Of the Bishops of the Isles I have lesse to say onely that the Isle of Man was at first the Cathedral seat as by occasion we touched before and that by the invasions of the Norvegians and English the same was translated unto Ilcolmkill In Man Amphibalus was the first Bishop I read of one Machilla likewise that was there Bishop and confirmed the holy Brigida in her purpose of single life After the translation of the seat to Ilcolmkill I find onely one Onacus mentioned about the year 1289. who is reported to have been a good and godly man with another called Mauricius whom King Edward the first of England sent prisoner to London And thus farre of the succession of Bishops unto the time of the Reformation THE HISTORY of the CHURCH OF SCOTLAND THE THIRD BOOK The Contents The History of the Reformation of the Church and how it was wrought THE Petitions put up to Queen Regent for reformation of the Church taking no effect some Noblemen and Barons joyning in Councel did bind themselves by oâ—thes and subscriptions to assist one another and hazard their lives and substance in advancing the cause of Religion The principals were Archibald Earl of Argyle Alexander Earl of Glencarne James Earl of Morton Archibald Lord of Lorne Sir Iames Sandelands of Calder Iohn Erskin of Dun and William Maitland of Lethington younger They meeting together after deliberation what should be fittest first to do concluded That in all Parishes the Curates should be caused read the Prayers and Lessons of the Old and New Testament on Sundayes and other Festival dayes according to the form set forth in the Book of Common Prayers and if they should refuse that the most qualified in every Parish should do the same But for preaching and interpretation of Scripture the same should be used only in private houses after a quiet manner till God should move the Queen to grant further liberty This accordingly was performed in the parts where they had Commandment and by their example in divers Townes and Parishes of the countrey the like was done to the great offence of the Clergy who complaining of that boldnesse to the Queen Regent were answered that it was no fit time to enter into those matters and that she should find occasion ere it were long to put order unto them But the Clergy fearing delayes did forthwith call a Provincial Councel at Edinburgh where professing to make reformation of abuses they renewed some old Popish constitutions which they made to be imprinted and affixed upon the doors of all the Parish Churches The Bishop of S. Andrewes advertised of the Reformation begun in Argyle sent to the Earl Sir David Hamilton his Cousen with a letter wherein after he had shewed the perill in which he did cast both himself and his house by that open defection from the Church he desired him in some honest fashion to rid himself of that defamed and perjured Apostate who had seduced him This was one Mr. Iohn Douglas whom the Earl had taken to be his Minister offering to provide him of a learned and wise Preacher for whom he would lay his soul in pawn that he should teach no other but true doctrine and agreeable to the Catholick faith The Earle answered That for peril he feared none either to himself or to his house having resolved to live in obedience to his Prince and to serve God as well as he could according to his written word and for the defection alledged seeing it had pleased God to open his eyes and give him the knowledge of his truth which he took for a great argument of his favour he would not relinquish or forsake it for fear of any inconveniences As to the man he wrote of he said that he heard him teach the doctrine of Christ condemne idolatry adultery fornication and such like wickednesse and that he should make him give an accompt thereof whensoever he should be cited But to call him defamed and perjured there was no reason seeing he was not declared to be such by any sentence and if he had in former times made any unlawful oath he had done much better in violating the same then if he had observed it Further whereas he made offer to provide him of some learned man he gave him thanks considering the necessity there was of labourers in the Lords harvest but he understood what his meaning in that was and minded not to be led with any such teachers In end he wished him not to begin the battel with him whereof the event would be doubtful for as to himself he knew God was God and should be God still whatsoever mans crast could work or devise The Bishop receiving this answer did communicate the same with the chief of the Clergy who thereby conceiving that there was some businesse in hand began to think of other defences And the feast day of S. Giles or Sanctus Egidius falling out about that time to be kept at Edinburgh they entreated Queen Regent to honour the solemnity with her presence The custome was in that time of the year to carry the image of the Saint in procession through the town for they had S. Giles to their Patron with Drummes Trumpets and all sort of musical instruments neither was there any day kept more superstitiously then this The Queen agreed the rather to accompany the procession for that some cumult was feared which she thought her presence would represse But when the time of the solemnity was come the Saint was missing for some had stolne the image out of the place where it was kept This made a stay till another little image was borrowed from the Gray Friers which the vulgar in mockery called young Saint Giles Herewith they set forward the Regent accompanying the people till the procession was nigh ended then withdrawing her self to the lodging where she was to dine she was no sooner gone then some youths provided for the purpose drawing near unto the Fertor and making a shew to carry it upon their shoulders after they had walked some few paces and perceived by the motion they made the image was fixed to the Fertor they threw all to the ground and taking the image by the heels dashed the same against the stones so as head and hands were beaten off and the idol wholly defaced The people hereupon fell a crying the Priests and Churchmen betook them to flight and a great stirre was in the streets Some houres the Fray continued and being in end setled by the authority of the Magistrates the whole Clergy that were in town assembled themselves and making the best countenance they could indicted a solemn meeting in the beginning of November next To this diet Paul Methven was summoned and not appearing was decerned for his contumacie to be banished the Realme a prohibition likewise was given to all the subjects that none of them should entertain or receive
