The Antipathy of the English Lordly Prelacy, Part 2 · Chapter 7 · Section 2

The Antipathy of the English Lordly Prelacy · Part 2 · Chapter 7 · Section 2

p. 312The Bishops of Scotlands acts in this kinde.

TO passe from Normandy to Scotland; before I enter into a Relation of any of the Scotish Prelates actions; I shall inform you what aaHolinshed his History of Scotland. p. 183.Holinshed writes of King Davids erection of Bishoprickes in Scotland, and his endowing of them with large temporall possessions. This Church in the originall plantation of the Gospell having beene governed onelyonly by Presbyters, and wanting Bishops for some hundred of yeares, following herein the custome of the Primitive Church, asbbScot. chron. l. 3, c. 8. Iohn Fordon, ccDe Gestis Scot. l. 2. c. 3.Iohn Major, ddDe Brit. Eccle. primordiis p. 800Bishop Vsher, and Concil p. 342.Spelman testifie; David King of Scots erected foure Bishoprickes, within this Realme, Rosse, Brochin, Dunkeld and Dublaine, indowing them with rich Rents, faire Lands, and sundry right commodious possessions. Moreover, he translated the Bishops See of Murthlake unto Aberden, for sundry advised considerations, augmenting it with certaine revenues, as he thought expedient. He was admonished (as the report goeth) in his sleepe, that he should build an Abbey for a religious Order, to live in together;Holyrood house builded. Whereupon he sent for workemen into France, and Flanders, and set them in hand to build this Abbey of Canons regular, as he was admonished, dedicating it in the honour of a Crosse (whereunto he bare speciall devotion) for that very strangely it slipped into his p. 313hands on a time, as he was pursuing and following of a Hart in the Chase: But enough of these Monkish devises. Many prudent men blame greatly the unmeasurable liberality of King David;Liberality in King David toward the Church reproved. which he used towards the Church, in diminishing so hugely the revenues of the Crowne, being the cause that many Noble Princes his Successors, have come to their finall ends, for that they have beene constrained through want of treasure to maintaine their royall estates, to procure the fall of sundry great Houses, to possesse their Lands and livings; also, to raise payments and exactions of the Common people, to the utter impoverishment of the Realme. And sometime they have beene constrained to invade England by warres, as desperate men not caring what came of their lives. Other whiles they have beene enforced to stampe naughty money to the great prejudice of the Common wealth. All which mischiefes have followed since the time that the Church hath beene thus enriched, and the Crowne impoverished.The Church enriched, and the Crowne impoverished. Therefore King Iames the first, when he came to King Davids Sepulcher at Dunfirmling, he said;The saying of King Iames the first. that he was a sore Saint for the Crowne. A sore Saint. Iohn Major.Meaning that he left the Church over-rich, and the Crowne too poore. For he tooke from the Crowne (as Iohn Major writeth in his Chronicles) 60000. pound Scotish of yearely revenues;60000. pound in Lands given to the Church. Wherewith he endowed those Abbyes. But if King David had considered how to nourish true Religion, he had neither endowed Churches with such riches, nor built them with such royalty, for the superfluous possessions of the Church (as they are now used) are not onelyonly occasion to evill Prelates to live in most insolent pompe and corrupt life,Superfluous possessions of the Church. but an assured Net to draw gold and silver out of Realmes. Thus Holinshed of the Bishops and Bishoprickes of Scotland in generall.

In a ffWill. Harinson descrip. Eng. l. 2. c. 2. p. 140.Convocation at Fairefax under King Gregory, Anno, 875. It was decreed by the Bishops of Scotland, that Ordinaries and Bishops should have authority to order all men, both publike and private (yea Kings themselves) as well for the keeping of Faith given, as to constraine them to confirme the same, and to punish such as should be found in the contrary. This was a high straine of insolency and treachery against the Prerogative of the King and Nobles priviledges, whom these Prelates endeavoured to enthrall to their Lordly pleasures; and perchance it was in affront of King Davids Law who ordained Anno 860. (but 15. yeares p. 314before) that Priests should attend their Cures, and not intermeddle with secular businesses, or keepe Horses, Haukes, or Hounds. A very good Law, had it beene as well executed.

Anno ggWalsi…gham hist. Angl. p. 28. Annals of Ireland in Master Cambden. p. 160, 161.1294. the Scots conspiring together against their Soveraigne Lord and King, Iohn Bailiol, rose up in armes against him, and inclosing him in a Castle, they elected to themselves twelve Peeres after the manner of France; whereof the foure first were Bishops, by whose will and direction all the affaires of the Kingdome should be managed. And this was done in despite to disgrace the King of England, who set the said Iohn over them against their wils. Whereupon the King of England brought an Army towards Scotland, in Lent following, to represse the rash arrogancy and presumption of the Scots … against their owne Father and King; and miserably wasted the Country, over-running it quite, and making both them and their King whom he tooke Prisoner, to doe homage, and sweare feal…y, and give pledges to him as **Hist. Anglic p. 31, 32, 33, 34, 36Walsingham reci…es more at large. Among these Bishops it seemes that the Bishop of …lascow was one of the chiefe opposites against the King of Scotland and England, for Anno 1298. I finde this Bishop one of the chiefe Captaines of the Rebellious Scots, and leading an Army in the field; which being disbanded for feare of the English forces, upon promise of pardon, this Bishop Ne proditionis notam incurreret, lest he should incurre the brand of treason, rendred himselfe to Earle Warren sent into Scotland with an Army, who committed him prisoner to the Castle of Rok…burrow, for a Rebell, where he was detained.

Wimundus Bishop of the IlesWilliam of **Hist. l. 1. c. 23, 24.Neubery records; Tha… David King of Scots was divinely chastised by one Wimundus, an English man of obscure parents, made Bishop of the Scottish Islands; who waxing proud of his Bishopricke, began to attempt great matters: Not content with the dignity of his Episcopall Office, he did now in his mind walke in great and wonderfull matters above himselfe, having a mouth speaking great things, with a most vaine heart. In conclusion, gathering together Poore and bold men, no… fearing the judgement of verity, he gave out himselfe to be the Sonne of Count Murrey, spoyled of the inheritance of his Fathers, by the King of Scots; that he had an intention no… onelyonly to prosecute his right, but likewise …o revenge his wrongs; that he desired to have them, the Consorts both of his danger p. 315and fortune… that i… was a businesse verily of some labour and danger, but of great reputation, and much emolument. All of them therefore being animated by, and sworne to his words, he began cruelly to play Rex through the Neighbour Islands, and he was now like Nemroth, A mighty hunter before the Lord, disdaining according to the duty of his Episcopall Office, to be a Fisher of Men, like Peter, his Millitary troopes encreasing dayly, amongst whom, he being taller than the rest, almost by the head and shoulders, like a great Generall, inflamed the mindes of all the rest. He made excursions into the Provinces of Scotland, exterminating all things with rapines and murthers; and when as a royall Army was sent against him, retyring himselfe into remote Forrests, or …lying backe into the Ocean, he eluded all their warlike preparations; and the Army retyring, hee brake out againe out of his lurking places, to infest the Provinces. When therefore he prospered in all things, and became now terrible, even to the King himselfe; a certaine Bishop a most simple man, mi…aculously repressed his violence for a time; to whom, when he denouncing warre, threatned utter devastation, unlesse he would pay him a tribute; He answered, The will of the Lord be done, for by my example, never shall any Bishop be made the tributary to another Bishop. Therefore, having exhorted his people, he meetes him comming with fury, onelyonly greater than he in Faith, but farre unlike him in other things, and for the encouragement of his Souldiers, he himselfe giving the first stroke of the battle, casting a small Axe at him, by Gods good pleasure prostrated the enemy marching in the front: With whose fall the people being encouraged, rann… violently upon the Robbers, and slaying a great part of them, compelled the most fierce captaine unmanfully to fly. This, hee himselfe was wont afterwards to relate among his friends with mirth, as glorying, That onelyonly God could over come him by the Faith of a simple Bishop. After this, resuming his Forces, he wasted the I…lands and Provinces of Scotland, as at first: Whereupon the King was compelled to appease this Robber; to which end using better counsell than formerly, he …esolved, to deale wisely with a proud and cra…ty enemy, with whom he could not deale valiantly: Therefore granting to him a certaine Province, with the monastery of Fornace, he suspended his excursions for a time. But when as he gloriously passed p. 316through the subdued Province like a King, with a powerfull army, and became exceeding troublesome to the Monastery it selfe of which he had beene a Monke; by the consent of the Nobles (who hated either his power, or his insolence) some Inhabitants of the said Province laid waite for him: and having gotten a convenient time, when as hee followed the multitude he had sent before him to his lodging, with a slow pace, and a small guard, they apprehending him, bound him and put out both his eyes, because both were wicked: and cutting off the cause of a virulent race, they gelt him (writes my Author) for the peace of the Kingdome of Scotland, not for the Kingdome of Heaven: This Bishop, thus emasculated, afterwards came to Belleland, and there continued quiet many yeares till his death; Yet he is reported then to have said, that if he had the eye but of a Sparrow, his Enemyes should no way insult off their Acts against him. So Neubrigens…s. If all our Lordly Bishops were gelt like this, for the peace of the Kingdome, both of Scotland and England, that we might be no more troubled with this their Lordly virulent generation in …uture ages, I presume it would be as great a blessing, as could befall both Kingdomes and Churches.

