much kindnesse of this Gregory at Tholouse in the year 1527. and saith that he died in that City having left divers monuments of his ingenie to the posterity the Catalogue whereof you may see in the place With this I shall joyn another not for any commendation of his learning for he had none nor for his good qualities which were as few but for strange and extraordinary things seen in him which in the time ministred occasion of great talk and wondring to many This man named Iohn Scot having succumbed in a plea at law and knowing himself unable to pay that wherein he was adjudged took sanctuary in the Abbey of Halirudhouse where out of a deep displeasure he abstained from all meat and drink the space of 30 or 40 dayes together Publick rumour bringing this abroad the King would have it put to trial and to that effect shut him up in a private room within the Castle of Edinburgh whereunto no man had accesse he caused a little bread and water to be set by him which he was found not to have tasted in the space of 32. days This proof given of his abstinence he was dimitted and coming forth into the street halfe naked made a speech to the people that flocked about him wherein he professed to do all this by the help of the Blessed Virgin and that he could fast as long as he pleased Many did take it for a miracle esteeming him a person of wonderful holinesse others thought him to be phrentick and mad so as in a short time he came to be neglected and thereupon leaving the countrey went to Rome where he gave the like proof of his fasting to Pope Clement the seventh From Rome he came to Venice apparelled with holy vestures such as the Priests use when they say Masse and carrying in his hand a Testimonial of his abstinence under the Popes Seal he gave there the like proof and was allowed some five Duckats to make his expence towards the holy Sepulcher which he pretended to visit This voyage he performed and then returned home â— bringing with him some palm-tree leaves and a scripful of stones which he said were a part of the pillar to which our Saviour was tied when he was scourged and coming by London went up into the Pulpit in Panls Church-yard where he cast forth many speeches against the divorce of King Henry from Katherine his Queen inveying bitterly against him for his defection from the Roman See and thereupon was thrust in prison where he continued 50. dayes fasting After that being dimitted for they held him to be a mad man he came directly into Scotland and remained in company with one Thomas Doughty who a little before was returned from Italy and had built a little Chappel to the holy Virgin with the money he had begged in his travel This man by his counterfeit miracles made great advantage amongst the simple people and albeit he was known to be a cousening fellow and in life extremely vicious yet was he suffered by the Clergy to abuse the ignorant multitude for that the opinion of Purgatory Pardons and prayers to Saints which began then every where to be despised was by this mean nourished amongst the people Scot grudging that Doughty did appropriate all the gain he made to himselfe did not admit him a partner in the same retired to a house in the suburbs of Edinburgh at the Western part of the Town and therein erected a religious Altar which he adorned in the best manner he could setting up his daughter a young maid of reasonable beauty upon the Altar and placing lights and torches round about her the simple sort for a long time believed her to be the Virgin Mâ—ry and frequented the place in great numbers to do her worship but the knavery coming to be detected he forsook his Altar and forgetting all his devotion returned to his first trade and manner of life Lesley in his story saith that he prophesied many things concerning the decay of the Romish Religion and the restitution of it in a short time of the decay he might speak having seen it begun but for other things he was a dreamer rather then a Propher 40. The first act of the Cardinal after his promotion did shew what an enemy he would be to those who in that time were called hereticks for he was not well warmed in his seat when to make his greatnesse seen he brought to S. Andrews the Earles of Huntley Arran Marshall and Montrosse the Lords Fleming Lindsay 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 with divers other Barons and men of quality There came thither also Gawine Archbishop of Glasgow Chancellour William Bishop of Aberdene Henry Bishop of Galloway Iohn Bishop of Briâ—â—en and William Bishop of Dumblane The Abbots of Melross Dunfermlin Lindors and Kinlosse with a number of Priors Deans and Doctors of Theologie And they all having convened in the Cathedral Church he sitting in a Chair somewhat erected above the rest for that he was a Cardinal began to expone the dangers wherein the Catholick faith stood by the increase of hereticks and the boldnesse they took to professe their opinions openly even in the Kings Court where he said they found too great countenance In special he named Sir Iohn Borthwick commonly called Captain Borthwick whom he had caused cite to that Diet for dispersing heretical books and for maintaining divers Articles contrary to the doctrine of the Romane Church desiring their assistance in the procedure of Justice against him The heads of the accusation were read 1. That he held the Pope to have no greater authority over Christians then any other Bishop or Prelat had 2. That Indulgences and Pardons granted by the Pope were of no force nor effect but devised to abuse people and deceive poor ignorant soules 3. That Bishops Priests and other Clergy men may lawfully marry 4. That the heresies commonly called the heresies of England and their new Liturgy was commendable and to be embraced of all Christians 5. That the people of Scotland are blinded by their Clergy and professed not the true faith 6. That Churchmen ought not to enjoy any temporalties 7. That the King ought to convert the rents of the Church into other pious uses 8. That the Church of Scotland ought to be governed after the manner of the English 9. That the Canons and Decrees of the Church were of no force as being contrary to the law of God 10. That the Orders of Friers and Monks should be abolished as had been done in England 11. That he did openly call the Pope Simoniack for that he sold spritual things 12. That he did read heretical books and the New Testament in English and some other Treatises written by Melanchthon Oecolampadius and Erasmus which he gave likewise unto others 13. The last and greatest point was that he refused to acknowledge the authority of the Romane See or be subject
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
grand Uncle having remained there some years and made good profit in letters he returned into Britain and became a zealous Preacher of the Gospel His chief residence was amongst the Picts in the countrey of Galloway there he built a Church all of white stone a sort of structure not usual in those parts and called the same by the name of St. Marâ—ine not meaning to have him taken for the tutelary Saint of that place which in after-ages when superstition prevailed was the conceit of the people but to preserve the memory of his vertues and incite others to the imitation thereof This was the chief respect in those first times that Christians had in denominating their Churches by the names of Saints departed that other they utterly disclaimed Nos Martyribus nostris saith St. Augustin non templa sicut diis fabricamus sed memorias sicut hominibus mortuis quorum apud Deum vivunt spiritus We do not build Temples to our Martyrs as unto Gods but memorials as unto dead men whose spirits with God are still living Bede in his Ecclesiastick story speaking of this Ninian saith that he learned at Rome and was there taught the mysteries of truth But we cannot think that he went a novice thither being trained up under so kinde and learned an Uncle as ever that was he proved a notable instrument in the Church for he converted the Southern Picts to the faith of Christ and for his continual labours in preaching not among them alone for he travelled also among the Scots and Britains but especially for his innocency and holinesse of life he was in so great regard as to which of the three soever he came they did reverence and accept him as the messenger of Christ. Among the Bishops of Galloway he is reckoned the first and thought to have been the Founder of that Colledge for from that Church which he built all of white stone as we said the Bishops of that See have still been and to this day are styled Episcopicandide casae It was in the time of this Eugenius that Palladius came into Scotland imployed as they write by Celestine Bishop of Rome for resisting the Pelagian heresie which began to spread in this Church This man a Grecian by birth learned moderate and singularly wise as appeared in all his actions did purge the Church from those errours and wonne such love and credit as by the space of 24. years he governed all Ecclesiastick affairs in these parts without any grudge or opposition Buchannan is of opinion that before his coming there was no Bishop in this Church Nam saith he adid usque tempus Ecclesiae absque Episcopis per monachos regebantur minore quidem cum fastu externa pompa sed majore simplicitate sanctimonia that is The Church unto that time was governed by Monks without Bishops with lesse pride and outward pomp but greater simplicity and holinesse What warrant he had to write so I know not except he did build upon that which Ioannes Major saith speaking of the same Palladius Per sacerdotes monachos sine Episcopis Scoti in fide erudiebantur The Scots he sayes were instructed in the Christian faith by Priests and Monks without any Bishops But from the instruction of Scots in the faith to conclude that the Church after it was gathered had no other form of government will not stand with any reason For be it as they speak that by the Travels of some pious Monks the Scots were first converted unto Christ it cannot be said that the Church was ruled by Monks seeing long after these times it was not permitted to Monks to meddle with matters of the Church nor were they reckoned among the Clergy As to the pride and pomp which he taxeth in Bishops of later times it might be truly spoken but after Palladius coming for the space of six hundred years and more there was no such excesse to be noted in them But to return to Palladius he was a man most careful in promoting Christian Religion and the first that made Christ to be preached in the Isle of Orkney sending Servanus one of his disciples thither Another called Tervanus he employed among the Northern Picts and ordained both of them Bishops His own remaining for the most part was at Fâ—rdon in the countrey of Mernis where he built a little Church which from him is to this day by a corrupted word called Padie Church There was his corps after his death interred In the year 1494. William Sheâ—ez