Page:History of all religions.pdf/9

9 ſwear the Burgeſs Oath in all its extent; and that the Covenants cannot be properly ſworn by a party, but ought to be done in a national way, being a public deed; otherwiſe it would not be a National, but a Party Covenant.

The Antibarghers, in oppoſition to this, ſaid, that it was not right to ſwear the Burgeſs Oath, having a religious cauſe in it: and that it is lawful for a party to renew the covenant at all times.

Of the Presbytery of Relief. About 50 years ago, Mr Thomas Gillespie, then pariſh miniſter ct Carhock, being appointed by the General Aſſembly, to place a minifter at Inverkiething, against the people's will, refused to do it; for which he was laid aſide for a year. Next aſſembly be ſpoke bodiy againſt patronage, and was depoſed. Soon after, he and his followers formed a party, under the denomination of the Preſbytery of Relief; being thereby relieved from Patronage. They are Calviniſts + but they are very free in receiving church members.

Of the old and New Light Burghers. The Old Light people say, that they stand for the Confeſſion of Faith in every point; the New Light party do not deny it. Wherein lieth the difference?

I The Old Light party ſay, that the civil magiſtrate hath a right to all church courts, and

+ They hold Juſtification by free grace, only through the sacrifice of Christ received by faith. The diſſenters and independents hold the same