A true narration of all the passages of the proceedings in the generall Assembly of the Church of Scotland, holden at Perth the 25. of August, anno Dom. 1618 VVherein is set downe the copy of his Maiesties letters to the said Assembly: together with a iust defence of the Articles therein concluded, against a seditious pamphlet. By Dr. Lyndesay, Bishop of Brechen.

AN ANSWER TO THE PREFACE DIRECTED TO THE READER.

THE PAMPHLETER.

THE externall worship of God, and the gouernment of the Church (gentle and iudicious Reader) are like Hippocrates twins; they are sicke together; in health together; they liue together; they die, and dwine together.

ANSWER.

The externall worship of God, and the gouerne∣ment of the Church, are neuer matched in Scripture as one twin with another: But the gouernment whereby the order, decency, and puritie of the worship is preserued, is sometime compared to a Wall, or an Hedge; wherein brea∣ches may be made, either by persecution of open enemies without, or by contention of seditious brethren within,

and thereby the beautie of the worship defaced: Thus for a time they may bee sicke, and dwine together, but they shall neuer die till the world be done; all the enemies of God shall perish, but this Kingdome shall endure for euer: In this they differ from Hippocrates twins: and herein standeth the consolation of the Church against her feares without, and troubles within.

PP.

As long as the gouernment of the Church of Scotland stood in integritie, as it was established by Lawes Ciuill and Ecclesiasticall, according to Gods Word, so long was the worship of God preserued in puritie.

ANS.

The gouernment of our Church established by Lawes Ciuill and Ecclesiasticall, according to Gods Word, stan∣deth now, praysed be God, in as great integritie, and the worship of God in as great puritie as euer it did. Sed ru∣ctare licet cacostomacho, but a windy breast must haue leaue to belch:

Non nostri faciunt tua quod tibi tempora sordent, Sed faciunt mores, Caeciliane, tui.

PP.

Since the former gouernment was altered, and the in∣solent domination of Prelates hath entered in by vnlaw∣full meanes amongst vs; Popish Rites, and superstitious Ceremonies haue followed, and are like to preuaile vni∣uersally.

ANS.

The former gouernment is not altered, that is, either corrupted or abolished, as you insinuate, but is perfited by accession of the ancient order, which hath beene euer in the House of God since the Apostolicall times, and was embraced at the reformation, in Anno 1560. and conti∣nued in our Church in the persons of Superintendents and Bishops, till the yeare of God 1581. after that time, it was borne downe, till the yeare of God 1598. then it

beganne to bee restored, and hath entred in amongst vs by the conclusions of generall Assemblies, and Acts of Parlia∣ment, which none but lawlesse Libertines will esteeme vn∣lawfull meanes; nor the function thereby established an in∣solent domination, but the licentious who delight in confu∣sion, and detest order. The Rites and Ceremonies which haue followed, shall be better cleered by the grace of God from Superstition and Popery, then this Pamphlet of your•• from Schisme and Heresie.

PP.

They haue verified in their persons their common tenent, No Ceremony, no Bishop.

ANS.

The tenent is true, for where there is no Ceremonie, there can be no externall worship of God, more then a bo∣die can bee without dimensions; and consequently where there is no Ceremony, there can be no Church, no Bishop, no Pastor.

PP.

The liberty granted to our Church to indict, and hold generall Assemblies from yeere to yeere, and oftener prore nata, was the chiefe bulwarke of our Discipline; this bul∣warke was broken downe, to the end a more patent way might be made for their exaltation.

ANS.

So long as this liberty preserued the ancient Discipline, and Gouernment of the Primitiue and Reformed Church in the persons of Super-intendents and Bishops, it was a good bulwarke: but when it was licentiously abused, to o∣uerthrow that which it had formerly maintayned, and to stop the way whereby it might be lawfully restored againe, the licentious abuse was to be restrayned, and order taken, that it should not impede, but further the worke, for the which it was appointed.

PP.

When vote in Parliament (the Needle to draw in the

thred of Episcopall authoritie) was concluded to the great griefe of the sincerer sort, many protestations were made, that no alteration in Discipline or Diuine Seruice was in∣tended.

ANS.

That the Church, which hath euer represented the third Estate of the Kingdome, was restored in the persons of Bi∣shops, according to the fundamentall Lawes to haue vote in Parliament, could bee a griefe to none sincerely affected, either to the Weale of the Countrey or Church: and as pro∣testations were made, that no alteration tending to corrup∣tion, either in Discipline or diuine Seruice was intended, so none hath followed, but such as tendeth to the confir∣mation and perfection of both.

PP.

Many cautions and limitations were made to bound the power of the Minister voter in Parliament.

ANS.

