The Wrestlings of the Church of Scotland, Religious history (1 of 4)

The Wrestlings of the Church of Scotland · Religious history (1 of 4)

p. 1A True and short DEDUCTION Of the WRESTLINGS of the CHURCH of SCOTLAND, For the KINGDOM of JESUS CHRIST, From the beginning of the Reformation of Religion, unto the Year 1667.

AFter all theſe great & glorious things, which the Lord in his Love, Mercy and Faithfulneſs hath wrought for this Land, and in his Holineſs and Righteouſneſs hath declared amongſt us; theſe clear and powerfull Manifeſtations of his bleſſed Truth, which have ſo brightly shined forth, to the Glory, Beauty and Praiſe of this whole Nation: After theſe many ſacred and moſt ſolemn Engagements, whereby, in the evidence and power of the ſame Truth, all Ranks and degrees, from the King even to the meaneſt, became, duplicate page p. 1duplicate page p. 2and are ſtill bound and devoted to the Moſt High and Holy, Our Covenanted God, and to our bleſſed Lord Jeſus Chriſt, (who alone is King in Zion and of all Saints, and whoſe are all the Kings and Kingdomes of the Earth,) for the advancement of his Glory and Kingdome, and for the owning and maintaining of his glorious Work and precious Truth, which is all our Felicity and Joy: And after all this horrid Apoſtacy and Rebellion, whereby the ſame wretched Nation, in the ſame Generation, and almoſt in the ſame Perſons, neither from the conviction of any pretended Reaſon or Conſcience, nor from any ſolid perſuaſion of the very Advantage deſigned▪ but in the manifeſt Spirit of Wickedneſs and violence, have forgotten, deſpiſed and blaſphemed the former power and Glory; Rebelled againſt God, by breaking the Holy Covenant; Rejected our Lord and Saviour; Overturned the Work of his own bleſſed Spirit and Arme; Abrogated and reſcinded all theſe righteous Lawes and Ordinances, whereby it was eſtablished; And by moſt Unjuſt, Arbitrary and Cruel Lawes and Practiſes, have endeavoured the rebuilding and promoving of the Kingdome of Darkneſs and Antichriſt, and precipitating of all men, either into the ſame condemnation with themſelves, or utter ruine and Extermination; After, we ſay, all theſe things, which the Lord hath thus wrought and permitted in the midſt of us, neither the Diſcouragement and Fainting of ſome, nor the Unſucceſfulneſs of the more honeſt and Zealous endeavours of others, nor yet our Silence hithertil, is greatly to be wondered at. For, whoſe eyes can behold all theſe things, without Dimnes and affecting of the heart? And whoſe heart can conſider them, without Aſtonishment and Horrour, if not Stupefaction or Diſcouragement? How little p. 3wonder is it, that every viſage (ſuppoſe of the faireſt Nazarit) be blacker then a coale? That every eye run down with waters? & that the ſouls of many refuſe to be comforted, & neither do, nor dare rejoice as other people? When not only, by their going a whoreing from the Lord, their dayly bread, is become the bread or Adverſity and the waters of Affliction, and when their famine of the Word of the Lord is ſuch, that though they wander from ſea to ſea ſeeking it, they cannot find it; Bot alſo the Comforter that should releeve their ſouls is far from them, and either covereth Himſelf with a cloud, that their prayers cannot paſs through▪ or then anſwereth them, only by terrible things in Righteouſneſs; How can they, who by their Vanities have moved the Holy God to Jealouſy, and thereby have provoked their Rock to fell them, ſtand before their Enemies, or chaſe a thouſand & put ten thouſand to flight? & al…hough that we should plead with our Mother, with our Rulers, & with all other ranks of perſons within the Land, that they would put away their whoredomes out of their ſight, & their Adulteries from betwen their breaſts; yet what hope is there, that Words shall prevaill, where the Power and Glory of the moſt High is contemned? Or that Reaſon shall be heard, where the Counſell of God is rejected?

Here indeed is matter of Wonder and Praiſe, even the Longſuffering of the Lord, (which is Salvation) and the Mercy and faithfulneſs of our God, who hath not only hithertil preſerved a Remnant, even a holy ſeed, which shal be the ſubſtance of our Land; But (after this late ſuddain and aſtonishing ſtroak of his holy Indignation, which ſeemed to preſage no leſs, then the woful overturning of this ſinking Church, into the depth of all darkneſs, and the dreadful overthrow of p. 4this whole Land and Nation, in the conſummation of his fierce anger, to have been poured out in our deſolation) hath made Light and Salvation to ariſe, and Glory and Praiſe to ſpring forth, in making his grace more manifeſt and commending and aſſerting His Work and Covenant, more in the Sufferings and Death of His faithfull Servants and Witneſſes, then in all the proſperity and Victories, which formerly he vouchſaved upon us. O! bleſſed and exalted be his moſt Holy Name and aboundant Grace, who for the wicked and momentany rejoycing of our adverſaries, hath given to his People, ſuch ſweet conſolations and Exuberant Praiſe; and from the depths of our preſent diſtreſſes, and amidſt the feares of ſo imminent and great judgments, hath, in ſtead of an Apology before the world▪ put a ſong of Salvation in our Mouth, that, as well to Teſtify for the Lord againſt the backſliders, as for the comfort and conſolation of all who love and wait for his Salvation, we may call the Heavens to hear and the Earth to give ear, that we may publish the Name of the Lord, and aſcrib Greatneſs to our God, whoſe work is perfect, and all his wayes Iudgment; A God of Truth, and without Iniquity, Juſt and Right is He. We have corrupted ourſelves, our ſpot is not the ſpot of his Children, we are a perverſe and crooked generation: Do we thus requit the Lord, O foolish people and unwiſe? Yet is not He our Father that hath bought us? Hath not He made us and eſtablished us? Let us then remember the dayes of old, when the moſt High did viſit us, and the Lord became Our God, and we became His People and Inheritance. This is the Teſtimony of his dying withneſſes, this is the voice of his preſent Diſpenſations. We will therefore call to mind the Years of the right hand of the Moſt High, and p. 5the wondrous works of the Lord, which He alone did work in our Land: We will alſo declare our manifold Engagements, and our moſt ſelemn and ſacred Covenants, with and to Our God; that the Lord's Loving Kindneſs may be made known; that the Innocency, Strength and Joy of his Servants may appear; that the glory of all his Righteous Judgments, which are either already come upon us, or which we have reaſon to fear, may be made manifeſt; that wickedneſs may ſtop it's mouth; and that all the Enemies of the Lord may be confounded.

It is not here intended to reſume theſe debates, which, as the Adverſaries have formerly moved, and pertinaciouſly maintained againſt the Work of God, and almoſt againſt every paſſage and tranſaction thereof; ſo have the Lovers and Owners of it, abundantly ſatisfied, and the Lord Himſelf determined with that power and Evidence, that, the Converſion of ſome and Conviction of almoſt all, and even of it's moſt deſperat oppoſers, is not the ſmaleſt part of it's Glory: But ſeing the party that now prevaileth, hath diſdained that method, and only by plain force and Violence, in the moſt groſs and deſperat Rebellion, Blaſphemy and Perfidy againſt God and his Cauſe, and the higheſt and moſt determined contempt and miſreguard of all good Conſcience, and ſacred Oathes, that ever the ſun beheld, hath carried on and advanced this preſent Apoſtacy and defection, under which all the Godly do mourn, and the Land perisheth: We shall only here endeavour, the ſincere and candid Repreſentation of theſe things, which, as they were once the Glory of the Lord, and joy of his people in this poor Nation, ſo are they now the Teſtimony and Triumph of his witneſſes, and the Patience and Hope of all his p. 6Sufferers, and may be the full Satiſfaction of all, who shall hear of theſe late and preſent troubles, wherewith the Lord doth Exerciſe us, and will undoubtedly in the end prove, etiher the Exaltation and Praiſe, or the Deſolation and perpetuall Confuſion of BACKSLIDEN SCOTLAND.

When Scotland▪ through the uſurpation of the Roman Antichriſt, and the contagion of his abominations, and through the Prid, Luſt and Tyranny of Prelacy, (the very root and ſtrength of that Kingdom of wickedneſs) had fallen into that groſs and black darkneſs of Ignorance and Superſtition, and into theſe ſtrong Deluſions, (wherewith the Lord as he hath threatned, ſo hath he ever infallibly plagued that Antichriſtian courſe) and for many hundreth Years had lien involved therein; It pleaſed the Lord in his wonderful mercy and free love, to cauſe the glorious Light of the everlaſting Goſpell again to ariſe and shine forth amongſt us: Which, as it is ever beſt witneſſed by its own Power and Purity; So through the Power and Wiſdome of God alone, even by the Weakneſs of very mean inſtruments, in the midſt of the flames of fiery perſecutions, and againſt the rage and fury of the Devil▪ and of all the powers of Hell, was this Work advanced and effectuated: As the recordes of theſe times from 1494. until about the Year 1560. do plainly diſcover. Dureing which period of time, theſe things are very obſervable.

Firſt That where and when ever the Light and Truth of God did diſcover & teſtify againſt the Corruptions, Errors, Idolatry, and Superſtitions of Popery in the ſame manner it teſtified and declared, that the Popes uſurped Tyranny, and the Prid, Idleneſs and Domination p. 7of the wicked Prelates, were cheefly the Authors and Maintainers thereof.

