Hidden Works of Darkness Brought to Public Light, Letter 119 – Letter 121
August 7th 1637.
FOr the Commission of Tithes I was ever against it in my own Judgment, and there in I agreed with my Lords of St. Andrews and Rosse, since neither of them hath given me sufficient reason, why J should change my minde, ye… if the Commission …ye a sleepe a while to see what may be said further for it, J thinke tis not amisse. And then if nothing can be said that shall make it appeare more beneficiall to that Church then yet it doth to me, it may be with the better deliberation quite extinguished. The truth is, at least as it appeares to me, in the present use of it, it is made a publicke pretence to privat ends.
My Lord, J thinke you know my opinion how J would have Church-businesse caried, were I as great a Master of Men, as I thanke God, I am of things. Tis true the Church as well there as else where hath beene overborne by violence both in matter of maintenance, and jurisdiction.Note. But if the Church will recover in either of these she & her Governours▪ must proceed, not as shee was proceeded against, but by a constant temper sh… must make the world see she had the wrong▪ but offer none. And since Law hath followed in that King dome perhaps to make good that which was ill done, yet since a Law it is, such a reformation or restitution would be sought for as might stand with the Law, and some expedient be found out, how the Law may be by some just Exposition helped till the state shall see Cause to abolish it.
His Majesty takes it very ill that the businesse concerning the stablishment of the Service booke hath beene so weakly caried, and hath great reason to thinke himselfe and his Government dishonoured by the late tumult in Edenborow, Iuly 23. and therefore expects that your Lordship and the rest of the honourable Councell set your selves to it, that the Liturgy may be established orderly and with Peace, to repaire what hath beene done amisse.Note. For his Majesty well knowes the Clergy alone have not power enough to goe through with a businesse of this nature, and therefore is not very well satisfied with them, either for the Omission, in that kind, to advise for assistance of his Lords Councell, or for the preparation, or way they tooke. For certainly the publication a weeke before, that on the next Sunday the prayers according to the Liturgy should be read in all the Churches of Edenborow, was upon the matter to give those that were ill affected to the service, time to communicate their thoughts, and to premeditate, and provide against it, as it is most apparent they did.
Nor is his Majesty well satisfied w…th the Clergy, that they which are in authority were not advertised, that they might attend the countenancing of such a service, so much tending to the honour of God and the King. And I am verily perswaded if that accident of the marriage of your Kinsman had not carryed your Lordship out of the City that day, some things would not have beene altogether so bad, and my Lord privy seale would have had the better assistance.
Neither was this the best Act that ever they did to send away their letters apart without acquainting the Councell, that their advertisements might have come by the same Messenger, together with their joynt advise, which way was best to punish the Offendors, at least the prime and chiefe of them, and which to prevent the like disorders. And after so long time of preparation to be to seeke who should read the service is more then strange to me, unlesse they think such a businesse can do it selfe, but his Majesty out of his piety and wisedome gave (by the Messenger which the Bishops sent) such full directions both to the Lords of the Councell and the Lords of the Clergy, as I hope will settle the businesse from further trouble. But the Proclamation, which you have now sent up to the King, I have not yet seene.
Of all the rest, the weakest part was, the interdicting of all Divine service, till his Majestyes pleasure was further known. And this (as also the giving warning of the publishing) his Majesty at the first reading of the letters and report of the Fact, checked at,Note. and commanded me to write so much to my Lord of Saint Andrews, which I did And your Lordship at the Councell, Iuly 24. spake very worthily against the in…e… dicting of the service. For that were in effect as much as to disclaime the work, or to give way to the insolency of the baser multitude and his Majesty hath commanded me to thankyou for it in his name. But the disclayming the Book as any act of theirs (but, as it was his Majestes command) was most unworthy. Tis most true the King commanded a Liturgy & it was time they had one. They did not like to admit of outs, but thought it more reputation for them (as indeed it was) to compile one of their own, yet as neere as might be, and they have done it well: will they now cast downe the milke they have given, because a few Milke-maids have scolded at them? I hope they will be better advised:Note. certainly they were very ill advised, when they spake thus at the Councell boord. But my Lord of this there was not one word in the letter. So I hope they have done with that.
W. Cant.
VponUpon this Letter, the designe of imposing the Service-Booke was more strenuously prosecuted then before, and divers Ministers were enjoyned to read it by a certain day in their Churches under paine of Horning; and the Bayliffes of Edinborow were so terrified and wro…e upon by the Lord Treasurer and Councell, that they writ this submissive Letter to the Archbishop thus superscribed.
To the most Reverend Father in God and our very honourable good Lord, the Archbishop of Canterbury his Grace, Primate and Metropolitan of all England, these: The originall whereof is thus Indorsed with the Archbishops owne hand. Rece. September 1, 1637. From the City of Edenborough: Their readinesse to receive the Liturgy.
Most Reuerenà Father in God, and our very good Lord.
