THE CHARACTER OF A Rigid Presbyter. WITH A Diſcovery of thoſe dangerous Deſignes of the Engliſh and Scotiſh Covenanters, as they have tended to the ruine of our Church and State.
TO give you an exact Character of him, is impoſſible; he is as changeable as a Proteus: yet if you pleaſe to have his Genealogie ab origine, which may be ſaid to reſemble a Welch Pedigree, take it as it was left by one of the beſt Pens of this Modern Age.
Never was there ſuch a monſtrous Babe, as this ruling
& domineering Presbytery; the Father of it is Rebellion, the Mother Inſurrection, the Midwife Sacrilege, the Nurſe Coverouſneſs, the Milk Schiſm, the Coats Armour, the Rattles Drums, a bloody Sword the Coral, Money the Babie it delights to play withal: it grows up to be a ſtripling, and goes to School to a Council of War; its Leſſon is on the Trumpet, its Feſcue a Piſtol, its play-days the days of Battel, and black-Monday the Day of Judgement: it comes of age, and is married with a
Solemn League and Covenant; it begets Children like it ſelf, whoſe bleſſing upon them, is the power of the Sword; and whoſe impoſition of Hands, are broken Pates. This Monſter cries down the antient Catholick and Apoſtolick power which the Biſhops had, and then takes it up again, and exerciſes it in a higher nature then ever Biſhop did; even to the depoſition of Kings, and the delivering them up to the Executioner.
Should we trace this viperous Brood from their firſt riſe and original, we ſhall finde their Deſignes founded on Rebellion, to the ruine and deſtruction of the Prince and Biſhop of Geneva, under whoſe Dominions the Faction firſt pullulated. 'Twould be too prolix, and inconſiſtent with a Character, to tell you how they have dealt likewiſe with our Princes here at home, verifying that Maxime,
NO BISHOP, NO KING.
But take a ſhort Epitomy of their Actions in what followeth: And
Firſt of Geneva.
Calvin with his Gladiators having expuls'd the Prince and Biſhop of Geneva, erects a Governmentſo loſty and unexpected, that the People would have nothing to do, either with him or it; and thereupon baniſhed him: being in exile, he plots and contrives the pacification of the peoples fury, by inventing his new fangle of Lay-Elders, which made them ſharers in the Government, and endeared the people to him, ſo that all parties were agreed.
As for our Princes here at home,
Do but obſerve the behaviour of Knox and
Buchanan, and the reſt of that Gang, to Mary Queen of Scots, as it is related by King James himſelf, in his Diſcourſe at Hampton-Court to the Presbytery. Theſe two pre-mentioned,
viz. Knox and Buchanan, came to Mary Queen of Scots, telling her, That by right no Pope nor Potentate whatſoever had any ſuperiority over her, in her own Dominions, either in caſes Civil or Eccleſiaſtical, but that ſhe was Supreme in both, and conſtituted by GOD, as the only nurſing Mother of his Church within her own Kingdom; and therefore conjured her to have a care of the Evangel of Chriſt, as ſhe would anſwer it at the dreadful Day of Judgement: She firſt gives them her Ear, and at laſt her Authority; they make uſe of it in the firſt place to the pulling down of Biſhops, and exalted themſelves in their places; and when the Queen expected an abſolute Supremacie, behold, all that this Rabble would allow her, was not ſo much as to have one private Chappel for her ſelf, nor one Prieſt to ſerve GOD according to her own Conſcience. She finding her hopes fruſtrated, and her ſelf ſo much deluded, endeavours to recal her Authority; ſhe takes up Arms, they oppoſe her, combat her, beat her out of her Kingdom; ſhe fleesinto
England for refuge; they follow her with Invectives, thruſt jealouſie into the Queen of England's Boſome concerning her; whereupon ſhe was conſined, and after a long and tedious impriſonment, put to death. Thus King James having put a period to his Diſcourſe directed to Dr. Reynolds, Knewſtubs, and the reſt, turns to the Biſhops, and cloſes his Oration with this Animadverſion: Wherefore, my Lords, I thank you for my Supremacie: for if it were at theſe mens diſpoſals, I am very ſenſible what would become of it.
If you deſire to be ſatisfi'd concerning their dealings with King James, her Son, Father to the Martyr CHARLES the Firſt, of bleſſed memory, you may finde it in his Baſilicon Doron: Crebrae adverſus me in Tribunitiis Conſcionibus Calumniae ſpargebantur; non quod ordinem aliquod deſignaſſem, ſed quia Rex eram, quod omni crimine pejus habebatur. Are theſe men fit to make good Subjects? Did they not convene him, and catechize him like a School-boy? Did he not proteſt unto his ſon Henry, that he hated their proud and haughty carriage, ever ſince he was ten years of age? Did he not ſay, That Monarchy and Presbytery agreed like GOD and the Devil? And have not we found it ſo, if we conſider the carriage of our new-fangled Presbyterians in
England, to CHARLES the Firſt, his Son? But alas! I am miſtaken, they faſted and pray'd, preached and writ againſt it, praying for a diverſion of all ſuch black intentions: and yet the Presbyterian took the Scepter out of his hand, in taking away the Militia, of which it was an Emblem; caſt down his Throne, by depriving him of his Negative Voice; took his Crown, the Fountain of Honour, off his head, by denying thoſe Honour, on
whom he had worthily conferred it, without them; took away his Supremacy, ſignifi'd by the ſacred Unction, wherewith he was anointed, in denying him the Liberty of his Conſcience, in the point of Epiſcopacie and Church-government: nor would they treat a minute with their King, till they had made him acknowledge himſelf guilty (as they ſay) of all the blood that had been ſpilt throughout his Dominions: and notwithſtanding all the Conceſſions on his part, that could poſſibly be granted, even to the very grating of his Princely Conſcience; when he bid them ask fleſh from his bones, and he would not deny it, if it might in any meaſure redound to the benefit of his people, praying that he might keep his Conſcience whole, (the Queen Regent of all good mens actions, and he hoped there were none would force this Queen before him in his houſe, as Ahaſuerus ſaid to
Haman) yet not withſtanding all this, was it voted unſatisfactory ſo long, till the Independent Army came from Edinborougb, ſurprized and murdered him. He that ſaid, The Presbyterian held him down by the Hair, while the Independents cut off his Head, ſaid true enough. They murdered him as a King, before ever they murdered him as a Man: And when time ſerves, the Philoſopher's Maxime will paſs for good and currant Logique at Court, Qui vult media adfinem, vult etiam & ipſum finem; He that wills the means conducing to the end, wills alſo the end it ſelf:
Ergo (will the Royaliſts ſay) ſince the Presbyterian put ſuch courſes in practiſe, as tended to the King's ruine, they certainly intended it, and are as deeply guilty as others. Nay, may not the Independent ſay, You took off his Authority, and we tookoff his Head; you made him no King, and we made him no Body; you made him a Man of Blood, and we treated him accordingly. Therefore at your doors, O ye Presbyterian Hypocrites, his innocent Blood is lay'd: nor is it any other then your Actions have been all along; and thoſe committed by your Anceſtors to former Princes and Kings. But ſure there is ſome Excuſe remaining; they fought for Religion. I wonder when the Church did change her Weapons: Muſt Prayers and Tears be turn'd into Pike and Muſquet? Did GOD refuſe to have his Temple built by
David, a Man after his own Heart, becauſe onely his hands were bloody? And will he now condeſcend to have his Church repair'd, and her Breaches made up with Skulls and Carcaſſes? Muſt Blood be tempered with the Mortar that muſt binde the Stones of his Temple in Unity? Or are the ſmitings of Brethrens ſtrokes fit to poliſh her Stones withal? Hath GOD refuſed the ſoft voice, to remain in thunder? Or hath his Spirit left the gentle poſture of deſcending down upon his Apoſtles, to the approaching of a mighty and ruſhing winde? To go about the reforming of a Church by humane ſtrength, is quite as oppoſite to the nature of Reformation, as is the going about the repairing of a Caſtle-Wall with a Needle and Thred. He that looks to finde ſuch ineſtimable goodneſs within Iron-ſides, may as well expect to finde a Pearl in a Lobſter. No, no, the Church muſt not be defended with Helmets, the Reſiſters of blows; but with Miters, which have received the cleft already; not by broken Pates, but by cloven Tongues; not by Men clad in Buff, but by Prieſts cloathed with Righteouſneſs. Deciſions in mattersof Faith, muſt not be determined by Armour of proof; nor did the Sword of the Spirit ever make way to the Conſcience by cutting through the Fleſh. He therefore who takes up Arms againſt his Soveraign with pretences of defending his Religion, doth but take ſuch courſes as are condemned by the ſame Religion he would defend: and indeed, he doth but make Religion his ſtalking-Horſe, to blinde him, whilſt he aims at that which he would have leaſt ſuſpect him; which when he hath effected, he means to get up upon the Horſe, and ride him at his pleaſure: they pretend the good of the Church, and intend nothing more but the Goods thereof; and like diſſembling Lapwings, make a ſhew of being neareſt the Neſt, when they are fartheſt off it.
