Skip to main content

Full text of "Collections upon the lives of the reformers and most eminent ministers of the Church of Scotland"

See other formats 


Scs,  WC  ZZ 


■•-*■ 


■'. 


■ 


V 
COLLECTIONS 


UPON  THE 


LIVES 


REFORMERS  AND  MOST  EMINENT  MINISTERS 


CHURCH   OF    SCOTLAND. 


BY  THE   REV.   ROBERT  WODROW, 

MINISTER  OF  THE  GOSTEL  AT  EASTWOOD. 


VOL.   I. 


GLASGOW :— M.DCCC.XXXIV. 


GLASGOW: 

EDWARD   KHtTLL.  PRINTER  TO  THE  UNIVERSITY. 


At  the   General  Annual  Meeting  of  the 
Maitland  Club,  held  11th  May,  1832, 

Resolved, 

That  Selections  from  the  Manuscript 
Biographical  Collections  of  the  Rev.  Robert  Wodrow,  in  the  Library 
of  the  University  of  Glasgow,  be  immediately  printed  for  the  use  of 
the  Club,  under  the  Superintendence  of  the  Vice-President,  Very 
Rev.  Principal  Macfarlan,  Rev.  Dr.  Fleming,  W.  J.  Duncan,  Esq., 
and  the  Secretary. 

JOHN  SMITH,  Ygst.,  Secretary. 


THE  MAITLAND  CLUB. 

M.DCCCXXXIV. 


THE   EARL  OF   GLASGOW, 

[president.] 

HIS  ROYAL  HIGHNESS  THE  DUKE  OF  SUSSEX. 
ROBERT  ADAM,  ESQ. 
JOHN  BAIN,  ESQ. 
5  ROBERT  BELL,  ESQ. 

SIR  DAVID  HUNTER  BLAIR,  BART. 
WALTER  BUCHANAN,  ESQ. 
THE  MARQUESS  OF  BUTE. 
ALEXANDER  CAMPBELL,  ESQ. 
10  LORD  JOHN  CAMPBELL. 

JOHN  DONALD  CARRICK,  ESQ. 
HENRY  COCKBURN,  ESQ. 
JAMES  DENNISTOUN,  ESQ. 
JAMES  DOBIE,  ESQ. 
15  RICHARD  DUNCAN,  ESQ.  [TREASURER.] 
WILLIAM  JAMES  DUNCAN,  ESQ. 
JAMES  DUNLOP,  ESQ. 
JAMES  EWING,  ESQ.,  LL.D. 
KIRKMAN  FINLAY,  ESQ. 


20  REV.  WILLIAM  FLEMING,  D.D. 

WILLIAM  MALCOLM  FLEMING,  ESQ.    ^ 

JOHN  FULLARTON,  ESQ. 

RIGHT  HON.  THOMAS  GRENVILLE. 

JAMES  HILL,  ESQ. 
25  LAURENCE  HILL,  ESQ. 

GEORGE  HOUSTOUN,  ESQ. 

JOHN  KERR,  ESQ.  [VICE-PRESIDENT.] 

ROBERT  ALEXANDER  KIDSTON,  ESQ. 

GEORGE  R.  KINLOCH,  ESQ. 
30  JOHN  GIBSON  LOCKHART,  ESQ.,  LL.B. 

ALEXANDER  MACDONALD,  ESQ. 

WILLIAM  MACDOWALL,  ESQ. 

THE  VERY  REV.  PRINCIPAL  MACFARLAN,  D.D. 

ANDREW  MACGEORGE,  ESQ. 
35  ALEXANDER  MACGRIGOR,  ESQ. 

DONALD  MACINTYRE,  ESQ. 

JOHN  WHITEFOORD  MACKENZIE,  ESQ. 

GEORGE  MACINTOSH,  ESQ. 

ALEXANDER  MACNEILL,  ESQ. 
40  JAMES  MAIDMENT,  ESQ. 

THOMAS  MAITLAND,  ESQ. 

WILLIAM  MEIKLEHAM,  ESQ. 

WILLIAM  HENRY  MILLER,  ESQ. 

WILLIAM  MOTHERWELL,  ESQ. 
45  WILLIAM  MURE,  ESQ. 

ALEXANDER  OSWALD,  ESQ. 

JOHN  MACMICHAN  PAGAN,  ESQ.,  M.D. 

WILLIAM  PATRICK,  ESQ. 

EDWARD  PIPER,  ESQ. 


50  ROBERT  PITCAIRN,  ESQ. 

JAMES  CORBET  PORTERFIELD,  ESQ. 
HAMILTON  PYPER,  ESQ. 

PHILIP  A.  RAMSAY,  ESQ. 

JOHN  RICHARDSON,  ESQ. 
55  WILLIAM  ROBERTSON,  ESQ. 

ANDREW  SKENE,  ESQ. 

JAMES  SMITH,  ESQ. 

JOHN  SMITH,  ESQ. 

JOHN  SMITH,  YGST.,  ESQ.  [SECRETARY. 
60  WILLIAM  SMITH,  ESQ. 

GEORGE  SMYTHE,  ESQ. 

MOSES  STEVEN,  ESQ. 

DUNCAN  STEWART,  ESQ. 

SYLVESTER  DOUGLAS  STIRLING,  ESQ. 
65  JOHN  STRANG,  ESQ. 

THOMAS  THOMSON,  ESQ. 

PATRICK  FRASER  TYTLER,  ESQ. 

ADAM  URQUHART,  ESQ. 

SIR  PATRICK  WALKER. 
70  WILSON  DOBIE  WILSON,  ESQ. 


PREFACE. 


The  work  from  which  the  following  Lives  have  been  selected  has  been 
so  long  known  to  persons  conversant  in  Scottish  history  that  any  very 
minute  notice  of  it  is  here  unnecessary.  It  is  only  intended  to  premise 
a  few  general  and  explanatory  remarks,  leaving  details  to  be  entered 
into  in  the  Notes  to  the  various  Lives,  or  in  the  work  more  particularly 
devoted  to  such  subjects, — the  Registrum  Metellanum. 

Although  the  author  began  as  early  as  1707  to  collect  materials  for 
Scottish  history,  the  work  now  under  notice  was  not  commenced  till  a 
much  later  period.  Scattered  hints  respecting  a  Biographical  Collection 
will  indeed  be  found  in  his  correspondence  in  1717>  but  it  is  not  till 
1722  that  many  notices  of  such  a  Collection  occur.  He  intimates  his 
intention  of  applying  himself  to  the  task  in  a  letter,  dated  June  29, 
1723,1  to  the  Hon.  James  Erskine,  a  Senator  of  the  College  of  Justice 
with  the  title  of  Lord  Grange,  and  one  of  his  most  regular  correspon- 
dents.    In  another  letter,1  written  to  the  same  person  in  the  following 


MS.  Correspondence,  Advocates'  Library. 
b 


x  PREFACE. 

November,  he  mentions  having  begun  his  father's  life, — the  same 
interesting  article  which  was  a  few  years  ago  published  at  Edinburgh. 
The  materials  which  he  had  collected  were,  considering  the  period  in 
which  he  lived,  astonishingly  ample.  In  1722  he  mentions  them  as 
consisting  of  three  hundred  MSS.  and  pamphlets,  among  which  are 
the  Diaries  or  Histories  of  Row,  James  Melville,  Davidson,  John 
Forbes  and  Archibald  Simson,  besides  a  large  mass  of  political  and 
literary  correspondence.  One  of  his  most  valuable  acquisitions  unques- 
tionably was  the  family  papers  of  the  Trochrig  family,  communicated 
to  him  through  Dr.  John  Stevenson,  and  incorporated  into  the  Lives 
of  Archbishop  Boyd,  his  son  Robert  Boyd  of  Trochrig,  Andrew  Boyd 
bishop  of  Argyll,  &c.  By  Lord  Grange,  Wodrow  was  introduced  to 
Sir  William  Calderwood  (Lord  Polton)  the  grandnephew  of  the  historian, 
and  was  allowed  to  examine  his  private  papers.  He  had  the  freest 
access  to  the  original  MS.  of  David  Calderwood's  History,  and  the 
examination  of  his  papers  led  to  the  discovery  of  the  concluding  volume 
which  he  had  supposed  to  have  been  lost  or  destroyed.2  But,  notwith- 
standing these  important  advantages,  the  fact  is  undeniable  that  his 
extracts  from  that  work  are  by  no  means  characterized  by  accuracy. 
This  may  in  some  degree  be  accounted  for  from  the  incorrectness  of  the 
copy  which  he  used,  and  still  farther  from  the  vicious  system  of  his  time, 
which  permitted  an  author  or  editor  to  modernize  quotations  at  his  own 
discretion.  Several  errors  have  been  corrected  in  the  present  volume, 
but  it  is  to  be  feared  that  many  others  may  have  escaped  notice. 

The  disease  which  at  length  carried  off  the  author  also  impaired 

2  History  of  the  Sufferings  of  the  Church  of  Scotland,  1828,  I.  xxx. 


PREFACE.  xi 

his  ability  for  literary  exertion  for  a  considerable  period  before  his 
death.  Enough,  however,  remains  to  convince  us  (were  proof,  indeed, 
required)  of  his  industrious  habits,  even  under  the  pressure  of  that  dis- 
ease. The  dates  which  he  has  added  at  the  beginning  and  end  of  each 
life  are  a  curious  record  of  the  progress  of  his  labours,  and  show  that 
a  portion  of  almost  every  day  was  devoted  to  the  task  of  compilation. 
It  is,  in  truth,  rather  subject  of  regret  that  he  did  not  revise  the  matter 
and  style  of  a  part  of  the  work,  than  that  he  did  not  compile  more.  Of 
the  Lives  preserved  among  his  MSS.  there  is  good  reason  to  believe  that 
only  a  very  small  proportion  are  finished ;  the  style  is  often  careless  and 
incompact,  and  numerous  memoranda  show  that  there  are  many  facts 
which  he  intended  to  reconsider, — many  passages  which  he  wished 
to  remodel.  The  work  falls  far  short,  too,  of  the  extent  proposed  by  its 
author,  as  few  of  the  Lives  refer  to  a  period  later  than  the  beginning  of 
the  Protectorate.  All  the  MSS.  yet  discovered,  except  the  life  of  Pro- 
fessor Wodrow  and  that  of  the  historian  Calderwood,  are  the  property 
of  the  University  of  Glasgow,  the  Senate  of  which  most  liberally  granted 
permission  to  print  such  selections  as  might  be  considered  suitable. 

The  Committee  deem  it  necessary  to  state  most  distinctly  that  the 
earlier  Lives  in  the  present  volume  have  not  been  adopted  as  either  the 
most  finished  or  the  most  interesting  in  the  Collection.  While  the 
author  was  enabled  to  enrich  many  of  the  Lives  with  original  documents 
in  his  possession,  there  are  others  which  were  written  almost  at  the  latest 
period  of  his  life  or  which  partake  of  that  excessive  meagreness  which 
characterizes  our  national  history  both  immediately  before  and  after  the 
Reformation.  It  seemed  desirable,  however,  to  print  a  few  Lives  in 
each  period  of  the  history  which  the  work  embraces,  with  the  view  of 


xii  PREFACE. 

preserving  a  chronological  series.  In  pursuance  of  that  plan  the  follow- 
ing were  selected,  and  the  editor  has  endeavoured,  so  far  as  he  could, 
to  illustrate  such  parts  of  them  as  seem  obscure, — to  supply  such  facts 
as  are  omitted, — to  correct  such  statements  as  appear  erroneous.  The 
notes  of  the  two  first  (the  explanatory  and  supplementary)  classes  have 
been  appended  to  the  volume ; — those  of  the  last  description  have 
generally  been  inserted  as  foot  notes  to  the  passages  which  they  are 
intended  to  correct.  The  Appendices  in  the  Library  of  the  University 
of  Glasgow,  are  in  a  most  incomplete  and  unsatisfactory  state,  and  the 
papers  have,  therefore,  been  principally  supplied  from  MSS.  in  the 
General  Register  House,  or  in  the  Advocates'  Library. 

In  the  performance  of  the  task  which  has  devolved  upon  him,  the 
editor  has  laboured  under  all  the  disadvantages  of  distance  from  the  great 
depositories  of  Scottish  MSS.  and  of  active  engagement  in  other  pursuits. 
The  work  has  not,  however,  depended  for  its  most  important  illustrations 
solely  upon  his  individual  investigations,  which,  circumstanced  as  he  was, 
could  have  yielded  little  original  information,  even  had  he  been  better 
qualified  by  knowledge  and  experience  for  editorial  duties.  Almost  the 
only  merit,  indeed,  which  he  can  claim  is  that  of  having  pushed  his 
inquiries  in  every  direction  which  seemed  likely  to  yield  new  or  interest- 
ing matter ;  and  it  is  gratifying  to  add  that  they  were  most  frankly 
replied  to,  whether  addressed  to  friends  or  strangers, — to  Members  of 
the  Club,  or  merely  to  persons  associated  with  them  in  the  same  pursuits 
or  possessed  of  MS.  papers.  Of  the  latter  class,  the  Club  is  particularly 
indebted  to  the  Senate  of  the  University  of  Glasgow,  which  permitted 
an  inspection  of  its  Records  and  Charters, — to  the  Rev.  Dr.  John  Lee, 
who  transmitted  the  materials  for  nearly  all  the  annotation  to  the  Lives 


PREFACE.  xiii 

of  Winram,  Pont  and  Gladstanes, — to  Alexander  Sinclair,  Esq.,  for  his 
genealogical  tree  of  the  Erskines  of  Dun, — to  Donald  Gregory,  Esq. 
Sec.  S.  A.  Scot.,  for  several  notices  of  Bishop  Carswell,  and  to  James 
Burnes,  Esq.,  for  some  minute  particulars  respecting  the  burgh  of  Mon- 
trose and  its  neighbourhood.  Of  the  members  of  this  Club,  the  editor 
begs  to  notice  with  much  gratitude  the  assistance  of  Robert  Pitcairn  and 
Alexander  Macdonald,  Esqs.,  who  have,  with  the  greatest  readiness, 
communicated  such  documents  as  presented  themselves  in  the  noble 
institution  with  which  they  are  connected. 

But  although,  it  is  hoped,  the  annotations  to  this  volume  may, 
in  many  cases,  throw  considerable  light  on  the  transactions  and  characters 
of  the  different  parties,  it  would  be  presumptuous  to  assert  that  the 
various  subjects  are  exhausted,  or  that  they  are,  in  every  instance, 
treated  with  perfect  accuracy.  There  are  points,  which  the  editor, 
like  every  other  inquirer,  has  not  investigated  so  successfully  as  he 
could  have  wished.  Among  the  desiderata  which  his  most  anxious 
inquiries  have  not  been  able  to  supply,  may  be  mentioned,  the  Will 
of  John  Erskine  of  Dun,  Superintendent, — notices  of  John  Willock 
in  his  early  life  and  after  his  last  retirement  to  England, — of  Timothy 
Pont, — and  of  Archbishop  Gladstanes  before  his  settlement  at  St. 
Andrew's.  Should  the  reader  be  possessed  of  additional  information 
respecting  these  or  other  subjects  mentioned  in  this  volume,  more 
especially  of  such  as  leads  to  the  discovery  of  errata,  a  communication 
is  earnestly  requested  for  insertion  in  the  additional  Notes  to  be  after- 
wards printed. 

W.  J.  D. 

Glasgow,  July,  1884. 


CONTENTS. 


COLLECTIONS  ON  THE  LIVES  OF 


John  Erskine  of  Dun, 

3 

Mr.  John  Spotswood, 

71 

Mr.  John  Willock, 

99 

Mr.  John  Winram, 

119 

Bishop  Carswell, 

133 

Bishop  Gordon,   . 

141 

Mr.  Robert  Pont,     . 

163 

Archbishop  Boyd, 

205 

Archbishop  Gladstanes, 

233 

APPENDIX  TO  THE  LIFE  OF  JOHN  ERSKINE  OF  DUN,   CONTAINING  ; 

I.  Proclamation,  Nov.  penult.  1559, 
II.   Proclamation,  Dec.  14,  1559, 

III.  The  names  of  the  Noblemen  and  oyrs  conveened  at  Perth, 
&c,  July  28,  1569,  ..... 

IV.  Instructions   to    Robert    Commendator   of  Dunfermline, 
Oct.  15,  1569,  ..... 

V.  Articles  and  formes  of  letters   concerning   provision   of 
parsons    to    benefices    and    spiritual    promotions,    Jan., 

1571-2, 

VI.  The    Assembly's   Judgment    on    the   Conference  on   the 
Second  Book  of  Discipline,  1578, 


321 
322 


323 


325 


338 


358 


xvi  CONTEN  T  S. 

VII.  Minuts  of  the  Conference  on  the  Discipline,  Dec,  1578,        359 
VIII.  The  Assemblies  Judgment  on  that  Conference,  .  .         366 

APPENDIX  TO  THE  LIFE  OF  BISHOP  GORDON,  CONTAINING  ; 

I.  Litera  Confirmationis  Magri  Joannis  Gordoun,  .  367 

II.  Articles  against  Adam  Bishop  of  Orkney,  .  .         369 

III.  The  Bishop  of  Orkney's  answers,       .  .  .  370 

APPENDIX  TO  THE  LIFE  OF  MR.  ROBERT  PONT,  CONTAINING  ; 

I.  The  estate  and  order  of  the  Presbyteries,  &c.     .  .         373 

II.  Commission  by  the  General  Assembly  for  inquiring  into 

the  dilapidation  of  benefices,  June,  1595,       .  .  383 

APPENDIX  TO  THE  LIFE  OF  ARCHBISHOP  BOYD,  CONTAINING  ; 

I.  Articles  proposed  by  the  Regent  to  the  Generall  Assembly, 

Aug.  12,  1573,  .....         385 

[Act  in  favouris  of  the  Ministeris,  Aug.  10,  1573,]   .  388 

APPENDIX  TO  THE  LIFE  OF  ARCHBISHOP  GLADSTANES,  CONTAINING  ; 

I.  Form  of  Presentation  to  Bishopricks,  1606,         .  .         393 

II.  Process  against  Dr.  Alexander  Gladstanes  before  the 
Presbytery  of  St.  Andrew's,  Oct.— Nov.,  1638,  with  the 
Sentence  of  Deposition  pronounced  by  the  General 
Assembly,      ...•••  395 

Notes,  .  .  .  .  •  ...         405 

Corrections  and  Additions. 
Index. 


COLLECTIONS 


AS  TO  THE 


LIFE  OF  JOHNERSKINE   OF   DUN,  KNIGHT, 


SUPERINTENDANT  OF  ANGUS  AND  MERNS. 


to  aiu 


;d8?i  ,«  .nal  9jf|  993  ol  Jrfgi/O'xd  ^hf  9  ,•  rfifOW    8IHT 

tiw  Jeift  9i»r  tqimoa 

'inim 

?ugnA  ii  i  bt£9^  i(Jii/Ii  lo  gJkswqw  m 

barrndtaH  srft  Jxiwted  ,19W  ii  ihtaoii  orii  ,8iri9M  bus 

«9it9g  ?,£w  &H     .Htion  9  ,'j  Yff^ra  oolJJflB  ,diuo8  erf  J 

."rrioaa  A  11.6191190 
ti9qra9J  laawg  huG^ea  mi  jon'ii  ,8^Idm98B 

d  ba! 
sfts  gd;t  hi  ,n  aid— 


COLLECTIONS 


LIFE  OF  JOHN  ERSKINE  OF  DUN,  KNIGHT, 


SUPERINTENDANT  OF   ANGUS  AND  MERNS. 


Tins  worthy  and  excellent  gentlman  was  very  early  brought  to  see  the  J»n-  27>  i?26« 

n  -n  iiii  i-i  i  -L     n  Reasons     of 

corruptions  of  ropery,  and  had  the  peculiar  honnour  to  be  among  the  first  writing  this 
of  any  persons  of  rank  who  favoured  the  Reformation.  His  share  in  that  L,f'"' 
glorious  work  was  very  great,  both  by  his  entertaining  ministers  and 
preachers,  protecting  them,  encouraging  of  learning  and  learned  men, 
and  preaching  the  gospell  himself,  when  regularly  called  therunto,  by  the 
ministers  in  our  first  Generall  Assembly :  as  also  by  his  interest  with  the 
nobility  and  gentry  in  Scotland,  to  many  of  whom  he  was  related,  and  his 
wise  and  prudent  conduct  in  so  criticall  a  time.  After  the  Reformation 
was  set  up,  the  Lord  continoued  him  upwards  of  thirty  years  in  Angus 
and  Mems,  the  fronteir  station,  as  it  wer,  betwixt  the  Reformed  in 
the  south,  and  too  many  remaining  Papists  in  the  north.  He  was  gene- 
rally a  member,  and  very  usefull  in  all  our  Generall  Assemblys,  and  sat  in 
fifty  Generall  Assemblys,  if  not  more.  Indeed  his  easy  and  sweet  temper, 
led  him  somtimes  to  think  better  than  he  had  reason,  of  the  Queen  Regent, 
— brought  him  to  be  ensnared  by  the  Earle  of  Mortoun,  in  the  affair  of  the 
Convention  at  Leith  and  the  Tulchan  Bishops,  and,  which  was  the  escape 


4  JOHN    ERSKINE   OF   DUN. 

of  severall  of  our  worthys  at  this  time,  lie  keeped  the  Reformation  from 
Popery,  in  the  matter  of  worship  and  doctrine,  so  much  in  his  eye,  as 
not  so  much  for  som  time  to  prosecute  the  Reformation  in  discipline  and 
goverment,  as  was  proper.  Yet,  when  he  came  to  consider  that  subject, 
he  was  hearty  and  zealous  in  these  also.  In  his  old  age,  and  in  an  hour 
of  very  sore  temptation,  he  made  some  complyances  with  King  James, 
when  under  the  managment  of  Adamson  and  Arran :  but  when  the 
tryall  was  over,  he  went  heartily  on  with  his  bretheren,  prosecuting  the 
common  concerns  of  the  church. 
MateriaUs  j  would  be  very  much  wanting  to  the  designe  of  this  biography,  to 

formed.  my  readers,  and  myself,  if  I  did  not  endeavour  to  gather  what  I  can  now 

recover,  upon  the  life  of  a  person  of  the  Laird  of  Dun's  rank  and  singular 
usefulnes.  Most  of  what  I  have  is  in  Mr.  Calderwood's  MS.,  who,  as 
far  as  Mr.  Knox  goes,  copycs  him  generally,  but  adds  many  things  to 
him.  Mr.  Petry,  as  he  tells  us,  had  access  to  Sir  John  Erskine's  papers, 
from  his  grandchild,  and  gives  us  severall  things  no  wher  else  to  be  met 
with,  concerning  him.  From  these,  and  some  other  MSS.  in  my  hands, 
the  following  hints, — unworthy,  indeed,  of  so  good  and  honourable  a  per- 
son, but  all  that  offer  to  me, — are  collected. 
This  Genu-  John  Erskin  of  Dim,   Knight,  was  born  at  the  house  of  Dun,   in 

1509,  Parent-  the  Shire  of  Angus  and  Merns,  in  the  year  1509-    He  was  the  first  born, 
cation"       ""  f°r  what  I  know,  and  heir  of  the  Lairds  of  Dun,  very  ancient  and 
honnourable  barrons  in  that  county,  a  family  nearly  related  to  the  noble 
P-  -•  house  of  Marr,  and  reconed  among  our  eldest  barrons  in  Scotland.  Indeed, 

not  many  noble,  not  many  great  are  called,  but  some  are.     In  Scotland, 
several  of  considerable  rank  wer  made  early  to  favour  our  secession  from 
Popery,  as  we  shall  hear.     No  doubt  the  heir  of  this  family  had  all  the 
education  Scotland  could  then  afford  him,  and  I  am  ready  to  think  some 
forraigne  accessions  also,  in  France,  wher  the  law  and  languages  wer  now 
i  See  Note  a.  taught  in  great  perfection,  upon  the  late  revivall  of  learning1.      This 
appears  from  the  care,  I  cannot  but,  by  the  by,  take  nottice  of,  in  our  old 
taken^form'eri'-  Scots  nobility  and  gentry,  in  the  sixteenth  century,  and  even  before,  to 
of  the  education  give  their  sons  liberall  education;  which,  as  it  gave  this  nation  a  just 

of  our  yonngno-  .  i  1  l  > 

baity  and  gen-  reputation  for  learning,  and  produced  a  great  many  Scotsmen  of  name 
try  m  Scotland.  ;mj  fanic    m  mos^  Universitys  and  Colledges  of  Euron,  formerly  and  at 


JOHN    ERSKINE    OF    DUN.  5 

this  time,  so  this  was  one  great  help  to  the  Reformation  ;  for  Popery 
cannot  bear  solid  learning,  without  some  terrible  superadded  weight  and 
byasses.  And  this  may  be  a  reproofe  to  some  of"  rank  and  estate,  who  are 
not  so  earefull  to  give  a  liberall  education  to  their  sons,  as  their  progeni- 
tors wer,  when  they  wanted  our  advantages,  and  had  litle  to  move  them 
but  a  regard  to  learning,  unles  it  was  the  Popish  benefices,  which  indeed 
wer  not  dispensed  now,  by  the  rule  of  learning  and  literature.  This 
young  Gentlman  profited  much  under  this  pains  taken  on  him,  as  appears 
from  his  own  solid  learning  and  judgment,  and  his  deep  concern  to  have 
literature  and  learned  men  brought  into  Scotland.  In  Montrose,  wher 
he  had  immediat  influence,  he  got  in  learned  persons,  in  the  Greek  and 
Latine  tongues,  to  teach  the  youth,  and  contributed  himself  largely  to 
encourage  them,  to  leave  France  and  setle  here :  particularly  I  find  he 
placed  a  learned  Frenchman,  Petrus  de  Marsiliers,  schoolmaster  at 
Monros,  who  was  Mr.  Andrew  Melvil's  master  in  the  Greek. 

Either  when  abroad,  or  from  some  of  these  learned  men,  who  wer    Veryearfiehe 

saw  the  errors 

dropping  in  now  and  then  among  us,  or  from  England,  or  from  some  of  Popery, 
few  witnesses  among  ourselves  in  Scotland  at  this  time,  the  young  Laird 
of  Dun  had  very  early  hints  of  the  errors  of  Popery.  There  was,  at  that 
time,  a  considerable  trade  managed  by  the  towns  of  Monross,  Dundee, 
&c.,  and  the  merchants  and  others  brought  both  from  England,  Tyndal's 
Translations  and  other  books,  and  from  Holland  and  France,  the  accounts 
of  the  growing  Reformation  in  Germany,  and  other  places  ;  as  well  as 
books  written  against  Popery.  These  put  not  a  few  upon  searches  and 
enquirys,  not  favourable  to  Popery.  The  first  hint  I  meet  with  concern- 
ing this  young  Gentlman,  is  in  the  year  1534,  when  he  was  about  2.5, 
returned  from  his  travails,  and  now  in  posession  of  his  estate,  his  Father 
bein«-  nrobiblv  dead 

Mr.  Caldervvood  from  Knox,  and  both  out  of  Fox,  who  had  written 
attested  accounts  of  this  matter,  gives  the  Laird  of  Dun's  conversation,  as     Hia  <■<,.,*<  ,- 
the  occasion  of  the  conversion  of  David  Straiton,  a  cadet  of  the  house  ofSi0»  of '  David 
Laureston,   who  was,  with  Norman  Gourlay,  a  man  of  more  learning,  ^t™0t1°)''s  S 
burnt  for  religion.     It  will  not  be  ane  useles  digression  to  give  a  hint  of was  martyred, 

~  ~  1534. 

him  here.  Mr.  Straiton  was  at  first  very  ignorant,  and  hated  the  preists 
and  Popish  clergy,  only  for  their  pride  and  avarice,  and  from  no  principle,  p.  3. 


6  JOHN    ERSKINE    OF    DUN. 

His  bussines  was  much  in  fishing,  and  he  had  some  veshells  and  servants 
imployed  this  way.  The  Bishop  of  Murray  claimed  the  tythe  of  the  fish. 
When  the  bishop's  servants  came  to  him  in  their  Lord's  name,  to  receive 
the  tenth  fish,  he  told  them,  if  they  would  have  what  his  servants  had 
much  toyl  in  getting,  he  thought  it  was  reasonable  they  should  come  and 
receive  it  where  they  (his  servants)  got  the  stock,  and  it  was  generally 
said,  that  Mr.  Straiton's  servants  had  orders,  from  him,  to  cast  every 
tenth  fish  they  catched  into  the  sea.  A  process  of  cursing,  as  it  was 
termed  at  that  time,  or  the  bishop's  excommunication  for  non-payment  of 
his  tythes,  was  raised.  This  he  contemned  ;  and  this  year,  1534,  he  got 
a  summonds  for  heresy.  A  gracious  God  had  mercy  in  store  and  work 
for  him  at  his  death,  and  at  this  time  wrought  a  mighty  change  upon  him. 
Mr.  Straiton  had  been  very  stubborn,  and  even  vicious ;  he  despised  all 
reading,  especially  in  good  purposes ;  but  now  he  delighted  in  nothing 
but  reading.  He  had  been  neglected  in  his  education,  and  could  not  read 
himself;  but  after  the  Lord  had  awakned  him,  he  was  constantly  pressing 
such  as  could  to  read  to  him  ;  and  he  exorted  all  to  peace  and  love,  and 
a  contempt  of  the  worlde,  though  he  himself  had  been  very  quarrelsome 
and  earthly  minded.  He  freqented  much  the  company  of  John  Erskine, 
Laird  of  Dun,  a  man,  say  the  three  cited  authors,  marvelously  enlightned 
for  these  times.  When  the  Laird  of  Laurestoun,  a  youth,  and  nephew, 
or  some  relation  of  his,  was  reading  to  Mr.  Straiton,  on  the  New  Testa- 
ment, and  came  to  read  these  words,  "  He  that  denyeth  me  before  men, 
him  will  I  deny  before  my  father  which  is  in  heaven,  and  his  angels." 
Mr.  Straiton,  now  under  summonds,  was  extremly  affected  with  them  : 
they  came  in  upon  [him]  with  so  much  power,  that  he  could  not  contean, 
butsuddainly  threw  himself  before  all  present,  on  his  knees,  and  extending 
his  hands,  and  looking  constantly  with  his  eyes  toward  heaven  a  reason- 
able time,  he  burst  furth,  at  lenth,  in  these  words,  "  O  Lord,  I  have  been 
wicked,  and  justly  mayest  thou  abstract  thy  grace  from  me  ;  but,  O  Lord, 
for  thy  mercy's  sake,  let  me  never  deny  thee,  nor  thy  truth,  for  fear  of 
bodily  pain  or  death."  This  prayer  of  his  was  not  poured  out  in  vain, 
for  a  litle  after,  in  Agust,  he  was  with  the  other  condemned  to  be  burnt, 
by  the  bishops,  in  the  king's  presence.  After  sentence,  Mr.  Straiton 
asked  the  king's  grace.     The  bishops  answered,  proudly,  "  The  king's 


JOHN    ERSKINE    OF    DUN.  7 

hands  were  bound,  and  he  had  no  grace  to  give  to  such  as  by  their  law 
were  condemned,"  and  so  they  wer  botli  burned,  Agust  £7- 

The  Popish  clergy  caryed  all  before  them  for  some  time,  and  many  fes^lyof  ^°~ 
wer  butchered,  for  three  or  four  years.     Mean  while  the  Reformation  i'g>°n  in  Scot- 
gained  much  ground,  and  the  bloody  and  fiery  sermons  of  the  multitudes,  1539.       The 
who  at  stake  and  more  privately  wer  murdered,  adhering  to  the  truth  ';'„  "t1^  a„fd  t'^ 
with  the  outmost  meeknes  and  constancy,  opened  the  eyes  of  many.   The  Lahd  of  Dun- 
professors,  as  Mr.  Calderwood  observes  upon  the  year  1.539,  wer  many, 
howbiet  secret,  not  only  among  the  burgesses,  but  the  nobility  and  gentry. 
Then  names  which  is  almost  all  we  have  of  them,  deserve  to  be  keeped  in 
rememberance ;  and  since  the  Laird  of  Dun  had  no  litle  influence  upon 
enlightning  many,  and  his  house  and  lands  wer  open  to  them,  and  the 
resort  of  many,  for  safety  and  protection,  was  to  the  house  of  Dun,  which  p.  4. 
was  now  a  litle  sanctuary  to  those  that  wanted  it,  and  his  conversation 
was  very  usefull  to  such  as  needed  not  shelter,  I  take  this  place  not  to 
be  unfitt  to  preserve  the  hints  Calderwood  gives  of  them,  mostly  from 
Knox.     At   this  time  ther  wer  in  Edinburgh,   remarkable  professors,  in  Edinburgh. 
Sybilla  Lindsay,  spouse  to  John  Fouler ;   George  Aldjoy,  Merchant ; 
John  Maine,  Merchant ;  Patrick  Lindsay,  Goldsmith,  and  his  brother ; 
Freir  Alexander,  a  considierable  Mathematician,  and  ingenious  maker  of    F,eir  Alcx- 
horologies  ;  Francis  Aikman,  and  diverse  others.     There  wer  some,  even 
among  the  nobility,   William  Hay,    Earle   of  Errol,  a  person  of  great  EarIe  °f  E,T">- 
learning,  both  in  humanity  and  divinity ;  he  suffered  much  for  the  cause 
of  Christ.     This  nobleman  was  well  versed,  specially  in  the  New  Testa- 
ment, and  could  rehearse  the  choisest  sentences  of  it,  especially  such  as 
served  to  establish  solid  comfort  in  the  soul,  by  faith  in  Christ.     Mr. 
Robert  Alexander,  who  had  been  his  pedagogue,  set  forth  my  Lord's 
Testament,  hi  Scottish  meetre,  and  it  was  printed  at  Edinburgh.  William, 
Lord  Ruthven,  father  to  Patrick,  Lord  Ruthven,  though  he  did  not  openly  Lord  Ruthven. 
profess  religion,  yet  was  privy  to  his  sons  carriage,  and  approved  of  the 
part    he   had   in    our   Reformation.      His   daughter,    Lillias    Ruthven,  His  Daughter. 
married  to  the  Master  of  Drummond,  howbiet  she  had  a  pearle  in  one  of 
her  eyes,  which  could  not  be  cured,  yet  she  saw  great  light  with  the  eye 
of  her  soul,  sayes  my  author,  and  was  a  pearle  for  holyncs,  gravity,  and  J<*o  Stewart, 
wisdome.     John  Stewart,  son  to  the  Lord  Methven,  who  married  the  Me'th™,. 


8  JOHN    ERSKINE    OF    DUN.   . 

king's  mother,  and  made  some  poems  and  ballads,  after  the  death  of  the 
Earieof  Glen- viccar  of  Dolor,  was  also  a  fervent  professor  of  the  truth.  Alexander, 
Earle  of  Glencairn,  a  third  brother  of  that  noble  and  ancient  house,  but, 
by  the  death  of  his  bretheren,  succeeded  to  the  earldom,  when  a  youth, 
discovered  the  abominations  of  Popery,  and  painted  forth  the  hypocrisy 
of  the  Freirs  in  rhyme,  under  the  title  of  "An  Epistle,  directed  from  the 
holy  hermite  of 'Larite,  to  his  bretheren  the  Grey  Freirs."  It  is  printed 
in  Knox  History,  but  [with]  many  wrong  syllabications,  which  render  it 
dark.  This  good  Earle,  as  may  be  seen  in  Knox  Life,  acted  a  glorious 
part  afterwards  in  our  Reformation.  I  doubt  not  but  ther  wer  many 
others,  in  this  dark  time,  whose  names  are  lost. 
1548,  he  <ie-  Mr.  Caldervvood    remarks,    that  in  the  year  1548,  the   Laird  of 

of  Monross,  a-  Dun  was  very  usefull  in  defending  the  country  against  the  attacks 
j£'hnst  the  Eng"  of  the  English.  Hollenshead,  and  other  English  writter[s],  give 
account  of  the  war  with  the  English  this  year,  the  seidge  of  Had- 
dingtoun, and  other  scuffles.  Calderwood  sayes,  "  During  the  seige 
"  of  Haddingtoun,  the  castles  of  Hume  and  Fastcastle  wer  recovered. 
"  The  English  fleet  went  about  to  land  their  souldiers  at  St.  Mon- 
"  nan's  in  Fife  ;  but  the  Queen's  brother,  James  Stewart,  came  in  hast, 
"  with  such  a  power  as  he  could  assemble  on  a  suddain.  Ther  was 
"  come  on  land  about  twelve  hundred  English,  but  he  put  them  to  flight, 
"and  compelled  them  to  retire.  Many  wer  drouned  as  the[y]  fled  to 
"  the  ships,  three  hundred  wer  slain,  and  one  hundred  taken :  others 
"  report  ther  wer  six  hundred  slain.  Then  the  English  fleet  thought  to 
"  have  surprized  the  town  of  Monross  ;  but,  by  the  vigilance  of  John 
"  Erskin,  Laird  of  Dun,  Provost  of  the  town,  their  interpvise  was  per- 
"  ceived  and  prevented,  so  that,  upon  their  landing,  they  wer  forced  to 
"  retire,  with  the  loss  of  some  men." 
Remarks  on  As  the  Laird  of  Dun  appeared  afterwards,  with  a  lasting  glory  to 

French  against  himself  and  his  family,  in  having  no  small  share  in  beginning  and  carry - 
the  English.  jng  on  our  Reformation  from  Popish  tyrranny  and  slavery,  so  this  year 
he  appeared  for  what  appeared  to  him  to  be  the  liberty  and  safety  of  his 
native  country,  now  garisoned  by  the  English,  and  much  oppressed  by 
them.  In  this  warr  he  joyned  Mons.  de  Desse,  and  the  auxiliary  troopes 
from  France,  against  the  English,  now  masters  of  Haddingtoun,  Dumbar, 


JOHN   ERSKINE   OF   DUN.  9 

and  most  of  the  country  east  of  Edinburgh.  This  warr  was  not  upon  the 
score  of  Reformation,  but, — as  he  and  the  Earle  of  Cassiles,  and  the  Earle 
of  Glencairn  and  others,  favourers  of  the  Reformation,  who  did  not  joyn 
the  English,  took  it, — a  nationall  quarrell  only  ;  and  when  the  same 
Queen  mother,  whom  he  now  vigourously  asisted,  some  years  after,  by 
the  counsels  of  France,  formed  the  designe  of  enslaving  Scotland  to 
France,  by  the  means  of  her  French  auxiliarys,  he  made  as  noble  a  stand 
for  liberty  and  the  Reformation  against  her  and  them.  A  real  principle 
makes  a  man's  actions  steady  and  uniform. 

The   history  of  the  campm'gnes  1548  and  1,5 19,  translated  from  the  .,  Hishonom-- 

*  r     o  ble  share  in  the 

French,  and  printed  at  Edinburgh  about  twenty  years  ago,  hath  many  campaigners 

passages   very   honourable    for   this   gentleman   in   this  warr  with  the  )ish. 

English.     I  must  referr  my  reader  to  it  since  the  pamphlet  is  not  scarce, 

and  I  shall  only  nottice,   that  Monsr-  de  Desse  pitched  on  the  Laird  of 

Dun   to   view  the  English  camp  soon  after  his  arrivall   from   France. 

Soon  after  my  Lord  Hume  and  he,  with  Captain  Longue  wer  sent  to 

Roxburgh  with  three  hundred  horse  to  get  intelligence  of  the  English 

motions.     In  some  dayes  after,  an  engagment  followed,  and  the  Laird 

of  Dun,  upon  the  head  of  some  Scots,  all  brave  men,  head  strong  enough 

to  undertake  and    execute    the    most    dangerouse    exploits,    attacked, 

bore  down,  and  killed  not  a  few  of  the  enimie.     In  short,   that  writter 

ascribes  much  of  the  glory  of  the  succes  to  the  Laird  of  Dun's  conduct, 

and  sayes,   "  Mr-  de  Desse,  the  Lord  Hume,  and  the  Laird  of  Dun,  and 

"  the  rest  of  the  horse  did  wonders  as  before,  broke  in  upon  the  ranks  of 

"  the  English,  and  caryed  all  before  them  as  a  torrent."     A  litle  doun- 

ward  he  adds,   "  the  Lord  Hume  and  the  Laird  of  Dun,  wer  that  night 

"  on  the  guard,  and  both  of  them  Scotsmen  of  quality,  and  [have,  on] 

"  all  occasions  I  could  witnes  or  hear  off,  given  the  most  signall  proofes 

"  of  their  loyalty,  and  evinced  themselves  inferiour  to  none  in  the  worlde, 

"  either  in  courage  or  conduct." 

But  above  all,  this  author  enlarges  on  what  is  set  down  in  short  by  ,  U'K  <Ief™ce 

°  ■',01  the  town  of 

Calderwood, — the    Laird  of  Dun's    defence  of  the  town  of  Monross.  Monross 
"  The  English  fleet  came  secretly  thither  expecting  no  opposition.     The  English  fleet. 
"  Laird  of  Dun,  by  reason  of  the  valetudinary  state  of  his  health,  chanced 
"  to  be   at   home   at  the   time.       This  jjentlman  had  a  large  stock  of 


10  JOHN   ERSKINE   OF   DUN. 

"  wisdom  and  honesty  ;  and  being  admirably  weel  seen  in  war,  was  not 
"  ignorant  that  the  smallest  oversights  nsher  in  for  the  most  part,  inncon- 
"  veniencys  of  the  highest  emportance,  namelie,  where  access  is  easy.  For 
"  this  reason,  though  his  illnes  pleaded  for  rest,  he  never  retired  at  night 
"  till  he  had  first  visited  the  guard  of  a  fort,  which,  with  incredible  dili- 
"  gence,  he  had  caused  to  be  reared  at  the  mouth  of  the  harbour  of 
"  Montrose :  then  after  weakning,  or  doubling  the  guard  as  he  found 
"  expedient,  and  leaving  proper  orders  behind  him,  he  retired  to  his  own 
"  house,  or  stayed  in  the  town  of  Monross  ;  and  was  frequently  wont  to 
"  say,  '  That  as  men  of  honnour  are  bound  to  fear  shame,  so  they  are 
"  by  the  same  rule  oblidged  not  to  shun  dangers  or  troubles.'  Allien 
"  the  English  fleet  approached,  he  hapned  to  see  a  great  many  ships  not 
"  far  of.  Behold  a  singular  example  of  what  a  ready  wit  can  effect 
"  upon  the  most  urging  necessity s.  The  Laird  of  Dun  having  dis- 
"  covered  the  enimys  fleet,  and  looking  for  the  worst,  a  consideration 
"  seldome  lyable  to  the  pains  of  repenting,  gave  orders  to  some  of  his 
"  men  to  man  the  best  ships  in  the  harbour,  and  impede  the  enimie's 
"  ingress  that  way ;  he  commanded  others  to  guard  the  fort,  and  sent 
"  °f[f  ]  some  to  the  town,  with  orders  to  [go]  about  in  a  privat  way 
2  See  Note  b.  '<  among  the  Burgesses,  seamen,  and  others,  to  cause  them  to  take  armes.2 
"  He  left  orders  with  them  in  their  respective  posts,  and  he  himself 
"  marched  with  a  party  against  the  enimie.  To  compass  his  aim  with 
"  the  more  caution,  he  left  a  part  of  his  men  out  of  the  town  in  an 
"  advantageouse  place,  formerly  fortifyed,  to  secure  his  retrait,  and 
".  advance^d]  with  the  most  nimble,  with  that  secrecy  and  diligence,  that 
"  he  discovered  the  enimies  frigates  sailing  to  and  froe  with  their  men 
"  in  them  landing.  Having  thus  penetrated  into  the  plot,  he  withdrew 
"  to  his  party  he  had  left  without  the  town  ;  and  having  placed  centinells 
"  in  proper  posts,  to  prevent  surprizes,  he  reentered  the  town.  By  this 
"  time  a  thousand  of  the  inhabitants  wer  in  armes  ;  of  them  he  picked 
"  out  three  hundred,  and  ordered  them  out  to  joyn  their  freinds  at  the 
"  trenches,  the  remainder  he  thought  unfitt  for  action,  and  ordered  two 
"  gentlmen  in  whom  he  could  confide  to  lead  them,  with  the  ship  boyes 
"  and  populace,  to  the  back  of  a  mountain  which  looks  down  upon  that 
"  place  wher  the  enimy  landed.       These  gentlmen   he   ordered  to  lye 


JOHN    E  RS  KIN  E    OF    DUN.  11 

"  closs  till  he  gave  the  signall,  the  second  fire  of  his  artillery,  and  then 
"  to  draw  all  their  company  in  the  best  order  they  could,  and  shew  them- 
"  selves  at  a  distance  to  the  English.  He  had  laizour  enough  to  put  his 
"  signe  in  execution.  The  English  knew  litle  of  the  country,  and  though 
"  six  or  eight  hundred  men  wer  landed,  they  had  not  stirred  from  the 
"  shore.  By  the  break  of  day  they  hastned  to  the  town,  full  of  hopes  and 
"  expecting  no  opposition.  The  Laird  of  Dun  with  his  men  in  the 
"  trenches,  gave  them  a  terrible  onsett,  and  their  arrowes  flew  so  quick 
"  that  many  of  them  wer  overwhelmed  before  the[y]  knew  from  whence  or 
"  by  whom  the  storm  was  poured  down.  The  .Scots  who  lay  in  ambush, 
"  charged  the  enimy  at  this  rate  four  or  five  times,  till  they  rallyed  and 
"  offered  to  repell  the  shock,  the  ambush  retired  with  order  and  inconsi- 
"  derable  loss  to  the  trenches.  The  English  pursued  with  incredible 
"  speed,  wher  the  Scots  with  the  shot  of  their  arrowes  and  fire  of  their 
"  arquebushes  cut  of[f]  a  great  many  of  the  form ost,  and  mentained  their 
"  post  against  the  remainder,  without  coming  to  hardy  blowes.  Thus, 
"  the  Laird  of  Dun's  orders  and  dispositions  wer  exactly  executed,  and 
"  now  all  being  ready  for  his  intended  project,  and  apprehensive  that  the 
"  heat  of  action  should  warm  his  men  to  an  excess  of  forwardnes,  he 
"  began  insensibly  to  draw  them  behind  the  trenches.  This  he  did  so 
"  cunningly,  that  the  enimies  scarce  perceived  the  insensible  retiring,  till 
"  they  saw  him  retire  with  the  last.  Upon  this  the  English  pursued 
"  briskly,  as  he  expected,  and  then  the  Laird  of  Dun  commanded  three 
"  feild  pieces  which  he  had  brought  thither  to  be  discharged,  which  by 
"  reason  of  the  nearnes  and  confusion  of  the  enimie,  did  them  a  worlde 
"  of  mischeife.  After  this  the  Scots  broke  out  again,  with  a  great  cry, 
"  and  their  swords  in  hand,  with  incredible  and  irresistible  fury.  Mean- 
"  while,  the  signall  being  given,  the  detachment  which  the  Laird  of  Dun 
"  had  loged  on  the  back  of  the  hill,  made  all  the  neighbourhood  resound 
"  with  shouts  and  huzzas,  and  failed  not  to  shew  themselves  as  ordered 
"  at  a  convenient  distance  ;  the[y]  appeared  in  the  form  of  a  four-square 
"  battalion,  and  wer  so  skilfully  ranked,  though  their  weepons  wer  ridicu- 
"  louse,  that  the  enemy  took  them  to  be  armed  according  to  the  French 
"  fashion  and  concluded  they  were  about  to  cut  of[f]  their  retreat.  This 
"  struck  them  with  terrour,and  made  them  run  to  the  sea  with  thegrea[te]st 


12  JOHN   ERSK1NE  OF   DUN, 

"  disorder  that  fancy  can  represent.  They  ne[ver]  once  looked  back  on 
"  the  pursuing  Scots,  who  chased  them  so  eagerly,  and  made  such 
"  havock  among  them,  that  of  nine  hundred  not  one  hundred  gote  to  their 
"  ships.  The  fleet  putt  to  sea  and  retired.  The  Laird  of  Dun  divided 
"  the  spoils  of  the  vancpaished  among  his  men,  and  returned  to  the  town 
"  with  the  glory  of  a  victory,  that  was  owing  not  only  to  valour  and 
"  vigilancy,  but  to  such  a  nice  peice  of  martiall  cunning,  as  at  once  ele- 
"  vated  the  spirits  of  his  own  people,  and  intimidated  the  eninvy  so  very 
"  much,  that  at  last  they  broke  their  ranks,  and  tamely  permitted  their 
"  throats  to  be  cut."  The  reader  will  not  grudge  this  long  citation  ;  it 
showes  this  gentlman  was  eminent  in  the  camp,  as  well  as  singularly 
usefull  afterwards  in  the  church. 
Alter  much  'pjle  Lajnl  0f  ]jim  conthioued  in  a  privat  capacity,  extremly  usefull  to 
knowledge  and  such  as  favoured  the  Reformation  for  about  twenty  years ;  in  which,  by 
Mr.  Wiaharts  conversation,  reading,  meditation,  and  prayer,  he  grew  in  grace  and  in 
Sermons' S'i,heeirtne  knowledge  of  the  Lord  Jesus,  and  discovered  very  fully  the  abomina- 
himseif  preach-  tious  of  Popery.  I  doubt  not  but  he  attended  the  sermons  of  Mr. 
George  Wishart,  when  near  him,  and  conversed  with  him  ;  but  since 
our  Historians  do  not  nottice  this,  I  pass  it.  The  great  thing  wanting  in 
Scotland,  after  Mr.  Wisheart's  death,  and  the  taking  of  [the]  castle  of 
Saint  Andrews,  and  banishment  of  that  company  to  France,  was  preachers 
and  ministers.  These  the  Lord  sent  by  the  persecution  raised  in  England, 
p-  5-  as  is  to  be  seen  in  Mr.  Knox  and  Willock's  Lives.  And  in  the  years 
1554  and  5,  William  Harlaw,  Mr.  Willock,  Paul  Meflfen,  and  Mr.  J. 
Douglas,  preached  here  and  ther  as  they  might.  Mr.  WUlock  and  the 
Laird  of  Dun  had  contracted  a  familiarity  at  Dundee,  wher  Mr.  Willock 
used  to  come  from  Embden.  In  the  summer,  1555,  a  litle  before  Knoxes 
arrivall,  the  professors  at  Edinburgh,  who  had  brought  themselves  to  the 
form  of  a  church  as  near  as  they  could,  and  chosen  elders  and  deacons,  and 
had  two  meetings,  wer,  upon  the  Laird  of  Dun's  coming  south,  and  by 
his  advice,  joyned  in  one  congregation  ;  and  this  gentlman  taught  them 
sometimes  in  privat  houses,  as  Mr.  C'alderwood  observes ;  and  no  body 
will  doubt  of  his  abilitys  for  this  work,  though,  as  yet,  I  don't  observe  any 
nottice  taken  of  his  ordination.  And,  though,  as  I  take  it,  Mr.  Willock 
and  William  Harlaw,  were  both  of  them   ordeaned,  (probably  diaconat) 


JOHN   ERSKINE  OF   DUN.  13 

iu  England,  yet  I  find  none  of  them  dispensed  the  sacraments  as  yet. 
Mr.  Knox  had  done  so  indeed  at  St.  Andrews  before  his  departure,  being 
ordeaned,  as  far  as  I  can  gather,  by  the  Popish  clergy,  before  his  embrac- 
ing the  Reformation,  (thus  by  the  Papists  themselves  he  is  termed  Sir  John 
Knox,)  and  when  he  came  over  this  year,  he  dispensed  the  sacraments  fre- 
quently. But  teaching  in  their  privat  meetings  was  all  I  can  yet  perceive, 
this  gentlman  engaged  in,  and  certainly  it  was  a  duty  lying  upon  him, 
especially  when  called  to  it  by  the  preachers,  elders,  and  deacons  of  this  litle 
congregation.  And  probably  he  obeyed  their  desire  to  give  them  greater 
encouragment  and  boldnes  in  their  work,  considering  his  rank  and  quality. 
I  dash  down  thir  conjectures,  till  some,  from  better  materialls  than  I 
have,  give  us  more  light  as  to  the  ministry  and  ordination  of  our  first 
reformers,  which,  whatever  loss  we  are  at  as  yet,  for  want  of  a  full  infor- 
mation of  the  circumstances  of  things  at  this  time,  its  easy  to  vindicat 
from  the  objections  of  the  Papists,  by  what  has  been  again  and  again 
answered  by  other  reformed  churches,  much  in  the  same  case  with  us. 

After  Mr.  Knoxes  arrivall,  toward  the  end  of  this  year  1555,  it  was     His  usefui- 
the  Laird  of  Dun  who  assembled  a  meeting  for  conference  upon  the  Km>«s   urri- 
unlawfulnes  of  communion  with  Papists,  in  their  idolatrous  sacraments,  ta  '  '  °3' 
where  Mr.  Knox  made  this   so  very  plain,  that  a  great  secession  was 
made  from  the  Popish  meetings  ;   as  may  be  seen  in  his  life.     At  this 
time,  Sir  John  Erskin  took  Mr.  Knox  twice  with  him  to  his  house  of 
Dun,  and  the  last  time  had  the  sacrament  of  the  Supper  administred  by 
him,  as  hath  been  there  observed. 

When  Mr.  Knox  removed,  and  Mr.  Willock  probably  was  gone  to     The  Laird  of 

1  Dun    is  one  of 

Embden,  a  halt  was  made  for  two  years,  in  any  thing  of  publick  Reform-  ti.e  Commis- 
ation  ;  yet  the  knowledge  of  the  truth,  and  further  discoverys  of  the  France, 'i55a 
wickednes  of  Popery  were  making  great  progress.  In  December,  1557, 
the  Parliament  conveened,  and  nominat  eight  Ambassadors,  or  Commis- 
sioners from  Scotland,  to  goe  over  to  France,  and  be  present  at  the  mar- 
riage of  our  young  Queen  with  the  Dolphin  of  France.  Gilbert  Ken- 
nedy, Earle  of  Cassils  ;  James,  Lord  Fleeming ;  George  Lesley,  Earle  of 
Rothes;  James  Stewart,  Prior  of  Saint  Andrews  ;  George  [Lord]  Seaton, 
Provest  of  Edinburgh  ;  John  Erskine  of  Dun,  Provest  of  Monrose  ;  James 
Beaton,  Archbishop  of  Glasgow  ;  and  Robert  Reid,  Bishop  of  Orkney,     p.  e. 


14  JOHN    ERSKINE   OF   DUN. 

The  disasters  of  "their  voyage,  the  death  of  some,  and  hazard  of  all  of 
them,  in  France,  is  notticed  on  Mr.  Knoxes  life.  The  Laird  of  Dun's 
character  was  well  enough  knouen,  and  no  doubt,  Lord  James,  Prior  of 
St.  Andrew's,  and  he,  were  looked  on  in  a  particular  manner  with  an  evil 
eye  there.  But  the  Lord  preserved  them  both,  having  great  future  ser- 
vices in  view  from  them  both,  in  the  great  work  of  Reformation  just  now 
at  the  dore. 

He  with  some  After  the  execution  of  Walter  Mill,  our  last  sufferer  before  the  Re- 

others,     1558,  „,..  -j  i_   u        j        i_ 

teach  and  ex-  formation,  the  professors  of  religion  grew  more  and  more  bold  anil  pub- 
ort  pi.bi.ckiy.  j-ck  jn  tjiejr  meetmgS  for  worship  and  doctrine,  in  the  summer,  1558. 
Mr.  Willock's  coming  back,  and  the  safe  return  of  Lord  James,  and  the 
Laird  of  Dun,  very  much  comforted  them.  Mr.  Knox,  in  his  Preface 
to  his  Second  Book,  gives  us  some  hints  of  the  progres  of  religion  at  this 
time,  and,  which  is  what  here  I  am  only  concerned  in,  nottices,  that  in  a  few 
moneths,  many  wer  so  strenthened,  that  they  sought  to  have  the  face  of 
a  church  among  them,  for  which  purpose,  by  common  election,  elders 
wer  appointed,  to  whom  the  whole  bretheren  promised  obedience  ;  and 
certain  zealous  men,  among  whom  wer  the  Laird  of  Dun,  David  Forres, 
Mr.  Robert  Lockheart,  Mr.  Robert  Hamiltoun,  William  Harlaw,  and 
others,  exhorted  according  to  the  gifts  and  graces  granted  to  them. 
This  gentlman,  then,  after  his  teaching,  (if  they  be  not  the  same)  comes 
now  more  publickly  to  exort.  The  offices  of  readers,  exhorters,  and  super- 
intendants,  as  I  have  frequent  occasion  to  nottice  in  this  work,  wer  at  first 
received,  and  for  somtime  continoued,  in  this  church,  because  the  ne- 
cessity of  the  times,  and  the  great  scarcity  of  ministers  required  them  ; 
and  when  that  necessity  was  over,  they  laid  them  aside,  and  keeped  to 
the  four  offices,  from  the  Reformation  here  reckoned  of  Divine  institution, 
pastors,  doctors,  ruling  elders,  and  deacons.  These  exhorters  seem  to  have 
discoursed  to  the  people  in  a  plain  practicall  way,  upon  the  dutys  con- 
teaned  in  the  portion  of  Scripture  read,  or  any  other  they  found  proper, 
and  most  of  them  soon  entered  into  the  holy  ministry. 
Supplication  At  this  tmie  ]yjr-  petry,  from  the  Laird  of  Dun's  originall  papers, 
Regent, formed  communicat  to  him  by  his  great  grandchild,  Alexander  Erskin,  gives 
Dun.8  a'rd°'us  a  supplication  of  the  professors  of  religion,  to  the  Queen  Regent.  I 
am  ready  to  think,  it  was  sometime  after  the  order  in  which  Mr.  Petry 


JOHN    ERSKINE   OF   DUN.  15 

places  it,  since  he  lias  not  given  us  its  date,  and  it  referrs  to  severall  other 
supplications  formerly  presented.  However,  conteaning  a  noble  spirit  of 
liberty,  as  well  as  concern  for  religion  and  being  probably  formed  by 
Sir  John  Erskine,  it  deserves  a  room  in  his  life,  and  followes : 


"  The  Subjects  of  this  Reahne  of  Scotland,  wish  to  the  Most  Excellent 
"  Princess  Marie,  Queen  Dovrier  and  Regent,  all  felicitji" 

"  Most  Noble  Princess, — It  is  not  unknowen  to  your  Majesty,  our     EfctruViiii- 

"  ardent  desire  to  see  the  name  of  God  glorifyed  in  this    our   native  pp.  191,  2. 

"  country,  and  we  have  made  often  humble  suit  to  your  Grace,  to  have 

"  your  good  will  and  protection,  to  live  quietly  and  in  free  conscience, 

"  without  oppression  of  tyrants,  according  to  the  will  of  our  God,  made 

"  manifest  to  us,  in  His  Holy  Scriptures.     And  because  some  men,  who 

"  have  most  unjustly  entered  themselves  by  title  and  name,  as  ministers  of 

"  God's  Kirk,  are  conspired  together  against  the  Lord  and  his  Auoynted, 

"  to  put  down  his  name  and  honour,  and  to  mentean  most  odious  abo- 

"  minations,  we  have  forsaken  them  and  their  detestable  ministry,  knovv- 

"  ing  them  to  be  accursed  of  God  ;  and,  according  to  the  Scripture,  we 

"have  received  such  ministers  as  with  humble  minds,  submitt  themselves, 

"  their  doctrine,  and  ministry,  unto  the  Word  of  God,  and  tryall  therof ; 

u  of  whom  we  have  experience  that  they  do  minister  truelie,  according 

"to  the  institution  of  our  Saviour.      And,  now,  Madam,  the  Bishop  of 

"  Saint  Andrews,  by  the  corrupt  counsel  of  most  wicked  and  ungodly  per- 

"  sons,  hath  given  forth  his  letters  of  summonds,  against  our  ministers, 

"  to  compear  in  Saint  Andrews,  or  otherwhere,  such  day  as  he  hath  ap- 

"  pointed  in  his  letters,  (the  copy  wherof  being  required  was  refused)  to 

"  underly  the  most  corrupt  judgment  of  them,  whose  counsell  in  this 

"  case  he  does  most  follow.     And  knowing,  how  dangerous  a  thing  its  to 

"  enter  under  the  judgment  of  enimies,  we  cannot  suffer  them  to  enter 

"  under  their  hands,  nor  to  compear  before  them,  unless  they  be  accom- 

"  panyed  with  such  as  may  be  able  to  defend  them  from  the  violence  and 

"  tyranny,  wherof  we  have  now  the  experience.     But,  to  stop  all  tumults 

"  and  other  inconvenients  that  may  therby  occur,  we  most  humbly  offer 


16  JOHN    ERSKINE   OF   DUN. 

"  ourselves  and  ministers,  to  come  before  your  Grace  and  Council,  to 
"  abide  tryal  in  all  things  that  they  have  to  lay  to  the  charge  of  us,  and 
"  our  ministers,  according  to  the  Word  of  God.  Beseeching  your  Grace, 
"  as  you  ought  of  duty,  and  as  you  are  placed  of  God  above  his  people, 
"  to  take  our  cause,  or  rather  the  cause  of  God,  to  be  tryed  most  justly 
"  according  to  the  Holy  Scriptures  before  your  self;  and  put  inhibition  to 
"  the  said  Bishop,  to  proceed  further  until]  tryall  be  taken  as  said  is,  unto 
"  the  which  your  Grace  shall  find  us  at  all  times  ready,  as  shall  please  you 
"  to  command.  And  your  Grace's  good  answer  wee  most  humbly  be- 
"  seeck." 

I  need  not  observe,  that  this  loyall  and  reasonable  supplication  had 
no  answer  given  it,  as  justly  they  expected :  but  this  and  their  other  sup- 
plications were  put  of  with  delators,  till  the  Regent  got  her  designe  car- 
ried in  Parliament,  to  have  .the  matrimonial]  crown  of  Scotland  granted  to 
p.  8.  the  Dolphine;  after  which,  she  began  to  appear  in  her  own  colors,  which 
meanwhile  helped  on  the  Reformation,  as  the  reader  will  see  in  Mr. 
Knox  life, 
His    treat-  Wher  I  have  also  given  some  account  of  the  base  treatment  given  to 

Quee^RTent! tms  ingenious  and  charitable  gentlman,  in  May,  next  year ;  but  a  hint  of  [it] 
Way,  1559.  js  proper  here.  When  the  town  of  Perth  had  embraced  the  Reforma- 
tion, the  Queen  Regent  caused  summon  the  ministers  to  appear  at  Stirling, 
May  10.  After  all  methods  were  tryed  to  pacify  her,  in  vain,  the  profes- 
sors, and  Lords  of  the  Congregation,  resolved  to  accompany  their  minis- 
ters, and  make  joynt  confession  of  the  truth  with  them.  The  professors 
of  Dundee,  and  gentlmen  of  Angus  and  Merns,  came  forward  with  their 
preachers  to  Saint  Jolmstoun,  without  amies,  as  peacable  men,  designing 
only  to  give  confession  with  them.  But  least  such  a  multitude  should 
make  the  Queen  Regent  affrayed,  the  Laird  of  Dun,  sayes  Calderwood,  "a 
"  zealous,  prudent,  and  godly  man,  went  before  to  Stirling,  to  declare  to 
"  her,  that  the  cause  of  their  convention  was  only  to  give  confession  with 
"  their  preachers,  and  to  assist  them  in  their  just  defence.  She,  under- 
"  standing  the  fervency  of  the  people,  began  to  craft  with  him,  desiring 
"  him  to  stay  the  multitude,  and  the  preachers,  with  promise  that  she 
"  would  take  some  better  order.     He  being  a  man  tractable  in  nature, 


JOHN    ERSKINE   OF   DUN.  17 

"  and  willing  to  please  her  in  all  things,  not  repugnant  to  God's  will, 
"  wrote  to  those  that  wer  then  assembled  at  Saint  Johnstoun  to  stay  and 
"  not  come  forward,  shewing  what  promise  and  hope  he  had  of*  the 
"  Queens  Grace's  favour.  At  the  reading  of  his  letters,  some  did  smell 
"  the  craft  and  deceit,  and  desired  the  rest  to  pass  forward  till  a  dis- 
M  charge  of  the  former  summonds  wer  obteaned  ;  alledging  that  other- 
"  wise  the  process  of  rebellion  should  be  execut  against  their  preachers, 
"  and  so  should  not  only  they,  but  also  all  such  as  did  accompany  them, 
"  be  involved  in  the  like  crime.  Others  did  reason,  the  Queens  promise 
"  was  not  to  be  suspected,  neither  yet  the  Laird  of  Dun's  requeist  to  be 
"  contemned,  and  so  the  whole  multitude  with  their  preachers  stayed.  Upon 
"  this  the  Queen  Regent,  notwithstanding  requests  made  to  the  contrair, 
"  gave  charge  to  put  them  (on  their  nou-compearance)  to  the  horn,  and 
"  inhibit  all  men,  under  pain  of  rebellion,  to  assist,  comfort,  receive, 
"  or  mentean  them  in  any  sort.  The  Laird  of  Dun  perceiving  this 
"  extremity,  prudently  withdrew  himself,  otherwise,  by  all  appearance, 
"  he  had  not  escaped  imprisonment ;  and  coming  to  Saint  Johnstoun, 
"  exponed  the  case  even  as  it  was,  and  did  conceal  nothing  of  the  Queens 
"  craft  and  falshood."  This  breach  of  promise  put  the  professors  at 
Perth  into  a  frett,  and  no  wonder,  and  this  was  the  immediat  occasion 
of  the  mixture  of  some  irregularitys,  in  the  pulling  down  of  the  monu- 
ments of  idolatry  at  Saint  Johnstoun  and  Scoon  next  day,  wher  the 
Laird  of  Dun  and  Mr.  Knox  wer  very  carefull  to  prevent  extremitys, 
and  keep  doun  the  ferment  this  disingenous  dealing  raised  among  the 
people.  And  yet  they  and  our  reformers  are  loaded  with  these  irregu- 
laritys occasioned  by  double  dealing  in  the  Queen  and  Prelates, 

Which  brings  me  to  add  here  a  very  iust  remark  of  Mr.  Petrv,  which     The  la!rd  of 

°  .  J  Dun    and    our 

he  supports  from  two  proclamations,  with  the  signet  whole  and  intire,  Reformers  vin- 
which  he  found  among  the  Laird  of  Dun's  papers,  who,  it  seems,  was  a  cmnuenlnc'ing5' 
very  curious  genthnan,  and  to  have  be[en]  very  carefull  to  preserve  vouchers  0''tum",ls' 
for  the  considerable  parts  of  our  histoiy.     Mr.  Petry  observes,  by  way  of 
answer  to  a  late  Historian,  (Johnstoun,)  who  calleth  the  Reformation  of 
the  Church  of  Scotland,  a  tumultuous  and  Vandal  Eeformation,  that 
multitudes  of  ancient  churches,  yet  standing,  bear  witnes,  they  did  not 
throw  doun  any  necessary  Church,  but  only  the  Abbays,  and  Monastrys, 


18  JOHN    ERSKINEOF    DUN. 

and  their  Churches ;  that  from  the  two  underwritten  proclamations,  as 
well  as  the  reformers  whole  proceedings,  it  appears,  whatsoever  was  done 
had  the  authority  of  the  publick  Convention  of  the  Estates,  and  lesser 
things  wer  done  by  the  authority  of  the  Council,  the  Queen  being  a 
minor,  and  not  in  the  country  since  her  infancy,  and  being  under  the 
tutory  of  her  uncle,  a  stranger  and  an  enimy  to  religion,  who  had  given 
his  power  unto  strangers  for  opposing  of  religion.  The  two  proclama- 
tions Petry  gives  us  from  the  originalls,  deserve  to  be  preserved  in  this 
work,  and,  therfor,  I  have  given  the  first,  dated  at  Glasgow  the  penult  day 
From  a  pro-  0f  November,  1559,  when  the  Duke,  Earle  of  Glencairn,  and  other  coun- 

clamatiun  dated 

Glasgow,  Nov.  selors  went  thither,  after  the  suspension  of  the  Queen  Kegent  s  authority, 

'       j      and  caused  all  the  images  and  altars  to  be  pulled  doun  in  that  city,  and 

And  another,  it  stands  App.  No.  [I.]     The  other  proclamation  was  occasioned  by  the 

14,  1559.        designes  of  some  Bishops,  to  attempt  a  new  persecution,  and  is  dated 

App.  No.  ii.    Dundee,  the  14  of  December,  1559,  and  stands  App.  No.  [II.] 

Next  year,   15(30,  this  excellent  gentlman,  who  was  imployed  in  the 

most  arduous  affairs  of  the   nation,  all  sides  being  impressed  with  his 

He    signes  wisdome,  prudence,  and  sincerity,  was  one  of  those  who  signed  the  in- 

Feb.  io,  ljoo.  structions,  which  are  printed  in  Knox,  given  to  the  Scots  commissioners, 

who  went  to  Berwick  to  treat  with  the  Duke  of  Northfolk,  for  the  asistance 

of  England  against  the  French  at  Leith  ;  they  are  dated  at  Glasgow, 

February  10.     The  commissioners  acted  according  to  them,  and  all  issued 

in  the  removall  of  the  French,  and  setting  up  the  Reformation  by  the 

treaty  at  Leith,  signed  May  10,  1560. 

is  made  Su-      As  soon  as  the  French  wer  removed  from  Scotland  the  council  mett, 

Angus"  a"aiMi  an<l  tne  *cw  ministers  conveened,  and  took  the  state  of  the  church  under 

Mems,  1560.    their  consideration,  and  parcelled  out  themselves  the  best  way  they  could, 

so  as  to  answer  the  necessitys  of  the  different  quarters  of  the  country. 

The  Laird  of  Dun  was  appointed  superintendant  of  Angus  and  Mems, 

wher  his  estate  lay,  and  wher  he  was  singularly  usefull  for  thirty  years  after 

this.     Some  hints  as  to  this  first  fixing  of  ministers  and  superintendants 

are  to  be  found  in  Mr.  Knoxes  life,  and  I  find  a  passage   in  Mr.  Rowes 

MS.  history,  which  brings  some  further  light  to  this  matter.     Mr.  Row 

tells  us,  he  hath  given  us  his  accounts  from  the   Memoirs  left  by  his 

father,  Mr.  Row,  or  his  father-in-law,  David  Ferguson,  Minister  at  Dum- 


JOHN   ERSKINE   OF    DUN.  19 

fermline,  who  put  in  write  such  things  as  fell  out  from  the  beginning  of 

the  Reformation  till  his   death.      His  words  are,   "  A  Parliament  was  len"^  orTtMs 

"  holden  at  Edinburgh  by  the  nobility  of  Scotland,  and  such  as  the  King  »n  h's  Ms. 

"  and  Queen  of  France  appointed  governours  with  them  in  the  year  1560, 

"  and  acts  and  lawes  wer  made  for  abolishing  the  mass,  and  confirming 

"  the  true  religion :      It  was   then  enacted  by  authority,  the  ministers 

"  being  supplicants  for  the  samine,  that  Preists,  Freirs,  and  Monks,  and     r-  ia 

"  other  kirkmen  that  had  their  pensions  and  livings  allotted  to  them  for 

"  their  service,  should  retean  and  brook  the  said  pensions,  if  they  would 

"  be  professors  of  the  truth,  and  leave  their  papistry  and  idolatry,  other- 

"  wise  all  should  be  taken  from  them  for  their  obstinacy.     Wherupon  it 

"  came  to  pass,  that  some  of  them  became  readers  and  true  preachers 

"  also.       This   year  also,  the  first  Nationall  Assembly,  whilk  we  have 

"  still  accustomed  to  call  this  Generall  Assembly  of  this  Kirk,  conveened 

"  in  Edinburgh,  December  20,  wherin  ther  wer  not  above  twelve  minis- 

"  ters,  viz.,  John  Knox,  Mr.  John  Row,  David  Lindsay,  William  Har- 

"  law,  William  Christieson,  Christopher  Goodman,  Mr.  David  Weemyse, 

"  William  Darroch,   Mr.  Walter  Balfour,  John  Brown,  William  Lamb, 

"  and   Mr.   Robert   Windram,  but  sundry  ruling  elders  commissioners 

"  to  the  number  of  thirty  to  assist  them  in  that  good  work ;  whilk   the 

"  Lord  so  blessed,  that  appointment  was  made  of  other  forty-three,  wherof 

"  some  wer  to  read  the  word  in  the  mother  tongue  to  the  people,  some  also 

"  to  praise  and  exhort  as  pastors,  wherof  John  Erskine  of  Dun  was  one. 

"  They  ordeaned  also,  that  ther  should  be  two  Assemblys  holden  every 

"  year,  whilk  was  ordinarly  observed  lor  a  long  time ;  so  that  at  every 

"  Assembly,  by  the  blessing  of  God,  the  number  of  Christs  ministers  en- 

"  creased,  and  the  number  of  godly  professors  grew  exceedingly." 

Mr.  Row  takes  no  nottice  of  the  meetino-  of  Ministers  in  June  this  ,  Rjfma,'ks  on 

CT  the  first  Super- 

year   immediatly   before   the    Parliament,    which    both  Spotswood    and  intendants. 

Calderwood  observe  ;  this  being,  if  I  may  be  allowed  to  conjecture,  only 
an  occasionall  meeting,  acting  in  concert  with  the  privy  council ;  there 
superintendents,  indeed,  wer  agreed  to,  throw  the  necessity  of  the  times, 
and  afterwards  these  with  readers  and  exhorters  wer  left  by  our  Assem- 
blys as  they  stood,  till  a  better  provision  could  be  got  made.  In  the 
interval    betwixt   this   and  December,  the  first  Book  of  Discipline  was 


20  JOHN    ERSKINE   OF  DUN. 

framed,  and  the  ministers  and  elders  met  in  a  direct  judicatory  in  De- 
cember, vvher,  as  I  take  it,  the  superintendants  not  formerly  pastors,  wer 
appointed  to  be  ordeaned  by  the  ministers.  Here  we  see  the  Laird  of 
Dun  was  appointed  a  pastor,  and  in  a  litle  after  the  Assembly,  Mr.  Knox 
admitted  Mr.  John  Spotswood,  Superintendant  of  Lothian,  after  a  sermon 
and  according  to  the  method  drawen  up  by  him,  and  approved  by  the 
Assembly  afterwards.  And  though  we  have  no  particular  accounts  of 
this,  our  historians  passing  the  first  years  after  our  Reformation,  in  so 
many  hints,  which  leaves  us  in  the  dark  as  to  many  circumstances  which 
would  have  been  of  use  to  us,  we  may  suppose  that  Mr.  Willock,  for- 
merly a  minister,  was  received  and  admitted  Superintendant  of  the  west, 
Mr.  "Winram  of  Fife,  and  the  Laird  of  Dun  and  Mr.  John  Kerswall, 
not  ministers  before,  wer  ordeaned  and  admitted  Superintendants  to 
Angus  and  Merns,  and  Argyle,  soon  after  this  first  Assembly.  So  that 
though  we  be  at  a  loss  for  want  of  particular  circumstantiat  accounts,  yet 
in  the  generall,  we  may  be  perswaded  of  the  particular  care  this  church 
took  even  from  its  infancy,  as  to  the  regular  and  Scriptural  entry,  and 
admission  of  persons  into  the  holy  office  of  the  ministry. 
,  Complaints  The  first  Generall  Assemblys,  and  for  a  good  many  years  after  the  Refor- 
ppri'ntend'ant  to  mation,  wer  very  strict  in  the  tryall  of  the  superintendants.  Thefifth  Assem- 
Dec  l56™bl>'  bly,  which  conveened,  December  £5,  1562,  removed  the  Superintendant  of 
Angus.  It  was  objected  "  That  ther  wer  many  Popish  preists  unable, 
"  and  wicked  in  life,  admitted  to  the  reading  at  kirks  within  his  diocess. 
"  That  some  young  men  wer  rashly  admitted  to  the  ministry,  and  to  be 
"  exorters,  without  such  tryall  and  examination  as  is  required  in  the 
"  Book  of  Discipline.  That  gentlmen  of  vitiouse  lives  wer  chosen  to  be 
"  elders  in  diverse  kirks.  That  sundry  ministers,  under  his  jurisdiction, 
"  remain  not  at  their  kirks,  visit  not  the  sick  in  their  extremity,  and 
"  also,  that  the  youth  is  not  instructed.  That  some  ministers  come  over 
"  late  to  the  kirks,  wher  they  should  preach  on  the  Lord's  day,  so  that 
"  the  people  weary  staying  upon  them,  and  incontinent  after  the  sermon  is 
"  ended,  they  depart.  That  the  ministers  resort  not  to  the  exercise,  ac- 
"  cording  to  the  order  set  down  in  the  Book  of  Discipline.  The  Superin- 
"  tendent  being  called  in,  rendered  up  the  commission  he  had  received 
"  from    the  Assembly  to  visit  the    north,    and    establishing  Ministers, 


JOHN    ERSKINE    OF    DUN.  21 

"  Elders,  and  Deacons  in  the  Kirk."  No  doubt  the  Laird  of  Dun  gave 
satisfying  answers  to  these.  He  had  been  much  in  the  north  since  last 
Assembly,  and  promised  to  do  what  in  him  lay  to  remedy  these  evils. 
In  the  first  Session  of  this  Assembly,  the  Superintendant  compleaned  of 
Mr.  Robert  Gumming,  schoolmaster  of  Arbroath,  for  infecting  the  youth 
with  Popish  idolatry. 

The  Superintendant  of  Angus  was  chosen  moderator  of  our  eleventh      He  isfa*°- 
General  Assembly,  December,  156.5.    One  of  the  first  works  of  the  Assem-  AssembiyiAoa, 

...  .  «     ,i       «    .        •_,,        j  and     the     two 

blys  at  this  time  was  to  enquire  into  the  cariage  of  the  Superintendants.  following. 
A  complaint  had  been  made,  that  the  Laird  of  Dim  was  not  so  closs  in 
his  visitation  as  he  ought  to  have  been.  According  to  his  usuall  candour 
he  acknowledged  that  he  had  not  visited  any  kirks  for  two  moneths  by- 
past,  but  alledged  that  his  visitation  could  not  be  so  very  profitable,  in 
respect  that  it  behoved  him  to  lodge  in  time  of  visitation  with  his  freinds 
for  the  most  part,  who  had  most  need  of  correction  and  discipline;  ther-  p.  u. 
for  he  besought  the  Assembly  to  provide  some  other  to  that  office.  This 
we  shall  see  he  frequently  does,  which  was  an  instance  of  his  humility, 
but  the  assembly  never  grant  his  desires.  By  the  registers,  I  find  him  con- 
tinoued  moderator  in  the  two  succeeding  Assemblys.  And  in  [the]  close 
of  the  thirteenth  Assembly,  December,  1566,  he  desires  to  be  exonered 
of  his  burdensome  calling  in  respect  of  his  weaknes  and  debility  of  body, 
wherby  he  was  unable  to  execut  that  charge  as  was  required.  But  the 
Assembly  would  not  altogether  exoner  him,  but  permitted  him  to  appoint 
some  of  the  best  qualifyed  within  his  bounds  to  visit  when  he  found  him- 
self unable.  His  health  afterwards  grew  better,  at  least  I  do  not  observe 
many  complaints  of  it. 

Next  year  at  the  coronation  of  the  young  king,  July  29,  after  Mr.  ,  HTe..   cr°u"s 

J  _  *  p  o'  J    .  the  King,  July 

Knoxes  sermon,  the  Superintendants  of  Angus  and  Lothian,  with  the  29,  1567. 
titular  Bishop  of  Orkney,  set  the  crown  upon  the  King's  head,  which  the 
nobility  came  and  touched  in  token  of  their  consent,  and  after  them  the 
Barrons  and  Burgesses,  and  the  Earle  of  Mortoun  and  Lord  Hume  took 
the  oath  of  coronation  for  him.  In  the  Assembly  which  met  in  Decem- 
ber, the  Laird  of  Dun  presented  a  suplication  in  write,  as  the  registers  of 
the  Assembly  say,  or  rather  a  dimission  of  his  office  of  Superintendantrie, 
by  reason  he  was  not  able  to  discharge  it  in  respect  of  his  age  and  infir- 


22  JOHN    ERSKINE    OF    DUN. 

mity.     The  Assembly  would  not  accept  his  dimission  for  severall  reasons 
to  be  shevven  to  him,  and  continoued  him  in  the  said  vocation  till  further 
advisment. 
state  of  our      Our   Generall  Assemblys  took   a  particular  inspection    of    the    state 

Universitys  af-  .  .  .  - 

ter  the  Refor-  of  universitys,  especially  after  they  had  the  countenance  or  the  good 
Regent,  the  Earle  of  Murray.  Saint  Andrews  was  pretty  soon  looked 
after,  and  some  purgation  made,  under  Mr.  John  Douglas,  Rector. 
That  of  Glasgow  was  extremly  low  every  way,  till  Mr.  Andrew  Melvil 
was  sent  to  it.  In  Aberdeen  a  good  many  of  the  Popish  masters 
made  a  shift  to  continow  in  their  places  ;  severall  complaints  were  made 
by  Mr.  Adam  Herriot,  first  minister  at  Aberdeen  ;  after  the  Assembly, 
in  the  year  1569,  commission  was  given  to  the  Laird  of  Dun  to  visit  that 
bounds,  and  particularly  the  university,  with  some  others  adjoyned  to 
him.  In  July  the  Regent  after  he  had  setled  the  North  and  Highlands 
in  peace,  came  to  Aberdeen,  and  with  the  council  joyned  with  the  Super- 
intendant,  and  those  in  commission  with  him,  and  effectually  purged  that 
nursery  of  learning.  The  best  account  I  can  give  of  this  matter  is  from 
the  registers  of  the  Assembly,  which  conveened  July,  15G9.  In  the  first 
Session  of  which,  "  The  Assembly  read  and  allowed  the  decreet  and  sen- 
"  tence  given  by  the  Lord  Regent's  Grace  and  Council,  against  the 
"  Principall  and  other  members  of  eld  Aberdeen,  the  tennour  wherof 
Decreet  of  the  "  followes  :     We  John  Areskine,  Superintendant  of  Angus  and  Mernes, 

Supenntendant  ((      ^  commissioner  within  the  bounds  of  the  Shirriffdome  of  Aberdeen 

against  the  1  o- 

pish  masters  at  «  antj  Bamf,  and  the  ministers  and  commissioners  within  the  said  bounds 

Aberdeen, June  .  .  ,  ,-r  .  n  .-... 

1569.  "  being  assembled  m  the  -High  Kirk  or  A  ew  Aberdeen,  willing  to  reform 

"  abuses  within  the  said  bounds,  and  especially  in  the  Colledge  of  Old 
"  Aberdeen,  we  directed  summonds  against  Alexander  Anderson,  Mr. 
"  Andrew  Galloway,  subprincipall,  Mr.  Andrew  Anderson,  Thomas 
"  Ousten,  and  Duncan  Xorrie,  Regents  of  the  said  Colledge  to  compear 
p.  12.  "  before  us,  that  tryall  might  be  taken  if  they  were  sound  in  religion  ; 

"  which  being  found,  they  are  to  be  suffered  to  continow  in  their  offices, 
"  otherwise,  if  they  wer  found  corrupt  with  Popery  and  errors  not  agre- 
"  able  to  the  truth,  as  it  is  professed  faithfully  within  the  Kirk  of  Scot- 
"  land,  to  be  deposed  and  inhibited  to  teach  and  instruct  the  youth 
"  privatly  or  publickly  in  that  Colledge  or  any  other  school  or  Colledge 


JOHN    ERSKINE    OF   DUN.  23 

"  within  the  realme,  that  others,  well  qualifyed,  may  be  placed  in  their 
"  rooms,  able  to  bring-  up  the  youth  in  the  true  faith,  right  worship 
"  of  God  and  good  letters.  In  this  mean  time,  my  Lord  Regent's 
"  Grace,  called  before  his  Grace  and  Councill  the  forsaid  persons,  being 
"  delated  to  his  Grace  as  very  obstinat  Papists  and  enimies  to  the  truth, 
"  and  required  them  as  professors  of  Christ's  religion,  to  subscribe  the 
"  articles  following : 

"  We,  whose  names  are  underwritten,  do  ratify  and  approve 

"  from  our  very  hearts,  the  Confession  of  Faith,  together  with  all 

"  others  acts  concerning  our  religion,  given  forth  in  the  Parliaments 

"  holden  at  Edinburgh,  the  24  day  of  Agust,  1560,  and  the  15  day 

"  of  December,  1567,'  and  joyn  ourselves  as  members  of  the  true 

"  Kirk  of  Christ,  whose  visible  face  is  described  in  the  said  acts,  and 

"  shall,  in  time  coming,  be  participant  of  the  sacraments,  now  most 

"  faithfully  and  publickly  ministrat  in  the  said  Kirk,  and  submitt  as 

"  [us]  to  the  jurisdiction  and  discipline  therof. 

"  This  was  done  the  penult  day  of  June,  and  not  finding  in   them 

"  obedience,  referred  them  to  the  last  of  June.     The  which  day  they 

"  compeared  before  his  Grace  and  Council,  and  most  obstinatly  contem- 

"  ning  his  Grace's  most  godly  admonitions,  refused  to  subscribe  the  said 

"  articles.     Wherfor,  my  Lord  Regent's  Grace,  and  Lords  of  Privy  Coun- 

"  cil,  with  deliberation  passed  the  decreet  and  sentence  which  followes  : 

"  '  Apud  Aberdeen,  ultimo  Junii,  156<J.  The  which  day  Mr.  Alexander 
"  '  Anderson,  Principall,  Mr.  Alexander  Galloway,  Subprincipall,  Mr. 
"  '  Andrew  Anderson,  Thomas  Ousten,  Mr.  Duncan  Norrie,  Regents 
"  '  in  the  Colledge  of  Aberdeen,  being  called  in  presence  of  my  Lord 
"  '  Regent's  Grace,  and  Lords  of  Privy  Counsel,  being  desired  by  their 
"  '  subscriptions  to  give  attestation  and  plain  profession  of  the  faith,  with 
"  '  all  other  acts  made  concerning  [the]  Christian  Religion  in  the  Par- 
"  '  liaments  holden  at  Edinburgh  the  '24  day  of  Agust,  1560,  and  the 
"  '  15  day  of  September,  in  the  year  of  God,  1567,  the  saids  persons 
"  '  refused  to  give  their  said  profession  by  their  hand  writs.  In  respect 
"  <  wherof,  the  said  Lord  Regent's  Grace,  with  advice  of  the  saids  Lords, 
"  «  have  found  the  saids  persons  dangerous  and  unmeet  to  have  the  care 
"  '  of  the  instruction  of  the  youth,  for  the  perril  of  inconveniencies  both  to 


24  JOHN    ERSKINE    OF    DUN. 

"  '  body  and  soul,  wherfor,  and  in  respect  of  the  Act  of  Parliament, 
"  '  that  none  be  permitted  nor  admitted  to  have  charge  and  cure  in 
"  <  Schools  and  Universitys,  nor  instruct  the  youth  privatly  nor  publickly, 
"  '  but  such  as  shall  be  tryed  by  the  Superintendants  and  visitors  of 
"  '  Kirks ;  as  for  the  saids  persons  denying  to  joyn  in  the  true  Kirk  of 
"  '  God,  according  to  the  said  confession  of  faith,  my  Lord  Regents 
"  '  Grace,  with  advice  of  the  saids  Lords,  declareth  and  decerneth,  that 
"  •  the  saids  persons  are  and  shall  be  deprived,  and  presently  are  de- 
"  '  prived,  ipso  facto,  of  all  instruction  of  youth  within  this  realme,  of 
"  «  all  honnours,  dignitys,  functions,  preheminence,  faculties,  and  privi- 
"  '  ledge,  within  the  said  Colledge,  and  ordeaneth  letters  to  be  direct, 
"  «  charging  them  to  remove,  desist,  and  cease  therfra,  to  the  effect  that 
"  '  other  qualifyed  persons,  of  sound  doctrine  and  sufficient  litera- 
"  '  ture  may  be  placed  therin  for  instruction  of  the  youth  in  time 
"  '  coming.' 

"  The  forsaid  decreet  of  My  Lord  Regent's  Grace  intimated  to  us 
"  with  the  proces  used  against  the  saids  persons,  the  which  we  did 
"  most  heartily  allow,  and  gave  God  thanks  therfor ;  and  because  the 
"  errors  and  obstinacy  of  the  forsaid  persons  wer  sufficiently  declared 
"  unto  us  by  their  refusall  to  subscribe  the  Godly  articles  forsaids,  as 
"  the  act  of  council  testifyeth,  we  thought  it  not  expedient  to  proceed 
"  further  in  tryall  of  them  ;  and,  therfor,  in  presence  of  Alexander 
"  Anderson,  Principall,  and  Mr.  Andrew  Anderson,  Regent,  who  only 
"  compeared,  we  pronounced  the  sentence  against  them,  conform  to  the 
"  decreet  of  the  Council,  as  followes  : 

"  I  John  Areskine,  Superintendant  of  Angus  and  Memes, 
"  having  commission  of  the  Kirk  to  visit  the  Sherriffdome  of  Aber- 
"  deen  and  Bamf ;  be  advice  of  council  and  consent  of  the  minis- 
"  ters,  elders,  and  commissioners  of  Kirks  present,  decern,  conclude, 
"  and  for  final  sentence  pronounce,  that  Mr.  Alexander  Anderson, 
"  somtime  Principall,  Mr.  Alexander  Galloway,  somtime  Sub- 
"  principall,  Mr.  Andrew  Anderson,  Thomas  Ousten,  and  Duncan 
"  Norrie,  somtimes  Regents  in  the  Colledge  of  Old  Aberdeen,  are 
"  not  to  be  reputed  as  members  of  this  Kirk,  and  therfor  seclude  them 
"  and  every  one  of  them,  from  using  any  office  or  jurisdiction  in  the 


JOHN    ERSKINE    OF   DUN.  25 

"  coledge  of  Old  Aberdeen,  and  inhibite  them,  and  every  one  of 

"  them,  to  teach  publickly  or  privately  in  time  coining  in  that  colledge, 

"  or  any  other  part  within  this  realme,  and  ordean  them  to  remove 

"  furth  of  the  said  colledge  with  all  diligence,  that  other  godly  and 

"  well  qualifyed  persons  may  be  placed  therin,  for  bringing  up  the 

"  youth  in  the  fear  of  God  and  good  letters.     This  our  sentence  pro- 

"  nounced,  we  ordean  to  be  published  and  intimated  to  the  saids  per- 

"  sons,  and  to  the  congregation  of  New  and  Old  Aberdeen,  publickly, 

"  the  next  Sunday,  the  3d  of  July,  1569." 

Thus,   that  University  was  purged  from  their  old   Popish  teachers,     Remarks  o.» 

J  l       °  .  .       I  *  Principall  An- 

who  had  too  long  corrupted  the  youth,  and  their  parents  in  the  North,  and  dei-son,  turned 
disseminated  disaffection  to  the  goverment.  The  reader,  who  desires  a  ou 
further  character  of  Principall  Anderson,  will  find  it  in  Knoxes  printed 
History,  fol.  p.  282-3.  He  was  Sub-Principall,  1501,  and  had  a  confer- 
ence before  the  council  with  Mr.  Knox  and  the  ministers,  there  narrated. 
He  refused  to  disput  about  his  faith,  citing  a  passage  of  Tertullian  to 
cloak  his  ignorance  ;  to  which,  Mr.  Knox  answered,  Tertultian's  au- 
thority did  not  ballance  that  of  the  Holy  Gost  in  Peter,  requiring  every 
one  to  give  the  reason  of  his  faith  when  asked.  And  when  urged,  that 
mass  was  idolatry,  and  the  preist  took  on  him  Christ's  office,  in  offering 
it  a  sacrifice  for  sin,  as  the  words  of  the  canon  in  the  mess  book  import, 
"  Suscipe  sancta  Trinitas  banc  oblationem,  quam  ego  indignus  peccator 
"  offero  Tibi  vivo  Deo  et  vero,  pro  peccatis  meis,  et  pro  peccatis  totius 
"  ecclesie  vivor"  et  mortuof ."  The  Sub-Principall  answered,  that  Christ 
offered  the  propitiatory,  and  none  could  do  that  but  he,  but  we  offer  the 
rememberance.  After  Mr.  Knox  had  shewen  how  contrary  this  was  to  p-  '•*• 
the  papisticall  doctors,  and  exposed  the  absurditys  in  offering  a  remem- 
berance, Mr.  Anderson  waved  any  further  reasoning,  adding,  he  was 
better  seen  in  philosophy  than  theology.  Mr.  John  Lesly,  than  parson 
of  Urie,  and  afterward  Abbot  of  Lindors  and  Bishop  of  Ross,  being 
urged  to  answer  Mr.  Knox,  he  said,  "  If  our  master  have  nothing  to  say 
"  to  it,  I  have  nothing  ;  for  I  know  nothing  but  the  canon  law,  and  the 
"  greatest  reason  ever  I  could  find  there,  is  Nolumus  and  Volumus." 
This  afterward  came  to  be  a  by-name,  wherby  Mr.  Lesly  was  knowen. 
Upon  the  purging  of  this  colledge,  Mr.  James  Lowson  was  made  Sub- 

D 


26  JOHN   ERSKINE   OF   DUN. 

Principall,  and    Mr.    Alexander  Arbuthnot,    and  many   other   shining 
lights  in  this  Church,  taught  in  that  University. 
He  is  a  mem-  Upon  the   28  of  July,  1569,  the  Regent    called  a  Convention  of 

berofthe  Con-  *  J  _  °  ..... 

vention,   July  Estates  at  Perth,  upon  a  very  ticklish  subject — an  application  to  him  by 
the  Lord  Boyd,  in  name  of  the  King's  mother,  backed  with  letters  from 
the  English  ministers  of  State,  with  proposalls  of  conditions,  upon  which 
the  Queen  Mother  was  to  be  taken  back  to  Scotland.     This  affair  stands 
pretty  fully  in  Spotswood's  History,  p.  229-232,  and  I  need  not  repeat 
what  is  there.      Of  this  convention  the  Superintendant  was  a  member  as 
provost  of  Perth   [Montrose],  and  I  doubt  not  was  very  usefull   to  the 
Regent,  and  those  who  stood  for  the  King's  authority.       I  meet  with  a 
list  of  the  Members  of  this  Convention,  among  some  papers  I  have  from 
the  Cotton  Library,  Caligula  C.  1.,  which  not  being  published,  and  con- 
List  of  that  tearing  the  persons  of  note  upon  the  Regent's  side,  and  the  cheife  of  the 
other,  I  thought  it  might  be  acceptable  to  the  curiouse  reader,  and  have 
APp.  No.  in.  added  it,   App.  No.  [III.]       I  have  also  added  the  instructions  given 
by  the  Regent,  to  the  Commendator  of  Dumfermline,  when  sent  Ambas- 
sadour  to  [the]  Queen  of  England,  October,  15,  1569,  which  contean 
the  fullest  view  I  have  any  wher  seen  of  the  state  of  the  Queen  Mother, 
tothecolmaen- and  what  those  who  stood  in  behalf  of  the  King's  authority  and  the  Re- 
ferihf  o'cto-  formation,  na(l t0  offer  against  the  proposall  made  to  re-admitt  Queen  Mary, 
ber,  15,  1509.  after  her  renounciation,  to  Scotland.     This  large  paper  stands  App.  No. 
App.  No.  iv.  [IV.]     These  papers  fall  not  in  among  Mr.  Anderson's  Collections,  and 
will  be  new  to  most  of  my  readers. 
The  Laird  of  Jn  the  beginning  of  the  next  year,  1570,  the  good  Regent  was  basely 

tion'Vf  the  good  murdered  in  Linlithgow.  I  have  the  following  remarkable  passage  from 
rayfhYs  drath] tw0  ministers  of  this  church,  once  in  the  family  of  Dun,  which  is  handed 
1569,  down  in  that  family  as  an  undoubted  truth  ;  and  its  an  evidence  that  Sir 

John  Erskine,  besides  his  great  learning,  wisdome,  and  other  abilitys, 
was  a  person  who  lived  near  God,  and  somtimes  had  comunications  of 
future  things  vowsaved  to  him.  The  Regent  was  over  in  Lochlevin  with 
the  Earle  of  Northumberland,  whom  he  had  catched  after  the  late  rebel- 
lion raised  by  him  and  other  Papists  in  England  was  suppressed,  and  had 
made  prisoner  there  about  the  2d  of  January.  He  came  and  lodged  with 
the  Superintendant  of  Angus,  in  the  house  of  Dun,  wher  they  yet  know 


JOHN   ERSKINE   OF  DUN.  27 

a  large  window  at  the  end  of  the  old  hall  there,  which  looked  out  to  a 
pleasant  green.  The  Earle  of  Murray,  and  the  Laird  of  Dun  wer  stand- 
ing in  that  window,  conversing  closely  upon  important  matters,  with  their 
faces  looking  towards  the  green.  While  the  Regent  was  talking,  the 
Superintendant  suddainly  looked  about  to  him,  and  with  the  greatest  sor- 
row, and  tears  in  his  eyes,  after  he  had  been  silent  for  some[time],  at 
lenth  interupted  the  Regent  with  these  words,  "Ah!  woes  me,  my  Lord, 
"  for  what  I  perceive  is  to  befall  you  shortly,  for  in  a  fortnight's  time  you 
V  will  be  murdered."  Such  hints  of  future  things  wer  not  uncommon 
among  our  reformers,  as  I  have  more  than  once  notticed.  And  the 
Regent  had  severall  other  for-nottices  of  his  hazard,  as  well  as  this,  and 
too  litle  regarded  them. 

After  the  wicked  murder  of  the  Regent,  things  soon  went  in  great  which  brought 

_  °  a  great  stop  to 

confusion,  both  in  State  and  Church,  and  matters  wer  in  great  pertur-  the  Reforma- 
bation  for  two  or  three  years.  The  good  work  of  Reformation,  which  ^"'u^tytotb^ 
under  the  Earle  of  Murray  was  coming;  gradually  to  greater  hights  was  EarieofMorton 

J  r;0  .  .to  bring  in  1  ul- 

stoped;  severall  ministers  began  to  perceive  the  inconveniencys  of  supenn- chan  Bishops, 
tendants,  and  consultations  were  beginning,  how  to  bring  the  discipline  and 
government  of  this  Kirk,  at  present  only  in  the  Assembly,  Synods,  and 
Kirk-Sessions,  to  greater  measures  of  reformation  and  perfection.  But 
all  was  for  many  years  marred  by  the  Regent's  death,  and  esayes  of  this 
nature  were  cunningly  enough  turned  about  to  the  introduction  of  Tulchan 
Bishops,  under  the  pretext  of  bettering  the  discipline,  and  securing  the 
patrimony  of  the  Church.  In  July,  1570,  the  Earle  of  Lennox,  the  P.  15. 
young  King's  grandfather,  was  declared  Regent,  but  the  Earle  of  Mortoun 
was  the  cheife  manager  of  every  thing  under  him.  And  that  he  might 
be  master  of  the  Church  rents,  and  by  gifts  of  them  to  the  nobility,  while 
some  ministers  had  the  offices  to  which  they  wer  anexed,  with  a  very  small 
pittance  of  the  emolument,  secure  them  to  his  side,  the  Earle  fell  upon 
the  politick  of  bringing  in  the  Tulchan  Bishops,  so  called  from  Tulchan, 
a  calf  of  straw  covered  someway,  which  was  used  in  the  Highlands  to  nf  t^e  '™^°*| 
make  covves  give  their  milk  the  better  to  their  owners.     This  contrivance  and  some  hi"ts 

°  _  at  the    method 

was  favoured  by  Mr.  Patrick  Adamson  ;  and  some  say  he  was  the  first  of  their  intro- 
mover  of  it  to  the  Earle,  and  gradually  caryed  on  by  the  help  of  the  Laird 
of  Dun,  Mr.  David  Lindsay,  Mr.  Andrew  Hay,  and  a  few  others,  in  the 


28  JOHN    ERSKINE   OF   DUN. 

convention  at  Leith.  These  and  some  others,  by  their  good  nature  and 
the  difficultys  of  the  times,  and  fears  of  a  breach  with  the  Earle  of 
Mortoun,  and  the  Regent,  wer  drawen  gradually  hi  to  give  too  much 
countenance  to  this  corruption,  from  the  prospect  of  a  better  provision  to 
be  made  for  the  Ministers  of  the  Gospell,  in  which,  however,  they  wer 
disappointed.  And  as  soon  as  the  publick  peace  of  the  nation  was  estab- 
lished, and  the  Queen's  party  were  broken  in  the  1573,  even  before  Mr. 
Andrew  Melvil  was  in  our  judicatorys,  struggles  against  this  corruption 
wer  begun,  and  afterwards  caryed  on ;  in  which  the  Laird  of  Dun  and 
others,  who  at  first  had  not  much  considered  our  goverment  and  disci- 
pline, engaged  very  heartily,  all  the  Earle  of  Mortoun's  regency,  till 
Presbitrys  wer  got  set  up,  and  this  poor  shaddow  of  Bishops  was  gote  rid 
of.  This  part  of  our  Church  history  being  evidently,  though  but  shortly 
and  cunningly  enough,  perverted  by  Bishop  Spotswood,  and  not  yet  stand- 
ing in  its  full  light,  I  shall  in  this  place,  because  the  good  nature  and 
weight  of  the  Superintendant  of  Angus,  went  far  with  the  Ministry  to 
give  in  to  this  innovation,  labour  to  give  a  fuller  account  of  it  than  has 
been  yet  given,  especially  from  Mr.  Calderwood's  MS. 
ih!>GTli1S<'f  ^n  tne  Assembly,  March,  1571,  whither  in  prosecution  of  the  designe 

sembiy,  March,  of  further  reformation  in  discipline  laid  in  the  last  Regent's  time,  or 
jurisdiction 'of  to  counter  the  designes  that  wer  now  beginning  to  be  laid  in  secret  for 
the  Kirk.        innovations,  I  do  not  determine  ;  but  the  Assembly  in  their  first  session, 
come  to  take  the  jurisdiction  of  the  Kirk,  under  their  consideration,  thus 
as  it  stands  in  their  records  :     "  Anent  the  jurisdiction  of  the  Kirk,  and 
"  what  ought  to  pertean  therunto,  and  to  be  suited  for  at  the  Regent's 
"  hands,  the  Assembly  ordeans  the  Superintendants  of  Angus  and  Fife, 
"  Mr.  John  Knox,  Mr.  Robert  Pont,  Mr.  John  Row,  to  conveen  every 
"  day  at  seven  hours,  and  pen  and  put  in  order  the  heads  and  points  in 
"  all  sorts  perteaning  to  the  ecclesiasticall  jurisdiction,  and  therafter  to 
"  present  the  said  heads  to  the  Assembly,  to  be  sighted  and  considered 
"  by  them,  and  to  be  sent  by  them  to  the  Lord  Regent's  Grace,  with  the 
"  instructions  to  be  given  to  the  Commissioners  who  are  to  be  sent  to  his 
"  Grace." 
The  rise  of  This  motion  as  I  take  it  came  from  Mr.  Knox,  and  the  most  zealous 

this  motion.     an(}  fervent  part  of  the  ministry,  who,  sensible  of  the  inconveniencys  of  the 


JOHN    ERSKINE   OF    DUN.  29 

temporary  offices  of  readers,  exorters,  and  superintendants,  and  some  pio. 
other  things  in  the  First  Book  of  Discipline,  which  needed  further 
degrees  of  reformation,  ministers  being  now  increased,  and  many  daily 
ripning  for  that  work,  and  things  much  altered  to  the  better  from  what 
they  wer  when  that  book  was  formed — in  a  word,  what  was  now  in  their 
view,  was  what  afterward  was  brought  to  a  bearing  in  the  Second  Book 
of  Discipline.  The  confusions  and  unsetlednes  of  things  in  the  country 
and  the  short  time  they  had  to  sit,  hindered  them  from  coming  to  any 
perfection  at  this  time.  However,  they  soon  presented  the  following 
Articles  pertaining  to  the  jurisdiction  of  the  Kirk  to  be  proponned  to  the 
Regent  and  Secret  Council,  to  be  approved  by  the  Assembly. 

"  That  the  Kirk  have  the  judgment  of  true  and  false  religion  or  doc-    Artidesanent 

°        °  °  the  jurisdiction 

"  trine,  heresys,  or  such  like,  annexed  to  the  preaching  of  the  word  and  presented  to  the 

"  ministration  of  sacraments,  election,  examination,  and  admission  of  them 

"  that  are  admitted  to  the  ministry  or  the  other  functions  in  the  Kirk, 

"  charge  of  souls  and  ecclesiasticall  benefices,  suspension  and  deprivation 

"  of  them  therefra  for  lawfull  causes ;  all  things  concerning  the  discipline 

"  of  the   Kirk,   which   standeth  in  correction  of  manners,  admonitions, 

"  excommunications,    and   receiving   to    repentance,    the   judgment   of 

"  ecclesiasticall  matters  betwixt  ecclesiasticall  persons  that  are  of  the 

"  Kirk,  and  specially  among  those  that  are  constitute  in  the  ministry  as 

"  well  concerning  beneficiall  causes  as  others  ;  jurisdiction  to  proceed  by 

"  admonition  to  the  sentence  of  excommunication,  if  need  require,  against 

"  those  that  rob  the  patrimony  of  the  Kirk,  or  otherwise  intromet  ther- 

"  with   unjustly,   wherby  the  ministry  is  in  danger  to   decay  through 

"  poverty  of  the  ministers ;  and  because  the  conjunction  of  marriage  per- 

"  teaneth  to  the  ministry,  the  causes  of  adherence  ought  also  to  pertean 

"  to  them,  as  naturally  anexed  therunto." 

These  generalls  wer  what  was  thought  proper  in  the  first  room  to 
insist  on,  and  many  other  things  needfull  for  further  reformation  wer  in 
the  thoughts  of  Mr.  Knox  and  others,  to  be  propounded  afterwards  as 
occasion  offered.  But  all  this  designe  was  for  a  while  defeated  by  quite 
other  projects  suggested,  as  is  probable  by  Mr.  Patrick  Adamson  to  the 
Earle  of  Mortoun,  who  soon  brought  in  the  Regent  to  it.  The  Regent 
moved  in  the  entry  of  this  Assembly  that  they  should  adjourn  to  Stirling 


30  JOHN   ERSKINE   OF    DUN. 

or  Glasgow,  wher  he  was  to  conferr  with  them.     This  was  waved,  and 

the  committy  above  named  for  the  jurisdiction  of  the  Kirk,  named  in  the 

first  session,  and  in  the  second  session,  a  servant  of  the  Regent's  came 

with  the  following  letter. 

theIeR^ent°to  "  After  our  most  hearty  commendations,  wheras  we  have  some  matters 

the  Assembly.   »  to  be  consulted  upon  befor  you,  both  concerning  the  state  and  affairs 

"  of  the  Church,  as  also  the  King's  Majesty  and  commonwealth  of  this 

p.  17.         "  country,  and  because  we  may  not  yet  depart  from  these  parts  while  we 

"  have  put  order  to  such  confusion  of  things  as  occurs,  also  sundry  other 

"  impediments  moving  us  ;  we  desire  you  most  effectously,  that  ye  would 

"  appoint  your  next  assembly  to  be  holden  here  at  Glasgow,  and  that 

"  with  all  godlie  diligence,  that  ye  may,  at  the  least,  that  a  part  of  you 

"  may  be  sent  hither  sufficiently  authorized  with  commission  from  the 

"  whole  number,  to  treat  with  us  anent  such  things  as  shall  be  both  for 

"  the  Kirk  and  King's  estate  and  commonweel  of  [the]  country,  wherin 

"  ye  shall  do  us  most  speciall  pleasure.     Referring  all  other  things  to  your 

"  coming,   committeth  you  in  the  mean  time  to  the  protection  of  God. 

"  From  Glasgow,  the  3d  of  March,  1570." 

it  wu™  theV"  T'"s  was  Adamson's  cunning  way  ;  he  brings  the  Earle  of  Mortoun 

nerai    Assem-  and  by  him  the  Regent  to  desire  a  select  number  of  ministers  to  conferr 

bly's     appoint-       ....  ..„ 

mentinpurseu-  with  hnn,  with  commission  from  the  rest,  and  care  was  taken  to  nommat 
"  such  with  whom  the  courtiers  thought  they  would  prevail ;  though  many 
of  them  wer  worthy  men,  yet  they  are  only  superintendants  and  commis- 
sioners, who  wer  willing  to  be  disburdened  of  their  troublsome  charge  ; 
and  probably  the  more  ready  to  come  in  to  the  designes  on  foot,  and  the 
King's  minister  with  some  gentlmen  ;  Mr.  Knox  I  find  is  not  named, 
its  probable  his  low  state  of  health  made  him  excuse  himself.  In  answer 
to  this  letter  the  assembly  grant  the  commission  [to  the]  following 
persons.  "  Edinburgh,  March  6th.  The  bretheren  assembled  in  an  voice 
"  and  mind  gave  their  full  commission  and  power  to  their  honourable  and 
"  their  loving  bretheren,  John  AreskineofDun,  Knight,  superintendant  of 
"  Angus  and  Mernes;  Mr.  John  Winrame  superintendant  of  Fyfe  ;  Mr. 
"  John  Spotswood,  superintendant  of  Lothian  ;  Mr.  George  Hay,  com- 
"  missioner  of  Aberdeen  ;  Mr.  Andrew  Hay,  commissioner  of  Cliddisdale  ; 
"  Mr.  David  Lindsay,  commissioner  of  Kyle  and  Cunninghame;  Mr.  John 


of  the  Ri 

desire. 


JOHN   ERSKINE   OF  DUN.  31 

"  Row,  commissioner  of  Galloway ;  John  Duncanson,  minister  of  the  King's 

"  Majesty's  houshold;   Mr.  William  Lundie  of  that  ilk;  James  Johnstoun 

"  ofElphingstoun;  Alexander  Foster  of  Carden ;  John  Lockhart  of  Barr ; 

"  Hugh  Wallace  of  Carnall ;   Mr.  John  Fullartoun  of  Dreghorn  ;   Mr. 

"  John  Preston,  one  of  the  commissioners  for  the  town  of  Edinburgh,  or 

"  any  ten  of  them  to  compear  before  my  Lord  Regent's  Grace  and  council 

"  in  Stirling,  the  last  day  of  this  instant  moneth,  or  any  other  place  wher 

"  my  Lord  Regent's  Grace  shall  appoint,  due  advertishment  preceeding,  and 

"  there  in  the  Kirk's  name  most  humbly  propound,   sue  and  declare 

"  articles,  heads,  supplications  and  complaints  delivered  to  them  by  the 

"  Kirk's  most  humbly  requesting  for  answer  hereunto,  conferr,  reason, 

"  and  conclude  with  his  Grace  and  Counsell  upon  such  heads  and  articles 

"  as  shall  be  propounded  unto  them  by  his  Grace  and  councill  forsaid, 

"  according  to  the  Assembly's  instructions  given  to  their  said  bretheren  ; 

"  assist,  concurr,  and  consent  to  all  and  whatsomever  other  things  that 

"  shall  be  treated,  tending  to  the  glory  of  God,  setting  forward   the 

"  preaching  and  mentaining  of  the  true  religion  within  this  country,  the 

"  King's  Majesty  and  commonweel  of  this  realme,  and  whatsomever  shall 

"  happen  to  be  done  be  them  in  the  premises,  to  report  the  same  to  the 

"  General  Assembly  of  the   Kirk  to  begin   in  Stirling  the  6   day   of 

"  Agust  next  to  come,  stable  and  firm  holding  and  for  to  hold  all  and     P.  18. 

"  whatsomever  the  saids  bretheren  or  any  ten  of  them  in  the  premises 

"  conclude  to  be  done.     Given  in  the  General  Assembly  of  the  Kirk, 

"  and  second  Session  therof,  and  subscribed  by  the  Clerk  of  the  same, 

"  year  and  place  forsaid." 

That  same  session  the  Assembly  agreed  to  the  following  injunctions 
to  the  commissioners  sent  to  the  Regent's  Grace  and  Counsel  to  be 
proponned,  concluded,  and  reasoned  upon. 

"  That  his  Grace  and  council  grant  and  consent  that  no  disposition  of.      Assembly! 

«  L  instructions    t» 

"  any  benefice,  or  presentation  be  made  of  any  person  without  the  admis-  their  commis 

i         n  n  ...   i     /.  n        •  ■  .•  l  sioners  sent  ti 

"  sion  and  collation  of  the   Kirk  following  upon  just  presentations  ;  ana  the  RegCnt. 
"  if  any  disposition  of  benefices  be  made  to  any  person  or  persons,  that 
"  the  same  be  discharged  and  brought  back  again,  to  the  end  that  such 
"  may  have  no  place  in  times  coming.     Item,  that  some  order  be  taken 
"  with  some  homers  and  persons  disobedient,  that  payment  may  be  had 


32  JOHN   ERSKINE   OF   DUN. 

"  of  them  that  disobey.  Item,  that  his  Grace  and  council  approve  the 
"jurisdiction  of  the  Kirk,  conform  to  the  particular  information  given 
"  therupon.  Item,  that  such  horrible  crimes  be  punished  as  provock 
"  God's  wrath  against  the  realme,  such  as  idolatry,  incest,  adultery,  and 
"  other  like  hainous  crimes  ;  and  commissioners  of  justice  be  appointed  in 
"  every  province  for  that  effect.  And  in  like  manner  that  ye  agree,  con- 
"  ferr,  and  conclude  with  his  Grace  and  councill  touching  the  pension 
"  concerning  the  King's  Majestys  house,  and  also  concerning  my  Lord 
"  Regent's  house,  anent  the  pension  to  be  appointed  therunto.  And, 
"  finally,  to  reason,  conferr,  and  conclude  with  his  Grace  and  council 
"  forsaid,  concerning  the  appointment  made  betwixt  the  Kirk  and  my 
"  Lord  Regent's  Grace  now  resting  with  God,  as  shall  be  thought  expe- 
"  dient  and  agreable  to  God's  glory,  to  the  comfort  and  utility  of  his 
"  Kirk,  the  preservation  of  this  commonwealth,  and  due  obedience  to  the 
"  King's  Majesty  our  Soveraigne.  In  the  first,  that  his  Grace  would  be 
"  content  to  take  homers  for  payment.  2d.  That  he  be  paid  secundum 
"  ratam,  according  to  the  payment  of  ministers.  3d.  That  he  will  dis- 
"  charge  in  this  respect,  the  superplus,  if  any  wer,  to  be  imployed  in 
"  pious  uses.  Item,  to  give  answer  to  my  Lord  Regent's  Grace  as  to 
"  M'Quhyn  and  his  companions,  as  also  for  preservation  and  upholding 
"  of  the  Kirk  of  Glasgow,  and  upholding  the  lead  therof.  Item,  to 
"  remember  Mr.  Robert  Hamiltoun  minister  of  Saint  Andrews  for  pay- 
"  ment  of  his  stipend." 
The    Laird  This  Assembly  I  see  also  ordean  the  Superintendant  of  Angus  and 

ot  Dun'sbouuds  _  J  _  i-i  •   •         l 

as  superinten-  Memes,  to  visit  Dunkeld,  plant  ministers  there,  expell  idolatry,  visit  schools 
to  Dunke'd  and  colledges,  as  he  useth  to  do  in  his  own  bounds,  and  exercise  and  use 
with  the  As-   jj  ot]ier  things  perteanine  to  the  office  of  a  Superintendant.     Further, 

semblys  orders  e>      r  »  I 

as  [to]  Mr.  Pa- the  Assembly  brotherly  required  Mr.  Patrick  Adamson  to  enter  again  to 
the  ministry,  in  respect  of  the  good  gifts  God  had  given  him,  and  scarce- 
nes  of  ministers  in  diverse  countrys.  He  answered  he  would  advise  with 
himself,  and  brethren  who  loved  him,  till  the  next  Assembly;  and  promised 
then  to  answer  whether  he  would  then  enter  into  the  ministry,  or  with- 
draw himself  utterly.  He  had  withdrawen  from  the  ministry,  and  was 
much  about  the  Earle  of  Mortoun,  perhaps  in  his  family,  dabling  in  poli- 
ticks, and  forking  for  one  of  the  Tulchan  Bishopricks,  which  faling  him, 


JOHN   ERSKINE   OF   DUN.  33 

as  we  have  notticed  in  Mr.  Knox  Life,  he  declared  himself  against  Pre- 
lacy, at  Mr.  Douglas  admission  as  Bishop  of  St.  Andrews. 

I  do  not  find  any  report  from  the  Commissioners  thus  sent  to  the  ^Jjjj6"*^  ^ 
Regent  at  the  next  Assembly,   Agust  6,  1751,   ri571.1     Its  probable  1371,     renew 

,     &  .        '  &  •  ,  ,       ■  !  i  i-  their     coinmis- 

tliat  matters  wer  not  yet  ripe  for  opening  up  the  designed  scheme  oi  S10U. 
Tulchan  Bishops,  and  so  the  Assembly  renew  the  commission  to  those  p.  19. 
above,  with  some  additions,  of  David  Ferguson,  and  some  gentlmen  not 
named  before,  with  their  powers  as  above.  Mr.  Knox,  as  is  to  be  seen  in 
his  life,  warned  the  Assembly  of  their  hazard  from  Mr.  Adamson  and 
the  Tulchan  Bishops.  This  affair  was  not  to  be  brought  to  an  Assembly, 
till  a  good  many  of  the  ministers  wer  brought  into  it  more  privately,  on 
different  views.  Bishop  Spotswoods  account  of  this  Assembly,  I  shall  delay 
considering,  till  I  make  some  reflexions  upon  the  whole  of  this  account. 

The  bringing  of  Tulchan  Bishops  is  a  part  of  our  history  that  stands     Remark    on 

!••         1       •         •  i  t-»'i  i  i  i  •  ,    «   n  j     Spotswoods  ac- 

not  so  distinctly  m  either  Bishop  Spotswood,  or  the  printed  Calderwood,  compt  of  this 
and  therfor  I  shall  labour  the  more  clearly  to  state  it.     Bishop  Spotswood  theSem  n^thoas 
is  out  in  making  the  proposall  to  be  from  the  gravest  part  of  the  ministry,  ^j£  *y    ^e 
and  at  the  Assembly  in  Stirling,  Agust  this  year ;  since  its  plain  the  toun   fur   set- 
motion  came  not  from  the  ministry,  no  not  the  Superintendants,  who  Bishops. 
reconed  their  jurisdiction  leased  by  this  innovation,  but  from  the  Earle 
of  Mortoun  stirred   up  by   Adamson  :   and  the  attempts  to   bring  the 
ministry  to  comply  with  the  project,  wer  begun  in  March,  and  no  doubt 
continoued  at  Stirling  in  Agust,  and  yet  all  that  was  got  done  was  the 
nomination  of  a  committy  to  treat  with  the  Regent  and  Councill,  with 
the  instructions  above-mentioned,  and  powr  to  apply  about  the  whole  of 
what  was  greivous  to  the  Church.     No  doubt,  the  members  wer  plyed 
hard  by  the  Earle  of  Mortoun  and  his  doers,  with  what  success  I  cannot 
say.     The  whole  commissioners  seem  to  have  stood  firm  against  the  im- 
position at  the  Parliament,  and  we  shall  here  [hear]  with  what  keenes 
the  good  Laird  of  Dun  writes  on  this  subject  in  November,  in  his  first 
letter  just  now  to  be  insert.     When  the  Earle  of  Mortoun  finds  greater 
opposition  than  he  expected  among  the  ministers,  he  resolves  to  do  that 
by  force,  and  his  influence  with  the  Regent  and  councill,  which  he  could 
not  accomplish  by  the  consent  of  the  commissioners  named  by  the  Generall 
Assembly,  hoping  to  gain  his  purpose  afterward  in  privat  among  some  of 


His 


34  .JOHN    EllSKINE    OF    DUN. 

the  commissioners,  when  once  he  had  by  act  of*  Council  brought  in  one  of 
these  Bishops,  and  got  him  to  vote  in  Parliament  as  Bishop  of  St. 
Andrews,  and  this  way  he  carryed  his  designe  at  lenth. 

And  Mr.  Calderwood  gives  us  some  hints  that  let  us  in  to  some  of  the 
them  in,  and  views  the  Earle  had  is  Tinl  this  invasion  made  on  the  libertys  and  rights 

the   persons   he  u      -1  . 

this  way  de-  of  the  Church.  The  temporalitys  of  the  Bishopricks  and  their  rents  wer 
fy'uy  gifts"  of  a  good  bait,  and  what  he  reconed  would  be  of  good  use  to  himself,  and 
the  temporaii-  gucjj  ^  jie  jnc]jne(j  to  have  his  freinds.     He  was  now  endeavouring  to 

tys,  ~ 

divide  the  party  who  stood  up  for  the  Queen,  and  to  take  the  cheife  of 
them  off  from  Lethingtoun,  the  Hamiltouns,  and  others,  now  masters  of 
the  castle  and  town  of  Edinburgh,  who  had  called  a  Parliament  to  meet 
there  in  the  Queen's  name,  in  opposition  to  the  King  and  Regent.  Ac- 
cordingly, Agust  9,  he  got  a  meeting  with  the  Earles  of  Argyle,  Cassiles, 
Eglingtoun  and  Lord  Boyd,  who  hitherto  leaned  to  the  Queen's  side, 
and  in  a  day  or  two,  he  had  another  meeting  with  the  Earles  of  Crawford, 
Errol  and  Rothes.  His  project  of  seizing  the  rents  of  the  Bishopricks 
and  other  large  benefices,  enabled  him  to  give  some  of  these  pretty  strong 
arguments  to  joyn  with  the  Regent  against  the  other  side.  The  Arch- 
bishoprick  of  St.  Andrews  he  reserved  indeed  for  himself,  the  Lord 
Boyd  had  a  good  share  of  those  of  Glasgow,  Argyle  had  those  of  Dum- 
blain,  and  no  doubt  others  had  promises  and  shares  of  Priorys,  Abbacys, 
and  the  like.  By  these,  and  other  arguments,  he  got  a  considerable  part 
of  the  other  party  to  the  Regents  side. 
Mr.JohnDou-  Being  thus  engaged,  he  behoved  to  go  through  with  his  project,  and 

glas  is  present-  =>  O.  O       >  p         _  »  . 

ed,  Agust  18,  to  began,  as  most  part  of  the  worlde  does,  with  himself.  Accordingly,  Agust 
of"  Sai'nt0PAn-  IS,  Mr.  John  Douglas,  Rector  of  Saint  Andrews,  was  presented  to  the 
drews,  and  sitts  Bishoprick  of  Saint  Andrews  ;  he  was  now  very  aged — came  in  to  the 

in     Parliament  r  J       o 

Agust28,)57i,  proposall  easily,  and  was  content  with  a  very  small  portion  of  the  rents, 
and  the  rest  went  to  my  Lord  Mortoun.  Corrupt  men,  not  one  of  them 
of  any  reputation  in  the  Church,  wer  gradually  fallen  upon,  who  consented 
to  take  the  name  of  the  rest  of  the  Bishopricks,  and  a  small  pittance  of 
their  rents,  and  the  rest  went  to  the  noblmen.  Mr.  Patrick  Adamson 
was  disappointed  of  a  Bishoprick,  particularly  that  of  Saint  Andrews,  and 
so,  as  is  to  be  seen  on  Knox  Life,  preached  against  this  innovation  and 
imposition  ;  when  Mr.  Douglas  was  admitted.     I  do  not  find  any  Act  of 


JOHN    ERSKINE   OF    DUN.  35 

Parliament  interposed  for  bringing  in  this  new  kind  of  Bishops,  only  the 
Regent  and  councils  authority  seems  interposed  in  the  presentation,  and 
when  presented,  the  Parliament  tacitely  consent  (and  we  need  not  now 
wonder)  to  Mr.  Douglas  vote  there  as  Bishop  of  Saint  Andrews, 

Which  brings  me  to  the  meeting  of  the  Parliament  at  Stirling,  Agust  whertbecom- 

ii  T7--  ill  i  i   •      l  •  ii      missioners      of 

28,  wher  the  young  King  was  present,  and  had  a  speech  put  in  Ins  mouth.  Assembly  Pre- 
His  ominous  saying,  which  our  printed  historians  relate,  on  his  observing  ^"  "^  Art^ 

a  hole  in  the  roof  of  the  place  wher  they  met,  that  there  tens  a  hole  in  browbeaten  by 

1  -1  i  •  1-1  •         c       t,,e     Earle    of 

the  Parliament,  was  much  notticed  upon  his  grandfathers  death  m  a  lew  Mortoun. 

dayes,  and  might  have  been  as  well  applyed  to  the  Tulchan  Bishops  being 
ther,  though  indeed  ther  was  nothing  in  it  as  to  either.  Upon  the  last 
of  Agust  the  commissioners  of  the  Assembly  above  named,  gave  in 
the  articles  of  the  Assembly,  craving  that  benefices  should  only  be  be- 
stowed on  qualifyed  persons,  which  qualifications  should  be  tryed  by  the 
Kirk,  that  manses  and  gleibes  be  not  set  in  feu,  but  posessed  by  ministers, 
that  idolatry,  incest,  and  other  crimes,  be  punished,  and  what  was  com- 
mitted to  them  by  the  Assembly  to  lay  before  the  Regent.  Mr.  Calder- 
wood  adds,  their  petitions  were  contemned,  and  the  ministers  wer  called 
proud  knaves,  and  received  many  injurious  words  from  the  Lords,  especi- 
ally the  Earle  of  Mortoun,  who  ruled  all  then.  The  Regent  when  they 
waited  on  him  approved  of  all  their  petitions,  but  the  Earle  said,  he  would 
lay  their  pride,  and  put  order  to  them,  adding  many  injurious  words. 

The  Superintendant  of  Fife,  no  doubt  by  the  advice  of  the  rest  of  the  They  inhibit 
commissioners  of  the  Assembly  now  at  Stirling,  inhibited  Mr.  John  *^e  ^„l^e  0f 
Douglas,  Rector  of  Saint  Andrews  to  vote  at  this  Parliament,  in  name  ofthe   Ki,k  tm 

.  .  .  .  .  admitted. 

the  Kirk,  till  he  be  admitted  by  the  Kirk,  under  pain  of  excommunica- 
tion. The  Earle  of  Mortoun  commanded  him  to  vote  as  Bishop  of  Saint 
Andrews,  under  pain  of  treason.  What  the  poor  old  man  did,  I  know 
not ;  its  probable  the  chancelours  command  would  sway  most  with  him. 
Mr.  John  Row,  minister  at  Perth,  denounced  judgments  against  the  Lords 
for  their  covetousnes,  and  the  hard  answers  given  to  the  commissioners  of 
the  Kirk.  Among  other  things,  he  said,  "  I  care  not,  my  Lords,  if  you 
"  will  be  displeased,  for  I  speak  my  conscience  before  God,  who  will  not 
"  suffer  such  wickednes  and  contempt  to  go  unpunished."  He  was 
called  a  railer,  and  seditious  knave,  and  the  rest  of  the  ministers  got  the 


36  JOHN   ERSKINE  OF  DUN. 

like,  or  worse  names.     Upon  Teusday  following,  September  4,  1571,  the 

Earle  of  Lennox  was  slain,  as  was  thought,  by  the  procurement  of  the 

Hamiltouns,  of  which  our  printed  historians  give  accounts  ;  and  after 

his  buriall  the  Earle  of  Argyle,  Mortoun  and  Marr  wer  put  on  the  lite, 

and  the  last  was  chosen  Regent. 

Miuisiersaie  When  the  Parliament  was  up,  all  methods  were  taken  to  prevail 

[L]    Tuiehan  with  the  ministers  to  come  in  to  the  Tulchan  Bishops.     The  violence  with 

tbt  Lai,d  "of  which  the  Earle  of  Mortoun  pushed  this  matter,  prevailed  with  some 

Dun  stands  out  0f  tne  commissioners  and  superintendants  to  think  of  yeilding,  when  they 

saw  struggles  wer  in  vain.     But  the  Laird  of  Dun  for  a  season  stood 

boldly  out  against  this  imposition,  as  appears  by  his  letter  to  the  Regent, 

November  10,  which,  though  long,  deserves  a  room  here,  as  conteaning 

his  sentiments  on  this  matter,  and  it  followes  from  Calderwoods  MS. 

His  letter  to  "  I  thought  it  expedient  in  write  to  let  your  Grace  know  my  judg- 

Mar,    Regen",  "  meiit  in  these  articles  and  heads  conteaned  in  your  Graces  last  writing. 

November  io,  t,  ^g  ^  t]ie  pens;on  app0i„ted  before  unto  the  Regent's  house,  as  I  under- 

"  stand,  litle  difficulty  will  be  therin,  your  Grace  doing  your  duty  to  the 

"  Kirk,  the  which  I  pray  God  your  Grace  may  do.     As  to  the  provision 

p.  20.         «  0f  benefices,  this  is  my  judgment.     All  benefices  of  teinds,  or  having 

"  teinds  joyned  or  annexed  therunto,  which  is  taken  up  of  the  peoples 

"  labors,  have  the  offices  joined  unto  them  ;  which  office  is  the  preaching 

"  of  the  Evangell  and  ministration  of  the  sacraments;  and  this  office  is 

"  spiritual],  and  belongeth  to  the  Kirk,  who  only  hath  the  distribution 

"  and  ministration  of  spirituall  things ;  so  be  the  Kirk  spirituall  offices 

"  are  distributed,  and  men  received  and  admitted  therunto  ;  and  the  ad- 

"  ministration  of  the  power  is  committed  be  the  Kirk  to  Bishops  or  Super- 

"  intendants,  wherfor  to  the  Bishops  and  Superintendants  perteaneth  the 

"  examination  and  admission  of  men  to  offices  and  Benefices  of  spirituall 

"  cure,   whatsoever  benefice   it  be,  as   well   Bishopricks,   Abbacys  and 

"  Priories,  as  other  benifices  inferior.     That  this  pertaineth  by  the  Scrip- 

"  tures  of  God  to  the  Bishops  or  Superintendants  is  manifest,  for  the 

"  Apostle  Paul  writeth  in  the  2d  to  Timothy,  chap.  2,  ver.  2.     '  These 

"  «  things  that  thou  hast  heard  of  me,  many  being  witness,  the  same  de- 

"  '  liver  to  faithfull  men,  who  shall  be  able  to  teach  others.'     Here  the 

"  Apostle  referreth  the  examination  to  Timothy  of  the  quality  and  ability 


JOHN    ERSKINE    OF    DUN.  37 

"  of  the  persons,  wher  he  sayeth,  '  to  men  able  to  teach  others,'  and 
"  also  the  admonition  he  referreth,  wher  he  biddeth  deliver  to  him,  the 
"  same  that  is  able  to  teach  others  ;  and  in  another  place,  1  Tim.  chap. 
"  5,  ver.  22,  '  Lay  hands  on  no  man  sudainly,  neither  be  partaker  of  other 
"  '  mens  sins,  keep  thyself  pure.'  By  laying  on  of  hands,  is  understood 
"  admission  to  spiritual!  offices,  which  the  Apostle  will  not  that  Timothy 
"  do  suddenly,  without  just  examination  of  their  manners  and  doctrine. 
"  The  Apostle  also  writing  to  Titus,  Bishop  of  Creet,  putteth  him  in 
"  rememberance  of  his  office,  which  was  to  admitt,  and  appoint  ministers 
"  in  every  city  and  congregation,  and  that  he  should  not  do  the  same 
"  rashly,  without  examination,  he  expresseth  the  quality  and  conditions 
"  of  such  men  as  should  be  admitted,  as  at  lenth  is  conteaned  in  the  first 
"  chapter  of  the  Epistle  forsaid.  The  deacons  which  wer  chosen  in 
"  Jerusalem  be  the  whole  congregation,  wer  received  and  admitted  by  the 
"  Apostles,  and  that  by  laying  on  of  their  hands,  as  St.  Luke  writeth  in  the 
"  6th  chapter  of  the  Acts  of  the  Apostles.  This  we  have  expressed 
"  plainly  by  the  Scriptures,  That  to  the  office  of  a  Bishop  pertaineth 
"  examination  and  admission  to  spirituall  cure  and  office,  and  also  to 
"  oversee  them  that  are  admitted,  that  they  walk  uprightly,  and  also  exer- 
"  cise  their  office  faithfully  and  purely.  To  take  this  power  from  a  Bishop 
"  or  Superintendant,  is  to  take  away  the  office  of  a  Bishop,  that  no  Bishop 
"  be  in  the  Kirk,  which  were  to  alter  and  abolish  the  order  that  God 
"  hath  appointed  in  his  Kirk.  Ther  is  a  spirituall  power  and  jurisdiction 
"  which  God  hath  given  to  his  Kirk,  and  to  those  who  bear  office  therin, 
"  and  ther  is  a  temporall  jurisdiction  given  of  God  to  Kings  and  civil 
"  magistrates.  Both  the  powers  are  of  God,  and  most  agreing  to  the 
"  fortifying  one  another,  if  they  be  right  used.  But  when  the  corruption 
"  of  man  entereth  in,  confounding  the  offices,  usurping  to  himself  what 
"  he  pleaseth,  nothing  regarding  the  good  order  appointed  by  God,  then 
"  confusion  followeth  in  all  estates.  In  the  first  Book  of  the  Kings,  12 
"  chap.,  it  is  written  that  Jeroboam  the  King,  in  presumption  of  his 
"  authority,  made  Preists  in  his  realme,  express  against  the  order  which 
"  the  Lord  in  those  dayes  had  appointed  concerning  the  preisthood,  wher- 
"  upon  followed  [the]  destruction  of  that  king,  and  his  seed  also,  as  also 
"  of  all  other  kings  who  followed  him  in  that  wickednes.     For  better  tin- 


38  JOHN    Ell  SKIN  E    OF    DUN. 

"  derstanding  of  this  matter,  Christ  hath  given  forth  a  ride  which  ought 
"  to  be  weighed  of*  magistrates,  and  of  all  people,  saying,  'Give  to  Caesar 
"  'that  pertaineth to  Caesar,  and  to  God  that  which  pertaineth  unto  God.' 
"  The  Kirk  of  God  should  fortify  all  lawful]  power  and  authority 
"  that  pertaineth  to  the  civil  magistrat,  because  its  the  ordinance  of 
"  God,  but  if  he  pass  the  bounds  of  his  office,  and  enters  the  sanctuary 
"  of  our  Lord,  medling  with  such  things  as  appertean  to  the  ministers  of 
"  God's  Kirk,  as  Uzzia  King  of  Judah,  '2  Paralip.  16,  entering  into  the 
"  temple  to  burn  incense,  the  which  pertained  not  to  his  office,  then  the 
"  servants  of  God  should  withstand  his  unjust  interprize,  as  the  Preists 
"  at  that  time  did  withstand  the  Kings  of  Judah,  for  so  they  are  com- 
"  manded  of  God.  The  servants  of  God,  when  such  wickednes  occureth, 
"  should  not  keep  silence,  flattering  princes  in  their  vain  pride,  but  with* 
"  stand  and  reprove  them  in  their  iniquity  ;  and  who  doth  otherwise  in 
"  God's  Kirk,  is  unworthy  to  bear  any  office.  A  greater  offence  and 
"  contempt  of  his  Kirk  can  no  prince  do,  than  to  set  up  by  his  own 
"  authority  men  in  spiritual]  offices,  as  to  creat  Bishops  and  Pastors  of 
"  the  Kirk,  for  so  to  do  is  to  conclude  no  Kirk  of  God  to  be,  for  the 
"  Kirk  cannot  be,  without  it  have  the  awn  proper  jurisdiction  and  liberty, 
"  with  the  ministration  of  such  offices  as  God  hath  appointed.  In  speak - 
"  ing  this  of  the  liberty  of  the  Kirk,  I  mean  not  the  hurt  of  the  King, 
"  or  others  in  their  patronages,  but  that  they  have  their  priviledges  of 
"  presentation  according  to  the  lawes,  providing  alwise  that  the  examina- 
"  tionand  admission  pertean  only  to  the  Kirk,  of  all  benefices  having  cure 
"  of  souls.  That  it  should  not  appear  that  the  pastors  of  the  Kirk,  of 
"  avarice  and  ambition,  seek  to  have  posesion  of  great  Benefices,  your 
"  Grace  shall  understand,  that  the  Kirk  continoually  hath  suited  (of  old 
"  as  well  as  of  new)  as  their  articles  concluded  in  the  General  Assemblys, 
"  and  consented  to,  and  subscribed  by  the  most  part  of  the  nobility, 
"  which  are  to  be  produced,  bear,  and  was  propounded  to  the  Queen,  the 
"  King's  Majestys  mother,  to  wit,  that  whenever  any  of  the  great  Bene- 
"  fices  vake,  having  many  Kirks  joyned  therunto,  that  all  the  Kirks  should 
"  be  divided,  and  severally  disponed  to  severall  men,  to  serve  every  one  at 
"  his  own  Kirk,  of  the  which  mind  all  that  bear  office  in  the  Kirk  con- 
"  tinow  ;  wherfor  it  may  appear  that  they  seek  not  of  avarice  such  pro- 


JOHN   ERSKINE  OF   DUN.  39 

"  motion  as  is  alledged.  And  I  doubt  not  but  if  others  of"  the  nobility  wer 
"  as  well  purged  of  avarice,  and  other  corruption,  as  the  ministers  of  the 
"  Kirk,  they  would  have  agreed  to  fulfill  that  thing  which  they  subscribed 
"  with  solemn  oath.  And  as  yet  the  Kirk  most  humbly  suiteth  your 
"  Grace,  and  councill  to  have  the  same  fulfilled,  but  if  this  cannot  be 
"  granted,  I  mean  the  dismembering,  as  they  call  it,  of  great  benefices, 
"  I  trust,  in  respect  of  this  confused  troublsome  time,  the  Kirk  will  con- 
"  sent  (the  benefices  and  offices  joyned  therunto  being  given,  after  the 
"  order  before  spoken  of,  that  the  priviledge  and  liberty  of  the  Kirk  be 
"  not  hurt,)  to  assign  such  profites  as  may  be  spared  above  the  reasonable 
"  sustentation  of  the  ministry,  to  the  mentenance  of  the  authority  and 
"  common  affairs  for  the  present,  while  further  order  may  be  tane  in  these 
"  matters ;  for  the  Kirk  contendeth  not  for  worldly  profite,  but  for 
"  that  spiritual]  liberty  which  God  hath  given  unto  it,  without  the  which 
"  be  granted,  the  servants  of  God  will  not  be  satisfyed,  but  will  oppose 
"  themselves  against  all  power  and  tyrranny,  which  presumeth  to  spoil  the 
"  Kirk,  of  the  liberty  therof,  and  rather  to  dye  than  underly  that  miser- 
"  able  bondage.  Their  lives  are  not  so  dear  to  them  as  is  the  honnour 
"  of  God,  and  liberty  of  his  Kirk.  I  hear  some  men  bragg  and  boasts 
"  the  poor  ministers  of  God,  to  take  their  lives  from  them,  but  I  wish 
"  such  men  contean  themselves  within  bounds,  for  they  are  not  sure  of 
"  their  own  lives,  and  to  runn  that  race  will  make  it  more  short.  Of  old, 
"  the  Papists  called  the  truth  heresy,  and  now  some  call  the  truth  treason. 
"  We  may  perceive  in  all  ages  and  times  Satan  wanteth  not  his  servants 
"  to  impugne  the  truth.  As  to  the  question,  If  it  be  expedient  for  a 
"  Superintendant  to  be  wher  a  qualifyed  Bishop  is  ?  I  understand  a 
"  Bishop  and  Superintendant  to  be  but  one  office,  and  wher  the  one  is, 
"  the  other  is.  But  having  some  respect  to  the  case  wherupon  the  ques- 
"  tion  is  moved,  I  answer,  the  Superintendants  that  are  placed,  ought  to 
"  continow  in  their  offices,  notwithstanding  any  other  intruse  themselves, 
"  or  are  placed  be  such  as  have  no  power  in  such  offices.  They  may  be 
"  called  Bishops,  but  are  no  Bishops,  but  idols,  Zach.  11.  17,  saith  the 
"  Prophet,  and  therfor  the  Superintendants  which  are  called  and  placed 
"  by  the  Kirk,  have  office  and  jurisdiction,  and  the  other  Bishops,  so 
"  called,  have  no  office  and  jurisdiction  in  the  Kirk  of  God,  for  they  enter 


40 


JOHN    ERSKINE   OF   DUN. 


not  by  the  dore,  but  by  another  way,  and  therefore  are  not  pastors,  as 
saith  Christ,  but  theives  and  robbers.  I  cannot  but  from  my  very  heart 
lament  that  great  misorder  used  in  Stirling  at  the  last  Parliament,  in 
creating  Bishops,  planting  them  and  giving  them  vote  in  Parliament  as 
Bishops,  in  despite  of  the  Kirk,  and  high  contempt  of  God,  having  the 
Kirk  opposing  itself  against  that  misorder,  but  they  vver  not  heard, 
but  boasted  with  threatnings  ;  but  their  boasting  is  not  against  man, 
but  against  the  Eternall  God,  whose  ordinance  publickly  they  trans- 
gressed, what  followed  thereupon  is  knowen.  God  hath  power  to  de- 
stroy and  to  save,  he  is  Almighty  Lord,  able  to  preserve  the  innocent, 
and  cast  down  the  pride  of  the  mighty.  I  hear  that  some  wer  offended 
with  the  commissioners  of  the  Kirk  at  that  time,  but  without  cause,  for 
they  passed  not  the  bounds  of  their  commission,  and  the  whole  Kirk 
will  affirm  their  proceedings,  and  insist  further  in  that  matter.  If  that 
misordered  creation  of  Bishops  be  not  reformed,  the  Kirk  will  first 
complean  unto  God,  as  also  to  all  their  bretheren  members  of  the 
Kirk  within  this  realme,  and  to  all  reformed  Kirks  within  Europ. 
Some  counsellors  think  now  good  time  to  conqucss  from  the  Kirk 
(being,  as  they  judge,  now  poor  and  weak,)  priviledges  and  profits  to 
the  temporall  authority,  but  if  therwer  no  other  particular  respects  but 
the  authority,  I  judge  they  would  not  travell  so  bussily ;  but  what 
respect  soever  they  have,  their  unrightious  conquest  and  spoil  of  the 
Kirk,  shall  not  profit  them,  but  rather  be  a  cause  to  bring  plagues  and 
destruction  both  upon  the  head  and  counselors  of  such  an  abomination. 
Because  the  servants  of  the  Lord  speak  in  this  matter,  reproving  mens 
corruptions,  they  are  called  proud,  and  misknowers  of  their  own  place, 
and  know  not  with  whom  they  deal,  as  though  they  wer  gods,  and  yet 
are  but  flesh.  Let  such  men  understand  of  whatsoever  state  they  be, 
that  the  ministers  of  Gods  Kirk  have  received  an  office  of  God  above 
them,  wherunto  they  ought  to  be  subject  and  obedient,  and  have  re- 
ceived a  ritcher  threasure  than  they,  though  it  be  in  earthen  vessels,  as 
saith  the  Apostle  Saint  Paul,  2  Cor.  Chap.  4,  ver.  7.  And  have  received 
a  power  of  God  to  cast  [down]  and  destroy  the  pride  of  men,  and  to 
bring  in  subjection  all  things  that  exalt  themself  against  God,  2  Cor. 
10,  5.     The  Lord  will  not  that  his  servants  in  executing  and  using 


JOHN    ERSKINE   OF    DUN.  41 

"  their  office  should  fear  men,  how  mighty  and  potent  soever  they  appear 
"  to  be,  as  it  is  written,  Esai.  51.  7»  'Fear  not  the  reproaches  of  men, 
"  '  neither  be  affrayed  of  their  rebukes  and  threatnings,  for  the  moth  shall 
"  '  eat  them  up  like  a  garment,  and  the  worm  shall  eat  them  as  wool ;  but 
"  '  my  rightiousnes  shall  be  for  ever,  and  my  salvation  from  generation  to 
"  '  generation.'  The  Spirit  of  God  entering  into  the  hearts  of  his  servants, 
"  giveth  them  such  a  tast  of  his  power  and  majesty,  and  a  sight  of  his 
"  judgments,  that  with  them  the  enimies  of  God  and  his  Kirk  are  nothing 
"  regarded,  but  counted  as  dust  before  the  wind,  and  as  wax  before  the 
"  fire,  unable  to  stand,  but  are  to  perish  in  the  day  of  the  Lords  visita- 
"  tion.  They  will,  according  to  their  power,  reprove  all  ungodlines,  and 
"  withstand  all  iniquity  ;  and  as  to  the  malice  and  trouble  raised  against 
"  them  by  the  wicked  powers  of  the  worlde  to  their  own  damnation,  they 
"  will  patiently  endure,  for  there  consisteth  the  patience  of  the  saints,  for 
"  they  see  a  glorious  end  to  follow  thereupon.  Some  men  in  their  cor- 
"  ruption,  (as  their  minds  have  declared,)  purpose  in  time  of  trouble, 
"  craftily  to  handle  the  Kirk,  while  all  their  troubles  be  pacifyed.  Let 
"  such  men  understand  that  such  evil  purposes  make  the  trouble  to  con- 
"  tinow  the  longer.  But  though  the  troubles  wer  pacifyed,  and  they 
"  confederat  with  England,  France  and  Spain,  and  all  other  earthly  king- 
"  domes,  yet  shall  they  not  be  able  to  destroy  the  Kirk  of  God,  and  liberty 
"  therof,  for  the  mighty  God  who  hath  been  a  protector  of  his  Kirk  in  all 
"  ages,  and  hath  destroyed  and  casten  down  great  impyres  and  kingdomes 
"  that  made  battail  against  his  Kirk,  shall  use  the  same  judgments  against 
"  all  men  that  in  thir  dayes  intend  the  like  ;  for  he  beareth  to  his  Kirk  a 
"  perpetuall  love,  and  is  a  perpetuall  protection  and  defence  to  it  in  this 
"  time  and  for  ever.  An  admonition  of  Davids  to  Kings  and  magistrates, 
"  '  Be  wise,  O !  ye  Kings,  be  learned,  O !  ye  that  are  Judges  of  the 
"  '  earth,  serve  the  Lord  with  fear,  and  rejoyce  before  him  with  reverence. 
"  *  Kisse  the  Son  lest  the  Lord  be  angry,  and  so  ye  perish  from  the  right 
"  '  way,  for  his  wrath  shall  be  shortly  kindled,'  I  conclude  with.  Of  Mon- 
"  trose  the  10  of  November,  1571." 

We  would  understand  this  zealous  and  free  letter  of  the  Laird  of    Reflections 
Dun's  the  better,  had  we  a  copy  of  the  Regent's  Heads,  Articles,  and 
Writing,  which  he  answers.     The  Earle  of  Mortoun  had  probably  pre- 


42  JOHN    ERSR1NE    OF    DUN. 

vailed  with  the  Regent  to  write  to  him,  and  desires  his  opinion  as  to  the 
application  of  some  of  the  Church  rents  to  the  sustentation  of  the  Regent, 
and  to  desire  his  opinion  as  to  the  presentations  given,  and  designed  to  be 
given  to  the  Bishops,  consented  it  seems  to  by  the  Parliament,  and  lastly, 
to  have  his  sentiments  how  far  the  Bishops  should  supercede  the  Superin- 
tendants.  To  all  these,  we  have  distinct  answers  here.  Its  very  plain  by 
this  letter,  that  in  the  Superintendant's  judgment,  Bishops,  Superinten- 
dants,  Pastors  and  Ministers  wer  one  and  the  same  office,  who  had  the 
cure  of  souls,  and  whose  work  was  to  preach  the  gospell,  and  administrat 
the  sacraments.  The  whole  of  his  reasoning  supposes  this,  and  herein  the 
Assembly  gave  their  opinion,  agreeing  perfectly  with  his  reasoning,  as  is 
to  be  seen  on  Mrs.  Knox,  Andrew  Melvil,  and  Row's  Lives.  The  Super- 
intendant  asserts  the  Churches  right  to  dispose  of  the  benifices,  and  to 
judge  of  the  qualifications  of  the  persons  to  be  admitted  to  them,  and 
declares  this  power  to  be  in  the  hand  of  the  Bishops  and  ministers  of  the 
Evangell.  This  he  proves  solidly  from  Scripture,  and  expresseth  himself 
with  a  due  concern  for  the  magistrates  civil  right,  and  that  of  Patrons, 
but  in  the  strongest  terms  declares  against  Erastian  usurpations.  He 
compleans  of  the  actings  of  the  Parliament  at  Stirling,  in  favour  of 
Tulchan  Bishops,  which  I  take  to  have  been  not  by  a  direct  Act  in  their 
favours,  but  conniving  at  the  introducing  Mr.  Douglas,  and  permitting 
him  to  vote  in  name  of  the  Kirk,  which  he  recons  on  the  matter  a  nulli- 
fying of  the  office  of  Bishops  and  Pastors,  and  declares  such  Bishops  to  be 
no  Bishops,  but  theives  and  robbers,  and  Idol-sheepherds.  He  nottices 
the  vigourous  opposition  made  to  them  by  the  Commissioners,  and  is  sure 
the  Kirk  will  approve  of  what  they  had  done,  which,  no  doubt  would 
have  come  to  pass,  had  not  after  pains  prevented  it.  He  leads  the  Regent 
to  observe  the  death  of  his  predecessor  so  soon  following  after  the  despite 
done  to  the  Kirk,  and  contempt  of  God,  in  creating  of  Bishops  by  the 
Parliament.  He  disclaimes  the  Kirks  avarice  in  seeking  to  dispose  of  the 
benefices,  seing  they  constantly  sought,  and  yet  moved,  to  have  them 
broken  small  for  the  sustentation  of  many  ministers,  and  wer  willing  the 
superplus  should  go  to  the  government  during  the  present  troubles,  till 
further  order  should  be  taken,  providing  the  Church  was  not  invaded  by 
a  totall  alienation  of  them,  and  bringing  in  men  to  act  in  her  name  with- 


JOHN    ERSKINE   OF    DUN.  43 

out  her  consent  and  examination  of  them,  as  was  now  designed  by  the 
Earle  of  Mortoun,  whom,  with  other  noblmen  he  charges  with  avarice, 
and  threatens  destruction  and  plagues  both  upon  the  head  and  counselors 
of  this  abomination,  which  was  not  a  vain  threatning,  and  was  observed 
afterwards,  when  the  Earle  came  to  suffer  publickly,  and  Mr.  Patrick 
Adamson  his  cheife  counselour  to  dye  miserably.  All  these  wer  the  first 
just  and  native  sentiments  of  this  great  and  good  man,  and  its  pity  he 
was  prevailed  with  afterwards  to  depart  from  them  at  the  Convention  of 
Leith. 

The  Earle  of  Morton  went  on  by  the  strong  hand  to  establish  the     T'ie  Ea''>«  °f 

J  o  Mortoun     goes 

Bishop    of  Saint    Andrews,   or  rather  himself  in   the  profites  of  that  »n  to  force  in 

•f  c        i  •    i        i  i  t->-  1  •  ii  tne  Bishops, 

benince ;  or  which  the  titular  Bishop  received  a  very  small  pittance. 
Mr.  Douglas  acquainted  the  Earle  about  the  end  of  October,  that  the 
collector  of  the  Kirk  would  not  suffer  him  to  take  up  some  dues  allotted 
to  him  out  of  the  Bishoprick  ;  wherupon  the  Earle  prevailed  with  the 
Regent  to  issue  out  letters  inhibiting  the  collectors  of  the  Kirk  to  gather 
the  thrids,  because,  as  was  pretended  in  the  letters,  ministers  stipends 
wer  not  payed,  nor  that  part  of  thrids  allotted  to  the  Kings  house.  But 
these  letters  were  recalled  upon  the  Laird  of  Dun's  second  letter  to  the 
Regent.  The  Regent  had  writ  to  signify  to  him  this  inhibition,  and  to 
desire  his  presence  at  a  meeting  of  the  superintendants,  November  16,  at 
Leith.     Sir  John  Erskines  letter  followes  : 

"  I  being  in  Perth  this  Wensday,  having  there  an  Assembly  of  the  duces'the  iid,°,i 
"Kirk  of  Stormont  and  Gourie,   being  under  my  care,   I  received  a "' Duns seco"d 

a  *  Letter    to    the 

"  writing  from  your  Grace,  touching  the  convention  to  be  in  Leith  of  Regent,    Nov. 

.  ...     14    1571. 

n  the  Superintendants,  the  16  of  this  Instant,  specifying  also  an  inhibi-     '  p  24. 

"  tion,  that  nothing  should  be  answered  to  the  collectors  of  the  Kirk. 

"  It  is  the  first  inhibition  given  to  that  effect,  and  I  wish  of  God  it  had 

"  not  begun  in  your  Graces  hands.     The  poor  ministers  are  not  convict 

"  of  any  crimes  nor  offence,  and  yet  their  living  is  commanded  to  be 

"  holden  from  them.     I  perceive  the  Kirk  to  be  so  far  despised,  that  no 

"  wrong  can  be  done  to  it.     It  may  appear  most  justly  to  all  men,  that 

"  the  destruction  of  the  Kirk  and  ministry  is  sought ;  for  benefices  are 

"  given  and  Bishops  are  made  at  men's  pleasure,  without  consent  of  the 

"  Kirk,  and  the  poor  thing  already  appointed  by  a  law  to  sustean  the 


44  JOHN   ERSKINE   OF   DUN. 

"  ministry,  is  inhibited  to  be  answered.  If  this  hath  proceeded  for 
"  obteaning  the  pension  asigned  to  the  first  most  Godly  Regent ;  that 
"  might  have  been  handled  otherwise  more  reasonably :  for  I  know  the 
"  mind  of  the  Kirk  willing  to  have  satisfyed  your  Grace  therin,  and 
"  that  might  have  been  obteaned  with  a  good  writing.  But  it  seemeth 
"  to  me,  that  men  intend  to  bring  the  Kirk  under  slavery  and  vile  sub- 
"  jection  ;  but  the  Great  Lord  will  be  enimie  to  their  purposes,  and 
"  bring  destruction  upon  the  heads  of  such  who  so  intend,  of  whatsoever 
"  estate  they  be,  and  will  preserve  his  Kirk  in  liberty.  Perceiving  such 
"  proceeding,  I  see  no  cause  wherefor  any  who  bear  office  should  come 
"  to  Leith,  for  their  counsel  will  not  be  received,  neither  will  they  be 
"  suffered  to  reason  freely,  as  experience  hath  taught  in  times  past ;  and 
"  the  counsell  of  the  enemies  of  God  and  his  Kirk  is  followed,  yet 
"  despised  Israel  is  comforted  in  the  Lord,  he  careth  for  his  people  and 
"  will  deliver  them  from  the  oppression  of  Tyrants,  and  give  them 
"  honnour  and  liberty,  when  their  enimies  shall  suffer  confusion  and 
"  shame.  If  your  Grace  consider  the  matter  well,  ye  will  call  back  the 
"  letters  of  inhibition  ;  if  not,  the  Kirk  will  have  patience,  and  look  for 
"  help  at  the  hands  of  the  Lord.  The  Kirk  should  have  her  own,  and 
"  not  beg  at  men.  I  have  staid  the  Superintendant  of  Fyfe,  while  my 
"  coming  to  Saint  Andrews,  till  we  know  further  of  your  Grace's  mind 
"  by  this  bearer,  if  it  be  your  pleasure.  Perth,  If  Xovembris." 
The  Regent's  The  Regent  fearing  rigorous  methods  would  not  succeed,  discharged 

the   Laird    of  the  letters  of  inhibition,  which  it  may  be  were  designed  by  the  Earle  of 
°""s13Le1"^r]s'  Mortoun  to  fright  at  first,  and  then  to  be  a  favour  when  withdrawen,  in 
order  to  draw  in  ministers  to  some  kind  of  approbation  of  what  he  had 
done.      The    Regent's    answer   to    both   the    Superintendant's    letters 
followes : 

"  Right  trustie  cusine,  After  most  hearty  commendations,  in  place 
"  of  your  self,  whom  we  have  long  looked  for,  we  have  received  this  day 
"  two  letters  of  yours,  one  from  Montrose  the  10,  and  another  from 
"  Perth  the  14,  of  this  moneth  ;  conteaning  other  effect  and  matter  than 
"  our  expectation  was.  In  consideration  of  our  good  meaning  to  have 
"  travelled  by  all  possible  means  for  quieting  of  such  things  as  wer  in 
"  controversy,  that  the  ministers  of  the   Kirk  might  have  found   some 


JOHN    ERSKINE   OF    DUN.  45 

"  ease  and  repose,  and  we  be  releived  of  a  fashious  burden  that  we  have, 
"  in  default  of  a  certain  forme  accorded  unto  the  disposition  of  benefices 
"  greater  or  smaller :  our  said  meaning  we  perceive  is  otherwise  taken, 
"  which  we  understand  to  proceed  from  other  privat  fountains  than  your 
"  own  good  nature  ;  and  so  we  will  not  press  meikle  to  contend  with  you 
"  in  write  by  reason  of  this  matter,  as  the  weight  and  gravity  therof 
"  requireth.  We  have  been  very  desirous  indeed  to  speak  to  your  self, 
"  especially  since  we  wer  burthened  with  charge  of  regiment,  and  your 
"  own  presence  peradventure  might  have  supplyed  some  things  that  your 
"  letters  find  fault  with.  But  seing  matters  taken  as  they  are,  that  all 
"  occasion  of  grudge  may  be  removed  for  any  thing  done  by  us,  we 
"  send  you  herewith  an  inhibition  of  the  charge  lately  given.  For  as  we 
"  have  lived  hertofore  (praised  be  God)  honourably  upon  our  own,  so 
"  shall  we  forbear  to  crave  the  collectors,  while  this  matter  be  better 
"  considered  of.  And  yet  when  indifferent  men  shall  look  on  the  words 
"  of  the  inhibition,  the  intention  wherfor  it  is  given,  and  for  how  short  a 
"  space  it  should  have  lasted  ;  we  trust  that  they  shall  think  that  it  ought 
"  not  to  be  tane  in  such  part  as  we  see  it  is  taken.  If  collectors  be  sub- 
jects to  the  King  (of  others  we  will  spare  to  speak  at  this  time,)  they 
"  might  compear  when  they  are  charged,  and  not  write  in  contempt,  let 
"  as  many  charges  pass  as  they  please,  they  will  obey  none,  and  this  we 
"  mean  of  such  as  be  most  euest.  What  the  other  Regents  had 
"  intended  to  be  taken  up,  that  we  shall  be  frustrat  of,  which  yet  was 
"  not  the  greatest  occasion  why  we  desired  some  of  the  Superintendants 
"to  be  here  at  this  time ;  but  thir  matters  touched  in  our  letter  sent 
"  you.  Which  albiet  we  sent  you  for  your  privat  information,  yet  being 
"  scansed,  we  see  rather  extremity  meaned,  to  stop  the  helping  of  the 
"  matter,  nor  otherwise  any  mention  of  quieting  or  ordering  things 
"  amiss,  as  truely  our  meaning  it  was,  and  is  still,  to  procure  the  reform- 
"  ing  of  things  disordered  in  all  sorts,  as  far  as  may  be,  reteaning  the 
"  priviledge  of  the  King,  Crown  and  Patronage.  The  default  of  the  whole 
"  stands  in  this,  that  the  policy  of  the  Kirk  of  Scotland  is  not  perfect,  or 
".  any  solid  conference  among  Godly  men,  that  ai-e  well  willed,  and  of 
"judgment,  how  the  same  may  be  helped.  And  for  corruption  which 
"  daily  encreaseth,  whensoever  the  circumstances  of  things  shall  be  well 


46  JOHN    ERSKINE    OF   DUN. 

"  considered  by  the  good  ministers,  who  are  neither  bussy,  nor  over 
"  desirous  of  promotions  to  them  and  their's,  it  will  be  found  that 
"  some  have  been  authors  and  procurers  of  things  that  no  good  policy  in 
"  the  Kirk  can  allow.  Wheranent  we  thought  to  have  conferred 
"  especially  with  yourself,  and  to  have  yielded  to  you  in  things  reason  - 
"  able,  and  craved  satisfaction  of  other  things  alike  reasonable  at  your 
"  hands,  and  by  your  procurement.  If  ye  see  no  cause  that  any  who 
"  beareth  office  in  the  Kirk  of  God  shall  come  to  Leith,  I  must  take 
"  patience  and  deferr  the  matter  to  the  convention  of  the  estates  of  the 
"  realme,  by  whom  I  was  burdened  with  this  office,  and  will  make  them 
"  and  all  the  Godly  in  Christendome  judges  betwixt  them  bearing  office 
"  in  the  Kirk  (ye  write  of),  and  me,  whether  I  have  not  sought  their 
"  satisfaction,  or  if  they  have  not  neglected  the  means  and  occasions  that 
"  wer  most  apparent  to  bring  quietnes  to  the  poor  ministers  of  the  Kirk. 
"  And  in  the  meantime  I  will  answer  no  further  to  the  severall  points  of 
p.  26.  *  your  letters,  but  keep  the  same  to  my  self,  while  time  and  better 
"  advice  work  effects.  If  ye  of  your  self  only  have  written,  then  there  is 
"  one  way  to  be  considered  of,  if  be  common  consent  of  any  number  of 
"  them  bearing  office  in  the  Kirk,  then  are  they  to  be  otherwise  con- 
"  sidered,  as  time  and  place  serveth.  And  so  for  this  time  suffering  and 
«'  ceasing  to  make  longer  letter,  committs  you  to  the  protection  of 
"  Almighty  God.  At  Leith,  this  15  of  November,  1571. 
"  Your  assured  good  Freind, 

"  John  Regent." 

it  ^Kh^wh™  I*  was  best  f°r  tne  designes  now  in  hand,  and  by  far  the  easiest  way 

passed  till,  of  answering  the  Superintendant's  letters,  to  take  this  generall  indeter- 
mined  way.  The  litle  insinuations  in  it  would  have  easily  been  taken  off 
had  he  made  a  return.  He  certainly  spoke  the  generall  sentiments  of  the 
Kirk,  and  was  far  from  being  under  influence  and  the  direction  of 
others.  The  Regent's  return  is  full  of  deference  and  kindnes,  and  very 
well  calculat  to  win  in  upon  so  generous  and  charitable  a  man  as  this 
gentlman  was.  The  meeting  of  Superintendants,  as  I  take  it,  did  con- 
veen  at  Leith,  and  referred  matters  now  in  dependance  to  the  Convention 
at  Leith,  upon  the  Earle  of  Mortoun's  return  from  the  Borders,  and  the 


JOHN    ERSKINE   OF    DUN.  47 

rather  because  the  Superintendants  of  Angus  and  Fife  wer  not  with  them, 
and  the  opinion  and  gravity  of  the  first  went  a  great  way  in  the  Church, 
and  by  the  12  of  January  much  pains  was  taken  to  prepare  the  ministers 
and  others  picked  out  to  meet  there,  yet  all  that  was  got  done  was  only 
to  roll  over  the  affair  upon  a  few,  the  bulk  of  whom  were  prevailed  with 
to  yeild  for  the  present  to  the  Tulchan  Bishops.  Mr.  Calderwood  speaks 
of  another  meeting  of  the  Superintendants  and  Commissioners  of  the  Kirk, 
Dec.  6,  called  by  the  Laird  of  Dun  at  the  Regent's  desire,  for  taking 
order  for  the  provision  of  the  King's  house  out  of  the  thirds,  and  to  con- 
sider upon  som  things  relating  to  the  Policy,  but  all  was  referred  to  the 
meeting  of  January.  By  this  it  would  seem  the  Superintendant  was  pre- 
vailed upon  to  meet  with  the  other  Superintendants  and  Commissioners, 
many  of  whom,  its  probable,  wer  gained  at  the  former  meeting,  and  to 
joyn  in  remitting  matters  (which,  indeed,  ought  not  to  have  been  opened, 
except  by  a  regular  Generall  Assembly,)  to  the  Convention  at  Leith, 
Jan.  12,  1572.  But  this  good  man  was  not  willing  that  the  whole  odium 
of  opposition  to  Bishops  should  ly  on  him,  as  the  Regent  someway  insin- 
uats  in  his  letter. 

Accordingly,  January  12,  such  as  wer  writt  for  to  be  present,  Super-  .  TheConwn- 

O  J '  J  1  1  tion   at    Leith, 

intendants,    Commissioners  and  Ministers,  conveened  in  Leith;    in  the  Jan.  12,157-2 

Assembly  Registers  this  meeting  is  not  named  a  Generall  Assembly  of 

the  Church  of  Scotland,  but  a  Convention.     The  Assembly  was  adjourned 

till  March  6  ;   such  only  came  up  as  had  letters  sent  them.     Mr.  Gilbert 

Gairden,  Moderator  of  the  last  Assembly,  presided  till  the  next  ordinary 

Assembly.    They  sat  but  three  or  four  short  hasty  Sessions,  and  their  names 

and  procedure  I  shall  give  from  Calderwood,  that  this  matter  of  bringing     P.  27. 

in  of  our  first  Bishops,  though  they  scarce  deserve  that  Scripturall  name, 

may  be  the  better  understood. 

