Of the Parochiall Session .

EVery Parish hath one or more Ministers . If more , all of them are equall in all honour and jurisdiction , onely the Senior hath the precedencie . To the Minister , or Ministers of each Parish , to make up a Session , in which is fixed the Parochiall Iurisdiction , a competent number of Lay-Elders , ( whom they call , presbyteri non docentes ) and Deacons , proportionable to the precinct and extent of the Parish , are conjoyned : which associate body thus compacted , is the Spirituall-Parochiall-Sanhedrim .

This Session sits once a week , or oftner , pro re natâ : In which all Parochiall cases , which concerne externall order and censure , are determined and ordered .

If there be but one Minister in the Parish , he is constant Moderator ; If there be more , they moderate by turnes , either weekly , or monthly , as they agree .

Whatsoever thing is ordered , determined , or decreed , is done by the joynt-consents of the Minister , Lay-Elders , and Deacons , or by the plurality of voyces . The Minister , who is the Moderator , hath no casting , no Negative Voyce .

The power of all Iurisdiction , is radically , and equally in all : for binding , for loosing , for all censures Ecclesiasticall , for orders which concerne externall order and worship . So the Power of the Keyes is as much in the Lay-Elders , and Deacons , as in the Minister or Ministers . What sacrilegious intrusion upon sacred Orders this is , I need not informe one of your understanding .

To make this frame good , they maintaine that Iure divino there be foure orders of Ecclesiasticall offices , ( allow me to speake in this Epistle all along their dialect ) or persons . 1. Preaching-Elders , whom they call Ministers . 2. Doctors , these are professors in the Chaire , such as are in Vniversities . 3. Lay , or ruling-Elders , who now have vocem deliberativam & decisivam in rebus fidei , Cultûs , politiae , and in foro exteriori Ecclesiae , in censuris Ecclesiasticis are as much interessed and authorized , as Preaching-Elders . 4. Deacons , who have trust of the meanes , and monies destinated for pious and charitable uses .

This is very considerable too , that although they hold these foure orders and offices necessary for the Government of Christ's Church , de Iure divino , by divine Right and Institution ; yet neither the Parochiall Conclave , nor any Presbyteriall Consistory ( except it be where the Presbyteriall seat is in a City where an University is ) have any Doctor or Doctors amongst them . Nay which is more , nor be any such in their generall Assemblies , or if they be , they appeare only in that capacity as Commissioners from , and for the Vniversity .

It is worth your notice taking , that their Lay-Elders and Deacons are yearely elected . Here is truly verified of them , that , Hodie Clericus , cras Laïcus .

The things within the compasse of Session-jurisdiction , are , things meerly Parochiall , the ordering of the Parish-Church and peculiar Service , the censure of lesser Scandalls ( I must speak their words ) as Fornication , Drunkennesse , Scolding , Profanation of the Sabboth ( they mean the Lords day ) &c. Capitall Scandalous crimes , or Scandalls of Highest straine , are reserved as cases of peculiar jurisdiction for the Presbytery ; as also lesser offences when they are attended with Obstinacy , and what is censurable or punishable by the greater Excommunication . If I mistake not , they know not much , at least use not much the Lesser Excommunication . In the cases above mentioned the Cognition , Examination , and Iudgement of the cause is proper to the Presbytery , the Minister with his Parochiall Conclave , are only the Executioners . If any parochiall difficult case occurre , which this Parochiall Sanhedrim cannot determine , the use is to consult with the Presbytery .

When the Session censureth any delinquent , or Scandalous person , they order his publique and Solemne repentance ( if by some superiour judicatorie it be not determined ) as they think fit by plurality of voyces : after performance of which order , the penitent is received into the communion of the Church . But before the delinquent be admitted to doe his Repentance , he is fined in a pecuniary mulct , at their discretion , proportioned to the demerit of the offence , and the ability of the Person , as he is poorer or richer . It is true , this mony is , for the most part , imployed to pious and charitable uses . As they punish by Pecuniary fines , so corporally too , by imprisoning the persons of the Delinquents using them disgracefully , carting them through Cities , making them stand in Iogges , as they call them , Pillaries , ( which in the Country Churches are fixed to the two sides of the main doore of the Parish Church ) cutting the halfe of their Haire , shaving their Beards , &c. and it is more then ordinary , by their Originall and Proper power , to banish them out of the bounds and limits of the Parish , or Presbytery , as they list to order it . Is not this potest as utriusque gladii ? & would not a good Learned Iurist say , that this is not only intrusion upon meeriy civill power , but upon the very Royall Rights themselves ? The Imperiall Law , if I be not mistaken , maketh banishment so peculiar to the Soveraign Authority , that without it's power and consent , it cannot be inflicted upon any civis , any Subject .