forward to God which I for my part doe hope and firmly believe that you all will endevour according to the wisdome and prudence which Almighty God hath given unto you And thus as your Lordship hath ever been desirous that I should give you the best assistance I could with his Majesty for the reducing or restraining this Nobleman so you see I have done it with the best discretion I could which I doubt not but all our brethren with you will take as proceeding from my desire to serve God and his Majesty and the whole Church of Scotland I send you herewith the form which I used in absolving the Lord Marquiss in the presence of the Lord Primate of Ireland the Lord Bishop of London and divers others And so beseeching the blessing of God upon you all that in your Assembly with unity of spirit you may proceed to the honour of Christ and to the beating down of Antichrist and Popery I leave you to the Almighty From my house at Croyden Iuly 23. 1616. This letter being shewed to the Clergy and others that were offended with the absolution of the Marquiss gave them content yet was it resolved that the Marquiss who then was returned from Court should present a supplication to the generall Assembly which was to meet at Aberdene the 13 of August acknowledging his offence not despising the admonitions of the Church and promising to continue in the profession of the truth and make his children to be educated in the same and that upon his supplication he should be new absolved according to the form used in the Church of Scotland This was very solemnly performed the first day of the Assembly the earl of Montrose being then Commissioner for his Majesty In the Assembly it was ordained That for as much as his Majesty had by Proclamation recalled such as were gone forth of the Countrey to be educated in the Colledges of Jesuits or other Popish Universities within the space of a year upon pain to be declared uncapable of succession either to goods or lands a triall and exact search should be made of all those that were sent or gone into forain parts within these last ten years and that every Minister should send a particular note unto his Ordinary of those within his Parish that were gone to follow their studies in places abroad with their age profession and families whereunto they appertained to the end they may be known and the dangers prevented wherewith their corrupt education did threaten the Church It was likewise enacted That no man should be permitted to practise or profess any Physick unless he had first satisfied the Bishop of the Dioces touching his religion That a Liturgie or book of Common prayer should be formed for the use of the Church That the Acts of the generall Assemblies should be collected and put in form to serve for Canons to the Church in their Ministration of discipline That children should be carefully catechised and confirmed by the Bishops or in their absence by such as were employed in the visitation of Churches That Grammar Schooles should be established in all Parishes where the same might be conveniently done And that a Register should be kept of baptismes marriages and burialls by the Minister of every Parish These Acts being put in form were ordained to be presented to his Majesty by the Archbishop of Glasgow and Bishop of Rosse who were sent from the Assembly to intreat his Majesties confirmation of the thing concluded By the answer returned with them his Majesties good liking of all that had proceeded in the Assembly was understood only against the Act of confirming young children by Bishops he excepted saying it was a meer hotch potch and not so cleer as was requisite and therefore directed the same to be reformed and among the Canons of the Church the Articles following to be inserted First That for the more reverend receiving of the holy Communion the same should be celebrated to the people thereafter kneeling and not sitting as had been the custome since the reformation of Religion 2 If any good Christian visited with sickness which was taken to be deadly should desire to receive the Communion at home in his house the same should not be denied to him lawfull warning being given to the Minister the night before and three or four of good Religion and conversation being present to communicate with the sick person who must provide for a convenient place and all things necessary for the reverent administration of the blessed Sacrament 3 That the Sacrament of Baptisme should not be longer deferred then the next Sunday after the child is born unless some great and reasonable cause declared and approved by the Minister doe require the same And that in the case of necessity tried and known to the Minister it should be lawfull to administrate Baptisme in private houses the same being alwaies ministred after the form it would have been in the congregation and publick declaration thereof made the next Sunday in the Church to the end the child might be known to have been received into the flock of Christs fold 4 Seeing the inestimable benefits received from God by our Lord Iesus Christ his birth passion resurrection ascension and sending down of the Holy Ghost have been commendably remembred at certain particular dayes and times by the whole Church of the World every Minister from thenceforth should keep a commemoration of the said benefits upon these days and make choice of severall and pertinent texts of Scripture and frame their doctrines and exhortations thereto rebuking all superstitious observation and licentious profaning of the said times 5 The Act of confirmation of Children his Majesty desired to be reformed in this manner Seeing the confirmation of Children is for the good education of youth most necessary being reduced to the Primitive integrity It is thought good that the Minister in every Parish shall catechise all young children of eight years of age and see that they have knowledge and be able to rehearse the Lords prayer the Belief and ten Commandments with answers to the questions of the small Catechisme used in the Church and that the Bishops in their visitations shall cause the Children be presented before them and bless them with prayer for the encrease of Grace and continuance of God his heavenly gifts with them The difficulty of admitting these Articles being represented in an humble letter to his Majesty by the Archbishop of S. Andrews and a reason given why the same could not be inserted with the Canons as having at no time been mentioned to the Church nor proponed in any of their meetings he was pleased to forbear the pressing of the same for that time thinking at his coming into Scotland which he intended the next Summer to satisfie such as were scrupulous and to obtain the Churches consent Shortly after a letter was sent to the Councel To assure them of the
