Selected quad for the lemma: religion_n

Word A	Word B	Word C	Word D	Occurrence	Frequency Band	MI	MI Band	Prominent
religion_n	england_n	king_n	kingdom_n	4,625	5	5.7154	4	false

Text snippets containing the quad

ID	Title	Author	Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication)	STC	Words	Pages
A77444	An historicall vindication of the government of the Church of Scotland from the manifold base calumnies which the most malignant of the prelats did invent of old, and now lately have been published with great industry in two pamphlets at London. The one intituled Issachars burden, &c. written and published at Oxford by John Maxwell, a Scottish prelate, excommunicate by the Church of Scotland, and declared an unpardonable incendiary by the parliaments of both kingdoms. The other falsly intituled A declaration made by King James in Scotland, concerning church-government and presbyteries; but indeed written by Patrick Adamson, pretended Archbishop of St. Andrews, contrary to his own conscience, as himselfe on his death-bed did confesse and subscribe before many witneses in a write hereunto annexed. By Robert Baylie minister at Glasgow. Published according to order.	Baillie, Robert, 1599-1662.; Adamson, Patrick, 1537-1592. Recantation of Maister Patrik Adamsone, sometime archbishop of Saint-Androwes in Scotlande.; Welch, John, 1568?-1622.	1646 (1646)	Wing B460; Thomason E346_11; ESTC R201008	133,114	153

Apostates ibid. Caesaro papisme is an Antichristianisme worse then that of the Pope p. 33. Prelats and Erastians their Sympathy and Antipathy p. 34. King James against all toleration of heresies or schismes p. 35. Also much contrary to our present Anarchy p. 36. The retarders of government are enemies to themselves and to the welfare of England p. 37. The Recanta●ion of Patrick Adamson pretended Archbi of St. Andrews p. 37 Mr. Patrick Adamson's owne Answer and refutation of the Booke falsly called The Kings Declaration p. 41. Two pious and propheticall Letters of Mr. Jo. Welsh which he wrote out of his prison after the sentence of death was pronounced against him and other gracious Ministers for their testimony against Erastianisme Prelacy p. 45. The Authors out of which the chiefe testimonies of the subsequent Vindication are taken The Acts of Parliament printed at Edinborough by Robert Walgrave in the yeer 1597. The Acts of the second Parliament of King Charles printed at Edinborough by Robert Young 1641. The Acts of the generall Assembly at Edinborough 1632. printed at Edinborough by Evan Tyler 1642. One of the Registers of the Church of Scotland Manuscript A collection out of the Registers of the Church of Scotland by Mr. David Catherwood wherein beside other things are Mr. Andrew Melvils processe the Animadversions of the Commissioners of the generall Assembly upon Adamsons Declaration delivered to the King Also a Reverend Divines censure at that time upon the same Declaration Also King James his true Declaration Knox History Altare Damascenum Adamsons Recantation Mr. Welsh his Letters The Ecclesiastick History of Scotland written by John Spotswood pretended Archbishop of St. Andrewes licensed for the Presse under the hands of Secretary Stirling and Windebank Issachars Burden under the name of an Answer to a Letter c. Also Sacr● Sancta Regum Majestas both printed at Oxford 1644. by Mr. John Max well pretended Bishop of Rosse THE UNLOADING OF ISSACHARS BURTHEN WHen from divers good hands it was brought to me Iss●chars burthen will stu●ble no solide and advised minde that Presbyteriall Government began to be evil spoken of by many to be suspected by some who hitherto had not been unfriends to it through the occasion of a late Pamphlet Intituled Issachars burthen which some Sectaries with all care and diligence doe put in the hands of the prime Members of both Houses of Parliament and others whom they conceive to have any influence in the affaires either of Church or State either of City or Countrey The word of the old Philosopher came in my mind a short sighted man is a quick judge who sees few things does soone and rashly give out his sentence That this namelesse Pamphlet printed by a Malignant at Oxford and reprinted by the industry of Sectaries at London should be able to open the mouth or touch the heart of any considerate man with the least suspition against the Government of the Reformed Churches seemes to me a little strange and will doe so as I suppose to others who shall be pleased to consider with me some circumstances of that writ first the Author secondly those whom he professes to taxe thirdly its Publishers fourthly the matters contained therein The Author of it is a man infamous an Excommunicate Prelate and in●endiagy The Author as uncontroverted fame since its first publication at Oxford makes manifest is Mr Iohn Maxwell late Bishop of Rosse from whose gracious pen a little after this did drop another piece of the like benigne quality Sacro-Sancta-Regum majestas they must be of a greater then ordinary credulity who can admit this mans testimony-against the Church of Scotland for by the most solemn judicatories of that Land he is declared infamous by the generall Assembly for many grievous offences he with some other Prelates were delivered into the hands of Satan but for more treasonable crimes this man by the Parliament of that Kingdome was declared an incendiary a Censure put upon no other Prelate but him alone These no more heavie then just sentences were so farre from bringing him to any shew of repentance A man obstinate and obdured in wickednesse that they filled his heart with bitternesse and rage to doe speak and write what ever masice hightned to the uttermost could dictate In that most scurrilous and invenomed Satyre Lysimachus Nicanor his pen was thought to be principall for this he got a warning from heaven so distinct and loud as any uses to be given upon earth to reclaime him from his former errours with his eyes did he see the miserable man Iohn Corbet who took upon him the shame of penning that rable of contumelious lies against his Mother Church hewed in pieces in the very armes of his poore