Archbishop of St. Andrews visiting that Church did in reverence of his memory gather his bones and bestow them in a silver shrine which as the report goeth was taken up at the demolishing of the Churches by a Gentleman of good rank who dwelt near unto that place The people of the countrey observing the decay which followed in that family not many years after ascribed the same to the violation of Palladius grave Much about this time was Ireland converted to the faith of Christ by the labours of Patâ—ick a Scotchman born upon the River of Cluid not far from Glasgow They write of him that being thirteen yeers of age only he was taken prisoner by some Irishes at an invasion they made upon the West parts of Scotland and sold to Mâ—lâ—â— one of their Kings being kept there as a slave the space of four years he was ransomed by his parents and sent to school where having made a reasonable progresse in letters he went to France and there remained 18. years in the company of German Bishop of Auxerre under whom he attained to a great perfection of knowledge especially in the holy Scriptures Thereafter travelling to Rome Pope Celestine the same that sent Palladius to Scotland hearing of his qualities and how he had lived some years in Ireland made choice of him as the fittest person to work the conversion of that people Patrick accepting the imployment addressed himself shortly afâ—er to the journey and in his way by Scotland took with him Columba who came afterwards to be in great esteem Divers upon the report of his good successe followed him thither and ere many moneths passed all the countrey almost was brought to embrace the profession of Christ. He was doubtlesse a notable person and most worthy to be remebred some idle and ignorant Monks have pitifully wronged his memory by their Legends But what a singular man he was and what pains he took to do good in his life-time the Churches he founded reckoned to 365. and the Priests he ordained numbred to be three thousand may sufficiently witnesse He lived 122. years and ended his days in the city of Downe within the Province of Ulster in the year of our Lord 491. That fabulous Purgatory the invention whereof is falsly ascribed to him was the device of a Monk of Glastenbury Abbey in England who bare the same name
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
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
words said he can be uttered then to call the Pope the Vicar of Christ the successour of Peter the head of the universal Church most holy most blessed one who cannot erre that may make right of wrong and wrong of right that of nothing may make somewhat that hath all verity inclosed in the shrine of his breast that hath power over all men no man having power over him and through he draw ten thousand millions of souls with himself to hell that none may or ought to say that he doth wrong which words he shewed were expressed in the common law and could not be denied Another note more remarkable he adduced forth of S. Iohn his Revelation where it is said that the Babylonian whore shall make merchandise of the souls of men which never any did of what profession soever they were the Pope and his followers excepted for they said he take upon them to mitigate the paines of souls in Purgatory and to release them by saying of Masses selling of Pardons and Indulgences which none besides them ever did whereupon he inferred that the Church of Rome was quite degenerate from her first purity and that very beast foreshewed in the Scriptures c. At this Sermon Master Iohn Maior the Sub-prior a number of Chanons and Friers of both Orders with the whole University were present whom he appealed to answer his allegations if they found any one of them not consonant to truth The Archbishop being advertised of this wrote to the Sub-prior saying that he wondered how he could suffer such heretical and schismatical doctrines to be taught and not oppose himself thereto Whereupon Iohn Rough and Iohn Knox were cited to answer unto certain heads collected out of their Sermons and set down as followeth 1. That no mortal man can be the head of Christs Church 2. That the Pope is Antichrist and so not a member of Christs mystical body 3. That no man may make or devise a Religion that is acceptable to God but that he is bound to observe and keep the Religion received from God without chopping or changing the same 4. That the Sacraments of the New Testament ought to bee ministred as they were instituted by Christ Iesus and practised by his Apostles nor ought there any thing be added unto them nor diminished from them 5. That the Masse is abominable idolatry blasphemous to the death of Iesus Christ and a profanation to the Lords Suppers 6. That there is no Purgatory in the which the souls of men can either be pined or purged after this life Heaven being appointed for the faithful and Hell for the reprobate and unfaithful 7. That prayer for the dead is vain and to the dead is idolatry 8. That Bishops are no Bishops except they preach themselves wthout a Substitute 9. That tithes by Gods law do not appertain necessarily to Churchmen This last Article I would not omit because it is alledged by those that penned the story whether it was a point of Iohn Roughs preaching or not I cannot say but for Iohn Knox it is clear by his Sermons and writings still extant that he held it a point of high Sacriledge to rob and spoile the Church of tithes It is true that many in these times offending with the extortion of Churchmen did hold that tithes belonged not to the Church by any divine right and knowing that this opinion would find easie passage among the people as also serve to abridge the means and power of Churchmen they were the more ready to deliver such doctrines but this was done rather out of passion then judgement for he that will not wilfully shut his eyes against the truth cannot but know that tithes are the Lords and the portion that he hath served for the maintenance of his worship and service But to leave this The Sub-prior and others of the Clergy that convened with him having laid these Articles to their charge Iohn Knox answered that for himself he was glad to declare his mind in those points before so modest and judicious an auditory and turning to the Sub-prior It is a long time said he since I have heard that you are not ignorant of the truth Therefore I do appeal your conscience before the supreme Iudge that if you think the Articles wherewith we are charged contrarious to the truth of God that you plainly open your self and suffer not the people to be deceived but if in your conscience you know them to be true and sound then I will crave your patrocinie that by your authority the people may be moved to embrace the truth whereof now many doubt because of your indifferencie The Sub-prior answered That he came not there to judge but to conferre of these points and would if he pleased reason a little of the power of the Church which in my opinion said he may very lawfully devise rights and ceremonies for decoring the Sacraments and other parts of divine service Iohn Knox replying That no man in the worship of God might appoint any ceremony giving it a signification to his pleasure One Arbuthnet a gray Frier reasoned so hotly in the contrary that forgetting himself he denied the Apostles to have received the Holy Ghost when they penned their Epistles The Sub-prior checking the Frier did after a little space dimit the Preachers with a brotherly admonition to take heed what doctrine they delivered in publick When they were gone such of the Clergy as were present entred in consultation what was fittest to be done for staying the defection of the people and in end resolved that every learned man of the Abbey and University should preach in the Parish Churches on Sundayes the Sub-prior beginning the Officials following and the rest according to their seniority eschewing all of them to speak of any controverted point which might breed question and minister unto people occasion of talk Iohn Knox who by this mean was excluded from the Pulpit on the Sunday preached on the week dayes sometimes none daring to offer him any wrong because of the fear they stood in of them within the Castle But Iohn Rough being grieved with the wicked and licencious living of the souldiers and others in the Castle took his leave of them and departed into England preaching some years in the Townes of Carlile Berwick and Newcastle he was afterwards provided to a Benefice by the Archbishop of York nor farre from the Town of Hull and resided upon it untill the death of King Edward the sixth In the time of Queen Maries persecution he fled with the wife that he had married unto Friesland and wonne his living with the knitting of Caps hose and such like wares and in November 1557. coming to London for providing some necessaries to maintain his trade was apprehended by the Queens Vice-Chamberlain at the Saracens head in Islington where they who professed Religion used quietly to meet Being brought before Bonner Bishop of London and
himself strong enough with the supply he had obtained made out to search and pursue his enemies Adam Gordon lay then at Aberdene and being advertised that the Forbesses were drawing near to the City he went forth to meet them The encounter at the beginning was sharp and furious but the Forbesses were young men for the greatest part of small experience and not under command and the souldiers not being well seconded by them after they had fought a while gave over and yielded The slaughter was not great for the conflict happened in the evening which helpt many to escape Captain Chisholm with most of his company and some 15. of the name of Forbes were killed the Master of Forbes and some others were taken prisoners This good successe of the Queens party in the North gave hearts to all the faction and now they began every where to take new courage In the South the Lairds of Fernherst and Bacleugh did affail Iedburgh a little town but very constant in maintaining the Kings authority Lord Claud Hamilton belyed Paslay The Castle of Braughtie on the river of Tay was surprised by ... Seaton of Perbroath and in divers other parts troubles were raised of purpose to divide the Regents forces and to withdraw him from Leth that the town of Edinburgh which was then in some scarcity of victuals might be relieved In the moneth of Ianuary an assembly of the Church convened at Leth where after great instance made with the Regent and Councel for setling the policy of the Church it was agreed that six of the Councel and as many of the Assembly should be selected to treat reason and conclude upon that businesse For the Councel Iames Earl of Morton Chancellour William Lord Ruthven Treasurer Robert Abbot of Dunfermlin Secretary Mr. Iames Macgill Keeper of the Rolls Sir Iohn Bellenden Justice Clerk and Colin Campbel of Glenorchy were named and for the Church Iohn Ereskin of Dun Superintendent of Angus Mr. Iohn Winraine