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 J THE 
 
 IGENERALL DEMANDS, 
 
 I 
 
 : Of the reverend Doctors of Divinitic^ and 
 
 Aiinifters of the Uotpcll in ABE RD EN E % 
 CONCERNING 
 
 THE LATE COVENANT, 
 
 SCOTLAND 
 
 Together, 
 
 With the Jnfwercsffieplyes&tid Duply es that 
 followed thereupon in the Year, 1.638. 
 
 Reprinted in one Book, by order of 
 
 , Cum PrivHegie* 
 
 Prov, 24, 21. 
 Myfonjew tb*u the LORD snd the Kim a, mU mtlilc m with 
 them that tare given tg change. 
 
 A B E- R DEN E, 
 f rimed by John foKin$ } jitm»Dam, i 6 6 
 

 
 >5' 
 
 iMMMM 
 
 &SH5& 
 
 Ve' 
 
 ri 
 
 m> 
 
 BO 
 
 GENERAL!, DEMANDS, 
 
 Concerning the Late 
 
 m 
 
 S- COVENANT, I 
 
 ajb Propounded by the Minifters and 
 
 Profeffors of Divinity in ABER DENE: 
 
 To fome Reverend Brethren , who came thither 
 
 to recommend the late Covenant to them, and 
 
 to thofe who are committed to their charge; 
 
 TOGETHER 
 
 4tK With the Jnfweres of thofe reverend 
 ■S%& Brethren to the faid Demands : 
 
 ^ Asalfo- 
 
 ^ ThtT{e])Iyesof the forefayd Mini- 
 ^> fters & Profeffors to thdr J wfweres, 
 
 \ i.PET.3,15.1^ - • 
 
 SanBife the LORD GOD In your hearts, and be'readie 
 alwayes to give an anfwere to every man that asketh 
 yon a rtafon of the hofe that is in yon, with meekj-es 
 and fe are : 
 
 ^g Having a good Conference, that whereas they fteake evil 
 of yon, as of evill doers , they may_ be aftarned that 
 faljlie acQiifeyonr good converfatim in CHRIST, 
 
 
 » 
 
 8* 
 
 $fr 
 
 ABERDENE, 
 
 Reprinted by Jo hn Fqrbe s, Anno Dom.1661. 
 
 \ 
 
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 ww w ■ w m w V w wW V ww w w w V V w ■ ■ w w W ■ » 
 
 (jenerall 
 
GENE HAUL DEMANDS, 
 
 Concerning the late Covenant : 
 
 Together with Jnfweres to them 5 and Eeplyes 
 to thofe Jnfweres. 
 
 The Eirst De m a n b. 
 
 Y what Power, or Warrand,thefe cur Reverend Bre— 
 . thren can fate of -us, or of our People>iubfcription to 
 this late Covenant ;not being fern by his Maje st y, 
 or by the Lords of Counfell , nor by anie Na- 
 tionall Synode of this Kingdoms , nor by any Judi- 
 catorie eftabliined ink? And,how they can enforce 
 upon us, or upon our People , who are no waves fubject unto them, 
 their- Interpretation of the Articles of the Negative Cmfejficn ? In 
 refpeft whereof, as alfo in refpeel of that Band of muruall Defence 
 againft all perfons what-fo-ever, this late Covenant is fubftantiallie 
 different, from that which was fubferibed bythe King ^nd his Sub- 
 jefts,. -4/ww 1580, and 1 581..' 
 
 ( An'? whh';, 
 
 EE are not come hitherto nfurfe the Author i tie of tin? 
 
 Chill or Sflritmli Judicatories or to enforce upn oar 
 
 hz Reverend 
 
4 General? Demands. 1 
 
 Reverend Brethren, and the Peppk committed to their Charge, th 
 fubfcription of the /^Covenant, or the Interpretation of the Ar-* 
 tides of that Confeflion which is called Negative , or what-fo-ever 
 elfe of that kynde: But are fent, to represent unto them,in all humility, 
 the prefent Cafe mid Condition of this Kirke and Kingdoms, crying 
 for help at. their handes alfo : and, in Br other lie love, te exhort , and 
 intreat, that they will be pleafed,to contribute their be ft Endeavour s, 
 for extinguishing the common Combnftion, which by joining with almoft 
 the whole Kirke and Kingdom, in the Late Covenant, we trufl they 
 way lawfully doe, without prejudice to the King's Majeftie, or to any 
 lawfutl Judicathrie, or to that Confeflion of Faith above mentioned : 
 Since the found Interpretation and Application there of, to the Err ours 
 of our Times, can make no fubftantiall change, and the Band of Afu- 
 tuall Defence, wherein we abliedge our felves,to defend the true Reli- 
 gion, and the King's Majeftie s Perjon, and Authoritie, againft all 
 perfons whatfoever, is joined, at fir ft, with the Confeflion of Faith. 
 Lyke as his Maje flies Commifftoner objel~ling,That our Covenant was 
 futfeVc, to be an unlawful Combination againft Authoritie, and to be 
 the main hwderance of obtaining our defires , hath accepted, and was 
 well pleafed with our Declaration; bearing, That we have folemnlie 
 fwome,To the utterm^ft of our foy;er y with our Means' and Lives, to 
 ftand to the defhite fifa King's Majefty , as ofG OD'S Vice-Ce- 
 rent, fet over us. for the maintenance of Religion , and miniftrati&n 
 ^Jultice. 
 
 \7~ V E have, Reverend Brethren, diffidently confidered and exa- 
 mined your Anfweres to our Den\andes,by which we expect- 
 ed full f uisfaction to all our Scruples and doubts concerning the lace 
 Covenant : But truetie, in Modeftie and tfrorherlie Love, we tell you, 
 that your Anfvveres ( wrnt-fo-ever yoil rhinke of them your felves ) 
 hwc'no:^ ven us that iatisfa&ion which we expected . We know 
 thai • -/. -ho raihly condemn? every thing which isfaid or written 
 rary to the caiile which they mainrainc,will boldly fay of us, due 
 
 We 
 
A N S f EKES and R,E;?LYE$ J 
 
 we have elofed our eyes againft a cleare and ingyring Light: But firft, 
 -we fay with Job,Onr witnejfe is in Heaven^and our recorders on high, 
 .That LORD who only Teeth the fecrets of hearts, knowetb, that we 
 love His Trueth, and are ready Co foone as it {hall be ftiown unto us, 
 to embrace and profeffe it before the World. Next , we appeale to 
 the Confidences of all impardall Readers, who (hall have occaiion to 
 ■vveyghand confider maturelie the weight of our Arguments, and of 
 thele Anfweres which it hath pleated you to give us : wifhing them, 
 yea , moft humblie and earneftiy intrearing them , to judge both of 
 your writtings and ours, without prejudice , or any partial! refpec\ 
 Yea, we are confident , that ye alio, of whofelove to the Trueth of 
 GOD we are perfwaded , will after better advyfement , and more 
 marure confideration of the matters debated , acknowledge, that we 
 are not againft the Trueth , but for it. The LORD open your eyes, 
 that you may clearly fee, that Trueth for which we ftand. 
 
 WEe objected to you, Reverend Brethren ,that you had not a Cal- 
 ling to urge us to the fubfcnption of the late Covenant, from anie ac- 
 knowledged Authority, or lawfull Judicatorie eftabliihed in this 
 Church or Kingdome : to which Objection ye anfwere not here par- 
 ticulate, as we expected. And whereas you fay, That you are come 
 to exhort us, and our People, in all humilitie, to joyne with you; hovV 
 is it, that without our content, and againft our will, not having law- 
 full Authority which you feeme here not to acclaime to your felves, 
 you have publicklie preached to our People, within our Congregation? 
 which is a thing repugnant tothofe places of Scripture , in the which 
 the Spirit of GOD recommendeth to Elders, or Paftors, the care of 
 thofe Fiockes, Over which the holy Ghoft hath made, them overfeers, 
 -Acts 20.28. 1 . Pet. 5. 2. as aifo telleth us, That the Paftors whom 
 the Flo'ckc mutt know, and to whom they muft fubmit themfelves 7 
 ■dogwatch over the Soules of that Flock^ and ma ft give account for 
 them, 1 . Thejfal. '5,12. Hebr. 15.17. It is alfo contrane to the 
 lawes of the Chriftian Church in all ages. For by the ancient Canons f 
 Paftors are commanded , to containe themfelves within the limires 
 of their own Charge? and no: toprelume to exercife Paftorail Office 
 
 B in an 
 
£ General! D e u a $ d S! 
 
 in another Paftors Dioceffe, or Parioch,without leave : As alfo,they 
 forbid Paftors, to receive to Divine Service,anie man of another Pa- 
 riochin, that commeth in contempt of his own Pattor. Condi. Nicen. 
 I. Oecum.i. Can. 16. Coital. 2. Oecum^Conftantinop. Can. 2. Condi. 
 Carthag. 2. Can. 11. Condi. Carthag. 3. Can. 20. Condi. Chalced. 
 Qecum. 4. Q». 13. Condi. Nicen. 2. Can. 10. Condi. Tribttr. Can. 
 28. CW/7. Nannet. Cap. i.& 2. f 2. We did not without reafon 
 fay, That you , and others of your Confederation, enforce your In- 
 terpretation of the Negative Confeffion upon others;feeing we heare, 
 that feme Paftors and Prelates are forced to flee ro forraygne Coun- 
 t-reyes, for fear of their lives, becaufc they have refufed the faid /«- 
 terpretation-^nd thole who have ftayed in the Countrey, dare fcarce- 
 lie appear in the high waves, or ftreets,and are threatned,that their 
 Stipends (hail not be payed unto them , untiil they fubferive your 
 Covenant, f 5. Whereas you doe in Brotherly love exhort* and en- 
 treat us,to contribute our beft endeavours for extinguishing the com- 
 mon Combuftion, we prayfmg^GOD, for your pious zeal e , and for 
 the lovingneffe and modefty of yourfpeeches, (wherein, by GOD'S 
 help, we ihall labour to keep correfpondence with you; that both 
 we and you may (how ourfelves,to have learned of GHRIST,^/^^- 
 vetfcy and lowlinejfe of heart ) we moft willingly promife to doe io, 
 by all means which our confeiences will permit us to ufe , as alfo to 
 joine our moft humble and hearty Prayers with yours , that it may 
 pleafe GOD in this, dangerous exigent, to doe good in His good flea* 
 Jure, to our Sien , and to bmldeupthe wallsofourjerufalem; f 4. 
 We may juftly fay, that this new Covenant is fubftandally different 
 from the Old, which was made Anno 1 581. in refpeft it not onlie 
 containeth that Old Covenant, or Confeffion, which was allowed by 
 two Generall Affemblies, but alio your interpretation of it, which, as 
 yet, hath no fuch Authorities Approbation, f 5. No Band of Mu- 
 Cuall Defence, Againft all perfons rvhat-fo-ever, is expreffed in the 
 Covenant made 1 58 1. And altho it. were, yet the cafe is very unlike: 
 For Subjects may make fuch a Covenant of Mutuall Defence, by 
 Armes, with the confentof the King, who only, under GOD , hath 
 the power of Armes, or of the Sword, in this Kingdome. But they 
 who made this late Covenant , had not his confent, as that former or 
 
 olde 
 
Answer is and Repl ye's^ 1 7 
 
 olde Covenant had : which is a thing fo evident, that no man can call 
 it in queftion. f 6\As for that which you affirme here, that my Lord 
 . Commifltoner his Grace was well fatisfied with your Declaration 
 It becommeth not us, to pry narrowlie into his Graces doings : but 
 truely we have more then reafon , to pry moft narrowlie into the 
 words of a Covenant , which is offered unto us, to be fworne, and fub- 
 fcrybed, left we abule, and prophane the Sacred Name of GOD,and 
 tye our felvcs to the doing of any thing which is difpleafing unto him. 
 Laft of all; whereas ye defire us, to joyne our felves to you , and to 
 the reft of your Contederacie , who are ( as you a (firm e) almoft the 
 whole Church and Kingdome^ truely we cannot but reverence fuch a 
 multitude of our Reverend Brethren, and deare Countrey-men, and 
 are ready to be followers ofthem y info farre as they are followers of 
 CHRIST i But neithet can we doe any thing agaynfl the Trtteth y nei- 
 ther can we attribute fo much Authoririe to their multitude,as other- 
 wife we would, in refpecl: there hath been fo much dealing for Sub~ 
 fcriptions y in all quarters of this Kingdome, and fo manie havebeene 
 tbreauicd, to give their content, as we are moft credibly informed, 
 
 7 be Second Demand. 
 
 Whether or no we ought to fubfcry ve the forefaid Covenant, fee- 
 ing all Covenants of mutuall Defence, by force of Armes, made a- 
 mongft Subjects of any degree, upon whatfoever colour or pretence, 
 without the King'sMajeftie or his Succeffoures privitie and con- 
 fent, are expreflie forbidden by King Jam e s of bleffed Memorie, 
 and rhe three Eftates of this Kmgdome, in theParliament hoiden at 
 Linlithgow^ Anne 1585? 
 
 Answer e j 
 
 The Act of Parliament forbiddeth in the frfi 'part , Leagues and 
 Bands of maintenance privilie madejuch as are called Bands of Man- 
 rent y as the aft in Queen Mar J 55 i'mtj to which it hath relation^ 
 
 doeth 
 
2 Generall Demands: « 
 
 doeth be are. And In the fecund party only fuch y as tend to the public^ 
 dlfturbance of the peace of the Realme y by moving f edition. B-tt no ath 
 cf Parliament doeth d'fcharge y nor can any 'US~t haw forbid, Conven- 
 tions or Covenants In the generally or fuch Covenants in sfeciall as are 
 made with G O D, and amongst our felves; not for any mam particu- 
 lar , but for the common benefte of alb, not to move Sedition , but to 
 preferve Peace y and to prevent trouble : which by all probabilltle had 
 been to many y before this tlme y too fenfible y if this courfe had not been 
 taken. Conventions and Covenants ( In the judgement of JuflfcOiK- 
 fulrs) are to be esteemed and judged of according to their diver fe 
 ends y good or bad : which made King J A M E S of happy memory to 
 take It for an undoubted maxime y 1 hat pro axis & focis, & pro pa- 
 tre patriae, the whole body of the Common-wealth (kcxld ftlrre at 
 once : not any more as divided member 'j, but as one confolldate lnmpe 
 
 In that fecond part of that Aft of Parliament holder* at Linl'thg^ 
 'Anno i 58 5. are forbidden, All Leagues or Bands of Mutuall De* 
 fence y which are made without the prlvltle and confent of the KIJ\fG 9 
 under the pain to be holden and execute as movers off edition and nn- 
 qvletneffe, &c. Wherefore we can no vvayes thinke, that any Bands 
 $r Leagues of Mutuall Defence % by force of Armes, are there per^ 
 nutted, ( that is, not forbidden ) feeing firft the words of the Act 
 are fo generall, for in it are difcharged All Bands made among Sub- 
 jects of any degree , upon any colour what f never y without his Hlghnes % 
 or his Sncceffours y prlvltle and confent had and obtained thereunto* 
 Next; Ail fuch Bands are declared tobeS^/nW, andpenurbative 
 of the publicise Peace of theRealme: or, which is.all one, are ap- 
 pointed to be elteemed io. And therefore, we can nor fe^ how any 
 Bands of that kynde can be excepted , as ft they were no: (editions:. 
 2. We doubt nor,but the late Covenant being confidered,according to 
 the rminc intention of thofe Pious and Generous Gentle-men, Bar-. 
 roiv; and others our dear Countrey men, who mideit,efpecially ovr 
 Reverend Brethren of die holy Minilkry, is a Covenant made with 
 
 GOP, 
 
A n s w eres and Re * t V e $1 5 
 
 €0D, and proceeding from a zealous refpect to GOD His Glory, 
 and to the preservation of the purine of the Got pell in rhis Church 
 and Kingdome : But we cannot finde a Warrand in our Confciences, 
 to grant, that fuch Covenants, in fo farre as they import mutuall De- 
 fence, againfi all perfons what-fo-ever, none being excepted, no, not 
 the Kin g, ( as it feemeth unto us, by the words of your Covenant^ 
 bu&£ar*e more by the words of your late Proteftation^thc 28 of Jane ; 
 Wherein you promife, mutual! Defence, aga'wfl all external! or inter- 
 mlllnvafion , menaced in his Majefties laft Proclamation ) are not 
 forbidden by any Band, norjuftiie yet can be forbidden. For, firft, 
 we have already fhowne, that they are forbidden in the forefaid Ac~i 
 €>f Parliament, Anna 1585. 2. No Warrefare ; and confequentlie, 
 no Covenant , importing Warrefare, is lawful!, without juft Authori- 
 se, which, we are perfwaded, is only in the fupreame Magiftrate, and 
 and in thofe who have power and employment from him , to take 
 Armes : Yea, fo farre as we know , all moderate men, who duely 
 refpect Authoritie , will fay, that it is fo in all Kingdome $, and Mo- 
 narchies, properly \o called : ( Of which nature is this his Majefties 
 moft Ancient Kingdome , ) And, that it is altogether unlavvfull to 
 Subjects in iuch Kkigdome$,to take Armes againft their Prince. For 
 which caufe, that famous and moft learned Doc-tor RiveUis, in a late 
 Treatife called Jefmta vapulans, fpeaking of the judgement of Bn- 
 shannan, and others, who taught, that Subjects might take Armes a- 
 £ ainft their Prince, in extraordinary Cafes, and extreame dangers, o£ 
 the Religion, and Common-wealth, profeffeth firft , that he,and all 
 0therPm<rjW/,condemnefuch doctrine. Secondly; That this Er- 
 rour did proceed from a mifiaking of the Governement of the Sco- 
 tilliKingdome,as if it were nor truely & properly monarchical. Third- 
 ly Thar the raihneis of tho e wry tters,is to be afcrybed parrlie to the 
 bard and perilous times of perfection, wherein they lived, and parr- 
 lie Scot irxm fr&fervido ingenio , et ad audendpim prompt*?. Thus he 
 wrytet-h in the 1 3. Chap, of the laid Booke, Pag, a 7 4. and 27 5. 
 anfwering to the recrimination of a Jefuit, who had affirmed, that 
 Bwhaman, Ktnx, and G odm^n, had written as boldlie, for the Re- 
 bellion of Subjects againft Princes, as any of their Order at any time 
 lad done, A thing much to be noted by us at this time, left we any 
 
 C moie 
 
r$ General! Demands* 
 
 more give that advantage to Jefmtes , to make Apologie for the& 
 rebellious Doctrines and Pn&ifes. 3. Not only making of Cove- 
 #^/\r, but alfo all other actions , are to be efteemed and judged of f 
 firft, by theequitieof thefubjeft, andmatter; then, bytheende: 
 For if the matter pactioned ( that is, which the parties mutuallie doe 
 promiie ) be jultlie forbidden v by a lawfull Authoritie ; and confe- 
 quentiie be unlawfull in it felfe; then the goodnefle of the ende, or 
 projeft^can not make the paclion^or Covenant^ be good, or lawfully 
 
 The Third Demand. 
 
 If it be alleadged, that mext ream and mod dangerous cafes,fuc& 
 Afts of Parliament may be contraveened, Qitntur, whether there 
 be now fuch extream cafe, feeing we have his Majeftie, in his former 
 Proclamations, avowing, protcfting, declaring, and in this laft Pro- 
 clamation taking God ro witnelfe, that he never intended any Inno- 
 vation of Religion; and alio feeing He hath 'removed already all that 
 which made men feare Novations, to wit, Service Booke, Booke of 
 Canons,and the alleadged exorbitance of the new high Commilliond 
 
 A N S W E R gg 
 
 If the removing of the Service Booke, Booke of Canons, and the 
 Imitation of the vafi power of the high Commiilipn , contayning fa 
 mvch (uyer(tition,and tyrrannle of Prelate s,be a benefite to this Kirkg 
 end K'ngdome, we ought, under GOD, to afcrybe the fame to the peac- 
 able Aleettings, humble Supplications , and religious Covenanting of 
 the Subjetts; which have given information to his Majeftie, and have 
 procured from his jnftice and goodneffe, fo great favour, as is thank? 
 fullie acknowledged in the laft Proteftation : which doerh alfo exprejfe 
 the many particular s t wherein his Majesties late Proclamation is not 
 fatisfattorie. And therefore, the Lords of his Ma etties Privie Conn- 
 fell , upon the Supplication and Complaint of his hedges , were 
 moved to refcind the Atl of the Approbation of the forefaid Procla- 
 mation 
 
An s were sand Reply es ii 
 
 Elation, and to rent the fubfcrybed Mlffwe^whlch was to fa fent there* 
 with to hisMajeflie^ We are confident , that the Declaration where* 
 with his Majesties Commljfioner wasfo well p leaf ed,wlll alfo give fa- 
 tisf action to our Reverend Brethren ; and that they will not thinks It 
 convenient for them to g'-ve further approbation to the Proclamation, 
 then the Comfell hath d re y althovgh all of us ought , with thanhf ninety 
 to acknowledge his Majesties bcn'gnitie. 
 
 Beflye* 
 
 We will not- here difpiite what hath been the tmine or princfpafl 
 eaufe moving h;s Tiered Majeftie to discharge the Service- B, ke,m& 
 orher things which occasioned the prefenr perturbation of our Chi rebj 
 nor yet wherherorno; his Mijefties P^chmation may give full la- 
 tisf action to all the feares and do b r s of his Sub; eels. For our felves t 
 we profile, that upon his Majeffe Decl ration, and gnciousPro- 
 mife contained in his Ma;eftiesb ft Proclamation, we believe, firiT, 
 that his Majeftie never Intended Innovation In Rel'gl on: SecorJhe y 
 that he will maintain the true Protestant ReVgion, all the dayes of his 
 life : which we pray GOD to continue long. 1 hirdly y that all Ades 
 made in favours of the Servlce-Booke^ &c. are discharged. Fourthly 
 that he will never urge the receiving of xhzServlce Book B -ok^of Can- 
 nons dec. or ante other thing of that Nature y hut byfch a f aire and le~ 
 gal way^ai (hall fatlsfie all hi* S ubje els. hnd thence We doe coilec\that 
 which we affirmed before,to wit,that ther is no fuch extraordinary or 
 extream cafe,as might give occafion to Subjects to make fuch aBand, 
 as is directly forbidden by the forelaid AcV ofc Parliamentary to con- 
 traveane it in fuch a manner, as may feem to import a refitting p£ 
 Authorise by force of Armes 8 . 
 
 The Fourth Demand* 
 
 Concerning that Interpretation of the Negative Confeffion^. 
 Which is urged upon us,& wherin the Articles oH? earth &£piicopacy 
 are declared to be abjured, as well as all the points of Popery, which. 
 
 are- 
 
%i Generall Demands. 1 
 
 are therein exprefly and diftin&ly mentioned 5 Qutritur, Who ale 
 
 the Interpreters of that Confefiion ? that is, Whether all the SubfcrU 
 vers, or onely thofe Minitters conveened in Ed i n bur g h , in the 
 end of Februarie, who fet it down ? If all the Subfcrivers; then what 
 Kafon have we to receive an interpretation of that Confeffion from 
 Laicks, ignorant people, and children ? If onely thofe Minifters con- 
 veened then in E d 1 n bur g Hi then^ feeing no man fhould take an 
 honour to himlelf, but he who is called of GOD, as Aaron, Hebr. 
 5. 4. what power and authorine had they over their Brethren, to 
 give out a judiciall Interpretation of rhefe Articles of Faith 5 and to 
 inforce their Interpretation of thefe Articles upon them. 
 
 Answers. 
 
 'The fuhfcrybtrs art here misinterpreted in two poyntes, very mate* 
 rial I : One zV, that they pre] 'rime upon power, or A a horny, which thy 
 have to give out a judiciall Interpretation of the Articles of the Con- 
 feilion, and to enforce the fame upon others : whereas they one lie inten* 
 ded, to make ktiowne their own meanings according to the mtnde of our 
 Reformers', and in charity to propound and recommend the fame to o+ 
 thers, who might he made willing to embrace it : Ah hough it he true 
 alfo, that very great numbers of Minifters were conveened , and te- 
 stified their cogent at that time ; and although the private judgement 
 of thofe who are called Laicks, ought not to be mif -regarded : for it u 
 confeffed, that an Interpretation, which is private rations perfonac, 
 may he msre then prhat ratione medii. 7 he other, which being eb- 
 ferved, will anfwere diver fe of the following Demands, that the Ar~ 
 ticks of?zitti\,and of Epifcopal Government ,arc declared to be ab\i~ 
 red,as points of : Popery, or as Pop i[h- Novations: wherat the words of 
 the Covenant put a difference betwixt two forts of Novations: one is 
 offuch, as are already introduced in the IVorfhip of GOD, and concer- 
 ning thofe, whatfoever be the judgement of the Sub fery vers, which to 
 every one is left free, by the woids of the Covenant, they are welle 
 bound, to forbear the praffife of them, by reafon of theprefent exu 
 genae of ' the KiAz } till they be try ed^ and allowed^ in a free General, 
 
 Affemblie 
 
A n £ we re s and H. & i> £ k e s a .' 1 5 
 
 ^ffembtie. Tfo other fort is of [neb Novations r as are particular lie 
 [up plicated againft, and complained upon, as the Service-Booke, and 
 Canons , &c. which are abjured, as containing points of Poperlc, 
 And this we avouch, from our certain knowledge, to be the true mea- 
 ning of the controverted words of the Covemnt.And therefore ,humbly 
 tntreat that no man any more^pon this fcmpUytith-boldhis Tefiimony 
 
 %eplye. 
 
 As Cot the firft of thefe two mifs-takings : If you have not given 
 mt that interpretation of iht Negative Confejfion judicially, but on- 
 ly have made known your own meaning, according to the minde of 
 the Reformers, as you alleadge, then, firft, your Interpretation hath 
 no obligatory power over others; and confequently you ought nor to 
 obtrude your Interpretation upon us more then we doe our Interpre- 
 tation thereof upon you Neither ought any man to be molerted , or 
 threatned, for not receiving your Interpretation ; chiefly feeing all 
 who are of your Confederation have fo folemnly vowed, and prorni- 
 fed, tohz good examples to others of all GodlmeJfe,Sobernes,& Righ* 
 teonfneffe, and of every duty which yon owe toG O D and Man. Se* 
 concly, as for the minde or judgement of our Reformers , we know 
 no evidencie of it, having publicke Aurhoritie, to obliedge the Sub* 
 jeils of this Kingdom, except that which is exprefled in our Natio* 
 mil Confejfion of Faith, ratified in Parliament twentie yea res before 
 the Negative Confejfion was penned: wherein we finde no warrand 
 or ground of fuch Interpretation as you bring. Thirdly , The Inter- 
 pretation of the Negative Confejfion, fee down in your Covenant, as it 
 is not publicke ratione Perfona, (o alfo not ratione me ail : for it hath 
 110 Warrand, for oughr we could ever perceive,either from the Word 
 of G O D , or from the Teftimony of the Ancient Church, or from 
 the content of other reformed Chul*ches,or from our National! Con- 
 fejfion, regiftfated in Parliament. As for the fecondMifs taking, or. 
 Mfs-interpretation of the words of the late Covenant, firft, We mar- 
 veil, that a Generall Covenant appointed to be fubfc rived by all,lear- 
 Ded and unkarned 2 Qxouid have been fee down by you in fuch ambi- 
 
 D .guous 
 
1 4 Generall ' e m a SF © ?2 
 
 guousriarmes. For, truely, all men here ,. even the moft jucSU 
 cious, doe fo take your words, as if the Articles of Pe art h were iut 
 them abjured. 2. Wee have again more attentively examined the 
 words of the late Covenanted doe evidently perceive by them,That 
 in the faid Covenant, the Articles of Pe arth, mdEpifcopacy, are. 
 condemned, and abjured , as erronious , and damnabje corruptions* 
 For where you profeffe, and before GOD, and his Angels, and the 
 World, folemnlie declare , that yon (hall labour, by all means lawfully 
 to recover the Liberty and purity, of th& GOSPEL L, as it was es~la~ 
 hlifhed and profeffe d before the fore fold Novations : We aske you r 
 what is. that period of time,tc which your words have reference, when 
 you promife to labour , to recover the Puritie and Liberty of the. 
 Gojpell,as It was. prof effed & eftablifhed before the forefaid novations} 
 If you mean that period of time, when the Service-Booke , and Book, 
 of Canons, were urged upon you; to wit,the laft year by-pail in Sum- 
 mer, then you acknowledge,that all that time you enjoined the ?u* 
 nty and Libert) of the GOSPEL L\ and confequenrly, that you yet 
 enjoy it; for no new thing hath fince that time been publicklie recei- 
 ved, and pradlifed in this Chur c h* If you meane ( as undoubr- 
 edlie we thinke you doe. ) the time preceeding the bringing in of E+ 
 pifcopacje, and the A &s of P earth, then you comprehend both Epif- 
 copacie and the A£ts of Pe arth, under thefe Novations ; for the 
 removing whereof, you promife, to labour, according to your power : 
 and confequentlie doe dif-allow and condemne them , even before 
 tbey be tryed in a Free Affemblie , and before they be heard who- 
 maintain & approve them as iawfull. 3. We may evidenthe demon-* 
 ftrate this, argument ad hominem, as we fay in the Schooles : Fox 
 thofe Rites and Ceremonies, which are abjured in the Negative Con* 
 fejfion, are alfo abjured in your late Covenant*, which, as you fay, is all 
 one with the Negative Confcjfion, or with the Covenant made 1581. 
 But the Rites and Ceremonies which were concluded in Peart h Af- 
 femblie, are abjured, as you fay, in the Covenant made 1 5 8 1. and 
 therefore they are alfo abjured in this your late Covenant. The firft 
 Proportion is evident: for in your late Covenant /peaking of the Oath 
 contained in that olde Covenant, which was made Anno 1 58 1. you 
 profeffe, Thai the prefent and fucceeding Generations in this Land % . 
 
 are fogvd 
 
'An s Wbr es and Rei»l?$§ r s>$ 
 
 m bound to kecf the foresaid Nationall Oath^s you call it>a#d Snb~ 
 ftriptloH, HHvioIatle. The fecond Proportion alfo cannot be deny- 
 ed by you : For, thefe twentie yeares by-baft, you have accufed thofe 
 who conformed themleives to the Ordinances o£ Pearth , of Perju- 
 ries and thatbecauie they had violated the Oath made Anno 1581,, 
 in the which thofe Articles (asyOu alleadge) were abjured. But 
 perhaps you wilL fay to us, that wee chinke. thofe things nor to be ab- 
 jured in that Oath made Anno 1 58 1. and therefore wee may fwear, 
 and fubfcrive your late Covenant; and, nor-with-ftanding of our Oath 
 and Subfcription, be tyedonely to the Forbearance of the practice of 
 V earth Articles for a time. We aniwere , firft.:. The words of an 
 Oath ihould be cleare, and plain : or, if they be any wayes ambigu- 
 ous, the true fenle of them ihould be fo declared , and manifefted v 
 that all may know it. 2 .. An Oath is to be given, according to the 
 minde and judgement of him that requireth it, Anckherefore,feeing. 
 you who require this Oath of us, thinke the Rites or Ceremonies con- 
 cluded at ? earth, to be abjured in that Oath made Anno 1581. how 
 can wefweare andfubcrive your Covenant. which reneweth the fore- 
 faid Oath, and bmdeth us :o it > 5. I£ we {hould fweare, and fub- 
 fcrive the Negative Confeffun , as it is included in your Covenant ; 
 then ye, who thinke the Articles of Pearth to be abjured, and con- 
 demned in the Negative Confejjion, will thinke us tyed, by our own 
 Perfonall Oath, to .condemne the Articles of Pearth* 4. Seeing 
 this Covenant was penned by you, who have hitherto not conformed 
 your lelves to Pearth AfTemblie, and have oppofed Epfcofacy, and 
 feeing you all condemn Epfiofacy^ if it were that Popjh or wicked 
 Jfo?vzr^,mentioned in the Negative Confejfio;zs alfo efteeme the. 
 thinges concluded in Pearth A(Temblie,to be IdolatronsfK Safer stt- 
 */W,how can we rhinke,that you in youriolemne vow made to God* 
 for reformation of this Church, and refifting, in times to come,the 
 Novations tc Corruptions of it, have paffed by thefe things,which are 
 the onely Novations already introduced by Authority , and from, 
 which, as-you affirme, the Church hath fo great need to be purged 1 
 chiefly ,feeing ye think them zsPofljh Superfltloiu U-Idolatrom^s ye 
 doe thefe other Novatlons y \yh\di are not as yet introduced. 5. If ur 
 altvour Supplications., Plaints^ and Proteitations, yahave onelie 
 
 fought: ' 
 
r f& GenerafI D em and^ 
 
 fought the removing and difcharging of the Service Booke \ ft&okp of 
 CW»<?»j,and the new high Cornmiflion, not complaining of any other 
 Novations; and feeing his Majeftie hath difcbargcd the firft two, 8c 
 hath promifed to re&ifie the third, or laft of them; Then, what rea- 
 fon have ye to thinke, that his Majefty hath not Satisfied your Suppli- 
 cations? For, ail the Novations, upon which you complained, are re- 
 moved by his Majeftie , and ye have his Princely Promife, that no 
 further (hall be urged upon us, but by fuch a faire and Legall way, as 
 may fatisfieall his Subjects. 6. As for that which your Covenant , by 
 your own Confefliqn , requireth of us, to wir, The forbearance, and, 
 abftwexce, for atime y from the fraftifwg the Articles of Pearthj 
 We profeflefincerelte,andmthe fight of GOD,that our Confcience 
 will not fuifer us, to fubfcrive that part of your Covenant ; and that 
 becaufe Lawes being ftanding for them, and our lawfull Superioures 
 requyring Obedience from us, by practicing them, to fweare Forbea- 
 rance of the frablije of them js to fweare Dij 'obedience, and, to wrong 
 their Authority. 7. How can we, with a good Confcience, abftaine 
 prefenly from private Baptiime, and private Communion, being re- 
 quyred thereunto by ficke perfons,and thofe Parents whofe Children 
 cannot be carried to the Church commodtouflte with their lives; fee- 
 ing we thinke it a thing very unlawfuU, in fuch cafes, to refufe to ad- 
 miniftrate thofe Sacraments in private houfes. Nor that we thinke, 
 that GOD hath tyed Himfelf, or His Grace, to the Sacraments; but 
 becaufe He hath tyed us unto them, by His Precept : and, not to ufe 
 the means appoyntedby GOD, when our People, or their Children 
 •fland in need of them, is a contempt of the meanes, and a tempting 
 of GOD. 
 
 The Fifth Demand. 
 
 Whether or no we can fmcerely , and with a good Confcience, 
 fubfcrive the Negative ConfelTion, as it is expounded and interpret 
 tc ! by the Contryvers or Authors of the Lite Covenant , feeing it ma- 
 keth a perpetuall Law concerning the externall Rites of the Church* 
 which GOD hath not made, as if thefe Rites were unchangeable ? 
 
 And 
 
'Answeres and Reuves] ff 
 
 And how they who both fweare the pofitive Confe&on, and the ne- 
 gative, thus interpreted, can eichew contradiction , feeing the pc(i- 
 tive Confeflion, Chap. 21. evidently declareth , that thefe Rites are 
 changable , according to the exigencie of tirtie ; and confequently, 
 that no perpetual! Law may or ought to be made concerning them? 
 Likewife, we would know, how it can ftand with trueth, to abjure all 
 thefe Rites, as Popiib, which are ufed in the Church, without divyne 
 kiihtution, exprefled in GOD'S Word , feeing even thefe who urge 
 the Covenant, pradtiie fome Ceremonies which are not mentioned 
 in GOD'S Word,as the Celebration of Marriage before the Church, 
 in the beginning, or at the end of divyne Service , with all the parti- 
 culars of it, and the lHpulation of Fathers and God-fathers , for the 
 Childe in Baptifme, which are not meere circumftances, as they life 
 to diftinguifh, but alfo Ceremonies, properlie fo called > 
 
 A N S W E R i. 1 
 
 r 
 
 *The late Covenant mtketh not a perpetual! Law concerning the eM 
 ternall Rites of the Kirke, as if they were mchangable : but, Mwe 
 lave fayde before, on lie bindeth us, for a t)me y to for be are the praEiife 
 of Innovations already introduced, , and doth not determine whether 
 they ought to be changed, or not. 2, According to. this true Interpre- 
 tation, all appearance of contradiction betwixt the CorteflTicn of Faith 
 infert in the A3 of Parliament, and the Utter Confejfion, is removed, 
 fa fide that the Article 2 1 of the Confeflion or Faith , giveth ) power to 
 the Kirke, in matters of ext email Policie, and order of thePVorfhip of 
 GODyis expounded in the fir jl Bwke c/DiicipHne, di&ingmjh'wg 
 betweene thinges necejfarie to be obferved in every Kirke, and t hinges 
 'variable in particular Congregations, -$.We declare againe, that the 
 tovenanr doeth not abj we Peanh Articles, as Popifh, andthinketh 
 not tymenow to diff ne of fignificant Cerem mies , or other holy Rites t 
 l md whether the two particulars named be Ceremonies , or not : (ince 
 "the Confeflion condefcended upon on both fide s 7 abjureth Rites, which 
 W-9 added without the Word of GOD a 
 
 . 8 .- Repi/t** 
 
it General! DbmanSbI 
 
 Beplyel 
 
 Firft,wehave already told you, that we can notfubfcrive y®u£ 
 Oath of Forbearance of the pra&ife of the Articles already introdu- 
 ced, without violation of Authority, and of wronging our own Con- 
 iciences, who thinke private Baptifme and Communion , not to be 
 indifferent, but alio neceffarie, in fome cafes, not indeed, necejfitate 
 medii, as if GOD'S Grace were tyed to the externall means, but, a£ 
 we fay in the Schooles, necejfnate pr&cepti, becaufe we are comman- 
 ded to ufe thefe means. 2. This late Covenant leadeth and bindeth 
 us to the old Covenant, made 1581. and that old Covenant -bindeth 
 us perpetually to that Difclpllne which was then; that is, ( as ye al- 
 leadge ) to the whole Policie of the Church, comprehending all the 
 externall Rites of it : and fo,i prima adultlmnm, this late Covenant 
 bindeth us to the whole Policie of the Church , which was then; and 
 confequentiie maketh a perpetuallLaWjConcerning external! Rites of 
 the Church , as if they were unchangable, All partes of this Argu- 
 ment are fure : for by your late Covenant , you profeffe your felves 
 bound, to keepe the forefaid National! Oath ( as you call.it ) invio- 
 lable : and xhitOath, or Covenant , bindeth us , to continue In the 
 obedience not &-dj of the Da-Brine, but alfo of the Discipline of this 
 Kirk*. Where by the Difcipline of the Kirks, ye underlhnd ( as ye 
 iuye'in all your wrytings profelTed, elpecialie of late, in your Books 
 entituled, A difpute, againji the Bnglifh Popifh Ceremonies. Part^ 4. 
 Cap. 8. Sell. 6. ) the whole externall Policie of the Church, ask 
 was at that tyme; to wit, Anno 1 581. Yea, you confefle, that no 0* 
 tfaet thing can be underftood by The Difcipline of the Kirh, but that 
 which vve have (aid already ;and confequently we ihall be tyed by that 
 Oath which you requyre of us , to admit and pra6Ufe no other Rites 
 and Ceremonies, but fuch as were then received in our Church. We 
 cm no w.iyes paffe by trusteeing ever face the Alfemblie of Pearth, 
 m your publicke Sermons, and printed Bookes, ye have mod: vehe- 
 mently accused us of Perjury, as violating the Oath, or Covenant , 
 ; Anno 1581, and that in refpsct we have admitted into the 
 
 Church 
 
A ns were s and Re^iyes' s 9 
 
 Church, fome Rites, or Ceremonies, which were not In it the forefaid 
 yeare of GOD. Is not this to make a perpetuall Lasv , concerning 
 the cxternall Rites of the Church, as if they were unchangeable, and 
 to abjure the pracMe of all Rites introduced in the Church fince that 
 time; and confequently the pn£b"fe of the Articles of Peart b, and 
 that not for a tidies onelie, but for ever ? 3, Seeing the Negative 
 C^j^, according toyourminde, and conception of it, maketh 
 the whole external Policie of the Church , as it was Anno 1 581 . to- 
 be unchangable and on the. contra ne , the Confejfion infert into the 
 • A£ts of Parliament, declareth, that the Rites belonging to the ex- 
 ternal! Policie of the Church, are changable ; hew can you eicape a 
 Contradiclion , if ye receive both thefe Confefyons ? 4. Whereas by 
 that diftin&ion mentioned in your Anfwere, of things ne^effary to 
 beobferved, and of. things variable in particular Congregations, ye 
 infinuate that by the Keefing of the Discipline of the Krrkj as it was 
 then, to which we are bound in the old Covenant, ye understand the 
 observation of thofe things which are neceilary to be obierved ine- 
 very Kirke, and not of t hinges variable in particular Congregations: 
 We aske, Into which of the Members of this diftm&ton ye referre 
 Eplfcopacle and the Articles of P earth ? that is, whether they mofl 
 neceffarilie be omitted in ail Chirches,and at all times, or not ? If ye 
 fay, that they mull be neceifarilie omitted, and that the Negative 
 Confejfion, confirmed with an Oath , doth rye us to the omillion of 
 them; then both ye would make us tofweare, and fubferive againft. 
 our Consciences, ( tor we are perf waded , that thefe" things are *law- 
 fuli ) as alfo ye would make us to abjure Epfcopaej, and the Articles 
 oiPearth, wperpetuumiwhich is flatlie contrary to your Declaration 
 in your Anfweres, 1.5. &c. If you fay on the other parr, that we are 
 aottyed by the negative Confejfion, to the omiflion of thefe things; 
 then, why have ye, in all your wrytings againft us, exprobrate to us. 
 Per jane, in violating of the Oath contayned in the negative Confef- 
 Jtm ? 5. We would gladly have known your minde, concerning the 
 lawfulnefteofluch ic/w as are not of divyne Inftkution, exprefled 
 in GOD'S Word. For we ingenuoufly profeiTe, that none of your 
 Anfweres ( which hitherto we have feen ) to the Instances , or Ex- 
 amples, brought by us> in our fife Demand ,of Rites ufed by your Selves 
 
 in your 
 
ao - Grcnerall DemandS 
 
 in your Churches, as lawfiill, without divyne Inftitution, (towhiA 
 we could adde many moe ) doe give us any iarisfaction : nor yet, as 
 we thinke, can give fatisfaction to any indifferent man. As for ex- 
 ample; is Blejfmg of 'Marriages ,a meerecircumftan.ee ? who can be 
 fo impudent, as to fay fo ? or, if it be a Ceremony, what precept or 
 practice .have ye of it in GOD'S whole word? If it be alleadged, that 
 we have a warrandfrom that Blefling pronounced Gen. i. 28. upon 
 Man and Woman,after their creation; .we aske, by what confequencfi 
 can that Solemnitie of blejfmg of Marriages ui'ed in our Churches, 
 with all the Ceremonies of it , be drawn from char effecluall and 0- 
 perative Bleffmg of our firtt Parents, or rather of whole Man-kynde? 
 Is there here an mftitution of a perperruall obfervance, or Rite, to be 
 ufed in the Church, more then in the 22 verfe of the fame Chapter, 
 when GOD bleffed the Fowles,and Fifhes,and laid, Be frnitfull^anA 
 mitltiplie y and §11 the waters in the Seas)&c. If againe it be.anfwered, 
 that Paftorall Benediction, is mentioned in Scripture , firft, what is 
 that to Blejfmg of Marriages ? And fecondly , why are not all other 
 pactions, as well as Marriages, blefled in the Church, chiefly , feeing 
 Matnmoniall Blejfmg hath been, & is,abufed in the Rowane Church \ 9 
 which holdeth, that Marriage is a Sacrament; and confequently, Ma- 
 trimoniall benediction ought, as it would feeme, to be f e eluded frorj£ 
 •-the Church, rather then other Bleflings? „ 
 
 The Sixth Demand. - 
 
 Whether or no it be fit to fubfcrlve fuch an Interpretation , as ii 
 matters onawfullncile^andunlawfulneire; and confequently in mar-, 
 ters of Faith, contradictec-h the Judgement of I'o many Divines, moft 
 famous of the reformed Church, both Ancient and Modern 2 ( who 
 did, and chz holde ? that thefe Rites and Ordinances brought into this 
 Church by the Aflemblie of Pearth, are in their own nature lawful!, 
 and fuch as ought not to make a (Virre in the Church of GO D ) and 
 slfo condemneth the venerable pracWe of the Ancient Church, and 
 the mod eminent Ligh r s of it,even in thofe pu'reft times, unto which 
 we apeale againft the Papifts in our Difputes. . if 
 
 An s we re.-* 
 
^nsweees and K^lvi's. 1 ■£* 
 
 We trvfty that w found Divyne, Ancient or Modern?, vewU in this 
 cafe denye the exfediencie of the forbearance of the paUife 0/ Pearch 
 Articles, And further then this y nothing at this tyme is required. 
 
 Yourfilencejinnotanfwering that which we affirmed, conceit 
 7 aing the judgement ofDivynes, Ancient and Moderne, of the refor- 
 sued Church , anent the lawfulneffe of the Rites and Ordinances* 
 which were received in our Church, ,by the ordinance of the Affem« 
 felie otPeartb; as alfo concerning the judgement and pracYifeof the 
 ancient Church;doeth make us thinke,that ye acknowledge the trueth 
 •f that which we affirmed there, a. We have already fhowne, that 
 the Oath which ye requyre of us, importeth more then the forbea- 
 rance of the pradtiie of Peart h Articles, for a tyme 4 3 , The forbea- 
 ranee of iome of them, feemeth to us , to be meerly unlawfull , and 
 contrary to that Paftorallduetie we owe to our Flocke. 4. The for- 
 bearance of any of them, confidered with a relation to the Authority 
 enjoyning them, in our judgement, is plaine dilobedience, 
 
 ThefecPoenth Demand* 
 
 Whether it be agreabte to Charitie or Pietie, to requyre us to ab- 
 jure thefe Rites as Popifh ; which in the finceritie of our hearts, fol- 
 lowing the light of our Confcience, ( whereof we take G OD to wit* 
 neffe ) we have hitherto pra£ifed, as lawfull, and laudablie following 
 the fame light, doe yet prae\ife them ? but fuppofe this might be re- 
 ^uyred of us by any; <Quaritur 9 Whether or no it becommeth them 
 fo peremptorilie, and upon fuc^i a fuddentie, to urge us to this, who 
 thefe by-gone twenty yeares, liave defired earneftly to enjov the 
 
 F freedoms 
 
*££ • General 1 Dem a k © ?* 
 
 freedome of their Confciences in their Minifterie , even in denyW 
 obedience to thefe things, and.ftanding'Lawes for them $ and when 
 they were urged to obedience, did fo often proteft, and earneftly re- 
 queft, that they might have a tyme , to be well enfofmed , aadma- 
 rurelie advyfed of the matter , which to the moft part of them was 
 moft gracictiily granted } Let them, therefore , looke to that natu- 
 lan Maxime, Qjfod tibi fieri non w, alteri nefeceris , and to our Sa- 
 viour's Precept of the fame fenfe , and almofl of the fame worde$ 3 . 
 Matth. J.verfe 12. 
 
 An s w : e'r e'I 
 
 We hope, that fuch a Forbearance of the praftifc, will prejudge tfy 
 liber tie of no mam Conscience \ 
 
 ; Reply el 
 
 It would much prejudge our Confciences, to fvveare and fubferive 
 the negative Confeffion , taking it according to your conception and 
 meaning, who requyre'our Oath. 2. How can we fvveare, tolabom^ 
 {by all means lawfully ye require in your Covenant ) to expell thofe 
 thinges, whereof we holde fome to be neceffary , and all the reit^ \%, 
 be lawful!, and laudable ? 
 
 The Eight Demand* 
 
 Whether it be fitting to fvveare to defend the Kings Perfon and 
 Authority, with this Limitation , In the defence and preservation of 
 the true Religion, Lawes^and Liberties y ofthisK'mgdome > As if their 
 Perfons ought not to be defended againft ail Enemies,although as yet 
 they embraced not the Trueth : or having before embraced it , yet 
 havefallenfiom it; or as if their Royali Authority were not to be 
 
 acknowledged^. 
 
& n <S w b 5" U $ and B. e ■ ? l y f § %j 
 
 acknowledged, although commanding thinges unlawfull; and as if we 
 were not fubje& thereto, in yeelding to fufter under them } when we 
 give not aftive obedience to them ? 
 
 A N S W ERE-J 
 
 X. TA* Anfvpere of the fir ft Demand, may give fat isfaBisn here, ^J 
 7~&e Specification of the defending the Kings Perfon and Axthoritie, 
 in the defence of the true Religion, Lawes,and Liberties of the King* 
 dome, is warranted by the Confeffton ratified in Parliament , by other 
 A$s of Parliament, by the ether Confeffton, and by the general I Band 
 jojned with it. 3. No man willwith-holde his Subfcription ffem the 
 Covenant, becaafe it doth not, as it intendeth not , to expreffe evert* 
 dnetie we owe te the Kings Majeflie y as if the mt naming^ were a dt? 
 npng of the daetie a . 
 
 Rtyfyy. 
 
