14* *vl ■■ I ■ BRfS '.; v •• « •. ■ ■ ■ ■ i »*# B i f-j aa. 3, 16" *03E3§t) i c C s-#>t10 - * THE Courfe of Conformitie, As Hath proceeded, concluded. Should be refufed. P « A L M. 94. 20. Shall the throne ofiniquitie haueftllowjh/p rvith me , vehicb framed) mifebiefc by a Lvr. Printed in they care 161* THE PREFACE TO THE RiEADER. IN the reftlcfle revolution of this troublefome world, dri- ving evcric pa (on and purpofe to their appointed ends, all being under vanitie, one generation palLth, and ano- ther fucceedeth with as many grievous novelties,asftrangc alterations : Mutation the infeparablc companion of motion, like a PrincdLprefumingupon thekingdoms,kirks, and fa- milies of th.* earth. But by the foveraigne providence of that unchangeable God,who direð the fteps of man, and hath put in his own power the time to plant and the time to pluck up that which is planrcd,is fo overi weyed & in the moll varia- ble and different humors ofm.nio limited,thar feme as the fcoffers of the laftdayes, laughing at mutation, fay, Wh re is the piomife of hiscomming : Otiurs>co wit, th. wicked man inhi^profpericie, pevKculeth the poo re, fajinghe (halln.ver bw moved: A thi.dibrt,viz.the iUvifh tim.-krver, like foft VaxejAcxiblc to eveiy ikw forme, boweth to mutation, mat kim> her vaiiant colours his crowne and contentment: And th^ belHoit, the wile Chriftian, luting change , and loving conitancie, ltriv-.th tovalk ciicumfpecUy , redeeming the tim. horn the dangerous currant : All thefe, and others whar- ioevcr, wIklIkt by finne imgulai, or by grace finccre and ftraighr,by iuprcme wiledome,are fo difpof d that they mnft needs lcrve the holy projects of Iultice and Meieiefor the* ho- nourofGod,andfalvation of hischofeii. In ihisconrinuallcoutie Wfytaqon fo pj evailah upon fuc- Crcduig ^generations , that as thev are diftant from the fii times, they decline from piimiriueinnocenci A a P 1 Thi Pre f a c e« proach to the later dayes, they participate of their evils. Yea f<§ forcible is Defection (the daughter of this Mutation) in the congregations of the faithfully that the vacant . places of the righteous departed are feldome or never filled againe^their la- bour^followeth them,andthey are forgotten. It the kirk bee in ^gypt/Iofeph dietK, and there ariieth a new kiQg there who knew not lofeph. When the people enters into the land, Iofua and that generation is gathered to their fathers,and ano- ther generation arifeth up after them which neither knoweth the Lord,nor the works which he had done for Ifrael by Md- fes and Iplua,in i£gypt,at the red fea,in the wildernelle,and?ac the entrance into the promifed land. And in the land itielfe, after Athaliahs troubles Ioafh, whole life was faved by Iehoi- ada,and in whofe dayes he did that which was righteous in the fight of the Lord, after his death hearknetb to the Princes who make obeyfance to. the King, and leaving the houfe o£ thf Lord God of their fathers , ierve idols, but loafli re- membreth not the kindneiTe done by Iehoiada^but flayeth his fonne^ A& by thefeftrange alterations fearfull eclipfes were brought upon the face of common honefty, likely to banifh religion- out o£ the earth, fo under the ends of the world furpaffing thtf preceeding generations in loue decay ed,and iniquitie multiti-- plied, if it were not the rich mercy and undefervedloueof xhv Lord.not to luffer the rod of the wicked to reft upo the lot of die righteous, but now and. then in the middeft of confufions brought on by Mutation, to refrefh them under the fweet fha- dowesof peace and profperitie, the very eled: could hardly cfcape. If adveriitiebeare thefway, the people of God are in hazard to put out their hands to evill: and if profperitie pre-* vaile, then the kingdome of heaven is likened unto a man who fowed good feed in his field,but whilemen flept,his ene- mie came and lbv/ed tares among the wheat, which may not be gathered, up till the harveft, left the wheat alfo be rooted up with them. When the Lord his fieldfhall be once infe&ed withfuchvenemous mixture of falfe teachers, 8c their foolilh difciptes>renouncing their own libertie, & flavi fhly fubmitring them- ToThi Readfu. ehemfelues without triall to follow their fcducers in lafcivi- oufnes and avarice for atchieving their own vitious hopes, if Ifraei were not poured from veflel ro veilel^hey (hould freeze upon their dreggs likeMoab,&: fo loofe not only their come- ly countenance,outtht health and life ofithdr iubftantiall e- itttc: the deceitful colours of thefe f Iipervenicnt weeds fo daz- ling the eyes of the common ibrt,for the moft part more nattz- rali thenfpirituall,and either vailed with blade ignorance, or blind hypocrifie,that religio in her natiue fimplicitie & purity emeth to them an handmaid rather then a miftres, if fhe bee not busk^dwith tome new guile of one alteration or other. In this change, if a Prkft or a Levir,or any of rh ? ancient fhali happen to weep for the firftTemple,by 'the mearrcs of mutati- on thus dwfaced^or enquire for the old way, by ignorance in tbexeafoplcfle multitude, by pride inhijs;h plat;es,and perverfi- tie of reputed learning, he maketh himiUfe a prey, a troubler of Iirael,andnot meet to liue. There arifcthnofmall ftirrea- bout that way,wliole cities are filled with confufion, and the cry goeth up for the Diana of the time. If Paul himfelfewere gotten,hc would not paile with peflilent felloto, but ftone him to the death before he be heard; yea when the furie of Mutati- on inflamcththc minds of Barbarians, if they fee a viper of ad- verfity on a mans hand,rhey (ay liirely h : is a murtherer,and if no inconvenience follow, he is a God. So madly are the he-arts of men fet in them, privily to blind themlelues with the beam* of their own particulars, and thu: world withepen fhewof (earning zeile for juftjee and religion. The toyles&toilinqsof thife Ch'CTanchanges.arc ever Co unlaw ) amanoraqi;Ltfpirit,ihatifrh. v d inno- cuitic of ajuft caull, fhamelefle vioh to the ii^htse?c d the intolerable pride . .d a- • nft famous ki:ks viiheard ; au Idbvc'. -ler.i- Wc men knowing very well (I railings ufi dctfrag* could rather choofetofuil ;onof bit: nfions, for peace co preach th I , then cither to ir owne |ia nyiilin cj 01 giuc the tatft c f firfpittau to in A 3 & Thb Pile face djat tfrey wax brought from tjie fweet courfe of their pufc, peaceable, and Ample wifedome , to contend for their impu- ted fame and reputation, and fp to hinder the preaching of Ghri&F?* what matter is it though men fee defj>ifed,difgraced and fcorned,fp loj>g as the Lord may bee honoured thereby. QujTiyj^tQpjty^ dark, ?nd ftame- leffeprideafcendrpfucha height, that not onely the lower fort, but men of great fpirits and places can with adeafe earc patfe by the wrongs done to fincere profeflburs, faithfull rni- nifters and martyrs of good mcmprie, but by a fortuf bru- Cifh patience, fuffer a fubftantiall truth to be borne dpwn,and klafphemed,and for a forlorne tradition,or worm-eaten cere- jfnonie lhamefully ftipt forth* yea a fetled forme of godlinefle by long and happy experience univerfally approvedj to be dis- placed for far-fetched deyices of needleffe novelties; and the Left fubie&s, walking in knowledge pf their dutie,& confei- entious converfation, without any juft caufe openly traduced, that they are not Caefars friends, in a falfepplicie to make the righfepus caufe odious to authorise. If theje be any children of Mofes,to efteeme the rebuke of Chrift greater riches then thetreafures of the world., prof zealous Elihu, tohaue his Wrath kindled againft violence done to a juft caufe, & wrongs to harmlelfe men otherwise deferving>with what eares (hall ftc lieare the teprour of that trumpet, ffwt deny htrn^he wi/la/fode~ fyus>and the fpirit of grace with epiyrage raifing his blaft by afweeter inforcement, If we fuffer with htm> Wefhall alfo reignc together : efpecially now in thefe back-fliding dayes,when men who not onely feemedmoft forward to root out Papifts, but zealous that reformation then profefled by themfelues, and praifwdas the work of God,mightftandand grow; haue now by iome fecret (but ftrange) infpiration of inchanting Mutati- pn,not onely fharpned their tongues, that their words might be as the pricking of a fwprd, but alfo dippped their pens in gall to write and (peak againft their brethren;and for a muddy and myfticall conformitie (who can tell to what) but abhor- red in Scotland ever fince reformation, as the reft of the Ro- man trafli,kowfoever of late, without fliame of contrarie pra- To Tmi It BAVE1U &fe$inmen$owneper{bns> hurled in agarin* to bt die tvalf and tower of new Epifcopacie, cunningly brought in by her Intrant the conftant Moderator, and folemnly fet up fo remain* the Adas of their kingdame,with full power off Lcrirdly domi- nation to be cxercifed over the kirk for the froe Articles* the fundamental! lawes of that ufurped authoritie, and to pur forth and hold forth the lawfull and neceffarfe affefrtblies of the kirk, as enemies to the power of Princes. Bat contra rily both reafon and experience making plainc , that th6 kings of the earth were never prelfed do wncwirh any fcawfull ailembly EccLfiafticall. or any way diileyfld of kirk IuriGii- £tion,with which the Loi d originally had prrireifed them : but Epiteopacie, as time hath favoured her infatiabledefircs>by diipoileifing and bringing downe both kinjjrand kirks, hatii Lt up and nofdeth up fepiftrie', evcrcviflroifters, likefk* andwater, but never better f.rvants dun treacherous flame* \) ing in wait to opprefle their maimers* It may be that the Patrones and urgers of this cmtffc wit* tingly aimenot at the reducing of Papittrie, and for any thing Tec known, eharitiv would they fhauld not bee mifdedned hvthacgrotlclinne. Nlveuheleffe , as a certainc learned mail ihythof fojneof the Ancients,that unwittingly, and againft their wiHs> th.y made a way for Anrichrift : fo it may be &are and driuc men from it into conventicles and corners* very far re di i\r.»r from the wife Pilar, when the fern- p ft inforcah , empruth the fliip offome things to faue the Kit, bit :'. .ill 01 t the Pilots of the fhrps thurrfelues, to fane theleRoiv.nl, \*. .ires, tiifi . - and cullomrs, as they tcarmc them :anv ne lb n to c nfure grat corruptions infuch.sau . d(Si Cmar Kitfllrteffc m'.'dmitby implicit faith whatin pifcret&aAcftG (bind in contention about mem tradition-,, lik^K tolas th knk waftc. Although they 4q r.ot int« miiu ly (eeK to bring in Papiihy.yet whiles in a de- fa Th e Pre va ca Ore thus to uphold then owne Lordfhips over Gods heritage, they preile their own traditions more thenrhe weightier mat- ters of the law, the praftiie of the ceremonie more then the obfc£VationQftheLordsday,kneelingatthe receiving of the iacrament out of the Minifters hand,more then the catechiiing of the people,and true meaning of the Lords inftitution, prai- fing theconforme hypocrite, ignorant or fencelefle, abouethe wile Chriftian rooted and grounded in the Gofpell, they giue a great hope to theimibsof Antichriftto fettle their tottering icingdome,and a more eafie entrance for the whole body of abho minacious,, then they are aw are of. £ngland f eeleth and feaccth already ,and Scotland hath caufetotaft and pray, that the opinion tc pra&ife of thefe ceremonies may be removed as farre from them, as busking and balling fhould be from chart \yomen. It is a prodigious prefage ,that ftatutesfuch as they are,and procured as they were in favours of dangerous novel- Jties^fliould be more vehemently urged, and with greater rigor put in execution againft the true iervants of God for modeft adherence to a truth never condemned, and for refufall of needleile rites never proved to be lawful by Gods word, nor \>y any good appearance like to proueprohtable , then all the good ftatutes Handing in force againft idolatry and Idolaters* biafphemers and munherers,&: open contemners of the Lords $vord and his fervice,as if the whole obedience of a Chriftian fubi^iStwereincloicdinthepradife of certain rites juftly caft forth of this kirk in the ignominious duft of other errours: or Chriftian charity were confined to the divided brotherhoood of indifferent things.. State Divines think better of government once received, then that it fhould be tolled and interrupted with all the con- rrarie tides of rituall controverfies. Wifedome (fay they) will rather tolerate ibme evill in a tried forme of government, then in a government vntriecL Yea though a thing bee well done,yet itloofeththe credit, if it favour of noveltie. If a man might fay with an upright heart, that which I maintaine is jhe dodrine>of the holy fathers,I haue their witneffes at large, lakeri out their owne bookes,if for luch a caufe he be caften out To T H I R B A D 1 K . ont, he may fay In the joy of a good confeience, I am caft out with the Fathers. Thi:>isthecaie of theMiniilers of Scotland (landing againit the Hierarchie,and the props therof. And for this caeiie, with many vehement out-crks are they (hamefully charged with the biind accufauons of diibbedience to King and Kirk, of ignorance in matters of Gods worfhip, of Purica- nilmcjofpopulautie, of fooliihn.lfe> iliiving far trifl.s , in- different things d. terminable and determinate by the Prince, of fchiinie unaing to heretic* of troubL and ledition, of fcni- pulolitie of conicunce after allpollibie courf.s taken for re- iolvmg of doubts, of zealous but ignoiontly fo calLd, of hy- pocaii^ofniCwnJleandobitinacie, wiftiingco luucuirred in the new way at fiift,cni blufhingnow to d after (landing fu long :andfoi" th.ie and many n:u: foule imputations vn- vorthy to b. nam. d among Chiiitians, peremptorily judged by ilchas hauc their fllogiirucs in their heclesj Lile tolerable inthekirkandcountr.-y. Letthcmb. charged with cor.t.mpt ordilobdunc , that can giue no good i\aion of th.ii doing, the world hath few-n the reaibnsot diJr doings thei. 6oy ... andaboue,aj.elthwmart.ritlllLlp.aketh.TheLail:b.ook of Papiftry muftb.eavoydwdbyiich as would not perifh in the r^ac civers th.reof : imall dropps make gi'-at flouds : through rifts th. water foakcth in, thepumpeisfilLd,andthj Q is d. own. d. Though thec.^monLs b. imail,yatru* evills that iiLoftrum,a l mall i If they bv final!, there is the I hui tin Laving or clum^andthemorewilfulnedeindilgracir.g thv f.-rvicSc th. i > of God for them. It is to beremem- br.d, what Inlianouc. fayd, Jfuk enough to oca- fir, fr/.0/W/£## iffPfCfmrt not Mofes,not Ezra»not Nehemiahjnot the prophets* not Cluilt fa QOX his Apoftl ; s upon whom all th.le and many mo j i rslay, But God forbid that tii nts of God (houlddo .■ Inch things ; with whornfotv | Off are found, let him dL > and let chereftofhis brethren folio ingorfavo hiscourfe,b< bond-nun: But if the 1 rvants oftheLordthi -silandered be lake; . I Q up to p c them, &: to t om thcm>yea to inflame hisMajelHes heart, the, he-arts of his nobles nd a people lmal Th e Pre r a e b. people againft them, letth-fouiesofhisfavants be boimd iat thcixnau of liFj. with the Lord tfecfr Cod, ;ind the ioule of their cntmi.s (hall God cai): out,as out of the middle of a (ling. It is a dangeious cafe to be carried with a bent refolution to de- fame , and to rake together foule untruths, notconfidering what -may b 3 lpoken moil truely, nor what may be ratled out moft difgracehilly like a fwelling brook that foonegathereth much filth. Thcfl fland-roi. s calumnies are like a thorn flan* ding in the Jhand of a drunkard >. it is hard to judge whom they fhall hurt. They are but a pretended quarrell againft honeft men by prejudice to condemn their caufe before it be heard., accor-* ding to the pro verbe, He that would huue his doogc killed, giveth forth ftrfi that he is maid. If thefe be reall crimes, they are farre aboue the omiffion of a ceremonies let them be truely libelled* carefully cognofced, wifely difcerned, and condignely puni- fhed. If undeferved calumnies, let the Lord impute them to none,and let no man impute them to the Lords people, their owneconfeiences witnefling before God, that fuch things they never thought, but rather let them be reje&ed as fenceles fcoffings of Sarcafticall bitternes eroding Chriftianity, and contrarie to gentlenes and loue . To burie them in filence had been their beft condition, but when all meanesare fought to make the faithfull even to ftink among the inhabitants of the land, it can no wife befeeme the minifteriall calling to fecret the tiiith,and by a cowardly kind of modeftie to betray a good cauiemalitioufly wounded through the fides of honeft men> craftily burdened with fcandalls for bearing down their caufe in a dangerous time. When fo many not onely commons in the profcflion,and novices in the minifterie* butfome great Pa- llors fall away no lefle from their wonted faithfulnelie , then from the ancknt order whereby they were kept in the courfe of th.ir minifterie,are now by the force of time become other* Wife minded, undertaking by their publick teaching and ex- ample, by their private conference, and all other meanes, not onely to perfwade this new conformitie fo farre eofltrarie ra the forme whereunto they were delivered, but alfo with great ftete,and unkindly carriage to their brethren and old acquain- tance*. To The R e a d k blV |ance,to carpe and quarrell,what can bee mod rruely and mo-= d_itlyfivd or written in favours of the truth, which they beft kno w, as if they wac become th.ir enemies, becauie th.y hold on the good way which th.y haue left,moil unjuftly confining faith. ioue,anda;l C hriitianitie, within the dark region of con- foemitie, .indwdicth the divided brotherhood of that yntued ttcang Again j, wnwn good people of tender hearts are boafted,al- lured, and ev-ry way tempt d to blot their consciences uith things they n.ver knew to bw profitable, nor comely in their prof ifion,are h.avilydif 'quieted for lack of cLare informati- on to ilrength n their r.folution for (landing in th. truth a- gainii erro is. Mor.ov.r, wh.n after better fight, and more found advife- m.nt, th y who haiu been ftollenoftth.irfea, may rii. and repwnt,and b ; th.meiciwof God rcturne againe to the right way. Or wh napublickteflimonie may be given the PentriefS Jik. Antipat^r v. ; Again ft Cain.adesand th: Champions of this tira^j who haue iw.atfo mi ch to caft downe the holy Diiciplinc,andco fet up die Hierirchic with h.r Cctemoniafl traine. Ch when at the pi afurc of God they that now Hue, 5c Gicb as (ha.; cprp ai l ip .d to i\: tiu lui \A\> and colic ch fnjn rs now to bcetaktji ill the ftudow sofPaj ,ivui w. miift d.ceihas the body and fu:^ :il yH hcrjfic* Ifin fuch a n ceilarie time all them.noK. ould onel) lay th.ii hand u^on die hurt p. ace, andi c etlymourne, it Were childl(h and ridiculous, tlugoodcaufe being in daogar*and ch. I .11 in ii of Tntimo.is ftlenc Th r.is! . om a ready minde and a good will, d wile mans aneiigh , a word o: d, In- dirleiMieie found, andConfonniti :uj nit old V- nitie,toin!argeatfe& d indirfereneu, e.ndioLc up t!ie chil- drenof abfoluteConfo rmitic in die (lately chaius of both kirk and kinjdome. The full hi/to i ie and a a a the Tit B PrBFACIi the birth, education, andjhigh promotion of this refpe&ed couple Indifferencie and Conformiue,wirh the controveriies brought in Sco tland, and increafed thereby , requirwth larger volumnes thun any Aurelius of this time will bee nicknamed TvpUlus for neeeflarie charges to jfuch a work, while better oc- casion. This Scotized conformitie for the prefent mud ftand at th;pames of Archippus and Epaphras, twohoneft Epito- mifts,and venturing themielues upon the ftage to bee glowred upon by every evili eye, or rather calling chemfeluts upon thorn:s,to be gored by every fharpe tongue. They are both good Patrons where ever they be. Archippus muft take heed to the minified e which he hath received or the Lord, that hec fulfill it, and Epaphras a fervant of Chrift laboareth fervently foryouinprayers,and byallmeanesthatyou may ftand per- fect and compleat in all the will of God. Archippus defirous to ftrengthrnhimfelfe by l:arning,and Epaphras ready to lay out his Talent to exchange, haue diligently iiirvayed the hifta- rie of the Kirk of Scotland concerning the forenamed parti- culars, & painfully f earched the do&rine of indifferent things (hooting up in a fhort abridgement their beft obfervations tor prefent ufe,and clearly (hewing, how conformitie came in by little and little without feeling,like Poperie commrng to per- fection by Ceremonioufneire and Ambition > the ceremonies £1 urniftiing her with a feeming beautie to allure> and Ambitioh anvnrefiitablepowerto afray. They intend no way to pre- judge or extinguifh the worthy volumes of the learned, but rather to fpurre men of good conference, and meet gifts to fearch and fet forth fully and in perfe& order tfeefe worthy Imrpofes according to their great zeale to a found religion fo ong profefled,and by the blefling of God upon their labours, to gain fuch as refpe&ing their confeience more then their credit , with vermes tin&ure fhall blufh after the fight of the evill they haue committed, with hearty repentance turning their praife of men to the praifeof God to their ioy and comfort, as Auguftines Retractations are the glorie and crowne of all his writings. So much the rather as the caules of their yceiding haue been^infome lack of acquaintance & light of To Tm fi R UDBR.' bf the matters in queftlon : in others fimpUcity,prdTuming that nothm<* would be required, but that which tney might lafeiy yecld unto : in a third iort,adeiire to beimployedin the fcr- vice of the kirk, thinking it moreeaileto beare rhefc corrupti- ons, th.n to abide rigour : and a fourth lore deceived by poli- cic, thinking that their yielding with proteihtion fhould [imi- tate to chem theordinarie forme whereunto others are tied, without altering at leaft in many inconveniences that may en- jfucupon the obedience required. Ic wereaworkeof lingular loue to h elp luch,and many others under the reftrainis of rearc and other intiimities, who undoubtedly., if they were permit- ted to uie their own libertie without hazatding themfciues up- on the pikes of the law, woaldwirh great joyreturne to their beft beloved profedion,and by their happy repentance quick- ly bring to confuiion the reioycing of l'apifts &c Atheifts,bra- ving Minifters and profeilburs to their faces,and faying plain- ly, that they hope ere it be long, to fee them all either come to them,or come to nothing. But f eare th em not, th?y are lying Proph.ts,cvili men and ieducers they are, and (hall wax woris and worfe,d-Ceiving and being deceived: but continue thou in the things rhat thou haft leained,and been allured of. In this caleof good Chrillians falling by infirrnitie, Sc proud enemies bragging of their hop es, let it not be thought ftrange* thac the loners of the primitiuebeautie of the reformed kiik> earneftly wi(h to haue it reitorcd againe%and for that cauie mo deftly fhiink at a new llatute ftandiiig in the contrary. Firft, ho breaks the band of obedience, lay th one, who doth it without caufc. If the refufers hiue not aUcdjgpd caufes luftifuble in tho confcienccsofany,who will debate the nutter between God and their own loulcs,let th :m be better taught. Authority may crufhthein, it cannot perfwade them. 2. The fii£a:t an.nt kneeling, wherupon thealledged difobedience is giound.d,is to be b. ttcr considered, at leaft in the do&rinall pai t,whcu by the words of the P(alme > as it foiceth the u-xt,it makahkiuv- ling net cflarie^nd notindirfemir , p judgement of tnemoft inclinable fort, who openly I iat it anho- litic would be plcafcd to favour the former order of theknk* a j they Th e Preface they would gladly return thereunto. Againe,it is granted, that th.-kirk of Scotland hath ukdiince the reformation ofuligi- gion,to celebrate the holy communion to the people fitting, where the true reaion moving th m io to do,viz. ( f i he table of the Lord is then moftrtgalj mmprea, when tt * pprocheth mofineer t* Chrijl his own actionem flam it is m thatfhppe, Chriftjefmjktc With hisdifciples: and therfore do we itddge that fitting at a table is mofi con-' wnient to that holy action) is omitted, and another convoyed in, CO wit (by reafon of the great abufe of kneeling vild in the I- dolatroas wojtfhip of tlu facraments by the Paputs) which in- deed fhould be granted to be a reafon of v.ry great weight.But how weak a removall of this reafon is inf.it in the ait to caft out fitting and bring in kneeling,lct them declare in the pre- fence of God, that hauechangd upon fuch a reafon, and urge ethers to doe thelike,if all memoiie of by-paftfupjrftition be pallid out of Scotland,or if it be not rather rcgiiu d and increa- Jed. But in thdfc matters for good reafons, nun miift ipa.ingly fptak. y . It hath ncva been,nather can b. proved by 6t* ip- ture,that the Magiiirates commandement limply and nak^ aiy ConlkLred,wiiho. dome warrant of the word of God, can be reputed a true fpuituall guide to lead the confeknee of aiib- jed; in a matter of religion,or a&ion of Gods woiG.ip inii ch allurance, that he may lay in the prdfence ot God, n.j opinion is found, and a&ionacccptabL, b.cai'fethe ma^huat. i^th Commanded it,men b . ing allured that Magiftiat.s may ca in their initindtionsjand aiicmblus convened by the kings maie- fties authoritie,may command and inad things unlaw h ll and unprofitable. Ask the fcripturejwh.ther ever the good Kings among the Iewes,or elfe where, bi ought in any fp ciaii adtion Or ceremony into the fervice of God, without ibrcu fpxiall Warrant from himf Jf,or wh . ther they did d^vife ought,or re- ceived the devices of cccleiiafticall afTemblies in their do mini- Ons,and impof e th.* one or the other upon the Levits,or upon any bearing office in thefan&iiarie,reftraining them from their publick fun&ion without ob dience to ic> or whether ever by any of the meflengers of God,the people were taught, that for the outward form and circumftance of Gods worlhip> a cfvill ilatuca ToThe Readei. ftat.it? orconftirution of the kirk, wichout furthei Marching of thjicriptures, m^htbe their ground, upon which they might bdiid th eir ob dLnce unto God,without further inquirie. 4.1c isar.ceiv.druieof Chriitian libertie, at Icaft (hould be in re- formed kiikes,that the ordinances of the kirke are prcf^ntcd unto Pallors and people, not with necefhtie of believing, but with lib trtic of trying,according to the rule, Try the fonts. It is the Lords own pi iviltdge, that his iniundtions are to be re- caved without qiuftioning. It is likewifc permitted by royal] pro viiion, that w lure the law was othcrwiie, men may not on- ly content th.mfelues foberly eV quietly with tluir owne opi- nions, but alfo preile by patience, and well-grounded realons cither to p^rfwade all th. reil to like of their judgements , or where they fee better grounds to incline thereto, it is the part of a temporizing hypocrite, of thefervantof men, and not of thelervantofGod, to frame their actions to that which is co- mand.d wrthout any cofcience of a truth, whether they kno\r icornot,pollutingthe world with a baitiih obedience, whiles without any rcalbn in him that obey eth,and whiles againft the knowkd- ,wheivby God hath inhghtnedhis own mind. In this inluing treatife perfons are f pared.and fundry things hieioglyphically and (ummarily lit down which muft bring to rcadeis Idle acquainted with tluie matters lome obfeuritie, Out be not offended. Soberly and quietly p. ace is iought with- out pruudice of any pel (on or purpol*e,lb farreas the clearing ofthe truth may luffer. You hane hereto remember that old caution propounded by a Father to the Emperour, TJ^eawajt the p^illof the f}>itme> eVc. It is permitted to the maintainors of novelties, to life a continued, pLnnfulI, and running Ipe.ch, which h rc ria not to be found. For if thecntifing lp scebfes of mare, wiiedumeWMV tree tokens of wif.dome indeed, the fwallo rhey arc fw iff. r,may juftly be. 1 ayd to bee abotie man in wil'edom. 'Paul for the truth is rude in focakingj his pr.f.ncewvak,c\'hi.. (pachcont.inptble. But Tcr:* din lint mask of eloqi sadnuud for he fomnovsltil . The nutters in queftion every where au fo backed with all nuaiieS *»;+?* Th e Prbfaci raeanes of credit in the hands of the one partie , and fo bornd down by vehement cries in the weaknes of the other. Mutati- on having now turned i p-iide-down, that where before the truth had favour to be fpoken & heard without fear. In com- panies now amanmuft needs lay his hand upon his care for hearing the partie abftnt,or fall in folly and ft&f&t to sniwer a jnatterDcfore he hath luard it.The tiuth is not to be meal ured by the means of them that fpeak for it, and all caluirni.s arc butfwinesfltfh,thoughthey be dreffedafter a divers fafliion. The caufe in controveiiie wronged by the violence of the time, may juftly complaine of imparcongrefhs in refped of Worldly heipes in the particulars following, and many moe. The new courfe hath the countenance of the world : But it fa* reth with the ancunt profeflion,as with the Gofpell it illfe : Hone any of the raters belecved m him. Excepting alwayes the ho- norable Peeres of the Iand,whofe loue is more large tiun their credit, i. The moft part of the ancient minifters & prof dlors* are removed cither out of this lif c,oi out of theirformer mind* and many out of their placw s, and fuch as arife up, and are ad- mitted to the minifteric 3 muft Iwcare & fibferiue to maintaine and defend privatly and pubiickly the alterations inforced. } . There is very few to be found having courage for the truth* to honor God with their en dit Sc riclus:fuch ucaue the G<>£» pellwithaproviiion of fafctie to th.irown eftate,& thepoore who receive the Gofpell,are willing, but not abk both ro doc and fuffer for the truth. 4, The pations and pro&ours of this liew plea are richly rewarded with a fat benefice, or greatfums, of the taxation and benefices piomif.d: but the defenders are ready to be relpe&ed with 'Depriue and (/mfinc. /. They haue a ftrong afliftance,but the other are few & weak , and if thev bepermitted to remain in their places, they are tied to the daily pains of their callings, and care of their families \ and if they be thruft forth, they are forced to provide for their owne at ceffities,having no time for thefe matters,but ftolne houres. 6. The one partiehath libertie to meet with full h lp of all re- quisite meanes, few or many, where and when, at their owns pleafure.Theodieriftwoor three of them^meet upon their lawful! To T n i RtAiuV fcwfull affaires, It U a fcandall of Conventicle* 9c a matter of chal- lenge. 7 They arcjudgts of thwir own caiifv,andhaiiearthdr right hand the pow el of Khk and politic ; but the caul c of the other is Jikc th« widow & the fathalvile^no man will hearc it. 8 To them all the Prefils arc open and exptnies furnifhtd: Pi inters beyond lea are tioubled upon iuipicionof having the copies of the other. J Thar allcrtions are probations : the conn arycaufe acknowled- ged for a found truth in flcret,is in pubhek rdpecced as an enour. jo Thr^ am. d dangers maketh nunafrayed to rcade,wnte or print in favours of the one ; all may be done to the advancement of the •ther with great commendation, u For loue of peace and lack of nuanes,n„cellaiy purpoics, as the anfwer to a rabble of untruths known to a many yet living, hatched by foan F*m Andres. A Wch ep. and favoured with a latine complexion of iome ddpif .d Doctor, and idle for lack of paiients,and preilnted to the world und.r the tiiumphingdtL, TtSfutati* Lbelli dc rtpmim Ecclefs, Scoticiwd. The aniwer to the Doctors, Ljruiif*]i y c D*vtd'£recbiH>d<: AfichefunxhAt bragging and begging pamphLts: The anlwcr to Merc, nary TUcn his piagmaticall paiaai.fii C\c au hid from the tight, while liecc£ fitie call for th.