The Antipathy of the English Lordly Prelacy

French and Norman Bishops Acts of this kind.

I shall begin with Saint German Bishop of A • xerre in France, of whom it is storyed, that coming into England in King Vortigerns time, and repairing to his Court with his Companions in a cold frosty night, the King shut him out and would give him no lodging; which the Kings Herdsman seeing, taking pity upon them, and commiserating their affliction, lodged them in his house, and killed a calf, which they did eat at supper: whose bones Saint German commanded to be brought to him when supper was ended, and putting them all into the Calves skin, he miraculously rais • d up the Cal • e again from the dead, (whereas Christ and his Apostles never raised any dead beast, but dead men only) and put him to his damme, where he sell a eating hay. And on the next day by command from God (as some writers affirm) German deposed Vortigerne from his Kingdom, and made the Herdsman King in his place, to the great admiration of all men: and from thence forth the King • of the Britain's descended from the race of this Herdsman. But Gildas in his History saith, that this happened not to Vortigerne, but to King Powes, named Beuly, whose successors in t • at part of Wales issued from this Herdsmans race. Our learned Martyr Doctor Barns reciting this story and Legend out of Petrus de Natalibus concludes thus. I think no man will bind me to prove this thing (of the Calf) a lie, and yet it must be preached and taught in each Church, it must be written in holy Saints lives, and he • ust be a Saint that did it, and why? because he deposed a King, and set in a Nea • esherd.

Odo Bishop of Bayeux, was at first in great estimation with his Brother William the Conqueror, and bare great rule under him; till at last for envy that Lanfranke was preferred before him, he conspired against him: who understanding thereof committed him to Prison, where he remained, till the said Prince then lying on his death bed, released and restored him to his former liberty. When the King was dead, William Rufus took him back into England, supposing no less than to have had a special friend, and a trusty Counselor of him in all his affairs. But ere long after his coming thither, he fell again into the same offense of ingratitude, whereof he became culpable in the Conquerors days. For perceiving that Lanfranke Arch Bishop of Canterbury was so highly esteemed with the King, that he could bear no rule, and partly suspecting that Lanfrancke had been chief cause of his former imprisonment, he suffered Duke Robert to bereave his Brother King William Rufus of the dominion of England all he might, and conspired with the rest, against his Nephew: and thereupon writ sundry Letters unto Duke Robert, counseling him to come over with an army in all h • ste, to take the rule upon him, which by his practice should easily be compassed; Duke Robert, thus animated, pawns the County of Constance to his younger Brother Henry for a great sum of gold; and therewith returned answer to the said Bishop, that he should provide and look for him upon the South coast of England, at a certa • ne • ime appointed. Hereupon Odo fortified the Castle of Rochester, and began to make sore wars against • he Kings friends in Kent, and procured his other complices also to do the like in other parts of the Realm. And first on the West part of England, Geoffrey Bishop of Constance, with his Nephew Robert de Mowbray Earl of Northumberland, setting forth from Bristow, took and sacked Bath and Be • kley, with a great part of Wiltshire, and brought the spoil to Bristow, where they fortified the Castle for their greater safety. Robert de Bygod over-rode and robbed all the Countries about Norwich, and Hugh de Grandwesuit spoiled and wasted all the Coun • ries abou • Leicester ; And Robert Mountgomery Earl of Shrew • bury, with William Bishop of Durham, and others, wasted the Country with fire and sword, killing, and taking great numbers of people where they came. Afterwards coming to Worcester they assaulted the City, and burnt the Suburbs: But Bishop Wolstan being in the Town, encouraged the Citizens to resist; who by his exhortation sallying out of the City, when the enemies waxed negligent, they slew and took above 5000. men of them in one day. Archbishop Lanfranke in the mean • time, whilst the Realm was thus troubled by Odoes means on each side, writeth to, and admonisheth all the Kings friends, to make themselves ready to defend their Prince. And when they were assembled with their forces, he counseled the King to march into the • ield speedily with them, to repress his enemies The King following his counsel, commanding first all unjust Imposts, Taxes and Tallages to be laid down, and promising to restore such favorable Laws as the people should d • sire, to ingratiate himse • fe with h • s Subjects; marcheth with a mighty army into Kent, where the sedition began • takes Tunbridge and Horne-Castle, and afterward b • seigeth Bishop Odo in the Castle of Pemsey • which the B • shop had strongly fortified. Robert landing with a great Army in England during this siege, Odo through want of victual was glad to submit himself, and promised to cause the Castle of Rocheste • , to be delivered, but at his coming thi • her, they within the City suffered him to enter, and straightways laid him fast in P •• son. Some judge that this was done under a color by his own consent. But the King besieging the City, they within were glad • o deliver i • up into his hand • . Thus lost B • shop Odo all his Livings and dignities in England, and so returned into Nor • andy ; where under Duke Robert, he had the chief government of the Country committed to him.

Anno Dom. 1196. Earl John, King Richard the first his Brother, with his forces riding forth into the Country about Beauvois, made havoc in robbing and spoiling all a • ore him. Anon as Phillip the Bishop of Beauvois (a man more given to the Campe then to the Church) had knowledge hereof, thinking them to be a me • e prize for him, with Sir William de Merlow and his Son, and a great number of other valiant men of war, came forth into the fields, and encoun • ring with the enemies, fought very stoutly; But yet in the end the Bishop, the Arch-deacon and all the chief Captains were taken, the residue slain and chased; After this Earl John and Marchades presented the two Prelates with great triumph unto King Richard early in the morning, lying yet in his bed, as those that were known to be his great enemies, saying to him in French, Rise Richard, rise, we have gotten the great Chantor of Beauvois, and a good Choir man (as we take it) to answer him in the same note, and here we deliver them unto you to use at your discretion. The King seeing them smiled, and was very glad for the taking of this Bishop, for that he had ever found him his great adversary ; And therefore being thus taken fighting in the field with armor on his back, thought he might be bold in temporal wise to chastise him, since he (not regarding his calling) practiced to molest him with temporal weapons. Whereupon he committed him to close Prison, all armed as he was. It chanced soon after, that two of his Chaplains came unto the King to Roven where this Bishop was detained, beseeching the King of License to attend upon their Master now in captivity; unto whom (as it is of some reported) the King made this answer: I am c • ntent to make you Judge • in the cause betwixt me and your Master; as for the evils which he hath either done, or else gone about to do unto me, let the same be forgotten. This is true, that I being taken as I returned from my journey made into the holy Land, and delivered into the Emperors hands, was in respect of my Kingly state, used according thereunto very friendly, and honorably, till your Master coming thither (for what purpose he himself best knoweth) had long conference with the Emperor. After which, I for my part, in the next morning tasted the fruit of their over-nights talk, being then loaden with as many Irons as a good Ass might not very easily have borne. Judge you therefore what manner of imprisonment your Master deserved at my hands, that procured such ease for me at the Emperors hands. These two Chaplains had their mouths stopped with these words thus by the King uttered, and so departed their ways. The Bishop being still detained in Prison, procured suite to be made to the Pope for his deliverance, writing a Letter to the Pope against the King for this hard usage, recorded by Howden ; whereupon the Pope writ a Letter to the King in his behalf, to importune his release. But the Pope being truly informed of the matter, and wisely considering, that the King had not taken the Bishop Preaching but fighting, and kept him prisoner rather as a rough enemy, then as a peaceable Prelate, would not be earnest with the King for his deliverance, but rather reproved the Bishop, In that he had preferred secular warfare before the spiritual, and had taken upon him the use of a Spear, instead of a Crosier, an Helmet, instead of a Miter, an Herbergean, instead of a white Rocket, a Targe • for a Stoale, and an iron Sword, in lieu of the spiritual Sword ; and therefore he re • used to use any Commandment to King Ric • ard for the setting o • him at Liberty: But yet he promised to do what he could, by way of entreating, that he might be released. It is reported by some Writers, that the Pope at first not understanding the truth of the whole circumstance, should send to King Richard, commanding him by force of the Canons of the Church, to deliver his Sons, the Bishop and Archdeacon, out of their captivity. To whom the King sent their Armor, with this message written in Latin, Vide an tunica filii tui si • , an non : that is, See whether these are the garments of thy Sons or not: alluding to the saying of those that carried Joseph's coa • e to Jacob : Which when the Pope saw, he said, Nay by Saint Peter, it is neither the apparel of my Sons, nor yet of my Brethren, but rather they are the vestures of the children of Mars; and so he left them still to be ransomed at the Kings pleasure. The Bishop thus seeing no hope to be delivered without some agreement had betwixt the two Kings, became now, through irkesomnesse of his bonds an earnest mediator for peace, whereas he had been before an extreme stirrer up of war. Such a Schoolmaster, is imprisonment, and plucker down of lofty courages. But not prevailing, he plots how to make an escape. When Queen Elionor • ing Richards Mother came to Rhoane, she sent for this Bishops keep • rs, to permi the Bishop to c • me to her lodging to sp • ache with her; which although it were dangerous, yet they unwill • ng to resist the Queens sui • e, pe • mit • ed him to go out of the Towe ga • es fe •• e • ed, with themselves accompanying him: As they passed b • a Church, the Bishop ran to the door th • ugh 〈◊〉 , as well as he cou • d, and laying hold on the Ring of the Chur • h • cried out with a loud vo • ce saying, I demand the peace of God and the Church. At which speech his Keepers much troubled, laid hands on him, pul • ed him from the Church door, and brought him back aga • ne to the Tower, where they kept him more strictly then before. Which • he King hearing of, sent him to Chine, to be kept close Prisoner. After this he offered King Richard 10000 marks for his enlargement, which he refused. But K • ng John coming to the Crown, at the Popes request rel • ased h • m • or 2000. He taking a solemn Oath before the Cardinal and other Ecclesiastickes, that he would never all his life after, bear arms against Christians, as he had cause • now no • to do.

About the same time Walter, Arch bishop of Roven, at the instigation of the French King, pu • all the Country of Normandy under sen • ence of in • erdiction, because King Richard had begun to sort • he a Ca •• le at Lisse Dandely upon a piece of ground which the Archbishop c • aim • d to appertain unto hi • See. The Archbishop would • y no mean • release the interdict, So as the bodies • f dead men lay unbu • yed through all the Villages and streets of t • e C • ties of Normandy. Hereupon, the King much troubled at the A • chb • shops dealing, whom he had advanced and much employed, s • nds • o Rome to the Pope to hear the cause between them; The matter being brought before the Pope, he perceiving the intent of King Richard, was not otherwise grounded upon an • covetous purpose, to defraud the Church o • her right, but one • y to bu • ld a fortress in such place as was mo • t expedient for defense of the Country about, to preserve it from invasion of the enemies, counseled the Archbishop, no • to s • and against the King in it, but to exchange with him for some other Lands, which was done, and the interdiction by the Pope released. This Archbishop was a great warrior, bore great sway in England, during King Richards absence and captivity, and troubled the Realm very much with taxes and wars.

Before I come to the Prelates of Scotland, I shall insert one story of a Patriarch of Jerusalem, who affronted our King Henry the second to his face, in a shameful manner. The story is this.

Heraclius Patriarch of Jerusalem came into England in the thirtyeth year of King Henry the second, and made busy request to him against the Saracens, proffering him the keys of Jerusalem, and of our Lord's grave, with Letters of Pope Lucius the third, charging him, that he should take upon him the Kingdom of Jerusalem, with the royal Standard of the Kingdom as due unto him, and likewise make a royal voyage thither in proper person with an army for the security thereof, and to have mind of the Oath that he before time had made. The King deferred his answer, and Baldwin the Arch bishop Preached, and exhorted men to take the Cross, by whose means many there were that avowed that journey. The King at last, by the advise of his whole Council and Parliament, gave this answer, that he might not leave his Land without keeping, nor yet leave it to the prey and robbery of the French men ; but he would give largely of his own to such as would take upon them that voyage. With this answer Hera • lius was discontented, and said, we seek a man and not money, well near every Christian Region sendeth to us money, but no Land sendeth to us a Prince. But the King laid for him such excuses, that the Patriarch departed from him discontented and comfortless. Whereof the King being advertised, intending somewhat to recomfort h • m with pleasant words followed him to the Sea side. But the more the King thought to satisfy him with his fair speech, the more the Patriarch was discontented, in so much, that at last he said unto him. Hitherto thou hast reigned gloriously, but hereafter thou shalt be forsaken of him that thou at this time forsakest; think on him what he hath given to thee, and what thou hast yielded to him again; How first thou wert false to the King of France, and after slew Thomas Becket, and last of all, thou forsakest the Protection of Christ's Faith. The King was moved with these word • and said unto the Patriarch. Though all the men of the Land were one body, and spake with one mouth, they durst not speak • o me such words. No wonder (said the Patriarch) for they love thine and not thee, That is to mean, they love thy goods temporal, and fear the loss of promotion, but they love not thy soul. And when he had so said, he offered his head to the King, saying; Do by me right as thou didst by Thomas Becket, for I had rather be slain of thee, then of the Sarasens, for thou art worse then any Sarasen, and they follow a prey and not a man. But the King kept his patience and said, I may not wend out of my Land, for my own Sons will arise against me when I am absent. No wonder (said the Patriarch) for of the devil they came, and to the devil they shall, and so departed from the King in great ire. So rudely have Prelates dealt with the greatest Princes, as thus both in words and deeds, to revile and contemn them, as if they were their slaves to be at their command, though with the hazard of their lives, Crowns and Kingdoms, upon every humor. I now pass on to the Scottish Prelates.

The Bishops of Scotland's acts in this kind.

