sc^tik8^ Yk^7la/) (^ 'jSxMwi C{ TH-E GOVERNMENT AND ORDER OF THE CHVRCH O F SCOTLAND. N v mb. 23. and 24. ^. How goodly are tby tents 0 lacob^ and thy Tabernacles 0 IfratU fir tbh " bottfi fulloffilver and gold I would not curje^for bono (baM I curfe wbom Godbatbnotcurfedf $r bow JbaU I defe^ wbom tie Lord bath notdtfied. Col. 2. $. Tbougb I be abfent in tbefiejb, yet am 1 mtb yon In thejpiritjoycmg and beboldingyom order and tbefiedfafinejfe ofyonrfaitb in Cbrift* Printed, Anno M DC XL I. I / . V ' .-. ... ■ To the Reader. MY defires at this time to know and to make knownto ethers the form of Government and /w u °l °f W,°r?liJP ufed ia thc Church of Sett- lmdy have brought thefc following lineaments to light l here come daily into my hands without my feekiae I fome one forme of Church Government oroth 1 k ;^^dt"h°rS' IVr thdrl0Ve to RcfomSS in their judgement* did conceive : But I muft eonfefle they did the lefle relifh with me that they we'e dTre! colons and modells without the example or praSifc of any ofthc Chriftian Churches, and were *%*£% the Church cfScotlwd,bux,\>cm% nothing but an Abridge- ment and containing generalls oncly, It did notfafis- f& IT a,f? manyu°f thc S°dly much varied of jhe Prelacy, mho yet bow their fhoulder to bear, and couch down between the two burthens, becaufc be- ing unacquainted with the Government of theRcfor- ■med Churches, they do not know what to choofe, and fear(asto them who are in the dark is ufuall)they know no what. Such lasthefc do rather fufferthimfelvesto. be led away with thc policy of Pacuvh* at C^.which in fuch a cafe was cmmendablc, then refolve to follow i,?^0^ ^Whcnthc Lord called him, Cctthc out of thy ftmref&c. mo aUnd which IwUllhewthee Gen.12 .i. What he was toforfake, and the Terminus I <[m of his removing, he did know; But whether hC; IT 2 was' Tithe Reader, was to go and the Termini ad quern, he did not know, refting affured that God would (hew it him. In our own affairs we may think the cvill known to be better th^n the good unknown; But it holdeth not in tnc matters of God, nor when we fpeak of Malum turpe and bonum honejlum, the evill of finne and the good of obedience. But as they who travell from the South to the North, lofing the fight of the one Pole conic in fight of the other, and as they go on the North Pole is elevated to them by degrees : So is it here, if men would once forfake and turn their back upon that which they know to be \vrong3 and would ask the way to Zion with their faces thitherward, the Lord would teach them his way, I muft confefTe that I did give too much ear and audi- ence to the mifinformation of many (fomay 1 call it now after true imformation) who would have made me to believe, i. That the true government of that Church was Epifcopall, and that befide the order of Epifcopacy, there was nothing in that Church, but diforder and confufion through the Parity of their Miniftcrs, ***« *&« *Av »«/Vr©- that all did fpeak and no man did hear any thing of another. 2. That they had no certain rule or dire&ion for their publike worihip, but that every man following his extemporary fanfic, dicf preach and pray what feemed good in his own eyes. And 5, (which was to me an huge rock of offence) That they were enemies to Kings for no other caufe, but that they are Kings: and, out of a defireof Anarchy, did preferre Democracic to Monarchical! Government : Great crimes I can not deny, and much to be abhorred, for they are dcftru&ive of all Ecclefi- afticall and Civile Order, and do break both the ftaves of beauty and of boncb* But Jo the Reader. But upon tryall I did remember that, if accufation were guiltineffe, no party conld be innocenc, and found that it was nothing fo as was alledged : for concer- ning the fii ft, 1 called to minde the pradife of a painter of old , who being defired to reprefent the body 6f Hercules y did expreffe^nothing of the lineaments of his face, ftature or members, but did onely make a refem- blance of the Lyons skin, which he was wont to ca rry about as the badge of his ftrength, and the Trophee of his honour. Epifcopacy was never the face nor or- der of that Church. In the moft part of their aflem- blies have they confli&ed with it, and by the ftrength of God obtaining the vi&ory both of ©Id, and much more of late They may well number it among their fpoiles. The order of their Miniflers each one (landing in his own ftation, and none ufurping over another, and the Subordination of their fourc kindes of affemblies, joyningtheconfent and obedience of the people, are the face and ftrength of that Church. Againft the fc- cond , The form of prayers , adminiftration of the Sacraments, admiifion of Miniftcrs,Excommunicatiozv folemnizing of marriage, vifitation of the fick, 8cc. which are ftt down before their P/i/w-Book, and to which the Miniftcrs are to conforme thcmfelves, is a fufficient witneflc: for although they be not tyedto fct formes and words* yet arc they not left at randomc, but for tcftif ying their confent and keeping unity, they have their directory and prefcribed order* No where hath preaching and the miniftery more fpirituall and lefle jcarnall liberty , the Presbytery and affemblies encouraging to the one and rcftraining from the other. Andagamftthcthird> Their Confeflion of Faith, the do&rine and prayers of their Church, their late dccla- A rations To the Reader. rations and remonftrances, and what is contained in theconclufion of this Treatife, expreflfe as much re- fpc& and reverence to magiftracy, as any Chriftian Prince will require. I was alio ilrongly drawn to the liking of that Church by the Teftimonies given unto their Refor- mation by fome of themoft famous witneffes of this age One is of that worthy Scottifh Martyr Mr. George W.feheart. This Realm fhall be illuminate with the light of Chrifts GolpJ, as ckarly asever was Realm (liice the dayes of the Ap;,- files. The houleofGod fhall bebuilded in it, yea it fhillnot lack (watfocver the enemy imagine to the contrary) the very top-ftone; the glory of God fhall evidently appear, and (hill once triumph in d-fpight of Satan. But alas, if thepeopl- ihall - be after nnthankfnll, thenfearfull and terrible (hall the plagues be that after (hall follow. Hift.of the Church of Scotland^ fag.10%. Another of BezA. Magnum hoc Dei muntu This is a great gift of God, that you quod una & religiontm pn* have brought into Scotland, together rat&&>TiZi4M,doBriii£9 viz. pure Religion and good order, which ret mend* vinculum, inSc§- is the bond to hold faft the Do&rine. tiam intuliftif. Sic obfecr§ I heartily pray and befeech for Gods &akefior b*c ducfimulrf* fake, Hold faft thefe two together fo, tinett, utuno amijjb alteram that you may remember, that if one diu permanere non pojfe fern* be loft, the other cannot long rs- ptrmemmtritK. Sicnt Epi» main. So Bifliops brought forth po- fcopipapatumpepertrunt, ita pery, fo falfcBiihops, thercliqucs ffendoepifcopoi papatw rtli- of popery, (hall bring into the world quia* Epicureifmu terrk in* . Epicurcifm. Whofoever