The Signal Loyalty and Devotion of Gods True Saints Part 1 and 2, Part 2 · Chapter 8 · Part 79
For the fourth, I shall communicate to the World this Form of King Charles the I. his Coronation in Scotland, Anno 1633. Written with Mr. Dells own hand, Secretary to the late ArchBishop of Canterbury Dr. Laud.
The Form of Coronation, and Rites to be used therein; collected from other the like Solemnities known to have been used either in this Kingdom, or by other great Princes abroad.
LEaving the choice of the Place and Church to his Majesties own appointment, wheresoever the Coronation shall be done.
A Stage must be set up made square and fastned to four Pillars of the Church, railed about, and the Rayles and Stage overspread and covered with Carpets and Tapestry.
The Stage being made of some convenient height and breadth, must have some Steps for ascent on the West part, about the mid'st thereof, and as many for descent to the Altar or Table, which is to be placed on the East.
Upon the Stage another little Scaffold must be erected of two foot high; which two steps to ascend, on which the Throne of State must be placed, and adorned as is meet.
A Chayre of State must also be set on the Stage, on the right hand of the little Scaffold, with a Fald-stoole and Cushions, for his Majesty to do his Devotion.
A little Traverse is to be made on the South side of the Altar or Table, for the King to repose and disrobe himself.
Round …bout on the right and left hand of the Stage, there must be Scaffolds for Noblemen, Barons, Knights, Gentlemen of the Chamber, and others to rest and behold.
Within the compass of the Altar or Table a Pulpit must be set for Sermon.
Over against it a Chayr of State for his Majesty, with a Foldstool to kneel at.
On the West side of the Pulpit a Foarm covered with Tapestry, for the Arch-Bishop, and Bishops serving at the Coronation.
The Evening before, the King would be at service in Chappel, besides his private Devotion, whereof the Bishop of Dunblane, now Dean of the Chappel, must have care to remember his Majesty.
The Regal, Crown, Scepter, and Sword, with the Great Seal of the Kingdome, and Spurs are to be delivered to such Persons as his Majesty will appoint for carrying the same.
There is likewise to be provided a Red silken Coat, having the Places for the Anointing opened and looped, which his Majesty is to weare next to his Shirt.
The Sacred Oyl is to be provided also, and put in some Silver Vessel.
Cloath of some colour, red or blew, must be prepared and spread on the Ground from the Palace Hall dore, to the Stage in the Church, for his Majesty to walk upon all the way, which Way must be rayled on every side. This must be done in the Morning of the Coronation by some Nobleman that his Majesty will make Almoner for that day. And this concerning the preparation.
The Morning of the Coronation.
The Bishops, Noblemen, and Commissioners of Burroughes to the number of six, are at that Morning to come unto the Presence. The Constable and Marshal (who are to carry their Battones in their hands all that day) having brought the King from his Bed chamber to the Presence, and after he is placed in his Chaire, they all making the Reverence that becomes; Some one of the Church, or Noblemen speaks to this purpose.
Sir, the Estates of this your native and ancient Kingdom, calling to mind the great happiness they enjoyed under the Goverment of your Majesties Father of blessed memory, and acknowledging your Highness to be the rightful Heir of this Crown, by a long and lawful descent, do beseech your Majesty to receivet hem into your Highness protection, to govern them by the Laws of the Kingdome, and defend them their Rightes and Liberties by your Royal power: Offering their Service in most humble manner to your Majesty, with their Vows to bestow Land, Life, and what else is in their power, for the safety of your Majesties sacred Person, and maintenance of your Crown, which they intreat your Majesty to accept, and pray Almighty God that you may happily, and for many years enjoy the same.
The King Answers.
I do esteem your affections more then the Crowns of many Kingdomes, and will by Gods assistance bestow my life for your defence, wishing to live no longer then I may see this Kingdom flourish in all happiness.
Then kissing his Majesties hands, they prepare all to go in their ranks as they are appointed, towards the Church.
The Lyon K. of Arms having an open Crown upon his Head, carries in his hand the Vessel containing the sacred Oyl. Two of his Brethren walk on either of his hands one. The Trumpets sound, and so they march.
The Receiving of the King into the Church.
THe Arch-Bishop and Bishops, with the MusitiansFrom the New dore. of the Chappel are to meet the King at the Entry in Procession wise.