Ther  conveened  at  Leith,  Superintendants,  Commissioners,  Ministers  L>»t  of  n»« 
and  Commissioners  from  Towns  and  Kirks,  John  Erskine  of  Dun,  Knight,  ± 
Superintendant  of  Angus  and  Menies ;  Mr.  John  Spotswood,  Superin- 
tendant of  Lothian ;  Mr.  John  Winrame,  Superintendant  of  Fife  and 
Strathern  ;  Mr.  David  Lindsay,  Commissioner  of  Kyle,  Carrict  and  Cun- 
ninghame ;  Mr.  Robert  Pont,  Commissioner  of  Murray  ;  Mr.  Andrew 
Hay,  Commissioner  of  Cliddisdale,  Renfrew  and  Lennox.     Commission- 


48  JOHN   ERSKINE    OF   DUN. 

ers  of  Provinces,  Towns  and  Kirks ;  Robert  Grahame  of  Montrose,  Mr. 
James  Halyburton,  William  Christison,  for  Dundee  ;  Mr.  John  Preston, 
Adam  Fullarton,  for  Edinburgh  ;  John  Anstruther  of  that  Ilk,  John 
Beaton  of  Balfour,  Patrick  Kynnimouth,  for  Fife  ;  Mr.  William  Lundy 
of  that  Ilk,  Thomas  Scot  of  Abbotshall,  Mr.  John  Young,  for  Irwine ; 
James  Dalrymple,  for  Air ;  James  Cockbum  and  John  Gray,  for  Had- 
dingtoun  ;  William  Lauder  of  Havvton,  Knight,  Robert  Fairlie  of  Braid, 
James  Rigg  of  Carberry,  James  Johnstoun  of  Elphingstoun,  for  Lothian; 
Andrew  Ker  of  Faudounsyde,  for  Tiviotdale  ;  Walter  Cant  and  Mr. 
William  Balfour  for  the  Kirk  of  Leith  ;  Mr.  James  Wilkie  from  the  Uni- 
versity of  Saint  Andrews.  Barrons  ;  Thomas  Kennedy  of  Bargeny ;  John 
Lockheart  of  Barr ;  Hugh  Wallace  of  Camell ;  Hugh  Montgomery  of 
Heassilhead;  John  Neilson  of  CraigrafF.  Ministers;  Mr.  David  Lindsay, 
for  Leith ;  John  Duncanson,  for  his  Majestys  House ;  Mr.  Andrew 
Simson  of  Dumbarr ;  John  Brand  of  Hallyroodhouse  ;  Mr.  James  Car- 
michael  of  Haddingtoun ;  Alexander  Forrester,  of  Tranent ;  William 
Sanderson  of  Whittinghame ;  William  Harlaw  of  Saint  Cuthbert;  Alex- 
ander Blackhall  of  Cranstoun ;  John  Burne  of  Musselburgh ;  John 
Durie  of  Restalrig ;  John  Clappertoun  of ;  Mr.  Thomas  Cran- 
stoun of  Peebles  ;  Mr.  Peter  Primerose  of  Mauchline  ;  Mr.  John  Inglis 
of  Ochiltrea ;  Mr.  David  Weems  of  Glasgow  ;  George  Scot  of  KircaL 
die  ;   Mr.  William  Edmistoun  of  Cargill ;   Robert  Grahame  of  Abertill ; 

Mr.  John  Rutherford  of ;   Mr.  William  Clerk  of  Anstruther ; 

David  Ferguson  of  Dumfermling ;  Peter  Blackwood  of ;  John 

Dykes  of  Culros ;   Mr.  James  Paton  of  ■ —  ;    Mr.   Robert  Mont- 

gommery  of  Dumblaine  ;   Mr.  George  Lesley  of  Kilcunquhar  ;  Mr.  James 
Melvil  of  Menmuire,  and  James  Anderson  of  Caithness. 
Their  proce-  <<  jn  t]ie  grst;  Session  the  Moderator  of  the  last  Assembly  was  con- 

dure,     Sessions 

i  and  2.  "  tinoued  in  his  office.     In  the  second  Session  it  was  concluded  all  in  ane 

"  voice  that  this  present  convention  shall  have  the  strenth,  force,  and  effi- 
"  cacy  of  a  Generall  Assembly,  and  that  all  things  be  treated  and  ended 
"  herin  that  may  goodlie  be  done,  and  used  to  be  concluded  in  any 
"  Generall  Assembly,  not  the  less  that  all  such  bretheren  as  may  goodlie 
"  travell,  conveen  to  the  Generall  Assembly,  which  is  to  begin  at  Saint 
"  Andrews  the  6th  day  of  March  next  to  come,  and  the  moderator  to  con- 


JOHN   ERSKINE   OF   DUN.  49 

"  tinou  till  that  time,  and  make  exhortation  as  before  is  ordeaned,  accord- 

"  ing  to  the  rule."     Suspected  things,  and  eontraverted  rights,  need  rati-  Remarks. 

fications  and  declaratures,  and  here  the  persons  concerned  wer  judge  and 

party.     Our  undoubted  Generall  Assemblys  used  to  make  no  declarators 

of  this  fashion. 

In  the  third  Session  they  came  to  the  main  point.  How  far  the  Third  Ses- 
measures  now  on  foot,  would  have  been  gone  into,  even  by  this  .selected  p.  28. 
meeting,  I  shall  not  say.  They  wer  only  called  to  devolve  their  power 
upon  a  few,  who  probably  wer  now  managable,  and  such  power  as  they  had 
they  committed  to  these  few,  in  a  most  frank  and  illimited  manner. 
"  The  bretheren  assembled,  in  one  voice  and  mind  give  their  full  com- 
"  mission  and  power  to  the  honourable  and  their  beloved  bretheren,  John 
"  Areskine  of  Dun,  Knight,  Superintendant  of  Angus  and  Merns ;  Mr. 
"  John  Winrame,  Superintendant  of  Fyfe  and  Strathern;  Mr.  William 
"  Lundie  of  that  Ilk;  Mr.  Andrew  Hay,  Commissioner  for  Cliddisdale; 
"  Mr.  David  Lindsay,  Commissioner  for  Kyle;  Mr.  Robert  Pont,  Com- 
"  missioner  of  Murray;  and  Mr.  John  Craig,  one  of  the  ministers  of 
"  Edinburgh,  or  any  four  of  them  to  compear  befor  my  Lord  Regents 
"  Grace,  and  so  many  of  the  Lords  of  Secret  Councill  as  his  Grace  shall 
"  appoint  in  Leith,  this  instant  moneth  of  January,  and  there  in  the 
"  Kirk's  name  most  humbly  propone,  show  and  declare  the  Articles, 
"  Heads,  Supinations  and  Complaints  delivered  to  them  by  the  Kirk 
*i  presently  assembled,  most  humbly  requesting  for  answer  therunto,  to 
"  conferr  and  reason  with  his  Grace  and  Council  forsaid  upon  such 
"  Heads  and  Articles,  as  shall  be  proponed  to  them  by  his  Grace  and 
"  Councill  and  to  conclude  therin  according  to  the  instructions  given  to 
"  them  by  the  Kirk  and  to  report  the  said  Heads  and  Articles  with  their 
"  conclusions  therupon  to  the  next  Assembly  to  begin  at  Saint  Andrews, 
"  the  sixth  of  March  next  to  come,  to  the  effect  the  same  may  be  insert 
"  among  the  Acts  of  the  Generall  Assembly,  firm  and  stable  holding 
"  what  shall  be  done  in  the  premises.  Item,  ordeans  the  said  bretheren 
"  to  pen  the  Heads  and  Articles  for  the  Kirk,  and  deliver  a  double  of 
"  them  to  the  Clerk  to  be  entered  in  the  register  of  the  Assembly."  No 
more  was  done  save  allowing  Mr.  Robert  Pont,  to  accept  the  office  of 
a  Senator  of  the  Colledge  of  Justice,  which  will  stand  best  in  his  life. 

G 


50  JOHN    ERSKINE    OF    DUN. 

Remarks.  Remarks  are  obvious  upon  the  procedure  of  this  Convention.     Four 

persons  are  allowed  to  determine  in  matters  of  the  highest  concern  to 
the  Church  ;  they  seem  to  be  tyed  indeed  to  instructions,  but  these 
wer  not  agreed  to  in  this  meeting,  and  they  had  no  other  than  what  former 
Assemblys  had  agreed  to,  and  had  they  considered  these,  they  would 
have  found  them  rlatly  contrary  to  what  they  now  fall  into.  In  other 
cases  which  wer  but  seldom,  for  thirty-six  years  after  the  Reformation, 
when  the  Assembly  delegated  their  power,  the  Commissioners  wer  ordered 
to  report  to  the  next  Assembly  before  finall  conclusion,  but  here  four 
may  conclude  finally  in  thir  great  matters,  and  they  are  to  report  indeed 
in  order  to  registration ;  but  what  they  agree  to  must  not  be  altered. 
In  short  Mr.  Calderwood  observes  that  this  matter  was  hurryed  over  with 
great  confusion  and  precipitation,  as  all  things  which  cannot  bear  the 
light  are  ;  and  the  instructions  to  the  Commissioners  are  not  recorded, 
and  any  thing  of  that  nature  was  done  in  great  hast.     Thus,  first  and  last 

p-  29-  Bishops  wer  obtruded  upon  us  by  delegating  the  Churches  power  to  a  few 
upon  whom  the  Court  had  influence ;  afterward,  indeed,  the  Bishop's 
vote  in  Parliament  had  a  kind  of  approbation,  under  limitations  and  con- 
ditions, not  one  of  which  was  keeped  ;  but  what  thir  persons  did,  was,  as  we 
shall  hear,  opposed  and  protested  against  in  the  next  Assembly  ;  though 
under  protestation,  agreed  to  till  better  times. 

Their  Dele-  Upon  the  1(>  of  January,  the  above  named  persons  mett  at  Leith, 

gates         meet,  L  J  l 

January  16.  with  the  Earle  of  Mortoun,  Chancelor ;  Lord  Ruthven,  Threasurer ; 
Adam,  Bishop  of  Orkney ;  Robert,  Commendator  of  Dumfermline, 
Secretary ;  Mr.  James  McGill,  Clerk  Register ;  the  Justice  Clerk  and 
Colin  Campbell  of  Glenurchie,  nominat  by  the  Regent  and  Council,  and 
agreed  Bishops,  Archdeacons,  Deans,  Chapters  and  Chancelors  should 
stand  during  the  Kings  minority,  and  to  have  no  further  jurisdiction  then 
Superintendants  have.  But  that  such  [as]  are  curious  to  [may]  see  the 
shape  wherin  things  wer  cast  at  this  meeting,  I  have  added  in  the  Appendix 
Articles  and  No.  [V.]  the  whole  of  their  procedure,  intituled,  The  Articles  and  formes 

Conclusions   at     „  T  .  ■   •  r  n  1  /*  i         •    •         n 

Leith.  or  Letters  concerning  provision  of  rersons  to  benefices  and  spiritual!  pro- 

pp     "     '    motions,  agreed  upon  by  the  Commissioners  of  the  King's  Majesty,  and 

the  Reformed  Kirk  of  Scotland  in  their  conference,  had  at  Leith  in  the 

moneth  of  January,  1571,  after  the  old  account,  but  1572,  according  to 


JOHN    ERSKINE  OF   DUN.  51 

the  new.  Its  very  large,  indeed,  but  being  never  before  published,  I 
doubt  not  but  it  will  be  acceptable.  It  answered  the  Earle  of  Mortouns 
designe  of  getting  the  disposall  of  the  Benifices  and  Church  lands,  and 
did  not  much  affect  the  Reformation  government  of  this  Church,  since 
the  Bishops,  such  as  they  wer,  wer  subjected  to  the  Assembly ;  only  it 
brought  much  trouble  to  our  Assemblys,  in  hearing  complaints  against, 
and  censuring  the  corrupt  and  time-serving  men,  who  accepted  of  Bishop- 
ricks  ;  and  gave  our  Generall  Assembly  a  continouall  struggle  against  this 
imposition  of  nominal]  Bishops,  for  about  six  years,  till  they  flatly  declared 
the  office  unlawfull. 

At  the  next  Assembly,  March,  1572,  A  comitty  is  appointed  "to     Procedure  of 

'  '    .  ,     .  ♦■>>«     Assembly, 

"  meet  in  Mr.  Knox  house  in  Saint  Andrews,  and  consider  and  sight  the  March,  1572, 
"  Articles  and  Conclusions  at  Leith,  and  ratifyed  by  the  Council  and  upon '  em' 
"  Regent ;  and  what  therm  they  find  agreeable  to  God's  word,  and  to 
"  the  utility  of  the  Kirk ;  to  report  the  same  to  the  Assembly,  that  the 
"  said  conclusions  may  be  insert  in  the  Register."  No  report  comes  in 
this  Assembly ;  I  apprehend  Mr.  Knox,  Mr.  Craig,  Mr.  Arbuthnot  and 
some  others  who  are  members  of  this  comitty,  raised  such  objections 
against  them  as  could  not  well  be  answered. 

At  the  next  Assembly  in  Perth,  Amist  G,  John  Erskine  of  Dun     The  Laird  of 

1  tit     1  tt      1  i  •  Dun     Modera- 

was  chosen  Moderator.  He  had  oeen  caryed  away  with  the  rest  to  agree  tor,  Assembly 
to  the  Articles  at  Leith,  as  the  expedient  to  prevent  a  breach  twixt  the  Theh'procedure 
Kirk  and  Council,  and  what  could  not  be  evited  for  a  season  ;  but  from  Hs  t0  the  heads 

7  and  conclusions 

his  letters  above  narrated,  we  may  guess  he  was  not  very  fond  of  them,  agreed  to  at 
To  this  Assembly  the  Bishop  of  Saint  Andrews  compleans  that  his  diocie 
is  too  great  and  weighty  for  him  ;  his  books  are  visited  by  the  Assem- 
bly, and  another  committy  is  appointed  in  their  first  session  "  to  oversee  P-  30. 
"  and  consider  the  conclusions  at  Leith,  and  what  they  find  therm,  either 
"  to  be  reteaned  or  altered  ;  to  report  the  samine  again  to  the  Assembly; 
"  ordeaning  all  and  sundry  bretheren  that  have  any  reason  to  alledge 
"  against  the  saids  conclusions,  that  they  conveen  with  the  forsaids 
"  bretheren,  and  shew  their  opinion,  with  certification  therafter  they 
"  shall  not  be  heard  thereanent."  In  the  third  Session  the  committy 
make  their  report  as  followes.  "  The  bretheren  appointed  for  viseing 
"  the  Heads  and  Articles  concluded  in  Leith,  in  January  last,  with  the 


52  JOHN    ERSKINE    OF    DUN. 

"  Regent's  Grace,  and  secret  Council,  presented  to  the  Assembly  a  pro- 
"  testation,  with  their  opinion  anent  some  of  the  heads  and  conclusions, 
"  requiring  the  whole  Assembly  to  adhere  to  the  same  :  the  tennor  wher- 
"  of  foil  owes  : 

"  '  Forasmeilde  as  in  the  Assembly  holden  in  Leith  in  January 
"  '  last,  certain  Commissioners  wer  appointed  to  travell  with  the  no- 
"  '  bilityand  their  Commissioners,  to  reason  and  conclude  upon  diverse 
"  '  Articles  and  Heads,  then  thot  good  to  be  conferred  upon  ;  accord- 
"  *  ing  to  the  which  commission  they  proceeded  at  diverse  diets  and 
"  '  conventions,  and  finally  concluded  for  that  time  upon  the  saids 
"  '  Heads  and  Articles,  as  the  same  produced  in  this  Assembly  pro- 
"  '  ports.  In  the  which,  being  considered  and  read,  are  found  cer- 
"  '  tain  names,  such  as  the  Archbishop,  Dean,  Archdeacon,  Chancelor 
"  '  and  Chapter  ;  which  names  wer  thot  slanderous  and  offensive  to 
"  '  the  ears  of  many  of  thebretheren  ;  apearing  to  sound  to  Papistry. 
"  '  Therfor  the  whole  Assembly  in  one  voice,  as  well  these  that  wer 
"  '  in  commission  at  Leith,  as  others,  protest  that  they  mean  not  by 
"  '  using  any  such  names,  to  ratify,  consent  and  agree  to  any  kind  of 
"  '  Papistry  or  superstition,  and  wish  rather  the  said  names  to  be 
"  '  changed  into  others  that  are  not  slanderous  nor  offensive.  And 
"  '  in  like  manner  protest,  that  the  saids  Heads  and  Articles  agreed 
"  '  upon,  be  only  received  as  an  interim,  till  further  and  more  perfect 
"  '  order  may  be  obteaned  at  the  hands  of  the  King's  Majesty,  Regent 
"  '  and  nobility;  for  the  which  they  will  press  as  occasion  shall  serve.' 
"  Unto  which  protestation,  the  whole  Assembly  presently  conveened,  in 
"  one  voice  adhered. 

"  Anent  the  names  and  titles  of  Archbishopes,  we  think  good  that 
"  they  that  had  the  names  of  Archbishops  heretofore,  that  hereafter,  in 
"  these  things  concerning  the  function  of  the  Kirk,  they  shall  use  the 
"  name  of  Bishop,  and  not  Archbishop.  Towards  the  names  of  Chapter, 
"  Dean,  Archdeacon  and  Chancelour,  we  think  it  good  that  because  thir 
"  names  sound  to  bring  in  superstition  with  them,  and  so  are  offensive  to 
"  the  ears  of  a  great  many  of  the  Kirk,  therfore  we  desire  they  may  be 
"  changed  into  other  names  tending  to  the  same  purpose  ;  such  as  the 
"  Chapter  to  be  called  the  Bishop's  Assembly,  the  Dean  the  Moderator 


JOHN    ERSKINE   OF    DUN.  53 

"  of  the  said  Assembly.     As  to  the  function  of  Deans,  Archdeacons  and 

"  Chancelors,  we  think  good  that  some  be  appointed  by  this  Assembly 

"  to  try  and  give  in  their  judgment  concerning  the  said  functions,  how 

"  far  they  shall  extend  in  particular,  and  also  toward  the  function  of  the     p.  81. 

"  Abbots  and  Priors,  and  tou[ard]  the  interchanging  of  all  their  names 

"  into  other  names  more  agreable  to  God's  Word,  and  the  policys  of 

"  the  best  Reformed  Kirks,  and  that  they  report  the  same  to  the  next 

"  Assembly,  or  else  to  the  next  Parliament,  if  any  happen  to  be,  betwixt 

"  this  and  the  next  Assembly.     And  we  think  good  that  Comissioners 

"  be  appointed  by  this  present  Assembly  to  await  upon  the  Parliament,  if 

"  Cany]  snall  happen  to  be,  or  otherwise  pass  to  the  Regent's  Grace  and 

"  secret  Councill,  for  such  things  as  shall  be  given  to  them  in  commission : 

"  and  for  further  viseing  the  saids  conclusions,  the  said  bretheren  are  con- 

"  tinoued  till  further  apport unity,  alwise  adhering  to  the  former  protesta- 

"  tion." 

At  first  view  it  may  seem  strange  that  the  Assembly  only  declare   .  Hints     tor 

J  o  .  vindicating  the 

against  the  offensive  and  slanderous  names  of  Archbishops,  &c,  as  sounding  procedure     of 

towards  Popery  and  superstition  ;  and  some  Prelatick  writers  make  them-  ^hen   Bishops 

selves  merry  with  this  protestation.     But  if  we  fully  consider  the  circum-  ™\£™ ''"' ''' 'd 

stances  of  the  time,  and  what  the  Assembly  realy  conclude  in  this  Act, 

it  will  neither  appear  strange,  nor  matter  of  jesting.     They  had  these 

Articles  forced  in  upon  them  with  a  kind  of  consent  of  some  persons  of 

very  great  weight  and  worth  in  the  Church,  and  some  of  whom  at  least,  as 

the  Laird  of  Dun,  went  in  as  what  appeared  to  him  the  least  evil.     These 

persons  had  a  power  delegat  by  a  sort  of  Assembly,  and  wer  dealt  with 

by  the  Earle  of  Mortoun  as  representing  the  Church.     The  Assembly 

had  the   Regent  and   Protestant  nobility  standing   up  for  the   King's 

authority  which  they  owned,  to  deal  with,  and  that  in  a  time  of  civil 

war,  and  great  confusions,  and  wer  not  willing  of  a  breach  with  them,  or 

to  do  any  thing  to  weaken  the  hands  of  those  they  loved  and  prayed  for. 

In  thir  circumstances  it  was  prudence  and  wisdom,  and  every  way  most 

proper  for  the  publick  interests,  peace  and  harmony  among  themselves,  and 

the  cause  of  truth  they  wer  defending,  to  begin  softly,  and  so  as  to  take 

along  with  them  those  who  had  been  at  Leith,  and  to  do  what  they  could 

joyntly,  rather  that  [than]  what  they  would,  with  a  breach  among  them- 


54  JOHN   EllSKINE    OF   DUN. 

selves,  and  with  the  Goverment.  And  indeed  they  did  more,  really, 
than  one  would  almost  have  expected  in  such  circumstances.  They  find 
the  names  offensive,  and  this  in  it  self  was  a  very  good  ground  to  change 
them.  But  shall  we  once  suppose  they  had  no  other  thing  in  their  view 
but  letters,  and  sillables,  and  sounds,  when  they  protested  ?  No,  they 
directly  strick  against  all  that  is  Popish  and  Antichristian,  expressed  by 
these  ill  sounding  names,  and  renounce  all  Papistry,  and  consecpiently  the 
Antichristian  hierarchy,  and  all  these  offices  as  used  under  Popery.  Less 
cannot  be  signifyed  by  their  words,  and  in  consequence  of  renouncing 
Popery  and  all  these  offices,  they  declare  they  only  receive  Leith  Articles 
now  imposed  on  them,  as  an  Interim,  and  till  better  can  be  got  from  those 
that  had  forced  them  on  them,  for  which  they  declare  they  will  press. 
And  indeed  this  they  did  till  they  obteaned  their  purpose.  They  declared 
[at]  the  next  Assembly  Bishops  to  have  no  more  power  than  Superintend- 
ants ;  and  the  next  year,  that  a  Bishop's  office  and  Pastor's  are  the  same ; 
and  then  drew  up  the  Second  Book  of  Discipline  ;  declared  Bishops  as 
p.  3-2.  abused  here  to  be  unscripturall  and  unlawfull ;  and  gote  Presbiterys 
established,  and  the  Antichristian  hierarchy  solemly  abjured.  Ther  is 
no  occasion  then  of  ridicule  here,  and  we  ought  rather  own  their  caution 
and  prudence  in  managing  this  matter,  in  which  I  doubt  not  the  Modera- 
tor had  his  share.  Yea,  this  very  Assembly,  they  approve  of  the  Articles 
sent  them  by  Mr.  Knox,  which  are  cpute  subversive  of  the  conclusions  at 
Leith,  as  may  be  seen  in  his  Life. 
Generaii  <>b-  Thus  I  have  set  this  affair  of  Tulchan  Bishops  in  as  plain  a  light  as 

o'.nln  ""of  Tui-  my  materialls  allow  me.  And  as  the  Laird  of  Dun  vigourously  opposed 
h»n  Bishops,  them,  and  as  far  as  I  can  guess,  unwillingly,  and  for  peace  consented  to 
them,  so  under  his  moderation  the  assembly  that  same  year  lay  the 
foundations  of  getting  rid  of  them.  Which  indeed  took  time,  and  no 
wonder,  when  in  the  end  of  ther  [that]  year,  the  Earle  of  Morton  the  great 
inbringer  of  them,  was  chosen  Regent.  I  shall  only  observe  further, 
that  as  Bishops  of  this  sett  wer  not  brought  in  upon  the  Church  by  the 
wise  and  moderate  of  the  Ministry  upon  their  dislike  of  our  Reformation- 
discipline,  but  forced  in  upon  us  by  the  nobility  for  their  own  ends, 
when  the  best  of  the  Ministry  wer  enterteaning  thoughts  of  bringing  oui 
discipline  and  goverment  to  a  greater  perfection,  by  a  removal  of  the 


JOHN    ERSKINE   OF   DUN.  55 

temporary  offices  the  necessity  of  the  times  had  led  to,  so  it  is  plain 
beyond  contradiction,  that  the  Presbiterian  Establishment  was  not 
brought  to  us  from  Geneva  by  Mr.  Andrew  Melvil,  but  noble  stands 
wer  made  against  the  introduction  of  Prelacy  among  us  from  the  very 
Reformation,  and  many  years  before  Mr.  Melvil  returned  to  Scotland. 
And  lastly,  it  is  not  improbable  that  as  King  James  afterwards  forced  in 
Prelacy  upon  this  Church,  to  pave  the  way  to  his  succession  in  England 
about  twenty  year  after  this,  so  the  Earle  of  Mourtoun  had  it  in  his  eye 
to  gratify  England,  to  whose  help  indeed  we  owe  the  preservation  of  our 
Reformation  and  our  infant  King  at  this  juncture.  And  I  hope  so  good 
a  man,  as  I  take  the  Earle  of  Mortoun  to  have  been,  notwithstanding  of 
this  wrong  step,  had  a  stronger  tentation  to  this  encroachment  upon  the 
Reformation  in  Scotland,  than  merely  some  profite  to  himself,  and  the 
distribution  of  the  great  benifices  among  his  dependants  and  friends. 

These   remarks   which  naturally  flow  from  what    I  have  narrated,     Remarks  [on] 
would  bring  me  to  make  some  reflections  upon  Archbishop  Spotswood's  wood's  aallui 
account  of  this  matter  of  the  Tulchan  Bishops,  p.  257 — 261.     What  I  °fH^ch'™i,,g 
have  narrated  above  from  unquestionable  vouchers,  the  Acts  of  Assembly,  Bishops, 
and  the  Laird  of  Dun's  letters,  will  disprove  severall  of  the  Bishop's  facts, 
and  set  this  matter  out  of  that  wrong  light  he  labours  to  place  it  in  ;  so 
that  my  remarks  may  be  the  shorter.     In  this  place,  we  may  suppose  the 
Bishop  would  exert  all  his  art  and  cunning  to  give  this  change  a  turn  in 
favour  of  his  own  beloved  Prelacy.      But   I  wish   he   had  used  more 
candour  and  fairnes,  and  had  not  put  things  in  such  a  situation  as  doth 
not  agree  with  facts  he  could  not  be  ignorant  of.     He  begins  with  Mr. 
Knoxes  letter  to  the  Assembly,  Agust,  1571,  set  down  in  his  life,  to 
make  his  readers  think  he  was  turned  Prtelaticall  in  his  old  age,  wheras 
the  great  scop  of  that  letter  was  to  guard  them  against  suffering  such 
unfaith[full]  men  as  Mr.  P.  Adamson,  our  author's  predecessor,  to  come 
in,  and  the  Tulchan   Bishops.     He   next  would  make  us   belive,   the 
Generall  Assembly  in  Agust  had  a  mind  to  have  the  Tulchan  Bishops  in, 
and  appointed  such  of  their  number  as  wer  most  favourable  to  the  designe,     P  33 
and  disliked  the  Book  of  Discipline,  to  attend  the  Parliament  upon  that 
bussines.     But,  adds  he,  the  Regents  death,  and  the  troubles  delayed  all. 
Its  impossible  but  he  knew  that  Parliament  admitted  the  Bishop  of  Saint 


56  JOHN    ERSKINE   OF   DUN. 

Andrews — bullyed  and  hectored  the  Ministers,  and  earyed  all  quite 
contrary  to  the  applications  of  the  Church.  How  unhappily  does  he 
bring  in  the  Laird  of  Dun  and  Mr.  John  Row,  as  favouring  the  course 
urged  by  the  Earle  of  Mortoun,  after  what  we  have  seen.  When  the 
Bishop  is  so  much  out  in  facts,  which  at  least  he  ought  to  have  knowen, 
what  credit  can  be  given  to  his  observations  upon  the  state  of  the  Church 
at  this  time  ?  He  would  have  us  belive,  that  now  churchmen  began 
more  seriously  to  think  on  the  policy  of  the  Church  than  before.  I  shall 
yeild  this,  though  not  in  his  sense.  In  the  Assembly  in  March,  we  have 
seen  the  Articles  given  in  for  establishing  the  jurisdiction  of  the  Church, 
and  to  counter  the  designe  of  Tulchan  Bishops.  The  first  draught  was 
indeednot  likedbysome,  because  superintendants,  when  designing  men  gote 
into  the  office,  might  soon  turn  Prelates.  The  First  Book  of  Discipline 
was  approven  by  the  Council,  though  he  finds  it  necessary  to  deny  it,  and 
we  see  the  Laird  of  Dun  tells  the  Regent  it  was  sworn  as  well  as  aproven. 
He  adds,  they  saw  it  needfull  to  agree  upon  a  certain  form  that  might 
continow.  Wher  again  we  agree  in  words,  but  he  means  a  Prelatick  form, 
and  I  the  removing  of  temporary  officers,  and  establishing  Presbitrys. 
What  followes  needs  not  much  to  be  considered.  He  sayes,  the  Church 
was  governed  by  superintendants  and  commissioners  formerly  :  wheras, 
indeed,  it  was  served  by  these,  but  governed  by  Generall  Assemblys, 
Synods,  and  Sessions.  The  Superintendant'spower,  he  sayes,  was  Episcopall, 
which  hath  been  frequently  refuted,  and  the  contrary  will  be  seen  in  Mr. 
Knoxes  Life.  Neither  is  it  true  that  they  elected  Ministers,  for  the 
people  did  that,  and  in  ordination  they  presided,  and  joyned  with  the 
Ministers  in  the  bounds,  whose  consent  was  necessary.  I  see  no  footsteps  of 
their  directing  all  Church  censures,  or  that  no  excommunication  was  pro- 
nounced without  their  warrand.  Most  part  of  discipline  was  indeed  manag- 
ed by  the  Assembly,  wher  they  had  their  single  vote,  and  they  had  no  more, 
for  any  thing  I  know,  in  Synods.  The  power  of  assigning  stipends  to 
ministers  as  they  pleased,  if  any  such  power  they  had,  was  not  from  the 
Assembly,  and  in  my  opinion,  very  injuriouse ;  but  granting  they  had  it, 
this  is  an  odd  proof  of  their  Episcopall  power.  But  these  observations  of 
the  Bishop's  are  really  not  worth  confuting.  He  tells  us,  in  January 
157i,  an  Assembly  met  at  Leith.     We  have  seen  what  an  Assembly  it 


JOHN   ERSKINE    OF   DUN.  57 

was,  and  how  far  from  the  gravity  and  deliberation  with  which  our 
venerable  Assembly's  used  to  act.  He  adds,  great  instance  was  made  with 
the  Regent  and  Council  to  setle  the  policy  of  the  Church,  that  is, 
Episcopacy.  Had  he  said  the  Regent  and  Councill  made  great  instance 
upon  this  selected  picked  convention  to  setle  the  policy  he  speaks  of,  and 
they  delegated  their  power  to  four,  to  do  what  they  would  not  venture 
upon  themselves,  he  had  written  nearer  the  truth.  The  conclusions  he 
gives  us  are  his  own,  rather  than  those  of  that  meeting,  as  will  appear  by 
comparing  his  seven  Conclusions  with  the  original!  Articles  in  the 
Appendix.  But  because  every  reader  of  this  will  not  perhaps  have  the 
Bishop's  History  before  him,  or  consider  that  long  paper  in  the  Appendix, 
as  a  specimen  of  the  Bishop's  unfairnes  in  this  important  matter,  where 
the  words  of  the  Articles  ought  to  have  been  narrated  by  an  ingenuous 
writter,  and  to  shew  his  concealing  of  the  subjection  of  the  Bishops  to 
the  Assembly,  with  severall  other  things,  it  seems,  he  was  not  willing  we 
should  know  ;  and  in  a  word,  to  shew  how  little  this  celebrated  Historian  p.  34. 
is  to  be  depended  on,  in  what  makes  for  Prelacy,  and  against  Presbitry 
and  Presbiterians,  I  shall  here  insert  the  generall  conclusions,  as  the 
Bishop  gives  them,  and  then  as  they  stand  in  the  originall  Articles,  since 
none  of  them  are  very  long. 

The  conclusions  at  Leith,  as  the  Bishop  gives  [them]  are — "  1.     Conclusions 
"That  the  Archbishopricks  and  Bishopricks  presently  void,  should  be  iat«i  by  Bisiiop 
"  disponed  to  the  most  qualifyed  of  the  Ministry.    2.  That  the  spirituall  svots™0,i- 
"  jurisdiction  should  be  [by]  the  Bishops  in  their  dioces.     3.  That  all 
"  Abbots,  Priors,  and  other  inferior  Prelates,  who  should  happen   to  be 
"  presented  to  Benefices,  should  be  tryed  by  the  Bishop  or  Superinten- 
"  dant    of  the  Bounds,  concerning    their   qualification  and    aptnes,   to 
"  give  voice  for  the  Church  in  Parliament ;  and,  upon  their  collation,  to 
"  be  admitted  to  the  Benefice,  and  not  otherwise.    4.  That  so  (misprinted, 
"  I  suppose,  to)  the  Bishopricks  presently  void,  or  that  shall  happen  here- 
"  after  to  fall,  the  King  and  the  Regent  should  recommend  fit  and  quali- 
"  fyed  persons,  and  their  elections  to  be  made  by  the  Chapters  of  the 
"  Catherall  Churches.    And  forasmuch  as  diverse  of  the  Chapters  churches 
"  wer  posessed  by  men,  provided  before  his  Majesties  coronation,  who 
"  bore  no  office  in  the  Church,  a  particular  nomination  should  be  made  of 


58  JOHN    ERSKINE    OF   DUN, 

"  Ministers  in  every  dioces,  to  supply  their  rooms,  untill  the  Benefices 
"  should  fall  voyd.  5.  That  all  Benefices  of  cure  under  Prelacies,  should 
"  be  disponed  to  actuall  Ministers,  and  no  others.  6.  That  Ministers 
"  should  receive  ordination  from  the  Bishop  of  the  dioces,  and  where  no 
"  Bishop  was  as  yet  placed,  from  the  superintendant  of  the  bounds.  7.  That 
"  the  Bishops  and  Superintendants  at  the  ordination  of  Ministers,  should 
"  exact  of  them  an  oath,  acknowledging  his  Majestys  authority,  and  for 
"  obedience  to  their  ordinary  in  all  things  lawfull.  All  which  wer 
"  ordeaned  to  stand  in  force  till  the  King's  majority,  or  till  the  estates  of 
"  the  realme  should  otherwise  appoint." 
The  same  as  The  conclusions  as  to  Archbishops  and  Bishopricks  as  they  stand  in 

the  originaii  the  originall  articles,  are  as  followes : — "  1.  Its  thot  good  in  con- 
"  sideration  of  the  present  state,  that  the  names  and  titles  of  the 
"  Archbishops  and  Bishops  are  not  to  be  altered  or  innovat,  nor  yet  the 
"  bounds  of  the  diocesses  to  be  confounded,  but  to  stand  and  continou  in 
"  time  coming,  as  they  did  before  the  Reformation  of  religion,  at  least 
"  to  the  King's  Majesty's  majority,  or  consent  of  Parliament.  2.  That 
"  persons  promotted  to  Archbishopricks  and  Bishopricks  be,  so  farr  as 
"  may  be,  indued  with  the  qualitys  specifyed  in  the  examples  of  Paul  to 
"  Timothy  and  Titus.  3.  That  there  be  a  certain  Assembly,  or  Chapter 
"  of  learned  Ministers  annexed  to  every  metropolitan  or  cathedrall  seat. 
"  4-.  To  all  Archbishopricks  vaccand,  or  that  shall  happen  to  vaik  here- 
"  after,  persons  qualifyed  to  be  nominate  within  the  space  of  year  and 
"  day  after  the  vacancy,  and  the  persons  nominat  to  be  30  years  of  age 
"  at  least.  5.  The  dean,  or  faling  the  dean,  the  next  dignitary  of  the 
"  chapter,  during  the  time  of  the  vacancy,  use  the  jurisdiction  in 
"  spiritualls,  as  the  Bishop  might  have  used.  6.  All  Archbishops  and 
"  Bishops  to  be  admitted  hereafter  exerce  no  further  jurisdiction  in 
"  spiritual]  function  nor  the  Superintendants  has,  and  presently  exerces, 
"  while  the  same  be  agreed  upon,  and  that  all  Archbishops  and  Bishops 
"  be  subject  to  the  Kirk  and  Generall  Assembly  therof  in  spiritualibu.s, 
"  as  they  are  to  the  King  in  temporalibus,  and  the  advice  of  the  best 
p.  35.  "  learned  of  the  chapter,  of  the  number  of  six  at  least,  in  the  admission 
"  of  such  as  shall  have  function  in  the  Kirk.  As  also  that  it  may  be 
"  lawfull  to  as  many  others  of  the  Church  as  pleases  to  be  present  at  the 
"  admission  and  to  vote  theranent." 


JOHN   ERSKINE   OF   DUN.  59 

The  reader  will  have  a  quite  other  view  of  the  Archbishops   and     Iunh"  ™- 

1  r  marks  on  Spots- 

BishopS  now  brot  in,  from   the  originall   account   of  them,  than  he   can  wood. 

have  from  Spotswood's,  and  see  that  he  conceals  circumstances  that  did 

not  make  for  his  own  designe,  and  those  of  the  greatest  importance,  as 

their  power  extending  no  further  than  that  of  Superintendants,  their 

subjection  to  the  Generall  Assembly,  to  say  nothing  of  multitudes  of  other 

differences  from  the  Articles.     I  shall  only  observe  further,  that  Bishop 

Spotswood  takes  nottice  of  the  exceptions  made  in  the  Assembly  at  Perth 

against  the  titles  of  Archbishop,  &c,  adding,   "  that  he  finds  no  after- 

"  report  made  by  such  as  wer  appointed  to  consider  the  functions  ;  and  its 

"  probable,"  adds  he,  "  that  the  wiser  sort  esteemed  that  there  was  no  cause 

"  to  stumble  at    the    titles  where  the    office  was   thot  necessary  and 

"  lawfull."    Thus  he  cunningly  conceals  the  vigourous  opposition  made  to 

the  Tulchan  Bishops.     But  the  reader  would  know,  that  when  the  titles 

and  names  wer  declared  against,  the  office  was  struck  at,  as  hath  been 

observed  above,  and  the  way  of  wording  the  articles,  That  the  titles  of 

Archbishops,  fyc,  are  not  to  be  hiid  aside,  led  the  Assembly  necessarily 

to  express  themselves  this  way.     The  after-inquiry,  as  we  have  seen,  was 

not  as  to  Archbishops,  but  as  to  Deans,  Archdeacons,  and  Chaneelors. 

Though  Spotswood  would  have  us  think  it  was  as  to  the  whole  ;  and  the 

other  functions  did  not  much  trouble  the  Church,  the  great  debate  was 

as  to  Archbishops,  which  they  lay  aside,  and  Bishops,  which  as  abused  of 

late,  they  declare   also  against.     And  its  a   gross  imposition   upon  his 

readers,  when  he  slumps  over  all  the  after-opposition  made  to  Prelacy,  by 

telling  us,  that  the  wiser  sort    overlooked    the  titles,  and  reconed  the 

office  necessary  and  lawfull ;  when  the  whole  tract  of  our  history  for  thirty 

years  contradicts  this,  as  hath  been  at  great  lenth  made  out  by  Presbyterian 

writters.     But  its  high  time  to  leave  this  subject  and  return  to  the  worthy 

person,  whose  life  I  am  giving  some  account  of. 

Upon  this  establishment  of  Tulchan  Bishops,  the  Regent  got  the  ,  ,^0"s,e'lue"'s 

.      .  ,  .  r  ^  P  of  Tulchan  Bi- 

thrids  intirely  in  his  hands,  and  pretended  to  better  ministers'  stipends  ;  shops,  1573. 
but  hi  reality  they  wer  in  worse  circumstances  then  formerly  ;  especially 
on  the  project  begun  next  year  of  uniting  three  or  four  parishes  into  one, 
against  which,  Mr.  John  Davidson  wrote,  as  is  to  be  seen  in  his  Life. 
These,  and  many  other  irregularitys,  brought  many  complaints  and  much 


GO  JOHN    ERSK1NE    OF    DUN. 

trouble  to  the  Superintendents,  especially  in  the  bounds  of  the  new-made 
Bishops,  which  at  least  in  the  diocie  of  Saint  Andrews,  at  Mr.  Douglas 
desire,  continoued  under  the  inspection  of  the  Superintendants ;  the 
stipends  also  of  the  Superintendants  wer  much  impaired.  Upon  these 
accounts  I  find,  in  the  Assembly,  March,  1573,  John  Erskine  of  Dun, 
Knight,  protesting,  that  in  respect  the  Assembly  has  decerned,  (which  they 
did  at  first,  yet  left  Mr.  Douglas  and  the  Superintendants  to  agree  upon 
this  matter  afterwards,)  the  whole  dioces  of  Saint  Andrews  to  pertean  to 
the  Bishop  of  the  same,  he  be  no  more  burdened  with  any  visitation  in 
these  bounds,  nor  with  visiting  Dunkeld  when  a  Bishop  shall  be  pro- 
vided therto.  Mr.  Spotswood,  Superintendant  of  Lothian,  protested  in 
like  manner  for  his  bounds.  The  Assembly  referred  the  matter  to  such 
as  wer  to  conferr  with  the  Regent. 
The  Laird  of  At  the   nixt   Generall  Assembly,   Agust,   1573,  a   complaint  was 

toacom^ahitat  tabled   against   the    Superintendant    of  Angus   and    Merns,    about    his 
the   Assembly,  managment  as  to  the  Church  of  Inchbrayak.    Being  necessarly  absent,  he 

Agust.  1573.  "  ....        "L  ...   , 

P.  36.  vvrot  a  letter  to  the  Assembly  vindicating  himself  in  this  affair,  which 

with  the  Assemblys  approbation  showes  his  fidelity  in  managing  the 
least  affairs  intrusted  to  him,  and  so  I  insert  it  here  from  Petry. 
"  Hearing  that  in  my  absence  a  complaint  was  given  upon  me,  alledging 
"  that  I  had  destroyed,  or  caused  to  destroy,  the  Church  of  Inchbrayak, 
"  and  to  have  joyned  that  parishon  to  the  Church  of  Maritoun,  I  have 
"  thought  good  to  declare  to  your  Wisdomes  my  part  in  that  cause.  I 
"  never  did  destroy  a  Parish  Church,  but  would  have  had  the  reparation 
"  of  all.  As  to  that  Church  of  Inchbrayak,  I,  in  my  visitation,  finding  it 
"  spoiled  and  broken  down,  did  request  the  parishoners  therof  to  resort 
"  to  the  Church  of  Maritoun,  being  near  to  them,  untill  their  own 
H  Church  wer  bigged  and  repaired.  To  which  they  did  consent  not  to 
"  continou  ever  so,  but  for  a  time,  untill  their  own  Church  wer  bigged  : 
"  the  which  I  wish  to  be  done  shortly,  and  what  in  me  lyeth  to  further 
"  the  same  shall  not  be  ommitted.  This  is  the  truth  of  that  matter,  and 
"  if  it  be  found  otherwise,  I  shall  build  the  Church  on  my  own  expences. 
"  If  your  Wisdomes  think  any  fault  herin,  I  am  subdued,  and  shall 
"  obey  your  godly  judgment."  Under  the  letter  is  thus  written. — 
"  Edinburgh,  Agust  10,1573.     The  Church  presently  assembled  findeth 


JOHN    ERSKINE    OF   DUN.  61 

"  no  fault   in   the   premises,   done  by  the   Superintendant,  but  all  his 
"  proceedings  therm  worthy  of  praise. 

"  John  Gray,  Clrk'  Ass." 

In  the  Assembly,  March,  1574,  the  Church  groaning  under  the  con-  theI>1^''^,of 
elusions  at  Leith,  and  the  provision  for  Ministers  being  daily  impared,  March,  1574,  as 
continouall  complaints  coming  in  against  the  nominall  Bishops,  appoint 
John  Areskene  of  Dun,  Mr.  Winram,  superintendant  of  Strathern,  Mr. 
Robert  Pont,  Mr.  John  Row,  Mr.  James  Lawson,  and  some  others,  to 
conveen  with  the  Regent  and  Council,  and  conferr  and  reason  upon  heads 
concerning  the  jurisdiction  and  policy  of  the  Kirk,  and  upon  what  shall 
be  propounded  unto  them,  and  all  other  things  tending  to  set  forward  the 
glory  of  God,  the  preaching  of  his  word,  the  King's  authority,  and  the 
common  wealth.  The  result  of  this  is  not  in  the  Assembly  Registers, 
but  as  I  take  it,  the  issue  was  the  forming  of  the  Second  Book  of  Disci- 
pline.    In  the  seventh  Session,  John  Erskin  of  Dun,  for  certain  causes     The  Laird  of 

...  .  .....  ,  .  .  Dundimittshis 

moving  him,  purely  and  snnphciter  dinutted  Ins  office  of  supennteiulantry  omee  of  Super- 
in  the  hands  of  the  Assembly,  desiring  them  to  provide  another  in  that  jf  ^"'d  "to 
room,  that  the  country  be  not  destitute  of  an  overseer,  not  the  less  pro-  continou. 
mising  to  do  what  lay  in  his  power  for  the  comfort  of  the  Kirk.     Mr. 
Spotswood,  Mr.  Winram,  and  Mr.  Robert  Pont,  at  the  same  time  dimitt 
also.     All  these  wer  preparatory  steps  to  the  Churches  after-appearances 
against  Bishops,  and  in  this  Assembly  they  having  pretended  to  more  power 
than  superintendants,  the  Assembly  declar  they  have  no  more  power  than 
they,  and  discharge  them,  Superintendants  and  Commissioners,  to  plant 
any  Ministers  in  Parishes,  without  the  consent,  of  at  least  three  of  the 
neighbouring  Ministers.     The  Superintendants,  notwithstanding  their  di- 
mission,  are  desired  to  continou  till  next  Assembly,  and  afterwards  con- 
tinou to  have  the  title  of  Superintendant  given  them  in  the  Registers,     p.  37. 
All  thir  steps  were  taken  before  Mr.  Melvil  returned. 

At  the  next  Assembly,  the  Laird  of  Dun,  Mr.  George  Hay,  Mr.     Articles  pre- 

1     r*t      •  •      •  i*  sented   by   him 

Arbuthnot  and  Craig,  are  comissioned,  Agust  10,   1574,  to  present  a  and  others  from 
good  many  Articles  to  the  Regent  from  the  Assembly,  too  long  to  be  Agust,  l*™^  to 
insert  here  ;  some  of  them  I  shall  nottice  : — "  That  stipends  be  granted  the  Regent. 
"  to  Superintendants  in  all  oountrys  destitute  of  them,  both  wher  there 


62  JOHN    ERSKINEOF    DUN. 

"  are  Bishops,  and  wher  ther  are  none.  That  commission  be  given  to 
"  some  gentlmen  in  every  country  to  punish  incest,  adultery,  witchcraft, 
"  and  other  odious  crimes.  In  respect  that  in  the  ecclesiasticall  function, 
"  there  are  two  only  destined  offices  of  teaching,  the  doctor  that  interprets 
"  the  Scripture,  and  the  minister  to  teach  and  apply  the  same,  That  his 
"  Grace  will  take  order  that  Doctors  be  placed  in  Universitys,  and 
"  stipends  granted  to  them,  wherby  not  only  they  who  are  presently 
"  placed  may  have  occasion  to  be  diligent  in  their  care,  but  also  other 
"  learned  men  may  have  occasion  to  seek  places  in  Colledges  within 
"  this  realme.  That  the  said  Commissioners  travel  with  his  Grace 
"  for  Mr.  John  Davidson  anent  his  kirk.  That  forsameikle  as  ther  is 
"  divers  books  set  out  by  Jesuits  and  other  hereticks  and  erroneous 
"  authors,  conteaning  manifest  contumelies  and  blasphemies  against  God 
"  and  his  revealed  truth,  daily  brot  into  this  country  by  Poles,  Crammers, 
"  and  others,  to  the  heavy  offence  of  this  Kirk,  that  his  Grace  will  pro- 
"  vide  remeed.  It  is  understood  to  the  Generall  Assembly  be  credible 
"  report  of  learned  men  lately  arived  within  this  country,  that  a  French 
"  Printer,  of  the  best  renoun  this  day,  next  to  Henricus  Stephanus,  being 
"  banished  from  his  country  with  his  wife  and  family,  hath  offered  to 
"  come  to  Scotland,  and  bring  with  him  three  thousand  franks  worth  of 
"  books,  and  to  print  whatsomever  work  he  should  be  commanded  ;  and 
"  that  there  should  not  be  a  book  printed  in  France  or  Allemain,  but 
"  once  a-year  it  should  be  got  of  him,  if  he  might  have  sure  provision  of 
"  a  yearly  pension  of  three  hundred  merks,  which  indeed  is  an  offer  so  com- 
"  fortable  to  the  Kirk  and  country,  that  it  ought  not  to  be  overseen, 
"  That  his  Grace  will  consider  of  the  same,  and  take  order  therewith." 
Act  freciDg  I"  the  Assembly,   March,  1575,  I  find  the  Laird  of  Dun  desired 

h.m  trum  at-  t    COntinou  in  his  office  of  Superintendant  till  next  Assembly.     And  Mr. 

tending  aherrit  l  J 

Courts.  Petry  observes,  that  by  an  Act  under  the  Privy  Seal,  which  he  saw,  dated 

Nov.  21, 1574,  that  the  Laird  of  Dun,  though  a  Barron,  had  never  since  he 

was  Superintendant,  been  oblidged  to  be  present  in  the  Shirrif  Court,  and 

was  exempted  from  it  by  that  Act,  during  his  continouance  in  that  office. 

Complaint  At  the  next  Assembly,  Agust,  1575,  he  is  compleaned  upon  as  hav- 

afanAssembi™  mg  admitted  one  Robert  Merser,  Minister  at  Banquhar  Ternitie,  who  was 

Agust,    1575,  unaDie  to  discharge  his  cure,  and  answered,  he  admitted  him  with  the 

withhis  answer  ° 


JOHN   ERSRINE   OF   DUN.  63 

advice  of  his  bretheren  of  Aberdeen,  who  had  tryed  him.  The  Assembly 
ordains  the  Principall  of  Aberdeen,  and  Mr.  Craig,  Minister  there,  to  take 
tryall  of  his  doctrine  and  Iitterature.  In  that  same  Assembly,  he  with  some 
others,  are  appointed  to  present  the  articles  of  the  Assembly  to  the  Regent* 
conteaning  severall  proposalls  for  provision  to  Ministers,  advancing  of 
learning,  care  of  the  poor,  and  Superintendants  and  Commissioners  being 
planted  in  Bishops  Dioceses,  which  it  seems  they  themselves  neglected. 

I  have  more  than  once  in  this  work  observed  that  the  Assembly  this    The  La»d  «f 
year,  157L  after  many  previous  steps,  and  long  and  full  reasoning,  came  and    '   others 
at  lenth  to  declare  the  office  of  Pastor  and  Bishop,  as  far  as  lawfull,  one,  J*™*  for  y^_ 
and  this  is  renewed  again,  1576.    In  the  Session  4,  considering  the  intol-  ""rfoountryi, 
lerable  burden  lying  formerly  to  the  charge  of  Bishops,  Superintendants,     p.  88. 
and  Commissioners  of  countrys,  hath  been  the  cause  why  the  Kirk  hither- 
to could  not  be  duly  overseen,  and  good  discipline  could  not  be  exercised 
for  lack  of  visitation,  they  agree  to  appoint  visitors.  The  articles,  or  direc- 
tions for  them,  are  in  the  printed  Calderwood.     The  Laird  of  Dun  and  his 
son,  among  others,  formed  them,  and  these  continoued  till  the  erection  of 
Presbitrys.     By  this  constitution,  two  or  somtimes  more  wer  added  to  the 
Bishops,  who  now  wer  oblidged  to  betake  themselves  to  a  particular  charge, 
and  superintendants.     Thus,  for  the  bounds  of  Angus   and  Mernes  are 
named  the  Laird  of  Dun,  William  Christeson,  and  Mr.  James  Anderson, 
and  they  continue  I  see  by  the  Registers  severall  years. 

This  same  Assembly  took  care  for  visiting  universitys,  and  appoint  He  .  .wkh 
the  Laird  of  Dun  (who  after  this  is  not  much  designed  by  his  title  of  University  of 
Superintendant  in  the  Registers),  Mr.  James  Lawson,  Mr.  Robert  Pont, 
Mr.  Alexander  Arbuthnot,  William  Christeson,  Mr.  John  Row,  and  Mr. 
John  Craig,  to  visit  the  Colledges  of  the  University  of  Saint  Andrews, 
and  to  consider  the  same,  and  the  manner  and  state  therof,  and  what  they 
find  to  report  to  the  next  Generall  Assembly. 

The  consideration  of  the  policy  and  jurisdiction  of  the  Kirk  was  also      His    share 
befor  this  Assembly  ;  and  after  the  previous  steps  taken  in  severall  Assem-  Book  of  Dis- 
blys  since  the  1.573,  they  now  fall  in  earnest  to  set  it  upon  its  scripturall  "Phne- 
foundation,  and  at  lenth  came  to  form  the  Second  Book  of  Discipline.    In 
this,  the  Laird  of  Dun  had  a  considerable  share.    The  Act  of  this  Assem- 
bly is  as  followes  : — "  For  making  an  overture  of  the  policy  and  jurisdie- 


64  JOHN   ERSKINE    OF    DUN. 

"  tion  of*  the  Kirk,  and  uttering  the  plain  and  simple  meaning  of  the 
"  Assembly  therin,  the  Assembly  present  hath  moved  and  requested  their 
"  Bretheren  underwritten,  to  travel  and  take  pains,  to  reason  and  conferr 
"  upon  the  heads  of  the  said  argument,  and  to  deliberat  gravely  and  cir- 
"  cumspectly  therupon,  that  they  report  their  opinions  advisedly  to  the 
"  next  Generall  Assembly  :  That  is  to  say,  for  the  west  country,  the 
"  Bishop  of  Glasgow,  Mr.  Andrew  Melvil,  Mr.  Andrew  Hay,  Mr.  James 
"  Greg,  Mr.  David  Cunninghame.  For  Lothian,  Mr.  Robert  Pont,  Mr. 
"  James  Louson,  Mr.  David  Lindsay,  Mr.  Clement  Litle,  Alexander 
"  Syme.  For  Fyfe,  the  Superintendant  therof,  with  the  principall 
"  Ministers  of  the  University.  For  Mems  and  Angus,  the  Laird  of 
"  Dun,  William  Christeson,  Mr.  John  Row,  Mr.  William  Rynd, 
"  John  Duncan  son.  For  Aberdeen,  Mr.  John  Craige,  Mr.  Alexander 
"  Arbuthnot,  Mr.  George  Hay.  That  they  conveen,  the  West  in  Glas- 
"  gow,  Lothian  in  Edinburgh,  Angus  in  Montrose,  Fife  in  Saint  Andrews, 
"  the  first  Teusday  of  June,  and  a  generall  meeting  conveen  in  Stirling, 
"  the  last  day  of  July,  to  cognosce  upon  the  whole,  and  report  to  the 
"  Generall  Assembly,  October  24."  In  the  next  Assembly,  they  wer 
interupted  by  some  idle  questions  propounded  in  the  Regent's  name,  con- 
cerning the  discipline  formed  really  by  Mr.  P.  Adamson,  and  designed 
to  confound  their  reasonings,  and  be  a  dilator.  These  I  have  taken 
nottice  of,  in  Mr.  Andrew  MelviPs  Life,  in  which  the  steps  taken  upon 
this  important  subject  are  narrated,  and  so  I  shall  only  give  them  in  hints. 
In  the  next  Assembly,  March,  1577.  the  Laird  of  Dun,  and  the  rest  con- 
cerned in  the  matter  of  the  policy,  are  ordered  to  revise  what  was  formerly 
drauen  up,  and  to  be  further  put  in  order  by  Mr.  Robert  Pont  and  James 
Louson,  October  19,  and  report  to  the  Assembly,  October  2.5.  In  that 
Assembly,  their  whole  time  was  spent  almost,  in  reasoning  upon  what  was 
accordingly  laid  before  them  ;  and  they  approved  the  whole,  save  the 
head  De  diaconatu,  which  was  subcommitted  to  some  bretheren,  who  wer 
appointed  to  finish  it,  and  present  the  whole  in  mutido  to  the  Regent ; 
and  in  case  he  desire  conference  upon  it,  the  Assembly  ordeans  the  Laird 
of  Dun,  Mr.  John  Craige,  Mr.  John  Row,  Mr.  Alexander  Arbuthnot, 
Mr.  Andrew  Melvil,  Mr.  James  Louson,  and  some  others,  to  wait  on  the 
said  conference,  as  advertished  by  his  Grace. 


JOHN   ERSKINE   OF  DUN.  65 

After  this  Assembly  a  party  was  formed  against  the  Regent,  as  our  Procedure  on 
Historians  relate,  and  upon  the  fourth  of  March,  1578,  he  resigned,  and  Book  of  Disci- 
the  King  took  the  government  in  his  own  hand.  Every  thing  anent  the  pl'"e'  lo78' 
policy  ordeaned  by  the  last  Assembly  was  done,  and  a  copy  put  in  the 
hands  of  the  Regent,  but  this  change  interveening,  the  ministers  named 
desired  a  conference  with  the  Privy  Council  upon  that  subject.  In 
Aprile  the  Assembly  met,  and  aproved  what  was  done  in  the  Head  De 
diaconatu,  and  again  aprove  the  whole  Second  Book  of  Discipline, 
and  appoint  a  copy  to  be  presented  to  the  King  with  a  supplication,  and 
the  same  persons  named  before  to  wait  on  a  conference,  when  appointed 
by  his  Majesty  and  Council.  In  the  next  Assembly,  June,  1578,  the 
Laird  of  Dun  and  the  rest  of  the  bretheren  reported,  That  they  had 
presented  the  policy  to  the  King,  that  he  had  received  them  graciously, 
and  promised  to  be  a  procurator  for  the  Kirk,  and  concurr  with  them  in 
all  things  that  might  advance  religion,  and  that  his  Majesty  presented  the 
policy  and  their  supplication,  and  a  conference  had  been  betwixt  some  of  the 
Councill  and  them,  which  was  produced  and  read.     Upon  the  reading  of    The  Assem- 

,  l-i  biy's  judgment, 

the  minuts  of  this  conference,  the  Assembly  gave  their  judgment  upon  1578,   on  the 
what  was  done  in  the  severall  chapters  of  the  Book  of  Discipline,  which  tiie's^'omiBook 
stands  Appendix  No.  [VI.]  In  the  next  Assembly,  October,  1578,  a  new  "'^^"v, 
conference  was  appointed  upon  the  policy,  at   Stirling,  December  22, 
among  the   following  persons  : — the  Earle  of  Buchan,   the   Bishops  of 
Saint  Andrews  and  Glasgow,  the  Commendator  of  Dumfermline,  the  Laird 
of  Dun,  the  Laird  of  Segie,  Mr.  G.  Buchanan,  Mr.  Peter  Young,  Mr.  Robert 
Pont,  Mr.  James  Lowson,  Mr.  John  Row,  and  Mr.  David  Lindsay  ;  who 
accordingly  met,  and  agreed  to  the  Second  Book  of  Discipline,  with  a 
few  inconsiderable  amendments,  which  are  to  be  seen  in  Spotswood,  in    Minuts  of  the 
part,  but    since    the   Laird  of  Dun  was  chosen  moderator,  I  have  insert  thTSpiin^ 
the  minutes  of  the  conference,  as  preserved  by  Calderwood,  Appendix  No.  {^g1"1"*  22' 
[VII.]     In  the  next  Assembly,  July,  1579,  the  King  in  his  letter  desires  app-  n«.vii. 
the  Assembly  to  let  what  was  not  aggreed  in  the  former  conferences  ly, 
without  prejudging  the  same,  till  Parliament  meet,  when  he  is  satisfyed     p.  40. 
what  is  not  fully  reasoned  be  prepared  and  passed  into  lawes.     In  common       Assembly* 
course,  the  report  of  the  committy  at  Stirling,  behoved  to  come  in  to''"  g 
the  Assembly,  and  they  gave  their  judgment  very  shortly  as  it  stands, 


66  JOHN   ERSKINE   OF   DUN. 

App.No.  vm.  Appendix  No.  [VIII.]  The  Book  of  Discipline  afterwards  was  ordeaned  to 
be  subscribed,  but  a  civil  sanction  was  never  given  to  it ;  the  Earle  Mor- 
toun,  a  great  enhnie  to  the  Policy  being  of  late  come  in  Court,  and  after  his 
execution,  D'Aubigny  and  others  had  the  power  of  the  King,  and  effectu- 
ally stoped  any  thing  this  way. 
seme'd"  bv  The  ""  tms  Assembly,  the  Laird  of  Dun,  Mrs.  Duncanson,  Andrew  Hay, 

Land  of  Dun,  John  Craige,  Thomas  Smeton,  and  Andrew  Melvil,  are  sent  to  the  King, 

and    others,    to  °  .  . 

the  King  from  to  crave  that  a  stope  be  put  to  the  education  of  our  youth  in  Popish  schools 
1579.  Saem  y' abroad.  That  in  order  to  the  reformation  of  the  University  of  Saint 
Andrew's,  the  King  may  cause  the  fundations,  erections,  and  other  papers 
of  the  Colledge  be  exhibited.  That  order  be  put  to  the  Jesuits  come  into 
the  country  ;  that  another  Minister  may  be  called  to  his  Majesty's  family, 
two  being  needfull ;  that  some  things  as  to  the  Policy  being  left  undeter- 
mined at  the  last  Conference,  persons  unspotted  with  the  corruptions  de- 
sired to  be  reformed,  may  be  nominat  to  end  what  remains  ;  and  that  his 
Majesty  may  not  put  a  stope  to  the  Acts  of  Generall  Assembly,  but  suffer 
excommunication  pronounced  to  have  due  execution. 
1583,  he  and  jn  short,  in  all  the  applications  to  the  King  by  the  Assembly  for 

others    tra[vel]  .  .  l  l  .  &        J  J 

tor  a  reconciii-  removing  greivances,  and  asking  his  concurrence  to  what  they  did,  the 

th'< '"'King  "and  Laird  of  Dun  is  almost  alwise  one  sent  to  wait  on  his  Majesty.     Particulars 

Nobility.         would  be  endles.     In  the  year  1583,  he,  with  the  Lairds  of  Pittarow,  Braid, 

Culluthy,  Mr.  David  Lindsay,  and  the  King's  ministers,  wer  appointed  to 

travell  with  the  King  for  agreement  between  him  and  the  nobility,  wrhen 

he  was  turning  severe  upon  the  Earle  of  Angus  and  others  concerned  in 

the  Road  of  Ruthven,  and  for  the  making  peace  among  the  nobility  :  But 

their  endeavours  had  litle  succes. 

Heyeiidstoo  Next  year,  1584,  when,  as  we  have  seen  in  Mr.  Craige's  Life,  the 

far     to      court  J         >  '  o 

s,i584.  ministers  refused  to  subscribe  an  acknowledgment  of  the  Acts  of  Par- 
liament, afterwards  retracted  by  the  King,  this  good  man  was  too  much 
under  the  influence  of  the  Court,  and  after  Mr.  Craige  had  subscribed, 
used  his  interest  to  bring  the  ministers  in  the  north,  to  the  Court  measures. 
He  was  now  growen  old,  and  wanted  full  information  of  that  affair,  and 
seems  from  his  fears  of  extremitys  against  ministers,  and  out  of  the  great 
regard  to  peace,  to  have  been  prevailed  upon  to  fall  in  with  this  corruption. 
Mr.  Petry  tells  us,  that  he  saw  the  originall  patent,  wherby  the  King 
grants  "  to  John  Erskine  of  Dun,  our  well  beloved  clerk  and  commis- 


JOHN    ERSKINE   OF   DUN.  6>7 

"  sioner  in  Ecclesiastick  causes,  the  exercise  of  spiritual!  jurisdiction  within     Kins'*    p*- 

l       T\-       •         /-T)         l  •  -t  il-  l         •        •  i       tent  to  him   for 

"  the  JJiocie  ot  iirechm,  providing  that  his  authority  m  any  grave  matter  be  exercising  spi- 
ff limited  and  circumscribed  to  the counsell  of  13  of  the  most  wise,  godlie  tio^inUi"  du 
"  and  ancient  pastors  of  the  said  diocie  to  be  elected  forth  of  the  whole  ocieofB,'ech,;n' 
"  synodall  assembly,  and  allowed  by  us,  with  answer  of  our  privy  council 
"  or  most  part  of  them."     The  King,  under  the  influence  of  Mr.  Patrick 
Adamson,  had  in  this  hour  of  darknes,  assumed  to  himself  all   spirituall     p.  41. 
jurisdiction,  and  the  bishops  or  commissioners  received  all  their  powers 
from  him.     This  gratifyed  the  vanity  of  a  young  Prince,  though  foolish  as 
well  as  unscripturall,  and  quite  out  of  the  magistrates  road  and  office.     I 
do  not  think  ever  this  gentlman  exercised  this  power,  neither  find  I  the 
least  footsteps  of  his  acting  at  this  time  as  King's  commissioner  in  spiritu- 
alls.     And  if  such  a  patent  was  sent  him,  he  was  a  better  man  than  to 
accept  of  it.     His  complyances  in  this  hour  of  tentation  wer  too  many, 
but  when  the  weight  was  off,  I  find  him  going  on  heartily  with  his  bretheren 
in  the  reformation  of  abuses ;  and  I  doubt  not  but  he  and  severall  others 
wer  sensible  of  their  failours,  and  all  was  forgot  when  matters  came  again 
to  their  right  channel. 

Accordingly,  I  find  the  Laird  of  Dun  in  the  year  1586  named  by  the     His  sifa™  in 
assembly  to  consider  the  places  fittest  for  erecting  of  Presbitrys,  with  severall  Presbitrys; 
others  and  he  was  active  in  the  erection  of  Presbitrys,  and  very  usefull  in  con-  1580' 
ferences  with  the  King  and  council  this  way.     Next  year  he  is  among  those 
appointed  to  present  the  Churches  articles  and  petitions  to  the  King  and 
Parliament  ;  and  next  year,  1588,  when  the  Assembly  names  their  com- 
missioners and  visitors  till  the  next  Assembly,  he  is  named  for  Angus  and 
Merns,  but  in  respect  of  his  age  and  infirmity,  the  work  is  laid  most  on 
William  Christeson. 

In  his  advanced  years  his  infirmitys  grew  upon  him  till   March  12,  .  He  ?>;e,s'„. 

J  ip  Manhl2,li!)l, 

1591,  he  got  to  his  rest,  and  reward  of  very  much  service  done  by  him  for  aged  8-2  years. 

his  country  and  this  Church.      He  dyed  at  his  own  house  of  Dun,  in  the 

82d  year  of  his  age,  leaving  a  numerous  posterity  behind  him.3     His  son  aseeNoteC 

and  heir  was  an  inheriter  of  his  vertues,  as  well  as  his  estate,  and  we  have 

seen  he  sat  and  was  imployed  in  some  of  our  Generall  Assemblys.     Bishop 

Spotswood  gives  him  a  short  but  large  character,  and,  I  doubt  not,  very  just. 

"  That  he  was  a  Barron  of  good  rank,  wise,  learned,  liberall,  and  of  sin-  w„od's°  chivae- 

"  gular  courage,  who  for  diverse  resemblances  may  well  be  said  to  have  ^'^'j16  La"d 


68  JOHN    ER  SKI  NE    OF   DUN. 

"  been  another  Ambrose.  He  was  famous  for  the  services  performed  to 
"  his  Prince  and  country,  and  worthy  to  be  remembered  for  his  travels  in 
"  the  Church,  which  out  of  zeal  to  the  truth  he  undertook,  preaching 
"  and  advancing  it  by  all  means.  Before  the  Reformation  his  house  was 
"  to  those  who  wer  at  that  time  called  hereticks,  a  speciall  place  of  refuge. 
"  Afterwards  such  was  the  scarcity  of  ministers,  that  he  took  upon  him 
"  the  charge,  and  was  chosen  with  the  first  to  have  the  oversight  of  the 
"  churches  in  the  north  parts,  which  he  governed  to  his  death  most  wisely, 
"  and  with  great  authority,  giving  no  way  to  the  novations  introduced, 
"  nor  suffering  them  to  take  place  within  the  bounds  of  his  charge  while 
"  he  lived." 

Remarks  on  The  Archbishop's  words  in  the  last  branch  of  his  character  will  bear  a 

double  sense.  If  by  innovations,  as  indeed  one  may  suspect,  he  means  the 
Discipline  and  Presbiterian  goverment  of  this  Church,  what  we  have 
now  seen  showes  this  is  no  just  part  of  his  character  ;  if  by  innovations  he 
means  the  Tulchan  Bishops,  we  see  how  much  he  opposed  them,  with 
what  authority  and  zeal  he  writes  to  the  Regent  upon  this  head.  We  have 
seen  his  share  in  the  Second  Book  of  Discipline,  and  his  part  in  erecting 
Presbitrys,  after  some  false  steps  he  had  fallen  into  in  his  advanced  years. 

p.  42.  The  knowledge  of  these  facts,  made  Mr.  John  Row,  who  personally  knew 
him,  and  I  doubt  not  was  much  with  him  in  his  younger  years,  in  his 
MS.  history  recon  the  Laird  of  Dun  with  Mr.  Knox,  Mr.  Craig,  Mr. 
Arbuthnot,  Mr.  Smeton,  and  others,  a  zealous  opposer  of  the  hierarchie. 

a    generaii  jn  short,  he  has  the  honnour  to  be  among;  the  first  who  professed 

view     of     this  .         .  ft  r 

worthy  person,  the  Reformation  in  the  North  of  Scotland,  and  to  have  a  very  great  share 
of  bringing  it  about.  He  was  a  person  of  singular  prudence,  great  gener- 
osity and  liberality,  and  considerable  learning,  and  very  bold  and  zealous. 
His  good  temper  led  him  to  yeild  too  much  to  the  importunity  and  spe- 
ciouse  pretexts  of  the  Queen  Regent,  Earle  of  Mortoun,  and  King 
James,  which  was  his  only  infirmity  I  know  of.  But  above  all,  he  was 
singularly  pious  and  religious,  and  from  his  closs  walking  with  God  had 
somtimes  singular  communications  of  his  mind.  I  have  seen  nothing  of  his 
in  print,  save  his  share  of  the  Second  Book  of  Discipline,  part  of  which  he 
formed.     This  is  all  I  have  mett  with  concerning  this  worthy  gentlman. 


COLLECTIONS 


UPON  THE 


LIFE  OF  MR.  JOHN  SPOTSWOOD, 


MINISTER  OF  CALDER,  AND  SUPERINTENDANT  OF  LOTHIAN. 


COLLECTIONS 

UPON  THE 

LIFE  OF  MR.  JOHN  SPOTSWOOD, 

MINISTER  OF  CALDER,  AND  SUPERINTENDANT  OF  LOTHIAN. 


Mr.  Spotswood  the  elder,  and  father  to  the  Bishop,  and  Historian,  £^"^m 
deserves  a  room  in  the  lives  of  our  Reformers.     He  was  minister  to  the  ting  and  mater- 
excellent  family  of  the  Sandilands  of  Calder,  since  Lords  of  Taiphiccan,  iife  i8  taken, 
who  wer  most  forward  and  zealous  in  our  secession  from  Popery ;  and  no 
doubt,  by  his  prudent  advices  and  assistances,  Mr.  Spotswood  was  very 
usefull  in  that  great  turn.     He  was  made  Superintendant  of  Lothian  at 
the  Reformation  ;  and  for  twenty  years,  or  therby,  till  he  turned  infirm, 
he  was  present  in  our  Assembly,  very  hearty  against  Popery,  and  a  cheif 
person  in  the  publick  transactions  in  the  Church.     Some  hints  as  to  his 
parentage  and  privat  life  I  have  from  his  son  the  Bishop's  life,  printed 
before  his  history,  and  the  rest  of  my  materialls  I  have  from  Mr.  Calder- 
wood's  MS.  and  our  Assembly  registers,  with  the  hints  his  son  gives  of 
him  in  his  history. 

Mr.  Spotswood  was  born  in  the  year  1510.     He  was  a  son  of  thea  sn'n,n'„t  the 
Laird  of  Spotswood  in  the  Mers,  within  the  Barrony  of  Gordon.     Its  a  Laird  of  spota- 
very  ancient  family,  and  by  their  bearing  the  arms  of  the  Gordons,  its 
probable  (sayes  his  son  the  Bishop)  that  their  progenitors  wer  of  the 


72  MR.   JOHN    SPOTS  WOOD. 

1  See  Note  a.  simame  of  Gordon  ;'  his  father,  Spotswood  of  that  Ilk,  was  killed  with  his 
Soveraigne  King  James  the  Fourth,  at  the  unfortunat  battail  of  Floudon  ; 
and  he  was  left  an  orphan  of  4  years  of  age.  Mr.  Spotswood,  Advocat, 
in  his  life  of  the  Superintendent's  grand[son],  Sir  Robert  Spotswood, 
tells  us  the  barrony  of  Spotswood  lyes  in  the  parish  anciently  of  Gordon, 
and  of  Woolstruther,  and  appeals  to  the  registers  of  the  abbacy  of  Kelso 
for  a  frequent  mention  of  the  barrony  of  Spotswood.  Robert  Spotswood 
subscribes  the  bond,  commonly  called  Ragman's-Roll,  in  the  year  1295. 
John  Spotswood  of  that  Ilk,  was  a  counsellor  and  favourite  of  David  the 
Second,  and  is  a  witnes  to  many  of  his  charters.  He  built  a  chappell  at  his 
tower  of  Spotswood,  called  White-chappell,  and  founded  an  altarage  in  St. 
James'  Church  in  Roxburgh.  Henry  Spotswood  was  a  favourite  of  King 
James  the  I.  William  Spotswood  of  that  Ilk,  the  Superintendant's  father, 
was  killed  at  the  battail  of  Flouden. 
Educat   at  He  was  educat  at  Glasgow,  and  studyed  at  that  University,  wher  he 

Glasgow.  tQok  the  degree  of  Master  of  Arts.  Mr.  Crawford,  in  his  Life  of  Arch- 
bishop  Spotswood,  sayes,  the  Superintendant  studyed  divinity  at  Glasgow, 
■'  See  Note  b.  under  the  famous  Jo.  Major  there  ;  I  wish  he  had  given  his  voucher.2  His 
inclinations  led  him  to  the  study  of  divinity  ;  and  when  he  purposed  to 
go  on  in  that  study  there,  he  was  wholly  diverted  therfrom,  by  the  perse- 
cutions he  observed,  of  those  then  called  Hereticks.  We  may  guess  this 
was  about  the  year  1538,  when  Mr.  Russell  and  Kennedy  wer  burnt  at 
Glasgow,  as  we  have  seen  in  the  introduction.  The  seeing  the  exemplary 
sufferings  of  these  good  men,  and  his  hearing  of  others  at  Edinburgh,  St. 
Andrews,  and  elswher,  filled  him  with  very  bad  impressions  of  the  Popish 
Clergy,  whom  he  perceived  the  instruments  of  these  barbaritys,  and  [made 
him]  lay  aside  all  thots  of  following  Theological  studyes  ;  but  God  had 
service  for  him  he  knew  not  of. 
Goes  to  Eng-  Under  this  view,  Mr.  Spotswood  went  up  to  London,  ther  to  apply 

Arcnb-p"cran-^nmse^ to   some  other  bussines.     There,  as  Ins  son  tells  us,  he  fell   in 
mer's  means,  is  familiarity  with  Archbishop  Cranmer,  and  was  by  his  means  brot  to  the 

lirought  toknow  J  '  J 

the  truth,  about  knowledge  of  the  truth.  The  Ai-chbishop  was  a  great  encourager  and 
supporter  of  learned  men,  as  we  have  seen,  and  seems  to  have  had  a  par- 
ticular concern  to  have  the  truth  spread  to  Scotland,  and  severall  instances 
of  his  concern  to  have  King  James  the  V.  brot  off  from  Popery,  and  his 


MR.    JOHN    SPOTS  WOOD.  ?3 

kindnes  to  our  noblemen  prisoners  in  England  have  occurred  in  the 
Introduction  ;  and  his  good  services  to  Mr.  Spotswood  wer  of  use  to  help 
on  the  Reformation  here. 

Mr.  Spotswood  seems  to  have  continoued  in  England  from  about  the     R,:,u!,'",sr.i0 

1  "  .     Scotland,  1543, 

1538,  to  the  beginning  of  the  1543,  when,  upon  King  James  the  Fifth  his  and stayes  with 
death,  King  Henry  sent  down  the  prisoners  taken  at  Solloway  defeat,  to  Giausum. 
cary  on  the  designed  marriage  of  his  son  with  our  young  Queen.  At 
London  its  probable  he  fell  into  acquaintance  with  the  excellent  Earle  of 
Glencairn,  and  came  down  with  him  to  Scotland.  His  son  tells  us  that  p.  -2. 
he  stayed  a  long  time  with  Alexander,  Earle  of  Glencairn,  who  was 
knowen  to  be  well  affected  to  the  truth.  By  his  means  he  came  to  be 
acquainted  with  Mathew,  Earle  of  Lennox  ;  and  when  the  Earle  was,  as 
we  have  seen  in  the  introduction,  cast  off  by  France,  though  sent  over  by 
them  to  counter  Governour  Hamiltoun  ;  and  about  the  1545  or  1546, 
Mr.  Spotswood  was  sent  up  to  negotiat  matters  at  the  English  Court, 
and  having  brot  about  things  according  to  the  Earles  desire,  he  went  up 
with  him  to  England,  and  stayed  with  him  for  some  moneths.  I  nottice 
these  things  to  shew  the  advantages  Mr.  John  had  in  his  youth,  both  for 
knowledge  and  action,  and  no  doubt  he  improved  them  ;  and  that  we  may 
see  he  was  a  person  of  considerable  capacity,  sufficiency,  learning,  and 
knowledge  of  the  worlde. 

He  came  back  to  Scotland  after  staying  some  moneths  with  the  Earle     Mr.   sPots- 
of  Lennox  ;  and  his  son  tells  us,  being  knowen  to  Sir  James  Sandilands  minister  of  Cai- 
of  Calder,  a  man  of  great  authority  of  these  times,  he  was  by  him  pre-  dcl''  l548' 
sented  to  the  Personage  of  Calder.     Ther  is  a  passage  in  our  Assembly 
records,  which  states  the  year  of  his  entry  to  be  minister  at  Calder.     The 
parishoners  of  Calder  complean  to  the  Assembly,  that  their  minister  pre- 
sented to  their  parish,  fifteen  years  ago,  was  substracted  from  his  cure  at 
that  Kirk,  by  his  being  superintendant,  &c,  as  I  shall  afterwards  more 
fully  nottice.     It  was  then  in  the  year  1548  Mr.  Spotswood  was  presented, 
and  no  doubt  received  induction  and  the  orders  of  those  times,  to  that  parish 
which  [is]  eight  miles  from  Edinburgh,  and  so  he  is  another  of  our  reformers 
whose  orders  the  papists,  and  our  highflying  protestants,  according  to  their 
own  principles,  must  not  question.     Mr.  Crawfurd's  remark  on  the  superin- 
tendants  wanting  imposition  of  hands  flowes  from  his  not  knowing  of  this. 

K 


74  MR.   JOHN    SPOTS  WOOD. 

Wher mostly  During  the  next  ten  years,  he  lived  somtimes  with  Sir  James  Sandy- 

he     contiiioued  ,        -i  -.  ,     •  -..  .-. 

till  the  Refer-  lands,  and  not  being  tyed,  it  seems,  to  constant  residence  at  his  cure,  some- 
times with  Lord  James,  prior  of  Saint  Andrew's.  We  need  not  question  but 
in  the  1555,  when  Mr.  Knox  came  over,  and  he  was  somtimes  at  Calder, 
and  with  Lord  James,  afterwards  the  good  Regent,  Mr.  Spotswood  was 
with  them,  somtimes  ;  tho  probably  privatly,  for  fear  of  his  superiors  in 
the  clergy.  I  do  not  find  him  preaching  till  the  Reformation,  tho  I 
doubt  not  in  the  fa[mily  of]  Calder,  and  to  his  people  he  preached  the 
truth,  as  freely  as  he  might.  When  Lord  James  went  over  in  the  1558  with 
the  rest  named  by  Parliament,  upon  the  marriage  of  our  Queen  with  the 
Dolphin,  he  took  Mr.  Spotswood  in  his  company  to  France.  Upon  the 
breaking  out  of  the  Reformation,  his  son  sayes  he  preached  at  Calder  till 
he  was  appointed  superintendant. 
July,   1560,  As  soon  as  the  French  wer  expelled,  July,  1560,  ther  was  a  meeting 

o|ULoihi'm'd '""  °f  the  well  affected  nobhnen,  barrons,  and  burgesses,  who  had  caryed  on 
the  Reformation,  for  the  fixing  the  few  ministers,  then  in  Scotland,  who 
wer  but  in  number  eight,  to  the  principall  burghs  in  the  Kingdom  ;  and 
five  superintendants  wer  nominat  by  them  for  planting  desolat  countrys 
with  ministers,  as  soon  as  they  could  be  had  ;  and  in  the  mean  time  to 
visit  them,  and  preach  wher  they  visited,  and  stirr  up  the  nobility 
and  gentiy  to  joyn  with  the  people,  in  seeking  ministers  to  be 
planted  among  them :  of  these  he  is  still  named  as  the  first,  and 
was  pitched  to  be  superintendent]  of  Lothian,  and  somtimes  Mers 
and  Tiviotdale  are  added  to  his  bounds.  He  is  named  with  Knox,  Win- 
ram,  Willock  and  others  whose  lives  stand  in  this  work  to  frame  both  the 
p.  a  Confession  of  Faith,  and  First  Book  of  Discipline  this  year,  and  from  these 

we  may  see  what  doctrines  and  goverment  in  the  Church  wer  that  he 
approved,  better  than  from  the  insinuations  and  unsupported  assertions  his 
son  the  Bishop,  and  the  writter  of  the  Bishop's  Life  give  us. 
Heisadmit-  Upon  tne  9  0f  March,  15(51,   (in  the  old  style  1560,)  Mr.  Knox, 

[endanfby  m""  minister  of  Edinburgh,  admitted  Mr.  John  Spotswood,  superintendant  of 
£"i56i. March  Lothian  •  its  probable  he  was  the  first  superintendant  who  was  admitted 
to  this  temporary  office  ;  so  many  things  necessary  wer  to  be  done,  at 
this  extraordinary  time  of  setting  up  a  constitute  reformed  Church,  and 
the  order  and  form  of  it  concerted,  that  there  was  need  of  this  delay  for 


MR.    JOHN    SPOTS  WOOD.  75 

seven  or  eight  moneths,  before  it  could  be  publickly  gone  about.  The 
whole  manner  of  procedure  is  to  be  seen  in,  The  forme  and  order  of  the  elec- 
tion of  the  superintendaut,  which  may  serve  in  the  election  of  all  other 
ministers,  which  hath  been  many  times  printed,  and  most  correctly,  lately 
in  the  second  volume  of  the  Confessions,  &c,  Edinburgh,  1721  •  I  have 
reason  to  believe  this  Order  was  penned  by  Mr.  Knox,  and  he  hath  in- 
serted it  in  his  history. 

Because  that  short  treatise  may  not  be  in  the  hand  of  everyone  who    Theformand 

.  .  t,  order  of  his  c- 

reads  this  Biography,  and  it  is  drauen  up  particularly  with  an  eye  to  Mr.  lection  as  Su- 
Spotswood,  lie  give  from  it  a  short  abstract  of  what  passed  principally  as  i"e'ule"er'^ou. 
to  him.  Mr.  Knox  was  Moderator  of  the  meeting,  which,  I  suppose,  aml  int«n»»*ion 
was  in  the  Church  at  Edinburgh.  In  his  sermon  he  handled  these  heads,  being  served. 
"  The  necessity  of  Ministers  and  Superintendants  ;  The  crimes  and  vices 
*f  that  might  unable  them  of  the  ministry  ;  The  virtues  required  in  them ; 
"  and  lastly,  Whether  such  as  by  publick  consent  of  the  Church  wer  called 
"  to  such  offices,  might  refuse  the  same?"  The  Sermon  being  finished, 
Mr.  Knox,  as  our  way  at  present  continoues,  resumed  the  steps  taken,  in 
serving  the  edict  and  the  like,  he  declared,  "  That  the  Lords  of  secret 
"  couucill,  had  given  charge  and  power  to  the  Churches  of  Lothian,  to 
"  chuse  Mr.  John  Spotswood,  superintendaut,  and  that  sufficient  warning 
"  was  made  by  publick  edict,  to  the  Churches  of  Edinburgh,  Linlithgow, 
"  Striviling,  Tranent,  Haddingtoun,  and  Dumbar  ;  as  also  to  Earles, 
"  Lords,  Barrons,  Gentlemen,  and  others,  having,  or  that  might  claim  to 
"  have,  vote  in  election,  to  be  present  that  day  at  the  same  hour."  Erom 
this  I  gather,  that  the  setting  up  of  superintendants  was  agreed  on  with 
consent  of  the  privie  councill,  which  had  the  present  exercise  of  the  civil 
goverment,  according  to  the  treaty,  at  the  removall  of  the  French 
[du]ring  the  Queen's  absence.  The  superintendants,  needed  the  concur- 
rence of  the  civU  magistrat,  in  planting  parishes ;  and  its  probable  they 
had  their  stipends  appointed  by  the  Goverment,  and  it  was  a  very  wise 
step  to  take  the  councils  concurrence  as  to  them.  lie  only  further  nottice 
that  Mr.  Spotswood  at  this  time,  was  admitted  only  superintendant  of 
Lothian,  and  not  of  Tiviotdale  and  Mers,  as  his  son  the  Bishop  seems  to 
iutimat.  The  consent  of  the  Churches  of  Edinburgh,  Linlitligow,  and 
the  rest  named  above,  all  in  the  district  of  Lothian,  at  least  none  of  them 


76  MR.   JOHN    SPOTS  WOOD. 

in  Merse  and  Tiviotdale,  was  required  by  edict,  and  in  all  these  places, 
and  perhaps  in  very  few  more,  at  this  time,  there  was  a  constitute  Church 
and  worshiping  society  of  Protestants :  This  I  gather  from  this,  that  I 
find  commissioners  sent  from  Edinburgh,  Linlithgow,  &c,  to  our  first 
Generall  Assembly,  which  was  made  up  of  ministers,  and  delegates  from 
all  the  constitute  Churches,  which  at  first  wer  very  few.  And  it  was 
very  proper  that  all  the  Churches  to  be  under  the  inspection  of  the  super- 
intendant,  should  joyn  in  his  election.  The  noblmen  and  Barrons,  protes- 
tants  in  that  district,  wer  also  very  wisely  consulted  in  this  case,  that 
throw  their  help,  new  constitute  Churches  might  be  planted. 
Mr.    Spots-  Next  Mr.  John  Spotswood  was  called  up,  and  Mr.  Knox  demanded 

wood  called  up.  .  ,  .  .         .  . 

p.  4.  it  any  there  present,  knew  any  cryme  or  orrence  in  him  to  disable  him  to 

be  called  to  that  office  ;  this  was  done  thrice.  When  no  objection  was 
moved,  the  people  present  wer  asked  if  ther  was  any  other  they  desired 
to  be  put  in  election  with  the  said  Mr.  John,  and  next  if  they  would  have 
him  to  their  superintendant,  if  they  would  honour  and  obey  him  as  Christ's 
minister,  and  comfort  and  assist  him  in  every  thing  perteaning  to  his 
charge.  It  was  answered  by  some  appointed  for  that  purpose,  "  We  will, 
"  and  do  promise  to  him  such  obedience  as  becometh  the  sheep  to  give 
"  unto  their  pastor,  so  long  as  he  remaineth  faithfull  in  his  office." 
p^nded'toWm,  The  Peoples  consent  being  thus  declared,   Mr.   Knox  proposed  the 

with  his  ans-  following  questions  to  Mr.  Spotswood. 

Q.  "  Seeing  ye  hear  the  thrist  and  desire  of  this  people,  do  ye  not 
"  think  yourself  bound  in  conscience  before  God,  to  support  them  that  so 
"  earnestly  call  for  your  comfort,  and  the  fruit  of  your  labours  ?" 

A.  "  If  any  thing  wer  in  me  able  to  satisfy  their  desire,  I  acknow- 
"  ledge  myself  bound  to  obey  God's  calling  by  them." 

Q.  "  Do  ye  seek  to  be  promotted  to  this  office  and  charge  for  any 
"  respect  of  worldly  commodity,  riches  or  glory  ?" 

A.  "  God  knoweth  the  contrair." 

Q.  "  Belive  ye  not  the  Doctrine  of  the  Apostles  and  Prophets, 
"  conteaned  in  the  Books  of  the  Old  and  New  Testaments,  is  the  only 
"  true  and  most  absolute  foundation  of  the  universall  Church  of  Jesus 
"  Christ :  insomuch  as  in  the  same  scriptures,  are  contened  all  things 
"  necessary  to  be  belived  for  the  salvation  of  mankind  ?" 


MR.   JOHN    SPOTSWOOl).  77 

A.  "  I  do  verily  belive  the  same,  and  do  abhorr  and  utterly  refuse 
"  all  doctrine,  alledged  necessare  to  salvation,  that  is  not  expressedly  con- 
"  tained  in  the  same." 

Q.  "  Is  not  Christ  Jesus,  man  of  man  according  to  the  flesh,  to  wit, 
"  the  son  of  David,  the  seed  of  Abraham,  conceived  of  the  Holy  Ghost, 
"  born  of  the  Virgin,  his  mother,  the  only  head  and  mediator  of  his 
"  Church  ?" 

A.  "  He  is,  and  without  him  ther  is  neither  salvation  to  man  nor 
"  life  to  Angel." 

Q.  "  Is  not  the  same  Lord  Jesus  the  only  true  God,  the  eternall 
"  son  of  the  eternal  father,  in  whom  all  that  shall  be  saved  wer  elected, 
"  before  the  foundation  of  the  worlde  was  laid  ?" 

A.  "  I  acknowledge  and  confess  him,  in  the  unity  of  his  Godhead, 
"  to  be  God  above  all  things  blessed  for  ever." 

Q.  "  Shall  not  they,  whom  God  in  his  eternall  counsell  elected, 
"  be  called  to  the  knowledge  of  his  son,  our  Lord  Jesus  ?  and  shall  not 
"  they  who  of  purpose  are  called  in  this  life  be  justified]  ?  and  wher  jus- 
"  tiiication  and  free  remission  of  sins  is  obteaned  in  this  life,  by  free  grace, 
"  shall  not  the  glory  of  the  sons  of  God  follow  in  the  generall  resurrec- 
"  tion,  when  the  son  of  God  shall  appear  in  his  glorious  majesty  ?" 

A.  "  This  I  acknowledge  to  be  the  doctrine  of  the  Apostles,  and 
"  the  most  singular  comfort  of  God's  children." 

Q.  "  Will  ye  not  contean  yourself  in  all  doctrine,  within  the  bounds 
"  of  this  foundation  ?  will  ye  not  study  to  promote  the  same,  as  well  by 
"  your  life,  as  by  your  doctrine  ?  will  ye  not,  according  to  the  graces  and 
"  utterance  that  God  shall  grant  unto  you,  profess,  instruct,  and  mentain 
"  the  purity  of  the  doctrine,  conteaned  in  the  sacred  word  of  God  ?  and 
"  to  the  uttermost  of  your  power,  will  ye  not  gainstand  and  convince  the 
"  gainsayers  and  teachers  of  men's  inventions  ?" 

A.  "  That  I  do  promise  in  the  presence  of  God,  and  his  congrega- 
"  tion  here  assembled." 

Q.  "  Know  ye  not  that  the  excellency  of  this  office,  to  the  which 
"  God  hath  called  you,  requireth  that  your  conversation  and  behaviour  be 
"  such,  as  ye  may  be  irreprehensible,  yea  even  in  the  eyes  of  the  ungodly?" 

A.   "  I  unfeigned  acknouledge,  and  humbly  desire  the  Church  of 


78  MR.    JOHN    SPOTS  WOOD. 

"  God  to  pray  with  me,  that  ray  life  be  not  slanderous  to  the  glorious 
"  evangel  of  Jesus  Christ." 

Q.   "  Because  you  are  a  man  compassed  with  infirmitys,  will  you  not 

p.  5.  "  charitably  and  with  lowlynes  of  spirit,  recive  admonition  of  your  breth- 

"  eren,  and  if  ye  shall  happen  to  slide,  or  offend  in  any  point,  will  ye 

"  not  be  subject  to  the  discipline  of  the   Church,   as  the  rest  of  your 

"  bretheren?" 

A.  "  I  acknowledge  myself  to  be  a  man  subject  to  infirmity,  and  one 
"  that  hath  need  of  correction  and  admonition  ;  and  therfor  I  most  wil- 
"  liugly  submit*  myself  to  the  wholsome  discipline  of  the  Church  ;  yea  to 
"  the  discipline  of  this  same  Church,  by  the  which  I  am  now  called  to 
"  this  office  and  charge :  and  here,  in  God's  presence  and  yours,  I  do 
"  promise  obedience  to  all  admonitions,  secretly  or  publickly  given,  unto 
"  the  which,  if  I  be  found  inobedieut,  I  confess  myself  worthy  to  be 
"  ejected,  not  only  from  this  honour,  but  also  from  the  society  of  the  faith- 
"  full,  in  case  of  my  stubborness  ;  for  the  vocation  of  God,  to  bear  charge, 
"  within  his  Church,  maketh  not  men  tyrants,  nor  Lords,  but  appointeth 
"  them  servants,  watchmen,  and  pastors  to  the  flock." 
pieconse^he  Then  Mr.  Knox  asked  the  people,  Require  ye  any  further  of  this 

is  set  apart  by  your  superinteiidaiit  ?  and  upon  silence,  further  asked  them,  "  Will  you 
"  not  acknowledge  this  your  brother  for  the  minister  of  Jesus  Christ  ?  will 
"  ye  not  reverence  the  word  of  God  that  proceedeth  from  his  mouth  ? 
"  will  you  not  recive  of  him  the  sermon  and  exhortation  with  patience, 
"  not  refusing  the  wholsom  medicin  of  your  soules,  altho  it  be  bitter  and 
"  impleading  to  the  flesh  ?  will  ye  not  finally  mentean  and  comfort  him 
"  in  his  ministry  against  all  such  as  wickedly  would  rebell  against  God, 
"  and  his  holy  ordinances."  An  answer  being  returned  from  them,  that 
they  would,  as  they  would  answer  to  the  Lord  Jesus,  who  hath  comanded 
his  ministers  to  be  had  in  reverence  as  his  ambassadors,  and  as  men  that 
carefully  watch  for  the  salvation  of  souls,  he  put  this  question  particularly  to 
the  nobility,  who  made  the  same  return.  Then  Mr.  Knox  prayed.  The 
tennor  of  his  prayer  is  preserved  in  the  form  and  order  from  which  I  take 
this  abstract.  In  the  petitory  part,  he  askes  from  the  Redeemer,  the 
eternall  son  of  God,  (and  indeed  the  whole  prayer  is  directed  to  him,)  that 
he  would  send  to  this,  our  brother,  tchom  ive  Itave  in  thy  name  charged 


MR.    JOHN    SPOTSWOOD.  79 

with  the  cheffcare  of  thy  Church,  ivithin  the  bounds  of  Lothian,  such 
a  portion  of  his  Holy  Spirit  as  may  rightly  divide  the  word  ;  and  in  the 
doxology,  Christ  is  owned  to  be  their  Lord,  King,  and  only  Bishop  5  and 
the  prayer  is  concluded  with  the  Lord's  prayer. 

Whither  ther  was  with  this  prayer  ioyned  imposition  of  hands,  does      Mr.  Knox 

1       *        °  .    .  ill  benediction  and 

not  appear,  its  probable  it  was  not  ;  after  prayer  the  ministers  ami  elders  iast  exhortation 

in  signe  of  their  consent,  took  Mr.  Spotswood  by  the  hand.     Then  Mr. t0 

Knox  pronounced  a  very  solemn  benediction  upon  him  now  set  apart  to 

this  office,  by  prayer,  which  is  set  down  in  the  form  ;  and  last  of  all  Mr. 

Knox  directed  the  following  exhortation  to  Mr.  Spotswood  :   "  Take  heed 

"  to  thy  self,  and  to  the  flock  committed  to  thy  charge,  carefully  ;  not  as  if 

"  it  wer  by  compulsion,  but  of  very  love  which  thou  bearest  to  the  Lord 

"  Jesus.     Walk  in  simplicity  and  purenes  of  life,  as  becometh  the  true 

"  servant,  and  ambassador  of  the  Lord  Jesus.     Usurp  not  dominion  nor 

"  tyrannicall  authority  over  thy  bretheren.     Be  not  discouraged  in  adver- 

"  sity,  but  lay  before   thy  self  the  example  of  the  Prophets,  Apostles, 

"  and  of  the  Lord  Jesus,  who  in  their  ministry  susteaned  contradiction, 

"  contempt,  persecution,  and  death.     Fear  not  to  rebuke  the  worlde  of 

"  sin,  justice,  and  judgment.     If  any  thing  succeed  prosperously  in  thy 

"  vocation,  be  not  puffed  up  with  pride,  neither  yet  flatter  thy  self,  as  if 

"  the  good  success  proceeded  from  thy  virtue,  industry,  or  care.     Let 

"  ever  that  sentence  of  the  Apostle  remain  in  thy  heart :   what  liasf  tliou 

"  which  thou  hast  not  received?  if  thou  hast  received  why  glorys  thou  f 

"  comfort  the  aflicted,  support  the  poor,  and  exhort  others  to  support 

"  them.     Be  not  solist  for  the  things  of  this  life,  but  be  fervent  in  prayer 

"  to  God  for  the  encrease  of  his  Holy  Spirit.     And,  finally,  behave  thyself, 

«'  in  this  holy  vocation,  with  such  holy  sobriety,  as  God  may  be  glorifyed 

0  in  thy  ministry,  and  so  shalt  thou  shortly  obtean  the  victory,  and  shal 

"  receive  the  crown  promised,  when  the  Lord  Jesus  shall  appear  in  his 

"  glory  :  whose  omnipotent  spirit  assist  thee,  and  us  to  the  end.     Amen."     P.  6. 

Then  the  23d  Psalm  was  sung,  and  the  action  concluded. 

I  have  given  the  larger  account  of  the  admission  of  Mr.  Spotswood  Remarks  on 
to  be  superintendant,  both  because  he  was  probably  the  first  who  was  ad-  ^  adn,ission 
mitted  and  the  same  order  was  used  in  the  admission  of  the  rest,  and  even  <•■<«»  it.  that 
of  the  Tulchan  Bishops ;   I  am  ready  to  think  it  was  some  time  after  this  anThad'  ntti,- 


80  MR.   JOHN    SPOTS  WOOD. 

ing  of  prelacy  before  that  the  other  four  wer  admitted  for  want  of  constitute  Churches 
"dry  office.mp°"  to  elect  them  ;  and  in  the  last  room  to  give  the  proper  and  naturall  view 
of  this  temporall  [temporary]  office,  and  shew  that  it  was  quite  different 
from  Prelats  and  Bishops  in  the  modern  sense.  The  best  arguments  in 
this  case,  are  what  are  taken  from  facts,  and  the  nature  of  the  office,  which 
by  far  is  best  to  be  seen  in  this  admission  and  ordination  to  it.  So  that 
it  was  quite  without  ground  that  thewritter  of  Bishop  Spotswood's  Life  (the 
Bishop  himself  indeed  goes  not  so  farr)  sayes,  "  when  he  was  superinten- 
"  dant  he  exercised  fully  the  power,  and  faithfully  discharged  the  office  of  a 
"  Bishop,  for  it  was  not  the  office,  but  the  name,  which  the  first  reformers 
"  startled  at,  tho  they  who  have  succeeded  them,  have  since,  to  their  own 
"  ruin,  cast  out  both."  This  life,  befor  Spotswood's  History,  together 
with  the  preface,  is  generally  supposed  written  by  Bishop  Duppa  ;  if  so,  the 
Bishop  has  been  much  a  stranger  to  the  history  of  our  first  reformers.  It  is 
certain  they  had  neither  name  nor  office  of  a  Bishop.  The  name  (I  mean 
in  the  writters  sense)  was  not  knowen,  save  in  a  feu  Popish  Bishops  such 
as  got  their  rents,  till  the  Tulchan  Bishops  came  in ;  and  than  they  wer 
tyed  down  to  the  power  of  superintendants,  which  had  been  nonsence, 
had  the  office  of  superintendants  been  the  same  with  what  was  commonly 
understood  then  by  that  of  Bishops,  and  not  one  of  our  superintendants 
would  be  Tulchan  Bishops,  tho  I  doubt  not,  Mr.  Spotswood  and  the 
Laird  of  Dun  might  have  been  made  the  two  Tulchan  Archbishops,  if  they 
had  pleased,  but  they  wer  both  better  men  than  to  truckle  into  a  nominal 
office,  to  serve  the  designes  of  the  court,  and  wer  both,  in  their  principles, 
against  prelacy  in  this  Church,  and  so  far  wer  our  first  reformers  from  a 
humorsome  startling  at  the  name,  that  it  was  from  dislike  of  the  office  of 
a  Bishop,  in  the  prelatick  sense,  that  they  startled  at  the  name  of 
Bishops  and  Archbishops,  least  they  should  bring  in  the  office,  of  which 
they  had  seen  the  antichristian  nature,  and  felt  the  weight  of,  under 
Popeiy.  So  Bishop  Duppa,  or  whoever  writes  that  life,  is  perfectly  mis- 
taken, in  asserting,  that  Mr.  Spotswood,  as  superintendant,  had  the  power 
and  office  of  a  Bishop.  In  the  after  part  of  this  work,  we  shall  see  the 
many  differences  between  our  superintendants  and  Bishops  in  the  modern 
sense  of  the  word,  and  a  heap  of  proofs  might  be  brought  from  the  above  form 
and  order  of  their  election  and  admission.     The  above  order  was  agreed  to, 


MR.    JOHN    SPOTS  WOOD.  81 

when  framed  by  Mr.  Knox,  as  the  ordinary  method  of  ordeaning,  and 
admission  of  pastors,  as  we  see  by  its  title,  and  the  ordinary  practise  in  this 
Church  for  many  years.  This  appears  to  me  an  unanswerable  proof  that 
this  reformed  Church  took  superintendants  to  be  no  office  distinct  from 
pastors  and  ministers.  Mr.  Knox  formed  it,  and  admitted  Mr.  Spots- 
wood  ;  and  I  believe  the  keenest  defenders  of  prelacy  will  scarce  think 
Mr.  Knox  was  on  their  side,  or  had  any  notion  to  set  up  prelacy,  when 
this  temporary  office  was  set  up.  The  edict  is  published  in  the  Churches  of 
Lothian  ;  they  choice  Mr.  Spotswood  Superintendant ;  in  the  mutual  tye 
betwixt  them,  the  people  promise  honnour,  obedience,  and  assistance  to 
him  as  a  minister  of  Christ,  and  that  obedience  the  sheep  owe  to  their 
pastor  ;  he  owns  himself  called  of  God  by  the  people,  and  promises  most 
solemly  to  be  subject  to  correction,  admonition,  and  the  discipline  of  the 
Church,  and  in  particular  to  the  Church  of  Lothian  ;  yea  he  renounces  J 
all  tyrranyand  lordship  in  the  Church,  and  owns  himself  a  servant,  watch- 
mand,  and  pastor,  and  no  more.  In  a  word,  the  whole  tennour  of  this 
solem  action  excludes  every  thing  like  prelacy  from  superintendants. 
Mr.  Spotswood,  indeed,  is  charged  with  the  cheif  care  of  Christ's  Church 
in  Lothian,  as  to  planting  and  visitation,  in  this  time,  when  perhaps  ther 
wer  not  above  four  other  pastors  in  all  that  bounds,  and  least  any  bad  im- 
provment  should  be  made  of  his  having  the  cheif  charge  for  a  season,  and 
till  ministers  wer  provided,  he  is  most  solemly  required  to  usurp  no  tyran- 
nicall  authority  over  his  bretheren,  the  other  pastors  and  rulers,  or  any 
dominion  whatsomever  over  them.  Indeed  I  own,  afterwards  when  minis- 
ters, votters  in  Parliament  were  brot,  about  36  years  after  this,  the  Assem- 
bly laid  them  under  restrictions,  and  they  promised  in  the  most  solem 
manner  to  keep  the  cautions  given  them.  But  these  our  first  proper 
prelates  in  Scotland,  got  throu  their  promises  and  oaths ;  and  upon  this 
score  many  of  our  writters  give  them  the  epithet  of  perjured.  Mean- 
while it  must  be  observed,  to  the  honnour  of  our  superintendants  after  the 
Reformation,  men  indeed  of  a  quite  other  kidney,  that  as  they  refused 
the  office  of  Bishops,  so  none  of  them  offered  to  go  beyond  the  limitations 
set  to  them  as  superintendants  ;  and  if  in  some  smaller  points  they  failed, 
which  was  only  in  ommissions  and  defects,  they  pleasantly  submitted  them- 
selves to  the  admonitions  of  their  fellow  pastors,  with  whom  they  acted  in 


82  MR.   JOHN    SPOT  SWOOD. 

the  greatest  joyntnes,  and  the  consent  of  the  plurality  of  the  pastors  of 
their  bounds  was  necessary  in  their  actings,  and  they  wer  perfectly  subject 
to  the  sentence  and  censure  of  the  Generall  Assembly  ;  yea,  of  their  own 
privinciall  Synod,  as  soon  as  the  paucity  of  ministers  allowed  these  judi- 
catorys.  This  may  be  answer  enough  to  what  Mr.  Crauford  in  his  Life 
of  the  Bishop,  the  superintendant's  son,  from  his  son  tells  us  of  the  super- 
intendants  being  for  prelacy. 
June,  156-2,  At  first  Mr.  Spotswood  continoued  to  exercise  the  pastorall  charge 

the    Assembly's       ,,.„,  ^    1  i  i  it  1  r  l  1  lj 

answer  to  the  of  Ins  flock  at  Calder,  and  preached  to  them  as  frequently  as  he  could ; 
der's''  petuion  and  a^  ^e  superintend  ants  seem  to  me  to  have  had  the  charge  of  a  par- 
rs  to  Mr.  Spots-  ticular  flock,  as  well  as  th.e  oversight  of  their  bounds,  and  at  first  for  a 

wood.  ... 

year  or  two,  before  multiplicity  of  bussines  broke  in  upon  him,  as  the 
Church  encreased,  it  seems  he  had  such  laizour,  as  tollerably  to  mind  his 
people.  But  in  a  litle,  other  publick  bussines  so  took  him  up,  that  the 
parishioners  recon  themselves  at  a  loss,  and  so  complean  to  the  Assembly 
which  met,  June,  1,562.  Mr.  Calderwood  in  his  MS. gives  us  thefollowing 
account  of  this.  "  Sess.  f>.  John  Douglas  of  Pumferston  complaining  in 
"  name  of  the  Kirk  of  Calder,  that  they  are  defrauded  diverse  times  of 
"  the  preaching  of  the  word,  since  their  minister  was  elected  superintendant 
"  of  Lothian,  desired  the  said  superintendant  to  be  restored  again  to 
"  them,  or  some  qualifyed  minister  to  be  provided  to  them.  It  was 
"  answered,  the  profite  of  many  Kirks  was  to  be  preferred  to  the  profite 
"  of  one  particular,  and  that  the  Kirk  of  Calder  should  either  be  occupycd 
"  by  himself,  or  by  some  other  qualifyed  person  in  his  absence  ;  which 
"  could  not  be  otherwise  helped  in  this  rarity  of  the  ministry  ;  and  that 
"  they  should  have  compleaned,  when  the  publick  edict  was  set  forth,  20 
"  dayes  before  his  admission." 
What  passed  In  the  Assembly,  December,  1562,  "  The  superintendant  of  Lothian 

about  him.  As-  tl  removed  and  tryed.     It  was  required  by  the   Commissioners  of 

sembly,      Dee.,  ^  x  t  " 

1562.  «  Edinburgh,  that  he  would  sometimes  preach  in  there  [their]   Kirks  as 

"  the  principall  room  within  his  jurisdiction,  and  others  required  that  he 
''  would  visit  Musselburgh  and  Stirling  oftener.  Then  the  ministers  of 
"  Lothian  and  Stirling  wer  removed :"  Mr.  Calderwood  adds,  "  in  this 
"  Assembly  it  was  compleaned  that  idolatry  was  erected  in  diverse  places 
"  of  the  kingdome,  for  redres  wherof  some  thot  best  that  supplication  be 


MR.   JOHN    SPOTS  WOOD.  83 

"  made  to  the  Queen,  others  demanded  what  answer  was  received  to  the 
"  former  ?  the  superintendant  of  Lothian,  who  presented  it,  said  he  re- 
"  ceived  no  answer.  It  was  answered  for  the  Queen's  part,  for  her  sup- 
"  posts  wer  alwise  present,  that  it  was  well  knowen  to  the  whole  kingdom 
"  what  troubles  had  fallen  out  since  the  last  Assembly,  and  therfor  no 
"  wonder  no  answer  was  given  ;  but  betwixt  and  the  next  Parliament,  in 
"  May  next,  they  doubted  not  but  such  answer  should  be  given  as  would 
"  please  all  honest  men.  This  answer  satisfyed  the  Assembly  for  this 
"  time.  But  it  was  the  practise  of  the  Queen  and  her  counsell  with  fair 
"  words  to  drive  time." 

In  the  Assembly,  December,  1563,  I  find  the  superintendants  avo-  DeC)A1S563,bhe 
cations  growing  so  much  upon  them  by  the  encrease  of  work,  that  they  seeks  to  be  freed 
pressed  to  be  eased  of  it.  This  is  desired  by  Mr.  Willock  who  sayes  he 
engaged  in  the  work  of  superintendant  only  for  a  season.  Mr.  Spotswood 
asks  the  same.  "  Sess.  1.  when  the  superintendants  wer  tryed,  Mr.  J. 
"  Spotswood  was  removed;  when  he  returned,  he  requested  the  Assembly 
"  to  give  him  liberty  to  return  to  his  former  cure,  because  he  was  not  able 
"  to  discharge  so  great  a  burden  as  he  was  burdened  with."  I  find  no 
complaints  given  in  against  him  at  this  Assembly,  as  ther  are  against  those 
of  Fife,  the  West  and  Angus,  for  Mr.  Kerswell  of  Argyle  I  find  him 
very  litle  in  our  Assemblys.  No  answer  was  returned  to  his  desire,  save 
that  they  willed  him  to  continou  in  his  office.  This  is  another  proof, 
superintendants  and  prelates  wer  different  offices  ;  the  superintendants 
depend  entirely  on  the  Assembly,  and  they  offer  frequently  their  office  to  p  8- 
them.  In  the  fourth  Session,  the  parishoners  of  Calder  renew  their  ap- 
plication to  this  Assembly.  "  The  parishoners  of  Calder  compleaned 
"  that  Mr.  John  Spotswood  presented  to  the  personage  of  Calder,  15  years 
"  ago,  had  been  promoved  three  years  since  to  be  superintendant  of  Lothian, 
"  without  their  knowledge,  and  that  by  reason  of  his  public  office  and  ex- 
"  ercise  he  was  abstracted  from  his  cure  at  the  said  Kirk,  for  the  most 
"  part  of  the  year  ;  desire  therfor,  as  before,  to  cause  him  to  renounce  his 
"  office  of  superintendantship,  and  return  to  his  former  vocation,  or  else  to 
"  demitt  the  said  personage,  to  the  affect  another  qualifyed  man  might  be 
"  presented.  In  consideration  that  it  is  impossible  that  one  man  may 
"  brook  and  exerce  two  offices  in  the  Kirk  of  God,  but  one  of  them 


84  MR.    JOHN    SPOTSWOOD. 

"  must  be  neglected,  otherwise  we  shall  differ  litle  from  the  Popish  Kirk, 
"  wher  one  person  had  plurality  of  benefices."  The  Assembly  judged  the 
former  answer,  given  July  4, 1562,  sufficient.  Whether  Mr.  Spotswood  con- 
tinoued  to  have  the  charge  of  the  parish  of  Calder  to  his  death  I  know 
not  ;  its  probable  he  did,  for  during  Queen  Mary's  reigne  and  afterwards, 
the  civil  goverment  wer  very  slack  in  paying  the  stipends  once  promised 
them  ;  and  its  probable  Mr.  Spotswood  could  not  have  subsisted  himself 
and  his  family,  unless  he  had  been  continoued  in  his  right  to  the  personage 
of  Calder,  and  I  am  ready  to  think,  that  in  some  years  after  this,  the 
superintendants  work  turned  somwhat  easier,  when  the  number  of  minis- 
ters encreased,  and  when  the  country  round  was  better  supplyed,  he  would 
easily  get  more  assistance  and  help. 
Mr.    spots-  I  need  not  observe,  for  it  will  fall  in,  in  the  succeeding  lives,  that 

the      SQueen"  Mr.  Spotswood  was  ordinarly  engaged  in  all  the  public  meetings,  assemblys, 
June,      1566,  conferences,  and  other  publick  actings  of  this  Church,  at  this  time.     I 

upon  the  Prin-  '  . 

ce-s  binh,  with  shall  only  hint  a  few  things  that  more  particularly  concern  him.  His  son, 
the  Bishop,  gives  us  this  passage  concerning  him.  The  Queen  was  brought 
to  bed  of  a  Prince  in  the  Castle  of  Edinburgh,  June  19,  1566.  The 
nobility  in  town,  and  the  ministers  and  people,  met  next  day  in  Saint 
Gile's  Church,  and  rendered  publick  thanks  to  God,  for  the  Queen's  safe 
delivery.  "  The  Generall  Assembly  conveened  in  Edinburgh  on  the  25 
"  of  June,  and  sent  the  superintendant  of  Lothian  to  testify  their  gladnes 
"  for  the  Prince's  birth,  and  to  desire  he  might  be  baptized  according  to 
"  the  form  used  in  the  Reformed  Church  ;  to  this  last  no  answer  was 
"  given,  otherwise  the  superintendant  and  his  commission  wer  very  graci- 
"  ously  received.  The  Queen  calling  to  bring  the  infant,  that  the  super- 
"  intendant  might  see  him,  he  took  him  in  his  arms,  and  falling  on  his 
"  knees,  conceived  a  short  and  pithy  prayer,  which  was  very  attentively 
"  heard  by  her  ;  and  having  closed  his  prayer,  he  took  the  babe,  and 
"  willed  him  to  say  Amen  for  himself ;  which  she  took  in  so  good  part, 
"  as  continoually  she  called  the  superintendant  her  Amen.  This  story 
"  told  to  the  Prince,  when  he  came  to  the  years  of  understanding, 
"  he  alwise  call[ed]  him  his  Amen,  and  whilst  he  lived,  did  respect  and 
"  reverence  him  as  his  spirituall  father."  I  have  given  this  in  the  Bishops 
words,  tho  ther  is  not  much  in  it,  but  a  fondnes  we  that  are  children 


MR.   JOHN    SPOTS  WOOD.  85 

have  for  the  smallest  circumstances,  relative  to  valued  parents.  We  shall 
soon  find  the  superintendant  engaged  in  a  matter  of  greater  importance 
as  to  the  Queen  and  the  Reformation,  which  his  son  has  seen  proper  to 
bury  in  silence,  tho  I  hope  to  every  good  Protestant  it  will  appear  very 
honourable  to  the  superintendant,  and  shewes  his  firmnes,  courage,  and  3  see  Note  c. 
honesty,  in  a  choak.3 

It  is  this,  as  Mr.  Calderwood  gives  it  in  his  MS.  on  the  year  1568,      His  J"™- 

x  tv/t  1  •    '"S    tn  "ro,es- 

after  he  has  narrated  the  Queen's  escape  out  of  Lochlevme,  May  2,  this  8ors,May,i568, 

year,   and  many  Lords  their  repairing  to  her  at  Hamiltoun,  and   the*^^1* 

Regents  gathering  forces  at  Glasgow  under  many  disadvantages,  he  adds, 

"  In  the  mean  time  the  ministers  celebrated  publick  fasting,  and  prayed 

"  that  the  Lord  would  turn  the  Queen's  interprize  into  nothing.     Mr.     p.  9. 

"  John  Spotswood,  superintendant  of  Lothian,  directed  this  admonition 

"  following,  to  the  professors  within  his  bounds. 

"  '  Mr.   John   Spotswood,   superintendant  of  Lothian,  to   all   that 

"  '  professe,  or  have  professed  the  Lord  Jesus,  and  have  refused 

"  '  that  Roman  Antichrist  called  the  Pope,  within  the  dioces 

"  '  committed  to  his  charge  ;   desireth  grace,  mercy,  and  peace 

"  '  from  God  the  Father  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  together  with 

"  '  the  spirit  of  rightious  judgment : 

"  '  That  fearfull  sentence  pronounced  by  God  himself  to  his  prophet 

"  '  Ezekiel,  against  the  watchman  that  seeth  the  sword  coming,  and  doth 

"  '  not  blow  the  trumpet,  and  plainly  warn  the  people,  compelleth  me  to 

"  '  write  to  you  (beloved  in  the  Lord)  this  my  rude  letter,  because  my 

"  '  corporall  presence  and  weak  voice  cannot  be  extended  to  you  all,  in 

"  '  this  dangerous  and  most  wicked  day  ;  to  you,  I  say,  I  am  compelled  to 

"  '  cry  by  my  pen,  that  the  sword  of  God's  just  judgment  is  come,  and  hath 

"  '  devoured  some  according  to  the  forwarning  of  his  messengers ;  and, 

"  f  alace,  I  fear,  is  yet  drawen  and  near  to  devour  mo.     The  first  part  of 

"  '  this  cannot  be  denyed,  and  the  second  also  hath  great  probability  ;  and 

"  '  yet,  I  fear,  that  every  man  seeth  not,  at  least  will  not  confess,  the  very 

"  '  cause  neither  of  the  one  nor  the  other. 

"  '  We  see  a  wicked  woman,  whose  iniquity  knowen  and  lawfully 
"  {  convict  deserveth  more  than  ten  deaths,  escaped  from  prison  ;  this  is 
"  '  the  first.     Negligence  of  the  keeper,  its  not  to  be  excused,  so  it  may 


86  MR.    JOHN    SPOTS  WOOD. 

"  «  well  occupy  the  second  place  before  men.  Practises  of  deceitfull  men, 
"  '  together  with  her  own  villany,  justly  may  occupy  the  third  rank  in  that 
"  •  wicked  fact.  But  none  of  all  thir  should  have  had  place  to  work,  if  the 
"  '  mouth  of  the  Lord  had  been  obeyed  :  for  if  she  had  suffered,  according 
"  '  as  God's  law  commandeth  murderers  and  adulterers  to  die  the  death, 
"  '  and  the  wickednes  been  taken  forth  from  Israel,  the  plague  should  have 
"  '  ceased,  which  cannot  but  remain  so  long  as  that  innocent  blood,  traitor- 
"  «  ously  shed,  is  not  punished  according  as  God  hath  commanded.  And 
"  '  so  I  fear  not  to  affirm  that  the  reservation  of  that  wicked  woman,  against 
"  '  God,  and  against  the  voices  of  his  servants,  is  the  first  and  principall 
"  '  cause  externall  which  man  can  see,  of  the  plague  and  murther  lately 
"  '  begun. 

"  '  And  yet  when  I  confess  it  to  be  the  first  externall  cause,  I  mean 
"  '  not  that  it  is  the  only  and  sole  cause  of  this  present  and  appearing  ca- 
"  '  lamity.  For  albiet  that  the  Devil  himself  be  loosed  (as  no  doubt  he 
"  '  was)  in  the  person  of  that  most  wicked  woman  ;  yet  could  not  he,  nor 
"  '  she,  greatly  have  troubled  this  commonwealth,  unless  she  had  been  as- 
"  '  sisted  by  the  presence,  force,  and  counsell  of  such  as  have  professed  the 
"  '  Lord  Jesus,  and  by  all  appearance  had  renounced  that  Roman  Anti- 
"  '  christ  and  his  damnable  superstition.  Lor  albiet  all  the  Papists  within 
"  <  this  realme  of  Scotland  had  joined  with  her,  the  danger  had  not  been 
"  '  great  ;  for  altho  in  number  the  wicked  might  have  exceeded  the  faith- 
"  '  full,  yet  when  the  servants  of  God  should  have  [had]  battail  only  against 
"  '  the  Canaanites,  Jebusites,  Amorites,  and  against  the  rest  of  that  profane 
"  •  and  adulterous  generation,  they  could  no  more  have  feared  now  then 
"  '  the  litle  dock  hath  feared  from  the  beginning  of  this  controversy,  which 
"  '  now  by  God's  power  they  have  susteaned  these  nyne  years,  against  all 
'*  '  the  pestilent  Papists  within  the  same.  But,  alace,  the  sword  of  dolour 
"  '  hath  peirced,  and  yet  peirceth,  many  hearts,  to  see  bretheren  seek  with 
"  '  all  cruelty  the  blood  of  their  bretheren,  yea  to  see  the  hands  of  such  as 
"  '  wer  esteemed  the  principall  within  the  Hock,  to  arm  themselves  against 
"  '  God,  against  his  son  Jesus  Christ,  against  a  just  and  most  lawful!  autho- 
"  '  rity,  and  against  the  men  who  looked  off  them  not  only  quietnes  and 
"  '  peace,  but  to  be  mentenance  and  defence  against  all  invasion,  domesti- 
"  «  call  and  forraigne.     The  consideration  of  this  their  most  treasonable 


MR.    JOHN    SPOTS  WOOD.  87 

'  defection  from  God,  from  his  truth  professed,  and  authority  most  law- 
j  fully  established,  causeth  the  hearts  of  many  godly  to  sobb  and  to  mourn, 
'  and  not  only  secretly,  but  also  openly  to  crave  of  God  the  conversion 
'  and  repentence  of  such  as  have  assisted  that  most  wicked  woman,  who 
'  ambitiously, creuelly  [and  most  unjustly,] hath  aspired,  and  yet  aspireth, 
t  to  that  regiment  whairfra,  for  impieties  committed,  most  justly  and 
'  by  such  order  as  no  law  can  reprove,  she  was  deposed. 

"  -  And  therfor  in  the  bowells  of  Christ  Jesus,  I  exhort  all  in  general] 
'  and  such  as  are  under  my  charge  in  special!,  who  have  communicated 
'  with  her  odiouse  impietys,  deeply  to  consider  their  fearfull  defection 
'  from  God,  and  from  his  lawful]  magistrates,  by  his  word  and  good  order 
'  erected  within  this  realme ;  and  that  [they,]  by  condemnation  and  pub- 
'  lick  confession  of  their  folly,  travail  speedily  to  return  again  to  the 
'  bosom  of  the  Kirk,  and  to  the  obedience  due  unto  the  magistrates, 
'  from  the  which  they  have  most  traitorously  declined.  Assuring  such 
'  as  shall  be  deprehended  to  remain  obstinat  in  their  former  wicked  euter- 
'  prise,  that,  in  our  next  letters,  their  names  shall  be  expressed  and  pro- 
t  claimed  before  all  congregations,  wherwith  if  they  be  not  moved  to  re- 

*  pentance,  then  will  we  (albiet  with  greif  of  heart)  be  compelled  to  draw 

*  the  sword  committed  to  us  by  God,  and  to  cut  them  off  from  all  the 
i  society  of  the  body  of  Jesus  Christ,  and  for  their  stubborn  rebellion, 
'  give  them  to  the  power  of  Satan,  to  the  destruction  of  the  flesh ;  that 
'  they,  confounded  in  themselves,  by  unfeigned  repentance  may  return 
'  again  from  their  wicked  wayes,  and  so  escape  condemnation  in  the  day 
'  of  the  Lord  Jesus,  whose  omnipotent  spirit  move  the  hearts  of  all  that 
'  look  for  the  life  everlasting,  to  consider  that  his  coming  approacheth. 
'  Amen.     Given  at  Calder.'  " 

This  admonition  is  evidently  designed  against  the  Hamiltouns,  who  Remark  « 
were  pretty  forward  in  the  Reformation,  the  Earle  of  Argyle  and  others,  tion. 
who  now  joyned  with  the  Queen  ;  and  the  superintendant  drives  the 
matter  of  the  Queen's  being  guilty  of  adultery  and  murder,  of  which  the 
proofes  at  that  time  were  thot  very  plain  and  clear,  as  far  as  ever  Mr.  Knox 
did  ;  and  is  of  opinion  that  she  was  not  only  justly  deposed  from  her 
regiment,  but  by  the  law  of  God  deserved  death.  This  seems  indeed  to 
be  what  the  superintendants  and  ministers  had  no  different  sentiments  about 


88 


MR.    JOHN    SPOTS  WOOD. 


bly,    February 
1569. 


The  above 
admonition  or- 
dered to  be  l-e- 
gistrat  by  this 
Assembly. 


at  this  time,  and  its  very  probable  that  Mr.  Spotswood  would  not  form 
this  plain  and  sharp  admonition  without  consulting  his  bretheren  upon 
this  matter  ;  and  perhaps  warnings  of  this  nature  wer  published  in  other 
places  than  Lothian  at  this  time,  as  far  as  the  suddaines  of  the  occasion 
would  allow. 
P.  u.  I  have  not  much  more  concerning  this  good  man,  save  what  I  find 

toMr  Tots-  m  Mr.  Calderwood's  accounts  of  our  Assemblys,  and  our  Registers.  Mr. 
wood,^  Assem-  Calderwood  tells  us,  that  at  the  next  Assembly,  save  one,  February,  1569, 
he  was  delated  for  slacknes  in  visitation  of  the  Kirks.  The  superintendant 
alledged  in  answer,  the  nonpayment  of  his  stipends  for  these  three  years 
past,  and  that  diverse  times  he  had  exhibited  to  the  Justice  Clerk  the 
names  of  hainouse  offenders,  but  could  find  no  execution. 

Mr.  Calderwood  adds,  that  "  in  the  sixt  session  of  that  same  Assembly 
"  it  was  concluded  that  the  Letter  directed  to  the  Lords  who  have  made 
"  dizertion  from  the  King's  Majesty,  after  it  is  returned  from  the  Regent's 
"  Grace,  shall  be  registrat  among  the  Acts  of  the  Kirk,  and  that  it  be 
"  printed."  Mr.  Calderwood  adds,  I  find  not  this  letter  in  the  copy  of 
the  Register,  but  I  take  it  to  be  the  same  letter  which  the  superintendant 
of  Lothian  sent  to  the  noblmen  within  his- bounds,  before  insert.  From 
him  I  have  taken  it,  and  it  was  either  penned  by  him,  or  it  may  be  by  a 
meeting  of  the  superintendants  and  ministers  at  Edinburgh,  upon  the 
Queen's  escape  ;  and  we  see  the  Generall  Assembly  adopt  it  and  order  it 
to  be  insert  in  their  Registers.  If  it  was  printed  I  have  not  seen  it.  In 
the  next  Assembly  in  July,  he  is  delated  for  slacknes  in  visitation,  and 
reparation  of  Kirks  ;  no  answer  is  mentioned,  but  its  probable  the  last 
hinderance  continoued. 
Articles  pre-  Till  the  erection  of  Presbitrys,  the  superintendants  moderated  in  the 

fromthe  Sym'.'i  Synods,  wher  any  wer,  and  presented  what  came  from  the  Synod  to  the 
of  Lothian  to  Assembly.     I  meet  with  some  articles  given  in  by  Mr.  Spotswood  in  name 

the    Assembly,  J  ,  •    ,  -tit,  •        rt   ^  i 

March,  1573.  0f  the  Synod,  to  the  Assembly,  which  met  m  March,  1573,  m  Calder- 
wood's MS.,  signed  by  him  in  his  own  place  among  the  Ministers,  with 
the  subscription  of  the  Ministers  of  the  Synod.  They  contean  matters  of 
some  importance,  and  being  agreed  to  by  the  Assembly,  they  deserve  a 
room  here,  as  the  first  formall  act  of  a  Synod  under  superintendants  that 
I  have  met  with,  signed  bv  all  the  members.      In  the  seventh  session  the 


MR.    JOHN    SPOTSWOOD.  89 

bretheren  appointed  to  decide  questions  and  complaints  (who  wer  in  our 
old  Assemblys  like  the  Committy  of*  Bills  in  our  present  Assemblys,  with 
somwhat  also  of  the  power  of  that  of  the  Overtures)  reported  the  same 
answered,  among  which  wer  certain  heads,  articles,  and  conditions,  pre- 
sented by  the  superintendant  of  Lothian,  and  Ministers  within  his 
jurisdiction,  penned  and  subscribed  by  them  in  their  Synodall  convention, 
holden  at  Edinburgh,  the  6th  day  of  October,  1572.  The  tennor 
wherof  followeth : 

"1.  The  bretheren  of  the  said  Convention  craved  that  the  copy  of 
"  the  Acts  of  the  Generall  Assembly  be  given  to  every  exercise,  to  the 
"  end  that  every  minister  may  have  knowledge  what  order  to  observe  in 
"  their  proceedings  ;  for  it  is  most  certain,  that  throu  ignorance  of  the 
"  forsaid  Acts,  many  faults  are  committed,  which  otherwise  would  not 
"  have  been  done. 

"  2.  Its  craved  by  the  forsaid  bretheren,  that  such  matters  as  fall 
"  out  betwixt  Synodall  Conventions  and  Generall  Assemblys,  shall  be 
"  headed  and  noted  to  every  exercise,  twenty  dayes  before  the  Generall 
"  Assembly,  that  the  bretheren  may  be  ripely  advised  with  the  samen, 
"  wher  through  many  things  may  be  ended,  which  through  the  lack  of 
"  advisement  suffer  delay  from  Assembly  to  Assembly  ;  at  which  time 
"  its  craved  that  the  bretheren  have  their  places  in  votting,  and  that  no 
"  bretheren  be  defrauded  therof :  that  the  weighty  matters  of  the  Kirk 
"  be  not  concluded  by  a  few,  as  oftentimes  they  are,  without  the  know- 
"  ledge  and  consent  of  the  bretheren. 

"  3.  That  such  matters  as  are  referred  to  the  Generall  Assembly 
"  from  the  particular,  be  penned  by  the  Superintendants  clerk,  and  faith- 
"  fully  reported  to  the  Generall  Assembly  by  the  Superintendant. 

"  4.  That  the  Generall  Assembly  be  frequented  by  the  Nobility  and 
"  Barrons,  as  well  as  ministers,  that  the  face  of  the  Assembly  may  be  had 
"  in  reverence  as  in  former  times. 

"  5.  Its  required  that  the  whole  rents,  as  well  victuall,  as  of  money, 
"  within  the  collection  of  Lothian,  be  made  knowen  to  all  the  bretheren 
"  of  these  bounds,  what  is  received  therof,  and  how  its  debursed  and  dis- 
"  poned,  and  for  this  purpose  that  the  bretheren  from  all  parts  be  chosen 
"  at  the  Synodall  Convention  to  hear  the  Collectors  counts,  as  well  of 


90  MR.    JOHNSPOTSWOOD. 

"  the  rests  of  the  former  Collector,  as  also  since  his  own  entry  ;  also 
"  that  the  injunctions  given  to  the  Collector  may  be  read  eveiy  Synodall 
"  Convention,  and  tryall  taken  how  they  are  obeyed,  but  specially  con- 
"  cerning  the  assignation  of  victualls  to  ministers  in  the  Kirks  process, 
"  and  that  the  Collector  according  to  the  liberty  granted  to  every  Synod- 
"  all  Convention,  may  be  alone  discharged. 

"  6.  That  the  Collectors  officers  charge  for  reparation  of  Kirks. 

"  7.  That  all  ministers  may  have  assignation  of  their  stipends. 

"  8.  That  the  extracts  of  the  Superintendants  office  registrat  in 
"  the  Book  of  Discipline  may  be  given  to  the  minister  of  every  province, 
"  to  the  end  that  the  Superintendants  may  be  tryed  therby.  That  as  they 
"  are  found  diligent,  may  be  continoued  or  changed. 

"  9.  That  the  procurators  of  the  Kirk  may  be  examined,  why  they 
"  are  so  slack  and  negligent  in  the  Kirks  matters. 

"  10.  That  such  ministers  as  have  not  wherwith  to  buy  books,  may 
"  have  books  leesed  to  them  by  the  Collector,  and  to  allow  the  prices 
"  therof  in  their  stipend." 

The  articles  wer  subscribed  as  followes  : 
"  William  Harlaw,  Andrew  Simson,  Mathew  Liddell, 

"  Mr.  Adam  Letham,  Mr.  William  Strang,      Thomas  Leightoun, 

"  Patrick  Gillespy,  William  Knox,  Mr.  George  Ramsay, 

"  David  Hume,  John  Spotswood,  Michael  Buncle, 

"  Mr.  Walter  Balcanquell,  David  Lindsay,  Andrew  Simson, 

"  William  Lamb,  Adam  Johnstoun,         John  Clappertoun, 

"  Mr.  Thomas  M'Gie,  Thomas  Daill,  Mr.  James  Carmichael, 

"  William  Sanderson,  Richard  Fleeming,        George  Thomson. 

"  The  Assembly  aproves  and  ratifyes  the  forsaid  articles  as  necessary  and 
"  profitable." 
Remarks  on  Since  the  Convention  at  Leith  about  a  year  ago,  the  ministers  in 

the  variouse  exercises  (which  wer  on  the  matter  presbitrys)  and  synods, 
began  to  fear  incroachments  from  the  nominall  Bishops,  and  even  to  pro- 
vide against  any  hazard  this  way  from  Superintendants,  though  I  do  not 
observe  any  attempts  this  way  made  by  the  Superintendants,  and  the  de- 
signe  of  setting  up  Presbitrys,  now  that  ministers  wer  turning  more  numer- 
ous, was  beginning.     This  synod  of  Lothian,  I  belive,  had  most  minis  - 


tbem. 


MR.    JOHN    S  POTS  WOOD.  91 

ters  in  it,  lying  about  Edinburgh,  and  they  are  making  steps  this  way. 
They  require  a  copy  of  the  Acts  of  Assembly  to  each  exercise  or  meeting 
of  ministers  for  preaching  and  discipline,  the  Assembly  being  the  supreme 
Court,  and  their  Acts  their  rules.  They  would  be  acquainted  with  all 
matters  before  they  come  to  Assemblys,  and  have  time  to  consider  them, 
and  require  that  no  minister  may  be  excluded  the  Assembly  that  can  come, 
and  insinuat  as  if  Church  matters  wer  hudled  over  somtimes  by  a  few. 
This  seems  to  point  at  the  Convention  at  Leith ;  they  require  Superin- 
tendents to  by  [be]  tryed  by  the  Synod,  and  assert  their  power  of  remov- 
ing the  Superintendants  if  they  have  cause,  and  are  carefull  about  a  learned 
ministry.  Mr.  Calderwood,  in  his  printed  History,  gives  us  a  hint  of 
those  Articles  which  I  have  given  at  lenth,  and  observes,  "  That  the 
"  meeting  of  the  bretheren  for  the  exercise  of  prophesying,  had  a  dealing 
"  in  the  affaires  of  the  Kirk,  before  presbitrys  wer  erected." 

In  the  Assembly,  March,  1574,  in  the  seventh  Session  the  Super-     ^e  *itU  the 
intendant  of  Angus,  demitted  his  office  in  the  hands  of  the  Assembly, ,vst.  of  a}e  Su- 

o      '  g  *     penntendants 

and  "  In  like  manners  Mr.  John  Spotswood,  Superintendent  of  Lothian,  dimit  their  of- 

"  dimitted  his  office  in  the  hands  of  the  Assembly  presently  conveened,  0fth°Assembiy! 

"  desiring  them  presently  to  provide  for  another  in  his  room,  that  the  MarcI'>  lo74- 

"  countryes  wherof  he  had  the  oversight,  be  not  destitute  of  a  visiter ; 

"  desiring  the  Assembly  also  to  be  mindfull  of  his  pains  and  travails, 

"  taken  by  him  these  fourteen  years  bygane,  in  overseing  and  visiting  of 

"  of  the  Kirks  from  Stirling  to  Berwick,  and  labour;  in  such  sort  as  he 

"  may  be  paid  of  his  appointed  stipend  yearly,  not  yet  payed,  either  by 

"  payment  of  the  same  whole  together,  or  at  the  least,  that  such  a  portion 

"  be  payed  yearly  to  him,  aye  and  while  his  said  stipend  be  fully  payed. 

"  The  Assembly  promised  to  travel!  with  my  Lord  Regents  Grace,  for 

"  the  performing  of  so  reasonable  request."     Mr.  John  Winram  demitted 

his  office,  purely  and  simpliciter,  at  the  same  time.     These  were  all  the 

Superintendants  we  had  at  this  time  ;  Mr.  Willock  was  gone  to  England, 

Mr.  Kerswall  I  do  not  find  mentioned  for  some  years,  and  probably  he 

was  dead.     Mr.  Calderwood  from  whom  I  take  most  of  thir  things  about 

the  Superintendants,  many  of  them  not  being  in  my  copy  of  the  Records, 

does  not  mention  any  acceptance  of  this  dimission.     They  still  have  the 

title  of  Superintendants  while  they  live.     Mr.  Spotswood  had  too  good  a 


92  MR.   JOHN    SPOTS  WOOD. 

reason,  since,  by  what  is  above,  it  appears  he  had  received  litle  or  none  of 
his  sallary  appointed  to  him.  Whither  now  ther  was  litle  need  of*  Super- 
intendants,  and  they  wer  over  burdened  with  the  work,  or  the  designe  was 
now  forming  (and  sooner  it  was  not  practicable)  of  erecting  Presbitrys, 
which,  for  any  thing  I  can  see,  the  Superintendants  went  frankly  into  ; 
whither,  I  say,  these  wer  the  reasons  of  their  giving  in  their  dimission 
joyntly  at  this  Assembly,  I  know  not.  But  from  this  it  is  plain  enough 
they  had  no  notion  of  any  prelacy  in  their  office ;  and  that  they  con- 
sidered it  merely  as  a  temporary  office,  intrusted  to  them  by  the  Generall 
Assembly,  to  whom  they  wer  alwise  subject  without  reserve,  and  to  whom 
they  resign  their  office,  as  having  received  [it]  from  their  hands.  We 
will  see  that  at  this  time  the  Assembly,  to  prevent  ambition  in  ministers, 
annually  altered  their  Commissioners  and  Visiters. 
Procedure  of  Next  Assembly,  July  the   same  year,   Mr.   Calderwood   observes, 

July,  S8Ta7l'  "  That  the  superintendant  of  Lothian  was  not  compleaned  upon,  howbeit 
about  him.  it  ]ie  ^id  not  visit  the  whole  Kirks,  seing  his  visitation  was  free,  and  upon 
"  his  own  charges."  One  would  guess  from  this  that  the  Assembly  did  not 
accept  of  his  dimission,  and  that  he  continoued  to  visit  some  of  the  Kirks, 
tho  not  all.  In  the  fourth  session  of  that  same  Assembly,  Mr.  Calder- 
wood gives  us  what  the  Assembly  did  as  to  a  new  supplication  he  gave  in  : 
"  Anent  the  supplication  given  in  by  Mr.  John  Spotswood,  Superintendant 
"  of  Lothian,  dimitting  in  the  hands  of  the  Assembly  his  office  of  superin- 
"  tendantry,  as  well  by  reason  of  his  age,  being  now  unable  to  undertake 
"  the  unsupportable  travails  committed  to  him  in  his  office,  as  be  reason 
"  that  since  his  acceptance  therof  by  the  space  of  two  years,  (perhaps  the 
"  word  except  by  the  space  of  two  years  should  be  here,  but  I  set  it  down 
"  as  its  in  Calderwood,)  he  received  no  stipend;  therfor  desiring  some  able 
"  person,  to  take  the  said  cure  upon  him,  that  the  Kirk  be  not  destitute 
"  in  thir  perrilous  times.  The  Generall  Assembly  having  considered  the 
"  said  supplication  ;  seing  the  present  necessity  and  state  of  the  time  in 
"  danger,  and  appearand  perill  effectually  to  succeed,  in  case  the  said  dimis- 
"  sion  wer  received,  brotherly  requested  the  said  Superintendant  in  the 
"  name  of  God  to  continou  in  his  office,  until  the  next  Assembly,  using 
"  such  diligence  therin  as  he  reasonably  may,  without  hurt  and  damage  to 
"  his  person;  and  for  assistance  and  aiding  of  him  in  his  travails,  the  As- 


MR.   JOHNSPOTSWOOD.  93 

"  sembly  hath  appointed  Mr.  David  Lindsay  minister  of  Leith,  or  such 

"  two  as  he  shall  require  within  his  bounds,  who  have  promised  to  con-     P.  u. 

"  curr  with  him.     And  in  the  meantime  the  Assembly  shall  procure,  at 

"  my  Lord  Regents  Grace,  provision  to  be  made  to  him,  and  others  of 

"  the  like  vocation  and  charge  within  the  Kirk,  for  their  stipend.?' 

At  the  next  Assembly,  March,  1575,  Mr.  Lawson,  minister  at  Edin-  m^'""^- 
burgh,  is  appointed  to  joyn  with  him.  "  The  bretheren  having  consider- 
"  ation  that  their  brother  Mr.  John  Spotswood,  Superintendant  in  Lothian, 
"  is  become  sickly  and  not  altogether  able  in  his  own  person  presently 
"  to  visit  the  whole  bounds  alloted  to  him  in  commission,  and  understand- 
"  ing  that  their  brother  Mr.  James  Lawson  is  purposed  to  pass  throu 
"  the  country  and  visit  the  said  bounds,  have  thought  meet  and  ordeaned 
"  the  said  Mr.  James  to  support  and  aid  the  said  Mr.  John,  in  his  office 
"  of  visitation,  and  to  make  such  supply  to  him  therin,  as  goodly  he  may 
"  till  the  next  Assembly." 

Next   Assembly  I  find  nothing;  about  him  ;  but  at  the  following,     Assembly, 

- , !  ,  -  «       .  rrn       c  •  Z  n  t       ■,  ■  i  i  March,  1576. 

March,  157o,  "  I  lie  Superintendant  of  Lothian  was  removed,  and  com- 
"  pleaned  upon  for  rare  visitations,  notwithstanding  he  had  an  Act  of 
"  Assembly  for  concurrence  and  assistance  of  such  whom  he  would  re- 
"  quire  ;  next  that  he  had  initiat  the  Bishop  of  Ross  in  the  Abbay  of 
"  Hallyroodhouse,  being  admonished  of  the  bretheren  not  to  do  it.  He 
"  answered  that  he  had  travailed  in  visitation  till  January,  and  since  he 
"  hath  been  sick,  and  that  he  could  not  charge  any  of  the  bretheren  be- 
"  cause  of  the  evil  weather.  To  the  second  he  grants  his  fault."  This 
Bishop  of  Ross  was  among  the  last  of  the  Tulchan  Bishops  which  the 
Earle  of  Mortoun  put  in,  and  the  Superintendant  was,  it  seems,  put  on 
by  the  Regent  and  courtiers  to  admitt  him,  and  the  Assembly,  after  they  had 
declared  against  Bishops,  could  not  but  take  the  old  mans  easines  amiss. 
However,  he  owns  his  failour  in  it  :  at  this  Assembly,  that  same  Bishop  is 
made  Commissioner  for  Ross,  and  appointed  with  all  the  rest  of  the 
Bishops  to  betake  himself  to  a  particular  charge,  and  severall  persons  are 
named  by  the  Assembly  to  joyn  with  the  Superintendants  in  visiting. 

For  two  or  three  years  before  and  after  this,  I  find  Mr.  Spotswood  i5^^£bly8' 
seldome  engaged  in  the  bussines  of  the  Assembly.     Their  time  was  mostly 
spent  on  the  Book  of  Discipline,  and  I  do  not  observe  him  among  the 


94  MR.    JOHNSPOTSWOOD. 

framers  of  it.  However,  he  is  continoued  still  a  visiter,  joyntly  with  others, 
of  Kirks.  In  the  Assembly,  March,  1578,  he  is  appointed  to  visit  between 
Stirling  and  the  Watter  of  Leith.  In  the  Assembly,  October  20,  1580,  he 
is  accused,  he  had  not  resorted  to  the  Assembly  which  mett  last  at  Dundee ; 
his  answer  was,  he  was  under  sicknes,  and  that  he  had  not  visited  since 
the  last  Assembly ;  this  he  excused  for  shortnes  of  time,  and  that  he  had 
4  See  Note  d.  visited  on  his  own  charges  now  these  nyne  years.4 

1583.  Presbitrys  being  now  soon  erected,  I  find  no  more  nottice  taken  of 

him  till  the  year  1583,  at  the  Assembly  in  October.  Among  the  articles 
given  in  by  the  Synod  of  Lothian  to  the  Assembly,  this  is  one  :  "  They 
"  crave  that  the  Assembly  take  order  with  Mr.  John  Spotswood,  for 
"  setting  the  tack  of  his  benefice  without  the  consent  of  the  Assembly. 
"  The  Assembly  answered,  that  this  particular  ought  to  be  tryed  in  his 
"  own  Presbytry,  and  the  tryall  may  be  reported  to  the  next  Assembly." 
We  had  no  more  Generall  Assemblys  while  he  lived.  The  dark  cloud 
came  on  when  the  Ministers  most  faithful]  wer  bannished,  and  Mr.  Patrick 
Adamson  managed  all,  as  we  will  see  in  the  following  lives ;  I  find  not 
him  mentioned  in  this  dark  period  ;  he  was  now  old  and  infirm. 
P  15  His  son  the  Bishop  tells  us,  that  "  During  the  two  last  years  of  his 

His  son  pre-  «  \{fe   anti  m  his  i^  dayes,  when  he  saw  the  Ministers  take  such  liberty 

tends  he  chang-  m  J  #  .  .         ,         >-,-, 

ed  bis  opinion  as  "  as  they  did,  and  heard  of  the  disorders  raised  in  the  Church,  throu 
the  yea?s,"i5&l  "  that  confused  parity  which  men  laboured  to  introduce,  as  likewise  the 
and  5.     With  <<  irritations  the  king  received  bv  a  sect  of  foolish  preachers:  he  lamented 

remarks  on  this,  o  J  L 

i  hope  ground- "  extremly  the  case  of  the  Church  to  those  that  came  to  visit  him,  who 
"  wer  not  a  few,  and  that  of  the  better  sort,  and  continually  fortold  that 
"  the  Ministers  by  their  follies  would  bring  religion  in  hazard,  and,  as 
"  he  feared,  provock  the  King  to  forsake  the  truth  ;  and  therfor  wished 
"  some  to  be  appointed  over  them  to  keep  them  in  awe,  for  the  Doctrine, 
"  said  he,  which  we  profess  is  good,  but  the  old  policy  was  undoubtedly 
"  the  better  ;  God  is  my  witnes  ;"  and  the  Bishop  appeals  to  many  who 
heard  him  say  so.  Thus  the  Bishop  makes  his  father  a  changling  at  his 
death,  and  to  preferr  the  Popish  disciplin  to  that  which  he  had  continoued 
firm  to,  since  the  Reformation.  He  puts  in  his  mouth  the  words  of  the 
last  Popish  Bishop  of  St.  Andrews  to  Mr.  Knox,  as  he  himself  relates 
them,  and  makes  up  a  peice  of  satyre  against  the  present  Ministers,  as  to 


MR.   JOHN    SPOTS  WOOD.  95 

their  foolish  sermons,  and  other  things  which  will  be  fully  confuted  in 
the  following  lives,  Mr.  Andrew  Melvils  and  others  ;  and  palmes  it  on 
his  father.  We  could  scarce  expect  but  the  Bishop  would  stretch  himself 
to  the  outmost,  to  bring  his  parent,  who  was  directly  opposit  to  him  in 
his  whole  practise  through  his  life,  to  come  as  near  him  ere  he  dyed  as 
might  be.  Indeed  the  Superintendant  till  the  year  1584,  practised  that 
parity,  which  the  Bishop  falsely  insinuats,  was  endeavoured  to  be  intro- 
duced by  the  Ministers  about  this  time  ;  since  it  was  palpably  the  consti- 
tution and  practise  of  this  Church  all  his  fathers  time.  When  this  change 
came,  if  we  shall  take  it  on  his  sons  word,  he  seems  to  have  been  much 
confined  to  his  house,  and  it  was  in  the  unhappy  years,  15S1-5,  when,  it 
may  be,  things  wer  misrepresented  to  the  old  man,  so  that  I  cannot  say 
the  Bishop  has  laid  the  scene  of  this  story  very  well. 

Be  that  as  it  will,  He  agree  with  the  Bishop  in  what  followes  of  his  „His   deatl1' 

,  .  Dec.  5,    1585. 

father  :  "  his  happy  life  was  crowned  with  a  blessed  death,  which  happened  His  marriage 
"  the  5th  of  December,  15S5,  in  the  76  year  of  his  age,"  neither  have  we  a"  po5te"ty" 
any  ground  to  question  what  the  Editor  of  the  Bishops  life  sayes,  that 
the  Superintendant  was  married  to  Beatrix  Creighton,  a  grave  and  discreet 
matron,  daugh[ter]  to  the  Laird  of  Lugtoun,  an  ancient  Barron  of  Scot- 
land. By  her  he  had  the  Bishop,  born  in  the  1565  ;  in  his  youth,  as  we 
shall  hear,  pretty  warm  and  zealous  in  the  cause  of  the  Ministers,  with 
whom  the  King  was  much  displeased ;  and  so,  tho  he  was  aboutSOyears  [old,] 
he  has  either  not  heard  his  father  declare  himself  against  them,  or  forgot- 
ten it  for  some  time,  when  prospect  of  preferrment,  or  a  different  light, 
made  young  Mr.  Spotswood  change  hands. 

Besides  the  Archbishop,  the  Superintendant,  as  Mr.  Crauford  in  the 
Archbishop's  life  informs  us,  had  two  other  children,  Doctor  James 
Spotswood,  who  being  bred  a  scholar,  and  taken  nottice  of  for  a  youth  of 
fine  parts,  came  to  be  one  of  the  King's  Chaiplains*  before  he  left  Scotland 
(I  suppose  Mr.  Crawford  means  Minister  to  the  King's  house,  for  I  find 
no  mention  of  King's  Chaplains  in  the  modern  sense  in  Scotland  so  early 

*  This  is  very  doubtful.  James  Spottiswood  was  Gentleman  Usher  to  James  VI., 
but  does  not  seem  to  have  entered  into  holy  orders  till  after  the  King  ascended  the 
English  throne.  Briefe  Memoriall  of  the  Lyfe  and  Death  of  Doctor  James  Spottis- 
wood.    pp.  2,  4. 


96  MR.   JOHN    SPOTS  WOOD. 

as  this,  but  how  this  agrees  with  his  taking  orders  afterwards,  without  the 
supposition  of  reordination,  which  was  scarce  insisted  on  so  early,  I  cannot 
say.)  He  waited  on  his  Majesty  into  England,  at  his  first  entrance  into 
that  realme,  and  taking  orders  in  that  Church,  he  was  the  same  year, 
1603,  preferred  to  the  Rectory  of  Wells  in  the  Dioces  of  Norwich,  and 
after  that  promoted  to  the  Bishoprick  of  Clogher  in  Ireland,  and  was 
consecrat  at  Drocheda,  1(321  ;  wher  he  sat  till  he  was  frightened  thence 
into  England  by  the  horride  rebellion,  1641,  wher  he  dyed,  March,  1644, 
and  was  interred  in  Westminster  Abbay  near  his  brother  the  Archbishop. 
The  Superintendant  had  likewise  a  daughter,  who  was  marryed  to 
Tennant  of  Lynehouse. 
His  charac-  'pjjg  Superintendants  character  I  shall  give  from  his  own  son,  who  I 

ter  from  his  son,  *■  t  ° 

hope  has  said  nothing  as  to  this,  but  the  truth.  "  That  by  the  space  of 
"  20  years  that  he  was  Superintendant,  he  governed  most  wisely,  his  care 
"  in  teaching,  planting  of  Churches,  reducing  people  and  persons  of  all 
"  sorts  into  the  right  way  (witnes  his  admonition  above  which  the  Bishop 
"  overlooks,)  was  great,  and  so  succesfull  that  within  the  bounds  of  his 
p.  16.  "  charge,  none  was  found  refractory  from  the  Religion  professed.  He 
"  was  a  man  well  esteemed  for  his  piety  and  wisdom  ;  loving  and  beloved 
"  of  all  persons,  charitable  to  the  poor,  and  careful]  above  all  things  to 
"  give  no  man  offence." 
Mr.  J.  Row,  I   shall  conclude  his  character  with  Mr.  John  Rows  words  in  his 

ms.S  b°r>'  history,  whose  father,  from  whose  papers  he  compiled  his  history,  was  his 
contemporary,  and  very  much  engaged  with  him  in  the  affairs  of  the 
Church.  In  his  MS.  history  when  he  gives  some  account  of  those  who 
witnessed  for  the  truth,  against  the  hierarchy  of  prelacy,  he  sayes,  "  I 
"  will  more  particularly  speak  of  Mr.  John  Spotswood,  father  to  the  Bishop  ; 
"  he  would  never  have  consented  that  his  son  should  have  embraced  such 
"  an  office  and  unlawful!  calling,  as  is  evident  by  his  wise,  grave,  and  holy 
"  answer  to  Mr.  Knox,  March  9,  1561,  as  is  conteaned  in  our  publick 
"  directory,  set  down  in  print  before  our  old  Psalme  Book,  to  direct 
"  Presbitrys  how  to  cary  at  the  admission  of  Ministers,  I  acknowledge 
"  myself  &c."  as  it  stands  before  in  his  life. 


COLLECTIONS 


AS  TO  THE 


LIFE  OF  MR.  JOHN  WILLOCK, 

MINISTER  SOMETIME  AT  EDINBURGH,  AND  SUPERINTENDANT 
OF  THE  WEST. 


COLLECTIONS 


LIFE  OF  MR.  JOHN  WILLOCK, 


MINISTER  SOMETIME  AT  EDINBURGH,  AND  SUPERINTENDANT  OF  THE  WEST. 


When  I  am  endeavouring  to  recover  what  can  be  got  at  the  distance  of  Jan.  11, 1726. 

0  °  Reasons  of  wri- 

near  two  hundred  years,  concerning  the  lives  of  such  whom  God  honoured  ting  Mr.  wu- 
to  be  instruments  of  our  Reformation  from  Popery,  it  wer  a  fault  alto- 
gether to  overlook  Mr.  Willock,  Willocks,  or  "Willox,  for  so  I  find  his 
name  variously  written,  tho  indeed  far  less  offers  as  to  him  than  seve- 
rall  other  worthys  of  this  period  ;  some  hints  concerning  him  the  reader 
will  find  in  Mr.  Knoxes  Life,  and  his  frequent  removes,  and,  as  I  take  it, 
his  spending  the  most  of  his  advanced  years  in  England,  have  deprived 
us  of  these  nottices  we  might  otherwise  [have]  had  of  his  labours  and  use- 
fulness. He  was  a  person  of  very  considerable  learning,  of  great  wisdome, 
prudence  and  gravity,  and  singular  piety.  Various  and  different  wer  the 
gifts  and  graces  the  Lord  vouchafed  upon  his  servants  at  this  remarkable 
period,  and  a  happy  temperature  and  mixture  appeared  in  the  few  hands 
Providence  imployed  at  the  Reformation ;  the  different  dispensations  of 
the  same  God,  Lord  and  one  Spirit,  wrought  beautifully  together  in  vari- 
ouse  persons,  for  promoting  the  great  work  now  on  the  wheel,  and  raising 
up  a  Church,  and  edifying  the   Saints.      Mr.    Knoxes  holy  zeal,  and 


100  MR.   JOHN    WILLOCK. 

unparaleled  boldnes,  joyned  with  Mr.  Willock's  wisdom  and  prudence,  not 
to  go  throw  the  characters  of  others  now  raised  up,  wer  equally  necessary, 
and  singularly  usefull  at  this  juncture, 
who  was  a  j  wan(-  the  materialls  necessary  to  give  any  regular  exact  account  of  this 

Franciscan  J         ~  . 

Freir,  at  Air,  good  man's  life,  and  its  but  a  few  scattered  nottices  that  I  am  now  to  give,  of 

and     after     he  •         i  •  t  •   i     •  IT.  !_■    i_        -n 

had  received  the  some  passages  concerning  him,  1  meet  with  in  our  Historians,  which  will 
t^Txlmli6,  ne°dfaff°r^  some  view  or"  mm-  Nothing  offers  as  to  his  parentage,  or  educa- 
te-     England,  t  jon_     jt  js  probable  he  was  born  in  the  shire  of  Air,  and  Bishop  Spotswood 

where    he    was  x  .  . 

nrdeaned,   and  tells  us  he  was  a  Franciscan  Freir,  in  the  town  of  Air  ;  any  thing  of  know- 

Embden.  *  °  ledge  that  was  in  these  dark  times,  was  among  the  Freirs,  monks,  and 
clergy,  tho  indeed  the  most  part  by  far,  deteaned  the  knowledge  they  had 
in  unrightiousnes,  and  wer  the  very  ofscourings  of  the  earth,  and  overrun 
with  all  manner  of  wickednes ;  yet  some  of  them  for  whom  the  Lord  had 
service  in  view,  wer  pitched  upon  as  the  most  proper  instruments,  when 
by  his  grace  enlightned,  to  discover  the  corruptions  of  their  societys,  and 
the  abominations  of  Popery.  Of  this  number  Mr.  Willock  was,  and  very 
early  he  came  to  discover  the  errors  of  Popery,  we  may  suppose,  by  the 
fair  confessions  of  the  truth,  and  constant  sufferings  of  the  martyrs  under 
bloody  Cardinal]  Beatons  managment ;  and  in  particular  by  the  doctrine 
of  that  extraordinary  man  and  martyr,  Mr.  George  Wisheart,  who  was 
pretty  much  in  Kyle  and  Airshire.  The  terrible  severitys  of  the  Popish 
party  drove  Mr.  Willock,  and  many  others  who  began  to  have  their  eyes 
opened,  to  England,  and  ther  under  the  happy  reigne  of  Edward  the  Sixt, 
he  enjoyed  shelter,  and  came  more  and  more  to  grow  in  the  knowledge  of 
the  truth  as  its  in  Jesus.  I  suppose  that  in  England  he  was  taken  nottice 
of  for  his  love  to  and  knowledge  of  the  truth,  and,  in  the  scarcity  of  teachers 

1  .See  Note  a.  at  that  time,  pitched  on  and  ordeaned  to  the  ministry.1  When  Queen 
Mary  ascended  the  throne,  and  began  to  discover  her  truly  Popish,  that 
is,  persecuting  spirit,  Mr.  Willock,  with  many  others,  left  England  and 
fled  to  Embden  in  Freisland,  a  great  sanctuary  then,  and  since,  to  perse- 
cuted protestants. 

Emd™  to  sc™  Mr-  Willock's  genius  led  him  to  the  study  of  medicine,  and  his  learn. 

land,       1554,  in<r  enabled  him  to  read  what  was  then  writt  on  that  subject,  as  a  by-work 

[1555.1  ' 

and  change  of  studyes.     Now  hi  his  exile  state,  this  was  of  use  to  him, 
and  at  Embden  he  professed  physick,  and  lived  by  the  practice  of  it.     This 


MR.    JOHN   WIL LOCK.  101 

also  brot  him  into  acquaintance  with  persons  of  distinction,  particularly  he 
was  imployed  by  Ann,  Countes  of  Freisland,  then  a  widow.  She  sent 
him  over  to  Scotland  with  a  commission  to  the  Queen  Regent,  in  the  year 
1554  [1555.]  He  had  a  singular  love  to  his  native  country,  whence  he  had 
been  driven  for  some  years,  but  a  greater  to  the  interests  of  religion  and  the 
now  dawning  Reformation  in  it.  These  made  him  greedily  embrace  this 
opportunity  of  visiting  his  friends  at  home,  and  knowing  how  matters  wer 
going  in  Scotland,  when  all  was  wrong  as  to  religion  in  England. 

His  commission  from  the  Countes  gave  him  much  more  liberty  than  with  ^"Vp^s 
otherwise  he  could  have  had  ;  and  he  continoued  for  some  time  at  Edin- fessors  at  Edin- 
burgh. The  Queen  Regent  had  lately  got  the  goverment  in  her  hands, 
and  was  intirely  managed  by  the  Guisians  and  Popish  Clergy  ;  yet  upon 
the  violent  storm  in  England,  many  came  down  to  Scotland  for  a  refuge, 
wher  matters  wer  not  carried  so  violently,  because  softnes  was  necessary 
to  carry  on  the  now  favourit  project  of  subjecting  this  kingdom  to  France, 
and  making  us  a  province  to  it,  with  the  professors  who  came  from 
England,  and  not  a  few  who  favoured  Reformation  in  Scotland  since  Mr. 
Hamiltoun  and  Wisheart's  martyrdome,  and  the  permission  of  the  reading 
the  Scriptures  in  English  by  Act  of  Parliament ;  Mr.  Willocks  keeped 
company,  and  encouraged  and  comforted  them,  and  with  Mr.  Harlaw 
somtimes  preached  to  them  in  secret.  Mr.  Knox  speaking  of  him  this 
year,  calls  him  that  iwtiable  man,  and  Mr.  Calderwood  in  his  MS.  gives 
him  the  epithets  of  grave  and  learned. 

The  return  of  his  commission  to  the  Countes  of  Freisland  did  not  Bi^e0ma's  o™ 
allow  him  to  continow  long  in  Scotland  this  year  ;  accordingly  he  went  wood. 
back  to  Embden  and  delivered  the  Queen  Regents  answer.     Spotswood 
tells  us  he  returned  next  year,  1555,  with  comendatory  letters  from  the 
Countes  to  the  Queen  Regent,  and  made  his  stay  in  Edinburgh,  wher, 
notwithstanding  he  was  sick  for  severall  moneths,  he  ceased  not  to  instruct 
and  exort  such  as  came  to  him,  who  wer  neither  few  nor  of  the  meaner 
sort.     Mr.  Knox  and  Calderwood  place  this  second  return  three  year 
dounward,  and  I  am  ready  to  think  the  Bishop  has  mistaken  the  date, 
because  I  find  no  mention  of  Mr.  Willock,  till  after  Mr.  Walter  Mill  his 
death,  and  it  is  scarce  to  be  supposed,  had  he  continoued  in  Scotland  from     p.  3. 
the  1555  to  the  1558,  but  we  would  have  heard  of  him,  and  the  Popish 


^'.l»!l!AIO 


102  MR.   JOHN   WILLOCK. 

clergy  would  have  been  at  him.  Besides,  in  thir  matters  of  dates  and 
facts,  every  one  must  own  Mr.  Knox  who  lived  in  the  time,  and  wrot  from 
the  records  that  wer  then  keeped,  and  could  have  no  byass  in  this  case  to 
alter  dates,  must  be  of  greater  authority  then  the  Bishop,  who  wrot  50  or 
60  years  after. 
Mr.  wuiock  We  may  then  take  it  for  granted  that  Mr.  Willock  returned  from 

returns  to  Scot-  t-,      -.    -,  *  -,..-,  .  ...« 

land,  1558,  and  i^mbclen  the  second  time,  in  the  spring  or  beginning  or  summer,  1558. 
\ll" S  Doueias"  I  tl0llbt  not  but  besides  his  practise  in  medicine,  he  preached  somtimes 
and   Methren,  to  aiie  English  congregation  of  exiles  who  set  up  in  that  citv  ;  but  such 

with  the  Lords  .  t    »       ,  . 

of  the  Congre-  was  his  regard  for  his  country,  that  as  soon  as  any  dore  was  opened,  he 
came  home,  probably  at  the  invitation  of  the  congregation,  lately  tyed 
together  in  a  solemn  covenant  to  the  Lord,  and  one  another  in  him,  as 
may  be  seen  in  Mr.  Knox  Life.  Walter  Mill's  martyrdome  in  Aprile, 
had  brot  the  now  declining  interests  of  Popery  lower  than  ever,  and  the 
Bishops  and  Popish  clergy  began  generally  to  be  abhorred  by  all  sorts  of 
persons.  The  few  preachers,  who,  since  Mr.  Knox  had  been  forced  to  fly 
back  to  Geneva,  remained  lurking  in  Scotland  as  they  best  might,  came 
forth  at  the  earnest  desire  of  the  nobility,  barrons,  and  people,  whose  eyes 
the  Lord  had  opened,  and  preached  pretty  openly,  according  to  the  reso- 
lutions taken  by  the  congregation  or  church  which  are  narrated  in  Mr. 
Knoxes  Life.  We  have  only  three  of  their  names  preserved,  though  Mr. 
Calderwood  observes  ther  wer  several!  others  that  preached  in  Angus  and 
Merns,  among  whom,  no  doubt,  John  Eriskine  of  Dun  was  the  cheife. 
William  Harlaw,  who  had  entered  to  orders  in  England,  and  was,  after 
the  Reformation,  first  Minister  of  Saint  Cuthbert's,  now  the  West  Kirk, 
Edinburgh,  he  preached  in  Edinburgh.  Mr.  John  Douglas  alias  Grant, 
who  had  been  harboured  by  the  noble  family  of  Argyle,  preached  publickly 
at  Leith,  and  Paul  Meffen  at  Dundee.  Mr.  Knox  observes  it  as  a  kind 
step  of  Providence,  that  at  this  time  Mr.  Willock  came  over  from  Embden. 
His  return  at  this  juncture  was  extremly  encouraging  to  the  professors, 
and  their  zeal  and  courage  was  animated  ;  he  was  much  superior  in  learning 
and  abilitys  to  the  other  three,  and  the  Lords  of  the  congregation  depended 
*  much  upon  his  experience  and  wisdom. 
Fails  sick,  To  teach  the  Professors,  an  intire  dependance  upon  Providence,  and 

Mis'  hou"1" ™nd  tne  difficult  lesson  of  overlooking  instruments,  be  they  never  so  usefull,  as 


MR.   JOHN    WILLOCK.  103 

well  as  to  ripen  and  widen  his  servant  for  further  and  greater  services,  it  Ed^bu"gh> 
pleased  the  Lord,  soon  after  Mr.  AVillocks  return  to  Scotland  to  visit  him 
with  a  heavy  and  dangerous  sicknes,  which  for  some  moneths  confyned  him 
to  his  house  and  bed  at  Edinburgh,  yet  such  was  the  greedy  appetite  now 
prevailing  after  the  sincere  milk  of  the  word,  and  the  unwearied  diligence 
of  Mr.  Willock,  that  every  day  he  taught  and  exorted  great  multitudes  of 
nobility,  barrons,  and  others  who  came  to  hear  him,  in  his  room,  yea  from 
his  bed,  when  he  was  not  able  to  rise.  These  sermons  of  his  did  much 
good,  and  the  meetings  of  the  Lords  and  other  professors  this  summer  wer 
generally  in  his  house,  till  he  was  able  to  go  abroad  again.  p-  4- 

At  these  meetings  it  was  seriously  considered  what  was  their  present  of  ^"LordlTr 
and  proper  duty-     The  corruptions  of  Popery  now  began  to  be  seen  by  'he   Congrega- 
i-i  ,      t        i  it.  n  i  i  -i        tion    »'"•   Ml- 

multitudes  ;  the  Lords  and  .Barrons  oi  the  congregation  wer  determined  to  wuiock. 

preserve  and  defend  any  thing  of  the  Gospell,  God  in  his  good  providence 
had  sent  to  them,  and  not  to  joyn  in  the  Idolatry  of  Popery.  But  then, 
they  saw  it  lying  on  them,  in  their  different  stations  and  capacitys,  in  a 
regular  and  orderly  way,  to  do  what  in  them  lay,  to  put  a  stop  to  sin,  and 
open  idolatry,  and,  at  least,  humbly  to  crave  a  reformation  of  the  open 
and  plain  corruptions  then  rampant,  from  those  whose  duty  it  was  in  the 
first  room,  to  reform  abuses  that  wer  so  plain  and  palpable.  Mr.  Willocks 
prudence,  experience,  and  knowledge  of  what  had  been  done,  and  was  at 
present  adoing  in  other  nations,  was  of  great  use  to  them,  at  this  extraor- 
dinary juncture  ;  and  it  was  unanimously  agreed  to  attempt  nothing,  for 
a  more  publick  reformation,  till  they  humbly  supplicat  the  Regent  and 
Council:  accordingly,  the  old  Laird  of  Calder  was  pitched  upon,  and  by 
him  an  application  was  made,  tho,  in  a  great  measure,  without  effect,  as 
hath  been  already  observed  upon  Mr.  Knoxes  Life. 