-rn. Finally,were there a change made of the profprrous cafe of the one cauic with the advei ilty oi the other» or would thw world but {mile or frownc equally on both \ th.y wo dd not bulie the Printer and Reader fo mich. But the xquival.ntof thar old truth, peorc Luther m*de many rtch y h in form lort verified in thi* caifj : and that which pr. aching li.bitanc. agaiaft Papilts could Hot piocure,pLading for Ceremonies a^ainit Proc ftams hath pro- Cur. d.Thc Defenders hatlc no rth.r comfoit,but that they d liv i thdrfonlcSj dilcharge their conie: andferueforwitn.il 3tJ rhtfcruth,andleaftth.y bewitndlcS a mil th."c,Tak* h cito thy f Ifcj b ijpt one of thole who eith.r for loue ot th d wil Hot like a known tri th,orwho fcai D .\: know tru t:uth,Lft they find rhcmfclues oblig d to follow it, and io difa oved to clung their prcfenr com (Vi wl a r.npiohtablc, or tlfl be VvXed with a crying cor, nd ch.it u :11 prouc unpkaiant. Think no: I \yoms like CnCfiirclin da by sA'rcb.mede** wh.n Afm&Matwki onthefca he poos of SyracufcjCXC^cdiOtt remember alfo that by his wt:Jco %* mcaoci mianes the Citie was along time dXnd-d againft the Roman enfc* mi., albJtatiaitwithcheioireof hisiife. N uhrb.thou over wife to fo)b th.y might haue bee& like the good Gcograph^who fcldom trouble themlelues with the d -{caption of imai Brooks* but wait.- on till by confliunc e they mak- gt'-at rivas, and a A c dis- burden jd into tea. For had the riveivts either be^n d.yv-d ip in time* or yet were drained in fcverallchanels, the main, fticame would not i w ell fo big, northegaat Whore, that fitt th ipen many waters prone io itat.ly amongft us. Chicly firft ^ for ftiaing up thy own lbule* think with thy i -if j how like the times of our Kirk may prooue unto the dadcenefle of the ninth. C*. minis af- ter Chriil, which th: Cent uriatoursobferue to haue pioceulcd of foure pregnant caufrs : i the excefliae loue of mars wriit.s with the neglect of Scripture: z the preeminence of fome pafons aboue others : j the multiplication of ceremonies and numane inventions: 4 perfecution and oppreffion of the moft io^ndia iuart and judgement Sxondly, for judging of the D_fend;rs part, confider that howfoever they be commanded to loue fuchas Rate them, and pray for fuch as perfecut e th era, y ~t how fmall rta- £on they hau e to beleeue that th-y who perfecut. them, thinks that in fo doing they ctaw God good fervice. And thirdly, for thy own refoiution*rememberthatthefentenceof Chrifts throne* and the voycwSof men in the world are faere different . Thy times and wayes arein the Lords hands. Set thy felfe in his prefaice; vi.w thecourfeasit began, proceeded, hath been refilled, (houldba refafed, and may end, and fee whether it (hall be any griefe or •9fenc;of h;art unto thee on that day* that thou haft kept thy felfe in th; loue of the truth fro 31 th; beginnings of d.fw&ion* the end whereof no fl .-(h can fee , and every h.arr may j uftly feace that it (hall be beyond Englifh Conformity > infofarreas their lukewarm melfe hath been towards the hot* and ours is afterit to- wards th : cold. The Lord giuewifwdomeinall things. Nowun* €0 him that is able to keep you from falling* and to prefent yon faultleileb-foretheprefenceof his glorie, with exceeding joy* To the onely wife God our Saviour* be glory andmaj.ite# dominion and power* now and ever* Aincn* c c o o & *- C u 1. At tf hafh pro ceede I times by • rpaft wncr til couG- der lr J *i The incomparable gooclnefle of God at the Reformation. i The open malice of Satan to fet up Idolatrie againe. c \ Vnitie, j The faithfulncffe ofthexz Authorities miniftry, inaugre all op < ; Or. pufition,prcfcrvingth'Jiry4 Purine of exrer- nall worfhip. Entrcd at Perth z IicrciTd ac Dun Vie. For vnitie I> Prevailed at Montrofe. which ) 4 Brought forth) viand. / many TragodKb j - hi iiy- f deplored ac C " udh jufc CB gun about the A^m- r For amho ^bly of Abrie.( ,-1. V_ Some moved to leauc the tewne. Some dealt witb not to ride. Some not to vote who haj tidden. 4 The entry of the houlc kept that no Miniftec enter. P i exhor tato tv . • r l J 1 Apologetick. J Pithicfpcechcs^ Declarators. £4 Promiflbne, mixed with terrors, i Confudon r\ All the Articles hudlcd up in ene. in voting. < i Ncganue voyecsnored for affirmatiue. t-3 The diftmftion of the three Eftatcs fuppreflcd* 2 Ratification denied to the ncgajfue Burrou^hcs. 3 Giatulation for great fuccc £ The Mmifters by fuppluations.proteftaci.* ons,inrormanons,&c. 4 g™ tradiftio n J I The hearts of the aflors withio. J The good people without. 4 The Heavens aboue. ,5 The judcrmentsfiafync* i Three degrees cf scatters of faith i Of appearance,*^ chat the contro- verted eeremo - nies feeme not to [bee matters of TTaith, butindiffe- i rent, removed by i !»(ht wing that ther 1 3 Three l Anfwerably as waay degrees of Infidelity, tK IR. As it fiiould be fefufed a-V |ainft 4 Difficul- ties s (•r m^. \ of things in (^different. j t Indifferent by comparifoa made among things — i In refpeA; of the effefis ami confequcnts in this cafe ) In their nature &qualirfe* where diftirgui(h betwixt a naked a&ion, and an .fieri clothed with circumftances, from divine < 4 eterminatioi% ^which is threefold : i Of religious & l The fouleft faults. reafonable pre- x texts removed by^z Tbe'greateft Ilerefics, (hewing the hkc J foi- n ^3 The groffeft Idolatry. i The times giue reply. } of promife,that V 2 The myfttne ftill prevailing. no more (hall be*? Oi The judgement of Prudence, urg^d, ) J Againft 3 1 The cowrfe of Gods dealing. C ^3 Satans fubtill working* 4 Hard fuccefle upon the Defen acts, i Durie is ours .fucccfle is Gods. a It may be better then is expc&cd, if we faU not away. 3 More grievous Croceis, and odious afpcfr fions upombc woithieft. t Otihz fonlattai/heprmr? }U% *? religion; t V i3'^ thjf ;u;iJa:iji,chcirnjcctTirij co .f<-qu-nt*. ; A j >ut rhefoj lJmon, whatfocvcr ism Sulfate, ceremonies Should be of th.s Jegree. t Ignorance in rh^ firft fore i Error in the fecond fj bftmacie in the third ore *> rr V ton} ondemaech. Of the fame kinds Thus fitting beft. kneeling word i Confiding in our knowledge. ^ ftanding,mid-wajr. f Deplored. 2 To the word and to the weakeft cvill f piriruall, 3 To the bedevil] natural^cEConomicaii^iiil^Ectlcfiaftical!. ft Moralland vnivcrfall, removing Indiffercncic from the contror vetted ceremonies, if yc confidcr 5 I i That circumftancesarcof the fub* (lance of ana&ion. I Thar the ten commandemerts be* not taken literally, as ten words, but largely as the common bead* of all morall duties. s, t Before the giving of the law. t Before the death of Chrift. i Cereraoniall and Nationall mongthjlcwes. Controverted^/ ceremonies to.jared with theirs \ } B/forc the dcftruSionof ihcTei in 4 periods of time. ;\}B fc J pie. W 4 Tot the end #f the world. r\ Vpon masters in their nt- IWULl ,harc they. | i According to the A r >o(to- / lick itka thcai, uanf^icdcd by THE COVRSE OF CONFORMITIE as it hath proceeded. z/frchippk'S. I Begin no footer to think upon the progrcflc of my fhort time in the Minifuue/out I remember of rhc Students of Athens , who the fit ft yeare wcrewifemen , the fecond yeare Philofo- phers, or.tly lovers of wifedome; the next year Rhetoricians, no barer then babblers ; and the laft yeare Idiots. At the firft I ieemed fomewhat toothers , and more then fomewhit to my fclfe ; like many in thefc times, at whofe blind boldnetTe , out of mine own experkr.ee, I would fmile,wereit not a fubjocl of com- panion. But afterward the Lord in his great mercic , opening myr eyes to fee, and tot heart to bluiTi at my ownc infuffici- cncie and naughaneflc , I be^an to denie rryfelfe, to unfecret my (oule to you : and at the hrft poured out all my former phan- tafijsand prefent ihcu^htsinto your bofome. At which time my rend E on, in for. furc to be that indeed, which I was before in appearance; an<: rr.a- rimes finceljauel becne with great delight»cxei virhyoa in heavenly contemplate .he furtherance of Gods work: But now rt y harp, with Uh 9 n turned to mourning, and myOr- into the voice c f tic iha: weep. Through the lniquitie or the . m led afide to Controverlirs, which tin tlu hi wherin we were walk I a i ged into an ea bee d concerning the divifion w ihappe* ;hcr Knk, (o renoumed in t: reformation, through the late alterations art Parliament holdcn at Edinburgh in Au .on of the E be now famous Auk Its ^ I the wl ok qoai I tne hath dally filled wuh d c of motions 13 fpeeches. z The Courfc of Conforming freeches. Some like Hi mm when the letters of revenge were put* lifhedagainft Menken and his people ; fome like the Israelite* when they fate down to ear and drink and rofe up to play; Others like the I^wes thcmfclues when thty were in perplexitie & great (orrow: The fourth fort equalling the fir ft in miferie of lcene- ft.rv+ngfycophants,who finding the religion before them,and not within them, are readie toferue God or the divtl, as thecorapa- me will. And finally fome fo petted an.H empAcque> that they fuf- Three pend both their judgement &praftife,till they fee which fide fhall things Uc« prevaile. As therefore I never went from your focietie but either mandi d wifer or better , fo muft I now in my great need , importune you concerning for my comfort and quietnefie of my minde, to giue me fome ia- coaforraitie tiftaftion in thefe three particulars y all linked in one chaine. Ftrft, out of your old experience;what hath been the methode of this my fterie of iniquitie from our reformation to this time. Se- . condly,outof your diligent obfervation, by what meanes, and after what manner paft it'in an- Aft in the late Parliament.Thitd- ly,after conclufion paft in Kirk and Parliament,outof yourgraue dircftion, what is to be done of us, ef^ecially in the cafe of mans immediate oppofition , of the Necefluieof Cohformitie or De- privation : Promifing for dutie to follow after you in the ftraiteft waies of pafliue obedience , fo farre as I findc truth going before you., and leaving the fucceffe with cheerefulnefle, to.his high pro- vidence, who makes all things work together for good to them that loue him. Epapbras. And no fooner think I upon my long courfe in the holy Minifterie , begun about the flourifhmg times of our firft temple, but with incredible joy of heart I call to mind the good- neffeof my God, where with in a time of fo great defeftion, I haue efcaped the danger of the proverbiall fpecch of the Hebrews, firftutteredof Balaam, who feeking pref rment loft the gift of Ctrntht Prophecie; The Camel Jeering homes ,hjl bis eares. Had my care tftuMi qn&* beenetohaueliftupmy home on high , my gift of Prophecie in ffws Mr s publick, and grace of giving good counfdi in private, had long tfmjit.Drt*,. fince penihed : Andfoby this time I amfure Cwhatiocver is be- come of others, whom I ju Jge not ) I had been troad on as unfa- vorie fait; a burden to my Felfe, and unprofitable to you , and all others of your difpofi.ion, who for your invinceable courage are Jl.fff frnHe* worthie of the oracle of Counfdi. And therefore albeit my me- quint pti4 diocritie cannot promife full fanffaftion , becaufe your demand tew** requires a deep knowledge of things paft , prefent and to come ; wit i the height of the higheft fpint, not onely prepared to break the neck of his pircf nt fbrtune,but alio overlookingall calualtics; §C equally aimed for all events : And in a word a man that knows much as it hath proceeded. 3 much of the world and cares little for it: Yet becaufe all that I feaue I owe to God and his people, by his grace in whom I am pre. fcrved,& who is able to keep me that I all a flay what 1 cap, with this premonition , that in ca. ire of myanfwer, concerning things paft and prefent , fhall happen to halt in fome places , and to walk upon one foot, not daring to fit ly . f d i ^ down the other in the midft of fo many rhornic purpefes, w , Hf in all the ventic would not % may rot be hear an i then, albeir covertly utt- ,ough to y Ai. bee my imputation that , of the twofold commen- dation of a good ', Notructb \ n , no unt> %en 9 Chariu; hath madj me to bee content with tl Hm till I come to the third point vvUre I fhall fct down bcth vc ™ Fcrt, and without danger of fo great ofTjncc walk. w I %^i Your mind I percciuc malices no mm,nnc ica- ', Kt ning according to your filh ion of conference, v rer then pulonall , is lather to vvj-.d then to gitic a m0tAm bh>w. h ^eallf) ( albeit an hieroglyphicall hiftorie h ib) is not lo much afte^ men as matter; peifonsaspi : fm w _ \y know b\ . part from whence we a. mAih >Jh by things pref ntly , cojrfc Hi time zo come n , i (jl"c fthd fob Bfapb. A r. Tobtginnc ^, th^nwith your firft Demand, the length thereof re; . from ^ivw i th. fi ;i through alterations to the la it Par- 7iMJl9 . liament, fhall l; toa threefold c< .;iun: I f D y what Chnft did for us in the beginning of hi te ; conlider*. 3nuly,whatA his uncuenchab! i ; andii. y and faithful Dc- Archipp. " mi*d. true S .ad liv us. Up: ieaw ttifc y 4 The Courfe of Conformitie , the daiesof the Apoftles: The houfe of God was butlded in itgrea^ it did not lacke { wha r (oever theenemie imagine in thecontrarie) the verie coapftone: the jurifdr&ion and libcitie of the true Kirk, GenCralland Provincial! AiTemblws, Prefbyteries , Seffions and Difcipline were brought to their perfection: allliwesof idolatrie abrogate ; all prefenrations of Benefices directed to the particular Prefbyteries, with- power to put order to-all matters Ecclefiafti* tticfHtvni- ca ^ w * l h* n their bounds, according to the difciplme of the Kirk. tasmtUhiC- But all this faire and flourifhing eftate is tyedto it own conditioa mJe verius °^ contrar y change; if the people (hall be after unthankfnll/hea tint h&xtfi & fc^efuH and terrible (hall the plagues be. ImitAt abfq-y sArcbipp, That truth of the man of God, I rmift confeffe, mee- hwocrifi. tet ^ us this day in our face , for as the ioue hath been great , the people haue proved untbankfull , and the plagues are alreadie be- gun : The Lord looked for grapes, and behold nothing but wilde grapes ; why fhould he not then lay his vineyard waft, and com- mand the clouds that they raiaenomore raineupon it: But what fecret would you haue me to confider upon the Antichrift his fide. Epapb. Antichrift inflamed with the furious zcaleof hiscurfed Kingdoms, and enraged by his inveterate malice againftourpro- Secondly feffion, as a burning light to difcover his damnable darkenefle.,, *£*** £ nt *" ncver ceafed to refift the grace of God among us, to his uttermoft dmftdii, poffibiiitie : fending forth, as he might command , the armies of crueltie , his wilde Boares and roaring Lyons, with open mouth andrcadie pawes to threaten and proclaime their enmitie, as ia that bloudie enterprifeof the 88 , when God (hewing his might, no lefle againft thefe mortall enimies,thcn for the Kirks & King- domes of this Hand, redeemed his own people mightily fromthe teeth of the Dog; and ruined thefe Vnicornes as mightily in his Wrath: But that marvellous overthrow from the heaven aboue* and the waters beneath , confpiring to repreffe the pride of mat tyrant, did no wife moue him to forfake his blourlie purpofe, but within fewdaies thereafter, atTaying to pra&ife by craft which hee could not performe by open crueltie , like a fworne enemie to the oath of Aileageance, he treacherously inchanted, and mife- rably perverted diverfe of this Kingdometo negotiate with hina and his Emiflaries, Iefuites and feminatie Priefts , for fubver- fion of this whole ftate. You may reade and remember the exe- cution of Frntrie* the Bridge of Dee, and the unnacurall and trea- cherous attempt of the 93, &c. jfrcbipp. You feeme to me if you would follow forth that did coutfc in fpeaking of the times paft to point ar the prefent;and to ta*e the treachene of living meaju their petfons who are long face as it filth proceeded. 5 fince deal But I reft content fix the pecfent withyour pointing at tha: S from whnc- tne ftreamcshaue been corn- ning northward this time bypiil which now overflow this K and Iland: an 1 defires to know what was done at mat for rcfihn%o c A.nti £/>i/>£. The watchmen of the Lords !w -"ere profeflbr* rturfr; as they w 'ie violence of how A open enemies, ani diligently fcard ^ines of lurk- chrift wai ing vipers, intending to ftmg to th - : trvall taken rc&le J. Of the venomous heads of thofe Rom»ih mo , who {pared nor to adventure .-iues,their friends and wh ate in that and unnaturall trick,they ^nftthem, and put them under the higheft cenfure E:clcfiafhcall, and therupon pro- cured their d I forefalttire. Afdnp* Thofe Satanicallftippofts of tli PriefttfldltH dian PlutodefervcJ nolefTe : And m k that the K and the Country are well pu Aottcb and de- natured fp: Epjpb. Hadtbefuccefle been anfwerable to til nre had been qucncheJ,and we quit of them and their ?. ge- neration muhiplyingin mt. it of us to this day: But the gei \f- lembiy hoidenat Edinburgh 1 594 dec! :ontrariein thcie words of Infcription. IJ b through t> ::ti: oftbt excomunirate Ttpijlt trafi^uers Xbitb the Span- of the Jfeligifin TT t:latz>arei \t to the true Ifoligionpr in Mi l(ingdom y bis Afy : Jon . aofrn & of this cuy tutiut Countric. And at more length in kh numb the firft is : It if cert.: tybo tkitk/i great prepa- rations m the 88, Mil } of this //r, remaining yet : faau in t§ utm n that bis d: trpoJi>di mttrtdhtm the fin; *» nit thelaft : Tt>btre*s his Mkjiftli i*d E I of their VP 9 * 4 bended 4 Wi eflite avA crown, ountrir f dingrr t . ..n of arty c\\,i ': toco\\ ■ r m I ttjtbicb f the frr.itb of much to: m K 3 6 The Courfc of Conforjtnitie tJrckip. But what could either the civill or fpirituall fword doe more for the good of the kirk and countiey againft their vnnatu- rail malice. Epaph. When you tempt me after that fort, ye forget my protc- ftation in the beginning : I will oncly fhew what the kirk (now holding the wolfe by the eares) refolved to doe, out of the appre- henfion cf fo great danger for preventing of enfuing evils, and for purging the lealme from open cffences ready to draw on higher wrath ; They begin carefully to maik the corruptions of every ftateand calling, earneftly recomn:endirg to all vnfaignedandti- mous repentance ; and for that tfRft publick humiliations were kept, a covenant renewed with God fir ft in thegenerall AfTembly holden at Edinburgh the penult of March 159)5 and thereafter in the Provincial! AiTmbheSjPrefbytcrics, and S (Sons for ftir- ring up and moviug all more carefully toe I'-aut- to their comfor- table profeffion. In gnat plainneffe and zeak lounded the Pulpits againft papiftry and their .refeit£i$. The AiTen.blics of the kirk werefrequentlie kept, delinquents without rfcij e&of perfonsad- xnonifhed andcenfured, Refidcnce of Mriifttrs earneftly vrged f and all men and meanes, as they had grace ami place, were fa a- work for reformation of abufls, and defence of the kirk againft her blotidy enemies. jfrcbip. The holy courage of the minifterie, and fpirituall hap- pineffeof the kirk in that time, puts me in mind of that which is in the Canticle, Thou art beautiful!, ny hue, ay Tin^a, cmily as lerufalem, terrible as an army Tkhh banners* Epaph. But while the faithfull fervants of God were thusfet to curethewound lately received, and toprofecute the reformation of corruptions; the perfons (landing under both civill andecclcfi- afticall cenfure of the unnaturall crimes afore named , without fhame or feare, yea in great boldnes, durft prefume to (hew the m- fclves openly within the ccuntrey. Arcbip. What could be done in that cafe of fo proud contempt and manifeft danger. -Epapb. The mefiengers of God were fet with frcfti courage, as became their holy calling and vigilant care to provide new reme. dies for that fo deadly maladie. But as they alTayed to cure that difeafe, a more dangerous fore brake out. A woefullqueftion was xncved about the marches of the kirkes Iurifdidion, and certain miniftcrs were purfued before civil ludges for matters of doftrine. By thofe and other unhappy occafions, were theminiftersofGoeL taKen offche purfute of the enemies of religion, & intended courfe for reforming corruptions , and conftrained to beftow their thoughts andendevoursin defence of thexnfeives, andhbertie of the as it hath proceeded. 7 the K'flc; bat with what fuccefle the event will d::\i*». jf,:hip. Tnat policieha:ha:al! times orived penurious to tHt Kirk, a»id a ! ous to the enemie. Bit my ig-iorance mikes me to marveli m ^re ho v the |ctrk having au-h iritcefor her, could i be forced to take h:r to the lefenders pare ; And therefore I pray yo )mjwhat plaine. Epjpb. Machiavcll will never b: plain toa prentif: in h»s crafr, he wjrea rnaiftcrin other Arts. In thofe day out a difcontemment a - . the C ns and I nt in fa&ions, according to the cuftbmes of fu tim I*h 1 k n being fomevrbat, add f h a ! : ■! :ouiJ curry favour was fuggefted £6 chi mmifters in fuch ind by one of chemfo apprehended for 1 pre fen t danger, as he w a high place of mtnifl ^dnowashngh in credit but in a new mould, •s notaffraied in great boldftes coaffi n: in a place of chiefe tie. £k t as h himfelfc in a p . c concern: t •' tntibtKhrt'gtf : from'f \\ ii Tb "nrow* t . . . I pictifull to repeat the lamentable broylds of nber,and December of the yearc ij£6, each owe Is of Hvl; if, or th ab- RominationsotE^cchiclsT< iftcr the fi_, . I moe. thefe vnexpe&ed hurly-burlies, the vnitie of the faithfulland jrrenccfor offices due to the rleceffiries of religrom, wjs ft and they by proclaim the terrible tru ofauchoritic, fcattercd like the fhipS of Tirihis. Vpon thisuntimousdiftemper of a body whole in Appears I well ft Itot :d in fome principal! mem. to lay the foundi tioti of a idBabell, 2 >>ocraces twins, and then to the ki 1 K aie of , - tdifq liec l >ns,asin« 1 softhc truth, anid reformat iou is honeft Eiadi fom- B a in I b >fc di . 1 were kly com i y of I firm euly ih mc th:;e A\ |od bcfou but a The courfc of Confcrmitic but alfo by fcmeprovinciallatrfrrblies, and fundry miniftcrs. Tn this vncouth rue and inyfticall fermof dealing, the mouth ot the . Canon was turnedfrom Babylon the mother citie of forceand felfliood, defperately fet to fnare the world to her fubjeftion, and the generation of the wife found it was high time, every man in- viting another, Ccme, let vs worke wifely with the kiik, leaft that they increafe and we decreafe : for at that time Ierufalem was a ftrong citie :her Motto then was, Vnitie Jlrergtbens the caufe\ her wall was difapline and her affemblies,her fword the (word of the fpirit,plaine pertinent and powerfull dc&rine : her glory, the fa. vour of God, manifefted in her manifolddelweranc.es, florifhing eftateand ftill triumphing over her enemies; Then did (he con- ftantly hold that fuch was the crueltie of Rome, that (he it the fe- ¥&tHmh&. cond beaft thirfting for the Saints bloud.Vpon their fide, As many raids cpnw as Bv'i not Tboifkb the image ofib: beaftfoitt be fytted.Tbt firie Fathers ' poreJI, Itttim of Trent, All Lutherans yCulliniJls.andfucb as are of the nelb religion , } mtTTovhi. fkallHterly be rooted out. Bellarmine the oracle of Rome: The Ca- \ Cttholici non tbolu\{ts fuffemone in tbeirfocUtie that by ary outward figne giue eVi- j jMMifttfflr in fc nu of their fiVour to Lutherans. And upon our part, it fhould be ' jutfftgtmos a g reac h e ig nt f vnthankfulnefTe in us freed from the Rorrane qfuenen&mt bondage, not to Hand out again ft the prefent kirk of Rome, but j ttriffi?' to y ee ^ our ielves to plots of Reconciliation, fo long as tbey cry, I hHihftam™ What tare we for the fame creed ? ty peace Xtiih fyme.&r. 3tll&tL*iU drchip. That Italizing craft of Scottifh windings, and fecrct J J.f.c ig underminings, brings me out of the element of my umpliciticjnto j an vncouth world of policie, & remembt rs me of the comparifort ■ of Epiphanius, likening an hereticke to a modiwort or brek>wor- 1 king hid under the ground, and making the earth aboue her to I fw'ellandto moue : yet I lee not how thefe earthly moles can ; (hake a citie builded upon a rock. Epapb. To this time the kirk notwitbftanding all oppofitions j externall and inteftine, did ftand whole and found in the vnitie of \ her minifters,authoritieof her a{TembUes,ordct of her miniftery, j and purine cfdiYine worfhip. But there was the beginning of her J calamine. The enemies being fruftrated in the yearc 88. and not j finding after that time how they fhallflike Caligula;cutthe throat j of the whole Kirk and religion at one ftroke , they refolue to be J {till working the maine cbnclufion by degrees, and to maime her J i of her membersjtbatin the meane time the Kirk may beftillde-j * creafing in beautie and ftrcngth, the miniftery may be more exer- J cifed in their owne defence then in their purfute. At laft they or I their pofteritie may bring the purpofe to an end. And it may be, I that by fome intervening occafion, the work may be made fliort* •) ,W;orkmgand waiting will doc the enm in the end. Anbip. ss it hsth proceeded. 9 jfrchip. God haih not plagued us finally with that occai7on as Defefttaj We hauedefcrved, and they defire. Put we may all fee division in of ** k,r * r ihck.rk fcr Vnitie, fof Ii.nfcQion and authority vfurpation L" . .^ and tyrannic , for order Epifccpacie,and for the purine atid rcv.c: rcDt,al • . c'rfhip, polluted and perfun&or.ous fcrvicc. Albt it I rJnnot E rccT ' for my fclfe rrarvcHtncegh upon what fide of a citie fo ccmp-cl in it (eife they could rr2ke the firft afiault, and df (ire ro know if, as I pcrcciuc new, that the weco hs; b growen (o in feffner times, ;d fer irto be grcwirp,and by what meanes. Epapb. Knew yce not rhe max me, (Divide and overcome : The Tbe firft kiik ar that time was forefpeded for a ftrongeftate, that fcarcely **&*** Di- durft any without helpe ft cm her owne hand, cnterp: ife I. and there fore her enemies dtalt with her Caffander like friends to "' : * divide the Minifleric : And fcr this end a quarrel! was profefTeci agamft tht ereat hbertievfed in application of tha do&rine. Item, againft divots pcyr.ts of difciplme : and for remcclie of that pre- Led difcafe, there Vf as c&rtdto the miniftcrsa bond rcftrai- *K^G| ring the power of their office in deftrine, application thcreof,and in difcipline. And divers rrimfters were called and accufed (as multitudes yet living may well re rr ember) but that band was modeftly andharfily rcfuhd vpen reafons unanfwcrable for the time,and no came found in the mmifters fufficicntly u> ground the change in jfrchip. When that cc -urfc failed what was next affayed ? Epajb. With a better luftrc there were penned and printed <- 5 o*?^ ** queftions,to be 1 . the eftates and gene rail afTcmbly te ^ crlfa * be holdcn at Perth the laft Fcbr. 1196. And what paincs was r ken thereby forr< rrc other mindc now bctn codirecV' mimftcrs in 1! and to repel I thefe qurf 1 ons by ft rung Jir.d w.ii pre] aicd anfwcrs,ih pap{rs,ana old confciencc will be ft record in tirac and place, as the judge world (ha!l think me ytrchip. Is j of the keeping and pro- ftbai oieet ng. hut rrlbyu: . fpeeully from At :by his Maid';. umber of the Nobi loathe mifc be :tallofo c,itfuftd a make up an Ecclel iicebetvt lc: hech* re to D. C be vy Thecourfe of conformltie b: thought meet, weaken vnitie,and make way to the ptokftsia hand. jfrchip. In what particulars were the minifters divided at that meeting? 'Epsph. In thefefourcfpocially : ffirft, anettt the nature of the meeting, fome holding that all generail afferobties were either or- dinary, or Tiro re nata confining of commiffioners authorized with. cornmifllon, and dirt died from Provincial! atTembhes cr pre (byte - riei to meet in z .-/cream time and place appointed by the kirk with his Maiefties contenr v and having Moderator and Clark according totheinftitution and cuftome of the-faid meeting,vvhich were no vvayes hereto be found : Oners holding, that in refpeft of the miitiue it was Iawfull, which alkageancc was fo farre granted as it concerned the libertie of the perfons met ; but denied to bee a Efficient warrant for them to performe the duties proper for a. generail affembly. But in the end, it was born away with ftrong hand,that it fhouli be called an extraordinary generail affembly. Seconaly,about cerain anfwers given more liberally then advifed- ly to thefe 1 3 articles proponed to that meeting * as a favourable eafeof the 5* queftions,which of reafon fiiould have been feen and confidered^t length in inferiour alTemblies before they had been concluded to be the ground work of fuch a ftrange building as now israifed upon the* Thirdly, an ample comiffion granted in favour oftheexcommunicats,from the miniftery there met,to cer- tain of their own number,as inclined to accept,as they were prone to give, notwithstanding of the troublefome condition of that time,and informality of that conuention. Arid laftly for prefa- cing to alter the order of calling the roll, and marking the votes tifually obferved all times before. jfrcbh. By what means could fo many worthy & wife men be fcparat trom their brethren,& depart from their own ftedfaftnes. EpApb. The meanes arc beft known tothemielues, bodie femina* turn efi Venerium afpidum in Ecckfict Dei. I may fay of them that which was fayd of flattering Gregorius in the beginning of the Roman Hierarchy. That they were the vvorft amongft the beftV and the beft amongft rhe worft.That the fchifmeby which many now are called Schiirnatickes, began at this time on their fide: and that they carried away the ignominious vtdory not by theif own t lor, but by the modefty oftheir brethren,& over great reverence wards them for their courage and good cariage in former times. rfrcbip.And perhaps it would trouole their wits now to arsfwer fpeeches and argumentsufed and vttered by themfelues then, no leffethenit would haue bufijd the braine of the fame GregorinS saifed from the dead to anfwer his own argument in the day es of Bwffttoi ns it hath proceeded, n fi S r be caUcd*nibtrf&!L$lfy$]>>u the jf Aniichrijh <'s c. Yet Hcttttthini ;hath found out two fhifts foxBonifici. a jftwent h mfclucs. Bur b<.ing baited on this bfgin- ning,thcy not on v wanion r hem f elves, and ran away with the Tiarrowes>but wrought upon others by terrors and promifes as they thought to prevails; and the courfe once inclining ro the dounwith and gr*: n fell away by I the fw< name of peace being made a v.for 10 cover the u^ly face of a ftrange monftcr. Mel -if. Tfo bcilrmmg ofjlrife if at Jbhen om htteth out V>iter,?,c)>. 