The King is received under a Canopy, supported by four Barons. Two Bishops walk, one on his Majesties one hand, and another upon the other. The Dean of the Chappel is alwayes by to inform the King of the Ri…es of the Solemnity, as need shall be.
The King is received with an Anthem into the Church, Protector noster, &c. Behold oh Lord our Protector, and look upon the face of thine Anointed, because one day inAnthem …. thy Court, is better then a thousand &c. Quam dilecta, &c.
The King passing up the Church, goeth to the Stage, and reposeth himself a little.
The Regal Crown, Scepter, Sword, Great Seal, and Spurs are laid down on a Taffel besides the Altar or Table. The sacred Oyl is delivered by Lion K. of Armes to the Dean of the Chappel, who brings it …o the Archbishop, and he sets the same on the Table.
Then the King comes down from the Stage, and the Sermon begins.Sermon.
Which ended, the King ascends again to the Stage, and sits down in the Chair of State.
Then the Arch-bishop (the Marshal of Scotland going before him) goeth to all the Quarters of the Stage, and speaks to the People in these words;
Sirs, I do present unto you King Charles, the rightful and undoubted Inheritor of the Crown and dignity of this Realm. This day is by the Peers of the kingdome, appointed for his Coronation. And are you not willing to have him for your King, and become subject unto him and his Commandements?
The King stands up in this time, and as the Archbishop goes from one part of the Stage to another, turneth himself that he may be seen of the People.
The People declare their willingness by their Acclamations, and Shouts, crying, God save King Charles; or Let the King live.
Then is sung this Anthem, Firmetur manus tua, &c. Anthem 2.Let thine Hands be strengthened, and thy right Hand be exalted, let Judgment be the preparation of thy Seat, mercy and truth go before thy face. Hallelujah. Psal. 89. Misericordias Dei, &c. Glory be to the Father, &c.
Whilest the Anthem is singing the Arch-bishop goeth down to the Altar or Table, and resteth there.
Then is the King supported by two Bishops, brought toHe offered twenty pieces. the Altar, and makes his Oblation; After which he kneels at his Fald-stool, and the Arch-bishop sayes this Prayer;
Deus visitator humilium: O God who dost visit those that are humble, and dost comfort them by thine Holy Spirit, send down thy Grace upon this thy Servant King Charles, that by him we may feel thy presence amongst us, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Prayer ended the King sits down in hisThe Oath. Chair, and the Archbishop goeth unto him, and asketh, if he be willing to take the O…th appointed to be given at the Coronation of Kings? His Majesty declaring his willingness, the Archbishop ministreth the Questions following.
Archbishop.
Sir, will you promise to serve Almighty God, and as every good King in his Kingdom ought to do, maintain the Gospel of Iesus Christ in this your Kingdom, against all Itheism, Profaneness, H…, Schism, or Superstition whatsoever?
Rex.
I promise faithfully so to do.
Archbishop.
Sir, will you promise to rule this People subject to you, and committed to your Charge, according to the Laws, Constitutions and Customes of this your Kingdom, causing (asmuch as in you lyeth) Justice and Equity to be ministred without partiality? And to endevour the Peace of the Church of Christ and all Christian People?
Rex.
I grant, and promise so to do.
Archbishop.
Sir, will you likewise promise to preserve the Rights and Priviledges of the Crown of Scotland?
Rex.
I promise so to do.
Archbishop.
Sir, We do also beseech you to grant and preserve unto us of the Clergy, and to the Churches committed to our Charge all Canonical Priviledges, and that you will defend and protect us, as every good King ought in his Kingdom to defend his Bishops, and the Churches that be under their Government?
The King answers.
With a willing heart I grant the same, and promise to maintain you and every one of you with all the Churches committed to your charge, in your whole Rights and Priviledges, according to Law and Justice.
Then the King rising from his Chair is led to the Altar, where in sight of all the people, laying his hands upon the Bible, he takes his Oath and sayes. All the things which before I have promised, I shall observe and keep. …o God me help; and by the Contents of this Book.
After rhe Oath, the King returns to his Chair of State, and then is sung the Hymn, Veni Creator, &c.Veni Creator.
The Hymn finished, the King kneeleth at his Foldstool, and the Archbishop sayes this prayer.