the South of the ruined Cathedral called to this day The Church of St. Rewle Here did Regulâ—s and his company abide serving God devoutly and for the austere life they led were in great reputation with all men Whether Regulus had such a vision or not I leave it to those that list to believe But that he did bring with him such Reliques is not improbable for in these times Christians did hold the bones and reliques of Martyrs in a respectful reverence which doth in no sort justify the abuses which afterwards crept into the Church when from the keeping of Reliques they grew to worship and adore them yea and in many places Priests out of their covetousnesse did use impostures foâ—â—â—ing in the bones of Asses and other beasts in stead of the Reliques of Martyrs and saints departed These and the like abuses did justly bring the keeping and carrying about of Reliques to be detested In the time of persecution when the bodies of Martyrs were thrown into the fields and cast into dung hills it might be held a charitable and pious work to gather and preserve them but now that those things are superstitiously used and vile receipts therewith practised no wise man will allow such follies Better it were as Cassander advised to incite people to the imitation of the Saints vertues then to reserve their bones which can serve is no use and savoureth only of vain oftenâ—â—â—â—â—â— But leaving this let us follow the story In the battel wherein Eâ—genius fell Echadius or as others call him Ethodius his brother being sore wounded and found among the dead was saved by the clemency of the Roman Prefect and flying into Denmark with his young son Eâ—hus was received by the King of that Countrey and kindly entertained This Eâ—â—hus Marching with one Raâ—a the daughter of a Nobleman in these quarters had by her a son called Fergus a Prince of much valour who growing in years and his Father and Grandfather both deceased out of an hatred against the Romanes joyned with the 〈◊〉 in a war they made upon the Gaules that were subject to the Romanes That expedition not succeeding he followed Alarick King of Gâ—â—es and was vvith him aâ— the sâ—ek of Rome Alarick dying he served under 〈◊〉 his successour and by the Fortunate exploits he made purchased the reputation of a great Captain The fame whereof with the news that were daily brought of the defection of the Romane Provinces and of the irruptions made upon the Empire by the Gâ—â—es 〈…〉 and other Barbars gave the Scots encouragement and put themâ—â— some hopes of returning to their countrey Once or twice by the help of the Irish having sought to repossess themselves still they were put to the worst But 〈…〉 proclaiming himself Caesar and transporting beyond Sea the whole power of Britain they resumed new courage and upon advertisemement of Fergus his return to Denmark did intreat him to take the opportunity and do somewhat for himself and for his countrey The Picts in the mean time being held in miserable subjection by one Victorinus a new Governour sent into Britain and so repenting the course they had taken did secretly reconcile with Fergus offering restitution of all they possessed belonging to the Scots and their assistance for recovering the rest Fergus upon these advertisements prepared to return and with him divers voluntaries of the Danes Norwegians and others did joyn besides the Scots that lived exiles in those parts With this company taking Sea on the eight day after his embarking he landed in the Firth of Murray and from thence marching directly to Aâ—gyle where the Chaire of Marble was kept was placed therein and crowned with the Rites accustomed The news hereof dispersed there gathered to him from all parts numbers of people with whom in a short time he recovered all the countreys out of which the Scots had been expulsed The Britains upon this sent to implore aid of the Romanes of whom they obtained the supply of a legion under the conduct of Heraclianus but he making no long stay one Placidius was left in place whom Fergus overthrew in battel and forced to seek peace This concluded Fergus dividing the lands among the Scots and strangers that had ventured with him did reorder all things according to the ancient form The Churches that were ruined or defaced he caused repair restored the Church-men to their places and in the Isle Iona erected a religious house with a Library furnished with the books that he had brought with him from Rome Never was any Prince more nobly given nor in so short space performed greater actions having regained the Kingdom that was lost and reduced it to a better estate then before neither had he ceased there if the Romanes had not fallen upon him with a fresh power and sent one Maximianus hither by whom he was in battel vanquished and slain in the sixteenth year of his Reign This overthrow did so terrifie the Scots that they looked for nothing but to have been chased again forth of the Isle but the irruptions made upon all the parts of the Empire did not suffer the Romanes to make long stay wherefore having repaired the Wall of Severus and made it much stronger then it was at first they departed advising the Britains to use their own forces without any more expectation of succour from them Upon intelligence of their departure Greem a Nobleman of Britain who had lived long among the Scots and whose daughter King Fergus had married raised an Army and battering down the Wall which the Romanes had fortified chased the Britains beyond the Wall of Adrian an hundred miles more inward and forced them to accept that for the march and content themselves with the lands lying in the South of that Wall Peace on these terms made with the Britains Eugenius the eldest of King Fergus his sonnes was declared King and because he was yet within yeares the Regency of the Realm committed to Greem his Grandfather which he discharged so well as whilest he lived there was no trouble either within or without the Kingdom But he dying Eugenius who was then grown to some years laying claim to his Grandfathers lands did repeat the same by his Ambassadours and the Britains defending themselves by the conditions of the late peace when after divers messages no satisfaction could be had war was of new raised The Picts assisting the Scots a sore overthrow was given to the Britains and they compelled to resigne all the lands lying betwixt Tyne and Humber which the Scots and Picts did peaceably enjoy unto the coming of the Saxons about the year 450. The Church notwithstanding these wars did flourish all this time by King Eugenius his favour Ninian he who with the posterity had the reputation of a Saint was of great fame at that time This man was born in Britain and had his education in France under Martine Bishop of Towers his
