Informations, or a protestation, and a treatise from Scotland Seconded with D. Reignoldes his letter to Sir Francis Knollis. And Sir Francis Knollis his speach in Parliament. All suggesting the vsurpation of papal bishops.

A TREATISE OF KIRKE GOVERNE∣MENT CONSISTING OF two partes, whereof this former con∣teineth a Demonstration of true Christian Discipline according to the word of God used in the Kirke of Scotland. (Book 1)

THis writing is not directed to carie out invectiue speaches, with revi∣ling and wrathfull wordes against any in the Kirke of God, knowing that the wrath of man, accomplisheth not the righ∣teousnes * 1.1 of God; But this writting is ap∣poynted to be ane pleader even in the gates of Ierusalem for Sion sake, and for truth and righteousnes sake, breaking forth from Sion, as the light, and salvati∣on * 1.2 as ane burning lamp to all beleivers, wishing that it may be read of all with indifferencie, considered of all with wisedome & sobriety, and embraced of all that loue truth and righteousnes according to the merite and sincere

meaning therof. It shall be devided in to two principall heades. The one shal conteine an Demonstration of Christian Discipline & true Kirk Governement by Ministers and assisting Elders, according to the word of God, practised in the Apostolique & Primitiue Kirke, used and practised in the Kirke of Scotland these many yeares, receaved and em∣braced by all the professors; within the same, and established by lawes and Actes of Parliament to the glorie of God through Christ Iesus, and to the weill and comfort of the whole Kirke within this Realme. The other parte shall conteine an Refutation of the Epis∣copall Domination and Lordship, begun to be urged in our Kirk of late by Con∣formitie with England; quhilk is of late gredely embraced even by those, who not onely had professed, teached, and practised the true Discipline of the Kirk of Scotland, but also with solemne oath had sworne and subscribed to it.

The matter is of greatest weight con∣cerning the true Discipline and Guber∣nation of the house of God, which is the Kirk of the living God. Therefore O Lord of light the author of every good do∣nation, * 1.3 send out thy light and thy truth, and direct this heart, this hand & pen aright, unto the glory of thy great name, and clearing of thy everlasting truth.

Now all by matters being set a side, it shalbe expedient & needfull for our proceedings to lay downe some positi ons, & principals, as groundes to build vpon, enforcing all, that haue forsaken the Romane Synogogue to consent.

First the Lord Iesus by the appoynt ment of his Father is onely head. Eph. 1. 21: 22: 23. King, Lord, and suprem Go∣vernour of his Kirke, quhilk with his bloud here one earth he hath sprinkled and wished. Apoc 7: 14. and having ledd cap∣tivitie captiue, ascending up to the heavens. Eph: 4: 8. sitteth at the right hand of God

the Father. Col. 3. 1. Heb: 1. 3. ruling his Kirk powerfully by his spirit, & Scepter of his word. Isa: 11. 1. 2. 4. & 49. 21. psal. 110. 2. Heb: 1. 8. Onely King and law-giver having power onely by his lawes to bind the conscience of man Isai. 9. 6: 7. & 33. 22. Iames. 4. 12. Revel: 3: 7. 1 Tim: 6. 15 And therfore let no mortall man, e∣qual himselfe in this high prerogatiue with the Sonne of God being in his Kirke only Monarch and only Head. Isa. 29. 13. 14. Mich: 4. 7. Luc: 1 32. 33. 1. Cor: 3: 18: 19. Eph: 1: 22: & 4: 15: Col: 1: 18. & 2: 8: 9: 10. 18: 19: 23.

Secondly this supreame Governor Isai: 9: 6: Christ Iesus; hath not left his Kirk which is his body, mained, or im∣perfect, destitute of right Covernement, Lawes, & Offices, needfull for the same, but hath appoynted a certaine Minis∣sterie heir on earth graced with giftes, an with an calling accordingly, with certaine lawes, limitting their functiō, and Gubernation, and therefore, let no

man thinke, that Christ hath left his Kirk to be ruled at the lust and arbitre∣ment of men, whatsoever. Col: 2. 18. Item, what is of Christ that is to be re∣ceaved, and that quhilk is of the Anti∣Christ, is to be rejected.

