concluded that where the presbyteries are well constitut the order of Commissioners of Countries shall cease and an Act to
or in name of any of the Brethren 3. Because Mr Craig is old he craves that shey would give in liete five or sixe Ministers out of which he may chuse two to serve his house 4. Seing the standing of religion and the welfare of his Ma s person are so inseparably joyned that whosoever are enemies to the one are common enemies to both therefore let some be appointed in every Presbytery to advertise inform him diligenly for the more speedy remedy not only of whatsoever practises they can hear of Papists and the Spanish faction but of their receipters and of the practises of Bothwell whose wholl courses as they are directly against his person so they tend wholly to the subversion of religion With directjon also unto them to inform all the Barons and honest men tenderers of his Ma s wee fair to atrend and give inteligence of these practises as they can learn from time to time 5. That where is any port or landing place some brethren be specially appoinred to deal so with the Burghs that they take sufficient tryall according to the law made of all who shall come into or passe forth of this eountrey from whence they came whither they intend what is their purpose and so after good and sufficient tryall if there be any thing of weight importance that they fail not to acquaint his Majesty there with to the end he may the more readily discover all forrein or intestiue practises which are or shall be plotted against the estate of the present religion And this he craves to be done so faithfully as he hath good opinion of their earnest affection no less to the preserving of his person as to the defence of the common cause As also he promiseth to aid and assist you in all your good resolutions that may tend to the furtherance of peace and quietness with the advancement of true religion presently professed within this realm The humble answers of the assembly 1. Unto the first it is agreed according to the Act of Parliament which was delivered with the Articles 2. It is ordained by the wholl Church that no Minister utter from pulpit any rash or unreverent speaches against his Majesty or Counsell or their proceedings but that all their publick admonitions proceed upon just necessary causes sufficient warrant in all fear love and reverence Under the pain of deposing those that do in the contrary from the function of the Ministry 3. The Commissioners that are directed unto his Majesty shall nominate the Brethren and whom he shall chuse shall be admitted by the presbytery where his Majesty makes residence for the time The 4 5. are condescended unto and order taken as the Commissioners will give particular information V. No Colledge shali make disposition of their rents or livings by tack or any other title without the advice consent of the Generall assembly Vnder the pain of deposition of the persons disponing VI. For furtherance of the residence of Ministers it is appointed that all parishes shall build manses where are none or where they be ruinous upon their own expences or if they refuse after they are duly required not only shall they be judged the only cause of the Ministers not residence but it shall be lawfull unto the Minister his aires exequitors or assignayes departing to retain the possession of the Manse built by him if he build or repair the same upon his own expences ay and whill the Intrant Minister refound unto him or his foresaids the wholl expences at least so much as the Parish can not be moved to refound And that the presbytery at the Intrants admission take order for performing this providing that the expences exceed not 400. marks And the presbytery after the repairing or bigging of the Manse shall take exact tryall and account of the expences and give him their allowance to be registred in their books And likewise the Minister succeeding shall have â—he like title to crave of the Intrant after him the like expences ay untill the Parish shall outquite the Manse VII Commissioners are appointed to attend the Parliament with the petitions of the Assembly VIII As the books of Presbyteries are tryed in rhe Provinciall assemblies so the books of the Synods should be brought unto every Generall assembly for the better understanding of their proceedings Under the pain of the censure of the Church IX For remedying controversies among Ministers it is concluded that where any plea thogh in a civill matter ariseth betwixt two brethren if they be both of one presbytery they shall chuse what number they please thereof and the elected shall chuse an overman and they shall summarly decide and give Sentence which shall be irrevocable or without appellation And if they be of sundry presbyterics they shall chuse equall number out of them both and the elected shall elect an Overman and these shall give Sentence as said is without appellation And if any shall refuse this form submission he shall be held by the Church to be contumatioâ—s X. The Generall assembly by the authority given by God unto them dischargeth all and every Christian within the Church of Scotland from reparing to any of the King of Spain his dominions where the tyranny of Inquisition is used for merchandice negotiation or exercing of sea-faring occupation Untill the Kings Majesty by advice of Counsell have fought and obtained speciall liberty from that King for all his subje s to negotiat there without danger for the cause of religion Under the pain of incurring the censures of the Church untill the last Sentenee of excommunication The reader may judge of the fyve articles and the answers B. Spotswood saith the first two articles were savouring of discontent but he gives not a reason and he saith the King esteeming the second answer to be no