A dispute against the English-popish ceremonies, obtruded upon the Church of Scotland Wherein not…A dispute against the English-popish ceremonies, obtruded vpon the Church of Scotland Wherein not…

Thus have we gained a principal point, Viz, That the laws of Sect. XXXI Princes bind not absolutely but conditionally, nor propter se, but propter aliud. Whereupon it followeth, that except the breach of those ceremonial Ordinances wherewith we are pressed, include the breach of the law of Charity, which is of a superior bond, we are not holden to obey them. Now that it is not the breach, but the obedience of those ordinances, which violateth the law of Charity, we have heretofore made manifest, and in this place we will add only one general. Whensoever the laws of Princes about things Ecclesiastical, do bind the conscience conditionally, & because of some other law of a superior bond, which can not be observed if they be transgressed; ⟨image 139⟩(which is the only respect for which they bind, when they bind at all;) then the things which they prescribe belong either to the conservation, or purgation of Religion. But the controverted Ceremonies belong to neither of these. Therefore the laws made thereanent bind not, because of some other law which is of a superior bond. As to the Proposition, will any man say that Princes have any more power, then that which is expressed in the 25 Article of the Confession of Faith, ratified in the first Parliament of King James the 6. which saith thus, Moreover, to Kings, Princes, Rulers, and Magistrates, we a•me that chiefly and most principally, the conservation and the purgation of the Religion appertains, so that not only they are appointed for civill policy, but also for maintenance of the true Religion, and for suppressing of Idolatry and superstition whatsoever. Hoe nomine (saith ^mCalvin) maxime laudantur sancti Reges in Scriptura, quod Dei cultum corruptum vel eversum restituerint, vel curam gesserint Religionis, ut sub illis pura & incolumis floreree. The 21, Parliament of King James holden at Edinburgh 1612. in the ratification of the Acts and Conclusions of the general Assembly, kept in Clasgove 1610. did innovate and change some words of that Oath of Allegiance, which the general Assembly in reference to the conference kept 1571. ordained to be given to the Person provided to any benefice with cure, in the time of his admission by the Ordinare. For the form of the Oath set down by the act of the Assembly, beginneth thus. I. A. B.

Thus have we gained a principall point, Viz, That the lawes of Sect. XXXI Princes bind not absolutely but conditionally, nor propter se, but propter aliud. Whereupon it followeth, that except the breach of those ceremoniall Ordinances wherewith we are pressed, include the breach of the law of Charity, which is of a superior bond, we are not holden to obey them. Now that it is not the breach, but the obedience of those ordinances, which violateth the law of Charity, we have heretofore made manifest, and in this place we will adde only one generall. Whensoever the lawes of Princes about things Ecclesiasticall, doe bind the conscience conditionally, & because of some other law of a superior bond, which can not be observed if they be transgressed;