Thirdly, this Gubernation of the Kirke with Offices & Functions, and allpoynts necessary, for accomplishment therof is set downe in the written word of God, the onely square & rule of Doc∣trine & Discipline, within Christ his Kirke, apt and able to make the man of God perfect to every good worke. 2. Tim: 3. 16. 17. whereupon this followeth, that whatsoever is prescrived in this word, is to be followed and no prescription can haue place against it. Item it follo∣weth, that the Lawes of the Goverment of the Church, and Offices and Functions thereof, are not changable, and imper∣fect onlesse we will say, that the scrip∣ture is imperfect, or Christ his Kirke, quhilk is his Bodie, is imperfect in re∣spect

of the Constitution thereof, we weil say, that the estate of the Kirke of the New Testament is inferiour to the estate of the Kirk of the Old Testament, quhilk receaved the whole Ordinancss, and Lawes, by Moses, from the mouth of God, quhilk Moses although he was great with God, yet he was but ane Minister. Num. 12. 7. Heb: 3. 5. and it was not lawfull to him to alter or change ane pin of the Tabernacle be himselfe, but as it was sayd to him, Do althinges according to the forme that thou saw in the Mountaine. Exo: 25: 40. Act: 7. 44. Heb: 8. 5. And so it was in the building of the Temple. 1. Chro: 28. 11. 12. 13. 2: Chro: 29. 25. But so it is, that no faithfull man will admitt those inconveniences and therefore, it must stand, that the word of God conteineth althinges needfull for the Governement of the Kirke, qu∣hilk is the kingdome of Christ Iesus heir on Earth; so that whatsoever may be alledged by man for Kirke Coverne∣ment

without the warrāt of the word, as easily is it repelled, as alleadged.

Now let us proceede and learne of the scripture what is sayd therin anent this Kirke. To this Kirk excellent glo∣rie is attributed every where in the scripture: If you will consider either the Head of this Kirk, the Bodie, or members, For the Head, King, & Lord of this Kirk the Sonne of God Christ Iesus, is the Prince of peace. psal. 72. 3. 7. Isai. 9. 6. 7 and Lord of all glorie. Isai. 60 1. 2. Act: 3. 15. 1 Cor: 2. 8. Heb: 2. 3. 7. 8. King of Kings and Lord of Lords. 1. Tim. 6. 15. Revel: 17. 14. et 19: 16. If ye weil consider the Bodie quhilk is the Kirk of God, & spouse of Christ, shee is called the Citie of God. Psal: 48. 2. 3. Zach: 8. 3. The house & Kirk of the living God. 1 Tim: 3. 15. Prov: 9. 1. The Temple and Mountaine of the eternall God. Isai: 2. 2. Zach: 8. 3. the Vinyard, Isai: 5 1. Cant: 8. 11. 12. Math. 21. 23. and Garden enclosed. Cant: 4. 12. the loye of the whole earth, Psal. 48. 3. Ezech: 20. 0. 15. Dan. 8. 9.

et 11: 16. 41. 45. the Heritage, Isai 19: 25: the kingdome of Heaven, Math: 13: 24. 31. Christ his Sister, Cant: 4: 10. his loue, Cant. 4: 1: 7. his spouse, Cant: 4: 10. his Queene, Psal: 45: 10. Christ his Bodie, 1: Cor: 12. 13: 27. Ephes: 1. 22. 23. et 4: 4. 16. If ye consider the Members of this Bodie, un∣der the Governement and protection of this great and glorious King knit & bound up in ane Bodie. Ephesians 4. 16. with the perfect band of loue. Rom. 12. 5 10. they are called the chosen generation. Deut. 10. 15. 1. Pet. 2. 9. the Holie Nation. Exo. 19. 6. 1. Pet: 2. 9. the peculiar people. 1. Pet. 2. 9. Exod: 19. 5. the Inheritance of God. 1. Pet. 5 3. To this Kirk apperteineth the Covenant. Eph: 2. 12. Rom: 9. 4. the worship of God. Rom. 9. 4. the Sacraments 1. Cor: 10. 1. 2. 3. 4. & 12. 13. and promi∣ses. Rom: 9. 4. of Peace. Luc. 1. 71. 74: 75. et 2: 14. Isai 52: 7. et 55. 12. Iohn 14: 27: Col: 1. 20. Gal: 6. 16. of loue, Ioh. 14: 23. and Salvation. Zach. 2; 8. Isai: 49: 6. et 43 3. of the presence of God. Zach: 2. 10. 11.