Instead  of  any  just  redress  of  their  greivances,  and  equitable  answers,     Ml-  WiUo,:k 

J  •>  a  *  and  the  rest  ot 

they  met  with  nothing  but  shifts  and  dissimulation.      Their  ministers  the    ministers 
wer  cited  to  appear  before  the  Bishops,  and  when  the  professors  and  g"™,™  j'uiy  )<j, 
congregation  found  it  their  duty  to  appear  in  defence  of  their  preachers,  1go8- 
and  make  a  joynt  confession  of  the  truth  with  them,  the  Clergy,  frighted 
with  their  numbers,  deserted  the  diet,  and  the  preachers  wer  sumoned  to 
appear  before  the  Regent  and  Council.     There  seems  to  me  some  con- 
fusion in  our  printed  historians,  as  to  the  particular  dates  of  things  this 


104  MR.    JOHN    WILLOCK. 

year,  and  so  perhaps  some  of  their  summons  may  have  been  before  their 
application  to  the  Regent  and  Council.  But  that  is  a  matter  of  no  great 
consequence.  Buchanan  mentions  only  the  citation  of  Paul  Meffan,  July 
19,  155S,  but  I  have  little  doubt,  but  Mr.  Willock  and  the  other 
ministers,  as  Knox  and  Calderwood  observes,  wer  joyntly  troubled  by  them. 
The      dyet  it  ]lac|  stoocl  hard  with  Mr.  Willocks  and  his  bretheren,  who  wer 

deserted  by  tiie 

West  Country  ready  to  have  compeared  according  to  their  citation,  had  not  the  Gentlmen 
ticTia^y'Gaih-  m  the  West,  favourers  of  the  Reformation,  come  providentially  to  Edin- 
girths  bold  in-  Durgh  .   wnen,  unknouen  to  them,  the  rest  of  the  professors,  had  been, 

terposition  with  ~      '  r  '  ' 

the  Regent,  by  proclamation,  ordered  to  leave  the  town,  that  so  the  ministers  might 
be  alone  in  their  appearance.  When  the  West  Country  Gentlmen  found 
how  matters  wer  like  to  go,  resolutely  in  a  body  they  went  to  the  Regent, 
with  whom  the  Bishopes  hapened  to  be.  What  passed,  the  reader  will 
find  in  all  its  circumstances  in  Knox  History  and  Spotswood,  who  has 
some  useles  inuendos  upon  Gathgirths  zealous  and  bold  appearance  in 
this  choak.  In  short,  the  Gentlmen  complained  of  the  hardships  in  the 
p.  5.  proclamation,  impetrat  by  the  Bishops,  especially  as  to  themselfs,  who  had 

been  hazarding  their  lives  in  publick  service ;  when  the  crafty  Regent  began 
to  excuse  herself,  and  smooth  matters  over  with  fair  words,  James  Chalmers 
of  Gathgirth,  a  plain  zealous  professor,  cut  her  short,  and  said,  "  Madam 
"  we  know  its  the  malice  and  device  of  these  jaivells,  and  of  that  bastard, 
"  meaning  Hamiltoun,  Archbishop  of  Saint  Andrews,  that  standeth  by 
"  you  ;  but  we  vow  to  God  we  shall  make  a  day  of  it.  They  oppress  us 
"  and  our  tennants  to  feed  their  idle  bellies,  they  trouble  our  preachers, 
"  and  would  murder  them  and  us  !  Shall  we  suffer  this  any  longer  ?  No  ! 
"  Madam  it  shall  not  be !"  and  at  this,  put  on  his  steel  bonnet,  in  which 
all  the  company  followed  him.  The  Regent,  cut  out  for  such  a  choak  as 
this,  soon  calmed  the  Gentlmen,  and  preserved  the  Bishops  bacon,  by 
professing  she  knew  not  of  the  proclamation  discharging  them  to  be  in 
Edinburgh,  requiring  the  Bishops  to  forbear  medling  with  them  or  their 
preachers,  and  promising  to  take  up  the  contest  her  self,  and  that  she 
would  not  suffer  the  Bishops  to  wrong  them.  The  Gentlmen  soon 
departed  ;  and  had  it  not  been  for  this  rudenes,  as  Spotswood  calls  it, 
very  great  confusions  had  ensued  by  the  severity  of  the  prelates,  and 
probably  much  blood. 


MR.    JOHN    WIL  LOCK.  105 

In  short,  till  Mr.   Knoxes  arrivall,  in  May  next  year,  1559,  Mr.  JJ£rfig* 
Willock  was  the  minister  cheifly  advised  with,  in  this  great  change,  and  lay    on     Mr. 
was  by  his  wise  conduct  very  helpfull  to  the  Earle  of  Argyle  and  Lord  Ml!  £„„'„.  arr'i- 
James  Stouart,  who  wer  but  very  young  at  this  time ;  and  I  shall  not Tal- 
repet  here,  the  cautious  warry  steps  taken  in  the  progress  of  our  reforma- 
tion from  Popery.     Notwithstanding  the  outcrys  of  prelatick  writters  of 
irregularity,  mobs  and  rebellion,  every  body  who  sedately  ponders  the 
steps  taken  from  the  1558  to  the  1560,  will  find  ground  to  observe  a  very 
peculiar  conduct,  and  as  much  regularity  and  order  as  the  circumstances  and 
times  could  allow  of;  after  Mr.  Knox  coming,  indeed,  the  great  burden  of 
publick  affairs  lay  upon  him,  but  Mr.  Willock  continoued  extremly  usefull, 
and  ther  was  the  greatest  freindship  and  famili[ari]ty  betwixt  them. 

Next  year  when  the  Reformation  had  made  great  progress,  and  the       }}?.  '"  le[l 

J  o  r      o  '  at    Edinburgh, 

Lords  of  the  Congregation  had  come  to  Edinburgh,  and  the  Queen  July.  '559, 
Regent  retired  to  Dumbar,  and  Mr.  Knox  had  been  chosen  minister  of  and  Mr.  Knox 
Edinburgh  and  preached  ther  somtime,  a  suddain  turn  of  affairs  fell  in,  JfJ"'ed  t0  s"r" 
as  our  printed  historians  have  it  at  full  lenth,  and  the  Lords  favouring 
the  Reformation,  wer  oblidged  by  the  treaty  at  the  Links  of  Leith,  July 
24,  1559,  to  leave  Edinburgh  ;  they  found  it  necessary  to  take  Mr.  Knox 
with  them  to  Stirling,  and  Mr.  Willock  was  by  common  consent  left  at 
Edinburgh,  for  the  comfort  and  confirmation  of  the  Church  so  lately 
erected  ther.  This  was  a  post  of  honnour,  but  of  great  hazard  and  diffi- 
culty, wher  he  had  a  publick  scene  for  exercising  his  prudence,  zeal,  and 
great  abilitys,  the  Lord  had  blessed  him  with.  The  one  half  of  the 
French  souldiers  now  in  the  country  wer  lodged  in  Leith,  and  the  other  in 
the  Cannongate,  and  the  Queen  Regent  and  her  train  remained  in  the 
Abbay.  Tho  such  neighbours  wer  not  very  desirable,  yet  Mr. 
Willock,  on  the  first  proposall  of  his  venturing  to  stay  in  Edinburgh 
and  keeping  posession  of  the  great  Church,  lest  for  want  of  a  minister, 
Idolatry  should  be  reerected,  went  frankly  into  it ;  making  it  appear  that 
generously  and  christianly  he  preferred  the  comfort  of  his  Bretheren, 
and  continouance  of  the  Church  there,  to  his  own  life,  which  he  counted 
not  dear  to  him  if  so  he  might  finish  his  course  with  joy,  and  the  ministry  P.  6. 
committed  to  him. 

Mr.  Willock's  circumstances,  and  his  cautious  boldnes  in  so  difficult     Mr.  wniock 

o 


106  MR.    JOHN    WILLOCK. 

p.eaci.«  h,  the  a  juncture,  ought  to  be  notticed,  and  I  give  it  from  Mr.  Calderwood's  MS. 
great  Church  at  '^xt  dav  after  the  Lords  of  the  Congregation,  and  all  the  Protestants 

r.ilinburyh.  J  do 

with  them,  save  the  inhabitants  of  Edinburgh,  who  by  the  treaty  wer 
allowed  to  stay  and  posess  what  they  had,  at  the  date  of  the  treaty,  [had 
departed  from  the  town,]  Mr.  Willock  preached  to  a  very  great  audi- 
tory, in  the  great  church,  commonly  called  that  of  Saint  Giels.  In 
his  sermon,  he  fervently  exorted  the  bretheren  to  stand  fast  in  the  truth 
they  had  professed  and  embraced,  whatever  hazard  and  loss  they  might 
therby  be  exposed  to.  The  Duke  of  Chatlherault  and  others,  who 
joyned  with  the  Queen  Regent  against  the  Lords  of  the  Congregation, 
wer  his  hearers  that  day,  and  for  some  dayes  after.  This  open  liberty 
of  preaching,  and  the  public  resort  of  persons  of  the  first  rank  to  it,  was 
very  graveling  to  the  Queen  Regent  and  the  popish  Clergy  ;  therfor  all 
means  wer  taken  to  stop  the  Dukes  going  to  hear  Mr.  Willock,  and  he 
was  told  he  would  be  reputed  one  of  the  congregation,  if  he  attended 
upon  their  Sermons. 
He  and  the  Next  the  Queen  Regent  and  her  popish  managers  sent  up  three 

professors      re-  ,  &  .  /.  -r.  t    i  i  .    . 

fuse  the  Queen  commissioners  to  the  professors  in  the  toun  of  Edinburgh,  requiring  them 
saiTtohave'tibe to  allow  the  mass  to  be  set  up  again  in  St.  Geils  Kirk,  promising  that 
mass  there.  every  body  should  be  left  at  liberty  to  chuse  which  of  the  two  Religions 
they  pleased,  alledging  this  was  the  meaning  of  that  clause  they  pretended 
was  in  the  treaty  at  Leith,  that  the  town  of  Edinburgh  should  choice  what 
Religion  they  pleased  ;  this  was  a  mere  fetch,  and  the  part  of  the  pacifi- 
cation pointed  at  was  plainly  designed  for  the  behove  of  the  Reformation, 
and  the  churches  already  in  the  Protestants  hands  secured  to  them.  The 
messengers  wer  the  Duke,  the  Earle  of  Huntly,  and  Lord  Seaton,  Provest 
of  Edinburgh.  The  first  was  not  very  violent,  and  the  professors  had  good 
hopes  of  him,  but  the  other  two,  especially  Seaton,  tho  once  a  professour 
and  a  closs  attender  on  Mr.  Willock's  sermons  formerly,  did  their  outmost 
to  bring  the  bretheren  to  gratify  the  Queen  Regent  in  this,  but  in  vain. 
Mr.  Willock  and  the  professors  in  the  toun  of  Edinburgh,  nobly  stood 
their  ground,  and  neither  promises  nor  threatnings  prevailed  with  them  ; 
they  plainly  told  the  Regent's  messengers,  that  as  it  was  matter  of  con- 
science to  them,  not  to  suffer  Idolatry  to  be  erected,  wher  Christ  and  his 
Gospell  was  truly  preached  ;    so    neither  could    the  Regent  nor  their 


MR.    JOHN    WILLOCK.  107 

Lordships  require  any  such  thing  without  violating  the  publick  faith,  and 
breaking  the  principall  article  of  the  agreement  at  Leith,  which  was,  that 
no  member  of  the  Congregation,  should  be  molested  in  any  thing,  which 
at  the  day  of  appointment  he  peacably  posessed.  But  so  it  was,  that  the 
bretheren  and  professors  in  Edinburgh  did  peacably  posess  the  great 
Kirk  at  the  date  of  the  treaty  ;  therfor,  without  open  violation  of  faith, 
they  could  not  be  molested  till  a  Parliament  mett,  who  wer  to  determine 
all  the  present  contraversys. 

It  was  impossible  to  say  any  thing  in  answerto  this,  and  so  Huntly  and  the^""f"r' 
their  Provest  urged  vehemently,  that  they  would  so  far  condescend  to  the 
Queen  Regent's  earnest  desires,  as  either  to  chuse  another  place  in  the  p.  7. 
Toun  to  have  their  worship  and  sermon  in,  or  at  lest  be  content  that 
mass  should  be  said  in  Saint  Giles  Kirk,  either  before  or  after  their 
worship,  as  they  pleased.  Mr.  Willock  and  the  bretheren  answered, 
that  to  give  place  to  the  Devil,  who  they  reconed  was  the  author  of  the 
idolatrous  mess,  they  could  not  to  pleasure  any  creature ;  that  they  wer 
in  posession  of  that  Church,  which  they  could  not  render,  and  would  hot 
suffer  Idolatry  to  be  erected,  unless  by  violence  they  wer  constrained,  and 
in  that  case  they  wer  resolved  to  seek  the  next  remedy.  This  bold  standing 
their  ground  made  the  Lords  desist,  and  beseech  them  to  live  quietly  and 
peacably,  which  they  signified  their  outmost  willingnes  to  do,  since  they 
had  nothing  in  their  view,  but  to  serve  God  in  the  method  he  commanded, 
and  keep  their  posession,  allowed  them  by  publick  contract. 

Mr.   Willock  after  this  was  frequently  disturbed  by   the   Papists.     Mr.  vviuock 

1  .    i     ■  it  j  notwithstand- 

The  French  Captains,  with  great  numbers  of  their  souldiers,  used  to  come  i„g frequent di8- 
up  to  the  Great  Church  when  he  was  preaching,  and  to  walk  up  and  tYn'ouT^dghes 
down  behind  the  hearers,  with  such  talking  and  noise  as  disturbed  the  the&cramentof 

o  the  Supper  pub- 

minister  and  people  very  much.  Frequently  Mr.  Willock  spoke  to  them,  lick]y  at  Edin_ 
and  rebuked  them,  yea,  prayed  to  the  Lord  to  deliver  them  from  these  h^'  h»™st> 
disturbers.  But  they  still  continoued,  and  it  was  generally  belived  that 
they  had  orders  from  the  Queen  Regent  to  do  so,  in  order  [to]  draw  the 
professors  of  Edinburgh  to  debate  with  them,  and  upon  the  quarrell  for- 
cibly take  the  Church  from  them  under  pretext  they  had  first  broke  the 
pacification.  But  the  Lord  enabled  them  to  cary  so,  as  no  occasion  was 
found   against    them,  and   they  menteaned    that  Church  in   posession, 


108  MR.    JOHN   WIL  LOCK. 

notwithstanding  all  the  boastings  of  the  papists,  till  November  when  their 
bretheren  returned,  and  laid  aside  the  Regent  from  her  administration, 
and  their  hazard  was  over  ;  and  all  the  harvest  they  conveened  not  only  to 
sermon,  administration  of  Baptisme,  and  daily  supplications,  but  Mr. 
Willock  publickly  administrat  the  Lord's  Supper  to  them  at  a  table  in  the 
great  church ;  and  literally  their  table  was  covered  in  the  eyes  of  their 
enimies,  and  to  the  great  comfort  of  many  serious  persons.  This,  as  I  take 
it,  was  the  first  time  the  Supjier  was  publickly  dispensed  at  Edinburgh, 
after  the  Reformation. 
Mr.  wiiiurk  Mean  while  the  Queen  Regent  by  the  flaming  advices  of  the  Popish 

"hT'depoTition  Clergy  and  Frenchmen  about  her  went  on  to  many  illegall  steps ;  mo 
of  the   QuLfn  Frenchmen  wer  called  in,  and  great  numbers  more  wer  writt  for,  and  soon 
15.59.  '        '  exported ;   Leith  was  fortifyed,  and  the  treaty  in  July  evidently  broke. 
The  Lords  of  the  Congregation,  and  by  this  time  many  others  joyned 
when  they  saw  the  nations  liberty  overturned,  and  a  conquest  for  France 
designed,  came  into  Edinburgh,  and  after  severall  most  humble  petitions 
for  the  redress  of  these  illegall  steps,  and  no  satisfactory  answer  received, 
the  Nobility,  Barrons,  and  Burgesses,  in  very  great  numbers  met  at  Edin- 
burgh, October  20,  1559,  and  the  question  was  propounded,  whether  the 
Queen  Regent,  having  refused  contemptously  the  advice  of  the  born 
Counsellors  of  the  realm,  infringed  the  lawes,  and  gone  about  to  make  a 
conquest  of  the  nation,  ought  to  be  suffered  any  longer  to  rule  tyrrannously 
p.  8.  over  them.     The  two  ministers  opinion  was  asked  as  to  the  lawfulnes  or 

unlawfullnes  of  doing  so.  Mr.  Willock  was  called  to  deliver  his  judgment 
first,  which  he  did  thus :  "  First,  he  affirmed,  that  albiet  magistrates  be 
"  Gods  ordinance,  having  of  him  power  and  authority,  yet  is  not  their 
"  power  so  largely  extended,  but  that  it  is  bounded  and  limited  by  God 
"  in  his  Word.  2dly,  That  as  subjects  are  commanded  to  obey  their 
"  magistrates,  so  are  the  magistrates  commanded  to  give  some  duty  to 
"  their  subjects ;  so  that  God  by  his  Word  hath  prescribed  the  office  of 
"  the  one  as  well  as  the  other.  3dly,  That  albiet,  God  hath  appointed 
"  magistrates  his  lieutennants  on  earth,  and  has  honoured  them  with  his 
"  own  title,  calling  them  gods  ;  yet  he  did  never  so  establish  any,  but  for 
"  a  just  cause  they  might  have  been  deprived.  4thly,  That  in  deposing 
"  of  Princes,  and  those  that  have  been  in  authority,  God  did  not  alwise 


MR.    JOHN    WILL  OCK.  109 

"  use  his  immediat  power,  but  somtimes  he  used  other  means  which  his 
"  wisdom  thought  good,  and  his  justice  approved.  Thus,  by  Asa  he 
"  removed  Maacha,  his  own  mother,  from  honour  and  authority,  which 
"  before  she  had  used ;  by  Jehu  he  destroyed  Joram  and  the  whole  pos- 
"  terity  of  Achab,  and  by  diverse  others  he  hath  deposed  from  authority 
"  those,  whom  before  he  had  established  by  his  own  Word.  Hereupon, 
"  he  concluded  that  sith  the  Queen  Regent  denyed  her  cheif  duty  to  the 
"  subjects  of  this  realme,  which  was,  to  minister  justice  to  them  indiffer. 
"  ently,  to  preserve  their  libertys  from  the  invasion  of  strangers,  and  to 
"  suffer  them  to  have  God's  Word  openly  and  freely  preached  among 
"  them  :  seeing,  moreover,  that  the  Queen  Regent  was  an  open  and 
"  obstinat  idolatres,  a  vehement  mentainer  of  all  superstition  and  idolatry, 
"  and  utterly  despised  the  counsell  and  requests  of  the  Nobility,  he  could  see 
«  no  reason  why  they,  the  born  counsellors,  the  Nobility  and  Barrons  of 
"  the  realme,  might  not  justly  deprive  her  of  all  regiment."  Upon  Mr. 
Knoxes  life,  I  have  given  account  of  his  discourse  after  Mr.  Willock,  and 
made  some  remarks  on  Bishop  Spotswoods  reflexions  upon  both.  But  upon 
Mr.  Willocks  Life  I  could  not  ommitt  what  is  above,  as  a  plain  testimony  of 
the  clear,  connected,  and  solid  chain  of  reasoning  he  was  master  of,  and  how 
cautiously  and  wisely  he  gives  andsupports  his  adviceat  this  critical  juncture.     1 560,     Mr. 

After  the  Regents  deposition,  and  the  treaty  of  Berwick  next  year,  j1,,^  Super- 
when  in  consequence  of  it  the  Reformation  was  publickly  approven  by  I"teudantofthe 
Parliament,  and  the  few  ministers  came  to  appoint  the  different  shares 
each  of  them  should  take  in  the  Lords  work,  Mr.  Willock  was  appointed 
to  Glasgow,  and,  as  he  is  ordnarly  afterward  termed  in  the  Assembly 
Registers,  Superintendant  of  the  West*  The  Superintendants  very 
soon  had  particular  charges  assigned  them,  and  I  suppose  Mr.  Willock 
ordinarly  preached  at  Air,  and  in  Kyle  and  Carrict,  wher  ther  wer  many 
who  had  imbraced  the  Reformation.  Glasgow  was  at  this  time  much 
under  the  managment  of  [the]  family  of  Lennox  who  favoured  Popery 
for  sometime,  and  I  suppose,  ther  was  little  acces  at  the  beginning,  for 
Mr.  Willocks  labours  there,  but  he  was  extremly  usefull  in  the  bounds 
he  had  the  oversight  of,  which,  as  hath  been  hinted,  was  probably  the 
place  of  his  nativity.  p.  9. 

By  a  letter  from  Mr.  Randolf  to  Secretary  Cecil,  Cotton  Library,     m,.  wuiock 


110  MR.   JOHN    WILL  OCK. 

i^mendanf "f  Cali^ula  B*  10'  of  wnicn  1  have  a  C(W'  datetl  September  24,  1561,  I 
Glasgow,  sept,  find  Mr.  Willock  was  admitted  Superintendant  of  the  West,  at  Glasgow 

14    1  ,-ifi  1 

I  suppose,  with  much  solemnity  ;  its  probable  the  admission  would  be  per- 
formed by  Mr.  Knox,  and  so  much  Mr.  Randolfs  words  seem  to  import. 
They  run,  "  On  the  14  instant  (September),  Mr.  Willock  was  admitted 
"  Superintendant  of  Glasgow  ;  the  Duke,  my  Lord  of  Arran,  the  Earle 
"  of  Glencairn,  my  Lord  Boyd,  Lord  lluthven  and  Lord  Ochiltrea, 
"  present ;  litle,  I  assure  you,  to  the  contentation  of  such  as  thot  either 
8  See  Note  b.  "  him  or  Mr.  Knox  in  Scotland."3 
Pubiick  dis.  Sir  James  Balfour,  in  his  MS.  Annalls,  observes,  "This  year,  1561, 

tPwetnIhfm,abnd  "  ther  was  a  pubiick  dispute  betwixt  John  Willock,  Preacher  of  the  Gos- 

»  Domi[ni]can, ««  ne\\,  and  on  Black,  a  Dominican,  wherin,  for  two  dayes,  Willock  de- 
tor  two  days.  ,  . 

"  fended  the  Protestant  tenets  [as]  according  to  the  Word  of  God."  This 
pubiick  dispute  was  perhaps  before  Queen  Mary  returned  to  Scotland,  at 
least  as  Sir  James  narrates  it.  I  have  met  with  no  more  about  it  else- 
where, save  a  hint  in  Lesley,  lib.  10,  who  says  this  dispute  was  at  Edin- 
burgh, and  ther  was  no  yeilding  on  either  side,  and  the  people  wer 
3  See  Note  c.  unhinged  in  their  religion  [in]  which  they  saw  learned  men  differ.3 
His  share  in  His  knowen  learning  and  abilitys  brot  him  to  be  imployed  in  the 

of'  Fallh^and  puMick  deeds  of  the  Church,  as  soon  as  it  was  established  by  Parliamen- 
First  Book  of  tarv  authority,  and  so  he  iovned  with  Mr.  Knox  and  the  others  mentioned 

Discipline,  J  :  . 

1560.  in  his  Life,  both  in  forming  our  First  Confession  of  Faith,  approven  by  the 

Parliament,  1560,  and  afterwards,  that  same  year,  in  drawing  up  the 
First  Book  of  Discipline,  afterwards  ratifyed  in  Councill,  and  approven 
by  our  Assemblys,  and  though  Mr.  Knox  had  the  cheif  share  in  these, 
yet  the  other  worthy  persons  joyned  with  him  ought  not  to  want  their 
"""*"=  room  in  our  remembrance  for  these  important  works. 
1563,   Mr.  By  the  Registers  of  the  Assembly,  December,   1563,   I  find  the 

Willock  preach-  . 

esatthe  open- exoitation  was  made  by  Mr.  Willock,  Superintendant  to  the  West;  this 
sembiy."16  A8~  would  look  as  if  he  had  been  Moderator  of  the  former,  but  at  this  time  I 

doe  not  find  that  they  had  a  formall  Moderator.  "  In  the  first  Session,  the 
tha"'AssTmb|by  "  Superintendant  of  the  West  being  removed,  it  was  compleaned  that  he 

"  did  not  his  endeavour  to  procure  the  extirpation  of  idolatry  in  his  bounds. 

"  He  laid  the  blame  on  the  Duke  and  the  Earle  of  Cassils,  and  desired 

"  to  be  disburdened  of  the  great  charge  laid  on  him,  which  he  had  under- 


M  It.   JOHN   WILLOCK.  Ill 

"  taken  only  for  a  time,  and  requested  the  Assembly  to  lay  no  greater 

"  burden  than  he  was  able  to  bear."     In  this  Assembly,  as  Mr.  Calder-     And  chosen 

i  a  n  t  r     •  Moderator. 

wood  cites  it  from  the  Registers,  Session  1,  "  ror  avoydmg  confusion, 

"  it  was  agreed,  that  a  moderator  should  be  appointed  to  moderat  during 

"  the  time  of  every  Assembly,  and  Mr.  Willock,   Superintendant  of  the 

"  West,  was  appointed  Moderator  during  this  Assembly."     So  that  he 

seems  to  have  been  the  first  Moderator  of  an  Assembly  in  Scotland,*  and  n^fAwemMy" 

at  the  next  Assembly,  I  find  he  is  continoued  to  be  Moderator ;  in  the  ,564- 

second  Session  of  which  the  Earle  of  Glencairn  and  he  are  enquired,  what 

they  had    done    in    visiting   the    Hospitall    at    Glasgow,    Mr.   Willock 

answered,  he  had  done  nothing  for  lack  of  conference  with  the  Earle,  but 

promised  to  visit  [it]  against  the  next  Assembly,  providing  the  Lords 

of  Council  gave  letters,  according  to  the  ordinance  of  the  Assembly. 

I  find  Mr.  Willock  chosen  frequently  Moderator  to  our  first  Generall     Moderator  of 

1  J  theGenerallAs- 

Assemblys.     It  was  a  year  or  two  befor  our  .Generall  Assembly  came  sembiy,   1564, 

1565. 
*  I  cannot  bnt  here  take  nottice  of  an  ignorant  blunder  committed  by  Mr.  Collier, 
as  to  Mr.  Willock.  In  bis  History,  vol.  ii.  p.  517,  he  seems  to  have  designed  it  as  a 
wound  to  our  first  Assemblys,  by  a  commendation  of  Mr.  Willock.  His  words  are  :  "  In 
"  July,  this  year,  1568,  a  Generall  Assembly  of  the  Church  was  held  at  Edinburgh. 
"  Mr.  John  Willock,  Superintendant  of  the  west  was  elected  Moderator,  he  refused  to 
'•  manage  that  bussines,  unless  upon  the  promise  of  better  order  then  had  been  formerly 
"  keeped,  for  the  great  numbers  and  indiscreet  behaviour  of  some  people,  made  the 
"  meeting  very  noisy  and  ill  governed.  But  upon  an  engagment  of  more  temper  and 
"  submission  he  undertook  the  function."  I  find  Mr.  Collier  borrowes  this  in  part  from 
Bishop  Spotswood,  as  indeed  all  the  English  Historians  generally  do,  and  agravates 
the  charge  of  confusion.  I  am  ready  to  think  that  Spotswood's  insinuation  of  confusion 
in  the  preceeding  Assemblys  proceeds  from  his  jumbling  what  he  had  read  in  our 
Assembly  Registers,  1563,  which  I  have  just  now  cited,  when  they  first  agreed  to 
choice  a  Moderator,  for  avoyding  confusion  it  was  agreed,  &;c,  and  this  is  the  current 
stile  in  the  Records  for  a  good  many  years.  This  the  Bishop  and  his  copier  jumble 
with  the  Assembly  five  years  afterward,  and  coin  this  story  of  Mr.  Willock's  difficulty's 
to  accept  of  that  function.  Till  matters  were  setled  during  the  first  two  years  after  the 
Queen's  return,  the  ministers  wer  exceeding  few,  and  our  Generall  Assemblys  wer 
not  come  to  that  bearing  that  they  soon  came  to.  But  after  the  1563  down  to  the  1568, 
its  plain  by  their  Records  that  every  thing  was  regular  and  orderly,  and,  indeed,  at 
bottome,  this  phrase  for  eschewing  confusion  bears  no  more  than  in  order  to  the  more 
regular  proceeding,  and  does  not  at  all  import  without  a  vile  stretch  the  indiscretions 
and  confusions  the  Bishop  and  Mr.  Colier  suppose. —  [  Wodrow.] 


112  Mil.   JOHN   WILLOCK. 

under  rules,  and,  I  suppose,  the  eldest  minister  was  generally  spoke  to  ; 
after  the  constitution  of  a  Moderator,  and  Mr.  Knox  had  moderated  at 
some,  Mr.  Willock  is  chosen  Moderator,  June,  1564,  and  in  the  tenth 
General  Assembly,  June,  1565,  he  was  again  chosen  Moderator. 
Mr.  Knox's  In  the  year  1567,  the  Assembly  order  Mr.  Knox  to  write  a  letter  to 

ofttthebAi'em-  Mr.  Willock,  earnestly  inviting  him  to  return  from  England,  wher  he 

biy  to  him,  wag  at  tjia(.  t;me-  What  was  the  occasion  of  his  cjoing  thither,  I  cannot 
say.  I  do  not  find  he  was  there  since  he  left  England  upon  Queen  Maryes 
accession  ;  and  till  the  Earle  of  Murray's  accession  to  the  Regency  this 
year,  ther  was  no  provision  made  almost  for  Ministers  and  Superintend- 
ents ;  many  wer  forced  to  leave  their  flocks  for  want  of  subsistence.  But 
whither  this  was  his  case,  or  rather  that  he  retired  after  the  Queen's 
marriage,  and  upon  the  prevalency  of  Papists  about  her,  a  litle  before  her 
resignation,  when  a  black  storm  was  feared  by  many,  I  do  not  determine. 
But  Mr.  Knox  writes  a  most  warm  and  affectionat  letter  to  him,  and 
urges  him  to  return  especially  from  the  extraordinary  affection  of  his  flock 
in  his  absence,  and  desirable  state  of  affairs  under  the  Earle  of  Murray's 
Regency.  This  letter  I  have  insert  upon  Mr.  Knox's  Life. 
Moderator  of  J}y  this  warm  letter  he  was  prevailed  with  to  return  to  Scotland,  and 

1568  "       5'  I  find  nim  Moderator  of  the  next  Generall  Assembly,  July,  1568,  wher 
many  excellent  acts  and  regulations  wer  made,  the  ministry  being  much 
encouraged  by  the  good  Regent. 
No  more  ac-  After  this  year  I  do  not  find  him  mentioned  by  our  Historians,  nor 

iTthe  °Reg'i™  in  the  Registers  of  the  Generall  Assembly.     At  the  next  Generall  Assem- 


ters. 


bly  which  was  to  have  conveened  at  the  ordinary  time  in  December,  few 
ministers  came  up,  because  of  a  violent  storm  and  some  rumors  of  the 
pestilence  ;  only  Mr.  Calderwood  nottices  Mr.  Andrew  Hay  was  ordered 
to  plant  some  Churches  in  the  west,  wher  the  Earle  of  Glencairn  was  con- 
cerned, which  made  me  conclude  Mr.  Willock  was  dead,  and  in  the  end  of 
the  year  1568,  Mr.  Andrew  Hay  is  termed  Commissioner  of  the  West. 
He  seems  to  But  I  begin,  upon  perusing  of  Calderwood's  MS.  History,  to  conjec- 

t'o  England,  at  ture  rather  that  Mr.  Willock  returned  to  England  after  the  Assembly, 
name'u  there* wher  he  moderat  ;  being  engaged  when  last  there  to  some  flock,  which 
1603.  would  not  part  with  him.    One  proof  of  this  is,  that  Mr.  Calderwood,  on 

the  death  of  the  Regent,  takes  nottice  that  Mr.  Willock  in  his  letters 


MR.   JOHN    WILLOCK.  113 

from  England,  made  a  heavy  regrate  for  the  removal!  of  the  good  Regent. 
Another  reason  of  this  conjecture  which  1  propose  only  as  such,  is,  that  I 
find  in  Mr.  Caldervvood,  upon  the  year  1603,  one  of  his  name  with  whom 
King  James  had  correspondence  before  Queen  Elizabeth's  death.  It  may  P.  10. 
be  an  English  minister,  for  in  the  margine,  he  is  named  Wilcocks,  but  in 
the  body  of  Calderwood,  Mr.  Willocks.  However,  the  passage  is  curious, 
and  worthy  of  a  room  here,  tho  I  should  be  out  in  my  guess  that  Mr. 
Willock  lived  till  this  time,  when,  indeed,  he  must  have  been  very  aged. 

Mr.  Calderwood,  when  going  to  give  account  of  Kins>-  James  his     Ml-  Caider- 

T1  ,  ,      ,  .         .  -  wood's  accompt 

journey  to  London,  observes,  that  "  at  this  time  ther  was  a  great  „t  the  expecta- 
"  longing  in  England  for  his  coming.  The  Formalists,  the  Papists,  Fora^is's^and 
"  and  the  sincere  professors  had  all  their  own  hopes.     The  Papists,  the  siliOTie  p^es- 

L  x  L  sors    on     King 

"  vear  before,  had  obteaned  of  Pope  Clement,  two  Bulls  sent  to   Henry  James'    acces- 

"  Garnet,  Superior  of  the  Jesuits  in  England,  the  one  to  the  clergy  the" 

"  other  to  the  laitie  ;  the  effect  wherof  was,  that  who  ever,   upon  the 

"  death  of  Queen  Elizabeth,  should  aclaim  the  crown  of  England,  tho 

"  never  so  directly  and  nearly  interessed  by  descent,  should  not  be  admitted 

"  to  the  throne,  unless  he  would  first  tollerat  the  Romish  religion,  and 

"  by  all  his  best  endeavours  promote  the  Catholick  cause,  unto  which,  by 

"  a  sacred  and  solem  oath,  he  should  religiously  subscribe  after  her  death. 

"  Yet  the  Papists  expected  great  favour  of  the  King,  and  wer  induced  to 

"  hope  well  by  some  information  from  the  Court  of  Rome,  of  which  we 

"  will  have  occasion  afterward  to  treat,  when  we  come  to  the  Lord  Bal- 

"  merinnochs  trouble. 

"  The  Formalists  might  gather  matter  of  hope  out  of  Basilicon 
"  Doron,  and  the  King's  proceedings  at  home  in  Scotland,  yet  it  is 
"  reported  that  the  Bishops  in  England  wer  in  such  a  fear  of  the  ruin  of 
"  their  estate,  that  they  would  have  been  content  of  an  hundred  pound 
"  sterling  a-year,  but  that  is  not  lickly. 

"  The  sincerest  sort  of  professors,  who  wer  the  strongest  party  in 
"  the  country,  looked  for  reformation  of  all  the  abuses  and  corruptions  of 
"  that  Church.  The  King  enterteaned  intelligence  with  some  of  them, 
"  as  may  appear  by  his  letter  following  written  to  Mr.  Willocks,  who, 
"  with  the  assistance  of  an  English  knight,  obteaned  subscriptions,  through 


Kill"  James 


Hock 


114  MR.    JOHN    WILLOCK. 

"  five  shires,  for  assistance  to  the    King,   before   the   death   of  Queen 

"  Elizabeth. 

"  '  Although  I  never  doubted,  and  have  been  sufficiently  informed 
letter  "to   Mr.  "  <  of  the  good  will  bom  towards  me,  in  all  lawfull  sort  (for  otherwise 

"  '  I  did  not,  nor  shall  not  require  them)  by  all  the  honest  subjects  of 
"  '  England,  that  sincerly  profess  the  only  true  religion  professed, 
"  *  and  by  lawes  established  in  both  countries  ;  and  the  bond  of  con- 
"  '  science  being  the  only  bond  for  tying  of  men's  affections  to  them 
"  '  to  whom  they  owe  a  natural]  duty  ;  yet  having  the  samine  received 
"  '  and  confirmed  to  me,  by  your  late  advertishments,  I  have  thought 
"  '  good  by  these  presents,  (all  written  with  mine  own  hand)  to  set  you 
"  '  doun  a  meeting  for  them  in  this  point, — that  you  shall  in  my 
"  '  name  assure  all  the  honest  men  you  can  meet,  that  are  affected  that 
"  '  way,  and  that  on  the  princely  word  of  a  Christian  King,  in  that 
"  '  as  I  have  ever  without  swerving,  professed  and  menteaned  the  same 
"  '  religion  within  the  bounds  of  my  Kingdome,  so  may  they  assure 
"  '  themselves,  that  how  soon  ever  it  shall  please  God  lawfully  to  pos- 
"  '  ess  me  with  the  croun  of  that  Kingdom,  wherin  they  are  subjects, 
"  '  I  shall  not  only  mentean  and  continou  the  profession  of  the  Gos- 
"  '  pell  there,  but  with  all  not  suffer  or  permitt  any  other  religion  to 
"  '  be  professed,  and  avowed  within  the  bounds  of  that  Kingdom. 
"  '  But  because  you  have  been  at  your  last  being  here,  particularly 
"  '  acquainted  with  my  intention  in  this  point,  as  also  that  your  self  is 
"  '  so  well  approved  and  knowen  by  them,  therfor  ye  shall  by  tongue 
M  '  more  perfectly  inform  them  of  my  mind  therin,  resolving  them  of 
"'  such  malicious  and  unjust  imputations,  as  have  been,  from  time 
"  '  to  time  by  my  undeserved  enimies,  continoued  against  me,  and 
"  '  thus  I  bid  you  Farewell.  Jacobus  Rex.'  " 

One  would  be  ready  to  guess  from  the  person  the  King  writes  to, 
his  being  lately  in  Scotland,  that  it  was  Mr.  Willock,  it  not  being  so 
probable  any  of  the  non-conformist  ministers  would  come  down  here,  and 
Mr.  Calderwood  seems  to  distinguish  him  from  the  English  Knight  as 
being  a  Scotsman.     But  be  this  as  it  will,  its  plain  he  was  a  minister  who 


MR.  JOHN    WILL  O  C  K.  115 

was  presbiterian  in  his  judgment,  and  him  the  King  assures,  in  the  strongest 
manner,  that  he  would,  upon  his  accession  to  England,  establish  the  reli- 
gion professed  in  Scotland  in  England,  and  tollerat  no  other ;  how  he 
keept  these  assurances  needs  not  be  told. 

When  I  have  fallen  in  to  this  subject,  let  me  only  add  the  words  of  ,  Mr-    Row's 

°  i   ^  observations  on 

Mr.  John  Row  in  his  MS.  history,  as  to  the  expectations  people  had  upon  peoples  expec- 

King  James  journey  to  England,  because  they  contean  some  facts  I  have  j^es  hisaboi- 

not  elswher  met  with  ;  one  of  my  designes  in  this  work  being  to  preserve  ,sh'"g  v™^?- 

these,  and  bring  all  the  light  I  can  to  our  History.     Mr.  Row  observes, 

that  "  It  had  been  an  easy  thing,  by  the  blessing  of  God,  to  King  James, 

"  if  he  had  pleased,  to  have  brought  the  prelaticall  goverment  of  the 

"  Kirk  of  England  to  ours,  by  sessions,  presbitrys,  synods,  and  Generall 

"  Assemblys,  considering  that  all   the  well  affected    of  England  both 

"  looked  and  longed  for  it ;  as  also  Dr.  Bancroft,  then  Bishop  of  London, 

"  who  had  writ  a  book  against  our  King,  pressing  to  prove  that  he  had 

"  no  right  to  the  croun  of  England,  doubtles  for  his  part  would  have 

"  been  content  to  have  altered  the  goverment  prelaticall  to  presbiteriall, 

"  wherin  he  knew  the  King  was  brought  up  and  well  instructed,  if  the 

"  King  would  have  pardoned  him  the  Treason  and  spared  his  life  ;  as 

"  also  the  King  knew  that  Mr.  John  Davidson,  who  was  an  eager  opposit 

"  to  prelacy,  had  writ  an  answer  to  that  book,  establishing  the  King's 

"  right  and  title  to  the  croun  of  England :  yet  the  King  both  spared 

"  Bancroft's  life  and  also  stood  for  the  menteanance  of  prelaticall  gover- 

"  ment,  and  all  the  rable  of  popish  rites  and  ceremonies   depending  ther- 

"  upon  :    pressing   continoually  to  bring  this  Kirk  back  to  them,  as  a 

'«  prelude  wherof  the  Bishop's  vote  in  Parliament  was  so  eagerly  gone 

"  about  by  the  King  ;  Hut  never  endeavouring  to  bring  them  in  England 

"  forward  unto  us,  and  to  a  further  reformation,  wherto  he  was  counseled 

"  by  some  of  the  good  nobility  of  England  because  they  heard  the  King     p.  12. 

"  confess,  that  in  all  Scotland  ther  durst  not  be  one  professed  and  avowed 

"  Papist,  by  reason  the  discipline  of  the  Kirk  took  such  exact  and  precise 

"  order  with  them."     Mr.  Row  goes  on  to  shew,  how  heavy  the  King's 

continouing  prelacy  in  England  was  to  the  sincere  ministers  and  professors 

there,   and   hints  at   severall    anonymous   pamphlets   published    on    the 

King's    accession  against    the   hierarchy  and    ceremonies,  which    being 


llci  MR.    JOHN    WILLOCK. 

neglected  as  obscure  and  nameles  writters,  he  adds  that  a  Gentlnian, 
Thomas  Whittinghall,  Esq.,  published  a  treatise  with  his  name  affixed  to 
it,  which  he  himself  put  in  the  King's  hands,  and  wherin  he  proves  the 
unlawfulnes  of  the  Hierarchy  of  Bishops  in  England.  The  King  gave  it 
to  the  Archbishop  of  Canterbury,  and  the  Gentlman  who  had  suffered 
great  hardships  in  Queen  Maries  time  for  the  truth,  was  imprisoned, 
and  deteaned  there  till  he  fell  into  a  severe  sicknes,  of  which  he  dyed,  in 
a  litle  after  his  enlargment. 

This  is  all  I  have  met  with  as  to  Mr.  Willock. 

Januakv  12,  1726. 


COLLECTIONS 


II'ON     THK 


LIFE  OF  MR.  JOHN  WINKAM, 

SUBDEAN  OF  SAINT-ANDREWS,   SUPERINTENDANT  OF  FIFE,  AND 
PRIOR  OF  PORTMOAK. 


COLLECTIONS 


LIFE  OF  MR.  JOHN  WINRAM, 

SUBDEAN  OF  SAINT  ANDREWS,*  SUPERINTENDANT  OF  FIFE,  AND  PRIOR  OF 
PORTMOAK. 


In  this  Biography,  I  am  not  willing  to  pass  any  of  those  who  wer  nsefull  ^j0?*™  ber 

in  our  first  Reformation,  tho  in  several!  of  them  it  is  but  very  litle  I  meet     Reasons    of 

with  :  yet  the  laying  together  the  few  scattered  hints  I  meet  with  in  Knox,  Life. 

Calderwood,  and  the  Records  of  our  Generall  Assemblys,  will  help  us  to 

frame  some  kind  of  idea  of  them.     Mr.  Winram  in  particular  will  appear 

to  have  had  an  early  knowledge  of  the  truth,  tho,  till  the  Reformation 

came  to  a  bearing,  he  seems  to  have  continoued  in  the  Romish  communion. 

Even  from  his  and  some  other  of  our  Reformers  being  in  Popish  orders 

and   continouing  in  them  till  the  full  light  of  the  Reformation  broke 

out,   and  then  joyning   in   that   great    work,    from    inward    conviction 

of  mind,  some  advantages  arise  to  us  in  our  debates  with  the  papists  about 

our  ordinations.     However,  even  without  this  argumentum  ad  hominem, 

we  could  easily  enough  defend  the  validity  of  our  ordinations,  and  the 

regularity,  too,  of  our  first  ministers  entering  upon  the  work  of  the  Gospell. 

*  There  was  no  such  title  as  Subdean  of  St.  Andrews.  The  Prior  and  Canons  of 
the  Augustinian  Monastery  supplied  the  place  of  Dean  and  Chapter  of  the  Metropo- 
litan Church. 


120  M  R.   JOHN    WINRAM. 

Bom  about  Nothing  of  Mr.  Winram's  birth  and  parantage  offers;  its  an  old  and 

the  loOO.  •      ci        1        i  •  -i 

common  name  in  .Scotland,  and  there  is  no  doubt  but  he  was  one  of  ours. 
He  seems  to  have  been  born  about  the  beginning  of  the  Kith  century, 
i  See  Note  a.  and  his  progress  in  learning  '  may  be  gathered  from  his  early  acquaintance 
with  the  truth,  and  his  being  advanced  to  be  Subdean  of  Saint  Andrew's, 
and  imployed  upon  several]  important  occasions,  even  before  the  Refor- 
mation, and  his  being  fixed  Superintendent  of  Fife,  in  the  beginning  of  it. 
He  u  sub-  'fhe  first  time  I  find  him  taken  nottice  of,  is  when  Mr.   Patrick 

dean    of   Saint 

Andrews,  and  Haiiiiltoun  came  to  Scotland,  and  indeed  he  seems  to  have  been,  tho  he  had 
Truth5  about  Du*  a  veiT  short  race  to  run,  ane  instrument  for  the  inlightning  of  many 
15-28.  ^Q  jiat|  not  t]ie  advantage  of  forraigne  education.     About  the  year  1528, 

Mr.  Knox  speaks  of  Mr.  Winram  as  Subdean  of  Saint  Andrewes,  and  as 
one  who,  with  Mr.  Gavin  Logie,  was  usefull  to  discover  to  the  youth 
there  the  vanity  of  the  received  superstition  of  the  Church  of  Rome,  and 
John  Major,  at  that  time  professor  of  Theology  and  in  great  reputation, 
as  we  have  heard,  was  a  lover  of  the  Truth.  But  notwithstanding  of  some 
glimmerings  of  light,  Mr.  Winram  continoued  with  the  Romish  Clergy  for 
30  years.  Ther  have  been,  and  are,  some  of  God's  children  and  hidden 
ones  in  Babylon,  who  are  to  be  called  out  of  it,  and  no  doubt  Mr.  Win- 
ram was  usefull  even  in  this  period. 
His  Sermon  Upon  Mr.  George  Wisheart's  Life,  I  have  notticed  that  Mr.  Winram 

George  Wishl  was  pitched  upon  by  the  Cardinal!,  to  open  their  meeting  for  Mr.  Wisheart's 
1547  Trya11'  Tryall  with  a  sermon  ;  upon  this  occasion  Mr.  Knox  calls  him  Subprior  of 
the  Abbay,  Dean  John  Winram.  This  was  a  difficult  time  for  a  person 
to  preach,  and  I  belive  what  was  uneasy  to  Mr.  Winram.  I  have 
already  given  what  Mr.  Knox  has  preserved  of  this  sermon  and  shall 
not  repet  it  here.  He  taught  in  the  parable  of  the  Seed,  Matth.  13. 
He  defyned  Heresy,  a  false  opinion  pertinaciously  defended,  clearly 
opugning  the  word  of  God  ;  he  gave  the  ignorance  of  the  Clergy  as  one 
great  cause  of  Heresy,  which  probably  was  very  savoury  to  severall  of  his 
p'  hearers,  and  laid  doun  the  Holy  Scriptures,  the  sincere  and  undefiled 

word  of  God,  as  the  only  and  undoubted  foundation  of  trying  Heresy, 
without  any  superadded  traditions,  and  had  that  Touchstone,  as  he  calls 
it,  been  used,  Mr.  Wisheart  had  been  safe.  He  concluded  that 
Hereticks  should    be   put  doun  in  this  present   life,   which   Mr.    Knox 


MR.   JOHN    WIN  11  AM.  121 

observes  did  not  agree  with  his  text,  Let  it  grow  to  the  Harvest, 
which  harvest  is  the  end  of  the  worlde.  Undoubtedly  it  was  the  common 
doctrine  of  the  Papists,  that  obstinate  Hereticks  wer  to  be  put  to  death,  and 
many  who  separated  from  Popery  went  into  that  opinion  which  is  certainly 
ill-founded,  if  no  more  wer  to  build  upon  but  the  parable  of  the  Seed,  in 

its  defence.2  2  See  Note  B. 

We  shall  hear  upon  Mr.   Knox  his  Life  that  the  Subprior  of  Saint     His  confer- 

x  ....  ence  with   Mr. 

Andrews  was  next  year,  1547,  together  with  freir  Arbuckle,  engaged  in  Knox  at  Saint 

a  publick  dispute  with  Mr.  Knox  which  I  shall  insert  there  at  full  lenth.  1547.    ' 

Upon  the  Cardinals  murder  his  successor,  sede  vacante,  viccar  Generall 

Mr.  John  Hamilton  wrote  to  Mr.  Winram,  that  he  wondered  how  he  as 

Subprior  suffered  such  hereticall  doctrine  as  he  heard  Mr.  Rough  and  Knox 

preached  at  Saint  Andrews.     Upon  this,  rather  than  any  inclination  of  his 

own,  Mr.  Winram  called  a  convention  of  Black  and  Gray  freirs,  and 

articles  of  hereticall  doctrine,  as  Heresy  now  went,  wer  read  to  them, 

which  stand  in  Mr.  Knox  Life.     Mr.  Winram  told  them  the  strangeness 

of  these  articles  gathered  out  of  their  doctrine  had  moved  the  meeting  to 

call  for  them,  that  they  might  give  their  own  answer.     Mr.  Knox  praised 

God  the  meeting  was  so  honourable,  modest,  and  quiet  ;  and  added,  that 

it  was  long  since  he  heard  that  Mr.  Windram  was  not  ignorant  of  the 

Truth,  and  appealed  to  his  conscience  before  the  Supreme  Judge,  whether 

any  of  the  Articles  now  read  were  contrary  to  God's  word,  and  if  he 

did,  that  he  should  plainly  oppugne  to  it.    But  if  in  his  conscience  he  knew 

the  doctrine  to  be  true,  he  craved  his  patrociny,  and  that  by  his  authority 

the  people  might  be  moved  to  belive  the  Truth,  whereof  many  doubted 

because  of  his  silence.    The  Subprior  answered,  I  came  not  here  as  a  judge, 

but  familiarly  to  talk,  and  therfor  I  will  neither  allow  nor  disallow,  but,  if 

ye  list,  I  will  reason  ;  and  so  entered  upon  the  Churches  power  to  devise 

ceremonys  to  decore  the  Sacraments.    After  Mr.  Knox  had  straitned  him, 

he  waved  the  reasoning,  and  put  it  over  upon  Freir  Arbuckle  ;  what  passed 

will  be  found  in  Knoxes  Life. 

Mr.  Winram,  for  any  thing  I  can  see,  remained  Subprior  [of]  Saint  He  «»tin- 
Andrews  till  the  Reformation.  Lord  James  Steuart,  afterwards  the  good  tin  the  Re- 
Regent,  was  made  prior  there,  and  his  favouring  Truth  and  joyning  ^^hejoynld 
among  the  first  of  our  nobility  in  the  Reformation,  was  of  great  use  to  that  a"d  wa*  namcd 

Q 


122  MR.    JOHN    WIN  RAM. 

superintendant  Society  at  Saint  Andrews,  and  such  as  had  any  knowledge  of  the  Truth 

ot    Fyte,    July,  J  ..        .  i  i 

1560.  gathered  more  and  grew  in  it ;  and  when  the  dore  was  opened,  as  we 

will  see  on  Mr.  Knox  life,  for  ane  open  joyning  in  Reformation,  Mr. 
Winram  and  many  others  joyned  heartily.  In  July,  1560,  when  the 
nation  was  delivered  by  the  assistance  of  the  English,  from  the  tyrranny 
of  the  French  and  fear  of  Papists,  and  a  Parliament  was  indyted,  Superin- 
tendants  wer  named.  There  was  a  meeting  among  the  cheif  who  favoured 
the  Reformation  ;  by  them  Mr.  Winram  was  named  Superintendant  of 
P-  3.  Fife,  and  the  few  ministers  who  formerly  had  keeped  together  mostly  at 

Edinburgh,  wer,  with  common  consent,  planted  at  the  most  considerable 
burghs,  and  the  Superintendants  work  was,  in  this  scarcity,  to  visit  and 
plant  countrys,  for  whom  ministers  wer  not  as  yet  to  be  had.  At  the  first 
Generall  Assembly,  November,  [December]  1560,  by  the  Records  I  find 
their  great  work  was  to  find  persons  fitt  for  the  office  of  the  ministry,  and 
accordingly  they  gave  their  opinion  that,  among  others,  John  Winram  of 
Kirknes  was  fitt  to  preach  the  Word  and  minister  the  Sacraments  ;  and  in 
the  list  John  Erskin  of  Dun  is  named.  I  know  nothing  to  hinder  me  to 
think  that  this  John  Winram  here  stiled  by  his  estate,  which  it  seems  he 
had  acquired,  was  the  same  with  the  Subprior,  and  if  this  remark  hold,  it 
seems  the  Superintendants  themselves  wer  regularly  admitted  to  dispense 

3  See  Note  c.    Word  and  Sacrament  by  the  Assembly.3 
He's  one  of  At  this  time,  Mr.  Winram  was  certainly  a  man  of  very  considerable 

First  Book  of  note,  and  appointed  after  the  Parliament  was  up  to  joyn  with  Mr.  Knox 

Discipline.  amj  0tners,  whom  we  shall  meet  with  in  Mr.  Knoxes  life,  to  form  for  the 
Church  a  good  and  godly  policy,  which  was  altogether  defaced  by  the 
papists,  and  accordingly  he  was  one  of  those  who  drew  up  the  First  Book 
of  Discipline,  and  at  this  time  he  is  still  described  John  Winram,  Sub- 
prior  of  Saint  Andrews. 

As  soon  as  our  Generall  Assemblyscame  to  any  bearing, — in  the  fourth 
Assembly,  156'2,  they  resolved  to  begin  their  meetings  in  time  to  come, 
with  an  exact  Tryall,  or  what  we  now  call  Privy  censures  in  Presbytrys 
[and]  in  Synods,  none  of  which  were  yet  constitute  for  want  of  sufficient 
numbers  of  ministers  ;  accordingly  allwise  afterwards,  till  the  Church  was 
generally  planted,  the  Generall  Assemblys  in  their  first  Session  began 
with  the  tryall  of  Superintendants,  and  after  them  Commissioners,  Visitors 


MR.    JOHN    WIN  11  AM.  123 

and  Tulchan  Bishops;  and  indeed,  as  I  may  nottice  afterwards,  our 
Generall  Assembly  was  properly  the  Radicall  Judicatory  of  this  Church. 
Its  from  the  hints  remaining  in  the  Assembly  Registers  as  to  these  tryalls 
that  I  am  to  give  much  of  what  follows  as  to  Mr.  Winram.  In  the  fifth 
Generall  Assembly,  December  25,  1562,  Mr.  Winram  was  removed,  and 
the  ministers  and  Commissioners  of  Fife  present  for  the  time  wer  required 
if  they  or  any  of  them  had  any  thing  to  lay  to  his  charge  touching 
his  manners,  conversation,  doctrine,  and  execution  of  his  office.  It  was 
murmured  by  some  of  the  ministers  that  he  was  somwhat  slack  in  his 
visitations  ;  and  remained  not  at  the  Kirks  for  ordering  such  things  as  wer 
necessary  for  the  same  ;  that  he  was  thought  too  much  given  to  wordly 
affaires,  slack  in  preaching,  rash  in  excommunication,  sharper  than  became 
him  in  making  acts  for  payment  of  small  tythes.  His  answers  are  not 
recorded  to  these  in  the  Assembly  Books  ;  whither  they  wer  passed  at  the 
first  publick  tryall  without  any  further  nottice,  in  hopes  that  they  would 
be  amended,  or  whither  he  received  an  admonition  and  promised  amend- 
ment, tho  this  is  not  recorded,  I  cannot  tell.  I  must  set  down  things  as 
I  find  them. 

In  the  two  next  Assemblys  which  met,  March  and  December,  1563,    Before  the  As- 

J  .  sembly,  March 

ther  seems  to  have  [been]  dislike  at  Mr.  Winram's  carnage,  for  at  the  and  Dec.,  1572. 
6th,  the  Commissioners  from  Fife  desired  their  Superintendant's  tryall  ■-  P.  '£ 
might  be  deferred  till  next  day,  but  I  find  no  more  that  Assembly.     At 
their  next  meeting  in  December,  they  crave  a  dyet  may  be  appointed  for 
bringing  in  a  complaint  against  the  Superintendant,  which  is   allowed. 
But  neither  at  this  Assembly  find  I  any  more  about  him.     They  seem  to 
have  been  displeased  with  some  of  his  conduct,  probably  the  former  par- 
ticulars not  being  amended.4  * See  No,e  D- 
In  the  ninth  Assembly,  December,  1561,  Mr.  Winram  was  challanged    At  Assembly, 

i  •      t^-  tt  i-ii  Dec,  1564, and 

for  slacknes  in  visitation  of  his  Kirks.  He  alledged  age  and  ill  payment  June,  1565. 
of  his  stipend,  and  a  great  number  of  Kirks  within  his  bounds,  as  excuses  ; 
howbeit  otherwise  he  was  diligent,  these  things  being  considered.  Indeed 
both  Superintendants  and  ministers  had  great  difficulty  to  get  the  small 
pittance  promised  them  by  the  Queen  and  Councill  payed,  during  this 
reigne.  Next  Assembly,  1565,  in  June,  I  find  Mr.  Winram  compleaning 
of  St.  Salvator's  Colledge  to  the  Assembly,  that  the  Kirk  of  Kilmanie, 


124  M  H.    JOHN    WIN  RAM. 

perteaning  to  them  as  one  of  their  common  Kirks,  wanted  provision  for  a 
preacher.  Mr.  John  Rutherford  and  Mr.  William  Ramsay,  appearing  for 
the  Colledge,  offered  to  submitt  that  affair  to  the  Superintendants  of 
Angus  and  Fife,  Mr.  Goodman,  minister  at  Saint  Andrews,  and  Mr. 
George  Buchanan.  To  them  the  Assembly  remitted  it.  Mr.  Winram 
further  compleaned  upon  William  Eviot,  reader  at  Monyward,  for  remov- 
ing to  Stratherdail  without  his  licence  or  the  parishoners  consent.  The 
Assembly  ordeaned  the  Act  of  Assembly,  1564,  to  take  place,  which,  I 
think,  ordered  suspension,  and  upon  a  complaint  of  the  parishoners  of 
Kilcomich  (?),  that  the  Communion  had  not  been  given  by  their  minister 
these  six  years,  the  Assembly  appoint  Mr.  Winram  and  Goodman  to 
see  it  given  there  betwixt  and  Candlmass  next  to  come. 
At  A«embiy,  £t  the  Assembly,  December,  1565,  Mr.  Winram  was  again  blamed 

Dec. ,  1 56o,  and  *  ° 

1567,  and  July,  for  slacknes  in  visitation.  He  excused  himself  from  the  absence  of  the 
people  following  the  Queen  according  to  her  proclamation.  This  excuse 
I  find  given  at  this  time  by  other  Superintendants.  I  meet  no  more  with 
him  till  Assembly,  December,  1567,  when  he  was  compleaned  upon  for 
not  visiting  of  Kirks  within  his  charge,  and  not  taking  up  of  crimes  and 
offences  to  be  punished.  It  would  seem  ther  was  somwhat  too  well 
grounded  in  these  complaints,  for  the  Assembly  in  their  next  session 
appoint  Mr.  John  Craige,  Mr.  David  Lindsay,  Mr.  George  Buchanan, 
Principall  of  St.  Leonard's  Colledge,  and  Mr.  George  Hay,  or  any  two  of 
them,  to  direct  their  edicts  to  all  ministers,  elders,  and  deacons  of  Kirks 
under  the  Superintendant  of  Fife  his  charge,  to  compear  at  Coupar  the  22 
day  of  January,  with  their  complaints  against  the  said  Superintendant,  and 
to  try  and  report  to  the  next  Assembly.  In  the  next  Assembly,  July,  1568, 
their  report  comes  in,  and  is  given  to  others  to  revise.  The  words  of  the 
Registerswill  be  all  the  account  I  can  give.  "  In  the  first  Session,  the  Com- 
"  missioners  deputed  by  the  last  Assembly,  to  take  tryall  of  the  complaints 
"  given  in,  or  to  be  given  in  against  the  Superintendant  of  Fife,  produced 
"  the  execution  of  their  commission,  subscribed  by  Mr.  David  Spence  their 
"  scribe  for  the  time  ;  others  wer  appointed  to  revise  their  proceedings,  and 
"  report.  He  was  accused  of  negligence  in  his  visitations ;  that  he  was  careles 
"  in  punishing  adulterers,  that  he  reteaned  one  Flecher,  a  reader  in  the 
"  Kirk  of  Leuchars,  whom  Mr.  Knox  had  found  unable.     To  this  last  he 


MR.    JOHN    WIN  RAM.  125 

"  answered,  that  he  knew  not  that  Mr.  Knox  had  pronounced  any  such 
"  sentence  against  him.  It  was  alledged  by  the  Laird  of  Tarbet,  that  when 
"  hewas  visiting  the  Kirk  of  Reunie,  (?)  Mr.  William  Blaickwood  desired  him 
"  to  declare  of  his  conscience,  whither  the  Mass  was  idolatry,  when  he 
"  alledged  that  Tythes  should  be  paid  to  none  but  such  as  had  recanted  the 
"  Mass.  The  saidSuperintendant,in  the  audience  of  the  whole  people,  bade 
"  the  said  Mr.  William  take  it  on  his  conscience.  His  answer  was,  '  It  islong 
"  since  I  thot  the  Mass  was  idolatry,  but  you  must  condemn  it  in  your  own 
"  conscience.'"  This  is  alFI  meet  with  as  to  this  complaint.  The  cheif  thing 
I  nottice  in  it  is,  that  two  Ministers  are  appointed  by  the  Assembly  to  try 
complaints  against  a  Superintendant.  I  fear  ther  has  been  too  great  slacknes 
in  Mr.  Winram,  and  suspicions,  it  would  appear,  of  his  not  being  so  firmly 
convinced  of  the  idolatry  of  the  Mass  as  wer  to  be  wished,  and  after  all 
this  pains  about  him,  I  find  in  the  Assembly,  July,  1569,  new  complaints 
are  tabled  against  him  for  slacknes  in  visitation,  and  reparation  of  the 
fab  rick  of  Kirks,  and  in  the  Assembly,  July,  1570,  he  is  again  delated  for 
negligence  in  reparation  of  Kirks.  His  excuse  at  this  time  was,  that  he 
could  not  find  an  officer  at  armes  to  put  in  execution  letters  against 
parishoners,  wher  the  said  Kirks  wer  ruinous  ;  upon  which  the  Assembly 
appointed  the  Superintendants  and  Commissioners  for  planting  of  Kirks, 
to  charge  the  collectors  and  officers  within  their  bounds  respectively  to 
execute  Letters  for  reparation  of  Kirks  decayed,  as  they  shall  be  ordered, 
and  that  they  shall  be  satisfyed  at  the  sight  of  the  Assembly,  conform  to 
their  diligence  and  pains. 

I  find  Mr.  Winram  is  several!  times  imployed  in  making  up  differences 
and  reconciling  persons  and  places.     There  hapned  a  threatning  breach  ingupofbreach 
between  the  touns  of  Dundee  and  Monross,  and  the  Assembly  appoint  felence     with 
Mr.  Winram  and  another  to  deal  betwixt  them,  and  take  away  the  differ-  c^leofEdin! 
ence.     In  the  year  1571,  after  the  Castle  of  Edinburgh  had  long  stood  bfsh.     m*?< 
out  against  the  King's  authority  and  his  Regent's,  the  Commissioners  of 
the  Kirk  met  at  Leith  in  May,  while  the  Regent  was  holding  a  Parlia- 
ment in  the  Cannongate,  and  they  resolved  to  use  their  endeavours  to  bring 
things  to  an  agreement  between  the  two  contending  partys.     Accordingly 
Mr.  Windram  and  Mr.  John  Craige  went  up  to  [the]  Castle  of  Edinburgh, 
and  had  a  conference  with  Sir  James  Balfour,  Grange  the  Captain  of  the 


Mr.  Winram 
usel'ull  in  mak- 


126  MR.    JOHN    WINRAM. 

Castle,  the  Duke  of  Chatlherault,  and  the  Secretary  Lethingtoun.  Mr. 
Winram  opened  the  conversation  to  this  purpose.  "  My  Lords,  the 
"  Commissioners  of  the  Kirk  are  conveened  presently  atLeith,  and  perceiv- 
"  ing  the  intestine  troubles  in  this  Commonwealth,  they  thot  it  became  them 
"  of  their  duty  to  offer  their  labours  to  the  end,  that,  if  it  should  please  God, 
"  the  same  might  be  quenched,  and  we  are  come  to  offer  our  selves  for  that 
"  effect ;  our  commission  extendeth  this  far,  that  seeing  your  Lordships  are 
"  wdling  that  we  should  travail,  as  you  have  declared  by  your  writing  to 
"  our  brother  here  present,  Mr.  John  Craige,  let  us  know  of  your  Lordships 
"  what  heads  and  articles  ye  will  offer  to  us,  as  a  ground  wherupon  we  may 
"  travail."  The  Secretary  answered  him,  that  they  expected  proposalls  from 
the  Lords  in  the  Cannongate,  they  being  who  wer  in  the  Castle,  as  he  said, 
the  principal]  of  the  nobility.  Mr.  Craige  being  the  principall  reasoner 
in  this  conference,  I  shall  bring  in  the  whole  conference  upon  his  Life, 
and  only  here  observe,  that  ther  was  no  real  designe  in  those  who  keept 
out  the  Castle  to  come  to  an  agreement,  and  so  nothing  was  done. 
He  inhibites  In  Agust  this  same  year,  the  Regent  held  a  Parliament  at  Stirling, 

ill  toh"°e°Ufii  wher  the  King  was  brought  in  in  person,  tho  but  a  child,  and  had  the 
Parliament,      knowen  expression,  /  think  there  is  a  hole  in  this  Parliament.     Tho  the 

Agust,  1571.  r  .  1       -r-,      1  /«  -»jr  1  i 

Earle  of  Lennox  was  Regent,  it  was  the  Larle  of  Mortoun  who  managed 
all,  and,  after  he  had  forfaulted  the  Lords  and  Gentlmen  who  keept  out 
p.  6.  the  Castle,  he  began  to  bring  in  the  Tulchan  Bishops,  of  whom  more  in 

the  following  Lives,  and  pitched  upon  old  Mr.  Douglas  to  vote  in  Parlia- 
ment as  Bishop  of  Saint  Andrews.  This  innovation  was  resisted  by  the 
ministers,  and  Mr.  Winram,  as  Superintendant  of  Fife,  was  desired  by 
the  ministers,  and  accordingly  did  solemly  inhibite  Mr.  John  Douglas  to 
sit  and  vote  in  Parliament,  in  name  of  the  Kirk,  till  he  [should  be] 
admitted  by  the  Kirk,  as  we  shall  hear  upon  his  Life,  when  I  come 
to  it. 
His  share  in  Mr.  Winram  joyned  with  the  rest  of  the  Superintendants  and  Com- 

!tLeCith,f Zn  missioners  of  the  Kirk,  called  out  by  the  Earle  Mortoun  for  the  conference 
Tuichan     Bi-  at  Lejth,  January,  1572,  wher,  under  pretext  of  establishing  the  policy 

shops  wer  brut  J  .  .    .  /■     1       t~  •»■»*•    - 

in  Jan.,  1572.  0f  the  Kirk,  sustentation  of  ministers,  and  support  of  the  King  s  Majesty 
and  common  affaires  of  the  realme,  the  Tulchan  Bishops  wer  agreed  to  as 
an  interim  provision,  till  the  King  came  to  perfect  age,  or  an  alteration 


MR.   JOHN    WINRAM.  127 

wer  made  by  the  Parliament.  By  this  agreement  at  Leith,  the  Earle  of 
Mortoun  and  his  freinds  gote  Church  lands  and  revenues,  and  the  nominall 
Bishops  had  a  very  small  pittance  allowed  them.  However,  the  Assembly 
refused  to  come  in  to  what  was  done,  and  very  soon  declared  against  these 
Bishops  and  all  prelacy  in  the  Church,  as  I  shall  at  more  lenth  account 
for  upon  the  Life  of  John  Erskine  of  Dun. 

After  this  agreement  at  Leith,  the  Earle  of  Mortoun  pushed  on  his     *Ic   »dm,tt* 

o  i  Mr.      Douglas 

designe,  and  in  less  than  a  moneth,  upon  the  10  of  February,  Mr.  Winram  Bishop  of  Saint 
was  imployed,  as  Superintendant  of  the  bounds,  to  inaugurat  Mr.  John  Feb.  10, 157-2. 
Douglas  Bishop  of  Saint  Andrews.  He  preached  before  his  reception  on 
Titus  i.,  and  keeped  the  same  form  that  had  been  drauen  up  by  Mr.  Knox, 
and  approved  by  the  Generall  Assembly,  twelve  years  before,  for  the 
reception  of  Superintendants.  The  particular  circumstances  will  come  in 
better  upon  Mr.  Douglas  Life. 

The  Generall  Assembly  conveened  next  moneth  at  Saint  Andrews,        Complaint 

*  t<  against  him  at 

March  6,  and  there  new  complaints  wer  given  in  against  Mr.  Winram.  the  Assembly, 
Mr.  Thomas  Kineer,  minister  at  Carrail,  compleaned  that  his  Kirk  had 
not  been  visited  these  three  years  bygone,  and  that  at  the  last  visitation 
there  the  Superintendant  had  not  used  due  order,  in  so  far  as  he  consulted 
not  with  the  ministers  and  elders  touching  things  to  be  reformed  ;  and 
next,  he  accused  him  that  he  had  not  visited  the  Kirks  of  Strath  em, 
Monteath,  Braidalbin,  for  some  years  bygone  ;  and  lastly,  that  he  had 
given  the  viccarage  of  Kilmanie  to  one  who  was  no  minister,  nor  hath 
function  in  the  Kirk,  wherby  the  minister  of  the  said  Kirk,  planted  by 
the  Superintendant  himself,  is  frustrate  therof.  Mr.  Winram  re-entering 
answered  to  the  first  by  referring  to  his  Book  of  Visitation.  Ther  are  no 
answers  recorded  as  to  the  rest  of  the  heads.  The  Assembly  exhorted 
him  to  be  more  diligent  in  visitation,  as  he  might  conveniently,  which  he 
promised  to  do. 

Whether  it  was  that  he  was  fretted  with  these  complaints,  as  well  as  He  offers  a  di- 

r  .i  T  n,  -.         •*  r       -.»,-.  ,»>         ,  mission,  March 

forsaw  others  coming,  1  cannot  tell  ;  but  next  day  Mr.  AY  inram  offered  7, 1572. 
a  dimission  of  his  office  to  the  Assembly.     The  words  of  the  Register 
are :    Session    3.    March  7,    "  Mr.    John   Winram,   Superintendant    of 
"  Fife,  of  his  own  free  will,  and  for  certain  causes  moving  him  therto,  purely 
"  and  simpliciter  dimitted  the  office  of  Superintendantry  which  he  had 


128  MR.    JOHN    WINRAM. 

"  within  the  dioces  of  Saint  Andrews,  in  the  Assemblys  hands,  requesting 
"  them  earnestly  to  provide  another  in  his  room,  for  the  comfort  of  the 
"  Kirk  and  visiting  the  ministers  of  these  bounds."     We  shall  find  the 
Assembly  did  not  receive  his  dimission  off  his  hand. 
The  state  of  At  that  same  dyet,  Mr.  Rutherford,  Provest  of  Saint  Salvators  Col- 

the  viccarage  ot  m  ' 

Kiimany,  part  ledge  Saint  Andrewes,  compleaned  that  the  Superintendent  of  Fife  had 

eompiaim. '  °  disponed  the  viccarage  of  Kilmanie,  which  belonged  to  him,  the  Provest, 

P-  7-  and  Colledge  ;  and  that  Mr.  Winram  had  disponed  an  altarage  in  the 

Kirk  of  Saint  Andrews,  which  was  also  in  their  gift,  as  appeared  by  the 

foundation  yet  extant, — requesting  the  Assembly  to  take  such  course  in 

that  matter  as  equity  required,  that  the  Colledge  might  not  be  put  to 

unnecessary  expenses  before   other  courts  in  seeking  a  remedy.     The 

Assembly  appointed  Mr.  John  Row,  Gilbert  Garden,  William  Christison, 

Andrew  Hay,  and  David  Lindsay,  to  pass  to  Saint  Salvators  Colledge, 

and  see  and  consider  the  foundation  alledged,  and  report.     They  did  report 

next  Session,   that  they  found  the    following  clause  in  the  foundation: 

"  Vicariae  de  Kilmanie  electio  et  presentatio  ordinarie  facienda  ad  domiri". 

preposif .   et   ceteros  de   dicto  Collegio  graduates  debent  pertinere,  qui 

quidem  vicarius  omnia  onera  ordinaria  subire  tenetur."     On  this  report 

the   Assembly  ordeaned  a  letter  to  be  writt  to  the  Lords   Senators  of 

the  Colledge  of  Justice,  testifying  what  they  had  found,  as  above. 

The  Assem-  In  the  fourth  Session  the  Assembly,  after  these  complaints  and  the 

to  continou  his  demission  offered,  "  ordean  the  Superintendant  of  Fife,  to  exerce  his  own 

aniy!""6"  "     "  jurisdiction,  as  of  before,  in  the  provinces  not  yet  subject  to  the  Arch- 

"  bishoprick  of  Saint  Andrews,  and  also  requests  him  to  concurr  with 

''  the  said  Archbishop,  when  he  requirith  his  visitation  or  otherwise  within 

"  his  bounds:  and  likewise  the  Superintendents  of  Lothian  and  Angus  to 

"  continou  in  their  jurisdiction  in  manner  forsaid  without  prejudice  of  the 

"  said  Archbishop,  except  by  virtue  of  his  commission." 

Am  yei57oe  ^  tne  nex'  Assembly,  as  it  appears  to  me,  Mr.  Winram  seems  to 

seem  to  free  hi. a  be  freed  of  his  Superiiitendency  of  Fife.     They  met  May  6,  and  in  their 

first  Session,  they  find  and  declare  "  the  Diocie  of  Saint  Andrews,  wher- 

soever  it  lyeth,  to  pertean  to  the  Bishop  of  Saint  Andrews,  and  to  no 

other  Superintendent,  to  visit  and  plant  Kirks;"  upon  this  the  Bishop 

desires    assistants,  the  Superintendents    of   Angus  and   Lothian,  Mrs. 


MR.    JOHN    WIN  RAM.  129 

Pont,  Hay  and  Craige,  to  which  the  Assembly  agrees.  Mr.  Winram  is 
not  in  the  number,  and  so  seems  to  be  freed  from  his  vistation  in  Fyfe. 
I  have  no  line  to  direct  me  here,  and  only  set  down  facts  as  I  find  them,  Mr. 
Winram  is  present  in  that  Assembly,  and  joyns  in  the  Assemblys  protest 
against  the  convention  at  Leith,  as  I  shall  further  remark  upon  John 
Erskine  of  Dun  his  life.  In  the  next  Assembly,  March,  1573,  I  find 
Mr.  Winram  present  under  the  character  of  the  Superintendant  of  Stra- 
thern,  and  not  Fife  as  formerly,  and  in  some  following  Assemblys  he 
continoues  so  to  be  called. 

In  the  Assembly,  1575,  I  find  Mr.  Winram  is  designed  Prior  of  Wi1Ifr^    ™rm 
Portmoak  ;*  whether  he  had  some  of  the  rents  of  that  priory  assigned  to  him,  of    Portmoak, 

t  I11--I.CCI'  1  ano'       Superin- 

or  what  was  the  reason,  I  cannot  tell,  but  m  the  first  Session  the  contra-  tendant  of  Fife, 
versy  about  the  choice  of  the  Bishop  of  Murray  is  remitted  to  Mr.  John 
Winram,  prior  of  Portmoak,  Mr.  Andrew  Hay,  Mr.  David  Cunningham 
and  Mr.  Andrew  Melvil.  At  that  same  Assembly,  Session  3,  the  As- 
sembly, "  gives  commission  of  Superintendantship  to  Mr.  John  Winram, 
prior  of  Portmoak,  in  the  bounds  of  Fife  and  Strathern."  Before  this 
Assembly,  Mr.  Douglas,  Bishop  of  Saint  Andrews,  dyed,  which  is  the 
reason  of  this  new  power  given  again  to  Mr.  Winram.  At  this  same 
Assembly,  I  find  him  nominat  upon  a  Committy,  with  others,  to  frame 
an  Act  anent  ministers  apparrell,  which  I  shall  afterwards  insert  in  this 
Biography,  on  another  occasion.  p  g 

At  the  next  Assembly,  August,  1575,  "the  superintendant  of  Fife        Complaint 

i  i  i  p     i  •  /•  n    •  a      i  againsthim.As- 

"  is  compleaned  upon  that  none  of  the  university  of  Saint  Andrews  wer  sembiy,    1575, 

"  present :  that  the  Kirk  of  Ryne  had  no  readers,  by  reason  of  a  contra-  ™l*    hls  an~ 

"  versy  among  the  readers  :   that  the  exercise  is  taken  away  from  St. 

"  Leonard's  to  the  parish  Kirk,  and  yet  neither  preaching  nor  exercises 

"  keeped  that  day.     To  the  first  he  answered,  that  it  is  not  his  duty  to 

"  name  commissioners  for  the  university,  but  that  it  belonged  to  them- 

"  selves,  and  that  they  had  nominat  Mr.  Robert  Hamilton,  their  minister; 

"  to  the  second,  that  the  matter  being  remitted  to  him,  he  found  no  ground, 

"  and  has  remitted  the  same  to  the  Assembly,  wherin  they  decerned  the 

"  posessor  to  remain  at  the  said   Kirk,  and  since  that  the  parishoners 

*   Winram  is  designated  Prior  of  Portmoak  much  earlier.     See  Note  A. 


130  MR.  JOHN   WINRAM. 

"  agreed  to  another  third  person :  to  the  third,  that  ther  was  an  order 
"  set  down  for  the  exercise,  and  a  roll  of  the  exercisers  written,  and  not 
"  the  less  ther  has  been  no  exercise  keeped  since  pasch  by  past  a  year, 
"  wherof  he  desired  the  bretheren  to  provide  a  remedy.  The  Assembly 
"  ordeaned  the  exercise  to  be  restored  again  to  Saint  Leonard's  Colledge, 
"  and  the  Friday  preaching  to  be  keeped,  but  yet  that  Mr.  R.  Hamiltoun 
"  should  be  heard  when  he  came  to  the  Assembly,  and  ordeans  the  said 
"  Superintendant  to  place  John  Pitcairn  as  reader,  and  give  him  Letters 
"  of  concurrence,  such  as  wer  given  by  the  umquhile  Bishop  of  Saint 
"  Andrews,  conform  to  the  decreet." 
Continoued  in  After  this  year  I  do  not  find  Mr.  Winram  in  our  Assemblyes.     At 

tendantsh^,'"  this  Assembly,  it  was  thot  expedient  to  make  annual  visitors  and  commis- 

1576.  sioners,  and  change  their  bounds  of  visitation  to  prevent  ambition  and 

inconveniencys  in  the  Kirk.  Accordingly  the  Assembly  change  the 
bounds  of  the  Commissioners  and  visitors.  However  they  continow  the 
Superintendants  of  Fife  and  Lothian  in  their  office,  and  at  the  following 
Assembly,  1570,  ther  are  three  or  four  appointed  visitors  in  every  particular 
bounds  formerly  the  oversight  and  charge  of  one  person,  and  for  Fife 
Mr.  Winram,  who  was  not  present,  with  such  as  he  should  joyn  to  himself, 
with  the  advice  of  the  commissioners  that  are  to  pass  to  Saint  Andrews, 
and  afterward  I  find  no  more  nottice  taken  of  him  in  the  nominations 
of  the  Assembly. 

th"ei577  ab°Ut  Its  Probable  then  that  he  dyed  about  the  1577-?     This  is  all  I  have 

5  See  Note  e.  been  able  to  gather  concerning  him.6     I  do  not  observe  that,  tho  he  was  a 
'  Superintendant,  he  was  ever  chosen  moderator  of  any  of  our  Assemblys, 
tho  he  was  present  at  about  36  Assemblys.     He  was  certainly  an  early 
favourer  of  the  Reformation  and  usefull  at  the  Reformation,  but  after- 
ward seems  not  to  have  been  so  well  liked.     I  find  nothing  published 

7  See  Note  g.  by  him.7 

Novembeb  11,  1729. 


COLLECTIONS 


LIFE  OF  MR.  JOHN  CARSWELL, 


SUPERINTENDANT  OF  ARGYLE. 


COLLECTIONS 


LIFE  OF  MR.  JOHN  CARSWELL, 


SUPERINTENDANT  OF  ARGYLE. 


Having  given  some  hints  at  the  Lives  of  the  other  four  Superintendants    Dec.  9, 1729. 

[.ill.-      offeri 
as  to  this  life. 


named  in  this  Church  at  the  Reformation,  Mr.  Willock,  Mr.  Spotswood, 


John  Erskine  of  Dun,  and  Mr.  John  Winram,  I  thot  it  not  unproper  to 
put  together  the  few  hints  I  have  met  with  as  to  Mr.  Carswell,  tho 
his  great  distance  from  the  judicatorys  of  this  Church,  and,  it  may  be,  his 
inferior  gifts  and  usefulnes,  are  the  reasons  why  we  have  less  preserved 
concerning  him  than  the  rest.  Indeed  very  little  offers  to  me  about  him. 
But  I  incline  to  preserve  any  scattered  passages  which  occur,  and  others 
may  add  to  them. 

I  have  nothing  about  his  parentage  or  education  ;  the  first  time  I    Mr.  Carswaii 
meet  with  him,  is  when  the  few  ministers  in  Scotland  wer  allocat  to  their  su^erinten'dai.t! 
charges,  July,  1560.     He  is  nominat  to  be  Superintendant  of  Argyle.  Jul>''  156a 
He  is  alwise  spoke  of  as  a  Master  of  Arts,  and  so  no  doubt  had  accademi- 
call  ordination  [education  ?]'     Whether  he   was   in  Orders  before   the  1  see  Note  a. 
Reformation  does  not  appear  ;  but  we  may  suppose  he  was  a  person  of 
some  standing  and  gravity,  otherwise  he  would  not  have  been  named  for 
this  charge,  and  its  to  be  hoped  he  was  for  some  time  enlightned  with 


134  MR.   JOHN    CARSWELL. 

the  knowledge  of  the  truth,  and  not  a  novice  when  pitched  on  for  this 
office.  Mr.  John  Douglas  had  laboured  in  Argyleshire  in  word  and 
doctrine  before  and  at  the  Reformation,  and  the  reasons  why  he  was 
pitched  up  [on]  for  Superintendant  in  these  bounds,  have  been  hinted  at. 

He  is  seldom  lie  is  not  mentioned  in  the  list  of  the  members  of  our  first  Generall 

lembiys™  "~  Assembly,  and  does  not  seem  to  have  [been]  at  it ;  but  he  was  present  in 
the  Assembly,  1562,  of  which  the  Registers  and  Mr.  Calderwood  give  us 
the  names  of  the  members.  He  was  present  at  some  Assemblys  after- 
wards, yet  I  find  no  nottice  taken  of  him  save  once.  In  the  Assemblys 
tryall  of  Superintendants  and  ministers,  which  was  at  every  Generall 
Assembly,  we  shall  find  that  somtimes  he  was  excused.  In  the  winter 
time  it  was  hard  for  him  to  come  from  the  remote  places  committed  to  him, 
and  the  summer  season  was  the  most  convenient  time  for  his  visitation  of 
liis  Kirks. 

In  the  Assembly,  June,  156c2,  Session  6,  suit  is  made  to  the  Justice 
Clerk  for  order  to  be  taken  with  Mr.  James  M'Verit  in  Bute,  for  dis- 
obedience to  the  Superintendant  of  Argyle. 

His  letter  to  Ther  seems  to  have  been  a  correspondence  between  him  and  Robert 

M«ch™9,l5<U  Campbell  of  Kinzeancleugh,  whose  Life  followes.  I  have  an  originall 
letter  from  the  Superintendant  to  this  gentlman,  in  the  year  1564,  which 
I  shall  insert,  because  it  conteans  some  facts  concerning  Mr.  Carswell, 
and  its  but  few  letters  of  this  early  time  are  preserved.  Not  having  Mr. 
Campbels  letter,  to  which  this  is  an  answer,  and  knowing  nothing 
about  the  person  it  relates  to,  severall  parts  of  the  letter  will  remain  dark. 
I  doubt  if  I  be  able  to  master  some  words  in  the  originall.  Its  directed, 
To  his  loving  brother,  Robert  Campbell  of  Kinzeancleugh,  deliver  this, 
and  it  runs  :  "  Continoual  assistance  of  the  Spirit  of  God  be  with  you  for 
"  salvation.     In  your  letter  direct  unto  me,  (Beloved  Brother  in    the 

p.  2.  "  Lord,)  it  appears  to  me  that  you  are  sinisterlie  informed  towards  me, 

"  or  else  in  judgment  and  credit  somewhat  facile ;  because  you  write  as 
"  ane  meining  (perhaps,  menacing)  that  ye  thinke  the  warlde  and  indwel- 
"  lars  therof  turnand  so  fast,  and  indeed  I  fear  the  same  to  be  maist  true, 
"  in  generall.  God  forbid  it  be  sa  in  all  specialls,  as  for  my  auin  part, 
"  concerning  fast  turning  in  Goddis  causis  or  the  faythfullis,  I  hope  in 
"  God,  be  the  assistance  of  his  Sprcit,  to  have  tham  dissavit  that  so  wald 


MR.    JOHN    CARS  WELL.  185 

"  report  of  me,  (giff  your  meining  be  this.)  I  communed  with  our 
"  brother  George  at  lenth,  and  giff  he  had  informed  you,  as  I 
"  informed  him  and  for  my  part  offered  him  occasion,  I  belive 
"  he  wald  have  declared  unto  my  part  ;  for  let  them  say  what  they  list, 
"  my  conscience  will  not  let  me  use  rigour  but  against  the  stubborn.  But 
"  in  this  matter  of  teinds,  it  is  not  mine,  but  the  factors  ;  and  yet,  if 
"  George  wald  remember  how  reasonable  I  was  in  my  answer  to  him,  I 
"  wonder  that  he  reported  not  the  same  to  you.  But  because  I  am  uther- 
"  wayes  occupyed,  I  will  not  impose  you  with  writtings,  to  contene  the 
"  hail  matter  then,  bot  will  be  weal  pleised  to  continou  or  else  to  forgiff 
"  the  hail  matter.  Howbeit  I  cannot  forgiff  to  do  my  sober  diligence  in 
"  furderance  of  the  Kirk.  For  thus  stands  the  matter  in  this  country ; 
"  giff  we  crave  our  stipends  and  remitt  them  not  at  the  possessors,  than 
"  our  preaching  is  unprofitable  ;  and  giff  we  remitt  them,  than  the  travail 
"  cannot  be  susteaned,  for  fault  of  sustentation  of  the  travailers ;  and  of 
"  some  our  travail  not  the  better  alloued,  although  we  became  beggars. 
"  I  am  sorry  for  our  brother  Georges  seiknes,  God  comfort  him.  As  for 
"  the  continuance,  as  is  before  written,  it  shall  be  used,  but  because  I 
"  pass  presently  to  Kyntyre,  and  therafter  to  the  Isles,  to  visit  some 
"  Kirks,  I  cannot  be  at  the  Generall  Assembly  ;  and  my  bretheren,  the 
"  minister  of  Edinburgh,  and  Superintendant  of  Glasgow,  has  written 
"  unto  me,  that  they  will  excuse  me  at  the  Generall  Assembly,  and  thinks 
"  that  my  travail  now  in  the  Isles  may  do  more  good  to  the  Kirk  nor  my 
"  presence  at  the  Assembly  ;  because  it  cannot  be  weil  travailed  throu  in 
"  winter,  whilk  ye  shall  also  remember  at  the  Assembly,  giff  ye  be  there, 
"  and  after  my  returning  I  wald  be  glad  to  know  (things)  at  you  as  occa- 
"  sion  may  serve.  Thus  committs  you  to  the  protection  of  God.  Off  Dun- 
"  nivy,  this  29  day  of  March,  1564. 

"  Your  huffing  Brother  to  command, 

"  Johne  Carswell." 

From  this  letter  its  plain  enough  that  the  Superintendants  reconed  This  utter. 
themselves  bound  to  be  at  every  Assembly,  and  used  to  send  their  excuses 
when  not  present  ;    and  it  would  seem  ther  was  an  intimacy  between 
Kinzeancleugh  and  Mr.  Carswell.     I  am  somtimes  surprized  to  observe 


13G  MR.    JOHN    CARS  WELL. 

the  propriety  of  language,  and  clear  and  distinct  way  of  expressing  them- 
P-  3-  selves  in  these  early  times,  which,  bating  some  few  peculiaritys,  is  almost 

equal  to  our  stile  at  present,  and  much  more  nervouse  and  strong,  so  that 
when  I  read  the  papers  drawen  by  our  first  Reformers,  their  letters  and 
writings,  I  scarce  can  recon  either  the  language  and  stile  of  that  age  so 
low,  or  ours  since  so  much  improven,  as  commonly  they  seem  to  be  thot. 
Who  this  George  was  the  Superintendant  speaks  of,  I  will  not  pretend  to 
guess.  Bishop  Spotswood  speaks  [of]  George  Laird  of  Balcomie  in  Fyfe, 
presented  to  the  See  of  Argyle.  Doctor  Monro,  in  his  Appendix  to 
Bishop  Spotswood's  History,  makes  him  the  last  of  the  Popish  Bishops 
there.  If  it  be  he  who  is  meaned  here,  he  has  embraced  the  Protestant 
religion,  since  the  Superintendant  calls  him  brother.  In  that  event  he 
might  have  some  concern  in  the  teinds.  But  its  probable  its  some  other 
that  is  spoken  of. 

I  find  Mr.  Carswell  present  in  the  Generall  Assembly,  July,  1569. 
And  Mr.  Calderwood  tells  us,  that  the  first  Session  "  Mr.  John  Carswell 
"  Superintendant  of  Argyle  was  reproved  for  accepting  the  Bishoprick  of 
"  the  Isles  without  making  the  Assembly  forseen,  and  for  riding  and 
"  assisting  of  the  Parliament  holden  by  the  Queen  after  the  murder  of 
"  the  King."  The  Popish  Queen  advanced  several  persons  to  the  title 
of  Bishop,  and  allowed  them  some  of  [the]  rents  of  the  Bishopricks  to 

2  See  note  b.  serve  her  with  their  votes  in  Parliament.2     So  I  suppose  after  the  Queen's 

return  from  France,  Mr.  John  Lesley,  when  a  Lord  of  Session,  was  made 
both  the  Bishop  of  Argyle,  and  then  Bishop  of  Ross  ;  and  Mr.  H. 
Sinclair  hath  the  title  of  the  Bishop  of  Orkney.  The  Papists  she  advanced 
no  doubt  had  confirmation  from  the  Pope  ;  but  the  Protestants  had  no 
more  save  a  civil  title  to  part  of  the  rent  of  the  Bishopricks  they  had 
their  title  from.  Mr.  Carswell  is  the  only  Superintendant  or  minister  I 
meet  with,  who  had  the  title  of  a  Bishop  given  him,  till  the  Tulchan 
Bishops  wer  brought  in.  And  this  is  not  much  for  his  honour,  and  seems 
to  contradict  his  assurances  given  to  Kinzeancleugh,  that  he  would  be  fast 
in  the  matters  of  God  and  the  faithfull. 

After  this  I  find  no  more  about  him,  and  it  may  be  he  did  not  long 

3  See  note  c.  outlive  this  Assembly,  wher  he  was  present.3    The  author  of  the  Appendix 

to  Bishop  Spotswoods  History  makes  him  Bishop  of  Argyle  after  the 


MR.    JOHN    CAR  SWELL.  137 

Reformation,  but  I  doubt  this  is  a  mistake  in  him  for  the  Isles,  and  sayes 
his  successor  there,  Mr.  Boyd,  a  son  of  the  family  of  Boyd,  found  his 
diocess  exceedingly  ignorant  when  he  came  to  it,  and  that  he  was  exceed- 
ingly usefull  for  propagating  knowledge,  and  reforming  that  part  of  the 
country.  Whether  [it]  was  from  any  negligence  in  the  Superintendent,  or 
from  the  peoples  falling  back  to  their  former  ignorance,  in  the  intervall 
betwixt,  I  do  not  determine.  I  doubt  if  ther  was  any  great  change  to  the 
better  in  that  remote  part  of  the  nation,  till  after  the  1C3S,  when,  by  the 
care  of  our  Assemblys  and  the  assistance  of  the  excellent  Marquise  of 
Argyle,  a  very  great  reformation  was  brought  about  in  Argyleshire  and  the 
Isles,  and  its  plain  enough  ther  has  been  aboundance  of  room  left  for 
advances  in  that  good  work  of  the  reforming  and  planting  of  the  Highland 
and  Isles  for  the  Church  since  the  Reformation,  and  work  enough  remains 
at  this  day,  tho  I  beleve  more  hath  been  done  this  way  since  the  Revo- 
lution, than  was,  or  perhaps  could  weel  be,  got  done  since  our  first 
Reformation  from  Popery.     May  the  Lord  yet  help  it  forward ! 4 

December  9,  1729. 

I  find  nothing  in  our  Assemblys  about  the  Isles  or  Argyle  since 
Mr.  Carswell  was  present  till  the  Assembly,  October  20,  1580,  when  the 
severall  Tulchan  Bishops  are  summoned  to  the  next  Assembly  to  assent  to 
the  Articles  agreed  on  betwixt  the  Generall  Assembly,  and  the  Bishops 
of  Saint  Andrews,  Glasgow,  and  the  Isles,  and  that  same  Session,  October 
25,  Mr.  Andrew  Hay  is  ordeaned  to  summon  the  visiter  of  Argyle  to 
compear  befor  the  next  Generall  Assembly,  to  answer  upon  the  usurpa- 
tion of  the  office  of  visitation,  within  the  said  bounds,  under  psm  of  disobed- 
ience, but  whither  this  was  Mr.  Carswell,  or  probably  another,  I  do  not 
determine ;  at  that  same  Assembly  Mr.  John  Campbell  is  appointed  visiter 
of  the  Isles  and  Argyle. 


COLLECTIONS 


LIFE  OF  MR.  ALEXANDER  GORDON, 

BISHOP  OF  ATHENS  AND  GALLOWAY  AFTER  THE  REFORMATION, 
COMMISSIONER  FOR  GALLOWAY,  AND  LORD  OF  SESSION. 


COLLECTIONS 


LIFE  OF  MR.  ALEXANDER  GORDON, 

BISHOP  OF  ATHENS  AND  GALLOWAY  ALTER  THE    REFORMATION, 
COMMISSIONER  FOR  GALLOWAY  AND  LORD  OF  SESSION. 


When   I  am  giving  the  Lives  of  persons  of  consideration  and  emin-  De<;-  22> 1729- 

•  t».  i  ri       j  p  n  i  i  Reasons     of 

ency  at  and  after  the  Reformation,  Bishop  Gordon  falls  in  as  the  only  writing,     and 
Popish  Bishop,  who  joyned  in  with  the  Reformation.     I  cannot  say  his  XatTs  in,  this 
character  stands  so  fair  as  most  of  those  whose  Lives  are  here,  but  he  life- 
was  a  person  of  distinction  and  was  in  a  good  many  Generall  Assemblys, 
th6  pretty  frequently  as  a  pannall.     However  the  hints  I  am  to  give  of 
him  will  let  us  in  to  severall  steps  taken  by  the  church  after  the  Refor- 
mation, and  may  tend  to  enlighten  our  history,  and  since  I  am  to  give 
the  Lives  of  most  of  our  Bishops  till  the  Union  of  the  Crowns,  where 
I  have  materialls,  I  could  not  but  well  begin  with  Bishop  Gordon.    Most  of 
what  I  have  about  him  is  from  Mr.  Calderwoods  MS.  and  our  Assem- 
bly Records. 

Mr.  Gordon  was  a  son  of  the  Family  of  Huntly,  many  of  whom  in  His  p*™11- 
the  time  of  Popery  wer  churchmen.  He  was  jirobably  educat  abroad,  MadeTituiar 
and  no  doubt  was  sufficiently  esteemed  in  the  Popish  church  ;  and  its  Athens!  °Pan°d 
like  he  was  somtime  at  Rome,  wher  Scots  men  wer  very  much  carressed,  f^°?  "isse" 
some  years  before  the  Reformation.1      By  the  Pope,  it  seems,  he  was   '  Sec  »ote  A- 


142  Mil.    ALEXANDER    GORDON. 

ordained  Titular  Archbishop  of  Athens.  I  do  not  meet  with  him  in 
Scotland  till  the  year  1558,  when  probably  he  returned  to  his  native 
country,  and  succeeded  to  Andrew  Durie  Bishop  of  Galloway,  who, 
with  severall  other  Popish  Bishops,  dyed  about  this  time.  Bishop  Durie 
was  one  of  the  most  virulent  of  the  Popish  Bishops,  and  signal  for  his 
ignorance,  cursing  and  swearing,  and  enmity  to  the  Reformation.  Mr. 
Knox  tells  us  in  his  History,  "  That  he  vowed  in  despite  of  God  that 
"  so  long  as  they  who  wer  then  Prelates  lived,  that  word  called  the  Gos- 
"  pell  should  never  be  preached  in  this  Realm."  The  Queen  Regent, 
and  the  French  managers,  put  in  his  room  the  Titular  Archbishop  of 
Athens,  as  a  man  of  a  better  character. 
Joyns  in  the  When  he  saw  the  Reformation  a  going  game,  very  early  he  fell  in 

Paru^Tent"  witn  &■  ^  *s  probable  he  had  considerable  opportunitys  while  abroad 
July,  1560.  to  know  the  truth  ;  and  now  finding  his  interest  to  fall  in  with  it,  he  would 
be  the  more  open  to  arguments  and  conviction.  I  will  not  judge  his 
springs  and  the  fountains  of  his  joyning  with  the  Reformation.  Charity 
leads  to  think  they  wer  good,  but  his  many  turns  afterwards,  and  his 
pushing  after  preferment,  give  some  room  to  wish  they  have  been  quite 
right.  He  was  present  at  the  Parliament,  July,  15G0,  when  the  Refor- 
mation was  established  and  Popery  abolished.  And  Mr.  Knox  names 
him,  as  the  only  Popish  Bishop  who  joyned  in  the  Reformation.  He 
sayes,  "  The  meeting  of  that  Parliament  was  numerous  and  the  cheif 
"  pillars  of  the  Papisticall  church  gave  their  presence,  such  as  the  Bishops 
"  of  Saint  Andrews,  Dunkeld,  and  Dumblane,  with  others  of  the  inferior 
"  sort ;  besides  those  that  had  renounced  Papistry,  and  openly  professed 
"  Jesus  Christ  with  us,  such  as  the  Bishop  of  Galloway,  the  Abbots  of 
"  Lundoris,  Culros,  St.  Colms  Inch,  Newbotle,  Hallyroodhouse,  the  Prior 
p.  2.  44  0f  Saint  Andrews,  the  Subprior  and  some  others  whom  we  observed  not." 

others      "ub^  ■"•  ^nt^  mm  hkwise  this  year  joyning  in  all  appearance  heartily  with 

scribes       the  the  First  Book  of  Discipline  ;  and  so,  as  Mr.  David  Buchanan  observes  in 

Book  of  Disci-  -it--,  ,. 

piine,  January  the  common  printed  Knox,  m  the  passage  of  Knox  I  am  just  now  to  insert, 
as  he  renounced  Popery,  so  he  renounced  Prelacy  also  by  that  subscrip- 
tion. The  account  of  this  subscription  to  the  First  Book  of  Discipline  I 
give  in  Mr.  Knoxes  own  words.  He  observes  ther  wer  none  in  the  realme 
more  unmercifull  to  poor  ministers  then  wer  they  which  had  the  greatest 


MR.  ALEXANDER  GORDON.  H3 

rents  of  the  Churches.  Yet  adds  he,  "  The  Book  of  Discipline  was 
"  subscribed  by  a  great  part  of  Nobility,  to  wit,  the  Dukes  Grace,  the 
"  Earle  of  Arran,  the  Earles  Argyle,  Glencairn,  Marishall  Monteith, 
"  Mortoun,  Rothes,  Lord  James,  afterward  Earle  of  Murray,  Lord 
"  Yester,  Boyd,  Uchiltree,  Master  of  Maxwell,  Lord  Lindsay,  and  the 
"master,  now  Lord:  Barrons;  Drumlanrig,  Lochinvare,  Garlies, 
"  Barganny,  Mr.  Alexander  Gordon  Bishop  of  Galloway,  Alexander 
"  Campbell  Dean  of  Murray,  with  a  great  number  more,  subscribed 
"  and  approved  the  said  Book  in  the  Tolbooth  of  Edinburgh,  January 
"  26th,  [27th,]  1560."  I  belivethe  manner  of  Subscription  and  reser- 
vation of  the  benefices  and  rents  of  such  as  joyned  in  the  reservation  was  no 
small  argument  with  Bishop  Gordon  to  joyn,  and  Mr.  Knox  gives  it  thus  : 

"  We  which  have  subscribed  these  presents,  having  advised  with  the     TeDnour   of 

.,/,.,  -f.il,  i      f  1        1         •        •  r  subscription   to 

"  articles  herein  specifyed  and  above  mentioned,  from  the  beginning  of  it. 
"  this  Book,  thinks  the  same  good  and  conform  to  God's  word,  in  all 
"  points,  conform  to  the  notes  and  aditions  therto  eiked,  and  promise  to  set 
"  the  same  forward  at  the  uttermost  of  our  power,  providing  that  Bishops, 
"  Abbots,  Priors,  and  other  Prelates  and  beneficed  men,  which  else  have 
"  adjoyned  themselves  to  us,  brook  the  revenues  of  their  Benifices  during 
"  life,  they  susteaning  and  upholding  the  ministry  and  ministers,  as  is  herin 
"  specifyed,  for  preaching  the  word  and  ministring  the  sacraments." 
This  restriction  tho  I  believe  well  designed,  and  burdened  with  provision 
of  ministers,  was  a  dead  weight  on  the  setling  of  ministers  for  many 
years  ;  and  the  church  rents,  on  way  or  other,  came  to  be  so  dilapidat 
and  squandered  away,  without  due  provision  for  ministers,  schools,  or  the 
poor,  that  for  near  forty  years  ther  was  constant  complaints  this  way. 

Bishop  Gordon  had  not  been  named  at  first  among  the  superinten-    suppiicats  the 
dants  at  the  Reformation,  but  it  seems  as  soon  as  things  wer  brought  A«sembiy,i562, 

~  o        that    he    might 

to  any  setlment,  after  the  Queens  Return  in  the  beginning  of  the  1562,  be  made  Super- 

he  had   used    his   interest  at  the  Privy  Council    to  be  named  to  the  Gaiioway. 

Superintendantship  of  Galloway.     He  had,  in  as  far  as  the  resolve  above 

named  could  give  him,  a  title  to  the  rents  of  the  Bishoprick  of  Galloway  ; 

but,  as  things  stood,  ther  wer  many  incumberances  upon  them  by  the 

Queen  and  Nobility,  and  both  to  secure  his  title  to  the  rent  and  that  he 

might  have  a  share  in  our  Generall  Assemblys,  and  preserve  an  influence 


144  MR.   ALEXANDER    GORDON. 

upon  that  country,  he  sought  this  office,  and  seems  to  have  been  veiy 
intent  upon  it.  To  the  Assembly  which  met  June  last,  1562,  he  gave 
in  a  supplication  which  had  it  been  preserved  to  us,  we  would  have  knowen 
his  present  circumstances  better.  But  I  can  only  give  the  Assemblys 
answer  to  it,  from  Caldervvoods  MS.  "  In  the  second  session  of  the 
"  Assembly,  June  last,  it  was  answered  by  the  Assembly,  to  the  petition 
"  of  Mr.  Alexander  Gordon  anent  the  superintendantship  of  Galloway : 
"  First,  they  understand  not  how  he  hath  any  nomination  or  presentation, 
"  either  by  the  Lords  of  secret  counsell  or  province  of  Galloway  :  Secondly, 
"  That  albiet  he  had  the  presentation  of  the  Lords,  yet  he  hath  not 

p.  3.  "  observed  the  order  keeped   in  the  Election  of  Superintendants,  and 

"  therfor  cannot  acknowledge  him  as  a  Superintendant  lawfully  called, 
et  for  the  present,  but  offered  unto  him  their  aid  and  assistance,  if  the 
"  Kirks  of  Galloway  shall  first  suit  and  the  Lords  present ;  and  require, 
"  before  he  depart,  that  he  subscribe  the  Book  of  Discipline  :  Further  it 
"  was  concluded  that  letters  should  be  sent  to  Kirks  of  Galloway  to  learn 
"  whether  they  required  any  Superintendant  or  not,  and  whom  they 
"  required."  By  this  we  see  it  plain,  that  the  Assembly  reserved  the 
power  in  themselves  to  admitt  Superintendants,  upon  the  suit  of  the 
Bounds  they  were  to  have  the  charge  of,  and  the  presentation  of  the 
Council,  who  provided  support  to  them. 

Put  on  the  ^n  *'ie  Assembly,  December,   1562,  as  we  have  seen  on  Mr.  Cock- 

nte  for  super-  burns  Life,  the  Assembly  wer  very  earnest  to  have  the  number  of  Super- 
intendant   [of]  ....  *  J  ■        A  T  Tt       r 

Gaiioway  by  intendants  increased  and  had  a  designe  to  setle  them  in  Aberdeen,  Banf, 
Dec,  156™  3'  Jedburg,  and  Dumfreice  ;  whither  they  had  a  return  to  their  letters  to  the 
Kirks  of  Galloway  that  they  desired  a  Superintendant  I  know  not,  but 
"  theAssembly  nominates  in  lites  for  the  Superintendantship  of  Galloway 
"  Mr.  Alexander  Gordon,  intituled  Bishop  of  Galloway,  and  Mr.  Robert 
"  Pont  Minister  of  Dunkeld,  ordeaning  edicts  to  be  set  forth  for  the 
"  admission  upon  the  last  Lords  day  of  Aprile,  and  appointed  the  Super- 
"  intendant  of  Glasgow,  (Mr.  Willock  as  I  take  it,  who  is  termed 
"  Superintendant  of  the  West)  Mr.  Knox,  minister  of  Edinburgh, 
"  Mr.  Robert  Hamiltoun,  minister  of  Uchiltree  and  Mauchlin,  and 
"  other  learned  men  to  be  present  at  the  inauguration  of  the  person 
"  elected.     The  place  of  admission  is  to  be  the  parish  Kirk  of  Dumfreice. 


MR.  ALEXANDER    GORDON.  145 

"  In  the  mean  time  the  Assembly  giveth  commission  to  the  said  Mr. 
"  Alexander  to  admitt  ministers,  exhorters,  and  readers,  and  do  such 
"  other  things  as  wer  accustomed,  in  planting  of  Kirks." 

Upon  Mr.  Knox  Life,  we  shall  find  the  Queens  thots  of  the  Bishop,  The  Queens 
and  his  care  to  recomend  himself  to  Mr.  Knoxes  interest,  as  to  this  bus-  Bishop.and  his 
sines  of  the  Superintendantship.  It  will  not  be  improper  to  give  a  hint  ,^hngs  K™^ 
of  it  here.  In  Mr.  Knoxes  third  conference  with  the  Queen  about  1563. 
March,  1563,  among  other  discourses  the  Queen  was  pleased  to  say 
to  Mr.  Knox  "  I  understand  ye  are  to  go  to  Dumfreice  for  the  election 
"  of  a  Superintendant.  Yes,  said  Mr.  Knox,  those  quarters  had  great 
"  need,  and  some  of  the  gentlmen  so  require.  But  I  hear,  said  the 
"  Queen,  that  the  Bishop  of  Athens  would  be  Superintendant.  He  is 
"  one,  said  the  other,  Madam,  who  is  put  in  election.  If  ye  knew  him 
"  as  well  as  I  do,  answered  the  Queen,  you  would  never  promote  him  to 
"  that  or  any  other  office  within  your  Kirk.  What  he  hath  been,  said 
"  Mr.  Knox,  I  neither  know,  Madam,  nor  did  inquire  ;  for  in  time  of 
"  darknes  what  could  we  do  but  groap  and  go  wrong,  even  as  darknes 
"  carryed  us  ?  but  if  he  fear  not  God  now,  he  deceiveth  many  mo  than 
"  me.  And  yet,  added  he,  Madam,  I  am  assured  God  will  not  suffer 
"  his  Kirk  to  be  so  far  deceived,  that  an  unworthy  man  shall  be  elected, 
"  wher  free  election  is,  and  the  Spirit  of  God  is  earnestly  called  upon,  to 
"  decide  betwixt  two.  Well,  answered  the  Queen,  do  as  ye  will,  but  that 
"  man  is  a  dangerous  man."  Mr.  Knox  adds,  and  therin  she  was  not 
deceived,  for  he  had  corrupted  most  part  of  the  gentlmen,  not  only  to 
nominat  him,  but  also  to  elect  him  ;  which,  when  perceived  by  the  said 
John,  Commissioner,  he  left  Mr.  Robert  Pont  with  the  Master  of  Maxwell, 
that  his  doctrine  and  conversation  might  be  the  better  tryed  of  those  that 
had  not  knowen  him,  and  so  the  Bishop  was  frustrat  of  his  purpose  for 
that  present.  And  yet,  as  Mr.  Knox  adds,  Mr.  Gordon  was  at  that 
time,  the  man  that  was  most  familiar  with  the  said  John  at  his  house  and 
table. 

Though  he  was  thus  balked  of  his  project,  as  to  the  Superintendantry,        Complaint 
yet  he  acted  still  as  Commissioner.     And  so  at  the  Assembly,  June,  1563,  Assembly, 
"  Mr.  Alexander  Gordon,  stiled  Bishop  of  Galloway,  having  got  com-  Ju,n>e'4l5ca 
"  mission  before  to  plant  ministers,  exorters,  and  readers,  and  other  office- 

T 


146  MR.    ALEXANDER    GORDON. 

"  bearers  requisite  for  a  Reformed  Kirk,  within  the  bounds  of  Galloway, 
"  was  removed.  The  Laird  of  Garlies,  younger,  compleaned,  that  the 
"  said  Commissioner  had  not  ministred  justice  to  Margaret  Murray, 
"  compleaning  upon  her  husband,  Golfrid  M'Culloch.  But  the  Com- 
"  missioner  could  not  satisfy  the  Assembly  with  any  sufficient  excuse." 
A°°t,hei' at  At  the  Assembly,   December,   1563,  the  young  Laird  of  Garlees 

Dec,  ]563.  complained  on  the  Bishop  for  retaining  in  his  house  two  persons,  after 
their  publick  repentance  for  fornication.  He  denyed  that  he  had  reteaned 
the  woman  ;  but  as  for  the  man,  after  he  had  dismissed  him  for  a  time, 
knowing  no  offence  to  him,  he  received  him.  I  find  at  this  Assembly 
many  Commissioners  as  weel  as  Superintendants,  removed  in  order  [to] 
censure,  besids  Mr.  Gordon,  now  termed  Commissioner  of  Galloway, 
Mr.  Donald  Monro  for  Ross,  Mr.  Robert  Pont  for  Murray,  Invemes, 
and  Bamf,  Mr.  Thomas  Drummond  and  John  Duncanson  for  Monteith. 
So  that  with  the  five  Superintendants,  ther  wer  not  many  places  of  note, 
save  the  Merce  and  the  Dales,  but  what  had  overseers  as  to  visitation  and 
plantation  sent  by  the  Assembly. 
lw'  fT^'  ^  gather  from  what   offers  next  in   our  Assemblys  about  Bishop 

sion.  Gordon,  that  both  he  and  another  Commissioner,  who  seems  to  have  been 

somwhat  of  his  temper,  wer  made  Lords  of  Session  next  year.  At  Assembly, 
December,  1564,  "  When  the  Commissioners  of  Galloway  and  Orkney  wer 
"  removed  for  tryall  and  censure,  some  bretheren  proponned  that  they 
"  should  be  enquired  and  demanded,  if  in  their  consciences  they  thot  that 
"  they  might  both  dulie  exercise  the  office  of  a  Superintendant,  and  the 
"  office  of  a  Lord  in  the  Session  and  Colledge  of  Justice."  Ther  is  no 
answer  returned,  nor  any  repealing  of  their  office  of  Commissioners,  tho 
we  shall  find  complaints  (and  it  could  not  be  otherwise)  of  a  constant 
neglect  of  visitation  from  this  time. 

menfsk'idupon  Altho  being  a  Lord  of  Session,  neither  he  nor  Adam  Bothwell,  made 

him    by    the  Bishop  of  Orkney  about  this  time  by  the  Queen,  that  is,  having;  a  gift 

Generall      As-      „    ,  /•    1  t>-  1  •    l  1  1  oo 

sembiy,  Dec,  or  the  rents  of  that  Bishopnck,  could  discharge  any  part  almost  of  their 
office  of  commissioners,  yet  I  do  not  find  that  their  commission  is  taken 
away  by  the  Assembly.  The  time  was  very  troublsome,  and  they  had  none 
to  substitute  in  their  room  nor  any  mentainance  for  them,  tho  they  had 
fallen  on  some^fitt  person,  and  I  find  them  both  sitting  in  Assemblys, 


;u\  iisi- 


MR.    ALEXANDER    GORDON.  Wl 

as  most  part  of  the  Protestant  Lords  of  Session,  and  Officers  of  State  did, 
as  Elders,  and  indeed  as  yet  ther  wer  no  direct  regulations  made  as  to  the 
members  of  our  Generall  Assemblys.  Thus,  Assembly,  December,  1566, 
I  find  "  the  Bishops  of  Galloway  and  Orkney,  the  Justice  Clerk,  David 
"  Forrest,  Mr.  John  Row,  David  Lindsay,  William  Christison,  and 
"  Robert  Pont,  wer  appointed  to  read  and  consider  and  revise  an  answer 
"  made  by  Mr.  William  Ramsay,  one  of  the  masters  of  St.  Salvators 
"  Colledge  to  Henry  Bullingers  book,  anent  the  abuhiament  qfp>-erichers 
"  in  England."  And  at  the  same  Assembly  the  Bishops  of  Galloway 
and  Orkney,  George  Lesley  of  Stramiglo,  Mr.  William  Ramsay,  Mrs. 
Pont  and  Christison,  Justice  Clerk  and  David  Forrest  are  appointed  to 
answer  and  decide  cpiestions  propounded  to  the  Assembly,  and  they  joyn 
heartily  with  the  rest  of  that  Assembly,  in  their  petition  (as  we  shall  see 
in  Mr.  Knox  Life)  against  restoring  the  Archbishop  of  Saint  Andrews 
to  his  spiritualitys. 

In  the  Assembly,  December,  1567,  I  find  those  two  titular  Bishops  p- 
(for  Fie  take  in  Bishop  of  Orkney  with  Bishop  Gordon,  since  I  want  tion,  As^mWy, 
materialls  for  him  by  himself,*)  wer  accused  at  the  tryall  of  Superintend-  i^nf**' 
ants  ;  the  Bishop  of  Orkney  absent,  for  neglect  of  visitation, — that  he  occu- 
pied the  room  of  a  judge  in  the  Session,  the  sheep  wandering  without  a 
pastor, — that  he  reteaned  Sir  Francis  Bothwell  a  papist  in  his  house, — 
had  given  him  a  benefice, — and  for  his  marrying  the  Queen  with  the  Earle 
of  Bothwell.  "  Alexander,  called  of  Galloway  accused  that  he  has  not 
"  visited  these  three  years  by  gane,  the  Kirks  within  his  charge.  That 
"  he  had  left  off  the  visiting  and  planting  of  Kirks  and  haunted  the 
"  Court  too  much,  and  had  now  purchased  to  be  one  of  the  Session 
"  and  Privy  Council,  which  cannot  agree  with  the  office  of  a  Pastor  or 
"  Bishop,  that  he  hath  resigned  Inchafferey  in  favours  of  a  young 
"  child,  and  set  diverse  lands  in  feu  in  prejudice  of  the  Kirk."2  In  the  -  See  Note  b. 
fourth  Session,  the  Bishop  of  Galloway  compears,  and  "  granted  that  he 
"  had  offended  in  all  that  was  laid  to  his  charge,  yet  upon  some  consider- 
"  ations  (which,  sayes  Mr.  Calderwoocl,  are  not  expressed  in  the  Register) 

*  Wodrow's  notices  of  Bishop  Bothwell  are  very  defective.  An  account  of  him 
will  be  found  in  Haig  and  Brunton's  Historical  Account  of  the  Senators  of  the  College 
of  Justice,  pp.  119—122. 


<  Minion 


H8  MR.  ALEXANDER  GORDON. 

'<  his  commission  was  continoued  till  the  next  Assembly,  with  admonition 

"  to  be  diligent  in  the  office  of  visitation."     The  Bishop  of*  Orkney  was 

deposed  from  all  function  in  the  ministry,  but  this  sentence  was  soon 

taken  off.     Mr.  Anderson  hath  printed  both  the  Acts  relative  to  him  in 

his  third  volume  of  his  curious  Collections  upon  Queen  Mary. 

1567,  he  de-  By  a  paper   I  have  before  me,  found  among  Sir  James  Semple  of 

rfrt^BhZ^  Beltrees,  Secretary  to  King  James  the  Sixth,  his  papers,  and  communicat 

rick  of  Gaiio-  to  me  kjn(Jiy  by  the  present  Laird  of  Beltrees,  his  great  grand  child,  I 

way  in  favours  j        j  x  -iy~,i  •  i       l  r     l 

of  Mr.  John  find  that  about  this  tune,  Bishop  Gordon  resigned  the  rents  of  the 
Bishoprick  of  Galloway  into  the  Kings  hands.  What  equivalent  he  had, 
perhaps  his  continouance  in  the  Session  and  Council,  or  what  other  thing 
I  know  not.*  But  the  rents  by  a  charter  under  the  great  seal  are  disponed 
to  John  Gordon,  a  son  of  the  house  of  Huntley,  at  present  a  student. 
The  paper  is  but  a  Double,  but  very  fairly  written,  and  probably  taken  off 
the  Register,  or  the  originall,  for  Sir  James  Semples  use,  upon  some 
occasion  or  other  after  the  union  of  the  crowns.  Its  title  is  "Exemplar 
"  Regii  Diplomatis,  quo  ratahabita  et  approbata  est  Electio  Joannis 
"  Gordonii  ad  Episcopatum  Candida?  Casa?,  quasipso  Gordonio,  tunc  tem- 
"  poris  in  Gallia,  studiis  Theologicis  incumbenti,  in  solemni  convcntu 
"  Supcrintendentium,  et  ministror  totius  regni  Scotiae  peracta  est  Anno 
"  Domini  1567,  et  primo  felicissimi  Jacobi  (i.  nunc  magna?  Brittania?, 
"  Erancia;  et  Hibernia;  Agustissimi  Regis."  This  title  is  no  doubt  formed 
by  Sir  James.  Therin  the  King,  with  advice  of  the  Earle  of  Murray 
confirms  the  grant  of  the  Bishoprick  of  Galloway  and  Abbacy  of  Tongland 
disponned  by  the  King  and  Queen,  his  dearest  Father  and  Mother,  "clerico 
nostro  magistro  Joanni  Gordon,  Consanguineo  germano  Comitis  de 
Huntley,"  by  the  resignation  and  simple  dimission  of  Bishop  Alexander 
Gordon,  to  the  said  Mr.  John  Gordon.  The  reason  of  the  grant  is,  the 
King  being  informed  of  the  singular  qualifications  of  the  said  Mr.  John, 
and  that  he  is  weel  seen  in  the  Hebrew,  Chaldaick,  Syriack,  Greek,  and 
Latine  tongues,  and  the  King  is  earnestly  desired  by  the  whole  church 

*   By  the  extract  from  the  History   of  the   Earldom   of  Sutherland,   Note   A. 
it    appears   that  this  John   Gordon,  afterwards  Dean  of  Salisbury,  was  the  Bishop's 
own  son.     The  motive  for  resigning'  the  rents  of  the  See  of  Galloway  in  his  favor  is  . 
therefore  obvious. 


MR.  ALEXANDER    GORDON.  149 

and  the  ministers  therof,  to  present  the  said  Mr.  John  to  that  Ecclesias-     p.  6. 
ticall  Benefice,  (dignitati  Ecclesiastical,)  for  the  [benefit]  of  the  leidges.  Kin^grantof 
Therfor  the  King  ratifyes  and  renewes  the  former  gift  to  him  as  a  qual-  '''e    J*ents  "^ 
ifyed  and  learned  person,  with  the  consent  of  the  whole  reformed  church  Mr.  J"hn  Gor- 
or  the  Superintendants.     Its    dated   at  Edinburgh,    January  4,   1567.  1567.      app! 
But  because  this  is  the  only  instance  of  such  a  grant  that  I  have  met  with  No" x' 
I'le  insert  a  copy  of  it  in  the  Appendix.  No.  [I.]     I  doubt  not  but  the 
Superintendants  had  assurances  of  Mr.  Gordon's  professing  the  Reforma- 
tion before  they  granted  their  consent  to  the  application  of  the  Rents  of 
the  Bishoprick  to  the  education  of  this  youth,  who  for  any  tiling  I  have 
mett  with,  for  all  that,  was  not  then  a  Protestant.     Its  plain  I  see  from 
the  paper  that  Mr.   Alexander  Gordon,  former  Bishop,  hath  resigned, 
1505,  during  the  life  of  King  Henry  Steuart,  and,  as  I  guess,  on  his  being 
made  a  Lord  of  Session. 

At  the  next  Assembly,  July,  1568,  Mr.  Gordon  is  not  present :  the     Procedure, 
Assembly  ordean  him  to  be  present  at  the  next  Parliament,  [Assembly  ?]  ls'esTandJune, 
and  shew  his  diligence  in  the  charge  committed  to  him  in  that  province  and  l569>abou^h,.nn> 

o  o  I  when   he  is  in- 

to  answer  whither  he  will  await  on  Court  and  Council,3  or  on  preaching  and  Mbitedtoexerce 

planting  of  Kirks.      1  his  Assembly  take  off  the  former  sentence  on  the  cited   to   next 

Bishop  of  Orkney  upon  his  publick  repentance.     I  do  not  observe  him   ^seTisiote  c. 

at  the  next  Assembly,  but  the  next  again,  July,  1569,   "  Mr.  Alexander 

"  Gordon,  somtimes  Commissioner  of  Galloway,  was  ordeaned  to  come 

"  to  the  next  Assembly  and  in  the  meantime  inhibited  to  exerce  any 

"  function  in  the  Kirk,  conform  to  the  Act  made  against  him  in  the 

"  Assembly,  July,   1568,"   in  which  he  was  discharged  to   exerce  the 

office  of  a  commissioner  in  that  country,  or  to  take  up  the  thrids  he  had 

for  that  office  in  case  he  compeared  not  before  the  last  Session  of  that 

Assembly. 

I  find  no  more  about  Mr.  Gordon  till  he  joyns  with  the  Lords  [of]  the     He  does  "ut 

m  °    *  u      -1  compear,      As- 

Queens  faction  in  the  Castle  of  Edinburgh.     He  seems  now  to  be  joyned  sembiy,  March, 
with  that  side  after  the  murder  of  the  good  Regent,  and  to  despise  all  Assembly  form 
the  acts  of  the  Assembly  about  him.     I  do  not  meet  with  him  at  the 
next  Assembly,  1570,  in  March,  but  at  that  meeting  Articles  are  formed 
against  Adam  Bothwell,  Bishop  of  Orkney,  who  was  much  of  the  same 
kidney  with  him.     And  because  they  contean  this  churches  sentiments 


150  MR.  ALEXANDERGORDON. 

Article    a-  0n  what  after  came  to  be  more  open  matter  of  contraversy  about  Ministers 

gainst      Adam,     ...  .  ..  i-iii  1  • 

Bishop  of  Ork- civil  places  and  using  titles  which  the  church,  as  early  as  this  year,  think 

jif'    pp'     "'  antichristian,  I  have  put  the  Articles  the  Assembly  formed  against  him 

to  the  Appendix,  No.  [II.]  and  the  Bishops  answers  to  them,  which 

conteans  his  own  account  of  himself,  from  the  Reformation  downward, 

His  answers  Appendix,  No.  [III. 3  and  the  rather  that  they  have  not  yet  been  printed. 

'  Mr.  Knox,  and  some  others  are  appointed  to  consider  his  answers,  and 

report  to  the  next  Assembly ;  but  I  meet  with  no  Report.     I  suppose 

the  civil  warrs  and  confusions  falling  in  prevented  any  further  being  done. 

I  find  Bishop  Bothwell  at  the  convention  of  Leith  next  year  ;  Gordon  was 

then  probably  with  the  Queens  faction. 

wh?TeidThe  UPon  the  S  of  June'  1571'  tlie  Bisll0P  [°0  Galloway,  or  Athens, 

castie  for  the  as    Mr.  Calderwood  now  designes  Mr.  Gordon,  came  into  those  who 
1.571. '  '  keeped  out  the  castle  of  Edinburgh  for  the   Queen,  to  hold  the  par- 

liament conveened  in  her  name  this  moneth.     He  continoued  with  the 
castellans  for  some  time  and  preached,   Mr.  Knox  being  now  removed 
and  Mr.   Craige  too  much  silent,  as  willing  not  to  give  offence  to  either 
side, 
p.  7.  Mr.  Calderwood  hath  preserved  to  us  his  sermon  in  the  great  church 

Bishop  Got--  0f  Edinburgh,  June  17,  this  year;  and  I  shall  give  myself  the  trouble  to 

dons  sermon  at  .  .  ...  , 

Edinburgh,  transcribe  it  as  a  specimen  of  his  gifts  and  manner  of  preaching  ;  and  the 
'  rather  because  we  have  not  many  specimens  of  persons  that  had  been  both 
Papist  and  Protestant  preachers.  It  is  as  followes  :  "  Good  People,  my 
"  text  is  of  Faith,  Hope,  Love  and  Charity,  written  in  the  xiii.  of  the 
"  Corinthians.  For  of  Faith  proceedeth  Love,  and  of  Love,  Charity, 
"  which  are  the  wings  to  Hope,  wherby  all  Christian  men  should  enter 
"  into  the  kingdom  of  Heaven,  wher  I  pray  God  we  may  all  goe  ;  and 
"  this  for  the  present.  Now  Bretheren,  may  I  not  spear  at  you,  in  what 
"  part  of  this  poor  realme  is  Faith,  Hope,  Love  and  Charity  resett  ?  and 
"  if  they  be  authorized  among  the  Estates  ?  Na,  na,  Brether[en],  na  ! 
"  Is  faith  among  our  Nobility  ?  why  then,  how  many  Lords  have 
"  subscribed  their  hand  writes  or  their  seals,  and  keeped  their  promise, 
"  either  on  their  side  or  ours?  yea,  few  or  none!  But  I  will  speak  neutrally, 
"  for  its  my  part,  seing  my  Brothers  son  and  I  are  thrids  of  kin  to  the 
' '  Lord  Morton.     Is  not  their  Regent  sicklike  and  we  of  near  kin  ?    But 


MR.   ALEXANDER   GORDON.  151 

"  alace,  how  many  of  us  keep  faith  and  love  one  to  another  !  Why  then 
"  let  us  go  to  the  second  Estate.  Have  the  spirituality  observed  the 
"  precepts  of  Ecclesiasticall  order,  conform  to  their  first  institution  ?  Or 
"  have  not  our  ministers  not  altered  from  the  last  order,  set  out  after  the 
"  reformation  of  the  Kirk  ?  Or  then  in  the  third  Estate  ;  if  there  be  Faith 
"  and  Love  among  you  Burgesses,  in  buying  or  selling  their  wares,  or 
"  borrowing  and  lending  one  with  another?  Yea,  if  I  would  digress  T 
"  doubt  not  but  Faith  and  Love  is  least  in  Machling,  in  the  wood  of  Hard- 
"  heads,  wher  many  of  your  merchants  leave  their  Faith.  But  alace, 
"  Bretheren,  the  only  cause  of  this  is  particularity  which  hath  been  the 
"  greatest  occasion  that  hath  caused  this  poor  country  decline  from  their 
"  soveraigne  the  Queen's  Majesty,  our  only  mistress,  who  now  remaineth 
"  in  Ingland  but  not  prisoner  as  they  have  made  you  to  belive ;  but 
"  I  will  assure  you,  for  I  may  say  it  because  I  have  seen  it,  being 
"  commissioner  there  for  the  Lords  of  Her  faction,  wherfor  I  would  wish 
"  you  not  to  be  abused  ;  for  this  I  will  take  upon  my  conscience,  yea 
"  upon  mine  honnour,  that  she  is  better  treated,  better  nourished,  yea 
"  reverenced  and  authorized  more  in  England  in  one  day,  than  she  was 
"  in  Scotland  in  a  year,  and  licenced  to  hawk  and  hunt  and  use  sundry 
"  other  pastimes  as  pleaseth  her ;  albeit  our  ministers  have  altogether 
"  forgot  her  and  are  not  willing  to  pray  for  her ;  yet  I  would  wish  you 
"  inhabitants  of  Edinburgh  to  send  for  your  ministers  and  cause  them  to 
"  pray  for  your  Queen  :  for  they  should  pray  for  their  lawfull  magistrate 
"  whatsomever.  For  this  I  may  say,  she  is  a  lawfull  magistrat, 
"  seing  her  father  was  a  lawfull  King,  and  her  mother  likewise  an 
"  honourable  Princess,  and  she  born  in  lawfull  bed;  this  for  the 
"  profe  of  my  argument  that  she  ought  to  be  prayed  for.  And  further 
"  all  sinners  ought  to  be  prayed  for  ;  if  we  should  not  pray  for  sinners,  for 
"  whom  should  we  pray,  seing  that  God  came  not  to  call  the  rightiouse 
"  but  sinners  to  repentance  ?  Saint  David  was  a  sinner,  and  so  is  she  ; 
"  Saint  David  was  an  adulterer,  and  so  is  she ;  Saint  David  committed 
"  murder  in  slaying  Uriah  for  his  wife,  and  so  did  she  ;  but  what  is  this  to 
"  the  matter  ?  The  more  wicked  she  be,  the  subjects  should  pray  the 
"  more  for  her  to  bring  her  to  the  spirit  of  repentance  :  for  Judas  was 
"  a  sinner  and  if  he  had  been  prayed  for,  he  had  not  died  in  despair ; 


152  MR.    ALEXANDER    GORDON. 

"  wherfor  I  pray  all  faithful  subjects  to  pray  for  their  lawfull  magistrat, 
"  if  it  be  the  Queen,  it  is  the  Queen,  as  I  doubt  not,  but  ye  may  well 
"  consider  that  no  inferior  subject  hath  power  to  deprive  or  depose  their 
"  lawfull  magistrat,  he  or  she  whatsomever,  albiet  they  committ  whoordom, 
"  murder,  incest,  or  any  other  crimes,  being  once  by  God  just  and  lawfull 
"  prince  or  princess,  to  reigne  above  you,  not  chosen  as  the  imperiall 
"  magistrats  are.  Yea  and  farther,  was  she  ever  excommunicat  by  the  order 
"  of  our  Kirk  !  If  so  be,  just  cause  had  we  not  to  pray  for  her  ;  and 
"  albiet  she  wer,  we  ought  to  pray  for  her  and  all  other  sinners,  to  bring 
"  them  to  the  spirit  of  repentance.  But  many  of  our  ministers  are  too 
"  ceremonious  at  this  present.  For  I  remember  my  self  at  the  beginning 
"  of  our  religion,  when  I  teached  either  in  this  pulpit  or  the  pulpit 
"  besides,  we  would  have  been  glad  to  have  had  the  mass  here,  and  the 
"  preaching  there  :  and,  J3retheren,  when  I  stood  with  the  stole  about  my 
"  neck,  how  many  Bishops  abode  or  bore  the  burden  on  his  back  then 
"  but  I.  But  now  our  ministers  are  growen  so  wanton  and  ceremonious 
"  that  they  will  not  pray  for  their  lawfull  heretrix,  who  hath  permitted 
"  them  such  liberty  of  conscience,  that  they  may  use  what  religion  they 
"  please,  and  if  we  pray  not  for  sinners,  for  whom  then,  seing  the  just 
"  have  no  need  of  amendment,  or  if  we  be  not  sinners  who  may  say  he 
"  will  cast  the  first  stone  at  the  woman  time  in  adultery?  Is  not  my  Lord 
"  of  Mortoun  on  their  side  ?  is  not  my  Lord  of  Argyle  on  our  side  ?  or  is 
"  it  we  ministers  ?  nay,  Bretheren,  nay,  for  I  confess  myself,  yea  this  foul 
"  carcass  of  mine,  to  be  the  most  vile  carrion,  and  altogether  given  to  the 
"  lusts  of  the  flesh ;  yea  I  am  not  ashamed  to  say  the  greatest  trumper 
"  in  all  Europe,  untdl  such  time  as  it  pleased  God  to  call  upon  me  and 
"  make  me  one  of  his  chosen  vessels,  upon  whom  he  hath  poured  the 
"  spirit  of  his  evangell,  and  as  candles  when  lighted  are  set  upon  high 
"  places,  so  shall  I  shew  the  gifts  God  hath  given  me  among  you.  God 
"  illuminat  your  hearts  to  receive  the  same.  For  if  Manasses  had  not 
"  been  prayed  for,  he  had  not  been  brought  to  the  spirit  of  repentance  ; 
"  one  word  or  two  and  so  I  will  beteach  you  to  the  mercys  of  God. 
"  Bretheren,  at  afternoon  I  will  be  occupied  in  some  other  bussiues,  but 
"  upon  Wensday  and  Friday  I  shall  take  some  pains  to  open  the  rest  of 
"  this  text.     And  because  I  know  myself  not  so  worthy  as  they  who  have 


MR.    ALEXANDER     GORDON.  153 

"  occupyed  this  place  befor,  I  beseech  you,  Bretheren,  send  for  your 
"  ministers,  and  I  shall  take  the  pains  with  them  to  travell,  to  see  if  we 
"  can  pacify  the  insatiable  words  of  our  Bretheren,  who  go  about  as  lions 
"  to  suck  out  the  blood  of  their  Bretheren.  And  seing  God  blesses  the 
"  peacemakers,  let  us  see  if  we  can  be  the  instruments  to  bring  the  Nobility 
"  to  concord  with  faith,  hope  and  charity.  But  alace,  wher  was  charity 
"  yesterday  among  us  ?  not  where  it  should  be,  conform  to  the  words  of  my 
"  text,  and  so  I  beteach  you  to  the  mercy  of  God." 

This  discourse  of  the  Bishops  is  perfectly  an  originall,  and  every  way  Remarks  on 
singular.  To  understand  the  last  branch  of  it,  the  reader  would  know, 
that  on  Saturnday,  June  16th,  there  was  a  pretty  bloody  skirmish  between 
those  in  the  castle,  and  the  Earle  of  Morton's  forces.  The  Bishop  tells 
us  here  severall  facts  concerning  himself,  that,  as  I  guess  it,  Huntley  was 
his  brothers  son,  that  in  his  youth  he  himself  was  exceeding  vicious,  and 
that  lately  he  was  up  in  England  with  the  Queen,  *  and  so  we  need  not  4  See  Note  D. 
wonder  he  did  not  answer  the  citations  of  the  Generall  Assembly.  His 
discourse  is  rough  and  very  plain ;  his  arguments  are  the  best  he  had,  and 
perhaps  as  strong  and  popular  as  the  subject  would  afford  ;  and  he  spares 
neither  Queen,  nobles,  himself,  or  any  rank. 

When  the  intestine  broiles  wer  over  between  the  Regents  and  the     p.  9. 
Castellans,  as  they  wer  called,  the  Generall  Assembly  come  to  take  the  case  ed  J  'a8u  7urnI- 
of  the  Bishop  before  them,  and  in  March,  1573,  Session  6,  "The  Assembly  ,{""cim|)!;!Kirk' 
"  for  certain  causes  moving  them,  discharge  Alexander,  called  of  Galloway,  March,  1573. 
"  to  use  any  function  within  the  Kirk  of  God,  till  they  be  further  advised, 
"  and  ordean  Mr.  John  Row,  commissioner  of  Galloway,  to  summon  the 
"  said  Alexander  to  compear  before  the  next  Generall  Assembly,  to 
"  answer  to  such  things  as  shall  be  laid  to  his  charge,  under  the  pain  of 
"  excommunication." 

The  next  Assembly  conveened,  Agust,  1573,  "  and  Mr.  Gordon    Articles  given 

.  .  .  .  .  .         '"  against  lnm, 

W  compeared,  and  certain  heads  and  accusations  wer  given  in  against  him,  Assembly, 
"  by  the  Superintendant  of  Lothian,  the  Kirks  of  Edinburgh,  Hallyrood-    gust' 
"  hous,  and  Saint  Cuthbert.     The  tennor  wherof  Mr.  Calderwood  gives  : 
1.  "  We,  the  said  Superintendant,  ministers,  and  parishonersof  thesaid 
"  Kirks,  do  complean  that  the  said  Mr.  Alexander  intruded  himself  in 
"  the  office  of  the  ministry,  within  the  said  burgh  of  Edinburgh,  wher 

u 


154  MR.    ALEXANDER    GORDON. 

"  he  allured,  drew,  and  perswaded  a  great  part  of  the  said  parishioners 
"  in  a  company,  therby  confounding  all  good  order,  wherthrow  their  own 
"  lawful!  ministers  wer  rejected. 

2.  "  The  said  Mr.  Alexander  taught  the  people  most  perverse  and 
"  ungodly  doctrine  ;  but  specially  in  perswading,  enticing,  and  exhorting 
"  to  rebell  against  our  soveraigne  Lord,  and  to  joyn  with  manifest  rebells 
"  and  conjured  enimies. 

3.  "  The  said  Mr.  Alexander,  contrary  to  the  Act  of  the  Generall 
"  Assembly,  made  for  praying  for  our  soveraigne  Lord,  most  maliciously 
"  transgressed  the  said  ordinance,  not  only  refusing  to  do  the  same  but 
"  also  avowing  in  his  prayer  another  Authority ;  and  accusing  and  con- 
"  demning  all  true  ministers  that  did  not  the  like  that  he  did. 

4.  "  The  said  Mr.  Alexander  being  inhibite  in  speciall  by  an  Act  of 
"  the  Generall  Assembly,  to  have  any  intromission  with  the  parishoners  of 
"  Hallyroodhouse,  he  hath,  notwithstanding,  compelled  them  to  adjoyn 
"  with  his  pretended  Kirk  in  receiving  the  Sacrament,  then  abused  by 
"  him,  within  Edinburgh,  causing  his  pretended  bailiffs,  by  the  assistance 
"  of  the  men  of  war  remaining  within  the  said  town,  to  oppress  and 
"  compell  the  said  poor  people  to  give  him  obedience. 

5.  "  The  said  Mr.  Alexander  being  sworn  by  his  solemn  oath  for 
"  due  obedience  to  our  soveraigne  Lord  and  his  Regent  and  authority, 
"  comes  in  the  contrair  thereof,  and  violat  and  brake  his  said  former  oath, 
"  but  specially  in  sitting  in  a  pretended  Parliament,  for  disposessing  of 
"  our  said  soveraigne  Lord  of  his  royall  crown  and  authority. 

6.  "  The  said  Mr.  Alexander  being  one  of  the  pretended  Privy 
"  Counsell,  after  the  horrible  slaughter  of  Mathew,  Earle  of  Lennox, 
"  Regent  to  our  soveraigne  Lord,  of  good  memory,  gave  thanks  for  the 
"  same  and  others  sicclike,  openly  in  the  pulpit,  to  God,  and  exhorted  the 
"  people  to  do  the  same,  saying  that  it  was  God's  most  just  judgment  that 
"  fell  upon  him,  and  that  as  God  then  began  to  execute  his  most  just 
"  judgment  upon  him,  he  would  not  fail  to  execute  his  just  judgment 
"  upon  the  rest,  comparing  oft  times  our  soveraigne  Lord,  his  Regent  and 
"  true  leidges  to  Pharaoh  and  wicked  Absolom,  and  himself  to  Moses 
"  and  David  whom  God  would  defend. 

"  Last.  By  reason  the  hainous  faults  of  the  said  Mr.  Alexander  have 


MR.    ALEXANDER    GORDON.  155 

"  been  so  notoriously  known  to  all  men,  not  only  such  as  have  been  eom- 

"  mitted  before  the  Reformation,  but  also  such  as  have  been  committed 

"  diverse  times  since,  to  the  great  and  heavy  slander  of  God's  trew  word 

"  and  professors  therof,  wherthrow  many  of  the  said  professors  and  others, 

"  our  soveraigne  Lords  true  and   obedient  subjects,  sometime  by  him     r-  10- 

"  perverted,  yet  still  remain  in  their  wicked  conceived  error,  and  can 

"  scarce  be  persuaded  in  the  contrair,  except  the  said  Mr.  Alexander  be 

"  caused  to  confess  his  error  in  all  places  wher  he  hath  offended,  but 

"  especially  in  all  the  forsaid  Kirks." 

"  In  the  next  Session,  the  fifth,  Mr.  Alexander  Gordon,  Bishop  of      Assembly's 

/-in  f  i  •  •  i  •  procedure       a- 

"  Galloway,  sent  one  of  his  servants  with  an  answer  to  the  accusations  boat  Mm,  Ses. 

"  forsaid.       But  because  he   compeared  not  personally,  the   Assembly s'"" 

"  ordeaned  Robert  Drunnnond  to  summon  him  to  compear  personally 

"  before  the  Assembly,  the  morn  at  ten  hours,  to  answer  further  to  such 

"  things  as  should  be  laid  to  his  charge.     Mr.  James  Balfour,  minister  at 

"  Guthry,  was  ordeaned  to  pass  to  the  Regents  Grace,  the  Council  and 

"  Commissioners  of  the  Assembly  who  wer  with  his  grace,  and  to  show 

"  the  said  Mr.  Alexander  his  answers  to  the  said  heads,  and  to  desire  his 

"  Grace  advice,  anent  the  alledged  immunity  and  incompetency  of  the 

"  judgment  of  the  Kirk,  and  to  report  his  Graces  answer  to  the  Assembly. 

"  The  said  Mr.  James  returning,  reported  how  that  the  Regent  had  heard 

"  the  saids  accusations  and  answers  therunto,  after  which  hisGrace  declared 

"  himself  most  willing  to  observe  the  heads  of  the  priviledge  of  the  Kirk, 

"  and  willed,  that  all  notoriouse  open  slander  should  be  satisfyed  according 

"  to  the  discipline  of  the  Kirk.     The  tenner  of  Mr.  Gordon's  answers 

"  followeth  : 

"  Bretheren,  I  am  very  loath,  as  God  knoweth,  to  come  in  reasoning;     His  answft 

T1T.     ,  ....  ...  B  to    the    articles 

"  with  your  \\  lsdomes,  concerning  tins  complaint  given  m  against  me  by  given  io against 

"  the  superintendant  of  Lothian   and  Kirks  of  Edinburgh,  Hallyrood- 

"  house,    and    Saint    Cuthberts.     Yet  in   respect    of   the  highnes  and 

"  mightynes  of  the  cause  depending  therupon,  I  am  constrained,  with 

"  your  Wisdomes  pardon,  to  answer  therunto,  which  is  the  priviledge  of 

"  the  godly  Act  of  pacification,  made  by  the  procurement  of  the  Queens 

"  Majesty  of  England,  with  consent  of  my  Lord  Regents  Grace,  the  whole 

"  nobility  and  estates  of  this  realme.     By  virtue  of  the  which  Act  my  Lord 


156  MR.    ALEXANDER    GORDON. 

"  Duke  and  his  freinds,  my  Lord  Huntley,  I  and  our  friends,  are  made 
"  skaithles  from  all  transgressions,  crimes,  offences,  done  by  us,  or  any  of  us, 
"  during  the  time  of  the  troubles,  to  the  which  Act,  the  reformed  Bishops, 
"  Abbots,  and  Priors  having  vote  in  Parliament  consented  in  name  of  the 
"  Kirk,  so  my  Lord  Regent's  grace  for  the  criminal  and  your  Wisdomes  for 
"  the  spirituall  part  have  no  place  to  call  us,  or  any  of  us,  for  any  offence 
"  during  the  said  time,  for  the  common  cause,  which  was  the  mentaining 
"  of  another  authority,  or  any  thing  that  dependeth  therupon.  And  its 
"  of  verity  that  the  complaints  given  in  against  me  depend  therupon. 
"  In  speciall  the  greatest  offence  which  may  be  laid  to  my  charge,  is 
"  only  the  preaching  of  the  word,  which  I  did  at  the  command  of  the 
"  other  authority,  and  by  election  and  admission  of  such  as  professed 
"  the  same.  Therfor  your  Wisdoms  can  be  no  competent  judges  to  us,  or 
"  any  of  us,  conteaned  in  the  forsaid  Act  of  pacification.  For  as  we  wer 
"  altogether  disobedient  at  that  time  to  the  King's  authority  and  Kirk, 
"  touching  that  point  allennarlie,  in  defending  another  authority ;  so  are 
"  we  by  this  Act  of  pacification  become  obedient  subjects  to  the  King  and 
"  Kirk,  in  all  things  except  the  affairs  forsaids,  which  are  put  in  oblivion, 
"  with  consent  of  the  three  estates,  as  if  they  had  never  been  committed. 
"  Therfor  we  nor  none  of  us  ought  or  should  be  troubled  any  wise,  for 
"  any  offence  done  during  that  time,  as  said  is.  In  respect  of  the  premises, 
"  I  humbly  beseek  your  Wisdomes  to  have  regard  to  our  estate,  condition, 
"  and  service,  done  by  my  Lord  Duke  and  his  house,  ours  of  Huntly,  and 
"  dependers,  for  mentaining  of  God's  word  and  professors  therof ;  and 
"  how  we  have  not  spared  in  times  bygane  our  lives  and  heretages,  in 
"  defence  of  the  same,  and  that  I  was  the  first  that  publickly  preached 
"  Christ  in  face  of  the  authority ;  that  this  our  defection,  so  honourably 
"  and  lovingly  remitted  and  put  in  oblivion,  be  no  wisebrot  in  disputation 
"  again,  to  prejudge  the  said  Act  of  pacification  ratified  and  approved  in 
"  Parliament  by  consent  of  the  Kirk,  as  said  is.  And  if  ther  be  any  other 
"  offence  done  by  us  than  is  conteaned  in  the  said  Act,  that  any  wise  be 
"  slanderous  to  the  Kirk,  before  the  15  day  of  June,  Anno  1567,  untill 
"  the  L24.<  of  February,  1572,  alias  1573,  we  shall  answer  therto,  as  becometh 
"  members  of  the  reformed  Kirk,  and  true  professors  of  the  blessed  evangill. 
"  Neither  can  your  Wisdoms  have  further  jurisdiction  over  me,  than  over 


MR.    ALEXANDER    GORDON.  157 

"  the  rest  of  the  communicants  conteaned  in  the  forsaid  Act  of  pacification, 
"  for  the  causes  forsaid.  Alwise  offers  me  to  your  Wisdoms,  all  things 
"  bygan  being  put  in  oblivion  according  to  the  said  Act,  to  serve  in  my 
W  own  jurisdiction,  or  to  desist  as  your  Wisdomes  please  to  appoint  me." 

However  Mr.  Gordon  does  not  compear  nixt  dyet  as  required.  b,  ™e  ****™~e 
"  Ses.  6.  Mr.  Alexander  Gordon  being  summoned,  and  often  called,  against  him. 
»'  compeared  not.  Robert  Drummond  is  appointed  to  summon  him  to 
*  compear  again  at  three  hours,  with  certification  that  the  Assembly  will 
"  proceed  to  further  proces  against  him.  He  was  summoned  but  com- 
"  peared  not :  Therupon  and  for  offences  conteaned  in  the  former  accu- 
"  sations  led  against  him,  and  not  denyed,  it  was  concluded  that  he  should 
"  make  publick  repentance  in  sackcloath  three  several}  Sundays,  one  in 
"  the  Kirk  of  Edinburgh,  another  in  Hallyroodhous,  and  the  third  in  the 
"  Queen's  Colledge,  or  St.  Cuthberts  Kirk,  humbly  confessing  his  offenses 
"  and  slander,  asking  the  eternall  God  and  his  Kirk  pardon  for  the  same, 
"  and  for  this  purpose  the  Assembly  ordeaned  Mr.  James  Melvil  and 
"  Mr.  Andrew  Simson  to  pass  to  him  and  admonish  him  in  the  Kirk's 
"  name,  to  underly  and  perform  the  said  injunction,  and  to  begin  on 
"  Sunday  next  to  come,  in  the  Kirk  of  Edinburgh,  and  therafter  in  the 
"  other  two  Kirks  successivly,  under  pain  of  excommunication."  And 
next  day,  Session  7>  when  by  their  commissioners  to  him,  they  found 
no  ground  to  expect  any  present  complyance,  the  Assembly  extend  their 
act  in  this  tennor.  "  Forasmeikle  as  Alexander,  Bishop  of  Galloway, 
"  after  his  compearing  before  this  Assembly  at  one  time,  was  diverse  times 
"  therafter  summoned  personally,  and  at  his  lodgings,  to  have  compeared 
"  before  this  Assembly  to  have  answered  further  to  things  that  wer  to 
"  be  laid  to  his  charge,  and  to  have  received  the  injunctions  of  the  Kirk 
"  for  satisfaction  of  his  offence,  and  slander  given  by  him,  being  often 
"  called  and  not  compearing,  the  whole  Kirk  in  an  voice  decerned  the 
"  said  Mr.  Alexander  to  make  publick  repentance  in  sackcloath,  upon  one 
"  Sunday  in  the  Kirk  of  Edinburgh,  upon  another  in  Hallyroodhouse, 
"  and  the  third  Sunday  in  the  Queen's  Colledge,  or  St.  Cuthberts. 
"  Therfor  the  whole  Kirk  presently  assembled  commandeth  Mr.  Rodger 
"  Gordon,  minister  att  Whithern,  to  admonish  the  said  Mr.  Alexander 
"  Gordon,  Bishop  of  Galloway,  in  the  Cathedrall  Kirk  of  Quhittern,  upon 


158  MR.    ALEXANDER    GORDON.' 

V.  a  Sunday  in  time  of  public  preaching,  to  resort  to  the  said  Kirks  of 
"  Edinburgh,  Hallyrood-house,  and  Queen's  Colledge,  respective,  and 
"  ther  fulfill  the  forsaid  injunctions,  betwixt  the  day  of  the  admonition, 
"  and  the  20  of  the  moneth  of  September  next  to  come,  with  certification 
"  to  the  said  Mr.  Alexander,  that  if  he  do  not,  the  Kirk  commands  the 
"  minister  of  Edinburgh  or  Halyrood-house,  to  proceed  to  excommuni- 
"  cation  against  him,  and  to  publish  the  same  in  the  two  said  Kirks,  and 
"  in  other  Kirks,  as  shall  be  thot  expedient ;  and  ordeans  the  said  Mr. 
"  Rodger  to  send  this  present  ordinance  duly  execute  under  his  subscrip- 
"  tion,  before  the  said  (20  of  September  forsaid,  again  unto  the  Kirk  of 
"  Edinburgh,  as  he  will  answer  again  to  the  Generall  Assembly  for  his 
"  obedience." 
ProcedureAs-  j  meet  with  no  more  about  the  Bishop,  till  the  Assembly  which 

sembly,    Agust,  1  .  • 

1574,  against "  met  in  Agust,  1574,  when,  Session  6,  "  A  complaint  is  made 
"  upon  Mr.  John  Brand,  minister  of  Hallyrood-house,  that  he  had  not 
"  pronounced  sentence  of  excommunication  upon  Alexander,  Bishop  of 
"  Galloway,  conform  to  the  Act  of  Generall  Assembly  made  before.  It 
"  was  statute  and  ordeaned  that  the  said  John  proceed  against  the  said 
"  Bishop  and  pronounce  the  sentence  of  excommunication  against  him,  if 

p.  12.  "  the  Bishop  compeared  not,  betwixt  and  Lambass  next,  and  satisfy  the 
"  said  Kirk,  under  the  pain  of  the  deprivation  of  the  said  John  of  his 
"  office,  in  case  he  failzie  therm." 

Bishop  Gor-  At  the  next  Assembly,   March,  1575,  the  Bishop  saw  proper  to 

don      compears  #  \         ,  t  L  L       L 

befor  the  As-  compear  and  give  in  a  supplication,  and  their  deliverance,  as  Mr.  Calder- 
1575, 5a'nd  gives  wood  gives  it,  stands  thus.  "  Anent  the  supplication  given  in  by  Alex- 
verbaii  answers  c<  aiuier   Bishop  of  Galloway,  desiring  of  the  Generall  Assembly  that  he 

to    his    accusa-  t-  J  *  n  J 

tion,  with  the  "  may  make  a  satisfaction  in  any  Kirk  commanded  by  them,  without  sack- 
tenee,  "  cloath,  and  namely,  within  his  own  jurisdiction  :  seing  that  by  reason  of 

"  his  non-compearance  before  them  he  was  ordeaned  to  be  excommunicat, 
"  then  being  at  the  horn  and  unable  to  compear,  as  the  same  at 
"  lenth  bears ;  the  said  Alexander  removed  out  of  the  Assembly,  the 
"  bretheren  after  long  disputation,  whither  the  said  decreet  ought  to  be 
"  satisfyed  notwithstanding  of  the  alledgeance  of  horning,  or  if  he  should 
"  be  heard  notwithstanding  of  the  decreet  given  against  him,  to  answer  to 
"  the  accusations  which  of  before  wer  laid  to  his  charge,  found  in  respect 


MR.    ALEXANDER    GORDON.  159 

"  of  the  alledged  impediment  of  horning,  that  once  yet  he  should  answer  to 
"  the  said  accusations.  And  being  called  in  to  the  Assembly,  the  par- 
"  ticular  heads  of  accusation  conteaned  in  the  Books  of  Assembly  being 
"  read  in  his  presence,  he  answered  to  every  accusation  orderly.  And 
"  to  the  first  part,  that  he  was  compelled  by  authority  that  then  was,  to 
"  accept  the  ministry  and  called  by  the  flock  then  present.  To  the  second, 
"  he  grants  he  preached  the  Queen's  authority  to  be  lawful!,  and  pleads 
"  the  Pacification.  To  the  third,  that  he  made  prayers  for  her,  and 
"  otherwise  would  not  have  been  suffered  to  preach.  And  as  to  the  con- 
"  demising  and  accusing  the  ministers,  denyeth  the  same  as  also  the  fourth 
"  accusation.  And  as  to  the  fifth,  answered,  that  he,  with  certain  others, 
"  in  the  first  Regent's  time,  in  Parliament  protested  that  in  case  the 
"  Queen  were  set  at  liberty,  that  their  promise  and  faith  wer  freed. 
"  And  denyeth  the  sixth  accusation,  with  protestation  to  the  Assembly, 
"  that  they  would  have  some  consideration  of  his  case,  seing  in  God's 
"  presence  he  damnes  his  former  offences.  He  being  removed  out  of 
"  presence;  after  deliberation  and  long  reasoning  upon  the  whole  circum- 
"  stances  and  estate  of  the  matter,  with  consideration  of  my  Lord  Regent's 
"  request  made  in  his  favours,  the  bretheren  ordeaned  the  said  Bishop  to 
"  appear  before  the  Kirk  of  Hallyrood-house,  without  sackcloth,  upon 
"  Sunday  next,  and  to  come  in  presence  of  the  congregation  therin  con- 
"  veened,  humbly  to  confess  his  offences,  and  ask  the  eternall  God 
"  mercy." 

It  seems  the  Bishop  subjected  to  the  appointment,  for  in  the  next  whic 
Assembly,  Agust,  1575,  "  Alexander,  Bishop  of  Galloway,  presented  to  obeyes' 
"  the  Assembly  the  tennour  of  his  satisfaction,  decerned  to  be  performed 
"  by  him  and  the  decreet  of  the  bretheren,  and  desired  to  know  if  he  had 
"  satisfyed  the  sentence  presented  by  them.  The  Assembly  found  it 
"  satisfyed  and  fulfilled  in  all  points,  according  to  the  contents  therof." 
In  the  nixt  Session  the  Assembly  found  that  the  continouance  of  Com- 
missioners in  their  offices  for  a  long  season  might  induce  ambition  and 
inconveniencys,  and  resolved  yearly  to  change  them,  where  fitt  persons 
could  be  had.  And  Mr.  John  Duncanson,  minister  of  the  King's  House 
is  continoued  commissioner  for  Galloway  till  the  next  Assembly.  And 
the  Assembly  exhorts  the  Bishop  of  Galloway  to  help  the  said  Mr.  John 


160  MR.   ALEXANDER   GORDON. 

when  he  comes  in  the  country.  And  in  the  sixth  Session  of  that  same 
Assembly,  the  Bishop  desires  the  Assemblys  resolution,  "  what  is  meaned 
"  by  them,  by  his  suspension  ?  whither  he  be  suspended  from  all  preach- 
"  ing  of  the  word  of  God,  as  from  all  commission  within  the  Kirk  ?  The 
"  Assembly  declare,  that  no  fault  they  will  find,  that  he  will  preach  truely 
"  the  word  of  God,  albiet  he  stand  suspended  from  commission  of  visita- 
"  tion ;  alwise  exhorts  him  to  concur  and  help  the  Commissioner  of 
"  Galloway  in  his  visitation,  for  keeping  good  order  and  discipline  within 
"  these  bounds." 

This  is  all  I  have  observed  about  him.    I  suppose  by  this  time  he  was 
5  See  Note  e.  pretty  aged,  and  lived  not  very  long  after  this. b 

December  23,  1729. 


COLLECTIONS 


IPON     THE 


LIFE  OF  MR.  ROBERT  PONT, 

COMMISSIONER  OF  MURRAY,  LORD  OF  SESSION,  AND  MINISTER 
OF  SAINT-CUTHBERTS  KIRK. 


COLLECTIONS 


LIFE  OF  MR.  ROBERT  PONT, 

COMMISSIONER  OF  MURRAY,  LORD  OF  THE  SESSION,  AND  MINISTER  OF 
SAINT-CUTHBERT'S  KIRK. 


This  worthy  person  made  such  a  figure  in  the  Church  for  upwards  of    March     1 
forty  years  after  our  reformation  from  popery,  and  bore  such  a  share  in     ^asmis 
the  Colledge  of  Justice,  that  I  am  surprised  to  find  so  lame  accounts  of  writing  Mr. 

fe  .  L  .  Ponfs  Life. 

him  in  our  historians.  Neither  Spotswood  nor  Calderwood  give  us  the 
least  hints  of  him,  save  when  he  comes  in  as  bearing  a  share  in  the  trans- 
actions they  are  narrating.  There  is  the  more  need  1  collect  what  I  can 
glean  up  concerning  him,  which  will  be  far  from  such  a  distinct  account 
of  him  as  I  would  chuse  to  give,  had  I  materialls  for  it. 


Nothing  has  come  to  my  hand  as  to  his  parentage  and  education. ' 


His 


Hull. 


I  know  no  considerable  familys  of  this  sirname  in  Scotland.  Ther  have  >  See  Note  A. 
been  persons  in  Holland  of  a  name  very  near  this,  who  made  some  figure 
in  Holland  and  Germany;  and  in  France  I  find  this  sirname  is  pretty 
common.  It  may  be  not  improbable  that  he  might  be  of  a  French  extract. 
His  parents,  tho  perhaps  of  no  great  rank,  have  given  him  liberall  educa- 
tion ;  and  considering  his  after  eminency  in  the  Law,  and  that  branch  of 
study  was  not  much  taught  in  Scotland,  we  may  suppose  he  had  in  his 
younger  years  forraigne  education,  and  that  he  came  home  at,  or  soon  after 


164  MR.    ROBERT    PONT. 

the  Reformation,  or  a  litle  before,  and  heartily  fell  in  with  it,  for  I  find 
*  See  Note  b.  jjjm  jn  our  Assemblys  very  early.2 

signes  the  order  Mr.  Calderwood  upon  the  year  1561  brings  in  Mr.  Robert  Pont  as 

of  excommuni- kej      one  0f  the  subscribers  of  Tlie  Order  of '  excomunication  and  publick 

cation     penned  o  J  l 

by  Mr.  Knox,  repentance,  which  was  afterwards  printed  by  order  of  the  Generall  As- 
sembly, June,  1571  ;  and  it  stands  in  our  old  printed  copys  of  the  Book 
of  Common  Order.  I  am  ready  to  think  this  Order  of  excommunication 
was  not  agreed  upon  fully,  till  some  years  after ;  it  may  be  the  substance 
of  it  might  be  concerted  1561,  when  severall  things  of  this  nature  wer  con- 
certed. The  subscribers  are  Mr.  Willock,  Mr.  Craige,  Mr.  Pont,  Mr.  Row, 
Mr.  David  Lindsay,  Mr.  Christison,  &c.  The  paper  itself  was  formed  by 
Mr.  Knox,  and  it  may  be  the  year  upon  which  Mr.  Calderwood  brings  it. 
1562.     He  The  paucity  of  ministers  was  very  great  for  some  years  after  the 

is  appointed  to  .  J  J     °  .  J 

preach  at  Dum-  Reformation,  and  therfor  the  Assemblys  were  obliged  to  parcell  them  out 
in  the  different  parts  of  the  Church  for  some  moneths,  half  a  year  or  the 
like,  wher  their  labours  wer  most  necessary.  Thus  I  find  by  Calderwood's 
account  of  the  Generall  Assembly,  June  1562,  That  "  James  Greg  was 
appointed  to  assist  the  Superintendent  of  Glasgow  till  Michaelmass,  and 
then  to  preach  in  the  Kirks  belonging  to  the  Lord  Areskine.  Mr.  George 
Hay,  the  Superintendant  of  Glasgow,  Mr.  Robert  Hamiltoun,  minister 
of  Mauchline  and  Whittem,  wer  appointed  to  preach  in  the  implanted 
Kirks  of  Carrict  successively,  one  after  another  monthly,  till  next  Assem- 
bly. Mr.  James  Pont  was  appointed  to  minister  the  word  and  sacraments 
in  Melros  till  next  Assembly.  Mr.  Robert  Pont  was  appointed  to  minister 
till  the  next  Assembly  at  Dumblain.  The  rarity  of  ministers,  adds  Mr. 
Calderwood,  and  the  greatnes  of  the  harvest  required  at  this  time  such  a 
kind  of  supply  and  help." 
D^nkeld^Dec0!  %h  tne  Assembly  which  conveened  at  Edinburgh,  December,  1562, 

156-2,  and  lited  Mr.   Robert  Pont  is  named  minister  of  Dunkeld.     Mr.  Calderwood's 

to  be  Superin-  ,  ,    ,  .  .  _J  . 

tendant.  words  are  "  for  planting  the  Kirks  m  the  shirriffdomes  of  Dumfreice, 

"  Galloway  and  Nidsdail,  and  the  rest  of  the  west  dales,  the  Assembly 
"  nominat  in  lites  for  the  Superintendantship  Mr.  Alexander  Gordon 
"  called  Bishop  of  Galloway,  and  Mr.  Robert  Pont  minister  of  Dunkeld, 
"  and  ordeaned  edicts  to  be  set  forth  for  the  admission  the  last  Lord's 
"  day  of  Aprile,"  as  stands  more  fully  on  Bishop  Gordon's  Life.     In 


MR.    ROBERT    PONT.  165 

consequence  of  this,  I  see  in  the  fourth  Session  of  this  same  Assembly, 
Mr.  James  Foulis  is  appointed  for  Dunkeld.  This  matter  falls  in  again 
next  year. 