VVEE regreive from our hearts that tumult which did fall out in our Churches that day of the imbringing of the Service Book. Wherin now these of His Majesties Councell, who has laboured the tryall thereof, will give testimony of our innocency; since that time and rinsig of his Majesties Councell in this feriall time we have dayly concurred with out ordiner and our Ministry for setling of that Service, as the Right Honorable the Earl of Traquair L. Treasurer with the Bishop; of Galloway, and Dunbleane will beare witnesse, Who has spared neither paines no… attendance to bring that purpose to any good conclusion; and although the poverty of this City be great, being almost exhausted with publick and common works, yet we have not bin inlacking to offer good meanes above our power, to such as should undertake that service, and in all things wherein we have bin required, wee have ever bin ready really to approve our selves obedient and loyall Subjects to his Majesty in all his Royall Commandements, which we have vowed ever to second to our lives end. And we being infinitely obliged to your Graces favour, Wee now presumed by these lynes to give your Grace that assurance of obedience upon our part. in this purpose and in all other purposes wherein we may contribute to the advancement of His Majesties service, as can be expected of good Subjects. Whereof if His Majesty by your Grace shall be pleased to rest assured, what things any other shall suggest, we will accept it from you as ane great accumulation of favour; for all which your Grace shall ever find us most thankfull remembrancers, and most ready really to expresse our thankfulnesse, when ever we shall be made so happy as your Grace shall have occasion to use our service. Thus from our hearts wishing you all happinesse, we kisse your Graces hand
Your Graces most affectioned and humble Servants, the Bayliffes of Eden.
I: Cochrane Bayliffe.
I. Smyth Bayliffe.
Al. Linfie Bayliffe.
C: Hammilton Bayliffe.
Eden. this 19th of August 1637.
But notwithstanding this submission of the Bayliffes of Edenburgh, yet most of the Ministers and People strenuously opposed the Service-booke, and presented divers Petitions to the Lords of secret Councell against it; whereof this was one of the principall, presented to them August 23, 1637, containing some reasons against receiving the Booke.
MY Lords of secret Councell, VntoUnto your Lordships humbly mea…es and shews; We your subjects Master Alexander Henderson Minister at Lenchars, Master George Hamilton Minister at Newbourne, and Master Iames Bruce Minister at Kings-Barnes That where we were required of late by the Moderator of our Presbytery to receive two Copies of the new Booke of Common Prayer, and declaring our selves willing each of us to receive any of the sayd Bookes to read, that wee might know what it contained before we could promise to practise it; Alleadging that in the matters of Godsworship, we were not bound to blinde obedience. It was refused by us and taken out of some of our hands; And yet we are now charged with Letters of horning Decreed be your Lordships, upon a narrative that we have refused the sayd Bookes out of curiosity and singularity. To provide each one of us two of the sayd Bookes for the use of our Paroches; Which hath made us, who were never before acquainted with any charge from Authority, and knowing no other way so just and voyd of offence, to have recourse to your Lordships; Most humbly entreating that the charge may bee suspended for the reasons following. First, Because this Book is neither warranted by the authority of the generall Assembly, which are the Representative Kirke of this Kingdom, & hath ever since the Reformation given direction in matters of Gods Worship, nor by any Act of Parliament, which in things of this kinde, hath ever bin thought necessary by his Majesty and the Estates. Secondly, Because the liberties of the true Kirke, and the forme of Worship and Religion received at the Reformation, and universally practised since, were warranted by the Acts of the general Assemblies, and divers Acts of Parliament; specially of the Parliament 1567, and the late Parliament 1633. Thirdly, The Kirke of Scotland is a free and Independent Kirke, and her owne Pastors sould be most able to discerne, and direct what doth best beseeme our measure of Reformation, and what may serve most for the good of the people. Fourthly, It is not unknowne to your Lordships, what disputing, division, and trouble hath beene in this Kirke, about some few of the maine Ceremonies contained in this Booke, which being examined (as we shall be ready, a competent time being assigned by your Lordships to shew) will bee found to depart farre from the forme of worship & Reformation of this Kirk, and in points most materiall to do all neer to the Kirke of Rome; Note.which for her Heresies in Doctrine, Superstition, and Idolatry in worship, tyranny in government, and wickednesse every way, is als Antichristian now as when we came out of her. Fifthly, The people have been otherwise taught by us, and by our Predecessors in our places, ever since the Reformation, and so it is likely they will be found unwilling to the change, when they shall be assayed, even where their Pastors are willing. In respect whereof, The sayds Letters of horning whole effect and execution thereof, ought to be suspended simpliciter in time comming. Therefore we beseech your Lordships, that we may have Letters Direct, charging the persons who have caused vse this charge against us, to compeir personally, bring, and produce the sayd Letters of horning, with the executions and indorsations thereof before your Lordships at a certaine day, to be seene and considered of. And in the mean time to suspend them, And your Lordships Answer.
