An assertion of the government of the Church of Scotland in the points of…

But since they did only assist the Pastor in matters Ecclesiastical, it followeth, that as touching the Office of Elders, there is no distinction betwixt times of Peace and Persecution. Secondly, There were Seniors among the Jews under Godly Kings, and in times of Peace: Why not likewise amongst us? Thirdly, The Ecclesiastical ⟨p. 89⟩power is distinct from the civill, both in the subject, object, and end; so that the one doth not hinder the other: The Magistrates power is to punish the outward man with an outward punishment, which the Presbytery cannot hinder, for he may civilly bind whom the Presbytery spiritually looseth, and civilly loose, whom the Presbytery spiritually bindeth, and that because the Magistrate seeketh not the repentance and salvation of the delinquent by his punishment (as the Presbytery doth) but only the maintenance of the authority of his laws, together with the quietness and preservation of the Common-wealth.

But since they did onely assist the Pastor in matters Ecclesiasticall, it followeth, that as touching the Office of Elders, there is no distinction betwixt times of Peace and Persecution. Secondly, There were Seniors among the Jewes under Godly Kings, and in times of Peace: Why not likewise amongst us? Thirdly, The Ecclesiasticall ⟨p. 89⟩power is distinct from the civill, both in the subject, object, and end; so that the one doth not hinder the other: The Magistrates power is to punish the outward man with an outward punishment, which the Presbytery cannot hinder, for he may civilly bind whom the Presbytery spiritually looseth, and civilly loose, whom the Presbytery spiritually bindeth, and that because the Magistrate seeketh not the repentance and salvation of the delinquent by his punishment (as the Presbytery doth) but onely the maintenance of the authority of his lawes, together with the quietnesse and preservation of the Common-wealth.

Whence it cometh, that the delinquent serapeth not free of the Magistrate, though he be penitent and not obstinate. 4. How thought Whitgift, that the christian Magistrate can do those things which the Seigniory did under a Tyrant? Can the Magistrate by himself determine questions of Faith? Can he know what order and decency in circumstances is fittest for each Congregation? Can he excommunicate offenders, &c. 5. When Bishops exercise Ecclesiastical jurisdiction (yea and the civill too) this is thought no wrong to Princes: