words said he can be uttered then to call the Pope the Vicar of Christ the successour of Peter the head of the universal Church most holy most blessed one who cannot erre that may make right of wrong and wrong of right that of nothing may make somewhat that hath all verity inclosed in the shrine of his breast that hath power over all men no man having power over him and through he draw ten thousand millions of souls with himself to hell that none may or ought to say that he doth wrong which words he shewed were expressed in the common law and could not be denied Another note more remarkable he adduced forth of S. Iohn his Revelation where it is said that the Babylonian whore shall make merchandise of the souls of men which never any did of what profession soever they were the Pope and his followers excepted for they said he take upon them to mitigate the paines of souls in Purgatory and to release them by saying of Masses selling of Pardons and Indulgences which none besides them ever did whereupon he inferred that the Church of Rome was quite degenerate from her first purity and that very beast foreshewed in the Scriptures c. At this Sermon Master Iohn Maior the Sub-prior a number of Chanons and Friers of both Orders with the whole University were present whom he appealed to answer his allegations if they found any one of them not consonant to truth The Archbishop being advertised of this wrote to the Sub-prior saying that he wondered how he could suffer such heretical and schismatical doctrines to be taught and not oppose himself thereto Whereupon Iohn Rough and Iohn Knox were cited to answer unto certain heads collected out of their Sermons and set down as followeth 1. That no mortal man can be the head of Christs Church 2. That the Pope is Antichrist and so not a member of Christs mystical body 3. That no man may make or devise a Religion that is acceptable to God but that he is bound to observe and keep the Religion received from God without chopping or changing the same 4. That the Sacraments of the New Testament ought to bee ministred as they were instituted by Christ Iesus and practised by his Apostles nor ought there any thing be added unto them nor diminished from them 5. That the Masse is abominable idolatry blasphemous to the death of Iesus Christ and a profanation to the Lords Suppers 6. That there is no Purgatory in the which the souls of men can either be pined or purged after this life Heaven being appointed for the faithful and Hell for the reprobate and unfaithful 7. That prayer for the dead is vain and to the dead is idolatry 8. That Bishops are no Bishops except they preach themselves wthout a Substitute 9. That tithes by Gods law do not appertain necessarily to Churchmen This last Article I would not omit because it is alledged by those that penned the story whether it was a point of Iohn Roughs preaching or not I cannot say but for Iohn Knox it is clear by his Sermons and writings still extant that he held it a point of high Sacriledge to rob and spoile the Church of tithes It is true that many in these times offending with the extortion of Churchmen did hold that tithes belonged not to the Church by any divine right and knowing that this opinion would find easie passage among the people as also serve to abridge the means and power of Churchmen they were the more ready to deliver such doctrines but this was done rather out of passion then judgement for he that will not wilfully shut his eyes against the truth cannot but know that tithes are the Lords and the portion that he hath served for the maintenance of his worship and service But to leave this The Sub-prior and others of the Clergy that convened with him having laid these Articles to their charge Iohn Knox answered that for himself he was glad to declare his mind in those points before so modest and judicious an auditory and turning to the Sub-prior It is a long time said he since I have heard that you are not ignorant of the truth Therefore I do appeal your conscience before the supreme Iudge that if you think the Articles wherewith we are charged contrarious to the truth of God that you plainly open your self and suffer not the people to be deceived but if in your conscience you know them to be true and sound then I will crave your patrocinie that by your authority the people may be moved to embrace the truth whereof now many doubt because of your indifferencie The Sub-prior answered That he came not there to judge but to conferre of these points and would if he pleased reason a little of the power of the Church which in my opinion said he may very lawfully devise rights and ceremonies for decoring the Sacraments and other parts of divine service Iohn Knox replying That no man in the worship of God might appoint any ceremony giving it a signification to his pleasure One Arbuthnet a gray Frier reasoned so hotly in the contrary that forgetting himself he denied the Apostles to have received the Holy Ghost when they penned their Epistles The Sub-prior checking the Frier did after a little space dimit the Preachers with a brotherly admonition to take heed what doctrine they delivered in publick When they were gone such of the Clergy as were present entred in consultation what was fittest to be done for staying the defection of the people and in end resolved that every learned man of the Abbey and University should preach in the Parish Churches on Sundayes the Sub-prior beginning the Officials following and the rest according to their seniority eschewing all of them to speak of any controverted point which might breed question and minister unto people occasion of talk Iohn Knox who by this mean was excluded from the Pulpit on the Sunday preached on the week dayes sometimes none daring to offer him any wrong because of the fear they stood in of them within the Castle But Iohn Rough being grieved with the wicked and licencious living of the souldiers and others in the Castle took his leave of them and departed into England preaching some years in the Townes of Carlile Berwick and Newcastle he was afterwards provided to a Benefice by the Archbishop of York nor farre from the Town of Hull and resided upon it untill the death of King Edward the sixth In the time of Queen Maries persecution he fled with the wife that he had married unto Friesland and wonne his living with the knitting of Caps hose and such like wares and in November 1557. coming to London for providing some necessaries to maintain his trade was apprehended by the Queens Vice-Chamberlain at the Saracens head in Islington where they who professed Religion used quietly to meet Being brought before Bonner Bishop of London and
busied with the matter of policy which was put in form and presented to the Parliament at their sitting in Striveling The Estates having no leisure to peruse it gave a Commission to divers of their number to meet and conferre with the Commissioners of the Church and if they did agree to insert the same among the Acts of Parliament How these affairs went and what effect the Commission took because of the great businesse that afterwards was made about the same is necessary to be known wherefore I thought meet to set down the form of policy as it was presented with the notes of their agreement and disagreement as they stand in the Original which I have by me Heads and conclusions of the Church and first of the Policy thereof in general wherein it differeth from Civil FIrst the Church of God is sometimes largely taken for all them that professe the Evangel of Iesus Christ and so it is a company and fellowship not only of the godly but also hypocrites professing outwardly one true Religion 2. At other times it is taken for the elect only and the godly and sometimes for them that exercise the spiritual function amongst the congregation of them that professe the truth 3. The Church in this last sense hath a certain power granted by God according to which it useth a proper jurisdiction and government exercised to the comfort of the whole Church 4. This power Ecclesiastical is an authority granted by God the Father through the mediation of Iesus Christ unto his Church gathered and having the ground in the word of God to be put in execution by them unto whom the spiritual government of the Church by lawfull calling is committed 5. The policy of the Church flowing from this power is an order or form of spiritual government which is exerced by the members appointed thereto by the word of God and therefore is given immediately to the Office-bearer by whom it is exercised to the weal of the whole body 6. This power is diversly used for sometime it is severally exercised chiefly by the teachers sometime conjunctly by mutual consent of them that bare office and charge after the form of judgement the former is called potestas Ordinis the other potestas Iurisdictionis 7. These two kinds of power have both one ground one final cause but are different in the form and manner of execution as is evident by the speech of our Saviour in the 16th and 18th of S. Matthew 8. This power and policy is different and distinct in the own nature from that power and policy which is called the Civil power and appertains to the civil government of the Commonwealth albeit they be both of God and tend to one end if they be rightly used that is to advance the glory of God and to have godly and good subjects 9. For this power Ecclesiastical floweth from God immediately and the mediator Iesus Christ and is spiritual not having a temporal head in the earth but only Christ the onely spiritual King and Governour of the Church 10. It is a title falsely usurped by Antichrist to call himself the head of the Church and ought not to be attributed to Angel or to man of what estate soever he be saving to Christ the head and only Monarch of the Church 11. Therefore this power and policy of the Church should lean upon the Word immediately as the only ground thereof and should be taken from the pure fountains of the Scriptures hearing the voice of Christ the onely spiritual King and being ruled by his lawes 12. It 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 nor be called Lords but Ministers Disciples and servants for it is proper to Christs office to command and rule his Church universally and every particular Church through his Spirit and Word by the ministery of men 13. Notwithstanding as the Ministers and others of the Ecclesiastical state are subject to the Magistrate civilly so ought the person of the Magistrate be subject to the Church spiritually and in Ecclesiastical government 14. And the exercise of both these jurisdictions cannot stand in one person ordinarily 15. The Civil power is called the power of the Sword the other power the power of the Keys 16. The Civil power should command the spiritual to exercise and to do their office according to the word of God the spiritual rulers should require the Christian Magistrate to minister Justice and punish vice and to maintain the liberty of the Church and quietnesse within their bounds 17. The Magistrate commands in things external for external peace and quietnesse among the subjects the Minister handleth external things onely for conscience cause 18. The Magistrate external things only and actions done before men but the spiritual ruler judges both the affection and the external actions in respect of conscience by the word of God 19. The Civil Magistrate getteth obedience by the sword and other external means but the Minister by the spiritual sword and spiritual means 20. The Magistrate ought neither preach minister the Sacraments nor execute the censures of the Church nor yet prescribe any rule how it should be done but command the Minister to observe the rule prescrived in the Word and punish transgressors by civil means the Minister again exercies not the civil jurisdiction but teaches the Magistrate how it should be exercised according to the Word 21. The Magistrate ought to assist maintain and fortify the jurisdiction of the Church the Ministers should assist their Princes in all things agreeable to the Word providing they neglect not their charge in involving themselves in civil affaires 22. Finally as Ministers are subject to the judgement and punishment of Magistrates in external things if they offend so ought the Magistrates submit themselves to the discipline of the Church if they transgresse in matter of conscience and Religion CHAP. 2. Of the parts of policy of the Church and persons or Office-bearers to whom the administration is committed FIrst as in the policy Civil the whole Commonwealth consists in them that are Governours or Magistrates and them that are governed and subjects so in the policy of the Church some are appointed to be rulers and the rest of the members are to be ruled and obey according to Gods word and the inspiration of his Spirit alwayes under one Head and chief Governour Jesus Christ. 2. Again the whole policy of the Church consists in three things chiefly in doctrine discipline and distribution With doctrine is annexed the ministration of the Sacraments 3. And according to this division arises a sort of