Superintendent of Fife Mr. Andrew Hay Commissioner of Claddisdale Mr. David Lindesay Commissioner of the West Mr. Robert Pont Commissioner of Orkney and Mr. Iohn Craig one of the Ministers of Edinburgh These twelve convening after divers meetings and long deliberation grew to the conclusions following 1. That the Archbishopricks and Bishopricks presently void should be disponed to the most qualified of the Ministery 2. That the spiritual jurisdiction should be exerced by the Bishops in their Dioces 3. That all Abbots Priors and other inferiour Prelates who should happen to be presented to Benefices should be tried by the Bishop or Superintendent of the bounds concerning their qualification and aptnesse to give voice for the Church in Parliament and upon their collation be admitted to the Benefice and not otherwise 4. That so the Bishopricks presently void or that should happen hereafter to fall the King and the Regent should recommend fit and qualified persons and their elections to be made by the Chapters of the Cathedral Churches And forasmuch as divers of the Chapters Churches were possessed by men provided before his Majesties Coronation who bare no office in the Church a particular nomination should be made of Ministers in every Dioces to supply their rooms untill the Benefices should fall void 5. That all Benefices of Cure under Prelacies should be disponed to actual Ministers and to no others 6. That the Ministers should receive Ordination from the Bishop of the Dioces and where no Bishop was as yet placed from the Superintendent of the bounds 7. That the Bishops and Superintendents at the Ordination of Ministers should exact of them an oath for acknowledging his Majesties authority and for obedience to their Ordinary in all things lawful according to the form then condescended Order also was taken for disposing of Provestries Colledge charges and Chaplanries and divers other particulars most profitable for the Church as in the records extant may be seen which were all ordained to stand in force untill the Kings majority or till the Estates of the Realm should otherwise appoint In August thereafter the Assembly of the Church meeting again at Perth report was made of these conclusions and exception taken by some at the titles of Archbishop Dean Archdeacon Chancellor and Chapter as being Popish and offensive to the ears of good Christians whereupon it was declared that by using these titles they meant not to allow of Popish superstition in any sort wishing the same to be changed in others not so scandalous As the name of Bishop to be hereafter used for Archbishop the Chapter to be called The Bishops assembly the Dean to be called The Moderator of the said assembly And for the titles of Archdeacon Chancellour Abbot and Prior that some should be appointed to consider how farre these functions did extend and give their opinion for the interchange thereof with others more agreeable to the Word and the policy of the best reformed Churches reporting their opinions at the next Assembly But I do not find that any such report was made like it is the wiser sort esteemed there was no cause to stumble at titles where the office was thought necessary and lawful A protestation always was made that they received these Articles for an interim till a more perfect order might be obtained at the King his Regent and the Nobilities hands According to these conclusions Mr. Iohn Douglas Provost of the New Colledge of S. Andrews was provided to the Archbishoprick of that See Mr. Iames Boyd to the Archbishoprick of Glasgow Mr. Iames Paton to the Bishoprick of Dunkeld and Mr. Andrew Ghram to the Bishoprick of Dumblane About the end of Ianuary the Regent advertised of the peril wherein the town of Iedburgh stood and of the great preparation that Fernherst and Bacleugh made to surprise it for they had besides their own forces drawn all the people of Esk Ewis and Liddesdale to joyn with them in hope of spoil and from the English Borders divers that were given to robbery to the number of 3000. and above sent the Lord Ruthven with some forces to defend them Before his coming Walter Ker of Cesford a man of good worth who had ever assisted the Kings party was joyned with them Their enemies notthelesse esteeming themselves strong enough by reason of their numbers went forwards with an assurance of victory The Lord Ruthven having notice given him by the way of their diet and the time they had appointed to invade the town did use the more speed and came in sight thereof just as the enemies appeared They fearing to be inclosed betwixt the town who shewed themselves in the fields ready to fight and the forces the Lord Ruthven brought with him did presently retire and give back Fernherst and Bacleugh went to Hawick and were followed the next day by the Lord Ruthven who came upon them so unlooked for as they were cast into a great fear The principals that had horses fled away
stirred up Iohn Dury one of the Ministers of Edinburgh in an Assembly which was then convened to propound a question touching the lawfulness of the Episcopal function and the authority of â—hapters in their election He himself as though he had not been acquainted with the motion after he had commended the Speakers zeal and seconded the purpose with a long discourse of the flourishing estate of the Church of Geneva and the opinions of Calvin and Theodore Beze concerning Church Government came to affirm That none ought to be office bearers in the Church whose titles were not found in the book of God And for the title of Bishops albeit the same was found in Scripture yet was it not to be taken in the sense that the common sort did conceive there being no superiority allowed by Christ amongst Ministers he being the only Lord of his Church and all the same servants in the same degree and having the like power In end he said that the corruptions crept into the estate of Bishops were so great as unlesse the same were removed it could not go well with the Church nor could Religion be long preserved in purity This his discourse was applauded by many and some brethren set apart to reason and conferre upon the question proponed For the one part Mr. David Lindesay Mr. George Hay and Mr. Iohn Row were nominated These three sustained the lawfulness of Episcopal function in the Church For the other part Mr. Iames Lawson Mr. Iohn Craig and Mr. Andrew Melvil were chosed to impugne the same After divers meetings and long disceptation amongst themselves they presented their opinions to the Assembly in writing as followeth 1. First that they did not hold it expedient to answer the questions proponed for the present But if any Bishop was chosen that had not qualities required by the word of God he should be tried by the General Assembly 2. That they judged the name of a Bishop to be common to all Mininisters that had the charge of a particular flock And that by the word of God his chief function consisted in the preaching of the word the ministration of the Sacraments and exercise of Ecclesiastical discipline with consent of his Elders 3. That from among the Ministers some one might be chosen to oversee and visit such reasonable bounds besides his own flock as the General Assembly should appoint 4. That the Minister so elected might in those bounds appoint Preachers with the advice of the Ministers of that Province and the consent of the flock which they should be admitted And fiftly that he might suspend Ministers from the exercise of their office upon reasonable causes with the consent of the Ministers of the bounds There were present in this Assembly the Archbishop of Glasgow the Bishop of Dunkeld Galloway Brichen Dumblane and Isles with the Superintendents of Lothian and Angus all of them interessed in that business Yet neither were they called to the conference nor doth it appear by the Register of those proceedings that they did so much as open their mouthes in defence of their office and calling What respect soever it was that made them keep so quiet whether as I have heard that they expected those motions should have been dashed by the Regent or otherwise that they affected the praise of humility it was no wisdom in them to have given a way to such novelties and have suffered the lawfulnesse of their vocation to be thus drawn in question In the next Assembly I find the same matter moved of new and put to voices but with a little change of the question which was thus formed Whether Bishops as they were then in Scotland had their function warranted by the word of God The Assembly without giving a direct answer after long reasoning did for the greatest part so the records bear approve the opinions presented in the last meeting with this addition That the Bishops should take themselves to the service of some one Church within their Dioces and condescend upon the particular flocks whereof they would accept the charge The Regent hearing how the Church had proceeded and taking ill the deposition of Mr. Iames Patton Bishop of Dunkeld who was in the former Assembly deprived for dilapidation of his benefice sent to require of them whether they would stand to the policy agreed unto at Leth and if not to desire them to settle upon some form of government at which they would abide The Assembly taking the advantage of this proposition answered that they were to think of that business and should with all diligence set down a constant form of Church policy and present the same to be allowed by the Councel To this effect they nominated Mr. Andrew Melvil Mr. Andrew Hay Mr. David Cuningham Mr. George Hay Mr. Alexander Arthbuthnet Mr. David Lindesay and a number more the Archbishop of Glasgow was named amongst the rest but he being urged to take the charge of a particular flock excused himself saying That he had entered to his office according to the order taken by the Church and Estates and could do nothing contrary therâ—to lest he should be thought to have transgressed his oath and be challenged for altering a member of the Estate Yet that it might appear how willing he was to bestow the gifts wherewith God had endued him to the good of the Church he should teach ordinarily at Glasgow when he had his residence in the City and when he remained in the Sheriffdome of Aire he should do the like in any Church they would appoint but without astricting himself unto thesame and prejudging in any sort the jurisdiction he had received at his admission This his declaration made he was no more troubled with that imployment Mean while the See of S. Andrews falling void by the death of Mr. Iohn Douglas the Regent did recommend to the Chapter his Chaplain Mr. Patrick Adamson for the place the Chapter continuing the election till the Assembly of the Church did convene imparted to them the warrant they had received and Mr. Patrick being enquired for he was present at the time whether he would submit himself to trial and receive the office with those injunctions the Church would prescrive Answered that he was discharged by the Regent to accept the office otherwise then was appointed by mutual consent of the Church and Estate Hereupon the Chaptour was inhibited to proceed Notthelesse upon a new charge given them they convened and made choice of him which did so irritate the Church as in the next meeting they gave Commission to the Superintendent of Lothian Mr. Robert Pont Mr. Iames Lawson and David Ferguson to call him before them and prohibit him to exerce any part of his jurisdiction till he should be authorised thereto by the Assembly A form of Church policy was in the mean time drawn up and presented to the Regent by Mr. David Lindesay Mr. Iames Lawson