Secondly. That ſuch as the Lord did from time to time call to, and ſend forth for the work of the Miniſtry, did walk therein, with the ſame Painfulneſs▪ Poverty, Simplicity, Humility, and Equality which the Holy command and practiſes of our bleſſed Lord and his Apoſtles, do ſo conſtantly commend: Hence it is, that, in ſo far as this point could fall under the enquiry of theſe times, it is clearly held out, that they acknowledged no Officer in God's Houſe, Superior to a Preaching Miniſter and according to the ſtandard of this Office, did they try, reject and crave the Reformation of exorbitant Prelacy. As the examinations and teſtimonies of the faithfull in theſe dayes do witneſs.

Thirdly. That as the love of God and his bleſſed Truth, and the Precepts, Promiſe and Preſence of our Lord Jeſus Chirſt, did enable unto all Patience with joy, ſuch as, by the call of a clear and neceſſary providence, the Lord ſett forth to be his witneſſes; (who, for the love and Teſtimony of Jeſus, cheerfully embraced the fire and faggott) ſo when the Lord did multiply the faithful to a Reaſonable Capacity, they were ſo far from reſigning themſelves, and abandoning that Firſt, and moſt juſt Priviledge of Self-defence ▪ to the arbitriment even of the lawful Powers, and of that Authority which they did acknowledge, that they not only owned it and ſtood to it; but did account themſelves ſo much the more obliged to their own Preſervation and eſteemed the ſame ſo much the more endeared to them, that the ſe…ing forth of the Glory of God, in the maintainance of the bleſſed Goſpel and the propagation and continuance thereof, ſeemed ſo neceſſarily to depend thereon: which endeavours, they did alſo further extend, in the bowels and p. 8bonds of brotherly affection in Chriſt Jeſus, unto the ſame duty of defence & Aſſiſtence to all his members. And in effect, if their Principles and Practices be well conſidered, it will appear, that, as when God called them to ſuffering, they loved not their lives unto Death that they might witneſs a good confeſſion; ſo when they attained to any Probability of Acting, they thought themſelves indiſpenſibly obliged, upon their uttermoſt hazard to defend the Goſpel which they had receaved, and to ſuppreſs all Superſtition and Idolatry contrary therto, although the motive of Self-defence had not been conjoined: And it will alſo appear, that the Neceſſity of Convocations and Combinations (though not only without but even againſt Authority; Yet being in order to ſuch neceſſary and juſt Ends) did ſuffiriently warrand them befor God and all men, from the breach of any Law or Act then ſtanding againſt the ſame, wherewith they might have been charged. For verification hereof, though the whole courſe of our Reformation be an unqueſtionable evidence, yet let the inſtance of their firſt Appearance be obſerved, wherein both the Motives, Actors and all other circumſtances, do more clearly and beyond all cavillation hold out, that only the Love and Zeal of God, in the ſame Spirit in which they had ſo conſtantly ſuffered, did ſtir them up, from the pure and vive ſenſe of their indiſpenſible duty and certaine Priviledge, againſt all oppoſition whatſomever, to own and ſet themſelves for the Defence of the Goſpel and the true Miniſters thereof. The paſſage is thus.

In or about the Year 1555 the Queen by the inſtigation of the Prelats, (perceaving the increaſe of the Proteſtants, and fearing ſome inward diſtraction, during the wars then with England, if Shee should p. 9fall upon a more rigorous and general courſe,) did cauſe all the Preachers to be ſummoned: whereupon the body and generality of the whole Proteſtants, reſolved to keep the Dyet. But the Bishops apprehending the hazard, did procure that they should be commanded inſtantly to the borders: Nevertheleſs God had ſo provided▪ that upon the ſame day the Weſt-land Quarter returned from it; which conſiſting of many faithful men▪ ſo ſoon as they underſtood the matter, they repaired to the Queen, and plainly in the hearing of the Prelates did charge them, with the cruel device intended, and certified Her' of their reſolution, both to oppoſe it, and defend their Brethren to their uttermoſt; and ceaſed not, until that She was moved to diſcharge the citation.

Thereafter in the Year 1557. they entered into a Covenant of conſtant mutual Defence of the Goſpel, their Miniſters, and themſelves, againſt all their adverſaries, in theſe words, VVe perceiving how Sathan in his members, the Antichriſts of our time, cruelly do rage, ſeeking to overthrow and deſtroy the Goſpel of Chriſt, and his Congregation, ought, according to our bounden duty, to ſtrive in our Maſters Cauſe, even unto the death, being certaine of the Victorie in him: The which our duty being well conſidered, VVe do promiſe before the Majeſty of God, and his Congregation, That we (by his grace) ſhal with all diligence continually apply our whole power, ſubſtance, and our very lives, to maintain, ſet forward, and eſtabliſh the most bleſſed VVord of God, and his Congregation: And ſhall labour according to our power, to have faithfull Miniſters, p. 10truly and purely to miniſter Chriſts Goſpel and Sacraments to his people. VVe ſhal maintain them, nouriſh them, and defend them; the whole Congregation of Chriſt, and every Member thereof according to our whole powers, and waging of our lives, againſt Sathan and all wicked power that doth intend Tyrranny or trouble against the foreſaid Congregation. VntoUnto the which holy VVord, and Congregation, we de joyne us; and ſo do forſake and renounce the Congregation of Sathan with all the ſuperſtitious abomination and idolatry thereof. And moreover, ſhall declare our ſelves manifeſt enemies therto, by this our faithful promiſe before God teſtified to this Congregation, by our Subſcription at theſe Preſents. At Edinburgh the third Day of December, Anno 1557. God called to witneſs.

Like as in the Year 1559. being again neceſſitated to aſſemble for, and ſtand to the defence of the Goſpel and themſelves, at Perth, they renewed and enlarged the ſame engagement, according to the good hand and Spirit of God upon his Servants, in theſe words, At Perth the last day of May, the Year of God 1559. Yeares, the Congregations of the VVeſt Countrey, with the Congregations of Fife, Perth, Dundie, Angus, Merns and Monroſs, being conveened in the town of Perth, in the Name of Ieſus Chriſt, for ſetting forth of his glory, underſtanding nothing more neceſſary for the ſame, then to keep a conſtant amity, unity, and fellowſhip together, according as they are commanded by God, are confederate, and become bounden and p. 11obliged in the preſence of God, to concurre & aſsist together in doing all things required of God in his Scripture, that may be to his glory; And at their whole powers to deſtroy and put away all things that doth diſhonour to his name, ſo that God may be truly and purely worshipped. And in caſe that any trouble be intended aganst the ſaid Congregation, or any part or member thereof, the whole Congregation shall concurre, aſsiſt, and conveen together, to the defence of the ſame Congregation or perſon troubled: And shall not ſpare Labours, goods, Subſtance, Bodies and Lives, in maintaining the liberty of the whole Congregation, and every member thereof, againſt whatſoever perſon shall intend the ſaid trouble for cauſe of Religion, or any other cauſe depending thereupon, or lay to their charge under pretence thereof, although it happen to be coloured with any other outward cauſe.

And again in the MonethMonth of Auguſt, the ſame Year, after having ſuſtained and valiantly reſiſted a ſecond aſſault, both of the wicked Prelats and of their other violent adverſaries; by a third band & Oath they added a further caution to their former engagements, to the effect that in ſo juſt and holy a cauſe, they might never by force or fraud be thereafter fainted or divided.