But they fought for Liberty: Theſe are piaefraudes, & Religioſi doli; pious Frauds, religious Deceits: for pray what Liberties did they fight for? If for Liberty of Conſcience, What do you mean thereby? If by Liberty of Conſcience, you mean, That it ſhall be lawful for every one to make a free choice of his own Religion, or to be of his own Opinion, theſe are things which we ought not to have, much leſs to fight for; for then let us not blame every Painim, that bakes his cake to the queen of heaven, or every ignorant Votary, who creeps to his own Image, or makes his own Idol: for in this kind of liberty we do but ſacrifice unto the net wherein we ſee our ſelves caught, and burn incenſe to the drag that hales us to deſtruction. Chriſtians are not to be at ſuch Liberty: looſe Chriſtians are but loſt men: true Chriſtians will be contented to be bound up in the Unity of the ſame Spirit, and with the bond of Peace: if the bond be broken,the Sheaf of Corn is but ſo many looſe Ears, and no way fit to be carried into the Lords Barn: if we be Sons and Daughters, let us belong all to one Houſe; if we be Servants, let us be all of one Family; if we be lively Stones, let us be all of one Building; if we be ſeveral Grapes, yet let us be all of one Cluſter; if we be ſeveral Cluſters, let us be all of one Vine; if we be Saints, let us have a Communion: for this is it which is called the Communion of Saints; this is it which is called Religion, which is derived à Religando, which ſignifies, to binde. Wherefore for the Puritan not to think himſelf bound to thoſe Articles the Church propoſes, is to be of no Religion; and
•
o fight for this, is to fight for nothing.
Perhaps the Presbyter may likewiſe maintain, that he fought for Liberty from Oppreſſion: That is but a weak Excuſe, and carries little of Reaſon or Sence in it: for there is not any Man or Woman, of what Quality or Condition ſoever he be, that underſtands what belongs to any ſuch thing; unleſs it be ſome few that have liberty to do what they will with all the reſt.
But what if they took up Arms for the property of the Subject? Alas! I preſume the Subjects had then ſo altered the property of their Goods, that had they but the old properties reſtor'd, they would not think it good fighting for a new; their expectations being ſo much deceiv'd, that inſtead of fighting for the property of the Subject, they rather found themſelves ſubject to have all things in common.
If for the Laws of the Land; Whoſe Laws were they? Were they not the King's? And was it probable that he would not maintain the Foundation ofhis Houſe from ſinking? Would he not maintain his Leggs under him? Were they not Supporters of that Body Politick whereof he was Head? Nay, does he not maintain himſelf, when he maintains them? for the King and his Laws may, without abſurdity, be compared to GOD and his Word, both inſeparable: for as GOD is the Word, and the Word is GOD; ſo the King is the Law, as the Life thereof; and the Law is the King, as the Body of that Soul. Wherefore there needed not any fighting againſt the King upon this account, except it were by thoſe who were ambitious to be Kings themſelves.
As for Priviledges of Parliament, which poſſibly may come into the number of their pretences: I have read of Jack Cade,
Speed's Chronicle.
in the Reign of
Richard the Second, who coming up as far as London-Stone, and reſting himſelf thereon, vowed, That within three days, there ſhould be no other Law but what did proceed out of his own Mouth. Now if it ſtand with the Priviledges of Parliament, to have a few Jack Cades, relying on their London-Stones, to tell them what they muſt do, and they will have; if it ſtands with the Priviledges of the Presbyterian Parliament, to have Tumults to drive away their King, Armies to awe themſelves, Countries to ſend up their Inhabitants in Multitudes, with Petitions in their Hats, Cudgels in their Hands, and Threatnings in their Mouths, then they have fought to ſome purpoſe.
But admit the Puritano-Parliament fought for all theſe Particulars, ſo did the King too: ſo that the King might ſafely expoſtulate with his Parliament, as St. Paul did with the reſt of the Apoſtles: Are yeFighters for the Proteſtant Religion? ſo am I: Are you for the Liberties of the Subject? ſo am I: Are you for the Laws of the Land? ſo am I: Are you for the Priviledges of the Parliament? ſo am I: And in all theſe things, I have laboured more abundantly then you all.
Where lies the Quarrel then? It muſt of neceſſity conſiſt in nothing but this, That they did not believe one another: and in that they both fought for one and the ſame Thing, the means of Reconciliation is taken away: for, had they differ'd in their Grounds, the Law might have been Judge between them; Reaſon might be Judge, the World might be Judge; but
Rebus ſic ſtantibus, inſtead of having reaſon to fight, they did but fight againſt Reaſon: both contended for the ſame Power, like the two Women that contended for the ſame Child: Solomon judged the Child to belong to her who would rather part with it all, then have the Child divided: Now the Parliament would have this powerful Child divided, half to the King, and half to themſelves; the King rather was contented to loſe all. In whom there is moſt affection and pity, in him is the Right of true Parentage.
But becauſe there were no Solomons in that Age, we will go the downright way to work.
The Presbyter fought in defence of the King's Perſon, Crown and Dignity; can you believe him? I'm ſure you may believe and be confident the King did. They took up Arms to unite him to his Parliament, and make him a moſt glorious Monarch, by reviling his ſacred Perſon, and beſpattering him with malevolent Tongues; did they not then fight upon falſe
Grounds? Did they not give themſelves the lye? and ſhall they be believed ſtill? But inſtead of being inſtructed by
Solomons divided Child, they divided their Solomon. But if they had remembred what ill luck the Nation ever had by impriſoning their Kings onely, they would have deſiſted ſpeedily from their helliſh Enterprize: for when they had impriſoned the old Lion and the young, within their Grates, the third Henry and his Son, did they not make the whole Land ſhake? Had not the whole Kingdom a ſhrewd Ague-fit at that very time? Did they not (like fire too cloſe beſieg'd with Clouds) ſally out in Thunder and Lightning, to the terrour and deſtruction of all thoſe that ſtood in the way? What ſucceſs had the impriſonment of Edward the Second? Upon his Impriſonment followed his Depoſition, and the murder of his Perſon was the conſequent of the depoſement of his Dignity. But what became of thoſe that were the occaſion of it, and did it? Is there one remaining of the Name of Mortimer? Was not that Mortimer who was the cauſe of his impriſonment, beheaded? Were not all thoſe who had a hand in it condignly puniſhed? Nay, was not the immediate Heir of this too much Conniver at his Fathers Sufferings, and too ready Accepter of his Fathers Office, impriſoned, depoſed and murdered? And pray ſatisfie me in this likewiſe, What ſucceſs had the impriſonment of Richard the Second? It coſt the Kingdom whole Ages of miſeries, 80 of her Nobility, and 100000 of her Commons, & the diſpoſing of all her Royal Roſes in their Buds, before they were half blown, until there was but one of a colour left in the Royal Garden of Great Britain; and they being married, madea compoſure of Red and White, as bluſhing at the former Miſchiefs.