restraint but rather to Minister an excuse to the unruly sort when they transgressed rejected it as not satisfying his demand whereupon the petitions of the Church against the Papists at the same time and against the erections of tyths into temporalities were not regarded And the merchants saith he offending at the Act made concerning them did petition his Majesty and Counsell for mantaining their liberty which was granted and nevertheless the Church proceeded in their censures till the merchants promised to surcease their trade with Spain how soon their accounts were made and they be payd of their debitors in these parts As for Bothwell he had fled into England when his treasonous attemps were discovered and when the English Ambassador did interceed for him the King said His offenses were unpardonable and to be abhorred of all Christian Princes In Juny he returned privily into Scotland and found rhe means to surprise the King within Halirud house and caused him subscribe articles which the King afterward did revoke in a Convention of the Estares as dis-honorable and made offer to grant the same upon a new
of deprivation And if there be not actuall Ministers presently at the said churches that the said Moderators deal effectuously with other qualified persons to accept presentations and to prosecute the same by law 2. That all Beneficed persons here present be moved presenly to interdite themselves from all setting and disponing any part of their Benefice to whatsoever persons without the speciall allowance of the Generall Assembly and the interdiction to be subscribed by them and others which are absent be urged by their presbytery to do the like immediatly after this assembly 3. Because churches in many places sustain great hurt throgh want of qualified Ministers instructed in the Schools of Divinity therefore it is craved that an Act be made ordaining every Provinciall assembly to furnish all sufficient entertainment unto a Student in the New colledge of Santandr this 1596. year and so forth yearly in all time coming and that every Provinciall assembly shall have the priviledge to present their Student so oft as the said place shall vaik and if any Minister within the Province have a son of meet gifts that he be preferred to all others And after the expiring of his course in the study of Theology that he be bound to employ his travells within the Province to the which his gifts may be answerable and that it be not leesom unto the said Student to employ his travells in any other place but by the speciall advice and consent of that Province 4. Seing the necessity of the common affaires of the Churches craveth that there bee a continuall attendance at Court both for the furtherance of the present work in hand for planting the churches as also in respect of the continuall diligence of the enemy waiting all occasions specially when they find any slackness upon the part of the Church in the discovery and resisting the enterprises of the said enemies Therefore it is craved that a care and burden of the common cause be layd on some brethren by the Gen. assembly either of them who are residents here about Court or some others to be appointed out of sundry parts of the Countrey because otherwise none find themselves bound in conscience to have any care heerof or to take paines heerin The assembly accordeth unto all four but ordain the third to be first moved in the Synodes XXXIV Here I adde what is written in The Historicall Narration at the title The first course of episcopacy and first of the occasions of altering the Ecclesiasticall Government The beauty of this Church both for purity of doctrin and order of disciplin was becom admirable to the best Rrformed Churches The Assemblies of the believers were never more glorious and confortable the parochiall and Classicall elderships the Provinciall and Nationall Synods never in greater authority than in the beginning of the year 1596. For when the apostat Earles traffickers with the King of Spain were excommunicat and at procurement of the church at home and of the Queen of England were for their unnaturall conspiracy forfeited and expelled out of the Countrey their chief care was to was to search out the sins of the Land corruptions and abuses in whatsoever estate Calling or Judicatory that they might be repented-of and amended and to advert unto the savety and preservation of religion and liberties of the Church which at that time required opposition to the reentry and restoring of these Earles Whereupon in this Assembly the corruptions and enormities found in Ministers their calling and conversations as also the offenses of others without any partiality were considered as is above written On thuysday March 30. they had that humiliation wherein were present 400. persons Ministers Commissioners and others professors within one hour they looked with another countenance then that wherewith they entred being moved at the Exhortation such sighes and groanes were not heard at any other fast since the Reformation for any imminent danger and teares were shed such inabundance that the place might justly been called Bochim They testified their new entring into leagve with God by holding-up their hands ............ Their next care was to â—dvert that the Church were not endangered by any enemy as is written before Commission was given unto some btethren to assemble as they shall find urgent occasion To consult reason and advise upon and propound articles unto the King for preventing all dangers which in all liklyhood might befall the estate of religion It is clear before that this The beginning of the variance next the K. and Church course was motioned first by the Lords of the Plat and as followes was ill taken by Courtiers The Devill envying the happiness and laudadle proceedings of our Church stirreth up Papists and Politicianes to disturb her peace and to deface her beauty The Pipists saw there was no peace for them in Scotland if that power of the Church shall continue Politicians feared that their craft and trade which is to use indifferently all sorts of men and means to attain their own ends and to set up themselves in the thron of Christ should be undone ...... Huntly returnes secretly in Juny whereof the King was advertised in July at the entreaty of his Lady the King calleth a Convention of the Nobility specially such as favored the exiled Lords at Falkland in August Offer was made in his name and it was concluded that he shall return and remain in the Country upon the performance of such conditions as his Majesty propound to be performed by him Notwithstanding that Ministers An. Melvin Ja. Nicolson Pa. The first debate Galloway Da. Lindsay and other Ministers protested in the contrary in respect it could not stand with the Kings honor to hearken unto any conditions till first it were manifest that he is not in the Countrey as they do alledge who sute for him nor could it stand with the assurance of religion and peace of the Countrey in respect his apostasy which was the ground of his excommunication or his conspiracy with the Spaniard the ground of his forfeitry were not confessed offences by him Another Convention was held at Dunfernlin in Septenber where the conditions were agreed upon which were tendred unto him without consent of the Ministry Arroll returnes in the same month Their friends and abbettors vanted that they had obtained his Majesties protection and peace passed and subscribed in Counsell and that they hoped assuredly for advancement to Offices charge of guards and Lieutenentâ—ies as they had before Some Commissioners of the Generall assembly and some other Ministers The next debate conveening at Couper directed some of their number unto the King at Falkland namely An. Melvin Ja. Melvin Ia. Nicolson and Pa. Galloway to crave that the dangerous enterprises of the enemies might be prevented The King seemed to be offended at their meeting and commission And. Melvin answered with great liberty Sir there are two Kings and two kingdoms in Scotland Christ is a King and the Church
the King was commoved for the dis-honor he apprehended done unto him that day therefore they left off their commission and vvent to their lodgings The next day the King vvent to Lithgovv all that vvere not ordinary inhabitants in Edinburgh vvere commanded to leave it the Lords of the Session vvere vvarned to be ready to remove and to sit vvhere they shall be advertised by the next proclamation the Magistrates vvere commanded to search and apprehend the authors of that hainous attempt Some of the burgesses vvere committed to sundry vvards the Ministers of Edinb were commanded to enter into the castle of the town because the Kings wrath was hotest against them and to the end the chief Octavianes might use them at their pleasure After advice with some others it was thought expedient they should withdraw themselves till the present flamm were over For all the diligent inquisition which was made many daies no ground could be found of any conspiracy against the King or any other only when the tumult was raised one or two cried to have some of the Octavianes abusers of the King to take order with them for which words they were fined If there had been any intention to do harm unto any man what could have himdred then from doing it there was no party in readiness able to withstand them Yee see then the tumult of Decemb. 17. was no just cause to move the K. to charge the Government of the Church nor to wrong the wholl Nationall Church for the tumult of one town howbeit their fact had been grounded on bad intentions nor may Ks thrust Christs government to the door for the faults of men and bring-in what forms they please But as no just occasion was givē so that tumult can not serve so much as for a pretence seing as it is now discovered the alteration was intended before December 17. On the 20. day Pa. Galloway was sent unto the K. at Lithgow but was not suffered to come neer the King only a copy of a Band was sent unto him whereof mention was made before to be subscribed by the Ministers Under pain of losse of their stipends but he and others after him refused for many reasons The questions whereof mention was made before 55. in number came forth in print soon after and the Convention of the Estates and of the Ministry was appointed to be held at Perth February 29. for consulting upon and determining the jurisdiction spirituall of the Church alswell in application of doctrin as the whole policy in all these questions the main point of policy to wit the superiority of Bishops was conceiled howbeit chiefly aimed at In time of these sturs in Scotland began throughout England the more solemne and pious observation of the Lords The keeping of the Lords day began in England day upon occasion of a book set forth An. 1595. by P. bound Doctor of Divinity and enlarged with additions An. 1606. wherein these following opinions were maintained 1. The command of sanctifying every seventh day as in the Mosaicall decalogue is moral and perpetual 2. Whereas all other things in the Jewish Church were taken away priesthood sacrifices and Sacrament this sabbath was so changed that it still remaines 3. There is a great reason why we Christians should take ourselves as streightly bound to rest upon the Lords day as the Jewes were upon their sabbath it being one of the moral commandements whereof all are of equal authority 4. the rest upon this day must be a notable and singular rest a most carefull exact and precise rest after another manner then men are accustomed 5. Schollers on that day are not to study the