A01760:865
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…
A dispute against the English-popish ceremonies, obtruded upon the Church of Scotland Wherein not only our own arguments [sic] against the same are strongly confirmed, but likewise the answers and defences of our opposites, such as Hooker, Morton ... Forbesse, &c. particularly confuted.A dispute against the English-popish ceremonies, obtruded vpon the Church of Scotland Wherein not only our ovvne argumemts [sic] against the same are strongly confirmed, but likewise the ansvveres and defences of our opposites, such as Hooker, Mortoune ... Forbesse, &c. particularly confuted.
Leiden: printed by W. Christiaens, 1637
Title page typeset from the transcription.
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
In the mean while, we deny not, but that in extraordinary cases, when lawful Councils can not be had, and when the Clergy is universally corrupted, through gross ignorance, perverse affections, and incorrigible negligence, in such a case, the Prince notwithstanding the defect of the ordinary and regular Judges, may yet by the Power of he civill sword, repress and punish so many as publish and spread such Doctrines, as both he and other Christians by the judgement of discretion, plainly understand from Scripture, to be heretical.
In the meane while, we denie not, but that in extraordinary cases, when lawfull Councels can not be had, and when the Cleargie is universally corrupted, through grosse ignorance, perverse affections, and incorrigible negligence, in such a case, the Prince notwithstanding the defect of the ordinary and regular Iudges, may yet by the Power of he civill sword, represse and punish so many as publish and spread such Doctrines, as both he and other Christians by the judgement of discretion, plainely understand from Scripture, to be hereticall.
Next I say, that the Prince having assembled a Council, may not ⟨p. 179⟩take so much upon him, as imperiously to command what he thinketh good, in the disputes and deliberations, & to have every thing ordered, disposed, and handled according to his mind. To debate and define Theological controversies, and to teach what is Orthodoxall, what Heretical, is the office of Divines; yet by a coactive authority to judge this Orthodox Faith to be received by all, and Heretical pravity to be rejected is the office of Kings, or the supreme Magistrates in every Commonwealth, saith dthe Bishop of Salisbury. And eagain, in Searching, Directing, Teaching; Divines, ordinarily and by reason of their calling, ought to go be fore Kings themselves: but in commanding, establishing, compelling; Kings do far excel. Where he showeth, how in defining of the Controversies of Religion, in one respect Ecclesiastical persons, and in another respect Kings have the first place.