**Holinshed Hist. of Scot. p. 196. Adam Bishop of Cathnes slaine by the people of …hat Country.About the yeare 1230.Adam Bishop of Cathnes. the men of Cathnes, sore offended with their Bishop, named Adam, for that upon refusall to pay their Tithes, he had accursed and excommunicated them, fel upon him within his owne house; And first scourging him with Rods, at length set fire upon him, and burnt him within his owne kitchin: Which Act being reported to the Sco…tish King Alexander, as then sojourning at Edenburgh, he hasted forth with all speed to punish the offenders,Streight execution. not ceasing till he had taken 400…. of them… all which number he caused to be hanged; and for that he would have no succession to come of such a wicked seed, he appointed all their Sons to lose their stones. The place where they were so gelded, is called even to this day the Stony-hill. The Stony-hill.The Ea…le of Cathnes, for that he neither succoured the Bishop in time of need, nor yet sought to punish the offenders that did this cruell deed, was deprived of his Earledome,The Earle of Cathnes looseth his Lands. and the Lands belonging to the same. The Pope highly commended King Alexander, King Alexander commended of the Pop…for this punishment taken of them that had so cruelly murthered their Bishop. Thus was one small cruelty occasioned by this Bishops covetousnesse, and p. 317perversenesse, punished with a farre greater; yea, such a one as is hardly parralleld in story; and that by the instigation of the Prelates and Pope, who applauded this barbarous cruelty. Had all Lordly, Traytorly, Rebellious, and Seditious Prelates beene thus gelded, that no succession migh… spring from their wicked seed, to infest both Chu…ch and State, it had beene a more profitable and commendable action, than the gelding of these poore Laymen.

King **Holinsh. History of Scotland, p. 291.Iames the fourth,Will. Elfing…tone Bishop of Aberdin…. Anno 1504. when he had formerly ministred justice so amongst his Subjects, that they lived in great peace and quietnesse, William Elfinstone Bishop of Aberdene, one of his Counsell, devised wayes to win the King great profit and gaine, by calling his Barons, and all those that held any Lands within this Realme, to shew their evidences by way of recognition; and if they had not sufficient writings to shew, warrantabl… by the antecedent Lawes of the Kingdome, the Lands should remaine at the Kings pleasure. But when the King perceived his people to grudge herewith, and not without ca…se, as with a thing devised to disquiet his people and the whole Country; of his owne courteous nature he easily agreed with the possessors of such Lands: For the which he purchased great love amongst his people, and the Bishop, the deviser of this Ordinance, wanne passing great hatred and malice.Gawin Bishop of Dunkeld.

Anno. 1521. **Holish. History of Scotland, p. 307.A Parliament was summoned to be kept at Edenburgh, the 26. of Ianuary, and a generall Sommons of for…eiture proclaimed at the Market Crosse in Edenburgh, wherein divers were sommoned to make their appearance in the said Parliament, to be tryed for sundry great offences by them committed: Whereupon Gawin Dowglasse Bishop of Dunkeld hearing of this Proclamation (though not named in it) conscious to himselfe of great offences, fled into England, and remained a… London in the Savoy, where he dyed.

Anno 1569. **Martyns History, p. 552.There was a great rebellion in the North by the Earles of Westmorland and Northumberland and others:Bishop of Rosse. Murray then Regent of Scotland, informed Queene Elizabeth, that the Bishop of Rosse, then in England was the Authour of that Rebellion, whereupon he was committed to the Bishop of London, to remaine his Prisoner.

As the Archbishops of Canterbury Primates of all England, p. 318have beene the greatest Traytors and Incendiaries of all other our Prelates; so have the Bishops and Archbishops of Saint Andrewes, Primates of all Scotland, beene the like in that Realme, of which I shall give you a taste.

