I am not ignorant that some have an evil eye upon all government in a Nation, distinct from civill Magistracy, and if it were in their power they would have all Anti-Erastians (and so consequently both Presbyterians and Independents) looked upon as guilty of Treason, at least, as violators of, and encroachers upon the rights and privileges of Magistracy, in respect of a distinct Ecclesiastical government. And indeed it is no new thing for the most faithful Ministers of Jesus Christ to be reproached and accused as guilty of Treason, which was not only the lot of M. Calderwood, ⟨image 7⟩and (as hath been now showed) of M. Welsch, and those that suffered with him, hbut of M. Knox before them, as likewise of many Martyrs and confessors, and iof the Apostles themselves. Yet (if we will judge righteous judgement, and weigh things in a just balance) we do not rob the Magistrate of that which is his, by giving unto Christ that which is Christs. We desire to hold up the honour and greatness, the power and authority of Magistracy, against Papists, Anabaptists, and all others kthat despise dominion, and speak evil of dignities. We do not lcompare (as Innocentius did) the civill and the ecclesiastical powers, to the two great lights, that to the Moon, this to the Sun. We hold mit is proper to Kings, Princes and Magistrates, to be called Lords, and Dominators over their Subjects whom they govern civilly, but it is proper to Christ only to be called Lord and Master in the Spiritual government of the Church; and all others that bear office therein, ought not to usurp Dominion therein, nor be called Lords, but only Ministers, Disciples and Servants. We acknowledge and affirm nthat Magistracy and civill Government in Empires, Kingdoms, Dominions, and Cities, is an Ordinance of ⟨image 7⟩God for his own glory, and for the great good of mankind, so that whoever are enemies to Magistracy, they are enemies to mankind and to the revealed will of God: oThat such persons as are placed in authority, are to be beloved, honoured, feared, and holden in a most reverend estimation, because they are the Lieutenants of God, in whose seat God himself doth sit and judge; We teach pthat not only they are appointed for civill policy, but also for maintenance of the true Religion, and for suppressing of Idolatry and superstition whatsoever.
I am not ignorant that some have an evill eye upon all government in a Nation, distinct from civill Magistracy, and if it were in their power they would have all Anti-Erastians (and so consequently both Presbyterians and Independents) lookt upon as guilty of Treason, at least, as violaters of, and encroachers upon the rights and priviledges of Magistracy, in respect of a distinct Ecclesiasticall government. And indeed it is no new thing for the most faithfull Ministers of Iesus Christ to be reproached and accused as guilty of Treason, which was not onely the lot of M. Calderwood, ⟨image 7⟩and (as hath been now shewed) of M. Welsch, and those that suffered with him, hbut of M. Knox before them, as likewise of many Martyrs and confessors, and iof the Apostles themselves. Yet (if we will judge righteous judgement, and weigh things in a just ballance) we doe not rob the Magistrate of that which is his, by giving unto Christ that which is Christs. We desire to hold up the honour and greatnesse, the power and authority of Magistracy, against Papists, Anabaptists, and all others kthat despise dominion, and speake evill of dignities. We doe not lcompare (as Innocentius did) the civill and the ecclesiasticall powers, to the two great lights, that to the Moone, this to the Sunne. We hold mit is proper to Kings, Princes and Magistrates, to be called Lords, and Dominators over their Subjects whom they governe civilly, but it is proper to Christ onely to be called Lord and Master in the Spirituall government of the Church; and all others that beare office therein, ought not to usurpe Dominion therein, nor be called Lords, but onely Ministers, Disciples and Servants. We acknowledge and affirme nthat Magistracy and civill Government in Empires, Kingdomes, Dominions, and Cities, is an Ordinance of ⟨image 7⟩God for his owne glory, and for the great good of mankind, so that whoever are enemies to Magistracy, they are enemies to mankind and to the revealed will of God: o
- hDiscourse of the troubles at Frankfurt first published in the year 1575 and reprinted at London in the year 1641. pag. 37.Discourse of the troubles at Frankeford first published in the yeere 1575 and reprinted at London in the yeere 1641. pag. 37.
- iActs 17. 6, 7.
- kJude ep. v. 8.
- lFr à S. Clara Apolog. Episcop. cap. 2.
- mThe second book of the Discipline of the Church of Scotland, cap. 1.The second booke of the Discipline of the Church of Scotland, cap. 1.
- nThe confession of faith of the Church of Scotland Art. 25
- oIbib.
- pIbid.