The limitations and cautions which were agreeable to reason, and might stand with the power of the person voter in Parliament according to Law, haue beene inuiolably obserued.

PP.

They were ordayned to bee countable to the generall Assemblies, for the manner of their entrie, and behauiour in this new Office; but like Bankrupts, not being able to ren∣der account, they laboured that no account should bee made at all: that is, that there should be no ordinary gene∣rall Assembly to take account.

ANS.

No man can bee lawfully ordayned to bee countable to these of his entry and behauiour in his Office, who professe themselues enemies to the Office it selfe: Such were the ge∣nerall Assemblies, which ye call ordinary, consisting for the greatest part of the sincerer sort, to whose great griefe you say, the power to vote in Parliament was concluded: rea∣son

therefore would, that to such a Iudicatory no account should haue beene rendered at all. Not because they were bankrupts, as you calumniously alledge, but for the profes∣sed enmity and iniquity of the Iudge; whereof his Maiesty hauing proofe before, when the ancient Gouernment of Bi∣shops was abolished, did now prudently prouide, that no generall Assembly should be conuocate without his High∣nesse speciall licence, lest thereby the restitution of that Gouernment intended by his Maiestie, and happily begun before his Maiesties preferment to the Crowne of England, might in his absence bee crossed and ouerthrowne; by the which prouidence of his Maiesties wisdome, that plot was preuented, and your purpose disappointed: Hinc illae la∣chrimae: and this is that causeth you to rage and raile.

PP.

Some few extraordinary Assemblies haue beene conuo∣cated of late yeares at their pleasures, and for their purpo∣ses, and according to their deuice constituted as they thought good: wherein they procured, or rather extorted with terror, and authority a sort of preheminencie aboue their Brethren.

ANS.

If ye call these extraordinary Assemblies, which by his Maiesties License and Authoritie were conuocated, the Councell of Nice, and the most famous Councels of the Church, must bee counted extraordinary. And in these As∣semblies no preheminence was granted to Bishops, but such as Bishops had euer in the Primitiue Church, and such as the Super-intendents, and Bishops had before in our owne reformed Church; which beeing lawfull in it selfe, needeth neither by authoritie to be procured, nor by ter∣ror extorted from godly, prudent, and peaceable Brethren.

PP.

They were Lords in Parliament, Councell, Session, Exche∣quer, Lords of Regalities, Lords of temporall Lands, Pre∣senters to Benefices; Modifiers of Ministers stipends; grand

Commissioners in the high Commission; was it wonder then if so great Commanders, commanded the Assemblies constituted, as is said, and carued to themselues a spirituall Lorship? when, &c.

ANS.

The power, authoritie, and credit, which was expedi∣ent for the time to be in the persons of some Bishops, was neither imployed, nor needed to be imployed, to command these Assemblies, which were constituted of the most graue and godly brethren of the Church, who against Law and conscience would not haue beene commanded either by Prince, or Prelate. Neither in these Assemblies did they carue to themselues any spirituall Lordship, for they ac∣knowledge no man to haue spirituall Lordship ouer the Church, but the man the Lord Iesus; him they preach the Lord, and themselues the Seruants of the Church for him.

PP.

When their worthy brethren were banished, impriso∣ned, confined, or detayned at Court, that they might the more easily effectuate their purposes.

ANS.

Their worthy brethren I may truely say, were banished, imprisoned, confined, and detayned at Court sore against their wils: who wish that good brethren, then had beene, and now were lesse addicted to singularitie of opinion, and more inclined to the peace & vnity of the Church: And that they would put difference, betwixt indifferent things in Discipline, and doctrinall points; and consider that in the one we must stand for veritie, and in the other for expedi∣encie, which changeth with times, places, and occasions: That the forme of gouernment meete for a Parochiall or Diocesian Church, such as Geneua or Berne, is not fit in all respects for the vniuersall or for a Nationall Church: That at the beginning of the reformation, sundrie circum∣stantiall Ceremonies were changed, or abolished for Su∣perstition, which now tending to edification, and preser∣uation

of Gods worship from prophanenesse, and to make conformitie and vnitie, both with the Primitiue, and refor∣med Churches, may be lawfully and profitably receiued: That antiquity in such things, and vniuersall consent not re∣pugnant to veritie, is farre to be preferred to new and re∣cent conceits, and customes of priuate persons, and Chur∣ches. These things the Bishops would wish from their hearts had beene, and were better pondered by brethren; and that for such matters, wilfull contradiction, bitter con∣tention, and disobedience had not brought them vnder the censure of the Lawes, and power of authoritie.

PP.

They haue broken the caueats made with their owne consent, violated their promises, and haue sought prehemi∣nence both in Church and Common-wealth, with the ruine of others, and renting of their mothers belly.

ANS.