The Presbyter is a Zealous Dragooner, the Holy Man of War, that is ever beating up his Drums againſt Loyalty and Nobility: ſearch through the New Teſtament, and you may learn the Genealogie of our Saviour, by the Names in their Regiments; nor need the Muſter-Maſter uſe any other Liſt then the firſt Chapter of St. Matthew; which makes me admire how they could ever object to the King, the bringing in of Forraigners, when they themſelves maintain'd ſuch an Army of Hebrews. He is one that rifles Colledges, to promote Learning; and pulls down Churches, for Edification. He had once almoſt put out one of the Kingdoms Eyes, by clouding one of the Univerſities; and if that Scotch miſt had farther prevail'd, had extinguiſh'd the other. 'Twas never a good world, ſince the name of Church was turn'd into Kirk, and afterwards dwindled into a Conventicle; 'twas a ſad time ever ſince a feeble By my truly did walk the Streets as familiarly among us, as Myn Heer in Holland. But now we have his ſacred Majeſty reſtored to his right Title, we are confident of a better World, Velit nolit Smectymnuus, in ſpite of the Presbyters Teeth.
He is one that hath as little minde to do the Kingdom good, as the Church hath to lap holy-Water. He is a Pulpit Boutefeu, that uſes to give the Congregation a Scotiſh Jigg, and ſo tune his Noſe with Hymns and Songs for the deſtruction of the Nobility of our Engliſh Nation; a Butcher that exercis'd his Function, Cum Privilegio, in former times, endeavouring to bring Loyalty to the Shambles: one that never
was quiet, till the Creatures of the Prerogative were all turn'd into the Pound together; till the Peers were pickled up with their King, to ſatisfie his ambitions on his Prince, and to feed on the Carcaſſes of the People. He is one that thinks it is his Priviledge, and would quote Scripture ſor't, To binde the Kings and Nobles of the earth in chains: and yet to dreſs out all for his more devout palate, the name of GOD muſt be placed in the front of his ſucceſs, as if he were the onely Darling of the Almighty, or rather, as if he were Preſident in all the Proceedings and Conſultations of the Presbyterian Iſrael. His God is his Money, and therefore will rather make Money of GOD and the Church, then fail of an Inheritance. He did endeavour ſome few years paſt, to convert our Times into the Primitive; and made Great CHARLES wear Fig-leave Breeches, like Adam, by ſtripping him of his Royal Robes and Revenues.
As for the Scotiſh Presbyter, I am ſorry I muſt waſte Paper upon him: But being he hath ever endeavoured tooth and nail, according to his utmoſt ability, to make himſelf conſiderable by being troubleſome, it will not be amiſs to ſound the depth of their conſtant Deſignes: which that I may the better do, give me leave to trace them in their Encroachments, from the firſt to the laſt, upon our Engliſh Nation.
When they firſt found themſelves powerful in their own Country, they became moſt zealous in aſſerting the Presbyterian Diſcipline againſt the Epiſcopal; by which means they gained the Amity and Friendſhip of all the pretended Religious Party in
England: for they ſtood ſeemingly for no ſiniſter ends, but meerly for the purity of Religion, and Liberty of Conſcience, againſt Epiſcopal Power and Innovations, as they termed the moſt ancient Doctrine of the Church; as alſo, for the Laws and Liberties of the Nation, invaded by the Prerogative: for the redreſs of which Abuſes, a Parliament was call'd; who not obtaining ſuch a relief of forged Grievances, as they expected; pretended a conſtraint of taking up Arms in defence of their Liberties; and the Engliſh Zealots had recourſe to the Scots for their aſſiſtance, who immediately condeſcended thereunto, and thought it but Reaſon and Equity to joyn with them, without diſpute or ſcruple, (pretty tender-conſcienc'd Babes they were, in the interim! that's clear:) But they conſidering now was the time (if ever) to make their Markets, and their own Intereſt as much Engliſh as might be, came not off ſo roundly as they expected; wherefore they fell to bartering, like Huckſters, and no Bargain could be made, forſooth, without a Covenant: They would not joyn, except they might be (in a manner) all one with us; and this Union muſt be ſeal'd with that Solemn League and Covenant: What their meaning was therein, you ſhall underſtand by and by, by taking a view of their Actions, which are the moſt ſure Interpreters. Yet even at that time, ſome men had their eyes in their heads, and many Objections were made at divers Expreſsions in the Covenant, and many Deſires for Explanations of ſome Articles more fully. But the Scots ſtanding ſtiff upon their own Terms, and no Conjunction like to be obtain'd without the Covenant, and the Engliſh Presbyterians neceſſities requiring no delay, (as they imagin'd) were glad totake it as it was offer'd, without farther queſtion, or demur.
It was no ſooner taken here at London, but immediately every one began to make his advantages, (through the multitude and ambiguity of Expreſſions) and by it to promote his ſeveral Intereſt; as if it had been made to engage unto a particular Party, not to unite two Nations in a common Intereſt. But above all, the Scots, having had the honor of this invention, conceived themſelves much injur'd by any that deny'd them the Prerogative of making an Interpretation; and in matter of Religion, urged their own Diſcipline as the only Pattern to reform the Church by; and their Plea had been far better, could they have proved it to be
[According to the Word of GOD] which Clauſe was moſt luckily inſerted. Notwithſtanding all the Reaſons to the contrary, the Scotiſh Module was ſtill preſſed: The Scot was willing to ride; and having (as he thought) the Engliſh faſt bridled with a Covenant, he began to ſwitch and ſpur: The Throne of the Kirk was the ſtalking-horſe to catch Geeſe; and if that could have been ſettled, then there had been no denying them whatſoever they could ask; they would have ſeated themſelves finely in this fat ſoil, and ſurely too; there would be no removing them out of our Councils, whereof they had then been Members and Partakers. For had the Kirk-Intereſt been once confirmed among us, then by vertue of that Authority which they uſe, to controle the Civil Power, the Parliament muſt have been ſubſervient to all their Ends and Purpoſes; and ſince the Engliſh Puritans had been (as they ſay) conſtrain'd (to make their Party ſtrong, and maintainCorreſpondencies for their own preſervation) to gratifie their Scotiſh Founders in all their Deſires; ſo that the Scots might eaſily have tranſlated the Covenant-Union, to as good as an abſolute National-Union, by gaining a Joynt-Intereſt with us, in our Affairs for ever; and conſequently, in all the Profits, great Offices, Councels and Concernments of this Nation.
Now whether this were their Deſign or not, in the Covenant,
ab origine, I ſhall not now determine; but let it be judged by their inſolent behaviour here among us, after they were admitted to our Councils: And therefore in the next place, I ſhall examine their Proceedings, which moſt evidently repreſent them in their intentions.—It ſufficed them not after they were come in, that they had an equal Power with the Factions in the Committee at Derby-Houſe, which was allowed them; but driving a powerful Party in both Houſes, they took upon them to meddle with matters relating to the future peace and ſettlement of the Nation, much pretended, but not at all intended; and that dinſtinct from their own too; and to provide for an equal Intereſt with the Presbytery of England.
The firſt moſt notorious Evidence of this (though there had been many before) was diſcovered at the Uxbridge-Treaty, where the Propoſitions of both Houſes being preſented to his Majeſty of bleſſed memory, it was found the Scots had ſo far provided for themſelves by their Party in the Houſes, That in time to come, the ordering of the Engliſh Militia, the power of making War and Peace, and all other Prerogatives of Government, were to be adminiſtred bya proportionable number of Scots, as well as Engliſh: A thing ſo ridiculous, and an Encroachment ſo palpable, that his Majeſty, in one of his Anſwers, took notice of it, and ſaid, He was not ſo much an Enemy to the Engliſh Nation, as to ſigne thoſe Propoſitions: or ſomewhat (I'm confident) to that purpoſe.