wife this Prelate himselfe in the meane time was striken down and left with many wounds as dead by the hand of the Irish with whom he had been but too familiar All this did not humble his stout spirit so dangerous is it to be put in the hands of the Devill by the servants of God according to their Masters warrant for no sooner did he recover of his wounds but he went for Oxford of purpose to cast ●oyl in that flame in the first kindling whereof he had beene a prime instrument How little faith ought to be given to this man I might shew by seven years old Stories A man very corrupt in doctrine it s well known that he above all men living did move and encourage Canterbury to force upon Scotland the Liturgy and Canons what ever Popery or Tiranny is found in either he was a prime Author and full consenter thereto the erroneous Tenents of the Canterburian party especially their grosse Popery in the heads of Transubstantiation Iustification and Purgatory were according to his minde as the supplement of Ladensium Autocatacrisis demonstrates how neare he and his two most intimate friends Forbes and Synserfe were to the open profession of Popery does appeare by the avowed defection to Rome of their chiefe Scholars and most familiar dependents Forbes his Sonne Synserfe his brother Menteith the great Achates of all the three Bishops But leaving these elder stories The most malicious enemy to the Parliament of England that ever yet has written behold what new stuffe he layes out in his two Pamphlets in matters of State these are his maximes all resistance to Kings in any imaginable case of the most extreame Tyranny is simply unlawfull though the Religion Lawes Liberties of whole Kingdomes were totally subverted Let Princes doe what ever miseniese can come in the heart of the worst men subjects are to suffer all and have no right allowed by God to make any opposition farther then by teares and prayers (a) Sacro-Sanct p. 19. All opposition by force resisting of Kings by Armes whether in a defensive or offensive way is against God and unlawfull ibid. p. 66. They commit the highest Treasons against God man

doubt not but it was attended with much sedition faction and Rebellion p. 41. I daily heartily bewail that too too much idolised Reformation if Knox and his complices had kept in the way of the old Martyrs we had bin more happy sure I am the great and more then ordinary sinnes in them and us and our forefathers have brought us to be plunged in these miseries God so punishing the sins of that first Reformation by this second spurious Reformation All controversies of Religion ought to be decided by the writs of the fathers (s) Sacro sanct p. 59. Would God both sides in this and other controversies would submit to the judgement and determination of the holy Fathers It is but precise Puritanisme to refuse the Apocrypha books (t) p. 39. If our strait laced brethren would be pleased to cast an eye upon Apocrypha I refer them to Ecclesiasticus It is presumption for any man upon earth to meddle with the questions of Election and Predestination (u) Sacro sanct p. 105. These Seraphicall Doctors make so bold with almighty God as to unfold the secrets of Predestination and to define who are the Elect and who the Reprobate All necessity takes away Freedome from the Will (x) Ibid. p. 91. The first act of mans will necessarily fertur in summum bonum this is actus necessarius non liber not so free as it may choose or reject it is elicited by force constraint or necessity the Schoolmen doe rightly teach that the Sacraments conferre grace by some extrinsecall supervenient power (y) Ibid. p. 121. Schoolmen do confesse that the Sacraments doe not confer grace vi naturali physica inhaerente but vi morali supernaturali superveniente mens sins are washed away by doing of Pennance (z) Ibid. p. He was forced to flee and with 40. years penance and repentance wash away that guiltinesse Ministers are Priests (aa) It s high time for Prince and Priest to strengthen one another all who have adhered to the Parliament are Sectaries and mad ones (bb) Ibid. p. 38. No moderate Sectary if any such be p. 68. People thus madded by mad Sectaries and Shebaes By this little taste of the mans Spirit we may see their wisedome who bring in such a witnesse to testifie against the Reformed Churches It is strange that any gracious Englishman should be apt to hear slanders against the Church of Scotland and how good friends they are either to the Parliament or to the true Religion who recommend this writer with so loud praises to the diligent perusall of simple people The 2d circumstance I offered was the object of this calumnious writ whom does it undertake to defame the Church of Scotland It is possible for any gratious Englishman to applaud this injury Who did so heartily concurre and so much assist the first planting of the Church of Scotland as that renounced Queen Elizabeth and the state of England Scotlands old obligations to England our History tells us that in all the assaults of that Church from the Popish and Prelaticall party we were not only comforted by the encouragements of the English Anti-episcopall Divines Cartwright Hildersham and all the rest of the old Non-conformists cordially sympathizing with us but also the Queene and State by continuall Letters and many gracious Embassages did ever support our cause and assist us when we needed both with Armies and Monies knowing that notwithstanding of all our differences with the Prelates yet we were most firme for the Protestant cause and welfare of England against all Enemies both at home and abroad When lately the Canterburian designes were on foot to change the Religion Englands late of ligations to Scotland and inslave the state of all the three Kingdomes to an absolute and Turkish Monarchy or at least such a tyranny as this day is exercised by the French and Spanish Kings did not Scotland at that time when no party at all in England nor Ireland would or durst appeare take their lives in their hands and with courage for the liberty of the whole Isle set their f●ces against these Popish Tyrants did they not with such piety prudence