 What ye have replyed in your Anfwere to our firft Demand, we: 
 have examined, in our Confutation of your Anfwere. 2. If ye con- 
 fider well all the Circumftances of the making of your Covenant, ye 
 will finde that it had not been arnuTe, at this time , to have expref- 
 fed morefuilie the Loyaltie of your Intentions , to maintaine the 
 KINGS Perfon and Honour. Next, it is neceffarie to expreile it 
 yet more fully,for our caufe, whom ye require, to fweare & fubferive 
 your Covenant', left we doe any thing, in this matter , with a doubt- 
 ing Confcience, ( which is a grievous finne ) that is, Doubting whe- 
 ther or no we are tyed by our Oath, to maintain the K I N G S Au- 
 thority, onelie in fo farre, as- it is imployed in the Defence of the 
 forefaid true Religion; or,at left,as it is not imployed againft it. For 
 it feemeth to us unlawfull,. to iweare the maintenance of the KINGS 
 Authority with this limitation precifely. And if ye be of a contrary 
 sayndsj we are moft willing t© confer with you of this point, 
 
 The 
 
54 Gene rail De«a n b' s£ 
 
 The mmh Demand* 
 
 Wbcthercor no we can fmcerely fwear c to maintalne the Au* 
 thoriry, trtielie and properlie Monarchical! of the King ; and withal! 
 (weare alfo difobcdience to thefe Articles, which are authorized by 
 his ftanding Lawcs , and to maintaine the meaneft of his Subje&es 
 ggainft him, in their difobedience of his Lawes, as yet ftanding in vi- 
 gour conce rning thefe' thinges ? 
 
 An swer Eo 
 
 «; The Anfwere to the firft Demand, is ufefuli here aHcx jg 
 Forbearance of Pradiie, for a time, infnch a cafe % is rather Obedi- 
 ence, then Difobedience : for example , Kneelling**^ thought ton* 
 venient , becaufe all memorie of Superftition was paft, fhoptld it not 
 therefore be forborne ^becattje Superftition is now revived^ and fia~ 
 grant } They who praU'fe, keef the letter of the hm I but they who 
 forbeare, keep the life and reafon thereof* 
 
 H*rb 
 
 e* 
 
 Your Covenant requifeth more of us, then the forbearance of the 
 pn&ife of/ '-earth Articles, as we have often times declared. 2. We 
 have alfo fhowne , that the forbearance of Obedience, to ftanding 
 Lavves, without licience of Superiours, and contrarie to their com« 
 Hiandement,efpecially ifit be done by deliberation, andifmentyc 
 thcmfelves, by an Oath, to do fo, is manife ft Difobedience. 3, The 
 Article otPearth, anent Kneeling, was not grounded onelie, nor yet 
 principally^ upon that, Narrative which ye mention , but rather upon 
 the convenience and decencie of the gefture of Kneeling, in the re- 
 ceiving of the holie SACRAMENT: which real on doeth yet con- 
 tinue; as alfo the other reafon. which ye mention , holdeth yet : foi 
 the bodie of the People of this Church, were never Papists ; and, 
 
 consequently^ 
 
<f' : , A n swbhs and Repl y $^ i § 
 
 $&nfequently,have no memorieof PopiLh Superftition, as thofevvho 
 lived in time of Reformation. 4. We can not fee, nor conceive, 
 how a Vow and Band, of maintaining the meaneftSubje& of this 
 Kingdom, againft all perfons whatfoever; and confequently, againft 
 the KING himfelf , as we have {howne in our f econd R eplyc, in dif- 
 obedience of his Lawes, can confift with that love, reverence, and 
 fubjedion, which we owe to our KING. Neither have ye brought 
 any thing in your Anfwere, to fatisfie us in this point. And becaufe 
 ye alleadge, as we heafe, chat ye aire miftaken in this point, and doe 
 vindicate your felves , by thofe words of the Covenant , wherein ye 
 promife to maintain the KINGS Authority ; we pray you to expreffe 
 your minde more fully, concerning it; and to lhowe us, 1 . What ye 
 meane by mantaining the KINGS Authority, in that part of your Co- 
 venant, wherein ye exprelTe your loyall Intention , To maintain the 
 KINGS Penon and Authority; and in fpeciail , Whether or no the 
 maintaining of the KI N G S Authoritie,be taken by you, as it exclu- 
 ded all refifting of his Authority, by force of Arm es, even although 
 he fhould command thinges unlawfull, and contrarie to the Trueth? 
 For fo we thinke it ftiould be taken : and that it ftiould be fo taken, 
 we are ready to demonftrate. Neither can wefweareit in anie other 
 fenfe. 2. Whether your promife, of mutuall defence , In the fame 
 caufe of maintajning the true Religion, and his Majesties Authori- 
 ty, &c. ought to be underftood, of the maintaining the Kings Autho- 
 rity abfolutelie : that is , Whether he maintaine the true Religion, or 
 vo ? Or, on the contraries if it ought to be underftood, of the main- 
 taining the Kings Authority conditionally,infofarre as he maintaineth 
 the true Rel'mon, and not any other wayes ? If you fay , that it is to 
 be underftoode the firft way, we aflent to that part of your Covenant^ 
 and have no more fcruple anent it, except that one , which we men- 
 tioned in our Rep ly to your f econd Anfwere : to wit, that the words 
 of your Proteftation, feeme to import more; and, that your TaUion^ 
 or Covenant ^1% made without the Kings privitie, and confent. If ye 
 fay, that it is to be underftood the {econd way, then we continue 
 erging our forefaid Demand : to wit , how a man carumaintaine the 
 Kings Authority, and withall maintaine the meaneft of His Subje&s, 
 in refilling His Authority ? And how we can be faid, to ftand for the 
 
 G Kings 
 
2€ Generall Demands. 1 
 
 Kings Honour, when we vowe and promife, to doe that which hee 
 himfelfe profefleth to be again!!: his Honour; and which, in the com- 
 mon judgement of men, is thought to be fo ? The determination o£ 
 this point, is more then neceffary, at this tyme : and, therefore, lee 
 us in finceririe, and Brotherly love, conferre of it; thar the Confcien* 
 ces of others who doubt of this, may receive fatisfattion,. 
 
 The Tenth 'IXemand* 
 
 Whether or no we ought to fweare to fuch a Covenant, which 
 taketh away from us all hope of a free AiTerriblie , or Parliament, 
 to judge of the matteres prefently debated? for how can thefe vote 
 freely of any matter propounded to the deciiion and deliberation o£ 
 the Church and Eftate ; who have aLready fwcrne to adheere to one 
 part of the Queftion > and how can thofe who diflent from them, 
 fubmit themfeives .to their judgement, chiefly feeing they are Pof- 
 feifoures, and have LaweS Civill and EccleiiatUck , ftanding as yec 
 for them? 
 
 Answers, 
 
 We perceive^ that this tenth Demand, is made of the Articles of 
 Pearth; therefore we anfwere as before ; That we promife onety for* 
 karance i which ean prejudge no mans liberty in a Generall Affembly,, 
 
 %eflye. 
 
 We have ihowne , that your Covenant and Oath> importeth a 
 manifeft Abjuration of the Articles of Peart h : and therefore, the 
 fvvearing.of it doeth manifeftly prejudge the liberty of Voting in 
 a Nationall Affembly : For, how can they freely either reafon in an 
 Affemblj, concerning Epifcopacy, and the Articles of P earth, or 
 eke, give their judgement, without prejudice, concerning them who 
 
 have 
 
A n s w e k e s and .Replie £ 27 
 
 bave already promifed,fworne, and vowed, firft, To adheere to the 
 Difcipline of the Kirks ' that is, ( according to your Interpretation ) 
 to the whole ext email 'folicie of the Churchy as it was 1 5 8 1. 2. To 
 
 labour , by all meanes lawfully to remove, and ex fell, all thofe Rites % 
 and Ordinances, which have come into the Church fence the forefaid 
 Tear of GOD; that the Church may be restored, to the Liberty, and 
 Purity, wh'ch it then had. Whereby ye declare , that the forefaid 
 Articles and Epifcopacy, are contrary to the Liberty, and Purity, of 
 the Church; and confecjuently, ye are tyed, by your Oath, to vote a- 
 gainft them, if ye be called to the intended Assemblie, 
 
 The eleventh Demand. 
 
 Whether our fubfcriving, together with our People, to the Con- 
 feflion of this Nation, which is ratified and regiftrated in Parliamer, 
 <4tm. 156 j. may give full fatisf action to all who doubt of the fin- 
 cerity of our Profeffion, if fobe they have no farrher aime, but only 
 to know and fee our willingneffe, and conftant refolution, to adheere 
 to the Religion preiently profefled, and to oppofe ail Erroures con- 
 trary to it, to our lives end ? Now,feeing we are willing to doe this, 
 as we take GOD to witneife, we are, how are we hated, maligned, 
 and traduced as Enemies of theTrueth, only becaufe our Confcien- 
 ces doe not furTer us. to fubfcrive to that Interpretation fef the Nega- 
 tive Confeflion infert in the Covenant , ( concerning which we can 
 fee no warrand of the trueth of it, nor lawfull Authority binding us 
 to it ) and to the Politicke,or rather Military part of that Covenant, 
 which is a thing without the compaffe of our Calling, and not be- 
 longing to that contending for the faith once delivered to the Saints, 
 of which S. J fide fpeaketh in his Epiitie* 
 
 Ans.werS 
 
 i 
 
 Since no other meane could be found fo effectually for holding otft 
 ifPoperie, and forbearing of dangerous Novations in Religion, fuch 
 
 1 asth? 
 
tZ Gcnerall Dema^dS 
 
 as the Service Booke, and Canons, which at yet are onelie dlf charged^ 
 till in a faire and legall way they may be Introduced I and are by n* 
 word of the late Proclamation dij 'allowed- although the Service Book, 
 by the Proclamation, February 19.be highlie pralfed, as ferving to e- 
 difcation y attd to beat out all Superftition: and nothing In thisApphca* 
 tion is abjured, but what was abjured Id the former; why (hall we fo~ 
 be are to xfe a meane [0 jxsJ 7 andfo power full, for the preservation of 
 the fur hie of Religion ? 
 
 Here ye doe not par ticularlie anfwete to our Demand, and feefft 
 unwilling to give that Teftimony of us, Your Brethren, concerning 
 ourfincerity in profefling of theTrueth; which , all who know and 
 judge unpartially of us, doe thinke to be duetto us. It is fufficicntlie 
 knowne, what pames we take, in difputing and writing againft Pa- 
 pists, in confuting their Erroures in our Pulpits , in leading proceffe 
 againft them, according to rhe Order of the Chutch, and in doingjall 
 thinges againft RomiiTi erroures , which can be expected from the 
 moft zealous Proteffoures of the trueth. If ye, or anie other of our 
 reverend Brethren, doubt of theiincerity of our Profefliors,then pofc 
 us concerning any Article contraverted, and we {hall be moft rea- 
 dy to declare our minde concerning it before all men, and give a fuf- 
 ticient proofe to the worlde, that we have pryed as narrowlie into the 
 mifteries of Romifh Erroures, for refutation of them, as any of thofe 
 who impioufly, and uncharitablie traduce us, as favourers of Pope- 
 rie. 2. We have other means, more etfecl:uall,and lawfull, (whereas 
 vve thinke this your Meane to be unlawf ull ) for holding out of Pope- 
 rie : and in which we ought to confide more, then in all the promi- 
 fes and vowes of men; yea, alfo, more then in all the United Forces 
 of all the Subjects oi this Land : to wit, diligent preaching, and tea- 
 ching of the Word, frequent Prayer to (JOD, humbling of our felvs 
 before him,amendemcnt of Dur livcs,and converfattons,and arming 
 our felves againft orr Advcrlaries, by diligent fearching of the Scrip- 
 cures, and uiing all other Means, wnereby we may encreafe in the 
 
 knowledge 
 
% n s w e £ ss and R. i 1 1 y e jE -29 
 
 knowledge of the Trueth, and in ability, to defend it againft the ene- 
 mies of it. 3 . The Siibje&s of this Kingdom, at leaft a great pare 
 of them, either by their own inclination , or by the perfwaiion of o- 
 thers, have fuch an hard conceit, of the Service Boske , and Canons^ 
 that if his Majeftieufea faire andlegall way of bringing them into 
 this Church, efpecially fuch a way, as may give fatisfa&ion to all his 
 Subje#s,m all appearace,we need not to fear the in bringing of them„ 
 
 The Twelfth Vetnand* 
 
 Whereas weheareof diverfe Diforders 3 and violent rnifcariage?, 
 <: M thofe who have fubferived the Covenant, againft our Brethren o£ 
 the holie Miniftrie, who continue in their obedience to the Lawes of 
 the Church and Kingdome ; which milcariages being done without 
 all form of Juftice,or legall proceedings re an exerciiing of Revenge, 
 by private Authority,and confequently are forbidden in the fixe com- 
 mandement; which is one of the reafons which moveth us, not to 
 joyne our felves unto their focietie : we Would gladely therefore 
 know of our reverend Brethren, who have come hither , to recom- 
 mend the late Covenant unto us; firft, whether or no they doe allowe 
 thefe diforders ? a. If they allowe them, what reafon have they fo to 
 doe ? and if they allow them not, how is it, that thefe Diforders and 
 mifcarriages, are notpublickly by them, and other Paftors of their 
 Confederacie, condemned , and fharplie rebuked in their Pulpits ? 
 Why are the A&ors of them not tryed , and cenfured > And why 
 doe they delay to give out fome publicke Deciaration 5 euher in Prine 
 ar writ, to this effect, being long (tnce exhorted to doe fo ? 
 
 Ans 
 
 WERE 
 
 1. HardUe eana z,ealom 'people afembled in a Kirks f° r *M ^° r -* 
 pip of GOD*, he kept from tumult \when Books s^and a Worfnip which 
 they either kpow r or conceive to be Popijh , are fuddenlie , and impe- 
 tiottflic obtrndedfifen them bj the Leaders ; and how fane the keep** 
 
 H wg 
 
<%&■ Generall D "e m a ki> $i 
 
 ing efthe mater tali Kirkes fiom the pollution ofWorfhifa helongetktt 
 the People , and communitie of he Faithfully fhould be conftdered^ 
 1 . Violence done in other places , and upon other occasions j we m more 
 allow^thenwe doe approve the afperftons of 'Perjurie, Rebellion^ &«. 
 which feme men doe put upon us m 
 
 Replye* 
 
 It belongerh not to the People, oe community of the Faithful!; 
 to contemne Authority, and the LORDS Service, done in his owne, 
 boufe, on his owne Day, f o farre as to put violent hands in Prelates^ 
 and Paitors, in time of Divyne Worship, while they are practicing 
 thofe things which are enjoined by the King, and his Counfell. Such 
 Diforders,and contemptuous carriages, doe not befeem thofe whom 
 CHRIST inviteth to come.ro him, and to learn of him, meeknefle, 
 and iowlinefle of heart; chiefly, feeing there are many other waves*.. 
 whereby People may reftifie their .averfarion of thofe Bookes- 7 and 
 Worfcip, which they conceive to be Popijh . If it be a finne in Pa- 
 rents, to provoke their Children to wrath ; much more is it a finne 
 in Children, to provoke their Parents, efpecially Patrem PatrU y the 
 common Father of the Countrey, fo to wrath. a.. . The keeping o£ 
 GODS houfe,f rom the pollution of Worfhip,belongeth to thofe who 
 are cloathed with lawfull Authority. 3. We not onely asked of you, 
 Whether or no ye did allowe the Mifcarriages -towards our Brethren 
 of the holy Miniftery, mentioned in our Demand ? but alfo, fuppo-. 
 fing that ye dot not. allowe them, we asked , How is it , that thofe 
 Disorders, and MifcarriageSj are not pubiicklie by you condemned; 
 and rebuked ? Why are the Actors of them not tryed, and cenfur* 
 ed ?.- And why doe ye not givefome publick Document to the world, 
 of your averfation of fuch Mifcarriages ? chieflie, feeing they are, as 
 we have fhowne , a manifeft tranfgreflion- of the fixe Commande- 
 menr. We can not. ftfficiently marvell, that ye have keept up your 
 myndes in this matter, and not anfwered to fo important , and ne- 
 celTi rie a Demand. As for your Complaint,of Perjure and Rebel- 
 lion, &c. if ye mean the Warning lately written to the Subjects in 
 Settled, ye ihall knowe, that the Author thereof himfelfe is much 
 
 difpleafed. 
 
An.swE r e s and Re * l y- e si ji 
 
 difpleafed with any offehfive afperitie , which hath beene found in 
 fome written Copies thereof, and hath already done that, for remo- 
 ving of that offence : which, we hope, ihall give full fatisfac^ion to 
 all metv 
 
 The Thirteenth Demand. 
 
 How can vyc fubfcrive that Covenant , without incurring many 
 grievous Scandals; as rirft, the Scandal! of Diftenting f rom other re- 
 formed Churches, and famous Divynes ,. thechiefe Instruments of 
 the Reformation of the Church iiiEurope , who did hold, thefe 
 Rites which are abjured in this late Covenant , as meerly unlawful!, 
 Popifh, and Idolatrous-, to be in their own nature,lawfull. Second- 
 ly, thefcandallof differing from Antiquitie, and vilipending it al- 
 together in matrersof the externall Poiicie of the Church; which vvc 
 knoW, and have found by frequent experience, to be a thing that ma- 
 keth "manic Papifts more avene from our Profeflion, then otberwife 
 they would be, , Thirdly, the icandall of Perjurie , which fome of pjfc 
 cannot efcape, who did tweare obedience to the Articles dLVearth %y 
 and to our ordinarie, at our Admiflion to the Miniftrie. 
 
 Ans n E R Ea- 
 
 That threefold fcandall ceajfeth ufpn t he right interpretation, of tht 
 tldttfe of the forbearance of the Novations already Introduced, 
 
 T{ef>lye. 
 
 We have (liown your interpretatio of the claufe of forbearance^ 
 to be righr, and have refuted it,we thinke, by the very wordes of your 
 Covenant'-, fo that none of thefe three fcandalls can be efchewed by us, 
 if we fubfcrive to your forefaid Covenant. 2. Suppofe the other two 
 might be efchewed , k by. that interpretation of the claufe of forbea- 
 rance^ 
 
^ z Crenerali Demak ill 
 
 ranee, yet the third can not be efchewed , feeing at our Admiflfch 
 vve have fworne obedience to the Articles of PtArtL andto our Or- 
 dinarie: Wherefore, . ye muft either prove the Articles of Pemk, 
 and Efifnfacj, to be unlawful!, or elfe, we can not,withouc violation 
 of our O^/?, made at our Admiffion, forebeare the pra&ife of the 
 forefaid Articles, againft the will of our Qrdinark,and other our law- 
 . full Superioures. 
 
 » 
 
 The Fourteenth Demand. 
 
 Laft of all^ We pray thefe Reverend and Worthy Brethren, to 
 fconfider impartially, and charitably, feeing we have all thefe fcruplcs 
 in our minds concerning theirCovenant,as alio feeing we are yet rrioft 
 confident, and aflured, of the lawfulnefle of the Articles of Peart h, 
 together with the lawfulnefle and venerable Antiquitie of Epifcopali 
 Government, how we can, with a fafe Conscience, give our content 
 that they fhould preach in our Pulpits^who come profefledly to with- 
 draw our People from that which we in the inmojft thoughts of our 
 foules doe embrace as lawfull; and from that obedience which they 
 doe owe to their Gracious and Pious Soveraigne therein; Whofelaft 
 Proclamation hath given full latisfaetion to us all, and much rejoic- 
 ed our hearts, in refpe6t he hath therein- moft folemnly , and by his 
 Oath declared, not onely his fincerity in profiling the Trueth, but 
 alio his pious Refoiution, to continue therein, and maintaine it con- 
 ftamiy to his lives end, molt gracioufly and wifeiie removing thefe 
 things which have occafioned the late perturbation of our Church. 
 W r e wilh them like wife, to confide r, how they can requyre this of 
 us, feeing they would not ( We appeaie their ovvn Conferences ) be 
 content that they fliould be fo dealt with themfelves; we meane, 
 that any ihould goe up to their Pulpits, and condemne their Do- 
 ctrine, and practife, and with-draw their People from that which 
 hath been before recommended unto them as Trueth. 
 
 We conclude : Exhorting earneftlie, entreating lovingly, and 
 charging modefily, thefe, and all others , our Reverend Brethren, 
 
 before 
 
Answer es and Re'Flyes' 33 
 
 More GOD, and the LORD JESUS CHRIST , nho fliall judge 
 fhe quicke and the dead at his appearing in his Kingdom, if the re be 
 any confolation in CHRIST , if any comfort of love, if any f ellow- 
 Chip of the Spint,if any bowelis of mercies, to looke narrovvlie to their 
 own Confciences, in thefe weighty matters; remembring that of Je- 
 remiah, The heart is deceit full above all things \and differ atly wlc~ 
 kjd, wh can know it : To judge charitably of us their Brethren^ re- 
 membering that of our Saviour, Judge not, that ye be not judged? 
 To deale with us in love and meeknefl e, ( if fo be they thinke us to 
 hive gone aftray from the Trueth; which, GOD knovverh , we no 
 wayes doe perceive ) remembering that of S. Paul, If a man be o+ 
 vertakfn in a fault, ye that are spiritual, reft ore fuch a one with the 
 ifirit ofmeekpejfe : as alfo that of S. Jam e s , The wlfdome that h 
 from Above, is first pure, then peaceable , gentle, and eajie t o be en* 
 treated; full of mercy, and gwd fruits, &c. And laft of all, Tofeek 
 Peace,and ^o co follow after it; that this our deare native Conntrey be 
 notexpofed to a dangerous Warrefare > and to all the wofull Confe- 
 quents thereof; of which our hearts can not thinke, without trcai- 
 bliag and honour, 
 
 Answ ere* 
 
 1. Nothing In the Interpretation of the Covenant, again the lm~ 
 fklneffe of Pearch Articles, and of Eplfcopall Government, z. V/e 
 never intended to draw the meanefl of the SubjeEls, from that Loyalty 
 ef Obedience, which they owe to their Soveraigne, and ours. 3 . The 
 Counfell hath refclnded the Approbation of that Proclamation, q. 
 His Majesties RellgUus and Righteous Dljpo^tion, hath been to us a 
 Ground^ and chief e Argument , of our hope of the hearing of all our 
 Petitions. $," We have no defire to wrong our Reverend and wort hie 
 Brethren; but rather to pajfe , in (ilence^ the wrongs which we have 
 fufiainedby them : and would approve our f elves unto our GOV, and 
 prove faithful in the imployments put upon m: earnestly defiring,that 
 every eye may perceive the wwderfull worke ofGODm this Landt 
 Ust my of m fa r found fighting against GOI>i and, that 41$ w may 
 
 I joke 
 
£4 Gencrajl 0i ma3 &$. 
 
 jo'we Heart and Band^ for the Purity and Tease of the Rirk$ of o&r 
 LORD JESUS CHRIS T r SUffed for ever. 
 
 J^ila 1 * Mr* ALEXANDER HENDERSONy 
 
 Minifter at Leuchars, 
 
 Mr. DAVID DICKSON, 
 Minifter at Iming* 
 
 Mr; ANDREW CANT, 
 Minifter at Petflig*. 
 
 There is too much, as we thinke, in your Covenant , again/I rfee 
 lawfullneife of F earth Articles. 2. Your Band of Mutnalh De« 
 fence t again ft all perfons whatfoever , may draw Subjects, perhaps 
 to take Armes againft their-King, ( which G O D avert ) and con-, 
 fequenrly f r )m that Loyalty of Obedience , which they owe to.their 
 Soveraignc, and ours; except ye ceclare, & expiaine your felvesber- 
 ter, then ye have hirher-to done., 3. What the moft honourable 
 Lords of His Ma jefties Privy Counfell, have done concerning the 
 Kings Majefties laft Proclamation , is not Efficiently known to us, 
 and farre lefle upon what Grounds and Motives they have ( as you 
 fay ) refcinded their Approbation of the late Proclamation. 4. His 
 Majefties Religious and Righteous Difpofition , hath been to us, and 
 is,a maine ground wherefore we reft and relye upon his gracious Pro- 
 clamation, periwading our felves , that he intendeth not, nor never 
 intended, any Innovation in Religion. 5. We fhall labour, by all 
 m*anes, to efchew every thing, which in the leaft degree may wrong 
 you, our Reverend and worthy Brethren. As for the Wrongs al- 
 ready done by us to you, (as yee pretend) when-fo-erer it fhall 
 
 pleate 
 
pleafe you to fpccifie them, we hope to give you full fatisfacYion, and 
 to cleare our i'elves of that Imputation. 6. The worke of G CD 
 towards any Nation, how ftrange and wonderfull fo-ever it feetn to 
 be, is never contrary to his Word :• and, therefore, we feare net to 
 be found fighting againft GODS Worke , fo long as we fight net a- 
 gainlt his Trueth, revealed in his Word. That all-feeing LORD 
 knoweth, that we mentaine his Trueth according to the light of our 
 Gonfciences , and are ready to joyne Heart and Hand with you, for 
 the Purity and Peace of this Chur;h, in every lawful! way 3 & courfe^ 
 as uncere lovers of Trueth and Peace 
 
 And nowj Brethren, before we conclude , againe we entreat y«% 
 and all others our deare Countrcy-men , efpecially our reverend 
 Bretheren of the holy Miniftrie,to judge charitablie of us, and of our 
 proceedings at this time ; and in particular, of thefe our Demandes, 
 and Replyes; which, G O D is our witneffe, neither hatred of any 
 mans perfon, nor love of Contention, nor any worldly refpeel ; but 
 only the Confcience of our Calling hath drawn from us. And as for 
 our Arguments for not Subfcriving, which are taken from our due 
 fubje&ion and obedience to our Soveraigne, and his Lawes, we pro- 
 reft, and declare* that they ought not to be fo interpreted ^ as if we 
 intended to accufe you, or others, our dear Countrey-men , of Dif- 
 loyakie towards our moft Gracious King ; or, as if our purpofe 
 were to lay any fucn Imputation upon you : for they are only ufed by 
 us, to (how what the wordes of the Covenant feem to us to import, 
 and how we conceive of them ; as alfo , what maketh us fo to con- 
 ceive of them. We doubt not , reverend Brethren , but ye know, 
 that as we owe to you, and to your Proceedings, the favourable judg- 
 ment of Chmtie ; fo we ought to judge of thofe thinges> which wc 
 are to iweare , and fubferive , with the ftri£fc and inquifrtive judge- 
 ment of Veritie ; and confequently, we ought to ponder duely, and 
 to propound particularly and tully to others, (efpecially to thofe 
 ©horequyre our Oath andSubicription^ and undertake to-fausfie 
 
$6 General! D e m a n !hi£ 
 
 our ConfcUnces there-anent ) all the doubts and reafons wEcfe mate 
 u§ unwilling or afnyde to give our Subfcripcion thereunto, 
 
 f QBN FORBES OF CORSE, 
 
 Poftor and Profeffor of Divinitie 
 
 in ABERDENBL 
 
 ALEXANDER SCROGIE, 
 Miniiter at Old ABERDENE, D. D* 
 
 WILLIAM LESLIE, D. D. 
 
 and Principal! of the Kings Colledge, 
 in Old ABERDENE* 
 
 ROBERT BARON, 
 
 Doftor, and Profeffor of Divinitie, 
 and Miniiter at ABERDENE, 
 
 TAMES SIBBALDy Dodor of Divinitie, 
 and Mimftef at ABERD£NE C 
 
 ALEXANDER ROSS, 
 
 Doctor of Divinitie, and Miniftet 
 atABERDENH, 
 
i8i &£ &$ &$ %ft CZf &$ &$ i>*o% €TZ CO c^S $" &S £fe &*5 
 
 Dtt THE m 
 
 t ANS VVERES & 
 
 H OF SOME BRETHREN || 
 OF THE MINISTERS §#■ 
 
 TO THE 
 
 * REPLYES 
 
 «$g Of the Minifters and Profeflbures SS8 1 
 •^ of DiviNiT v in ABERDENE; 
 
 igo CONCERNING 
 
 JP THE LATE COVENANT 
 
 
 «° 
 
 ^ 2. Chron. 15. 15. 
 
 _$ And all Jufarejoyced at the Oath : For they hadfworne 
 with all their he art , and fought Him with their whole 
 defire : and He was found of them* 
 
 
 m 
 
 
 
 c 
 
 f^ «£$ &&* «*SS S§> &J& 3 <ty?,' T t£j '& 
 
To the Chriftian Reader? 
 
 T Bat you may know our Proceedings, bow we we brought ufiHI 
 the Stage y and contrary to our expectation, are put inVrmti 
 
 Comm'wg z-oAberdene,0/z Fry day ) the after-noon, we recei- 
 ved the Demands of our re verend Brethren,, that night late; andfor 
 the greater expedition; without delay, we returned ourfummarie An* 
 fweres on Saturday at night. On the LO RDS Day following., we. 
 de fired to expreffe our f elves to the People in pre fence of it he Mini (I e* 
 rie, but the Pulpits and Kirkj were altogether refufed; and therefore 
 in the mosl convenient place we could have , fub dio , and at fuch 
 homes 04 were vacant from the ordinary exercifes of publicke Wor- 
 fl?ip, we delivered our Meffage in the audience of many. After our 
 last Sermon, towards Evening, we, found that our labour was not in. 
 vain in the LO RD :for dyverfe per f ones, of Ifeciall note, both for 
 place and mfdome, with willing heart, and great readinejfe ofmwde^ 
 did publlckjie put their hands to the^ Covenant £ Having the weekg 
 following feene f owe parts of the Countrey, \ where be fides the Prefm 
 byteries AlfotdQ and Deere, who had fubferived before, the Modera- - 
 tor, and dyverfe of the Prefbyterie of A-BErlene^/x? Prefbyterie 
 and People of Turreff, after they were fatisfedin- fome fcruples , did 
 dfo fubfcriye~\ we returned the next Saturnday to Ab e r x> e n e: 
 where finding that fome others had fubferived that weeks, we refolved 
 to preach upon the morne. That night we received a Reply e , unto 
 which before our retume homey we have made an Anfwere. All thefc 
 we defire may.be unparti ally confidered: d'ifit'fhallpleafe the LORD, 
 that any light (hall come from our Labour unto thy Minde,let it bee 
 a r eryved not unto us,{ who neither had time nor helps for fuch a tafke ) 
 but t§ the brightneffe of the Trueth , and Caufe it felfe , and to thh 
 Father of Lights : t$ whome be all Glork, 
 
 t4 
 
TV mt Reverend Brethren! 
 iTfce Doctors and Minifters old her dene. 
 
 Hat our Anfweres ( reverend and beloved Bre* 
 thren ) have not given you full fatisf action, as it 
 may be imputed to our weaknefle , in the de- 
 fence of ibgood a caufe, felt may proceed alfo 
 from your own prejudice againft what could b€ 
 faid by us which we have tome reaibn to iufpe£fe 
 for two caufes, one is, that your Demands which 
 We conceived to have been intended meerly for us, and were fent un- 
 to us from you in write,were published before our comming,in Print, 
 like as ye have now printed and published your Replies before ye had 
 feen our Anfweres unto that which we received from you iaft in write* 
 we having promifed to the bearer,, to returne an Anfwere ihordy 
 ere we departed the Conntrey. This may feem rather to be a feek- 
 ing of victory from prejudice.then a iearch of veritie for fatisfa&ion. 
 The other caufe of ourluipicion , is, that the groundes of our An- 
 fvperes to you, have proven fatisfa&orie to others, who for Age and 
 gifts of Learning and Understanding-, are 'pry me men in- this Kirke 
 and Kingdome,and to whom modeftly will not furTer you to preferre 
 yourfelves. But whether our weakneffe or pur prejudice be the 
 caufe, muft be now judged by others,to whofe view ye have brought 
 us : whom therefore we with you heartilie defire impartially to con^ 
 fider our firit and fecond Anfweres; wiihing and hoping that partia- 
 lity, prejudice, and all worldly refpecls and feares , laidealide , the. 
 &aked Trueth ftiall be feen of all her lovers. Concerning your con* 
 
>jc Answer f*? 
 
 fidence of us, as we in love judge, that ye tbinke not your felv^s m 
 be ftry ving againft the Trueth; fo may ye conceive , that vve can n* 
 more bee brought to your mynde , then wee can bee dravvne 
 from the profetfion of our Religion , as it hath "been reformed, 
 fworne , and confirmed by the late and preceeding Covenants , and 
 from following the example of our religious Reformers, and the ma* 
 nie Worthies fucceeding them in this Kirke , who would have been 
 glad to have fcen the dayes which we now doe fee : and for which 
 we pray, that both yee and wee may be thankefull, fo (hall it not be 
 imputed unto us, that we have not difcernedand ufedtheday of the 
 LORDS vifitation: fofhall we ail rejoice together in the Day of 
 the LORD, 
 
 jFa the FirSi T^epl^el 
 
 YOur experience in your Difputes againft the common Advert 
 fary, wherein ye fay ye areio frequent, hath (no doubt) taught 
 you , how eafie a matter it is to multiply Objections againft 
 cheTrueth, and Caufc of GOD : and your felves knowe, that your 
 Objection againft our Calling, and the Warrand of our comming to 
 you, was framed, and published in Print , before it was propounded 
 unto us, and ere our Anfwere could be had ; but fo foone as we did 
 heare your Demands, we anfwered incontinent, in the humilitie and 
 trueth of our mindes, that we were to obtrude nothing upon you, or 
 your flock, by any particular Authority, Civill or JEcciefiafticke; but 
 that wc did come, in all meeknefl e,to repreferit unto you the prefent 
 cafe of this Kirke, and in love to intreat you, to joine with us, for 
 the peace thereof; for which we truft, without wronging any lawfull 
 Authority,we may claim the warrand of the higheft and greateft Au- 
 thority, although we had nor been fent from almoft the whole Kirke 
 and Kingdom, lawfully conveened at this time, for the prelervation 
 of Religion, and of the Liberties and Lawes of this Kingdom, fo fore 
 {hokcn, by the ufurpation of the Prelates, and their Favourers. Lee 
 us confidcrone another, to provoke unto love, and to good works, 
 '&c. fayeth the Apoftle , Hcbr. 10. 24. And where ye object , 
 
 thac 
 
To the R. e 3 l y i s7 41 
 
 ' tfiat without your leave we preached within your congregation; which 
 is aggravated by you , as a heinous fault, both againft Scripture,and 
 againft the Canons of ancient Counfels , which ye have laborioufly 
 quoted againft us; we intreat you, to be more f paring, left the guilti- 
 nefle, if there be any, reflex upon your f elves : For your Pulpits and 
 Kirks being denyed us ( not from any injurie done by us, but by your 
 ©wn determination, before ourcomming ) a neceflity was laid upon 
 us, to deliver our meffage in fuch places, as your courtefie did per- 
 mit; wherein no man will find, that we have failed , if he confider , 
 fiift,That there is as wyde difference betwixt Ecclefia turbata cr fa- 
 cat a, the troubled and peaceable eftate of a Kirk , as is betwixt Ec- 
 clefia confthuenda y & conftituta, and many things are neceffary in 
 the one, which perhaps are not expedient in the other. Ye fpeake 
 of the Conftitution of the Kirke this yea re, as if ye had beene fpeak- 
 ing thereof many yeares before this time. 2. That the Word of 
 GOD, and the Canons of Counfels , will have Paftors fo to care for 
 their own e flockes, that they forbid them not, to care for the whole 
 Kirke, efpecially in the time of a common Combuft ion. When the 
 houfe is on fire, every man ought to runne to all rowms, where hee 
 may quench it : when a laik ftricketh up in a Ship, every Mariner, 
 yea, every Paflenger, ought to labour to ftop it . Even he who is 
 not univerfall Paftor of the Kirke, is Paftor of' the univerfall Kirke : 
 6c the Apoftle hath taught us, That we are members one of another, 
 Kom % 12. 4. As all the members of one bodie being many, are one 
 body; foaifo is CHRIST, 1 Cor. 12. 12. That the members ihould 
 have the fame care, one for another, verf. 2 5. If fome members of 
 this Kirk had not cared more kindly, in this time of comon danger, 
 then other fome have done, the whole body had been ere now dan- 
 geroufly, if not defparatly difeafed. 3 . That we made choife of fuch 
 houres,for delivering our Meffage,that the people might attend your 
 ordinary times of publick worfhip; which maketh your charge, of the 
 peoples contempt, or ours, of your Miniftery, to be moft unjuft. 
 
 In the fecond part of your Re f lye to our Anfwere to your firft 
 Demand, ye might have made choife of words witneffing more re- 
 fpe& to the moft part of the Kingdom now, : and to the Kirke in for- > 
 Oier times, then of a Confederation, and negative Confelfion : we 
 
 L knowe 
 
42, Answekes* 
 
 know no o:ber Confederation at this time, but this fame Laudable 
 Covenant^ which our Progenitors, and many yet living, made wirk 
 GOD, and amongft themfelves, at the Commandemcnt of Autho- 
 rity, and. according to the example of the people of GOD in former 
 times. Neither is that ihorc Ccnfejfion meerly Negative, fince the 
 beginning thereof is afrlrmative,and doeth virtually containe thefirft 
 large Cotifcjfion ratified in Parliament, 1567. a. No Pallors, in 
 our knowledge,havc either been forced to flee to foraigne count reys, 
 or have been threatned with the want of their Stipends, for the re- 
 futing their Subfcripticn : but this we have heard, that fome of them 
 have of their owne accord, gone to Court, for procuring of protecti- 
 ons againft their Creditors , and againft the Lawes , and duety of 
 good Subjects, have made lies between the King and his People. 
 Others vvc know have wilfully refufed, to abide with their flock; arid, 
 being earneftly intreated by them, to attend their Charge, have left 
 them, and have gone oit of the Countrey, for no reafon, but becaufe 
 the people had fubferived; and, as ye knowe, that Arguments have 
 been taken from augmentation of Stipends, to hinder Subfcription ; 
 fo ye may knowe, That fear of worldly loffe , rather hindereth men 
 to fubferive, then fcruple of Confcience. The Prelates flight, feem- 
 eth rather to have proceeded from inward furies of acctifing Confer- 
 ences, or for fear o; a ftorme, (which being procured by their owne 
 doing, may be eafily prognofticated by them) then from the inforc- 
 ing of lublcriptionof the Covenant, which in our knowledge was ne- 
 ver required of any of the Prelates, although they be grofsly guilty of 
 the breach of the Covenant y which they did iweare & lubf crive before,, 
 3. Your help, by your prayers, and other means, for extinguifhing o£ 
 the prefent Combuftion, we ftill defire, but with all intreat, that you 
 would borh joyn with the reft of rhe Kirkcs of the Kingdomc , in 
 publtcke humiliation andtafting , which the LORD himfelfe doeth 
 proclaime and call for at this time; fo fhould your prayers be the 
 more efte&uall, and alfoyebe good inftruments, according to your ♦ 
 power, with your own people, and the countrey about , to joine in 
 the Covenant^ fo fhould ye firide the worke of Pacification the more 
 eafie. 4. The reafons which we touched in our jinfvpere y for prov- 
 ing, that ye might, without juft offence to any, joine with us, in futu 
 
 fcriving 
 
Tothe Replies? 4$ 
 
 fcryving,arenotyet anfwered : for, firft, a found interpretation o£ 
 the Covenant, although proceeding from a private pcrfon , and alto- 
 gether voide of externall Authority, cannot make a fubftantiall dif- 
 ference : and if the interpretation be unfound, although it were con- 
 firmed by Aurhorky,k maketh not a fubftannall coincidence. -2. Wh y 
 is itdenyed, that the former Covenant contamerh mutuall defence, 
 fince all are obliedged thereby to defend Religion, according to their 
 vocation and power, and the Kings perfon and Authority , which 
 can no: poffiblie be done, without mutuall defence : and fince that 
 claute of the Covenant, is fo expounded, and applied upon grounds of 
 perpetual reafon,in the general Band drawn up,& Printed by Authori- 
 vj^Aa, 1590.3 .Ye mult either prove t\\\%Covenant to be fubftantially 
 different from the former, which is impoftble, or ye muft acknow- 
 ledge this to have the fame Authority with the former , fince we arc 
 really obliedged in the former Coven^nt^nd virtually the fame war- 
 rand of Ki n g, Counfell, and aflemblie, remaineth , and was never 
 yet difcharged : by venue whereof the Covenant might have beene 
 renewed yearly, by all the fubje&s of the Kingdome, no leile then k 
 hath beene fubferived yearly by fuch as pafle degrees in Colledges, 
 and fuch as were fufpe& of Papiftrie, from rime to time. 4. What 
 was done by his Majefties Commiflicner, was nor done in a corner, 
 that it needeth to be pryed into, or doubted of, and what was allowed 
 by his Grace, who had fo great power from his Majefty , to declare 
 his Majt iVies will, and to receive Declarations from his fub je£ts, and 
 who was in every poync fo zealous and tender of his Majeflies fer- 
 vice and honour : who are ye , that it {hould be diflailowed by you > 
 Ye will have the Kingdome guilty of combination againft Authority, 
 and will not have the Ki n g to be fatisfied , when they have decla- 
 red- themielves to the contrary, and their Declaration is accepted by 
 bisMajefties Commiflioner. This manner of dealing,is more furablc 
 toPapifts, and fuch Incendaries, then for you, who defire to prove 
 food Patriots , in ufing all means of Pacification. 5 . We are fory, 
 that ye fheuld be the firft, who have accounted our Covenant to be a 
 confederacie againlt the Trueth , fince fome of your felves , and all 
 every where have been conftrained, to acknowledge, that they aimc 
 atite faac end with iis f to maintains the Truetb. And for rhac 
 
 Tvhicl 
 
44 Ans wires 
 
 which difpleafeth you in our way f that we deale after fuch a mannll 
 with people, to come in, we anlwere^that we have feenin this Land, 
 the Day of the LORDS Power, wherein his people have moft wil- 
 lingly offered themlelves in multitudes, like the dew of the morning : 
 that others of no (mall Note, have offered their fubfcriptions , and 
 have been refufed, till tyme lhould try, that they joine in fincerity, 
 from love to the caufe, and not from the feare of men : and that no 
 threatnings have been ufed, except of the deferved judgement of . 
 GOD; nor force,except the force of reaibn,from the high refpe&s 
 which we owe to Religion, to our Ki n g , ro our native Countrey, 
 to our felves, and to the Pofterity; which hath been to fome a grea- 
 ter conftrainr, rhen any extetnall violence ; and we wifh , may pre- 
 vaile alio with you. 
 
 To the Second, 
 
 TTT TEe perceive, that ye pafle in filence, that which we an- 
 y Y fwered concerning the pteveming of trouble, which by 
 all appearance had been too fenfible to many before this time, if the 
 Conventions cenfured by you , had not been kept; we defire, that ye ' 
 would here declare your felves, whether ye would have lather recei- 
 ved the Service Books, Books of Canom,ivA other trafh of that kind, 
 tending to the fubverhon of Religion , and to the prejudice of the 
 Liberties of the Kingdom, then to h.rve conveened in a peaceable 
 manner, to prefent Supplications to his Majeftie, for averting of fo 
 oreat evils. Neither doe ye fpeak a word of the faying of K. James, 
 which ought to be regarded, bo»-h for the witneffe fake, who is of fo 
 «reat authority, and for the reftimony which containeth fo great rea- 
 fon. For^all not the whole body bfa Kingdom ftirre fro arts & 
 fr.ds ? or (hall our Religion be rained, and our Light be put out, and 
 all men holde their peace ? We told you alfo, that the firft part o£ 
 the Aft of Pa-liament, 1 58 5, is relative to another A.& in Qreeiv 
 Mar'.es time, which fpeciheth. what lore of Leagues and Baaads are^ 
 \\ and fettcth us free from the breach of the A& : but yee< 
 
 have; 
 
To the Repli'iS 5T5 
 
 bave anftvered nothing to this, and ftill difpute from the A£l of Par- 
 liament, rather then from other grounds , better befeeming your 
 Profeffion, and ours; and in this will fo precifely adhere to the letter 
 -e£ the Law, that you will have no meetings, without the Kings 
 confent, even in the cafe of the pref ervation of Religion, of his Ma- 
 jefties Authority, and of the liberties of the Kingdome, which we are 
 fure muft be contrary to the reafon and life of the Law ; fince the 
 fafetieof the People is, the SoveraigneLaw. Although it be true 
 alio that for our Covenant , we have the confent of Authority pref- 
 ■fing upon all the fubjeets in the general Band,and confetfion of Faith, 
 formerly fubfcrived for maintenance of the Religion , their fubfcrip- 
 tion and Oath as a note of their foundneffe in Religion, and of their 
 loyakie and fidelitie to the King, and his Crown, wherein Juris- 
 confabs , more f killed in this kinde, then we need to be , have given 
 their Refponfes and Verditts, in favours of us, and of our caufe. 
 
 i. The poynt touching Authority's fo full of Thornes and Rocke^ 
 ufech to be fo vehemently urged, to procure envye againft the Gof- 
 peli of CHRIST, and canfo hardly be difputed and difcuffed , ex- 
 cept in a large Treatife, to the fatisfa6tion of Kings and Kingdomes; 
 and all having intereft, that for the prefent we only wifh you to heare 
 the teftimonies of two grave Divynes, the one is Whttak§r, in his 
 Anfwere t^lafter Reynolds preface, pag. 6. Stirres and Tumulrs 
 formatter of Religion, Rejmld rehearfeth, that hath been in Ger- 
 rname, France, Bohemia, as though it were fufficient for their con- 
 demnation , that they once refitted, and did not by and by admit 
 whatfover violence was offered, either to GGDS Trueth,or to them- 
 felves, contrary to Promife , to Oath, to publicke Edicts , to Law, 
 whereby they were warnnded to doe as they did : more of this mat- 
 ter, will I no: anfwere, being of anoiher nature,and cleared long fince 
 from the cryme of Rebellion, not only by juft defence of their doe- 
 ing, but alfo by the Proclamations and Edicts of Princes themf elves, 
 The other is Bllfm y in his Booke of Cfariftian fubje&on , in defence 
 of the Proreftanrs in ot h : r Couhtreys , againft the objection of the 
 Jefmt, fag. 3 32. affirming, thatfubjec~ls may defend their ancient 
 and Chrlftun liberals covenanted and agreed upon by thofe Princes 
 xo whom they fitftiubiiuttedthernCelves, and were ever fince con- 
 
 U firmed 
 
4& 'A N S' W ; E R E §3 
 
 firmed and allowed by the Kings ttoat have fucceeded, they may rel 
 quyre their own right , fave their own lives, befeech, that they be- 
 not ufed as flaves, but like fubje&s ; like men, not like beafts ; that 
 they may be convenred by Lawes, before judges; not murdered' 
 in corners, by Inqufttors . This is alfo the judgement of Rivttus ia> 
 his Commentarie, Pfal. 68. which being looked upon by you, will 
 furniih a full anlwere to what ye have cited at length from 4iis feM 
 fuhaVtifHUns. For betwixt Jefuiticall treafonable and pernitious. 
 do&rine,and praclifes againft Princes and Magiftrats,refuted by him, 
 and the loyal! and found doctrine of Protectants, your felves know 
 the difference and opposition , like as it is cleare as the Sunne , by 
 that thort Confeflfion, by the Application thereof , to the times in 
 this prelent Confeflion, by our publicke Proteftation, and by the De- 
 claration exhibited to- his Majefties Commiflioner , thatwemeane: 
 not only mutuall concurrence, and afiftance in the caufe of Religion, 
 bat alfo to the uttermoft of our power, to defend the Kin g s Ma- 
 jeftie his Perfon and Authority. We would be glade , that ye and ■ 
 others were witneffes to our private Prayers , and the moft fecrec - 
 of our thoughts and atfeclions , concerningour loyaltie to our* dread 
 Soveraigne ; fo fhould ye either ceafe to write in this fort againft us, 
 or be forced to write againft your own Confciences. 
 
 3. When we juftifie our Conventions and Covenants jprom their - 
 purpofedends , we meane not only the laft andmoft remote ends, 
 but the neareft and immediate , and if nothing in thefe can merite 
 juft cenfure, the Conventions and Covenants no more in that which ye> 
 call the Object, nor in their ends, can be culpable : what AfperfionS' 
 have been put upon our Reformation, and Reformers, by the malice 
 of out Adverfaries, can not be unknown to you* But we wifh, that • 
 your engynes and penns may be better imployed, then to joine with 
 them in fobad a caufe , which we expeSt alfo from your prudence,:, 
 confidering the people and place where ye live* . 
 
 To the Third.: 
 
 YEe doe well and wifely , thatyefearch not curi#ufly into the 
 myndes of Princes, and Reafons of Sues ; but whether all his? 
 
To the Re p ' l V e' si 47 
 
 Majefties fubje&s be fatisfied with the laft Proclamation, needeth 
 no deep fearch. For although polliblie fome had been more plealed 
 with a Proclamation, commanding the Service Books > fuch efpecially 
 who neither will fee no errours in it, or have publickly profeffed, that- 
 they have been groaning for it , yet the Proteftation of the Suppli- 
 cants againft it, as it giveth moft humble and hearty thanks to His 
 gracious Majeftie, for what is granted; fo it teftifiern upon undeny- 
 ableeviden;es^ that the Proclamation is not a fatisfa&ion of our jufl 
 defires : for, firft, the Proclamation ftippofeth the Service Books to 
 be no Innovation of Religion. 2, That it is not contrary to the Pro- 
 teftant Religion.. 3. That the Proclamation giveth not order fat-" 
 difcharging. all the Acts made in favours of the Service Book/, efpe- 
 cially that of the 19 of fV^r/wr^which giveth unto it fo high Appro- 
 bation, as ferving for mantaming the true Religion, and to beat out 
 all Supervision, and no wayes to be contrary to the Lawes of this 
 Kingdom; but to be compyled and approved for the univerfall ufe 
 and edification of ail. His Majefties Subjects* 4: It is fo farre from, 
 difallowmg the faid Booke, that it putteth us in feare, that it fhall be 
 preft itra faire and legal way,and therefore,notwithftanding the Pro- 
 clamation, theneceflity of Covenanting , which containeth nothing; 
 contrary to the A&s of Parliament,nor to the duety of good Subjects, 
 but is the krgeft Teftimony of our Fidelity to G OD, and loyaltie 
 to our Kin G,(whatfoever it may feem to you to import) doeth yec 
 continue, that His Majeftie may be pleafed, to grant the full fatis- 
 faction of our reafonable Petitions, and that our Religion, and Liber-, 
 ties, may be preferved for afterwards. , Whofoevet profeflfe them— 
 felves, to be perfectly fatisfied with the Proclamation, doe proclaim 
 in the ears of ail the Kingdom, that they are better pleafed with the. 
 Service Books and Canons^ then with the Religion , as it hath beens 
 proiefled m this Land fince the Reformation^ . 
 