would have vtUurosibanc peftem cave ant 9 the Church fafe, let them beware of fuifslvam Ecelefiam cupim this p; ft, and feeing you have rime* mt , &qunm iUam in Scotia ly df patched it in Scotland, I befeech inumpmpffiigarii9nttpi£- you never admit it again, albeit it flatter To the Reader. fe Mam unqurin admittas, flatter with (hew or the prdlrva- quantumvi* tmitatU retinen- tin of unity, which hath decei- ddjpecis, qu* vet e res etiam ved many of the beft of the Ai ci- optimosmultos fefellii 0 blan~ ents. diatur. Bez Epifiqg. A third of the body of Confeflions of faith. It is the rare priviledgeof theChurch o£fo>//.W before many, in which refped her nam* is famous , even among ftrangers , that about the fpace of four and titty years w it hout fchifme, let be here/ie , fhe Eft iUud Eeclefi* Sc otic ant hath kept and holdenfaft unity with privilegium rarum prs muU purity of doctrine. The grcateft tvsjnquoetiamejusnomenam help of this unity, through the mer- pud exteroj fiat celebre% quod cy of God, was, that with the do- circ iter atmos plus minttt 54. cTrine,thcdifciplincofGhriftandthc fine febifmate ncdumbdrefi Apostles, as it is prefcribed in the unitattm cum puritate do~ Word of God , was by little Brin* fervaverit & retinue- and little together received f and rife* Hujus unitatis adminu according to that difciplinefo neer culum ex Dei mifericordia as might be, the w nongovernment maximum Juit 9 quod p.mla- of the Church was difoofed. By this tim turn do&rina , Cbrifii& means all the feeds of fchifmes and ^pofiokrum. di(ciplinam}fi* errors, (o foon as they began to bud, cut ex verbo Dei cftprsfcrip* and fhew themfelves3 in the very ta,unafuit recepta^&^quam breeding and birth, were /mothered proixme fieri potuit^ fecun- and rooted our. The Lord God of his dumeam mum regimen Ec- infinite goodneflfe grant unto the clcfiafticumfitit adminiftra* Kings moft gracious Maiefty, to all turn n^c ratione omnia fSifi the rulers of the Church,to the pow- ntatum atque errorum femina ers that arc the Nuriers of the qfam^rimumpullulare^aut Church, that according to the Word fi exerere vifa fmt , in ipfa of God, they may keep perpetually qt^fiberba&partufintjuf. that unity and purity of doctrine, foe at a #• extirpata. Vet Do* Amen. mint* Dcus^pro immenfafu a bonhate Regie LMajefia- ti SereniJJlmo^mnibufque Ecchfiarum gubernatoribus , potefiatibw geclefi* nutritiis, ut ex Dei verbo illam unitatetn & doQr'm&puritatem pupetno conferment, Amen. Corp, Confejf.fidei, pag.tf. A 2 The The fourth of King lames of happy memory. The R.iigb.i piroftffcd in this Couarr^wheruniwas brought up, and em m .d: profetfion of5wd wi-fli ts my fon ever to conti- nue in the fame, a> ih: cncly true form of Grls Worfhip, &-. f do equally love and honour the learned andgrave men of either of cheje opinions* that iikebctt.r of ih: fingleform c*f policy iii our Church, than or the many Ceremonies of the Church o'cEng^ Iznd^ &c. I exhort my fon to be bene.iciall to the good men of the Miniftry,praIGn§ God that there is prefently a fufficient num. ber of good mei of them in this K'.ngdorn , and yet are th :y a;i known to bcagainft the form of the Engl i(n Church* Bafil- dor. To the Reader, And in the Affcmbly 1590 his Majefty praifedGod, for that he was born to bcaKingu thefincereit. Church in the world, &c» The fift is of Brigkman?o\xt own Countryman3who joyneth the Churches of 'Helvetia Juevia,Geneva,France% Holland^ Scotland, all together into one Church, for the Counter-payn of the Church of Philadelphia, becaufe, /<*///> hc>xhzy almoft live -by one and the fame laws and manner or Government, as touching any matter of moment Neither doth the dtftancc of phce break offthat foci:ty which the Conjoyning of mindes and good will coupleth together, having thus joyned them into one Church,he fubjoya- eth concerning it. Loth would I be to provoke tny man to envy, or to grieve him with my words, yet this I muft fay there is no place, where the doctrine foundeth not more purely, the worinip of God is exetcited more uncorruptly : where more faithfull diligence of the Paftors doth flourish , or more free aud willing obedience is given by the people 5 nor yet where there is greater reverencing of the whole Religion among all orders And afterward,Neitber doth it onely keep the doctrine of fal- vation free from corruption, but it doth alio both deliver in wri- ting and exercife in praftice that fincere manner of government, whereby meu are made partakers of {kWationtRtvel,oftbt ApcaU To.thefc may be added what upon the one hand h faid faid by thefe of thcfeparation in their firft petition to to King lames, in ren in their Apology to the Doctors of Oxford. Wcare willing and r? a iy ro fiibicribc to thcte grounds of Religion pubiiilicd in xhz Corielfion of Faith ma Je by the Cnurch of Scotland, hoping in the u.iity of the fame Faith to befivcctSy Jcius Cirift: being alio like minded for a-, d with orrcr Ri-frrtned Churches in points of greateft moment, And upon the other hand, That the meetings of Mi- nifters for intei preting Scripture, like unto their Pref- byterics werealloweiby^^i^//, Hmonznd Matthew* three Archbifliops in England, and proved very pro- fitable in the Northern parts for increafe of know- ledge both in Miniftcrs and People. But all thefe and the like teftimonies were to me but like the faying of the woman of Samaria to her Coun- trey-men, till I did more fully underftand the conftitu- tion and order of that Church. Then did I believe, not becaufe of their teftimonies, but becaufc I did fee and know. And from that which Ihavefeenand do now know when I have walked and gone round about that Church, when I have told the Towers thereof, marked well her Bulwarks,and confidered her pallaces, I may without offence affirm three things. Firft, That God hath not dealt fo with every nation, if envy would permit, Imighr fay, any nation, as he hath dealt with them. Whereof no caufe can be given but his own good pleafure, he fhoweth mercy, and maketh his Sunne to fhine on whom and were he will, and of him , and through him , and for him are all things. Secondly, that it isnomarvail if that Nation ftand to the defence of their Reformation,had the Lord been pleafcd to bleffe u$ with the like at the time of our Rc- A i formation To the Reader. formation we would not have been fo unwife as to make exchange of it with Prelacy, we would have forfaken all things rather then have forfaken it, It is more ftrange that any fhould have been found amongtt them at any time to fpeak or to do againft their own Church : But after you have with c , ... ^ r i • , j Sea auum omnia rat: one ammo* yourreafon and nude mad: age- \ftr4ril tmAm JkUu. ncrallfurvey of all fociet.es there l„, „iua efi'ior „JllBa ca, is none more grave, more dear then r^ ' * ^ Re{ub. that which .achoneof us hath „£% -^ enCarifmt with his Countrey ; Parents are parmlt£aimJMi^i dear, Children, Friends, familiars familiare udJmlmrium are dear; But our native Countrey J caritaUl L\ria una cm{kxs alone taketh all tbefc w,th.n her efif ri q/aquii Mhet mortem compaffe, for which what good Ilrti/«for/*w? man would doubt to die,could his >* . ^aJ^J Fifiamm im, death fcrve her for good? So much ^ '• Uce/xrmt omni the more dcteftable is their barba- rceUrtJmam &m taftinditn nty , who have wnhallkinde of ^^ ,£ fmt & ^ wickedruff: rent afunder their na- ^ cicer. OfB: 1. 