TO pass from Normandy to Scotland ; before I enter into a Relation of any of the Scottish Prelates actions; I shall inform you what Holinshed writes of King David's erection of Bishoprics in Scotland, and his endowing of them with large temporal possessions. This Church in the original plantation of the Gospel having been governed only by Presbyters, and wanting Bishops for some hundred of years, following herein the custom of the Primitive Church, as John Fordon, John Major, Bishop Usher, and Spelman testify; David King of Scots erected four Bishoprics, within this Realm, Ross, Brochin, Dunkeld and Dublaine, indowing them with rich Rents, fair Lands, and sundry right commodious possessions. Moreover, he translated the Bishops See of Murthlake unto Aberden, for sundry advised considerations, augmenting it with certain revenues, as he thought expedient. He was admonished (as the report goeth) in his sleep, that he should build an Abbey for a religious Order, to live in together; Whereupon he sent for workmen into France, and Flanders, and set them in hand to build this Abbey of Canons regular, as he was admonished, dedicating it in the honor of a Cross (whereunto he bare special devotion) for that very strangely it slipped into his hands 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 ; which he used towards the Church, in diminishing so hugely the revenues of the Crown, being the cause that many Noble Princes his Successors, have come to their final ends, for that they have been constrained through want of treasure to maintain their royal estates, to procure the fall of sundry great Houses, to possess their Lands and livings; also, to raise payments and exactions of the Common people, to the utter impoverishment of the Realm. And sometime they have been constrained to invade England by wars, as desperate men not caring what came of their lives. Other whiles they have been enforced to stamp naughty money to the great prejudice of the Common wealth. All which mischiefs have followed since the time that the Church hath been thus enriched, and the Crown impoverished. Therefore King James the first, when he came to King David's Sepulcher at Dunfirmling, he said; that he was a sore Saint for the Crown. Meaning that he left the Church over-rich, and the Crown too poor. For he took from the Crown (as John Major writeth in his Chronicles ) 60000. pound Scottish of yearly revenues; 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 only occasion to evil Prelates to live in most insolent pomp and corrupt life, but an assured Net to draw gold and silver out of Realms. Thus Holinshed of the Bishops and Bishoprics of Scotland in general.

In a 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 public and private (yea Kings themselves) as well for the keeping of Faith given, as to contstrain them to confirm the same, and to punish such as should be found in the contrary. This was a high strain of insolency and treachery against the Prerogative of the King and Nobles privileges, whom these Prelates endeavored to enthrall to their Lordly pleasures; and perchance it was in affront of King David's Law who ordained Anno 860. (but 15. years before) that Priests should attend their Cures, and not intermeddle with secular businesses, or keep Horses, Haukes, or Hounds. A very good Law, had it been as well executed.

Anno 1294. the Scots conspiring together against their Sovereign Lord and King, John Bailiol, rose up in arms against him, and inclosing him in a Castle, they elected to themselves twelve Peers after the manner of France ; whereof the four first were Bishops, by whose will and direction all the affairs of the Kingdom should be managed. And this was done in despite to disgrace the King of England, who set the said John over them against their wills. Whereupon the King of England brought an Army towards Scotland, in Lent following, to repress the rash arrogancy and presumption of the Scots • against their own Father and King; and miserably wasted the Country, over-running it quite, and making both them and their King whom he took Prisoner, to do homage, and swear feal • y, and give pledges to him as Walsingham reci • es more at large. Among these Bishops it seems that the Bishop of • lascow was one of the chief opposites against the King of Scotland and England, for Anno 1298. I find this Bishop one of the chief Captains of the Rebellious Scots, and leading an Army in the field; which being disbanded for fear of the English forces, upon promise of pardon, this Bishop Ne proditionis notam incurreret, lest he should incur the brand of treason, rendered himself to Earl Warren sent into Scotland with an Army, who committed him prisoner to the Castle of Rok • burrow, for a Rebell, where he was detained.

William of 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 Bishopric, began to attempt great matters: Not content with the dignity of his Episcopal Office, he did now in his mind walk in great and wonderful matters above himself, having a mouth speaking great things, with a most vain heart. In conclusion, gathering together Poor and bold men, no • fearing the judgment of verity, he gave out himself to be the Son of Count Murrey, spoiled of the inheritance of his Fathers, by the King of Scots ; that he had an intention no • only to prosecute his right, but likewise • o revenge his wrongs; that he desired to have them, the Consorts both of his danger and fortune • that i • was a business verily of some labor and danger, but of great reputation, and much emolument. All of them therefore being animated by, and sworn to his words, he began cruelly to play Rex through the Neighbor Islands, and he was now like Nemroth, A mighty hunter before the Lord, disdaining according to the duty of his Episcopal Office, to be a Fisher of Men, like Peter, his Millitary troops increasing daily, amongst whom, he being taller than the rest, almost by the head and shoulders, like a great General, inflamed the minds of all the rest. He made excursions into the Provinces of Scotland, exterminating all things with rapines and murders; and when as a royal Army was sent against him, retiring himself into remote Forrests, or • lying back into the Ocean, he eluded all their warlike preparations; and the Army retiring, he brake out again out of his lurking places, to infest the Provinces. When therefore he prospered in all things, and became now terrible, even to the King himself; a certain Bishop a most simple man, mi • aculously repressed his violence for a time; to whom, when he denouncing war, threatened utter devastation, unless 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 meets him coming with fury, only greater than he in Faith, but far unlike him in other things, and for the encouragement of his Soldiers, he himself giving the first stroke of the battle, casting a small Axe at him, by God's 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 captain unmanfully to fly. This, he himself was wont afterwards to relate among his friends with mirth, as glorying, That only 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 counsel than formerly, he • esolved, to deal wisely with a proud and cra • ty enemy, with whom he could not deal valiantly: Therefore granting to him a certain Province, with the monastery of Fornace, he suspended his excursions for a time. But when as he gloriously passed through the subdued Province like a King, with a powerful army, and became exceeding troublesome to the Monastery it self of which he had been a Monk; by the consent of the Nobles (who hated either his power, or his insolence) some Inhabitants of the said Province laid wait for him: and having gotten a convenient time, when as he 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 Kingdom of Scotland, not for the Kingdom of Heaven : This Bishop, thus emasculated, afterwards came to Belleland, and there continued quiet many years 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 Kingdom, 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 Kingdoms and Churches.

About the year 1230. the men of Cathnes, sore offended with their Bishop, named Adam, for that upon refusal to pay their Tithes, he had accursed and excommunicated them, fell upon him within his own house; And first scourging him with Rods, at length set fire upon him, and burnt him within his own kitchen: Which Act being reported to the Sco • tish King Alexander, as then sojourning at Edinburgh, he hasted forth with all speed to punish the offenders, 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 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 cruel deed, was deprived of his Earldom, and the Lands belonging to the same. The Pope highly commended King Alexander, for this punishment taken of them that had so cruelly murdered their Bishop. Thus was one small cruelty occasioned by this Bishops covetousness, and perverseness, punished with a far 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 been thus gelded, that no succession migh • spring from their wicked seed, to infest both Chu • ch and State, it had been a more profitable and commendable action, than the gelding of these poor Laymen.

King James the fourth, Anno 1504. when he had formerly ministered justice so amongst his Subjects, that they lived in great peace and quietness, William Elfinstone Bishop of Aberdeen, one of his Counsel, devised ways to win the King great profit and gain, by calling his Barons, and all those that held any Lands within this Realm, to show their evidences by way of recognition; and if they had not sufficient writings to show, warrantabl • by the antecedent Laws of the Kingdom, the Lands should remain 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 own 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, wan passing great hatred and malice.

Anno. 1521. A Parliament was summoned to be kept at Edinburgh, the 26. of January, and a general Sommons of for • eiture proclaimed at the Market Cross in Edinburgh, wherein divers were summoned to make their appearance in the said Parliament, to be tried for sundry great offenses by them committed: Whereupon Gawin Dowglasse Bishop of Dunkeld hearing of this Proclamation (though not named in it) conscious to himself of great offenses, fled into England, and remained a • London in the Savoy, where he died.

Anno 1569. There was a great rebellion in the North by the Earls of Westmorland and Northumberland and others: Murray then Regent of Scotland, informed Queen Elizabeth, that the Bishop of Ross, then in England was the Author of that Rebellion, whereupon he was committed to the Bishop of London, to remain his Prisoner.

As the Archbishops of Canterbury Primates of all England, have been the greatest Traitors and Incendiaries of all other our Prelates; so have the Bishops and Archbishops of Saint Andrew's, Primates of all Scotland, been the like in that Realm, of which I shall give you a taste.

In the year of our Lord 1180. Richard Bishop of Saint Andrew's deceasing, there arose a great Schism about the election of a new Bishop; for the canons of the Church of S. Andrew's, elected John Scot for their Bishop, and William King of Scots, made choice of Hugh his Chaplain, and caused him to be consecrated by the Bishops of his Kingdom, notwithstanding the said John's appeal to the Pope. Whereupon Pope Alexander sent Alexis a sub-Deacon of the Church of Rome into Scotland, to hear and determine the controversy between these two competitors: Who after a long debate, finding, that the said John was Canonically elected, and that Hugh after the appeal to the Pope, was violently intruded by the King into the Bishopric of Saint Andrew's, immediately deposed him from his Bishopric, and by his authority imposed perpetual silence on him; confirmed the election of John, and caused him to be consecrated Bishop of Saint Andrew's, by the Bishops of Scotland, the King neither prohibiting nor contradicting it, yea, permitting it by the Counsel of the Bishops of his Realm. But immediately after his consecration, the King prohibited him to stay within his kingdom: and Hugh carried himself as Bishop, no less than he did before his deprivation; and taking with him the Episcopal Chaplet, Staff, 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 carried away, Allexis excommunicated him, interdicted his Bishopric, 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 Andrew's, and the Clergy and people of that Diocese, honourably to receive John as their Bishop, within 8 days after the receipt of this Letter, and to submit unto him as their Bishop; and putting on the spirit of fortitude to labor wisely and manfully for the preservation of Ecclesiastical Justice, and to endeavor to appease the Kings displeasure; But if the King were averse, or inclining to the Counsel of wicked men, then they ought to obey God and the holy Church of Rome more than men; otherwise he must and would ratify 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 avoid his company as an excommunicate Person, till he restored to John, 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 York, 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 Kingdom, unless he would permit the said John to hold his Bishopric in peace, and give security to him to keep the peace ; And the same Pope strictly commanded John, by virtue of his canonical obedience, that neither act of love, nor fear o • any man, nor through any man's suggestion or will, he should rashly presume to relinquish the Church of Saint Andrew's, to which he was consecrated, and in which he was confirmed by Apostolical authority, nor presume to receive another Bishopric; adding, that if he should attempt it, he would take away both Bishoprics from him without exception. After which, Pope Alexander writ a Letter to King William himself, enjoining him thereby within twenty days after the receipt thereof, to give peace and security to the Bishop: and to receive him unto his favor, so that he ought not to doubt the Kings indignation; Alioquin noveritis, &c. Else he should know, that he had commanded Roger Archbishop of York, Legate of the Apostolic See in Scotland, to put his Kingdom under interdict, and to excommunicate his person notwithstanding any appeal. And that he should know for certain, that if he persisted in his violence, as he had formerly labored that his kingdom might have liberty, so he would thenceforth do his endeavor, Vt in pristinam subjectionem revertatur, that it should revert unto its Priestine subjection: (He meant, I take it, not to himself but to England ;) But the King obeying in nothing, his Apostolical mandates, expelled John, Bishop of Saint Andrew's, and Matthew, Bishop of Aberden, his Uncle, o • t of his kingdom; Whereupon Roger Arch-bishop of York, Hugh Bishop of Durham, and Alexis prosecuting the Popes command, Pronounced a Sentence of Excommunication against the Kings person, and a sentence of Interdict against his Kingdom. And John 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 between the King and him; And Roger of York, and Hugh of Durham, likewise enjoined the Prior of Saint Andrew's, and all Ecclesiastical persons within the Diocese, to come to John their Bishop, and yield due subjection to him; else they would pronounce a sentence of suspension against them, as contumacious and rebellious. And when as certain Ecclesiastickes of the Diocese, for fear of the said suspension, came to the said John, the King cast them all out of his kingdom, with their children and kindred, and with their very sucking children, yet lying in their swathing cloths and hanging on their Mothers breasts; Whose miserable proscription and exile, the foresaid Roger of York, and Hugh of Durham beholding, Reiterated their former excommunication and interdiction; Commanding all Bishops, Abbots, Priors, and Ecclesiastical persons, firmly, and immovably to observe the same, and very warily to shun the King himself, as an excommunicate Person. Not long after Roger of York fell sick and died, which the King of Scot • hearing, rejoiced exceedingly thereat. And taking advise with the Bishops, Earls, and other wise men of his kingdom, he sent Ioceline Bishop of Glasgow, Arnulfe Abbot of Melros, and others to Pope Lucius to absolve him from the foresaid Excommunication and interdict; and if they might by any means, to procure John to be deprived: By whose solicitation the Pope released the Excommunication and interdict, as appears by his Letter to the King, recorded at large by Howden. After which the Pope sent one Rolland Elect Bishop of Dole into Scotland, to make peace between the King and John ; who after long debate made this accord; that Hugh should abjure the Bishopric of Saint Andrew • ; and that John should also release all his claims thereto, and in leiu thereof should have the Bishopric of Dunkelden, and all the rents he had before the election, and the Chancery of the King, and forty marks rent out of the Bishopric of Saint Andrew's. But Hugh, when the King required him to renounce his Bishopric, answered, That he would rather receive his judgment in the Court of Rome, than thus abjure his Bishopric, to which he had been consecrated. And forthwith he reproved the Letters which John 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 John and Hugh appearing before the Pope and Cardinals at Velletris, their cause was fully heard and debated in their audience; whereupon, by the common Counsel of his Brethren, he deprived both of them, and caused them to resign the Bishopric into his hands, freely and absolutely; And within • ew days after, by the advise of all the Cardinals, the Pope restored and confirmed the Bishopric of Saint Andrew's to Hugh, and gave the Bishopric of Dunkelden, with what ever the King formerly offered, to John. Both the Bishops returning home, received these several Bishoprics; but because the King would not restore to John the things taken from him; he questioned Hugh again for the Bishopric of Saint Andrew's : For which purpose he went to Rome, where he procured Hugh to be deposed, (though but newly settled there before) and brought with him five several Letters from Pope Clement, touching this business: The first to Iocelin Bishop of Glasgow, Matthew Bishop of Aberden, and others, declaring the deposition of Hugh, and absolving all within his Diocese from his subjection and obedience; and enjoining them to elect John, and receive him for their Bishop: The second to William King of Scots, to receive John into favor, to remove Hugh, and invest John in this Bishopric: The third to Henry the second, King of England, beseeching, admonishing, and enjoining him as he tendered the remission of his sins, and out of his reverence of Saint Peter, and him, diligently to admonish and persuade 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 compel him by his royal distress, whereby he was above him, and by the power granted to his royal Highness, 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 Diocese of Saint Andrew's, 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 Diocese of Saint Andrew's, enjoining them humbly and devoutly to receive John 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 Bishopric, void, and threatening to put all the Diocese under interdict, if they presumed to conspire against John, until they should acknowledge their offense, and submit unto him. The fifth to three Scottish Bishops, and sundry Abbots, reciting how great persecutions, calamities, and pressures the Church of Saint Andrew's had suffered under the shadow of the Kings indignation; and what great dangers and labors John had sustained • or the preservation of the liberties of the Church committed to him, confirmed by two Popes his predecessors; and requiring them after the receipt of this Letter, to meet together like wise and provident men, and to go 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 contemn 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 Bishopric of Saint Andrew's. And that i • (which God forbid) he should resist these Apostolical monitions to the peril of his own salvation, then they should promulgate an i • terdict against his highness Kingdom, his Person, and all his Favorites and Abettors, within twenty days, notwithstanding any appeal, by his Apostolical authority : And • hold strike those with the like sentence, who were obedient to Hugh, and fomented him in his obstinacy (seeing the See Apostolic had perpetually removed from Saint Andrew's, and excommunicated him) and should publicly pronounce them to be excommunicated as long as they did thus; and should be carefully avoided by others, until they should return to the Churches obedience, and demand the benefit of absolution from John as their Bishop. Enjoyning them farther, to purify and sanctify according to the custom of the Church, all the Altars, and Chalices, in which Hugh had celebrated, during his excommunication; and to suspend all the Clerks of Saint Andrew's, both from their office and benefice, and knit them fast in the bond of excommunication, who should be contumacious and rebellious against John, until they submitted to him. The King hearing these things, being at last overcome by the persuasion and entreaty of his friends, received Io • n into his favor; and granted him peaceably to enjoy the B • shopricke of Dunkelden, and all the Rents he formerly had before his consecration; upon condition, that John should quite claim from all suite the Bishopric of Saint Andrew's ; which notwithstanding the Popes Letters wherewith he was furnished, he was content to do, and to submit to the Kings mercy; knowing, That a morsel of bread is better with joy, than an house full of sacrifice with contention. Hugh being degraded from Saint Andrew's, and excommunicated goes to Rome, and giving caution to stand to the judgment of the Church, he was mercifully absolved by the Pope, and within few days after died at Rome of the plague with most of his family; Whereupon the King of Scotland gave the Bishopric of Saint Andrew's to Roger the Earl of Leicestors Son, then his Chancellor, John being present, and not contradicting it. The same year 1188. King William sent Messengers to Pope Clement, and obtained of him Letters of Protection in this form, touching the exemption of the Churches of his Kingdom. 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, attendants, 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 suo 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, in the first year of his Papacy. But to return to our Bishops of this See.

