of Glasgow being then at Avignion was provided thereto by Pope Benedict the thirteenth There was at this time a fearful schisme in the Church of all that we do read the most scandalous and of longest continuance two and sometimes three Popes warning one against another and condemning each anothers Ordinances which did so divide the Christian world and made such partakings as were pitiful This schisme lasting 29. years and more was at last quenched in the Councel of Constance and Martin the first chosen Pope Scotland at that time living in the obedience of Benedict the Abbot of Pontiniac was directed to intimate the election of the Councel and had audience given him in a Convocation of the Clergy at Perth thither came also one Harding a Minorite Frier sent by Benedict to solicite the Churches adherence to him against the decree of the Councel who taking for his Theam these words My sonne do nothing without advicement so shall it not repent thee after the deed held a long discourse of the proceedings of the Councel and the informality thereof affirming that none was bound to obey and acknowledge the same Master Iohn Fogo a Monk of the Abbey of Melrosse replying to his Oration began his speech with that precept of the Apostle Withdraw your selves from every brother that walketh inordinately and refuting all the Minorites reasons brought against the Councel concluded that whosoever did procure for Peter de Luna this was Benedicts name before he was elected Pope was a very disturber of the Churches peace and not to be countenanced in any sort The Clergy in end disclaiming Benedict promised obedience to Pope Martin whom the Councel had elected By occasion of this schisme the mouths of many were opened against the corrupt doctrine and manners of Rome Iohn Wickliffe in England Iohn Hus and Ierome of Prague in Bohemia did openly preach against the Tyranny of the Pope and the abuses introduced in the Church and in this countrey one called Ioannes Resby an English man de Schola Wickliffi as the Story speaketh was brought in question for some points of doctrine which he taught and condemned to the fire He was charged by Master Laurence Lendors with forty heretical opinions whereof we have two only mentioned One that the Pope was noâ— Christs Vicar The other that he was not to be esteemed Pope if he was a man of wicked life For maintaining these two points he suffered in the year 1407. Some 24. years after Paul Craw a Bohemian came into Scotland and for venting certain opinions touching the Sacrament of the Supper the adoration of Saints and auricular Confession he was also condemned and burnt at S. Andrewes in the year 1432. The death of these two Martyrs lieth heavy upon the memory of this Bishop who otherwise deserved well of the countrey and Church for in his time he laboured much to have the riotous formes crept in among all sorts of men repressed and was a man most hospitable They report of him that the Masters of his house complaining of the great numbers that resorted unto him for entertainment and desiring that for the ease of the servants he would condescend to make a bill of household that they might know who were to be served he condescended and when his Secretary was called to set down the names of the houshold being asked whom he would first name he answered Fife and Angus these are two large countreys containing millions of people his servants hearing this gave over their purpose of retrenching his family for they saw he would have no man refused that came to his house The bridge at the mouth of Eden was his work And besides he was the first that opened the publick Schooles at S. Andrewes making Divinity Lawes Logick and all other parts of Philosophy to be there taught In the founding of this University he took his example from that of Paris and obtained the Popes confirmation thereof which in the year 1412. being brought from Rome by Alexander Ogilvy Master of Arts was received with solemn processions fires of joy sounding of bells and all the tokens of gladnesse that could be expressed Master Iohn Sheves Official Master VVilliam Stephen afterwards Bishop of Dumblane and Sir Iohn Lister a Chanon of the Abbey were appointed to read Divinity Master Laurence Lindors was ordained to read the Common law and Master Richard Cornwal the Civil Master Iohn Gaw Master VVilliam Fowlis and Master William Crosier were chosen for Philosophy men worthy to be remembred for being the first instruments that were imployed in that service and the attendance they gave upon it having no allowance at all for their labours King Iames the first at his return from England 12. years after did greatly advance this work by the encouragement he gave to studies for not onely did he countenance professors with his presence at their Lectures but also took order that none should be preferred to any Benefice unlesse it was testified by them that the person recommended had made a reasonable progresse in learning and for that effect kept a roll of the most qualified persons by him for the filling of places that happened to fall void This that good King esteemed to be the most sure and easie way for banishing ignorance forth of the Church and ceased not to admonish the Churchmen that were in places to live as they professed and not to shame the bountyfulnesse of Princes by abusing their Donations unto Riot and Luxury Further to allure them by good example he brought home the Carthusian Monks who were at that time greatly respected for their precisenesse of living and erected for them a beautiful Monastery at Perth bestowing large revenues upon the same The Bishop surviving the King some seven years for the King was treacherously murthered at Perth in the year 1437. departed this life in the Castle of S. Andrews the fixt day of April 1444. having governed that See 35. years and was buried in the wall betwixt the Chore and the Chappel called Our Ladies Chappel 33. Iames Kennedy Bishop of Dunkeld and Nephew to King Iames the first by his sister the Countesse of Angus was after Wardlaw his death elected Bishop by the Prior and Chanons he himself was then at Florence with Pope Eugenius the fourth and had gone thither out of a desire to have the disorders crept in among Churchmen redressed hoping to be strengthened with greater authority from thence But finding all things troubled in these parts Eugenius keeping a Councel at Florence whilest another was held at Bâ—sile and each of them condemning another as unlawful he returned with a resolution to do the best he could at home by his own credit Upon his translation to S. Andrewes he did put all things in such order as no man then living did remember to have seen the Church in so good an estate
Lord Iesus receive my spirit His body was quickly consumed for the fire was vehement but the patience and constancy he shewed in his dying stirred up such compassion in the beholders as many of them doubted not to say that he suffered an innocent and was indeed a true Martyr of Christ. This opinion was further confirmed by the death of Frier Campbell and the manner of it for within a year and lesse he fell into a phrensie and died as one desperate The rumor of this execution stirred up some in all the quarters of the Kingdome to enquire of the reasons of his suffering and what the articles were for which he was condemned by the inquisition whereof many were brought to understand and apprehend otherwise of the truth of things then formerly they did In the University it self was left so deep an impression of his Doctrine as could not afterwards be extinguished yea divers of the Friers fell after this time openly in their Sermons to condemne the errours and abuses of the Clergy Frier Alexander Seaton one of the Dominican Order a man reasonably learned and for the time Confessor to King Iames the first preached ordinarily at S. Andrews all the Lent following where taking for his subject the Commandements of the Law he did insist much on these points That the Law of God is the onely rule of righteousnesse That if Gods Law be not violated no sin is committed That it is not in mans power to satisfie for sin and that the forgivenesse of sin is no otherwise purchased then by unfeigned repentance and true faith apprehending the mercy of God in Christ. Of Purgatory Pilgrimage prayer to Saints Merits and Miracles which was the usuall matter of Friâ—rs Sermons not a word he spoke whereupon he grew to be suspected as one inclining to heresie About the end of Lent upon some occasion he went to Dundy and being there was advertised that another of his Order was set up to resute the points of Doctrine he had taught which moved him to return to S. Andrews and confirm the same points which he had formerly delivered adding somewhat besides of the vertues requirâ—d by the Apostle in a good and faithfull Bishop Thereupon he was called before the Bishop and charged to have affirmed in his Sermon that a Bishop should be a Preacher and that the Bishop who preached not was a dumbe dogge and one that fed not the flock but his own belly The Frier answering That he had said indeed that S. Paul required a Bishop to be a Teacher and that Esay called them dumb dogges who did not preach but that he himself had affirmed nothing I declared said he what the Spirit of God said with whom if men offend not they cannot justly offend with me and those that have reported my speeches seem to be unlearned affes who cannot put a difference betwixt that which Esay and S. Paul speaks and that which of my self I speak I never said that you my Lord and the other Bishops who preach not are dumb dogges I onely told what the Prophet and the Apostle said in that case This answer galled the Archbishop exceedingly yet knowing the man to be one of an audacious and bold spirit he dissembled his anger minding to bring him in discredit with the King which was easily wrought because of the liberty the Frier used in reproving the Kings licenciousnesse So perceiving the Kings countenance altered towards him and fearing some danger if he should stay any more at Court he fled to Berwick and from thence wrote unto the King shewing the cause of his sudden departing to be the fear he conceived of the authority of the Bishops who had behaved themselves as Kings and would not admit any man of what state or degree soever he was if once they did account him an heretick to speak in his own defence Notthelesse for himself he offered to return and justifie his cause so as he might have audience Withall he advertised the King that it concerned him in duty to see that every one who is accused of his life be permitted to use his lawful defences for howsoever the Prelates held that such matters belong not to the cognition of the Prince he would make the contrary manifest by their own lawes if he should be once heard Wherefore he besought his Highnesse not to be led any more by their informations but to use the authority committed unto him by God and not to suffer these Tyrants proceed against him till he was brought to his answer which he would not refuse to give so as he might be assured to do it with the safety of his life This letter receiving no answer after he had stayed a while at Berwick he went to London and became Chaplain to Charles Duke of Suffolk in whose service he died In the book of Martyrs I read that Gardiner Bishop of Winchester by his crafty and subtle perswasions induced him to make a recantation of sundry points at Pauls Cross but what his belief was of most of the Articles of Christian faith it appeareth by the Treatises he left behinde him his examination by Gardiner and Bonner which he likewise published discovering the policies they used to circumvene him doth testifie his constancie in the truth and that he never denied any point which formerly he had taught Soon after his flight one Henry Forrest was delated for saying that Master Patrick Hamilton died a Martyr and thereupon was brought to S. Andrews but because the probation was not clear enough Frier Walter Lainge was appointed to confesse him The simple man that feared no harm being asked by the Frier what was his judgement of Master Patrick answered That he esteemed him to be a good man and that the Articles for which he was condemned might well be defended This confession revealed by the Frier was taken for a sufficient evidence and the poor man condemned to be burnt as an heretick As he was leading out to be degraded he complained grievously of the Frier who had betrayed him crying out Fie on falshood fie on false Friers revealers of confession Never let any man trust them after me They are despisers of God and deceivers of men And when they were taking from him his Orders for he was of the Order of the Bennet and Collet as they used then to speak he cried aloud Take not onely from me your Orders but your Baptisme also So being carried to the place of execution which was appointed to be at the North stile of the Abbey to the end the hereticks of Angus might see the fire he suffered death most constantly Whilest they were consulting upon the manner of his execution one Iohn Lindsay a plain and simple man who attended the Bishop gave advice to burn him in some hollow cellar for the smoke saith he of Master Patrick Hamilton hath infected all those on whom it blew Yet the persecution still
