History of the Catholic Church from 600 to 1600, Ecclesiastical epoch 1300-1600 · Century 16 · Part 3 · Chapter 4 (2 of 5)

History of the Catholic Church from 600 to 1600 · Ecclesiastical epoch 1300-1600 · Century 16 · Part 3 · Chapter 4 (2 of 5)

p. 352V. Before I goe fore ward, let us mark the ſpeciall providence of God in The admirable providence of God ſeen in the Reformation of Scotland.Reforming the Church of Scotland as hath been declared; and that in two particulares. I. the Miniſters were wreſtling in zeal of the Reformation both of Doctrine and manners; wreſtling [I ſay] with pouerty, and againſt wordly power, yet not by violence, but by clea…ing faſt to Gods word, by ſupplications both unto God, and to the aduerſe power: for [excepting John Erskin, who was an antient Baron] all or moſt part of theſe Miniſters were of no patrimony. John Knox had waited on George wishart the Martyre. John rowe was a Frier at Rome, and was ſent An. 1559. as Nuntio into Scotland; and when he ſawe the differences in the country, in ſteed of agenting the Pope's buſineſs, he turned preacher. John Craig was a Dominican at Bononia, where finding the Inſtitutions of John Caluin, he embraces the truth in them, and one day conferring with an old man in the Monaſtery, he was confirmed by him in the ſame truth, but withall was warned, that he make not his mind known; becauſe the times were perilous: nevertheleſs he would not diſſemble, and was as an heretick ſent to Rome, and after examination was impriſoned, and lay there in great miſery the ſpace of nine months: then▪ giving a clear confeſſion of his faith before the Inquiſitors, he was condemned to be burnt Auguſt. 19. The ſame night Pope Paul IV. dieth, and in a tumult of the people, all the priſons were broken up, and the priſoners ſet free: among others this man eſcapes, and at laſt comes home. Iohn Willock and Chriſtopher Goodman had been preachers in England, and in Queen Marie's perſecution fled into Scotland. Iohn Dury had been a Monk in Dumfernlin; and ſo many others were Monks in ſeverall parts of the Nation. So they had no earthly riches nor authority: and yet it pleaſed God by ſuch weak inſtruments to make his glory ſo ſenſibly appear in the Land, that I may boldly ſay, Mercy and trueth, righteouſneſs and peace had never ſince Chriſts coming in the flesh a more glorious meeting and amiable embracing on earth; even ſo, that the Church of Scotland juſtly obtained p. 353a name among the chief Churches and Kingdoms of the world. A people ſitting in darknes hath ſeen a great light, and unto them who ſate in the region of death light did ſpring up. As the darknes evanishes at the riſing of the Sun, ſo God made all adverſe power give way unto theſe weake inſtruments by degrees, as followes more clearly. To what Nation under heaven, ſince the Sunne of righteouſneſs had shined upon the moſt part of Europe, hath the Lord communicated the Goſpell for ſo large a time with ſuch purity, proſperity, power, liberty and peace? The hotteſt perſecutions had not greater purity; the moſt halcion times had not more proſperity and peace: the beſt reformed churches in other places ſcarcely parallelled their liberty and unity. And all theſe with ſuch continuance, that not only hath He made the trueth to ſtay there, as He made the Sun to ſtay in the dayes of Joſua; But when the cloud of iniquities did threaten a going down, in his mercy he hath brought back the glorious ſunne by in any degrees. Chriſt not hath only been one, and his name made known in reſpect of his propheticall office for information: of his prieſthood for the expiation of ſins, and for interceſſion: But alſo had diſplayd his banner, and hath shewd himſelf (few can ſay the like) a Soveraigne King in the Land, to govern with his own Scepter of the Word, to cutt off with the Civill ſword all moniments of idolatry, and ſuperfluity of vain rites, and to reſtore all the meanes of his Worship in doctrine, Sacraments and diſcipline, to the holy ſimplicity and integrity of the firſt pattern shewed in the mount: from which by that wiſdom of man (which ever is foolishneſs with God) they were fearfully and shamefully ſwerving. II. Another particulare is; Some Noble men, namely, Lord James Steward and others were very zealous for the Reformation at the firſt; but when they were accuſtomed with the aire of the Court, they cooled, were for toleration of the Maſſe, and relented, for their preferment; as hee was made Earle of Morray, and others became officers of State. The Miniſters admonished them, and threatned them for their lukewarmneſs. They deſpiſed admonitions, and would not uſe the preachers ſo familiarly, as before they were wont; though none of them turned Papiſt, (excep the Earle of Bothwell) and they heard the preachings. When the Queen intended to marry Henry Stuard ſone to the Earle of Lennox, and ſought not the conſent of the Parliament, they oppoſe her marriage: and therefore were all exiled, and fled into England. Thus God made the threatnings true: but in mercy to the Land he wondrouſly brought them back: when variance fell betwixt the King and Queen, the King recalleth the exiled Noble men, of purpoſe to make himſelfe the ſtronger by them. And when the King 1567.was murthered on February 9. by the Earle of Bothwel, and the Queen married that Earle; theſe ſame Noble men with other ſtood in defence of the young Prince, that he came not into the hands of him, who had killed his father. They went to the fields with armies on both ſides, and the Queen's Army was the ſtronger: but they were ſtrucken with ſuch feare, that without ſtroak of ſword the Earle fled away into Denmark, and the Queen went to the Lords Juny 11. and renounced the Crown in favors of her ſone, and did chuſe the Earle of Murray to be Regent of the Q. Mary renounced the Cro…nKingdom, enduring her Sone's minority. And then the Religion was eſtablished, as followes. So it pleaſed God to change things beyond the expectation of men.

VI. Soon after the Queens marriage, a proclamation was made, wherein the Queen declares, that She will confirm all that She had promiſed p. 354(at her arrivall) concerning the Reformed Religion. This was to ſtop the peoples mouths: But all in vain: For the people univerſally were againſt Bothwell: For ſome declared openly againſt him; ſome were Neuters; and a few of the Nobility did join unto him, eſpecially the Bishop of Santandrews and the Earle of Huntly, who had been lately reſtored by the Queen. Within few dayes after the Queen came unto the Lords, she would have gone from them: but they fearing what she might attempt, convoy her into the Caſtle of Lochlevin: then the Earle of Glencarn with his domeſticks went to the Chappell-Royall, and break down the Altars & Images. This fact did content the zealous Proteſtants, but did offend the Popish party. The Hiſtor of Reformat. Lib. 5. On Juny 25. The Nationall Aſſembly conveenes at Edinburgh: George Buchanan then The XIII. Aſſembly.Principall of S. Leonards Colledge was choſen Moderator. 1. The Superintendent of Anguiſe, and Bergany were ſent unto the Lords of the Secret Counſell, to requeſt their L. L. to conveen with the Aſſembly, and give their aſſiſtance in ſuch things as shall be thought good, for eſtablishing true Religion and ſupporting the Miniſtry. 2. It is thought good by all that are conveened, that this aſſembly shall conveen Iuly 20. next to come for ſetting foreward ſuch things, as shall then be propounded: and for that purpoſe ordaines to write Miſſives to all and ſundry Earles, Lords and Barons, requiring them to conveen at that day; And to this effect appoints Commiſſioners, to deliver the Miſſives, and to require anſwer according to their Commiſſion…. The tenor of the Commiſſions given to every one followes; For ſo much as Satan this long time in his member… had ſo raged, and perturbed the good ſucceſs & proceedings of Chriſts Religion within this realm by crafty meanes & ſubtile co…ſpiracyes, that the ſame from time to time doth decay, and in hazard to be altogether ſubverted, unleſ… God of his mercy find haſty remedy, and that mainly through extream poverty of the Miniſters, who should preach the word of life unto the people, and are compelled thereby ſome to leave that Vocation alluterly, ſome others ſo abſtracted, that they can not inſiſt ſo diligently in the exerciſe of the word as they would: Therefore the Church preſently conveened in this generall Aſſembly, hath thought it moſt neceſſary, by theſe preſents to requeſt & admonish moſt brotherly all ſuch perſons as do truly profeſſe the Lord JESUS within this realm, of whatſoever eſtate or degree, either of the Nobility, Barons and Gentle men, and all others true profeſſours, to conveen in Edinburgh July 21. next, in their perſonall preſence, to aſſiſt with their counſell & power, for order to be taken alſwell toward… the eſtablishing of Chriſts religion univerſally throughout the realm, and abolishing the contrary, which is Papiſtry; as the ſuſtentation of the Miniſters, not only for the preſent time and inſtant neceſſity, but alſo for a perfect order to be taken and eſtablished in all time coming concerning the wholl liberty of the patrimony of the Church, and the due reſtoring of it unto the juſt owners, according to the Word of God; With certification to all and ſundry of what eſtate or degree ſoever they bee, that compeares not, due advertiſement being made unto them, that they shall be repute heerafter as hinderers of this moſt godly purpoſe and as diſſimulate brethren, unworthy to be eſteemed heerafter of Chriſts, flock, Seing God of his mercy at this preſent hath offered ſome better occaſion, than in time by paſt, and hath begun to tread Sathan under foot: And for the due requiſition & admonition in name of the eternall God, to the effect foreſaid, of all and ſundry the Brethren alſwell in Burgh as Land, p. 355the Church preſently conveened in this Generall Aſſembly Giveth their full power & commiſſion unto their beloveds N. & N. for the bounds of … In verification heerof theſe are ſubſcribed by the common Clerk of the Church in the Generall Aſſembly and ſecond Seſſion thereof at Edinburgh Juny 26. An. 1567. The Hiſtor. of Reformat. Shewes, that the Aſſembly wa… induced to write theſe Miſſives and Commiſſions, by the Noble men, who had riſen in defence of the young Prince, becauſe the Hamiltons and others had declared themſelves for the Queen, and many were Neuters. The aſſembly continued two days, eſpecially, for their ordinary particulares. 3. It is ordained, that it is not lawfull, that a man should marry her, whom before in his wife's time he had polluted with adultery. 4. A publick faſt is appointed, namely in Edinburgh, July 13. & 20. The Aſſembly conveens again Iuly 21. where were four Earls, ſeven Lords, many Barons and Commiſſioners of Burghs, beſids Superintendents and Miniſters. Many Noble men, which by Miſſives were required to come, would not, but ſent excuſes, that they could not repair to Edinburgh, becauſe there was ſo ſtrong a garriſon there; but for the Church affaires, they would not be any way deficient. One of their Letters I tranſcribe, becauſe it coutaines not only their purpoſe in time coming, but the ſum of the other Miſſives; Wee have received your writing dated at Edinburgh, Iuny 26. shewing, that albeit God of his goodnes hath ſent the light of the Euangell of ſalvation within this realm, to the great confort & proſperity of all the faithfull and their poſterity, nevertheleſs Sathan with his Miniſters at every light occaſion hath fruſtrate in times bypaſt the Miniſters of their life and ſuſtentation, the lame and impotent members of Chriſt alſo ftuſtrat of their livings, lying in the ſtreets both hungry and cold; And the wholl flock of Chriſt Ieſus within this realm continually threatned to be made ſacrifices by the practiſes of the enemies, as your writing containes at length: for remedying the which; yee deſire us to be in Edinburgh the 21. of this inſtant at the Aſſembly of the Church, where a perpetuall order may be taken for the liberty of the Church of God, the ſuſtentation of the Miniſtry and failed members thereof, ſo that all the members of the Church might by ſure union and conjunction be more able to gainſtand the violence of the foreſaid enemies; for anſwer it is not unknown unto you how the Nobility of the realm are divided, becauſe the Queen's Maj. is holden where she is; and that the town of Edinburgh, where yee diſire us to conveen, is keept ſtraitly by one part of the Nobility and men of warr of their retinue, to whoſe opinion wee are not adjoyned as yet. And therefore wee can not think ourſelves ſure to conveen the ſaid day and place, yee deſire us to keep; And alſo think maruell, that the whole multitude of Proteſtants have been deſired to conveen in ſuch a place, the matter ſtanding as it doth; Nevertheleſs wee, shall be well willing for our own part to ſet forward at all times the light of Chriſts Euangell to be truly preached, the Miniſters thereof to be ſuſtained; and the ſurth ſetting of the policy of the Church in all ſorts, ſo far as it may ſtand by law even as wee have been in all times by paſt, ſince it pleaſed God, to open our eies and shew the light of his bleſſed word; and thus we will comber you with no longer letter, prayes God to have you in his eternal protection &c. The Lords that were in Edinburgh, hearing theſe anſwers, gave upon July 23. unto the Aſſembly theſe articles, where upon they had agreed; 1. that the Acts of Parliament holden at Edinburgh Auguſt 14. An. 1560. concerning Religion, and abolishing the Popes authority should have the force of a publick law, and that Parliament be defended p. 356as a lawfull parliament, and be confirmed by the firſt Parliament, that shall conveen. 