In the year of Grace 1306. Robert de Bruse, invader of another's kingdom, and a paricide, like Adonias, caused himself to be Crowned King of Scotland, in the Abbey of Schone, after the manner of his Country, by the Bishops of Saint Andrew's, and Glasgow, 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 war, as you may read more at large in our Historians.

Anno 1445. The Earl of Dowglas who ruled wholly about King James the second, set the Earl of Crawford against the Bishop of Saint Andrew's called James Kenedy, Sisters son to King James the first, who took a great prey out of the Bishops Lands in Fiffe. Whereupon the Earl of Crawford on the one part, and the Earl of Huntly with the Ogilinde on the other, met at Arbroth in set battle, where the Earl of Crawford, and 600. more on both sides were slain: King James the second, Anno 1454. by the advise of this Bishop, dispatched out of the way, such as he any ways mistrusted, of which number was the Dowglasses, whose puissance and authority, not without cause, he evermore suspected; he turned the Earl of Angus, and divers of the Dowglasses blood that were of their faction from 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 Counsel of this Bishop, who governed the Realm of Scotland, as well during the minority of James the third, as also in the days of his Father, King James the second. And was the occasion of many tumults and wars therein.

The Scots • eeking means to rid th • mselves from subjection of the Bishop of York, who was anciently the Metropolitan of Scotland, did in the year of Christ 1474. obtain of the Pope, that they might have a Metropolitan See within themselves, by reason of the continual wars which were between the two Nations, during which they could neither use appellations to their Metropolitan, nor have other Bishops consecra • ed. Whereupon the Pope erected the Church of Saint Andrew's into an Arch-Bishopric in the time of King James the third, touching which, thus writeth Lesleus, li. 8. p. 317. Hoc anno (which was the year 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. Episcopy reliqui Grahami odio flagrantes illius authoritatem repudiant, Regisque animum ingenti pecunia (which was as other Authors 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 prevail. Graham was made Arch bishop. Patrick Graham being Bishop of Saint Andrew's, and the first Archbishop of that See, was after his advancement to that title deprived in this sort. In the year of Christ 1477 • Pope Xistus, the fourth of that name, sent a Legate called Husman, into Scotland, which should displace this Patrick the Archbishop of Saint Andrew's, condemned by the sentence of the Pope and the Cardinals, for an Heretic, Schismatic, Simonicke; Whereupon he was deprived of all Ecclesiastical dignity, and commanded to perpetual Prison. In whose place was William Schewes chosen, to whose custody and disposition this Patrick 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 died, and was buried in Saint Sarffis, or Servimanus Isle in Lochelevine, after that he had been three years Arch Bishop.

William Schewes being created Archbishop of Saint Andrew's, in the year of Christ, 1478. as some have, or 1479 • as others have it, in the Holy-Rood House in Edinburgh, in the presence of King James, and many of the Nobility received the Pall, as the ensign of his Metropolitan 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 showing any favor to Graham, did often in • ringe his authority, and in the end expelled the same Graham from his Archiepiscopall See. After which in the year of Christ 1482. This Archbishop Schewes, fled into his own Country, and after at the request of the King, resigned his Archbishopric, contenting himself with the Bishopric of Murry.

Andrew Steward Uncle to King James the third, was upon the resignation of William Schews made Archbishop of Saint Andrew's ; after which in the year of Christ 1484. the King sent this Archbishop Ambassador to Rome for the obtaining of certain privileges, which he brought to effect.

In the year of Christ 1491. in the time of King James the fourth, about the third year of his Rain was great contention between the Archbishops of Saint Andrew's and Glasgow touching both their Authorities • Which when it had drawn many of the Nobility into divers factions, it was ceased by the King for a certain time, until all doubt thereof might be taken away by deciding the same by the Canon Law, before Ecclesiastical Judges. Then in the year of Christ 1507. being about the nineteenth year of James the fourth, the Bishop of Saint Andrew's with the Earl of Arrane were sent Ambassadors into France.

Alexander Steward, Bastard Son to King James the fourth was made Archbishop of Saint Andrew's in the year of Christ 1510. About the 22. year of the Rain of the same James the fourth. This man having long studied with Erasmus in Germany, and in the Low Countries, was advanced to this See of the Arch bishopric, 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 slain together with his Father King James the fourth, and a Scottish Bishop more, at Ploden field in the year of Christ 1513. The Cardinal of Scotland promised the Scots Heaven, for the destruction of England • Perhaps they might obtain it by their deaths, but they got no more English earth then would interre their slain bodies. After which John Hepburne Prior of Saint Andrew's strongly besieged the Castle of Saint Andrew's, and forced the same to be yielded unto him; the cause of whi • h besiege grew, that Hepburne being chosen Bishop of Saint Andrew's, by his Canons of that Church (whereunto the whole Nobility were helpers) was hindered to possess that Archbishopric by such stipendary people of Gawine Dowglasse, as kept the Castle, whereupon the Queen, and the Earl of Angus, after that they understood how the Castle was by force come into the hands of Hepburne, did take in evil part, that he who was so troublesome unto them, should ascend to so high a dignity, and that G • wine Dowglasse, so dearly to them beloved, and to whom they had given that Bishopric, should be helpless of the recovery thereof. Whereupon the Queen, and the Duke of Albany, diligently labored by Ambassadors sent to Rome, that a third person (since Gawin Dowglasse could not obtain it) might be advanced thereunto; which third man was Andrew Forman Bishop of Murry, further requiring therewithal; that he might be Abbot of Dumfermling and Aberbroth, which in the end with much entreaty they obtained of the Pope.

Andrew Forman Bishop of Murry, was at Edinburgh by the Popes Bulls on the eighth of the Kalends of January in the year of Christ 1515. being about the second year of the Rain of James the fifth, declared Archbishop of Saint Andrew's, and Abbot of Dumfermeling, and Aberbroth. Whereupon the Prior of Sain • Andrew's before named, still contending that he was Archbishop, both in respect of the election of the Coven, and the consent of the Nobility, did labor all he could against Forman, appealing him to Rome ; for which cause he with the Lord Hales and other his friends come to Edinburgh to defend the matter, at what time the Lord Hume Chamberlain 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 public 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 sharpness of that Precept, did privily depart the Town, and the Prior went to Rome, hoping by the Popes authority to wrest from Forman the Archbishopric, which he could not obtain by violence. But how he sped at Rome I do not know, for I only find this, that in the year following, being the year of Christ, 1516. about the third year of the same James the fifth, that the Governor perceiving, that all these contentions, hatreds and divisions of the Nobility did arise by these bralls, which were between Forman and Hepburne for the See of Saint Andrew's to the great di • quieting of the Realm, by such part-takings as chanced thereabouts among the Lord's, desired to cure this grievous wound made in the Common-wealth. Wherefore he persuaded Andrew Forman, that he should resign all his Ecclesiastical Benefices into his hands in an open assembly at Edinburgh, for by that means, the Governor thought that he might pacify 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 Governor the Duke of Albanie, all his Ecclesiastical promotions to be disposed at the Dukes pleasure. In consideration thereof the Duke bestowed the Archbishopric of Saint Andrew's, and the Abbey of Dumfermling upon the same Andrew Forman, and gave the Bishopric of Murry to James Hepburne, (greatly favored of the Earl Bothwell, and the Competitor of Forman ) being thereunto substitute by John Hepburne P • ior of Saint Andrew's in the place of the said John, to whom moreover the Duke appointed a yearly pension of 1000. marks to be paid by the same Forman out of the Abbey of Dumfermling ; After which about six years or somewhat le •• e, this Forman departed this Life, being in the year of Christ 1522. and the ninth year of King James the fifth, to whom succeeded James Beton.

James Beton Archbishop of Glasgow, was Chancellor in the year of Christ, 1513. being the first year of King James the fifth. This man being of great wisdom was appointed amongst others to assist the Queen in the government of the Realm, whereunto she was for a time advanced; but the woman not enduring to be directed by others, taking quarrel against the Bishop, did immediately after the marriage performed, the sixth of August, in the year of Christ 1514. between her and Archibald Dowglasse Earl of Angus (which this Bishop encountered as much as he could) take the great Seal • from the said Bishop of Glasgow, at Saint John's Town; whereupon the Bishop got him to Edinburgh, and assisted with many Lord's, kept the Queen and her husband out of that Town; whereby great dissention and part-taking was raised amongst the Nobility of the Realm. But as I gather, peace being made between them, he was again made Chancellor. After this, in the year of Christ, 1515. he cometh with the Earl of Arrane, who submitteth himself to the Governor; Shortly following, the Governor gave to this Archbishop of Glasgow, the Abbey of Arbroth, assigning to the Earl of Murrey, a large pension out of the same; which Bishop being thus in favor with the Governor, was (in the year of Christ 1517. in May, when the Governor went into France ) appointed amongst others, to have the Rule of the Realm, until his return. Two years after which, the Nobility being divided about the quarrel of the Earl of Angus and Arrane, this Bishop in the year of Christ 1519. being then also Chancellor, with other Noblemen of the Realm, kept the Town of Glasgow ; but after that, this Chancellor, who would not come to Edinburgh, the King of England and of France, their Ambassadors 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 minds, since in the year following, being the year of Christ 1 • 20. the Noblemen • ell again to factions; For when divers of the Peers were come to Edinburgh to aide the Earl of Angus against the Earl of Arrane (this Chancellor remaining then in the Town) they pursued the Earl and Chancellor so hotly, that they were both constrained to forsake the Town and to fly through the North lock, about the thirteenth day of April. But as the events of quarrels be doubtful, now up, now down, so this Archbishop, not long a • ter this disgrace, recovered breath, and in November following, did accompany the Regent come out of France to Edinburgh, where was a Parliament holden to summon the Earl of Angus to appear; but he refusing, it was agreed, that the Earl should pass into England, there to remain. The Bishop thus having the better of his enemies, Andrew Forman Bishop of Saint Andrew's died in the year 1522 being about the ninth year of James the first, by occasion whereof this Chancellor James Beton Bishop of Glasgow, was advanced to that See, and • urther made Abbot of Dumfermling. Upon which new honor in the year of Christ 1524. He was appointed one of the Governors of the Realm by Parliament, but he not possessing this honor any long time, the Earl of Angus (who had gotten the King into his usurped government, and denied the delivery of the King: being sent for by this Bishop, and the other Nobility) sent to the Chancellor for the grea • Seal, 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 Earl of Angus. Whereof the Earl to revenge the same, did with the King, in the year of Christ 1526. seek for the Queen and the Bishop of Saint Andrew's ; but because they were kept secretly in their friends houses, so that they could not be heard of; He spoiled the Abbey of Dumfermling, and the Castle of Saint Andrew's, taking away all that the Archbishop had. Notwithstanding which, the Archbishop keeping in favor with the old Queen, and the young King, did in the year of Christ 1529, and in the sixteenth year o • James the fifth, Christian James the King • Son bo • ne at Saint Andrew's, and not long after surrendered his Soul to God.