17.14. And you leemc to have Ciyd that our prei mi did begin at that breach. Bp.tpb. It wasfo indeed : for in rhe next aflembly holden at Dun- die the water becomes broader, and the fchifme begun at Perth, f groweth greater : r . by d.fF .rrnce of ju ie confir- ^ ininuei mation of the former aiTVmbly holden at Perth : i.bv diverfine of. 1 ;-_* opinions concerning the letting down or lume notes in forme of (: r . at Dm« de laration of cert* ine of the ads concluded at Perth, explaining j iC# bisMiicftics and the affemblus meaning for the fa:isfa&ion of h as then wt re nor acquainted therewith, and now 10 be cegi- ftred in this aflembly at Dundie , to rtmaine, &c. but like the gi'jfle of Orle. by Lid ilgenctf, for ductic, dircfled in a new com mid! in carving greater favour to the exc, valTals, their insinuating care x>f the dargeisc f the Kirk imminent from a higher caul. : 4. from a new forme of com million draw- ing power from the general, aflembly to a few number of pcrfur.s, an I arr Cion of foitic 6f rafhly ycelJcu to , as did a; *, a- bout excomrr ts of I ,)n ftvc at h^-igh'. tbcaiTv at Dr. rtainc grceves brt'hr hecountrcy ; an a- gainftthcthr made r Y. putting tficr#i fumpuor, rhout < rant from tru iment ho] in- burgh the iq m- isyer in th: Parhamu.:. \ VboUt [he c C cc . tz The Courfc of Conformitie conditions ofthefayd vote, forae holding that the Kirk fhould be declared the third eftate of parliament, and authorised with all lawfull priviledges, and having libertie as Barons and Burgefle* have;to choofe their own commiffi jners, others ready to take the fame in what fort an i vpon what conditions it might bee had. 4. About that woefull commiflt ju continued and enlarged with a feeming, but fore claufe for keeping the Mmifters free of of- fences. c^/T^/J.Your waters are like to grow to a fea wherin the courfe of navigation loofeth the fight of the one pole,and entreth in fome degrees of elevation of the oth^r. Beware of fhipwrackof religion in the end. Epapb. The truth is, the divifion prevailing at Dundie, becom- Prevaiiing msth a great fea at Me>ntrofe,and bcingcth in that Trojan horfe fo at Aiocirofe, pleafantly paliiat with a {aire mantle of fine caveats , and evert then greedily gaped for by fom?, forcfmelling their own wealth 3c honour in thaFEcclefiafticall Tragedie, but conftantly refufed by, others forefeeing and fearing more forrow te the Kirk in the con- ditions annexed, then apprehending good in a Teeming benefit fa violently offrcd. In that generall affembly the 18. day of Mirch i6oo,after many combats and bracings about the captions reftrai-; ningthe commiffioners voters in Parliament from corruption frowardly, as it might be, the caveats,the lurking deceit of hierar* chie were finally fet downe. jfr chip. Thefe palliative caveats are in form and effeft much like the profeffions let out by Fosgidm and Ser)>atb t to fave the Kirk as , they imagined from Arrian perfidie, but in event a furtherance to their blafphcmoushacrefie and cruell vi&orie. It were better- to hold theev^sat the doore,then wait upon them in the houfe that they ftealenot. I would know before I proceed 3 what mi* feries followed upon this unhappy divifion and alteration made in thefe foure aflerablies begun at Dundie^ and concluded at Montrofe, E?2s enfu- Eptyb. The tongue and pen of another T^j^Un^ene were not ing upon fufficient to deplore and expreflfc them to the full. In the generall Reformer afferably holden at Bruntyland the next yeare 1601 Mayia # iivifiafi- anc * ac Halyrood houfe the yeare following 1602, November jo. thefe are pointed at: Defeftion from the puritie, zeale and praftifeof true religion proceeding from the juft wrath of God for di(honouringoF6urprofeffion,.the. negligence of the, Mint- fters againft Papifts, the defolation of divers parts of the countrey for lack of Paftors, the neglecting of places of chiefeft importance tp the intereft of religion, in not planting them with fuffici- ent Paftors: the ouer-h^fty adraiffion of men to the minifterie before is it hath proceeded. M Vefbre their fu'Rcienete be knowne : dre negligence ef Mmifters in reading the Scriptures, and controverts oetwixt the reformed ; 5 Kirk and enemies thereof: the uncom:ly carriage of Minifters ;| framing thcmfelvcs exccffiu?ly to the humors of men in commu- ne rations, i ntem trance , and light apparrell , the diftraSion i which is fuppofedto bee from fome of the mtniftcrtf, and of themfelves from themfclves , the defolation of the Kirke of Edinburgh, the great favour fhowne to Papifts, and their great lit by that meanes, in negligent educa:ion of noble mens ircn , the impunitie of Saylcrs tranfporting and bringing Within the councrcy Scminaric Priefts and lefoitl with tneir and books, that men fufpe£k in religion when they are cha- lenged, haue accede to court during the time of their procefTe. That the lace reconciled Papifts are not urg^d to performc the conditions agreed to at their reconciliation to the Kirke; AM which were euhec caufed or occafi&ncd by the termer di- vision. Vpapk. Ic had been high time vpon thefc evident dangers and pittifull cryes of the Kirk,to haue repented of the former di vifoo, and to haue returned tothcir brotherly vnitie and Phila- delphian profcflion,r^;c>ti>M vUHmmiiM concordu Vinculum %u^ timirextarnui. Epnpb. Afulti clerici funt progenia Viperarum, Policie did fore- fee that that happy courfc would not fatisfie the burning luft: of « , . Hierarchic: and therefore they are f > farre from once looking * p, e * back to brotherly agreement upon cquall conditions, thatcftee- f c £ t[Qn f * tntng the fire of divifion to be the molt naturall clement for their luYildi&.o* purpofe, they add frefh oyle by labouring to abolifh the Iurifdi- luurpinoa, ftionofthc Kirk, and gi : . ftroakc to her chiefe privi- >ge of hoi ling of gencrall Aflemblirs ordinarily once in the yeare, and after prorcnita, which is the lecondeiTenuall degree of ©ur defection. jfrjMp* I haue feen the rent 'of vnitie, I befcech you to bee as line in thispoynt , tha: I may be informed upon what occafioa •nJ by w Kirkvrat.depfivi at aw full power re librrtie. I According to the order ufuilly obferved , the A'f m- xflimby *t bly at Hatyro; i appointed the :nerali At- Abulia* fcmbly to b:c holdcn at A \ by rea- fon i of the infolencic of Papift ; . r i a pu: lantNoblemcnshoufcs t- t\nw 5 profecutcth ad thca(fcmbl/at Bruntylanei, 4 th it:- I'apiftt mi^htL^: urged to perforate il- n. T4 The Courfc of Conformitle Laftly, to follow out the cotrn'on iff*\tcs cf the Kirk. Ncrwith*. francir.g thiieand c ntcrvci at rfyei was not kept, but the AfTcrr.bly cor be continued 3£a ; n: \V nd Fred rycerics cci fidc- ringthat the Pai jment was appKKXiing for whiai Articles were to bedrefTed in rhe / -ng to the order ccrrirually obferued fir.ee rhe reformation, that rhe people were begun to de- lude the cenfu re* of infc:icir Afl e$ by appellor, to the genera!', that : forename evilswere daily grr wrggrcatcr; and thinking upon the neceflmc of that rare btr.tfirc (o decrly bought, and Tearing the lofTe thereof fo rrar.y waiev apparant , as X by abridgement, or deprivation of wonted libertie to corvenc : l bydivifion of the members therof , begun at Penh , ar.r row come to fo great height : : by terrours and fkrange imputations againft their Mmifters, their meetirgsard afTiftcrs : 4 by often changing of appointed dyets, at d at feme times bringing the Af- (emblie within the pallace : j by a cunning, but wocfull corrmif- C\on drawing from the wifcft courftll of the K rk,tocenaineMi- nifters, the credit and guiding of the grcateft affaires : 6 by con- tinuations multiplyed as prejudicial! to the Kirk, as Papiftrie,pro« fanneffe, and other corruptions did fe fibly increafc,ccnforme to the order and cuftome of the Kirk ratified -by the lawesofthe counrrie; they direded their commiflioners to meet at Aberdeen the* of Iuly 1605 for holding the Gtnerall Affembiiejas was fof* tnerly appointed : of thefe corr.rmrtioners a certaine number kept and the reft were abfenc , and fo nothing was done but Call and Continue for fafetie of the prn appointing a new Die% a filly Seminaries but of many and grievous troubles: the men were firft called , and for a long time put in prifon , therafter pro- ceeded againft by ccurfe of bw a found guihieof high treafon,re- turned to their feverall pnf:>r.s,ar,d therafter banifhed. Since that Affembtie we.haue iename of Genera!! AfTembiies, but no more, according to the maine Bttxime cf policic , that the name bee as lit: d as may bee, though thething bee changed. Third 3e- ^ When unit te and iutboritie are now gone , Itrarveli S rtc ^°J r or " not that Hierarchy comes the greater fpeed. But I would know aef Epitca- r j^ e reft of thewaiesof that Ambition /and therein fee the third P 2C,< * ftep of our defe&on : For £< yet I lee it rifeth upon the ruinesof ranced y t j, e j£, r k ? anc j proues like the mck in tbc bodic , as it fweileth t/ r ^' rand waxeth great the Rrengthand beautiecf the bodiedecayetrv Prelaeie Ep*pb. N either was this Rome builded ihcfirft cay: The firft. votcinPr- § rear ^"P c, f l ^ cix blind-wincing ftaires, whereupon they are hf- inu ced by all the former engines and preparations was, their vote in Parliament, as it hith proceeded. t * ParlUmeiit^F^rapon ch: : *s , aswih^befo-- wind of ch a Pari: was i?r • in T. k . . 3: la!/ i5 >5 , v, j^ Biflnprickes, without refpcflt toCi!li"£>C >n mor C ar, W-re horfed upon ch of th:ir E I dignitie. Atthac beginning ch.*/ looked fonvewhat modefUy 3$ vv cre : But gay 5 and great places wiH make M >nk:es to feem Ma-nficurcs, tad forgctfull fuples to fjy, this cannot be I. Ac that bernc ra::- of K:rk livings by tint com:n >n intercha ^.ge w'rcre havockc rei fvvay, / m this, and I tbit : for the purchalc of thir- Biih ^onckvS forth of the hands of civill men » to * ufr of civilize fters,thc Kirk did lo ft part of her rent dei* for the fjrviceof the Goipell t and ad plot ufui. \ndwirhout all f:are to follow fuch fa ;nledge, T\tftimtw ad integrum was deerly bought wha: byerc£honsof E .1 . Lordfhips, and cverfions of Kirk pnviicdgcs by Hierarchical domination. bipp* 1; haJ beencafie tobring f .hem down again from that fcft rtcp ; neither at any time before or fi.icc could thcopportuni- tie be greater : before, ihc working was fecret under the ground , anddeayed; now the monfters of ambition and avarice let out ir heads, afterwards they became ftrongrr. A flume that the watchmen arc now all fail afleep , that all the friends of the K»rk fraue dealt trcacberoufly with her. A puie that there b. :o v a word in feafon for her againft her enemies. Ef/j^b. S~»f; I pray you , be not fo pafii >nate , breath a little § th.:. was no neglcft of duties for the minifters of the Gofjpell having comrnifu^iifrorn their Provinciall AiTemblicsand Prclby* tcries to convene there for the vveale of the Kirk \g her hurt, &: having neither place nor power to rciiit die. Ijr a 1 i hu -ibly proieft in the manner a )d vvor.. >. vmg. Tbeearmjl )f*ur harts is to be fkkbfyS^nd 11 aft totunU Pi*tdUI« bane ban eftuteof * *£*'**& Cbrift* l\}\ ~:ourbmi> , B> { a* out fvMr ° l *v h:irts Kith p*t'unct\ ani our moi/// ;nt$ * !a ™ CQ <» bauem y I>i/r? our din nil ion : $■> bCbriftetm man hi itic urgctb; *n- to kf.uhfull (fire- bearers $n tbt hfri^ of I to Jot U i prodding J> calling them Gods upon earth : T^ow therefore ( my Lords convened in ibis prefent Parliament, tinder the mofi hgh find excellent Majtflie of our dread So1>erafgne) to your Honours is our exhortation, that yeeTtould indtbour Xt>ith all ftngUnefje of heart, lout 4nd 2>eale, to advance the building of the houje of God; rcferiwg ,L fayes into the Lord bis owne hands that glerk Tbhub be Ttill com* mumtkte neither Jbitb man nor jingeiU to %it, to preferilefromhu holy mountains a liudy patttrne according to Jt>hi< h his own Tabernacle faovici be formed: remembring alwaies that there is no ahfolute and unbounded dutboritiein this Ttcrld, except the fo^eraigne authentic of Chijl the 'I(!ng, to Tibom it belongttb as properly to rule the XJtkj according to the goodpleafure of his own ftttt, asitbelongeth to him to fauz hh%i\\ iy the merit of bis ownjufferings. jtll other autboritie is fo intrenebed Heb.-si,&5 within the marches of diline commandment , that the leefi Cberpajfng **.*$. $ftbe bounds fet by Godb'tmfelfe, bringethmen under thefearefull tx- peHalion oftemporall and eternal! judgements. For this caufi, my I ordt 9 let that authority of your meeting in this prefent Tarlutwent, be / ^ the Ocean fea, Tbbicb a* it is great t ft of all other Waters , fcit ccnttynetb k felfe better Xoithin the coofts and limits appointed lyGod % then any ri)xf offitfli running "totters baue done. 2s^txt remember that God hath hi rH.49.1j, you to bel^ounfl) Fathers of bis I(jrf^, crating at your hands tha$ yecjli uld maintaine and advance by your autboritie that tfjtkjUbxbtbt Lord butb fjhsoned ly the uncounterfaited Jborl^ of his own new cru- Pfa.*f$e.i tion { as the frofbet Jpeah tb ) he bathj madc_us ;, and nojr we our cu^ ^lucs/^/^W T^^^ ^ [houttfufi^^ next fortrature of a Ifyfy , and anew forme of diline ftrtice JbbubGod in hisTtordbutbnot before allowed^ becaufe that Jbere to extend your au~ thoritie fariha then the callingyce baue of God doth permit, jfs namt- (yifyefiiould ( oa God forbid) cutborifethe autboritie of the fBtyops * and their prch.mincnce abone then brethren , yee fhould bring into the Kf } k c f G oai *k e ordinance efman, and that thing T^hich the experience of preceding ages hath tefiijyedto haue been the ground of great idleness palpable ignorance, unfuffer able prid e, pittilejjetyrannje $ and jhwtfeffi jansbitionintkzKiYkj)jLJ &od : and fmalt y to hauffeeri tfct igrounfuif ~l$>aTAnticblj{\M mounteJup orTthe fleps ofprebc- wiintnce of Htjlwps until! that man of fin came forth as tht ript fruit of man bu Jbtfedom, Ttbom God jhill confunn iftifb the breath of T h er his own mouth. Let the fword of God pearce that belly Tbhicb brought; I iaciU2i * f or tb fucb a mentter ; and let the ftaffe of God crujti that Egge Tfibicb hath hatched ft cb a Cocatrice.^ jind let not onefy that f ^omane AntU thrift be thro wn down from thelpi^hlpench'of bis ufurpeT ' author jtit , hut dlfo let all WTfteps thereby fa mounted up to that unlaw full pr£ hmmtnet as it hath proceeded. i j htmmence be eut dofrn and utterly abolJh:din this land.Aboue aUtbi^s (my Lords) be&are to (trine cg ain'J God Jbitb nn open and dijpLytd 'i/tfF, by building up again? the Ttattes of Uric b 7 not onty caft doVcn, but alfo h, r m undtr a terrible i n and execration : jo that the building oftbetn ag-ine mujt nadsftan i te greater charges to the builders jb-.n the nedifying of Uricbo to Hid the Brthclit in the day :s /; b+ndsinth^ < ' >tlfCffionof "faith jaded The Kings Maiefties, -pub- lijh-d more then once or t nice ,a>>dfworn fy it excellent Afaie/He 9 snd b y bis bli^nejUj\ EJtatcs and jtholtfubiat^ to hoi f them ba k^fiom fttinfuplhe dominion of Biptops. t \tm tfberitietkat ibiy julfcribedandftvore thefiyd commiJjion y con taining ''not onely tbi. maintenance of the true dottri.u\ out alfo of th: : ne frofcjjt the i\alme of Scotland, Confider alfo that Ire cannot be fetfoifrardtoitl utJgrcatJlanderof.be Gvjfell, defama* tifn of many preachers, and tVidtnt lofje andbu)t of ibe people! foulct committed to our charge. V:> the ptople are brought aim o(t to tie Ufcj cafe a&tby torn in Syria % Arabia andJEgypt about the oooy\dre ef our Lord* Tt>L\n i be people mrtfo br angled Qrfli dfen with contt ar. ts % fom >:g and others allowing the opinion of I :be end they J jJt_aU_ aJfured perfuafion of true re l igion an dU; >tttmc "jhereaftei\didcafi tbegatts cf theii bearh open to t^fTuUU to that lile andbhfbcmous doctrine of Mahomet. Eloijl the p<.oi U of the Lord are cajt tmfuA ttdmk at ion to beat e the p, opt nly damned this ftately prebci)\m:nce of J .// after accept the f me dignitie,i ompe an tohicl* thy before bad . ih rpcy to .. - ;me fo douli full in matt r> y. >t$n tnddoc ' e lily an open taUtne . re : to every gueft that ii\ts to come m I our honour tHt in the baliance ofagodfy and pr nc ; to beflandered !y :b: y>c are boU >ot f*t tttrd in t lyab* lopruti to themjjtVc, c u com mon To aU if :bifi\. fihtiftub ^f t 7T; fairs oftl e countrey, n fubordr be found! » < ~. 'ottenrr. ' :tji lupuiGWH and demprryn ryfftbHr hi I 1 8 TheCourfeof Conf ormitie Ths preheminence of Strops is that amafcus 9 but notfiewedto Mofts in the mountaine , and therefore it flutl fare frith it as it did frith that Altar of tll or Ecclejiafticatl. And fre are able by the grace of God, and Tbitl offer our fslues to proue, that this B'jhstprie to be 'creeled is Againft thifrordof Godythe ancient fathers and Canons of the IQ>\ 9 the ma- dam moft learned and godly faiYtneSytbe foitrine and conftitution oftbt J(ii\of Scotland fince the firft reformation of Religion frithin the fame countries the Lawes of the realme ratifying the go)>ernemcnt of the J&fc by the generalt and ft'oVimidl Jffemb lies * Prcflyteries and Sef- flons ; alfo again ft the freak and honour of the lyings moft excellent Majeftie * the fr ea le and honour o f the Realme and qutetne jfe thereof ', tbrftaMt^edejIaleand freak of the l(tr\intbe docTrineTdtfcipline and patrimonie thereof; the freale and honour of your L owjhips. ,. the moft 'ancient effate of tbi> fyalme; and fwUy agairift the freale of all, ani- ent one of the goodftbjefts thereof in Joule 9 bodU and fubftance* 2^ext s as it hath proceeded. t<> • Tfyxt, thdtth: -'>eTit granting Vote in TarlUmeni to Mi- mftcrs h Tbitb i ' pr* \ i :?;* Merely fa dcr >torie or frc\udicHlt to the prefer: t ej 7 the I on thereof in Genera It and Synodall A Se{fi- enr. Thirdly anti Uft , t ' ttng, J> •ng the com ed the feme frith a number 1 Jtbi.b t .Tbitbfucb other su *j- bly , frere thought expedient to tent, that uto for confirm if, t ntctjf.rie and J rfsof * the Jim e. f fem'ly bath . to gi:.< name of 0/ I {corruption , potr.pt a*:J tyrannic of ] to becaiud Comyj> K n K tG 1 i :-' \$ft men now called $ {hop;, ncrt to l^tc in t Veitkcmf. jlndtboefo* ins (billboU thdtgrtAt Cow: iud the dead at bis glori -.{Veil cStabbjhcd friti 'in tbn J(edme f *. i vf peace and fro-nhoeli ne and . atfc of our yfrom. :ue our < ng of our ! cn ing ofourcr IVdexc ■ I f.nwiiy •'. ur JtJonok yir'ir. I r the. Oration of in the III ♦ and .rjon h. TarrWcTTX D 1 te The Cow fc of Conformitie in the ptoteftation, wherein ye will perhaps behold a copie of the platne, pertinent and pithic fimplicitie of the Miniftersof that time : and how new wits with their quiddities, are as far degene- rate in knowledge as inaffe&ion. C HAP. I. That the Of ice of this new fort of Bishops is againfi tht the word of God. Argum. L THattheMinifters of God, feparare from the common af- faires of the world, fan&ified and confecrated to the fcrvicc of Godandfalvationof his people, (hould haue a publick office and charge in the Common- wealth and worldly affaires is flat repugnant to the word of God, and particular places of Scrip- tare following, Numb, c.j v 4445, And the Lord Jpaf^e unto Mo« fes faying, tafg the Letites for all tbefirfl borne tftbe children oflfraeh and the Lehits JhaU fa mine, lam the Lord. Numb.c. i8.v.6 For he 1 haue tafyn the Letites from among the children of Ifrael, ftbo us a gift are given to the Lord to dot thefertice of tht congregation and taberna* tie thereof. Deut. 1 8 1 2. The friefrs and the Letits flullbaue no birt nor inheritance Tbith Ifrael, for the Lord is their inheritance , as he bath /aid unto them. Deur. 108. The fame time the Lord/eparated the tribe of Levi to beare the jfrl^e of the covenant of the Lord, to /land before the Lord, to mini/ier unto him and to ble/fe in his name unto this day. Aft. t j 1. 2tym 45 they miniflredunto the Lord, and fatted, the Holy Gbofi/aid, Jepanteme fBarnabas and Saul for the Bw£ ^hereunto I haue called them. Rom.r v. 1. Paul a ferVant of lefm Chrifl put Apart or Jeparat to preach the Gofpellof God. Thefe and many more places of Scripture protaes the propofirion. Thentoaffume: But io it if, thefe Bifhops are minifters of God by their profeffion * are counfellers in the Common wealth, Lords in Parliament and conventionsjof the eftates, Lords of Townes, Barones of Lands &c.They run to Court leaving their Minifterie,to get Bifhopricks which they haue obtained with all privdedges of the old Bi- flioprickes which they pride them in,publicklie in the fight of allj and prefence of the greateft,:. Therefore all againft the word of God* Argum. II. That the Minifters of Chrift fhould be diftra&ed from preach, ingof the word anddo&nne, is direft againft the Scripture 9r name* as it hath proceeded* ti namely thefe places. Deut. jj 8. ^dndof Le)d be /aid. Let tby Tbumttim and thy 7rim be Tbitb tby btly one, unborn thou iidft pro-it in Af*/fib, and didcaufe bim to ftdue at the Outers of Meribah: T*b* /aid unto hit father and unto his mother , I butt nit fan him , neither ^new he bu brethren nor bti ovn children , for they obferl>ed thy frord andleept tbyco^enmt. Tbjyjh ill teach Itcob tby judgements and Ifrael tby Law : tb.yjhillputincenf hefoft thy ft '2 >, and the Irurntojfrrings on thine Altar Luk 9 59. Qbrifl fui to one.jfoilomme , frbo anfaereJ, fuffer mefir/l to got and burie my fiber : Qhnfl anp»trtd,Ltt the dead bum the dead 9 an i got you and preach the Gofell of the I(ingdome of Cod. Another fay es, Mai/} er I frould follofr thee , but let me firft got andta\e order Jbitb my houfe , Chr'ul anfp.red , no man that puts his band to the plough and loo. {:s b:c\, U mitt for the I{ingdome of God. AS 6 i Then the twelue called the multitude of the Difciples together, €nd fid , It is not meet that free jh)uld leaue the Ttord of God to ferue the tables. Now the Arguments from thefe places concludes mod ftrongly, icomparatis. For if mod nccetTanc naturall oeco* nomick, yea even Ecclefnfticall offices, as of Elderfhip and Dea- confhip fhould not diftrad from the preaching of the word fuch as hath the gift and calling thcrto , much leflfe (hould civill and worldly offices and affaires. But yet to infi.t with ftrait command and charge and mod weighue exhortation anJ atteftanon out of the word loh.n 1 s it \7*So Tbben they bad dined, j<.J us /aid to Simon Peter, Simon fon of Jona lobeft thou me more then theft i he fxid unto bim , yea Lord thou fttowefi that I hue thee ; be fiil unto bim feed my L in he$ : he /aid unto bim the fee ond time, Simon the fonne of h- na lohe/i thou me * be /aid nnto bim , yea Lord thou fymmU that 1 lout thee* bee fid unto bim feed my flieep. Hee fail unto bim the third time, Simon lo^e/i thou me i Veterfras frit becaufe be (aid unto bim the thbd lime lo\n ft thou me i he fid unto bim, \ ttbou \novnft all things thou Jtnowcft that 1 hue thee , lefus faib unto him fled my (beep. 1 Tim. 3 16 fih carcof tbfetbtngs till I come t Amc to reading, exhortation an /,.. t 9 anigiut thy felfe unto th;m, thit it may be fen: &>ut thju propter among all mo\ : Taltt heed to tby felfe and to do & \. , 1 Mtf] : ."/ , for \> do : n? 'hifthiu Jh ilt both fafe thy felfe and ih.m th it heart thee , Agaiu 1 hvge th:e th:rfore before God a hi Lord lefu tyh) (l)i. 'I ; { and th. Ltd at h;t .1 , pre: t nmftam )n and out of ft ^ebklce, exhoit Jtih t'l !o $1, djeihetoor\of an E)>mgeltji , mil^ thy minijiery fully jxrfm*- ded,bi%. to be a faith full an I go. to all. If then the luc of IlTus Chrift be 1.1 the hearts of \iii C & whole occapation lodcXCfrifc v>t them ought to b- 1 D 3 exhori g* The Courfeof Conformitie exhortation and do&rine for the faving of thejnfelves and others? if rhey fhould preach the word, improue, rebuke, exhort in feafon and out of feafon, and make all times fcafonablerherfore: and no time rightly fpent without that. And finally, if they think to ftand before that great iudge in that fearfull day of his appearance in glorious and terrible maieftie, as fuch as hauc fully approven that nnnifterie,to their owne conference, and the confeience of others in the fight of God : let them fee how they may be diftra&ed with civill offices and affaires : and if fo to bee, bee not dirt&ly againft the word of God ; feeing they fhould be fingers and chiefe fathers of the Levits in the chambers of the Lords houfe , having no o- ther charge but to be occupied in that bufineffe day and night, u Chron.9.33. Argum. III. To make and efteeme the charge of foules fo light, that there- withall another office and charge civill, publick and worldly ,may be xoyned and borne,is dired againft the word of God, and partu cular parts thereof fubfequcnt. But fo doe theBifhops,Exech.34. I . jfudtbe word of the Lord came unto mtfying, Son of man, pro* pbefie againft the Paftors oflfratl, and Jay unto them, Tbm ftyth ibe Lord God, Woe be to the Paftors that feed themfet\>es,yet eat the fat and tloatbyou with the wooll, butyeefeednot theftockejbe weahjbaueye not ftrcngtbened>the [ic\haueyee not healed, neither baueyee bound up the broken, nor brought again that which was driven away, neither haueyet fought that which was loft, &<;. The flot\e were fcattered "without 4 {hepheard, and the foeepc wandred. Zacb. 1 1. 17. idle finpbeard that IhMs the ftocfatbefword Jbalt be upon bis arme and upon bu right eye : his armejhall becleanedryed up, and bis right eye Jhal be utterly da^ei. A&.20. 20. 1 baue %ept nothing bach^ that was profitable, but bauefhe- &>ed and taught you openly, and throughout eVcry houfe, I talfe you to record this day y that 1 am pure from the blood of all men* Tafy beedVnto your fellies, and to all tbeflocl^ whereof the holy Cbofi hath madeyou 0- Verfters, or UBifhopsto feed tkelQrl^of God, which bee hath p*nb fed &itb his own blood. Watch and remember that by thefbace of three years 1 ceaftdnotto wirneetery one both night and day with teares.^ 1 . Pet. 5. a, 8. Feedthefloc\of Godfearing fir it withaready minde. Sefoberand Tt>atch> fry our aditrfirie the BiVellgoetb about like a roaring Lion,Jee- l(ingwbom he may deVoure. i.Cor.2,i5. For "wee are unto God the /beet favour of Chrift in them that anfibed, and in them that ^erifb, to the one "toe art the favour of death unto death, and to the other a favour of life unto life, jfnd who is fufficient for theft things? For wte are not as Miny, who ma\e merchandift of the word of God , hut a* of ftuceritie % but as ofGodin the fight of God /peafy Vm in Chrift. Heb. 1 3^ 7« Obey as it hath proceeded. 13 Ohtf your guides ini bee f*by/:l unto tbem> for they vt)cb o\*r you* f$ufa 9 4i fneb at fh mid give an tcconnt of tbem Wee may then boldly ofthefeS.nptures, and many moe, evidently (hew and conclude, that they never knew what the charge of (bald meant* tha: would joyne therewith a publique anl politique offi;c and charge; or if thjy ki:w it,th?y never weighed and felt it : they are ftrangely blinded, benumbed, and mifcarrycd by Balaams wages. Argum. IIIL TTie mixing/jumbling, and confounding of iurifdi&lon* and callings in one perfon which God hath difhnguiihed in performs S! manner of handling, is again ft his word. B^ r . (j it is, th.it the of- fice of B:!hoprie conf Hinds the fpirituail and civill lunfdidions and callings in the j of doe. Ergo, Numb. 1 8. verf. 4. c. Tecfh dlleeep the charge of to: Ubtrrutk ofthi congregUun for all the f:r\U: of the tabernacle , andn Jlringtrth.it comemcere Jh til httjkwu. The miniftcrs . fervice, and the civil! rulers are fcrangeri one to a , and (hould not bee confounded under pame of death. LChron.19. 1 1. Behold Amatiib the Priefi flia'l bechrf: o^:r y$ i in all the mat' tftbe Lord, * ni Ze'>adub tbt: fin of fiiael a ruler of the biufe of dsb 9 jhtll e for alt:!:: l'J*Js affiirei. Deu:.ii : It not JSwth) -rdfritU di)texs forts of feed> , teaft tb;u d. \ icrcafo cf thy feed, & m hijfi fown, and the fuit of . Thou jluU not ^loa>V>itb 4n OxeanJan Afe together, thoujli Tbeare 4 garment of dil>ers frts, as of froolhi .mi linen together* Doth God play the Gardiner, P nun or VV .ere , or is nor frm a command to ciUurwall mixture and cor.fii the L yard, field Z il his K k and people. 1 I irh« chap, j.) tcachctbus, citing i rremoniall command , TbtufoUt n t muff 1 1 the mouth of the Oxethu be arm t for 1 provifion of the M And finally, our maftcrintbc Gofp.lt d .!y # wixt the [1 >nto Corfu ihit Xtbkh U Crft is. Argum- V. Thar rh < . oFChrifti Kmgdomc flnuh ih naming to the ki: ** V.. tebcebufic bodies in nut. bi % UlC 34 The courfc of ccnformitic Scripture. But civill and worldly offices and matters pertain rot to the kingdomc of Chrift, and yet are mecled with by theft Bi- fiiops, therefore againft the Scripture, Iohn. 6. 18. pjks then fy$~ trig that thw frere come to tctykim and maf^e him their J(ingy hee Tr>itb~ drtto HmjHfe into the mountabte alone. Ioh. 18. 36 . lefta anfberedani Jfayd unto Pilat* My l(mgdome is not of thu Jbcrld. Remcmbring the which confeffions,imat Chrift was a king, but his kirgdt tne was not of this world, the Apoftle Paul gives a charge unto Jlmothie, 1 charge thee, fayrh he,intbe fight of Cod Trho qui^ns all things , and lefore lefm Chrift ,V?bo tinder fontim Tdat Tbitnefjed a goodconftfficn § ihat tboufyp this commandement , meaning anent the whole disci- pline and ruling of the whole kingdome of Icfus Chrift, that is not of this world, fet down by the Apoftle in that Epiftk, 1 .Tim. 6. 1 3 . Ioh . 8. 1 1 . lefm fay d to the adultreffe, neither doe I iuSge thee % goe and [in no more. Luk.12.13. 14. Andone of the multitude fiy id Vnto bim>M«fier fteahjo my brother that he may divide th heritage with tnebe fay d unto him, man,nbo mademe a \ndge oVer you ? The cU villand worldly offices then haue nothing to doe with the king- dome of Chrift in their perfons, and are fuch as neither Chnft nor his Apoftles ever took on, or would take upon them* Argum. VI. That Chriftsminifters fhould beare worldly prehemiurrce, bruik ambitious ftiles, and be called gracious Lords, isagairftthc word of God, and fpeciall fcripturc vnderwritten. But the office of Biflioprick brings in all thefe wherin they pride themfelucs againft the fcriptures . Mat. 1 3 .6. The Scribes and fbarifets UVe thefrft rooms tf fet ft s> and the chiefeft rooms in the Synagogues ,and falutaticns in the Markets y and be called f^abbi : IButbeye not called 9{ahbi,fo) yet haui cne mafter^andye are oil brethren. Let him that is great among you be * ferVant : for JtbofoeVer Tbill lift himfelfe up, /hall be cjften doV>ne % andbt that mil humble himfelfe jhall bee exalted. Luk.iz. 1 5 . There entreds contention among them, who fhould be greatest ; fBut he fay d Vnto thm% The Things of Iht Nations beare rule oVertbem y and are called gracious Lords Jutytfiatl not befo 9 but he that is greatefi amongyou let him bt m tbeleaft,and he that is the guide 06 theferVant. And in* very, deed, experience proves ffet thefe ambitious ftiles wherewith they arc honoured by Heraulds, flattered by a great number, and fcorncd by farr moe, makes them fas the Apoftle fpeakes of widowes) to grow wanton againft Chrift, miskenning him, them felues, and their calling,to defpile their equals, and tojprefume over their fu- periours* Argum, as it hath proceeded. 1$ Argum. VII. That the Souldict of Ch rift fhould be involved in the affaires of this life, and one bound toferverwo maifter?,is fiat repL to the word of God. But this office of Bifhopri them, 8cc. Ergo. Numb. 4 $« F>cm thai A that are meet to u ks en this Vratfare td dc of the congregation. i.Titr. 1.1.4 Tbt fire fij. n as * gcodfouldur of Ufa Chrft. 