2. That thirds or any more reaſonable portion of Benefices shall be allowed for mantenance of the Miniſtry; and that there shall be a charitable courſe taken concerning exaction of tiths from the poore Labourers; moreover that nothing shall paſſe in Parliament, till the affaires of the Church be firſt conſidered, approved & eſtablished. 3. that none should be received in the Univerſities, Colledges or Schools, for inſtruction of the youth, but after due tryall of capacity and hability. 4. that all crimes and offenſes againſt God, should be punished according to His word; and that there shall a law be made there upon, at the firſt Parliament. 5. As for the horrible murder of the late King, husband to the Queen, which was ſo hainous before God & man, all true Profeſſors in whatſoeuer rank or condition do promiſe to ſtriue, that all perſons should be brought to condigne punishment, who shall be found guilty of that crime. 6. They all promiſe to protect the young Prince againſt all violence, leſt he be murdered as his father was; and that the Prince should be committed to the care of foure wiſe and godly men that by good education hee might be fitted for that High calling. 7. They promiſe to beat down and abolish Popery, idolatry and ſuperſtition, with any thing that may contribute unto it. As alſo to ſet up and further the true worship of God, his governement, the Church and all that may concerne the purity of Religion and life; And for this end to conveen and take Armes, if need require. 8. And that all Princes and Kings heerafter in this realm, before their Coronation, shall take oath to maintain the true Religion now profeſſed in the Church of Scotland, and ſuppreſſe all things contrary unto it, and that are not agreeing with it. Theſe articles were ſubſcribed by all the Earles and Lords, and many Barons and Commiſſioners of Burghs, At the ſame time Commiſſioners were appointed to conveen and adviſe upon the aſſignation of the ſtipends of the Miniſtry lately aſſigned by the Queens Majeſty, and the payment thereof. The next Aſſenbly is appointed to conveen Decemb. 25. at Edinburgh. The renunciation of the Crown and Royall power, by the Q…een in favor of the Prince her ſon, with a commiſſion to inveſt him in the kingdom, and procuration given to the Lords Lindſay and Ruthuen, to give up and reſigne the rule of the realm in preſence of the States; together with another Commiſſion ordaining the Earle of Murray Regent, during Prince's minority, if he will accept the Charge; Or if he refuſe to accept it upon his ſingle perſon, that he with the Duke, the Earles of of Lennox, Argyle, Athol, Morton, Glencairn and Marre should Govern conjunctly; Theſe writes were published July 29. at the Market-croſs of Edinburgh. Then the Prince was crowned at Sterlin. Theſe two months the Earle of Mortay was not in the Country, and being recalled, returns in the beginning of Auguſt: he viſites the Queen, and endeavors to joyn the Lords, which had taken part with the Hamiltons, or Neuters: join them, I ſay, with theſe who had bound themſelves for the Kings preſervation: but his travell was to litle purpoſe. Auguſt 20. he accepteth the Regency, and was proclamed Regent. The other Lords ſeeing, that all things grew ſtrong on the Regents ſide, ſent unto the Counſell: and by common advice it was decreed, that a Parliament be called for ſetling the affaires of the realm, at Edinburgh Decemb. 15. This Parliament was keept with ſuch frequency, as the like The Parliament A…. 1567.was not remembred to have been ſeen. Beginning was made (after the approbation of the Queens renunciation, and Commiſſion of Regency) at the affaires of the Church; and ſundry Acts were unanimouſly concluded; p. 357one, abolishing the Popes juriſdiction; another, repealing all ſtatutes made in former times, for mantenance of idolatry and ſuperſtition: contrary to the confeſſion of faith, that was approved in the Parliament 1560. and now again ratified. 3. The Maſſe is abolished, and punishment appointed againſt all hearers and ſayers of it. 4. Thoſe are not to be eſteemed members of the Church who refuſe the participation of the ſacraments, as they are now miniſtrat. 5. The examination and admiſſion of Miniſt^s is only in power of the Church now openly profeſſed, and preſentations should be directed unto the Supertendents or commiſſioners of the Church within ſixe months or els the Church shall have power to diſpone the ſame to a qualified perſon, for that time. 6. An oath to be given by the King at his coronation. 7. None may be a Judge, proctor, notary nor member of a Court, who profeſſeth no… the true religion. 8. The thirds of all Benefices shall now inſtantly and in all time coming be firſt payd to the Miniſters, ay and whill the Church come to the full poſſeſſion of their proper patrimony, which is the tyths; providing that the Collectors make yearly account in the Checker, ſo that Miniſters being firſt anſwered, the ſuperplus be applied unto the Kings uſe. 9. All teachers of the youth should be tryed by the Superintendents or Uiſitors of the Church. 10. Proveſtries, prebendaries and chaplanries are appointed The XIV. Aſſembly.for entertaining Students in Colledges. Jem, Acts were made for punishing fornication, inceſt and marriages within degrees forbidden, by Gods word. Item that the Queen should be detained in perpetuall priſon within the caſtle of Lochleuin. The Aſſemblie conveeneth Decemb. 25. John row Miniſters at Santiohnſtoun is choſen Moderator. 1. Commiſſioners are appointed to concurre at all times with ſuch perſons of Parliament or Secret Counſell, as have been named by the Regent, to confer concerning the offenſes, that appertain to the jurisdiction of the Church; as alſo for deciſion of queſtions, that may occurre; theſe were two Superintendents and ſeven other Miniſters. 2. Whereas the Earle of Argyle had given offenſe in putting away his wife, and ſome other particulares: he ſubmits himſelfe to the diſcipline of the Church: and the Aſſembly ordaines the Superintendent of Argyle to try theſe ſlanders, and cauſe ſatiſfaction b… made, as Gods word appoints, and report his diligence to the next Aſſembly. 3. Becauſe Adam (called Bishop of Orknay) had married the Quee… with the Earle of Bothuell, and ſo had tranſgreſſed an Act, in marrying Both well a divorced adulterer; the Aſſembly deprives hin from all fun…ion in the Miniſtry. 4. John craig is accuſed for proclaming the bans twixt the Queen and the Earle of Both…ell. He gives his purgation in write, after this manner: To the end that they who fear God, may underſtand my proceeding in this matter, I shall shortly declare, what I did, and what moved mee to do it, leaving the judgement of all unto the Church: firſt at the requeſt of Mr Thomas Hepburn in the Queen's name, to proclame her with the Lord Bothuel, I plainly refuſed, becauſe he had not her hand writ, and becauſe the conſtant bruit was, that he had rauished her, and keeped her in captivity. On wedneſday next the Juſtice-Clerk brought mee a writing ſubſcribed with her hand, bearing that she was neither ravished nor detained in captivity: and therefore he charged mee, to proclame. My anſwer was, I durſt proclame no bans (and chiefly ſuch) without conſent of the Church. On thurſeday next the Church after long reaſoning with the Juſtice Clerk, concluded, that the Q^s mind should be published to her ſubjects three next preaching dayes: but becauſe the Gen. Aſſembly had prohibite all ſuch marriages, wee proteſted, that they would neither ſolemnize nor approve that marriage, but only would declaire the Queen's mind, leaving p. 358all doubts & dangers to the counſellers, approvers and performers of the marriage. Upon fridday next I declared the wholl progreſs and mind of the Church [here he underſtands the Church-Seſſion of Edinburgh] deſiring every man in Gods name, to diſcharge his conſcience before the Secret Counſell; and to give boldneſs unto others, I craved of the Lords there preſent, time, leave, and place, to ſpeak my judgement before the parties; Proteſting, if I were not heard, I either would deſiſt from proclaming, or declare my mind publickly before the Church: Therefore being admitted after noone before my L. in the Counſell, I layd to his charge, the law of adultery, the ordinance of the Church, the law of ravishing, the ſuſpicion of colluſion betwixt him and his wife, the ſuddain divorcement, and proclaming within the ſpace of four dayes, and laſt the ſuſpicion of the Kings death, which his marriage would confirm. But he anſwered nothing to my ſatiſfaction. Wherefore after many exhortations, I proteſted, that I could not but declare my mind publickly to the Church. So on ſunday, after that I had declared what they had done, and how they would proceed, whither wee would or not, I took heaven and earth to witnes, that I abhorred and deteſted that marriage, becauſe it is odious and ſlanderous to the world; and ſeeing the greateſt part of the realm do approve it either by flattery or by ſilence, I craved the faithfull to pray earneſtly, that God wold turn to the confort of this realm, that which they intend againſt reaſon and good conſcience. Becauſe I heard ſome perſons grudging againſt mee, I uſed theſe reaſons for my defences; firſt I had broken no law by proclaming theſe perſons at their requeſt. 2. If their marriage were ſlanderons and hurtfull, I did well to warn all men of it in time. 3. as I had of duty declared unto them the Princes will, ſo did I faithfully teach them by word & exemple, what God craved of them. But on tuyſday next I was called before the Counſell, and accuſed, that I had paſſed the bounds of my commiſſion, in calling the Queens marriage odious & ſcandalous before the world. I anſwered, The bounds of my commiſſion, which is the Word of God, good lawes & naturall reaſon, was able to prove whatſoever I ſpake: yea that their own conſciences could not but bear witnes, that ſuch a marriage could not but be odious and ſcandalous to all that shall heare of it, if all the circumſtances be rightly conſidered: But when I was coming to my probation, my Lord put mee to ſilence, and ſent mee away. Upon wedneſday I repeated all things before ſpoken, and exhorted the Brethren not to accuſe mee, if that marriage proceed, but rather themſelves, who for fear would not appoſe it, but sharpned their tongues againſt mee, becauſe I admonished them of their duty, and ſuffered not the cankred conſciences of hypocrites to ſliep in reſt, Proteſting at all times to them, that it was not my proclaming, but rather their ſilence, that gave any lewfulnes unto that marriage: for as the proclaming. Did take all excuſe from them, ſo my privat and publick impugnation did ſave my conſcience ſufficiently. And ſo far I proceeded in this marriage, as the Church of Edinburgh, Earls, Lords and Barons, that heard, will bear witnes: Now ſeing I have been shamefully ſlandered both in England and Scotland by wrong information & falſe report of them, that hated my Miniſtrie, I deſire firſt the judgement of the Church, and next the ſame to be published, that all men may underſtand, whither I be worthy of ſuch imputation or not. 5. A complaint is given againſt the Counteſs of Argile, that she being a proſeſſor of the Euangell, and having been admitted to the Lords Table, had revolted, in p. 359giving her aſſiſtance & preſence at the baptizing of the King in a Popish manner. This Lady compeares, and confeſſes her fault, and ſubmitts herſelfe unto the diſcipline of the Church. They ordain her to declare her repentance in the Chappell-Rojal of Sterlin upon a ſunday and this to be don at ſuch time as the Superintedent of Lothian shall appoint, Providing it be before the next aſſembly. 6. Miniſters John. Craig. David Lindſay and Ge. Buchan. or any two of them are ordained to ſend edicts, not only throgh Fife but to the adiacent parts, that Miniſters and Elders might compear in Couper January 22. with their complaints againſt the Superintendent of Fife: and to try them, and to repo…t unto the next Aſſemybl. 7. Alexander gordon called b. of Galloway, and Commiſſioner is accuſed, that he hath not viſited the Churches theſe three years or there by; that he doth altogether hant the Court, and hath procured to be one of the Priuy Counſell, and of the Seſſion, which can not ſtand with the office of a Paſtor; and alſo hath reſigned the Abbey of Inchaffray in fauors of a young child, and hath ſet lands in fue. He perſonally confeſſeth his fault in al theſe, that they had layd to his charge. Upon ſome conſiderations the Aſſembly continueth him untill the next Aſſembly, upon condition of his diligence in his Viſitation.