We beseech thee O Lord, holy Father, almighty and everlasting God, for this thy Servant King Charles, that as at the first, thou broughtest him into the world by thy Divine Providence, and in the flower of his youth hast preserved him untill this present time; So thou wilt evermore enrich him with the gift of Piety, fill him with the grace of Truth, and daily increase in him all goodnesse, that he may happily enjoy the seat of supreme Government, by the gift of thy supernal grace. And being defended from all his Enemies, by the Wall of thy mercy, m…y prosperously govern the people committed to his Charge.
After the Prayer, the Letany is sung, and at the closeLetany. thereof this is to be added.
That it may please thee to keep and strengthen in the true Worshiping of thee, in Righteousnesse and Holiness of life, this thy servant Charles, our King and Governor, and so to the end.
Then is said this prayer by one of the Bishops that sings the Letany.
O Almighty and everlasting God, Creator of all things, Ruler of Angels, King of Kings, and Lord of Lords, who madest thy Servant Abraham triumph over his Enemies; didst give many victories to Moses, and …nah, the Governors of the people; didst raise and exalt Da…id thy Servant to be a King over them; di… enrich Sol…mon his Son with the gift of Wisdome and Un… …nd blessedst him with peace and great prosperity. Give ear we beseech thee unto our humble Prayers, and multiply thy blessings upon this thy Servant, who is now to be consecrated our King, that He being strengthned with the faith of Abraham, endued with the mildness of Moses, armed with the fortitude of Joshuah, exalted with the humility of David, and beautified with the Wisdom of Solomon, may please thee in all things, and ever walk uprightly in thy wayes. Defend him by thy mighty arm, compass him with thy protection, and give him to overcome all his and thine Enemies. Honour him before all the Kings of the Earth. Let him rule over Countries, and let Nations adore him. Establish his Throne with Judgement and Equity, let Justice flourish in his dayes, and grant that He underpropped by the due obedience and hearty love of his People, may sit on the Throne of his Forefathers for many years, and after this life may reign with thee in thine everlasting kingdome, through Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour. Amen.
The Letany thus ended, the Archbishop beginneth to say aloud, Lift up your Hearts and give thanks unto the Lord.
Answer: By the Bishops that sings the Letany.
We lift them up unto the Lord, and to give thanks unto him it is meet and right.
Then the Archbishop says,
It is very meet and right and our bounden duty so to do, and at all times, and in all Places to give thanks to thee O Lord, holy Father, almighty and everlasting God, the strength of thy Chosen, and the exalter of the humble, who in the beginning by sending the …oud of Waters didest punish the sins of the World; and by a Dove bringing an Olive branch in her mouth, didst give a token of Reconcilement to the Earth; Who afterwards didst consecrate thy Servant Aaron a Priest, by the anointing of Oyl, as also by the pouring out of the same didst make Kings, Priests, and Prophets to govern thy People Israel: And by the voice of the Prophet David didst foretel, that the Countenance of thy Church should be made joyful with Oyl: We boseech thee to bless and sanctifie this thy Servant King Charles, that he may minister Peace unto this People, that he may attain to the perfection of Government in Counsel and Judgment, and that his Countenance may be alwayes cheerfull and amiable to all his People, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
This Prayer said the King rises from his devotion, and reposeth himself awhile in the Chair of State, in which he is to be Crown'd.
Afterwards he goeth to the Altar, and standeth with his Back close unto it, disrobes himself of his upper Garment, his under Coat having the loops opened in the Places where he is to be anointed.
Then he comes to the Pulpit side, and sitting in a Chair, a Canopy is held over his Head all the time of his Anointing.
The Archbishop first anoints his Hands in the Palms saying; In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost (which wordes he repeats in all the several Anointings) let these hands be anointed with Oyl, as Kings and Prophets have been anointed: And as Samuel did anoint David to be King, that thou mayest be blessed and established a King in this Kingdome over the People, whom the Lord thy God hath given thee to rule and govern: Which he vouchsafe to grant, who with the Father and the Holy Ghost is one, and reigns in glory everlasting. Amen.
In this time the Singers do sing the Anthem, Sado…ke the Priest and Nathan the Prophet anoin…ed Solomon King, and all the People rejoyced and said, God save the King for ever.
Then the Archbishop says this Prayer.