2\> man ihzt nrarrctb cnity nifilf: with the cffiuzs vftbii lift, that be maypkift :m to be aJouidier.lt is evident by all thefe Scriptures, and a number moe which may be brought for ceofthclc BO repugnant and dircft againft the word of God. As for I ill corruptions in vfurpingaufhoritic abouethe Pallors cf the Kirk, & arrogating to them the governrret of the kirk,whuh a to the common rare and counYcll of the Elders in Aflembties and Prclbyttnts by the vvordofGodjbecaufc they dare not defend, Iinfift not to lay it out plainly, bu: it enough for tl pretcn^tocj'.' .places cf Scripture and Fathers following, till we heare it b: ucftion. 1 . Tim. 4. i.Tim.3.1. Tir. A6t.:o.iCor.ii. I .Tim. 5. Rom.12. i.Cor.5. i.ThtiT. 5. Hcb. 1;. Ma:h.5-& 18. Aft.15. & 21. Math. 16. Frhci 4. i.Pct.5. Math. 2$. Luk. 22. Phil. i.Ioh.20. Aft. 14. !. Apolo- get. ;q. Hicroo. 1. 2. c. 3. Qrigenes Horn. 7. in Iofuam. Irenxus ad Vet . Cypr. lib 1. U lib. 6. Epift. & $. Ambiof. f«rm. 11. Epiphanius contra 1 cccr. &gra- tiac. 5. Eufcb dc vita Conftancin, I. 3. Prolpci rup. Lio. cap. Chiyfcft.de facerdotio, { C 11 a ?• II. 7 hat fuel a F/fiofrieis again (t the ancient Canons c kfH& Councels. Tnd BifllOpi c\ fee ft the U ly the h ascj : .c like i with 1 - a the Apofc : V 26 The Courfc of Conformitie mmfcereftd\>acare (s* commodufeexbibere ufibm EcclefiaJHcis;animit kit isr inducitQ hoc non facer e aut deponito, Dfemo enim potefl duobus domtnis ferVtre. Synoi. Nicsena. & Conftant. T^emo clericus Vel (Diacenus )>el Trejlyter propter cvufam fuam quamlihet iatret in curiam , qtionlim omnis atria a cruore dicta e(i ; Et ft quis clericus in curiam inlroeat amibema fujcipiat nunquam rediens ad matrem Ecclefi- *m. Synod. Chalcedon. cecumenica confef. 15 2Ve Epifopi aut Clerici rebiis fe politick implicent autprdeponitor \ 2tym qua Cut quafunt Cafiris reddantur Cafariy &* qua font (Dei Deo. In the end and conclusion of this point, we would befecch our brethren,who hunts for thde Bifhoprtckes , and pretends muc^ for ttam Anti- quitie, to weigh the words of (Damajus, one of the old Bifhops of the uncorrupt Kirk of Rome^approved in the Councell of Neo« caefarea and Antiochia in anno 371* Damafus & concilium Neocaef & Antioch. anno 37 1 . Epijcopi qui facularibus intenti cui* tisgreges corep\fcopis\el\>icmii commendant , Udmtur mibi mcretrich bus {miles quafiatim utpariunt infmtesjuos aliis meretricibut traduni educavdos q*o fuamcitiuslibidinemexplere >alea»t. Sic & ijliinfin** tes fuos A.popuhs (ihi commijfos aliis educandes tradunt ut fuai Midi- ties expleant .1. profuo Ubitufeculaii'jus curts inbimt < humeri* nportslit , Kofqttt idipfum fteere ficrdocuit. St ifft p>o o\il 9U t^ntam curam kabuit^uidnoi mjfcti diffu- Ttjumus qui pro o\ilus nobis commtjfis curam i \hnus , Cr aliis eai Ui tradimut. siudiint qnafo quid fadtus h:eb etixerit focero fue ytgnti amnos fuitecum^ts tut O- czpr Lib*n t nuanto U'otiq: an 'Jine 1»gilns debet tntturttu qui fsfi* ola (Dei Std in bis cr in- Hruatqui dedit pro olilus y-is minicm. Let thclc Bifho; m time bite upon this, wro for one p^eachiag mace ro the people rides furtie prftcs t( Court : for a dates attending on the flocke fpenc^s morithc s in Ourt,Counccli,P^rlirrrent and Conventions; Andfor a thoirju or word beftowed fur the we*le c f any (oule f cares a bw rheif apparell, thartrayni, fl fJily pleafuro and g- Or thcyfhall be bittm eternatlv with that wormc thar ncv ,when Chnft (hall come and call the rn to account of their difpenfation. Chap. III. That fuch a Bifbofrie is <;g matter cc tothehiljr ipturc, an • it Coui oncly then fore a frw tcftimonicsfbr eJ cul* dcld< lolatriacap. i^. £t ttemnui cut: r regemft fhriidn* nsm/iiii 9 omni fi- tis , firfj mm i*~\ i quilormm fofics cum [ curt €isq\ $ glorial i fpopti,. dit in $ turn cc* •m dup t .»d tntn du itur dominttu \ ' a We dude , aut dommu r Jiofi Si utrumque , .here Volet jnaaXtrumque. bunt, ubiauifjiiam yfpo/ii, indo\u E i 2S The Courfe of Conformltie ditiforterminorum autdiftributorterrarum : ftetiffe denique jfpofia* lot \udicandos ,fidiffe \udicantes non tego. But to fane the ftrip of this little Trcatife, out of the great Ocean of the ancienrs,leaving Gregorius ISlj'Zimz^nut) fBnfiUM&nd Epiphmiusot the Greek, ana Hieronymws with jltiguftine chiefe of thcLarines, I will conclude with Gregorius the great BiOiopof Rome, who at the firfl entrie of the .Hierarchie in the Kirk, and of the tyrannieof the An- tichrift, termes \obn of Conftantinople his forerunner, be- caufe that hee ufurped prefumptuouflie aboue the reft , taking to him the (tile of univerfall Bifhop. Gregorius ad Theotiftam fo- rorem Imperaroris, de onere cur# paftoralis li. 8. Epift. 5* MifOY qucd in me collate dudum continentias Vefiras ex bac mo* derm paftoralis\ officii conlhuniia diftraxiftU , in qua fub colore Epif- czpitut ad feculum Jum redultus, in qua tantis terra curis inferVt* quantti me in Vita Lithane qua juawdsftruiijfe remimfcor , alta enint quietis me* gaudia perdidi, (2* tntus corruens afendijfe exterim 1>i* d§or. 2fyrn quis inter tot terrenai euros Vdeat de miraculo pradicare, quum yimmtbi difficile fit faltem recolere 3 prejfas enim in hut bone* retumultu Jacuhrium negotiorum ex iis mihi ejfetideor de quibut eft Jcriptum> dejecifti eordumatlftarentur. JSk ju e mbn dixit , dejeofti eos poftquam alleVati funt fed dum dkVventur , quit prati quique cum temporal* honore fujfulti fork Videntur furgere intus cadunt. trfilebatio ergo ipfa mint eft, ut quit dum gloria falfafubnixifunt^iglo- fia vera eVacuantur, hinc iterum dicit> deficientes ut fumm deficient p fumm quippe afcendendo deficit &* fife dihttndi eVanefcit ,binc rur- fum fcriptum eft, facrilegum eft quoicunque bumano fa* roreinftituiturut difpojitfa 'SivinaUoletur. Now we (hall fubjoine a few tr*que cirnmfiorfum totum hjminem requri:, immo Ux hlmt unjum repertus eft, qui alterutram recie obirepoffct , adeo eft dtfficiiis Mrjjue protivrii.Theod.B'z. Ep.79.5frf & iftud[mi I(noxe) te celiti \>nit xtis retinmU 'Specie \qu<* Uteres eti ft* fellu^hnd'utur. And of thrs opinion clearly & fully ate the Frer and Helvetian Writers & Kirks. As for the Germ injs,ye!hal hear their judgements fh >rtly out of one oftbeit moft godlyan J (ear* ned writers. Div*idChytr*u$ in lAfaxl^Noneft kuttmregm Chi- Jiipoluit ficutrcgnum munimum quodcmdituitxr &f*JlU :di- btuperfonirtim>potentu % - him BccltfU caput eft Cbriftus. fieini crimifiin Eccle/ta funt grdd perftmrum & donor urn : , ;j- pctandijiren Ulc*cs ,C0gendi>& t c. att'met 9 omn:s inter ft funl 4j 'tales O* ' jHidem arithmetic* os autem nonftc. Pel wt & Joins guhem ttor Ecclcfi e eft ipfe Chriftus fibe \>;rbum Dei : hoc ft to \erbo re- git Cbiftut EccUJiam nongradibivs O* potentia pet Antrum. Ex hoc lo* roNfuh. it.mtelltgiptieft fMtmsdt rcgia fjutijicum O* Epifiopi- run domintit* cumE\>*ngeiio congruxt. Chap. II IT. That fitch 4 Bifhoprie is again (I the do Urine of the Kirk cf ScdtL,\ i:hed the fe 46 yeares. TU :V» \ bfeMC b< -d oftheG .is r-e, w kotR foitlJ that the IMh » .i ":~^nTrr^^ teatcirc? I tTTers, f»itls ill >r pro 1 .' - h- zixxiifiutjt.de taptti tccUfix ^ it tt \\\ j^ro^Fsl5ju£g^ope"and his Hierarchic, with Dc&or Whit- gTrrTagaTnft M. Cartwiight ,~and 'ficlike the rtft that write oft that head. Secondly Jet The auditors yet living of thefe notable Preachers of the Kiik of Scotland,glrnfie God in this matter,and ceafe rotas they love the honour of Chnft, ad vveale of his kirk, fo.long as they are able to fpeak,to give an evident and full tefti- monie, whar they bane heard of M. l(noxe, M. Craig, M . IVil- locfys, M Goodman, M. Lwfcn, M. $cw,A4. Fogvfcnc, M. jfr- buthneU M fytloc^ M. Durie, M. (tatitfene, M fent, and o- thers rnoft godly, fincete, and learned met, who all ioyned with their continuall powerfull co&rine frctfi Pnlpit,their travels; yea and fuffenngs, in dinging againft that Popifli corruption of Bi- fhops, till it was all utterly purged and expelled forth of the kirk, and who now refting from their labours, yea triumphing in the heavens, haue left the true difciphne and government of the kirk and kingdome of lefus Chrift, well and firmly eftabhfhed and fetled within our Kirk; the comfortable effeft whereof hath been viuely and fincerely enioyed unto thefe late dayes. And praifed be the name of our God and Chrift,there wants not yet fuccc flora both to their place and do&rine, able both by preaching and pen- fling to maintaine, yea by his grace not onely by impnfonmcntt povertie,contempt and traducing of the worlfu bh fled with a general band for the maintenance cf true relrgion.and his tjtta* testes ejfate and per j on ^ by his CMaieftte^ his Queen and houfl)old,and alienates of the Realtne.&c. H E words of that confeffion for this purpofe are thefe : We abhorre and dtteft all contrary religion anddottrine, cbitfly all fynd offapijlrk ingemrall andpurttiular, elm df:hitw,mdufe of the holy facraments, as Sue* Ij members of th fhmt in Cbr\ } w wedd: Tromtfing anlfoeiring iy tb gri it nimeofthL ri our God, that Tbe fh ill continue in the crc ii~ enc: §f the doctrine and difcipime of this k}\, *n ljh.il I r ne 9 According to our location ani ^over , all th: dayet of our lives, p lints contained in the L>w,\nl dinger both )fto fy ind fo«lein ( of Gods ft rr fill judgments. And after a few lines, jre Vri'lingto tah aaf yallfufvicion of by ' :niof is 4*4' P r ° u ft> wda: r of kit hearts to ^'itncjfe^ thtt our mindetdn doe full ; our c ;, pro- ntifi, oath and fu J >fcription : So that ao: are not moled fort; .dly refteft, but are perfwaded onely in ourco tbrongh the\nowU and loue ofGis :> uc 1{el?gii ted in our heirts by the 4$ 2>c ; : to him in the hy Ttken th: f.icts ojj all beut< diflefed. TEcn it loT>e "ihaTthc (erring up of Bifhops wftt7Rro\* dowi the dtfciplinccf our Knkpr if that o gu'cjnth any thing to do wirh thefc corruptions^' I*apitTnc?oTAnt:chriftnn hierarchy; The Kmgour Sovcrai^ne, his moft excellent aid Chriitiau Ma- kefile, and hi- neuemoft ancient, religio bleEftatesof Parlamcnr^f there were no other realpn bat this one,woul J not for all the world fall under the danger of Co horrible a pcrjuflc againft G:>d to fct up B (hops a^ain;yea,and if it were no more but - of civil h ^n before thevrorl not be in r din r< I great name ofGod itit< i )Onfe(fioQ of faith be- jngputin i the realm .ill command.: pnvil in ail \\. es throghoutEurope, yea and at hi ronatioti xitin Latin publn common pod of i n dii :e- lics,and by Bifh or I God forbid^ be about I no- in whiih' BOUlUc \ 53 The Cowfe of Conf ormitie doubteth what was the difciplir.e of the kirk of Scotland at the firft fubfcriving and fwearing of that confeffion, let thero feck the Regifter of the general Affembly holden at Glafgcw,to the which it was prefented, together with a platforme of the whole Prefby- tcriesto be eftabliftied throughout the Realme by the Laird of* Captinton comiffioner for his maieftie to the fayd affembly in the yeareof God 1 5 81, they fhal find that the Bishopries were wholly abolifiied inthe affembly holden at Dundie the yeare immediatly prcceeding.So that without al queftio,it is meant of the difcipline of the kirk exercifed by Pre{byteries,Synods,and generall Affem- blies dire&ly opponed to the corruption and tyranny of Bi(hops # as was clearly defined and ratified in Parliament. After the fecond fubfcriving anew againe of the fayd confeflion in the yeare 1591. In end, feeing thefe fame men, who now would be Bifhops, haue once or twice (worne and fubferived this conft ffion, it marvels mc with what forehead they can be about a purpofe fo quite contra-^ ty thereto. Chap. VL That this office ofBijhofrie is agdinU the tcnflitutions $f the Kirk of Scotland m her Affemblies. MAifterI(*wx following the light of holy Scripture, and the advice of Theodor #<^>as he had preached continually, fo immediatly before his departure, lie wrote to the general! Affemblie convened at Striveling inthe yeare 1571 in thele words : VnfaithfuU and tray tors to the flocks JhaM yee bee befort the Lord leftis, if that Tbitbyour^ confent direttly or indirettiyyitfi'ffer un- worthy men to be thruft in within the minifterie of the IQtltf under frhat pntence that eVer it be. Renumber the ludge iefore xohomyee muff m%$ an account , and refifi that tyrannie , as yee Drould aloyd belts fire. And this letter is regiftrat in the afts of the fayd Affembly. In the generall Affemblie convened at Edinburgh in March 1 572, feff.7. M.lobn Spottifwood fuperintendent of Lawthiane, gaue in this article. It U neither agreeable to the 7>otd of Cod , norprattife of the primitiue l(jr%e,tbat thejjirituall adminiftration of the word and fa- craments,and the miniftraiion of the cititt and criminal juftice Jliouldbe Jo confounded jkat oneperfon may occupie both the cure j.Wherfore the whol Affem.rcfufcd rhe Earle of Morton then Regent his defire, to make minifters feiSoners in the colledge of luftice. From that affembly unto the affembly holden at Dundie Iuly 15 So, the cor- ruption of the Bifhoprie was more and more efpied, unto the time the whole Affem T .beijag ripely advifed,and fully refolvcd all as it hath proceeded* 3 $ in ene royce yeeldcd as folleweth : Forafmucb 4Stbt office of* 2i- hip* as it is now ufidani commonly taleen Hoitbin tits retime, h+tb no Warrant, authority nor ground in the JbordofGod ; but is brought in he folly and corruption of mans invention, to the great overthrow of the '{bhjifGod. The Tbhole affonbly oftbs I\i>\in one Voyce after libatit 'iben to all men to reafon in the matter, none opponing himflfe in d^fen- Ung the fy.l pretended office, Fmdes anddulares tbcf :ended of *ice, uftdand tearmedas U about fay d,unhw full i/i itflft>a< having mi- lker fundament aground nor Tb arrant in thefcriptures of God : and or- laines that alt fuch perfons its bruises orflutt bruise henafur:' f €ce,lhiUbee ibn^ed /imply to dimit, quyt, and Laue off the fame t u an office ftbtreunio th.y are not called ly God. ^An\ ficl\\e to icjifl end ceajfe from all prtiching of the \bord, mimftratiun oftbefacraments, or Vfingany fray the office of Pastors, It huh wep recdue dc novo admifjlon from tl *bly % under the paine of excommunication to bte • : g>™iji thi w,B if they be found difoberii ne this act in any pi fentence of excommunication after due admonitions to be execute agaxnfl ib-.m . The yeare foPowing 1581 a forme of ciu- bhfhing Prelbvreries throughout all the (hires of the Realm were fent from hi> Maieftie to the general adembly cenvenced at Gi. gow, and comnulljoners both from his Maicfty and the genetaQ affembly nominate and ordained to plant Pre; parts convenient. The whuh being done,notonelvcea(ed all ruling of bifliops, but alfo in the generall aflVmbly a ..ft 1590 all comtniflion inemblic fbc \i- Gtation of Pro. in lined to ccafe, w! were plan! r< o* out all danger of tyranny and authontie « Me government within the Kirk: and that I ved that fori of fole go^ t to be again ft the w< G , and th brtftbadoi his kirk to bec 1 he common cart- dl of his lawfully called Paftors,D< .tors, Elders and D in their meetings and afleml ibmc,that thefe {.: which the kil ,:t,holden Gn< ccmber \\< . coftitui at> known to tl . 1 .. tcr of the Kirk fas done. allaflcmbl) 'l jffftm $ . . i ulmein n*wt ; then tern !>l> tf <. in name of the fyk^U B\o Ultt aijl F a j4 The Courfe of Conformitie asmany of them as JhouU bee chofen for the Vole in Parliaments as Tnrt Tbont $foldin time of the Tapifticall \irkjo ho fBiflyops,yf blots and fry - ors , that bad the lil(tlib!rtie>Viz\ to the number offiftie one cr thereby. ltem,afterreafoning it was Voted and concluded, that the ekUton offuch of the minifierie, as fionldbaue Vote in parlian. thought to be of a mixed qualitie,and appertains partly to his mate fly, and partly to the fyrf^ In the generall afTemfoly at Monrrofe 1600 in March *{cff.6. Concerning the manner ofchoofing of him thitjh .»# blue Vote in parliament in name eftbe I(irf{, it if condifcended upon, that hejh vl be ftrji recommended by • ihefy\eto bis Miieftie, and that tbil{h\fc\ll nominate fix for iberj place (bat bitb need to be fitted, of whom bis Ma . fhitt cboofe one JVbom he beft itfces, \under the fay d paine. 2 Heefyull bee bound at every generall jijftmbly, to gtue an account &nent the difcba\gc of his commijfion,[ince the a/Jembly going before* , andjhallfubmit himfelfe to their cenfure, and ft and to their determinate en whatjbeVer, without appellation^ andfliallftt](e and obtaine ratificati* en of his doings at the ftydAJfcmbly Vnder the pme ofinfamk ami ex* communication* 3 iHi as it hath proceeded* 3y 3 tftjh ill content himfilfi Kitb tbrtparl of the henefke, frhhb ' ttgiten to Urn ly bis maiesly for bis foing, not hurting nor prejudging the rejl aftbe minifies of Ijfritbm bis benefice planted, or to tee planted or any other minrAtr of the countrcy V>bajfotVer % and tbu cUufe to be infer t in his prolif: 4 Ht fall net dilapidate in any frcy, neither fet nor mslee difpeftien thereof Kith out tbejjfeii ;.i advice andconfentofhis A. rai tffemliy Ani for the greater Van mfelA trot to ddapi Ire, nsr com n thereof made ly olh:n, to : wily, en k content tb.it inhibitions tec raifedon him to tb.it e/fM. 5 Hejliiil bt l ;:b/uily to attend upon bis own pirliculxr con- tregation,Trb:re be fli-U le minister in all the poyntsofa T*ft*r s avd patmtnt fkallbt fubjttt to the triall and cevjure cfhis own Tiijlytc- fie and froUnt uiL «l any other mmjl.y tb.it Uans not iom- mijjion. 6 \n the a fmmftntwu ofdifcipline y collation cf benefices, Vrttttion and at other poynts of Eidejiasl tea lgo\ eminent M P* ' ntkba ufrp nor dccLtmc to iim/clfc cry power or lurifliclion, further thin any ottHf of tie rejl of bis brethren , except he be imp toy nd by his I r tbc paine of deprivation* yimiin cafe bee it fur pe any part $ftl JlLill goVtrnmcnt , and th: :.s , Synodail or g.nerall jtf* /implies oppone and tnal^ Any impediment thereto , S do after tb.it impediment to be null ipfo fafto Tpiihout any d ie. 7 In 'Trifl bimfilfl in c:toti\ir c jftbebre. tbrenoftb. 8 At bit ■ e mi no c poyntt n: lie 9 Synod or Uric from Vote in 4th nt ti(Jio- | It (Ixtut-: and or ^ed frith a con. ambtcui I » 3 1 The Courfe of Conformitie SeO. The general! Affembly having reafoned at length the fue/Hoto tneitibis commi/fion , $>bo jlnttbotein ParlUment , w>etberheftouli endure for bis life time, except fome crime or offence intervene , or for s porter time at the pleafure of the IQrf^ , Findes anddecernes that bejhill znnummgiue accompt of b'tcommijfion obtained from the AJfemblU And lay down the fame at tbdr feet to be continued or altered therefrom ly bv Majeftie and the AJftmblie,£U the Affem. frith confent of bis Ma). fhi.tt tbhkjxpedient to the' freale of the l{ir\e. Wbtfc frbole conclufions being read in audience of the frbole affembly > and they being ripely adbi/ed therewith, rat ified,4ll owed and approved theftme, ani thought expedient that the/aid Cautions, together frith fucb others asjbalbe concluded upon by the Affemblie, be infert in the bodie of the Att of Parliament, that is to be made for confirmation of bote in Parliament to the JQrl^ as moji necefftrie and fub/lantiall parts of the fame. Then briefly to aflume and conclude , but fo it is that their nevvL.B. neither in the entrie to their office, nor yet in their behaviour therein, hithertohaue kept one jot of thefe conftitu* tions and cautions , but hath broken alt; therefore fuch roomes and offices flieuld not be confirmed to them in this prefent Par-* Itamentr Cha?. VII. That the Office of Bishtfrie is againfi the lams ef this Reatme* OVr Soveraigne , the Kings mod excellent Majeftie came in. to the world, and entered to his Kingdoms of this Realme* with the cleare light of the Gofpeli, and the eftabhfhing of a reformed Kirk, & therfotc as a moft godly and Cbriftian Prince hath in his all Parliaments confirmed , ratified and approved the freedoms and libertieof the true Kirk of God, and religion pub- lickly profeffed within his Majeftie Realme , as in his firft Parlia- ment holden by his Majefties good Regent the Earle of Murray s Likewife in his Highnefle fecond r holden by his grandfather the Earl of Lennox;the fame is ratified in the firft A& of his firft Par- liament holden after the taking of the governement in his High* nefleoivn perfbn. Alfo in the firft of his fixt Parliament holden at Edinburgh the so of October 1579- Our So^eraigne Lord frith advice andconfnl of hU three Eftates, and frhole bedie of this prefent Parliament ratifies *r approues aU andfrbat/beher Acts & Statutes made if before by his Highnes, "frith advice of his Regents in bis own re?gnc y 0Y bis Predece fors, anent the libertie and freedom^ of the true I(jrf^ of God tod religion nofrprefently pro fejjed ftitbin this mlm* and fpemlly &c> The as It hath proceeded. 17 The fecond a& of the fame (ixt Parliament is 'expreflv for the )\i+ rifdi&ion of the Kirk which is there faid co confi \ &c ftand in the preaching of IefusChrift, corre&ion of manners, and admmftra- tion of the holy Si:raments; ana 1 d-clares tha: there is no other face of a K»rk, nor orher fare of Rrligion > then is prefently by the favour of GdJ eftabliftied within this realme. And that there be no other Iurifdickion E'clefufticall acknowledged within this Realm other then that which is & dial be within the fame kirk,oc that which floors there from concerning the premises. And in his Majefties feventh Parliament at Edinburgh, Ocfcobcri 581 .In the firft Aft there is a generall ratification of the hbertieof the true Kirk of G 1 1, and confirmation of all the A&es and Lawes made to that effe& before , by particular rehearfall aid catalogue, apd amongft the reft , Th: rati Uition oftb: libcrtie of th: true IQ>\ of Coddnl religion , andanent the Iunfdi&i on of the Kirk of God twice.And after the Kings prrfe&ageof 11 yearcsin the eleventh Parliament, At Edinburgh luly 1 587, there is acleareand fullra- tifiationof all Lawes made anent the libcrtie of the Kirk. Now if any will fay , what is all thefe A&es againft the Biftiops? I fay,dire&: for what foe vcr is for the Mmifters , Prcfbyters and Aflcmblies, is againft the Bi hops : Bat fo it is that all thefe A&s arc for the,becaufeas wchaue fhown,the do&rine and conftituti. ons of tkc Mmifters & AfTcrablKS.hath been ever fine* the refor- mation , againft the corruption of B.fh ipi , and thac is the free- dom, libcrtie and dilciphne of the Kirk which is confirmed, for verification whereof wcallcdge firft the Confeifion of faith con- firm^! by Parliament and regiftred am ong the hStcs thereof, wherein the 19 Article anent the notes of the true Krk, ye haue !aft E:ckfo/Hc.itl fiifipline uprightly mini trei as GjM toord prefcri- 1>td : But lo it is, that out of the Word the dafttinj of the Mmi- fters ha:'i been againft the Bifhops, as alfo the dif down in the Generall . lies. New chat the firft Act of his Mi- jeftics A£l> of Parham ent. Oju ignt Lard IP ib 1 foicc of i is three efiites audTPhole bote of this breftat Pirlinnen: , hit id an : Wmiftcrs of the okjjtd EpangeU of Ufa Chifi , JPhom Gil of h: true in J holy JQ-'l Thirdly, thai . Adw :o#n.:>> Por- xnillycoi ihccaule; 1//^ th ament of K - • o A iij9i ftfi uijrt of th .! Af- fimblit >' ij in 1 . r in ft - fort* fiid t'yf ■ 10 11$+ griming com ito&.Anio:b. s 8 7^ The Courfe of Conformitie tfticatt caufesto receiue his HighneJJe prefentathn to Senejices^ndgiui collation thereupon, and to put ordtr in ad caufis Eccleftafiicall , Woitb his Majrtlie and Eftates fore/aid declares U be expired in itfclfe, and to be null in time comming,andofncne dbaile, fine nortjfctt.Andtber- fore ordaines all prejmtations of Benefices to fo direct to particular TreA byteries in all time comming^ With full power to giue collation thereupon* gnd to put order to all manners and caujes Ecclefiafiical within the bounds according to the difcipline of the J(eV^. And finally the *& of annexa- tion of the remporalitie of the benefices to the crown of neceflt- tie, demolishes and beates down all the Bifliops , lam.6 TmU i e C*p* %$. Chap. VIIL That they are again [I the honour of Cod And his Chriff* THe (landing for the maintenance of the kingdome of God, and, whom hee hath anointed his King upon his holy moun- tain?, the Lord Iefus Chrift, is to their honour; bkcasco Aide from it and leaue it , to follow after the world, is againft the honour of God and Chrift. To hear the word of God and to do it* is the fpecial honouring of God,8e of that great Paftor of the fheep the Lord Iefus Chrift:As by the cotrary thercjc&irgof>isword f and caftingit off behind their back is his diflionour. And finally %o build & plant with God is to honour him,fo to caft down & iooc out that, which by the Minifterie of his notable fervancs he hath "builded and planted is to his high difhonor: But fo it is,as I hauc verified & fhcwn,that Biftiopricks makes men to Aide away from the Kingdomeof Chrift 3 to leaue it,and follow the worH,to rtySt his word and caft it behind their back : And finally to caft down and roar out,rhat wh'ch Chrrfts faithfull fervants hath bigged and planted,even that finccrity of the Gofpell & freedom of the Kirlc of Chrift brought to fuch perfe&ion,and fo well tftablifhed,& left unto us by them: and (o with the Scribes andPhanfes to feek the glory of men rather then of Gcd>& to feek honor one of another* and not to honour Chrift nor to feek to be acceptable unto him. And is it not, alas, a horrible difhonouring of God, and the preaching cf his bleffed veritic & word, to flatter men & anndint their filthie flefh with earthly honor,wealrh & fenfuahtie,tomakc Chriftsholy Minifters to be loathed,fclandered andevil fpoken of. And as the Lord rebuked £/#the Ptieft & his fons, vvhofe finnes were great before the Lord, in making men t© abhoire the Lords Minifters and cfferings:Therfore the Lord threatned them by Sd- TnueJ faying: Wherforehaueye hjck^d^gainfiwyfcrijice f% my ojjf rings *lfrhiib lemmmckd in my tabimack,and honors tbj ct'tldnn aboutm** H as It hath proceeded. 3 $ to make your filfi fit of the firfi fruits of ill tbt off .fin*; of ny people Jfrael , therefore the Lord God of Iff a $t/Uth , / jn i ufi and tbt boufi of thy jfatbtrs (hould frallce before me for el>er • I hi Lord futb itfhallnotbe fo ; f r thy thit honour me I frill honour , mithey tbatdfrifi mefbilt be d-fjifid jf-i inon*,0 yee T4:fis 9 cryed AfaU? tbie, tb:s :o >:>?, 1 1 tsfjryo-i, if y* Ml not heart it nor co hi your In ue glorie unto my name, f &i// eVen fad a curje u*sn jbu\ and mil czr/f- r ur ' kffingi ; yea, 1 b me cur fid them alreadie , bt* raufiyedoenv: > it in your heart* . fitbold 1 ft til corrupt your fie d % andexfi dong up on your faces, ehentb: d$9g cfyourfiLmnefeafis, tndyefoiltbi: tike unto it; andy:ef):U l^iowthat 1 bxuefint tbiscom- tnandement unto you , that my coVtrumt frbkh I haiu mxdi Jbitb L\i y miz}:tjl and, faith the Lord of hojli. My col D itb him of life and peace and equitie, and be did turn: finny avray fo tbt fPtiefis hprfljiuldprtrfiruc J(norpkdge t a»d tbt: bis vivuthfirbe it the meffeng^rof tb) Lord efhojl:. yneout of % the fray, ye hake caufidmxny tj fdlby the Latv y y ro\en tl n r,t of L^i^l .ith the Lord of bofis Theref youtt ht defftfidaBdliic before all the [tople 3 becauftyee - t my Jbxyes* Chap. IX. That this Bificpricis ngaintt the honour and weak of the Kings CZfajtJIie. IS it not the Kings we ale &: honour to honour God,to !oue,rrar & obey hir.vo bj wife and learned, to ferae God in fear,and ic- joicc in trembhng,to kiT u>n left '. bcanurf- father ro the Ktrk, to be an avenger of all breakers of Gods holy hwand mifordcrs again ft Vim marufeftword and truth: And ina word to raigninChiift,by Chtift, :h Chnft.&againft the fiflOC that drawes lum to the ccntraricr Is it not t; and ho* nour of his M»j. co hohhimielfe in the fa >d,& that re. ▼crcnt louc ic of all that feares God unf '.y p & loucrrfa thai profeffionoft] cntv i nc,wherof lji> II. fie Ki ic in r! . found Rr # that all th , all the Bn- , at thai demean | ai;h, or.e Law, let his W far * . cai c li he Gofpcl;bail io l >k with iht fame j and be a„u b >* \ 1 . i 4d The Courfe of Conf ormitic good appearance holding faft the fame to reigne mod bleffedly even to that appearance of Chrift the King of Kings from the heavens. Is ir not his Majefties weale and honour to ftand faft to that confeflion of faith fworne and fubferived by his Highneffe , for good example tohishoufhold, eftates and all his fubjefis, ex- tant in all languages , affixed as it were on the moft high pillar in the great Theater of Europe, teftifying and proclaiming to all f his Majefties pietie, finccritie and zeale to the Gofpell of Chrift andhisKingdome, againft all corruption and thraldome of the Antichrift of Rome ? And againft his weale and honour that Ieades him to thecontrarie ? Is it not the weale and honour of his Royall Majeftie , to haue all the hearts of the moft fincere Proteftants and profeffors of the holy Evangell ; not onely throughout great Brittaine, but alio France, Gerrnanie, Switzer- land and Sweden , to be as it were the heart of one man, to ware all their bloud for his Majefties fafetie in perfon , encreafe in ho- noured ftabilitie in eftate ; by holding faft unaltered or mixed the fincere fimplicitie of the Gofpell , and do&rine, facraments and difcipline, which they haue fo long profeffed with his Ma- jeftie > and againft the which what curfed force or bufinefle was ever able to prevaile unto this houre? And finally, is it not his Majefties weale and honour to be fafe and free from the falfhood, flatterie and crueltie of ambitious avarice, which hath broughi fo many tiotable Emperours, Kings and Princes to tragicall ends, corrupted fincere Kirkes,and overthrowne flourifhing Common* wealthes ? And verily this venome and poyfon of humane Bi- fhops,degenerating into Satanicall, hath filled the Ecch fiaftical & civill hiftories full of fuch effefts , the fmalleft haire of root and pickle Jof feed is therefore to be fanned away and plucked out of all Kirkes,Kingdomes and Common- wcalthes This the god- ly wifedome , quickneffc of wit , prudence and fagacitie of the King, who is as an Angell of God, can well maike , and take up afarre, both to beware of it where he hath found it, and can not well amend it,and not to permit to creep into the field fo care- fully and cleane purged therefrom . Thus pafling over the impai- ring of the Kings patrimonie, and many moe things againft his HighneiTe weale and honour, for brevities fake I end this point, not doubting but his Majeftie is alwaies mindfullof that decla- ration, fo clearely, godly and eloquently penned & fubferibed by his Highneffe own hands, at bis Majefties Parliament holden at Linlithgow in December 1585, The conciufion whereof is moft worthie of remembrance at this time, for that by forgetting that, tbefe who feek Epifcopall dignitie feekes the hurt and dishonour of hts moft renowmed Majeftie. Thcnfiiortlj to end this my deck* ration , i as it hath proceeded. 41 ration, Imindnct to cut away m - r ' J' 1^,1 scclanfc i rife to I ofdoltrinzin\ n>bcrtfus $r true mtcrprrtation of Scripture (s-c. And in end , Afy intention is not to medal? frill crcommuication , Pfiift or m y forp^r in any thing that is meo -Jlic<:ll> Any that Cods Ttcrct < I !