Their ordinary practice more in this is ; that when a pecuniary mulct is inflicted , if the delinquent pay not the defined and determined summe , or at least give security for the payment of it , although he should testify all the contrition is requisite , by humble confession , and offer most willingly to doe all pennance , to give all satisfaction , he will not be admitted to satisfy publikely : nay he is proceeded against for Contumacie , and they will threaten Excommunication .

Nor is that to be passed by , that if a Child be borne in Fornication , and either of the Parents hath not satisfied the Church ; they will refuse to Baptise the poor infant , till the Church get satisfaction . This is consonant with Scripture , anima quae peccaverit , ipsa moriotur . It is fit now in the next place to speak of

The Presbyterie .

VVHich is the next Iudicatory , to which the Session is subordinate . It hath in it somewhere more , somewhere fewer Parish-Churches ; as some are made up of Twenty , some of Twelve , some of fewer .

All persons within these Parishes , within the precinct of this Presbyterie , of what quality soever ( the King , or His family herein are not exempted ; nay nor from the jurisdiction of His Parochiall Session ) are under the power and jurisdiction of this grand Consistory .

The members Constituents of this Presbytery are all the Parochiall Ministers within its compasse , and a Lay-Elder for each Parish . The Lay-Elders are in number equall to the Preaching Elders ; and in power , voyce , Iurisdiction , in Haeresie , Idolatry , Worship , Censure , &c. are par● consortio honoris & potestatis praediti , are so equall and un●●o●me , that a Plowman from the Plow , or a Tradesman from his shop , sitting there in the capacity of a Lay-Elder , his voyce is as good as the voyce of the most Reverend and Learned Divine , if any be there . They maintain a parity in all , only a little difference in this , that a Lay-Elder cannot be Moderator . Yet have they no Canon for it . And we are able to prove by their books , that men who were never in Sacred Orders of Priest or Bishop , have been Moderators , not only of their Presbyterie , but of their so much Idolized Generall Assembly . Mr Robert Yoole , who was never Priest , nor Deacon , onely Reader in St Andrews , was in one turne , for a yeare , or halfe a yeare , or some lasting time , Moderator of the Ptesbyterie of Saint Andrews , and Mr George Buchanan , who was never Church-man , and Mr Andrew Melvil who had never the Order of Deacon , both of them have been Moderators of their great Generall Assembly .

The cases proper to this Iudicatory , are first , such as are from every individuall Parish within its compasse referred , or presented . 2. All crimes and scandalls of highest straine , namely such as are civilly punishable by death . 3. All crimes which come under the censure of Excommunication . 4. All appeales from Sessions . 5. All differences which cannot be composed or determined in the Parochiall Conclave . 6. The visitation and censure of all what is amisse in every Parish , either in Preacher or other . 7. The appoynting of Readers , and Schoolemasters .

They meet once a week in some places , in other places only once a fort-night . All the ministers in their severall turnes , at their meeting Exercise , as they call it ; that is , there is appoynted by the Presbyterie , some one book of old , or new New Testament , which every one by turnes in his own course interpreteth in the Parish Church , where the Presbytery doth meet . Two alwaies speak , the first from the Readers Desk or Pew ; the other , in some other place distant from him , but convenient for hearing . The first Analyseth , Interpreteth , and taketh away the doubts of his Text ; and ( as they enjoyne ) he is bound to the doctorall part . The second , when the first hath done , addeth to what is said : hath a warrant to supply the defects , or correct the errors of the first speaker ; but especially his charge is the Pastorall part , to apply the text , and bring it home to the affections .