 To the Fourth* 
 
 /E* were affured* that your Ttemmd proceeded from fc 
 iVL- Y Mistaking, and therefore, according to our knowledge, , 
 
4& Answeres 
 
 did ingenuoufiy, for your facisfacKon, expound unto you the mindg 
 of the Subfcrivers; but finde now, that we have laboured in vain, ac 
 your hands, from which we have received this -Re fly ; unro which, 
 concerning the firft Mils-interpretation, we anfwere : ;i. That al- 
 though we doe neither ufe threatnings, nor obtrude our Interpretati- 
 on upon you, as bearing any obligatory Power, yet pardon us , thac 
 we march you not, and put you not in the Ballance with the greateft 
 pare of the Kingdom,both Minifters, and others, in whole name we 
 recommend this Interpretation unto you , by all faire Means , and 
 force of Reafon : and in fo doing, wee are lo farre from the breach 
 -©: our Solemne Vow , and Promife , that we efteeme this to be no 
 fmall proofeof that godlinefle, and righteoufneiTe , wherein we are 
 bound, by our Covenant, to walke. 2. The autorkative judgement 
 of our Reformers, and Prediceffors , is evidenced, not onely by the 
 Confeffion of Faith, ratified in Parliament , but alfo by the Books of 
 Difcipline, Acts of Generall A{femblies,and their own Writs; where- 
 in, if ye will, ye may find warnnd for this Interpretation; and in re- 
 fpecl: whereof , it is publick ratlone medll, befides thofc midies of 
 Scripture, of Antiquity, and of the Confent of the Reformed Kirks, 
 which are named for midfes by you. 
 
 Concerning the 2 Miisconftru&ion , it is no msrvell that Pre-. 
 judices, and Preconceived Opinions, potfeiTmg the mirlie, make 
 men to fall upon Interpretations of their own; but in the South patti 
 of the Kingdom, where many learned and judicious men, both Pa- 
 llors, and Profeffors, were a&mbled, at the firft fubferiving thereof, 
 we remember of none that did fall into that Mustake. And the two 
 forts of Novations, fuch as are already introduced , and fuch as arc 
 fupplicated againft, are fo punctually diftinguiihed, that there is no 
 place left ro Ambiguirie : but on the contrary, the Novations which 
 we promife to forbeare for a time onely , cannot befuppofed in the 
 following words, to be abjured for ever, as Popifh Novations. 2. U- 
 pon a new examination of the words, ye perceive, that the Articles 
 of Fearth % and Epifcopacy , are condemned as erronious Corrupti- 
 ons, becaufe we promile, t£ Lib r, to recover the former purity Sc 
 Sbercie of the Gofpell : into v\iiich our Anfwere is^hatitappearerh,- 
 foe you will have all the Covenanters againft their intention, and 
 
 whether 
 
To the R i ins & ^5 
 
 : jrhether they will or not, to difallow, and condemn, the Articles of 
 Tearthy and Epifcopall Government, lei* they be tryedin a Gene* 
 rallAffcmbly:butitisknowneto many hundreds, that the words 
 were purpofelie conceived , for fatisfa&ion of Inch as were of your 
 judgement, that we might all joine in one heart, and Covenant^ for 
 eftabliihing Religion, and • oppofing Erroures. ' And for your Argu- 
 ment, whether the Articles of Peartb>and Epifcopacy, be againft the 
 purity and liberty of the Gofpel, or not, which is not determined by 
 thefe words of the Covenant : but it cannot be denyedjfirft, That if 
 in a Free Affembly, they be found to be againft the purity and liber- 
 ty of theGofpell, they ought to be abolished : in the meane time,it 
 being left free, by the words of the Covenant^ all, who will, to ihnd 
 to the defence of their iawfulneife. Secondly, how can it be denied, 
 that many corruptions, contrary to the purity and liberty of the 
 Gofpell, were they never fo innocent in themfelves , have accom- 
 panyed thefe Novations, fuch as the fuperftious obfervation of Daies, 
 feriation and cefiation from worke , on thofe dayes , Feafting , 
 •Guyfing , &c e many groffe abuifes have entered in the Sa- 
 crament, upon Kneeling before the Elements, and upon the lawlefle 
 wfurpauonof Prelates : in refpecl: whereof, even they who allow of 
 Pearth Articles, and Epifcopacy, may fwear to recover the purity 
 of the Gofpell. And thirdly, who can be fo great a ftranger at home, 
 as to deny, that many corruptions of Popery, and Arminianifm, have 
 entredin, intheKirke, and have been vented, and defended, in 
 fchooles, and PulpitSj by reafon whereof, we are bound, every one o£ 
 tis, according to the meafure of our light, to labour for recovery of out 
 former Purity ? And therefore, if you* had caft your eyes upon the 
 condition of this poore Kirke, as ye have pryed narrowly,into the ex- 
 preflions of the Covenant y ye might have fpared both your owne la~ 
 bour, and ours, and not laboured to fkarre both your feives and others, 
 with this fhadow. 
 
 In your Argument, ad hominem, you fliould have confidered, that 
 whatsoever be our judgement, as we are particular perfons , yet, at 
 this time, we were to be taken, as Commiffioners, from the whole 
 company of Subfcrivers,who, about this point,are of different judge- 
 ments ; and if fome of your own judgement, had either come alone 
 * |sj in out 
 
'50 Answer es2 
 
 in our place, ©r had been joined in Commiflfion with us, we had anti- 
 cipate your Objection. : and this ye have been forced ro fee; and fo 
 your f elves , in propounding your Objection , have anfvvered yout 
 own Syilogifme, in making us to fay , that ye may fweare and fub- 
 fcrive feeing ye thinke not the! e things to be abjured in that Oath 
 made Am? i 5 8 i .• neither was it for you, to inquire in our private 
 Opinion , nor neceffary for us, to make it knowne, but to have con- 
 ceived of our minds, according to our Comr&itfion , and the will of 
 thofe who fent us. Your Arguments need to be no impediments un- 
 to your fwearing o£ the Covenant. For upon your grounds, ye woalj 
 not have fworne the fhort Confejfion, any time by pall : yea, ye can 
 not iweire the Confeilion of any Kirke; nay, not the Articles of the 
 Creed, becaufe of the diverfe Interpretations of the Article of Chrifh 
 defcent into Hell', or fwearing them in Scotland* and England, ye be- 
 hoved to fweare them in diverfe lenfes. There be fome words of the 
 Lords Prayer ,aS Give us this day our daily breaded of the ten Conu 
 mands, as the words of the fourth Command, which are diverfly un- 
 derftoodi muftChriftians, therefore, forbeare to joine in faying the 
 Prayer, or iwearing Obedience to the Commandements •?. Neither 
 for this doe we admit any Ambiguity, or Equivocation : the words 
 certainly have but one true fenfej and fignification, but diverfe per- 
 fons conceive and underftand them, according to the different mea- 
 fures of their light. Since then your Difputation isbuilded uponfuch 
 a Suppofition, it muft either fall to the ground , or hardly can any 
 Confejfion of Faith, or religious Covenant^ be fworne. Offend not, 
 therefore, if we in modefty, prefent unto you, _ a diili of your owne 
 drelfing; we meane, the like Argument, ad hominem. The Rites and 
 Ceremonies, which are not abjured in the negative Confejfion, are not 
 abjured in this late Covenant. But the Rites and Ceremonies,which 
 were concluded in Pearth Affembly, are not abjured, as ye fay, in the 
 negative Confejfion, made Anno 1 581 : therefore, they are not ab- 
 jured in this hzcCovenant. The firft Proportion is evident,becaufe 
 in the late Covenant we are bound nofurder , concerning the nega- 
 tive Confejfion, but to keep it inviolable : and therefore, what Rites 
 are not abjured there, are not abjured here. The fecond Proposition 
 cannot be denyed by you j for thefe twenty years by-gone ye have 
 
 bought. 
 
To the Repl v e ST* |i 
 
 diouhgt your felves free of rerjury, notwithftanding of the Oath in 
 1581 , and of your conforming your felves , to the Ordinances of 
 Peart h. And whereas ye all eadge, afterward, as before, that our 
 Supplications are fatisficd, the contrary is known e, by our publicke 
 Proteftation, and by our laft Supplication,and Complaint, prefented 
 to his MajefHes Commiffioner. And urging of the Servies B$okf 9 
 ms a fufficient reafon, for forbearance of V earth Articles, till an Af- 
 fembly; at which time it may be determined, whether it be expedi- 
 ent, that this Kirke be any more troubled with them. Neither ne&- 
 deth your Confcience to hinder you to fubferive the forbearance d 
 thefe Novations, as if fwearing of forbearance , were a fwearing 
 difobedience to Authority : firft,Becaule the fwearing of forbearance 
 of a thing in your opinion, indifferent, in the cafe of Scandall, and o£ 
 fenfible fea re in others, of Superftition, is the fwearing of Obedi- 
 ence the Commandement of GOD, which forbiddeth us, to deftroy 
 him/or whomChrift died,akhough man fhould comand the contrary, 
 2. Becaufe the Articles of Peart b were concluded, for latisfying the 
 Ki h g, and not to prefle any man with the praclife of them, as was 
 openly prof effed unto the Opponents , before the face of the whole 
 Affembly : and becaufe the Ac\ it felfe giveth warrand , to forbeare 
 the praclife at this time,when the memory of fuperlHtion is revived 
 which maketh us to thinke , that they who have forborne the pra- 
 clife of thefe Articles,(tnce the fuperftitious fervice Booke was corrw 
 plained upon, make ffloft truelie confcience of obedience of the A& 
 ©f Peart h^nd Parliament,ratifying the fame, and are moft conforme 
 unto the Confeflion of Faith , ratified in Parliament , declaring^ 
 that Ceremonies ought to be changed, when they rather fofterfu- 
 perftition, then edifie the Kirke , ufing the fame. Laft of all 5 Ys 
 fay, ye can not fweare forbearance, becaufe ye can not abftaine from 
 private Baptifme, and private Communion; where we perceive, that 
 m your judgement, private Baptifme and Communion, are not any 
 more things indifferent, but mczttarf^neceffitate pracepti, in fo farro?, 
 that the not ufing of them, is a contempt of the means, and a tempt- 
 ing of GOD. By this your Doctrine, firft, The Rate of the Que- 
 ftion, anent Pearth Arncles, is quite altered, for ye, and your Affo^ 
 dates, did ever, to this time, ajieadge the Queftion,to be of thinges 
 
 jndiifcrea*. 
 
%% &NS WE RE'S 
 
 indifferent : but novv ye finde fome of them fo neceffary, that alth& 
 the general! AtTembly of the Kirk, {hould difcharge them,yet ye be- 
 hoved ftill, for confcience of the Commands ment of GOD, to pra- 
 ctife them. If ye have the fame judgement of kneeling before the 
 Elements, and of feftivall dayes , it commeth to paffe amongft us, 
 which hath been incident to the Kirke, in former Ages, that thinges 
 have been firft brought in, as indifferent, then urged as neceffary. 
 If confirmation alfo in your judgement, be not indifferent , but ne- 
 ceffary, wedefire tounderftand, with what confcience it hath beenc 
 .flighted, and utterly neglected by the Prelates, thefe 20 yearespaft ? 
 and how it is, that ye have carried fo fmall regard to the Canon c£ 
 the Kirke, and A6t of Parliament, and to the benefits of young 
 Children, as not to requyre, urge, andpreffethe pracHe thereof, 
 both in your own charge , and throughout the whole Kirke ? This 
 'Would feem to be partial! dealing , topreffefome Ceremonies , and 
 neglecl: other fome; while both by the fame Canon of the Kirke, and 
 A& of Parliament , are appointed, 2^ Ye doe hereby- condemns 
 the pra&ife of the Kirke of Scotland^ from the time of Reformation, 
 till ? earth Affemblie, and put no fmall guiitineffe upon other refor- 
 med Kirkes, who ufe not that at all , but rather abftaine from it, as 
 dangerous, which ye novv doe profeffe, to be fo neceffary. 3. We 
 Willi you wifely to confider , whence it is , and what can be the true 
 •caufe, that ye living in that part of the Kingdome , fliould be more 
 preffed by the people, wirh the pradtife of private Baptifme , and 
 Communion , then all the Kirkes in the Kingdome befide , where 
 thefe twenty yeares pall, rarely any fuch motion hath been made : is 
 it not becaule that Popery prevaiieth there, and the people have a 
 fuperftitious conceat of Baptifme and Communion, as abfolutely ne- 
 ceffary to Salvation ; as if GOD had tyed his. grace to the Sacra- 
 menrs; and children dying without Baptifme', and others wirhout 
 their hit Vimcum, did perilli } Thus ye minifter the Sacraments 
 in private, as neceffary, Necejfitatc .pr&cepti; and the people fee me 
 to defire, and receive them, as neceffary, Neceffitatc medik anEviil 
 very curable, in that citie where the Affemblies of the people, for 
 publicke worfhip, are frequent , wherein the Sacraments might be 
 ttifaflred i r&jugnriy enough, with great folemni r y , and edification. 
 
 4. And 
 
To the R e v l i i si j j 
 
 4I And though we doe not deny, butBaptifme privatlle miniftredjby 
 the Minifter of CHRIST, according to the Institution, be true Bap- 
 tifme, and,that a childe thus privately baptizcd,be not to be baptized 
 againe, ( although it be true alio, that private Baptifme maketh way 
 to this Errour of Re-baptizing : ) yer we hold, that the neceflitie of 
 the Commandement, ftandeth only fo? Baptifme in publick, (ince no 
 precept requyreth Baptifme , but when the miniftration thereof can 
 be had orderly^ with all the circumftances requifice ; whereof this is 
 one, that: it be miniftred in the prefence of that vifible kirke, where- 
 of the children are to be members : for not only the minifter of 
 Baptifme, and the parents of the children, but the Congregation alfo 
 hath intereft in the baptifme of every member that entereth in their 
 communion : which therefore, ought to be a publick action , no leffe 
 then the cutting off of a rotten member,by Excommunication, ought 
 to be done publickly. 5. It is known , that private Baptifme hath 
 bred , and foftred the opinion of abfolute neceflitie of Baptifme, of 
 Baptifme by Women, and private perfons, of Baptifme by fuppofi- 
 tion, &c. and, that the miniftration of the Sacraments , in private' 
 places, hath been, and is, the ready way to bring people to the con- 
 tempt and neglecl: of the Sacraments in publicke, and to the propha- 
 mtion thereof in private. 6. When all the forms of miniftration of 
 Baptifme, fhall be compared,both that of the ancient Kirke, keeping 
 Eatter y and Pentecost , for the folemne times of Baptifme, and the 
 other of thePopiih kirke ? and other kirkes, not well purged of the 
 dregs of Popery, miniftring Baptifme and Communion at all times, 
 in private places, and before few perfons; it fhall be found , that n® 
 better courfe could be taken, then thac which hath been wifely ap- 
 pointed and obierved, in the Kirke of Scotland, (ince the Reforma- 
 tion; that the Sacraments be mmiftred in the ordinary meetings of 
 GODS People; unto which they had regard, and not unto the places 
 of materiall Kirkes : which we adde, left any ftiould thinke, that we 
 entertained any fuperftitious conceat of places. 
 
 o To 
 
54 
 
 Answeres; 
 
 To the Fifth* 
 
 TO the Erft Exception, we have even now anfwered, and need 
 toadde no tardea concerning private Baptilme and Commu- 
 nion. 2. We looked, that your Argument;, ad hominew y had beene 
 clofed in the fourth Reply, and wifh, what ye had to fay , againft the 
 Difpute,o£ Popifh Englifh Ceremonies, or any other Treatife of thac 
 kinde,or any of us in particular, had been keept to another time : for, 
 would any of us,refufe to fweare the fliort Confejfton, becaufe ye have 
 expounded fome Articles thereof,contrary to our minde ? Ourdefire 
 is, that ye keep your own meaning of the negative Confejfion, and we. 
 keep ours, according to our diverfe meafures of light; and, that both , 
 (ides promiie , Forbearance, as is required in the Covenant , which 
 may very well ftand both with your meaning,and ours : of ours,there 
 is noqueftion; and of yours, there needexh none' to be moved by you, 
 fince ye thinke them indifferent : and therefore, in fuch a cafe, may, 
 promife, to forbeare them. From this ground , and from the diffe- 
 rent ufe of the word Dtfcipline, and Policy, it is eafie to anfwere, 
 both your Sorites, and Dilemma : for the late Covenant bindeth you 
 to keep the former, according to the common meaning of the Sub- 
 fcrivers; and not according to your Interpretation or ours , in parti- 
 cular : and the horns of your Dilemma,, may be turned about againft 
 your felves : for we aske of you, Unto which of the members of the 
 Diftin&ion doe ye referre Epifcopacy , and the Articles of Peanh ? 
 if they were abjured for ever, before Peart h Affembly, how is it that 
 ye have admitted and praclifed them, fince that time; for this were 
 Perjury ? And if they were not abjured, but by the fhort Confeffion 
 were left indifferent, why may ye nor, for any impediment ye have 
 from that Confeffion % forbeare now the practife of them } We look- 
 ed not for Veiitations of this fort, which the change of Commillio- 
 ners fent unto you, might have prevented, but for fome folide and 
 grave reafons, why ye could not fubferive the Covenant,whct\\zt£tz- 
 fented from our hands, or the hands of others, our Learned and reve- 
 rend Brethren , of your praftifc and judgement, who might have 
 
 beene 
 
To the REPLYBi: || 
 
 fceVne Tent unto you in our place. In the meane time, becauf e ma- 
 nie are inrangled with the word of Dif cipline, and Policie, we defire 
 the Reader to. remember, that fometimethe word is taken for the 
 Rule of Government of the Kirke, and cenlure of Manners, by Of- 
 ficebearers appointed by Chrift; and thus it is unchangeable : fome> 
 times for the confritut'ions of Counfels, and Ac-ts of Parliament, a- 
 bout matters of Religion; and thus it is alterable, or conftant, accor- 
 ding to the nature of particular Obie&s : and thirdly, it is takefjfo* 
 the ordering of the circumftances, to be obferved in all actions Di- 
 vine, and Humane; and thus it is variable, Ws appeale with you, 
 to the indifferent Reader, who is judicious, whether it be neceffarie 
 for your Subfcription, to know our Opinion of fuch Rites and Cere- 
 monies, as are not of Divine ihftiturion. We have reafon, [ for any 
 thing that ever we heard to the contrary, thefe twenty years paft ] to 
 cleave unto the words of the Covenant^ concerning fuch Rites as are 
 brought into the Kirke without, or again!* the word of G OD. The 
 Blemng of Marriage ( now the fecond time inftanced ) we conceive, 
 aeither to be circumftance, it being neither time, place, order of 
 doing, nor any [uch thing, nor a Ceremony properly f o called, more 
 then theBiefling of the People, commanded in the Law, and pra£li- 
 fed before the Law, or praying for a Blefling upon the Ordinance o£ 
 GOD, that it may be fan&ified unto His People : we neither exalt 
 Marriage fo high, as with thePapifts, to thmke it a Sacrament; nor 
 doe we abafe it fo low, as to thinke it a padion or contract, meerely 
 Civill, it being the Covenant of GOD, which cannot be dif olved by 
 content of the parties, as other civill Contracts may be r and/there- 
 fore, as we will not ufe it fuperftitioufly, according to the prefcripc 
 of the Service Book?; fo will we not for the abufe of Popery, although 
 it were a Paction meerely civill, it being fo important , with-holde 
 &*cleftafticke Benediction from it. 
 
 s 
 
 To the Sixth 
 
 Itence ca-rrieth fometimes the appearance of confent, fomerime 
 ; ids from weakneflej and finceyeeknowalfo, that itmayac 
 
 ' femetimq 
 
$<$ Answer:?. Si 
 
 fometimcs come from wifedome ,. and moderation"; why doc ye 
 nor rather keepe filence your felves,then make fuch an interpretation 
 of ours ? We deny not, but Divines, both ancient and moderne, are 
 againft us, concerning the lawfulneffe of the thinges contravened :: 
 but we withali affirme, firft, that Divines,both ancient and moderne, 
 are againft you alfo; and both may be true , for* both are but propor- 
 tions indefinite, in a matter contingent. 2. That almoft all Divines 
 univerfally are for us, and for the forbearance of thinges indifferent, 
 in fuch a cafe, which is the point urged by us , and cleared before. 
 Secondly, we deny not,but the Oath contamech many other Articles 
 but concerning that of the Novations already introduced, if ye could 
 have believed us, and fo many thoufands as have fubfcrived , it con- 
 tained no more, but the forbearance of them,for a time; neither can 
 any farther be extorted from the tenor of the Covenant it (elfe, ac- 
 cording to your grounds. If ye will interpret it according to the 
 meaning which ye thought it had the laft year, and which we urge 
 you not to. change . and to promife forbearance, can neither be con- 
 trary to that duety which ye ow to your flock, nor be difobedience to 
 Authority, but a meane to edifie GODS people j and obedience c# 
 GOD. 
 
 To the Seventh. 
 
 FIrft, The reafon propounded in the feventh Demand, for refufe- 
 ihg your fubfcription, becaufe ye fuppofed Pearth Articles to 
 have beene abjured, as Popiih , is anfwered to the full , and 
 impediment put out of your way. This other that ye propound, con- 
 cerning our conception and meaning of the fhort Confejfion, may be 
 as eafily removed, if ye will once believe, that we urge not upon you 
 our meaning, but leave you to your own, "till the matter be examined ' 
 in an Atfcmblie. 2. Ye call fome of thofe Novations, receffarie; 
 but without warrand of that Affembly which concluded then, as in- 
 different, and all the reft you will have to be laudable : thus by pro- 
 greffe of time, things formerly indifferent, become ncceflary*; and 
 what was but lawful! before, and had much .adoe togaine that repu-.., 
 
 tation, is* 
 
t|So^ I« bow become laudable; where ye plainly dUc&ver the caufe of 
 fouruiivviliingneffe tofubi'crive , not Co much co be thecommande- 
 menc of Authority,as the necetfity and excellency of the things com- 
 manded. Till ye, therefore, change this opinion, ye cannot promife 
 forbearance, neither upon our dealing, nor at the commandement 
 Df Authority, although forbearance ihould fetve for she peace of tte 
 Kirke, and Kingdoms 
 
 Tg the Eight* 
 
 FIrft, we Semit the reader to our Anfotre, and your Repfy,whk% 
 we hope, (hall be found no confutation. 2. We obierve,thac 
 ye have not anfwered our Argument, for our fwearing the de- 
 fence of the Kin o, and his Authority, with a fpecification , whicla 
 ye call a limitation; wherein we have followed theConfeflion of Faith, 
 ratified in Parliament , the K 1 n g s Confeflion , and aft of Parlia- 
 ment; upon which ye will not doe well , to fatten fofoule Imputa- 
 tions, and put fo hard conttruclions, as ye dee, upon us, for inferring 
 In our Covenant , what they have faid before us. If our fpecification 
 be right, why cenfure you it ? If it be wrong, why fatten ye not youc 
 cenfiires upon the fountaine from which it is derived ? the loyalty of 
 •our intentionSjto maintain the Kings Per(on,and Honour,is fo fully 
 expreffed , that it hath given content to thofe who are neareft his 
 Majefty : and we ftiould wrong, not only them,, but aifo the Cow- 
 nanty and the fubferivers thereof , if we fhould make new Declare 
 tions to others, of greater diftance, who wrong both the K 1 n g, and 
 themfelves,in craving them. $■. To doe with a doubting Confcience, 
 Is a grievous finn^j but to make and mukiply doubts, for hindring a 
 good worke,and to oppofe againft a fhining light,is no leffe grievous. 
 Yefpake before of a limitation, and now ye have added precifly; as 
 if the mming 0? one duety, vVere the excluding of all other dueties a 
 We all, by owtOath of Alleadgeance, by his Majefties laWes, and by 
 other obligations, acknowledge, that we owe many other dueties t& 
 the Ki n g, which were very impertinent to expres in this Cwenant.. 
 4. What kynde of conference ye meane, whether by word or write, 
 we know not; but ( while we were among you) ye know what notice 
 
 p jm 
 
yw were pieafed to cake of us; and wc hare no defigfo n fcfeBM# 
 I> the Ninth* 
 
 FlrU, We areafliamed, to draw this.Rug-faW of contention, t£ 
 and Fro, in a continual! Reciprocation, concerning theforbea* 
 ranee 01 Peart h Articles : and therefore, forbearing to doe to 
 any more,we referre the Reader to our former Anfweres. 2. We doe 
 not affirme, that the only reafon , why kneeling was appointed , wag 
 becaufe all memory of fuperftuion was pa(t, There be indeed othei 
 rcafons expreffed in the Act, but fuch as the Authors thereof ma jJbfe 
 afhamed of,as both perverting the Text, Pfal. 9 5. as making kneel* 
 ing to be neceiTary, in every part of GODS Worfhip, and as giving 
 matter to many Treatifes, proving kneeling before the Elements, 
 to be Idolatrie, according to the A61,unt6 which we now referre you; 
 but this we fay , ( which is manifeft by the Acl: it felfe ) that in the 
 cafe ofprefent iuperftition,orfeare rhereof,ail other realons had not 
 beene forcible, toenforce kneeling then, nor can have force to con- 
 tinue kneeling now, Thisfeare hathbeene great , this year by paftj,, 
 throughout the Kingdom, by reafon of the many fuperftitions of the 
 Service Booke , which, it may be, ye no more acknowledge, then yc 
 ioe thefuperftitious difpofino of the people,becaufe they are not that 
 which they were at the time of Reformation. '" g f . We would heare. 
 what malice it felfe can fay againii the words of the Proteftation, 
 That it (ball be lawfiill unto us, to defend Religion , and the KiN G 8 
 Authority, in defence thereof, and every one of its of another , in that 
 canfe of maintaining Religion , and the Kin g s ferefaid Authority, 
 and to appoynt, and hold meetings >to that end; like as our Proceedings 
 kave beene in tbemfelves moft neceffary and orderly mcans,agreable. 
 to thelawes and pTatSife of this Kirke and Kingdom, to be conten- 
 ded, as reall duties of faithfull Chriilians,loyall iubiecls, and.fenfible 
 members of the body of the Kirke , and Kingdome , and tende to n© 
 •^her end, but to. theprefervation of Religion, and maintainance of 
 the Kin g s Authority. To your inrerrogatoures, ( which ye feeme 
 io propone, rather robe fnares to us, then for 1 atisfa&ion to your 
 felves ) we anfwere £>nce for all in generall,-that if this were the op- 
 portunity 
 
'~ - To the &£»£*¥§: M 
 
 fBfeunitie of chat difputation, we (Kail be found to deny nothing untfe 
 Authority of that which the word of GOD, the lav? of Nature, and 
 Nations, the A&s of Parliament, thefe.Royalifts, found Divines,and 
 loyall Subjects, give unto Kings and Princes GODS Vice-G events on 
 
 Earrh; and that not from refpect to our felves, but to rhe Ordinance. 
 of GOD, by whom Kings reigne. But feeing fo oft and fo inftantly^ 
 you prefte us in this point,yc force us mutually to propone to you fuch. 
 Q^eltions, as, it may be, ye will have no great delight toanfwere*. 
 J. Wedefire to underftand of you r whether ye allow, or diial!ow,the- 
 Scrv'ce Bjoke^ and booke of ( anons } if yadifallow them, as an in- 
 novation of Religion, why have ye not either joined in fupplicatioa 
 with the reft of the Kingdome, or made a fupplication of your 
 own , againft them , or iome other way teftified your Diflike ? 
 Next; whether it be pertinent for men of your place and Qualitie, 
 to move Queftions of State,. touching the Power ok Princes, and Li- 
 beries of Subjects , after His- Majetties Commiflioner , and wife 
 States-men, have received Satisfaction of the Subjects,' for fuppref- 
 fing fuch motions as yours ? 3. Whether doe the Subfcrivers more 
 tender His Ma jetties honour, by fuppofing his conftancy, in profefli- 
 •n of Religion, and equitable Difpofition, in miniftration of Juftice* 
 •r yc, who fuppofe he fhall fall upon his Religious and Loyail Subl 
 jects^ with force of Armes,contrary to both ? 4. Whether the joyi*. 
 ing of rhe whole Kingdom, in the Subfcription of the Covenant , os- 
 the entertaining of Divi(ion,by your writing, preaching, and threat- 
 aing of your People, otherwife willing to joine, be a more readie 
 meane to fettle the prefent- Commotions of the Kirke, and King-. 
 dom ? 5. If the Prelates, and their Followers, labouring to intro- 
 duce Popery in the' Land, make a Faction by themfelves, or as the 
 Gwftans in France , did abufe His Majefties name, in execution of the 
 bloody Decrees of Trent , ( which GOD forbid ) we aske, Whether ' 
 in Tuch a Cafe, the.lawfull defence of the body of the Kingdom , a- 
 gaintt fuch a Faction, be.a. refitting of the Magi fixate , and a taking- 
 Armes againft the King > If ye affirme it to be, is not this to take * 
 part with a Faction , feeking their own ends, againft the common- •■ 
 Wealth of the Kirke, and Kingdom, and honour of the Ki n g ? If ye 
 fey no:, Why then finde ye fault with our Proteftatioa , of defending-* 
 ; ite. 
 
die RdigiGtj, liberties, and Lawcs of fteKingd6ni,of thdKIrigs AS* 1 ' 
 tbority,in defence thereof,arid every one of usof another,and irithat 
 caufe , as if it were an unlawfull Combination againft Authority $ 
 6. Whether dot ye think Chriftian Magiftrats to t>e of fo abfolute ■&■ 
 unbounded power, norwithftanding of any promife or paSton made" 
 with the Subje&s at their Coronation, or of any Law madefor efta- 
 blilliing their Religion and Liberties, that there is nothing left, but 
 futferingof Martyrdome , in the cafe of publick Invafion , of their' 
 Religion and Liberties } If ye thinke, that any defence , is lawful!, 
 why miiconftrue yee the Subfcri vers of the Covenant > If not,ho#' 
 can ye be free of Flattery ,and of rtirnng up Princes againll their loy- 
 all Subjects, for fuch ends as your felves know bell ? We verily be- 
 lieve, tine ye (hall reporc fmall thanks, either of fo good and juft a 
 Kino, oroffo duetifull Subjects, for entering within thefe Life. 
 It is enough, that fuch Queftions be agitated in the Schooles , and 
 lhac with as great prudency, and as circurafpe&ly as may bc 
 
 7i the Tenth. 
 
 FIrft, ye take us in mt fourth Replje to be the penners 6f the &* 
 venant^ and yet will rather wreft the words of it, to your owne 
 meaning, then receive the Interpretation thereof from us : for we$ 
 prejudge nor your liberty of conception of that {hort Confelfion, but 
 permit it to your felves ) whatfoever may be the private meaning <& 
 feme who have lubicrived; yet there is nothing in the late Interpre- 
 tation that cendemneth the Articles diP earthy and Epifoopacy , as 
 PopifoNovuions. Ye may voice and reafon in anAffemblie as free- . 
 ly concerning them, and give your judgement of them, without pre- 
 judice^ wirhftinding of your Oath,according to your own grounds, 
 as you would have done at the Alterably of Peartb. z. We hope 
 ye be nor fo ignorant of the eftate of the Kirke,neither will we judge 
 fo unclnri ably,as to thinke you fo corrupt,thar in your opinion there 
 is nothing hath entred in the Kirkc >(ince that time, defigned by you, 
 befide £pifcopacy, and the A rtkles of Peartb, which can be thought 
 prejudicial! to the Liberty and Purity, of the Gofpell. 
 
 T9 
 
To the K E?t i es; JFg 
 
 Tithe Eleventh. 
 
 FXrft, ye finde fault with us, that we have not upon this ©eeafion, 
 given you that teftimony which we owe to you, of your fince- 
 rity, in profeffing the trueth; and therefore, to fupplie our de- 
 fe^s,have taken an ample Teftimony to your felves, of paines in dif- 
 puting, in wrytting , and preaching againft Popery , in procefTmg of 
 Papifts, and in doing all thinges which can be expected from the moft 
 zealous, of frequent prayer to GOD, of humbling your felves before 
 him, of yourholinefleof Life , and Convention, &c. which have 
 made us who were defirous to heare that Teftimony, rather at the 
 mouths of others, that we might be no more challenged as deiicienc 
 inthatkinde, bur give unto you your deferved praife, to inquire in 
 matters ; whereupon, if we would believe the report of others , wee 
 heare, chat for all your pains, Papifts, and Perfons Popifhly affected, 
 are multiplied, and Papiftry increafed in your towne , more then in 
 any oiher town of die Kingdom ; & no lefle under yourMiniftrie,th en 
 any time before, fincethe Reformation; that there be in private 
 koufes Meffes,Crucifixes, and other monuments of Idolatry; that ye 
 have not many converts from Popery; that Jefuits, and Priefts; are 
 countenanced there; that your People at home, and your Magiftrats 
 abroad,complain, that ye are but too 1 paring of your pains in preach- 
 ing, and often fill your places with Novices : but this we are fparing 
 to believe, and wifti, that the not imploying of your Tongues 3 and 
 Pennes, in the defence of the Service Booke and Canons , which are fo 
 peftred with Popery, [if the feeds of Romifli He'refie, Superftition> 
 Idolatry , and Papall tiranny, come under that cenfure ] and your 
 wiliingneffe to joyne with the Kifke and Kingdom , in Fafting and 
 Humiliation , had been alfo Testimonies of your fincerity againft 
 Popery. a. The laudable means of Preaching, Praying, Sec. which 
 We Willi may be (till in all faithfulnefle ufed by you , may very well 
 agree with the renewing of our Covenant with GOD; and both being 
 joined, have, in a &ort time paft, produced more powerfull effects, 
 to the comfort of many thoufands, then all our Prayers and Preach- 
 ing hath done for a long time before : which te#ifie , That , as h is 
 
 Q^ warranded 
 
*6$ Answer es? 
 
 warrandedby the Word of GOD; fo the motion bath preceedet 
 from GOD. All the Arguments and Subtilties that can be devifed s 
 will never make a People,(who at this time have found GOD dwell. 
 lag, and working in their hearts ) to thinke. the contrary. 3,, The 
 naturall inclination of people to Popery,and the perfwafiun of others, 
 of their difpofinon, may make the people to conceive other wayes 
 0f the Service Boeke y and Canons , that ere it be long, they may be 
 brought in, in a faire and legallway : and therefore, it is necetiary, 
 for preventing of thole, and orher Evills of that kinde, that the Sub* 
 je£ts joine in a Covenant, both for themfelves, and their Pofterity. 
 
 To the Twelfth* 
 
 FIrft; we have ever preached according to our meafure,and ha^ 
 given example of reverence to Authority, and the L O R D S 
 Service : but we neither acknowledge the ufurped Authority 
 •f prelates, for lawfull. Authority, nor the Service Booke£ot the Lords 
 Service. And therefore, it was i'o much the more intolerable tor the 
 Prelates, without Authority from the Kirke, or Parliament, to bring 
 in the Service Books into GODS own houfe, upon the LORDS own 
 Day. Which maketh it nothing ftrange , that people zealous of the 
 Trueth, and of the Service of GOD, were ftirredup,. to oppof e : and 
 we are very confident,. that thefe who have, oppoied , doe beare as 
 loyall refpeSt to the Kin gs Majefty,and will be as loath to provoke 
 him to juft wrarh, as their oppofites are. In the meanerime, why doe 
 ye not acknowledge,that the children were higher provoked to wrath* 
 by the Prelates, whom.ye account reverend and holy Fathers? 2. As 
 the prefer vation of our own private Poffeffion, from Invnfion of 0- 
 thers,belongeth to our fclves, under the Kings Protection; foihe 
 keeping of GODS Houfe, from Pollution, and Supcrftition, belong- 
 eth to Authority, to the community of the Faithfull,and to every one 
 in his own place, and order. 3. We told you before, that we did n« 
 mots allow violences of that kinde, nor.we did allow the foule afper- 
 fions of RebeUion,Herefie,Schii'me,and Penury, put upon the Noble- 
 niesi, ( and remnant Covenanters. ) And where ye ?skeof us, Why 
 rbefe tumults are net publickly by us condemned, and rebuked ? we 
 
 aske 
 
To the Ke PL? E Si 6j 
 
 aslce againe of you,why ye did not condemne and rebuke fuch dealing, 
 fince that is no lefle tranfgreflion , both againft the (ixt and nyntM 
 Command, then the other is againft the fixt ? And whereas ye are 
 now fo peremptorie, in drawing a Declaration from us, anfwearable 
 to that which ye have given concerning the forefaid Afperfions and 
 Calumnies, we having no commihfion , to declare the mindes of o« 
 thers in this point, or to give DocumentS,for our own private judge- 
 ment, doe heartily difallow every wrong of that kynde. As for the 
 Apologie of D. J o h n F o R b e s of Gr/>,feeing the wrong hath been 
 done not unto tome few particular perfons, fuch as ye lay have been 
 , wronged by fome of the people ; but unto the body of the King- 
 dome, confifting of Noble-men, Barons, drcwho are highly offended 
 thereby, it were in us Preemption , and without the bounds of our 
 Calling , to take upon us , to receive any Declaration of that 
 kinde , efpecially wherein fo many thinges are reprovable ; as 
 firft, That his bitter ipeaches were occaiionedby fome printed 
 Bookes, affirming, that Epifcopacy, and Fearth Articles,were Anti- 
 chriftian, and abominable. Suppohng it were true, did he thinke the 
 Noblemen,and whole Covenanters,to be the Authors of thofe Books? 
 And was this dealing agreabletp that Chnftian meeknefle fo much 
 Required of us before ? The Writers of thofe printed Books, are not 
 the firft who have fpoken fo : For Mafter Knox fpared not, ( in a 
 Letter of his) to call this kneeling, A Viabolicall Invention.. Se- 
 condly;Tbe fwearing of Forbearance of the practife of Fearth Ar- 
 ticles, and the Confirmation of the faid Doctrine, which we neither 
 deny, nor ifltirme, to be imported in the (Adz Covenant, but only in 
 the Interpretation thereof, we declare, That Promife is only made, 
 roforbearefor a time, doth not delerve fo bitter a Cenfure as this a- 
 pologie beareth upon us. 3. If the Ki n g s Majefty , Counfell, or 
 the Subjects of Scotland, had asked his opinion,and advice, he might 
 have ufed the greater liberty. 4, It is ill apolodzed,to call it a holie. 
 indignation, and worfe defended, fince it is fucna wrath, as worketb 
 not the rrghteoufnefie of GOD*. 5. Whereas he defireth to be ac- 
 counted in the number of theie, qui frofisiendo fsribant, & [cribend* 
 froficiwt , we could wifh, that he had profited better by writ- 
 ing, then he hash done by writing his Inmcum firft, and now this his 
 
 Warning 
 
AnsweiueS? 
 
 Warning, after his Irtmcum : for which if he make no Setter ApotoJ 
 gie, then conceding Afperity of words, proceeding from an holy in- 
 dignation, it will come to paffe of his Apology , as it fared with his 
 Jrenlcnm , unto which was apply ed fitly, what was fpokenin thq 
 like cafe, 
 
 Ant f ahum force ft, ant ars Ignore fefeltit 
 
 Up*wv volmt cadere cudit «^y, 
 6. Whereas ye defire us, to doe the like, if ye meane of us perfonal- 
 lie, we have declared our judgement,and (hall be carefull to approve 
 our felves to G O D, and the confciences of ail men, in every luck 
 duety : and if ye meane us, and thofe thatfent us, we ihall not faill r© 
 report unto them, what ye defire,although our Commiilion from you 
 had been the more acceptable, if ye had fpoken more reverently o£ 
 cutConfeffion and Covenant , then ye have been pleafed to doe, in the 
 words of your defire,and had put your hand unto the Covenant whick 
 would prefently have joined us in a greater Affection, and made way 
 for union in judgement, and perfect peace, which is the defire ©f #i^ 
 Soules. 
 
 To the Thirteenth. 
 
 ^C7*Ee pretended a threefolde Scandall,which fhould follow upoa 
 j l your Sublcription : i. The Scandall of DilTenting from othet 
 Reformed Kirks, and famous Divynes. 2. The Scandall of 
 Diffenting from Authority „ 3. The Scandall of Perjury. We an* 
 fwered, That thecontraverted words of the Covenant being rightly 
 conceived, and interpreted according to their true meaning, and noc 
 after the gloffe which ye have put upon them,doe put you out of dan- 
 ger of all the three Scandalls, which yefeem to acknowledge of the 
 hrft two, and miy by the like reafon acknowledge of the third, of 
 Perjury. We dilpute not of the lawfulneffe of the Oath given at youE 
 AdmiiIion,by what Authority it was exacted , with what conlciencQ 
 it was given, nor how ye can anfwere for the Scandall rifen thereu- 
 pon : but conceiving it according to your own grounds, none of you 
 will fay, that ye have fworne the perpetuall approbation and pradlife 
 ®f thefe things which ye eftecme to be indifferent, whatfoever bad 
 
 confetjuene 
 
To the & e"? l V e si § § 
 
 confequent of Popery, and Idolatrie, Superftjtion,or Scandall fliould 
 follow thereupon: we fpcake here only of things indifferenr, in yous 
 own judgement; for ye have declared before, that ye thinke the Minu 
 ftration of the Sacraments in private places, no more indifferent : 8c 
 therefore, can not forbeare the praclife of thefe , although your Or- 
 dinary ,and other lawfull Superiours,&ould will you to doe io; where- 
 in V earth Aflembly , for which you ftand, is wronged by you two 
 waves: i. That ye differ in judgement from them, about the indif- 
 ferencie of the live A nicies : and next, that at the will of your Or- 
 dinary, and we know not what other lawful! Superiours, ye are ready 
 to forbeare the praclife of thefe things which the Aflembly hath ap- 
 pointed to be obferved. What Oaths ye have given at your admif- 
 hon, we know not, becaufe there is no Ordinance made , Civill, or 
 Ecclefiaftick, appointing any fuch Oath,and becaufe the Prelats, who 
 arrogated that povver,prefented to the intrants diverfe models of Ar- 
 ticles, to be fubfcrived, dealing with fome more hardlie, and with o- 
 thers more favourably,according to their own diverfe motivs,6c con- 
 siderations. For fome immediatly after Peart h Aflembly, without any 
 warrandfrotn the Kirke or Parliament,were made to fweare at their 
 Admiflion, that they thould both in private and publick maintains; 
 Epiicopall Jurif diction, and in their private and publicke Prayer?, 
 commend the Prelates to G O D S mercifull Protection; that they 
 {houldfubjeclthemielvesto the Orders that prefently were in the 
 Kirke, or by the confent of the faid Kirke ,'fhould be lawfully efta- 
 blifhed. The word lawfully , was not in the Principal 1 firft fubfcri- 
 ved, [as we have learned] and if it had been expteft, it is all one,for 
 the Superiours were judges to this lawfulneffe and unlawfulneiTe. We 
 will not labour to reconcile every Oath given by Minifters , at their 
 entry with the prefent Covenant; but wifli, and exhort rather , that 
 they may be recalled, and repented of, as thinges for which they can 
 boc anfwere before a general! Aflembly. 
 
 i 
 
 To the Fourteenth 
 
 V the Words of the Covenant be plaine, concerning the meere for- 
 bearance, and fpeake nothing of the unlawfulneffe , no many 
 R, thoughts 
 
&£ Answer es? 
 
 thoughts can make a change. 2. Ry this Reply ye wrong your felves, 
 informing from the words of the Covenant -, impediments, and draw- 
 ing ftumhling blockes in your own way, to hinder your fubfcription s 
 ye wrong the fubfcry vers, in changing the Hate of the queftion, and in 
 making a divorce betwixt Religion and the Kin os Authority ,whicb 
 the Covenant jomzxh together, hand in hand: and, moftofall, ye 
 wrong the Ki n g s Majefty, in bringing him upon the ttage, before 
 his Subje&s, in whole mindes ye would beget, and breed, fufpicions 
 of oppoftng the trueth,of making innovation of Reiigion,and of deal- 
 ing with his Subjects, contrary to his Lawes and Proclamations, and 
 contrary to the Oath at his Coronation. We are not here feeking 
 infchia x(*c9'n*i" > or ttarting hole of ignorance , or of the Imalleft 
 difloyalty of atfe&ion ; but would willingly decline that for the pre- 
 fent, which neither his Majefties wifdome,nor the prudence of Stats- 
 men, nor the modefty of good iubjects , will allow you or us-to dis- 
 pute. The Crowns and Scepters of Kings , would be more tenderly 
 touched, then the ordinary fubje&s of Schoole dii'pures. The naked 
 naming, and bare propofall ofcertame f oppositions, fuch(asfome 
 are made by you ) can not but reflex upon Authority,and found harlla 
 in the eares of all his Majefties good fubje&s,who willi, that he may 
 long and profperoufly reigne over us. 3. His Ma jetties mott honou- 
 rable privy Counfell, hath proven more favourable to this caufe of 
 maintaining the reformed Religion, then many Paftors , whom by 
 reafon of their place and Calling , it beieemed togoe before others; 
 and although according to their wonted cu(tome,f hey gave warrand^ 
 to make his Majefties Proclamation , yet on good groundes-, remon- 
 ttrated unto them by the Supplicants , they willingly refilled their 
 approbation thereof; hoping that his Majefty ihould be moved m 
 give greater fatisfaclion thereafter : and this is not our faying , but a 
 putoicke doing, before many honorable witneffes; of whichnumber 
 fotne were directed unto you; whofe report ye have no reafon to call 
 in queftion. 4. It becometh us, to judge charitably of the intentions 
 of or Superiours; and moft of all, of the intentions of onr dread So- 
 veraigne. Yet, if that hold good which the Applicants have offred 
 to prove, that the Service Booke^ and Canons , containe a reall inno- 
 vation of Religion, we muft judge oihervviie, de conditwe oferu y o£ 
 
 the mat- 
 
To the Repl*es7 67 
 
 the matters contained'in the Booke, then de wtenUoneoprAntu^ o£ 
 bis Majefties intention; although the intention of thePrelates,& theit 
 Aflbciates,the Authors & contrivers of the Bookes,be moft juftly fuf- 
 pefted by us. % It is no delight to us,and can be but fmali comfort to. 
 you, to mention the wrongs, which by you are done to us all who have 
 joined in this Covenant > and doe adhere to the Religion as it was re- 
 formed in this land; in your etiiraation & writings,we are Rebellious, 
 perjured, hereticks, fchiimaticks,blind guydes,feducers,miferable in- 
 terpreters,ignorants:rti;ti fuch men as thefe be your revere 'dBmhren. 
 Is this your meekneffe and charity? Is this the duety ye expect from 
 us ? But letting theie afide, ye have wronged us, in with-holding youi 
 hand and help from fa good a Caufe, of purging Religion, and refor- 
 ming the Kirke, from fo many grolTe abuies, and oppofing all thofc' 
 who have, modeftly laboured for Reformation,. Your (peaches in pri- 
 vate, in your chambers, beds of ficknefle , and in your muTives, and 
 in publicke, at tables, and in Synods, which are come to our know- 
 ledge; we wifti rather fhould be remembred , and repented of, by. 
 your felves, then be recited by us, who delire not to worke you any 
 trouble. 6. Although there be a perpetuall harmony betwixt the 
 Word and Works of G O D, far contrary to that which we finde tf> 
 be amongft the Children of men ; yet often it commeth to paffe , 
 that the Word and Warnings of G O D, which we heare with our 
 ears, are not believed, till we behold with our eyes , the plaine C3~ 
 mentaries thereof, in His Works, Many Proofs, and notable Do- 
 cuments, have been obferved of the Finger of G O D, in the Worke 
 in hand, the Characters of the great Works of G O D S, more then 
 ordinary Providence, fince the beginning, are legible here. Then 
 did the- LORD begin this work, when the Adversary was raifed to a 
 great highc, and become intollerably infolent. The beginnings were 
 fmali, and in the eyes of the World, contemptible; fach as ufe to be 
 the beginnings not of the works of men, but of the Magnificke works 
 of G O D : the power of G O D fenuble in the hearts of many, and 
 maniferted by the joy; the tears and cries of many thoufands, at the 
 folemne renewing of this Covenant ^ hath been a matter of admira- 
 tion, and amazement, never to be forgotten, to many wife and an- 
 fient Paftors, and Prof effors, who did alio finde an unwonted flame, 
 
 warning 
 
m 
 
 A NS WE RE 's3 
 
 warming their own breafts; the plots, and workings of the Advetfe* 
 rjr, have wrought againft their own Projects, and have ferved for ouc 
 ends, more then all that have been thought, or done by our felves; 
 that We may juftly fay, what they devifed,tor evill, the LORD hath 
 turned to good; many thoufands conveened , diverie times, in one 
 place, have been keept in fuch order, and quietneffe , without the 
 fmalleft trouble, in fuch foberneife, and temperance without exceffe 
 or ryot,that hardly can Hiltory furnilh a Paralell : and what effects 
 there be already throughout the Land, of Piety in Domefticke wor- 
 (hip, in oblerving the exercifes of Religion, in publick, of fobernefs 
 in dyet and appareil, and of Righteouineffe and Concord, we trad 
 fliall be fenfible by the BleflTings of G O D upon us, and fhall be ex- 
 amplary to the Posterity. Thefe we prefent unto you, and unto all, 
 as a Commentary, written by the L O R D S own Hand; wifaing a- 
 gain, that neither ye nor others , be found fighting againft G O D. 
 Whofo is wife, and will obferve thefe thugs, even they jhall under* 
 ft and the loving kjndneffe of the LORD, Pfal. 107. 43. LORf) t 
 when thy hand is lifted uf, they will not fee; but they fhaU fee y and h 
 afbdmedrfor their envy at the People, Iiai. 26.11. 
 