On the other part Agilbert a French-man born Bishop of the East Saxons Wilfrid and Agath Presbyters with Iacob and Romans two learned men Cedda lately consecrated a Bishop by the Scots was choosed to be part is utriusque interpres that is as I take it the Recorder of all that should be spoken by either party or enacted in that conference and meeting The King himself did incline to Colman but his son favoured the other party for that Wilfrid had been his Tutor When all were placed in their seats the King using a short speech said That it was meet they who served one God and looked to be heires of one Kingdom in the heavens should keep one rule and form and not vary in their rites and ceremonies Therefore desired seeing they were come together for composing of differences especially touching the celebration of Easter that they should calmely enquire what was the most ancient and best form to the effect all might observe and follow the same Then turning towards Colman he willed him to deliver his opinion and reasons who answered as followeth The Easter which I observe I received from my elders who did send me hither and ordained me Bishop all our forefathers men beloved of God are known to have celebrated Easter in the same manner that I do and if any think light of this the blessed Evangelist St. Iohn the disciple whom our Lord especially loved with all the Churches whereof he had the oversight observed the same which to us is a warrant sufficient Agilbert being desired next to declare his minde excused himself by the want of the English tongue entreating the King the Wilfrid might be allowed to answer for them all which granted Wilfrid began in this sort The Easter which we keep we have seen observed at Rome where the holy Apostles Peter and Paul did preach and suffered Martyrdom As we travelled through France and Italy we saw the same order every where kept and by relation we hear that the Churches of Africk Asia Egypt Greece and to be short the whole Christiâ—n world doth observe the same time onely these men and their followers the Britains and Picts with some remote Islands and not all these neither do foolishly contend in this point against the whole world Here Colman interrupting his speech said It is a marvel you should call our doing foolish seeing we follow the ensample of that great Apostle who was held worthy to lie in the Lords bosome and is known to have lived most wisely Wilfrid replying said Farre be it from me to charge Sâ— Iohn with folly he observed the rites of Moses Law according to the letter the Church as yet Iudiazing in many things and the Apostles not being able to abdicate upon the suddain the whole observations of the Law which God had ordained for this cause did Sâ— Paul circumcise Timothy offer sacrifices in the Temple and shave his head at Corinth with Aquila and Priscilla which things he did onely to eschew the offence of the Jewes In this consideration Sâ— Iames said to the Apostle St. Paul Thou seest brother that many thousands of the Jewes do believe yet are they all zealous followers of the law But the light of the Gospel now shining throughout the world it is not lawful for a Christian to be circumcised or to offer carnal sacrifices unto God Thus S. Iohn keeping the custom of the law began the celebration of Easter upon the 14. day of the first moneth at evening not caring whether it fell upon the Sabbath day or any other day of the week But Sâ— Peter preaching at Rome when he considered that the Lord did rise from the death on the first day after the Sabbath thought good to institute Easter on that day And that this is the true Easter to be observed by all Christians it is clear by the Nicene Councel which did ratify and confirm the same by their decree But you neither follow the example of St. Iohn nor St. Peter nor doth your celebration of Easter agree either with the Law oâ— Gospel for St. Iohn observing it according to the Law had no respect to the first day after the Sabbath whereas you keep not Easter but on the first of the Sabbath Saint Peter did celebrate Easter from the 15. of the Moon to the 21. which you do not for you keep Easter from the 14. to the 20. day and often you begin Easter on the 13. day at night whereof the Law maketh to mention neither did our Lord the authour of the Gospel eat the Passover on the 13. day but upon the 14. at night and at the same time he did celebrate the Sacrament of the New Testament in remembrance of his death and passion So as I have said you neither agree with Law nor Gospel with St. Iohn nor with St. Peter in the celebration of the greatest festivity To this Colman answered And did Anatholius then who in the Ecclesiastick history is so highly commended go against both the Law and the Gospel when as he said that Easter ought to be kept from the 13. day to the 20 or shall we think our most reverent father Columba and his successours who were all dear unto God did transgresse in observing Easter after that manner They were men of great piety and vertue and their miracles have declared and I making no doubt of their holinesse will endevour to follow their order and discipline Then said Wilfrid It is known that Anatholius was a godly and learned man but what have you to do with him that observe not his customes for he followed the true rule of keeping Easter and observed the circle of 19. yeares which either you know not or if you do ye set at nought although the same be observed in the universal Church of Christ he did so account the 14. day as he acknowledged the same to be the 15. at night after the manner of the Egyptians and so the 20. day he believed to be the 21. in the evening which distinction you know not as appears by this that sometimes you keep Easter on the 13. day before the full Moon As to your father Columba and his followers whose rule and precepts confirmed by miracles you confesse to follow I may answer That in the day of judgement the Lord will say to many that prophesied in his name did cast out devils and wrought other miracles I know you not But God forbid I should speak this of your fathers seeing it is better to believe good of those we know not then ill Therefore I will not deny them to have been the servants of God and be loved of him seeing they served God with good intent though in simplicity Neither do I think the order they keep in Easter did hurt them much so long as they had none among them that could shew the right observation thereof If the truth had been shewed them I doubt not they
much kindnesse of this Gregory at Tholouse in the year 1527. and saith that he died in that City having left divers monuments of his ingenie to the posterity the Catalogue whereof you may see in the place With this I shall joyn another not for any commendation of his learning for he had none nor for his good qualities which were as few but for strange and extraordinary things seen in him which in the time ministred occasion of great talk and wondring to many This man named Iohn Scot having succumbed in a plea at law and knowing himself unable to pay that wherein he was adjudged took sanctuary in the Abbey of Halirudhouse where out of a deep displeasure he abstained from all meat and drink the space of 30 or 40 dayes together Publick rumour bringing this abroad the King would have it put to trial and to that effect shut him up in a private room within the Castle of Edinburgh whereunto no man had accesse he caused a little bread and water to be set by him which he was found not to have tasted in the space of 32. days This proof given of his abstinence he was dimitted and coming forth into the street halfe naked made a speech to the people that flocked about him wherein he professed to do all this by the help of the Blessed Virgin and that he could fast as long as he pleased Many did take it for a miracle esteeming him a person of wonderful holinesse others thought him to be phrentick and mad so as in a short time he came to be neglected and thereupon leaving the countrey went to Rome where he gave the like proof of his fasting to Pope Clement the seventh From Rome he came to Venice apparelled with holy vestures such as the Priests use when they say Masse and carrying in his hand a Testimonial of his abstinence under the Popes Seal he gave there the like proof and was allowed some five Duckats to make his expence towards the holy Sepulcher which he pretended to visit This voyage he performed and then returned home â— bringing with him some palm-tree leaves and a scripful of stones which he said were a part of the pillar to which our Saviour was tied when he was scourged and coming by London went up into the Pulpit in Panls Church-yard where he cast forth many speeches against the divorce of King Henry from Katherine his Queen inveying bitterly against him for his defection from the Roman See and thereupon was thrust in prison where he continued 50. dayes fasting After that being dimitted for they held him to be a mad man he came directly into Scotland and remained in company with one Thomas Doughty who a little before was returned from Italy and had built a little Chappel to the holy Virgin with the money he had begged in his travel This man by his counterfeit miracles made great advantage amongst the simple people and albeit he was known to be a cousening fellow and in life extremely vicious yet was he suffered by the Clergy to abuse the ignorant multitude for that the opinion of Purgatory Pardons and prayers to Saints which began then every where to be despised was by this mean nourished amongst the people Scot grudging that Doughty did appropriate all the gain he made to himselfe did not admit him a partner in the same retired to a house in the suburbs of Edinburgh at the Western part of the Town and therein erected a religious Altar which he adorned in the best manner he could setting up his daughter a young maid of reasonable beauty upon the Altar and placing lights and torches round about her the simple sort for a long time believed her to be the Virgin Mâ—ry and frequented the place in great numbers to do her worship but the knavery coming to be detected he forsook his Altar and forgetting all his devotion returned to his first trade and manner of life Lesley in his story saith that he prophesied many things concerning the decay of the Romish Religion and the restitution of it in a short time of the decay he might speak having seen it begun but for other things he was a dreamer rather then a Propher 40. The first act of the Cardinal after his promotion did shew what an enemy he would be to those who in that time were called hereticks for he was not well warmed in his seat when to make his greatnesse seen he brought to S. Andrews the Earles of Huntley Arran Marshall and Montrosse the Lords Fleming Lindsay 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 with divers other Barons and men of quality There came thither also Gawine Archbishop of Glasgow Chancellour William Bishop of Aberdene Henry Bishop of Galloway Iohn Bishop of Briâ—â—en and William Bishop of Dumblane The Abbots of Melross Dunfermlin Lindors and Kinlosse with a number of Priors Deans and Doctors of Theologie And they all having convened in the Cathedral Church he sitting in a Chair somewhat erected above the rest for that he was a Cardinal began to expone the dangers wherein the Catholick faith stood by the increase of hereticks and the boldnesse they took to professe their opinions openly even in the Kings Court where he said they found too great countenance In special he named Sir Iohn Borthwick commonly called Captain Borthwick whom he had caused cite to that Diet for dispersing heretical books and for maintaining divers Articles contrary to the doctrine of the Romane Church desiring their assistance in the procedure of Justice against him The heads of the accusation were read 1. That he held the Pope to have no greater authority over Christians then any other Bishop or Prelat had 2. That Indulgences and Pardons granted by the Pope were of no force nor effect but devised to abuse people and deceive poor ignorant soules 3. That Bishops Priests and other Clergy men may lawfully marry 4. That the heresies commonly called the heresies of England and their new Liturgy was commendable and to be embraced of all Christians 5. That the people of Scotland are blinded by their Clergy and professed not the true faith 6. That Churchmen ought not to enjoy any temporalties 7. That the King ought to convert the rents of the Church into other pious uses 8. That the Church of Scotland ought to be governed after the manner of the English 9. That the Canons and Decrees of the Church were of no force as being contrary to the law of God 10. That the Orders of Friers and Monks should be abolished as had been done in England 11. That he did openly call the Pope Simoniack for that he sold spritual things 12. That he did read heretical books and the New Testament in English and some other Treatises written by Melanchthon Oecolampadius and Erasmus which he gave likewise unto others 13. The last and greatest point was that he refused to acknowledge the authority of the Romane See or be subject
nominate his base brother for the place who was elected by the Chanons and soon after confirmed by Pope Paul the third For he fearing the defection of the Realme from the obedience of the Romane See as England had given the ensample was glad to gratifie the Governour and with the Bulls which were freely exped wrote both to the Governour and to the Bishop that they should make their zeal appear in vindicating the injury done to the Ecclesiastick estate Upon the receipt of these letters it was resolved to besiege the Castle which beginning about the end of August continued untill the moneth of Ianuary howbeit to small effect for the passage by Sea being open they were supplyed with all necessaries from England by King Henry to whom they had obliged their faith by two several messages for defending the Castle and maintaining the contract with England which the Governour fearing he was induced to capitulate with the besieged and yield unto the conditions following 1. That the Governour should procure unto them a sufficient absolution from the Pope for the slaughter of the Cardinal and till the same was returned that they should retain the Castle and not be pursued by force 2. That they their friends servants and partakers should simply be remitted by the Governour and never be called in question for the said slaughter but should enjoy all commodities spiritual and temporal which they possessed before the committing thereof 3. That the besieged should give pledges for rendering the Castle how soon the absolution was returned from Rome and for surety of the pledges that the Earl of Arran eldest sonne to the Governour should remain in their custody untill the absolution was returned and they secured to their content The conditions were to the besieged more advantagious then honourable to the Governour but neither the one nor the other intended performance for the Governour at the same time sent a messenger to France with letters from the Queen Dowager and from himself intreating a supply of Ships and Gallies to batter the house on that part which looked towards the Sea and debarre the Keepers of further provision They on the other side were resolved not to forsake King Henries protection of whose assistance they were confident The proceedings of the next summer shall clear the intentions on either side in the mean time let us hear how the affaires of Religion went the rest of this winter Divers as we touched before upon the newes of the Cardlnals death came and joyned with those that had killed him especially Master Henry Balnaves the Melvils of the house of Raith and some Gentlemen of Fife to the number of sevenscore persons who all entered into the Castle the day after the slaughter and abode there during the time of the first siege Iohn Rough he that had attended the Governour as Chaplain in the beginning of his Regiment came also thither and became their Preacher After him came Iohn Knox but not till the siege was raised and the appointment made whereof we have spoken The adversaries of Religion taking advantage of this did cast in the teeth of both the Preachers and Professours the murther committed as though they did all approve the same and Bishop Lesley in his Chronicle speaking of Iohn Knox saying that He did think to attain to the top of Evangelical profession by triumphing that way upon the slaughter of a Priest and Cardinall I deny not but this his doing was scarce allowable and that it had been a wiser part in him not to have gone towards them at all yet since he did neither accompany them at the fact nor came unto them till the conditions of peace were granted his guiltinesse was not such as they make it to be neither will I say that he was grieved at the Cardinals death but rather glad that such an enemy was taken out of the way but that he did insult upon his death or allow the manner of it cannot be truly affirmed as to that which is objected forth of the narration made of this accident in the book intituled The History of the Church of Scotland where the Authour seemeth indeed