**Iohn Scot. Roger de Hoveden Annalium pars posterior, p. 597, …98, 599… 614, to 617, 621.646, to 649.In the yeare of our Lord 1180. Richard Bishop of Saint Andrews deceasing, there arose a great Schisme about the election of a new Bishop; for the canons of the Church of S. Andrews, elected Iohn Scot for their Bishop, and William King of Scots, made choyce of Hugh his Chaplaine, and caused him to be consecrated by the Bishops of his Kingdome, notwithstanding the said Iohns appeale to the Pope. Whereupon Pope Alexander sent Alexis a sub-Deacon of the Church of Rome into Scotland, to heare and determine the controversie betweene these two competitors: Who after a long debate, finding, that the said Iohn was Canonically elected, and that Hugh after the appeale to the Pope, was violently intruded by the King into the Bishopricke of Saint Andrewes, immediately deposed him from his Bishopricke, and by his authority imposed perpetuall silence on him; confirmed the election of Iohn, and caused him to be consecrated Bishop of Saint Andrewes, by the Bishops of Scotland, the King neither prohibiting nor contradicting it, yea, permitting it by the Counsell of the Bishops of his Realme. But immediately after his consecration, the King prohibited him to stay within his kingdome: and Hugh carryed himselfe as Bishop, no lesse than he did before his deprivation; and taking with him the Episcopall Chaplet, Staffe, and Ring, with other things, he unlawfully detaining them, and beginning his journey towards Rome, departed. And because he would not restore the things he carryed away, Allexis excommunicated him, interdicted his Bishopricke, and the Pope confirmed that sentence. Hereupon the Pope writes three Letters; one to the Bishops, Abbots, and Prelates of all Scotland, the Prior of Saint Andrewes, and the Clergy and people of that Diocesse, honourably to receive Iohn as their Bishop, within 8 dayes after the receipt of this Letter, and to submit unto him as their Bishop; and putting on the spirit of fortitude to labour wisely and manfully for the preservation of Ecclesiasticall Justice, and to endeavour to appease the Kings displeasure; But if the King were averse, or inclining to the Counsell of wicked men, then they ought to obey God and the holy Church of Rome more than p. 319men; otherwise he must and would ratifie the sentence which Hugh Bishop of Durham had pronounced against the contumacious and rebellious. Another Letter to all the Bishops and Prelates of Scotland, to denounce Hugh excommunicated, and to avoyd his company as an excommunicate Person, till he restored to Iohn, the goods of the Church he had taken away, and given him competent satisfaction for the things he had destroyed. Moreover, the Pope granted to Roger Arch-bishop of Yorke, a power Legatine in Scotland, and commanded him that he, together wi…h Hugh, Bishop of Durham, should denounce a …entence of excommunication against the King of Scotland, and interdict his Kingdome, unlesse he would permit the said Iohn to hold his Bishopricke in peace, and give security to him to keepe the peace; And the same Pope strictly commanded Iohn, by vertue of his canonicall obedience, that neither act of love, nor feare o… any man, nor through any mans suggestion or will, he should rashly presume to relinquish the Church of Saint Andrewes, to which he was consecrated, and in which he was confirmed by Apostolicall authority, nor presume to receive another Bishopricke; adding, that if he should attempt it, he would take away both Bishopricks from him without exception. After which, Pope Alexander writ a Letter to King William himselfe, enjoyning him thereby within twenty dayes after the receipt thereof, to give peace and security to the Bishop: and to receive him unto his favour, so that he ought not to doubt the Kings indignation; Alioquin noveritis, &c. Else he should know, that he had commanded Roger Archbishop of Yorke, Legate of the Apostolicke See in Scotland, to put his Kingdome under interdict, and to excommunicate his person notwithstanding any appeale. And that he should know for certaine, that if he persisted in his violence, as he had formerly laboured that his kingdome might have liberty, so he would thenceforth doe his endeavour, Vt in pristinam subjectionem revertatur, that it should revert unto its Priestine subjection: (He meant, I take it, not to himselfe but to England;) But the King obeying in nothing, his Apostolicall mandates, expelled Iohn, Bishop of Saint Andrewes, and Matthew, Bishop of Aberden, his Uncle, o…t of his kingdome; Whereupon Roger Arch-bishop of Yorke, Hugh Bishop of Durham, and Alexis prosecuting the Popes command, Pronounced a Sentence of Excommunication against the Kings person, p. 320and a sentence of Interdict against his Kingdome. And Iohn on the other side, fulminated a sentence of excommunication against Richard de M…rtue Constable of Scotland, and other of the Kings familiars, who disturbed the peace betweene the King and him; And Roger of Yorke, and Hugh of Durham, likewise enjoyned the Prior of Saint Andrewes, and all Ecclesiasticall persons within the Diocesse, to come to Iohn their Bishop, and yeeld due subjection to him; else they would pronounce a sentence of suspention against them, as contumacious and rebellious. And when as certaine Ecclesiastickes of the Diocesse, for feare of the said suspension, came to the said Iohn, the King cast them all out of his kingdome, with their children and kindred, and with their very sucking children, yet lying in their swathing cloutes and hanging on their Mothers brests; Whose miserable proscription and exile, the foresaid Roger of Yorke, and Hugh of Durham beholding, Reiterated their former excommunication and interdiction; Commanding all Bishops, Abbots, Priors, and Ecclesiasticall persons, firmely, and unmoveably to observe the same, and very warily to shunne the King himselfe, as an excommunicate Person. Not long after Roger of Yorke fell sicke and dyed, which the King of Scot… hearing, rejoyced exceedingly thereat. And taking advise with the Bishops, Earles, and other wise men of his kingdome, he sent Ioceline Bishop of Glascow, Arnulfe Abbot of Melros, and others to Pope Lucius to absolve him from the foresaid Excommunication and interdict; and if they might by any meanes, to procure Iohn to be deprived: By whose solicitation the Pope released the Excommunication and interdict, as appeares by his Letter to the King, recorded at large by Hoveden. After which the Pope sent one Rolland Elect Bishop of Dole into Scotland, to make peace betweene the King and Iohn; who after long debate made this accord; that Hugh should abjure the Bishopricke of Saint Andrewe… ; and that Iohn should also release all his claimes thereto, and in leiu thereof should have the Bishopricke of Dunkelden, and all the rents he had before the election, and the Chancery of the King, and forty markes rent out of the Bishopricke of Saint Andrewes. But Hugh, when the King required him to renounce his Bishopricke, answered, That he would rather receive his judgement in the Court of Rome, than thus abjure his Bishopricke, to which he had beene consecrated. And forthwith p. 321he reproved the Letters which Iohn had impetrated from Rome against him of falsehood, and appealed to the Pope: Whereupon Rolland not able to proceed, certified the Pope at large of the agreement and proceedings. After this Iohn and Hugh appearing before the Pope and Cardinals at Velletris, their cause was fully heard and debated in their audience; whereupon, by the common Counsell of his Brethren, he deprived both of them, and caused them to resigne the Bishoprick into his hands, freely and absolutely; And within …ew dayes after, by the advise of all the Cardinalls, the Pope restored and confirmed the Bishopricke of Saint Andrewes to Hugh, and gave the Bishopricke of Dunkelden, with what ever the King formerly offered, to Iohn. Both the Bishops returning home, received these severall Bishoprickes; but because the King would not restore to Iohn the things taken from him; he questioned Hugh againe for the Bishopricke of Saint Andrewes: For which purpose he went to Rome, where he procured Hugh to be deposed, (though but newly setled there before) and brought with him five severall Letters from Pope Clement, touching this businesse: The first to Iocelin Bishop of Glascow, Matthew Bishop of Aberden, and others, declaring the deposition of Hugh, and absolving all within his Diocesse from his subjection and obedience; and enjoyning them to elect Iohn, and receive him for their Bishop: The second to William King of Scots, to receive Iohn into favour, to remove Hugh, and invest Iohn in this Bishopricke: The third to Henry the second, King of England, beseeching, admonishing, and enjoyning him as he tendred the remission of his sinnes, and out of his reverence of Saint Peter, and him, diligently to admonish and perswade the King of Scots, Et si necesse fuerit, districtione regali, qua ei praemines, & concessa tuae regiae celsitudini potestate compellas, &c. And if need were, To compell him by his royall distresse, whereby he was above him, and by the power granted to his royall Highnesse, to lay aside all his rancor against this Bishop, conceived by the malice of some whisperers, and removing all excuses to pardon him, and to permit him quietly to enjoy the Diocesse of Saint Andrewes, without any further trouble or suite, seeing he was ready, and prepared to be obedient to the King in all things: The fourth to all the Clergy, and of the Diocesse of Saint Andrewes, enjoyning them humbly and devoutly to receive p. 322Iohn as their proper Father and Pastor, and fromthenceforth to give all due reverence and obedience to his wholesome admonitions, and mandates wi…hout any di…imulation: declaring all elections of any other to the Bishopricke, voyd, and threatning to put all the Diocesse under interdict, if they presumed to conspire against Iohn, untill they should acknowledge their offence, and submit unto him. The fifth to three Scottish Bishops, and sundry Abbots, reciting how great persecutions, calamities, and pressures the Church of Saint Andrewes had suffered under the shadow of the Kings indignation; and what great dangers and labours Iohn had sustained …or the preservation of the liberties of the Church committed to him, confirmed by two Popes his predecessours; and requiring them after the receipt of this Letter, to meete together like wise and provident men, and to goe to the Kings presence, and diligently to admonish, and induce him to remit the rancor of his indignation against the said Bishop, and not to contemne the Church of Rome herein, but without delay wholesomely to obey, and humbly to submit to her, and to their admonitions, as it was agreeable to his Kingly glory and salvation, and quietly to permit the Bishop to enjoy the Bishopricke of Saint Andrewes. And that i… (which God forbid) he should resist these Apostolicall monitions to the perill of his owne salvation, then they should promulgate an i…terdict against his highnesse Kingdome, his Person, and all his Favorites and Abettors, within twenty dayes, notwithstanding any appeale, by his Apostolicall authority: And …hould strike those with the like sentence, who were obedient to Hugh, and fomented him in his obstinacy (seeing the See Apostolicke had perpetually removed from Saint Andrewes, and excommunicated him) and should publickely pronounce them to be excommunicated as long as they did thus; and should be carefully avoyded by others, untill they should returne to the Churches obedience, and demaund the benefit of absolution from Iohn as their Bishop. Enjoyning them farther, to purifie and sanctifie according to the custome of the Church, all the Altars, and Chalices, in which Hugh had celebrated, during his excommunication; and to suspend all the Clerkes of Saint Andrewes, both from their office and benefice, and knit them fast in the bond of excommunication, who should be contumacious and rebellious against Iohn, untill they submitted to him. The King p. 323hearing these things, being at last overcome by the perswasion and intreaty of his friends, received Io…n into his favour; and granted him peaceably to enjoy the B…shopricke of Dunkelden, and all the Rents he formerly had before his consecration; upon condition, that Iohn should quite claime from all suite the Bishopricke of Saint Andrewes; which notwithstanding the Popes Letters wherewith he was furnished, he was content to doe, and to submit to the Kings mercy; knowing, That a morsell of bread is better with joy, than an house full of sacrifice with contention. Hugh being degraded from Saint Andrewes, and excommunicated goes to Rome, and giving caution to stand to the judgement of the Church, he was mercifully absolved by the Pope, and within few dayes after dyed at Rome of the plague with most of his family; Whereupon the King of Scotland gave the Bishoprick of Saint Andrews to Roger the Earle of Leicestors Sonne, then his Chancellour, Iohn being present, and not contradicting it. The same **H…ed…n Annalium pars posteri…, p. 6512 714.yeare 1188. King William sent Messengers to Pope Clement, and obtained of him Letters of Protection in this forme, touching the exemption of the Churches of his Kingdome. Clemens Episcopus, servus servorum Dei, charissimo in Christo filio, Willielmo illustri Scotorum Regi, salutem & Apostolicam benedictionem. Cum universi Christi jugo subjecti ad sedem Apostolicam patrocinium invenire debeant & favorem, illos tamen specialius conv…nit munim…ne protectionis confoveri, quorum fidem ac devotionem in pluribus est experta, ut ad ipsius electionis favorem tanto amplius provocetur, & ejus reverentiae devotiori affectione subdantur, quanto benevolentiae ipsius & gratiae pignus se noverint certius assecutos. E… propter (O charissime in Christo fili) reverentiam, ac devotionem, quam ad Romanam te habuisse a longis retro temporibus Ecclesiam novimus, attendentes, praesentis scripti pagina duximus statuendum, ut Scoticana Ecclesia Apostolicae sedi, cujus filia specialis existit, nullo mediante debeat subjacere. In qua hae sedes Episcopales esse noscuntur, Ecclesiae videlicet, S. Andreae, Glascuensis, Dunkeldensis, Dumblinensis, Brehinensis, Aberdonensis, Moraviensis, Rosensensis, Katinensis, & nemini liceat nisi Romano Pontifici, vel legato ab ipsius latere destinato, in regnum Scotiae interdicti, vel excommunicationis sententiam promulgare, & si promulgata fuerit, decernimus non valere, adjicimus, ut nulli de caetero, qui de regno Sco…iae non fuerit, nisi quem Apostolica sedes propter hoc de corpore p. 324suo specialiter destinaverit, licitum sit in eo ligationis officium exercere. Prohibemus autem ut controversiae, quae fuerint in regno illo de possessionibus ejus exortae, ad examen extra regnum positorum judicum non trabantur, nisi ad Romanam Ecclesiam fuerit appellatum. Si qua vero scripta contra hujus libertatis statuta apparuerint impetrata, vel in posterum, istius concessionis mentione non habita, contigerit impetrari, nullum tibi, vel ipsi regno circa hujus praerogativae concessionem, praejudicium generetur… praeterea libertates, & immunitates tibi, vel eidem regno, vel Ecclesiis in eo constitutis a praedecessoribus nostris Romanis pontificibus indultas, & hactenus observatas, ratas habemus, & illibatas futuris temporibus statuimus permanere. Nulli ergo hominum liceat paginam nostrae constitutionis, & prohibitionis infringere, vel ei aliquatenus contraire. Si quis autem hoc attentare praesumpserit, indignationem omnipotentis Dei, & beatorum Petri & Pauli Apostolorum ejus se noverit incursurum. Datum Laterani tertia Idus Martii pontificatus nostri anno primo. Not long after the same King procured the same Letter verbatim from Pope Coelestine, H…veden ibid. p. 714.in the first yeare of his Papacy. But to returne to our Bishops of this See.