And laſtly in April Anno 15…0. they ingaged themſelves in a fourth bond in theſe words, VVe whoſe names are underwritten, have promiſed and oblidged our ſelves faithfully in the preſence of God, and by theſe preſents do promiſe, that we together in Generall, and every one of us in ſpecial by himſelf, with our bodies, p. 12goods and friends, and all that we can doe, shall ſet forward the Reformation of Religion, according to Gods VVord, and procure by all means poſsible, that the Truth of Gods VVord, my hauehave free paſsage within this realme, with due adminiſtration of Sacraments, and all things depending upon the ſaid VVord—that we shall each one with another, all of us, effectually concurre, joine in one, take & hold one plain part for the, — and recovery of our ancient freedome, Liberties.—that we way be ruled by the Lawes and Cuſtome of the Countrey.—Again that we shall tender the common Cauſe, as if it were the Cauſe of every one of us in particular; And that the Cauſes of every one of us now joyned together, being lawfull and honest, shall be all our Cauſe in Generall; And that he that is enemy to the Cauſe foreſaid, shall be Enemy to us all in ſo far.—Wee have ſuperadded theſe inſtances (as wee might have done two or three more) to the firſt propoſed, becauſe of their great reſemblance, ſince there can be nothing more manifeſt, then that the ſame Provocations the ſame Spirit, the ſame Principles, and the ſame Deſign, did moſt uniformly influence all theſe Transactions. Now ſeeing that both the Occaſion, Actors, Aime, and End of the firſt Action, and eſpecially the obſervable Providence of God, that without all contrivance of man did over-rule it, do clearly purge it of any intended Rebellion or other wickedneſs; Certainly to affirm that all theſe things were nevertheleſs acted in, & by a Rebellious Spirit, muſt be a ſinn, at leaſt next unto that of high deſpit and Blaſphemy againſt the Holy Ghoſt, and Spirit of grace, by whoſe power p. 13alone, this bleſſed work was effectuated: Neither durſt the Arch-Prelat himſelf though our Arch-Adverſary in this our preſent cauſe, and though he knew that the ſame doth infallibly, either ſtand or fall upon the ſame principles and grounds with theſe caſes now under conſideration, proceed any further in his cenſure of theſe courſes and practices; then to diſprove them as Violent and Diſorderly. There is one thing further, which is alſo before touched, that the inſtances above adduced eſpecially the firſt, both for the Meanneſs of it's Actors the unpremeditated plainneſs of its Manner, and the ſinglneſs and purity of its End, doth moſt evidently make out, viz: that as theſe men of God, by their ſmall and improbable appearance, did as much witneſs their unfained love of the Truth and zeal of his Glory, in the manifeſt contempt and hazard of their lives and fortuns, As when under the diſpenſation and call of another providence, they did patiently and cheerfully upon the ſame motives, lay down their lives, and ſuffer the loſs of all things; So the end of their undertaking, was not only their own juſt and neceſſary Defence, which in ſuch an apparent danger, might rather ſeem to be abandoned then intended, but above all things, the Maintainance & Defence of that bleſſed Evangel, which was dearer to them, then all other intereſts whatſoever. Wee know our great adverſaries, who for the gain and pleaſours of this life (what then would they not do for the preſervation of life it ſelf?) have often renounced, and would again renounce all Conſcience, Alleagance and Truth; and who by their deteſtable Flatterv, in denying the lawfulneſs of Self-defence, (although in effect Self be their only Idol) & pretending a fained affection, & illimited ſubmiſſion without reſerve, do only court the Powers, for the p. 14advanceing of theſe intereſts, which they ſeem to relinquish; as the revolutions of the World, have frequently declared their practiſes in prejudice of both Religion and Royalty, and have often reſolved both their practiſes and principles, into that one Devilish poſition, the firſt yea only fixed rule of their Religion Skin for skin, yea all that a man hath will be give for his life; Theſe, we ſay, are not curious to enquire in this diſtinction; Yet, ſeeing they leave nothing uneſſayed whereby to promote their deſign, and therefore, do often cavil from ſuch advantages as the work of God afterwards obtained, and particularly the Concurrence of the Peers and Primores Regni, and from the defect thereof in the firſt appearances, would infer the unlawfulneſs of rhe ſame, eſpecially in order to the deſign of Reformation; Therefore wee further add with theſe noble worthies, that as it cannot be denied, 1. That the right & Priviledge of Self-defence is not only founded in, but is the very firſt inſtinct of pure Nature, and ſpring of all motion and action. 2. That it was competent to, and exerciſed by every individual, before that either Society or Government were known. 3. That it was ſo far from being ſurrendred or ſuppreſſed by the erecting of theſe, that it was & is the great End & motive, for which all voluntary Societies and Policies were introduced and are continued. 4. That it is a principal rule of Righteouſneſs, whereunto that great command of love to our neightbour, by the Law of God & by our Lord himſelf is reſolved, & whereby it is interpreted; ſo it doth infallibly follow, that the ſame right and Priviledge is yet competent to all men, whither Separatly or Jointly; and needeth no other prerequiſit, but that of intollerable and inevitable injury; (which for a man to ſuffer under pretext of the good of the Common-wealth, p. 15would be, for the deluſion of an emptie name, only for the luſt of others, really to deprive himſelf of his whole share and intereſt therein) and is compleated for exerciſe by ſuch a Probable Capacity, as may encourage the Aſſe…ters thereof to undertake it.

And as for that other, and more noble deſign of the Maintainance and Reformation of Religion, waving the queſtion and Debate. Whether the ſame can or ought to be by force maintained? Which may appear ſufficiently determined to rationall men, by the very contrary Practiſes of it's adverſaries, who not only by force do fight aginſt it, but moſt irreligiouſly uſurpe and detort it's own weapons viz: the precepts of our Lord, for patience and meeknes under a diſpenſation of ſuffering, to the perſuaſion of a ſtupid ſubmiſſion, and caſting away the opportunity of Deſence and Acting; that without controll they may work it's overthrow; And ſuppoſing with all men, that force is not a proper argument of perſuaſion, and that Religion neither can nor ought to be thereby propagated; Yet are we in conſcience perſuaded, that the grounds follouwing, evidently held out in the records of theſe times, are beyond contradiction.

1. That Religion (the higheſt concernment of Gods glory and of mans happineſs both temporall and eternall) is the moſt important, dear and precious of all intereſts.

2. That to be violented in this (which cannot be without an unjuſt force either or mens Perſons or Goods) is the moſt wicked and inſupportable of all injuries.

3. That the propelling by force of ſuch injuries▪ was the juſteſt cauſe and quarrell, that men in their Primaeve Liberty could be engaged in.

p. 164. That, as for the ſecurity of this Intereſt, and no wayes to make an abſolut ſurrender thereof to the arbitriment of any, men were moſtly induced to the appointing of Governours, ſo the glory of God, which is the end of all things, but herein is moſt eſpecially concerned was by the erecting of Rule and Government for the ſecurity of Religion, more particularly and eminently intended.

5. That the Powers appoin…ed for Preſervation, cannot warrantably endeavour Subverſion.

6. That, as every man is bound to obey God rather then man; ſo ſuch Violence, and intollerable and inevi…able injury offered by he Powers on this account, as to the perſon injured, deſtroyeth bo…h the Common-welath of he people, & more ſpecially, the Glory of God which are the only ends of Governments, maketh both the End, the Means of Government and Authority, and the injured perſon's Obligation thereunto, to ceaſe.

7. As the perſons, one or more, reduced to this eſtate and condition▪ if by a real or apparent incapacity of Acting, they conceave them ſelves called to a Teſtimony by Suffering ought herein with all patience, to give unto God the Glory; ſo having the opportunity of, and being called▪ whither to their own Defence, or the Aſſi…ing of their Brethren in ſo juſt a cauſe, they ought therein valiantly to acquit themſelves, for the Glory of God, the mantainance of his Truth, and the mutuall preſervation one of another.

8. As the Combination of more perſons, whom the ſame common cauſe of juſt and neceſſary Defence doth join together▪ is founded upon and doth moſt natively ariſe from that Primaeve Right and Priviledge, which at firſt gave Being and Riſe to all Societies, and whereunto, p. 17the force of extream Neceſſity, through the perverſion of that Mean of Government, appointed for their Preſervation, doth ultimatly reduce them; ſo the duty of mutual Aſſiſtance, is not only warranted by that principle of Humanity and common Stipulation, which is the Motive and Bond of mens entering into Society, the immediat and ſubordinat End of all Rule, and the moſt effective Mean, whereby that ſuperior end of the Good and Safety of every Individuall therein included, can be beſt ſecured: But alſo, firſt, by that more endearing principle of Chriſtian and brotherly Affection in the Lord; upon the indiſpenſible force and obligation whereof, the very glory and righteouſneſs of the great and laſt judgement ſeemeth to be founded, Math. 25:31. to the end. And, ſecondly, by that ſupream & chief concernment of God's Glory, to which the intereſts of all Powers & Common-wealth's muſt certainly ſtoop and cede. And how is it poſſible, that any ſcruple anent this can remain with any conſiderat or conſcientious perſon? if we conſider that whole Cities, Kingdomes▪ & Empires, for the violation of this duty, in not releeving & delivering of Innocents from the unjuſt Tyranny, even of lawful Powers, have been involved in the Guilt of the violence and cruelty, which had been only acted by one or a few perſons, and have been overtaken therefore, by fearfull effects and Iudgments, to their utter ruine and Subverſion. As is moſt evidently confirmed by that clear intimation thereof made by Ieremiah, to the Jewes, Chap. 26..15. Know ye for a certain that if ye put me to death, ye shall ſurely bring innocent blood upon yourſelves, & upon THIS CITY, and upon THE INHABITANTS thereof.

9. As the Power & exerciſe of Reformation hath been groſly calumniated by the adverſaries, as if thereby were meant and had been practiſed manifeſt force and p. 18violence upon Conſciences and Perſuaſions; ſo on the other hand, open Idolatry, Blaſphemy, Perjury, Venting and Spreading of Hereſy, and ſuch like abominations, (being moſt dishonorable to God, and pernicious to all Common-wealths) ought without doubt, by all means to be ſuppreſſed, reſtrained and ſeverely punished Now, that this Vindicative and (in caſe of backſliding) Reforming Power is committed to the Magiſtrat, and that he is thereto mainly appointed, none will queſtion; But what if not only the ſupreame Magiſtrat, but with him all the Nobles and Primores of the Realme shall turn the principal perverters, and chief Patrons of theſe abominations? As we have already cleared, that, in caſe either the People or any part of them, be violented to a ſinful complyance, or be wickedly perſecuted for adhering to God in the profeſſion and practiſe of the contrary duties; they may lawfully Defend themſelves, and are mutually bound to aſſiſt and deliver one another: So it now comes to be conſidered, that, ſeing the maintenance of Truth and the true Worship of God, were and are the principal ends and motives of contracting of Societies and erecting of Governments, whereunto both the People and Rulers, are not only ſeparatly every one for himſelf, but jointly oblidged for the publick advancement & eſtablishment thereof; & that God doth therefore equally exact and avenge the ſin of the Rulers only, or of the People only, or of any part of the People only, upon the whole body of the Rulers and People, for their ſimple Tollerance and connivance, without their active complyance with the tranſgreſſors; of neceſſity, both from the principles deduced, and from the moſt viſible judgments of God agreeable thereto, there muſt be a Superior and Antecedent obligation to p. 19that of Submiſſion, incumbent upon all both jointly and ſeparatly, for the maintenance, vindication and Reformation of Religion, in order to the promoting of theſe great ends of the publick profeſſion of Truth and true Worship, which the Lord doth indiſpenſibly require. And though this poſition be indeed more evident, where expreſs Covenants betwixt God and the whole People, betwixt Rulers and their Subjects, and betwixt the People and ſubjects amongſt themſelves in order to theſe Holy Duties can be produced; ye… ſeing all Conſtitutions of Societies and Governments, do virtually ſuppoſe and imply the ſame, and are founded thereon, the Aſſertion doth with equal certainty firmly hold: But that all contradiction may ſtop it's mouth, let the import and true meaning of the Scriptures, and inſtances following be impartially weighed. Deut. 13: ver. 12, 13, 14, 15. The Lord ſaith, If thou shalt hear that in one of thy cities, certain men amongst yow have with-drawn the inhabitants of their city, to ſerve other Gods, and if after deligent ſearch…s the thing be found a truth, thou shal ſmite and deſtroy that city utterly. Joſ. 22: ver. 17, 18, 19. Phin…has ſaith to the two Tribes and the half, upon their ſuppoſed defection, If yee rebel to day against the Lord, to morrow he will be wroth with the whole Congregation of Iſrael: And Judges 22. throughout, in the caſe of Israel againſt Benjamin and Gibeah. All the places, as they clearly hold out the command and practiſe moſt conſonant to our poſition; ſo to think that the ſame may be evaded, by aſtricting the places to the Hypotheſis contained in the letter viz: of more or all the cities againſt one apoſtatizing, and that either an equal diviſion of the cities, (the one half faithful, the other backſlidden) should bring the matter to an accommodation; or that the greater part backſliden (who certainly had p. 20the caſting voice in that Democratick conſtitution, should oblige the fewer remaining ſtedfaſt, to a ſinful acquieſcence, is to elude all Scripture, and mock the Holy Ghoſt by whom it is given. Now, whither theſe places and what is premiſed, do warrand an juſt extention thereof in favours of the People, againſt backſliden Rulers both ſupream and ſubordinat, or even in favours of a part of the People (with the caution ſubjoyned) againſt the greater part wickedly backſliden, let the World judge. Oh! did the wrath of God, for the hidden and ſecret ſin of one poor acurſed Achan, ſuddenly and fearfully overtake the whole People, and ALL THE CONGREGATION of Israel, ſo that, that man perished not ALONE in his iniquity? and had not our Reformers great reaſon to fear and tremble, leaſt the Manifeſt Tolleration of proud, cruel, and flattering Prelats, who had perverted the lawful Powers into bloody Perſecuters; and of Idolatours Prieſts, whoſe wickedneſs and Idolatry had corrupted the whole Land, might involve, not only themſelves but the whole Nation, in deſtroying and overflowing indignation.