The  next  hint  I  meet  with  about  him  is,  that  in  May  1563,  he  was     1563>  hc  is 

•  on  the  lite  (in- 

put upon  the  lite  with  Alexander  Gordon  once  popish  Bishop  of  Gallo-  Superintendant 

way  who  had  struck  in  with  the  Reformation  to  be  Superintendant  of  and  the  South. 
Dumfreice  and  the  South,  of  which  nottice  is  taken  on  Mr.  Knoxes  life. 
Mr.  Knox  at  the  desire  of  the  Nobility  and  Gentry  of  that  country,  and 
by  order  of  theGenerall  Assembly  went  in  to  Dumfreice  to  ordean  a  Super- 
intendant there  upon  the  people's  choice  ;  and  took  in  Mr.  Pont  with 
him  and  left  him  with  the  master  of  Maxwell  for  some  time,  that  his 
conversation  and  doctrine  might  be  better  known  to  the  inhabitants,  and 
left  all  concerned  to  chuse  either  Mr.  Pont  or  the  Bishop,  as  far  as  I  can 
observe,  tho  indeed  we  have  not  particular  accounts  of  this  matter.  Mr. 
Pont  was  not  chosen,  but  this  showes  how  much  Mr.  Pont  was  regarded  by 
Mr.  Knox  and  the  ministers,  when  nominat  so  early  for  a  Superintendant. 

Whither  it  was  while  he  was  in  that  country  or  afterwards,  I  have     Th*' .  sa'"c 

J  year  he  is  mal- 

not  the  particular  date,  but  it  was  somtime  that  summer,  Mr.  Pont  was  treated  by  CuP- 

attacked  by   on  Captain  Lauder,  who  struck   him  in  the  head  with  a 

weapon  and  wounded  him  sore.     This  Mr.  Knox  takes  nottice  of  in  the 

letter  he  wrote  this  year  to  the  professors  of  Religion,  October  S.  for 

which  he  was  brot  to  trouble  in  these  words  :   "  The  adversaries  of  Christ 

Jesus  holy  Evangell  have  boldned  themselves  and  publickly  done  many 

things  odious  in  God's  presence  and  hurtfull  to  Religion.     The  blood  of 

some  of  our  dearest  ministers  hath  been  shed  without  fear  of  punishment 

or  correction  craved  by  us,"  where  we  may  again  observe  the  high  esteem 

Mr.  Knox  hath  for  Mr.  Pont,  and  that  its  probable  Captain  Lauder  was 

a  Papist,  and  thus  abused   Mr.  Pont  for  his  preaching  and  standing  by 

the  truth,  and  exposing  the  abominations  of  Popery.     The  Lord  preserved 

him  in  this  eminent  hazard  of  his  life,  having  much  and  long  service  in 

view  for  him. 

By  the  Assembly  1563,  he  is  appointed  Commissioner  of  Murray,     P-2- 
Inverness  and  Bamf,  and  in  December  he  declares  he  had  travailed  there  )564j    be  anis 
but  could  do  litle  for  want  of  the  Irish  tongue.*      It  may  be,  when  thus  Comisnoner  of 

»  J         '  Murray. 

*  This  sentence  lias  been  inserted  by  Wodrmv  after  the  rest  of  the  paragraph  had 
been  written. 


166  MR.   ROBERT   PONT. 

persecuted  in  the  South,  Mr.  Pont  removed  to  the  North  wher  ther  wer 
very  few  ministers  as  yet  planted.  Within  a  litle  we  shall  find  him 
Commissioner  of  Murray,  and,  tho  its  only  conjecture,  we  maysuppose  such 
a  man  as  he  very  proper  to  be  sent  to  the  town  of  Elgin  and  that  country. 
Thus,  in  the  next  Assembly,  June,  1564>,  I  find  him  named  among  the 
ministers  in  the  North,  and  the  Superintendants,  Mrs.  John  Row,  George 
Hay,  Robert  Pont,  Christopher  Gudman,  and  severall  others  are  appointed 
to  meet  and  conferr  anent  the  causes  apperteaning  to  the  jurisdiction  of 
the  Kirk  and  report.  But  the  Report  I  do  not  find,  the  Registers  of  the 
first  Assemblys  being  very  briefe,  and  conteaning  short  hints  only.  At 
that  Assembly  its  ordeaned,  [that]  no  minister  leave  his  flock  and  pass 
to  another  congregation  without  the  knowledge  of  his  flock,  Superintendant, 
or  whole  Kirk.  And  at  the  next  Assembly  to  which  the  report  perhaps 
was  to  be  made  upon  the  tryall  of  the  Commissioners,  it  was  desired  that 
those  of  Galloway  and  Orkney  should  be  demanded  whither  they  judged 
in  their  consciences  that  they  might  duly  exercise  both  the  office  of 
Superintendant  and  that  of  a  Lord  of  the  Session.  This  was  waved  till 
the  end  of  the  Assembly,  and  if  they  could  not  overtake  it,  it  was  to  be 
referred,  with  other  questions  the  Assembly  could  not  overtake,  to  the 
Superintendants  and  ministers  of  the  bounds  who  wer  to  report  with  their 
reasons  in  write  to  the  next  Assembly.  That  same  Assembly  also  find 
proper  to  interchange  the  bounds  of  the  Superintendants  visitation.  He 
of  Angus  is  appointed  to  visit  Galloway,  Nidsdale,  Carrict,  Kyle  and 
Clidsdale  ;  the  Superintendant  of  Lothian  to  visit  the  bounds  of  Angus 
and  Mernis  ;  he  of  the  west  to  visit  Lothian,  Merce  and  Tiviotdale,  and 
Mr.  Knox  to  visit  Fife,  Strathern,  Gowrie,  and  Monteith.  Whither  these 
wer  the  fruits  of  this  Committy  about  the  Kirks  jurisdiction  I  do  not 
determine,  but  they  are  not  unworthy  of  our  observation. 
Named     to  Upon  Mr.  Row's  Life  I  have  notticed  that  the  Assembly  appointed  the 

swerrto^B1"]-  Bishops  of  Galloway  and  Orkney,  who  are  so  called  because  of  their  enjoy- 
Hngers  Book  jng  t}ie  benefices,  and  who  seem  to  have  been  Lords  of  Session,  Mr.  Robert 
imbits.  Pont,  Mr.  Row  and  others,  to  revise  and  consider  Mr.  William  Ramsey's 

answer  to  Bullingers  Book  on  the  habits  of' preachers.  These  wer  named 
as  being  supposed  most  seen  in  the  Cannon  law,  and  so  most  proper  for 
this  work,  and  at  this  time  Mr.  Pont  was  highly  valued  for  his  skill  in  the 
Lawes  both  Cannon  and  Civil,  and  all  other  branches  of  valuable  learning. 


MR.    ROBERT    PONT.  167 

Thus  I  find  he  translated  the  Confession  of  faith  of  the  protestants  Retranslates 
in  Zurich,  and  the  Assembly  approve  of  it  and  order  it  to  be  published,  confession. 
The  account  of  this  followes  in  the  Assembly's  records,  and  I  give  it  ^ct  abouTthnJ8 
with  Mr.  Calderwood's  remark  on  it.  "  The  Assembly  being  advised  excepting  holy 
"  with  the  interpretation  of  the  Confession  of  the  Kirk  of  Zurich  by  Mr. 
"  Robert  Pont,  ordeaned  the  same  to  be  printed  together  with  an  Epistle 
"  sent  be  [to?]  the  Assembly  of  the  Kirk  of  Scotland  approving  the  same, 
"  providing  a  note  be  put  on  the  margine,  wher  mention  is  made  of  the 
"  remembrance  of  some  holydayes."  Mr.  Calderwood  adds,  "  This  Con- 
*i  fession  was  penned  by  the  pastors  of  Zurich,  and  is  otherwise  called  the 
"  Latter  Confession  of  Helvetia.  It  was  allowed  and  subscribed  not  only 
"  by  the  Tigurines  themselves  and  their  confederats  of  Bern,  Shaphusia 
"  Sangallia,  Milan  and  Vienes,  but  also  Geneva,  Savoy,  Polonia  and 
"  Hungaria.  In  this  Confession,  superiority  of  ministers  above  ministers 
"  is  called  an  human  appointment;  confirmation  is  judged  to  be  a  device 
"  of  men  which  the  Kirk  may  want  without  dammage  ;  baptisme  by 
"  weemen  and  midwifes  is  condemned  ;  item,  prolix  and  tedious  publick 
"  prayers  hindering  the  preaching  of  the  word  ;  canonicall  hours,  t.  e- 
"  prayers  to  be  chanted  and  often  repeted  at  set  times,  as  the  popish 
"  maner  is ;  heaping  up  of  ceremonies  in  the  Kirk  to  the  prejudice  of  p-  a 
"  Christian  liberty  and  observation  of  Saints  dayes.  But  this  Assembly 
"  would  not  allow  the  dayes  dedicatto  Christ,  the  Circumcision,  Nativity, 
"  Passion,  Resurection,  Ascention  and  Pentecost  dayes,  but  took  excep- 
"  tion  against  that  part  of  the  Confession.  Our  Kirk  was  so  far  from 
"  observing  holydayes  dedicated  to  Christ  that  they  held  their  Assemblys 
"  oftentimes  on  the  25th  of  December." 

In  this  dawning  of  our  Reformation  multitudes  of  questions  touching  He  is  ap- 
Scandalls  and  other  incidentall  cases,  which  fell  in  betwixt  Assemblys,  wer  questions!! 
came  before  the  Generall  Assembly,  and  as  we  had  yet  no  judicatorys 
almost,  save  Kirk  Sessions  and  Assemblys,  for  ther  wer  few  provincial! 
Synods  yet  set  up,  and  presbitrys  wer  not  constitute  for  severall  years,  the 
most  learned  men  wer  generally  appointed  to  decide  questions  and  report  to 
the  Assembly.  Thus  the  Bishops  of  Galloway,  Orkney,  the  Justice  Clerk, 
Mr.  Robert  Pont,  William  Ramsay  and  others,  are  appointed  by  this 
Assembly  to  answer  questions. 


168  MR.    ROBERT    PONT. 

His  work  in  When  Mr.   Pont  was  made  Commissioner  of  Murray  I  have  not 

the      Assembly  t  t->  • 

1568.  observed,  probably  it  was  next  year  1567,3  if  not  before.     But  in  the 

3  See  Note  c.  Assembly,  July,  156S,  "  Mr.  Robert  Pont  is  continoued  Commissioner  for 
"  visitation  of  Murray  untill  the  next  Assembly,  notwithstanding  that  he 
"  desired  to  be  placed  in  a  particular  congregation."  In  this  Assembly 
he  is  one  of  those  who  are  appointed  to  revise,  The  order  of  excommuni- 
cation, penned  by  Mr.  Knox  at  the  desire  of  the  Generall  Assembly,  and 
indeed  he  is  named  upon  all  their  bussines  of  any  moment  and  difficulty, 
i  '5!i9'     eimi  1°  tne  Assembly,  February,  1569,   "  Mr.   Pont  Commissioner  for 

tor     restoring  "  visiting  the  Kirks  of  Murray,  Mr.  Adam  Heriot  minister  of  Aberdeen, 
the  Kirk,  and  "  Mr.  George  Hay  minister  of  Ruthven,  and  others  from  the  north  are 
dUburdened  b0e(  "  appointed  to  deal  with  the  Earl  of  Huntly,  and  require  him  to  restore 
his  Commission  "  the  collectors  of  the  Kirk  in  his  bounds  to  their  office,   and  in  case  of 
"  his  refusal]  and  contumacy  after  due  admonitions,  any  two  of  them 
"  are  ordered  to  proceed  to  excommunication."     That  same  Assembly  in 
their  fifth  Session,  in  their  articles  to  the  Regent  complean  of  the  generall 
disobedience  given  to  the  Collectors  of  the  Kirk  named  by  the  Generall 
Assembly,  and  particularly  crave  that  remedy  may  be  provided  against 
the  oppression  of  the  Earle  of  Huntly  and  others  who  have  removed  the 
Collectors  of  the  Kirk,  and  tyrranously  placed  their  own  ;  that,  in  case  of 
the  said  Earles  contempt  of  their  sentences,  the  Assembly  without  offence 
of  his  Grace  may  appoint  their  brother  Mr.  Robert  Pont  minister,  wher 
his  labors  may  be  more  fruitful]  than  they  can  be  for  the  present  in  Mur- 
ray.    In  the  next  Assembly,  July  that  same  year,  Mr.  Andrew  Hay, 
Commissioner  of  Clydsdale,  and   Mr.    Robert    Pont,   Commissioner  of 
Murray,  desire  the  Assembly  may  disburden  them  of  their  Commissions 
wherin  they  have  travelled  diverse  years  bygone.     It  seems  Mr.  Pont's 
greivances  continued  in  the  north,  and  he  seems  not  to  have  been  easy 
till  he  was  brot  south.     However  the  Assembly  go  not  into  the  petition. 
Men  wer  yet  ill  to  be  got  to  fill  their  room. 
Moderator  Mr.  Pont  is  chosen  Moderator  to  the  Assembly  which  conveened, 

ofthe  Assembly,  July,  1570,  after  the  accession  of  the  Earle  of  Lennox  to  the  Regentship. 
In  the  Laird  of  Duns  Life  it  has  been  remarked,  that  about  this  time  the 
Earle  of  Morton  began  to  lay  his  designes  for  bringing  in  Tulchan 
Bishops.    At  this  Assembly  Mr.  Pont  and  Mr.  Hay  renew  their  desire  to  be 


MR.    ROBERT   PONT.  169 

disburdened  of  their  office  of*  commissioners,  but  wer  requested  to  continow 
till  next  Assembly.     This   Assembly  give  power  to  Mr.  Robert  Pont    p-  4 
commissioner  of  Murray,  with  the  assistance  of  the  Kirk  of  Elgin,  to 
proceed  after  due  admonitions  to  excomunicat  Patrick  Bishop  of  Murray. 

He  continowes  in  the  oversight  of  the  bounds  of  Murray  next  year  Letter  tohim, 
1571  >  as  appears  from  a  letter  Mr.  Calderwood  hath  preserved  direct  to  upon  the  op- 
ium in  the  close  of  that  year,  which  is  worth  the  inserting,  because  it  con-  f™^"'""  m't"t'e 
teans  an  authentick  account  of  the  hardships  the  ministers  in  the  north  "orlh    by  'Va 

t  Earleof  Hunt- 

at  this  time  wer  br6t  to  by  the  Earle  of  Huntly  and  others,  who,  during  ley. 
the  present  civil  warrs,  adhered  to  the  Queens  party;  for  their  firm 
attachment  to  the  Kings  authority,  and  his  Regents ;  and  so  it  followes : 
"  Right  Honourable,  after  salutations  in  the  Lord  Jesus ;  this  present 
"  is  to  advertish  you  that  the  bretheren  of  the  ministry  within  the  bounds 
"of  your  commission  are  rigorously  entreated,  for  upon  the  13  day 
"  of  this  instant  December,  a  certain  number  of  them  wer  called  before 
"  the  Laird  of  Auchindoun  and  the  shirreff  of  Murray  and  their  deputs, 
"  in  a  lieutennant  court,  to  underly  the  law,  for  treasonable  defection 
"  from  the  Queens  authority  to  the  Kings,  and  for  giving  obedience  to 
"  him  and  praying  for  him  and  his  authority  ;  and  for  breaking  and  con. 
"  traveening  of  the  Act  of  Parliament,  made  by  the  Queens  commissioners, 
"  charging  all  the  Superintendants,  commissioners,  and  ministers  to  pray 
"  for  the  Queen,  her  authority  and  lieutennants  in  their  publick  sermons 
"  and  prayers ;  and  for  blaspheming  of  her  Highnes  Majesty  in  calling 
"  her  an  Idolater,  Adulterer,  Murthererand  Jesabel.  Some  have  dressed 
"  and  compounded  privatly,  as  this  bearer  will  show  you,  others  are  fugi- 
"  tive,  some  are  come  in  will,  which  will  is  declared  to  be  this,  to  renounce 
"  the  Kings  authority  and  give  obedience  to  the  Queen  and  her  authority 
"  in  times  coming,  and  to  pray  for  her  and  her  lieutennants  in  their 
"  publick  prayers ;  the  which  they  have  promised  and  found  caution  to 
"  do.  The  Parson  of  Duffus,  Robert  Keith,  my  self,  and  some  others, 
"  desiring  continouation  untill  the  time  we  might  consult  with  you,  the 
"  minister  of  Aberdeen  and  other  learned  men  among  whom  ye  resort,  they 
"  have  forced  us  for  the  very  fear  of  our  lives,  instantly  to  find  soverty  and 
"  caution  to  underly  the  law  in  Aberdeen  the  10  of  January  next.  Wher- 
"  for  we  desire  you  most  eff'ectuously,  as  you  tender  the  preservation  of  our 

y 


HO  MR.    ROBERT    PONT. 

"  lives,  and  as  you  would  behave  yourself,  if  you  wer  in  our  place,  to  let  us 
"  have  your  advice  and  consultation  and  of  the  faithfull  bretheren  in  these 
"  parts,  how  and  in  what  manner  we  shall  behave  our  selves  for  eshewing 
"  of  these  inconveniencies  ;  for  one  of  two  things  are  offered  unto  us,  to 
"  wit  death,  if  we  be  convict  of  treason,  or  else  obedience  of  the  Queens 
"  authority,  and  praying  for  her.  Referring  all  other  things  to  your  good 
"  answer  anent  the  premises,  with  the  next  faithfull  person  that  cometh 
"  betwixt;  and  if  need  be,  that  ye  hire  and  send  to  us  upon  our  expenses 
"  with  all  expedition,  the  which  we  doubt  not  but  ye  will  doe,  as  our 
"  lippening  is  in  you.  And  the  Lord  God  have  you  in  his  protection. 
"  From  Elgin,  the  15  of  December,  1571. 

"  Your  Brother  in  Christ  at  command, 

"  Alex8,  Winchester,  minister  at  Elgine." 

I  wish  we  had  Mr.  Ponts  answer  which  no  doubt  he  would  send  in 
such  a  choak,  but  I  find  no  more  relative  to  this  in  our  historians.  Mr. 
Calderwood  only  nottices,  "  That  sundry  others  wer  forced  to  leave  the 
"  country  before,  because  they  would  not  pray  for  the  Queen  but  none 
"  wer  summoned  by  order  of  any  law  till  now."  Indeed  no  releife  could 
be  soon  sent  them,  and  their  friends  could  do  litle  but  threaten  reprizalls, 
and  advise  them  to  fly  for  their  safety. 

His  share  in  We  have  seen  upon  the  Laird  of  Duns  Life,  that  Mr.  Pont  was  not 

of  LdojCTi!  only  a  member  of  the  convention  at  Leith,  who  on  the  matter  brot  in 

Tulchan  Bishops,  but  was  named  upon  the  comitty,  who  with  as  many 

p.  5.  of  the  council  formed  the  heads  and  conclusions  concerning  [the]  Policy 

of  the  Kirk,  wherby  the  Earle  of  Mortoun  got  his  designe.  The  best 
of  men  are  ready,  especially  by  favours,  to  be  byassed,  at  least  to  consider  the 
light  and  arguments  mostly  upon  the  one  side  of  a  question  wher  their 
freinds  are.  Under  this  view,  the  Earle  of  Mortoun  proposed  the  taking 
in  Mr.  Pont,  to  the  Colledge  of  Justice,  especially  now  that  he  was  not 
fixed  to  any  particular  charge,  and  ther  was  scarce  access,  throw  the  pre- 
valency  of  the  Queens  faction,  to  his  office  of  commissioner  in  the  north ; 
this,  it  seems,  Mr.  Ponts  light  led  him  to  comply  with,  providing  the 
Assembly  allowed  him,  and  at  this  corrupt  and  picked  Assembly,  in  the 
hurry  of  a  civil  war,  the  Earle  of  Mortoun  soon  prevailed  for  an  allow- 


MR.    ROBERT   PONT.  171 

ance ;  and  therby  he  both  hoped  to  make  Mr.  Pont  from  gratitude  (if 
that  may  be  so  termed  that  leads  to  any  wrong  thing,)  to  come  in  to  his 
designe  of  getting  the  Kirk  benefices  at  his  disposall ;  and,  having  once 
a  dore  opened  for  confounding  the  ecclesiasticall  and  civil  offices  toge- 
ther, he  hoped  to  {[carry]  through  his  designes  the  better,  and  have  the 
more  baits  to  tempt  ministers  of  any  eminency  with,  tho  the  convention 
seems  in  part  to  provide  against  this  ;  but  after  a  wall  is  broke,  its  very 
hard  to  hinder  the  enimie  to  enter  at  the  breach.  The  Act  of  Assembly 
will  speak  best  for  it  self. 

"  In  the  fifth  Session,  January  17,  1572,  compeared  Mr.  Robert  A  Act  of  ,hat. 
"  Pont  commissioner  of  Murray,  who  declared  in  the  Assembly,  that  convention.per- 
"  throw  the  troubles  raised  in  the  north,  wherthrough,  as  the  bretheren  ™e" T^o™  If 
"  wer  not  ignorant,  he  was  not  able  to  travell  there  in  his  commissionarie:  Session-    J«J- 

O  »  _  uary  17,  1572. 

"  In  respect  wherof  he  demitted  his  commission  simpliciter  in  the  Kirks 
"  hands,  requesting  them  to  provide  such  as  they  thot  might  profite 
"  in  the  said  country,  that  it  might  not  be  destitute  of  a  visitor.  And 
"  further  this  convention  understanding  that  my  Lord  Regents  Grace 
"  and  council  wer  desirous  that  the  said  Mr.  Robert  should  accept  the 
"  place  of  one  of  the  senators  of  the  Colledge  of  Justice,  which  he  in  no 
"  wise  would  accept  without  advice  of  the  Kirk  ;  therfor  the  whole 
"  Bretheren  assembled  gave  licence  to  the  said  Mr.  Robert  to  accept 
5  and  use  the  said  place  of  a  senator  in  the  said  Colledge  what  time  he 
"  shall  be  required  therunto,  providing  alvvise  that  he  leave  not  the  office 
"  of  the  ministry,  but  that  he  exerce  the  same,  as  he  shall  be  appointed 
"  be  the  Kirk :  and  that  this  their  license  to  the  said  Mr.  Robert,  be  no 
"  preparative  to  any  other  minister  to  procure  such  promotion,  without 
"  the  Kirks  advice  had  of  before  and  license  obteaned  therunto." 

This  corrupt  Act  confounding  the  civil  and  ecclesiastick  offices  in  one  L.Rem"k»  °" 

r  °  .  this.     The  As- 

man's  person,  contrary  to  Scripture,  precept,  pattern,  and  practise,  was  sembiy  next 
what  might  be  expected  from  such  a  meeting,  as  could  swallow  doun  the  Ae"  refuse  e^ 
Tulchan  Bishops.  Indeed  Praelacy  even  as  exercised  in  protestant  coun-  fs"°£"^e™^ 
trys,  has  frequently  this  unscripturall  confusion  and  mixture  of  civil  and  Lords  of  ses- 
ecclesiasticall  offices  going  along  with  it ;  so  it  was  at  this  time ;  and  the 
Earle  of  Mortoun  when  Regent  next  year,  to  prosecut  his  scheme  of 
bringing  us  as  near  real  praelacy,  for  the  Tulchan  Bishops  scarce  deserve 


172  MR.    ROBERT    PONT. 

the  name  of  proper  Prelates,  made  a  motion  in  the  Generall  Assembly, 
March  1573,  to  get  mo  ministers  made  Lords  of  Session.  But  the 
ministry  of  the  Church  by  this  time  saw  they  had  already  gone  too  far, 
and  so  they  flatly  refused  his  desire.  I  shall  give  this  in  the  terms  of 
the  Records.  "  Anent  my  Lord  Regents  Grace,  his  desire,  touching 
"  the  placing  of  some  of  the  learned  Ministers  to  be  Senators  of  the  col- 
"  ledge  of  Justice ;  the  Assembly  having  at  lenth  reasoned  whither  a 
"  minister  be  able  to  discharge  himself  of  both  these  vocations,  voted 
"  throughout,  that  none  was  able  or  apt  to  bear  the  saids  two  charges, 
"  and  therfor  inhibited  any  minister  occupying  his  vocation  in  the  minis- 
"  try  to  take  upon  him  to  be  a  senator,  Mr.  Robert  Pont  being  excepted, 
"  who  is  one  already  with  advice  and  consent  of  the  Kirk."  Mr.  Petry 
p-  e.  sayes,    "  That   at  the  next  Assembly,   Agust,   1583,  in  the    tryall    of 

"  Bishops  and  Commissioners,  Mr.  Robert  Pont  Commissioner  of  Mur- 
"  ray  was  accused,  that  he  resideth  not  there,  nor  hath  visited  churches 
"  these  2  years,  except  the  4  cheife.  He  alledged  want  of  laizour, 
"  because  he  was  ordeaned  to  attend  the  colledge  of  Justice  ;  wherupon 
"  the  Superintendent  of  Lothian  moveth  the  cjuestion,  whither  it  be  law- 
"  full  by  the  word  of  God,  that  the  administration  of  the  word  and 
"  sacraments,  and  the  administration  of  civil  and  criminall  Justice,  be  so 
"  confounded  that  one  man  may  occupy  two  charges  ;  it  is  answered,  its 
"  neither  agreable  to  the  word  of  God  nor  practise  of  the  primitive 
"  Church."  If  Mr.  Calderwood  or  the  Records  of  the  Assembly  have 
this,  I  have  overlooked  it,  and  am  ready  to  think  that  Petry  may  be  wrong 
in  his  date,  and  that  this  may  have  hapned  before  the  former  Act  of 
Assembly.  Mr.  Calderwood  nottices  indeed  Mr.  Ponts  being  blamed, 
but  not  the  proposall  of  Mr.  John  Spotswood  but  [yet  he  hath]  the  Act  of 
Assembly  therupon,  and  in  the  7  Session  I  see  by  the  Registers 
Mr.  Pont  is  desired  to  continow  Commissioner  of  Murray  till  next 
Assembly, 
mutfhisteilr  In  tne  next  Assembly,  February,   1574,  Mr.   Robert  Pont,  now 

Commissioner  designed  one  of  the  Senators  of  the  Colledge  of  Justice  and  minister  of 
God's  word,  is  one  of  those  appointed  by  the  Assembly  to  form  the 
Articles  upon  the  jurisdiction  of  the  Kirk,  to  be  presented  to  the  Regent, 
which  was  the  first  beginning  of  the  Second  Book  of  Discipline,  of  which 


MR.    ROBERT   PONT.  173 

so  much  hath  been  said  on  many  of*  the  Lives  of  this  period ;  and  in  the 
7  Session,  in  regard  that  George  Douglas  Bishop  of  Murray  is 
admitted  Bishop,  Mr.  Pont  purely  and  simpliciter  demitts  his  office  of 
Commissionarie,  and  after  this  I  do  not  find  him  any  more  designed 
Commissioner  of  Murray,  in  the  Records  of  the  Assembly,  which  makes 
me  apprehend  his  demission  was  accepted.  *  Tho  those  of  the  Superinten-  *  See  Note  d. 
dants  of  Angus,  Lothian,  and  Strathern  offered  at  the  same  Assembly  are 
not  taken  off  their  hand. 

Mr.   Pont  now  and  for  some  years  after  termed  Provost  of  Trinity     Mr.     Pont 
Colledge, 5  Mr.  James  Lawson,  as  I  notticed  on  his  Life,  and  some  few  ^,,^"1074" 
others  are  appointed  by  the  Assembly,  July,  1574,  to  revise  all  Books  that  are  jy  '£  ^Im- 
printed and  published,  and  the  next  Assembly  he  is  appointed  to  consider  the  Books  that  are 
case  of  Mr.  Thomas  M'Kalzean  of  Chleichtonhall,[Cliftonhall,]  one  of  the    s  See  Note  e. 
Lords  of  the  Session,  as  hath  been  hinted  in  the  last  cited  Life,  and  in  the 
Assembly  after,  Agust,  1575,  he  is  chosen  Moderator,  when  some  further 
steps  are  taken  in  the  Second  Book  of  Discipline,  andfor  reforming  severall 
corruptions  creeped  into  the  Church.     Upon  Mr.  Smeton's  Life6 1  have     °  See  Note  f. 
taken  nottice  of  his  share  this  year  in  Arbuthnot's  Edition  of  the  Bible ; 
he  was  one  of  the  overseers  appointed   by  the  Assembly,  and  formed 
the  callandar  which  was  prefixed  to  it,  and  his   learning  and  skill  in 
Chronology  and  History  and  the  Learned  Language  put  him  in  case  for 
this. 

He  had  a  considerable  share  in  forming  the  Second  Book  of  Disci-  His  share 
pline  with  the  rest  of  the  ministers  whose  Lives  I  have  already  writt,  and  other  ministers 
some  others,  and  from  the  Records  of  the  Assembly,  Aprile  1,  1577,  which  ™*°  ""J"^} 
mett  to  revise  and  examine  that  necessary  and  usefull  work,  I  shall  here  set  Boot  °f  D'sd- 
doun  what  I  find  concerning  the  different  persons  who  formed  this  Book, 
that  the  Reader  may  have  them  all  in  his  eye  at  once  to  whom  we  are 
indebted  for  this  important  composure,  tho  at  this  distance  I  cannot 
determine  the  particular  heads  committed  to  each  of  them.  "  Forasmeikle 
"  as  the  cheife  and  principall  argument  to  be  entreated  and  reasoned  in 
"  this  convention  generall  is  the  Policy  of  the  Kirk,  reserved  in  their  last 
"  Generall  Assembly  to  be  handled  and  disputed  in  this ;  the  Bretheren 
"  deput  to  the  conceiving  and  forming  the  heads  therof  being  called  to 
"  give  an  account  of  their  diligence  and  industry  in  this  behalf,  they 


pline,  1577. 


174  MR.   ROBERT   PONT. 

"  presented  the  Heads  of  policy,  as  they  had  made  partition  therof  at  their 
"  Assembly  in  Stirling,  with  the  judgment  of  the  labours  of  the  whole 
"  Bretheren  taken  therin.     Therafter  was  presented  the  heads  penned  by 

Mr.     John  <(  Mr.  j0]in  Row  an(j  Mr.  James  Lawson,  which  wer  read,  and  nothing 

Mr.  James  "  again  said  except  one  of  the  said  Mr.  John  his  articles  referred  to 
"  further  disputation,  all  men  being  required  that  had  good  reason  or 
"  argument  to  propone  in  the  contrair,  to  alledge  the  samine,  or  if  they 
"  would  not  publickly  reason  upon  the  said  head  to  resort  to  the  said 
"  Commissioners  wher  travel!  should  be  taneto  satisfy  them,  leaving  them 
f  liberty  also,  before  the  heads  be  recollected  and  ordered  in  one  body,  to 
"  make  argument  as  they  think  good  against  the  samin.     The  head  given 

The  Laird  of "  to  the  Laird  of  Dun  according  to  the  distribution  forsaid,  being  thot 
"  be  him  obscure  and  mystick,  the  Assembly  desired  him  to  conferr 
"  with  the  remanent  Commissioners,  the  morn  at  7  hours,  to  the  effect 
"  he  may  be  resolved  of  the  meaning  therof.  The  remanent  heads  being 
"  prolix  and  amply  writt  by  the  commissioners  wer  thot  good  to  be  con- 
"  tracted  in  short  propositions,  and  conclusions  to  be  presented  to  publick 

Mr. Andrew*'  reading  therafter.  Session  L2.  The  head  committed  to  Mr.  Andrew 
"  Hay,  read  in  face  of  the  Assembly,  nothing  was  opponned  against  the 
"  same,  except  the  article  anent  the  suspension  of  ministers  referred  to 

David  Fer-  "  further  reasoning.  The  part  of  the  policy  given  to  David  Ferguson 
"  read  sicklike,  the  18  article  was  referred  and  nothing  spoken  be 
"  any  man  against  the  rest.     The  parts  committed  to  Mr.  Andrew  (either 

George  Hay.  "  this  or  what  is  above  must  be  a  literall  error  for  Mr.  George)  Hay, 

Robert  Pont.  "  Mr.  Robert  Pont,  Mr.  David  Lindsay,  nothing  alledged  in  the  contrair  ; 
say.  "  the  heads  committed  to  Mr.  John  Craig  read,  some  things  wer  desired 

rais-  "  to  be  contracted  and  others  referred  to  further  reasoning.  Session  3. 
"  The  whole  labours  of  the  Bretheren  tane  up  upon  the  matter  and  argu- 
"  ment  of  the  Policy  being  wholly  read  in  publick  audience  of  the  Assem- 
"  bly,  it  was  thot  expedient  and  good  that  their  whole  travels  and  work  in 
"  this  matter  being  now  dispersed  shall  be  revised  and  perused  be  some 
"  bretheren  and  digested  and  disposed  in  good  and  convenient  order,  to  be 
"  therafter  presented  to  the  Assembly,  and  for  that  effect  the  Assembly 

Mi.  Andrew  «  appoints  their  Bretheren  Mr.  James  Lawson,  Mr.  Andrew  Melvil,  Mr. 

Melril,  &c.  rr 

"  John  Craig,  and  Mr.  George  Hay  to  conveen  together  and  appoint  hours 


MR.    ROBERT    PONT.  175 

"  and  place  therto,  and  to  remain  therat  while  the  matter  be  brot  to  an 
"  end,  and  in  the  mean  time,  if  it  please  any  man  to  reason  with  them  in 
"  the  matter,  to  have  access  thernnto."  From  such  men,  and  after  so 
much  care  and  exactnes,  certainly  we  may  expect  an  excellent  draught. 
But  to  return  to  Mr.  Pont. 

As  he  had  his  share  in  this  good  work,  so  after  the  Assembly  had     Mr.Pontand 

.     .  •'the    rest     who 

gone  throw  it,  with  the  rest  who  framed  it  in  the  Assembly  1578,  he  is  framed       the 
upon  all  the  conferences  which  are  appointed  with  the  councill  upon  that  dpline,0   their 
subject;  the  particulars  of  which  I  need  not  en[ter]  upon,  since  they  have  p""8*  at  tbe 
been  hinted  at  in  Mr.  Lawson,  Craig,  Row,  the  Laird  of  Dun,  &c,  their  July.  1578. 
Lives,  only  I  shall  here  from  Mr.  Calderwoods  MSS.  give  an  account  of    P-  8- 
Mr.  Pont  and  the  other  commissioners  from  the  Assembly,  their  actings 
at  the  Parliament  at  Stirling,  July  15,  1578.     After  the  King  had  taken 
the  goverment  in  his  own  hands,  yet  he  was  under  the  Earle  of  Mortoun 
managment  for  a  litle,  who  was  no  freind  to  the  Book  of  Discipline, 
and  therfor  the  ministers  had  litle  at  this  time  but  dilators. 

"  Mr.  Pont  and  the  rest  named  by  the  Assembly  presented  the 
"  Book  of  Discipline  with  a  suplication  to  have  it  ratifyed,  which  the 
"  King  received  graciously,  and  remitted  it  to  the  council.  The  council 
"  appointed  several!  of  their  number  to  meet  with  the  ministers  and 
"  others  named  by  the  Assembly,  and  at  their  conference  they  agreed  to 
"  the  whole  except  4  articles,  which  by  the  last  Assembly  wer  reasoned 
"  again,  explained,  and  in  somthings  altered  and  made  more  plain.  At 
"  this  Parliament  the  Book  of  Discipline  was  read  over,  and  remitted 
"  to  the  Lords  of  Articles.  Mr.  Robert  Pont  and  the  rest  of  the  com- 
"  missioners  from  the  Assembly,  12  in  whole,  waited  on  the  Lords  of  the 
"  Articlesand  earnestly  desired  the  Bookmightnow  be  ratifyed  in  Parliament. 
"  The  Lords  of  the  Articles  alledged  the  matter  was  weighty,  and  required 
"  a  long  time  of  consultation  and  concluding,  and  said  the  whole  body  of 
"  the  Parliament  could  not  stay  so  long ;  and  therfor  thot  good  to  deput 
"  and  nominat  some  who,  receiving  power  from  the  Parliament  to  con- 
"  elude  the  matter,  should  conveen  at  a  certain  day  to  that  effect.  The 
"  Commissioners  of  the  Kirk  took  this  answer  for  a  shift  or  rather  a 
"  refusall,  because  the  Book  was  admitted  before  by  those,  who  wer 
"  appointed  to  conveen  in  Edinburgh  to  that  effect,  except  four  heads 


176  MR.    ROBERT    PONT. 

"  which  required  not  longsome  disputation.  The  Bishops  of  Saint  Andrews 
"  and  Aberdeen  (Adamson  and  Cunninghame,)  gave  occasion  to  this 
"  shifting  answer  from  the  Lords,  for  they  denyed  that  they  concluded 
"  any  thing  in  the  matter,  but  said  they  only  conferred  and  disputed. 
"  The  Commissioners  from  the  Assembly  desired  so  much  of  the  Book 
"  of  Discipline  as  had  been  concluded  might  be  confirmed  and  established 
"  as  a  law,  and  persons  to  be  named  to  reason  on  the  rest,  yet  that  was 
"  not  granted.  The  Earle  of  Mortoun  proposed  that  the  most  substan- 
"  tiall  matter  and  points,  might  be  gathered  out  of  the  Book  to  be 
"  authorized  as  lawcs.  To  whom  they  answered  that  the  shortnes  of 
"  time  and  lack  of  commission  to  that  effect  could  not  suffer  them  so  to 
"  do.  After  delay  from  day  to  day,  upon  the  last  day  the  Earle  of 
"  Buchan,  Lord  Ruthven,  and  the  Bishop  of  Glasgow,  wer  appointed  to 
"  conferr  with  the  commissioners  of  the  Kirk,  desiring  them  to  chuse  12 
"  out  of  which  the  Parliament  might  chuse  6.  The  commissioners 
"  answered  they  could  not  agree  to  that,  seing  they  had  no  commission, 
"  and  that  it  became  the  Assembly  to  collect  out  of  the  Books  of  God,  a 
"  Discipline  and  Policy  Ecclesiasticall  to  propound  it  to  the  Prince 
"  and  desire  it  to  be  confirmed  as  a  law  proceeding  from  God  ;  and  that 
"  it  became  not  the  Prince  to  prescribe  a  policy  to  the  Kirk,  and  if  they 
"  would  appoint  any  they  would  not  consent  to  it:  and  at  their  departure 
"  exorted  the  Lords  to  the  same.  The  Lords  took  it  in  evil  part,  and 
"  thot  the  King  might  call  whom  he  pleased,  and  make  a  law  with  their 
"  advice  to  stand,  and  so  they  chused  27  persons,  Earles,  Lords, 
"  Barrons,  Burgesses,  Bishops,  Ministers  and  others.  Earles — Mortoun, 
p.  9.  "  Lennox,  Buchan,  Glencairn ;  Lords — Boyd,  Ochiltrea,  Ruthven;  Bishops 

" Saint  Andrews,   Aberdeen   and    Glasgow;   Barrons — Capringtoun 

"and  Whittinghame;   Burgesses — Tutor  of  Pitcurr  and  John  Arnot ; 

"  Clerks — Mr.  George  Buchanan,  Mr.  Peter  Young,   Mr.   Alexander 

"  Arbuthnot,    Mr.    Clement    Litle ;    Ministers — Mr.    James   Lawson, 

"  Mr.  David  Lindsay,  John  Row,  William  Christieson,  John  Duncanson 

"  and  Mr.  George  Hay,  to  conveen,  reason,  and  conclude,  they  or  at  least 

Mr.  p.  Ad-  "  eight  of  them  conjunctly,  and  their  declarations  to  be  reported  and 

TtionXutTh'e  "  considered  in  the  next  Parliament.     Mr.  Calderwood  adds,  its  to  be 

Jh£  °f  Di8d"  "  remarked  in    Mr.   Patrick  Adamson   Bishop  of  Saint  Andrews,  that 


MR.    ROBERT    PONT.  1T7 

"  when  the  Book  of  Policy  was  agreed  upon  in  the  Assembly,  and  diverse 
"  of  the  Bretheren,  as  namely,  Mr.  Andrew  Melvil  and  Mr.  Andrew 
"  Hay,  desired  the  same  might  be  subscribed  by  all  the  Bretheren,  Mr. 
"  Patrick  Adamson  said,  Nay,  we  have  an  honest  man  our  clerk  to  sub- 
"  scribe  for  all,  and  it  wer  to  derogat  from  his  faithfulnes  and  estimation 
"  if  we  should  all  severally  subscribe.  Well,  said  Mr.  Andrew  Hay,  if 
"  any  man  come  against  this  or  deny  it  hereafter,  he  is  not  honest ;  and 
"  to  Mr.  Adamson  he  said  before  three  or  four,  There  is  my  hand,  Mr. 
"  Patrick,  if  you  come  against  us  hereafter,  consenting  now  so  throughly 
"  to  it,  I  will  call  you  a  knave,  tho  never  so  publickly ;  Mr.  Patrick  received 
"  the  condition,  but  at  the  presenting  of  the  conclusions  before  the 
"  Regent  and  council,  the  Regent  asked  Mr.  Patrick  if  he  had  assented 
"  therunto,  he  denyed  and  said  he  refused  to  subscribe,  wherupon  the 
"  Councill  denyed  their  approbation.  When  Mr.  Andrew  Hay  had 
"  enquired  at  sundry  honourable  counselours,  one  of  them  laid  the  blame 
"  on  Mr.  Patrick  Adamson  who  was  coming  by ;  in  the  meantime  Mr.  Hay 
"  went  to  him  and  leading  him  by  the  hand  he  brot  him  to  the  counselor, 
"  and  before  him  said  to  Mr.  Patrick,  O  !  Knave,  Knave,  I  will  crown 
"  thee  for  the  King  of  all  Knaves.  Siclike  he  denyed  at  this  time  that 
"  they  had  agreed  or  concluded  any  thing."  These  passages  about  the 
Book  of  Discipline  I  have  given  at  the  more  lenth,  because  I  have  not 
mett  with  them  any  wher  save  in  Calderwood. 

Next  year  1579,  I  find  Mr.  Pont  named  with  some  other  ministers     Mr.     Pont 
to  joyn  in  commission  with  such  as  the  King  will  nominat,  for  visiting  SamtAndrew*!! 
the  University  of  Saint  Andrews  and  consider  their  state,  the  foundations 
and  charters  of  their  colledges,  and  take  order  with  and  redress  corrup- 
tions and  faults. 

It  would  appear  that  Mr.  Ponts  being  a  Lord  of  the  Session  and  at  1580,  Mr. 
the  same  time  a  minister  of  the  Word  was  unsatisfying  to  severall  ministers  ,1°'' Assembly! 
and  others.     Therfor  Mr.  Pont  himself  moved  the  matter  to  the  Gen-  judgment     of 

*  1    ,  -I     •      1  T  ■  T  ■  ■  ^'S       Ca8e       aS      * 

erall  Assembly  which  conveened,  July,  1580,  and  desired  a  determination  minister    and 
theranent.       Accordingly    Session    9,    the    Assembly   registers    bear,  ^d 
"  Anent  the  proposition  moved  by  Mr.  Robert  Pont,  upon  appearance 
of  some  offence,  as  he  thot,  conceived  by  some  bretheren  by  reason  of  his 
office  in  the  Colledge  of  Justice,  craving  the  judgment  of  the  Assembly, 


178  MR.    ROBERT    PONT. 

whither  he  should  leave  the  same  or  not,  seing  he  neither  entered  ther- 
unto  without  their  consent,  nor  would  continow  therin  without  the  samine : 
the  Assembly  continoued  their  reasoning  on  this  matter,  and  their 
judgment  therin  till  next  Assembly."  I  do  not  find  this  matter  much 
insisted  on  afterwards.  Difficultys  did  grow,  and  the  Assemblys  had 
other  kind  of  things  to  consider. 

Assembly  158U  At  the  Assembly  which  conveened  at  Glasgow,  Aprile,  1581,  Mr. 

when  the  divi-  Robert  Pont  is  again  chosen  Moderator.     At  this  Assembly,  the  Kins  sent 

sioii  of  Prcsbi-  .  "  .  .  .  '  & 

tiys  was  agreed  the  Laird  of  Capringtoun  as  his  commissioner,  and  ther  seemed  to  be  a 
tollerable  understanding  betwixt  the  King  and  the  ministers,  which  in  a 
litle  time  was  broke  by  Captain  Stewart  afterward  Earle  of  Arran,  and 
D'Aubigny  Duke  of  Lennox,  their  encroachments  ;  the  King  promised 
to  hold  hand  to  the  discipline  of  the  Kirk,  and  to  countenance  the  scheme 
and  platt  of  Presbitrys  they  wer  forming;  some  zealous  and  usefull  Acts 
wer  made,  now  lost,  as  appears,  by  Mr.  Adamsons  tearing  out  the  third 
and  fourth  Sessions  of  this  Assembly.  As  Mr.  Pont  had  his  share  in  the 
Book  of  Discipline  which  established  presbitrys,  so  he  was  chosen  Mod- 
erator at  this  Assembly  wher  the  particular  division  and  form  of  them  was 
agreed  upon.  The  reader  will  find  what  was  done  in  the  printed  Calder- 
wood  upon  this  year,  and  I  shall  not  swell  this  work  with  what  is 
already  printed,  only  the  reader  will  observe  that  severall  alterations  wer 
made  in  this  draught  of  Presbitrys  at  first  agreed  upon ;  and  this  church 
came  not  fully  to  end  their  scheme  of  Presbitrys  till  the  year  1586,  when 
in  concert  with  the  King  a  new  draught  was  agreed  to,  which  continoued, 
as  far  as  I  know,  till  Episcopacy  came  in,  and,  with  a  few  alterations,  was 
PrMbTryswith  standing  at  the  Assembly,  1638.  This  draught,  with  the  particular 
'\e  N,,arishes  parishes  in  each  Presbitry,  I  have  inserted  Appendix  No.  [I.]  from  the 
p.  io.         MS.  Caldervvood,  because  its  not  yet  published. 

BookofDis-  The  other  thing  Mr.  Pont  was  active  in  at  this  Assembly  was  the 

erf  and  ordered  giymg  tne  ^ast  and  finishing  stroak  to  the  Second  Book  of  Discipline;  by 
to  he  registrat  rerristratino;  it  in  the  Assembly  books,  to  remain  ad  futuram  rei  memo- 

iu  every   Pres-      .  .  /.-tit 

bitry.    Names  riam,  and  every  Presbitry  are  ordeaned  again  to  take  a  copy  of  it.     Mr. 

of  ^"ITsem- Calderwood  in  his  MS.  sets  down  the  names  of  the  commissioners  present 

Voy87tGlaSS°W'at  tne  Assembly,  157S,  when  it  was  first  agreed  to  in  this  Assembly,  and 

indeed  then-  names  deserve  to  be  recorded  and  may  be  of  use  for  clearing 


MR.    ROBERT    PONT.  179 

some  facts  in  the  history  of  this  church,  therfor  I  insert  them  here.*  The 
commissioners  for  Lothian,  wer  the  master  of  Marr,  the  Lairds  of  Dun- 
dass,  Waughtoun  younger,  Corstorphine,  Whittinghame,  Carden, 
Merchinstoun,  Hattoun,  Broxmouth,  Braid,  Pilrig,  Elphingstoun,  Fau- 
donside,  Blance,  Carberrie. — Commissioners  of  Towns.  For  Edinburgh  ; 
John  Johnstoun,  Alexander  Clerk,  John  Adamson,  Mr.  Clement  Litle. 
For  Leith;  John  Williamson,  George  Ker,  John  Litle.  For  Canon- 
gate;  John  Seaton,  Alexander  Segget,  Thomas  Hunter.  For  Stirling; 
Robert  Alexander ;  Ministers — Mr.  Robert  Pont,  Mr.  James  Lawson, 
John  Durie,  Mr.  Walter  Balcanquel  [Mr.  John  Davidsone?],  [Waltei-3 
Hay,  Mr.  James  Carmichael,  Mr.  David  Lindsay,  John  Duncanson,  Mr. 
Andrew  Blackhall,  James  Gybson,  Mr.  Patrick  Kinlochie,  Mr.  Adam 
Johnstoun,  William  Sanderson,  John  Herries,  Mr.  Thomas  Cranstoun, 
Mr.  Thomas  M'Gie,  Mr.  William  Strang,  Mr.  John  Spotswood  somtime 
Superintendant  of  Lothian,  Mr.  John  Bennet,  Mr.  Andrew  Foster, 
Alexander  Foster  [?],  Mr.  James  Hamiltoun,  Mr.  Robert  Montgom- 
mery,  Mr.  Patrick  Gillespy,  David  Hume,  Mr.  Andrew  Simson.  For 
Merce;  Ministers — Mr.  Patrick  Gaites,  John  Clappertoun,  Robert  French, 
Mathew  Liddel,  Mr.  Thomas  Torie  [Storie?].  For  Tweddail;  the  Laird 
of  Black  Barronie,  the  Tutor  of  Drumayler;  Ministers — Mr.  Archibald 
Douglas,  Gilbert  Hay,  Walter  Tweedie.  For  Teviotdale;  Mr.  Andrew  Clay- 
hills.  For  Annandail  and  Nidsdail ;  Roger  Kilpatrick  of  Closburn,  Robert 
Johnstoun  of  Carsilote,  the  Laird  of  Gairlies,  the  Laird  of  Johnstoun,  the 
Laird  of  Auchinglass ;  Ministers — Mr.  James  Beaton,  Mr.  Archibald 
Meinzies,  William  Taylour.  For  Cliddesdale,  Renfrew  and  Lennox ;  John 
Shaw  of  Greenock,  John  Semple  of  Fulwood,  Hugh  Cunningham  of  Wat- 
tersone,  James  Stirling  of  Keir,  the  Laird  of  Lee,  the  Laird  of  Dunrod, 
the  Laird  of  Calderwood  ;  Ministers  and  Professors  of  Universitys — Mr. 
Andrew  Melvil,  Mr.  Thomas  Smeton,  Mr.  Andrew  Polwart,  Mr.  David 
Weemyse,  Mr.  Andrew  Hay,  Mr.  Patrick  Sharp,  Mr.  Patrick  Bleck- 
burn,  Mr.  James  Melvil,  Mr.  John  Houeson,   Mr.  Thomas  Jack,   Mr. 

*  The  persons  here  mentioned  were  not  present  at  any  single  Assembly,  but  at  all 
the  Assemblies  from  April  1578  to  1581.  "Some  of  them,"  says  Calderwood,  "wer 
present  at  all  tliir  Assemblies,  others  at  some  of  them."  MS.  History,  in  Bibl.  Acad. 
Glasg.  Vol.  III. 


180  MR.    ROBERT    PONT. 

James  Fleeming,  Mr.  Walter  Hatldin,  Mr.  Thomas  Lindsay,  Mr.  Robert 
Lindsay,  Mr.  John  Davidson,  Mr.  Patrick  Walkingshaw,  Mr.  Robert 
Darroch,  John  Porterfield,  Mr.  William  Struthers,  Mr.  John  Hamiltoun, 
John  Liverence.  Commissioners  from  Glasgow,  George  Elphingstoun, 
Robert  Stewart,  John  Grahame.  For  Kyle,  Carrict,  and  Cunninghame ; 
the  Laird  of  Carnell,  the  Laird  of  Careltoun,  the  Laird  of  Stair ;  Min- 
isters—Mr. Robert  Wilkie,  Mr.  JohnYoung,Mr.DavidWill[Mill?],Mr. 
John  M'Korn,  Mr.  John  Neisbet,  Mr.  Patrick  Primrose,  Mr.  William 
Hamiltoun,  Mr.  James  Gregg,  James  Dalrymple,  Mr.  John  Douglas. 
For  Dumblane;  Thomas  Drummond,  Thomas  Smeton,  Alexander  Segy, 
Mr.  Andrew  Young,  Mr.  William  Stirling,  Alexander  Ferguson.  For 
Fyfe,  East  and  West ;  the  Lairds  of  Colluthy,  Killerine,  Lundy,  Seggy, 
Abbotshall  younger,  Reirs,  Balfour,  Balmoutie,  Lochlevine,  Abbotshall, 
Patrick  Kynninmouth;  Ministers — Mr.  Patrick  Adamson,   Mr.  William 

p.  11.  Clerk,  Mr.  Thomas  Buchanan,  Mr.  Alexander  Jardine,  Mr.  John  Dur- 
ham, Mr.  Thomas  Brown,  Mr.  Thomas  Biggar,  John  Dykes,  Mr.  John 
Edmonstoun,  Mr.  David  Spence,  Adam  Mitchel,  John  Burn,  John  Ure, 
Mr.  George  Boswall,  Peter  Blackwood.  For  Angus  and  Merns,  the 
West  parts  of  Gourie ;  Mr.  John  Hepburn,  Mr.  James  Melvil,  Mr. 
James  Balfour,  Mr.  Patrick  Galloway,  William  Chrystesone,  Mr.  John 
Christiesone,  James  Anderson,  Charles  Mitchelson,  Mr.  Andrew  Mill, 
JohnNorie[Nevie?],  Patrick  Bonkil,  Alexander  Keith,  Mr.  James  Nichol- 
son. For  Dundie;  Robert  Reid,  Ritchard  Blyth.  For  Dunkeld,  and  the 
Kirks  of  Saint  Andrews,  within  Strathern  and  Gowrie ;  the  Earle  of 
Athol,  the  Earle  of  Montrose,  the  Laird  of  Garntullie,  the  Barron  of 
Fingask,  Patrick  Murray  of  Tibbermure,  George  Drummond  of  Blair, 
the  Laird  of  Cregie,  Mr.  James  Herring,  Mr.  Alexander  Dunmuir,  Mr. 
John  Row,  Duncan  M'Calla,  Mr.  William  Edmonstoun,  Mr.  William 
Blass  [Glass?].  For  Murray;  Mr.  Patrick  Auchinleck,  Mr.  John  Keith, 
Mr.  George  Lesley,  Mr.  Andrew  Simson,  Mr.  John  Innies.  From  Ross 
and  Orkney;  Mr.  John  Ross,  Mr.  Gilbert  Foulsie,  Mr.  George  Hay, 
Commissioner  of  Caithnes.  We  have  none  in  this  list  from  Galloway, 
Argyle,  or  Aberdeen,  and  some  who  wer  present  are  certainly  ommitted 
by  some  mistake  in  the  transcribing,  as  the  Laird  of  Dun,  David  Ferguson, 

See  Note  c.  and  some  others.7 


MR.    ROBERT    PONT.  181 

Mr.  Robert  Pont  was  very  frequently  Moderator  of  our  Assemblys,    ^"^ 
and  so  when  the  Assembly  met,  October,  1583,  he  was  chosen  Moderator; 
the   dark    cloud  came  on  soon  after  for  two  years,  and  we  had  no  more 
Assemblys  daring  that  time.     The  Articles  and  heavy  complaints  of  this 
Assembly  formed  by  Mr.  Smeton  have  been  notticed  in  his  Life.    Upon 
the  severe  treatment  of  many  ministers  and  the  corruptions  brot  in  by  a 
corrupt  Parliament,  May  next  year,  Mr.  Pont  wanted  not  his  own  share 
in  the  common  troubles  of  that  time.      After  the  hasty  passing  of  the 
knowen  Acts  of  Parliament,  wherin  the  liberty  of  the  church  was   so 
much  impaired,  they  wer  proclaimed  at  the  merkat  Cross  of  Edinburgh, 
on  Munday,  May  25.     Mr.  Robert  Pont  and  Mr.  Walter  Balcanquell 
wer  pitched  upon  by  the  ministers  of  Edinburgh  and   "  accordingly,"  as     Protests    a- 
Mr.  Calderwood  tells  us,  ",  with  ripe  advisment,  in  all  good  order,  the  ^"'parliament 
"  ceremonies  and  circumstances  of  the  law  duly  observed,  without  any  c*mce"lins  ,he 

J  J   church,      May, 

"  signe  of  disobedience,  Mr.  Pont  took  publick  documents  in  name  of  the  1584. 

"  church  of  Scotland,  in  the  hands  of  George  M'Kieson,  before  William 

"  Archibald,  Robert  Mark,  and  diverse  others,  that  they  protested  against 

"  these  Acts,in  sofarastheyprejudgedthelibertysofthe  Kirk."    Mr.  Petry 

sayes  from  the  Historical  Narration,  that  Mr.  Robert  Pont,  minister  of 

Saint  Cuthberts  and  one  of  the  Senators  of  the  Colledge  of  Justice,  because 

of  the  misregard  of  the  church  in  concluding  these,  when  the  Heraulds  wer 

proclaiming  them,  took  instruments  in  the  hands  of  a  publick  nottar  of  his 

dissenting,  and  that  they  wer  not  oblidged  to  give  obedience  to  them, 

which  oblidged  him  to  fly  and  he  was  deprived  of  his  place  in  the  Session.*     Upon  which 

Bishop  Spotswood  gives  us  the  very  same  account;  upon  Mr.  Craiges  Life  of  his  place  in 

I  have  given  a  large  account  of  the  trouble  Mr.  Pont  and  others  wer  brot the  Session- 

to,  towards  the  end  of  this  year,  for  not  subscribing  a  paper,  bearing  their 

assent  unto  the  Acts  of  Parliament  lately  passed  against  the  church.     Mr. 

Pont  stood  stedfast  against  subscription,  and  was  oblidged  to  abscond  for  a 

good  many  moneths,  till  the  turn  in  the  end  of  the  next  year.     I  do  not  find 

*  Pont  had  been  deprived  of  his  seat  in  the  College  of  Justice  two  days  before 
taking  this  protest,  in  consequence  of  an  Act  then  passed,  prohibiting  "  all  persouns 
exercising  functiouns  of  ministrie  within  the  Kirk  of  God  to  bear  or  exerce  any  office  of 
civil  jurisdiction."  Books  of  Sederunt  as  quoted  in  Haig  and  Brunton's  Historical 
Account  of  Senators  of  the  College  of  Justice,  p.  152. 


182  MR.    ROBERT    PONT. 

that  he  was  restored  to  his  place  in  the  colledge  of  Justice ;  as  soon  as  a  dore 
was  opened  by  the  Earle  of  Angus,  and  the  rest  of  the  Protestant  Lords 
bannished,  their  return  from  England,  Mr.  Pont  returned  to  the  exercise 
8  See  Noie  h.  of  his  ministry  in  Saint  Cuthberts  or  West  Kirk  beside  Edinburgh.8 
te^N*0" 'S  b I  ■  Upon  the  happy  turn  by  the  return  of  the  bannished  Lords  in 

6, 1585,  to  the  November,  1585,  and  their  acces  to  the  King  at  Stirling,  Mr.  Pont 
England.  last  moderator,  and  the  other  subscribing  ministers,  wrot  the  following 
letter  to  their  bretheren  in  England,  which  I  give  from  the  originall 
in  my  hands:  its  thus  addressed.  "  To  their  loving  bretheren  Mr.  James 
"  Carmichael,  Mr.  John  Davidson,  Mr.  James  Melvil  and  the  rest  of 
"  the  Scottish  sojourners  there,  give  these  at  London  in  Honie  lane,  in 
"  Mr.  Antonie  Marlines  house."  The  letter  runs  thus,  "  Breitheren,  we 
"  salute  you  hairtilie  in  the  Lord.  It  has  pleasit  our  God  in  his  gudnes 
"  to  offer  occasion  of  liberty  to  his  Kirk  at  this  present  within  this 
"  countrie,  whilk  of  the  multitude  of  his  mercy  we  houp  he  shall  fordar 
"  advance,  praying  you  with  all  diligence,  as  ye  are  zealouse  of  the 
"  common  cause,  to  repair  heirfor  toward  this  countrie  ;  that  be  mutuall 
"  conference  we  may  (as  our  God  will  give  us  the  grace)  concurre  and 
"  mutually  put  our  hands  to  the  work  concerning  the  glory  of  our  God 
"  and  the  advancement  of  the  kingdom  of  his  Son  Jesus  Christ,  whose 
"  Spirit  rest  with  you  and  conduct  you. 

"  From  Streveling,  the  6th.  day  of  November,  1585. 

"  Robert  Pont, 
"  Mr.  Johne  Crag, 
"  Andrew  Melvine, 
"  Mr.  Andrew  Polwart, 
"  James  Anderson, 
"  Patrick  Gillespie, 
"  Walter  Balcanquell, 
"  Mr.  P.  Galloway, 
"  Mr.  Robert  Bruce." 

bef"e  theT"  When  the  next  Assembly  met,  May  10,  1586,  Mr.  Pont  opened  it 

sembiy,  1586.   with  an  excellent  discourse  from  Acts  15.    The  heads  he  handled  wer,  first, 

p"  12'         of  the  different  kinds  of  the  Assemblys  of  the  church  ;  second,  of  the 


MR.    ROBERT    PONT.  183 

causes  of  such  Assemblys  ;  third,  of  the  parties  or  persons  who  are  to  call 
them,  moderat  in  them  and  vote  ;  fourth,  the  rules  by  which  they  are  to 
be  ordered  and  the  questions  decided.  At  the  close  of  his  discourse,  he 
directed  an  exortation  to  the  Kings  commissioners,  the  Lord  Privie  Seal, 
the  prior  of  Blanter,  and  Mr.  Peter  Young,  the  Kings  preceptor,  which 
he  desired  them  to  declare  to  the  King,  who  was  looked  for  at  the 
sermon,  but  came  not;  he  directed  another  to  the  ministers  that  they 
would  stand  firm  and  constant;  and  a  third  to  such  as  had  subscribed 
their  consent  to  the  Acts  of  the  late  Parliament.  When  the  Assembly 
conveened,  the  Kings  commissioners  desired  them  to  adjourn  till  the 
afternoon,  and  that  the  Kings  pleasure  was,  that  they  should  stay  from 
any  further  proceeding  till  they  came  down  to  the  palace  of  Hallyrood- 
house  in  the  afternoon,  wher  he  would  meet  with  them  in  the  Royall 
Chappell.  The  Assembly  agreed  to  obey  his  desire,  seing  it  was  but  a 
matter  of  circumstance  of  time  and  place,  upon  condition  it  should  not 
prejudge  the  liberty  of  the  Assembly  in  any  point.  The  Kings  commis- 
sioners declared  they  knew  no  prejudice  meaned  therby. 

In  the  afternoon  the  Assembly  accordingly  met  in  the  Chapuell     The    King8 

ill--  c  discourse  tothis 

Royall,  the  King  sat  at  the  table  and  the  ministers  on  formes  round  Assembly,  with 

about  him.     His  Majesty  had  a  discourse  to  the  Assembly,  wherin  he  8Wre'r, 

gave  them  two  reasons  for  granting  their  request  of  calling  this  Generall 

Assembly.     "  The  one  was  in  respect  of  himself,  that  wheras  by  the 

"  occasion  of  some  late  alterations  within  his  realme,  certain  evil  reports 

"  wer  blowen  and  spread  abroad  of  him,  by  some  of  his  own  subjects  both 

"  within  this  realm  and  also  without,  that  he  had  made  defection  from 

"  the  true  religion,  wherin  he  was  born,   brought  up,  and  instructed 

"  from  his  infancy ;  he  thot  good  to  call  that  Assembly,  as  well  to  make 

"  protestation  of  his  perseverance  and  soundnes  in  religion,  as  to  offer 

"  himself  there  presently  to  satisfy  any  man  that  could  give  any  reason 

"  wherfor  they  suspected  him  of  such  defection,  alledging  ther  could  be 

"  no  meeter  time  nor  place  to  accuse  him  of  any  fault  in  his  life  and 

"  conversation,  or  yet  in  authorizing  the  policy  of  the  Kirk.    The  second 

"  cause  was  for  remitting  of  the  ministers  of  the  Kirk,  to  a  judgment 

"  concerning  the   discipline  of  the  Kirk,  adding  that  he  purposed  to 

"  establish  that  through  his  realme,  which  by  conference  among  them 


184  MR.   ROBERT   PONT. 

"  should  be  found  most  agreable  to  the  word  of  God."  Having  said 
this  he  desired  them  to  go  on  to  their  own  ordinary  steps.  Mr.  Pont 
who  was  in  the  chair  till  another  Moderator  was  chosen,  said  "  Sir,  We 
"  praise  God,  that  your  majesty,  being  a  Christian  prince,  hath  decored 
"  our  Assembly  with  your  own  presence,  and  we  trust  your  Majesty 
"  speaketh  without  hypocrisy."  Then  leets  wer  agreed  on  for  a  new 
Moderator,  and  the  King  voted  first  for  Mr.  David  Lindsay,  and  he 
was  chosen. 
Procedure  of  The  printed  Calderwood  and  our  other  Historians  give  account  of 

this    Assembly  L  ° 

iureponingMi.  the  issue  this  Assembly  brot  the  process  as  to  Bishop  Adamsons  excom- 
Mr.  Pom's  dis-  municatioii  ;  to  please  the  King  and  court,  the  matter  was  slumped,  and 
sent-  the   Assembly  without  entering  into   the   Synod    of  Fyfes  proces   and 

sentence  of  excommunication  passed  according  to  an  Act  of  a  former 
Assembly,  or  condemning  the  said  Synod,  at  the  King's  desire  and  upon 
a  paper  of  submission  conteaning  the  Bishop's  acknowledgments  and 
declarations,  the  Assembly  upon  weighty  considerations  hold  the  said 
sentence  and  proces  as  unled  and  undeduced  and  pronounced,  and 
repone  the  said  Bishop,  in  all  respects,  in  the  former  estate  he  was  in 
before  the  said  proces  and  sentence.  Against  this  sentence  Mr.  Robert 
Pont  and  severall  others  of  the  most  zealous  of  the  ministry  protested.  I 
shall  give  Mr.  Caldervvood's  account  of  this  from  his  MS.  "  In  this 
"  Assembly  was  first  espyed,  what  fear  and  flattery  of  court  could  work 
p.  13.  «  jn  a  Kirk,  amongst  a  multitude  of  weak  and  inconsiderat  Bretheren, 
"  much  adoe  was  made  by  the  King  and  courtiers  to  get  the  sentence  and 
"  excommunication  of  Mr.  Patrick  Adamson  annulled.  The  King's  com- 
"  missioners  propounded  to  the  Moderator  and  his  asessors  upon  the  19 
"  of  May,  that  the  King  would  either  have  the  Bishop  in  his  own  estate 
"  again,  or  else  ther  would  be  no  liberty  granted  to  the  Church ;  when,  not- 
«'  withstanding  of  these  terrors,  the  King's  Commissioners  wer  not  like  to 
"  obtean  their  purpose,  they  sent  to  the  Generall  Assembly  and  called  to 
"  them  the  ministers  of  every  province  and  laid  the  same  terrors  before 
"  them  ;  some  out  of  ignorance  and  some  from  these  terrors  consented. 
"  The  whole  provinciall  Assembly  of  Fife  was  out  of  the  Assembly  when 
"  the  above  sentence  was  agreed  to,  as  well  as  many  other  Commissioners. 
"  The  Secretary  in  presence  of  this  thin  Assembly,  declared  that,  except 


MR.   ROBERT   PONT.  185 

"  this  midse  wer  agreed  to,  not  only  the  whole  discipline  of  the  Church 
"  would  be  discharged,  but  also  the  Ministers  stipends,  and  the  Bishops 
"  would  be  set  up  in  Edinburgh  to  preach,  and  who  would  say  to  the 
"  contrair.  Thus  the  vote  carried,  but  Mr.  Robert  Pont,  Nicol  Dal- 
"  gleish,  Adam  Johnstoun,  John  Knox,  Adam  M'Gie,  Andrew  Myln, 
"  Andrew  Polwart,  Thomas  Story,  John  Spotswood,  David  Hume,  John 
"  Clappertoun,  George  Johnstoun,  and  John  Durie  disassented."  Spots- 
wood  adds  that  Mr.  Huntar  who  pronounced  the  sentence,  protested 
against  the  Assemblys  proceedings,  and  that  the  Bishop  should  be  held 
delivered  to  Satan  till  his  conversion  wer  seen  to  be  true  and  effectuall, 
to  which  Mr.  Andrew  Melvil  and  Mr.  Thomas  Buchanan  adhered.  The 
Bishop  likewise  blames  the  King  for  going  into  this  medium  so  prejudi- 
ciall  to  his  authority  and  the  Episcopall  jurisdiction  :  and  adds  that  he  did 
only  temporize,  seing  no  other  way  to  come  to  his  end,  which  is  no  great 
compliment  to  the  King. 

Next  year  Mr.  Robert  Pont  was  presented  to  the  temporality  of  the     Ml-     p°nt 

-.-,.•  ii*  presented  to  the 

Bishoprick  of  Caithnes  by  the  King.  Whither  this  was  to  buy  him  off  Bishoprick  of 
from  his  zealous  appearances  against  the  courts  infringments  upon  the 
Church,  or  really  as  an  equivalent  for  his  being  turned  out  of  the  Session, 
and  other  losses  he  susteaned  in  the  late  confusions  of  which  he  was  asking 
reparation,  I  cannot  say ;  if  the  first,  the  court  missed  their  aim,  for 
he  still  appeared  firmly  for  the  priviledges  of  the  Church,  and,  we  shall 
see,  in  a  moneth  boldly  protested  before  the  Parliament.  This  presenta- 
tion he  would  not  accept  till  the  Assembly  which  met,  June  20,  gave 
their  judgment  upon  it,  which  I  shall  give  as  it  stands  in  the  Assembly 
records. 

"  Session  13.  Touching  the  presentation  of  their  brother,  Mr. ,  Assemiij-s 
"  Robert  Pont,  recommended  by  the  King's  Majesty  to  the  Bishoprick  'this. 
"  of  Caitnes;  the  said  Mr.  Robert,  before  his  removing  from  the  Assem- 
"  bly,  to  notify  his  mind  to  the  whole  Bretheren,  that  no  man  should  take 
"  any  just  occasion  of  slandering  his  person,  declared  that  for  some  loss 
"  and  hurt  done  to  him  in  his  trouble  after  diverse  suits  given  in  to  the 
"  Exchequer,  at  lenth  this  presentation  without  any  procurement  of  him 
"  was  put  in  his  hand  and  desired  their  judgement  if  the  living  might  not 
"  be  bruiked  with  safe  conscience  and  without  slander  of  the  Kirk.     This* 

2  A 


186  MR.    ROBERT  PONT. 

"  far  being  alwise  resolved  in  his  mind  in  that  manner  that  he  would 
"  agree  to  be  minister  of  Dornock,  to  take  visitation,  but  by  command  of 
"  the  Kirk,  and  for  his  office  and  charge  bruik  the  living  only.  With  the 
"  which  matter,  after  the  removing  of  the  said  Mr.  Robert,  the 
"  Assembly  being  in  part  entered  upon  reasoning,  delayed  their  further 
"  consultation  therof  till  afternoon,  desiring  Mr.  Nicol  Dalgleish,  Mr. 
"  Peter  Blackburn,  and  David  Ferguson  to  consider  be  the  said  Mr. 
"  Roberts  advice,  what  answer  shall  be  given  to  the  King,  to  be  reported 
"  by  them  again  to  the  Assembly  in  the  afternoon.  Session  14,  the 
"  above  named  persons  presented  a  draught  of  a  letter  to  his  Grace, 
"  which,  after  a  few  words  wer  changed,  was  ratifyed  and  thot  meet  to 
"  be  directed  to  his  Grace.  Session  15,  touching  the  new  missive 
p.  14.  "  thot  good  to  be  directed  to  the  Kings  Majesty,  for  answer  to  the  Kings 
"  recomendation  of  their  brother  Mr.  Robert  Pont  to  the  Bishoprick 
"  of  Caithnes,  the  same  being  read  publickly,  was  thot  meeter  to  be 
"  directed  to  his  Grace  than  the  answer  read  of  before.  The  tennor 
"  wherof  followes : 
to ''"the"  ^iT  "'Sir,  let  it  please  your  Highnes,  We  have  received  your  letter, 

upon  it.  "  <  willing  us  to  elect  our  Brother  Mr.  Robert  Pont,  to  the  Bishoprick  of 

"  '  Caithnes,  vacant  by  the  decease  of  umqhuile  Robert  Earle  of  March, 
"  '  your  Highnes  uncle.  We  praise  God  your  Majesty  hath  a  good 
"  '  opinion  and  estimation  of  such  a  person,  as  we  judge  the  said  Mr. 
"  '  Robert  to  be,  whom  we  acknowledge  indeed  to  be  already  a  Bishop, 
"  '  according  to  the  doctrine  of  St.  Paul,  and  qualifyed  to  use  the  function 
"  '  of  a  Pastor  or  Minister,  at  the  Kirk  of  Dornock,  or  any  other  Kirk 
"  '  within  your  Highnes  realme,  where  he  is  lawfully  called ;  and  worthy 
"  '  to  have  a  competent  living  appointed  to  him  therfore,  as  also  to  use 
"  '  the  office  of  a  visiter  or  commissioner  within  the  bounds  of  the  Diocie 
"  '  of  Caithnes,  if  he  be  burdened  therwith.  But  as  to  that  corrupt 
"  '  estate  or  office,  of  them  who  have  been  termed  Bishops  heretofore,  we 
"  '  find  it  not  agreable  to  the  Word  of  God,  and  it  hath  been  damned  in 
"  '  diverse  other  of  our  Assemblys,  neither  is  the  said  Mr.  Robert  willing 
"  «  to  accept  the  same,  in  that  manner.  The  which  we  thot  good  to 
"  '  signify  to  your  Majesty,  for  answer  of  your  Highnes  letter  of  nomina- 
"  *  tion,   and  have  ordeaned  our  bretheren  appointed  commissioners  to 


MR.    ROBERT   PONT.  187 

« '  await  on  the  next  Parliament,  to  conferr  with  your  Highnes,  and 
'  '  counsell  at  more  lenth,  if  need  shall  be  hereupon.  Thus,  after  offering 
i '  our  humble  obedience,  we  earnestly  wish  the  Spirit  of  the  Lord  to 
' '  assist  your  Highnes,  in  all  good  affairs.  From  our  Generall  Assembly, 
'•the  28  of  June,  1587.'" 

What  followed  upon  this  letter  I  have  not  met  with.  The  Parlia-  Mr.  Pont 
ment  which  conveened  next  moneth,  annexed  the  temporality  of  church  isters,  their  act- 
benefices  to  the  crown,  and  if  Mr.  Pont  got  the  temporality  of  Caithnes,  J^s  Assembly, 
as  far  as  I  can  guess  he  was  not  minister  of  Dornock,  for  I  find  him  at  the  parli»- 

b  .  .  .  ment,  July  29, 

afterwards  still  at  Edinburgh,  preaching,  as  I  take  it,  still  at  the  West  1587,  against 
Kirk,  and  so  I  come  forward  to  his  appearance  at  the  next  Parliament,  ting' hi  Pariia- 
which  was  the  first  after  the  Kings  majority,  and  conveened  in  great  me"t- 
numbers,  July  29,  1587-  Mr.  Robert  Pont,  Mr.  David  Lindsay,  and 
others  having  commission  from  the  church,  (as  Bishop  Spotswood  relates 
it,)  did  present  themselves  in  the  Parliament  House  at  their  first  meeting, 
and  in  the  name  of  the  Church  desired  the  Prelates  that  wer  present  to 
be  removed,  as  having  no  authority  from  the  Church,  and  most  of  th  em 
no  function  and  charge  in  it  at  all.  Mr.  Edward  Bruce,  Abbot  of 
Kinloss,  rose  up  and  directing  his  speech  to  the  King,  made  a  long 
discourse  of  the  right  they  had  to  sit,  and  give  voice  for  the  Church  in 
these  meetings,  complaining  that  the  ministers  had  most  disorderly  cast 
them  out  of  their  places  in  the  Church,  and  now  they  thot  to  exclude 
them  from  their  places  in  the  estate,  which  they  hoped  his  Majesty 
would  not  suffer,  and  would  punish  as  a  presumptous  arrogancy  on  the 
part  of  the  petitioners.  Mr.  Robert  Pont,  the  Bishop  adds,  replyed 
somewhat  bitterly  ;  the  King  willed  them  to  be  quiet,  and  present  their 
petitions  to  the  Lords  of  the  Articles  orderly,  wher  they  should  be 
answered  according  to  reason.  When  this  came  to  the  Articles,  it  being 
in  the  front  of  their  petition,  it  was  simply  rejected. 

This  rejection   of  Mr.   Ponts  and  the  rest  their  petition   at  this     At  this  Par- 

.  #ii  ,  11       liament         the 

Parliament  made  the  less  noise,  because  of  the  great  changes  made  by  temporality  of 
this  Parliament,  both  as  to  the  Church  benefices,  and  the  Members  of  [8"™ne^  cteo 
Parliament,  of  which  I  shall  give  Spotswoods  account  with  a  considerable  the  Crown- 
addition  ommitted  by  the  publisher,  on  what  view  I  know  not,  from  his     P-  15' 
originall  MS.     The  Bishop  remarks  that  tho  Mr.  Ponts  petition  against 


188  MR.    ROBERT    PONT. 

the  Prelats  sitting  in  Parliament  was  rejected,  yet  some  other  of 
the  Churches  petitions  wer  granted,  for  ratifying  all  lawes  made  in  the 
Kings  minority  in  favour  of  the  Church,  for  trying  and  censuring  the 
adversarys  of  true  religion,  and  for  punishing  such  as  did  menace  and 
invade  the  Ministers  of  the  Church.  The  Bishop  adds,  (but  considering 
how  hard  what  was  now  done,  bore  on  Prelacy,  we  must  make  allowances 
for  his  narration,)  "  It  was  in  this  Parliament  that  the  temporality  of 
"  benefices  was  annexed  to  the  crown,  upon  pretext  of  bettering  the 
"  patrimony  therof,  and  that  the  King  might  have  means  to  bear  forth 
"  the  honnour  of  his  estate,  and  not  burden  his  subjects  with  taxations 
"  for  his  support ;  (what  followes  is  in  the  Bishops  MS.  and  ommitted 
"  by  the  publisher)  by  this  means  all  was  begged  away,  and  a  greater 
"  burden  brot  on  the  crown  than  ever.  The  Chancelor,  who  was  the 
"  cheif  leader  in  this  bussiness,  carryed  the  Lordship  of  Musselburgh, 
"  that  held  of  Dumfermling,  for  his  part;  Sir  Louis  Bellandine,  Justice 
"  Clerk,  the  Barrouny  of  Broughtoun,  which  was  a  part  of  Hallyrood- 
"  hous ;  others  of  meaner  credit  had  their  portions;  and  so  for  a  while 
"  ther  was  an  open  market  keeped  at  court,  for  selling  of  patronages, 
"  livings,  gleib-lands,  and  mannors,  and  both  the  church  and  the  crown 
"  exposed  to  a  prey.  To  collour  these  doings  and  make  the  act  more 
"  plausible,  it  was  given  out,  that  the  pope  had  received  a  blow,  wherof 
"  he  should  not  soon  recover  in  this  kingdom  ;  for  the  Church  livings 
"  being  spoiled,  it  took  away  all  hope  of  planting  again  the  Roman 
"  religion,  and  to  such  of  the  ministry  as  sought  the  subversion  of  Episcopall 
"  Goverment,  it  was  whispered,"  &c,  as  in  the  print,  which  I  now 
return  to  : 

"  This  was  the  publick  pretext,  and  the  King  made  to  belive,  that 
"  the  reservation  of  the  prelats  houses  and  precincts,  with  the  tyths  of 
"  the  churches  annexed  to  their  benefices,  would  suffice  to  mentean  their 
"  dignity  and  estate.  But  privatly  to  such  of  the  ministry,  as  sought  the 
"  subversion  of  Episcopall  Goverment,  it  was  whispered,  that  this  was 
"  the  only  way  to  undoe  the  Prelacy,  for  their  being  no  livings  to  men- 
"  tain  them,  (as  in  this  case  ther  would  be  little  or  nothing  remaining, 
"  most  of  the  Bishopricks  being  founded  upon  temporal!  lands,  and  having 
"  but  churches  annexed,)  none  would  be  found  to  accept  of  them,  which 


MR.    ROBERT   PONT.  189 

"  also  proved  true.  Hopes  were  likewise  given  to  those  ministers,  that  they 
"  should  have  the  tyths  to  dispone,  and  use  at  their  pleasure,  yet  it  was 
"  not  long  ere  the  King  did  find  himself  abused  ;  the  temporalitys 
"  formerly  disponed,  which  wer  not  a  few,  wer  all  in  the  same  Parliament 
"  confirmed,  and  those  that  remained  in  a  short  time  begged  from  him, 
"  and  given  away  to  the  followers  of  the  Court,  so  that  nothing  remained 
"  to  reward  any  well  deserving  servant."  How  far  some  facts  here  are  to 
be  relyed  on,  depends  upon  the  Bishops  authority,  which  is  not  much  to 
be  leaned  to,  in  what  concerns  presbiterians.  I  take  it  to  be  certain  that 
the  King  afterwards  fell  into  a  dislike  of  this  annexation,  when  he  began 
to  entertean  thots  for  his  own  ends  to  force  in  Bishops  upon  this  church, 
and  in  his  Basilicon  huaov  advises  his  son  to  get  it  rescinded ;  and  its  as 
certain  that  the  provision  for  ministers,  schools,  and  the  poor  was  impaired 
very  much  by  this  alienation  of  what  should  have  been  applyed  to  better 
uses  than  the  support  of  hungry  courtiers,  which  brings  me  forward  to 
notice, 

That  about  four  years  after,  when  the  Generall  Assembly  came  to  act  ^ss™y',ys 
observe  the  dilapidation  of  the  patrimony  of  the  Kirk,  July,  1591,  Mr.  tion>  as  *»  the 

.  ..  ,  .  .  -  churches  patri- 

Kobert  Pont  and  some  others  skilled  in  the  canon  law,  wer  appointed  to  mony,     juiy, 

form  an  Act  of  Revocation  of  whatever  had  been  done  by  them  or  others  by  jIr  OTj^ 

in  prejudice  of  the  Churches  patrimony.     I  give  it  as  it  stands  in  the  and  others- 

Registers.     Session,  17,    "  Forasmuch  as  it  being  deeply  considered  by       '  16" 

"  the  Assembly  that  many  things  have  been  done  by  them  and  by  others 

"  pretending  to  the  title  and  name  of  the  Kirk,  greatly  prejudiciall  to 

"  themselves,  their  discipline,  and  also  the  patrimony  and  living  of  the 

"  Kirk,   and  that  by  the  priviledge  of  good  lawes,  it  is   granted  and 

"  leasome  to  them  to  remedy  themselves  by  revocation  therof ;  therfor  the 

"  whole  Assembly  after  grave  and  mature  deliberation,  hath  revocked  and 

"  by  thir  presents  revocks,  all  and  whatsomever  thing  done  be  them  or 

"  others  cloathing  themselves  with  the  name  of  the  Kirk,  prejudicial  to 

"  themselves,  their  discipline,  their  patrimony  and  living,  as  being  enormly 

"  hurt  therby,  and  protesteth  according  to  the  disposition  of  the  said  law 

"  solemly,  that  they  may  be  heard  in  time  and  place,  to  seek  remeed 

"  therof,  and  for  more  speciall  expressing  and  more  particular  declaration 

"  therof,    hath    willed  their  bretheren,  Mr.  Robert  Pont,   Mr.  David 


190  MR.    ROBERT    PONT. 

"  Lindsay,  Mr.  Robert  Bruice  and  Mr.  Andrew  Melvil,  to  conceive  in  write 
"  the  form  therof,  the  copy  wherof  each  Presbitry  is  ordeaned  to  receive, 
"  and  to  give  command  to  the  Pastors  within  their  bounds,  to  intimatthe 
"  said  revocation,  made  in  this  Assembly  from  their  pulpits."  Spotswood 
takes  nottice  of  this  revocation  which,  he  sayes,  was  made  in  name  of  the 
Church  by  Mr.  Robert  Pont ;  he  adds  that  in  the  opinion  of  wise  men  it 
was  esteemed  a  good  way  for  pleading  restitution,  according  to  the 
priviledge  of  ancient  lawes,  but  it  was  derided  and  scoffed  at  by  those  who 
had  filled  their  hands  with  the  spoils  of  the  Church. 
Mr.     Pont  Mr.  Petry  takes  nottice  that  this  Assembly  order  Mr.  Pont  to  write 

Assembly  to  upon  the  subject  of  sacriledge,  which  shewes  both  the  commoness  of  the 
write  on  sacn-  eyj^  amj  tjlg  0pjnjon  t]ie  Assembly  had  of  his  learning  and  ability.  His 
words  are  :  "  Seing  sacriledge  is  an  universal!  sin  reigning  in  the  country, 
"  and  is  esteemed  commonly  to  be  no  sin,  nor  is  knowen  unto  many,  it 
"  is  thot  good  that  this  monster  be  described  in  its  own  collors,  and 
"  therfor  Mr.  Robert  Pont  is  appointed  to  take  pains  upon  that  subject, 
"  and  others  are  appointed  to  visit  and  peruse  his  travails,  and  to  give 
"  him  their  judgments  therin,  that  the  same  being  perfected  may  be 
"  again  presented  to  the  Assembly."  We  shall  find  among  his  works 
some  sermons  on  sacriledge,  but  whither  this  present  work  was  brot  to  any 
publick  bearing  I  cannot  say. 
His  freedom  As  Mr.  Robert  Pont  was  learned  and  much  imployed  in  the  publick 

l"n  in'TiTse"-  bussines  of  the  Generall  Assemblys,  so  when  ther  was  need  for  it  and 
mon,  1594.  circumstances  required,  he  was  very  plain  and  free  in  rebuking  vice  from 
the  pulpit,  and  bearing  testimony  even  against  what  he  thot  could  not  be 
otherwise  amended  in  the  King  himself.  In  the  year  1594,  after  all  the 
endeavours  of  the  ministers  to  bring  the  King  from  his  favouring  Popish 
Noblmen  and  even  the  excommunicat  Lords,  of  which  some  hints  have 
been  given  in  Mr.  Davidson  and  Mr.  Bruces  Lives,  he  still  went  on,  and 
therfor  Mr.  Pont  found  himself  oblidged  publickly  to  reprove  this  in  a 
sermon,  May  19,  this  year,  as  Mr.  Calderwood  hath  it.  "  Upon  the  Lord's 
"  day  the  19,  Mr.  Robert  Pont,  teaching  upon  Rom.  x.  9,  10, 11,12  verses, 
"  said  ther  was  great  alteration  in  the  professors  of  this  time,  from  the 
"  bold  confession  which  was  at  the  beginning  of  the  Reformation,  when 
"  a  few  durst  oppone  themselves  to  the  whole  power  of  the  land  in  the  work 


MR.    ROBERT   PONT.  191 

"  of  Reformation  and  constant  confession  of  the  truth,  yea  the  authority 

"  and  whole  nobility  of  the  land  being  against  them  and  not  one  Lord 

"  with  them,  only  the  Master  of  Lindsay,  this  present  Lords  father,  took     p-  17- 

"  the  cause  first  in  hand,  which  God  so  blessed  at  lenth,  that  the  present 

"  liberty  ensued  therupon  ;  wheras  now  the  authority  and  law  standing 

"  for  us,  and  the  whole  realme  as  it  wer  professors,  three  mean  Lords  dare 

"  profess  and  erect  idolatry  in  sundry  parts  of  the  land,  and  yet  no  man 

"  dare  for  confession  of  the  truth  withstand  them,  and  put  hand  to  refor- 

"  mation.     The  Lord,  said  he,  stirr  up  some  chiftain  to  pull  down  that 

"  idolatry  that  the  godly  may  joyn  with  him,  and  follow  and  let  the  rest 

"  go  to  the  devil  from  whom  they  came.     Upon  the  Lord's  day  the  26, 

"  preaching  upon  the  20  Psalme,  he  said,  he  could  not  pray  with  David's 

"  people  to  fulfill  the  desire  of  the  King's  heart ;  because  he  suspected 

"  the  Kings  heart  not  to  be  upright,  which  the  countenancing  of  evil  men 

"  and  unreverend  hearing  of  the  word  declared." 

In  the  Generall  Assembly  which  met  at  Montrose,  1595,  Mr.  Pont  was  Mr-  Ponts 
of  great  use  to  them  in  their  enquirys  into  the  scandalouse  dilapidations  sembiy,  '1595, 
of  Benefices,  creeped  into  the  Church  of  late  years.  The  printed  Calder-  ^,;^n  e  c°™j 
wood  gives  the  substance  of  the  commission  given  concerning  this  evil ;  heada   of  en- 

~  ...        quiryas  to  dila- 

but  in  the  MS.  I  see  the  commission  at  large,  and  the  heads  of  enquiry  pidation       of 
drawen  up  at  the  Generall  Assemblys  desire  for  the  use  of  presbitrys  and  No?iiC.eS'    PP 
ministers,  and  therfor  since  they  are  curiouse  and  never  before  published 
that  I  know  of  I  have  cast  them  both  into  the  App.  No.  II. 

In  the  year  1596,  the  Assembly  met,  March,  24,  and  Mr.  Pont  was    Moderator  to 

*  •    •  .  the    Assembly, 

again  chosen  Moderator.  Ther  was  much  and  difficult  work  before  this  1596. 
Assembly  and  at  such  junctures,  we  have  seen,  Mr.  Ponts  prudence,  learn- 
ing and  zeal  brot  him  to  be  pitched  upon  to  preside.  This  was  the  last 
Assembly  we  had  that  was  pure  and  unbyassed  ;  after  the  unhappy  17  of 
December  this  year,  the  King  and  court  made  great  incroachments  upon 
our  Assemblys,  spread  jealousys  one  of  another  among  the  ministry,  made 
partys,  divided,  corrupted,  and  at  lenth  ruined,  these  venerable  judicatorys, 
and  with  them  the  Churches  power  and  beauty.  Our  solemn  covenant 
was  renewed  with  the  Lord  at  this  Assembly,  overtures  against  Popery 
and  Papists  wer  agreed  to,  and  the  corruptions  in  all  estates  condescended 
on  and  mourned  over,  and  a  number  of  ministers  and  others  wer  impowred 


192  MR.    ROBERT    PONT. 

to  meet,  as  circumstances  called  for,  betwixt  and  the  nixt  Assembly.    The 

printed  Calderwood  hath  a  pretty  large  account  of  their  proceedings  and 

severall  particulars  further  are  to  be  found  in  Mr.  Davidson  and  Mr. 

Braces  Life,  which  I  do  not  repet  here. 

in  Mr  Ek's  Sometime  after  this  Assembly,  Mr.  David  Black's  process  come  on, 

case.  November,  1590,  for  his  doctrine  before  the  King  and  council,  as  is  to 

be  seen  in  his  Life.     At  his  first  appearance,  after  the  reading  of  the 

summons,  Mr.  Pont,  who  we  see  was  generally  imployed  in  these  testi- 

monys  against  incroachments,  and  was  Moderator  of  the  last  Assembly, 

protested  that  the  proces  in  hand  and  whatsomever  followed  therupon 

should  not  prejudge  the  liberty  of  the  Church,  in  matter  of  doctrine. 

The  Kings  answer  and  what  followed  is  in  Mr.  Black's  Life. 

He  keeps  the  rpjie  confusion  that  fell  in  by  the  severitys  against  the  ministers  of 

dyet  appointed  J  J         ~ 

by  the  last  As-  Edinburgh,  after  the  tumult,  December  17,  159(5,  and  the  artfull  improv- 
the  King  alter-  ment  the  King  and  Court  made  of  these  broils,  for  dividing  the  ministry 
e  '  e  ay'  and  incroaching  upon  the  liberty  of  the  Church,  have  been  narrated  in 
Mr.  Bruces,  andt  Mr.  Black's  Life.  In  February,  1597>  the  King 
called  a  meeting  of  ministers  at  Perth,  who  assumed  the  title  of  an 
extraordinary  Assembly,  and  sensible  corruptions  among  some  of  the 
ministry  afterward  made  Bishops,  began  first  to  appear  in  this  anticipated 
meeting  of  ministers,  who  wer  teized  with  the  cunning  queries  writ  by 
Mr.  John  Lindsay  and  presented  in  the  Kings  name.  Notwithstanding 
of  this  meeting  and  their  nomination  of  another  Assembly  in  May,  Mr. 
Pont,  according  to  the  rules  of  the  Church,  thot  it  proper  to  keep  the 
dyet  appointed  by  the  last  lawfull  Generall  Assembly,  which  was,  April 
27-  Mr.  Calderwood's  account  of  this  is  as  followes.  "  Upon  the  27 
"  of  Aprile,  Mr.  Robert  Pont,  Moderator  of  the  last  ordinary  Generall 
"  Assembly,  went  to  Saint  Andrews  to  keep  the  dyet  appointed  by  the 
"  last  Generall  Assembly.  Few  or  none  conveened  except  some  few 
"  commissioners  out  of  Lothian,  Perth,  Stirling,  and  the  Synod  of  Fyfe. 
P-  is.  <<  These  conveened  in  the  new  Colledge  School,  the  place  appointed  for 
"  the  said  Assembly.  After  incalling  on  the  name  of  God,  and  humble 
"  confession  of  the  sins  which  had  procured  that  desolation,  he  craved 
"  mercy,  and  fenced  the  Assembly.  Notes  and  documents  of  protestation 
"  wer  taken  for  the  liberty  of  the  Kirk,  all  summonds,  references,  and 


MR.    ROBERT    PONT.  193 

"  appellations  vver  continoued  till  the  Assembly  following  in  May.     The 
"  exhortation  of  the  Moderator  was  likewise  continued  till  that  day." 

Mr.  Calderwood,  upon  this  occasion  of  the  altering  of  the  dyet  of  MlffterCa]<5!'r! 
the  Assembly  from  that  which  had  been  named  by  the  last  lawfull  Gen-  wood     recons 
erall  Assembly,  by  the  influence  of  the  Court,  and  before  he  enters  upon  corrupt.     His 
the  account  of  the  next  in  May,  1597,  which  he  recons  the  first  corrupt  ^rte"cheeS  for- 
Generall  Assembly,  gives  the  differences  between  the  Assemblys  since  mer  a"d  after 
the  Reformation  and  the  new  fashioned  ones,  that  followed  for  a  few  biys. 
years  till  the  Prelates  got  them  intirely  corrupted,  and  at   lenth  laid 
aside.     The  printed  Calderwood  hath  an  abreviat  of  them,  but  I  belive 
the  curious  readers  will  not  grudge  to  have    Mr.   Calderwood's  com- 
parison of  the  old  and  new  fashioned  Generall  Assemblys  at  full  lenth  as 
followes : 

"  Because  the  Assembly  was  to  be  holden  in  May  now  approaching, 
"  we  have  here  once  for  all  made  a  difference  between  the  Assemblys 
"  preceeding  and  the  Assemblys  following  after  this  manner  : 

"  1.  Christ  be  his  spirituall  office-bearers  convocated  and  appointed 
"  times  and  places,  of  before  :  now  the  King  bearing  no  spirituall  charge 
"  in  the  Kirk,  usurpeth  that  allennarlie. 

"  2.  Christ  by  his  Word  and  Spirit  presided,  directing  the  Moder- 
"  ator  and  Bretheren ;  now  the  King  his  lawes,  and  policy  of  estate, 
"  directeth,  I  will  not  say  controlleth,  the  Moderator  and  Bretheren. 

"  3.  Matters  wer  propounded  simply,  and  the  Bretheren  wer  sent 
"  to  seek  light  therin  out  of  the  "Word  of  God,  be  reasons,  conference, 
"  meditation  and  prayer;  now  platts  and  courses  are  wisely  laid  before 
"  moyens,  and  means  are  appointed  to  bring  them  about,  all  is  devised 
"  and  advised  in  the  Kings  cabinet,  according  therunto  is  their  proceed- 
"  ings.  Tent  is  well  tane  in  publick  and  privat,  what  may  further  and 
"  what  may  hinder  the  same.  There  is  the  matter  to  win  credit  in 
"  court,  he  is  the  Kings  man,  an  honest  man,  a  good  peacable  minister 
"  that  goeth  that  way ;  and  they  are  seditious,  troublsome,  capped,  factious 
"  against  the  King,  who  mean  and  reason  in  the  contrair. 

"  4.  In  reasoning  the  Word  was  alledged,  the  text  sighted,  the 
*•  reason  weighed  at  great  lenth  and  laizour,  and  according  to  the  weight 
"  therof  it  bare  the  conclusion,  a  way  by  plain  force  of  clear  truth,  the 

2   B 


194  MR.   ROBERT   PONT. 

"  which  being  once  found  out,  he  that  held  the  contrair  willingly  and 
"  pleasantly  yeilded  and  all  acquiesced.  Now  the  Word  is  either,  as  a 
"  thing  knowen,  and  connnone,  passed  and  passed  over,  or  if  it  come 
"  direct  and  clear  against  the  laid  purpose,  the  Kings  man  that  is  of 
"  quickest  judgment  must  devise  a  gloss  and  distinguo,  and  if  it  be  insisted 
«'  on  the  King  himself  must  fall  upon  him,  and  put  him  to  silence,  with 
"  reason,  language  and  authority. 

"  5.  The  verity  was  uprightly  and  indifferently  sought  without 
"  respect  of  this  side  or  that,  this  purpose  or  that,  which  made  men 
"  setledly,  gravely,  and  quietly,  to  bring  out  their  reasons,  and  speak  their 
"  opinions;  now  the  purpose  must  be  respected  and  dealt  for,  with 
"  heat  and  contention,  or  they  cannot  be  thot  frank  enough  in  the 
"  cause. 

"  6.  The  fear  of  God,  the  love  of  Christ,  the  care  of  the  Kirk, 
"  learning  in  Scripture,  the  power  of  preaching,  the  motion  and  force 
"  of  prayer,  the  eye  and  presence  of  those  in  whom  those  gifts  shined, 
"  wrot  amongst  all  estimation,  reverence  and  good  order ;  now  its  the 
"  person,  presence,  purpose,  favour  and  regard  of  the  Prince,  that  bears 
"  out  and  controlls  all. 

"  7.  If  any  had  a  gift,  a  measure  by  others  of  learning,  utterance, 
"  uprightnes,  zeal,  earnestnes  in  prayer,  force  in  exhortation,  it  was  spyed 
"  out  and  specially  imployed  by  the  consent  of  all  at  these  Assemblys; 
"  now  the  platts  are  laid,  how  none  shall  have  place  but  such  as  serve 
"  for  the  purpose. 

"  8.  If  any  offensive  word  or  gesture  had  fallen  out  in  a  brother 
"  it  was  presently  censured  and  redressed,  now  if  a  truth  be  uttered 
"  freely  and  in  zeal,  it  is  met  with  a  square  lye  ;  and  he  that  is  for  the 
"  Kings  cause,  may  use  what  countenance,  gesture  and  language  he 
"  pleases ;  and, 

"  9.  Voting  was  wont  to  be  used  for  no  other  purpose  but  to  testify 
"  an  universall  consent,  in  a  cleared  and  found  out  verity,  so  that  scarcely 
"  you  would  have  found  one  non  liquet,  because  time  and  all  means  wer 
"  granted  for  resolution.  Now  reasoning  is  used  only  for  the  fashion, 
"  and  nothing  is  suffered  to  come  in  determining  but  that  which  is  sure 
"  to  be  born  away  with  the  maniest  votes,  and  therfor  the  catelogue  of 


MR.    ROBERT   PONT.  195 

"  the  commissioners  must  be  perused  to  ken  who  is  with  us,  and  who  is 
"  against  us. 

"10.  Finally,  the  end  of  Assemblies  of  old  was,  how  Christs  King- 
s' dom  might  stand  in  holynes  and  freedome  ;  now  its  how  Kirk  and 
"  religion,  may  be  framed  to  the  publick  estate  of  a  free  monarchy,  and 
"  to  promot  and  advance  the  grandeur  of  man,  and  supreme  and  absolute 
"  authority  in  all  causes,  and  over  all  persons  as  well  ecclesiasticall  as  civil. 
"  In  a  word  wher  Christ  ruled  before,  the  court  begins  to  govern  all, 
"  wher  preaching  prevailed  policy  takes  place,  wher  devotion  and  holy 
"  behaviour  honoured  the  minister  before,  pranking  at  the  chair  and 
"  pratling  in  the  ear  of  the  Prince,  to  make  the  minister  to  think  him- 
"  self  a  man  of  reputation,  takes  place." 

Mr.  Calderwood  adds,  the  Assembly  which  met  at  Dundie,  May,  na^,rd  a  f0™' 
1597>  was  °f  this  new  fashion,  and  after  the  Assembly  was  lawfully  missioncr  of  As- 
fenced  by  the  doctrine  of  the  last  Moderator,  Mr.  Robert  Pont  and 
Mr.  Thomas  Nicholson  chosen  clerk,  the  Assembly  was  drifted  and 
wearyed,  at  the  Kings  pleasure,  till  the  coming  up  of  Mr.  Robert  Rollock 
whom  the  King  resolved  to  have  Moderator;  at  this  Assembly  a  commis- 
sion of  some  ministers,  most  part  of  them  under  the  influence  of  the 
King,  was  named  with  generall  and  very  great  powers.  Mr.  Pont  I 
find  generally  after  this  named  upon  the  commissions  of  Assemblys  ;  the 
court  would  not  altogether  loss  a  man  of  his  experience  and  reputation, 
and  somtimes  he  was  brot  in  to  some  measures  not  altogether  agreable  to 
his  former  zeal  by  misinformation,  and  to  prevent  somwhat  worse. 

Thus,  next  year,  1598,  when  the  King  bore  very  hard  upon  Mr.  in  ?js,  Bf'Mees 
Robert  Bruce,  upon  the  division  of  the  town  of  Edinburgh  into  particular  pmces,  loos. 
charges,  and  would  have  Mr.  Bruce,  for  his  want  of  the  form  of  ordina- 
tion, to  be  reordeaned  upon  the  matter,  and  cast  a  slurr  upon  his  minis- 
trations for  eleven  years,  Mr.  Pont  and  severall  others  wer  got  in  too  much 
to  favour  the  Kings  designe,  against  that  good  and  great  man.  Upon 
Mr.  Bruces  Life  I  have  given  account  of  Mr.  Ponts  share  in  the  matter 
of  Mr.  Bruces  ordination  to  a  particular  charge,  and  shall  not  resume  it 
here.  This  year  also  he  reasoned  in  the  Generall  Assembly,  with  Mr. 
Gladstains,  and  T.  Buchanan,  in  favour  of  ministers  vote  in  Parliament. 


196  MR.    ROBERT    PONT. 

He     formes  When  the  sincere  part  of  the  ministry  perceived  Assemblys  to  be  so 

T nod icai'i  Fast!  ver7  mucn  altered  to  the  worse  by  the  influence  of  the  court,  and  the 

June,  1599.     concurrence  of  too  many  of  the  ministry,  the  Synods,  wher  the  zealous 

uncorrupted  part  of  the  ministry  wer  vastly  supernumary,  began  to  take 

the  present  dangers  much  to  heart,  and  apply  themselves  to  the  Lord  in 

the  duty  of  fasting  and  prayer.     Accordingly  the  synod  of  Lothian  May  2, 

1599,  appointed  a  fast  to  be  keeped  in  their  bounds  in  Julie,  and  ordered 

Mr.  Robert  Pont  to  pen  the  causes  of  it,  which  he  did  and  Mr.  Calder- 

p.  20.         wood  has  preserved  them,  at  least  the  last  part  of  them,  against  which 

exceptions  wer  made  by  the  King  and  Court  Ministers,  and  they  are  as 

foil  owes : 

"  Forasmuch  as,  after  so  long  offering  of  the  graces  of  God  to  this 
"  unthankfull  country,  be  the  preaching  of  the  Gospell,  now  be  the  space 
"  of  forty  years  bypast,  the  Kirk  perceives  such  a  coldnes  and  loathing 
"  of  the  truth  to  be  fallen  out  in  all  estates  that  none  can  be  excused 
"  therof,  the  ministers  and  teachers  for  their  parts,  for  the  most  part 
"  being  negligent  to  discharge  their  duty,  in  free  rebuking  of  such  enor- 
"  mitys  as  fall  out  in  the  country  ;  and  in  so  doing  restraining  the  liberty 
"  of  the  Word,  and  bringing  the  blood  of  souls  that  perish  throw  their 
"  default  on  their  own  heads;  and  the  people  of  all  estates,  from  the  highest 
"  to  the  lowest,  being  become  loathsome  hearers  therof,  and  not  humbling 
"  themselves  to  the  obedience  and  censure  of  the  Word,  wherby  it  appears 
"  that  the  Lord  our  God  in  his  just  judgment,  is  moved  to  take  away  both 
"  the  liberty  of  preaching  and  to  loose  the  yoak  of  discipline,  which  be  his 
"  great  mercy  has  been  established  and  continoued  amongst  us,  and  to 
"  break  the  hedge  therof  be  appearing  for  and  setting  up  those  things  that 
"  plainly  have  been  damned,  concerning  the  spirituall  goverment  of  the 
"  Kirk  in  times  by  past,  (meaning  the  estate  of  Bishops.)" 
The     King  The  King  was  much  against  the  keeping  of  this  fast  when  he  heard 

StSe  Reason-  of  it,  and  he  prevailed  to  get  a  meeting  of  the  Synod  at  Edinburgh, 
ingsunon  it  by  june  jo>  aI1(j  had  called  a  convention  of  ministers  for  consultation,  which 
did  not  bear  the  name  of  a  Generall  Assembly,  to  meet  at  Saint  Andrews 
in  July,  1599.    The  Bretheren  of  Lothian  conveened  at  the  King's  desire ; 
Mr.  David  Lindsay  moved  that  the  fast  indyted  by  the  last  Synod  might 


MR.  ROBERT    PONT.  197 

be  delayed  till  the  convention  of  ministers  appointed  to  meet  at  Saint 
Andrews.  All  the  Presbitrys  agreed  to  the  keeping  the  fast  as  appointed 
by  the  last  Synod,  seing  it  was  not  prejudicial}  to  any  thing  that  the  con- 
vention at  Saint  Andrews  should  do.  John  Duncanson,  the  King's 
minister,  acknowledged  the  King  did  not  desire  the  fast  to  be  left  off,  but 
only  some  of  the  causes  to  be  ommitted,  wherupon  Mr.  Pouts  draught  of 
them  was  read  over  as  above.  Mr.  Robert  Pont  gave  his  opinion  that 
prayer  should  be  made  at  the  fast  for  the  convention  which  was  to  be  holden 
at  Saint  Andrews.  Mr.  John  Davidson  answered,  I  pray  God  disappoint 
them  that  conveen  in  the  name  of  man  and  not  in  name  of  God  and  his 
Kirk,  but  by  vertue  of  that  Assembly  I  protested  against  at  Dundee.  In 
the  reasoning  about  the  fast,  Mr.  David  Lindsay  said  the  opposition  of  Mr.  David 
Ministers  to  the  King  had  done  much  evil.  Mr.  Robert  Bruce  and  Mr.  Bruce  '  and 
Duncanson  answered,  that  not  opposition  but  yeilding  had  done  much  Mr.TohnSp'ots. 
evil :  neither  was  the  opposition  so  much  to  the  King  as  to  some  minis-  wood- 
ters  whom  it  became  to  be  otherwise  occupyed.  Mr.  John  Spotswood, 
afterwards  Bishop  of  Saint  Andrews,  who  had  not  as  yet  throwen  off  the 
mask,  said,  let  us  not  seek  worldly  ease  with  the  loss  of  the  liberty  of 
Christ's  kingdome.  This  dashed  his  father  in  law  Mr.  David  Lindsay 
not  a  litle,  and  brot  the  bretheren  of  the  ministry  to  have  a  good  liking 
of  him,  tho  afterwards  he  appeared  in  his  own  collours. 

Mr.  Pont  was  now  become  very  graciouse  with  the  King  and  the      1600,  he  is 
ministers  fallen  in  with  court  measures.     And  in  the  Assembly,  1600,  he  and^TsHor  of 
is  put  upon  the  Generall  Commission  and  named  by  the  Assembly  with  caftn^s    and 
Mr.  John  Morison,  elder  and  younger,  as  commissioners  to  visit  the 
bounds  of  Orkney  and  Caithnes  ;  he  was  now  old  and  did  not  visit  those 
remote  corners,  and   his  name  and  reputation  did  them  service  in  the 
Generall  Commission. 

The  Assembly  at  Burntisland,  May,   1601,  renewed  the  Generall     °ne  of  the 

_,  .  1-1  1  commissioners 

Commission,  which  now  was  the  great  engyne  of  the  Court  for  introducing  °f    Assembly, 
corruptions  ;  and  Mr.   Robert  Pont,  with  two  or  three  others  who  wer        and  6 
against  the  present  innovations,  are  put  upon  it  as  a  blind  to  give  the 
better  countenance  to  the  rest,  who  wer  for  the  changes  now  fast  bringing 
in,  and  six  for  one  to  them.     In  the  next  Assembly,  10O2,  I  find  him  like- 
wise upon  the  Commission  and  this  was  the  last  Assembly  while  the  King 


198  MR.    ROBERT    PONT. 

was  in  Scotland.     After  this  I  find  no  more  of  Mr.  Pont  in  Calderwood 
which  makes  my  [me]  apprehend  he  lived  not  much  longer. 
theHtranbSMion  *n  tne  Assembly,  KiOl,  the  King  urged  very  much  a  new  transla- 

of   the  Bible,  tion  of  the  Bible,  as  hath  been  notticed  in  Mr.  Smetons  Life,  and  in  the 
'  distribution  of  severall  parts  of  it  which  was  made  to  the  most  learned 

among  the  ministers,  Mr.  Pont  had  the  Psalmes,  whither  for  prose  transla- 
tion or  the  metter  Bishop  Spotswood  does  not  tell  us ;  nothing  was  done  as 
to  this,  and  I  only  nottice  this  to  show  Mr.  Ponts  share  in  most  of  the 
publick  works  the  church  was  concerned  in,  during  his  time  and  even  in 
his  old  age,  for  by  this  time  he  is  about  forty  years  a  minister. 
He      knew  J  ]iave  met  yvith  no  more  as  to  Mr.  Robert  Pont,  save  only  a  tradi- 

Queen     Eliza-     ...  i*iti  ••  ii  •      r 

beths  death,  tionall  story  which  I  have  from  old  ministers,  who  had  it  from  such  as 
dyed,  a^d  toid  lived  in  Mr.  Ponts  time,  when  it  was  generally  knowen.  Upon  the  24  of 
it  to  the  King.  March,  1603,  the  day  Queen  Elizabeth  dyed,  Mr.  Robert  Pont  had 
an  impression  or  revelation  of  her  death  ;  at  night  he  sought  acces  to  the 
King  after  he  was  gone  to  bed  ;  he  had  nottice  given  him  to  delay  his  visit 
till  next  day,  unles  he  had  somwhat  of  very  great  importance  to  commu- 
nicat ;  he  pressed  still  to  have  acces  and  the  King  called  him.  Mr.  Pont 
saluted  the  King,  King  of  Great  Brittain  and  Ireland,  and  assured  him 
Queen  Elizabeth  was  that  day  dead.  The  King  said,  Mr.  Robert,  I  still 
told  you  you  would  go  distracted  with  your  learning,  and  now  I  see  you 
are  so.  No  !  no !  said  Mr.  Pont,  I  am  not  distempered,  the  thing  is  cer- 
tain, she  is  dead  I  assure  you,  and  so  he  found  it  in  two  or  three  dayes. 
Some  ascribed  this  to  Mr.  Ponts  skill  in  Astrology,  others  to  a  revelation 
from  heaven.  Its  hard  to  determine  the  particular  ends  of  providence  in 
making  such  discoverys,  neither  perhaps  at  such  a  distance  can  we  make 
a  judgment  on  the  designe  in  them.  There  are  several  undoubbitable 
instances  of  this  nature  among  our  ministers  after  the  Reformation. 
His  death.  The  particular  year  of  his  death  I  cannot  tell  ;  his  treatise  de  Unione 

shows  he  was  alive,  1 604,  and  yet  I  find  him  not  among  the  subscribers  of 
the  Confession  of  Faith  in  the  Synod  of  Lothian  in  Agust  this  year,  which 
sayes  at  least  he  was  not  at  Edinburgh  then,  and  makes  me  suspect  he  was 
sick.  Mr.  Charters  seems  to  fix  his  death  about  the  1626,  because  then 
some  of  his  works  wer  printed.  These  might  be  posthumous,  and  this 
would  make  him  extremely  old,  and  a  minister  upwards  of  sixty  years. 


MR.    ROBERT    PONT. 


199 


Yet  Spotswood  and  Calderwood  being  both  silent  as  to  his  death,  one 
would  almost  guess  that  he  outlived  King  James  the  sixth  with  whom 
they  end. 

He  was  married  to  Mr.  Knox  his  daughter,  as  we  have  seen  in  his  Posterity- 
Life.  The  particular  time  I  cannot  say,  nor  whither  he  might  not  be  mar- 
ried after  her  death.  Mr.  Timothy  Pont  was  his  son  ;  whither  he  had 
any  other  children  I  know  not  ;  his  son  was  a  person  of  learning  and  plyed 
himself  particularly  to  Geography,  and  was  at  great  pains  to  gather  obser- 
vations upon  the  different  Shires  in  Scotland  and  to  form  Mapps  of  them. 
Some  of  his  Geographicall  Maps  relative  to  the  description  of  his  native 
country,  I  have  seen  in  the  hands  of  my  learned  freind  Sir  Robert  Sib- 
bald,  and  I  have  his  description  of  Cunningham  in  MS.  I  find  another 
Mr.  John  Pont  who  wrote  a  Register  or  Generall  Almanack  for  every 
year,  8vo.  London,  1646 :  but  whether  he  was  of  Mr.  Robert  Pont's 
posterity  I  do  not  certainly  know.9 

His  character  may  be  gathered  by  the  rule  of  contrarys  from  a  scur- 
rilous letter  Mr.  Calderwood  has  preserved,  formed  by  Bishop  Adamson, 
in  the  name  of  Mr.  James  Lawson  and  adjoyned  to  a  pretended  testament 
Adamson  in  a  most  injurious  manner  made  for  Mr.  Lawson  about  the 
time  of  his  death,  1584,  as  hath  been  hinted  in  Mr.  Lawson's  Life.  In 
these  letters,  for  there  are  severall  of  them,  the  Bishop  makes  Mr.  Lawson 
speak  his  own  malicious  and  groundles  aspersions  upon  many  of  our  worthy 
ministers  of  that  period.  His  letter  to  Mr.  Pont  indeed  is  not  worth  tran- 
scribing, wer  it  not  for  the  acknowledgments  in  it  of  Mr.  Ponts  learning 
and  constant  opposition  to  Episcopacy  and  arbitrary  government  ;  for  his 
bitter  innuendos  of  his  surlienes  and  hypocrisy,  I  believe  Adamsons 
authority  will  not  make  any  body  believe  what  he  insinuats.  The  whole 
tract  of  Mr.  Ponts  life,  and  the  great  reputation  he  lived  and  dyed  in  for 
the  contrary  virtues,  will  easdy  discover  these  are  the  only  wanton  stroaks 
of  this  mans  bitter  pen,  and  therfor  I  shall  insert  here  this  ill-natured 
forged  letter,  as  the  testimony  of  an  adversary.     It  runs  : 


9  See  Note  I. 
His    charac- 


"  To  Mr.  Robert  Pont,  Provest  of  the  Queen's  Hospitall : 

"  Brother,  albiet  I  bore  good  countenance  with  you,  yet  in  consci 
"  I  abhorred  diverse  corruptions.     First,  albiet  ye  profess  letters  and  1684 


Adamsons 
letter    in    Mr. 


Pout, 


200  MR.    ROBERT   PONT. 

"  humanity,  ye  are  of  nature  so  churlish  and  untraceable  that  you  can 
"  neither  shew  your  civil  offices  and  duty  to  men  of  better  rank,  neither 
"  can  you  keep  society  with  your  pares  and  equals,  wherin  you  give  occa- 
"  sion  to  men  to  think  that  ministers  have  rejected  all  humanity  and 
"  civil  manners,  which  makes  men  odious  to  the  people.  Ye  have  affirmed 
"  and  taught  that  its  insufferable  in  a  minister  to  enjoy  plurality  of  func- 
"  tions  and  charges ;  wherin  you  have  declared  your  great  hypocrisy, 
"  because  ye  yourself  in  your  acclaimed  worthines  allowes,  that  ye  may 
"  lawfully  in  your  own  person  bear  the  office  of  a  Senator  in  Session,  of  a 
"  provost  in  hospitality,  of  a  preacher  in  pulpit,  and  of  a  Bishop  or  commis- 
"  sioner  in  a  dioces  ;  ye  are  of  a  bussy  head  and  engyne,  inclined  unto  the 
"  invention  of  novations,  and  [so]  pertinaciously  obstinat  andwilfullin  men- 
"  tabling  your  perrilous  inventions  that  you  cannot  be  induced  to  yeild  to 
"  reason,  and  therfor  you  have  been  the  cheife  author  and  patron  of  their 
"  late  novations  and  dissentions  betwixt  the  ministry  and  estate  of  Bishops, 
"  wherin  no  litle  trouble  and  unquietnes  has  entered  the  Kirk.  Ye  are  in 
"  the  counsel]  and  advice  of  the  attemptates  which  have  been  lately  inter- 
"  prized  against  the  King's  obedience,  and  most  cheifly  ye  withstood  the 
"  authority  of  the  King's  late  Parliament,  and  was  the  author  of  the  pro- 
"  testation  that  was  made  in  name  of  the  Kirk  at  the  cross  of  Edinburgh, 
"  which  vices,  brother,  I  crave  heartily  to  be  reformed,  that  therby  the 
"  better  quietnes  may  be  set  doun  in  the  Kirk  to  the  increase  and  advan- 
"  tage  of  our  profession." 

Reflexions  on  this  farce  are  needles.  Had  the  Bishop  knowen  any 
thing  worse  to  say,  with  any  collour,  of  Mr.  Pont,  he  would  have  put  it 
in  Mr.  Lawsons  hand  to  be  sure,  and  most  things  he  is  blamed  for  are 
truely,  tho  not  so  designed,  commendations  of  him.  Mr.  Row  in  his 
MS.  History  names  Mr.  Pont  among  those  who  most  zealously  appeared 
against  Prelacy  and  desertion  from  our  reformation  principles. 

I  shall  conclude  my  account  of  Mr.  Pont,  with  Mr.  Charters  char- 
acter of  him  and  his  list  of  his  Writings.  "  Mr.  Robert  Pont,  minister 
"  of  Saint  Cuthberts,  and  Senator  of  the  Colledge  of  Justice,  which  last 
"  office  he  demitted  and  continoued  pastor.  He  was  a  learned  and 
"  moderat  man  ;  he  wrote 

"  Sermons  against  sacriledge, 


MR.    ROBERT    PONT.  201 

"  Item  of  the  Right  Recoiling  of  the  years  and  ages  of  the  worlde, 
4to.  Edinburgh,  1594. 

"  De  Unione  Brittaniae,  4to.  Edinburgh,  1604. 

'*  De  sabbaticorum  annorum  periodis,  4to.  London,  1619. 

"  Chronologia  de  Sabbatis,  4to.  London,  16<26."10  10S<*  Nota  k. 

This  is  all  I  have  met  with  as  to  this  learned  and  usefull  man. 

Marcu  24,  1726. 


1    C 


COLLECTIONS 


UPON    THE 


LIFE  OF  MR.  JAMES  BOYD  OF  TROCHREDGE, 


TULCHAN  ARCHBISHOP  OF  GLASGOW. 


COLLECTIONS 


lU'ON  THE 


LIFE  OF  MR.  JAMES  BOYD  OF  TROCHREDGE, 


TULCHAN  ARCHBISHOP  OF  GLASGOW. 


This  gentlman,   for  I  can  scarce  term  him  a  Pastor  till  the  Generall   Jau-22, 1730. 
Assembly  ordeaned  him  to  take  the  pastorall  charge  of  a  flock  for  his  piety  from  M^nC'c 
and  usefulnes,  and  particularly  as  one  who  had  a  share  in  our  Assemblys  'his    Life    is 
for  sometime,   and   one  who  was  so  happy  as  to  be  the  parent  of  so 
eminent  a  light  in  the  Reformed  Churches  as  his  only  son  and  heir  Mr. 
Robert  Boyd  was,   I  thought  ought  not  to  be  overpassed  in  this  work, 
and  I  have  some  things  to  give  from  his  sons  papers  about  him  that  will 
let  us  in  his  character;  and  as  to  his  actings  when  a  Bishop,  I  shall  give 
them  from  our  Assembly  Registers,  and  Mr.  Calderwoods  MS. 

His  descent  and  parentage  are  well  knowen,  and  I  will  have  occasion  His  paren- 
from  an  authentick  document  and  bore-breife  granted  his  son  upon  his 
Life  to  give  this  at  more  lenth,  and  now  I  shall  only  say,  he  was  descended 
of  the  honourable  and  noble  family,  the  Barrons  of  Trochredge  and 
Barnweil,  nearly  related  to  most  illustrious  and  noble  familys  in  the  west 
of  Scotland,  and  had  the  blood  of  the  noble  houses  of  Boyd,  Hamiltoun, 
Loudon,  Glencairn  and  the  ancient  Barrons  of  Gadgirth,  in  his  veins. 
He  was  bom  at  the  seat  of  his  ancestors,  the  house  of  Trochredge,  in  the 


206  ARCHBISHOP    BOYD. 

shire  of  Air,  and  bailayrick  of  Carrict.     The  particular  year  has  not 

come  to  my  knowledge. 

ilia  study  of,  Very  litle  has  come  to  my  hand  concerning  him  till  the  time  of 

education  in  the  his  being  named  to  be  Archbishop  of  Glasgow  by  the  Earle  Mortoun 

iadus."  e'    U"  Regent,  save   what  offers  from  the  character  his  son  gives  him  in  his 

Philotheca,  (the  originall  wherof  was  kindly  communicat  with  [to]  me 

from  his  successor  and  heir  of  line,  the  present  Laird  of  Trochredge,  by 

my  worthy  and  learned  freind  Doctor  John  Stevenson,)  which  I  shall 

just  now  insert.     From  that  we  shall  see  that  his  education  was  not  with 

any  prospect  of  being  imployed  in  the  Church.     After  his  study  of  the 

Belles  Lettres,  and  going  throu  his  Philosophicall  studyes,  he  was  sent 

abroad  to  accomplish  himself  as  a  gentlman,  in  all  the  branches  of  learning 

suitable  to  his  birth  and  estate.     When  in  France,  he  studyed  the  lawes 

very  closly,  and  during  four  years  he  was  a  scholar  of  the  great  Cujacius, 

and  no  doubt  profited  much  under  so  great  advantages. 

withUieRdor"  When  he  returned  to  Scotland,  probably  before  the  Reformation,  or 

mation,      and  about  the  time  of  it,  he  heartly  fell  in  with  it.     His  near  relations  the 

lives    for  many  . 

years    on    his  noble  houses  of  Hamiltoun,  Boyd,  the  ShirrifF  of  Air,  and  the  house  of 
Glencairn,  wer  among  the  great  instruments  of  that  happy  turn.     He 
matched  with  the  ancient  and  honourable  family  of  Chalmers  ofGadgirth, 
who  wer  zealous  in  that  good  cause.     For  many  years  he  lived  a  country 
P-  2.  life   at  his  own  house,  on  his  fortune,  without  any  prospect  or  desire 

after  any  station  in  the  Church.  In  this  period  of  his  life  he  was  very 
usefull  among  his  neighbours,  and  kind,  hospitable  and  helpfull  to  many, 
till  by  his  near  relation  the  Lord  Boyd,  now  come  off  from  the  Queen's 
faction,  he  was  nominat  to  be  Titular  and  Tulchan  Archbishop  of  Glas- 
gow, about  the  year  1573.  It  is  said  by  some  of  our  writters,  that  Mr. 
James  had  but  a  small  share  of  the  rents  of  that  See,  and  the  Lord  Boyd 
had  the  rest ;  its  probable  it  meght  be  so.  It  was  so  in  all  the  Bishops  of 
the  Earle  of  Mortons  raising,  and  he  had  litle  temptation  to  fall  in  with 
the  offer  made  him,  unless  he  had  expected  a  larger  sphere  to  do  good  to 

1  See  Note  A.    othei'S  in.1 

Account  [0(]  But  the  account  his  son  gives  of  him  will  let  us  best  to  his  circum- 

and  m'eUbef!)Te  stances  before  his  coming  to  Glasgow.     His  son  was  a  person  of  that 
*"t   afeimade  integrity  and  candor,  that  we  may  take  his  character  from  him  to  be  just, 


ARCHBISHOP    BOYD.  20? 

and  according  to  the  best  information  he  had,  and,  tho  generaly  speaking  Bishop  from  his 

~  r  ,         sonsPhilothecH. 

the  testimony  of  so  near  a  relation  do  not  go  so  far  as  that  of  another 
person,  yet  we  may  and  ought  to  make  few  allowances  to  one  of  the 
Principalis  character,  who  would  [not]  lye  for  God  or  his  parents.  I 
shall  take  it  from  Mr.  Robert  Boyd  his  originall  Philotheca,  which  he 
inscribes  to  his  son  Robert,  and  it  conteans  some  (for  I  think  he  has 
not  compleated  his  designe,)  of  his  dear  friends,  with  a  short  account  of 
them,  and  a  copy  of  Latine  verses  inscribed  to  each  of  them.  He  begins 
with  his  father  Mr.  James  Boyd,  and  I  shall  transcribe  his  account  of 
him: 

"  Agmen  amicorum  hoc  merito,  nisi  fallor,  ab  illo, 

Ordiar,  unde  mihi  lucis  fuit  hujus  origo. 

(Patrem,  nate,  tuum  par  te  patienter  et  aequo 

Ferre  animo  si  ex  ilia  mente  sublimi  et  illimi  fonte  musarum  in 

humilem  pedestris  hujus  orationis  campum   non   simul  subitoq,  desilio, 

sed  velut  pedetentim  sensimq,,  descendo,  donee  paulatim  deferveat  testus 

ille   poeticus,    et   ad    quietem   pristinam    redeat    animus    ab    illo    nunc 

fervore  concitatior.)     Quamvis  enim  spectatissimus  vir  in  requiem  illam 

ca?lestem  ante  annos  prater  propter  quadraginta  quinq,  translatus  (from 

which  I  gather  the  Philotheca  was  writt,  1626,  a  very  litle  before  the 

authors  death,)  a  me  turn  trimulo  per  aetatem  cognosci  nequiverit ;  ea 

tamen  illi   a  me   debetur   non  tantu   ut  patri,   sed  et   eximia?  virtutis 

ergo,    reverentia,    ut   hoc    amicorum   album   suo  nomine  primus  insig- 

niat ;    quippe   quern    ab    illius    temporis    aequalib9   constanter    accepi, 

tanta  morum  integritate,  gravitate,  prudentia,  imprimis  autem  pi},o$iXia 

(piXo&ia.  kui  (piKovTcaxia,  praecelluisse,  (qui  charitatis  christians  rami  sunt  et 

rivi  totidem)  ut  vulgo  Pauperum  Pater  audierit,  et  Boni  Episcopi  cogno- 

mentum  quasi  hcczciTizov  in  hanc  usq,  diem  obtineat.     In  ea  siquidem 

tempora  virtus  ejus  inciderat,  quibus  nondum  apud  nos  instituta  fuerit  vera 

Ecclesiae  Reformata?  politia,  sed  visum  regni  proceribus  (quorum  ille  non     P-  a 

paucos  proxima  cognatione  contingebat)  imprimis  Proregi  Mortonio,  sub 

Jacobi  Regis  pueritiam,  abolita  papanorum  colluvie,  veritatem  Evangelicam 

profitentes  Episcopos  in  eorum  interim  et  dignitatem  sufficere,  qui  prisca 

Ecclesice  jura,    praedia,   latifundia,   census,    aliaq.,   id  genus,   aulicarum 

Haqnaru  insidiis  exposita,  sui  nominis  auctoritate  tuerentur,  ne  in  manus 

alienas,  huic  opima?  praedae  inliiantes,  hsc  talia  devenerent,  unde  tame 


208  ARCHBISHOP    BOYD. 

[hand?]  facile  rursus  extorqueri  potuissent;  in  ilium  ergo  conjectis  omniuni 

He  is  4  yeai-soculis  (etsi  lion  tam  sacrosancta?  Theologian,  quam  jurisprudential,  primes 

c^achTs!  U"der  annos  dicasset,  cujus  olim  studiis  Avarici  Biturgium  sub  magno  illo  Cujacio 

quadrennium  totum  impenderat,  nee  sacro  verbi  divini  ministerio  postea 

fuisset  initiatus,  sed  vitara  privatam  natalibus  generiq.,  suo  congruentem 

in  patria  vixisset)   communib?  tamen  suffragiis,  ob  meriti  non  vulgaris 

praerogativam,  amplissimae  Dia?ceserys  Glasguensis  Antistes  eligitur.    Quo 

in  munere  tunc   quidem   non  tam   regiminis  pastoralis,   quam   politicae 

cujusdam  dignitatis,  prae  se  speciem  ferente,  per  totum  septennium,  hoc 

est,  ad  extremum  usq^  vitse  diem,   ita  se  gessit,  ut  nullis  aut  charier 

conjunction  vixerit  aut   desideratior   obierit    quam    iis  ipsis  qui  Epis- 

copos  Hierarchicos,  tanquem  abusuum  papisticorum  reliquias,  exauctorandi 

praecipui  apud  nos  auctores  extiterant,  nee  in  suos  aut  suorum  usus  in 

successorum   fraudem   atq,  dispendium    (qui   sacreligus  nos  apud   hand 

paucos  nunc  invalescit)  e  censu  episcopali  olim  splendido  vel  teruncium 

interverterit,  aut  uno  inde  obolo  liberos  suos  auctiores  reliquerit. 

Mr.     John  Cuius  rei  testes  duos  proferri  lubet  omni  exceptione  majores,  loan- 

Davidson    and  _    J.  .  ...  r-       ,     •     n-in  •  ii- 

Mr.  Andrew  neni Davidsonum, scilicet,  Lecclesiaar'J  rrestomana?  pastorem  celebernmum, 
te/ ofSthe'rBi-et  venerabilem  ilium  Andraeam  JMelvinum,  Ecclesiae  nostrae  lumen  inocci- 
shop.  duum,  utrumq,  pseudhierarchiae  mastiga,  purioris  autem  discipline  pro- 

motorem  accerrimu.  Quorum  ille,  vir  plane apostolicus  etpostSophocardium 
Knoxiumque  ovfii&iboigo;  \_ovvo(jja.GTos'?~\  ut  norunt  omnes  quib9  notus  ille  fami- 
liariter,  de  patre  meo,  quicum  conjunctissime  vixerat,  honorificam  persaape 
mihi  tunc  adolescenti  mentionem  faciebat,  et,  vel  illius  amicitige  nomine, 
quam  cum  ipso  coluerat,  paternum  prorsus  erga  me  animum  exhibebat. 
Hie  (Melvinus)  vere,  quam  ipsum  in  arce  Londinensi  detentum  (quo 
tunc  illius  fruendi  gratia  saapius  itabam,)  die  quadam  hunc  ipsu  in  finem 
convenissem,  ut  ejus  de  patre  meo  sententiam  libere  percontarer,  quern 
is  inter  omnes  turn  viventes  optime  perspectum  habebat,  quippe  a  quo  olim 
ipse,  Geneva  rediens,  obviis  ulnis  exceptus  fuerat,  et  Accademiaa  Glasguen- 
sis  praafectura  meritissimo  donatus,  in  quo  per  annos  aliquot  substitit, 
cum  patre  meo  sanctisshnam  colens  amicitiam,  post  cujus  demum  e  vivis 
excessum,  in  Accademiam  Andraeanam  translatusest;*  respondit,  ex  voto 
p-  •*•  meo   et  rei  ipsius  veritate,  pectus  illud   candidissimii,   illius  integritati 

*  Melville  left  Glasgow  in  1580.  before  Boyd's  death.     J.  Melville's  Diary,  65. 


A  It  CHBISIIOP    BO  Y  D.  209 

virtutiq>  luculentum  perhibens  testimonium  lubentissime,  quemadmo- 
dum  etiam,  damnato  sub  id  temporis  Episcopali  fastigio,  et  synodorum  ac 
presbiteriorii  auctoritate  constituta,  paratus  fuerit  sese  suamq,  praelaturam 
Ecclesias  suffragio  censuraeq,,  submittere,  quin,  si  ita  iratrib?  videretur, 
illo  se  gradu  statim  abdicare,  quem  nee  ambitiose  quaasiverat,  nee  sordide 
aut  arroganter  exercuerat,  nee  in  Ecclesias  detrimentum,  aut  rem  suam 
privatam,  aut  suorum  compendium,  aut  probi  et  pii  ullius  ingratijs,  usur- 
parat. 

Verum  aliter  ejus  dignitati  modestiaeq,,  consuluit  divina  Providentia, 
qui  noluit  ilium,  velut  in  ordinem  redactum,  suo,  quam  tarn  sancte  gesserat, 
honori  supervivere,  sed  illi  vitse  terminum  ita  disposuit,  ut  synodicum 
illud  de  abroganda  in  posterum  Episcopali  vTigox^i  decretum  cum  ipsius 
anno  fatali  plane  concurreret ;  sic  ipsi,  nescio  quo  speciali  privilegio, 
contigit,  ut  ipse  primus  et  solus  in  Ecclesia  quidem  nostra  legittime  km 
uvavTiofaug  Episcopali  ilia  potestate  perfunctus  sit,  quam  tempora  sub- 
secuta  tantopere  ultro  citroq,  ventilarunt,  ac  tandem  Rex  Jacobus  ante 
obitum,  contra  suum  procerumq,,  et  omniii  regni  ordinum  solenne 
sacramentum,  contra  regni  Ecclesiaeq,  sanctiones  in  dei  verbo  fundatas 
et  annorum  complurium  usu  felicissimo  comprobatas,  contra  piorum  om- 
nium liujas  Regni  consensum  unanimem,  preces,  monitus,  obtestationes 
gravissimas,  et  quidquid  a  piis  devotisque  subditis  in  contrarium  urgeri 
potuit,  malis  avibus,  malis  artibus  et  successu  pejori,  restituit. 

His  duobus  fseminam  multis  etiam  viris  avrdbav  non  pigebit  sub-     T1Je      liif? 

1    °  m       Carelton         his 

jungere,  materteram  nempe  meam,  Iohannam  Cameriam,  Carletonise  sister  in  law 
dominam,  jam  ante  annos  viginti  quinque  felici  f'ato  perfunctam,  O!  quanta?  0f  the  Bishop, 
pietatis  prudentiasque  matronam!  et,  quod  in  eo  sexu  rarissimum,  quge 
dotes  eximias  cum  summa  rccTrziiiopgo&oi/-/)  {ju.Triivotpgoovvri'?']  animiq,  submis- 
sione  conjunxerat;  in  qua  cum  indies  miro  studio  accessuq^  proficeret, 
pari  quoq,  passu  reliqua  spiritus  sancti  dona  crescebant,  donee  tandem 
voti  compos,  tentationem  omnium  victrix  (quas  exitu  instante  gravissimas 
experta  est)  hostiu  spiritualium  per  fidem  triumphatrix,  et  futurae  illius 
vitae  primitiis,  hoc  est,  ineffabili  pace  gaudioq^  delibata,  beatam  deo  animam 
reddidit.  Haac  me  in  Gallias  iter  adornantem  (1601),  et  suo  complexu 
sanctissimo  postremu  dimissura,  nee  unquam  postea  revisura,  mihi  cum 
lachrimis  narrabat  patris  mei  praeconia,  mores  integros,  u$ihu%yv%x ?,liberales, 

<2  D 


210  ARCHBISHOP    BOYD. 

animum  erectum,  comem,  candidum,  beneficum  etad  opem  tam  suis  quani 
extraneis  ferendam  promptissimum,  aliaq%  christianura  ejus  affectum  docen- 
p.  5.  tia,  imprimis  quantum  ipsa  sensisset  in  ejus  amicitia  ac  benignitate  pra?sidii ; 

quantum,  eo  sublato,  solatii  amisisset,  &c.  Quibus  mihi  fateor  non  segnes 
ilia  subdebat  verae  virtutis  aculeos,  vera  pietatis  igniculos,  utinamq^  te 
quoq,,  Roberte  fill,  moveant  efficaciter  eadem  hajc  exempla  domestica  ad 
eandem  virtutis  viam  alacriter  insistendam."  Then  his  son  gives  a  copy 
of  verses  he  wrote  on  the  Bishop,  which  I  shall  bring  in  afterwards. 
Reflections  I  shall  only  make  a  reflexion  or  two  upon  his  sons  account  of  him. 

coum. ths  aC~  He  gives  the  most  favourable  representation  of  the  Tulchan  Bishops 
being  brot  in,  as  no  doubt  he  had  been  informed-  That  they  were  set  up 
to  preserve  the  Churches  rent  from  the  greedy  courteors,  I  do  not 
doubt.  This  was  the  pretext  the  Earle  of  Mortoun  made  for  setting  them 
up,  and  the  view  under  which  his  father  the  Bishop  entered  into  that  office. 
But  it  is  as  plain  in  fact  that  the  quite  reverse  hapned,  and  probably  was 
designed  by  the  Regent  in  bringing  in  these  titular  Bishops,  and  the 
Church  rents,  except  a  very  small  pittance,  went  to  noblmen  and  cour- 
tiours  ;  and,  as  his  son  observes,  I  believe  it  is  most  certain  that  neither 
the  Bishop  nor  his  family  were  inriched  by  the  rents.  His  son  lyes 
under  another  misinformation,  that  the  reformed  discipline  was  not 
established  in  this  Church.  The  First  Book  of  Discipline,  as  I  have 
frequent  occasion  to  observe,  was  agreed  to ;  only  the  sincere  and  knowing 
part  of  the  ministry  wer  pressing  after  further  degrees  of  perfection  and 
reformation.  It  is  a  very  just  remark,  and  grounded  upon  his  fathers  not 
being  in  orders  nor  in  the  pastorall  office  when  named  to  the  Bishoprick, 
that  it  was  not  a  pastorall  but  rather  a  politicall  kind  of  office  and  rule  in 
the  Church.  I  only  further  observe  the  concern  and  warmth  with  which 
the  Bishop's  excellent  son  speaks  of  king  James  his  overturning  the 
Presbiterian  setlment  of  this  Church,  contrary  to  his  own  and  the  lands 
oath,  which  is  a  sufficient  refutation  of  the  litle  insinuations  that  some 
make,  as  if  this  learned  man  was  favourable  to  Prelacy  in  Scotland. 
marries  ^'"a  ^0  retum  to  tne  Bishop.     We  see  that  he  had  the  benefit  of  forraigne 

■laughter  of  the  education,  and  studyed  the   Civil  Law  in  France,  and  was  the  great 
of  GanSirth.      Cujacius  scholar  four  years.     That  while  abroad  he  fell  into  Mr.  Andrew 
Melvils  acquaintance,  and  the  freindship  continoued  while  he  lived.    When 


ARCHBISHOP    BOYD.  211 

lie  returned  home  he  was  soon  marryed  to  Margaret  Chambers  a  (laughter 

of  James  Chalmers,  Barron  of  Gadgirth,  a  family  of  more  than  GOO  years 

standing,  as  we  shall  see  in  Trochredge's  bore-breife,  granted  to  him, 

1(309.     It  seems  another  daughter  of  the  same  family,  was  marryed  to 

[a  son  of  the]  family  of  Careltoun,  an  ancient  and  religious  family  in  the 

same  Bayliary  of  Carrict.     Till  he  was  made  Archbishop  I  have  nothing 

of  him,  but  that  he  lived  religiously,  usefully,  and  hospitably  upon  his  own 

fortune,  and  those,  with  the  interest  of  his  relation,  the  Lord  Boyd 2  with    2  See  Note  b. 

the  Earle  of  Morton,  and  the  share  that  nobhnan  was  to  have  in  the 

rents  of  the  Archbishoprick,  led  the  Regent  to  fix  upon  this  gentlman 

to  be  first  Tulchan  Bishop  of  Glasgow. 

What  I  have  further  about  him  is  while  he  was  in  that  See,  and  I .  N"™inat  to 

be     Ilishop    ot 

give  it  mostly  from  our  Assembly  Registers  and  Calderwood.  Mr.  Boyd  GiasSow,i573. 
was  nominat  to  the  Archbishoprick,  probably  in  the  beginning  of  the  1573,  p-  6- 
at  least  in  the  Assembly  that  conveened,  Agust,  that  year,  I  find  the  Regent 
desires  the  Assembly  to  name  a  day  for  his  election.  The  Regent  was 
now  using  his  outmost  endeavours  to  execute  his  project  for  getting  the 
Kirk  rents  in  his  own  hands,  and  proposed  a  great  number  of  articles  to 
this  Assembly.  They  stand  at  full  length  in  the  Registers  and  Mr.  Cal- 
derwood. I  shall  only  nottice  a  few  of  them  here.  "  The  Regent  assures 
"  the  Assembly  that  ministers  shall  be  taken  a  care  of,  in  the  first  place, 
"  in  the  assumption  of  the  thirds  of  Prelacys  and  other  great  Benefices. 
"  He  sayes  the  delay  of  getting  qualifyed  persons  in  Bishopricks  accord- 
"  ing  to  the  agreement  at  the  convention  in  Leith  is  not  tnrou  his  default, 
"  but  by  reason  some  interest  was  given  to  those  livings  in  favours  of 
"  certain  noblmen  before  his  acceptation  of  the  Regency,  (that  is  during 
"  the  Earles  of  Lennox  and  Marr  their  being  Regents,  but  then  its  to  be 
"  remembered  that  this  was  done  by  the  Earle  of  Mortoun  as  great 
"  manager,  even  under  these  Regencys)  ;  but  that  proper  persons  shall 
"  soon  be  presented.  That  its  thot  meet  that  the  multitude  of  hereti- 
"  call  books  brot  in  to  this  country  shall  be  burnt,  and  that  proclamation 
"  be  set  out  against  them  in  time  coming.  That  seing  the  most  part  of 
"  the  persons  who  wer  channons,  monks  and  freirs  within  this  realm, 
"  have  made  profession  of  the  true  religion,  its  therfor  thot  meet  that  it 
"  be  enjoyned  to  them  to  pass  and  serve  as  readers  at  the  places  wher  they 


212  ARCHBISHOP    BOYD. 

"  (shall  be  appointed,  to  appoint  a  day  for  the  election  of  the  Bishop  of 
"  Murray,   of  Ross,   Dumblain,  the  Archbishop  of  Glasgow,   Commis- 
Ai ticies, Re- "  sioners  in  all  provinces  wher  Bishops  are  not  placed,  and  a  suffragan 
My,       Agust,  "  Bishop  for  the  Bishop  of  Saint  Andrews  in  Lothian."     But  because 
No.  I.       PP  these  Articles  contean  a  good  many  specialitys  at  this  time  of  setting  up 
the  Tulchan  Bishops,  and  that  they  have  not  been  published,   I  have 
given  them  intire,  App.  No.  [I.] 
Assembly,  In  the  next  Assembly,  March,  1.574,  I  find  him  entered  upon  his 

the  Bishop  oil  office  of  Bishop,  and  named  upon  a  Committy  to  consider  the  jurisdiction 
for  the"^'/^-  °f  *ne  Kirk,  so  it  seems  he  was  admitted  to  that  office  somtime  towards  the 
diction  uf  the  emi  0f  the  year,  1573.  The  words  of  the  Assembly  Registers  run  : 
"  The  Assembly  appoints  James  Bishop  of  Glasgow,  the  Superintendant 
"  of  Angus  and  Merns,  John  Winram  Superintendant  of  Strathern,  Mr. 
"  Robert  Pont  one  of  the  Lords  of  Session  and  preacher  of  Gods  Word, 
"  Mr.  John  Row  Minister  of  Perth,  Mr.  John  Maitland  Dean  of  Aber- 
"  deen,  Mr.  Alexander  Arbuthnot  Principall  of  Aberdeen,  and  John 
"  Duncanson  Minister  to  the  King's  house,  that  they  conveen  the  morn 
"  about  six  hours  in  the  morning  in  Mr.  James  Lowsons  house,  to  write  the 
"  heads  and  articles  concerning  the  jurisdiction  of  the  Kirk,  therafter  to 
"  present  the  same  to  the  Assembly,  to  the  effect  that  resolution  therof 
"  may  be  had  at  my  Lord  Regent  his  Grace  his  hand."  These  articles 
in  some  few  Assemblys  came  to  grow  up  into  the  Second  Book  of  Disci- 
pline ;  meanwhile  as  I  have  notticed  on  severall  of  these  Lives  the  Assem- 
bly declares  that  Bishops  jurisdiction  exceeds  not  that  of  Superintendants, 
and  that  they  are  subject  to  the  Generall  Assembly  in  all  points,  from 
which  we  may  gather,  Mr.  James  Boyd,  as  his  son  observes,  entred  on 
the  Archbishoprick  of  Glasgow,  as  a  politicall  rather  than  pastorall  office, 
and  was  free  from  prelaticall  ambition,  and  went  in  with  his  bretheren  in 
p-  7-  all  the  restrictions  and  limitations  put  upon  the  Tulchan  Bishops, 

injunctions  In  that  same   Assembly,   Session  4.      "  The    Generall   Assembly 

by5  Assembly!  "  ordean  the  Bishop  of  Glasgow  to  take  order  with  John  Hamiltoun,  son 
March,    1574,  <(  t   umqhile  Sir  William  Hamiltoun  and  to  give  him  injunctions  for  satis- 

as  to  Hamilton  ^  _  .  .  tt       1_ 

and  Car-  <<  fying  of  the  Kirk  of  Mauchline;  and  his  complices,  John  Dumbar,  Hugh 
"  Ferquhar,  Patrick  Hamiltoun  of  Linnerhaugh,  William  Dumbar,  por- 
"  tioner  of  Tarbolton,  David  Blair  parishoner  of  Munktoun,  being  often 


ARCHBISHOP  BOYD.  213 

"  called  and  not  compearing,  the  Assembly  ordeaned  the  said  Bishop  of 
"  Glasgow  to  direct  his  precepts  to  the  Ministers  or  readers  of  the  for- 
"  said  Kirks,  wher  the  forsaids  persons  dwell,  to  admonish  them  and 
"  every  one  of  them  respective  in  their  own  parish  Kirk,  to  satisfy  the 
"  Kirk  of  Mauchlin  for  the  offence  done  to  the  said  Kirk,  under  the 
"  pain  of  excomunication,  and,  in  case  of  disobedience  of  the  saids  persons 
"  or  any  of  them,  that  he  give  commandment  to  the  saids  Ministers  or 
"  readers  wher  the  saids  disobedients  dwell,  to  pronounce  the  sentence 
"  of  excomunication  against  them,  according  to  the  order  appointed  in 
"  the  Book  of  excomunication  ;  and  in  the  5  Session,  the  Assembly 
"  ordaineth  the  Bishop  of  Glasgow  to  take  order  with  John  Carmichel, 
"  Captain  of  Crauford,  now  submitting  himself  to  the  discipline  of  the 
"  Kirk,  for  adultery  committed  by  him,  and  to  receive  him  to  publick 
"  repentance,  according  to  the  Acts  of  Assembly  heretofore  made  against 
"  the  committers  of  such  crimes."  Whither  the  Bishop  was  negligent  as 
to  these  criminalls,  or,  which  is  charitably  to  be  hoped,  that  he  needed 
the  Assemblys  interposing  their  authority,  I  cannot  say.  I  only  insert 
them  that  we  may  see  the  work  the  Bishops  had  laid  on  them  at  this 
time. 

At  the  next  Assembly,  Agust,  1574,  it  seems  complaints  wcr  made  of    His  a"s7er 

.  .  .  to     complaint, 

the  Bishops  neglect  in  his  work  ;  he  ingeniously  ouned  things  as  they  stood.  Assembly,  A- 

"  Session  1.     In  the  tryall  of  Bishops,  and  Superintendants,  and  Com- s"s ' 

"  missioners,  the  Bishop  of  Glasgow  granted  that  he  had  not  exactly 

"  done  his  duty,  alledging  the  cause  therof  to  have  been  his  occupation 

"  in  the  temporall  affairs  of  the  Bishoprick,  and  hearing  Ministers  preach 

"  at  their  own  Kirks,  and  promised  amendment  in  time  coming."     At 

that  same  Assembly,  in  the  7th  Session,  he  agrees  to  an   Act  anent 

Bishops,  Superintendants,  and  Commissioners  of  Kirks,  who  shall  be  found 

negligent  in  their  office,  or  do  not  their  dutifull  discharge,  either  in  their 

visitation,  doctrine,  or  life,   "  That  they  shall  be  punished  and  corrected 

"  according  to  the  quality  of  their  faults,  either  by  admonition,  publick 

"  repentance,  deprivation  for  a  time,  or  deprivation  simpliciter  at  the  sight 

"  of  the  Generall  Assembly." 

As  I  take  it,  his  former  harmonious  concurrence  with  the  rest  of  the    "e  is  chose" 

■mw.    .  .         n     i      -  Moderator      ot 

Ministers  m  all  their  steps  toward  a  further  perfection  in  the  discipline  the  Assembly, 

r  r  March,  1575. 


214  ARCHBISHOP    BOYD. 

procured  him  that  respect  as  to  be  chosen  Moderator  of  the  next  Gen- 
erall  Assembly  which  met  at  Edinburgh,  March  7>  1575.  The  registers 
say,  James  Bishop  of  Glasgow  was  chosen  Moderator.  As  far  as  I  have 
observed  he  is  the  only  Tulchan  Bishop  that  ever  was  chosen  Moderator 

p-  8-  of  any  Generall  Assembly,  after  Prelacy  came  in  directly.     The  Bishops 

in  the  few  Assemblys  we  had  in  their  time  claimed  by  virtue  of  their 
office  to  moderat,  but  now  nothing  of  that  nature  was  pretended,  and  its 
but  seldom  that  even  Superintendants  moderated  in  our  Assemblys  and 
still  by  choice,  and  I  do  not  find  that  either  Mr.  Patrick  Adamson,  or 
any  other  of  their  titular  Bishops  wer  ever  chosen,  and  that  the  Bishop 
was  pitched  on  for  Moderator  at  this  time  when  the  Assemblys  wer 
mostly  taken  up  in  censuring,  and  processing  the  more  corrupt  Bishops, 
and  gradually  going  on  to  the  abolishing  of  the  order,  is  a  good  proof  of 
what  his  son  sayes  of  him,  and  that  he  was  of  the  same  sentiments  with 
the  rest  of  the  ministry. 

Censured  and  Even  when  Moderator,  I  find  him  removed  and  censured  with  the 

his  answers  to  _    "    _-.  n  •  l  i    /"i  i 

complaints  a.  rest  of  the  Bishops,  bupenntendants,  and  Commissioners.  "Session  2, 
this  Assembly.'  "  the  Bishop  of  Glasgow  being  removed,  it  was  complained  that  sundry 
"  papists  within  his  bounds  are  adjoyned  to  the  Kirk,  and  yet  do  not 
"  communicat,  and  that  a  great  number  of  Kirks  within  his  diocie  are 
"  ruinous.  To  the  first  he  answered,  that  it  was  true,  but  he  desired 
"  the  Assembly  to  prescribe  such  order  and  discipline,  as  should  be 
"  used  against  them,  which  he  promised  to  follow.  As  to  the  ruinous 
"  Kirks,  he  said  it  was  not  in  his  power  to  repair  the  same,  albiet  he  had 
"  used  the  comon  order  for  rectifying  them."  At  this  Assembly  further 
steps  are  taken,  in  order  to  limite  Bishops.  In  their  tenth  Session,  they 
ordeaned  an  article  to  be  given  in  to  those  who  have  the  policy  and 
jurisdiction  of  the  Kirk  among  their  hands,  that  none  be  elected  or 
presented  to  a  Bishop,  till  the  Assembly  take  tryall  of  his  doctrine  by  a 
proof  of  it  before  themselves,  and  discharge  and  inhibit  all  chapters  to 
elect  till  the  Assembly  interpose,  as  said  is. 
ters ""t"0' eve'y  Upon  the  opening  of  this  Assembly,  application  was  made  to  the 

parish  to   ad-  Regent,  and  council,  and  estates,  for  an  Act  oblidging  every  parish  to 

vance  five  o         '  o      o  j    r 

pounds     Scots  take  one  of  [the]  bibles  at  this  time  printing  by  the  contract  betwixt  the 
wbie.Viu'a'rch5,  Assembly  and  Mrs.   Arbuthnot  and  Bassanden  printers,  of  which  ther 


ARCHBISHOP    BOYD.  215 

are  fuller  accounts  in  Mr.  Alexander  Arbuthnots  Life.     I  have  before  1573,  from  the 

me  an  originall  Act  of  Council  made  upon  this  application,  which  pro-  the      Bishops 

bably  was  given  to  the  Bishop  being  Moderator  of  this  Assembly.     Its  l'aveTS- 

in  a  very  fair  hand,  which  comes  very  near  print,  and  runs  thus:  "  James, 

"  be  the  Grace  of  God  King  of  Scottis,  to  our  Lovits  Messengers, 

"  our  Schiriffis  in  that  part  conjunctlie  and  severallie  speciallie  constitute, 

"  greeting,  Forasmuch  as  our  richt  trustie  cousing  James  Earle  of  Mor- 

"  toun,  Lord  of  Dalkeith,  Regent  to  us,  our  realme,  our  leidges,  nobilitie, 

"  estaits   and    Lords    of    our   privie    Counsel,     presentlie    conveened, 

"  understanding  be  the  supplication  of  the  Bishoppis,  Superintendentis 

"  and  Commissioners  of  the  Diocies  within  our  Realme,  how  greatlie  it 

"  sail  tend  to  the  advancement  of  the  true  religioun,  and  instructioun 

"  of  the  people  professing  the  same  within  our  Realme,  that  in  everilk 

"  paroche  Kirke  there  be  a  byble  remaining  in  sic  form  as  sail  be  thocht 

"  expedient  be  the  Kirke  and  allouit  and  set  furth  be  our  authoritie,  and 

"  that  thair  is  gude  characteris  and  printing  irins  alreadie  within  our 

"  Realme,   proper  and  sufficient  for  wirking  and  imprinting  the  said 

"  bible:  and  that  5k  the  charge  and  hesard  of  the  wark  will  be  great  and 

"  sumptouse,  and  may  not  weil  be  performit  without  everie  parochin,  als 

"  weil  to  burgh  as  to  landart,  advance  the  soume  of  five  poundis,  viz., 

"  for  the  price  of  the  said  bible,  weel  and  sufficientlie  bounde  in  paist 

"  or    tymmen,   four    poundis    xiij    sh.   and   viij  pennies,  and    for    the 

"  collection  the  uther  sax  shillings  and  audit  pennies :     Theirfor  our 

"  saids  Regent,  Nobility  and  Estaits  and  Counsile,  allouing  of  the  said 

"  overture,  and  willing  to  extend  our  authoritie  to  the  furtherance  thair- 

"  of,  has  ordeaned  that  the  said  soume  sail  be  collectit  of  everie  parochine 

"  be  the  Bischoppis,  Superintendents,  and  Commissioneris  of  sic  personnis 

"  as  they  sail  appoint  to  the  collectioun  thairof,  and  the  same  inbrocht 

"  and  deliverit  to   Alexander   Arbuthnot  burgess   of  Edinburgh,    the 

"  furnissar  of  the  said  wark,  betwixt  and  the  first  day  of  July  next  to 

"  cume,  and  has  commandit  thir  our  letteris  to  be  direct  to  that  effect; 

"  Our  will  is  heirfor  and  we  charge  you  straitlie  and  commands,  that 

"  incontinent  thir  our  letteris  seen,  3e  pass  and  in  our  name  and  author- 

"  itie    command  and  charge  the  principallis  and   headismen   of  every 

"  parochine,  alsweil  to  burgh  as  landwart,  to  collect  and  contribute  the 


216  ARCHBISHOP    BOYD. 

"  said  soume  of  five  poundis  within  the  parochine,  and  deliver  the  same 
"  to  the  Biscop,  Superintendent,  or  Commissioner  of  the  diocie,  or  sic 
"  as  sail  be  appointed  be  him  to  ressave  the  same  within  ten  dayes  after 
"  the  [thai]  be  charged  be  3011  thairto,  to  the  effect  the  same  may  be 
"  inbrocht  with  diligence,  and  deliverit  to  the  said  Alexander  Arbuthnot 
"  betwixt  and  the  said  first  day  of  July,  under  the  pain  of  rebellion  and 
"  putting  thame  to  our  home;  and  thai  failzie  thairin,  the  said  ten  dayes 
"  being  past,  that  ge  incontinent  therafter  denounce  them  our  rebellis 
"  and  put  them  to  our  home  and  escheit,  and  inbring  all  their  moveable 
"  gudes  to  our  use,  for  thair  contemptioun,  as  3e  will  answer  to  us  thair- 
"  upon.  The  whilke  to  do  we  committ  to  you  conjunctlie  and  severallie 
"  our  full  power  be  thir  our  letteris,  delivering  them  be  you  dulie  execut 
"  and  indorsat  be  [to]  the  bearer.  Given  under  our  hand,  at  Halyrude- 
"  hous,the  aught  day  of  March,  and  of  our  reigne  the  aught  5eir,  1575. 

M  Per  Actum  Secreti  Consilii." 

Letter  to  the  it  seems  ther  was  some  opposition  made  to  the  Archbishop,  in  his 

May  22,  1575,  lifting  his  rents,  by  his  bailay  the  Laird  of  Aplegirth,  upon  which,  by 
posmon^maSe  Mr.  William  Scot  of  Eli,  he  applied  to  the  Regent  for  remeed.  I  have 
by  his  tennants.  jyj,.  Scots  originall  letter  to  him  on  this  head,  which  is  all  I  know  of  the 
matter,  and  insert  it  as  followes.  Its  direct  to  my  Lord  of  Glasgow. 
"  My  Lord.  After  my  humble  comendations  of  service,  please  witt,  I 
"  resaived  your  L.  letter  upon  Friday  at  nyne  hours,  the  20  instant  of  this 
"  moneth,  at  which  time  the  tyde  was  past.  On  the  morn  therafter  I  passed 
"  to  Aberdour,  and  delivered  to  John  Boyd  of  Bonshaw  his  letter,  and  to 
"  my  L.  Regents  G.  the  uther  letter,  anent  the  contents  of  whilk  I  spake 
"  with  my  L.  Regent's  Grace  on  the  sea  side  on  Sunday,  for  on  Saturday 
"  I  met  not  with  his  G.  be  reason  of  his  sicknes.  When  I  spake  to  his  G., 
"  he  lamented  the  creuel  handling  of  your  L.  tennants,  and  said  he  should 
"  put  order  thairunto  according  to  Justice.  Further  his  G.  condescendit 
"  in  speciall  with  me,  that  if  your  L.  should  hereafter  constitute  and 
"  make  any  other  gentlman  than  the  Laird  of  Appilgirth  bailay  of  your 
"  lands  of  Stobo  and  Edliston,  that  should  cause  great  trouble  in  the 
"  country,  for  then  should  Appilgirth  travail  by  all  means  possible  to 
"  wrack  and  slay  that  bailay  made  by  your  L.  and  to  oppress  your  L. 


ARCHBISHOP   BOYD.  217 

"  tennants,  like  as  the  bailay  made  by  your  L.  would  labour  to  revenge 
"  the  injuries  done  by  Appilgirth  to  your  L.  and  your  tennants,  whilks 
"  inconvenients  movit  my  L.  Regents  G.  It  sail  please  your  L.  to 
"  resave  his  Grace  his  writing  wherby  ye  sail  persave  and  understand 
"  his  G.  mind  theranent.  The  matter  being  weighty  and  of  great 
"  consequence,  I  belive  litle  can  be  done  therin,  while  your  L.  speak 
"  with  my  L.  Regent's  G.  coram,  for  when  I  delivered  him  the  bill, 
"  he  shewed  me  that  he  did  not  remember  that  your  L.  had  spoken  to 
"  him  anent  the  contents  of  your  L.  letter  of  before  in  Hallyroodhouse. 
"  Thomas  Bassanden  has  not  your  L.  twa  psalmes  buikes  ready ;  how 
"  soon  they  be  in  readines,  I  sail  send  them  to  your  L.  by  the  coming 
"  betwixt.  Gilbert  Charteris  suspends  to  write  to  your  L.  while  he 
"  speak  with  Mr.  James  Charteris  whom  he  looks  for  in  harvest. 
"  Cuthbert  Richardson  the  pursevant  is  not  3et  come  hame,  his  wife 
"  shaues  me  that  he  is  gane  to  Dumfreice.  No[t]  troubling  your  L.  with 
"  langer  writting,  I  commit  your  L.  to  the  protection  of  the  Eternal  1. 
"  At  Edinburgh  the  22  of  Maij,  1575,  be  your  L.'s 

"  Maist  humble  and  obedient  servitor, 

"  Mr.  William  Scot." 

"  Thus,  at  haist  at  four  hours  after  dinner,  for  dispatching   the 
"  bearer,  I  refer  all  to  your  L.  wisdome." 

At  the  next  Assembly,  Agust,  1575,  in  the  trval  of  Bishops,  and     Procedure  a- 

.      .      °  .  .  ,  bout    him,  As- 

Superintendants,  and  Commissioners,  "the  Bishop  of  Glasgow  was  exhorted  sembiy,  Agust, 
"  to  be  diligent  in  preaching,  which  was  neglected  be  him."  No  doubt 
he  took  the  Assemblys  exhortation,  tho  its  probable  his  not  being  accus- 
tomed to  it  would  make  publick  discourses  the  more  difficult  to 
him.  Immediatly  after  this,  when  the  Assembly  were  going  on  to  the 
tryall  of  the  Bishop  of  Dunkeld,  Mr.  Row,  as  we  will  see  in  his  Life, 
made  the  knowen  protestation  that  the  tryal  of  Bishops  prejudge  not  the 
opinions  and  reasons  which  he  and  other  bretheren  of  his  mind  had  to 
oppone  against  the  office  and  name  of  a  Bishop.  What  followed  on  this, 
will  be  seen  in  severall  of  the  Lives  here. 


218  ARCHBISHOP    BOYD. 

Complaints  Mr.  John  Row  is  chosen  Moderator  of  the  next  Assembly,  Aprile, 

huanlt"  a*  1576,  and  there,  Session  1,  "  The  Bishop  of  Glasgow  being  removed 
sembiy,  Aprile,  it  was  delated  for  not  preaching  in  the  Town  of  Glasgow,  since  he  entered 
"  upon  his  office,  and  that  he  was  alwise  rare  in  preaching,  howbeit  he 
11  was  thought  diligent  in  visitation  ;  second,  that  no  injunctions  wer 
"  given  to  adulterers  delated  to  him,  nor  they  summoned  to  receive 
"  injunctions ;  third,  that  Kirks  within  his  diocess  wer  not  repaired ; 
"  fourth,  that  he  hath  no  particular  flock ;  and  fiftly,  being  required 
"  before  his  removing  by  the  Moderator  to  render  the  commission  of 
"  visitation  he  had  in  the  hands  of  the  Assembly,  he  answered  not 
"  directly,  but  that  he  would  do  reason.  Being  called  in  again  he 
"  answered  to  the  first,  preaching  is  the  good  gift  of  God,  which  is  not 
"  equally  bestowed  upon  all,  and  excused  himself  that  he  was  not  so  able 
p.  9.  "  nor  so  liberally  dotted  with  understanding  as  others ;  alwise  he  added 

"  that  it  cannot  be  denyed  that  he  preached,  especially  at  Govan  and 
"  other  Kirks,  and  was  willing  to  do  his  duty :  to  the  second,  that  if 
44  the  particulars  wer  expressed  he  could  answer,  but  remembers  not 
««  that  he  hath  failed  as  that  head  proports :  to  the  third,  he  granted 
"  the  Kirks  wer  not  repaired,  and  complains  therof  as  the  Assembly 
"  does  :  fourthly,  that  he  received  no  particular  flock  at  his  entry  to  his 
"  office,  nor  no  question  was  moved  therupon,  but  if  the  Assembly 
"  think  he  should  be  astricted  to  a  particular  flock,  he  should  either 
"  obey  the  ordinance  of  the  Assembly  therin,  or  give  place  to  others: 
"  to  the  fifth,  that  if  the  Assembly  findeth  that  the  commission  which 
"  he  hath  should  endure  from  year  to  year,  he  is  content  with  the 
«•  censure  of  the  Assembly." 
This  Assem-  This  Assembly  come  to  strick  at  the  office  of  Bishops,  as  exercised 

blvs   Act  about  i  .  n  t     •  a       l  i  •  J 

Bishops  and  in  the  Church  since  the  convention  of  Leith.  And  because  its  connected 
toqU'take  ""the  with  their  procedure  with  Mr.  James  Boyd,  Fie  give  it  here,  tho  the  sub- 
charge  of  a  par-  stance  0f  wnat  they  did  stands  in  Mr.  Row,  the  Laird  of  Dun,  and  others 

ticular  flock.  J  .... 

of  thir  Lives.  In  the  2d  Session,  the  Assembly  come  to  this  resolution. 
"  Anent  the  advice  and  opinion  of  the  Bretheren,  given  in  the  last 
"  Assembly,  concerning  the  question  moved,  if  Bishops,  as  they  now 
"  stand  in  Scotland,  have  their  functions  out  of  the  Word  of  God  ; 
"  the  whole  Assembly,  for  the  greatest  part,  after  long  disputation  upon 


ARCHBISHOP   BOYD.  219 

"  every  Article  of  the  said  Bretherens  advice  and  opinion,  absolutely 
"  affirmed  and  approved  the  same  and  every  Article  therof,  as  the  same 
"  is  given  be  them,  the  tennor  wherof  is  also  here  repeted  : 

"  '  First,  the  name  of  a  Bishop  is  common  to  all  them  that  have  a 
"  •  particular  flock,  over  the  which  he  hath  a  particular  charge,  as  well  to 
"  '  preach  the  word  as  to  minister  the  Sacraments  and  to  execute  the 
"  *  Ecclesiasticall  discipline,  with  consent  of  the  Elders,  and  this  is  his 
"  '  chief  function  of  the  Word  of  God,  out  of  which  number  may  be 
"  '  chosen  some  to  have  power  to  oversee  and  visit  such  reasonable  bounds, 
"  *  besides  his  own  flock,  as  the  Generall  Assembly  shall  appoint ;  and  in 
"  '  these  bounds  to  appoint  Ministers  with  consent  of  the  Ministers  of  that 
"  '  province,  and  the  consent  of  the  flock  whom — to  they  shall  be  appointed, 
"  '  as  well  as  to  appoint  Elders  and  Deacons  to  every  congregation  wher 
"  «  ther  is  none,  with  consent  of  the  people  therof,  and  to  suspend  Min- 
"  '  isters  for  reasonable  causes  with  consent  of  the  Ministers  forsaid  : 
"  '  and  to  the  effect  that  the  said  articles  condescended  to  by  the  said  Kirk 
"  '  maybe  the  better  followed  out,  and  ready  execution  ensue  therupon  as 
"  '  apperteans,  ordeans  the  Bishops  who  have  not  as  yet  received  the 
"  '  charge  of  a  particular  congregation  to  condescend  on  the  morn  what 
"  t  particular  flocks  they  will  accept  to  take  the  care  of.' 