1. tive Countrey 5 and both are and have been exercifed in overturning her from the very foundation. If a Patriotc fpoke fo of his Countrey, a Citizen fo of hisRepublike, what fhould the Chriftian born, bap- tized, and bred in Scotland think and fay,if he have been borne there not only to this mortall,but to that immor- tall and everlafting life: No children on earth have better reafon to fay , Wee are not afhamed of our Mother, and it were to be wiflied that the faying were reciprocally true. Thirdly, having the pattern of all the Reformed Churches before us, and this example fo neer unto us, what need we to ftand amazed, as not knowing what tochoofe. To abide that which we have been, is nei- ther profitable nor poflible, To conjoy n the two in one is but the mixture of Iron with Clay, and rauft needs make To the Reader. make the diftemper greater. It were well for us (and no other well for us can I fee) that laying aiide our high conceit of our felves, and the low cfteem of other reformed Churches We would refolvc to follow them as they follow Chrift, and not todefpifcti e govern- ment of Chrift, becaufe they feeme to be but Mole- hihi But toconformetothem, becaufe they arc con- forme to Chrift, and to the pattern Ihewed in the Mountain. What reciprocation of giving and recei- ving in matters of Religion , hath beene betweene this and the Scottifti Nation may be knowne by the Nee multo poft Hi qnoque qui words of Bcda> but fpeaking infitlam Hit incolcbant Mana* jn his OWnidiorne,3CCOrding cbi Scotia* Natmit, cum his tothc groundsof popery. FffikifMita erantmonafte. NqC ,* aftcf thc foj^ of tn$x adntum pafcb^&ton. theScottifo Nation, who lived in fur* Canmtcum, dommo pre. rhe I|in(, m^ wkh ^ MQQa_ curante)PcMju»t&c And fterics under thcir power were afterward, guodmira dtvin* brought into thc riteof obferving fsaHmcmfiatdijpenfatimepie. 0fEafier^ndoi (haven Crownes. taw, titqHoniamGmsiUaqu* The £Qrd bringing }t fo to paffc ^^.T (he&euldhavcafcribed it to Urn* - hbtnter ac fine mvidta. r . . _ „,, . , . fcpnlo AngUrum communicate father fpint). Which certain- curavit, ipfa anoqut poftmtdnm V wasdoncby the marvcllout di& per Genttm Anglomm, in eU penfation of divine mercy, that quamminnebabuerat9adper. becaufe that Nation, who had thc fe&amvivendi normam perve* icl™co* dl™c knowledge, did nirct. BcdaecdcChifr.gentis willingly and without envy com- Anel. 1. 5. c.2 *. municate the lame to thc people of - * * England ; that thc fame Nation afterward fhould by the Nation of the Englifb attain unto thc pcrfcftrulcof living in thefethingi which they had not before. V The The Governement and Order o F The Qhurch of Scotland. A Defcripthn and not a Vemonflration of tht "*^ Church of Scotland is intended . non jus fed fa&um , their doing Jimply and not the rea/on of their fo doing is dejired: The delineation therefore of the face of that Church, without art tficiall Co- lours and dijpute of her comelinejfe and beauty , is nakedly expreffed in t*>o Tarts : The one of her Officers, the other of her Aflcmblics. The firft part. I. Of the Officers of the [hurcb. Efide the ordinary and perpetu* all Officers, which are Pajiors, Doftors % Elders, and Deacons. The Church of Scotland hath no other at this time, nor did at any time ac- knowledge any other : Thelc being war- ranted by Chrift and his Apoftles,the extra- ordinary Minifters unto whom his will was revealed, and being Efficient for ail the neceflary u(es of the Churches, as Ex- hortation, Teaching, adminiftration of the Sacraments, Government, and diftribution* The Offices of Apoftles , Evangelifts, and Prophets were extraordinary, and con- tinued in the Chriuian Church, folong as by the Will of God, it was needfull for the well of the Church ; who although in regard of their order, degree, manner of B Mini- JL. Miniftration, and the places, whichthey did holdj which is czlkifuccefsioingradnm eundetn. They have properly none to fucceed them: yetinrcfpedt of their doctrine, ho- linefleof life, andfubftance of t! eir Mini- ftery, which is fuccefsio in caput) all faith- full Paftors, JawFully called to their functi- ons , are their fucceffbrs : And in this fenfe not only their firft reformers, who had fornewhat extraordinary, but all their faith- full Minifters fince, who have laboured in the Word and Do&rine, for the planting, preferving and purging of Religion to the edification of the Church, and no other, are fucceffbrs to the ApoftJes . The Office of a Biflhop confiding in power or priority above a Paftor, as having no warrant in the Scripture, as being a member of the wicked Hierarchy of the Pope (for, although this priority of Prelates had place in the Church before the Pope af- cended to the top of his Ambition ,• yet every corraption in do confeision of faith, Books of diicipline,and a&s of aflemblies of old, and of late. In the beginning of their reformation they had no conftiture Presbyteries , nor fuch provincial! and generall affemblks as they had afterward , and upon the other part they had fuperintendents , *vifiters of certain parts of the QountYeyy and Commifsio* tiers forTroVmces : But they who defireto know the conftitution and condition of that Church, muft diftinguifli between her infancy, and her riper age, between her de fires, defignes, and endevours, and her at- tainments, proceedings and performances. B 2 for 4 for how foon it was poiTiblefor them, pref byteries and affemblieSj which from the beginning had been intended, were ere&ed and eftablifhed ; And no fooner was this brought to pafle. But fuperintendents and ail others of that kinde, which at firft were of neceffary ufein vifitingthe Country, and in planting of Churches, were declared to be neither neceflary nor expedient for the Church. The Church of Scotland hath been dip. quieted and much troubled with Epifco- pacy fince the beginning, and at laft by the ambition of vain men, by the power and working of civill authority, and by the corrupt affemblies of Minifters, had Pome footing, and was in end railed to a great height, and did become a mountain. And yet the office of a Bifhop was never received in that Church. But when fome Minifters, who in regard of their benefices were cal- led Biflhops, had, by their own ufurpation and the flavifli diipofition of their brethren, obtained fome degree and power over them. They did come into England, and, wi&hoitf the content or knowledge of the Church; Church, received confeeration, and retur- ning home, did conlecrate others like them- felves. 