We are not ignorant of the no leſs wicked then ground leſs cavils of ſome, as if we would make or have every man to be a Phinehas: And what then? Would God (if wishes, yea prayers and teares could make it) that all his Servants were as Phinehas, and that he would pour upon every one of them, the ſame Spirit of Holy Zeall which was in him, that by removall of the cauſe, his fierce anger againſt this poor conſuming Land might ceaſe. But as for that Act of Phinehas, the termes following being generall and ambigous, admitting of ſeverall diſtinctions and ſubdiſtinctions, as it is not eaſy without diſtinguishing, p. 21in theſi to define an Action and Call Extraordinary, and an Action and Call thereunto, only Heroicall; and to ſtate the true ſpecificall Difference and juſt limits betwen an Action and Call Extraordinary, and an Action and Call Heroicall, as they are ſtrickly taken and contradiſtinguished; and clearly and convincingly to demonſtrat, what and how much more is required in an Extraordinary Call to an Extraordinary Action, then is required in a ſufficient Call unto an Heroicall Action? and whether an eminent meaſure of Holy Zeal, Magnanimity and Fortitude do conſtitut a ſufficient Call unto an Heroicall Action; or do only Diſpoſe and fit the perſon for the right and better performance thereof, as a Call unto the Action, and the Fitneſs of the Perſon for doing of the ſame are contradictinguished; or may not both Diſpoſe and fit the perſon for performance of the Action, and alſo include and give a Call unto the Action it ſelf: So when the matter is fully conſidered, it will be more difficult then perhaps is apprehended, to prove that the Act of Phinehas was Extraordinary, ſtrickly taken and in contradiſtinction to that which is only Heroical; or that his Call thereunto was Extraordinary, in contradiſtinction to that which is a ſufficient Call unto an Heroicall Action; and more difficult to determine, otherwiſe then by naked aſſertion, what that Extraordinary Call was? Wherein it did conſiſt? Wherein it did differ from, Exceed or Excell a Call unto an Heroick Action? And therefore, it will be alſo hard convincingly to demonſtrat, that it might not have been lawfully done by another of the Children of Iſrael, whom the Lord had animated thereunto, by the ſame Holy Zeall and Reſolution. And this is the more conſiderable, becauſe, as we very rarely, (if at all) p. 22find the Lord commending and rewarding perſons for Extraordinary Actions, whereunto they had Extraordinary Calls, ſo much and ſo highly, as here He Commendeth and Rewardeth Phinehas: So the Text it ſelf Numb. 25. doth lay the great, if not the only weight and ground of his Commendation and Reward, upon his ZEALL, and not upon any Extraordinary Call, whereof there is not the leaſt hint or inſinuation; For vers 11. the Lord ſaith, He turned my wrath away from the Children of …ſrael, while he was ZEALOUS for my ſake among them; and therefore vers 12, 13. promiſeth him, His Covenant of peace. a ſeed after him, and the Covenant of an Everlaſting Prieſthood, BECAUS, he was ZEALOUS for his God. And if any shall, as it is like ſome will alleadge, that Heroicall Actions, are not more Imitable then theſe which are Extraordinary; It is humbly offered to be conſidered, anent Heroicall Actions in generall, Whether, when the matter of an Action is not only Ordinary, that is, neither Preternaturall nor Supernaturall, though not very Frequent; but alſo Juſt and Lawfull, yea, and Neceſſary, both by Divine Precept, & as a Mean to a good and Neceſſary End; and when either, there is not, or doth not appear any other to do the work, whether, I ſay, in that caſe, a Spirit of Holy Zeall, Magnanimity and Courage, wrought and excited by the Lord in his Servants and People, moe or fewer, being otherwiſe in a Rationall and probable Capacity, be not for that time a ſufficient Call, unto the performance of theſe Actions which are commonly called Heroicall; and eſpecially when and where, the Action is not unneceſſarily, irrationally, nor in vanity attempted, but may be and is performed, not only without prejudice of the True, Neceſſary and Chief p. 23Good of the Church and Common-wealth, or of any particular perſon's juſt Right and ſecurity; but alſo in the caſe of the Magiſtrat, and others, their wilfull and perverſe neglecting of their duty, is neceſſarly undertaken, and is not only formally intended by the Actor, but alſo natively and really doth conduce to the Glory of God, the Good of Religion, the preſervation and eſtablishment of Church and Commonwealth, and of every particular perſon's Juſt Rights and Security, by ſuppreſſing of Impiety, promoving of Truth and Holineſs, doing of Juſtice, Turning away of wrath and removing of preſent and preventing of future Jugdments. And as for the particular inſtance of Phinehas, if the Lord did not only raiſe him up to that particular Act of Juſtice, but alſo warrant and accept him therein, and reward him therefore, upon the accompt of his Zeall, when there was a Godly and Zealous Magiſtrat, able, & whom we cannot without breach of charity preſume, but alſo willing to Execute Juſtice; How much more may it be pleaded, that the Lord, who is the ſame, yeſterday, to day and for ever, will, not only pour out of that ſame Spirit upon others, but alſo when he gives it, both Allow them though they be but private perſons, and alſo Call them being otherwiſe in a Phyſical and probable Capacity, to do theſe things in an Extremely neceſſitous, and otherwiſe irrecoverable State of the Church, to which in a more intire condition thereof, he doth not Call them; and particularly when there is not only the like or worſe provocations, the like Neceſſity of the Execution of juſtice and of Reformation, for the turning away of Wrath and Removall of Judgments, that was in Phinehas caſe; but alſo when the Supreme p. 24Civil Magiſtrat, the Primores Regni and other inferior Rulers, are not only unwilling to do their duty, but ſo far corrupted and perverted, that they are become the Authors and patronizers of theſe abominations. Which is alſo the more conſiderable, becauſe, if upon the fear or ſuſpicion of the Accidental hazard of Private mens uſurping of the Office, or doing of the duty of Publick perſons, every vertue and vertous Action, which may be ſo abuſed, shall be utterly neglected, Impiety shall quickly gain an Univerſall Empire, to the extermination of all Goodneſs. It is true, that the God of Order hath aſſigned to every man his Station and Calling, within the bounds whereof he should keep, without tranſgreſſing by Defect or Exceſs; and therein wait and act, in ſuch a meaſure of the Spirit as He is pleaſed to comunicate: And we do not hold ſuch inſtances for Regulare & ordinary precedents for all times and perſons univerſally; which while ſome have fancyed, and heeding more the glory and fame of the Action, then the ſound and ſolid Rule of the Holy Scriptures, they have been tempted and carried to fearfull Extravagancies: Neither are inſolent or diſorderly much leſs Wicked attempts, which ſometimes have covered and yet may mask themſelves with a pretence of Zeal, upon this or any other ground to be licenced or approved; But on the other hand, as theſe inſtances hold forth, for the conviction and reproof of our ſtupidity and indifferency, what an high pitch of Holy Zeall and Courage, the Servants of the Lord have ſometimes attained, and do further demonſtrat, that He doth ſometimes warrant even Private perſons, in their doing of theſe things in an Extream Neceſſity and collapſed ſtate of the Church, to which at other times He doth not p. 25call them: So when the Lord, with whom is the reſidue of the Spirit, doth breath upon his people more or fewer, to the exciting of more then Ordinary Zeal, Courage and Reſolution, for the Reforming of an Apoſtat Church, for the Execution of juſtice upon the Adverſaries, and for the advancing and eſtablishing of Truth and Holineſs in the Earth, wee should rather ascribe glory and praiſe to Him, whoſe hand is not shortened, but many times choiſeth the Weak and Foolish things of the World to confound the Mighty and the Wiſe, then condemn His Inſtruments for Rebels and Uſurpers, as it is like Phin…has would have been, had he lived in this generarion, if the ſame Lord, who by his Spirit had Acted him, had not alſo by his own hand reſcued him.