Isai 43: 2. Ioh: 14: 18: Ezech: 37: 26: 27: & 48: 35: 2 Cor: 6. 16. of graces and glorie. Zach. 2: 5: Isai 60: 15. & of his Protection. Psal: 34: 17. 18. 19. 20. and every where in the Psalmes, and in many other pla∣ces many excellent & glorious things are spoken of this Kirke the Spouse and Bodie of Christ Iesus.

The use whereof is to let us under∣stand, how pretious and how glorious in Gods sight is Christ Kirk, that is the Society of his Sancts, which he hes ac∣quited with his owne bloud. Act. 20. 28

2. To let us vnderstand that She is not under bondage, or subjection, to be ruled and governed by the lust, or arbitrement of men whatsoever. Math. 15: 9. Col. 3. 8. 18. 19. 1. Tim: 3: 14. 15. So that no man should presume to pre∣scrive lawes. Iam: 4: 12. and limites, for the Governement of this Kirk, without Commission of Christ Iesus the Su∣preame Governour Isai: 9: 6: who hath beutified her with so many great gra∣ces,

power, and glorie.

Now let us descend more particularly to learne out of scripture, what is pre∣scrived anent the Governement and ordering of the Kirk heir on earth; For Scripture is the only sure Canon and rule to be followed (as was before de∣clared) against the which no prescrip∣tion nether of Angell, nor of man what soever, should prevaile. Gal. 1. 18.

How comely and pleasant a thing is it to behold in the scripture the soci etie of the Sanctes, like an Armie, Psalm 110 3. Can: 6. 1. 3. Col. 2. 5. march in their ranckes, under the conduct of their King and Lord Christ Iesus, Isai 52. 12. Heb: 12: 2. some commanding in his name & some obeying. Heb: 13: 17. all ruled and maresheld, by the lawes and limites of the word, Deut: 4: 2. et 12. 32 And againe the commanders and ru∣lers ordered in their owne ranckes ac∣cording to their Functions, and giftes, al to the glory of God, edification & pre

servation of one Bodie. Eph: 4. 12. And to speake more plainly of the Kirk Dis∣cipline. We define it to be the spirituall Ioh: 18. 36. 2. Cor: 10. 4. 5. 6. Governement: 1 Pet: 5. 1. 2. 3. Act: 20. 28. of the house of God. 1. Tim: 3. 15. Which is the Kirke, or Society of the Sainctes heere one Earth, under the commandement of the only Head & King the Lord Iesus, Eph: 1: 22. 1. Cor: 12. 5. by the Ministery of men. 1. Cor: 4. 1. 2. Cor: 4: 1. furnished from aboue with giftes, Eph: 4: 8. Rom: 12: 6. 1. Pet: 4. 10. calling, Rom: 10. 15. Heb. 5: 4: and power, Ioh: 20: 21: 22: 23. ac∣cording to the prescription of Scrip∣ture, as sayd is. For Kirk Governement are set out in the word of God. 1 The persons, to whō is given the charge of rule and Governement. 2. Their Cal∣ling. 3. Their Giftes. 4. Their Office, & power distinctly their power junct∣ly, and manner thereof. Which all by the grace of God shall clearely be de∣monstrate by onely Scripture.

The persons are Extraordinary, and Ordinar, Extraordinary as Apostles, Pro∣phets, Evangelists, whose offices serving for a time haue ceassed. As for the per∣sons Ordinar, we shall finde their insti∣tution with their Offices, expressed in these places. 1 Tim. 3 2. Tit: 1. 5 6. 7. Act. 6: 3. 4. & 14. 23. & 20. 17. 28. etc: Eph: 4: 11. Rom: 6. 7. 8. 1. Cor: 12. 5. 8. 1 Pet: 5. 2. 3. 2. Tim: 4. 2. Heb: 13: 17. 2 Cor: 5. 20.