There be Ingredients in this Exercise , such as God's Church before this late age never knew , a kind of Creatures whom they call Expectants . These are students in Divinity , or Country Schoole-masters , or such youths who are bred with some Gamaliel ; who after that they have given their private trialls , by Preaching and dispute , are enrolled Expectants of such , or such a Presbyterie . These must keep their turnes in Exercising , and adding ( as they call it ) with the actuall Ministers , ( so they call them ) and once admitted to that Presbyterie , may , whensoever employed , Preach in any Parish Church within the bounds of that Presbyterie , doe all Ministeriall acts , except Baptize , or give the Sacrament of the Lords Supper , ( for ought I know , there is no Consecration used by them in that holy action , but a meere thanksgiving ) nay they may be constant helpers , and Copreachers with a Rabbie , if hee , the Parish , and Presbytery agree to it . I pray you shew me where ever you read of such a profanation , that a Lay-man without Orders , Imposition of hands , shall be a publique Preacher of God's word , and intrude upon this Sacred Function . These , for the most part , were the Beardlesse Boyes King Iames , of blessed memory , mentioneth in the conference at Hampton Court , Who would brave him to his face . pag. 4.

Within one County there may be two , or three , more or fewer Presbyteries , according as there be more or fewer Parish-Churches ; and yet all these Presbyteries are independant one from another : only it is remarkable , that the Presbyterie of Edenburgh , because ( as they speak ) it is seated on the Watch-Tower , hath well nigh obtained by custome , and other meanes , a Superintending power , over all other Presbyteries ; and other Presbyteries many times send thither to have resolution of their difficult cases . The reason is , besides the eminency of this City by its wealth , and the residence of all highest Courts of Iustice there ; although this Allobrogicall brood maintaine Parity , there be notwithstanding some few Patriarchs , who rule and over-rule all , who Lord it , and Pope it over the Lord's Inheritance , and in this City ordinarily are some of these Patriarches : and the Responsa prudentum from hence , are received as Oracles by remote Presbyteries , and reverenced as answeres by Vrim and Thummim .

There is none who liveth within the verge of a Presbyterie , but is answerable to this Classis and Iudicatorie , and must appeare whensoever , or for whatsoever cited . The King and His family are not exempted , nor priviledged : if He be cited , and appeare not , He may be excommunicated for His disobedience and contumacy : If He appeare , He must submit His earthly Scepter , to that their Scepter , which they terme the Scepter of Christ ; He must doe what is enjoyned . The Presbyterie is independent from the Crowne of an earthly King , who is Gods and Christs Vicegerent in the generall Kingdome of His providence only ; But this Sanhedrim is Christs vicegerent in His oeconomicall Kingdome as Mediator , as they speake ; and consequently to it He must vaile His Crowne , submit His Scepter , and from it receive Christs Law and Ordinances .

King Iames of blessed memory knew this well , who therefore in that Conference at Hampton-Court , pag. 79. saith , A Scottish Presbyterie , as well agreeth with a Monarchie , as God and the Divell , then Iack and Thom , and Will , and Dick , shall meet , and at their pleasures censure Me , and my Councell , and all My proceedings . Then Will shall stand up and say , it must be thus : Then Dick shall reply , and say , nay marry , but we will have it thus . And therefore here I must once reiterate my former speeches ( the King is answering to D. Rainolds , who seemeth to begge of His Majesty a Presbyterie , or some thing like to it ) Le Roy s' avisera : Stay J pray you for one seaven years before you demand that of me : and if you then find me pursey and fat , and my Wind pipes stuffed , I will perhaps hearken to you : for let that Government be once up , I am sure I shall be kept in breath , then shall we all of us have work enough , both our hands full . But D. Rainolds till you find that I grow Lazie , let that alone .

It is more than notoriously knowne to many yet living , and is upon Record in the Presbytery Bookes of Edenburgh , how King Iames , not once , but many times , hath sent men of Honour and good quality , demanding , or rather requesting for some things at their hands ; who have heard the Commissiones propose the King's mind ; But they , to keep the power and place Christ hath given them in that dignity , suitable to so high a trust , have dismissed the Gentlemen sent by the King without answer , and by an Order of that Spirituall house , have appointed one , or two , as Commissioners of the Presbytery , to goe to the King with their will and pleasure , loosing no thing of Christ's authority , and carrying themselves with the King almost , as if two free Estates , or two free Kings had met , and were dealing together .