to commend the fact though that history be ascribed to Iohn Knox it is sure that he did not penne the same as I shall make clear in another place How soon the Governour was gone Iohn Rough did openly preach in the Parish Church and was much haunted by the people at which the Clergy offending a great stirre was raised Dean Iohn Anand oppugning his doctrine both by word and writing Iohn Knox did take on him to maintain the same and the matter being brought to a dispute after long reasoning upon the authority of the Romane Church Iohn Knox did offer to prove That the present Church of Rome was more degenerate from the purity which it had in the dayes of the Apostles then was the Church of the Jewes from the Ordinances given by Moses when they consented to the death of our Saviour Such as were present at the reasoning having requested Iohn Knox to make good what he had spoken he took occasion the Sunday following to preach in the Parish Church chusing for his Theam the 24 and 25. verses of the seventh Chapter of Daniel In the Sermon after he had spoken of the care that God had alwayes of his Church to forewarne her of the dangers that were to happen many years before the same fell out and illustrated that point by the predictions of Israels captivity the prophesie of the four Empires namely the Babylonian Persian Grecian and Romane and foretelling of the Beast that should afise out of the destruction of the Romane Empire he said that by that Beast the Church of Rome was to be understood in regard all the marks assigned by Daniel did pertain to that Church and to no other power which ever was in the world Then falling to speak of Antichrist he shewed that there was not any one person meant by that title but a body and multitude of people having a wicked head that should not only be sinful himself but the occasion also of sin to all that should be subject unto him And that he was called Antichrist because he was contrary to Christ in life and doctrine in lawes The contrariety of life he made clearly by deciphering the corrupt and beastly conversation both of the Popes themselves and of their Clergy The contraiety of doctrine he qualified by comparing the doctrine of the justification by faith taught in the Scriptures with the doctrine of justification by works maintained by the Church of Rome And the contrariety of lawes he proved by the observation of dayes abstaining from mears and forbidding of marriage which Christ had made free In end he came to speak of the marks of the Beast one he said was in the Text where it was said He shall speak great words against the most high but what greater
who formerly had given it to others The first thing they moved in the Articles was a supplication of the Barons Gentlemen Burgesses and other subjects concerning religion wherein three things were petitioned First that the Doctrine of the Romane Church professed and tyrannously maintained by the Clergy should be condemned and by Act of Parliament abolished Some particulars they named such as the Doctrine of Transubstantiation the adoration of Christs body under the form of bread the merit of works Papisticall Indulgences Purgatory Pilgrimage and praying to Saints departed These they reckoned to be pestilent errours such as could not but bring damnation to the souls of those who were therewith infected therefore desired a punishment to be appointed for the teachers and maintainers of such Doctrines Next that a remedy should be found against the profaning of the holy Sacraments by men of that profession and the true Discipline of the ancient Church revived and restored Thirdly that the Pope of Rome his usurped authority should be discharged and the patrimony of the Church imployed to the sustentation of the Ministery the provision of Schools and intertainment of the poore of a long time neglected This last clause was not very pleasing to divers of the Nobility who though they liked well to have the Pope his authority and doctrine condemned had no will to quit the Church Patrimony wherewith in that stirring time they had possessed themselves So making no answer to the last point the Ministers were desired to draw into severall heads the summe of the Doctrine they craved to be established that the same might be seen and considered by the Parliament This accordingly was done and the fourth day after which was the 17. of August exhibited to the Estates under this title The confession of the Faith and Doctrine believed and professed by the Protestants of Scotland It is the same confession word by word that you have registred in the first Parliament of King Iames the sixth which that the story may on with an uninterrupted delivery I thought not needfull here to insert The Confession read in open Parliament and put to voyces the Earle of Atholl the Lords Sommervill and Bothwick onely of all the temporall Estate disassented saying They would believe as their fathers before them had believed The Popish Prelats were silent and answered nothing whereupon the Earle Marshall brake forth into these speeches It is long since I carried some favour unto the truth and was somewhat jealous of the Romane religion but this day hath fully resolved me of the truth of the one and falshood of the other for seeing my Lords the Bishops who by their learning can and for the zeal they should have to the truth would as I suppose gainsay any thing repugnant unto it say nothing against the confession we have heard I cannot think but it is the very truth of God and the contrary of it false and deceiveable doctrine Thus was the confession of Faith approved and by publick voices of the Estates authorized At the same time there passed three other Acts in favour of the Professors one for abolishing the Popes Jurisdiction and authority within the Realm a second annulling all Statutes made in preceding times for maintenance of idolatry and a third for punishment of the sayers and hearers of Mass. With these Acts Sr. Iames Sandelands Knight of the Rhodes a Gentleman of good account who had carried himself as neuter in all these broiles was directed to France for obtaining a ratification of the same from the Queen and the King her husband and therewith was desired to clear the Noblemen and other Subjects from imputations of disloyalty cast upon them and to pacifie the mindes of their Soveraignes whom they understood to be much exasperated by all the good wayes he could use But he found his Ambassage and himself both contemned the Guisians who were the onely men then in account with the King checking him bitterly at his first audience for that he being a Knight of the holy Order should have taken a Commission from Rebells to sollicite a ratification of execrable Heresies The Gentleman did what he could to mitigate their wrath but nothing could avail So was he dismissed without answer whereof the Archbishop of Glasgow the Abbat of Dunfermlin and the Lord Seaton 〈◊〉 from Leth with the company of French were generally blamed The cold entertainment he found in that Court was soon advertised which troubled greatly the 〈◊〉 of the Professors for they were sensible of their own weakness and 〈…〉 from England if France should again invade because of the loss the 〈…〉 received in the late expedition neither had the Earl of Morton and Glencarn who upon the breaking up of the Parliament were sent into England to render thanks to the Queen and to intreat the continuance of her favour given any advertisement of their acceptance But whilest they stood thus fearfull newes was brought of the French Kings death which raised their hearts not a little neither were they more glad then the French faction were sorrowfull These meeting in the most secret manner they could took counsell to send Mr. Iohn Lesley afterwards Bishop of Rosse with letters to the Queen intreating her to return into Scotland withall to shew her that the best course she could take was to land at Aberdene where she should be honourably received and find such assistance of the Noblemen in these quarters as at her first coming she might re-establish the Catholick Religion he was also desired to warn the Queen not to give ear to the counsels of her brother who as they said was of an aspiring minde and aimed at no less then the Government of the Realm whom she should do wisely to cause be detained in France till matters at home were fully settled The letter he carried was subscribed by the Archbishop of Saint Andrewes the Bishops of Aberdene Murray and Rosse the Earles of Huntly Craford Athol Sutherland and Cathnesse On the other side the Noblemen that had assisted the expulsion of the French how soon they heard of the death of King Francis convened at Edinburgh and after counsell taken directed Lord Iames to the Queen to perswade her in like manner to return But Lesly using greater diligence came to her some dayes before him and finding her at Vitrie in Champaigne wthier she was gone to seek a secret place for her sorrow delivered the letters and credit he was trusted with The Queen hearing all answered that the Prelats and Noblemen by whom he was imployed should rest assured of her favour willing him to advertise so much and to attend till she could resolve upon her return Incontinent after Leslies coming the Queens uncles did enter in deliberation what course was best for her to take and whether or not she should return to Scotland for they conceived the passage by Sea would be dangerous she not being assured of the Queen
of Englands friendship And in her own Kingdome the late troubles not being fully appeased they considered her peril would be great and that she should be cast in many difficulties yet finding her own mind to incline that way and hoping to have her more subject to their counsels whilest she lived at home then if she remained in France they resolved to give way to her return and to provide a fleet for her safe transport Lord Iames at his coming though he was advertised of the conclusion taken yet dissembling his knowledge thereof did signify the great desire that the subjects had to enjoy her presence and their longing for her return using the best reasons he could to perswade her unto it Hereby she was much confirmed in her purpose and after a day or two imparting to him her resolution willed him to return with diligence and making advertisement of her journey take care that nothing should be attempted against the pacification made at Leth before her coming In March following there arrived at Leth one Noalius a Senator of Burdeaux bringing a Commission from the King that had now succeeded his brother whereby three things were craved First that the old league betwixt France and Scotland should be renewed Secondly that the late confederacie with England should be dissolved Thirdly that the Churchmen should be restored to their places from which they had been thrust The Councel not willing to medle with matters of that importance delayed his answer to the Convention appointed in May at which time Lord Iames returned he had audience and answer given him to this effect That the Scots were no way conscious to themselves of any breach of the ancient league but contrariwise the French had broken to them seeking of late 〈◊〉 deprive them of their ancient liberties and under the profession of friendship to bring them into a miserable servitude That they could not violate the contract made with England except they would 〈◊〉 accompted of all men living the most ingrate for having received the greatest 〈◊〉 and benefit at the hands of the English which one neighbour Nation could possibly 〈◊〉 another if they should requite them with such ingratitude they would bring upon themselves a perpetual and everlasting shame And for repairing the Churchmen in their places they said that they did not acknowledge those whom they so styled to be Office-bearers in the Church and that Scotland having renounced the Pope would maintain no longer his Priests and vassals Noalius dismissed with this answer the Earls of Morton and Glencarn who a little before this time were returned from England did relate the good acceptance they received from the Queen and the promises she made to assist them in the defence of the liberties of the Kingdome if they should stand in need at any time of her help which was heard with great content They had been trusted with a more private businesse this was to try if the Queen might be pleased to take the Earl of Arrane to her husband and that way to unite the Kingdomes in a more firm amity But to this she did in fair terms answer That she was not as yet wearied of the single life and professing her self adepted to the Noblemans good affection said that if she should try her kindnesse in any other matter he should find his love not ill bestowed The Earl took the repulse more patiently because of the French Kings death and trusting he should gain the favour of his own Queen whom he greatly affected but of this he was likewise disappointed as we will hear IN the Convention kept at Edinburgh in Ianuary preceding a form of Church-policy was presented and desired to be ratified Because this will fall to be often mentioned and serveth to the clearing of many questions which were afterward agitated in the Church I thought meet word by word here to insert the same that the Reader may see what were the grounds laid down at first for the Government of the Church so we shall the better decerne of the changes that followed The first Head of Doctrine SEeing that Christ Iesus is he whom God the Father hath commended onely to be heard and followed of his sheep we judge it necessary that his Gospel be truly and openly preached in every Church and Assembly of this Realm and that all Doctrine repugning to the same be utterly suppressed as damnable to mans salvation The Explication of the first Head Lest that upon this our generality ungodly men take occasion to cavill this we adde for explication By preaching of the Gospel we understand not only the Scriptures of the New Testament but also the Old to wit the Law the Prophets and Histories in which Christ Iesus is no lesse contained in figure then we have him now expressed in vertue And therefore with the Apostle we affirm that all Scripture inspired of God is profitable to instruct to reprove and to exhort In which books of Old and New Testaments we affirm that all things necessary for the instruction of the Church and to make the man of God perfect are contained and sufficiently expressed By the contrary Doctrine we understand whatsoever men by Lawes Councels or Constitutions have imposed upon the consciences of men without the expresse Commandment of Gods word such as are the vowes of chastity forswearing of marriage binding of men and women to a several and disguised apparel to the superstitious observing of Fasting-dayes difference of meats for conscience sake prayer for the dead and keeping of Holy dayes of certain Saints commanded by man such as be all these the Papists have invented as the Feasts so as they term them of the Apostles Martyrs Virgins of Christmas Circumcision Epiphany Purification and other said Feasts of our Lady which things because in the Scriptures of God they neither have commandment nor assurance we judge them utterly to be abolished from this Realm Affirming further that the obstinate maintainers and teachers of such abominations ought not to escape the punishment of the Civil Magistrate The second head of Sacraments TO Christ Iesus his holy Gospel truly preached of necessity it is that his holy Sacraments be annexed and truly ministred as seals and visible confirmations of the spiritual promises contained in the words These Sacraments are two to wit Baptisme and the holy Supper of the Lord Iesus which are then rightly ministred when by a lawful Minister the people before the administration of the same are plainly instructed and put in mind of Gods free grace and mercy offered unto the penitent in Christ Iesus when Gods promises are rehearsed the end and use of the Sacraments preached and declared in such a language as the people do understand when also to them nothing is added and from them nothing diminished and in their administration all things done according to the institution of the Lord Iesus and practice of his holy Apostles And albeit the order of Geneva which now