Anno 1542. Immediately after the death of James the fif • h of Scotland, David Beton Cardinal, and Archbishop of Saint Andrew's, the special 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 himself chief Regent. The Protestants to whom this Cardinal was ever a cruel enemy and sharp • scourge, espied forth his unjust dealing in this behalf, and thereupon set the Earl of Arran against him, who by the help of his own and • heir friends he removed the Cardinal and his adherents from their usurped room and Authority; and therewith was the said Earl proclaimed Protector and Governor of the Realm. The next year at a Convention of the Lord's at Edinburgh, this Archbishop was put in ward in the Castle of Dalkish, lest he should go about to persuade the Nobility, not to consent to the Governors desires, and the King of England's match propounded to the Scottish Queen : Which match of Prince Edward, with Queen Mary of Scotland, though concluded on by a Parliament in Scotland, this Arch • ishop Beton hindered, f • aring lest Scotland should change the Church Orders, and reform Religion, as England had begun to do. 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 Cardinal Archbishop and his faction on the other side. After this, this Archbishop he was removed to his own Castle of Saint Andrew's, with Warders about him, to see him safely kept.

Anno 1 • 44. The Patriarch of Jerusalem arriving in Scotland, he was honorably received by this Cardinal Arch Prelate, and the Bishops of Scotland, into the City of Glasgow, during whose abode there, great contentions arose between this Arch Prelate, and the Archbishop of Glasgow, who should in that City be of greatest authority and honor? Which in the end came to this issue, that both families fell together by the • ares, which of them should go before, with his Cross borne upright. For the Cardinal Archbishop of Saint Andrew's, and Primate of the Kingdom, did affirm, that the Archbishop of Glasgow should not have his Cross borne in his own Church so long as he was present: Which the servants of the Archbishop of Glasgow took so in disdain, that they plucked down the Cardinals Cross, and threw it to the ground, Whereupon the Governor (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 Edinburgh, accompanied with the Clergy, and so appeased the controversy. That done; the Patriarch, the Popes Legate coming to Rome, procured the • egantine power to be granted to the Cardinal, which he long enjoyed not; For being greatly envied by reason of these honors and some grievous facts, by means whereof there fell continual dissensions between the Nobility, which ended not till this Cardinal was slain, who corrupting his Keepers, whiles he was imprisoned in Saint Andrew's Castle, he found means to escape thence; and in the year 1543. he came to the Coronation of the young Queen, and shortly after persuaded the Earl of Arrane the Governor to leave the part of • he King of England, and wholly to become French. At the Coronation, the Cardinal ordered all things, appointed every Officer, and growing into credit, did in like sort at other times dispose of the Common wealth, and Bishoprics, as seemed best liking unto him. Whereupon the Earl of Leneux, taking part with the English, opposed himself against the Cardinal, whereby ensued sharp wars, the Cardinal still supporting and counseling the Governor. Which troubles somewhat abated, when the Earl of Leneux went into England. The Cardinal led the Governor to Saint Andrew's, to the end (if it were possible) to bind the Governor more firmly to him; During the time they were there, the Cardinal caused in the Lent season all the Bishops and Prelates of the Realm, to assemble at Saint Andrew's where a learned man named Master George Wisc • art, that had been in the Schools of Germany, was accused of Heresy, which he had (as was alleged against him) publicly Preached, and privately taught in Dundee, Brechin, and divers other parts of Scotland since his return home. This matter was so urged against him, that he was convict, and burnt there in the Town of Saint Andrew's during the time of that convention or assembly. When these things were thus done, the Cardinal, although he greatly trusted to his riches, yet because he was not ignorant what were the minds 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 marrieth his eldest Daughter (as saith Buc • anan ) to the Earl of Crawfords Son; Which marriage was solemnized with great preparation, almost answerable to Kingly magnificence; During which time the Cardinal understanding by his Spies, that the English did prepare to invade the Scottish borders on the Sea (and specially did threaten those of Fife therewith) returned to Saint Andrew's, and appointed a day to the Nobility, and such as dwelled about the Sea Coasts, to assemble together to provide in common for the defense thereof, and to prepare remedy for that hastened evil; for the easier and better performance whereof he had determined, together with the Lord's of that Country, to have sailed himself 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, Son to the Earl of Rothseie. This man (after that he had many times employed his valiant and faithful diligence in the behalf of the Cardinal) grew to some contention with the said Cardinal for a private cause, which for a time did estrange both their minds the one from the other; this same contention did Norman (being thereto induced with many fair promises) afterwards let fall; But certain months afterward when he returned to demand the performance of such liberal 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 minds of every of them; for the Cardinal being intrea • ed more unreverently than he would or looked for; and the other threatening that being ove • taken by deceit, he would revenge it, they bo • h returned discontented to their own people.

Whereupon Norman, declaring to his partakers the intolerable arrogancy of the Cardinal, they easily agreed all to conspire his death • wherefore to the end that the same might be less suspected, they departed in sunder afterward. This No • man accompanied only with five of his own train, entered the town of Saint Andrew's, and went into his acc • stomed Inn and lodging, trusting that by such a small train he might cunningly dissemble the determination of the Cardinals death; but there were in that town, ten of those which had consented to his conspiracy, which closed in secret corners, some • in one place, and some in another, did only expect the sign 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 Cardinal in the same town, furnished in every place with the servants and friends of the Cardinal. Whereupon the 13. of May the Cardinal being within his Castle of Saint Andrew's, certain of his own friends (as he took them) that is to say, the said Norman, Lord Lesleie, William Kirkandie • the young Lord of Grange, and Kirkmichell with sixteen chosen men, entered the Castle very secretly in the morning, took the Porter and all the Cardinals 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 door, they slue him, and seized upon the Artillery and Munition, where with that Fortress was plentifully furnished, and likewise with rich hangings, household-stuff of all sorts, Apparel, Copes, Jewels, Ornaments of Churches, great store of gold and silver plate, besides no small quantity of treasure in ready coin. Sir James Leirmouth Provost of Saint Andrew's assembled all the people of that Town for the rescue of the Cardinal after he had heard that the Conspirators were entered the Ca •• le; but they shown the dead body of the Cardinal over the walls as a spectacle to the people, and so they made no further attempt, since they saw no means how to remedy or revenge the matter at that present. The cause that moved the Conspirators thus to kill the Cardinal, was thought to be partly in revenge of the burning of Mr. George Wischart, •• aring to be served with the same sauce, and in the end to be made to drink of the same Cup. Partly it was thought they attempted it through counsel of some great men of the Realm that had conceived some deadly hatred against him. His body after he was slain, was buried in the Castle in a dung-hill. The governor considering that his deer Coze • the Cardinal was thus made away, assembled the great Lord's of the Realm • by whose advice he called a Parliament, and • orfeited them who had slain the Cardinal and kept the Castle of Saint Andrew's : And withal he besieged those that murdered him in the said Castle three months space; but it was so strongly furnished with all manner of Artillery and Munition by the Cardinal in his life time, that they within cared little for all the inforcements that their Adversaries without could enforce against them.

After his death the Governor, Anno. 1546. promoted John Hamilton the Abbot of Parslew his Brother to the Bishopric of Saint Andrew • , and gave the Abby of Arbroth (granted before to James Beton the slain Cardinals Kinsman) to George Dowglasse bastard son to the Earl of Angus, which things were afterwards occasions of great troubles in the Realm. To appease which Anno 1550. the Queen by the advice of her Counsel to stop all occasion of public dissention, ended the controversies moved about the Archbishoprickes of Saint Andrew's and Glasgow, and the Bishoprics of Dunkeld and Brechine, by bestowing them upon Noblemen’s children, and upon such persons as worthily deserved them. This Arch-bishop 1543. coming out of France passed through England, and having other learned men in his company, did visit the King of England, of whom he was most honourably and courteously received: from whence going into Scotland, he was made Treas • rer; which Office he kept as long as his Brother was Governor, whom he did further in all good Counsels at home, and save and defend in the war • es abroad.

Anno 1598. In July, August, and March, there was an assembly of the Prelates and Clergy of Scotland held at Edinburgh, in which certain men and women of Edinburgh, were accused of Heresy, and burned at the town cross with • aggots on their backs, whereupon great tumults were raised there: for appeasing whereof, the Lord Seton was made Governor of the Town. In this Council of all the Prelates and Clergy 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 pass by the voices of the Temporal Lord's 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 persuading the Queen Regent to sommon Master John Knox and others to appear before them at Striveling ; for lack of appearance they were denounced Rebels, and put to the home: Whereupon they and the Burgesses of Perth, with others, pulled down the Images and Altars in all Churches, and suppressed the houses of Priors, and other Religious places and Abbeys, both in Perth, S. Andrew's, Edinburgh, and other places: whereupon the Queen-Regent, with the Arch-bishops of Saint Andrew's and Glasgow, the Bishops of Dulkenden, Dublane, with many other chief of the Clergy, came to Perth, and raised an Army against the Reformers; who thereupon gathered an Army to resist them; which being ready to me • e on Couper More in battle, by the labor of some Noble men the battle was stayed, and Articles of agreement drawn between the Regent and the Lord's of the reformed Religion, the contents whereof you may read in Les • e, Buchanan, and Holinshed.

Anno 1559. A Parliament was holden, and a disputation appointed between the Protestant Divines, and Popish Prelates, at what time the Roman Prelates behaved themselves so well, that they were commanded not to depart the Town, but to be present at the Sermons of the Ministers. In the winter the Lord's of the Counsel gave faculties of Benefices to divers of their friends, who put forth the Prelates and received the fruits; The Earl of Argile disposed Dunkeld and Dublane ; The Earl of Arran had the ordering of the Bishoprics of Saint Andrew's, and divers Abbeys: the like was used by other Noblemen through all parts of the Kingdom. In the same year, being the 17. of Queen Mary, he was with the Queen besieged in Leith.

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

Anno 1562. this Arch-bishop of Saint Andrew's, because after an Edict made thereof, he did no • abstain from hearing and saying Mass, was commit • ed prisoner to Edinburgh Castle, This Arch-Bishop still following the Queens part, he with others meeteth her in the year of Christ 1566. at Muskleburow, and so attendeth on her, who no • long after in the year of Christ 1571. being about the fourth year of James the sixth, was taken in the Castle of Dunbritaine, and sent Prisoner into Sterling, where being examined by the Regent, Matthew Earl of Lenox, about the mur • her of Henry King of Scot • , son to the said Matthew, he was there drawn, 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. The Regent coming to Striveling, caused the Arch-bishop of S. Andrew's, to be examined upon certain Articles, as well • ouching the murder of the la • e King Henry, as also for the death of the Earl of Murrey the late Regent, at what time there came in a Priest without compulsion of any, and before the Regent declared, that one John Hamilton being in extreme sickness, under confession told him, that the Bishop did send him with three others to the murder of the King: and as touching the murder of the Earl of Murrey, the Bishops flat answer was, He might have letted it, if he would. Therewith the people that heard him cried, Away with him, hang him : And so for these and other offenses 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.