VII. In the Spring the Q. eſcapes out of Lochlevin; and ſoght to repoſſeſs 1568. The XV. Aſſembly.the Governement. An Army flocketh unto her, and was routed by the Regents Army at Langſide May 13. Then she fled into England. The Aſſembly conveenes at Edinb. July 1. J. Willock is choſen Moderator. Becauſe heertofore all Miniſters that would come, were admitted to have vote; and now the number is increaſed; and Commiſſioners of Shyres were choſen in the Shiref-Court; this Aſſembly makes an Act of three parts, concerning the admiſſion of members: 1. That none shall have place to vote, but Superintendents, Commiſſioners for viſiting Churches, Min. and Commiſſ. of Shyres and burghs choſen as followes, together with Commiſſioners of Univerſities. 2. Miniſters and Commiſſioners of Shyres shall be choſen at the Synode of the boundes by the Miniſters and gentle men conveening there; and the Commiſſioners of Burghes shall be choſen by the Counſell and church-ſeſſion of each town. 3. None to be received without commiſſion in write: and leſt this turn to a monopoly and perpetuall election of a few, it is prouided that the perſons be changen at every Aſſembly. Wee will bear that this act and ſome other concerning the ſatisfaction of delinquents were afterwards changed again. 2. It was delated, that Thomas Baſſenden Printer in Edinburgh had printed a booke entituled The fall of the Roman Church, naming the King The Supream Head of the Church: And he had printed at the end of the Pſalm-book a bawdy ſong: He is ordained to call-in all theſe books, that he hath ſold, and ſell no moe untill he change that title, and delete the bawdy ſong: And that in time coming he print not without licence of the Supream Magiſtrate, and reviſing the books appertaining to religion, by thoſe that shall be appointed by the Church for that purpoſe: and they appoint Alex. Arbuthnot to reviſe that book, and report his judgement of it. 3. It is ordained, that Papiſts refuſing to adjoin themſelves unto the Church, after they have received ſufficient admonitions, and remaining obſtinat, shall be declared publickly in all churches requiſite, to be out of the ſociety of Chriſts body, and excommunicated. 4. Seven Articles were ſent unto the Regent, to wit. 1. That the aſſignations of Miniſters ſtipends are not anſwered: nor are able (as they be ordered) to pay the half of the ſtipends, and in ſome places not the fourth part. 2. It p. 360is thoght unreaſonable, that Papiſts, which are enemies to Gods Church and the Commonwealth, and others who labor not in the Miniſtry do poſſeſſe two parts of the Benefices without any impoſition, and the Miniſters do not poſſeſſe the third: heerfore they propound humbly that the charges of the Commonwealth may be layd upon the two parts of the Benefices, and the third remain free unto the Miniſters, and the ſuperplus to be allowed for help of Schools, the poore: So that account thereof be made yearly unto the Counſell. 3. where as many Churches are now vaking; that he would preſent qualified perſons unto them, or ſuffer the Church to diſpoſe of them; and namely the Churches, that did appertain to Nunneries. 4. To give commmiſſion for reforming the Colledge of Aberdien, that corrupt teachers may be removed, and qualified perſons placed in their rooms. 5. That order be taken for ſuppreſſing of vice, and juſtice be execute againſt odious crimes. 6. That ſuch as were appointed by the Counſell may conveen with theſe, that were appointed by the Aſſembly to decide the queſtions of the jurisdiction of the Church; and that time and place may be condeſcended-upon for that effect. 7. That in places where no Superintendents are, ſome may be placed. Anſwers were returned on July 8. giving (in a word) a favorable anſwer unto them all; and for the ſixth article, the eight day of Auguſt was named: but that day was not keept, and ſo nothing was done therein. 5. None should bring unto the Gen. Aſſembly any queſtion or complaint, that should and may be decided in a provinciall Synod; or if they shall, they shall be rejected. 6. Becauſe the Bishop of Orknay hath given obedience and ſubmiſſion, now upon his petition the Aſſembly reſtores him, Providing that on a certain day he shall have the Sermon in the Church of Halyrudhouſe, and in the end theteof confeſſe his offence in marrying the Queen with the Earle of Bothuell: which the Bishop promiſeth to do. 7. The Bishop of Galloway is ordeined to declare whither he will wait upon Court and Counſell, or upon preaching the word and viſiting the Churches: the Superintendent of Fife, Lothian and Anguiſe are appointed to crave, and report his anſwer unto the next aſſembly; and in the mean time John rowe Miniſter at Santjohnſtoun is appointed to viſite the Churches of Galloway. 8. No man should poſſeſſe the patrimony of the Church, and not do dutifull ſeruice: and becauſe it is known that ſome of them have gifts, whereby they may be profitable in the Church, admonition is given to ſuch that they shall apply themſelves according to their gifts, and as the Church shall judge them able unto the Miniſtry; And becauſe all ſuch perſons are not preſent, the Superintendenrs and Viſitors of Churches shall cauſe warn them all to be preſent at the next generall Aſſembly. When the 25. of December was come, few did conveen, becauſe a report was that the town was infected with the peſt; and alſo were great ſtormes both in the ſouth and north: therefore letters of advertiſement were ſent to all Superintendents and Commiſſioners of viſiting churches to keep the 25. day of February.

VIII. The Regent returnes to Edinburgh, February 2. from a Treaty 1569.with the Queen of England concerning the proceedings of this Country with Queen Mary; and about the twenty day of the ſame month the Duke returnes with commiſſion from the Queen Mary to be her Deputy: he cauſeth publish Letters prohibiting the ſubjects to acknowledge any other Soveraigne than the Queen. Wherefore the Regent by proclamation chargeth in the Kings name, the ſubjects to meet him at Glaſgow March 10. The Aſſembly conveenes at Edinburgh February 2…. to wit, Commiſſioners p. 361according to the Act of the former Aſſembly. Da. Lindſay Miniſter The XVI. Aſſembly.at Lieth is choſen Moderator. 1. A ſupplication is ſent unto the Regent, craving to take order with ſuch perſons, as have received Benefices in time of Papiſtry, and becauſe they had quite the thirds, think themſelves free of all cure in the Church. 2. That no Miniſter of Gods word have power to ſet tacks of his Benefice. 3. To reduce all Benefices given to any perſon contrary to the Acts of Parliament or Counſell granted in favor of the Church. The ordinary affaires were handled untill March 7. when a Letter was brought from the Duke, shewing his good affection unto the Religion, and his purpoſe to have all the ſubjects to live in a peaceable and quiet manner; under the obedience of the Queen our Soveraigne; regrating the proclamations made by the Earle of Morray; and that not for fear of them, as not deſerving ſuch, and confident that the people and Nobil…ty, will not be againſt him; finally requiring to make his affaires and minde parent unto the people▪ Or if they find not on his part, that he offereth & ſeekes what duty requires of his Chriſtian profeſſion, that they would come and reaſon with him. When this letter was read, it was anſwered unto the bearer, that they would ſend and acquaint the Regent with it; and as it shall pleaſe pleaſe Him they will either write, or ſend ſome of their number unto the Duke. So they ſent two Superintendents and a Miniſter unto the Regent, to know his pleaſure therein. A…ter conference the reſult was, that the Aſſembly, should ſend unto the Duke, and conferre with him and others of the Nobility, that may bee with him, and uſe all meanes to reconcile both him and them unto the obedience of the King and his Regent. 3. A generall faſt is appointed to be keept throughout all the realm, to begin the 13. day of this inſtant in ſuch places as may be timouſly advertiſed by the Superintendents, and in other places ſo ſoon as they may be advertiſed, and to continue for eicht dayes incluſivè, and in the mean time to uſe the exerciſe preſcribed before, and to uſe ſobriety in eating & drinking: praying namely, that God would be pleaſed to quench that appearing fire of inteſtine troubles. 4. Moe articles were ſent unto the Regent, to wit. 1. That remedy may be provided againſt the oppreſſion of the Earle Huntly and of others, who have oppoſed the Collectors of the Church, and tyrannouſly placed their own. 2. That it may pleaſe his Gr. and the Counſell, that the Church may proceed from admonitions to further cenſures againſt the ſaid Earle, & all others guilty of the like oppreſſion, even to excommunication in caſe of his and their contempt. 3. That the Church without offenſe may appoint Robert Pont in ſome other place where his labors may be more frutefull, than heertofore they have been in Murray. 4. That order be taken againſt ſuch odious crimes: as provoke Gods wrath againſt the wholl land: and if his Gr. ſend us to the Juſtice-Clerk, experience teaches ſufficiently, what he had done in any ſuch matter. 5. That once the Juriſdiction of the Church may be diſtinguished from that which is Civill. 6. That the Queſtion of adultery may be determined, whither the adulterer shall be admitted to the benefite of marriage. After this Aſſembly and the faſt, by means of theſe which were ſent from the Aſſembly, an agreement was made betwixt the Regent and the Duke in this manner, that the Duke should ſubmit himſelf to the Kings authority: he and his friends should be reſtored unto their honors and poſſeſſions, and that he should give ſurety for his & their continuing in obedience unto the King. The Earls Argile & Huntly refuſe to be compriſed under this agreement, but deal by themſelves. When the Duke heard, that they would not accept the conditions: though p. 362he came to Edinburgh at the day appointed, he would have shifted the giving of his ſurety: and rashly vented his mind, that if he were free of that promiſe, he would never conſent unto it. Therefore he and the Lord Hereis (who was thought to have diverted him) were impriſoned in the caſtle of Edinburgh. Then Argyle and Huntly made their ſubmiſſion and agreement. Then the Regent goeth into the North and ſetled all theſe parts in peace, and took pledges of them, for obſerving peace in time coming. At that time John Erskin Superintendent went to Aberdien according to his commiſſion granted by the Counſell and Aſſembly in July bypaſt, to viſite the Colledge: and he with others, Miniſters and Commiſſioners did ſummon the Principall, Subprincipall and the Regents to compear and give Confeſſion of their faith. The Regent and Privy Counſell join with the Commiſſioners. The parties compeare, and refuſe to ſubſcribe the Confeſſion of faith: After two dayes conference, they continue obſtinat. Wherefore by conjunct ſentence of the Regent, the Counſell and the Commiſſioners of the Aſſembly, they all were declared dangerous perſons and unmeet, to have charge in any School or Colledge within the realm; and are charged inſtantly to remove out of the Colledge. The tenor of the ſentence is; I Jhon Erskine Superintendent of Anguiſe & Merns having commiſſion of the Church to viſite the Sherifdoms of Aberdeen & Bamf, by the advice, counſell and conſent of the Miniſters, Elders and Commiſſioners of the Church preſent, decern, conclude and for finall Sentence pronounce that M^r Alex. Anderſon ſometime principall, M. Andrew Galloway ſometime Subprincipall, Maſters And. Anderſon, Tho. Auſtin & Dunkan nory ſomtime Regents in the Colledge of old Aberdien are not to be reckoned Members of Chriſts Church; and therefore ſecludes them and every one of them to teach privatly or publickly in time coming in that Colledge or in any other part within this realm, and decerne them to remove forth of the ſaid Colledge with all diligence, that other godly perſons may be placed there for upbringing the youth in the fear of God and good letters: This our Sentence pronounced wee ordain to be published and intimated to the ſaid perſons, and to the congregations of new and old Aberdien publickly the next Sunday the third of July inſtant. In that year was great buſineſs both in England & Scotl. for an intended marriage of Q. Mary, and a rebellion in the North of Engl. But through Gods mercy all was diſcovered unto Q. Eliſabeth, and she preveened the danger by impriſoning the chief authors. The Nationall Aſſembly conveens at Edinb. July 5. Will. The VII. Aſſembly.cryſteſon Min. at Dundy is choſen Moderator. When the Superintendents and Viſitors of Churches had given account of their diligence, it is ordained. 