is used in some of our Churches is sufficient to instruct the diligent Reader how that both these Sacraments may be rightly ministred yet for an uniformity to be kept we thought good to adde this as superabundant In Baptisme we acknowledge nothing to be used except the element of water only and that the word and declaration of the promises as we said before ought to precede therefore whosoever presumeth in Baptisme to use oyle salt wax spittle conjuration and crossing as they accuse the institution of Christ of imperfection for it was void of all these inventions so for altering Christs perfect Ordinance they ought to be severely punished The table of the Lord is then most rightly ministred when it approacheth most nigh to Christs own action But plain it is that at the Supper Christ Iesus sate with his Disciples and therefore do we judge that sitting at table is most convenient to that holy action that Bread and Wine ought to be given distribution of the same made that the Bread should be taken and eaten and likewise that all should drink of the Cup with declaration what both the one and the other is For touching the damnable errour of the Papists who defraud the people of the Cup of the Lords blood their errour is so manifest as it needeth no confutation That the Minister break the bread and distribute the same to those that be next unto him commanding the rest every one with reverence and sobriety to break with other we think it neerest to Christs action and to the perfect practice of the Apostles as we reade in Saint Paul During which action we think it necessary that some comfortable places of Scripture be read which may bring in minde the death of the Lord Iesus and the benefit of the same for seeing in that Action we ought chiefly to remember the Lords death we judge the Scriptures making mention of the same most apt to stir up our dull minds then and at all times The Ministers at their discretion may appoint the places to be read as they think good but what times we think most convenient for ministration of the one and other Sacrament shall be declared when we come to the policy of the Church The third head touching the abolishing of Idolatry AS we require Christ Iesus to be truly preached and his holy Sacraments rightly ministred so we can not cease to require Idolatry with all monuments and places of the same as Abbeys Chappels Monkeries Friers Nunneries Chantries Cathedrall Churches Chanonries Colledges other then presently are Parish Churches or Schools to be utterly suppressed in all places of this Realm Palaces Mansions and dwelling houses with their Orchards and Gardens onely excepted As also we desire that no persons of what estate or condition soever they be be permitted to use idolatrous service for that wheresoever idolatry is maintained if so it may be suppressed the wrath of God shall reigne both upon the blinde and obstinate idolaters and those that negligently suffer the same By Idolatrie we understand the Masse invocation of Saints adoration of Images and the keeping and retaining of the same finally all honouring of God not contained in his holy word The fourth head concerning Ministers and their lawfull Election IN a Church reformed or tending to reformation none ought to presume either to preach or yet minister the Sacraments untill they be called orderly to the same Ordinary vocation consisteth in Election Examination and Admission and because the election of Ministers in Papistry hath been altogether abused we think expedient to intreat of it more largely It appertaineth to the people and to every severall congregation to elect their Minister and in case they be found negligent therein the space of fourty dayes the best reformed Church to wit the Church of the Superintendent with his councell may present unto them a man that they judge apt to feed the flock of Christ Iesus who must be examined as well in life and manners as in doctrine and knowledge That this may be done with more exact diligence the persons who are to be examined must be commanded to appear before men of soundest judgement remaining in some principall town next adjacent unto them As they that be in Fife Angus Mernis or Stratherne to present themselves in St. Andrewes those that be in Lothian Mers or Tivioâ—dale in Edinburgh and likewise those that be in other countries must resort to the best reformed Cities and Towns that is to the Town of the Superintendent where first in the Schools or failing thereof in open assembly and before the congregation they must give declaration of their gifts utterance and knowledge by interpreting some place of Scripture to be appointed by the Ministery which being ended the person that is presented or that offereth himself to the service of the Church must be examined by the Ministers and Elders of the Church openly before all that list to hear in all the chief points that be now in controversie betwixt us and the Papists Anabaptists Arrians and other such enemies to the Christian Religion In which if he be sound and able to perswade by wholsome Doctrine and to convince the gain-sayers then must he be directed to the Church and Congregation where he would serve that there in open audience of the flock he may preach and deliver his knowledge in the Article of Justification the Offices of Christ Iesus the number effect and use of the Sacraments and finally the whole Religion which hereto fore hath been corrupted by Papists If his Doctrine be found wholsome and able to instruct the simple and if the Church can justly reprehend nothing in his life doctrine or utterance then we judge the Church which before was destitute unreasonable if they refuse him whom the Church doth offer and that they should be compelled by the censure of the Councell and Church to receive the person appointed and approved by the judgement of the Godly and Learned unless that the same Church hath presented a man better or as well qualified to examination before that the foresaid triall was taken of the person presented by the Councell of the whole Church As for example the Councell of the Church presents a man unto a Church to be their Minister not knowing that they are otherwise provided in the mean time the Church hath another sufficient in their judgment for that charge whom they present to the learned Ministers and next reformed Church to be examined In this case the presentation of the people to whom he should be appointed Pastor must be preâ—erred to the presentation of the Councell or greater Church unless the person presented by the inferiour Church be judged unable for the regiment by the learned For this is alwayes to be avoyded that no man be intruded or thrust in upon any congregation But this liberty with all care must be reserved for every severall Church to have their voices and suffrages in election of their Ministers
the 15. day of November yearly in the presence of the Superintendent Rector and whole Principals the same shal be opened the moneys counted and by their consents reserved or imployed upon building or repairing as the necessity of the fabrick shall require Of the Priviledge of the University Seeing innocency should rather defend us then priviledge we think that every person should answer before the Provost and Bailies of the Town where the University is upon all actions they are called for so as the Rector be assessor to the Magistrates therein If the question be betwixt members of the University the party called is not held to answer but before the Rector and his assessors in all other causes of civil pursuit the general rule of law is to be observed Actor sequatur forum rei The Rector and all inferiour members of the University must be exempted from all taxes imposts charges of warre or any other burthens that may abstract them from attending the youth such as Tutory Curatory Executory and the like As for other things that may concern the Students and Masters such as the choice of books to be read in every Classe and such other particulars they are to be left to the discretion of the Principal and Regents and their Councel The sixth head of the Rents and Patrimony of the Church TWo sorts of men that is the Preachers of the word and the poor besides the Schools must be sustained upon the rents of the Church wherefore it would be considered how and of what the same is to raised For to our grief we hear that some Gentlemen are now more rigorous in exacting the tithes and other duties paid before to the Church then ever the Papists were and so the tyranny of Priests is turned into the tyranny of Lords or Lairds for this we require that the Gentlemen Barons Lords Earls and others be content to live upon their own rents and suffer the Church to be restored to her right and liberty that by her restitution the poor that heretofore have been oppressed may now receive some comfort and relaxation It is a thing most reasonable that every man have the use of his own tithes providing that he answer the Deacons and Treasurer of the Church of that which shall be reasonably appointed unto him and that the uppermost cloth the Corpresent the Clerkmail the Pasche-offerings Tith-ale and other the like exactions be discharged for ever And because not only the Ministers but also the poor and Schools must be sustained upon the Tithes we think it more expedient that Deacons and common Treasurers of the Church be appointed to receive the whole rents appertaining thereto then the Ministers themselves And that commandment may be given that no man either receive or intromet with any thing belonging to the sustentation of the foresaid persons but such as shall be appointed thereto by the Church If any shall think this prejudicial to those that possesse the tithes by vertue of leases we would have them know that unjust possession is no possession before God and that those of whom they acquired their right were thieves and murtherers and had no power to alienate the Patrimony and common good of the Church yet do we wish recompence to be made to such as have debursed summes of money to these unjust possessors so that the same had not been given of late in prejudice of the Church or no collusion used For which purpose we think it expedient that whosoever have the titles of any Church in part or whole be warned to produce his right that cognition being taken thereof a reasonable recompence may be given them before the years that are to run the profits of years past deduced and considered so that the Church in end may receive her liberty and freedom The tithes that we think must be lifted for the use of the Church are the tithes of hay hemp lint cheese fish calf veal lamb wool and all sorts of corn But because these will not suffice to discharge the necessaries of the Church we think that all things dotate to hospitality in times past with all annual rents both to Burgh and Land pertaining to Priests Chanteries Colledges Chaplaineries and Friers of all orders to the sisters of the Seynes and all other of that sort be retained to the use of the Church or Churches within the Towns or Parishes where they were founded likewise the whole revenues of the temporalities of Bishops Deans and Archdeacons with all rents of lands pertaining to Cathedral Churches which must be applied to the entertainment of Superintendents and Universities And further we think that Merchants and Craftsmen in free Burghs who have nothing to do with manuring the ground ought to make some provision in their Cities and Towns and dwelling places for the support of the Church and necessities thereof The Ministers and failing of them the Readers must be restored to their Manses and Gleibs without which they cannot serve nor attend their flocks and where any Gleib exceedeth six acres of land that which is more shall remain with the possessor till further order be taken The Deacons or Treasurers appointed to collect these rents must be chosen yearly in every Parish by the common consent of the Church they may not distribute any part of that which is collected but by the command of the Ministers and Elders who must command any thing to be delivered but as the Church hath before determined That is the Ministers to be first paid either quarterly or from half year to half year of the summes allowed to them the Schoolmasters Readers and Hospitals if any be If any extraordinary summes must be disbursed then the Ministers Elders and Deacons are to consult whether the same stands with the profit of the Church or not and if they do agree they may do as best seemeth unto them But if there be controversie amongst themselves the whole Church must be made privie and the reasons heard their judgement with the Ministers consent shall prevail The Deacons shall make their Accompts to the Minister and Elders of that which they have received and the Elders when they are changed which must be every year shall clear their accompts before such Auditors as the Church shall appoint And both the Deacons and Elders being changed shall deliver to them that are newly elected all summes of money corns or other profits resting in their hands the tickets whereof must be delivered to the Superintendents in their visitations and by them to the great Councel of the Church that as well the indigence as abundance of every Church may be known and so a reasonable equality may be kept through the whole Realm The seventh head concerning the Censuring of offenders AS no Commonwealth can flourish or long endure without good laws and sharp execution of the same so cannot the Church of God be purged or yet retained in purity without the order of Ecclesiastical discipline This standeth in reproving