1 1. Of their catling. A S no man ought to prefume to enterin- -^~**to any office Ecclefiafticall without an inward calling from God, who only dif- cernech the intentions, and defires of the heart, whether they be earthly or heavenly, whether they be fet upon the glory of God, and edifying of the Church, or upon the means of this life - So are there none here admitted without the approbation and judgement of men according to the rules of the Word j and the received order of the Church. This outward calling of the Officers of theChurchdothconfiftin Election and Or- dination,after due triall and examination of their foundneffe in.religion 5 and godlinefle or life: For the better underftanding of the order of ehe calling of their Minifters, it is tobeconfidered. That in every one almoft of their CUjfes, or greater Presbyteries,* there be Students of B 3 Divi- Divinity; whereof fome, if they have op- portunity of their Studies , do make their a- bodc within the bounds of the Presbytery, and attend the meetings thereof : Others, who are the greater parr,ftay at the Univer- fitics, and in the time of vacation come home and wait upon the Presbytery. The abilities of both the oneibrt and the other, are tryed in private , before the Pres- bytery, and how foon they are found fit to come in publike , they enter upon the ex- ercife or prophecy with the Minifters of the Presbytery , and at fometimes are em- ployed and allowed to preach before the people : By which mean their gifts and abi- lities are known to the people,as their man- ners are manifeft by their converting a- mongftthem. Out of the number of thefe Propofints, or (as they call them) ExptBantsy\ht Paftor is nominated to the vacant place by the El- derflhip, and by the Minifter,if any be,with the confent and good liking of the people, and if they can pitch upon none within the bounds of their own Presbytery they have their liberty to make their choice of an £x- peftant 7 peftmt of good efteem and report in fome other Presbytery. ThePerfon thus known and nominated, is by the particular Elderfhip; named to the greater Presbytery, where he is examined of hisskill in the Languages, Lacine, Greek^ and Hebrew, in his interpreting of Scripture, in the controverfies of Religion, in his gift of exhortation , in the holy and Eccleflafti- eall Hiftory and Chronoiogie • Andfirft of all, Of his life and manner of converfation . wherein if he be found vicious or ftandaJ- ous, he is not to be admitted to any other examination; Being thus examined, and found qualified for that charge, he is fent to the vacant place , that the people hearing him, may have the greater aflurance of his gifts for edification. After the people have heard him, fome Minifterof the Presbytery is appointed to preach to that people of the nccefllty of the Miniftery,of the excellency of a faithfull Mi- nifterof the qualities of aMinifter,and of the obedience due to the Gofpel, or of fome liich Theme: And at the fame time a pub- like Edi& is fervtd, That if any perfon or perfons, t perfons, have any thing to obje& againft the literature, doctrine, or life of fuch a man, why he may not be a profitable Minifter of fuch a Parifli, They fhall appear before the Presbytery in Rich a place , and at fuch a time, that their obje&ions may betryed and difcufled. Upon the day appoinred,the Door-keep- er of the Presbyterian meeting, doth call three ievcrall times, if there beany toobjed: againft the Perfbn nominated, and if any thing be alleadged againft him by any of that particular flock; or any other to whom heis known, it is duely and equally ponder- ed by the Presbytery > and if it be found to have any weight , or the cafe be doubtfull, the ordination is fufpended till a more per- fect triall-Otherwife if there be nothing but filence, they uleto proceed.^ So that no man is here obtruded upon the people againft their open or tacitecon- fentand approbation^ without the voices of the particular Elderfliip with whom he is to fervein the Miniftery. But if theper- fon nominated be aPaftor of fome other flock, and his faithfulneffe known in his former 9 former charge,this proceffeis fpared^and his tranflation more fpeedily expede,if there be no impediments of another kinde. Upon the day appointed for accomplifh- ing his ele&ion, and for his ordination, which is in due time made known to the Congregation,and agreed upon with them, a Faft is ordained to be kept , with more than ordinary fupplication for theafliftance and blefling of God, in a work of fo great concernment: And one of the Paftors of the Presbytery is appointed to preach to that peopleof themutuall duties of Paft or and people. All which being done, the party, (who , during the time of the exerciie of publike worfiiip,hath been fitting in a con- fpicuous place before the Pulpit, accompa- nied with the Elders, and fome Minifters of the Presbytery) is called up,and demand- ed concerning his willingncfle and defire to ferve the Lord J e s u s, for the good of that people ; with other queftions of that kinde ; and the people alfo are demanded, whether they will receive him for their Paftor , and Fubmit thcmfelves unto his Miniftery in the Lord. Both having declared their readi- C nefle A 10 ncflc and mutuaUcgnfent, TheMinifter comcth from the Pulpit, and with fo many of the Minifies prefent,as may convenient- ly come neer,lay their hands upon his head, and in the Name of J e s u s do appoint him to be the Paftor of that people, praying that From Jesus C h.r i s t , who is at the right habd of the Father, and givcth gifts un- to men, he may finde the demonftration of the Spirit, and the power and blefling of G o d in his Miniftery , to the comfort of that people. Therafter the whole Elderfhip give untohim theright hand of fellowflhip. Andlaftof all/ the Minifter goeth to the Pulpit, and concludeth the whole a&ion with pertinent th&nkfgiving and prayers, a Pfalm is fung , and the Affembly diffolved with the bJefsing. _ _^ By this ic may appear that Faftors or Pres- byters are not there admitted at large, with- out afsignation to a particular flock, like Matters of Art,or Doctors of Phyfick.They conceive it to be as prepoflerous for Ordi- nation to go before the Election of Mini- fters in the CJuirch, as it is firft to Crown a King, or Inftall a Magiftrate, and thereafter to u tochoofehimrnextinthe ordination of their Minifters they ufe none of the ridiculous toyes, and apifh conceits of Popery . but, according to the fimplicity of the Apoftoli- calland ancient Church,contentthemfeIves with Failing , Prayer , and Impolition oj^ hands ; Prayer > to bring down a blefsing upon the peribn on whofe head the hands are laid, and Fading, to make the prayer to afcend the more fervently. This liberty of Election is in part prejudg- ed & hindred by Patronages and Prefentati- ons which are ftill in ufe there, not by the rules of their difcipline, but by toleration of that wch they ^cannot amend, in the mean time procuring, that in the cafe of prepara- tions by Patrons3the examination andtryall by the Presbytery^is ftill the fame/The Con- gregation, where he who is prefented is to ferve, is called, if they have ought coobje<5fc