liberal Arts nor Lawyers to consult the case nor peruse mens evidentes 6. Sergeants Apparitors and Sumners are to be restrained from executing their offices 7. Justices not to examin causes for the conservation of the peace 8. Ringing of more bells then one that day is not to be justified 9. No solemn feasts nor wedding dinners to be made on that day 10. all honest recreations and pleasures lawfull on other dayes as shooting fencing bowling on this day is to be forborn 11. No man to speak or talk of pleasures or any other worldly matter It is almost incredible how taking this doctrine was partly because of its own purity and partly for the eminent piety of such persons as maintained it so that the Lords day especially in Corporations began to be precisely keept people becoming a law to themselves forbearing such sport as by Statute were yet permitted yea many reioicing at their own restraint herein On this day the stoutest fencer layd down his buckler the skilfull Archer unbent his bow counting all shooting to be besides the Mark May-games and Morish-dances grew out of request and good reason that bells should be silenced from gingling about mens leggs if their ringing in Steepls were judged unlawfull some were ashamed of their former pleasures like children vvho grovvn bigger blush themselves out of their rattles and vvhistles Others forbear them for fear of their Superiors and many left them off out of a Politick compliance lest othervvise they might be accounted licencious Yet the learned vvere much divided in their judgement about these doctrines some embraced them as antient truths consonant to Scripture long disused and neglected and now seasonably revived for the encrease of piety Others conceived them grounded on a wrong bottom but because they tended to the manifest advancing of religion it was pitty to oppose them seing none have just reason to complain being deceived into their own good But a third sort flatly fell out with these positions as galling mens necks with a Jewish yoak against the liberty of Christians that Christ as Lord of the Sabbath had removed the rigor thereof and allowed men lawfull recreations that this Doctrine put an unequal Lustre on the Sunday on set purpose to eclipse all other holy dayes to the derogation of the authority of the Church that this strict observance was set up of faction to be a character of difference to brand all for Libertines who did not entertain it How ever for some years together in this controversy Dr bound alone carried the Garland none offering openly to oppose yea as he in his second edition observes many both in their preachings writtings and disputations did concurr with him in that argument and though Archb. Whitgift in the year 1599. by his Letters had forbidden those books any more to be printed and Sir John Popham Lord chief Justice in their year 1600. did call them in yet all their care did but for the present make the Sunday set in a cloud to arise soon after in more brightness for the Archb. his known opposition to the proceedings of the Anti-episcopal Brethren rendred his actions more odious as if out of envy he had caused such a pearle to be concealed and some conceived though it was most proper for Judge Popham's place to punish
subjects the colder adversaries against them who intend any commotion For remedy it is thought good that his Ma. be informed hereof that by his care and providence so ungodly counsels and plots may be disappointed and that Ministers deal with their congregations auditors upon all occasions both publickly in their teaching and in their privat conferences with the Noble men and others of credit and power to persuade them of the Kings honest mind toward the established religion and the execution of justice and of his steadfast resolution to hazert his estate life and crown in the cause of the Gospell with the standing falling whereof he thinks his own standing and â—alling to be inseparably conjoyned And that they mark carefully the actions of all men specially of such as either for religion or execution of justice or the necessity of their own estate do grumble against the present government and are enclined unto novation And whom they shall find in any extraordinary kind of business bâ—sids their custom they should acquaint his Majesties Ministers thereof not ceasing in the mean while to bring them unto a quiet mind And for this effect in all their ordinary meetings as of Sessions presbyteries and synods there should be a privat and particular inquisition in this point if need shall require and his Majesty should be advertised with all expedition As also it is thought expedient that his Majesties Ministers should inform the Presbyteries of things occurring so far as the good of Religion shall require And that this advertisment should be extracted and sent with diligence unto every presbytery XVIII The next assembly is appointed to be at Aberdien the last tuysday of Iuly in the year 1604. In one copy I have found this modell following The order of proceeding in the Provinciall Synods 1. The seÌ„cing or sitting down 1. By the Moderator that last was in exhortation prayer and delivering the books of the Assembly with the Acts formed booked and subscribed by him and ordering by liet and votes the election of another Moderator 2. By the chosen Moderator in appointing the hours of meeting and other things concerning good order in censuring the absents from the preceeding Assembly and noting if all the members be present when the role of Ministers Elders and Commissioners is to be called II. things to be treated 1. The books of every Presbytery should be sighted whether the Presbyteries be duly keept in conveening exercizing having monthly common-heads and disputes visiting the Churches 2. Pastors in their office severally