same then ought the Minister to crave the assistance of the Churches prayers in behalf of the penitent and prayer ended exhort them to receive him again in their favours in token whereof the Elders and one or two of the Congregation shall take him by the hand and embrace him in the name of the whole Church This done the Minister shall exhort him who is received to walk circumspectly in time coming lest Satan catch him again in his snares advertising him how that enemy will not cease to try all means possible for bringing him from the obedience that he hath given to God and his Ordinance And after the exhortation shall give again publick thanks to God for the conversion of that their brother and pray for increase and continuance of his grace to him and the whole congregation Unto this discipline the whole estates of the Realm as well the Rulers as they that are ruled and the Preachers themselves as well as the poorest within the Church must be subject the Ministers especially because they as the eye and mouth of the Church should be most irreprehensible The eighth head concerning Elders and Deacons MEn of best knowledge of purest life and most honest conversation that can be found in every Church must be nominated for these offices and their names publickly read unto the congregation that from amongst those some may be chosen to serve as Elders and Deacons If any be nominated who is noted with publick infamy he must be repelled for it is not seemly that the servant of corruption should have authority to judge in the Church of God or if any man know others that are of better qualities within the Church then those who are nominated the same shall be joyned to the others that the Church may have the choice If the Churches be few in number so as Elders and Deacons cannot conveniently be had the same Church may be joyned to the next adjacent for the plurality of Churches without Ministers and order doth rather hurt then edifie The election of Elders and Deacons ought to be made every year once which we judge most convenient to be done the first of August yearly lest men by long continuance in those Offices presume upon the liberty of the Church And yet it hurteth not if a man be retained in office more years then one so as he be appointed yearly thereto by common and free election Providing alwayes that the Deacons and Thesaurers of the Church be not compelled to receive again the same Office for the space of â— years How the suffrages shall be given and received every severall Church may take the order that seemeth best to them The Elders being elected must be admonished of their Office which is to assist the Minister in all publick affairs of the Church to wit in judging and discerning of causes in giving admonition to licentious livers and having an eye upon the manners and conversation of all men within their charge for by the gravity of the Elders the loose and dissolute manners of other men ought to be restrained and corrected The Elders ought also to take heed to the life manners diligence and study of their Ministers And if he be worthy of admonition they must admonish him if of correction they must correct him and if he be worthy of deposition they with the consent of the Church and Superintendent may depose him The Office of Deacons is to receive the rents and gather the Almes of the Church to keep and distribute the same as they shall be appointed by the Ministery and the Church yet they may also assist in judgement the Minister and Elders and be admitted to reade in publick Assemblies if they be called required and found able thereto The Elders and Deacons with their wives and families must be subject to the same censure that Ministers are subject unto for they are Judges to the manners of others and therefore they must be sober humble entertainers of concord and peace amongst neighbours and finally an ensample of godlyness to the rest of the flock whereof if the contrary appear they must be admonished by the Minister or some of their brethren if the fault be secret but if it be open and known they must be openly rebuked and the same order kept with them that is prescribed against Ministers offending We think it not necessary that any publick stipend be appointed either to the Elders or Deacons because their travell continueth but for a year as also because they are not so occupied with the affairs of the Church but that they may have leisure to attend their private business Of the Censure and Deposition of Ministers If a Minister be of a loose conversation negligent in his study and one that waiteth not on his charge and flock or one that proponeth not fruitful doctrine to his people he ought to be admonished by the Elders and if he amend not the Elder may complain to the Ministery till his repentance appear but if any Minister be deprehended of any notable crime as whoredome adultery murther man-slaughter perjurie heresie or any such as deserveth death or any inferre the note of infamy he ought to be deposed for ever By heresie we understand pernicious doctrine plainly taught and obstinately defended against the foundation and principall grounds of Christian faith Such a crime we judge to deserve perpetuall deposition from the Ministery knowing it to be a thing most dangerous to commit a flock unto a man infected with heresie Some faults deserve deposition for a time as if a Minister be deprehended drunken if he be a brawler or fighter an open slanderer a defamer of his neighbours factious and a sower of discord till he declare himselfe penitent and give some assurance of better conversation upon which the congregation shall attend the space of twenty dayes or longer as they shall think expedient before they proceed to a new election Every inferiour Church should notifie by one of their Elders and one of their Deacons to the Superintendent the life manners study and diligence of their Ministers that the discretion of some may correct the levitie of others Neither must the life and manners only of their Ministers come under censure but also of their wives children and family It must likewise be adverted that the Minister neither live riotously nor avaritiously and a respect had how he spendeth his stipend for if a reasonable stipend be appointed him he must live accordingly because avaritiousness and solicitude of money is no less to be damned in Christs servants especially those who are fed at the charge of the Church then is excess and superfluity We judge it unseemly for Ministers to live in common Alehouses or Taverns neither must a Minister be permitted to frequent the Court unless it be for a time when he is either imployed by the Church or called by the Authority to give his counsell and judgement in any matter Neither yet must he be one
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
threefold Officiars in the Church to wit Ministers or Preachers Elders or Governours and Deacons or Distributers and all these may be called by one general word Ministers of the Church 4. For albeit the Church of God be ruled and governed by Iesus Christ who is the onely King high Priest and Head thereof yet he useth the ministery of men as a necessary middes for this purpose 5. For so he hath from time to time before the Law under the Law and in the time of the Evangel for our great comfort raised up men indowed with the gifts of his Spirit for the spiritual government of his Church exercising by them his power through his Spirit and Word to the building of the same 6. And to take away all occasion of Tyranny he wills that they should rule with mutual consent of brethren and equality of power every one according to their functions 7. In the New Testament and time of the Evangel he hath used the Ministery of the Apostles Prophets Evangelists Pastors and Doctors in administration of the Word The eldership for good order and administration of discipline The Deaconship to have the care of Ecclesiastical goods 8. Some of these Ecclesiastical functions are ordinary some extraordinary or temporal the extraordinary are the Apostles Prophets and Evangelists which are not perpetual and now have ceased in the Church except when it pleases God extraordinarily for a time to stirre up some of them again 9. There are four ordinary offices or functions in the Church of God the Pastor Minister or Bishop the Doctor the Presbyter or Elder and the Deacon 10. These Offices are ordinary and ought to continue perpetually in the Church as necessary for the government and policy of the same and no mo offices ought to be received or suffered in the true Church of God established by his Word 11. Therefore all the ambitious titles invented in the Kingdom of Antichrist and his usurped Hierarchy which are not one of those four sorts together with the offices depending thereupon ought in one word to be rejected CHAP. 3. How the persons that bear Ecclesiastical functions are admitted to their Offices FIrst Vocation or Calling is common to all that should bear office in the Church which is a lawful way by which qualified persons are promoved to any special office in the Church of God 2. Without this calling it was never lawful for any person to meddle with any Ecclesiastical function 3. There are two sorts of Calling one extraordinary by God immediately as were the Apostles and Prophets which within a Church already well established hath no place 4. The other calling is ordinary which beside the calling of God and the inward testimony of a good conscience hath the lawful approbation of men according to Gods word and the order established in the Church 5. None ought to presume to enter in any office Ecclesiastical unlesse he have a good testimony in his conscience before God who onely knoweth the hearts of men 6. This ordinary and outward calling hath two parts Election and Ordination 7. Election is the choosing out of one man or person to the office that is voyd by the judgement of the Eldership and consent of the congregation to whom the person presented is to be appointed 8. The qualities in general required in all them who should have charge in the Church consist in soundnesse of Religion and godlinesse of life according as they are set forth in the Word 9. In this ordinary election it is to be eschewed that no person be intruded in any of the offices of the Church contrary to the will of the congregation to whom they are appointed or without the voice of the Eldership 10. None ought to be intruded or placed in the ministery in places already planted or in any room that is not void for any wordly respect and that which is called the benefice ought to be nothing but the stipend of the Minister who is lawfully called 11. Ordination is the separation and sanctifying of the person appointed by God and his Church after that he is well tried and found qualified 12. The ceremonies of Ordination are fasting prayer and imposition of hands of the Eldership 13 All these as they must be raised up by God and made able for the work whereunto they are called so they ought know that their message is limited within Gods word 14. These should take the names and titles only lest they be exalted and pussed up in themselves which the Scripture gives them as these which import labour travel and work and are names of offices and service and not of idlenesse dignity worldly honour or preheminence which by Christ our Master is expressely reproved and forbidden 15. All these office bearers should have their own particular flocks amongst whom they ought to exerce their charge and should make residence with them taking inspection and oversight of them every one in his vocation 16. And generally ought to respect two things that is the glory of God and edifying of his Church by discharging their duties in their callings CHAP. 4. Of the Office-bearers in particular and first of the Pastors and Ministers 1. PAstors Bishops or Ministers are they who are appointed to particular congregations which they rule by the word of God and over which they watch in respect whereof sometime they are called Pastors because they feed their congregation sometime Episcopi or Bishops because they watch over their flock sometime Ministers by reason of their service and office sometime also Presbyters or Seniors for the gravity in manners which they ought to have taking care of the spiritual government which ought to be most dear unto them 2. They that are called the Ministery or offer themselves thereto ought not to be elected without one certain flock to be assigned to them 3. No man ought to ingyre himself or usurp this office without a lawful calling 4. They who are once called of God and duly elected by men having once accepted the charge of the Ministery may not leave their functions and the desertors ought to be admonished and in case of disobedience excommunicated 5. No Pastor may leave his flock without licence of the Provincial Assembly which if he do after admonition not obeyed let the censures of the Church strike upon him 6. To the Pastor belongeth the preaching of the word of God in season and out of season publickly and privately always to edify and discharge his conscience as God hath prescribed And unto them only appertains the ministration of the Sacraments for both these are appointed by the word of God as means to teach us the one by the ear and the other by the eys and other senses that by both knowledge may be conveighed to the mind 7. By the same reason it pertains to