A ſecond Evidence or Diſcovery of their Encroachments, was made upon the delivering in divers papers to the Parliament, at ſeveral times, wherein they diſputed their claim, and ventured their Logick upon the Letter of the Covenant, to prove an Intereſt in diſpoſal of matters meerly relating to our welfare (as was thought;) which they re-inforced afterwards, with new recruits of Arguments, when the King came into their Army.
But not knowing how to maintain their Arguments, they were contented for that time to quit them, and the King too, upon ſuch Terms as are notorious to all the world; who being at length reduced under the power of the Parliament and Army, Propoſitions were ſent to him at
Hampton-Court, wherein no ſuch Proviſion being made for the Scotiſh Intereſt, as was in thoſe at Uxbridge, their Commiſſioners here proteſted againſt them, accuſed the Parliament of Breach of Covenant, and complained highly in one of their Declarations, that they ſhould be ſo neglected.
This may ſerve as a third Evidence of their Covenant-Deſign of Encroachment: Whereto may be added one more: When the King, Father of our moſt gratious Soveraign, was at
Carisbrook-Caſtle, whither the Commiſſioners of Parliament were no ſooner arrived with Propoſitions again, but theScots Commiſſioners were at hand, and for the ſame reaſon, pro
•
eſ
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ed furiouſly againſt them. By which
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ent Demeanors and Expreſſions from time to time, and crying up the Covenant for their defence, it is clear enough what their intentions were when they urged it unto the Presbytery of this Nation
•
; and notwithſtanding all the ſpecious pretences of Brotherly Love, their Deſigne in it hitherto, hath been onely to ſcrew themſelves into an equal Intereſt with this our Nation.
Having ſmelt out their Project thus far, give me leave to trace them on to the end, as ſuccinctly as may be.
The Royal Party being ſuppreſt, and ſo no farther occaſion to make uſe of the Scotiſh Army, the Parliament with ſome difficulty made a ſhift to ſend them home into their own Country; but being defeated of their Aims and Expectations, they could not ſo reſt: Having failed of their Ends by pretending for Parliament, they reſolved next to try what they could do upon the Kings Score; and ſo the Grandees turn'd the Tables, in hope of an after-Game, by cloſing with Duke Hamilton, upon the Royal Account; not doubting, but if they gain'd the Day this way, to recompence their Travels with much more advantage. The Covenant, like a
Noſe of Wax, apt to be turned any way, ſerved this Enterprize every jot as well as the former; though the Deſigne were different from what it was, the Great ones not caring much what became of the Kirk-Intereſt, ſince they had agreed for the ſecurity of their own; which muſt needs have been very conſiderable, if they could have redeemedhis Majeſty, and reſtored him into the condition of an abſolute Monarch. Therefore the Kirk ſeeing themſelves left in the lurch, thundered out their Curſes amain, upon that hypocritical Engagement, as deſtructive to the Covenant.
But the Grandees being at a loſs likewiſe, upon Duke
Hamilton's Defeat, were glad to cry Peccavi to the Kirk.
Within a while after, a new Door of Hope being opened to them, by the Right of Succeſſion which they knew belonged to his preſent MAJESTY; they to ingratiate with him, proclaim him their King: and here the Grandees and the Kirk joyning hands again, become Friends, and offer their ſervice for his Reſtitution upon Terms of the Covenant, which was pretended to be framed at firſt for the preſervation of the Parliament, and the Liberties of the people, againſt Regal power; but is, now that the Scots can ſerve their Deſign no longer that way, become the ground of their compliance with his MAJESTY; being reſolved this way, ſince they have failed in all the reſt, to try whether they could accompliſh their profane Projects through the Covenant, by inſinuating themſelves into places of Honour, Profit and Power, that they may domineer in the Poſſeſſions, as their Phariſaical Prieſts would over the Conſciences of the Engliſh.
Thus having made way, in diſcovering what the Deſign of the Scots hath ever been, and is at this inſtant; certainly no Man, that is Maſter of a true Engliſh Spirit, but will abhor the Hypocritical Pretences and Encroachments of that perſidious Nation.
Therefore it being evident that their Deſigne in urging the Covenant upon the Presbyterian here in
England, was only to inſinuate themſelves into an equal Intereſt with our own Nation; I ſhall in the next place, diſcover the great Inconveniencies and Hazards that our Nation muſt of neceſſity have undergone, in caſe it ſhould happen as they ever endeavour'd, to be knit together in a National Union.
A National Union hath been often whiſpered among them heretofore; and there's no doubt but they would bid high for it, if ever they have occaſion; and then it muſt needs have been a very fine world, when we had been confounded with a miſcellany of Scotiſh and Engliſh; when Scots ſhould have been competitors with us in point of priviledge, vie wealth with us in our Poſſeſſions, Honours and Dignities; and they would either have impos'd new Laws upon us, or alter'd the old, according as they judg'd it for their advantage; for a Scotch Covenanters ſtomach will allow no diſtinction betwixt Presbyter and Independent, but can digeſt the Eſtate of an Engliſh Covenanter, without ſo much as a ſcruple of regret or compaſſion.
But it is a very great wonder, ſince the ſtage-play of the Covenant, and the Actors are brought on this ſide the Curtain, and we know what they are, through all their Diſguiſes, and what they aim at, that yet many of our Engliſh Nation ſhould be ſo ſtupid as to be led away with their cheats and pretences for a Reformation; ſince it is evident that their chief Leaders and Sticklers gape onely after Profit and Preferment, and (according to the cuſtome of all Forraigners in Arms) will make no diſtinction betweenFriend and Foe, ſo they may ſatisfie their covetous and ambitious ends.
And for a concluſion to the whole, as to their actions, that theſe particulars may appear more ſolid then meer inſinuation, give me leave to confirm what we have ſaid concerning them, by ſome Authentick Examples; it being an ordinary caſe in the World, That
Ab iſtis exercitibus quos defendendi ſui cauſa attraxerunt evertuntur. Peucer.
Auxiliatores ut ſolet fieri, poſteà fiunt Domini. Strigel. 2 Paralip. 28.
Commonwealths and Kingdoms have been often oppreſs'd by thoſe Forraigners, that came, or were invited in, as Friends, to give their aſſiſtance; and ſo would they have done undoubtedly, had their power been ſuitable to their will.
Here before I proceed, let me call to minde a ſtory of the Hedgehog in the Fable, who being almoſt dead with cold, chanced to light upon a Foxes Kennel; where, asking for entertainment, the Fox more compaſſionate then wiſe, grants his Requeſt: but the Hedghog, as ſoon as he recovered warmth, began to briſtle and prick the Fox; who complaining of his unworthy carriage, the Hedghog made anſwer, That if he found him troubleſome, he might leave him, and ſeek a new Lodging. I ſhall leave the Application to thoſe that would entertain the Scots as Friends, to conſider whether they ſhould finde more courteſie from them, if they had power here, then the Fox did from the Hedghog, or then other Nations have had from the friendly pretences of forraign Auxiliaries.
Concerning this, there are ſeveral Preſidents.
The Macedonians being invited by the
Thebans,
Juſtin. to aſſiſt them againſt the Phocians, made a ſhift not onely to ſeat themſelves among the Thebans, but under the conduct of King Philip, made way to the Conqueſt of all Greece.
So the Perſians,
Xenophon, li.
7. coming as Friends to aid one party in a Civil Diviſion in
Caria, ſuppreſs'd both, and depriv'd that Common-wealth of its liberty.
And the Carthaginians in the firſt Punick War, received more prejudice from the Celtae, their Confederates and Brethren in Covenant, then from the Romans, their Enemies.
The Goths and Vandals,
Pezel. par. 4. pag. 613. being invited by the Emperor
Theodoſius for his aſſiſtance, deprived him of Italy and Spain. Afterwards, the Longbeards, or Lombards, being called in by Narſes, againſt the Goths, ſeated themſelves for above 200 years in that part of Italy, which from them, was called Lombardy.
A quarrel happening between the two Saracen Sultans of Perſia and Babylon,
Circa Annum Chriſti 870. Chytraeus in Apoc. cap. 9. the Perſian called in the Turks, under the conduct of their Captain Tangrolipix, out of
Scythia, who ſeated themſelves firſt in a part of his Dominions.