As no person is exempted from obedience and submission to this power , so no crime or sinne whatsoever committed , or suspected to be committed , within the Seignorie of this pettie Principalitie . And that sometimes is so extravagantly and transcendently too look't after , and called in question , ( especeially if indiscreet zeale , or holy Spleen work and move by the Spirit on a holy Brother ) that if there be a fact and fault committed , secret , or knowne to very few , it is brought forth to the light of the World : There is no care taken to reconcile the Lapsed to God in a private way , and to conceale his offence , but disgraced he is publiquely . What sound repentance this may worke , judge you . How consonant this is to the Apostolicall Canon , They that sinne publiquely , rebuke publiquely ; and to the common Maxime of the Church , de occultis nonjudicat Ecclesia ; he may easily see , who hath not divorced himselfe from common sense and reason . To cure these secret sinnes by the power of the Keyes in interiori foro conscientiae , and to cover them with the mantle of Charitie , smelleth rankly of auricular Confession , Popish absolution , and Sigillum confessionis . See the conference at Hampton-Court , pag. 93. It is certaine , a foolish man revealing foolishly his faults to his wife , the zealous wife , upon some quarrelling betwixt her and her Husband , hath gone to a good Minister , revealed what was told her , and the honest impartiall Minister hath convented the man , charged him with his sinne , and made him confesse , satisfie , and doe pennance publiquely .

Nay upon a surmise , suggestion , suspition , or any misinformation , if the Minister , or Lay-Elder delate , ( that is present ) two persons to converse so familiarly , that it is to be feared that they are guilty of fornication , if they be unmarried , or of adultery , if both of them , or either of them be married , they shall be cited , and convented , examined by all proofes , presumptions , interrogatories , &c. whether or not they have sinned . If that the presumptions be pregnant , although no proofe be , they shall be put in close prison , fed on bread and water , kept that none may come at them , all Members Constituents of these Iudicatories , appointed to try what they know against the next Court day ; when no proofe can be had , and all the presumptions doe not fasten guiltinesse upon the accused , and the Imprisonment and other hard usages cannot extort a confession , they are dismissed : But an act is enacted , that if those two persons suspected of fornication , or adultery , shall be seen to meet , or be in company together , except they meet in Church or Market , it shall be holden pro confesso , as confessed , that they are guilty of what they are charged with .

Nay sometimes the parties , although innocent , and no reall evidence being produced against them , are brought on the Lord's day publiquely to the midle of the Church before the Pulpit , to declare , sometimes to confirme their Declaration by an Oath , that they are innocent and free of that crime wherewith they are charged . And sometimes they are forced to make their publique Repentance in the Church , upon a Pillarie , for their unchristian behaviour : because that although the parties charged be free , yet their conversation hath been suspitious and scandalous .

A whole Volume might be written of young women by these courses disgraced and defamed : of many Families divided and scattered , whereas before there was no jealousie betwixt the man and the wife .

This Iudicatorie of the Presbytery is so high , and of so vast a latitude , that as the Pope bringeth in all civill causes to himselfe as a competent Iudge , sub formalitate peccati , so this Papall Conclave bringeth any thing , howsoever meerly and purely civill , under it's lash , sub formalitate scandali , as scandalous to a Christian profession .

It is not forgotten by many yet living , how the Presbytery of Edenburgh attempted to censure Ecclesiastically the Merchants there , for carrying Wheat to Spaine in time of a Famine or dearth there , for this was to feed and maintaine God's enemies . But above all , that was a piaculum , an almost inexpiable sinne , to transport waxe to Spaine , for this was to be accessory to Idolatry , in respect the greatest part of this waxe was employed in making Tapers and Candles to the Virgin Mary , and other Saints .

In S. Andrewes . I. T. was endebted to P. T. a considerable summe of money , the greatest part of his stock . I. T. delaying , or shuffling , or not able to pay P. T. at the day of payment designed in the Bond , P. T. obtained before the Lords of Session a Iudgement against I. T. with power to demand payment in the King's Name , and upon disobedience to be out lawed and fall into a Praemunire , or escheating of his moveable goods and Chattells . I. T. bemoanes himselfe to the Presbyterie . The Presbyterie convents P. T. before them , threatens him with Excommunication , if he did persist to put in Execution the Iudgement of the highest Iudicatorie in the Kingdom : and for feare of this dreadfull Court and horrid sentence , he passes from his pursuit , continueth the demanding of repaying of his money . You see here what power this Presbytery hath over all , and the highest of civill Iudicatories .