 Matter Alexander Henderson, 
 Miniiter at L,enchars. 
 
 Mafter David Dxcksoi* 
 Minifter at /nwV» 
 
MMSMi 
 
 fgWSSW 
 
 •BBS 
 
 
 
 *95 
 
 DUPLYES 
 
 Of the Ministers and Professors 
 of ABERDENE, 
 
 T O 
 
 The fecond Jnfmres of iome 
 
 Reverend Brethren 5 
 CONCERNING THE LATE 
 
 COVENANT 
 
 
 SUN* 
 
 •$8 
 
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 /f f JW f<^ /W^ ffo precious from the vyle, thou {halt 
 be as my month : Let them ret nr tie unto thee^ but re- 
 turn? not thou unto them. Jerem. 15. 19. 
 
 Honour all men : love the Brotherhood : feare GOD » 
 Honour the King. i.Pec. 2, 17, 
 
 
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 Iff ifff Cliff if S % f f I 1 
 
To the Unpartiall Reader. 
 
 T may be you have not,as yet, heard the true relation 
 of our proceedings,and carri3ge,tow? rds thofe two re- 
 verend Brethren, who came lately hither, to recom- 
 mend to us, and our People , the late Covenant i We 
 declare therefore to you,that we hearing of their com- 
 ffiing, and intention, and being of a contrary minde, 
 refolved, that before we fhould give confent 5 that they Should preach 
 to our people , we would propone to them, by way of cercaine Jte- 
 mandsyihs. chiefe reafons which made us to be averfe from their pro- 
 ceedings; promifing to admit them ro our pulpits,if they fhould give 
 us fatisfaction , concerning the late Covenant. We intended no: to 
 print thefe Demand? at the nrft ;■ but afterwards confidering how 
 much our people might be confirmed. by them, in that pious refolu- 
 tion which they have , to conrinue in the obedience of the Lawes of 
 this Church and Kingdome, concerning Epifcopacy y and thofe things 
 which were concluded in Peart h Affembly ; we thought good to put 
 them to the PreiTe, but determined not to make ufe of them, by di- 
 vulgating them, except we (aw that our people ftaod in prefent need 
 ©f them; which indeed came to paffe : for upon Fryday, the twenty 
 otjxllle laft, thefe reverend Brerhren came to this Town, and hav- 
 ing that fame night received our Demands in writ , they returned 
 their Anfaeres unto them on Saturday following,late in the evening: 
 but they came not to our hands, who replyed unto them , untill Sun- 
 day in the morning. Neither had we leafure to reade , or confider, 
 untill bo.:h the Sermons were ended in our Churches. Wherefore we 
 did meet together that day, at foure houres afternoone,that we might 
 perufe them. And at that fame time , hearing that thefe reverend 
 Brethren had preached in audience of dyverfe of our people, con- 
 vened in the court of a Noble-man his lodging,not having obtained 
 our content thereto,and in their Sermons had ufed a forme of anfwer- 
 ing to our Demandes, which they did prblickly reade, affirming, that 
 they had given full fatisfadtion to is, in a written copie of their An- 
 JW#, which they had fent to us ; and by that means 7 had laboured 
 
 S a. to diflwaefe- 
 
^a To the Reader. 1 
 
 to diffwade and draw our People from their obedience unto the A£ 
 tides of Pearth , and the Lavves of this Kingdome ratifying them : 
 we knowing how inefficient zhtn Anfweres were,togive iatisfa&ion 
 to any, who would diiely ponder our Demands , gave licence to the 
 Printer to devulgate them, and the next day did write our Reply es to 
 their Anfrveres, intending to put them to thcPrelTe on tuefday. But; 
 we were earneftly entreated by a noble Man , to fend backe to them 
 the copie of their Anfaeresjhit they might revife and perfect them, 
 and alio to delay the printing of our Replies untill Fryday following. 
 Which we willingly granted. 'But wherefore this was defired*of us 5 
 you may conjecture; feeing they neither added, nor diminifhed , nor 
 altered any thing in their Anfweres. Upon the next Friday at nighr, 
 we gave our Reply es to the Printer t and to thefe reverend Brethten, 
 who returned not to this Citie, untill Saturday following, we fent a 
 copie of our Reply es in write, on the LORDS Day : unco which we 
 received not their Avfweres , untill they came from the Preffe , to 
 wit, on Tuefday the fourteenth of Ajguft : :hat is, eyghteene dayes 
 after they had received our Reply es. What luccefle thefe Brethren 
 had in their Sermons , which they preached here , upon two feverall 
 LORDS Dayes , it is Efficiently known : neither have they reafon 
 to talke fo much of it as they doe, in their Preface to the Reader. The 
 firft of thefe dayes , iome few who were thought to be that way in- 
 clined before,fubfcryved their Covenant*. But the next LORDS Day, 
 they Scarce prevailed with any at all. And a great many, who heard 
 them both thefe dayes, profefted, that they returned from their Ser- 
 mons, more averfe from the Covenant, then they were before. Now 
 good Reader, we prefent to thee our Replyes y to the'r fecond An* 
 fweres ; which for fhorrncfle caufe, we have called Duply es : we pray 
 you confider the n unparri.illy. And if you reap any benefite by per* 
 ufmg them, let it no r be afcrived unto us, but ^o the invincible force 
 of divine Trueth. We conclude with Zerobabell, frying, Blejfed be 
 tie GOD of frueth : And let all the People ihout , and fay , Grtat 
 i* Irjerby and mighty above all t hinge s^ 
 
 T 
 
 o 
 
To our Reverend Brethren 
 
 Mr. 'Alexander H e n d e b. s o If 
 
 Jnd 
 ■Mr. D a ? i d D i c r s o n : J 
 
 ^Hat your Anfweres , Reverend, tint, Veare Brethren; have 
 not in any degree fatisfed us , we impute it not to your 
 weakyeffe, whom we \now to be able Men , and much ex~ 
 ercifed in the matter $ debated betwixt us : but we imputt 
 it to the weaknejfe of your caufe, and to that inabilitie which is in all 
 men, as well as in you, to he are out again ft the Trueth % We are fory 
 that ye are not fo reflective, and favourable, in your judgement ofusi 
 for ye plainly declare in you* Preface, that yefuffeSi us of prejudice z 
 and that for two reafons. The first is, that our Demands, which yes 
 conceived had been meerely intended for you,were pubhjhed before your 
 comming in Print; as alfo, that 0#r Re p l ye s were Printed before 
 we recewedyow last Anfweres to them. Whence ye conclude, that wes 
 •were rather aiming at victory, moved thereto by prejudice, then atfa- 
 tisf action by fe arching of the Trueth. This reafon is grounded upon & 
 mistaking : for although our Demands at the first, were intended for 
 you onely, yet afterwards we refolved to Print them, m alfo our Re~ 
 P lye s, (the Printing whereof did noway es depend upon your fecond 
 Anfweres,J not for love of content! on^ nor defjrc of 'victory (G O D 
 knoweth) but forfuch reafons, as we have expreffed in our Preface t@ 
 the unpartiall Reader * whom we hope we hme funis fie din this points 
 
 T ~ Torn 
 
To our Brethrea? f 4 
 
 Tear ether reafon is, that the grounds of par AnfwerS u us, have 
 froven fatisf abler y to others', who for Age and Learning , arc prime 
 men of this Kingdom : and to whome our mode ft le will notfuffer us, t* 
 freferre our f elves, farre be it from us to be fo prefumptuous, as te 
 freferre our f elves tofo many Learned and worthy Divines i and as 
 fane be it from us, to meafure the foliditie, and fuffciencie of your 
 Anfweres, £7 the liabilities or Induments of thefe, who have ac qui- 
 efced in them. If this your reafon were good, the Paptfts might more 
 frobabhe accufe us of prejudice, (as indeed they unjust lie doe) be- 
 came their Anfweres to our Arguments,/?^* proven fat is faclorie te 
 manythoujands ofthofe,whoforprofunditie, and Juki litie of wit, are 
 infer i our to none of the World i but we re garde not this flender mo- 
 tive, remembring thefe words of our Saviour , I chanke Thee, O Fa- 
 ther, Lord of Heaven and Earth, becaufe Thou haft hid thefe things 
 from the Wife and Prudent, and haft revealed them unto Babes : 
 even fo, O Father, for fo it feemed good in Thy light. Be fides, if 
 ye compare the Divines, Ancient and Moderne, who are of our judge- 
 ment, with thefe who favour your opinion , either in number, or in the 
 excellency of their gifts, ye fball $nde that in this, the advantage U 
 great lie ours. In the meane time ye fro all kpow, that we can bring far 
 better reafons to free our f elves of prejudice, then thefe which ye have 
 brought again ft us, to wit, the foliditie of our Arguments, which have 
 put you tojuchftraits/pardon us to fay that, which every one who have 
 eyes may fee) that oft times ye doe not fo much, as attempt to anfwere 
 them, being glad to pafe them by, with the from of an Argument/* 
 contrarium,or fome other liksfroift: our humble & earnefl atteftations t 
 in calling GOD,the onel'e competent Judge;as witneffe ofourfrnceru 
 tyjnthe inmost thoughts of our foul;our ferioufly profejfedRefolution 9 
 to concurre with you, fwe fbould get fatisfaclion from you,the modef- 
 tie, ingenuiue, and peaceablenejfe of our writings to you, and on the 
 €Qntrarle,yjur too great difdainfulneffe and asjeritie in your fecond 
 Anfweres; bewraying not onelie the weakneffe of your mindes,farre by 
 sur expectation, but alfo the weakneffe of your caufe to UYipartlall 
 Keaders^whj afcrive this to the pungent force of our Arguments; hedg- 
 ing, that they have made you fomewhat more chrterike then you were 
 before. Tq this wee wllladdje the great n 'Instance 7 which fome of the 
 
7 5 To our Brethren.' 
 
 moft Judicious Subfcrlbents dldfndein their Confclemes > before 
 thy fubferived your Cowcmntitogether with the Limit at Ions, and Re* 
 fervations , ** herewith they fubferived it ; evidently arguing their 
 ftrong apprehenfion, of the dangerous ambiguitie and haske founding 
 of the words of the late Covenant: fothat even thefe who are now 
 joined with you, have been much affrighted with thofe things which 
 ternfie us. As for your Proteftation in the end of your Eplftle, that 
 ye can no more be brought to our mlnde, then ye can be drawn from the 
 frofejjiw of our Religion, as it hath been reformed, fwome, &c AU 
 though this import eth no fmall prejudice, p off effing and over-ruling 
 jour minds; yet looking to the Invlnc'ble force of that Trueth which 
 we mantawe, we even yet hope that at I aft it fhall prevaile with you\ 
 esfeeiallie considering that our contriver fie is not concerning the Re~ 
 formed Religion; whereunto we as (incerelie adheare as any whatfoever^ 
 but cones ning the equltle of that forme of Covenant which ye latelie 
 made, Wijbing you and all others, to adheare truel'e and fincerelie, to 
 the fame true Religion ; and to all the dueties which in it are recom~ 
 mended to you : we moft humble, and earnest He fray the AlmlghtU 
 GOD,to pule hlsChurch In thisKlngdom,and to unite all onr hearts m 
 Trueth and Peace, in thefe moft dangerous dayes : which although they 
 be to you dayes of gladr.effe , as ye profeffe , yet to th§fe who love the 
 peace of Sion, and the tratquHhle :f this Khgdome, they are fad 
 and melancholious dayes, in resfect of the blacks clowdes ofGODS 
 wr at ^hanging over our he ads, and threatningus wlthftormes offear* 
 full Calamities i whhh we pray theAlmightk G Qtyn stver^ 
 
 THE 
 
THE FIRST DUPL Y. 
 
 N our Difputes againft the Papifts, ( which have 
 been frequent, and by G O D S gnce not unfruit- 
 full, ) as we have learned, that to multiply obje- 
 ctions againft the Trueth,is a thing eafie, as ye fay, 
 but fruitleffe and vain .• fo alfo we have learned, 
 that to multiply Evafrons, againft folide Argu- 
 ments brought for the Trueth t is a thing no lefts 
 
 eafie, but altogether unprofitable : which we pray you take heed to. 
 
 How forcible are right words } hm what doth pur arguing reprove} 
 
 Job 6.25. 
 
 2. Ye fay, that our objection, againft your calling, and the war- 
 rand of your comming to us, was framed and pubhlhed in Print, be- 
 fore ir was proponed unro you s and ere your Arfwcre could be had. 
 Indeed out Demands were at thePrefle at your comming, that they- 
 might be in readinelle; bur were not publilhed , before your [elves 
 in your Sermons did pubhckly read them, and ditpute againft them, 
 in audience of fuch of our People as were there prcfent for the time; 
 albeit that written copU of them was delivered to you onely , and 
 not at that time communicated by us to any other. 
 
 3. Your Authority which ye acclaim, is neirher from his Maje- 
 ftie,nor warrandedby Aft of Parliament, nor by the Lords of his 
 Majefties Counfell, nor by any N \tionall Synode of this Kingdom, 
 nor by any Indicatory eftabiifhed in it. And both in your firft An- 
 fvere y ns all now again ye profefle,that ye came not hither to ufurpc 
 die Audiority, of any Civill or Spirituall Judicatorie. As for your 
 
 multitude, 
 
multitude, ( which ye call almoft the whole Kirke and Kingdom ) it 
 being deftitute of Authority forefaid, maketh no warrand of ordinary 
 calling. Therfore, ye feeme to pretend an extraordinary calling from 
 GOD, alleadging ar) extraordinary neceflitie at this time-, which 
 truely vve fee not in any fuch degree, asmaydeferve and warrand fo 
 great a change from the received order, which is publickly by LaweS 
 eftabliilied in this Kirke and Kingdom. That faying of the Apoftle, 
 JLet us conjtder one another, to provoke unto love, and to good worses , 
 which ye alleadge for your extraordinary imploymenr, importeth not 
 an extraordinary calling, but 'an ordinary duety , to be performed by 
 all Chriftians, according to their Callings. 
 
 4. The Word of GOD, and the Canons of Counfells, doe fo per- 
 mit to Pallors, the care of the whole Kirke, as they mutt remembet 
 to doe all things, decently and in order, and not to interpone them- 
 f elves in their Brethrens charges, and againft their will. And praif- 
 edbe GOD, there was not any Combuftion, Errour or Confu{ion,in 
 thefe places of our charges , as ye doe alleadge: Neither did our 
 People ftand in need, of fuch helpe from you. And if ye meane the 
 Combuftion of our Nationall Kirke, we doe thinke your remeed not 
 convenient; as being, in our judgement, not agreable to the right 
 way of Trueth and Peace. 
 
 5. Whereas ye alleadge, that if fome members of this Kirke, had 
 not cared more kindly, in this time of common danger, then others 
 have done, the whole body had been ere now dangeroufly, if not def- 
 perately , difeafed ; we anfwere , that we moft heartily wifti , any 
 difeafe of this Church^to be tymoufly prevented and cured. But with 
 all we wifh this to Be done without a rupture, and fuch a dangerous 
 divifion : chiefly feeing our Church is not infe&ed with any fuch Er- 
 routs, nor is in fuch dangers, as may give juft occafion, of fo fearful! 
 a divifion ■': which in it (elfe is a fore difeafe, and from which in holy 
 Scripture, we are often, and very earneftly debarred. Dlonyftm Bt- 
 fliop of Alexandria, in his Epiftle to Nov at Ian, recorded by Eu\ebU 
 ns, Lib* 6 b HlfrorU &? ^i. Cap 37, worthily fayeth , Ton ought 
 rather to have fuffered any thing what fever, for avoiding of cutting 
 tif under the Kirke of GOD i and Martyr dome for keeping the Kirke 
 from Schifme, is #o leffe '.glorious ; thsn which ts fufmd 7 for not com* 
 
 V mining 
 
^8 DupSyes; 
 
 mitting Idolatry, <And in my opinion alfo it is greater; for Infujjeru 
 tag Martyrdom for not comitting Idolatry \a man fuffereth for one,even 
 for his ownfoul'j hut here a man fuffemh Martyr dome, for the whole 
 Kirke. 
 
 6. Ye af&rme, that we have no reafon to complaine of your car* 
 riage, here towards us,in reipeft ye for your Sermons preached to our 
 People, made choife of vacant houres , that they might; attend the 
 ordinary rimes of Worfhip. But indeed this fatisfietk not our com*, 
 plaint .• for we juftiy complained of your preaching to our People , 
 without ourconfent, at any houre; and of- your labouring , to make 
 them fubferive the late Covenant^ before ye had given faiisfa6tion to 
 us, concerning the equity of it. 
 
 7* Ye reprove us for thefe harmleffe wordes of a confederation^ 
 negative Confeflion. That little Confeflion,was longagoe called ne- 
 gative, a parte major*. And as for that other word,it is well knowne 
 to al thofe who are expert in our Mosher tongue,& in the Latine,that 
 covenanring,and confederation,doe fignifie one,and the fame thing : 
 and therefore, both thefe .wordes are alike refpe&full, in our judge- 
 ment. Whereas )e fay, that y qui Covenant is made with GOD, and 
 doe call it his Covenant : and likewife for juftifying your fwearing, 
 and fubferiving thereof, doe bring f ome places, of Scripture, wherein 
 mention is .made of ,a Covenant , and Oath, betwixt GOD and his 
 People; we (ht\\ then allow the fame name, and refpeft unto your 
 Covenant j when ye fliall make itmanifeft, that your Covenant in all 
 points therein contained,hath no leffe warrand from the written word 
 of GOD,thenthat Covenant which the Israelites did fwear in the days 
 ofJo.SHUA, Jofhftaiq. ver.fe 25. and inthedayesof Jehoi ad a 
 thePrieft, 2. Kings n. v. 17. and in the dayes of King Asa, 2. 
 Qhron. 1 5. v. 1 5, and that, which is mentioned by Ifaiab, 44. v. 5. 
 
 8. As we are ftill informed, that fome have fled the Countrey, 
 and fome have fubferived for feare ; fo no Paftors in our knowledge-, 
 hive gone to Court , for the caufes alleadged by you. We doe not, 
 prefume to judge qf the Conferences <tf men , and we wifh you to, 
 •judge more charitably, of the/e reverend Prelates,then.ye doe. The 
 occafion of this prefent ftorrrie was pretended to be the introduction 
 of the Books* of Service^ and Canons } and the high Copamiflion* 
 
 Thefe 
 
D-u-p- lye's? 7jj 
 
 Tbefe caufes are now removed; and yet the ftormecontinuerh fo ve- 
 hement, ( as ye feeme to grant J rhat the Bithops have juftfeares 
 Warranding cheir flight, to lave their perfons ; which we judge to be 
 too great violence, for any fuch caufe, againft perfons in fo facrcda 
 calling. 
 
 9. We fhail aflfuredly, ( by the grace of GOD ) ftill contribute, 
 as- ye defire, our.prayers , . and all other means agreable to our con- 
 fciences, rotextinguiihing of the prefent comhuition. And for that 
 effect, every one of us ihall fecretly, and humbly, mourne before the 
 LORD, and ihall fearch and trye our wayes,and turns unto the Lord. 
 And as we have already humbled ourielves publickly, wirhFafting 
 and Mourning for that eifec* , fo are we readie in time to come , to 
 doe the like, when it ihall be indicted or allowed by Authority, ac- 
 cording to the eftabliihed order in this Kirke and Kingdome. Yea, 
 alfo we are ready to loine with you in the late Covenant \ fo ioonc as 
 we (hall receive iatisfa&ion to our conf aences , concerning. the law- 
 fulnetfe thereof; which as we have protefted before,, fo doe weyec 
 proteft, and profeffe.. 
 
 10. The Reafons which ye touch in your firft Anfwere^ forprov-* 
 ing that we might without juft offence to any,joine with you infub-? 
 fcriving the Covenant , are fufficiently anfwered in our &i&Replye a 
 For, Firft,Itis not yet decerned in a Nationall Atfembly , whether 
 pur Interpretation added to the old Covenant ^ be in all points found 
 or unfound 5 and therefore we have reafon to think, that this new 
 Covenant, is not fubitandally one with the old : chiefly (eeirsg it ad- 
 deth to the old Covenant , not onely your Interpretation of it, but alfo. 
 apromife of forbearance of the pracYife of T earth Articles, untill they 
 be tryed in an Affembly; and like-wife a Band of Mutuall Defence,, 
 by force of Armes,made without the Kings privity and content. 
 Secondly, Your inference of Mutuall Defence, .againft all perlones 
 fvhatfoever, drawne from the words of the old Covenant , is meerly 
 in^alide. For nothing was pactioned or promifed in the old Covenat^ 
 without the Kin g s Majefty his privity; but the Band of Mutualt 
 Defence, againft all perfons whatfoever , in this your new Covenant^ 
 is without the command or confent of the Ki n g, to whom only the. 
 Syyord is given in this Kingdom, immediatly by G OD. See to this 
 
 purpofe 
 
Z6 ? ^:^¥ Duplyes] " : ~ 
 
 purpofe the words o£ Kin g James the fixth of bleffed Memory, In 
 his Booke entituled, The Law of free Monarchies, in the Englifh e- 
 dicionof his royal! workes, at Lm/?/;, Anno 1616. Pag. 206. That 
 which ye adde concerning the General! Band , is aho Little to the 
 purpofe, for that Band had the Kings warrand s whereas his Ma- 
 jefty doeth now forbid your Covenant. Thirdly , Although the for- 
 mer Oath fubfcrived, did appertain onely to the perfons of the fub- 
 fcrivers, all the dayes of their lives , yet you have in your Interpre- 
 tation, extended the Obligation thereof, to the prefenr and iucceed- 
 ing Generations in this land, without any warrand either from pub- 
 lick Lavvcs,or from the words of the Oath it felf : which alio is a fub- 
 ftantiall Difference betwixt that Oath,& your htcCovenant. Where- 
 as ye alleadge , that the warrand which the old Covenant h^d from 
 King, Counfell, and Affembly, remaineth virtually, and was never 
 yet difcharged; we anfwere,it remaineth not, and that becaufe Ki n g 
 James of blefled Memory,difalowed that little Confejfion^ in refpecl: 
 of the inconveniency of the multitude of Negative's, as is clears by 
 his Majefties words, publithed in the printed fumme of the confe- 
 rence holden at Hampton Court, Anno 1603. And no former Aft 
 of Counfeil, made in the time of any former King , doeth fuffici- 
 ently warrand our Confidences to fubfcrive any Oath now , which 
 feemeth to us to be difagrcablc to the Ad of Parliament ;and which 
 our prefent Dread Soveraigne LORD, the Ki n g s Maieity, by his 
 publick Proclamations; and other Intimations of his Royail pleafure, 
 f orbiddeth us to iubfcrive. And as for the A&s of thefe two Affem- 
 blies, which did enjoine (ibfcription to the faid little Confeflion y they 
 were relative to the Ki n g s Mandate, which is now expired by his 
 own Declaration, and with his Royail breath, according to that co- 
 mori Maxime : M^rte mandator is expirat mandarnm. Extra. De 
 officii drpoteflatejad'cis delegati ,Cap. 19. relatnm efl in gloffa. For 
 the injun&ion was given for that time onely, as we conceive, being 
 vvarrandedby the words of thefe AlTemblyes. 
 
 1 1 . Thefe th.it were fuipecl of Papiftrte amongfl: us , have not 
 been urged by us to fubfcrive that negative Confejfion] but onely fome 
 Articles relative to the Nationall Confeflion. And as for fuch as re- ; 
 ceive degrees, In Philof ophie, in our Colledges/hey doe fvveare one- 
 ly to 
 
Dupt yes; Si 
 
 If to the true reformed Religion , as it is publicity profeffed and 
 preached, according to GODS word, in this Kirke of Scotland, and 
 eftablilhed by publicke Authority , with a generall abjuration of 
 all, both Popith, and orher Herefies contrary thereto. And thofe who 
 receive degrees of Divinity, doe more exprefly fweare to the Ortho- 
 dox determinations of the ancient Catholicke Kirke t as is evident 
 by the words of the Oath, whereof the tenor followeth, 
 
 EGo A. B.fanfte & ex anim* coram omnljcio & omnipotent t 
 Deo confiteor & profiteor fidem earn qua de fanfta Trtnhate, & 
 Me&atore Emmameleajanttis Patribus wfex primis OEcu~ 
 menicis conciliis, contra Pauli Samojateni, Sabellu, Arii, Macedonia 
 Apollinay'is, Neftorii, Eutjchetis, (jr Momthelitarumb&rejes propo* 
 fit a ex f Heat a & defenfa eft, ejfe vereCh'iftianam, orthodox am, Co- 
 tholicam, exjacris Canomcis fcripturis hauftam ', Symbolum quoqne 
 fanEii A. hanafii at fimrfher orthodoxum me recipere* Item me ex a* 
 nimo detest ari h&refin Pelaginam, ejufque reliquias SemifelagianO£ r 
 & eai harefes qua Imaginibus ant Ml mer<z creature > eligiojam con* 
 eedunt adorationem. Item, me monarchiam Pap* Romani In univer* 
 [am Ecclefiam, & ejpts cum in spirit uallbus turn In temporalibtts pri- 
 matum, & judicii Papalis in religionis contr over (lis infallibiltatem^ 
 tanquam antichy'iftiana delir amenta re]ice^e a Omnes etiam alias h<s~ 
 refes tarn ol'm invcttas, turn recens fub Romani Pontificis tyr amide 
 mat as anathematUo \Agmfco Spirit urn [anil; urn in Canonicis V ' j& N* 
 Teftamenti fcripturis per Prophet as, Evangelist as, & Apoftolos /<?- 
 quentem, ejfe nobis unicum, fupremum , wfallibilem, & ori'marium 
 omnium de fidevitaqne Chriftiana contraverfiarum Judicem. Et S. 
 fmpturaw Canomcis tf\ ac N. Teftamenti librh cimprehenfam ejfe 
 unicam, cert am, ftabilem , perfeftam , totalem regulam fidel vitaque 
 Christians, turn quoad textum, turn quoad interpret ationem authen* 
 ticamfeu divim author It atis\ & hanc qua hodle in Ecclefia Scoticanft 
 pfilam & public a amhoritate ex facro t> E I verb o proponitur decre~ 
 dendis, fferandis, amand's, do&rinam ejfe orthodox am , Catholic am* 
 Et xpf am hanc Ecclefia Scoticam doflrinam, me ad extremnm ufquz 
 vita mea halitum conftanter per D E 1 gratiam profejfurum & : pro 
 meaVQcatiomdefenfurumfanUe promippojuro. Infuper aim* huw 
 
 X Umvtrft* 
 
f?i Duply e £j 
 
 Univerfiati cm buncfchAafl-rm (do&urac Theologica?) honor em leL 
 beb), me tmnqnam wgrattim fmurum^ fed ' femper el ex ammo fawn- 
 ram^ ejufqste commoday pie -ferioy feddo, fide liter promoter 'Hm fanfte 
 etiameoram eodem omnfcio C7 omnipoiente DEO promitto juro 9 
 
 We, who were graduated here, did fweare this Oath, and- now, for 
 farisfactionof { 6ihers,weall<3oe{incerIy atte^GOD, that we doe 
 and iliall adheare lq ic, conitantly, all the dayes of our life. 
 
 1 2. Ye doe ngaine object tons, that we have prefumed to difal- 
 low your explanation oii\\z\\xz Covenant, which hath beene publick- 
 !'y allowed by his Majefties Commtilioner : adding thereto., that we 
 will have the Kingdoms guikie of combination again** Authority, 
 & that we will not have the Kin g to be fatisfied; whence ye mferre, 
 that our dealing is morefutable to Papifts, andiuth mcendiaries,then 
 for us; who defire to prove good Patriots, in ufihg all meanes of pa- 
 cification. But certainly ye-wrong us i tor what was done by his Ma- 
 jefties CommiiFi6ner,anent your -Declaration and explanation of your 
 Covenant y is evident by his Grace own letter, lately written to us of 
 that matter; whereby his Grace hath declared,thatbe was nowayes 
 contented therewith, and that his Majelfy hath not received any fa- 
 tisf iclion thereby. The lame is evident alfo, by his Grace own Ma- 
 ftifeftoy prefixed to our Demands ', your firtt Anfrveres , and our firft 
 Replies; reprinted at Edinburgh , by his Gr. fpeciall command. To 
 the which Manlfeflo^ or Declaration or his Majefties highCommif- 
 fioner. , we remit the Reader,forhis tull iitisfa&ion,in this,and fqme 
 other points of your Anjweres, 
 
 13. ' We intend not to beare upon you, and your affociares, ( wh® . 
 take to yourfelves the name of the Kingdom, here in this y<~>ur A n - 
 faere.) guiltineiTe of combination againft Authority, as we have pro- 
 tected and declared, in the end of our f romer Replyes 1 but in the 
 tendcrnefle of our Confciences, we doe uprightly iignifie to you our . 
 fcrtiples, which hinder us from approving or fubfcrivtng youtCovenaut. 
 And we are fo free of that odious imputation, of taking part wit h any 
 Ihcendhrtes, or imitating any proceedings or that ki'nde; as we hear- 
 tily wifh ,and -flaalV endeavour,io prove good Patriots,aiid'Chriftians> 1 
 
 m 
 
Du V L YE S. 1 8 1 
 
 in fuch evident love of trueth and peace,as k {halt be manifeft, that 
 m neiiher have beene, norihali be Authors, or Fomenters, of this 
 mifer bk combuihon. 
 
 14. Ye are fory, ye fay , that we Should account your Covenant^ 
 to be a Confederate againft the trueth ; and ye'affirme, that ye la- 
 bour with men, to ;oine with you in lincerity, and not through humane 
 feires. Now, reverend Brethren, in the Feire of GOD, laying afide 
 ail humane tea re, we doe ii nee rely declare, that if we thought your 
 Covenant , m all points agjeahle to the trueth , we ihould make no- 
 oppoiidon thereto. And wedoe hendly wiili , that according as ye 
 doe h:reprofelle , io indeed no mm bethreatned wi h worldly ter-. 
 roures, to goe yo :r way. We aime indeed , at the Tame end which 
 yeprotefte, to wit, at the Trueth and purity of Religion, md peace 
 of Church and Kingdom : But we are not as yet perfwided, that your 
 Way is lawful! and convenient, for attaining co this end. 
 
 The II. Duply. 
 
 TTT TTE defire al troubles to be prevented by allowable means,. 
 \/ Y^ but are not perf waded to reckon in that number , this 
 your covenanting, and conventions, which we efteeme 
 to have been the occafion of much trouble. As concerning your 
 queftion^hereunto ye fo earneftly require our A r :fwere, to wit,whe- 
 ther we would have received the Bookes of Service and Canons , or 
 ufed fuch meanes, as ye have ufed for avoiding them? ye ihall know, 
 that if we had been of your judgement , concerning thoie Bcokes, 
 we would neither have received them, nor yet ufed any meanes un- 
 lawful! for oppofingof them,( fuch wethinke your Covenant and con- 
 ventions^ prohibited by Authority to be , untill we be better infor- 
 med ) but would have ufed humble fupplication to hismajeftie , for 
 removing thofe evills: and if we had found noremeed thereby, would 
 have refolved, according to the praeidfe of ancient Chriftians, either 
 to flee his Majefties dominions,or elfe patiently to fuffer whadoever 
 punithment it ihould have pleafed him to infli&.In the meane time, 
 concerning thofe Biokps of Service and Canons^ we reft content with 
 
 bis 
 
84 DuPLYES. 
 
 his MajeftieS gracious Proclamation : and if hereafter our opinion of 
 them ihall be asked by Authority, we ihall fincerely and unparrially 
 deciare it. 
 
 2. Your urging of us again, with the faying of Ki $ g James, for- 
 ceth us to manifest his meaning by his own words, perhaps contrary 
 to your with or expectation. That molt wiie and religious King, 
 neire the beginning of his Booke, concerning the Powder Treafon^ 
 wrireth exprefly, thar fuch a niing up of the bodie, pro aris, &focis t 
 &pro patre patrU , ought to be according to every ones calling and 
 f acuirie. Which words at leait doe import, that the moving of the 
 Politick body, in whole,or -in part,ought not to be againft the will 8t 
 direction of the head. This is cleare by that which the fame Kin g 
 bath written in his Booke entituled, 7 he true Law of free Monarchies, 
 whereby many ftrong Arguments , he doeth at length demonftrate, 
 that in a free Monarchic, (fuch he proveth this his ancient King- 
 dom of Scotland to be) the Subjects for no occasion or pretext what- 
 foever,may take Armes, without power from the K i n g; and much 
 leife againfthim, whether he be a good K i n g , or an oppreilbur; 
 whether godlie , or ungodlie ; although the People have might and 
 ftrength humane. And comprehenderh the fum of all his difcourfe 
 Lod edit, concerning this matter, in thefe words following. Short lie, then, to 
 ann 1616 ta ^ u ¥ m two or three fentences, grounded upon all thefe Argument s 9 
 p acr # 200 out of the Law of GOD, the duety and alleadgeance of the People tg 
 2q" * their lawfull King: their obedience, I fay, ought to be to him, as ta 
 GODS Lievtenant In Earthy obeying his commands in all things, ex- 
 cept direttly againfl GOD, M the commands of GODS Minister; ac- 
 knowledging him ajudgefet by G O D over them, having power t <? 
 judge them, but to be judged onely byGOD, vehome to onely he muffr 
 give count of his judgement. Fearing him, as their judge; loving him 
 as their Father; praying for him, as their ProteUor ; for his continu- 
 ance , if he be good; for his amendement,'f he be wicked;f oil owing and 
 obeying his I 'm full commands , ef chewing and flee' ng his fme in his 
 unlawfully without refinance, but by fobbes and teares to GOD, accor- 
 ding to that fente nee ufed in the primitive Church in the time of the 
 perfection, 
 
 Preces & lachryma, funt arma Eccle[ia : that is, 
 
 Prayers jmd Tears, are the armes of the Church. j e Ye 
 
M Ye told us before, and now againe doe repeat it, that the firft 
 fart of the Ad of Parliament 1 585 , is relative to another -Aft in 
 Queen Marks time, forbidding Bands o£ Manrent a We knew that 
 fuffrciently before ye told it, and paffedby that part of your Ar.fwre, 
 as not pertinent for our Argument : To that ye needed not now a- 
 gaine, to put us in minde of it. But we may juftly challenge you, for 
 not anfwering that which we objected , concerning the fecond part 
 of that Ad; for it reacheth farther , then that Ad made in Queen 
 Maries time, and of new ftatutech and ordaineth, That in t'me com- 
 mlrigi no Leagues or Bands be made amongft his Mayflies Subjects 
 sf any degree , upon whatsoever colour or pretence, without his High- 
 neffe or hisfuccejfoures privity and conjent, had and obtained thereto^ 
 under thepaine to be holden and execute a* movers of [edition and un~ 
 quyetneffe y &c. Whereunto alfo is confonant the 131. Ad made in 
 the 8 Parliament of King J am e s the fixt, Anno 1 584; where it is 
 flatutedand ordained by the Kin g and his three eftate s, that none of 
 his Highnejfe Subjects of whatsoever quality, eftate , or function they 
 be of, spiritual! or temporally pre fume or take upon hand to convocate, 
 sonveane, or ajfemble themfelves together, for holding of C ounce lls y 
 Contentions, or Affemblyes, to treat , confult, and determinate in a- 
 fty matter of eftate , Civill or Ecclepafticall ( except in the ordinary 
 judgements ) without his Majefties ffeciall commandement, or exprcs 
 licence had and obtained to that ejfetl, under the paines ordained by the 
 hawes and Alls of Parliament, againft fuch as unlawfully eonvocate 
 the Kings Liedges. And whereas ye finde fault, that wediipute 
 from the Ad of Parliament , and that we doe precifely adheare to 
 the letter of the Law, we pray you to coniider,that the nature of this 
 queftion leadeth us to the Ad of Parliament* Betide, it feemeth 
 ftrange, that ye (houid challenge us in this kinde , (ince for juftifymg 
 of your union* ( as ye call it ) ye have amafled a great number of Ads 
 of Parliament , and inferted them in the booke of your Covenant a 
 We omit the mifapplying of thefe Ads ? which were made againft 
 . Popery, and not againli all thefe things , which ye doe now refift as 
 Popifh. Neither can we perceive, how thele Ads of Parliament ad« 
 duced by )ou, to juftifie your union, prove that point. Moreover^ 
 Come o£ thefe Ads cited by you> as namely 3 the 1 14 Ad made ia 
 
 Y Parliament 
 
%6 DupueS 
 
 Parliament Anm 1 592,111 fofarre as it is againft Epifcopall Govern 
 menr, and all other of that fore , are exprefly refcinded by a pofte* 
 nor Act made in Parliament Anno 1612. How could ye in a le°all 
 difpute, for juftifying your union, produce refcinded Acts, as if they 
 were ftandmg Lawes, and paffe by the pcfterior A els, which are yet 
 Lawes [landing in vigour, whereby theie other Ac-ts are refcinded? 
 
 «j (Ai1uy>tnrtptn e^i«T«f«s i j^tfpwsfiii ruv atrfi aW«» «?«. 1. Q.Con* 
 
 ft I tut tones tempore pofterlores^potiores funt his qu& ipfas pracefferunt* 
 ff> de conftltutlonibus Frwcipum, L. 4. 
 
 4. We doe adheare in our former Replye, not onely to the Let- 
 ter, but alfo (according to our conception, without prejudice of bet- 
 ter information ) to the very reafon and life of the Law. The fen- 
 XII. To- ten ce cired by you, to wit , Salm Reipub. fuprema lex efto 9 or the 
 bularum fafetj of the Common-Wealth jbould be the chief e &aw> ferveth for a 
 fragment a good direction to Rulers, in making or changing of Lawes , or in 
 de oifcio judging according to them : whence in the Lawes of the 12 Tables, 
 confute, theie words are applied to this purpofe. This is obferved by Kin g 
 Kegio Im- James of bleiTed memory, in his often mentioned Book of the true 
 per 10 duo Law of free Monarchies : For albeit , fayeth he, that I have at length 
 funto: 11% proved, that the Kin g is above the Law,as both the author andglv* 
 pr&eundo , er of ftrength thereto', yet a good King will not onely delyteto rule his 
 indicando, SubjeBs by the Law t but even will conforme himfelf in his own atti- 
 eonfrlendo otts thereunto, alwayes keeping that ground, that the health of the co~ 
 frttores , won-Wedth be his chief e Law. And where hefeeththe Law doubt- 
 fudtces,co-fome, or rigorous, he may Interpret or mitigate the fame , left other- 
 fules appel wife fummum jus be fumma injuria; But this fentence doth nowayes 
 lantoriml- warrand Subjects to refufe obedience to ftanding Lawes, againft rhe 
 UtUfum- will of the Supream Law- giver, who is a fpeaking Law. For this 
 mum jus were to open a doore to all confufion, which would nor prove thefa- 
 habento,ne fety, but the mine of the Common- Wealth. As for that which ye 
 mim pare* faid before of the Generall Band, and Confeifion of Faith, and which 
 to. Salus here again ye doe alleadge for your Covenant , we have (ignifled our 
 fopull fa- opinion thereof , in our preceeding Duply. The refponfes and ver- 
 frema lex di6ts of Jurif-Confults concerning your Covenant, are not known to 
 eflo, us, nor yet the reafons and inducements, which moved them to give 
 cut their declaration in yourfavoures, as yealleadge. 
 
 Of 
 
Duplies: B% 
 
 Of Obedience, due by Sub je&s, 
 to Authoritie. 
 
 5. The point touching Royal! Authority, is not fo full of thorns 
 and rocks as ye give out , if men would be pleafed impartially to 
 hold the plain and patent way, laide before us by holy Scripture, and 
 by Orthodox Antiquity, and by many Eminent Divines in the re- 
 formed Church , and learned Politicks; which we ihall here make 
 manifeft, after the vindication of thofe three famous Theologues, 
 ( Whitaker, Bilfm, and Rivet) whom ye would have the Reader to 
 eiteem favourers of your opinion. 
 
 6. Doilor Jfhitakjrs words againft William Raynold , tranflated 
 Into Englifti, out of the Latine Edition at Opfenheme , Anno 161 2 . 
 Pag. 51. are thefe 5 He relate: h the timnlts and troubles y which were 
 raifedfor Religion, in Germany, Fnnce, and Boheme .• as if that one 
 thing were fuffcient t9 condemne them , becaufe once they did off of e 
 themfelves, and re ft fled the violence offered toG O DS Trueth, and 
 to them (elves : Whereas notwithstanding, Fayth, Oath, andpublicke 
 JEdi8s,& finally the Lawes themfelves gave themwarrandto doe the 
 Jame. I will not fay more of this matter, which is nowife pertinent to 
 the prefent pmpoje, especially feeing nst onely their JU ft Apoligle, but 
 fdfo the EdiUs of the Princes themf elves have liberated them from the 
 trime of Rebellion. By thefe words of Doctor JVhitakjr, which ye 
 have cited, rhe Reader may eafily perceive , that he doth nowayes 
 mamain or allowe taking of Armes by Subje6^s, without warrand of 
 the pubiick Lawes , and approbation of the Prince; but excufeth 
 what was done in thofe warres, by the allowance of the Lawes and 
 Edicts of Princes. 
 
 7 . So alfo Do6\or Bilfon, in his Book entituled, The true differ ece 
 betwixt Christian fubyeftion, and unchriftian Rebellion, Printed ac 
 Oxford Anno 1 58 5, Pag. 382. in the wordes cited by you, declar- 
 eth evidently , that he fpeaketh of fuch Republickes and States , as 
 have defences warranded by fundamental! Covenant , in that Go- 
 vernment. But what is that Doctors minde, concerning the duerie 
 •f Subje6ts, in a free and absolute Monarchy , is evident by his own 
 
 words 
 
88 ^ DuFLffeSJ 
 
 words in that fame book, Pat. 580, where difputing againft a Jcfuit, 
 he fayeth; fVarre for the Cat%9lick^Religion,is both lawfull and homtu 
 rable,you fay : you mult zMz , of the Subjects against their Prince^ 
 or elfe you range cleane be fides our qusftion* fVeftrive not what caufes 
 may lead Chriftian Princes to make Warre on their Ne'ghboures^ but 
 whether it be lawfull or tvllorable for the Subject, to be are Armes 
 against his naturall and abjolate Prince. Ton frove, which is nothing 
 to our purpofe. B*t, Sir, in this enterprise , the per fan mufi be re- 
 fbefted as well as the caufe : Be the caufe never fo jaft , iftheperfon 
 be not authorised by GO D to draw the Swordthey be nojuft nor law* 
 full Warre r. Private men may not venter on Warres , unleffe they be 
 directly warranded by him that hath the Sword from GOD. And a- 
 gain in that fame Book, Pag. 502, Oar Saviour for teaching his v 
 that they (hould be brought before Kings and Ruler s^and put to deaths 
 and hated of all men for His Name fake : addeth not , as you would 
 have it, and he that firfl rebelleth,lmt , he that endureth to the end\ 
 fhallbe favedy and again, Not with violence reflrain them, hut in pa- 
 tience proffeffe jour own fouls .This is the way for all Chriftian fubjeEls 
 to conquer tyrants* & this is the remedy provide din the new Teftamet 
 ■Sgainjl all per fe cut ions, not to rejifi powers, which GOD hath ordained^ 
 lefl we be damned: but with al meeknes to fuffer that we may be crown- 
 ed. And Pag. 51 3. he ihowech, rhat manifold formes of Common- 
 wealrhes, make diverfe men fpeake diverily of the Magiftrats fword. 
 AndP^g. 518. he pleadeth, that the Subjects m England, have not 
 that lawtull warrand , to draw the fword without confent of their 
 Prince, as the Germans have without confent of the Emperour ; and 
 this diicourfc he proiecuteth in iome following pages. 
 
 8. The lame is the meaning of Doctor Rivet , ( as we take it ) 
 in his commentarie upon the Pj aim. 68. where he diftinguifheth be- 
 tween an ablolute principality, and fuch a principality as is only con- 
 dkionali, pactional!, convenrionall. Of this fecond fort are to be un- 
 derftood, his words 0? juft and necefifary defence. But of the ablolute 
 .principality fpeaking in that fame place, he recommendeth to Sub- 
 jects, rather fuffering of marcyrdome. And this to be his meaning, 
 appearcth more clearly by his Lift declaration concerning rhisquef- 
 tion, m his late tfdSifeenticuledy Jefuita Vapulam : where being 
 
 preffed 
 
preffedby an advefary, hehandleth thisqueftion of purpofe. In the 
 mean time, we wonder very much, that ye have not directly anfwe- 
 f ed to thefe remarkable wordes of Doctor Rivet , alleadged by us in 
 our Reply, wherein he plainly averreth, that the doctrine oiEnshan- 
 erne, Knox, and Goodman, concerning Subjects refifting their lawful! 
 Princes,is not approved by any found Proteftant. We expected from 
 you, a full and particular Anfwete, and now againe we would gladly 
 heare, whether ye approve the judgement of Rivet, concerning thae 
 doctrine of thefe writers, or not. 
 
 p. Thus having vindicated thefe three divynes, which ye alleadge 
 for you, we come now to thofe teftimonies which we promifed, for 
 clearing of the plainnefs of the way touching Authority, Firft, it if 
 evident by holy Scripture, that it is unlawfull for Subjects in a Mo- 
 narchicall cftate,(fuch as is this Kingdom of Scotland)io take ArmeS 
 for Religion, or for any other pretence, without warrand and power 
 from the Prince, andSupreame Magistrate. For the Scripture reach- 
 ed) us, that the Sword belongexh oneiy to the King, and to them 
 who are lent by him, Rom. 13. 1. Pet. 2. 1 3. 14. That we ought u 
 keep the Kin g s commandement, and that in re garde of the Oath of 
 GOD, Ecclef, 8.2. And, that we fhould be fubject, not only for wrath 
 but alfofor confcience fake; becaafe the powers that be, are ordained of 
 GOD : whofoever therefore, fayeth S. Paul, re ft Beth the power, refifi- 
 elh the ordinance of GOD, And they that refit, (hall 'receive to them- 
 (elves damnation, Rom. 13. In the words of the Apoftle S. Paul, 
 there is a remarkable oppofition betwixt fubjection and refinance, 
 £roT*'??«3£ and *fTiT*Vs«ft ; implying^ that all militarie T .£f ^whether, 
 defenfive , oroffenfive, if it be againft the fuperiour Power, which 
 GOD hath fet over us,is forbidden. In like manner we reade Matth. 
 26.52. that all they that take the Sword,(hall perifh with the Sword. 
 Nowcertaineit is, that in a free Monarchic, Subjects have not tbtf 
 Sword from GOD, except by the hand of the King, to whom only 
 GOD hath immediately given it. And therefore whofoever taketh 
 the Sword without his warrand, hath juft reafon to feare the forefaid 
 warning of our Saviovr. Many ocher places of Scripture might 
 be adduced to thispurpoie, which for brevity we omit, and doe pro- 
 ceed in the next rowme to fome teftimonies of ancient Fathers, and 
 
9® 
 
 DUHYE6 
 
 other writers. 
 
 10. Tertulliau, in his Apotogeticke, chap. 30. and 33, and 37, 
 telleth vs, that the ancient Chriiiians in his time, although having a» 
 heathen and perfecuting Emperour,did honour him,as chofen of God, 
 and fecond from GOD, and firft after GOD 3 and did choofe rather 
 to fuffer, then to make refittance by force of ArmeS , although they 
 lacked not number, and ftrength to doe it. 
 
 1 1 . The like example have we in that renowned Thebean Legion 
 of 6666 ChriftianSouldiers, called Agaunenfes, from the place of 
 their f offering, who without making reiiftance , as they had ftrength 
 oi hand to have done, fuffered themfelves rather to be flain, for their 
 Chriftian profeflion, by the Officers of Maxlmlan the Emperour, 
 executors of his cruelkommandement againft them. This fell out in 
 the 18 yeare of Diocletian^ Ado Viennenfts writeth in his Chronicle, 
 which was the yeare of GOD 297, as Cardinall Baronius reckoneth 
 in his Annalls. And of that their Chriftian cowrage, and pious reio- 
 \\xaoi\VetjantiHs Fortunate an ancient Bifhop of Poittiersjt&th left 
 unto us thefe Encomiafticke lynes, in the fecond book of his* Poems^ 
 3iblioth. Patr. Tom. 8. Edit. 4. Pag. 781. 
 
 Quels, pofitis giadiis, funt armae dogmate Pauli 9 
 
 ■; Nomine pro CHRJST1 dulcius ejfe mori. 
 PeElore belligero potcrant qui vincere ferro f 
 Jnvitant jugulis vulncra chara[uis. 
 
 1 2. Cregorle Naz,ianz,cn y in his firft: Oration,fpeaking of the per- 
 fection by Julian the Apoftatt , when the Chriftians were moe in 
 number, and ftronger in might of hand,to have made open refiftance, 
 if they had in their confeiences found it agreable to their Chriftian 
 profetfion,dechreth plainly,that they had no other remedy againft that 
 perfecution, but patient fuffering for Chrift, with gloriation in Chrift, 
 
 vTrlp Xjus"k •&»v«tov. 
 