Vocation or calling is common to all the office bearers & Ministers with in the Kirke, quhilk is a lawfull way, whereby persons graced with meete giftes are admitted to a spirituall office of one certaine flocke, and Congrega∣tion, Here three things are necessary, First without lawfull calling, let none presume to this honor, to exercise any spirituall Function or Ministerie, Rom: 10. 15 Heb. 5. 4 Math. 9. 38 Secondly let no man presume to clime up by intru∣sion, or to enter in any other way, than by the Dore, Ioh: 10. 1. Thirdly, none

ought to enter in without inward te∣stimony of giftes & graces, and good conscience before God of whō & for whose service is the calling; Isa: ó 67. 8. 9. Ier: 1. 6. 9. Math: 10 1. Ioh: 20: 22. 23. This Ordinar lawfull calling consisteth of two partes, Election, & Ordination, E∣lection is the lawfull choyse of the per∣son graced with meete giftes for the office wherunto he is called. Election should be after triell, Act: 1: 21. 22: et 6••. 1. Tim: 3. 10. By free choyse and at the judgment of the Church. Act: 1. 21: 23. et 6. 3. 5. et 14 23. The Ceremo∣nies therof by Humiliation, fasting and Prayer. Act: 1. 24. et 14. 23. Ordination is the seperating and designing of that person chosen unto the Office of the Ministerie. Act: 13. 2. Likewise to be used with fasting and prayer & by im∣position of handes of the Presbyterie. Act: 13. 3. et 14. 23. 1. Tim. 4. 14. et 5. 22. Their giftes, properties, and cōditions in Doctrine & manners are distinctly

set downe & limited in scripture, pre∣scriving what man every one must be. The Pastor must be apt to Teach and ex∣hort, Deut: 33. 12. Mal: 2. 7. Rom: 12. 8. 1. Cor: 12. 8. 1. Tim: 3. 2. no young Scholer, 1 Tim: 3. 6. able to devide the word aright 2. Tim: 2. 15. holding fast the faithfull word, Tit: 1. 9. able to exhorte, rebuke, re∣proue, by wholsome doctrine. 2 Tim: 4. 2. In māners he must be a lover of goodnes. Tit: 1. 8. wise, righteous, holy; temperate, in his life, unreprovable, of good report, &c: 1 Tim: 3. 2. 3. 4. 7. Tit: 1. 6. 7. 8.

The Doctor or Teacher likewise must be apt to Teach, Mal: 2: 7: Rom: 12: 7. 1: Cor: 12: 8. and to deliver sound and wholesome doctrine according to the word, Tit: 1. 9. mightie in the scripture, Act: 18. 24. able to revince the gaine sayers &c: Act: 6: 9: 10. Tit: 1: 9.

The name of Elder in scripture is used diversly: sometime for the name of age, 1. Tim: 5: 1. Sometime for Office, 1: Tim: 5. 17. 19. Iam. 514. againe signifiyng

office, somtime largely it comprehen∣deth Pastors, Doctors, and those that are called morespecially Presbyters, Seniors, or Elders. Act. 14. 23. 1. Tim. 5. 17. 1. Pet. 5. 1. Here speaking of Elders particular∣ly, we vnderstand those that labour in the oversight of the manners of the people, whom the Apostle calleth Presi∣dents, and Governours, Rom: 12. 8. 1 Cor 12: 18. Then Elders must be men of wisedome, knowledge, & sound judg∣ment endued with the spirit of God. Num: 11. 25. Deut. 1. 13. able to discerne, vigilant and diligent in overseing, Act. 20. 28. Rom: 12. 8. Sober, gentle, modest, lo∣ving, temperate, &c: 1. Tim: 3. et 5.

The Deacons must be men of good report keeping the Mistery of faith in a pure conscience, indued also with the ho ly Ghost, Graue, Temperat, not given to excesse of filthy lucre. Act: 16. 3. 1. Tim: 3. 8. 9. 12. 13. This farre concerning their giftes, and properties, their office, care, function, & charge, is severally set out

in Scripture as followes.

The Pastor should feede the sheep of Christ Iesus in greene and wholsome pastures of the word, sheewing them the waters and way to life, Psal: 23. 1. 2. Deut: 33: 10. Rom: 12: 8. Ioh. 21. 15. Act: 20 28. 1. Pet: 5: 1. &c: having continuall care to watch over the soules of these which they must giue an accompt of, Heb: 13. 17. discerning the diseases & ap plying the word according to every disease, and every time and occurrant danger. Ezech. 33. et 34. chapt: praying and blessing, and sealing up to the faithfull the promises of God by the Sacraments, loving, cherishing, and defending the flocke, from ravenous beasts. Ioh: 10. 11. 12.