1. That Alexander gordon ſomtime Commiſſioner of Galloway be charged to repair unto the next aſſembly to anſwer.........And in the mean time the Aſſembly inhibites him to uſe any function within the church conform to the Act made againſt him July 8. 1568. 2. Adam bishop of Orknay was accuſed for not fulfilling the injunction apppointed unto him by the aſſembly in the place and month fore ſaid. 3. The Superintedent of the Iſles was rebuked for accepting the bishoprik of the Iſles without the knowledge of the aſſembly, and for riding at and aſſiſting the Parliament holden by the Queen's faction after the murder of the King. 4. Whereas ſome perſons guilty of capitall ctimes have been ſummonedby Superintendents and eſtablished Churches to compear before this aſſembly, and theſe not compearing, It is concluded that the Superintendents and Miniſters shall p. 363proceed againſt them, to excommunication incluſivè; and to notify unto the Supreme Magiſtrat ſuch as are already excommunicate for their offences. 5. Certain articles were ſent unto the Regent. 1. That order may be taken for ſuſtentation of the poor, and a portion of the tith be appointed for that end; And that the poor laborers of the ground may have liberty to lead their own tiths upon reaſonable compoſition. 2. that thoſe who have plurality of Benefices may be compelled to dimitt all but one. 3. That remedy may be provided againſt changing of benefices, and ſelling them, diminishing the rentalls, ſetting lang tacks in defraud of ſucceſſors, and that all tacks ſet ſince the aſſumption of the thirds may be annulled, with expreſſe inhibition of the like in time coming. 4. That the iuriſdiction of the Church may be diſtinguished from the Civill. Concerning this laſt article an Act of the Secret Counſell is inſtantly delivered under the Secretary's hand, that the perſons named in the Act of Parliament, shall conveen at the time of the next Exchecker, and define or limite the juriſdiction according to Gods word and the ſaid Act of Parliament. 6. Seing it hath pleaſed God to move the hearts of the Superior powers and Eſtates, to grant the thirds of Benefices unto the Miniſters; the Aſſembly give unto Superintendents and Commiſſioners of viſitation power & commiſſion that every one of them within their ſeverall bounds by advice and conſent of their Synodall Conventions, give to every Miniſter, exhorter & reader particular aſſignations ad vitam, as they shall think the ſame moſt expedient, And the proviſion and aſſignation to the Superintendents and Commiſſioners, to be made by the Generall Aſſembly; And that this Act may have full effect, the Aſſembly ordaines a petition to be preſented unto the Regent & Counſell, to interpone their authority, that when the particular aſſignations are preſented unto them, letters may be directed at every mans inſtance in form of proviſion ad vitam, &c. 7. On July 9. this Letter was brought from the Regent unto the aſſembly, as followes: Seing wee can not be preſent at this aſſembly, as our intention was, wee thought it convenient, briefly to give you in write ſignification of our meaning: Of the which, wee pray you, take good conſideration, and accordingly give your advertiſement. Yee are not ignorant, as wee ſuppoſe what hath been the eſtate of the Church of God within this realm, both before wee accepted the burden of Regiment, and ſince; how firſt the thirds of Benefices were granted, and the Miniſtry partly thereby relieved and ſuſtained in ſuch ſort, that nothing was laking which our travells could procure. The firſt order indeed was ſundry ways interrupted and broken, but chiefly in that year, when wee were exiled in England, and all the Miniſters that year were fruſtrat of their livings: the eſtate of governement altering shortly at Gods pleaſure, and the King our Soveraigne Lord being inaugurat with the Crown of this Kingdom, the firſt thing whereof we were carefull, was that the true Religion might be eſtablished, and the Miniſters made ſure of their ſuſtentations in time coming. Yee know, at the Parliament wee were moſt willing, that the Church should have been put in full poſſeſſion of the proper patrimony, and concerning the thirds wee did expede in our travells, and there enlaked only a conſent to the diſſolution of the Prelacies: Whereunto althogh wee were earneſtly bent, yet the States delayd and would not agree thereunto. And ſince that time unto this hour, wee truſt, yee will affirm, that wee have pretermitted p. 364nothing, that could advance the Religion, & put the Profeſſors thereof in ſurety, wherein all and the only defect was by the Civill troubles, wherewith God hath ſuffered the Country to be plag…ed. Now the matter being after ſo great rage brought to ſome ſtay & quietnes, it was convenient, that wee return where matters left, and that wee endeavour the reducing of them to the eſtate wherein they ſtood. One thing wee may call to remembrance, that when we traveled in the Parliament, that the States would agree, that the thirds should be decerned to appertain unto the Miniſtry, they plainly opponed unto us, in reſpect of the firſt Act, alledging, that with the ſuſtentation of the Miniſtry, regaird should be had to the ſupport of the Prince in ſuſtaining the publick charges: wich if they had not ſome relief by that meane, the revenue of the Crown being ſo diminished, and the ordinary charges come to ſuch greatneſs, they muſt be burdened with exactions: and ſo this dangerous argument compelled us to promiſe unto the States, that wee would take upon us, the Act being granted unto the Church, they would ſatiſfy, and agree to any thing should be thought reaſonable, for ſupport of the King and us bearing the authority: which order had been ſufficient for the wholl, if inteſtine trouble had not occurred: But the diſobedience growing ſo vniuerſaly, wee are content to ſuſtain our part of the enlake and loſs for the time bypaſt: but becauſe there hath been murmur and grudge for that thing aſſigned to the Kings houſe and ours, and ſome other n…edfull things in the State, as that thereby the Miniſtry were fruſtrat of their appointed ſtipends, Some communication was hade at Santandrews, and nothing concluded untill the generall Aſſembly of the Church: This now moveth us to write unto you, in this form, praying you, to conſider rightly the neceſſity of the cauſe, and how the ſame hath proceeded from the beginming, having reſpect, that the Church will be very ill obeyd without the Kings authority and power; and that now the property of the Crown is not able to ſuſtain the ordinary charges; how in the beginning the thirds had not been granted, if the neceſſity of the Prince had not been one of the chief cauſes; And at the Parliament (as we have written) the States ſtack to conſent, that the wholl thirds should be declared to appertain unto the Miniſtry, untill wee took in hand, that they being made without condition in favor of the Church, the ſame would again condeſcend to ſo much, as might be ſufficient to the ſupport of the publick affaires in ſetting forth the Kings authority; And that therefore yee will now agree and condeſcend to a certain & ſpeciall aſſignation, of what shall be employd to this uſe: the quantity where of diverſe of yourſelves and the bearer hereof Maſter John wood our ſervant can inform you, that thereafter yee may diſtribute to eueryevery man having charge in the Church of God, his ſtipend according to the condition of the place he ſerves in, at your W. diſcretion; Heerby all confuſion that along time hath troubled the eſtate of the Church about the ſtipends, shall be avoided, and ſome ſpeciall prouiſion being made for ſuſtaining theſe publick charges, wee may the better hold hand, to ſee the Church obeyd in that, whereon Miniſters should live, as we shall report, that during our travels in the North they have found our effectuous good will and travell in their furtherance. Further wee shew you briefly one thing, that occurred at our late being in Elgin: one, Nicol ſutherland in Forreſs was put to the knowledge of an Aſſiſe, for inceſt, and with him the woman: the Aſſiſe hath convicted him of the fault: but the queſtion is, whither the ſame be inceſt or not; So that we delayd the execution, p. 365untill we might have your reſolution. The caſe is: the woman before was harlot unto this Nicol's mother-brother: Heerin Maſter Ro. Pont can inform you more amply. And at our coming to Aberdeen come one Porterfield Miniſter provided before to the vicarage of Ardroſſam, and required of us, that he might alſo have the vicarage of Stevinſtoun, ſeing both were litle enough to ſuſtain him, and the churches were near, that he might diſcharge the cure of both; wee having him commended by ſundry gentle men unto the ſame: but we thought good; to advertiſe you, that this preparative induce not an ill exemple and corruption: and if ſuch things occurre heerafter, let us underſtand, what yee would have us to do; As alſo concerning the Chaplanries, that shall happen to vaik: where in becauſe as yet is no certain order preſcribed, ſome confuſion continues; ſome deſiring them for life time, ſome for infants that are not fit for ſchools, and ſome for ſeven years. Wee are ſomtimes preſſed to receive or confirm aſſignations or dimiſſion of Benefices, the preparative where of ſeemeth to bring with it corruption. And wee would be reſolued how to proceed. Before our coming from …ife and ſince we have been very willing, to do juſtice on all perſons ſuſpect of witchcraft as alſo on adulterers, inceſtuous perſons, and abuſers of the ſacraments: where in we could not have ſuch expedition, as we wished, becauſe we had no other probability but a generall delation of names, the perſons ſuſpected being for the moſt part not tryed nor convicted by order of the Church. This hindered many things, that otherwiſe might have been done. Therefore wee pray you, appoint and preſcribe, how the iudgement of the Church may proceed and be executed againſt all ſuch tranſgreſſors, before co…plaint be made to us, that when we come to the countries, wee may execute the law, and be relieved of the tryall & inquiſition of them. Wee thought good to give you this advertiſment, and ſo remitting theſe all to your care & diligence, Committs you to the protection of the eternall God; At Aberdien Juny 30. 