10. As the Right of Self-Defence, mutual Aſſiſtance and Reformation, is properly and only derivable from the grounds adduced; ſo the Concurſe of the Nobles and Primores Regni, is no wayes of abſolute neceſſity, though indeed ſingularly conducible for the carrying on thereof. Unto which Concurrence, as they are doubly obliged, according to that, unto whom much is given, of the ſame much shall be required; ſo, if they shall convert their Power to the ſtrengthning of the hands of the wicked, they do thereby not only aggravat their own condemnation, but by their endeavouring to wreath & faſten more ſtrongly the yoke of wickedneſs and oppreſſion, they do the rather and more juſtify the cauſe and plea of all the Aſſerters of Truth and Righteouſneſs.

Theſe are a part of the grounds, whereupon theſe Noble Worrhies, raiſed up by God & eminently by him inſpired, did ſingly act for His own glory: which as they p. 26have left upon record for their own perpetual vindication, ſo thereby they did clearly purge themſelves from all imputation of Rebellion. Nor were their proceedings and practiſes ever by any ſo much as termed diſorderly, except by ſuch who being altogether indifferent in the Work of God, endeavour by all means to calumniat and shame them, from being made precedents to their own prejudice.

Fourthly. It is obſervable, that though the practiſes of theſe firſt times were Extraordinary, and to many may appear Diſorderly, Yet the faithful men whom the Lord honoured both to Suffer & to Do for His name, did conſtantly and boldly charge both the Riſe and progreſs of theſe diſorders, upon the Perſons then in Power & Authority, who, being ordained & entruſted by God, for the defence & maintenance of Truth and Righteouſneſs, (as the only true foundations and ſolid grounds of the Peoples felicity whither temporal or eternal; and including all the ends, for which either the Power or Perſons of Governours are appointed; and conſequently, the principal bonds of all obedience and ſubjection, for which all theſe engadgements are intended, and to which they do ultimatly refer) by reſieling and ſtarting out from this moſt ſacred and fixed line of ſubordination; As they could not claim Obedience to their unjuſt commands, ſo, far-leſs could they oblidge the people, to that more then ſlavish and brutish ſubjection, in the ſubmitting of their ſouls, bodies & goods to the arbitriment of their cruel Tyranny, directly contrary unto, and deſtructive of all theſe holy & great Ends, both of Gods Glory, and the Peoples ſpiritual and temporal Good, for which they were conſtituted Governours.

That this was the ſource and fountain of all diſorders p. 27in theſe times, and that it was ſo reputed to be, by theſe valiant Worthies who then oppoſed them, the Hiſtory thereof doth plainly verify. Wee are not forgetful, how vehemently the Powers on earth, which ſet themſelves againſt the Lord, and their creaturs and flatterers, have in all times decryed ſuch aſſertions: The noiſe, belshings, & thundering, of Treaſon, Treaſon, wherewith the very mentioning of ſuch poſitions, uſeth at once to be attended and condemned, do already ſound in our ears: Let ſuch as are thereby alarmed, read the debats and controverſies, both of former & later times; Eſpecially theſe two Martyrs againſt Tyranny, Lex Rex, and the Apologetical Narration upon this ſubject. This is our peace and eſtablishment before the Lord and all men; that wee with our Noble Reformers do acknowledge and honour Authority as the great Ordinance of God, for the uphold and maintainance of Truth and Righteouſneſs; and the Perſons therewith veſted, not only as eminently thereby dignified, but alſo as moſt ſignally impreſſed, by a very ſacred and illuſtrious Character of the glorious Majeſty of the Moſt High, who hath appoynted them: But on the orher hand, wee cannot but wish, that theſe ſame perſons would conſtantly remember, that not only they are the Miniſters of God, and to Him accountable; but alſo his Miniſters to the People for their Good, whom they neither ought to Tyrannize over at their own Pleaſure, nor Rule only for their own Profit. O! that theſe ſacred Boundaries had ever been obſerved, & that both Tyranny and Rebellion with all their Antidots and remedies, had been perpetually unknown. But shall Tyranny, unto which, Power, both in it's ſelf is ſo eaſily corrupted, and by the flattery of others more p. 28frequently abuſed, be not only shrouded under the priviledge and impunity of a Divine Exemption; but thereby, in effect be more intollerably licenced, to the acting of all wickedneſs and violence, and the perverting and overturning of all the ends of Government? And in the mean time, shall the Peoples moſt juſt & neceſſary Defence of themſelves, (whereunto they are ſeldome and very hardly provocked, even by the moſt extream neceſſity) & of all their moſt precious concernments, the very ends for which the Powers are ordained, be continually at the Arbitriment of any Court-Creature or flatterer, proſcribed and perſecuted under theſe odious names of Treaſon and Rebellion? Certainly, neither the All-wiſe Providence of God; not yet the frame of nature can endure ſuch a Soleciſme. For our part, as wee are perſwaded, that none pleadeth for this Abſolut Submiſſion in the People and Exemption of the Prince but ſuch as for advancing of their own intereſt, have firſt proſtrated their Conſciences to the Princes arbitriment, in a blind & Abſolut Obedience; whereby they know themſelves ſufficiently ſecured from all ſmart & inconvenience, of that more Brutall then Rationall ſubmiſſion contended for: So are wee confident, that ſeing Subjection is principally enjoyned, for and in order to Obedience, whatſoever Reaſon or Authority can be adduced to perſwad an abſolut & indiſpenſible Subjection, will far more rationally and plauſibly infer an illimited and Abſolut Obedience; and that to plead for a priviledge in the point of Obedience, & to diſclam it in the point of ſubjection, is only the flattety of ſuch, as having renounced with Conſcience all diſtinction of Obedience, would deveſt others of all Priviledges, that they may exerciſe their Tyranny without p. 29without controll. But He who hath called Rulers, Gods; Doth notwithſtanding Himſelf remain the Moſt High God over all the Earth; & from his Obedience, neither the Commands nor Violence of Kings of Clay ought in the leaſt to remove us. And as theſe inferior Princes do often forget their Subordination to the Moſt High, in their unjuſt commands; & would uſurpe His Throne, by an uncontrollable Soverainty; ſo the Lord, by the warrand of his Word, and approbation of his Providence, and alſo of the People, (when by them oppreſſed, but by Himſelf animated & ſtrengthned) hath declared & made void this their pretended exemption and impunity, and removed the carcaſes of ſuch Kings and broken their Scepter. Amongſt which precedents, the inſtance of theſe times, whereof we now ſpeak, is worthily recorded, and deſerveth better to be remembred.

Seing therefore, that neither the Ordinance and Commiſſion of God, nor yet the Surrender of the People, though into ane abſolut ſlavery (which yet no preſumption leſs then their own moſt Expreſs Conſent can poſſibly infer) can from any certain and rational ground and warrant, be either produced or pleaded for veſting the Prince with that arbitrary and irreſiſtible Power and Dominion, neceſſary and requiſit to oblidge the Subject to a ſtupid and brutish ſubmiſſion, to all poſſible injuries and outrages; and that it is impoſſible for any rational man, to concede that Priviledge of exemption and impunity to wickedneſs and fury, for murthering both the Souls & Bodies of poor Subjects, which our very adverſaries deny to Weakneſs or Folly in caſe of Alienation of the Kingdome or any part thereof, or any ſuch groſs act of Mal-verſation, p. 30& laſtly ſeing the great inconvenience, of opening a door to Rebellion & all diſorder, mainly urged by the Adverſaries, againſt the permitting of the People any judgment or reflection upon the Princes Actings, doth more rationally plead for Implicit & blind Obedience, which they themſelves diſprove, then militat againſt neceſſary Defence and reſiſtance in caſe of perſecution for lawfull non-obedience; And that the great and true Salvo of all theſe inconveniences, and the main eſtablishment of the Throne, is only true judgement and Righteouſneſs, No ſober and impartial perſon can condemn their poſition, who denying that a Tyrannous Magiſtrat was the Miniſter of God to them for their Good, did plainly aſſert the lawfulneſs of Self-Defence, and holy Reformation, without the violation of the Ordinance of God.

But if all theſe things do not ſatisfy, Let, 1. the reaſon of Gods delivering of the Kingdom to the People and not to the King, with the Law it ſelf, Deut 27. ver. 14. (which the maner of the Kingdom and in effect of Tyranny, foretold by the Lord and Samuel 1 Sam. 10. v. 10. by way of diſſuaſive, did no wayes repeal) 2. The import of the Contract and Covenant betwixt Prince & Subject, with the unqueſtionable interpretation and execution thereof, extant in the records of all Times and Nations; 3. The deed of the People in oppoſing Saul in favours of Ionathan ▪ 1 Sam. 14. v. 45. and of the ten Tribes in rejecting of Rehoboam, 1 King cap. 12. (which though v. 19. i… be termed Rebellion, yet is it no more thereby condemned, then good Hezekiah, who is ſaid 2 King 18. ver. 7. to have rebelled againſt the King of Aſſyria) and o… Libna in revolting from under Iehoram, 2 Cron. 21. 10▪ p. 314. The Prophecies, Manner, & Practiſe of the moſt part of the late bleſſed Reformations. And laſtly let the peculiar Right and Conſtution of this Kingdome by King and Parliament be conſidered and ſolidly anſwered; And then will wee alſo ſubſcribe to the condemnation of our Reformers and crave pardon for this digreſſion.