his coming for as to himself he would not consent to his death before the cause were well examined and if the Cardinal should do otherwise he would make protestation that the mans blood should be required at his hands This answer grieved the Cardinal not a little for he knew that the delay would work the prisoners escape and to commit the cause to examination he saw it was more dangerous Therefore in a great passion he replied That he wrote not unto the Governour as though he depended in any matter upon his authority but out of a desire he had that the hereticks condemnation might proceed with a shew of publick consent which since he could not obtain he would be doing himselfe that which he held most fitting Thus he made a citation to be given forth and Master George to be charged to appear the next morrow to answer for his seditious and heretical doctrine Master George receiving the summons said The Cardinal hath no need to summon me for I am in his hands and kept fast in irons so as he may compell me to answer at what time he pleaseth But to manifest saith he what men you are it is well done to keep your formes and constitutions The next day the Cardinal and Prelates being met in the Abbey Church the prisoner was presented by the Captain of the Castle and then the Sub-prior called Master Iohn Winrame a man of good learining and one who secretly favoured the truth went up into the Pulpit as he had been injoyned he took for his Theam the words of our Saviour in the thirteenth of Matthewes Gospel concerning the good seed which he interpreted to be the word of God heresie he said was the ill seed and that he defined to be a false opinion fighting directly against the word and defended with pertinacie Thereafter falling to speak of the causes of heresie he said the main cause was the ignorance and negligence of those who had the cure of soules and neither understood the word of God nor could use the same to the convincing of false teachers and the reducing of those who were gone astray In the latter part of his Sermon speaking of the way how heresies should be discerned he said That as the Goldsmith knoweth the fine gold from the counterfeit by the touchstone so is heresie discerned by the true sincere and undefiled word of God And in the end concluded that hereticks ought to be punished and might lawfully be put to death by the Magistrate Now albeit that was said made directly against themselves who were there met not to confute heresie but to bear down the truth and punish those that found fault with their pride and licentiousnesse yet as all had been spoken for them they proceeded and after their wonted form placed Mr. George in a seat erected for that purpose and over against him Master Iohn Lawder a Priest in another who having a scroll of a paper in his hand containing the Articles laid unto Mr. George his charge did use many bitter and reproachful words all which he heard very patiently not moving or changing once his countenance Being required to answer before he would utter a word he bowed his knees and made his prayer to God then standing up intreating them in most humble manner to suffer him repeat the summe of the doctrine which he had taught since his coming into Scotland which he said was nothing but what the ten Commandements of God the 12. Articles of Christian faith and the Lords prayer contained In Dundy he said that he had preached a part of the Epistle to the Romanes And as he was going on to shew what form he kept in his preaching he was interrupted by the accuser who with many opprobrious speeches calling him an heretick a runnegate a traitour and thief said that it was not lawful for him to preach and that he had usurped the power at his own hand without any lawful calling of the Church The Prelates also prohibiting all discourses willed him to answer simply yea or nay fearing if liberty was given him to speak he should draw some of the hearers to his mind Mr. George perceiving that he could not have audience appealed to an equal and indifferent Judge Whereunto Lawder replied that the Cardinal was a more then sufficient Judge for him and then he reckoned out all his styles saying that he was Archbishop of S. Andrews Bishop of Meropois Chancellour of Scotland Commendatory of Aberbrothock Legatus natus legatus à latere and the second person within the Realm Mr. George calmly answered I do not condemn my Lord Cardinal but I desire the word of God to be my Iudge and some of the Temporal estate with certain of your Lordships here present because I am my Lord Governours prisoner At which words some foolish people that stood by cried out Such man such Iudge meaning that the Governour and others of the Temporal State were hereticks like unto himself Then would the Cardinal have pronounced sentence without any further process but being advertised to let the accusation be read and hear what he would say lest people should think him wrongfully condemned he commanded the Priest to read the points distinctly and receive his answer to every one of them severally The Articles laid to his charge were eighteen in number which with the answers he made the Reader may at his leisure see in the book of Martyrs After they had spent some houres in this sort sentence was pronounced against him and he condemned to be burnt as an heretick Then was he led back to the Castle and lodged in the Captains chamber that night the greatest part whereof he spent in prayer Early in the morning the Prelates sent two Friers to advertise him that he must die and askt if he would confesse himself he answered That he had no businesse with Friers nor would he willingly conferre with them but if they were disposed to gratify him in that sort he desired to speak with the learned man that preached the day before This being permitted the Sub-prior came and talked with him a good space At last he askt Mr. George if he would receive the Sacrament of the Lords Supper he answered Most willingly so I may have it ministred according to Christs institution under both kindes of bread and wine Hereupon the Sub-prior went to the Bishops and told that he had conferred with the prisoner who did solemnly affirm that he was free of all the crimes and that he did utter this not out of a desire he had of life but to manifest his innocency which was known to God before men The Cardinal offended with these speeches of the Sub-prior said It is a long time since we knew what a man thou art The Sub-prior answering nothing asked if they would permit the Sacrament to be given to the prisoner the Cardinal conferring with the rest of the Bishops a