Robert de Bruse.In the yeare of Grace 1306. Robert de Bruse, invader of anothers kingdome,**Math. Westm. An. 1306. p. 456, &c. and a paricide, like Adonias, caused himselfe to be Crowned King of Scotland, in the Abbey of Schone, after the manner of his Country, by the Bishops of Saint Andrewes, and Glascow, the Abbot of Schone, and other conspirators, contrary to the Oath they and he had taken to King Edward the first: Which was the occasion of a bloody warre, as you may read more at large in our Historians.

Anno 1445. The Earle of**H…linshed Hist. of Scot. p. 271.276, 277, 279. Iames K…edie. Dowglas who ruled wholly about King Iames the second, set the Earle of Crawford against the Bishop of Saint Andrewes called Iames Kenedy, Sisters sonne to King Iames the first, who tooke a great prey out of the Bishops Lands in Fiffe. Whereupon the Earle of Crawford on the one part, and the Earle of Huntly with the Ogilinde on the other, met at Arbroth in set battle, where the Earle of Crawford, and 600. more on both sides were slaine: King Iames the second, Anno 1454. by the advise of this Bishop, dispatched out of the way, such as he any wayes mistrusted, of which number was the Dowglasses, whose puissance and authority, not without cause, he evermore suspected; he turned the Earle of Angus, and divers of the Dowglasses blood that were of their faction p. 325from them, and made them to revolt from the other confederates, so as in the end he had them all at his pleasure… Anno 1462. All things at that season were ordered by the advice and Counsell of this Bishop, who governed the Realme of Scotland, as well during the minority of Iames the third, as also in the dayes of his Father, King Iames the second. And was the occasion of many tumults and warres therein.Graham.

The **Francis Thi…. his continuation of H…linsheds history of Scotland, p. 454, 455Scots …eeking meanes to rid th…mselves from subjection of the Bishop of Yorke, who was anciently the Metropolitane of Scotland, did in the yeare of Christ 1474. obtaine of the Pope, that they might have a Metropolitane See within themselves, by reason of the continuall warres which were betweene the two Nations,**H…linsh. History of Scotland, London, 1585. p. 282. Mr. Cambdens Scotia. p. 32, 33. during which they could neither use appellations to their Metropolitane, nor have other Bishops consecra…ed. Whereupon the Pope erected the Church of Saint Andrewes into an Arch-Bishopricke in the time of King Iames the third, touching which, thus writeth Lesleus, li. 8. p. 317. Hoc anno (which was the yeare of Christ 1474) Patricius Grahamus sedis Andreapolitanae Ecclesiae Episcopus crebris literis ac nuntiis a Papa efflagitavit, ut Metropolitana potestas in divi Andreae civitate figeretur; iniquum esse enim contendit, ut Scoti ab Eboracensi Episcopo tanquam primate penderent, cum propter crebra bella (quibus se Scoti & Angli mutuo lacessunt) Scotis ad illum non pateretur tutus accessus, nec liberum jus, praesertim in appellationibus. Annuit summus Pontifex, ut Andreapolitano deinceps Episcopo potestas Metropolitana incumbat; dies indulto Pontifici promulgandi mense Septembri dicta est, atque maxima populi nobiliumque laetitia celebrata. Episcopi reliqui Grahami odio flagrantes illius authoritatem repudiant, Regisque animum ingenti pecunia (which was as other Authours say eleven thousand Markes) occupant, ne Grahami partibus studeret. Interea praesules Romam mittunt qui sui defensionem contra Grahamum suscipiunt. But in the end they did not prevaile. Graham was made Arch bishop. Patricke Graham being Bishop of Saint Andrewes, and the first Archbishop of that See,Thin. ibidem. was after his advancement to that title deprived in this sort. **H…lin. History of Scotland, p. 282, 283. Le…us lib. 8. p. 3.18.In the yeare of Christ 1477… Pope Xistus, the fourth of that name, sent a Legate called Husman, into Scotland, which should displace this Patricke the Archbishop of Saint Andrewes, condemned by the sentence of the Pope and the Cardinals, for an Heretique, Schismaticke, p. 326Simonicke; Whereupon he was deprived of all Ecclesiasticall dignity, and commanded to perpetuall Prison. In whose place was William Schewes chosen, to whose custody and disposition this Patricke was committed, after which Graham being removed for his safe imprisonment first to Saint Colmes Isle, then to Dumfermling, and lastly to Lochelevine, there in the end he dyed, and was buryed in Saint Sarffis, or Servimanus Isle in Lochelevine, after that he had beene three yeares Arch Bishop.

William SchewesWilliam **Francis Thin. Ibid.Schewes being created Archbishop of Saint Andrewes, in the yeare of Christ, 1478. as some have, or 1479… as others have it, in the Holy-Rood House in Edenburgh, in the presence of King Iames, and many of the Nobility received the Pall, as the ensigne of his Metropolitane power, being declared Legate and Primate of Sco…land; at what time he was not withstood by any of the o…her Bishops, who being estranged from shewing any favour to Graham, did often in…ringe his authority, and in the end expelled the same Graham from his Archiepiscopall See. After which in the yeare of Christ 1482. This Archbishop Schewes, fled into his owne Country, and after at the request of the King, resigned his Archbishopricke, contenting himselfe with the Bishopricke of Murry.

Andrew Steward.Andrew **Francis Thin. Ibid.Steward Uncle to King Iames the third, was upon the resignation of William Schews made Archbishop of Saint Andrewes; after which in the yeare of Christ 1484. the King sent this Archbishop Embassadour to Rome for the obtaining of certaine priviledges, which he brought to effect.

In the **Holinshed Hi…story of Scotland, p. 288.yeare of Christ 1491. in the time of King Iames the fourth, about the third yeare of his Raigne was great contention betweene the Archbishops of Saint Andrewes and Glascow touching both their Authorities… Which when it had drawne many of the Nobility into divers factions, it was ceased by the King for a certaine time, untill all doubt thereof might be taken away by deciding the same by the Canon Law, before Ecclesiasticall Judges. Then in the yeare of Christ 1507. being about the nineteenth yeare of Iames the fourth, the Bishop of Saint Andrewes with the Earle of Arrane were sent Embassadors into France.

Alexa. Steward,Alexander **Francis… Thin. ibid.Steward, Bastard Sonne to King Iames the fourth was made Archbishop of Saint Andrewes in the yeare of Christ p. 3271510. About the 22. yeare of the Raigne of the same Iames the fourth. This man having long studyed with Erasmus in Germany, and in the Low Countries, was advanced to this See of the Arch bishopricke, when he was yet in Flaunders; who having intelligence thereof by his friends, came forthwith into Scotland, where he was joyfully received by the King, the Nobility and his kindred: He was slaine together with his Father King Iames the fourth, and a Scottish Bishop more, at Ploden field in the yeare of Christ 1513. **Speeds history… p. 1002. Hall… chron. 36, H. 8. f. 255.The Cardinall of Scotland promised the Scots Heaven, for the destruction of England … Perhaps they might obtaine it by their deaths, but they got no more English earth then would interre their slaine bodies. After which Iohn Hepburne Prior of Saint Andrewes strongly besieged the Castle of Saint Andrewes, and forced the same to be yeelded unto him; the cause of whi…h besiege grew, that Hepburne being chosen Bishop of Saint Andrewes, by his Canons of that Church (whereunto the whole Nobility were helpers) was hindered to possesse that Archbishopricke by such stipendary people of Gawine Dowglasse, as kept the Castle, **Less. pag. 375. Holinsh. history of Scot. p. 303, 304.whereupon the Queene, and the Earle of Angus, after that they understood how the Castle was by force come into the hands of Hepburne, did take in evill part, that he who was so troublesome unto them, should ascend to so high a dignity, and that G…wine Dowglasse, so deerely to them beloved, and to whom they had given that Bishopricke, should be helplesse of the recovery thereof. Whereupon the Queene, and the Duke of Albany, diligently laboured by Embassadours sent to Rome, that a third person (sith Gawin Dowglasse could not obtaine it) might be advanced thereunto; which third man was Andrew Forman Bishop of Murry, further requiring therewithall; that he might be Abbot of Dumfermling and Aberbroth, which in the end with much intreaty they obtained of the Pope.