againft his Do&rine or life3 after they have heard him,or that their confent may be had. And if he be found %eus ambitus fix to have gone about to procure a prefentation, he is repelled, & declared incapable of that place. No Paftor may thruft himfelf upon a flock, flg I flock, nor after his entry,defert his charge}or remove himftlf to another Congregation at his own pleafure. The Deferters, if any be, are appointed to be admoniflied,and in cafe ofobftinacy, to be excommunicated^ If %z Minifter , upon lawfulland urgent caufo, defire to remove from oneCongregacion to another,or if a Minifter be called to another Congregation, for which he is more fit , or be called forth upon grave conficerations forfome publike employment , tending to the common benefit of the Church ; This is not done by private tranfa&ion, and parti- cular agreement of Minifters and Congre- gations,l>ut by the wifedom and authority of the Presbyteries or Aflemblies of the Church 5 Nor is it done by them, but upon furh reafons as fliould move that Church, wherein for theprefent heminiftreth , to give her confent : for whofe fupply al(b; ei- ther a convenient courfe is prefentlytaken^or the way of fupply is feen to be eafie. The Minifter thus removed from one Church to another, receiveth no new ordi- nation, but by vertue of his firft ordination he ferveth in the place, unto which he is 3Pfc called and clewed: Only at his admiffion one of the Presbytery, who is appointed to preach of the duty of Paftors and people, and to pray tor a b.emng, recommendeth him to the Congregation,who have before declared their willingnefle and defire to re- ceive him, and the Congregation to his care and fidelity, And thePaftor, if any be, to^ff? gether with the Elders, with whom hefit- teth before the Pulpit>take him by the hand. Paftors and Minifters of the Word, through old age, ficknefle, or other infirmi- tie being difablcd to bear the weight, and difcharge the duty of their Paftorall charge, Do ftotwithftanding ftill retain the honour of their office, and comfort of maintenanc during their Jifctime. And they performing what they are able in teaching,government vifitation and catechifing, others are joyne with them by the Presbytery , and wich the content of the people to be their fellow labourers, and to undergo the main charge. Thefamecourfeof ele&ion and admiffi- on for fubftance, and in form according to the nature of their office, is obferved in the calling of other Officers, as Ruling Elders, C 5 and 14 and T>eaans : At the beginning, and where Jv&fct**/*) t'iere ^e none, the Paftor, with the graved, ft»f,iti>^M^holiefl: , and thofe of the foundeft judge- ^^^Tment, and beft affection to Religion, do choofe them with the content ofthereftof the people. And where particular Elder- "" ip$ are already conftitute, the Paftor and ^he Klders who are how in office ,do choofe iich as are to fuccced tho(c who are remo- ved by death, or any other way, or by vicif- fitude are to relieve fuch as are now in place . And that the election of one or moe y_^ at firft, or afterward may proceed with the confent of the people, their names are pub- lished and made known to the congregati- on by the Paftors, that if ought may be ob- jected againl any of them , why they may not be received to the office of an Elder or Deacon, it may be examined, and, if it be found important, others may be chofen. When the day of their admiffjon cometh, thePaftor having fram'd hisdo<5trine to the ' iffi** ^bmi PurP°^e> callech them up, and remembring both them of their duty in their charge, and the people of their fubmitting themfelves unto them, they arc fblemnly received with lifted lifted up hands, giving their promifes to be faithful! . III. The dif charge of their duties in par- ticular, and fir ft of the fa/ior. i . The order kept in Preaching. PHe Paftor is bound to teach the Word of God in feafbn and out of feafon , and befide all occafionall , and week day Ser- mons, which in Cities and Townes ufe to be at leaft two dayes every week, The Congregation dothaffemble twice on the Lords day, and for this end notice is given of the time by the found of a Bell .When fo many of all forts, men and women, ma- tters and fervants, young and old, asfhall meet together, areaffembled, The publike worfhip beginneth with prayer, and read- ing fome portion of holy Scripture both of the Old and New Teftament, which the people hear with attention and reverence, and after reading,the whole Congregation joyneth in finging fome ffaltn. This read- ing and finging do continue till the Preach- ing begin ; At which time the Minifter having prefaced a little for quickening and lifting lifting up the hearts of the people, firftma- keth a prayer for remiflion of fin, Salifi- cation, and all things needfull, joyning alfo confeffion of fins, and thankfgiving, with (peciall relation to the hearers. After which, in the forenoon is another P/alm, and after the tPfalm a prayer for a blefling upon the preaching of the Word. His Text is ordina- rily fome part of that Book of Canonicall Scripture, which in his judgement he con^ ceiveth to be fitted for the times, and the condition of his flock. The Do&rine de- ducedjis explained and confirmed by Scrip- ture, and fitly, and faithfully applyed, all in fiich methode, manner, and cxpreflion as may raoft edific the hearers. After Sermon hepraifeth God, and pray- eth again for a blefsing, joyning carncft peti- tions for the Church VniYerfall, and for the coming of the Kingdom of Chrift, for all the affli&cd Churches, for the Churches in his Majcft'Dominions,for theChurch of Scot- /<*«or be diforderly done by them, or fome complaint arifc. And in that cafe, fo far as may ftand with truth and peace, — ~£p C~Sr the greater aflemblie is carefullto'prefervethe ^ power and authorise of the lefler; and there- fore matters belonging to inferiour aflemblies are commonly remitted unto them by the greater. Inhere, one Church were it never fo grea^^^ hath not authoritie over another, nor is it go- l$f£ vcrned by any extrinlecall power; but all the particular Churches are of equall power and authority, and are ruled and judged by them- felves ard their owne intrinfecall power in E % aflemblies m aflemblies compofed, and confiding of their officers and commiflioner s from them. //. OfrP articular Elder/hips in Tarifbes, T He particular Eldcrfhip or Church-feffi- on confifteth of one or moe Minifters and of filders fo many in number as the pro- portion of the Congregation doth require^ who ordinarily do meet once in the week. ;Th£ .Deaqpns -4re alydayes prefent with the ffiders 3 nQtrlor^gQVernmeQt \ bgt that^fiey may make ktiOwne the cafe and neceffities of the poore, and may confult and receive dire- julion for thciriupply. _,The Minifler of the pariih is alwayes mode- ~ra(Or of this Meeting, and ifthere be moe Mi- nifters then one^the moderator is either chofen or they doe moderate bycourfe^ providing that none bee moderator while any matter is eated, which concerneth his own