Neither haue yee, nor can yee alledge any promise made by them violated, or caueat broken, that hath not beene ab∣rogated by posterior Acts of lawfull Assemblies, as beeing contrary to the lawfull power of their calling. Neither haue they sought preheminence in Church nor Common-wealth, but that which according to Lawes Ciuill and Ecclesiasti∣call, belongs to their Function. The restitution whereof, if they had not craued, they had beene Traytors both to the Church and Common-wealth; against the which some bre∣thren standing out too contentiously, haue inuolued them∣selues in vnnecessary troubles, and haue pressed with you, to rent the belly of their Mother, the peace and vnitie of the Church with Schisme.

PP.

We haue notwithstanding beene so silent hitherto, that the World hath iudged our silence, rather slumbring and slouthfulnesse, then true patience.

ANS.

If you be the man who is pretended to bee the penner of

this Pamphlet, your silence hath not beene so great, as is heere alledged, for both by writing and word, yet haue bi•• euer vttering your miscontentment with great acerbitie a∣gainst the persons, and function of your brethren; and his Maiesties good and godly intentions, wherein yee haue stu∣died more to please the World, then to procure the weale of the Church, with the honour of God, and obedience of your Prince.

PP.

They are not satisfied with the wrongs alreadie commit∣ted, but doe still prouoke vs with new irritant occasions.

ANS.

Many men of your humour are crabbed without cause, who being in the gall of bitternesse, count right wrong, and good to be euill, and seeke occasions where none are offe∣red to spue out their choler.

PP.

And specially by obtruding vpon vs superstitious Wil-worships, and polluted inuentions of men.

ANS.

What was concluded in a lawfull Assembly, was not ob∣truded; and by Gods grace in the answere to your Pam∣phlet, it shall bee manifest, that the Assembly hath con∣demned all polluted inuentions of men, and all superstitious Wil-worships; and that your selfe is a very superstitious Dogmatist of Wil-worship.

PP.

It behooueth vs therefore to set pen to paper, and say somewhat for the surer stay and better information of Pro∣fessors, tenderly affected to the sinceritie of Religion; least they bee deluded with the glorious name of a pretended and new Assembly, or seduced with Temporizers, swal∣lowing vp all abominations or corruptions whatsoeuer.

ANS.

Let the Christian, and gentle Reader consider, what in∣formation good and sincere Professours may expect from

such a poysonable pen, that beginneth to fill vp the paper with such venemous words, calling the lawfull meeting of the Church, a pretended new Assembly; his brethren of the Ministery, Seducers, Temporizers, Swallowers vp of all abominations, or corruptions whatsoeuer; for whom wee answere:

Multi sint licet impotentis irae, Pellem rodere qui velint caninam: Nos hac à scabie tenemus vngues.

PP.

The meanes of printing and publishing are to vs verie difficile.

ANS.

The Quarter-masters and Collectours of the voluntary Contributions through Fyiffe, Lowthiane, Edinburgh, and other parts of the Land, for setting forth of this worke, say that you haue no cause to complaine. And if in times com∣ming, your paines bee as well recompenced, this trade of penning, printing, and publishing, shall bee more gainfull, then your stipend was for your Ministery.

PP.

We wish therefore euery good Christian, to take in good part our meane trauels.

ANS.

Although your trauels had no other fault, but that they were meane, yet your cessation from better businesse can∣not be excused: but they being withall seditious and per∣nicious, no good Christian will take them in good part.

PP.

And not impute to vs, the want of good will, but of meanes, if they be not serued hereafter continually after this manner. Wee shall bee readie, God willing, for our owne part, as need shall require, and opportunitie will serue, to defend the cause wee maintayne, against any of our Oppo∣sites their Answeres, or Replyes whatsoeuer worthy of an∣swere.

ANS.

I hope no man who readeth this Pamphlet, will impute to you the want of goodwill to doe euill, that is of a wicked will to furnish fewell to the fire of dissention in the Church. And if by your Thrasonicall boasts and brags, you can per∣swade these, whom for want of sufficient knowledge and faith, yee delude, and seduce with subtile Sophismes, and superstitious feares; to furnish meanes, that is, money for penning and printing, as they haue done profusely, for set∣ting forth this Rapsodie: there is no doubt, but Answeres shall come forth vpon Answeres, Defences vpon Defences, Replyes vpon Replyes, vntill yee haue wearied the World with your vanities.

PP.

We haue seene of late some Pamphlets, which haue ra∣ther exposed their Authors to laughter and contempt, then deserued any serious confutation.

ANS.

It is the nature of enuifull arrogance by contemning and laughing at others, to hunt her owne prayse,

Sed facilis cuiuis rigidi censura cachinni.

PP.