Patrick Adamson alias Constance next succeeded in the Archbishopric of Saint Andrew's ; in his time Anno 1573. there was a Parliament in Edinburgh, 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 God's truth, shall enjoy the patrimony of the Church. 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 unlawful, not grounded on God's Word, but introduced by the folly and corruptions of men's inventions, and thereupon una voice condemned, and abjured. Anno 1581. and 1582. there were many contentions between the Prelates and Presbyters of Scotland touching the Jurisdiction of Bishops, which the assembly condemned, and the settling and confirming of Religion, to the great disturbance of the Realm, which I pretermit for brevity sake. The next year 1583. the Presbytery (as they had many times done before) did excommunicate their Metropolitan the Archbishop of Saint Andrew's and the rest of the Bishops also, because they would not in all their actions support and confirm the Doctrine which the Presbytery had established, and maintain 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 Andrew's. But the King in the beginning did assist him against them, and the Arch-bishop did in like sort thunder an Excomunication against them, which division (writes Thin ) not being meet to be in the Clergy, who ought to be as the Apostles were, Of one heart and of one mind, will in the end (as Christ saith) bring that Realm to confusion; for, Omne regnum in se divisum desolabitur. At last this Bishop excommunicated by the Assembly at Edinburgh, was enforced to renounce his Archiepiscopall jurisdiction, and to make this public recantation (which quite subverts the pretended Ius Divinum of the Prelacy) in the Synod of Fiffe, April the 8. 1591. I confess with a sincere mind without color or fraud, that I have formerly erred in this, that I thought the government of the Church to be like the regiment of terrene Kingdoms, expressly 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 Savior alone (as it doth in truth) but likewise in the Ministers, who yet are nothing else but vassals and Clerks under Christ, Et aequales inter se, and equal among themselves, &c. Lastly, I confess 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 God's Word, and founded only upon the political 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 Jurisdiction and Inspection, both in Visitations and in Ordinations performeth all these things with greater authority, piety, and zeal 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 been usurped these 506. years last past, with how great cruelty and tyranny they have exercised it, and thou shalt find, that it hath been the Principal Original of suppressing the Word of God in every kingdom, which will evidently appear to any one who shall survey the Ecclesiastical History. This Arch-Prelate held correspondency with our English Bishops from whom (asking leave of the general Assembly to go into England about his Civil affairs only, as he pretended) he received his consecration to this Arch-bishopric in a secret manner, Anno. 1589. and then returned into Scotland where he durst nor exercise his Archiepiscopall authority openly for a space. King James after he was made Archbishop brought him from Saint Andrew's to Edinburgh, that he might preach there openly in the great Church; the King himself accompanying him with his Guard to secure him from the people brought him into the Church, sending half of his Guard to convey the Bishop to the Pulpit door, which Master John Cooper (one of the ordinary Ministers of Edinburgh ) had prepossessed, who standing up to say prayer and preach as soon as he perceived the King in his seat, the King perceiving it said, Master John Cooper, I will not have you preach this day, I command you to go down out of the Pulpit, and let the Bishop of Saint Andrew's come up and preach to me : to the which the ordinary Minister replied, Please your Majesty this is the day appointed to me to preach, and if it were your Majesty's pleasure, I would fain supply the place myself. But the King replied again, I will not hear you at this time, I command you to go down, and let Master Patrick Adamson come up and Preach this day ; and beside, the King had remembered that he should not have styled him a Bishop by reason there were so strait Acts against them; Then Master John Cooper said, I shall obey Sir, and came down 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 door to the Bishop, while the King commanded him, and then so soon as the Bishop was entered into the Pulpit and began with low beck to do reverence to the King and to other inferior Magistrates, the whole people rose out of their places with a great out-cry and lamentation, and ran out of the Church, especially the women, and when the Guard thought to have kept them in, they ran over the Guard, and Master John 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 fearful noise yet continuing in the Church many running out of the Church and some coming in again to see whereto the matter would return, made the King to cry out and say, What a devil ayles the people that they may not hear 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 fear the Bishop Preacht that day, and with how little audience, they can best tell that considered the matter rightly: always the King set the Bishop in the midst of the Guard, and so took him down to the Abbey with him; but so soon as he came to Saint Andrew's again, the Presbytery entered in Proces against him, for taking upon him to be a Bishop, which they proved by many reasons; but chiefly for that the King called him so; and albeit they had many hindrances, and the King caused a great delay to be made, devising means to save him from excommunication; yet in the end he was excommunicated by the Provincial Assembly, albeit by the Kings earnest dealing his excommunication was not published in all Churches, as it should have been, 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 defense of Episcopacy, as he afterwards confessed in the Synod of Fiffe, where he retracted this his Doctrine as erroneous, and being put from his Bishopric, excommunicated and hated of the people, who put him to the horn for his debts, he fell into a great sickness, called a Dogs appetite, and wanting meat to satisfy his hunger he was in manner starved to death, confessing in his sickness, that his sentence of excommunication was justly pronounced, and desired the Assembly to release him from it for Christ's sake; whereupon he was afterwards absolved, after his forementioned recantation. After this the very calling of Bishops having been condemned and abjured in the Assembly at Dundy as unlawful, Anno. 1580. the Church of Scotland, upon this Adamsons death continued free from the government and tyranny of Bishops till King James was possessed of the Crown of England, and some years after: at which time some ambitious Scottish Ministers stealing secretly into England, procured themselves to be consecrated Bishops by our English Prelates, and by certain insensible degrees, by the help of our English Bishops, by perjury, forgery, and other indirect means, with much difficulty and opposition, set up Episcopacy again in the Church of Scotland, to the great disturbance of that Church and State: whereupon, after the assembly at Glasgow An. 1610. (where Episcopacy was again 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 Andrew's, who is credibly reported to have made a solemn recantation at his death for his acceptance of such an unlawful office, which recantation was suppressed. After him one Sprotswood succeeded, a very vicious, false and crafty Machiavilian, who confederating with Laud, now Arch-bishop of Canterbury, by his means procured himself to be made Chancellor of Scotland, who by reason of this great temporal 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 kind of general and Papal Superintendency over all his Majesty's three Kingdoms, in the year 1636. framed a book 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 door for many doctrinal and disciplinary errors, and Innovations. And to prevent all obloquy against them, they enjoin none to speak either against these Canons, or the book of Common prayer which was to be set forth, under heavy censures. The next year following in June 1637. the said Arch-bishop and Bishops by Canterburies direction caused a New book of Common prayer to be Prin • ed for the use of the Church of Scotland, which was appointed by his Majesty's letters to be received as the only form of God's Worship; whereunto all subjects of that Realm civil or Ecclesiastical ought to conform, and the contraveners to be condignly punished. To set on this design the better, every Minister was by Proclamation enjoined, and some charged with letters of horning to buy two of the said Books 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 he then intended to introduce into the Church of Scotland, and to be set in the Pillory at Westminster, where all o • them had their ears close cut off; one of them his cheeks • 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 access to speak with them; nor they so much as enjoy the liberty of Pen, Inke, or Paper to write for necessaries, or the liberty of any licensed Books, except the Bible, and some few other Books for private devotion. And not content herewith by an extrajudiciall order o • the Lord's, he soon 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 speak 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, ink, or Paper allowed them to write upon any occasion. This transcendent new kind of Prelatical tyranny wherewith Canterbury imagined to terrify and appale the Scots, coming to their ears, wrought quite contrary effects, stirring them up with greater animosity to resist the Prelates encroachments both upon their consciences, Laws, liberties, and established Discipline. Whereupon when the Bishop of Edinburgh accompanied with the two Arch-bishops and some other Prelates of Scotland, began the use of their new service book in the chief Church of Edinburgh the 23. of July 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 external form and nature of the former public 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 Edinburgh, where it was to be read by the Bishop of Arguile. This notwithstanding, the Prelates procured by Act of Council, the pain of death without all favor or mercy to be denounced against all those who should any ways rai • e or speak against the Bishops, or any of the inferior Clergy, or against the service Book. They discharged the ministers and Readers of Edinburgh (who refused the Book) their wonted service, and interdicted the public Evening and Morning Prayer, reading of Scriptures, singing of Psalms, for a long time, still pressing the buying and practicing of the said book by all Ministers; which moved the Ministers first to petition, and next many of the Nobility, Gentry, Burgesses, and Ministers to meet and to supplicate the Lord's of the Privy Counsel against the said Books of Canons and Common Prayers, and the illegal way of introducing the same; till at last the Bishops violence and practices forced the whole kingdom into a combustion against them, and caused them in their general assembly at Ed • nburgh, Anno 1639. not only to abjure, but to extirpate Episcopacy and banish all their Bishops as Incendiaries out of their Realm, 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 civil war between England, Ireland, and Scotland, thinking to restore Episcopacy again in that Kingdom by force of Arms. And when as this war was happily pacified and all differences fully accorded, Canterbury with his agents caused the former pacification • o be annulled, new Arms to be raised, and a fresh war to be undertaken to the unsupportable expense and great danger of all his Majesty's three Kingdoms, which by the Prelates practices are at this day still enforced to maintain three Armies in the field; and had the Prelates bu • their wish, we had long ere this embrued our hands deeply in one another's blood, and made our Kingdoms so many Aceldamaes to maintain their Antichristian pomp and Lordlinesse. But blessed and forever honored and praised be our gracious God, who hath miraculously continued and preserved our peace in the midst of war, and • rustrated the designs of our blood-thirsty Prelates; turning their Bellum Episcopale (as themselves termed it) into a war not for, but against themselves, to a probable extirpation of them forever out of all three Kingdoms, 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 yoke of bondage, as Scotland hath already exonerated themselves thereof.

Now to manifest that this present war Originally sprung from the Scottish Prelates, and from Canterbury, (the very fountain of all late mischiefs in all three Kingdoms) I shall need 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.

The Charge of the Scottish Commissioners against the Prelate of Canterbury.

NOvations in Religion, which are Universally acknowledged to be the main cause of commotions in Kingdoms and states, and are known to be the true cause of our present troubles, were many and great, beside the books of Ordination, and Homili • s, 1. Some particular alterations in matters of Religion, pressed upon us without order and against Law, contrary to the form established in our Kirk. 2. A new book of Canons and Constitutions Ecclesiastical. 3. A Liturgy or book of Common • prayer, which did also carry with them many dangerous errors in matte • s of Doctrine. Of all which we challenge the • relate of Canterbury, as the prime cause on earth.

And first, that this Prelate wes the Author and urger of some particular changes, which made great disturbance amongst us, we make manifest • 1 • by fourteen letters subscribed, W. Cant. in the space of two years, to one of our pretended Bishops, Bannatine, wherein he often enjoineth him, and other pretended Bishops, to appear in the Chapel in their whi • es, connary to the custom of our Kirk, and to his promise made to the pretended Bishop of Edinburgh, at the Corona •• on, that none of them after that time, should be pressed to wear these garments, thereby moving him against his will to put them on for that time, wherein he directeth him to give order for saying the English Service in the Chapel twice a day, for his neglect showing him that he wes disappointed o • the Bishopric o • Edinburgh, promising him upon the greater care of these novations, advancement to a better Bishopric, taxing him for his boldness in pr • aching the sound Doctrine of the reformed Kirks, against Master Mitchell, who had taught the errors of Arminius in the point of the extent of the merit of Christ, bidding him send up a list of the names of Counselors and Senators of the College of Justice, who did not communicate in the Chapel in a form which was not received in our Church, commending him when he found him obsequious to these his commands, telling him that he had moved the King the second time for the punishment of such as had not received in the Chapel: and wherein he upbraideth him bitterly, that in his first Synod at Aberdein, he had only disputed against our custom of Scotland, of fasting sometimes on the Lord's day, and presumptuously censuring our Church, that in this we were opposite to Christianity it self; and that amongst us • here were no Canons at all. More of this stuff may be seen in the letters themselves.

Secondly, by two papers of memoirs and instructions from the pretended Bishop of Saint Androis, to the pretended Bishop of Ross, coming to this Prelate, for ordering the affairs of the Church and Kingdom of Scotland, as not only to obtain warrants, to order the Exchequer, the Privy Counsel, the great Commission of Surrenders, the matter of Balmerino's process, as might please our Prelates, but warrants also for sitting of the High Commission Court once a week in Edinburgh, and to gain from the Noblemen, for the benefit of Prelates, and their adherents, the Abbacies of Kelso, Arbroith, S. Androis, and Lindors, and in the smallest matters to receive his commands, as for taking down Galleries, and stone-walls, in the Kirks of Edinburgh, and Saint Androis, for no other end but to make way for Altars, and adoration towards the East: which besides other evils, made no small noise, and disturbance amongst the people, deprived hereby, of their ordinary accommodation for public worship.

The second Novation which troubled our peace, wes a Book of Canons, and constitutions Ecclesiastical, obtruded upon our Church, found by our general Assembly to be devised • or establishing a tyrannical power, in the persons of our Prelates, over the worship of God, over the consciences, liberties, and goods of the people, and for abolishing the whole discipline and government of our Church, by general and provincial assemblies, Presbyteries, and Church sessions, which was settled by Law, and in continual practice since the time of Reformation; that Canterbury wes Master of this Work is manifest.

By a Book of Canons sent to him, written upon the one side only, with the other side blank, for corrections, additions, & putting all in better Order, at his pleasure, which accordingly wes done, as may appear by interlinings, marginalls, and filling up of • he blank page with directions sent to our Prelates; and that it wes done by no other than Canterbury, is evident by his Magisterial way of prescribing, and by a new copy of these Canons, all written with Saint Androis own hand, precisely to a Letter, according to the former castigations, sent back for procuring the Kings warrant unto it, which accordingly wes obtained; but with an addition of some other Canons, and a Paper of some other corrections: According to which the Book of Canons • hus composed, wes published in Print, the inspection of the Books, Instructions, and his Letters of joy, for the success of the work, and of others Letters of the Prelate of London, and the Lord Sterling, to the same purpose, all which we are ready to exhibit, will put the matter out of all debate.

Besides this general, there be some things more special worthy to be adverted unto, for discovering his Spirit. 1. The fourth Canon of Cap. 8. forasmuch as no Reformation in Doctrine or Discipline can be made perfect at once in any Church; therefore it shall, and may be lawful for the Church of Scotland at any time to make remonstrance to his Majesty, or his successors, &c. Because this Canon holdeth the door open to more Innovations, he writeth to the Prelate of Ross his privy Agent in all this Work, of his great gladness, that this Canon did stand behind the Curtain, and his great desire that this Canon may be Printed fully, as one that was to be most useful. Secondly, the title prefixed to these Canons by our Prelates. Canons agreed upon to be proponed to the several Synods of the Church of Scotland, is thus changed by Canterbury ; Canons and Constitutions Ecclesiastical, &c. Ordained to be observed by the Clergy. He will not have Canons come from the Authority of Synods, but from the power of Prelates, or from the Kings Prerogative. Thirdly, the formidable Canon, Cap. 1.3. threatening no less than Excommunication agai • st all such persons whosoever shall open their mouths against any of these Books, proceeded not from our Prelates, nor is to be found in the Copy sent from them, but is a thunder-bolt forged in Canterburies own fire. 4. Our Prelates in divers places witness their dislike of Papists. A Minister sall be deposed if he be found negligent to convert Papists. Chap. 18.15. The adoration • f the bread is a superstition to be condemned, Cap. 6.6. They call the absolute necessity of Baptism an error of Popery. Cap. 6.2. But in Canterburies Edition, the name of Papists and Popery is not so much as mentioned. 5. Our Prelates have not the boldness to trouble us in their Canons, with Altars, Fonts, Chancels, reading of a long Liturgy before Sermon, &c. But Canterbury is punctual, and peremptory in all these. Although the words of the tenth Canon Cap. 3. be fair, yet the wicked intentions of Canterbury and Ross, may be seen in the point of justification of a sinner before God, by comparing the Canon as it came from our Prelates, and as it wes returned from Canterbury, and Printed; our Prelates say thus; It is manifest that the superstition of former ages, hath turned into a great profaneness, and that people are grown cold for the most part in doing any good, thinking there is no place to good works, because they are excluded from justification. Therefore shall all Ministers, as their Text giveth occasion, urge the necessity of good works, as they would be saved, and remember that they are Via Regni, the way to the kingdom of Heaven, though not causa regnandi, howbeit they be not the cause of Salvation. Here Ross giveth his judgment, That he would have this Canon simply commanding good works to be • reached, and no mention made what place they have or have not in justification. Upon this motion, so agreeable to Canterburies mind, the Canon is set down as it standeth, without the distinction of via regni, or causa regnandi, or any word sounding that way, urging only the necessi • y of good works. 7. By comparing Can. 9. Cap. 18. As it was sent in writing from our Prelates, and as it is Printed at Canterburies command, may be also manifest, that he went about to establish auricular confession, and Popish absolution. 8. Our Prelates were not acquainted with Canons for afflicting of arbitrary penalties: But in Canterburies Book, wheresoever there is no penalty expressly set down, it is provided that it shall be arbitrary, as the Ordinary shall think f • ttest. By these and many other the like, it is apparent, what tyrannical power he went about to establish in the hands of our Prelates, over the worship, and the souls and goods of men, overturning from the foundation, the whole order of our Church, what seeds of Popery he did sow in our Church, and how large an entry he did make for the grossest novations afterward, which hath been a main cause of all their combustion.