moderation and valour mannage that common cause that the blessings of all England and of all Protestants yea of all in Europe of what ever profession who loved the just liberty of the subject did rest upon their heads Thereafter when that wicked faction glad to be rid of them and to give them all their desires according as they were pleased to d●mand them did turne their Armes from them upon the good subjects of England and Ireland and in both had well neer accomplished their design Ireland having no considerable Army to oppose the barbarous murtherers and the Army that was after some faint opposition joyning with the Rebells against the Parliament In England the North and West being totally lost the Kings great and victorious Armies ready to swallow up the remnant no friend upon earth appearing for the gracious party their lamentable and desperate condition was by their Commissioners with sighs and teares represented to Scotland Where their Brethren were so touched with compassion that laying aside all thoughts of hazard which was extreamly great they resolved to ingage all they had life wealth peace and what else is deare for to rescue the English out of the pit of their visible imminent and otherwise unavoidable ruine They sent to Ireland an Army of ten thousand well appointed men who banished the Barbars out of Vlster where they were strongest and out of the most of Conaught keeping so much of that Isle in possession of the English as made it easie for them when ever they thought fit to regaine the rest They sent into England a gallant well-armed governed company of twenty thousand effective who by Gods blessing themselvs alone did ruine the Kings main greatest Army under New-castle and joyning with others of the Parliaments forces at Long-Marston did so break and defeat the prime of all the rest of the Kings forces met together that they were never afterable to bring to the fields any Army very considerable either for number or courage Much occasion of action was not thereafter afforded yet the keeping quiet of all the new conquests by North Trent and the holding the neighbouring Associations in awe til the Parliaments forces at their leasure did take up the rest of the country was no small service In these actions the Scots did spend very much precious blood many of them did endure much hardship both in England and Ireland and at home by the Pestilence by a prevailing Enemy by intestine discouragements and divisions all flowing from their friendship with England they were overwhelmed with greater miseries then their fathers had seen for many hundred yeares and which grieved them more then all things else they were entertained by too many of them for whom they suffered all these

opposite to the contrary which yet the Parliaments of both Kingdomes now and the rest of the reformed Churches ever did professe was truth and a part of the purity of Religion the affirmation of so much I hope will not be found a very monstrous crime P. 48.49 The Commissioners of the generall Assembly unjustly slandered though you beleeve Episcopacy to be so fundamentall a truth that all its opposits must needs be most properly Hereticks In the remnant of your Booke from the page 48. to the 53. you make your declamatiōs against the Cōmissioners of the Generall Assembly you will have them to be the fountaine of all the Treasons Seditions Rebellions of the Land but you should do well to prove this rather then to say it for you know that your assertions have no faith and deserve none in Scotland reason you can have none in the nature of the thing for all established Courts either in Church or State have naturally a power in themselves to make Committees for the furthering of that worke which the Lawes of the Kingdome put in their hands It is true Committees under that name were not early knowne in Scotland the name and a part of the thing we learned from our Neighbours of England but so soon as the Generall Assemblies did thinke meet to appoint some of their number to be a standing Committee to their next meeting the expedient was unanimously embraced and liked of by none so well after a little tryall as by King Iames and the State I did never heare any hurt charged upon these Committees but one that by the Kings extraordinary diligence with some of them they were seduced to lay some ground stones whereupon Episcopall Chaires were afterward set downe but what here you lay to their charge is evidently false Queen Regent was suspended from her authority by the state before there was any Generall Assembly in Scotland Queen Mary was put from the Government and King Iames established therein by the Parliament the Nobility at Ruthven did persuade King Iames to send the Duke of Lenox back to France and remove Captaine Iames from Court before any Commissioners of a Generall Assembly were so much as thought upon Being of necessity must precede all operation It is folly to charge crimes upon a Committee before it had any existence but all these your discourses are used as a preface and introduction to that grand Common place of the bitterest invectives of all your friends the 17. day of December which you make the topstone and close of all your calumnies That much tossed matter P. 50.51.52 A full account of the 17. day of December as I find it in Spotswood and others much more worthy Authors was this After the miscarriage of the Spanish designe upon this Isle in 88. the Popish faction of Scotland did still keep correspondence with Philip and his Ministers both in Spaine and West Flanders Agents Letters Monies were ever going betwixt them great hopes yearly of a new Navy which fayling the Iesuits moved Huntly and his complices to enterprise by themselves these things were all discovered Queen Elizabeth who in all the popish designes was primely aimed at did send frequent advertisements of their plots which by intelligencers in Rome and Spaine she came to understand The Generall Assembly did excommunicate Huntly the head of that turbulent faction The King denounced him Rebell he was often relaxed from the sentence both civill and Ecclesiastick yet he ever relapsed