bitter speeches said This is your hour and power of darknesse Now you sit as Iudges and we stand wrongfully condemned but the day cometh which will shew our innocencie and you shall see your own blindness to your everlasting confusion Go on and fulfill the measure of your iniquity At which words the Archbishop was greatly moved affirming that these rigorous executions did hurt the cause of the Church more then could well be thought of and therefore declared that in his opinion it should be best to save the lives of the men and take some other course with them but these others who were sent to assist told him expresly that if he followed any milder course then that which had been kept at Edinburgh they could not esteem him the Churches friend whereupon he was compelled to give way to their cruelty and thus these Innocents were condemned to be burnt alive All the time they were preparing the fire Hieronymus comforted mightily the young man using these speeches unto him Fear not brother for he is more mighty that is in us then he who is in the world The pain which we shall suffer is short and light but our joy and consolation shall never have an end death cannot destroy us for it is destroyed already by him for whose sake we suffer Therefore let us strive to enter in by the same straight way which our Saviour hath taken before us Many other comfortable speeches he uttered which moved the hearers wonderfully When they were brought to the place of their suffering they used not many words but commending their souls to God after they were tied to the stake endured the fire constantly without expressing any token of fear or amazement It was about the same time that Master George Buchannan who for his rare erudition was afterwards in great fame for some biting verses against the Franciscans was committed to prison but he escaping by a window of the chamber wherein he was detained prisoner whilest the Keepers were fast asleep fled into France Thus there passed few dayes wherein some one or other was not called in question for Religion But the more hot the persecution was the favourers of the truth did every day the more increase And now had the Archbishop Iames Beaton committed the charge of all Church-affairs to his Nephew the Cardinal who succeeded in his place for he was aged and sickly himself and not seen often abroad In his last dayes he began to erect the new Colledge in S. Andrews and set men awork to build the same but neither lived he to finish the work nor were the moneys he left in store to that use rightly bestowed Some contestings a few years before he and the Clergy had with the King because of the impositions laid upon the Prelates for the entertainment of the Senators of the Colledge of Justice So as the matter was drawn by an appeal to Rome and Gawine Dumbar Bishop of Aberdene appointed to prosecute the same But this ceased upon an accord made which was that the Senate should consist of fourteen Ordinaries with a President seven of the Spiritualty and as many of the Temporalty the President alwayes being of the spiritual estate and a Prelate constitute in dignity According to this appointment a ratification passed in Parliament anno 1537. and the Abbot of Cambuskennoth was elected President of the new Senate in the year 1539. The Bishop a little after he had assisted as witnesse at the Christening of the Kings first son who was born at S. Andrews departed this life having designed his successours in all the Benefices he enjoyed which were not a few for besides the Archbishoprick of S. Andrews he possessed the Abbacies of Aberbrothock Dunfermlin and Kilwining To his Nephew the Cardinal he left S. Andrews and Aberbrothock To George Dury his kinsman the Abbacie of Dunfermlin and to ... Hamilton of the house of Roplock the Abbacie of Kilwining All which the King for the esteem wherein he held this Bishop whilest he lived confirmed to them according to his Will he was buried in the Abbey Church before the high Altar In his time lived Master Iohn Maior Hector Boeth Gilbert Crab and William Gregory men of good learning and worthy to be remembred Master Iohn Maior was born at Hadington within the Province of Lothian and trained up from his youth in the study of letters A while at Cambridge he heard Philosophy taught but finding the place not so convenient he went to Paris and past his course in the Colledge of Montacute After that he gave himself to Theology commencing Doctor amongst the Sorbonists and in scholastick Divinity was not much behinde any of his time which his Decisiones sententiarum Sophisticalia Parisiensia and that other work intituled Placita Theologica do sufficiently witnesse Returning afterwards unto his countrey he professed Theologie in S. Salvators Colledge at S. Andrews whereof he was made Provost and died there being of a good age a man well inclined ingenious and according to these times not unlearned He wrote the story of his countrey howbeit in a Sorbonick and barbarous style yet very truly and with a great liberty ofspirit not sparing the usurpation of Rome and taxing in divers places the lazinesse and superfluity of the Clergy which could hardly be done in those times without danger Hector Boethius was Principal of the Colledge of Aberdene a great Philosopher and much commended by Erasmus for his eloquence and felicity of ingenie Buchannan who could well discern of learned men speaking in a certain place of him sayeth Quòd non solum artiùm liberalium cognitione suprà quà m illa ferebant tempora insignis crat sed etiam humanitate comitate singulari praeditus That he was not only notably learned in the liberal Sciences above the condition of those times but also of an exceeding courteous and humane inclination Yet is he traduced by some of the English Writers for a fabulous and partial Historian But they who like to peruse his History will perceive that this is spoken out of passion and malice and not upon any just cause Gilbert Crabbe lived in the countrey of France much esteemed for his dexterity and diligence in the education of youth he was sent to Paris by his friends being yet very young and having studied his course there was preferred to be Sub. dean of a Church near unto Burdeaux yet ceased not to advance the knowledge of letters at his uttermost and was so respected as the children of all the Noblemen in those parts were committed to his instruction He died young at Burdeaux not having attained to the fortieth year of his age much lamented of those that knew him William Gregory lived in Tholouse and was made General of the Carmelites in the Diocese of Meaulx and Tholouse which Order he is said to have greatly reformed Baleus writeth that he received
the Vicaridge pensionary of little Dunkeld afterwards dying the 27. day of Iune Anno 1338. he was buried in the Quire of Dunkeld in a marble Tombe by himselfe erected 17. The same year one Duncan an English man born was consecrated Bishop he set in few the lands of Fordel to Walter Fotheringham at the desire of Edward Baliol and died in the year 1364. after he had sate 26. years 18. To him succeeded Michael of Monimuske Chamberlain of Scotland he died the first of March 1376. and was buried in the Quire of Dunkeld 19. After him Mr. Iohn Peblis Chancellour to King David Bruce came to the place a man learned and of great authority he sate 20. years in the See 20. In the year 1396. Robert Carden son to Iohn Carden of that ilk was consecrated Bishop and governed the See the space of 40. years He did many good things in his time to his Church building and inlarging it at his own charge and acquired thereunto divers lands as the town of Crawmond with the lands adjoyning for which he gave in excambion the lands of Cambo in the same Parish and the lands of Muchler besides Dunkeld He died the 16. of Ianuary 1436. and was buried hononrably in S. Ninians Chappel of Dunkeld which himself had built 21. To him succeeded Donald Macknachtan Dean of Dunkeld Doctor of the Common law and Nephew to Bishop Robert his predecessour he was elected by the Chapter but King Iames the first misliking the choice opposed his entry whereupon he took journey to Rome to obtain his election confirmed and died by the way as he was travelling thither 22. Iames Kennedy Nephew to King Iames the first by his sister was then preferred to the See two years he sate Bishop in Dunkeld and was afterwards translated to S. Andrews as before we have shewed 23. Upon his translation Mr. Alexander Lawder Parson of Rothow and brother germane to the Bishop of Glasgow then Chancellour of the kingdome was elected Bishop but he died the same year which was the year 1440. at Edinburgh and was buried with his Ancestors in the Church of Lawder 24. Mr. Iames Bruce Parson of Killmeny was after him consecrated Bishop of Dunkeld at Dunfermlin the fourth of February in the year of Christ 1441. and sate Bishop the space of 6. years In the seventh year he was translated to the Bishoprick of Glasgow and made Chancellour of the kingdome 25. To him succeeded Mr. Iohn Ralston he was Secretary to King Iames the second and sate Bishop little above three years dying in Dunkeld in the year 1450. where he was buried 26. Master Thomas Lawder Preceptor or Master of Lowtrey who had been Tutour to Kings Iames the second in his youth at the age of 60. years was elected Bishop after Ralston by the Kings recommendation he took great paines in preaching and by his continual exhortations and exemplary life wonne that unruly people to the obedience of God and the King Having finished the building of the Church he dedicated the same in the year 1454. and adorned it in most magnificent manner He obtained of the King an erection of the Bishops lands on the North side of Forth into a Barony called the Barony of Dunkeld as likewise the lands in the South into another which was called the Barony of Aberlady built a Bridge upon the River of Tay nigh to his own Palace founded a number of Chaplanries and Prebends partly in Edinburgh partly in Dunkeld made purchase of two lodgings one in Edinburgh and another at Perth for the receipt of his succescessours and having done many good works resigned his Bishoprick because of his great age to Master Iames Levinston Dean of Dunkeld 27. This resignation was crossed a while by Thomas Spence Bishop of Aberdene whose credit in the Court was great at that time but upon transaction amongst themselves the Kings consent was obtained and he consecrated at Dunkeld by Iohn Hepburn Bishop of Dumblaine Iohn Balfour Bishop of Brichen and the said Thomas Spence in the year 1476. He sate seven years two moneths and five dayes and dying at Edinburgh was buried in the Isle of Inchcolme 28. The Chapter after Levingstones decease made choice of Alexander Inglis Dean of Dunkeld and Keeper of the Rolls in the time of King Iames the third but Pope Sextus the fourth cassing his election gave the Bishoprick to George Brown Chancellour of Aberdene who was then at Rome and consecrated him Bishop in Saint Iames Church Anno 1484. The King displeased with this promotion declared him rebel and complained thereof to the Pope and Cardinals but the Pope maintaining his own gift the King was afterwards reconciled to him and he peaceably possessed in the Bishopricks This Bishop was a strict observer of discipline and by his austere and rigorous formes wrought a great reformation in all the parts of his Dioces which he distributed in four Deanries placing one in the Borders of Atholl and Drumalbane another in Fife Fothrick and Strathern the third in Angus and the fourth in the parts besouth Forth The penalties of offenders he gave to the use of the Church where they resided saying commonly Oleum peccatorum non impinguet caput meum He was a man given much to hospitality and withall very careful of the Church for he recovered to the See the lands of Fordel and Muckarsie with the Forest of Birnan that had been alienated before his time founded divers Prebends and Chaplanries and gave many ornaments to the Cathedral Church Before his death he was tormented with the Felt gravel which he bare most patiently professing that he was glad to endure those pains as serving to wean his heart and affection from the love of this world and so departed this life most happily the twelfth of Ianuary 1514. 29. Andrew Stewart brother to Iohn Earl of Athol was upon his death postulated Bishop but it took no effect Master Gawan Douglas brother to the Earl of Angus and Provost of Saint Giles in Edinburgh being preferred thereto by Pope Leo the tenth This gift was quarrelled by the Duke of Albany Governour and the Bishop called in question for his traficking with Rome without licence whereupon he was committed and continued prisoner a whole year Afterwards compounding with Andrew Stewart to whom he gave the Churches of Alight and Cargill he got peaceable possession of the See yet the troubles that followed in the countrey made him forsake the same and undertake a journey to Rome In his way thither he died of the plague at London in Savoy house in the year 1522. A man learned wise and given to all vertue and goodnesse some monuments of his engenie he left in Scottish meeter which are greatly esteemed especially his translation of Virgil his books of AEneids 30. George Creighton succeeded a man nobly disposed and a great house-keeper but in matters of his calling not very skilled In the question of Religion which was in his time severely
with the crown before his death But ere he returned the King was dead and his brother Kinnatellus crowned King This accident troubled Columba and made him doubtful what to do For if he should send Aidanus back he knew not how Kinnatellus would takeit and to go on not knowing how the King stood affected towards Aidanus he held it dangerous After a little debating with himselfe he resolved to hold forward and taking Aidanus in company did present him to the King who against the expectation of most men accepted him most lovingly bidding him be of good heart for he should in a short time inherit his fathers Crown mean while because of his own age and infirmity he committed to him the administration of affairs and designed him his successor After a few dayes Kinnatellus dying Aidanus was crowned King Columba performing the ceremonies at which time he is said to have made a most pithy and eloquent speech exhorting the King to the love of Iustice the Nobles to the observance of Peace the people to obedience and them all to constancy in the Christian profession wherewith the whole Assembly was so much affected as by holding up their hands they did solemnly swear to continue loyal subjects to the King and to be obedient to him as their spiritual Pastor The Coronation ended Columba retired to the Isle Iona for he loved to remain in that place and Aidanus applying himself to order the Estate went through the countries of Gallaway Cathnes and Loqhaber holding Justice-Courts in all these parts and reforming what he found amisse But as no prosperity is lasting it happened in a sport of hunting that some Noble-men falling at discord there was a great slaughter committed the Authours whereof fearing the severity of Law fled to Breudeus King of the Picts and being remanded according to the conditions of the league were after some delayes directly refused Aidanus taking this to heart whilest he sought to recover them by force had his son Arthur Buchannan calleth him Griffin a Prince of great hopes and Brenden his Nephew with divers of his Nobles killed Columba grieved with this accident came to the King and rebuked him bitterly for making warre with his neighbour upon so light an occasion wherewith he is said to be no lesse moved then with the losse he had received for Columba striving to be gone he caught him by the hand and confessing he had been too hasty entreated his best advice and counsel how to repair things But he replying that no advice could redresse the harm that was done the King burst forth into tears Columba fell also a weeping and after a little space said that he would counsell him to make peace which he was content to do at his sight The matter moved to Brudeus he likewise agreed to remit all to Columba who shortly after brought them to be friends But the heart-burning between the two people ceased not which Ethelfrid King of Northumberland a wicked and avaritious man craftily entertained stirring the Picts to make fresh incursions upon the Scots so as Aidanus was compelled to take Arms Columba being advertised of the necessity the King was put to gave order that private supplications should be made for his safety and the overthrow of his enemies which falling out according to their wishes was generally ascribed to Columba his devotion For as