Hidden Works of Darkness Brought to Public Light, Letter 118
My good Lord; S. In Christo.
YOur Lordships of Iune 26. came to my hands on Sunday Iuly▪ 2. And they were the first, I received out of Scotland since your returne thither, save onelyonly that I had one from the Kings Advocate in answer to mine, and one from my Lord of Bre…en. And I confesse I did and doe a little wonder at it considering how many Letters I writ, and what their contents were. So I was glad to see one come from Your Lordship till I read it, but then I confesse I was much troubled to see things goe on there in such a way. For I thought we had beene happily come to an end of those troubles.
My Lord, I have much a doe to read some words in your hand-wrig…ting, and some things concerning that Kingdome, I understand not. Betweene these two if I mistake any thing, I heartily pray you it may goe pro non scripto. And now for Instance, I confesse I doe not well understand what that particular is at which my Lord of St. Andrewes checks; but what ever it be, I am sorry his Grace will not privately debate it before it come in publike: Or since he cannot gaine his Commission in Exchequer hee will take a course before the Commission of surrenders that may bee prejudiciall to the Archbishoprick. For I hope hee will not thinke of any advantagious way to particular persons with disadvantage to the publike.
His Majesties intention certainly is, that all mortifications to Bishopricks or other pious uses should have all immunities for the advantage of the Church that may bee had. And if my Lord of Saint Andrewes, either by the Commission to which His Majesties hand was gotten, or by valuation before the Commission of surrenders, depart from the good of the Church in the particular of the Prio…y, I must be sorry for it, but certainly the Kings bounty must not be abused. Only I beseech your Lordship looke carefully to it, that my Lord Arch-Bishop have no prejudice, for it seemes exceeding strange to me, that any thing should be attempted by him in this, that is not pregnantly for the Churches good.
For the Commission of surrenders, you know my opinion of it, and of whom I learn'd it. And I hope before these Letters come to you, you will understand His Majesties pleasure concerning that Commission from the Earle of Sterling.
To your Lordships demands and desires, I give you briefly this answer.
First, I heartily thanke you that you are minded once more in a private way to move my Lord Chancellour to alter his intended course by debate there, or from hence (if there bee any use of me) and I heartily pray you so to doe. And if you think fit, you may tell him, tis my desire as well as yours. For I have not at this time written any one word of this businesse.
Secondly, If the Kings intentions for the laying the foundation of the Cathedrall Church of Saint Andrewes, will in this way my Lord Chancellour now takes bee wholly eluded, you must by all good and faire meanes prevent it. And if you cannot so doe it, you must acquaint His Majestie with it before it be too late.
Thirdly, I doe hereby heartily pray you to stop all things which come to your knowledge,NOTE. if you finde the Church prejudged or any thing intended contrary to the generall course introduced in favour of the Church. And I assure my selfe, that His Majestie will thank you for the service.
Lastly, Your Lordship did understand me right, and I am still of opinion, that more care is to bee taken in the settling of all these Church businesses, for the dignitie and advantage of the places themselves. And that course I beseech you hold for those things which come within your power. And yet I shall still desire the present incumbent may be considered also, where it may be without prejudice to the place it selfe in perpetuity.
This hath been one of the heavyest Termes that ever I indured,NOTE. and it seemes you have had troubls enough. The best is, the remembrances which I last put into your hands may stay for times of more leisure, The sicknes increases sorely, yet I cannot get out of London. God blesse you with health in those parts, in which prayers I …est.
Your Lordships loving poore Friend to serve You Will. Cant. Lamb. Iuly 4. 1637.
After this on the 23. of Iuly the Service Book was to bee read in all Churches of Edenborough the chiefe City of that Kingdom, as a president for all the rest; where it found such publike generall opposition by the people, that the designe of reading it was prevented, and the Bishops and others who were to put it in execution, were inforced to give the people good words & promises nor to bring in the book among them,NOTE. till further order for feare of being torn in peeces. The particulars whereof being at large related by other…, I shal pretermit. VponUpon tydings of this tumultuous opposition, the Arch-bishop writ this letter to the Earl of Traquarer, Lord Treasurer of Scotland. August 7. 1637. concerning Tithes, and it.