particular. The matters treated by this elderfhip., are fuch particulars as conccrne the worfhip of God in thatChurch^as,what dayes of the week f*W>J*Ufc are meete/l; for aflTembling to the publick wor- ^ ^l^^aa&^^P^ Lt may be. had & be thought necefTary, what ***** % ttrii (37) what houres on the Lords day before and af- ter noone, which are variable according to the length or fhortneffe of the day^in Summer and Winter 3 what times are fitted for publick Ca- techifingj and for vifiting of particular fami- lies^ how often 3 and at what times the Lords Supperismoftfeafonably minifl:red:all which are proper for keeping of order m thatChurch, and cannot be fo fitly determined by a faperi- our atTemblie ; the Elders alio do here delate Icandalous peribns 3 and bring them to pub- lick repentarice according to the forme pre- ferred in the greater affemblies : But if there be any doubt or difficulties or if the offences znd fcandals be great and hainous., or if the de- linquents adde obftinacic and impenitencie to their fault, then are they warned to appear be- fore the greater Presbyterie there to receive or- der for their cenfure, or to be itnt home again to give fatisfaftion^or to make their repentance in their owne Church where they have given offence, and where the fault was committed : For example, a man behaving himfelfe fcanda-^ loullie with a woman y both unmaried and fingle perfons, is firffadmoniflied and rebu- ked^ if fornication appeare^ he is called before the (3*) the Hlderftup, brought to the fenfc and -con- feffion of his fault , and ordained to make his publick repentance according to the order of the Churchy and to abftaine from ail fcanda- lous behaviour afterward. But if he prove ob- Ilinate , hee is conveened before the greater 'resbyterie, the matter is examincd^and either he promifcth to give obedience to his ownc jElderfhip, or in cafe of continued obftinacie, the cenfures of tBeXIiurch proceed againft ^him. But if there bee a fcandall of adakerie or murder, the noifeand fcandall whereof is far fpread, and filleth all mens earcs round a- bout, the parties are brought before the greater Presbytene, and the particular Elder/hip doth before prepare the parties for their appearance before the Presbyterie. The fame faults which are brought before the particular or greater Presbytery in an eccle- fiaflicall way ^ arealfo punifhed by thecivill magiflrate3 and the pecuniall muld or penalty is given to the Deacons to bee kept in the Church treafure for the benefit of the poore, or other pious ufes. Nothing ufeth to bee done by the lefler or greater presbytery in ordering the pubJicke Wor/hip (39) Wor/hip, in cenfuring of delinquents or bringing them to publick repentance^ but ac- cording to the fctled order of the Churchy and with expreffe ortacite confentof the congre- gation, and if there beany new emergents that Aetv&ncfr caufe doubting or hxfitation, the matter is re- *"?' mitted to the greater aflemblies of the Church. III. The Order of Excommunication. r A LL baptized perfbns, when they come XX to age and difcretioa 3 arc not admit- ted to the Lords table ; but fuch onely as either upon examination are found to have a competent meafureof knowledge iniheprin- ciples of Religion, doe profefle that they arc beleevcrs and doe live unblameably, orcom- ming from another Congregation bring with them fufficient teflimonie that they are fuch, or are otherwife well knowne and approved. The Minifter and Elders ufe all meanes in private and publick to bring all others within the parifh to knowledge3faitb,and holine/Te of life,that they may be fitted for the LordsTable. But this not admiffion to the Communion is one thing, and excommunication of haynous or of ob&bate offenders is another jhing very different. In cafe of obilinacieand wilfullimpeniten- cie, even when the offences are not fo great and .. >i*sW fcandalous, they proceed to excommunicati- on, but with great meeknefle, iongfuftering, and by many degrees , the cenfure being fo weighty, and they defirous to gaine the finner to repentance. If any perfon walke 'unworthy of the Gofpell, or commit any trefpafTe, he is ( JUn- lefle the fcandall bee publike and notorious;) admonished firfl fecretly by one, next by two or three more. And thirdly, If he contemne both.then according to the order prefenbedby our Saviour, Mat. 18. The matter is brought before the Minifter and Elders where he is aC- cufed both of the trefpaflfe and of the con- tempt. If he^annoty^tj^brough^ to repen- tance ^ then is the mafrteTIn fome meafttfe jnade knov^ne^nto the Congregation, arid hee called before the greater Presbytery ; where if hegive fignes of his repentance, heis remitted to fatisfie his ownefeffion. But if hej^&Un fasojjftinacie, then by the Ordi- nance of the Tresbytery, the particular eJder- Jhip / mad fhip is to proceed againft htm with the cen* furcs of the Church even to excommuni- cation. The matter being thus heard kno wne and judged, and the whole procefle revifed by the greater presbytery , the next Sabbath without delay, the trcfpaiTc and order of admonitions are declared to the Congregation, and the per fon without fpecification of his name, admo- nifhedyettofatisfie : Whichifheftillrefufe to doe, the next Sabbath his name with his offence and contempt , are pubLfhed , if he yet continue obflinatc, then the next, which is the third Sabbath, is he charged publtckly to fatisfie for his offence and contempt under the paine of excommunication. If now he offer himfelfe to the particular Presbyterie, then do they ac the appointment of the Pres- byterie^ive order for his publick repentance, the removing of the fcandall , and his recon- cilement to the Church, otherwise the Mi- nifter proceedeth in this ord.r. The Sabbath after the third publick ad- monition , the Minifter with confent of the £lder(hip, is to make knowne to the Congre- gation that fuch a perfon is to be excommu- F nicated 1 4*7 nicated, warning all that have anything to objeft againft it, that they appeare the next leflion day ; And for theprefent , that the whole Congregation powre forth their fup- plicatio os, that God would grant him repen- tance, and to come out ofthefnareofthede^ Vill.Ifnothingbeobjeiftcd.or ifnoneforhim witnefle any appearanceof repentance, then is the danger of theperfon b and the weight of the fentencelaid open the next Sabbath, and he the fecond time prayed for pubjicidy. /fat laft upon the next Sabbath there be no figne of repentance, then is he praied for the third time, and there being no meane unaffaied,nor remedy left to reclaime him 5 hee isTtruckeil with the terrible fentence of excommunicati- on, with calling upon the Name of God to ratifie the fentence in Heaven, and the people warned to hold him as an Heathen, or a Pub- lican, and to fhun all communion with him,, except intiiaturall and civill duties to be ftill performed by luch as are bound. It is- to bee underftood, that where the crimes are fuch that they cry to the heavens for revenge 5 wafte the conference ^ and