According  to  this  Act,  in  the  5th  Session,   "  the  Bishop  of  Glasgow     The  BishoP8 

t>  1  o  answer  to    the 

"  being  enquired  if  he  would  accept  of  a  particular  charge  or  flock,  or  demand  of  ac- 

i  .  .  .  i         a  ii  mi         i       ■  cepting  a  parti- 

"  not,  gave  in  his  answer  m  write  to  the  Assembly  :    '  1  hat  he  is  content  cuiar  charge  at 

"  ■  untill  the  next  Assembly  unbound  to  travail  with  some  several  par-  ^J3™6  «£*" 

"  t  ishes  at  such  time  as  his  laizour  and  other  necessary  causes  will  per- sion  •"'• 

"  *  mitt,  providing  he  be  not  astricted  to  the  said  congregation,  and  at  the 

"  '  next  Assembly  he  shall  give  his  answer,  whither  he  will  accept  of  a 

"  ■  particular  flock  or  not,  and  if  he  refuse,  the  Kirk  not  to  reprove  him 

"  <  for  his  last  promise,  and  if  he  accept  one,  the  samine  shall  be  at  his 

"  '  own  option,  and  shall  have  another  to  assist  him  in  the  ministry  of  the 

"  '  said  flock,  because  of  his  visitations  and  other  charges,  and  also  that 

"  '  the  said  Bishop  shall  not  be  precluded  of  his  office,  accustomed  in  the 

"  '  rest  of  the  parts  of  his  diocie,  and  service  of  the  King,  conform  to  the 

"  '  first  admission,  and  desired  thir  things  to  be  allowed  by  the  Assembly 

"  '  now  present.'     The  Generall  Assembly  continoues  him  in  the  office 


220  ARCHBISHOP   BOYD. 

"  of  visitation  of  the  bounds  which  he  had  before,  to  the  next  Assem- 
"  bly." 
£•  i0-  This  answerof  the  Bishops  seems  to  be  just  a  delay  of  the  matter  till  the 

declaration  to  next  Assembly.  His  strait  was  evident  enough  howto  answer  the  requisition 
October,  1576.'  of  the  Assembly,  now  that  the  Church  was  indeed  on  the  matter  changing 
what  had  been  agreed  to  at  the  convention  of  Leith,  and  was  never  fully  rati- 
fyed,  yea,  in  some  measure  protested  against,  at  the  succeeding  Generall 
Assemblys,  which  it  seems  he  was  willing  enough  to  comply  with,  and  yet 
on  the  other  side  it  was  difficult  for  him  to  get  rid  of  his  promises  at  his 
admission  to  the  office  of  a  Bishop.  How  to  steer  an  even  and  steady  course 
betwixt  the  two  was  not  easy  especially  at  present,  before  the  Church  had 
fully  declared  their  mind  upon  the  jurisdiction  of  the  Kirk,  and  had  not 
ended  the  Second  Book  of  Discipline.  Under  this  strait,  the  Bishop  did  not 
hedge,  but  (which  I  do  not  observe  in  the  rest  of  the  Titular  Bishops) 
still  punctually  keeped  the  Assemblys,  and  went  all  the  lenth  he  could 
to  satisfy  them.  Accordingly,  at  the  next  Assembly,  October,  1576,  he 
was  present  and  gave  the  following  answer  according  to  his  promise. 
"  Session  8.  Anent  the  requisition  of  the  Assembly  made  to  James, 
"  Bishop  of  Glasgow,  to  give  his  answer  if  he  will  accept  the  charge  of  a 
"  particular  flock  and  visitation  of  such  bounds  as  the  Assembly  should 
"  think  good  and  appoint  unto  him,  conform  to  the  Articles  concluded  in 
"  the  Assembly,  the  said  Bishop,  being  present,  exhibited  to  the  Kirk  his 
"  answer  hereunto  in  write  asfollowes  :  '  Forasmeikle  as  its  not  unknown 
"  '  to  thair  Wisdomes  that  they  gave  commission  and  charge  to  certain 
"  '  learned,  godly,  and  discreet  Bretheren  of  the  Ministry,  and  others 
"  *  elders  of  the  Kirk,  to  commune,  treat,  conclude,  and  agree  with 
"  '  certain  other  noblmen,  Commissioners  from  the  King's  Majesty  and 
"  *  John  umphile  Earle  of  Marr  his  Regent,  at  which  conference  it 
"  '  was  agreed  by  the  whole  Commissioners  of  the  King,  as  well  as  the 
"  '  Kirk,  anent  the  name,  stile,  power,  and  jurisdiction  of  Bishops,  with 
"  '  the  form  and  manner  of  their  instituting,  ordeaned  to  stand  and 
"  '  remain,  while  the  King's  Majesties  years  of  minority,  or  at  least  while 
"  '  a  Parliament  should  otherwise  decide,  and  conform  to  the  order  therin 
"  '  contained,  he  was  received  in  the  said  Bishoprick  of  Glasgow,  and 
"  '  made  his  sermont  (oath)  to  the  King's  Majesty,  in  things  pertaining 


ARCHBISHOP   BOYD.  221 

"  '  to  his  Highnes,  and  so  if  he  should  change  or  alter  any  thing  per- 

"  '  taining  to  the  order,  manner,  priviledges,  or  power  of  the  samine,  he 

"  '  should  be  affrayed  to  incur  perjury,  and  might  be  called  by  the  Kings 

"  '  Majesty  for  changing  an  member  of  his  Estate.     But  to  the  effect 

"  '  their  Wisdoms  may  know  he  desires  not  to  be  exeemed  from  travail 

"  «  and  bestowing  of  such  gifts  as  God  has  communicat  to  him,  he  is 

"  '  content  at  their  command  to  haunt  to  a  particular  Kirk,  and  to  teach 

"  '  therat,  when  he  dwells  in  the  shire  of  Air,  and  that  be  discretion  and 

"  '  at  sight  of  the  Bretheren  of  that  Country,  and  when  he  is  in  Glasgow  to 

"  '  exercise  likewise  at  some  part  wher  the  Bretheren  there  think  it  most 

"  '  necessary,  and  to  abide  their  judgments  of  his  diligence  in  that  behalf, 

"  '  without  binding  him  anyway  or  prejudging  the  power  and  jurisdiction 

"  '  which  he  received  with  the  said  Bishoprick,  unto  the  time  prescribed 

"  *  in  the  said  conference,  that  further  order  be  taken  by  [the]  whole 

"  '  estates  of  parliament  theranent,  at  which  time  he  shall  be  content  with 

"  '  all  good  Reformation  as  shall  be  found  expedient  ;'  which  answer 

"  being  read,  the  Assembly  continoued  and  continoues  the  said  Bishop 

"  in  the  visitation  of  the  bounds  which  he  had  before  to  the  nixt  Assem-     s.  LI. 

"  bly,  and  as  to  the  particular  Kirk,  the  Assembly  is  content  that  he  take 

"  the  care  of  a  particular  flock,  as  is  mentioned  in  his  answer  till  the  next 

"  Assembly." 

The  Bishop,  it   seems,  fully  satisfyed   the  ministers   of  the   west     He  is  found 

_.  n  ,  aiia'i  t0  have  fulfilled 

country  as  to  his  engagements,  tor  at  the  next  Assembly,  Aprue,  1577>  his  declaration 
Session  5,  "  Concerning  the  Bishop  of  Glasgow  his  diligence  and  feed-  ^y  ^ITri7' 
"  ing  of  a  particular  flock,  as  was  promised  in  the  last  Assembly  before, 
"  it  was  found  by  report  and  witnessing  of  the  Country  and  Commissioners 
"  therof,  that  he  had  keeped  his  promise  theranent  for  which  the  Assem- 
"  bly  praised  God,  and  required  further  that  he  should  accept  of  a  parti- 
"  cular  flock  in  time  coming,  conform  to  the  order  and  acts  of  the 
"  Generall  Assembly,  and  he  willingly  agreed  therunto." 

In  the  beginning  of  the  next  year,  the  King  took  the  Government     Kings  letter 
in  his  own  hand,  and  among  the  first  acts  of  his  Regall  power,  he  by  j°4i  'i™^  ar< 
Letters  put  a  stope  to  a  meeting  of  the  Commissioners  of  the  Assembly 
with  some  of  the  Nobility  and  Council  for  getting  the  civil  sanction  to  the 
Second  Book  of  Discipline,  now  finished  by  the  Assembly.     Letters  wer 


222  ARCHBISHOP    BOYD. 

writ  to  all  the  Members  ;  the  originall  to  [the]  Bishop  is  before  me  ;  its  di- 
rected to  the  Archbishop  of  Glasgow,  it  runs:  "Reverend  Fader,  We 
"  greet  you  well.  Understanding  that  3e  and  some  utherswer  appointed 
"  by  our  trustie  cousing  the  Earle  of  Mortoun,  late  Regent  of  the 
"  Realme,  to  have  conveened  at  Edinburgh  the  20  day  of  March  instant, 
"  to  conferr  concerning  the  policy  of  the  Kirk,  notwithstanding  we  have, 
"  upon  good  and  weighty  considerations,  sensyne  accepted  the  Govern- 
"  mentofour  Realme  upon  ourself,  by  advice  of  our  Nobility  and  Estates 
"  conveened,  and  we  and  they  being  presently  occupyed  in  directing  of 
"  sic  matters  as  can  suffer  no  delay,  that  errand  on  which  ye  and  severall 
"  others  should  meet,  requiring  good  laizourand  advised  deliberation,  we 
"  think  it  convenient  therfor  that  ye  sail  stay  travailing  for  that  purpose 
"  at  this  time,  and  await  on  it  upon  our  advertishment,  so  soon  as  we  sail 
"  find  the  time  proper  therfor.  Thus  we  committ  you  to  God.  At  our 
"  castle  of  Striviling,  the  xiiij  day  of  March,  1575  [1578?]. 

«  James  R." 

Complaint,  Matters  continoued  in  this  state  with  him  for  some  time.     In  the 

with   his  an-  year  1573    the  King  took  the  government  in  his  own  hand,  and  the 

swer,     Assem-  ^  ~  ~ 

hiy,  Apiiie,  Earl  Mortoun  had  not  that  influence  which  formerly  he  had,  in  the 
Assembly  which  conveened  after  this  turn  in  the  state.  "  In  the  third 
"  Session,  George  Johnstoun  minister  of  Ancrum  compleaned  upon  Mr. 
"  James  Boyd,  that  he  being  minister  at  Ancrum  these  five  or  six  years 
"  by  past,  the  said  Mr.  James,  upon  a  presentation  directed  to  him,  gave 
"  collation  to  Mr.  Hector  Douglas  of  the  personage  of  Ancrum,  howbiet 
''  the  benefice  lyeth  not  within  the  bounds  committed  by  the  Assembly 
"  to  his  visitation,  and  without  consent  also  of  the  visitors  in  that  part ; 
"  the  said  Mr.  James  declared  he  had  given  the  said  Mr.  Hector  colla- 
"  tion  of  the  said  personage,  and  had  made  the  Commissioners  forseen 
"  in  the  matter,  but  the  other  denyed  that  he  had  given  his  consent  to 
"  the  collation.  The  Assembly  finds  the  act  to  be  transgressed  by  the 
"  same  Mr.  James  Boyd,  and  ordeanes  the  same  to  be  keeped  in  times 
"  coming."  This  Assembly,  the  Book  of  Discipline  being  now  ended, 
find  that  Bishops  and  all  others  in  ecclesiasticall  function  be  called  by 
their  own  names  or  bretheren,  and  conclude  that,  because  ther  is  great 


ARCHBISHOP    BOYD.  223 

corruption  in  the  office  of  Bishops,  that  none  be  elected  till  next  As- 
sembly. 

In    the    Assembly,    October,    157S,     "  Session    3d.    Mr.    James     What  passed 

'  .  !_•!_•         about  him,  As- 

*i  Boyd  Commissioner  of  Kyle,  Carrict,  &c,  was  desired  to  submitt  him-  sembiy.October 

"  self  to  the  Generall  Assembly,  for  reformation  of  the  corruptions  in  the  157a 

"  estate  of  Bishops,  in  his  person,  according  to  the  Acts  of  Assembly. 

"  Further,  he  was  accused   of  negligence   in  visitation,  negligence   in 

"  preaching   at   the    Kirk    of  Oswald,  which  he  had  taken  to  be   his 

'1  particular  Kirk,  slacknes  in  discipline,  and  that  he  had  given  collation 

"  to  Mr.  Hector  Douglas  of  the  benefice  of  Ancrum,  with  command  to 

"  the  reader  to  give  him  institution  therof,  ther  being  another  minister 

«'  actually  serving  the  cure  at  the  said  Kirk.     To  the  first  demand  Mr. 

"  James  answered  he  understood  not  the  meaning  of  the  said  act,  for 

"  submission  alwise  he  was  content  to  offer  such  reasons  to  the  Modera- 

"  tor  and  the  bretheren  that  consult  with  him,  as  either  they  may  be 

"  satisfied  in   the    said   point,   or  by  their   better  reasons  he   may  be 

"  perswaded  to  yeild.     The  Assembly  appointed  him  to  be  present  with 

"  the  said  bretheren  and  Moderator,  upon  Munday  at  7  hours  in  the  morn- 

"  ing,  in   Mr.   James    Lawsons  gallery.      As  to  his  nonvisitation,   he 

"  granted  he  had  not  visited  Kyle  and  Cunningham,  for  deadly  feods 

"  there,  and  desired  to  be  disburdened  of  that  charge  and  his  visitation  to 

"  be  limited  to  him  about  Glasgow.     As  for  preaching,  he  had  preached     p.  12. 

"  at  the  Kirk  of  Oswald,  when  he  was  in  the  country,  and  other  times 

"  at  Glasgow,  and  craved  of  the  Assembly,   that  he  might  travail   at 

"  Glasgow.     As  to  the  last,  answered  that  he  keeped  the  common  form 

"  of  visitation." 

The  report  of  the  conference  he  desired  followes  next.     "  Session     The  Bishops 

,...  s  «..  Tr  answer    to  the 

"  5,  anent  the  submission  of  Mr.  James  Boyd  Commissioner  of  Kyle,  demand  of  the 
"Carrict,  and  Cuninghame  to  the  Generall  Assembly  conform  to  the  si  *nem5>  y'as  ets~ 
"Act  made  in  the  last  Assembly,  and  the  reasoning  had  by  him  with  1,is  v**&ae the 

J 7  o  ^  corruptions    01 

"  the  bretheren  and  Moderator,  the  forsaid   bretheren   being   present  the    state    of 
"  thought  it  best  he  publish  his  own  answer  to  the  whole  bretheren  for 
"  their  satisfaction.    He  gave  his  answers  in  write  as  followeth.    '  First, 
"  •  I  understand  the  name,  office,  and  modest  reverence  born  to  a  Bishop, 
"  '  to  be  lawfull  and  allowable  be  the  Scriptures  of  God,  and  being  elected 


224  ARCHBISHOP    BOYD. 

"  «  be  the  Kirk  and  King  to  be  Bishop  of  Glasgow,  I  esteem  my  office 
"  «  and  calling  lawfull.  As  anent  my  execution  of  that  charge  and  office 
"  '  committed  unto  me,  I  am  content  to  endeavour  at  my  uttermost  ability 
"  '  to  perform  the  same  and  every  point  therof,  and  to  abide  the  honourable 
"  •  judgments  of  the  Kirk  from  time  to  time  of  my  offending  by  my  duty, 
"  '  seing  the  charge  is  weighty,  and  in  laying  any  thing  to  be  laid  to  my 
"  '  charge,  to  be  examined  by  the  cannon  left  by  the  Apostle  to  Timothy, 
"  '  Epistle  Cap.  3.,  since  that  place  was  appointed  to  me  at  my  receiving,  to 
*'  '  understand  therefrathe  dutys  of  a  Bishop.  As  towards  my  livings  and 
"  '  rents,  and  other  things  granted  be  the  Prince  to  me  and  my  ancestors, 
"  '  for  my  serving  of  that  charge,  I  recon  the  same  lawfull.  As  to  my 
"  *  duty  to  the  supreme  Magistrat,  in  assisting  his  Grace  in  council  or 
"  '  Parliament,  being  craved  therunto,  I  esteem  I  am  bound  to  obey  the 
"  '  same,  and  that  it  is  no  hurt  but  a  weal  to  the  Kirk,  that  some  of  us 
"  '  and  of  our  number  be  at  the  making  of  good  lawes  and  ordinances. 
"  *  In  the  doing  wherof,  I  protest  before  God,  I  never  intend  to  do  any 
"  «  thing,  but  that  which  I  belive  may  stand  with  the  purity  of  the  Scriptures 
"  '  and  a  well  reformed  country ;  as  also  a  good  part  of  the  living  I 
"  '  bruik,  hath  been  given  for  that  cause.'  This  answer  being  read  in 
"  open  Assembly  and  considered,  after  votting  therof,  the  whole  bre- 
"  theren  judged  it  to  be  no  answer  to  the  Act,  nor  to  satisfy  the  intent 
"  therof;  alwise  he  was  required  to  return  at  afternoon  with  better 
"  advice."  What  his  answer  was  then  cannot  be  knowen,  because  severall 
leaves  are  torn  out  here  by  the  Archbishop  of  Saint  Andrews,  as  is  to  be 
seen  on  his  Life.  By  his  answers  being  torn  out,  one  would  think  that 
they  wer  displeasing  to  Bishop  Adamson,  and  more  satisfying  to  the 
Assembly.  I  shall  only  observe  that  at  this  Assembly,  in  the  8.  Session, 
its  agreed  that  all  Bishops  be  oblidged  to  be  reformed  from  all  corruptions 
in  ther  office,  according  to  the  Scriptures  at  sight  of  the  Assembly; 
that  they  be  pastors  of  one  flock,  usurp  no  criminall  jurisdiction  ;  that 
they  vote  not  in  the  Parliament  in  name  of  the  Kirk,  without  advice 
from  the  Kirk;  that  they  be  content  with  reasonable  livings;  that  they 
claim  not  the  title  of  Lords  temporall,  nor  usurp  temporall  jurisdiction, 
wherby  they  may  be  abstracted  from  their  office;  that  they  be  subject  to 
the  particular  elderships,  usurp  not  power  over  Presbitrvs,  nor  any  further 


ARCHBISHOP   BOYD.  225 

bounds  of  visitation  than  [the]  Kirk  committs  unto  them.  This  Assembly  p.  13. 
appoint  two  of  their  number  to  try  Mr.  Hector  Douglas,  who  find 
him  rude  in  the  principles  of  religion  and  at  lenth  deprive  him  of  all 
function  of  the  ministry,  as  unmeet  and  unable  for  the  same.  The 
Bishop  of  Glasgow,  they  observe,  had  not  tryed  him,  and  had  no  juris- 
diction as  to  Ancrum. 

The  Bishop  was  a  member  of  the  meeting  for  conference  upon  the     He  submits 

..,.  l-ixi  ■  r  it-1        (.intirely  to   the 

Book  or  Discipline,  which  1  have  given  accompt  or  upon  the  .Laird  or  Assembiy.juiy, 

Duns  Life  and  others,  wher  the  Bishops  and  those  nominat  by  the  King  l379- 

agreed  upon  every  thing  of  importance,  as  to  the  discipline.     At  the 

Assembly,  July,  1579,  the  Bishop  gave  them  full  satisfaction,  by  an  Act 

produced  by  Mr.  David  "Weems,  under  Mi-.  Boyds  hand.     He,  it  seems, 

had  been  appointed  by  the  former   Assembly  to  require  the   Bishops 

finall  answer.     "  Session  8,  anent  the  commission  given  to  Mr.  David 

"  Weems  (minister  of  Glasgow,)  to  charge  Mr.  James  Boyd  called  Bishop 

"  of  Glasgow,  to  remove  the  corruptions  of  the  state  of  a  Bishop  in  his 

"  person;  for  shewing  his  diligence  in  this  behalf,  the  said  Mr.  David 

"  produced  an  Act  subscribed  with  his  hand  dated  at  Glasgow,  June  8, 

"  1579,  wher  he  willing  agreed  to  the  Act  of  Assembly  made  at  Stirling, 

"  1578,  and  according  to  the  duty  of  all  faithfull  pastors,  he  submitts 

"  himself  in  all  points."     That  Assembly  appoint  him  commissioner  of 

Carrict. 

I  meet  with  very  litle  more  concerning  him.     The  Assembly,  July,    what  passed, 
1580,  continou  all  their  commissioners  till  next  Assembly,  save  Mr.  B1shop    dj.es! 
James  Boyd,  in   whose  room   they  place   Mr.   John   Young.     This   I Juue  8>  138L 
suppose  was  at  the  motion  of  the  Bishop,  who  desired  to  have  his  labours 
confyned  to  Glasgow.     In  the  next  Assembly,  October,  1580,  I  see  he  is 
named  with  severall  others  to  compear  before  the  Council,  November  15, 
and  crave  the  Kings  answers  to  the  Articles,  and  reason  and  conclude  with 
his  Majesty  and  Council  upon  those  subjects.     And  next  year,  in  June, 
Mr.  Calderwood  tells  us  James  Boyd  Bishop  of  Glasgow  deceased,  and  the 
Earle  of  Lennox  got  the  gift  of  the  Bishoprick.     He  obtruded  Mr.  Robert 
Hamiltoun  [Montgomery?]  upon  that  See,  with  nolitle  trouble  to  our  judi- 
catorys,  as  is  to  be  seen  in  our  printed  Historians.    He  was  a  most  unworthy 
person,  and  quite  the  reverse  of  what  Trochredge  appears  to  have  been. 

2  F 


226  ARCHBISHOP   BOYD. 

Hisman-iage  His  son,  as  we  have  seen,  observes,  that  he  dyed  just  at  the  time  when 

the  Church  declared  against  the  corruptions  of  the  office  he  was  in  for  about 
7  years,  and  I  observe  not  many  Bishops,  if  any,  since  the  Reformation, 
of  so  fair  a  character  for  integrity,  candor  and  moderation  as  he.  I  have 
already  given  somwhat  in  his  sons  character  of  him,  as  to  his  freindship 
with  Mr.  Andrew  Melvil,  and  I  see  Mr.  James  Melvil  observes,  that 
Bishop  Boyd  in  the  year  1571,  was  the  cheif  instrument  of  bringing  Mr. 
Andrew  Melvil  to  the  Colledge  of  Glasgow,  quher  indeed  he  restored 
3  See  Note  c-  learning  which  had  been  under  a  long  cloud  there,3  which,  with  Mr.  James 
his  large  character  of  the  Bishop  for  piety,  learning,  &c,  the  reader  hath 
on  Mr.  Andrew  Melvil  s  Life.  I  have  notticed  his  marriage  likewise 
from  his  sons  Philotheca,  and  I  shall  add  here  the  short  account  his  son 
gives  of  his  mother,  the  Bishops  wife,  Margaret  Chambers.  "  Quos  deus 
"  conjunxerat,  absit !  ut  in  hoc  amicorum  albo  sejungam.  Patrem  ergo 
"  laudatissimum  sequatur  jure  parentum  altera  adhuc  (1626)  superstes, 
p.  14.  "  pietate,  canitieq,,  veneranda ;  quippe  qua?  jam  octogenaria  jugi  rerum 
"  Divinaru  lectioni  precibusq^  vacans  assiduus,  deo  servire  studet  in 
"  spiritu;  curaq.,  rei  familiaris  ac  ruv  fiianzav  'utccptuv  jam  ante  annos 
"  quindecim  in  generum  liberosque  translata,  seinhoram  illam  uToXvrixrj!/ 
"  tota  componit  atque  ita  vere  vitam  aG%.riri?Mv,  etiam  citra  veli  votique 
"  monastici  vinculu,  intra  privatos  oratorii  sui  parietes  exercet."  Her  son 
honnors  her  memory  with  a  poem,  in  his  Philotheca,  and  then  adds  this 
account  of  his  brother  Thomas  :  "  Parentes  charissimos  merito  sequetur 
"  frater  germanus  non  sancta,  minus  amicitia  quam  sanguine  mihi  con- 
"  junctus,  qui  et  eadem  disciplina  domestica  iisdemq,  mecum  studiis 
"  imbutus,  et  ab  iisdem  preceptorib5  excultus,  in  eodem  semper  vixit 
"  contubernio,  meq,  sub  horam  fatal  em  assidente  piisque  sennonibus 
"  animu  ejus  fulciente  mitem  et  pacatii  deo  spiritu,  in  ipso  adolescentiae 
"  flore,  phthisi  et,  qua?  hanc  comitari  solet,  Hectica  febre  correptus,  cui 
"  nos  ante  annos  triginta  (about  the  year  1594*,)  sic  maesti  parentavimus." 
Then  followes :  "In  Thoma?  Bodii  summae  spei  adolescentis  ac  unici  fratris 
"  obitu  threnodia  paracletica,"  with  which  I  shall  not  swell  this  Life,  since 
its  a  pretty  long  poem.  It  seems  the  Bishop  had  no  other  sons  come  to 
age  but  this  youth,  and  Mr.  Robert  whose  Life  will  follow.  I  suppose  he 
had  daughters,  but  no  accounts  of  them  have  come  to  my  hands. 


ARCHBISHOP    BOYD.  227 

I  do  not  observe  that  the  Bishop  left  any  works  behind  him  in  MS.,  His  son's 
and  I  shall  end  my  account  of  him  with  his  sons  poem  at  his  death.  In  Bishop, 
his  Philotheca,  after  the  passage  insert  giving  the  Bishops  character  from 
Mr.  Davidson,  Mr.  Andrew  Melvil,  and  his  aunt  the  Lady  Carelton,  he 
goes  on  thus:  "  Interea  nos  ejus  (patris)  piam  memoriam  hoc  olim  Elogio 
"  prosecuti  sumus,  quod  vel  in  tuam  (Roberte  fill,)  gratiam  non  verebor 
"  ascribere,  etsi  cum  justa  juvenilis  retatis  excusatione  legendum  (siquis 
"  tamen  haec  quoq,  post  mea  fata  leget)  ut  et  sequentium  (in  Philotheca) 
"  pleraque,  quod  simul  et  semel  de  omnibus  monuisse  suffecerit. 

"  Ad  beatam  patris  sui,  D.  Jacobi  Bodii  a 
"  Trochregia,  Glasguensis  quondam  Dicecesea/s 
"  Antistitis  integerrimi,  memoriam  R.  Bodii 
"  a  Trochregia  filii  Hypomnema. 

"  En  munus,  genitor,  quale  superstites 

"  Unum  ferre  queunt  luce  parentibus 

"  Cassis,  ducta  humili  stamine  carmina. 

"  Quod  non  parca  tamen  prestitit  invida, 

"  Immunem  senii  proferet  ultimam 

"  Sors  ad  progeniem,  nomen  et  exteras 

"  In  gentes  Bodii  differet  inclyttim, 

"  Sceptrum  prostibuli  qui  Babylonici  p.  15. 

"  Non  postremus  humi  stravit  et  Albio 

"  Longa  nocte  diem  reddidit  obruto  ; 

"  Dum  non  mitriferi  coniua  verticis 

"  Ostentans,  et  opis  prodigus  irritae, 

"  Porrecto  populum  fascinat  Indise 

"  Non  fastu  titulorum,  aut  cruce  prasvia 

"  Elatus  graditur  ;  non  holoserici 

"  Exundante  tumet  syrmatis  ambitu, 

"  Dilatatq,,  sinus,  gestat  ut  Anglica 

"  In  portu  refluis  corbita  supparis  ; 

"  Non  queiscumq,,  suos  deniq^  septiceps 

"  Monstrum  degeneres  perdit  in  asseclas ; 


228  ARCHBISHOP    BOYD. 

"  Sed  virtutis  opes  arsit  amabiles 
**  Diviniq^  cluens  dotib3  ingenii. 
"  Mitratas  pecoris  tinxit  hirudines, 
"  Frontes  insolito  murice  ferreas  ; 
"  Coelestis  quatiens  fulgura  lampadis 
"  Per  fa?cunda  virum  rura  Caledonis  ; 
"  Scotorumq^  levi  martia  subdidit 
*'  Cbristi  colla  jugo,  colla  ter  inclyto 
"  Valla?,  et  magnanimis  pressa  Caractacis, 
"  Effaetuniq,,  diu  pra?sulis  arduum 
"  Conjunxit  propriis  nomen  honorib3. 
*«  Mens  ergo,  genitor,  nunc  tua  caelitum 
"  Claro  gestat  ovans  insita  ca?tui, 
"  At  nos,  aura  tui  nominis,  Indici 
"  Quo  non  spirat  honos  ruris  amcenius, 
**  Pennuleens  animos  recreat  anxios, 
"  Accensa?q>,  velut  praevia  lampadis 
"  Monstrat  flamma  viam,  nocte  sub  horrida 
"  Sic  quicunq,  tuas  triverit  orbitas, 
"  Culmen  certus  iter  pandet  Olympicii : 
"  Sed  me  cum  tacitis  pectora  gaudiis 
"  Exultant,  avidus  dum  pia  ruminor 
"  Vitae  exempla  tua?,  sanctus  inhospita 
"  Illuc  rapta  humo  fervor  et  impetus 
"  Explendi,  genitor,  lumina  fulgidi 
"  Vultus  luce  tui,  quem  rapuit  prius 
"  De  Pbcebes  gremio  parca  volubili, 
"  Quam  nos  licuit  nosse,  sed  axiuni 
"  Lapsu  flammiferum  praspete  sedibus 
P.  16.  «  Mox  tecum  a?thereis  compositus,  breves 

"  Quas  nunc  mente  moras  perfero  languida 
"  ^Etemi  redimam  temporis  usibus." 

His  succes-  The  writter  of  the  Appendix  to  Bishop  Spotswood  History  sayes,  that 

Bishoprick.      Bishop  Boyd  was  succeeded  by  Mr.  Robert  Montgommery,  of  which  I  shall 


ARCHBISHOP    BOYD.  229 

give  some  account  in  his  Life,  and  that  by  the  violence  of  the  Ministers 
he  was  forced  to  betake  himself  to  a  particular  Kirk,  and  resigned  in 
favour  of  Mr.  William  Erskin,  parson  of  Campsie. 

This  Mr.  Erskine,  it  seems,  was  admitted  by  the  Presbitery  of  Glas-  The  Assem- 
gow,  1587,  to  the  temporalitys  of  the  Bishoprick,  contrary  to  the  Acts  of  the  irregular 
Assembly,  from  their  fear  of  another  squable  with  the  King,  as  they  had  S^wnitam 
in  Mr.  R.  Montgomerys  case.     The  Generall  Assembly  which  met,  June,  Erskin>     Pa>- 

.....  ....  son  at  Campsie, 

1587,  take  nottice  of  this  irregular  admission,  and  I  shall  bring  in  what  to  the   Arch- 

they  did  on  it  here,  since  its  but  short.      "  Session  5.    Touching  the  Glasgow' junt, 

"  slander  of  the  admission  of  a  Bishop  lately  to  the  Bishoprick  of  Glasgow,  1387' 

"  by  all  order,  be  the  Bretheren  of  the  West,  the  Bretheren  thot  meet 

"  for  good  causes,  that  the  said  matter  be  first  opened  up  and  treated  in 

"  privy  conference  afternoon,  and  therafter  brot  before  the  whole  number 

"  for  satisfying  all  the  Bretheren.     Session  8.     Touching  the  admission 

"  of  a  Bishop  in  Glasgow  referred  to  the  Moderator  and  his  asessors,  the 

"  Moderator  and  Bretheren  declared  that  they  had  heard  the  said  Com- 

"  missioners  and  Presbitery,  and  the  whole  form  of  the  admission  of  the 

"  said  Bishop,  which  was  only  to  the  temporality,  the  ecclesiastick  juris- 

"  diction  being  devolved  by  him  in  the  Kirks  hands  with  such  conditions 

"  that  in  case  the  Generall  Assembly  should  not  allow  of  such  admission 

"  that  the  same  should  be  undone,  wherupon  his  obligation  remaineth; 

"  which  form,  albietthe  said  Bretheren  would  not  mentain  to  be  agreable 

"  to  the  Word,  nor  the  order  of  the  Kirk  heretofore  observed,  yet  they 

"  did  nothing  therin  of  mind  to  hurt  the   Kirk,  but  rather  to  preveen 

"  greater  inconveniencys  which  might  follow,  if  he  had  not  been  admitted, 

"  referring  them  herin  to  the  good  deliberation  of  the  whole  Assembly; 

"  which  matter  being  well  weighed  and  considered  by  the  full  number  of 

"  the  Bretheren,  albiet  they  understand  the  good  meaning  that  the  said 

"  Bretheren  had,  and  acknowledge  their  zeal  in  resisting  the  corruption 

"  of  the  times  past  in  that  Estate,  yet  in  conscience  they  universally  voted 

"  and  concluded  the  said  form   of  admission  to  be  unlawful!,  neither 

«  agreeing  with  the  Word  of  God,  nor  with  the  order  and  custome  of  the 

"  Kirk,  and  therfor  ordean  the  said  Bretheren,  admitters  of  the  said 

"  Bishop,  to  try  him  with  the  performance  of  the  said  obligation  and 

"  cause  the  said  admission  to  be  undone  and  annulled,  and  that  with  all 


230  ARCHBISHOP   BOYD. 

"  possible  diligence,  betwixt  and  Michaelmass  next  to  come  at  furthest,  to 
"  the  effect  that  the  slander  may  be  removed  from  the  Kirk,  as  they 
"  will  answer  upon  their  obedience  to  the  same."  I  doubt  not  but  they 
obeyed,  and  Mr.  Erskin  enjoyed  his  benefice  very  short  while.  His 
temporality  then  soon  after  was  conferred  by  the  King,  on  the  Popish 
Bishop  Beaton,4  ambassador  for  the  King  at  Paris,  which  is  one  of  the 
reproaches  of  this  reigne. 

January  28,  1730. 


COLLECTIONS 


UPON     THE 


LIFE  OF  MR.  GEORGE  GLADSTANES, 

MINISTER  FIRST  AT  ABERLOTT,  THEN  AT  SAINT  ANDREWS,  AND 
AFTERWARDS  BISHOP  OF  CAITHNES,  THEN  OF  ST.  ANDREWS. 


COLLECTIONS 


J  PON   THE 


LIFE  OF  MR.  GEORGE  GLADSTANES 

MINISTER  FIRST  AT  ABERLOTT.  THEN  AT  SAINT  ANDREWS,  AND 
AFTERWARD  BISHOP  OF  CAITHNES,  THEN  OF  ST.   ANDREWS. 


Scarce  any  thing  would  have  made  it  necessary  to  bring  Mr.  Gladstanes  Apriie  4, 1730. 
in  among  the  persons  whose  Lives  I  am  writting,  had  it  not  pleased  the     Reason"    ot 

&  l  .  .      r  writing        this 

King  to  fix  upon  him  to  be  first  Protestant  Bishop  of  Saint  Andrews,  Life, 
of  his  nomination.  The  two  Tulchan  Bishops  wer  elevated  to  that  office 
by  the  Earl  of  Mortoun.  Ther  appears  not  much  of  any  other  thing, 
that  would  have  brought  him  to  [be]  much  notticed.  I  find  not  much 
either  as  to  his  piety,  or  ministeriall  gifts,  or  his  learning,  or  great  capacity 
for  managing  ecclesiasticall  bussines,  taken  nottice  of  by  the  writters  of 
this  period ;  however  that  I  may  draw  down  the  series  of  Bishops  in  the 
Metropolitan  See,  during  the  first  period  of  prelacy  in  Scotland,  without 
a  gap,  I  would  not  overlook  him,  especially  when  the  giving  his  Life  will 
lead  me  to  give  a  good  many  papers  and  passages  during  his  being  in 
the  See  of  Saint  Andrews,  which  have  not  yet  been  published. 

Nothing  hath  offered  to  me  as  to  his  parentage,  birth,  and  education,     Mr.     Giad- 
and  very  litle  hath  come  to  my  hand  till  he  was  made  a  Bishop.     I  only  ister  at   Abh._ 
know  that  before  he  was  transported  to  be  minister  at  Saint  Andrews, lott  in  A"Z"S- 
he  was  minister  in  the  parish  of  Abirlott,  in  the  shire  of  Angus;  when 

2  G 


234  ARCHBISHOP   GLADS  T  A  NES. 

he  was  ordeaned  there  I  know  not ;  it  was  but  an  obscure  place,  and  I  do 
not  meet  with  him  in  our  Assemblys  or  other  Church  affairs,  till,  I 
suppose,  at  the  motion  of  Sir  David  Murray,  who  had  a  great  manage- 
ment of  the  ministers  of  the  North,  and  endeavoured  to  plye  them 
against  the  ministers  of  the  South  and  West,  particularly  of  Edinburgh, 
that  King  James  and  the  Commission  of  our  first  corrupt  Assembly 
brought  him  into  Saint  Andrews. 

Since  I  wrote  what  is  above,  I  find  from  Mr.  Andrew  Simsons 
annals,  that  Mr.  Gladstanes  was  son  [of]  Halbert  Gladstanes  Clerk  of 
i  See  Note  A.  Dundee.1  He  had  his  education  in  the  Latine  there,  and  after  his 
University  studies  he  had  the  degree  of  master  of  art  bestowed  upon  him. 
After  his  accademicall  studies  wer  over,  he  taught  the  languages  in  the 
shire  of  Angus,  and  town  of  Monros,  and  very  soon,  while  yet  very 
[young,]  he  was  setled  minister  at  Saint  Seres  ;  thence  he  removed  because 
of  the  smalnes  of  the  stipend,  to  the  Kirk  of  Saint  Mary.  In  a  few 
years  he  quitt  that  also,  and  went  to  the  Church  of  Saint  Kenneth,  in  the 
shire  of  the  Merns,  and  from  that  he  got  himself  transported  to  the  Church 
of  Kellie,  because  the  stipend  is  better.  Whether  this  last  be  likewise 
named  Abirlott,  or  some  of  the  former,  I  cannot  tell,  but  I  know  that 
the  names  of  parishes  are  exceedingly  altered,  and  severalls  wer  annexed 
and  both  of  their  old  names  sunk  in  a  new  one. 
He's   trans.  Afterthe  unhappy  I?  of  December,  1 6[K>[1596],  the  King  formed  his 

ported      thence  .  1W      '  >         "     L        "    J>  & 

to  Saint  An-  designe  with  the  assistance  of  the  Octavians  and  other  courtiers,  to  bring 
1597*'  " 5  '  m  Episcopacy,  and  overturn  the  Reformation  establishment  of  this  Church. 
In  order  to  this  it  was  necessary  first  to  divide  the  ministry,  and  then  to 
corrupt  our  Generall  Assemblys,  and  to  get  the  generall  commission 
appointed  of  fit  persons  for  the  Kings  purpose,  or  a  generality  of  such. 
When  these  wer  brought  about,  the  faithfull  zealous  ministers,  who  wer 
in  the  principall  and  most  conspicouse  posts,  behoved  to  be  attacked; 
quarrells  wer  with  very  litle  shaddow  of  ground  picked  with  them,  and 
they  wer  sisted  before  the  Commission  of  the  Generall  Assembly,  and  by 
them,  under  the  pretext  of  keeping  peace  and  harmony  betwixt  the 
King  and  the  Church,  they  wer  turned  out,  and  sent  to  obscure  places, 
and  persons  cut  out  for  the  present  courses  wer  brought  into  their  place. 
This  was  the  occasion  of  Mr.  Gladstanes,  who  was  knowen,  it  seems,  to 


A  R  C  H  B  I  S  H  O  P    G  L  A  D  S  T  A  N  E  S.  235 

be  fit  for  the  present  measures  carrying  on,  his  being  brought  from 
Abirlott  to  Saint  Andrews,  1597-  The  procedure  of  the  Commission  in 
this  matter,  stands  in  Mr.  David  Blacks  Life,  and  he  and  his  collegue 
Mr.  Wallace,  wer  turned  out  of  Saint  Andrews  and  Mr.  Gladstanes 
transported  to  fill  their  rooms,  July  11,  1597-  Bishop  Spotswood 
acknowledges  that  the  reason  of  this  was  "  that  the  town  of  Saint  Andrews 
"  might  be  provided  with  a  peacable  ministry,  (that  is  a  time  serving 
"  one,  obsequious  to  the  King's  designs)  and  Mr.  Gladstans,  a  man 
"  sufficiently  qualified,  serving  then  at  Abirlott  in  Angus  was  translated  p.  a 
"  and  placed  in  Mr.  Black  and  Mr.  Wallace  room,  till  another  helper  might 
"  be  found  out  to  be  joyned  with  him;  and  the  Sunday  following,  he  was 
"  accepted  of  the  people  with  great  applause,  Mr.  Thomas  Buchanan, 
"  Mr.  James  Melvil,  and  Mr.  James  Nicholson  entering  him  to  the 
"  charge."  I  doubt  a  litle  Bishop  Spotswood  or  his  informers  have 
brought  in  Mr.  James  Melvil  into  the  number  without  good  ground, 
because  I  observe  that  Mr.  James  in  his  own  Life  speaks  with  the  greatest 
regard  of  Mr.  Black  and  Wallace,  and  his  uncle  Mr.  Andrew,  when  the 
King  and  comissioners  came  to  Saint  Andrews  to  displace  their  faithfull 
Ministers,  denounced  the  judgments  of  God  publickly  against  them,  if 
they  repented  not.  Both  these  make  it  very  improbable  to  me,  that  Mr. 
James  would  be  active  in  the  reception  of  Mr.  Gladstanes  at  Saint 
Andrews. 

This  will  further  yet  appear  if  Mr.  James  Melvil  was  the  author     Remaiks  «» 

•ill  _  tins  transporta- 

of  the  paper,  entituled  Jock-upon-land  letter  to  the  Commissioners  of  tion  from  a  Pa- 

the  Generall  Assembly,  Agust  10,  1597»  which  stands  in  the  Appendix  £*rst  K)roi507.~ 

of  this  Biography,  as  some  suggest.     Whether  he  was  or  not,  the  passage 

relating  to  Mr.  Gladstanes  deserves  a  room,  and  it  runs:  "Concerning 

"  the  second  point,  your  (the  Commissioners  of  the  General!  Assembly,) 

"  condemning  the  innocent,  I  pray  you  what  just  cause  have  ye  against 

"  your  bretheren  of  Saint  Andrews,  the  Ministers  there,  that  you  have  so 

"  suddainly  put  them  from  their  charge,  without  due  or  just  tryall,  or 

"  matter  of  just  suspension,  deprivation,  or  outputting  from  their  lawfull 

"  calling,  and  have  thrust  in  upon  their  Hocks  a  man  corrupt  and  not 

"  meet  for  that  congregation,  as  we  alledge  ?    Dare  any  of  you  in  good 

"  and  upright  conscionce  say  and  affirm  before  God,  and  his  Kirk  being 


236  ARCHBISHOP   GLADSTANES. 

"  freely  conveened  together  to  a  Generall  Assembly,  as  I  hope  in  God 
"  one  day  to  see  you,  that  these  men  whom  you  have  put  from  their 
"  charges  and  lawfull  callings  are  of  meaner  graces  and  less  gifts  to  work 
"  the  Lords  work  in  that  congregation,  than  the  man  whom  ye  have  thrust 
"  in  upon  them? — or  think  ye,  my  Bretheren,  that  that  man  whom  ye  have 
"  intrused,  by  his  cold  form  of  doctrine  without  application,  which  is  the 
"  life  of  the  Word,  is  abler  to  work  the  Lord's  work  there,  nor  the  men 
"  whose  travails  and  diligence  in  their  callings,  they  say  might  have  been 
"  compared  with  the  best  of  you,  except  that  they  wernot  tractable  unto 
"  princes,  neither  wer  they  well  acquainted  with  Placebo  ?  My  bretheren, 
"  look  that  it  frame  [fare]  not  with  you,  as  it  fared  with  the  sons  of  Jacob 
"  with  their  brother  Joseph,  who,  for  the  graces  of  God  in  him  and  greater 
"  affection  of  his  father  toward  him,  could  not  abide  him,  neither  would 
"  they  suffer  him  to  abide  in  his  father's  house,  which  was  the  Church  of 
"  God  at  the  time,"  &c. ;  as  is  to  be  seen  in  the  paper  itself  in  the 
Appendix. 

Bishop  Spots  wood  sayes  indeed  that  Mr.  Gladstanes  was  received  at 
ters  vote  in  Saint  Andrews  with  great  applause,  but  that  was  only  by  on  set  of  people  in 
Assembly,  the  town,  those  who  had  been  upon  Bishop  Adamsons  side,  and  against  Mr. 
Andrew  Melvil,  for  the  other  part  of  the  town  and  the  University,  it  does 
not  appear  that  he  was  acceptable  to  them.  Indeed  Mr.  Gladstanes  had 
a  hard  pull  of  it  as  to  them,  when  thrust  in  upon  them  in  the  room  of  two 
of  the  most  able,  learned  and  seriouse  Ministers  in  the  Church,  and  it 
would  seem  his  preaching  gift  was  no  way  comparable  to  theirs.  His 
talent,  it  seems,  lay  more  in  reasoning,  and  therfor  in  the  Generall  Assem- 
bly next  year,  when  the  Ministers  vote  in  Parliament  came  upon  the  feild, 
as  will  be  notticed  upon  the  Lives  of  most  that  wer  on  that  conference, 
Mr.  Thomas  Buchanan,  Mr.  George  Gladstanes,  and  Mr.  Robert  Pont 
wer  appointed  to  reason  for  the  affirmative.  Mr.  Gladstanes  argument 
run  thus  :  That  the  whole  subjects  wer  divided  into  ires  ordines,  in 
respect  of  their  living  in  the  commonwealth,  and  therfor  the  Kirk  must 
be  one  Estate,  and  ought  to  have  vote,  in  rogundis  et  ferendis  legibus. 
Mr.  John  Davidson  answered  him,  as  is  to  be  seen  in  his  Life,  in  Livies 
words,  prcesentibus  sacerdotibus  et  Divina  exponentibus,  sed  rum  suf- 
fragia  habentibus. 


1598 


ARCHBISHOP   GLADSTANES.  237 

After  severall  strugles  in  the  next  Assembly,  in  the  year  lGOO,  the  October, 
vote  in  Parliament  got,  with  no  litle  difficulty,  the  approbation  of  the  to  be  Bishop  of 
Assembly,  and  the  King  with  a  corrupt  Commission  of  Assembly,  when  Ca'"1""- 
Mr.  James  Melvil,  William  Scot,  and  Mr.  John  Carmichaell,  wer  sent 
out  of  the  Commission  upon  some  important  bussines  as  to  the  Ministers 
of  Edinburgh,  named  and  chused  our  three  first  Bishops  ;  Mr.  David 
Lindsay  Bishop  of  Ross,  Mr.  George  Gladstans  Bishop  of  Caithnes,  and 
Mr.  Peter  Blackburn  Bishop  of  Aberdeen,  and  appointed  them  to  vote  at 
the  nixt  Parliament,  without  any  regard  had  to  the  Assemblys  caveats 
and  cautions,  in  name  of  the  Kirk.  This  was  done,  October,  1600. 
What  led  the  King  to  Mr.  Gladstones  was  wondered  at  by  many,  he 
having  far  less  to  recomend  him  than  Mr.  Pont,  Buchanan,  Nicholson, 
and  others,  now  on  the  Kings  side.  It  was  the  mean  obsequiousnes  and 
readines  to  follow  the  King  and  Court  without  reserve.  He  seems 
indeed  to  have  been  a  person  who  stuck  at  nothing  to  carry  on  his  present 
purposes. 

Accordingly  he  sat  in  the  next  Parliament  and  the  Svnod  of  Fyfe  Acknowledges 

°  J  J  J        his    sitting    111 

seems  to  have  challanged  him  for  it  next  meeting.     To  them  he  declares  Parliament  as 

it  was  against  his  mind,  and  seems  to  oun  a  fault  and  was  passed.     I  give  syLos    °F«-b. 

it  in  Mr.  Calderwoods  words  :   "  The  Synod  of  Fife  conveened  at  Saint  1601- 

"  Andrews  the  3  of  February,  1G01,  before  the  ordinary  time.    Mr.  John 

"  Hamiltoun  the  apostat  taking  to  him  the  name  of  John  Thomson,  was 

"  excommunicat.     Mr.  Robert  Abercrombie  taking  to  him  the  name  of 

"  William  Simson,  was  declared  not  to  be  of  our  society.     Mr.  William 

"  Dalziell  was  deposed  for  two  great  familiarity  with  Mr.  John  Hamiltoun 

"  and  not  revealing  him,  item  for  insufficiency  to  bear  the  office  of  the 

"  Ministry.      Mr.  George  Gladstanes  Minister  at  Saint  Andrews,  con- 

"  fessed  that  he  sat  in  Parliament,  and  answered  with  the  name  of  Bishop, 

"  but  against  his  will,  as  he  alledged,  because  they  would  not  name  him 

"  otherwise." 

Litle  offers  to  me  after  his  being  made  Bishop  of  Caithnes,  con-    Appears  with 
ceming  Mr.  Gladstanes,  save  his  common  appearances  at  debates  joyntly  \hee    reBish0pS 
with   the  rest  of  the    Bishops    and  Commissioners   of  Assembly,   who  '"6Q^Qence9' 
favoured  them  in  their  meetings  with  the  Ministers  who  stood  for  the 
discipline  and  government  of  the  Church.     These  stand  fully  in  Bishop 


238  ARCHBISHOP    GLADSTANES. 

Spotsvvood,  Mr.  James  Melvil  and  other  Lives  which  follow,  and  I  do 
not  bring  them  in  here,  because  Bishop  Spotswood  and  others  seem  to  me 
to  have  had  a  greater  share  in  the  reasonings  than  Bishop  Gladstanes. 
What  is  peculiar  to  him  I  shall  give  from  the  1606,  and  downward  from 
severall  copys  of  his  letters  to  the  King,  and  some  originalls,  which  have 
not  yet  been  published,  and  will  best  let  us  in  to  his  share  in  affairs, 
he  Subscribes  He  remained  still  Minister  of  Saint  Andrews  after  he  was  Bishop 

the  confession  0f  Caitlines, — that  is,  had  an  assignation  to  the  rents,  and  voted  in  Parlia- 

01  taith  in  the  TT  .  .       ° 

Presbytery  of  ment.  He  was,  it  seems,  designed  for  Saint  Andrews  Bishoprick,  after  the 
ndrews.  King  went  to  England;  and  went  up  to  Court  in  Agust,  1604,  that  he 
might  be  nominat  Archbishop  of  Saint  Andrews.  Before  he  went,  the 
Presbytery  of  Saint  Andrews  ordered  all  their  Members  to  subscribe  the 
Confession  of  Faith,  and  he  signed  it  without  the  least  scruple.  This,  in 
the  vew  of  the  Presbytery,  was  the  greatest  human  security  they  could  have, 
that  when  he  went  up  to  Court  he  should  do  nothing  prejudiciall  to  the 
Government  of  the  Church  established.  Every  body  at  this  time  belived 
that  by  renouncing  the  Romish  Hierarchy,  Prelacy  was  directly  renounced, 
and  by  the  promise  of  menteaning  the  discipline  of  this  Church,  the  Pres- 
biterian  Government  established  since  the  Reformation  was  meanedi 
But  the  Bishop  stuck  not  upon  oaths  and  subscriptions,  at  least  he  did 
not  understand  these  exjiressions  in  the  ordinary  sense  they  were  now 
taken,  in  which  case  he  ought  certainly  in  fairnes  have  declared  his 
taking  them  in  another  sense  than  they  wer  commonly  understood.  Mr. 
Calderwood  gives  us  the  extract  of  the  Presbitry  Registers  upon  this  head 
signed  by  the  Clerk  as  follows  : 
i:Mract  from  "  '  At  Saint  Andrews,  Agust  2,  1604.    The  whilk  day  after  incalling 

the  Rp«sbXrf  "  '  oi  tne  Dame  °f  God,  the  bretheren  being  lawfully  conveened,  the  Con- 
a*  to  this,  <<  <■  fession  of  Faith  authorized  in  the  Kirk  of  Scotland  was  presently  read 
'  "  '  in  the  audience  of  all,  together  with  the  Act  of  Parliament,  holden  at 
"'Edinburgh,  1592,  for  explanation  of  the  said  discipline  generally 
"  '  authorized  in  the  Confession  of  Faith,  whilk  by  the  forsaid  Act  of  Par- 
"  *  liament,  is  ratifiyed  and  confirmed,  namely,  in  the  liberty  of  General 
"  '  Assemblys  once  every  year,  Synodalls,  Presbitrys,  and  particular  Ses- 
"  '  sions  of  Kirks,  derogating  from  all  Acts  made  of  before,  in  prejudice  of 
"  '  the  same,  and  declaring  the  present  discipline,  used  in  the  Kirk  of  Scot- 


ARCHBISHOP    GLADSTANES.  239 

"  '  land,  and  approved  in  the  Act  forsaid,  to  be  only  godly,  just  and  lawfull 
"  '  in  all  times  coming,  as  it  is  at  more  lenth  conteaned  in  the  Act  of  Par- 
"  '  liament  forsaid  ;  whilk  Act  and  Confession,  being  ripely  advised  and 
"  '  considered,  was  publickly  subscribed  by  uniform  consent  of  the  whole 
"  '  bretheren.  To  testify  their  harmony  and  hearty  agreement  in  all 
"  '  things  concerning  doctrine  and  discipline,  promising  solemly  alwise  to 
"  '-  defend  the  same,  according  to  their  callings  and  never  to  come  in  the 
"  '  contrair,  according  to  the  great  oath  set  down  in  the  said  Confession  of 
«  '  Faith,  which  first  the  Moderator  subscribed,  and  then  Mr.  George 
"  '  Gladstanes,  Minister  of  Saint  Andrews,  Mr.  Robert  Wilky,  Rector,  and 
"  '  so  every  one  as  they  sat  in  their  places,  as  is  contained  in  the  principal! 
"  '  subscribed  be  the  Bretherens  hands  in  particular.'     Extract  per  me 

"  Mr.  Robert  Rough,  at  command  of  the  Presbitery." 

The  Bishop  was  nominat  by  the  King,  Bishop  of  Sant  Andrews  and  His  deciara- 
came  home  in  the  beginning  of  the  1605.  The  first  meeting  of  the  Pres-  lry  0I1  his  re. 
bitry  he  made  the  following  declaration  to  the  Presbitry,  which  Mr.  ^'™  a^in^ 
Calderwood  gives  from  a  subscribed  extract  from  the  Presbitry  records.  Archbishop  of 

.  T  i-i      i         Tv/r       /-i  Saint  Andrews, 

"  '  At  Saint  Andrews,  January  10,  1005.      Ihe  which  day  Mr.  George  January,  1605. 

"  '  Gladstanes  being  returned  from  England,  declared  in  the  presence  of 

"  '  the  whole  bretheren  of  the  Presbitry  that  as  he  departed  a  brother  so 

"  '  he  returned,  usurping  no  superiority  over  them,  claiming  only  a  single 

"  t  vote  as  the  rest,  promising  to  behave  himself  in  alse  great  humility,  and 

"  !  greater  than  ever  before,  and  wheras  he  departed  not  advertising  the 

"  '  Presbitry,  he  desired  they  should  not  be  offended,  because  the  commo- 

"  '  dity  of  his  journey  so  required  that  he  could  not  advertise  them  ;    of 

"  f  which  declaration  and  excuse  the  Presbitry  accepted.'     Extracted  by 

"  Mr.  Robert  Rough,  Clerk,  at  the  command  of  the  Presbitry." 

Mr.  Calderwood  remarks  after  he  hath  given  these  extracts,   "  Mr.     Mr.  CaMer- 
"  George  Gladstanes,  after  he  had  changed  four  flocks  and  two  Bishop-  0„  these. 
"  ricks,  and  had  sworn  that  he  should  never  be  Bishop  of  Saint  Andrews, 
"  because  the  Bishops  of  that  See,  had  made  so  evil  an  end,  and  wer  so 
"  much  hated  ;   yet  even  at  that  same  time  he  came  home  Bishop  of  Saint 
"  Andrews.      Some  gentlmen  his  favourers,  and  others  who  had  hope  of 


240  ARCHBISHOP  GLADSTANES. 

"  advancement  by  him,  asked  him  how  he  eould  bear  with  the  Presbitry; 
"  he  answered,  Hold  your  tongue,  we  shall  steal  them  off  their  feet." 
His  letter  to  In  the  year  lG06,  when  the  Parliament  was  approaching,  wherin  the 

the  King,  Feb.  -p..-.  .  -,  ..-,..  -\x       a^i     l  •  1  • 

9,  1606.  .Bishops  wer  to  be  restored  to  their  dignitys,  Mr.  (jrladstanes  signs  him- 

self Bishop  of  Saint  Andrews.  I  suppose  he  was  taken  from  Caithnes 
to  that,  by  the  Kings  letter,  some  time  before,  though  I  have  not  mett 
with  the  precise  time.  I  shall  insert  his  letter  to  the  King,  Edinburgh, 
February  9,  this  year,  from  the  originall. 

"  Most  Sacred  Soveraigne, 

"  It  may  please  your  most  excellent  Majesty,  I  have  seen  your 
"  Majestys  direction  sent  to  the  Earle  of  Dumbar  anent  Mr.  David 
"  Lindsay  his  temperance  in  preaching,  I  have  taken  boldnes  to  give 
"  answer  and  advice  in  most  humble  and  submiss  manner.  The  man 
"  was  imput  be  your  Majesty  upon  my  rash  and  oft  repented  of  suit.  He 
"  has  oft  done  well  against  the  seditious  albiet  inconstantly.  The  words 
"  he  spake  to  my  great  greife  wer  to  reprehend  your  Majesty  for  tollera- 
"  tion  and  advancing  of  Papists,  wha  evir  sought  your  Highnes  wrack, 
"  and  this  was  after  I  had  congratulat  to  the  people  your  Highnes  won- 
p.  4.  "  derfull  delivry.     After  sermon  I  conveened  the  Bailays  and  Council, 

"  and  sent  them  to  him  to  quarrell  him  for  his  unreverend  usage,  whilk 
"  wrot  this  effect,  that  the  day  following  he  preached  a  palinode,  so 
"  impudently  flattering  to  your  Majestys  praise,  and  vilipending  all  the 
"  princes  of  Europ  by  name,  in  your  Majestys  respect,  that  all  men 
"  esteemed  he  was  making  pennance  for  the  former  days  insolence  with 
"  supererogation.  Thus  this  folly  is  not  worthy  of  your  Majestys  wrath, 
"  and  as  for  me  I  will  not  give  advice  to  honnour  such  an  one  with  pub- 
"  lick  censure  at  such  a  time.  I  have  advised  with  your  Majestys  most 
"  trusty  servants  of  our  society,  who  think  it  meet  to  transport  him  to  a 
"  landward  Kirk,  and  to  assume  to  me  one  wise  and  fast,  which  your 
"  Majesty  shall  see  accomplished,  but  your  Majestys  empeaschment.  My 
"  Lord  of  Dumbar  has  employed  himself  so  faithfully,  effaldly  and 
"  fortunatly  in  his  late  service,  that  I  presume  to  advise  your  Majesty  to 
"  give  him  credit  in  your  Majesty's  service,  in  our  greatest  turn  in  this 
"  part,  for  whatsomever  is  glanced  to  your  Majesty  in  the  contrair,  is  either 


ARCHBISHOP   GLADSTANES.  241 

"  pannici  terrores  or  prevarication.  Sire,  I  lake  moen  to  do  what  I  would 
"  in  your  Matys  service.  I  hear  daily  foul  vanitys  whilk,  [I  think,]  I 
"  am  called  to  repress.  I  want  fonnall  right  and  rent.  Supply  this,  sire, 
"  in  this  your  approaching  court,  and  then  ye  shall  not  need  to  write 
"  thither,  but  the  punished  shall  seek  thither  toward  your  Maty  for 
"  obteaning  pardon.  Finally,  your  Matys  errands  in  the  credit  of  the 
"  Earle  of  Dumbar,  or  of  any  one  in  the  like  disposition,  is  here  possible 
"  and  easy  ;  non  debet  sub  tali  tantoque  principe  prcecarium  esse  im- 
"  perium.  This,  I  humbly  recomend  your  Matys-  person  and  estate  to 
"  God  his  mercifull  providence.     I  remain, 

"  Your  Matys    most  humble  orator, 

"  and  obedient  servitor, 

"  Edinr.  Feb.  9,  1606."  "  SAINCT   AnDROIS." 

I  will  not  undertake  to  explain  these  letters  I  am  giving ;  its  my  Observes  on  it. 
work  to  give  them  as  I  find  them.  Mr.  David  Lindsay  here  spoken  of 
was  minister  at  Saint  Andrews,  and  named  by  the  Bishops,  as  we  shall 
see  in  Mr.  John  Murrays  Life,  to  succeed  him  at  Leith  ;  the  Bishop 
highly  recomends  the  Earle  of  Dumbar,  and  indeed  the  setting  up  of 
Bishops  was  very  much  owing  to  him  ;  the  Bishop  is  earnest  for  the  right 
and  rent  of  the  Archbishop,  by  the  Act  of  Parliament  at  Perth,  and  he 
seem  to  have  had  the  knack  of  writting  to  the  King  in  his  own  pedantick 
way. 

I  meet  with  an  originall  letter  of  Mr.  Gladstanes  with  the  rest  of    Letter,  Mr. 
his  bretheren,  for  he  is  not  yet  Bishop  by  Act  of  Parliament,  far  less  any  otbers,   March 
Church  deed,  in  the  Lawers  library,  dated  the  15  of  the  next  moneth,     '      6' 
which  runs  thus : 

"  Most  Sacred  Soveraigne. 

"  Having  felt  by  experience  that  thir  jealousys  betwixt  us  and  the 
"  counselours,  have  been  very  prejudiciall  to  your  Highnes  service,  and 
"  furnish  matter  to  the  seditiouse,  both  in  the  Kirk  and  policy  to  hold 
"  forward  their  maliciouse  attemptates  for  disguisting  both  the  partys, 
"  whose  food[?]  as  they  fostered,  so  they  sought  the  wrack  of  both,  we  thot 

2   H 


242  ARCHBISHOP   GLADSTANES. 

"  fittest  to  redintegrat  old  freindship,  and  to  remove  all  occasions  of 
"  suspiciouns;  amicinovi  non  sunt  veteribus  anteponendi,  and  its  found 
"in  a  naturall  as  well  as  politick  body,  consueta  insuetis  meliora  licet 
"  deteriora,  upon  which  ground  conference  is  drawen  on  betwixt  us  and 
"  my  Lord  president,  this  Friday  the  14  of  this  instant,  wherin  we  have 
"  made  discovery  each  to  others  of  the  sinister  suggestions,  calumnies,  and 
"  causes  of  misconstructions,  wherby  with  to  great  credulity  on  both  sides 
"  we  have  been  distracted.  That  matter  is  fully  quieted  with  great 
"  contentment  and  mutuall  satisfaction,  while  we  espy  what  hinderance 
"  to  your  Highnes  service  this  has  wrot,  and  how  effectuall  a  mean  our 
"  rejoyning  shall  be  to  the  unresistible  prosecution  of  all  your  Ma,yV 
"  princely  designes.  The  troublers  would  never  have  presumed  on  such 
"  licentiousnes,  either  against  the  state  or  our  persons,  if  they  had  not 
"  fancied  that  in  annoying  us  they  pleased  the  statesmen  ;  but  by  God  his 
"  grace  they  shall  be  catched  in  their  own  snares.  Your  Malys-  coun- 
"  selours,  civil  and  eclesiastick,  shall  sing,  Ecce  quam  bonum  et  quam 
"  jucundum,  Sfc.  We  desire  to  survive  those  broyles,  that  by  our  loyall 
"  service  we  may  according  to  our  places  exoner  your  Maty-  of  these 
"  unseiming  fasheries,  and  in  some  measure  acquyte  your  Matys  constant 
"  and  undeserved  affection  to  our  estate  and  persons.  Referring  furder 
"  to  your  Matys  faithfull  servant,  Laurieston,  we  humbly  beseek  God 
"  for  your  Matvs  peace  and  happynes. 

"  Your  Malys  humble  servitors, 

"  and  daily  orators, 

"  Santandrois, 
"  Galloway, 

"  Edinr.  15  March,  1606."  "  A.   FORBES  CaTNES." 


"  Most  Sacred  Soveraigne, 

"  It  may  please  your  most  excellent  Majesty,  albiet  the  bearer 
"  hereof  Mr.  Patrick  Lindsay,  and  Mr.  Arthure  Fethey,  for  whom 
"  he  also  takes  dealing,  have  by  their  honest  and  loyall  service  to  your 
"  Highnes,  obtained   such  good    liking  and  acceptance  of  your   Ma,y> 


ARCHBISHOP    GLADS  TANES.  243 

"  as  they  need  not  the  recomendation  of  any,  yet  I  have  taken  the 
"  boldnes  to  give  my  testificat  of  their  constant  and  unaltered  prosecution 
"  of  all  your  Matys  services,  in  semblable  manner,  as  they  did  when 
"  we  had  the  fruition  of  your  Matye  most  comfortable  presence.  Many 
"  does  eye  service,  but  these  be  affectioned  and  stout  souldiers,  and 
"  such  as  are  requisit  for  the  metropolitan  of  North  Brittain,  who  cannot 
"  tight  but  a  back,  as  your  Ma'v  knowes.  The  main  suite  they  are 
"  to  propound  to  your  Highnes,  will  be  an  encouragment  to  continou 
"  them  in  their  wonted  fidelity  and  forwardnes,  rather  than  the  just  value 
"  of  their  service.  I  will  not  impesch  your  Maty  with  the  repetition  of 
"  these  instructions  anent  the  commone[communion?]service,  committing 
"  the  samine  to  your  Ma,ys-  royall  solicitude,  and  to  my  Lord  of  Glasgow 
"  his  sufficiency  ;  only  this,  if  any  by  importunity  have  purchased  reser- 
"  vations,  wherby  your  Ma'ys-  princely  designe  will  be  stained,  and  we  p.  5. 
"  made  rather  notional  (perhaps,  nominall)  than  real  Bishops,  y'  it  would 
"  please  your  Maty  to  discharge  the  same,  for  it  will  be  needles  to 
"  buy  this  work  from  any  moe.  All  are  ready  to  obtemper  your  Ma'5'3' 
"  direction  in  that  behalf,  who  are  of  any  moment.  Mr.  Andrew 
"  Melvil  hath  begun  to  raise  new  storms  with  his  eolick  blasts.  ST;  you 
"  are  my  Jupiter,  and  I  under  your  Highnes,  Neptune.  I  must  say, 
"  Non  illi  imperium  pelagi  sacrumque  tridentem,  sed  mild  sorte  datg. 
"  Your  Majesty  will  relegat  him  to  some  ^Eolia,  ut  illic  vacua  se  jactet 
"  in  aula.  Thus  the  Eternall  preserve  your  Matys  most  royal  person 
"  and  state  forever.      I  remain, 

"  Your  Maty8,  most  humble  servitor, 

"  Edinr.  19  Junii."  "  SAINT  AnDROIS." 

The  great  subject  of  the  Bishops  letters  was  recommendations  of  Remarks  on 
persons,  who  wer  active  for  them  to  the  King,  for  gratifications,  and  com- 
plaints against  such  as  wer  zealouse  against  them,  as  Mr.  Andrew 
Melvil,  and  such  as  he.  By  this  time  the  Kings  letter  was  come  down 
calling  Mr.  Andrew  to  court,  and  the  Bishop  in  this  letter  endeavours 
that  he  shall  never  return  to  Saint  Andrews,  which  he  never  did.  The 
Archbishops  making  the  King  Jupiter,   and  himself  Neptune,  that  he 


244  ARCHBISHOP    GLADSTANES. 

might  pun  upon  a  verse  of  Virgil,  might  please  the  King,  but  few  else 
will  admire  it,  and  f_we  see]  that  the  great  managment  of  things  was 
in  Bishop  Spotswoods  hand. 
The  Bishop  y[Tm  Andrew  and  James  Melvil,  with  the  rest  of  the  eight  ministers 

endeavours     to  g  ...T. 

stop  Mr.  James  wer  called  up  to  London,  May  this  year,  as  will  be  seen  in  their  Lives. 
arriving  to  The  The  Earle  of  Dumbar  pretended  to  Mr.  James,  that  this  was  his  plott 
DarlLanlcnc  at  for  the  Ministers  advantage,  but  from  the  nature  of  the  thing,  the  event, 

Perth,  1606.  »    '  .      . 

and  thir  letters  of  the  Bishops,  we  see  the  Earle  of  Dumbar  was  intirely 

under  the  Bishops  management.     However,  about  this  time  the  Earle 

called  Mr.  James  Melvil  to  him,  and  assumed  the  honnour  of  calling  the 

Ministers  to  London  to  him,  and  said  the  Bishops  wer  against  it.     He 

asked  Mr.  James  if  he  was  to  be  at  the  Parliament  at  Perth,  and  Mr. 

James   said  he  was.      The   Earle  told  him   that   the   Bishop  of  Saint 

Andrews  had  dealt  with  him  to  discharge  them  from  coming  to  Perth, 

but  he  would  not. 

K^rr^e  The  procedure  of  this  Parliament   about   the    Bishops   and   their 

Bishops,      its  restoring  them  to  their  dignitys  and  offices,  stands  in  all  our  historians. 

i.  They  gote  presentations  from  the  King  to  their  benefices,   and,  mutatis 

mutandis,  they  wer  much  of  one  form.     Mr.  Calderwood  hath  preserved 

the  tenour  of  one  of  these  presentations,  which  I  have  not  any  where  else, 

and  therfore  I  place  it  in  the  App.  No.  [I.]  and  Pie  add  the  remarks 

Calder'^.oods r' Calderwood  gives  upon  it.     He   observes,    "That  there  is  a  manifest 

remarks  on  it.   a  untruth  in  the  presentation  when  it  bears  that  the  Bishops  wer  reco- 

"  mended,  by  the  Generall  Assembly  to  the  King  while  the  Assembly 

"  did  no  such  thing,  and  they  neither  wer  acquainted  with  the  presenta- 

"  tion,  nor  accepted  of  it.     2.  The  Bishops  are  presented  to  all  fruits, 

"  rents,  teind  shaves,  and  small  tythes,  within  the  whole  bounds  of  their 

"  Bishopricks,  which  cannot  stand  with  the  law  of  God   or  man.     3. 

"  They  are  provided   to   whatsoever  priviledges  and  immunities,    any 

"  of  their  predecessors  had  any  time  heretofore ;  this  is  express  against 

"  Gods   law,   derogatory  to   the   discipline   of  the    Kirk,    and   against 

"  the   priviledges   of  his    Majestys  crown,  and  also   derogative  to  the 

"  erection  of  the  commissariots,  which  is  one  of  the  cheifest  judicatorys 

"  of   Scotland.     4.    They   are   provided   to   all    superioritys,    lordships 

"  of  lands,  regalitys,  presentation  to  all  benefices  whatsomever,  which 


ARCHBISHOP    GLADSTANES.  245 

"  wer  at  their  gift  of  old.  What  can  this  be  else  but  the  erection 
"  of  tyrrants  in  the  Kirk  of  God  ?  by  this  form  of  preferment  ran  versing 
"  all  the  order  of  discipline  of  the  Kirk,  that  hath  these  forty  six 
"  years,  with  the  great  blessing  of  God,  been  exercised  within  this 
"  Kirk.  5.  They  are  licensed  by  their  provisions  to  lift  up  the  rents 
"  of  all  their  Kirks,  and  pay  stipends  to  Tulchans  to  serve  the  turn, 
"  which  is  blasphemy  to  permitt,  being  so  directly  contrary  to  Gods 
"  law.  6.  They  are  provided  with  all  libertys,  dignitys,  homages, 
"  prioritys  of  universities,  schools  and  hospitalls,  and  priviledges  what- 
"  somever,  given  or  granted  unto  them  by  whatsomever  persons  their 
"  foundators  of  old,  notwithstanding  the  Act  of  Annexation,  or  whatsoever 
"  other  Act,  Law,  or  Constitution,  made  in  the  contrair,  hertofore. 
"  Is  not  this  form  of  erection  the  erection  of  a  papisticall  Bishop?" 

Upon  the  15  of  Agust,  1G06,  Mr.  Andrew  Melvil,  with  the  other     His   piotes- 

.__.     .  r  T  l  i-i  tt  i  stations      before 

seven  Ministers,  went  tor  London,  upon  his  letter.  Upon  the  2t<  or  the  Presbitry. 
Agust,  Mr.  G.  Gladstanes  informed  the  Presbitry,  that  he  was  sent  j^^'wcm 
for  by  his  Majesty  and  to  take  journey  to  London.  He  asked  wherin  to  London, 
they  would  imploy  him ;  they  charged  him  before  God  that  neither 
directly  nor  indirectly  he  do  any  thing  to  the  prejudice  of  the  discipline 
established,  which  he  promised  solemnly,  in  the  presence  of  the  whole 
bretheren,  adding  that  he  would  do  nothing  but  what  he  should  be 
answerable  to  God  for,  and  to  his  Kirk,  and  for  which  he  should  be 
welcome  to  the  Presbitry  a.gain,  and  wherof  he  should  not  be  ashamed  to  be 
spoken  of  either  now  or  hereafter  by  posterity,  taking  God  for  witnes 
that  he  never  minded  the  alteration  of  the  discipline  of  the  Kirk. 
When  at  London,  he  and  the  rest  of  the  Bishops  had  the  conference  with 
the  Ministers  before  the  King,  accounts  of  which  stand  in  Mr.  James 
Melvils  Life.  They  laid  the  project  of  bringing  in  constant  Moderators, 
at  the  convention  at  Linlithgow,  and  Bishop  Gladstanes  took  such  mea- 
sures, as  Mr.  Andrew  Melvil  should  not  come  back  to  Saint  Andrews. 

Next  year  when  the  Generall  Assembly  should  have  met,  as  the  The  Bishops 
Ministers  wer  made  to  hope,  the  Bishops  got  it  delayed.  They  and  some  mil  to^the 
of  the  Ministers  who  favoured  them  continoued  to  meet  as  Commissioners  j^'gwi'ig"™- 
of  the  Generall  Assembly,  tho  Mr.  Calderwood  recons  their  com- count of  thi"gs 
mission  expired  long  before  this,  and  did  as  they  thought  proper  in  the 


246  ARCHBISHOP    GLADS  TANES. 

affairs  of  the  Church.  I  have  before  me  a  letter  from  the  Archbishop 
and  some  of  his  suffragan  Bishops,  to  the  Earle  of  Dunbar,  their  great 
favourite  at  Court,  giving  an  account  of  one  of  their  meetings  and 
procedure  in  it,  toward  the  beginning  of  June,  which  deserves  a  room 
here,  and  hath  not  been  as  yet  published  : 

"  Please  your  Lop.,  Our  bounden  duty  heartily  remembered. 
"  After  the  dismissing  of  the  rest  of  the  Commissioners,  when  we  had 
"  taken  order  for  the  planting  of  Edinr  ■  and  the  Kirks  of  the  banished 
"  bretheren,  according  to  his  Matys-  directions,  so  far  as  could  be 
"  at  this  dyet,  we  wer  assembled  apart  with  my  Lord  President,  who 
"  having  made  us  ample  relation  of  the  constancy  of  his  Ma,ys-  gracious 
"  affection  towards  us,  and  every  one  of  us,  and  of  his  princely  and 
"  fatherly  care  towards  the  setling  of  a  solid  order  within  this  Kirk,  for 
"  the  strenthening  of  the  gospell  and  repressing  the  pride  and  platts  of 
"  the  adversarys,  and  having  likewise  shawn  us  what  confidence  his 
"  Ma,y-  had  in  us,  for  the  furtherance  of  his  godly  intentions ;  and 
"  in  his  Majestys  name,  exorting  and  steiring  us  up  to  such  a  carefulnes 
"  and  diligence  in  all  the  parts  of  this  Ministry  and  credit,  as  that  we 
"  might  be  able  therby,  according  to  our  duty,  to  be  answerable  to  this 
"  his  Mat>s-  good  expectation  of  us.  We  canot  sufficiently  express 
"  what  matter  of  joy  it  was  to  our  hearts,  and  of  thanksgiving  to  God, 
"  and  what  a  spurr  to  fervency  and  forwardnes  in  our  callings,  in  sick 
"  sort  that  even  then  we  resolved  before  our  dissolving  to  conclude  and 
"  condescend  upon  the  best  and  most  effectual  course  that  might  further 
"  this  service,  with  solemn  attestations  that  we  should  not  be  found  in 
"  any  wise  remiss,  so  far  as  it  should  please  the  Lord  to  enable  and  assist 
"  us  by  his  grace ;  wheranent,  we  must  confess,  my  Lord  President  hath 
"  been  to  us  a  very  great  help,  as  well  in  laying  down  the  grounds  of  our 
"  proceedings,  as  in  stirring  us  up  to  painfulness  and  diligence,  so  that 
"  we  cannot  but  give  his  Maty-  hearty  thanks  for  imploying  so  meet  an 
"  instrument  to  assist  our  good  courses  in  your  Lordships  absence. 
"  Especially  we  have  agreed  that  the  whole  country  being  divided  into 
"  parts  according  to  our  number,  every  one  of  us  shall  have  a  secret 
"  oversight  and  care  of  a  several!  part  and  without  respect  of  travails  or 


ARCHBISHOP    GLADS  TANES.  217 

"  expenses,  we  shall  be  carefull  from  week  to  week  to  inform  ourselves 
"  perfectly  anent  the  state,  actions,  and  plats  of  all  the  Presbitrys  and 
"  pastors  within  the  bounds  of  ye'  part  committed  to  every  one  of  us ; 
"  and  every  six  weeks  at  the  least,  and  oftener,  pro  re  nata,  we  have 
"  appointed  to  keep  a  meeting  of  the  whole  number  or  of  the  most  part 
"  of  us,  wherin  we  intend  to  communicat  our  intelligence  mutually,  and 
"  to  consult  on  the  most  expedient  way  to  dissipate  and  frustrate  the 
"  platts  and  practises  of  the  turbulent,  that  the  good  and  peacable  be 
"  not  overthrowen  and  discouraged,  nor  their  calme  and  godly  courses 
"  interruptit,  and  as  we  find  any  occasions  of  importance  your  Lordship 
"  shall  be  advertised  therof,  God  willing,  from  our  said  meetings  for  his 
"  Matys  information.  By  and  attour  this  generall,  we  have  with  long 
"  deliberation,  we  have  considered  what  is  most  requisit  for  his  Matys 
"  service  and  well  of  the  Kirk,  to  be  done  concerning  this  next  Assembly, 
"  and  as  we  find  his  Majesty  has  thought  it  requisit  that  the  same  be 
"  continoued  for  a  certain  term,  so  have  we  all  seen  evidently  the  necessity 
"  therof,  and  therfor  wish  the  intimation  of  the  said  continouation  to  be 
"  published  by  proclamation  as  his  Maty-  has  determined,  and  the 
"  causes  of  the  continuation  to  be  as  here  is  subjoined  in  this  or  the  like 
"  narrative:  '  Forasmuch  as  his  Majesty,  understanding  what  great  incon- 
"  '  venients  the  dissentions  among  the  Ministry  within  this  Kingdom 
"  '.  brought  with  them  to  the  hinderance  of  the  progress  of  the  gospell,  the 
"  '  dishonnour  of  their  profession,  and  the  strengthening  of  the  hands 
"  '  of  the  enimy,  has  therfor,  of  his  princlie  and  fatherly  care  and  affection 
"  '  towards  the  promotion  of  the  gospell  and  well  of  this  Kirk,  essayed 
"  '  many  and  diverse  means  to  quench  all  fire  of  division  among  the  said 
"  •  ministry  and  to  advise  them  to  the  unity  of  one  mind  and  affection, 
"  '  and  at  last  appointed  a  grave,  frequent  and  free  Assembly,  to  be  holden 
"  '  at  Linlithgow  in  December  last,  of  a  great  number  of  the  most  godly, 
"  '  zealouse  and  well  affected  of  the  Nobility,  Councill  and  Barrens,  from 
"  '  the  diverse  parts  of  the  country,  as  also  of  the  most  learned,  godly, 
"  f  wise,  grave,  and  of  the  best  experience  of  the  Ministry,  from  all  the 
"  '■  Presbitrys  in  great  number,  by  whose  travails,  care  and  wisdom,  every 
"  *  occasion  and  pretext  of  greive  was  in  such  godlynes  and  moderation 
"  '  removed  that,  as  his  Maty  found  therin  contentment,  so  was  all  the 


248  ARCHBISHOP    GLAD  STANES. 

"  «  conclusions  of  the  said  Assembly  passed  with  great  applause,  and  for  a 
"  *  time  great  thanks  to  God  and  praise  to  his  Ma,y  wer  given  publickly 
"  '  in  the  most  famouse  congregations  of  the  whole  country,  with  great 
"  ',  expectations,  that  from  that  time  forth,  throw  the  keeping  of  the  con- 
"  '  elusions  of  the  said  Assembly,  nothing  should  be  found  in  the  meetings 
"  '  of  the  ministry  but  unity,  peace  and  love  ;  wherupon  it  was  agreed  and 
"  '  concluded,  by  his  Ma"s  allowance  and  warrand,  that  the  next  G. 
"  •  Assembly  should  conveen  and  hold  at  Hallyroodhouse  the  first  Tuesday 
"  '  of  July  next  to  come.  But  finding  the  event  contrariouse  to  all  that 
"  f  was  apperand  or  looked  for,  and  that  throw  the  bussiness  of  some  evil- 
"  '  disposed,  turbulent  and  contentiouse  spirits,  the  godly  proceedings  of 
"  '  the  said  Assembly  are  traduced  and  brought  into  contempt,  and  in 
"  '  diverse  places  no  obedience  but  plain  resistance  made  to  the  acts  therof, 
"  '  wherthrow  ther  is  not  only  cause  of  offence  given  to  his  Majesty,  but 
"  '  also  such  distractions  and  acerbation  of  minds  entered  in  among 
"  «  Ministers  as  could  bring  no  other  effects  but  such  as  should  be  an  hin- 
"  '  derance  to  the  gospell,  a  sclander  and  further  occasion  of  strife  and 
"  '  division,  and  strife  among  themselves,  and  a  confirmation  of  the 
"  '  adversarys,  in  case  any  G.  Assembly  of  them  should  be  holden  before 
"  '  that  some  due  and  lawfull  preparation  wer  made,  first  for  removing 
"  '  of  their  distractions  and  bringing  them  to  an  harmony  of  minds  ;  for 
"  '  effectuating  wherof,  his  Majesty  hath  found  it  expedient  that  the  hail 
"  '  provinciall  Assemblys  in  the  country  should  be  holden  at  their  ordinary 
"  '  place  of  meeting  on  the  day  of  Agust  next,  and  that  in  every  one 
"  '  of  the  said  meetings  ther  should  be  chosen  two  of  the  most  godly, 
"  '  peacable,  wise,  grave,  and  of  best  experience,  with  power  and  commis- 
"  '  sion  to  conveen  at  Hallyroodhouse,  the  day  of  next 

"  '  coming,  with  the  remanent  Commissioners  of  the  provinces,  and  with 
"  '  the  Commissioners  of  Assembly,  and  such  of  his  Ma,ys  Councill  as 
"  '  it  shall  please  his  Majesty  to  nominat  for  that  effect,  and  ther  to 
"  '  conferr,  reason,  and  conclude,  with  common  advice,  upon  most  con- 
"  '  venient  remedies  agst  the  evils  that,  throw  laik  of  sufficient  preparation, 
"  '  might  fall  out  at  the  said  G.  Assembly.  That  therafter  the  Assembly 
"  '  may  be  holden  and  keept  in  such  a  peacable  and  godly  maimer  as  might 
"  '  bring  a  true  comfort  to  the  godly  and  a  terror  to  the  wicked  ;  and  in 


ARCHBISHOP   GLADSTANES.  249 

<  <  the  meantime  the  G.  Assembly  whilk  was  at  Linlithgow  appointed 
*  !  to  be  holden  at  Hallyroodhouse  the  last  day  of  July,  be  continoued  till 
'  <  the  day  of  next  to  come,  and  that  no  person  presume  to 
< '  keep  the  said  Assembly,  while  first  the  said  preparation  have  passed 
' «  before.'  Upon  this  or  the  like  narrative,  bearing  the  said  causes,  the 
'  charge  in  the  proclamation  would  be  founded.     What  hath  been  done 

<  by  us  and  the  rest  of  the  Commissioners  anent  the  planting  the  Kirk  of 
'  Edinr  and  the  Kirks  of  the  bretheren  that  are  bannished,  as  like- 
'  wise  in  the  visitation  of  the  University,  we  remitt  to  our  other  letters 
*■  sent  up  in  this  pacquet.  Thus,  praying  to  God  continoually  for  the  long 
;'  continouance  of  your  Lordships  good  estate,  and  increase  of  all  blessings, 
'  We  humbly  take  our  leave,  and  rest, 

"  Your  Lops  very  assured  to  the 

"  O  uttermost  of  their  powers. 

"  Saint  Androis 
"  An  :   Yles 
"  Rosse 

"  Hallyroodhouse,  .,  r\ 

"June!  8,  1607.  "CaITHNES 

"  Directed,  To  the  Earle  of  Dumhar."  "  BREICHEN." 


Its  very  plain  from  this  letter  what  great  pains  and  diligence  the  Observes  on  it. 
Bishops  wer  at  in  all  corners  of  the  country,  to  bring  over  Ministers  to 
their  present  courses.  In  this  indeed  they  wer  indefatigable,  and  having 
the  King  and  Courtiers  to  joyn  issue  with  them,  we  need  not  wonder  that 
by  privat  dealings,  conferences,  and  continouall  ofputs  of  the  Generall 
Assembly,  they  at  lenth  carryed  their  point.  It  will  further  be  observed, 
that  it  was  by  letters  sent  to  Court  by  the  Bishops  that  our  Generall 
Assemblys,  corrupt  as  they  wer,  from  time  to  time  wer  delayed,  and  the 
very  termes  prescribed  in  Scotland  by  the  Bishops  wer  keeped  exactly,  in 
all  the  proclamations  and  publick  letters  sent  from  the  King  at  this  time, 
as  will  be  plain  by  comparing  this  letter  and  others,  with  the  King's  pro- 
clamations and  letters  sent  to  the  Privy  Council. 

The  Parliament  was  now  soon  to  meet  in  Edinburgh,  in  the  begin-     The  Bishops 

*>  °         letter     to     the 

ning  of  Agust,  and  there  the  Bishops,  to  their  outmost,  laid  out  them-  King     before 

2  i 


250  ARCHBISHOP    GLADSTANES. 

the  Pari  lament,  selves  each  to  forward  the  taxations  and  other  projects  of  the  King  and 
'  Courtiers.    The  Bishop  of  Saint  Andrews  interpones  his  advice  and  senti- 
ments as  to  the  approaching  Parliament  in  his  letter,  dated  July  20,  this 
year,  which  is  as  followes  : 

"  Sacred  Soveraigne, 

"  May  [it]  please  your  most  excellent  Maty ,  I  am  bold  to 
"  propone  an  advice  to  your  Maty,  that  since  now  ther  is  a  Parliament, 
"  and  your  Maty  has  thot  meet  by  degrees  to  accomplish  your  just  design- 
"  anient  anent  our  Kirk  policy,  that  some  progress  may  be  made  at  this 
"  present,  the  summ  wherof  I  refer  to  these  two  articles  which  I  have 
"  indyted  and  sent  to  your  Highnes  that  these  may  be  enacted  in 
"  this  present  Parliament.  I  presume  thus  to  impeasch  your  Ma<y 
"  that  no  occasion  of  advantage  may  be  slipped,  and  I  woidd  wish  that 
"  your  Maty-  would  return  direction  of  these  two  articles  with  all  pos- 
"  sible  expedition.  I  received  from  your  Maty-  a  direction  anent 
"  Mr.  William  Scot,  Minister  at  Coupar,  that  the  Bishop  of  Dunkeld,  the 
"  Lord  Scoon  and  I  should  report  to  your  Maty  whither  his  presence 
"  here  might  be  beneficial!  to  the  peace  of  the  Kirk  and  your  Highnes 
"  service,  that  therupon  your  Ma,y  might  prorogat  his  license  of  abid- 
"  ing  here,  upon  our  good  report.  Sn,  if  I  had  been  put  in  trust  alone, 
"  I  would  have  been  bold  to  have  returned  my  service,  for  I  protest  I  stand 
P-  9-  "  in  awe  of  none  but  God  and  the  King.     My  Lord  of  Dunkeld  is  sick 

"  and  bedfast,  and  my  Lord  of  Scoon  is  there.  I  presume  in  their  absence 
"  most  humbly  upon  my  knees  to  beg  of  your  Ma,y  that  since  Mr. 
"  William  "Scot  is  come  thither,  he  may  have  of  your  Maty-  prorogation 
H  of  his  remaining  here,  till  some  reasonable  day  that  may  give  some 
"  occasion  to  us  to  explore  his  disposition  and  usage  in  such  sort  as 
"  we  may  give  upon  good  grounds  an  sufficient  report  to  your  Highnes, 
"  which  may  move  your  Maty  to  continou  him  here  or  remove  him  ; 
"  thus  for  the  present  it  may  please  your  Highnes  to  give  him  a  supersedere 
"  in  write,  with  such  confyning  as  your  Highnes  thinks  meet  for  an 
"  untryed  man.  Sr,  I  yearn  to  see  the  day  wherin  the  verity  of  Kirk 
"  Government  may  be  discussed  and  explained  to  the  Estates  of  this 
"  Kingdom,  wherin  I  offer  no   less  press  than   my  place  is,  and  this 


ARCHBISHOP  GLADSTANES.  251 

"  I  think  the  fittest  mean  for  setling  the  Estate  of  this  Kirk.  I  humbly 
"  take  my  leave,  and  with  all  affection  recomends  that  sacred  person  in 
"  body,  soul  and  government  to  Gods  grace  and  blessed  protection,  and 
"  shall  remain  your  Ma,ys- 

"  Most  humble  and  obedient 
"  Servant  and  orator, 

"  Saint  Andrews,  July  20,  1607."  «'  SAINT  AnDROIS." 

"  P.  S.  Please  your  Maty  to  send  precise  direction  anent  the 
M  ranking  of  Archbishops  with  the  Nobility,  and  of  the  Bishops,  and  to 
"  give  order  either  in  the  old  Scottish  form,  or  the  English  manner,  as 
"  your  Ma1*8'  incomparable  wisdom  shall  command  as  fittest." 

We  see  that  not  only  the  forms  of  proclamations,  and  of  the  Kings  Remarks  on 
letters  to  the  Council  are  sent  up  by  the  Bishops  and  come  down  again 
without  change  from  the  King,  but  also  Acts  of  Parliament.  The  one  of 
these  the  Bishop  [mentions?],  I  suppose  was  that  about  the  Chapter  of 
Saint  Andrews  which  will  follow  afterwards  ;  what  the  other  was  I  am  not 
positive.  We  see  how  cautiously  the  Bishop  writes  about  Mr.  William 
[Scot  of]  Coupar.  He  seems  displeased  that  he  was  not  alone  consulted 
in  that  matter.  In  Mr.  Scots  Life  we  shall  find  ther  was  not  the  least 
fault  to  be  laid  to  his  charge  save  his  opposition  to  Prelacy,  for  that  he 
must  be  confyned  and,  unless  the  Bishop  please,  bannished  out  of  his 
native  country.  We  shall  see  by  Mr.  Calderwoods  account  what  was 
done  as  to  the  Bishops  postscript. 

Upon  Saturnday  the  1  of  Agust  the  Parliament  sat  down  in  Edin-      Parliament 
burgh.   Mr.  Calderwood  tellsus,  the  Kings  Commissioner,  Ludowick,  Duke  1, 1607. 
of  Lennox,  propounded  to  the  Nobility  conveened  with  him,  that  the  two     Tw°  Ar«h- 
Archbishops  should  have  the  first  place  and  ride  next  the  honnours.     The  next  the  Hon- 
most  part  of  the  ancient  Nobility  wer  absent ;  the  most  part  present  wer  no,,rs' 
lately  nobilitat.     They  granted  liberally  the  place  to  all  the  Bishops,  but 
in  derision,  thinking  they  would  not  accept  of  it,  but  they  accepted  of  it 
as  freely  as  it  was  offered  ;  so  they  rode  and  sat  in  Parliament  with  great 
derision  and  detestation,  but  ambition  and  advancment  made  them  sensles 


252  ARCHBISHOP    GLADSTANES. 

Bishop  Glad-  Before  the  Parliament  entered  upon  matters,  Mr.  George  Gladstanes 

stanes    sermon  _  *■  ° 

before  Pariia-  made  a  harrangue  which  was  called  the  Bishops  sermon.  He  chused  for 
chronicles  xix.  his  text,  2  Chronicles,  xix.  Mr.  Calderwood  gives  us  the  most  remark - 
*'  |*  *£         able  observations  he  had  as  follow  : 

"  '  Verse  4.  Jehosophat  brought  them  again  to  the  Lord  God  of  their 
"  '  fathers.'  Here  he  [re]futed  the  errour  of  those  who,  with  Donatus, 
"said,  Quid  imperatori  cum,  ecclesid,  and  affirmed  these  positions: 
"  '  1.  That  the  prince  only  hath  power  to  convocat  Ecclesiasticall 
"  '  Assembly,  for  confirmation  wherof  he  cited  Beza.  2.  That  the  prince 
"  '  may  not  only  inter  esse  but  preesse,  and  be  Moderator  in  Ecclesiasticall 
"  '  Assemblys.  3.  That  the  prince  may  judge  and  cognosce  in  matters 
"  •  mere  spirituall  either  by  himself  or  by  his  commissioners  or  delegates.' 
"  Upon  8  verse.  '  Jehosophat  set  of  Levites,'  &c.  There  he  spoke  of 
"  the  ranks  and  degrees  of  the  Ecclesiasticall  persons  and  affirmed,  that 
"  since  God  had  a  Kirk  on  earth,  ther  wer  ranks  in  it.  Here  he  affirmed 
"  these  positions  :  '1.  That  the  Lords  Levites  was  a  style  of  scripture 
"  '  given  to  the  fathers  of  the  Kirk.  2.  He  thanked  the  Estates  and 
"  '  Lords  who  had  restored  the  Bishops  to  their  ancient  dignity,  which 
"  '  by  injury  of  time,  through  ignorance  of  the  people  who  wer  not  rightly 
"  *  instructed,  was  keeped  back  from  them.  3.  He  called  them  rasckalls 
"  '  that  mislead  the  people  and  opponned  themselves  hereunto.  4.  He 
"  '  affirmed  that  it  was  lawful]  and  pertinent  to  Ecclesiasticall  persons  to 
"  |  medle  in  civd  affairs,  and  to  be  Counselours  to  Kings.  5.  He 
"  '  alledged  this  judicature  constitute  by  Jehosophat  was  mixed  with 
"  '  civil  and  ecclesiasticall  Levites  and  Elders,  and  for  proof  of  that  he 
"  '  said  the  subject  was  betwixt  blood  and  blood,  which,  added  he,  was  a 
"  !  criminall  cause.  6.  To  the  same  point  he  alledged  that  to  Achitophell 
"  '  in  the  councill  of  David  succeeded  the  priests  Zadock  and  Abiathar. 
"  S  That  when  Christ  said,  Who  made  us  Judge  over  you,  he  so  said  because 
"  '  he  had  no  commission  of  Cassar,  otherwise  he  would  not  have  refused 
"  '  to  be  Judge  ;'  in  short,  he  neither  prayed  nor  uttered  one  petition  to 
"  God,  but  used  this  speech,  Let  us  pray  that  God  will,  &c. ;  and  in 
"  handling  of  the  above  named  points  he  frequently  interlaced  these 
"  words:  They  will  call  me  here  a  lying  and  flattering  Bishop,  but  its 
"  not  I,  but  the  Spirit  of  God  that  lyeth  and  flattereth,  if  any  be." 


ARCHBISHOP    GLADSTANES.  253 

Parliamentim- 

Saint  Andrews,  and  since  it  was  made,  as  we  have  seen,  at  the  Bishops  powering    the 

ill-  i/»  ii  i  r     i  1      *         •       l  '     Bishop  to  name 

desire  and  formed  by  himself  to  lodge  the  power  of  the  choice  in  his  the  chapter  of 

hands  and  its  but  short,  I  give  it  here  from  Calderwood.    "  Forasmuch  as  *™^s       An" 

"  the   conventuall   Bretheren    and   Canons    of  the   monastry   of  Saint 

"  Andrews  wer  the  ancient  Council  and  Chapter  of  the  Archbishop,  who 

"  are  now  decaying,  and  few  of  them  being  alive,  like  as  the  priorie 

"  and  the  fruits  therof  are  to  be  erected  in  a  temporall  Lordship,  and 

"  necessary  it  is  that  the  said  Archbishop  should  have  a  constant  Chapter 

"  according  to  the  ancient  Policy  of  this  Kirk  and  foundamentall  lawes 

"  of  this  Kingdom  :  Therfor  our  Soveraigne  Lord,  with  advice  of  the 

"  Estates  of  this  present  Parliament  gives,   grants  and  committs  full 

"  power  to  George,  Archbishop  of  Saint  Andrews,  to  elect  and  nominat 

"  seven  qualified  persons  at  the  least,  dwelling  and  having  charge  and 

"  administration  within  his  diocie,  to  be  the  perpetuall  Convent,  Counsell 

"  and  Chapter  of  the  said  Archbishoprick  in  all  time  coming,  and  after 

"  the  decease  or  removing  of  any  one  of  them  from  the  said  place,  the 

"  intrant  succeeding  to  the  said  charge  or  place,  to  succeed  it  so  in  that 

"  room  of  the  Chapter  or  Convent,  and  yet,  nevertheless  reserveth  to  the 

"  said  Archbishop  and  his  successors  their  ancient  priviledge,  to  witt,  that 

"  the  common  seal  of  the  said  Chapter,  to  be  made  of  new  by  their  own 

"  advice,  shall  serve  for  their  own  consents  without  their  subscriptions. 

"  Attour,  its  found  and  decerned  that  the  present  common  seal  of  the  said 

"  Chapter,  being  appended  to  the  evidents  and  rights  already  made  and 

"  granted  be  the  said  Archbishop,  has  been  and  shall  be,  in  all  time 

"  coming,  a  sufficient  and  perfect  consent  of  the  Chapter,  and  as  effectuall 

"  for  securing  the  vassalls  and  tennants,  receivers  of  the  said  rights,  as  the 

"  samine  has  been  in  any  time  before,  for  consent  of  the  said  Chapter,  aye 

"  and  while  the  election  of  the  said  Chapter,  and  making  of  the  said  new 

"  common  seal." 

The  Synods  came  to  meet  after  the  Parliament  was  up.  I  shall  only  Procedure, 
give  account  of  the  Synod  of  Lothian  [Fife,]  wher  Bishop  Gladstanes  was  A'gust  ig' 
to  be  placed  constant  Moderator.  They  met  at  Dysart,  Agust  18,  1607,  ^^  ab^1 
and  four  Commissioners  from  the  King  wer  sent  to  see  the  Archbishop  Bishop    their 

11  n/ri  1  1  Moderator. 

received    Moderator,    tho  the    constant    Moderators    wer    only    spoken     p.  11. 


254  ARCHBISHOP    GLADSTANES. 

of  for  Presbitrys  and  not  Synods,  at  Linlithgow,  and  the  imposition  of 
these  on  Presbitrys  and  without  all  ride  upon  Synods,  was  what  bread  all 
the  disquiet  in  the  Church,  complained  of  in  the  proclamation  continouing 
the  Generall  Assembly,  though  there  all  the  blame  is  laid  on  the  Ministers. 
But  the  Bishops  at  present  wanted  pretexts,  wherupon  to  delay  the  Generall 
Assembly  till  they  had  matters  ripned  a  litle  for  their  purpose.  I  shall  give 
the  proceedings  of  the  Synod  of  Fife,  as  to  Bishop  Gladstans  being  Modera- 
tor, in  Mr.  Calderwoods  words:  "  The  Kings  Commissioners  to  place  Bishop 
"  Gladstanes  Moderator  wer,  Lord  Lindsay,  Lord  Hallyroodhouse,  Lord 
"  Scoon,  Lord  Collector  Mr.  John  Preston.  The  Lords  and  the  Bishop 
"  had  designedMr.  John  Mitchelson,  minister  at  Burntisland,  to  preach,  but 
"  Mr.  William  Cranstoun  Minister  at  Kettle,  Moderator  to  the  last  Synod, 
"  was  ready,  and  when  walking  in  the  session  house  at  his  meditation,  he 
"  found  himself  troubled  with  the  closnes  of  the  air;  he  went  out  of  the 
"  session  house  to  the  pulpit,  partly  for  more  open  air,  and  partly 
"  that  his  affections  might  be  stirred  up  with  singing  the  psalmes,  not 
"  knowing  that  any  other  was  appointed  by  the  Commissioners  to  preach. 
"  While  he  was  sitting  in  the  pulpit,  a  messenger  was  sent  unto  him  with 
"  a  letter  :  he  received  it  and  put  it  up  in  his  pocket,  not  having  laizour  for 
"  other  thoughts  to  read  it.  In  a  litle  while  another  messenger  is  sent  in 
"  the  Lord  Commissioners  name  to  bid  him  come  down.  He  answered  him 
"  to  that  place,  in  the  name  of  a  greater  Lord,  whose  message  he  had  not 
"  yet  discharged,  and  with  that  named  a  psalm  to  be  sung,  because  he 
"  saw  the  people  to  be  somwhat  amazed.  Then  one  of  the  bailays  came 
"  and  rounded  in  his  ear  that  he  was  commanded  by  the  Lords  to  desire 
"  him  to  come  down.  He  answered,  I  command  you  in  the  name  of  the 
"  Lord  to  sit  down  in  your  own  seat  and  hear  what  God  will  say  to  you 
"  by  me.  The  bailay  obeyed  at  last.  When  he  was  entering  upon  his 
"  prayer,  the  Conservator  of  the  priviledges  of  the  Merchants  in  the 
'  "  Low  Couutrys,  being  a  Counsellor  at  that  time,  went  to  him,  and  rounded 
"  his  ear,  desiring  him  to  desist,  for  the  Lords  had  appointed  another  to 
"  preach.  But  Mr.  William  Cranstoun  answered,  The  Lord  and  his  Kirk 
"  hath  appointed  me,  therfor  bewar  ye  trouble  this  work.  Neither  the 
"  Bishop,  nor  any  of  the  Commissioners,  the  Lord  Lindsay  only  excepted, 
"  would  come  to  hear  him.     The  Bishop  like  a  subtile  serpent  esheued 


ARCHBISHOP   GLAD  ST  A  NES.  255 

"  charming.  After  the  doctrine,  the  ministers  sat  down  in  the  Assem- 
"  bly.  Mr.  John  Condon,  minister  at  Kinrosher[?],  occnpyed  the  place 
"  of  the  last  Moderator  when  the  doctrine  was  censured.  The  Moderator 
"  said  an  Atheist  could  not  have  done  more  than  he  did.  The  grave 
"  Bishop  thinking  that  he  had  directly  called  him  an  Atheist,  turning  him  to 
"  Mr.  John  Coudan,  said,  Thou  profane  dog,  if  thou  had  not  been  an  wild 
"  beast,  thou  would  not  have  called  me  an  Atheist ;  I  am  as  honest  in  my 
"  calling  and  room  as  any  minister  here.  The  King's  Commissioners 
"  wer  forced  to  say  he  was  unworthy  to  be  in  the  number  of  ministers, 
"  let  be  to  be  Bishop  or  constant  Moderator  over  them,  seing  he  could 
"  not  moderat  his  own  passions.  Mr.  Coudan  replyed,  Well,  sir,  your 
"  pride  I  hope  shall  get  a  fall ;  I  saw  the  judgment  of  God  on  your 
"  predecessor,  and  I  belive  to  see  the  like  upon  you  if  you  amend  not. 
"  The  bretheren  wer  offended  both  with  the  one  and  the  other,  Mr. 
"  William  Cranstoun  after  his  censure  entereth  into  his  own  place  again, 
"  and  willed  the  names  of  the  last  leets  to  be  read  for  the  election 
"  of  a  new  Moderator.  The  King's  Commissioners  showed  they  had 
"  commission  to  see  the  Archbishop  of  Saint  Andrews  placed  Moderator 
"  in  that  Synod.  The  Moderator  desired  the  Act  to  be  produced  ; 
"  after  it  was  read  the  bretheren  answered  that  it  was  constantly  affirmed 
"  by  the  bretheren  that  wer  at  that  meeting  in  Linlithgow,  that  no  such 
"  thing  concerning  the  Moderator  of  Synods  was  propounded,  reasoned, 
"  or  concluded  at  that  convention,  and  therfor  they  would  not  acknowledge 
"  that  Act  so  long  keeped  closs  and  coming  to  light  but  now  of  late,  till 
"  all  the  Presbitrys  of  the  province  had  first  advised  therewith  severally, 
"  and  conferred  with  other  Synods,  and  for  that  they  craved  a  copy  to 
"  every  one  of  their  Presbitrys.  The  King's  Commissioners  said  they 
"  trifled  with  the  King  ;  one  of  them  called  for  the  officer  at  anus,  that 
"  was  appointed  to  charge  them  with  letters  of  horning,  took  the  cato- 
"  logue  of  names  in  his  hand,  and  demanded  of  them  severally  whither 
"  they  would  accept  the  Bishop  as  constant  Moderator  or  not.  The 
"  officer  was  commanded  to  give  every  one  who  gave  a  negative  voice  a 
"  charge  presently  to  accept,  under  the  pain  of  rebellion  and  putting  to 
"  the  horn.  The  bretheren  answered  severally  they  would  rather  abide 
"  horning  and  all  that  followes  therupon,  than  loss  the  liberty  of  the  Kirk. 


256  ARCHBISHOP   GLADSTANES. 

"  'Die  office  is  unlawfull,  the  man  unworthy  !  All  refused  but  two  or  three, 
"  Mr.  Joseph  Durie,  Mr.  William  Murray,  parson  of  Dysart,  Mr.  David 
"  Monnipenny,  Mr.  John  Caldcleugh,  Mr.  Robert  Buchanan,  Mr.  Thomas 
"  Douglas.  Some  went  out  of  the  Assembly  ere  it  came  to  votting,  viz. 
"  Mr.  John  Mitchelson,  Mr.  James  Wilson,  Mr.  William  Murray,  min- 
'*  ister  of  Carrail,  Mr.  Andrew  Bennet,  Minister  at  Monnimeal.  The 
"  Bishop  perceiving  the  Bretheren  to  be  courageotise,  and  fearing  the 
"  sentence  of  excomunication,  spake  with  the  Commissioners  apart,  and 
"  promised  to  take  upon  him  to  satisfy  the  King,  and  therfor  desired  the 
"  bretheren  to  be  spared.  The  Commissioners  wer  well  content,  and 
"  promised  to  lay  all  the  blame  upon  him  if  his  Majesty  wer  offended,  and 
"  so  they  called  for  the  officer  to  discharge  the  Assembly  by  the  King's 
"  letters  and  to  charge  them  not  to  conveen  again  without  speciall  warrand 
"  from  the  King.  The  Kings  Commissioners  had  a  commission  to  see 
"  Mr.  Gladstanes  placed  constant  Moderator;  next  that  two  Commis- 
"  sioners  be  chosen  to  the  conference  at  Hallyroodhouse ;  next,  to  try 
"  what  the  constant  Moderators  had  done  against  Papists  ;  and  lastly,  to 
"  see  that  the  fifth  of  Agust  wer  solemly  observed  as  it  ought.  After 
"  long  "reasoning  and  absolute  refusall  of  the  first,  the  Synod  besought 
"  the  Commissioners  to  invert  the  order,  and  suffer  to  be  nominated  to 
"  the  conference  at  Hallyroodhouse.  The  Controller  would  in  nowise  con- 
"  sent,  but  assured  them,  that  if  the  first  wer  not  granted  it  behoved  them 
"  to  dissolve  the  Assembly.  In  end  the  matter  was  drawn  to  a  conference, 
"  that  it  behoved  them  to  charge  all  the  bretheren  that  refused  to  accept 
"  the  Moderator,  with  letters  of  horning,  yet  the  Bishop  promised  to  write 
"  to  the  King  in  favour  of  the  Ministers,  and  to  show  that  he  desired  not 
"  the  office,  and  therfor  the  execution  should  stay  while  the  answer  be 
"  returned.  The  Assembly  laid  to  the  Commissioners  charge,  they  j)ro- 
"  mised  to  supersed  all  things  at  their  last  meeting,  till  the  last  Tuesday 
"  of  September,  and  give  a  copy  of  the  Act  at  Linlithgow  to  every  Pres- 
"  bitry,  which  they  had  not  performed  and  yet  they  would  proceed  with 
"  rigour.  The  Assembly  Synodall  dissolved  on  Wensday  the  19  of 
"  Agust  about  10  hours."  In  short,  Mr.  Calderwood  observes  that 
tho  the  Synods  wer  all  met  upon  one  day,  yet  all  refused  the  constant 
Moderator  save  Angus,  and  the  King  and  Bishops  wer  disappointed  of 


ARCHBISHOP   GLADS  TANES.  257 

their  purpose,  and  there  was  no  conference  at  Hallyroodhouse,  partly 
because  the  Synods  wer  dissolved  abruptly  on  their  not  accepting  the  p.  13. 
constant  Moderators,  and  partly  by  Mr.  James  Nicholsons  death,  who 
had  the  cheife  hand  in  the  contrivance.  He  adds  that  Bishop  Gladstanes, 
contrary  to  promise,  informed  the  King  after  his  own  way  of  the  pro- 
ceedings of  the  Synod,  and  a  charge  came  down  for  the  confynment  of 
Mr.  Dykes,  Scrimgeour  and  Coudon,  as  may  be  seen  in  Mr.  Scrimgeours 
Life.  Mr.  Coudon  was  not  constant  and  fell  with  the  Bishop.  Mr. 
Cranstoun  was  more  roughly  handled  and  put  to  the  horn.  Mr. 
Calderwood  tells  us,  "  that  he  came  to  the  Archbishop  the  day  before 
"  he  was  put  to  the  horn,  and  challanged  him  for  violating  his  promise. 
"  The  Bishop  cursed  himself  if  he  knew  any  such  thing,  but  Mr.  William 
"  repeted  what  he  had  written  to  the  King,  and  what  he  had  written  back 
"  to  theBishop,  and  said,  I  saw  the  judgment  of  God  on  your  predecessor  ; 
"  woes  me  for  that  judgment  of  God  that  is  coming  on  you.  Suppose  I 
"  be  an  aged  man  very  unmeet  to  undergo  trouble,  yet  I  may  yet  live  either 
"  to  see  you  repent  or  Gods  judgment  to  fall  on  you.  To  morrow  after 
"  this  Mr.  Cranstoun  was  put  to  the  horn." 

About  the  middle  of  September,  the  Lord  Balmerinnoch,  Secretary,     The  Bishops 
went  up  to  Court,  and  in  November  his  trouble  in  England  began.     We  King  about  my 
have  seen  upon  Bishop  Spotswoods  life,  that  he  was  suspected  to  have  a  ^^B  s™teml 
share  in  the  trouble  he  fell  under.     It  seems  Bishop  Gladstanes  was  notb("r  8>  1607- 
in  this  plott  against  the  Secretary ;  if  he  was,  he  acts  a  most  disingenous 
part,  which  I  am  not  willing  to  think  he  did,  except  wher  I  have  proof  of 
it.     This  appears  by  the  next  letter  of  the  Bishops,  in  my  hands,  to  the 
King,  which  runns : 

"  Most  Gracious  Soveraigne, 

"  May  it  please  your  most  excellent  Ma'y ,  I  take  the  boldnes,  beside 
"  the  common  representation  sent  by  our  Estate  to  your  Highnes  in  favour 
"  of  your  Matyi  most  faithfull  servant,  and  our  most  special  and  trustie 
"  freind,  your  Highnes  Secretary,  to  declare  the  great  favour  I  find  in  all 
"  my  actions  in  Session  and  elsqr ,  that  in  ye  rarity  of  true  servants,  and 
"  frequency  of  prevarications,  your  Ma"  may  make  this  man  sure  to 
"  continou  as  he  has  begun  ;  for  if  it  had  been  no  more  than  this  last 

2  K 


258  ARCHBISHOP   GLADS TANES. 

"  Assembly  of  Fife,  it  would  make  it  manifest  that  wher  one  does  forward 
"  an  un-fold  service,  two  are  perfunctoriouse.  I  was  not  present  at 
"  this  colloque,  for  I  was,  as  I  am  yet,  bound  to  my  bed,  but  I  hope 
"  shortly,  through  Gods  grace,  to  recover  strenth  for  your  Matys-  service, 
"  which  in  my  very  death  (if  so  it  shall  please  God)  shall  be  precious  to 
"  me.  I  am  bold  to  present  certain  memories  to  your  Ma,y,  and  most 
"  humbly  beseech  your  Highnes  forsuch  timous  answer  as  your  incompara- 
"  ble  wisdom  shall  think  meetest  to  direct.  Thus  referring  to  the  sufficiency 
"  and  fidelity  of  my  Lord  the  bearer  herof,  I  committ  in  my  hearty  prayers 
"  your  Highnes  person,  estate,  and  goverment,  to  the  graciouse  blessing 
"  and  protection  of  the  Almighty.     I  abide, 

"  Your  Matys-  most  affectionat 

"  Orator  and  humblest  servant, 

«  St.  Andros,  8  of  Sept'-.  1607."  j  °  SAINT  AnDROIS." 

Memories  to  his  Sacred  Majesty. 
Memoiiaiito  "  It  will  please  your   Ma,y-  to  direct  the  Council   anent   Captain 

the  King  with         rjy 

the  former  let-         1JT1C 

"  It  will  please  your  Ma'1,  to  remember  the  dedication  of  a 
"  Bibliotheck  to  the  University  of  Saint  Andrews,  w'  the  advice  of  my 
"  Lord,  now  of  Canterburry. 

"  It  wer  expedient  that  the  form  and  order  of  making  Bachelours, 
"  Doctors  of  Divinity  and  of  the  Lawes,  wer  sent  homeward  to  me  that  I 
"  might  once  creat  one  or  two  Doctors  to  incite  others  to  the  same  hon- 
"  nour,  for  we  have  appointed  both  a  faculty  of  Theology  and  Dean 
"  therof,  namely,  Mr.  Robert  Howie,  q™-  we  would  wish  to  have 
p.  14.  "  insignia  doctoratus,  and  to  encourage  our  ignorant  Clergy  to  learning, 

"  that  your  Maty-  should  give  me  and  all  other  Bishops  in  this  King- 
"  dom  direction  that  in  presentation  to  benefices  those  who  are  graduat 
"  or  in  the  course  of  Divinity  in  this  University,  namely,  actu[all3  Re- 
"  gents  and  Masters  be  preferred  to  any  others.  And  so  your  Ma,y  may 
"  purchas  fame  and  honnour  immortall,  by  the  patrociny  of  this  eldest 
«*  mother  of  learning,  within  this  your  Majestys  most  ancient  Kingdom. 


ARCHBISHOP   GLADSTANES.  259 

"  Since  in  the  Institution  of  the  Colledge  of  Justice,  one  day  in  the 
"  week  should  be  given  to  the  Kirks  actions,  whilk  was  Saturnday,  I 
"  would  most  humbly  entreat  your  Maty,  that  commandement  be 
"  given  to  the  Chancelour  and  President,  that  it  may  be  some  other  day, 
"  because  it  is  the  day  of  our  studies,-  and  that  day  I  may  have  liberty  to 
"  come  to  ye-  inner  house,  and  that  by  my  roll  all  the  actions  of  the 
"  Clergy  and  Ministry  may  be  called,  for  I  ashame  that  qn-  all  the 
"  Ministers  of  the  Kingdom  depend  on  me,  as  their  primat  and  patron,  I 
"  have  not  that  credit  either  to  have  my  own  or  their  actions  called ;  so  I 
"  humbly  beseek  your  Maty-  that,  seing  the  whole  Clergy  depend  on 
"  me,  as  upon  their  loving  [?]  in  your  Matys-  absens,  that  I  may  have  such 
"  credit  as  may  vindicat  me  from  contempt,  and  may  further  my  estim- 
"  ation,  for  the  good  of  your  Majestys  service,  for  albiet  my  Lord  of 
"  Glasgow  be  well  minded,  yet  the  necessary  bussines  of  his  own 
"  ecclesiasticall  charge  avocats  him  from  onwaiting  on  our  turns,  and 
"  I  am  daily  resident  there  in  my  own  charge. 

"  Saint  Andros." 
Another   letter  of  the  Archbishops  to  the  King:  next  moneth   I     in.s.leUer  t0 

1  1'lTllll  1  •!•  *^e    ^'n£»     ^c* 

have,  which  1  shall  here  also  transcribe,  since  these  originall  letters  both  «»i>er28,  '607. 
give  us  the  native  sentiments  of  the  Bishops,  and  likewise  severall  things 
which  are  not  to  be  met  with  elsewher,  and  it  runs: 

"  Most  Graciouse  Soveraigne, 

"  May  it  please  your  Most  Excellent  Ma,y-  as  your  Highnes 
"  directed  me  to  assemble  the  Commissioners  at  needfull  occasions,  I 
"  convocat  them  lately  to  Falkland,  and  send  to  your  Ma,y  in  this 
"  present  packet  minutes  of  our  procedure  there,  that  your  Maty- 
"  return  your  Highnes  pleasure  and  directions,  what  of  these  things  you 
"  will  have  to  be  prosecute.  I  am  bold  also  to  present  certain  other 
"  advices,  whilk  I  beseek  your  Maty-  to  read,  and  direct  w*  as  much 
"  secrecy  back  as  such  services  should  be  dispatched.  Mr.  Robert 
"  Howie  has  here  entered  to  teach,  in  the  new  Colledge,  and  that  with  so 
w  much  rare  learning,  and  not  only  breeds  great  contentment  to  all  the 


260  ARCHBISHOP    GLADSTANES. 

"  Clergy  here,  but  also  ravishes  them  with  admiration ;  so  that  the 
"  absence  of  his  antecessor  (Mr.  Andrew  Melvil)  is  not  missed,  while 
"  they  find,  instead  of  superficiall  feckles  inventions,  profitable  and 
"  substantious  Theology.  What  difficulty  and  pains  I  have  had  to  setle 
"  him  here,  without  help  of  any,  either  of  Councill  or  Clergy,  God  knoweth  ! 
"  and  it  was  thought  the  great  Mr.  Andrew  Melvil's  absence,  should 
"  have  furnished  such  matter  of  discontentment  to  the  Kirk  and  Country 
"  as  should  have  bred  no  small  mutinie,  and  should  have  enforced  your 
"  Highnes  to  send  the  prisoner  back,  ianquam  sine  quo  non.  Lastly, 
"  Sr',  your  Ma,y,  in  your  last  missive  directed  to  the  Council],  com- 
"  manded  them  to  direct  some  Counsellour  to  make  open  doors  for  Mr. 
"  Robert  Howie  to  enter  in  Mr.  Andrew  Melvils  lodgings  and 
"  chambers,  which  was  obeyed  by  directing  me  to  execute  the  part  of  a 
"  secular  sherriff.  But  whatsoever  was  the  ground  of  their  direction  I 
"  will  not  say,  to  make  me  odious,  and  to  eshew  that  dint  themselves,  I 
"  have  taken  the  boldnes  to  be  your  Highnes  sherriff  in  y'-  part,  and 
"  have  made  open  doors  and  posessed  the  said  Mr.  Robert  in  all  his 
"  houses.  As  to  colloquies  and  conferences,  Sr',  I  offer  my  advice  to 
"  your  Highnes,  that  before  an  Assembly  a  colloque  be,  but  not  to 
"  devise  midse,  but  to  propound  both  the  outmost  of  your  Highnes 
"  intention,  and  defend  it  by  reason,  whilk  will  be  easy  to  students, 
"  and  then,  I  hope,  they  shall  be  fain  to  offer  at  least  that  which  now  is 
"  difficile  to  be  obteaned.  For  outredding  the  remanent  confusions  of 
"  the  new  Colledge,  and  for  sharpning  some  sluggards  that  before  wer 
"  freinds,  as  also  that  ther  is  likely  that  great  trouble  and  perturbation 
"  shall  fall  in  this  country,  betwixt  my  Lord  Tullibardin  and  his  freinds, 
"  and  my  Lord  Oliphant  and  his  adherents,  by  occasion  of  some  teinds 
"  that  are  fallen  to  the  old  Colledge,  I  would  humbly  request  your 
"  Maly,  as  having  speciall  care  and  interest,  to  see  the  peace  of  thir 
"  parts  preserved,  as  I  hope  your  Highnes  expects,  that  it  would  please 
"  your  Maty  to  command  the  visitors  directed  by  your  Highnes  of 
"  before  to  repair  here  again,  and  reiterat  their  commission,  because  of 
"  the  decease  of  the  Bishop  of  Dunkeld  (Mr.  Ja.  Nicholson),  in  whose 
"  room  the  present  interant  would  be  placed,  and  throu  the  infirmitys 
"  of  others  some  adjoyned.     It  will  please  your  Majesty  also,  to  receive 


ARCHBISHOP   GLADSTANES.  261 

"  the  Bishop  of  Murray  his  missive  and  information  to  your  Highnes, 
"  and  also  to  give  such  direction  theranent,  as  shall  seem  fittest.  Thus 
"  I  humbly  recomend,  with  all  my  heart,  your  Highnes  royall  person 
"  and  state  to  the  grace  of  God,  and  rests 

"  Your  Matys    most  humble 
"  Servant  and  orator, 

"  St.  Andros,  Oct.  28,  1607."  "  SAINT  AnDROS." 

What  the  Bishop  asked  was  granted,  and  a  new  visitation  of  the  Bishops  car- 
Colledge  of  Saint  Andrews  met,  as  I  guess  it,  February,  1608.  Mr.  '^  °j0hnsl 
Calderwood  tells  us,  at  this  visitation   Mr.   George  Gladstans,   Bishop  t10""'Feb™a!J' 

~  *    loUo,  with   his 

[of  Saint  Andrews,]  would  have  had  one  of  the  Professors  of  Theology,  Mr.  mistake  as  to 
John  Johnstoun,  displaced,  alledging  he  was  unprofitable,  pernicious,  and 
his  chamber  a  receptacle  of  evil  affected  persons.  But  the  University 
rejected  the  motion.  Notwithstanding  of  the  high  encomiums  given  by 
the  Archbishop  to  Mr.  Howie,  the  other  side  give  us  a  quite  different 
view  of  him.  Mr.  Calderwood  adds,  Mr.  Howie  took  the  defence  of  the 
superiority  of  Bishops  over  presbiters,  in  the  new  Colledge ;  his  hearers 
declared  plainly  they  wer  rather  confirmed  in  their  former  opinion,  than 
any  whit  moved.  He  was  sharply  censured  by  the  Presbitry  of  Saint 
Andrews.  Mr.  David  Dalgleish,  then  an  expectant,  now  minister  at 
Coupar,  offered,  both  in  private  and  in  face  of  the  Presbitry,  to  disput 
publickly  with  him. 

In  Aprile  this  year,  the  Archbishop  wrot  a  large  letter  to  the  King,  His  letter  to 
which  will  give  us  the  views  of  things  he  was  pleased  to  lay  before  the  Aprile  l"ft 
King,  a  litle  before  the  conference  at  Falkland,  and  so  I  add  it.  1608- 

"  Sacred  Soveraigne, 

"  May  it  please  your  most  excellent  Maty,  I  am  bold  according 
"  to  the  liberty  wherwith  it  hath  pleased  your  Gracious  Highnes  to 
"  endue  me,  to  importune  your  Ma,y-,  with  the  Ecclesiastick  occur- 
"  rencys.  Your  Maty  hath  been  accustomed  liberally  to  exeem  some 
"  of  the  poor  Ministers  from  the  taxation  of  their  benefices,  and  as  the 


262 


ARCHBISHOP   GLADSTANES. 


;  same  hath  been  done  in  the  first  tenn  thero-f,  so  am  I  to  request 
humbly  for  a  commission  of  new,  to  do  the  same  with  discretion,  for 
ther  was  too  great  profusion  of  before.  Thus  qn-  every  man  has  the 
credit  of  his  own  diocie,  to  commend  those  who,  for  need,  should  be 
pityed  and  mentes  weal  for  their  own  affection  to  your  Highnes  service, 
your  Ma'y  will  understand  who  be  unworthy  of  that  credit  hereafter, 
and  command  the  Collector  of  the  taxation,  to  receive  a  subscribed  roll, 
which  hereafter  must  be  considered. 

"  I  am  so  importuned  with  Mr.  Robert  Duries  freinds,  that  I  must 
presume  to  propone  to  your  Maty  their  petition,  which  is,  that  he  hath 
written  to  them,  that  if  he  wer  at  home  but  a  few  dayes,  he  should  give 
me  satisfaction  anent  all  those  things  wherupon  he  is  challanged  and 
convict,  to  the  intent  that  I  might  report  to  your  Ma'»-  such  things  as 
might  give  you  contentment,  and  should  move  your  Majesty  to  show  him 
some  clemency  ;  therfor  they  desire  that  he  may  have  licence  [to]  come 
home,  and  only  to  stay  at  home  some  twenty  days,  and  if  he  give  not  full 
satisfaction  in  that  space  to  return  again  to  his  exile.  I  will  not  take 
upon  me  either  to  be  a  suitor  or  an  adviser  to  your  Maty  in  this 
behalf,  as  I  cannot  measure  your  princlie  clemency  with  the  narrow 
compass  of  my  base  mind;  only  this  one  thing  I  will  entreat  most 
humbly  your  gracious  Highnes  to  honnour  me  in  your  Ma^3- 
rescript  with  an  answer,  that  I  may  testify  my  diligence  in  this  employ- 
ment, and  because  his  Kirk  is  not  as  yet  planted,  it  will  please  your 
Maty  to  give  order  theranent,  seing  it  is  a  burrow  town. 

"  Ther  is  also  vaccand  here  [the  parish  ?]  of  Kilmanie,  qcK  belonged 
to  Mr.  John  Sharp,  [and  the  parish  of  Creich  ?]  qch-  belonged  to  umphile 
Mr.  Alexander  Straughan.  They  are  both  implanted  ;  the  one  by  the 
wilfull  stubbomes  of  young  Creich,  and  some  of  your  Ma"1  proper 
tennants  in  that  parish  ;  the  other  delayed  by  the  policy  of  the  seditious. 
Therfor  I  will  humbly  advise  your  Ma'y  to  send  home  a  precise  letter  to 
the  Presbitry  of  Coupar,  within  the  which  they  lye,  commanding  them 
under  a  highest  pain  to  plant  both  these  Kirks,  and  in  the  planting  y™- 
that  they  have  regard  to  Mr.  Adam  Mitchell,  that  he  be  placed  in 
either  of  these  two,  as  they  shall  think  meetest.  And  after  they  have 
declared  their  mind  to  my  Lord  Chancelor  by  write,  that  letters  be 


ARCHBISHOP    GLADSTANES.  263 

"  direct  from  the  Secret  Council  to  the  parishoners  and  others  having 
"  interest,  to  receive  him  under  pain  of  horning,  which  order  no  man 
"  can  find  fault  with,  since  the  Presbitry  will  declare  their  mind  ther- 
"  anent,  and  this  direction  your  Ma,y  will  send  to  the  Chancelor. 

"  I  am  also  to  remember  your  Maty-  to  command  the  Collector 
"  to  charge  for  the  Ministers  stipends,  who  are  not  embooked  in  the 
"  platt  this  year  bypast,  for  albiet  a  great  number  have  not  received  any 
"  testimoniall  of  us  as  your  Maty-  directed,  yet  they  take  up  their 
"  stipends  peacably,  of  which  number  is  Mr.  David  Lindsay,  who  was 
"  here  sometime  and  is  the  vainest  and  unruliest  man  in  Scotland.  We 
"  concluded  by  an  Act,  that  after  the  15  day  of  Aprile,  their  stipends 
"  should  be  charged  for  be  the  Collector,  (for  we  granted  that  space  to 
"  them  for  their  resipiscence ;)  least  the  Collector  forgett  this,  it  shall 
"  be  meet  your  Maty'  command  him  a-new  to  charge  for  and  intromit 
"  with  these  stipends,  and  to  be  countable  to  the  Commissioners  of  the 
"  platt  therfor,  before  the  first  day  of  June. 

"  I  have  assembled  lately  your  Ma'ys-  Commissioners  for  visiting 
"  the  University,  especially  for  taking  order  with  the  confused  state  of 
"  the  rents  of  the  New  Colledge,  the  perplexity  wherof  by  the  abuse  of 
"  the  preceeding  masters  hath  been  such  as  we  can  find  no  clear  ground 
"  to  satisfy  Mr.  Robert  Howie  his  great  travells,  and  most  commendable 
"  service,  which,  as  its  worthy,  so  I  would  wish  your  Maty  to  have 
"  recomendation.  He  was  vexed  with  the  vanity  of  Mr.  John  Johnstoun, 
"  who  would  not  acknowledge  his  superiority,  and  therfor  I  intered  to 
"  have  expelled  him  out  of  the  Colledge,  but  his  great  inhability  and 
"  sicknes  have  stayed  the  execution  therof. 

"  I  got  none  of  the  Councill  to  help  me,  but  my  Lord  of  Scoon, 
"  who,  as  he  has  been  very  forward  and  concurred  with  me  honestly,  I 
"  beseech  your  Highnes  declare  your  acceptance  of  his  service. 

"  My  Lord  Chancelour,  at  my  desire,  directed  letters  both  for 
"  obedience  to  this  visitation  of  Fife  by  Mr.  Robert  Howie  and  me,  and 
"  sicklike  letters  for  obedience  to  the  visitation  of  the  University.  I 
"  beseech  your  Majesty  let  this  be  recorded  sicklike  to  him,  and  give 
"  him  direction  that  our  decreets  may  receive  execution,  since  they  are 
"  all  founded  on  that  visitation,  Anno.  1597,  wherat  your  Ma,y  was 
"  present. 


264  ARCHBISHOP    GLADSTANES. 

"  We  have  already  visited  the  Presbitrys,  and  has  found  the  num- 
"  ber  of  your  honest  servants  to  exceed  the  factious.  We  have  caused 
"  them  chuse  Commissioners  to  ya  ensuing  G.  Assembly,  and  of  twelve 
"  Hebe  answerable  fornyne.  This  has  been  the  most  seditious  province 
"  of  yc  kingdom.  If  the  rest  come  such  speed,  I  think  this  intended 
"  Assembly  shall  produce  good  effects. 

"  Thus  I  am  spending  my  time  with  great  pains  in  your  Matyi 
"  service  as  to  this  particular,  and  I  do  neither  spare  travails  nor  expenses, 
"  for,  as  my  place  requireth,  I  take  the  burden  both  of  assembling  and 
"execution  of  things  concluded,  and  without  these  both  such  great 
"  purposes  cannot  be  accomplished.  As  for  others  who  engyre  them- 
"  selves  in  our  affaires,  they  do  it  but  perfunctoriously,  and  we  dare  not 
"  committ  ourselves  to  them. 

"  If  it  would  please  your  Highnes,  for  supply  of  my  great  cost,  and 
"  to  make  me  able  to  continou  with  honesty  in  your  Highnes  service,  to 
"  grant  me  the  discharge  of  the  second  term  of  my  own  taxation  imposed 
"  upon  my  benefice,  I  will  think  myself  greatly  eased  of  my  burden;  and, 
"  Sr,  now  its  no  time  to  linger  and  spare,  when  turns  are  coming  to  a 
"  point,  and,  blessed  be  God,  daily  we  succeed  better,  and  I  have  found 
"  that  diligent  forwardnes  is  now  more  necessary  than  to  wise[use?3  patience. 
"  This  I  remitt  to  your  Ma*-  wise  consideration,  and,  howsoever  no 
"  case  shall  drive  me  from  prosecution  of  this  service  so  agreable  to 
"  God's  will,  and  accompanyed  with  so  many  blessings,  I  hope  your 
"  Maty  will  be  so  gracious  as  to  send  back  your  Highnes  pleasure  in 
"  all  these  particulars,  w'  as  great  expedition  as  the  necessity  of  your 
"  Mat)S  service  requires.  Most  humbly  I  beseech  your  Ma,y  to 
"  esteem  this  service  so  happy  and  honourable,  as  I  shall  refuse  no 
"  kind  of  imployment  therin,  that  your  Matys-  incomparable  wisdom 
"  shall  think  necessary  or  possible.  I  pray  God  Almighty  to  pour  in 
"  your  Highnes  soul,  person  and  government  all  sorts  of  heavenly  and 
"  worldly  blessings.     Likeas  I  shall  remain, 

"  Your  Matys  most  humble  servant, 

"  and  devoted  orator, 

"  St.  Androis, 

"  17  Aprile,  1608."  "  SaNCT  AnDROIS." 


ARCHBISHOP   GLADSTANES.  265 

The  printed  Calderwood  gives  so  large  accounts  of  what  passed    Bishops  letter 

,  .  .  „  i      *  ,  ,  •  tit  to    the     King, 

this  year  in  conferences  and  Assembly,  as  it  was  termed,  and  the  next  July  last,  1608, 
year,  that  I  have  litle  to  add  till  after  the  Generall  Assembly  at  Glasgow,  "ention'or^sl 
Bishop  Gladstans  failed  not  to  joyn  with  the  rest  in  bearing  down  the  semb'y>    J^y 

.  r  .  .  .  *his  year. 

Ministers,  who  opposed  the  innovations  •,  but  to  give  light  to  what  passed 
till  that  Assembly  at  Glasgow,  Pie  just  insert  some  of  the  Archbishops 
letters  to  the  King  come  to  my  hands,  all  copys  from  the  originall,  and 
some  of  them  the  originall  under  the  Bishops  hand ;  and  none  of  them 
have  been  published.  The  next  letter  come  to  my  hand  is  dated,  June 
last,  1708  [1608]  ;  it  followes,  and  it  is  after  the  Convention  or  Generall 
Assembly  this  year  at  Linlithgow. 

"  Most  Gracious  Soveraigne. 

"  It  may  please  your  Ma'\  We  have  ended  our  Assembly,  qch-  was 
"  very  frequent, — Noblmen,  Barrons,  Comissioners  of  Burrowes,  and 
"  Ministers,  in  number  beyond  any  Assembly  we  have  seen  thir  many 
"  years.  The  Bishop  of  Orkney  was  chosen  Moderator,  although 
"  the  voices  passed  hardly  enough,  for  he  carryed  it  by  three  only  from 
"  Mr.  Patrick  Simson,  yet  he  has  presided  in  such  a  manner,  as  they  all 
"  think  the  voices  went  happily,  nothing  being  concluded  but  with  the 
"  great  contentment  of  all,  wherein  what  has  been  the  wise  and  diligent  P-  is. 
"  care  of  your  Ma'1''  Commissioner,  we  cannot  by  writting  express. 
"  Never,  Sr,  was  more  traivell  taken  by  our  adversarys  to  disappoint  your 
"  Highnes  service,  and  continouall  labouring  by  day  and  night,  during 
"  all  the  time  of  the  Assembly,  to  raise  trouble  and  cross  your  Highnes 
"  purpose.  But  by  his  wisdom  and  dexterity,  they  have  been  so  pre- 
"  vented,  as  every  thing,  praised  be  the  Lord,  has  fallen  contrary  to  yr- 
"  desires,  and  your  Maty  has  obteaned,  with  a  great  consent  of  all,  the 
"  very  same  thing  that  was  intended.  Among  all  the  services  done  by 
"  his  Lop,  qch-  have  been  many,  we  esteem  this,  in  regard  of  the 
"  difficulty  in  compassing  and  consequence  of  that  whilk  is  done,  to  be 
"  the  greatest.  The  Assembly,  following  the  very  points  of  your 
"  Ma'IS  letter,  enquired  first  upon  the  papists  and  numbers  of  them 
"  who  are  found  to  be  many  more  than  we  had  beleved ;  their  names  are 
"  enrolled,  and  the  causes  of  the  grouth  of  papistry  condescended  upon, 

2  L 


266  ARCHBISHOP    GLADSTANES. 

\  wu  some  overtures  for  remeid,  whilk  are  all  to  be  presented  in  most 
'  humble    sort    to   your    Maty-   by    certain    y'    are   appointed    by   the 

•  Assembly  to  make  yr  petitions  for  redress  of  the  said  evils ;  and  as 
'  for  the  distractions  among  ourselves,  they  are  now,  thanks  to  God !  at 
'  an  end,  the  ministers  being  reconciled  to  us  in  a  most  hearty  affection, 
'  and  an  Act  by  their  own  consent  set  down,  that  no  medling  be  any 
'  more  in  pulpit  wt  the  contraversys  in  discipline,  and  no  invections 
<  agst  Bishops  or  others,  under  the  pain  of  most  sharp  censure,  whilk 
'  Act  was  sworn  to  by  all  w'  uplifting  of  hands.  The  differences  that 
'  are  resting  among  us  in  opinion  are  reserved  to  a  number  of  Commis- 
'  sioners,  yl  have  power  to  conveen  w'-  your  Ma"-,  or  such  of  your 
'  Highnes  councill  as  shall  be  appointed,  to  treat,  reason,  and  agree 
'  upon  these  contraversys.  The  Commissioners  of  Assembly,  being 
'  approved  in  face  of  Assembly,  have  a  new  commission  granted  to  them 
'  as  of  before,  so  now,  S%  as  we  hope  for  an  end  of  all  our  contentions 
;  and  a  prevailing  in  your  Matys  service,  in  qch-  every  man  will 
'  strive  to  be  forward  for  the  suppressing  of  the  papist  or  common 
'  adversary,    for   whilk    we  must   still    entreat    your    Mat>s'  favourable 

•  assistance,  both  for  the  safety  of  our  Kirk,  and  the  good  success  of  all 
'  your  Matys'  other  affairs.  The  Marquise  of  Huntly,  for  his  insolent 
1  behaviour  at  Aberdeen,  during  this  his  confyning,  and  upon  the 
'  universall  profession  of  the  Ministers  of  these  parts,  who  declared  that 
'  without  the  hazard  of  their  lives,  they  could  not  proceed  to  the  sen- 
'  tence  in  the  process  they  had  deduced,  was  in  the  Assembly  openly 

•  excomunicat  wL  many  tears  of  those  y'  wer  present.  The  proces  of 
'  the  other  two  Earles  is  commanded  to  be  made  betwixt  and  the  18  of 
'  September.  The  rest  of  the  particulars  and  those  things  yL  belong 
'  to  our  affairs,  we  remit  to  the  declaration  of  the  A.  Bishop  of  Glasgow, 
'  who  is  one  of  the  Commissioners  appointed  by  the  Assembly  for 
'  presenting  their  humble  petitions  to  your  Maly-,  yet  we  cannot 
'  ommitt  to  shew  your  Maty-  that  Doctor  Abbots  had  here  an  excel- 
'  lent  sermon,  in  presence  of  the  Assembly  wherby  he  perswaded  us 

•  mightily  to  peace  and  love  towards  other,  whilk  was  so  well  accepted 
'  that  he  had  public  thanks  decerned  to  him  by  the  whole  Assembly, 

•  and  five  or  six  of  their  number  direct  to  him  for  that  purpose.     Our 


ARCHBISHOP    GLADSTANES.  267 

"  Assembly  that  in  the  beginning  kythed  great  diversity  in  their  voices, 
"  ended  with  singing  the  psalm,  Ecce  qm  bo7i£  et  quam  jucundum,  and 
"  thus  we  bring  to  your  Maty-  for  this  time  acceptable  newse.  Praying 
"  God  to  bless  your  Maty  with  peace  and  glory  in  this  life,  and  endles 
"  felicity  in  the  life  to  come.     Amen. 

"  Your  Ma,ys-  most  humble 

"  Linlithgow, 

« July  last,  1608."  «  Servants  and  subjects, 

"  M.  A.  Brechin,  "  Saint  Andrews, 

"  Ja.  B.  of  Orcads,  "  Glasgow, 

"  Al.  CATHNES,  "  DUNKELD, 

"  B.  of  Galloway." 
In  the  beginning  of  September,  the  Archbishop  took  journey  to    Bishop  Giad- 

°  °  r  11    r  1        T^-  1  stans    lettcr    to 

Court,  as  it  would  seem,  without  any  particular  call  from  the  King,  and  the  King,  sep- 
while  upon  the  road,  as  I  take  it,  he  writes  the  following  letter  to  the  te™bei]i.lcoa 
King  to  prepare  his  way.    It  is  very  much  calculat  to  [the]  Kings  genius, 
not  to    say  nattering  and  pedantick ;  the  originall,  wholly  writt  by  the 
primats  hand,  is  in  my  hands,  and  I  shall  transcribe  it. 

"  Most  Graciouse  Soveraigne, 

"  May  it  please  your  most  excellent  Majesty.  As  of  all  vices  ingrati- 
"  tude  [is  the  greatest,  and  as?]  I  find  myself  not  only,  as  first  of  that  dead 
"  Estate  whilk  your  Majesty  hath  recreat,  but  also  in  my  privat  condition, 
"  so  overwhelmed  with  your  Majestys  princelie  and  magnifick  benignity, 
"  [I]  could  not  but  repair  to  your  Ma'1"-  most  gracious  face,  that  so 
"  unworthy  a  creature  might  both  see,  bless,  and  thank  my  earthly  creator, 
"  like  as  I  in  my  missive,  whilk  I  was  bold  to  direct  to  your  Highnes  by 
"  my  brother-in-law,  I  protested  the  same  might  be  w'-  your  Majesties 
"  most  gracious  license.  Yr-  is  also  some  occasion  to  offer  to  your  Maty 
"  some  overtures  anent  your  Highnes  service,  which  yet  hath  gotten  litle 
"  promotion,  albiet  our  wages  be  well  payed  before  the  hand.  These 
"  things  I  could  not  commit  to  any.  Thus  I  hope  your  Maty  will  accept 
"  in  good  part  this  my  journey,  which  the  wings  of  love  and  affection  hath 


268  ARCHBISHOP   GLADSTANES. 

*  facilitate  above  my  own  hope  and  the  wishes  of  my  disappointed  evil 
"  willers.     Swa  I  commit  your  Ma,y  to  God  his  blessed  protection. 

"  Your  Majesties  humble  servitour, 

«  At  Standford,  "  SaINCT  AnDROIS."* 

"  11  of  Sept.  1609." 

His  letter  to  Next  year  the  primat  inclines  to  make  another  journey  to  London, 

*e  j£°|* Way  wher,  it  seems,  the  Bishop  of  Glasgow  was  before  him,  and  to  have  license 

to  do  so  he  writes  to  the  King,  in  the  end  of  May,  the  following  letter : 

"  Most  Gracious  Soveraigne, 
"  May  it  please  your  most  excellent  Ma''-,  Although  I  will  not 
"  presume  to  give  your  Maty-  a  further  information  or  advice  in  y'-  com- 
"  mon  errand  of  your  Heighnes  service  belonging  to  our  Estate  than 
"  y'-  whilk  in  our  last  meeting  in  Edn%  and  since  latly  in  Falkland, 
"  we  have  in  write  imparted  to  your  gracious  Highnes,  as  I  think  my 
"  Lord  of  Glasgow  hath  related  to  your  most  gracious  Majesty ;  yet  anent 
"  y'-  common  service,  I  woidd  most  humblie  beseek  your  Ma'y-  that 
"  the  perfection  therof  should  be  minted  to,  and  an  act  therof  drawen  up 
"  and  essayed,  and  if  that  be  not  lickly  to  succeed,  yL  the  other  interim 
"  be  presented  as  your  Maty-  shall  think  fittest,  (for  I  am  in  good  hope 
"  even  of  the  best;)  but  besides  having  here  of  your  Highnes  charge  of 
"  overseeing  this  University,  the  ordering  wherof  makes  great  importance 
"  to  your  Matys  credit  in  Kirk  and  commonweal,  wherin  the  pains  be 
"  taken  in  visitation  in  rectifying  the  abuses  therof,  yet  because  that  kind 
"  of  judgment  is  not  formally  authorized  by  law  and  Act  of  Parliament, 
"  small  or  litle  execution  followeth  therupon,  therfor  I  have  thot  meet 
"  to  draw  out  an  Act  to  be  signed  by  your  Matys-  hand,  for  establishing 
"  that  judicature  and  authorizing  your  Ma,ys-  visitations  bypast  ;  but 
"  for  to  make  shew  have  made  a  graciouse  narrative  and  a  confirmation  of 
"  the  Act  made  in  Parlia'-  for  reformation  of  the  said  University,  the 

*  Wodrow  has  marked  an  addition  to  the  narrative  to  be  inserted  here,  but  no 
such  addition  is  to  be  found  at  the  end  of  the  Life,  where  the  additions  are  generally 
placed.    There  are  several  similar  omissions  in  the  subsequent  pages. 


ARCHBISHOP    GLADSTANES.  269 

"  observation  qrof  will  so  terrify  them,  as  it  will  make  them  all  in  your 

"  Matys-  reverence.      And,  Sr,  ther  are  sundry  points  of  service  both 

"  enjoyned  and  others  necessary  qch  I  dare  not  interpose,  quia  erubesco 

«  sine  lege  loqui.     1  will  most  humbly  beseek  your  most  gracious  Majesty     p.  20. 

"  to  take  advice  of  this  Act  as  I  have  formed  it,  amending  or  allowing 

"  according   to  your    Matys    incomparable  wisdom,   and   to   direct   the 

"  samin  to  the  Earle  of  Dumbar,  w'   his  other  employments.     Thus, 

"  attending   most    humbly    upon    your    Matys-   royall   appointment,    in 

"  whatsomever  service  I  can  avail,  and  after  I  have  most  humblie  kissed 

"  your  Highnes  hands,  and  begged  license  once  this  summer  to  see  your 

<(  Mat),s-    most   gracious   face,    I    earnestly  beseek   God  to    bless    your 

"  Matys  royall  estate  and  most  noble  person  with  all  spirituall  and  tem- 

"  porall  benedictions  forever.     I  shall  remain 

"  Your  Ma'ys  most  humble  orator 

"  and  faithfull  servant, 

"  Sant  And.  last  ((  SaNCT  AnDROIS." 

"  of  May,  1609." 

I  do  not  know  if  the  Archbishop  went  up  to  London  according  to     His  letter  to 

-i-,....  .  1-r.r-  i        •  l-  l*  i  •  him,  November 

the  desire  he  intimates  here  to  the  King,  having  nothing  during  this  year  24.,  1609. 
save  the  letters  I  am  given  [giving].     If  he  did,  then  it  was  upon  his 
return  that  he  wrot  the  next  letter  which  runns : 

"  Most  Graciouse  Soveraigne, 

"  May  it  please  your  most  excellent  Maty ,  Wheras  your  Highnes 
"  wrote  to  me  shortly  of  the  foolish  behaviour  of  Mr.  John  Fairfoul  in 
"  his  prayer  for  these  justly  bannished  ministers,  Sr,  I  protest  before 
"  God,  I  never  knew  till  your  Matys  letter  informed  me,  and  if  I  had 
"  knowen,  I  should  have  taken  order  according  to  my  place :  alwise 
"  after  receipt  of  your  Ma,ys  direction,  I  conveened  him  before  me 
"  here  in  my  lodging  in  this  town,  being  assisted  by  my  Lord  of  Scoon, 
"  and  withall  charged  before  me  the  Magistrates  and  a  great  part  of  the 
"  Councill  of  the  town.  But  his  own  confession  shortned  the  matter, 
«  ^h.  j  gave  m  to  tjie  Councin  subscribed  w'  his  own  hand.  Wherfor 
"  being  sisted  before  the  Council  this  Thursday  the  23  of  this  instant, 
"  he  was  convicted  in  the  wrong  uniformly,  but  in  the  manner  of  his  pre- 


270  ARCHBISHOP   GLADSTANES. 

"  sent  censure  ther  was  variety  ;  the  one  part  votting  to  his  warding  in 
"  the  Blacknes  (of  qch  number  I  was  first),  the  other  greater  part 
"  decerning  him  to  be  confyned  in  the  burgh  of  Dundee.  This  is  the 
"  report  of  my  diligence  according  to  my  bounden  dutie.  The  man  is 
"  become  in  your  will,  qch  your  Maty-  will  be  pleased  to  signify  when 
"  your  Ma'y-  shall  think  fittest.  I  wrote  to  your  Maty  lately  anent  a 
"  contraversy  of  the  placing  of  a  Minister  in  a  Kirk  called  South-Ferrie 
"  belonging  to  your  Matys  presentation,  qch-  the  Presbitry  of  Saint 
"  Andrews  would  fill  w'-  a  seditious  man,  and  without  your  Ma'5*- 
"  license  or  nomination  ;  also  I  was  bold  to  offer  my  advice  humbly  anent 
"  your  Highnes  commission  for  our  calumniously  alledged  dilapidations, 
"  but  have  not  received  your  Mat>s-  pleasure  back,  which  to  us  all  is  and 
"  shall  be  an  irrefragable  oracle.  I  am  here  [there  ?]  very  well  received, 
"  and  here  in  the  pulpit  of  Edinr,  wher  I  teach  ordinarly  every  Sunday, 
"  and  will  so  continou,  God  willing,  until  your  Ma,y  discharge  me. 
"  The  other  common  matters  to  be  advised  we  have  passed  throu,  and 
"  have  sent  our  opinions  w'-  the  A.  Bishop  of  Glasgow,  and  my  Lord 
"  of  Galloway,  to  whose  sufficiency  referring,  I  beseech  God  to  bless  your 
"  Maty  with  long  health  and  life,  and  all  blessed  prosperity  in  your 
"  Highnes  government.     I  remain 

"  Your  Highnes  most  humble  and 

"  devoted  servant  and  orator, 

"  Edinr.,  24  of 

"  Nov.,  1609."  «<  SAINCT  ANDROIS." 

Bishops  let-  \\re  are  now  come  to  the  year  1610,  when  the  Bishops  were  full  of 

ter  to  the  King,  _  J  L 

January,  1610.  hopes  to  get  their  state  acknowledged  by  the  shaddow  of  a  Generall 
p'  2I*  Assembly,  and  they  make  the  King  belive  that  his  designes  as  to  them 
would  be  fully  compleated.  Severall  letters  this  year  to  the  King  will 
fall  in  upon  Archbishop  Spotswood's  Life,  who  was  continoually  going 
and  coming  twixt  Edinburgh  and  London.  Those  of  Bishop  Glad- 
stanes  and  the  meetings  of  the  Bishops  fall  in  here.  I  have  one,  without 
date,  from  a  meeting  of  Bishops,  but  from  their  reference  to  the  Secretary, 
I  guess  its  dated  in  January  16 10,  when  Mr.  Alexander  Hay,  Under- 
Secretary,  returned  to  Court,  after  the  King  had  sent  down  orders  about 
severall  particulars  which  are  to  be  seen  in  the  printed  Calderwood,  and 
so  I  bring  it  in  here. 


ARCHBISHOP  GLADSTANES.  271 

"  Most  Gracious  and  Sacred  Soveraigne, 

"  We  received  your  letter  by  the  Lord  Secretary,  conteaning  some 
"  directions  for  the  better  proceeding  in  your  Highnes  service,  committed 
"  unto  us.  In  all  the  particulars  we  have  agreed  to  conform  ourselves 
"  and  take  such  course  as  your  Maty-  shall  have  full  contentment,  and 
"  at  last  see  the  Government  established,  qch-  of  your  Highnes  has  been 
"  long  desired.  And  because  his  Lop  was  earnest  that  we  should 
"  resolve  according  to  your  Matys-  pleasure  upon  a  present  acceptance 
"  of  the  service  upon  us  and  make  no  longer  delayes,  wherunto  he 
"  gave  us  many  encouragments  and  very  affecting  persuasions,  as  we  most 
"  confess  we  wer  greatly  affected  therby ;  so  we  advised  to  give  all  of  us, 
"  under  our  hands,  assurance  to  your  Maty  of  our  resolution  that  way, 
"  and  how  we  will  be  so  far  from  detracting  the  service  as  we  shall  not 
"  cease  till  throu  Gods  help  the  same  be  br5t  to  a  good  and  happy 
"  end.  Of  the  means  how  to  bring  this  about  are  our  present  deli- 
"  berations.  We  shall  take  by  Gods  help,  the  most  safe  and  sure 
"  way,  and  what  we  undertake  we  shall  be  answerable  to  your  Maty 
"  for  performance.  We  have  all  our  ministers,  even  such  as  wer  most 
"  refractory,  at  the  point  of  tolleration.  They  will  suffer  things  to  pro- 
"  ceed  and  be  quiet,  because  they  cannot  longer  strive.  But  when  they 
"  shall  espy  the  fruits  of  a  better  government,  we  do  not  doubt  they  will 
"  be  better  minded.  Some  particulars  we  have  committed  to  the  Secre- 
"  tarys  rememberance  and  set  down  in  a  note  besides,  wherof  we  humbly 
"  entreat  your  Ma'ys-  answer  by  the  first  occasion,  and  now  ceasing  to 
"  be  troublsome  we  beseech  God  Almighty  to  multiply  your  Matys-  years 
*'  with  all  increase  of  happiness. 

"  Your  Matys  most  bounden  and 

"  ever  devoted  servants, 

"  M.  A.  Brechin,  "  Saint  Androis, 

"  Jo.  Lismorena,  "  Glasgow, 

"  Dumblane,  "  A.  Caithnes, 

"  Ja.  B.  OF  ORCADS."  "  DlJNKELD, 

"  B.  of  Galloway, 


272  ARCHBISHOP   GLADSTANES. 

Bishop  Glad-  I  am  not  certain  of  the  date  of  this  common  letter.    Perhaps  it  may 

the  King,  Feb-  have  been  in  March,  because  it  lyes  when  I  found  it  with  one  of  Bishop 
ruary  is,  1610.  gp0tWood's  in  March  ;  but  the  following  from  the  Primate  bears  its  own 
date  in  February,  and  so  I  give  it  next. 

"  May  it  please  your  most  excellent  Maty,  I  cannot  dissemble  the 
"  great  and  assured  hope  I  have  of  good  and  speedy  finall  accomplishment 
"  of  your  Maty3  royall  and  godly  designments,  in  reestablishing  the  estate 
"  of  this  before  misordered  Kirk,  by  your  wise  directions,  that  daily  take 
"  great  encrease  of  good  success,  with  contentment  even  of  the  most  part 
"  of  the  people,  which  hath  moved  me  to  stay  here,  and  to  exercise  the 
"  gift  that  God  hath  given  me  in  preaching  and  attending  upon  all  coun- 
"  sells  and  meetings,  both  ecclesiasticall  and  civil.  The  High  Commissions 
p.  22.  "  are  well  and  plausibly  accepted  of  all,  and  the  Secretary  hath  contrived 
"  the  same,  and  other  purposes  fitt  for  our  advancment,  w'-  authority 
"  and  wisdom  to  our  great  comfort.  So  yu  if  one  point  qch  is  in  hand 
"  be  prosecute  I  doubt  nothing  of  greater  perfection,  than  in  anies  imagi- 
"  nation  could  have  been  performed  in  so  short  time,  and  therfor  your 
'*  Maty  has  great  reason  to  bless  that  good  God  who  is  ever  your  assistant 
"  and  will  be  to  the  end,  in  these  your  religious  and  wise  and  religious 
"  intentions,  and  your  Maty-  may  look  for  uniform  and  constant  service 
"  in  all  my  bretheren  the  Prelates,  whom  also  your  Ma,y-  will  please  to 
"  encourage,  partly  by  supporting  the  necessity  of  the  indigent  that  lack 
"  moen,  especially  the  Bishop  of  Caitness,  partly  when  places  in  the  Ses- 
"  sion  shall  vaik  by  promoving  some  mo  to  the  same,  whilk  will  both 
"  repair  the  decay  of  our  livings  and  patrimonies,  and  procure  the  depen- 
"  dance  of  the  rest  of  the  ministry  who  have  their  fortunes  and  estates 
"  subject  to  the  pleasure  of  y'  judicatory.  The  Secretary  has  gotten 
"  disclosed  to  him  the  arrivall  of  Mr.  Andrew  Duncan  in  thir  parts,  and 
"  hath  entered  intryall  of  Mr.  William  Murray,  present  minister  in  Crail. 
"  He  will  inform  your  Ma(y  more  fully  theranent,  albiet  the  said  Mr. 
"  William  in  my  opinion  will  be  found  within  compass  of  law,  yet  it  is  my 
"  humble  address  to  your  Maly  that  some  connivance  shall  be  towards  him 
"  for  a  season,  that  we  may  have  out  of  him  some  service  at  this  great 
"  dyet,  your  Ma'y  knowes.    For  he  can  do  very  well  and  his  sway  will  be 


ARCHBISHOP    GLADSTANES.  273 

"  important.  Referring  ye-  rest  to  the  sufficiency  of  the  bearer,  I  beseek 
"  God  to  bless  your  Ma,y-  w1-  a  long  and  happy  life,  w'-  the  encrease 
"  of  all  grace  and  prosperity  in  your  royal  government.     So  I  abide, 

"  Your  Matys  most  humble  servant  and 
"  devoted  orator, 
"  JjKjjJjf  "  Sainct  Androis." 

Memories  to  the  King  hits  Sacred  Ma'"- 

"  1.    Since  it  hath  pleased  your  Ma"-  to  appoint  not  only  for  the     Memories  to 
"  Bishops,  but  also  for  the  remanent  Clergy,  an  habite  distinguished  from  w.e  thlTforego! 
"  that  of  other  estates  ;   I  am  to  regrate  that  your  Ma''-  is  not  obeyed,  int'lett,,r- 
"  and  therfor  to  request  your  Maty-  to  grant  me  to  take  order  theranent, 
"  both  w'-  Bishops,  of  whom  some  never  took  the  habit  but  go  on  the 
"  very  streets  of  Edinr-  as  laicks,  and  the  rest  of  the  ministers   throu 
"  the  kingdom,  whose  gowns  should  belike  ours,  except  the  stuff,  face  and 
"  tippet.     So  please  your  Ma,y-  to  be  speciall,  and  1  will  be  answerable 
"  for  obedience  of  the  same. 

"  2.  Captain  James  Tyrie  hath  been  very  instant  w  me  to  have  con- 
"  ference  for  resolution  in  religion.  I  directed  him  to  some  wise  and  well 
"  advised  ministers  who  have  reported  to  me  that  he  seems  rather  to  intend 
"  delay  than  resolution.  So  may  it  please  your  Ma'y  to  command  me  by 
"  your  Ma'ys  warrand  in  write  to  appoint  him  a  day  for  his  finall  resolu- 
"  tion,  or  then  his  parting  off  the  country,  and  withall  to  give  order  and 
"  direction  to  your  Highnes  privy  council  to  this  effect. 

"  3.  Sr  John  Ogilvy  has  given  his  supplication  once  or  twice  to 
"  your  Maty-  his  commission  for  receiving  into  the  bosome  of  the  Kirk, 
"  qch-  we  ever  have  delayed,  in  the  mean  time  directing  some  ministers 
"  to  conferr  wf-  him  to  qm-  he  hath  given  reasonable  satisfaction,  and 
"  lately  he  hath  given  humble  supplication  to  me  and  the  diocesian  Synod 
"  of  that  part  of  the  Diocie,  north  Tay,  holden  at  Aberbroath  the  last 
"  Teusday  of  September,  (the  frequency  and  hontfurable  usage  wherof  I 
"  wish  that  others  should  report,  and  not  I,  for  I  think  the  like  has  not 
"  been  seen  since  the  religion  came  in  Scotland,)  but  there  it  was  enacted 

2  M 


274  ARCHBISHOP    GLADSTANES. 

"  by  my  direction  that  nothing  should  be  done  concerning  him,  while  first 
"  your  Ma'ys'  gracious  pleasure  should  be  knowen.  Ther  was  some  deal- 
"  ing  for  his  composition  and  satisfaction  to  your  Matys-  Threasurer  ;  I  will 
"  humbly  beseech  your  Majesty,  that,  since  to  my  knowledge  the  gentle- 
"  man  is  well  affected  to  live  as  a  peacable  subject,  and  to  conform  himself 
"  both  in  religion  and  maners  to  your  Ma'ys-  laues,  that  your  Maty  may 
"  give  order  and  royall  direction  how  he  shall  be  used;  that  my  simplicity 
"  and  zeal  to  receive  penitent  sinners  may  not  displease  your  Ma,y,  who 
"  to  please,  next  God,  is  my  felicity,  not  of  fear  but  of  love  and  conscience, 
"  and  if  your  Ma,y-  will  be  inclined  to  referr  this  whole  matter  to  me,  I 
"  will  be  answerable  either  for  a  good  subject  of  him,  or  for  taking  order 
"  exemplarly  w'-  him  to  your  contentment. 

"  4.  The  Laird  of  Edzell  younger,  hath  given  in  to  me  and  the 
"  forsaid  synod  a  most  humble  supplication  for  accepting  his  repentance, 
"  and  relaxing  him  from  the  sentence  of  excomunication.  But  that 
"  matter  also  is  referred  to  your  Matys  pleasure,  for  since  here,  praised  be 
"  God,  Eeclesia  et  respublica  est  eadem  numero,  wher  I  have  power, 
"  none  shall  be  membrum  ecclesice,  who  is  not  membrg  reipublicce,  and 
"  your  Majestys  acknowledged  subject,  yet  this  I  presumed,  that  two 
"  should  be  deputed  to  [the]  Earle  of  Crauford,  and  two  to  the  Laird  of 
"  Edziel,  for  mediation,  if  it  shall  please  your  Majesty  to  spare  his  life, 
"  qch-  is  in  your  Matys-  reverence  for  that  unhappy  slaughter. 

"  5.  The  diocesian  Synod  of  Fife  and  remanent  Kirks  of  myDiocy 
"  betwixt  hath  been  holden  here  in  your  Ma'ys-  city,  wher  ther  was  some 
"  opposition  made  in  the  beginning  by  Mr.  John  Malcomb,  and  some  of 
"  the  old  Melvinian  brood  that  remains  here,  but  I  repressed  them  by 
"  authority  and  reason,  to  the  great  contentment  of  all  your  Matys  good 
"  and  faithfull  subjects  y'  wer  present  in  great  number,  swa  that  thereafter 
"  I  keeped  that  Assembly  w'  great  peace  and  reverence  to  me  ;  so  y'  ther 
"  rests  in  my  diocy  only  the  Synod  besouth  Forth,  whilk  I  have  indyted 
"  at  Haddingtoun  the  first  day  of  November. 

"  6.  At  the  forsaid  Synod  of  Fife  a  supplication  was  given  in  by  Mr. 
"  James  Melvil  his  parishoners,  craving  of  the  Synod  and  me,  that  we 
"  should  interpone  our  supplication  to  your  Majesty  for  his  restitution  to 
"  his  place.     As  for  me,  I  will  not  advise  your  Maty-  any  thing  in  y'- 


ARCHBISHOP    GLADS  TANES.  275 

"  matter,  because  I  know  not  what  is  the  mans  humour  as  yet,  but  rather 
"  wish  y1-  ere  any  such  men  get  liberty,  our  turns  took  setling  a  while  ; 
"  alwise  I  peferr  this  your  Matys  unparalelled  wisdom. 

"  7-  I  hope  your  Maty-  will  consider,  that  as  your  Ma"'  hath  given  the 
"  high  commission  to  your  Ma'ys-  two  A.  Bishops  in  all  matters  of  sclan- 
"  der,  so  in  speciall  the  adulterers  fall  under  the  compas  therof ;  and  we, 
"  being  in  the  room  wherin  your  Ma,y  hath  placed  us,  may  be  as  answer- 
"  able  for  the  penalties  exacted  of  them,  as  any  other ;  swa  either  shall 
"  we  deliver  the  samin  to  the  Lord  Thresaurer  or  the  Exchecker,  as  your 
"  Maty-  shall  appoint.  I  have  seen  the  orders  taken  w'-  such  given  to  a 
"  number  of  scoffers  in  the  country,  and  who  never  gave  any  accounts  to 
"  your  Ma'ys-  Thresaurer  or  Exchecker  therof;  and  if  it  end  in  a  monopoly 
"  your  Maty-  will  never  reap  commodity  of  the  same." 

The  next  letter  is  a  pretty  long  one,  under  the  nearer  view  of  the  His  lettCT 
Assembly  of  Glasgow,  and  the  Bishops  setlment  in  their  office,  and  I  Apriie  is, 
give  it  as  it  stands. 