and entered in new conspiracys for the overthrow of the Religion and Kingdome The man was very bloody powerfull and active After Chancellour Maitlands death the prime Courtiers were knowne Papists and drew the Kings mind to receive Huntly againe into favour contrary to the Supplications of all his well-affected Subjects and the manifold Letters of the Queen of England these same Courtiers under pretence of mannaging the Kings rent did graspe into their hands all the Offices of State and favours of the Prince to the extreame discontent of the most of their fellow Courtiers Besides all this they made it their chiefe designe to kindle the Kings wrath against the most zealous of the Ministry they brought matters to such a passe in the beginning of December 1596. that the King in displeasure did Command by Proclamation the Commissioners of the Generall Assembly to dissolve and goe out of Edinborough they presently obeyed the charge So what ever followed thereafter is unjustly charged upon that Committee which long before the seventeenth day was dissolved and gone out of Towne On the sixteenth day Huntly who had killed the Earle of Murray had defeat Argyles Army had come to the fields against the King in person conspired with the Spaniard to bring in the Armado solicited often the Prince of Farma for a new Navy plotted the taking of the King and killing of the Chancellour in his presence This man though both banished and excommunicate comming boldly to Court put all Edinburgh in a just feare So much the more as in the morning o● the sevententh day some of the Kings chiefe Servants and Bedchamber men who it seems indeed had a reall intention to raise some trouble against the Octavians by whom they were spoyled of their places and meanes did informe the Ministers and others of Huntlies privie conference with the King the evening before till midnight this afterward was found to be but feigned by them yet it was most true that by these mens misinformations that very night the King by Proclamation as he had done before with the Commissioners of the Gene●all Assembly commanded in the morning of the 17 Twenty foure of the cheefe and most zealous Citizens of Edinburgh to depart the Towne All these things falling out together put the people in extreame feare of a present Massacre by the hands of Huntly of the popish Courtiers and their faction To prevent this mischiefe Mr. Balcanquall whom it fell to preach that day after Sermon desired the cheefe of them who were present to stay for advisement what was needfull to be done for their owne safety in the meeting nothing at all was resolved upon but a humble supplication to his Majestie that they might be in security from the dangerous plotts of the Papists That the Lady Huntly an excommunicate Papist might be removed from Court and sent home That three of the Counsellours knowne papists and correspondents with Rome as their Letters thereafter found with the Pope did prove might not vote at the Counsell Table in the causes of Ministers That the Citizens banished out of Edinburgh without the allegeance of any cause might be returned to their houses This most innocent Petition was sent to his Majestie by two noble men Lindsay and Forbes two Barons Bargeny and Blachan and two Ministers Master Robert Bruce and Master William Watson Master Robert Bruce did speake to his Majestie so humbly and with so much reason that he gave no offence but when his Majestie

ratifies and approves the Presbyteries and particular Sessions appointed by the said Kirke with the whole Jurisdiction and discipline of the same Kirke agreed upon by his Majesty in conference had by his Highnesse with certaine of the Ministers conveened to that effect also determines and declares the said Assemblies Presbiteries and Sessions their jurisdiction and discipline to be in all times comming most just and good notwithstanding of whatsomever Statutes Acts Canons civill or municipall Lawes made in the contrary Item the Kings Majestie and Estates declares that the 129. Act of the Parliament holden at Edinbrough the 22. of May 1584. shall no wayes be prejudiciall nor derogate any thing to the priviledge that God has given to the Spirituall Officers in the Kirke concerning heads of Religion matters of Heresie Ezcommunication collation deprivation of Ministers or any such like essentiall Censures specially grounded and having warrant of the Word of God Also abrogates Cassis and Annuls the Act of the same Parliament 1584. yeere granting Commission to Bishops and other Judges constitute in Ecclesiasticall causes to receive his Highnesse Presentations to Benefices to give collation hereupon and to put order in all Ecclesiasticall causes his Majestie and Estates declares this Act to be expired and in time comming to be null and therefore ordains all Presentations to be directed to the particular Presbiteries More needs not be said for the confounding and filling with shame the faces of them No more is needfull for a satisfactory Answer who in the reprinting of this Pamphlet could have no other intention but to grieve and disgrace them whom by word they call Brethren but in heart and workes they evidently maligne as enemies without any cause Adamson the true Father confesseth it to be a Bastard and supposititious birth wholly composed of lyes and slanders King James disclaimes it and puts a new Declaration in its place the States of Parliament in King James his presence and with his open allowance abolished the Acts whereupon it was founded rooting out Episcopacy which it dothplant and building up Presbyteries and Synods which it professeth to demolish Yet for more abundant satisfaction The points of the wryt let us consider its particular parts It containes first a Preface Secondly an explanation of foure Acts of the Parliament at Edinbrough Pag. 1. It is hazardous for a 〈◊〉 Prince to take ●pon himself ●the faults of ●his Officers 1584. Thirdly an enumeration of some foureteene intentions ascribed to the King In the Preface there is a narrative of the causes of the subsequent Declaration all resolves upon the alledged Lyes of some evill affected