In the Epistle before 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, his Maiestie prote∣steth vpon his honour, that hee misliketh not generally all Preachers, or others, who like better of the single forme of policie in our Church, then of the many Ceremonies in the Church of England: and are perswaded that their Bishops smell of a Papall Supremacie; that the Surplice, the Corner∣cap, and such like are the outward badges of Popish errors; and that he doth equally loue and honour the Learned, and graue men of these opinions.

ANS.

If yee had imitated this most Christian example of your gracious Soueraigne, you would not for errour of wilfull opinion, haue turned your loue into hatred, and your reue∣rence into contempt of your brethren.

PP.

His Maiestie vseth this prouision, that where the Law is otherwise, they preasse by patience and wel-grounded rea∣sons, either to perswade all the rest to like of their iudge∣ment; or where they see better grounds on the other part, not to be ashamed peaceably to incline thereunto, laying a∣side all preoccupyed opinions.

ANS.

If yee approue this prouision, as yee seeme after to doe, seeing a Law standeth in our Church neither reduced, nor abrogated against your opinion: why is your patience tur∣ned into passion, & your wel-grounded reasons into vnrea∣sonable raylings: And considering at the Assembly in Perth, the grounds whereupon the Law was made, were esteemed by the votes and iudgements of more then double your number, better then any answere, or reason brought on the contrary, why are yee ashamed peaceably to incline there∣unto, laying aside all preoccupyed opinions?

PP.

Wee are able to prooue, that no Ecclesiasticall Law hath beene made in any free and formall Assembly for the altera∣tion by-past, or presently intended either in Gouernment, or Ceremonies.

ANS.

What you are able to proue, we know not, but vntill the time the probation be made, and the Church which made the Lawes, being better informed alter or abrogate them, it it is the duty of euery good and peaceable Christian to giue obedience thereunto, except they bee manifestly damned in the Word as impious: for there can be no peace nor vnitie in a Church, where there is not a Conformitie obserued ac∣cording to Lawes; for if one shall follow the Law, another his owne opinion contrary to the Law, and the third, some conceit different from both, what can follow but contenti∣on and confusion in the Church?

PP.

The ratification of ciuill Lawes alreadie made, or to bee made, cannot rectifie the Eccesiasticall, so long as we are a∣ble by good reason to impugne their authoritie; and to e∣uince the vicious constitution, the informall, and vnlawfull proceedings of those Assemblies, where the said Ecclesiastical Lawes are said to haue beene made.

ANS,

That which is right needeth not to be rectified; such the Estates of Parliament haue found the Canons of the Church, which they haue ratified: but yet forsooth so long as you are able to impugne their authoritie, euince them to be vi∣cious, informall, vnlawfull: So long neither can the autho∣ritie of the Parliament, nor Church make them to haue force, but all must be suspended vpon your skill and lear∣ning to proue, and improue as you list. Whereof this smel∣leth, whether of plaine sincerity, or of Papall Supremacie, let the Reader consider.

PP.

Put the case, that no exception might bee made against the Law; his Maiesties prouision permitteth vs to perswade others with well grounded reasons.

ANS.

If no exception might bee made against the Law, what well grounded reason can be vsed to perswade the contrary? His Maiesties prouision, is as farre contrary to the permis∣sion here alledged by you, as light to darknes: for although his Maiestie wish these who are contrary minded to preasse by patience, and well grounded reasons to perswade all the rest to like of their iudgement, yet hee permitteth them not to perswade others to resist to the authoritie, to breake the Law of the Countrey to stirre vp Rebellion and Schisme, which you by this Pamphlet doe only intend; but by the contrary, willeth them in these words (which you purpose∣ly omit) To content themselues soberly and quietly with their owne opinions; not resisting to the authoritie, nor breaking the

Law of Countrey, neither aboue all, stirring any Rebellion or Schisme, &c. but to possesse their soules in peace. If such li∣cence were granted, as you alledge, was giuen by his Maie∣sties prouision, there should neuer bee any setled order in Church or Common-wealth, a doore being opened to se∣ditious spirits, to disturbe all with such perswasions, and disswasious as are vsed in this Pamphlet.

PP.

The verity of our Relations, and validity of our Reasons, we referre to the tryall of euery Iudicious Reader, making conscience of his Oath, Promise, Subscription, and Purity of his Profession.

ANS.

If the Iudicious Reader, holding the puritie of his Chri∣stian Profession, lay aside all other preiudice, and be not mo∣ued with these Pannicke terrours of Oathes and Promises, which he neuer made, and of Subscriptions which hee neuer gaue, he shal try and find the greatest part of your Relations to be vttered out of passion, whereby the sincerity of the truth is corrupted; and in your Reasons such va∣lidity, as sophisticall captions and ca∣uillations can afford.