In the time of the Emperour Frederick the Third, the Princes of Italy being in contention, the Pope called in the
Spaniard, and ſeveral other Princes, to compoſe the Quarrel;
In Chron. Phil. li. 5. which being done, a new one aroſe betwixt the Auxiliary Princes, for the Lordſhip of
Italy; but the Spaniard drave away the reſt, and made bold to keep poſſeſſion himſelf.
Thus likewiſe the Spaniards being invited into
Sicily
and Naples, to free them from the
French, did indeed expel the French, but poſſeſſed both Kingdoms themſelves.
On the other ſide, a controverſie ariſing betwixt
Lewis, and John Sforza, for the Dutchy of Millain; John called in the Spaniards to his party, and Lewis the
French; but the French driving John and the
Spaniards away, made themſelves at that time Maſters of the
Dukedom, and carried their Friend Lewis priſoner into
France.
Thus, in old time, our Anceſtors, the Saxons, being called in by Vortigern,
Sam. Daniel. the Britiſh King, to aſſiſt him againſt the Invaſions of the Picts and
Scots, turn'd their Arms againſt the Britains, and driving them into Wales, tranſmitted the poſſeſſion of this Iſland, to us their poſterity.
So the Scots likewiſe (as Bodin affirms)John Bodin. li. 5. cap. 5. being called in to the aſſiſtance of the Picts againſt the Britains, poſſeſt themſelves of the beſt part of that Kingdom, which they hold at this day.
And now I would fain know of the Admirers of the Scotiſh Nation, what aſſurance they can have, notwithſtanding their fiue Flouriſhes of pretended Friendſhip, that they ſhould not ſerve us, as their Anceſtors did the Picts; or as others did other Nations, whom they oppreſt under as glorious pretences, in caſe they ſhould get the power into their hand; eſpecially ſince of late time they have made ſo many palpable Diſcoveries of Encroachment upon the Engliſh.
Seeing therefore, that their Covenant-Cauſe appears a Cauſe for Intrenchment upon our National Intereſt, rather then for Religion or Monarchy; I may reaſonably conclude, That it concerns all Parties whatſoever (if not for the miſery that would follow it, yet out of a deteſtation of their Deſignes and Endeavours) to ſhake them off, and utterly relinquiſh them.
As for the Engliſh Presbytery, whence it was, hath been manifeſted already; but for what ends brought into England, is not here to be diſputed: But if we ſhould grant the intentions of its firſt Fautors to be pure in the Fountain, (as they would fain maintain, though we are ſatisfi'd to the contrary) yet it appears polluted in the ſtreams, by the corruption of their Succeſſors: for, as the Primitive Pretences of it were high and glorious, in its infancy; ſo being grown up to maturity, it hath (after the manner of all other things that participate of worldly mixtures) in time contracted ſo many Adulterations of worldly Intereſt, that it hath loſt the Beauty which it once appeared to have, and ſerves every Sophiſter, as a Cloak to cover his ambitious Deſignes.
But ſince it is arrived, notwithſtanding, to ſuch a height, in the opinion of many, as to be cried up for the onely Pattern of Government under the Goſpel, this is to be imputed to the blinde Zeal of thoſe that are miſled, and the Deceitfulneſs of the Leaders, rather then the intention of its Author, Mr. Calvin, as it appears: for he never ſeem'd to ſtretch his Module ſo far, as the Neceſſity and Univerſality of a DIVINE RIGHT; but ſeems onely to have
hewn part of the Building out of the Rock of the Scriptures, and piec'd up the reſidue by politique Rules, ſuch as he conceiv'd might ſound neareſt the Text, and ſerve moſt conveniently to cement the diſjoynted Members of the then broken and tumultuous Commonwealth of Geneva, into an intire and well-compacted Body.
It was no ſooner lick'd into Form there, but (as it is the fate of all things new) it began to be much extoll'd and admir'd; and the fame thereof ſpreading in England, as well as other parts, wrought in many of our Country-men, an itching deſire to go thither, and inſtruct themſelves in the Nature and Cuſtoms of the Government; where, of Spectators, they ſoon became Proſelytes; and returning home with new affections, look'd with an Eye of Diſdain upon the Biſhops, as if themſelves had indeed found out the Pattern in the Mount, becauſe (forſooth) the words, Presbytery, Elder, Deacon and
Aſſembly, &c. ſound more Goſpel-like, then Dioceſs, Church-warden, Arch-deacon, and High-Commiſsion, &c. With theſe Terms the
Maxima pars vulgi capitur Ambagibus.
ordinary ſort of Religious Perſons, not able to ſee through the Shell of words, into the Kernell or ſubſtance of the buſineſs, were eaſily led to a belief of high matters; whereas this new form, like the Trojan Horſe, brought an Army of Miſchiefs in the belly of it, which have of late years been ſufficiently diſcovered.
For immediately after the Epiſcopal Form was aboliſhed here, as corrupt and Antichriſtian, the chief Sticklers of the Presbyterian Faction began to ſhew their Teeth; and ſitting in an Aſſembly cheek by
jole with the Parliament, intermedled with their Affairs, laboured to twiſt their Church-Diſcipline with the intereſt of State; claimed in their open Pleas, Diſcourſes, and their Confeſſion of Faith, a Power in themſelves, diſtinct from the Civil, and demanded the voting of this in both Houſes, as Jure Divino, that ſo by degrees they might creep, till they had got to ſuch a height, that none ſhould be ſole Lords and Maſters, but they and their Confederates.
Theſe, and many other pranks they play'd, in hope to erect their intended Domination: And though (being often required) they were never able to ſhew their Pedegree from the Apoſtles, or derive the Lincaments of their Form from the Body of the Scripture; yet they preſt it on ſtill, and wanted not their Party in Parliament, with the aſſiſtance of the Scots (whoſe Intereſt it was) to ſecond them. But all is blaſted, and their ſpecious pretences found out to be nothing but Hypocriſie and Diſſimulation.
Yet were there perpetually, when they found their Cauſe to falter, Presbyterian Juglings in private, Murmurings abroad, and Mutinies in the Pulpit; ſuch well-acted Lamentations for the glory of the Kirk departing, and the loſs of their Diana, that every Prayer was a Stratagem, and moſt Sermons meer Plots againſt the Government they lived under.
Thus the nature of their Deſigne being diſcovered, give me leave in the next place to manifeſt the vanity of their Hopes, that if men will not forbear for ſhame of its hypocriſie, they may yet, in conſideration of the many ſad Conſequents which may follow.
For though they uſe all poſſible means to draw in the Royal Party to their own, yet it can never be effected: for the Royaliſts look upon them ſtill (and that not without apparent reaſon) as the Authors of their miſery; for they reduc'd our moſt ſacred King CHARLES the firſt, Diminutione Capitis, in the condition of a Captive; they ſpoil'd him as a King, before others executed him as a private Man; they depriv'd him of his Earthly Crown, and kept him languiſhing; whereas a reverend Father of the Church ſays,
See the Iriſh Biſhop's Sermon at the Hague, in print.
Others were more courteous in ſending him to an Heavenly.
As for the inconveniences which the Presbyterian Deſigne would bring upon the whole Nation, gueſs at them by theſe following Particulars.
Beſides the many Miſchiefs it would bring upon the Nation in general, the Royaliſt can no ways be content with it; nor indeed, have they any Reaſon ſort, being abſolutely deſtructive to Regal Dignity.
It never was embraced yet, by any one Nation, in a National Form, but by Scotland; this, as
See the Caſe of the Kingdom ſtated. Anno 1647. One obſerved; was done in the Miriority of King James, when the Scotch Lairds and Clergy doing all as they liſted, at length parted ſtakes, (though the Clergy then got, and ſtill hold the better) that when be came to age, he found the Fable of
Ixion's Juno moraliz'd upon himſelf: for, as he embraced a Cloud, in ſtead of a Goddeſs; ſo the King, when he thought to graſp his Scepter, laid hold on a Manacle,which kept his hands ſo faſt, during his abode there, that he could never act but what they pleas'd to let him, according to their own Directory of Church and State. And in proceſs of time, this Heat of Presbytery proved ſuch an Hecti
que
in the Body politick of Scotland, that the ſubſtance of Kingly power was utterly conſumed (and nothing left) as we ſee at this day, but the bare Bones, the very Skeleton of Monarchy.