the report went in the same hour wherein the enemies were defeated he did call his Collegues together and willed them to turn their prayers into thanskgiving for that the King had obtained the victory yet was the place of the conflict distant from Iona where Columba lived 200. miles at least The year following which was the year of our Lord 603. Columba died being of a good age neither did the King Aidanus long survive him The Irish contend that Columba died in the City of Down and was buried in St. Patricks Tomb and for verifying the same alledge an old Distick which was they say engraven upon the Tomb and defaced only in the dayes of King Henry the eighth Hi tres in Duno tumulo tumulantur in uno Brigida Patricius atque Columba pius But it carrieth no likelihood that Columba being so farre in years would make a journey into Ireland or that Aidanus who loved him so dearly would suffer him to depart whilest he lived It may be that upon some occasion his bones were translated thither yet the pilgrimages made in superstitious times to the Isle Iona for visiting his grave do shew what the received opinion was of his death and burial Kentigern commonly called St. Mungo was famous also at this time and one most familiar with Columba he was the son of Thametes daughter to Loth King of Picts begotten as was supposed by Eugenius the third King of Scots his father not being certainly known posterity not being willing that his birth whom they so greatly esteemed should be in any sort stained gave out that he was born of a Virgin which was believed of simple and credulous people But the reproach which lay upon him that way he overcame by his singular vertues in his yonger yeares being trusted to the education of Servanus Bishop of Orkney he gave tokens of his rare piety for he was in prayer more frequent then yong ones are usually seen to be of a spare diet and so compassionate of the poor as all that came in his hands he distributed among them Servanus his Master loving him beyond others was ordinarily wont to call him Mongah which in the Norish tongue signifieth a deare friend and this way came he to be called Mungo After Servanus death he went to the countrey of Wales in England where living a solitary life he founded a Monastery betwixt the Rivers of Elwid and Edwy They write that in his Monastery there were daily entertained six hundred threescore and three persons of which number three hundred were kept at some manual work within the Monastery other three hundred did labour in the fields and practise husbandry and the rest being appointed for divine service had the day and night divided among them so as one company succeeding to another there were some alwayes in the Church praying and praising Almighty God Having stayed there a few years he resigned his place to Asaph a godly and vertuous man and returning to Scotland he made his abode at Glasgow where he layed the foundation of a stately Church and was therein at his death interred It is affirmed that after he came to years of understanding he did never eat flesh nor taste wine or any strong drink and when he went to rest slept on the cold ground having a stone for his pillow and that notwithstanding he lived thus hardly he did attain to the age of ninescore and five years Many lying miracles have been ascribed unto him but certainly he was a man of rare
proceeding divers were cited to appear at Halirudhouse by Iames Hay Bishop of Ross who sate as Commissioner for the Archbishop of S. Andrews amongst others Iames Hamilton of Levingston brother-germane to Master Patrick with Katharine Hamilton his sister The Gentleman was advised by the King secretly for he loved the man not to appear and was for his contumacie condemned His sister appearing and questioned upon the point of justification by works answered simply that she believed no person could be saved by their works Master Iohn Spence the Lawyer whom we named before held a long discourse with her about that purpose telling her that there were divers sorts of works works of congruity and works of condignity in the application whereof he consumed a long time The woman growing thereupon into a chafe cried out Work here work there what kind of working is all this I know perfectly that no works can save me but the works of Christ my Saviour The King was present all the time and laughed heartily at the answer yet taking the Gentlewoman aside he moved her to recant her opinions and by her ensample divers others at the same time abjured their profession of which number were Sir William Kirk Priest Adam Daes Henry Cairnes Master William Iohnston Advocate Master Henry Henryson Schoolmaster in Edinburgh and Iohn Stewart In-dweller in Leith These persons scarce dismissed Master Normand Gourlay and David Straiton were brought to trial Master Normand was charged for denying Purgatory and saying that the Pope had no jurisdiction within Scotland David Straiton was charged with the same points and further was accused for maintaining that Tythes were not due to Churchmen which point he denied confessing that the tithes of some fishes which his servants had taken at sea being too rigorously exacted he said that if they would have the tithes of the fishes they should go and receive them where the stock was taken and that he gave order to his servants to cast every tenth fish they took into the Sea because he saw nothing but rigour would content the Church This Gentleman had been in former times very quarellous and turbulent but was then become another man through frequenting the company of Iohn Areskyn of Dun by whom it pleased God to enlighten his mind with the knowledge of his truth and to kindle in his heart such a love to the same as usually he was heard to pray for strength and spiritual courage that if he should be brought to suffer for Christ no fear of death nor corporal pain might cause him shrink And it clearly appeared when he was brought to his answer that his prayers were heard For notwithstanding of the offers made him to recant and burn his bill as they spoke at that time he stood most constantly to the defence of the truth and gave great incouragement to Master Normand Gourlay who suffered with him These two were burnt at one stake the 27. of August 1534. At the same time was sentence pronounced against Alexander Alesse Master Iohn Fife Iohn Mackbee and one Macdongal who were summoned to the said Diet and compeered not These persons fled afterwards into England where they remained a while well entertained Alexander Alesse by the commendation of the Lord Cromwel came in favour with King Henry the eighth and was called commonly the Kings Scholar as he was indeed a man of good learning and gave thereof a notable proof in his dispute with Stockeslie Bishop of London before the Convocation in the year 1537. After Cromwels death taking with him Master Iohn Fife he went into Saxony where they lived Professours together a long time in the University of Lipsia Macdongal went also in their company and came to good credit being elected Burgomaster of one of their Townes Iohn Macbee commonly ealled Doctor Machabeus during his aboad in England was liberally entertained by Nicol Saxton Bishop of Salisbury who made much accompt of him but afterwards going to Denmark became Chaplain to King Christian in whose service he died in the year 1550. Thus it pleased God to provide for these men after their exile Some four years after the Bishops kept a meeting at Edinburgh in the moneth of February 1538. where divers were accused of heresie and condemned to die Frier Killore Frier Beverage Sir Duncane Simpson Priest Robert Forrester a Gentleman and Dean Thomas Forrest a Chanon of S. Colinsinch called commonly The Vicar of Dolour This poor man not long before had been called before the Bishop of Dunkeld his Ordinary for preaching every Sunday to his Parishioners upon the Epistles and Gospels of the day and desired to forbear seeing his diligence that way brought him in suspicion of heresie If he could find a good Gospel or a good Epistle that made for the liberty of the holy Church the Bishop willed him to preach that to his people and let the rest be The honest man replying That he had read both the new Testament and the old and that he had never found an ill Epistle or an ill Gospel in any of them The Bishop said I thank God I have lived well these many years and never knew either the old or new I content me with my Portuise and Pontificall and if you Dean Thomas leave not these fantasies you will repent when you cannot mend it Dean Thomas answered that he believed it was his duty to do what he did and that he had laid his accompt with any danger that might follow So at this time being brought in question with the persons above named they were all together condemned and burnt in the fire upon the Castle hill of Edinburgh This year in Glasgow Hieronymus Russel of the Order of the Gray Friers and one Kennedy a young man of Aire not past 18. years of age were accused likewise of heresie but because the Archbishop Mr. Gawine Dumbar was esteemed somewhat cold in those businesses Master Iohn Lawder Master Andrew Oliphant and Frier Maltman were sent from Edinburgh to assist at their trial Kennedy at his first appearing in judgement discovered some weaknesse and would gladly have saved his life by denying the points laid to his charge but encouraged by Hieronymus and by the answers he made to the Judges he gathered his spirits and falling down upon his knees brake forth in these words Wonderful O God is thy love and mercy towards me a miserable wretch for even now when I would have denied thee and thy Son the Lord Iesus Christ my onely Saviour and so have thrown my self into everlasting condemnation thou by thine own hand hast pulled me back from the bottome of hell and given me to feel most heavenly comfort which hath removed the ungodly fear that before oppressed my mind Now I defie death do what you please I praise God I am ready The Frier reasoned long and learnedly against his accusers and being answered only with railings and
them to fear God and forsake the Leaven of Papistical abominations The woman desired earnestly to die with her husband but could not be permitted sentence being given against her that she should be drowned yet she followed him to the place of execution exhorting him by the way to patience and constancy for the cause of Christ. And as she parted from him said Husband be glad we have lived together many joyfull dayes and this day which we must die we ought to esteem the most joyfull of all because now we shall have joy for ever Therefore I will not bid you good night for we shall shortly meet in the Kingdome of heaven How soon the men were executed the woman was taken to a pool of water not farre of where having commended her children to the charity of her neighbours and giving a little babe who was sucking upon her breast unto a nurse she died with great courage and comfort Sir Henry Elder Iohn Elder Walter Piper and Laurence Puller with some other Burgesses were banished and the Lord Ruthven Provost of the Town discharged of his office because he was suspected to favour the hereticks his place was given to Iohn Charterhouse of Kilfawnes and the Citizens commanded to accept him for their Provost but they excused themselves saying they could make no election before the ordinary time yet the Governour out of his authority charged them to accept of Kinfawnes threatening to punish those that refused And for that it was thought after the Governour and Cardinal was gone that the Townesmen should withstand their Provost the Lord Gray and Normand Lesley son to the Earl of Rothese were desired to give their assistance In falling out as was expected Kinfawnes convened his friends to advise how the Townesmen might be forced to obey The Lord Gray undertaking to enter the Town by the Bridge Normand Lesley and his followers were appointed to enter at the South-gate and S. Magdalens day appointed for their meeting The Lord Gray came early in the morning but Normand who brought his company by water was hindred by the tide yet all being quiet in the Town and no appearance of stirre the Lord Gray resolved to enter esteeming his own forces sufficient but he was not farre advanced when in the street called Fishstreet the Master of Ruthven with his company that lay close in some houses near by issued forth upon him and compelled him to turn back The disorder in the fight was great every one hindering another so as many were trod to death and some threescore persons killed The Cardinal wished rather the losse had fallen on the Lord Ruthvens side yet he was not ill pleased with the affront that Gray had received for he loved none of them and so making no great account of the matter he went on with his work and in the countrey of Angus called many in question for reading the New Testament in English which as then was accounted an hainous crime And it is said The ignorance of these times was so great as even the Priests did think the New Testament to have been composed by Martin Luther and the old to be the only Scripture that men ought to read Iohn Roger a black Frier with certain others was brought to the Castle of Saint Andrews and within some few dayes found dead at the foot of the back wall whether he fell seeking to escape or that he was murthered as the report went in prison it is uncertain From Angus the Cardinal leading the Governour with him went to Mernis using the like inquisition and stayed there till near Christmas at which time they returned to S. Andrews and having past the holy time in feasting took journey to Edinburgh where a Convention of the Clergy was kept for censuring the lives of scandalous Priests Whilest they were thus busied advertisement was made to the Cardinal that Master George Wishart for whom he had searched a long time was in the house of Ormeston in Lothian This man being of all the witnesses that God raised in that time to advance his truth the most worthy the Reader will not mislike that I set down the story at large He was a brother of the house of Pittarrow in Mernis a man of great knowledge and pleasant utterance indued also with many rare vertues humble modest charitable and patient even to admiration some time he had spent in the University of Cambridge and out of a desire to promove the truth in his own countrey came home in the year 1544. making his chief resorts in the Towns of Dundy and Montross where he taught publickly with great profit and applause The Cardinal incensed with the following he had among the people discharged them of Dundy to receive him Whereupon Robert Mill a man of great authority in the Town either corrupted by the Cardinals gifts or because he feared some trouble might fall upon the Town for his occasion did one day as he had ended his Sermon openly prohibit him to come any more amongst them and not to trouble the Town with his Sermons He after a little silence turning himselfe to the speaker said God is my witnesse that I minde ever your comfort and not your trouble which to me is more grievous then to your selves But sure I am to reject the word of God and drive away his messengers is not the way to save you from trouble When I am gone God will send you messengers who will not be afraid either for burning or banishment I have with the hazard of my life remained amongst you preaching the word of salvation and now since your selves refuse me I must leave my innocency to be declared by God If it be long well with you I am not led with the spirit of truth and if trouble unexpected fall upon you remember this is the cause and turn to God by repentance for he is merciful The Earle Marshal and some other Noblemen who were present at the Sermon dealt earnestly with him to go with them into the North but he excusing himselfe took journey into the West parts He had not been long there when the Archbishop of Glasgow advertised of the great concourse of people unto his Sermons took purpose to apprehend him and for that effect made a journey unto the Town of Aire Alexander Earle of Glaincarne hearing what the Bishop intended hasted to the Town offering to place Master George Wishart in the Church where the Bishop was preparing to preach but he would not consent saying that the Bishops Sermon would not do much hurt and that he would teach if they pleased at the Market Crosse which he did divers of the hearers which were enemies to the truth being converted at the same time The Sunday following being desired to preach at the Church of Machlin he went thither but the Sheriffe of Aire had in the night time put in a Garison of souldiers in the