 1 3. S. Ambrose, having received imperiall commandement , to 
 deliver the facred Houlcs,or Churches, to be poffeffed by the Arians % 
 declareth what he thought convenient to be done in fuchacafe; to 
 wit, neither to obey in that which he could not performe with a good 
 
 conference^ 
 
Duply es, $i 
 
 Confcience,nor yet to refill by force of Armes. * His wordes ro the 
 people, (Condone i. contra Auxentium) arethefe; a whj 9 thc#y are a Qyid er- 
 ye troubled} I [ball never willingly leave you. If I be compelled > I go turba- 
 eannotgain-ftand. I may be for y, I may weepy I may [igh. Againflmini} vo- 
 Armes y Souldiers % the Gothes alfey my Teares are Armes : For fuch lens nun- 
 are the G uarde sofa Prieft. Otherwife I neither ought normay refifl.quam vos 
 And m thefecond book of his Epiftles, and 14 Epiftle , co his Sifter defer amy 
 Marcellina y {peaking of that fame purpofe , he fayeth ; b^Ifeallmt cafinsre- 
 
 fort i fie my felfe with a multitude of people about me. We be- pugnare tio 
 
 feechy O Emperour, we fght not,, , / may not deliver the Church; novi. Do- 
 but I ought not make refiflance. lere potero 
 
 potero fie- 
 re^poterogemere; adverfus arma, militcSy Gothos quoque , Lacrhjms meaarma 
 funt. Talia enim muniment a funt facer dot is. Allter nee debeonec poffum refifle- 
 re. b Non egomivallabo circumfufione populorum. — RogamMy Augu(le 7 
 nonpugnamus. * Trader e ' Bajili cam non poffum , fedrepugnare nondeheo. 
 
 14. Such alfo was the doctrine and jjra&ife of many other great 
 Lights, which fliined in the dayes of Julian the Apoftate , and in the 
 dayes of the Arrian Emperoures, and Gothicke Arrian Kings. 
 
 1 5. S. A%gusline y mitmg of a lawful! Warre,acknowledgeth that 
 
 only tobelawfull, which hath authority from the Prince. For it is Inter efi e- 
 much to be regarded^ ( fayeth he )for what caufesy and by whofe au- nim quib 
 thorny , men undertake Warres : But that naturall order y which i* ac- caufu^quU 
 commodated to the peace ofmortall meny reqaireth thisy that the au- buffy au* 
 thority and eomfell of undertaking warrejbe in the power of the Prince, thorib 9 ho~ 
 
 mines ge- 
 renda bella fufeip iant * or do tamen ille naturalis , mortalium pad accomodatus 
 hoc pofcit, ut fufcipiendi belli authoritas , at qui conflium penes Principem (n. 
 Aug, Lib. zz. contra Fauflum^ Cap. 7 5. 
 
 16. The imperiail Lawes doe fay the fame, jf. Ad legem Juliam 
 majeflatis. Leg. 3. Eadem lege tenet ur , & qui injuffu Prtnapis beU 
 famgefferity deleftumve habuerity exercitum cemparaverit. Ft Cod. 
 ut armor urn ufus infcio Principe inter diftus fit. Nulli prorfm nobis 
 infeiis , at que inconfuhis quorum libet armorum mwendorum copia 
 
 tribuatur 
 
$z D u "p i ¥ e 52 
 
 tribaatur. Thefe "arc the words of the Emperoures V'alentlman "and 
 Valens. Et Cod.de re militart 7 Leg. 1 3. iSfcww i0#7?.r. iVJ?«w «m7« 
 treljtfo vacet , w/ 4 /*>#* obfcquia fine mtn frwclfall feragere an* 
 deat) &c. 
 
 17. ZW/#, in his firft Book de RefMica, Cap. 10. Num. 155 
 and 1 56, ( /%. 244. £^V. Latin, 4. #r/*//. -^##0 1601 ) reckon- 
 ed] among the proper rights of Majtity^the right and power to make 
 Wane: and this he inoweth to appertain, in a free Monarchic , to 
 the Prince onely. 
 
 18. To this meaning fayeth Peter Martyr; As concerning the 
 efficient caute , it is certain that Warre may not be made without 
 the authority of the Prince. For Paul fayeth , that he beareth the 
 Sword : therefore he may give it to whome he willeth, and may take 
 it from whome he willeth. Loc. Com. Clajf. 4. Cap. 16. § a. And a 
 little after, to wit, § 7. he reciteth and commendeth a faying of 
 Ho ft ie n(is to the lame purpofe. 
 
 19 Cdvlrty in the fourth Book of his Inftitutions,in the laft Chap- 
 ter of that Book , difputeth the Queftion at length , and by many 
 ftrong Arguments evinceth, and concludeth, that it is nowife lawful! 
 for Subjects , to relift their Prince by force of A tines; whether the 
 Prince be godly, and juft; or ungodly, and unjuft in his convention, 
 and commandements" : and, that nothing remaineth to Subjedls 
 in fuch a cafe, but to obey or furTer. Where understand , that Fleing 
 is a fort of Suffering. Neither are his words Tub joined in the 31 
 SeB. to wit, I fpeake alwiie of private men , &c. contrary to this. 
 For flrlt Calvin in this Difpute, indifferently ufeth the names of 
 private men, and Subjects : And therefore , in the 22 SeB. at the 
 HU^OGro- beginning of it, he termeth thofe of whole duety he difputeth, Sub- 
 twlde fit- )^ s - Anc * ^ n ^ ce( ^) whofoever is a Subject, is alio, in refpe& of the. 
 re Mil & fupream. Ruler, a private man. Akhough Magiftrats,who are under 
 vacis lb 1 r ^ e K I N G > ' 3e P u ^ uc ^ P erons > * n refpect of their Infenours; yet be« 
 c & a ' m o con fidered, w ^ tn rehtion to him that is Supream, 1. Pet. 2. 1 3. 
 ^* t they are but private. As in D'alefticke , an intermediate ??#*#, aL 
 though in refpecc of the mfenour species , it be a genus; yet in rela- 
 tion to the fupetiour germ'^x. is but a species. All Power of Govern- 
 ing, is fo f ubje&ed to the Supream Power > that whatfoever is done 
 
 againft 
 
againft the will of the fupream Ruler, is deftitute fef that Power; and 
 eonfequently, is to be efteemed for a private a£t. For , as we are 
 taught by the Phtlofophers , Order can not be, but with a reference 
 to that which is firft. Hence King Jam e s, in his Book of The true Averroes 
 Law of fee Monarchies, Pag. 206. affirmeth, that all the 'People are 5. Meta- 
 but private men, the authority being alwife with the Magiflrate, Se- phyf com~ 
 condly, this is manifeft from the very words of Calvin, in that fame me n t % 6 9 
 31 Seti. for there heexcepteth none from the neceffity of obeying, 
 ©r furfering, when Kings command things imjuft; but onely popular 
 Magiftrats, appointed for retraining the licentioufneffe of Kings. 
 Now, where fuch Magiftrats are erected, it is certain, that a King, 
 in fuch a Common-wealth, hath not the fupream power : For if he 
 had the fupream power, none could force him, fince an Infenour can 
 not force his Superiour. This can not be done ? but onely by him,who 
 is Superiour, or at leaft equall. Thirdly, this is clear alio by the ex- 
 amples adduced by Calvin ; namely, the Lacedemonian Ephori, the 
 Roman Tribunes, and the Athenian Demarchi. When the Ephori 
 were fet up in Lacedamon, the Kings of Laced&mon, were but Kings See Hugo 
 in name, and had not the Supream power , as it is confeffed by the Grorius,<& 
 Learned. So when the Tribunes had their full power in Rome, the Jure belli 
 Supream power was in the People : and in like manner it was in A. & pacis r 
 thens, when the Demarchi had power. Therefore, from this nothing Pag . 66. 
 can be inferred for the lawfull refiftance of Subjecl;s,to a Monarch, or where he 
 King, properly fo called. Fourthly, Calvin applying this to the King- citeth fun- 
 dames tbac now are, fayeth no more,but that peradventure the three dry anciet 
 Eftates affembled in Parliament, have that fame power, which the Authors, 
 fore-mentioned Ephori, &c. had. Here iris to be marked, that he 
 fayeth onely, peradventure hisfo; which can be no warrand to a 
 mans confcience,in a matter of {0 great importance. For he that re- 
 £(ieth his Superiour by force of Armes, fhould not onely thinke, that 
 peradventure he hath power, but fliould beaffuredly perfwaded, that 
 he hath power fo to doe. When there is no more faid, but that per- 
 adventure- fuch a thing is, it may be as reafonablie faid , Peradven- 
 ture fuch a thing is not. Neither doeth he give this power even per- 
 adventure, but to the three Eftaces affembled in Parliament. Hence 
 the learned Rivet 7 fpeaking of Calvm his minde in this piace/ayerh, 
 
 A a * thac 
 
94 DllFLYE $« 
 
 Rivet , in that hegiveth no power to people over Monarehs , properly fo ealU^ 
 
 hisjefuita The fame alfo is obferved, concerning Calvin his minde, by Albert* 
 
 vapulans , chs Gentility in his third Royal Diffme. 
 
 Cap. 13. 2°. The fame doctrine alfo is delivered by King James of blek 
 fed Memory, in his Book entituled The true Law office Monarchies, 
 by Hugo Gtqtius in his firft Book de jure belli & pacis, Cap. 4. by 
 Leonhartus Butter its , in his common places , Loc.yz. Cap. 3. J<?- 
 hames Gerhardus in the 6 Tom. of his comon places, in his Treatife 
 de maftittratu politico, Num. 48 3. where lie difcourfeth accuratly 
 of this matter: Zepperus in his 3. Book dePolitia Eccle[iafticaj\\ the 
 lad Section of the 13 Chapter,?^ $7 3. Edit. Berbom. 1595. AU 
 herieus Gtmilisjft his regall difputations, diffrut.^ %^de vi avium m 
 Regemfemper injufia. Jfllwz Bifhop of Rochefter^in his work written 
 agamft Bellarmine, de potest ate Papa in rebus temporalibus } Lib. i e 
 Cap, 8. CUf. 2. Where he adduceth a clowd of many moe Au- 
 thors. M. Antonius de Domms^in his Bcok called Oflenfio errorum 
 Francifci Suarez,) Cap. 6, § 27. Johannes Angelius Werdenhagen, 
 I, C. in his Polhica generdis y Lib, 3* Cap. 10. Q^teft, 14. 
 
 2 1 . By thefe Tettimonies we intend not to lay upon you , or any 
 of our Country men, any imputation, or to take upon us to give fen- 
 tence concerning their proceedings : but onely being invited hereto 
 by your laft An(weres^Q thought it our duety,to fignifie to ihe Read- 
 er, that many ancient and late famous Wrkters are not of that opi- 
 nion, eitherto think the queftion touching Authority ,fo full of Rocks 
 and Thorns, as you call it, or yet tofavourfucha defenfive taking 
 of Armes,as you think to be allowed by fVhitaker^Bilfo^md Rivet* 
 
 22. Now to profecute what remaineth of your Anfwere 1 where- 
 £5 ye fay, that .when ye juftifie yowiCovenants and Conventions/rom 
 theirpurpofedends, ye meane not onely the laft andmoft remote 
 ends, but the neareft and immediate ; we pray you tell us . what ye 
 ineaneby the neareft and immediate end : if ye meane the object ic 
 it felfe,( which the Schoole-men call fwem intrinfecnm & proximum) 
 then the lawfulnetfe and equity of the matter, vowed and promifed 
 in. the Covenant^ all one with the goodnelle of the end of it. Whence 
 we inf erre, that feeing the matter promifed by you in this your Co-. 
 wnant) to wit, your mutuall defence againft all perfons, none, excep- 
 ted, 
 
DlifLYES? $$ 
 
 ted s is in our judgement unlawfull, and forbidden by a lawfull Au- 
 thority; the end, of your Covenant it mcerly evill : but if by the near- 
 eft end ye meanc any thing which is diverfe from theobjeft , then 
 we ftitt affirme againft thelaft part of your firtt An[veere y to our fe- 
 cond Demandjhit Conventions,and Covenmu^cA all other a&ions, 
 ar^ to be efleemed and judged of, firtt or principally by the equity of 
 the obje^, and then by the goodnelfe of the ends of it,, whether they 
 be fines proxwij or fines remoti. 
 
 23. We doe not joyne with the Papifts , blames* of our Refor- 
 mation, ( as ye leeme to bcare upon us ) becaufe they hate and op- 
 pugneour reformed Religion , which we love and defend. Neither 
 doe we take upon us to cenfure the proceedings of our Reformers: bun 
 weftryve,by the Grace of GOD, fo to carry in our own time, and 
 to walke wifely in a perfect way, as our adversaries the Papiftes,may 
 get no advantage to pleade for their unwarrantable do£hinean*i 
 pra&ifes, by any pretence of our example. 
 
 The IIL Duply. 
 
 IN your third Anfaere, palling lightly from our Repfy ye fall int€> 
 fome unexpected digreflions, concerning the Service Book^ and' 
 our thoughts thereof : weefteeme it a matter beyond the com- 
 pafs of humane, judicatory , to fit upon the thoughts of other men. 
 As for thofe outward expreilions, which ye alleadge upon fome of us, 
 of not feeing errouresin that Book, or groaning for it ; ye fliall un- 
 derftand, that fuch multiplicity of Popiih erroures , as was alleadged 
 by fome of you, to be in that Book, was invisible to fome of us. Al- 
 though to enter in a particular examination orcofideration,of every 
 poynt and f entrance in that Book, is not now time nor place. - Neither 
 did any of us profefle groining for that Book in particular, but for an 
 uniformity of divyne Service throughout this Nationall Kirk , and a- 
 more perfect forme then we yet have, that the publick Service were 
 not permitted to the feverall judgements, and private choife,of every 
 Minifter and Reader. Which alto was thought convenient by the Na- 
 lionall Affembly of the Kirkof&tfW, holdenat Aberdene^.. 
 Anm i6*6. z. Whether 
 
& 
 
 Dupl Y!S 
 
 %. Whether that Service Book, (now difcharged) containerh any 
 Innovation of Religion, or any thing contrary to the Proteftant Re- 
 ligion, (as ye alleadge) we doe not difpute now. But we doe affur- 
 edly believe, the piety and fincerity of His M* jetties intention, ever 
 to have been, and ftiil conftantly to be, as it is graciouily declared by 
 His Majetties late Proclamation. And we are certainly pert waded, 
 that His Majefty hath given order, to difcharge all the A&s of Coun- 
 fell,made anenc the Canons and Service Book^y and are credibly in- 
 formed, that they are dilcharged by A& of Counfell, [at Holy-Rood- 
 Houfe, the fifth of Jnllie laft ] according to the order given by His 
 Majefty. Alfo, we fee no fuch juft caufe of Fear^s may import your 
 alleadged neceility of Covenanting ; feeing His Majefty will not 
 preife any thing of that nature, but in fuch a taire and legal! way, as 
 (hall fatisfieall his loving Subjects : that he neither intendeth inno- 
 vations in Religion norLawes; as we declare in our former Replye y 
 to which ye have not fufHciently anfwered. Neither was it necefia- 
 ry, for removing of any juft Feares , that his iacred Majefty fhould 
 difaliowe that Service Book.jZS ye require; but it was fufficient, to 
 difcharge it, in manner forefaid. v* 
 
 3. Ye doe conclude your Anfwere unto our third Replye, with an 
 uncouth and incredible Pciition , whereof ye bring no proofe at all, 
 but onely this bare Affertion; Whofoever profefe themf elves, to bee 
 perfectly fatisfied with the Proclamation, doe proclaime in the ears of 
 all the Kingdom, that they are better pleajed with the Service Book, 
 and Canons, then with the Religion , as it hath been profejfed in this 
 Land fwce the Reformation. This your Thefts, is fo evidently weak, 
 that we need no more for the over- throw thereof , buttooppofe 
 thereunto this our piayn and undenyable A nth he/is; Whoprofeffe 
 the m\ elves to be perfectly fat is fed with that Proclamation , whereby 
 the Service Book, and Canons are dif charged, and the Religion pro- 
 fejfedin this Land fwce the Reformat! on, is eflablifhed, doe proclaime 
 in the ears of all the Kingdom, that they are better pleafed with the 
 Religion profejfed in this Land face the Reformation, then with the 
 Service Book, W Canons, 
 
 THE 
 
DUPL YEs£ J7 
 
 The IV. Duply; 
 
 YEs alleadged before, and now again doe affirme,thar we have 
 miftaken your Interpretation of the old Covenant , as if it had 
 been given out judicially by you, and, as if ye had intended to 
 enforce it upon ochers. To free y our ielves of this imputation, ye faid 
 in your firlt Anfwere, that ye intended onely To make knowne jour 
 own meaning according to the mjnde our Reformers , and in charity t» 
 recommend It to others. Hence we inferred in our Re f lye , that ye 
 ought not to obr rude your Interpretation upon us, nor moleftany 
 man for not receiving trie fame. To this now ye fay in your fecond 
 Anfwere; Although you neither ufe threatnlngs, nor obtrude jonr In- 
 terpretation upon US) yet wemuft far don you, If ye match us not with 
 the great eft part of this Kingdom, In whofe name, by all fair meanes 
 ye recommend it to us. Truely, Brethren, we are not offended with 
 you, for preferring rhe judgement of fo many, to our judgement,who 
 are but few in number : neither need ye to crave pardon of us for 
 this. But concerning thefe fau£ meanes , and that force of reafon 
 whereby, ye fay, ye recommj^our Interpretation of the old Co- 
 venant to us, pardon us, if the experience we have , both of .your 
 writings and proceedings , make us to oppofe this your affertion. 
 For in your writings we expected indeed, but have not found that 
 force of reafon,whereof ye fpeake: and as for the proceedings of thofe 
 who have fubfcrived your Covenant, we of all men have lead reafon 
 to believe that they ufe no threatnings,feeing we hear day lie fomuch 
 their threatnings againft our (elves. 
 
 i. Whereas for clearing of that which ye faid before, concerning 
 the minde of our reformers, ye affirme, that The authoritative judge- 
 ment of our reformers is evident, not only by the confejfion of Faith ra- 
 tified In Parliament y but alfo by the books of Dlfclpllne, ABs of Gene- 
 rail Ajfemblles, and by their own writes : Firfl, we marvell , how ye 
 can fay, that the private writings of Matter Knox, and others, who 
 with him were inftruments of that great worke of Reformarion,have 
 publicise Authority to obliedge the Subjects of this Kingdom. The 
 legiflative, and obligatory power of the Church, is only in Synods or 
 
 B b conventions 
 
hi 
 
 DttFt ¥ nsl 
 
 * 
 
 conventions of Bifhops and Presbyters , and not in particular ^u 
 fons expreffing their minds apart. Next, this Church in the former 
 age, by abrogating the office of Supermtendants , eilablifhed in the 
 firii book of Difcipline^hath declared, that the ftaturs and ordinances 
 contained in thofe books, are not of an authority perpetually obliga- 
 tory, but may be altered or abrogated by the Church , according ta 
 the^exigencie of ryme. The fame likewiie is manifeft by the abroga- 
 tion of fummary excomunication, which this Church did abolifli, al- 
 though it was eftablifhed in Generall Aifembiies, wherein Mailer 
 KnoX) and other Reformers were prefent. We need not to infift 
 much in this, feeing fo many of you, who are Subfcribents, mif-re- 
 gard the ordinances of our Reformers, prefixed to the Tfalm Book* 
 concerning the office of Superintendants, or Bifhops, Funerall Ser- 
 mons, and fet formes of Prayer, which they appointed, to be pub- 
 lickly read in the Church. Hence the Reader may perceive, that ye 
 have nowarrandfor your Interpretation of the old Covenant , from- 
 the authoritative, and obligatory judgement, of the Reformers; fee- 
 ing ye can not ground it upon theConfeffion of Faith ratified in Par- 
 liament. As for thofe other meanej»entioned by us, to wit, Scrip- 
 ture,Antiquitie,and confent of the Warned Churches,that they tru- 
 ly make for us, and again!! you, the unpartiall Reader may perceive 
 by thefe ©nr Difputs. 
 
 Whether or not Epifcopacie and T earth 
 Articles, be abjured in the late Covenant. 
 
 3. As for the fecond miftaking mentioned by you in your An~ 
 fivere, vve did fhow in our Replye y that in your Covenant , Peartb Ar~ • 
 tides-, and Epifcopacy, are abjured. And for proving of this , we • 
 iriked of you,what ye meaned by the recovery and liberty of the Gof- 
 pell, as it was eftabliflied and profefkd before the forefaid Novate 
 ons •} and what is that period of tymejto which your words there have' 
 reference ? that is , Whether it be that period of time , when the 
 Service Book, and Book of Canons , were urged upon you ? or if it 
 be the time, when Vwth Article? , and Epifcopacy, were received 
 
 in this 
 
DUPLYES. £5 
 
 hi this Church > But, truely, your Anfwere to this , is nowife fatis- 
 factory, nor hath ( o much as a (how of fansfacVion. For ye are afraid 
 co expretfe chat period of time, kit ye Deforced to grant, that which 
 we before objected. And yet your fpeach bewrayeth you : For feeing 
 ye aniw^re onely to that which we faid concerning the laft of theic 
 two periods, we colled, that by the recovery of the liberty and puri- 
 ty of the Gofpell , as ic was eftabiiftied before thefore-faid Novati- 
 ons, ye mean the reducing of the Policy of this Church, unto that e« 
 ftatein which it was, before T earth Articles, and Epifcopacy, were 
 eitablifhed. And hence we inferre, as we did before, that in that 
 part of your Covenant , ye condemne and abjure Pearth Articles, and 
 Epifcopacy, as contrary to the Purity and Liberty of the Gofpelh 
 
 4. Yefeeme to aniwere, that in that part of your Covenant , ye 
 condemne not, Pearth Articles, and Epiicopacy, but thofe abufes & 
 corruptions, which have accompanyed them y fuch as the Superflu- 
 ous observing of dayes, ceffation from work on thofe dayes, Fearing, 
 Guyfing, and the grofle abufes, which have entered in the Saerametj 
 upon kneeling before the Elements : and, that in refpec-t of thefe a- 
 bufes, we who allow Pearth Articles , and Epifcopacy, may fweare 
 without prejudice of our caufey to recover the Purity and Liberty 
 of the Gofpell , as it was eftablifhed, and profeffed , -before thefe 
 Novations, 
 
 5. But, firft, let any indifferent, orunpartiall man, whoknoweth 
 the ftate of our Church, judge, whether or not it be lykely,that yous 
 Vowe, of the recovering the Liberty and Purity of the Gofpell, as it 
 was before Epifcopacy, and Pearth Articles, were introduced , im- 
 porreth onely an intention of removing of the confequents of Pearth 
 Articles, and Epifcopacie, and not of the removing of thofe things 
 themfelves ? Truely we are perf waded, that they who know the ftate 
 of this Church, and your mind, concerning thefe things , will think 
 this your Glofle of your own words, to be violent, and excogitated 
 for eluding our Argument. 
 
 6. Secondly : W ho can thinke, that ye, and others^ contry vers of 
 the late Covenant , who condemne Pearth Articles, and Epifcopacie, 
 as much as ye doe the confequents of them, have only vowed, to re- 
 move their confequents^ and not remove themfelves ? 
 
 " - - ^ 7*Thir& 
 
IOO DU HlfE S„ 
 
 7. Thirdly, is it pollibte, that any can promife and vow, tolafcorfc 
 for the curing of fo mwy , and fo great pretended deieaies of this 
 Church, ( we meane thefe abufes which ye lay , have accompanyed 
 Peart h Articles and Epifcopacie,) and in the mean time promue,and 
 intend nothing concerning the removing of the caufes of rhem ? 
 
 8. Fourthly, how can we, without grear prejudice of our caufe, 
 acknowledge, that thefe groffe abufes mentioned by you , have en- 
 cred in the Sacrament , by kneeling bef >rc the Elements ( ye fhould 
 have faid at the receiving ot rhe Elements ) for feeing kneeling 
 at the receiving of the Sacrament , is conf eifed by us to be a mat- 
 ter indifferent; it' in our Oath , we acknowledge thefe groffe abufes 
 to have entred in upon kneeling, it will probably follow in the judge- 
 ment of fame, and in our judgement, who recommend this Oath un- 
 to us, it will follow infallibly, that kneeling for the evill confequences 
 thereof, ought to be removed. Doe ye not here cunningly deale with 
 us ? For although ye urge us not, as ye fay, to fweare and promife 
 the removing of kneeling, yet ye urge us, by your own confetfion, to 
 promife the removing of thefe abufes occafioned by kneeling : which 
 being acknowledged by us,ye will then take upon you to demonftrate, 
 that kneeling it felfe ought to be removed : for ye hold it for a Max- 
 irte> that things indifferent, being abuied and polluted with Superfti- 
 tion, fliould be aboliilbed. We cannot Efficiently marvell, how yee 
 who are of this minde, can fay to us , that we who allow V earth Ar- 
 ticles and Epifcopacie, may fweare to recover the liberty and purity 
 of the Gofpeli, as it was before, &c. For ye meane, that we may doc 
 fo, without prejudice of our caufe. But we have already fhown, that 
 according to your judgement and doctrine, if we fweare that which 
 ye would have us to fweare, our caufe (hall be much prejudged, yea, 
 utrerly loft. 
 
 9. Fiftly : How can we fweare, to remove thofe groflfe abufes en- 
 tered in upon kneeling, as ye alleadge; feeing we rhinke,that no fuch 
 abufes have entered in upon it ? Yea,our People,try them who pleale, 
 will. {how,that they arc as free from all erronious conceits,concerning 
 that holy Sacrament , as any living in thefe Congregations where 
 kneeling is dayliccryed down. 
 
 10. Sixtlie, as for thefe abufes and corruptions, reckoned up by 
 
 you 
 
DUPL YB S? 10* 
 
 you, as the confequents of the obfervation of Feftivali dayes, to pafs 
 by that which before we marked concerning Kneeling, to wit, that 
 the grantingof chis were a great prejudice to our caule,fome of thefe 
 are not abufes at all, as, ceiianon from work. Again, tome of them 
 hwe nor come in upon the obiervation oi the Articles of Peart b, as 
 Guy(ing,and Feiting, (yc mean exceffive Fealting, for orherwife 
 it is not an abuie) wh;ch onely fall forth on Christmas Feftivhie. For 
 lure we are, r rm theie atMes rWenoc come by the annivenary com- 
 memoration o; CHRISTY Nmlvklcy in the which by the ordinance 
 q? Peart b Affembly, all Supertlitious obfervation, and Prophanation 
 of that day, or any o-.her diy, is proh bited, and appoynted to be re- 
 buked. This the reverend and learned Billiop of Edinburgh, in his 
 defence of the Ad of Peart h Aflembfy, concerning Feftivkies, Pag. 
 63. proveth, becaufe (fayech he) we have lacked preaching upon 
 Chrilt-rrns-day, thefe fifry feven years bygone, in our Church , yet 
 Ryo:, Prophanneife, Surfer, and Drunkenneffe , have not beene 
 wanting. 
 
 1 1. Seventhly,as for Superfluous obfervation of dayes, (whereof 
 hitherco we have had no experience ) we marvell , that ye can 
 reckon it, amongft the confequents of the obfervation of dayes : iee- 
 ing in your judgement , it is all one with the obfervation of dayes. 
 For ye think the obfervation of any day , except the LORDS 
 Day, to be, in the own nature of it, Superftitious, and Will- worship. 
 
 12. As for the laft part of your Anfwere to our Argument, con- 
 cerning the forefaid period of time ; where ye alleadge, that many 
 corruptions of Popiih and Arminian doctrine , have entered in the 
 Kirke, &€. we aske you, Whether ye defigne here another period 
 of time, then ye did before ? or if ye defign onely this felf fa me pe- 
 riod of time, j_in the which both the forefaid pra6bicall abufes , and 
 thefe Doitrinali corruptions, have entered into this Church, accom- 
 pany ing,as ye alleadge,/Wf/> Articles,and Epifcopacy ? ) Or,lafto£ 
 all, If ye defign no period of time at all ? If ye take you to this lift, 
 prof effing, that ye have here defigned no period of time; then ye an- 
 fwere notour Argument, wherein we particularly, and exprefly po- 
 fed you, concerning that period of time,unro which your words cited 
 €tbefore,have reference. If ye defign the fame period of rime^then 
 
 Cc loot 
 
£©2r DUPUES] 
 
 look how yc can cfcape our preceeding Arguments , concerning thlt 
 period of time. 
 
 i $, But if yc defign an other period of time , then we tskc you, 
 Whether it be friar or pflerior^ to the period of time already men, 
 tioned; to wit, the time preceeding the bringing in of the Articles of 
 T earth } Ye cannot fay, that it is pfteriar to it : for ye complained 
 of Arminlan corruptions , even before T earth Ailembly; bran- 
 ding fome of the moft learned of our Church, with that Afperfion. 
 And of Popiih corruptions of Do&rine, ye complained,when Pemh 
 Articles, and Epifcopacy were efbblifhed. For the Doftrins, of the 
 lawfulneffe and expediency of thefe things, are, in your judgement, 
 meerly Popifh, and Antichriftian. Neither can ye fay, that it is pri- 
 or to the forefaid period of time: for the time preceeding the inbring- 
 ing of Peart h Articles, comprehendeth all that tra& of time whick 
 intervcened betwixt the Reformation, and V earth Affembly. 
 
 14. But we will yet more evidently convince you , by two other 
 Arguments, drawn from that part of your Covenant ■, of which we are 
 now f peaking, and from the words of this your Anfwere to our fourth 
 Kepljc-y for nrrt in your Covenant ye promife, and alfo will hare us to 
 promife with you, To forbearefor a time, thepra&ife of P earth Ar- 
 ticles, untill they be tryed, as ye fay, in a free Affembly. But this for- 
 bearance imporceth a manifeft prejudice, and wronging of our caufe: 
 for this is a fore-acknowledgement , either of the unlawfulnelTe, or 
 elfe of the inexpediency of the matters, concluded in P earth Affem- 
 bly. For wherefore ought we in this exigence of the Church, to for- 
 bear the prac-Vife of Vearth Articles, rather then of other Rites of the 
 Church,except for fome greater evill comprehended in them ? This 
 will appear more evident, if we fhall coniider the reafon alleadged 
 by you, Tag, 17, wherefore we^ ought now to forbear the praftife of 
 thefe Articles: towit,becaufein the cafe ofScandall* andlenfiblc 
 fear of Superftition, we ought to doe fo. Now this cafe of Scandal! 
 is not in your judgement, a temporary, but a perpetuall confequent 
 of Peart h Articles, For ye think it will ever Scandalize the Papifts, 
 as if we were approaching to them : Likewife ye think every one of 
 them, and efpecially Kneeling, to be inductive to finne, ex c&nditi- 
 epe open*, by the very nature and quality of the work it felf. Whence 
 
 itfok 
 
u followeth, that they aieaeceffarily and immuttblie fcandalous; for 
 whacfocver agrecth to any thing, inrefpe&ofthenatureof it, it 
 agrecth neceffarily and immutably. If therefore we in this refpccV 
 fwear the forbearance of Temh Ardcks, we (hall be holden to for- 
 bear Ptartk Articles, not for a time, but for ever. I 
 
 1 5. Next, we pray you confider , what is meaned by the forefaid 
 Novations, in thac pare of your Covenant , wherein ye promife to la- 
 bour co recover the liberty and purity of the Gofpell, as it was before 
 the forefaid Novations. Certainly thefe words cannot be underftood 
 of Novations to be introduced, and which have not as yet entred un^ 
 to our Church. For the liberty and purity of the Church is not as yet 
 loft, yea, not impared by them , and fo needeth not to be recovered 
 by che removing of them. They muft then be underftood of the No- 
 vations menrioned in the Paren hefisof your Cevenant; that. Is of all 
 innovations already introduced by Authority,and their alleadged con- 
 fequents, which ye promife to forbeare , untill they be allowed, and 
 tryed by a free Aftembly.Hence any man may conciude,that although 
 in your Parenrhefis, ye promife only to forebeare thefe Novations 
 for a time, yet in the words immediatly following, ye condemne and 
 abjure them. For the recovering of the liberty and purity of the 
 Gofpell, as it was eftibiithed before the forefaid Novations , impor- 
 ted manifeiily a removing of all thefe Novations , which either in 
 themlelves, or in refpe£ of their consequents , are contrary to the 
 purity and liberty of the Gofpell. But all Novations already intro- 
 duced, are in your judgement of this kinde,and therefore your vow, 
 of the recovering the liberty and purity of the Gofpell, importeth a 
 removing of all the forefaid Novations, 
 
 1 6. To conclude this Argument : Ye may fee,that we have pryed 
 no more narrowly into the expressions of your Covenant , then we 
 had reafon; and have laboured, not to fcarre our fclves , and others, 
 with meere fkadowes, as ye affirme. & „. r ,^ =l 
 
 Of our Argument, J A hminem^ and the weak 
 Rctorfion of it^by the Jnfweres. 
 
 17. N@ft we coifce t© our Argumcn^orSyUegifme,-^ homlnem* 
 
 which 
 
to4 DuplveS 
 
 which hath fo pinched you, that ye have not attempted to anfwefe 
 to any of the proportions of it. Our intention in that Argument, 
 was to prove , that whether Pearth Articles be abjured in rhe late 
 Covenant , or not; yet ye j_ who came hither , to give us fatista&ion 
 concerning the Covenant ] can not, with a fafe conference, averre, 
 or declare to us,tha: they are not abjured in it. This we did evident- 
 ly prove, reafoning thus : Whatever Rites are abjured in the old 
 Covenant y they are alto, in your judgment , abjured in the late Cove* 
 nant. But Pearth Arcidcs, and Epilcopocie, are,in your judgement, 
 abjured in the old Covenant : Ergo, they are, in your judgement, ab- 
 jured in the late Covenant i and,confequently , if yedeaie iincerely 
 with us,ye mult averre,ihat they are alfo abmred in the late Covenant. 
 1 8. To this ye fay, rirft, that whatfoever be your judgement, a$ 
 ye are parcicular penons, yet, at this time, ye were to be taken, as 
 Commiifioners from the whole company of Subfcrivers. Truely we 
 did rake you fo; and did think, that ye who were Commiiiioners from 
 fuch a multitude of good Chriftians, would have tolde us your minde 
 fincerely, concerning the full extent of the late Covenant; and , that 
 ye would neither have affirmed any thing as Commiiiioners , which 
 ye doe nor think to be true,as ye are particular perfons;nor yet would 
 nave laboured, fo to ininare us , as to have bidden us fubfcrive a Co* 
 venant, really, and indeed, in your judgement, abjuring thofe things, 
 which we, with a fafe confcience, can not abjure. For, in your judge- 
 ment, Pearth Articles , and Epifcopacie, are moft really abjured m 
 the late Covenant, although ye plainly affirme the contrary, in your 
 Anfweres to our fourth,fifth,and fixth Demand. And ( which is much 
 to be noted ) in your Anfweres to our tenth Demand , ye affirme, 
 concerning your felves, that ye, m this late Covenant , havepromiied 
 only forbearance of Pearth Articles. We wonder much, how ye can 
 fay Jo. For vvhofoever by their Oath have tyed themf elves to a Con- 
 femon, in the which they firmly believe Pearth Articles, and Epifco- 
 pacy, to be abjured, thofe have indeed abjured Pearth Articles, and 
 fepifcop^.cy. But ye in the hizCovenant , have tyed your felves by 
 your Oath, to the little Confeffiori. or old Covenant, in the which ye 
 firmly believe, Epifcopacy,and Pearth Anicles,to be abjured : Ergo, 
 m your late Covenant ye hare abjured Pearth Articles,& Epifcopacy.* 
 
 And 
 
And aot ©nly ye, but all thofe who are of tint fame minde with you. 
 Whence we inferrcd,in that tench Vemandfh&t none of you can vote 
 freely in the intended Aiiembly, concerning Pearth Article* , and 
 Epifcopacie. 
 
 19. Secondly, ye fay , that if others of the fubfcribents, who are 
 ©f our jndgemcnr, ( chat is, who are not perfwaded that Pearth Ar- 
 ticles, and Epifcopacie, are abjured in the old Covenant^ ) had come 
 as Comrnimoners at this rime to us, our Argument ad homlnem^oA 
 feeene anricipated,becaufe it would not have been perdnent for them. 
 hut ye are deceived , tor we have ever looked principally to thefe, 
 who were the firft contry vers of the late Covenant , or had fpeciall 
 hand ia it, that is, to your felves,and to others, who thefe many years 
 bygone, have oppofed Pearth Articles, and Epifcopacie , as Popifk 
 corruptions, abjured in the old Covenant; and confequently have, in 
 this late Covenant , [ in the which that former Covenant is renewed ] 
 by your own pertonall Oath, abjured Pearth Articles, and Epifcopa- 
 cie. If then that other fort of Commiflioners had come unto us, we 
 would have faid to them, that we can not fwear the late Covenant^ 
 becaufe Pearth Articles, and Epifcopacie are in it abjured. And this 
 we would have proved by the like Argument ad homlnem , that is, 
 by an Argument grounded upon the judgement of the contrivers o£ 
 the late Covenant : as ye may eafily perceive, * 
 
 2 o. Thirdly,ye fay, chat we have perceived the inf ufficiencie of out 
 Argument, becaufe we objected this to our felves : that feeing we 
 think Pearth Articles, and Epifcopacie , not to be abjured in the old 
 Covenant ■, we may fubfcrive tie new Covenant , in the which that old 
 Covenant is renewed. Truely ye might have alleadged this, if we had 
 propounded chat obje&ion, and had left it unanfwered But we an- 
 fwered it, and brought fome reafons [ which ye wiiely did paiVe by, 
 perceiving the force of them ] to (how, that we can not convenient- 
 ly fubfcrivc your late Covenant , notwithstanding of our judgement, or 
 rather opinion of the meaning of the old Covenant. We fay opinion : 
 for to fpeak traely what we thinke, we doubt, and fo doe others with 
 us, concerning the meaning of fome pans of the old Covenant, touch- 
 ing matters of Ecclcfia&call policy ,and have not fofull a periwafion 
 in our mindes concerning thofe parts, as may be to us a warrand of 
 our Oath. D d a i * Fourthly^ 
 
lOS DuHYE $• 
 
 21. Fourthly, whereas ye'fay , that it was not for us to inquire i* 
 your private opinion, concerning the meaning of the late Covenant ,in 
 that part of it, where it tyetfaus to the inviolable obiervation of the 
 old Covenant , nor was it neceffary for you, to make it known to usj 
 We aniwere, that we inquired not your private opinion,but the com- 
 mon judgement of all thofe, who with you thefe twenty years bypaft, 
 have accufed us of Perjury, for the alleadged violation of the old Co. 
 venant jwomt by our Predecelfours. And truely we had more theft 
 reafon to doe fo; becaufe we moft juftly feared, that ye , who navel© 
 oft accufed us of Per jury /orpra&ifing Rites and Ceremonies abjured 
 as ye alleadge, in the old Covenant fwoxn by our PredeceHburs,would 
 much more vehemently; yea, alfo with a greater (how of probability, 
 accufe us of Perjury, for violation oi the old Covenant , (worn and ra- 
 tified by our i elves in this late Covenant ,if we fhould ftand to the de- 
 fence of P earth Articles in time to come. It became us therefore, 
 for efchewing of this inconvenient , to inquire of you , and you alfo 
 fmcerely and plainly to declare to us,whether or not we may fubferive 
 and fweare the new Covenant , as it includeth and ratifieth the old, 
 and yet be really free from all abjuration, or condemning of Pearth 
 Articles, and Epifcopacie ? And likewife whether or nor ye, and all 
 orhers who are of your minde, will hold and efteem us free from ab- 
 juration of them, notwithftanding of our fubferiving of your Cove. 
 nant. Thefe Queftions require a punftuail Anfwere, For if our fub- 
 feriving of yourCW enant>mzy either import a real abjuratio of Pearth 
 Articles., or if it may make you to think, that by vertue of our fub- 
 icription, we are really, and indeed , bound to reject them forever; 
 neither can we, with a good confei ence, fubferive your Covenant; nei- 
 ther can ye, with a good confeience, require it of us. 
 
 22.Fiftly,from our refufing to iubferive the late Covenant jn fo far 
 as it reneweth the old Covenant^ little Cotifejfion; becaufe rhat Con- 
 fejfio. according to your Interpretation^ conception of it,importeth 
 an abjuration oi Pearth Articles,ye colle6t,firft,that upon this ground 
 we would not have fubferived the late Confejfion any time bypaft.Se- 
 condly,thatwe can not fwear the Confefllon of anyChurch,no,not the 
 Articles of thediE ed petitions of theLORDS Pr aye R,nor Pre- 
 ceptsof the ten C o m m an d t m e ^ t s,in refpeft of the diverfe In- 
 terpretations, 
 
D U P L Y E S# f Of 
 
 m 
 p«tatK)n$,which men give of them. We anfwere,firf\that finee the 
 little Corfejfion, is not of Divine Authority, and fince the Humane 
 Authority which it had, hath thefe many years bygone ceaffed, ( as- 
 The Peaceable VParmngJi.txxbj given to the Subjects in SeotUndtfiov- 
 cth ) we would have refufed our Subscription unto it, ever fmce we 
 heard, that it importeth an Abjuration of all Rites, and Ceremonies, 
 which were not received in our Church in the year 1681; except we 
 had gotten fome evidence to the contrary , fufliciently fatisfying 
 our minds. Secondly : As for the Creed, LO RD S Prayer, and ten 
 Commandemems , your Argument taken from the varietie of mens 
 Expoiidons of them, is far from the purpofe. For, fince we areper- 
 fwaded, that the Author, or Pen-men of them, neither intended, nor 
 yet delivered anything in them, but Truer h : and that their expref- 
 fion is authentick, we are bound to embrace, and receive them, not- 
 withstanding of the varietie of Interpretations, which men give of 
 them : neither 'is it lawfull to us, to refuie our Subfcription, or ailenr, 
 to them, whatfoever be the judgement or affent of thofe who require 
 it of us : being alwife bound to acknowledge the infallible Authority 
 of them, even when we doubt of the true meaning of chem. Thirdly: 
 As for any of thefe later Confejfions of Churches,if the cafe be fuch,as 
 now it is in this particular of this late Covenant, that is, if we be not 
 bound by any ftandiug Law , to fubferive it, and if it be fo lyable to 
 the variety of Interpretatios/that it may probablie import that which 
 we think to be contnry to the Trueth , and if thefe who require our 
 Subfcription, be, in our judgement, Oppofers of the Trueth, in any 
 point contained in that Confeffion, and may make advantage of our 
 Subfcription, alleadgeing, that we are tyed by it, to confent to their 
 Doctrines, orPra&ifes : we rmy juftly, in fucb a cale, deny our fub- 
 fcription to that Confeffion y fotzhQ ambtguitie of it ; arid much more 
 may defire thofe who urge us to fubferive it, to declare unto us,be- 
 fore we give our Subfcription, Whether or not , that Confejjion, in 
 their judgement, will tye us to their Doctrines and Pradtii'es. 
 
 23. Laft of aH : In modeftie, as ye fay, but with a jetting comple- 
 ment, ye prefent unto us, a Dilli of our own dreffing : ye mean, the 
 lyke Argument, Ad hominem; which is this : The Rites and Cere- 
 monies which are not abjured in the negative Confejfion, are not ab- 
 jured 
 
;urcd in tbiislttc Covenant : But the Rites and Ceremonies , whidb 
 Were concluded in Peart h Affembly, are not abjured , as ye iay,ia 
 the negative Confeffion^AtAnn 1 58 1 therefore they arc not abju- 
 red'in this late Covenant. The firft Propofuioiys ye fay, is evident, 
 becaufe b the late Covenant we are bound no fcmber, concerning the 
 negative Confeffion y but to keep it inviolable : And therefore, what 
 Rites are not abjured there, are not abjured here. Likewife ye (ay, 
 that the fecond Propofition, can not be denyed by us,in re£pc& thde 
 twenty years bygone, we have thought our felves tree of Perjurie, 
 notwkhftanding the of Oath made 1 58 1 , and of our conforming our 
 felves to the Ordinance of Peartb. Good Brethren, ye have retorted 
 this Argument very weakly upon us. For, firft, we flatly denye the 
 il/^> of your Syliogifme; and withali doc repeil the confirmation 
 of it. For although Peartb Articles, were not abjured in the lateCV- 
 venant y in fo far as it reneweth the negative Confeffiony yet they may 
 be, and, as it is already proven, they are abjured in that other part 
 of your late Covenant , where ye vow and promife, To recover the 
 Liberty and Purity of the Goipeil, as it was eftablifhed and profef- 
 fed before the forefaid Novations. Next , as for your Minor , 
 or Second Propofition , wee fufpend our Judgement of it , until! 
 wee bee better informed and advifed: doubung,as we faid before 
 concerning the meaning of thofe parts of the old Covenant , wbtck 
 concerne matters of Rite or Ceremonic. Neither doeth the confir- 
 mation of your minor trouble us ; for we have thought our felves free 
 of Perjury thefe twenty years bygone, not for any certain perfwafion 
 which we had, that Peart h Articles are not abjured in the old Cove- 
 nant; but becaufe we did not pextonally fwear that Covenant , and are 
 not tyed to it, by the Oath of thofe who did fubferive it : which we 
 are ready to demonftrate by irrefragable Arguments. Ye fee then 
 your Argument retorred upon us , pearceth us not at all : and the 
 Reader,tnay perceive that our argument hath been fo forcibly thrown 
 upon you, that ye have not taken upon you to anfwere any pirt of it. 
 If ye had had evidence of the truerh for you, ye would not only have 
 retorted our Argument, but alfo by aniwering it punctually, (Kown, 
 that it ftraiceth not you: and if ye had been exa& Reiolvers,ye would 
 not have gone about to have (atisfied us with a naked Argument** 
 cottirarium, &4» Before 
 
Duply £s« 169 
 
 14. Before we leave this point, that it may be known to all,what 
 reaion we have to infill in this our Argument, ad howlnem, and that 
 we have proponed it, not to catch advantage of you, but to get fads- 
 faction to our own mindes, concerning the Covenant , and your fin* 
 cerity in urging us to fubtcriveit, we will colled out of that which 
 hath beene already faid,fome interrogatories, which we pray you co 
 anfwer punctually , if ye intend to giveusfatisfocYion. Thefirftis, 
 whether or not your declaration of the extent of the late Covenant^ 
 wit,.that ir extendeth not it felf to the abjuration diP earth Articles, 
 be not only vera, true in it felf, but alfo verax y that is, confonant to 
 your minde, and to the minde of the chief contrivers of it ? The 
 reafon wherefore we propone this queftion,ye will perceive by thefe 
 that follow. Secondly, feeing ye and others the chief recorfimenders 
 of the old Covenant % have been ever of this minde, that F earth Ar- 
 ticles, and Epifcopacy, are abjured in it; we aske,whether ye all tying 
 your felves by this late Covenant , to the inviolable oblervation of the 
 old Covenant ; have tyed your felves to it in all the particular points, 
 which ye conceived to be contained in it, or only in fome of them > 
 did ye by mental! refervatton, except any part of that old Covenant^ 
 or in particular did ye except that part of it, in the which perpetual! 
 continuance in the doctrine and difctplineof this Church is promifed? 
 Or if that pare was not excepted, did ye put any new gloue upon ic 
 which it had not before > And if ye did not, whether or not ye re* 
 newing the Oath of perpetual! oblervation , of the doctrine and dif* 
 cipline of this Church, as it was Anno 1 58 1, have not only teally,but 
 alfo according to your own conception of that part of the old Cove-* 
 mnt , abjured all Rites and Ceremonies , added to the difcipline of 
 this Church, (ince the~foref aid year; and confequendy , the Articles 
 of Pearthy and:Epifcopacie ? Thirdly,leeing ye lb confidently averre, 
 that Peart h Articles are abjured in the old Covenant, how can ye de* 
 ny them to be abjured in the new Covenant y except ye acknowledge 
 a i ubftantiall difference,betwixt the old and new Covenant > Fourthly, 
 if ye grant that they are really and indeed abjured in the late Covenant^ 
 how can ye faithfully and fmcerely fay to us or to any other,that they 
 are not abjured in it ? Fiftly, how can ye, and all others, ( who with 
 you hive fieaHy, and alfo according to your o«vn conception cf the oli 
 
 B c Covemttft 
 
110 DU'P'L-YESI 
 
 Covenant, abjured Pearth Articles, and Epifcopacie, by renewing o£ 
 it ) voice freely, in the intended Aflembly, concerning theie*things{ 
 feeing ye are" tyed by your Oath , to condemn and abrogate them > 
 Sixtly, How can we concurre with you in an Oath, wherein we are in- 
 fallibly perfwaded that ye have abjured Pearth Articles, and Epifco- 
 pacie ? Seventhly, If we concurre with you in that Oath, will ye not 
 ( as we objected in our Reply, but ye have not anfwered it ) chink us 
 bound by our Oath-, to condemn Pearth Articles , and Epifcopacie } 
 and will not ye thinke your felves bound in conference to tell us, and 
 all others, that which ye think to be trueth , and may make much for 
 your caufe, to wit, that the words of the Covenant have but one fenfe, 
 and that in that one fenfe Pemh Articles are abjured ? 
 
 25. Ye, and all others, may now fee, how injuftly ye faid , that 
 we would have the Covenanters, againft their intention, and whether 
 they will or not, to difallow, and condemn Pearth Articles,and Epif- 
 copall Government, left they be tryed in a free AfTembly. GOD 
 knoweth, how far we deteft all fuch dealing, and this vindication of 
 our two Arguments [ we added alio a third, but ye have fwallowed 
 it ] brought by us, to prove, that Pearth Articles, and Epifcopacie, 
 are abjured in your late Cov>enant,\m\\ fufrlciently cleare us of this im- 
 putation, to all unpartiall Readers. 
 
