A Hind let loose; or An Historical Representation of the Testimonies of the Church of Scotland,
James Dodson
For the INTEREST of Christ.
With the true STATE thereof in all its periods;
Together With A Vindication of the present TESTIMONY against the Popish, Prelatical, and malignant Enemies of that Church, as it is now stated, for the Prerogatives of CHRIST, Privileges of the Church, and Liberties of Mankind; and sealed by the sufferings of a reproached
Remnant of Presbyterians there, witnessing against the Corruptions of the Time.
Wherein Several Controversies of greatest Consequence are inquired into, and, in some Measure cleared; concerning hearing of the Curates, owning of the present Tyranny, taking of ensnaring Oaths and Bonds, frequenting of Field-meetings, defensive Resistance of tyrannical Violence, with several other subordinate Questions useful for these Times.
By
A True Lover of Liberty,
[Mr. ALEXANDER SHIELDS,
Minister of the Gospel, in St. Andrews.]
Psal. 94:20. Shall the throne of iniquity have fellowship with thee, which frameth mischief by a Law?
Prov. 28:15. As a roaring lion, and a ranging bear; so is a wicked ruler over the poor people.
Hos. 8:4. They have set up kings, but not by me: they have made princes, and I knew it not.
Revel. 12:11. And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.
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PRINTED IN THE YEAR 1687.
CONTENTS.
PART I.-An Historical Representation of the Testimonies of the Church of Scotland.
I.-The Testimony of the First Period (Culdees).
II.-The Testimony of the Second Period (Culdees and Lollards).
III.-The Testimony of the Third Period (Reformation from Popery).
IV.-The Testimony of the Fourth Period (1570-1638).
V.-The Testimony of the Fifth Period (1638-1660).
VI.-The Testimony of the Sixth Period (1660-87).
PART II.-A Brief Account of the Sufferings of the Last Period.
PART III.-The Present Testimony Stated and Vindicated.
HEAD I.-Concerning Acknowledging a Corrupt Ministry.
HEAD II.-Concerning Owning of Tyrant’s Authority.
HEAD III.-Concerning Unlawful Imposed Oaths.
HEAD IV.-Concerning Field Meetings.
HEAD V.-Defensive Arms Vindicated.
HEAD VI.-Of Extraordinary Execution of Judgment by Private Men.