Look down Almighty God upon this thy Servant, our dread Soveraign King Charles, with thy favourable countenance and as thou didst bless Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, so vouchsafe we beseech thee to water him plentifully with the Blessing of thy Grace; give unto him of the dew of Heaven, and of the fatness of the Earth, abundance of Corn, Wine, and Oyl, with all plenty of fruites, and other good things. Grant him long to continue, and that in his time there may be health and peace in this Kingdome. Grant O Almighty God that he may be a mighty Protector of this Country, a bountiful Comforter of Churches, and holy Societies, the most valiant of Kings, terrible to Rebels and Infidels, amiable to his Nobles, and to all his faithful Subjects. Make his Royal Court to shine in Princely dignity as a most cleer Lightning, far and wide in the Eyes of all men. Finally let him be blessed with happy Children, thatNota. may reign as Kings, after him and rule this Kingdom by Succession of all Ages, and after the glorious and happy dayes of present life, give him of thy mercy an everlasting Kingdome with thee in the Heavens, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Prayer ended, the Archbishop proceeds in the Anointing. 1. His Breast. 2. Betwixt the Shoulders. 3. Both the Points of the Shoulders. 5. Boughs of his Arms. 5. The Crown of his Majesties head.
The Anointing done: the Dean of the Chappel closeth the loops again, which were opened.
Then the Archbishop reads this Benediction. God the Son of God, Christ Jesus our Lord, who was anointed of his Father with Oyl of gladness above his fellows; pour down upon thy Head the Blessing of the Holy Ghost, and make it enter into the inward parts of thy Heart, so that thou mayest reign with him in the Heavens eternally. Amen.
This pronounced, a shallow Quoife is pnt upon the Kings head, because of the Anointing.
Then the King goerh to the Altar, and the Robe is put By the Lord Chamb.upon him, at which the Archbishop says this Prayer.
O God the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, by whom Kings do reign, and Law-givers make good Laws, vouchsafe in thy favour to bless this thy Servant Charles, in all his Government, that living godly, and leading his People by the way of righteousness, after a glorious course in this life he may attain that joy which hath no end, through our Lord. Amen.
Then the Sword is brought to the Archbishop, whoBy the Earl…: Bobun. laying it on the Altar, prayes in this manner.
Hea… our prayers, we beseech thee O Lords and vouchsafe by thy right hand of Majesty to bless and sanctifie this Sword, wherewith thy Servant Charles desires to be girt, by the same he may defend Churches, Widdows, Orphans, and all the People of God, against the savage cruelty of Pagans and Infid…ls; and that it may be a terrour, and fear to all those that lie in wait to do mischief; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Then the Archbishop takes up the Sword, and puts it in the Kings hand saying.
Receive this Kingly Sword for the defence of the faith of Christ, and protection of his Holy Church; and remember him of whom the psalmist did prophecy saying. …ird thy self with thy Sword upon thy Thigh, O thou most mighty; and with thy sword execute thou Equity and justice. Persue all Hereticks and Infidels, defend Widdows and Orphans, restore the things that are gone to decay, maintain and confirm the things that are restored and in good order, destroy the growth of iniquity, and take punishment of all injustice, that you may be glorious in the triumph of vertue, and reign with him whose Image you bear, for ever and ever. Amen.
The Sword is girt to the Kings side by one of the Peers By the Earl… Bo…un.thereto oppointed.
Then the King returns to the Chair, wherein he was anointed, and hath the Spurs put on by the Lord Marshal.
Aster which the Archbishop taking the Crown in his hand sayes this prayer.
O God the Crown of all the faithful, who dost Crown their Heads with pretious Stone that trust in thee, bless and sanctifie this Crown, that as the same is adorned with many precious Stones, so this thy Servant that weares the same may be replenished of thy Grace with the manifold gifts of all precious Virtues, through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Then the Archbishop crowneth the King saying. God Crown thee with a Crown of glory and righteousness, with the Honour and vertue of fortitude, that by a right faith, and manifold fruits of good works you may obtein the Crown of an everlasting kingdome, by the gift of him whose kingdome endu…eth for ever. Amen.
Then the King goes to the Stage and sits in the Chair of State, which is placed by the Throne.
Then the Lyon by direction of the Marshal calls the Nobles, who set their hands to the Crown, and say every man these words. So God not help me, as I shall support thee. And when they have done, they all hold up their hands, and swear to be loyal and true Subjects.
The Marshals having in his hand the obligatory Oath of the People, goeth to the four Corners of the Stage, and reads the same to the Lyon, who cries it down to the people, and they all hold up their hands and say. Amen.
The Oath of the People is this. We swear, and by the holding up of our hauds do promise all subjection and loyalty to King Charles, our dread Soveraign, and as we wish God to be merciful unto us, shall be to his Majesty true and faithful, and be ever ready to bestow our Lives, Lands, and what else God hath given us, for the defence of his sacred Person and Crown.
When the King is Crowned the Earles and Viscounts put on their Crownes, and the Lyon his. The other Barons and Lords continue bare and uncovered.
Then is this Anthem sung.
Be strong and of good courage, and observe the Commandements of the Lord to walk in his wayes, and keep his Ceremonies, Precepts, Testimonies and Judgements. And almighty God strengthen and prosper thee, wheresoever thou goest. The Lord is my ruler, theresore I shall want nothing. The King shall rejoyce in thy strength oh Lord, exceeding glad shall he be of thy Salvation. For thou hast granted him his hearts desire, and hast not denyed him the request of his lips, for thou hast prevented him with blessings of goodness, and hast set a Crown of pure Gold upon his Head.
After this the King goes down again, looses his Sword wherewith he was girt… and offers it, laying the same upon the Altar, which one of the Chief Nobles redeems with an Offering, and then draws it forth, and carries the same naked before the King.
Then the Archbishop takes the Scepter, and delivers it in the Kings right hand with these words.
Receive the Scepter the sign of royal power, the Rod of the kingdome, the Rod of vertue, that thou mayest govern thy self aright, defend the holy Church, and all the Christian people committed by God to thy charge, punishing the wicked, and protecting the just.
And then he saith this Prayer.
O Lord the fountain of all good things, and the Author of all good proceedings, grant we beseech thee, to this thy Servant that he may rightly use the Dignity which he hath by Inheritance; vouchsafe to confirm the Honour which thou hast given him before all Kings, and enrich him with all Benedictions. Establish his Throne, visit him with increase of Children, let Ju…ice spring up in his dayes and his Soul be filled with joy and gladness, till he be translated to thine everlasting kingdome. Amen.
After this the Archbishop blesseth the King saying. The Lord bless thee and keep thee, and as he hath made thee King over his people, so he still may prosper thee in this world, and in the World to come make Thee partaker of his eternal felicity. Amen.
The King then kisseth the Archbishop and Bishops assistant. After that the King ascendeth the Stage attended by the Nobles, and the Singers sing Te Deum laudamus, T. D…um.&c.
Which ended, the Archbishop enthrones the King saying. Stand and hold fast from henceforth the place…ta. whereof you are the righteous and lawful Heir by a long and linea… …uccession of your Forefathers, which is now delivered unto you, by the authority of Almighty God, and by the hands of us the Bish…ps, and Servants of God; And as you see the Clergy come more near to the Altar then others, so where it is convenient you will remember to give them that honour and respect which is due to their places, that the Mediator of God and man, may establish you in this kingly …hrone, and that with him you may reign and live for ever.
Then goeth the Chancellour to the four Coruers of the Stage, and proclaims his Majesties pardon, with offer of the same under the Great Seal of Scotland, to all who shall require it. Upon which the people make their Acclamations crying, God save the King.
This done the Archbishop and Bishops kneel down, and make their Homage, their hands being betwixt the Kings hands, and these words are read unto them.
J. A. B. shall be faithful and true, and faith and truth bear, unto you our Soveraign Lord, and your Heirs Kings of Scotland, and I shall do, and truely acknowledge the Service of the Lands, which I shall claim to hold of you in the right of the Church, as God help me.
And they shall kiss the Kings left cheek. After them the Temporal Lords in like manner kneeling and holding their hands betwixt the Kings hands, have these words read unto them.
J. A. B. become your Liege man and truth and faith I shall bear unto you, live and die against all manner of folks whomsover in your Service. So God me help.
They kiss likewise the Kings left cheek. The King giveth the Scepter to such as it shall please his Majesty for carrying the same, and goeth down to the Chair of Estate ouer against the Pulpit.
And the Archbishop going to the Altar or Table, beginneth the Communion.
The Communion ended and blessing given, the King with the Crown on his Head, and Scepter in his hand returns with the whole Traine in most solemn manner to his Pallace.
The Trumpets sound, the Canons shout, and other small Shot are discharged. Silver and Gold pieces coyned for that purpose are cast among the People.
And then the King goeth to his Feast, which is ordered as his Majesty shall give direction.