 2 6 t We did not only alleadge, as ye fay, that your fupplications to 
 his Majefty were fully fatisfied by the laft Proclamation; but ground- 
 ing an Argument upon your Aafwere, to our fourth Demand, we rea- 
 foned thus : If in all your fupplications, ye have only fought the re- 
 moving of the Service Btokj book of Canons ,, and new high Com- 
 miflion; not complaining of any other Novations,already introduced: 
 and, feeing his Majefty hath granted this unto you, what reafon have 
 ye to fay, that his Majefty hath not fatisfied your fupplications? this 
 our Argument, ye have turned to a meere aileadgeancejleft ye fhould 
 have troubled your f elves,, with anfwering it. 
 
 * 
 
 ■• ... -5 
 
Dun y e si 1 1 1 
 
 Whether , or not^ we may forbearethe 
 
 pra&ife of T earth Articles^untill they 
 
 be tryed in a free Affembly.^ 
 
 27. We come now to the confide ration of that, which your Cove-* 
 riant ^ by your own confeflion, tyeth us to; to wit. The forbearance of 
 Pearth Articles, uncill they be tryed in a free Aifembly. And firft, 
 whereas ye fay/That the urging of the Service Book , is a fufficient 
 reafon for forbearance of Pearth Articles, till an AiTembly ; we pro- 
 feffe, that we can not fee the equity, and force of this reafon, For 
 the Service Book^mzy beholden out, albeit Pearth Articles were not 
 forborne at this time; yea, although they ihould never be removed. 
 And the more obedient, Subjects were at this time, to his MajeftieS' 
 lawes already eftablifhed,the greater hope might they have of obtain- 
 ing their defires. 
 
 28. Ye bring two Arguments, to prove the lawfulneffe of the 
 forbearance of Novations already introduced. One is, that the Ar- 
 ticles of Pearth eftablifhing them, were concluded onely forfatisfy- 
 ing the Ki n g, and not to preiTe any man with the pradife of them 5 
 And becaufe the Ad- it felfe ( ye mean the Act concerning Kneel- 
 ing ) givetti warrand , to forbear the pradife of them at this time,, 
 when the memory of Superftition is revived. But this reafon doeth 
 nowife fatisfie our confciences. For, to begin with the laft part of 
 your Anfvoere ; The Memory of SuferBltiom CelebratUn of the 
 LORDS Suffer ■, is not renewed in this Kingdom, for ought we 
 know. And, if ye mean, that it is renewed by the Service Book^i 
 fuppone that were true, yet,yeknow, the Service Book,\s difcharged, 
 by the Ad of Counlell,athis Ma jetties commandement. Secondly^ 
 the Ad of Pearth^ivzih no warrand to forbear Kneeling^upon every 
 fufpition or apprehenilo of Superftition, re-entring unto this Church.- 
 Your Argument, which ye brought to prove this, from the narrative 
 of that Ad, in your Anfwere to our ninth Demand^ is confuted mod 
 plainly by us in our Ref lye to your Anfwere : aad we flaall again fpeak 
 pf it in our D#plye } to your fecond Anfmre concerning that Vemad: 
 
Ill Da pl yes; 
 
 2?. As For the other two parts of your reafon , they arc^contrary 
 to the very words of the Acts of Pearth Afl'embly. The firft part is 
 contrary to the Narrative of all thefe A&s , wherein no mention is 
 made of fatisfying the Kik g, but of othec motives taken from the 
 expediencie, or utility of the matters themfelves. The fecond part 
 is contrary to the tenor of the Decision, or Determination of chefe 
 Ads : in the which by thefe formall words, The Affembly thinketb 
 good : the Ariembly ordaineth : Kneeling in the celebration of the 
 Sacrament, Feftival dayes,cfrr. are enjoined. 
 
 30. We hear of a childith, and rediculous concept of fome, wh© 
 think that thefe words, The Affembly thinketh good, import not an 
 Ecclefiaftick constitution, but a meere advice or Counfell. This ap~ 
 preheniion proceedeth from ignorance: for that phrafe is moft fre- 
 quently ufed by Counfells, in their decrees. In that Apoi|olkk Coun* 
 fell, mentioned AEis 1 5, the word Uof « , and Uog» V»v, are expref- 
 ly ufed, verfe 22.25.28. In the Counfell of Ancya^ Can. 1. & 2. 
 the word Wof * is ufed.In that great and firft OEtumemvk^ Counfell of 
 Nice fan. 5 -ye have thefe words;x*x*c fy«* u^tv.Can.S.u^ ™ «y* 
 9utl(fy£K* t ctmtSy Can. 1 1. S#o|« *•» c »»/f . In the third Counfell of 
 Carthage , Can. 1.2. and 3. the wotd plaatit is ufed, & in codlce Ca- 
 nonttm Ecclefia African* Grace Lat'moy pajfim habetur vox Placmt 
 fan,. And from the Greek word */of«, the Decrees of the Apofto* 
 lick Counfell were called T « 4 w «<r*> ASts 16. 4. Yea, alfo the civil! 
 Decree of C&larAtignftus^Luke z.verfe 1. is called ^y^yedl^um^ 
 pUclwm. And in the Civiil Law, the Conftitutions of Emperours, 
 are called Prlnclpum placha y Infrlt. de Jure naturally §. 6>& 9. 
 Q^iid Princlpl flacmty Leg&habet vlgorent, fayeth Ulplantts , f. de 
 Confilt. Prlncipim^ Lege 1 : Where Qxod Princlpl p/^c/wY, (ignili- 
 C:h as much., as Quod Prlnceps conttltmt. 
 
 3 1 . Your other reafon, [_ which ye bring to prove the lawfulnef* 
 of the forbearance of Peartb Articles ] is , that it is lawfull to fo(gTf 
 the forbearance of a thing indifferent, in the cafe of fcandall,and fen- 
 fible fear of fuperftkion, in others. Yea, ye rhink, that by doing fo, 
 ye have fworn obedience to rhe comrmndement of GOD,which for- 
 biddeth the doing of that whereby others may be fcandalaed. This 
 seafon maveth us no more then the fiilt: for,as for your fear of farther 
 
 fuperftition t 
 
DUPLYES, JfJ 
 
 Jtoperftition, it is now groundleffe , and caufeleffe , m refpeft of the 
 gracious promifes concained in his Majefties Proclamation. But al- 
 though it were a fear jultly conceived, and although the elchewlng of 
 an Evill juftiy feared, be a thing good and defirablejy et we ought nor, 
 for the efchewing of it , . difobey the lawfull commandements of our 
 Superioures, For this were to doe Evill, that good might come if itj 
 Which the Apotile condemneth, Rom. 3. verfe 8.. 
 
 Of Scandall; and whether, or not we may de- 
 ny obedience to theLawes of our Superi- 
 oursjor fear of fcandal caufeledy taken? 
 
 3 ». As for that other motive of fcandall , for which ye alleadge, 
 that we who think the matters concluded in Peanh Aflembly, to be 
 indifferent, and lawfull, may fwear the forbearance of them; we pray 
 you, tell us, what kynd of fcandall it is, which, as ye alleadge, is taken 
 at the prac~Ufe of Peanh Articles? Ye know, that paflive fcandall, is 
 cither procured by the enormitie or irregularitie of the fa& it felf, [ to 
 wit, when either it is a (in,or elfe hath a manifeft (how of fin ] or elfe 
 it is not procured,but caufelefly taken by fome,either through malice, 
 ©r elfe through weaknefs. Now, which of thefe two forts of fcandall 
 Would ye have us to acknowledge, in the pra&if e of V earth Articles? 
 If the nrft, then ye would have us to condemne V earth Articles, be« 
 fore they be tryed in a free Affembly : which is contrary to your 
 proteftation, and no leffe contrary to our refolution. For, if we ac- 
 knowledge any enormitie in the pracfcife of V earth Articles, ex ipfa 
 condhione opens, we (ball be holden to condemne them, and abftaine 
 from them for ever. 
 
 33. If ye will have us to acknowledge, that thefcandaH following 
 upon the pra&ife of Peanh Articles, is of the fecond fort, that is, is 
 caufelefly taken; and , that forfuch a fcandall , whether it be taken 
 through weakneffe, or malice, we ought to abftaine from the doing of 
 a thing-indifferent, although it be enjoined by a lawfull Authority 1 
 ( for ye generally affirme, that all things , which are not neceiTary, 
 «nd dire^iy commanded by COD himfdf, ought to be omitted,for 
 
 Ff any 
 
U4 DuPfcY E S« 
 
 a>ny fcandall whatfoever,although it be caufelefly,yea, and mod malk 
 cioufly taken , and that notwithstanding of any humane precept , or 
 law , enjoyning them. See the Dilute agatnft the Englijh Pofifh 
 Ceremonies^ Van, 2. Cap. 8. SeB. 5. & 6. Item Cap 9. SeB. 10. ) 
 then we proteft, that we differ fo far from you in this point, that we 
 chink, that for no fcandall, caufelefly taken , can we fwear fuch a for- 
 bearance of V earth Articles , as ye would have us. And we marveil 
 from whence ye have learned this ft range , and mod haske doctrine, 
 that for fcandall,ca:ufelefly,yea,mabciou{ly taken,a man may totally, 
 and abfolutely, deny obedience, to the lawes of Superiors res. 
 
 34. The Author of the difpute even now cited, alleadgeth for his 
 opinion, fome Schoole-men, acknowledging the truerh of it : and he 
 nameth Cajetane, and Benne^ who ( fayeth he ) aflfirme , that we 
 Should abftain, even a ffiritualibus non necejfariis, when fcandall a- 
 rifeth out of them. He might have cited for this tenet, Thomai } and 
 all his interpreters, [even although he had been but ilenderly acquaint 
 with them ] as well as thefe two : for they all doe fay fo. But truely 
 he much miftaketh them , when he alleadgeth them for his opinion. 
 For, firft, none of thern'ever taught, that we ought to abftaine totally 
 and altogether, from any fpirituall duety for the fcandall , either of 
 the weak, or malicious. Secondly, when Thomm and others following 
 him, fay, That bona sjiritualia non necejfaria'funt dimittenda proper 
 fcandalum^ they fpeak directly de eis qua [unt Jub concilio non vera 
 fub prtcept'oj of matters of Councell , and not commanded by any 
 Authority, divine or humane : and the moil which they fay of them, 
 is, that fuch things funt Inter dam occult andajvel ad temptu differenda y 
 that is, may at fome times, and in fome places ,. be omitted, for ef- 
 chewing the fcandall of the weak. Thirdly , the moft accurate Ca- 
 fuifts, and interpreters of Thomas , differ much about this queftion, 
 Whether or not y things that are commanded by pofitive Lawes y Civil y 
 and EcclefiaTtically may be omitted at any time \\ "or eschewing Scanda- 
 lum pufillorum , the [can dal of the weak. Dyverfe of them deny this, 
 to mx^Navarrusjn Manual. Cap u iq. § ^.Vafque^Tom. 5. Tract, 
 de \cand*lo,dtibioprimo, §. 5 .Becanus in fumma TheologiA, Part, 2. 
 Tom. pofteriori,TraB, I. Cap .27 .Qu&B .^.Ferdinje Caflro Palao in 
 tpere moraliyTratt.6, Disf % 6.Pmtt % i6 9 Dtivall'ms^ in 2am. 2£. D. 
 
 V . Thorn a 
 
DUPL Y E $2 1 1 J 
 
 ThontA,TraBde Charitate y Qi*ft.i9.j4rt.<>. And for their judgemet 
 they cite Thomas^ D^randns^ Almalnus^ Anton. F brent, and many 
 others. Fourthly : Thofe of them who think, that things commanded 
 by humane Lawes, may be omitted in the cafe of fcandall, admit not 
 as ye doe , fuch an omiffion of the thing commanded in the cafe of 
 fcandall, as is conjoined with a flatte difclairhing of rhe Authority of 
 the Law. For they tell us, that we ought not, for any fcandall of the 
 weak, deny obedience to the Precepts, or Lawes, of our fuperioures, 
 whensoever all other circumftances being confidered, we are tyed, or 
 obliedged,to the obedience of them. The omiflion,then, of the thing 
 commanded, which they allow, is only a partial! and occafionall for- 
 bearance , and not a total), abftinence from obedience, or difclaiming 
 the Authority of the Law. See Vdentia, Tom. S.Vtfp* 3. Sa<?&. 
 18. Pttntr. 4, & Smrez,. de triflici Vlrtute, TraU. 3, iX[p. 10. 
 
 Stft. 3- §• 9- 
 
 3 5. But the forbearance of Peart h Articles, which ye require of 
 us,is conjoined with a flatte difclaiming of the Authority of all the 
 Lawes which eftablilhed them. And ye will have us to forbear thefe 
 Articles, at this time, when all the particular circumftances , which 
 we ought to regard, being conlidered , we are tyed to obedience of 
 them,- especially, if we look to the will and minde of the Lawgivers', 
 sndofourprefent Superioures. Wejuftlyfay, that you will have us 
 to difclaime, altogether, the Authority of thele Lawes. Foi whofoe- 
 ver refoive and determine, not to pradife Peart h Articles, untill 
 they be tryed in a new A{Tembly 5 & efhblifhed by a new Parliament; 
 thefe are purpofed, never to obey them, except they be tyed by new 
 Lawes and Ads, concluded in a new Affembly,' and Parliament: 
 And, confequenrly, are refolved, never to regard and obey thelawes 
 or Acls ot Pearth Alfembly, and the Parliament 1621, which efta^ 
 blifhed thefe things. But fo it is^ ye would have us to refoive, yea, to 
 promife, and fweare, not to pradife Pearth Articles , untill they be 
 tryed in a new affembly, and eftablifhed by a new Parliament : Ergo, 
 ye would have us to promiie,notto pradife Pearth Articles,excep£ 
 we be tyjed, or obliedged,by new Lawes, to pradife them: and, 
 confequently , would have us, never to regard^ or obey, the Ads o£ 
 Pearth Affembly, and Parliament 1 62 1. 
 
 ■35. This 
 
\\$ DllPL YEsi 
 
 3 6. This kuide of forbearance , to wit , which is conjoined 
 with a plaine declaiming of the authoriry of the Lawes made by 
 our Superiours , can not be excufed with your pretence of fcandall 
 caufeleily taken. This we prove : Firft, by a pofition gtanted by your 
 felves, and fo evidently true, that no man can deny it. The Author 
 of the Difpuxe, againft English Popilli Ceremonies, Part . i .Cap. 4. 
 SeB. 4, fayeth, That it were Scandall, not to obey the Lawes of the 
 Church, when they prefcrive things neceffary , or expedient for the 
 efchewing of Scandall : And, that it were contempt , to refufe obedi- 
 ence to the Lawes of the Church, when we are not certainly peri wad- 
 ed, of the unlawfuineffe or inexpediency of things commanded. Now, 
 if fuch a refufing of obedience, be both a Contempt, and a Scandall, 
 it followeth manifeftly, that no man for efchewing of Scandall caufe- 
 lefly taken, ought in fuch a cafe to refufe obedience. Hence we reafon 
 thus: whofoever are not perfwaded of the unlawfuineffe or inexpe- 
 diency ,of the things commanded by their Superiours; and on the con- 
 trare think them to be expedient ad vitandum Scandalvmitkdz ought 
 not for efchewing of Scandall, refufe obedience to the Lawes and or- 
 dinances of their Superiours. But fo it is, we are neither perfwaded 
 of the unlawfulneffe,norof the inexpediency of P earth Articles: yea, 
 on the contrarie, we think that the Acts of Pearth Affembly, enjoin- 
 eth things very expedient for efchewing of Scandall : Ergons, ought 
 not for efchewing of Scandall caufelefly taken, to refufe obedience to 
 them. The Major of this our firft Arguments already proven. The 
 Minor is conforms to the light of our own confeiences , as G O D 
 knoweth : and therefore fo long as we are of this minde, we cannot 
 deny obedience to the ordinances of our Superiours , for any fear of 
 Scandall caufelefly taken. 
 
 37. Secondly, that Which may be removed by information or in, 
 ft ruction, can not be war rand to us , of a totall abftinence from the 
 obedience of Lawes, or, which is all one, of an avowed dif claiming of 
 the Authority of them. But the Scandall of the weake, taken by the 
 practife of Pearth Articles, may be removed by information, or in- 
 ftru&ion : Ergo, it can not be a warrand to us,of a tonll diichiming 
 of the Authority of the Lawes , whereby thefe Articles were eftx- 
 blifhed. 
 
 j8. Third- 
 
D U P L V E Sa 1 1 7 
 
 38. Thirdly: If for fcandalls taken, efpecially by the malicious, 
 we may difciaime the Authority of a Law,then we may ever difclaim 
 the Authority of all Lawes, of the Church or Eftate. For there is 
 nothing commanded by Lawes, but fome either through weakneffe, 
 or through malice, may take offence at it. 
 
 39. Fourchly,we ought not for efchewing fcandal caufelelly taken, 
 to injure or offend any man, by denying to him, that which is due to 
 him, and therefore we ought not, for efchewing fcandal! caufelelly ta- 
 ken, to offend and injure our fuperioures, in Church and Policy , by 
 denying to them that obedience which is due to them. The antece- 
 dent is clear by many examples. For if a man be excommunicated, 
 {hall his Wife, Children, and fervants flee his company, and fo deny 
 to him thefe dueties which they ow to him , for fear that others be 
 fcandalized , by their keeping of company with an excommunicate 
 Perfon? And if they may not for efchewing of fcandall, abftaine from 
 thefe dueties, which they ow to a private perfon, much lefle may we 
 abftaine from that obedience, which we ow to our fuperioures, having 
 publicke charges in Church and Policy , for efchewing of fcandalls 
 caufelelly taken by others. 
 
 40. Fiftly, what if the thing commanded, be enjoined by the ci- 
 vill Magiftrate,under paine of death,and by Eccleiiafticall Authority, 
 under paine of excommunication,thaii we for fear of a fcandall caufe- 
 lefly taken, which may be removed by information,orfor the fcandall 
 of the malicious, who will not be informed at all , abftaine from the 
 doing of a thing lawfull and expedient, enjoined by Authority,and by 
 fo doing, incurre thefe moft grievous puniihments of Death tempo- 
 ral!, and fpirituall > We believe, that your felves, who fpeak moft o£ 
 fcandall, would be loath to take fuch a yoke upon you. 
 
 4 1 . Sixriy, The denying of obedience , to the lawfull commande- 
 mems of our fuperioures, is forbidden in the fift Commandement, 
 and confequently it is a fin. Shall we then for a fcandall caufelelly 
 taken, deny obedience to our (uperioures , and fo incurre the guild- 
 nefle of fin ? Ye commonly anfwere ro this , that the negative pare 
 o c r he fift Commandement, which fonideth the reflfllng of the power ^ 
 frm. 1 ^.verfe 2. and in generall the denying of obedience to fupe- 
 rioures, is to be undecftood with the exception of the cafe of any fcan-, 
 
 G g daii taken 
 
il8 DuPLYESV 
 
 dall taken by others. For if we fee, ( fay ye ) that any may, or will 
 take offence , at the doing of that which is comanded by our fupe- 
 rioures,we are not holden to obey them : and our denying of obedi- 
 ence to them in fuch a cafe,is not forbidden in that Commandement. 
 42. But, firft, we aike, what 'warrand ye have to fay 5 that the ne- 
 gative part of the fift Commandement, is to be understood -with the 
 exception of the cafe of fcandall , more then other negative precepts 
 of the fecond Table ?' Secondly : As men may take offence , either 
 through weakneiTe,or malice, at our doing of the thing commanded.; 
 fo rhey are moft ready to ftumble at our denying of obedience to the' 
 lawf ull commandemenrs of our fuperioures : for they will take occa- 
 sion, by our carriage, to doe that, unto which by nature, they are moll 
 enclmed; to wit, to vilipend Lawes, and the Authority of their fupe- 
 rioures.Shali we,then, for the efchewing of a fcandall caufeleily taken, 
 not only refufe to our fuperioure$,the duety of obedience 5 which they 
 crave of us; but alfo incurre an other fcandall , and that a farre more 
 perilous one. Thirdly : we have already fhown,that the negative pare 
 of the fift Commandement, is not all wayes to be underftood with the 
 exception of the cafe of fcandall caufeleily taken. For, Wives, Chil- 
 dren, and Servants, muft not deny obedience , and familiar conver- 
 fation to their Hufbands, Parents, and Matters, which are excommu- 
 nicated, for fear that others, through weakneffe, or malice , be fcan- 
 dalized thereat. Fourthly : As ye fay , that, the precept concerning 
 obedience to fuperioures , is to be underftood with the exception of 
 the cafe of fcandall caufelefly taken; fo we, with farre better reafon, 
 fay, that the precept, of el chewing fcandall caufelefly taken, is to be 
 underftood with the exception of the cafe of obedience peremptory 
 required , by our lawf ull fuperioures , as we fhall ihow in our next 
 Argument. 
 
 Whether the Precept of Obedience to Su- 
 perioures^ or the Precept of efchewing 
 
 fcandall, be more obligatory ? 
 
 43. Laftofall: when a man is peremptory urged by his fupe- 
 rioureSjto obey their lawful I Commandements,and in the mean time 
 
 fearethj 
 
DUPLYES* .II9. 
 
 feareth, that if he doe the thing commanded by them, fome, through 
 weaknels, {hall be icandalized, by his carriage; in this cafe, he is not 
 only in a difficulty , or firait , betwixt the commandement of Man, 
 and the Commandemenc of GOD , who forbiddeth us to doe tha-c 
 whereby our weak Brother may be offended; but alfo he feemeth to 
 be in a ftrait betwixt two of GODS Commandements ; to wit, be- 
 twixt that precept which forbiddeth the doing of any thing, whereby 
 the weake may be fcandalized, and that other precept which f@rbid- 
 deth the refilling of Authority; and teller h us,rhac whofoever refiftech 
 rhe Power, refifteth the Ordinance of GOD. Now, feeing GODS 
 Precepts are not repugnant one to another , neither doeth GOD by 
 his Lawes lay upon us a necefiTty of finning, out of all queftion , in 
 this cafe, we are fred from the obligation of one of thefe fprecepts : 
 and that which doeth not fo ft richly tye us, or is leiTe obligatory, muft 
 needs give place to the other, which is of greater obligation. Ye com- 
 monly fay, that the precept of obedience to humane Authority, muft 
 give place to the precept of efchewing fcandall, although it be caiue- 
 lefly taken : And, to confirme your Affertion, ye fay, that the ordi- 
 nance of a fuperiour, can not make that fail to be free of fcandall, 
 which otherwife would be fcandalous; and, that a fac\upon which any 
 fcandall follower h , ought not to be done for the commandement of 
 Man. Whence ye collect, that, in fuch a cafe , we ought not to re- 
 gard, or obey the Commandement of our Superiours. 
 
 44. This your Re afon can not be good, becaufewecan eafily 
 retort the Argument, and fay to you, that in fuch a cafe we ought not 
 £0 regard the fcandall caufeleily taken by our weak Brethren , fo far, 
 as to .deny fimplie, and abfolutely , Obedience to our Superiours 
 for it: and that because the fin of Dif obedience ought to be ef chewed 
 and no Scandall of weak brethren caufelefly taken , can make that 
 fa£, not to be the fin of diCobedience, which otherwife, that is, ex- 
 tra cafum fcandaliy would bee the fin of disobedience. Fork is cer- 
 tain, that (laying afide the cafe of fcandall) to deny obedience to the 
 ordinance of our Superiours, enjoining, and peremptorly requiring o£ 
 us, things lawfull;, and expedient, is really the fin of difobedience. 
 Ye will fay, that the fcandall of -weak brethren, may make that Fa&, 
 or Omiihon, not to be dif obedience, which otherwife would be dif- 
 
 obediencej 
 
120 Duply e s? 
 
 obedience ; becaufe we ought not for the Commancfemem of man ■ 
 doe that whereby our weak brorher may be offended : and fo the pre! 
 cept of obedience bindeth nor, when offence of a weak brother may 
 be feared. On the contrary we fay, that the lawfull commandement 
 of Superiors, may make that fcandall. of our weake brethren, not to 
 be imputed unto us, which otherwife would be imputed unto us, as 
 a matter of our guiltineffe; becaufe we ought not, for fear of fcandal 
 caufelefly taken, deny obedience to the lawful! Commandements of 
 our Superiours. 
 
 45. Again, ye fay , that when fcandall of weak brethren may be 
 feared, the precept of Obedience is not obligatory , in refpec-t the 
 thing commanded by our Superiours , although it be in it feif law- 
 full, yet it becometh unexpedient , in refpe£fc of the Scandall which 
 may follow upon it. Now , ( fay ye ) the ordinances of our Superi- 
 ours are no: obligatory, when the things commanded by them are 
 unexpedient. We, on the contrary, fay , that whanour Superiours 
 require of us obedience to their lawfull commandements, the pre- 
 cept of ef chewing fcandail,is nor obligatory* in refpecl we ought nor, 
 for Scandall caufelefly taken, omit neceflary dueties, which GOD 
 in His Law requireth of us : In which number , we moft juftly doe 
 reckon, The duety ofObedter.ee. which we owe to the lawfull Com- 
 mandements of our Superiours. 
 
 46. As for that which ye fay, that when Scandall may be taken at 
 the doing of the thing commanded, then the thing commanded be- 
 commeth inexpedient, and fo ought not to be obeyed; that ye be noc 
 more deceived by this errour, we pray you marke, that a thing com- 
 comanded by our Superiours, in Church,or Policy, may be two wayes 
 inexpedient, ro wit, either in refpe6~t of fome particular Perfons,who 
 through weakneffe or malice doe ftumble at it, or elfe in refpe& of the 
 body in generall, becaufe it is contrary to Order, Decency, and E- 
 dification. If the thing commanded be inexpedient the firft way on- 
 ly, we may indeed, in fuch a cafe, for efchewing the fcandall of the 
 weak, forbear the pra6tifeof the thing commanded He, & mxc, in 
 fome particular places , and times: providing alwifewe doe this, 
 Wirhout offence of our Superiours,ind wrhout the icandal of others, 
 who by our forbearance may be made to s vilipend the Authority of 
 
 Lawes* 
 
DUPLYES? • 121 
 
 J, awes. But we cannot in fuch a cafetotali-y and abfolutely, deny o« 
 sdience no a Law,as we have already proven. Neither is your Argu- 
 ment brought to the contrary valide , in refpeft we ought more to 
 look to the utilitie and benefite, which the body of the Church may 
 receive by the thing commanded, and by our obedience to our Supe- 
 rioures, then to the harme which lome particular Perfons may re- 
 ceive thereby. 
 
 47. If the thing commanded, be in our private judgement inex- 
 pedient thefecond way , we ought nor for that to deny obedience to 
 the Lawes of the Church ; for when the inexpediency of a thing is 
 queftionable,and probable Arguments may 6e brought fro and contra^ 
 concerning the expediencie of it, we have fufficient warrand copra- 
 ftife it, if the Church by her publick decree hath declared , that (he 
 thinketfa it expedient. Your errour, who are of the contrary minde, 
 is very dangerous, and may prove moft pernicious to the Church,for 
 it maketh the Church obnoxious to perpetuall Schifme , and difcon- 
 formity in matters of externall Policy : in refpe£t men ordinarily 
 are divyded in judgement,concerning the expediencie of thefejhings 
 Suppon, then,that in a Synode confining of an hundrethPaftors,three- 
 (core of them think this,or that particular Ceremony to be expedient 
 for the good of the Church ; and in refpeft of the plurality of their 
 voices, make an Ac* to be concluded for the eftabiifhing of it, {hall 
 the remnant fourty , who are of the contrary judgement , deny obe- 
 dience to the A£t of the Synode, becaufe they are perfwaded,that the 
 thing concluded is inexpedient; and fhal they by doing fo,rent the bo- 
 dyof the Church > Truely,if we were all of your minde,we (hould ne- 
 ver have Peace nor Unity in this Church. Ye will fay, perhaps, that 
 this our Argument, is Popiih, and leadeth men to acquiefce, with* 
 out tryall,or examination,in the decrees of the Church. We anfwere, 
 that in matters of faith, the trueth whereof may be infallibly conclud- 
 ed out of GODS word, we ought not, without tryall, to acquiefce into 
 the decrees of the Church. And in thisrefpect we diffent from the 
 Papifts,who afcrive to^much to the Authority ofcounfells,as if their 
 decrees were infallible. But in matters of Policy, if we be certaine, 
 that in their own nature they are indifferent , and if the expediencie 
 of them only be called in queftton, feeing no certaine conclufion ? con« 
 
 Hh cefhing 
 
Hi Duplies? 
 
 cerning their expediency ,can be infallibly drawn out of GODS wor^ 
 which hath not determined , whether this or that particular Rite be 
 agreable to order, decency, and edification; we ought to acquiefce in- 
 to the decree or conftitution of the Church, although it be not of in- 
 fallible Authority : and that partly becaufe it is impofFible^hat other- 
 wife we can agree in one conclufion, concerning matters of this na- 
 ture, and partly, becaufe if we deny obedience to the decrees of the 
 Church in fuch matters, our dif obedience thall prove far more unex- 
 pedient, and hurtful! to the Church, then our obedience can be. 
 
 48. Seeing, then, whatfoever ye have hitherto faid , concerning: 
 the queftion proponedlsy us, may be eafily anfwered, with a retortion 
 •of the Argument, upon your felves ; that we may eichew all fuch Lo- 
 gomachie>we. mufi take fome other courfe, and try which ot thefe two 
 precepts is in it felf of greater moment , and obligation : for thencie 
 we may collect, which of thefe two precepts doeth obliedge us in the 
 cafe forelaid; the other giving place to it , and not obliedging us at 
 all , in that cafe. If ye fay , that the precept which forbiddeth us to 
 doe that whereby our weak Brother may be fcandalized, is in it iafe 
 more obligatory , or doeth more ftrictly ty us to the obedience of ir^ 
 as being of greater moment, ye muft bring a (oiide reafon for you^ 
 which we think ye will hardly find. We know ye fay , that the pre- 
 cept concerning Scandall,is more obligatory,and of greater moment; 
 bscuufe it concerneth the loffe of the foule of a Brother : But this rea- 
 fon is not valide; firft, in refpe& our Brother , if he be fcandalized, 
 by our obedience to our fuperioures, fmneth not by our default, who 
 doe obey : for our carriage in giving obedience, is fuch,as m'ay rather 
 edifie our Brother. Secondly : the precept which forbiddeth difobe- 
 dience,concemeth the loffe both of our own foules,and of the foules of 
 others, who may be entyfed to that (in, by our denying obedience, to 
 the lawfull commandements of ourfuperioures. Thirdly, if that pre- 
 cept of efchewing fcandall, caufelefly taken, doe fo fmS&j obliedge, 
 us, when our fuperioures require obedience of us, it may happen,that 
 a man Avail be in an inextricable perplexity ,noc knowing whether he 
 fhail obey^or deny obedience to the comandtments of his fuperioures: 
 in refpecl: he may fear the fcandall of the weak, whether he obey, or 
 deny obedience. For ; as we Uid before, many are moft ready to be 
 
 fcandalized 
 
Duplye & irj 
 
 fsandaiized by our denying obedience to our fuperlouses, in thinges 
 lawMl, and otherwife expedienr : and that becaufe we by nature ape 
 moil unwilling to be curbed, and to have our liberty reilrained,by the 
 kvyes of our fuperioures. For this caufe ( as Calvin judicioufly not- 
 eth, Inftit; Lb. 2. Cap. 8. jj. 35. ) GOD to allure us to the duety 
 of obedience co our iuperioures j called all fuperioures, Parents, in 
 the fifi Commandement. 
 
 49. Bur we , with good warrand, doe averre , that the precepc 
 which forbid deth refifting of the Civil power,and in generall the de- 
 nying of obedience to the lawful! commandements of our Superiours, 
 is of greater obligation and moment. And,firft, we prove this by an 
 Argument taken from the dive rfe degrees of that care , which we 
 ought to have of the Salvation of others : for this care tyeth us to 
 three things -> to wit , firft , to the doing of that which may be 
 edificative , and may give a good example to all . Secondly , 
 to the efcbewing of that which may be fcandaious, or an evili 
 example to all ; that is , to the efcbewing of every thing , wbick 
 is either (in, or hatb a manifeft ihow of fin. Thirdly : to abftain 
 even from that , which although it be lawful! , yet it may be, 
 tofome particular perfons, an occafion of (in. Of thefe, the firii two 
 are mod to be regarded, in refpe6fc they concern the good of all , 
 which is to be preferred to the good of particular perfons. Hence 
 we inferre that the precept of obedience to Superiours, which pre- 
 fcriveth an A& edificative to all, becaufe it is an exercife of a moft 
 eminent and neceflary vertue,is mole obligatory,and of greater mo- 
 ment, then the precept of efchewing fcandall, cauiclefly taken , by 
 fome particular perfons. 
 
 50. Secondly: That the precept of obedience to our fuperiours,is of 
 greater moment, & confequently more obligatory , then the precepc 
 of efchewing fcandal; is evident by thefe reafons which are brought by 
 our Divines, to {how wherefore the fifth Commandement, hath the 
 firft place in the fecond Table : to wit, firft, becaufe it cometh near- 
 til to the nature of Religion or Piety ,commanded mthe firil Tablev 
 whence ( as your own Ameputnoxexh in his Medpttta y Lib. 2. Cap. 
 17. §. 1 3. ) the honouring and obeying of Parents, is called by pro- 
 phane Authors Religion and Piety. Secondly : This precept, is the 
 
 ground 
 
124 Duply es^ 
 
 ground and (inewe, ( fayeth Parens, in his Catechetick explication o£ 
 the fife precep:,)of the obedience which is to be give to al the reft of 
 the precepts, of the fecond Table, Two reafons are comonly brought 
 of this : one is, that ail Societies , aeconomick, Civill and Ecclefta- 
 fticail, doe coniift aad areeonferved, by the fubmiffion or fubjedion 
 of Inferiours to Superiours, which being removed,confufion neceffa- 
 rily followeth.The other is,thac the obedience of this precept,maketh 
 way to theobediece of all the reft. For ourfuperiours arefet over tiff, 
 to the end,that they may make us to doe our duety to all others .And 
 confequently our obedience to them s is a mean inftituted by GOD,to 
 procure our obedience to all the reft of the Precepts of the fecond 
 Table. Now, would ye know what followeth out of this , let your 
 own Amefius, wfeofe words are more gracious unto you,then ours,tell 
 you it : Seeing (fayeth he,Gij>. citato, §, 6.) humane focietie bath 
 the place of a foundation or ground, in relfeB of e-ther dueties, of Ju- 
 stice and Charitie, which are commanded in the feeond Table of the 
 Law : therfore thefe crimes which direttly procure the perturbation, 
 confu(ion, and ever f on of It, are more grievous then the violation of 
 thepngular Precepts. Now we fubfume : the denying of obedience 
 to Superiours, enjoining fuch thtngs-as inthemfelves are lawful! and 
 expedient, direSly procureth the perturbation and confufion of hu- 
 mane fociety. And therefore it is a crime greater then the violation 
 of other particular precepts of the fecond Table. For this caufe i 
 Dionyfius Bithop of Alexandria, in his Epiftle ad Nov at urn, cited 
 before, declaring how much the unity of the Church ( which is moft 
 frequently marred by the difobedience of Inferiours to their Superi- 
 ors, ) ought to be regarded, fayeth,t/v# Martyrdom fufferedfor ef- 
 chewing of Schlfme , is more glorious, then Martyrdom fufferedfor 
 ef chewing Idolatrie. 
 
 5 1 . Thirdly : Thefe offices , or dueties, which we owe to others 
 by way of Juftice, are more ftrickly obligatory y then thefe which we 
 owe ro them, oncly by way of charity. And confequently, thefe pre- 
 cepts which prefcriveduetiesof juftice, are of greater obligation,then 
 thefe which prefcrive duetics of charity onely But we owe the duety 
 of obedience to our Superiours,by way of jvftice, and therefore it is 
 more obligatory, then the duety ofefchewing Scandal! caufelefly ta- 
 ken 
 
— p-i en - ■ - ~*n ~ -. 
 
 ken, which is a duety onely of chancy. The Major ^ or firft propofi- 
 tion of this Argument , is clear of it felf , as being a Maxime not 
 onely received by the Scholafticks and Poptfh Caluifts,but alfo by our 
 Divines. See your own Amefius^ in his Medulla, Lib. 2 .Cap, 16. §. 
 58". 59. 60. 61. 62.63. where he not onely proponeth this Max- 
 ime, but alfoprovethitby two moft evident examples. The Minor 
 is likewife clear : For, firft, the duety of obedience, which we owe to 
 the publick Lawes of the Church and Kingdom , belongeth to that 
 General! Juftice, which is called Ju&itia legate. For the legall Ju- 
 ftice, as it is in Inferiours,or fubjecl;s,it is a vertue inclining them to 
 the obedience of ail Lawes,made for the benefite of the Common- 
 wealth, as Ariftotle declareth in his fift book of the' Ethickj, 
 Cap. 1. Secondly : Debit nm obedientia,, the debt of obedience, 
 which weow to our fuperioures, is not only debit am morale* a debt 
 ©r duety, unto which we are tyed by morall honefty, and GODS 
 Commandement, but alfo debit urn legale ,or debit umjuftitia^ quod 
 viz,, fundatur in propria jure alterius) a debt grounded upon the true 
 and proper right,which our fuperioures have to exac-t this duety of us; 
 fdithat they may accufe us of injury,and cenfure tis,if we performe it 
 not. There is a great difference betwixt thefe two forts of debt ; and 
 the laft is far more obligatory, then the firft : As for example, a man» 
 oweth moneys to the poor, by a morali debt , but to his creditor he 
 oweth them by a legall debt, or debt of juftice : and therefore, he is 
 more ftri&ly obliedged to pay his creditor,then to give almes. Such- 
 like, by moral! honefty, and GODS precept alfo, a man oweth to his 
 neighbour, a pious carefullnefie, to impede fin in him, by admonition, 
 inftru&ion, good example, and by ommiflion even of things lawfull, 
 when he forefeeth that his neighbour in refpecl: of his weaknefie, will 
 be fcandalized by them. But his neighbour hath not fuch a right to 
 exacl: thefe things of him , neither can he^have action againft him, 
 for not performing of them , as our lawfull fuperioures have for our 
 due obedience. 
 
 Inwhatfenfe the adminiftrationofthe 
 
 Sacraments, in private places, was thought indifferent \ 
 
 inPearthhfemhbf. __^ 
 
 $2. Inwtfopfy weprofeffed,thatwecannotabftahie prefendy 
 I i from 
 
124 DdPL Y E$? 
 
 from private Baptifme, and private communion, being required te 
 adrsumlirate thefe Sacraments to fuch perions, as can not come,orbs 
 brought to the Church. Hence, firft, ye take occafion to object to as, 
 that the ft ate of the queftion concerning Peart h Articles, is quite al- 
 tered, in refpetT: we and our affociates , did ever before alleadge the 
 queftion to be of things indifferent , but now we think them to be fo 
 neceffary, that although the general! Aflembly of the Church (hduld 
 difcharge them, we behoved ftili to pra&ife them : We anfwere, 
 firft, that the Affembly of Vearth hath determined nothing , of the 
 indifference or neceftity of thefe things. Secondly: If any who al- 
 lowed thele Articles,did at that time in their difcourfes and fpeaches 
 call them indifferent , they meaned only , that in the celebration o£ 
 thefe Sacraments, the circumftances of place and time are things in- 
 different of their own nature : or, which is all one, that we are not fo 
 eyed to the adminiftration of them in the Church, and at tymes ap- 
 pointed for Sermon,but we may celebrate them in private houfes,and 
 at other times. But judicious and learned men , even then thought 
 the denying of thefe Sacraments to perfons, who can not come, or be 
 brought to the Church, to be a re draining of the means of grace, al- 
 together unwarrandable by GODS word. Whence ye may collecl:, 
 whether or not they thought it to be unlawfull. Thirdly : Ye have 
 no warrand from our Reply, to fay, that we would not abftaine from 
 private Baptifme, and Communion, although our national! Affembly 
 inould difcharge them. For as we are very unwilling to omit any 
 neceffary duety of our Calling : fo we cary a lingular refpeft to law. 
 full Authority, and to the Peace, and Unity of the Church, abhorring 
 Schifme, as the very Peft of the Church, But of this we fliallfpeaK 
 hereafter in the thirteenth Duply . 
 
 5 5, Next, ye fay, if we have the fame judgement of kneeling, ia 
 the receiving of the Communion , and of Feaftivall dayes , k com- 
 meth to paffe among us which hath been incident to the Church in 
 former ages,that things have been firft brought in as indifferent, then 
 urged as neceffary. Certainly, Brethren, none are fo guilty of this, a4 
 your felves, and your affociates : for ye have now madefome things 
 to be eftecmed neceffary by your followers, which have been accoun- 
 ted indifferent, not only fince the Reformation , but thefe fifteens 
 
 hundrsth 
 
DuplyeS 127 
 
 Imnclfeth years bygone. And in forne other things, which'the ancient 
 Church did wifely forbid, ye doe now make the Liberty of the Gof- 
 pel to confilt. As for us, we ftand as we flood before , and doe yet 
 think kneeling in the receiving, of the Sacrament,and the five Fefti- 
 va'lldayes,tobeRites indifferent in their own nature ; bur indeed 
 very profitable, and edificative, if Paifors would doe their duety in 
 making their people fenfible,of the lawfulnefs& expediency of them. 
 54. We are of the fame judgement concerning Confirmation , 
 which Cdvitty writting upon Hebr. 6, 2. acknowledged , To have 
 been undoubtedly delivered to the Church by the Affiles : and with 
 the fame Author, in the fourth book of his Inftitut. G*/\ 19, §. 14, 
 we wiih, that the ufeof it were again reftored : fo far are we from 
 that pardall dealing with the Articles of P earth, which ye object un- 
 to us, What hath moved our moft reverend Prelats, to abftain hi- 
 therto from the pra&ifing df it, we know not : "they can themfelves 
 belt fatisfie you in this point. And we modeltiy judge, that this 0- 
 fuilfionhath proceeded from weigh-y and regardable caufes. It was 
 Efficient for us, to have a care of our own dueties, in our particular 
 ftations. But the urging and prdFing of that prac-tife upon the Bi- 
 (hops, requireth higher Authority, then ours. In the mean time, ye 
 know theBilhops never difclaimed theAuthbrity of the a& of Pearth, 
 concerning Confirmation, or of any other of thefe Acts, as ye have 
 done, who hwe been hitherto profeffed and avowed difobeyers of 
 them all. Wherefore we wiih you, hereafter not to bring this omif- 
 fion of the Bithops, in the matter of Confirmation, as an Argument 
 for that forbearance of Peart h Articles, which ye require of us : for 
 there is a great difference betwixt the omiffion of a duety commas- . 
 ded by a Law, and an avowed, or profeffed, yea,fworne difobedience 
 of the Law. 
 
 55. Laftof all, whereas ye fay, that we, by mantaining the ne- 
 ceffity of private Baptilme and Communion i doe condemne the 
 prac^ife of this our Church, from the Reformation, till P earth Af- 
 fembly,and put no (mall guiltineffe upon other reformed Churches^ 
 who ufe not private Baptifm and Communion at all .but abftain from 
 them as dangerous : we anfwere, that we have, in all modefty, pro- 
 poned c&it -own judgemehtj.cQncerning private Baptifm,and private 
 
 Communion^ 
 
r j2# Dup£?Es: 
 
 C6mumon y neminem J ttdtcantes{as Cy f rim fold of ddjneonfiUo C ar Z 
 thag. in fr&fat. ) nor taking upon us , to cenfure or condemne the 
 pracYife either of this Church, in times preceeding Femh Affembly, 
 or of other reformed Churches. We can not indeed deny , but we 
 diiTent from them : and if this be a .condemning of them, we may 
 no leffe juftly fay to you, that you condemne the pra6tife and do- 
 ctrine noconely of our Reformers, in the particulars mentioned be- 
 fore in this fame Duply > bur. alfo of diverfe reformed Churches, and 
 of the ancient Church, as we declared in our fixe Demand and fhall a- 
 gain fpeak of it in our fixt Duply. 
 
 A Defence of our Do&rine and Pra€tife, 
 concerning the Celebration of Baptifm 
 
 and the l/Q RD S Supper in private places. 
 
 56. Yedefireus, wifely to confider, whether the defire which 
 our people have of Baptifm and Communion , in time of fickneffe, 
 be nor occafioned by prevailing of Popery,and through a fuperftitious 
 conceit that people have of thefe Sacraments,as neceffary toSalvati6. 
 We are loath to come fhort of you in dueties of charity , efpecially 
 in good willies; and therefore, we likewifewuli you, Wifely to con- 
 fider, whether the neglect of thefe Sacraments in the time of fick- 
 nelfe,which is in many parts of the Kingdom, proceed not fromfome 
 want of a fufficient knowledge, and dueefteem of the fruits of thefe 
 high and Heavenly Myfteries.* 
 
 57JC is well that ye acknowledge,that we minifter thefeSacraments 
 in private,as neceffary onely by the neceflity of the Comandement o£ 
 GOD; but withall ye conceive,that our people imagine, orfeem to i- 
 magine them to be fo neceffary means,as thatGod hath tyed his grace 
 to them. We defire you to judge charitably of thofe who are unknown 
 to you; and withall we-declare, that neither we doe teach our People, 
 nor doe they think, for ought we did ever know , that Baptifm is fo 
 neceffary a mean unto Salvation, that without it G O D can not, 01 
 will not fave any : yea$ on the contrary, we are confident, that when 
 Biptifm. is earneftly fought for, or unfeignedly defired, and yet can 
 not be had, the Prayers of the Parents , and of the Church , arc ac- 
 cepted by GOD,in (lead of the ordinary mean, the ufe whereof is 
 
 hindred 
 
DirPLYEs, 129 
 
 Kindred, by unavoidable nece&ty : and fo in this we depart from the Amhrofe 
 rigid tenet of Papifts. On the other part, weltkewife teach, andac-/» obitum 
 eordingiy our People learn, that Baptifm is the ordinary mean of Valhima- 
 our enterance into the Church, and of our Regeneration 5 to the ufe #/.SeeDo- 
 whereof, GOD, by his Commandement, hath tyed us. &or p/ e /^ 
 
 58. If the commandement of our Saviour, Matth, 28. 19. Goe\x\ his 2. 
 ye, therefore, and teach all Nations, baptising them, In the Name ^f book of the 
 the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy Ghoft, eye not Parents to Church, 
 feek Baptifm to their Children, and Paftors to adminifter, when it Cap. 32. 
 is fought, then have we no commandement at all , for baptizing of 
 
 Infants , which is an Anabaptifticall abfurdity : But if Parents and 
 Paftors, are tyed by this Commandement, then Parents ought 
 to feek Baptifm, to their dying Children, not baptized before ( for 
 then, or never ) and Paftors muft accordingly performe thac duety 
 then, which is incumbent upon them. This is that which King 
 James of bleffed memory, in a conference at Hampton-coutz, Pag* 
 i7,reporteth himfe!f,to have aniwered to zScotijb Minifter , while 
 he was in Scotland : The Minifter afked, If he thought Baptifm fo ne- 
 ceffarle, that If it be omitted, the child fhould be damned ? No, faid 
 the King; but if yon being called to baptise the child, though pri~ 
 vat lie, fhould refufe to come, I think,) ou fhould be damned. 
 
 59. Ye fay, ( to avoide the ftrength of this Argument ) that the 
 fieceflity of the commandement, ftandech onely for Baptifm in pub- 
 iick; and, that no precept requireth Baptifm,but when it can be had 
 orderly , with all the circumftmces thereof : whereof ye fay this is 
 one, that it be admmiftred in the prefence of that vifible Kirk,wher- 
 ©f the Children are to be members. Thus, firft, ye condemne as un- 
 lawful! the adminiftration of Baptifm even in the Church, God-fa- 
 thers, and God-mothers, being prefent, if the whole Congregation AltareDa 
 be not prefent there ; and the like doctrine we find in others, alfo mafcen, p. 
 cited on the Margin , which foundeth loharfhly in the ears of forne 828. and 
 of your own adherents , that they can not be peri waded that this is 8 5 3. Re- 
 your doctrine. Secondly: the Commandement of CHRIST tying us examina- 
 to Baptifme, hath no fuch addition either of the prefence of the Con- tion of the 
 gregation, or yet of the material! Kirk. This belongeth but to the Affemblie 
 lolemnity, and not to the neceitary lawful! ufe of Baptifme* Where of Fearth^ 
 
 Kk GOV pag. 227. 
 
■ 1 30 Dup l Y e i; 
 
 GOD hath tyed this folemnky to Baptifm, ye can not (how by holy 
 Scripture": but where GOD hath tyed us to Baptifm, we have already 
 (howi. It is true, (oiemnities (houid not be lightly omitted.: but the 
 ' Lavv fayeth/? hen evident equity reqmreth,they may he difpenfed withe 
 In regale ^ accorc j m g t0 t ^ ac f ame j^ m , 3 ^ ^bicb is chief and principally 
 juris in fy OU i£ not y» ru i e ^ yy t fo at . w bi c h is acceffory, but contrariwiie. A.s for 
 Jext&Keg. t ^ e ^ ace ^ g a p C ^ m ^ we ma y c a y £ ft ^ as qertpiiiian fayeth of the 
 4 2 * time thereof, in the 15? chapter of his Book of Baptifm, Every day is 
 
 the LORDS^ every home, day, and time, is ft for Baptifm: it may 
 want of the Jolemnityjwt nothing of the grace. Neither is iuch a num- 
 ber, as ye require to be prefent, necelTtry in this cafe. Our Saviour 
 hath taught us, Matth. 18. 19. That if two fhall agree an Earth, as 
 touching any thing that they fhall ask? , it fhall be done fa them, of 
 his Father wh'ch is in Heaven : For fayeth he, where two or three are 
 gathered together in my name, there am I in the midfl of them. We 
 beleech you, therefore, Brethren, to take heed* that ye preicnbe not 
 to mens consciences, Rites of neceflity, without clear warrand from 
 GODS word , by which ye wili never be able to prove the neceflity 
 of this circumstance required by you in Baptifm. 
 