persons labouring to impaire his Majesties honour and fame Upon this we remark that the late unhappy tricke of Courtiers and Prel●tes is no lesse ancient then this Declaration it was the ordinary custome of these ungrate and imprudent men to charge the backe of the King with their owne faults the bones of Kings are supposed by Sycophants to be so strong that no burden is able to bow much lesse to breake them As King Charles has ever been ●●o ready and willing to take upon himselfe the guilt of his servants upon what ever hazard the same was his Fathers condition yet with this difference King James was willing to beare his Servants burdens till he found they pinched but so soone as they began to presse him any thing sore he was so wise and just to himselfe and others that he laid them alwayes over upon the neck of those whom in reason it concerned to beare them The people had an high esteeme of Ki. Iames his vertues About that time the fame of Kings James his Learning Piety and personall vertues did florish at home and abroad the wel-affected who chiefly are aymed at were so far from impairing his personall reputation that in their very censure of this Declaration they give unto him an excellent testimony g Vide An Answer to the Declaration Their indignation was onely against the Court and upon just grounds But at that same time his Court was so exceedingly corrupted that the good men in the whole Isle both English and Scots did lament it Captain James Stuart by his cunning crept up to be Chancellour became so insolent a Tyrant that neither the greatest nor the most innocent had security either of their life or Estate h Spotswoods History lib. 6 p. 179. ●eere 1584. this severity was universally disliked but that which shortly ensued was much more hatefull Ibid. Maines and Drumwhassill were hanged the same day in the publick street of Edenborough the Gentlemens case was much pittied Maines his case especially all that were present in their hearts did pronounce him innocent these cruell and rigorous proceedings caused such a feare as all fami●iar society was in a manner left no man knowing to whom be might safely speake Arran in the meane time went on drawing into his owne hand the managing of affairs for he would be sole and supream over all Ibid. p. 177. Master Andrew Pullert Master Patrick Galloway Master James Carmichal Ministers were denounced Rebels and fled into England Master Andrew Hay compeered and nothing being qualified against him was upon suspition confined to the North the Ministers sent Master David Lindsay to the King with their supplication but Arran sent him prisoner to Blacknesse where he was detained forty seven weeks The Ministers of Edenborough hearing of this for sook their charge and fled into England so as Edenbrugh was left without any Preachers Master Robert Pont likewise flying was denounced Rebell The best Ministers were forced to leave the Kingdome The Duke of Lennox whose power with the King was greatest had lately come over from the Guisians in France though the man himself was of a very good and meeke nature yet he had his instructions and dependance from the Authors and instruments of the French Massacres he made it his worke to further the interest of France to the prejudice of England he corresponded with the French and Scots Traffiquers for Queene Maries deliverance out of prison yea for her returne to the throne of Scotland in an association with her Son k The Collection Sir Esme Stuart was sent by Queen Mother of France and the Guisians to seduce the young King to subvert Religion violate the amity between England and Scotland to procure an invasion for the delivery of the Queen of Scots then in captivity to make the King content to be associate with her in the government to alienate his heart from the Ministry he had his continuall intelligence and instructions from France These things which all the Writers of that time do record did so fill the hearts of all good people with feares for changes both of Religion and Lawes that neither English nor Scots did spare to expresse them in their ordinary discourses l Vide supra h. Unto this frightment of the people the Acts of Parliament procured by the

and oppressive both of the Nobility and Ministers Jesuites and Priests did flocke from beyond Sea in greater numbers then ever rr Collection hee procured Protections for Jesuites and trafficking Papists St. Andrews story li. 3. fol. 165. yeare 1579. this dissention betwixt the King and the Church brought with it many evils for upon the notice of it divers Jesuites and Priests did resort into the Country and at home such as were Popishly affected began openly to avow their profession the professed negotiation of the French Agents was to restore Queen Mary the trafiquers in that businesse were received with extraordinary curtefies All this did fill the hearts of the people both with griefe and feare for the undermining of their Religion for the destruction of their King and ruine of the Kingdome These passions increased when they did see the English Embassadors at that same time used in a much divers fashion railed upon by rascals in the streets vexed with infamous Libels fixed upon the doores of their Lodgings endangered in their persons by Pistols shot in at their windowes ſſ Spotswoods History lib. 6. fol. 173. yeare 1582. La Mot came by England having the same Instructions to renew the purpose of the Association which was set on foot the yeere before and almost concluded in this sort that the Queene of Scots should communicate the Crowne with her Son and both be joyned in the administration of affaires but upon the Dukes sequestring from Court it was left off and not mentioned againe till now The Collection The Queen of Englands Ambassadour Master Randall was abused with infamous Libels affixed upon the doore of his Lodging the chiefe Courtiers withdrew their countenance from him such as resorted to him were observed an Harquebus charged with two bullets was shot in at his chamber window where he usually sate and all this without any punishment upon the authors of such atrocious contumilies In this posture