1569. In anſwer unto theſe two particular queſtions, the Aſſembly reſolues, that the caſe of Nicol is inceſt: and that Chaplanries should be diſponed to the Colledges, or to the poor conform to the Act of Parliament and no otherwiſe. The next aſſembly is appointed to hold at Sterlin Februaty 25. next coming: but in the book of the Aſſemblies it is ſaid expreſſly, Becauſe of the troubles falling out by the ſlaughter of my L. Regent, it was delayd untill March 1. and to begin at Edinburgh. It is to be marked in this former aſſembly that whereas of all the bishops three only did embrace or profeſſe the Reformed religion, to wit, of Galloway, Orknay & Caitnes, none of them had any power in the Church, but by vertue of Commiſſion, that was given them by the Aſſembly, upon account, that they had the Church-revenues in the places; and they might have ſupplied the place of Superintendents: but when the charge was committed unto them, they were alwayes found deficient in exerciſe thereof; yea and guilty in ioyning with theſe, which did oppoſe preſent authority; as Adam bishop of Orknay joyned in mariage the Earle of Bothvell (the murderer of the King) with the Queen; and the Authour of Vindiciae Philadephi pag. 28. teſtifies, that it was clearly known to every one, that the bishop of Galloway did ioyn with them who oppoſed the Governement of the King, and did not only preach unto that faction, but did encourage them unto fighting as a iuſt and neceſſary warre, and afterwards did commend the man, which murdered the Kings grandfather. As for the b. of Caithnes, I finde nothing written of him untill the Aſſembly p. 366following. Then among all the Superintendents, none of them did aſſume the title of a Bishop, except the Superintendent of the Iſles; and he took his patent from the Queen after she had renounced the government, and was priſoner in England, and did aſſiſt that faction, as it was layd to his charge by that aſſembly. Then concerning the death of him who hitherto hath been colled the good Regent, when that adverſe faction ſaw, that hee was more and more beloved, and did increaſe in authority, they took courſe to cut him off; and one James Hamiltoun of Bothuell haugh under took that miſshant fact, and did it lurking priuatly in the bishop of Santandrews houſe within Lithgow; as the Regent was riding by that houſe, and the town was throng, that he could not paſſe ſpeedily, that man killed him with a abullet, and eſcaped ſafe out of the Bishops houſe: Great lamentation was for the loſſe of him, ſeing he had undertaken the governement in a troublous and diſordered time, and within 18. months had brought both ſouth and north unto quietneſs by the bleſſing of God, and was a ſingulare pattern of piety: for he did order himſelf and his family ſo, that it did reſemble a Church more then a Court. Beſids his devotion, which he conſtantly exerciſed, no wickedneſs nor unſeemly wantoneſs was heard or ſeen in his family. I have alſo read of him, that by his Letters he did inform Queen Eliſabeth. 1. Of the invaluable benefite of a faithfull and free Miniſtry. 2. Of the excellency of the purity of Gods ordinances therein. 3. Of the honor and happineſs, that would attend her Crown and State upon the eſtablishment of Chriſts Governement. 4. Of the profitable uſes, where unto the rich Benefices of Bishops might be applied, leauing enough unto the Miniſtry for their honeſt mantenance. 5. Albeit the glorious luſter of Bishops may ſeem to honor the Nation, yet it juſtleth out Gods honor, which should be more deare. And when the Bishops heard of the motion, they grumbled exceedingly, and they caſt upon him the aſperſion of uſurpation; even albeit he was not in the Country, when he was firſt deſigned to be Regent; nor can any of his enemies ſay, that in all the time of his Governement he did attempt any thing for himſelfe or his private eſtate.

VIII. The Nationall Aſſembly conveens at Edinb. March. 1. John 1579. The XVIII Aſſembly.craig is choſen Moderator. I. concerning order to be keept in the Aſſembly it is ordained, that the who was Moderator of the preceeding Aſſembly shall make the exhortation, and prayer in the following Aſſembly, and then another Moderator shall be choſen. Next after tryall of Superintendents and Commiſſioners for viſiting the Churches, shall be heard the accuſations or complaints of theſe Superintendents or Commiſſiners, if they have any againſt a Miniſter. Thirdly the penitents that were remitted by the preceeding aſſembly unto the Superintendents and Commiſſioners, are to be received; and injunctions are to be given to other notorious and criminall perſons, that are either ſummoned to compear, or of their own freewill and hatred of the crime are moved to preſent themſelves. Fourthly to decide ſuch things as were undecided in the preceeding aſſembly, and referred unto the next, or are referred by the Lords of the Counſell, Seſſion or Checker. II. Adam Bishop of Orknay is accuſed. 1. that he being called to the office of a Bishop, and the profits thereof, and having received charge to preach the goſpell, and be Commiſſioner of Orknay, which he accepted and exercized for a time, but now lately he hath made a Simoniacall change with the Abbacy of Halirudhouſe, retaining the name of the Bishop; contrary to all lawes both of p. 367God and man made againſt Simony. 2. he dimittes his charge in the hands of an unqualified perſon, without the conſent of the Church, leauing the flock without a shepherd, whereby not only ignorance is increaſed, but likewiſe moſt abundantly all vice & horrible crimes are committed there, as the number of 600. perſons, convict of inceſt, adultery & fornication bear witnes. 3. He hath given himſelfe, to the dayly attendance of the function of a temporall Judge, as he is a Lord of the Seſſion, which requires the wholl man, and ſo rightly he can not exercize both; and ſtyleth himſelf with Romane titles, as, Reverend Father in God, which pertaines not to a Miniſter of Chriſt Jeſus, nor is given to any of them in the Scripture. 4. To the great hurt & defraud of the Church he hath bought al the thirds of the Abbacy of Halirudhouſe, at leaſt he hath made a Simoniacall change thereof with the rents of Orknay. 5. He hath left the churches partly unplanted, and partly planted, but without prouiſion. 6. Some of the churches are sheepfolds, and ſome ruinous. 7. He hath traduced both priuatly and publickly the Miniſters of Edinburgh; he abſenteth himſelf from the preachings in that Church, and from recei…ing the Sacrament. III. Robert Bishop of Caitnes is ordained to aſſiſt John Gray of Fordell in viſiting the Churches there. IIII. If perſons, who are guilty of homicide, inceſt, or adultery, be not f…gitive from the lawes, but continue ſuiting to be receiued to publick repentance; all ſuch shall be received to give the ſignes of their repentance in their own churches, according to the order preſcribed, ſo that Miniſters shall notify, their crimes. And if any guilty of theſe crimes be excommunicated, they may be admitted, to heare the Preaching, but shall be ſecluded from the prayers before and after Sermon; and when upon their repentance, they are received again, they shall bring their Miniſter's teſtimoniall unto the next Aſſembly. V. They who will not abſtain from the company of excommunicate perſons, after due admonitions shall be excommunicat. VI. The children of excommunicate perſones, are to be received unto baptiſm, by a faithfull member of the Church. VII. A ſingle woman committing adultery with a married man should be alike cenſured. VIII. When one forſakes wife and children without juſt cauſe, the Miniſter should endeavoure to reconcile them; and if his endeavour be in vain, the offended party may complain to the Magiſtrate. IX. If perſons after the promiſe of mariage and publication of their bans, crave to be free, they should be freed, ſi res ſit integra, but shall be cenſured for their levity. In the months following aroſe great diviſion, ſome of the Nobility were for the preſervation of the young K. and his authority; and ſome pretend the name and authority of the Q. on this ſide were all Papiſts, all Bishops (excep one) and may were Neuters. They who were againſt the King, were ſo many that they called a Parliament to aſſemble at Lithgow in Auguſt. They who were for the K. aſſemble in May, and July 12. theſe did chooſe Mathew Earle of Lennox (who was grand father of the King) to be Regent. He with 5000. men keept the day at Lithgow for the Parliament: but none of the adverſe faction came. In his time the troubles ceaſed not: ſometime, by the mediation of Queen Eliſabeth, was a treaty twixt the parties, but it was neither to her contentment, nor would the Kings party yeeld any of his right: and ſo the treaty had no effect, yea and all the time the country had no quietnes. They who were on the Queen's ſide had encouragement from France and Duke d'Alva Governor of Flanders: and in the year 1571. both parties conveenes a Parliament; the Queens party at Edinburgh, p. 368and the Kings party at Sterlin: where (as in time of peace) they keept not a watch: which the other party hearing, L. Claud hamilton came in the night time, and took the Regent out of his lodging in September, and when they ſaw others coming for his reſcue, they killed him with … shot. George Bell the chief adviſer of this enterprice, and Captain Lawder the murderer were taken and punished as traitors. I returne unto the affaires of the Church. The Aſſembly conveenes at Edinburgh July 5. The XIX. Aſſembly.An. 1570. Robert Pont is choſen Moderator. 1. The Sentence of excommunication is directed againſt Patrick called Bishop of Morray, to be executed by Ro. Pont Viſitor there, with the aſſiſtance of the Miniſters of Edinb. 2. Miniſters at their admiſſion shall proteſt ſolemly, that they shall not leave their Vocation, under rhe pain of infamy & periury &c. 3. Tryall should be taken of young children, how they are brought up by their parents in the true religion: therefore Miniſters and Elders of every parishon should examin the children, when they come to nyne years of age and when they come to twelve years, and the third time, when they come to 14. years, that it may be known, how they have profited in the ſchoole of Chriſt. 4. Becauſe ſome Noble men have made defection from the Kings lawfull authority, certain brethren were directed to the Earls, Lords and all which made that defection, to deale with them with earneſt perſuaſions of reconciliation, with certification, if they continue in diſobedience, the Church will uſe the ſword againſt them, which God in his word hath committed unto them, And the Commiſſioners are to report their anſwers unto the next Aſſembly. 5. James Carmichell Schoolmaſter of Santandrews accuſeth Rob. Hamilton Miniſter there, of ſome points of doctrin delivered in a Sermon. The Clark regiſter, and the Juſtice-Clerk and another Lord of the Seſſion shew in the L. Chancellors name, that he had heard of that controverſy, and it containes ſome points tending to treaſon and againſt the Kings authority: and therefore they require, that the Aſſembly would not decide in that matter concerning the Kings authority, untill the Nobility conveen, which will be within few dayes: but in ſuch things as concern hereſy, or properly belong unto their juriſdiction they may proceed. Unto this proteſtation the aſſembly agreeth; and went-on in diſcuſſing the complaint in ſo far as is concerned doctrine and ſlander, that may ariſe thereupon. [But I finde not the particulars.] 5. Conceilers of adultery should be called and examined, and if they be convict to have cloaked adultery wittingly, let the Rule have place, Agentes & conſentientes pari poená puniantur. 6. Quaeritur; A woman bringeth forth a child, and in time of her birth before the midwife depones, that ſuch a man is the father of the child, and being called before a Judge is ready to ſwear the ſame; And that man is ready to ſwear, that he had never carnall dealing with that woman; and there is not other proof; to which of two should credite be given? Anſ. Neutri credendum. 7. The Aſſembly gives commiſſion unto certain Miniſters, Barons and Burgeſſes, to compear at Edinburgh the twelth of the inſtant with continuation of dayes, or whenſoever the Nobility shall conveen before the time of the next Aſſembly, To require humbly an anſwer unto their articles and ſupplications with redreſſe of their complaints according to equity, To aſſiſt, concurr and aſſent to all and whatſoever shall be treated in the foreſaid Convention, tending to the promoving of Gods glory, the maintaining the true religion, the Kings authority, the common well and authority of the realm; As alſo to take cognition in all complaints, ſupplications and requeſts p. 369of brethren ſpecially remitted unto them by this Aſſembly; And whatſoever shall be done by them in the premiſſes, to report the ſame unto the next generall Aſſembly, which is appointed to be at Edinburgh March. 5. next to come; Promiſing to hold firme and ſtable whatſoever theſe brethren, or any eight or ſeven of them thinks good in the premiſſes to be done. 3. All aſſignations and penſions granted by the Church, during their will, to whatſoever perſon or perſons before this Date are diſcharged, except only what is aſſigned to the Kings uſe.