have presumed to have said Masse nor have minâ—stred the Sacraments but Priests and those of the shaven sort Now men are so bold as without all vocation to minister the Sacraments in open Assemblies and some presume to do it in houses without all reverence where there is neither Minister nor Word preached Our desire is that some strict punishment be inflicted upon such abusers which albeit we will not take upon us to prescribe yet we fear not to say that both of them deserve death For if he who falsifyeth the seal and subscription of a King be adjudged worthy of death much more he that falsifieth the seal of Christ Iesus who is the Prince of all the Kings of the earth King Darius gave out an edict that he who did let the reedifying of the material Temple in Ierusalem should have some wood taken out of his house and be himself hanged thereupon And what shall we think those do merit who manifestly do hinder the building of the spiritual temple and the edifying of the souls of Gods people by the true preaching of the Word and right administration of the Sacraments The Papistical Priests have neither power nor authority to minister the Sacraments of Christ because in their mouths God hath not put the word of exhortation And it is not shaving of their crowns the crossing of their fingers the blowing of the dumb dogges called the Bishops nor the laying on of their hands that maketh them true Ministers but the Spirit of God first moving the heart to enter in the holy calling then the nomination of the people the examination taken by the learned and publick admission in manner aforesaid are the things that make men lawful Ministers of the Word and Sacraments We speak of the ordinary vocation in Churches reformed and not of the extraordinary whereby God is pleased sometimes to raise up men by himself for doing his work Therefore notwithstanding the usurpation they have made in time of ignorance inhibition would be given them in the strictest manner not to presume upon the like heâ—eafter as likewise to all others who are not lawfully called to the holy Ministery This was the policy desired to be ratified It had been framed by Iohn Knox partly in imitation of the reformed Churches of Germany partly of that which he had seen in Geneva whence he took that device of annuall Deacons for collecting and dispensing the Church rents whereof in the sixth head he speaketh I cannot say A Noble man being askt his judgement thereof answered that it was a devout imagination wherewith Iohn Knox did greatly offend yet was it no better then a dream for it could never have taken effect The Church men that went before had been provident enough in these matters and good it had been for these that succeeded to have kept fast that which they found established to their hand as the Archbishop of St. Andrewes did at the same time advise them For he imploying Iohn Brand a Munk of Halyrudhouse who served many years after Minister at the Caâ—ongate to go unto Iohn Knox willed him to say from him That albeit he had innovated many things and made reformation of the Doctrine of the Church whereof he could not deny but there was some reason yet he should do wisely to retain the old policy which had been the work of many ages or then put a better in place thereof before he did shake the other Our Highlandmen he said have a custome when they will break young Colts to fasten them by the head with strong tethers one of which they keep ever fast till the beast be throughly made The multitude that beast with many beads would just be so dealt with Master Knox I know esteemeth me an enemy but tell him from me he shall finde it true that I speak The Estates alwayes not thinking it meet to enter at that time in examination of the policy deferred the same to a more convenient season onely an Act was passed for demolishing Cloysters and Abbey Churches such as were not as yet pulled down the execution whereof was for the West parts committed to the Earles of Arrane Argile and Glencarn for the North to Lord Iames and for the in-countries to some Barons that were held most zealous Thereupon insued a pitifull vastation of Churches and Church buildings throughout all the parts of the Realm for every one made bold to put to their hands the meaner sort imitating the ensample of the greater and those who were in authority No difference was made but all the Churches either defaced or pulled to the ground The holy vessels and whatsoever else men could make gain of as timber lead and bells were put to sale The very Sepulchres of the dead were not spared The Registers of the Church and Bibliotheques cast into the fire In a word all was ruined and what had escaped in the time of the first tumult did now undergo the common calamity which was so much the worse that the violences committed at this time were coloured with the warrant of publick authority Some ill advised Preachers did likewise animate people in these their barbarous proceedings crying out That the places where idols had been worshipped ought by the Law of God to be destroyed and that the sparing of them was the reserving of things execrable as if the commandement given to Israel for destroying the places where the Canaanites did worship their false gods had been a warrant for them to do the like The report also went that Iohn Knox whose sayings were by many esteemed as Oracles should in one of his Sermons say That the sure way to banish the Rookes was to pull down their nests which words if any such did escape him were to be understood of the Cloysters of Monks and Friers only according to the Act passed in the Councell But popular fury once armed can keep no measure nor do any thing with advice and judgement After the convention dissolved notwithstanding of the answer given concerning the Book of Policy diverse Noblemen and Barons moved by Iohn Knox did convene and set their hands to the same The subscribers were the Duke of Chattellerault the Earl of Arrane Argile Glencarn Marshall Menteith Moreton and Rothes Lord Iames the Lord Yester Boâ—d Ochiltrie Sanquhar and Lindesay the Bishop of Galloway the Dean of Murray the Lairds of Drumlanrigge Lonchinvar Garlees Barguency and divers Burgesses with this provision adjected That the Bishops Abbots Priors and other beneficed men who had joyned themselves to the Religion should enjoy the rents of their benefices during their lives they sustaining the Ministers for their parts as was prescribed in the said book But all this turned to no effect for the Churchmen that were Popish took presently a course to make away all the Manses Gleibs Tithes and all other rents possessed by them to their friends and kinsmen and most of these that subscribed getting into their hands the possessions of