Upon theſe grounds and principles did our Noble Anceſtours vigorouſly beſtir themſelves, and proceed in the Work of God. And as the Lord was ever with them while they were with Him, and did mind his work ſteadfaſtly in ſincerity and uprightneſs of heart; ſo notwithſtanding all the fals-hood and faintings which many diſcovered, yet the Lord himſelf did gloriouſly own it, and ceaſed not, until by the fair product of his own glory, in the clear manifeſtation of his bleſſed Evangil, he had without the leaſt prejudice of the fundamental conſtitution and rights of Government, to the eternal confutation of all calumnies and reproaches, put on the Copeſtone with theſe joyous, and never to be forgotten acclamations of Grace, Grace.

Thus in the Year 1560. the Land is enlightned, the bleſſed Goſpel of our Lord again revealed and reſtored; in ſo much, that both by the firſt General Aſſembly of this Church then conveening, and the Parliament then holden, A large Confeſſion of the true Faith is framed▪ approved and published.

O! that men would remember, ſeriouſly conſider and fix in their hearts, the greatneſs and excellency of this Work of Grace and Glory, bringing Salvation, Peace and Goodwil towards men; And manifeſting the praiſe and Glory of God in the higheſt; that in the juſt eſtimation thereof, they might alſo duly and truly p. 32ponder diſcern, approve or reject all things conducing, either to it's advantage or prejudice. But here is the root of all our ſinn and miſery, that though this Light, be only our Life; and the Salvation and Redemption thereby revealed, be no leſs then the project of God's eternall love, and the ſubject of His eternall delight; and was more dear and glorious to our Lord Jeſus, then the boſome of the Father, & all the glory of Heaven; yet men, ſo greatly and highly therein concerned, do at beſt but rejoyce therein for a ſeaſon, and ſoon relapſe, firſt into Indifferency and Formality, and then into Error, Superſtition and all Ignorance. This the Devil, the author of all wickneſs, knowing and improving to the uttermoſt, for the advancement of his own Kingdom, doth quickly take advantage of, for ſetting on work and promoving of that Myſtery of iniquity. Which (ſpringing up in that bitter root of Pride, and working in the Spiritual power and ſubtilty thereof) as it began to work very early in the Chriſtian Church, even amongſt the Diſciples themſelves, in preſence of their and our Lord, (as appeareth by their contention, who should be greateſt) And notwithſtanding all the Grace, Power, and Preſence of the Lord, which appeared in the times that followed, & all the long & violent perſecution, wherewith the Church of God was then exerciſed; yet continuing it's motion, did ſtill advance, until attaining it's maturity in the revelation of the Man of Sin, it filled and overwhelmed the Chriſtian World, with theſe ſtrong deluſions of Superſtition, Idolatry, and all darkneſs that ſo long prevailed therein: So it is the main and only Engine whereby Sathan, as in all other Churches, ſo in this of Our's▪ hath ſo actively beſtired himſelf, and attempted the overthrow of their later Reformations.

p. 33Theſe are the cauſes, why, notwithſtanding of that great and glorious Light which the Lord made to shine amongſt us, the true Government and Diſcipline of the Church of Chriſt▪ (though his own great Ordinance, inſtituted both for Fencing and ſecuring of Truth in Purity, and for promoving of the ſame in Power; and though by the Light of that ſame Truth, clearly diſcovered and Manifeſted) through long oppoſition and many difficulties, did ſcarce in theſe dayes attain it's eſtablishment.

Yet the Lord, who of his own free Mercy and Grace, did viſit us with the day-ſpring of his bleſſed Goſpel from on high; did alſo by his own Power and Preſence, in and with his faithful Servants, at length alſo compleat his work, and eſtablish his Kingdome over us and his Government amongſt us: And ſo the Kingdome became the Lord's; even the firſt fruits of the Kingdomes of the Earth, unto our Lord Jeſus Chriſt.

The Progreſs and Period of this work, was from the Year 1560. unto the Year 1592. dureing which ſpace, theſe things are very obſervable.

1. So ſoon as this Church attained to freedome from perſecution and contrary violence, they Aſſembled in their firſt National Synod in the Year 1560. by vertue of that Intrinſick Power and Priviledg granted by our Lord unto his Church, and exerciſed by his Apoſtles and their followers; and that without any queſtion or control: Nor did they ſo much as petition for the licence of the then Authority, though the ſame might have been more eaſily obtained, then the warrant at that time impetrated for conveening of the Parliament.

p. 342. As they firſt Aſſembled, and by vertue of the ſame warrant, did ſet on foot and continue a conſtant ſeries of their Courts and meetings; (except in ſo far as by plain force and violence they were reſtrained) ſo they held the ſame in the Name of the Lord Jeſus Chriſt only, and in his ſole Authority, by Direction of his Word and Spirit, concluded all their Counſels, Votes and Acts. It's true, that they much and long wished for, and thereafter heartily accepted the countenance and concurrence of the Powers for the time; and that, not only for Decency, but alſo as the gracious performance of that promiſe, Iſa. 49. ver. 23. of the favour and aſſiſtance of Kings and Queens to the Church in the later dayes: But as they were perſuaded, that the Lord Jeſus (perfect in all his houſe) when inveſted at his exaltation with all Power in Heaven and in Earth, did make a full grant and Commiſſion of all Gifts and Offices requiſit in his Church, 1 Cor. 12. ver. 28. Epheſ. 4. v. 8. & 11. (Wherein neither King nor Prince is mentioned) and that there was no Authority wanting to theſe firſt Decrees made at Ieruſalem, though emitted upon that ſimple warrant, Ast. 15. ver. 28. It ſeemed good unto the Holy Ghoſt and unto us, (wherein neither King nor Prince was included,) ſo did they account it a groſs uſurpation, for the Kings on Earth, in place of their promiſed Patrociny (to which they are oblidged,) to claim and invade an Over-ruling Arbitriment in the matters of God and his Church; & beleev that He who eſtablished the diſtinction and confirmed their Right, by ſeparating Caeſar's things from the things of God, doth alſo exact the ſame on their part.

3. The Brethren conveening in theſe Aſſemblies, did meet in perfect Parity and Equality; againſt which▪, p. 35the Extraordinary employments and Commiſſions delegated to ſome, upon the account of the particular exigence of theſe times, did grant no Priviledge or Preheminence.

From theſe three obſervations, without mentioning the firſt Book of Diſcipline, containing the true grounds and frame of Presbyterial Government, which was compiled in the Year 8560. and then approved by the whole Church, and ſubſcribed to by a great many Lords and Counſellors, it is evident that Presbyterial Government was from the beginning of the Reformation conſtantly intended, and it's foundation really laid. We need not mention that the Pope's Authority and all Juriſdiction flowing therefrom, was by Law in the ſame Year 1560, expreſly abrogated and diſcharged; nor that in theſe firſt Aſſemblies, greater Benefices were craved to be diſſolved, and Prelacy reputed to be only an Humane Device; nor is it neceſſary for us to clear, how that Extraordinary employment of Superintendency, uſed for a few Years in the beginning, was both only deſigned for an Interim, and in it ſelf wholly different from Prelacy, and was at length rejected as burthenſome. All theſe things are ſufficiently cleared by the late Large Apology.

4. It is obſervable, that as the Avarice and Power of ſome, who poſſeſſed and graſped after the Churches Revenues, did, by the procurement of a few packed Commiſſioners, in the Year 1671, introduce theſe Mock-Bishops (called Tulchan) for the better ſecuring of their own gain, which in the Aſſemblies immediatly ſucceeding, were firſt proteſted againſt, then quarrelled, and laſtly reſtrained and ſubjected thereunto; So the Lord uſed the ſame as a warning, to awaken and p. 36animat his Servants to a more vigorous proſecution of the eſtablishment of His Houſe in it's due Government: In purſuance whereof, the Aſſemblies with the King's concurrence, from the Year 1575 until the Year 1581. did with much Prayer, Faſting and Painfulneſs intend the work, until by perfecting of the Second Book of Diſcipline, and reducing of the Bishops to a ſimple Dimiſſion, and condemning their Office as unwarrantable, they c…mpleated their work in the exact model of Presbyterial Government, in all it's Courts and Officers.

5. During this ſpace in March 1581. (as we now reckon) and after the Aſſembly had condemned the Office of Bishops as unwarrantable, the King, his Court and Council did ſwear and ſubſcribe to the National Covenant; By which both the Pope's uſurped Authority over the Church in one Article, and his wicked Hierarchy in another, are abjured: And the ſwearers did join themſelves unto this true Reformed Church, in Doctrine, Faith, Religion and Diſcipline; promiſing by the Great Name of the Lord our God, to continue in the Obedience of the Doctrine and Diſcipline thereof all the dayes of their lives. Which Diſcipline, as the foregoing Aſſertions do clearly diſcover, to have been from the beginning fundamentally Presbyterial; ſo the Model of Presbytery being now compleated, and any shaddow of power that the Mock-Bishops had lately uſurped, being now fully abrogated, it is ſufficiently clear, that both Prelacy is by this Covenant abjured, and Presbytery owned and ſworn to. And really if it be further conſidered, that the Aſſemblies both 1581. and 1590, while moſt intent and forward in the erecting of Presbyteries, did enjoyn and require the ſame to be ſubſcribed p. 37by all ranks of People in the Land, and that theſe Acts were both ſeconded and enforced by Ordinances of King and Council, it may be juſtly doubted, whether the impudence of the ſucceeding Prelats in denying of the Obligation, or Perjury in breaking of it be greater. This is the Great Oath, into which, as the Lord God did bring us by the Power of his own Spirit and Truth, in oppoſition to that Bloody Bond, called the Holy League, wherein Antichriſt and his followers, had at that time conjured themſelves againſt the true Church of God; So the Kingdom thereby became the Lords, and we his peculiar people, as-well by the people's ſubjecting of themſelves and their Alleageance, as by the King's ſubmitting Himſelf and his Scepter, in a due Subordination unto God and our Lord Jeſus Chriſt, for the maintenance and defence of his Church and Goſpell, the Liberties of the Land and Miniſtration of Juſtice. And this Oath and the Ordinances enjoyning it, notwithſtanding the many fearful violations thereof that have enſued, do yet ſtand to this day unrepealed and declared againſt, to the unanſwerable conviction and condemnation, even in their own Courts and Conſciences, of all it's wicked Tranſgreſſors.