**Fran. Thin Ibid.Andrew Forman Bishop of Murry, Andr. Formam…was at Edenburgh by the Popes Bulls on the eighth of the Kalends of Ianuary in the yeare of Christ 1515. being about the second yeare of the Raigne of Iames the fifth, declared Archbishop of Saint Andrewes, and Abbot of Dumfermeling, and Aberbroth. Whereupon the Prior of Sain… Andrewes before named, still contending that he was Archbishop, both in respect of the election of the Coven, and the consent of the Nobility, did labour all he could against Forman, p. 328appealing him to Rome; for which cause he with the Lord Hales and other his friends come to Edenburgh to defend the matter, at what time the Lord Hume Chamberlaine of Scotland, and such others as openly assisted Forman, did oppose themselves against the Prior; which Nobility because they were great in the Court, did the more molest and hinder Hepburne; shortly after by publike Edict, and Proclamation of the King, banishing the Prior and his followers, proclaiming them Rebels, and putting them to the home. Hepburne being stricken with the sharpenesse of that Precept, did privily depart the Towne, and the Prior went to Rome, hoping by the Popes authority to wrest from Forman the Archbishopricke, which he could not obtaine by violence. But how he sped at Rome I doe not know, for I onelyonly finde this, that in the yeare following, being the yeare of Christ, 1516. about the third yeare of the same Iames the fifth, that the Governour perceiving, that all these contentions, hatreds and divisions of the Nobility did arise by these bralls, which were betweene Forman and Hepburne for the See of Saint Andrewes to the great di…quieting of the Realme, by such part-takings as chanced thereabouts among the Lords, desired to cure this grievous wound made in the Common-wealth. Wherefore he perswaded Andrew Forman, that he should resigne all his Ecclesiasticall Benefices into his hands in an open assembly at Edenburgh, for by that meanes, the Governour thought that he might pacifie the minds of the Nobility, and utterly rout out those branches of dissention. Whereupon there was a day appointed to the Nobility to assemble, at what time Andrew Forman freely resigned to the Governour the Duke of Albanie, all his Ecclesiasticall promotions to be disposed at the Dukes pleasure. In consideration thereof the Duke bestowed the Archbishopricke of Saint Andrewes, and the Abbey of Dumfermling upon the same Andrew Forman, and gave the Bishopricke of Murry to Iames Hepburne, (greatly favoured of the Earle Bothwell, and the Competitor of Forman) being thereunto substitute by Iohn Hepburne P…ior of Saint Andrewes in the place of the said Iohn, to whom moreover the Duke appointed a yeerely pension of 1000. markes to be paid by the same Forman out of the Abbey of Dumfermling; After which about sixe yeares or somewhat le…e, this Forman departed this Life, being in the yeare of Christ 1522. and the ninth yeare p. 329of King Iames the fifth, to whom succeeded Iames Beton.

Iames **Francis Thin his continuation o… Holin. history of Scot. p. 451.Beton Archbishop of Glascow, Iames Beton.was Chancellor in the yeare of Christ, 1513. being the first yeare of King Iames the fifth. This man being of great wisedome was appointed amongst others to assist the Queene in the government of the Realme, whereunto she was for a time advanced;**Holinshed Hi…story of Scotland, p. 302.308 but the woman not induring to be directed by others, taking quarrell against the Bishop, did immediately after the marriage performed, the sixth of August, in the yeare of Christ 1514. betweene her and Archibald Dowglasse Earle of Angus (which this Bishop incountred as much as he could) take the great Seal… from the said Bishop of Glascow, at Saint Iohns Towne; whereupon the Bishop got him to Edenburgh, and assisted with many Lords, kept the Queene and her husband out of that Towne; whereby great dissention and part-taking was raised amongst the Nobility of the Realme. But as I gather, peace being made betweene them, he was againe made Chancellor. After this, in the yeare of Christ, 1515. he commeth with the Earle of Arrane, who submitteth himselfe to the Governour; Shortly following, the Governour gave to this Archbishop of Glascow, the Abbey of Arbroth, assigning to the Earle of Murrey, a large pension out of the same; which Bishop being thus in favour with the Governour, was (in the yeare of Christ 1517. in May, when the Governour went into France) appointed amongst others, to have the Rule of the Realme, untill his returne. Two yeares after which, the Nobility being divided about the quarrell of the Earle of Angus and Arrane, this Bishop in the yeare of Christ 1519. being then also Chancellor, with other Noblemen of the Realme, kept the Towne of Glascow; but after that, this Chancellour, who would not come to Edenburgh, the King of England and of France, their Embassadors came to Sterling, where a peace was proclaimed amongst the Nobility. But what can long continue in one stay, or what peace will be long embraced amongst ambitious mindes, sith in the yeare following, being the yeare of Christ 1…20. the Noblemen …ell againe to factions; For when divers of the Peeres were come to Edenburgh to aide the Earle of Angus against the Earle of Arrane (this Chancellor remaining then in the Towne) they pursued the Earle and Chancellour so hotly, that they were both constrained to forsake the Towne and to fly through the p. 330North locke, about the thirteenth day of Aprill. But as the events of quarrels be doubtfull, now up, now downe, so this Archbishop, not long a…ter this disgrace, recovered breath, and in November following, did accompany the Regent come out of France to Edenburgh, where was a Parliament holden to summon the Earle of Angus to appeare; but he refusing, it was agreed, that the Earle should passe into England, there to remaine. The Bishop thus having the better of his enemies, Andrew Forman Bishop of Saint Andrewes dyed in the yeare 1522 being about the ninth yeare of Iames the first, by occasion whereof this Chancellor Iames Beton Bishop of Glascow, was advanced to that See, and …urther made Abbot of Dumfermling. Upon which new honour in the yeare of Christ 1524. He was appointed one of the Governours of the Realme by Parliament, but he not possessing this honour any long time, the Earle of Angus (who had gotten the King into his usurped government, and denyed the delivery of the King: being sent for by this Bishop, and the other Nobility) sent to the Chancellor for the grea… Seale, which was delivered to the Messengers; upon which this Bishop not forgetting the same, hastened the sentence of divorce, sued before him between the Queen and the Earle of Angus. Whereof the Earle to revenge the same, did with the King, in the yeare of Christ 1526. seeke for the Queene and the Bishop of Saint Andrewes; but because they were kept secretly in their friends houses, so that they could not be heard of; He spoyled the Abbey of Dumfermling, and the Castle of Saint Andrewes, taking away all that the Archbishop had. Notwithstanding which, the Archbishop keeping in favour with the old Queene, and the young King, did in the yeare of Christ 1529, and in the sixteenth yeare o… James the fifth, Christen James the King… Sonne bo…ne at Saint Andrewes, and not long after surrendred his Soule to God.

David B…t…n.Anno 1542. **Holinsheds history of Scotland, p. 330. to 340. Francis Thin his continuation of th… History of Scotland p. 452.Immediately after the death of James the fif…h of Scotland, David Beton Cardinall, and Archbishop of Saint Andrewes, the speciall Minister and factor of the French causes to the advancement and continuance th…reof, …orged a Will of the late King departed, in which, amongst other things, he established himselfe chiefe Regent. The Protestants to whom this Cardinall was ever a cruell enemy and sharp… scourge, espyed p. 331forth his unjust dealing in this behalfe, and thereupon set the Earle of Arran against him, who by the helpe of his owne and …heir friends he removed the Cardinall and his adherents from their usurped roome and Authority; and therewith was the said Earle proclaymed Protector and Governour of the Realme. The next yeare at a Convention of the Lords at Edenburgh, Bishop of R…e author of the Northerne, rebellion. an. 1569 Martin p. 552. H…linsh. p. 959.this Archbishop was put in ward in the Castle of Dalkish, lest he should goe about to perswade the Nobility, not to consent to the Governours desires, and the King of Englands match propounded to the Scottish Queene: Which match of Prince Edward, with Queene Mary of Scotland, though concluded on by a Parliament in Scotland, this Arch…ishop Beton hindred, f…aring lest Scotland should change the Church Orders, and reforme Religion, as England had begun to doe. Whereupon ensued divers Commotions in Scotland, and a bloody War…e, King Henry the eighth sending an Army into Scotland upon this breach and occasion on the one side, and the Pope and French King sending aide to this Cardinall Archbishop and his faction on the other side. After this, this Archbishop he was removed to his owne Castle of Saint Andrewes, with Warders about him, to see him safely kept.