The Church of Aberdene was not so scant of men as to admit an unworthy person into the place And howsoever the King in his Kingdome might do what he pleased they were by their oathes astricted to admit none but learned men and such as were approved for integrity of life wherefore intreated the King in humble manner to suffer them as they had been accustomed to elect some wise and grave person that could discharge the place with credit which after some moneths they obtained making choice of one Alexander Kinninmouth who was consecrated in the Town of Perth the King himself being present This man answered fully the hopes conceived of hâ—m and took great pains in his calling for on the ferial dayes he taught the Civil and Canon law and the holy dayes he spent in preaching and prayer Thrice every week he fasted contenting himself in the holy Eves with bread and water He caused demolish the old Church of Aberdene which he esteemed not so beautiful as was fitting for a Cathedral Church and laid the foundation of another more magnificent But ere the work was advanced six cubits high he was employed by King Robert the second in an Ambassage to France for renewing the old league which he worthily performed shortly after his return he died having sate Bishop 24. years 20. Adam Conningham a man well descended and of great authority was after him elected This Bishop is said to have been in such accompt for the his wisdom and sincerity that in all matters of importance propounded in Councel his opinion did ever prevail His frequent imployments with the French King as well before as after his preferment to the See and the happy successe he had therein manifested his prudence and dexterity of wit yet as it falleth out often in Courts upon some envious delations the King became jealous of him as if he had practised with some Noblemen against the Royal succession and pressed to reduce the old form of election of Kings Finding that the King had taken some impression of the report albeit nothing was more false he took counsell to retire himself and attend his charge at home where he had not long staid but he fell in a new trouble with a base sonne of the Kings named Alexander a man extremely vicious and for his oppressions hated of all good men To the Bishop he bare a special grudge because of the liberty he had used in reproving his wickednesse and hearing in what dislike the Bishop was with the King he violently possessed himself in the Bishops lands thrust forth his tenants and behaved himself as Master and Lord of all The Bishop complained to the King but finding no redresse he pronounced him excommunicate wherewith the wicked man incensed associating a number as wickedly disposed as himself did swear to take the Bishops life and came to Aberdene of that intention Whereof the Bishop getting advertisement he went forth to meet him on the way and how soon he saw him discovering his head which was all white for he was a man of great age said If this be it that thou seekest I have brought it unto thee take thee head life and all The company admiring the old mans courage and moved with some compassion of his white haires perswaded Alexander not to meddle with his blood The report of this insolencie going to the King he sent for his sonne and committing him to prison caused satisfaction to be given for all the injuries the Bishop had sustained and surety for his indemnity thereafter After which he enjoyed reasenable quietnesse untill his death which happened in the year of Christ 1390. having sate Bishop ten years 21. Gilbert Grimlaw a man learned wise and of great esteem with the Nobles of the Kingdom was consecrated Bishop of Aberdene the same year he had been Chancellour to King Robert the third a long time which office he discharged with great credit and to the contentment of all the subjects after the Kings death the Earle of Fife brother to the deceased King then governing the Realm he was employed in an Ambassage to Charles the seventh of France and went thither in the company of the Earls of Buchan and Douglas who with divers other Noblemen were afterward unfortunately killed at the battel of Vernoil The Bishop at his return found all things out of frame the Governour dead his sonne Mordach placed in his room and the whole estate miserable by the riots and oppressions which were used every where without punishment This made the Bishop retire himself and live private at home where soon after he died of a consumption in the year 1424. his body was interred in the Quire of the Cathedral Church 22. After his death Henry Leighton Bishop of Murray was translated to Aberdene a man learned both in the Civil and Canon law of great experience and in that regard postulated Bishop by the Chanons he stood doubtful a while whether he should condescend to the charge or not yet was induced to consent at last and so came to Aberdene where he applied himself carefully to do the charge of a Bishop But the Estates of the Realme meeting in a solemn convention for putting some order to the present confusions he was sent with some others in Commission to England to treat for redemption of King Iames the first who was there detained captive This businesse happily performed he returned with the King to whom he gave great content by his services and forwardnesse in reforming publick abuses he advanced greatly the fabrick of the Church of Aberdene and bestowed large summes for perfecting that work he built also the Chappel called Saint Iohns Chappel within the Cathedral and was therein buried himself in the year 1441. 17. years after his translation 23. Ingram Lindesay Doctor of the Canon law was upon his death with the great applause of all good men received Bishop he was at that time very old and by the policie of one Alexander who aimed at his place moved to take journey to Rome the man imagining that he should die in the voyage whereof yet he was deceived For the Bishop sailing to Marselles in France went from thence by sea to Rome and after some moneths stay returned more healthful then before 17 yeares he continued Bishop and ruled the affaires of the Church very wisely A man constant in his promises of a spare diet but very hospitable for he entertained great numbers both of learned men and others especially the eldest sonnes of Noblemen and Barons in the North parts and notwithstanding of his age and publick employments was ever at study when he could find any free time from those cares A little before his death he fell in the Kings displeasure for denying admission to some whom the King had presented to certain Benefices for that they were either meer ignorants or for their years incapable But this did not much trouble his mind as being no way conscious to himself of any
in his journey towards Edinburgh and the sixth day after his coming thither died most christianly his body embalmed was carried afterwards to Aberdene and entombed in his own Colledge before the high Altar They write that the day his Corps was brought forth to the burial the pastoral staffe which was all of silver and carried by Alexander Lawder a Jurist broak in two pieces one part thereof falling in the grave where his body was to be laid and that a voice was heard to cry Tecum Gulielme mitra sepelienda with thee the mitre and glory thereof is buried 30. years he sate Bishop and ended his course being very old in the year 1514. 27. The Chanons assembling according to their custome to elect a Bishop in his place the Earl of Huntley a man of great power in the North came upon them unexpected desiring that Alexander Gordon his Cousen then Chanter of Murray might be chosen The Chanons not daring refuse did all give their consents In the mean time was one Iames Ogilvy presented thereto by the Duke of Albany and at Rome Robert Forman Dean of Glasgow took a provision thereof from Pope Leo the tenth yet both these did resigne their titles afterwards at the Duke of Albany his perswasion Ogilvy having received in recompence the Abbacy of Driburgh and Forman yielding at the desire of Andrew Forman his brother then Archbishop of S. Andrews upon promise of the next place that should fall void Thus after some moneths delay Gordon was received and consecrated Bishop but he enjoyed the place a short time and was buried in the Cathedral Church of Aberdene 28. Gawan Dumbar Archdeacon of S. Andrews and Master of the Rolls a man of many excellent parts was after him elected Bishop he set himself to perfect all those works which Bishop Elphinston had begun and were not as yet finished especially the building of the Bridge upon Dey with the houses that he had appointed for the several professions of Sciences in the Colledge The Executors of Bishop Elphinston he called to an accompt and made them render the monies left by him in legacy adding thereto his own liberality wherewith he accomplished all these works He founded likewise an hospital for twelve poor men and a Preceptor to attend them and all the time he lived Bishop which was 13. years whatsoever profit or commodity he made by the Church he bestowed wholly upon the poor and such publick works without applying a farthing either to his own use or the enriching of any of his kinsmen He departed this life at S. Andrewes the ninth of March 1531. 29. To him succeeded William Stewart son to the Laird of Minto a man given to vertue charitable to the poor and ready to every good work he built the Consistory house in old Aberdene enlarged the territory of the Colledge and bestowed upon it a part of the rent it now possesseth he built likewise the Library with two schooles and founded therein four Chaplains the office of the Chancellary in the State conferred upon him by the King he discharged with good credit and dying at Aberdene in the moneth of April in the year 1545. was buried in the Cathedral Church 30. William Gordon sonne to the Earl of Huntley succeeded in the place This man brought up in letters at Aberdene followed his studies a long time in Paris and returning thence was first Parson of Clat and afterwards promoved to the See some hopes he gave at first of a vertuous man but afterwards turned a very Epicure spending all his time in drinking and whoring he dilapidated the whole rents by fewing the lands and converting the victual duties in money a great part whereof he wasted upon his base children and the whores their mothers a man not worthy to be placed in this Catalogue he died in the year 1577. The Bishops of MURRAY This Bishoprick was founded by King Malcolme the third a worthy and religious King but who were the first Bishops in this See I finde not The first that is named is one William who did consecrate Arnold Bishop of S. Andrews about the year 1160. 2. To him succeeded Simon a Monk of the Abbey of Melrose elected Bishop in the time of William King of Scots who governed the See 13. years he died in the year of our Lord 1184. and was buried at Birnay 3. Richard a Chaplain of King William sate Bishop 19. years and was buried in Spinie where he died 4. Bricius Prior of Lesmahagow succeeded him he continued Bishop 24. years and was the first that founded the Colledge of Chanons he died in the year of our Lord 1227. and was buried with his predecessor 5. After him Andrew Dean of Murray was consecrated Bishop he founded the Cathedral Church of Elgin and added ten Chanons more to the Colledge he died in the year 1274 and was buried in the Quire of the Church which he had founded towards the South 6. Simon Dean of the same Church was preferred next unto this See and lived Bishop 9. years only he was buried in the Quire of Elgin 7. Archebald Dean of Murray was after his death made Bishop and sate 47. years he built the Palace of Kinneddore and departed this life in the year 1303. at Elgin where his corps was also interred 8. David Murray after his death elected was consecrated at Avignion by Pope Boniface the eighth he lived Bishop 27. years and died in Ianuary 1330. 9. Iohn Pilmore who then stood elected to the Bishoprick of Rosse was by the provision of Pope Iohn the 22. consecrated Bishop of Murray he continued Bishop 27. years and departed this life in the Castle of Spinie 10 Alexander Barre Licenciator in the lawes succeeded he was consecrated by Pope Urban the fifth and died in the Castle of Spinie the fifteenth of May 1397. 11. William Spinie Chanter of Murray and Doctor of the Canon law was after his death consecrated Bishop by Pope Benedict the thirteenth and lived Bishop nine years onely he died in the Chanory of Elgin the second of August 1406. and was buried in the Quire of the Cathedral Church 12. Iohn Innes Parson of Duffus and Batchelor both in the Canon and Civil law sate after him seven yeares and died in the Chanory the fifteenth of April 1414. 13. Henry Lichton Parson of Duffus a Doctor in both Lawes after he had sate Bishop in this See 10. years was translated to Aberdene 14. Columba Dumbar succeeding lived Bishop ten yeares and departing this life in the Castle of Spinie was buried in the Isle of S. Thomas the Martyr 15. After him Iohn Winchester Chaplain to King Iames the second was preferred to the See a man of good parts he continued Bishop 13. years and was buried in S. Mary Isle within the Cathedral Church 16. Iames Stewart Dean of Murray sate two years Bishop 17. To him succeeded David Stewart his brother Parson of Spinie who governed the See 14. years and was buried in S.