by the law of God deferve death., .and the tranfgrefior cer- tainly (41) talnly knowne, . the precede may be more fummane^. excommunication more haftned^, as on the other pre of abfolutidn , the time would be" longer j and the triall of repentance moreexaft. After excommunication, he is permitted CO come to the preaching of the Word, yet fo as it may appeare that he commeth as one not having comrtiunion with the church. Nei- ther is he debarred from p rlvatc counfell, in- ftrudtion J admonition, and prayer , that in endh.s fpirit may befaved. If after excommu- nication the Elder '(hip- finde the fignesof re- pentance 3 as rhe good life and behaviour of the e^communicatc^declarationof the griefe of his heart, and his humble fubmiffion to the order of the Church, in all things that may reconcile him to God and his people I they fhall with joy of heart make it kno wne to ihe Congregation by the Minifter^that they may alfo have joy over their bro her repenting : or if they have ought to objeft againft he :rutli of his repentance, they may give notice there- of at the next meeting of the filderfhip, where if nothing be alleaged againft him , after he hath obeyd the injundions ofthefildei/hip F 2 for (44) for his further humiliation and the better try- all of his repentance, he is either brought be- fore the greater PresbyCerie, asall Other peni- tents for great crimes, or by relation from his GWne filderfhip 3 is to give them fausfa&ion in the fignes of his repentance that he may be abfolved. As all publick penitents are received ,(0 is the exComunicateabfolved in the face of the con- gregation, before whom being brought by the iSlders at the time appointed y he maketh free confeflfion of his finne and mourneth for it, cryeth to God for mercie, f eeketh to be recon- ciled to the Church and promifeth ne w obe- diencej with which all being fatisfied.and wil- ling to receive him into their common and mutuali confolation , the Minifter who preacheth for that time pronoUnceth him up- on his repentance to bee abfolvcd in the Name of Chrift from his finne, and free of the cenfurs of the Church, and have right through faith to Chrift and all his benefits and ordi- nances, praifing God for his grace, and pray- ing that he may be fully accepted to his favour, loofed in Heaven, and heare the voice of joy and gladneflfe. After (45; After the fcntence of abfolution, the Mini- fter fpeakech to him as to a brother exhorting him to watch and pray3 or comforting him if he have need,, the Elders imbrace himi and the whole congregation kcepeth communion with him as if he had never offended. As the Presbyterie excommunicato pro- fane pro fefTorSj fo doth it alfo-depofe Preach* ers, iffhey be teachers of corrupt Doftrine, if their lives continue fcandalous aftfr admoni- tion y if they be bu fie in renting the Church a fundcr by fchifme and divifion ; if they be gi- ven to blafphemie, profanation of the Lords day3 fimonie., perjurie^drunkenneffe^fighting, or any other finne 3 for which , whether in re- fpecfl of the greatne/Te of the finne 3 or by re^r fon of the contempt and obftinacic when the finne is not fo great 3 private perfbns are ex- communicated ; and although they be upon their repentance abfolvcd from thefentenee of excommunication J yet in fome cafes efpecial- ly, where the crime inferreth a perpetuall in- famie > are they never readmitted to the Mini- fiery > except upon the unanimous and mod earneftdefire of the whole Church where they ferved before. mi of (■4*> IV; Of greater Presbyteries or C/aJfes*. ■ THc Presbyterie or Clafficall meeting doth confift of particular neighbouring Chuiches in fuch-a circuite as may'conv^ni- ently meet together, to the number of ten ,, fix- teenc3twehue,or fo many as the vicinitie of the places/ and parities may well accommodate. It is fupp^fecl that the whole particular E\- der (hips cannot well aflemblc in one place or- dinarilyy neither is it neceffarie.There be there- fore befide the K4inifltr or "Miniflers of the Congregation fwho are. fuppofed to be perpe- tuall membe'rs of the Pre^bytet ie3 fbme of fpe- ciail^note choftn out of the £lders & by them, who receiving from them commiflion may t eptefent the whole -from each patticulaf EL dcrfhip , one of the J31ders with the Mimfter or Minifters repalrethto the place of meeting: fo that the mbmbers of this Presbytefiali meeting are all the Minilters within theCir- cult, and one filder delegated from each par- ticular Elderfhip. None of the Minifters are permitted to be abfentj unlefle they be detained bynecelTarie impediments ( 47J impediments or extradrdinarie imployments. And therefore the day of the meeting of the Presbyterie may not bddeftihatetoordinarie preaching ? Nor are they to Wait that dayiupi. on fplemnizina of manages. The names arc called by the Clerk.,, and the.abfents are noted and examined the next day upon^helreafons of their abfence- and if any happen toabfent themfelves many dayes without reasonable caUfes^ they are fet apart and cenfured as guilr tie of the cpntempt or neglecftof the order of the Church . But the Elders are not fo flrift- lie tied to ordinarie attendance ; but if there be any matter of great weight to be handiedjthcy are all warned to beprefent: Andifheewho was formerly Commiflioner may not affift^ a- nother Commiffioner in his place may bee chofen by the £lder/hip. It is permitted to the expectants having en- tered before uponthepublickexercifeorpra- phefietafitbythe Minifters and Elders in the meeting of the Presbyterie , and to give their judgement of the dodlrine , but they have no voice when matters of dotfrine or difcipline are debated.And in the handlingof Ibme mat- ters which are thought {it to be concealed and kept keptfecret, till they be by common confent publifhed, they ufc to be removed. Because the whole difcipline in a manner is in the hands of the Presbyterie, they are to meet once a week or fortnight upon a certaine day,and in a certain plaCe,but in fome places, through the length and deepneffe of the way in winter, they do not meet fo often. Thefubjed: and matters treated in the Pret bytery are all the Ecclcfiaflicall matters of weightjwhich concern the particular Church- es there reprefented, as the examination , or- dination j fufpenfion, and depofition of Mini- fters; fcandals of Minifters in dodrine, life, or any part of their calling • the decerning of excommunication, references., and appellati- ons from particular £lderfhips,and the amen- ding of any thing that hath beene negligently or weakly done by them ; the anfwering alfo of queflions and requefts from other Presby- teries^ChurcheSjOr perfons,or fending ofCom- miflioners in ibme cafes to other Churches or Presbyteries, whether to admonxllioradvife them, Or tofeek counfellfrom them , but fo that they have no aurho ity without the limiiS of i heir own confociation. The (49) The Miniftcrs and £?lders who are Com- miflioners, together with the expectants and others who arepleafed to beprefent , meeting in the place, and