 6<a>. The practife of the primitive Church , borh in the Apoftles 
 times, and thereafter* agreeth with this doctrine and pratYife of ours* 
 Saind Philip baptifed the Eunuch on the way, Atks 8. Amnios bap- 
 tized Saul in a private houfe, Atts 9. Sain6\ Paul baptized the Jay- 
 lour in his houie, Afts 1 6\ If ye aniwere as others doe , that eke ne- 
 ceflity of the infancy of the Church, exefed the want of the preface 
 of a Congregation : we reply, that the fame neceflity is found in the 
 cafes whereof we fpeak : for as unpoflible it is for a dying infant, who 
 about mid-night i*s at the laft gafpe , to enjoy the prefence of rhe 
 congregation^ it was impoflible for any of the afore mencioned,the 
 Eunuch, Saul, or the Jailor, to have had a Congregation prefent as 
 their Baptifm, yea, more impoflible; and why fhould there not be the 
 fame effect, where there is the fame reafon ? 
 
 61 . The pra6tife of the ancient Church, in this , is alfo clear for 
 
 Gregoric us. This is manifeft from the 76 Epiltle of S. Cyprian ,from the Ora- 
 
 Naztianz,. t ion of G'regorie Nyffen , againit them who delayed their Baptifm, 
 
 Orat % 40. from S. Bafil! } mti$ 1 3 Honrilicjutikh is an exhortation to Baptifm, 
 
 Tom* 1* 
 
DuplVes? i 3 1 
 
 Tom. * . from Gngorie NazJanzjn, in his 40 .Oration, whofe words 'e'«c «V*x» 
 we have cited upon the margine. Hence although two fet times were ^"^ r * *? 
 appointed, lor lolemn Baptifm, yec the cafe of neceflky was ever ex- ?;"££ £»r 
 cepted. This is clear by the forefaid Tetiimoiaies, as al'fo by thefe fol- ua^* pi- 
 loting, Sir' cms Eplfi, i.cap. 2. Tom. i. Condi. Gelaf. Epifl, 9. ad xov^o Svrac 
 Eplfcjpos Lucama y Tom. 2. Condi. Cone. Antipodal', cap. 18. Toma.** $. ° vai 
 Conc.Matijeon.z. cap.^.llom.i* Condi. Cone. Meldens.cap. 48. Cone. ^*!^ e »*I 
 Trib mens. cap. 1 i.Cdxdljn Palatio Vemis cap.j. Cone. Wormatiens. 99rSfA ' ^ 
 - cap. 1 .Tom. 3 .Coneit.Tht learned Caufabon, in his 1 6 exercitation,co- *l k*«J? fc$ 
 fidering ail this, fayetji,^^ to them^ that in the administration of this w>x a ?w*~ 
 Sacrament , deny their duet y to dying Infants , under pretence oflT^J . 
 knnv mt what Dlfdpline. To this lame purpole the learned Martin P° 7 tMe 
 
 B 
 
 wordes 
 
 tcer, in the 15 Chapter of his cenfureof the Epghfh Litur^ie y __. » 
 considering Baptifm ol' ftck Infants privatly,fayeth, /» this Confine ^^ C r taa 
 tion^all things are holily fet down. This fame pra^tife alio is allowed ■ ' a nter ~ 
 by Doctor PVhitaker, in hi* Book againft Reynolds, Pag. 48. ^f^X* l. 
 
 thus ; Baptijmum (ufcipe quamdiu minim* eircum te pugnant is quite baptifml 
 aqua tingere parat, & qui pcecuniarum tuarum h&resfutu tu eft, file videlicet 
 fiudiofe agens wc^ comendens ut €a qua ad v it a exit urn neceffaria funt, fuppedi- 
 tet, hoc e{t t ut tefalutari aqua tingat & dominie um corpus impertiat^ hie contra 
 ut teftamemo htres fcrihatur^ 
 
 6z+ The Congregation, fay ye, whereof the child is to be a mem- 
 ber, hath intereft in this, and therefore ought to be prefent , no ieffe 
 then at excommunication, whereby a rotten member is cut off. In 
 this cafe of neceiliry, there is no prejudice either to the child, or t© 
 the congregation,thorow the want of the congregations prefence : for 
 there is no negled, nor conte mpt of the congregation in this caie, or 
 of any of the members thereof : and the child by Baptifm , though 
 privatiy adminiftred,is ingrafted into CHRIST,and fo being joined 
 to the head of the Church, becommeth alio united unto the -Church, 
 which is his body. If excommunication require the prefence of the 
 whole congregation, becaufe the power of binding and looting, is de- 
 lyvered by CHRIST to every particular Church , or congregation, 
 collectively taken ask is affirmed in the Difpute againft the Enghfh 
 
 Popiih 
 
1 3 i D;uplyes2 
 
 Popifa Ceremonies, Part. 3. Cap. 8. P^. 182/thenit is not alfte 
 with Baptifm,the power whereof is committed to the Paftors of the 
 Church , Matth. 28. But although that ground be not true, as we 
 rhink it is not, yet excotnunication is done in prefencc of the People. 
 For this cenfure may not be inflicted, but onely tor publick offences; 
 and therefore muft be publick, as the offence is, Thai others alfo may 
 fear, 1 Tim. 5. 20. and have no company with the delinquent, that he 
 may be ajhamed, 2. Thejf. g. 14, and fo your fimilitude holdeth nor, 
 6 3. As for the adminiftring of the Sacrament of the LORDS 
 Supper, we lay it is moft profitable, for comforting of the Soules of 
 men, fighting with the terrous of death ; and that the cai'c may fall 
 our, wherein they moft ardently defire it, and confequently, that Pa- 
 ftors who are the Stewards of GODS Houfe, ought not to deny to his 
 Children, fo hutigring and thriving in this conflict, that heavenly re- 
 freshment : which we are not athamed, jyith che ancient Fathers, to 
 call,u »*«•»> or Viaticum, though ye feem to condemne this. It is ma- 
 nifeftby the writtings of the ancient Fathers : Juftine Martyr, in his 
 2. Apology ; Eufebtus, in the 6 Booke of his Story, 3 6. Chapter, snd 
 others, that the Sacrament was adminiftred to fick petfons privatly. 
 Confitium The famous 0£c#^mV^Counfell of Nice, in the 1 3 Canon, and fe- 
 Nicenum, con ^ P arc thereof, appomterh the fame, or rather confirmeth the an* 
 Cm. 13/ c * enc Lawes thereanent. The like we may fee in the 76 Canon, o£ 
 the fourth Counfell of Carthage. See Balfamon alfo, upon the 2©. 
 K*9ox« 3 Canon of the Counlell ofc Carthage, where fpeaking of dying perfon*,. 
 ***' cfej he fayeth, That the LORDS Suffer fhould be carefully adminiftred 
 *""(&.* *" mt0 the™'* ***& Bapt'fm, if they be not baptized. Hence Bifhop Jewel 
 tyKfallf, in his Difpute agamft Hardings, Pag. 32. fayeth, That certain god- 
 «it;vt©-t8 // ferfons, both men andwomen^tn time of perfecution, or ofjickpefs^ 
 tAtra.;x«> or of other necejfitie, received the Sacrament in their houfes, it is not 
 •"fcfp'f'^denyed. The ancient Fathers alfo call this Sacrament viaticum , ot 
 l&'yTri I pavilion for our journey. So the Fathers, in the fourth counfell of 
 fyTup&eUc Carthage, fpeak > Canon 78. So Gaudentius in his fecond Treatife on 
 (itiviifir* Exodus. So in S. Bafill his Liturgie , we find this Prayer , that the 
 rfc vfos*— participation of thefe facred things, may be the viaticum of eternall 
 '* f * life. So Concil.Vaf. 1. Can. 2. So Vaulinus in vita Ambroft). 
 
 Whence Caufabon, in his anfwere to the Epiftle of Cardinal! Perron, 
 
DllPLYES. '133 
 
 Fab-. 49 . fayeth, The Church of England not onely diftributeth, the Batfamon 
 myfticall bread, to the faithful! ' in the public^ Congregation, but alfo hrs wordes 
 <zdminiftrateth to dying perfms this viaticum, as the Fathers of the are, r oV*j 
 Comfell of Nice, and all Antiquitie, call it. ?\ *«*" 
 
 otelhvsi </[t* Tiff to& a^'av fAVTUfi a? (AtrctKi^tus, %cu ^i* t« Ss/a i8«ea , T|?^«T@- a ay a?iP 
 «&J.?rriT9.t t 
 
 64. Learned Calvin was of this mind : i^«;/ #0^ weightie rea- 
 fans, faydth he, Epislr 361. jwow ^ *0 ffe£, fto ffo Communion 
 '(Joould not bjs denyed to fic\ perfons. Zeppems , in his firft Book of 
 Ecdeiiafticali policy, and 12. Chapter, hath thefe words of this mat- 
 ter, One thing remamethyet to be refolved,to mt, concerning thecoma 
 union of (ickjerfons .Albeit fome think^otherwife.yet it feemethjhat the 
 holy Sapper may not, nor ought not Jo be denyed to them thatjeek^ it, For 
 if it was appointed for the confirming of our faith, and increafe of our 
 Comnnion with Chrift; if we ought by the ufe of it to teftifie our faith 
 or s~hudie of repentance', why fhould they be deprived of fo great a good, 
 who fight with long difeafes,or are in danger of their life } V/hendoeth 
 Sat-an labour more ftronglie to (hake nnd br angle our faith, then when 
 we are e-xercifed with bodily difeafes ? When do our conference* tremble 
 more, and ft and in need, of the most ample corroboration of faith, then 
 when we iind that death is knocking at the do ore, and that we are cal- 
 led to compear before the Tribunal! of GO J) ? Uieronymus Zanchius^ 
 is of the fame mind. Thus he writeth in an Epiftle of his to John 
 Crato, Phyfician to the Emperour, / have nothing to fay of the que- 
 ft ion proponed by you, but that I fubferive to your judgement, provid- 
 ing this be done when neeeffitie requireth,and it be adminiftred to them r x 
 who through ftcknejfe, cannot come forth with others in public^ For 
 [tnce CHRIST deny eth this to none of his D fciples, how can we refufe 
 it to (ick^perfons, who defire it before they depart hence , and that not 
 out of any fuperftition, but that their minds may be the more comfor- 
 ted, and raifed up > Martin Bdcer, in the 22. Chapter of his fore- 
 mentioned cenfure, coniidering that part of the Litmgte , wherein 
 the adminiftrating of the Communion to Tick perfons is fet down, 
 fayeth, Things here commanded, are agreeable enough to holie Scrip- 
 ture : for it maiUthnot a litt'li % to the comforting of 'troubled Softies^ 
 
 Li tore- 
 
/ 1 34 Duplyes;] 
 
 t o receive the Communion of the LORD, Yea , he hath written £ 
 particular and moft devote Treaufe, directing Paftors how to admu 
 nitfer the Communion to Tick perfons : and yet we truft, ye will not 
 call him a Papift, fince he was to hatefull to Papifts, that after he was 
 dead, they rajfedup his bones and burnt them. Peter Martyr, writ- 
 cing'upon the 10, Chapter of the i.Epitileto the Corinth, (peaking 
 of the LORDS Supper,. hath thefe words, The y fay it moft be given 
 tofiok^psrfons : I confeffe fayech he, bat the my fiery may be celebra- 
 ted before tbefickjerfons. It is to be remarked alfo, that otten times 
 it falleth out, that fome perfons are affixed to their beds by ficknefs, 
 for the fpace of five or fix, yea, ten yeares, or more : And ho,v can 
 We deny the comfort of this holy Sacrament to thofe all that Ipace, 
 efpecialiy when they earneftly long for it > 
 
 6$. this doctrine and practiie of ours , tendeth not to the con- 
 tempt of the Sacraments, ( as ye would bear upon it ) it is plaine 
 contrary : for by this pracYife, we (how, how much we reverence the 
 Comrrundement of GOD, and how highly we efteem of his ordi- 
 nances, which we fo eameftly feek after; whereas on the other parr, 
 the pra&ife of others, leadeth people to the contempt of the Sacra- 
 ments, becaufe they are moved thereby, to thinke, that there is no 
 • fuch necdficy and efficacy in them, as Scripture, and the confent o£ 
 Chriftians, hath afcribed thereunto. As for other abufes^eheatfed by 
 you, as fruites of private Baptifm, fince you bring no proofe for what 
 ye fay in this, we oppone our juil denyali,to your bare and unjuftak 
 fertion. 
 
 66. Laftly, ye advertife the Reader, that ye think not the mate- 
 
 riall Churches, but the ordinary meetings , necetfary to the lawful! 
 
 adminillration of the Sacraments , left any (hould conceive that ye 
 
 entertaine a fuperttitious conceit of places. We think,ye might have 
 
 {pared this adverrifement : for we find , that they who oppugne our 
 
 doctrine and pradhfe in this point, are fo far from being in danger of 
 
 AltarcDa the extremity mentioned by you, that on the contrary they teach, 
 
 ma\cen, p. that the Church is a place no more holy, then any other , and that it 
 
 34i.dilp. maybe indifferently ufed to facred or civil ufes : which in our judge- 
 
 againftthe ment is not agreable, either to holy Scripture, or to found Antiquity. 
 
 Bttglijh See Enfebins in his ecclefiallick Hiftory, Lib. io, cap. 3. Chryfofl. 
 
 pj- homil* 
 
D u p l Y e $1 1 3 5 
 
 h&mti. %&. on the firft Epiftle to the Corinth. S. Ay>guftine, in his Popijv CV- 
 firft Book of the city of GOD, cap. i. Codex The o daft anus, Lib. y.remonies, 
 Titnl.jtf M his qm <d E&clefias.confagermt.Conc.Gangrenf. Can.% I . Part. % 
 
 Se&. 2. Re-examination of the Articles of P earth t fag. 143. ?' l ' 
 
 The V. Duply, 
 
 THe indifferent Reader may perceive, by our former f)t4ffo y 
 that your Aafwere to our firft exception , taken from the obe- 
 dience, due to Authority, and from our judgement , concern- 
 ing rhe adminiftration of Baptifm, and the LORDS Supper, to dy- 
 ing perions in private places, hath not given fatisfacMon. 
 
 2. We afked of you, in our fife Demand , how we can fubferive 
 thenegativeConfeilion, as it is propounded by you, without contra- 
 dicing rhe pofiave Confeilion , approved by Parliament , holden 
 Amo 1567, fince the pofoive Confeflion, c hap* 2 1 . declareth, that 
 Rues are changeable, according to the exigency of time, and confe- 
 quencly that no perpetual! Law > may or ought to be made of them, 
 and the negative Confeilion naaketh a perpetual! Law, concerning 
 the externall Rites of the Church ; at lea ft according to your judge- 
 ment, who urge the fubferiving of this Covenant and Confeffios upon 
 us ? we urged farther in our Reply, that the late Covenant bindeth us 
 to the old Covenant made Anno 1 5 8 1 ; for by your late Covenant, ye 
 profelfe your ielves bound to keep theforeiaid national! Oath ( as ye 
 call it ) inviolable : and that old Covenant, or Oath, bindeth us to the 
 difcipiine which was then; and that difciphne comprehended! all the 
 externall Rites of it , ( as ye have in all your writings profeiled, ef- 
 pecially in that late Book entituled, The dispute agawft the Engllfh 
 Popish Ceremonies : whence in your Sermons,and printed Books,fince 
 the Affembly of Pearth, ye have been ftill accuftng us of Perjury. ) 
 So from the firft, to the laft, the lateCW nant bindeth us to the po- 
 licy which was then ; and confequently , maketh a perpetuall Law, 
 concerning the Rites of the Church, as if they were unchangeable. 
 
 3. Your Aniwere to this Argument, is not iufficient, nor to the 
 
 purpoie, 
 
purpo'fe. i . ^e put off, without any Anfwere,that which we alleadge 
 out of a Difpute " againft the English Popifh Ceremonies; and , in 
 , ftead of ahtwering, mm; that what we have thence, or from any o- 
 ther Treatiie of that kind, wete keeped to another time. Pardon us, 
 rhat we wi(h greater ingenuity , and a more dired Anfwere,. Con- 
 hder the words of thatTreatife, before cited, Fart. 4. Cap. 8, Sett.%. 
 JSfo man among ft &[ can certainly kpow^ that the Difcipline mealed 
 and ffoken of in the Oath> by thoj'e that [wear it , comprehsndeth not 
 under it thefe points ofD'fciplmefor which we now contended which 
 this Church had in uje at the [wearing of the Oath. Shall we x then % 
 put the breach of the Oath in a fair hazard ? GOD forbid. The 
 fame we find to be trie judgement of others alfo, who have oppofed 
 the Articles oiPedrth y and Epifcopall Government. Since , there- 
 fore, we defire to be refolved , concerning the right meaning of the 
 negative Confeffion, left by it we condradicl the poiitive Confeffion, 
 approved in Parliament : Had we not reafon to propone this difficul- 
 ty to you, who require our fubfcripdon, and came hither , to refol ve 
 eur Scruples ? If ye condemn the judgement of thefe your Brethren, 
 who were Authors of thefe Treatifes, why doe ye not openly profefs, 
 that ye, and the reft of the Authors of the late Covenant , difaliow it } 
 If ye doe approve it, as we have great reafon to think ye doe, fmce 
 ye ha^e ftill oppofed the Articles of P earth, and Epifcopacy,and doe 
 exprefly refer re us to thoi'e Treatifes in your ninth Anfwere: How 
 doe ye not fee, that, with a good confcience, ye can not require us, 
 to f wear , and fubfcrive , that which ye know to be contrary to our 
 minde ? Remember,- we pray you, the words of the former Treatife, 
 in the place before cited, put the cafe,it were doubtfull and question- 
 able, what is meaned by the word Discipline in the Oaths ytt pars 
 tutior^ the fafer way were to be chofen; which is affirmed there to be 
 this : that the points pracVifed by us , are abjured in the negative 
 Confeffion. 
 
 4. Secondly : whereas ye fay , That none of you would refufe to 
 fwear the fhort Confeffion, becaufe. we have expounded fome Ar- 
 ticles of it contrary to your minde : we reply, that this anfwere fa- 
 tiSfieth not : for you f wearing the negative Confeffion, notwirhftan- 
 ding, of the contrary Interpretation of them who differ in judgement 
 
 from 
 
Duply e^ 137 
 
 &cm you,{howeth not,how the apparent contradiction betwixt it,and 
 the pofitive Confesfion, obje&ed by us, is reconciled by you the pro- 
 pounders and urgers of it. Moreover, if we did urge you to fubfcrive 
 the negative Confesfion, when in the mean time we were perfwaded, 
 that our interpretation of the Articles thereof, were contrary to your 
 judgement; we were bound to labour to informe your judgement, 
 before we did exact your Oath : and , consequently , by the law o£ 
 Charity and Equity, ye are obliedged, not to require our Oath , till 
 firft ye doe that, which is fufficient,to make our judgement conforme 
 to yours: which as yet ye have not done. 
 
 5. Thirdly : ye fay, your defire is, that both of us keep our mean- 
 ing of the negative Confefsion, according to our diverte meafures o£ 
 light, and only promife forbearance : which, ye fay, we may doe, be- 
 caufe that we think the points controverted,to be indifferent : we an- 
 fwere, that ye ftill flee the point in queftion : for it is another thing 
 for us, to keep our meanings, and another thing for us, to fwear a Co- 
 venant, when we are not perfwaded of the trueth thereof. Ye might, 
 and may ftill enjoy your meaning for us : but how we can keep our 
 meaning, and fubfcrive your Covenant, we fee not; (ince we think the 
 one repugnant to the other. Neither is it forbearance only that is re- 
 quired, as we have ftiown before; nor yet can we fwear forbearance, 
 the Law (landing ftill in vigour, and Authority requyring obedience, 
 Laftly : we think not all the points contraverted , to be indifferent, 
 as was before declared. 
 
 6. Thus it may appear, how ye have dealt with our Sorites , as 
 ye call it. The like dealing we find anent our Dilemma ; the 
 homes whereof, ( as ye fpeak ) ye labour to turn againft our f elves, 
 by afking. To which of the members of the diftin&on , we referrc 
 Pearth Articles and Epifcopacy } If fay ye, they were abjured in the 
 negative Confejfion^ we are perjured for the praUifwg of them : and if 
 left indifferent, by that Confejjion, we may , notmthftanding of that 
 Confepon, forbear the prattife of them. Firft, Your Question is not 
 pertinent : For the diftin&ion is not ours, but yours. And to whaE 
 purpofe is it to you, to know, to what member of your diftin$ion,we 
 referre the Articles of Pearth, and Epifcopacy ? Secondly : There 
 is no ftrength in eitherof the Homes of your Dilemma % For, by turn- 
 
 Mm ingk 
 
m 
 
 •^»» 
 
 DUPLYEJ, 
 
 ing it wrong, you have made it your own. The one home is , That 
 if the Articles of Peart h, and Epifcopacy, be left indifferent , by the 
 fhort Confeflion, we may forbear the pra&ife of them, Firft, This 
 meeteth not the home of our Dilemma^ which was, if we be not tyed, 
 by che negative Confeflion, to the ommiilion of trufe things; then 
 why haveye,m all your writings againft us, exprobrated to us t Perjury, 
 for violating of the Oath contained in that Confeflion > To this no 
 word by you is angered here. Secondly : Suppone thefe things were 
 left indifferent by the negative Confession; yet may we not forbear 
 the pra&iie of them : becaufe, fince that Confefsion , Lawes have 
 palfed on them; which remaining in vigour, require our Obedience 
 as we faid before. 
 
 7. The other home of your Dilemma^ that if thefe points were 
 abjured for ever , before f 'earth Affembly , then wee, who pra&ife 
 theEH,are perjured. To which we anfwere, That it follow eth not : foe 
 we never did fwear to ttat negative Confeision. And therefore, 
 though thefe points were abjured therein y yet are we free from ait 
 g'uluneife of Perjury. And in the mean time, ye have not relolved, 
 now he who is perfwaded, of the lawfulness of thofe pointsman fwear 
 the negative Confefsion, if by it the Swearer be tyed, to the abjuring 
 of thofe points, which was the other part of our Dilemma. Thus, if 
 ye will consider rightly, ye may perceive,that, our Dilemma ftandeth 
 unmoved, with the homes of it (till towards you. Ye farther infimu 
 ate, that our Reafons, are notfolide and grave, but velitations of fuch 
 a fort as ye looked not for. Let the judicious Reader , pronounce his 
 fentence of this ; only we will*, that ye had chofen rather to fatisfie, 
 then to contemn our reafons. That which ye here againeadde, con- 
 cerning the change of ComhTioners,is aniwered in our fourth Dufly. 
 8. To give light to your former difcourfe,ye fubjoine a diftin&ion 
 of difcipline, into three members : Firft, ye fay , it is taken for the 
 rule of Government of the Church, and cenfure of manners, by office 
 bearers appoinredb) CHRIST: and thus, ye fay, it is unchangeable. 
 Secondty,for conffitutions of counlclls,and Acts of Paribment,about 
 nutters of Religion : And thus, ye fay, it is alterable, orconlhnt, 
 according to the nature of particular objects. Thirdly : for the or- 
 dering of circumftances, to-be obferved in all a&ions> divyne, and 
 
 humane^ 
 
DUPLYES? *39 
 
 humane : and fo ye fay it is variable. Firft, by thefe diftin&ions, the 
 matter feemeth rather to be obfcured, then cleared. For ye doe noc 
 expreffe, in which of thefe fenfes the difcipline mentioned in the ne- 
 gative Confeilion, is co be taken, which was the point required of you. 
 
 9. Secondly : ye feemby this diftinc^ion, tointangieyourfelves 
 yet more. For, firft, if ye take the name of difcipline, in any one, 
 or any two of thefe fenfes , what fay ye to thefe following words o£ 
 your dispute againfl the English Popifh ceremonies , Parte 4. cap. 8 # 
 Seel. 3. rhe Bifhop doeth hut needle fly queftlon , what is meanedby 
 the difcipline whereof the Oath sfeaketh. For howfoever In Ecclejtafti- 
 call ufe y it fignlfieih often times , thtt Folic' e , which ftavdethin tfo 
 cenf tiring of manner s\ yet in the Oath it mu$~b be taken In the largest 
 fenje; namely , for the whole Policy of the Church. For, 1.7 he whole 
 Policy of this Church t did,at that time.goe under the name of ' d'feiplmei 
 and thofe two Bjokj wherein this Policy is contained, were called the. 
 Books of difcipline. And without all doubt y they who fwore the Oaih y 
 metntd by difcipline^hat whole Policy of the Church which is contain- 
 ed in thofe Bj 4/r 
 
 10. Secondly, when that little Confeffion was framed, the go- 
 vernment of the Church was only by Presbyters,and not by Biilhops: 
 and, therefore, if ye think, that the name of difcipline, in that Con- 
 Eeflion, comprehendeth under it the firft part of your diftinction, 
 ( which, as we conceive , ye will not deny ) ye may eafily perceive, 
 that we are urged by you, to fweare , and fubferive againft our Con- 
 ferences ; fince we think the rule of the government of the Church, 
 which then was tobechangeable;and, that the Government was law- 
 fully changed, by following Affernblies, and Parliaments, from Pref- 
 byters, to Biiliops, 
 
 1 1. Thirdly : If thefe Constitutions of Counfells,conceming objects 
 alterable,menuioned in the fecond member of your diftinc"Hon,be one, 
 & the iajne,wuh ordering of variable circum[12ces } mentioned in the 
 third member;why have ye difhnguifried the one from rheorherpBur, 
 if they be dih%ent,then ye grant,that Ecclefiaftick conftitutions,may See the 
 be made concerning fome alterable matters of Religion,which are not Diflwte a- 
 fore circumftances; which is repugnant to your ordinary doctrine ; gainfi thi 
 whereby ye mantain, that nothingTchangeablc , is left to the deter- Englijh 
 
 minat ion Po*. 
 
i4<3' Dun VE..S,] 
 
 Tofifh Ce- mination of the Church* in matters of Religion ; but onely circum- 
 remonles, fiances of A&ions. We can not fee, how ye can mantain this do- 
 part. 3 .cap &rine, and yet oppofe the determinations of the Church ? concern- 
 7./*#. 5. ing Ceremonies, which are indifferent. 
 
 12. We had* reafon^ to inquire your judgement, concerning 
 Rites or Ceremonies, which are not of divine Inftitution , whether 
 they be lawful!, or not, though ye ftilMhun the declaring of it. Since 
 by your Covenant, ye intend a reformation of Religion, and a reco- 
 vering of the Liberty and Purity of the Gofpell, as ye fpeakj if ye in 
 your judgement, condemne fuch Ceremonies , ( as ye insinuate ) we 
 can not expect, but that, if ye obtain your defires, all fuch Rites fliali 
 be expelled and condemned, efpecially fince by this your late Cove* 
 wantjfz tye your fe Ives to that old Covenant jwhcxdn ye difclaim and 
 
 The late deteft all Rites brought into the Church,without the word of GOD. 
 Confejfion Now, we can not concurre with you, for promoving this end,becaufe 
 of Helve- fuch a judgement, is plain contrary to ours, yea , contrary to the u- 
 tiaycap.iy niverfali judgement and pracMfe, of the Ancient Kirke, repugnant 
 Confejfion alfo to the judgement of the Protectant Churches, and moft famous 
 of Bohem, Divines therein, as may appear by the quotations on the margine. 
 cap. 15. But if ye be of the fame mind with us,and think, that there are fome 
 Englifb Rites of that kind lawfull,why doe you hide your minde from us,and 
 Confejfion, others, fince the acknowledgement and manifefting of this Trueth, 
 art. 15. Co would be no fmall advancement to your caufe , by removing this 
 feffion of great offence ? 
 Auffurg. 
 
 art. 1 5. art. 7. Confejfion of Wirtemberg. art 3 5. Confejfion of Sweveland, cap, 
 14. Calvin. Inftitmjib.q. cap. 10. §. lO.Oecolampadius Epift. Lib.q.pag. 
 818. Zeppermfollt.Ecclef.pag. 138. 142, 143, Z 'ancbim y in quart nm prt* 
 ceptiim. Melanchton, In many places. &c. 
 
 Of Matrimoniall Benedi&ion, and 
 God- fathers in Baptifm. 
 
 1 3 . As for folemn blcfling of Marriage, we afked, what warrand 
 ye had for it, by precept or practife, fee down in GODS Word. In 
 
 your 
 
Dupl vis? 14I 
 
 your Anfwere ye infinuate , that it is a bleffmg of the people com- 
 manded in the Law , and more plainly we find this fet down in the 
 Difpute,aga'mft the Englifh Popijh Ceremonies^ Tart. 3. Caf.2. Sett, 
 10. Tet plain ft is from Scripture it felf, that Matrimoniall Bene- 
 dittioni ought to be given by a Pa/tor, for GOT) hath commanded his 
 Minifters to klejfejii* People y ( Numb. 6.) Firft, who ever before 
 you, did ground the neceility of folemne blefsing of Marriage upon 
 thefe words, Numb. 6.23. Syeakunto Aaron , and unto his fonnes, 
 faying , on this wife ye (hall bleffe the children of Israel , faying unto 
 them :the LORD bleffe thee, and keep thee : &c. Learned Melanch- 
 ton, was not fo well verfed in Scriptures, as to fee this. For he fayeth 
 in his Epiftles, Pag. 328. Ye fee that the Rite of the Ancients is, 
 that the Bridegroom and Bride, are joined before the Altar , in the 
 fighto^GOD, andwiththeincailingofGOD. Which cuftome un- 
 doubtedly hath been ordained by the firft Fathers, that we may con- 
 sider that this conjunction was appointed by GOD, and is affifted 
 by Him, * 
 
 14. Secondly : By this commandement of G O D , to bleffe the 
 people, Numb. 6. either there is a neceffity laid upon the Churchy 
 to bleffe Marriages folemnly, 01 not. If ye fay, there is not a necef- 
 fity, then there is no Commandement of GOD there-anent , for it 
 is neceffary to obey GODS Commandement. If ye fay , there is a 
 neceffity, what fay ye then to your friend Didoclave, who in his Al- 
 tar of Damafcusypag. 266 , affirmeth , that neither the prefence of 
 the Congregation , nor bleffing of the Minifter, is neceffary to this 
 action ? And if ye diffent herein from him , ye are holden to prove 
 your opinion, by a neceffary confequence from holy Scripture, which 
 we are perfwaded ye are not able to doe. 
 
 15. Thirdly : the commandement,to bleffe the people, kno leffe, 
 if not more generall, then that , 1 . Cor. 14. 40. Let all t hinges be 
 done decently, and in order: on the which words , both ancient and 
 recent Divynes,doe ground the lawfulneffe of the Ceremonies which 
 we allow. 
 
 16. Fourthly : Since that commandement, of blefsing the people, 
 is generall, what reafon have ye , for not including other civill im- 
 portant Contracts , especially thae are performed with a Vow , or 
 
 N n promiffork 
 
142 Duply Ell' 
 
 promifforie Oath? A vow made to GOD, is a Covenant with GOB 1 
 as well as the Matrimoniall Oath. All Vows and Oaths, are A&$ of 
 
 religious Worfhip, although they be joined to civill Contracts : andj 
 therefore, if becaufc of the Covenant with GOD , ye bleffe Marriage 
 folemnly, ye ought to doe the fame, to other civill Contra£ts$whereia 
 there is the like Covenant^ by vertue of an Oath or Vow. 
 
 17. Fifcly : Whereas ye fay,that though Marriage were a paction, 1 
 meerly Civill, yet becaule it is 10 important, ye would not with-hold 
 Ecclefiaftick Benediction from it, notwithstanding of the abufe oE 
 Poperie : we would underhand , how this agreeth with the current 
 Doctrine of thofe that are- of your minde: for we read in the Abridge- 
 ment of Lincolne, pag.ij. that we floould cafi away evenfuch things^ 
 as ha d a good originally ( if they be not still necejfary y and commanded 
 of GOD ) when once they are known to be defiled with Idolatry , or a~ 
 bufed by it. So in the. dilute against the Englijh Popifh ceremonies^ 
 Parte 3. cap: 2. &e0. 2. it is affirmed, that Rites ^ ancient , -lawfully 
 and agreable to GODS Word, fhould y notwithstanding^ neceffarily be 
 aboli\hed\ becaufe of their fuperftition , and wicked abufe. Yeadde, 
 that ye will not ufe Marriage fuperftitioftfly^according to the prefcript 
 of the Service Book^* Ye did not find the Service Boo^ neither in 
 our Demands ', nor in our Re $ lyes , yet we know not, how ye fo often 
 reach unto it. 
 
 x8. Laftiy : of the ftipulation of God-fathers in Baptifm, inftan- 
 ced by us, in our lift Demand , ye have fpoken nothing particularly, 
 See P e ^ er inyour firft or fecond Anfweres. We have no precept, or ex- 
 , e er ample of it in holy Scripture : yea, fome of our learned Divynes af- 
 th*6 'h\ ^ rme * c ^ at lt wasinftitutedby Pope Bigjnm : and ye will not deny, 
 of rh ' °E ^ at * c ^ ^ een muc ^ a ^ u ^ e ^ n P°P er y. How commeth it to pafTe, 
 vittl* to C ^ en ' r ^ ac r ^ s Ceremony * s allowed y an( j u [ ec j by fome of you ? we 
 r h R - ° ^ ^ oine > ^ or we are informed, that fome of your minde, doe not ufe 
 ^ q ' ' it at all. See P. Mortonjn his defence of the three ceremoniesrfag.zq, 
 
 dttsjnLoc 
 
 r^eobg. The VI. Duply. 
 
 lorn. 4. 
 
 TN your firft Jnjwere to our fixt Demand, ye anfwered nothing to. 
 
 that' 
 
DupLYES? 143 
 
 that,which we affirmed concerning the judgement of Divynes , an- 
 cient and moderne, who either have abfolurely allowed thefe Rites, 
 which were concluded in Peart h Aifembly,or elfe have thought them 
 tolerable, & fuch as ought not to make a ftirre in the Church: neither 
 did ye touch that,which we objecled,cocerning the venerable cuftom, 
 and pracfife of the ancient Church, and the moft eminent lights o£ 
 it, which ye condemn in your interpretation of the negative Confef- 
 fion, contained in the late Covenant, Wherefore,m our Reply to that 
 ^?/W<? of yours,we did hold your filence,for a granting of the trueth 
 of chat which we faid, concerning fo many Divynes, ancient and 
 modern, who ftand for us. Now in your fecond Anjmrexo that De- 
 mand> ye labour to bereave us of this advantage , and granting that 
 Divynes, both ancient and mo3ern , are againft you, concerning the 
 lawfulness of things controverted/ a thing to be noted by the Reader, 
 and which iliould make you more fparing in your fpeaches of us who 
 hvoutPeanh Articles, then ye are ) ye fay, firft, that Divines, an- 
 cient, and modern, are againft us alfo : and that both thefe propor- 
 tions may be true, in refpecf they are both indefinite in a matter co- 
 tingent. But our proportion concerning the judgement of Divines 
 who ftand for us, was more then indefinite. For albeit we faid nor, 
 that all are for us ; yet we faid, that many,. yea, To many ; meaning, 
 that a great many are for us, and againft you, in matters of iawful- 
 neffe, and unlawf ulneffe; and, consequently, in matters of faith. This 
 exprefiion of the number, ye were glad to pafle by : becaule ye can 
 not fay the like of thefe, who favour your judgement,concerning 'the 
 nnlawfuineffe of thofe things. For, fcarce know we any modern Di- 
 vines, without his Majefties Dominions, that peremptorly condemn 
 thefe Rites, as unlawfull, which were concluded in P earth Affembly: 
 and of Ancients, we mean the Fathers of the Ancient Church , wee 
 know none at all, who are of your mihde. How is it , then , that for 
 thefe your new pofitions, ye make fuch ftirre , and'doe take fuch 
 dangerous courfes in hand. 
 
 Secondly : Ye fay, that almoft all Divines allow; of fuch a forbea- 
 rance, of things indifferent , as ye require of us. But ye will not be 
 able to make this good : For, who of our Divines , have any- where 
 allowed, in fubjs&s fuch a forbearance of things indifferent, and law- 
 
i44 Du I??*3l T 
 
 full, as is conjoined with a totall and fworn difobedienee to landing 
 Lawes, againft the Prohibition of their Superiours. 
 
 Thirdly : That which ye fay , concerning Innovations already in, 
 troduced; to wit, that nothing is required of us-, concerning them, 
 but a Forbearance of them for a time; and, that we may condefcend 
 to it, without either difobedience to Authority , or wronging of oux 
 Flock; it is already refuted, in the two former Dftflyes. 
 
 The VII Duply. 
 
 OUr Reafon proponed in the feventh Demand y is not fuffici- 
 ently anfwered, neither the impediment removed, as we have 
 formerly made manifeft , efpecially in our fourth Daffy 
 Whereas, for removing of our fcruple , concerning your interpreta- 
 tion of the fhort Confeilion, ye tell us, that ye urge not upon us your 
 meaning, but leave us to our own, till the matter be examined in an 
 A(fembly:We anfwere; we love not the fwearing of an Oath,withouc 
 clear interpretation thereof; and we approve not fubfeription of fuch 
 a Covenant, with diverfe, or doubtfuil meanings : neither doe wee 
 think that a convenient mean, for folide Pacification. And as wee 
 are free, in profefling our meaning, concerning the Tearth Articles, 
 and Epifcopacy ; fo we require of you the like plainneffe, or then the 
 reafon of your tetyredneffe. 
 
 2 . The Tearth A rticles ye doe unjuftly call Novations, if by this 
 name ye understand, things repugnant to our reformed Religion, or 
 forbidden by our publick Lawes : for thefe Articles are not of this 
 fort. Thofe of them which we call neceffary, the Affembly of ? earth 
 did not conclude as indifferent, ( as ye alleadge ) neither can any 
 fuch thing be inferred from the words of the Ac^s of that Affembly. 
 Therefore, we have no reafon to change this opinion, as ye would 
 have us to doe. We hold all the five points, to be lawfuil, andlau* 
 dable, and fome of them more then indifferent, which alfo the words 
 of the Synod it felf doe imply : fo that, without juft reafon , it hath 
 pleafed you to fay, that things formerly indifferent, are become ne- 
 ceffary; and what was but lawfuil before, and had much adoe to gain 
 
 that 
 
Duply e si 145 
 
 that Reputation, is now become laudable. Thus again, we do plainly 
 declare unto you, that the caufe of our unwillingneffe to fubfcnve, or 
 promife forbearance, is both thecommandement of Authority , and 
 alfo the necefifity and excellency of fome of the things commanded i 
 befides that, we think them all lawful!, and laudable. What we would 
 doe, at the commandement of Authority , in the forbearance of the 
 pra&ife of thofe things, for the peace of the Church, and Kingdom, 
 (hail be declared in our Duply to your thirteenth An[mre , wherein 
 ye urge this point again, • 
 
 The VIII Duply. 
 
 \ 7*\ T Hereas Y e doe remit tne Reader , to your former An- 
 , \f y f" werc > anc * oui Reply; we alfo remit him thereto , and 
 to our firft Duply 5 hoping that he {hall reft fatis- 
 fied therewich. 
 
 2. We have, in thofe places, anfwered your Argument, concer- 
 ning your f wearing, the defence of the K i n g, and his Authority, 
 with amplification, as ye call it ; and have fliown, that what hath 
 not been looked to fo narrowly, in this matter heretofore,is requifite 
 now , for the reafons expreiled in our eight Reply , and firft Duply, 
 Concerning the full expreffion, of the loyalty of your intentions, to 
 mantain the Kin g s Perfon, and honour; whether, or not, ye have 
 given juft fatisfa&ion, to thofe who are neareft to the Kings Ma- 
 jefty, ( as ye fay ) we referre you , and the Readers, to that , which 
 ye, and they, will find near the end of our firft Duply. We wonder 
 greatly, ye ftiould affirme, that we, by craving refo!ution,doe wrong 
 the Kin g, and our felves; or that ye, by giving of it, ftiould wrong 
 them who are neareft his Majeftie, and alfo the Covenant , and the fub- 
 fcrivers thereof. For our requiring of refolution, in this matter of fo 
 great importance, is a pregnant Argument of our loyalty towards our 
 (dread Soveraigne, and of our care, to havealwife our ownconfcierw 
 cesvoide of offence, towards GOD , and towards Men. And your 
 giving of fatisfa&ion unto us , would have ferved for farther clearing 
 if your C@venmt t and the fubfcriptions thereof. Your pretence, that 
 
 Oo by 
 
14$ DUPLYES; 
 
 by giving us fatisfa£tion , ye fhould wrong them who are neareft hi* 
 Majefty,is grounded upon a wrong fuppofition, as if they had already 
 received fatisfadiion by your Declaration. 
 
 3 . GOD is witneffe, we doe not wittingly and willingly multiply 
 doubts, for hindring a good worke,or to oppofe againft a ihining light, 
 (as ye would have the Reader to thinke of us ) but in all humility, and 
 uprighmeffe of heart, doe declare our minde , and doe intimate our 
 unalfe&edfcruples. And we thinke it very pertinent , at this time, 
 to crave refoiucion of them, and to defire your anfwere , concerning 
 this raaine duety, which is not fully exprefled in your Covenant; wher- 
 as a more full expreilion of it, had been very needfull , at this time. 
 
 4. Laftiy: Whtreas ye complaine-, that we took not fuflicient 
 noace of you, while ye were amongft us; ye may eafily confider,that 
 our publick charges, and irnpi'oyments, togetherwith" the fliortneffe 
 of the time of your abode here, doe fufficiently vindicate us, from a- 
 ny imputation of neglect in that kinde : and our doores were not 
 clofed, if it had pleafed you, in Brotherly kindeneffe, to have vifited 
 us : which we ought rather to have expe&ed of you , feeing ye came 
 unde(ired,to the place of our Stations, to deal with us, and alfo to deal 
 with our people, agamit our will,before we had received fatisfa&ion^ 
 
 The IX. Duply. 
 
 AS ye doe ref e rre the Reader, to your former Anfyers; f doe 
 we referre him to our former Replyes, and Duply es. 
 
 2. The meaning of the Act of the Affembly of I 'earth, cit- 
 ing the wordes of the Tjalm-. 9 5 . is not ( as ye doe interpret ic ) any 
 perverting of the Text, neither tendeth it to inferr thereupon, abfo- 
 lute neceffity of kneeling, in all worshipping of GOD; or in this pare 
 of his Worfnip,in the celebration of the holy Communion : but only 
 to inferr the lawfullneffe, and commendable decency of kneeling, in 
 dtvyne worfhip; and that it is inch a gefture, as our lawfull fuperiours 
 iHiy enjoine to bcufed, in GGDS worfhip; and tharreligious adora- 
 tion, and kneeling, is to be done to GOD only, although they fin not, 
 who ufe another gefture} where this is not required by Authority ,buc 
 
 another 
 
D u p L v e S? %*h >47 
 
 another appointed, or permitted. 
 
 3. We doe not kneel before the Sacramental! Elements, making 
 them the objeft of our Adoration, either mediate, or immediate : 
 neither doeth the Aft of Pearth Affembly import any fuch thing. But 
 all our Adoration, both outward,and inward,is immediately direfted 
 to GOD only, with Prayer, and thankfgiving, at the receiving off© 
 great a benefice. Where£ore,*your objecting of Idolatry , againft us 
 here, and in your other Treadles , is moft unjuft. We marveli alfo, 
 how ye doe here refer us , to thofeTreatifes, which in your twelfth 
 uiv{wer y ye feetn to difclai-me, finding faulr,that any of us Should lay 
 hold on them, or build any thing upon them. As likewile ye here al- 
 leadge, that the Affembly of Pearth made Kneeling neceflary in all 
 points of GODS Worship; and, consequently, in receiving the holy 
 Eucharift : not remembering, that in your fevenrh Anfwere, ye faid, 
 the Affembl'y had concluded the five Articles as indiflferenr. 
 
 4. Concerning the Service-Book,, ( which now is not urged) we 
 have already anfwered. Neither find we any reafon, of your uncha* 
 ritable conftruftion of us, or of the difpofition of the people , as i£ 
 they were now become fuperftitious. Nor doeth this time give any 
 juft caufe of fuch feares, as are fufficient- to overthrow the reafons of 
 that Aft of Peart h Aflembly. 
 
 5. We did not in malice, but in love, fay, that fuch a defence as 
 ye profelTe here , according to your Proteftation,and fuch meetings 
 and conventions doe require the Kin g s confent, and Authority, to 
 make them lawfull, according to our judgement : whereof fome rea- 
 fons we have expreffed before in our fecond Reply , which as yet ye 
 have not fatisfied. 
 
 6. It feemeth,thatyeare either not able, or not willing, to an- 
 fwere particullarly and plainly,to our interrogatories proponed in our 
 ninth Reply : and we would wnde rftand fome reafon, why ye doe fo, 
 in fuch a free and brotherly conference; feeing although ye doe other- 
 wife interpret our meaning, yet truely we did not propone them to 
 be fnares to you , but to obtain fatisfaftion to ourfelves and others, 
 for a peaceable' end. As for your Queftions, which ye throw againft 
 us, with' plain profeflion to work us difcontentment thereby* we fhal 
 here make an anfwere to them in meeknefs, and evident demonftra- 
 
 tion ef 
 
i4$ ^ U *L^ E ^ 
 
 tion of our peaceable difpofition. 
 
 Queftions AnfwerecL 
 
 7. "^CT'Our firft Queftion, concerning the ServkerBook.y and book 
 
 Tf of Catjonsyis nowife pertinently proponed to us. If we did 
 
 urge upon you the faid books of Service and Canons , as ye 
 
 doe now the Covenant upon us, we ftiould particularly and pun&ualy, 
 
 declare our mind concerning them. 
 
 8. To yourfecondQiueftion, we anfwere, thatitis-ourduety to 
 enquire caref ully,what is incumbent upon us by the Law of GOD,and 
 man,towards our Prince.We doe not move queftions of ftate,but doe 
 anfwere to your proportions , refuking upon matters of ftate ; and 
 we doe labour, as it well becommeth all good Subjects, to be well in- 
 formed, before we put our hand to any thing, which concerneth our 
 due obedience to our Prince. As for that which here again l y e aileadge, 
 of his Majefties Commiflioner, and wife States-men, as having re- 
 ceived fatisfa&ion from you, we referre you, as. before, to our An- 
 fwere made thereto, in our firft Du$ly. 
 
 9. To your third Queftion, we anfwer f our affertion concerning 
 the unlawfulneffe of Subjects their refiftwg the Authority , of free 
 Monarchs,by force of Arms , even although they were enemies to 
 the Trueth,and perfecuters of the profeffors thereof, can not in the 
 judgement of any reafonable man, import that we have the leaft fuf* 
 pition of our Ki n g, that either he fhall change his Religion, or {hall 
 fall upon his religious and loyall Subjects with force of Armes. We 
 have often declared in thefe our Difputs, that we are fully perfwaded 
 of our Kings Majefties conftancy, in profeffion of the true Reli- 
 gion, and equitable difpofition in minift ration of Jufticc. And in te- 
 iiification hereof, we reft fatisfied with his Majefties Proclamation, 
 againft which ye have protefted. 
 
 10. To your fourth Queftion, we anfwere, becaufe that we doe 
 efteemfubfcription to your Covenant , neither to be warrantable by 
 GODS word, nor to be a convenient mean for pacification, we hold 
 it our duety, both to with-hold our hands from it, and to dehort our 
 people from it, 
 
 11. To 
 
DttPLYEs2 X4^ 
 
 ii. To your fifr Queftion, we anfwere : 1, We hold it a wrong 
 fuppoficion which ye make, rhac the Prelates and their followers, are 
 labouring to introduce Popery, and ro make a faction. 2 . We know 
 our gracious Kin g, to be lo juft, and 10 wife, and fo ripe in yeares 
 and experience, that he will not iuffer any of his Subjects, to abufe 
 his Majefties name, in the execution of any injuftice. 5 To make 
 refinance by force of Arms, againft the K 1 n g s publick ftanding 
 Lawes, and againft his Majefties publick Proclamations, is not (in 
 our judgement) a convenient or lawtull way , for defending of the 
 Religion , of the Liberties , and Lawes of the Kingdom , and of the 
 Kings Authority; but on the contrary it bringeth fcandall upon our 
 profeirion. See our Reafons in our fecond Da fly. 
 