in preparing his apparel Mean while the Ambassadours had a watchword given them not to see nor salute him And such of the Nobility as were known to bear him any favour or out of their compassion did vouchsafe him a visit were frowned upon by the Court His Father advertised of these things sent for him to come unto Glasgow where he then remained but scarce was he past a mile from Striveling when a vehement pain seised on all the parts of his body which at his coming to Glasgow was manifestly perceived to proceed of poison that treacherously had been ministred unto him for through all his body brake out blisters of a blewish colour with such a dolour and vexation in all his parts as nothing but death was a long time expected Yet his youth and natural strength vanquishing the force of the poison he began a little to convalesce and put his enemies to other shifts wherein shortly after but to their own undoing they prevailed The report of what passed at Striveling coming to Edinburgh where the Assembly of the Church was then gathered did greatly offend the better sort yet nothing grieved them so much as a Commission granted to the Archbishop of S. Andrews whereby he was reponed to his ancient jurisdiction in confirming Testaments giving collation to Benefices and other such things as were judged in the spiritual Courts The Assembly taking this greatly to heart ordained a supplication to be made to the Nobility and Lords of secret Councel professing Christ with them and who had renounced the Romane Antichrist I use the words of the superscription for impeding the said Commission and letting it to take effect In this supplication they said That the causes judged in these Courts did for the most part pertain to the true Church and that howsoever in hope of some good effect to have followed the Church had overseen the Commission granted by the Queen in these matters to men who for the greater number were of their own profession they would never be content that he whom they knew to be an enemy to Christ and his truth should exerce that jurisdiction seeing under the colour thereof he might usurp again his own authority and take upon him the judgement of heresie in which case none could be ignorant what his sentence could be wherefore their desire was the Queen should be informed that this was a violation of the laws of the Realm and the setting up again of the Romane Antichrist whose authority and usurped power in an open and free Parliament had been condemned which her Majesty also at her first arriving into this Realm and since that time by divers Proclamations had expressely forbidden to be acknowledged here of they said if their honours should plainly and boldly admonish the Queen using that reverence which was due from Subjects and doing nothing in a tumult they did perswade themselves she would do nothing against Justice and that such Tyrants should not dare once to appear in Judgement But howsoever matters went they humbly craved to understand their minds and what they would do if it should happen such wolfes to invade the flock of Christ. This the summe of the supplication I find not what answer it received nor that the Bishop made any use of his Commission but the change it seems which shortly after happened in the State did quite frustrate the same Master Knox being licenced at this time to visit his sons who were following their studies at Cambridge did move the Assembly to write unto the Bishops of England in favour of some Preachers who were troubled for not conforming themselves to the Orders of that Church Because it will appear by the letter in what esteem our reformers did hold the Church of England and how farre they were from accounting the government thereof Antichristian I thought meet to insert the same word by word The Superintendents Ministers and Commissioners of the Church within the Realm of Scotland to their Brethren the Bishops and Pastors of England who have renounced the Romane Antichrist and do professe with them the Lord Iesus in sincerity wish the increase of the holy Spirit BY word and writing it is come to our knowledge Reverend Pastors that divers of our brethren amongst whom some be of the best learned within that Realm are deprived from all Ecclesiastical function and forbidden to preach and so by you are stayed to promove the Kingdome of Iesus Christ because their conscience will not suffer them to take upon them at the commandment of the authority such garments as Idolaters in time of blindness have used in their idolatrous service which rumour cannot but be most dolorous to our hearts considering the sentence of the Apostle If ye bite and devour one another take heed ye be not consumed one of another We purpose not at the present to enter into the Question which we hear is agitated with greater vehemencie by either party then well liketh us to wit whether such apparel is to be accounted amongst things indifferent or not But in the bowels of Iesus Christ we crave that Christian charity may so far prevail with you that are the Pastors and guides of Christs flock in that Realm as ye do not to others that which ye would not others did unto you Ye cannot be ignorant how tender a thing Conscience is and all that have knowledge are not alike perswaded your conscience stirres not with the wearing of such things but many thousands both godly and learned are otherwise perswaded whose consciences are continually stricken with these sentences What hath Christ to do with Belial what fellowship is there betwixt light and darknesse If Surplice Corner-cap and Tippet have been the badges of Idolaters in the very act of their Idolatry what have the Preachers of Christian liberty and the rebukers of superstition to do with the dregges of that Romane beast yea what is he that ought not to fear either to take in his hand or forehead the print and mark of that odious beast Our brethren that refuse such unprofitable apparel do neither damne nor molest you who use such vain trifles if ye shall do the like to them we doubt not therein you shall please God and comfort the hearts of many which are wounded with the extremity used against those godly brethren Colour of Rhetorick or humane perswasion we use none but charitably we desire you to call to mind the sentence of S. Peter Feed the flock of God which is committed to your charge caring for it not by constraint but willingly not as being Lords of Gods heritage but being examples to the flock We further desire you to meditate upon that sentence of the Apostle Give not offence either to the Iewes or to the Grecians or to the Church of God In what condition ye and we both travel for the promoving of Christs Kingdom ye are not ignorant therefore we are the more bold to exhort you to
Declaration thereafter published did in a Synod holden at S. Andrews raise a new stirre calling a number of Barons Gentlemen and Ministers together as to a Synod Mr. Iames Melvil his Cousen made the exhortation in which after a bitter Invective against the devisers of the foresaid Acts he admonished the Assembly to censure him that was known to have had a chief hand therein meaning the Bishop The exhortation ended Mr. Robert Wilkie Professour of Philosophy in S. Leonards was chosen Moderator and their doctrine as their manner was being approved it was proponed that according to the admonition given them they should proceed in censuring the Bishop The opinions were divers some holding it dangerous and doubting what might be the consequence of it others inquiring if he was cired to the Diet a third sort more zealous then the rest cried out that it was the cause of God in which no man ought to forecast or fear any danger and that a citation needed not where the iniquiry was so manifest or if that was thought necessary that he might be warned to the next Session being then in the City This course was held most formal and so was he ordained to be cired In the afternoon he compeired and protesting that he did not acknowledge that Iudicatory desired to understand what they could charge him with that he might justifie himself They misregarding the Protestation did accuse him of devising the Statutes made in the year 1584. of penning the Declaration published thereafter by his Majesty of traducing the brethren that fled into England in the time of his Ambassage and a number the like To this the Bishop repeating his protestation answered That the Statutes were not of his devising but when they were proponed he gave his opinion that they were good and lawful Acts and therein had served his conscience the very second Act of that Parliament being an express confirmation of Popery in so farre as by it the dignity and authority of the three Estates was ordained to stand unaltered according to the ancient custome of the Realm This said they is a ratifying of the Episcopal jurisdiction according as it was in time of Popery The Bishop replied That the Bishops were not by themselves an estate but they represented in a part the estate of the Church which was ever reputed the first estate of the Realm since the Kingdome became Chiristian and that in the Act alledged no jurisdiction was established howbeit for the Episcopal power there was enough to be said if the time and place were fitting But if they had no further to say he would leave them putting them again in mind that they were not his Iudges and that these were matters too high for subjects to meddle in At last perceiving they would proceed with their censures he appealed to his Majesty the Councel and three Estates of the Realm or any other lawful Assembly convened by his Majesty and so departed When he was gone they entered into consultation what to do many were of the judgment that after appellation there could be no proceeding others though that the appellation was not to be regarded The matter being put to voices it was concludeded only by two voices more that he should presently be excommunicated The Moderator by his place was to pronounce the sentence but he refused albeit he was no friend to the Bishop at that time nor would any other of the Assembly take on them to do it In end when all were dissolving and a great part gone forth out of the Schools for the Assembly was kept in S. Leonards a yong fellow named Mr. Andrew Hunter willed them to stay professed that he was warned by the Spirit to pronounce the sentence and so ascending the chair he read the same out of the book a few only remaining as witnesses This scornful and disorderly proceeding was the next day required in a form nothing better Two of the Bishops servants going to the Church at the time of prayer caused one Mr. Samuel Cunningham Cousen to the Bishop go unto the Readers seat and pronounce the same sentence against Mr. Andrew and Mr. Iames Melvil and some others of the Ministers of Fife who had been most eager and forward against the Bishop The Appellation was sent by the Bishop to the King wherein first he excepted against the Synod as being unlawfully convened Next against their unjust proceedings The first he proved saying That convention was expresse against the Statutes of Parliament and neither convocated by his Majesties letters nor by the Bishop of the Dioces moderated by a Laick person that had no imposition of hands made up of a company of Barons Gentlemen Masters of Schools and Colledges who bare no function in the Church and ought not to have any suffrage in Ecclesiastick Assemblies and no sufficient number of Ministers assisting who though they had been present by the Apostles rule were subject ot the Bishops censure and he not to theirs The injustice of their proceeding he qualified first by their citation which neither contained a lawful cause nor did allow him a reasonable time for his appearing 2. That at his compeiring which was under protestation that he did in no sort acknowledge that judicatory they accused him for defending his Majesties authority in matters Ecclesiastick and for his consent given to the Statutes made in Parliament 1584. which were the lawes of the King and three Estates which they ought not to take on them to condemn 3. That they transgressed the order set down in their own Assemblies which appoints admonitions and prayers to be used for persons before the sentence be pronounced 4. That the conclusion they took to excommunicate passed not with consent of those who were present and was carried only by the voices of two ignorant Ministers 5. That the Moderator of the pretended Synod refusing to pronounce the sentence one Hunter servant to Mr. Andrew Melvil had taken on him to do the same alledging he was moved thereto by the Spirit of God which was a conceipt of the Anabaptists and ought to be severely punished And 6. That Ministers in their Synods were they never so lawfully convened may not excommunicate any person without consent of the Church whereof he is a member Saint Paul on whose example they grounded their excommunications not presuming by himself to cast forth the incestuous man but writing to the Church of Corinth that when they were convened together they should do the same In end he intreated his Majesty whom it specially concerned to take cognition of their unruly and tumultuous proceeding and to consider how dangerous a thing it was to put the spiritual sword in the hands of such men who might possibly attempt the like against his Majesties self others of the Councel When the King heard of this business he was greatly commoved yet because the Diet of the Assembly was approaching he thought best to continue the