Anno 1…44.Speed 1049, &c. The Patriarch of Hierusalem arriving in Scotland, he was honorably received by this Cardinall Arch Prelate, and the Bishops of Scotland, into the City of Glascow, during whose abode there, great contentions arose betweene this Arch Prelate, and the Archbishop of Glascow, who should in that City be of greatest authority and honour? Which in the end came to this issue, that both families fell together by the …ares, which of them should goe before, with his Crosse borne upright. For the Cardinall Archbishop of Saint Andrewes, and Primate of the Kingdome, did affirme, that the Archbishop of Glascow should not have his Crosse borne in his owne Church so long as he was present: Which the servants of the Archbishop of Glascow tooke so in disdaine, that they plucked downe the Cardinals Crosse, and threw it to the ground, Whereupon the Governour (understanding the whole matter, and that it was now come from words to swords) made haste to appease the factious commotion, and caused the Patriarch therewith to be brought to Edenburgh, accompanyed with the Clergy, and so appeased the controversie. That done; the p. 332Patriarch, the Popes Legate comming to Rome, procured the …egantine power to be granted to the Cardinall, which he long enjoyed not; For being greatly envyed by reason of these honours and some grievous facts, by meanes whereof there fell continuall dissentions betweene the Nobility, which ended not till this Cardinall was slaine, who corrupting his Keepers, whiles he was imprisoned in Saint Andrewes Castle, he found meanes to escape thence; and in the yeare 1543. he came to the Coronation of the young Queene, and shortly after perswaded the Earle of Arrane the Governour to leave the part of …he King of England, and wholly to become French. At the Coronation, the Cardinall ordered all things, appointed every Officer, and growing into credit, did in like sort at other times dispose of the Common wealth, and Bishoprickes, as seemed best liking unto him. Whereupon the Earle of Leneux, taking part with the English, opposed himselfe against the Cardinall, whereby ensued sharpe wars, the Cardinall still supporting and counselling the Governour. Which troubles somewhat abated, when the Earle of Leneux went into England. The Cardinall led the Governour to Saint Andrewes, to the end (if it were possible) to binde the Governour more firmely to him; During the time they were there, the Cardinall caused in the Lent season all the Bishops and Prelates of the Realme, to assemble at Saint Andrewes where a learned man named Master George Wisc…art, George Wischart, a learned man burnt.that had beene in the Schooles of Germany, was accused of Heresie, which he had (as was alledged against him) publikely Preached, and privately taught in Dundee, Brechin, and divers other parts of Scotland since his returne home. This matter was so urged against him, that he was convict, and burnt there in the Towne of Saint Andrewes during the time of that convention or assembly. When these things were thus done, the Cardinall, although he greatly trusted to his riches, yet because he was not ignorant what were the mindes of men, and what speeches the Common people had of him, determined to increase his power with new devices; Wherefore he goeth into Angus, and marryeth his eldest Daughter (as saith Buc…anan) to the Earle of Crawfords Sonne; Which marriage was solemnized with great preparation, almost answerable to Kingly magnificence; During which time the Cardinall understanding by his Spies, p. 333that the English did prepare to invade the Scottish borders on the Sea (and specially did threaten those of Fife therewith) returned to Saint Andrewes, and appointed a day to the Nobility, and such as dwelled about the Sea Coasts, to assemble together to provide in common for the defence thereof, and to prepare remedy for that hastened evill; for the easier and better performance whereof he had determined, together with the Lords of that Country, to have sayled himselfe about the Coasts and to have defended such places as were most convenient: Amongst others, that came unto him, there was a noble young Gentleman called Norman Lesle, Sonne to the Earle of Rothseie. This man (after that he had many times imployed his valiant and faithfull diligence in the behalfe of the Cardinall) grew to some contention with the said Cardinall for a private cause, which for a time did estrange both their mindes the one from the other; this same contention did Norman (being thereto induced with many faire promises) afterwards let fall; But certaine monthes afterward when he returned to demand the performance of such liberall promises, they began to grow from common speech to bra…lings, and from thence to bitter ta…nts and reproaches, not fit to be used by any of them both; Whereupon they departed with the grieved mindes of every of them; for the Cardinall being intrea…ed more unreverently than he would or looked for; and the other threatning that being ove…taken by deceite, he would revenge it, they bo…h returned discontented to their owne people.

Whereupon Norman, declaring to his partakers the intollerable arrogancy of the Cardinall, they easily agreed all to conspire his death… wherefore to the end that the same might bee lesse suspected, they departed in sunder afterward. This No… man accompanied onelyonly with five of his owne traine, entred the towne of Saint Andrewes, and went into his acc…stomed Inne and lodging, trusting that by such a small traine hee might cunningly dissemble the determination of the Cardinalls death; but there were in that towne, ten of those which had consented to his conspiracy, which closed in secret corners, som… in one place, and some in another, did onelyonly expect the signe which was to be given un…o them to execute this devise, with which small company this Norman fea…ed not to adventure the death of the Cardinall in the same towne, furnished in every p. 334place with the servants and friends of the Cardinall. Whereupon the 13. of May the Cardinall being within his Castle of Saint Andrewes, certaine of his owne friends (as hee tooke them) that is to say, the sayd Norman, Lord Lesleie, William Kirkandie … the young Lord of Grange, and Kirkmichell with sixteene chosen men, entred the Castle very secretly in the morning, tooke the Porter and all the Cardinalls Servants, thrusting them out of the place by a Posterne gate, and that done passing to his Chamber where he lay in bed, as he got up, and was opening his Chamber doore, they slue him, and seized upon the Artillery and Munition, where with that Fortresse was plentifully furnished, and likewise with rich hangings, houshold-stuffe of all sorts, Apparell, Copes, Jewels, Ornaments of Churches, great store of gold and silver plate, besides no small quantity of treasure in ready coyne. Sir Iames Leirmouth Provost of Saint Andrewes assembled all the people of that Towne for the rescue of the Cardinall after he had heard that the Conspirators were entred the Ca…le; but they shewed the dead body of the Cardinall over the walls as a spectacle to the people, and so they made no further attempt, sith they saw no meanes how to remedy or revenge the matter at that present. The cause that moved the Conspirators thus to kill the Cardinall, was thought to be partly in revenge of the burning of Mr. George Wischart, …aring to be served with the same sawce, and in the end to bee made to drinke of the same Cup. Partly it was thought they attempted it through counsell of some great men of the Realme that had conceived some deadly hatred against him. His body after he was slaine, was buried in the Castle in a dung-hill. The governour considering that his deere Coze… the Cardinall was thus made away, assembled the great Lords of the Realme… by whose advice he called a Parliament, and …orfeited them who had slaine the Cardinall and kept the Castle of Saint Andrewes: And withall he beseiged those that murthered him in the sayd Castle three moneths space; but it was so strongly furnished with all manner of Artillery and Munition by the Cardinall in his life time, that they within cared little for all the inforcements that their Adversaries without could enforce against them.

Iohn Hamilton.After his death the Governour, Anno. 1546. promoted **Holinshed Hist. of Scot. d. 340.355. Leslaus l. 10. p. 513.Iohn Hamilton the Abbot of Parslew his Brother to the Bishopricke p. 335of Saint Andrewe…, and gave the Abby of Arbroth (granted before to Iames Beton the slaine Cardinals Kinsman) to George Dowglasse bastard sonne to the Earle of Angus, which things were afterwards occasions of great troubles in the Realme. To appease which Anno 1550. the Queene by the advice of her Counsell to stop all occasion of publicke dissention, ended the controversies moved about the Archbishoprickes of Saint Andrewes and Glascow, and the Bishoprickes of Dunkeld and Brechine, by bestowing them upon Noblemens children, and upon such persons as worthily deserved them. This Arch-bishop 1543. comming out of France passed through England, and having other learned men in his company, did visite the King of England, of whom hee was most honourably and courteously received: from whence going into Scotland, he was made Treas…rer; which Office hee kept as long as his Brother was Governour, whom he did further in all good Counsells at home, and save and defend in the war…es abroade.