(. yind to conclude I confcjje and acfyo wkdgt C iver to tht fame, yind I ' ute to tbtmftlu !{ii ^ and not v dor alter any thing that tbclbord of God lath oih/y icynittedto bis I(jil(; om~ mitts mawfljl idt ktrh , *nd nnes sgatnfl the 1 r m not trusting the I Son; againfx the Sonne in not o I y- g Km , and m talking bisphce ; I tht h faidhefy o f I to ha ccnfcicnce. Certair.iy thus i. d and i Chnft h ines fliall be Well and honourable, according to that promiic, 1 Ttiil honour bim that honour s me. Chap. X. jhdt this Bishopric is agAinJl the honour and 'weak of tht Realm* . Win hath flood thy honor and wcale 6 Scotland thefc 46 ycarcsand aboue : \V as it not, in th - fall : jndgeth rightly, inth of the Gof| el 5c free- dom a 1 lefus Chriftl K onota Since that Goi peace c. Within >u haft vaine wars Iftof thee. 6c b upon all that lifted theuh d th ir Andfh.. • forth bet ire thy ej . he •h chofc fo ; begin iod hu-tkfhrW of whom the A h write rtffh, Ttl.of .inft, w thy i . Calu thel, that (oil caftchee a\ \ m his face rTh.v feekc gl one of another^ io neither can I 4*. , The Courfc of Conformitie felues, nor make thee doe it and befafe. Surely for wealth mi' honour worldly thou was never comparable toother nations, but the Eraugell fo planted in thee was that crowa of thy glorie,that decored thy head, and fct it upaboue allRealmcs and Kingdome*. upon the face of the earth. Hearken, dear mother,what the Lord faid unto his people Ifraei of old, &: rake it now to be fpoken un- Dsut. 4. to thee. Jfsfy from the tines of old that bxut been before thee, Men from that day that God created man upon the earth fro lb: one end of the bet* Vert unto the olbtr, if there Jb.ti done fuch a thing as th'u U^orif there bxtb been beard ib: lily fit: If my God hath effayedto come &ta\t unto him a nation out of the midfl of another nation, Tbith proofes mdfignes end feonders, "frith Tbar-flrong hand &flr etched out arme ; finally fi>itb mc/i great terrours according t$ all that Iefatdbbatb done for you , e^en your £ %am. 7* God to bring you out of the Undof Egypt. IVbit nation is lifytbypco- %l m *4. pie ffraetin all the earth Jbbicb for to be a people Vtent to redeem,andhalb' gone to get bimfelfe a name, and to Dearly the fe great things and mrgbtie , reverently to be admired, expelling fiomtbe face of thy people &bom thou redeemed to thee out of Egypt the 2\(ations and then Gods • for thou baft tflabUfh^d thy people ffiael that it may be a people unto thee for e\>er y and 8?&J JUT *^ ou hboVab their God. Who telletb bis Vpord to lacobJoU Statutes and ■ * ^ 'Lam5tolfrael,hebatbnotdonefotoanymtion; therefore thy fyotp not thefe Lawes* Traifiyee the Lord. Was not Papiftrie thy Egypt, 6 Scotland, and did nor the Lord deliver thee out of it, and fafeing thee from that tyrannic and thraldome brought thee unto a plea- fant Canaan of his Gofpell to ferue him in fptritand truth: and that in fuch a manner and forme, as the like was never heard nor fcene? And no leflc miraculoufly hath he made thee to dwel ther- in fo iongj fo fafely,fo freely : and (halt thou then goc and make to thee other Captamcs by Mofes and ^Ahron, yea contemning them thy lawfull Priefts ScLevitcs, to lead thee back again into Egypt ? God forbid, But fo it is(deere natiue country) your Seers fee, and your Watchmen gtues you a faithfull warning, crying to yoUjthac the Epifcopall Hierarchie is verie Papiftrie, and fpirituall Egypt, Howbeit.by the pollicie of men , otherwaies buskit, attired and ^refled to take the foolifh andfimple vvithall. It is no other thing 5n the fubftanc^ thereof, taken from the laft and groffeft dung of Antichrift, making the Kingdome of Chrift to be of this world , turning the fpirituall worfhippingof God in outward toyes and ceremonies,bringingthe pomoe of the world in:o the fimple and kumble Kirk; yea corrupting the fouataines of the waters of life, and empoy foning rhe food of the ibules to work dangerous fi k- ne{fes and deadly difeafes amongft thy fonnes and daughters. The ^vholc Pulpits hath founded unto you fo many years,aud yet cou~ 5*nues to found where they are not emptied or terrified by rheic: * tyrannic as it hath proceeded - 4$ Tyrannic. Admitting that Bifhopric againc, loft is your honour, wracked is your welfare, and jor,« 1$ your grace and garland of heavenly and fpincuall glorie tor ever. Forget not the firft eiTay et their good icrvice in Parliament to G, Kiik and Com- monwealth, in giving their voces and fuffrages to icventeen erecti- ons of the Prelacies and ltvirgs cf the Kirk in tcmporall Lord- ships to attainc thirteen rcung^d and di , a* was reported and complained upon to the KlQp Majcftie and hit Councell at Harriet 3n Court, 1606. Chap. XT. That Bifhofrie is fig&injl the constttutiea dr.dfttUd cjfate cf the Ktrk And K wgdem^nd [trnojl dangerous. IT* is an Axiom approved in Experience and Policie. Quod #*r- nis muutti 7(tifn!\ tft prricuhh tikmfi m mtStii , h ich more in dtttnuf. The rcaion then bolderh thus. Ail dangerous things for the eftate and common-wealth are to bee efchewed : But change is cat gcrous, namely from Rich an cftare , which t nforme to the word of God , good Lawes and ConftilDOODS* the judgement of the holic ft arc heft learned , ancient and mo- derne,rhe befteftau of the Primitiue Kirk , and beft Knkrs from cor I Papifli efrarc plaine contrane, and fo 11:0ft 1 -^us. For let Lawyers li- tiqucsrrafon an I part for the eftate of* ih< King* dome, we dare boldly conclude, ^ vve nan- bcKirl . \\ is canoe* d with the good e: aChri- ftian] v Common-weal: the I bleexperiei 1 probatic n , [ of both the fw -ath brought t glomes an wealths m . moftfili ic t in • foulef.i itohauc bloudiebai the, raoda ftifeiofihat| ambition 6c avarice, j • liogibctafieatipi to 44 The Courfe of Conformitie to grow up to feed , to fhak'c and overgrow the fame ? Or mall. thefe dregges be cafl tnaLimbique, and fuch Aquavitic to bs drawn thereof as will make the braines of all giddie that tafts thereof? Shall thefe Cockatrice egges be hatched in our King* dome of new, whereof all Kings, Kingdomcs and Eftatcs that haue eaten therof are dead in. fin, and fpintuall and temporal! fla- verie?Ani fuch as haue been fparked therewith doe cry as if ih "j. vvere ftiingWnh a viper ? The Lord fafc our kirk, kingdom and IjLing from Fuch fparkes. We haue produced before , the Lavvcs of our Kingdome , the conftitutionsof our Kirk , the do&rine and confeflion thereof, vvh rreunto all the members both of Kirk and Commonweal, & Kingdome h-iue folemnly fvvorn and fubfcrived,and which hath been profefTed, eftablifiied, and flood in our Kirk and Kingdom almoftnow an whole Iubile of yeares.To all the which this Bi- fhoprie,this ufurpation of both Offices Civill & Ecclefiafticall the temporall Lordfliip,the earthly dcminion,the worldly vain pemp andthemoft dangerous invafion of governing both court & kirk is moil repugnant. And yet not with Rand ine the walles of our Troj',which,were builded bythe finger of our God,muft be demc* li{hed,& we with our own hands hail in that de vilifh Grecian horfc Within the Lords Citie, to fet it all on fire. O mad folly ! 6 terrible Judgement for the contempt of rhe Gofpeltand frimlefle abufe of the freedome thereof, fo long, fo liberally and fo glorioufly be* (lowed on Scotland ! C HA P. XII. This Bifhoprie is againB the honour md weak of the 2^- ble Eflates of Parliament. THchonoutand weale of the Noble Eftatcs of Parliament, namely fince the light of the Gofpell fhined in our dark na„ tion fl wasto haue the Kirk of Godand libertie of this raoft ancient Kingdome in fpeciall carefull regard, ro make good lawes in favour ofthe fame, and to fee them haue life and vigor by due execution. And for thatefFeft to haue a folerone and free advice and vote,without the which nothing fliould pafle and be effc&u- all by any convoy, plot or praftif* whacfoever. But fet mee up thefe Bifliops once (called long fince the Princes Ledhorfe^) things if they were nevet fo unlawful, unjuft, ungodly and per- nicious toKirkandReaime, If they (hall be borne forth by the countenance, authoririe, care and endevour of the King (fuppo- fing fu^h a one, as G >d forbid , come inthcroome of our moft Kenoumed Soveragine (for as to ihe beft harh oftentimes fucceeded as it hath proceeded. 45 fuccccn'edtheworflj they (hall be ra::ed through by hisBifhopfl fet up and entertained by him f>r :ha: ct? _1,a.iJ the reft of the •ftatct not onel iascyphers, ha: alfo bears the blame thereof to tteirgr?at cvill and dishonour. And if one willaske h j.v (h\\\ rhefe B (h:> v> be more Lubted ro be carried after the ap- petite of an evill t >n ice, then the reft of the eftares. The anfwer and reafort is, becaufetheyhaue their Lordfhip and living, their honojr,eftimacion, profit andcommodiue of the King by others. King may fee them vp, and caft them downe, give them and take from them , put them, in and out at his pleafure. And t her efore they mutt bee at his direct in t) do: what lik-th , and in a word, he may doe with them by law, becaufe they let vpagatnft law ; bat with other eftac.s hee cannoc doe fo, they having richer heritable (landing in their roomes by the fun- damcntall lawes,or then but a commiflion from the cftate that fend them, as from the BurgeflTes or B nones. Agame, ifone would fajr, Howbeit the B.fhops and all the f i ualll .iUtc e corrupted, yet there is two or three eftaccsbefi 4c : Wee an- fwer firft, there is a great number of the other eftates, w is eafie to make choyce of lorne, that for ccrtaine oommodiiic and advancement of their ftate and matters, mav be ealily corrupted. r, deprave me once the Ecclefiafticall eftate, which hath the gift of knowledge & learning by others, and are fuppol aufe they (hould bee of beft confcience, that lb th y are, the reft Will eafily bee mifearried. And that fo rnueh cl :, that the offi iais of tftarc, Lords of St(Ii>n, ludges, Lawyers that hauc their offices of the King, are commonly 1 after the courts aff.ftion. Yea, let Chancellor, Secretarie, Thefaurecj Pre- r, Control!, r, a id others that now are, ta I that rl new Prclau Kntk as convctouaand at icmleluesby ri | and ob: a m the Pni: 2 to the bearing of all 4 rfiecs or c- fta-e and l rownc,and to the cxercifing thereof, eufly, pi ' and Angels of light, being dej • i ..id poj . by that old DCS the I .!. A til febisp auui^ CHAP, $$ The Cowrfc of Conforrnhic Chap. XIIL Thit this Bifhtfrie is Agtinft the wuk tfdllSttttipime* fa ftule l$dj And goods. HOwbeit that thist>c cleare enough of all that haue been fpe* ken in the chapters preceding, yet particularising theiamc^ we will make it more clearc-Wec call there gooci Scotttih- »en, that have a true fence of the honour of God, love of their Chrift, care of the finceritic of rheGofpell, and libertie of his Kirke, a feeling of the need of their foules, a hunger and thirft for righreoufneffe,and that word of life which is the food therof, and thercwithall a louc of their natiue couatrey, of the frcedotne andwealeof the fame. Now this Biihoprie fhal! cither take a- wayall true religion and finceritie of the Gofpell,orthen the fruitfull vfe thereof for the feeding and comfort of foules. For if there arife a Popifli or prophane Prince, they muft alter with him, and pleafe and obey him, or tyne their places, their honours,tbeir riches and plealures, theiarhich they wiU not doc , becaife tbey have already given their confeiences, honcflie, truth, and credit before God and roan, as a price for thefe things of the woiid* And put cafe true religion Hand, what care will they haue of feeding of foules, who haue fold their owne for the world. All their care and travell muft bee to keep their Couit,fUafc the King, acquire and conferve more plentic of gooes, honour and pleafures.And they being thus fet and given, their inferiout mini- fters for the moil part will follow their fafhions, fo there fl all bee ftothingamongft men butatheifme.licentioufneffe and profanitie. For as concerning difcipline, it being put into the hands cf Bi- fliops, they will make merchandife of it, or let the rcines thereof iuofe in favour of this or that great man, or of one Courteor or other, as bath ever been the nature and cuftome of ihtfeBifhop« to be men pieafers,and hunters after the favour and friendihip ©f eke world, not daring to difpleafe or adhere unto the executi- on thereof upon others, lead it fhoukl ftrike upon themfelues commonly more guiltie and flanderous then any ottier. And rims the true worfhip of God , and care of the falvation of foules, fhall utterly perifh, Next, 1 call them good ScottifhmeiH who haue a care and loueofthe libertie of their counrrcy* and «f their bodies to liue as free men therein in fafetie and good faeahh. But fo it is this Bifhoprie will bring the countrcy , the 4wes, the privilcdgcs thereof witk tkc bodies of men in fla- wk> as It hath proceeded. r +? Tet?e f fcnritude and riotous diflblution, which breedes mani- fold difcafes,diftru6kion and death of body. For if any fuccee- ding Prince pl:afe to play the tyrant, and governe all not by lawes, but by his will and pleafure, fi^nified by mifEaes, articles,, ani dire&ions,th--fe Bifhops (hall never admonifh him as faith> fullpaftors and mcujng-rs of God (for that they ate not, ha- ying no lawfull calling n n aa.horitic from God and his kirk) but as they are made uo by man, they mu:t and will flatter, pleafure and obey men. Andasrhey ftand by affj&ion of the Prince, fo Will rhey by no meanes jeopard their ftaading , bu: be the rcadi* eft of all to put the Kangs will and pleafure in execution; and tC were to take and apprehend the bo K-sof the beft\and fuch name- ly as would (land for the lawes and freedome of the R'.-alnvvand caft them in dark an ngpriloas,putihem in exile from heig catiue land,5cc.A.uoai- & betides thii,vnleflc that men ofwhatfo- ever cftate or rankethey be, cap and kneel j tot! them their ambitious (Ides, places and (alutations, Qavifhly abufi their bodies againft their hearts , they (hall not mi fie thcil indig- nation to be inrcreft,and crolf I I wronged in their eara-. and affaires, and to bee traduced at Court by tbcin or by their incanes. Laft, th jir companic and entertainment will be an ex- ample of ryot and excefle, whereto that B Hi liven. And if thus the Realme, the Uwei and priviledges therof, and the f>crfons ot good Scotchmen may be uf i , it is eafic to gather the ike of their goods and Bilhop in hi: ownc ci:ie, and among his valTals, will I 10 darcdeny to lend, to give, I with w rhejf haue? or if they doc der not a (rets, Do- m -itiqucs, Dependa . how tu gel him to the ',orintofome incom : and danger, then their who! - B.lhops ha ids, they fh ill b :c ..:!/, \ JJ u : , makes us bold to ig for the time I feltj and | ly is in this U And fi the Prince bee prodi^all, hots C .«*- tions , imj I jde • Q poorcte laboun ersby I Th m wet have clearly 8c tVlJcaitly fluwn ai. 4S The Courfe of Conformitic againft the Canons of the ancient kirk, againft the ancient Fa- thers and Doftors of the kirk, againft the Judgement of all the found moderne divines and reformed kirkes in Europe, agamft the dcftrine of the kirk of Scotland preached thcfc 46yeates, a- gainftthe confeffion of faith fubfcrived and fworncby the King and whole body of the Realme, againft »he conftitutions of the kirk of Scotland in her aiTerrblies,againftthe lawes of the realme, againft the honour of God and his Chrift, againft the honour and Wealeof the king,againft the honour and weale or the realme, a- gainft theconftitute and fctled eftate cf the Kitk and kingd.omc, againft the honour and weale of the ncblecftates in Parliament. And finally againft the weale of all good Scottiftimen in foule, body and goods : Our earneft requeft and exhortation is, with all hurnilitie, fubrniiTe and reverend duetie tohis moft excellent Ma- iefty, and moft ancient and noble eftates of thisprefent parlia- men; that as they tender the glory of God, the honour of his Chrift,the peaceable and flourifhing eftate of Kirk and Common- weale,the welfare and honour of your felves, and the weale and good of all eftates and fubie£ts of this realme committed by God to their government an protc&ion,that they erc£t not of new that unlawful & moft pcrnitious eftate of Bifhops But on the cotrarie, that it would pleafe his Hu hnefTc with advice of his eftates in this prefent Parliament, to rati fie againe of new the cftablifhed go- vernment and difcipline of the Kiike, and confirmc the cautions made in generall Affemblies, namely, where his Maieftie was pre- fent to fave the Kirke andJRcalme from the moft peftilent cor- ruptions of that falfeBiflioprie that thefe fearfiill dangers andirw conveniences being thus prevented, the blefling of grace,peace and glory may be continued and multiplied upon the kings moft ex- cellent Maieftie, his moft honourable eftares, and whole realme, and the Kirk and kingdome of lefus Chrift may flourish in all quietnes with holmes and truth, jfmen. jfrrtip. Let others glory in their audacious confeience, as tkerc will ever be a Hiel found to reedifie Iericho, although he know that it will coft him and his never fo deare : for my felfc, I had rather in the baft ft eftate abide the benfallofall epifcopall aurho- ritie without, then the forcible contradi&ion of thefe realons Within, fetvpon thehigheft top of their ambition;efpccially if the reftofthefteppes bee anfwerablc to the firft. Wearicnot togoc through them with me: And now (hew me which was the fe- cond. Epaph. It is eafier for me to tell you now, then it was for them to determine at that timc,when their preferment was fo odious to the whole body of the minifterie: yet it was feenat laft, that ItfrAfi* as it hith proceeded. 49 ln\t r i9 berbet'j* l&ktmrd w\$ Vit til wb&vntM \ cherforelet tbtri # c . - fit j: :on'l i u mol:ra:ors, which w*» wrought by this engine ; ' . 5P Fir ft, /J ox)nrum cxpiU d:m:tenii: for in the years 1606, p cr ^ t *!"!?• whjii thiscourfc was in hail, che miniftjr* ani rulers of the mj jl ra * k k,wh > ftood in their watch, were drli.u:e,mar»? were drawne oucofch* C >utltrey»an i af:er that at Court for the mo.1 -ft canage of rsina rnrcet proper foremila .llifticalljjnflift. > 1, /is was the co on at Aberdein : So pc ol them a. /Ob imp a Ik; *iAa Item Af liriB, and UiliriJ ibjlc men, S :i, ana fueh minifters, as were readied to u e. 3. 1 pretended that thecaufe of the n \ the Papift^was the appearance of the diytfion in the mn, a- kenationof his maicftics minde from fr.ne muv.llers; Ani tha \ufeof thiscanfe vras, partly a feare of :' ihcdifciplinc and libertie of the K.rk, by rem >ving ot Presbytei tvinciall and gcnerall \ >t their owne brethren; vfurpation of vnlawfull [u 111 theirown p*ifons,a griefc for the affli&-*d ca; . ajy fed 1 i brethren. And vpon the other fide, tha of the kirk government was commute J to men dome and ex; >f rcrnovingthticaufc upaotnc on: . a jn< icrall and . .a le, making them to co that there was no change ini n . erwarJ ration 1 •f '* ji ini t'tJH to ufurpe an I c\: iff p)KT0Ul c /(> . fheiiiJc, ihviw wa* no d H uk * Ja The Courfc of Confer mitie • mod experienced men fhould be chofen thereafter; But the Bi- ..Ihops muftbccon{tantmoderators,alwayes reftrainedby 13 fevc- rall cautions and bands, not unlike the cavtats ac Montrofe; But ^thatrh^y pla/faft and loofe in the end by carting to this provide * on : Ifeitfar upon his mate flies adhice and proportion t9 the afjemblj g "or upon their orpnefupplication* thtgcxerallaffembly be woVed thereafter to grant them any relaxation of any of the caveats, ibhicb upon good rea- Jhn m ; ghi appeare to thzfaydaffembty to be o>er ftrait ; that this their promijl(hould m i\e no derogation to thsir liberties Even as a little be- fore they profeffed their willingnes to dimit their benefices at the pleafureof theaflfembly, for taking away all offence from their brethren, but with proVtfo that his Ma. confent and approbation be had thereto. Never a more pernitious and plaufible aflembly in this kirk, every one of the Prclats /^fwiai-like preventing ac- cufation by confeffion and protection. And yet no intention but to bee perpetuat in their moderation, for atchieving that, which they alt difclaimed in word. jfrchip. Was the applaufe fo great that there was no oppo* fition ? Epapb. The oppofition could not at the firft be fo great,as at tht firft ftgp,by reafonof the diffipation of the opponents, the profef- fed qualitie of the convention,the faire pretexts, the great promt- fes, &c. Br fome the plat was embraced as a barre of brafle to hold out Bifhops> by others as a pathway to their preferment, as the event did proue. And many blinded before , did fee imme- diacy after that convention , that the conftant moderators were (as was fayd at that time) the little theeves cntringac the narrow windowes,to make open the doores to the great thecves. In all fthe quarters of thecountrcy, great deputation of the power of Ecclefiafticall afTemblies in choofing their owne mouth and mo- derator. I might produce the reafons that were penned at that time againft this fecond ftep, but that were infinite, and the par- ticulars were to fome of the a&ors yet living intolerable. jfrcbtp. I have heard of your adverfaries, that about thefe times there were faire offers made of conference and difputation for final! decifion of ail controverted matters, but that they failed ever on your fide. Epxpb. But the truth is, another general! aflembly but of the new fort, confiding of Noblemen, Statefmen, and many Mini- fters, was keeped at Linlithgow* luly 26,1608, where all tnc can- fes of the difeafes of the kirk, which were mightily then aggre- ged, arc brought to two heads, one was the contempt and dik credit of the kirk , and of her wonted government; another mod fpeciali caufe was the diftra&ion of the miniftcrs arifing upon di- verge as it hath proceeded. 51 vcrfiticofaffv&ion and opinion: diverfitieof afTe&ion vvascurfd, or rather covered by a fleecier reconciliation made amongfo ira- ry as were prefenr, and recommenced to goe forward among the abfentsathomc in their owncprePoyrcrics with many protefta- tionsagamft the breakers oftha: new made uniricDiveifitieofo- pinionvvas put into the hands of a canniecommiflion compofed ofB (hops rbereproft (Ting the title and dignitie, and of ccrta: minifterscf'iiffcringiudgmenr^pon no better warrant then tWe eh&ionof that convention, to convene with his Maicfty then in £ngland,orwith fiich of the counfell ashis highbts fhouSd ap- poynt, at luch time and places as they (hall be required by h Maicftv,and to treat reafon and to coniuk upon all matters fta ding prefently in controveifie among the brethren anent the dif- ciplinc of the kitk,and whatfocver they agree upon, to report to the nexr general! aflerr.bly. lAtcbip. Whv fhcuid that cffcrhatie been rcfufed ? ft, Gbnfidei fi: ft that the one partie of thatcommifTion wa* prcu.nr.and in cafe to do what feemed good in their own eye: the other abfent, and for the moft part ci i (ecu raged ty Gniftrous re- ports to dc-de m controversies cf that kihd;no particular ground #f the difcipline of the kirk was there named to ftand :encc # alwas under allowed (tftc mesatid conftnutions of the kirk. If 1- ny particular dircTfly uken had Hood in doubt to be fearchedand determncd :o wlu' le fhould Lis H ghr.es or his Courfcllnrs I • d with fucb I by what lour and dilcretion fhcuid ir ted in fuch rr toutta their n'inr'!bcforc thf fplcildprof *W« ful authoriucall which were i hen latent r.ts of thai prcte; TiiiTioiKrc Wasa| r,d keeped at Falkland jticlif} Whowaspre! en, and tpspB) ThcEarles< ur, and the I Scon . vcneashisMa.ee oners, with 5 new Bifl * n *' oner: 'cnth being abfcnO for the other. Af- ter re: if- fiu p Jtri ( |lfj 6c by the one led, i \ cij I the quahnc ot \*!-a; pcopct fracc to be tn cootroTctfic f a . . m. H * of 5i The Courfeof Conformitie 3. of thofe brethren alledged vnderdiverfitic of opinions, who were onthe one fide, and v\ho on the other. 4. by what autho- titie could that conference make the gmerall ccirrmffion fpeciall, or call in queftion one poynt of difcipline eftabhfhcd by rhe kiik t and ratified by law and praclife. Much time and talk berg frent about thefe demands, and feme braftings tocsfh ihe mm>{hr$ being breathed out, but no cleareanfwcr returned, twcqmftions wercconfufedlycaft in. 1 Whether the moderators of afVmblies fhould bee conftant or circular (as they teartred it.; 2 Whether fhould the caveats be keeped or not. Tothefuft, theatfc rr.bly at Linlirhhcw had already anfwercd^iamely that crder tskenfor an Interim fhall (land to the next ^encrall affembly. To the fecond, that the caveats were a£h of the generall affembly, fuch as they muft ftand unrepealed for a good ufe, viz. for retraining the cor- ruptions of voters in parliament in name of the kirk, and in that refpeft no more to be called in queftion then any other aft concer- ning that vote. But after divers affayes to draw the mimftcrs in fome breach of the cftablifhed crder,which they declined wi^h all their might, the whole ccmmiffioncrsconfidering the generality of their commiffion,and being moved with other neceffary refpefts continued their conference to the firft tuefday of Auguft that fame i6o9yeare to be keeped at Striveling, willing every one of the fayd brethren to advife and confider gravely of the fayd que- ftions,and to be ready to propone their mindes by word or writ, as they fhall think fitteft,&c, jfrckip. Yee haue put my mind to reft concerning that confc- renccat Falkland : I pray you (hew me what was done at Strive* ling; for I never heard ol' that meeting, Epa. The purpofe chiefly intended in that affembly & conference to cftablifh the Bit, that with all diligence the AiTcmbly of Fou-A fie* G!aL ow was prepared the lame ) care 1610 to bj h g f p rc i aci g fur lit the topof the Ladder: that they migh: be xrui. »ovr- no longer, tyranni fine tit ulo. In that mi orohcable e: Lcc.a- AiTcmbly moccrarco by th- Bifru p,anc mace up or Carhncs,Ork- ilic-. nay &: other wares of -hat fort; the AiTcmbly ar Aberdeen isdecla- r I nukcheBi i. ops made Moderatours in every Diocefan Adlm- bly, andcitr . or ih.ir d' putics moderatour oi ^>y mecincsof the excrcife : Ordination and deprivation of M uion of Krk.-s, cxcomrnunicauo ic^f ruations,ano alt pinned to th ics. A- rhis eafi. conqucft is ma.e furc with this tl Minuter*: l.isentrie iTiail fvvcar obedience to his ordina o Mmillvr, in prcailnrg norexcrcifefhallfpe* Actcs of tJii> All', mbly : 3 That the queftion of pautic or iraj ritieof Pallors be not touched in pulpit 3 both iincicr the paineqf deprivation. jfrth'pp. The A&csof rhis AlTcmblic added unto the form are like th? cl nf . j Ex (} -, "> a /> Juperlrenc - th. LIN gle P '.TS. number went t :icir owne -p § other of the 1 e Coafccrv Gla: ftcpof t! erthei. imil. ni And I clufionof this Pci tions,a a8 1617 c: w f • yi) I haueL heard of the • : gauv 1 11 5 tution on. n a eare been nnumber of the Minifters out of ail the parts of this l(ir. glome, <\ of the I{tngd§me had therunto. Wktrupon Tte tefting infecuritie baue received now a fuddatne report to our great aftcKJIiwent,cf *n Article topafle in €onclu[ton>&to rectiue the force ofahw m this prefent Parliametydecer- ning &> declaring that your MayTbith advke oftbeyircbbiJhops,!BifhopT 9 andfucb a competent number of the Minifterie^your Ma) . out vjyour ftiftdomefhall thinly expedient .jhitl in ailtime conming baue full power to advife und conclude in all matters decent for the externallpoluie oj the JQrl^>not reptgnant to tbeftordof God,andtbat fuch conclusions JliJi baue tbeftrengih and power ofEcchfiasiical lawes. Wberin it Jtill puafe your Maj. and Honourable Eftates to heare ourjuftgreeues % O confide? our reafonable desire; and not to put myour Ma\. humble & ioVingfub* §eiis to tbat poore and [imp le point of proteftation ; Tthicb ifremede be not provided, JVe muft be forced to ujefor the freedom of our l\i>\ y and t&f birge ofo urco njcience . Wee then f) ft plead reformation and pur itie in cur 7(/>^, in do~ firine> in miniftratton of \bc Sacraments , hi difcipline and all conveni- ent order JVith the beft reformed tyles in Europe \ lihich may ft and $ and baue been acknowledged rather >t of youf M y.flici fm/rJamSt tn I liber f A:tt of Rr lismfni gjhrcn forth fa fit. \four oftbefime y ir efli'd'ifbil toith p v t & general Affembties ,*nd t'lonnnce ti m \ Canant ant O ons ,tue hok^ Fourthly % toe hint been at dibers times fijfi tcnily ficuredfrom le Supplication to intreU your H vxrablc E>htes notta fu£f:r the foremmed Article jwr an} tlet formerly grantedyto pajp at this time t * tbi :r prejudice of this poore %i>\; toherby the underfill joy of: re- \oyfidatyour hia\ b \ppy arriving here flialbc turned to mourn; ?r- in di toe are earne Hfupplieants to Gilt hart this I> -y, as the mo ft expedient f >*eur afGbdand tbtto Br, fo if 'toi (hit! ue frufirateJ of tl jetoein >ulitie toith i >t of on i nur a\£,i\. as becomes Wtn tbjtlh tl to our prateftatiahjtbat rofn leflci heavy t the Mi- mfb thacprorefl 1 i« dingt./ chc K , thro nibuiofoL the Prelacy, 5 6 The Courfe of Conbrmitic Sa & number of the firft fubferivers of the feccmd Proteftation ,at Edinburgh, were charged to compeire at Santandroes a few daies af*er, and through feare were moved at that time to repent them- f^lues of their faithfull fervice done to the Kirk : and fince hauc pra£fcifed and orcached againft their protection , to their owne fhame, the offence of their people , the forrow of their deereflr friends, adva-.uage of thcenemie, and no fmall hurt to the Krk and caufe of Religion. -Arcbipp. I perceiuc that yechaue ever been protefting y and they evfcr proceeding, till that the unitie>authoruie,and order of th^ Kirk are quite deftroyed, and the externall vvorfhip of God leftnaked without a guard , readie to be a pray to every cnemie. Mpapb. The bitter fruirs of the former alteration caries lecret Bitter friits feeds of the following; defe&ion ; the one fide partly by terrours oi die three aid allurements, crouds an i commodities, bamfhmem and bene- fo merde- fices is in number diminifhed; and partly bv paines, fearcs and g-ees of expends weaned.and weakned. T^c ultra pars /amor ea tempefta- 4eicwtioa. tcMjHtgftire aufiyjamquiquo modo reb:ts ftnem imponere capien^i^am quidlibetaudere at y He agere facile entmaximorum amicitia fubnixis* The other, vvhn by revoke s, and what by Intrants daily increa- fedandby fvveet fucccffc and frequent favours encouraged and niade wanton. Before that myfterie of Hicrarchie was unvailed, di&ra&ion among the M-inifters was judged to be the caufes of the, increafe of fuperftition and Papiftrie ; the fyne pretence of fo many Atfemblies , but both the one and the other are as negligently parted as mightily incr afed fince. What the Kirk of Chrift hath lofled, as much hath Antichrift gained; he needs not to feare the fead of Difcipline and Kirk AiTemblies , nor the an- cient uniiieof vigilant Pallors , for by the Circasan.cup of this mightie mutation the face of matters , and fafhions of men are fo meramorphofed, that perhaps you Hull find , that he who loved you beft and hated the adverfaties and corrupters of Religion moft, is changed quite from himfelfc, and fcarfly can ye know your old friend now walking in his new cut : our old one heart is now either hart and hearty or elfe no heart at all. We were wont to clpfe up our great controverfies with heartie harmonie : now in comm on matters we hirlp like harp and harrow. For libertie is flaveriej for mutuall honour, pride and contempt, the fpirituali fervice of the Gofpell is left for the affaires of this life , for Kirk AfTemblies are Epifcopall Couns for friends comfortlefle and againfteaemicsawlefle. If there yee feek reafon , yec (hall haue will : an.l if you fay Brother, my Lord frmles, and yet fretts at you as 4 Difcipleof the old discipline, and a defoiferof the new djtmnacioa: for reafoning andgraue deliberation iu weighcieft mau as it hath proceeded. 