But 'tis taken pro confeſſa, the Presbyterian would have a King; yet ſuch a one as ſhould only bear the Name, a Scare-Crow of Royalty: and he does pretend to maintain the Monarchical Form, yet actually deſtroys the very Fundamentals of Monarchy. Now what prejudice will it be to us, if this Diſcipline ſhould take? for beſides, though this mad Presbyterian Form deſtroys Biſhops, and clips the wings of Regality, it will not be ſo contented, but intrench alſo upon the Gentry in their own Lordſhips, by a ſtrange way of Parochial Tyranny, and bring all People into the condition of meer Gally-ſlaves, while the blinde Prieſts fit at ſtern, and their Hackney-Dependents, the Elders, hold an Oar in every Boat.
Now were theſe Prieſts ſeated here (
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they are in Scotland) in a ſure Succeſſion (as it hath been long ſince
See the Caſe of the Kingdom ſtated.
Ʋt ſupra.
obſerved in Print) a correſpondency being cheriſhed between a Clergy of the ſame Garb and Humour, in both Countryes; they might finely toſs Thunderbolts of Excommunication on both ſides, to gratifie each other; and ſo be able to terrifie all perſons that durſt be averſe in eitherNation; and promote ſuch onely to places of Honor and Profit, whoſe poorer ſpirits will vaſſalize their Genius to ſerve the ends of the Kirk-Domination. And this it was that at firſt cauſed ſo much bauling about the Covenant.
Beſides, one Reaſon more why Presbytery is ſo much deſtructive, is, becauſe of the
In ordine ad ſpiritualia.
Popiſh Trick taken up by the Presbyterian Prieſts, in drawing all ſecular Affairs, within the compaſs of their ſpiritual Juriſdiction, And this they do, by means of that awe wherein they pretend to hold the Conſciences of Magiſtrate and People; the one being lyable, as well as the other, by Suſpenſions and Excommunications, to be exploded at pleaſure, as ſcandalous ſinners. This appears by that large extent of their Authority, in judging of ſcandalous ſins, which reaches almoſt to every action of humane life; ſo that all the people, beſides their Favourites, (from the Counſeller to the Begger) muſt at every Turn ſtoop like Aſſes, to be ridden by them and their Arbitrary Aſſemblies.
Now therefore conſidering what the Nature and Deſigne of the Presbytery is, and what miſchievous inconveniences muſt unavoidably follow it; I leave it to every reaſonable man, whether he thinks he ought not diſengage himſelf from that unreaſonable and factions Party.
But I muſt not leave him thus; I have a VVord or two more for him, like it, or leave it.
He is one whoſe Loyns are far more fruitful then his Brain, and the Iſſue of both, alike ſpurious. He is one of the more ſerious Rabbies of the time; aLinſey-wolſey Elder of the people, who weaves his home-ſpun Lectures with News and Divinity, and dreſſes all his Politicks and Diſcourſes in a Scripturemode, to make them paſſe the more currant among his Proſelytes; and yet will ſet both Scripture and Conſcience upon the wrack to bring about his own end. He has ever had an ambition to ride a Cock-horſe upon Jure Divino: but ſure men will have more wit, then to be ridden like Aſſes, or the foals of Aſſes, by the Babyloniſh Jockies, notwithſtanding their
Jus divium.
He came out of Scotland mounted on a Galloway-Nag, to Weſtminſter at firſt, and the Houſes were fain to furniſh him with Provender; therefore it would be but impudence in him to think to pra
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e and caper as he has done heretofore. He can ſing a Hoſanna to the Mother-Kirk, and will offer to conjure up Saint Peter and Saint Paul, with all the reſt of the Diſciples and Primitive Saints, to bear witneſs to her Chriſtendome, unleſſe it be Timothy and Titus, whom they look upon as Biſhops, and ſo no competent witneſſes touching the right of Claſſicall or Congregational Elderſhips. He will be ſure to cry down the Divine Right of Epiſcopacy, and ſo be the cauſe, that like wild Beaſts without Bridling, Men wander and range as they pleaſe, with all Licentiouſneſs in Doctrine and Manners, and run over all the Boundaries of Civil Relations or Propriety, to make way for a Pious Parity and Communion, whereby we may all walk together in pure Familiarity, without either reſpect of Perſons or Sexes. He has a Motley Face, and a Medley Conſcience; and
'tis a thouſand pities but that his Picture ſhould betaken after the faſhion of thoſe ſquint Italian Pieces, which preſent a Saint on one ſide, and a Monſter on the other.
He's a divine Jocky, that drives as furiouſly as
Jehu; and will run out of his ſmall Wits with ſwitch and ſpur, for preferment. He could willingly creep into the Vice-Chancellour's Scarlet, or the Deanery of Chriſt-Church; and if he does at any time, 'tis tranſlated into the name of Maſterſhip; to ſhew that he never intended Reformation ſhould reach any farther then to change the prophane names of Biſhops and Deans, into Elders and Deacons; who may enjoy the old Poſſeſſions under a new Form, without ſuch unſanctified and ſuperſtitions Titles, which are the onely ſtumbling-blocks to the converted Gentiles, in the High-way of Sacriledge.
He's a vile Cobler of Controverſie, a dull a-la-mode-Reformer, a Tranſlator of Antiquity, that hath pull'd the Church all to pieces, and knows not how to patch it up again; that hath ſhaken the very Fundamentals of Religion, and then endeavours to bungle it with odde fopperies of his own invention: for the ancient Creed of the Church being quite out of faſhion, he has cut out a Confeſſion of faith, according to the large proportion of his own VViſdom; and wyre-drawn the buſineſs above twenty yards in meaſure beyond the Alcoran or Talmud. He is one that drives a great Trade in the Trafficks of rich Livings, betwixt
London and the Country; and ſo gets a pretty Revenue to hold up Uſury, and find Candles of Conſolation to cheriſh his Zeal, and leave Portions to the Children of Presbytery.
He is a Stoical Pretender, a Mammoniſt, an Epicure
of the Long Robe, and delights infinitely to bathe himſelf in the Golden Streams of Sacriledge. He's a bleating Bell-Weather of the General Aſſembly; and whereſoever there appears any Loyalty, he gives an Alarm to his Lung-pipes immediately; then out comes the Son of the Kirk in array, with all the Bag and Baggage of Uſe and Application, to bring up the Rear of his Sermon. Nay, rather then fail, Antichriſt and Monarchy ſhall both be brought together to the Stake, and baited by the mad Dogs of the times, to inflame the Multitude.
But though they have done this over and over, 'tis all to no purpoſe: for the Bag-pipes draw little or no Company at all now; and are as little regarded as Ballad-ſingers, that are alwayes in one Tune.