The Office of an Teacher, or Doctor, hath been mentioned before, whose cheife and speciall charge is to Teach, playne, pure, and sound Doctrine, preser∣ving knowledge, resisting error, buil∣ding upon the only true ground stone

(which is Christ Iesus) Gold, silver and pretious stones &c. 1: Cor: 3. 11. 12. et 1. 17. 12. 8. 1. Tim: 4. 16. et 6. 20. Eph: 2: 20. Heb: 6. 1. 1. Pet: 2. 2.

The Elder or Presbyter his office and distinct charge before also was menti∣oned, their cheife care is, to be readie assistants according to the ordinance of God, to the Pastors & Teachers, hel∣ping to beare their burding, caring for the weil, quietnes, peace, and good or∣der in the Kirke, taking heed to them∣selues & the people. 2. Chron: 19. 8. Act: 20. 17. 28. and 21. 18. Rom: 12. 8. 1. Pet: 5. 2. 1. Cor: 12. 28.

The Office of the Deacon is to collect the benevolence of the faithfull, and faithfully to distribute the same accor∣ding to the necessitie of the Saints by the direction of the Kirk, Act: 6. 3. Rom. 12. 8. This much anent the offices, and ministeries institute and prescrived by Christ in his word, which albeit be di∣verse & distinct both in giftes & functi

ons, yet they as members of one Body, serue for the use of the Sainctes and edification of the body of Christ. Rom 12: 4: 5: &c: Eph: 4: 11: 12. 13: 16. 1. Cor: 12: 7. 12: 25.

Vnto these Office-bearers and Go∣vernours Christ hath given also a cer∣taine limitate power to be exercised by them, according to the word in his Kirk. A power severally, Math: 16. 19. 20. Rom: 12. 3. 6. 7. 8. and a power joynt∣ly with Paritie and mutuall consent to be exercised for avoyding of Tyranny. Math: 18: 17: 18: 19: 20. 1. Cor: 5: 4. 5. both having one authority from the same head and author Christ Iesus, both tending to the same end: both comprehended vnder the name of the Keyes of the kingdome of Heaven.

The Keyes of the kingdome of hea∣ven are given joyntly to the Rulers of the Kirke, that whatsoever they bind on earth shalbe boūd in heaven; Math: 18. 18. This power is not to be used ac∣cording

to their arbitrement and will, but at the will & according to the Te∣stament of him who hath given this power, and hath limited it in his writ∣ten word, presciving the order, usage, and end thereof, Math: 18. 15. 16. 17. 18. 20. The order and usage is this, If the offence of thy brother be private, ad∣monish him privately between him & thee, with loving admonition with an brotherly care to woone the brother offender. If he refuse to harken unto thee, take two or three brethren with thee for the same purpose; if he weil not harken unto them, shew the mat∣ter unto the Kirke, The care of the Kirke in like manner, is to deale with him, as with ane brother, not to hold him as an enimy, 2. Thes. 3. 15. but grav∣ly, and lovingly to admonish, perswad him and to pray for him; to proue if at any time the Lord will giue unto him repentance. 2. Cor. 10. 8. et 13. 10. 2. Tim: 2: 25. 26. If the offender be obstinate &

can not be drowne unto repentance, then in the name of the Lord Iesus with consent of the Congregation re∣verently and with prayer Excommu∣nication is to be used in casting him out of the Kirk, and giving him over to Satan for the destruction of the flesh &c. and is to be holden as ane Heathen and Publican. &c. Math: 19: 17. 1. Cor. 5. 4. 5. Thus farr touching private offence. If the fault be publike, the faulter is pub∣likly to be rebooked, and admonished, 1: Tim: 5: 10. The admonitions alwayes must be done circumspectly, seasoned with truth, gravitie, loue, and peace, e∣ver ayming for the safitie of the offen∣der, and notthe destruction. And a spe∣ciall care is to be had of every weake offender, with discretion of offences. Mat: 18: 15. Gal. 6: 1: 2. 2. Tim: 2. 24. Rom. 14. 13: 19. Iam: 5: 19. 20. If admonitions prevaile not to drawe him to repen∣tance, thē to proceid to Excommuni∣cation as sayd is.