matter to that time where in stead of examining the process or discussing the Bishops Appellation a transaction was made in this sort That the Bishop by his hand-writing or personal appearance in the Assembly should deny that ever he publickly professed or meaned to claim any supremacy or to be Judge over other Pastors and Ministers or yet avowed the same to have a ground in Gods word and if so he had done it had been an error against his conscience and knowledge That he should also deny that in the last Synodal Assembly he did claim to be Judge of the same and if he had done it that he erred therein and in his emperious behaviour and contempt of the said Synod That thirdly he should promise to behave himself better in time coming and crave pardon for any oversight by him committed claiming no further then justly he might by Gods word and in all other things carry himself as a moderate Pastor ought labouring to be the Bishop described by S. Paul submitting his life and doctrine to the judgment and censure of the general Assembly without any reclamation provocation or appellation from the same in any time coming That the Assembly on the other part for his Majesties satisfaction and to give testimony of their willing minds to obey his Highness so far as they could and in conscience they might and for the good hope they had of his Majesties favourable concurrence in building up the house of God should hold the said process and sentence as undeduced and not pronounced and restore the Bishop in so far as concerned the said process and sentence to the estate wherein he was before the pronouncing of the same especially because the said process was led and deduced during the time of the conference whereupon his Majesty had conceived offence with this proviso Always that the Bishop should observe what he promised in the premises and carry himself dutifully in his vocation in all times thereafter What should have moved the King to hearken to a mediation so prejudicial both to his own authority and the Episcopal jurisdiction which he laboured to establish cannot well be conjectured except we will think that by yeilding to the Churches advice in this particular he hoped to winne them in end to those things which served for his peace and their own quietnesse or which I rather believe that he did only temporise not seeing another way how to come by his ends and was content to keep them in any tolerable terms till he should find himself of power sufficient to redresse these confusions Whatsoever the reason was the Bishop did set his hand to the conditions proposed by the Assembly and received that declaratour for an absolution Yet did not this satisfy the adverse party who peremptorily urged the justifying of their process with the confirmation of the sentence they had pronounced which when they could not obtain the same Hunter that pronounced the sentence protested publickly against the Assemblies proceeding and that notwithstanding the absolution granted the Bishop should still be esteemed as one justly delivered to Satan till his conversion were seen to be true and effectual unto which protestation Mr. Andrew Melvil and Mr. Thomas Buchannan did adhere A motion was made in the same Assembly for censuring the Ministers that had allowed the Acts concluded in the Parliament 1584. by their subscriptions but they were found to be so many as it was feared the urging thereof would breed aschisme and division in the Church wherefore after some altercation the matter was left and all the Ministers exhorted to judge charitably one of another notwithstanding their diversity of opinions The Articles agreed upon in the conference with certain Ministers whereof the determination was remitted to this Assembly made more adoe for they having condescended to accept Bishops and to give them a chief hand in the government of Church affairs they always being subject to the censure of the general Assembly It was strongly opposed and after a long dispute concluded That in respect the Bishop was a Pastor as other ordinary Pastors are he should for matters of life and doctrine be tried by the Presbytery and Synod and for his Commission otherwise in Church affairs be subject to the general Assembly The Secretary Justice Clerk with the Lord Privy Seal and other Commissioners for the King disassented and made protestation That seeing the Assembly had gone from the Articles agreed upon in the conference nothing either then or at the present concluded should stand in force And thus were they like to dissolve but that Mr. Robert Pont Iames Martin and Patrick Galloway being directed to inform his Majesty of the difference things were drawn to this middest That the Bishops and others having Commission to visit Churches should be only subject to the trial of the general Assembly and such as had power from them till further order was taken And that where Bishops and Commissioners were resident they should preside in the meetings of Presbyteries and Synods Fife only excepted where Mr. Robert Wilkie was appointed to moderate the Presbytery of Saint Andrews untill the next Synod In the mean time was the order of the Presbyteries set down and their power defined the King taking no notice of their doings in that kind The Secretary who then supplied the place of Chancellor perceiving the King so vexed with the affairs of the Church and the Ministers so refractary and unwilling to be ruled did advise him to leave them to their own courses saying That in a short time they would become so intolerable as the people would chase them forth of the countrey True answered the King if I were purposed to undoe the Church and Religion I should think your counsel not ill but my mind is to maintain both therefore can I not suffer them run into these disorders that will make Religion to be despised This answer did shew the Kings love to the Church and his care of the good estate thereof which in this place I thought was not to be passed In the Estate matters went not much better at this time and amongst others nothing gave more offence then the acquitting of Mr. Archibald Douglas by form of Assise This man was known to be guilty of the murther of the King his Father and had fled into England six yeares before The Earl of Morton at his death and one Binny Mr. Archibalds own servant who was executed about the same time did both declare that he was present at the doing of that wicked fact for which the King had often by his letters and Ambassages intreated the Queen of England to have him delivered yet could not obtain it At this time a remission being purchased to him for the concealing of that murther with a letter of rehabilitation whereby he might stand in judgement and plead against his forfeiture he was in a Jury held the 26. of May declared innocent and absolved of the
it is hard for men in drink at which they were continually kept long to agree A little strife at his first coming to Upslo arose betwixt the Chancellor and Earl Marshal for priority of place the Earl thinking it due to him because of the honour he had in the espousal of the Queen and the Chancellor excepting that his Ambassage ceased in regard of the Kings presence and that the same precedency belonged to him by vertue of his office in those parts being with the King that he had at home But this was pacified without any noise by the Kings determination who declared the place to belong to the Chancellor Brunswicks Marriage and solemnity thereof finished the King conveyed with many great ships took journey homewards and arrived with his Queen at Leth the 20. of May where he was received with a wonderful joy and a great concourse of people After his landing he went first to Church and caused publick thanks to be given to God for his safe and happy return then after to the Noblemen and Councel he gave many thanks for the care they had taken in administration of affairs and the quietnesse they had maintained in the countrey The Earl of Bothwel besides the rest was received with a most gracious countenance for that contrary to all mens expectation he had carried himself orderly all that time And he indeed soon after the Kings departing whether to purchase the opinion of a reformed man or that as he pretended remorse of conscience did move him in a conference with Iames Gibson Minister who was then privately returned from England did offer for removing the many scandals he had given by his dissolutenesse to acknowledge publickly his offence and make any satisfaction the Church should enjoyn which also he performed appearing as he was appointed in the Church where Mr. Robert Bruce did ordinarily preach and making confession of his sinnes promised to live more regularly and not to give offence thereafter to good Christians But it was not long after the Kings return that falling to his wonted forms he became more disordered then ever and there through procuring the Kings displeasure wrought his own undoing as we shall hear The next day after the Kings arrival the Councel assembled to advise upon the Queens Coronation The King determining to have it done in most solemn manner because none of the Bishops were present nor could conveniently be brought against the day made choice of Mr. Robert Bruce to perform the ceremony The Ministers that were in town being therewith acquainted some of the number more curious then wise did except against the ceremony of Unction saying that it was Jewish and abolished at the coming of Christ introduced into Christian Kingdoms by the Pope and not to be used The chief of this opposition was one Mr. Iohn Davison an idle and turbulent man who as then had no charge in the Church but had gained some credit with certain foolish people that would be thought more holy and zealous then other Mr. Andrew Melvil sided with him at first reasoning for the same opinion It was shewed them That the ceremony could not be Jewish seeing it never had the beginning from the Jewes nor was it used by that people only That the anointing of Kings was mentioned in the book of Judges which albeit uttered in a parable did shew that it was a custom received in creating of Kings And that it was practised in other Kingdomes besides that of Judea was a thing manifest for Hasael King of Aram was anointed by Elias and Cyrus King of Persia is called by Esay Gods anointed Both these were strangers to the Law and people of the Jewes yet were they anointed wherefore the ceremony could not be Jewish Then where they said that this rite was introduced by the Pope of Rome as that could not be made out so no reasonable man would think that every rite used amongst Papists was to be rejected for in that case we should be forced to remove many things that are both of good institution and use Seeing therefore the function and authority of Princes continueth the same and is alike in all free Monarchies their anointing could no more be excepted against then their crowning and the bearing of the Sword and Scepter before them which have all the like warrant Thus they were reasoned with but nothing could remove their scruples which the King hearing he called them before him and finding them obstinate in their opinions told them That he would not have the right of Unction omitted and if Mr. Robert Bruce would not do it for they had threatned him with Church censures he would prorogue the day of Coronation and stay till one of the Bishops came who would not refuse Upon this they fell to a second deliberation and Mr. Andrew Melvil altogether misliking that a Bishop should be employed in the action divided from the others so that by the plurality of voices in end it was concluded that the ceremony should be used Thus the Sunday following the Queen was solemnly crowned and all the rites accustomed performed by Mr. Robert Bruce in the Abbey Church of Halyrudhouse On Tuesday thereafter she made her triumphant entry into the Town of Edinburgh where nothing was omitted that might serve to expresse the love and affection of the people The rest of the moneth and much of the next was spent in banquets and royall shewes for the entertaining of the strangers These finished and order taken for administration of the rents assigned to the Queen the strangers were dimitted and had rich presents given them both from the King and Queen How soon they were gone the King upon information that the Ministers of Edinburgh and Dalkeith had permitted Iames Gibson to preach in their Churches notwithstanding he was silenced by the general Assembly caused cite them before the Councel They answered That his silencing as they took it was only to the time of his appearance before the Assembly and that he was purged of contumacy But the Act being produced and hearing that he was silenced during the pleasure of the Assembly which as yet was not declared they confessed their oversight and promised that he should not have place amongst them till his Majesty was satisfyed The King constructing their answer to the best gave order to summon Gibson for his contempt and he not appearing was denounced Rebell At the same time there was a marriage treated betwixt the Earl of Arrol and a daughter of the Earl of Morton at which the King took exception and did inhibit the same as not liking that he who had so lately rebelled and was not yet reconciled to the Church should be strengthened by such an alliance Notthelesse the marriage went on for which the Earl of Morton being called before the Councel answered that he could not restrain the affection of his daughter and was forced to give way unto it The Councel
touched any Minister might be drawn from their Judicatory resolved to send a prohibition to the Assembly and discharge their proceeding but by the mediation of some well disposed persons that did not like to have questions of Jurisdiction moved the business was setled and both actions ordained to cease Not the less the instrument was sustained by the Lords and judges to make faith which turned in end to the pursuers undoing In this Assembly certain Articles were presented subscribed by the Archbishop of S. Andrews allowing the Presbyterial discipline and condemning the Government Episcopal which were afterward imprinted under the title of M. Patrick Adamsons recantation The Bishop lay bedfast at the time and was fallen into great necessity by his own misgovernment whereof his Adversaries taking advantage it was devised that he should be visited by some of the brethren and desired to leave a testimony under his hand of his opinion of matters of discipline This being moved unto him he said That he did not trouble himself with such thoughts at that time and had never allowed of any other Bishop in the church but S. Pauls Bishop which he would willingly set his hand to Upon this his answer were these Articles drawn up and subscribed by him Whether he knew what was contained in them or that he was induced thereto by a poor collection they gave him in the time for so the report went or otherwise it is uncertain but when it was told him that such a recantation was published in his name he complained heavily of the wrong that was done him and committing his cause to God ended his days in the end of this year A man he was of great learning and a most perswasive Preacher but an ill administrator of the Church Patrimony which brought him to the misery that is pitiful to think of Divers works he left of which some are extant that shew his learning but his prelections upon the Epistles to Timothy which were most desired falling into the hands of his adversaries were suppressed In the same Assembly a general revocation was made in name of the Church by M. Robert Pont of all things done in prejudice of the Rents and Patrimony thereof either by Ministers that were beneficed or by others bearing the title of Church-men This in the opinion of wise men was esteemed to be a good way for pleading restitution according to the priveledge of ancient Laws but was derided and scoffed at by those that had filled their hands with the spoils of the Church And folly it was sure to think they could enjoy any benefit by these priviledges having destroyed the estate and dignity of the Church by which these priviledges should have been preserved Soon after this meeting there happened a great division in the Presbytery of S. Andrews for planting the Church of Luchars The pretenders were M. Patrick Weimes and M. Robert Wallace M. Andrew Melvill with some few that followed him stood for M. Wallace M. Thomas Buchannan and the rest for M. Patrick Weimes The matter after a hot contention being put to voyces M. Thomas Buchannan and some 19 or 20 with him gave their suffrages to M. Weimes M Andrew and other six that adhered to him gave their voices to M. Robert Wallace M. Andrew taking it impatiently to be thus oversweyed left the place where the Presbytery did meet and with his six went to the Schools of the new Colledge and made up another Presbytery M. Thomas and the rest aboad in the place and according as they had voyced appointed Mr. Patrick Weimes on the next Sunday to be received Minister of Luchars M. Andrew with his company gave forth the like Ordinance for M. Robert Wallace and thus both were instituted and admitted Ministers to the Church upon one day The Gentlemen of the parish went likewise in factions some holding with the one and some with the other which caused a great scandal There being none to pacifie the strife M. Andrew Lambe the Minister at Brunt-Island was directed from the Synod of Fife to entreat some of the Ministers of Lothian to take the pains of bringing them to an agreement For this effect M. David Lindesay M. Robert Bruce and M. I. Spotswood were chosen who coming to S. Andrews in the Moneth of October called the parties before them to understand the reasons of their dissension M. Andrew did plead for the one party and M. Thomas Buchannan for the other It was laid to M. Andrew his charge That he had made a secession forsaken the place of meeting and the fellowship of his brethren and with some six onely that followed him presumed to overturn the conclusion of the greater number His defence was That albeit he and his followers had left the place yet they could not be judged to have made secession by reason the others had given the cause and conspired to preferre a person in worth not comparable to him whom they had elected As to the number of voices he said quòd suffragia essent ponder anda non numer anda that voyces ought not to be numbred but to be weighed and pondered Two days they continued reasoning and in end the mediators finding no other means of their agreement took course to displace both the yong men and to appoint a third person for the service of the Church and for eschewing such contentions thereafter which were feared because of the heat betwixt M. Thomas and M. Andrew they did appoint the Presbytery to be divided in two a part to sit at Couper and the rest to abide at S. Andrews Thus was that strife pacified which many held to be ominous and that the government which in the beginning did break forth into such schismes could not long continue for this every man noted That of all men none could worse endure parity and loved more to command then they who had introduced it into the Church But to leave the matters of the Church for a while when as the King did think that all was quiet and Bothwell so weakned as he could not make any trouble for Bacleugh his son in law was by licence gone into France and all the gentlemen of the South parts who were of any worth had given surety to have no medling with him there were found in the Court it self instruments apt enough to serve his turn For of the Duke of Lennox his retinue some that envied the Chancellors credit with the King and others whose hopes wholly depended upon the trouble of the State did by secret messages incite Bothwell to enterprise somewhat for himself offering to bring him within the Kings Palace unperceived where with a few hands he might make himself master of the King and all the Court Bothwell is easily drawn to condescend and the conspiracy so ordered that he with his followers should under night be let in at a back passage that lay through the Lord Duke his Stables and first they should seise
notoriety of a crime which notoriety must onely be defined by the guilty persons being fugitive for the crimes or the declaration of an Assise or their excommunication for the same 4 That every Minister in his particular application have onely respect to the edification of his own flock and present auditory without expatiating in other discourses no way pertinent to their congregation 5 That every particular Presbytery be commanded to take a diligent accompt of the doctrine of their Ministers and see that they keep themselves within bounds in the premises 6 That summar excommunication be utterly discharged and that three lawfull citations at least of eight daies intervall betwixt every one of them precede the sentence 7 That no Session Prebytery or Synod use Censures upon any but those that are within their bounds otherwise their decreets and sentences to be null 8 That all summons contain a speciall cause and crime and none be used super inquirendis quod est merè tyrannicum 9 That no meeting or convention be amongst the Ministers without his Majesties knowledge and consent except the ordinary Sessions Presbyteries and Synods 10 That in the principall Burghs no Ministers be placed without the consent of his Majesty and the flock and this order to begin presently in Edinburgh 11 That all matters concerning the rest of his Majesties Questions be suspended and neither condemned nor rebuked either in pulpit or any other judicatory till the same be decided in the next Generall Assembly especially that no matters be called before the Ecclesiasticall judicatories as importing slander wherein his Majesties authority may be prejudged but that they meddle only with causes meerly Ecclesiasticall 12 That some wise and discreet Ministers to the number of seven or eight be authorised by Commission to reason upon the rest of the Questions when opportunity of time shall serve Lastly that the present Assembly grant Commission to the Ministers of the North Countrey to absolve the Earl of Huntley from his Excommunication if he satisfie the Church For the better determining of the said Articles it was thought meet that some brethren should be desired to conferre of them apart and report their opinions to the Assembly which they did the next morning Touching the first Article they said that they held it not expedient to make any law or act concerning that matter lest a door should be opened thereby to turbulent spirits otherwise they did think it lawfull to his Majesty by himself or by his Commissioners to propone in a Generall Assembly whatsoever point his Majesty desired to be resolved in or to be reformed in specie externi ordinis seeing substantia externae administrationis Ecclesiasticae est plenissimè prodita in sacris literis And as the Generall Assembly hath accepted well of this manner of doing in all times past so in their opinion they should doe the like in time coming For the second their advice was that the Acts already made which are hurtfull to Religion and prejudiciall to the liberty of the Word should be discharged and no Act thereafter past concerning Religion without the advice and consent of the Church As for matters of Estate mentioned in the Article they craved a further explanation of that point The third they esteemed reasonable that no mans name should be expressed to his rebuke in pulpit unlesse the fault was notorious and publick but they esteemed notoriety must be defined otherwise then by the three waies set down in the Article for contumacy after citation the publick commission of a crime such as was Bothwell's treasonable contempt at Leth the Burning of Dumebirsell and the like make also a notoriety As to the vive description said to be equivalent they thought it hard to set any law to that seeing every guilty person will think himself descrived when his fault is rebuked albeit the Minister doth not think of him The fourth and fift Articles they judged lawfull but for the sixth which craves a simple charge of summar Excommunication they advised to remit the same to the next Assembly suspending the practice thereof in the mean time the seaventh they thought likewise was to be remitted to the eighth they agreed and for the nineth that concerned the meeting of Pastors they said that besides Sessions Presbyteries and Synods Pastors are accustomed to meet for visitation of Churches admission of Ministers taking up of feods resolving of questions The tenth they esteemed reasonable the eleventh Article seeming to import a discharge of many points of discipline they said was so large that it could not be presently answered and the last two they remitted to the full Assembly judging that they ought to be granted These answers shewed to the King were not liked and held unsufficient whereupon the Assembly was desired to repair to the place where his Majesty and the Estates were convened for treating upon the foresaid Articles at their coming the King had a speech much to this purpose That they could not be ignorant either of the occasion or of his purpose in calling the present Assembly and for the occasion that it grieved him to remember it not for any injury or displeasure done to himself but for the shame and slander cast upon Religion for have not the adversaries said he too just a ground against us who say that our profession teacheth the contempt of Princes and maintains insurrections against them I know it is the fault of men and not of the profession and none of you that are met here I take to be guilty of the late attempt but it is in your hands to clear your selves if any think otherwise and so to free your profession of that scandall As for the purpose for which I have called you together at this time it is to mend such things as are amisse and to take away the questions that may move trouble afterward if you for your parts be willing to have matters righted things may yet go well I claim nothing but what is due to every Christian King within his dominion that is to be Custos vindex disciplinae Corruptions are crept in and more daily growing by this liberty that preachers take in the application of their doctrine and censuring every thing that is not to their mind This I must have mended for such discourses serve onely to move sedition and raise tumults Let the truth of God be taught in the Chair of truth and wickedness be reproved but in such sort as the offender may be bettered and vice made more odious To rail against men in Pulpit and express their names as we know was done of late there being no just cause and make the word of God which is ordained to guide men in the way of salvation an instrument of sedition is a sin I am sure beyond all other that can be committed on earth hold you within your limits and I will never blame you nor suffer others to work you any vexation The civill
of the 20 chap. of the Acts whereby he took occasion to prove out of the Scriptures and Fathers the supremacy of Bishops above Presbyters and to shew the inconveniencies of Parity in the Church with the confusion arising from the same Dr. Buckridge Bishop of Rochester took for his text the Precept of the Apostle Omnis anima c Rom. 13. 1. where falling to speak of the Kings supremacy in causes Ecclesiasticall he did handle that point both soundly and learnedly to the satisfaction of all the hearers only it grieved the Scots Ministers to hear the Pope and Presbyterie so often equalled in their opposition to soveraign Princes Dr. Andrews Bishop of Chichester followed who choosed for his text the first verses of the 10 chapter of Numbers confirming thirdly the power of Kings in Convocating Synods and Councells The fourth was Dr. King Bishop of London he took for his theam the 11 verse of the 8 chapter of Canticles and thereupon discoursing of the Office of Presbyters did prove lay Elders to have no place nor office in the Church and the late device to be without all warrant of Precept or example either in Scripture or in Antiquity This course his Majesty took as conceiving that some of the Ministers should be moved by force of reason to quit their opinions and give place to the truth but that seldome happeneth where the minde is prepossessed with prejudice either against person or matter The first audience was at Hampton the 22 of September at whichâ— besides the Bishops and Ministers from Scotland were present the Earls of Dunbarre Argile Glencarne Sir Thomas Hamilton Advocate and Sir Alexander Straiton Of the English Dr. Montague Dean of the Charpell was only admitted to stay There the King declaring the purpose for which he had called them spake a few words to this effect That having left the Church of Scotland in peace at his parting forth of it he did now hear of great disturbances in the same whereof he desired to understand the true cause and to have their advice how the same might best be removed This being said he the errand in generall for which I have called you I should be glad to hear your opinions touching that meeting at Aberdene where an handfull of Ministers in contempt of my authority and against the discharge given them did assemble and though they were neither a sufficient number nor the accustomed order kept they would take upon them to call it a generall Assembly and have since proudly maintained it by declining my Councell and such other means as they pleased to use The rather I would hear your minds because I am informed that divers Ministers doe justifie that meeting and in their publick preachings commend these brethren as persons distressed which in effect is to proclaim me a tyrant and Persecutor Mr. Iames Melvill answering first said that there was no such discharge given to those Ministers that met at Aberdene as was alledged adjuring Sir Alexander Straiton who was said to have given the charge to declare in his Majesties presence how that matter was carried As to the absence of Moderator and Clerk he said that none of these were essentiall parts of an Assembly and that the Moderator absenting himself of purpose and the Clerk refusing to serve the brethren convened might lawfully create others in their places so as the Ministers having warrant to convene from the word of God and from his Majesties laws as also coming thither by direction of their Presbyteries he could not in his conscience condemne them Well then said the King I shall desire you to answer me three things that I will ask First if it be lawfull to pray publickly for persons convicted by the lawfull Iudge as persons being in distress and aflicted 2 Whether I may not being a Christian King by my authority royall convocate and prorogue and desert for just and necessary causes known to myself any Assemblies or meetings within my Dominions 3 Whether or not may I by my authority-call and convene before me and my Councell whatsoever person or persons Civil or Ecclesiastial for whatsoever offences committed by them in whatsoever place within my Dominions and if I may not take cognition of the offence and give sontence therein And further whether or not are all my subjects being cited to answer before me and my Councell obliged to compeir and acknowledge me or them for judges in these offences Mr. Iames answering said that the questions were weighty and craved a great deliberation wherefore he would humbly entreat his Majesty to grant them a time to conferre and advise together that they might all give one direct answer This desire granted they were commanded to advise and meet together that night and be ready to answer the next day At this meeting the Earls of Salisbury and Northampton with divers of the English Clergy were present The Ministers desiring to have the meeting more private requested the Earl of Dumbarre to move the King therein and that none but Scotsmen should be present fearing as they said that some unseemly words might escape them But this was denied and they warned to speak with that respect which became subjects It was believed that the King should have begun with the questions proponed in the former meeting but his Majesty taking another course required them to declare one by one their judgements touching Aberdene Assembly The Bishops being first askt did all condemn the meeting as turbulent factious and unlawfull Mr. Andrew Melvill then being enquired made answer That he could not condemn the Assembly being a private man that he came into England upon his Majesties letter without any Commission from the Church of Scotland and though he had Commission in dicta causa and not hearing what they could say for themselves he could not give his judgement Sentence he said was given against them in a justice Court how justly he did remit that to the great Judge but for himself he would say as our Saviour did in another case Quis me constituit judicem Mr. Iames Balfoure being next asked Did pray his Majesty not to press him with any answer for that he knew nothing would be well taken that proceeded from his mouth and that Mr. Andrew had answered his minde sufficiently Mr. Iames Melvill without giving a direct answer began to tell That sinceâ— his coming to London he had received divers letters and with them a Petition that should have been presented to the late Parliament in behalf of the warded Ministers which he was desired to offer unto his Majesty and as he thought the Petition would make all their mindes known The King taking the Petition and falling to read the same willed the Advocate to goe on and receive the answer of the rest And as the Advocate was questioning Mr. William Scot and urging him with a distinct answer for he used many circumlocutions according to
work should more easily be effected if a beginning was made in Scotland did call a Parliament in August which was kept by Lodowick Duke of Lennox as Commissioner for his Majesty the Earl of Montrose being then deceased The Estates to satisfie the Kings desire did allow all the Articles concluded in the Treaty with a provision That the same should be in like manner ratified by the Parliament of England otherwise the conclusions taken should not have the strength of a law It was also declared that if the union should happen to take effect the Kingdome notwithstanding should remain an absolute and free Monarchy and the fundamentall laws receive no alteration But the Parliament of England either disliking the union as fearing some prejudice by it to their Estate or upon some other hidden cause did touch no more the business and so that good work tending to the advantage of both Kingdomes was left and quite deserted In the Church a new trouble was moved by the revolt that Huntley and the two Earls of Angus and Arroll made divers especially in the North parts falling away by their example This being represented to the King he gave order for calling an Assembly which convened at Linlithgow in the end of Iuly Therein the Earls of Dunbar Winton and Lothian sate Commissioners for the King The Bishop of Orkney elected to preside having shewed the occasion of the present meeting to be the growth and increase of Papists in all the quarters of the Kingdome it was thought meet to take up the names of those that made open profession of Popery and likewise of those that were suspected to favour the course that their number and forces being known the remedies might be the better advised and provided The number was found to very great chiefly in the North and the Marquis of Huntley delated by all as the only cause of the defection in those bounds he being cited to appear before the Assembly under the pain of excommunication and neither compeiring nor sending any excuse was ordained to be excommunicated and the sentence accordingly pronounced in the hearing of the whole Assembly This was appointed to be intimated in all the Churches and no absolution given upon whatsoever offers in regard of his manifold apostasies without the advice of the general Church The like course was concluded to be kept with Angus Arroll and the Lord Semple how soon the processes intended against them were brought to an end This done the Assembly began to rip up the causes of the defection more narrowly which they found to proceed from the Ministers in a part their negligence in teaching and catechising of people the too suddain admission of young men into the Ministery and the distraction of mindes among those that are admitted for remedy whereof it was ordained as followeth First that they should apply themselves to the exercise of their function with greater diligence then they were accustomed and take a speciall care of young children to see them instructed in the Belief the Lords prayer and ten Commandements whereof they should examine every childe at the age of six years and yearly enquire of their profiting and increase in knowledge 2 That some longer time should be prescrived for the admission of men to the Ministery and the exceptions contained in the Act of the age of Ministers to be admitted reserved to the cognition of the Generall Assembly 3 That they use a greater diligence in the processing of Papists and that none out of corrupt favour should grant them any oversight under the pain of deposition 4 That all who carried office in the Church should be carefull to eschew offences and endevour to keep love and peace among themselves 5 And for the present distractions in the Church seeing the same did arise partly from a diversity of opinions touching the externall government of the Church and partly from divided affections the last of these two being the most dangerous as not suffering the brethren to unite themselves against the common enemy they were all in the fear of God exhorted to lay down whatsoever grudge or rancour they had conceived and to be reconciled in heart and affection one to another Which all that were present did faithfully promise by the holding up their hands But the fault not being in the Ministers alone and seen to proceed from other causes also as from the oversight of Jesuits and Priests and their entertainment in the Countrey the preferment of men to publick offices that were suspected in Religion the favour shewed to Papists by them in places of chief authority Masie Priests admitted without his Majesties warrant and no security taken for their not returning Licences granted to Noblemens sons for going abroad and their education trusted to men of contrary profession advocation to the Councell of matters properly belonging to the Ecclesiasticall Judicatories and the lack of Preachers in many parts of the land It was concluded that certain Petitions should be formed and presented to his Majesty by some selected Commissioners for remedying these evils which were formed in this manner First that an humble supplication should be made by the whole Assembly intreating his Majesty not to permit any Papist or suspected of Popery to bear charge in Councell Session or in any Burgh or City and where his Majesty did know any such to occupie these places humbly to crave that order might be taken for their removing 2 That the laws made against Papists should receive execution and no favour be granted unto them by the Officers of State with a prohibition to the Councell to meddle in affairs Ecclesiasticall or to discharge the processes led by Ministers against Papists and others contemners of Church discipline 3 That Papists abjuring their Religion in hope of preferment to Offices of State should not be admitted thereto till they had given five years probation at least 4 That the sons of Noblemen professing Popery should be committed to the custody of such of their friends as are sound in Religion 5 That a Commission should be granted to every Bishop within his Dioces and to such well affected Noblemen Barons and Gentlemen as the Commissioners of the Assembly should nominate for apprehending of Jesuits Seminary Priests excommunicated Papists and traffiquers against Religion 6 That the Searchers of ships should seise upon all Books that are brought unto the Countrey and present them to the Ministers of the Town where the ships shall happen to arrive 7 That excommunicate Papists be put in close prison and none have accesse unto them but such as are known to be of sound Religion 8 That the Deputies of excommunicates be not suffered to enjoy any office under them and that some others be appointed by his Majesty to serve in their places 9 Finally that his Majesty should be humbly intreated to plant the unprovided Churches especially the Churches of the Chappel Royall with competent Stipends The
the Minister himself to give the Elements in the celebration out of his own hand to every one of the Communicants and that he may performe this the more commodiously by the advice of the Magistrates and honest men of his Session to prepare a Table at which the same may be conveniently ministred Truly in this we must say that the Ministers ease and commodious sitting on his taile hath been more lookt to then that kne eling which for reverence we directly required to be enjoyned to the receivers of so divine a Sacrament neither can we conceive what should be meant by that Table unless they mean to make a round Table as did the Jews to sit and receive it In conclusion seeing either we and this Church here must be held Idolatrous in this point of kneeling or they reputed rebellions knaves in refusing the same and that the two foresaid Acts are conceived so scornfully and so far from our meaning it is our pleasure that the same be altogether suppressed and that no effect follow thereupon So we bid you farewell Newmarket the 11 of December 1617. These letters were accompanyed with another to the Councell for inhibiting the payment of Stipends to any of the rebellious Ministers refusers of the said Articles either in Burgh or Landwart till they shew their conformity and that the same was testified by the subscriptions of the Primate or ordinary Bishop Which letters being shewed to the Ministers of Edinburgh and others that happened to repaire to that City for augmentation of stipends did cast them into a great fear and repenting their wilfulnesse as they had reason became requesters to the Archbishop of S. Andrews to preach as he was commanded on Christmas day at Edenburgh trusting his Majesty should be mitigated by his obedience and intercession for the rest Neither did he fail to use his best means for diverting the King from these rigorous courses and after a little time so loath was his Majesty to exerce any rigour against Ministers obtained a warrant for staying the execution of the former letters till their behaviour should be tried in the particular Synods and their disposition for accepting the Articles Mr. Archibald Sympson who all this while remained prisoner in the Castle of Edinburgh hearing that the King was so greatly displeased did supplicate the Lords of his Majesties Commission by whose command he was committed for liberty promising not to fall again in the like errours and professing a great sorrow for his medling with the Protestation as likewise for writing that letter wherein he had taxed the Church of England Being brought before the Commission after he had set his hand to his