 1 2. To your fixt Queftion, we anfwer,that in all free Monarchies, 
 there is nothing left to fubjec\s, in the cafe of perfection , by their 
 own Soveraigne Princes, but patient fuifering,with Prayers and Tears 
 to GOD, or fleeing from their wrath , as we have at length proved 
 in our fecond Dufly. This doctrine did the people of Alexandria^ 
 learne of their holy Bifhop Athanapus , as is evident by their own 
 words, in their Proteftation, f unjoined to the Epiftie of Athanafiw, 
 ad vitamfolhariam agentes. If (fay they ) it be the commandement 
 of the Emferour , that we be ferfecuted , we are all ready to fuffer 
 
 Martyrdom. 'E'i y.h h drpteuyp* (r£ Avy*?*) ssV ^i»ks$J »<"««> e<ro^o* 
 
 wiflls (A*?rvfis*i. Tom.i.Ofer.Athanaf.Pag.26%.Edit.Parif 1627. 
 As for the nature of the Government of this Kingdom oE Scotland, 
 lead the Book of King J a m e s the fixt of blefied memory,entituled, 
 The true Law of free Monarchies jx\& the Preface of thefirft Book of 
 Regiam MajeTtatem ; where it is exprefly faid, of the K 1 n g of 
 Scotland? that He hath no Suferiour^ but the Creator of Heaven and 
 Earthy Ruler of all things. This our Anfwere , neither proceedeth 
 -from flattery , neither from any intention, to ftirre up. Princes a- 
 gainft their loy all Subjects, nor from any aime at other worldly ends, 
 ( as ye doe uncharitably judge ) but from our due fidelity to our 
 K 1 n G,f rom our true love to our Countrey,and from our upright de- 
 fire to the Glory of GOD, and the comfort of our own Souls, in the 
 Day of our Accounts, 
 
 ' pp : \ >■ THE 
 
The X. Duply} 
 
 ALthough we take you to be of the number of thofe who penneti 
 the late Covenant ; yet pardon us , to call your Gloffes of it in 
 queftion, fo long as ye doe not fatisfie our Arguments , which 
 prove them to be contrary to the very words of your Covenant „ We 
 hive fhown, in our Repljes-, and now again in our fourth Duply, that 
 the words of the Covenant import a perpetual adherance>to the whole 
 externail Policy of the Church, as it was Anno 1 58 1; and the remo- 
 ving of V earth Articles, and Epifcopacy, as of things contrary to the 
 Liberty and Purity of the Gofpell. Whence we ttill inferre , thac 
 thefe who have fworn the Covenant , are tyed by their Oath, to vote 
 aga'mft Pearth Articles, and Epifcopacy : and, confequently, can not 3 
 without prejudice, either difpute,or give out a deciiive fentence con* 
 cerning them, in the intended Affembly. 
 
 2. Ye fay, ye will not judge fo uncharitable of us, as to think us fo 
 corrupt, that, in our opinion, fince the time defigned by us, nothing 
 hath entered into the Church, belide Epifcopacy, and the Articles o£ 
 I 'earth, which can be prejudicial! to the liberty and purity of the Gof- 
 pell... We are glad, that although ye judge uncharitably of us, yet ye 
 judge not fo uncharitably : and, although ye think us corrupt , yet ye 
 think us not fo corrupt,as not to be ferfible of thefe things. We told 
 you our minde before, in our fourth Duply, concerning thefe abufes, 
 which ye think to have been occafioned by Pearth Articles : and now 
 we tell you, that if Pearth Articles , and Epifcopacy , for thefe their 
 alleadged confequents, be altogether removed, the benefite which ye 
 think our Church may receive,by removing of them, {hall not, in any 
 meafure, equall her great loifes. 
 
 The XL Duply. 1 
 
 'E e complained in our Demand, of the uncharitablenefle 
 of your Followers, who calumniate us, as if we were 
 favourers of Popery. And to fliow how unjuft this ca- 
 
 lumnic- 
 
Duply es, iji 
 
 lumny is, we declared, that we are ready, to fwear, and fubfcrive, our 
 national! Confeflion of Faith, ratified and regiftrated in Parliament: 
 to which Declaration, we have now added our Oath , which we did 
 fwear, when we received the degree of Doctorate in Theoiogie, and 
 have folemnly again renewed it, Fag. 8 1.82, In your Anfwer to that 
 Demand , ye flighted our complaint, and did not fo much as once 
 mention its* which made us in our Rcfly y to complain alfo of you,who 
 have fliown your felves fo unwilling to give us that teftimony of our 
 fincerity in profefling the Trueth, which -ail who know us,think to be 
 due to us. We expe6ted,that in your fecond Anfwer to that Demand, 
 this fault fliould have been amended. But, contrary to our expecta- 
 tion, we perceive , not only that ye are infenfible of the grievous in- 
 jurie done to us, by "the calumnious reportes of others; but alfo, that 
 ye have bulled your own wittes, to enquire, as ye fay, in matters, to 
 fearch, and to try our wayes , and to expifcate what ye could againft 
 us, by the unfriendly teftimony of fome, who, perhaps, are difpleafed 
 with us, as Achab was wich Micajab^ for the f reedome of our admo- 
 nitions. Charity, ye know, think eth no evill , 1. Cor. 13. 5, and co~ 
 vereth a multitude of tranfgreffions, Prov. 10. 12, 1. Pet. 4, 8. But 
 uncharitable inquiiition, and prying into other mens doings, not only 
 difcovereth thofe infirmities, unto which GOD will have every one 
 of us fubject , for humbling of us ; but alfo bringeth even upon good 
 men, a multitude of undeferved Afperfions. Brethren, we intend not 
 to give yott a meeting in this; for our refolution is, not to be overcome 
 efevtll-j but to overcome evill with good, Rom. 12. 21. And we are 
 glad to fuffer this farhiscaufe, whole Trueth we mantaine, pitying 
 in you this great defect of Chnixian and Brotherly companion ; and 
 praying GOD, not to lay it to your charge. Wherefore, we will not 
 fearch and try your wayes, as ye have done ours : but we will reflect 
 our thoughts upon our felves, and fee whether or not we be guilty of 
 thefe things, which ye here reprehend in us. 
 
 2. Ye fay, rirft, That we have taken an ample teftimony to our 
 felves. But what, we pray you, have weteftified of our felves; bur 
 this onely,thatin fincere and zealous profeiTion of the Trueth , we 
 are not inf eriour to others ; and, according to our meafure, have ftri- 
 yenxo be faithfuU in all the dueties of our Calling ? Ye have, indeed^ 
 
 pur 
 
put more into our Apology, and fay, that we have praifed our felves* 
 from our frequency of Prayer, extraordinary Humilations, and holy! 
 neffe of Life, and Converf anon , &c. For, as ye are loach to fpeak 
 any good of us; fo ye would have the Reader believe , that we fpeak 
 too much good of our felves. But in this, as ye wrong us, fo ye make 
 the Reader to fee, how negligently ye have read and confidered our 
 words. For, whereas in the iecond part of our Reply y we told you, 
 thatwe have ocher meanes, and more effe&uall,then your Covenant , 
 to ufe, for holding out of Popery; mentioning in particular, extraor- 
 dinary Humiliation, frequency of Prayer, amendement of life, dili- 
 gence in Preaching, and fearching the Scriptures, &c. Ye imagine, 
 that we doe arrogate to our felves, fotne fingularity, in ufing rhefe 
 means; not considering, that it is one thing to fay, that we may and 
 ought to tife thefe means, and another thing, to fay, that we are lin- 
 gular, and eminent, above others, in the diligent ufe of them. 
 
 3. Next : Whereas ye fay, that ye were deiirous, rather to hear 
 that teftimony, at the mouths of others, (as if ye had never heard our 
 Pains and Labours, for the Trueth, commended by any) who know- 
 eth not, but in this cafe, in the which we ftand for the prefent, it is 
 lavvfuil, and molt expedient to men,to vindicate themfelvs,and their 
 fidelity in their Callings,from the contempt and calumnies of others. 
 We have in the Scriptures , notable examples of G O D S deareft 
 Saints, who in fuch cafes, yea, in other cafes alio, without any dero- 
 gation, to their lingular humility, did fall out into high expreflions, 
 of their own vertuous and pious carriage. Who ever ipake fo hum- 
 bly of himfelf as Vaul , who calieth himfelf lejfe then the leafl of all 
 SaintsJEfhefa. 8. & yet elfewhere he fayeth,rW he wo* not a white 
 behind, the very chief eft Afoftles ; and, that he laboured more abm~ 
 dantlie then they all y 1. Cor. 15.10. 2. Cor. 1 1. 5. 
 
 4. The defects, which by your ftri£t and curious Inquffition , ye 
 think ye have found in us, may be reduced into two points: One 
 is, that we are too fparing in our paines, in Preaching; and, that we 
 often fill our places with Novices. The other is, that the fmall pains 
 which we have taken, are not fruitfull. And, to prove this, ye fay, 
 that Popery hath no lefle increafed in our City, under our Minifterie, 
 then any time before fincc the Reformation. As for the firft of thefe, 
 
 to omic 
 
to omit that which modefty will not permit u§ to fpeak, either of our 
 -own pames in teaching, or of yours, it is very well known, that in the 
 cafe of ficknefs,and extraordinary imployments in our callings,which 
 but feldom doe fail foorch to us y it is both lawfuil, and commendable 
 to fee, that our places may be filled , either with fome a£tuall Mini- 
 fter, or, failing of that, with able liudents of Divinity , approven by 
 publick Authority, whereof your felves can not be ignorant,in refpecl 
 of your frequent Peregrinations, from your Stations. 
 
 5. As for the next point : Although it were true, yet the Tar able 
 ef the feed fowen in diver (e forts of ground , and the dolorous com- 
 plaints, which thele moft painfull and thundering Preachers, Eliah, 
 1. King. 10. 10, Ifaiahy 53. 1. Paul Gal. 1.6. and 3. 1. yea, of 
 CHRIST himfeif, Matth, 23. 37. and Luke 19. 41. 42. made of 
 the hard fucceife of their laboures , may learne you to be more be- 
 ninge in your cenfures of us , then ye are. In the mean time , it is 
 known to his Ma jetty , to the Lords of iecret Counfell, and to all the 
 Countrey here; as alfo it is evident, by many publick extant A&s 
 of the faidfecret Counfell,and of our Diocoefian Afiemblies, that we 
 have been as diligently exercifed, inoppofing of Popery, as any Mi- 
 niftersin this Kingdom. Neither hath our luccefle herein been fo 
 badde, as ye have given it out : for fince our entry to the Miniftry here 
 fcarce hath any man been diverted from the trueth,to Popery; fome 
 Papifts have been converted, to the profeilion of the Trueth, and 0- 
 thers who were incorrigible , have been forced to depart from this 
 Countrey. Yea, we think, that our fuccefle, in dealing with the Pa- 
 pifts, had been undoubtedly greater, if they had not been hardened in 
 their Errour, by your ftrange and fcandalous Do&rins, repugnant to 
 Scripture, and found Antiquity. 
 
 6\ That which ye fay in thefecond part oiycutAnfvoer , concer- 
 ning the powerfull effects of your Covenant , meeceth not with that 
 which we did obje&,concerning the unlawfulnes of it. For,that which 
 is not in it feif lawfuil , can never be truely profitable to any. And 
 Solomon hath told us, that their ii no mfdome, nor understandings a* 
 gain ft the LORD y Prov. 21.30. 
 
 7. As for the laft part of your Anfmr, we have fo often told you 
 
 that your fear of the infringing of the Service-Book^ and Canons^ is 
 
 / Qjl caufeleffe; 
 
Is 54 Dup'tYEsJ 
 
 caufeletfe : and ye have fo oft denyed this, that it were folly to we*i 
 rfe the Reader any more with this matter. In the mean time, we 
 tell you, that if your Covenant be unlawful! in it felf, (as weftili think 
 it to be ) your fear, although it were juftly conceived, will never free 
 vour Souls -of the auiltinefle of it. 
 
 % 
 
 The XII. Diipi Y. 
 
 ■ O juftifie or excufe your omiflion , of publick difallowing and 
 condemning the publick difcrders , and mifcarriages of iome 
 who have fubfcrived the Covenant ■; efpecially the ottering of vi- 
 olence to Prelats, and Minifters, in time of divine Service, and in the 
 HoufeGOD, whereof wefpake in our twelfth Demand^ and Reply : 
 ye aafwer, firft, that ye acknowledge not the Service-Book* for the 
 LORDS Service. Ye might fay the fame of any Service Book , (If 
 ye allow the Reafons lately fee forth in Print againft the Servicer 
 Book^) for there a Prefcript form of Prayer, is condemned , which 
 directly croffeth the pra£fcife of the univerfall Church of CH R I ST, 
 Ancient, and Recent. 
 Altar. Da- *. Ye alleadge, that ye acknowledge not the ufurped Authority 
 mafc. fag. of Prelats, for lawful! Authority. For ought we can perceive, by the 
 izo.Dljp. Doctrins of thole with whome ye joine,ye acknowledge no lawfull 
 againft the Authority at all inPrelats, above your felves, and other Minifters : 
 Englifh and ye feem fo to infinuate fo much here, by blaming us , for calling 
 PopijhCe- them, Reverend and holy Fathers. We are perfwaded of the law- 
 re monies, fulneffe of their Office, and therefore are not aihamed, with Scrip- 
 -part ,3. cap ture, and Godly Anuquuy,to call fucrf as are advanced to thisfacred 
 SJ'grtf.i ^ig™^ Fathers, and Reverend Fathers. Neither fhould perfonall 
 faults, alleadged by you,^hinder our obfervance, till what is alleadged 
 Tavorabi- be clearly proven. For, Yo long as things are doubtful! , we fhould 
 I iores rei interpret to the better pm^Lukj 6, 37 .And it is a rule ofLaw,that in 
 foti qua a doubtfull cafe,tbe ftate of a P offe(for,is beft; and, confequently, o£ 
 Mores ha him that hither-to hath been in a poffeifion of a good name : as alfo, 
 bentur.jf. that in things doubtfull, we fhould rather favour the perfon aceufed, 
 Lib. 50. then him that accufeth. 
 
Duply eS 155 
 
 3. Ifrye be of this fame judgement, with us, concerning the law- 
 fulneffe of their Office, why doe ye not reverence them, as well as ^ .. * 
 we ? But if their very Officefeem to you unlawfull , we efteem your an E -^ 
 judgement contrary to holy Scripture, to all found Antiquity, and to tQ ^ . 
 the beft learned amongft reformed Divines. Hear what Melanchton - ^ m€ Jf 
 fayeth, I would to G O D,I would, to-G O D 3 it lay in me\ not to con- Z? ^ * 
 firm the Dominion y but to reft ore the Government of Bifhop : for I fee l ^ 
 
 what manner of Policy we (hall have' 3 the- Ecclefiafticall Pollcie being *r , 
 diffolved : I doe fee > that hereafter will grow up, a greater tyrannic in p ". %/ 
 the Church , then ever yvas before. And again, in another Epiftle to rQ ^ l e 
 Camerar'ms^ he fayeth, Ton will not beleeve how much I am hated y by • ^ - . * 
 thofe of Noricum, and by other s^f or the reftoring of Jar i diction to Bi- ^, ' 
 fbops. So our Companions fight for their own Kingdom , and not for .. *q& 
 the Kingdom of CHRIS T. So in o:her places. See Bncer, de f°' *4 W 
 Regno CHRIStl, Pag. 6l . ^Z 
 
 his diffohere «^«'«» Ecclefafticam ? Si Epifcopi nobis concedanl ilia, qua a- 
 qunm effe eos csncedere ? Et ut lice at > cert e non expedit. Semper it a fenfit ipfe 
 Lutherus, quern nulla de caufa^ quidem ut video , amant , m§ quia bsnefcio e\m 
 fentinnt je f Epifcopos excujjiffe rjr adept os libertatem mtnime ntilem ad pfte- 
 ritatem % So in an Epift. adEplfc. August en* Deinde velim hoc tibi perftia- 
 deas de me deque multis aliis nos optare utpace conftitutaEpifcoporumpoteftas- 
 fit incolumis. Et banc plurimumpr 'ode 'ffe Eccleftisjndicamut. 
 
 4. Thirdly, Ye alleadge the zeal of the People j by reafon where- 
 of ye fay, that it was nothing ftrange, that in fuch a cafe , they were 
 ftirred up to oppofe. Suppone they had oppofed,yer, that they fhould 
 have fo oppoied,as to have offered violence to facred Per£ons,Prelats 
 or Minifters, who are fpirituali Fathers , feemeth to us very ftrange, 
 for all that hitherto ye have faid. There is no zeal, without the ex- 
 traordinary ihftujft of GODS Spirit, which can warrand men defti- 
 tute of Authority, to lay their hands on fuch perfons. Touch not mine 
 anoyntedy and doe my Prophets no bar me ^ fayeth the L O R D, Pfal. 
 105. Lej all things be done decently , and in order , fayeth S. PauU 
 x. Cor. 14. 40. GOD is not the author of confupon or tmult^but of ®*^ T *^'. 
 pace j fayeth that fame Apoftle there , verfe 33. To this purpofe £^^£* 
 Gregorie Na z>ianz*en in his 26 Oration, fpeaking of the- chief caufes ^ afc^^g 
 
 of 
 
1 56 
 
 Dll? L Y E S 
 
 of divifion in the Church, fayeth, One of them is mrHlie^ferventnefs 
 
 without reafon and knowledge , and that another is > JOif order and 
 
 undecence, eLm^ta, jc*i\«>cof^u «„ 
 
 >. The Sonne ft ould account the per f on of his Father facred y ff, de 
 
 obfequiis, Leg, $. So we ought alio to eileem of our (pirituali Fa- 
 
 . w thers : and, therefore, to offer injury to their perfons, and that, in 
 
 Si quvspu u^g Q c divine Service, muft needs be a grievous fin. In the Novell 
 
 [acra my- Conftitutions otjuftinian, Authent . Co Hat. 9, Tit. 6. Novella 123. 
 
 ftenacele- deSanUlff.Epifcopis , &c. Cap- 31. there is a remarkable Law to 
 
 branturjn this purpofe, cited upon the Margine. The like Law we find in Cod. 
 
 fattamEcj u fl-' Wt Lib. 1. Tit. 3. de Epifcop.& Ciericis Leg. 10. Now al- 
 
 clefiam in- t h 0ll gh m thefe imperiail Lawes, the fan&ion be fevere,yet we wifh 
 
 gred.es>E- m ^^ f ever [ tv t0 b e u f e< j amongft us, but praying GOD, to for- 
 
 pjcofOyMt g^ ve t j lsin ^q j, ave t r atitg reiTed : We defire them 10 confider, that 
 
 c „. lc " a *t anciently among!* Chriftians, fuch doings were greatly difallcwed. 
 Mmisbns 
 
 alus Ecc/ejtds injur iam aliquant Infer at : juhemus hunc verbera fuflinere, & 'in 
 
 exilium mitti. Si verb hac facra Minifteria conturbaverit y aut celebrare proht- 
 
 buerit: capitaliter pumatm. Hoc ipjo & in Lit anus, in quibus Ep'fcopi, am 
 
 Clerici reperiantur cuHodiendo. Et jiqu'dem injur iam folumfe cer it , verier ibus 
 
 exilioque tradatur. Si vera etiam Litaniam concufferit, capitale periculumfu- 
 
 Jlinelit : & 'vindicare jubemus non folum civile s^ fed etiam militates judices* 
 
 6. Chrjf flomSv z ^ n % °^ c ^ e reverence <^ue by people to Pallors, 
 Inhisfecod ty^\ ^ man may now fee, that there are not fo great feoffs and re- 
 ham'lie^ v f YQ ^ es -> n ftd by the unfaithfully againfl the Rulers , as by thofe that 
 non " \h*[o.f' eem t0 be faithfully and to be joined with us. Let m therefore inquire 
 WordeS fa- whence commeththis negligence , and contempt of p'etie, that we have 
 lure Prifcil f' ,lc ^ a Mfi&iii* againfl our Fathers. There is nothings here is nothing 
 I ^ and A x ^ at can f° eafdie deftroy the Church , as when there is not anexaB 
 qnlli Tomi Q ' mttire °f Difciples,to their Mafters; of children to parents, and of 
 < Edit Sa ^ em l ^ at are YHie ^ wtt ^ t ^ e ' yr & u k rs » & e *k at but ifeaketh evill a- 
 vil par gainfl his brother , is debarred from reading the divine Script nres,^ 
 327 ( for vvh ■ r k*ft thou to doe to take my Covenant in thy mourh fayeth 
 
 the LORD ; and f^b;o'meth this caufe, Thou fitteft and fpeakeft evill 
 of thy brother , ) and thkliett ihou thy felf wort hie to come to the. 
 
 J acred 
 
Duply li^ [157 
 
 f acred porches, who accufeth thy ffirituall Father } How agreetb this 
 with reason } For if they who jpeakf evill of Father or Mother ',fhould 
 dye , according to the Law, of what judgement is he w or thie, who dare 
 (peaks evill of him who is mttch more neceffarie^ and better, then thofe 
 Parents } Why feareth he not, that the Earth jbould open, andfwallow 
 him, or that thunder fhould come from Heaven, and burn up that ac~ 
 cuftng tongue } See him %[io,Lib, %,de Sacerdotio, Cap. 5. & 6. i 
 
 7. In the next place, ye fay, that the keeping of G O D S Houfe, 
 from pollution and fuperftition, belongeth to Authority, to the com- 
 munity of the faichfull, and to every one in his own place, and order; 
 but, certainly if every one , or all the community , keep their own 
 place, and order, they can doe nothing in this, by way of force, with- 
 out, far lefle againft Authority. Hence Zanchius, in his flrft Book ■ 
 of Images, Thef. 4.fayeth, Without Authority of the Prince, it is law- 
 full to none in this Countrey , to take Idoles out of Churches, or to 
 change any thing in Reiigion : he that doethfo, fhoulj, bepunifhed, as 
 feditious. This he confirmeth by reafon, and by the 7 teflimony of S. 
 Augufiin, Tom, 10. cb Sermone Domini in Monte, Homilia 6. And 
 a little after, hefubjoineth; Auguftin handleth this Argument piouf- 
 lie, he dehorteth his people, from fuch a practife, and fayeth, That it 
 is pravorum hominum, & furio forum circumeellionum. 
 
 8. As for your vehement accufations and threatnings, ( here, 8e . - 
 Anfwer 14 ) againft the writer of the late Warning to the Subjects in . 
 Scotland , ye may eafily perceive , by the printed Edition of that 
 Warning, and by the Printed Editions of our Reply es , that, 
 that offence is taken away. And now, reverend Brethren , why 
 are ye pleafed thus to digrefle from the matter in hand,to waken 
 and hold on foot, perfonall quarrels againft your brother, by digging 
 up buried words, and renewing haske interpretations thereof, contra- 
 ry to his loving intentions, and after that himfelf, for fatisfa&ion to 
 all men, hath fo publickly difallowed and abolished thefe words > This 
 uncharitable dealing , can bring no advantage to the caufe which ye 
 mantain,but rather maketh it the more to be difgufted , in confide- 
 ration of your too great eagernefs to ftir up hatred againft your neigh- 
 bour, and to work him trouble; whome ye ought not to perfecute 
 with implacable wrath , which worketh not the righteoufneffe of 
 
 Kr GOD 
 
I 5§ Du PL YES. 1 
 
 GOD; nor to exafperat againft him his other dear Countrey-men s 
 
 but rather, as well befeemeth your profeffion and calling , ye ought 
 
 Aug. Lib. to exhort them to the moft favourable conftru&ion of things, and to 
 
 de ttnico chriftian placability, and to the entertaining of their wonted loving 
 
 Bjptifmsj affection towards him. As for thefe our prefent queftions, we defire 
 Cap. 1 3. ^Theologically onely, and peaceablie , to conferre of them with you, 
 O qmm de or any other our reverend Brethren, of our own calling. 
 te&andm 9. Ye fay that Matter Knox fpared not to call Kneeling a diabo- 
 eft error lie all invention. If ye allow this faying, how can it be , that in your 
 hominum, Covenant ^ intended for removing of Innovations, and recovering of 
 qui claro- the purity of the Gofpell, ye expreily aimed not at the aboliftiing of 
 rum viro- this ceremony,which is fo hatefull in your eyes > But if ye doe not ap- 
 rum qua- prove this his faying,why did ye not choofe rather 3 in charity to cover 
 dam non this efcape of fo worthy a perfonage, then openly to blaze it abroade > 
 recie faBa 1 o. Ye have needleily drawn into your difcourfe, mention of /- 
 laudabili- tenicttm. Of which work,for mittigation of your unpeaceable cenfure, 
 ter fe imi- be pleafed to take notice of the judgement, of that moft worthy Pa- 
 t ari put at ^or, and moft grave and learned Divine, I). James Hjher, Arch-Bi- 
 a quorum ^°P °f ^-rmach^ Primate of all Ireland^ this his Epiftle written t«l 
 virmtbtuwt Author. , 
 aliemfunt 9 
 
 V1K EXIMIE. 
 
 Sllmma c%m voluptate y Ei^vmh tuum.perlegi: e am ^V atria tu& 
 c oeUcitatem fum gratulatm, quod novum tandem produxent 3 E ( p^ 
 v«/ov, qui earn ipji praftkit diligentiam & vlrtutem , quam oiim 
 p" \ r ' e * tey ~i s Ecjlefiis ( qnum non admodum dijfimiles de adiaphoris oborta 
 
 Ecclef. 
 
 lites ear urn pacem pert ur bar ent ) exhbmt ille vet us ; qui .ptpmwfjt^- 
 
 '»* ov t» Trpocnyopia.) at/Tare to> tjjojtco e»p6V05rojOf, van? TJif rcev «jtJt\M- 
 
 .— ,u Nulla [aim be llo : ipfifa bellofabts fi qua (it^ non alio quam pacts 
 
 "\ nomine ea continetur. Nam & de pace belli llriam, opinor^ a Davidc 
 
 . . alt quando interrogation memlntfti* 
 
 /*.. Jamvcro,pro\ lf nnw*^ [criptum remitto tibi ego <no\6(x t KQv m .fed 
 
 ,' f ' * quodjucuridumprabeat^etiaculum wdianhicorum fatellitum inter 
 
 fe manum 
 
D u p l y E Ij 1 59 
 
 [e manum confer entitim, & wtttm ifto hello EcclefioU noftu^ pacem 
 promoventium. 
 
 Tti qmcqmd, hoc efi y mmufcdi , ut ab homlne of time erga te af* 
 fetto tranfmffumfufcipe, &me(ut faci* ) ama. 
 
 font ana > in B 'therm 'a , III. Id, Decembr. anno rep ar fit A 
 fdntis 16 32. ^ 
 
 Tuusin CHRIS TI Mi- 
 
 nifterio confervus 
 
 JACOBUS ARMACHANUS, 
 
 A&TK^ 
 
 Me juvat alma quies? gens hacfera hella mnatur 9 , j o n s t, 
 
 Et quot ies Factm fofclmas^ arma ere fat. Pa raph , 
 
 Plal. i20> 
 
 The XIII. Duply, 
 
 YE repeat your former Anfvper^ concerning your Interpretation 
 of the ciaufe of forbearance, which we have already refuted in 
 our former Repljes,lnehhzz doe ye bring here any new confir- 
 mation thereof : And therefore all the three fcandals > mentioned in 
 our 1 3 Demand) doe yet remaine unremoved. 
 
 2. Although your interpretation were admitted , which we can 
 not admit, yet at leaft the thirdjfcandall were nowife avoidable ther- 
 by, (whatfoever maybe fuppofed concerning the other two, ) and 
 that becaufe of the reafon expreifed in our 1-3 Reply ; to which your 
 Anfveers here are not fatisfa&ory. 1 . Ye doe infinuace, that ye think 
 our Oath of obedience to our ordinary, and V earth confficutions, not 
 lawfull in it felt:- which we are perfwaded is very lawful!. 2. Ye would 
 feem to infer the unlawfullnefte of it, by challenging, the Authority 
 whereby it was exacted ; and alleadging that their is no ordinance 
 made Civil! orEcclefiaftick, appointing any fuch Oath. This reafon 
 ( although it were granted ) hath no ftrength at all , to prove that 
 which ye intend, to wit, that either our Oarh is in it [elf unlawful!, or 
 that we may now lawfully break it 2 for our ftvearing of that Oath is 
 
 ncc 
 
i'6d Duplyes! 
 
 k_ ■* 
 
 -not againft any iawfull Authority , either divyne or humane : and In 
 iuchacafe, Oathes concerning things lawful! , ought to bekeeped* 
 whether they be required by appointment of a pubhck ordinance, or 
 noc : which whofoever denyeth , he openeth a patent doore to the 
 breaking of Iawfull Oathes, in matrimoniall and civil Contracts, and 
 ^many other cafes, day lie incident in humane converfation. Alfothe 
 ^exa£ting of that Oath , was clearly warranded by two Acts of Parlia- 
 ment, viz. Parliament 21. of King Jam e s the 6. holden ztBdln* 
 burghs Anno i6iz.Chap. 1. and Parliament 23. of King James 
 the <5. holden at Edinburgh^ Anno 1621. Acl: 1. 
 
 3 . Ye take upon you to call in queftion,with what confcience that 
 Oath was given. How oft, Brethren, {hall we exhort you to forbeare 
 judging of other mens confciences , which are known to G O D 
 onely ? Judge not, that ye be not judged, Matth. 7.1. 
 
 4. Ye alleadge, we can not anfwer before a generall Affembly for 
 our Oath, and the fcandall rifen thereupon. No man needeth to be 
 afnamed, before a generall Affembly, or any other judicatory, of his 
 Iawfull and due obedience , which he hath given to the pubhck con- 
 stitutions of the Church of Scotland , and to his Majefties (landing 
 Lawes; or of any Iawfull Oath , whereby he hath promifed that obe- 
 dience. As for the fcandall, it was not given by us, but unneceffarily, 
 and unjuftly taken, by you, and fome others, upon an erronious opi- 
 nion, obftmatly mantained againft the lawfulneffe of the matters 
 themfelves. 
 
 5. Ye fay, that conceiving the Oath,according to our own grounds, 
 none of us will fay, that we have fworn the perpetual! approbation 
 and pra&ifeof thefe things, which we efteem to be indifrerent,what- 
 foever bad confequent of Popery, Idolatry, Superftition, or Scandall, 
 fliould follow thereupon. Weanfwer ? 1. Thefe bad conlequents are 
 illeadged by you,but not proven. 2. Evils of that kind ftiould be avoid- 
 ed, by fome Iawfull remedy. And we doe not efteem it Iawfull for 
 us, to difobey Authority in things Iawfull , although in themfelves 
 indifferent : for obedience commanded by the fife Precept of the De- 
 calogue, is not a thing indifferent. There be other means which are 
 Iawfull and more erTecluall againft luch evils, as we have fpecified in 
 our eleventh Reply : 3. We did not fw ear perpetuall approbation, 
 
 and 
 
DUPLYES. .16% 
 
 and pra&ife oHnduferent thingsjbut knowing thefe things in them- 
 f elves, to be approvable,we did (wear obedience to rhe publick Laws, 
 requyring our pra&ite in thefe thinges, fo long as the Law ftandethin 
 vigour, and our obedience thereto is required by our lawfull Superi- 
 oures. 4. This courfe we hold to be more agreable to our duety,then 
 upon private conceptions of fcandalls unneceflarily taken,to break off 
 our due dbedience to that Aurhority which GOD hath fet over us. 
 
 6. Out of our aflertion (Reply 4. ) concerning the adminiftration- 
 of the Sacraments in private places, to Tick perlons, in cafe of necef- 
 firy, ye doe collect, that we cannot forbear the pracYife of thefe , al- 
 though our ordinary,and other lawfull fuperiours,fhould will us to doe 
 fo. And hence ye inter, that herein V earth Affembly, for which we 
 ftand, is wronged by us two wayes : 1. That we differ in judgement 
 from them, about the indifferency of the five Articles: and next, that 
 at the will of our ordinary, and ye know not what other lawfull fupe- 
 rioures, we are ready to forbear the pra&ife of thefe things , which 
 the Aflembly hath appointed to be obferved. 
 
 7. As for your maine Queftion , Whether a duety neceffary by 
 divyne Law, may be, or may not be omitted, in cafe, our ordinary, & 
 other lawfull fuperioures, fhould will us to omit it? before we anfwer 
 to it, we mutt expound what we mean by our other lawfull fuperiours, 
 becaufe of your jetting pretence of ignorance hereof. We mean here- 
 by, the Kings Majefty, the Parliament,the fecret Counfell, and other 
 Magistrates, and ecclefiafticall Affernblies, whereunto we owe obedi- 
 ence in our pra&fe required by them, according to publick Lawes. 
 
 8. The Queftion it f elf ye doe exprefs more clearly in your Anfwer 
 to our 4. Reply, wher ye alleadge,that we find fome of the V earth Ar- 
 ticles fo neceflary,that although the generall Aflembly of the Church 
 fliould difcharge them , yet we behoved ftili, for confcience of the 
 commandement of GOD, topra&ife them. 
 
 Thus are we brought to this generall Queftion ; 
 
 Wbether^or no 5 any thing neceffary { or com- 
 manded) by divine Law,may, in any cafe,without fin,be omitted 
 when publick humane Authority difchargeth the praclife therof? 
 
 For refolving ©gdris queftion,we defire the Reader to take notice o£ 
 thefe Theological ^^/Wr, received in thefchools > &: grounded upon 
 holy Scriptur. S f 9. Afiir- 
 
I6i Duply esT 
 
 iThomii 9. Affirmative precepres, doe binde at all times , but nottoaS 
 
 2a y qu.yi times, but only as place and time require; that is, when opportunity 
 
 art. 5. ad occurreth. [ Precept a affrmativa obllganl femper,fed non ad femper % 
 
 3 m. Bona- wfi pro loco & tempore^ id eftj quando opportunity occurrit.l But nc 
 
 vent, in 1 . gative Precepts , doe binde at all rimes^nd to all times. [ Pracepta 
 
 feat. dift. negativa obligant femper, & adfemper. a ] As for example; A man 
 
 48. art. 2, is not obliedged to fpeakthe trueth at all times; for he may be fome 
 
 qu. i. in time lawfully fiient, but he may never lawfully He. 
 
 Refohtio- 1 o Of Affirmative necefTary dueties,fome are the weightier mar- 
 
 ne. Scorns tersof the Law, [>* 0*?ure}* t2 vo^„] aS Judgement, Mercy, and 
 
 in i.fent. Faith, Matth. 23.23. Others Jeffe weighty, fuch as are thofe of the 
 
 dift $.qu. P earth Articles; which we call neceilary, and ye doe reject. 
 
 micajtum 1 1 . The exerctfe of fome affirmative neceilary dueiies , may be 
 
 4, fome times omitted, by Authority ,without (in, for the publick peace, 
 
 or fome preffing neceilky. Thus Mofes permitted repudiation of a 
 
 mans married wife,not fallen into adukery;neither did he urge ftrictly 
 
 the affirmative duety of adherence, and that for the hardnede of their 
 
 heart. Wherein Mofes had refpe<5t to the peace and unity of the 
 
 Ttfosdilfraellj as Alexander Alenfis obferveth in his Summe of 
 
 Theologie y Part. 3. Qu. 46. Membro 1. Art. 1. & Art . 2. David 
 
 did not execute , in his own time , judgment againii Joab , fox his 
 
 murthering of Abner, and Amafa , becaufe the fonnes of Zeruiah 
 
 were too hard for him. Circumcifion was omitted, becaufe of the 
 
 uncertainty of their abode in one place , when the people were with 
 
 Mofes in the Wilderneffe. 
 
 12. Exercife of ecclefiafticall Difcipline , againft open ohftinate 
 
 offenders, is an affirmative duety, incumbent, by divyne Law, upon 
 
 the Pallors, towards thofe who are committed to their charge. Yet 
 
 it may, and ought to be forborn , when it can not be ufed without an 
 
 open rupture , and unavoidable Schifm. Becaufe in fuch a czic the 
 
 Gftgorje- publick peace is rather to be looked to>left in our inconliderate zeal to 
 
 lponf.ad 7. feperate'the Tares,we pluck up alio the Wheat. And what we can not 
 
 interroga- get corrected by cenfure, we can doe no more but mourn for it, and 
 
 tionemAti patiently wait till GOD amend ir, as August in proveth atlengrh, 
 
 gufiiwCa Lib.$. contra Epiftolam Parmeniani,Cap.i.& Cap/2. & Lib.de fide 
 
 marten(u. 6* oreribmfap^.Por in this time (fayeth Gregory) the holy Church 
 
 In hoc e- doeth correct fome 'thing by fervour, fomcthingfhe. tolerateth by meeknes t 
 
 nim if> m ® 
 
fotne things by conftderatlon fhe dlffembl eth, & beareth,fo that often n ™r™$* 
 by bearing &dipmbling,(be eompefceth (or futtetti away) that evill ^cdefm 
 which (he hateth.knd Projp.kith; for this cauje therforj hey moft with ^J m 
 gentle piety be borne wiikwho for their irfrmity, may net be rebuked, % ,' ^ 
 
 rem corrtglt, quadam per manfuetudinem tolerat,qu<zdam fer confiderationem 
 dijjimulat, atque fort at, vt f&pe malum quod aiverfatur , fortando & dijfmu- 
 landocomfefcat. Proffer, Lib, 2. devita contemplatlva, Cap, 5. Propter hoc 
 ergo, blandapietate pQ'rtandl funt, qui were pari profua wfrmltate nonpoffunt, 
 
 1 3. When a doctrinal! error ( not being fundamental! ) prevail- 
 ed) by publick authority in any Church , a private Pafior or Doclor 
 efpying it, may lawfully and iaudably 5 forbear publick (hiving agiinft 
 it, when he evidently perceiveth, that unavoydable Schifm would fol- 
 low thereupon. In fuch a cafe he fhould content himfelf, to feed his 
 
 hearers with that whokfome Milk of the Word, which they may re- ^ ,. , 
 ceive ? and delay the giving of ftronger Food , unto them becaute of aZfian *» 
 their infirmity : Confidering that more neceffary and weightier due- rat ' ' 
 tie, which he oweth for prefervation of order and peace ; and labour- torl ?.i*pag 
 ing, in a milde and peaceable manner, to cure them. To this purpofe 44 *• **» 
 belongech that faying of Gregoris Naz,lanzen , Let no man, there- 447 * E * lp 
 fo?e y be more wife then is convenient, neither more le gall then the Law, m rAC °JJ a 
 neither more bright then the Light, neither more fir aight then the Rule, ri J ' J * m0 * 
 neither higher then the Commandement, Bat how fo all this be > If we 1 3 °* 
 take knowledge of decencie, and commende the hwe of nature* andfoU 
 low reafon, and defpife not good order, (.»*** fti dri t uu%®uty \vrct£!&v % ) 
 And that of the ancient Church of Lions in France , near eight nun- ^ CC H- 
 chech years agoe ; Who doeth not^ calmlie and peaceablle moderate thai ***& L f 
 which he thinketh, but is readie Incontinent to contentions, dlffentions tenen ™ 
 and [candalls, although he have not an hereticall fexfe, mo ft certain- vertt / te 
 lie he hath an hereticall nmde. Script ur& 
 
 . poftmediu 
 
 (in Bibl, Patr.Tom.q.Part.i.Edlt.^JQMinon tranquille & pact fee moderator 
 quod f entitled ft atim paratus eft ad contentlones,dlffentlones,& fcandalafttamfi 
 nonhabeat Hareticum fenfum., certiffime habet Haretlcum anlmum, 
 
 14. Divine Jnftitution, by the Minifery -of the Apotfies, craveth 
 Deacons, ordained by impofition of hands , for all their life time, 
 -*& 6.. Yec in our reformed Church of Scotland we have no fuch 
 
 Deacons 
 
s#4 Dupl'yes? 
 
 Deacons Which cecomenicall defect , neceffitatedby detention o£ 
 Church manrenance neceflary for their fuftentation, wehopefhali 
 not be imputed to our Church , as fin,fo long as (he deipifeth not 
 that Inftitution, and acknowledged, and lamenteth, this deficiencie, 
 and endeavouretb, by peaceable lawful! means, to have it remedied, 
 1 5. Although Come affirmative Dueties,neceffary by divine pre- 
 cept, doe give place, fome times, to other more weighty, and more 
 preifing dueties, ( as the faving of a ftranger may be omitted, for Ca- 
 ving my father or my brother, or my fon , out of the fame danger, 
 when I am able onely to fave one of them. And many fuch like ex- 
 amples doe occurre : ) yet it is never lawfull to condemn or oppugn 
 fuch Dueties, as evil! , or fuperftitious, or fcandalous in themielves, 
 neither to rank them amongtt things in themfelves inditferent. 
 
 itf.Hence we doe inferre, that notwithstanding of the neceffity of 
 thofe of the P<^rf/>Articles,which we call necei!ary,yetfometims the 
 practifing of them,may become not neceffary,and theomiffion there- 
 of not finfull,pubiick authority^ neceffity of the peace of the church, 
 fo requiring. Some time indeed,the omiffion of a thing prefcrived by 
 an affirmative Divine or Humane Lavv,may befaultlefle : But it is ne- 
 ver lawfull for Subjects, to tranfgreffe the negative part of the divine 
 Thorn. 2a p^ecept,by refitting with force of Arms,that power whereunto GOD 
 i& qa. 4 3 ^ fubjeeled them, and to which he hath forbidden them, to make 
 art. -j.fr op p uc j 3 re ftft ance . Neither is it at any time lawfull ? for Paftors and 
 ter nullum Teachers, to teach erronious Doctrine. 
 
 fcandalum^ x ^ Ye doe attribute to us, as a great abfurdity,that at the will of 
 'fdodfeqm our ordinary and other lawfull Superiours,we are ready to forbear the 
 yff/ ir > pradife of thefe things which the Aflembly hath appointed to be ob- 
 debet homy f ervec ].And cn j s y e inferre from the neceffity of adminiftration of the 
 prttemijja Sjcraments,fometimes in private places,according to our judgment. 
 vcntate, Certainlie, ye will have much adoe, to make good, by right Logick, 
 fal[itatem t ^j g y 0ur inference from fuch an Antecedant.But to ipeak of the mar- 
 decore, ter - c ^ e Confequent, for fatisfaclion to rhe Reader, we find no fuch 
 abfurdity in it, as ye feem to proclaim. For, if lome Dueties appoin- 
 ted by divyneLaw, give place fome times to other weighty dueties, 
 fuch as is the keeping of publick peace and good order, as we have al- 
 ready ili own, much more may a thing,notwithftanding of any humane 
 Law appointing it to be obierved, be for theie refpefts omitted, at 
 
 the 
 
BUPLYES. 165 
 
 the will 8c direction of thofe fuperiours,co whom we ow our obedience 
 required by that: humane law ,3c who have power to difpence with our 
 pracMe in that part. 
 
 The XI V. Duply. 
 
 IF the words of the Covenant be plaine, (fay ye) concerning the 
 meer forbearance , and fpeak nothing of the unlawfullneis, no 
 mans thoughts can make a change, But we have given our rea- 
 fons, which juftly move us to require greater plainnefs; neither have 
 we as yet received fatisfa&ion, concerning thofe reafons. 
 
 2, In our 1 4 £?/>//,we faid,that your Band of mutuall defence againfi: 
 all perfons whatfoever, may draw fubje£ts,peihaps 5 to take Armes a- 
 gainfi their King,(which God avert) & cofequently from that loyalcie 
 of ohedience,which they ow to their Soveralgn^ U ours; except ye de- 
 clare, and explaine your fdves better,then ye have hitherto done. To 
 this ye anfwer,that 5 by this Reply we doe a threefold wrong:one to our 
 felves, another to the fubfcrivers , the third to the Kings Majefty. 
 But ye have not directly anfwered to the point proponed by us. 
 
 5. The wrong which ye fay,we do to our felvs,is in forging from the 
 words of the Co^»^,impedimets,& drawing (tumbling blocks in our 
 own way,to hinder our fubfcriptio.This your wrongous 'affeveratio^ve 
 juftly deny,proteftmg,as we have often" done,that we do walk fincerly 
 in this matter, according to our light,not forging to our felvs impedi- 
 mets 5 nor drawing (tumbling blocks in our own way;but clearly (hcw r 
 ing the impediments, and (tumbling blocks, which the contry vers of 
 the Covenant have hide in our way, by their very incommodious ex- 
 prelTion, irreconcilable [ in our judgement ] with your expofition. 
 
 4. Ye fay, we wrong the fubfcrivers , in changing the (tare of the 
 Que(tion,and in making a divorce betwixt Religion,and the Kin gs 
 Authority, which the Covenant joineth together, hand in hand. We 
 doe nowtfe wrong the fubfcrivers, when we propone uprightly our juft 
 fcruples, as we in our conferences doe conceive them,whereby we are 
 moved to with- hold our hands from that Covenant : whereof one is, 
 the fear of tmlawfull refiftance to Authority, if we fhould hold to that 
 Covenant, howfoever ye will not fuffer to hear patiently this objecti- 
 on, becaufe in your Covenant ye doe profeffe, the conjunction of Re- 
 ligion, and the Kin g s Authority : which profeflfion of yours, doeth 
 not fufficiently ferve fer a full anfwer to our objection, againlt thofe 
 
 T c other 
 
x66 D U P L Y E S. 
 
 other words of that fame Covenant , whereupon our fcruple did arife* 
 To clear this , we with you to anlwere directly ( to this our preterit 
 Demand?) whether or no,m cafe of disagreement, (which Godaverc) 
 think ye that the Covenanters ar obliedged,by vertue of their Covenat y 
 to make open reiiflace,by force of Armsplf ye think they are obliedgw 
 ed to make refiftance,then we defire yourAnfwer to the Reafons and 
 teftimonies broght in our 2.2>/>//,proving the unlawfuines of fuch re- 
 fill ace.But if ye think that they be not obhdged,the declare it plainly, 
 5. But molt of all, ye fay, we wrong the Kings Ma jelly, in bringing 
 him upon the ftage,before his fubje6ts,in whofe minds we wold (as ye 
 do unjuftly aileadge ) beget and breed fufpitions of opposing the 
 trueth, of making innovation in Religion , and of dealing with the' 
 fubjects, contrary to his Lawes and Proclamations, and contrary to 
 the Oath at his Coronation. We anfwer ; we have not brought, but 
 have found his Majefty upon this unpleafantftage, opposing him- 
 feif openly to your Covenant jNith folemn proteftations,againft all fuf- 
 pirions of oppofing the trueth,or making innovation of religio,or deal- 
 ing with the fubjects contrary to his lawes &: proclamatios,or conrrary 
 to the oath at his coronations his Majefties declaratio againft which 
 ye have protefted,we have willingly received, & do truely believe it, 
 
 6. What the moil honourable Lords,of his Majefties privy Counfell 
 have done,cocerning his Majefties laft proclamation >& upo what mo- 
 tives, their Hs. themfelves do know,& his Majefties high Comiflio- 
 ner,hath publickly declared in his printed Mamfefto,contmy to fome 
 of your ail everatios,c6cerning the proceeding of that honorable boord. 
 
 7 . Ye profefs- here, that, it bec5meth you,to judge charitably of his 
 Majefties intentions,akho ye dilailow the Service BookfinA Canons f& 
 containing a reall innovation of Religion;and doe affirme,that the in- 
 tention of the Prelats, & their allbciats,the Authors and contrivers of 
 the books, is moft juftly fufpe£tedby you.We have told you already, 
 char, concerning the matters, contained in thofe books, it is not now 
 time to difput,the books themfelvs being dil charged by his Majefties 
 proclamation,and a royall promife made,thathis Majefty will neither 
 now nor herafter, prefs the praclife of the forfaid Cams &; Service book. 
 nor any thing of that natnre,but in fuch a fair & legall way, as ftiall fa- 
 tisrte all his Majefties loving fubjects; &,that his Majefty neither in- 
 tended) innovation in Religion or Lawes./Vs for the intentions of his 
 
 [acred 
 
D UP LYES, j6i 
 
 facred Ma jefty,we do heartily & thankfully acknowledge them, to be 
 truely conformeto his Majefties gracious declaration, in that his laft 
 Proclamation . And,indeed,it becomsieth both you and us, to think fo 
 of thern.Nekher do we take upon us,to harbour in our breafts,any un- 
 charitable fufpition, concerning the intetions of thofe others of whom 
 ye fpeak ; feeing they ftand or fail to their own Mafter , and the 
 thoughts of their hearts are unknown, both to you and us : and in a 
 matter uncerraine it is furett to judge charitably. Yea, we have ma- 
 ny pregnant Arguments to perfwade us,that thofe reverend Prelate*, ■ 
 and their Affociates, had no fuch intention, as ye judge. 
 
 8. Ye make mention of three wrongs, done by us to you : the one f 
 in the Warnings whereof ye have an anfwer already given in our 12. 
 Duply ^ where ye did ufe great exaggerations, then either the intemio 
 of the warner did merit,or became your chartiy and profeflion.Arid by 
 your repetition of it in this place, ye {how, that ye have too great de- 
 light to dwell upon fuch expoftulations,wheras theological! reafons of 
 the matter incontroveriie,would better become you in fuch a Difynt. 
 The fecond wrong is,that ( as ye aileadge ) we have wronged you, in 
 wich-holding our hand and help from fo good a caufe,of purging Reil- rr- - 
 gion, & reforming the Kirk, from fo many grofs abufes,and oppofing J ? ^ 8 
 all thofe who have .modeftly laboured for Reformation. But certainly, r % ta 
 the wrong is done to us by you,in thatje do, without warrand cf Au- n J 
 thority,obtrude upon us, and thofe c omitted to our charges,the fwear- ^u v^Yt 
 ing of an Oath,which is-againft our own confeiences : and becaufe of/ ■ #;!??■' 
 our juft refuiall & opposition, ye do wrong us -alfo, in misinterpreting - l ^ ^ 
 our pious and upright meanings,and in making and ftirring up collate- n J ro ftP- 
 rall,and perfonall quarelis againft is, and tbreatningus therwith.Thus r f m '\a' *~ 
 (if GOD by his fpecial grace did not uphold us) might we be driven, m rffr 
 by worldly terrours,to do againft the light of our own confeiences. ' ™? s ■ V 
 
 cat refpondere non fotmris y caput auferas ; & linguam, qmtacerenon pot eft fe- 
 ces } Nee magnopere gbrieris) p facias quod Scorpiones poffunt facerejdr Can- 
 tharides. Fecerunt h#c & Fnlvia in Ciceronem^ & Herodias in loannem : quia 
 veritatem non pot er ant andire ; & linguam veribquam diferimwati acts cmfo- 
 dertsnt. * - « Alverftimimpiiffimos Celfttm at que Porphyrin™ qmntifcrip-* 
 fere 'no sir or urn} Qais omijfa cau(a,in fnperftna crimimm objettione verfatmeSk^ 
 
 9 . The third wrong, wherwith ye ch arge us,and for the which ye do 
 sinfinuacejthac we may fear trouble, is(asye aileadge)' \ our fpeaches, « 
 
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