or together Severally it is to be enquired into their teaching at their own Churches and disciplin every one is to be enquired concerning the place of Scripture handled by them since the last Assembly and the administration of the communion and diligence in examination of young and old passing before in the points of Catechism and concerning their keeping the Session weekly and things done therein for which effect they should bring their books containing those and the names of baptized and married persons and of slanderous or scandalous persons 2. They should be examined in their manner of conversation whether it be not only without scandall but edificative 3. Concerning their provision by stipend or Benefice gleeb manse c. 2. If Ministers have questions or bils for resolution or furtherance in their office livings let them be answered If any bils or accusations against them be given by any let them be heard and so if by any of them 3. If any appellations references or summons be from Presbyteries let them be decided 4. If any references from the last generall Assembly or supplication unto the next Parliament or generall Assembly or any instructions thereunto 5. Concerning the people whether any scandalous persons and their repentance III. Conclusion absents are to be marked appointing time and place of the next Assembly thanksgiving It may be marked that this nomination of Voters in Parliament was not according to the cautions that were concluded in the Assembly of the year 1600. but they were lesse looked-upon afterwards when others were chosen who were not in this number As for Robert Bruce he saw that the other Ministers who had confessed their fault were not restored unto their places and therefore he would not make the publick confession as it was enioyned him for his refusing he was confined some years in the north and then to his own house of Kinnaird III. Aprile 3. year 1603. the King had a publick Speach in the great Some occurrents in Aun 1603. 1604. church of Edinburgh two dayes before he took journy unto England there he thanked God that both Church and kingdom were setled in that estate which he intended to change no way his subjects living in peace He promised again the same concerning the disciplin Aprile 5. unto the Commissioners of the Synod of Lothian meeting him above Hadintoun but he would not yeeld to release Andrew Melvin and John Davidson from their confinement nor grant Robert Bruce to re-enter into Edinburgh A little before Ormeston made supplication for John Davidson but the King said His hands were bound up by a promise unto the Commissioners of the generall Assembly Though the chief Watch-towers of the Church towit Edinbuâ—gh and Santandrews were spoiled of their faithfull watch-men yet the plotters of Episcopacy perceived that their course could not be easily advanced as they would unless the Church were deprived of their liberty to indict hold free generall Assemblies And because they were accountable unto those assemblies they endeavoured that no assembly should bee untill they had purchased power to over-rule them nor then but when they pleased This was perceived by the judicious Ministers who used means for preserving the liberty of the Church The Synod of Fife dealt with John hall to entreat that â—he assembly might conveen before the ensuing Parliament An. 1604. according to the custom in former times Afterwards he aâ—ported that he had written so unto the King but could not obtain it The presbytery of Edinburgh wrot unto Patrik Galloway then at Court for the same effect after sundry delaying answers he promised at last to return for that end but when he and the entitled Bishop of Ross returned they report in a full convention of Ministers directed from the Synods that the King said It is needless because nothing is to be handled in the next Parliament but the union of the two Kingdoms whereby the order and disciplin of the Church should be no way prejudged The Ministers alledged The Union can not be concluded without union of the Churches in government and form of worship and that the Voters in name of the Church were tied by cautions not to propound in Parliam or other Convention without express warrant and direction of the Assembly The new-named Bishops and other advancers of that course were not pleased with such answers and brake up the Conference as they were wont when they
S. 32. at Lateran 33. at Trent S. 243. seqq a dispute at Rome concerning the confirmation of the Decrees of Trent 276. and how they were questioned by the Nations 278. sixty and five National Synods in Scotland after the Reformation which are set down according to the order of years Councels did consist of Bishops and Presbyters 542. m. One Councel hath been corrected by another 542. A Councel condemneth another although confirmed by a Pope 128. e 578. e. the Councel at Pisa depriveth two Popes and chuseth a third 564. the Councel at Constance depriveth three Popes and chuserh a fourth A Councel is not the universal Church and may err 497. b A Councel is above a Pope 509. m. 513. e. 542. b. e. 544. b. 548. m. 556. e. 573. b. 575. b. 579. m. S. 17 b. the Church of Rome loveth not Councels for fear of Reformation 540. The Culdei in Scotland 186. how born down 281 282. The order of Crucigeri 416. Custom contrary unto truth should be abolished 29 b. 366. e. 470. m. D The Danes become Christians 224. they were reformed S. 69. e Why God suffereth his Church to come into extremity of danger S. 214. m The three Daughters of Richard King of England pride covetousness and letchery how bestowed 383. David Black a Minister's process before the Privy Council of Scotland S. 520 524. David Straton a Martyr's trial S. 172. m The name of Deacon remaineth in England but not the Office S 404. The Decretals were ordained