The third and great novation wes the Book of Common Prayer, Administration of the Sacraments, and other parts of Divine Service, brought in without warrant from our Church, to be universally received as the only form of divine Service, under all highest pains both civil and Ecclesiastical; which is found by our national assembly, besides the Popish frame, & forms in divine worship, to contain many Popish errors, & ceremonies, and • he seeds of manifold and gross superstitions, and idolatries and to be repugnant to the Doctrine, Discipline, and order of our Reformation, to the confession of Faith, constitutions of general Assemblies, and Acts of Parliament, establishing the true Religion: that this also wes Canterburies work we make manifest.

By the memoirs, and instructions sent unto him from our Prelates; wherein they gave a special account of the diligence they had used, to do all which herein they were enjoined, by th • approbation of the Service Book sent to them; and of all the marginal corrections, wherein it varyeth from the English Book, showing their desire to have some few things changed in it, which notwithstanding wes not granted: This we find written by Saint Androis own hand, and subscribed by him, and nine other of our Prelates.

By Canterburies own Letters, witnesses of his joy, when the Book wes ready for the press, of his prayers that God would speed the work, of the hope to see that service set up in Scotland, of his diligence to send for the Printer, and di • ecting him to prepare a black letter, and to send it to his servants a • Edinburgh, for Printing this book. Of his approbation of his proofs sent from the Press. Of his fear of delay, in bringing the work speedily to an end, for the great good, (not of that Church, but) of the Church. Of his encouraging Ross, who wes entrusted with the Press, to go on in this piece of Service without fear of enemies. All which may be seen in the Autographs and by Letters sent from the Prelate of London, to Ross, wherein, as he rejoiceth at the sight of the Scottish Canons; which although they should make some noise at the beginning, yet they would be more for the good of the Church, than the Canons of Edinburgh, for the good of the Kingdom. So concerning the Liturgy he showeth, that Ross had sent to him, to have an explanation from Canterbury, of some passage of the Service Book, and that the Press behooved to stand till the explanation come to Edinburgh, which the • efore he had in haste obtained from his Grace, and sent the dispatch away by Canterburies own conveyance.

But the Book it self, as it standeth interlined, margined, and patched up, is much more than all that is expressed in his Letters, and the change • and supplements themselves, taken from the Mass Book, and other Romish Ritualls, by which he maketh it to vary from the Book of England, are more pregnant testimonies of his Popish spirit, and wicked inten • ions which he would have put in execution upon us, then can be denied. The large declaration professeth, that all the variation of our Book, from the Book of England, that ever the King understood, wes in such things as the Scottish humor would better comply with, than with that which stood in the English service. These Popish innovations therefore have been surreptitiously inserted by him, without the Kings knowledge, and against his purpose. Our Scottish Prelates do petition that something may be abated of the English ceremonies, as the Cross in Baptism, the Ring in marriage, and some other things. But Canterbury will not only have these kept, but a great many more, and worse superadded, which wes nothing else, but the adding of • ewell to the fire. To express and discover all, would require a whole book, we sall only touch some few in the matter of the Communion.

This Book inverteth the order of the Communion in the Book of England, as may be seen by the numbers, setting down the orders of this new Communion, 1.5.2.6.7.3.4.8.9.10.15. Of the divers secret reasons of this change, we mention one only; In joining the spiritual praise and thanksgiving, which is in the Book of England, pertinently after the Communion, with the Prayer of Consecration before the Communion, and that under the name of Memoriall, or Oblation, for no other end, but that the memorial and Sacrifice of Praise, mentioned in it, may be understood according to the Popish meaning. Bellar. de Missa, lib. 2. cap. 21. Not of the spiritual sacrifice, but of the oblation of the body of the Lord.

It seemeth to be no great matter, that without warrand of the Book of England, the Presbyter going from the North end of the Table, shall stand during the time of consecration, at such a part of the Table, where he may with the more ease and decency use both hands; yet being • ryed, it importeth much, as, that he must stand with his hinder parts to the People, representing (saith Durand ) that which the Lord said of Moses, Tho • shalt see my hinder parts. He must have the use of both his hands, not for anything he hath to do about the Bread and Wine, for that may be done at the North end of the Table, and be better seen of the people: but (as we are taught by the Rationalists) that he may be stretching forth his arms, to represent the extension of Christ on the Cross, and that he may the more conveniently lift up the Bread and Wine above his head to be seen and adored of the people, who in the Rubric of the general Confession, a little before, are directed to kneel humbly on their knees, that the Priests elevation so magnified in the Mass, and the people's adoration may go together. That in this posture, speaking with a low voice, and muttering (for sometimes he is commanded to speak with a loud voice, and distinctly) he be no • heard by th • people, which is no less a mocking of God, and his people, then if the words were spoken in an unknown language. As there is no word of all this in the English Service; so doth the Book in King Edwards time, give to every Presbyter his liberty of gesture, which yet gave such offense to Bucer, (the censurer of the Book: and even in Cassanders own judgment, a man of great moderation in matters of this kind) that he calleth them, Nunquam satis ex •• randos Miss • gestus, and would have them to be abhorred, because they confirm to the simple and superstitious ter impiam & exitialem Missae fiduciam.

The corporal presence of Christ's body in the Sacrament, is also to be found here: for the words of the Mass-book serving to this purpose, which are sharply censured by Bucer, in King Edwards Liturgy, and are not to be • ound in the Book of England, are taken in here; Almighty God is in called, that of his Almighty Goodness he may vouchsafe so to bless and sanctify with his Word and Spirit, these gifts of Bread and Wine, that they may be unto us the body and blood of Christ.

The change here is made a work of God's Omnipotency: the words of the Mass, ut fiant nobis, are translated in King Edwards Book, That they be unto us, which are again turned into Latin by Alesius, Vt fiant nobis. On the other part, the expressions of the Book of England, at the delivery of the Elements of feeding on Christ by Faith, and of Eating and drinking in remembrance that Christ died for thee, are utterly deleated. Many evidences there be in this part of the Communion, of the bodily Presence of Christ, very agreeable to the Doctrines taught by his Secretaries, which this paper cannot contain. They teach us that Christ is received in the Sacrament, Corporali • er, both objective and subjective. Corpus Christi est objectum quod recipitur, & corpus nostrum subjectum quo recipitur.

The Book of England abolish • h all that may import the oblation of any unbloody Sacrifice, but here we have besides the Preparatory oblation of the Elements, which is neither to be found in the Book of England now, nor in King Edwards Book of old, the oblation of the body and blood of Christ, which Bellarmine calleth, Sacrificium Laudis, quia Deus per illud magnopere laudatur. This also agreeth well with their late doctrine. We are ready when it shall be judged convenient, and we shall be desired, to discover much more matters of this kind, as grounds laid for missa sicca, or the half Messe, the private Messe without the people, of communicating in one kind, of the consumption by the Priest, and consummation of the Sacrifice, of receiving the Sacrament in the mouth, and not in the hand, &c.

Our supplications were many against these Books, but Canterbury procured them to be answered with terrible Proclamations. We were constrained to use the remedy of Protestation; but for our Pro • estations, and other lawful means, which we used for our deliverance, Canterbury procured us to be declared Rebels and Traitors, in all the Parish Kirks of England : when we were seeking to possess our Religion in peace, against these devices, and novations, Canterbury kindleth war against us. In all these it is known that he was, although not the sole, yet the principal Agent and adviser.

When by the Pacification at Berwicke, both Kingdoms looked for peace and quietness, he spared not openly in the hearring of many, often before the King, and privately at the Counsel-Table, and the privy Iointo, to speak of us as Rebels and Traitors, and to speak against the Pacification as dishonorable, and me • e to be broken. Neither did his malignancy and bitter • e •• e ever suffer him to rest, till a new war was entered upon, and all things prepared for our destruction.

By him was it that our Covenant, approven by National Assemblies, subscribed by his Majesty's Commissioner, and by the Lord's of his Majesty's Counsel, and by them commanded to be subscribed by all the Subjects of the Kingdom, as a Testimony of our duty to God, and the King, by him was it still called ungodly, damnable, Treasonable; by him were Oaths invented, and pressed upon divers of our poor Country men, upon the pain of imprisonment, and many miseries, which were unwarrantable by Law, and contrary to their National Oath.

When our Commissioners did appear to render the reasons of our demands, he spared not in the presence of the King, and Committee, to rail against our National Assembly, as not daring to appear before the World, and Kirks abroad; where himself and his Actions were able to endure trial, and against our just and necessary defense, as the most malicious and Treasonable Contempt of Monarchical Government that any bygone age hath heard of: His hand also was at the Warrant for the restraint and imprisonment of our Commissioners, sent from the Parliament, warranted by the King, and seeking the peace of the Kingdoms.

When we had by our Declarations, Remonstrances, and Representations, manifested the truth of our inten • ions, and lawfulness of our Actions, to all the good subjects of the Kingdom of England, when the late Parliament could not be moved to ass • st, or enter in war against us, maintaining our Religion, and Liberties, Canterbury did not only advise the breaking up of that high and honorable Court, to the grea • grie • e and hazard of the Kingdom, but (which is without example) did sit still in the Convocation, and make Canons and constitutions against us, and our just and necessary defense, ordaining under all highest pains, that hereafter the Clergy shall Preach four times in the year, such doctrine as is contrary not only to our proceedings, but to the doctrine and proceedings of other Reformed Kirks, to the judgment of all sound Divines, and politiques, and tending to the utter slavery and ruining of all Estates and Kingdoms, and to the dishonor of Kings and Monarchs. And as if this had not been sufficient, he procured six Subsidies to be lifted of the Clergy, under pain of deprivation to all that should refuse. And which is yet worse, and above which Malice it self cannot ascend, by his means a Prayer is framed, Printed, and sent through all the Paroches of England, to be said in all Churches in time of Divine Service, next after the Prayer for the Queen, and Royal Progeny, against our Nation by name of Trayterous Subjects, having cast off all obedience to our annointed Sovereign, and coming in a rebellious manner to invade England, that shame may cover our faces, as Enemies to God and the King.

Whosoever shall impartially examine what hath proceeded from himself, in these two Books of Canons and Common Prayer, what Doctrine hath been published and Printed these years by-past in England, by his Disciples and Emissaries, what gross Popery in the most material points we have found, and are ready to show in the posthume writings of the Prelate of Edinburgh, and Dumblane, his own creatures, his nearest familiars, and most willing instruments to advance his counsels, and projects, • all perceive that his intentions were deep and large against all the reformed Kirks, and Reformation of Religion, which in his Majesty's dominions wes panting, and by this time had rendered up the Ghost, if God had not in a wonderful way of mercy prevented us; And that if the Pope himself had been in his place, he could not have been more Popish, nor could he more zealously have negotiated for Rome, against the Reformed Kirks, to reduce them to the Heresies in Doctrine; the Superstitions and Idolatry in worship, and the Tyranny in Government, wh • ch are in that See, and for which the Reformed Kirks did separate from it, and come forth of Babel. From him certainly hath issued all this deluge, which almost ha • h overturned all. We are therefore confident that your Lordships will by your means deal effectually wi • h the Parliament, that this great firebrand be presently removed from his Majesty's presence, and that he may be put to trial, and put to his deserved censure, according to the Laws of the Kingdom; which fall be good service to God, honor to the King and Parliament, terror to the wicked, and comfort to all good men, and to us in special, who by his means principally have been put to so many and grievous afflictions, wherein we had perished, if God had not been with us.

We do indeed confess that the Prelates of England have been of very different humors, some of them of a more hot, and others of them, men of a more moderate temper, some of them more, and some of them less inclinable to Popery, yet what known truth, and constant experience hath made undeniable, we must at this opportunity profess, that from the first time of Reformation of the Church of Scotland, not only after the coming of King James of happy memory into England, but before, the Prelates of England have been by all means incessantly working the overthrow of our discipline and government. And it hath come to pass of late, that the Prelates of England having prevailed, and brought us to subjection in the point of Governement, and finding their long waited for opportunity, and a rare congruity of many spirits and powers, ready to cooperate for their ends, have made a strong assault upon the whole external worship, and doctrine of our Church. By which their doing they did not aim to make us conform to England, but to make Scotland first (whose weak • nesse in r • sisting they had before experienced, in the Novations of government, and of some points of Worship) and thereafter England conform to Rome, even in these matters, wherein England had separated from Rome, ever since the time of Reformation. And evil therefore which hath issued, not so much from the personal disposition of the Prelates themselves, as from the innate quality and nature of their office, and Prelatical Hierarchy, which did bring forth the Pope in ancient times, and never ceaseth till it bringeth forth Popish Doctrine and worship, where it is once roo • ed, and the Principles thereof fomented and constantly followed. And from that antipathy and inconsistency of the two forms of Ecclesiastical Government, which they conceived, and not without cause, that one Island united also under one head, and Monarch, wes no • able to bear: the one being the same in all the parts and powers, which it wes in the times of Popery, and now is in the Roman Church: The other being the form of Government, received, maintained, and practiced by all the Reformed Kirks, wherein by their own testimonies, and confessions, the Church of Scotland had amongst them no small eminency. This also we represent to your Lordships most serious consideration, that not only the firebrands may be removed, but that the fire may be provided against, that there be no more combustion after this.