X. At Edinb. March 5. conveenes the Aſſembly: Ge. Hay is choſen 1571. The XX. Aſſembly.Moderator. I. All Superintendents & Commiſſioners to viſite Churches should bring their book of viſitat…on unto every Aſſembly next following, To be conſidered by ſuch Brethren as shall be appointed by the Aſſembly, that the church may the better know their diligence in executing their office II. Sixe Articles concerning the iurisdiction of the Church, which are to be ptopounded unto the Regent and Counſell, and ſought to be approved by them. 1. that the Church have the judging of true and falſe religion, doctrine, hereſy, and ſuch like, that are annexed to the preaching of the Word and miniſtration of ſacraments. 2. election, examination and admiſſion of them, which are to be admitted to the Miniſtry and other functions in the Church, to charge of ſouls and eccleſiaſticall Benefices, together with the ſuſpenſion or deprivation of ſuch, for lawfull cauſes. 3. All things concerning the diſcipline of the Church, which ſtandes in correction of manners, admonitions, excommunication & receiving to repentance. 4. The judgement of Eccleſiaſticall matters betwixt perſons that are of the Church, eſpecially that are of the Miniſtry, alſwell in matters of Benefices as others. 5. Juriſdiction to proceed with admonitions to the proceſs of excommunication, if need shall bee, againſt them that shall rob the patrimony of the church appartaining to the Miniſtry, or other way intromet with it unjuſtly, whereby the Miniſtry is in danger of decay, by occaſion of the poverty of the Miniſters. 6. Becauſe the conjunction of marriages pertaines to the Miniſtry, the cauſes of adherence and divorcement ought alſo to appertain unto them, as naturally annexed thereunto. III. It is ordained, that adulterers and ſuch other ſcandalous perſons shall hereafter be called by the Superintendent or Commiſſioner of the Province, to compear before their Synodall Conuention, and there receive their iniunctions, as before in the generall aſſembly. 4. All queſtions should be propounded or repreſented to the Superintendents and Commiſſioners in the foreſaid Synodall Conuentions, and there receive ſolution; Or if any queſtion shall be hard for them, the Superintendent or Commiſſioner shall preſent theſe hard queſtions unto the next generall aſſembly, and there receive ſolution; With certification, that none shall heerafter be received in the gen. aſſembly from a particulare Miniſter. 5. All Superintendents and Commiſſioners of viſitation are ordained to adviſe with their firſt Synodall Convention, and as they shall judge expedient, to appoint a faſt within their own bounds in reſpect of the preſent troubles of the Country; And alſo that they appoint certain Brethren to uſe all means of unity and concord among the Nobility. 6. Where Miniſters have not been in practiſe of excommunication, or their execution is like to be contemned, the Superintendent or ſome other ſufficiently qualified and authorized by the Synod, shall execute the ſame. 7. Promiſe of marriage should be made per verba de fu…uro before the Miniſter, taking caution for abſtinence untill the marriage be ſolemnized. p. 3708. If a man raviſh a young woman againſt her will and the will of her Parents, and ſtrick her parents under ſilence of night; and the Magiſtrat correcteth not the offender; whither may that particular Church proceed with admonitions unto excommunication, for remouing the ſcandall? Anſ. It is lawfull. 9. If a woman commit fornication, and ſuffer the ſame man thereafter to marry her own ſiſter. And hearing their bans proclamed, by conceiling the crime, shee is guilty of the inceſt following: and both she and he should be cenſured as inceſtuous; and the ſecond woman can not be his wife. 10. It is altogether unlawfull, that any Miniſter of Gods Word shall receive any Benefice by preſentation under paction made with the Patron, tending to Simony, to wit, that the Patron shall have a great part of the tiths, and a Miniſter shall have a ſmall portion thereof. It is to be marked, that where the appointing of a faſt is referred unto the advice of Obſervations.the Provinciall Synods, this was done, becauſe in ſome Provinces the party adverſe unto the King was ſo ſtrong, that Miniſters durſt not pray for conſervation of his Authority. Secondly it may be ſeen in all theſe Aſſemblies, that ſuperintendents and commiſſioners of viſitation had a lyke power in their own bounds, and neither the one ſort nor the other had power to do any thing (belonging to diſcipline) by themſelves or without advice of their Synodall conventions; yea and ſomtime what was done by the Superintendents, was referred unto ſome Miniſters, to be examined and cenſured. Thirdly obſerve, that howbeit the country was divided, and both parties were ſtrong, yet they both gave way unto the Aſſemblies, and profeſſed to matintain the true religion and liberties of the Church. The Aſſembly The 21. Aſſembly.convenes at Sterline Auguſt. 6. Gilbert gairden Miniſters at Monifieth is choſen Moderator. A Letter was deliuered unto the Aſſembly, and ſent A Letter from Iohn Knox.by John Knoxe: this is printed with ſome omiſſions; I ſet it down as it is in the books of the Aſſemblies, thus; The mighty Spirit of wiſdom and confort in God remain with you Dear brethren, if ability of body would have ſuffered mee, I would not have troubled you with this my rude ditement. I have not forgote, what was layd to my charge by infamous libels in the laſt Aſſembly, and what a brag was made to accuſe mee perſonally at this Aſſembly: which I pray you, to hear patiently, judge of mee, as yee will anſwer unto God: for unto you in that matter I ſubmitt myſelf, being aſſured, that I neither offended God nor good men in any thing, that hitherto hath been layd unto my charge. And now, Brethren, becauſe the dayly decay of naturall ſtrength thereatneth unto mee certain & ſudden departing from the miſery of this life; of love and conſcience I exhort you; yea in the feare of God charge and command you, that yee take heed unto yourſelves and to the flocks over which God hath placed you Paſtours. To diſcourſe of the behaviour of yourſelves, I may not: but to command you to be faithfull unto the flock, I dar not ceaſe: unfaithfull and traitors to the flock shall yee bee before the Lord JESUS CHRIST, if with your conſent directly yee ſuffer unworthy men to be thruſt into the Miniſtry of the Church, under whatſoever pretence it shall bee. Remember the Judge, before whom yee muſt make account, and reſiſt that tyranny, as yee would avoide hells fire. This battell I grant, will be hard; but in the ſecond point it will be harder, that is, that with the like uprightneſs & ſtrength in God, yee gainſtand the mercileſs devourers of the patrimony of the Church. If men will ſpoil, let them do it, to their own perrill & condemnation: but communicate yee not with their ſins, of whatſoever eſtate they bee, neither by conſent nor by ſilence, but with publick proteſtation make this known p. 371unto the world, that yee are innocent of robbery, which will, ere it be long, provoke Gods vengeance upon the committers thereof, whereof yee will ſeek redreſs of God & man. God give you wiſdom and ſtout courage in ſo juſt a cauſe, and mee an happy end. At Sant Andrews Auguſt 3. 1571. Your Brother in Chriſt Jeſus. 2. The Aſſembly appoints certain commiſſioners to reaſon and conclude upon the heads, articles and deſires, preſented in the Regents name, unto this aſſembly; and to propound the humble requeſts and deſires of the Aſſembly in ſuch articles, and redreſſe of complaints, as shall be given unto them by the Church: the one and the other to be concl…ded conform to the inſtructions, that shall be delivered unto them, Theſe Commiſſioners were three Superintendents, four Commiſſioners of viſiting Churches, two other Miniſters, and eight Barons, or any elleven of them, To compeare in Stirlin, the 22. day of this inſtant, to Counſell and reaſon, &c. As in the commiſſion given in the laſt aſſembly, &c. The firſt part of this Letter, is to be underſtood of the threatnings which the adverſe party unto the King, had belched out againſt Joh. Knox, and as it ſeemes, they thought to had an aſſembly of their own color. But he could not live in Edinb. for fear of them, and went to Santandrews: there alſo he had litle reſt, and was vexed by ſome of that ſort. For underſtanding the reſt of that Letter, and alſo the Commiſſion granted by the Aſſembly, I shall here firſt marke an Act of the enſuing Parliament, num. 38. Forſomuch as diverſe ſubjects have ſundry lands and poſſeſſions, obtained by them or their predeceſſors in heritage, of Priors, Prioreſſes, Mothers & Convents of ſundry Friers or Nunnes places...and now...theſe Superiors are for the moſt part deceaſed, and no others placed nor to be placed in their rowms.....whereby the heires of theſe fewers....shall get no entry to their lands & heritages....for remedy thereof, it is ſtatut & ordained, that all fuers or heritable tennents of ſuch Friers & Nunnes places, and their heires....shall hold their fues and tenendries, of our Soverain Lord and his ſucceſſors.....and the fue maills, ſervices & duties....shall appertain unto our Soverain Lord &c. Hence it appeares, that at that time, they were thinking upon ſecurity of the poſſeſſions, which before did appertain unto theſe that were called the Spirituality, and here the fues, ſervices and ſuch petty things are declared to belong unto the King: but at that time weightier matters were in hand: for others had gote the Lands and rents, ſtock and tiths, which they would not quite unto King nor Church: and thereupon the doubt aroſe, by what title and right they may poſſeſſe them. Hither belongeth what is written in The Hiſtoricall Narration of the Governement of the Church (which is common now in writ, and ſaid to have been penned by William Scot, that eminent Miniſter at Couper, title The ſecond courſe for Bishops, Superintendents and Commiſſioners. 1. Mathew Earle of Lennox, Regent holding a Parliament at Sterlin in Auguſt, year 1571. the Superintendent of Fife inhibited Maſter John Douglas Rector of the Univerſity of Santandrews (who a litle before was preſented unto the bishoprick of Santandrews by meanes of the Earle Morton) to vote in Parliament in name of the Church, untill he be admitted and allowed by the Church, Under pain of excommunication. The Earle of Morton commanded him to vote as Bishop of Santandrews, Under the pain of treaſon. The Regent was killed, and John Earle of Marre was choſen Regent. About the beginning of November, the Collectors of the Church were diſcharged by Letters proclamed at Santandrews, to gather the thirds, becauſe (as was alledged) Miniſters ſtipend were not payd, nor the Superplus p. 372which was allotted to the Kings houſe out of the thirds. But it was judged that that Proclamation was procured at the inſtance of the Earle Mortoun, whom Maſter John douglas had informed by Letter, that the Collector would not ſuffer him to uplift certain duties belonging to the Bishoprick. The Superintendent of Anguiſe in a prolixe Letter unto the Regent, complained of that inhibition, and that Benefices are conferred, and Bishops ſet-up without advice & conſent of the Church. In another he complaines of the great miſorder at the laſt Parliament, in creating Bishops, planting them, and giving them vote in Parliament as Bishops, in deſpite of the Church, and high contempt of God, the Church opponing againſt that miſs-order, Seing the Church hath the power of examination & admiſſion to Eccleſiaſticall offices & Benefices of ſpirituall cure, whither Bishopricks or inferior Benefices. Leſt it should ſeem, that Miniſters out of avarice or ambition ſought the poſſeſſion of great Benefices, he letteth his Gr. underſtand, that the Church hath continually ſuted in their Articles (conſented-unto & ſubſcribed by the moſt part of the Nobility) that when any Benefices shall vake, having many Churches, joyned there unto, all the Churches should be divided, and conferred ſeverally to ſeverall men, and every man to ſerve at his own Church: in which mind all that beare office, do continue. If the diſmembring of great Benefices can not be granted at this time, he doubteth not, but the Church will conſent, that if the Benefices and offices belonging their unto; be conferred according to the order before mentioned, to aſſigne ſuch portion, as may be ſpared above the reaſonable ſuſtentation of the Miniſtry, of ſuch Benefices, to the mantenance of the Kings houſe, and common affaires, till further order be taken in theſe matters. The Regent anſwereth, Their meaning was miſ-taken: their meaning was and ſtill is, to procure the reforming of things dis-ordered any way, als far as may bee; and the fault is this: the Policy of the Church is not perfected, nor is there any ſort of conference among godly men well minded according to Gods judgement, how the matter may be amended: He ſent alſo a diſcharge of that inhibition lately made. The Superintendent of Anguiſe at the Regent's deſire wrote unto other Superintendents & Commiſſioners, that they would conveen, to conſult, what order shall be taken for proviſion to the Kings houſe out of the thirds, and upon ſome particulars concerning the Policy of the Church, and diſpoſition of 1572. The Conference, at Lieth.