If the offender be broght to repen∣tance, let the repentance & receaving againe to the Kirk be according to the proportion of the offence, if the offēce be publique, the repentance and recep tion publique; if private, private, al∣wayes let the repentance be in submis sion without hypocrisie, giving glory unto God. Math: 18. 15. Luk: 17. 4. 2. Cor. 2. 6. 7. Moreover, there is given liber∣ty and power to the rulers of the Kirk, to exercise this Christian Discipline according to the necessity of the estate of the Kirke, and according to the oc∣currant dangers and diseases in Assem. blies convened together in the name of the Lord Iesus, consisting cheifely, of Ministers, Doctors, and Elders. Assem∣blies are Particular or Generall. Particu∣lar as Presbyteries or Provinciall Assem∣blies. Generall consisting of on Nation convocat together, for the Common weil, peace, and quietnes of the Kirke. The warrād of these Assemblies, with

the practise is evident by the word: Math. 18. 17. 18. 1. Tim. 4. 14. 1. Cor: 5: 4. &c. and 14: 32. Act: 15: 6: 12. 22. 25. and hath the practise of Kirkes at all times, and necessities, as sayd is before. This much shortly anent the power, offices and Ministeries in the Kirk Governe∣ment according to the Institution of Christ expressed clearely in his word: And all for the edification and preser∣vation of the Bodie of Christ, & for the repayring of the Sanctes, to the honor of God by Christ Iesus through all generations for ever. Eph: 4. 12. I add hereunto two demonstrations need∣full viz. That these offices, & Ministe∣ries as they haue been set downe are perpetuall, and sufficient for the Go∣vernement of the Kirk of Christ.

The first thus I proue. 1. The Apo∣stle Paul commādeth Timothie to keep this Governemēt, and precepts given there anent, to that glorious comming of the Lord Iesus. 1. Tim. 3. 21. & 6. 14. 15.

Secondly, all the offices within the Kirk mentioned. Rom. 12. 6: 7. 8. are cal∣led mēbers of the Body of the Kirk, ver. 4. 5. 1. Cor. 12. 27. 28. 29. which is the Bo∣die of Christ Iesus. Eph: 1: 22: 23: et 4: 12. whereupon followeth this proba∣tion, if the Kirk of Christ quhilk is his Body be perfect, and must continue vn to the comming of Christ, these Offi∣ces & Ministeries must haue the same continuance, except we will say, that Christ his Body is imperfect, or mained or the Kirke of Christ shall cease here upon earth, before his comming, qu∣hilk both are absurd.

Thridly, if Christ Iesus be only Lord and Governour of his Kirk, which is his kingdome heir on earth, and seeing he must rule and Governe his kingdome unto his comming by his owne offi∣cers, and by his lawes, by himselfe in∣stitute & prescrived in his word. Rom: 12. 3. 6. 7. 8. 1. Cor. 12. 28. & 14. 37. Eph. 4. 8. 11. 12. It followeth that these offi∣ces

and lawes, continue unto his com∣ming, except we will say, that Christ shall ceasse to be Governour of his Kirk, and those lawes to be imperfect.

Ferdly, seeing the object and endes whair about these offices ar occupied, & whairunto they are destinat (quhilk before hath been declared) must haue continuance, therefore, the offices and Ministeries appoynted for those uses & ends must also continue to the end, quhilk necessities no man can avoyde or elude, as for example: There must be heresies, and offences &c: and ther∣fore there must be a correcting power in the Kirk 1. Cor. 11. 19. with offices & ministeries meete for preventing, re∣strayning, and expelling the foresayd, or like corruptions.

As for the Second, to witt that the foresayd offices & Ministeries are suf∣ficient for the Regiment of Christ his Kirk heir on earth, thus I proue it. 1. If they be not sufficient, then Christ can

not be honored as perfite Governour of his Kirk, neither is his word perfect, but some thing may be added therun∣to, which is absurd, Deut. 4. 2. et 12. 32.