to be burnt by one Pope but confirmed again 454. The causes of Defection of Piety in a Nation S. 556. The Devotion of antient times 61 62. Dictatus Papae Gregorii VII 249. The use of Church-Discipline S. 464 465. The Presbyterian Discipline was opposed by what sort in Geneva S. 129. the Discipline Presbyterian is better then Episcopacy S. 492. â—â—pecially it is more effectual against Heresie and Schism 493. The second Book of Discipline in Scotland was oâ—t debated S. 389 390 391 392 393 394 395 396 399 406. again approved and ordained to be subscribed 483. m. 485. e. the Act of Parliament ratifying it S. 489 490. The Popes Dispensations in degrees of Marriage was scandalous 74 e Dominicus the first Author of Dominicans 412. their priviledges 413. e. their first Rules were soon forsâ—ken 414. m. e. they first brought Aristotle into Christian Schools 416. e. they have little or no truth 439. m. the Dominicans Franciscans and other Friers were brought into Scotland 446. m. The Donation of Constantine unto Pope Silvester is forged 93. e. 208 b. 473. m. 475. m. 541. m. 543. b. A publick Disputation in cause of Religion An. 1521. at Basile S. 74. another An. 1528. at Bern. 94 95. another at Fountainbleau S. 134. another betwixt a Papist and a Turk S. 151. Dunstan Bishop of Canterbury his wickedness and cruelty 227 228. Durand's overtures of Reformation 470. E Easter 17. m. 58. m. Eberhard Bishop of Salzburgh his Oration against the Pope 431. Edmond King of England martyred by the Danes 184. e Edmond Bishop of Canterbury sheweth the corruption of the Church 381. e Edward the I. King of England restraineth the wealth of Bishops and Monks 450. The form of Christian Religion in Egypt about the year 1560 S. 322. The Elect cannot be deceived nor perish 28. e. 175. m. 176 e. 274. m. 546 e. they are chosen to believe and not because they believe 98. b. 174 b The manner of Electing the Bishop of Rome was often changed 13 m. 17 m. 19 e. 21. m. e. 80 e. 117 e. 118. b e. 122 b. 129 b. 200 e. by a whore 205. e. 206. b. e. 242. m. 243. m. e. 245 e. restrained to the election of Cardinals 246 m. 318. b 456. b. 459. m. 461. m. 508. b. 566. m. 569. e. S. 281. m. Elfrik's Sermon concerning the presence of Christ's Body in the Supper 228. Elipant Bishop of Toledo's Errors 102 103 107. Elizabeth Queen of England was imprisoned by her Sister strangely preserved from death and crowned S. 188. The Roman Empire decayeth 5. e. 6. e. 8. b. 68. m. 70 m. 71 710. It is transferred into France 109 111. and then into Germany 196. the Election of the Emperor 202 209. the Emperor is constrained to submit unto the Pâ—pe 236. even to hold his stirrop and lead his horse 310. b. the greatest hurt of the Empire 467. England was converted to Christianity 55. when it was first so named 104. m. was conquered by the Danes 273. and then by the No mans 274. began the Reformation S. 185. the title of England unto France 495 558. e The English Service Book was not written to be pressed on men S. 333. m. The Epistles of the old Bishops of Rome are forged 93. e Equivocation is maintained by the Jesuits S. 325. The sum of Erasmus his 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 S. 27 29. The wicked Book of the Friers the Eternal Gospel 434 435. Excommunicated persons should be punished civily 194. e. An example of absolution from Excommunication S. 503 505. The use of Exercise unto Ministers S. 335. F Faith is the gift of God 214. b. 216. b. m. it is a certain knowledge and not a conjecture 341. b. it is not grounded on natural reason 361. b. neither Pope nor Councel can make an Article of Faith but at most may press obedience unto God's word 546 m. the relation between Faith and good Works 214. b. true Believers cannot perish 214. m Christ appointed not a Feast-day 547. The abuses of Feast daies 359. b. 541. b. The beginning of Feasts to wit of the Rood or holy Cross 6. All-hallow day 16 118. m. the Purification of Mary 205. b. All Souls 242. of John Baptist and S. Laurence 243. of Thomas Becket 337. m. Octava festivitatis Mariae 390. of the Cross of Corp. Christâ— 392 m. 454. of Christ's transfiguration 513. b. of the Conception of Mary 516. b. of the Visitation of Mary 578. m. All Festivals or Feast daies forbidden in Scotland S. 386. b The first Duke of Florence S. 3. b How the Kingdom of France came into the hands of King Pipin 86 87. In France was a beginning of Reformation S. 89 90. A Letter of Catharine Queen Regent of France unto the Pope concerning Religion S. 143 144. Liberty of Religion was granted in France S. 140. e. 141. e. 304 b. troubles in France for Religion under King Charls 9. S. 299. and under Henry the III. S. 303 m Francis Assisias the Father of Franciscans 413. Francis Ximenius the publisher of Biblia Complutensia S. 26. m The Fray in Edinburgh December 17. in the year 1596. S. 526. Flanders became Christian 51. Friseland became Christian 61. m East Friseland began Reformation S. 70. m The Doctrine of the preaching Friers 491. m Ferchard the II. King of Scotland was brought to repentance 60. m G The Popish Gades began 271. The first Glass in Britain