in the reformed Church 5. The Churches also which are united and joyned together by annexation to Benefices ought to be separated and divided and given to qualified Ministers as Gods word requires neither ought such abusers of the Patrimony of the Church have voice in Parliament nor sit in Councel in name of the Church and Church-men to the hurt and prejudice of the liberty thereof and lawes of the Realm made in favours of the Reformed Church 6. Much lesse is it lawful that one person amongst these should have five or six ten or twenty Churches all having the cure of soules and enjoy the Patrimony thereof either by admission of the Prince or of the Church in this light of the Gospel for it is but mockery to crave reformation where the like have place 7. And albeit it was thought good for avoyding greater inconveniences that the old possessors of such benefices who imbraced the Religion should enjoy by permission the two parts of the rents which they possessed before during their life time yet it is not tolerable to continue in the like abuse to give these places and other benefices of new to men as unmeet or rather unmeeter who have no mind to serve in the Church but live an idle life as others did who enjoyed the same in time of blindnesse 8. And whereas by the order taken at Leith 1571. it appears that such may be admitted being found qualified either that pretended order is against all good order or else it must be understood not of them that are qualified for worldly affairs or to serve in Court but such as are qualified to teach Gods word and have their lawful admission of the Church 9. As to Bishops if the name be properly taken it is all one with the name of Minister as was declared for it is not the name of superiority or Lordship but of office and watching Yet because in the corruption of the Church this name hath been abused and is like to be we cannot allow this fashion of these new chosen Bishops nor of the Chaptors that are their electors to such in office 10. True Bishops should addict themselves to one particular flock which divers of them refuse neither should they usurp Lordship over their brethren and the inheritance of Christ. 11 12. Pastors in so farre as they Pastors have not the visitation of mo Churches joyned to the Pastorship unlesse it be committed to them 12. It is a corruption that Bishops should have further bounds to visit then they may conveniently overtake neither ought any man to have the visitation of Churches but he that is chosen by the Presbytery 13. The Elderships well established have power to send out Visitors with Commission to visit the bounds within their Eldership and after accompt taken be either continued or changed from time to time being subject alwayes to their Elderships 14. The criminal jurisdiction in the person of a Pastor is a corruption 15. It agrees not with the word of God that Bishops should be Pastors of Pastors or Pastors of many flocks and yet be without a certain flock and no ordinary teacher nor doth it agree with the Scripture that they should be exeemed from the correction of their brethren and the discipline of the particular elderships of the Church where they shall serve neither that they usurp the office of visitation of other Churches nor any other function besides that of other Ministers unlesse the same be committed to them by the Church 16. Heretofore we desire the Bishops that now are either to agree to that order which Gods word requires and not to passe the bounds prescrived by the general Church either in Civil or Ecclesiastical affairs or to be deposed from all function in the Church 17. We ceny not in the mean time that Ministers may and should assist their Princes when they are required in all things agreeable to the word of God whether it be in Councel or Parliament or out of Councel providing alwayes they neither neglect their own charges nor through flattery of Princes hurt the publick estate of the Church 18. But generally we say that no Pastor under whatsoever title of the Church and specially the abused titles in Popery of Prelates Chaptors and Convents ought to attempt any thing in the Churches name either in Parliament or out of Councel without the Commission of the Reformed Church within this Realm 19. It is provided by Act of Parliament that the Papistical Church and jurisdiction shall have no place within the Realm and that no Bishop nor Prelate should use any jurisdiction in time coming flowing from the Popes authority And likewise that no other Ecclesiastical jurisdiction should be acknowledged within this Realm but that which is and shall be in the Reformed Church and flowing from the same And such we esteem the Chaptors holden in Papistical manner either of Cathedral Churches Abbeys Colledges or other conventual places usurping the name and authority of the Church to hurt the Patrimony thereof or use any other Act to the prejudice â—of the same since the year 1560. by abusion and corruption contrary to the liberty of the Church and lawes of the Realm which therefore ought to be annulled reduced and in time coming utterly discharged 20. The dependences also of the Papistical jurisdiction are to be abolished of which sort is the mingled jurisdiction of the Commissars in so far as they meddle with Ecclesiastical matters have no Commission of the Church thereto but were elected in time of our Soveraigns mother when things were out of order It is an absurd thing that divers of them having no function in the Church should be Judges in deposing Ministers from their places Wherefore they would be either discharged to meddle with Ecclesiastical matters or it would be limited to them in what matters they might judge and not hurt the liberty of the Church 31. They also that before were of the Ecclesiastical estate in the Popes Church or that are admitted of new to the Papistical titles and now tolerated by the laws of the Realm to possesse the two parts of their Ecclesiastical rents ought not to have any further liberty but to intromet with the portion granted and assigned unto them for their life times and not under the abused titles which they carry to dispone the Church rents setting in fewes and leases the same at their pleasure to the great hurt of the poor labourers that dwell upon the Church lands and the prejudice of the Church contrary to good conscience and all order CHAP. 12. Special heads craved to be reformed 1. WHatsoever hath been spoken of Church offices the several power of office-bearers their conjunct powers and last of the Patrimony of the Church we understand it to be the right reformation which God requires but because something would be touched in particular concerning the estate
form of proces kept with them others judged that there needed no such formality seeing the Authours were known and the sentence of forfeiture pronounced against them stood unreduced To use a citation they said was to give them warning to flee whereas otherwise they might be taken unprovided and brought to their censure At last it was agreed that a Commission should be given to some Noblemen that had power and affected the businesse to apprehend them This Commission was given to the Earls of Morton Marre and Eglinton and to the Lords of Ruthven 〈◊〉 and Boyd which was not so closely carried but advertisement went to the Lord Hamilton and his brother Lord Claud so as they escaped The Lord Hamilton going on foot through the most part of England in the habit of a Seaman fled into France Lord Claud after he had lurked a while amongst his friends at home found refuge in the North parts of England others of their friendship who stood in fear saved themselves where best they could Upon the report of their escape charges were directed for rendering the houses of Hamilton and Draffan which belonged to the Earl of Arran their elder Brother and were possessed by the Lord Hamilton as administrator to his brother because of his disease The Earl of Arran himself they had kept in the Castle of Draffan attended by some servants and he was known to have no part in any of these facts wherewith they were charged so as by way of justice his estate could not fall under forfeiture yet some colour of right behoved to be made for bringing the same under the Courts disposing To this effect it was devised that a complaint should be preferred in the name of the Earl of Arran and his Majesties Advocates bearing the miserable condition of the said Earl and how he was detained in close prison by his two brothers without fire aire and the company of his honest friends his living violently possessed by the Commendators of Aberbrothock his Sheriffeship of Laâ—rick usurped himself denied the benefit of marriage and debarred from succession against all law for if he was an idiot or furious as they gave out he ought to have had Curators given him by the King and if he was mentis compos it was an intolerable wrong to use him in that sort Therefore desired letters to be directed for his exhibition before the Councel that it might be known in what estate he was and an honourable provision appointed unto him such as befitted his birth and condition This desire being judged reasonable summons were directed against the two brothers that were fled and they not appearing at the day were denounced Rebels But this not sufficing to work their ends the disobedience of the Keepers in not rendring the strengths when they were charged was made the Earls crime and he found to have incurred the pain of treason an act of the greatest injustice that could be done Notthelesse upon this ground were both the Castles at that time demolished and Captain Iames Stewart afterwards preferred to the Earldome of Arran Whilest these things were doing Monsieur No a Frenchman Secretary to the Queen of Scots came to Striveling with letters and some presents to the King but because in the superscription of the letters he was only intituled Prince of Scotland the messenger was denied accesse and neither his letters nor presents received The rest of this summer was spent for the most part in summoning the Gentlemen of the name of Hamilton and putting them under surety that they should not give supply to the fugitives and be always ready to answer before the Councel when they should be called Dame Margaret Lion Countesse of Cassils who not long before had married the Commendator of Aberbrothock was suffered to possesse the Joincture she had by her first husband upon the like condition And because many were put in fear by this proceeding that the pacification of Perth should be altogether annulled his Majesty made a publick declaration That what was done in the present pursuit was only for the murther of his Father and Regents unto which both in honour and conscience he was tied And that no Article of the pacification should be infringed or called in question In the beginning of Iuly the Earl of Athols funerals were performed with great solemnity and his body interred in the Church of S. Giles at Edinburgh after which Colin Earl of Argile was created Chancellour in his place The King then resolving to shew himself to his people and to fall into the exercise of his Princely authority caused proclaime a Parliament to be kept at Edinburgh the twentieth of October Whilest things were preparing for his remove the Lord D' Ambigny arrived from France of purpose to visit the King as being nigh of blood and Cousen german to his Father The King receiving him kindly after a few days entertainment at Striveling took him in company to Edinburgh when he grew into such favour by his courteous and modest behaviour as the King would not permit him to return unto France and moving his grand Uncle to resign in his favours the Earldom of Lennox he gave to him in recompence the title of the Earldom of March Soon after the Abbacy of Aberbrothock which was fallen by Lord Iohn Hamiltons forfeiture was bestowed on him and he preferred to be one of the privy Councel This suddain and unexpected preferment got him much hatred and being of the Roman profession his enemies filled the countrey with rumours that he was sent from France only to pervert the King in his Religion Notthelesse in the Parliament which held at the time appointed divers good acts were made in favour of the Church but the matters of jurisdiction which the Ministers did chiefly urge was put off to a new Commission Some moneths before the King had required them by a letter directed with Iohn Doncanson his Minister to abstain from making any novation in the Church policy and to suffer things to continue in the state wherein they were unto the Parliament approaching without prejudging the decision of the Estates by their conclusions But they neglecting the letter went to examine the conference kept at Striveling the year preceding and whereas in that conference divers heads were remitted to a further consultation they ordained nothing to be altered either in form or matter of that which amongst themselves was concluded They further called the Archbishop of S. Andrews in question for granting collations upon some Benefices and for giving voice in Parliament not being authorized thereto by the Church This did so displease the King as from that time forth he did not countenance the Ministers as in former times and upon the complaint of persons who otherwise deserved not much regard that the Church might find in what need they stood of his favour he suffered divers sentences to passe in Councel suspending their
Religion presently professed should be a just cause to infer the pain and crime of treason against Iesuites Mass Priests trafficking Papists and their ressetters with a provision That if the Iesuits and seminary Priests did satisfie the Prince and the Church the foresaid penalty should not strick upon the ressetters which in effect was no restraint neither was the trafficking against Religion declared to be a crime of Treason unless the same was proved a trafficking likewise against the King So in this point the Church received small satisfaction As to the complaint of blood the same was remitted to the ordinary course of Justice But the first Petition was longer debated the King being unwilling either to abrogate the Acts of the 84. or grant the ratification desired of the present discipline for he foresaw the inconvenients that would grow by the liberty that Ministers should assume to themselves yet Bothwels business and the many discontentments within the Realm moved him to give way lest he should be troubled likewise with their outcries So the Act passed but in the most wary tearms that could be devised As for the Statute confirming his Majesties royall power the abrogation whereof was chiefly sought it was onely declared That the said Statute should be no wayes prejudiciall nor derogatory to the priviledge that God hath given to the spirituall office-bearer in the Church concerning heads of Religion matters of Heresie Excommunication collation or deprivation of Ministers or any such essentiall censures grounded and having warrant of the Word of God Upon the end of the Parliament the King went to Falkland where Bothwell made a new attempt encouraged thereunto by the Earls of Angus and Arroll the Master of Gray Colonell Stewart and the Lairds of Iohnston and Balwery who did all promise their concurrence in bringing him unto the Kings presence The Master of Gray and Balwery did meet him with a good number of horse Angus kept the Diet but with a small company Arroll remained with the King within the Palace and had taken upon him with the assistance of Colonel Stewart to open the Gates but either out of fear their hearts failing them or not having a number sufficient to make good their undertaking nothing was done yet upon suspicions they were apprehended and Arroll sent to the Castle of Edinburgh and the Colonel to Blackness the company that came with Bothwell was not great and did not exceed sixscore in all broken men for the most part whom he had taken up in the English and Scottish borders with these he had journied 2 dayes and nights without either meat or sleep came to Falkland a little before midnight where finding his expectation disappointed and those in the Palace provided to defend he stayed on the side of the hill till a little after Sun-rising some of his followers in the mean time breaking open the Queens stables took away the horses and what else they could lay hands upon The night was then at the shortest for it was the 26. of Iune and the Countrey gathering from all parts to relieve the King he was forced to flee But what way to take he was uncertain for to pass the Ferrie with his company he could not safely and to return by the bridge of Striveling was a long way which neither the horses nor their riders after so long watching could indure yet seeing no better then to be gone with the haste he could make about nine of the clock he caused sound the trumpets and retired The King after the Countrey people were come followed by the Queens Ferry thinking he had gone that way but finding that he had taken his course by Striveling and knowing that the company would separate how soon they had passed the bridge he directed most of his followers to apprehend such as they could overtake Divers were taken in the Moors of Calder and Carnwath