"  Sacred  Soveraigne, 

"  May  it  please  your  most  excellent  Majesty,  I  cannot  dissemble  the 
"  good  appearance  of  prosperous  succes  that  your  Ma'ys  services  are  to  have 
"  in  the  government  ecclesiasticall  and  reformation  therof,  for  the  wise 
"  sort  are  ready  to  embrace  your  Ma,ys  determination,  simply  ;  the  great 
"  multitude  of  the  ministry  are  desirous  that  Presbitrys  should  stand,  but 
"  directed  and  governed  by  the  Bishops,  and  so  would  referr  great  matters  to 
"  be  done  only  by  the  consent  and  authority  of  the  Bishops.  The  feu  number 
"  of  contradicents  to  episcopall  jurisdiction  ace  content  to  besilent,  soy'-  your 
"  Ma1"'  needs  not  enter  upon  any  dishonourable  conditions.  Yea,  I,  who 
"  sit[sat?]in  theplace  of  sedition  and  contradiction,  have  perfect  obedience 
"  to  all  my  directions,  and  therfor  I  am  bold  humbly  to  advise  your  Maty ,  p.  24. 
"  that  in  the  designation  of  the  place  of  the  ensuing  G.  Assembly,  your 
"  Maty  make  choice,  either  of  the  place  appointed  by  the  last  Assembly, 
"  whilk  will  help  the  formality  of  it,  or  then  of  Dundee,  wher  your  Ma1'- 
"  knowes  your  own  northern  men  may  have  best  commodity  to  repair  ; 
"  and  albiet  your  Matys-  princly  liberality  may  supply  distance  of  place,  by 
"  furniture  to  those  that  travell,  yet,  Sir,  why  should  your  Ma'y-  direct 


276  ARCHBISHOP    GLADSTANES. 

"  that  meeting  to  a  corner  of  the  country,  whilk  will  both  breed  needles 
"disease  to  the  poor  ministers,  and  minister  occasion  of  thinking  that 
"  it  is  done  for  fear,  and  so  would  make  it  want  that  lusture  and  beauty 
"  which  a  thing  so  lawfull  and  easy  merites  to  have  ;  and  so  do  I  think  of 
"  the  president  of  that  Assembly,  that  your  Ma,y  will  need  no  policy  to 
"  bring  in  another  than  him  whom  your  Majesty  hath  already  presented 
"  therunto,  it  being  the  primat  his  proper  office  under  your  Map,  which 
"  your  Maty  will  find  easily  effectuated,  for  none  will  comether  of  purpose  to 
"  serve  your  Maty-  but  the  same  will  give  first  proof  in  y1,  case  ;  and  if  it  be 
"  requisite,  your  Maly  will  find  that  I  being  put  in  leat  wL  any  of  the 
"  Bishops,  the  ministry  shall  incline  wher  they  are  bounden  in  duty.  This 
"  I  speak,  Sr',  not  for  prerogative  of  my  person  but  of  my  place,  q**-,  as  it 
"  bears  greatest  burden,  so  I  hope  your  Maty  will  see  it  honoured,  for  the 
"  better  enabling  the  posessor  to  bear  out  all  your  Ma'!i  services  competent 
"  therunto.  But  this  I  most  humbly  remitt  to  your  Matys  most  wise  con- 
"  sideration  and  good  pleasure,  whilk  shall  be  to  me  as  a  sacred  oracle. 

"  At  my  desire,  the  Lords  and  others  of  the  high  commission,  con- 
"  veened  here  in  Saint  Andrews,  and  assisted  me  wL  so  great  alacrity, 
"  solemly  promising  to  assist  me  in  that  service,  as  I  am  not  able  to 
"  express,  qch-  the  other  missive  directed  from  themselves  will  signify  to 
"  your  Maty .  Of  the  ministers,  only  Mr.  Peter  Heuat  was  present ;  Mr. 
"  Patrick  Galloway  refused  to  come  and  stayed  also  Mr.  John  Hall.  Your 
"  Ma"'  must  yet  oversee  him  while  these  turns  be  ended.  Mr.  John 
"  Fairfoul  his  entry  in  to  the  ministry  of  Anstruther  in  Mr.  Robert  Durie 
"  his  room  is  delayed  upon  a  petition  of  the  people  and  presbitry  to  me, 
"  that  Mr.  John  Dykes  may  be  placed  therin,  earnestly  requesting  me  to 
"  be  supplicant  to  your  Ma*  for  him,  who  has  also  sent  me  sundry  mes- 
"  sages  and  promises  of  obedience  and  conformity  to  yourMatys  injunctions. 
"  So  far  for  satisfaction  of  their  importunity,  I  delayed,  while  your  Maly 
"  should  signify  your  own  pleasure,  qch-  I  most  humbly  beseek  your  Maly 
"  to  do,  and  so  to  relieve  me  of  the  burden  ;  while  your  Maty  send  back 
"  your  pleasure  and  precise  direction  I  will  get  no  rest,  neither  will  that 
"  matter  be  settled,  for  as  for  me  I  will  not  presume  to  make  intreatyfor 
"  any  who  has  given  your  Ma,y  just  cause  of  offence.  I  have  dis- 
•'  charged  Mr.   P'phraim   Melvil  from  preaching  at  your  Ma,ys    direc- 


ARCHBISHOP    GLADS  TANES.  27? 

"  tion  ;  but  sensyne  the  parishoners  have  given  a  petition  to  me  and 
"  presbitry  to  have  him  to  be  their  ordinary,  qc'\  notwithstanding  the  con- 
"  sent  of  the  presbitry,  I  refusedtil!  your  Ma,y-  declare  your  mind  theranent, 
"  for  its  very  offensive  that  the  people  wants  preaching.  If  your  Maty  would 
"  take  this  midse,  to  give  permission  to  Mr.  John  Dykes  to  preach  in 
"  Kilrenny  qch  is  a  famous  congregation,  and  to  Mr.  Ephraim  to  supply 
"  Mr.  John  his  room  qch-  is  most  obscure,  it  would  foster  the  said  Mr. 
"  John  his  begun  resipiscence  and  entertean  some  peice  of  emulation 
"  among  themselves. 

"  Ther  is  no  obedience  concerning  the  ministers  gouns  and  cassocks, 
"  therfor  it  will  please  your  Maty  to  send  doun  a  new  direction  to  me 
"  theranent,  commanding  them  to  conform  themselves  to  those  which  we 
"  Bishops  have  already  received,  for  I  take  that  those  of  the  Bishops  and 
"  the  ministers  are  in  form  both  one,  and  the  difference  should  be  in  the 
"  stuff  and  facing  of  them. 

"  Sicklike  it  will  please  your  Ma'>'  to  give  direction  as  to  the  provest  P-  25. 
"  of  this  city  his  scarlet  goun,  mi  license  to  y*  Dean  of  Guild  and 
"  Bailays  to  wear  black  gowns.  I  most  humbly  crave  your  Matys-  pardon 
"  for  impeshing  your  Malys-  greater  affairs  so  boldly,  but  I  hope 
"  your  Matys  graciouse  inclination  will  not  offend  at  a  servant,  who  in 
"  fidelity  and  affection  shall  be  inferior  to  none,  albiet  in  gifts  and  merites 
"  most  unworthy  of  your  Matys-  favour.  I  hope  your  Ma,y-  will  be  so 
"  gracious  as  to  command  the  Secretary  to  dispatch  answer  to  these 
"  affairs  w1-  convenient  diligence.  Thus,  I  beseek  God  to  bless  your  Maty 
"  with  all  grace  and  prosperity.     Ever  I  remain 

"  Your  Ma,ys  most  humble  servant 
"  and  devoted  orator, 

"  S'.  Androis,  18  of  <t  «ATNTT    AvnnnK  " 

"  Aprile,  1610."  OAIJN  1    .niMDKUiS. 

We  see  here  the  Primat  was  not  for  the  Assemblys  meeting  any  wher     Remarks 
but  in  his  dioces,  either  at  Saint  Andrews,  to  which  the  Assembly  had  up°n 
been  adjourned,  or  Dundee,  that  the  north  country  ministers  to  whom 
the    Bishop    gives    a  pretty   singular  epithet  might  be  well  conveened. 


278  ARCHBISHOP    GLADSTANES. 

The  Bishop  speaks  modestly  and  yet  very  plainly  of  the  King  bearing 
the  members  charges  out  of  his  liberality,  which,  it  may  be,  some  will  give  a 
plainer  name  to,  a  hundred  years  after.  For  all  the  Bishops  assurance  that 
things  wer  so  very  well  for  the  Kings  service,  that  is,  for  setting  up  of 
Bishops  among  the  ministers,  yet  we  see  he  intimates  the  necessity  of  the 
North-Country  ministers,  their  being  well  conveened,  and  does  not  think 
Glasgow  a  place  proper  for  their  purpose.  But  his  brother,  Bishop 
Spotswood,  it  seems,  was  before  hand  with  him,  and  the  King  had  fixed 
Glasgow  as  the  place  of  meeting.  He  only  further  observe,  that  the  Bishop 
under  all  the  inclination  to  bring  in  Episcopacy  they  boast  of  among  the 
ministry,  durst  not  venture  upon  a  free  choice  of  the  members  of  this 
Assembly,  but  prevailed  with  the  King  to  nominat  the  members  in  each 
presbitry  according  to  a  list  they  had  agreed  to,  so  that  meeting  cannot 
be  termed  a  generall  Assembly  but  a  pickt  meeting  named  by  the  Bishops, 
favourable  to  their  purposes,  and  crammed  down  presbitrys  throats. 
Bishops  let-  Mr.  Calderwood  hath  preserved  the  Bishops  letter  to  the  Presbitry 

bitryof  chum- of  Churnside,  wher  his  parish   of  Crailing  then  was;  and  it  deserves  a 

1610  May  28'  room  m  tne  Bishops  Life,  as  followes  : 

Grace  be  multiplied  unto  you. 

"  Beloved  bretheren,  After  my  hearty  commendations  in  the  Lord,  I 
"  have  received  a  letter  from  the  Kings  Ma'y  anent  the  direction  of  Com- 
"  missioners  to  the  approaching  Generall  Assembly,  and  to  the  effect  you 
"  may  understand  my  commission  to  that  effect  to  you,  and  the  Kings 
"  Ma,ys  pleasure,  I  thot  it  good,  as  having  credit  in  these  matters  of  his 
"  Ma'5'-,  to  shew  to  your  Moderator  the  authentic  letter  that  hath  pro- 
"  ceeded  from  his  Ma,yi  hand,  and  to  send  you  the  note  of  the  persons 
"  whom  his  Maly-  has  thot  fittest  for  that  work.  Thus  I  beseek  you, 
"  since  our  presbitrys  in  Fife,  and  as  I  hear  the  presbitry  of  Edin'-,  hath 
"  agreed  to  the  Kings  desire,  that  you  will  not  fail  to  send  a  free  voluntary 
"  commission,  w'  those  bretheren  who  have  also  received  their  severall 
"  missives  from  the  Kings  Ma'5*-,  that  ye  seem  not  to  be  singular  and 
"  refractory  to  reasonable  petitions.  I  hope  that  this  my  counsell  shall  be 
"  well  accepted  of  you,  and  since  suddain  and  wilful]  conclusions  have 
p.  26.         *i  wrought  such  bitter  [effects],  I  hope  ye  will  not  provock  ye  Kings  Ma'y  to 


ARCHBISHOP   GLADSTANES.  279 

"  wrath,  vv'out  any  necessary  occasion.      Thus  I  beseek  God  to   bless 
"  you  all  vv'-  the  Spirit  of  truth  and  love  to  the  end.    Edinr  May  28,  1610. 

"  Your  loving  and  assured  brother, 

"  Saint  Andrews." 

The  common  copy  of  the  Kings  letter  to  all  the  Presbitrys,  was     Ki"fs  'e"cl 
sent  along  with  this  to  the  Presbitry,  by  the  Bishop,  with  the  names  of  which      came 
the  members  to  be  sent  up  by  the  Presbitry,  to  this  Generall  Assembly.  Apnie  l,  i6io. 
Mr.  Calderwood  hath  given  it  p.  [621],  but  being  probably  penned  from 
a  form  sent  up  by  the  Bishops,  and  in  its  tenour  pretty  singular,  I  shall 
likewise  give  it  here.     It  is  directed  To  our  trustie  and  iceel  beloved, 
the  moderator  and  bretheren  of  the  pry  of  Clmrnside. 

"  James  Rex, 

"  Trustie  and  welbeloved,  We  greet  you  well.  Albiet  we,  justly 
"  fearing  the  disorders  that  might  arise  in  the  G.  Assembly  appointed 
"  to  be  holden  at  Saint  Andrews  for  the  day  of  May  next,  by  reason 
"  of  the  differences  now  in  the  Church  for  matters  of  discipline,  did, 
"  by  our  letters,  dated  in  February  last,  desert  the  said  meeting  and 
"  specially  declared  that  it  was  not  our  mind  to  appoint  any  new 
"  Assembly,  before  we  wer  well  assured  of  the  peacable  inclination  of 
"  the  ministry,  who  should  meet  and  conveen  therat.  But  being  lately 
"  advertised  of  great  confusion  arising  in  the  Church,  by  reason  of  the 
"  loose  and  unsetled  goverment  qch-  is  therin ;  and  being  intreated 
"  by  sundry  of  our  good  subjects,  bishops,  ministers  and  others,  for 
"  licence  to  some  Generall  Meeting  of  the  Church,  wherin  good  hope 
"is  given  us  that  some  courses,  by  commone  consent,  shall  be  taken 
"  for  redress  of  all  misorders,  and  the  division  of  minds  that  has  so  long 
"  continoued  among  the  ministry,  to  the  great  scandal  of  their  profession, 
"  should  cease  and  be  extinguished,  we  have  been  pleased  to  yeild  to 
"  their  requeist,  and  to  grant  liberty  for  a  G.  Assembly  to  be  holden  at 
"  Glasgow,  the  8th  day  of  June  next,  and  therfor  we  will  and  require 
"  you  to  make  choice  of  the  most  discreet  and  peacable  disposed  ministers 
"  amongst  you,  to  meet  and    conveen   in    the    said    place,    sufficiently 


280  ARCHBISHOP    GLAD  ST  ANES. 

"  instructed  w"  commission  from  the  rest,  as  in  other  Assemblys  you 
"  have  been  accustomed,  and  to  advise  anent  the  excommunicated  Earles, 
"  what  order  shall  be  taken  w1-  them,  for  their  satisfaction  of  the 
"  Church ;  anent  the  late  erections  to  communicat  w'  our  commis- 
"  sioners  anent  the  estate  of  every  Church  within  any  of  the  same,  the 
"  mentainance  allowed  therunto,  and  overture  for  supplying  the  churches, 
"  qch  are  not  sufficiently  provided,  and  what  is  the  best  course  to  be 
"  taken  for  the  ready  payment  of  the  ministers,  so  as  they  be  not 
"  distracted  from  their  charge,  and  forced  to  attend  the  law  for  discuss- 
"  ing  of  suspensions  and  such  like  questions  arising  therupon  ;  in  which 
"  point  we  have  had  many  grievouse  complaints  from  diverse  of  the 
"  ministers  there,  and  understood  our  good  purpose  touching  them  and 
"  their  mentainance  to  have  been  wonderfully  crossed;  and  y'-  they  be 
"  ready  to  give  their  best  opinion  in  all  the  former  points,  and  in  every 
"  thing  else  yL  shall  be  demanded  of  them,  concerning  the  good  peace 
"  of  the  church.  And  because  by  our  letters  we  have  particularly 
"  acquainted  the  B.  of  Saint  Andrews  of  our  purpose  herin,  and  sent 
"  unto  him  a  speciall  note  of  the  names  of  such  as  we  desire  to  be  at 
"  our  said  meeting,  it  is  our  pleasure,  that  you  conform  yourselves 
"  herunto,  and  make  choice  of  the  persons  qra-  we  take  to  be  fittest 
"  for  giving  us  advice  in  all  matters,  wherin  ye  shall  do  us  acceptable 
"  service.  We  bid  you  fareweel.  From  our  Court  at  Whitehall,  the 
"first  of  Aprile,  1610." 

Reflexions  A  few  reflexions  upon  these  two  letters,  will  easily  discover  the 

nullity  of  the  Assembly  at  Glasgow,  as  a  proper  G.  Assembly  of  this 
Church.  The  narrative  in  the  Kings  letter  mentions  nothing  concerning 
the  main  end  of  this  meeting,  to  set  up  Bishops ;  other  things  are 
pretended,  and  we  see  a  profound  silence,  as  to  what  was  the  real  designe  of 
p.  27.  this  Assembly,  and  other  things  pretended.  The  persons  wer  all  named 
by  the  King,  so  that  ther  was  no  free  choice  of  the  members,  but  each 
was  named  by  the  Bishops  for  their  purpose,  and  that  under  the  notion  of  the 
Kings  will.  The  advertishment  was  too  suddain,  only  ten  dayes  before 
the  time  named ;  particular  persons  had  letters  from  the  King  to  be 
present      In  short  it  was  a  packed  meeting,  and  all  the  members  named 


ARCHBISHOP   GLADSTANES.  281 

without  any  choice.     By  such  a  meeting  as  this  Prelacy  got  some  sort  of 

approbation,  by  sucli  who  wer  termed  a  Generall  Assembly. 

I  shall  not  say  any  thing  of  this  Generall  Assembly  at  Glasgow  ;  di(^"a^ish|y* 

our  printed  historians  give  large  accounts  of  it,  and  somthings  about  it  >»o<is,      Oct., 

1  .  .  .  .  .       1610. 

may  come  in  upon  Bishop  Spotswoods  Life,  who  presided  at  that  meeting 

against  Bishop  Gladstanes  inclination,  as  we  see  by  the  Primates  letter  to 

the   King,    already   inserted.      After   the   Assembly,   the    Bishops  wer 

carefull  to  conveen  their  Synods,  that  they  might  enter  on  their  epis- 

copall  jurisdiction,  which  they  wer  fond  enough  of.     In  October,  Bishop 

Gladstanes  conveened  the  Synod  of  Fife,  and,  in  September,  warned  the 

ministers,  by  a  letter  and  least  such  as  he  thot  would  be  more  unwilling 

to  meet  with  him,  of  the  diet  of  the  meeting.     The  Bishops  letter  to 

Mr.  John  Row,  Minister  at  Carnock  followes.     I  doubt  not  but  the  rest 

of  the  letters  wer  in  the  same  form. 

Grace  be  multiplyed  to  you. 

"  Beloved  brother,   Forasmuch  as  in  the  last  Generall  Assembly,  J^op  ^; 
"  the  oversight  of  the  Diocesian  Synods  was  committed  to  the  Bishops,  convocating  the 
"  and,  wher  the  diocie  is  great,  that  they  should  be  holden  in  sundry  u. 
"  places  for  the  ease  of  the  bretheren,   I  have  thought  meet,  for  the 
"  commodity  of  the  bretheren  who   reside  in  the   south  side  of  Tay, 
"  that    their    Synod  hold   at    Saint    Andrews,    upon   the    9th    day   of 
"  October  next  to  come.     Wherfor  I  request  you  most  earnestly  to  be 
"  present,  the  said  day  and  place,  that  you  may  concurr  to  such  things  as 
"  are  competent  to  that  judicatory  for  your  interest,  and  to  abide  such 
"  tryall  as  shall  be  thot  fittest ;  and  intimates  to  you  withall,  that  the 
"  penalty  of  your  absence  is  suspension  from  your  ministry  for  the  first, 
"  if  ye  wilfully  absent  yourself.     So  I  committ  you  to  the  grace  of  God, 
"  and  rests,  From  the  Kirk  of  Dun,  Sept.  11,  1610. 

"  Your  assured  brother  in  Christ, 

"  Saint  Andrews." 

In  this  place  I  chuse  to  give  some  account  of  the  strugle  which  the     Accounts  of 

iiii/.  i  Bishop      Glad- 

mmisters,  who  stood  by  the  former  constitution  of  the  Church,  had  with  stanes  diocesiau 

2    N 


282  ARCHBISHOP   GLADSTANES. 

Synod  of  Fife,  the  Bishops,  and  their  imperious  treatment  of  the  bretheren  of  the 
from  Caider-  ministry.  Upon  some  of  their  Lives  that  are  to  follow,  the  part  which  the 
wood.  ministers  acted  will  fall  in,   but  here  I  chuse  to  give  altogether  what  I 

meet  with  in  Mr.  Calderwood  and  Mr.  Row's  MSS.,  who  [wer]  both  firm 
opposers  of  the  Bishops.  I  shall  begin  with  Mr.  Calderwood's  account 
of  this  first  diocesian  Synod  of  Fife.  "  Upon  the  9th  of  October,  1610, 
"  Mr.  G.  Gladstanes,  Bishop  of  Saint  Andrews,  held  a  Diocesian  Synod 
"  who  wer  conveened  by  the  Bishops  letters.  The  confyned  wer  absent, 
"  except  Mr.  John  Coudan,  who  upon  a  particular  letter  from  the 
"  Bishop  compeared.  The  Bishop  taught  on  1  Cor.  xv.  3.  and  inveighed 
"  against  such  as  wer  contentious  in  matters  indifferent.  After  the 
"  doctrine,  he  desired  the  ministers  to  conveen  in  the  isle  of  the  Kirk. 
"  Formerly  the  Assemblys  wer  wont  to  be  held  in  St.  Leonards  college. 
"  The  seats  wer  covered  with  green  cloath,  and  on  the  east  side  was  a  table 
"  set,  covered  with  green,  and  a  great  velvet  cushean,  [a  chaire  and  a 
"  cusheoun]  set  beside  the  same,  and  a  stool  set  for  the  clerk.  After  prayer 
"  Mr.  John  Mitchelson  was  chosen  clerk;  therafter  the  Bishop  craved  a  privy 
"  conference.  At  last  Mr.  John  Malcome,  minister  at  St.  Johnstoun,  spoke 
"  after  this  manner :  Seing  we  are  here  conveened,  to  see  what  shall  be 
"  done  to  the  glory  of  God,  and  well  of  this  Kirk,  we  would  know  by 
"  what  authority,  and  on  what  ground,  the  order  of  our  Kirk  established 
"  in  so  many  famous  Generall  Assemblys  before,  and  ratifyed  by  the  Kings 
"  Acts,  was  altered ;  for  we  cannot  see  that  order  altered,  but  with  greife  of 
"  heart,  seing  we  acknowledge  it  to  be  [the]  only  true  form  of  Goverment 
"  of  Christ's  Kirk.  The  Bishop,  in  great  anger,  and  with  contempt, 
"  answered  that  he  would  not  have  thot  that  such  an  aged  man  would  have 
"  uttered  such  foolish  talk,  or  could  be  ignorant  of  the  Acts  of  the  Generall 
"  Assembly  at  Glasgow  ;  he  added,  he  would  be  Moderator,  according  to 
"  that  warrant,  and  he  supposed  that  none  was  of  that  judgment  but  Mr. 
"  Malcome.  Upon  this,  other  bretheren  began  to  speak  to  the  same 
"  purpose;  some  of  them  styled  him,  my  Lord,  some,  my  Lord  Moderator, 
• '  Domine  Moderator,  and  some  spoke  off  hand  without  any  title.  Mr. 
"  William  Erskine  said,  Domine,  our Rrid.  Brother  and  aged  Father  hath 
"  not  spoken  without  a  cause,  for  suppose  we  be  come  here  thinking  it 
"  is  his  Majesty's  will,  yet  we  are  not  minded,  throu  God's  grace,  to  do 


ARCHBISHOP    GLADSTANES.  283 

"  anything,  against  any  good  order,  or  against  our  conscience,  and  therfor 
"  we  would  first  see  the  warrand  of  your  moderation,  that  if  it  be  equitable 
"  we  may  proceed,  otherwise,  if  ye  will  tyrannically  do  any  thing,  it  wer 
"  better  for  us  to  be  absent  then  present.  The  Bishop  answered,  who 
"  should  inform  you  of  the  Acts  of  the  Assembly?  I  will  not  satisfy 
"  any  of  your  hearts  that  way.  If  you  will  go  your  way,  upon  your  own 
"  perill  be  it;  if  ther  wer  but  three  or  four,  I  shall  do  my  duty  and 
"  service  to  the  Kings  Majesty.  Mr.  John  Kinneir  said,  Think  ye  that 
"  this  can  be  a  meeting  to  God's  glory,  or  to  do  any  good,  quhen  you  will 
"  sit  to  do  as  you  please,  and  will  not  with  patience  hear  the  bretheren; 
"  ye  will  find  miscontentment  in  mo  here  conveened,  if  ye  give  us  not 
"  some  warrand.  The  Bishop  became  now  calm  and  said,  Its  a  strange 
"  matter,  bretheren,  that  ye  are  so  troubled  about  such  indifferent  matter; 
"  what  matter  who  be  Moderator,  if  nothing  be  done  but  to  all  your 
"  contentment  ?  tary  till  you  see  somthing  done  ;  I  shall  promise,  before 
"  God,  that  nothing  shall  be  done,  but  with  consent  of  the  whole,  or  most 
"  part,  of  the  Assembly.  Mr.  William  Coupar  said,  My  Lord,  it  wer 
"  well  done  to  go  to  the  matter  and  let  the  bretheren  have  contentment. 
"  The  first  thing  proposed,  was  to  chuse  a  privy  conference ;  some 
"  bretheren  said  it  was  not  usuall  in  the  Assembly s  of  Fife  before.  Mr. 
"  William  Buchanan  said,  it  would  be  an  ease  to  the  Assembly,  and  it 
"  was  ever  a  custome  in  Generall  Assemblys  ;  it  was  concluded  by  plurality 
"  of  votes.  The  Bishop  nominated  Mr.  William  Coupar,  the  Assembly 
"  nominated  Mr.  John  Malcomb ;  the  Bishop  nominat  Mr.  John 
"  Mitchelson,  the  Assembly  nominat  Mr.  Edmund  Myles;  the  Bishop 
"  nominat  Mr.  Andrew  Forrester,  the  Assembly  nominat  Mr.  David 
"  Spence;  so  twelve  or  fourteen  bretheren  wer  nominat  this  way.  But 
"  when  the  conference  was  mett,  the  Bishop  sent  for  Mr.  Robert  Howie, 
"  alledging  that  pastors  should  be  joyned  with  pastors,  in  case  any  words 
"  wer  cast  in.  The  manner  of  the  tryall  of  bretheren  was  thus:  Five  or 
"  six  bretheren  wer  removed,  and  it  was  asked  what  any  man  had  to  say 
"  against  them,  either  in  their  life  or  in  their  office ;  when  he  had  asked 
"  ten  or  twelve  in  the  catologue,  then  he  asked  in  generall,  if  any  man 
"  would  speak,  and  therafter  caused  the  beddell  to  cry  at  the  Kirk  dore, 
"  Is  ther  any  man  to  object  against  the  ministers  of  A,  B,  C,  D,  &c,  their 


284  ARCHBISHOP    GLADSTANES. 

"  life  and  ministry,  let  them  compear  and  speak.  Thus  wer  the 
"  bretheren  perfunctoriously  and  for  the  fashion  tryed.  When  the  Bishop 
"  would  have  hasted  to  the  end  of  the  Assembly,  a  brother  said,  the 
"  tryall  of  the  books  of  the  Presbitrys  was  forgot.  Some  answered  that 
"  all  the  books  of  the  Presbitrys  wer  not  present ;  it  was  ordeaned  that  the 
"  books  should  be  brot  as  of  before.  Then  the  Bishop  warned  them,  if  any 
"  man  speak  [spake]  against  the  laws  of  the  Assembly,  he  should  be 
"  deposed,  and  further  punished  according  to  his  Majesty's  pleasure.  The 
"  Acts  wer  read,  the  bretheren  wer  greatly  moved.  Mr.  John  Coudan, 
"  who  had  hitherto  been  silent,  said,  We  must  either  tyne  a  good 
"  conscience,  in  holding  back  the  truth,  or  endanger  our  ministry  if  we 
"  speak  ;  if  it  fall  out,  that  we  must  expound  Reges  gentium  dominantur 
"  tyc,  as  the  ancient  fathers  have  done,  and  many  recent  writters,  against 
"  the  superiority  of  Bishops,  what  shall  we  doe  in  this  case  ?  The 
"  Bishop  answered,  I  told  you,  bretheren,  I  came  not  here  to  resolve 
"  questions,  but  I  will  get  you  fathers,  and  recent  writters  also,  mentean- 
"  ing  the  authority  of  Bishops,  out  of  the  same  place.  Read  Zanchius  and 
"  Bucer,  &c,  will  any  man  come  to  me,  and  I  will  let  him  see  what  I 
"  have  for  me,  I  will  let  him  see  warrands  out  of  the  word  and  fathers. 
"  Mr.  David  Mems  said,  Our  Kirk  found  it  all  untruth  in  this  point, 
"  while  thir  great  livings  came  in  ;  ye  pretend  the  word,  but  let  us  see  no 
"  warrand :  we  know  nothing  ye  seek  but  gain  and  preferment  in  this 
"  course.  The  Bishop  in  great  rage,  said,  I  beseech  Jesus  Christ,  never 
"  let  me  see  his  glory,  if  I  would  do  as  I  doe,  for  all  the  worlde,  if  I  wer 
"  not  perswaded  I  had  the  warrant!  of  the  word.  I  will  say  more,  the 
"  Lord  judge  me,  if  I  have  gone  so  far  in  this  course,  as  I  think  the  word 
"  of  God,  and  the  practice  of  the  primitive  Kirk,  gives  me  a  warrand. 
"  Mr.  William  Coupar  said,  My  Lord,  hear  me,  and,  bretheren  in  Christ, 
"  I  beseech  you,  remember  that  thir  things  are  not  so  essentiall  points,  as 
"  to  rent  the  bowells  of  the  Kirk  for  them.  Are  thir  things  such  as  to 
"  cast  your  ministry  in  hazard  for  them  ?  what  joy  can  you  have  for  your 
"  suffering,  when  you  suffer  for  a  matter  indifferent,  as  who  shall  be 
"  Moderator  ?  who  shall  have  the  imposition  of  hands  ?  wherfor  serves 
"  it  to  fill  the  peoples  ears  with  contentious  doctrine,  concerning  the 
"  government  of  the  Kirk?    wer  it  not  much  better  to  preach  sincerly, 


ARCHBISHOP    GLADSTANES.  285 

"  and  to  wait  on  and  see  what  the  Lord  will  work  in  thir  matters?     The     P.  29. 

"  Bishop  applauded,  and  said  no  honest  man  would  be  of  another  opinion. 

"  Mr.  David  Spence  said  no  honest  man  would  dissemble  his  judgment 

"  in  this  matter ;  for  a  neutrall  is  not  worthy  to  live  in  a  common  wealth, 

"  let  be  in  the  Kirk  of  God.     Can  we  that  have  seen  the  discipline  of  the 

"  Kirk  established  by  such  worthy  men  of  God,  after  long  disputation 

"  by  the  space  of  twenty  two  years,  swoni  and  subscribed  to  the  same, 

"  call  it  a  thing  indifferent  now  ?     For  my  own  part,  added  he,  I  stand 

"  still  persuaded,  till  I  see  reason  out  of  the  word  of  God  to  the  contrair. 

"  The  Bishop  said,  Live  ye  upon  your  own  opinion,  and  let  every  man  be 

"  answerable  what  he  is  doing.     I  tell  you  the  danger,  if  you  or  any 

"  man  contraveen  the  Act.     Mr.  John  Kinneir  said,  Ther  needeth  no 

"  reasoning,  we  must  lay  our  account  to  abide  the  outmost  extremity,  if 

"  we  break  these  acts,  and  yet  they  are  such  as  we  think,  in  our  conscience, 

"  to  be  against  equity  and  reason.     No  wonder,  said  Mr.  David  Spence, 

"  if  I  had  the  value  of  forty  shilling  to  plead  before  a  judge,  will  I  make 

"  that  man  procurator  for  me,  who  I  know  will  give  my  forty  shilling 

"  to  my  party  ?    we  know  that  these  men,  for  the  most  part,  that  wer 

"  nominat  to  that  Assembly,  wer  of  a  contrary  judgment  to  us,  and  therfor 

"  would  give  them  no  commission  from  our  Presbitry.     Finally,   Mr. 

"  David  Weemyse  [Mearnes]  said,   We  can  do  no  less  nor  testify  our 

"  miscontentment  in  thir  things,  and  protest  before  God  that  in  our  hearts 

"  we  are  not  satisfyed,  and  therfor  wait  till  the  Lord  grant  a  better  time. 

"  The  Bishop  said,  Do  so  and  let  us  end:  now  wher  shall  the  next  Assem- 

"  bly  be?    Mr.  William  Coupar  stood  up,  and  desired  it  might  be  in  Perth. 

"  Wherupon  the  Bishop  nominat  Saint  Andrews  and  Perth  to  be  upon 

"  the  lites,  and  by  plurality  of  two  or  three  votes,  it  was  concluded  to  be 

"  at  Saint  Andrews." 

Mr.  John  Row,  minister  of  Carnock,  who,  we  see,  was  writ  for  to     Account   of 
this  Assembly  Synodall,  gives  us  severall  distinct  particulars  from  Calder-  synod      from 
wood.     After  a  pretty  large  account  of  the  Assembly,  and  two  or  three  highly.  °w 
pointed   instances    of  persons   bribed   by  the  gold   brot    down    to  the 
Assembly  at   Glasgow  by  the    Earle    of  Dumbar,    he  summs   up  the 
prodigiouse  charges  the  King  was  at  in  setting  up  of  Prelacy  at  this  time 
in  Scotland  thus  :    "  The  King  in  bringing  in  the  Bishops  benefices  to 


286  ARCHBISHOP   GLADS  TANES. 

"  them,  out  of  the  noblmens  hands,  who  had  tliem — in  buying  votes  at 
"  Assemblys — in  defraying  of  all  their  other  charges,  and  promoving  of 
"  all  their  adoes  and  bussines,  as  coining  to  and  going  from  and  living  at, 
"  court,  prelat-like,  that  is,  sumptously  [and]  gorgeously,  in  apparrell,  house, 
"  dyet,  attendants,  &c,  did  imploy,  by  the  confession  of  such  as  wer  best 
"  acquaint  with,  and  wer  actors  in  these  bussinesses,  above  the  summ  of 
"  three  hundred  thousand  pounds  sterling  money,  that  is  six  and  thirty 
".  hundred  thousand  pound  Scots,  or  fifty-four  hundred  thousand  merks 
"  Scots  money,  a  hudge  thing  indeed !  but  sin  lying  heavy  on  the  throne 
"  and  crying  alloud  for  wrath  is  yet  sadder  than  300,000  lb.  sterling." 
After  this  remark  Mr.  Row  comes  to  give  account  of  Synods  in  October, 
1710,  [1G10,]  which  wer  keeped  with  relation  to  the  statutes  of  the  Assem- 
bly at  Glasgow.  He  observes,  Bishop  Gladstanes  keeped  two  diocesian 
Synods — for  the  Bishops  would  not  now  use  the  old  and  good  words  of  the 
Presbitry  and  provinciall  Assembly,  but  the  bretheren  of  the  exercise  and 
diocesian  Synod — one  in  Angus  and  another  in  Fife,  and  we  shall  find 
another  in  Lothian,  that  Mr.  Row  does  not  nottice.  In  Angus,  Mr. 
Row  sayes,  all  the  ministers  met  and  gave  obedience  in  all  things  to 
their  ordinary,  and  adds,  what  stamp  has  been  on  the  most  of  the  min- 
isters of  that  province  to  this  day,  is  too  noture.  As  to  the  Synod  in  Fife, 
he  tells  us  :  "  At  the  day  appointed,  many  of  the  ministers  met,  and  the 
"  Bishop  taught  as  if  he  had  been  last  Moderator,  but  it  is  observable, 
"  that  albiet  he  was  minister  of  Saint  Andrews,  and  then  Archbishop,  yet 
"  the  province  of  Fife  never  chused  him  Moderator  of  their  provinciall 
"  Assembly,  though  he  was  frequently  on  the  lites,  which  made  him,  in 
"  great  anger,  say,  that  he  would  not  be  any  longer  deleeted,  that  is,  seeing 
"  they  would  never  choice  him  Moderator,  he  would  not  be  any  more 
"  mocked  by  being  still  put  on  the  leets.  At  this  meeting  he  usurped 
"  the  place  of  Moderator,  without  any  leeting  or  voicing.  The  bretheren 
"  fearing  he  would  do  this,  had  met  before  hand  and  chosen  Mr.  John  Mal- 
"  come  minister  of  Perth,  being  the  most  aged  of  those  who  wer  knowen  to 
"  love  the  cause  of  God,  to  speak  in  their  name,  against  any  prelaticall 
"  usurpation  that  should  that  day  appear,  and  if  the  Bishop  would  not 
"  suffer  them,  according  to  the  good  old  form  of  the  Church  of  Scotland, 
"  to  chuse  their  Moderator,  his  order  was  to  rise  and  remove,  and  all  the 


ARCHBISHOP    GLADSTANES.  287 

ministers  oblidged  themselves  to  follow  him.  Mr.  Malcome  promised 
'  to  do  this.  The  Bishop,  being  set  down  in  the  Moderators  chair, 
'  began  to  pray,  and  some  would  have  interupted  him,  but  he  said,  Let  us 
'  begin  with  prayer,  and  then  speak  what  ye  think  good.  The  prayer 
'  ended,  the  Bishop  began  to  shew  what  warrand  he  had  to  take  that 
'  place  and  authority  upon  him,  by  the  Acts  concluded  at  the  late 
'  Assembly  at  Glasgow.  Then  after  much  contradiction  and  many 
'  good  reasons  against  him,  both  from  Scripture  and  Acts  of  our 
'  Generall  Assemblys  in  the  purest  and  sincerest  times  of  our  Kirk, 
'  the  Bishop  at  lenth  uttered  these  words,  God  let  me  never  see  Gods 
'  face,  nor  be  partaker  of  his  kingdom,  if  I  should  take  this  office  upon 
'  me  and  place,  if  I  wer  not  perswaded  it  wer  both  lawful!  and  expedient. 
'  To  the  which  cursing  himself,  it  was  answered,  that  his  pretended 
'  groundles  persuasion  should  not  destroy  the  good  order  that  was 
'  established  in  our  Kirk.  Wheron  sundry  began  to  protest  against  his 
'  usurpation,  desiring  Mr.  John  Malcomb  to  rise  and  leave  him,  and 
'  promising  as  was  foragreedto  follow  him.  But  Mr.  Malcomb,  (a  man 
'  who  had  not  a  brow  for  that  bargain,)  was  disuaded  by  his  collegue, 
'  Mr.  William  Coupar,  who  stood  up  and  said,  Bretheren,  it  shall  be 
'  best  to  stay,  and  try  if  he  does  any  thing  contrair  to  the  order  of 
'  former  Assemblys,  and  we  shall  all  leave  him.  The  Bishop  himself 
'  used  many  fear  speeches  to  allure  the  bretheren  to  stay  and  see  what 
'  was  done,  yet  some  began  to  protest  against  what  was  already  done  in  his 
'  preceding]  usurpation.  The  Bishop  then  said  in  great  anger,  I  care 
'  not  what  ye  doe,  if  ther  wer  but  six  or  seven  bretheren  who  will  stay, 
'  I  shall  do  the  turn  that  I  shall  do,  and  be  answerable  to  the  King  for 
'  what  I  do;  he  said  not,  to  the  Generall  Assembly,  nor  spake  he  as  James 
'  directs,  saying,  God  willing,  if  the  Lord  will,  &c.  Thus  Mr.  John 
'  Malcome,  according  to  his  promise  and  order,  not  removing,  and  the 
'  Bishop  solemly  promising  to  do  nothing  but  as  they  should  direct 
'  him,  he  chused  a  clerk  and  said,  The  tryall  of  Presbitrys,  is  the  principall 
'  thing,  I  think,  that  is  to  do  at  this  time,  and  so,  a  very  perfunctorious 
1  and  superficiall  tiyall  being  made,  the  bretheren  dissolved  with  great 
'  miscontentment." 

Mr.  Row  adds,  that  in  October  all  the  rest  of  the  Bishops  keeped  their     Mr.   Rowes 
diocesian  Synods,  albeit  with  great  contradiction,  [and]  discontentment  in  s^n"   opposi- 


288  ARCHBISHOP    GLADSTANES. 

tion   made  to  some  of  them.     He  adds,  Its  no  marvail  that  I  say  only  in  some  of  them, 

the  Bishops   at       .  . 

their  Synods,  semg  the  most  godly,  learned,  zealous,  and  wisest  of  the  ministry,  many 
of  them  wer  removed  by  death  or  bannishment,  warding  or  confynment ; 
so  that  they,  not  being  present  to  oppose,  could  neither  act  in  their  own 
person,  nor  stirr  up  others  to  their  duty,  as  they  would  have  done,  had 
they  been  present.  It  was  certainly  knowen,  that  Mr.  Gladstanes  did 
write  to  the  King,  confessing  that  if  Mr.  Andrew  Melvil  had  been  in 
the  country,  and  at  liberty,  (at  this  time  he  was  in  the  tower  of  London,) 
it  had  not  been  possible  to  him  to  have  got  that  turn  done. 
Procedure  of  jj  is  Bishop  Gladstanes  I  ("ami  at  present  cheiHv  concerned  in,  and 

the     Synod    of  r  .  ^      .  J        t       .  ^  *  ' 

Lothian,  Nov.  as  we  have  seen  the  carriage  of  his  diocesian  Synod  of  Angus,  and  that 
of  Fife,  so  let  me  give  some  account  of  that  of  Lothian,  of  which  Mr. 
Calderwood  gives  pretty  large  accounts.  The  Synod  was  conveened  at 
Haddingtoun  the  first  of  November.  I  shall  give  the  Bishops  letter  to 
the  Presbitrys  of  this  Synod,  particularly  that  of  Haddingtoun,  and  I 
imagine  they  wer  all  of  the  same  nature,  with  the  procedure  of  the  pres- 
bitry,  and  that  of  the  Synod  when  they  met.  The  Bishops  letter  to  the 
Presbitry  of  Haddingtoun  runs  thus  : 

Grace  be  Multiply ed  to  you. 

Bishop  Glad-  <<  Beloved  bretheren,  Wheras  the  convention  of  the  diocesian  Synods 

Presbitry     of "  is  committed  to  the  care  of  the  A.  Bishops  and  Bishops  in  their  own 

Oct.  3^1  Inb.   "  dioces,  and,  wher  the  diocy  is  great,  to  divide  them  for  the  commodity 

p.  31.         "  of  the  bretheren  ;  so  as  I  have  applyed  myself  to  my  pain,  to  the  ease 

"  of  the  rest,   I  thought  meet  to  convocat  my  bretheren  of  the  ministry 

"  of  the  dioces  of  Saint  Andrews,  besouth  Forth,  to  conveen  at  Haddirtg- 

"  toun,  and  begin  that  Assembly  the  first  day  of  November  first  to 

"  come,  and  therfor  I  am  to  require  so  many  of  your  number  as  are  in 

"  the  diocy,  to  be  present  there  tymeously,  accompanied  w'-  two  or  three 

"  commissioners  from  each  parish,  assuring  you  that  I  can  do  no  less  in 

"  duty,  than  to  adjudge  the  absents  wilfully  to  the  penalty  appointed  by 

"  the  last  G.  Assembly,  qch  at  the  least  is  suspension  from  the  ministry. 

"  Thus  the  grace  of  God  be  with  you.    At  Sanct  Andrews,  Oct.  3,  1610. 

"  Your  loving  brother  in  the  Lord, 

"  Saint  Andrews." 


ARCHBISHOP   GLADST  A  NES.  289 

What  the  Bishop  designed  by  requiring  two  or  three  commissioners     Procedure  of 

11  i  •     •  i  1        o  T  t,,e      P'<,sb'"',v 

from  every  parish,  as  well  as  the  minister,  to  be  at  the  Synod,  1  do  not  0f     Haii.iing- 

know.     The  ruling  elders  wer  not  an  office  that  was  much  favoured  by  |°"t"r  °"  0ct" 

the  Bishops;  whatever  was  the  reason  of  this,  we  see  it  was  not  in  his  161,)- 

letters  to  the  ministers  of  Fife.     Mr.  Calderwood  gives  us  the  procedure 

of  the  Presbitry  of  Haddingtoun  upon  this  letter,  from  their  registers. 

"  The  Presbitry  of  Haddingtoun,  upon  the  receipt  of  this  letter,  resolved 

"  upon  three  things  ;  first,  that  they  should  pen  a  gentle  protestation,  in 

"  the  fairest  termes,  with  the  best  reasons  they  could  ;  secondly,  that  the 

"  Moderator  present  the  same,  primo  quoque  tempore,   subscribed  by 

"  him  and  the  clerk  in  their  name;  and  if  it  should  not  be  received  out 

"  of  his  hand,  that  then  he  should  utter  the  substance  therof  by  word, 

"  and  every  one  of  them,  as  God  should  offer  occasion,  promised  to  bear 

M  hand  to  him,  and  urge  the  same;  lastly,  albiet  all  wer  not  resolved  to 

"  suffer,  yet  all  granted  it  was  expedient  to  suffer,  and  therfor  thot  meet 

"  simpliciter  to  refuse  his  judicatory.     The  tennor  of  the  protestation 

"  followes,  as  it  stands  in  the  Presbitry  books : 

"  Forasmuch  as  we  have  had  as  well  civil  as  ecclesiasticall  lawes,  Their  pro- 
"  prescribing  and  authorising  the  externall  goverment  and  discipline  of  presented  in  the 
"  the  Kirk,  agreable  to  the  word  of  God,  and  have  practised  the  same  ^''svnod""" 
"  so  many  years,  wherto  we  have  sworn  and  subscribed  at  the  Kings 
"  Majestys  command,  and  of  the  Generall  Assemblys  of  the  Kirk,  as 
"  well  in  the  confession  of  faith  as  books  of  policy  of  the  Kirk,  as 
"  likewise,  at  his  Majestys  command,  and  of  the  Generall  Assemblys, 
"  have  craved  and  obteaned  of  all  Earles,  Lords,  Barrons,  and  others  of 
"  his  Majestys  subjects,  within  our  congregations,  by  their  oaths  and 
"  subscriptions,  allowance,  approbation,  and  practice  therof;  And  wheras 
"  of  late  some  diversity  and  distraction  of  opinions  have  entered  amongst 
"  the  bretheren,  for  removing  wherof,  at  the  Assembly  holden  at  Linlith- 
"  gow,  wer  nominat  twenty  persons,  to  have  met,  reasoned,  and  conferred, 
"  and  to  have  reported  their  judgments;  which  reports  not  as  yet  being 
"  made  as  was  required  to  be  done,  for  satisfying  of  the  consciences  of  the 
"  bretheren :  Therfor  we  desire,  in  the  name  of  God  and  his  son  Jesus 
"  Christ,  that  the  said  ordinary  mean  may  be  used  for  our  resolution  on 
"  the  said  contraversy,  and  that  the  same  discipline  prescribed,  confirmed, 


290  ARCHBISHOP    GLADS  TANES# 

"  and  practised  with  good  reason  out  of  Gods  word,  may  be  reteaned, 
"  aye  and  while  better  be  shewed  out  of  God's  word.     In  the  mean  time 
"  we  request  that  we  be  not  pressed  and  urged  to  the  accepting  and 
"  practising  of  any  other  discipline  and  goverment  of  the  Kirk. 
Procedure  of  <<  The  day  following,  the  diocesian  Synod  conveened,  and  the  Bishop 

Synod  at  Had-  "  taught  on  Judes  epistle,  v.  11  and  12.  After  sermon  he  came  down  to 
l'le'lo"'  N°V  "  tne  tahle.  The  first  thing  that  he  proposed,  was  to  have  a  clerk,  referring 
"  it  to  the  opinion  of  the  bretheren,  whither  they  would  have  a  formall  man 
"  (meaning  a  laick,)  to  be  clerk,  or  a  minister.  Some  cryed  out  that  a 
p.  32.  "  minister  was  most  seemly  for  such  a  meeting.  Mr.  Charles  Lumbsdan, 
"  Mr.  William  Pourie,  and  [John  Lawder]  wer  nominat  upon  the  lites. 
"  Mr.  James  Carmichael,  Moderator  of  the  Presbitry  of  Haddington,  was 
"  silent  all  this  time,  albiet  his  bretheren  gave  him  many  signes  to  utter  his 
"  commission.  In  end,  after  the  Bishop  had  asked  the  votes  of  ten  or 
"  twelve,  he  asked  at  Mr.  John  Ker,  minister  of  Salt-Prestoun,  Brother 
"  whom  think  ye  meetest  to  be  clerk?  He  answered,  Sir,  ther  is  another 
"  matter  which  must  go  before  the  choicing  of  a  clerk.  He  demanded 
"  what  it  was.  Mr.  Ker  answered,  that  their  Presbitry  had  given  commis- 
"  sion  to  Mr.  James  Carmichael,  their  Moderator,  to  present  some  few  lines 
"  in  their  name,  which  he  hoped  the  Assembly  would  find  to  be  reasonable. 
"  The  Bishop  replyed  there  could  be  nothing  received,  neither  by  word  nor 
"  write,  conveniently,  without  a  clerk,  but  when  the  clerk  was  chosen,  he  pro- 
"  mised  that  what  they  had  to  say  either  by  word  or  write  should  be  heard  ; 
"  Therfor  I  pray  you,  said  he,  give  your  vote  to  one  of  the  three.  The 
"  other  said,  I  will  not  stand  to  give  my  vote,  under  protestation  that  it 
"  shall  not  be  prejudiciall  to  what  shall  be  said  or  done  by  my  bretheren. 
"  Afterwards  the  Bishop  answered,  It  shall  not  prejudge  you  ;  and  so  he 
"  voted  [for]  Mr.  Charles  Lumsdane,  who  by  plurality  of  votes  was  chosen 
"  clerk.  Therafter  Mr.  John  rose  to  have  urged  his  purpose,  which 
"  the  Bishop  espying  called  upon  Mr.  James  Carmichaell.  Mr.  James 
"by  a  long  and  unprofitable  harangue  hindered  the  reading  of  the 
"  protestation,  or  rather  supplication,  which,  albiet  it  was  smooth,  yet  it 
"  was  more  sharp  and  pertinent  than  his  speech  ;  next  he  propounded  two 
"  articles  of  his  own  head,  without  a  commission,  viz.,  that  my  Lord 
"  Bishop,  and  others  having  credit,  should  intercede  with  his  Majesty  to 


ARCHBISHOP   GLADSTANES.  291 

M  get  strait  caveats  to  restrain  the  ample  authority  of  the  Bishops  ; 
"  next,  that  such  a  course  should  be  used,  as  the  distraction  of  affection 
b  might  be  avoided ;  he  came  at  last  to  the  written  commission  of  the 
"  Presbitry,  but  he  uttered  the  same  very  sparingly,  ommitting  the 
"  last  clause  ;  at  every  occasion  he.  called  the  Bishop  my  Lord.  The 
"  Bishop  said,  Seing  he  hath  spoken  his  mind  so  largely  by  tongue,  he 
"  needeth  not  read  his  paper,  and  began  to  answer  him.  Mr.  Andrew 
"  M'Ghie  helped  Mr.  James,  and  answered  to  the  Bishops  reply,  to 
"  whom  Mr.  Archibald  Oswald  pressed  to  succeed,  and  because  by  his 
"  preface  he  meaned,  both  in  his  own  name,  and  in  the  name  of  the 
"  Presbitry,  to  renounce  the  Bishops  judicatory,  the  Primate  rose  in 
"  a  fury,  and  said,  What  is  this  that  I  am  doing,  I  am  not  come  here  to 
"  reason  and  contend  with  words,  but  to  execute  lawes,  and  therfor  I 
"  will  not  hear  you  nor  no  man  speak  more  in  publick,  and  commanded 
"  him  silence.  Mr.  Archibald  answered,  If  ye  will  not  hear  me  but 
"  command  me  silence,  I  shall  obey  and  be  alwise  silent.  The  Bishop 
"  said,  I  mean  not  to  hinder  you  to  speak  in  the  right  time  and  place ; 
"  ye  shall  be  heard  in  the  conference,  with  your  bills  and  protestations, 
"  and  if  they  be  reasonable  they  shall  have  a  reasonable  answer.  He 
"  commanded  all  then  to  be  silent  while  the  names  wer  called  on,  and  so 
M  he  chused  the  conference.  The  three  bretheren  forsaid  thot  that 
"  others  should  have  assisted  them  ;  but  they  found  no  assistance,  as  was 
"  promised  both  by  their  own  bretheren,  and  the  Presbitry  of  Dalkeith. 
"  He  nominat  ten  for  the  conference,  for  he  often  said  ten  or  twelve  are 
"  sufficient,  wherin  he  aimed  at  the  form  of  a  chapter.  Ther  wer  none 
"  chosen  on  the  conference  well  minded,  save  Mr.  John  Weemyse.  So 
"  ended  the  first  Session,  when  the  Bishop  going  home  at  the  very 
"  entry  of  the  Kirk  dore  had  almost  broken  his  leg,  for  a  great  stone, 
"  almost  six  quarters  every  way,  sleeped  down  with  him  alone,  and  fell  down 
"  in  a  trough,  which  was  marvelouse,  two  or  three  hundred  having  gone 
"  out  before  him.  In  the  afternoon,  the  Presbitry  request  was  handled 
"  in  the  privy  conference,  and  the  three  bretheren  wer  accompanyed  with 
"  the  rest  of  the  bretheren  of  the  Presbitry  and  Mr.  John  Adamson. 
"  The  Bishop  gave  them  very  fair  words,  prayed  them  to  be  peacable, 
"  granted  that  which  they  craved  was  commendable,  because  it  proceeded 


292  ARCHBISHOP    GLADSTANES. 

"  from  good  affection,  But  as  for  me,  said  he,  I  dare  not  nor  will  not 
"  exeem  you  from  obedience,  but  will  be  content  to  communicat  my 
"  light  with  you,  wherof  I  am  well  assured.  Mr.  John  Ker  answered, 
"  they  wer  as  willing  to  communicat,  and  wer  as  well  assured  of  their 
"  light  as  he  was  of  his,  and  therfor  .desired  that  at  the  least  he  would  not 
"  burden  at  least  their  presbitry  with  that  yoak  of  obedience  to  his  govern- 
"  ment.  The  Bishop  answered,  he  neither  would  nor  could.  Mr.  Oswald 
i'.  83.  "  said,  he  would  not  refuse  to  obey  any  law  of  the  Kirk,  as  far  as  his  weak 
"  body  and  tender  conscience  would  permit  him,  But  as  for  this  matter  I 
"  will  be  plain,  said  he,  I  am  resolved  not  to  obey,  because  my  conscience 
"  hinders  me.  Mr.  John  Ker  added,  And  I  hope  we  be  all  of  this  mind. 
"  The  Bishop  answered,  Obey  or  not  obey  upon  your  own  peril,  for  you 
"  know  it.  None  of  the  bretheren  of  the  Presbitry  of  Haddingtoun  wer 
"  called  that  night  in  any  pui-pose,  except  Mr.  James  Carmichael,  who 
"  did  sit,  vote,  and  reason.  The  day  following,  the  Bishop  was  informed 
"  that  the  bretheren  of  the  forsaid  Presbitry  would  refuse  his  censure, 
"  therfor  he  was  loath  to  medle  with  them,  till  he  was  forced  in  a  matter 
"  concerning  the  plantation  of  the  Kirk  of  North  Berwick ;  but  they 
"  keept  themselves  free  ;  when  Mr.  John  Ker  was  demanded,  he  said,  he 
«  neither  could  nor  would  vote  in  that  place.  The  Bishop  passed  to 
"  another.  Daniel  Wallace  said  likewise,  he  would  not  acknowledge  that 
"  place  ;  others  of  their  number  answered  the  like,  but  not  so  distinctly. 
"  James  Reid  removed  himself  and  came  to  his  tryall  at  the  Bishops 
"  command  ;  the  rest  of  the  presbitry  went  out  before  they  wer  called 
"  on.  The  constant  Moderators  wer  all  almost  continoued.  It  was 
"  ordeaned  that  a  Bible  should  be  bought  to  every  parish  from  Andrew 
"  Hart.  Mr.  Thomas  Bannantine  was  appointed  minister  of  North  Ber- 
"  wick,  by  plurality  of  eight  votes ;  ther  wer  14  or  mo  votes  for  him  of 
"  the  Laicks,  who  voted  for  him."  Thus  I  have  given  the  best  account 
I  could  meet  with  of  the  diocesian  Synods  after  the  Assembly  at  Glasgow, 
and  we  will  see  it  was  not  without  a  considerable  struggle  that  the 
Bishops  wer  ouned  in  these  meetings. 
His     letter  While  the  Archbishop  is  thus  struggling  for  his  powers  with  the 

lb..uthhis  s'on^  ministers,  he  is  not  unmindfull  of  his  family  and  son.     In  October,  this 
o,t.  17.  loio.  veai.5  ]ie  sends  Up  his  son  to  the  University  of  Cambridge,  that  he  might 


ARCHBISHOP  GLADSTANES.  293 

have  the  benefit  of  English  education.  The  Bishop  writes  a  letter  to  the 
King,  with  his  son,  when  he  comes  up  to  the  English  University,  which 
I  insert  here,  because  short,  and  what  will  give  us  a  view  of  him  in  his 
family  capacity. 

"  Most  Gracious  Soveraigne, 

"  May  it  please  your  most  excellent  Ma,y ,  Wheras  my  son  has  been 
"  a  student  of  Divinity  at  Cambridge  this  year  ;  and  by  reason  of  the 
"  plague  there  has  been  debarred  for  a  space  therefra,  I  have  taken  the 
"  boldnes  to  send  him  back,  that  if  the  sicknes  continou  in  Cambridge  he 
"  may  go  to  Oxford.  I  hope  your  Ma,y-  shall  in  a  few  years  find  him  a 
"  well  inclined  and  qualifyed  servant  to  your  Maty .  Wherfor,  my  dread 
"  Soveraigne,  please  your  Maty-  to  honnour  him  wu  a  kiss  of  your  Matys 
"  sacred  hand,  and  receive  from  him  some  memoires  qch-  I  am  bold  to 
"  present  to  your  Maty  touching  your  Matys-  service.  I  hope  your  Maty- 
"  will  peruse  the  same  when  your  Ma"-  shall  think  fittest,  and  send  back 
M  your  Matys-  good  pleasure,  as  and  when  best  shall  please  your  Maty  ; 
"  Thus  I  beseek  God  to  bless  your  Maty  w'  all  grace  and  prosperity  for 
"  ever. 

"  Your  Matys'  most  humble  servant, 

"  and  devoted  orator, 
"  ckt^eio.'?  "  Sanct  Andkois." 

Upon  Bishop  Spotswoods  Life  we  shall  have  an  account  of  the  conse-    Bishop  Giad- 
cration  of  3  of  our  Scots  prelates  at  London.     These  three  returned  from  crated    Arch- 
Court  in  December,  and,  after  all  things  for  the  ceremony  wer  ready,  they  a^™,  jl"- 
metat  Saint  Andrews,  upon  Sunday,  January  13,  1611,  and  Mr.  George  uary  13,  16H- 
Gladstanes  was  consecrat   Archbishop  of  Saint   Andrews,  and  severall 
others  wer  consecrat  with  him.     The  Bishops  ordeaned  in  England  keeped 
as  near  the  manner  taken  with  them  selves  there  as  they  could.     It  was 
designed  that  all  our  Scots  Bishops  should  have  been  ordeaned  together, 
but  severall  wer  absent ;  the  stormy  weather  was  given  as  the  reason  of 
it,  but  it  was  said  that  some  of  them  stuck  a  litle  at  the  ceremonies  that 


294  ARCHBISHOP  GLADSTANES. 

wer  to  be  used.     However  they  soon  got  over  their  difficultys,  and  such 
as  wer  not  consecrat  at  Saint  Andrews,  wer  ordeaned  at  Leith  on  the 
Lords  day,  February  24«,  the  same  year. 
The  Bishops  The  Bishops  still  brot  the  Kins:  by  their  letters  to  assist  them  in 

letter        about  r  °       J 

planting  Dun-  setling  persons  whom  they  wer  pushing  in  upon  parishes  of  consequence. 

a"i6ii.    *  °   Whither  ther  was  any  debate  in  settling  the  town  of  Dundee  with  Mr. 

P.  34.         Wedderburn  at  this  time,  or  whither  only  by  way  of  complaisance  they 

acquainted  the  King,  I  cannot  tell,  but  the  Bishops  letter  on  this  matter 

followes. 

"  Most  Gracious  Soveraigne, 

"  May  it  please  your  most  excellent  Maty,  Wheras  the  burgh  of 
"  Dundee  is  desirouse  to  have  one  Mr.  Wdliam  Wedderburn  to  be  planted 
"  as  one  of  their  ministers,  that  place  being  a  great  Burrow  toun,  qch-  cannot 
"  be  planted  without  your  Matys-  royall  consent,  we  have  been  carefull  to 
"  try  the  qualitysand  disposition  of  the  said  Mr.  William,  and  have  found 
"  him  ofapeacable  disposition,  and  have  taken  of  him  band  and  surety  that 
*!  he  shall  obey  all  the  acts  of  the  late  G.  Assembly  ;  next  that  he  shall 
"  not  medle  in  doctrine  or  conference  wl  the  contraverted  heads  of  disci-. 
"  pline  ;  thridly,  that  he  shall  conform  himself  unto  whatsomever  order 
"  of  Kirk  government  qch-  your  Maty  and  the  Kirk  shall  set  down  ;  upon 
"  the  which  we  take  boldnes,  to  recomend  him  to  your  Maty  that  your 
"  Maty-  may  testify  your  royall  consent,  by  your  Matys  letter  directed  to 
"  us.  Thus  referring  to  your  Matys-  graciouse  pleasure,  we  beseek  God  to 
"  bless  your  Maty-  for  ever. 

"  Your  Matyi  most  humble  servants, 

"  Sanct  Androis, 
"  Edi°:-1I,^,trch'  "  M.  A.  Breichin." 

"  loll. 


His    letter,  Upon  the  16  of  March,  when,  upon  the  Earle  of  Dumbarrs  death, 

161™.  '  some  of  the  Bishops  went  up  to  Court  to  take  care  of  their  affairs,  upon 

the  falling  of  one  of  their  chief  supports,  the  Bishop  of  Saint  Andrews 
wrote  the  following;  letter  to  the  King : 


ARCHBISHOP   GLADSTANES.  295 

"  Most  Graciouse  Soveraigne, 

"  May  it  please  your  most  excellent  Maty-,  Wheras  delation  was  made 
"  to  me  by  the  Bishop  of  Murray,  that  one  Mr.  John  Straitoun,  minister 
"  of  Forres,  has  spoken  very  contumeliously  against  the  G.  Assembly  at 
"  Glasgow  and  the  episcopall  jurisdiction,  publickly,  in  an  exercise  in  the 
"  Bishops  own  presence,  I  have  caused  cite  him  before  your  Ma,ys-  high 
"  commission.  The  day  of  his  compearance  was  Thursday  last,  the  4  of 
«'  this  instant,  at  which  time,  after  tryall,  we  have  found  him  worthy  of 
"  punishment,  and  therfor  have  silenced  him,  and  committed  him  to  ward 
"  in  your  Ma'7*'  castle  of  Inverness,  till  your  Matys-  pleasure  be  farther 
"  knowen.  In  this  matter  I  had  the  concurrence  and  advice  of  my  Lord 
"  President  who  accompanys  me  in  your  Matys  service  most  lovingly  and 
"  forwardly.  This  Friday,  the  15  of  this  instant,  the  consecration  of  the 
"  Bishop  of  Murray  was  solemnized  very  honnourably,  and  countenanced 
"  by  the  said  Lord  President,  and  many  other  Lords  of  the  secret  coun- 
"  cil,  whom  he  drew  thither  for  authorizing  this  solemnity.  Before  this 
"  order  came,  it  was  odious,  but  in  the  use  therof  all  the  hearers  th6t  it 
"  tollerable  ;  and  now  the  beholders  and  auditors  are  moved  to  praise  and 
"  extoll  it  as  a  holy,  wise,  and  grave  policy.  Next  Teusday  holds  my 
"  diocesian  Synod  besouth  Forth  in  Edinr-,  and  upon  the  S3-  of  Aprile  q^ 
"  is  the  seingie  day  appointed  by  your  Maty-  in  Saint  Andrews  benorth 
"  Forth,  from  which  I  go  to  proceed  in  my  visitation,  qr  I  left,  qch'  was 
"  in  the  Carse  about  Perth,  for  the  removed  parts  in  the  north  I  have  dis- 
"  patched  this  last  summer  with  very  good  effect,  I  praise  God.  Thus, 
"  as  becomes  me,  Reddo  rationem  villicationis  mece.  Our  other  affairs 
"  I  referr  to  the  sufficiency  of  my  Lords  of  Glasgow  and  Orkney,  the 
"  establishing  of  whose  Bishoprick,  it  being  one  of  my  province,  I  humbly 
"  recomend  to  your  Matys-  princly  care  and  consideration.  Thus  I 
"  humbly  beseek  God  bless  your  Ma'?8  royall  person  and  goverment  wl 
"  encrease  of  grace,  prosperity,  and  honnour  for  ever. 

"  Your  Matys  most  humble 

"  Subject  and  servant, 

"  Sanct  Androis. 


296  ARCHBISHOP  GLADSTANES. 

"  I  most  humbly  and  earnestly  beseek  your  Maty-,  to  give  thanks  to 
"  the  honest  and  kind  Secretary,  for  his  great  love  and  kindness  to  me 
"  and  all  the  Bishops  my  bretheren." 

«  Edin'.,  16  March,  1611," 

slab's  no'dTn  Upon  Teusday  the  19  of  March,  Bishop  Gladstanes,  as  he  tells  the 

Edin.,  March  King,  held  his  diocesian  Synod  in  Edinburgh.  I  shall  give  Mr.  Calderwoods 
p.  35.  account  of  this  Synod,  and  add  some  things  to  enlighten  it.  "  After 
"  exhortation  and  thanksgiving,  the  members  of  the  privy  conference  wer 
"  chosen.  In  the  2d  Session,  the  fonn  and  tryall  of  persons  who  are  to 
"  be  admitted  to  the  ministry,  that  had  not  exercised  publickly,  was  con- 
"  eluded  as  followes  : 
tr  lus""  before  "  It  is  concluded  that  whosoever  person,  who  has  not  exercised  pub- 

admission  of  it  Jickly  of  before,  and  desires  to  be  admitted  to  the  ministry,  that  before 
"  his  admission  to  the  ministry,  he  be  tryed,  after  this  form.  1.  That  he 
"  teach  in  Latine  privatly.  2.  That  he  teach  in  English  privatly.  3. 
"  That  he  add  to  the  exercise  publickly,  and  teach  in  the  pulpit  popularly. 
"  Last  of  all,  that  he  be  tryed  with  positions  and  questions  upon  the  con- 
"  traverted  heads  and  places  of  Theology,  and  all  these  tryalls  to  preceed 
"  his  admission. 

"  Mr.  Adam  Bannantyne,  minister  at  Falkirk,  now  Bishop  of  Dum- 
"  blane,  craved  an  helper  and  fellow-labourer  to  be  granted  him,  upon  his 
"  own  charges,  in  respect  of  the  far  distance  between  his  Kirk  and  the 
"  lands  of  Kilconquhar,  which  fell  to  him  by  the  death  of  the  Laird. 
"  But  he  wasordeaned  either  to  transport  himself,  conform  to  the  Act  of 
"  transportation  granted  him  at  the  last  Synod,  that  the  Kirk  may  be 
"  declared  to  vaik,  or  else  to  demitt  the  said  benefice,  or  else  to  serve  in 
"  person,  and  make  residence  in  his  own  person,  to  teach  and  minister 
"  the  sacraments,  all  substitutes  and  fellow-labourers  being  secluded  under 
"  pain  of  deposition,  and,  the  premises  failing,  that  he  be  deposed  from  all 
"  function  in  the  ministry."  Mr.  Calderwood  adds,  ther  was  just  cause 
to  deal  with  Mr.  Bannatyne  thus,  because  his  parish  was  destitute  of 
the  preaching  of  the  word  the  half  of  the  Sabbaths  of  the  year.  No 
wonder  that  he  aspired  to  a  Bishoprick,  who  made  so  litle  conscience  of 
his  ministerial!  function.     He  said,  when  zelouse  on  the  other  side,  that 


ARCHBISHOP    GLADS  TANES.  297 

the  Bishop  of  Dumblane,  the  excrement  of  Bishops,  had  licked  up  the 
excrement  of  Bishopricks,  but  when  Mr.  George  Graham  was  trans- 
ported from  Dumblane  to  Orkney,  he  licked  up  his  excrements,  and  got 
the  Deanry  of  the  Chappell  royall  annexed  to  the  Bishoprick  of  Dumblane. 

"  It  was  ordeaned  that  the  Act  of  the  Generall  Assembly  holden  at     Act  against 
"  Glasgow,  the  S  of  June,  1610,  against  the  absent  ministers  from  dioce- sent  from  sy- 
"  sian  Assemblys,  and  ordinary  visitation  of  Kirks,  without  just  cause  of nods' 
"  lawfull  excuse,  be  put  in  execution  :  viz.,  that  they  be  suspended  from 
"  office  and  benefice,  and,  if  he  mend  not,  that  he  should  be  deprived;  and 
"  this  Act  to  be  intimate  in  the  whole  conventions  of  bretheren  within  this 
"  present  diocesian  Synod. 

"  The  Archbishop  caused  read  and  intimat  to  the  whole  bretheren  of  Kings  decia- 
"  this  diocesian  Synod,  his  Majestys  will  and  declaration  anent  the  disci-  discipline  and 
"  pline  that  ministers  have  over  their  parishoners,  and  anent  the  election 
"  of  Kirk  sessions,  as  at  more  lenth  is  conteaned  in  his  Majestys  will,  read 
"  by  the  Archbishop  to  the  said  bretheren  of  the  Synod."  Mr.  Calderwood 
adds,  that  the  Bishop  so  far  prevailed,  that  the  authority  they  had  pur- 
chased at  that  woefull  Assembly  at  Glasgow  was  not  controlled  nor  called 
in  question  even  by  whole  Synods,  let  be  particular  persons,  some  few 
excepted,  who  wer  confyned  for  not  subjecting  themselves  to  the  Bishops 
authority  in  their  diocesian  Synods.  Yea  Bishop  Gladstanes  is  not  now- 
mentioned  in  the  Synods  Acts  without  the  stile  of  Lord  or  Archbishop  ; 
howbiet,  that  the  name  of  Archbishop  was  not  once  mentioned  in  the  Act 
of  Glasgow.  The  name  of  Presbitry  is  not  once  made  mention  of  in 
this  Synod,  but  only  the  bretheren  of  the  exercise,  or  convention  of  the 
bretheren  of  the  exercise. 

I  wish  Mr.  Calderwood  had  preserved  to  us  the  Kings  declaration  Kinss  direc- 
upon  discipline  and  sessions.  In  Bishop  Spotswoods  history,  I  find  a  ters  Ecciesias- 
paper,  p.  514,  which  he  entituleth  Directions  for  matters  ecclesiasticall 
sent  by  the  King  to  the  Clergy  ;  and,  when  they  wer  exhibited  to  the 
Bishops,  and  some  principall  of  the  Clergy  conveened  with  them  at  Edin- 
burgh, February,  1611,  they  wer  approved  of  all.  These  I  take  to  be 
the  same  Mr.  Calderwood  tells  us  wer  read  at  this  Synod,  and  He  tran- 
scribe them.  They  came  down  from  the  King  with  the  establishment  of 
the  high  commission,  and  the  first  relates  to  that.     They  are  as  followes  : 

2  p 


298  ARCHBISHOP   GLADSTANES. 

p- 36-  "1.    That  every  particular   matter   should   not   at   first   be   brot 

"  before  the  high  commission  nor  any  thing  moved  unto  it,  except  the 
"  same  was  appealed  unto,  or  compleaned  by  one  of  the  Bishops  as  a  thing 
"  that  could  not  be  rectifyed  in  their  dioces  ;  or  then  some  enorme  offence 
"  in  the  tryall  wherof  the  Bishops  should  be  found  too  remiss. 

"  2.  That  every  Archbishop  or  Bishop  shall  make  his  residence  at 
"  the  Cathedrall  Church  of  his  dioces,  and  labour,  so  far  as  they  can  and 
"  wer  able,  to  repair  the  same. 

"  3.  That  all  Archbishops  and  Bishops  be  carefull  in  visitation  of 
"  their  Dioceses,  and  every  3d  year  at  least  take  inspection  of  the  readers, 
"  ministers,  and  others  serving  cure,  within  their  bounds. 

"  4.  That  every  Archbishop  visit  his  province,  every  seven  years  at 
"  least. 

"5.  Wheras  ther  be  in  sundry  dioceses  churches  belonging  to 
"  other  Bishopes,  that  care  be  taken  to  exchange  the  churches,  one  with 
"  another,  that  all  the  dioceses  may  lye  contigue,  if  possibly  the  same  may 
"  be  performed  ;  as  likewise,  in  regard  some  dioceses  are  too  large,  and 
"  others  have  a  small  number  of  churches,  scarce  deserving  the  title  of  a 
"  dioces,  that  a  course  be  taken  for  enlarging  the  same  in  a  reasonable 
"  proportion,  by  uniting  the  nearest  churches  of  the  greater  dioces 
"  therunto. 

"  6.  That  the  convention  of  ministers  for  exercise  of  doctrine  exceed 
"  not  the  number  of  10  or  12  at  most,  and  over  them  a  Moderator 
"  placed  by  the  ordinary  of  the  dioces  wher  the  said  conventions  are 
"  licensed,  with  power  to  call  before  them  all  scandalous  persons  within 
"  that  precinct,  and  censure  and  correct  offenders  according  to  the  canons 
"  of  the  Church  ;  yet  are  not  these  Moderators  to  proceed  in  any  case 
"  either  to  excomunication  or  suspension  without  the  allowance  of  the 
"  ordinary;  and,  if  it  shall  be  tryed  that  these  ministers  shall  usurp  any  fur- 
"  ther  power  than  is  permitted,  or  cary  themselves  unquietly  in  teaching  or 
"  otherwise,  at  these  meetings,  in  that  case  the  Bishop  shall  discharge  the 
"  meeting  and  censure  the  offenders  according  to  the  quality  of  their  fault. 

"  7-  Considering  that  laick  elders  have  neither  warrand  in  the  word 
"  nor  example  of  the  primitive  church  ;  and  not  the  less  its  expedient 
"  that  some  be  appointed  to  assist  the  minister  in  repairing  the  fabric 


ARCHBISHOP    GLADSTANES.  299 

"  of  the  Church,  providing  elements  to  the  holy  communion,  and  collect- 
"  ing  the  contributions  for  the  poor  with  other  necessary  services,  the 
"  ministers  to  make  choice  of  the  most  wise  and  discreet  persons  in  the 
"  parish  to  that  effect,  and  present  their  names  to  the  ordinary,  that  his 
"  approbation  may  be  had  therunto. 

"  8.  That  the  ministers  of  the  parish  be  authorised  to  call  before 
"  them  and  the  associats  so  allowed  all  publick  and  notorious  offenders, 
"  and  enjoyn  satisfaction  according  to  the  canons  of  the  Church,  or,  if 
"  they  be  obstinat  and  contumacious,  declare  their  names  to  the  Bishop, 
"  that  order  may  be  taken  with  them. 

"  9.  That  no  minister  be  admitted  without  exact  tryall  preceeding 
"  and  imposition  of  hands  used  in  their  ordination  by  the  Bishop  and 
"  two  or  three  ministers,  whom  he  shall  call  to  assist  the  action,  and,  to 
"  the  end  one  uniform  order  may  be  kept,  in  the  admission  of  ministers, 
"  that  a  form  therof  may  be  imprinted  and  precisely  followed  by  every 
"  Bishop. 

"  10.  That  the  election  of  Bishops  shall  in  time  coming  be  made 
"  according  to  the  Conference,  anno  1571.  And  while  the  Bishoprick 
"  remaineth  void,  that  the  Dean  of  the  chapter  be  vicarius  in  omnibus 
"  ad  episcopaturn  pertinentibus,  and  have  the  custody  of  the  living  and 
"  rents,  till  the  same  be  of  new  provided. 

"11.  That  the  Dean  of  every  chapter  conveen  them  once  at  least 
"  every  year,  and  takenottice  that  nothing  pass,  except  iheybecapitulariter 
"  congregati,  and  that  a  Register  be  made  of  every  thing  done  by  the 
"  Bishop  or  Archbishop,  in  the  administration  of  the  rents,  and  safely 
"  keeped  in  the  chapterhous. 

"12.  That  when  it  shall  be  thot  expedient  to  call  a  General  1 
"  Assembly,  a  supplication  be  put  up  to  his  Majesty  for  license  to 
"  conveen,  and  that  the  said  Generall  Assembly  consist  of  Bishops, 
"  Deans,  Archdeacons,  and  such  of  the  ministry  as  shall  be  selected  by 
"  the  rest. 

"  13.  And,  because  ther  hath  been  a  generall  abuse  in  that  Church,    p.  37. 
"  that  youths,  having  passed  their  course  in  Philosophy,  before  they  have 
"  attained  to  the  years  of  discretion,  or  received  lawfull  ordination  by 
"  imposition  of  hands,  do  engyre  themselves  to  preach,  that  a  strict  order 


300  ARCHBISHOP    GLADSTANES. 

"  be  taken  for  restraining  all    such   persons,  and  none  permitted   but 
"  those  that  have  received  orders  to  preach  ordinarly,  and  in  publick." 

By  these  directions,  coming  indeed  from  the  King  in  name,  and 
sent  down  and  imposed  by  his  ecclesiasticall  supremacy,  but  indeed  con- 
trived here  by  the  Archbishop,  and  rest  of  the  Bishops,  the  comely 
and  Scripturall  Presbyteriall  goverment  of  this  church  was  overturned, 
not  by  any  Act  of  the  Church,  but  meerly  by  orders  from  the  State, 
impetrate  by  the  prelates,  and  in  this  shape,  with  a  few  changes,  things 
stood  till  the  happy  change,  1637  and  8.  Upon  Bishops  Spotswood's 
Life  I  shall  take  nottice  of  some  orders  and  constitutions  synodically 
agreed  upon  next  year  for  discipline,  which  I  recon  wer  drawen  up  by 
the  Bishops. 
Procedure,  j  g^  b    Mr    Calderwood  that  upon  Thursday  the  2d  of  Aprile, 

diocesian      Sy-  J  r  J  r         ' 

nod  at  Saiut  the  Primat  sent  letters  to  every  Presbitry  in  Angus,  Merns,  Strathern 
and  Fife,  to  warn  all  the  ministers  benorth  Forth,  to  meet  next  Teusday 
at  Saint  Andrews,  alledging  that  he  had  his  Majestys  warrand  and 
command  to  do  so.  This  convention  held  in  the  seinjie  week.  The 
occasion  wherfor  they  wer  said  to  be  conveened,  was  to  advise  what  way 
uniformity  of  Discipline  should  be  established  in  all  the  Kirks  of  the 
diocy,  because  as  the  Bishop  affirmed  we  wer  to  have  no  more  General  1 
Assemblys,  and  therfor  diocesian  Synods  behoved  to  supply  their  place ; 
so  some  wer  appointed  to  conveen  for  that  end,  and  to  report  their 
diligence  to  the  next  Assembly.  At  this  Synod  it  was  appointed 
that  Ministers  should  wear  gouns  at  all  the  after  Synods. 
The  Bishops  Now  that  the  Archbishop  had  got  his  Synods  modelled  pretty  much 

letter      to     the  *  °  '  -Ti  i  • 

King,  May  30,  to  his  pleasure,  veiy  litle  further  offers  to  me  about  him,  till  his  death, 
save  two  or  three  more  letters  of  his  to  the  King,  and  a  few  more 
particulars.  In  a  letter  dated  May  3d,  he  gives  an  account  of  this 
Synod  in  Aprile,  at  Saint  Andrews,  and  other  things  going  at  this  time. 
The  letter  runs  thus  : 

"  Most  Gracious  Soveraigne, 

"  May  it  please  your  most  excellent  Maty ,  According  to  your  Matyi 
"  royall  direction,  I  assembled  the  whole  ministers  of  my  diocy  benorth 
"  Forth  to  Dee,  in  the  city  of  Saint  Andrews,  upon  the  first  day  of  the 


ARCHBISHOP   GLADSTANES.  301 

"  sein3ie,  and  continoued  that  work,  according  to  the  ancient  custome, 
M  wher  I  found  nothing  but  obedience  and  conformity  in  all,  and  did 
"  all  things  wfc  great  peace  and  contentment,  wfc  such  vogue  and  authority 
"  in  such  confluence  of  ministers,  as  I  think  it  was  inferior  to  no  Gen- 
"  erall  Assembly  that  has  been  in  this  kingdome,  qr-  your  Maty-  was  not 
"  present,  qr  Sr  John  Ogylby  his  absolution  was  concluded,  because  he 
"  had  not  only  satisfyed  by  oath  and  subscription  the  ministry,  but  also 
"  your  Ma,ys  threasurer,  and  was  relaxed  from  the  horn  after  his  payment 
"  of  his  composition.  According  wherunto  I  received  him  into  ye  bosome 
"  of  the  Church,  in  the  Kirk  of  Saint  Andrews,  the  day  of  our  com- 
"  munion  ;  swa  that  therafter  he  communicat  wl-  us.  Captain  Tyrie 
"  his  excommunication  is  ordered  to  be  denounced  of  new,  for  that  he 
"  deludes  the  Kirk,  prorogates  the  time  of  his  resolution,  and  is  a 
"  scandall  to  the  whole  kingdom,  who  also  think  that  his  familiar  usage 
"  w1-  the  Earle  of  Hume  hinders  his  Lops  resolution.  And  I  was 
"  desired  to  entreat  your  Ma,y-  most  humbly  that  your  Maty-  may  give 
"  command  to  the  council],  that  either  he  may  be  dispatched  the  country, 
"  or  conform  himself  to  the  true  religion ;  wheranent  I  expect  your 
"  royall  direction.  I  have  directed  my  son  in  law,  the  Rector  of  the 
"  University,  to  go  forward  in  teaching  the  canon  law,  as  the  ready  way 
"  to  bring  out  the  presbiterian  discipline  from  the  hearts  of  the  young 
"  ones,  and  to  acquaint  even  the  eldest,  w'  the  ancient  Church  gover- 
"  ment,  wherof  they  are  ignorant,  and  the  University  has  agreed  ther- 
"  unto.  This  service  is  gratuitously  done  by  the  gentleman.  When 
"  occasion  serves,  and  after  tryall  of  his  valour,  learning  and  wisdome,  I 
"  hope  your  Maty-  will  have  some  regard  of  him,  and  the  rather  for 
"  my  cause.  As  for  the  affairs  southward,  concerning  my  residence  in 
"  Edinr,  which  your  Maty-  commands,  I  have  keeped  the  same  precisely, 
"  and  have  resided  there  these  two  years  passed,  during  the  time  of 
"  the  sitting  of  the  Session,  to  my  great  and  exorbitant  expenses. 
"  Alwise  I  shall  never  jacke  to  spend  this  body  and  the  mean  I  have 
"  received  of  your  Maty ,  in  your  Matys  service.  As  concerning  my  preach- 
"  ing,  and  of  others  in  the  Kirk  of  Edinr,  I  shall  so  do  that  your  Maty- 
"  may  gain  your  peoples  hearts  by  my  form  of  dealing  therin.  But,  Sr, 
"  let  me  say,  the  Bishop  of  Orkney  his  ordinary  preaching  in  Edinr  will 


302  ARCHBISHOP    GLADSTANES. 

"  seem  to  be  a  cloak  for  his  nonresidence  yr,  for  it  shall  be  meetest, 
"  that  he  as  others  of  our  rank  shall  be  imployed  to  teach  their  obiter, 
"  and  I  ordinarly,  for  as  for  me,  vce!  mihi  si  no7i  evangelizavero,  for 
"  that  is  my  joy  and  crown.  All  the  Bishops  of  my  province  are  now 
"  consecrated,  for  after  that  I  had  performed  y'  work  so  in  Leith  and 
"  Edinr ,  that  the  very  precisians  who  had  carryed  prejudice  about  that 
"  purpose,  wer  fully  satisfyed,  being  informed  that  those  in  the  north, 
"  (who  benorth  my  diocy  are  more  unruly  than  any  in  the  south,)  spake 
"  calumniously  both  in  publick  and  privat  of  that  consecration,  I  thot 
"  meet  there  also  to  practise  that  action,  and  therupon  have  consecrat 
"  the  Bishops  of  Aberdeen  and  Caithness,  in  the  Cathedrall  Kirk  of 
"  Brechin,  being  assisted  wl  the  Bishops  of  Dunkeld  and  Brechin, 
"  [in]  the  sight  of  such  a  multitude  of  people,  as  I  never  saw  in  such 
"  bounds.  And  so  the  whole  north,  as  well  as  the  south,  is  well  resolved, 
"in  so  much  that  I  may  compare  wl-  any  prelate  in  the  island  of 
"  Brittain,  in  matter  of  obedience  to  God,  to  the  King,  and  to  me, 
"  the  unworthy  servant  of  you  both.  As  concerning  your  Ma^-  direction 
"  as  to  the  ministers  of  Fife,  that  admitted  Mr.  Robert  Murray  upon  my 
"  Lord  of  Scoon  his  presentation,  I  have  caused  sumon  them  before  the 
"  Lords  of  your  Matys- high  commission,  and  shall  precisely  follow  your 
"  Matys  direction  anent  them,  if  they  lay  not  over  the  same  upon  one 
"  another.  Ther  hath  been  a  great  jarr  and  sedition  in  Perth,  by  reason 
"  of  an  emulation  betwixt  Mr.  William  Coupar,  and  the  clerk  of  the 
"  town,  who  had  each  one  their  own  followers.  Wherupon  I  have 
"  denouncit  and  finished  a  visitation  of  that  Kirk,  wherin  I  have  settled 
"  matters  in  peace  and  love,  and  satisfaction  of  all  partys.  Mr.  John 
"  Rutherford  was  placed  by  me  in  the  Kirk  of  Darsie,  very  solemly 
"  before  the  receit  of  your  M.  letter.  My  advices  are  sent  herewith  to 
"  your  Ma,y ,  whilk  please  read  and  direct  according  to  your  Matys  incom- 
"  parable  wisdom.  Thus,  I  beseek  God  to  bless  your  Ma,y-  wl  all 
"  temporall  and  spirituall  prosperity  in  Christ.  I  rest, 
"  Your  Matys'  most  humble 
"  and  obedient  servitor, 

"  Saint  Andrews, 

"May  3,  1611."  "  SaNCT  AnDROIS." 


ARCHBISHOP   GLADSTANES.  303 

The  Archbishop  continoues  his  accounts  of*  matters  to  the  King  in 
another  letter  of  the  9th  of  June,  which  runns  thus  : 

"  Most  Gracious  Soveraigne, 

"  Wheras  it  pleased  your  Ma11'-  to  direct  me  to  cite  some  ministers 
"  of  Fife,  before  your  Matys-  high  commission,  for  admission  of  the  minis- 
"  ter  of  Stramiglo  to  the  function  of  the  ministry,  w'out  consent  and 
"  presence  of  his  ordinary  the  Bishop,  against  the  canons  of  the  Kirk, 
"  we  have  done  so,  and  have  confyned  them  during  your  Matys  pleasure, 
"  and  while  further  of  your  Matys-  will  be  knowen.  We  have  all  found 
"  that  these  persons,  viz.,  Mr.  John  Caldcleugh,  James  Pitcairn,  Henry 
"  Leech  in  Auchtermoutie,  and  Andrew  Bennet  in  Mounimeal,  are 
"  men  no  wise  of  evil  disposition,  nor  never  wer,  to  your  Matys-  service, 
"  and  what  they  have  done  in  this  matter  is  only  of  simplicity  and 
"  ignorance,  and  therfor  I  was  desired  humbly  to  entreat  your  Ma'y-,  for 
"  pardon  and  reliefe  of  ym-  from  their  warding,  specially  because  Mr. 
"  John  Caldcleugh,  who  was  principal]  actor,  has  ever  been  and  is  your 
"  Maty%  and  being  Moderator  of  that  exercise,  his  absence  therfrom. 
"  Thus  we  expect  your  Matys-  graciouse  answer  anent  them,  but  for  as 
"  much  as  in  y'-  action  they  wer  directed  by  the  exercise,  it  shall  be  meet 
"  that  your  Maty-  give  direction  and  charge  to  me  that  the  samine  be 
"  dissolved,  and  out  of  the  breach  therof  another  be  established  in  Falk- 
"  land,  especially  since  in  the  first  erection  of  Presbitrys,  anno  1581, 
"  at  Glasgow,  Falkland  was  appointed  a  speciall  place  for  a  Presbitry, 
"  (for  I  have  presently  read  the  Acts  of  that  G.  Assembly,  swa  that  ther 
"  shall  be  a  good  warrand  therfor,)  and  therby  also  we  will  have  occasion 
"  to  draw  in  some  weel  affected  bretheren  to  the  exercise  of  Saint 
"  Andrews,  qr  remains  as  yet  some  brood  of  the  old  Canaanites  not 
"  fully  rooted  out.  After  the  return  of  my  Lord  of  Glasgow,  among 
"  other  purposes  he  shewed  me  that  it  was  your  pleasure  and  direction 
"  to  my  Lord  Chancelour,  that,  in  censuring  the  town  of  Saint  Andrews, 
"  respect  should  be  had  to  me,  and  yfe  I  should  be  posessed  wl  the  like 
"  priviledge  in  the  election  of  magistrates  there,  as  my  Lord  of  Glasgow 
"  is  endued  w'  in  that  his  city.  But  when  I  passed  to  my  Lord  Chan- 
"  celour  to  enquire  of  your  Matys-  pleasure,  theranent,  he  denyes  and 
"  miskens  the  samine.     It  is  most  just  and  reasonable,  for  I  will  avow  to 


304  ARCHBISHOP    GLADSTANES. 

'  your  Maty ,  they  have  not  a  write  or  a  warrant!  under  heaven  for  that 
'  priviledge  ;  therfor  justly  by  your  Ma"s-  laues,  it  apperteans  to  me,  and 
'  in  higher  measure  than  the  other  to  my  Lord  of  Glasgow  ;  wherfor  it 
'  may  please  your  Maty  to  renew  your  royall  directions  to  my  Lord  Chan- 
'  celour  anent  the  recovery  of  my  right,  and  that  wL  diligence,  and 
'  peremptorily,  for  your  Maty  knowes  what  his  Lordships  disposition  has 
'  been,  and  is,  toward  us  and  our  Estate  ;  and  for  justifying  of  your 
'  Ma"3-  proceedings,  it  may  please  your  Ma"  to  direct  my  Lord  Chan- 
'  celour  to  command  the  Magistrates  and  Council  of  Saint  Andrews  to 

•  produce  the  warrand  of  their  priviledges  at  the  next  dyet  of  their  com- 
'  pearance  before  the  Council,  and  it  shall  be  found  they  have  not  so  much 
'  as  probability  of  right,  whilk  is  intollerable  in  your  Matys;  so  just  and 
'  majestick  goverment.  Sr-,  wheras  they  are  troublsome,  I  will  be  answer- 
'  able  to  your  Ma"-  and  councill  for  them  after  that  I  be  posessed  of  my 
'  right ;  and  as  for  their  further  censure,  I  hope  your  Ma,y-  will  use  no 
'  less  clemency  than  your  Ma"s-  mercifull  inclination  hath  been  accus- 
'  tomed  wL  of  before,  for  I  will  assure  your  Ma"-  that  before  ever  these 
'  two  men  of  the  guard  intimat  their  commission  to  the  magistrates,  the 
'  guilty  person  was  out  of  their  hands  and  fugitive.  Sr,  I  am  not  to 
'  defend  them,  and  hope  the  Lords  of  Councill  will  make  a  true  relation 
'  to  your  Ma"  ;  but  whatsoever  our  knowen  and  friendly  like  foes  have  in- 
'  formed  or  shall  inform  your  Ma"-  of  us  and  ours,  I  hope  your  Ma"-  will 
'  suspect  the  same  while  others  more  unsuspect  clear  your  Ma"-  of  the 
'  verity  therof.  According  to  your  Ma"s  direction  I  have  admitted  to  the 
'  ministry  here  in  Edinr,  Mr.  Thomas  Sydserf,  and  have  in  great  solem- 
'  nity  taken  of  him  the  oath  of  supremacy  to  your  Ma",  and  of  obedience 
'  to  me  as  his  ordinary ;  and  I  continou  in  preaching  every  Sunday  before 
<  noon  in  the  High  Kirk.  I  was  bold  to  write  to  your  Ma"  lately, 
'  anent  Thomas  Tyrie,  whose  resort  here  offended  all  the  godly,  and 
'  concerning  a  Bibliotheck  to  yc  University  of  Saint  Andrews,  and  my  son 
'  in  law,  your  Ma"s  most  affectionat  servant,  his  teaching  of  the  canon  law. 

*  Thus  the  Lord  God  bless  your  Ma"s  royall  person  and  estate  for  ever. 

"  Your  Ma"s  most  devoted  subject, 
"  and  servant, 
:;£d,i6T1/.une  "  Sanct  Androis." 


ARCHBISHOP    GLADS  TANKS.  305 

In  the  collection  of  letters  which  now  I  have  entirely  insert  in  the     Another  )et- 
Archbishops  Lite,  ther  1 bllowes  another  without  date,  but,  being  innnediatly  out  ,iatei  proba. 
following  the  former,  I  shall  insert  it  here.     It  wants  the  subscription  j£y  L^erafter 
also,  but  ther  is  no  doubt  of  its  being  Bishop  Gladstanes  to  the  King,  from 
the  matter  of  it,  and  it  is  probable  its  date  is  somtime  this  year,  and  soon 
after  the  former.     I  shall  insert  it  here. 

"  May  it  please  your  most  excellent  Ma,y,  After  my  returning  home 
"  I  have  had  occasion  of  practising  your  Ma,ys  royall  designment  anent  the 
"  right  of  presentation  of  the  Kirks  of  the  erected  prelacys  by  your  Maty , 
"  qch-  is  a  matter  of  so  great  importance,  that  it  cannot  be  omitted  w'out 
"  unspeakable  loss  to  your  Matys-  authority  here.  Ane  of  the  kirks  of 
"  the  priory  of  Saint  Andrews,  called  the  Kirk  of  the  South  Ferrie,  in  this 
"  Presbitry,  being  propounded  to  be  planted,  I  urged  your  Mal>s'  interest 
"  and  protested  that  nothing  should  proceed  in  that  matter,  while  your 
"  Highnes  should  present  according  to  your  Matvs-  royall  priviledge, 
"  authorized  in  Parlia'',  and  conteaned  in  the  severall  signatours  of  the 
"  ei-ected  prelacys,  (except  your  Highnes  official's  have  prevaricated,)  but 
"  this  intimation  hath  been  litle  regarded  by  the  seditious  relicts  of  that  p.  40. 
"  old  stamp,  qdl  your  Ma,y  knowes,  and  therfor  I  was  bold,  this  same  day 
"  being  our  presbitry  day,  to  command  them  to  desist,  as  being  your  High- 
"  nes  Commissioner,  like  as  of  old  the  Pope  in  the  time  of  his  usurpa- 
"  tion,  my  predecessors  wer  Legati  nati.  And  because  posession  is  best 
"  here,  I  have  presumed  to  recomend  to  your  Highnes  a  young  man 
"  for  qm  I  will  be  answerable  on  my  perill ;  that  your  Maty  in  signing  his 
"  signatour  may  enter  in  posession  of  your  Highnes  own  right  of  pre- 
"  sentation  qcl1  is  the  greatest  comfort  qgh-  we  your  faithfull  servants  have, 
"  in  this  naufrage  of  the  Kirk  livings.  Thus  it  may  please  your  Maty  to 
"  signe  the  name  as  I  have  testifyed  my  recomendation  and  surtyship 
"  for  the  man,  by  my  humble  subscription  in  the  end  therof.  While 
"  I  am  thus  doing  and  continouing  in  my  wonted  fight,  I  am  avocat  by 
"  a  letter  from  the  president  and  clerk  of  Register,  to  give  off  the  usage 
"  of  my  benefice,  w'  such  imputation  as  I  can  hardly  digest,  not  in  respect 
"  of  my  person  but  my  place,  to  the  which  I  the  unworthyest  of  all  that 
"  number  am  provided  by  your  Highnes.     Sr,  I  remember  its  recorded 

-2  Q 


306  ARCHBISHOP    GLADSTANES. 

"  that  in  yc  Pharsalick  conflict,  Caesar  observed  that  Pompey,  by  his  untim- 
"  ous  restraint  of  his  souldiers  in  the  choak  of  the  battail  in  staying 
"  them  of  their  force  and  faird,  so  abated  their  courage  that  they  wer  an 
"  easy  prey  to  the  Cesareans,  feuer  in  number  and  of  less  valour;  and  so 
"  Caesar  said,  if  Pompeys  souldiers  had  been  suffered  to  go  forward  w'-  their 
"  first  impetuosity,  they  wer  unresistable.  S\  at  my  homecoming  I  was 
"  doing[?]  but  cheating  up  your  Ma11'5  souldiersto  fight  manfully  bothag5'  the 
"  Papists  and  the  Puritans,  and  while  I  am  thus  doing  the  matter  of  rentall 
"  comes  in.  I  protest  before  God  I  count  more  of  your  Highnes  service  and 
"  ourinrestingonthe  apostolickancient  discipline,  than  of  alltheBishopricks 
"  in  Scotland,  remembering  that  the  best  Bishops  have  been  poor  and  martyrs, 
"  and  yet  have  mentained  underthe  cross  both  their  religion  and  authority, 
"  albiet  that  befell  not  to  them  under  Constantine  your  paragon.  Sr- 
"  let  your  Highnes  consider,  not  only,  quid  liceat,  sed  quid  expediat.  I 
"  am  not  exeem  myself  from  tryall,  censure,  and  animadversion,  but  this 
"  is  not  the  time,  and  such  judges  are  not  honorific  to  censure  your  Matys- 
"  first  estate.  And,  Sr,  let  either  your  Highnes  in  person,  your  privy 
"  council,  or  your  high  commission,  judge  us  in  all  causes,  but  thir  com- 
"  missions  make  such  impressions  on  the  peoples  hearts  of  our  guiltines, 
"  and  vility  in  your  eyes,  as  has  stained  us  in  the  sight  of  our  enemies  and 
"  of  all  indifferents,  and  given  to  us  and  our  freinds  a  greater  dash.  Spe- 
"  cially  at  such  a  time  as  [this]  your  Highness  must  give  us  countenance, 
"  yea,  and  do,  as  ye  wer  wont,  to  oversee  the  greatest  malefactors  in  the 
"  borders,  q"  your  Maty-  had  service.  Thus  my  humble  advice  is,  that, 
"  since  the  tryall  of  the  estate  of  the  benefices,  not  only  belonging  to 
"  the  Bishops  but  also  to  the  dignities  and  chapters,  is  the  subject  of  the 
"  provincial!  council!  of  Saint  Andrews  and  Glasgow,  as  your  Matys-  own 
"  overture  bears,  that  your  Maty-  command  us,  who  are  the  Archbishops 
"  in  these  our  councills,  qch-  your  Ma'y  remembers  wer  appointed  to  be 
"  holden  this  next  spring,  should  take  precise  tryalls  not  only  of  the 
"  Bishops  but  also  of  the  whole  chapters,  and  signify  them  to  your  Maty , 
"  or  deliver  ym-  to  the  councill  in  a  register,  as  we  will  be  answerable  upon 
"  our  alledgeance  ;  and  withall,  that  we  ourselves  shall  deliver  the  rentall 
"  and  estate  of  our  benefices  in  semblable  manner  clearly  for  your  Maty  and 
"  Councills  information.     And  if  your  Ma,y  find  that  this,  qch-  is  the  ordi- 


ARCHBISHOP    GLADSTANES.  307 

"  nary  and  just  form  of  enquiry,  succeed  not,  your  Highnes  knowes  to 
"  whom  to  take  your  self,  and  upon  the  ommission  and  corruption  of  the 
"  Ecclesiasticks  your  Ma'*-  may  take  order  by  your  self,  or  such  honnour- 
"  able  deputes  as  to  your  Highnes  shall  seem  most  expedient.  As  for 
"  me,  Sr-,  I  have  enriched  my  benefice,  for  of  less  than  nothing  I  have 
"  made  by  my  travail  and  expenses  an  honourable  rent,  as  shall  appear 
"  to  your  Ma,y  clearly.  However,  S%  I  must  crave  prorogation  to  the 
"  end  of  this  Session  of  my  accounts,  since  I  have  almost  the  third  of  my 
"  tenants  and  tacksmen,  under  proces  of  production  and  reduction, 
"  wherby  for  the  present  I  can  give  no  perfect  rentall.  I  beseek  your 
"  Maty-  send  back  wl-  diligence  your  Highnes  pleasure  anent  these  matters, 
"  till  the  return  wherof  I  think  nothing  shall  be  resolved,  and  all  our  pur- 
"  poses  will  hing  loose.  So,  humbly  submitting  all  to  your  Matys  wise  and 
"  just  pleasure,  I  committ  your  Matys  sacred  person  and  estate  to  Gods 
"  eternall  blessing,  and  shall  remain, 

"  Your  Matys-  &c." 

I  have  but  one  other  letter  from  Bishop  Gladstanes  to  the  King  in 
the  collection  I  have  of  originals,  and  copyes  from  the  originalls.  Its  dated  ( 
Agust  last,  next  year ;  its  the  only  one  which  Mr.  Calderwood  hath  in 
printed  history,  and  its  not  in  his  MS,  probably  having  come  to  his 
hand  after  he  had  finished  his  larger  draught  of  his  history.  It  contains 
a  pretty  full  view  of  the  schemes  laid  down  by  the  Bishops  before  the 
Parliament,  which  conveened,  October  this  year,  cheifly  to  ratify  the  act- 
ings of  the  Assembly  at  Glasgow,  and  runns  thus  : 

"  Most  Gracious  Soveraigne, 

"  As  it  hath  pleased  your  Maty-  to  direct  me  and  my  Lord,  your 
"  Ma1)S  Secretary,  for  advising  anent  our  affairs  to  be  handled  in  this 
"  approaching  Parlia'-,  so  happily  did  I  find  him  and  my  Lord  of  Glas- 
"  gow  both  in  this  toun,  and  conveened  them  both  immediatly  after  my 
"  arrivall,  and  with  good  advisement  we  have  made  choice  of  those  things 
"  that  are  most  necessary,  and  have  ommitted  those  articles  qch-  may  seem 
"  to  cary  envy  or  suspicion,  or  which  your  Maty,  by  your  royall  authority, 


308  ARCHBISHOP    GLADSTANES. 

"  might  perform  by  your  self;  but  we  all  hold  fast  this  conclusion,  that  it 
"  is  most  necessary  and  convenient,  both  for  your  Matys-  service  and  well 
"  of  the  Kirk,  that  the  day,  viz.,  the  12  of  October,  shall  hold  precisely, 
"  to  which  the  Parlia'-  was  proclaimed,  the  24  of  this  instant.  I  will 
"  assure  your  Maly  that  the  very  evil  will  which  is  carryed  to  my  Lord 
"  Chancellor  by  the  nobility  and  people  is  like  to  make  us  great  store  of 
"  freindship,  for  they  know  him  to  be  our  professed  enimie,  and  he  dis- 
"  sembleth  it  not.  I  thank  God,  it  hath  pleased  your  Maty-  to  make  choice 
"  of  my  Lord  Secretary  to  be  our  formalist  and  adviser  to  our  acts,  for 
"  we  find  him  wise,  fast,  and  secret ;  we  will  not  be  idle  in  the  meantime 
"  to  prepare  such  as  have  vote  to  incline  the  right  way.  All  men  do 
"  follow  us  and  hunt  for  our  favour,  upon  the  account  of  your  Matys 
"  favourable  reception  of  me  and  the  Bishop  of  Caithnes,  and  sending 
"  for  my  Lord  of  Glasgow,  and  the  procurement  of  this  Parlia'-  w'out 
"  advice  of  the  Chancelour  ;  and  if  your  Maty  will  continou  these  shining 
"  beams  and  shevves  of  your  Matys  favour,  doubtles  the  very  purpose 
"  yl-  seemeth  most  difficile  will  be  facilitated  to  your  Ma,ys-  great  honnour, 
"  and  our  credite,  which  r_if]  it  wer  greater  than  it  is,  your  Maty- could  no 
"  interess.  For  besides  that  no  estate  may  say  they  are  your  Ma,ys 
"  creatures,  as  we  may  say,  so  ther  is  none  whose  standing  is  so  slippery, 
"  when  your  Maty  shall  froun,  as  we ;  for  at  your  Ma'ys  nod,  we  must 
"  either  stand  or  fall.  But  we  referr  the  more  ample  declaration  of  these 
"  purposes  and  other  points  of  your  Ma,ys  service  to  the  sufficiency  of  my 
"  Lord  of  Glasgow,  and  my  good  Lord  Secretary,  the  14th  Bishop  of  this 
"  kingdom.  But  my  Lord  of  Glasgow  and  I  are  contending  to  which  of 
"  the  two  provinces  he  shall  appertain.  Your  Ma'y-,  who  is  our  great 
"  Archbishop,  must  decide  it.  Thus,  after  my  most  humble  and  hearty 
"  thanks  for  your  Ma,ys-  good  acceptance  and  gracious  dispatch  lately,  qch- 
"  hath  filled  the  ears  of  all  this  kingdom,  I  beseech  God  to  heap  on  your 
"  Maty-  the  plenty  of  spirituall  and  temporall  blessings  for  ever.     I  rest, 

"  Your  Matys  most  humble  subject 

"  and  servitour, 

"  S  ff  °f  "  Sainct  Androis." 


ARCHBISHOP   GLADSTANES.  309 

Mr.  Caldervvood  gives  some  observations  upon  this  letter  which  I     MJ-  Ca,der- 

©  I  woods  remarks 

shall  not  grudge  to  transcribe,  when  once  I  have  notticed  that  the  Primat  «n  this  letter. 

seems  lately  to  have  been  at  London  with  the  King,  and  Bishop  Spotswood     P-  42. 

the  bearer  of  the  letter,  who  it  seems  went  up  to  the  King  to  get  the  last 

instructions  for  managing  the  Parliament  in  their  ratification  of  the  Acts 

of  Glasgow  Assembly.     Mr.  Calderwood  sayes,  "  By  this  letter  we  may 

"  see  what  preparation  was  made  for  the  ratification  of  the  Acts  of  Glasgow 

"  at  the  next  Parliament ;  how  the  Bishops  as  sycophants  traduce  the 

"  Chancelor  and  would  make  the  King  belive  he  was  hated  of  the  people  for 

"  hating  of  them  ;  and  how  they  recommended  the  secretary  Sir  Thomas 

"  Hamilton,  now  Lord  Binning,  formerly  Kings  Advocat,  as  a  sure  and  fast 

"  freind,  and  worthy  to  [be]  reputed  the  14  Bishop,  no  doubt  because  they 

"  found  him,  as  forward  in  their  course  as  any  of  themselves.    He  hadgiven 

"  a  proof  of  this  formerly,  when  he  was  Kings  Advocat.     They  seem  to 

"  contend  to  which  of  the  two  courts  of  high  commission  he  should  belong. 

"  They  profess  no  state  can  say  they  are  the  Kings  creatures,  as  they 

"  can  say ;    that  they  stand  and  fall  at  his  nod.     Judge  then  what  these 

"  creatures  will  do  to  please  their  Creator !     We  see  here  what  pains  is 

"  taken  to  procure  votes  against  the  next  parliament,  and  how  long  before 

"  the  time  they  begin  to  work.     If  ther  be  so  much  knavery  in  one  let- 

''  ter,  what  shall  we  judge  of  the  many  letters  they  sent  to  court  from 

''  time  to  time  !" 

After  the  ratification  of  the  Acts  of  the  Assembly  at  Glasgow  by  tlie^f  ',"com°' 
the  Parliament,  the  Bishops  had  litle  more  to  ask,  and  I  find  the  Primat  mission        at 
dwelling  much  at  Saint  Andrews,  and  for  any  thing  I  find  he  was  not  Apriie,  1613. 
much  abroad.     Very  litle  further  offers  to  me  concerning  him  till  his 
death  ;  he  presided  in  the  high  commission,  and  some  prosecutions  wer 
raised  against  Papists,  but  the  cheife  bussines  of  that  court  came  to  be 
with  ministers  and  others  who  refused  conformity  to  prelacy.     I  have 
only  a  hint  or  two  to  give  about  him  from  Calderwood.     In  Apriie,  1613, 
most  of  the  Bishops  met  at  Saint  Andrews,  save  Mr.  William  Couper  and 
Mr.   Andrew  Lamb  who  went  to  Court  :  the  Bishop  of  Aberdeen  was 
sick,  and  the  Bishop  of  the  Isles  was  superannuat.     This  was  a  very 
solemn  meeting,  as  Mr.  Calderwood  names  it,  but  he  does  not  tell  us  much 
done  by  them.      He  sayes  the  Bishop  of  Saint   Andrews   enterteaned 


310  ARCHBISHOP    GLADS  TAKES. 

them  in  the  castle  of  Saint  Andrews,  which  he  had  repaired,  and  where 
he  now  dwelt.     Before  this  he  had  a  lodging  in  the  town,  and  used  to 
ride  on  a  horse  with  a  large  foot  mantle,  to  the  Kirk,  when  he  preached, 
and  to  Church  meetings. 
gainsTMoffat^  In  November,  16H-,  Mr.  Alexander  Gladstanes,  the  Bishops  son, 

preist,  16U.  apprehended  one  Moffat,  amass  preist,  at  Saint  Andrews;  he  was  pre- 
sented before  the  councill,  December  10,  and  warded  in  the  castle  of 
Edinburgh.  Somthings,  sayes  Mr.  Calderwood,  the  bishops  behoved 
to  do  against  Papists  for  honestys  sake,  least  they  should  seem  to  be 
ordeaned  only  to  persecute  ministers  professing  purity  of  discipline  and 
of  God's  worship.  Moffat  was  examined  [by]  the  Bishop  of  Saint 
Andrews  and  his  associats.  Ther  was  litle  done  as  to  him.  We  shall 
hear  of  the  process  agahist  Ogilby  the  Jesuit  on  Bishop  Spotsvvoods  Life. 
Moffat  was  not  so  violent  and  positive  as  he,  and  so  escaped. 
Bishop  Glad-  The  Bishop  lived  not  long  after  this.     He  seems  to  have  brot  on  his 

stanes       death,  x  ° 

May  2,  1615.  own  death  upon  himself  by  indulging  his  appetite.  But  I  chuse  rather 
to  give  the  account  of  his  death  in  the  words  of  others.  Mr.  Calderwood 
tells  us :  "  Mr.  George  Gladstanes  departed  this  life  in  the  castle  of 
"  Saint  Andrews,  the  2d  of  May.  Many  times  before,  because  his  face 
"  was  disfigured,  he  had  his  night  bonnet  drawn  down  to  his  nose.  When 
"  the  ministers  of  Saint  Andrews  enquired  if  they  should  pray  for  him 
"  publickly,  he  answered  it  was  not  yet  time ;  so  he  was  never  prayed 
"  for  publickly  but  the  same  day  he  departed,  and  that  was  done  with- 
"  out  his  knowledge.  He  was  unwilling  to  die,  or  to  suffer  any  honest 
"  man  in  the  ministry  to  come  near  him,  either  to  awaken  his  conscience 
"  or  comfort  him.  At  the  desire  of  his  wife  and  children,  he  subscribed 
"  a  few  lines  wherin  he  approved  the  present  course  to  procure  the  Kings 
"  favour  to  them  ;  his  flesh  fell  of  him  in  lumps.  Notwithstanding  of 
"  the  great  rent  of  his  Bishoprick,  he  dyed  hi  the  debt  of  twenty  thou- 
"  sand  pounds.  He  was  both  ambitious  and  covetous.  Papists  and 
"  hainouse  offenders  wer  winked  at  for  bribes  given  to  his  servants  and 
"  dependars." 
Buryed,  June  Mr.  Calderwood  adds,  "  He  was  buried  upon  the  7th  of  June,  in  Saint 

pars     funeral  "  Andrews.    A  canoby  of  black  velvet  was  carryed  above  the  coffine  by  four 
"  men,  and  yet  the  corps  was  not  in  the  coffine,  but  burryed  soon  after  his 


ARCHBISHOP    GLADSTANES.  311 

"  death.    Mr.  William  Coupar  made  his  funerall  sermon  full  of  vile  flattery 

"  and  lyes,  and  knowen  to  be  so  by  the  people,  and  therfor  he  was  derided,     p.  43. 

"  It  was  reported  that  the  King  bestowed  ten  thousand  merks  on  his 

"  buriall." 

We  have  seen  that  he  was  married  and  had  children.  His  son  Mr.  His  marriage 
Alexander  we  have  heard  of,  and  he  was  Archdeacon  of  Saint  Andrews, 
but  I  know  no  further  of  him,  than  what  is  above,  and  a  hint  we  shall 
have  about  him  in  Bishop  Spotswood  his  successor  his  Life  ;  his  character 
must  be  gathered  from  what  is  above,  and  we  may  see  a  good  deal  of  his 
temper  and  methods  in  his  letters.  He  does  not  seem  to  be  a  person  of 
that  learning  as  we  are  to  look  for  any  writings  left  behind  him  ;  his 
head  seems  to  be  turned  another  way. 

I  shall  end  what  I  can  collect  about  him  with  his  character  from  His  ohano- 
Bishop  Spotswood,  Mr.  Archibald  Simson,  and  Mr.  Row,  who  all  of  spotswood. 
them  knew  him  personally.  If  they  differ  in  his  character,  we  must 
allow  his  successor  to  speak  of  him,  with  some  art  and  reserve.  The 
Bishop  sayes :  "  In  the  spring,  16 15,  Mr.  George  Gladstanes,  Arch- 
"  bishop  of  Saint  Andrews,  departed  this  life,  a  man  of  good  learning, 
"  ready  utterance,  and  great  invention,  but  an  easy  nature,  and  induced 
"  by  those  he  trusted  to  do  many  things  hurtfull  to  the  See,  especially  in 
"  leasing  the  tithes  of  his  benefices,  for  many  ages  to  come,  esteeming 
"  (which  is  the  error  of  many  churchmen,)  that  by  this  means  he  should 
"  purchase  the  love  and  freindship  of  men  ;  wheras  ther  is  no  freindship 
"  sure,  but  that  which  is  joyned  with  respect,  and  to  the  preserving  of 
"  this  nothing  conduceth  more  than  a  wise  and  prudent  administration 
"  of  the  churches  rents  wherwith  they  are  intrusted.  He  left  behind  him 
"  in  writing  a  declaration  of  his  judgment  touching  matters  then  con- 
"  travelled  in  the  Church ;  professing  that  he  had  accepted  the  episcopall 
"  function  on  good  warrand,  and  that  his  conscience  did  never  accuse 
"  him  for  any  thing  done  that  way.  This  he  did  to  obviat  the  rumors, 
"  which  he  forsaw  would  be  dispersed  after  his  death,  either  of  his 
"  recantation,  or  of  some  trouble  of  spirit  that  he  was  cast  into;  for  these 
"  are  the  usuall  practises  of  the  puritanicall  sect,  wheras  he  ended  his 
"  dayes  most  piously,  to  the  great  comfort  of  all  the  beholders.  His 
"  corps  was  interred  in  the  south  east  isle  of  the  parish  Church,  and  the 


312  ARCHBISHOP   GLADSTANES. 

"  funerall  preach[ed]  by  Mr.  William  Couper,  minister  of  Galloway,  who 
"  was  lately  before  preferred,  upon  the  decease  of  Mr.  Gavin  Hamiltoun, 
"  Bishop  of  that  See;  a  man  for  courage,  true  kindness,  and  zeal  to  the 
"  Church,  never  enough  commended."  Bishop  Spotswood  sayes  nothing 
of  his  predecessors  piety,  save  a  word  he  dropes  at  his  death,  and  that 
is  much  otherwise  represented,  as  we  see  by  the  writters  upon  the 
other  side.  We  have  seen  how  Mr.  Calderwood  narrates  Bishop  Glad- 
stanes  declaration  about  goverment,  and  discipline  at  his  death,  and 
Bishop  Spotswood  sayes  he  gave  it  to  prevent  puritanical]  misrepresen- 
tations. We  shall  find  upon  Mr.  Calderwoods  Life,  and  Mr.  Lawsons 
and  others,  that  this  vile  practise  of  conning  recantations,  is  chargable 
upon  the  prelaticall  side.  Who  ever  takes  this  unaccountable  method, 
ought  to  be  abhorred. 

From     Mr.  I  shall  next  insert  the  character  Mr.  Archibald  Simson  gives  of  this 

son.  Archbishop  in  his  Annals  upon  the  year  1615.     "  Georgius  Gledstonus, 

"  Archiepiscopus  Fani-Andrea?,  patre  natus,  Alberto  Gledstono,  scriba 
"  curiae  Taodunensis.  In  litteris  educatus,  lauream  adeptus,  primum 
"  montis  Roscia?  in  Angusia  (Latinoe  Lingua?)  professor,  post  pastoris 
"  munus  juvenis aggreditur et  Sancti  Syrisii ecclesia?pra?ficitur ;  hide,  propter 
"  tenuitatem  fortuna?,  Sancta?  Mariae  ecclesiam  occupat,  et  illinc  etiam, 
"  inter  annos  paucos,  Kennethi  Mernia?  transmigrat,  post  in  Kelliam 
"  transportandum  se  curat,  amplioris  lucri  spe;  deniqj,  in  tempestate 
"  nostra?  ecclesia?  se  in  sedem  Andreanam  intrudit,  [vivis]  duobus  ministris, 
"■  viris  doctis  et  probis,  Davide  Blackio  et  Roberto  Wallesid,  plebe 
"  invita,  et  pastoribg  presbiteriis  nolentibus.  Mox  tanta  erat  viri  ambitio, 
"  Cathenensem  episcopatum  ambit,  et  tandem  ad  fastigium  perveniens, 
"  cathedram  Andreapolitanam,  metropolitanus  Scotia?  et  primas  factus, 
"  obtinet.  Stulte  superbivit ;  ebrius  suique  immemor,  ad  honorum  fastigia 
"  perveniens,  de  se  jactare  solebat,  se  nulli  Scotia?  inter  nobiles  inferiorem, 
"  si  ni  dialectica  Beza?  parem.    Baccho  et  tobaccho  ita  noctes  diesque  indul- 

p.  a.  "  gebat,  ut  sua  dextera  se  jugulaverit ;  tandem  pinguetudine  assumptus 
"  omnibusqj  corporis  partibg  misere  consumptis,  vermibus  scatens, 
"  exhalavit  mense  Julio  (Maio),  cujus  putredinem  nee  ipsius  uxor  aut  liberi 
"  ferre  poterant,  sed  eaipsenocte  sepultus.  Moriens  dixit  Davidi  Barcleo, 
"  pastori   Andreano,    Utinam   ego    grammatices    fuissem   professor,    et 


ARCHBISHOP    GLADSTANES.  313 

"  nuuquam  in  hanc  sedera  pervenissem,  quas  mihi  jam  morienti  tantas 
"  tamq3  graves  molestias  peperit.  Exequiis  dies  dictus  ;  ferretro  arena 
"  pleno  veloque  byssino  superlato  in  terram  arenea  imago  portatur; 
"  Gulielino  Cnpero,  ejus  laudum  preconi,  palamq3  omnibus  circum- 
"  stantibus  tnbicen,  qui  sepulto  praecinere  solet,  inquit,  Tu  nunquam 
"  in  resurrectione  resurges, — de  arena  loquens.     De  quo, 

'  Gladstonus  Andrea-  fuit  Archiepiscopus  olim, 
"  A  milvo  et  saxo  jui  sibi  nomen  habet : 

"  Saxa  premuiit,  miivusq3  vorat,  pia  pignora  Christi ; 
"  Milvum  ipsum  tandem,  se  quoq3  saxa  premunt. 
"  Joannes  Spotswodius  eum  hoc  honore  insignivit,  quod  dignus 
"  esset  cujus  ossn  suspendeientur,  quod  ecclesia?  siue  redditus  dilapidasset. 
"  In  ejus  sedem  succedit  Joannes  Spotswodius,  olim  ecclesiae  Glasguensis, 
"  qui  ab  aula  rediens,  magna  solemnitate,  regio  more,  Andreapolin  petit, 
"  et  a  Gulielmo  Cnpero,  6to  Augusti,  Archiepiscopus  declaratur." 

Let  me  add  the  character  and  account  Mr.  John  Row  gives  of  hist'0°'u 
Bishop  Gladstanes.  Mr.  Row  was  minister  near  Mr.  Gladstanes,  and 
no  doubt  had  personal!  acquaintance  of  him,  being  near  15  years  in  the 
same  Synod  with  him.  There  is  some  acrimony  in  Mr.  Rows  expressions, 
for  which  I  doubt  not  he  thot  he  had  reason.  I  give  his  own  words  : 
"  In  the  moneth  of  May,  1615,  Mr.  George  Gladstanes,  Archbishop  of 
"  Saint  Andrews,  departed  this  life  ;  he  lived  a  filthy  belly  god,  he  dyed 
"  of  a  filthy  and  loathsome  desease, — axuXrixofigaros.  In  the  time  of  his 
"  sicknes,  he  desired  not  any  to  visit  him,  or  to  speak  comfortably  to  him, 
"  neither  that  they  should  pray  publickly  for  him,  but  he  left  a  supli- 
"  cation  behind  him  to  the  King,  that  he  might  be  honourably  burryed, 
"  that  his  wife  and  bairns  might  be  helped,  because  of  his  great  poverty 
'  and  debt  at  his  death.  Behold  the  curse  of  God  on  Bishops  rents  and 
"  revenues!  all  which  was  done.  Albiet  his  filthy  carrion  behoved  to  be 
"  buried  instantly  after  his  death,  by  reason  of  the  most  loathsome  case 
"  that  it  was  in,  yet  the  solemnity  of  the  funeralls  was  made  in  the 
"  moneth  of  June  following ;  the  day  of  his  funeral,  being  a  windy  and 
"  stormy  day,  blew  away  the  pall  that  was  caryed  above  his  head,  and 
"  marred  all   the  honnours  that   was  carryed   about   his  coffine. 

"  The  epitaph  of  Mr.  George  Gladstanes,  who  took  upon  him  first 

"  to  be  a  Bishop  in  this  their  last  rising,  1610. 
2  R 


314  ARCHBISHOP   GLADSTANES. 

"  Here  lyes  beneath  thir  laid-stanes, 

"  The  carcase  of  Master  George  Gladstanes, 

"  Wherever  be  his  other  half, 

"  Lo  !  here  ye's  have  his  epitaph. 

"  Heavens  abject;  for  he  was  an  earthly  beast, 
"  Earths  burden,  for  his  belly  was  his  god, 
"  A  Bacchus  Bishop,  for  a  fleshly  feast, 
"  And  for  religion,  but  a  Romish  rod. 
"  As  false  in  heart,  as  fiery  in  his  face, 
"  Of  civil  conversation  the  shame, 
"  And  lacked,  what  he  loved,  be  styled  Grace! 
"  His  life  was  still  repugnant  to  that  name. 
"  As  by  his  death  his  life  ye  may  determine, 
"  A  lazie  life  drawes  on  a  lousie  death. 
"  A  fearfull  thing,  since  vile  Herodian  vermine 
"  Did  stop  that  proud  presumptuous  prelates  breath, 
"  Yet  worst  of  all  in  mind  to  be  imprinted, 
"  None  loved  his  life,  als  few  his  death  lamented." 
Mr.   Row  adds,   "  That  he  was  a  wild   filthy  bellygod    is    noture 
"  to  all  who  knew  his  evening  prayer  after  supper.     '  Lord,  keep  king 
'  '  James,  who  garrs  Gladstanes  wamb  go  farting  full  to  the  bed  of  it.' 
'  That  perjured  Apostates  filthy  memory  stink  rots  and  perishes." 

Epitaphium. 

"  Restis  Hamiltonum  necat,  ensis  ut  ante  Betonum, 
"  Diraq3  Adamsonum  sustulit  ecce  fames. 

"  Quid  tibi,  Gladstoni,  quarto  tua  fata  relinquunt  ? 
"  Heredem  cum  te  tres  statuere  trium. 

"  Dira  fames,  crux  prisca,  novum  nova  fata  decebunt, 
"  Flammas  animam  comedant,  pinguaq3  colla  canes." 

Englished  thus. 

"  The  bastard  Bishop  Hamiltoun  was  hanged, 
"  And  Cardinal  Beaton  stobbed  ; 


ARCHBISHOP    GLADS  TANES.  315 

"  Proud  Adamson  with  famine  much, 

"  Of  all  comfort  was  robbed. 
"  Gladstanes !  thourt  fourth  ;  thy  destiny 

"  What  has  it  left  to  thee  ? 
"  For  certainly  wee'l  serve  the  heir, 

"  To  all  the  former  three. 
"  Famine  and  gallows  are  not  enough, 

"  Some  new  wrath  waits  for  thee. 
"  By  hellish  flames  thy  soul,  by  dogs 

"  Fat  neck  devoured  be." 

The  writter  of  the  Collections  from  15S9 — 1641,  gives  him  this     Fro,n  ,  \he 

0  writer    ur    the 

character  of  the  Bishop,  and  some  hints  as  to  his  buriall.     "  Upon  the  Collections, 

"  2d  day  of  May,  Mr.  George  Gladstanes,   Bishop  of  Saint  Andrews, 

"  departed  this  life.     Before  he  was  made  Archbishop,  he  was  minister 

"  of  the  town  of  Saint  Andrews.     He  was  a  man  of  mean  degree,  a 

"  reasonable  good  scholar,  but  meikle  given  to  great  feeding  and  drink- 

"  ing.     All  the  time  he  was  Bishop  he  did  no  good  to  the  Kirk  ;   and 

"  sundry  persons  within  his  diocess,  who  had  committed  great  crimes, 

"  baith  of  papistry  and  otherwise,  wer  overseen  for  geir-giving  to  sic  as 

"  awaited  and  followed  the  Bishop,  as  his  servants  and  dependars.     He 

"  was  eight  or  nine  yeir  Bishop ;  he  had  to  spend  in  yearly  rent  and 

"  casualtys  fifteen  thousand  merks  Scots  money,  and  yet  when  he  dyed 

"  he  was  indebted  twenty  thousand  pounds  Scots  money.     Upon  the  7th 

"  of  June,  by  his  son  and  freinds  he  was  solemly  buryed   with   great 

"  pomp  and  state,  with  an  canopy  of  black  velvet  born  above  the  coffine, 

"  according  to  the  buriall  of  a  prince  ;  and  yet  all  that  pomp  was  only 

"  done  for  a  shew,  for  the  corpse  was  not  in  the  coffine,  being  laid  in  the 

"  eird  long  before,  only  this  form  of  the  buriall  was  made  for  gloriosity 

"  and  schaw." 

His  son,  Doctor  Alexander  Gladstanes,  (and  I  find  no  other  sons  he  ^J^^'^l 
had,)  continoued  Archdeacon  of  Saint  Andrews,  till  the  great  turn  of  ander.hisdeposi. 
affairs,  1638,  when  the  Presbitry  of  Saint  Andrews,  summoned  him  ature  „f  the 
before  them,  and  passed  sentence  of  deposition.  Upon  which,  the  matter  a^™be1"1i688.!'" 
coming  before  the   Assembly,  they  confirmed  what  the  Presbitry  had  app-  No  n 


31G  ARCHBISHOP    GLADSTANES. 

done,  upon  which  he  declined  their  authority  and  protested.  These 
papers  would  be  too  long  to  insert  here,  but  I  have  placed  them  in  the 
App.  No.  [II.]  from  the  originalls  in  my  hands,  viz.,  the  sentence  of  the 
Presbitry  of  Saint  Andrews,  together  with  Mr.  Gladstanes  minutes  and 
summonds  and  declinature  of  the  Assembly,  Oct.  and  Nov.,  1638. 
BiShop  Giad.  j    j   n     M  j         M     Martines  character  of  Bishop  Gladstanes.  in 


slant's 


ter  from   Mr.  jus  Reliquiae    D.    Andrea?,    MS.     This   writter   is    as  fremdly  to   the 

Marti  ne.      His 

dilapidations.  Bishops  as  he  can,  and  yet  he  blames  Bishop  Gladstanes  for  delapidations 
in  his  8  [9]  Ch.  S.  2.  "Archbishop  Gladstanes  wronged  the  See,  and  dim- 
"  minished  the  revenues  therof  very  considerably.  Primo,  by  feuing 
"  out  to  the  Viscount  of  Dupline,  or  Earle  of  Kinnoul,  then  [thereafter]] 
"  Chancelour,  twenty  chalder  of  victuall  in  the  few  farmes  of  Kincaple, 
"  for  a  small  reddendo,  which  the  Chancelour  sold  afterwards  to  the 
"  Lairds  of  Dairsy.  2do,  By  fewing  out  to  the  heretors  of  Kilrynnie 
"  or  [and]  Innergelly  other  five  chalders  of  victuall  of  their  few  farm, 
"  and  converted  to  money  at  .  .  .  per  boll,  which,  [with]  some 
"  others  of  his  deeds,  wer  extremly  prejudicial!  to  the  See ;  and  his 
"  successor  Bishop  Spotswood  taxes  him  for  this."  Mr.  Martine  in  his 
list  of  the  Archbishops  gives  us  this  further  account  of  him:*  "George 
"  Gladstanes,  Bishop  ofCaithnes,  and  minister  of  Saint  Andrews,  in  An. 
"  1(>06,  was  created  Archbishop  and  translated  to  this  See.  This  year 
"  passed  the  Act  famouse  for  its  title,  Anent  the  restitution  of  Bishops, 
"  which  is  misconstrued  by  some,  as  if  before  that  the  estate  of  Bishops 
"  h  id  been  utterly  overthrowen  in  Scotland.  But  that  was  never  intend- 
"  ed,  sayes  Spotswood,  but  only  by  this  Act  the  temporality  of  Bishop- 
"  ricks,  which  by  the  Act  of  annexation,  1587,  belonged  to  the  crown, 
"  was  restored ;  for  its  observable  that  the  same  Archbishop  was  before, 
"  while  he  was  minister  at  Saint  Andrews,  [Bishop  of  Caithnes]  yea 
"  and  Archbishop  at  Saint  Andrews  before  the  Act,  for  he  sat  in  the 
"  Parliament  that  made  the  Act  as  such,  and  therin  consented  to  the 
"  dissolution  of  the  castle  of  Saint  Andrews,  a  part  of  the  temporality  of 

*  There  are  considerable  discrepancies  between  the  extract  here  given  and  the 
corresponding  passage  in  the  Reliqnia?,  since  printed  at  St.  Andrews.  Where  these 
discrepancies  do  not  affect  the  meaning,  no  notice  has  been  taken  of  them — where  they 
do,  the  correct  reading  is  inserted  within  brackets.  The  passage  will  be  found  in  the 
Reliqnia;  Divi  Andrew  (1797.  4to.)  pp.  250,  251. 


ARCHBISHOP    GLADSTANES.  317 

"  the  Archbishoprick,  from  the  Archbishoprick.  After  his  translation 
"  to  this  See,  followed  the  second  conference  at  Hampton  court ;  the  first 
"  was  with  the  puritanicall  ministers  in  England,  this  with  the  Scots. 
"  See  Spotswood,  p.  497-  Archbishop  Gladstones  dyed  in  the  spring, 
"  1615,  and  was  burryed  in  the  parish  church  of  Saint  Andrews, 
"  in  the  communion  isle.  He  was  a  man  learned,  eloquent  and  of 
"  great  invention,  but,  as  his  successor  hath  it,  of  an  easy  nature  and 
"  soon  induced  to  do  many  things  hurtfull  to  the  See.  He  used 
"  alwise  to  preside  not  only  at  the  ordinary  meetings  of  the  Presbitry, 
"  but  also  at  the  publick  giving  of  degrees  in  the  University  of  Saint 
"  Andrews,  wherof  virtute  ojj'iiii  he  was  chancelour,  if  he  was  on  the 
"  place.  So  great  wer  his  parts,  learning  and  readynes,  that  in  anno 
"  1605,  the  plague  breaking  out  in  Saint  Andrews,  its  reported  that  the 
"  rector  and  all  the  masters  of  the  colledge  in  a  morning  about  five  of 
"  the  clock,  somwhat  sooner  than  ordinary  time  of  commencement, 
"  addressed  him  in  his  bed,  for  breaking  up  teaching  and  dissolving  the 
"  scholars.  He  bade  be  ready  at  the  ringing  of  the  bell.  Within  two  or 
"  three  hours  he  appeared  in  publick,  discoursed  upon  the  Theme,  De 
"  Fcetu  Abortivo,  conferred  the  degrees  himself,  and  so  broke  up  the 
"  University  for  that  time  and  year.  This  Archbishop  was  called  and 
"  brot  to  Saint  Andrews  at  first  from  being  minister  at  Ardbirlot,  of 
"  purpose  to  ballance  and  poize  Mr.  Andrew  Melvil,  and  to  guard  the 
"  University  and  students  against  his  principles,  and  to  force  them  from 
"  being  twanged  [tinged]  by  his  seditiouse  and  turbulent  way,  and  many 
"  a  hote  bickering  was  betwixt  them  hereupon." 

"  AprileSO,  I7S0." 


APPENDIX. 


LIFE  OF  JOHN  ERSKINE  OF  DUN. 


APPENDIX  No.  I.*— See  page  18. 

PROCLAMATION,  NOVEMBER  PENULT.   1559. 

Francis  and  Marie,  King  and  Queen  of  Scots,  Daulphine  and  Daulphiness  of 
Viennoys,  to  our  Lovits messengers  or  sherifs  in  that  part  con- 
junctly and  severally  specially  constitute,  greeting.  For  so  much  as  it  [is]  under- 
stood by  the  Lords  of  our  privie  Councill  that  be  reformed  of  the  suspension  of 
the  Queen  Dowrier's  autority,  the  samine  is,  by  consent  of  the  Nobility  and 
Barons  of  our  realm,  now  by  God's  providence  devolved  unto  them.  And  their 
chieff  and  first  charge  and  study  is,  and  should  bee,  to  advance  the  glory  of  God 
by  maintaining  and  upsetting  true  preachers  of  the  word,  reforming  of  religion, 
and  subversion  of  Idolatrie  ;  and  there  are  diverse  of  the  clergy,  who  have  not  as 
yet  adioined  themselves  unto  the  congregation  nor  made  open  testification  of  their 
faith  and  renounciation  of  Idolatrie.  Our  will  is  heerfore,  and  we  charge  you 
straitly  and  command,  that  incontinently,  these  our  letters  seen,  ye  pass  and  in 
our  name  and  authority  command  and  charge  all  and  sundry  of  the  clergy  who 
have  not  as  yet  adioined  themselves  to  the  Congregation,  as  said  is,  by  open  pro- 
clamation at  all  places  needfull,  that  they  compear  before  the  saids  Lords  of 
Counsell  in  Santandrews  the  day  of  ,  and  there  give  open 

testification  of  their  conversion  with  plain  confession  of  their  faith  and  renun- 
ciation of  all  manner  of  superstition  and  idolatrie,  with  certification  unto  them,  if 
they  fail,  they  shalbe  reputed  and  holden  as  enemies  to  God  and  true  religion, 
and  the  fruits  of  their  benifices  shall  be  taken  away,  one  part  thereof  to  the  true 
preachers   who   ministrate  truly   the  word,   and    the  remanent  to  be  applied 

*  Several  passages  in  this  and  the  next  article,  which  seem  to  have  been  carelessly  transcribed  by 
Wodrow's  amanuensis,  have  been  altered.  In  these  alterations,  Petrie's  History,  (Part  II.  215,  216,) 
the  Work  to  which  Wodrow  refers  in  the  text,  has  been  followed,  but  it  is  probable  that  the  ortho- 
graphy of  the  original,  is  by  no  means  accurately  preserved. 

2s 


322  APPENDIX.  [Erskine, 

to  the  forthsetting  of  the  common  well  of  our  realm.  The  which  to  do 
we  commit  to  you  conjunctly  and  severally  our  full  power  by  these  our 
letters,  delivering  them  by  you  duly  execute  and  indorsed,  again  unto  the  bearer. 
Given  under  our  signet  at  Glasgow,  the  penult  day  of  November,  and  of  our 
reignes  the  first  and  seventienth  years. 


No.  II.— See  page  18. 

PROCLAMATION,  DECEMBER   14,  1559. 

Francis  and   Marie,   by  the  grace  of  God,   King  and   Queen  of  Scots, 

Daulphin  and  Dalphiness  of  Viennois,  To  our  lovets our 

shirefs  in  that  part  conjunctly  and  severally  specially  constitute,  greeting. 
For  so  much  as  the  Lords  of  our  Counsell,  understanding  the  great  hurt  and 
iniquity,  that  in  times  past  hath  proceeded  to  the  members  of  Christs  Church, 
by  maintaining  and  upholding  of  the  Antichrists  lawes  and  his  consistory, 
boasting  and  fearing  the  simple  and  ignorant  people  with  their  cursings,  grava- 
tures,  and  such  like  others  their  threatnings,  whereby  they  sate  on  the 
consciences  of  men  of  long  time  bygone,  Ordained  that  no  consistory  should 
be  afterward  holden,  hanted,  nor  used,  having  respect  that  there  be  enough  of 
civil  ordinary  Judges,  to  the  which  our  Lieges  may  have  recourse  in  all  then- 
actions  and  causes;  And  not  the  less  the  saids  Lords  are  informed  that  certain 
wicked  persons  within  the  City  of  Brechin,  malevolent  members  of  the  said 
Antichrist,  contemptuously  disobey  the  said  ordinance,  and  cease  not  stil  to  hold 
consistory,  and  execute  his  pestilent  lawes  within  the  said  City,  in  contempt  of 
us  and  our  authority ;  Our  will  is  therefore  and  wee  charge  you  straitly,  and 
command,  that  incontinent  these  our  letters  seen  yee  pass,  and  in  our  name  and 
authority  command  and  charge  the  Commissary  and  Scribe  of  Brechin,  and  all 
other  members  of  the  said  consistory,  and  others  our  Lieges  whatsoever  having 
interess,  that  none  of  them  take  in  hand  to  hold  any  consistory  for  administra- 
tion of  the  said  wicked  lawes,  or  assist  thereto  in  any  way  from  thenceforth 
under  the  pain  of  death,  as  yee  will  answer  to  us  thereupon.  The  which  to  do  we 
commit  to  you  conjunctly  and  severally  our  full  power  ....  Given  under 
our  signet  at  Dundy,  the  14  day  of  December,  and  of  our  reignes  the  second 
and  eighteen  years. 


No.  III.]  APPENDIX.  323 

No.  III. — See  page  26. 

The  Names  of  the  Noblemen  and  oyrs  of  the  Estates  conveened  at  Perth,  oyr 
ways  called  St.  Johnston,  upon  the  28  day  of  July,  1569.*  [Wodrovv  MSS. 
Adv.  Lib.  Folio,  xlvi.  p.  334,  5.] 

James  Earl  of  Morray,  Lord  Abernethy,  Regent. 

EARLS. 

James  Earl  of  Morton,  Lord  Dalkeith,  Chancellor. 
George  Earl  of  Huntley,  Lord  Gordon  and  Bad3enock. 
John  Earl  of  Athole. 
David  Earl  of  Crauford. 
John  Earl  of  Mar. 
Gilbert  Earl  of  Cassills. 
Alexr-  Earl  of  Glencairn. 
William  Earl  of  Monteith. 

William  Master  of  Marishall. 
John  Master  of  Montross. 

BISHOPS. 

Robert  Bishop  of  Cathness. 
Adam  Bp.  of  Orkney. 
Alexr-  Bp.  of  Galloway. 
Alexr  Bp.  of  Brechin. 
John  Bishop  of  Isles. 

ABBOTS  AND  PRIORS. 

Robert  Commendator  of  Dumfermling. 

Jo.  Comr-  of  Balmerinoch. 

Jo.  Comr-  of  Coldinghame. 

Alexr.  Comr  of  Culross, 

Walter  Abot  of 

Robert  Comr-  of  Whythorne. 

*  This  and  the  following  article  are  not  among  the  MSS.  at  Glasgow,  but  have  been  supplied 
according  to  the  references  inserted  within  brackets  after  the  titles.  Wodrow's  transcript  of  these 
papers  has  probably  been  made  from  a  copy  brought  down  to  Scotland.  He  has  corrected  a  few 
blunders  with  his  own  hand.  The  transcriber  in  England  seems  to  have  mistaken  some  Scottish 
expressions.  At  the  close  of  a  preceding  article  in  the  volume  is  this  remark,  "  This  is  written 
by  Sir  Robert  Cotton's  transcriber,  who  never  fails  to  blunder  when  he  copies  any  paper  written 
&  spell'd  after  the  Scots  manner." 


324  APPENDIX.  [Erskine, 

James  Comr-  of  Pettinween. 

John  Prior  of  Portmoad,  [Portmoak]. 

LORDS. 

Alexr.  Lord  Hume. 

Patrick  Lord  Lindsay  of  Beirs. 

Wm.  Lord  Ruthven. 

Laur.  Lord  Oliphant. 

Jo.  Lord  Glamis. 

Patrick  Lord  Grey. 

Ja.  Lord  Ogilvy. 

Rob.  Lord  Sempill. 

John  Lord  Innermeitli. 

And.  L.  Steward  of  Ochiltrie. 

Hugh  L.  Ffraser  of  Lovat. 

Wm.  L.  Borthwick. 

Allan  Lord  Cathcart. 

Hen.  Lord  Methven. 

Pat.  Mr  of  Drummond. 

Hen.  Mr  of  Sinclair. 

OFFICERS. 

Rob.  Comr-  of  S'   Mary  Isle,  Treasurer. 
Sir  William  Morray,  of  Tillibardine  Kn%  Comptrolr 
William  Maithland,  yor-  of  Lethington,  Secretarie. 
Mr   James  McGill  of  [Rankeillour- Nether,  Clerk  of  Register, 
Sir  John  Bellenden  of]  Auchnoul  K'-  Justice  Clerk. 
Mr-  John  Spence  of  Condy,  and 

Mr-  Robert  Crighton  of  Elwick  [Eliock],  Advocats  to   our 
Soveraign  Lady. 

COMMISSIONERS  FOR  CERTAIN  OF  THE  CHIEF  BURROUGHS. 

Edinburgh. 
James  Barron. 
Alexr  Clerk. 
Alexr-  Guthrie. 

Stirling. 
Alexr-  Fforester  of  Gordon  [Garden],  Provost. 
Robert  Fforrester  yor- 
Wm-  Norvell. 

Perth. 
Patrick  Morray. 


No.  IV.]  APPENDIX.  325 

Thomas  Monypeny. 
Dundee. 
Mr.  James  Hallyburton,  Provost. 
James  Scrimzeour. 
James  Lovell. 
John  Ffotheringham. 
Aberdeen. 
Thomas  Minzies  of  Pitfoddellis. 
Mr.  Robert  Lumsilen. 

Glasgow. 
John  Stewart,  of  Minto  Kl- ,  Provost. 
James  Ffleeming. 

S'-  Androis. 
Peter  Lermont  of  Darzie  Kni'   Provost. 
Mr.  Martine  Geddie. 

Air. 
James  Bannatine. 

Montross. 
John  Erskine  of  Dun  Provost. 
These  above  named  personages  were  present  at  the  sd.  Convention,  with  a 
great  number  of  ancient  Barrons,  diverse  Senators  of  the  Colledge  of  Justicei 
and  oyrs  learned  men  of  good  reputation. 
CAL;  C  :   [1.317.]     A  Copy. 


No.  IV.— See  page  26. 

Instructions  to  the  Right  Honourable  and  our  trusty  Counceller,  Robert,  Com- 
mendator  of  Dumfermling,  and  one  of  our  Soveraigne  Lords  privj'  Council, 
Ambass[a]dor  presently  directed  towards  the  Queen's  Majesty  of  England, 
at  Kelso,  15  Octr  1569.  [Wodrow  MSS.  Adv.  Lib.  Folio,  xlvi.  pp.  336 
—353.] 

First.  After  presenting  of  our  letters,  and  makeing  of  our  most  hearty 
commendations  of  humble  service  to  her  Highness,  ye  shall  declare,  that  upon 
receipt  of  her  Majesty's  letter,  brought  by  our  servant  Alexr-  Hume,  wherein 
her  Majesty  gave  demonstrations  of  her  discontentment  and  mislikeing  of  our 
answers  and  message  sent  to  her  Highness  by  the  said  Alexr,  we  conveint  the 


326  APPENDIX.  [Erskine, 

noblemen  and  others  of  the  King  our  Soveraign's  Council,  at  Stirling,  and  to 
them  communicat  her  Highness  said  letter,  to  the  end,  that,  according  to  the 
desire  of  the  same,  her  Majesty  might  be  satisfied  with  answer  in  orderlie  and 
substantial  manner.  Quhairupon  being  advisedly  consultit,  they  resolved  to 
send  you  towards  her  Majesty,  being  one  of  thier  number,  and  of  known  expe- 
rience in  the  greatest  affairs  of  this  countrey,  to  conferr  with  her  Highness  upon 
the  imminent  and  infallible  dangers  that  mov'd  the  noblemen  conveen'd  at 
St.  Johnstoun  in  July  last  to  condescend  to  direct  ane  man  towards  her 
Majestie,  to  confer  upon  the  articles  of  consultation  brought  by  our  servant 
John  Wood,  and  therewithall  to  satisfie  her  Highness,  as  far  as  possibly  we 
may,  in  all  things  she  requires  to  understand,  by  speech  and  conferrence,  praying 
her  Majesty  to  consider  well  thereof,  assureing  her  therewithall,  that  if  we  had 
believed  her  Highness  shoud  have  any  wise  misliked  our  last  answer  and  mes- 
sage by  the  said  Alexr-  Home,  or  any  thing  mentiond  in  the  same,  or  yet  the 
person  of  the  messenger,  we  had  not  willingly  ministred  unto  her  Majesty  any 
cause  of  discontent,  but  by  all  means  would  have  endeavoured  us  to  have  done 
that  which  shoud  have  pleased  her  Highness  in  those  things  which  her 
Majesty's  sharp  letter  declares  her  to  remain  unsatisfied  in.  And,  in  special, 
her  Majesty  may  well  think  we  meant  nothing  less  in  desiring  Commissioners 
to  be  sent  to  the  Borders,  than  such  equallity  as  her  Highness  writes  of,  but 
ever  thought  and  thinks  it  our  duty  to  crave  and  sollicite  her  gracious  favour, 
and  the  cause  which  movd  them  to  suite  the  meeting  at  the  Border  was  that 
the  Commissioners  for  the  part  of  this  realm  might  suddenly  have  resolution 
and  commission  in  any  doubtfull  thing  that  may  prevein  our  [or?]  fall  out  dureing 
the  time  of  the  conferrence,  whereas,  being  at  her  Highness  Court,  long  time 
shoud  be  protracted,  abiding  upon  Commission  to  resolve  thier  doubts.  But 
since  the  noblemen  have  understood  by  her  Highness  said  letter,  that  her 
Majesty  cannot  like  to  send  any  of  to  the  Borders,  ye  shall  declare 

we  have  directed  you  well  instructed  to  conferr  with  her  Highness  in  all  things 
that  may  tend  to  her  Majesty's  satisfaction. 

The  just  reasons  and  necessitys  which  mov'd  the  noblemen  conveen'd  at 
St.  Johnston  to  refuse  to  give  commission  to  any  to  pass  to  her  Majesty,  to 
conferr  and  treat  upon  the  second  of  three  degrees  and  heads  of  consultation, 
sent  with  the  said  Mr.  John  Wood,  of  which  second  degree  these  are  the  words. 
Secondly,  if  this  cannot  be  compassed,  how  she  may  be  induced  to  joyn  in  title 
with  her  son  to  reign  both  jointly,  and  the  Government  to  remain  dureing  her 
sons  minority  in  the  order  of  a  Regent  and  Council  of  the  land,  and  herein 
what  order  is  to  be  taken  with  the  said  Queen  for  her  abode. 

It  is  to  be  objected  by  you,  how  the  King  our  Sovereign  Lord,  being 


No.  IV.]  APPENDIX.  327 

invested  and  lawfully  possessed  with  the  crown  of  this  kingdom,  upon  the  dimission 
of  the  Queen  his  mother,  she  being  [at]  the  time  of  her  dimission  of  perfect  age  to 
make  the  same,  and  he,  according  thereto,  in  possession  of  the  kingdom,  received 
and  obeyed  by  the  Estates,  as  thier  only  Soveraign,  to  whom  they  have  given 
their  oath  of  fidelity,  and  promisd  unto  him  thier  due  obedience — if  they 
shoud  adjoyn  any  other  person  in  the  authority  with  him,  then  shoud  they 
have  violate  thier  said  oath  of  fidelity  given  to  his  Highness,  and  shoud  offend 
God  against  thier  oun  consciences,  in  diminishing  the  authority  of  God's 
anointed. 

Secondly.  In  the  adjoyning  of  any  other  person  in  equall  authority  with 
his  Highness,  they  shoud  offend  against  the  laws  of  the  realm,  he  being  thier 
natural  and  lawfull  King,  without  his  oun  consent,  he  being  now  in  that  age 
wherein  he  may  give  no  consent  by  reason  of  his  minority,  nor  yet  haveing 
committed  any  offence,  whereupon  the  subjects  may  take  occasion  to  make  any 
deflection  from  him. 

Thirdly.  Albeit  it  were  neither  against  thier  consciences,  nor  yet  against 
the  laws  of  the  realm,  yet  gif  thai  shoud  come  that  far  agetwart  to  fall  in  con- 
ference upon  the  joyning  any  in  equal  authority  with  his  Majesty,  the  same 
shoud  be  most  dangerous  for  his  Highness  Estate,  whose  preservation  they 
ought  and  must  above  all  things  tender.  First,  because  the  admission  of  an 
equall  within  an  short  while  might  become  an  superiour;  and  wherein  the 
beginning  it  were  but  an  equality,  within  short  time  it  shoud  grow  to  the  King's 
plain  deprivation,  which  may  be  collected  upon  the  circumstances  of  the  per- 
sons, he  being  an  minor,  and  not  able  of  himself  to  obviate  the  practises  that 
might  be  enterpris'd  against  him,  and  she  being  a  woman,  and  already  come 
to  the  perfection  of  years  and  judgment,  and  well  enough  acquainted  with  the 
practices  of  the  world.  Also,  if  she  were  once  joyned  with  him  in  equall  autho- 
rity, she  might  take  an  husband  to  herself,  who,  by  order  of  nature,  behoved  to 
be  her  head,  and  so  have  power  to  command  over  her,  and  consequently,  from 
a  government  of  two  members,  grow  to  three,  her  son,  her  self,  and  her  head, 
and  most  probable  it  is,  that  two  being  of  age  shoud  in  ballance  weigh  down 
the  third,  being  a  minor  and  a  pupill. 

Ffourthly.  If  the  subjects  of  Scotland  in  the  minority  of  the  King  thiei 
Soveraign  durst  presume  to  so  high  a  point  as  to  joyn  one  in  equall  authority 
with  his  Highness,  in  what  danger  shoud  they  themselves,  thier  lands  and  goods 
be,  when  he  came  to  perfect  age?  at  which  time  he  might  justly  impute  unto 
them  the  crime  of  less  majestie,  for  that,  in  his  minority,  they  had  diminished 
him  of  a  part  of  his  authoritie,  or  at  least  joyn'd  one  in  equall  power  with  him. 


328  APPENDIX.  [Erskine, 

Fifthly.  As  the  Government  in  the  self,  shoud  be  monstrous  and  strange, 
so  shoud  it  be  most  dangerous  for  the  Common  wealth,  and  woud  breed  con- 
tinuall  factions,  seditions  and  uproar  in  the  countrey.  For  that  which  the  one 
might  establish,  the  other  might  undoe;  what  the  one  woud  punish,  the  other 
woud  remitt;  and  what  the  one  woud  build,  the  other  woud  destroy.  In  which 
case,  the  greatest  danger  is  ay  for  the  minor.  And  if  it  be  reply'd,  that  the 
Governour  or  Regent  for  both  shoud  give  the  remission,  and  administrate  the 
affairs,  yet  arises  the  same  difficulty,  that  if  the  Governour  shoud  be  taken  away 
by  natural  death,  violent  death,  or  otherwise,  the  same  danger  stands  in  chuse- 
ing  of  the  next.  Moreover,  in  case  it  shall  be  likewise  reply'd,  that  the 
authority  of  the  King  and  Queen  shall  stand  in  the  administration  and  power 
of  the  Regent,  ye  may  well  answer,  that  if  it  shall  be  thought  that  any  power 
remains  now  in  her  person  to  make,  or  consent  to  the  makeing,  of  new  of  any 
Regent  or  Governour,  it  is  very  probable  thereafter,  she  being  reponit  in  title  of 
the  crown  with  the  King  her  son,  and  haveing  with  time  procured  to  herself  a 
power  and  faction,  she  will  then  as  well  give  the  law  in  the  deposeing  of  the 
Regent  or  Governour,  or,  in  case  of  his  decease  by  any  of  the  forenamed  acci- 
dents, in  the  entrusting  and  imputing  [inputting]  of  one  of  her  faction  in  the 
charge,  as  now  she  may  do  any  thing  in  the  constitution  of  any  new  Goverment. 

Sixthly.  Albeit,  the  joyning  of  one  in  equal  authority  with  the  King  were 
neither  against  thier  consciences  and  oath  given  to  him,  nor  expressly  against 
the  laws  of  the  realm,  nor  dangerous  for  the  King's  particular  estate,  or  to 
thier  lands  and  lives,  in  respect  of  thier  alleagence  aucht  to  the  King,  yet,  in  so 
doing,  they  shoud  hazard  and  endanger  thier  oun  conscience  wilfully  to  agree 
with  that  whilk  they  know  assuredly  tends  to  the  overthrow  and  subversion  of  the 
estate  of  the  true  religion,  publickly  professed  at  this  present  within  the  realm  of 
Scotland,  and  consequently  of  the  tinsell  of  the  lands,  lives,  and  goods  of  all  the 
professors  thereof,  the  said  Queen,  our  Soveraign's  mother,  being  known  adver- 
sary and  enemy  to  the  same  religion,  wha  has  procured  hertofore,  and  by  all 
likelyhood  will  procure,  the  subversion  and  overthrow,  as  well  of  the  state  of 
religion,  as  of  all  the  professors  of  the  same,  as  occasion  shall  be  offered,  and 
according  to  the  success  of  oyr  realms,  so  that  altho'  there  were  no  perill  to  be 
looked  for  in  matters  concerning  the  State,  yet  the  overthrow  of  the  state  of 
religion  is  a  most  just  cause  to  move  them  to  forbear,  and  refuse  to  enter  into 
conferrence  upon  the  said  article;  ffor,  seeing  the  state  of  religion  is  established, 
and  the  authority  of  the  Pope  or  Bishop  of  Rome,  within  this  realm,  abolish'd 
by  authority  of  Parliament,  it  shoud  of  that  certain  law,  now  standing  to  the 
surety  of  all  the  subjects  professing  the  said  religion,  make  a  meer  doubt  and 


No.  IV.]  APPENDIX.  329 

uncertainty,  when  one  enemy  to  the  said  religion  should  be  plac'd  in  equall 
authority  with  the  King,  in  whose  name  and  authority  the  law  was  established  ; 
seeing  that  experience  bears  wittness  that  she  would  never  agree  to  the  consti- 
tution of  the  said  law  in  her  reign,  notwithstanding  her  promises  made  to 
that  effect. 

And  as  thir  considerations,  just  necessities,  and  most  probable  reasons, 
mov'd  the  nobility  not  to  condescend  to  direct  any  persons  to  conferr  upon  the 
said  second  article  or  degree,  the  same  considerations,  necessities,  and  reasons, 
moves  them  no  ways  to  agree  to  any  conferrence,  or  treaty  upon  the  said  third 
head  article,  being  in  the  self  mair  dangerous,  and  bringing  with  it  less  equitie 
or  sureity. 

In  respect  whereof,  it  is  no  ways  needfull  to  conferr  upon  the  other 
matters  specified  after  the  said  three  degrees  and  articles. 

But  for  the  Queens  Majestys  farther  satisfaction,  and  that  her  Highness 
may  the  better  understand  that,  besids  the  things  before  rehearsed,  there  is  suffi- 
cient causes  altogether  to  refuse  the  said  second  and  last  of  the  saids  three 
degrees,  as  things  bringing  with  them  instant  and  irrecuperable  danger,  ye 
shall  declare  to  her  Majesty,  that  gif  the  nobles  here,  without  respect  of  the 
forenamed  inconveniencies,  shoud  agree  to  any  of  the  two  last  dangers 
[degrees]  impossible  it  were  to  have  security  upon  the  performance  of  any  one 
point  of  the  things  to  be  promised  by  the  said  Queen,  be  reason  we  have 
particular  experience  of  her,  how  facile  she  may  be  induc'd  to  alter  or  delay 
the  performance  of  matters  promised  by  her,  and  namely,  in  things  concerning 
the  state  of  religion,  the  establishing  thereof  [whereof?],  as  it  was  publickly  and 
universally  profess'd,  she  promised  by  publick  edict,  to  her  nobility  and  subjects,  at 
her  first  returning  from  ffrance  into  Scotland,  which,  nevertheless,  she  pressed 
to  subvert  and  utterly  overthrow  thereafter,  sua  that  the  first  publick  edict 
made  at  her  arival,  and  received  [renewed  ?]  by  promise  made  at  Stirling  before 
her  marriage  with  the  King,  our  Soveraign  Lords  father,  in  presence  of  22  of 
the  chief  nobility,  that  in  the  first  Parliament  she  shoud  cause  the  religion  be 
established,  and  Papistry,  and  all  things  making  to  the  fortification  of  it,  to  be 
abolished,  moved  her  nothing.  But  when  the  performance  of  the  said  promise 
was  crav'd  of  her  in  the  Parliament  holden  in  April,  1567,  she  denyed  the 
makeing  thereof.  Whereupon  two  Proclamations  set  forth  and  subsrib'd  with 
her  own  hand,  the  one  at  Edinburgh,  the  other  at  Dundee,  being  presented  to 
her  as  testimonys  of  her  said  promise,  seeing  she  coud  not  flately  deny  the  same, 
she  deferr'd  the  cravers   to  another  time,  and  never  gave   them   audience  or 

2  T 


330  APPENDIX.  [Erskine, 

access  thereafter,  but  partly  deny'd,  and  partly  frustrate  the  promise,  the  per- 
formance of  the  same  being  (as  is  before  writen,)  craved  in  face  of  Parliament 
by  Sir  Walter  Ker  of  Cesford,  Sir  John  Stewart  of  Traquhair,  Sir  And.  Morray 
of  Balvaird,  knights,  Mr.  George  Buchannan,  John  Row,  and  George  Hay, 
quhilks  were  direct  from  the  haill  kirk  to  that  effect,  and  in  the  mean  time  of 
this  delay  given  to  the  kirk,  she  had  continuall  traffique  with  the  Pop's  Nuncio 
lying  in  France,  and  from  him,  in  the  Pop's  name,  received  money  on  promise 
to  errect  and  set  vp  the  Papistical  religion,  whilk  money  was  tint  on  the  coast 
of  Northumberland,  being  brought  with  Yeakslie  an  Englishman.  Next  it  was 
notour  to  all  Europe,  how  in  the  capitulation,  called  the  Holy  League  of  the 
Papists,  there  is  an  express  article  to  keep  no  promise  made  to  the  professors  of 
the  reformed  religion,  following  the  example  of  the  decree  of  the  Council  of 
Constance.  And  the  effect  of  the  said  article  is  already  come  in  practise,  and 
has  taken  effect  in  ffrance  and  fflanders,  and  it  is  true  and  well  known,  that  the 
Queen,  our  Soveraign's  moder,  is  of  this  League,  and  that  she  sent  the  Great 
Seal  of  this  realm  with  the  Bishop  of  Dumblane,  for  surety  thereof;  and  the 
Cardinal  of  Lorrain,  her  uncle,  whose  counsel  chiefly  she  follows,  being  one  of 
the  principal  members  of  the  persecution,  on  the  pretence  of  the  same  League, 
it  may  well  enough  be  considered  how  great  danger  were  to  the  professors  of 
the  true  religion  in  Scotland,  if  she  shoud  be  in  equall  authority  with  the  King, 
or  be  recognized  Queen. 

For  the  being  of  this  League  and  of  thir  con  or  being  restored  in  equall 
or  whole  authority,  the  Queens  Majesty  of  England  may  well  understand,  how 
far  her  Highness  might  be  sufficient  warrant  that  our  Queen  shoud  keep  all 
things  promis'd  by  her,  or  how  far  she,  being  of  the  same  Holy  League,  woud 
think  her  self  oblidged  to  the  Queens  Majesty  of  England,  that  is  the  first  and 
greatest  Princess  professing  the  true  Religion,  for,  the  same  law  that  makes  it 
lawfull  to  keep  no  faith  to  the  professors  thereof,  being  subjects,  will  allow  that 
faith  shoud  not  be  keept  to  Princes,  and  what  ever  treatys  shall  be  made  on 
matters  of  State,  the  same  shall  always  be  broken  upon  occasion  of  religion. 

It  is  not  unmeet  herewithall  to  the  Queens  Majesty  of  England,  to  remem- 
ber the  mynt  the  said  Queen,  our  Soveraigns  mother,  made  to  the  Crown  of 
England,  takeing  to  her  the  stile,  title,  and  arms  thereof,  as  by  money  and 
other  monuments  may  yet  be  proven. 

So  that  no  promise  to  be  made  to  the  Queen  of  England  can  be  sufficient 
warrant  to  the  subjects  of  Scotland  for  safety  of  the  state,  religion,  and  of  their 
lands,  lives  and  goods,  or  yet  can  any  promise  made  to  the  Queen  of  England, 
by  the  said  Queen,  our  Soveraigns  moder,  assure  the  Queen  of  England  of  peace 


No.  IV.]  APPENDIX.  331 

ami  unity  betwixt  the  two  realms,  neither  shall  any  benefite  that  the  Queen  of 
England  has  done,  or  shall  do,  to  her  oblidge  her  heart  so  far,  as  pretended 
injuries  and  councill  of  her  uncles  may  inflame  her  to  violate  all  promises. 

Quhairunto  this  danger  is  also  to  be  added,  seeing  that  the  Queens  Majesty 
of  England,  (whom  God  preserve)  to  be  mortal,  that  at  what  time  God  should 
call  her  furth  of  this  life  to  his  mercy,  then  the  Queen,  our  Soveraigns  moder, 
should  clam  to  succeed  in  her  place,  and  so  we  shoud  have  no  other  but  herself 
for  warrant  of  the  observation  of  her  promises,  and  thereafter  in  all  appearance 
shoud  be  exponit  to  the  satisfaction  of  her  concealed  displeasure,  both  against 
the  professors  of  the  true  Religion,  and  the  maintainers  of  the  King  her  sons 
authority. 

It  may  peradventure  yet  be  objected  to  you,  that  for  all  these  doubts  there 
is  secureity  enough  provyded  by  the  *****  sent  up  by  Mr.  John  Wood, 
both  toward  the  religion  and  administration  of  the  affairs,  which  with  the 
strengths  of  Scotland  ought  and  might  assure  the  Kings  person  and  all.  Ye 
may  reply,  that  the  same  can  no  ways  bring  any  good  assurance  or  certainty  of 
the  state  and  goverment  during  the  King  our  Soveraigns  minority.  For  if  the 
Queen  his  mother  should  contract,  the  contract  behoved  either  to  be  made 
before  her  restauration,  or  after  she  were  restored  to  the  half  or  whole  regimen. 
If  before  her  restauration,  then  she  cannot  do  any  thing  in  prejudice  of  her 
crown,  whilk  shall  bind  her  being  restored,  namely,  she  being  in  England, 
under  pretence  of  quhilk  place  she  may  hereafter  alleage  like  compulsion  and 
thraldom  for  any  thing  she  shall  do,  as  now  she  aliedges  for  her  dimision  made 
at  Lochlevin  in  favours  of  the  King  her  son. 

And  it  is  to  be  thought,  she  will  not  enter  in  contract  as  a  subject,  but 
elameing  the  title  and  as  a  Queen  in  all  respects;  wherethrow,  by  the  accepta- 
tion of  such  a  contract,  we  shoud  approve  her  title  and  put  the  Kings  authority 
and  our  surety  in  doubt. 

If  we  shoud  first  receive  her  as  Queen  before  the  contract,  then  who  may 
claim  the  performance  of  the  contract  of  hers?  subjects  may  not,  neither  yet  can 
she  enter  into  a  valuable  [available?]  contract  with  them,  in  any  thing  tending  to 
the  abdication  of  authority,  goverment  or  jurisdiction  from  her,  quhilk  cannot 
be  separate  from  the  crown,  she  being  reigning  as  Queen,  unless  she  were  minor, 
and  by  that  reason  unable  to  govern. 

Furthermore,  albeit  the  contract  were  valuable  [available?]  it  coud  never 
bring  surety  with  it,  as  may  well  appear  by  the  reasons  above  exprimit,  and  her 
bypast  beheaviour.  For  albeit  the  Queen  of  England  shoud  enter  into  the  same 
contract,  what  surety  coud  the  subjects  of  Scotland  have  in  that  behalf?  It  were 
too  late  to  make  a  complaint,  when  they  wanted  their  heads.     The  Queen,  our 


332  APPENDIX.  [Erskine, 

Soveraigns  motlier,  shoud  never  acknowledge  that  the  Queen  of  England  had 
any  power  over  her,  but  that  she  might  use  her  subjects  as  pleased  her  best,  and 
so  arming  herself  with  her  oun  faction,  and  with  the  support  of  strangers,  shoud 
be  open  weir,  (where  practise  failled,)  repress  all  that  pressit  to  gainstand  her 
or  to  show  good  will  to  the  title  and  authority  of  the  King  her  son,  namely, 
when  the  state  of  England  might  be  peradventure  intricate  or  assaulted  with 
forreign  or  intestine  weirs,  in  sic  sort  that  before  the  Queens  Majesty  of 
England  might  have  opportunity  to  decide  the  controversies  in  Scotland,  the 
weakest  side  shoud  be  by  force  overthrown,  and  then  the  remeedy  shoud  come 
too  late. 