at the day and hourc appoin- ted j which ufeth to be one halfe houre after nine a clock in the forenoone, whereof warn- ing is given by the found of a bell 5 that fb all the affaires of that day (unlefle there be fome- what extraordinary to hold them longer)may bee eXped again f\ mid-day , doe begin with prayer, and proceed to the textuall interpre- tation of Scripture, which is done by the Mi- niflers, each one in his own place by courfe,or by the expe&an ts, whole names are fet forth in a tablc3 or written in the Regifter of the Pres- byterie for that endjafter the firfl fpeaker,fome other who followeth in order, and is alfo ap- pointed by the Presbvterie the day before, fpeaketh in the fecond place, collecting fome do:, but do chenfh and labour to( bring to ripenefle and uie, the graineof Muftardfeed in fmccre be- ginners, and the {"mailed talent in Preachers having thezealeofGod ; So upon the other part, no fcandall of proud Tinners efcapeth cenfuie , no hereHe or error is fooner hatched, but is. either prefently fpied out and crufhed by lomcof the inferiour a/Temblies, or, if it be kept on foot and gather ftiength , it is quite fupprefled and e\'tinguifhed in the general! arferablie which meeteth once in the year, and never fuflfereth fuch baftard births to grow to be one yeare old , which is a true and mainc Caufe why no fe&s nor crroUrs have appeared in the reformed Church of France, and in the Churches of Scotland \ 8c of the Low-Countries, fo long as they enjoyed the libertie and happi- neifeof aflemblies, which they did no fooner by i he mer tie of God recover, but immediate- ly at their brightnefle, the mifts and miidewes gathered before were fcattered and e vanished. And aSj by the order and power of thefe aflem- blies, (6x) bWcSy Foxes arc taken that t hey fpoile not the Vines3 and Gangrenes are prevented that they fpread not againft tiuth and unity y all forts of lewd and wicked men are difcouraged and put to fhame t So is there excited among the Godly Miniflers an holy emulation by ac- quaintance y conference , and by perceiving the gifts one of another, which maketh them returne from the aflemblies, withameaneand humble conceipt of themfelves,and with new and flrong refolutions for greater diligence in their ftudies., and faithfulnefle in every Pafto- rall duty j to the common benefit and edifica- tion of all the Churches j all the Miniflers are made more wife in matte, s ofGovernement • and all the Congregations are affecfted with reverence to what is required of chem by their particular Elderfliips., as having the confent and approbation of the whole Church. Many fuch fruits are reaped of thefc aflemblies, which without them no particular perfon or congregation can have any ground to hope for or expe&. They have no Arch-bifhops, DiocefanBi- (hops., Suffragancs, no Chapters., no Curats, dumbe dumbe nor idle Mimfters, no hirelings, non- refidents , nor pluralifts , no Dcancs nor Arch-DeaCons, no Chanters , Sub-chanters, nor Treafurers, no Chancellors, Officials, nor Apparitors , no Canons , Peti-Canons , Pre- bends, Sinoin^mcn nor boyes j And yet with- out thefe and the like, they have pra^ife and ufe of all the ordinances of Chrift ; all matters Bcclefiatticall determined, remitting qucfti- ons of tithes ,. manages, divorcements , &c to the civill Judge to whom they properlie do belong, and all petitions, complaints, and Church grievances heard and redrefled, which they efieeme as the f weet yoke of Chrift, and think it a great eafe both to their confeiences and eflaics to be free of fuch bundles and bur- thens of trafh and fuperfluities. They con- ceive that to ere<5i Presbyteries^ Synods, and Nationall aflerablies , and ftill Co keepe Pre- lates and the members of that Hierarchic is3 in the matter of Church government, not Unlike the Popifh adding of Traditions to Scripture in the rule of faith, or Works unto faith in the point of juftification,&c.additions ro Chrifts inflitution, being not onlyinreipe&of their author (*4) author humane inventions 3 and for any ufe they can haye idlements, vanities, and follies; but that they doalfocorruptthe purity, and eat out the life of the ordinances of Chrift. Here there is a fuperiori ty without tyrannie, for no Minifter hath a Papall or Monarchicall Jurifdidibn over his own flock , far leilc over other Pallors, and over all the Congregations or a large Dxoces. Here there is a paritie with- out confufion and diforder,for the Paftors are in order before the aiders, and the Elders be- fore the Deacons ; the Church is fubordinatc to thePresbyterie, the Presbytene, to the Sy- nod, and the Synod to rhe Nationallaflembly. One Paftor alfo hath priority before another, for age, for zeale, for gifts, for his good defer- vinos of the Church, each one honouring him whom God hath honoured, and as he beareth the image of God , which was to bee ieene a- mongft the Apoftles themfelves. But none Tiatli power Or jurifdidion above others : even as in nature one eye hath not power over ano- ther, only the head hath power over all, even as Thrift over his Church. The fame may bee feene in the Common-wealth, andinfomeof the the offices of the Roman Church It felfe. And laftly ., here there is a fubjedion without ilave- rie3 for the people are fubjeft to the 7* aftors and Jftcmblks; yet there is no i/flicmblie wherein everic particular Church hath not in- r^) tereR and power ^ nor is there any thing donz/r^ but they are^if not adually5yet virtually called to content unto it. As they have done and fuffered much for rindicating and maintaining the libertie of their Religion^that what belongeth Unto God may be rendred.unto God ; So do they defire^ that according to the rule of righteoufneile, each man have his owne,and above all men., That the things which are Cafars be rendred unto him^and to give him that which is Gods were a wronging both of God and C afar. They have ever beene willing to taxes and to pay fubfidies above that w0*1 they were able. They joyne wth the inward reverence of their heajts., external!, honour and obedience in all things lawfull. They powre forth their prayers to God in private and publick., for all blefhngs fpirituall and tempo rail upon his R oy all Per- . fon and Government3 and upon his flrogepie ; I and (te) and for the fame bleffings Upon the Queenes Afajeftie , efpecially chat God by his Spirit would give unto her the knowledge and love of the truth. They long foirhg: con verfion as an happinefTe to her ielfe., and iraeane of great happineffe to-the King, to their Children, and to all their Sub je&s.f And, that the Lord may anfwer their praiers, they thinj£$t incumbent to the Church of England y uotifian any bond what foe ver oblige them to the Contrarie, to ufe the belt and moll po werfull meanes , and would moll willingly ifl all hutnilitie, love and refpecfi , joyne their endeavours for that blefled end. ^nd as they thus prefent their befl: defires and prayers, fo are they readie to facri-* fice their lives to God for his Majerties good,