Reformation and Chevy-Chaſe are much of the ſame credit and ſtanding. And ſince the people have ſeen Covenant and Concupiſcence (the two Twins of our Mother-Kirk) walk hand in hand together, they are willing now to part them. He's a holy Bellowsmender of the flea-bitten Synod, that knows how (upon any occaſion) to blow the coals of the Altar, to make a Sacrifice of Cities and Kingdomes. Be confident that he acknowledges no Holy-days, becauſe there is ſuperſtition in Eaſter, but none in Uſury; and he is not at leaſure to minde the Reſurrection, or
ſeek thoſe things that are above, having ſo much to diſpatch about Traffick here below; which buſineſs he proſecutes with extreme devotion. But if you ſee him upon a Faſt day, at a Summers Exerciſe, when he baits his Text, and himſelf into a Bathe, you would take him in the Pulpit, for Cornelius in his Tub; and if a Cavalier chance to preach on Good-Friday,be confident he's clapt in priſon, to ſhew unto the world, that their Eaſter-Devotions are ſuitable unto their Chriſtmas; and that they care as little for the ſufferings, as the birth of our Saviour. For Zeal (forſooth) that fiery Goſſip will not permit an Union with the Cavaliers, by any means, unleſs they will yeild to have their Conſciences crampt with the Covenant. He's a Divine Puppit that is trimm'd and trick'd up with the fine Phant'ſies of the Directory, and Confeſſion of the New Cut; as alſo all the Whimſies of the Modiſh-Garb of reforming. He's a true Boanerges of the Kirk, that can level his Thunder-bolts againſt all ſuch as ſhall preſume to be obedient to their Civil Governors. Nor are the Governours in any better condition then the people; for they are affronted by every ranting Presbyter, that raves in the Pulpit, like a Conjurer in his Circle; and dares firſt raiſe the Devil with falſe Doctrine, and then deliver up to him all the Peers of the Realm by an Excommunication: from whence there can be no redemption, but at ſuch a rate, as ſhall coſt them the beſt of their Priviledges, and make them untruſs upon the Cloſe-ſtool of Antichriſt, better known by the name of the Stool of Repentance. He is never well but when he is riding both King
GOD bleſs his Majeſty.
, Lords and Commons at his pleaſure, and whipping them on with ſharp Cenſures, that like tame Mules of the Kirk, they may carry all the Bag and Baggage of the Brethren to the promiſed Land, whither they have ever been journying to fetch that pattern out of the Mount, which will make us all weary of our lives, if we ever be ſo mad as to entertain it when they get it. But if theſe preſent times hold,wherein Loyalty flouriſhes, and Majeſty ſways the Scepter; the blew Sir
Johns may return to their ten pounds per annum, and
Sunday-pudding: which is a ſad thing to think on, and will ſooner break the hearts, then the bellies, of the fat Calves of Reformation.
In fine, Mr. John is all Zeal, no Knowledge; all Purity, no Humility; all Simplicity, no Honeſty: and if you never truſt him, he will never deceive you. Now as for the Northern Fraternity, whoſe brotherly Zeal tranſported them heretofore on this ſide Jordan, to help drive out the Amorite and Hittite, Heaven ſend them the bleſſing of Encreaſe and multiply, at home; ſuffer Presbytery and Bag-pipes to flouriſh beyond Berwick; and keep them (for the future) from making a Mouſe-trap of the Covenant to catch Engliſhmen; and ſend them good ſtore of Charity and Succeſs to plant their Diſcipline where more need is among their Brethren, the ſons of Anak, in the
High-lands.
To conclude, take this ſhort Deſcription of our Presbyterian-Jehu, as it was formerly penned by divers that in other Ages had experience of him.
A Presbyter is an Eſſence that needs a double Definition: for he is not what he appears to be. He's a Church-Rebel, or one that would exclude Order, that his Brain might rule. In things but Ceremonial, will ſpurn at the grave authority of the Church; and out of needleſs nicety, be a Thief to himſelf of thoſe Benefits that God hath beſtowed on him. A Thing of ſo croſs-grain'd a temper, that ſhould theChurch enjoyn clean Shirrs, he'd wear ſuch as were lowſie. Shew him a Ring, he runs back like a Bear, and hates ſquare-dealing, as being allyed to Caps: A pair of Organs blow him out of the Pariſh, and is the onely Gliſter-pipe to cool him: A Surplice will ſooner cure him of the Chin-cough, then the ſight of a Bear. He is a diſeas'd piece of
Apocrypha; bind him to the Bible, and he corrupts the whole Text:
Ignorance, and Fat Feed, are his Founders; his Nurſe is
Railing Rabbies, and Roman Breeches; his life is but a borrow'd blaſt of wind: for between two Religions, as between two Doors, he is ever whiſtling. Truly, whoſe Child he is, is not yet known; for his Faith willingly knows no father. When he makes a Speech, 'tis ſomewhat ominouſly with his Neck awry, as if Mahomet's Pigeon ſhould come and prompt him in the Ear. He gluts himſelf with Sacrilege, fearing no ſurfeit upon the ſweet Morſels of the Crown and Cathedrals: He faſts once a moneth, and feaſts all the year after, to ſtarve Loyalty quite out of the Kingdom: His tender Conſcience can ſtrain at a Gnat, and ſwallow a Camel: The flame of his Zeal ſhin'd ſo brightly, that it once converted all the Ornaments of the Church into Tinder, to furniſh his own phanſie with new Lights. He turns the Church into a ſtable, and ſtables into Churches, that our Saviour might be preach'd where he was born.
Reformation is his ſtalking-horſe; and though he be no Roman Catholick, yet he is a Pariſh-Pope; one that knows no ſubjection to Mitre or Scepter: No Jeſuite demands more blind and abſolute obedience from his Vaſſals; no Magiſtrate of the canting ſociety, more ſlaviſh ſubjection from the Members of that travelling ſtate, then the Presbyterian Hypocrite expects from his
Lay-Pupil. Nay, they muſt not onely be obeyed, fed and defended, but admired; and that their Lay-Proſelytes do as ſincerely, as a ſhirtleſs Fellow with a Cudgel under his arm, does a Face-wringing Balladſinger. 'Tis a demure creature full of Oral ſanctiry, and Mental impiety; a fair Object to the Eye, but ſtark naught to the Underſtanding. He holds it lawful to ſteal, ſo it be from the wicked Egyptians. He hates no Wore, like the Whore of Babylon. If he meet per accidens with a Tabitha, he can court her with a Hail Siſter to be her Incumbent; and perſwade her 'tis the pr— of Zeal that moves him forward. He's a ſnuffling Rabby known by theſe marks; a long-waſted Conſcience that can out-ſtride a Coloſſus, a Gnomon-Noſe, a wrought Cap, a ſwaggering pair of ears, and not an inch of hair.
Cleaveland.If you meet any that do thus attire 'em,
Stop them; they are the Tribe of Adoniram.
He is an unlucky Bird that us'd formerly to croak about VVeſtminſter-Abbey; and if this Daw were not often cramm'd, you were ſure to hear of it in the next Faſt-ſermon: then would he beat up all his Drums in the Pulpit, and thunder againſt the ungodly. He's a pious Thief that did ſo pill the Royaliſt, that he lookt as bare as a Scotch Laird in ſackcloth, ſitting on the ſtool of Repentance. He has trimm'd the Cavalier worſe then the angry Barbers of Grays-Inn uſe to do a Bayliff of Middleſex. His fiery Zeal keeps him continually coſtive, which withers him into his own Tranſlation; and till he eat a ſchool-man, he's hide-bound: Give him advice, you run into Traditions; and urge a modeſt courſe, hecries out, Councils. He dares not be honeſt, for that loves order; yet, if he can be brought to ceremony, and made but Maſter of it, he is converted. He's a gilded Pill compoſed of two vertuous Ingredients, Natural Diſhoneſty, and Artificial Diſſimulation. Women and Lawyers are his beſt Diſciples: the one (next fruit) longs for forbidden Doctrine; the other, to maintain forbidden Titles: both which he ſows among them; yet he lives religiouſly according to outward appearance, and will not revel it in a ſhoreleſs exceſs. He can better afford you ten Lyes, then one Oath; and dare commit any ſin guilded with a pretence of ſanctity. He had rather ſee Antichriſt, then a picture in a Church-Window; and chuſeth ſooner to be half hang'd, then ſee a Leg at the Name of JESUS, or an Auditor ſtand at rehearſing of the
Creed. He uſually makes moving ſermons; for moſt of the people go out of the Church before he has done. His hums and
ha's with the help of ſalvation, conſume the beſt part of the hour; and is of ſo good diſcourſe, that he dare challenge the
Almighty to talk with him Ex tempore. Beſides, he is ſo ſure of his ſalvation, that he will not change places in heaven with the Virgin Mary without boot. He has nick-named all the Prophets and Apoſtles with his ſons, and begets none but Vertues for his daughters. He will be ſure to thwart the Biſhops, though it be accompanied with an abſurdity: like the Iſlanders near adjoyning unto China, who ſalute by putting off their ſhoes, becauſe the Chineſes do it by their hats. 'Tis ſuch a creature as Pliny ne'er wrote of; and the like was not to be ſeen in Noahs Ark. 'Tis a violent Thing made up of contradiction: if he faſt on any ſet day, 'tis certainly
on Sunday; but he will be ſure to feaſt on
Friday. His opinion has turned his zeal into madneſs and diſtraction; and out of his blind and uncharitable pride, cenſures and ſcorns others as Reprobates; or out of obſtinacy fills the world with brawlings about undeterminable Tenents: and being once elated with the pride of his Faction, doth ſo contemn all others, that he does infringe the Laws of humane ſociety. He's a ſaint of the new Tranſlation; or if you pleaſe, a ſainted Salamander, that lives in the flames of Zeal. A ſtubble-gooſe, that hath fed high in this Harveſt of Reformation: the prime Gandee of the factions flock. An Apocryphal piece of Univerſity-Mummery: a holy Pick-lock, that can open mens conſciences, and pick the purſe of the City with eaſe and dexterity. A Gun-powder Politician, that loves to make Fire-works for the deſtruction of the Loyaliſt. A Divine Squib-crack. The meek man of God, or the hypocrite in grain. An Univerſity-Canker-worm. A grievons Plunderer of the ſaints in Church-windows. A right Phariſaical Jew; one that will compaſs ſea and land to make a Proſelyte. A pious Pulpit-Cuffer. A deadly ſpit-fire. Such a ſtubborn lump of ſanctified fleſh, that you may as ſoon perſwade the Scot to forſake his craft, the Jew his avarice, or the Pope St.