6. As the Tulchan Bishops were the effect and product of the Avarice of theſe Lords that favoured them; So the ſame principle of Avarice and Wickedneſs did again reſiſt the Work of God, when almoſt brought to Perfection, by ſtirring up certain of the Nobles to re-induce Bishops, for the better inhaunſing of their Benefices, and the devouring of the Churches patrimony: And not only for their better eſtablishment, that what they want of Divine Right and Warrant, might be ſupplyed by the acceſſion of the Kings power p. 38and Command; but alſo that by their meanes, the growing wickedneſs of theſe times might abound without reſtraint or control, the Devil inciteth others of the more prophane, licentious and violent Courtiers, ſuch as the Earle of Arran and his complices, to move and inſtigat the King, contrary both to the Word and Oath of God, to uſurp the Prerogative of Jeſus Chriſt, who is alone King in Zion, and to invade His Churches Priviledges, purchaſed for Her with His own Blood, by aſſuming to Himſelf in the firſt and immediat Inſtance, the cognition of Her Doctrine and Cenſures: Which though the Church did conſtantly and valiantly oppoſe, both by Petitions and Proteſtations; yet this Wickedneſs did ſo impetouſly proceed, that all at once in a Parliament ſummarily called in the Year 1582. the Prerogative of Our Lord is translated upon the King, and his Juriſdiction and Empire exalted over all perſons and Cauſes, the Eſtate of Bishops & their power and dignity confirmed, & the power of the General Aſſemblies of the Church put in the King's hand. We mention not theſe things with any purpoſe to debate theſe queſtions, which have been moved on this Subject; Only we are confident, that how extenſive ſoever the King's power may be in the caſe of Reformation (which, Alas! for the moſt part cometh short of it's reach) yet where a Church is Regularly conſtituted, and ſo acting, and by Him ſworn to be maintained, no King or Prince ought ſo far to intrude Himſelf into Her Power and Priviledges, unto which he is neither called nor gifted, as to aſſume to Himſelf a Soveraign & immediat power of judging and diſcerning upon Doctrine, and her moſt ſpirituall Rights and Cenſures, and thereby in effect not only to conſtitut Himſelf a Proper and direct p. 39Church-Officer, without our Lords appointment; but in ſtead of Papacy ſo juſtly abrogated and ſo ſolemnly abjured, to erect and revive the ſame in Himſelf (a Secular Perſon) far more abſurdly and intollerably. We know that other formalities and notions are pretended, as theſe of Treaſon, Sedition, and Diſorder, to palliat and colour this Uſurpation; but ſeing nothing ſpoken or acted by warrant of the Word of God, can fall under the definition or pain of theſe crimes, and that all Miniſters and Eccleſiaſtick Courts are known, allowed and preſumed, both to ſpeak and act according to that only warrant, and Laſtly, ſeing both the warrant is to them committed, and the Church is priviledged and permitted to have it's own proper power and cognition thereanent, as it followeth by clear conſequence, that the things queſtioned, muſt and ought to be firſt ſubjected to her tryal and cognition; ſo none do deny the Magiſtrat's juſt right and power, over both theſe things and perſons, they being once lawfully found to be deſtitut of the warrant pretended. But ſeing both Scripture and Reaſon doth teſtify againſt this Uſurpation, as moſt unlawful in it ſelf and injurious to our Lord Jeſus, and that all experiences have proven it to be moſt pernicious to His Church & Kingdom, & therefore many of his faithful Servants have worthily and valiantly reſiſted it, not only to bonds and banishment, but even to blood for the Teſtimony of their Lord & Maſter; We return to the purpoſe of this obſervation, which is to vindicat the honour of the Lord's Work, and the memory of his faithful Servants, in the diſcovery of the old malice and ſubtilty of the great Enemy of the Church of God, working in the wicked Prelats & their abettors; who to the effect they may enjoy their carnall deſignes, and p. 40proſecute their wicked luſts without controll, endeavour mainly by an abſolute ſurrender of all things, powers, perſons and intereſts, to flatter and exalt the King unto an illimited Soveraignty, and pretended Omnipotency, thereby both to oblidge and enable him the more to ſuch acts, deeds, and grants as are requiſite for the ſatiſfying of their vain Ambition, inſatiable Covetouſneſs and wicked luſts: Which Flattery and Uſurpation, being not more agreeable to the vain heart of man, then contrary to the Kingdom of our Lord, and the Power and Purity of His bleſſed Goſpel, what wonder if his faithful Servants (who can neither deny His Name, nor diſſobey His commands, by complying with the wicked practices, and the blaſphemous flattery of theſe vile Apoſtats) be not only hated of all men; but with their Lord and Maſter become the continual object of the reproaches, violence and cruelty of the wicked, as enemies and rebells to lawful Authority? Now that the World may perceav the wicked intent and deſign of this Prerogative, that it is none other then that of the Devil (as to conciliat and endear the Powers to Prelats, who while they creat the King's Prerogative, pretend themſelves to be the King's only Creatures; ſo to arm and animat the ſame Powers againſt our Lord and His followers.) Let it's Riſe and Effects both firſt and laſt be marked and obſerved, and the ſearch will declare, that wicked men luſting to Tyranny and licentiouſneſs, are checked and galled by the freedom and power of faithful Miniſters in the application of the Holy Word and Spiritual Cenſures. What remedy? This freedom is found Treaſonable, and prejudiciall to the King's ſervice and Intereſt, and the plain Zeall of God is therefore taxed as Sedition and p. 41Treaſon; and under theſe formalities, the Priviledges of the Church are infringed, and all the aſſerters thereof lashed with the ſame calumny: whereupon and to perfect the cure, the King muſt be declared IN ALL and OVER ALL; And by vertue of his fained Omnipotency, and for recovery of that Unity and Order, which only the coming of our Lord, His bleſſed Goſpel, and Powerful Miniſtry is pretended to have diſturbed, the Ancient Policy or the Church muſt be reſtored; and the greateſt flatterers made the Archeſt Prelats, who by inhaunſing and by deſtroying the Power, may compeſce the (pretended) inſolency of the Miniſtry; and by the continual pretending of Diſſatiſfaction and Diſloyalty, may terrify men out of all Conſcience, until by the introducing of Will-worship and vain Superſtitions, they may extinguish all Light, and thereby reduce that Golden Age of Order into ſtupid Flattery, and of Unity into Implicit Obedience. And if theſe be not the kind careſſes, and moſt native iſſues of Prerogative and Prelacy, and the very reſtoring and reeſtablishing of the Kingdom of Antichriſt, he who cannot find it in this Period, will find all ſupplyed by the next.

7. Though we love not to reflect on Events, and know that no man knoweth either love or hatred by all that is before him, yet ſeing thereby the Lord's Judgments are made manifeſt, men ought both to obſerve and fear. The diſſaſtrous ends of all the promoters of Prelats in theſe dayes, (viz: of the Earle of Morton beheaded; Mr Iohn Douglaſs Archbishop of St Andrews dying in the pulpit; the Earle of Arran, after diſgrace, privately killed: Mr Patrick Adamſon Arch-bishop of St Andrews, after recantation p. 42and diſgrace, dying in extream poverty) may juſtly cauſe their courſe the rather to be shunned and deteſted: But that which we love rather to obſerve, is, that as the promoters and advancers of Prelacy, were alwayes known to be men of no Principles, and for the moſt part of very flagitious practices; ſo the reſiſters thereof and favourers of Presbytery, eſpecially the Lord's faithful Miniſters in theſe dayes, were not only very eminent in Knowledg, Piety and Holineſs, but above all had that great Teſtimony and confirmation, which our Lord Himſelf maketh uſe of, Iohn 7.18. that they ſought not their own glory, and therefore neither ſpoke nor did of themſelves, but ſought His Glory that ſent them, and therefore were true and no unrighteouſneſs was in them. As both their ſlighting of Court favours, by which they were much tempted, and their obſtinat refuſall of Bishopricks, (whereof King Iames himſelf bare them witneſs,) doth Teſtify.

8. The Lord, whoſe Work is perfect, and who when He beginneth will alſo make an end, hereafter in the Year 1586. shineth through the cloud, diſſipateth the darkneſs, and after the ſtorm bleſſeth us with a great calm; wherein, the Aſſemblies re-aſſuming their juſt power, and the matter by the King being brought to a treaty and Conference, the Bishops are firſt Reſtrained, & then Reduced. Thereafter the order of Presbyteries being ſet down & perfected in the Year 1590. both the Nationall Covenant is renewed and ſubſcribed, by Order of the Secret Council at the Aſſemblies deſire; and all the power that remained either in Bishops or Commiſſioners, by the Aſſembly is devolved upon the new erected Presbyteries. And thus the Work of the Lord, in the Parl. 12. Iam. 6. bv the 114. Act. p. 43thereof, ratifying Presbyterial Government in all it's Aſſemblies, Courts and Officers, qualifying and reſtricting the former Act. 1584. anent the King's Prerogative, and abrogating all Acts contrary thereto or inconſiſtent therewith, and by other Acts there recorded, receaveth it's laſt and full accomplishment with Power and Beauty, added to the former Grace and Glory.