By  thir  haill  reasons,  the  Queens  Majesty  of  England  may  well  understand 
how  just  occasions  the  Noblemen  have  had  not  to  condescend  to  direct  any  to 
conferr  upon  the  said  last  two  degrees,  in  respect  whereof  and  the  things  that 
have  passed  betwixt  her  Majesty  and  the  Noblemen  professing  their  obedience 
to  the  King  our  Sovereign  of  before,  they  doubt  not  that  her  Highness  will 
enter  into  any  accord  with  the  said  Queen,  that  may  be  prejudicial  to  the  King 
their  Sovereign  and  them. 

Gif  ye  shall  be  press'd  to  enter  into  conferrence  with  the  Queens  Majestie 
and  her  council,  anent  the  first  of  the  saids  three  degrees,  proportinghow  the 
Queen,  mother  to  the  King  our  Sovereign,  might  be  induc'd  to  affirm  his 
Majesties  estate,  according  to  the  Parliament  held  while  she  was  in  Lochleven, 
and  how  her  estate  for  her  person,  with  her  suretty  and  liberty,  may  be  pro- 
vyded,  you  shall  answer  according  to  our  former  letter  sent  to  the  Queens 
Majesty  with  Alexander  Home,  that  if,  by  her  Highness  good  means,  the  said 
affirmation  coud  be  compassed  and  obtained,  the  Noblemen  will  think  them- 
selves, beside  the  other  benefices  received  at  her  Majesties  hand,  highly  bound 
to  her  Highness  for  the  same. 

And  toward  the  said  Queen,  our  Soveraigns  mother,  her  estate,  for  her  person, 
as  it  cannot  apparently  end  to  the  weil  of  either  realms,  that  she  [should  be]  per- 
mitted to  pass  to  any  other  realm,  but  either  to  abide  in  England  or  come  into 
Scotland,  so  it  is  now  in  the  Queen's  Majestie  of  Englands  oun  option,  in 
which  of  the  two  the  said  Queen  shall  abide.  Gif  her  Majestys  mind  be  that  the 
said  Queen,  mother  to  the  King  our  Soveraign,  continue  in  England,  as  she  has 
done  this  time  bypast,  then  ye  may  declare  we  shall  be  willing  to  condescend  to 
any  thing  towards  her  estate  for  her  person  which  this  countrey  may  bear  furth, 
the  sustaining  of  the  Kings  estate  and  publick  charges,  that  necessarly  must  be 
made  in  the  furth  setting  of  his  authority,  being  respected. 

And  in  case  it  be  resolved  it  is  meetest  the  said  Queen,  mother  to  the 
King  our  Soveraign,  be  returned  into  Scotland  there  to  abide,  then  she  fund- 


No.  IV.]  APPENDIX.  333 

and  and  makand  sufficient  security,  that  the  estate  of  the  King  her  son,  the 
goverment  established  in  his  name,  nor  the  form  of  religion  universally  profest, 
shall  not  be  mollested,  troubled  nor  innovate  be  her  nor  be  any  others  pretend- 
ing them  to  be  of  her  faction,  during  his  Majestys  minority,  the  like  security 
shall  be  made  to  her. 

And  quhairas  mention  is  made  in  the  first  degree  of  her  liberty,  she  cumand 
in  Scotland,  ye  man  enquire  how  far  the  Queens  Majestie  of  England  means 
that  the  said  liberty  shall  extend,  and  in  case  it  be  answered  that  the  said 
liberty  must  be  without  conditions,  then  ye  have  to  declare  unto  her  Majestie 
the  inconveniencies  that  may  apparently  come  therethrough  to  the  quietness 
of  both  the  realms,  as  if  she  shall  joyn  in  marriage  some  forraigne  prince, — gif  she 
shall  joyn  in  marriage  with  an  enemie  to  our  religion,  or  at  her  pleasure  depart 
furth  of  Scotland  to  any  other  nation;  in  which  case  her  liberty  without  restraint 
and  condition,  may  breed  and  produce  irreparable  inconveniencies.  Gif  then,  after 
this  far  reason'd,  or  at  any  time  the  Queens  Majesty  or  council  enter  with  you 
upon  that  which  has  passit  betwixt  her  Highness  and  us  and  others,  the  Noble- 
men professing  their  obedience  to  the  King  our  Soveraign,  sen  the  Queen  his 
mother  enterit  the  realm  of  England;  ye  may  declare  unto  them  the  very 
order  how  things  have  proceeded  sen  the  beginning  of  the  matter,  beginnand 
upon  her  Highness  first  letter  sent  us  of  the  8th  of  June,  1568,  quhairin  thir 
words  are  specially  conteint,  that  the  said  Queen,  our  Soveraign  Lords  mother, 
for  justification  of  her  haill  course,  was  content  to  committ  the  hearing  and 
ordering  of  the  same  simply  to  the  Queens  Majesty  of  England.  Whiiks  words 
we  then  and  at  all  tyms  understand  as  a  submission  of  the  matter  in  contraversie 
to  her  Highness,  and  thereupon  we  deliberate  not  to  forbear  to  come  in  person 
our  selves,  as  indeed  we  did,  and  with  us  Noblemen  and  others  of  meet  condition 
to  sic  place  and  tym  as  her  Highness  did  appoint;  and  albeit  be  letters  of  the 
Lord  Herreis  sent  to  the  Bishop  of  St.  Andrews,  and  fra  then  dispersit  throwgh 
this  realm,  we  were  put  in  terms  of  dispair,  that  her  Highness  shoud  do  any 
thing  to  our  comfort,  yet  confideing  in  her  gracious,  sincere  and  honourable 
dealing,  and  thereunto  expresslie  provock'd  by  her  Majestys  letter  favourably 
sent  from  the  town  of  Rideing,  the  20th  day  of  Sept.,  wherein  her  Majesty 
writes,  that  gif  the  Queen,  mother  to  our  said  Soveraign,  shall  be  found  justly 
to  be  guilty  of  the  horrible  murder  of  her  husband,  the  King  our  Soveraign 
Lords  fader,  that  then  indeed  it  should  behoof  her  Highness  to  consider  other- 
wise of  the  said  Queens  cause  then  to  satisfie  her  desire  in  restitution  of  her  to 
the  goverment  of  this  kingdom,  upon  the  receipt  of  quhilk  her  Majesties  letters, 
we  enterit  immediatlie  in  the  realm  of  England,  and  according  to  her  Highness 
appointment  came  to  the  city  of  York,  where  also  the  Commissioners  for  her 


334  APPENDIX.  [Erskine, 

Majesty  came,  as  also  Commissioners  for  the  said  Queen,  our  Soveraigns  moder, 
were  present,  and  there  after  the  sight  and  consideration  of  all  parties  commis- 
sions, commission[er]s  as  well  appointed  by  the  Queens  Majesty  of  England,  as  the 
Commissioners  of  both  the  contending  parties,  gave  their  solem  oath  to  proceed 
sincerely  and  uprightly,  and  that  they  should  not  seek  any  affection,  malice,  or 
any  other  worldly  respect,  furder,  preferr  or  advance  any  thing  or  matter  in  the 
said  cause,  otherwise  than  their  consciences  shoud  bear  them  wittness  in,  before 
God,  to  be  honest,  godly,  reasonable,  just  and  true,  nor  yet  shoud  they  with- 
draw, hide  or  conceal  any  thing  or  matter,  which  was  meet  or  requisite  to  be 
opened  and  declared  for  the  better  knowledge  of  the  truth  of  the  said  causes  in 
controversy. 

Incontinent,  in  makeing  of  this  same  solemn  oath,  the  Commissioners  for 
the  said  Queen,  our  Soveraign  Lords  moder,  seeking  means  to  hold  back  the 
knowledge  of  the  truth,  indirectly  made  a  protestation,  as  that  she  was  not 
subject  to  any  judge  on  earth,  haveing  an  imperial  Crown  given  her  of  God, 
which  her  protestation  was  nothing  agreeing  with  what  we  look'd  for  by  her 
Highness  letter,  of  the  8th  of  June,  reporting  of  the  said  Queens  contentation 
to  committ  the  hearing  and  ordering  of  her  cause  simply  to  the  Queens  Majesty 
of  England,  which  impertinet  exception  was  a  likely  presumption  that  she  woud 
never  be  content  that  the  ground  of  her  action  shoud  be  known  or  deliberat 
upon.  Notwithstanding  the  Commissioners  on  her  part  present  her  claim  or 
accusation  against  us,  whereunto  we  made  answer.  And  at  the  occasion  of  some 
things  specified  in  the  said  accusation,  we  proposed  certain  articles  of  which  we 
required  resolution  of  the  Queens  Majesties  of  Englands  commissioners,  who, 
finding  the  same  more  weighty  than  they  upon  thier  ommission  might  well 
resolve,  they  sent  for  resolution  of  the  same  to  the  Queens  Majestie  and  her 
council,  whereupon  first  the  Laird  of  Leithington,  secretary  of  our  Soveraign 
Lord,  and  the  clerk  register  were  called  to  come  up  to  London,  and  after  them 
we  our  selves  with  the  remanent  Noblemen,  and  others  of  the  King  our  Sover- 
aign Lords  council  that  were  with  us,  past  with  us  likewise  to  the  court,  where 
the  said  Queen,  our  Sovereign  Lords  mothers  commissioners,  pressing  the  tryal 
of  the  said  Queens  interest,  in  the  murder  of  the  King  our  Soveraign  Lords 
father,  her  husband,  at  last  by  their  earnest  and  incessant  provocation,  it 
behoved  us  to  make  an  addition  to  our  former  answers  given  at  York,  wherein 
we  were  constrain'd  to  nominate  the  said  Queen,  our  Soveraign  Lords  moder, 
as  guilty  of  the  foreknowledge,  council  and  advice  of  the  horrible  murder  of  the 
King,  our  Soveraign  Lords,  fader, — perswader  and  demander  of  the  said  murder 
to  be  done, — maintainer  and  fortifier  of  the  executors  thereof.  Haveing  before 
the  ingiveing  of  the  said  addition,  and  before  we  entered  farder  in  the  ground 


No.  IV.]  APPENDIX.  335 

of  the  matter,  made  our  solemn  protestation,  that  we  had  no  delight  to  see  the 
said  Queen,  our  Soveraign  Lords  moder,  dishonoured,  and  that  we  came  not 
willingly  to  her  accusation  of  so  odious  a  crime,  but  we  were  thereto  enforced  by 
her  own  pressing  and  our  adversaries  her  commissioners,  in  whose  default  her 
shame  shoud  be  disclosed,  whereby  they  shoud  press  us  to  come  to  that  answer, 
which  they  knew  we  had  just  cause  to  make  and  would  make  in  the  end,  and  so 
to  produce  such  evidences  as  they  knew  we  had,  was  indirectly  to  press  earnestly 
her  perpetwal  infamy,  whereof,  as  of  before  we  protested,  that  they  and  not  we 
shoud  be  esteemed  the  chief  procurers.  They  seeing  us  to  come  to  the  plain 
probation  of  the  truth,  left  of  all  further  debateing  of  the  matter  as  revock'd  by 
the  Queen  of  whom  they  had  commission,  thereby  flying  the  tryal,  which  of 
before  they  constrained  us  to  enter  unto,  for  the  probation  of  that  we  had 
alleadged,  and  then  being  sharply  rebuked  by  her  Majestys  commissioners  how 
we  durst  be  so  bold  to  utter  any  such  things,  contain'd  in  the  said  addition,  for 
our  defence,  we  were  constrained  either  to  underly  the  ignominy  or  then  by  the 
manifestation  of  the  very  truth  to  declare  the  just  grounds  of  our  proceedings. 
And  for  that  effect  we  produced  certain  conjectures,  presumtions,  likelyhoods 
and  circumstances,  whereby  we  made  it  to  appear  that,  as  James,  sometime  Earl 
of  Bothwel,  was  the  chief  executor  of  the  horrible  and  unworthy  murder,  per- 
petrate upon  the  person  of  umquhile  the  King,  our  Soveraign  Lords  fader,  and 
the  Queens  lawfull  husband,  so  was  she  of  the  foreknowledge,  council,  device, 
perswader  and  commander  of  the  said  murder  to  be  done,  and  maintainer  and 
fortifyer  of  the  executors  thereof.  And,  for  the  certification  of  the  saids  articles, 
we  produc'd  to  the  Queens  Majestys  of  Englands  commissioners,  the  names  of 
the  estates  of  this  realm  conveened  in  the  Parliament  holden  at  Edinburgh,  in 
the  month  of  Decr-,  1567,  where  our  Soveraign  Lords  coronation  and  inaugura- 
tion in  his  kingdom,  was  ratified  and  found  good. 

Item.  We  produced  8  letters  in  ffrench,  written  by  the  Queens  oun  hand, 
and  sent  to  the  said  James,  sometime  Earl  of  Bothwell. 

Item.  A  little  contract  or  obligation,  written  by  the  said  Queens  oun  hand, 
promising  to  marry  the  said  Bothwell. 

Item.  Another  contract,  written  by  the  Earl  of  Huntley's  hand,  of  the  date 
the  5th  day  of  Aprile,  1567. 

Item.  The  Deposition  of  the  persons  who  were  art  and  part  of  the  murder, 
and  were  execute  for  the  same. 

Item.  The  protest  [process  ?]  led  against  them  before  the  Justice  and  his 
Deputies,  whereupon  followed  thier  execution  to  death. 

Item.  The  process  of  Bothwel's  pretended  cleansing  before  the  Justice. 

Item.  A  process  of  divorce  led  betwixt  the  said  James,  sometime  Earl  of 


336  APPENDIX.  [Erskine, 

Botiiwel,  and  Dam  Jean  Gordon  his  spouse,  before  the  Commissars  of  Edinburgh 
for  pretended  causes  of  adultrey  on  the  said  Earl's  part. 

Item.  Another  process  of  Divorce  led  before  Mr.  John  Manderston,  as 
Judge  Delegate  under  the  Arch-bishop  of  S'-  Andrews,  alleadged  primate  and 
legate. 

Item.  An  Instrument  of  compulsion,  proving  the  said  Mr.  John  to  have 
been  constrained  to  lead  the  said  process  of  Divorce. 

Item.  The  process  of  forfeiture  led  against  the  said  James,  sometime  Earl 
of  Bothwel. 

Item.  An  Act  before  the  Lords  of  Session,  where  the  Queen,  after  counter- 
feited ravishing,  declared  herself  to  be  at  liberty. 

Item.  The  said  Queens  consent  given  to  the  saids  Lords  to  subscribe  the 
Band  for  the  promotion  of  the  said  James  Earl  of  Bothwel  to  her  marriage. 

Item.  The  protestation  made  by  the  Lord  Herreis  and  others  the  lime  of 
the  Parliament. 

Item.  The  Act  of  the  Confirmation  of  the  King's  authority,  and  the 
establishing  of  the  regiment  during  his  highness  minority. 

Item.  The  Declaration  of  Thomas  Nelson  spoken  by  his  own  mouth,  and 
written  with  his  own  hand. 

Item.  The  Declaration  of  Thomas  Crawford  also  spoken  by  his  own  mouth, 
and  writen  with  his  own  hand. 

Item.  The  Declaration  of  the  Earl  of  Morton  how  the  Letters  came  to  his 
hands. 

Item.  The  affirmation  of  the  Commissioners,  that  the  Letters  were  the 
Queens  oun  hand  writing. 

The  Copies  of  all  such  Letters  read,  conferr'd  and  consider'd,  were 
delyver'd  to  Mr.  Secretary  in  whose  bands  they  remain. 

After  which  probation  led,  the  saids  Lords  Commissioners  for  the  Queens 
majesty  of  England  allowed  of  our  proceedings,  declared  that  we  had  done  the 
duty  of  honest  men,  and  that  her  highness  woud  maintain  the  Kings  state  and 
our  cause,  till  she  shoud  understand  the  contrary. 

And  thereupon  we  returned  into  Scotland  by  her  Majestys  permission  and 
good  favour,  and  since  have  done  nothing  which  we  trust  shoud  any  wise  alter 
her  Majesties  goodwill  and  favour  towards  us,  nor  yet  have  we  got  any  know- 
ledge that  her  Majesty  has  understood  any  thing  of  the  said  Queen,  to  the  con- 
trary of  that  which  we  alleadg'd  and  prov'd  at  our  being  in  England,  and,  if 
farder  proof  shall  be  required,  we  have  sent  with  you  the  deposition  of  Nicolas 
Howbert  alias  Paris,  a  Ffrench  man,  one  that  was  present  at  the  committing  of 
the  said  murder,  and  of  late  executed  to  the  death  for  the  same. 


No.  IV.]  APPENDIX.  33*7 

And  now,  by  her  Majesties  letter  lately  past  of  the  20th  day  of  August, 
we  have  understood  thir  words  to  our  great  admiration,  that  the  said  Queen, 
our  Soveraigns  moder,  has  of  long  time  remitted  to  the  Queens  majesty  of  Eng- 
land the  final  order  of  all  causes,  and  that  her  highness  cannot  take  it  in  good 
part,  that  dureing  the  time  of  the  conferrence  we  shoud  use  delay  in  answering 
of  her  majesty,  or  hast  to  pursue  the  saids  Queens  friends  by  force.  Truely  the 
fault  has  not  stand  on  our  part,  why  the  end  of  the  matter  has  been  so  long 
delayed,  and  we  left  nothing  undone  at  our  being  in  England,  that  might  fur- 
theret  the  same  end.  And  that  the  said  Queen  has  remitted  the  final  order  of 
her  causes  to  the  Queens  majesty  of  England,  it  is  an  matter  we  heard  not  afore 
of,  but  understood  the  plain  contrary,  baith  at  sick  times  as  her  Commissioners 
refused  the  trial  of  the  matter  as  revock'd  by  her,  and  also  by  the  Queens 
majesty  of  Englands  letter,  brought  by  our  servant  Mr.  John  Wood  of  the  7th 
of  Aprile  last,  quhairin  her  highness  declares  how  the  saids  Queen  and  soveraigne 
Lords  mother  revocked  her  Commissioners  and  dissolved  their  authority,  pre- 
tending that  she  woud  be  furder  advised  be  her  nobility  and  Counsellors  in 
Scotland,  and  advertise  the  Queens  majesty  of  her  meaning,  whereof  her  high- 
ness had  never  heard  any  thing  at  the  writing  of  the  said  letter.  And  so  we 
cannot  deliberately  conclude  what  to  answer  or  say  farder  than  we  did  at  our 
being  in  England,  without  first  we  understood  whether  the  Queen,  our  Soveraigns 
moder,  had  of  new  authorized  any  Commissioners,  or  what  the  Queens  majesty 
of  England  has  understood  of  the  said  Queen,  or  any  in  her  name,  to  the  contrary 
of  that  which  we  affirmed  and  produced  before  our  departing  from  England. 

And  therefor  seeing  we  are  not  in  mora,  nor  can  do  nothing  furder  untill 
we  first  understand  what  the  said  Queen  has  spoken  or  objected  to  the  con- 
trary of  that  quhilk  we  produced,  we  trust  her  majesty  will  no  wise  proceed  to 
any  thing  that  may  turn  to  the  prejudice  of  the  King  our  soveraign  or  us,  for 
no  fault  shall  proceed  of  us  to  move  her  Majestie  so  to  do. 

And  in  case  the  Queen  of  England  affirm,  that  the  said  Queen,  our  sove- 
raigns moder,  has  of  new  remitted  the  final  order  of  her  cause  to  the  Queens 
majesty  of  England,  sen  she  revocked  her  Commissioners,  and  dissolved  their 
authority,  then  ye  have  to  solicite  and  require  her  highness  to  give  her  decla- 
rater  upon  that  which  has  been  produced  before  her  highness  Commissioners, 
quhilk  necessarly  mon  be  done,  before  any  thing  be  furder  enterit  in. 

Cal.  C:  [I.  326.]  'Tis  written  fair  (I  persume  by  a  Scots  hand),  and 
spell'd  exactly  after  the  manner  of  the  Scots  at  that  time.* 

*  This  opinion,  probably  by  the  transcriber  of  the  Cottonian  MS.,  as  to  the  spelling  is  highly 
improbable,  or  his  transcript  is  far  from  accurate. 

2  U 


338  APPENDIX.  [Erskine, 


No.  V.*— See  page  50. 

The  Articles  and  formes  of  letters  concerning  provision  of  parsons  to  benefices 
and  spirituall  promotions,  agried  vpon  be  the  commissioners  of  the  Kings 
Matie  and  the  reformed  Kirk  of  Scotland  in  their  conference  had  at  Leith, 
in  the  moneth  of  Januar,  1571,  after  the  old  accompt,  but  1572  according 
to  the  new. 

Apud  Leith  16  die  mensis  January,  anno  Domini,  1571. 

The  whilk  day  my  Lord  Regents  G.,  with  advice  of  the  Lords  of 
secreet  counsell  in  our  Soveraigne  Lords  name  and  authoritie,  gives  and  grants 
power  and  commission  to  the  noble  and  mightie  Lords,  James  Erie  of  Mortoun, 
Lord  of  Dalkeith,  Chancellour  of  Scotland,  William  Lord  Ituthven,  Thesaurer? 
Adam  Bishop  of  Orkney,  Robert  Commendator  of  Dumfermeline,  Secretar  to 
our  Soveraigne  Lord,  Mr.  James  Makgill  of  Rankellor-nether,  Clerk  of 
Register,  Sir  John  Bellenden  of  Auchnoule,  knight,  Justice  clerk,  Mr.  William 
Lundie  of  that  Ilk,  Coline  Campbell  of  Glenvrquhy,  or  any  four  of  them  to 
conveene,  advyse,  treat,  and  conclude  with  the  superintendents  and  ministers 
in  the  Kirk,  or  commissioners  authorized  be  them,  anent  all  maters  tending  to 
the  ordering  and  establishing  of  the  policie  of  the  kirk,  the  sustentation  of  the 
ministers  and  support  of  the  Kings  Matie,  and  commoner  affaires  of  the  realme, 
to  continue  in  such  order  as  shall  be  agried  vpon  whill  his  Highnesse  perfect 
age,  or  whill  the  same  be  altered  and  abolished  be  the  three  estates  in  Parlia- 
ment, promittand  to  hold  firme  and  stable  all  and  whatsomever  the  saids 
commissioners  doe  and  conclude  in  the  premisses,  Subscrived  be  the  said  Lord 
Regent,  day,  year  and  place  forsaid. 

Sic  subscribitur, 

John  Regent. 


*  The  copy  of  this  paper  among  Wodrow's  MSS.  in  the  Library  of  the  University  of  Glasgow, 
is  so  inaccurate  that  it  has  been  thought  better  to  follow  a  MS.  preserved  in  the  Advocates'  Library 
(Rob.  III.  2.  8.)  in  a  closely  written  folio  volume  of  about  240  leaves,  forming  No.  VIII.  of  Wod- 
row's Catalogue.  Respecting  that  MS.,  Wodrow  remarks  that  it  is  probably  the  first  Volume  of 
Calderwood's  third  draught  of  his  History;  and  "  its  evident  enough  that  this  is  an  originall, 
for  its  the  same  hand  with  my  Lord  Polton's  5  volumes  and  the  hand  of  Mr.  Calderwood's  ama- 
nuensis, as  appears  by  his  originall  letter,"  &c. 


No.  V.]  APPENDIX.  339 


APUD    LEITH,    THE    15    DAY    OF    JANUAR. 

The  whole  brethren  conveened  in  one  voyce  and  mynd  give  full  commis- 
sion and  power  to  the  generous  and  loving  brethren  John  Areskene  of  Dun, 
knight,  superintendent  of  Angus  and  Mearnes,  Mr.  John  Winrame,  Superin- 
tendent of  Fife  and  Stratherne,  Mr.  William  Lundie  of  that  Ilk,  Mr.  Andrew 
Ha}',  commissioner  of  Renfrew,  Cliddisdaill  and  Lennox,  Mr.  David  Lindsey, 
commissioner  of  Kyle,  Carict  and  Cuninghame,  Mr.  Robert  Pont,  commissioner 
of  Murray,  Mr.  John  Craig,  one  of  the  ministers  of  Edinburgh,  and  Adam 
Foullertoun,  one  of  the  commissioners  for  the  towne  of  Edinburgh,  or  to  any 
four  of  them  to  compear  before  my  Lord  Regent's  G.,  or  so  many  of  the  Lords 
of  his  G.  counsell  as  he  shall  appoynt,  this  instant  monethof  Januar,  or  therafter 
to  the  sixt  day  of  March  nextocome,  and  there  in  the  Kirks  name  most 
humblie  propone,  shew,  and  declare  the  articles,  heeds,  supplications,  complaints, 
delivered  to  them  be  the  Kirk  presentlie  assembled,  most  humblie  requeesting 
for  answer  therevnto,  conferre,  reason,  and  conclude  with  his  G.  and  counsell 
forsaid  upon  such  heads  and  articles  as  shall  be  proponed  to  them  be  his  G. 
and  counsell,  conforme  to  the  instructions  given  to  them  be  the  present  Assem- 
ble, and  to  consent  to  all,  and  whatsomever  shall  be  traited  in  the  said  tyme, 
tending  to  the  glorie  of  God,  setting  foreward  the  preaching  of  his  word,  and 
maintaining  the  Kings  Maties  authority  and  commounwelth  of  the  realme,  and 
whatsomever  happenith  to  be  concluded  on  be  them  in  the  premisses  to  report 
the  same  to  the  next  Assemblie  of  the  Kirk,  firme  and  stable  holding,  and  for 
to  hold,  all  and  whatsomever  the  saids  brethren,  or  any  four  of  them  in  the 
premisses  conclude  to  be  done,  &c.  Given  in  the  Generall  Assemblie,  and 
second  session  of  the  same,  be  the  clerk  therof,  day,  year  and  place  forsaid. 

AT  LEITH,  THE   16  DAY  OF  JANUAR.  ANENT  THE  B1SHOPRIKES  AND 
ARCHBISHOPRIKES. 

It  is  thought  goode,  in  consideration  of  the  present  state,  that  the  names 
and  title  of  Archbishops  and  Bishops  are  not  to  be  altered  or  innovated,  nor 
yet  the  bounds  of  the  diocies  confounded,  but  to  stand  and  continue  in  tyme 
coming  as  they  did  before  the  reformation  of  religion,  at  the  least  to  the  Kings 
Maties  majoritie  or  consent  of  Parliament. 

That  persons  promoted  to  Archbishopriks  and  Bishoprikes  be  (in  so 
farre  as  may  be)  endued  with  qualities  specified  in  the  epistles  of  Paul  to 
Timothie  and  Titus. 


340  A  P  P  E  N  D  I  X.  [Erskine, 

That  there  be  a  certane  assemblie  or  chapter  of  learned  ministers  annexed 
to  everie  metropolitan  or  cathedrall  seat. 

To  all  Archbishopriks  or  Bishoprikes  vacant,  or  that  shall  happen  to 
vaike  hereafter,  persons  qualified  to  be  nominated  within  the  space  of  year  and 
day  after  the  vacancie,  and  the  persons  nominated  to  be  30  years  of  age  at  the 
least. 

The  dean,  or,  failing  the  dean,  the  next  in  dignitie  of  the  chapter  during 
the  tyme  of  the  vacance,  generall  and  vse  the  iurisdiction  in  spirituals,  as  the 
Bishop  might  have  vsed. 

All  Archbishops  and  Bishops  to  be  admitted  hereafter  exerce  no  further 
iurisdiction  in  spirituall  function  nor  the  Superintendents  have  and  presentlie 
exerce,  whill  the  same  be  agreed  vpon.  And  that  all  Archbishops  and  Bishops 
be  subiect  to  the  Kirk  and  the  Generall  Assemblie  therof  in  spiritualibus,  as 
they  are  to  the  King  in  temporalibus,  and  the  advice  of  the  best  learned  of  the 
chapter,  of  the  number  of  six  at  least,  in  the  admission  of  such  as  shall  have 
function  in  the  Kirk.  As  also  that  it  be  lawfull  to  als  many  others  of  the  chapter 
as  please  to  be  present  at  the  admission,  and  vote  thereanent. 

ANENT  ABBACIES,  PRYORIES  AND  NUNRIES. 

That  no  disposition  or  provision  shall  be  made  of  any  abbacies  [or  priories*] 
now  vacant,  or  that  hereafter  shall  [happen  to]  vaike,  nor  no  letters  shall  be 
granted  be  the  Lords  of  Session,  for  answering  the  fruteis  of  any  pairt  thereof 
to  any  person  or  use,  till  first  it  be  considered,  what  portion  of  the  rents  con- 
sisteth  in  kirks  and  ty  thes,  and  what  portion  in  temporall  lands,  and  first  of  all  pro- 
vision shall  be  made  be  advice  of  the  Bishop  or  Superintendent  within  whose 
province  the  abbacie  or  pryorie  lyeth,  how  the  ministers  belonging  therto  shall  be 
sustained  of  the  frutes  belonging  to  the  same  kirks,  if  it  be  possible,  be  special 
assignation  of  so  much  yearly  stipend  as  shall  be  found  reasonable,  and  be  ap- 
poynted  be  the  Bishop  or  Superintendant  of  the  province,  and  such  of  the 
Kings  Maties  counsell  as  shall  be  directed  to  accord  with  him  thervpon. 

As  for  the  remanent  profite  and  title  of  the  benefice,  because  the  possessor 
of  the  same  must  supplie  the  place  of  one  of  the  ecclesiasticall  estate  in  par- 
liament, needfull  it  is  that  he  who  shall  have  the  style,  title,  and  place  of  the 
abbot,  pryor  and  commendator  be  weill  learned  and  qualified  therfor,  and  for 
tryall  of  his  qualification,  the  Kings  Miities  letters  commendatorie  vnder 
the  signet  shall  be  directed  to  the  Archbishop  or  Bishop  in  the  province  wherin 

*  The  passages  within  brackets  are  in  Wodrow's  MS.,  but  not  in  the  MS.  from  which  it  has 
been  considered  proper  to  print.     See  p.  338,  note. 


No.  V.]  APPENDIX.  341 

the  abbacie  or  priorie  lyeth,  to  try  and  examine  his  learning  and  habilitie, 
and  upon  testimoniall  of  his  liability  from  the  ordinal-,  the  person  nominated 
shall  compear  befor  the  King  and  his  Regent,  and  give  his  oath,  in  forme  as  the 
Bishop  doth,  and  then  shall  the  Kings  letters  and  provision  vnder  his  great  seal 
be  exped  direct  to  the  ordinar  Bishop  of  the  province,  or  others  bruiking  the 
dignities  or  superior  office  in  the  seat,  to  give  him  collation. 

The  present  convent  of  any  Abbay  or  Priorie  being  departed  whollie  this 
life,  in  their  places  the  ministers  serving  the  Kirks  of  the  same  Abbey  or  priorie 
shall  be  the  chapter  or  assessors  to  the  commendator  in  giving  of  any  infeftments, 
taks,  rights  or  dispositions  of  rents,  concerning  the  living. 

That  the  persons  thus  provided  and  admitted  commendatars  may  be  pro- 
moved  as  they  shall  be  found  worthie  to  be  senators  for  the  spirituall  estate  in 
the  colledge  of  justice,  or  may  be  employed  by  the  King  in  the  necessar  affairs 
of  the  commoun  welth,  it  being  first  provyded  that  no  Kirk  belonging  to  their 
living  be  destitute  of  ministration  and  the  consent  and  benevolence  of  the  ordinar 
also  obtained  therto. 

ANENT  BENEFICES  OF  CURE  VNDER  rnELACIES. 

All  benefices  (vnder  prelacies)  having  cure  of  soules,  which  either  of  old 
pertained  to  the  Kings  owne  patronage,  or  nevvlie  are  come  in  vse,  and  be  par- 
liament ordained  to  be  at  his  [hieness]  patronage,  shall  so  continue,  conforme  to 
the  acts  of  parliament,  and  that  the  laick  patrons  alvvise  bruike  and  vse  their 
owne  rights. 

None  shall  be  admitted  or  received  to  any  benefice  with  cure  but  such  as 
are  qualified,  and  shall  then  enter  in  the  function  of  the  ministrie,  als  soone  as 
they  take  vp  any  frutes  of  the  benefice,  and  so  continue. 

None  shall  be  admitted  to  the  office  of  a  minister  within  the  age  of  twentie 
three  years  compleat. 

"Where  personages  and  viccarages  are  conjunct,  so  shall  they  remaine,  and 
likewise,  where  they  are  separated  [and  conjunct  benefices  so  to  continue.] 

It  shall  not  be  lawfull  to  any  entering  in  the  function  of  the  ministrie  to 
leave  that  vocation  and  the  place  appoynted  for  his  residence  above  the  space 
of  40  dayes  in  the  year,  without  a  lawfull  impediment,  and  license  of  the  King 
and  ordinar  where  the  benefice  lyeth,  vnder  the  paine  of  deprivation. 

All  such  as  are  or  shall  be  found  worthie  or  qualified  ministers  and  readers, 
shall  be  planted  and  distributed  throughout  the  whole  Realme,  and  that  there  be 
readers  speciallie  appoynted  to  everie  severall  Kirk,  where  conveniently  it  may 
be,  which,  being  found  qualified  be  the  Bishop  or  Superintendent,  and  entering 
be  the  lawfull  order  of  the  true  reformed  Kirk,  shall  minister  the  sacrament  of 


342  APPENDIX.  [Erskine, 

baptisme,  and  make  marriages  after  the  proclamation  of  banns  lawfully  and 
orderlie  as  effeirs. 

All  viccarages  of  or  within  the  yearlie  value  of  fourtie  pundis,  may  be 
conferred  to  readers,  but  if  they  exceed  that  rent  to  be  admitted  to  them  that 
can  preach  and  minister. 

Item,  lykas  wher  the  rent  of  the  benefice  is  small,  the  stipend  must  be  eeked, 
so  wher  the  rent  of  the  benefice  is  greater  nor  the  appoynted  stipend  of  the 
place,  the  superplus  shall  ly  and  be  comptable  to  the  supplie  of  other  rowmes 
not  so  plenteous  be  the  ordinar,  with  the  advice  of  such  as  the  King  shall 
appoynt  to  accorde  thervpon. 

That  all  commoun  kirkes  be  disponed  as  benefices  to  qualified  persons. 

That  none  be  admitted  herafter  to  plurality  of  benefices  with  cure. 

The  last  presentation  of  the  laick  patron  shall  be  admitted  and  preferred. 

The  Vniversities  within  which  there  is  [the]  exercise  of  liberall  sciences  shall 
bruike  the  patronage  of  the  kirks  and  chaplanries  annexit  to  their  colledges, 
presentand  qualified  persons  to  the  Kirks  and  bursars  within  their  owne  col- 
ledge  to  the  chaplanries,  wherin  if  they  faill  the  ordinar  shall  dispone  the  same, 
jure  devoluto,  and,  failing  the  ordinar,  the  King. 

Considering  that  the  purgation  and  conservation  of  religion  cheifly 
appertaineth  to  christian  and  godlie  kings,  princes,  rulers,  and  magistrates, 
and  that  it  is  most  requisite  that  the  Kirks  within  this  Realm  be  served  with 
sound  religion  obedient  to  the  authoritie  of  the  Kings  Matie,  our  Soveraigne 
Lord,  it  is  deliberat,  concluded  and  ordained  be  my  Lord  Regents  G.,  in  his 
H.  name,  with  advice  of  the  Lords  of  his  H.  privie  counsell,  and  of  the 
commissioners  of  the  Reformed  Kirk  of  Scotland,  that  everie  person  who  shall 
intend  to  be  a  minister  of  God's  holie  word  and  sacraments,  or  to  bruik  any 
spiritual]  promotion,  or  possesse  any  living  whatsomever  furth  of  any  benefice  or 
spirituall  promotion,  shall,  in  the  presence  of  the  Bishop  or  Superintendent  of 
the  diocie  where  he  hath  or  shall  have  ecclesiastical  living,  being  title  of 
benefice,  stipend,  pension  or  portion,  declare  his  assent,  and  subscrive  all  the 
articles  of  religion,  which  onlie  concerne  the  confession  of  the  true  christian 
faith,  and  the  doctrine  of  the  sacraments,  contained  in  the  Acts  of  Parliament 
holden  in  the  first  year  of  the  raigne  of  our  Soveraigne  Lord  that  now  is,  enti- 
tuled  the  confession  of  the  faith  and  doctrine,  beleeved  and  professed  be  the 
Protestants  of  the  Realme  of  Scotland,  exhibited  to  the  estates  of  the  same  in 
Parliament,  and  be  their  publike  votes  authorized  as  a  doctrine  founded  vpon 
the  infallible  word  of  God,  and  give  their  oath  for  acknowledging,  and  recog- 
noseing  of  the  Kings  Matie,  and  his  authoritie,  according  to  the  forme  presentlie 
set  out,  and  shall  bring  from  the  Bishop  or  Superintendent  a  testimonial!  [in 


No.  V.]  APPENDIX.  343 

write,  of  sic  assent,  subscription  and  oath,  and  openly  on  Sunday]  in  tyme  of 
sermon,  or  publike  prayers  in  the  Kirk,  (wher  be  reason  of  his  ecclesiasticall 
living  he  ought  to  attend,  or  of  the  frutes  wherof  he  receaveth  commoditie,) 
read  both  the  testimoniall  and  the  confession,  and  of  new  make  the  said  oath 
within  the  space  of  a  moneth  after  his  admission  or  promotion  to  the  said 
ecclesiasticall  living  or  yearlie  commoditie;  vnder  the  paine  that  everie  person 
that  shall  not  doe  as  is  above  appoynted  within  the  space  forsaid,  shall  be,  ipso 
facto,  deprived,  and  all  his  ecclesiasticall  promotions  shall  be  vacand,  as  if  he 
wer  then  naturalie  dead,  and  that  all  persons  to  be  admitted  to  prelacies  wherby 
they  are  to  have  vote  in  Parliament,  make  the  said  oath  in  presence  of  the  King, 
his  Regent,  or  privie  counsell  within  the  said  space,  vnder  the  paine  above- 
written. 

It  is  deliberated,  thought  expedient,  and  commanded,  that  all  Bishops, 
Superintendents,  Preachers,  and  Ministers  of  the  word  of  God,  shall  earnestlie 
and  diligentlie  admonish  the  people  within  their  cures,  to  continue  in  their 
faith  and  obedience  to  the  Kings  Made,  our  Soveraigne  Lord,  his  Regent,  and 
authoritie,  and  whosoever  hath  made  defection,  or  hereafter  shall  make  defection 
from  the  same  obedience  to  admonish  them,  and  in  case  of  their  wilfulness  and 
obstinacie,  to  proceed  against  them  be  censures  of  the  Kirk  to  excommuni- 
cation. 

OF  PROVESTRIES  OF  COLLEDGE  KIRKS,  AND    OTHER  BENEFICES,  VNDER  PRELACIES 
WHERTO  DIVERS  KIRKS  ARE  ANNEXED. 

That  no  disposition  or  provision  be  made  of  any  Deanries,  Provestries  of 
Colledge  Kirks,  or  other  benefices  [under  prelats]  whervnto  diverse  Kirks  are 
annexed,  now  vacant,  or  hereafter  shall  happen  to  vaike,  nor  that  no  letters  be 
granted  be  the  Lords  of  Session  for  answering  the  frutes  of  any  part  thereof 
to  any  person  or  vse,  whill  first  it  be  considered  what  is  the  rent  of  the  benefice 
and  wherin  it  consisteth,  and  that  provision  be  made,  how  the  ministrie  of  everie 
one  of  the  severall  Kirks  shall  be  sustained  of  the  frutes  of  the  same  Kirks,  if  it 
be  possible,  be  speciall  assignation  of  so  much  yearlie  stipend  as  shall  be  found 
reasonable,  and  be  appointed  by  the  Bishop  or  Superintendent  of  the  province, 
and  such  of  the  Kings  counsell  as  shall  be  directed  to  accord  with  him 
thervpon. 

Item,  If  the  living  both  of  the  provestrie  and  prebendaries  be  founded  vpon 
the  frutes  of  a  parish  Kirk,  the  Kirk  shall  be  first  provyded  of  a  minister  and 
speciall  assignation  made  for  his  payment,  before  the  title  of  the  whole  be  dis- 
poned to  any  one  persone. 


344  APPENDIX.  [Erskine, 

OF  THE  DISPOSITION  OF  PROVESTRIES,  PREBENDARIES,  COLLEDGE  KlRKES, 
FOUNDED  VPON  TEMPORALL  LANDS  OR  ANNUELS,  AS  ALSO  OF  CHAPLANRIES 
BEING  OF  THE  LIKE  FOUNDATION,  FOR  SUPPORT  OF  THE  SCHOOLES  AND  EN- 
CREASSE  OF  LETTERS. 

All  provestries  and  prebendaries  in  colledge  kirks  founded  vpon  temporall 
lands  orannuels,  and  all  chaplanries  being  of  the  like  foundation,  now  vacant,  or 
that  shall  happen  hereafter  to  vaike,  shall  be  given  and  bestowed  by  the  Kings 
Miitie  or  other  lawfull  patrons  to  Bursars  and  students  in  Grammar,  Art,  Theo- 
logy, the  Lawesor  Medicine  in  maner  following,  that  is  to  say,  the  certane  rentall 
shall  be  requyred  be  the  Bishop  or  Superintendant  of  everie  diocie  of  all  pro- 
vestries, prebendries,  or  chaplanries,  being  within  the  diocie,  and  thervpon  a 
booke  shall  be  delivered  be  them  to  the  Regent,  and  remaine  in  the  register 
betwixt  and  the  last  day  of  Merch  nexttocome. 

Item,  all  provestries,  prebendries,  and  chaplanries,  being  of  or  within  the 
[yearly]  rent  of  twentie  merks,  shall  be  given  to  a  bursar  in  grammar,  and  of  the 
soume  of  twentie  punds,  or  within  above  twentie  merks,  to  a  burser  in  art,  and 
all  of  the  sowme  of  threttie  punds,  or  within  above  the  sowmeof  twentie  punds,  to 
a  bursar  in  Theology,  Lawes,  or  Medicine. 

None  shall  be  admitted  a  Bursar  in  grammar,  being  vnder  the  age  of  sevin 
yeares,  nor  past  the  age  of  fourtene  years,  and  shall  bruike  the  commoditie  during 
the  space  of  sevin  years  onlie. 

None  shall  be  admitted  Bursar  of  Theologie,  the  Lawes  or  Medicine,  whil] 
lie  be  first  past  maister  [in  airt]  in  one  of  the  Vniversities  of  this  Realme,  and 
shall  bruike  the  commoditie  during  the  space  of  six  years  onlie. 

None  shall  be  admitted  a  Bursar  in  art,  vnder  the  age  of  fourtene  years, 
and  shall  bruike  the  commoditie  during  the  space  of  fyve  years  onlie. 

All  Bursers  in  Grammar  shall  be  presented  to  a  Grammar  Schoole  in  one 
of  the  Vniversities,  or  other  famous  schoole  in  one  of  the  cheife  burghes  or  townes 
of  the  Realme. 

All  Bursars  or  Students  nominated  be  such  provestries,  prebendries,  and 
chaplanries  within  the  diociesof  Aberdene,  Murray,  Rosse,  Cathness  [and]  Ork- 
nay,  shall  be  presented  to  studie  their  Art,  Theology,  the  Lawes  or  Medicine, 
within  [the  Colledge  of  Aberdeen. 

All  within  the  diocesse  of  Saint  Andrews,  Dunkell,  Dumblain  and  Brechin, 
to  study  Art,  Theology,  Laws  or  Medicine,  within]  one  of  the  Colledges  of  the 
Vniversity  of  St.  Andreuis,  wher  my  Lord  Regents  G.  or  the  patrons  shall 
appoynt. 

All  within  the  diocies  of  Glasgow,  Galloway,  Argyll  or  the  lies  to  studie 
their  Art,  Theology,  Lawes  or  Medicine,  within  the  pedagogie  of  Glasgow. 


No.  V.]  APPENDIX.  345 

None  shall  be  admitted  to  plurality  of  Provestries,  Prebendries  and  Chap- 
lanries,  and  wher  any  Provestrie  or  Prebendry  exceedeth  the  soume  of  threttie 
punds  of  yearlie  rent,  it  shall  be  devyded,  and  so  much  therof  appoynted  to  the 
Bursars  of  Theologie,  the  Lawes,  or  Medicine,  and  the  remanent  according  to 
the  rate  and  value  to  another  Bursar,  and  if  any  past  his  course  in  Grammar  be 
desyrous  to  passe  to  the  Vniversitie  and  study  in  Art,  Theology,  the  Lawes,  or 
Medicine,  the  chaplanrie  or  prebendry  he  had  before,  may  be  of  new  conferred 
to  him  during  his  studie  in  any  one  of  the  said  sciences,  he  having  alwise  new 
presentation  in  ordinar  forme. 

The  Bursars  nominated  shall  first  be  found  be  the  maister  or  principall  of 
the  colledge  of  such  age  as  is  before  written,  and  apt  for  the  study  in  such 
facultie  as  he  is  ordained  to,  before  he  get  the  Kings  or  other  Patrons  gift,  and 
that  vpon  report  and  testimoniall  from  the  maister  and  principall  in  the 
colledge  according  to  the  forme  and  order  prescrived,  and  if  he  continue  not  at 
the  studie  during  the  tyme  and  in  place  appoynted,  or  otherwise  giveth  occasion 
of  deprivation,  he  shall  be  deprived,  and  another  nominated  and  provided  of 
new,  wherin  the  Kings  Matie  and  other  patrons  shall  alwise  have  their  place 
and  patronage,  and  the  maister  shall  certifie  the  causes  of  deprivation  to  the 
patron  within  a  moneth  after  the  same,  that  the  patrons  may  present  within  six 
moneths  of  new. 

GENERALL  ARTICLES  FOR  REFORMATION  OF  CERTANE  ABUSES. 

Whatever  action  and  plea  is  or  shall  be  touching  the  payment  of  the 
thrids,  before  he  that  is  in  possession  of  the  thrids  be  heard  or  admitted  in 
processe,  he  shall  be  holden  to  find  caution  to  pay  the  ministers  serving  the 
Kirk  or  Kirks  of  the  benefice,  out  of  which  the  same  thrids  should  be  payed,  of 
their  appoynted  stipends,  so  farre  as  the  thrids  extends  to  during  the  dependance 
of  the  plea. 

Item,  in  farther  punishment  of  the  persons  now  at  the  home,  or  [that?]  shall 
happen  to  be  denounced  rebels  for  non  payment  of  [the]  thrids,  and  to  further 
the  recoverie  of  payment  of  the  same,  that  the  persons  given  in  duely 
executed  and  indorsed  at  the  home  be  charged  to  compear  before  the  Regent 
and  Lords  of  secreet  counsell,  at  a  certane  day,  to  answer  to  such  things  as  shall 
be  requyred  of  them,  and  shall  be  committed  to  waird  whill  they  have  payed 
the  dutie,  and  obtained  themselfs  relaxed  from  the  home,  and  that  the  solister 
of  the  Kirks  affaires  await  diligentlie  therevpon,  according  as  he  shall  receave 
advertisements  of  the  disobedients  from  the  Collecters  or  otherwise. 

Item,  that  all  fewes,  rentals,  or  takse  of  any  spirituall  livings  or  promotions, 
2  x 


346  APPENDIX.  [Erskine, 

to  be  made  after  the  date  of  this  present  Act,  in  diminution,  hurt,  or  preiudice 
of  the  present  rentall,  shall  be  in  law  null  and  of  none  avail,  and,  that  the  certantie 
of  the  present  rentall  may  be  knowne,  the  commissioners  of  the  Kirk  have 
taken  in  hand  to  cause  the  same  be  drawne  in  ane  authentick  forme,  betwixt 
and  the  last  day  of  Marche  nextocome,  and  a  booke  of  the  same  to  be  delivered 
to  remaine  with  my  Lord  Regent  to  the  Kings  vse,  to  the  effect  that  more 
formall  resolution  may  be  taken  in  the  nomination  and  disposition  of  all 
benefices. 

Item,  [that]  the  Lords  of  the  Session  of  the  spirituall  estate  under  prelacies, 
that  clame  the  immunitie  of  payment  of  their  thrids,  shall  at  the  least  pay 
the  stipend  of  the  ministers  serving  at  their  owne  Kirks,  as  the  same  shall  be 
modified  and  appoynted  be  the  commissioners  from  the  King,  Counsell  and 
Kirk. 

Item,  it  is  thought  meet  that,  be  an  Act  and  warrant  of  the  secreet  counsell, 
provest  and  bailifes  of  all  burrowes  that  have  given  the  gift  of  their  oune  annuel 
be  charged  to  send  with  their  commissioners  to  parliament  their  giftes  to  be 
seen  and  considered,  the  rentals  of  such  things  as  they  have  in  possession,  or 
can  clame  by  these  gifts;  to  the  end  that  it  may  be  seene  that  the  thing  dis- 
poned be  employed  to  godlie  vses,  according  to  the  intention  of  the  givers,  and 
form  of  the  gift. 

For  support  of  the  poore  in  a  part,  that  all  to  be  admittit  to  spirituall 
promotion,  hereafter,  to  be  holden  to  pay  the  tenth  part  of  all  such  portion  of 
their  spirituall  promotions  and  livings,  as  consist  in  tythes  to  the  poore. 

THE  MANNER  OF  CREATING  OF  A  BISHOP. 

Trustie  and  weilbeloved,  we  greet  you  weill,  Forsameikle  as  the  Bishop- 
rick  of  S.  presently  vaiketh  be  the  diceasse  of  the  late  incumbent  of  the  same 
and  calling  to  our  remembrance  the  vertue,  learning,  goode  conversation,  and 
other  godly  qualities  of  our  trustie  and  weilbeloved,  A.  B.,  preacher  of  the  word 
of  God,  we  have  thought  goode  be  thir  our  letters  to  name  him  and  commend 
him  to  you  to  be  chosen  to  the  said  Bishoprick  of  S.,  wherfore  we  requyre  you 
indilatelie  vpon  the  recept  heirof  to  proceed  to  your  election,  according  to  the 
lawes  of  our  realme,  and  our  licence  to  choose  sent  to  you  herewith,  and  the 
same  election  so  made  to  certifie  to  us  vndery  our  commoun  seal.  Given  vnder 
our  signet,  and  subscrived  be  our  right  trustie  cousin,  John  Earle  of  Marre, 
Lord  Areskine,  Regent  to  us,  our  realme  and  Lieges,  at  the  day  of 
the  year  of  God. 


No.  V.]  APPENDIX.  347 


Licence  to  choose. 

Our  Soveraigne  Lord,  with  advyce  and  consent  of  his  right  trustie  cusine, 
John  Earle  of  Marr,  &c,  ordaineth  a  letter  to  be  made  under  the  great  seal, 
in  due  forme,  directed  to  the  Dean  and  chapter  of  the  Cathedral  Kirk  of  N., 
making  mention  that  it  is  humblie  meant  to  his  H.  and  his  said  Regent  on  the 
part  of  the  saids  Dean  and  chapter,  how  the  Kirk  forsaid  presentlie  vaiketh, 
and  is  destituted  of  a  pastor,  be  the  naturall  death  of  the  last  Bishop  therof,  and 
that  his  H.  will  grant  them  licence  to  choose  another  Bishop  and  Pastor; 
His  Matie,  favourablie  enclyning  to  their  desire,  hath  thought  goode  to  grant 
the  same,  requyring  the  saids  Dean  and  Chapter  to  choose  [[such]  a  Bishop  and 
Pastor  of  the  said  Bishoprick  that  shall  be  devote  to  God  and  to  his  Highness, 
and  [to?]  his  Realme  profitable  and  faithfull,  and  that  precepts  be  directed  here- 
vpon  in  due  forme  as  effeires,  Subscrived  be  the  said  Regent,  at,  &c. 

The  forme  of  the  Edict  to  conveene  the  Chapter  for  Election. 

Forsameekle  as  our  Soveraigne  Lords  letters,  vnder  his  H.  great  seal,  are 
directed  to  the  Dean  and  Chapter  of  the  metrapolitan  Kirk  of  G.,  granting 
them  licence  to  choose  another  Archbishop  and  Pastor,  the  seat  now  vacant  be 
the  natural  death  of  the  last  Archbishop  therof,  requyring  them  to  choose  such 
an  Archbishop  and  Pastor  as  the  same  shall  be  devote  to  God,  and  to  his  H.,  and 
[to  the]  realme  profitable  and  faithfull,  and  to  the  effect  that  the  s.aid  election 
may  proceed  to  the  pleasure  of  God,  and  to  the  weil  of  the  King,  the  Kirk,  and 
the  Realme,  the  clay  of,  &c,  is  appoynted,  requyring  and  charging  herefore  all 
the  godly  ministers  within  the  said  diocie,  nominated  and  appointed  to  present 
the  chapter  in  the  reformed  Kirk,  that  they  be  present  at  B.,  the  said  day,  to 
doe  and  performe  that  which  to  them  in  the  said  election  appertaineth,  Sub- 
scrived be  at  the  day  of  &c. 

The  Testimoniall  of  the  Dean  and  Chapter,  returned  to  the  King  and  to  his  Regent. 

To  the  right  excellent,  right  high  and  mightie  prince  James,  be  the  grace 
of  God  King  of  Scots.  Our  Soveraigne  Lord,  your  Maties  daylie  orators  and 
humble  subjects,  the  Dean  and  Chapter  of  the  Cathedrall  Kirk  of  N.  humble 
reverence  and  submission,  Forsameekle  as  we,  having  your  H.  licence  to  choose  a 
Bishop  and  Pastor  to  the  said  Kirk  now  vacant,  be  [the]  deceasse  of  the  last  incum- 
bent, have  tryed  and  examined  the  qualification  of  our  weilbeloved  brother  (N) 
nominated  and  recommended  be  your  Matie,  whom  we  have  found  a  personage 
endued  with  vertue,  learning,  and  goode  conversation,  and  other  goode  qualities 


348  APPENDIX.  [Erskine, 

and  able  to  discharge  the  office  of  a  Bishop  in  the  Kirk  of  God,  and  therfor 
have  elected  him  therevnto,  humbly  craving  and  requyring  your  H.  to  grant 
your  royall  assent  and  approbation  to  our  said  election,  be  your  Maties  letters 
vnder  your  great  seal,  in  due  and  competent  forme,  as  effeirs,  Given  vnder  our 
commoun  seal,  and  subscrived  with  our  hands. 

In  case  the  Person  nominated  be  not  found  qualified; 

have  tryed  and  examined  the  qualification  of  (N)  nominated  be  your 
Made  and  find  him  not  qualified  in  the  whole  or  part  of  the  qualities  requyred 
in  a  Bishop,  most  humblie  therfor  craving  and  requyring  your  Highness  that, 
with  all  convenient  expedition,  some  other  sufficientlie  qualified  may  be  of  new 
nominated  and  recommended  to  the  said  Bishoprick,  that  the  Kirk  of  God  be 
not  destituted  of  a  pastor. 

The  Confirmation,  Provision  and  Royall  Assent,  vpon  the  chapters  certificat  \jnade~\ 
of  their  election. 

Our  Soveraigne  Lord,  with  advice  and  consent  of  his  right  trustie  cusine, 
&c. ;  ordaineth  a  letter  to  be  made  under  the  great  seal  in  due  forme  directed  to 
the  most  reverend  father  in  God  and  his  H.  weilbeloved  A.,  be  the  provision 
of  God  Archbishop  of  S.,  or  to  whatsomever  other  Bishops  to  whom  in  this  part 
it  appertained!,  make  [making?]  mention  that  the  seat  of  (N)  latelie  vacand  be  the 
natural  death  of  the  last  Bishop  thereof,  or  be  forefaultrie,  translation,  dimis- 
sion,  or  deprivation,  his  H.  at  the  humble  petition  of  the  Dean  and  chapter  of 
the  Cathedrall  Kirk  of  (N),  be  his  Maties  letters  vnder  the  great  seal  hath 
granted  license  to  them  to  choose  another  in  Bishop  and  Pastor  of  the  seat  for- 
said ;  the  said  Dean  and  Chapter,  be  vertue  of  the  said  licence,  have  chosen  his 
[highness]  weilbeloved  A.  B.  preacher  of  the  Word  of  God,  in  Bishop  and  Pas- 
tor to  them  of  the  said  Kirk,  as  be  their  letter  made  vnder  their  commoun  seall 
directed  to  his  Highness  may  plainlie  appear;  therfor,  our  said  Soveraigne  Lord, 
accepting  the  said  election,  hath  given  his  assent  therunto,  as  also  his  favour, 
and  signifieth  the  same  to  the  said  Archbishop  or  Bishop  be  the  said  letter 
requyring,  and  in  faith  and  oath,  (wherby  they  are  holden  to  his  Matie,)  com- 
manding them,  to  consecrat  a  Bishop,  elected,  as  said  is,  in  Bishop  and  pastor  of 
the  Kirk  forsaid,  and  to  confirme  the  said  election,  and  all  and  sundrie  other 
things  to  doe,  belonging  to  their  pastorall  office  in  that  part,  after  the  forme  of 
the  Lawes  of  this  Realme,  with  all  diligence  and  favour  and  effect,  Subscrived 
be  the  said  Lord  Regent.     At  &c. 


No.  V.]  APPENDIX.  349 

If  he  be  a  Bishop  alreadie,  and  is  to  be  translated,  then  to  vse  (Mr  words; 
And  the  same  A.  B.  Bishop  and  Pastor  of  the  Cathedrall  Kirk  forsaid  be 
translation  to  confirme. 

After  this  new  made  Bishop  shall  compear  before  the  Kings  Matte  and  his  Regent, 
and  make  his  oath  asfolloweth  : 

I  A.  B.,  now  elected  Bishop  of  S.,  vtterly  testifies  and  declare  in  my  con- 
science that  your  Matie  is  the  onlie  lawfull  and  supreme  Governour  of  this 
Realme,  alswell  in  things  temporall,  as  in  the  conservation  and  purgation  of 
religion,  and  that  na  forraigne  prince,  prelat,  state,  or  potentat  hath  or  ought  to 
have  any  iurisdiction,  power,  superioritie,  preeminencie,  or  authoritie,  ecclesias- 
tical] or  spirituall,  within  this  Ilealme,  and  therfor  I  vtterly  renounce  and  forsake 
all  forraigne  jurisdictions,  powers,  superiorities,  and  authorities  and  promises, 
that  from  this  faith  I  shall  and  will  bear  faith  and  true  alledgance  to  your 
Matie,  your  heyrs  and  lawfull  succession,  and  to  my  power  shall  assist  and 
defend  all  iurisdictions,  priviledges,  preheminencie  and  authorities  granted  and 
belonging  to  your  highness,  your  heyrs  and  lawfull  successors,  or  united  and 
annexed  to  your  royall  crowne,  and  further  I  acknowledge  and  confesse  to  have 
and  hold  the  said  Bishoprick  and  possessiouns  of  the  same  under  God  only  of 
your  Matie  and  Crowne  royall  of  this  your  Realme,  and  for  the  saids  possessions 
I  doe  my  homage  presentlie  vnto  your  Matie  and  vnto  the  same  your  heyrs  and 
lawfull  successors  shall  be  faithfull  and  true.     So  help  me  God. 

Restitution  of  the  Bishops  Temporalitie. 

Our  Soveraigne  Lord,  with  advice  of  his  right  trustie  cusine,  ordaineth  a 
letter  to  be  made  vnder  the  privie  seal  in  due  forme,  makeing  mention  that  the 
Bishoprike  of  (N)  vacant  be  deceasse  of  the  last  Bishop  therof,  the  Dean  and 
chapter  of  the  Cathedrall  Kirk  forsaid,  be  his  H.  license  sought  and  obtained, 
have  elected  his  H.  weilbeloved  A.  B.,  preacher  of  the  word  of  God,  in  their 
Bishop  and  Pastor,  to  which  election  and  person  elected  his  Matie  lies  given  his 
Royall  assent  and  favour,  and  [has]  receaved  his  fidelity  due  to  his  H.  for  the  said 
Bishoprick,  restoring  to  him  the  temporality  therof  be  thir  presents,  and  that  the 
saids  letters  be  extended  in  the  best  forme,  withal]  clauses  needfull  with  command 
in  the  samyne  to  the  Lords  of  Counsell  and  Session  to  grant  and  give  Letters 
in  the  four  formes  at  the  instance  of  the  said  A.  B.,  now  elected  and  admitted 
and  confirmed  Bishop  of  C,  to  cause  him  be  answered  and  obeyed  of  the  said 
temporalitie  therof  and  other  frutes  and  rents  of  the  same,  from  the  feast  of  D. 
last  by  past,  in  due  and  competent  forme  as  effeiris,  Subscribed  be  the  said  Lord 
Recent. 


350  APPENDIX.  [Erskine, 


TOWARDS  THE  CHAPTERS  OF  METROPOLITAN  AND  CATHEDRALL  KIRKS. 

Becaus  divers  of  the  Deanries  and  other  dignities  and  benefices,  called  Cha- 
nonries  and  prebendries,  in  metrapolitan  and  Cathedrall  Kirks  are  possessed  be 
persons  that  have  not  made  profession  of  the  true  Religion,  nor  yet  have  entered 
be  lawfull  order  of  the  true  reformed  Kirk  in  the  function  of  the  ministrie,  and 
so  neither  the  one  nor  the  other  sort  is  thought  meet  to  have  vote  in  the  election 
of  the  true  Bishop,  therfor,  in  time  coming,  this  order  shall  be  abserved  as 
interim  alsvveill  for  Bishopricks  now  vacant,  as  that  hereafter  shall  happen  to 
vaike,  so  long  as  the  benefices  of  the  old  chapters  are  not  in  the  possession  of  the 
ministers  of  the  Kirk,  professors  of  [the]  true  Religion,  that  is  to  say,  so  many  of 
the  old  ordinar  chapter  as  are  presentlie  laufull  ministers,  and  professors  of  the 
said  true  Religion  shall  have  their  owne  vote,  place  and  priviledge,  and  in  place 
of  so  many  of  the  others  present  possessors  of  the  benefices  of  the  chapter,  now 
possessed  be  persons  not  professing  the  true  Religion,  or  that  have  not 
entered,  nor  shall  not  enter,  be  laufull  order  of  the  true  reformed  Kirk,  in  the 
function  of  the  ministrie,  shall  be  nominated  als  many  of  the  learned  and  most 
godlie  ministers  serving  the  Kirk  within  that  province. 

It  is  considered  that,  of  the  Archbishopricks  and  Bishopricks  within  this 
Realme,  tuo,  viz.,  Saint  Andreuis  and  Galloway,  had  chapters  in  cloisters,  and 
the  chapters  of  the  remanent  Kirks  were  persons  in  parish  kirks,  and  therfor 
so  long  as  the  benefices  of  the  chapter  are  not  in  possession  of  the  ministers  of 
the  reformed  Kirk,  professors  of  [the]  true  Religion,  which,  God  willing,  with 
tyme  will  come  to  passe  (the  present  possessors  departing  this  mortall  life), 
during  their  naturall  lyfes  this  order  is  thought  meet  for  election. 

First,  for  the  seat  of  Saint  Andreuis,  that  so  many  of  the  old  chapter  as 
live  and  are  ministers,  professors  of  the  true  Religion,  shall  still  be  in  the 
chapter  during  their  naturall  lyfes,  viz., 

The  Bishop  of  Caithness,  commendatar  of  the  pryorie  of  Saint 
Andreuis,  Dean. 

The  Pryor  of  Portmoik. 

John  Goodefellow,  minister  at  Longforgund. 

David  Robertson  at  Rossy. 

John  Vre,  minister  at  Leuchars. 

Peter  Ramsey,  minister  at  Dairsie. 

Peter  Ramsey,  minister  at  Markinche. 

Alexander  Mure,  minister  at  Gilgour. 

Patrik  Kinloch,  minister  at  Linlithgow. 

John  Duncanson,  minister  at  Sterline. 


No.  V.]  APPENDIX.  351 

Mr.  William  Bradfoote,  minister  at  Lathrisk. 
Mr.  Thomas  Biggar,  minister  at  Kinghorne. 
The  chapter  or  assembly  of  the  Archbishop  of  St.  Andreuis  assessors  shall 
consist  in  tyme  to  come,  after  the  death  of  the  present  convent  of  the  abbey,  in 
twentie  one  persons  hereafter  nominated,   which  persons  shall   represent   the 
chapter  in  election  of  the  Archbishop,  and  siclyke  in  tyme  coming  for  election 
and  spirituall  affairs,  alsweill  before  as  after  the  death  of  the  convent,  without 
prejudging  the  old  convent  during  their  lifetymes  in  things  temporall. 
The  Pryor  of  Saint  Andreuis,  Dean,     The  minister  of  Dysart, 
The  Pryor  of  Portmoik,  The  minister  of  Kirkaldie, 

The  minister  of  Edinburgh,  The  minister  of  Kinghorne, 

The  minister  of  Leith,  The  minister  of  Dumfermline, 

The  minister  of  Linlithgow,  The  minister  of  Aberbrothoke, 

The  minister  of  Sterline,  The  minister  of  Perth, 

The  minister  of  Dumbarre,  The  minister  of  Calder  in  Lothian, 

The  minister  of  Haddingtoun,  The  minister  of  Fethercairne, 

The  minister  of  Caraill,  The  minister  of  Dunce, 

The  minister  of  Cowper,  The  minister  of  Methven. 

The  minister  of  Anstruther, 

That  in  the  seat  of  the  Archbishop  of  St.  Andrewis  vnder  the  Archbishop 
thir  dignities  or  superior  offices  in  the  Kirk  be  retained,  which  successivelie 
having  the  Kings  licence  to  choose,  shall  convocate  the  chapter  to  that  effect. 
The  Deane  who  is  living  is  and  shall  be  the  Pryor. 
The  Axxhdean  of  St.  Andreuis. 
The  Archdean  of  Lothian. 

The  Chancellar  who  shall  be  the  provest  of  the  Queens  colledge  besyde 
Edinburgh. 

And  in  the  mean  tyme,  whill  the  livings  of  the  said  Archdeaconrie 
and  Chancellarie  vaik  be  the  death  of  the  present  possessors,  which  are 
not  of  the  function  of  the  ministrie,  the  offices  shall  be  served  be 
Mr.  John  Winrame,  as  Archdean  of  St.  Andreuis. 
Mr.  John  Spotsewoode,  as  Archdean  of  Lothian. 
Mr.  David  Lindsay,  as  Chancellar. 

Nota,  the  like  order  for  the  Bishoprick  of  Galloway. 

For  the  seat  of  Glasgow.     The  chapter  consisteth  in  threttie  two  chan- 
onries,  or  prebendries,  founded  on  distinct  and  severall  benefices,  that  is  to  say, 

The  Personage  of  Hammiltoun, 

The  Personage  of  Kilbryde, 

[Chancellour  Personage  of  Campsie,] 


352  A  P  P  E  N  D I  X.  [Erskine, 

[Threasurer]  Personage  of  Carnwath, 

Subdeanrie  Personage  of  Calder  and  Monkland, 

Archdeanrie  Parsonage  of  Peebles  and  Manner, 

Archdeanrie  of  Teviotdaill, 

Personage  of  Newbottle, 

Personage  of  Glasgow, 

Personage  of  Stobo, 

Personage  of  Guvan, 

Personage  of  Renfrew, 

Personage  of  Areskine, 

Subchantrie  Personage  of  D[ur]isdeir, 

Personage  of  Carstaires, 

Personage  of  Sanquhare, 

Personage  of  Eglisheme, 

Personage  of  Ardrois, 

Personage  of  Kirkmacho, 

Lord  Provand, 

Personage  of  Douglas, 

Personage  of  Ankrome, 

Personage  of  Cambuslayng, 

Personage  of  Carnock, 

Personage  of  Old  Roxburgh. 

Personage  of  Arskirk, 

Personage  of  Moffet, 

Personage  of  Killarne, 

Personage  of  Eddistoun  [Giddiston,] 

Personage  of  Bothernock, 

Personage  of  Torbowton, 

Personage  of  Lusse. 
Of  the  present  possessors  of  the  benefices,  onlie  six  are  entered  in  the  func- 
tion of  the  ministrie,  which  shall  be  of  the  chapter  for  [the]  election  of  the  Arch- 
bishop, and  so  how  soone  the  remanent  present  possessors  depart  this  life,  the 
benefices  shall  alwise  be  disponed  to  qualified  persons  that  shall  enter  in  the 
function  of  the  ministry,  and  they  be  of  the  chapter,  and  whill  the  persons  pre- 
sent possessors  [do?]  not  enter. 

The  names  of  the  six  of  the  chapter  that  are  alreadie  ministers. 

Mr.  John  Comlie,  minister  of  Kilbryde. 

Mr.  Andrew  Hay,  minister  of  Renfrew. 

Mr.  Peter  Young. 

Mr.  James  Sterline. 


No.  V.]  APPENDIX.  353 

Mr.  George  Hay. 

Mr.  John  Hammiltoun. 

The  persones  adjoyned. 

The  minister  of  Glasgow, 

The  minister  of  Dumbartoun, 

The  minister  of  Irwine, 

The  minister  of  Air, 

The  minister  of  Lanerk, 

The  minister  of  Hammiltoun, 

The  minister  of  Campsie, 

The  minister  of  Cammonell, 

The  minister  of  Mauchline, 

The  minister  of  Uchiltrie, 

The  minister  of  Stevinsone, 

The  minister  of  Kirkpatrik, 

The  minister  of  Peebles, 

The  minister  of  Rutherglen, 

The  minister  of  Stratoun, 
That  in  the  seat  of  the  Archbishoprick  of  Glasgow  vnder  the  Archbishop, 
thir  dignities  as  superior  offices   in   the   Kirk   be  retained,   which    successively 
haveing  the  licence  to  choose  shall  convocat  the  chapter  to  that  effect. 
The  Dean,  the  Archdean  of  Tiviotdaill,  the  Chancellar. 
The  livings  of  the  dignities  and  offices  are  knowne,  and  after  death  of  the 
present  possessors,  persons,  qualified  ministers,  being  placed  in  the  livings,  shall 
also  discharge  the  offices,  and  in  the  mean  tyme  in  the  election  of  the  Arch- 
bishop, thir  persons  shall  represent  and  supplie  the  same  offices ; 

Mr.  Andrew  Hay, 

Mr.  James  Greg,  Archdean  of  Glasgow, 

Mr.  John  Colmelie,  Archdean  of  Tiviotdaill, 

Mr.  David  Weenies,  Chancellar, 
without  prejudice  of  the  present  chapterduringtheirlyfetymes  in  things temporall. 
The  like  order  toward  the  remanent  Bishopricks,  having  benefices  appoynted 
to  such  as  should  be  of  the  chapters. 

THE  FORME  OF  A  LETTER  DIRECTED  TO  THE  ORDINAR,  OR,  THE  SEAT  VACANT,  TO 
[THE]  DEAN,  OR  OTHER  NIXT  CONSTITUTED  IN  DIGNITIE,  OF  THE  CHAPTER, 
IN    [THE]  FAVOURS  OF  A  PERSON  TO  BE  PROMOVED  TO  AN  ABBACIE  OR  PRYORIE. 

Reverend  Father  in  God,  We  greet  you  weill,  Forsameekle  as  the  Abbacy 
or  Priorie  of  A  presently  vaiketh,  by  [the]  deceass  of  the  late  incumbent  of  the 

2  Y 


354  APPENDIX.  [Erskine, 

same,  and  having  already  made  provision  how  the  ministers  of  the  kirks  of.  the 
same  should  be  sustained,  we  have  thought  convenient  to  name  and  commend 
our  we'd  beloved  clerk  B.  C.  to  the  Commendatorie  of  the  said  Abbacy  or 
Pryorie  of  A.,  and  seing  the  possessor  of  the  same  is  to  represent  the  persone 
of  one  of  the  ecclesiastical  estate  in  our  Parliament,  needfull  it  is  that  he  be 
sufficientlie  qualified;  Wherfor  we  requyre  and  pray  you,  indilatelie  vpon  the 
recept  heirof,  to  try  and  examine  his  learning  and  ability,  certifying  us  of  the 
same  be  your  testimonial!,  that  thervpon  we  may  provyde  him  of  the  said 
Abbey  or  Pryorie  as  effeirs.      Given  vnder  our  signet,  and  subscrived,  &c. 

THE    TESTIMONIALL    OF  THE    ORDINAR    RETURNED    TO    THE    KING'S    MAJESTIE,  OR 
HIS    REGENT. 

To  the  Right  Excellent,  &c,  [We]  your  Maties  humble  oratours  reverence 
and  submission,  Forsameekle  as  having  tryed  and  examined  the  qualification 
of  our  weil  beloved  A.  B.,  nominated  and  recommended  be  your  Miitie  to  the 
Commendatarie  of  the  Abbey  and  Pryorie  of  A.,  we  have  found  him  of  a  suffi- 
cient learning  and  abilitie,  which  we  declare  and  signifie  to  your  Highness,  be 
thir  presents,  subscrived  with  our  hands,  and  vnder  our  seal,  at 
the  day  of  the  year,  &c. 

In  case  the  person  nominated  be  not  [found]  qualified  ; 

Have  tryed  and  examined,  and  have  not  found  him  qualified  in  whole  or 
in  part  in  the  qualities  requyred,  most  humblie,  therfor,  craving  and  requyring 
your  H.,  that  with  all  convenient  expedition,  some  other  sufficientlie  qualified 
may  be  of  new  nominated  and  recommended  to  the  said  Abbey  or  Pryorie. 

THE  GIFT  AND  PROVISION  VPON  THE  ORDINAR's  CERTIFICAT. 

Our  Soveraigne  Lord,  with  advice  and  consent,  &c,  ordaines  a  letter  to 
be  made  vnder  the  Great  Seal,  in  due  forme,  direct  to  the  Reverend  Father  in 
God,  A.,  Archbishop  or  Bishop  of  B.,  making  mention  that  the  Abbacie  or 
Pryorie  of  C.  presentlie  vaiketh  be  the  [natural]  death  of  the  last  Abbot,  Prior, 
or  Commendatar  therof,  or  be  the  forefaultour,  translation,  dimission,  or 
deprivation,  his  H.  hath  nominated  and  recommended  his  weilbeloved  D.  E. 
to  the  Commendatarie  of  the  said  Abbey  or  Pryorie  of  G,  who  be  his  ordinar 
is  found  of  sufficient  learning  and  abilitie  therfor,  and  also  hath  given  the 
confession  of  his  faith,  his  oath  for  acknowledging  and  recognoscing  his  H. 
authority,  and  due  obedience  of  his  ordinar,  in  accustomed  forme,  and  therfor 
giving,  granting,  and  disponing  be  the  said  letter  to  the  said  D.  E.,  the  said 
Abbacie,  Pryorie  of,  &c,  with  all  dignities,  rights,  rents,  patrimonie,  priviledges 


No.  V.]  APPENDIX.  355 

and  possessions  whatsomever,  belonging  tlierto,  and  making  and  constituting 
him  Commendatar  therof,  during  his  lyftyme,  to  be  bruiked  and  joysed  be  him 
als  freelie,  as  any  other  bruiked  and  possessed  the  same  in  time  bygane,  but 
any  revocation,  requyring  the  said  reverend  father  to  make  the  said  D.  E.,  now 
nominated  and  admitted  Commendatar  of  the  said  Abbacie  or  Pryorie,  sure  of 
having  institution  and  possession  of  the  same,  and  all  and  sundrie  other  things 
to  doe  concerning  his  pastorall  office  in  this  part,  in  all  diligence,  favour  and 
effect,  and  that  the  said  letters  be  extended  in  the  best  forme,  with  all  clauses 
needfull,  with  command  in  the  samyne  to  the  Lords  of  Counsell  and  Session,  to 
grant  and  give  letters  for  answering  and  obeying  of  the  said  D.  E.,  now  Com- 
mendatar of  the  said  Abbey  or  Pryorie  of  the  rents,  frutes,  profites, 
emoluments,  and  duties  therof,  during  his  lyftyme,  and  to  none  others.  Sub- 
scrived,  &c. 

THE  FORME  OF  A  LETTER  DIRECTED  TO  THE  MAISTER  OF  THE  GRAMMAR  SCHOOLE, 
IN  FAVOUR  OF  A  BURSAR  STUDENT  IN  GRAMMAR. 

Trustie  and  welbeloved,  We  greet  you  vveil,  Forsameekle  as  the  prebendarie 
or  chaplanrie  of  A.,  lying  in  the  diocie  of  B,  now  vaiketh  be  [the]  deceasse  of 
vmqle  C.  D.,  last  possessor  of  the  same,  the  yearlie  rent  wherof  is  thought  not 
to  exceed  the  sowme  of  twentie  marks,  and  we  willing  to  conferre  the  same  to  a 
Bursar  in  support  of  his  sustentation  at  the  schoole,  for  the  encreasse  and  fur- 
therance of  goodlie  [godlie?]  letters,  be  thir  our  letters  nominatand  present  our 
lovit,  &c._,  requyring  you  to  try  and  examine  if  he  be  past  the  age  of  sevin,  and 
within  the  age  of  fourtene  years,  if  he  be  apt  to  studie  in  grammar,  and  will 
promise  to  continue  his  studie  vnder  you,  and  be  subiect  to  your  discipline,  as 
also  enquyre  wher  the  Chaplanrie  or  Prebendrie  lyeth,  what  is  the  certane  rent 
therof,  that  vpon  your  report,  to  be  returned  to  us  within  the  space  of  a  moneth 
after  the  date  hereof,  we  may  resolve  in  the  disposition  of  the  said  prebendrie 
or  chaplanrie,  as  effeirs. 

THE  ANSWER  OF  THE  MAISTER  OF  THE  GRAMMAR  SCHOOLE. 

To  the  Right  Excellent,  &c,  Your  H.  humble  subiect  A.  B.,  maister  of  the 
Grammar  Schoole  of  C,  humble  reverence  and  submission.  According  to  the 
command  of  your  Maties  letters  having  taken  tryall  I  found  D.  E.  nominated  and 
commended  be  your  H.  to  the  prebendrie  or  chaplanrie  of  A.  past  the  aige  of 
sevin  and  within  the  age  of  14  years,  apt  and  disposed  to  studie  in  grammar, 
wherin  he  hath  promised  to  continue  and  be  subiect  to  my  discipline  ;  having 
also  enquyred,  I  find  that  the  said  prebendrie  or  chaplanrie  lyeth  within  the 
diocie  of  and  extendeth  to  of  vearlie  rent.      Subscrived 


356  APPENDIX.  [Erskine, 

with  my  hand  vnder  my  at  the  day  of 

the  year,  &c. 

THE  GIFT  AND  PROVISION  VPON  THE  CERTIFICAT    OF  THE  MAISTER  OF  THE    GRAM- 
MAR SCHOOLE. 

Our  Soveraigne  Lord,  with  advyce,  &&,  ordaineth  a  letter  to  be  made  vnder 
the  privie  seale  in  due  forme,  making  mention  that  the  prebendrie  or  chaplan- 
rie  of  A.  lying  within  the  diocie  of  B.  vacant  be  [the]  deceasse  of  vmq"e-  B.  C, 
last  possessor  therof,  his  Mfitie  hath  vnderstood  the  yearlie  rent  therof  not  to 
exceed  the  sowme  of  twentie  merks  money  of  this  Realme,  and  being  certified  that 
his  lovit  N.  A.  is  of  convenient  age  to  enter  in  the  study  of  grammar,  and  is  apt 
and  disposed  therfor,  and  promiseth  to  be  subiect  to  discipline  and  continue  therin; 
Therfor,  giving,  granting,  and  disponing,  be  the  said  letters,  to  the  said  N.  A., 
all  and  whole  the  said  prebendrie  or  chaplanrie  of  A.  with  all  frutes,  rents,  pro- 
fites,  emoluments  and  duties  belonging  therto  in  support  of  his  sustentation  at 
the  schoole  during  the  space  of  years  after  the  date  hereof,  with  power  to 

him  be  himself,  his  parents  and  factors  in  his  name,  to  intromet  and  take  vp  the 
frutes,  rents  and  emoluments,  profites,  and  duties  of  the  said  prebendrie  or  chap- 
planrie  during  the  said  space,  to  the  effect  above  written,  with  all  and  sundrie 
commodities  als  freely,  &c,  as  any  other  had  and  bruiked  the  same  of  before,  but 
any  revocation,  Sec,  and  that  the  said  letters  be  extended  in  the  best  forme  with 
all  clauses  needful],  with  command  in  the  same  to  the  Lords  of  Counsell  and  Ses- 
sion to  grant  and  give  letters  in  the  four  formes  for  answering  and  obeying  of 
the  said  N.  A.  of  the  frutes,  rents,  profites,  emoluments,  and  duties  of  the  said 
prebendrie  or  chaplanrie  during  the  space  above  specified,  commanding  also  the 
Maister  of  the  Grammar  Schoole  of  M.  to  receave  the  said  N.  A.  vnder  his  cure 
and  discipline  be  the  space  abovespecified,  and  at  the  end  of  the  same,  or  incase 
of  his  deprivation  or  not  continuance  in  study,  to  certifie  the  same  that  another 
may  be  provided  to  the  said  prebendrie  or  chaplanrie  of  new.     Subscrived, 

For  a  Bursar  in  Art  the  like  formes,  changing  the  termes  of  quantitie  of  presentation 

of  the  Rent. 

Trustie  and  weilbeloved,  &c,  to  the  principall  and  maisters  of  the  col- 
ledge  of,  &c. 

For  a  Bursar  Student  in  Theologie  the  like  forme,  changing  termes  in  tyme,  quantite 
of  Rent,  and  other  words  needful! . 
Nota.  The  Bursars  in  Art,  Theologie,  the  Lawes,  or  Medicine,  must  give 
the  Confession  of  their  faith  and  an  oath  for  acknowledging  the  Kings  authoritie. 


No.  V.]  APPENDIX.  357 


THE  FORME  OF  THE  OATH  TO  BE  GIVEN  BE  THE  PERSON  PROVIDED  TO  ANY  BENE- 
FICE WITH  CURE,  THE  TIME  OF  HIS  ADMISSION  BE  THE  ORDINAR,  AS  ALSO 
THE  BURSARS  OF  ART,  THEOLOGIE,  THE  LAWES  OR  MEDICINE,  THE  TYME  OF 
THEIR  RECEIPT  IN    THE  VNIVERSITIES. 

I,  A.  B.  now  nominated  and  admitted  to  the  C.  of  D.,  vtterlie  testifie  and 
declare  in  my  conscience  that  the  right  excellent,  right  high  and  mightie  prince 
James  the  sixt,  be  the  grace  of  God  King  of  Scots,  is  the  onlie  lawful]  supreame 
governour  in  this  Realme,  alsweill  in  things  temporall  as  in  conservation  and 
purgation  of  Religion,  and  that  no  forraigne  Prince,  Prelate,  State,  or  Potentat 
hath  or  ought  to  have  any  iurisdiction,  power,  superioritie,  preheminence  or 
authoritie,  ecclesiasticall  or  spirituall,  within  this  Realme,  and  therfor  I  vtterlie 
renounce  and  forsake  all  forraigne  iurisdiction,  powers,  superiorities  and  author- 
ities, and  promise  that  from  this  furth  I  shall  and  will  bear  faith  and  true 
alledgance  to  his  H.,  his  heyres  and  lawfull  successors,  and  to  my  power  shall 
assist  and  defend  all  jurisdictions,  priviledges,  preheminencie  and  authorities 
granted  and  belonging  to  his  highnesse,  his  heyres  and  lawfull  successors,  or 
united  and  annexed  to  his  royall  crowne,  and  farther  I  acknowledge  and  con- 
fesse  to  have  and  hold  the  said  C.  and  possessions  of  the  same,  vnder  God,  onlie 
of  his  Made  and  crowne  royall  of  this  Realme,  and  for  the  said  possessions  I  doe 
homage  presentlie  vnto  his  H.  in  your  presence,  and  to  his  Miitie,  his  heyres  and 
lawfull  successors  shall  be  faithfull  and  true,  so  God  help  me. 

If  at  the  presentation  the  benefice  be  of  a  laick  patron,  at  the  giving  of  the 
oath  the  person  presented  shall  say,  I  acknowledge  and  confesse  to  have 
and  hold  the  said  C,  and  possessions  of  the  same,  vnder  God,  be  his  Matie  of 
G.  F.  lawfull  patron  of  the  same. 

In  benefices  of  cure,  the  persons  admitted  shall  promise  obedience  to  the 
ordinar,  and  in  schooles  or  vniversities  to  the  maister  or  principall  therof. 

Forsameekle  as  the  heads  and  articles  now  talked  of  and  put  in  such  forme 
as  is  contained  in  this  booke  can  not  have  full  effect  and  execution  as  lawes, 
nor  no  laick  patron  vnwilling  can  be  compelled  therby,  whill  the  same  be  allowed 
and  enacted  in  Parliament;  neverthelesse  it  is  thought  and  meant  be  my  Lord 
Regents  G.  that  in  such  things  as  he  shall  happen  to  passe  in  the  Kings  MHties 
name,  and  the  Bishops,  Superintendents  and  Maisters  of  colledges  and  schooles 
in  their  admission,  and  the  Lords  of  Session  in  granting  of  letters,  shall  have 
respect  to  the  keeping  and  observation  of  the  order  now  condescended  vpon,  as 
if  it  wer  established  be  law,  and  that  laick  patrons  be  perswadit  to  the  observa- 
tion of  the  same  order,  whilk  is  ordained  to  have  the  strength  of  an  Act  of  the 


358  APPENDIX.  [Erskine, 

secreet  counsell,  and  that  exact  labour  shall  be  taken  to  get  this  order  allowed, 
confirmed,  and  established  as  law  be  Parliament,  and  for  that  effect  that  the 
formes  of  signatures  and  letters  be  keeped  mattered,  and  a  register  to  be  keeped 
be  the  clerk  of  secreet  counsell  of  all  signatures  and  other  grants  of  any  spirituall 
promotions  or  maters  concerning  the  same  and  the  seales  to  answer  no  signature 
or  letter  unregistred  and  subscrived  [on  the  back  be  the  said  clerk,  and  in  case 
any  letter  be  past  negligently,]  the  hands  of  the  Regent  different  from  their  [thir?] 
formes,  that  the  clerk  stay  the  same  unregistrat,  whill  the  mater  be  opened  to 
the  Regent,  and  his  mynd  certanlie  vnderstoode  and  no  letters  to  passe  with 
blanks,  and  no  double  giftes  to  be  registrat  without  the  Regents  mynd  first 
knowne. 

Which  articles  and  formes  withinwritten,  being  seene  and  considered  be 
my  Lord  Regents  G.,  he  in  our  Soveraigne  Lords  name  alloweth  and  approveth 
the  same.  At  Leith,  the  first  day  of  Februar,  the  year  of  God  1571,  but  1.572 
according  to  the  new  accompt. 


No.  VI. — See  page  65. 

the  assembly's  judgment,  1578,  on  the  conference  upon  the  second  book 
of  discipline. 


The  18  article  thereof  touching  conference  was  desired  to  be  made  plain; 
the  Assembly  thinks  it  sensible  enough. 

CHAP.  II. 
The  third  article  agreed,  conform  to  the  conference. 

CHAP.  III. 

The  seventh  article  to  be  farther  considered;  the  tenth  article  thought 
plain  in  itself. 

As  to  the  twelve  article  agreed  to  be  framed,  conform  to  the  conference. 

Tuiching  the  advice  craved,  what  pain  shall  be  put  to  the  nonresidents, 
the  Assembly  thought  meet  that  civill  law  be  craved  decerning  the  benefices  to 
be  vacant  through  non  residence. 

The  ninth  article  agreed,  conform  to  the  conference,  and  the  penalty  of  the 
persons  excommunicat  decerned  to  be  horning  and  caption  be  specinll  Act  of 


No.  VII.]  APPENDIX.  359 

Parliament,   to  be  execute  be  the  treasurer  or  other   the  Kings  Majesty  and 
his  hieness  counsell  please  to  appoint. 

CAP.  V. 
Agreed,  with  the  two  supplications  desired. 

CAP.  VI. 
The  perpetuity  of  the  persons  of  the  elders  agreed,  conform,  &c.  Anent 
order  to  be  tane  for  visitation  of  colledges,  schooles,  and  hospitalls  and  the  saids 
articles,  with  other  articles  to  be  given  in  be  the  brethren  to  be  seen  and 
corrected  be  David  Ferguson,  Mr.  Andrew  Hay,  and  the  commissioners  of  Kyle, 
Carict,  and  Cunnighame. 


No.  VII.— See  page  65. 

MINUTS  OF  THE  CONFERENCE  ON  THE  DISCIPLINE,  DEC"-,   1578. 

[COMMISSIONERS.] 

The  Earle  of  Buchan,  Mr.  George  Buchanan, 

The  Archbishop  of  St.  Andrews,  Mr.  Peter  Young, 

The  Archbishop  of  Glasgow,  Mr.  Robert  Pont  minister, 

The  Commendator  of  Dumfermline,       Mr.  James  Lowson  minister, 
The  Laird  of  Dun,  Mr.  John  Row  minister, 

The  Laird  of  Segie  Mr.  David  Lindsay  minister, 

The  Tutor  of  Pitcurr, 

Who,  after  invocation  of  the  name  of  God,  chused  the  Laird  of  Dun 
moderator,  for  the  better  order  and  reasoning  during  the  said  conference,  and 
appointed  the  hour  of  convention  to  be  at  9  hours  before  noon,  and  to  reason 
till  12,  and  from  two  hours  afternoon  till  five  hours  at  even. 

Afternoon. 
The  Commissioners  desired  ane  Act  to  be  made  that  they  conveen  only  at 
the  Kings  Majesties  requisition,  be  severall  missives  to  every  one  of  them,  to 
treat,  conferr,  and  reason  upon  the  heads  of  policy  of  the  Kirk,  presented  to  his 
hieness  be  the  Commissioners  thereof,  at  the  day  of 

And  the  said  ministers  protested  that  they  came  not  as  having  any  commission 
of  the  Kirk,  but  only  as  his  Majesties  missives  requiest. 


360  APPENDIX.  [Erski  ne, 

Afternoon. 

OF  THE   FIRST  CHAPTER. 

1.  Entering  in  reasoning  and  conference  the  said  Commissioners  agreed 
in  one  voice  unto  the  first  two  sentences  or  heads,  as  they  are  written  word  be 
word  in  the  said  book  of  policy  presented  to  the  Kings  Majestie. 

2.  The  third  sentence  or  article  was  be  one  consent  remitted  to  the  morn 
to  receive  further  reasoning,  and  the  doctors  with  their  ancient  writters  ordained 
to  be  brought,  the  best  could  informe  in  that  purpose. 

Afternoon,  Tuesday  the  23  of  December,  1578. 

All  the  Commissioners  conveened,  and  invocation  of  God's  name  being 
made,  the  said  sentence  was  agreed  be  the  whole  Commissioners,  to  wit,  that  the 
Kirk  is  sometimes  taken  for  them  that  exercise  the  spirituall  function  in  par- 
ticular congregations. 

3.  To  consider  how  this  third  article  should  be  understood;  whether  of  the 
particular  Presbitry  or  of  the  general  Kirk. 

4.  The  fourth  article  bearing  this  power  is  thought  good  to  be  continued 
to  further  reasoning  and  explanation,  and  where  it  is  said,  this  power  fioweth 
from  God  to  his  Kirk,  whether  this  should  be  understood  of  the  whole  Kirk,  or 
of  the  office  bearers,  or  whether  it  fioweth  mediatly  or  immediatly. 

5.  Referred  to  further  reasoning. 

6.  In  the  sixth  article  thir  words,  t/ie  former  is  called  potestas  ordinis 
commonly,  and  the  other  potestas  jurisdictions,  are  thought  not  necessar  and  there- 
fore to  be  delated. 

9.  In  this  article  thir  words  would  be  left  out,  ecclesiasticall  fioweth 
immediatly  from  God,  and  from  the  mediator  Jesus  Christ,  and  say  instead 
thereof,  for  this  power  is  spirituall  not  having,  &c. 

10.  11.  The  tenth  and  eleventh  agreed  unto. 

12.  The  twelveth  article  agreed  to,  eeking  thir  words,  they  shall  not  be 
called  Lords  over  their  flocks. 

13.  Agreed,  only  changing  thir  words  ecclesiasticall  government,  instead 
whereof  to  say  ecclesiasticall  discipline  according  to  the  word  of  God. 

14.  Referred  to  farther  reasoning  when  the  order  of  Bishops  shall  be 
discussed. 

Afternoon,  the  24  of  December,  1578. 

All  the  forenamed  Commissioners  conveened  and  God's  name  was  called 
upon. 


No.  VII.]  APPENDIX.  361 

15.  Lettin  stand  over  whill  they  come  to  distribution  of  the  power. 

16.  Agreed,  as  it  is  conceived  in  the  Book. 
IT.  Deferr  this  to  be  reasoned  with  the  15. 
18.  19.  Referr  thir  twa. 

Afternoon  the  prayer  being  said. 

20.  Agreed  that  the  magistrat  neither  ought  to  preach,  minister  the  sacra- 
ments, nor  execute  the  censures  (which  is  to  be  understood  of  excommuni- 
cation) of  the  Kirk,  and  referrs  the  second  part  of  this  answer  to  farther 
reasoning,  and  agreed  that  the  minister,  as  minister,  exercise  not  civil  jurisdiction 
in  respect  of  his  ministrie,  and  referrs  the  last  part.     21,  22  both  referred. 

CHAP.  II. 
Afternoon,  the  24  of  December,  1578. 

All  the  forsaid  Commissioners  conveened  and  prayer  said : 

1 .  The  name  of  Kirk  in  this  article  is  taken  in  the  first  signification,  to  wit, 
for  whole  Kirk.     Agreed  with  the  rest  of  the  article. 

2.  3.  Referred  thir  two.     4,  5  agreed  to  both. 

6.  Referred  to  reasoning  at  the  head  of  the  visters.     7.  8.  9.  10.  Referred. 

CHAP.  III. 

I.  2.  3.  4.  5.  6.  Agreed  to.     7.  Referred. 

Afternoon  the  25  of  December. 

All  the  saids  Commissioners  conveened,  and  God's  name  was  invocat. 

8.  Agreed  with  the  generality  hereof. 

9.  Agreed  with  this  addition  at  the  end  of  the  article,  If  the  people  have 
a  lawful!  cause  against  his  lyfe  and  manners. 

10.  A  supplication  be  formed  and  given  to  the  Kings  Majestie  and  the 
estates  in  the  next  Parliament  concerning  the  ministers  that  travell  at  Kirks, 
where  the  benefice  thereof  may  vaik,  by  decease  of  old  possessors,  that  in  that 
case  the  patrons  may  preferr  the  ministers  that  serve  there  to  all  others  for 
that  tyme  allenarly. 

II.  Agreed  eeking  after  this  word,  Kirk,  thir  words,  to  travell  in  the  spirit- 
uall function  thereof. 

12.  Agreed,  leaving  out  thir  words,  of  the  eldership. 

13.  14.  15.   16.  Agreed. 

17.  Agreed  that  all  ministers  of  the  word  and  sacrament  shall  make 
residence. 

2  z 


362  APPENDIX.  [Eiwkine, 

[CHAP.  IV.?] 
g.  3.  4.  5.  Agreed. 
fi.   Referred  to  afternoon. 

7.  8.  Agreed. 

9.  Agreed,  [  ?]  thir  words,  to  pray  for  the  prince  and  the  people. 

10.  Agreed. 

1 1.  Agreed  that  the  minister  who  is  the  mouth  of  God  may  pronounce  the 
sentence  of  excommunication,  after  lawfull  proceeding. 

12.  Agreed  with  the  present  order  concerning  marriage  after  lawfull  pro- 
ceeding. 

13.  Agreed. 

Afternoon. 
CHAP.  V. 

Referrs  the  whole  chapter  till  further  reasoning. 

CHAP.  VI. 

I.  2.  Past  over. 

3.  Agreed  upon,  the  name  of  elders  to  be  joyned  with  ministers. 

4.  5.  Referred  the  perpetuity  of  elders  to  further  deliberation. 
6.  7.  Referred. 

8.  Agreed. 

9.  10.  Referred. 

II.  12.   14.   15.   16.   17.  18.  Agreed. 

CHAP.  VII. 

1.  Agreed  that  the  ministers  and  elders  of  every  particular  Kirk  shall  have  a 
power  of  every  spirituall  thing  within  their  own  jurisdiction  concerning  the  laws. 

2.  Agreed  that  there  shall  be  particular  assemblies  of  Kirks,  synodall  in 
provinces,  and  national,  which  we  call  generall,  within  this  realme,  which  we 
crave  to  be  made  a  law  and  erected  [enacted?]  in  Parliament. 

Afternoon,  the  26  of  December,  1578. 

All  the  saids  Commissioners  conveened  and  the  prayer  made : 

3.  Agreed  that  in  provinciall  or  synodall  assemblies  he  that  bears  the  charge 
of  the  visitation  of  the  Kirks  of  that  province,  together  with  the  pastors  and 
doctors  of  the  same  province,  and  some  of  the  elders  of  every  particular  congre- 
gation within  the  same  bounds,  being  authorized  be  commission  of  their  congre- 
gations, shall  resort   to   the  said    provinciall    assemblies   of  which   persons    it 


No.  VII.]  APPENDIX.  363 

consisteth,  and  their  assemblies  to  be  twise  in  the  year  at  the  least,  and 
oftener  as  occasion  craves  and  also  their  assembly  to  have  liberty  to  appoint 
tymes  and  places  as  they  shall  think  expedient,  and  that  the  General  Assemblies 
may  be  once  in  the  year  or  ofter,  as  necessity  requires,  and  the  Kings  Majesties 
authority  to  be  craved  to  be  interponed  hereunto  in  Parliament. 

And  the  vister  of  every  province,  with  the  ministers  and  two  elders  thereof, 
and  a  commissioner  of  every  burgh  of  the  said  province  chosen  be  Synodall 
Assembly  of  the  samine,  shall  come  to  the  said  Generall  Assembly,  not  secluding 
therfra  other  noble  and  godlie  men,  that  please  to  come  therto  provyding  that 
they  shall  not  have  liberty  to  vote,  above  the  number  of  15,  with  the  Kings 
Majesties  Commissionars,  if  it  please  his  hieness  to  send  any  thither. 

And  that  no  sentence  of  excomunication  be  pronounced  be  no  particular 
Kirk  or  minister,  but  be  consent  of  him  that  bears  the  charge  of  the  visitation 
within  the  bounds  thereof,  and  be  the  advyce  of  six  pastors  joyned  to  the  visitor 
in  the  provinciall  Assembly  of  the  countrey,  and  the  six  to  be  chosen  by  the 
provinciall  Assembly  to  be  assessors  to  the  said  visitor,  and  this  order  to  be 
observed  also  in  all  other  matters. 

4.  Agreed  that  in  all  Generall  Assemblies  a  Moderator  be  chosen. 

5.  Agreed. 

6.  Referred. 

7.  Differred  to  the  head  of  Reformation  of  Bishops. 

8.  Agreed. 

9.  10.  Agreed,  joyning  in  the  end  of  the  article  thir  word,  in  spirituall 
things  only. 

11.  Agreed  that  as  they  have  power  to  make  laws  according  to  the  word 
of  God  in  spirituall  things,  so  as  the  necessity  of  tyme  requires,  they  may  alter 
and  change  the  samen  according  to  the  word  of  God. 

The  21th  of  December,  1578. 

All  the  Commissioners  were  present,  and  the  name  of  God  was  called  upon. 

12.  13.   14.   15.   16.   17.   18.   19.  20.  21.  22.  23.  Referred. 

24.  An  article  to  be  found  for  ministers,  who,  through  age  and  sickness  or 
other  accidents,  are  become  unable  to  do  their  office,  in  the  which  case  that  such 
be  provided  for  during  their  lifetime,  notwithstanding  the  said  impediments. 

25.  26.  27.  28.  Referred. 

29.  Agreed  upon,  that  the  provinciall  assembly  hath  this  power,  for  such 
as  shall  be  agreed  upon  in  the  article  of  deposition. 

That  within  the  article  of  deposition  a  supplication  be  given  in  to  the 
Kings  Majesty  and  estates,  desiring  a  law  to  be  made  that  the  person  deposed 


364  APPENDIX.  [Erskine, 

if  he  be  a  beneficed  man,  the  benefice  shall  vaike,  and  another  be  placed  in 
his  roome. 

30.  Past  over. 

31.  Answered  before. 

32.  Agreed. 

33.  Differred  to  the  head  of  Bishops. 

34.  Differred. 

35.  Agreed,  that  the  Assembly  should  take  head  that  the  spiritual  jurisdic- 
tion medle  not  with  civil  matters. 

36.  Referred.     37,  agreed  in  spirituall  matters.     38,  39  referred. 

CHAP.  VIII.  and  IX. 

Concerning  thir  chapters  of  the  diaconat  and  the  patrimony  of  the  Kirk  is 
thought  good  to  be  suspended  till  the  head  of  the  corruption  be  reasoned. 

CHAP.  X. 

The  whole  chapter  is  thought  good. 

That  ane  article  be  formed  and  given  to  the  Kings  Majestie  and  estates, 
craving  ane  Act  to  be  made  that  a  speciall  punishment  be  ordained  for  such  as 
put  violent  hands  on  ministers  of  the  word  of  God,  and  also  crave  such  immun- 
ities and  priviledges,  as  shall  be  thought  meet  be  such  as  shall  penne  the  same. 

CHAP.  XI. 

1.  Agreed. 

2.  Agreed  that  a  supplication  be  formed,  and  given  to  the  Kings  Majesty 
and  estates,  craving  dissolution  of  Kirks,  benefices,  prelacies  and  others  which 
are  unit,  and  given  to  one  person,  and  the  severall  Kirks  to  be  given  to  qualified 
ministers,  at  least  after  the  decease  of  the  present  possessors. 

4.  5.  6.  Past  over. 

7.  Answered  be  the  article  of  dissolution. 

8.  Agreed,  that  ane  Act  shall  be  sought  that  no  united  benefice  be  disponed 
to  any  person  after  the  decease  of  the  present  possessors,  but  particular  Kirks 
thereof  to  be  provided  to  ministers  and  pastors,  as  said  is. 

9.  Differred. 

10.  Agreed. 

11.  Differred. 

12.  Agreed  and  thought  reasonable  that  every  Bishop  have  his  particular 
flock. 

13.  Agreed,  and  ane  article  to  be  given  in  to  the  Parliament,  that  the  dioceses 


No.  VII.]  APPENDIX.  365 

be  divided  in  such  sort  as  men  may  reasonably  visie,  and  that  they  have  no 
further  bounds  nor  they  may  over  see. 

The  28  of  December,  1578. 

All  the  Commissioners  being  present  and  the  prayer  said  : 

14.  Anent  the  perpetuity  of  the  visters,  it  is  referred  to  farther  reasoning 
and  conference,  that  good  resolution  may  be  taken  therein. 

15.  Past  over. 

16.  Agreed. 

17.  Agreed  that  Bishops  shall  have  a  certain  flock. 

18.  19.  Past  over. 

20.  Agreed. 

21.  Referred. 

22.  Agreed. 

23.  Agreed. 

24.  Agreed  that  article  be  made  that  no  present  possessors  of  benefice,  as 
well  prelats  as  others,  or  that  shall  come  hereafter,  shall  hurt  or  diminish  the 
patrimony  of  the  said  benefices. 

25.  Finds  good  that  the  Kirk  advise  what  matters  now  handled  be  the 
Commissioners  are  meet  and  expedient  to  be  traited  and  handled  before  them. 

26.  Answered  before. 

CHAP.  XII. 

I.  2-3.  4.  Agreed,  and  ane  article  to  be  given  in  thereupon. 

5.  Agreed. 

The  29  of  December,  1578. 

6.  Differred  the  joyning  of  the  Kirks. 

7.  Agreed  as  a  dependant  upon  the  former. 

8.  Past  before  in  the  matter  of  the  provinciall  assemblies. 

9.  Agreed  as  before. 

10.  Agreed  to  this  generall. 

II.  12.   13.   Referred  the  article  of  the  patronage. 

14.  Agreed  that  ane  Act  of  Parliament  concerning  the  disposition  of  pro- 
vestries,  prebendries  and  chaplanries  may  be  reformed  conform  to  the  article 
to  be  given  thereupon. 

15.  16.  17.  18.  19.  20.  Referred  to  the  head  of  the  Diaconat  and  to 
the  provision  to  be  made  for  the  poor. 

21.  Agreed,  conform  to  the  laws. 

22.  Referred. 


366  APPENDIX.  [Erskine. 

Topenne  an  article  of  non-residence. 

That  ane  article  be  given  in,  craving  a  civill  punishment  may  be  had  against 
them  that  admitt  ane  unqualified  person  to  the  office  of  the  ministry  of  the 
word,  and  of  them  that  make  simoniacall  paction,  being  convicted  by  the 
Generall  Assembly,  and  that  this  Act  strike  not  only  upon  him  that  beareth  the 
charge  of  the  diocie  but  upon  his  assessors,  so  many  as  consent  to  the  samen. 

It  is  thought  meet  be  supplication  to  the  Kings  Majestie  and  estates,  it 
shall  be  craved  that  addition  be  made  to  the  Act  of  Parliament  confirming  laick 
patronages,  that  the  said  Act  be  extended  as  well  to  the  patronage  of  the  Kings 
Majestie  as  others.  Agreed  that  ane  article  be  formed  and  given  in  Parliament 
concerning  the  Kirks  liberty  to  the  thirds.  Agreed  that  the  presentations  be 
direct  according  to  the  Act  of  Parliament  standing  thereupon. 

And  that  ane  article  be  formed  and  given  in  to  the  Kings  Majestie  and 
estates  in  the  next  Parliament,  and  that  provision  be  made  for  visiters  till  farther 
order  be  tane. 

Referrs  the  penning  of  the  articles  and  other  things  agreed  in  this  confer- 
ence, or  that  may  be  found  profitable  to  the  Kirk,  specially  the  cause  of  depri- 
vation to  the  Lord  Dumfermling,  the  Laird  of  Segie,  Mr.  Robert  Pont,  Mr. 
James  Lowson,  Alex.  Hay,  Mr.  David  Lindsay,  to  put  them  in  such  form  as 
they  may  be  given  in  and  past  in  the  next  Parliament. 


No.  VIII. — See  page  66. 

THE  ASSEMBLIES  JUDGMENT  ON  THE  CONFERENCE. 

1.  The  fourth  article  is  thought  plain  enough. 

2.  Agreed  to  the  dilation  contained  in  the  sixth  article. 

3.  The  ninth  article  the  assembly  thinks  to  stand  as  it  is  in  the  book. 

12.  And  the  twelve  sick  lyke.    The  assembly  eeketh  to  the  word  government 
this  word  discipline. 

10.  The  tenth  article  to  remain  unaltered. 


LIFE  OF  BISHOP  GORDON. 


APPENDIX  No.  I.— See  page  149. 

LITERA  CONFIItMATIONIS  MAGRI  JOANNIS  GOKDOUN.    [REG.  MAG.  SIG.  XXXV.  797.] 

Jacobus  dej  gratia  Rex  Scotorum  Omnibus  probis  hominibus  suis  ad  quos 
prites  litere  peruenerint  Salutem,  Sciatis  quia  nos,  cum  auisamento  et  consensu 
charissimi  consanguinei  Jacobi  Morauie  comitis,  drii  abirnethie  etc'  nri  ac  regni 
et  liegiorum  rirorum  regentis,  Ratificauimus,  approbauimus  ac  pro  nobis  et 
successoribus  nris  pro  perpetuo  confirmauimus  donationem  epatus  candide  case 
et  abbacie  de  Toungland  eidem  annexat0  et  incorporate  perprius  per  quondam 
nrm  charissimu  patretn  bone  memorie  et  matrem,  regem  et  reginam  regni  nri 
pro  tpre,  factam  predilecto  riro  clerico  magro  Joanni  Gordoun  consanguinio 
germano  predilecti  iiri  consanguinei  et  consiliarij  Georgi  Comitis  de  Huntlie, 
drij  Gordoun  et  badseno'-  et  per  resignationem  et  simplicem  dimissionem 
Alexandri  tunc  epi  eiusdf  dicto  magro  Joanni  clerico  riro  predicto  cum  omnibus 
clausulis,  ptatibus,  priuilegijs,  juribus  et  titulis  in  eadem  donatione  content0,  pro 
omnibus  sue  vite  terminis  et  diebus  (dempto  tamen  officio  comissariatus  et  con- 
sistorie  eiusdem,  tantumodo  donee  ordo  ulterior  capiatur,)  ac  etiam  volumus  quod 
omnia  beneficia  que  per  predictam  donationem  ad  suam  dispositionem  pertinent 
qualificatis  et  doctis  hominibus  cum  consensu  ecclesie  reformate  vel  talium 
personarum  que  pro  ministrorum  admissione  forent  elect0  concedantur,  Et  nos 
informati  existentes  de  qualificatione  singulari  dicti  magrj  Joannis  et  quod  in 
Hebraica,  Caldica,  Syriaca,  Greca,  et  Latina  Unguis  bene  eruditus  est,  et  quod 
vehementer  per  integram  ecclesiam  et  ministros  regni  nri  desideramur  preferre 
dictum  mgrm  Joannem  dignitati  ecclesiastice  pro  subditorum  iirorum  instruc- 
tione,  PRO  quibus  causis  Nos,  cum  auisamento  dicti  nri  predilecti  consanguinei, 
non  solum  dictam  suam  primam  donationem  Ratificamus  et  approbamus  sed 
etiam  ex  iira  authoritate  et  ptate  regali  dictum  epatum  et  abbaciam,  loca,  domos, 
pomaria  et  hortos  earundem  cum  ecclesijs,  terris,  decimis,  emolumentis,  casuali- 


368  A  P  P  E  N  D I  X.  [Gordon, 

tatibus,  comoditatibus,  terris  diiicalibus,  lie  manis,  mansionibus,  priuilegijs  regali- 
tatum  et  alijs  proficuis  et  priuilegijs  quibuscunq5  pertinen.  vel  que  ex  antique 
pertinuerunt  epatuj  et  abbacie  predict-  de  nouo  dicto  magro  Joanni  damus  et 
concedimus,  cum  ptate  dicto  magro  Joanni  per  semetipm,  suos  camerarios  et 
factores  suo  noie,  cum  omnibus  et  singulis  decimis,  fructibus,  redditibus,  emolu- 
mentis,  comoditatibus  et  deuorijs  quibuscunq3  et  alijs  prescriptis  ad  dict° 
epatum  et  abbaciam  pertinen.  a  parochianis,  tenentibus,  feudifirmarijs  et  occupa- 
toribus  ecclesiarum  et  terrarum  eisdem  anexat°et  ab  alijs  in  solutione  earundem 
astrictis  et  addictis  intromittendi  et  leuandi,  ac  pro  reductione  omnium  feudi- 
firmariarum  et  assedationu,  terrarum,  terrarum  dnicalium,  lie  manis,  decimarum, 
victualium  pro  pecunijs  balliatuum  quouismodo  in  diminutionem  veteris  rentalis 
ab  vltima  religionis  reformatione  locat°  vocandi  ac  afiuatim  durante  sua  vita 
desuper  ad  suu  libitum  disponendi,  earumq3  tenentes  imponendi  et  extraponendi 
ac  feudifirmas  et  assedationes  earundem  absqj  diminutione  et  lesione  dicti  veteris 
rentalis  locandi  simili  modo  et  adeo  libere  in  omnibus  sicuti  aliqui  alij  sui 
predecessores  dict°  epatus  et  abbacie  possessores  eisdem  et  eorundem  fructibus 
temporibus  preteritis  gaudebant  et  possidebant  et  ac  si  in  curia  romana  vel 
alias  ad  dict°  beneficia  prouisus  fuisset  ac  possessionem  virtute  eiusdem  obtinuis- 
set,  non  obstantibus  quibuscunqj  iiris  legibus,  actis,  statutis,  Uteris  vel  proclama- 
tionibus  in  contrarium  factis  vel  fiendis,  penes  quos  et  omnes  penas  in  eisdem 
content0  ac  cum  omnibus  exceptionibus  et  defectionibus  quibuscunq^  que  in 
contrarium  validitatis  et  efficacie  pntis  lire  dispositionis  vel  inhabilitatis  persone 
dicti  magri  Joannis  proponi  et  allegari  possunt  nos  pro  nobis  et  successoribus 
riris  cum  auisamento  et  consensu  predict0  pro  perpetuo  per  pntes  dispensamus, 
Exonerando  et  inhibendo  virtute  pntis  fire  donationis  omnes  magnas  et  minutas 
pensiones  a  decessu  quondf  Epi  Andree  dury  datas,  similiter  de  nouo  inhiben. 
omnes  alios  officiarios  in.  dicta  donatione  dict°  quondam  iiri  charissimi  patris 
bone  memorie  et  matris  content0  de  omni  perturbatione  dicti  magri  Joannis  in 
sua  pacifica  possessione  et  gauisione  integrorum  fructiim,  redditum  et  emolu- 
mentorum  diet*  epatus  et  abbacie,  ac  etiam  cum  ptate  eidem  omnem  ecclesias- 
ticam  jurisdictionem  vtendi  ac  omnia  beneficia  infra  dictam  jurisdictionem, 
(except0  prius  except0)  dandi.  QUARE  mandamus  sessionis  et  consilij  iiri  diiis 
qtenus  alias  nras  literas  in  quatuor  formis,  ad  causandum  dictum  magrum 
Joannem  prompte  responderi  et  obediri  de  omnibus  et  singulis  predictis 
aiiuatim  durante  vita  sua,  dent  et  concedant.  In  cuius  rei  testimonium  presen- 
tibus  magnu  sigillum  nrm  apponi  precepimus,  apud  Edinbur%  quarto  die  mensis 
January,  anno  dni  millesimo  quingentesimo  sexagesimo  septimo  et  regni  iiri 
primo. 


No.  II.]  APPENDIX.  309 

No.  II. — See  page  150. 

ARTICLES  AGAINST  ADAM  BISHOP  OF  ORKNEY,    1570. 

The  heads  of  the  accusation  and  chief  offences  laid  to  Adam  Bishop  of  Orkney 
his  charge,  which  the  Assembly  desired  to  be  redressed  :  Imprimis,  The  said 
Adam  being  called  to  the  said  office  of  Bishoprick,  and  promoted  to  the  profite 
thereof,  and  specially  in  Christs  Kirk,  received  the  charge  of  preaching  of  the 
Evangell,  to  be  also  Commissioner  of  Orkney,  which  he  accepted,  and  executed 
for  a  certaine  space  thereafter,  whill  now  of  late  he  hath  made  a  simoniall 
change  of  the  same  with  the  abbacy  of  Halyrudehouse,  yet  bruiking  the  name, 
and  stiled  Bishop  of  the  same,  contrair  to  all  lawes,  both  of  God  and  man, 
made  against  simony.  2.  He  hath  demitted  the  said  office  and  cure,  in  and 
unto  the  hands  of  an  unqualified  person,  without  consent  and  licence  asked  and 
granted  be  the  Assembly,  leaving  the  flock  destitute  without  shepherd ; 
whereby  not  only  ignorance  is  increased,  but  also  most  abundantly  all  vice  and 
horrible  crimes  are  there  committed,  as  the  number  of  six  hundreth  persons 
convict  of  incest,  adultery,  and  fornication  in  Zetland,  beareth  witness;  and 
hath  simpliciter  left  the  office  of  preaching,  giving  himself  daily  to  the  exercise  of 
the  office  of  a  temporall  judge,  as  a  Lord  of  the  Session,  which  required)  the  whole 
man,  and  so  rightly  no  wise  can  exercise  both,  and  stileth  himself  with  Roman 
titles,  as  Reverend  Father  in  God,  which  pertaineth  to  no  ministers  of  Christ 
Jesus,  nor  is  given  them  in  Scriptures.  Third])',  To  the  great  hurt  and  defraud 
of  the  Kirk,  hath  both  all  the  thirds  of  the  said  abbacy  of  Halyrudehouse,  from 
the  said  Lord  Robert  and  his  barnes,  alledged  just  possessors  of  the  same,  at 
least  made  a  simoniacall  change  thereof  with  the  rents  of  Orknay  for  the  same, 
without  consent  or  knowledge  of  the  Assembly,  as  diverse  contracts  made  there- 
vpon  bear  witness,  and  hath  set  nineteen  year]y  [years]  tacks  of  the  lands  of 
Brughton  to  his  wife.  Fourthly,  That  he  neither  planteth  Kirks  destitute  of 
ministers  in  either  of  the  said  rooms,  neither  sufficiently  provideth  nor  sustaineth 
the  small  number  planted  before  his  entry;  so  that  except  hasty  remedy  be 
found,  for  meer  poverty  the  poor  ministers  must  depart  from  the  saids  places,  witli 
dolour  of  their  hearts,  and  also  the  flocks  committed  to  their  charge;  as  in  particu- 
lar, the  Kirks  of  Libberton  and  Sanct  Cuthbert  can  bear  witness,  and  the  rem- 
anent wholly  destitute,  although  two  Kirks  to  the  number  of  six  hundreth  souls 
that  never  heard  the  word  twice  preached,  nor  received  the  sacraments  since  the 
Reformation,  viz.,  Fawkirk  and  \Vhytkirk,  among  all  the  rest  of  the  number  of 
twenty-seven  [seventy-two]  or  thereby,  in  Lothian  and  Galloway.      Fifthly,  All 

3  A 


370  APPENDIX.  [Gordon, 

the  said  Kirks  for  the  most  part,  wherein  Clirists  Evangell  may  he  preached, 
are  decayed,  and  made  some  sheepfolds  and  some  so  ruinous  that  none  dare 
enter  into  them  for  fear  of  falling,  specially  Halyrudehouse,  although  the  Bishop 
of  Sanct  Andrews,  in  time  of  Papistry,  sequestrate  the  whole  rents  of  the  said 
ahbacy,  because  only  the  glassen  windows  were  not  holden  up  and  repaired. 
Sixthly,  The  said  Adam  hath  accused  both  publickly  and  privatly  the 
ministers  of  Edinburgh,  as  persons  that  have  past  the  bounds  of  God's  word, 
in  their  publick  teaching,  &c.  In  token  whereof  he  hath  absolutely  absented 
himself  from  all  preaching  in  the  said  Kirk,  and  receiving  of  the  sacrament; 
howbeit  he  hath  had  his  dwelling  place  within  the  said  burgh,  at  certaine  and 
diverse  times  sensyne.  Many  more  might  be  laid  to  his  charge,  but  the 
Assembly  trusting  the  former  being  amended,  the  rest  will  the  better  be  redres- 
sed, doth  supercede. 


No.  III. — See  page  150. 


THE  BISHOPS  ANSWERS  TO  THEM. 


The  Bishop  of  Orknay  presented  his  answers  to  the  offences  laid  to  his 
charge.  To  the  ffirst  he  answered,  that  it  is  true  that  in  the  58  year  of 
God,  before  the  Reformation  of  Religion,  he  was,  according  to  the  order  then 
observed,  provided  to  the  Bishoprick  of  Orknay,  and  when  idolatry  and  super- 
stition was  suppressed,  he  suppressed  the  same  also  in  his  bounds,  preached  the 
word,  administred  the  sacraments,  planted  ministers  in  Orknay  and  Zetland, 
disponed  benefices,  and  gave  stipends  out  of  his  rents  to  ministers,  exhorters, 
and  readers,  and,  when  he  was  commissioner,  visite[d]  all  the  Kirks  of  Orknay 
and  Zetland  twice,  to  the  hazard  of  his  life,  in  dangerous  storms  on  the  seas, 
whereby  he  contracted  sickness  to  the  great  danger  of  his  life,  till  he  was 
suspended  from  the  exercise  of  the  said  commission,  in  the  year  1567,  be  reason 
of  his  infirmity  and  sickness,  contracted  through  the  air  of  the  countrey  and 
travells  in  time  of  tempest,  at  what  time  he  desired  some  other  place  to  travell 
in,  which  was  then  thought  reasonable.  As  for  demitting  of  his  office,  he 
denyed  that  ever  he  demitted  to  my  Lord  Robert  the  same,  or  any  part  thereof, 
but  the  same  Lord  Robert  violently  intruded  himself  in  his  whole  living,  with 
blood  shed  and  hurt  of  his  servants;  and  after  he  had  craved  justice,  his  and 
his  servants  lifes  were  sought  in  the  very  eyes  of  justice  in  Edinburgh,  and  then 


No.  III.]  APPENDIX.  371 

was  constrained  from  meer  necessity  to  take  the  abbacy  of  Halyrudhouse,  be 
advice  of  severall  godly  men,  because  then  we  could  not  have  the  occasion  of  a 
Generall  Assembly.  As  to  the  second,  he  denyed  that  he  had  abandoned 
absolutly  the  preaching  of  the  word,  or  that  he  intended  so  to  doe,  but  was  to 
bestow  his  travells  in  preaching  as  the  ability  of  his  body  and  sickness,  where- 
unto  he  was  subject,  would  suffer  or  permitt;  he  confessed,  that,  in  the  1563 
year  of  God,  he  was  required  be  the  Kings  mother  to  be  a  Lord  of  the  Session, 
which  he  accepted  with  the  advice  of  godly  and  learned  men,  compting  it  not 
repugnant  or  contrarious  to  any  good  order  as  yet  established  in  the  Kirk;  and 
alledged  that  diverse  others  having  benefices  have  done  the  like  and  are  not 
condemned  for  so  doing;  yea,  he  doubted  not  [to]  affirm  that,  as  the  office  itself  was 
allowable,  so  it  should  be  profitable  for  the  Kirk,  that  many  preachers  of  the 
Evangell  were  placed  in  the  Session.  Item,  Seeing  Superintendants  and  Min- 
isters are,  and  may  be,  temporall  judges,  in  other  inferior  offices  and  no  fault 
laid  to  their  charge,  he  wondered  why  it  should  be  counted  a  fault  in  him  only. 
As  for  the  latter  part  of  the  second  article,  he  answered  thus,  with  pardon  and 
reverence  of  the  Assembly,  I  may  declare  I  never  delighted  in  such  a  stile, 
nor  desired  any  such  arrogant  title,  for  I  acknowledge  myself  to  be  a  worm  of 
the  earth,  not  worthy  any  reverence,  giving  and  attributing  to  my  God  only 
all  honour,  glory  and  reverence,  with  all  humble  submission.  To  the  third 
article  he  answered,  that  it  is  true  that  he  did  set  an  assedation  of  the  fruits  of 
the  Bishoprick  of  Orkney  to  the  said  Lord  Robert,  for  the  yearly  [payment  of 
certaine  dutys  contained  in  his  tacke,  and  albeit  the  said  Lord  Robert,  for] 
payment  of  a  part  of  the  yearly  duty  foresaid,  assigned  to  him  a  certain 
pension,  which  his  barnes  had  assigned  unto  them  of  the  fruits  of  the  abbacy  of 
Halyrudhouse,  of  which  pension  they  had  confirmation  be  Act  of  Parliament,  and 
were  in  reall  possession  without  impediment  diverse  years,  with  provision  also  that 
in  case  it  shall  happen  the  pension  be  evicted  from  them,  the  said  Lord  Robert 
shall  pay  to  him  so  meikle  silver,  victuall,  and  goods  of  the  fruits  of  the  Bishoprick 
of  Orkney,  as  extend  to  the  just  valuation  of  the  said  pension,  which  thing  is  done 
and  permitted  universally  throughout  the  whole  realme,  that  any  ecclesiasticall 
person  may  sett  a  part  of  his  benefice  in  tack  for  the  yearly  payment  of  a  just 
duety,  and  so  there  is  nothing  bought  or  sold  in  defraud  of  ministers,  but,  be  the 
contrair,  he,  being  troubled  be  vertue  of  letters  of  horning  at  the  instance  of  the 
Collectors  of  the  Kirk,  and  also  at  the  instance  of  the  said  Lord  Roberts  barnes, 
charging  him  to  make  double  payment,  he  meaned  himselfe  to  the  Lords  of  the 
Session,  desiring  both  the  parties  to  be  called  before  them,  and  to  decide  who 
had  just  title,  which  action  was  yet  depending  before  the  Lords,  to  his  great 
hurt,  for,  in  the  mean  time,  his  whole  living  is  sequestrate,  and,  in  case  the 
Collectors  of  the  Kirk  evict,  he  will  gett  recourse  and  payment  of  the  fruits  of 


372  APPENDIX.  [Gordon. 

the  Bishoprick,  aiul  that  he  had  made  no  other  plea  or  impediment  be  himself, 
or  be  his  procurators.  To  the  first  part  of  the  fourth  article  he  answered,  that 
he  had  no  commission  to  plant  or  visite,  since  his  entry  to  the  said  abbacy;  but, 
if  they  would  give  him  a  conjunct  charge  with  the  Superintendent  of  Lothian, 
he  should  so  travell,  that  they  should  be  satisfied.  As  to  the  second  part  he 
answered,  that  the  whole  thirds  of  the  benefice  of  Halyrudhouse  are  to  be 
payed  forth,  either  to  the  Collectors  of  the  Kirk,  or  to  the  said  Lord  Roberts 
barnes;  and  attour,  the  most  part  of  the  fruits  of  the  two  part  of  the  said 
abbacy  is  assigned  and  given  forth  in  pension[s]  to  diverse  persons  before  his 
provision,  and  yet  hath  payed  to  the  ministers  their  stipends  as  they  were  wont 
to  receive  forth  of  the  said  abbacy,  and  hath  augmented  some  ministers  stipends. 
And  also,  if  the  plea  depending  before  the  Lords  were  decided,  would  be  as 
liberall  in  the  sustentation  of  ministers  as  become  him,  having  respect  to  the  rent 
of  the  benefice,  and  withall  desiring  that  so  many  ministers,  sometimes  channons  of 
the  place,  having  a  great  part  of  the  living  [thereof]  assigned  out  of  certain  Kirks 
now  altogether  destituted,  might  be  charged  to  serve  rather  in  the  said  Kirks 
than  in  others,  as  other  channons  doe  in  other  Kirks  whereof  they  receive  their 
living;  and  promised,  if  so  were  done,  to  augment  their  stipends  largely.  As  to 
the  ffifth  he  answered,  he  was  but  of  late  come  to  the  benefice,  and  the  most  part 
of  these  Kirks  were  pulled  down  be  some  greedy  persons  at  the  first  beginning 
of  the  Reformation,  which  hath  never  been  helped  or  repaired  sensyne;  and 
few  of  them  may  be  repaired  be  his  small  portion  of  the  living;  but  specially 
the  abbay  church  of  Halyrudhouse,  which  hath  been  these  twenty  years  bygone 
ruinous  through  decay  of  two  principal  pillars,  so  that  none  were  assured  under 
it,  and  two  thousand  pounds  bestowed  upon  it  would  not  be  sufficient  to  ease 
men  to  the  hearing  of  the  word  and  ministration  of  the  sacraments.  But  with 
their  consent,  and  help  of  an  established  authority,  he  was  purposed  to  provide 
the  means  that  the  superfluous  ruinous  parts,  to  wit,  the  queir  and  croce  Kirk 
might  be  disponed  be  faithful]  men  to  repaire  the  remnant  sufficiently,  and  that 
he  had  also  repaired  the  Kirk[es]  of  Sanct  Cuthbert  and  Libberton,  that  they  were 
not  in  good  case  these  twenty  years  bygane,  and  farther,  that  there  was  an  order 
to  be  used  for  reparation  of  Kirks,  whereunto  the  parochiners  were  oblidged  as 
well  as  he,  and,  when  they  concurred,  his  support  should  not  be  inlaiking.  As 
to  the  last  he  denyed  that  he  spake  any  thing,  but  that  which  he  spake  in  the 
last  Assembly,  in  their  own  audience ;  God  forbid  that  he  should  be  a  detracter 
of  God's  ministers  for  any  privy  injury  done  to  him,  as  he  alledged  none;  if 
there  were  any,  he  would  rather  bury  them,  than  hinder  the  progress  of  the 
Evangell.  As  for  absenting  himself  from  their  preaching,  he  answered  lie  only 
keeped  his  own  parish  Kirk,  where  he  had  received  the  sacrament. 


LIFE  OF  MR.  ROBERT  PONT. 


APPENDIX  No.  I.— See  page  178. 

THE  ESTATE  AND  ORDER  OF  THE  PRESBYTERIES  WITHIN  THE  BOUNDS  OF  THE 
COMMISSIONERS,  PRESENTED  BE  MY  LORD  CLERK  REGISTER,  AND  SET  DOWN 
BE  HIS  L.  TRAVELLS  AT  REQUEST  OF  THE  KIRK.  [CALDERWOOD's  MS.HISTORY 
IN  THE  LIBRARY  OF  THE  CHURCH  OF  SCOTLAND.]  * 


Zetland. 

St.  Colmes  Kirk 

Dunroseness 

Tingwell 

Cross  Kirk  in  North 

Quhytness 

[Whylnes] 

Maving 

Orknay. 

Visdail  [Vesdeale] 

Delting 

Kirkwall 

Quhailsay 

[Quhalsa] 

Olna  Firth 

St.  Olaus  Kirk  [St.  Lawis 

Skerreis 

Statsta  [Stalista] 

Kirk] 

Nesting 

Fetlair  [Feltare] 

Birsay 

Lunasting 

Hammabo 

Harray 

Brassay 

Rafuird 

St.  Andrewes  Kirk  in 

Burray  [B 

array] 

Nesse  in  Zeel  [Ness  in 

Deirness  [Dearnis] 

Sandsting 

Zell]t 

Holme 

Aithsting  [Ethsting] 

Vust  [Vnst] 

Orphair  [Orfare] 

Sandness 

Sandweik 

Stainhouse 

Papa 

Cumsburgh  [Cunisburgh]  Firth 

Fula 

Croce  Kirk 

Evie  [Euie] 

Vaus 

Fairyle  [Faire  Yle] 

Randell 

Olaberry 

Bail5esta 

Inhallow 

*This  article  has  been  collated  with  a  MS.  of  the  Buik  of  the  Universall  Kirk  of  Scotland,  in 
the  Advocates'  Library  (A.  1.  11.)  and  all  the  material  variations  are  inserted  within  brackets. 
The  names  of  the  Commissioners  are  not  in  theAdvocates'  MS.  The  copy  of  this  Appendix  among 
Wodrow's  MSS.  at  Glasgow  is  so  inaccurate  as  to  render  any  reference  to  it  quite  unnecessary. 

f  Ness  in  3  ell  ? 


371. 


APPENDIX. 


[Pont, 


Stronness 

Sandweik 

Russay 

Eglisay  [Eglissay] 

Weir 

Wallis  [Vallis] 

Flattay 

Fan-ay 

Hoy 

Grimsay 

S.  Nicolas  Kirk 

Marie  Kirk 

Peter  Kirk  in  Stronzay 

Ethay 

Tor  ray  [Farray] 

Lady  Cross  Kirk  in  Wes- 

tra,  [Ladie  CroceKirk] 
Papa  Westra  [Papa] 
[Vestra] 
Ladie  Kirk 
Crosse  Kirk 
St.  Colmes  Kirk  in  Sanda 

and  North  Ronald  Say 
St.  Chapinsay[Shapinsay] 
Latlie  Kirk  in  Burnvick 
Peter  Kirk  [Peeter  Kirk] 
Scrownay  [Strownay] 
Burray,  —  all   in    South 

Ronald  Say 

Cathness. 
Mr.  Rot.  Gkahame. 
Week 
Bouar 

Wattin  [Vaiting] 
Canespie  [Canisbie] 
Dunnet 
Wallkirk 


Skenand 

Olrick 

Lathroun  [Lathroome] 

Thurso 

R  a   [Ray] 

Ardurinesse 

Far  [Far re] 

Sutherland. 
Assent 
Dornock 
Creich 
Laig 

Rogairt  [Roggers] 
Kilmailyie  [Kilmalchie] 
Clyne 

Loth  [LocliJ 
Kildonan 

Ross. 
Mr.  John  Robertson. 
Kincairdin 
Tayne 
Eddirtayne 

S'gf       rCNigTerbert] 
I  erberr  J 

Kilmiure  Easter  [Talmuire 

Eister 

Logy  Eister 

Roskene  [Rosken] 

Newmakyle 

Alnesse  [Alves] 

Colterne  [Kilterie] 

Lymlair  [Linlair] 

Dingwell 

Channorie  of  Rosmerky 

[Aua] 

Kilmure  Wester 


Arthur  Feir* 

Feddertie  [Foddertie] 

Killernane 

Suddie 

Kynnettes  [Kinettes] 

Urquhart 

Logie  Wester 

Vrray 

Cullicudan  [Cullickden] 

Kilmorak 

Kirkchrist 

Kirkmichael 

Contane 

Cromartie 

Lochbrouer[Lochbroome] 

Lochalschie 

Lochcarroun[Lochcarron] 

Garloch 

Aplecroce 

Kintaill 

Invernesse 

Bonoch  [Bowoche] 

Fairnway  [Fairway] 

Croy 

Moy 

Pitte  [Pettie] 

Bruchte 

Baaven  [Bravanie] 

Dallarace  [Dallarasch] 

Davy  [Dawie] 

Lundicht 

Durris 

Dacus 

Bolleskene 

Wardlaw 

Conveth 

Cainmer  [Comer] 

Abirtarf 


No.  I.] 


APPENDIX. 


375 


Kingusse  [Kinnies] 

Lagan 

Skeir 

Alloway 

Rothym  ureas 

Kincairdin 

Murrey. 
Mr.  John  Keith. 
Forress 


Duppill 

liutliven 

Aberlour 

Skairdurstane  [Skirdur- 

skin] 
Pettinmuyth 
Birney 
Rothesse 
Urquhart 
Bellie 


Edincalyie  [Edincalchie]    Kynnore  [Kinnor] 


Alter 

Raffort 

Ai'delach 

Do]  esse 

Alwesse  [Alves] 

Langbryd  [Landbryd] 

Dyke 

Moiy  [Moy] 

Aulderne 

Name 

Kirkmichael 


Dumbennane 

Botare  [Botter] 

Elcheis 

Glasse 

Gartley 

Drumdalgie 

Keith 

Rothmay  [Rothemay] 

Forg 

Drumblait 

Murchlack  [Murthlache] 


Inneralloun[Innerallocli]   Dummeth 


Knockandocli 

Urquhart 

Glenmoristone 

Inneraven  [Innerawin] 

Duthill  [Douthill] 

Abernethie 

Abdie 

Cromdell  [Cromadaill  ] 

Elgine 

St.  Andrew's  Kirk 

Spynie 

Kynieedward 

Essiil  [Eslie] 

Duffus 

Vgstoun  [Ougstoun] 


Carbroch 

Esse 

Ryme  [Rind]* 

Acb  indole 

Bamff. 

Mu,  George  Hay. 
Rathven 
Forskene 

Dundurch  [Durdouch] 
Kinatallartie[Kincallartie] 
Fordice 
Cidlen 
Deskfurd 

Ordquhill  [Orgouthill] 
Rynie  ?  f  Bullicl- 


Bainff 

Inner  Bundyue 

Alneth 

Forglyne 

Innerkethny 

Abircbirdoure 

Gemry 

Kynedward  [Kinged-. 

ward] 
Turreff 
Aucbterlais 
Forglene 
Deir 

Fetterangus  [Fettirangus] 
Lungley  [Lundlay] 
Methlyk 
Tarves  [Tarwes] 
Petterugy 
Creichmond 
Rathin 
Lummey 

Crowden  [Cruden] 
Slains 
Furvey 
Allane 
Tyre 

Aberdoure 
Phillorth 

Aberdeen. 
Mr.  Peter  Blackburn. 
Logybuchan 
Foverne  [Fovan] 
Balhelay  f 
Elder  Aberdeen  [Auld 

Abd.] 
Monycabuk 
New  Aberdeen 


376 


APPENDIX. 


[Pont, 


Nig  [Nige] 

Banquhorie  Devymuck 

Marie  Culter 

Peter  Culter 

Dilmaock  [Dilmaick] 

Durris 

Dyce 

Fyntrie 

Kyntore  [Kintoir] 

Kynnellan 

Skene 

Kynarny  [Kinnairnie] 

Inneroure  [Ennerourie] 

Monkegy  [Moniagy] 

Rothelay  [Rothlie] 

Fyvie 

Tarvesse 

Logy  Dornoch 

Primay  [Premna] 

Leslie 

Damot  [Davvid] 

Vne  [Vue] 

Rayne 

Kynnathmont 

Christs  Kirk 

Clatt 

Incbe  Colsalmond 

Fetterneir 

Kincairdin  Oneill 

Glentennore  QGlentan- 

nar] 
Lusannan  [Lesmore]* 
Clunie 
Midmair 
Aufuird 


Keig 

Lochmichill 

Monymusk 

Echt 

Banchindore  Ternitie 


Dinnotter 

Garvoch 

Catterling 

Fordoun 

Conveth 


[Auchindor-  Tarnatie]f  Kynneth  [Kinneth] 


Strachane 

Birse 

Oboyn  [Boyne]f 

Tullich 

Glenmuick  [Glenuig] 

Abergairdin 

Crathie 

Kyndroch 

Tond 

Cachine  [Cuschnie] 

Colquhoddilstane  [Col- 

chodistone] 
Logymar 
Coule  [Cowter] 
Migve  [Migwie] 
Tarlane 
Kildrynnie 
Glenbuchet 
Inner  Auchte  [Enner- 

nauchte] 
Kynbethock  [Kinbeth- 

ock] 
Forbess 
Keir 


Bervie  [Beruire] 

Rescobie 

Arbuthnet 

Benholme 

Ecclisgreig 

Abirlichnot  [Aberluch- 
noch] 

Glenbervie 

Fettercarne 

Newdosk 

Brechin 

Buttergill 

Kilmore  [Killiemure] 

Fermivell  [Fernivell] 

Kenickstoun  [Cuikeston] 

Stracathro 

Lethnot  [Lethnoch] 

Lochley 

Navar 

Fynnaven 

Kyncaldrum  [Kincair- 
din] || 

Nethir  Airlie  [Nethir- 
ellie] 


Tulinessell  [Tilliecessall]    Keremuire  [Kirremure] 
Abirlenno 
Angus  and  Mernes.        Aldbar 
The  Laird  of  Dun.§     Edyew  [Edzell] 
Fetteresse  [Fetterasso]       Dunloppy  [Drumlappie] 


*  Lumphannan  ?  \  Banchorie  Ternan  ?  %  Aboyne  ? 

§  This   linein   Calderwood  is  placed  in  the  middle  of  the  parishes,  instead  of  preceding 
Feteresse,  where  the  district  commences. 
||  Kingoldrum? 


No.  I.] 


APPENDIX. 


377 


G  lames 

Clova 

Luntrethen 

Forfar 

Rastennet 

Methy 

Kynnetillis  [Kinnettles] 

Tannades 

Essy 

Innerarate  [Enderaritie] 

Kirkbudd  [Kirkbuddo] 

Cortoquhy 

Montrose 

Dun 

Ecclishame  [Eglshem] 

Guthrie 

Ed  we  [Ewie]* 

Dunnytin 

Logy  Montrose 

Inchebracke[Inch  Braock] 

Men  mure 

Maryton 

Lovvnan  [Lunan] 

Innerkilloure 

Athe  [Eithe] 

Aberbrothe 

St.  Vigeans 

Kynnell 

Barray 

Abirlett 

Dundie 

Maynes 

Logie  Dundie 

Lyf  [Lypnel 

Inner  Gowrie 
Myrrous  [Murrous] 
Ballumby 
Grantullie 

*  Idvie  ? 


Monyfruth  [Monifuthe] 

Monykie 

Pambryd 

Foulis  [Fowles] 

Langforgand 

Inchestare  [Inchestuire] 

Kynnaird 

Rossy 

Abirnyte 

Banvy  [Benvy] 

Lundie 

Auchterhous 

Teling  [Teilling] 

Logy  Alloway 

Strikmartin 

Newtyle 

Nava 

Megle 

f  Perth. 

Mabar  [Malar] 
Kynnoule 
Kynfaunes 
Skoone 

Cambusmicliael 
St.  Martins  Kirk 
Aldmelguiehe  [Auldmel- 

guge] 
Kilspindie 
Rait 
En-oll 

Inchmartine 
Sanct  Madoes  [St.  Mar- 

royes] 
Abernethy 
Drone 
Dunberny 
Pety 

t  [Perth ';} 
3  B 


Moncrief 
Forgundenny 
Forteviot 
Ecclismagerdoyll  [Eglis- 

magirdl] 
Muckersie 
Dunayne  [Dunnyn] 
Rind 

Tibbermure 
Aberdagie 
Pitcairne 
Kintaill 
Madertie 
Methven 
Loncarde 

Logarton  [Roggartoun] 
Collasse 
Kethins 
Trin  ite  Gask 
Findo  Gask 

Dumkehlen. 
Dumkelden 
Dowallay 
Inchechadden 
Clunne  [Clunay] 
Tortlnrigill  J 
Weyme 

Kilmavenock  [Kilnalvock] 
Strouane  [Strowall] 
Lude 
Rainnock 
Dow 
Fosse 
Logy  rait 
Kirkmichael 
Mulong  [Mulyne] 
Ardounane  [Adunnan] 

%  Fortingall  ? 


378 


APPENDIX. 


[Pont, 


Straphillan  [Straphinnan] 

Kyllin  [Killen] 

Lundeif  [LundyiF ] 

Iiatray  [Ratteray] 

Cargill 

Blaii 

Capeth  [Kapeith] 

Clunie 

Benethy  [Bennethay] 

Aliclu 

Ruthven 

Glenylay  [GlenayEa] 

Kyncleuen 

Monide  [Monyday] 

Dumblane 

Kilbryd 

Kilmadock 

Kycardin  [Kincardin] 

Port 

Kilmahug 

Callindreich 

Leny 

Abirfuil 

Balquhidder 

Cumre  [Camrie] 

Strowan 

Tullicliettill  [TuUichetlie] 

Muthill 

Strogeich  [Strogeith] 

Aughtirardour 

Abirruthven 

Monyvaird 

Monyzie  [Monichie] 

Foules 

Creif 

Dumblane. 
James  Anderson. 
Stirline  [Striveling] 


Logie 
Lecrope 

Cambuskenneth 

Kippau 

St.  Ninians  Kirk,  and 

Kirk  in  Mure 
Larbar 
Dunypace 
Airth 

Bothkennar 
Clackmannan 
Tullybodie 
Tullyallan 

Fossoquhe  [Fosechie] 
Tulliboyle 
Glendowen 
Muckart 
Dolor 

Alneth  [Alnethe] 
Tullicultri  [Tillieccwtric] 
Faukirk 
Slamannan 

Fife. 
Sanct  Andrewes 
[St.  Leonards] 
[Dinninow] 
Carrail 
Carnbie 
Anstruther 
Kilrynnie 
[Pittinweyme] 
Kilconquhare 
Abercrombie 
Largo 
Newbyrne 
Seres 

Kembeg  [Kembock] 
Darsie 


Balmerinoch 
Logymurcho  [Logie- 

murdo] 
Leuchars 

Forgund  [Forgan] 
Cou  per 
Kilmanie 
Auchter 
Auehtermunsie 
Creich 

Dunbug  [Dunbowg] 
Flisk 

Monymeill 
Kynnessie  [Collesse] 
Auchtermuchtie 
Ebd  [Ebdie] 
Stramiglo 
Arngosk 

Falkland  or  Kilgour 
Lathrisk 
Kirkforthie 
Kirkcaldie 
Scony 

Kennowey  [Kennoqnhy] 
Markinche 
Mathill 
Weymes 
Dysart 
Kinghorne 

Auchintule  [Auchtertoole] 
Wester  Kinghorn  [Brunt- 

iland] 
Auchterdiray 
Ballingry 
Lessl}' 

Dumfermline 
Kinglasse  [Kingiassie] 
Portmook 
Urnall  [Urvel] 


No.  I.] 


APPENDIX. 


379 


Kinross 

Cleish. 

Sauling 

Carnock 

Culross 

Crumnie  [Crumbie] 

Torrie 

Innerkeithing 

Ressyth  [Rossie] 

Aberdour 

Dalgatie 

Baith 

JLothian. 
Linlithgow 
Carriden 
Bynnie 
Kynniell 
Caldercults 
Strabrock 
Ecclismachan 
Kirklistoun 
Dummanie 
Torphichin 
Bathcat 
Livingston 
Abercorne 
Adcathe  [Athcath] 
Kirknewtoun 
Caldcleir  [Caldercleir] 
Edinburgh 
St.  Cuthberts  Kirk 
Oorstorphine 
Halyrudhous 
Castle  of  Edinburgh 
Dudingston 
Leith 
Restal  rig 
Cramond 


Hales 

Ratho 

Gogar 

Currie 

St.  Cathrine  in  Hopes 

Mnsleburgh 

Natoun 

Libbertoun 

Dalkeith 

Leswaid 

Glencorse 

Melvill 

Newbotle 

Cockpen 

Pentland 

Penycuick 

Month  Lothian 

Temple 

Borthwick 

Carrington 

Clerkington 

Crighton 

Ormeston 

Faula 

Sovvtray 

Cranston 

Haddingtoun 

St.  Martins  Kirk 

Elstanefuird 

Boltoun 

Bothans 

Morehame 

Barro 

Garvet 

North  Berwick 

Gulane 

Aberladie 

Setoun 

Tranent 


Pentcateland 
Saltoun 
Keith  Humbie 
Keith  Marshall 
Dumbar  [Dunnas] 
Spot 

Innerweek 
Aldhamstocks 
Colbrandspeth 
Aid  Can  mis  [Auld  Cam- 
mis] 
Whittinghame 
Tinninghame 
Fentoun  [Stentoun] 
Quhytkirk 
Aldham 
Bass 

Coldinghame 
Ayton  [Aittoun] 
Lamberton 
Hattoun  [Haltoun] 
Swintoun 
Horndeu 
Fisheweik 
Piltoun 
Chirneside 
Boncle  and] 
Prestoun 
Lannell  and 
Simprin 
Langtoun 
Fogo 
Polwart 
Dunce 
Quhitsoune 
Mordington 
Langformacus 
Ellem  St.  Cuthberts  [El- 
lanan] 


380 


APPENDIX. 


[Pont, 


[St.  Cuthberts] 

Langnewton 

Brochtoun  [Bredtoun] 

Foul  den 

Lyllisleif  [Lillischleirt'j 

Glenqhume  [Glenqrne] 

Edrem 

Selkirk  [Selcraig] 

Straling 

Cranshawes 

Lynden 

Kilbucho  [Kilbuthie] 

Newkirk  of  Etterick 

Lyne 

Merce,  Tiviotdaill, 

Rankilburne 

Lyntoun  [Lantoun] 

Tweddale. 

Askirk 

Kelso 

Jedburgh  [Geddart] 

Cliddisdail,  Renfrew,  and 

Maygell  [Meychell] 

Crailling 

Lennox. 

St.  James'  Kirk 

Nisbet 

Lannerk 

Sprowston  [Spreustoun] 

Oxnem  [Oxnam] 

Carlaverock 

Lempitlaw 

Ankrome 

Pettynane 

Edwin  [Ednam] 

Mynto 

Cothquen 

Zettam 

Bedroule 

Liberton 

Lyntoun 

Abbotsroule 

Covington  [Crowartoun] 

Morbattle 

Hopkirk 

Thankerton 

Mow 

Hassinden  and 

Carnweth 

Hown  [Hoome]* 

Cavers 

Carstairs 

Aid  Roxburgh 

Hawick 

Roberton  [Roberts  Toun] 

Mackkairston 

Weltoun 

Symontoun 

Nantharne  [Mantharnay] 

Kirknewton 

Wiston  [Wischtoun] 

Greenlaw  [Greinland] 

Suddom 

Crawfurd  John 

Eccles 

Eckfurd 

Crawfurd  Douglass,  alias 

Gordoun 

Cassiltoun 

Crawfurd  Lindsay 

Houme  [Hoome] 

Edletoun 

Hartside 

Stitchell 

Peebles  and  Manner 

Lamintoun 

Melrose 

[Maner] 

Culter 

Lassiden  [Lessindam] 

Inner  Letham 

Weltstoun  [Velstoun] 

Maxton 

Heopcalseo  [Hope  Cul- 

Dunsire  [Dunschyre] 

Smailhame  and 

cheor] 

Dolphintoun 

Merton 

Traquair 

Biggar 

Ligerwood 

Eddelstoun 

Dowglass 

Bassinden 

Newlands 

Carmichael 

Essiltoun  [Hessitoun] 

Kirkwod  [Kirkuird] 

Lesmahago 

Lauder 

Stobo 

Stannhous 

Chingilkirk  [Chingleck] 

Drummalyer  [Drummal- 

Glasgow 

Stow 

cheor] 

Calder 

Bowden  [Bunden] 

Dawick 

*  Hownam  ? 

Monkland 

No.  I.] 


APPENDIX. 


381 


Bothwell  and 

Schotts 

Cambusnethen 

Dalyell 

Strathaven 

Hammiltoun 

Dalserf 

Glasfurd 

Cambuslang 

CarmannockandTorrence 

Blantyre 

Killbryd 

Rutherglen 

Cathcairt 

Givand  [Given] 

Campsie 

Lunzie  [Lunchie] 

Monyabroch 

Pasley 

Neill  [Neiles] 

Kilbarchan 

Eastwood 

Mernes 

Renfrew 

Inchynnan 

Erskine 

Ecclishame  [Egilsham] 

Lochin3evch  [Lochquin- 

noch] 
Howstoun 
Killmalcolme 
Killallan 
Innerkep 
Dumbartan 
Cardros 
Balnill 
Lusse 
Kilmahew 


Rossneth 

Killern 

Fintrie 

Strablain 

Killmaronnock 

Drummond  [DrimenJ 

Balfrone 

Kirkpatrick 

Bothernock 

Inchecalyour 

Irving 

Peirston  [Perstoun] 

Largues  [Largis] 

Cumrie 

Killbryd 

Ardrossan 

Killwynning 

Dunlop 

Beeth 

Stinsoun 

Dairy 

Kilburnie 

Killmarnock 

Lowdon 

Kill  mars 

Dreghorn 

Stewartoun 

Kyle,  Carrict,  and 
Cuninghame. 
Air 

Alloway 
Terbolton 
Barnweell 
Craigy 
Rickartoun 
Monktoun 
St.  Kevocks  [St.  Caveoks] 


Prestick 

Dundonald 

Corsbie 

Symontoun 

Uchiltrie 

Auchinleck 

Mauchline 

Kirk  of  Muir 

Gastoun 

Dalrymple 

Quiltoun 

Damellingtoun 

Maybole 

Killbryd 

Kirkoswald 

Kirkmichael 

Cammonell  [Calmonell] 

Straton 

Kirkcudbright,  alias 

Innertig 
Dalie 
Girvan 

Chaschant  [Schaschank]  * 
Glenluce 
Inchesalsat 
[Salsyde] 
Kirkcolme 
Leswalt 
Stanykirk 

Toscartoun  [Tostartoun] 
Kirkmadin  in  Rynnis 
Wigtoun 
Quhitterne 
Crugiltoun  [Congling- 

toun] 
Kirkcowane 
Kirkmaden 
Sorbie 


*  Should  not  the  district  of  Galloway  begin  here? 


382 


APPENDIX. 


[Pont, 


Kirkenner 
MoclTrum 
Pennyngham 
Glassertoun  in 
Kirkmatlin  in  Fames 

Galloway. 
John  Dunkanson. 
Kirkcudbright 
Galloway  [Galuey] 
Dunrod 

Balnagie  [Balmache] 
Kilchrist 

Tuynem  [Twinem] 
Tungland 
Borg  [Borge] 
Kirkanders 
Sandweik 
Girton 
Anweth 
Kirkmabrek 
Kirkdaille 

Minygoff  [Monygaffe] 
Dundrennan 
Buthill 

Kelton  [Gelton] 
Gelstoun  and  [Gellistoun 
Kirkcormock 
Cormistchaell  [Corsmic- 

hael] 
Partoun  and  Dairy 
Kellis 

Balmaclellan 
Dumfreis 
Traqueir 


Terriglis 

New  Abbey 

Halywod 

Suddick 

Locbravin  [Lochrawane] 

KirkcunSean  [Kirkun- 
chean] 

Kirkpatrick 

Irnegray 

Kirkpatrick  in  the  Mure, 
alias  Dunrand 

Kirkbane  [Kirkblane] 

Cowan e 

Carlaverock 

Tynwell 

Tortliorall  [Torquhorell] 

Kirkmaho 

Penpont 

Tyrewyne 

Durisdeir 

Killbryd  * 

Mortoun  [Mertun] 

Kirkconnell 

Sanquhar 

Closeburne 

Dalgarne 
]  Dunsteer  [Dunskyre]  f 

Glencarne 

Locbmabane  Moffet  % 

Killp^trick  Juxta  [Kirk- 
patrick Juxta] 

Johnstoun 

Wamphra 

Kirkmichael 

Trailflat 


Drumgrany  [Dongranie] 

Kirkwald 

Mickle  Daltoun 

Little  Daltoun 

Muswald 

Ruthvell  [Ruthwall] 

Hutton 

Aplegirth 

Drysdaill 

Silbelly  [Sibbellie] 

Annand  and 

Di-onock 

Castell  Milk 

Cummertrees 

Hoddom  Luce  [Luiff'] 

Penner  Sax  [Pennerfacks] 

Trail  Row  [Trailnow] 

Ecclishame  [Egleshame] 

Middilly  [Mordelnie] 

Torry 

Kirkconnell 

Caruthers 

Tonargirth 

Gratiiey 

Reklkirk,  alias  Kirkpat- 
rick [Red  Kirk,  alias 
Kirkpatr.] 

Wawchope 

Cannabie 

Mortoun 

Watstaker  [Vastraker] 

Staplegreton 

Nether  Kirk  of  Allys[Elis] 

Over  Kirk  of  Allys  [Vther 
Kirk  of  Elis] 


Kirkbryde  • 


f  Dun?core? 


\  Lochraabane 
Moftet 


■  difl'erenf  parishes? 


No.  II.]  APPENDIX.  383 


No.  II. — See  page  191. 

COMMISSION  BY  THE  GENERAL  ASSEMBLY  FOR  ENQUIRING  INTO  THE  DILAPIDATION 
OF  BENEFICES.  [BOOKE  OF  THE  UNIVERSALL  KIRK  OF  SCOTLAND,  ADVOCATES' 
LIBRARY,  A.   1.   II  ,  FOL.    176.]  * 

Sess.  5.  26  June,  [1595] 
Anent  [the]  planting  of  Kirks,  because  ane  speciall  impediment  lies  bein 
vrof  ye  dilapidatioun  of  ye  benefices  possest  be  ye  brethren  of  ye  ministrie. 
qn-  [lies]  sett  y-  benefices  with  ye  diminutioun  of  the  rentalis,  or  be  conversioun 
of  [y°]  victuall  in  silver,  no'-  regarding  ye  acts  and  ordinances  of  ye  Asslie, 
heirfor  for  remeid  ye  Griall  Asslie  lies  givin  power  and  commissioun  to  ye 
brey-  vnder  wrytin,  within  ye  bounds  particularlie  vnder  devydit,  to  call  befor 
ym-  sick  persons  within  ye  ministrie  y'-  sen  ye  Act  of  ye  Assemblie,  made  in 
ye  3eir  of  God,  1578,  lies  sett  yr  benefices  with  diminutioun  of  the  rentall  yrof, 
or  conversioun  of  ye  victuall  in  silver,  [and]  to  proceid  aganist  ym-  with  ye  sen- 
tence of  depositioun,  q'k-  sail  stand  in  force  ay  and  q11-  they  restore  yr  benefice  to 
ye  awin  integritie,  q'in  ye  samein  was  at  yr-  entrie  [yrto,]  that  is  to  say,  to  Mris 
Andro  Melvill,  James  Melvill,  Ro1  Wilkie,  Tho.  Buchannan,  Andro  Moncreif, 
to  call  befor  y""-  ye  saidis  persons  within  ye  bounds  following,  viz.,  from  Spay  to 
Tay,  and  all  Louthiane,  Mers  and  Teviotdaill,  to  compeir  befor  ym-  in  St. 
Androis.  Nixt,  Mris  Da.  Lindsay,  Ro'-  Bruce,  Da.  Fergusone,  Ro''  Pont,  James 
Balfour,  or  any  thrie  of  y™-,  to  sitt  in  Edr-  and  call  ye  saids  dilapidatons-  befor 
yra  within  ye  bounds  of  ye  haill  [north]  to  Spay  and  Fyfe,  as  als  beneficit 
persons  y'-  lies  made  dilapidatioun  within  ye  diocie  of  Ross.  Thridlie,  Mris 
Patrick  Simsone,  An.  5oung,  Harie  Levingstoun,  James  Pont,  Jon-  Davidsone, 
to  sit  in  Striveling,  and  call  befor  ym-  ye  saids  brethren  y'-  lies  dilapida1-  yr-  bene- 
fice within  ye  bounds  of  Strivelingshyre,  Stratherne,  Cliddisdaill,  Dumbartanc, 
Ranfrew,  Lennox,  Kyle,  Carrick,  Cunighame,  Galloway,  Nithesdaill,  and,  for 
ye  better  executioun  to  be  had  of  this  commissioun,  ordaines  everie  pbrie  within 
ye  bounds  forsaids  to  send  to  ye  judges,  everie  ane  of  ym-  within  yr  awin  bounds, 
particular  informatioun  and  ansuerto  ye  heids  qlk-  salbe  pennit  be  yr-  broyr,  Mr. 
Ro'-  Pont,  betwixt  and  ye  15  of  August  nixt,  and  to  ye  effect  y'-  ye  pbries  be 
not  ignorant  heirof,  the  Assemblie  pntlie  lies  nomina'-  ye  brethren  aftir  sfteit  to 
give  warning  to  ye  fbries  within  ye  bounds  rexve  following,  according  to  ye 
divisioun  aftir  sgeit,  that  is  to  say,  Mr.  Andro  Crambie,  [Crombie,]  for    R  os 

*  Collated  with  another  MS.  of  the  same  Record,  Advocates'  Library,  W.  J.  1  i- 


384  APPENDIX.  [Pont. 

Mr.  Alexr  Rawsone,  [Andrew  Lawsone,  and]  Mr.  Alexr-  [Arch11]  Dowglas,  for 
Murray;  Mr.  Peeter  Blackburne,  Mr.  Duncane  Davidsone,  [and]  James  Reid,  for 
Abet;  Mr.  Andro  Mill,  Mr.  Alexr-  Forbes,  for  Mernes;  Jon-  Durie,  Mr,  James 
Melvill,  for  Angus;  Mr.  Alexr-  Lindsay,  and  Wm-  Glasse,  for  Stratherne  ;  Mris 
James  Melvill,  David  Fergusone,  for  Fyfe;  Mris  Walter  Hay,  Andro  Blakhall, 
for  Louthiane;  James  Deis,  for  Mersand  Teviotdaill;  for  Tueddaill,  Mris  Andro 
Blackball,  and  Walter  Hay;  for  Strivelingshyre,  Mr.  Adame  Ballantyne;  for 
Cliddesdaill,  Ranfraw,  Lennox  &  Dumbartane,  Mr.  Walter  Stewart  and  Mr. 
Gawin  Hamiltoun  ;  for  Nithesdaille,  Mris  James  Brysseoun,  Hew  Fullertoun  ; 
for  Galloway,  Mr.  Jo"'  Aikman ;  for  Kyle  Carrick,  and  Cunighame,  Mr.  David 
Barklay.  Qlks  informatiouns  being  receivit  be  ye  saids  judges,  ordanes  ym-  with 
all  diligence  to  proceid  aganist  ye  saids  Pastours;  and  for  ye  faithful  executioun 
of  ye  said  commission,  the  said  judges  was  sworne,  except  Mris  Thomas  Buch- 
annan,  Ro1-  Bruce,  Patrik  Simsone,  Harie  Livingston,  [and]  James  Pont, 
qn  were  not  fint. 

THE  HEIDS  OF  INQUISITIOUN  TO  BE  MADE  IN  EVERIE  PRESBITRIE  ANENT 
DILAPIDATIONIS. 

Imprimis,  to  take  from  everie  beneficit  minister  ye  pnt  rentall  of  his 
benefice,  and  q1'  5eirlie  duetie  be  his  awin  confessioun  he  getts  [gives]  pntlie  of 
ye  samein.  2.  If  he  lies  sett  tacks  yrof,  [and]  to  qm ,  privatelie  or  publicklie, 
and,  if  neid  beis,  to  take  his  aith  yron.  3.  To  inquyre  q''  was  ye  estate  of  his 
benefice,  q11  he  entered  with  [at]  it,  and  whither  he  was  hurt  be  his  predecess- 
our.  4.  To  take  diligent  inquisitioun,  not  only  be  report  of  ye  beneficit  person 
himselfe,  but  be  vyrs  ye  knowes,  qt  just  valour  of  ye  benefice  was  worth  or 
payit  of  old  in  ye  best  estate.  5.  Q'-  ye  samein  wald  extend  to  [exceid]  in 
5eirlie  rent  of  [or]  teynds,  or  vyr-  wayes  if  it  were  frie  of  tackis,  and  in  a  min- 
isters awin  hand.  And,  if  neid  beis,  y1'  ye  fmrie  or  comissioner[s]  call  [take] 
ane  inqueist  of  men  of  best  knowledge  in  ye  countrey  about,  to  declare  ye  veritie 
heirin,  and  send  ye  samein  to  ye  judges  appointit  in  clue  tyme,  with  ye  heale 
circumstances  befor  rehearsit. 


LIFE  OF  ARCHBISHOP  BOYD. 


APPENDIX  No.  I.— See  pages  211,  212. 

ARTICLES    PROPOSED    BY    THE    REGENT   TO    THE  GENERALL  ASSEMBLY,   12  AUGUST, 

1573.     [calderwood's  MS.  history  in  the  library  of  the  church  of 

SCOTLAND.]* 

The  same  day  Alexander  Hay,  clerk  to  the  secret  counsell,  presented 
certain  heads  proponed  be  my  L.  Regents  G.  to  the  present  Assembly,  the 
tenor  whereof  followeth : 

THE  SUM  OF  THE  REPORT  TO  BE  MADE  TO  THE  GENERALL  ASSEMBLY, 
AT  HALYRUDHOUSE,  THE  12  DAY  OF  AUGUST,  1573. 

My  Lord  Regents  G.  even  as  he  accepted  on  him  the  regiment,  began  to  espie 
and  consider  the  corruptions  and  abuses  entered  in  the  order  of  the  collectorie, 
and  to  remember  the  sundrie  sutis  made  be  the  ministers  of  the  Kirk  in  diverse 
Assemblies,  to  have  certain  assignation  made  to  them  of  their  livings  and  stipends 
in  places  most  ewest  and  commodious  to  their  residence,  and  herewithall  being 
careful  how  the  article  accorded  upon  at  Leith  should  take  effect,  viz.,  that  the 
worthy  and  qualified  ministers  and  preachers  might  be  planted  and  distributed 
throughout  the  whole  realme,  and  the  readers  specially  appointed  at  every  speciall 
Kirk  where  conveniently  it  might  be;  his  G:  sensyne  at  sundry  diets  travelled 
with  the  Kirk  and  their  commissioners  for  perfection  of  this  so  godly  and 
necessar  a  purpose,  and,  be  diligent  labours,  the  names  and  numbers  of  the 
paroch  Kirks  are  collected,  and  the  ministers  and  preachers  present  distribute 
among  them,  while  it  shall  be  Gods  good  pleasure  to  raise  up  moe  worthy  and 
qualified  persons,  zealous  and  willing  to  enter  on  that  function,  who  from  time 
to  time  shall,  God  willing,  be  sufficiently  placed  and  provided  to  comfortable 
livings. 

*  This  article  is  not  among  the  Wodrow  MSS.  in  the  Glasgow  University  Library. 

3  c 


386  APPENDIX.  [Boyd, 

The  stipends  be  common  consent  are  modified,  and  certain  assignations  to 
be  made  for  payment  of  the  same  out  of  the  rents  of  the  thrids  of  the  benefices, 
common  kirks  or  benefices,  newly  provided  since  the  Kings  coronation,  begin- 
ning the  order  of  payment  of  the  fruits  now  growing  on  the  ground. 

The  minister  shall  alwise  be  first  provided,  and  to  that  effect,  where  need  be, 
the  assumptions  of  the  thirds  of  prelacies,  and  others  great  benefices  altered,  and 
the  assignations  of  the  ministers  and  readers  stipends  taken  of  the  first  and 
readiest  dueties  of  the  Kirk  and  parochine  where  they  serve,  out  of  the  hands  of 
the  tacksmen,  or  such  of  the  parachiners  as  they  themselves  shall  choose  to  be 
debtors  unto  them.  And  in  case  any  thing  now  assigned  be  before  disponed  or 
provided  in  pension,  portion,  or  otherwise,  wherethrough  the  payment  may 
appear  uncertain  and  doubtful],  they  shall  have  another  sure  and  speciall  assig- 
nation out  of  some  other  part  of  the  third  of  that  benefice,  or  otherwise  in  some 
place  where  it  may  be  most  commodiously  had,  to  their  contentment,  and  letters 
granted'for  execution  hereof  in  due  form  as  efFeirs. 

Item,  my  Lord  Regents  G.  minds  with  all  convenient  expedition  that 
qualified  persons  shall  be  promoved  to  the  bishopricks  now  vacand,  the  delay 
whereof  hath  not  been  in  his  G.  own  default,  but  be  reason  some  interest  was 
given  to  these  livings  in  favours  of  certain  noblemen  before  his  acceptation  of 
the  regiment,  yet  his  G.  is  persuaded  that  qualified  persons  shall  specially  be 
presented,  and,  in  case  of  failyie,  will  not  fail  without  the  others  consent  to 
present. 