of affaires to tempt yet further the patience of honest people some French Merchants did move the King to desire the Magistrates of Edenborough to invite the French Agent to a publick Feast tt Collection While La Mot is thus practising some French Merchants in Edenborough for their owne commodity caused it to be motioned to the King to send one to the Counsell of Edenborough to give the French Ambassadour a Banquet the Counsell refusing the King was offended and alleaged the motion came from themselves the matter was againe debated in Counsell in end the best part of the Counsell contradicting it was concluded the Banquet should be made whereupon the Session of the Kirke resolved upon a Fast or rather abstinence that day the Presbytery knew nothing of it the unseasonablenesse of the time made the desire grievous to the Magistrates and therefore they declined it with a faire excuse yet the King was moved to presse them againe the motion being brought to the Common Counsell of the Town the Plurality yeelded though the most of the Magistrates and best part of the Counsellours were dissenting w Vide supra tt This matter being offensive to the Church Session or Congregational Eldership the day of the French Festival by the joint advice of the Magistrates Ministers and the rest who were present was appointed to be a day of Preaching and prayer xx The Censure The Allegeance that the Presbytery of Edenbrough did appoint a Fast to be kept upon the day that the French Ambassadour was Banqueted by the Towne of Edenborough is false for not the Towne but some French factioners in the Towne Banqueted the Ambassadours three Bailies the greatest part of the Counsell and some of the Kings Privy Counsell were in the Church in the time of the Banquet not the Presbytery but the particular Session of the Kirke of Edinborough with the advice of so many Magistrates and Counsellours as were not contrivers of the Banquet appointed a voluntary abstinence this was thought to be the fairest way with the least offence to hinder if it might be that offensive and unseasonable Banquet as for any processe of excommunication intended against them who choosed rather to feast with the French then to pray with the City and most of the Magistrates I take it but for a meer fable for albeit the Author therof Adamson had not acknowledged his Narration of the Banquet to be false as he does expresly yy Adamsons Recantation My good will was I protest to have condemned every point yea even to the false Narration of the Banquet and all the rest contained in that little Treatise called the Declaration of the Kings Majesties intentions as I acknowledge they deserve to be condemned by the censure and judgment of the Kirk yet why should we have taken it in any other sense then the other passages of the same Pamphlet wherein he avowes the Presbyteries to have put out innumerable Orders directly opposite to the King and have sent Lawes and Commands to his Majesty under the paine of Excommunication zz Vide the printed Declaration which all the world sees setting aside the Authors confession to be meer lyes and notorious calumnies aaa The Censure that the Assembly was accustomed to prescribe Lawes to the King and Counsell under paine of Excommunication to appoint no Bishops in time to come such calumnies are not worthy to be answered for to draw out of the pure fountaines of Gods word an Ecclesiasticall Canon agreeable to the same and to suit like humble Suppliants the approbation of the same is the dutie of the Kirke this is not a prescribing of Lawes to the King and Estates But suppose that all the alledged circumstances of that sad festivall The extreame unjustice of the Prelats of old and Era 〈◊〉 now against the Presbytery had beene all true yet could this trespasse be no otherwise expiate then by the very abolition not onely of that Judicatory whence the overture did proceed but also of all the Judicatories of that kinde in the whole Kingdome being altogether ignorant and innocent of the transgression and though the Episcopall rigour should have been thus transcendent yet what shadow of reason could be brought for the overthrow of the Classes for the trespasse of the Congregadonall Eldership It was not the Classicall Presbytery of Edinborough but the Towne Session that was alledged to be the delinquent We wonder not when Prelates are Counsellors to see strange and unheard of rules of Justice but of this we marvaile that the Leaders of the Independent or Erastian party should be so well pleased with such patternes as not to have patience to have them at this time concealed but will needs have them brought forth of the grave of oblivion where long they lay buried to be looked upon by the State at this time as ruled cases for their imitation As for the abolition of the generall Assembly three of their offences are named their approbation of the road of Ruthven

you over to the Divel and therfore your rage against him for that necessary and good service is great out of his Sermon you dare cite nothing and it is well known that no or thodox Divine in any of the reformed Churches is more willing to give to Soveraign Princes all their due then that most worthy man is and ever has been In your scoffe of a Scottish Pope the smoke of ignorance goes up with the fire of malice these many years for your old stinging you have bin removed to dark Cavernes though sometimes for a Breathing you have cropen out to Oxford Dublin but had your crimes permitted you to have walked a little either at Lond. or Edinburgh or any where in this Isle where the Sun of Truth Justice did shine or any where over Sea where the affaires of this Isle with any ingenuity use to be represented you would not have called that most gracious man a Pope For how ever you have declared your selfe for Scottish Cardinalls and a Pope over the whole Church Catholick through al the world and all who know you will beare you witnesse that in Scotland so proud and arrogant a Prelate did not breath in our dayes yet the venerable divine whom you slander is so farre from the note you would put upon him that a more modest and humble spirit