to direct letters to the Earls of Argile Huntley Cathnes Rothes Crafourd and Menteith The Lords Boyd Drummond Hervis Catheart Yester Fleming Levingston Seaton Glammis Ochiltrie Gray Oliphant Methven Innermaith and Sommervaile and to the Commendators of Aberbrothock Kilwining Dunfermling St Cobuke Newbottle and Halyrudhouse who did either assist the advese party or then behaved themselves as Newters To procure the greater respect to these Letters Iohn Knox Mr. Iohn Douglas Mr. Iohn Row and Mr. Iohn Craig were chosen Commissioners and had instructions given them to this purpose That Satan by his instruments had of long time and by many subtile ways laboured to hinder the progresse of true Religion within this Realm and that now the same was in hazard to be utterly subverted chiefly through the poverty of the Ministers that ought to preach the word of life unto the people some being compelled to leave their vocation and betake them to civil callings others so distracted through worldly cares as they could not wait upon the preaching of the word so diligently as they wished In consideration whereof the Assembly of the Church being convened at Edinburgh had thought it necessary to prorogue their meeting to the 20. of Iuly and to intreat and admonish all persons truly professing the Lord Iesus within the Realm as well Noblemen as Barons and those of the other estates to meet and give their personal appearance at Edinburgh the said day for giving their advice councel and concurrence in matters then to be proponed especially for purging the Realm of Popery the establishing of the policy of the Church and restoring the Patrimony thereof to the just possessors Assuring those that should absent themselves at the time due and lawful advertisement being made that they should be reputed hinderers of the good work intended and as dissimulate professors be esteemed unworthy of the fellowship of Christs flock considering chiefly that God in his mercy had offered a better occasion for effecting these things then in times past and that he had begun to tread downe Satan under foot This they were willed to speak and by all faire perswasions to move them to keep the day and place appointed The missive letters were for the most part to the same effect but in these besides the provision of the Ministers I find the poor and indigent members of Christ also mentioned and somewhat said concerning an union to be made amongst the professors and such a conjunction as might make them able to withstand the craft and violence of their enemies But neither did the letters nor the credit given to the Commissioners prevaile with those to whom they went all almost excusing themselves some by word others by letter and saying That in regard of the present division caused by the Queens imprisonment and that the Town of Edinburgh where they were required to meet was straitly kept by a part of the Nobility and some hired souldiers they could not come to the place appointed without trouble and danger of their lives Notthelesse they did assure the Church of their willingnesse to every thing that might serve to advance the Gospel and further the provision of the Ministers for the better and more diligent attendance on their callings The Earl of Argile did answer more particularly and touching the policy desired that no novations nor alterations should be made before a generall meeting of the Estates In like sort the Lord Boyd did by his answer promise to bold hand to the forthsetting of the Policy but with an exception so farre as it might stand with law Yet had both the one and other ratified the book of Policy by their subscriptions long before and made no scruple either of law or custome at that time The Noblemen that remained at Edinburgh perceiving they could not be drawn to a meeting resolved to prosecute their purpose at all hazards and joyning with the Assembly condescended to all the Artticles proponed for the good of the Church and made great promises of performance howbeit having once attained their ends they did forget all and turned adversaries to the Church in the same things whereunto they had consented Always the Articles agreed unto were as followeth 1. That the Acts made in the Parliament holden at Edinburgh the twenty fourth of August 1560. touching Religion and the abolishing of the Popes authority should be extracted forth of the Registers and have the force of a publick law and that the said Parliament in so farre as concerning Religion should be maintained and defended by them as a Parliament lawful and holden by sufficient commission from the Queen then being in France and be ratified in the first Parliament which should happen to be kept within the Realm 2. That untill perfect order might be taken for restoring the Patrimony of the Church the Act of assignation of the thirds of Benefices for the sustentation of the Ministery should be put in due execution 3. That an Act of Councell made with consent of her Majesty touching the conferring of small Benefices within the value of 300. marks to Ministers should be put in practice as likewise the Act for annualls obits and aulterages especially within Burghes 4. That in the first lawfull Parliament which should be kept or sooner if occasion might serve the Church of Christ within this Kingdome should be fully restored unto the Patrimony belonging to the same and nothing be past in Parliament before that and other matters of the Church were first considered and approved In the mean while the Noblemen Barons and other Professors then present did willingly offer and consent to reform themselves in the matter of the Church patrimony according to the Book of God and to put the same in practice for their own parts ordaining the refusers and contraveners of the same to be secluded from all benefits of the Church It was further agreed That in the next Parliament or otherwise at the first occasion order should be taken for the ease of the labourers of the ground in the payment of their Tithes and that the same should not be disponed to any others without their advice and consent 5. That none should be permitted to beare charge in Schooles Colledges and Universities nor allowed publickly or privately to instruct the youth except such as should first be tried by the Superintendents and Visitours of the Church who being found meet should be admitted by them to their charges 6. That all crimes and offences committed against the Law of God should be severely punished according to the Word of God and Judges deputed for execution thereof or if there be no lawes as yet made nor Judges appointed for the punishment of such crimes that the same should be done in the first Parliament 7. That seeing the horrible murther of the King her Majesties husband is a crime most odious before God and tending to the perpetuall shame and infamy of the whole Realm if the same should not be