61. e Germanus Bishop of Constantinople seeketh union with the Latines by a Councel 430 No Goodness is in man of himself 27. m. 132. m The Goths in Spain renounce Arianism 51. A Good cause giveth confidence 6. True Grace is by inspiration of the holy Ghost 89. m We are prevened and saved by Grace only 178. m. 211. e. 215. m. 222. m. 295. m. 331. m. S. 7. m The Greek Empire was possessed by the Latines sixty years 405 407 the Tenets of the Greek Church 259 261. Some Greek Preachers came into England 441. b Gratian's Decrees 365. Pope Gregory I. his Faith 26 29. Gregory King of Scots gave some Priviledges unto Church men and conquered three North Provinces of England 186. The Grievances of England against the Pope that were sent unto the Councel of Lions 445. m Some of the hundred Grievances of Germany S. 80. m A Letter of Grindal Bishop of Canterbury unto Queen Elizabeth S. 333. Gunther Bishop of Colein and Thietgaud Bishop of Trevers with their Synod despise the sentence of Pope Nicolaus the I. refuse to communicate with him and content themselves with the communion of the Church c. 155. H Halelujah in the Mass 143. e The Church hath not two Heads nor two Husbands 386. e The title Head of the Church agreeth to none but unto Christ S. 329. e Effectual Hearing is by God touching the heart 294. e The Emperour Henry the IV. is basely abused 235. 238 The Emperour Henry the VII would not swear fealty un to the Pope and was poisoned with Wine of the Mass 462. Henry the I. King of England denied that the Pope is successor of St. Peter 375. m Henry the II. King of England discharges Appeals to Rome and judged Church-men for crimes 376. m Henry the VIII King of England is called Defensor Fidei S. 73. a narration of his divorcement S. 173 he forsakes the Pope S 174. he enacteth Statutes against the Pope S. 175. he made some steps of Reformation S. 177. he opposeth Reformation S. 178. In Helvetia were tumults for Reformation S. 100. m. the latter confession of Helvetia is subscribed by the Church of Scotland S. 347. e A Heretick having power is a persecutor 7. Hereticks do wrest Scripture 103. e Heresies corrupt manners 212. m A bundle of Heresies concerning the Natures and Offices of Jesus Christ 96. m Herman Bishop of Cole in would have reformed his Diocy and was deprived S 120 The use of the book of English Homilies S. 334. 335. Hungary becomes Christian 94. m. 254 b. 269. 270. Hungary is reformed S. 353. I James the VI. Kâ—ng of Scotland his Declaration concerning the Religion S. 482. m. his Letters unto Queen Elizabeth in favour of the imprisoned Anti-Episcopal Ministers S 485 Janus Monluc Bishop of Valentia his Oration at Fountainbleau for a reformation S. 134. James Gibson a Minister was deposed for his speeches against the King 475 476 478. JESUS CHRIST wrought no miracles before his baptism 213. m. He diâ—d for them that shall be saved 37. m. 162. m. 176. e. 180. m. 192 m. the Beleevers before his incarnâ—tion were saved by him 97. b. 372 e the reasonableness of his incarnation and sufferings 297. 302. The issue of the expedition unto Jerusalem 434 e The Order of the Jesuites began their Tenets S. 324. Jerom of â—râ—gue is commended 569 he is summoned to Constance 565. he recants 568. m. be revokes his recanâ—ation and suffered couragiously 569. The contention between the Greek Emperours and the Bishops of Rome for Images 68. e 69 e Images should not be worshipped 40 42 105. e. 113. m. 130. b m. 131 m. 132 b. 183. m. 277. e. 330. m 500. b 505. b Indifferent things must not be Universal but used according to expediency 25. e. 336 e. S. 92 b The Indices Expurgatorii condem and wrest books 182. m. 263. b 297 m 549 m. S. 18. m. 19. e. 23. m Indulgences depend upon Purgatory 32 b. 418 m. their original and progress 58 290 e. they were preclaimed to Souldâ—ers 251 252. they are the cause of sin 462. b. 492. b they are condemned 550 m. 552. m S. 3. e. 6. S. 19. e The pride and blasphemy of Pope Innocentius the III 385. There is but one Interâ—â—ssor 97 e. 131 b. 223. e 331. e. Intercession of Saints is but â— fable 69 e John King of Englaâ—d is tosâ—ed by the Pope and forced to give up his Crown unto the Legate and as a Vassal receives it again 440. seqq John Cisca or Zisca the victorious Bohemian 520. John an English Cardinal his admonition to Pope Innocentius 446 b John Cumâ—n'â— falshood against Robert Bruce 493. John Hunniades Prince of Transilvania 524. 525. John Huss his doctrine 530. he is forbidden in the Pope's name and appeals unto the Pope being better advised 530. e. then two other Preachers taught It is an error to withhold the cup from the people 331. b John sends to Rome and could not be heard but was excommunicated 531. m. the Bohemians then call the Pope the Antichrist and were divided into parâ—ies 53â— e. John is sâ—mmoned unto Co stance and prepares himself with testimonies and instruments of protestation then takes his journey 532. before he was heard particularly he was imprisoned and being sick in prison the Councel gives order to proceed against him nor will grant him the liberty of a Proctor 533. they proceed against him and when he is recovered they will not grant him access 534 they give him access but will not hear him speak 535. they let him speak but will not argue and urge him to recant he proâ—esses to recant iâ— they will convince him of error 336. he is degraded 537. and burnt 538. his Vision of Reformaâ—ion 539. the articles laid unto his charge 566. John Knox is accused by Queen Mary and his answers S. 226 235. he is accused the third time before the Privy-Council S. 238 239. his Letter unto the National Assembly S. 370. his exhortations and other words before his death 377. John Bishop of Sarisbury his judgement of the Roman Church and Pope 380. John Semeca his Glossa was variously censured by the Popes 437. 438. John de Wesalâ—a his articles and examination 546. Ireland is made subject unto England 377. e The first Jubilee at Rome 397. m. it is reduced to the 50. year and the Rites of it 457. m. it is appointed to be every 25 year 506 b. some will have it every 33. year 460 e. and then it was in the 17. year 462. Some sparks of truth in Italy S. 153 154. K A good advice unto a King 204. S. 170 171. None may judge a King S. 167. Legislative power belongs unto the King within his own Realm and not unto the Pope 225. The power of Kings in Church affairs S. 290. e. 330. m In what sense a King is Supream Judge in all causes S 239. How Kings may rule well 502.