Peters Chair, as the Presbyter to leave off his Fanatick Whimſies. In fine, he is ſo much Knave, that 'tis nonſence to call him Fool.
I could make it appear, how all ſeditions almoſt and rebellions in Scotland, have been ſet a foot or fomented by this Government Presbyterian: how neighborly Feuds have been encreaſed and entertained: how monies collected for the relief and ſupport
of Geneva, were by the chief Gamaliels and Presbyters interverted, employed to raiſe and pay ſouldiers to aid and aſſiſt the Earl of Bothwel and his complices in Rebellion againſt the King. I fear I have wearied you already; the ſubject is everlaſting, and I am weary of it.
If I ſhould give account of the late practiſes and tenets of this late Covenant, it were poſſible to let you ſee that it hath far exceeded all the miſchiefs ever their forefathers did, although they tread in the ſame footſteps.
To ſhut up all, give me leave, in the cloſe, to give the Articles of their Apoſtatical Creed inconſiſtent with Monarchy, which they hold as the twelve Articles of the Apoſtolical Symbole. I will touch onely the prime of thoſe; for their other Articles, they are ſo many, and of ſo vaſt an extent abounding in Negatives, that as King James ſaith well, He that would keep them, is not able to retain them in his brain, but muſt keep them in a Table-book.
The Articles of the Dogmatical Presbyterian Faith inconſiſtent with Monarchy.
-
Their Dogmatical Creed.1. THey preach and maintain, that the Church is the houſe of God, the civil policy and Government are onely the hangings.
- 2. Next they believe, all Miniſters are
pari conſortio honoris & poteſtatis praediti, that there muſt be a parity in the Church. Joyn theſe two together, and you have a fair way for Democracy.
- 3. They vindicate to themſelves and their Conſiſtory, a ſoveraign, compleat, univerſal, independent power in all things ſpiritual that concern ſalvation: they have not onely the directive power, but the Legiſlative alſo; and all temporal things in order to ſalvation and religion, come within the verge of their Scepter. All ſoveraign power, whereſoever you fix it, (whether in one, as in a Monarchy; or in few, as in an Ariſtocracy; or in many or all by viciſſitudinary turns) have onely the Executive power to do as they command; and is bound to preſerve by its power, Laws, and Arms, their ſacred and Coeleſtial priviledges and ſoveraignty.
- 4. Whatſoever Laws civilly enacted by King or Parliament, they conceive to be againſt the Laws of the Kingdom of Chriſt; by their native proper intrinſecal right immediately derived from Chriſt, they may repeal and make void, diſcharge the ſubject to obey them. They may decree not onely different Laws of their own from the ſtanding Laws of the Kingdom; but contrary, contradictory and deſtructive of them. And have withal ſo much co-active power, that if obedience be denyed to the Laws of this ſoveraignty, they can deſtroy the Souls of the ſubjects, by delivering them over to
Satan.
- 5. No Miniſter preaching in Pulpit ſedition or treaſon, or railing at King, Council, the prime Judges, is accountable, or puniſhable by King, Parliament, Council, or any Judicatory whatſoever; but from all he may appeal to the
Sanhedrim and Conſiſtory as the ſole and proper competent Judge.
- 6. What Corroboration or civil Confirmation or Sanction they demand of the King, which he is ableto do civilly, (for they will give him no formal intereſt in any ſacred or religious thing) he is bound to grant it, and to obey them as Chriſts immediate Vicegerents: otherwiſe they may excommunicate him.
- 7. Reformation and preſervation of Religion, eſpecially to preſcribe the way and orders for reformation, is ſolely theirs.
- 8. The King is bound to put their orders in execution; but if neither He, nor his Council, nor his Parliament will do it, the inferior Judges, the Nobles, the Commons, nay, every individual man to his utmoſt power, at their direction, are bound to do it.
- 9. That they may without warrant of ſupreme authority, aſſemble where and when they will, for God and Chriſts cauſe, and for the liberty and peace of ſubject and Kingdom in
ordine ad ſpiritualia; and there they may covenant together, ſwear and ſubſcribe for the glory of God, the advancement of Religion, and conſpire and combine in a mutual defence one of another in this holy Cauſe and League.
- 10. They teach and maintain, that all ſoveraignty and Majeſty in a King, is originally, immediately and properly derived from the Community, and that onely by way of a fiduciary truſt, ſo that it is habitually and radically ſtill in the people, and the King hath no greater portion or proportion then he hath by the firſt popular fundamental conſtitution: And in caſe of deficiency, the collective body may ſupply in Church or State the defects of his Government. For male-adminiſtration, the King is cenſurable; for ernormous errours, he is depoſable; and they may diſinherit his poſterity.
- 11. That a defenſive War is lawful againſt a bad King, or a weak King ſeduced by malignant counſel.
- 12. They may oppoſe and reſiſt all his Officers and Commiſſioners by force and violence, if they come to execute his illegal commands: and if he will be ſo obſtinate that he will come in arms againſt theſe good Chriſtians, they reſiſt not his authority, but his will; not his office, but his perſon.
Beſides, their practiſe upon theſe grounds, is to bring all caſes, all cauſes, under their cognition and judgement, ſub formalitate ſcandali, by which the King is robbed of his ſacred prerogative, the Judges of their authority, and all ſubjects of their right and quiet. The reſt of their extravagant Maximes inconſiſtent with Monarchy and the peace of Government, are reduceable to thoſe heads.
Thus not intending hereby to reproach any perſon particularly whatſoever, I have writ This, but to lay open to the world how dangerous a Government this is, not onely for Monarchy, but for all Governments whatſoever: and that our eyes being opened, we may chuſe rather to endure any torment temporary, then to enter into this treacherous and damnable Covenant, deſtructive to Religion, King, Church, Peace of all, and the liberty of the ſubject. To ſwear to theſe things as eſtabliſhed
de jure divino, and to put on poor people to act treaſon and rebellion, making them believe they are Confeſſors and Martyrs. If this gives the Reader any ſatisfaction, I have what I deſire: If
he doubt of the truth of anything, I hope I am able to make all here good by faithful and autnentick Records or Teſtimony of ſuch as are worthy of r
•
uſt.
God ſave his Church, our King and Realm, from this Scourge; and give us Peace and Truth. AMEN.
FINIS.