I shall close up all touching the Prelates of Scotland, with the late Act of their general Assembly at Edinburgh, for their utter extirpation out of that Church; and the Recantation, and abjuration of two of their late Bishops, to wit, the Bishop of Dunkelden, and of the Orcanies.

The General Act for abolishing of Episcopacy, and all Innovation • lately intended in the Church of Scotland.

THe Kings Majesty having graciously declared, that it is his Royal will and pleasure that all questions about Religion, and matters Ecclesiastical, be determined by Assemblies of the Church, having also by public Proclamation indicted this fr • e National Assembly, for settling the present distraction of this Church; and for establishing a perfect peace against such divisions and disorders as hath been sore displeasing to his Majesty, and grievous to all his good Subjects; and now his Majes • ies Commissioner John, Earl of Traquaire, instructed and authorized with a full Commission, being present, and sitting in this Assembly, now fully convened and orderly constitute in all the members thereof, according to the Order of this Church, having at large declared his Majesty's good will to the reformed Religion, and his Royal care and tender affection to this Church where his Majesty had both his birth and Baptism, his great displeasure at the manifold distractions and division of this Kirk and Kingdom, and his desires to have all our wounds perfectly cured with a free and fatherly hand: And although in the way approved by the Church trial hath been taken in former assemblies before, from the Church Registers to our full satisfaction, yet the Commissioners grace making particular enquiry from the members of the Assembly, now solemnly convened, concerning the real, and true causes of so many and great evils at this time past, had so fore troubled the peace of this Church and Kingdom, it was presented to his Majesty's Commissioner by this Assembly, that beside many other, the main and most material causes was:

• [unspec 1] First, the pressing of this Church by the Prelates with a Service Book, or Book of Common Prayer, without direction or warrant from the Church, and containing (beside the Popish form thereof) diverse Popish errors and Ceremonies, and the s • eds of manifold gross superstitions and Idolatry, with a Book of Canons without warrant or direction from the General Assembly, establishing a Tyrannicall power over the Church in the person of Bishops, and overthrowing the whole discipline and Acts of our Church; And with the High-Commion erected without the consent of the Church, subverting the jurisdiction and Ordinary Judicatories of this Church, and giving to persons merely Ecclesiastical power of both swords, and to persons merely Civil, the power of the keys and Church censures.
• [unspec 2] A Second cause was the Articles of Perth, viz. Observation of festival days, kneeling at the Communion, Confirmation, Administration of the Sacraments in private places, which was brought in by a Civil Assembly, and are contrary to the confession of Faith, as it was meant and subscribed Anno. 1580. And diverse times since to the order and constitution of this Church.
• [unspec 3] Thirdly, the change of the government of the Church, from the Assembly of the Church, to the persons of some Kirkemen usurping the priority and power over their Brethren, by the way and under the name of Episcopal government against the Confession of Faith 1580. Against the Order set down in the book of Policy, and against the intentions and Constitutions of this Church from the beginning.
• [unspec 4] Fourthly, the Civil places and power of Kirkemen, their sitting and voicing in Parliament, and their sitting on the Bench as Justices of Peace, which according to the constituons of this Church, are incompatible with their spiritual functions, lifting them up above the Brethren in worldly Pomp, tending to the hindrance of the Ministry.
• [unspec 5] Fifthly, the keeping and authorizing of corrupt assemblies at Linlithgrow, 1606. and 1608. and at Glasgow. 1610. at Aberdin 1616 at Saint Andrew's. 1617. at Perth, • 618. which are null and unlawful, as being called and constitu • e quite contrary to the Order and constitutions of this kirke, received and practiced ever since the reformation o • Religion, and withal laboring to introduce Novation within this Ki • ke against the Order and Religion established.
• A sixth cause is the want of the lawful and free general Assemblies [unspec 6] rightly constitute, of Pastors, Doctors, and Elders, yearly or oftener pro re nata, according to the liberty of this Church, expressed in the Book of Policy, and acknowledged in the Act of Parliament, 1592. After which his Majesty's Commissioner having heard patiently and examined particularly, and all objections to the contrary, being answered to the full: The whole Assembly with express consent of his Majesty's Commissioner in one heart and voice did declare, that these and such other, proceeding from the neglect and breach of the National Covenant of this Church and kingdom, made in Anno 1588. have been indeed the true and main Cause of all our evils and distractions. And therefore ordains, according to the Constitutions of general A • semblies of this Church, and upon the grounds respective above specified, That the foresaid Service Book, Books of Canon and Ord • nation, and the High-Commission be still rejected. That the Articles of Perth, be no more practiced. That Episcopal government, and the Civil places and power of Kirkemen, be holden still as unlaw • ull in this Church. That the above named pretended Assemblies at Linlithgrow, 1606. and 1608. at Glasgow, 1610. at Aberdeen, 1616. at Saint Andrew's, 1617, at Perth 1618. be hereafter accounted of, as null, and of none effect. And that for preservation of Religion, and preven •• ng of all such evils in time coming, General Assemblies rightly Constitute, as the perfect and competent Judge of all matters Ecclesiastical, hereafter be kept yearly, and oftener, as occasion and necessity shall require. The necessity being first remonstrate to his Majesty by humble supplication, as also of these occasional Assemblies. That Church Sessions, Presbyteries, and Synodal Assemblies be constitute, and observed according to the Book of Policy, and Order o • this Church.

The Bishop of Dunkell his Recantation.

BE it known to all men, me Master Alexander Lindsay, Minister of Sinadois ; for so much as I, by my missive Letter sent by me to the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, holden at Glasgow the 21. of November last past, did freely submit myself, demit and lay down at the foot of the Assembly, my pretended Office of Episcopacy, as pretended Bishop of Dunkell, and by my Letter promised to subscribe what ample form of Commission, there anent the said Assembly should prescribe, and now the said reverent Assembly hath found, and declared the said office of Episcopacy, as it hath been te • med and used within the said Church of Scotland, to be abjured by the comession of Faith, 1580. and 1581, and 1590. And therefore hath decerner the said Office to be removed out of the said Church of Scotland, as also seeing the said reverent Assembly hath decernet me according to my said Letter, to subscribe a more ample form of demission, of the said pretended office in presence of Sir John Montcrieff, of that Ilke Knight Baronet, Master Robert Murrey, Minister at Methuen, Master John Roberton, Minister at Perth, Master Alexander Petrie, Minister at Rinde, and Thomas Durham, Burgess of Perth, Commissioners appointed by them for that effect. Therefore, and for performance of my said Letter, and in obedience to the Ordinance of the said reverent. Assembly; Wit ye me to have demitted quite, claimed and simpliciter overgeven, like as I now in presence of the said Commissioners, freely demits, quite claims and simpliciter overgists the • oresaid pretended Office of Episcopacy of Dunkell, with the whole Title, style, name, and dignity thereof, power of Ordination, Jurisdiction thereof, voice in Parliament, and all usurpation of the same in time coming, and faithfully promises, and by these presents binds and obliges me never to exercise nor use the said pretended Office in the said kirke of Scotland, nor no power of Ordination, Jurisdiction, voice in Parliament, neither any other power Ecclesiastical belonging, usurped, and acclaimed to belong to the said pretended Office, like as according to the Act of the said reverent Assembly, I acknowledge the said Office of Episcopacy to be abjured in the foresaid confession of Faith, and therefore most justly ought to be removed out of this said kirke of Scotland, and the whole premises, I heartily acknowledge, as I will answer to God: in testimony hereof, I have subscribed these presents with my hand. Like as for further security hereof, I am content, and consent, that these presents be insert and Registrate in the general Books of Assembly, therein to remain Ad futuram rei memoriam. And to that effect constitute—my lawful procutors, promittendo de rato. In witness whereof, written by Robert Readhench serviteur to Patrick Ross, Notaire in Perth. I have subscribed the same with my hand, as said is, at Saint Andrew's, the 24. of January, 1639. before these witnesses, Master John Paterson, Master Alexander Dundie, Student in Perth, and George Boswell serviteur to the said Sir George Mont • rieff.

The Bishop of Orkneyes Recantation.

TO all and sundry whom it concerns, to whose knowledge these presents shall come, especially to the Reverent and Honorable Members of the future Assembly, to be holden at Edinburgh, the 12. day of August, 1639. I Master George Gryame, sometime pretended Bishop of Orkney, being sorry, and grieved at my heart, that I should ever for my worldly respect embraced the Order of Episcopacy, the same having no warrant from the Word of God, and being such an Order as hath had sensibly many fearful and evil consequences in many parts of Christendom, and particularly, within the Church of Scotland, (as by doleful and deplorable experience this day is manifest) to have disclaimed, like as I by the tenor hereof, do altogether disclaim and abjure all Episcopal power and Jurisdiction with the whole corruptions thereof, condemned by lawful Assemblies, within the said Church of Scotland, in regard the same is such an Order, as is also abjured within the said Church, by virtue of that National Oath, which was made in the year 1580, and 1581. Promising, and swearing by the great name of the Lord our God, that I shall never while I live, directly, nor undirectly exercise any such power within the Church, neither yet shall I ever approve or allow the same, not so much as in my private or public discourse. But on the contrary shall stand and adhere to all the Acts and Constitutions of the late Assembly holden at Glasgow, the 21. of November, last by-past in Anno 1638; And shall concur to the uttermost of my power sincerely, and faithfully, as occasion shall offer, in executing the said Acts, and in advancing the work of Reformation within this Land to the glory of God, the peace of the Country, and the comfort and contentment of all good Christians, as God shall be my help. In testimony of the which premises, I have subscribed these presents with my hand, in Bricknes in Straines, the second of February, Anno Dom. 1639. Before these witnesses: Master ••• ter Stewart, Minister at Sou • randsley, Master James Cheynie Minister at Buckwall. Master Robert Pee • sone, Minister at Firs • , and Master Patrick Gryame Minister a • Holme My Son.

Before I pass to the Irish Prelates, I shall close up this of the Scottish Prelates, with this merry story out of the Book of Martyrs.

Not long after the burning of David Stratton, and Master Gurlay, in the days of David Beaton, Bishop, and Cardinal of Saint Andrew's, and George Tre • chton, Bishop of Dunkelden, a Canon of Sain • Colmes Inche, and Vicar of Delene, called Dean Thomas Forret, Preached every Sunday to his Parishioners out of the Epistle or Gospel, as it fell for the time, which then was a great novelty in Scotland, to see any man Preach, except a black Friar, or a gray Friar; and therefo • e • he Friars envied him, and accused him to the Bishop of Dunkelden, (in whose Diocese he remained) as an Heretic, and one that shown the mysteries of the Scriptu • es to • he vulgar people in English, to make the Clergy detestable in the sight of the people. The Bishop of Dunkelden, moved by the Friars instigation, called the said Dean T • omas, and said to him. My Joy Dean Thomas, I love you well, (and • herefore I must give you my counsel, how you shall rule and guide yourself. To whom Thomas said, I thank your Lordship heartily. Then the Bishop began his Counsel on this manner. My Joy Dean Thomas, I am informed that you Preach • he Epistle or Gospel every Sunday to your Parishioners, and that you take not the Cow, nor the uppermost clothe from your Parishioners, which thing is very prejudicial to the Church men, and therefore my Joy Dean Thomas, I would you took your Cow, and your uppermost clothe, as other Church men do, or else it is too much to Preach every Sunday; for in so doing you may make the people think that we should Preach likewise. But it is enough for you, when you find any good Epistle, or any good Gospel, that setteth forth the Liberty of the holy Church, to Preach that, and let the rest be. Thomas answered, my Lord, I think that none of my Parishioners will complain that I take not the Cow, nor the uppermost clothe, but will gladly give me the same, together with any other thing that they have, and I will give and communicate with them anything that I have, and so my Lord we agree right well, and there is no discord among us. And where your Lordship saith, It is too much to preach every Sunday; indeed I think it is too little, and also would wish that your lordship did the like. Nay, nay, Dean Thomas (saith my Lord) let that be, for we are not ordained to preach. Then said Thomas, where your Lordship biddeth me preach, when I find any good Epistle, or any good Gospel, truly my Lord I have read the New Testament and the old, and all the Epistles and Gospel's, and among them all I could never find any evil Epistle, or any evil Gospel, but if your Lordship will show me the good Epistle, and the good Gospel, and the evil Epistle, and the evil Gospel, then I shall preach the good, and omit the evil. Then spake my Lord stoutly and said, I thank God that I never knew what the old and New Testament was, (and of these words rose a Proverb which is common in Scotland, ye are like the Bishop of Dunkelden • that knew neither new nor old Law) therefore Dean Thomas, I will know nothing but my Portuise and my Pontifical. Go your way, and let be all these fantasies, for if you persevere in thes • erroneous opinions ye will reap • t it, when you may not mend it • Thomas said, I trust my cause be just in the presence of God, and therefore I pass not much what doth follow thereupon: and so my Lord and he departed at that time. And soon after a Summons was directed from the Cardinal of Saint Andrew's, and the said Bishop of Dunkelden upon the said Dean Thomas Forret, upon two black Friars, called Friar John Kelow, and another called Benarage, and upon one Priest of Striveling called Duncane Simpson, and one Gentleman called Robert Foster in Striveling, with other three or four with them of the town of Striveling, who at the day of their appearance after their summoning were condemned to the death, without any place for recantation, because (as was alleged) they were Heresiarches, or chief Heretics and reachers of heresies, and especially because many of them were at the bridal and marriage of a Priest, who was Vicar of Twybody beside St • iveling, and did eat flesh in Lent at the said Bridall, and so they were all together burnt upon the Castle hill at Edinburgh, where they that were first bound to the stake, godly and marvelously did comfort them which came behind. This Bishop of Dunkeld and David Beton Arch-bishop of Saint Andrew's, were very great persecutors of the true professors of the Gospel whom they burnt and put to death; the story of whose persecutions he that list may read in Master Fox his Act • and Monuments, Edit. ult. vol. 2. p. 605. to 626. to which I shall refer the Reader.