57 «ia!cer« yoartiallhaue adafhof artificiall voting, liJc? Jlexmdert fword upon Got Aim knot: vca,in a point of Religion if they can- nor perfwade you, they will furely ufurpc over your confciencc Papiftric, blaf; hemie, breach of the; Saboath , contempt of the Gofpell, mocking add puritanizmg of faithfull Minivers , and reformed profefTors are rather palled as a merriment, or prayfei byafmile, th:n reprcfTed and punifhed at crying tranfgrefllons : be that refraines makes himfelfe a prey , and he that will not fol- low the droue like the beafts of the field is the proud mans eaith vvherupon he trampes, and mufl haue readic fhoulders for a load of injuries ; and if he be not fervilc in imitation, like waxe to per- fwafions,and witty to wrong himfelfe, he muft learn to bear con- tentment and extremities in one mindc. Thus Chrift tryeth hie own Kirk; Antuhnft hath cfcaped with his crucltie andtreache- ric, and hath gotten as many yeares of p. prepare his laft onfetby fubtilne, as the Kirk hath of troubles to make her pre- parations againft his battels. He is (kameleifear nt in his ftrength as nc apprehends that he isnotaffrayed toexlult with the cryesof vi&oric before the battell : And notwithftandingof his incurable crueltie, fomc of the Paftors and profeifors of Rch- ligion,by banifliments,imprifoncments,confinings,fearofputfute» rcproacheijcalumnies, and all fort of contempt a xtCDuate y that the pi:ie cf their cafe is nolcfTc pearcing, then their fairhfuU labours in the Minifteric haue been profitable : Ochcrs io drunk, with the decciweablc favours of the time , that the: :o bee S,r.*t eatcth up their painestodoegood. And if there be a third brtfrccof fear and roily , and zealous in Religion , their hearts are pulled down to behold the mile poor men , who fame Would doe well, bux are wickedly abu pride of idle jnen , who pay the debt of their calling by their nodd of Con* fortuity to be admired^* the Prophets ofierulalem and the pillars of the Kit k. yfrcbipp. Your ;uft complaints of the former a!:eration,aIbeit there were ;.< j tofollow,doe ay , that .time thatf: :i£ on high, Vt os libtV* fhould let themt cir brethren , C*nie mm fc tb* God of our fait - r*6)t j | ; IVt tndki t y con! i rut of the f: for C Jb. dtftr* t m ofourjoly Cilie , ai.« li n4 1* fit Jlill, Ull it I thofftidiigcrs* to bu dt\>o- Itilj tbtfword of fawn nr :b*t m vir gU> , grut 9 $ s The Courfe of Conformitie fo might her dishonour and ber exceBencie be turned into Jorrow: let m be jealous of the Law,andgiue our lines for the covenant 6 four fathers % for by it Tfe ft rfi obtaineglerie. Epapb. Yet the veric tearesof Gods people for the common naileries of the Kirk will feed the furie of fuch incendiares , at make their own particulars their highcft prcjefts: The wicked will ftill doc wickedly. As the Bifhops of Rome afrer rhrir advance- ment were not fatiffied with the two uncouth Tragedies of fBellum facrum and Vellum Fontificium , wherewith they filled the World with bloud , and troad all fecular pc wers under their feet: butmuftalfo, which is worfc, depraueGods worfhip, and in place of the Ordinances of Chrifteftablifh their own Traditions, wherein they proceeded fofarre , till they came to the manifeft contradi&ion of Chrifts own legacic in the Sacrament , by that horrible clauic of tyn obHante exprefTed in their aft , Notwith* /landing that Cbrift inftitutetke. SoourPrelats after their pre- ferment, not refting content with the dcftrudlion of the unitie^ authoritic and order of the Kirk, nor with their precedencic, before the I'eeresof theKingdome, and power over all the fub* |efts , muft make an on fet upon the worfhip of God, cfteemed the fubftantialland fundamentall part of our proflllicn- fo long as the other which was called the circumftantiall part was in qaeftion : but now being once controverted, judged as indiffc. rent and alterable as the other was before; and being infpiredwirh thefpritof Dcfolation by promifes and threatnings wc ikmg in their foules, feare of lofte , faith, hope, and loue of worldly commoditie, in ftead of Theologicall vcrtucs, they rdolue to proceed in the courfe of defr&ion till they hauecomein tfTlft to the claufe T^on obfiante in the Sacrament , T^ot with/landing the /»- Jiitution and example of Cbrijl. jlrcbipp. Yeehaue brought me to the fourth maine degree of Fourth fe defies when tim i requires wdl fiaic favour to fpeed \rv 1. hipp. Bar I hearc no mention of the fi jc Articles in that AflemMy. Epapb. Albeit it was layd to the charge of the Prclats , that it was hijh time for th-m to rcrHer the fruits of the paints and charges beftowed upin their exal* 5cc. which the clerke was forbHden to reade Aid albeit lineaments were drawn for Co ifi'-mation, and for holy Jaies , bv enjoyning the Com- munion at Pafh; yet the proceedings of that AfTemolie gaue grea- ter provocation then contentment : As the recantations of iome Subferiversof the proteftarioi at EUnburgh', ani thediflipation of the reft, like the ftragglers of an armie put to the rout, through f igorous cenfare of otheri , who proved conftant , gaue greater hope then diftruftof better foecd : And therefore uato a naked handfull fick of feareandfufpicions , thj fiuc Arc: rles were offe- red , which were likely to draw down the v _nts and the Saboa-.h from rheir honourable cftimition , as the ij Articles of Perth were oowerfull to divide the Mmifterie, cafiire the Aflem- bhes,and nullifie the whole Iurifdi&ion and libertie of the K.rk. The peeping anfwer returned to the firft motion of thefe Articles AflemVit f;ivin^hopctoprevailc, drawes on with pofthat a general! Af- at S* nJ " Sly to b-ekepr at Santandroes the 15 of N 1 r 1617: duKS. Wierc thefaid Articles were in a fore proponed, bu: neither gon* fi :xcd in themfelucsas points of divinity , true or fa!fe, crroni- ousororthodoxc ; norhowthev mi^hc ftand in our reformatio on without infamic of ourprofeflion , and fcandall of our pro- f;I>rs. B •' reafonof the /hortnefle of time, fuddaine convening of th AtTemblie, and ; of fig whole Dioces b-fi.ics the C >m mffioncrs and beft enformed fort of lundry Pretbvterics # matters were remitted to further diligence, rather then any thing perfeftly concluded. j{r ligencc bene ofed 1 nes taken at that lime before the concfoG >nof Artidei 1- :i With li I whi h IS it was a puttie polliv all Aflemblic oneofth wai it a meane to m then contentious cifcmtation } the :n all 1 1 to y the locking of a \ thcafflifted ftatcof U ;i the Nobihtie a«u that bu . vould t) I ovcrture,cho^ cc was made of the k > oi i. avcJ. «4 Confof mitie m Sue Articles went to Court in the midft of a winter ftorrnc,and perfuaded r&e refufall of the voluntary contribution,and delay for a time to bee good fervice. And having obtained libcrric for holding a Parlia* x»ent,caroe fpeedily home againe with greater ioy ro fuch as feat him, then aopearance of timous ayd to the ftate diftrefiTed. jfrcbip. That was too ftrikc \indci: cover a Soft in ado de bombafo* Epaph. Arter that the deeps betwixt the two rockes ofhighelV difpleafure and popular indignation were tried; the peoples dif- pofition and opinion founded,thcy greedily grip the wifhed opor- tunitie of that charitable fupply fo vniverfally liked ; finally, all mcanes and men being fervently difpofed, fct on edge and in rea* dines and promifes pafled for hope of good fucccffc in this prinei- pall earthly defire. This parliament lo long delayed, and as long defired, with all fblemnities of ikate is proclaimed at the market crofle of Edinburgh. Arcbip. You are now drawing towards the fecond poynt, which, I cannot well take vp, except ye give rae the tenor of the procla- mation as beft cxprefling the caiTfes of that honorable meeting. Epapb. Left you or I either fhould be miftafeen,behold the trac copie thereof. Fraclama- TAMES by the grace of God, I(ing of great $ritaine, France mi cioa of the jjreknd, defender of the faith. Pariiajncato Forafmucb as fre hjtow frett, that the happineffeftrengtb and glory of a Monarchy free from tyranny and csnfufion> U builded upon the mm tuall hue betwixt the king and bisfubietls*, expreffed by the one in a fa- therly care to tnamtaint his countries in a fecure peace, flourishing frith religion and iuflice, and by the others in a ley all andfubmiffiue obedience to their Princes frill and commandement, accompanied frith a hearth and aftettioned offering ofatt fupply and ayd to the upholding andt increafepf wis eflate and honour frith their goods and bodies. Which reciprocal bonis (as lay din by nature and birth upon hng and people) albeit no new contrail can tie orjhify off yet are they frith foUmnitie in a fort renewed 4t the jijfemblks of^Partiaments^ frherein thefubieSs according to the ec current necejfities of the (Princes affaires, offer to him their beft fupply tndbelpt, and Me returnetb to tbemfatisfattion and eafe^ of their \uft grievances, pardons for tran/grejfion of the la&es, ratifications and alh sn favours af particular perfons y eflates 9 and corporationsyfrith the efla- blifonentoffucbne&laivesas the time doth requiru j[nd free hating now appointed a Parliament in our f^ngdome of Scotland t* be holden and begin *pon tbefirft day of lune next y frherein as the importance and mcejfitie efour adoesgfoeth us \uft hope for to leofyfsr a fupply to bec granted to m by ourfubjeSls in our fiyd bjngdome in a greater meafurt then hath been at my time hereto fore y So are fro moft fritting-, that^ they ftouldbaueall contentment \nba\ing either genet all Urns or particular d&j ft ww concluded in Parliament. 6$ €fis authorised by our T yxll conftnt,X*hich beingripely adiifd.fmll bee found: S'tt beexufe our hng exper. itb taught us,ho vtkxt titers perfons partly by ignorance, and partly ly fraud, are d.cujl. fuming upon the Jliort time of the P.irlia- mvU, I : mvy billes and articles to th:fe, Ttbo are \ toft upon the fame, contenting mxlter preiudicixll to our crowns, or other our gtldfubietts, tobicb (l)ortnes of time, and multitude of '.>u fine If e pa m it- tetb not to befo nxrrowly examined, as needTtcre. And f mft T*e bxue at vr of our co meet J yes be- fore the (ay I narliame ' o consider of all hi \ ; and art , cles, Tthi hjlii'l be exhibit to tbi m ly our Therefore $ur Ttii xn iptcafure & i intend to sine in any t* be pa/} in i ocbing Parliament, deli)Ki u to our Clerle of ; t \ter before the of A fay n t v f , Oi b t rm tfi ad y nor Voted in ourf: me be pxfi un fer our oftu band* vAn :l^e public* :of at the m»\t (rifle of our Burgh of Edmbu)gb, to the end tb •; of Qurfu \ i i\n I ignorance. Gi\>cn at our palace at ler the 21 of ' A prill 1 61 1 . Jtnbip W.schcrcno further done for convocation ? Epipb. Miffiuc letters and precepts were d ling to the ordinary cuitomc from hi> Maicftics Counfcll , to all Noble- men of the land, Marquifes, EarltSjVicountSjLordSjBaronSjCom- miffijners of Shires, Bilhops and Burrowes. yfrcbh. I fee not a word in the proclamation of the fu c Arti- cles, and 1 fee a :. -ff.redtothc kirk or any of her members to give ions according to rh or dw fires. -ph. T!. he fubfldk will not let you grope rather, du The corporations of the kfngdooit in pri vat p as th their poolick or res tobc done in Parliament, as t! Vr ere wakened and warned by this occafi to, ftomablc| for * 1 and an to the wjlof thenro^ ^n.Buta nc >ra- tioo,& ■ and honourable i vigorous laflemb in tha: LI K jjt is not befeeming our mwijieriall calling to fecrep the truth concluded in Parliament. €y knfb thereof to:e are perfuadsd ': and by a cowardly kjnde *f [,Unc: t \rutbU(Ji rr. y a good caufe . jft t. sur end truth. kftu to beti y a gt trvnt gntV-nces , and oil ictrmng our Jibuti 3v^ b htirts TPitb . , and $ur liupct Jkiib tickwmtie, ra~ thtr tbcnTvc. f* suli m:-iyu your Honours diit fompiatnis of Jtoronfea hmocencie , h • Ujji celummer offtdition , :e , bypocri I iifl.Eteduponf* if to. e alone bad troubled \ forfuiib :h f , **tfa 5W ( i fatttr tin* tbemjetkes : snJ for 90 other t rne to us , .' oar c$nftant cart^M God bath dealt to > man his mcoJUre c ff.it b to vmldtht boufz of God t icco ly patern: prefc i (from bis h .y tine: c the 1Q ^ of \ b %e s of - trfje I(i<\c> the .ments i wto bee nuniftred . . ink. ,/fi ; *«* rifi ogiinfl our csufe, on fun i w;/^/ /w j ; *> Honours • . ^a : Thou art permitted tofpc: /* ; " : tnituft A ■ I me JkouU d , ^ Up, jpfl re>/,» I »#i , i four * Irrem. 68 Conformitie in fiue Articles 1 Thepraije of all paines Wifely ta\en, the Jlepbe of all callings , and crowne of commendable fnffeiings , is to d§e and fufftr in the caufes of Christ s Jpoufe .and for the maintenance ofthefabation of our own fouler in other Countries ; then the many Ceremonies retained by jume. Tea lone and feare compelleth l>s to put your Honours in minde , that M it bxib been in all ages tie hcly difpofition , and happy praHife of all Gods people, to fei continually before their eyes , his inestimable goodneffe toWards his IQrke > her cafe and condition in her militant troubles, and in confederation of the one and the other dutie , requi- red and exfpcfled at your hands , wherethrough in the riches of Gods mercies, they haue been fafe from that dreadfull ruine that hath iujl- ly overtaken the carelejfe and the Viewed, So now in time of dan* ferous dijlratlion it Would pleafe your Honours toft before your eyes, ow Wonderfully the Lords hue and rich grace hath beai peered upon his IQ)\ in this nation , and by the meanes of religion Vpon our gracious SoVeraigne , your Honours auncejiors of blejfed me- morie , your Jethes ,your friends , and upon this ettate , the prefent eftate offuch a losing mother, crying in her bloody diftrejfes for helps at your hands , And in regard of bleffings abundantly received in the dayes of her libertie and health , What is due from your fen-like affe- ifions, pUces of credit, and honourable callings in your high con* Mentions, where God /lands in the affembly of Gods , high iudges a- ntong the Gods to your Well deferring mother, in Whofe WombeWee Were conceived, and brought up on her knees to the condition Where- in We now Hand at eafe and peace in the dayes of her dtftrejje. Our bumble petition to your Honours is, that as yee lefpeH the glorie of Cbrifis Qngdome to be continued in this land, the aborning of his Maieflies crowne , and the quietneffe of his loving and loyallfubieitr, the endleffe prayfe ofyourfehes,and the flourishing of your Honou- rable eftates With the particular comfort offomanyminijlersand con- gregations Within this 7{ealme. This poorel{irhjn the day of her teares 9 griefe and feare , by your timous intercejjion at his Maiejties hands, {and the Lordgti>eyou favour in the prefence of the I\ing ) and your Uttermoji indeaVours debtfuli to Gods honour, and Chrifis kirl^in this happy occafion now presented, may obtaine in thii parliament her mofi reasonable defires. A fufficient and ready execution of former alts of Parliament made againji the fear full blajphemy of Gods name , profaning of the Lords day , and centembt of his \ Santlume and ferVice fo \>ni)>erfiUy 9~ Ver -flowing in this land> notonelj in tbeperfonsofpooreignorants 9 w concluded in Parliament. 69 In n m inner tyed to theft horrible crime? by a curfidcuftome and beggar* Ij necejfitie, but e^en in the more honourable fjrt , Jrbofe dimnable t ample encourages t 'jw?rs to finn: without feir , frith fuck addi* tions as may repreffe andrtjirame thjz crying abominations in all % &itb- $ut rejpect of perfons. Afaft I to enjoy the profejjion of our 7( ligion , as it is refor- medin diclrin^Sacrxment- , %c>t*dbtfb been openly profeffed, fworne and praHifhd by Prince, ?ifi$rs, and people of all y nr prgdeceffors of Worthy mtmorie, your flues , and free ailytt liking theft threefore yeircs bygone and aboue. c/f full ddiherancefroiHy m / o/uficieMt defence agnnjl all notation* and novelties in doctrine, Sacraments tnd L ,and (pedall} fucb, at by con/l uutiow of the IQrl^ confc/JIons of fiitb, liber all Lawes of the Countrie , Oathes Long continued .lb been condemned and cajl out , as idle rites aud \omrfi formal; tes^ under TPh itfoeVer pretence thy plead for re-entn.. That no Act pajje in da of the Actes aire* gnnted in favour of refo :e of yi convenient execution ofDifcipline (re. or for corrobot ;/i the fame , Tbbetbcr Eptfcopacie>or ccremon. h idow thereof \tohi for the peace $f the I(jrf^ by heavenly Jtifcdonu jhould be tben ratified. That all Minifters that are removed from tbcfr Charges , be rc/iored to their places \ funclhnt y aud fiipen Th. 1 s to Hue under his Majejli? and his Heires, ordinary Ind- ies, and Tutors dppoin .iwes and cufiome , he Actes of Pat linnent , that our cauft be lawfully cog* -fed according to .rand juflice, before any ftntcnccpajje agiind our perfons splices and tto be \udgcdby any yudiutorieforraL ut cU- Htj be Lawes of our Count ty. We trujl that as Abraham compufed the Varitnce betwixt bU ow& \ ito ceded betwixt the H Conftaa- tm athe A . • So tin Lord jh ill giue you cou :kerly daf pofition, hilars of the eanh thu w.re jhtl^n, and to ta^e off I nfomec Q & * /# of Mini Lrs 'y Miniftei b/ffi of 1 iles % an I n f i 1 \ of mi y WqUu and bk t* 7* Conformitie in fiuc Articles, the heft Mint/ters, thereby they get reft to mifcbeife tbe l^irf^, *h4 iuild up tb'ir cam Synagogue, and that for thefa\e of Ceremonies > n* men heciffarUfw tbefpoufe of Cbrift, then fair ding for a cbaft m*~ Iron, more readie to croffe tbe commandement of Qhnfi, Tkhetly V?e art charged to prey to tbe Lord of the Har)>cjl , that he Tbeuld tbruft forth tabourets into bis HarUTt, then for the edification of tbe body of thrift. Thus humbly contending the innocencie $f$urfelues petitioners ,and out juft right and pojjejjion of that reformation tyhicb Tbe earneftly craue t$ ie continued toyour Honourable charitable \udgement; We pray God for Gbrifts f*ke to enable you to doe that , ftbicb may be Acceptable to bimjelf fro fit able to his J(ir^ and comfortable to your own foules , at that day Tt>ben TPt muft all appear e before the judgement feat of Cbrift* that man may reaiue the things Tbhicb are done to his bo die , according to that hee bath done> whether it be good or iU : and to bleffe bis Ma\ . and %oy ill ijf r *z &iib peace and truth for cM: Jhd your B f $novrsT)rhk found 0{e- ligioH and loydtie in this life, and endlefj* glorieTbith Chrrft for eVer. Arcbipp. Thefupplicationfeemeth fo reafon able and religious that no man needed to be afhamed to prefent it,no man could re- fufe to accept* it. Epapb. It was indeed prefenred by a faithfull Minifter in name of the Kirk, and of his fellow Minifters,in all humility and after the prefcribed order, to the hand appointed by Authority, and ob- liged by office toreceiue petitions of that kind from any corpora- tion^ free leige of this Kingdom. But after forne refufals and fun- dry fignifications of unwillingnes,ir w*s received at laft,but fubferi- bedby the Prefenter, and with fu hmifregard of the meffengersof God, and matters of his Kirk,that he plainly prof fifed his doubt- ing v whether he would exhibit it in Parliament or not. fylegtntem eportet effe religiofum nef ( u. jtrchipp. Notwithstanding all this diligence in proclamations, conventions, deviling and prefenting of petitions and fupplicatu ons the Parliament was not holden therubut in Auguft,what could be in doing in the two monthes interje&ed ? For the eftate of Bo* heme and the Palatinate abroad cryed to haften the fubfidie for their prefent fuccour and fafety: And the Parents of Perth Arti- cles at home,longed to fee the day when that birth of their braine« fliould be perfected in a Parliament. F-riument fy a pb- From the firftof Iune,vvhichvvas the appointed day,thc tfrttiinwed* ^ ar ^ arncnt was continued to the twenty three of luly, upon what caufes in fo urgent a neceflicy upon the one part, and fo earneft de- firejon the other , it belongeth to the fearch of (lately wits. It is well known that the length of fecret deliberation and fhortnesof ^pen determination is meeteft for feme matters. And as well v kaownamongfti!S + th&uherx was als great unwillingncfle to the concluded in Parliament ft •rc eaufe, as art &ion to the other. Bat the pretext behoved to NiW**i*^ attend the intended purpofc. And therefore, during this delay, J -'•'•- great was the negotiation betwixt the rich Merchants of faire j' wii Um '**• ▼vords and fine promifes, and the hungry ferv ants of hngring ™ l } '* m ty*m hope,who thought ic now a fit time to draw up their particulars, q^*- j n • n i the principall caufe in one bargainc, What V>i2 y:e giuemc, -l . C*r. All tbefi things &£< 1 wit that hid a \ , ^^JJJJJJJJ thought aL this Market to repaire his loffes, to re-cdifie his eftate n Jc$clHmi^ >n the mines of the Kirk , and faire words m lesfame. ^j Our vigilant Bifhops fct themfelues , a I their explo- rators and Brokers to try th nations of Noblemen , Co:. mifConen of Shires, Baroncs and BurgciTes : And as they Were found afte&ed , cold , hot or lukewarme , they were wrought upon to becprcfent, abfenc, orr a- gainft the day appointed , whereby rnany hone ; ; * were put to a hard choice, either to perill Religion or to wane promotion; and fo made many to wrong thcmfcluei in forfeiting K$ minus en the truth, which was in their heart, for hopes , which i q*um !vto fill their hand. Where the fcaw C s of the tu me wet co:> reateft 1 , there, albeit with a i id uudili&iju grcateft confidence was prof- (fed , by making it come to mens cares privily, that Perth Articles would c ttamly Kcid- ux\ i therefore it was ncedlefTc to oppone , \ vhich went through the Countric as a Proclamation of victorie to dafh fome , and as tcrrours of d< ion to make others tocrje, Our oppo/itiau frill Jecnielul, and the ctuftno %90/// J? JJy this crooked policic the fillic Go? e of many profef- rs rawly d to (land in tfe of try i si de- luded. And Nc n tempted to lurkc in a : 9 cafily obtained licence out great mall of a juft cauie, as whofe abfencc then was accounted bcttet ice. jfr n thef )| of Prep «* paft.andih. »a;ured, v w T obf Eptpb. A r^prcparat rru bly a?) tatioa a x I dates of pi bctwixi pa- latrjii iuKncvii, fi Conformitie in fiue Articles, Epdph, Albeit it was not the firft, itwasnotthelaft: After the long expe&ed comming of his Majefties Commiflioner lames Marqutjh* of Hammilton , Vv'houpon the iSof Iulie, fiuedaiet before the appointed day of the Parliament , was accompanied with divers of the Nob'ilitie, and fome of his own friends (but not fo many as would haue waited on him willingly in a better errand) toHalyroodehoufe his Majefties owne palace prepared royally for the Commiffioner, according to rhe afF.&ion carried to the commiffion ; a great part of the Nobilitie having feafted withhim that night , upon the morne the 1 5 of Iulie, he hac his firft meeting in private with the Officers of Eftate , and Plot- iraiftersof Perth Aflembly , where according to their loue to the conclufion and feare of impediments, all their heads were fee on work for the fore-cafting, prevent'ng,ot removing oppofition and purchafing the vidotie : Vpon the 20 day there was an uni- verfall Counfell meeting, where all things for peaceable reforting to the Parliament were concluded , and the day deftinate proro- gated from Monday the 23 nllWednefday the Z5,that they might yetoacc againe affay the foord, fill up holes, and remoue rolling {tones before the riding. ^Archip. Ye tell me of great preparation againft the Kirk upon worldly refpeds on the ere fide , but I heare of no diligence for the Kirk upon better confederations on the other : In tj&at trou- fclefome time of the world fo dangerous for Kirkes, Kingdomcs and Common-weales, wherein all wits and hearts were aloft, and every minde of friend and foe , as he refpe&ed the publick eftate or his own parricular , was bended for his own intention: It feemes ye and others of credit in the Miniftcrie fhould not hauc been negligent , but at lead fhould haue backed your own fuppli* cation, and waited upon the occafions of doing good. Epaph. Not onely Noblemen, Comiflioners of Shriefdomcs,' Bifhops and Burrowes were prefent , but from all the quarters of the Countrie, according to the common libertie fomany of the free Lieges of the land, as had to doe in that higheft Court. And amongft them multitudes of Minifters, fometo be idle beholders of the celebritie, others with greater defire of the ratification of their own erronious facilitie, then of the puritie of Gods worfhip and reformation of the Kirk, Papifts of both forts Iefuites and Dominicanes , wife in their own generation: It had been a won- der then if there had not reforted thither a number of faith- full Minifters to doe their beft Paftorall endevoursfor the liberty of the Kirk , and at leaft for manifefting to the after ages , that the truth was not altogether deferted to kelp to make up Catalo- gum Te/tim Witttii. jfrchip.. concluded in Parliament. jr} jtrihb- Their intercft was not meancft in the eyei of God,nei- rficr could that giuc juft offence to any pcrfon : his gracious Maj. never ref ufed that hbercie to any of his free (ubjefts f nor co them at the lad Puliament, where he was prefent in proper perfon. Epipb. Yet my Lord Commiffimcr, by fuggeftion of his wt« feft couofcl,fcarching the (afeft way for fuccelfe, had learned that the prefence of the Mini (ten might be verie prejudicial! to the ratifi:a:ion of Perth x\rticles ; at lcaft might be a powerfull mean to (lay mmy from giving their confenr to the making of fach a Law: &therfore,by th:ir advice he findeth it verie fpeedfull, that thefc M-'iTengers of G >d be (Irairly charged Sc commanded by op€ proclamation at t! «cet crolTtoparfeout of the town of Edin. tArchib. That feemcth to haue been but a bjaft for their m Peaceable bcbaviour 9 oc for preventing their dealing and fufpe&ed roteftation ; they were not called,let be convinced of any faulr* ind therforc could not be punifhed with deprivation of that liber* tie,vvhich (he verie law of nature yeeldeth, and was notdenyed to the enemicsof Religion and meaneft of the 1 jbjefts. Epapb. Yet upon tuefday the 14 of Iuly, the lciters vyre exe- cute againft them allanerly > among all the fubje&s of the King- dom:. O icly there wa> j wnedat the fame infbnt a Proclamation for bringing in Alhnz Afacbonil Dou chiefc of the Clancamr Laird of Loehaber known for a /ritch and force: . lared to be an infamous murtherer,a rcbcllanddefpiferot Aurhontie: Yvh'reuponit was ordinaric in themouthesof the people, that the Parliament could not end wcll,becaufeat the beginning ther- of f chey were banifhingGodand brin^in^ in the dc vill: But per- haps ye will be as incredulous,as thac Papiil wko fearcdhis fell W profcflTors in forrain parts (hould be, upon the report of that pro- cccdingagamftthc paftorsof the K/rk _it you: liuttif & their* a. i divcrle grounds. Ye think it too evil to be true: thjy irtlltbinkc it toog >oi tobetrue:foc o.ieofthe Papifts 10 the time of tin: g of the Parliament burfted out up -it ftre thvLw trdswith xuluuon\lVben I come to fyme And y()>tnjon U ooiv I b me hard the A f- ibsrged out of Edi i b%rgb by open Pro $ fj: in time of ves Will befo \0) be lee \er 9 A ' rejoyce vvhofho i a e QhcvtiB'* to vithwhu i.»«rja*u% colour of pretence could that uncouth proccec < .4 EfA wmldhauch . ■ j>^b O n Whcrof they ai. re G ) I and caaa ro b r- L fecit* 74 Confofmitie In ffuc Articles,' feen. God and the world knewts , whether they who ufedthSt pretence are carefullof the fidelity of Miniftcrs: whether they o* the other fort who were permitted to ftay, wait better upon theif vocation: and whether it was nor a principall point of their charge Co attend at fuch a time, wherin fnch matters wtreto be handled, *i could not but fall under their own &: their peoples praftife in tho •rdinarie worfhip of God. Another was a fhewot mitigarion in the «nd of the Proclamation, excepting fo many of the Mimftersat might procure a warrant from a Bifhop to ftay ftill: that is to fay (according to the Bifhops own interpretation when feme craved leaue of the) fo many as would promifc to make no interpellation, interccflion private or publicke, nor proreftationagaiuft their be- loved articles, wherof -they were fo jealous. The third and fideffc cloak was the twofold accufation of two brethren in the Minifte- rie, who were decerned by the Counfcll to be pattcrnesof extrc* mitieand prenaratiues of terrourto the reft. jfrcbip. What accufation meane yee, and of whi< h Minifteri } Spapb. One was of Mr. ufndrow $)uncan minifterat Crail (but boldenfrom the fuoftion of his Mir.ifteric by the fine craft of ati- sworous teporizer his cunning collegu?, wreftling betwixt the wind of the world,& the waue of his conscience) for prwfenting the Sup- plication aboue written;who was fent for bv the B of S'.androes, & detained by him in his lodging/ill he delivered him to the Cap- tain of the guard to be prefented that fame day afternoonc before the Counfel,where compciring he was accufed by the Bifhop upon his fubfeription of the (implication (albeit the B.had fpoke nothing of that to him in private when he fent for him) & having acknow- ledged his hand writ, he declared his readines, at the command of the L. of Counfell,upon affignation of a competent time to pro» duce his warrant of great numbers of Preachers and Prof flors f in whofe name he had fubfcribed;fubjoyHing,for (lopping the mouth of his accufer that Cuhis prftato lictt agcu tiufam publicum: where. Upon the B.giues out this fentence, It is thought good ye be com- mitted prefently.Bur becaufe the Defender pi- aded the poormang right: Jfn non litet cui&brt prtteftari Or mendicdte,The Lords not fee* ing how they could punifh him for fuch caufes,& liking better tho innocency of the defender then the iniquity of the acculer,thought meet to cal him in again:where the B.f7 qutnon profunt JinguLi tnttU U )u)>ent, firft layd to his charge that he had preached n\ Crail tho Tveek before,which he confe(fed:That heewashis Maj rebel lying at the Horn; he denyed that he was ever at the Horn: That he had broken ward in Dundie : he anfwered that for obedience he had remained at D jndie the fpace of half a year upon double charges, kpiuj* fcjparatc from kk wife and fix children f the approaching Winter concluded in Parliament. jj Winter man'e him to draw horneward,rhinking that either they ha 4 forgo: him or would pitty him after fo long troublc.Like a$ he had received a letter from the B. to be at Santand.at a meeting of fomc Brethren of the Minifters. In end he befoupht the L. not to impri- fone him upon his own charge; & toconfider that ityvere greater jnercic to kill them rnth th lie fword, then to pine them ta death with hunger. But his doom was eight bcforchisc6peirar.ee. jfrcbip. What was the other accufarh )b. Mr. Alex. Simfon minifter at Drieburgh, not having an? fuch intention,wasearr cftlv di fired by a brother (erviogin one of the ordinary places of th iters of Edin.to preach for him up* on the Saboath,vvhuh was the 22 of Inly immediately going be- fore the doj appoint: the Parliament Whcrunto he was pc -d upon fufficicnt reafons alledged by his rcquefter. He Preached upon Ezech.3.16 according tohisowncuilomSc the prcfent oc in the good old Scottifh fafhion. the cilic IMO new L- >nformc,more plainly to all th-: f to for^ & in greater (implicie of heart then vviiedomc of If 01 * r * •gainft the nanncrof the entric of many yong men into the ho- '*} nCv * r ly calling of the Mini fieri e, agiinft the negligence of watchmen, ^ Ajm% vvhobecaulcof the fear of men.of loueto the \\ iniquity, and their own guiltincs of the fame fin, are (lien: in cenfuring the finncs of others, and especially againft chcdcfe&ion of B fn. All which & much more fpoken no: in a corncr,but in the publick au- dience of (b ^reac variety of hearers , as were in that :own ar that time,I need not record. Vpon the day next followifl il- led before the Gout I when he had conl chad preach At fail the former Minifter and b n- Yoyed by the guaro to the Cannongarc.whcre th. r* ftas rownlod^ and upon the mornc were led by three of the go .Ha ofDur.b. .tercd upon Thu; :6. 