but suffered to escape by their takers many horses were found straying in the fields the riders being overcome with sleep and fallen from them Amongst others Archibald Wachop of Nudry and some 7. or 8. with him whilest they lay sleeping in a meadow nigh to Cambusnetham were taken by the Lord Hamilton and sent to be kept in the Castle of Draffan but his Lady the day after out of a womanly commiseration whilest her Lord was absent suffered them to depart Bothwell himself fled unto the West borders and from thence into England The badness of this attempt put the borders in a great fear for many of them especially of the Iohnstons had followed him in that journey yet so great was the Kings clemency as being at Dumfreise whither he went in the beginning of Iuly a generall pardon was proclaimed to all that would submit themselves whereupon numbers did enter and were received in favour Bothwell thus forsaken almost of all did notwithstanding in the Court again find some that out of emulation and private rancour more then for any affection they carried unto him wrought the King new troubles Alexander Lindesay Lord Spinie a great favourite in that time out of the malice he bare to the Master of Glamis Thesaurer whom he knew Bothwell also hated did secretly practise to bring him into the Kings presence and make his reconciliation This coming to the knowledge of Colonel Stewart who was still detained in Blackness to procure his own liberty and recover the Kings favour he signified the same to the King by Sir Iames Sandelands who as then was keeper of the house and being brought before the Councell at Dalkeith stood to the declaration affirming that the Lord Spinie had resset Bothwell in his Ladies house at Aberdowre which he offered to prove by witnesses circumstances and other clear demonstrations These were his words Spinie denying all appealed the Colonell to combat which the King would not permit assigning the 12 of September for his triall before the Justice Spinie appearing at the day the Colonell excused himself by the shortnesse of the time and had a new diet assigned him at which his probation failing Spinie was restored to his honour dignity and service yet did he never recover his former credit with the King but was held still suspected and whether offending at this or that the first declaration was true in it self the year following he took open part with Bothwell and was therefore denounced Rebell At the same time Iohn Weymis younger of Logie Gentleman of his Majesties Chamber and in great favour both with the King and Queen was discovered to have the like dealing with Bothwell and being committed to the keeping of the Guard escaped by the policy of one of the Dutch Maids with whom he entertained a secret love The Gentlewoman named mistress Margaret Twinslace coming one night whilest the King and Queen were in bed to his keepers shewed that the King called for the prisoner to ask of him some question the keepers suspecting nothing for they
affected Gentlemen within their Parishes They were at the same time in a long deliberation whether or not they should excommunicate the Lord President and Advocate which divers urged The Controller was in some better opinion with them by reason of a Message sent quietly to M. Rob Bruce But in end they resolved to continue that business to the meeting of the Assembly when the Sentence might be pronounced with greater authority Mean while to keep the people in a good disposition a Fast was proclaimed through the City and Sermons of preparation ordained to be made that afternoon in all the Churches A Minister named Mr. Iohn Welch making offer to supply the place in the high Church was allowed to preach who taking for his theam the Epistle sent to the Angel of the Church of Ephesus did rail pitifully against the King saying He was possessed with a Devil and one Devil being put out seven worse were entred in place And that the subjects might lawfully rise and take the sword out of his hand which he confirmed by the example of a Father that falling in a phrensie might be taken by the Children and servants of the family and tied hand and foot from doing violence A most execrable Doctrine and directly repugnant to holy Scriptures which yet was taken by many of the hearers as a sound and free application so ready are men to flatter themselves in wickedness and even to justifie impiety it self A rumour was then also dispersed about the Town that in the day of tumult the Earl of Arroll did come to the Queens ferry with 500 horse and was gone back upon report of the stirre This upon the Sunday took up a great part of the Ministers Sermons and was brought to justifie the multitudes proceedings as though they had been directed by a secret providence to disappoint the wicked practises that were in hand A manifest forgery it was yet believed at the same time by foolish and credulous people The Messenger sent to the Lord Hamilton was at his coming well received at first the Nobleman made a shew that he would go for Edinburgh but upon better advice he turned to Linlithgow and taking the copie of the Letter that was sent unto him for he rendred the principall to the bearer he shewed the King what an invitation he had from those at Edinburgh The King at sight of the Letter grew exceeding angry for therein after a short narrative of the injuries the Church had received by the malice of some Counsellors it was said That the people animated by the word and motion of Gods Spirit had gone to Armes and that the godly Barons and other Gentlemen that were in Town had convened themselves and taken on them the patrocinie of the Church and her cause only they lacked a Head and speciall Noblemen to countenance the matter and since with one consent they had made choice of his Lordship their desire was that he should come to Edinburgh with all convenient diligence and utter his affection to the good cause accepting the honour which was offered unto him This Letter endited by Mr. Robert Bruce and subscrived by him and Mr. Walter Balcanquell was of all that yet had happened the worst nor could it receive any good construction for albeit in an apologie afterwards set forth it was said to be penned only to please the Nobleman who was of an ambitious humour yet put the case he had accepted and taken before him to be their Head as he was desired who can tell what mischief might have ensued and if it might not have turned to the wrack and ruine of many innocents But faults follow one upon another and when men have once passed bounds they run easily into errour On Munday early a Charge was directed to the Provost and Bailiffs for imprisoning the Ministers but they upon some advertisement fled and went to Newcastle in England The Town the same day sent Iohn Arnot Hugh Brown George Heriot and Iohn VVat to purge themselves of the Tumult and offer their obedience in every thing his Majesty and Councell should be pleased to enjoyn for repairing the indignity and dishonour done to his Highness providing they should not be thought guilty of the crime which from their hearts they detested But the King would receive no purgation saying That fair and humble words could not excuse such a fault and that he should come ere it were long and let them know he was their King The next day in Councell the Tumult was declared to be treason and the Devisers Executors and Partakers to be Traitors as likewise all that should thereafter partake and assist the committers thereof This put the Town in a great fear neither did they expect any other then an utter ruine All the Judicatories were removed to Leth the Session ordained to sit at Perth after the first of February their Ministers were fled the Magistrates not regarded and those of greatest power about the King their enemies what they should doe they were doubtfull after divers opinions given they are resolved that some should be sent who would be more acceptable to supplicate the King and excuse the Towns part for that perhaps would be taken better at other mens hands then any of their own To this errand none was held so sit as Mr. David Lindesey Mr. Iohn Preston and Mr. Iohn Sharpe men in favour with the King and free of all faction These coming to the King at Linlithgow after they had shewed the miserable estate of the Town and how grieved all honest men were for the displeasure he had conceived against them did beseech him not to use the extremity of rigour but to put a difference between the innocent and guilty In great Towns such as that was they said there would ever be some bad spirits and if the insolencies of a rascall multitude should be imputed to the Town it would be thought hard specially since the Magistrates had done their duties and repressed the Tumult If on their part there had been any connivence or the smallest appearance that they did favour the sedition they protested that they would not have opened their mouths in their favour but since it was known that none were more offended with the Tumult then they and that they were carefull to finde out the authors and present them to punishment they could not but humbly entreat his Majesty to relent his wrath and to be mitigated towards the Town The King after a little pause answered That he could not think the Town to be free for if some of the Principalls had not approved the Multitude in their doings the Tumult could not have been so great but howsoever the Magistrates negligence could not be excused in so farre as they did not prevent the disorder alwaies his resolution was to proceed by form of law and not to use any violent course but he had appoynted the Estates to
Forbes Mr. Nathaniel English Mr. Charles Farum Mr. Iames Irwyn Mr. Iohn Sharp Mr. Robert Dury Mr. Iohn Rosse and Mr. Robert Youngson The last of these was one that had acknowledged his offence and craved pardon yet at this Diet compeired with these others professing That he was troubled in conscience for the confession he had made and that he would now take part with the brethren who stood to the defence of the good cause as he termed it The Councell repelling the Declinatour declared the Assembly to have been unlawfull and those that met in the same contrary to his Majesties command punishable But because they had added to their former fault the crime of Treason it was thought meet to deferre the Censure till the King should be acquainted therewith and his pleasure known No sooner was his Majesty advertised of the Declinatour then direction was sent to the Councell for proceeding against them according to the laws whereupon the six that were imprisoned in Blacknesse that is to say Mr. Iohn Forbes Mr. Iohn Welch Mr. Andrew Duncan Mr. Iohn Sharp Mr. Robert Dury and Mr. Alexander Straghan were upon the tenth of Ianuary thereafter brought to the Town of Linlithgow and presented upon Pannell before the Justice who was assisted by a number of Noblemen and others of the Privie Councell The Indictment made which was grounded upon the Statute of Parliament holden in May 1584. touching his Majesties Royall Power over all Estates and the presumptuous fact committed by them in declining the judgment of the Councel Certain of their brethren did supplicate the Justice for licence to conferre with them apart that they might perswade them to an humble submission and acknowledgment of their offence This obtained they were most earnestly dealt with as well by their Brethren as by the Advocates that came to plead for them to relinquish their wilfulness and not to exasperate the King by standing to the defence of their Declinatour but no perswasions could avail So returning to the Barre they were desired to answer and shew a reason if any they had why the matter should not passe the triall of a Jury The Advocates that stayed with them for the two principalls refused to plead because of their obstinacy excepting against the Indictment said that the Statute 1592. Whereby it was declared That the Act made against declining of the Councells judgment should not derogate any thing from the priviledges which God had given to the spirituall office-bearers in the Church concerning heads of Religion in matters of heresie collation and deprivation of Ministers or any such essentiall censures having warrant of the word of God and that thereupon inferred that their meeting at the time libelled in Aberdene being an essentiall censure warranted by Gods word they might lawfully have declined the Councells judgment from taking cognition therein It was answered by his Majesties Advocate That the exception was naught because the keeping of an Assembly at a certain time and place and the appointing of another contrary to his Majesties direction and the charge of the Councell was neither a head of Religion nor matter of heresie nor excommunication nor an essentiall censure and so being no waies comprehended under that limitation their declining of the Councell when as they were called to answer for the keeping of that Conventicle in the Town of Aberdene must of necessity come under the generality of the Statâ—te 1584 and bring them under the punishment of Treason The matter after some dispute being put to triall of an Assise all the six were found guilty of Treason and returned to their severall prisons till his Majesties pleasure concerning their punishment should be certified what this was in the story of the next year shall be declared Mean while a Proclamation went out discharging all the subjects of what rank place calling function or condition soever either in publick or private to call in question his Majesties authority Royall or the lawfulness of the proceeding against the said Ministers or to make any other construction of the Statute concerning the declining of his Majesties and the Councells judgment then made in that decision of the Justice with certification of those that contravened that they should be called and severely punished as seditious persons and wilfull contemners of his Majesties most just and lawfull government Before these stirres in the Church a Convention of the Estates was kept the sixth of Iune at Edinburgh where a Letter was presented by his Majesty to the Estates full of affection The Letter was to this effect That his Majesties love being nothing diminished through his absence towards that his native and antient Kingdome he did wish them to contend in a laudable emulation who should live most vertuously and be most obedient to the laws That the Nobility should give assistance to the execution of justice and be in all things a good ensample to their inferiours The Barons should set themselves to procure the good of the Kingdome And the Burgesses apply their mindes to the increase of trade especially the trade of fishing which had been long neglected and to the working of cloth that had made their neighbour Countrey so famous To them all be recommended the rooting forth of barbarity the planting of Colonies in the Isles and peopling the same with civil and industrious persons assuring them that they so behaving themselves their liberty should be as dear to him as either his life or estate This was the substance of the Letter which the Chancellour having resumed and thereunto added many perswasions for the following of those wholsome and profitable counsells the Estates did expresse a great forwardness that way and after a long deliberation condescended upon divers good Acts which if they had been all carefully put in practise as they were wisely devised the Kingdome had long before this time tried the benefit thereof Amongst other directions the removing of the barbarous fewds was recommended to the Councell whereof they were desired to make a Roll and urge the parties to reconcile and if they refused then to assure them to the peace and commit them to ward till the same was secured And whereas the custome had been to cause parties assure one another the King did prohibit the same as a thing dishonourable and arguing too great presumption in the subject seeing the Law should be to every man a sufficient assurance The Councell reverencing his Majesties direction did ordain that course from thenceforth to be observed and all assurances to be taken for the peace thereafter and not of one party to another Beginning being made with the Lord Maxwell and the Lord of Iohnston they were moved to joyn hands and reconcile in presence of the Councell This Summer the enterprise of the Lewes was again set on foot by Robert Lummisdale of Ardrie and Sir George Hay of Netherliffe to whom some of the first undertakers had made over