9. That, as only the malice of Sathan and wickedneſs of men, have in all Ages oppoſed the eſtablishment of Presbytery; ſo the Lord, whoſe great Work and Ordinance it is, doth no leſs evidently commend it, by making, as on the one hand, it's ſincere and holy ſeverity powerfully to coerce and reſtrain all vice and profanity; ſo on the other hand, the harmonious and orderly Subordination of it's Courts and Aſſemblies, moſt efficaciously to prevent and ſuppreſs all Schiſme and Hereſy: Which both the experience of theſe and all ſucceeding times do moſt clearly confirm.

But though the Lord had shewed us all theſe great and manifold temptations and troubles, and terminated them all in ſuch an wonderful and bleſſed deliverance, that we might for ever fear His great Name, love His precious Truth, and keep His holy Covenant; and though in the short Sun-shine of that day of Salvation, He cauſed both King and People to taſte and ſee the Order, Beauty and Power of that Eſtablishment; Yet, O! how ſoon did we forget the Works of the Lord? We keeped not His Covenant. O Lord, the People of thine Inheritance enjoyed it but a litle.

It is not neceſſary for our deſign, that we should trace and recount all theſe ſad ſteps and degrees, by p. 44which the Holy and Wiſe God thought fit, to bring back his Church in this Land unto that great diſtreſs that hereafter enſued, and cauſed her to wander long in a Wilderneſs of great Deſertion; nor what were the cauſes and beginnings of that ſo horrid Defection, (which the Hiſtories of the moſt partial pens, whatever provocations they pretend to be in the Lord's faithful Miniſters, cannot purge nor palliat from a mere deſign of carnal Policy,) carryed on by manifeſt Di…ſimulation and palpable fraud. It is enough for us, (let the true Hiſtories of theſe proceedings be examined, and it will appear without the help of our obſevation,) that, as the beginnings of that Defection were no other then the Unfaithfulneſs of Man, and the inconſiſtence of the Wiſdom of God with the carnal wiſdom of this World, and that old oppoſition and rooted prejudice of the Kings and Powers of the Earth, who have for the far greateſt part ſet themſelves, and taken counſel againſt the Lord and againſt His Anointed; ſo for the unqueſtionable confirmation of all that hath been ſaid, either as to the wicked Riſe or woful Effects of Prelacy in this Church, the Devil's part therein was viſibly to promote his own Kingdom, by re-acting the moſt palpable and groſs Myſtery of Iniquity that can poſſibly be deſcribed: In ſo far as this Apoſtacy ariſing from ſmall beginnings, by fair and ſmooth pretenſions, crafty inſinuations, Court-flatteries, falſe calumnies and ſuggeſtions, open and groſs perjuries, and violent diſſorders, according to the working of Sathan; After great and long oppoſition by Conferences, Warnings & petitions, & faithful and conſtant Teſtimonies and ſufferings of the Zealous Witneſſes of our Lord, both unto bonds, banishment, & Sentences of Death, againſt the again p. 45aſpiring Prerogative and uſurping Prelacy under it's shaddow, did in the ſecret and holy Judgement of God, chang the Glory of God and of our Lord Jeſus into the Similitude and Image of the Roman Beaſt, turning the Power of Godlineſs unto Formality, his faithful Miniſters into corrupt Hirelings, the Power and Life of Preaching into Flattery and Vanity, the Subſtance of Religion into empty and ridiculous Ceremonies, the Beauty and Purity of the Ordinances into Superſtitious Inventions of Kneeling, Croſſing, Holy Dayes and the like, the Beautiful and Powerful Government of Gods Houſe for the Edification of Souls, to a Lordly Dominion over Conſciences and violent Perſecution of mens perſons; And in a word, the great End of the Glorious Goſpel and it's Bleſſed Miniſtry, even the ſalvation of poor ſinners, which is the pleaſure of the Lord, the fruit of the travel of His Soul, the Joy of Heaven, the Crown and Glory of the bleſſed Apoſtles, and the End of all things, and of the ſecond Appearance of the Great God, into an Empty Title, and ſpecious pretext for the fulfilling of mens luſts and pleaſures, the eſtablishing of their Power and Tyranny, and the ruine and exterminion of all ſuch as oppoſed, and mourned for all theſe Abominations.

Thus, this Work and Kingdom of Darkneſs did advance apace, and had almoſt attained unto it's full maturity, of hurrying this poor Land and Nation headlong, into that Gulf of Confuſion, Error and Superſtition, whereinto Popery did formerly involve us, when it pleaſed the Lord, according to His Great Mercy and faithfulneſs, to remember His Covenant though we had fearfully forgotten it; and in the midſt of that growing darkneſs and thoſe manifold Confuſions to p. 46cauſe His Spirit to move, and Light to ariſe upon this Land, about the middle of the Year 1637. Which appearing in the former Power and Glory, did from a very ſmall and improbable beginning, even the oppoſition of a few weak Women to the introducing and reading of that Carcaſe of formality, the Service-Book, then ready to be impoſed, proceed in ſuch an Univer…al, Vigorous, Regular and Powerful method through the whole Land, without the leaſt mixture and ingredient of force and Violence, but only by theſe moſt warrantable and inqueſtionable meanes of Petitioning, Remonſtrating, Proteſting, and renewing their Covenant with God and amongſt themſelves, that before the end of the Year 1638. the Work of God was revived with more Glory and Splendor, then ever formerly it had attained. We know that not only the Renewing of the Covenant, eſpecially with the enlargement explaining the ſame, in order to the Novations in Worship and Corruptions in Government, whereunto this Church had Apoſtatized, and the bond of Mutual Defence thereto added; but alſo their Proteſtings & joynt Petitionings have been condemned as Seditious & Rebellious: But ſeing the ſame, both from the clear Word of God, the pure Light of Nature, the Zealous and Valiant Practices of our firſt Reformers, and the Lawes and Conſtitutions of the Realme are clearly warranted; And by the Power and Preſence of God were ſignally approved; and by the ſupervenient Acts of the King, Parliament, and Generall Aſſembly ſo fully eſtablished and confirmed; And ſeing that they only were and are condemned by ſuch, as either being the Children of the Devil, filled with all ſubtilty and miſchief, and enemies of all Righteouſneſs, ceaſe not to pervert the right p. 47Wayes of the Lord; or by ſuch who for advancement of their own Intereſts, have ſacrificed all Conſcience and Reaſon to Ambition and Covetouſnes; or by ſuch who in baſe and open flattery of the King and of the Powers, and neither knowing nor regarding any other Intereſt or Concernment, then that which dependeth on their Pleaſure, do ſet and ſerve the ſame in place of the moſt High; Or laſtly, by ſuch who never did nor do concern themſelves in ſuch enquiryes, but affect a pretended Gallantry in Gallio's Indifferency, therefore, remitting ſuch as are further deſirous of ſatiſfaction, unto the debats & Papers of theſe Times, and eſpecially unto the late large Apology, we shall only mention the ſteps and progreſs of the Lords Work, and our Engagements therein, according to our firſt purpoſe.

In the beginning of the Year 1638. great multitudes of people conſiſting of all Ranks, being awaked by the Arbitrary impoſing of a Service-Book, more corrupt in ſome things then that of England, and the Book of Canons, and the erecting and violent exercing of the High Commiſſion-Court, to the perverting of the Pure Worship of God, the utter ſubverting of all regular Government, and the confounding of all things Divine and Humane, and the deſtroying of our Civil Liberties; and conceaving the true cauſe of all the abounding Sin, & imminent calamities of theſe Times, to be the violation of the National Covenant, formerly thrice ſworn in the Land, they again moſt Solemnly, with a very wonderful & gracious mixture of Tears and joy, renew the ſame almoſt in all parts of the Land, with the addition above mentioned, to forbear the practice and approbation of all Innovations in Worship, or Corruptions in Government, until the ſame p. 48should be lawfully determined, and that other of Mutual Defence and Aſſiſtance, in the proſecution of the ends of that Covenant, againſt all ſorts of perſons whatſoever. And in November the ſame Year, the Generall Aſſembly at Glaſgow determined anent the foreſaid novations and corruptions, diſproving and rejecting under theſe heads, the five Articles of Perth, the Government of the Church by Bishops, the erecting of Prelacy therein, and all the Corruptions flowing therefrom, whereby the Oath of the Covenant is clearly explained and purifyed.

In the Year 1639. the Prelats being routed, run to Court, … up the King, England and Irland with all their Friends and Popish partakers in Scotland, againſt the faithful Covenanters, as Rebellious and Seditious Perſons: But they having prepared for their own juſt Defence, the Lord by His outſtretched Arm and Power, diſpelling all theſe menacing clouds and imminent ſtorms, doth by a Pacification concluded, reduce a fair calm; The King therein aggreeing that an Aſſembly and Parliament shall be held, and that all matters reſpectively shall be therein determined. The Aſſembly ſitting in August thereafter, the Kings Commiſſioner being preſent and aſſenting, doth ratify the concluſions of the laſt Aſſembly at Glaſgow, and the Commiſſioner and Secret Council ſubſcribe the Covenant, as it was then explained; and at the Petition of the Aſſembly, it is enacted to be again ſubſcribed for the Fifth time, by the Body of the whole Land. But no Faith, Honeſty, nor Honor binding the Prelats and a Court by them over-ruled; in the Year 1640. the King and Prelats vigorouſly arm again, and prepare for a new war: But this intended War is compoſed by a new Pacification, and in the p. 49mean time, the Parliament (formerly adjourned until Iune 1640) doth conveen at the time appointed, and by their fourth, fifth and ſixth Acts fully eſtablish Presbyterial Government; ratify the Covenant, with the Addition and Explanation of the Aſſembly, and all Acts made thereanent; & abrogat the Eſtate of Bishops, and all Acts whatſoever made in their favours.