watchmen were killed and the munition seâ—sed The Lord Fleming who commanded the Castle hearing the tumult fled to the neather Balze so they call the part by which they descend to the river and escaped in a little Boat The souldiers and other servants yielding were spared and freely dimitted Within the Castle were the Archbishop of S. Andrews Monsieur Veras the French man the Lady Fleming Iohn Fleming of Boghall Alexander Levingston sonne to the Lord Levingston and Iohn Hall an English man who were all made prisoners The next morning the Regent came thither for he was lying at Glasgow and using the Lady honourably suffered her to depart with her plate jewels and all that appertained either to her or to her husband Veras was sent to be kept at S. Andrews and permitted afterwards to depart The English man Hall was delivered to the Marshal of Berwick Boghall and the Lord Levingstons son were deteined The Archbishop was sent to Striveling and the first of April publickly hanged on a gibbet erected to that purpose This was the first Bishop that suffered by form of Justice in this Kingdome a man he was of great action wise and not unlearned but in life somewhat dissolute His death especially for the manner of it did greatly incense his friends and disliked of divers who wished a greater respect to have been carried to his age and place But the suspicion of his guiltinesse in the murthers of the King and Regent made him of the common sort lesse regrated It is said that being questioned of the Regents murther he answered That he might have stayed the same and was sorry he did it not But when he was charged with the Kings death he denied the same Yet a Priest called Thomas Robinson that was brought before him affirmed that one Iohn Hamilton commonly called Black Iohn had confessed to him on his death-bed that he was present by his direction at the murther Whereunto he replied That being a Priest he ought not to reveale Confessions and that no mans Confession could make him guilty But for none of those points was he condemned nor the ordinary form of Trial used though he did earnestly request the same Only upon the forfeiture laid against him in Parliament he was put to death and the execution hastened lest the Queen of England should have interceded for his life They who stood for the Queen upon advertisement that the Treatie was dissolved and that she had recalled the Bishop of Galloway and the Lord Levingston did presently take Armes The Laird of Grange to keep the Town of Edinburgh under command did plant in the steeple of S. Giles some souldiers and transport all the Armour and Munition which was kept in the Town-house to the Castle After a few days the Duke of Chattellerault came thither with the Earls of Argile and Huntley the Lords Hereis Boyd and divers others to stay the holding of the Parliament which had been adjourned to the fourteenth of May. At their coming they compelled the Clerks and Keepers of the Register to deliver the books of Councel and Parliament and seised on every thing which they thought might hinder the States to convene The Ministers were commanded in their publick prayers to make mention of the Queen their Soveraign Princesse which they resused Iohn Knox withdrew himself and retired to S. Andrews Alexander Bishop of Galloway preaching in his place The Regent on the other side with the Nobility that adhered to the King came into Leth with a resolution to hold the Parliament whatsoever should follow and because it would be a difficil work to recover the town conclusion was taken to keep the Parliament in that part of the Canon gate which is subject to the townes jurisdiction the Lawyers having resolved that in what part soever of the towne the Estates should convene their meeting would be found lawful Thus on Munday the fourteenth of May which was the Diet appointed the Parliament according to the custome was fenced in a house without the gates yet within the liberties of the town The Saterday preceding the Regent had by advice of the Councel sent some men of warre to possesse that part of the town who were assisted by certain Noblemen voluntiers that joyned in the service And notwithstanding the continual playing of the Ordinance upon that part from the Castle both that day and all the time the Parliament sate not a man a thing most strange of the Regents side was either hurt or killed there were cited to the Parliament young Lethington his brother Mr. Iohn Maitland Prior of Coldingham Gawan Hamilton Abbot of Kilwining with his eldest son and a base son of the late Archbishop of S. Andrews who were all declared culpable of treason Young Lethington because of his foreknowledge and counsel given to King Henry his murther the rest for their rebellion against the King and his Regents As in such a troubled time the Parliament was very frequent for of the Nobility were present the Earls of Morton Marre Glencarn Crawford who some moneths before had forsaken the Queens faction and submitted himself to the King Buchan and Menteith the Lord Keith and Graham as proxies for their Fathers the Earls of Marshal and Montrosse with the Lords Lindesay Ruthven Glamis Zeister Methven Ochiltrie Cathcart two Bishops nine Abbots and Priors with twenty Commissioners of Burghs The forfeiture pronounced the Estates took counsel to dissolve because the danger was great and prorogued the Parliament to the third of August appointing the same to meet at Striveling A new Civil warre did then break up which kept the Realm in trouble the space of two years very nigh and was exherced with great enmity on all sides You should have seen fathers against their sons sons against their fathers brother fighting against brother nigh kinsmen and others allied together as enemies seeking one the destruction of another Every man as his affection led him joyned to the one or other party one professing to be the Kings men another the Queens The very young ones scarce taught to speak had these words in their mouthes and were sometimes observed to divide and have their childish conflicts in that quarrel But the condition of Edinburgh was of all parts of the countrey the most distressed they that were of quiet disposition and greatest substance being forced to forsake their houses which were partly by the souldiers partly by other necessitous people who made their profit of the present calamities rifled and abused The nineteenth day of May the Regent and other Noblemen leaving the Canon gate went to Leth and the next day in the afternoon took their journey towards Striveling where the ordinary Judges of Session were commanded to sit for ministring justice to the Leiges As they were taking horse the forces within Edinburgh issued forth making shew to sight yet still they kept themselves under guard of the Castle The Earl of Morton parting