were suspected to have suffered her in those conceipts he shewed himself much displeased and chiding them bitterly followed the Queen to Striveling where he remained not long but returning to Falkland left to the Earl of Marre a Warrant written with his own hand and conceived in this form My Lord of Marre because in the surety of my son consisteth my surety and I have concredited unto you the charge of his keeping upon the trust I have of your honesty this I command you out of my own mouth being in the company of those I like otherwise for any charge or necessity that can come from me you shall not deliver him And in case God call me at any time see that neither for the Queen nor Estates their pleasure you deliver him till he be 18 years of age and that he command you himself Striveling the 24 of July 1595. This warrant as it shewed the Kings displeasure at those that had combined in the plots so it declared the great trust he put in the Nobleman Shortly after the Chancellor taking to heart the Kings offence contracted a hearty sickness at his house of Lawder and sending his Cousen the secretary to the King who remained then at Hamilton did by him excuse the dealing in that matter and with a solemn protestation of his fidelity in all his Majesties services seriously commend his Lady children and friends now that he was to end his life to his Majesties protection The King was much troubled with the news and wrote unto him with his own hand the letter following Chancellor how sorry I am of these newes I leave it to your self to judge I was never a dissembler of my affections And yet I trust that God will not spoil me of you so untimely Therefore will pray you so farre as you may with a valiant heart resist the assaults of your sickness hoping in the goodness of my fortune that God will reserve you yet to me as Hezekiah was to his people for the necessity between Prince and subject is reciproque nor can any sickness how heavy soever it be take away the life if God cut not the threads thereof As to your suits if God calls you I need no remembrance for since I made you a pattern of my constant favour during your life as your self hath oft time said I am much more bound of Princely duty to make your wife and posteritie that bears your image a vive representation of my thankfull memory And to comfort you in this remember what I have done to the Duke and my Lady Huntley for their fathers sake This may assure you that in case of the worst which God forbid your thoughts shall be prevented herein by my thankfull behaviour to them and for your cousin the Secretary he shall be the better at my hand in losing you But I green to hear better newes And if time and distance of place could have permitted me in any way I should not have spared to have carried my own message my self God send you your health and keep you to me and to your Native Countrey This shewed in what account the King held him and in truth he deserved nothing lesse for he was a man of rare parts and of a deep wit learned full of courage and most faithfull to his King and Master In that last businesse which the Queen went about of taking the Prince from the Earl of Marre he was consenting for the two Noble men had their private emulations but it was ever with a reservation of his Majesties pleasure No man did ever carry himself in his place more wisely nor sustain it more courageously against his enemies then he did Being visited in his sicknesse by Mr. Robert Bruce and the Ministers of Edinburgh he expressed a great contempt of the world and of the vanities of it lamenting that he had not done the good which he would and might have done in his place being impeded as he said by the malice of his adversaries who were ever plotting his death and ruine Two moneths he continued under that languishing sicknesse and ended his dayes most happily the 3. of October 1595. The King did greatly lament his death and honoured him with this Epitaph Thou passenger that spies with gazing eyes This Trophy sad of deaths triumphant dart Consider when this outward Tombe thou sees How rare a man leaves here his earthly part His wisedome and his uprightnesse of heart His pietie his practice of our State His quick Engine so verst in every Art As equally not all were in debate Thus justly hath his death brought forth of late An heavy grief in Prince and Subjects all That virtue love and vice do bear at hate Though vitious men rejoyces at his fall So for himself most happy doth he die Though for his Prince it most unhappy be Others for all this spared not to expresse their malice in Libells and Rythmes after his death some whereof were cast in the Kings Chamber at Linlithgow and other places but as the Authours were not known so were the Rythmes despised and contemned by all good men His body was some dayes after conveyed to Hadington and solemnly interred in the Sepulchre of his fathers This year was by the vulgar people reckoned among the ill years because of the dearth and scarcity of Corns which the aboundance of winds in the Harvest time had caused yet for the bloodshed and slaughters committed in all quarters of the Countrey was it more justly to be so accounted For in the South parts the Iohnstons and Maxwells had a bloody conflict wherein divers were killed the greatest losse falling upon the Maxwells that went from the West parts besides Glasgow to assist their friends in the South In the Isles and Highlands were likewise great troubles nor was the Incountrey more quiet bloods and slaughters dayly falling out in every place Among which none was more odious then the slaughter of David Forrester Citizen of Striveling killed as he was returning from Edinburgh by some that lay in wait for his life The Lairds of Arth and Dunnypearce were thought to have hounded out the committers upon a spleen conceived against the Gentleman for the credit he had with his Master the Earl of Marre for no other quarrell could be pretended The Nobleman taking this greatly to heart caused to bring the body of his servant to Linlithgow for he was killed nigh to Linlithgow with his whole friendship conveyed the same to Striveling there to be interred carying along the portraite of the dead with the wounds he had received in a white sheet to move the beholders to a great detestation of the fact The Corps buried the Earl following the course of Law the Lords Levingston and Elphingston did partie the Committers And though the King by his Proclamation did prohibit the assisting either of the pursuit or defenders commanding Justice to be done nothing could take effect in
should not so much promove the business as offend her Always they should advise and take counsell with their confederates and allies and follow the course which was most likely for his benefit This was the summe of the answer they returned The 24 of December the Queen was brought to bed of another daughter who was christened in the Chappell of Halirudhouse the 15 of Aprill by Mr. David Lindesay Minister of Leth and named Margaret The Earle of Montross created Chancellor in Ianuary preceding with the Lord Hamilton and Earl of Huntley assisted as witnesses These last two were at the same time preferred to the honour and dignity of Marquesses There died within the compass of this year divers worthy men amongst whom Mr. Iohn Lindesay of Batharres Secretary to the King shall first be named a man honourably descended of exquisite learning and a sound judgement held worthy by all men of the place he had in the Senate both for his wisedome and integrity he died of the Stone wherewith he had been pained many years Next to him Mr. David Carnegy of Colluthy a wise peaceable and sober man in good credit and estimation with the King and taken into his privy Councell for his skill and knowledge in civill affairs And in the Church Mr. Thomas Buchannan Provost of Kirkhench and Minister of Syres a man learned wise and a strong defender of the Churches rights having attained to a good age he dyed of a bruise which he received of a fall from his horse David Ferguson Minister of Dunfermlin of the age of 65 departed also this life the same year A good preacher wise and of a jocund and pleasant disposition which made him well regarded both in Court and Countrey But the death of Mr. Robert Rollock taken away in the 43 year of his age and in the time when the Church had greatest need of his service was beyond all the rest lamented This man was born not farre from Striveling and trained up in letters under Mr. Thomas Buchannan who did then keep a famous School in that time He passed his course in Philosophy at S. Andrews and no sooner received the degree of a Master in Arts then he was chosen Regent of the Colledge of S. Salvator where he had studied In the year 1583 he was removed to Edinburgh and made Principall of a Colledge which the Town had there erected where by his Lectures of divinity in the Schools and his Sermons to the people in both which he was assiduous he came to be greatly esteemed But the 17 days tumult and troubles that followed thereupon withdrawing him against his minde to the keeping of Assemblies and other Commissions of the Church he was thereby much weakned for he was of an infirm body and grievously pained with the Stone whereof at last he died In his sickness being visited by his brethren of the Ministry amongst other pious exhortations he did earnestly beseech them to carry themselves more dutifully towards the King lamenting he should be so ill used by some of their number and gave them a most comfortable farewell His torments were extreme yet was he not heard to use an impatient word but was still calling on God with these and the like sayings Hast Lord Iesus and tarry not put in thy hand and take this soul away to thy self At other times Goe out silly life that the better life of God may enter in Drawing neer his end he repeated a part of the 6 Psalm and framing a most pithy prayer out of the same as one exulting after victory he cried aloud Christ hath taken my yoake to bear and now strengthened by his grace I will follow with which words he yeelded up his spirit A rare example of holiness he was both in his life and death albeit now dead still preacheth by his learned works which it is pity should not be collected in one volume and preserved to posterity He deceased the last of February and had his corps honourably interred in the buriall place an innumerable multitude accompanying the same to the grave To return to the Estate the necessities of the King by forain Ambassages and other extraordinary employments daily encreasing he was forced to look the more narrowly to the administration of his rents for the ill managing whereof the Laird of Wedderburne was put from his place and the office of Controllerie given to Sir David Murray who was afterwards preferred to the Lordship of Scone The Prior of Blantire who was Treasurer for that he had offended the King by his partiall behaviour in an action betwixt Mr. Robert Bruce and the Ministers of Angus was committed to the Castle and forced to resigne his office which was conferred upon the Earl of Cassils by his Ladies procurement She was the widow of the Lord Thirlstan and said to be wealthy which induced him to take her to wife against the counsel of all his friends who could not away with the imparity of their age he being a young Nobleman never matched to any and she a woman past childbirth But the desire he had to keep his estate made him take that course and she loving to stay at Court and have her husband a ruler of affaires made offer to advance some moneys so as he might carry the place which was readily accepted Yet was it not long before they did both forthink the bargain being pressed with a multitude of precepts for the laying forth of money and so were glad to quit the office with the losse as was said of Fourty thousand marks which he did advance at his entry In his place was the Lord Elphingston chosen by the recommendation of his brother then Secretary Whilest these things were a doing in Court Sir William Bowes came Ambassadour from England upon some rumours that the King wes declining to Popery and had offered his obedience to the Bishop of Rome by a letter the copie whereof was brought by the Master of Gray from Rome and shewed the Queen of purpose to divide the two Princes and dissolve the amity which was amongst them The Queen though she did take the letter to be faigned and that the same was devised to breed a jealousie between her and the King thought meet to advertise what was rumoured and to advise him not to build upon the friendship of Rome The King did take the advertisement well and made the Ambassadour very welcome assuring him that they were false and faigned calumnies neither did the King think any other at that time Such a letter indeed was sent to the Pope and the Kings hand surreptitiously gotten thereto for which the Secretary Mr. Elphingston was some years after upon his own confession convicted as we shall hear Whilest this Ambassadour remained in the Countrey there fell out an accident which had almost wrought great trouble an English man called Ashfield who had brought some hunting horses to the