supplication he was permitted to return to his charge at Dalkeith Yet ere many days passed finding the countenances of the holy brethren cast down upon him he dispersed an Apologetick as he entituled it wherein making a gloss upon every word of his confession he concluded that whatsoever weakness or frailty had befallen him he hoped to be like Peter qui ore negavit corde confessus est and never to betray the Lords cause with Iudas This I have remembred by the way to make the humours of these men seen and the small regard they take of saying and gainsaying when it maketh for their purpose But to proceed the Bishops upon advertisement given them convened at Edinburgh the 29 of Ianuary and considering the hurt that the Church might receive if the Commission granted in Parliament for provision of Ministers which was to expire at Lambmas next should take no effect did by a common letter intreat his Majesty for a warrant to proceed in that Commission giving hopes that in their Synods they should induce the Ministers to obey The answer returned in February next was to this effect That howbeit his Majesty did interpret well their doings as intended to the good of his service yet considering the obstinate resistance of the Ministers to all his just and religious desires he could not expect any thing from them in their meetings but a further expression of their former misbehaviour Nottheless as he had once already upon the Archbishop of S. Andrews his intreaty suspended the execution of his last directions so at their requests he was pleased that the Commissioners for Stipends should meet and go on with the providing of Churches they in the mean time in their own persons and in their own Cathedralls observing the festivities that should intervene between and the Synods and ministring the holy Communion with the reverence required at the feast of Easter next Thus were maters pacified for that time and the Commission for augmentation of Stipends by the warrant of this letter put in practise Most of the next summer was spent in that work but with greater detriment then benefit to the Church for what augmentation soever was granted the same was recompensed to the givers by prorogation of their former leases for numbers of years and thereby the Church more damnified then bettered In the Synods all things were carried with reasonable quietness so as upon the Bishops humble requests licence was granted for meeting in a generall Assembly and the same indicted at Perth the 25 of August The Lords Hadington Carnegy and Scone were Commissioners in this Assembly for the King who upon the end of the Sermon presented his Majesties Letter conceived as followeth We were once fully resolved never in our time to have called any moe Assemblies here for ordering things concerning the policy of the Church by reason of the disgrace offered unto us in that late meeting of S. Andrews wherein our just and godly desires were not onely neglected but some of the Articles concluded in that scornfull manner as we wish they had been refused with the rest yet at this time we have suffered our selves to be intreated by you our Bishops for a new Convocation and have called you together who are now convened for the self same business which then was urged hoping assuredly that you will have some better regard to our desires and not permit the unruly and ignorant multitude after their wonted custome to oversway the better and more judicious sort in evill which we have gone about with much pains to have had amended in these Assemblies and for that purpose according to Gods ordinance and the constant practise of all well governed Churches we have placed you that are Bishops and overseers of the rest in the chiefest rooms You plead much we perceive to have things done by consent of Ministers and tell us often that what concerneth the Church in generall should be concluded by the advice of the whole neither do we altogether dislike your opinion for the greater is your consent the better are we contented But we will not have you to think that matters proponed by us of the nature whereof these Articles are may not without such a generall consent be enjoyned by our authority This
that they deferre not the Baptisme of Infants any longer then the next Lords day after the child be born unless upon a great and reasonable cause declared to the Minister and by him approved the same be continued As also they shall warn them that without great cause they procure not their children to be baptized at home in their houses but when great need shall compell them to baptize in private houses in which case the Minister shall not refuse to do it upon the knowledge of the great need and being timely required thereto then Baptisme shall be administred after the same form as it should have been in the congregation and the Minister shall the next Lords day after any such private baptisme declare in the Church that the infant was so baptized and therefore ought to be received as one of the true flock of Christs fold 4 For as much as one of the speciall means for staying the increase of Popery and setling of true Religion in the hearts of people is that a speciall care be taken of young children their education and how they are catechized which in time of the Primitive Church most carefully was attended as being most profitable to cause young children in their tender years drink in the knowledge of God and his Religion but is now altogether neglected in respect of the great abuse and errors which crept into the Popish Church by making thereof a Sacrament of Confirmation therefore that all superstitions built thereupon may be rescinded and that the matter it self being most necessary for the Education of youth may be reduced to the Primitive integrity it is thought good that the Minister in every parish should catechise all young children of eight years of age and see that they have the knowledge and be able to make rehearsall of the Lords Prayer Belief ten Commandements with answers to the Questions of the small Catechisme used in our Church that every Bishop in his visitation shall censure the Minister who shall be found remisse therein the said Bishops shall cause the said children to be presented before them bless them with prayer for the increas of their knowledge the continuance of Gods heavenly graces with every one of them 5 As we abhor the superstitious observation of Festivall days by the Papists and detest all licentious and profane abuses thereof by the common sort of profâ—ssors so we think that the inestimable benefits received from God by our Lord Iesus Christ his birth passion resurrection ascension and sending downe of the holy Ghost was commendably and godly remembred at certain particular days and times by the whole Church of the world and may also be now therefore the Assembly admitteth that every Minister shall upon these days have the commemoration of the foresaid inestimable benefits and make choice of severall and pertinent texts of Scripture and frame their doctrine and exhortation thereto and rebuke all superstitious observation and licentious profanation thereof These Articles concluded order was given to intimate the same in all the parish Churches and the Ministers enjoyned to inform their people of the lawfulness thereof and exhort them to obedience But this being neglected of the greater part was not the least cause of the distractions that ensued especially in the Church of Edinburgh where the people being still fostered in an opinion that their Ministers would not go from their former practise when they saw them give obedience withdrew themselves in great numbers and ran to seek the Communion from other Ministers they knew to be refractary His Majesty always upon advertisement that the Articles were concluded caused publish the same at the Mercat Cross of the principall burghs commanding the subjects to obey and conform themselves under the pain of his Highness displeasure At the same time the King being informed that the Earl of Argile who the summer preceding had obtained licence upon a pretext of some infirmity to go unto the Spadan Wells was revolted from the Religion and that he entertained some secret practise with old Mackrannald for disturbing the Countrey did recall his licence and ordained him to be cited upon threescore days to appear before the Councell He not appearing at the time appointed was denounced Rebell and process of forfeiture intended against him whether he was perverted by his English Lady who was Popish or that to gain the favour of Spain he did change his religion is doubtfull but thereby he lost his Majesties favour who could never endure an apostate Papist and undid his own reputation Some ten years after he made means for his peace and was permitted to return unto England In the moneth of November a Comet or blazing starre of more then ordinary bigness shined many nights together It was held to portend great calamities and was interpreted by divers to have foreshewed the troubles that shortly after arose in Germany But as every one is ready to make his own construction of such things some with us did take it to foretell the death of our noble Queen Anne who deceased some moneths after to the great regrate of all honest subjects a courteous and humane Princess and one in whom there was much goodness It was in this year that the Synod in Dordrecht in Holland was gathered for repressing the Arminians and thither did the troublers of our Church thinking to procure their approbation direct a relation of the Government of the Scotish Church But the Synod declining all questions of discipline held themselves to the points of doctrine controverted and having condemned the five articles wherein the Arminians dissented from the reformed Churches the acts of Perth Assembly being also five in number it was given out among the vulgar sort that they had condemned the Synod of Perth and for a time was the people entertained by some Ministers in those conceits The relation was confuted a little after and the falshood thereof discovered yet they ceased not by their Libells and Pamphlets to injure the most worthy men and among others the Bishop of Galloway whom they vexed so with their Papers as he taking the business more to heart then was needful fell in a sickness whereof he deceased in the beginning of the same year An excellent and ready Preacher he was and a singular good man but one that affected too much the applause of the popular The good opinion of the people is to be desired if it may be had lawfully but when it cannot be obtained as who is he that can please all men and at all times the testimony of a well informed conscience should suffice Mala opinio bene parta delectat said Seneca An ill opinion well purchased that is for sustaining a good cause or keeping a straight course should work us joy and delight not grieve us at all Upon the death of Mr. William Cowper Mr. Andrew Lambe was translated to Galloway to whom succeeded in