b The Order of Knights among the Clergy began in England 273. e Three Orders of Religious Knights at Jerusalem 37. e Knowledge even of the Scriptures without obedience makes guilty 501. e L The Latin language was first authorized in Churches 19. b The first Latine Mâ—â—s in Constantinople 19 e The Latine Translation of the Bible is not authentical 49 it was corrected by Alcuin 3. e. by Erasmus S. 23. m again by Pope Sixtus V. S. 283. and again by Pope Clemenâ— VIII S. 283 e God's Lâ—w or Writings are unchangeable by men 336 e The reconciliation of the Lantsgrave with Charls the V. S 122. Divine Service was in the vulgar Language 142 143 154 187. Laws concerning Church-men 186 e. 188 190 194. 19â— 292. The League between France and Scotland 99. Several Lawyers testifie against Princes for giving civil power unto Prelates 528 b The Laying-on of hands by the Bishops S. 471 472. Leonard Caesar was burâ—t and why S. 94. m Legati à latere how they began and usurped 272. they were more desirous of gold than of doing good to souls 324 m A Letter of Sir Francis Knols concerning Bishop S. 471 472. A Letter of the Assembly of Scotland unto the English Bishops concerning the prâ—ssing of Rites S. 348 349. A Letter of Andrew Melvin unto Beza concerning the Church of Scotland in the year 1579. S. 401. another of his to the some purpose S. 444. A Letter of the L. James Stuart unto Francis King of France S 209. A Letter of Richard the II. King of England remarkable by Kings 460. e The Author of Lent is unknown 93 m. it is urged upon men 265 266. The Battel of Lepanto S. 285. m Liber Concordiae how contrived and carried S. 308. Life eternal is not by debt or merit but only of grace 175. m Litargies were manifold in England 61. m. and in Italy 91 Livonia became Christian 374. e Lituania became Christian 486. Luithpert Bishop of Mentz complains of the Doctrine corrupt at Rome 566. The causes of variance amongst the Lutherans S. 305. M The Offices of Magistrates and Ministers are distinct S 297. m. 298. e. 331 332. Marriage was forbidden within known degrees of kinred 189. e. and then restrained â—o seven degrees 278. The Marriage of Priests 19. b 26. e. 51. b. 64. e. 65. m. 66. b. 154. e. 261 262 265 329 b. 340. m. liberty thereof was sought by the Emperour and Duke of Bavier S. 278. e. 279. Mahumet's beginning and religion 53. The Manichees 278. The blood of Marâ—yrs is the seed of the Church S. 169. e. 170. 191. e Martin Luther the occasion of his first contradicting the present courses S. 56. his first assault against the manner of selling Indulgences S. 57. a remarkable discourse between him and a Legate Vergerius S. 103 104. a Popish tale of his death 120. e. he forbad that any should be called Lutherans 121. m. the manner of his death 122. The Virgin Mary was not free of sin 212 e how the worshipping of her began and increased 345 347. The Fraternity of â—he Virgin Mary began S. 282. b Mary Queen of Scotland her reasons for her Religion S. 343. they were answered by the Assembly 344. The Mass The Mass was made by Pope Gregory the I. 12. and opposed 91. it hath been oft changed 136 m. 145. e. trouble for receiving it 91. b the original and signification of the word 140. b. 145. b. the catalogue of them who give is rehearsed in the Mass 144. b. the Letany 141. e. and other Rites are marked in the pages following The breaking of the Bread is turned into a new Mystery 147. b. the manner of receiving is changed 148 m. the uses of receiving at the Mass 148. m. the Canon of the Mass confutes the Doctrine of a Sacrifice 151. and of Transubstantiation 152. and of denying the Cup 153 and also the opinion of Merit 153. m. an impious trick devised lately in the Mass 154. b Some Meats forbidden by the Pope 75. m There is but one Mediator 101 e The Merit of works is rejected 27. m. 101. e. 133. b 183. b m. 211 m. 337. e. 338. b. 340. b. 369. m. 478. e. 479. b. S. 16. Meritum or Mereri what it signifieth 27. m. 153. m. 331. m. 371. m. S. 291. m Michael the Greek Emperour would submit unto the Pope but the people would not 409 411. Many Ministers or Preachers are necessary S. â—34 m The causes of depriving Ministers S. 419. e. corruptions in the Ministry S. 462. Pleaâ— among Ministers how to be composed S. 426. m Miracles are not to be sought when the Gospel is established 95. e. 215. e. 487. e Late Miracles how they have been wrought 112. m The Miracles of Christ's child-hood are forged 213. m Monkâ— 47 49. they are described to be Monsters 528 b. they got liberty to hear Confessions c 295. m. more Orders of them were forbidden 387 e. their pernicious diversity should be reformed 541. b. their Revenues in England 557. m. their Jugleries S. 7 b 102. m e Monothelites 7. e. 65. m A Conference at Moupelgart between the Reformed S. 311. N In Navar Reformation was proclaimed and again it was forbidden S. 301. e In the Netherlands some light of the Gospel before the Reformation 550. S. 156 157. the Reformation began there 159. they were persecuted S. 72. m. they are more persecuted and indeavour their liberty S. 292. their first Synods S. 293. m. 295. e. their first union which continueth S. 295. m Some Doctrines of Nicolaus de Lyra 486 488. Nicolaus Tribunus Romae attempted to command the Pope and the Emperor 438. m Norway becomes Christian 269. 374. O The Oath of Fidelity unto the King 64. A Coronation Oath 274. The Oath of Fidelity unto the Pope 73. m. another 251. m S. 50 51. The Pope craves an Oath of Fidelity of William the Conqueror who refused to take it 275. The Oath ex Officio made and also condemned 556 b The prayer Offertorium in the Mass 144. b Offices of State were forbidden in England to be bestowed on the Clergy 501. b The Bishop's Official is described 382. The first Organs in Christian Churches 19. b None is without Original sin but Christ 17 338. m A Parliament at Orleans for Religion S. 141 142. P The Pall or Metropolitan Bishop's Coat 12 e. 20. m Patrick Adamson Bishop of Santand was excommunicated by the Synod of Fife and upon considerations was absolved by the National Assembly S. 450 451. again he was excommunicated 480. and before his death sought absolution 481. Patrick Graham the first Arch Bishop in Scotland that title he got from the Pope 562. Patrick Hamilton Martyr the Articles laid to his charge S. 169. The Temple Pantheon in Rome is dedicated to all Saints 15. Patriarks are multiplied 53. the correspondence of the three first Patriarks 363. m Paul was equal unto Peter 415 e A brief narration of