letters to King Edward and the Archbishop of Canterbury An. 1300. King Edward his answer William Wallace S. Daniel Boeth l. 14. Buch. l. 8. A Parliament S. Andrews King Edward his course for â—â—tirpating the Scots Scon. Catal. Episc. S. Andreâ— Pasl l. â— William Lamberton preferred to S. Andrewes upon the death of Fraser Pasl l. 6. c. 2. The Culdees and Chanons strife The dissolution of the Templars Paulus Emilius Plessis B. Lamberton loseth K. Edwards favour Buchan l. 8. Lesl. l. 7. Boâ—th l. 14. The Bishop committed to Prison Robert Bruce crowned King Boeth l. 14. Buchan l. 8. The Popes Legate sent to disswade the King from troubling England Boeth l. 14. The King his answer to the Legate The Kingdom interdicted Buch. l. 8. A Letter sent by the Nobles and Barons of Scotland to the Pope Scon. l. 13. c. 1. The Interdiction released The English sue for peace The conditions of the peace An. 1328. King Robert Bruce dieth B. Lamberton his death and vertues Scon. l. in Catalogo episc S. Andreae Io. Duns Bal. cent 14. Lesl. l. 7. Camd. Brit. Duns proved to be a Scottish man born An. 1341. Sir Iames Bane elected in Lambertons place Scon. l. in catal episc S. Andr. The Bishop dieth at Bruges in Flanders The See of S. Andrews void nine years William Landels chosen Bishop The Bishops obtained liberty to dispose of their goods by Testament Stephen chosen Bishop of S. Andrews he dieth at Anwick Walter Traill elected in his stead Scon. l. in Catal. episc S. Andr. An. 1401. His vertues and qualities Thomas Stewart son to Robert the second elected Bishop Scon. li. in Catalogo Episc S. Andreae Henry Wardlaw provided by Pope Benedict the 13. to the Bishoprick A Schisme in the Church Martin the 5. chosen Pope by the Councel of Constance The Abbot of Pontiniac directed to intimate the election Harding a Minorite perswadeth the Scots to continue in the obedience of Benedict Iohn Fogo a Monk of Melross refuseth Hardings Oration The schisme made way to the reformation Iohn Wickliffi Hus and Ierome of Prague Iames Resby Martyr Paul Craw Martyr The Bishop his qualities An. 1412. The University of S. Andrews founded in the year 1412. Boeth 1. 16. King Iames the first a great favourer of the University Bucban l. 10. The King his admonicion to the Church-men Buchan l. 10. Boeth l. 17. Bishop Wardlaw dieth Aâ—â—â— 1444. Bishop Iames Kennedy translated from Dunkeld to S. Andrews Buchan l. 12. Kennedy his just praises An. 1466. Bishop Kennedy his death the year 1466. Patrick Grahame chosen to succeed The See of S. Andrewes erected in an Archbishoprick The Bulls of Legaâ—ion and Primacie published Buchan l. 12. The King inhibiteth the exercise of his Legation An. 1444. William Shevez recommended to the Archdeaconry of S. Andrews The Bishop rejecteth him as insufâ—â—cient Shevez conspireth with the Rector The Bishop contemning the censure hath his goods confiscated The â—â—hop taken in favour Buchan l. 12. The Bishop of new troubled by the bankers of Rome The Bishop falling in some distraction is committed to Shevez Buchâ— n. l. 12. The Bishop condemned to lose his dignity Shevez provided to the Archbishoprick Patrick Grahame dieth at Lochleven An. 1478. The Church altogether in disorder Shevez receiveth the Pall and is invested Anno 1478. Lese l. 8. Archbishop of S. Andrew and Glasgow at diffension The History of the Church of Scotland An. 1513. The dispersers of these Articles cited before the Councell Iames Stewart brother to King Iames the fourth elected Bishop Anno 1503. B. Alexander Stewart succeedeth A Competition for the Archbishop Buchan l. 3. Lest. l. 3. The Bishop of Dunkeld quiteth his interest An. 1522. The Duke of Albany pacifieth the Competitors Lesl. l. 9. Iames Beaton translated from Glasgow to S. Andrews Lesl. l. 9. Buchan l. 14. Mr. Patrick Hamilton Abbot of Ferm Martyr Buchan l. 14. History of the Church p. 21. An. 1527. Articles wherewith the Abbot was charged Manuscript processe which is extant under the hands of the Theologues The subscrivers of the sentence The manner of his execution and speech at his dying History of the Church His appealing of Frier Campbell Frier Campbell dieth of a Phrensie History of the Church p. 23. Numbers brought to the knowledge of the truth by his suffering Buchan l. 14. Frier Seaton suspected of Heresie History of the Church Frier Seaton called before the Bishop The Frier flyeth to Berwick and from thence writeth to the King He becometh Chaplain to the Duke of Suffolk Acts of Martyrs Henry Forrest Martyr Divers cited to appear at Halirudhouse An. 1534. Normand Gourlay and David Straiton Martyrs Acts of Martyrs History of the Church Alexander Alesse and others fly to England Bal. cent 14. Divers accused of heresie in a meeting at Edinburgh An. 1538. The Vicar of Dolour his conference with the Bishop of Dunkeld History of the Church Vetimo Febr. 1538. Frier Russel and one Kennedy martyred at Glasgow History of the Church The Archbishop disswadeth the execution The courage of Russel at his dying Master George Buchannan eseapeth out of prison Buchan l. 14. The History of the Church The Archbishop committeth the charge of all affairs to his Nephew the Cardinal An. 1539. A contest for the imposition laid upon the Clergy for the Lords of Session Buchar l. 14. Lesl. l. 9. Bishop Beaton dieth The learned men that lived in this time M. Iohn Maior Bal cent 14. Lest. l. 9. Hector Boeth Bal. Cent. 14. Gilbert Crab. Bal. cent 15. William Gregory Bal. ibidem Iohn Scot his memorable fasting Buchan l. 14. Lesl. l. 9. He taketh his journey to the holy Sepulcher He is imprisoned in London Thomas Doughty suffered to abuse the people Scots emulaâ—ion of Doughty and his cousenage The history of Cardinal Beaton An. 1540. Sir Iohn Borthwick cited for heresie The heads of his accusation Sir Iohn Borthwick denounced heretick Acts of Mart. The King invited to meet his Uncle King Henry at York Buchan l. 14. Lesl. l. 9. Holinshed history of Scotland The Cardinal and Clergy seek to impede the meeting An. 1541. The King excuseth himself to King Henry Sir Iames Hamilton executed The King troubled with visions History of the Church The Justice Clerk his fearful death The King died at Falkland An. 1542 the eighth of December The Cardinal forgeth the Kings Testament Buchan l. 15. The Earl of Arran elected Governour An. 1542. The King of England seeketh to unite the Kingdomes by marriage Buchan l. 15. A Parliament at Edinburgh Lesl. l. 10. The Cardinal committed Ambassadors sent into England for concluding the match Buchan l. 15. The history of the Church The Governours Preachers suspected by the Clergy The Ambassadors return from England History of the Church The estate of the Governors Court The Bishop of Ross and Abbot of Paisley seek to divert the Governour from the Contract with England The Governours Preachers and servants part from him History
A Councell appointed for the University The Doctors Professors and Regents exempted for the Church-meetings A discovery of Witches A discharge of proceedings against Witches except in case of voluntary confession Troubles in the Borders A Parliament at Edinburgh Articles presented in the name of the Church Voice in Parliament granted to such Ministers as shâ—uâ—d be provided to the places as Bishops Abbots or other Prelates The office for the spirituall government remitted to the Assembly An. 1598. A General Assembly at Dundie Ministers might give voice in Parliament The number to be aâ—se many as of old in the Papisticall Church The election of those that should give voice to be made by the King and Church Commission for discussing the rest of the points Ministers of Edinburgh permitted to preach upon condition Four others named to be joyned with the Edinburgh Minâ—sters Exception taken at two of the number The providing of the Commissioners in the planting of Edinburgh allowed Anact desining the number of Commissioners from Presbyteries to Assemblies His Majesty pleaseth to remit all offences past of the Ministers Mr. Iohn Dividson protesteth against the conclusions of the Assembly Question moved for Mr. Robert Bruce who refused the imposition of hands A declaration made for his satisfaction A tumult in the Church as his admission Mr. Robert Bruce cited before the Commissioners purgeth himself of the tumult He is admitted and receives imposition of hands Commissioners directed to Synod of Fife A meeting at Falkland for determining the vote of Parliament Caveats for eschewing of corruption His Majesties purpose in giving way to these conclusions Ambassadors directed to the Princes of Germany The success of that Ambassage The Queen brought to bed of a daughter Hamilton and Huntley created Marquesses Mr. Iohn Lindesay Secretary dieth The Lord of Colluthy his death Mr. Thomas Buchannan his death David Ferguson his death The death of Mr. Robert Rollock most lamented His behaviour in the time of his sicknâ—ss and at his dying An. 1599. Alteration of some officers of State The Earl of Cassills made Treasurer Lord Elphingston succeeded Treasurer Sr. William Bowes Ambassadour from England One Ashfield conveighed privately to Berwick by two of the Ambassadours servants A visitation of the University of S. Andrewes Discourse of his Majesties Title to the Crown of England The King publisheth his Basilicon Doron by occasion of a libell Mr. Iohn Dikes fugitive for the libell The book well received in England A trouble for receiving some English Comedians A generall Assembly of the Church The voice in Parliament determined Two Cavears more added The state of Bishopricks at that time Bishops appointed for Rosse and Cathnes An. 1600. Iohn Dury Minister at Montrosse his death with a short description of his life The conspiracy of the Earl of Gowry The Kings kindness to his brethren and sister The plot contrived for entrapping the King The King goeth to Perth Gowry meeting the King was much troubled Mr. Alexander did move the King to goe with him Mr. Alexander professeth what he was about The Kings voice heard and is discerned Sir Thomas Areskin challengeth Gowrie Iohn Ramsey doth first relieve the King The Kings servants prepare to defend Gowrie entereth and after a little space is killed The Lords come to the King The danger by the people of the Town The Caracters found at the Earls girdle Some servants of Gowrie executed Andrew Henderson his confession The Ministers of Edinburgh required by the Councell to give thanks for his Majesties deliverance Their excuse and refusing to obey The Bishop of Rosse giveth thanks at the Market-cross The King cometh to Edinburgh Master Patrick Galloway his preaching at the Crosse. 1000 l mortified to the poor at Scone A solemne thanksgiving appointed for the Kings deliverance The Ministers of Edinburgh removed from their places Three of the number acknowledging their fault are pardoned Mr. Iames Balfoure remitted Master Robert Bruce banished A Parliament wherein Gowrie and his brother are forfeited The fifth of August to be kept yearly in remembrance of his Majesties delivery Acts concluded in this Parliament The King goeth to Dunfermlin to visit the Queen Prince Charles born at Dunfermlin The death of M. Iohn Craig with a description of his life Accidents that befell M. Craig in his flight A strange accident and singular testimony of Gods care over him He preacheth to Maximilian the Emperour but is forced to leave those parts He cometh to Scotland and is appointed Minister at Halirudhouse An. 1601. A trouble in the Court of England The Earl of Marre sent Ambassadour to England Pope Clement sends his Breves to England for excluding the King A Proclamation against some Jesuits An Assembly at Brunt-island Mr. Iohn Hall elected Modederator The defection in Religion complained of and the causes searched The remedy of the evils Mr. Iohn Davidson his letter to the Assembly The letter offended greatly the wiser sort A combustion touching the Ministers of Edinburgh A Proposition was made for a new Translation of the Bible and correcting the Psalmes The liberty of Application restrained The Ministers of Edinburgâ— received in favour New troubles by the Lord Maâ—well The Duke of Leâ—nox directed Ambassador to France The Queen of France lying of her first born The Duke returneth to Edinburgh An. 1602. Certain undertakers conqueâ— the Isles The Laird of Balcomy taken prisoner and dieth in Oikeney Neill betrayeth his brother Murdach The Lewis lost by the undertakers security Mr. Robâ— Bruce licenced to return upon promise of satisfaction Mr. Rob Bruce his inconstancy A Generall Assembly in the Chappell of Halirudhouse Petitions to his Majesty in name of the Church Overtures for provision of the Ministers The overtures deferred to another time Grievances of the Synod of Fife An answer to the grievances Acts concluded in the Assembly The businesse of Jesuits in England The story of Francis Mowbray and an Italian The Queen of England groweth sick A Conference betwixt the French Ambassadour Secretariâ— Cicill The King advertised of this conference His Majesties letter to the Secretary A letter from the King to the Earle of Northumberland An. 1603. The Queen of England her death The King advised of the Queens death A letter from the Councell and Nobility of England to the King The contents of the letter published The Borders make incursions upon the report of the Queens death The King giveth order for his journey The persons chused to attend the King in his journey He goeth to S. Giles to hear sermon The King makes a speech to the People which is followed with a great lamentation of the hearers The King cometh to Berwick The Councellors meet him at York The death of Mr. Iames Beaton Archbishop of Glasgow The Queen falleth sick at Striveling The Prince delivered to the Queen The King and Queen inaugurated at Westminster A conspiracy detected a-against the King George Brook and two Priests executed The Noble-men and others spared Ann. 1604. The