Infinite instances of this kind may be produced , give me leave to adde one of a higher straine . The City of Edenburgh , by the Kings of Scotland , amongst other favours and priviledges , hath a Royall grant of a weekly Market day on Monday . This Grant is confirmed by Letters Patents under the great Seale , and by the standing Lawes of the Kingdome ; The Presbyterie here by their transcendent sole authority , discharged any Market to be kept on Monday , the reason was , because it occasioned the travelling of men and horse the Lord's day before , which profaned the Sabboth . If the Tradesmen , who found at home what losse they had by wanting their Market , had not with force and violence opposed their Soveraignty , and made them forsake it , it was like enough to have passed , and obtained longer .

The most active in this case were the Shooe-makers , who were most prejudiced by the discharge of the Monday market . They threatned the Ministerie Right down , that if they persisted in that course , they would thrust them out of the gates of the City : which threats restored the Monday's market . When King Iames , that miracle of piety , learning , and Royall prudence , heard of this , he with uncovered head , and lifted up hands , said to this , or much about this sense , I thank God the Shooe-makers have more power to represse the insolency and violence of the Presbyterie , than I and my councell both .

It is knowne to many yet living , that they have cited before them Noble men , and Gentlemen of good qualitie , who had intended civill actions against their owne Tenants before the ordinary Iudge , and discharged them to prosecute them any further , under the paine of Ecclesiasticall censures . This was in re civili , in a civill businesse , but modus considerandi , as they took notice of it , it was spirituall . And why ? because the holy Brethren pretended , this did withdraw People from their lawfull vocations , bred strifes and contention amongst Brethren , and did hinder the progresse of the Gospell .

As the particular Ministers of individuall Parishes are under them , so they find the tyranny of their Archisynagog● , their prime leading Ministers , in that measure , that their little finger is heavier then a Bishop's whole hand and loynes . Bishops are like to a paternall Government , chastising with Roddes ; but the Presbyterians scourge them with Scorpions ; any Lord , Knight , or Esquire , who is cunning , and can by faire carriage , or otherwise , gaine favour or credit with some few Patriarchall Presbyters , he is able at pleasure to turne out an honest man ( who perhaps is too free in rebuking the Gentleman for his sinnes , or cannot , or will not condescend to grant his unlawfull and unjust demands ) and to bring in one to his owne fansie and humor , with whom , and by whom , he is able to worke and effectuate his owne bad intendments . This holy Sanhedrim , although the Parochiall Minister for Intellectuall abilities , be sufficiently enabled , and for morall Integrity be blamelesse , yet they will find it fit he be transplanted from that Church , because the Congregation is not edified by him , at a visitation the Landlord is able to make all say and witnes they are not edified by him : or if a Presbyter who hath more power with the dominus Moderator , and his assistants , being in a Parish of a small stipend , and espying somewhere a better Parish , and an honest man in it , but not so much respected by the high Priests of the Sanhedrim , he will turne him out by the Presbytery , enter the charge , and reape the benefit of a better Parish , and place the other ( it may be , and often proves so , the better and worthier man ) in another Parish of lesse worth , and deterior his condition . There needs no other reason for this , but that this sacred Consistorie , directed and assisted with infallibility , doe find it e Re Ecclesiae , that it is for God's glory and the good of the Church .

I might instance a world of these Examples ; onely let me tell you one of the Presbytery of Cooper in Fife . A noble man there having one Maister Weymis , an honest man , a Preacher and Parson at one of the Churches , the which whole parish belonged to the Noble-man , used all the entreaties , all the threatnings he could , to perswade Master Weymis to make over to him , and his house , the Right of the benefice , which if I mistake not , was a Parsonage . The good man refused it : the Noble man finding the man immoveable , having prepared the way with the Ring-leaders , accuseth the honest man before the Presbyterie , obtaineth sentence of removing Maister Weymis from that Church and benefice , and bringeth in one M. Scrogie , who with the consent of the Presbyterie , sacrilegiously made over the Right of the Church to the Noble man and his Family . M. Weymis was transplanted to another Church . The Right made over by Scrogie was afterwards confirmed by Act of Parliament . King Iames , when this noble man came to him , spoke to him to this sense . My Lord , I wonder how you have so much power with the Presbyterie to obtain such a thing , and work so strange a matter , I pray you teach me the way , for I would gladly know it . The Noble man answered , to this sense or much about it , Sir , you take not the right way , I prepared my businesse , by gaining the prime men to my course , I sent to A. B's house so much Malt , and to C. D's house so much Meale , to N. a Carcasse of Beeffe ; this got me the power to put away Weymis , to bring in Scrogie , and from him , with the consent of the Presbyterie , to have the right of the Parsonage impropriate to me and my house : Sir , this course you must take , if you would work any thing by , or with these men .