of so great parts and deserved authority with all the greatest of the Isle lives not this day in the reformed Churches But it is our first Reformation that chiefely grieves you Our first reformation was authorized by Parliament you continually breake out upon that and repeate very oft the same most bitter slanders The reformation in Scotland as has been said began long before the yeare 1558. when the Queens Mother was not yet come to the government in the yeare 1542. the Protestant Regent Duke Hamilton with the consent of Parliament did then authorize it and set it on foot albeit the compleat and publick Reformation of the whole Land was not till the yeare 1560. when the Parliament convened by the authority of our Soveraigne and after ratified by her did authorize it fully Her delay for a little to ratifie that Parliament makes nothing against its validity especially since now for fourscore and five yeares it has stood firme as one of our most happy Parliaments not questioned by any but some few eminently malignant Papists and Prelates That which here you scorne in Knox is a truth uncontroverted by any reasonable man that Religion has its own proper intrinsecall strength from God its only Author that Princes and states may and ought as servants to God their Lord make way for it in their Dominions by their good Lawes but this does not adde any more internall truth and strength to Religion then it has of it selfe before the Magistrate confirmed it and which it cannot lose although the Magistrate doe cry it downe and persecute it for errour Concerning the debates in the yeares 1558. and 1559. betwixt Queen Regent and the States for the just Liberties of the Kingdome for both agreed that this was the chiefe quarrell we repeat not what we have said before What you being from the thirty third p. to 39. P. 33.34.35 Episcopa●●e was never ●pproved by any lawfull Assembly in Scotland I have met with it a most all in my answer to the other Treatise In the yeare 1571. a Committee of the generall Assembly at Leeth deceived by some prime Courtiers too much engaged unto the Prelates of England did advise to set up Bishops in the Church of Scotland with the name and some shadow of the things which then were in England but the thing it selfe a sole power of Ordination and Jurisdiction over the whole Diocesse in one mans hand they never dreamed of Yea the very name and shadow whereto that Committee was drawne was never allowed of by any act of a lawfull generall Assembly for the very next Assembly did disclaime it and ever after the matter was in debate till both name and thing was totally exploded Your discourse of the Negative confession and Church-government in the yeare 1580. and 1581. and of the platforme of Presbiteries as set up by Mr. Melvil without the Kings Authority with much stuffe of this kind demonstrates your mind to calumniate with a great deale either of ignorance of the times or malicious resolution to lye In the yeare 1580. some prime Courtiers The short confession of Faith was subscribed by King James 〈◊〉 the year 1 〈◊〉 and others truly popish in their heart yet for their own ends was content to dissemble and to abjure popery with their owne equivocations and mentall reservations The King desiring to stop all starting holes caused Mr. Craige the Pastor of his Familie to draw up a confession every particular rejecting expresly the most of the Romish errours this King James himselfe did Signe and permitted none to live at his Court who did not sweare it he ordained it also to goe through the whole Land Towards this confession scornfully called negative the Prelaticall party did ever carry an evill eye for it was a stronger barr against popery and their intended innovations then their designes could well admit The whole sixe yeares before that Confession The Presbiterian government was fully agreed to before that 〈◊〉 the Generall and provinciall Assemblies were much exercised in perfiting the second booke of discipline wherein the whole body of the Presbiterian Government is fully set downe nothing in our Church did ever passe with so great deliberation nor with greater unanimity In the year 1578. it was all agreed unto in the Generall Assembly Mr. Melvill was a gracious instrument in that worke but all the Divines of the Kingdome did joyne with him therein With the states they had some controversie but not for the matter of Government in this the Harmony betwixt the Church and State was full but for the Church Patrimony wherein the King did joyne heartily with the Assembly against the Court and wherein your selfe cannot but beare witnes to the honesty of the Divines at that time For it was their mind that Church rents ought not to be impropriat to Courtiers nor given to Prelats nor serve the ambition and avarice of any Church-men but ought to be imployed for the Honorable and comfortable maintenance of all that served at the Altar and for the reliefe of the poore and strangers and what was above to go to the publicke uses of the state But in this gracious designe the cunning first of the Court and after of the Prelates did Crosse both the King and the Assembly so that for peace they behoved to yeild albeit upon occasion both his Majesty and the Church did often protest for their rights The King and his Counsell did set up the Presbyteries over all the Land at the same time But for any parts of the Presbiteriall Government which in that Booke of discipline was set downe