Anno 1598. **Holinshed Hist. of Scotland. p. 366.367. Leslaeus, l. 10. p. 538.In Iuly, August, and March, there was an assembly of the Prelates and Clergie of Scotland held at Edenburgh, in which certaine men and women of Edenburgh, were accused of Heresie, and burned at the towne crosse with …aggots on their backes, whereupon great tumults were raysed there: for appeasing whereof, the Lord Seton was made Governour of the Towne. In this Councell of all the Prelates and Clergie of Scotland, the Temporalty proponed divers Articles of re…ormation; as to have the Prayers, and administration of the Sacrament in the Scottish tongue, the Election of Bishops and all beneficed men to passe by the voyces of the Temporall Lords and people and Parishes, &c. All which the Bishops refused to grant, where through there arose shortly af…er great troubles in Scotland. For they perswading the Queene Regent to sommon Master Iohn Knox and others to appeare before them at Striveling; for lacke of appearance they were denounced Rebels, and put to the home: Whereupon they and the Burgesses of Perth, with others, pulled downe the Images and Altars in all Churches, and suppressed the houses of Priors, and other Religious places and Abbies, both in Perth, S. Andrewes, Edenburgh, and other places: whereupon the Queene-Regent, with the Arch-bishops of Saint Andrewes and Glascow, the Bishops of Dulkenden, p. 336Dublane, with many other chiefe of the Clergie, came to Perth, and raised an Army against the Reformers; who thereupon gathered an Army to resist them; which being ready to mee…e on Couper More in battle, by the labour of some Noble men the battle was stayed, and Articles of agreement drawne betweene the Regent and the Lords of the reformed Religion, the contents whereof you may reade in **Lib. 10. p. 553.574.Les…e, **Lib. 16.Buchanan, and **Hist. of Scotland. 567.368.376.Holinshed.

Anno 1559. A Parliament was holden, and a disputation appointed betweene the Protestant Divines, and Popish Prelates, at what time the Roman Prelates behaved themselves so well, that they were commanded not to depart the Towne, but to be present at the Sermons of the Ministers. In the winter the Lords of the Counsell gave faculties of Benefices to divers of their friends, who put forth the Prelates and received the fruites; The Earle of Argile disposed Dunkeld and Dublane; The Earle of Arran had the ordering of the Bishoprickes of Saint Andrewes, and divers Abbies: the like was used by other Noblemen through all parts of the Kingdome. In the same yeare, being the 17. of Queene Mary, he was with the Queene beseiged in Leith.

Anno 1560. superintendents serving for the election of other Ministers were chosen at Edenburgh, whereof Iohn Spursword was one, chosen by the suffrage of all the people.

**Holinshed 380 6.410.511. SeeAnno 1562. this Arch-bishop of Saint Andrewes, because after an Edict made thereof, hee did no… abstaine from hearing and saying Masse, was commit…ed prisoner to Edenburgh Castle, This Arch-Bishop still following the Queenes part, he with others meeteth her in the yeare of Christ 1566. at Muskleburow, and so attendeth on her, who no… long after in the yeare of Christ 1571. being about the fourth yeare of Iames the sixth, was taken in the Castle of Dunbritaine, and sent Prisoner into Sterling, where being examined by the Regent, Matthew Earle of Lenox, about the mur…her of Henry King of Scot…, sonne to the sayd Matthew, … Re…m Scot. l. 17 & 18.he was there drawne, hanged, and quartered… being the first Arch-bishop that I have yet heard of (writes Thin) that suffered so ignominous a death; the manner whereof Holinshed and Chytraeus doth thus more largely relate. **Holinshed Hist. of Scot. p. 402. Chytraus Chr…n. Sax…ni…. l. 21.641.The Regent comming to Striveling, caused the Arch-bishop of S. Andrewes, to be examined upon certaine Articles, as well …ouching p. 337the murther of the la…e King Henry, as also for the death of the Earle of Murrey the late Regent, at what time there came in a Priest without compulsion of any, and before the Regent declared, that one Iohn Hamilton being in extreame sicknesse, under confession told him, that the Bishop did send him with three others to the murther of the King: and as touching the murther of the Earle of Murrey, the Bishops flat answere was, He might have letted it, if he would. Therewith the people that heard him cryed, Away with him, hang him: And so for these and other offences for the which he had been foresalted before that time, he was now executed on a Gibbet set up in the Market place of Striveling.