And thus much briefly touching the disloyal, seditio • s and Schismaticall acts of the Scottish Prelates, I now proceed to those of Ireland, in whom I shall be brief.

The Irish Bishops.

IN the year of Grace 1197. Hamo de Wa • is, with the other Guardians of Ireland, and Earl John's men, offered some injury to John Cumin, Arch-bishop of Dublin, whereupon the Archbishop willing rather to be banished, then to suffer such great injuries to himself and his Church to go unpunished, excommunicated the foresaid presumers and passed a sentence of interdict against his Arch-bishopric and departed, commanding the Crosses and images of the Cathed • all Church to be taken down and hedged about with thorns, that so those malefactors might be terrified, and recalled from their will of preying upon the goods of the Church. But they still persisting in their malign purpose, there happened a miracle not he • d of in our times. There was a Crucifix in the Cathedral Church of Dublin, wherein the image of Christ was more exactly carved, than in all others in Ireland or elsewhere, which they had in most veneration. This Image being laid prostrate on the ground and hedged about with thorns, on the sixth week fell into a trance, and his face (I doubt if true by the Arch-bishops or Priests Legerdemaine) appeared overspread with a vehement redness, as if it had been in a fiery furnace, and a great sweat issued out of its face, and little drops fell down from its eyes, as if it wept, and on the sixth hour of that day blood and water issued out of its left side, and on the right side of its breast, which the ministers of that Church diligently gathering up, sent an Ambassie after their Arch-bishop John C • min commanding him to certify the Pope the event hereof, under the Testimony and Seals of venerable men. Yet the other Bishops of Ireland albeit they had often read

Anno. 1212. this Arch-bishop dying, Henry Condies succeeded him, who was called Scorch Villeyn, by occasion of a certain treacherous act of his; for one day calling his Tenants before him to answer by what tenure they held of him, those Tenants showing him their Deedes and Charters, he commanded their Deedes and Charters to be burned (of purpose to disinherit them of their rights) for which most unjust act, the Freeholders ever called him Henry Scorch-Villein : he was Justice of Ireland, and built Dublin Castle, bu • of his preaching to build men up in grace, I find not one syllable.

Anno 1313. Friar Roland Ioce Primate of Armach arrived at the Isle of Houth the morrow after the Annunciation of the ble • sed Virgin Mary, and rising in the night by stealth, took up his Crosier, and advanced it as • arre as the Priory of G • ace Dieu ; whom there encountered certain of the Arch bishop of Dublins servants ( John Leekes was then Arch-bishop of this See) debasing and putting down that Crosier; and the Primate himself o • Armach they chased with disgrace and confusion out of Lem • ter.

Anno. 1324. Alexander de Bickner, Arch-bishop of Dublin being in England, joined with th • Arch-bishops and Bishops of England in rescuing Adam de Arlton Bishop of Hereford even when he was openly arraigned for high Treason against King Edward the second at the Parliament bar: the highest affront that ever I read offered to public Justice; the story whereof is formerly recited at large, p. 54.55. & Anno • 1326. he sided with the Queen and other Prelates against King Edward the second his Sovereign, to his deposall and destruction, in which he was very active. Anno. 1331. on the vigill of Saint Mark the Evangelist, the O-Tothely came to Tavelagh, and robbed this Alexander Arch-bishop of Dublin, took away three hundred sheep, and slew Bichard White, and other men of his company, the retinue of the Lord Archbishop of Dublin, were by a train or ambush slain by David O-Tothill in Culiagh.

Anno. 1337. whiles John Charlton was Lord Justice and held a Parliament at Dublin, Doctor David O-Hirraghey Arch-bishop of Armach being called to the Parliament made his provision for house-keeping in the Monastery of Saint Mary near unto Dublin ; but because he would have had his Crosier carried before him, he was impeached by Alexander Arch-bishop of Dublin and his Clerks, and permit him they would not.

Anno. 1379. The Arch-bishop of Cassel • in Ireland, came from Rome, sent thither for certain urgent causes, bringing back with him a great power of binding and loosing from the Pope; when he came to London, preaching to the People, he denounced the King of Franc • , and as many as adhered to the Anti-Pope, to be involved in the sentence of Excommunication, affirming that even now it would be an acceptable time to England, as well in the cause of the King of England as of the Pope, to invade the Kingdom of France, especially since it was probable, that a King Excommunicated would not have any confidence of resisting. Thus this Messenger of Peace proves a public Herald to proclaim war. The King of France on the other side, makes Proclamation through all his Kingdom, that none should obey Pope Urban, and if any did • ee should be beheaded, and all his goods should be confiscated to the Kings use : after which the confederates of Pope Clement and Urban, meeting in the field, above 5000. were slain on Clements part in one battle, with Bernard Decksale their General, and many more afterwards.

Anno. 1420. there was a Parliament, held at Dublin, at which time Richard O-Hedian Bishop of Cassell was accused by John Gese Bishop of Lismore and Waterford, upon 30. Articles laid to his charge. After all that, he charged him that he made very much of the Irish, and loved none of the English ; that he bestowed no benefice upon any English man, and gave order likewise unto other Bishops that they should not confer the least living tha • was • pon them. That he counterfeited the King of England's seal, and the Kings Letters Patents, that he went about to make himself king of Mounster ; also that he took a Ring away from the Image of Saint Patrick, which the Earl of Desmund had offered, and bestowed it upon an Harlot of his, beside many other enormities, which he exhibited in writing: And the Lord's and Commons were much troubled between these twain. Now in the same Parliament there was debate between Adam Pay Bishop of Clon, and another Prelate, • or that he said Adam went about to unite the others Church unto his, but the other would not; and so they were • ent and referred unto the Court of Rome, and this Parliament lasted 18. days.

Anno • 1532. John Allen Arch-bishop of Dublin, Chaplain to Cardinal Wolsie and his Creature, put the Earl of Kildare to great trouble wrongfully, to take away his life, and that out of affection to his Lord and Master the Cardinal. This Arch-bishop, Anno. 22. H. 8 • was specially and by name excepted out of the Kings general pardon of the Premunire and other offenses, granted to all the Clergy that year, as appears by the Act it sel • e. 22. H. 8. c. 15. No doubt it was because the King took special notice of some great injuries and mis-demeanors by him committed, which he meant to question him for. After this, meaning to sail into England, Anno. 1534. and that secretly lurking • as Tartajus, Thomas Fitzgerald and others apprehended and hailed him out of his Bed, brought him naked in his • hirt, bare footed and bare headed to their Captain, whom when the Archbishop espied, incontinently he kneeled, and with a pitiful countenance and lamentable voice he besought him for the love of God, not to remember former injuries, but to weigh his present calamity, and what malice so ever he bare his person, yet to respect his calling and vocation, in that his enemy was a Christian, and he among Christians an Arch-bishop. As he spake thus, bequeathing his soul to God, his body to his enemies merc • , Thomas Stibon without compassion, and withal inflamed wi • h desire of revenge, turned his horse aside, saying in Irish, Away with the Churl, meaning the Arch-bishop should be detained as Prisoner • But the Caitifes present, mis • onstring his words, murdered the Arch-bishop without further delay, brained and hackt him in gobbets, his blood withal crying to God for revenge; the place ever since hath been hedged and imbarred on every side, ungrowne and unfrequented for the de • estation of the fact; rough and • igorous Justice, deadly hatred of the Giraldins for his Masters Wolsies sake, and his own, as he had much crossed and bridled them in their governments, promoted their accusations, and forged a Letter against them to their prejudice and danger as was likely, was the cause of his ruin.

Anno. 1567. Marice a run gate Priest going to Rome was consecrated Arch-bishop of Cashell by the Pope: arriving in Ireland, he made challenge to the same See; which being denied to him by the Arch-bishop placed there by the Queen, the said supposed Bishop sudainely with an Irish scaine, wounded the Bishop, and put him in danger of his life.

Anno • 1579. The Lord chief Justice of Ireland upon suspicion of Treason, committed the Chancellor of Liviricke to Prison, for which he was indicted and found guilty; and the Bishop likewise upon the same su • pition was committed Prisoner to his own hou • e.

Anno. 1600. The Rebells of Mounster by their Agents, a certain Spaniard elect Arch-bishop of Dublin, the Bishop of Clonfort, the Bishop of Killaloe, and Archer a Jesuit, had obtained at leng • h with praying, entreating and earnest beseeching at the King of Spain's hands, that succor should be sent into Mounster to the Rebels, under the conduct of Don John D' Aquila, upon assured hope conceived, that all Mounster would shortly revolt, and the titular Earl of Desmond, and Floren • Mac-Carti join great aids unto them; but Sir George Carew the Lord President of Mounster, had providently before intercepted them, and sent them over into England. Whereupon D' Aquila arrived at Kinsale in Mounster with two thousand Spaniards, old Soldiers, and certain Irish Fugitives, the last day of October, and straight ways having published a writing wherein he gloriously styled himself with this Title (Master General and Captain of the Catholic King in the war of God, for holding and keeping the faith in Ireland) endeavoreth to make the world believe, that Queen Elizabeth by the definitive sentences of the Pope, was deprived of her Kingdoms, and her Subjects absolved and freed from their Oath of Allegiance, and that he and his men were come to deliver them out of the Devils claws and the English tyranny. And verily with th • goodly pretence, he drew a number of lewd and wicked persons to band and side with him through these Prelates means.

I have now given a short account of some of • he Irish Prelates disloyal and seditious Actions in • ormer ages; which I shall close up with the accusations and proceedings against some of them within the limits of this last year.

On the fourth of March last the whole house of Commons in Ireland, sent up these Articles of High Treason against John Bramham Bishop of Derry and others, to the Upper House of Parliament there, which I find Printed with Captain Aud • ey Mermin his speech, who presented them, at the time of their transmission.

Articles of the Knights, Citizens and Burgesses in the Parliament Assembled, against Sir Richard Bolton Knight, Lord Chancellor of Ireland, John Lord Bishop of Derry, and Sir Gerard Lowther Knight, Lord Chief Justice of the Common Pleas, and Sir George Ratcliffe Knight in maintenance of the accusation, whereby they and every of them stand charged with High Treason.

FIrst, that they the said John Lord Bishop of Derry, &c. intending the destruction of the Common-wealth of this Realm, have traitorously confederated and conspired together, to subvert the fundamental Laws and government of this Kingdom, and in pursuance thereof, they and every of them, have traitorously contrived, introduced, and exercised an arbitrary and tyrannical government against Law, throughout this Kingdom by the countenance and assistance of T • omas Earl of Strafford, then chief Governor of this Kingdom.

[unspec 2] That they and every of them, the said John Lord Bishop of Derry, &c. have traitorously assumed to themselves, and every of them regal power over the goods, persons, Lands, and liberties of his Majesty's subjects of this Realm, and likewise have maliciously, perfidiously and traitorously given, declared, pronounced, and published many false, unjust, and erroneous opinions, Judgments, Sen • ences, and Decrees, in extra judicial manner against Law, and have perpetrated, practiced, and done many other traiterous and unlawful acts and things, whereby as well divers mutinies, seditions and rebellions have been raised, as also many thousands of his Majesty's Liege people of this Kingdom, have been ruined in their goods, Lands, Liberties, and Lives, and many of them being of good quality and reputation have been utterly defamed by Pillory, mutilation of members and other infamous punishments: By means whereof his Majesty and the Kingdom have been deprived of their service in Juries, and other public employments, and the general trade and traffic of this Island for the most part destroyed, and his Majesty highly damnified in his customs and other Revenues.

That they the said John Lord Bishop of Derry, &c. and every [unspec 3] of them the better to preserve themselves, and the said Earl of Strafford, in these and other traiterous courses, have labored to subvort the rights of Parliament and the ancient course of Parliamentary proceedings: all which offenses were contrived, committed, perpetrated, and done at such time as the said Sir Richard Bolton, Sir Gerard Lowther, and Sir George Radcliffe Knights, were Privy Counselors of State within this Kingdom, and against their and every of their Oaths of the same, at such times as the said Sir Richard Bolton Knight, was Lord Chancellor of Ireland, or chief Baron of his Majesty's Exchequer within this kingdom, and Sir Gerard Lowther Knight, was Lord chief Justice of the said Court of Common Pleas, and against their Oaths of the same, and at • uch time as the said John Lord Bishop of Derry, was actual Bishop of Derry within this Kingdom, and were done and speciated contrary to their and every of their allegiance, several and respective Oaths taken in that behalf.

For which the said Knights, Citizens, and Burgesses do impeach • he sa • d John Lord Bishop of Der • y, &c. and every of them of high Treason again • t our Sovereign Lord the King his Crown and dignity •

What proceedings will insue upon this accusation against this Prela • e, time will discover.

Not to mention • he lewd, beastly, Sodomitical life and most detestable Actions of Aderton Bishop of Wa • e • ford • n Ireland,