Agreed 2. Agreed 3. Agreed that the Church is sometimes taken for them that exercise the spiritual function in particular congregations 4. Continued to further reasoning and when it is said this power sheweth from God to his Church whether this should be understood of the whole Church or of the office-bearers and wheither it sheweth mediately or immediately 5. Referred to further reasoning 6. The last words of the Article are thought not necessary and therefore to be delete 7. Agreed 8. Agreed 9. Say in stead hereof For this power is spiritual not having-deleting the other words 10. Agreed 11. Agreed 12. Agreed changing these word they should not be called Lords over their flock 13. Change the last words of Ecclesiastical government and Ecclesiastical discipline according to the word of God 14. Referred to further reasoning when the order of Bishops shall be discussed 15. Referred till they come to the attribution of the power 16. Agreed as the words are conceived 17. Disserreth this to be resclved with the 15. 18. Referred 19. 20. Agreed that neither ought the Magistrate preach nor minister the Sacraments nor execute the censures of the Church which is to be understood of excommunication and referreth the second part of this Article to further reasoning 21. Referred 22. Referred 1. The name of the Church in this Article is taken for the Church in the first signification to wit for the whole Church Agreed with the rest of the Articles 2. Referred 3. Referred 4. Referred 5. Referred 6. Referred to reasoning of the head of Visiters 7. Referred 8. Referred 9. Referred 10. Referred 11. Referred 1. Agreed 2. Agreed 3. Agreed 4. Agreed 5. Agreed 6. 7. Referred 8. Agreed with the generality hereof 9. Agreed 11. Agreed 12. Agreed 13. Agreed 14. Agreed 15. Agreed 16. Agreed 1. Agreed saving the word Bishop is referred to the place of Visitation 2. Agreed 3. Agreed 4. Agreed 5. Referred 7. Agreed 8. Agreed 9. Agreed that the Minister of the Word may pronounce the sentence of excommunication after lawful proceeding 10. Agreed with the present orders concerning marriage This whole Chapter referred to further reasoning 1. Passed over 2. Agreed that name of Elders be joyned with Ministers 3. The perpepetuity of Elders referred to further deliberation 4. Agreed 5. Referred 6. Referred 7. Agreed 8. Agreed 9. Agreed 10. Agreed 11. Agreed 12. Agreed 13. Agreed 1. Agreed that Ministers and Elders may judge spiritual things within their owne bounds 2. Agreed 3. Agreed that Synods be kept twice in the year by him that hath the charge of visitation 4. General Assemblies once yearly his Majesties authority being interponed and from the General Assembly Noblemen and such as please to come shall not be excluded providing that fifteen onely with his Majesties Commissioner have voice therein 5. Agreed 6. Agreed 7. Agreed 8. Differed to the head of Bishops and their Reformation 9. Agreed 10. Agreed joyning in the end of the Article these words or spiritual things onely 11. Agreed that as they make Acts in spiritual things so they may alter the same as the necessity of time requires 12. Referred 13. Referred 14. Referred 15. Referred 16. Referred 17. Referred 18. Referred 19. Referred 20. Referred 21. Referred 22. Referred 23. Referred 24. 25. Referred 26. Referred 27. Referred 28. Referred 29. Referred 30. Passed over 31. Answered before 32. The last part of the Article referred to the heads of Bishops 33. Diffâ—rred 34. Agreed in spiritual matters 35. Referred 1. The Chapter of Deacons and 〈◊〉 of the Church are thought to be suppressed till the head of corruptions be teasoned 1. For this whole Chapter it is thought meet that an Article be presented to his Majesty and Estates craving a punishment to be appointed for those that put violent hands in Ministers and likewise to desire such immunities and priviledges to them as shall be thought convenient 3. Let his Majesty and Estates be supplicated for dissolving these Prelacies that Ministers may be provided to the several Churches at least after the death of the present possessors 4. Passed over 5. Passed over 6. Answered by the act of dissolution 7. An Act to be sought for disposing these united Churches to Ministers after decease of the present possessors 8. Referred 6. The last part of the Article differred 10. Agreed that Bishops have a particular flock 11. Let the Diocese be divided in such sort as a man may reasonably visit and for the perpetuity of Visitors it is referred to further reasoning 13. Passed over 14. Agreed 15. Passed over 16. Passed over 17. Agreed 18. Referred 19. Agreed â—hat an Act be made that none hurt or diminish the patrimony of the Church 5 Agreed 21. Answered before 2. Agreed 3. Agreed 4. Agreed 5. Differred untill joyning of Churches 6. Agreed as depending on the former 7. Passed over in the Article of Provincial Assemblies 8. Agreed as before 9. Agreed to the general 10. Referred 11. To be sought of the Parliament 12. Referred to the head of Deacons This was the course the Assembly took for admitting this form of policy The Archbishop of Glasgow urged to submit himself The Archbishops answer presented in writing The answer doth not content be Assembly The Archbishop contracts sicknesse and dieth The conditions prescribed to Bishops A tumult in Glasgow for pulling down the Cathedral The matter brouâ—ht before the Councel The Abbot of Dunfermlin returned from England The report of his Commission The Lord Ruthven made Lieutenant of the Borders An. 1579. Articles presented by the Lord Hereis The Lord Maxwel excepteth against the Articles The Earl of Athol dieth Certain Libellers executed at Striveling Commission for apprehending the Lord Hamilton and his brother Lord Claud. They escape and depart forth of the Realm Charges directed for the rendring the houses of Hamilton and Draffan A complaint presented in name of the Earl of Arran The Queen of Scots her Secretary denied accesse to the King The Gentlemen of the name of Hamilton put under surety The Earl of Argile created Chancellor A Parliament indicted An. 1580. The Lord D' Aubigny cometh from France He is created Earl of Lennox The Earl of Lennox hated because of his credit with the King The King writeth to the Assembly of the Church The proceedings of the Church displease the King Jesuits and Priests resort to the countrey The King his care for reclaiming the Earl of Lennox The Earl joyns himself to the Church but is still suspected A confession of faith formed because of the dispensations from Rome A rumour raised against the Earl of Morton A motion of electing a Chamberlain The Earl of Lennox created Chamberlain A trouble betwixt Oliphant and Ruthven The Earl of Lennox charged by the Ambassadour of England Alexander Home sent into England He is remitted to the Lord Thesaurer The Thesaurers conference with Alexander Home Alexander Homes his answer to the Thesaurer Vlt. Deâ—emb The Earl of Morton challenged for the murther of the Kings father The Earl of Morton his
of the countrey and that which we crave presently to be reformed in the same we have collected them in the heads following 2. Seeing the whole countrey is divided in Provinces and these Provinces in Parishes as well to Landwart and in Townes in every Parish and reasonable congregation there would be placed one or mo Pastors and no Pastor or Minister be burthened with the charge of more Churches then are allenarly 3. And because it will be thought hard to find out Ministers to all the parish Churches of the Realm we think by the advice of such as the Prince or Church may appoint Parishes in small villages or to Landwart may be united and the principal or most commodious Church at which the Minister resides repaired sufficiently the rest that are not found necessary being suffered to decay and the Church-yards reserved for burial places As also where the congregation is too large the same would be divided 4. Doctors would be appointed in Universities Colledges and other places needful for opening the Scriptures and teaching the Rudiments of Religion who would also be sufficiently provided 5. As to Elders there would be in every congregation one or mo appointed for censuring of manners but not an Assembly of Elders except in Towns and famous places where men of judgement and ability may be had And these to have a common Eldership placed amongst them to treat of all things that concern the congregations of whom they have the oversight 6. And as there ought men to be appointed for the dividing or uniting of parishes as need and commodity requires so by the general Church with the consent of the Prince some that fear God and know the estate of the countreys would be chosen to designe the places where particular eldership should convene taking consideration of the Dioces as they were divided of old and of the estate of the countreys and Provinces 7. Likewise concerning Provincial and Synodal Assemblies consideration would be taken how many and in what places they should convene how often the same must be referred to the liberty of the general Church 8. The National Assemblies called commonly the general ought to be maintained in their liberty and have their own place with power to the Church to appoint times and places of meeting And all men as well Magistrates as subjects be subject to their judgement in causes Ecclesiastical without reclamation or appellation to any Judge Civil or Ecclesiastical 9. The liberty of electing persons to Ecclesiastical functions observed without interruption so long as the Church was not corrupted by Antichrist we desire to be restored and retained within this Realm So as none be intruded upon any congregation either by the Prince or any other inferiour person without lawful election and the assent of the people over whom the person is placed according to the practise of the Apostolick and primitive Church 10. And because this order cannot stand with Patronages and presentation of benefices used in the Popes Church we desire all those that truly fear God to consider that Patronages and Benefices have no ground in the word of God but is contrary to the same and to the liberty of election of Pastors and ought not now to have place in the light of reformation And therefore whosoever will embrace the light of Gods word and desires the Kingdome of his Son Iesus Christ to be advanced would also embrace and receive the policy which the word of God craves otherwise it is in vain that they have professed the same 11. Notwithstanding for other patronages of Benefices not having Curam animarum such as Chaplanries Prebendaries founded upon temporal lands annuals or such like they may be reserved to the ancient Patrones and be disponed by them to Scholars Bursers when they fall voyd as they are required by Act of Parliament 12. As to the Church rents in general we desire that order be maintained and admitted which may stand with the sincerity of Gods word and practise of the Church of Christ in the purest times thereof That is that the whole patrimony of the Church the small Patronages before mentioned being excepted may be divided in four portions one thereof to be assigned to the Pastor for his entertainment and keeping hospitality another to the Elders Deacons and other Officers of the Church as Clerks of Assemblies takers up of Psalmes Bedles and keepers of the Church so farre as they are necessary joyning therewith the Doctors of Schooles for help of the old foundations where need requires the third portion to be bestowed upon the poor members of Christ and the fourth upon the reparations of Churches and other extraordinary charges that are profitable to the Church and Commonwealth 13. We desire therefore the Ecclesiastical goods to be uplifted and faithfully distributed by the Deacons to whose office the collection and distribution belongeth that the poor may be answered of their portion the Ministers not distracted from their callings and the rest of the Thesaury of the Church bestowed upon the right uses 14. If these Deacons be elected with such qualities as Gods word requires there is no fear to be taken of their abuse yet because this vocation appears to be dangerous to many let them be obliged as they were of old in an yearly account to the Pastors and Eldership And if the Church and the Prince think expedient let surety be found for their fidelity and that the Church rents shall no way be dilapidated 15. And to the effect this order may take place all other intromettors with the Church rents Collectors general or special whether by the appointment of the Prince or otherwise must be discharged of further intromission and suffer the Church rents hereafter to be wholly intrometted with by the Deacons and distributed to the uses before mentioned 16. And also to the effect that the Ecclesiastical rents may suffice these uses we desire all alienations by fewis or leases of the rents of the Church as well lands as tithes in diminution of the old rentals to be reduced and annulled and the patrimony of the Church fully restored As likewise that in time coming the tithes be set to none but to the labourers of the ground as was agreed and subscrived by the Nobility or then not set at all CHAP. 13. The conclusion shewing the utility that shall flow from this reformation to all Estates 1. SEeing the end of this spiritual government and policy is that God may be glorified the Kingdom of Iesus Christ advanced and they who are of his mystical body live peaceably keeping a good conscience we do boldly affirm that and all who have true respect to these ends will even for conscience cause gladly agree conform themselves to this order advancing the same so far as lies in them that their conscience being set at rest they may be replenished with spiritual gladnes in giving full obedience to Gods