Declaration thereafter published did in a Synod holden at S. Andrews raise a new stirre calling a number of Barons Gentlemen and Ministers together as to a Synod Mr. Iames Melvil his Cousen made the exhortation in which after a bitter Invective against the devisers of the foresaid Acts he admonished the Assembly to censure him that was known to have had a chief hand therein meaning the Bishop The exhortation ended Mr. Robert Wilkie Professour of Philosophy in S. Leonards was chosen Moderator and their doctrine as their manner was being approved it was proponed that according to the admonition given them they should proceed in censuring the Bishop The opinions were divers some holding it dangerous and doubting what might be the consequence of it others inquiring if he was cired to the Diet a third sort more zealous then the rest cried out that it was the cause of God in which no man ought to forecast or fear any danger and that a citation needed not where the iniquiry was so manifest or if that was thought necessary that he might be warned to the next Session being then in the City This course was held most formal and so was he ordained to be cired In the afternoon he compeired and protesting that he did not acknowledge that Iudicatory desired to understand what they could charge him with that he might justifie himself They misregarding the Protestation did accuse him of devising the Statutes made in the year 1584. of penning the Declaration published thereafter by his Majesty of traducing the brethren that fled into England in the time of his Ambassage and a number the like To this the Bishop repeating his protestation answered That the Statutes were not of his devising but when they were proponed he gave his opinion that they were good and lawful Acts and therein had served his conscience the very second Act of that Parliament being an express confirmation of Popery in so farre as by it the dignity and authority of the three Estates was ordained to stand unaltered according to the ancient custome of the Realm This said they is a ratifying of the Episcopal jurisdiction according as it was in time of Popery The Bishop replied That the Bishops were not by themselves an estate but they represented in a part the estate of the Church which was ever reputed the first estate of the Realm since the Kingdome became Chiristian and that in the Act alledged no jurisdiction was established howbeit for the Episcopal power there was enough to be said if the time and place were fitting But if they had no further to say he would leave them putting them again in mind that they were not his Iudges and that these were matters too high for subjects to meddle in At last perceiving they would proceed with their censures he appealed to his Majesty the Councel and three Estates of the Realm or any other lawful Assembly convened by his Majesty and so departed When he was gone they entered into consultation what to do many were of the judgment that after appellation there could be no proceeding others though that the appellation was not to be regarded The matter being put to voices it was concludeded only by two voices more that he should presently be excommunicated The Moderator by his place was to pronounce the sentence but he refused albeit he was no friend to the Bishop at that time nor would any other of the Assembly take on them to do it In end when all were dissolving and a great part gone forth out of the Schools for the Assembly was kept in S. Leonards a yong fellow named Mr. Andrew Hunter willed them to stay professed that he was warned by the Spirit to pronounce the sentence and so ascending the chair he read the same out of the book a few only remaining as witnesses This scornful and disorderly proceeding was the next day required in a form nothing better Two of the Bishops servants going to the Church at the time of prayer caused one Mr. Samuel Cunningham Cousen to the Bishop go unto the Readers seat and pronounce the same sentence against Mr. Andrew and Mr. Iames Melvil and some others of the Ministers of Fife who had been most eager and forward against the Bishop The Appellation was sent by the Bishop to the King wherein first he excepted against the Synod as being unlawfully convened Next against their unjust proceedings The first he proved saying That convention was expresse against the Statutes of Parliament and neither convocated by his Majesties letters nor by the Bishop of the Dioces moderated by a Laick person that had no imposition of hands made up of a company of Barons Gentlemen Masters of Schools and Colledges who bare no function in the Church and ought not to have any suffrage in Ecclesiastick Assemblies and no sufficient number of Ministers assisting who though they had been present by the Apostles rule were subject ot the Bishops censure and he not to theirs The injustice of their proceeding he qualified first by their citation which neither contained a lawful cause nor did allow him a reasonable time for his appearing 2. That at his compeiring which was under protestation that he did in no sort acknowledge that judicatory they accused him for defending his Majesties authority in matters Ecclesiastick and for his consent given to the Statutes made in Parliament 1584. which were the lawes of the King and three Estates which they ought not to take on them to condemn 3. That they transgressed the order set down in their own Assemblies which appoints admonitions and prayers to be used for persons before the sentence be pronounced 4. That the conclusion they took to excommunicate passed not with consent of those who were present and was carried only by the voices of two ignorant Ministers 5. That the Moderator of the pretended Synod refusing to pronounce the sentence one Hunter servant to Mr. Andrew Melvil had taken on him to do the same alledging he was moved thereto by the Spirit of God which was a conceipt of the Anabaptists and ought to be severely punished And 6. That Ministers in their Synods were they never so lawfully convened may not excommunicate any person without consent of the Church whereof he is a member Saint Paul on whose example they grounded their excommunications not presuming by himself to cast forth the incestuous man but writing to the Church of Corinth that when they were convened together they should do the same In end he intreated his Majesty whom it specially concerned to take cognition of their unruly and tumultuous proceeding and to consider how dangerous a thing it was to put the spiritual sword in the hands of such men who might possibly attempt the like against his Majesties self others of the Councel When the King heard of this business he was greatly commoved yet because the Diet of the Assembly was approaching he thought best to continue the