The Testament of a Gentleman of Wit , and more then ordinary worth and esteeme , is to this day extant , ( although he dyed many years agoe ) wherein confessing his many Sinnes ( he was much guilty of uncleannesse , and was of more then ordinary reach in Politicall and Subtile waies ) abhorring himselfe for them , and earnestly begging pardon , professed , and protested , that no sinne did wound his conscience so much , as his deep Hypocrisie , who without the true feare of God , made great shew of Religion where none , or little was , and to cover his sinnes from the World , to hide his shame , and the better to effectuate his private designes , he made much of some few prime leading Ministers : by doing of which , he was not challenged for his sinnes ; and was enabled to worke his other ends . This hath been , and is this day a constant course kept by all of that cutte and coate .

It is known , that no Kingdom of the Kings was so much infested with Feuds , ( as they call them ) as that of Scotland : nor was there any thing more ordinary , then Neighbourly Feuds in Parishes , to be fought to the effusion of much blood , partly beginning sometimes within the Church , and ended in the Church-yard , where many times some were killed . And it was as ordinary to find each Presbyterie divided in their affection and course , according as they affected the one , or the other partie . Nor was Scotland ever free of Feuds , sheathing their Swords in their Neighbours bowells , murthering one another , till a little before King Iames came into England ; nor did ever that Kingdom enjoy such Peace and Plenty , as during the time of Episcopacy .

Sir , by the few instances I have given you of many , you may see clearely , that Presbyterian Government is not only inconsistent with Monaichie , but destructive of the Liberty of the Subjects person , and trade ; encroaching upon all Authority , Soveraigne , and delegate ; restraining at pleasure Causes and Suits commenced before Iudges ; forbidding Execution of Iudgements obtained before the ordinarie Iudges , repealing Grants , Letters-Patents , Rights and Priviledges authorized by Law : assuming to it selfe the Civill power , exacting Civill fines , pecuniary mulcts , inflicting corporall punishments , painfull and disgracefull ; defaming young , disgracing married persons ; & in briefe , is against the peace of the Kingdom , of Families and neighbours . And for their Clergy or fellow Presbyters , they tyrannize over their Conscience , depose , or transplant them at pleasure , for reasons known to some few of the more active . It is proper now to speak next of

Provinciall Synods .

IN describing of which we need not to insist much : for except that the Iurisdiction is of greater extent and latitude , yet in its essentialls , constitution , and power , with the exercise of it , it is the very same .

A Provinciall Synod is the apish Imitation of a Provinciall Councell , consisting of a Metropolitane , and the Suffragan Bishops of his Province . With them , it is an associate body of the Commissioners chosen out of all the Individuall Presbyteries within the precinct of the Province . How many there be of them in the Kingdom of Scotland at this instant . I know not : but the Kingdom is divided into so many Provinces , as they in their prudence think it fittest for the Government of the Church .

If I remember right , by their platforme of Discipline , these Provinciall Synods are to meet twice a yeare , or oftner , pro re natâ .

These Synodall Assemblies have a superintending and overruling power over all the Presbyteries within the limits of that Province .

The cases proper to these Courts are , 1. All matters which doe appertain to the whole Province . 2. All ●●ferres from all Presbyteries within its verge . 3. All cases of every severall Presbyterie , which were difficult , and could not there be determined . 4. The due censure of all what is thought to be done amisse in any Presbyterie within its lash . 5. What is ordered and decreed in those Provinciall Synods , tyeth all within the particular Presbyteries and Parishes , as well Lay as Clergy-men to obedience . Any Presbytery else , that moveth without the spheare of this Province , is not tyed to obey what this decrees , by virtue of any authority flowing from it .