ſome Benefices. Upon the twelth of January 1572. (or 1571. according to the olde reckoning the beginning of the year) the Superint. and Comm. of viſitation, and Commiſſioners from ſome towns and Churches conveen at Lieth. This meeting in the Regiſter is called A convention: but in the ſecond Seſſion they concluded, It should have the force and power of a G. Aſſemb. Nevertheleſs they ordain, that the Moderator of the laſt aſſembly shall continue till the next ordinary aſſembly, and that all who are preſent now shall repair to it alſo. They declare in the third Seſſion, that they had not t…me to ſtay, and therefore upon the 15 day gave power and commiſſion to the Superintendents of Fife & Anguiſe, Willam Lundy of that ilk, Andrew hay Commiſ. of Cliddſdale, Da. Lindſay Commiſ. of Kile, Ro. Pont Commiſ. of Murray, John Craig one of the Miniſters at Edinburgh, or any four of them, to compear before my Lord Regent and ſo many of the Secret Counſell, as he shall appoint in this month of January, to conferre and reaſon upon ſuch heads & articles as shall be propo…nded unto them by him, and the Counſell, to conclude conform to the Inſtructions given unto them by this aſſembly, and to report their concluſions to the p. 373next Aſſembly. Morton Chancellor, William L. Ruthuen Treaſurer, Robert Commendator of Dumfernlin Secretary, James Macgill Clerk-regiſter, Sir John Balantine Juſtice-Clerck, Colin Campbell of Glenurquhy, and Adam Bishop of Orknay were ſent Commiſſioners from the Counſell on the 16. day of January, To conveen all or any four of them with the Commiſſioners named by the Church, to treat and conclude on all matters tending to the ordering & eſtablishing the Policy of the Church, the ſuſtentation of Miniſters, ſupport of the Kings houſe, and common affaires of the realm, to continue in ſuch order as shall bee agreed upon, untill his Highneſs perfect age, or till the ſame be altered by the three States of Parliament. The ſame day the Commiſſioners conveen, and conclude, that the names and tittles of Bishops and Archbishops be not altered, nor the bounds of the old Diocies confounded; That there be a Chapter of Miniſters annexed to every Metropolitane and Cathedrall See, thath during the vacancy the Dean, or failing the Dean, the next in dignity of the Chapter, uſe the Juriſdiction in Spiritualibus, which the Bishop might have uſed; That the Archbishops and Bishops exerce, no farther Juriſdiction by their ſpirituall function, than the Superintendents had, and preſently exerce, till the ſame be agreed-upon; The Archbishops and Bishops be ſubject to to the Church and G. Aſſemblies in Spiritualibus, as they are unto the King in Temporalibus: That they have the advice of ſixe (at leaſt) of the moſt learned in the Chapter, to the admiſſion of ſuch, as shall have function in the Church, and that als many other of the Chapter as pleaſe, may be preſent, and vote at the ſaid admiſſion; That Miniſters and Readers be planted throghout the realm, and Readers eſpecially be appointed at every church, where it may be done conveniently, who being found qualified by the Bishop or Superintendent, and entring by the lawfull order of the true reformed Church, shall Miniſter the ſacrament of baptiſm, and ſolemnize marriage after the lawfull & orderly proclamation of bans; That all Common churches be diſpoſed as Benefices to qualifyed perſons: That no diſpoſition be made of any Deanry, Proveſtry, collegiat church, or other Benefice whereunto other churches are annexed, till it be provided, how the Miniſt. of every one of theſe ſeverall churches shall be ſuſtained of the fruits of the ſame churches (if it be poſſible) by ſpeciall aſſignation of ſo much yearly ſtipend, as shall be found reaſonable; that who shall have the title of Abbot, Prior or Commendator be learned or well qualified, becauſe he muſt have place in Parliam. That the King's Letters commendatory under the Signet being directed to the Archbishop or Bishop of the bounds, where the Abbay or Priory lyeth, he shall try his ability & learving, and upon his teſtimoniall from his Ordinary shall compeat before the King or his Regent, and give his oath in form as the Bishop gives; And becauſe the perſons of the Convent are departed this life, the Miniſters ſerving the Churches of the Abbey or Priory, shall be the Chapter or aſſeſſors to the Commendator, in giving any infeftments, tacks, rights or diſpoſitions of rents concerning the living; That the perſon admitted Commendator, may be promoted, if he shall be found worthy, to be a Senator in the Colledge of Juſtice, or employd by the King in neceſſary affaires of the Common wealth; That firſt of all it be provided, how the Miniſters of the Churches belonging to the Abbey or Priory shall be ſuſtained of the fruits belonging to the ſame Churches. Sundry other articles & concluſions were agreed upon, concerning the diſpoſition of Proveſtries, prebendaries, collegiat-Churches founded upon remporall landes or annualls; as alſo of chaplanries of the like foundation, for ſupport p. 374of the ſchools; the chapters of Metropolitan and cathedrall churches; the Kings recommendation with licence to chuſe a bishop; the form of the edict, to conveen the Chapter for his election; the teſtimoniall of the Dean and the Chapter to be returned unto the King or his Regent; the confirmation, proviſion & regall aſſent upon the Chapter's certificat; the Kings command to conſecrat him; his oath to be taken before the King or his Regent; the Kings reſtitution of the temporalities; the form of a Letter to be directed to the Ordinary, or (the See waking) to the Dean of the Chapter, in favors of a perſon to be promoted unto an Abbacy or Priory; the teſtimoniall of the Ordinary returned to the King or his Regent; the gift of proviſion upon the Ordinarie's certificat: the form of tryall of Burſares (or Fellowes) and their gift or proviſion: the form of oath to be given by any perſon provided to any Benefice of cure at his admiſſion, and of Burſares of Arte, of Theology, Lawes, Medicine at the time of receiving them into the Univerſities. Theſe Articles and forms were conſidered by the Counſell, and approved by the Regent in the Kings name upon the firſt day of February following. This gallimafry (made with ſuch haſt) could not be well ma…e: here a fair shew of reſtoring Benefices unto the Church: but in effect it was only to put Church-men in titles, to the end, Noble men might get the greater ſecurity from the Titulares, of the temporall landes to be fued unto them, eaſe of the …iths, and penſions to their ſeruants and dependants. It had been good for the well fare of the Church, that ſuch titles had never been hatched or ſuffered to keep any life. The Bishop of this forge were called Tulchan Bishops. A tulchan is a calves skinn ſtuffed with ſtraw to cauſe a cow give milk: ſo the title of Bishop helped to cauſe the Bishoprick yeeld commodity to the Lord, who procured it unto him. Edicts were affixed upon the churches-door and Abbey gate of Santandrews upon the Lords day February. 3. By the Earle Mortons direction. On fridday February. 8. Patrick Adamſon in his Sermon ſpake of three ſorts of Bishops, My Lord Bishop, My Lords Bishop, and the Lords Bishop. My Lord three ſorts of Bishops.Bishops (ſaid he then) was the Bishop in time of Popery: my Lords Bishop is now, when my Lord gets the Benefice, and the Bishop ſerves for a portion, to make my Lords right ſure. The Lords Bishop is every true Miniſter of the goſpell. Maſter John Douglas was choſen, howbeit many oppoſed to the election. George Scot Miniſter at Kirkady took inſtruments that he conſented not: John Knox preached on Februay. 10. in preſence of the Earle Mortoun, and refuſed to conſecrat or ordain (as they called it) John douglas, yea there publickly he denounced auathema to the giver and to the receiver. After noon the Superintendent of Fife went up to the pulpit, he taught on Tit. c. 1. And after Sermon he followed the ſame order, which was uſed at the admiſſion of Superintendents. But when the Bishop was demanded, Whether he would be obedient unto the Church, and uſurpe no power over the ſame? he anſwered, I will claim no greater power, than the Counſell and generall aſſembly shall preſcribe. It is likly that theſe bb. and the Court aimed at a greater power, than was already agreed upon; and that they hoped to obtain at the generall aſſembly what they pleaſed, having ſped ſo well at the Convention in Lieth: where it was agreed that Archbb. should exerce no greater juriſdiction in their ſpirituall function, than the Superintendents: but marke what followes, Whill the ſame be agreed upon. Hence appeares, that farther was intended. John douglas anſwers unto eyery demand out of writ. The Bishops of Caitnes, the Superintendent of Lothian and David Lindſay ſate by him, and riſing layd p. 375their hands on him, and embraced him in ſigne of admiſſion. When John Rutherford Proveſt of the old colledge had ſaid, that Maſter John Knox's repining had proceeded from malecontement; the next Lords day John Knox ſaid in Sermon, I have refuſed a greater Bishoprick than ever it was, and might have had it with the favor of greater men, than he hath this: but I did and do repine for diſcharge of my conſcience, that the church of Scotland be not ſubject to that order. So far in that hiſtoricall Narration. Hence appeares. 1. What John Knox meaneth in his Letter unto the aſſembly by the word tyranny (to wit, epiſcopacy) and by the two points of the battell. that this work of ſetting up Bishops at that time was done without the knowledge of the aſſembly, ſeing it was not proponed by the aſſembly, nor ſpecified unto the aſſembly, but only unto theſe few at the Convention in Lieth, and agreed unto by their few deputies: and haſtened before the Aſſembly did conveen again. In the Acts of that convention it is alſo written this; The Church underſtanding, that my L. Regent and Counſell was deſirous, that Robert Pont should accept the place of a Senator in the Colledge of Juſtice, which he no way will accept without the advice of the Church; therefore all the Brethren aſſembled give licence unto the ſaid Robert, to accept & uſe that place of a Senator in the ſaid Colledge of Juſtice, at what time he shall be required there unto; Providing, that he leave not the office of the Miniſtry, but that he exercize the ſame, as he shall be appointed by the church; And this their licence unto the ſaid Robert, be no preparative unto any other Miniſter, to procure the like promotion without the advice of the church, and licence had before and obtained there unto. The firſt part of this proviſion would ſeem to be oppoſitum in appoſito. The Generall Aſſembly conveenes at Santandrews March. 