Patricke Adamson **Francis Thin his continuation of Holinshed Hist. of Scot. p. 434.435.282 London, 1585.alias Constance next succeeded in the Archbishopricke of Saint Andrewes;Patricke Adamson. in his time Anno 1573. there was a Parliament in Edenburgh, wherein divers were made, and Articles agreed upon touching Religion and against Popery: …he third whereof was, That none of the adversaries and enemies of Gods truth, shall enjoy the patrimony of the Kirke. Afterwards Anno. 1578. the question touching the Bishops power was disputed in many assemblies, and a… length, Anno. 1580. in an Assembly holden at Du…die, their office was found to be unlawfull, not grounded on Gods Word, but introduced by the folly and corruptions of mens inventions, and thereupon una voce condemned, and abjured. Anno 1581. and 1582. there were many contentions betweene the Prelates and Presbyters of Scotland touching the Jurisdiction of Bishops,**Holinshed and Thin, Hist. of Scotland p. 438. to 44….455.456. which the assembly condemned, and the setling and confirming of Religion, to the great disturbance of the Realme, which I pretermit for brevity sake. The next yeare 1583. the Presbytery (as they had many times done before) did excommunicate their Metropolitane the Archbishop of Saint Andrewes and the rest of the Bishops also, because they would not in all their actions support and confirme the Doctrine which the Presbytery had established, and maintaine the use of their Episcopacy, which they had ordered to be simply abjured and relinquished, as an office to which they were not called by God; which Excommunication the Presbytery did the more boldly pronounce, because they were supported by the assistance of Master Lindseie, a great enemy to this Patrick Adamson Bishop of Saint Andrews. But the King in the beginning did assist him against them, p. 338and the Arch-bishop did in like sort thunder an Excomunication against them, which division (writes Thin) not being meete to be in the Clergie, who ought to be as the Apostles were, Of one heart and of one minde, will in the end (as Christ saith) bring that Realme to confusion; for, Omne regnum in se divisum desolabitur. At last this Bishop excommunicated by the Assembly at Edenburgh, was enforced to renounce his Archiepiscopall jurisdiction, and to make this publike recantation (which quite subverts the pretended Ius Divinum of the Prelacy) in the Synod of Fiffe, Aprill the 8. 1591. **See Andrew Melvin his Patric…i Adamsoni Palinodia p. 49.55 And Celsae Commissionis Ana…omia.I confesse with a sincere minde without colour or fraud, that I have formerly erred in this, that I thought the government of the Church to be like the regiment of terrene Kingdomes, expresly against the precept of Christ our Lord; and that the Monarchy whereby the Church is governed did not rest in the person of Christ our Saviour alone (as it doth in truth) but likewise in the Ministers, who yet are nothing else but vassalls and Clarks under Christ, Et aequales inter se, and equall among themselves, &c. Lastly, I confesse that the Office of a Bishop, (as now it is used and claimed) omni authoritate verbi Dei destituitur, & solo politico hominum commento fundatur, is destitute … all authority from Gods Word, and founded onelyonly upon the politicke device of men; out of which the Primacy of the Pope or Antichrist hath sprung. Et merito damnandum est, and it is deservedly to be condemned; because the assembly of the Presbytery, who have the power of Iurisdiction and Inspection, both in Visitations and in Ordinations performeth all these things with greater authority, piety, and zeale than any one Bishop, whose care for the most part is intent, not upon God, or their function, but the world, which he principally ordereth. Consider after what sort it hath beene usurped these 506. yeares last past, Note this.with how great cruelty and tyranny they have exercised it, and thou shalt finde, that it hath beene the Principall Originall of suppressing the Word of God in every kingdome, which will evidently appeare to any one who shall survey the Ecclesiasticall History. This Arch-Prelate held correspondency with our English Bishops from whom (asking leave of the generall Assembly to goe into England about his Civill affaires onelyonly, as he pretented) he received his consecration to this Arch-bishopricke in a secret manner, Anno. 1589. and then returned into Scotland where he durst nor exercise his Archiepiscopall authority openly for a space. King Iames after he was made Archbishop p. 339brought him from Saint Andrewes to Edenburgh, that he might preach there openly in the great Church; the King himselfe accompanying him with his Guard to secure him from the people brought him into the Church, sending halfe of his Guard to convey the Bishop to the Pulpit doore, which Master Iohn Cooper (one of the ordinary Ministers of Edinburgh) had prepossessed, who standing up to say prayer and preach assoone as he perceived the King in his seate, the King perceiving it sayd, Master Iohn Cooper, I will not have you preach this day, I command you to goe downe out of the Pulpit, and let the Bishop of Saint Andrewes come up and preach to me: to the which the ordinary Minister replyed, Please your Majesty this is the day appointed to me to preach, and if it were your Majesties pleasure, I would faine supply the place my selfe. But the King replyed againe, I will not heare you at this time, I command you to goe downe, and let Master Patricke Adamson come up and Preach this day; and beside, the King had remembred that he should not have stiled him a Bishop by reason there were so strait Acts against them; Then Master John Cooper sayd, I shall obey Sir, and came downe from the Pulpit, yet the rest of the Ministers that were there sitting with him at the entry of the Pulpit did not open the doore to the Bishop, while the King commanded him, and then so soone as the Bishop was entred into the Pulpit and began with low becke to doe reverence to the King and to other inferiour Magistrates, the whole people rose out of their places with a great out-cry and lamentation, and ranne out of the Church, especially the women, and when the Guard thought to have kept them in, they ran over the Guard, and Master Iohn Cooper going also out of the Church went to Mr. Robert Bruce his house, the women all going with him, and many men, and there heard his Sermon, which he should have Preached in the Church; the fearefull noyse yet continuing in the Church many running out of the Church and some comming in againe to see whereto the matter would returne, made the King to cry out and say, What a devill ayles the people that they may not heare a man Preach? but cry what he would cry for the space of a long time, not any audience could be given; so with what feare the Bishop Preacht that day, and with how little audience, they can best tell that considered the matter rightly: alwayes the King set the Bishop in the midst of the Guard, and so tooke p. 340him downe to the Abbey with him; but so soone as he came to Saint Andrewes againe, the Presbytery entred in Proces against him, for taking upon him to be a Bishop, which they proved by many reasons; but chiefely for that the King called him so; and albeit they had many hinderances, and the King caused a great delay to be made, devising meanes to save him from excommunication; yet in the end he was excommunicated by the Provinciall Assembly, albeit by the Kings earnest dealing his excommunication was not published in all Churches, as it should have beene, upon some promises which he made, and yet never performed them. This Arch-bishop by the instigation of our English Prelates writ and Preached in defence of Episcopacy, as he afterwards confessed in the Synod of Fiffe, where he retracted this his Doctrine as erronious, and being put from his Bishopricke, excommunicated and hated of the people, who put him to the horne for his debts, he fell into a great sicknesse, called a Dogges appetite, and wanting meate to satisfie his hunger he was in manner starved to death, confessing in his sickenesse, that his sentence of excommunication was justly pronounced, and desired the Assembly to release him from it for Christs sake; whereupon he was afterwards absolved, after his forementioned recantation. After this the very calling of Bishops having beene condemned and abjured in the Assembly at Dundy as unlawfull, Anno. 1580. the Church of Scotland, upon this Adamsons death continued free from the government and tyranny of Bishops till King Iames was possessed of the Crowne of England, and some yeares after: at which time some ambitious Scottish Ministers stealing secretly into England, procured themselves to be consecrated Bishops by our English Prelates, and by certaine insensible degrees, by the helpe of our English Bishops, by perjury, forgery, and other indirect meanes, with much difficulty and opposition, set up Episcopacy againe in the Church of Scotland, to the great disturbance of that Church and State: whereupon, after the assembly at Glascow An. 1610. (where Episcopacy was againe revived, by admitting Ministers to have Vote in Parliament, though with many a limitation, which they afterwards frustrated and eluded by degrees) one Gladstaine was ordained Arch-bishop of Saint Andrewes, who is credibly reported to have made a solemne recantation at his death for his acceptance of such an unlawfull office, which recantation p. 341was suppressed. After him one Sprotswood succeeded, a very vicious, false and crafty Machiavilian, who confederating with Laud, now Arch-bishop of Canterbury, by his meanes procured himselfe to be made Chancellor of Scotland, who by reason of this great temporall office, was the better able to introduce all Canterburies Innovations into that Church with more facility. This Arch-Prelate with the other Prelates of Scotland con…ederating with Canterbury, who had usurped a kinde of generall and Papall Superintendency over all his Majesties three Kingdomes, in the yeare 1636. framed a booke of Canons and Constitutions for the government of …he Scotland, tending to the utter subversion of the established Discipline of that Church, and opening a doore for many doctrinall and disciplinary errours, and Innovations. And to prevent all obloquy against them, they enjoyne none to speake either against these Canons, or the booke of Common prayer which was to be set forth, under heavie censures. The next yeare following in Iune 1637. the sayd Arch-bishop and Bishops by Canterburies direction caused a New booke of Common prayer to be Prin…ed for the use of the Church of Scotland, which was appointed by his Majesties letters to be received as the onelyonly forme of Gods Worship; whereunto all subjects of that Realme civill or Ecclesiasticall ought to conforme, and the contraveners to be condignely punished. To set on this designe the better, every Minister was by Proclamation enjoyned, and some charged with letters of horning to buy two of the sayd Bookes for the use of the Parish; and to scare all men from opposing it, Canterbury in the very same month of June caused Doctor Bastwicke, Mr. Burton, and Mr. Prynne to be severely censured in the Starchamber, for opposing his Innovations here in England, which hee then intended to introduce into the Church of Scotland, and to be set in the Pillory at Westminster, where all o… them had their eares close cut off; one of them his cheekes …eared; & this barbarous execution finished, even before their wounds were cured he then sent them away close Prisoners to three remote Castles, Dr. Bastwick to Lanceston Castle in Co…newall; Mr. Burton to Lancaster; and Mr. Prynne to Carnarvan Castle in North-Wales, where they were shut up close Prisoners, so that neither their Wives, Children, nor any of their friends, could have accesse to speake with them; nor they so much as enjoy the liberty p. 342of Pen, Inke, or Paper to write for necessaries, or the liberty of any licensed Books, except the Bible, and some few other Bookes for private devotion. And not content herewith by an extrajudiciall order o… the Lords, he soone after caused them to be conveyed close Prisoners into the Isle of Iersie, Garnsey, and Silly, there to be close imprisoned in three Castles, giving strict order that no man should be admitted to speake with them there; nor Dr. Bastwickes, and Mr. Burtons wives, permitted so much as once to come into the Islands where they were, and that all letters to them should be intercepted, and no pen, inke, or Paper allowed them to write upon any occasion. This transcendent new kinde of Prelaticall tyranny wherewith Canterbury imagined to terrifie and appale the Scots, comming to their eares, wrought quite contrary effects, stirring them up with greater animosity to resist the Prelates encroachments both upon their consciences, Lawes, liberties, and established Discipline. Whereupon when the Bishop of Edenburgh accompanied with the two Arch-bishops and some other Prelates of Scotland, began the use of their new service booke in the chiefe Church of Edenburgh the 23. of Iuly next after this sentence and execution, the most part of the people (much discontented with such a great and sudden alteration, as imported a change, both of the externall forme and nature of the former publicke wor…hip) did at one instant rise and hinder the new Service, calling it superstitious and Idolatrous, and the same was also stopped in another Church of Edenburgh, where it was to be reade by the Bishop of Arguile. This notwithstanding, the Prelates procured by Act of Councell, the paine of death without all favour or mercy to be denounced against all those who should any wayes rai…e or speake against the Bishops, or any of the inferior Clergie, or against the service Booke. They discharged the ministers and Readers of Edenburgh (who refused the Book) their wonted service, and interdicted the publicke Evening and Morning Prayer, reading of Scriptures, singing of Psalmes, for a long time, still pressing the buying and practising of the sayd booke by all Ministers; which mooved the Ministers first to petition, and next many of the Nobility, Gentry, Burgesses, and Ministers to meete and to supplicate the Lords of the Privie Counsell against the sayd Bookes of Canons and Common Prayers, and the illegall way of introducing the same; till at last the Bishops p. 343violence and practises forced the whole kingdome into a combustion against them, and caused them in their generall assembly at Ed…nburgh, Anno 1639. not onelyonly to abjure, but to extirpate Episcopacy and banish all their Bishops as Incendiaries out of their Realme, except the Bishops of Dunkeld and of Orcanies, who recanted and abjured their Episcopacy. Canterbury and the Prelates of Scotland and England storming at these proceedings, take occasion from thence to raise up a civill warre betweene England, Ireland, and Scotland, thinking to restore Episcopacy againe in that Kingdome by force of Armes. And when as this warre was happily pacified and all differences fully accorded, Canterbury with his agents caused the former pacification …o be annulled, new Armes to be raised, and a fresh warre to be undertaken to the unsupportable expence and great danger of all his Majesties three Kingdomes, which by the Prelates practises are at this day still enforced to maintaine three Armies in the field; and had the Prelates bu… their wish, we had long ere this embrued our hands deepely in one anothers blood, and made our Kingdomes so many Aceldamaes to maintaine their Antichristian pompe and Lordlinesse. But blessed and for ever honoured and praysed be our gracious God, who hath miraculously continued and preserved our peace in the midst of war, and …rustrated the designes of our blood-thirsty Prelates; turning their Bellum Episcopale (as themselves termed it) into a warre not for, but against themselves, to a probable extirpation of them for ever out of all three Kingdomes, which have a long time groaned under their tyranny; England, and Ireland now desiring and petitioning earnestly to the Parliament to be eased of their in…olerable yoake of bondage, as Scotland hath already exonerated themselves thereof.

Now to manifest that this present warre Originally sprung from the Scottish Prelates, and from Canterbury, (the very fountaine of all late mischiefes in all three Kingdomes) I shall neede no further evidence than the charge of the Scottish Commissioners against Canterbury, presented to our present Parliament, the Coppie whereof (though already in Print) I shall here insert as pertinent to my inten…d Theame.