The same course is holden in all things in the Provinciall Sanhedrim , which is kept in the Presbyteriall Consistory , so that I need not trouble you by resuming and repeating the like : only here is some peece and use of good Policy , which is this ; In a Province , there may be some foure or five , or six , or more knowing leading Ministers , who over-rule different & distant Presbyteries , & so cannot formally & fairely joyne their wits and power to compasse their common and private ends . The meeting of this Provinciall Synod occasioneth the meeting of those leading men in the same place ; who after that they have communicated Counsells , and agreed upon the course , they are able to draw their brethren , their pupils of their Faction , as Sorvum pecus , slavishly , yet with much zeale to dispute , debate , and voyce for what they in their wisdome think fit for their own ends : which course layed downe , will be so prevalent , that if it be against King , Country , Preacher , or Lay-men , in that concerneth the publike , or any private mans interest , to whom they stand engaged , it is to as little purpose to some good men to oppose , or moderate this course ; as to a man to stop a current of a flood , after a great inundation of raine , with his foot .

There is another trick of policy too , whereby the Apostles of this province advance their own credit , that the wisest of the Nobility and Gentry see who are the active and doing men , and having their particular interest many times , both in the publike , and their own private , they make their addresse to these Popes , gaine them to their course , and strengthen themselves by the Spirituall Sword to distu●be the publike , or to gain their private ends , whether right or wrong . When the Commissioners from hence returne to their severall Presbyteries , they intimate to them , to command the particular Ministers to Preach in their parishes Doctrine tending to the advancement of those designes : and this is so much obeyed , that the Minister of the Kings family , or Parish , must sing the same song , although it concerne the King in His Honour , or in that is most deare to him , and be to the prejudice of his Person , Soveraignty and Government .

These {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} , these prime men of God , are attended and honored so by the subtle and cunning Nobles and Gentlemen , that they are well nigh deified ; in their comming to and fro , to Assemblies , Presbyteries , or upon other occasions , the most eminent of the Province wait upon them , entreat them to come to their Houses , set them at the head of the Tables by my Lady , provide for them the best chambers . And that you may know , howsoever they pretend Parity , that it is protestatio contra factum , never Bishop in Scotland hath come into Cities with such Convoyes , been attended with such great personages , as some of this holy Brotherhood . It is to this day remembred , that when Mr Robert Bruce came from his visitation in the West , or South , returning to Edenburgh , and entring by the Canon-gate , King Iames looking out at His Window in His palace at Halyrude House , with indignation ( which extorted from him an Oath ) said , Mr Robert Bruce I am sure intends to be King , and declare himselfe heire to King Robert the Bruce .