2. If these be imperfect then man may erect new offices, & add new Mi∣nisteries, and giue new giftes and gra∣ces accordingly: and if man may add he may also detract; which both are false and absurd. 111. These offices & functions before mētioned, haue gifts and graces needfull, and sufficient, for the discharge of the Ministerie of the word, of the Sacraments, and of Disci∣pline, for the Edification of the body of Christ &c. Eph: 4: 11: 12. therefore they must be sufficient. IV. If these offices and Ministeries of the Governement of the Kirke under the Gospell be in∣sufficient, & imperfect, then the estate of Christ his Kirke under the Gospell must be inferior, unto the estate of the Kirke under the law, which had the accomplishment of all offices, ministe∣ries,

and lawes needfull, and sufficient for the regiment therof, But none will graunt that the estate of the Kirke of Christ is inferior to the estate of the Kirk under the law. Therefore the a∣foresayd offices are sufficient, for the Governement of the Kirk of the New Testament. And therefore this forme, & order of Government, by the fore∣sayd offices, and Ministeries, of Prea∣chers, and assisting Elders, being groun∣ded vpon the written word of God, & practise of the Apostles & Kirkes in their time. Rom: 12. 6: 7: 8. Eph: 4. 11: 12. Act: 14: 23. et 20. 17. 28. 1. Tim: 5. 17. Tit: 1: 5: &c. It can admit no prescription: or change by any mortall man, or by any humane tradition whatsoever.

Which forme of Discipline as it hath been practised in the Apostolicall and Primitiue Kirke, (quhilk is evident by scriptures afore aledged) so hath it the testimony of antiquitie in the aunci∣ent Kirkes, as is collected not very ob∣scurely

out of Ignatius Epist: ad Trallen. Tertul: in Apoc. cap. 39. et lib: de Baptism: Christian. Cyprian lib: 2. Epist. 5: et lib. 3: Epist. 10. 18. 22. et lib. 4. 5. Augusti. de verb. Dom. in Math: Serm. 19. But more clear∣ly out of Ambrose in 1 Tim. 5: 1: Ierom in Isai, 2. et ad Rustic. Epist: 16. Possidonius in vita Augustini, Socrates Eccle. hist. lib. 5. ca. 20. and others also alledged be the de∣fenders of this christian and true Kirke Governement. Amongst the quhilk I cannot passe by for proofes sake, the cleare sayinges of Ambrose, and Ierom. Ambrose writteth thus upon 1: Tim. 5: Whence it is that both the Synagage, and af∣terward the Kirk had Elders, without whos counsell nothing was done in the Kirk. Qu∣hilk by what negligence it is growne out of use I know not, unlesse perhaps by the slouth∣fulnes or rather prid of the Teachers, whilst they alone will seeme to be something.

Ierom ad Tit. cap. 1. Vntill schismes were made in religion by the diuely suggestion, the Kirkes were governed by the common

counsell of Elders, and in the same place speaking of the corruption that follo∣wed, therafter addeth this: But this was rather by custome, than by the truth of the Lords disposing.

This forme of Discipline according to the word, the Kirk of Scotland hath used many years by past, being autho∣rised and ratified by the three Estates in Parliament, receaved and practised by all the Preachers within the whole Realme, with on consent, & concord, even by thē also, who now haue made defection frō it, taking upon thē Epis∣copall authority. Siclik it hath the testi∣mony of all the reformed Kirkes in Eu∣rope, in France, in Freisland, in Geneva, in Helvetia, Polonia, Vngaria, in Palatinatu, in Germania, Saxonia, Bohemia, in Suedia, Dania, and all other reformed Kirkes except Englād alone. Siclik also it hath the testimony generally of the Divīes of later times, as Zuinglius, Martir, Are∣tius, Calvinus, Bucer, Hiperius, Bullingeri∣us,

Musculus, Hemingius, Beza, Olevianus, Iunius, Sadael, Nowel, Fulke, Whitakers, with all other learned & famous Prea∣chers in the Countries reformed, pro∣fessing truely the Gospell only Englād excepted: wherin also the best, yea the greatest parte haue sought, and dayly seiks the liberty of the same Governe∣ment, according to the word, & most clearely haue defended it with their penne, and most pithie writtings, and most constantly haue avouched it, by their manifold suffrings, at home, and abrode for the glorifiyng of God, and the witnessing of the truth of Christ Iesus: All, that afore hath been breifly sayd anent the deduction of this pur∣pose, may be more largely intreated, and more particularly handled, if any within this land will proue so obstinat, as to re∣fuse consent to the truth of Christ Iesus.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Iames 1. 20:
• * 1.2

  Isai, 61: 1.
• * 1.3

  Iames 1. 17. Psalm, 43, 3.