their abolishing of Episcopacy their indicting of solemne Fasts the desert of these crimes we will see when the particulars are opened The Road of Ruthven was a Remonstrance made to his Majesty by a number of the prime and best affected of the Nobility The generall Assemblies approbation of the Road of Ruthven very innocent against the insupportable tyrannies of some few Courtiers to the extream hazard of the Kings person the Church and whole Kingdome His Majesty yet minor was content to follow the Remonstrants advice the men complained of were removed from Court the action of the Noble-men was declared by the King and his Counsell to have been good and acceptable service bbb Collection His Majesty seemed to be well pleased and gave sundry significations of his good liking of that action as of good service done to him by attestations in his Princely word they should never be challenged by Act of Privy Counsell by Act of solemn convention of Estates by publike Proclamations at Market Crosses needfull by desiring the English Ambassadours to testifie to the Queene his owne and his Estates good liking by two legations sent to her Majesty signed by his owne hand and the Counsels by his command to the Ministers in chiefe places to signifie his consent and apprsbation to the people the convention of estates made that same Declaration ccc Vide supra bbb the Kings the Counsels the States approbation of this fact was solemnly proclaimed in the next Market places of the chiefe Burroughs ddd Vide supra bbb at his Majesties desire the Ambassadours of England and France did write so much to their Masters eee Vide supra bbb and it was also promised that the next generall Assembly and Parliament for the Noblemens greater security should give their ample approbations When the generall Assembly came the Noblemen petitioned them for their approbation at the first the Assembly declined to meddle with that matter fff Collection When the Authors of the enterprize sought the approbation of the generall Assembly it was answered that the matter was civill nothing pertaining to them It was replyed that the King and Counsell Estates had approved it and that the King had agreed an Act of approbation should be made in the Assembly whereupon Master James Lauson and Master David Lindsay were directed to his Majesty who after conference with his Majesty and Counsell reported their approbation and the Kings contentment that an Act should passe as was desired but when the Petitioners insisted alleaging it was the Kings pleasure they should take that matter into consideration they sent two of their number to the King to understand his mind his Majesty did not onely fignifie to those Messengers his defire that the Assembly should declare their approbation of that Action at Ruthven ggg Vide fff but also he did send two Commissioners of his owne to require the Assembly in his name to declare so much hhh The Collection The Tutor of Pitcur and Colonell Stuart Commissioners from the King reported that they had speciall command to assent in his name and so the Assembly approved but not till approved before and desired to approve Could the Assemblies obedience to the Kings expresse command be a treason of so high a nature as did merit not onely the persecution of their persons but the abolition of the Court it selfe for ever yet the Prelats and Courtiers rage did intend no lesse for when Captaine James had got againe into the Court whence he had been banished he wrought so upon the minor King that the Noblemen and Gentlemen who had procured his removall at Ruthven were some of them executed as Traitors others forfeit and banished many of the best Ministers were forced to flee for their life not one Pastor durst stay in Edenborough but all fled out of the Kingdome iii Vide supra Such stormes has Satan oft stirred up in Scotland by his instruments yet gracious men there by faith and patience by wisdome and active courage did wrestle through and alwayes in the end prevailed they got the Church the Kingdome the person of the Prince ever at last rescued from the bonds and snares of oppressing Sycophants The memory of our Predecessors sufferings and successes does much encourage us in these evill dayes and permits us not in the greatest tempests to faint but makes us to walk with hope in the midst of despaire for the like glorious issue however this was the sad condition of Scotland for some time till the oppressed Nobility did come to Stirling in a greater number and with a sharper Remonstrance then they had used at Ruthven At their first appearing before the Towne The Road of Stirling the instruments of mischiefe did flee the King and his good people Noblemen Gentlemen Ministers and others were presently reconciled though the authors of these frequent misunderstandings did escape by flight the sword of publick Justice yet did the private judgements of God quickly find them out and sweep them off the face of the earth with their ruine peace and prosperity did flow in both upon Church and Kingdome The other great crime imputed to the generall Assembly It could be necrime in the generall Assembly to vote down Episcopacy is That they had voted downe Episcopacy and had professed the unlawfulnesse of prelaticall Jurisdiction both in the Church and State which prior Assemblies had approved of To this I answer that the crime cannot be very great for any Church meeting especially a generall Assembly to declare their judgement in a point of Religion of great and generall concernment and whether this their judgement was erroneous when they condemned the office of Episcopacy affirming it to be unlawfull for a Minister of the Gospell to be a Lord of Parliament and Counsell to be a Chancellour Secretary Treasurer of a Kingdome or any Officer of State or to take upon him alone the power of Ordination and spirituall Jurisdiction which the Word of God never gives to one ordinary Officer but alwayes to a number joined in a Presbytery the whole Isle thanks be to God now does cleerly see That ever the Church of Scotland or any lawfull Assembly thereof did approve of Episcopall jurisdiction What favour the Earle of Morton procured to Episcopacy at the conference at L●eth 1572. was by the generall Assemblies disclaimed it is alleaged without any ground We grant the Earl of Morton in that necessary correspondence which he did always keep with Queen Elizabeth was entangled in a greater familiarity and affection to the English Prelats then was convenient and at their desire did assay in a conference of some Statesmen and Ministers of his speciall acquaintance in the yeer 1572 at Leeth to have set up in Scotland a kind of Episcopacy but that plant was so strange to our climate that it could take no root in our ground for so much offence was taken in the very next