If you would allow me upon this to digresse , I beg to be bold to tell you a true story , & the most insolent I beleeve you ever read or heard . When Q. Elizabeth was waxed old K. Iames bethinking how to come at the peaceable possession of that Right God and nature had entitled him to after her death ; & resolving to recall & pardon the Earles of Angus , Huntlie , and Erroll , ( who at that time were banished and beyond Seas ) feared , if by himselfe , and his Soveraignty , he should doe it , because they were professed Papists , he feared the Church would except against it , and move his Subjects to Sedition and Rebellion : yet the Noble men were most able to strengthen him , and doe him best service in the Kingdom . To prevent this mischiefe , he sent one of his trusted and worthie Courtiers to Mr Robert Bruce , one of the Ministers of Edenburgh , who at that time had great sway in the Church , desiring him to come to His Majesty about some businesse of high concernment . Mr Robert did come . The good admirable King , welcomed him more then courteously , took him into his Retiring or Bed-chamber . Spoke powerfully to this sense ; M. Robert , I have sent for you to have your advice in a businesse of great weight concerning the Peace of Scotland and England , and which concernes me in Right and Honour most nearly . Q. Elizabeth , my Sister and Cousin , is sick and cannot live long , you know I have God's and Nature's Right to that Crowne ; I cannot loose it in Honour or in Iustice , and yet my prayer to God is that I may come at my Right without any blood . I know there is some Faction in England against me , but my friends are more prevalent there . It concerneth me in the poynt of Prudence , to provide that there be no Faction and division in this my Kingdom of Scotland , for if this Kingdome be all one way for me in hearty obedience and Subjection , the disaffected party in England will be better advised , then to worke me trouble to their great disadvantage . Now , saith the best and wisest of Kings , I feare nothing , but that these three Noble men beyond Seas , because of their forfeiture , may be wrought upon by Papists , encouraged and enabled by them there , and the English Papists , who are most against my comming to the Crowne of England , knowing I am a sound Protestant , to come hither and trouble Me and the Peace of this Kingdom . Doe you not think it fit , that I give them a pardon , restore them to their Honour and Lands , and by so doing so gain them , that thus I may save the effusion of Christian blood ? To this demand so piously made , the answer was , Sir , you may pardon Angus and Arroll and recall them , but it is not fit , nor will you ever obtain my consent to pardon or recall Huntlie . To this the most gratious King sweetly replied : Mr Robert , it were better for me to pardon and recall him , and not the other two , then the other two without him . 1. First , because you know he hath a greater command , and is more powerfull then both of them . 2. Next you know I am more assured of his affection to me , for he hath married my deare and neare Kinswoman , the Duke of Lenox his Sister . His rejoynder was , Sir , I cannot agree to it . The King out of the great depth of His wisdome and prudence , and His transcendent goodnesse , concluded thus ; M. Robert I have imparted my most secret thoughts to you first before any , and to you only ; I am so confident of your zeale and good affection to Me and My Honour , that I entreat you to think upon this matter a day or two ; and after your better thoughts and Prayers , returne to me , and tell me clearly what you think . Thus was he dismissed with as much respect as the King could give to any of His highest Subjects . The truth is , at this time this man had more power in Edenburgh then the King ; and his credit there had a mighty influence upon all His Sect , and many in the Kingdom ; within a day or two he Returnes to His Majesty , yet , if I be informed right , not till he was called upon . When he entred the Kings Presence-chamber , the King took him in to a secret retiring roome as before , made the doore be shut , and speaketh to this sense : Now M. Robert , I hope you have thought more seriously upon that weighty businesse I proposed to you the last day , and have prayed God to direct you and Me both , tell me then what you think of my purpose and resolution concerning those three Noblemen . He returneth this answer ; Sir , the more I think of it , the more I am confirmed in the advice I gave to you the last day . I agree with all my heart that you recall Angus and Arroll , but for Huntlie it cannot be . The King resumed and repeated his reasons before mentioned , and added some more . He obstinately opposed and contradicted it . All doe know , who knew any thing of these times , that Angus and Arroll were as bigot Papists , if not more , then Huntlie ; there was no difference in Religion : the truth is , Master Bruce was a Lover of the Earle of Argyle , who loved not much the Earle of Huntlie . This was the Spirit inspired him , as it seemeth . King Iames desired his reasons : he gave none , but spoke Majestically . Then the King told him downeright , M. Robert I have told you my purpose ; you see how nearely and highly it concerneth me ; I have given you my reasons for my resolution , you give me your opinion , but you strengthen it not with reason ; wherefore I will hold my own resolution , and doe as I first spoke to you . To the which , with Christian and Subject-like reverence , he returned this reply ; well , Sir , you may doe as you list , but chuse you , yee shall not have me and the Earle of Huntlie both for you . Sir , Iudge by this in what case Monarchie is , in such a government , for that this is truth , I am as much assured of , as morall certainty can assure any man of morall truth , which with his own eares he hath not heard . And yet this man was but Minister of Edenburgh .

To returne thither , from whence we digressed , that you may know , that this great Honour which is done to those great ones , the Cabinet Councell of all Provinciall and Generall Assemblies , by these cunning and subtile Nobles and others , is not done in the name of a Disciple , in the name of a Prophet ; reflect a little with your eyes , and consider how the same men respect and entertain their own Parish Minister ; when the Gamaliels sits by my Lady , the Parish Priest , will be below the Candlestick ; and will be forced to come to his Lord , or Laird , and Crouch down for a morsell of Bread , and small peece of Money . Nay before the Gamaliel be gone , he must prompt and Catechise the poor stipendiarie how to carry himselfe with the Lord and Laird , not to exact too rigorously what is due in his competent Stipend , nor in Preaching , doctrine or discipline , to offend the Lord or Laird : such good Christians , such Iehoshua's , Nehemia's , and Esdras's , are to be much made of for the cause of God . I dare to say , never Bishop or Archbishop in England or Scotland , hath used more authority , nor did ever carry themselves so arrogantly towards the meanest of their Clergy , as these men doe over their simpler brethren . I come now at last to