To the right reverend, the ministers of the Kirk of Scotland, of the Presbyterian perswasion the following defence, of the rights and liberties of the church ... / by Robert Park.

To the READER.

THe substance of the following sheets, was written many Years ago, mainly for the satisfying some scruples, of a worthy friend of the Authors. But the press hath for a long time, been so well guarded from the least breathing, against the grievances, this poor Church, and Nation groaned under, that the publication was but little thought of.

It having now pleased God, to raise up some worthy Instru∣ments, to appear for the interests and Liberties of this broken Church and People, and to endeavour a redress of their ma∣nifold oppressions; It was thought convenient, to offer these Papers, to the publick view and consideration. I stand in too near a Relation, to the Author, to be thought impartial in his commendation. And tho' I could wish this discourse had got his own last hand, and that it had not been left to run the com∣mon fate of other posthumous works; yet I hope the main Sub∣ject will be found satisfyingly handled. There are besides some other purposes incidently touched, and many sountains for so∣lution of several important debates of the time, solidly and suc∣cinctly opened; which if well considered, may be serviceable, for advancing a Reformation of many moe Abuses, than the particular design of these Papers Intends.

I shall offer no Apology for the style. I hope it will be found distinct, plain and easie, and sutable to the Nature of the Subject. I know nothing a style serves for, but to express Men's Conceptions distinctly and without harshness: And if that may be attained, without forced and strained Rhetorications, which for the most part, produce no other effect, but a Darkning of knowledge with words; I cannot see, how a neglect of such use∣less Trifles can be blamed. The native beautie of truth, stands no way in need of these artificial disguises, that are used to set off adulterate wares. There are but too many in this Age, who have rendred both themselves and their discourses Ridicul∣ous,

by affecting new strains of Eloquence▪ as they take it. The thinking part of mankind, is very sensible, that the neglect of a good old form, of sound VVords and safe Expressions, hath made People forget and mistake, many Ancient and solid truths. It is Pitifully mean and unbecoming to see the Clergy (as they must be termed) turn the Pulpit to a Theatre, and to hear Divines, Trick up and illustrate their discourses with the similies and Expressions of a Comedy or Romance, going down, (as it were) to the Uncircumcised, for sharpning of their Tools, as if there were no Smith in Israel.

The subject of these Papers, is but very little treated of by any, especially in this way▪ And therefore the publication may perhaps be as necessary as seasonable. If it can in the least be servicable, for freeing the Church, of any part of her bon∣dage; I am sure the design, both of it's Writing and Publi∣cation, will be fully attained.

I hope there will be few found so fond, of the Rights of Pa∣tronage, as to be of the Opinion of Diego Lainez, one of the Fathers at Trent, who asserted, That it was a motion of the Devil, to offer to reduce Elections to the Ancient course: And that the Antiquity of that method, was a bad Argument for Reviving of it: ••ut that on the contrary, it ought to be suppressed, because it was the Ancient custome. For if the Church (as he Ridiculously enough pretends) had not found it inconvenient, she would not have quite it.

I shall only wish, that People in their several Capacities, may seriously consider, what the present conduct, of providence; seems to call them to: And that they may Act, both in this and other matters, so, as not to be wanting to themselves and their Posterity, in the settling of affairs, upon the solid and lasting foundations, of Truth and Peace: lest they verifie the Proverb, Sero sapiunt Phryges. (which I need not translate) And repent when it is too late, the loss of such a Golden oppor∣tunity, so wonderfully and unexpectedly, brought to their hand: And give the present and succeeding Generations cause to say, why was there a price, put in the hand of a Fool to get Wisdom, seeing he had no heart to it?

Edinburgh, Febr. 16••9.