1 how clamation a r with any pn ft the whole I then the :. ons be derive.; to the reft. Epd ill know that beft, ar. e put out of all y doubts, wl rte theCo^ Proclao AT Hah - n c "*•*• pi7j /; ot a*4 m dutfrkfti t vu* to It u f4 Conformitic in fiuc Articles, %aut Uiely ynade their ndrejje to this Surrow of Edinburgh , Inhere thi Eftates of the IQngdom in the foVeraigne and high Court of Parliament are now affimblea : and that feme of their Mimfters haue not onely en- gyred, and in a manner intruded thewfelues in the (Pulpits therecf,withou% any hwfull warrant or callings but infteadofTtholefome dotlrine for edi- fication oftheprefent Auditors, haue fallen out into m$H injurious and andutifullffeeches againttthe facredperfen of the things May labouring thereby ,fo far as in them lay, to pcjjejje the hearts of the auditors frith fotne bad opinion and confiruilion of his Maj. unffotted life and con- Verfation. jfndnot content hereTiith^hy haue their prhie Conlenticlei and Meetings Jbithin this Surrow, haue obtruded then felues upon fomt ofthcEftaUs of Parliament >and in publicly audience haue prejudged hit Ma) . moft religious, fincere and lawfull proceedings, ufing foliicitati- ens again/} his Maj. jufl intentions :■ ^And haue not onely dinBly max- nifejlly and aVoUchedly done, What in them lyes Jin cat thefmcaitte of hi$ Ma) . diffofition towards the true Religion in qutjlimu but to incuiutt gnd fatten the fame bad opinion into the hearts of his Ma] . good fub* \efisy and fa crojfe and hinder all his Ma\ .proceedings in the Parliament, Tbbicb hath no other ayme but theglorie of Cod y puntie of Religion, andHpeale of this l{ir.gdome. \n frhich three points* the bypaft experience of his Maj . happie goVernement will chare thi fmcerny of his Ma], tnoft religious dijpofition towards theglorie of God, and weak of his eople, and will Vindicate his Ma]eftie from the malignant afperffom of is Majefiies undutifull fub)efts. jink whereas this forme of doing in a I(ingdome, where the puritie of Religion hath ftch a free andun- tontrouled libertie and progreffe, ttithatb intbh ¥Jngdome under his Ma]efites mofi godly \wif % )uft,and happiegoVernenunt,v notfifred nor allowed and hath no warrant of law* cufiome mw obferVation etfi- where, but may draw with it many dangerous confluences , andraife up emulation^nd diftaftes betwixt his Mayftie and his good people to their danger and harme.Tber fore the Lords of fecret Counftll ordaining letters to he diretilo command and charge the whole^Mmtfiers ptefently being in this Burrow, except theordinarie Mmftersof the Burrow, andfucb ethers ,11'ho upon the notorietie of their lawfull adoes heer.flnll procure 4 Warrant from their Or dinarie,and failing of him from one of the jirchb. to remaine and abide fiill heerjbj open Proclamation at thrMarleet crofft of Edinb. to remoue < thai they onno wife prefume to repair again thereunto during the time of this Parliament under pain of rebellion. jtn& if they or any of themfaile, thefaid fpace being bypaft Jo denounce apprehended, wtrdfdwd punched accordingly. •Anhif* £ eoncluded in Parliament 77 drcbip. That is more then ever I looked could haue proceeded from Chriftian authorise profefTing the fame reformed religion With us. It was a ftrong prognoftick of great rigor againft the perfons of the Mimftcrs, and of great preiudice to the caufc of rc« li^i >n. What was the resolution of the Miniftcrs ? Epapb.Thcy could not ftay againft the proclan-ati - could not altogether defert the caufe in fo dclpcrate a time And there- fore finding,that thecommiflioncrsof Shires were fent for ; and carneltly 'iefued to make knownc their grievances with faire promifesof latisfa&ion, a ftrong preparation to chc great matter of all oppcfition : and that after afiayes there was no hope of recalling of the rigor denounced againft them; for obedience fijft to Gjd,and next to God unto his Maicftic : they rd at th. WE E the Minifltrs of leftts Cbtifl in bis H'tghnes fygdom of Scotland, being convened from the quarters of the Coun- \ to concurre furthewealeofthel\}f\e, t§ $be ana erne thereof o/frVed before i* ?j) lis mentsj$ confult up* •n Tteightie r.ff aires, as the prejlnt cafe rtqutnth confix her * cbatgedattbc market croffe of Edinburgh to remoue fonb of the J Borrow frit ''' in 19 bourcs immedutly following the f\y : as alji jua ig harder ftquclis to follow upon fuch beginnings, haue con- cluded according to the mccffitit lyd upon us, to Lauc our informations admonitiotvto the honorable Lords of fa) lament, att in the name of 'our Lord leftu, to remember the labours and Cuff cnn£S of t i, A 1 able prede fjors : and to doe m the muter sin bin I, *6 they Jtonld be accept 5 appearance: and praying to Sgbts.to open U ^ic their hearts to t>y th; tndabprouc tl < jircbip. li. formations ami admoni od for ;annot becvillfor me and other vvhoknowcth if being re :cd to them after fo 1 mfiblc confirmation earth, they cc ,icm more ad\ i anially : a many a* bauc loft theif hrft loue, rcmer :y ire fallen, a ilworkcs. Eoapb. Some prepftftcroufly mdgcofall rcafonshy thecon-V**** iufion by the rea obftinatly inftal peifuafion,: //. And a third fort clofcthi andea they fear that the and they ben that ft . h were falft : yet both for their takes wl - . c wee arc and for yoarownc 2 m we v faMCof the w .n kit be it in I L ; ;$ftr 7$ Conformitie in fiue Articles tleafoai \TOur Honors affembled in this prefent Parliament, ought U abflate left by tke j£ J}q ratification And all corroboration wbat/ie)>er pf Perth Ajfembly* miaiftcrie and A tics thereof, forthereafons folio wing, and many moe aile*- to the mem- g t ^ An ^to 'be produced, ifyour great adoes could permit. bers of par. x j, ^ y lit m ajfimblyfingle, and in itfdfs dibided. 2. in forme §f ia»CAiu proceeding netonely different from others, but directly againfi the order eftMi$udbythekh\ : 3. In effect csntrarions U all ?enera(l and pro- Vmciall \jfjfhmblits, !Ptefly$er$es % and Sefftcns, ds they u* injlitute, and bate been h olden in Scotland fince re formation of reHgion within the jlime. 4. The carried fintence and aB.es thereof &re repugnant to the forme of religion received, belee^ed, profej] :d } cfi«b U foe d, and defended by this f{ir\e > ani whole body of this ^ealme, by yutr Honorable predeccf- fors of Worthy memorie, and your ft lues : and praHifed )>ni\>erfaUy and in tbefeteriU parocbes of this fyngdome tkefi ft xtieyeares and aboue. Norn eft a confuctudine recedendum ficile,ni{i rarioni adverfetur; much left from a f^town truth dife tied and blejfed by God in fuch abundance ef benefits as the Und hath enUyed with religion 'JS{o ki\ Protejiant not Lutherane,nor of other profeJfion 9 Papift y or wbofoeker wit go in a changt XPtlhoutfome tVident (at lea ft apparent) reafon of the word. The changt but of the old Calendar for the Popes new one (and that is but afmaU thing) made a great hurly-burly both at fyga tn Livonia ,and at jfugufta* 1 Such ratification jhou Id crajfe and directly preiudice the acts of Par* tlament 1591 and theproYijton expreffedin the end of the ati of Parlia- ment, 1 '97 And atl other alts ft downe in favour of the %urifd\Bio% tftbe ki>\* libertie thereof, ajfemblies, and difcipline. Item, his Mm- /ties proclamation publified and printed at comwind of bis Counfeli69^ Item, the proteftation made at Perth, i6o6,andall others made before *ndfince.Item,the covenant made by the mmifters and profejfors of this l(!ngd9mc % 1 596 and 1 597, and all other bands > thereby fafiors and flickgs hxue oblifhzdtbemfeltes inperfons and contmuall praFti/i to ft and to the forme of religion received and pratlijed, Tales legum mutatio- aies would proue k^um vulnera. Quae in fuo ftatu, eademque ma* jicnt ctfi dctcriora iunr, catnen vcihora lunt. Reipub. quam quae per renovationcm vel meliora inducuueur. jfnd frith what ctedit undconjitncie could your Honors confirm Jeparation fromy our fathers *nd the breal^of ancient Vmtie e our dhtie^if^ur fare- itcdrsbdd °n& t9 ; tapdcceffo* li nrut aumiiTa, in Lrciius r 4 •;" \? \ :ed> dtt **y! oft he net tjjdric | :d ly thtftrftft faM ferennny^ui 6 Cdutl profi. S* in . g the / • ages to re- $ -nt Ml: mj\ ily y to TSoundtkc fc- tki U etkh Pa m i In Ttrtb tjji td$ Ut»' t$ Ittrpe; rime* {lafrur us obftringcrc c - Irtpoli &meuU3 us. fu> bimfeij hougbt un inc: > a- £ Our fir »r r ml I PU ai J» f ft ic fuliiZA til ltaon ad tempys, quan. fie flu 3# Conformitiein Sue Articles, ft is to be feared \that before it be long, that men difajfecfed to the anchttt order, frill further pn fume ere it belongs to glut out other doitrine M Ipell AJsnew ceremonies. 7 T^itifieationVpould compaffe a great many Mtnifters andprofejfort $fthis I(jr ^between two dangerous Sf raits; eithtr to prdtfift againft the truth, oa they Vnderftandit, andbaue ti>al\edin it, andagainft theperfo- nail bandt,TVbereby they haus oblijhed themfthies to ftand CGnftantlj to the obedience of it, or eife to fill under the breach of a thill law more bctrdty perhaps to be perfued,then the lams *g?wft herefte, Ikfpbemie, bre^yig ofthefibboth day, &c. lnfuch a cafe m TVee are alwiyes ready in our goods and bodits to the increajing and upholding of his maiefties hononr^ anieftite, fo according to our pojjibilitie , and the occurtent ntcejfitie of his Highne/feaffiires, we cheerfully offer our beft fupplies dndhtbe. And for eafe of our iuH grievances, and fear es of our Chri- Jlian Ubertiefmm r$n/lraint of ceremonies, TVe hum'iy beg to htue retur- ned ratification of our andent liberties of religion. Ceremonies jhjuld bee perfuaded by reafon, and not in forced by compulfion. Propter extcrno* rirus difciplinae homines pios frrire^neque domint eft voluntas ne- que purioris Ecciefias mos. In the name of the Lord lefws wee require your Honours,that at this time ye walkjn the matters of the Jcj>£, m one dayyeefaaU be iudged dutifull according to the Scriptures fallowing : Seware of men,beTVare ofeVill Workers. Let no man beguile you with en~ tifing words. Stand fafi in tbefiith; quttyou /;% men. fBcftrong. Stand faft in the libertie therewith Christ hath made you free, and bee not in- tangled againe with tbeyoil^ of bondage. Hold f aft thefor t me of found words. That good thing which U committed unto thee, l^eefe. Contend earneftlyfor the faith which toot once given to the Saints. Stingye t(noJ} , theft things before, beware left yee fail from your owne Bcdfiftnejfe. Strengthen the things which remaine wat are ready to die. fymemhv bow thou hi ft received and heard, jfnd hold faft and repent. If thou Patch not, I JViU come upon theJUddenly, hfy a thiefe in the night , and thou fhtlt not fyiow what boure. They haue no courage for tbe truth Mponeartb^erem?. 3, Five rcafons wherefore the flue Articles of Perth ought not to be ratified in this prdenc Parliament. ©tUerrea- T?fr/f , becauft that affembly wojs not lawfully conftitute, wanting 4 fofcf • % JT fundament all priviledge of a law full affembly^ in rejpefl that contra- "y* ) i^*K»mfc irrsitv nwt/ffi/y *v«w rrurf m*.*vj *»••# %>vi*j + * ***vs,, vrv.i.m.iie fundament all priviledge of 'a law full affembly, in rejpeH that contra rytotheaStofthegeneraUu^JJembly holden anno j£oo, and ami* 1 568, fBiJliops, yet tbt j* batberredjnrewe& Apo- fioli. k rule in i differ en: , £ 1 u b is , / i it I ' tnely not compeU vim that foi tonfience refufetb to [ , but alJo\ ; , fliiuti for heart to practij fh y Prop- ter confcicr.::am non tuan fc ipl o, i. Cor. 10 :?• If bro: ai\c/} tb. ty> de- stroy him not f$r thy meat for ubom Cbrifibslb died, Rom. 14. } the forefiid jfrtielts bti ;-* .ircucii areuni. Cbt 'ion of it drawing Tritb it a rt\ rtturni to Pop'fli rites an iceremcmes\a >. 1 cf our proff. an. mmetd tben\ 4 c$ h m ibt err our: tnhote of ounommingto them in fiat $] a p : ftbi bearts of all ^ealoujly bo meafure ; more by the extern*} n.* h of ceremonies, tbtn by of 1: to it*- te effrbole Toptiie, atari of this /(jibe, I 'in pUce of ^elt^ion, tb:p. T*i>. \zin*tbe olfir\i;i;;i of Yuile oh T>kicb before . ' • y Aii cf Tarlumem in all pk 3i0t i !>'< dn tared tc bee ibe intention and to m f. *un> to - />, fkperUtfion, enterttiniug tbc pet am of Cbnjly leading tf.un to all fort cf txc {profit i ,iofshe:; tfTOBM oftbe/.. .0 t 4 gefiu .riy hy e then 1 xo+ytai ajtbep er- n ill I> ' taden god now iafsrt t Lo. «- to giue oi communion m - en t) 2e Pt> to ni- t bur* a 4 teftureofadorati' 4- oi: . t t r, : \bt h A- bcroffi bo- ;mJ>e of 4 ■ /" iftbtbi^oiommffi*' n>oidmd i ga Conformitlein ffuc Articles, ficathn of this Parliament 4* depriue Min?fters,that frill ftand out 4- gainft theft ceremonies Jbeing the greateft number of the beft aualfied t mojl painfi ill and fruit ft 11 of their calling frithin the land, frhat a la- fnwtable deflation jh: It it draw upon thu Church ? What a Tfround Jhalfc it be to cMy godly heart to ftc their faishfutt Tailors deprived, frarded^ and ban a%?dfor gib'ngthe communion a* Cbri/lgaVe it, andrefufmg t§ give it after the forme of. Anttchrift* Is thu a time to obtrude jlnti- ibriMan ceremonies in the ^ ^ , Tthe n the bloody fword of Antichrift u em-brewed in the bloud of ft many the ufnd protectants in France and Germanic* Laftly, h aciufiii fia\ ne>er /ienjhat this Parliament confirmed the aHs of my ajfembfa which they fytetthtoaA called in queftion, not onely by a gyeai number of the freci-U ofibeminifterie* but alft by the greateft part of the mofl jealous pro feffourt of the U hole bocy ofib'j fyngdomCp ** u maniftfl by the pratlfe 9 f Edinburgh jee\mg the Lords /upper i* tboufonds without the citit An admonition to the well ajftcled l^ohilitie^ Baron* and Burgtffes, Commifsioners in this frefent Parliament. iMmdtslti- T^O E notyour Honours now at last perceiue, hoM* mightily t^e 3ns to the J Myfherie ofiniawtie, thejpirit of Antichrift, the power ofdarl^ tame cffe&. neffe and ddufion preYiiles among ft m in the j udgemenl of Gad ; prefuppofe not in the intention ofman^hubVpeprefume not to fiarch % butleaue to the Lor d the fear cher of hearts. If Papifts got free, Jjpho fi- fed to be fined, if profeffors be counted Puritanes, and religion disgra- ced, if patrons of Poperie be fit at liberties and the faithfull committed^ ifSeminariefrieftsgoeabroadyand true Pastors be confined and mprifo- ned, if fea-ports be patent to forraine Papifts and banned Minifters lye Vnrecaliedytffundry ftatefmen be fmaU friends to true profejfion, and %.?t unfriends to Paptftry , if time ferVers andmenpleaftrs ufurpe com* tnijfionfor Chrifts fyrf^being her great eft enemies, if Papifts doincroacb oind profejfors grow cold.lftt be diftharged that ft arch be made for maff- priefiSyOrthat theft foxes being diftoVered y jhouldbe apprehended as yout honours may tryjbhoft intelligence is better \ is not there thefoundofthe found of the feet of Popery at the doorer, ^hereunto the Lord hath long threatned to cast m. The difiipline of Chrifts 1qr\is already Tt>dneere de- Jtroyed y and turned Antichifiian by the ufurpation and tyranny of our frelats The Tborjhip of God is next, and now amongyour hands tyhicb if yt fujfjr to be polluted by the fymijh leaden of their unhallowed rites, 4i fundry of the miniftcvy unwiftly haue done, TPe may iustly feare the cor* npHon of doHrine* andfi all is gone* Confifo, concluded in Parliament 13 GonHder thcn.that bftone to try your hue to the trvth, is at t time, the act concerning th I ceremonies, cou ny, but in t miaous ig bad{ g w, Jrhxofby the conff fun of allien of (he Vrget unnecej]u,y anduntimom , and fo %n religion Abbomin .>. fyuiifTbeTbdlfy the truth, it ic 1. a returning frnbtbe Hogg to the *omit, z. to T id prof. fc mJalous, 3. con: the T»ord % ajs is i nd foprefumptuous, 4. in r g trdoftbeprej y are re. *ed,proV:ngjupei rrt$tioua t 5 . iyreajon of (he 02th vfGod, \i is iUjp ea lefimgyour Honours to ft and for the Lord, Sit k good fr*4 to be tooled r'fter fa go lleffe a beginning. It re/Is now, tb.it ye be con}} nit *nd fitted in tie lout of the truth. By tbi rc- mentSt !y h re* touching yourfclues aniyour /.; rs % ami otb 1 ofdi)l{ntJ/e tbiyftudie to draw away :rt yo i either : )>otc agamjt , or to be J>^eXttraUi i'jutts; or to j. to dra.v y < i/l tb: me in this Tjtli , rtf, Ttbo /rand to gipttejl and your regard t> . mom. 1 mmeth fliall in! vill b. Re?. £i.f # Buc 1 1 neb B>> ire of nun dire mony to the truth of Gad) an all hauc part in the lake which burnetii wiiii rirc and ^. the jfnotber ^A.ltnoniiion. P fey our Honou M* it you do: atthit peremptor t: con. Perth. C Uomorneh blin% ' Ij.{ oto If on jour \, ^herofjtjkdlnoi 1 :o>tn ■ $4 Conformitiein ffue Articles, tirlh TJoe eyes of men and Angels are uponyou , the eyes efthofe vfbo viournefor the mifries of Gods k^tltjare longing for comfort from you. And the great ivJge of theVporlljbe ahmghtie our God>whofc eyes Are all a flamingf re, doe heboid eVoy mam part in this prefent Parliament. Tour 'botes y y our ac~ies>your n imesfh ill be rtgifirate to dl p oft erity bon- der therefore the freight of the caufi frberewitbye meddle y andtbe fear full incan doe accompany &jh tl he ratification of tbe 4'J of that pretended a ffcwbiyjb at will befall the kingdom of Chrtft, bis iHerjjbcbefipart of [irtikr e pr oft {for s your fiends & familiars your ken or ptftirtty,4ndit may be alfoyour orvne perfins both Jpiritually Gr chilly. For if acceding to your pi a, -, yte do not refift the eflabhflnng of that ati by ill Uwfull meanes,yee cannot cleanfiyour fetbet ofdefpifingtheoatb tenant of God folemnly fmornz *nd futfcriVed by all ej}*tes,and i I ;• undoubted turfe ofGod&bicb htftensno&to come uhonus.Te cannot beguilths of encouraging and emboldening tin wire off ; yea and of tbe greening ofihe hearts of the king; be]} fnlicch % afbrangling theu ' faith y andc aft tie boTvtofcrVtboth God & tbar natiue I^ng . Te cannot be gull ilhg out of fiii bfuQ minifiersy and bringing in of jong boyts . ; ir clings and time fir- Vers to tbe overthrow of tbe Goffrel&'JhugbteT of fids. Te cannot mijfc to draw the Vrble land in afhare,and in Jpecialihe &nor tbar own necejfities, or tlfe to controll and enthrall their confeiences to the deftruttion of their foulu TS{*m U tbe time rifely to present theft things fikicb if ye doe, time JhaB 4pproVcyou 9 Godand good men ft ill acknowledge you in this poynt, better Cbriftians 9 belter Statefmenjbetterferltants of God >w ore loy ill and Tciftfuhiettsto the Jeujg.belter friends to kirt^zr commoritoeakjbzn they fbbo uponpbatfoeVer pretences jhatt either urge oryeeldto the contraries Refifi ther fore the eftablijlung of ceremonies , as * reentrie ofPapiftrie* Our neighbour countreygrones under theyoa\pphich now u preferred a- g tin to their nec\s y and weuldredccme the liber tie xrhicbyou haue had .and jet infome meafure enjoy. It cofl y our predeceffors many a tear Ttith Go^ Gr their uttermofi tndevors I chafe & tranfmit this li tmto you; and Chriji bath bought it Tbith his blond for you. Count nstfi lightly ofiijs to loofe it for a moment, but Handfaft in I hat liberty wber- Tt>ith Cbrift bath made you freehand be not int angled again with tbeyoafee to f bondage. Goodfubiecls haue no tuft caufe to fear the offcn r c of a good k'xg in maintaining Gods right end their own:,fo long as their arau/e is xefiyfind their Stand therfore for the trutb;& covfejje efore m . onftftyou before tbe ft her. concluded in Parliament. l^ jfrcbtp If they had taken time to ponder your feifoni and ex- hortations, I cannot think that tl Id haue rcfifLdfo great •▼ideaceofcnUh fo powerfully ex But what rcfolurioa Was taken in cafe all thefc measies mould fail tcrfrci upon the laft remedre : a Pra- te rvhich fe vrordl. idtxctik ?*. Pr*tc{ttt\& D> jtfort our c; to ike Pat* fruit! of *lbtfh slteraHom oj - .iraeat. ! * of: . . ier XPt dl \f. pit* \ if our u J ofgi ft pirt by tk: patrons of net of our i m tccouH? /ompth to tffeffion fUfhgi jbeTrbi. ofl $ f as df$ our unfi &* U tntmicscj . \ our Mi fowr.n . \rtthtm . ■ tre- o+ 1 %$ Conformitie in ffuc Artidc9 t $f Pretention. li\e m achtyingtothe protifiatiom made to the Parlia- ment bo Men at forth in the y care of God \ 6c 6, And to the Proteftation nftdin the lafl Parliament h olden at Edinburgh, and U alt other Pictejia- Mens TthatfbeVer made in favour of this 7(7; \, and ag4nji all hurts and injuries intended againfl the fame . fBy thefi prefnts , Ttefi'mniy prohft ally and frhatfoeler Articles^ Cles, and others frhatfbcVo phtlt bt prop*- ned,coneluded and publjlnd in or frcm this prefint Tarliammttn pre- \udice of the iurfdiSiion and libertk of the J(rk K , jijftmbties thitof^ order fjfjblijhcd, or any part therof ; or in favours of ufurptd golernt^ tnent and damned Hier archie, of Ceremonies and alterations Wbatfe eVer 9 concerning the minify ation of the Sacrament* , or any ether point # w praclfe of difciplint received in this I{ingdome. jind for due ext- ttttion hereof Ttills andreqnefl our frclbehl ed JErothcr to fulfcribe 9 andtoprefnt the feme, ** cjfeers in oven face of Par- liament , to the Lords of grilles betng convened, and, if need lee, to affxe the fame upon the Parliament houfe dore 9 or Ahtfyt croffe of Edinburgh. To the ejfecf, that our re af enable di/F: flint from all and fbh at feeder, may m any fort prtwdge the forme of Religion > fa lift: din this IQngdome, may bcnotoilykyomn. At Edinburgh the 23 ay of luly 1 62 1, Archij?. Ye haue fhewed mc evident teftimonies cf their fideli- tie, which rr.augre ©blivicn and malice will bide after them, Vvhen they are gone out cf this ? vcrld, as they left th.'tn behind , vvhen they were put out of that Town: I would now know what Vvasthefuccefle. Epaph. The former reafons and admonitions took impn flion in many hearts, few were in any doubt what to doe , if they had been left to their own hbertie : for there was not one who cither refpected thefe flue Articles for their own good qualitie, cr for rhc Kirks authontie-.neither ever to this day were they honoured with the name of an A& of the generall AfTembly , but beare the note of bafenefle in the title of Articles All the perplexity was, what to doe in fo great extremitie and urging importunitie : for the Matters of work , both for compafling the purpofe, and keeping themfelucs frcm cenfure , fet their wits by all meanes to woike fo many, as they might, to be of their mind. And for this effld: there was no fmallbufincffe in the beginning tofingleout and fee inclinable Lords and Noblemen , and fo to make way fcr their Election, who wete to fit upon the Articles,that therby might be gained in hope of further vidone thirty and two Votes at leaft ia theit judgement , yvho had made prosperous tryallof fuch cun- ning fitft at Perth : and now, knowing with whom they dealt, jud no lefle hope of fucceffe here. ^Tfkipp. Tkat weuld fcemeto be like dnepolicie of our late ficck*- concluded in ParKam? nt. ij BccIefiafticaU AfTemblies , inc of the priric confereace. But after fo full preparation, wh:rher was the day appointed for holding the Parliament nowatlaft obferved whh the wonted fole n utie ? £)tfb. It was; for noon Wednefday the 15 of Iuly 1621 at Ri,i» # f the P4UCC of Hilvroju j, th:re is firft a Majefticall appea- fa c p^ raice of high honour ai \ fplendor glancing from that glorious mz*L co 1 ;h Court of Parftam : f the m KLitlg and H ra 1 of this M ).iarchic, b ingrcf : poren: and noble Lord / Minifl a l to enter, th v might be I jhtbif* Howcanjccb* ne throng I t Corifibrmitie in fflic Articles, feeifig yewerc neither an aftor, nor permitted to bcwitneffceS *he remanent proceeding? Epdph. The Lydian ring is worne away long fince. Any of the beholders could relate all that was dene openly: crery one of the members of the Courc could not fee what was done fecretly. Lookers on many times fee more then gamefterr, and in the rale the hill isbcft feen. jfychip. If ye rake upon you to tell ire the truth, I wfll ceafe to be curious about the mean of your inforrnatiomwhat was done in that firft meeting;. £/>*/>£. Firft the B.of Santandrccs after a ▼eric (hort prayer,read Spetefcet in * p arc f Scriptare,Rom. 1 3. 7. and delivered a difcourfe chit fly in* Aekcufcof tending to pcrfwdde thctaxation. After him my Lord Com^iflio- SarliaMcnt, n er had a fpeech, declaring to the Eftates his Maj. great and extra- ordinary troubles, and cominuall deburfemeins in fuppcrring the King of Bcheme,his Quccn>& their motherland in continual fen- ding of EmbafTadors to France,Gerrnany and Spaine to travel for peace among the Chnftian Princes, befices rhe exnaordinary aids given to the Germane Princes to retain them within thecompaffo ofthebandof friendship and alliance, the iVurges of maintaining a feaNavic under the conduct of Sir Robert Manfjfittd; adding al- fothat his Maj.fuftamed and fuffcred mere for the perfecurions & afflictions of the Proteflants,and for the defence of the Reformed Kirk then all the "Princes in the world befides,with divers other ini finuations to perfwade a large fupply: And for ft 1 thcrance the: of his L. proft (Ted to haue warrant to giue way ic any good advice, wherby mony might increafr ck aboui _ us after rhe taxa- tion. His L.fpaks for the fiue Articles under the name of matters of Kirk Difcipline,that had been concluded in foimer AfTemblies, J>ra&ifed m the Primitiue Church, not forbidden by the wea: of God,& fo able to be defined by the Prince ,who hath lawful power to command in matters indifferent. He doubced nothing of their good afftc3:ion,& concourfe to the good advancement of fc necef* lary a fervice,as was then in band. And for hirofelf he fhould ftnue to let his Maj.know every mans part: & he for his part would con- tribute his beftendevours to a good fucceffc. In the third place rr,y Lord Chanccllour had hi3 Qftanquam , whciin he fpake to the fionourof theaudiencCjthc quality of the Solium Tfcgale, where tho Commiffioncrfate^heperfonsYYhowerenacmbers of that A (Tern. bly feverally, giving every one his own due t & with repetition of fome things touched by the Ccmiffioner & the Bifh.of S.androcs, cocerningtheneccffity impofed upoMotir liberality, & experience to giue way to the Church ordinances, fetching fome conclufioa &*m old judgement of Ifyx an* ftwdts in the perfon of 2^um4: ha concluded in Parliament. t$ fee ended with an exhortation to the Lords , to goe cheerfully and With a £ood mind to the election of the Lords of Articles . yfrcblfy. Never wa^ S'ipio, HAnnibal, M ns, never Cod/ur , Tbra/ybulnr. nor Themi/faekf f or any Grecian, Romare. r lew, fo tnu~h obliged for their Countrey , as tbdc three perlbns for the drf-nce and m jintenance of the true Religion, and common eftate o r Scotland; of the priviledgcs, lawes and lib pertaining to the one and the othcr.they being debtors to the Kirk an d Com* mon-weale of rheir life, liberty, honourable places an I calling! , of th ir prefent condition and future expectation : and lying uu- der rhe'obligation of birch, education, imitation of their honou« rable predeceiTours, of their offices, perfonall promdVs, and wha:- foever other obligatorie refpi&s: And therefore it cannot be but in the midft of lb many dangers prefent and imminent, they be hovedto fay fomerhing, both for tcftfying their hearty auctions and for the weale of the Realme. Epnpb. Tha: was not their errand , and had been a co en to the other part of their fpeech , and to their following \d&* ods: and therefore without furrher mention of pub'. :s* or any infinuation of their obhfhed aff.