6. The 22 Aſſembly.where beſids the ordinary members is mention of John Douglas archbishop of Santandrews. Robert Hamilton Miniſter at Santandrews is choſen Moderator. In the extract of the Aſſemblies is no more written of the firſt and ſecond Seſſions: but the hiſtoricall Narration ſaith, 1. The Aſſembly holden at Santandrews in March next following, appointed twenty or any eight of them to conveen in Maſters Knox's houſe, to reviſe and conſider the articles & concluſions agried-upon at Lieth, and to report unto the Aſſembly: but wee find no report made, or inſert in the Regiſter [But in the next is ſome mention.] In Seſſ. 3. Was a conteſt betwixt the Superintendent of Fife and the Maſters of the old Colledge concerning the Vicaradge of Kilmeny: and the Superintendent was blamed for giving that Vicaradge to one, who is not a Miniſter, nor hath any function in the church, and ſo the Miniſter of that church (planted by himſelle) is fruſtrat thereof. Seſſ. 4. The Aſſembly ordaines the Superintendent of Fife to uſe his own juriſdiction as before, in the Provinces not yet ſubiect unto the Archbishop of Santandrews, and alſo requeſts him to concurre with the archbishop when he requires in his Viſitation, or otherwiſe within his bounds, Vntill the next Aſſembly; And the ſaid Superintendent to have his ſtipend as before; and in like manner shall the Superintendents of Auguiſe & Lothan without preiudice of the ſaid Archb. It followes in the Hiſt. Narration; When Maſter Knox heard, that the Aſſembly had continued the Bishop notwithſtanding a Bill given-in by ſome of the Uniuerſity againſt him, he regrated, that ſo many offices were layed on an old man, which twenty men of the beſt gifts were ſcarcely able to bear: for he now was Archbishop, Rector of the Uniuerſity, and Proveſt of the new Colledge; and as he was unable in body to make travell, ſo he was unable to preach. But litle reſpect had the p. 376Court to the ability of the perſon, if the commodity could be reaped by vertue of the title. This man had neither health nor wealth nor honor, as before. Mortoun and his friends took up a great part of his rent in fues, tacks and penſions. At that time Theodor Beza wrote his 79. epiſtle unto A Letter of Th. Beza.John Knox, dated at Geneva, Aprile 12. 1572. wherein he ſaith, This is a great bleſſing of God, that yee brought into Scotland both purity of religion and EUTAXIAN or good diſciplin, which is the bond of keeping the doctrine. I beſeech and obteſt you, keep yee ſtill theſe two, and remember, that if the one be loſed, the other can not continue long. This doth very nature teach (for who of ſound judgement can hope, that lawes can be obſerved, unleſs keepers or mantainers and avengers be eſtablished?) and the very teacher of fools, experience, by the exemple of theſe Nations, where it is certain, that they have chiefly erred in this which they will not ſuffer to be amended, that the Euangell is preached for iudgement rather than for mercy (I except a few; the choſen of God.) But likewiſe I would thee, my Knox, and the reſt of the brethren remember, which is now as before our eies, that as the Bishops broght Papacy, ſo theſe falſe Bishops (the reliques of Papacy) will bring Epicureiſm into the Land. Let them be wary of this plague, whoſoever wish the ſavety of the Church: and ſeing yee have once banished it out of Scotland, receive it never again, albeit it doth flatter with the shew of retaining unity whereby many of the beſt Antients were deceived &c. The Generall Aſſembly The 23. Aſſembly.conveenes at Perth Auguſt. 6. John Erskin is choſen Moderator. Seſſ. 3. Forſomuch as in the aſſembly of the Church holden in Lieth in January laſt, certain Commiſſioners were appointed to deall with the Nobility and their Commiſſioners, to reaſon and conclude upon diuerſe articles & heads, thought good then to be conferred upon: according to which commiſſion, they have proceeded in ſundry conventions, and have concluded for that time upon the ſaid heads & articles, as the ſame produced in this aſſembly proport: In which being and conſidered, are found certain names, as Archbishop, Dean, Archdean, Chanceler and Chapter which names were ever thought ſcandalous & offenſiue to th… eares of the brethren, and appear to ſound towards Papiſtry: Therefore the wholl aſſembly in one voice, alſwell they, that were then in commiſſion at Lieth, as others, ſolemly proteſt, that they intend not by uſing ſuch names, to ratify, conſent nor agree unto any kind of Papiſtry or ſuperſtition, and wish rather the ſaid names to be changed into other names, that are not ſcandalous or offenſive; And likewiſe proteſt, that the ſaids heads and articles be only received as an Interim, till farther and more perfect order may be obtained at the hands of the Kings Majeſty, Regent and Nobility: for the which they will endeavour, as occaſion will ſerve. Unto which proteſtation the wholl aſſembly preſently conveened, in one voice adhere. Hence it is cleare, that as theſe articles were concluded without the knowledge of the aſſembly, ſo the wholl aſſembly oppoſeth them earneſtly, but for a time do yeeld unto Civill authority, yet ſo that they will endeavour to be free of theſe articles. In Auguſt was ceſſation of warre, and then agreement of the diſſenting parties; the Queens faction left Edinburgh: and the Regent died at Sterlin in October. John Knox returned to Edinburgh, but preached litle more becauſe of his ſicknes. At no time was he heard ſpeak with greater feruency, and more content of the hearers, than in his laſt Sermon, at the admiſſion of James Lowſon: in the end of that Sermon, he took God to witneſs, that he had walked in a good conſcience among p. 377them, not ſeeking to pleaſe men, nor ſerving his own or other mens affections, but in all ſincerity & trueth had preached the Goſpell of Chriſt: and with moſt pithy words he exhorted them, to ſtand faſt in the faith, they had received. In time of his ſicknes (which was not long thereafter) he Ioh Knox exhortions before his death.was much viſited by perſons of all ſorts, and ſpoke unto them confortably. He ſaid unto the Earle Morton, in the audience of many others, My Lord, God hath given you many bleſſing he hath givens you wiſdom, riches, many good & great friends, and is now to prefer you to the government of the r…alm: In his name I charge you, that you uſe theſe bleſſings aright, and better in time coming, than you have done in times paſt: in all your acti…ns ſeek firſt the glory of God, the furtherance of his Goſpell, the mantenance of his Church and Miniſtry; and next be carefull of the King, to procure his good, and the well fare of the realm: If you shall do this, God will be with you, and honour you: if otherwiſe you do it not, he will deprive you of all theſe benefits, and your end shall be shame and ignominy. John Knox two days before his death, ſent for Da. Lindſay and James Lowſon, and the Elders of the Church, and ſaid to them; The time approaches, for which I have long thirſted, when I shall be relieved of all cares. And be with my Savior Chriſt for ever, And now God is my witneſs, whom I have ſerved with my ſpirit in the Goſpell of his Son, that I have preached nothing but the true and ſolide doctrin of the Goſpell, and that the end I proponed in all my preaching, was to inſtruct the ignorant, to confirm the weak, to confort the conſciences of theſe, who were humbled under the ſenſe of their ſins, and beat down with the threatnings of Gods judgements ſuch as were proud & rebellious; I am not ignorant, that many have blamed, and yet do blame my too great rigor & ſeverity: but God knowes that in my heart I never hated the perſons of theſe, againſt whom I threatned Gods iudgements: I did only hate their ſin, and laboured with all my power to gain them unto Chriſt; That I forbear none of whatſoever, condition I did it out of the fear of my God, who had placed mee in the function of the Miniſtry, and I knew would bring mee to an account: Now, Brethren, for yourſelves, I have no more to ſay, but to warn you, rhat you take heed to the flock, over which God hath placed you overſeers, and whom he hath redeemed by the blood of his only begoten S…n: And you, Maſter Lowſon, fight, do the work of the Lord with courage and with a willing mind, and God from above bleſſe you and the Church, weereof you have the charge &c. Then he diſmiſſeth the Elders, and calling the two preachers, ſaid, There is one thing, that grieveth mee exceedingly: yee have ſomtime ſeen the courage & forewardneſs of the Laird of Grange in Gods cauſe, and now unhappy man, he hath caſt himſelf away: I pray you two, take the pains to go unto him, and ſay from mee, that unleſs he forſake that wicked courſe, where in he hath entred, neither shall that rock, in which he confideth, defend him: nor the carnall wiſdom of that man whom he counteth half a God [this was young Lethingtoun] make him help, but shamefully shall he be pulled out of that neſt, and his carkaſe hang before the ſun; The ſoul of that man is dear unto mee, and if it be poſſible, I would fain have him to be ſaved. The two went, and conferred with Grainge: but prevailed not: which being reported to John Knox, he took it heavily. The laſt night of his life on earth, he ſleeped ſome hours together, but with many ſighs and groans: when he awoke, they asked him, how he did find himſelfe, and what had moved him to mourn in his ſleep? He anſwered, In my time I have oft been aſſaulted by Satan, and oft hath p. 378he caſt my ſins in my teeth, to bring mee into deſpair; but God gave me grace to overcome all his tentations: And now that ſubtle S…rpent, who never ceaſeth to tempt, hath taken another courſe: he ſeeks to perſuade mee, that my labours in my Miniſtry, and the fidelity, I have shewd in in that ſervice, hath merited heaven and immortality; But bleſſed be God, who brought to my mind theſe Scriptures, What hast thou, that thou hast not received? And, Not I, but the Grace of God in mee. With which he hath gone away ashamed, and shall no more return: and now I am ſure, my battell is at an end, and that without pain of body or trouble of Spirit I shall shortly change this mortall life with that happy & immortall life. When the prajer was made, one asked, Whither he had heard it? He anſwered, Would God, yee had heard it with ſuch an eare and heart, as I have done. Then ſaid he, Lord Jeſus, receive my ſpirit. After theſe words he ſpoke no more, but without any motion he ended this life. Within three days the Earle Morton was choſen Regent by conſent of the States. The Laird of Grange was Captain of the caſtle, and when orhers of that faction did yeeld unto the agreement, he would not agree, becauſe the Eſtates would not yeeld unto ſome high demands of his own: he gave a proclamation from the caſtle-wall, commanding all the Queens ſubjects, to depart out of the town within 24. hours: after which time he thundered with cannons againſt the town, to their great terror, yet not great hurt. In May following an aſſault was made upon the caſtle; the beſeeged rendred themſelves. Lethinton was ſent to Lieth, and died ſuddenly throgh grief; and Grainge with his brother and two others were hanged in the market-ſtriet of Edinburgh.