The Copy of this Petition was sent up to London to the Archbishop, together with the Answer of the Bishop of Rosse thereunto; who received both of them September 5, 1637. as appears by the endorsments under his own hand.
The Answer to this Petition was as followeth.
A short Answer to the Petition of the Ministers given in to the Lords of His Majesties Councell the 23 of August, 1637.
THe Narrative of the Petition concerning the Moderator of the Exercise, His carriage, as we heare is false: and where they pretend that they knew not what was in the Booke, it appeares by their many objections and exceptions they object and except against it, in all parts of it almost, that they are too well versed in it, but abuse it pitifully.
To the first reason it may be truly replied, That not the generall Assembly, which consists of a multitude,Note. but the Bishops having authority to governe in the Church, are the representative Church of the Kingdom. And that the matters of Worship, if they understand thereby, the formes of Confession, Prayers, celebration of Baptisme, and the Lords Supper, &c. were committed in the time to some few Ministers, not exceeding the number of Seven, as is cleare by the Psalme Booke, that beares the number of the approvers. Whereas this Booke of Common Prayer committed in the Assembly of Aberdene, Anno 1616. to some three or foure that since are deceased, hath been revived and approved by the Bishops.Note.
The second reason is untrue, that which they call the forme of Worship, was never established by Act of Parliament. The confession of Faith was in Anno 1567. rati…ed, and the same often repeated since; But not t…e Booke of Praye…s and Psalmes.
Thirdly,Note. That the Church of Scotland is a free and Independent Church, none doth question: And it is her own Pastors (for that title … antiquity was given to Bishops only) that have judged this forme to be most for the good of the people. As to the measure of Reformation they speake of it is we…l, that they grant it to bee a measure, for other whiles they thinke it absolute and perfect.
The fourth reason reflects upon themselves, that have stood out so rebelliously against the Ceremonies concluded by the Church, and ratified in Parliament. And for the rest contained in this Book, not received as yet in this Church, that which is set downe in the preface, might have sufficed to convict them. They wi…l never bee able, do what they can to prove the same, or any thing in it to be either Supers…itious or Idolatrous; yea we dare to say, it is one of the most Orthodox and perfect Litturgies in the Christian Church.Note.
For the fifth, If they have taught the people, that the forme contained in the old Psalme Bookes is the only forme of Worship they have taught falsly. And it may be justly asked, if this was the onelyonly true forme; why did not they themselves keep to it, but did use other Prayers, and other formes then are prescribed in the Booke, both in Marriage, Baptisme, Celebration of the Lords Supper, Visitation of the Sick, &c. As to the unwillingnesse of people, so many as are led by them, and carried by their Seditious and turbulent Sermons, will perhaps run their wayes to their owne destruction: But good and well-disposed people, will still obey God, the King, and other powers subordinate to him.
By this Answer you may discerne what power the Scottish Bishops arrogated to themselves, through Canterburies encouragement, even more then to a generall Assembly.
September 4. 1637. The Archbishop writ this branch of a Letter to the Archbishop of Saint Andrews concerning the tumult in Edinburg…, and new pressing of the Service Booke, in answer of his Letter received from thence August 11, 1637. as appeares by the Endorcement under his owne hand.
TOuching the tumult, I can say no more than I have already. And for the casting of any fault upon your Grace, and the rest of your Brethren, as if the thing were done precipitatly: I think few men will believe that. But that which is thought here, is, that though you took advice among your selves, yet the whole body of the Councell was not acquainted with all your Determinations, nor their advice taken, nor their Power called in for assistance, till it was too late. And that after the thing was done, you consulted apart, and sent up to the King without calling a Councell, or joyning the Lay-Lords with you: whereas all was little enough in a businesse of this nature, and so much opposed by some factious men gathered (it seems) purpos…ly together at Edinburgh to disturbe this businesse. And indeed my Lord, you could not in this particular have ingag'd the Lay-Lords too far. And if any Lord here spake too much when he thoug…t the service might have bin received throughout all that Kingdome in one day, I hope your Grace falls as much too short on the other side. For I hope it will be setled in far l…sse time than 7. years.
And whereas you write, that the fault is m…st in your Ministers; I easily believe that to be true: But then they should have bin dealt withall before hand and made plyable, especially in Edenborow, or els some others appointed in the roome of such as disliked. And since your Grace is of opinion that a sharper course would do more good▪ and that you would have taken such with Master Ramsey, if my Lords had not alter'd your opinion. His Majesty leaves you to take that course both with him and others, as you shall finde fittest for his service, and the Churches. And for the Postscript, I am sorry as well as you for Master Rollock and that is all I have to say of him. So desiring God to blesse you through these troubles, I leave you, &c.
Will. Cant. Septemb. 4. 1637.
On the 11. of September 1637 the Archbishop writ another Letter to the Lord of Tr…qu…re; Part whereof c…ncerning the Scottish Liturgy I have h…re inserted, discovering how zea…ous and active his little Grace was in it.