-fiion to tfc mother the Kirk crying for their rulp ; or to truir natural! ne- ther the Countrey trembling under the burth v rs calami- ties, and under th Urn of forrain feare, tfa Hi of the ut- ter h >ufc were clofc I for that time. yirtbtp. Was there no farther done d for advancement of the our Epiph. Not !b murh in (hew, as that vvhich is done, but more infubftance. For the Lord Commiffioner, th a of h ret, wih Chanccllour, Treafurct, Secretarie 9 ai l* :mo the inner h. >n of the LI . ^ *J of Ar: iftcrthat moftfree for ing Parliaments proceedings and Counlcls, where cbo fans moit lndirT-- rent, of ment , and no way partially aft r retrained to ;he loue of any c:. of this mod r. ,iew law,hui ca 1 >rj»thei \z- i loit. Y* li \cs 9 re- move i' cover that The P. omtbcii taany ill boutei to :hi> Kick and Counucy t cununiully . ig N the at- a* p9 Conformitic in ffue Articles themfclues as Peeres of the Kingdome , profeffed parties agaJnd the Miniftersand Difcipline, and as partial! Iudges and led Wit* neffes , when queftions concerning Minifters or Kirk governe- ment did occurre: or where oppofition was to be made to matters proponed in prejudice of the one and the other,they went to their roomes, and were not onely filent contrary to the debt of their places : but all finging one long, the reft following the firft , in a reafonleflk harmony rare to be found in Tariff Venice* ox the raoft famous Counfeils in the world : they did choofe thofe eight of the Nobility, jfngu(s> Mortoun.H^ttbefdail^ lV!gtoun,$tyxburgb p SSntfylugb, Scone, Carnegie : and rhefe made eight of the Bifhops, Santmciroesy GIa/go& 9 Dunf^eldy Aberdeen $rechin>%)iimbUneyAYgyle Orkrtiy: andthefe altogether did choofe eight Barones and eight Burgeflfes. A faire eleftion of fbure eights, receiving their names from theclieffof the fong* and infpired with the concord cf the firft eight, who would bee loath to choofe any different from their ownc minde , and of the fecond eight conforme to them. jtrchip. Was there never a note out of tunc ? Epapb. By providence two notes of the thij^ eight, and one of the fourth jarred a little to make the melodie oftfae whole 3 % the more fenfiblc to the cares of the hearer* by their irregula- rity. Finally, for augmenting the number of fair drawn voters, the feven Officers of Eftate , CbanceSour y TreajurerySecretaryTriVie* Jiak, luftice Ctearfa Ad]fOcate> and Clearly ^egiHer are adjoyned ; all faithfull fervants , and loath by croffing or comming in the contrary of prefentintentions,to perill their liberall penfions,their great Offices^heir prefent imployments, and hopes of higher prc- ferment* jfrcbip. Thatete&ionfo enlarged and qualified withthofclaft Jevem is a ft rong firft fell, and a great conqueft of votes in favours of chiefe defires. Epapb. Yet it is not quarrelled here*as in former times, whea mens own particulars were inhand.Then prefencewasweak,nov* abfence is ftrong. What Prince and prelate could not work when Kirk rent facrilegioufly pofleffed was but under feare of quarrel!, now in thefe Halcion daies , when mens particulars are out of feare * Politickes and Prelates can eafily bring to pafle, andfo tthe firft ftrength of the Parliament is taken in prefagp of expe&ed viftorie. jfrcbip. No raarvell ; fbr the cafe is altered. Which was r&e firft meeting of the Lords , I may fay, of the Sue Articles thus sleded I Sfiapb* Vpon Thutfdajr the %6 of luly $ after the Cabins*. Goua* concluded in Parliament 91 Connfrll , which daily met in rhc Abbay by fixe in the mor- ning ami face while nine, rodreffeand difpofe matters robe done in fuch a courfe, as might leade aoft eafily to the deftinace end. Anbip. Thofe Lords of Articles convened did they enter at their hrft meenng upon the fiue Articles ? Epapb The Kirk is prejudged heere of her ancient privilege # to her great loffe, and they ,that all matters may be rightly ly med> are wifely dircfted to treat of the matter of Taxation in the firft place ; becaufe fo many as were aff ftioned to liberty from Cere- monies, under char hope would be eafily induced to a large fubfi* die, wherein they had perhaps been found lefle willing, or more har ly difpofed , if they had not looked co decline that bondage Wh n the taxation vvas concluded then were brought in into the fecofld i lace the matters of the Kirk. sfr>kip. Yet considering the oppofitions juftly made againft thefe Article! at Perth ; the violent and crooked way, s , \ - . i ihy thev were ra her forced and impoied , rh' n conduct d with ccn« lent, asreafon and the cuftome of the Knk«craved;rhe hire pra- ft.fws pad 3gainft certain honeft Mimftcrs, and great difcontenlq went univerfally in the Country tending to dangerous diftr^Sio! if for rerufall of a fort of obedience.which is no waies directed by the aft it fclf,nor not once motioned, but greatly fcared»when they were fo eagerly dealt for.and now, when the ftlft fear of cnorc ocf- perate inconveniences , and thecoi fcience of the calling of GoJ did inforce to try the d:fT rrnce brcwixt ar aft, or ratrur an ad- ▼ice of the KirV Cm pie and free of all fjn&ion or cenfure, re be MBpqfcd upon the Contravcen rs, d nd u law of authority which may be made vigorous and forcible by the hand of the IA ace forarbitrane execution agimft innocent and harrruLiT Pallors, and people u-u a table of thefc praftifcs by realbn of perfonall re- ftraint and perfwafion of their own minds to the contrary , 1 can hardly be i d to think-- howfoevir nothing wvaj fpoken in the face of the Parliament, yet now in private ai mfclues , they will peremptorily determine, without due deliberation Icaft, if not for I • the humour, yet tor inibbingthe Canker to prevent utter confumption, their care will be more bended re then in illothei matters. Epapb. Your commeiwiabl : judgement or'chariry tclsyou,whac (houlu be done, but vcruy mult tt 11 what w Atthein- commiiigof the Article of the t.ix i ion,the Lord Con. fpakeai before, to further, upon the ordinary and extraordinary ons,proportionstli que (lions moved anent the exemp- tion and pnvikdgcsof the Lord* of Scffion, whuli being main N x touching pi Conformltie in (tuc Articles touching mens perfons and their worldly particulars , arc ttteti* ded diligently; a large time bv the fpace of whole three daics fpent in reafoning , voting, preferring petitions, receiving an- fweres, and fetHng conditions in favour of men fearing their own hurt. Nothing concluded but with great advifement and very circumfpe&ly. But the other being matters of Religion touching men in their confcience, and the Kirk in her peace, as things indifferent were quickly and Imoothly paft in verie fhort fpace without fearch of any of your many difficulties, albeit with (eerie oppofition and diffaflent of fo many , as in the provi- dence of God might in fuch a time and place beare wkneffe to the truth. ^Jrcbip. Was theconfent of the Lords of the Articles of fuch force, that there was no hope of remedy afterwards. Epapb. By ordinary cuftome of former times, purpofes once paft in the Articles haue good appearance to goe through at Parliament. But the Plot- matters of the fiue Articles ; partly through fcareof hard fuccefife, which they had certainely found by fuddatn voting in publick; and partly to keep their own plan- tation free of difgracefull oppofition , and themfelues with their Aflbciates from the blame of madnefle by the multitude of com- panions, they dare not hazard at the firft ; but rcfolueto hold the Policies Parliament fitting and the Lords of the Articles doing for fomc making way daies , till they can fee a faire day for conclusion through the for conclu^ ftormes of common rumour , and diligent travels of many then $©ns. fet to oppofition. jfrcbip. What was the task of the Lords of Articles during that large time v for the Parliament was not clofed till the 4 of Auguft ? Epaph. After fomc particulars of private men; they were fett*. hunting, hauking, fowling &c. to make fome fumptuarie lawes againft banquetting, and fotne vefliary againft Pafments filk &c. for prolonging time , when their minds were upon nothing lefle then upon that paftime. yircbip. What cunning was ufed in the meane time for contri- vingtheconclufion ? Epaph. Ye know that it is taught by the Mailers of Policy,tbat they who would worke men to their purpofe , rauft either haue lome knowledge of their inclinations , and fo perfwade them : or their infirmities and feares, and fo awe them, or of thofe who haue the government of them 3 and fo rule them. And at this time the very profundities of our homely policies were opened up p Unquam pro arts & foci*, ^fubip. But I know that Commiffioners of Parliament fliould concluded in Parliament. g$ be men of another roettall He that willcth Chriftians to be in-, nocent as Doues in their dealing with others , warneth thera alfo to be as wife as ferpents in the dealing of others with thcrn. Epaph. Yet fome are fo polToft with a prejirdicate opinion,that they thinke all finceriry and confeience, erherto be pretended onely , as it is too often , or to proceed out of phantafie, fim- plicitie of manners, and inexperience of the affaires of the world : So that in ther estimation, confirmed by fo many inftan^ ces, as may make up more then one experience, no man almoft is fo nice , bu: he may be talked with, if he be taken on the right l . Vpon this gound the foil ftations, protc(tations,and promi- Xfy**** fes of great reward , often ufed fincc the beginning of the t'arlia- *?V** r '*V* ment are here Igaine enlarged am t !y, and engyred finely for fou- Af jpjttarf A# pling fuch with fueeties, as they take to be Minnies mou:hes. And >*«'<"."«£» for the hopefull generation of greater fpirits,whether thinking by v> wr *r contradi&ion to afrend , or (haired with their own neccffities , ,/ * J,ri ■ drefTed large promifes of great rewards for fervice to l* 4 ?? */** • ime, with great enforcements of nodds and com- l ^ -B * plements of the mod: fi. be done at this time, with great ^wi^^i^m* ui nuuus anu luu " >nificant fort for bewitching the eyes of "*JJ jj™"* the good Gentlemen to apprehend felicity in their own facility , ^ ^ l * ^ and their (landing or falling in the verball infinuarions of their im i thun ^ Odd frends. „, r ttnt r (dut Juhip. That might be apohcie for frme , but it could not nb! ptnes f$ ferue for ail/.fpecially forfuchas were at their hopes end v\i:h the htbent exbo- worlct ms peflimi & Eptpb Benefits already received were prefentcd to that fort in figfuitdcnu/^ the cup of exprobation, todafh them with the wrath of their un- finu finnr* thankefulnes,and fcacc of former favour to be unrccoverably loft> if at this time they did not prouc more then honeft men. Some were thrcatned with utter ruinc : and the (illier for: terrified out of their witt with l< udblafts of higheft difplcafui ; to draw on without delay a deluge of dcfolations upon the Kirk # if the Articles hfl that time to b« refilled. jfrcbib re like Mathematicall Midfes to demon- ftratc Me: all concluilons-, with :ldthc» befou' tc rs of Religion ? ipb. The man in :1k comers of cxrenuati* on, lifiedti e ; howfocver : xc eminent an fire* and intention re lovers and friends to :c fhould find wcic tt. t of Parliament. jfrcbip. ^ i fure thefe RjngU otwellknow tbc nan (Voters, fauc leffe their ftverall dtipofitfont and intci N 3 94 Conformitfe in Eve Articles Epaph. For gaining the unknown, and rryirgall, treacherous Intelligencers are fent forth, in outward apparance men of veric good fort, but indeed of the generation of the Neronian quadru- plators to (hufflethemfelues inallhoneft companies,butfpecialljr in the meetings of Noble men, commiffioners of Shires and Bur- BditofM ho- rowes > vv here imder colour of the fame afFe&ion and inclination mawm wm to '^ e or difltke, as thofe Sinons found the difpofition of com- mnVtco txiti* P an * es vvhere they happened to be, they lurked; but ftill aboue all w rnm & things they counterfeited a diflike of Perth Articles ; and by that pQeni* luiitm vile and bafe Iudas like diffimulation fucked out mens minds,and BHnuHAm fa- became acquaint with all their ceurfelsthat wifely were not QiscQM&WM. aware of them. The points of their falfe profeffioa were to learnc Xaciu mens names,their natures and their purpofes, that thereby they Slight be the more able to enforme their Mafters , Who Xtu V>bat % dnrf &be&as not. And fomeof the cut-throats, vvhere they were admitted would feemc in prefenceto giue approbation tofuch things as they heard, that fo they might goe lefle fufptfted : and fometime by their pernicious fraud, where they durft adven- ture, they would divert honed men moft craftily from good mo- tions and refolutions,and then at right returne to their cir-ftors, likevenemous vvafpes clogged with fil.hy lies and flam ring fug- geftions; Albeit there vVerefom< like JEfopsFlee, that fatr up- on the Axetree of the Coaeh vvheele, and fayd , What a dufi d$$ lraije t jircbip. Particular perfons tnight be known anddilappointed by that crafr; bur when they convcened with the Eftaus, wh^rof they were members, they behoved to bewray thcmieluefc,un^ fo fce brought by the reft to a right mind againe. Eppab. The Noblemen aro Ccmmimor.eis of Shires and Bur- rowes,in a mild manner of Imperious rtqueft , were reftrained from thenectffaty uie of the ancient priviledge granted to thefc- verall Eftates of this land, to conveene by th< n.fc lues tn time of Parliament, for aavi(ing,reafoning, and preparing themk lues the more deliberately to vote in publuke. And although for their bet- ter information it was prcmifed , that they fhoula haue inlpv £U- on of things paft by the Lords of Artie les,at kaft 24 houres before meeting in pnblick,itvvasnot orely nfufed,but they were enjoy- ned that they ftiould never upon any condition haue meeting at any time or place , without fpcciall confent giveni>ymy Lord Commiflioner* « ^ j^, Avckip* I can reply nothing in this cafe;y our depths arc become a* 4>i*2 ^° fh^ow that a vveake eye may fee the ground of them.l would ^fci«« i% ncver haue looked that the former deceivers coulci haue reported %% \**u* . f° nuchas the common favour of ^ugufim or 5%*/%, <~ mo pro* diturost concluded in Parliament, 95 jitaw, ntn proditores , or that the alternatiue of Thewftoekf go- ing with commiflion to the AnJrians, could haue been heerc allowed, either fairnefTe or force, words or violence. Epapb. I might open unto you greater depths, wherein Sbippes % \\%£ were feene failing, and Eagles attending them , and dtfeover fe- * #|*^* crets where Serpent 1 were gliding, and the grcateft Likjitnw&itb L|L>wf* g maide playing , when the molt expert in the matter of Articles, j*\ **q and of beft credit to make voters, went in paires : The firft man, S\iA>iLin& and his fellow labourer ^ The Scbokran\ bis Tsdigoguc, The T/incipall v ^[ LMUtm and bis cautioner , all running under great hope to come fpeed , ' M ^ ^ ^ and that both privately and publickely , in the houle , and upon ^ , theftrcet, at evening and morning, in all places and occaGons, with as many fine formes as they did meet with fafliions of men. jfrebxp. Your Hicroglyphicks arc obfcure,and ye delight to be Acroamaricall. Epapb. I (hall trouble you rro more with them, but fhall relate one policieas pithicasplainc to all; v\ hereby abfents were made prefent for voting,and they who were prcfciu were made abicnt from voting. Arcbip. Pithic it may be,but plainc it cannot be*,for that fcemes an impoflibility through fofce of contradi&ion. Epapb. Ye are in the lchoolesand I in the houfe of Parliament: ye arc upon the Logicks,and I upon the Politicks. Ye perhaps ne- ver heard of Proxeia. Bat fuch was the force of our procuration Pmsi*. in,her prime and firft rudiments, that fhe brought forth chrce miraculous efF.fts : i Shee brought Bnglifh Nj. lemea , nei- ther having portion nor inheritance in this Realme, nor know- ledge in our affaires Civill or Ecclefiaflicall , to vote in a Scottifh Parliament : z She made fome,whohad licences paiTed to remain from Parliament at that time , a.l had their excufes, admitted to vote by procurators : 3 She ma J: greater vvifcdom and care of their faithfull Procurators , to vote againft their own minds. And another way to m»iK us prcfen: , was by moving tome who had obftinately refilled , when they were de- fied by their Shires to accept commifh* jn , Dp il had taken inflrunv had fworn neither CO! q Par- liamjnt at that tune, bo .niliju, and to I ,y tov< yfrcbip. But how was it pofTolc to make them who were pre- fent to be abfent ? Epipb. This was m >re ( 1 was ru about with fibu- lar artifice, by many waves ami divers degrees. And firft before ibcWldayof ttoo Padiarocn cpCois tetstwhfetndo? niiott 9« Conformitie in Rue Articles Three po- licies to make them wHo were prefent to sb&Sto rifion were called Puritanes.becaufe they were more affc&ed to the ancient liberties of the Kirk againft obtruded novelties, were mo- ved to leaue both Town and Parliament-,& fo w re found fome or them ftragling through the Countrewtome vifiting their friends, and fome porting homeward, while the Parliament was yet fit- ting; all flying from apprehended danger upon the one fide , and from inforcing importunity on the other. Arcbip. When was the laft day, for that behoved to be the great day? Epapb. There was firft acauteious bruite broched and blowcn abroad with a fnell aire of feeming difcontentment, that the Par- liament would fit longer then was looked for , and it might be till the Articles were concluded : and then the voters of vi&orie be- ing nurribred , and fucceffe brought under he eye of good hope, fuddenly without the knowledge , and befide the expt&ation of many of the members of the Parliament, Saturday the foutth of Auguft was chofen as the fitted time for clofing the action. Jfrcbip. But it is not time yet for you toclofe your narration , yemuft both fhewme the other wayes of making them who were prefent, to be ablent ; and what was more done in that day. Epdph. The fecond way was as skilfull , but not fo fucceflefuli as the firft. Vpon fome queftion of place betwixt two Lords of Parliament, both lovers of Religion,it was apprehended that they Would rather loofe their votes, then perill rhdr dignity : And therefore ftrait commandement was given to Noble men to keep their own places. But as that worthy Grecian with his fellow-* ambaffadour buried their private emulations till thcit return,when the publkke affaires of the common-wealth were exped ; fo rhey perceiving the fnare,packed up the controvert frr rhat time, and of their Chriftian discretion, and generous affeftion, preferring a fubftantiall duety to a circumftantial ceremony kept their liberty, and fo difappointed that polkie. And as the firft pohcie of this fort perfwaded fome to leaue the Town , fo the fecond would haue moved others to leaue their riding. But on the other fide 1 will tell you by the way that their pohcie could not make all to be prefent of vvhofe concurrence they affured themfclues. Divine providence in one example might haue been a fuffkienc inftru&ion to let them fee, how eafily his Majeftie might haue tur- ned all their purpofes and counfcls to folly , if it had beene his pfe^fure, for that which befell one might haue befallen the reft* Foe ^ ne °f f he Commiffioners whom they had to be a ring- leader ct the reft of the Commiffioners of the Butgeffes fell off his hotie and g»ue place to another. And who was this but that Gofiimiffioner of ths chief e Burgh Edinburgh, who fell that concluded in Parliament. 43 tfcar day in the ftreer, and was forced to pine f^hc? to a crafefman chofen inhisroometo be peere to that firft I g Proveftof that Town, which was on;c as another Ieruf: u- ritic, power and loue of the Gofpcll through all the cornets of ihc kmgdorue: but now (albeit the powc mainc in cbq hearts of ma.iy hur .ous throu fuddenly admitted novauons by themfjives and their paflors too penitent of their proteftanon, prafl achers ra- ry conforming and parernes of change to the v. . y. givcthem hearts to rememl y arc fallen, y may repent and do s. jCnhif. Who knoweth, but they who haue done fo many things well for their common cftatc, common work.s a ledges of their towne, may newhac (and the 1 them with an open doorc ; f«>r the libera flourifT ^:c of their k encfit of the whole r; re- cced in the reft of your polk; •xt degree muft be to keep them vh* h.i houfe of Parlian was alio brought about g fomc No ly warned to \ ainftthe fiue a ourw.ircdy wrct»v;ht mi to vi ake a mid courfc, an. in the till the kirkei part was thr c forth 10 the ftage, and in their ownc plao .7, ) in Jbclif* Yccr« he kirk w~ now lace , mh was d kirkei k rcalon ana for thai caufe give! kirl jcaiticl k rei v What fpcfch aacanc yec of the IatJ Coir, •net i O P4 Coft£oi^rfie in fiue Articles, E'piph. When auwerc now entred into the houfe, and were fct In their owne p!aees,after deep filence he had a preface for voting, fhorr,but vehement; partly exhortatorie for yeelding to the fiue Articles of Perth, partly apologetick for defence of his" Ma. againft furmifes of Poptfli religion, partly declaratory. artefting that there was nothing under heaven that could be fo acceptable to his Ma- jcftie,as that the Kirk of Scotland would receiue thefe fiue Arti- cles; and partly promilTorie, that he would in gage his honor,fVrfi & credit upon that princely word whiv:h his Mak fty paft to him, that if they would receiue thefe 5 articles at that tiroejiis Highnes would never bnrden them with any more ceremonies during his life time ; according to a promife uttered b* the Bifhopof Aber- ^t v\ to the fame meaning,for eafingthe way to the articles , but without fuch reply,as was made to him by a Noble man, that hee was too hberallof his promifes, having no affurance: for his Ma* lefty would not bind himfelfe after that fort. ^rcbip. That preface was a ftrongcup of digeftion. r Epapb. And was well feconded with the fweetfauce of my Lord Chancellors oration compofed of two ingredients, loue and lear- ning. For after he had pleaded in his Exordium for the Church her dignitie • it is, faith his L. an evident declaration of his Ma. loue to God and religion,that he hath fo great care of the Kirk: and as formatters proponed, they require not much difputation, being already concluded by learned Biftiops,Fathers 5 Docl:ors & Paftors convened at Perth for that effect. After this confirmation,the Lord Commiflioner addeth the confutation : for againft the apprehen- fion & furmife,thathisMaieffrewasrefolvedto make this kirk in all things conforme to the Church of England; he did;a(Tume that his Ma. willed him tofignifie unto them, that thefe being once concluded, he would urge no other rite nor ceremome,and that bv their according to thefe, they would give lingular declaration of their loyalty; and therfore requefted to take heed how they voted. jfrcbip. Was there no mouth opened at this time to make reply, or to offer reafon in the contrary ? Epaph. No place was left for reafon, onely againft that fumma- ty form of proceeding, the promife made to the Nobility for ha- ying the conclufions of the Lords of Articles 24 houres at leaft before they were voted in publicke, was timoufly remembred and urged by a Noble man, to the cfFecl tbey might proceed with de- liberation according to the worth of matters , especially the aft$ being long,and of great confequcnce,and not to give fuddain iudg- ment,like as many ciphers,as in efTe&(fayd he) they were made by that form of dealing . I will not trouble you with the anfwer raade torealonable a motion s and bitter rcpulfe of all fuither delibera- tion 1 concluded in Parliament. P5 tion : but I will draw now to tbeconclufion. That is all,and I long toheare it, that I may fee what proi portion of policie is ; -whether the end be anfwerable to tl and proo sffcbip. In the conclufion, when the matter is I i the — , voters of the houfe, there was a threefold wellftudied confufion : , , fir ft albeit the fi ic articles if ere different in then- . and the in Y Doft part had different opinions concerning then- :rc "* % all hudlcdup in one bundcll according to I at Perth, that all of them might carry the favour of any or: wasieaftrt and then e> hemoft mifliked of the favour of all. The fame i fed in ic and extraordinary taxation : for di >f every eftate thought hardly of tl taxation* all being moft willing co tiuc large f in the ordinary»an(w< to the g- Ear. honour of the kingdome. And therefore upon a(Turan< that it v Secondly ,adv.. en of the c ed words, yi'g. iifigreetbc pv. rmofvotiogrfor all being ftraitlydifi ged here as at Perth, to give any reafon ( the c6clufion might p&ftctdiuiwurumm - id the weight uld be prejudicial to the nun (imply i : words, it come to pafTe, th.u the wide opening of the : id eat ally in the low pronounci . ut, thr< i or of o- - •iiofthe three w.h iuj pow . . ; ut refp mixtui . eftatc doubti \y co this houi others will (hi O i $$ Conformiticin flue Articles, jfrchlp. Busking ic hath need # of , but the joy at the birth couH nor be grear, ic being conceived and formed by fuch mcanes. Ep4ph. Yet, as upon the one fide, the commiffioners of Bor- towes, who were either fiIent,or negatiue in ihcvoiing of chat aft of the fiue A/tides were rcfufed of the ratification of the privi- ledges of their Burrowes, which was granted to others: So upon the other (I Je.vvhen things are now brought unto the wiftVd ci\d 9 and worne to chc back, by the Bifhopsot the bufine{Tcmany fair* promifes weregiuen for reward, and rhc hou(e prefented by the Lords Cornmiffioncr and Chancellour with a gratulatorie fwcet- neflc of fcrviceablenefic , a remembrance cf liberahrie to his Ma- ieftie,andconformiticto his will in kirk matters, clofing all with a pleafant aflurance that we fhould never be troubled with more ceremonies hereafter. And fo the joy was great for conqueft o( the conclufion, but the time was not yet ot for row for the pre- gnifiVs. At chip. Yee tell me of the ratification of the 5 articles: butt baue heard nothing whether the proteftation, penned by the Mi- «ifters,and lefc behind ihem,was vfed or not. Ebtpb. The laft day, the entry of the houfe of Parliamentary more proper place for ufing thereof, was moft ftraitly kept, leaft any Minifter fhoulti enter without an Eptfcopall pafporr. And for further fecuriric the Bifhop of Saint Androwes man fof hisegregious emmencie , left any gift fhould want imployme- t, was fet over the inner barrc , like Saul amongft the people, for debarring all Mini fters, in whole faces hec could fee an/ prognofticke of a Proteftation. And that Bifhop himfelfe re- quired the Chancellour to charge the Conftable and Mar- {hall of the houfe to challenge all minifters within: of which number one being named by the Marfhall upon that oecafion anfwered , My Lord yee take m^ for the wrong man , rhe Bi- fhop himfelfe brought me in. Where through chc Mini ft? ^un- dertaker to publifh the proteftation in the name of the Kirkc, albeit hee was within the houfe of Parliament, yet coul i not find accede for that efFcd,and therefore went forch,and fixed one copieofthe proteftation aboue written upon the doore of the Tolbooth, and another upon the croffe. Againe upon the to of Auguft, when the Ads of Parliament were proclaimed at the erode of Edinburgh, hec publifhed three copies , one upon the CrofTe; another upon the kirke doore; and the third upon the palace gate of Halyrood houfe,whereupon hee cook inftrumenct With all requifite lolemnitics, ufing tjie words following : Here im the mme of the brethren of the Mini/ierj profjfingtbe rriigiotm it b*tb been pruttifidmourfy^Jincc tb-j reformation of tkjjima concluded in Parliament. " » t* prejudice of brtcf tin * Virlitmt *t f • ^ - 'mth^f.-arof thit Protcftati&n befo-r it was uf- 7 > [ ^ c diftxeiled Eftare «,f R i through the Chriftiaa yv < rown profclC >n rl for the fubftanct of Godsvvorflitpan [ c , how i >:• iJcthcmc^r full of the ra- tification of the truth, and of aboltftimg all contrary errourand n- By the contrarie, upon deeper confi ierations,albs:it the Adof Pi rr ieofthe Kirk*>of the AfTcmbkcsand D.£ Laatcaw icnc cryall and punifliment oi the a Iverfariea of tru • R ligton or iinaric in Parliament liio t.; R , c wa$ now ncceiTine: yc ihall word of that purpofe among allilje pri 2 s of chit i i laftifi imcnt. But ye may fee in the lad words of of the fir ft a& an a& neither read nor voted in Parliament refda* di.i ja&es made in former time perdition* tbac nullitie is reft oy the chute , Info firp 4t ! \ rogdtiuc to any of th: Ar tides about Written . It isapparant then by their owncc n, that fomr- thing is here enacted againft former a&es of Parliament conccr- .e worfhipuf God fincc the reformation .which fome do* altogether deny. But to. t, if a era w« cr, . hat he vvi! # a i thror from th* n -non warning* G lue an account of thy j la nrhat plealctja ill mak uy upon :! And du . # tli i , tht at f; •fl .is td bee t | £/ : . *ne now to Conforrnitic In ftue Articles, Manywiu ; t -:.„ co Jj Tw*fl.^;,^CJhc Supplication,Informations,Ad- —/r,v. «r vi rooiiiuonsand I 'roteitation ox \^ v* rr r r .. ~r nciies ot a J , . , r - " x ^e(Teneers of God put out of u.t. n«nnO t{ ~ ,e town, the mmdes of the Actors, nfc . ^ ia r , ^ . , lorts ngainu • • r j • r u t-t -~- < '* of the people dc- the procce- c!an "g ^eir feare and gnefe, and the Heavens aboue Vv^ w it- ji nCT & con . neiTes of the truth againft that Aft. clufions of jfnhip. How can yee judge of the mindes of the A& ors p ^he Parliament Lord knoweth the hearts and rryeth the reines. Epapb. And will alfo reward every man openly according i* his works done in fecrer. Ycc none of the Actors could iay,rhat in that aftion he inteded to honor God, or to do good to his worfhip. The moft part of them had profefTed freely in private many times before their diflike of the caufe nnd crooked convoy thereof. And the Lord in his wife providence difcovered the feare of their hearts that laft day of the Parliament very early. For about fourc houres in the morning there went a pittifull cry through the high ftreetof Edinburgh, Eye for help. Fire y Fire. The terrible found of the common bell-which is feldomc heard but upon great motions, filleth the eares of men,raifeth many out of their beds,and bring- eth them in armes bare-Tooted to the ftreet,thinking that the peo- ple had made fome infurre&ion. Through this confufed conflu- ence of people 3 and trouble of the whole town, albeit it was hard to difcern,whether Mafter or fervant was readied to doc homage tofervile feare;yet it was manifeft,that men inhigheft places and known to haue ftrongeft hand in the prefent courle, were in grea- teft perturbation and perplexitie , till they were allured that there was no other intention, but to quench a fire, wherby a lodging at the New well of the Cowgate was deftroyed without rccoverie , which had been interpreted prodigious in any other place at fuch a time , and at this time and place, if the hearts of men had not been pofTefled with a greater fear at the firft. jfrcbip. How were the people vvitneffes, and by what rneanes did they declare rheir judgement. Epipb. It were a thing impoffible, to relate all their Ohfervati- Giis. As when the newes were firft brought to Scotland, that the MarcjuefTe of Hammilton had undertaken that Commifiion, it was regrated by the beft fort of all rankes, that the fonne of fo Vvorthie Parents, a nobleman of fo great expectation and good afFeftion to Kirk and Commonwealth, fhould be tempted to giuc proofe of his forraine learning,upon employment fo dire&ly crof- fing the will of the one and wealc of the other. So the common- people partly out of their refped to him , and partly out of their feare of his Commifiion had frequently in their mouthes thefe old verics of Knight Keggow. VPY(t^ \ concluded in Parliament. 5?9 JkrHcbed Scot Ttkm v turnts thy J(rug % Tkenmzytbou doole and dolour Therefore or Sot right jhxtjh It bt hisrt The time Ttill come, 1 trow i* Thoma H::ritnzn
  • ; ifc to behold the fol , order and honours, rue ac , when the Lords went to th ind were now mountcd.a Swan flying over th:ir heads fro :h to- wards rhe South , flai ings } & ma > her or nous fong,wherea: Pf, peringamongft themfelucs,thcy declared vvhaco . y had of the proceeding, and vvha id conclulon. fo inftanccs , ihey hauc thcmiclues, arc (ufficient :s of the difpofition a of the people But how was i: that th ns were wit ac that time? for I can not thinke that ycecan !.'. br fervation more then iuperftitious adorarion. Epapb. Iloucnot th:- fnaresof fuperft % the rcry reproach of rhe Godhead I know that faith inch id right reafon ia tilings civillis better dircfter, r i- ou of rare and prodigious events made by man, wk • bytheii -nesmuft follow a Bjt I Lucmins iiare no: deny the r of particular provide all the works 4 j| zmattmn \\ left with fenfuall Epicures, or with d * man World I b encmie fortune i; aturci' econd mirUsmm- caufes. Thcincon if that hi ji- ■ link of & ■ by o to the weak a - y hauc iratb 2 winced again ft that CO. 11 feb Confbrmitic in fiuc Article* , controvert was betwixt Cjii&tit and Ntfiorm % which hymtv\f Xirkmcn in the iait favouring Ncftorius part, was counted A#- 1,op*%\H a t*raule about words, especially by Acmcw , who cal- led Cjrillm tl^SoXcy^yrit precife in termes. And when that Con- troverfiewas to be decided by theCounccll of Ephefus , upoa tcrtaine fignes and prefages of hard fuccefTe, this vetfe was orcU- narie in the mouthes of men. Toilet yd? -maZrtt yiywrfyai (§ r X\i , **Oiuy t/ vccclg iyxcLTcurKntytf pi