his coming for as to himself he would not consent to his death before the cause were well examined and if the Cardinal should do otherwise he would make protestation that the mans blood should be required at his hands This answer grieved the Cardinal not a little for he knew that the delay would work the prisoners escape and to commit the cause to examination he saw it was more dangerous Therefore in a great passion he replied That he wrote not unto the Governour as though he depended in any matter upon his authority but out of a desire he had that the hereticks condemnation might proceed with a shew of publick consent which since he could not obtain he would be doing himselfe that which he held most fitting Thus he made a citation to be given forth and Master George to be charged to appear the next morrow to answer for his seditious and heretical doctrine Master George receiving the summons said The Cardinal hath no need to summon me for I am in his hands and kept fast in irons so as he may compell me to answer at what time he pleaseth But to manifest saith he what men you are it is well done to keep your formes and constitutions The next day the Cardinal and Prelates being met in the Abbey Church the prisoner was presented by the Captain of the Castle and then the Sub-prior called Master Iohn Winrame a man of good learining and one who secretly favoured the truth went up into the Pulpit as he had been injoyned he took for his Theam the words of our Saviour in the thirteenth of Matthewes Gospel concerning the good seed which he interpreted to be the word of God heresie he said was the ill seed and that he defined to be a false opinion fighting directly against the word and defended with pertinacie Thereafter falling to speak of the causes of heresie he said the main cause was the ignorance and negligence of those who had the cure of soules and neither understood the word of God nor could use the same to the convincing of false teachers and the reducing of those who were gone astray In the latter part of his Sermon speaking of the way how heresies should be discerned he said That as the Goldsmith knoweth the fine gold from the counterfeit by the touchstone so is heresie discerned by the true sincere and undefiled word of God And in the end concluded that hereticks ought to be punished and might lawfully be put to death by the Magistrate Now albeit that was said made directly against themselves who were there met not to confute heresie but to bear down the truth and punish those that found fault with their pride and licentiousnesse yet as all had been spoken for them they proceeded and after their wonted form placed Mr. George in a seat erected for that purpose and over against him Master Iohn Lawder a Priest in another who having a scroll of a paper in his hand containing the Articles laid unto Mr. George his charge did use many bitter and reproachful words all which he heard very patiently not moving or changing once his countenance Being required to answer before he would utter a word he bowed his knees and made his prayer to God then standing up intreating them in most humble manner to suffer him repeat the summe of the doctrine which he had taught since his coming into Scotland which he said was nothing but what the ten Commandements of God the 12. Articles of Christian faith and the Lords prayer contained In Dundy he said that he had preached a part of the Epistle to the Romanes And as he was going on to shew what form he kept in his preaching he was interrupted by the accuser who with many opprobrious speeches calling him an heretick a runnegate a traitour and thief said that it was not lawful for him to preach and that he had usurped the power at his own hand without any lawful calling of the Church The Prelates also prohibiting all discourses willed him to answer simply yea or nay fearing if liberty was given him to speak he should draw some of the hearers to his mind Mr. George perceiving that he could not have audience appealed to an equal and indifferent Judge Whereunto Lawder replied that the Cardinal was a more then sufficient Judge for him and then he reckoned out all his styles saying that he was Archbishop of S. Andrews Bishop of Meropois Chancellour of Scotland Commendatory of Aberbrothock Legatus natus legatus à latere and the second person within the Realm Mr. George calmly answered I do not condemn my Lord Cardinal but I desire the word of God to be my Iudge and some of the Temporal estate with certain of your Lordships here present because I am my Lord Governours prisoner At which words some foolish people that stood by cried out Such man such Iudge meaning that the Governour and others of the Temporal State were hereticks like unto himself Then would the Cardinal have pronounced sentence without any further process but being advertised to let the accusation be read and hear what he would say lest people should think him wrongfully condemned he commanded the Priest to read the points distinctly and receive his answer to every one of them severally The Articles laid to his charge were eighteen in number which with the answers he made the Reader may at his leisure see in the book of Martyrs After they had spent some houres in this sort sentence was pronounced against him and he condemned to be burnt as an heretick Then was he led back to the Castle and lodged in the Captains chamber that night the greatest part whereof he spent in prayer Early in the morning the Prelates sent two Friers to advertise him that he must die and askt if he would confesse himself he answered That he had no businesse with Friers nor would he willingly conferre with them but if they were disposed to gratify him in that sort he desired to speak with the learned man that preached the day before This being permitted the Sub-prior came and talked with him a good space At last he askt Mr. George if he would receive the Sacrament of the Lords Supper he answered Most willingly so I may have it ministred according to Christs institution under both kindes of bread and wine Hereupon the Sub-prior went to the Bishops and told that he had conferred with the prisoner who did solemnly affirm that he was free of all the crimes and that he did utter this not out of a desire he had of life but to manifest his innocency which was known to God before men The Cardinal offended with these speeches of the Sub-prior said It is a long time since we knew what a man thou art The Sub-prior answering nothing asked if they would permit the Sacrament to be given to the prisoner the Cardinal conferring with the rest of the Bishops a
while answered in all their names That it was not reasonable to give any spiritual benefit to an obstinate heretick condemned by the Church When Master George heard that the Sacrament was denied him being asked by the Captain of the Castle going then to breakfast if he would take a part with him he answered Very willingly and so much the rather because I perceive you to be a good Christian and a man fearing God Then turning himself to the Captain he said I beseech you in the name of God and for the love you bear to our Saviour Iesus Christ to be silent a little while till I have made a short exhortation and blessed this bread which we are to eat so that I may bid you farewell The table being covered and bread according to the custome set upon it he spake about the space of an half hour of the institution of the Supper and of our Saviours death and passion exhorting those that were present to mutual love and to the leading of an holy life such as becometh the members of Christ. Then giving thanks he brake the bread distributing to every one that was present a portion likewise having tasted the wine he delivered the cup unto them exhorting them to remember with thankfulnesse the death of our Lord Jesus in this his communion with them As to my self he said there is a more bitter potion prepared for me only because I have preached the true doctrine of Christ which bringeth salvation but pray you the Lord with me that I may take it patiently as out of his hand and so concluding with a new thanksgiving he withdrew himself to his chamber Within a little space two executioners came up unto him one of whom apparelled him in a black coat of linen the other fastened some bags of powder upon all the parts of his body and thus arrayed he was brought to an utter room where he was commanded to stay till all things were prepared A scaffold in the mean time erecting on the East part of the Castle towards the Abbey with a great tree in the middest in manner of a gibbet unto which the prisoner was to be tied and right against it was all the munition of the Castle planted if perhaps any should press by violence to take him away The fore Tower was hanged with Tapestry and rich Cushions laid for ease of the Cardinal and Prelates who were to behold that spectacle And when all things were made ready he was led forth with his hands being tied behinde his back and a number of souldiers guarding him to the place of execution As he was going forth of the Castle gate some poor creatures who were lying there did ask of him some almes for Gods sake to whom he said I have not the use of any hands wherewith I should give you almes but our merciful God who out of his abundance feedeth all men vouchsafe to give you the things which are necessary both for your bodies and for your soules Afterwards two Friers met him crying Master George pray to our Lady that she may be mediatrix for you to her sonne to whom he said Cease tempt me not my brethren Being come to the place of execution and gone up upon the scaffold he turned himself towards the people and besought them not to offend with the good word of God because of the torments they saw prepared for him desiring them withall to shew his brethren and sisters who had often heard him that the doctrine he taught was no wives fables but the true Gospel of Christ given him by the grace of God which he was sent to preach and for which he was then with a most glad heart and mind to give his life Some have falsely spoken said he that I should hold the opinion that the soules of men departed sleep after their death untill the last day but I know and believe the contrary and am assured that my soul shall this night be with my Saviour in the heavens This said he bowed his knees and having conceived a short but most pithy prayer he was tied to the stake then cried aloud O Saviour of the world have mercy upon me Father of heaven I commend my spirit into thine holy hands The executioners having kindled the fire the powder that was fastned to his body blew up The Captain of the Castle who stood near unto him perceiving that he was yet alive willed him to be of good courage and commend his soul unto God This flame said he hath scortched my body yet hath it not daunted my spirit but he who from yonder high place beholdeth us with such pride shall within few dayes lye in the same as ignominiosly as now he is seen proudly to rest himself After which words one of the tormentors drawing the cord that went about his neck stopt his breath so as he spake no more The fire increasing his body was quickly consumed unto ashes But the Cardinals malice not yet satisfied caused the same night a Proclamation to be made through the City that none should pray for the heretick under pain of the heaviest censures that could be inflicted And then the Priests triumphing did in all meetings extoll the Cardinal above the skies saying That he not regarding the Governours authority had by himself caused justice to be executed upon that heretick and kithed a most worthy Patron of the Ecclesiastical estate If the Church said they in former times had found such a Protector matters had not been reduced to the doubtfull terms wherein now they stand but long or this time by her own power and authority she had been able to maintain her self Such insolent speeches they were heard to utter in every place The Cardinal himself also seemed to be greatly pleased with that which he had done presuming it should keep all his enemies in fear yet it proved the very rock on which he and all his fortunes perished for the common sort of people exclaimed mightily against his cruelty and some of good birth and quality did openly vow that the blood of Master George Wishart should be revenged though they should give life for life of which number Iohn Lesley brother to the Earle of Rothes forbare not in all companies openly to avouch that his hand and dagger should be the Cardinals Priests Nor was he ignorant of the general hatred carried unto him and thereupon began to fortify himself with some strong alliance which he shortly after made contracting one of his base daughters to the Earle of Craford his sonne and heir The Nuptials were performed with an exceeding pomp and magnificence But he did not long enjoy the content he took in his Match for Normand Lesley sonne to the Earle of of Rothes who had followed him a long time and done him good services having moved him in the behalf of some friends that were interessed by the restitution of the