Basiliká the works of King Charles the martyr : with a collection of declarations, treaties, and other papers concerning the differences betwixt His said Majesty and his two houses of Parliament : with the history of his life : as also of his tryal and martyrdome.

I. His MAJESTIES Reason why He cannot in Conscience consent to abolish the Episcopal Government.

CHARLES R.

I Conceive that Episcopal Government is most consonant to the Word of God, and of Apostolical Institution,* 1.1 as it appears by the Scripture to have been practised by the Apostles themselves,* 1.2 and by them committed and derived to particular Persons, as their Substitutes or Successors therein (as for Ordaining Presbyters and Deacons,* 1.3 giving Rules for Christian Discipline, and exercising Censures over Presbyters and others) and hath ever since till these last times,* 1.4 been exercised by Bishops in all the Churches of Christ:* 1.5 And therefore I cannot in Conscience consent to abolish the said Government.

Notwithstanding this My perswasion,* 1.6 I shall be glad to be informed, if our Saviour and the Apostles did so leave the Church at liberty, as they might totally alter or change the Church-Government at their pleasure:* 1.7 Which if you can make appear to Me,* 1.8 then I will confess that one of My great Scruples is clean taken away; And then there only remains,* 1.9

That being by My Coronation-Oath obliged to maintain Episcopal Government as I found it setled to My hands,* 1.10 Whether I may consent to the abolishing thereof, un∣til the same shall be evidenced to Me to be contrary to the Word of God?

Newport, 2. Oct. 1648.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Acts xiv. 23.
• * 1.2

  Acts vi. 6.
• * 1.3

  1 Cor. xvi. 1.
• * 1.4

  1 Cor. xiv.
• * 1.5

  1 Cor. v. 3. iii Joh. 9, 10.
• * 1.6

  1 Tim. v. 22.
• * 1.7

  Tit. i. 5.
• * 1.8

  Rev. ii. iii.
• * 1.9

  1 Tim. v. 19.
• * 1.10

  Tit. iii. 10.