And  in  this  mean  time  it  was  contented  that  such  Superintendents  and 
Commissioners  as  the  Kirk  shall  be  content  with  or  shall  appoint,  continue  in 
their  charges  as  before  where  Bishops  are  not  placed,  and  have  their  stipends 
therefore,  while  the  Bishops  be  admitted  to  their  own  places  and  offices,  which 
shall  not  be  retarded  in  his  default.  And  forsamekle  as  since  the  reformation 
of  religion  in  this  realme,  sundry  common  Kirks,  and  common  lands,  and 
sundry  benefices  are  sett  be  the  prince  in  feu  and  tacks  far  within  the  just  availl 
and  rent  which  they  were  worth  and  gave  before  the  said  reformation,  or  else 
in  a  pretended  manner,  as  freely  given  be  the  prince  in  pension  or  gift  upon  the 
importunate  sute  of  some  persons,  without  consideration  of  any  ground  or  right 
how  the  same  might  be  done,  no  law  nor  Act  of  Parlaiment  yet  passing,  where- 
by the  power  of  setting,  fewing,  and  disposition  of  the  saids  common  kirks, 
common  lands,  or  thirds,  were  annexed  to  the  crown  or  declared  to  pertain  to 
the  prince,  it  being  good  reason  that  the  ministers  of  the  kirk  should  be  sustained 
upon  the  rents  thereof,  and  that  the  saids  common  lands  should  be  applyed  to 
the  help  of  the  schools,  and  otherwise  ad  pios  usos, 

THEREFORE,  Ordains  summons  to  be  libelled,  at  the  instance  of  the  Kings 


No.  I.]  A  P  P  E  N  D  I  X.  387 

Majestys  Advocate,  and  of  the  procurators  of  the  Kirk  for  their  interest  thereof, 
for  reduction  of  the  saids  fevvs,  tacks,  and  dispositions,  wherethrough  the  rents 
of  the  saids  commons  and  thirds  may  be  goodly  and  rightly  applyed  as  effeirs. 

It  is  resolved  that  the  executions  of  the  sentence  of  excommunication  against 
persons  excommunicate  after  the  space  of  40  days  past,  shall  be  presented  to 
my  Lord  Thesaurer  or  his  Clerk,  who  thereupon  shall  raise  letters,  be  deliver- 
ance of  the  Lords  of  Session,  to  charge  the  persons  excommunicate  to  satisfie 
the  Kirk  and  obtain  themselves  absolved  under  the  pain  of  rebellion,  and,  in 
case  they  pass  to  the  horn,  to  cause  their  escheits  be  tane  up,  and  also  to  raise 
and  cause  execute  letters  of  caption  against  them,  and  that  to  be  done  at  the 
Kings  M.  charges.  Touching  the  escheit  of  excommunicate  persons,  where  the 
wifes  and  children  are  faithful],  the  law  already  made  is  thought  good  and 
worthy  to  be  execute,  and  all  dispensations  dangerous  and  tending  to  the  increase 
of  contempt  and  disobedience. 

Touching  the  pccuniall  penalty  to  be  raised  on  the  resetters  of  the 
excommunicate,  because  as  yet  there  is  no  express  law,  therefore  let  ane  article 
be  formed  hereanent  against  the  nixt  Parlaiment,  and  in  the  mean  time  the  Kirk 
to  use  the  discipline  thereof  against  such  offenders,  and  dilligence  possible  shall  be 
made  for  collecting  and  ingathering  of  the  rents  to  the  help  of  the  ministers 
standing  in  doubt,  and  it  is  not  thought  that  the  uptaking  of  the  escheits  of  the 
rebells  shall  prejudge  them. 

The  order  of  upholding  of  schools  in  burgh  and  to  landward  would  be 
declared  in  more  special  article. 

It  is  thought  meet  the  multitude  of  heretical  books  brought  in  this  country 
shall  be  burnt,  and  that  proclamation  be  sett  out  in  strait  manner,  that  none 
bring  home  hereticall  books,  nor  press  to  sell  them  while  they  be  visited  in  time 
coming,  and  this  act  to  be  extended  in  large  form. 

The  law  touching  the  manses  and  gleebs  is  thought  sufficient,  if  the  execu- 
tion of  the  same  be  duely  sought. 

Anent  the  sustaining  and  upholding  of  Cathedrall  Kirks,  which  are  paroch 
Kirks,  the  same  most  be  done  as  it  had  wont  to  be  before,  while  a  new  or  better 
order  be  taine  thereanent  be  the  Parlaiment. 

For  punishment  of  persons  that  pass  in  pilgrimage  to  Wells,  let  the 
discipline  of  the  Kirk  be  used  against  the  users  of  such  superstition,  and  the 
civil  magistrate  shall  also  hold  hand  to  the  punishment. 

Lett  also  an  article  be  formed  and  given  in  at  the  Parlaiment  for  law  to  be 
made  against  such  persons  as  make  common  burial  places  of  the  paroch  kirks, 
being  commanded  by  the  contrary. 

Anent  the  heads  and  articles  concerning  the  jurisdiction  of  the  Kirk,  they 


388  APPENDIX.  [Boyd, 

are  found  very  meet  to  be  reasoned  upon,  whereunto  my  Lord  Regent's  G.  will 
appoint  some  of  the  counsell  to  confer  with  others  that  the  Kirk  shall  depute  to 
this  effect,  so  that  it  whereon  they  aggree  maybe  confirmed  in  Parlaiment,  and 
have  the  force  of  a  law  hereafter. 

Item,  seeing  the  most  part  of  the  persons  who  were  Channons,  Monks,  and 
Friars  within  this  realme,  have  made  profession  of  the  true  religion,  it  is  there- 
fore thought  meet  that  it  be  enjoyned  to  them  to  pass  and  serve  as  readers  at 
the  places  where  they  shall  be  appointed. 

To  appoint  a  day  for  the  election  of  the  Bishop  of  Murray. 

To  appoint  a  day  for  the  election  of  the  Bishop  of  Rosse. 

To  appoint  a  day  for  the  election  of  the  Archbishop  of  Glasgow. 

That  the  day  be  keeped  for  the  election  of  the  Bishop  of  Dumblaine. 

Commissioners  in  all  provinces  where  Bishops  are  not  placed. 

A  suffragan  for  the  Bishop  of  Sanct  Andrews  in  Lothian. 

That  every  Commissioner  tarry  to  see  the  principall  assignation,  and  order 
made  for  the  payment  thereof,  for  the  weal  of  the  minister  within  his  charge. 

[The  following  Act  of  the  Privy  Council  was  passed  a  few  days  before  the 
date  of  these  proposals. 

ACT  IN  FAVOURIS  OF  THE  MINISTERIS. 

Apud  Haliruidhous,  Decimo  Augusti,  Anno.  im-  vc-  lxxiii. 
Reg.  Seer.  Cone.  Forsamekill  as  eftir  it  wes  the  pleasour  of  Almichtie  God,  to  blisse  this 

Acta.Nov., 1572 —         ,  ,  .  ,      ,  ,  ,  r  i  •  n      i  ...  , 

Dec.  1575.  p.  91.  realme  and  natioun  with  the  trew  knawlege  of  his  evangell,  the  ministens  and 
preacheouris  thairof  remanit  langtyme  vnprouidit  of  ony  certane  forme  of  leving 
or  stipendis  quhill  the  Quene  moder  to  oure  Souerane  Lord,  being  cum  hame 
frome  France,  It  wes  concludit,  decernit  and  determit,  that  gif  the  ferd  part  of 
the  frutis  of  the  haill  benefices  ecclesiasticall  within  this  realme  mycht  be  sufficient 
to  sustene  the  ministeris  throuchout  the  haill  realme,  and  support  the  prince  to 
interteny  and  set  furthwart  the  commoun  effairis  of  the  cuntre,  failzeing  thairof 
the  thrid  part  of  the  saidis  frutis  and  mair  quhill  it  wer  fund  sufficient  to  the  effect 
foirsaid  tobe  takin  vp  yeirlie  in  tyme  cuming:  And  thaireftir  in  the  parliament 
haldin  in  the  first  yeir  of  the  regnne  of  oure  Souerane  Lord  that  now  is,  It 
being  considerit  that  the  ministeris  had  bene  lang  defraudit  of  thair  stipendis, 
And  nochtwithstanding  had  continewit  in  thair  vocatioun  without  payment  be  a 
greit  space:  Thairfoir  it  wes  statute  and  ordanit  that  the  haill  thridis  of  the  haill 
benefices  of  this  realme  soukl  than  instantlie  and  in  all  tyme  tocum  thaireftir,  first 
be  payit  to  the  ministeris  of  the  evangell  and  their  successouris,  Providing 
alwayis  that  the  collectouris  of  the  saidis  ministeris  sould  make  3eirlie  compt  in  the 


No.  I.]  APPENDIX.  389 

chekker  of  thair  intromissioun,  swa  that  the  ministeris  being  first  ansuerit  of  thair 
stipeiulis  appertening  to  euery  ane  of  thame,  the  rest  and  superplus  sould  be 
applyit  to  oure  Souerane  Lordis  vse.  And  now  my  Lord  Regentis  Grace,  and 
Lordis  of  secreit  counsale,  withcertane  Commissionarisof  the  Kirk,  havinggravelie 
considerit  of  the  corruptionis  and  abusis  enterit  in  the  ordour  of  the  collectorie 
of  the  saidis  thridis,  and  cheiflie  how  the  bipast  payment  of  the  ministeris  lies 
consistit  in  the  pleasour  of  the  collectouris,  the  ministerie  commonnlie  wanting 
payment  of  thair  stipends  in  the  places  quhair  the  thridis  wer  best  payit,  Respect- 
ing thairwithall  the  sindry  sutes  maid  be  the  ministeris  of  the  Kirk,  in  diuers 
thair  Assembleis,  to  haif  certane  assignationis  maid  vnto  thame  of  thair  levingis 
and  stipendis  in  the  places  maist  ewest  and  commodious  to  thair  residence, 
quhairin  heirtofoir  thay  haue  bene  sa  greitlie  frustrat  and  disappointit.  And 
finding  the  conformabill  aggrement  and  consent  of  the  Kirk  that  the  qualifiit 
and  leirnit  ministeris  and  preacheouris  of  the  evangell,  sould  be  plantit  and  dis- 
tributit  throuchout  the  haill  realme  ;  to  the  end  that  as  the  liegis  thairof  is 
subiect  to  the  payment  of  sum  ecclesiasticall  rent  is,  sa  all  may  ressaue  sum  frute 
and  commoditie  be  the  preaching  and  dispensatioun  of  the  evangell  amangis 
thame:  fFor  the  furtherance  of  this  sa  gude  and  necessary  a  purpois,  the  names  and 
nowmer  of  the  paroche  Kirkis  lies  bene  collectit,  and  the  present  nowmerof  ministeris 
and  preacheouris  distributit  throuchout  the  realme,  quhill  it  salbeGoddis  pleasour 
to  raise  vp  ma  godlie  and  learnit  personis  willing  and  zealous  to  entir  in  that 
functioun:  As  it  is  alwayis  the  meaning  and  intentioun  of  his  grace,  that  quhen 
God  rasis  vp  ma  qualifiit  personis,  thay  salbe  plantit  be  the  Archebischoppis, 
Bischoppis,  Superintendentis,  and  Commissionaris  of  all  diocyis  and  cuntreis  in 
the  places  that  salbe  fund  convenient  for  thame  ;  and  competent  and  sufficient 
levingis  and  stipendis  salbe  modifiit,  appointit  and  assignit  to  thame  be  the 
Archebischop,  Bischop,  Superintendent,  or  Commissionar  of  euery  diocie  or 
province  Ilkane  within  thair  awin  charge,  and  sic  of  the  Kingis  counsale  as  salbe 
direct  to  accord  with  thame  thairupoun.  And  quhateuir  salbe  assignit  in  the 
saidis  stipendis,  the  collectour  generall  of  the  superplus  sail  allutirlie  desist  fra 
further  craving  intromissioun  or  vptaking  of  the  same  of  ony  termis  eftir  the  said 
assignations  Bot  the  personis  to  quhome  the  same  salhappin  to  be  assignit, 
salhaif  lettres  be  deliuerance  of  the  lordis  of  counsale  and  sessioun  tobe  reddelie 
ansuerit  and  obeyit  thairof  in  tyme  thaireftir.  And  vpoun  the  said  distributioun 
and  planting  of  the  present  ministeris  and  reidaris,  thair  stipendis  and  ordinar  lev- 
ingis ar  appointit,  and  certane  assignationis  maid,  and  tobe  maid  for  payment 
of  the  same  out  of  the  rentis  of  the  thridis  of  benefices  newlie  provydit  vnto 
thame,  or  sufficientlievtherwayis,begynnand  the  first  payment  of  the  present  frutis 
and  crop  of  the  3eir  of  God  Im  Vc  thre  scoir  threttene  yeiris  instant,  as  in  the 


390  APPENDIX.  [Boyd, 

buke  contenand  the  particular  declaratioun  thairof  mair  largelie  is  expressit. 
Quhairfoir,  and  to  the  effect  that  perfyte  and  certane  executioun  may  pas  vpoun 
tlie  saidis  assignationis  IT  is  declarit  and  ordanit  that  quhair  neid  is,  the  assump- 
tionis  of  the  thridis  of  all  the  prelaciis  and  vtheris  greit  and  small  benefices 
salbe  alterit  and  the  assignatioun  of  the  ministeris  and  reidaris  stipendis  salbe 
takin  of  the  first  and  reddiest  dewiteis  of  the  Kirkis  and  parrochynnis  quhair  thay 
serue  or  vtherwayis  quhair  the  same  may  be  had  maist  commodiouslie  out  of  the 
handis  of  the  takkismen,  or  sic  parrochynnaris  as  thay  sail  cheis,  and  the  remanent 
of  the  assumptioun  of  the  thrids  of  the  same  benefice  out  of  the  partis  and  rowmes 
quhair  the  same  wes  of  befoir  assumit,  or  vtherwayis  quhair  it  may  maist  com- 
modiouslie be  had :  qnhilkis  assignationis  salbe  registrat  be  the  clerk  of  the 
Generall  Assembly,  andkepar  of  the  register  of  the  ministeris  stipendis  in  his  buke. 
And  vpoun  the  same  assignationis  auttentiklie  subscriuit  be  the  said  clerk,  lettres 
salbe  direct  be  the  Lordis  of  Counsall  and  Sessioun,  at  the  instance  of  euery 
minister  and  reidar,  to  ansuer  him  of  his  said  stipend  and  5eirlie  leving;  Con- 
tenand onelie  ane  charge  within  ten  dayis  as  had  wount  to  be  gevin  at  the  instance 
of  the  procuratouris  of  the  Kirk,  or  collectouris  of  befoir,  gifil  be  assignitout  of 
thridis,  Or  ellis  lettres  of  poinding  (the  assignatioun  being  in  sowmes  of  money)  at 
thechois  of  the  minister  or  reidar.  And,  gif  neid  be,  lettres  salbe  grantit  of  arreist- 
ment  and  seqtiestratioun  of  the  haill  frutis  and  rentis  of  that  parrochyn  in  the 
handis  of  the  takkismen  or  parrochynnaris  to  remane  arreistit  and  sequestrat,  ay 
and  quhill  the  possessour  of  the  benefice  mak  the  minister  or  reidar  sure  of 
thair  appointit  stipend,  be  particular  assignatioun,  cautioun,  or  vtherwayis  as  thay 
can  aggre.  And  gif  the  appointit  leving  be  on  new  provydit  benefice  disponit 
sen  the  Kingis  coronatioun  or  to  be  prouidit  in  tyme  cuming,  lettres  in  the  four 
formes  salbe  grantit  thairupoun  as  vse  is.  And  in  caise  ony  thing  now  assignit 
be  afoir  disponit  in  pensioun,  portioun,  or  vtherwayis  quhairthrow  the  lettres  of 
the  minister  or  reidar  may  be  obtenit  suspendit,  or  befoir  the  suspensioun  gif 
thay  get  certane  knawlege  of  this  default,  thay  salhaif  recours  to  crave  pay- 
ment and  ane  vther  mair  sure  and  speciall  assignatioun  out  of  sum  vther  part  of 
that  benefice  in  the  same  parrochyn,  gif  it  may  be  had;  and  failzeing  thairof  in 
the  maist  commodious  part  nixt  adiacent  be  thair  awin  aduise  and  optioun.  In 
respect  of  quhilkis  assignationis  maid  and  to  be  maid  in  maner  and  forme,  as  is 
befoir  expressit,  and  of  the  gude  executioun  to  pas  heirupon;  the  ministerie 
of  the  Kirk,  having  greit  confidence  of  the  gude  will  and  fauouris  of  my  Lord 
Regentis  Grace  now  present,  hes  allowit  and  glaidly  accordit  that  a  collectour 
generall  be  appointit  be  oure  Souerane  Lord  to  the  ressait  of  the  rest  and 
superplus,  attour  that  quhilk  is  and  salbe  neidfull  to  the  sustentatioun  of  the 
ministerie,  to  the  vse  of  oure  Souerane  Lord  for  supporting  of  the  commoun  and 


No.  I.]  APPENDIX.  391 

neidfull  effairis  of  the  realme,  according  to  the  meaning  of  the  saitl  act  of 
parliament,  and  without  prejudice  of  the  priuilege  grantit  thairin  to  the  ministeris 
of  the  Kirk  in  ony  point,  Prouiding  that  in  cais  the  ministerie  of  the  Kirk, 
heireftir  find  tliame  selffis  grevit,  in  war  cais  nor  of  befoir,  and  the  effect  and 
substance  of  this  Act  not  observit  to  thame  vpoun  thair  supplicatioun  to  the  King, 
and  estaittis  in  parliament,  or  to  his  hienes  his  Regent  and  prevy  counsale, 
thay  salbe  reponit  to  quhatsumeuir  richt  and  priuilege  quhilk  justlie  thay  may 
clame  be  the  said  act  of  parliament  anent  the  nominatioun  of  collectouris  with  the 
Regentis  aduise.  And  forsamekill  as  sen  the  reformatioun  of  religioun  in  this 
realme,  sindry  commoun  kirkis  and  landis,  with  the  annuellis,  landis,  rentis  and 
places  quhilkis  appertenit  of  befoir  to  the  freris  of  quhatsumeuir  ordonr,  kynd 
or  hew,  ar  set  in  few  and  takkis  far  within  the  just  avale  and  rent,  quhilk  thay  wer 
worth  and  gaif  befoir  the  said  reformatioun;  or  ellis  frelie  gevin  and  disponit  in 
pensioun  or  vtherwayis,  vpoun  the  inoportune  sute  of  sum  personis  without  ony 
gude  ground,  rycht,  or  consideratioun,  na  law  or  act  of  parliament  euir  passing 
quhairby  the  power  of  setting,  fewing,  or  dispositioun  of  the  saidis  commoun 
kirkis  or  landis  wer  declarit  to  appertene  to  the  Prince ;  As  alsua  the  posses- 
souris  of  sum  prelaciis  and  vtheris  inferiour  benefices  lies  ayther  altogidder  omittit 
and  not  gevin  the  rentalis  of  the  same,  or  ellis  lies  gevin  vp  wrang  and  vntrew 
rentallis  thairof,  far  within  the  iust  avale,  quhairthrow  the  ministerie  of  the  kirkis 
belanging  to  the  saidis  benefices  can  not  convenientlie  be  sustenit,  and  in  like- 
wyis  sum  vtheris  vpoun  colorat  or  na  titillis  vptakis  the  rentis  of  certane  benefices 
presentlie  vacand,  approprietand  the  same  as  temporall  and  prevat  possessionis  to 
thameselffis.  For  remeid  of  all  quhilkis  inconvenientis,  Ordanis  lettres  tobe  direct 
at  the  instance  of  the  said  generall  collectour  for  ansuering  and  obeying  to  him 
of  the  haill  frutis,  rentis,  and  vtheris  dewiteis  of  all  the  saidis  prelaciis,  vtheris 
benefices  or  pensionis  vacand  be  deceis  or  ipso  facto  for  not  acknawlegeing  and 
professing  of  the  trew  religioun,  conforme  to  the  act  of  parliament  or  vtherwayis 
and  of  all  benefices  and  pensionis  omittit  and  not  gevin  vp  in  rentall  ay  and 
quhill  thay  be  lauchfullie  prouidit,  or  sufficientlie  and  trewlie  rentallit :  And 
inlykemaner  lettres  to  arreist  and  sequestrat  all  and  sindry  the  frutis,  rentis,  pro- 
ffeitteis  and  dewiteis  of  the  saidis  benefices  wrang  and  vntrewlie  gevin  vp  in 
rentall,  to  remane  vnder  arreistment  ay  and  quhill  trew  and  perfyte  rentallis  of 
thesamyn  be  presentit  to  the  said  generall  collectour,  and  sufficient  ordour  takin 
and  suretie  maid  for  sustentatioun  of  the  ministerie  of  the  kirkis  pertening  to  the 
saidis  benefices:  And  inlykemaner  Ordanis  lettres  to  be  direct  ffor  ansuering  and 
obeying  of  the  said  generall  collectour  of  all  thestipendis  appointit  to  ministeris, 
and  stipendis  in  the  places  quhair  qualifiit  personis  ar  not  jit  plantit,  ay  and  quhill 
thair  be  qualifiit  ministeris  and  reidaris  placeit  and  admittit  to  the  same  rowmes. 


392  APPENDIX.  [Boyd. 

And  that  lettres  be  direct  for  publicatioun  heirof  at  the  marcat  croces  of  the  heid 
burrowis  of  this  realme,  and  all  vtheris  places  neidfull,  Dischargeing  all  vtheris 
collectouris  and  intromettouris  qahatsumeuir  maid  or  constitute  be  our  Souerane 
Lord,  or  ony  his  Regentis  or  the  Quene  his  moder  in  tyme  bigane,  And  all 
thair  substitutis  and  officiaris  of  all  intromissioun  with  the  frutis,  rentis  and 
annuellis  of  the  superplus  abone  specifiit:  "With  certificatioun  that  quhaeuir  makis 
payment  to  thame  of  ony  part  of  the  frutis  of  the  yeir  of  God  Ira-  Vc-  thre 
scoir  threttene  yeris  instant,  or  witsonday  and  martimes  maillis  thairof,  Thay 
salbe  constranit  to  pay  the  same  ower  agane.] 


LIFE  OF  ARCHBISHOP  GLADSTANES. 


APPENDIX   No.  I.— See  page  244. 

FORM  OF  PRESENTATION  TO  BISHOPRICKS,    160  6.* 

JACOBUS  Dei  Gratia  Rex  Magna;  Brittania3,  ffrancite  et  Hiberniae  fideiq3 
defensor,  dilecto  nostro  consiliario  Domino  Richardo  Cock  burn  Junior!  de 
Clerkingtoun,  militi,  nostri  secreti  sigilli  custodi,  salutem.  Quia  in  Parliamento 
nostro  tent  apud  Edinburgh  mense  Decemb.  anno  1597,  per  nos,  cum  avisamento 
trium  regni  nostri  statuum,statutum  etordinatum  fuit,  quodomnes  et  singuli  Epis- 
copatus  vacantes  aut  postea  vacare  contingentes,  talibus  sufficientibus  et  qualifi- 
catis  Ministris,  quos  pro  loco  et  dignitate  eorundem  Episcopatuum  idoneos  esse 
cogitaverimus,  conferantur  et  concedantur;  ET  nunc  nos  intelligentes  Archiepis- 
copatum  [de]  A.  in  manibus  nostris,  decessu  quondam  B.  C.  novissimi  episcopi  et 
possessoris  ejusdem,  vacare,  ac  dilectum  servitorem  nostrum  M.  P.  D.esse  actualem 
ministrum,  etspecialiter  per  generalem  ecclesias  conventionem  nobis  recommen- 
datum  tanquam  spontaneum  et  habilem  in  nostris  publicis  negotijs  et  ecclesiae 
regniq3  nostri  statu  inservire:  IDEO  nos  cum  avisamento  fidelium  nostrorum 
consiliariorum  Jacobi  Domini  Balmerinoch  nostri  secretary,  et  Magistri  Joannis 
Prestoun  de  flfentunbarns,  Collectors  Generalis  et  novarum  nostrarum  augmenta- 
tionum  thesaurarij,  fecimus,  constituimus,  et  ordinavimus  tenoreq3  praesentium 
facimus,  constituimus,  et  ordinamus  dictum  M.  P.  D.  Archiepiscopum  de  A. 
dando,  concedendo  et  disponendo  sibi,  durantibus  omnibus  vitas  sua;  diebus, 
omnes  et  singulos  fructus,  reditus,  emolumenta,  decimas  garbales,  aliasq3 
decimas,  feudifirmas,  firmas,  canas,  custumas,  casualitates,  castella,  turres,  for- 
talicia,  maneriei  loca,  domus,  hortos,  pomaria,  et  columbaria,  tarn  infra  murura  et 
preecinctum  dicti  archiepistopatus  loci  quam  alias,  ubicunq3  eadem  jacent,  in 
quavis  parte  intra  regnum  nostrum  Scotia?,  cumq3  silvis,  piscationibus,  terris, 
regalitatf  burgis,  omnibusq3  alijs  devoriis  privilegiis  et  immunitatibus  de  jure 
eidem  spectantibus  aut  quocunq3  tempore  praeterito  a  praedicti  episcopatus  funda- 
tione  spectare  valentibus,  una  cum  tota  et  integra  superioritate  et  dominio  regal i- 
*  Some  parts  of  Wodrow's  blundered  copy  are  altered  from  the  Church's  MS.  of  Cald. 

3d 


394  APPENDIX.  [Gladstanes, 

tatis  ejusdem,  libera  capella  et  cancellaria,  advocatione  et  donatione  beneficiorum 
ad  dispositionem  Arcbiepiscopatus  de  A.  quovis  tempore  praeterito  existentium,  et 
specialiter  cum  donatione  rectoriarum  et  vicariarum  de  C,  D,  E,  F,  G,  quae  sunt 
terrse  et  barroniae  dicti  Arcbiepiscopatus,  et  cum  integra  dispositione  eidem 
spectantium,  adeo  libere  sicut  quivis  Archiepiscopus  eandem  ante  exercuit.  ET 
praeterea  nos,  ex  regali  et  libera  nostra  dispositione  pro  bonitate  [bono?]  et  melior- 
atione  dicti  arcbiepiscopatus,  annexavimus,  univimus  et  incorporavimus  tenoreq} 
praesentium  unimus,  annexamus  et  incorporamus  in  eundem  Archiepiscopatum 
totam  et  integram  rectoriam  de  A.  cum  fructibus,  reditibus,  emolumentis, 
decimis,  aliisqg  devoriis  ejusdem  quibuscunq3,  cum  mansionibus,  domibus,  glebis 
et  glebarum  terris  ejusdem;  ordinamusq3  eandem  omni  tempore  futuro  partem 
patrimony  dicti  Archiepiscopatus  fore,  cum  potestate  dicto  Magistro  P.  suisq3 
camerarijs  et  factoribus  durante  ejus  vita,  postque  ejus  decessnm  Arcbiepiscopis 
in  dicto  loco  et  Archiepiscopatu  successoribus  ejusdem,  intromittendi  et  levandi 
(dicto  vero  M.  P.  ejusqg  successoribus  ecclesiam  de  A.  sufficientibus  ministris 
victu  competeii  absqj  omni  alio  onere  ibi  inservientibus  provider!),  AC  etiam 
nos  cum  avisamento  praedicto  dedimus  et  disposuimus  tenoreq^  prassentium 
damus  et  disponimus  dicto  M.  P.,  durante  ejus  vita,  totas  et  integras  tertias 
sive  tertias  partes  dicti  Archiepiscopatus,  [  ?]  sufficientibus  ministris  victu 

competeii  absq3  omni  alio  onere  providere  astringetur,  ET  nostremo  dedimus 
et  concessimus  tenoreqg  praesentium  damus  et  concedimus  dicto  Archiepiscopo 
civitates,  dignitates,  feuda,  homagia,  prioritates  universitatum,  scholarum  et 
bospitalium  infra  limites  et  bondas  dicti  arcbiepiscopatus  in  veteribus  legibus  et 
consuetudinibus  regni  nostri  Scotia?  permissas  aut  in  favorem  dictorum  Archi- 
episcoporum  per  aliquos  nostros  nobilissimos  progenitores  Scotiae  reges  quavis 
aetate  praecedente  authorizatas  et  defendatas,  non  obstante  acto  annexationis 
temporalitatis  praslatiarum  coronae  nostras,  quodquidem  cum  omnibus  aliis  actis 
et  const; tutionibus  in  prejudicium  alicujus  partis  prasmissorum  tendentibus  nos 
cum  avisamento  dispensamus,  volumusq3  praesentes  expressam  derogationem 
ijsdem  efficere  omnibusq5  et  singulis  in  prasmissis,  sicuti  nos  promittimus  in 
verbo  principis  prassentem  nostram  donationem,  dispositionem, aut  provisionem  in 
proxima  sessione  parliamenti  nostri  ratificare  et  approbare  dictumq5  archiepis- 
copatum et  integrum  patrimonium  ejusdem,  castella,  turres,  domus,  maneriei  loca, 
omnesq3  alias  devorias  ad  eundem  pertineii  aut  quas  ad  eum  pertinere  dignos- 
cuntur  a  patrimonio  nostras  coronae  in  dicto  parliamento  dissolvere.  QUARE 
vobis  consilij  et  sessionis  Dominis  stride  pra?cipimus  quatenus  literas  ad 
instantiam  dicti  M.  P.  pro  sui  suorumq3  camerariorum  suo  nomine  responsione 
et  obedientia  omnium  et  singulorum  emolumentorum,  devoriarum,  firmarum, 
decimarum  garbalium  aliarumq3decimarum,  canarum,  custumarum,  casualitatum, 


No.  II.]  APPENDIX.  395 

tenendum,  introituum,  eschetarum,  multurarum,  molendinorum  aliorumq3  quo- 
rumcunq5  de  instante  croppia  et  anno  domini  &c.  [concedant?]  et  similiter  annu- 
atim  et  terminatim  durante  ejus  vita,  nullisqj,  alijs  sub  paena  cornuationis  et 
districtionis,  cornuationis  vero  literas  super  simp'ici  mandato  decern  dierum 
tantummodo  deligatas  et  deliberatas,  Mandamus  etiam  vobis  nostri  secreti  consilij 
dominis  quatenus  alias  nostras  literas  et  mandata  pro  restitutione  castellorum, 
locorum,  hortorum,  fortalitiorum,  columbariorum,  maneriei  locorum,  aliarumqg 
domorum  ad  dictum  Arcbiepiscopatum  pertinentium,  dicto  M.  P.  suisq5  factori- 
bus  et  camerarijs  suo  nomine,  infra  sex  dies  mandatum  proxime  sequen  sub 
paena  rebellionis,  similiter  traditas  et  deliberatas,  et,  si  disobediri  contigerit, 
ad  denunciandum  &c.  vobis  etc3-. 


No.  II.— See  pages  315,  316. 

PROCESS  AGAINST  DR.  ALEXANDER   GLADSTANES,  BEFORE  THE   PRESBYTERY  OF  ST. 
ANDREWS,  &C.     [WOD.  MS.  ADVOCATES'  LIBRARY,  FOL.  VOL.  62,  27,  8  (M.  6.   13.)] 

At  St.  Androives,  the  17  of  October,  1638  yeares. 

The  quhilk  day  after  incalling  of  the  name  of  God,  compeirit  personallie 
Androw  Bruce  of  Earlshall  younger,  Robert  Hamiltoune  of  Kinkell,  and  Dauid 
Aytoune  of  Kinaldie  younger,  and  gave  in  ane  complaint  to  the  brethren  of 
the  Presbiterie  solemnelie  conveined,  in  their  owne  name  and  in  the  name  of  all 
who  will  adhere  to  their  complaint  against  Mr.  Alex.  Glaidstanes,  minister  at 
St.  Androws,  qrin  was  alleadged  that  the  said  Mr.  Alex,  hade  verie  farre  mis- 
behaved himselfe  both  in  his  lyfe  and  calling,  carying  himselfe  nowayes  as  the 
minister  of  Christ,  especiallie  in  thir  particulars  following :  They  alleadged  that 
he  was  so  overtaken  with  the  sinne  of  drunkennesse,  that  it  was  his  ordinarie 
trade  of  lyfe  to  drink  in  tavernes  day  and  night,  till  that  oft  tymes  it  behoved  him 
to  be  carried  home  through  the  streets,  he  not  being  able  to  goe  himselfe;  and 
that  sometymes  he  came  to  the  pulpit  with  sik  distemper,  be  reason  of  his  drink- 
ing, that  he  forgate  the  reading  of  a  text,  and  skarse  knew  what  he  spake  or  did. 
And  that  he  did  diverse  tymes  come  from  the  taverne  drunk  to  administrat 
the  sacrament  of  baptisme,  and  solemnize  the  band  of  mariage. 

The  said  compleinars  also  alleadged  that  doctor  Alex.  Glaidstanes,  in  ane 


396  A  P  P  E  N  D  I  X.  [Gladstanes, 

sermon  did  affirme  that  it  was  more  lawful  1  to  pray  for  such  as  hade  lyen  500 
yeares  in  hell  then  for  certaine  persons  of  his  congregation  who  were  visited  be 
the  plague  of  pestilence.  That  in  baptisme  he  vsed  the  signe  of  the  crosse. 
That  in  his  publict  ray] lings  from  pulpit  against  some  of  the  cheife  honest  men 
of  the  toune  of  St.  Androwis,  he  called  them  Jackinaipes,  Babounes.  That  he 
taught  from  the  pulpitt  on  the  Lords  day,  that  the  excrements  of  the  Romish 
Religion  and  Jesuites  learning  was  better  then  the  quintessence  of  ours,  though 
it  were  squized  in  a  limbeck.  And  that  the  blessed  reformers  of  religion  were 
bot  a  handfull  of  sillie  bodies,  and  in  effect  the  deformers  of  religion.  That 
upon  the  sabboth  after  the  covenant  was  suorne  to,  in  the  Kirke  of  St.  Androwis, 
he  avouched  from  pulpit  that  these  who  had  suorne  and  subscryved  the 
covenant,  were  all  perjured  pultrones  and  perjured  bitches.  And  that  at  ane 
vther  tyme  he  said  from  pulpit  also,  that  they  hade  all  runne  lyke  a  companie 
of  mad  dogges  lett  out  of  a  kennell  to  subscrywe  the  covenant;  that  he  denunced 
great  judgements  against  the  subscryvers  of  the  covenant,  and  said  he  hoped 
shortlie  to  sie  the  day  q'in  they  sould  be  knocked  doune,  at  the  behalding  qrof 
he  wold  be  glad  and  rejoyce.  And  that  when  the  people,  much  moved  with  his 
spytefull  raillings,  did  ryse  and  remove  themselues  out  of  the  Kirke,  he  cryed 
after  them,  Stay  perjured  pultrones  and  whores  and  take  your  coquet  with  yow. 
And  that  qlle  the  magistrates  of  the  citie  of  St.  Androwes  asked  of  him  q'for 
he  refused  to  preache  on  Tuesday,  it  being  his  ordinarie  preaching  day,  his 
ansuere  was  in  these  words :  God  nor  my  tongue  cleaue  to  the  rooffe  of  my 
mouth,  if  ever  I  shall  preach  in  St.  Androis  on  a  worke  day,  notwithstanding 
qrof  he  did  contrair  to  his  oath  preach  upon  such  worke  dayes  as  he  thought 
fitt,  but  hes  this  long  tyme  bypast  deserted  the  same  altogether. 

The  saids  compleinars  also  alleadged  that  he  was  verie  slacke  in  the  exer- 
cise of  discipline  in  the  censuring  of  fornicatours  and  adulterers  delated  unto 
him.  And  that  without  anie  warrand  from  the  Presbiterie  or  consent  of  his 
aune  session,  he  caused  pull  doune  the  seattes  appoynted  for  the  people  to  sitte 
upon  at  the  communion  tables,  and  refused  to  giwe  the  sacrament  of  the  supper 
to  such  as  wold  not  kneil  therat  in  the  act  of  receaveing.  That  furiouslie  he 
came  with  a  suord  threatning  to  bereave  his  neighbour  of  his  lyfe,  and  that, 
without  anie  ordinance  of  the  Kirk,  he  embraced,  defended  and  reade  publicklie 
in  the  pulpit  the  latte  service  booke. 

That  the  said  D.  Alex,  did  practise  kneilling  at  the  communion  befor  their 
was  anie  pretext  of  law  for  the  samine.  And  that  the  said  D.  Alex,  haveing 
receaved  the  soume  of  692  lib.  4f.  from  the  ministeris  of  the  Presbiterie  collected 
in  their  severall  parodies  for  the  releife  of  the  distressed  ministers  of  the 
Palatinat,  he,  being  moderator  of  the  Presbiterie  for  the  tyme,  hes  detained  the 


No.  II.]  APPENDIX.  397 

same  verie  sacrilegiouslie  from  that  pious  vse.  And  that  the  said  D.  Alex, 
haueing  preached,  at  the  visitation  of  the  Kirk  of  Kingsbarnes,  a  most  railling 
and  impious  sermon,  went  to  the  coast  syde,  qr,  haueing  spent  the  rest  of  that 
vveeke  in  excessive  drinking,  came  home  on  Saturday,  being  the  day  of  the 
preparation  for  the  communion,  qlk  was  to  be  celebrate  upon  the  morne,  and 
went  so  drunke  to  the  pulpitte  that  he  forgott  his  text  and  fell  out  in  a  most 
pittifull  railling  against  the  reformers  of  religion  : 

Quhilke  complaint  being  reade,  the  Presbiterie  ordaines  the  said  D.  Alex. 
Glaidstanes  to  be  summoned  before  them  to  the  nixt  Presbiterie  day,  notwith- 
standing he  had  beine  summoned  befor  and  did  not  compeir. 

Vpon  the  24  of  October,  1638,  the  said  doctor  Alex.  Glaidstanes,  being 
summoned,  compeired  befor  the  Presbiterie,  and  did  profess,  as  it  seimed,  in  a 
verie  submisse  and  humble  maner,  that  he  acknowledged  the  Presbiterie  to  be 
his  verie  lawfull  and  competent  judge.  And  said  that  without  prevarication  he 
wold  in  all  humilitie  submitt  himselfe  vnto  q'sumever  censure  they  wold  be 
pleased  to  putt  vpon  him.  And  as  for  the  particular  complaint  given  in  against 
him,  he  desyred  that  he  might  be  heard  to  ansuere  to  it  in  the  afternoon,  in  the 
new  colledge  scoolls.  Qlk  desyre  the  Presbiterie  granted,  and  did  nominat  a 
certaine  number  of  their  brethren  to  that  effect.  Befor  the  whilk  brethren 
the  said  D.  Alex,  did  compeir  in  the  afternoone  that  same  day,  and  did  confes 
his  excessive  drinking  in  the  generall ;  vther  things  he  denyed.  The  com- 
plainars  insisting  in  their  persute,  and  the  brethren  not  receaving  satisfaction 
be  the  ansuere  of  the  said  D.  Alex,  he  was  summoned  apud  acta  to  compeir  befor 
the  Presbiterie  the  nixt  day  of  their  meitting,  whilk  he  promised  to  doe. 

Vpon  the  31  of  October,  1638,  compeired  the  said  D.  Alex.  Glaidstanes 
befor  the  Presbiterie,  and  desyred  the  brethren  to  nominat  some  of  their  number 
to  travell  betuixt  him  and  the  toune  of  St.  Androis,  to  assay  if,  be  a  private 
dealling,  matters  might  be  so  composed  as  that  he  were  not  forced  to  abyde  the 
extremitie  that  the  bill  givven  in  against  him  did  import.  The  Presbitrie 
granted  this  desyre  also,  and  delegated  a  number  of  the  brethren  to  take  paines 
in  the  busines;  and  to  this  effect  their  were  severall  dyetts  of  meitting  apoynted 
both  that  same  day,  and  upon  the  morne  thereafter,  being  the  first  day  of 
November.  All  qlk  meittings  and  dealling  taking  no  effect,  the  said  D.  Alex, 
was  summoned  apud  acta  to  compeir  the  nixt  Presbiterie  day,  and  the  com- 
pleinars  ordained  to  bring  their  witnessis  for  probation  of  their  bill. 

Vpon  the  7  of  November,  1638,  compeired  the  said  compleinars  before  the 
Presbiterie  and  gave  in  ane  addition  to  their  former  complaint,  qrin  was 
alleadged  that  the  said  D.  Alex.  Glaidstanes,  in  a  discourse  of  his  to  some  gentle- 


398  APPENDIX.  [Gladstanes, 

men  commending  the  Practise  of  Pietie  and  the  author  theroff,  vttered  thir 
words,  that  he  was  assured  that  the  author  of  that  booke  was  damned  in  hell  for 
wrytting  of  it,  because  the  booke  hade  made  all  the  ladies  in  Scotland  puritanes, 
and  q"  some  that  were  present  did  take  the  defence  of  these  he  callit  puritanes, 
saying  they  were  such  as  feared  God  truelie,  and  did  stryve  to  giwe  testimonie 
of  the  same  to  the  world,  the  said  Doctor  in  a  most  bitter  maner  said,  for 
himselfe  he  [had]  rather  renunce  God  then  be  a  puritane.  As  lykwyse  they 
alleadged  that  it  was  well  enough  knowne  to  the  brethren  of  the  Presbiterie 
what  lordlie  authoritie  and  preheminence  the  said  Doctor  exercised  during  the 
tyme  that  he  was  moderator  of  the  Presbiterie  and  what  were  his  minacings 
and  raillings  against  the  brethren  of  the  Presbiterie. 

The  whilk  day  also  compeirit  James  Ro'sone  in  St.  Androis,  and  in  name 
of  the  said  doctor  Alex,  gaue  in  ane  declinatur,  qrin  the  said  D.  Alex,  declined 
the  Presbiterie  as  not  being  his  competent  and  lawfull  judge,  and  protestit  if  the 
Presbiterie  did  proceid  against  him,  the  samine  to  be  null  and  of  no  effect,  it 
being  done,  as  he  alleadged,  a  non  habente  potestatem;  qlk  declinatur  the  Pres- 
biterie repelled  and  resolved,  notwithstanding  of  the  samine,  to  goe  on  in  the 
process,  and  so  the  witnessis  were  callit  in,  who  being  manie  and  verie  famous 
honest  men  made  faith  for  telling  the  truth  in  the  preceiding  matters,  according 
to  their  knowledge.  And  being  severallie  examined  touching  the  premisses,  the 
Presbiterie  finds  be  their  depositions  all  the  preceiding  crymes  both  in  calling 
and  conversation  alleadgit  in  the  complaints  against  the  said  D.  Alex.  Glaid- 
stanes  to  be  clearelie  and  sufficientlie  proven  in  everie  poynt.  And,  becaus  both 
of  the  neare  approaching  of  the  Assemblie  and  the  weightinesse  of  the  busines 
itselfe,  the  Presbiterie  did  referre  the  matter  to  the  said  Assemblie,  and  did 
summond  the  compleinars  apud  acta  to  compeir  thereat.  And  ordained  a 
summonds  to  be  direct  for  citing  of  the  said  D.  Alex,  to  compeir  befor  the  said 
Generall  Assemblie  to  be  halden  at  Glasgow,  the  21  of  November,  in  this 
instant  5eir  1638. 

Extract  furth  of  the  register  of  the  Presbiterie  of  St.  Androis,  be  me  Mr. 

Thomas  Black,  dark  y  to  vpon  the  tent  day  of  November  instant,  3eir 

forsd  at  their  command. 

M.  T.  Black  Clark  to  the  Presbytrie. 

[Indorsed]  Proces  against  D.  Alex.  Glaidstaines,  begune  Octob,  17,  1638. 
Wpone  the  aught  and  tent  dayes  of  November,  1638  5eires,  I  Johnne  ffairfull, 


No.  II.]  APPENDIX.  399 

in  Sanctandrois  offir  lawfulliesummond  Doctouris  Alex.  Giaidstanes,  Archedeane 
of  St.  Androis,  George  halyburtone  persone  of  Craill,  and  patrick  panter  ane 
of  the  maisteris  of  the  new  college  of  St.  Androis,  To  compeir  at  Glasgow  befoir 
ye  Generall  Assemblie,  the  tuentie  ane  day  of  November,  to  ansuer  to  sic  singis 
as  salbe  proponit  aganis  them.  And  yis  I  did  befoir  yir  witnessis  rexue,  willia 
adamsone  tail5eour  in  St.  androis,  Thomas  murray,  Androw  Gautoun  tail- 
5eouris,  Jo11-  fermor-  in  craill,  George  kincragie  belman  in  craill,  and  Robert 
key  hammerman  in  anstruther.  And  for  the  mair  werificatione  of  yis  my 
executione.  I  haue  sub'-  ye  samyn  with  my  hand,  my  stampt  is  heirto  affixt. 

(Sic  subr)         Johne  fairfull  Officr  w*-  my  hand. 


Reverend  Brethren,  forsamekle  as  I  doctor  alex.  Giaidstanes,  Archdeane  of  St. 
Androis,  hes  bene  summondit  to  compeir  befoir  yow  this  day  to  ansuer  to  such 
things  as  3e  wer  to  lay  to  my  charge,  which  desire,  if  it  haid  bene  for  any  brotherlie 
conferrence  or  resolution,  I  cold  willinglie  obtempered  the  samyn ;  but  since  5e 
intend  ane  juridict  processe  against  me,  I  cannot  in  conscience  but  declyne  your 
pretendit  authoritie,  in  respect  that  at  my  admission  to  the  ministerie  I  did 
acknowledge  no  wther  ecclesiastik  judicatorie  but  wherein  my  ordinarie  the 
Archbishope  of  St.  Andrews  himselff,  or  ane  delegate  by  him,  did  proceid,  To 
whose  obedience  and  censure  I  am  yit  obliged  both  by  promise  and  oath  only, 
and  the  same  authoritie  remanes  full  in  the  persone  of  the  said  Archbishope, 
and  I  stand  still  tyed  by  oath  to  the  forsaid  obedience,  and  since  the  tyme  of 
my  admission  the  lawis  of  the  church  and  kingdome,  by  vertue  qrof  the  said 
Archbishope  doth  and  did  exerce  the  said  power  and  function,  ar  as  yit  in  force 
onannulled  or  abrogat,  or  by  the  establishment  of  any  wther  contrare  jurisdic- 
tion maid  voyde,  I  cannot  resile  therefra  but  decline,  and  be  thir  presentis 
declynis  all  wthers  pretendit  jurisdictions,  and  this  of  youris  in  particular  being 
prejudicall  and  derogative  to  the  former.  Moirouer  since  the  alledgit  Judica- 
torie befoir  which  I  am  cited,  was  never  knowne  to  me,  or  was  exercised  ever 
since  my  said  admission  and  long  befoir,  neither  since  by  any  sanction  civile  or 
ecclesiastick  re-established,  I  cannot  be  lyable  to  compeir  befoir  the  samyn. 
Wherefoir  for  these  reasonis  and  wtheris  which  may  be  alledgit,  dois  simplie 
refuse  and  declyne  yor  pretendit  jurisdiction,  qrof  5e  was  never  in  wse  nor  pos- 
session of  me  nor  no  wther  of  my  qualitie,  but  in  maner  forsaid  the  ordinarie 
himselff  preceiding  or  his  delegate  in  all  the  meitingsof  that  kynd.  Wherefoir 
in  respect  of  the  premissis,  I  protest  that,  if  it  sail  happin  yow  to  proceid  agaynsl 


400  APPENDIX.  [Gladstanes, 

me  (which  I  suspect  not),  the  samyne  to  be  null  and  of  no  effect,  it  being  done 
"%    a  non  habente  potestatem. 

B 

2. 

(Sic  sub' ,  r^j^        . 


[Indorsed  on  cover.]     The  Archdeans  declinator,  pducit  7  November,   1638. 
Declinature  of  D.  Alex.  Glaidstaines,  producit  Noveb.  7,  1638. 

ANENT  the  proces  of  docter  Allex.  gledstanis  minister  at  St.  androis,  deduced 
by  Andro  bruce  of  erleshall,  jounger,  ro,  hamiltoun  of  kinkell,  and  david 
aytoun  of  kinaldie,  gounger,  befoire  the  Presbitrie  of  St.  androis,  against  ye 
said  docter  allex.  gledstains  for  certane  poyntis  of  erronious  doctrine,  callum- 
nious  and  railing  speiches,  and  for  certane  wther  miscariages,  abuses  and  innor- 
mities,  done  and  committed  be  him  in  ye  exercise  of  his  calling  of  the  ministrie, 
viz.  Imprimis,  That  he  was  so  overtakine  with  the  sinne  of  drunkennes,  that  it 
was  his  ordinarie  tred  oflyf  to  drink  in  taverns  day  and  night,  till  yat  oft  tymes 
it  behoved  him  to  be  carried  home  throgh  the  streitis,  he  not  being  able  to  goe 
himselff,  and  yat  sometymes  he  came  to  the  pulpit  with  sik  distemper  be  reasone 
of  his  drinking,  that  he  forgot  ye  reading  of  a  text  and  scars  new  what  he  spak 
or  did,  and  yat  he  did  divers  tymes  come  from  the  taverne  drunk  to  admin- 
istrat  ye  sacrament  of  baptisme  and  solemnize  the  band  of  mariage.  Item,  ye 
said  docter  allex.  gledstains  in  ane  sermon  did  affirme  yat  it  was  more  lawfull 
to  pray  for  such  as  had  lyen  500  yeares  in  hell,  then  for  certane  persons  of  his 
congregatione  who  were  visited  by  the  plaig  of  pestilence.  That  in  baptisme  he 
wsed  the  signe  of  the  crosse.  That  in  his  publict  railingis  from  pulpit  against 
some  of  the  cheif  honest  men  of  ye  toun  of  St.  Androis,  he  called  them  Jackin- 
apis,  Babounes.  That  he  taucht  from  the  pulpit  on  the  lordis  day,  that  ye 
excrementis  of  the  Romish  religion,  and  Jesuitis  learning  was  bettir  then  the 
quintessence  of  ouris,  thoght  it  were  squized  in  a  limbeck ;  and  yat  ye  blessed 
reformers  of  religion  were  bot  a  handfull  of  sillie  bodies,  and  in  effect  ye 
deformers  of  religion.  That  upon  ye  sabboth  efter  ye  covenant  was  suorne  to, 
in  ye  kirk  of  St.  androis  he  avouched  from  pulpit  yat  these  who  had  suorne 
and  sub'-  ye  covenant  were  all  perjured  pultrons  and  perjured  bitches,  and  yat 
at  ane  wther  tyme  he  said  from  pulpit  also,  yat  yai  had  all  run  lyk  a  companie 
of  mad  doggis  let  out  of  a  kennell  to  subscry  ve  the  covenant.    That  he  denunced 


No.  II.]  APPENDIX.  401 

o-reat  jutlgmentis  against  ye  subscryvers  of  ye  covenant,  and  said  he  hoped 
shortlie  to  sie  ye  day  qrin  yai  sould  be  knocked  downe,  at  ye  beholding  qrof  he 
wold  be  glaid  and  rejoyce,  and  y'-  when  the  people  much  moved  with  his  spyt- 
full  raillingis  did  ryse  and  remove  ymselfBs  out  of  ye  Kirk,  he  cryed  efter  ym-,  stay 
perjured  pultrones  and  whores  and  tak  your  coquet  with  yow.  And  qlle  [quhen  ?] 
ye  magistrates  of  ye  citie  of  St.  androis  asked  of  him  q'foire  he  refused  to  preache 
on  Tuesday,  it  being  lies  ordinarie  preaching  day,  his  ansuer  was  in  these  wordis : 
God  nor  my  tung  cleave  to  ye  ruif  of  my  mouth  if  ever  I  sail  preatch  in  St. 
androis  on  a  work  day.  Notwithstanding  qrof  he  did  contrair  to  his  oath 
preaching  wpon  such  work  dayes  as  he  thought  fit,  but  lies  yis  long  tyme  bypast 
deserted  the  same  altogidder.  Item,  he  was  verie  slack  in  ye  exercise  of  dis- 
cipline, in  ye  censuring  of  fornicators  and  adulterers  delated  unto  him,  and  that 
without  any  warrand  from  the  Presbitrie,  or  consent  of  his  owine  sessione  he 
caussed  pull  down  ye  seatis  appointed  for  ye  people  to  sit  wpon  at  ye  commvnion 
tables,  and  refuised  to  geive  ye  sacrament  of  ye  supper  to  such  as  wold  not 
kneill  yrat  in  ye  act  of  receaving.  That  furiouslie  he  came  with  a  suord 
threalning  to  bereave  his  nychtboure  of  his  lyfe.  And  yat  without  any  ordin- 
ance of  ye  Kirk  he  embraced,  defended  and  read  publictlie  in  the  pulpit  ye  late 
service  book.  Item,  the  said  docter  Allex.  did  practise  kneilling  at  the  communion 
befoire  thair  was  anie  precept  of  law  for  ye  samine.  And  yat  ye  said  docter 
Allex.  haveing  receaved  ye  sowme  of  692  lib.  4f.  from  the  ministers  of  the  Pres- 
bitrie, collected  in  yr-  severall  parochins  for  the  releife  of  the  distressed  minis- 
ters of  the  Palatinat,  he,  being  moderator  of  the  Presbiterie  for  ye  tyme,  has 
detained  ye  same  verie  sacrilegiouslie  from  yat  pious  wse.  And  yat  ye  said 
docter  allex.  haveing  preached  at  ye  visitation  of  the  Kirk  of  Kingis  barnes  a 
moist  railling  and  impious  sermon,  went  to  ye  coast  syd  qr-  haveing  spent  ye 
rest  of  yat  weik  in  excessive  drinking  cam  home  on  Saturday,  being  ye  day  of 
ye  preparation  for  ye  comunion,  qlk  was  to  be  celebrat  wpon  the  morne,  and 
went  so  drunk  to  ye  pulpit  yat  he  forgot  his  text  and  fell  out  in  a  moist  pittifull 
railling  against  ye  reformers  of  religion.  Item,  ye  said  docter  allex.  gledstains, 
in  a  discourse  of  his  to  some  gentilmen  comending  ye  Practise  of  Pietie  and  ye 
author  yrof,  wttered  yir  wordis,  yat  he  was  assured  yat  the  author  of  yat  book 
was  damned  in  hell  for  wryting  of  it,  because  ye  book  had  mad  all  ye  ladies  in 
Scotland  puritans,  and  qn  some  yat  were  present  did  tak  the  defence  of  these  he 
callit  puritans,  saying  yai  were  such  as  feared  god  trewlie  and  did  stryve  to 
give  testimonie  of  ye  same  to  the  world,  The  said  docter  in  a  moist  bitter  maner 
said  for  himselff  he  [had]  rather  renunce  god  then  be  a  puritane.  As  lyke- 
wayes  yat  it  was  weill  enogh  knawine  to  the  bretherene  of  the  Presbitrie  what 
lordlie  authoritie  and  preheminence  the  said  docter  exercised  during  the  tyme 

3  E 


402  APPENDIX.  [Gladstanes. 

that  he  was  moderator  of  ye  Presbitrie,  and  what  wer  his  minasings  and  raillingis 
against  ye  bretherene  of  the  Presbitrie.  Lykas  wpon  the  7  of  No"  last,  James 
ro'sone  in  St.  androis,  compeird  in  name  of  ye  said  docter  allex.  befoire  the 
said  presbitrie  of  St.  androis,  and  gawe  in  ane  declinator  qrin  ye  said  docter 
allex.  declyned  the  presbitrie  as  not  being  his  competent  and  lawfull  judge,  and 
protest  if  the  presbitrie  did  proceid  against  him,  ye  same  to  be  null  and  of  no 
effect,  It  being  done  as  he  alleadgit  a  non  habente  potestatem ; 
Qlk  proces  and  haill  particular  pointis  and  articles  abowewrittin,  war  suffici- 
entlie  provine  against  the  said  docter  allex.  gledstains  befoire  ye  said  presbitrie 
of  St.  androis,  and  yairefter  the  decisione  yrof  and  sentance  to  be  pronuncit 
y'intill  was  referrit  be  ye  said  Presbitrie  to  ye  gilall  assemblie  then  ensewing, 
to  be  holdine  at  Glasgow,  ye  tuentie  ane  of  Nor-,  1638  Seiris  And  ye  said 
docter  allex.  IawUe-  cited  to  compeir  before  the  griall  assemblie  the  said  day,  to 
heire  the  sentance  of  the  Assemblie  pronuncit  againes  him,  As  at  mair  lenth  is 
contined  in  ye  said  proces.  And  the  said  mater  being  yis  day  callit  befoir  the 
said  gnall  assemblie,  the  saidis  complinaris  compeirand  personallie,  and  ye 
said  docter  allex.  gledstains  oftymes  callit  and  not  compeirand,  The  gnall 
assemblie  all  in  ane  woice  considering  yat  the  said  proces  and  haill  poyntis  and 
articles  yrof  war  sufficientlie  provine  befoir  the  said  presbitrie  of  St.  androis, 
and  yrby  finding  the  said  docter  allex.  gledstains  worthie  of  deprivatioun,  Hes 
deposed,  and  by  these  presentis  deposesse  ye  said  docter  allex.  gledstains  from 
the  ministrie,  and  discharges  him  from  all  preaching  of  the  word,  administrating 
the  sacramentis,  exerceing  discipline,  and  wseing  any  ministeriall  function  in  all 
tyme  heirefter,  And  declares  his  kirk  to  be  vacand,  And  incaice  ye  said  docter 
allex.  sail  remaine  obstinat  jrregolare  dissobedient  to  yis  sentance,  and  actes  and 
constitutions  of  the  gnall  assemblie,  and  indavour  to  disswad  wtheris  fra 
yr-  dewtifull  obedience,  yrto  ordains  the  Presbitrie,  and  incaice  of  yr'  neglect  ye 
provinciall  assemblie  to  proceid  to  ye  heichest  censures  of  ye  kirk  against  him. 


NOTES. 


LIFE  OF  JOHN  ERSKINE  OF   DUN. 


Note  A. — the  family  of  erskine  of  dun.     (Page  4.) 

Although  the  Erskines  of  Dun  have  long  been  distinguished  both  in  the  civil 
and  ecclesiastical  history  of  Scotland,  no  notice  of  them  as  a  family  has  hitherto 
appeared,  nor,  after  the  most  diligent  inquiry,  has  any  MS.  account  of  them 
been  discovered.  Perhaps  some  of  their  papers  may  have  suffered  during  the 
ravages  of  the  Marquis  of  Montrose,  who  requited  the  zeal  of  the  then  repre- 
sentative on  the  side  of  the  Presbyterians,  by  plundering  the  house  of  Dun, 
in  1644.  (Spalding's  History,  Bannatyne  Club  Edition,  II.  275.)  Whatever 
probability  may  be  attached  to  this  conjecture,  the  following  extract  from  a 
letter  of  Lord  Grange  to  Mr.  Wodrow,  (5  Nov.,  1726,)  intimates  a  strong 
suspicion  that  many  of  them  were  afterwards  suppressed  by  Montrose's  biographer. 

"  Sir,  I  render  you  hearty  thanks  for  your  acceptable  letter  with  John 
"  Erskine  of  Dun  the  Superintendant's  life ;  most  of  which  I  have  now  read, 
"  and  will  soon  be  done  with  it,  and  then  give  it  to  Ld-  Dun,  to  whom  I  read 
"  the  part  of  your  letter  concerning  it.  He  believes  that  one  Wisheart  who 
"  wrote  Montrose's  life  got  many  of  the  Superintendant's  papers  from  Ld-  Dun's 
"  own  grandfather.  If  that  man  was  among  them,  it  is  to  be  fear'd  he  would  sink 
"  or  destroy  all  which  he  conceived  might  do  justice  to  the  Reformation  and 
"  Reformers.  However,  my  lord  promises  to  search  for  all  that  may  yet  remain 
"  that  you  may  peruse  them."    (Wodrow's  Corr.,  MS.  Adv.  Lib.,  4to.  Letters.) 

Nor  do  the  Records  of  the  Burgh  of  Montrose,  with  which  this  family  was 
long  connected,  throw  any  light  on  the  early  period  of  their  history.  These 
records  are  very  imperfect  prior  to  1630. 

In  these  circumstances,  it  was  conceived  that  an  investigation  into  the  gen- 
ealogy of  the  Erskines  might  not  be  out  of  place  here,  and  the  following  list 
of  their  Charters  has  been  obtained,  through  the  politeness  of  Robert  Pitcairn, 
Esq.,  from  a  very  valuable  abridgment  of  the  Register  of  the  Great  Seal.  To 
these  a  few  extracts  from  other  records  have  been  added. 

I.  CHARTERS  granted  to  the  ancient  family  of  ERSKINE  OF  DUN, 
by  the  Kings  of  Scotland,  extracted  from  the  Rolls  and  Registers 
of  the  Great  Seal. 

I.     Charter  of  Resignation  by  King  Robert  II.,  in  favour  of  Sir  Thomas 


406  NOTES.  [Erskine, 

de  Erskyne  of  the  whole  Barony  of  Dun,  with  the  pertinents  in 
the  shire  of  Forfar;  on  the  Resignation  of  Sir  Robert  de  Erskyne 
his  father.  Dated  at  Scone,  November  8,  (1375,)  a.  r.  6.  Rot.  V. 
9;  and  Registrum  Magni  Sigilli,  Edinburgh,  1814,  fol.  129. 
II.  Charter  of  Resignation  by  King  Robert  III.,  in  favour  of  Sir  John 
de  Erskyne,  and  the  heirs  male  of  his  body  procreated,  or  to  be 
procreated,  whom  failing  to  the  said  Sir  Thomas  and  his  heirs  whom- 
soever, of  the  said  Barony;  on  the  Resignation  of  Sir  Thomas  de 
Erskine  his  father,  reserving  his  liferent  of  the  Barony,  and  the 
third  part  thereof  to  Johanna  Berclay  his  spouse,  and  mother 
of  the  said  Sir  John,  in  case  she  should  survive  her  husband. 
Dated  at  Lynlithgow,  October  25,  (1392,)  a.  r.  3.  Rot.  X.  45; 
and  Registrum  Magni  Sigilli,  fol.  210. 

III.  Charter  of  Resignation  in  favour  of  John  de  Erskine,  eldest  son 
of  Alexander  de  Erskine  of  Dwn  and  his  heirs,  of  the  dominical 
lands  of  Dwn,  and  the  lands  of  Balwelawe,  in  the  Barony  of  Dwn 
and  shire  of  Forfar;  on  the  Resignation  of  the  said  Alexander,  who 
reserved  to  himself  and  to  Jonet,  his  spouse,  their  respective  life- 
rents.    At  Edinburgh,  January  28,  1449.  Lib.  IV.,  101. 

IV.  Charter  of  Resignation  in  favour  of  John  de  Erskine,  above 
designed,  his  heirs  and  assignees,  of  the  Barony  of  Dwn ;  on  the 
Resignation  of  the  said  Alexander,  reserving  his  liferent.  The 
same  date.  IV.,  102. 

V.  Charter  of  Resignation  in  favour  of  John  Erskine  of  Dvne  and 
his  heirs,  of  the  lands  of  Ballandro,  in  the  shire  of  Kincardine;  on 
the  Resignation  of  Robert  Mortimer.  At  Edinburgh,  July  19, 
1468.  VII.,  39. 

VI.  Charter  of  Confirmation  of  a  Charter  of  Sale  granted  by  Jonet  Lich- 
toun,  daughter  and  heir  of  the  deceased  David  Lichtoun  of  Bal- 
kasky,  dated  at  Brechine,  June  13,  1480,  in  favour  of  John  Erskin 
of  Dvne,  his  heirs  and  assignees,  of  the  lands  of  Balkasky,  in  the 
shire  of  Fiffe.     At  Edinburgh,  June  21,  1480.  IX.,  14. 

VII.  Charter  of  Confirmation  of  a  Charter  of  Mortification,  [dated  '  apud 
maneriem  de  Dvne,'  March  10,  1490,]  made  be  John  Ersken  of 
Dun,  [Mariota  Grahame  his  spouse,  and  John  Erskin,  younger,  their 
son  and  fiar  of  Dvne,]  to  a  Chaplin  in  St.  Andrew's  Kirk  of 
Dun,  [the  parish  Kirk,  of  St.  Andrew  the  Apostle,  of  Dvne,]  at 
the  Mary  Altar,  of  sundry  annualrents  of  twenty  shillings  yearly; 
and  of  two  crofts  of  land  and  tofts  thairof,  lying  in  Kincardine,  (in 


Note  A.]  NOTES.  407 

the  Mernes,)  viz.,  the  Chapel  thairof,  particularly  designed  in  the 
Charter;  with  an  other  croft,  and  an  annual  rent  of  six  merks  out 
of  his  house  of  Montrose,  in  the  Murray  Street;  and  an  annual 
rent  of  twenty  shillings  out  of  the  said  tenement  of  John  Erskin, 
elder,  and  another  of  thirteen  shillings  out  of  his  tenement  called 
the  Sey-house,  in  the  said  burgh,  21  May,  149 1,  Registrum  Magni 
Sigilli,  XII.,  302.— Milne's  MS.,  Advocates'  Library,  Jac.  V.,  8,  8. 
VIII.  Charter  of  Confirmation  of  a  Charter  of  Sale  by  Robert  Lundy  of 
Benhame,  \fil<j  leyitimi  et  carnalis'  of  Sir  John  Lundy  of  that  Ilk 
and  Isabell  Forestare  his  spouse,  dated  at  Montrose,  July  22,  1495, 
with  consent  of  the  said  Sir  John  and  Isabell,  in  favour  of  Isabell 
Erskin,  ifilie  carnali'  of  John  Erskin  senior  of  Dvne,  her  heirs 
and  assignees,  of  the  lands  of  Tulloche  of  Benhame,  in  the  Barony 
of  Benhame  and  shire  of  Kincardin.  Mr.  Robert  Erskin,  and 
Alexander  Erskin  are  witnesses  to  the  Charter  of  Sale.  At  Striue- 
ling,  August  14,  1495.  XIII.,  177. 

IX.  Charter  of  Confirmation  of  a  Charter  of  Sale  granted  by  Mr. 
Patrick  Stratoune  of  Rynde,  burgess  of  Montroise,  dated  at  Mon- 
troise,  February  27,  1495,  in  favour  of  John  Erskin  of  Dvne,  his 
heirs  and  assignees,  of  the  eighth  part  of  the  lands  of  Logy-Mon- 
troise,  in  the  shire  of  Forfare.  At  Cowper,  Mar.  9,  1495.  XIII.,  219. 
X.  Charter  of  Confirmation  of  a  Charter  of  feu-farm  granted  by  Mr. 
Patrick  Pantere,  Secretary  to  King  James  IV.,  Rector  of  Frederesso 
(Fetteresso,  in  Kincardineshire,)  and  Preceptor  of  the  Hospital  of  the 
Virgin  Mary,  near  the  burgh  of  Montrose,  dated  at  Edinburgh, 
Aug.  14,  1507,  in  favour  of  John  Erskyn  of  Dvne,  his  heirs 
and  assignees,  of  the  lands  of  Spittaleschelis,  belonging  to  the  said 
Hospital,  in  the  shire  of  Kyncardin ;  on  the  Resignation  of  the  said 
John :  reserving  the  parsonage  and  vicarage  teinds,  &c,  paying 
yearly  51.  6s.  8d.  of  feu-farm.    At  Edin.  Aug.  14,  1507.  XIV.,  369. 

XI.  Charter  of  Confirmation  of  a  Charter  granted  by  John  Erskin  of 
Dvn,  dated  at  Dvn,  June  21,  1508,  in  favour  of  John  Erskin,  his 
son  and  heir  apparent,  and  Margaret  Ruthvene,  Countess  of 
Buchane,  spouse  of  the  said-  John  Erskine,  younger,  in  joint  fee, 
and  to  the  heirs  male  lawfully  procreated  or  to  be  procreated 
between  them,  whom  failing  to  the  heirs  whomsoever  of  the  said 
John  Erskine  senior,  of  the  sunny  half  of  the  lands  of  Belweloche, 
and  the  sunny  half  of  the  lands  of  Glaskennoche,  with  the  entire 
miln  thereof,  in  the  barony  of  Dvn,  paying  yearly  to  the  King  the 


408  NOTES.  [Erskine, 

services  of  ward  and  relief.  Among  the  witnesses  are  Thomas  and 
Alexander  Erskines,  brothers  german  of  John  Erskine  senior,  and 
Sir  David  Wicht,  Vicar  of  Dvne.  AtPerthe,  Aug.  30, 1508.  XV.,  29. 
XII.  Charter  of  Confirmation  of  a  Charter  of  Sale  by  John  Erskin, 
Baron  of  the  barony  of  Dvne,  dated  at  Montrose,  April  23,  1510, 
in  favour  of  Mr.  George  Striueling  of  Breklye,  and  Margaret  Dal- 
glesche  his  wife,  &c,  of  the  lands  of  Balgasky,  in  the  shire  of  Fife. 
Among  other  witnesses,  Walter  Lindesay,  son  and  heir  apparent  of 
Sir  David  Lindesay  of  Edzell,  knight,  and  Walter  Lichtoune  of 
Vllishawin  (Ullshaven),  alderman  of  the  burgh  of  Montrose,  occur. 
At  Edinburghe,  May  6,  1510.  XV.,  181. 

XIII.  Charter  of  Confirmation  of  a  Charter  of  Excambion  granted  by 
Alexander  Lamby  of  Drumbenny,  (Drumkenny?)  dated  at  Edin- 
burgh, June  17,  1510,  in  favour  of  Robert  Lord  Erskin,  his  heirs 
and  assignees,  of  the  lands  of  Cambisbarroune,  in  the  shire  of  Stir- 
ling, with  the  patronage,  &c,  of  the  chapel  thereof;  in  excambion 
for  the  lands  of  Newtoune,  in  the  barony  of  Balmakelly  and  shire 
of  Kincardin.  One  of  the  witnesses  is  John  Erskin  of  Dvn.  As 
also  of  a  Charter  of  sale  by  Jonet  Lichtoune,  'domine  de  Quhite- 
feild  et  Petdynneis,'  dated  at  the  manor  place  of  Dvne,  June  8,  1510, 
in  favour  of  Robert  Lord  Erskine,  and  Isobella  Campbell  'sponse 
sue  moderne,'  in  conjunct  fee,  and  to  their  heirs,  &c,  of  the  lands  of 
Petdynneis,  in  the  shire  of  Fife.  Among  the  witnesses  are  John 
Erskin  of  Dvne,  Walter  Lichtoune  of  Vllishavin,  Mr.  George 
Striueling  of  Brekley,  Robert  Erskin,  ifilio  meo  et  herede  appar- 
ente,'  and  Alexander  Erskin.  At  Edinburgh,  June  20,  1510.  XVI.,  48. 

X  IV.  Charter  of  Apprising  in  favour  of  John  Erskin  of  Dvne,  and  his 
heirs,  of  half  of  the  lands  of  Balfoure,  a  quarter  of  the  lands  of  Bal- 
connale,  and  the  one  merk  land  of  Rummys,  in  the  barony  of  Men- 
mure  and  shire  of  Forfare;  which  formerly  pertained  to  Walter 
Cullesse  of  Balnamone,  and  were  apprised  by  the  said  John  for 
three  hundred  merks  due  by  the  said  Walter;  with  power  to  redeem 
within  seven  years.     At  Edinburgh,  July  15,  1510.  XV.,  214. 

XV.  Charter  of  Confirmation  of  a  Charter  of  Excambion  by  Robert  Lord 
Erskin,  dated  at  Edinburgh,  June  17,  1510,  in  favour  of  Alexander 
Lamby  of  Drumcany,  his  heirs  and  assignees,  of  the  lands  of  Bal- 
makelly, in  the  shire  of  Kincardin.  Among  the  witnesses  are  Sir 
John  Erskin,  knight,  his  son  and  heir  apparent,  and  Thomas  Dou- 
glase  of  Auchinrothi.    At  Edinburghe,  March  27,  1511.   XVI.,  60. 


Note  A.]  NOTES.  409 

XVI.  Charter  of  Confirmation  of  a  Charter  of  Sale  granted  by  Robert 
Gledstanis,  dated  at  Edinburgh,  November  5,  1512,  in  favour  of 
John  Erskine  of  Dvne,  his  heirs  and  assignees  of  an  half  of  an 
eighth  part  of  the  lands  of  Crags,  in  the  shire  of  Forfare.  At  Edin- 
burgh, November  5,  1512.  XVIII.,  106. 

XVII.     Charter  of  Confirmation  of  a  Charter  of  Sale  by  David  Earl  of  Crau- 

furd,  Lord  Lindsay,  dated  at  Fynnevin,  April  30,  1525,  in  favour 

of  John  Erskin  of  Dvn,  his  heirs  and  assignees,  of  the  customs  of 

Montrose,  in  the  shire  of  Forfare.     Paying  yearly  to  the  Earl  and 

his  heirs  a  silver  penny,  in  name  of  blench  farm.     At  Edinburgh, 

September  14,  1526.  XXL,  87. 

XVIII.     Charter  of  Resignation  in  favour  of  John  Ekskin,  son  and  heir 

apparent  of  John  Erskyn  of  Dwn  and  his  heirs,  of  the  lands  and 

barony  of  Dwne,  with  the  castle,  &c. ;  on  the   Resignation  of  the 

said  John  Erskine  senior.      Reserving  his  liferent  and  his  wife's  * 

terce.     At  Edinburgh,  February  18,  (1534)  a.  r.  22.     XXV.,  344. 

Apud  Dundee,  8  March,  1537.    Preceptum  Litere  Johannis  Erskin  de  Ddne, 

faciendo  eurn  Custumarium  burgi  de  Montros,  &c.     Reg.  Seer.  Sig.   XII.  65. 

.XIX.  Charter  of  Confirmation  of  a  Charter  of  feu-farm  by  John  Erskine 
liferenter  of  Dune,  Provost  of  the  burgh  of  Montrose,  and  the 
bailies  and  community  thereof,  dated  Jan.  4,  1541,  in  favour  of  John 
Erskin  fiar  of  Dvne,  his  heirs  and  assignees,  of  their  lands  lying 
between  the  Glenburne,  &C,  in  the  shire  of  Forfare:  Paying  yearly 
ten  merks,  &c.  At  Striueling,  Jan.  31,  (1541)  a.  r.  29.  XXVIII.,  172. 
XX.  Charter  of  Confirmation  of  a  Charter  of  feu-farm  granted  by  Sir 
Thomas  Erskin  of  Brechin,  secretary  to  King  James  V.,  dated  at 
Edinburgh,  February  9,  1541,  in  favour  of  John  Erskin  of  Dune, 
'  nepoli  suo,'  his  heirs  and  assignees,  of  a  half  of  the  lands  of  Arrot 
and  miln  thereof,  and  also  of  the  half  of  the  lands  of  Lichtounhill, 
in  the  barony  of  Brechin,  and  shire  of  Forfar.  Paying  yearly  to  the 
said  Sir  Thomas  and  his  heirs  131.  6s.  8d.,  and  31.  6s.  4d.,  in  aug- 
mentation of  the  rental;  and  furnishing  two  footmen  with  '  halkirkis' 
and  'pikkis'  to  serve  in  the  King's  army,  when  required,  &c.  At 
Falkland,  February  15,  1541.  XXVIII.,  78. 

XXI.  Charter  of  Confirmation  of  a  Charter  by  Sir  Thomas  Erskin  of 
Brechin,  Secretary  to  King  James  V.,  dated  at  Edinburgh,  Febru- 
ary 9,  1541,  granting  to  John  Erskin  of  Dune,  senior,  '  nepoti  suo,' 

*  Her  name  does  not  appear  in  the  Charter. 
3  F 


4  10 


NOTES. 


[Ehskine, 


in  liferent,  and  to  John  Erskin  his  son  and  heir  apparent,  far  of 
Dwn,  in  fee  and  heritage  and  to  his  heirs  and  assignees,  the  office  of 
constabulary  of  Montrose,  and  lands,  fishings,  &c,  thereto  pertain- 
ing.    At  Falkland,  February  15,  1541.  XXVIII.,  249. 

November  6,   1541.      Offieium  Constabularie  tie   Montros  Thome  Erskin  de 

Brechin  militi.  Reg.  Seer.  Sig. 
XXII.  Charter  granted  by  King  James  V.  'familiari  sernitori  suo'  John 
Erskin  senior,  liferenter  of  Dwn,  in  liferent,  and  to  John  his  son 
and  heir  apparent,  fiar  thereof,  and  the  heirs  male  procreated  and  to 
be  procreated  of  his  body,  whom  failing  to  his  nearest  and  lawful 
heirs  male  whatsoever,  bearing  the  name  of  Erskin,  whom  failing  to 
his  nearest  and  lawful  heirs  female  whomsoever;  the  lands  and 
barony  of  Dwnne  therein  fully  specified,  the  office  of  constabulary 
of  Montrose,  with  the  lands,  fishings,  &c,  thereunto  pertaining,  and 
commonty  in  the  Muir  of  Montrewmond;  on  their  mutual  Resigna- 
tion. Reserving  the  third  part  of  the  said  lands  and  barony  to  any 
lawful  spouse  of  the  said  John  Erskine  senior,  who  might  happen  to 
survive  him,  in  liferent.  At  Striueling,  April  13, 1542.  XXVIII.,  181. 
XXIII.  Charter  of  Confirmation  of  a  Charter  of  Sale  granted  by  Sir  Thomas 
Erskine  of  Brechin,  dated  at  the  city  of  Brechin,  September  20, 
1543,  granting  to  John  Erskine  of  Dun,  '  ?iepoti  sito,'  and  Bar- 
bara Beirle  his  spouse,  in  conjunct  fee,  and  the  heirs  male  pro- 
created and  to  be  procreated  of  their  marriage,  whom  failing  to  the 
nearest  lawful  heirs  whatsoever  of  the  said  John,  the  lands  of  Kirk- 
buddo,  in  the  shire  of  Forfar.  At  Edin.,  Oct.  8,  1543.  XXX.,  13. 
XXIV.  Charter  of  Confirmation  of  a  Charter  of  Sale  granted  by  John  Earl 
of  Buchquhane  (Buchane),  Lord  Ouchterhouse,  dated  at  Dvn, 
March  13,  1548,  in  favour  of  John  Erskin,  liferenter  of  Dun,  in 
liferent,  and  to  William  Erskine  his  son,  his  heirs  and  assignees, 
in  fee,  the  lands  of  the  town  of  Shirrefbank,  in  the  barony  of  Kyn- 
nawtie  and  shire  of  Forfare.  At  Edin.,  Mar.  28,  1549.  XXX.,  425. 
XXV.  Charter  of  Confirmation  of  a  Charter  of  Sale  by  John  Erskin,  Baron 
of  the  barony  of  Balhaggartie,  dated  at  Dun,  January  10,  1555,  in 
favour  of  John  Erskine  of  Dun,  his  heirs  and  assignees,  of  the 
lands  and  barony  of  Easter  Brechin,  alias  Wester  Morphy  or 
Morphy-Fraser,  viz.,  Manis,  Petbidlie,  with  the  cruives  and  salmon 
fishing  thereof  on  the  water  of  North-Esk,  and  with  the  outsets,  &c, 
the  lands  of  Cantirland,  with  the  manor  place  thereof,  and  the  lands 
of  Kynnard;  together  with    the   superiority   of  Lumgar,   with  the 


Note  A.] 


N  O  T  E  S. 


411 


lake  and  fishing  thereof,  in  the  barony  of  Easter  Brechin,  and  shire 
of  Kincardin ;  which  were  all  united  into  a  free  barony,  called 
Easter  Brechin.  To  be  holden  of  the  Queen  and  her  successors, 
for  services  of  ward  and  relief.   At  Edin.,  Feb.  28,  1535.  XXXI.,  357. 

XXVI.  Charter  of  Confirmation  of  a  Charter  of  Sale  by  John  Erskine  of 
Dun,  dated  at  Montrose,  March  31,  1562,  in  favour  of  his  son 
James  Erskine,  and  Jonet  Grahaiue  his  wife,  in  conjunct  fee, 
and  to  the  heirs  of  their  marriage,  whom  failing  to  the  heirs  what- 
soever of  the  said  James,  of  the  lands  and  barony  of  Easter  Brec- 
hyne,  alias  Wester  Morphy,  or  Morphy-Fraser,  &c,  as  specified 
in  the  last  noted  Charter.  "  Robert  Erskine  of  Nathro,"  is  a  witness 
to  the  Charter  of  Sale.  At  St.  Andrews,  April  26, 1562.  XXXII.,  591. 

December  21,  1564.     Ane  letter  maid  to  John  Erskin  of  Dun,  settand  and 

to  maill  lettand  to  him  and  bis  subteunentis  all  and  baill  the  denerie  of  Aber- 

dene,  &c.     Reg.  Sec.  Sig.,  XXXII.,  120. 

April  15,  1565.     Ane  letter  maid  to  Maister  James  Erskin  for  all  the  dayis 

of  his  lyf  of  the  gift  and  dispositioun  of  all  and  haill  the  benefice  of  the  archi- 

denerie  of  Abirdene,  with  the  Kirk  of  Rane  and  mansioun  and  ludgeing  in 

Auld  Aberdene.     Reg.  Sec.  Sig. 

July  4,  1566.     Ane  letter  maid  to  John  Erskin  of  Ddn,  makand  eonstituand 

and  ordenand  him  thair  Majesteis  custumar  of  the  burgh  of  Montros,  for  all 

the  dayis  of  his  lyf.     Reg.  Sec.  Sig.,  XXXV.,  51. 

January  17,  1567.     Ane  letter  of  tak  maid  with  awise  of  my  Lord  Regent  to 

Alexander  Erskin  sone  lauchfull  to  John  Erskin  of  Dun,  and  Christiane 

Strattoun  his  spous,  &c,  of  all  and  haill  the  landis,  ackeris,  See.,  sumtym  per- 

tening  to  the  Blak  Freiris  of  Montros,  &c.     Reg.  Sec.  Sig. 

September  21,  1570.     Ane  presentation  maid  to   Maister   James   Erskin, 

presentand  him  to  the  personage  of  Dun,  Hand  within  the  scherifdom  of  Forfar, 

&c.    Reg.  Sec.  Sig. 

March  24,  1574.     Ane  preseutatioun  maid  to  Thomas  Erskin,  lauchfull  sone 

to  John  Erskin  of  Dun,  presentand  him  to  the  personage  and  vicarage  of 

Dun.     Reg.  Sec.  Sig. 

August  11,  1575.      Ane  presentatioun  maid  to  John  Erskin  nominatand  and 

presentand  the  said  John  to  the  parsonage  of  Dun,  Hand  in  the  Diocie  of  Sanct- 

androis,  and  scherifdome  of  Forfare,  vacand  be  deceis  of  umquhill  Mr.  James 

Erskin,  last  possessour  thairof,  direct  to  the  Superintendant  of  Fiffe,  becaus  he 

is  next  Superintendant,  requiring  him  to  admit  the  said  John  Erskin  to  the  said 

personage,  seing  it  is  knawin  that  he  is  qualifeit  to  use  the  office  of  ministrie 

within  the  kirk  of  God,  and  to  authorize  him,  with  testimonie  of  his  admission 

as  effeiris,  &c.     Reg.  Sec.  Sig. 

XXVII.  Charter  of  Confirmation  by  King  James  VI.,  with  consent  of  John 
Earl  of  Mar  Regent,  of  a  Charter  of  Sale  by  John  Erskin  of  Dune, 
with  consent  of  Barbara  de  Bairle  his  spouse,  dated  at  Leith, 


412 


NOTES. 


[Erskine, 


January  8,  1571,  in  favour  of  John  Erskin  his  son,  lawfully  pro- 
created between  him  and  the  said  Barbara,  and  to  his  heirs  and 
assignees,  of  the  lands  of  Kirkbodo,  and  a  peice  of  land  called 
Hole-myln,  with  the  corn  miln  'extra  torrentem,'  miln  lands  and 
multures,  &c,  in  the  shire  of  Forfar.  Reserving  the  liferents  of  the 
saids  John  and  Barbara.  At  Leith,  January  12,  1571.  XXXIII.,  66. 
XXVIII.  Charter  of  Confirmation  of  a  Charter  of  Sale  by  John  Erskin  of 
Dwne,  dated  at  Montrose,  May  31,  1573,  in  favour  of  John 
Erskein  'flio  suo  juniori,'  his  heirs  and  assignees,  of  the  lands  of 
Eglischome  with  its  pertinents  in  the  parish  thereof,  and  shire  of 
Forfar,  to  be  hoklen  of  Alexander  Bishop  of  Brechin,  his  heirs, 
successors,  and  assignees  for  the  yearly  payment  of  61.  10s.  of  feufarm. 
Also  Charter  of  feufarm  granted  by  John  Commendator  of  the 
Monastery  of  Aberbrothok  and  Convent  thereof,  dated  at  the  said 
Monastery,  April  21,  1577,  in  favour  of  John  Erskein,  the  younger 
son  of  John  Erskin  of  Dun,  procreated  betwixt  him  and  the 
deceased  Barbara  Bewlie  (Beirlie)  his  wife,  his  heirs  whatsoever 
and  assignees,  of  the  shady  half  of  the  lands  of  Hedderwik  and  Clay- 
lek,  in  the  regality  of  Abirbrothok  and  shire  of  Forfar,  to  be  holden 
of  the  said  Commendator  and  Convent,  for  the  yearly  payment  of 
forty  pence,  &c.  At  Striueling,  Aug.  18,  1585.  XXXVI.,  555. 
XXIX.  Charter  of  Confirmation  of  a  Charter  granted  by  Robert  Erskine 
fiar  of  Dune,  in  implement  of  a  marriage  contract  entered  into 
between  John  Erskin  liferenter  of  Dune,  his  father,  and  John 
Erskine  of  Logy,  son  of  the  said  Robert,  as  taking  burden  on 
them  for  John  Erskine  son  and  heir  apparent  of  the  said  John 
Erskine  of  Logy,  on  the  one  part,  and  Robert  Lord  Altrie  for 
himself  and  Margaret  Keyth  his  lawful  daughter,  on  the  other  part, 
(dated  at  Benholme  and  Dwn,  August  25,  1588,)  with  consent  of 
the  said  John  Erskine  liferenter  of  Dwne,  his  father,  dated  at  Mon- 
trose and  Dwne,  October  21,  15S8,  in  favour  of  the  said  John 
Erskine  of  Logy  his  son  and  heir  apparent,  in  liferent,  and  to  the 
said  John  Erskine  his  son  and  heir  apparent,  grandson,  'nepoti,' 
of  the  said  Robert  in  fee  and  heritage,  and  to  the  heirs  male  to  be 
procreated  betwixt  him  and  the  said  Margaret  Keyth  his  future 
spouse,  whom  failing  to  the  heirs  male  of  the  said  John  Erskine 
junior  whomsoever,  bearing  the  name  of  Erskine,  of  the  lands  and 
barony  of  Dwn,  as  specially  therein  described;  as  also  the  office  of 
Constabulary  of  Montroise,  with  the  lands  and  fishings,   and   the 


Note  A.]  NOTES.  413 

duties  pertaining  thereto,  and  commonty  in  the  Muir  of  Montrew- 
mond,  &c.  Reserving  to  the  said  Margaret  Keyth  her  liferent  of 
the  lands  of  Sounshill,  Taok,  Pugestoun,  and  the  fourth  part  of 
Fordese;  also  reserving  to  Agnes  Ogiluie  spouse  of  the  said  John 
Erskine  of  Logy,  her  liferent  of  Glenskenocht  and  .  .  .  .  , 
the  half  of  Leyis,  with  an  annualrent  of  twelve  bolls  of  victual  pay- 
able out  of  the  other  half  thereof;  also  reserving  to  Katherine 
Grahame,  spouse  of  the  said  Robert,  her  liferent  of  Balwelocht  and 
Balnelie;  also  reserving  to  Margaret  Hoppringill,  Lady  of 
Arbuthnot,  her  liferent  of  six  chalders  of  victual  from  the  three 
fourth  parts  of  the  lands  of  Fordese,  not  disponed  to  the  said  Mar- 
garet Keyth;  reserving  also  to  the  said  John  Erskine,  father  of  the 
said  Robert  the  liferenter  of  Dime,  his  liferent  of  the  rest  of  the  lands 
and  barony  of  Dune,  Constabulary  of  Montroise,  with  the  advoca- 
tion and  donation  of  the  Chaplainry  or  Alterage  of  the  Virgin 
Mary,  within  the  Parish  Kirk  of  Dwne,  with  the  pertinents,  not 
previously  reserved  to  the  saids  Margaret  Keyth,  Agnes  Ogilvie, 
Katherine  Grahame,  and  Margaret  Hoppringill ;  and  reserving  also 
to  the  said  Robert  his  liferent  of  the  said  barony,  office,  &c,  after 
the  death  of  his  father;  and  to  his  said  father  and  himself  the 
services,  kanes  and  customs,  with  the  letting  (leasing)  of  the  said 
barony.  Paying  yearly  to  the  King  a  silver  penny,  in  name  of 
blench  farm,  on  the  feast  of  Whitsunday,  if  asked  allenarly.  At 
Edinburgh,  May  18,  1589.  XXXVII.,  345. 

XXX.  Charter  of  Confirmation  of  a  Charter  of  feu-farm  by  David  Earl  of 
Crawfurde,  Lord  Lyndesay,  &c,  dated  at  Edinburgh,  May  31, 
1589,  in  favour  of  Samuel  Erskene,  lawful  son  of  Robert 
Erskene,  liferenter  of  Dwn,  and  Grissil  Forrester  his  spouse,  in 
conjunct  fee,  and  to  the  heirs  procreated  or  to  be  procreated  of 
their  marriage,  whom  failing  to  the  lawful  heirs  and  assignees  of  the 
said  Samuel  whatsoever,  of  the  sunny  half  of  the  lands  of  Bonytoun 
and  Innerarite,  with  the  pertinents,  in  the  barony  of  Inneraritie,  and 
shire  of  Forfar;  for  a  certain  sum  of  money  paid  to  the  said  Earl. 
Paying  yearly  twenty  merks  with  the  '  kaynis'  and  customs  used  and 
wont.      At  Edinburgh,  May  31,  1589.  XXXVII.,  339. 

XXXI.  Charter  of  Confirmation  of  a  Charter  granted  by  John  Erskyne 
of  Dun,  in  implement  of  a  marriage  contract,  with  consent  of  John 
Earl  of  Mar,  Sir  David  Lindesay  of  Edzell,  Sir  James  Scrymgeour 
of  Dudope,  and  David  Carnegye  of  Kinnaird,  his  curators,  dated  at 


414 


NOTES. 


[Erskine, 


Dudope,  Lewcharis,  and  Edzell,  January  3,  4,  and  11,  1604,  in 
favour  of  Magdalene  Haliburtoun,  his  future  spouse,  daughter 
of  James  Haliburtoun  of  Pitcurrie,  in  liferent,  of  the  lands  of  Glas- 
kennocht ;  with  the  little  miln  thereof,  miln  lands,  &c,  Fordes, 
Somishill,  Balwelo,  and  Pugistoun,  in  the  barony  of  Dwn,  and  shire 
of  Forfar;  also  the  corn-miln  of  Dwn,  miln-lands,  &c,  and  especially 
the  astricted  multures  of  the  said  barony.  And  also,  in  warrandice 
thereof,  he  assigned  the  Mains  of  Dwn,  with  the  tower,  &c.  At 
Edinburgh,  January  12,  1607.  XLIV.,  190. 

XXXII.  Charter  of  Resignation  in  favour  of  Alexander  Erskene  of 
Dwne,  in  liferent,  and  John  Erskene,  his  eldest  lawful  son  and  heir 
apparent,  his  heirs  male  and  assignees  in  fee,  (but  under  Reversion, 
on  payment  by  the  said  Alexander  to  the  said  John  of  an  angel,  or 
ten  merks,  within  the  parish  Kirk  of  Dwne,  on  twenty-four  hours 
warning,  &c.,)  of  the  lands  and  barony  of  Dwne,  therein  specified, 
with  the  advocation  and  donation  of  the  Chaplainry  or  Alterage  of 
the  Virgin  Mary;  on  the  Resignation  of  the  said  Alexander,  for  new 
Infeftment,  &c.  Providing  that  the  said  Infeftment  should  not  be 
hurtful  to  the  liferent  of  Dame  \_Magdalene?~\  Hahjburtoun,  spouse  of 
Sir  John  Carnegy  of  Ethy,  nor  to  the  Infeftment  of  Margaret 
Lindsay,  spouse  of  the  said  Alexander.  At  Halyruidhous,  Decem- 
ber 23,  1631.  LIIL,  244. 

XXXIII.  Charter  of  Novodamus  to  Sir  Alexander  Erskine  of  Dune,  his 
heirs  and  assignees  whomsoever,  of  the  town  and  lands  of  Newbig- 
ging,  as  well  the  sunny  as  the  shady  half  thereof,  and  also  the  lands 
of  Colt  and  Capill,  with  the  miln,  miln-lands,  &c,  and  the  Myre  and 
Myre-lands  thereof,  adjacent  thereto,  in  the  shire  of  Forfar.  Which 
lands  formerly  pertained  to  Elizabeth  and  Margaret  Erskines,  lawful 
daughters  and  heiresses-portioners  of  the  deceased  John  Erskine  of 
Newbigging,  and  which  they,  with  consent  of  Robert  Ramsay,  burgess 
of  Montrois,  '  apparent'  husband  of  the  said  Elizabeth,  resigned, 
at  Edin.,  July  17,  1637,  for  new  Infeftment,  &c.  At  Edin.,  July 
26,  1637.  LV.,  363. 

XXXIV.  Charter  of  Novodamus  by  Oliver  Cromwell,  Protector  *  of  the 
Commonwealth  of  England,  Scotland,  Ireland  and  dominions  thereto 
belonging,  in  favour  of  "  David   Erskine  of    Kirkbuddoe,   his 

*  All  the  Charters  granted  during  the  period  of  the  Commonwealth  are  in  the  vulgar  tongue. 
After  the  Restoration,  the  Royal  Grants  were  again  conceived  in  Latin,  which  practice  has  ever 
since  been  continued. 


Note  A.] 


NOTES. 


415 


airis  and  assigneyes  whatsomever,  of  all  and  haill  the  landes  and 
baronie  of  Kirkbuddoe,  with  houssis,  &c,  now  occupied  be  the  said 
David,  and  of  before  be  the  deceist  George  Erskine  his  father  and 
his  tennantes,  within  the  sherefdom  of  Forfar.  Which  lands  and 
others  above  specified  perteaned  heretablie  of  before  to  the  said 
David  Erskine  and  James  Beatoun  of  Westhall,  or  ane  or  other  of 
thame,  holdin  be  thame,  or  ane  or  other  of  theme,  immedeatlie  of 
ws,  be  reasone  of  the  Forfaultrie  of  George  Lord  Spynie,  who  wes 
successour  to  the  deceist  David  Earle  of  Crawfurd;  and  were 
resigned,"  &c,  for  new  Infeftment.  Moreover,  the  said  lands  were 
of  new  erected  into  a  free  barony,  '  the  toure,  fortalice,  and  maner 
place  of  Kirkbuddoe  to  be  the  principall  messuage.'  Paying  yearly 
'  ane  pennie  Scots,  in  name  of  blensh  ferme.'  At  Edin.,  March  7, 
1656.  LIX.,  213. 

XXXV.  Charter  of  Resignation  in  favour  of  David  Erskine  of  Dun,  his 
heirs  and  assignees  whomsoever,  of  the  lands  and  barony  of  Dun, 
advocation,  &c,  and  office  of  Constabulary  of  Montrosse,  as  before 
specified;  on  the  resignation  of  Robert  Grahame  of  Morthie  (Mor- 
phie),  at  Edin.,  June  20,  1667.   At  Edin.,  July  2,  1669.  LXII.,  106. 

XXXVI.  Charter  of  Recognition  in  favour  of  David  Erskine  of  Dun,  his 
heirs  and  assignees  whomsoever,  of  the  town  and  lands  of  Newbig- 
ging,  as  well  the  sunny  as  the  shady  half  thereof,  the  lands  of  Colt 
andCuppell  (Caple)  with  the  milns,  miln-lands, &c.,and  the  Myre  and 
Myre-lands  thereto  pertaining,  in  the  shire  of  Forfar.  Which  lands 
formerly  pertained  to  the  deceased  Sir  Alexander  Erskine  of 
Dun,  holden  by  him  of  the  King  by  service  of  ward  and  relief,  and 
fell  into  the  hands  of  the  King  by  Recognition,  on  account  of  the 
Alienation  thereof,  granted  by  the  said  Sir  Alexander  to  the 
deceased  Thomas  Burnett  in  Newbigging,  Andrew  his  son,  and 
Elizabeth  his  daughter,  without  the  King's  consent  or  confirmation. 
At  Edin.,  Dec.  11,  1668.  LXII.,  4. 

XXXVII.  Charter  of  Novodamus  in  favour  of  David  Erskin  of  Dun,  his 
heirs  and  assignees  whatsoever,  of  the  lands  and  barony  of  Dun,  &c, 
before  described,  and  of  the  lands  of  Newbigging,  as  well  the  sunny 
as  the  shady  half  thereof,  the  lands  of  Colt  and  Caple,  Myre  and 
Myre-lands  of  the  same,  with  the  milns,  &c;  on  the  Resignation  of 
the  said  David,  for  new  Infeftment,  &c  And  the  King  of  new  united 
and  incorporated  the  whole  foresaid  lands  into  one  entire  and  free 
barony  of  Dun;  the  tower  and  fortalice  thereof  to  be  the  principal 


416 


NOTES. 


[Erskine, 


messuage.  Moreover,  the  King  granted  that  whenever  the  barony 
came  into  the  hands  of  the  Crown  by  reason  of  nonentry,  ward  or 
relief,  the  said  David  and  his  heirs  should  only  pay  2001.  yearly, 
during  the  time  thereof;  and  4001.  as  a  composition  for  the  mar- 
riage of  heirs.  At  Edin.,  Nov.  26,  1669.  LXII.,  198. 
XXXVIII.  Charter  of  Resignation  in  favour  of  David  Erskin  of  Dun,  his 
heirs  and  assignees,  of  the  lands  and  barony  of  Dun,  &c,  as  above 
specified ;  which  the  King  of  new  united  into  one  free  barony,  on 
the  Resignation  of  the  said  David,  for  new  Infeftment.  The  Charter 
contains  the  lands  of  Gleskennoch  and  Taock,  the  titles  of  which  it 
is  stated  had  not  been  exhibited  at  the  granting  of  the  former 
erections.  The  composition  for  ward,  nonentry  and  relief  was 
augmented  to  2201.;  and  the  marriage  of  heirs  was  taxed  at440lr 
At  Edin.,  Dec.  8,  1671.  LXIII.,  40. 
XXXIX.  Charter  of  Resignation  in  favour  of  Francis  Arskine  of  Kirk- 
buddo,  eldest  surviving  son  of  the  deceased  David  Arskine  of 
Kirkbuddo  and  the  heirs  male  of  his  body  lawfully  to  be  procreated, 
whom  failing  to  Archibald,  David,  Patrick,  and  Mr.  Alexander;  his 
second,  third,  fourth,  and  fifth  brothers,  and  the  heirs  male  to  be 
lawfully  procreated  of  their  bodies,  respectively  and  successively, 
whom  failing  to  the  heirs  female  of  the  body  of  the  said  Francis  to 
be  lawfully  procreated,  whom  failing  to  the  heirs  female  of  the 
bodies  of  his  said  brothers,  respectively  and  successively,  whom  failing 
to  the  nearest  and  lawful  heirs  and  assignees  of  the  said  Francis  whom- 
soever, of  the  lands  and  barony  of  Kirkbuddo,  with  the  manor 
place,  mills,  fishings,  &c,  as  occupied  by  the  deceased  David,  and 
by  the  deceased  George  his  father,  in  the  shire  of  Forfar.  Which 
lands  formerly  pertained  to  the  said  Francis,  as  heir  of  line  of  his 
said  father  David,  and  to  the  said  Archibald  as  heir  of  entail  of  his 
father,  at  least  to  the  deceased  John  Erskine,  their  eldest  brother; 
and  which  they  respectively  resigned  for  new  Infeftment,  as  above 
specified,  under  the  reservations  and  provisions  contained  in  a 
Disposition  of  Entail,  dated  May  11,  1582,  granted  by  the  deceased 
David,  in  favour  of  the  deceased  John  his  eldest  lawful  son,  and  the 
heirs  male  of  his  body,  whom  failing  to  the  said  Archibald,  &c,  as 
above  mentioned,  viz.,  of  a  certain  provision  in  favour  of  Elizabeth 
Ogilvie  relict  of  the  said  deceased  David,  and  of  the  sums  follow- 
ing to  his  children,  viz.,  to  Archibald  10001.,  David  10001.,  Patrick 
10001.,  Mr.  Alexander  10001.,  Elizabeth  2000  merks,  Joanna  2000 


Note  A.]  NOTES.  417 

merks,  and  Anna  10001.,  all  Scots  money,  and  payable  at  the  term 
of  Martinmas  immediately  following  the  decease  of  the  said  Elizabeth 
Ogilvie,  &c.  The  said  lands  were  also  of  new  united  into  one  free 
barony;  and  the  Deed  of  Entail  was  formally  ratified  and  confirmed. 
At  Edin.,  July  24,  1691.  LXXIL,  164. 

XL.  Charter  of  Resignation  in  favour  of  Mr.  David  Erskine,  Advocate, 
second  surviving  son  of  the  deceased  David  Erskine  of  Dun,  and 
Magdalene  Riddell  his  spouse,  for  her  liferent  use  allenarly,  of 
15  chalders  of  victual  and  money  rent,  (computing  100  merks  for 
each  chalder)  of  which  6  chalders  to  be  of  meal,  and  3  of  barley, 
and  600  merks  in  money;  and  that  in  full  of  the  provisions  contained 
in  her  marriage  contract,  excepting  only  her  jits  relicta  and  part  of 
gear;  and  to  the  heirs  male  procreated,  and  to  be  procreated  betwixt 
them,  whom  failing  to  the  heirs  male  to  be  procreated  to  the  said 
Mr.  David  by  any  subsequent  marriage,  whom  failing  to  the  daugh- 
ters and  heirs  female  of  the  body  of  the  said  Mr.  David  of  this  or 
any  subsequent  marriage,  and  to  the  heirs  male  or  female  descending 
of  their  respective  bodies,  whom  failing  to  Mr.  James  Erskine  elder 
brother  of  the  said  Mr.  David,  presently  Captain  in  the  Regiment 
of  foot  ('  duci  in  cohorte  peditum'),  commanded  by  the  Earl  of  Ork- 
ney, and  to  the  heirs  male  to  be  procreated  of  his  body,  whom  fail- 
ing to  Alexander  Erskine  merchant  in  Montrose,  his  younger  brother, 
and  the  heirs  male,  &c,  whom  failing  to  the  nearest  heirs  male 
whatsoever  of  the  said  Mr.  David,  whom  all  failing  to  his  nearest 
and  lawful  heirs  and  assignees  whatsoever,  of  the  Mains  of  Dun, 
&c,  &c,  which  the  said  Mr.  David,  and  James  and  Robert  Milns, 
senior  and  junior  of  Ballwyllo,  resigned  for  new  Infeftment,  &c. 
May  24,  1710;  with  and  under  certain  conditions  of  Entail,  &c, 
therein  specified.     At  Edin.,  July  25,  1710.  LXXXIV.,117. 

XLI.  Charter  in  favour  of  Mr.  David  Erskine  of  Dun,  one  of  the 
Senators  of  the  College  of  Justice,  (Lord  Dun,)  and  the  heirs  male 
procreated  and  to  be  procreated  of  his  body,  whom  failing  to  the 
heirs  female  of  his  body,  and  to  the  heirs  male  or  female  of  their 
bodies,  whom  failing  to  Alexander  Erskine  merchant  in  Montrose, 
his  brother  german,  and  the  heirs  male  of  his  body,  whom  failing 
to  the  nearest  lawful  heirs  male  of  the  said  Mr.  David,  whom  failing 
to  his  heirs  and  assignees  whatsoever,  of  the  lands  of  Belhalveil  or 
Balhall,  as  well  the  sunny  as  the  shady  half  thereof,  Leithiscroft, 
and  the  new  miln  of  Belhalveil,  miln-lands,  &c,  and  the  manor 
3  G 


418  NOTES.  [Erskine, 

place  of  Balhall,  with  the  advocation,  donation,  and  right  of  patronage 
of  the  Parish  Kirk  of  Menmure,  parsonage  and  vicarage  thereof,  in 
the  shire  of  Forfar;  as  also  the  town  and  lands  of  Boigtoun,  and 
milntoun  of  Belhalveil  alias  Balhall,  with  the  Miln  thereof,  miln- 
lands,  multures  and  sequels  of  the  said  town,  with  the  manor  place 
of  Milntoun,  orchards,  &c,  in  the  said  parish  and  shire;  as  also  the 
Leys  of  Dun,  with  that  part  of  the  Muir  of  the  lands  of  Balneily, 
now  enclosed  in  a  park  and  lying  in  the  Muir  of  Dun ;  as  also  the 
lands  of  Fordess  and  that  part  of  Soumishill  nearest  thereto,  the 
salmon  fishing  on  the  water  of  South-Esk,  pertaining  to  the  barony 
of  Dun,  lying  in  the  said  barony  and  parish  and  shire  foresaid;  with 
the  third  part  of  the  lands  of  Pitkerro  and  pertinents,  in  the  parish  of 
Dundee,  and  shire  foresaid.  Which  lands  of  Belhalveil,  &c,  per- 
tained heritably  of  before  to  the  deceased  Patrick  Lyel  of  Balhall, 
and  were  by  decree  of  the  Lords  of  Council  and  Session,  dated  June 
13,  1731,  with  all  right  competent  to  Mr.  James  Lyel  Advocate  his 
brother,  declared  to  pertain  to  Robert  Miln  of  Balwylo,  as  purchaser 
at  the  sale  thereof,  and  were  assigned  by  him  to  the  said  Mr.  David 
Erskine  by  disposition,  dated  Oct.  2,  1722;  the  said  lands  of  Leys 
of  Dun,  &c,  also  pertained  to  the  said  Robert  Miln ;  and  the 
remainder  of  the  foresaid  lands  pertained  to  the  said  Mr.  David  and 
Robert  Miln,  who  assigned  his  right  thereto  to  the  said  Mr.  David 
by  several  Dispositions,  dated  Oct.  7,  1720,  Feb.  2,  1717,  Oct.  6, 

1722,  and  Oct.  20,  1718;  and  thereupon  the  whole  were  resigned 
for  new  Infeftment,  on  Feb.  9,   1723.     Dated  at  Edin.,  Feb.  12, 

1723.  XC,  36. 
XLII.     Charter  of  Novodamus  in  favour  of  Mr.  David  Erskine  of  Dun, 

one  of  the  Senators  of  the  College  of  Justice,  (Lord  Dun)  in  life- 
rent, and  to  John  Erskine,  only  lawful  son  procreated  betwixt  him 
and  Magdalene  Riddell  his  spouse,  in  fee,  and  to  the  heirs  male 
to  be  procreated  of  the  body  of  the  said  John,  whom  failing  to  the 
heirs  male  procreated  or  to  be  procreated  of  the  body  of  the  said 
Mr.  David  of  that  or  any  future  marriage,  whom  failing  to  Alexander 
Erskine  merchant  in  Montrose,  brother  german  of  the  said  Mr. 
David  and  to  the  heirs  male,  &c,  whom  failing  to  Francis  Erskine 
of  Kirkbodo,  and  the  heirs  male,  &c,  whom  failing  to  Thomas 
Erskine  of  Pitodry,  &c,  whom  failing  to  the  nearest  lawful  heirs  male 
of  the  said  Mr.  David  whatsoever,  whom  failing  to  his  heirs  and 
assignees  whatsoever,  of  the  lands  and  barony  of  Dun,  comprehend- 


Note  A.]  N  ()  T  E  S;  419 

ing  a  variety  of  lands  therein  specified,  the  office  of  Constabulary  of 
Montrose,  with  the  lands,  fishings,  &c,  pertaining  thereto,  the 
advocation,  donation  and  right  of  patronage  of  the  Parish-Kirk  of 
Dun,  the  third  part  of  the  lands  of  Pitkerro,  in  die  parish  of  Dun  ; 
with  the  Bridge  over  the  North- Esk  called  the  North- Water-Bridge, 
and  the  tolls  and  customs  thereof,  conform  to  Acts  of  Parlia- 
ment, granted  in  the  reign  of  King  Charles  II.  in  favour  of  the 
deceased  David  Erskine  of  Dun,  father  of  the  said  Mr.  David, 
dated  in  Dec,  1669,  and  16  June,  1685;  together  also  with  the 
privilege  of  holding  Fairs  or  Markets  on  the  Muir  of  Dun,  begin- 
ning on  the  second  Wednesday  after  the  feast  of  Whitsunday 
yearly,  with  the  whole  tolls,  customs,  and  profits  thereof,  granted 
by  the  first  mentioned  Act  of  Parliament;  as  also  the  lands  of  Bal- 
halveil,  alias  Balhall,  as  well  the  sunny  as  the  shady  half  thereof, 
Lethencroft,  and  the  new  corn-miln  of  Balhall,  with  the  miln-lands, 
multures,  &c,  the  manor  place  of  Balhall,  woods,  fishings,  &c,  with 
the  advocation,  donation,  and  right  of  patronage  of  the  Parish-Kirk 
of  Menmuir,  as  well  parsonage  as  vicarage  thereof,  all  lying  in  the 
shire  of  Forfar;  the  town  and  lands  of  Boigtoun  and  Miltoun  of 
Balhalveil,  alias  Balhall,  with  the  miln  thereof,  miln-lands,  multures, 
and  sequels  of  the  said  town,  as  well  sunny  as  shady  half  thereof,  the 
manor  place  of  Miltoun,  and  pertinents,  in  the  parish  of  Menmuir  and 
shire  foresaid;  the  lands  and  barony  of  Lownan,  as  well  that  half  thereof 
formerly  belonging  to  George  Earl  of  Kinnoull,  as  the  other  half 
thereof  formerly  belonging  to  George  Tyrie  of  Drumkilbo,  compre- 
hending Courthill,  Coathill,  Drumbarnet,  Kaukhill,  Newtoun,  the 
sunny  East  half  of  Drumbarnet,  with  the  miln  of  Lownan,  miln-lands, 
multures,  and  pertinents  lying  in  the  foresaid  shire  ;  as  also  the 
teind-sheaves  and  parsonage-teinds  of  the  half  of  the  said  barony  of 
Lownan,  comprehending  Courthill,  Coathill,  False-Castle,  Hillhead, 
the  half  of  Drumbarnet,  half  of  the  miln-lands  of  Drumbarnet,  and 
half  of  the  miln-lands  of  Lownan  and  pertinents  thereof.  Which 
whole  lands  and  patronage  lying  in  the  parish  of  Dun,  heritable 
office  of  Constabulary,  Fairs,  Markets,  and  Bridge  with  the  tolls  and 
customs  thereof,  the  lands  of  Pitkerro,  Balhall,  right  of  patronage, 
&c,  in  the  parishes  of  Dundee  and  Menmuir,  pertained  heritably  of 
before  to  the  said  Mr.  David,  holden  by  him  of  the  King  by  virtue 
of  two  Charters  under  the  Great  Seal,  dated  July  25,  1710,  and 
Feb.  12,  1723;  and  which  lands  and  barony  of  Lownane  pertained 


420  NOTES.  [Erskine, 

heritably  of  before  to  the  deceased  David  Earl  of  Northesk,  by 
virtue  of  a  special  service  and  retour  as  heir  to  David  Earl  of 
Northesk,  his  father,  dated  Oct.  26,  1693,  precept  from  Chancery 
and  Infeftment  following  thereon,  and  were  disponed  by  the  said 
Earl  to  Mr.  John  Ogilvie  of  Balbignie,  Mr.  John  Forbes  of  New- 
hall,  and  Mr.  Alexander  Baine  of  Hires,  Advocates,  by  disposition, 
dated  Feb.  12,  1723  ;  and  were  by  them  assigned  to  the  said  Mr. 
David,  March  30  and  31,  1730;  and  all  which  lands,  &c,  were 
resigned  for  new  Infeftment,  in  manner  as  above  specified,  under 
certain  conditions,  reservations  and  restrictions  of  Entail.  And 
moreover,  the  King  of  new  gave  and  granted  the  foresaid  lands,  &c, 
and  united  and  incorporated  them  into  one  free  barony  of  Dun,  for 
the  yearly  payment  of  the  various  sums  therein  specified,  and  composi- 
tion at  theentry  of  heirs,&c.  At  St.  James's, May  16,1732.  XCIII.,  89. 


II.  EXTRACTS  from  Acta  Dominorum  Auditorum  ad  causas  et 

QUERELAS  AUDIENDAS.* 

In  the  actioun  and  cause  persewit  be  Cristiain  Lady  Grahame,f  aganis 
Johne  Erskyn  of  Dwne  and  Dauid  Grahame  of  Morfy,  anent  the  wrangwise 
spoliatioun  and  withhalding  of  thre  chalder  of  meile  and  beire,  spu3leytand 
takin  fra  hir  be  the  saidis  personis  and  one  thair  behalf,  as  is  contenit  in  the 
summondis.  Baithe  the  saidis  partijs  beand  present,  be  thaim  self  and  thair  pro- 
curatouris,  and  thair  richtis,  resonis  and  allegacionis  in  the  said  mater  at  lenthe 
herd,  sene  and  vnderstandin,  the  Lordis  Auditouris  decretis  and  deliueris, 
that  the  saidis  Johne  and  Dauid  sail  content  and  pay  to  the  said  Cristian  the  saidis 
thre  chalder  meile  and  beire  spulgeit  and  takin  fra  hir  be  thaim  and  one  thair 
behalf,  as  was  sufficiently  prufit  before  the  saidis  Lordis.  And  ordanis  Lettres 
tobe  writtin  to  the  Scheref  to  distren3ej  thaim,  thair  landis  and  gudis  for  the 
said  meile  and  beire,  or  the  avale  thairof,  as  may  be  preuit  before  him,  the  said 
meile  and  beire  was  of  avale  the  tyme  of  the  takin  of  the  sammyne. 

In  presens  of  the  Lordis  of  Consale,  Johne  Erskin  of  Dvne,§  has  drawin 
him  self,  his  landis  and  gudis,  lawborghe||  to  our  souerane  lord,  that  Maister 
George  Striuiling  and    .     .     .     .f  Scot  burgesse  of  Montrose  salbe  harmles  and 

*  Printed  by  order  of  the  Record  Commission,  but  not  yet  completed  at  Press.     Edited  by 
Thomas  Thomson,  Esq.,  Deputy  Clerk  Register,  &c. 

f  Dated  13  Oct.,  1479.  f  Distrain.  §  Dated  20  May,  1491. 

||  See  Jamieson's  Diet,  voce  Borghe,  law-burrows,  &c.  f  Blank  in  Record. 


Note  A.]  NOTES.  421 

scathles  of  him  and  all  that  he  may  let,*  but  fraud  or  gile,  bot  as  law  will,  vnder 
the  pain  of  ij0-  li. 

The  Lordis  Auditouris  decrettis  and  deliueris,f  that  Johne  Erskin 
30unger,  feare  of  Dvne,  dois  na  wrang  in  the  occupatioun  of  the  CroysJ  of  Mon- 
trose and  fisching  of  the  samyn  in  the  Watter  of  Northesk,  because  the  procura- 
tour  of  the  said  Johne  Erskin  producit  ane  instrument  vnder  the  signe  of  Patrik 
Buttergask,  public  notar,  that  the  said  Johne  haid  the  said  Croyis  and  fischin  in 
tak  of  the  Prouest,  babies  and  communite  of  Montrose,  and  as  wes  grantit  be  pro- 
curatouris  of  the  said  toune  of  Montrose,  without  preiudice  of  the  Act  of  Parlia- 
ment anent  the  destruction  of  the  Croyis ;  and  also,  because  the  procuratour 
of  the  said  Johne  grantit  that  he  brokit§  the  said  fisching  be  na  vther  richt  bot 
of  the  said  toun. 


III.  EXTRACTS  from  Acta  Dominorum  Conctlii.  || 

In  presens  of  the  Lordis  of  CoNSALE,f  it  is  appoyntit  and  concordit 
betuix  thir  partijs  vnderwrittin,  tuiching  thair  interese  that  thai  clame  to  the 
Place  and  House  of  Inuerquhethe,**  in  maner  as  eftir  folowis,  and  thir  ar 
the  partijs,  Schir  Alexander  Lindesay  as  procuratour  for  Dauid  Duk  of  Mon- 
trose, Johne  Lindesay  brothir  to  vmquhile  Alexander  Lord  Lindsay  for  him 
self,  and  Andro  Lord  Gray  as  procuratour  for  Jonete  Gordoune  the  spous  of  the 
said  vmquhile  Alexander ;  that  is  to  say,  that  the  said  House  and  Place  salbe 
frely  deliuerit  in  keping  to  Johne  Erskyn  of  Dovne,  to  be  obseruit  and 
kepit  be  him  quhill  ye  xxv.  day  of  Maij  nixt  tocum,  but  preiudice  of  the  richt 
of  ony  of  the  saidis  partijs;  and  that  the  gudis  that  beis  ressauit  thairintill  be 
indentit;ff  and  that  the  keparis  thairof  do  na  harm,  gref  nor  distrublance 
to  nother  of  the  said  partijs,  nor  to  vther  of  our  souerane  lordis  liegis  in  the 
meyntyme.  And  continews  the  mater,  tuiching  the  said  partijs  richtis  and 
interese  to  the  said  House,  to  the  xxj.  day  of  the  said  monethe  of  Maij,  J  %  with 
continuacioun  of  dais,  in  the  sammyn  forme  and  effect  as  it  now  is,  but  preiudice 
of  partij  ;  and  ordinis  thaim  all  to  bring  thair  richtis  and  evidentis,  sic  as  thai 

*  Hinder,  prevent,  restrain.  f  Dated  20  June,  1493. 

J  Cruives,  a  peculiar  engine  erected  in  the  water,  used  in  Salmon-fishing. 
§  Bruikit,  brooked,  enjoyed. 

||   In  the  course  of  Publication  by  the  Record  Commission,  under  the  Editorship  of  Thomas 
Thomson,  Esq.,  Deputy  Clerk  Register. 
H  Dated  11  March,  1491. 

**  Innerquharity  or  Invcrarity.  f  f  Entered  in  Inventories. 

XX  No  farther  proceedings  are  preserved  on  record. 


422  NOTES.  [Erskinf., 

will  vse  in  the  said  mater;  and  all  the  partijs  ar  warnit  be  thaim  self  and  thair 
procuratouris  apud  acta. 

The  actioune  and  cause,*  persewit  be  the  Prouest,  bal5eis,  consale  and 
comunite  of  Montrose  aganis  Johne  Erskin  3ounger,  fear  of  Dvne  ffbr  the 
wrangvvis  occupacioun  and  withalding  of  the  Croyis  and  fischin  of  Montrose  of 
the  Watter  of  Northesk,  as  is  contenit  in  the  summondis,  is  be  the  Lordis  of 
Consale  contenewit  to  the  xv.  day  of  Aprile  next  tocum,  with  continuacioun  of 
dais,  in  the  samyn  forme  and  effect  as  it  now  is,  but  preiudice  of  partij.  And 
because  Johne  Erskin  allegijt,  that  he  intromettit  with  the  said  Crovis  as  Tutour 
to  Henrij  Graham,  quhilk  was  sesit  of  the  said  Crovis;  and  allegijt  be  the  pro- 
curatour  of  the  saidis  Prouest,  bailies,  consale  and  communite  of  Montrose,  that 
the  said  lesing  was  declarit  of  nain  avale,  and  lhairapone  producit  a  Decrett 
of  the  Lordis  of  Consale,  to  the  quhilk  Henry  and  Alexander  Graham  his 
Tutour  wes  summond;  and  allegijt  alse,  be  the  said  Johne,  that  the  said  Alex- 
ander had  vsit  fraud  in  the  said  mater:  The  Lordis  thairfore  ordinis  the  said 
Johne  to  tak  summondis  one  the  said  Alexander  for  his  fraud,  gif  it  plessis 
him  ;t  and  the  partijs  are  summoned  apud  acta. 

It  is  perhaps  to  the  disputes  mentioned  here  and  in  the  Acta  Dominorum  Auditorum  that  the 
following  documents  refer.  They  are,  at  all  events,  interesting,  as  connected  with  the 
present  subject : 

Bill  of  complaint,  the  burgh  of  Montrose  to  King  James  IV.,  1st  October,  1493. 
"  Souerane  Lorde,  vnto  your  gTaciouss  henes  lamentabilli  menis  ande  complenis  youre  legis, 
the  hail  communite  of  youre  burgh  of  Montross  upone  Johnne  of  Erskyn,  eldar  of  Dunn,  of  gret 
crimis,  accione  of  injuris,  hurtes,  dampnages,  and  scatheys,  done  til  vs  be  him  ande  his  folkis, 
batht  of  aide  ande  of  nev  ;  ande  nov  of  late  he  has  causit  his  sone  Johnne  of  Erskyn,  Master 
Robert  Erskyn,  Vat  Erskyn,  and  Thomas  Erskyn,  ande  otheris  with  thaim,  to  dystroy  ande 
ete  all  oure  corne  that  grew  apone  oure  comone  lande.  And,  tharafter  incontinent,  this  beande 
done  onder  cilence  of  nycht,  come  bodyn  with  speris  ande  bovis  to  youre  saide  burgh,  and 
bostit  oure  alderman,  he  beande  in  his  bed  :  sayand  thai  suld  pul  done  hi?  houss  abuf  his 
hede  ;  ande  remaint  to  se  gif  ony  of  vs  valde  cum  furthe  till  haf  sclane  vs.  Alsua,  Souerane 
Lorde,  on  Sant  Ninianeis  day  last  by-past,  quhare  oure  fyschars,  their  vyffis  ande  seruandis, 
vare  gaderynde  thair  bate  in  youre  vatter,  has  thai  haf  done  sene  youre  saide  burgh  vas  fundit 
and  antecedit,  he  sende  his  folkis,  and  spuylyeit  thaim  of  thair  claithis,  and  withhouldis  the 
samyn.  Ande  apone  thir  injuris  ande  diuress  others  ve  vrate  to  my  Lord  Duk  of  Montross, 
with  ane  seruande  of  oure  avne,  callit  John  Spenss,  for  reformation  hereof ;  thare  cam  apone 
him  ane  callit  Vilyame  Lyddal,  duelland  with  Vat  Erskyn  his  sone,  and  certane  folkis  bushit 
[onbuschit  ?]  by,  and  has  cruelly  sclane  oure  saide  seruande.  And  dayley  ande  nyehtly  sene 
syne,  and  of  before,  the  said  Johnne  of  Erskyn"s  folkis  rydis  bodyn  with  speris  ande  bovis  chakand 

*  Dated  9  Feb.,  1492. 

f  It  is  probable  that  this  affair  had  been  compounded.     At  all  events  no  farther  entries 
remain  on  record. 


Note  A.]  NOTES.  423 

and  evatand  vs  apone  the  day  w'outht  youre  toune,  andc  apone  the  nycht  within  the  toune, 
quhare  thai  may  get  vs  at  opin  to  stryk  vs  done.  And  lias  ane  Innis  within  youre  saide  toune, 
and  haldis  ane  seruande  of  his  within  the  samyn,  to  resaft'thir  saide  folkis,  invaderis  of  vs  nychtly 
ande  daly ;  ande  sua  demanis  vs,  that  ve  dar  not  pass  na  gate  to  exercise  merchandice  for  dan- 
ger of  the  saide  Innis,  ande  dredoure  of  oure  lytfes.  And  has  pendit  folkis  in  the  saide  Innis,  and 
schapes  to  hattail  the  saniy n  anent  youre  market-cross,  alvterly  thai  thro  w  [thairthrow '?]  to  halde 
vs  ande  youre  burgh  perpetually  ondere  subbicione.  Quarfare,  ve  beseik  youre  graciouss  heness 
of  renieide,  that  ve  may  lyft'e  in  pece,  as  otheris  youre  legis  ande  borrovis ;  ande  at  the  saide 
Larde  of  Dune,  his  sonis,  and  househalde,  remane  at  his  aune  place  of  Dune  ;  ande  at  the  saide 
Innis  that  is  withine  youre  saide  burgh  be  closit,  that  ve  may  be  quyt  of  the  danger  tharoff. 
Ande  at  ve  may  haf  youre  gracious  letteris  direekit  to  my  Lord  Duk  of  Montross,  youre 
scherefs  of  Forfare  ande  Kyncardin,  my  lorde  of  Innervaectht,  and  other  gret  barons,  to  suple 
defende  vs  fra  the  gret  violence  and  injuris  of  the  saide  Larde  of  Dune  and  his  folkis,  onto  the 
tymn  that  youre  henes  will  declene  to  set  youre  ayre  of  justry  to  remeid  ther  crimis  ande  injuris, 
with  uiony  ande  diverss  otheris  done  of  aide  to  youre  said  burgh  be  him  ande  his  folkis,  this  xxx 
yeris  bygane,  the  quhilkis  ve  haft'  in  ane  other  writ  onder  oure  secret  seale|;  the  whilk  is  oure  pro- 
lixit  to  shaw  your  heness  at  this  tym.  Bot  gif  it  plesit  the  samyn  at  the  reverance  of  Gad,  to 
vaik  tharto,  the  quhilk  byll  ve  sulde  half  present  to  youre  heness  in  joure  last  parlyament.  Ande 
under  hope  of  reformacion  ande  gude  reule  in  tym  to  come,  ve  sessit  quhile  nov  of  nev  he 
has  broken  apone  vs,  committand  slauchter  ande  othir  gret  injuris,  as  saide  is.  And  youre 
graciouss  ansuere  ande  deliverance  herapon,  mast  huiuily  we  beseik  at  the  reverance  of 
Almighty  God,  and  tore  theill  [the  weill?]  of  your  soule.  At  youre  burgh  of  Montross,  onder 
our  secret  seil,  the  first  day  of  October,  the  yere  of  Gode,  ninety  ande  thre  yeris." 

Quarto  Octobris. 
"  The  Kingis  Henes,  with  avis  of  his  counsale,  ordanis,  that  summondis  be  geven  upon  the 
Larde  of  Dune,  to  ansuere  to  his  hienes  upone  the  committing  of  the  crimes  ande  iniuris  within 
written.  Ande  alss,  that  letteris  be  written  to  the  sehereffis  of  Forfar  and  Kincarrdin  and  thair 
deputis,  to  serehe  ande  seek  the  committaris  of  this  slachter,  and  to  tak  souertie  of  thaim,  ilk 
gentilman  landit  vynder  ye  pane  of  jc-  libri ;  ilk  gentilman  unlandit  jc-  merks,  ilk  yeman  xl 
libri,  that  thai  sal  compere  before  the  kingis  justice  the  third  day  of  the  nist  justice-are  of  Dunde, 
with  continuacione  of  dais,  to  vnderly  the  law,  for  this  slater  ande  crimis  ;  and  gif  thai  be  fugi- 
tive, or  will  nocht  find  the  said  souertie,  that  the  sehereffis  denunce  thaim  the  kingis  rebellis,  ande 
put  thaim  to  the  home,  and  eschete  thair  gudis  to  the  kingis  vse,  efter  the  form  of  the  act  of  par- 
liament. Ande  alss  to  tak  souertie  and  lawbarrows  of  the  Larde  of  Dune  under  the  pane 
of  Vc-  libri ;  ande  of  ilk  ane  of  his  sonis,  vnder  the  pane  IIC-  libri ;  ande  of  ye  remnant  of  thair 
complices,  ilk  gentilman  landit  jc-  libri, — ilk  gentilman  unlandit  jc'  merks,  ande  ilk  yeman  xl 
libii,  that  the  burgesses  ande  commimite  of  this  burgh  sal  be  harmless  ande  scatless  of  thaim 
ande  al  that  thai  may  let,  but  fraude  or  gile,  vthinvais  than  the  courss  of  common  law  will. 

"  J.  Chepmane." 

Sumonds  of  Spulyie,  Burgh  of  Montrose,  v.  Erskine  ofDun,ith  Oct.  1493. 

"  James,  be  the  grace  of  God,  King  of  Scottis,  till  oure  scheref  of  Forfare  ande  his  deputis, 

and  to  our  louittis,  Alexander  Bannerman,  James  Ramsay,  and  Johne  of  Strauchauchlin,  and 

Andro  Gardiner,  oure  sehereffis  in  that  part,  conjunctlie  and  seuerallie,  speciale  constitut, 

greeting.     Forsamekle  as  it  is  humily  menit  and  coraplenit  to  vs  be  our  louittis,  the  balyeis 


424  NOTES.  [Erskine, 

burgessis,  and  communite  of  our  burgh  of  Montross,  That  now  of  laitc,  John  of  Erskin  younger 
of  Dun,  Maister  Robert  Erskin,  Walter  Erskin  and  Thomas  Erskine,  with  their  complices, 
househald  folkis,  and  seruitoris  to  John  Erskine,  elder  of  Dun,  and,  of  his  causing,  has 
maisterfully  eite  and  distroit  all  thair  cornis  that  grew  this  yere  upone  the  comone  landis  of  our 
saide  burgh;  and  incontinent  thereftcr,  the  saidis  personis,  with  thair  complicis  bodin  in  fere  of 
were  with  speris  and  bowis,  come  to  oure  said  burgh  vynder  silenee  of  nycht,  for  the  distrac- 
tion and  slauchter  of  oure  leiges  inhabitantis  thairof,  and  bostit  the  alderman  of  the  samyn,  he 
being  in  his  bed,  sayand  thai  suld  pul  done  his  houss  abone  his  hede.  And  alss,  quhar  the 
fycharis  of  oure  said  burgh,  thair  wyffis  and  seruandis  were  now  of  late  gadarande  bait  to  thair 
lynis,  in  our  watter,  likeas  thai  haft' vsit  and  done  but  impedyment,  sene  the  first  foundacione 
of  our  saide  burgh,  the  saide  Johne  Erskin,  elder,  send  his  seruitoris  and  folkis,  and  spoilyeit 
thame  of  thair  clathis  and  as  yit  withhaldis  the  samyn,  and  rydis  bodin  in  fere  of  were  nychtly 
and  daily  waitis  the  nyehtburis  of  oure  saide  burgh,  for  thair  vter  destruction  and  slauchter  ; 
and  haldis  his  folkis  onbuschit  in  his  Innis,  within  oure  saide  burgh,  to  invaid  the  nyehtburis 
thairof,  in  that  wise  that  for  dreid  of  thair  lynis  thai  dare  nocht  pass  vtouth  the  samyn  to  merkates 
nor  nain  by  placis,  bot  ar  opprescit  and  halden  vndcr  subiection  by  the  saidis  personis  and  thair 
complices  by  the  committing  of  thir  iniuris,  and  mony  vtheris  oppressionis  upone  thaim,  bath  of 
aid  and  nev,  as  diuiress  billis  and  complaintis  present  to  vs,  onder  the  secrete  sele  of  oure 
said  burgh,  therupon  proportis,  to  the  gret  lithtlyiug  and  derogacione  of  oure  autorite  riall  it  vat 
parte,  that  is  oblist  to  defend  al  oure  legis  fra  oppressione  batht  to  burgh  and  land  within  oure 
realme,  and  in  evil  example  to  vtheris  to  committ  sielyke  offenses,  gif  we  sutler  thir  unpunist- 
Our  wil  is  herefore,  and  we  charge  you  straitly,  and  commandis,  that  ye  peremptorilie  sum- 
monde,  warn,  and  charge  the  saidis  Johne  of  Erskin  elder,  Johne  of  Erskin  younger,  Maister 
Robert  Erskin,  Walter  Erskin,  and  Thomas  Erskin,  to  compere  before  us  and  oure  counsale 
at  Edinburgh,  or  quhare  it  sail  happen  us  to  be  for  the  time,  the  secund  day  of  Nouember  nixt 
to  cum,  gif  it  be  lauchful,  and  failyeing  thairof,  the  nixt  lauchful  day  thairefter  following,  in  the 
houre  of  causs,  with  coutinacione  of  dais,  to  answere  to  vs  vpon  the  committing  of  the  saidis 
spoilyie,  oppressionis,  and  iniuris  contenit  in  the  saidis  billis,  upon  our  leiges,  inhabitants  [of]  our 
said  burgh  batht  of  auld  and  nev,  and  upone  the  contempcione  done  to  our  autorite  riall  ther- 
throw,  and  in  it  that  we  sail  mak  be  said  to  thame  therfore,  in  our  name,  at  thair  cuming ; 
and  to  answere  at  the  instance  of  the  alderman,  balyeis,  burgessess,  and  communite  of  our  said 
burgh,  for  the  wranguiss  dystruccione  of  thair  sadis  cornis,  extending  to  xvi  bollis  of  aitis, 
with  the  foder,  price  viii  merkis,  ande  spoilyeing  and  withhalding  of  the  saidis  claithis  fra  the 
saidis  fycharis,  thair  wyffis  and  seruandis,  extending  to  the  avale  of  v  libri,  and  ane  mast  of  a 
schip,  with  the  tow  and  takle  of  the  samvn  spoilyeit  fra  thaim  out  of  the  havin  of  oure  saide 
burgh  by  the  saidis  Johne  ande  Johne,  price  xx  merkis,  and  for  the  costis,  dampnage,  and  scaitht 
susteuit  by  thaim  throw  the  saidis  oppressionis  and  iniuris  ;  and  forther,  to  answere  to  vs  and 
to  the  party,  in  sa  fer  as  law  will,  making  intimaccione  to  the  saidis  personis,  that  quhether  thai 
compere  or  nocht,  the  saidis  day  and  place,  with  continuaeione  of  dais,  ve  will  proceed  and 
minister  justice  in  the  said  mater  in  sa  far  as  ve  may  of  law,  and  attour  that  ye  summond 
Thomas  Scote,  John  Scote,  Nycole  Malcolme,  Thomas  Wowar  and  Alexander  Liddale,  to 
compere  before  us  and  our  counsale  the  saidis  daye  and  place  with  continuaeione  of  dais,  to 
bear  lele  and  suythfast  witnessing,  in  sua  far  as  thai  know  or  sal  be  sperit  at  thaim  in  the  said 
mater,  under  al  pane  and  charge  that  efter  may  follow;  and  attourthat  ye  pas  and  tak  sikkersourte 
and  law-borrows  of  the  saidis  personis  and  thair  complices  that  sal  be  gevin  to  you  in  bill,  that  the 
saidis  alderman,  bailyies,  burgesses  or  communite,  will  mak  faitht  before  you  that  thai  dreid 


Note  A.]  NOTES.  425 

bodily  harm  of,  that  is  to  say,  of  the  saide  Johne  Erskin  elder,  under  the  pane  of  five  hundredth 
pundis,  and  of  ilk  ane  of  his  saidis  sonis  ye  [ijc]  libri,  and  the  remnant  ilk  gentilman  landit  jc- 
libri,  ilk  gentilman  unlanditj0-  merkis,  and  ilk  yeman  xl  libri,  that  the  saidis  alderman,  bailyies, 
burgesses  and  comunite  of  oure  said  burgh  sal  be  harmless  and  seaithless  of  thaim  and  al  that 
thai  may  lett  but  fraude  or  gil,  vtherwais  than  the  courss  of  comone  law  will,  and  this  ye  do  as  ye 
will  answere  to  us  hereapone.  The  quhilkis  to  do  we  committ  to  you,  coniunctlie  and  seueralie, 
oure  ful  power,  be  thir  letteris,  delivering  thaim  be  you  deuly  execute  and  indorsate  agan  the 
oyt  [to  the  ?]  berar.  Gevin  vnder  oure  segnete  at  Striueling,  the  ferde  day  of  October,  and 
of  oure  regne  the  sext  yere. 

Per  S.  D.  N.  Regem  in  persona  propria,  cum  avisamento  Concilia. 

(Signed)  J.  Chepmane. 

The  x  day  of  October  the  yere  of  God  nynte  and  thre  yeiris,  I,  Alexander  Bannyrman, 
Scheref  in  that  parte,  passyt  at  the  command  of  thir  our  souerane  lordis  letteris,  ande  summond 
Jhonne  of  Erskyn  elder  of  Dwne,  and  Johnne  of  Erskyn  younger,  feare  of  the  samyn,  Master 
Robert  Erskyn,  and  Thomas  Erskyn,  at  thair  dwelling  places  of  Dwne  and  Morfy,  after  the 
tenore  of  thir  our  souerane  lordis  letteris,  and  al  the  articulis  and  pontis  contenyit  in  the  samyn, 
and  this  I  dyd  before  thir  witness  Henry  Fettry,  Andro  Gardiner,  Andro  Forsytht,  and  Thomas 
of  Myll,  with  otheris  diuress  ;  and  for  the  mayr  witnessing  I  haf  to-set  my  signet. 

The  xiii  day  of  October,  the  yere  of  God  nynty  and  iij  yeiris,  and  I,  Johnne  Strathaqun, 
Scheref  in  that  part,  passit  at  the  commande  of  thir  oure  souerane  lordis  letteris,  to  summonde 
Jhonne  Scot,  Thomas  Scot,  Nycoll  Malcum,  Thomas  Woar,  and  Alexander  Lyddaill,  at  thair 
dwelling  placis,  after  the  tenore  and  forme  of  thir  our  sourerane  lordis,  to  bere  leyll  and  suthfest 
wytnessinge  in  the  acciones  and  causs  within  wrytinge,  before  thir  witness,  Jamess  Scot, 
Jamess  Patrick,  Andro  Forsytht,  and  Adame  of  Murray,  with  others  diuress,  and  for  the  mair 
wytnessing,  I  haf  set  to  my  signet. 

Quarto  Julii,  presens  Caneellarius,  ex  mandato  domini  Cancellarii  de  consensu  prescen- 
cium  continuatur  ad  xx  Octobris  proximi  futuri,  cum  continuacione  dierum,  in  eadem 
forma  vt  nunc  est,  absque  preiudicio  parcium. 
(Indorsed) 

Ane  somontis  passit  vpoue  John  Erskine  of  Dwne  off  spoilye  for  the  etting  of 
corin  and  wataking  of  fycheris  eleis. 
See  Bowick's  Life  of  John  Erskine  of  Dun,  (12mo.  Edin.,  1828.)  pp.  144—154.  As 
Mr.  Bowick's  work  will  be  frequently  referred  to  afterwards,  it  may  be  proper  to  state  here 
that  its  author  (now  dead)  was  at  one  period  a  clerk  in  the  office  of  James  Burnes,  Esq.  Town 
Clerk  of  Montrose,  who  supplied  him  with  several  materials  for  his  interesting  little  memoir. 
Among  the  MSS.  furnished  by  Mr.  Burnes  was  the  document  just  inserted.  It  was  found 
among  some  old  papers  in  the  Record  room  of  the  Burgh  of  Montrose,  and  was  afterwards 
sent  to  Edinburgh  to  be  produced  in  an  action  raised  by  the  late  Mr.  Erskine  of  Dun  for  the 
purpose  of  prohibiting  the  fishers  of  Montrose  from  taking  bait  in  those  very  waters  mentioned 
in  the  Bill  of  Complaint.  The  document  was  never  returned,  so  that,  although  there  are 
probably  several  errors  in  Mr.  Bowick's  copy,  no  opportunity  has  been  afforded  me  of  cor- 
recting it  from  the  original. 

3  H 


426  NOTES.  [Erskine, 

IV.  SCHEME  of  PROOF  in  the  Service  of  ALEXANDER  ERSKINE, 
Esq.  of  Balhall,  as  Heir-Male  of  the  deceased  Honourable 
David  Erskine  of  Dun,  one  of  the  Senators  of  the  College  of 
Justice,  his  Grand-uncle  on  the  Father's  side. 

I.  PROOFS  of  the  Extinction  of  the  direct  Male  Line  of  the  said  Honour- 
able David  Erskine  of  Dun. 

I.  That  the  Honourable  David  Erskine  of  Dun  had  only  one  son,  John 
Erskine  of  Dun. 

1.  Crown-charter  of  Novodamus  in  favour  of  David  Erskine  of  Dun, 
one  of  the  Senators  of  the  College  of  Justice,  in  liferent,  and  John 
Erskine,  his  only  lawful  son,  by  Magdalene  Riddell,  his  wife,  in 
fee,  and  the  heirs-male  of  John's  body ;  whom  failing,  the  heirs-male 
of  the  said  David  Erskine  in  any  other  marriage;  whom  failing, 
Alexander  Erskine,  merchant  in  Montrose,  brother-german  of  the 
said  David  Erskine,  and  the  heirs-male  of  his  body;  whom  failing, 
Francis  Erskine  of  Kirkboddo,  &c.  &c.  of  the  lands  and  barony  of 
Dun,  dated  16th  May  1732.  Register  of  Great  Seal,  B.  XCIII. 
No.  89. 

II.  That  the  said  John  Erskine  of  Dun  had  only  one  Son,  John  Erskine  of  Dun- 

2.  Crown-charter  of  Resignation  in  favour  of  John  Erskine  of  Dun, 
in  liferent,  and  John  Erskine,  his  only  lawful  son,  in  fee,  of  the 
lands  and  barony  of  Dun,  dated  10th  December  1764.  Register  of 
Great  Seal,  B.  CVII.  No.  88. 

The  Quoequidem  of  this  charter  narrates  the  lands  to  have  per- 
tained heritably  of  before  to   David   Erskine  of  Dun,  one  of  the 
Senators  of  the  College  of  Justice,  and  to  the  said  John  Erskine 
senior,  his  son,  in  terms  of  the  above  charter  of  16th  May  1732. 
III.   That   the  said  John  Erskine   (the  second)  of  Dun,  had  an  only  son, 
William  John  Erskine,  and  two  daughters,  Miss  Alicia  Erskine,  and  Margaret, 
Countess  of  Cassilis,  now  marchioness  of  Ailsa,  and  that    William  John 
Erskifie  died  without  issue. 

3.  Disposition  by  John  Erskine  of  Dun  in  favour  of  William  John 
Erskine,  Esq.  his  only  son,  of  the  lands  of  Whitefield,  dated  22d 
September,  and  recorded  in  the  books  of  Session  the  1st  October 
1795. 

4.  Retour  of  the  General  Service  of  Miss  Alicia  Erskine  of  Dun,  and 
Margaret,  Countess  of  Cassilis,  as  heirs-portioners  of  the  deceased 


Note  A.]  NOTES.  427 

William  John  Erskine,  Esq.  their  brother,  dated  30th  November 
1822.     Chancery  Record   CXVIII.  p.  418. 


II.  PROOFS  of  the  Descent  of  the  Claimant  Alexander  Erskine  of  Balhall, 
Esq.  as  Heir-Male  of  the  body  of  Alexander  Erskine,  merchant  in  Montrose, 
the  only  surviving  brother-german  of  the  Honourable  David  Erskine  of  Dun, 
and  consequently  nearest  collateral  heir-male  of  the  said  Honourable  David 
Erskine. 

I.  That  Alexander  Erskine  merchant  in  Montrose,  was  the  only  surviving 
brother-german  of  the  Honourable  David  Erskitie  of  Dun. 

5.  Crown-charter  of  Novodamus,  No.  1.  above  referred  to,  dated  16th 
May  1732,  of  the  Barony  of  Dun,  in  favour  of  the  said  Honourable 
David  Erskine  in  liferent,  and  John  Erskine,  his  only  son,  and  the 
heirs-male  of  his  body,  in  fee ;  whom  failing,  the  heirs-male  of  the 
said  David  Erskine  in  any  other  marriage ;  whom  failing,  to  Alex- 
ander Erskine,  merchant  in  Montrose,  brother-german  of  the  said 
David  Erskine,  and  the  heirs-male  of  his  body ;  whom  failing,  to 
Francis  Erskine  of  Kirkboddo,  (a  more  distant  collateral)  &c.  &c. 

Alexander  Erskine,  merchant  in  Montrose,  had  six  children, 
David,  Robert,  Jean,  Ann,  Margaret,  and  John,  of  whom  Robert 
predeceased  his  father  without  issue. 

II.  That  the  said  Alexander  Erskine  left  only  two  sons,  David  and  John. 

6.  Extract  Registered  Disposition  and  Settlement  by  the  said  Alex- 
ander Erskine,  merchant  in  Montrose,  stating  his  then  surviving 
family  to  consist  of  two  sons,  David  and  John  Erskines,  and  three 
daughters,  Jean,  Ann,  and  Margaret  Erskines,  and  disponing  cer- 
tain subjects  in  the  burgh  of  Montrose  in  favour  of  his  said  daughters, 
dated  15th  July  1751,  and  recorded  in  the  Burgh  Court  Books  of 
Montrose  9th  November  1770. 

III.  That  David,  the  eldest   son   of  Alexander  Erskine,  afterwards   Major- 
General  David  Erskine,  died  without  issue. 

7.  Extract  Registered  Trust-Disposition  and  settlement  by  Major-Gen- 
eral  David  Erskine,  by  which  he  bequeaths  the  property  therein  men- 
tioned to  John  Erskine  of  Dun,  and  John  Erskine  of  Baikal/  his  son, 
in  trust,  for  behoof  of  his  sisters,  Jean  and  Ann  Erskines  in  liferent, 
and,  after  their  death,  to  his  brother  John  Erskine,  Esq.  of  Mon- 
tego  Bay,  Jamaica,  dated  22d  June,  and  recorded  in  the  Burgh 
Court  Books  of  Montrose  2d  July  1779. 


428  NOTES.  [Erskine, 

IV.  That  John  Erskine,  Esq.  of  Montego  Bay,  afterwards  of  Lima,  in  the 
parish  of  St.  James's,  county  of  Cornwall,  Jamaica,  had  thi-ee  sons,  John 
Erskine,  Alexander  Erskine,  Eso.  the  claimant,  and  David  Erskine,  and 
that  the  said  John  Erskine,  the  eldest  son,  died  unmarried,  will  be  proved 
by  the  parcrte  testimony  of  Alexander  Mudie,  Esq.  and  William  Mudie,  Esq. 
and  also  by 

8.  Extract  Instrument  of  Cognition  and  Sasine  in  favour  of  Alexander 
Erskine  of  Balhall,  Esq.  the  Claimant,  as  heir  of  his  aunts,  the 
above-mentioned  Jean,  Ann,  and  Margaret  Erskines,  the  daughters  of 
the  said  Alexander  Erskine,  in  the  subjects  in  Montrose,  conveyed  to 
them  by  the  said  Alexander  Erskine,  dated  13th  July  1796. 


Note  B. — defence  of  the  town  of  montrose.     (Pages  9 — 12.) 

The  account  of  Erskine's  defence  of  Montrose  against  the  English  given  in  the 
text  is  extracted  from  a  translation  (by  Abercomby,  the  Author  of  "  The  Martial 
Atchievements  of  the  Scots  Nation,")  of  Beaugue's  Histoire  de  la  guerre  d'Ecosse. 
The  best  of  the  accounts  of  this  defence  by  our  Scottish  writers  is  considered  to 
be  that  of  Buchanan,  which  has  been  conjectured  to  have  been  written  from 
information  supplied  by  Erskine  himself.  After  noticing  the  defeat  of  the 
English  in  their  attack  on  St.  Monans,  *  and  their  retreat  to  their  ships,  that 
author  thus  proceeds:  "  Illinc  classis  ad  Merniam,  regionem  minus  frequentem, 
est  devecta;  eo  consilio  ut  Montem  Rosarum,  oppidum  non  procul  ab  Escae 
fluminis  ostium  situm,  opprimerent.  Excensionem  noctu  facere  statuunt;  quam 
opperientes,  donee  lucis  aliquid  supererat,  ad  anchoras  extra  terras  conspectum 
steterunt.  Cum  per  tenebras  paullatim  ad  littus  allaberentur,  ipsi,  sua  imperi- 
tia,  rationem  occulti  consilii,  accensis  in  omnibus  naviculis  lucernis,  hosti  pro- 
diderunt.  Joannes  Areskinus  Dunius,  oppidi  praefectus,  omnibus  absque  strepitu 
arma  capere  commonitis,  tripliciter  suos  divisit:  alios  retro  aggerem  terrenum,f 

*  One  author  also  attributes  the  success  of  the  opposition  to  the  English  upon  this  occasion 
mainly  to  the  activity  of  Erskine.  "  Jon-  Erskin  of  Dun  being  sumwhat  disseased,  aud  returned  hame 
from  the  eampe,  where  all  along  the  way  as  he  went,  caused  adverteise  the  c'ountrie  withfyres 
put  on  for  that  effect,  as  yL  the  people  in  great  numbers  came  in  all  possible  haist,  that  vpon  the 
Englishmens  landing  they  were  forced  to  reteere  with  losse,  and  happie  was  he  that  mycht  first  get 
againe  to  shipboard."     (Anderson's  Hist,  of  Scot.,  MS.  Adv.  Lib.,  Vol.  I.,  f.  122.) 

f  "  The  first  division  he  dispatched  to  a  small  hill  close  by  the  river,  called  the  Fort  or  Con- 


Note  C]  NOTES.  429 

in  littore  ad  excensiones  impediendas  exstructum,  collocavit:  ipse  jaculatores 
aliosque  leviter  armatos  in  hostetn  duxit:  tertiatn  rnanum  ministrorum  et  vulgi 
promiscui,  adjunctis  paucis  hominibus  militaribus  qui  turbam  regerent,  retro 
collem  propinquum*  expectare  jussit.  His  ita  comparatis,  ipse,  cum  jacula- 
toribus  in  hostes  descendentes  invectus,  acre  certamen  conseruit :  ac,  tumultu- 
ario  genere  pugna;,  eos  usque  ad  aggerem  pertraxit:  ibi  conjunctus  cum  statione 
suorum,  acie  instructa,  omnes  una  in  hostem  immisit.  Nee  illi  cessissent,  nisi 
e  colle  propinquo  *  acies  alia  sub  signis  se  ostendisset :  turn  demum  ad  mare  et 
naves  adeo  trepide  acti  sunt,  ut  e  circiter  octingentis,  qui  exscenderant,  vix 
tertia  pars  incolumis  evaserit,"  (Opera,  Ed.  Ruddiman.  I.  301.) 

The  loss  of  the  English  is  variously  stated.  According  to  Beaugue,  "  of 
nine  hundred  not  one  hundred  gote  to  their  ships ;"  Lord  Herreissays  "  500  and 
more  were  killed"  (Abridgment,  in  the  Advocates'  Library,  of  a  MS.  by  him 
in  the  College  of  Douay), — and  Bowick,  that  "nearly  two  thirds  of  the  (800) 
invaders  fell."  The  account  of  this  skirmish  by  the  last  author  (Life  of  Erskine, 
pp.  61 — 5)  deserves  particular  attention  from  his  intimate  knowledge  of  the 
localities,  but  he  quotes  no  authorities. 

Unfortunately  the  Register  of  the  Privy  Council  at  this  period  is  not  pre- 
served among  the  public  Records,  and  much  valuable  information  may  thus  be 
supposed  to  be  lost.  Of  the  few  notices  preserved  by  the  Earl  of  Haddington, 
the  following  only  relates  to  Erskine. 

"20  Junij,  1548.  The  Towne  of  Dundie  ordanit  to  stay  from  the  raid, 
and  to  waig  100  sowldiers  to  attend  the  laird  of  Dun  directit  to  stay  in  Angus 
to  resist  the  Inglishmen,  and  that  the  townsmen  of  Dundie  await  upon  the  laird 
of  Dun,  and  watch  and  waird  with  him  as  thai  salbe  commandit  be  him,  under 
the  pane  of  tinsell  of  lyff,  landis  and  gudis,"  (Keith's  Hist.,  App.  p.  57.  See 
also  Haddington's  Collections  MS.,  Adv.  Lib.,  Vol.  I.,  f.  116.) 


Note  C. — additional  notices  of  erskine,  and  remarks  relative  to  the 
date  of  his  death.     (Page  67.) 

Before  leaving  this  memoir,  it  is  necessary  to  supply  such  incidents  as  have 
been  omitted  in  Wodrow's  narrative.     In  doing  so  it  would  be  presumptuous  to 

stable  hill,  ordering  them  to  remain  behind  the  ramparts  until  they  should  see  an  opportunity  of 
engaging  the  enemy  with  advantage."     Bowick's  Life  of  Erskine  of  Dun,  p.  62. 
*  The  Horologe  hill.     Bowick,  p.  62. 


430  NOTES.  [Erskine, 

assert  that  the  notes  here  collected  are  perfectly  complete,  or  in  every  case  satis- 
factory. Some  of  them  rest  on  the  authority  of  only  a  single  writer:  there  are 
others  which,  perhaps,  from  the  want  of  such  information  as  is  necessary  to 
place  them  in  their  proper  connexion,  it  may  be  difficult  to  reconcile  with  those 
events  of  his  life  which  are  already  known.  They  are,  therefore,  submitted 
simply  as  they  stand,  to  be  admitted  or  rejected  according  to  the  views  of  the 
reader. 

According  to  Mr.  Bowick,  Mr.  Erskine  received  his  academical  educa- 
tion at  King's  College,  Aberdeen,  (Life  of  Erskine,  p.  15.)  That  he  made 
a  respectable  figure,  as  affirmed  by  the  same  author,  seems  unquestionable.  The 
character  given  him  by  Buchanan,  "  homo  doctus  et  perinde  pius  et  humanus,' 
(Opera,  ed.  Ruddiman.  I.  312,)  is  sufficient  to  place  him  in  a  high  rank,  without 
quoting  from  the  Dedication  to  him  of  the  Lamentatioun  of  Lady  Scotland, 
(Dalyell's  Scot.  Poems  of  16th  Cent.,  II.  239,)  or  that  of  "  The  Winter 
Night,"  (quoted  in  M'Crie's  Melville,  2d.  Ed.,  I.  347.)  There  seems  to  be 
some  difference  of  opinion  as  to  his  pursuits  after  leaving  College.  Bowick 
maintains  that  he  spent  several  years  at  the  Castle  of  Dun,  "  cultivating 
knowledge  by  the  perusal  of  the  ancient  classic  and  primitive  christian  writers, 
and  by  the  conversation  of  many  learned  men,  whom  he  invited  to  partake  of 
his  friendship  and  hospitality,"  (Life,  p.  18.)  Wodrow  and  others,  on  the 
contrary,  suppose,  that  he  finished  his  education  at  some  of  the  Continental 
Universities, — a  course  of  study  certainly  adopted  at  that  period  by  most  young 
Scotsmen  of  rank, — and  that  he  brought  with  him  Petrus  de  Marsiliers,  on 
his  return.  The  same  opinion  is  advanced  by  Dr.  M'Crie,  who  says  (Life  of 
Melville,  2d  edition,  I.  10,  11,)  that  Richard  Melville  (the  eldest  brother 
of  Andrew,  and  father  of  James,  Melville)  accompanied  Erskine  as  his  tutor; 
but  this  proceeds  from  a  misapprehension  of  the  passage  in  James  Melville's 
Diary,  which  mentions  that  his  father  was  chosen  tutor  to  James  Erskine, 
appeir and  of  Donne,  (Diary,  p.  12.)  Whatever  opinion  may  be  formed  on  this 
subject,  Erskine  must  have  been  in  Scotland  a  considerable  time  previous  to 
1534,  when  Straiton  suffered  martyrdom.  Nothing  is  known  of  him  for  some 
years  after  this  period.  He  is  frequently  mentioned  by  James  Melvil  among 
"  the  graittest  lights  of  that  age  within  the  countrey,"  and  as  residing  both  at 
the  town  of  Montrose  and  at  Logy.  (Melvill's  Diary,  12,  15.)  The  next 
notice  I  have  discovered  of  Erskine  is  dated  1543 — 4,  but  it  seems  difficult, 
in  its  present  detached  situation,  to  explain  it:  "  Vpoun  the  xxviij.  day  of 
Januare,  the  governour  with  his  lordis  past  to  Sanctiohnstoun  and  Dundie,  and 
brunt  mony  lymmeris  in  the  said  tolbuis,  and  the  wastland  lordis  promeist  to 
come  with  him  for  ministratioun   of  justice,  quha  come  nocht  thair.     James 


Note  C]  NOTES.  431 

Lermounth  vmquhile  the  kingis  muister  houshald  and  put  him  in  Sanctandrois, 
and  the  laird  of  Dun  in  Blacknes,"  (Diurnal  of  Occurents  in  Scotland, 
printed  for  the  Bannatyne  and  Maitland  Clubs,  pp.  30,  31.)  Wodrow  seems 
to  have  considered  Erskine's  connexion  with  George  Wishart  merely  as  a  pro- 
bability, on  the  supposition  that  it  is  not  recorded.  Without  entering  into  the 
probability  of  their  earlier  acquaintance  (M'Crie's  Life  of  Knox,  fifth  edit.  I. 
343,)  it  is  enough  to  say  here,  that  their  intercourse  on  Wishart's  return  to 
Scotland  in  1544  is  distinctly  noticed  by  several  of  our  historians, — by  Knox, 
(Historie,  ed.  1732,  pp.  49,  50;)  and  by  Spotswood  (Hist.  p.  77.)  But  by  far 
the  best  account  of  this  part  of  Wishart's  life  is  given  by  Petrie,  (Hist.  Part 
II.  pp.  182,  3)  who  says,  that  he  derived  his  information  when  young  from  "very 
antient  men."  "  He  (Wishart)  preached,"  says  this  author,  "  first  in  Montros 
within  a  private  house  next  unto  the  church  except  one."  And  immediately 
after;  "when  the  plague  ceaseth  in  Dundy  he  returnes  to  Montros  to  visite 
the  church  there,  and  ministreth  the  Communion  with  both  Elements  in  Dun." 
There  is  again  a  hiatus  in  Erskine's  history  till  1548,  when  he  defended 
the  town  of  Montrose  against  the  English,  as  mentioned  by  Wodrow,  pp. 
9 — 12,  and  in  Note  B.  Iu  1549,  Jhon  Erskin  of  Dvnne  is  mentioned  in 
the  Criminal  Record,  as  one  of  the  absentes  ab  assisa  in  the  trial  of  Mariot 
Ogilvy  for  falsifying  and  causing  the  interlineation  of  her  Majesty's  letters 
under  the  Signet,  (Pitcairn's  Criminal  Trials,  vol.  I.  part  II.,  pp.  *346, 
•347,)  and  in  1556  as  Justice  Depute  of  the  Justice-aire  of  Elgin  and  Forres, 
(Ibid.  p.  *389.)  In  the  following  year  the  Earls  of  Argyll  and  Glencairn,  John 
Erskine  of  Dun  and  others  entered  into  an  engagement,  known  by  the  name  of 
the  First  Covenant,  by  which  they  bound  themselves  to  maintain,  set  forward, 
and  establish  the  most  blessed  word  of  God  and  his  congregation  at  the  hazard 
of  their  lives  and  property,  (Keith's  Hist.  p.  66.)  Perhaps  it  is  with  some 
reference  to  this  connexion  that  Sir  Ralph  Sadler  and  Sir  James  Crofts  write 
to  Secretary  Cecil,  (27th  Sept.,  1559,)  "  Of  the  protestants  we  here  that  they 
mete  often,  and  that  the  duke  hath  been  in  consultacion  with  them,  and  have 
now  given  a  commission  to  therle  of  Glencarn  and  the  larde  of  Dvnn,  to  sup- 
presse  thabbey  of  Paslowe,  wherof  the  Bishop  of  Saynt  Andrewes,  the  dukis 
brother,  is  commendatour,"  (Sadler's  State  Papers,  edit.  1809,  I.  463,  464.) 
This  writer  commits  at  least  one  error  here  in  supposing  the  Archbishop  to  be 
still  Commendator,  and  perhaps  the  report  of  this  transaction  was  altogether 
unfounded ;  it  has  not  at  all  events  been  corroborated,  so  far  as  has  been 
observed,  by  any  other  writer.  Soon  after  the  mission  of  Sandelands  of  Calder 
to  the  Regent  about  the  end  of  1558,  Erskine  was  sent  by  the  Congregation  to 


432  NOTES.  [Erskine, 

the  Catholic  clergy  to  request  that  the  public  worship  might  be  conducted  in  the 
language  of  the  country,  but  he  was  more  roughly  answered  than  any  of  his 
predecessors,  "  adjectis  etiam  solito  gravioribus  minis  et  conviciis,"  (Buchanani 
Opera,  Ruddiman.  I.  312.)  In  1559,  when  commissioners  were  appointed  to 
meet  at  Preston  for  the  accommodation  of  the  differences  between  the  Queen 
Regent  and  the  Congregation,  Erskine  was  one  of  those  nominated  by  the 
latter.  "  After  a  whole  day's  conference,"  according  to  Keith,  "  there  was  little 
or  nothing  agreed  upon ;"  the  parties  separated,  and  the  Regent  soon  afterwards 
marched  her  army  against  the  Protestants,  who  were  obliged  to  evacuate 
Edinburgh,  and  to  agree  to  an  accommodation  on  the  24th  of  July,  (Keith's 
Hist.  96 — 98.)  In  the  same  year,  Erskine  was  appointed  one  of  "the  Council 
having  the  authority  unto  the  next  parliament  erected  by  common  election  of 
the  Earls,  &c,  of  the  Protestant  faction,"  and  in  this  capacity  he  signed  the  Act 
(dated  October  23rd)  disclaiming  the  authority  of  the  Queen  Regent,  (Ibid, 
105.)  Some  months  before  this  time,  (May,  1559,)  many  of  the  protestant 
preachers  had  been  summoned  before  the  Criminal  Court  for  spreading  the 
reformed  doctrines,  and,  on  their  non-appearance,  had  been  declared  rebels : 
among  the  number  were  John  Christeson  and  William  Harlaw.  On  the  10th 
of  May,  John  Erskine  of  Dvne  and  Patrick  Murray  of  Tibbermuir  were  amer- 
ciated as  their  cautioners,  (Pitcairn's  Criminal  Trials,  I.  Part  II.,  pp.  *406,  *407.) 
In  1563  (June  3,)  John  Erskin  of  Dvne  became  cautioner  for  the  appear- 
ance of  Robert  Cullese  of  Balnamvne  and  others  to  underly  the  law  for  "  the 
Convocatioune  of  our  souerane  ladies  liegis  be  cumand  to  the  Burrow-Rudis 
of  the  citie  of  Brechin,  and  serening  for  certain  inhabitantis  thairof  for  thair 
slauchteris  and  destroying  the  turvis  beand  vpoun  the  said  muir,"  (Ibid.  I.  Part 
II.  pp.  *431,  *432.)  When  Knox  was  summoned  in  the  same  year  before 
Queen  Mary,  on  account  of  his  public  harangues  against  her  marriage,  "  the 
Lord  Uchiltrie  and  diverss  of  [the]  faythfull  bair  him  cumpany  to  the  Abbey," 
and,  among  others,  Mr.  Erskine ;  "  bot  non  past  in  to  the  Quene  with  him  in 
the  Cabinet,  bot  Jhone  Erskin  of  Dun,  then  superintendant  of  Angus  and 
Mearnis."  When,  in  the  conference  which  followed,  the  Queen  gave  vent  to 
her  grief  and  indignation  before  the  stern  and  unmoved  Reformer,  Erskine 
attempted  to  sooth  her,  and  he  and  the  prior  of  Coldingham  remained  with  her 
"  neir  the  space  of  ane  hour,"  after  she  had  commanded  Knox  out  of  her  pre- 
sence, (Knox's  Hist.  332 — 334.)  His  conduct  on  this,  as  on  many  other  occa- 
sions, indicates  a  strong  desire  to  quench  the  fiery  spirits  of  both  parties,  and, 
in  this  respect,  is  an  admirable  contrast  to  that  of  most  of  his  cotemporaries.  The 
Parliament  of  the  same  year  appointed   "  Johne  Erskin  of  Dun,   Prouest  of 


Note  C]  N  O  TE  S.  433 

Montros,"  one  of  the  Lords  for  "  the  interpretatioun  of  the  law  of  oblivion,"* 
and  he  was  also  nominated  one  of  the  Commissioners  "  to  cognosce,  visie  and 
consider  the  patrimonie  and  rentis"  of  the  colleges  of  the  University  of  St. 
Andrews, — "  quhat  thesamin  extendis  to  Seirlie  and  superplus  thairof, — how,  in 
quhat  maner,  and  be  what  seirlie  rentis  and  profeittis  thair  may  men  of  cunning 
and  vnderstanding  be  had  within  the  said  citie  and  vther  placis  quhair  Colleges 
ar,"  &c.  Notices  of  these  and  other  Commissions  will  be  found  in  the  Notes 
to  the  Life  of  John  Winram.  Erskine's  name  appears  at  the  bond  entered  into 
in  1567  for  the  defence  of  the  infant  king  and  his  government,  (Crawfurd's 
Off.  of  State,  App.  442,)  and  in  Dec.  following,  he  was  appointed  one  of  the 
Lords  of  the  Estates  "  to  consider  sic  articklis  as  is  committit  to  thame,  and  to 
report  the  samin  againe  in  the  nixt  Parliament."  By  the  Acts  of  Parliament, 
Dec,  1567  and  1579,  "  anent  the  iuristlictioun  of  the  kirk,"  he  was  appointed  one 
of  the  Commissioners  "  to  seirch  furthe  mair  speciallie  to  consider  quhat  vther 
speciall  pointis  or  clausis  sould  appertene  to  the  iurisdiction  &c.  of  the  said  Kirk, 
and  to  declair  thair  myndis  thairanentis,"  &c.  And  his  name  appears  in  the 
Records  of  the  proceedings  of  the  Barons,  Commissioners  of  Burghs  and  Ministers, 
Dec.  1 — 6,  1567,  appointed  to  treat  of  certain  articles  which  were  afterwards  pre- 
sented to  the  Parliament  which  met  Dec.  15th.  The  Convention  of  Estates  (March 
1574,)  appointed  him  one  of  the  Commissioners  "to  convene,  confer,  resoun  and 
put  in  forme  theEcclesiasticallpolicie  andordourofthe  governing  of  the  Kirk,"&c. 
By  the  Parliament  which  met  at  Stirling  July  1578,  he  was  appointed  in  a  com- 
mission to  convene  there  on  the  18th  August  following,  to  confer  upon  the  Second 
Book  of  Discipline.  In  1579  he  was  named  one  of  the  Commissioners  to  see  the 
Act  of  the  Reformation  of  the  University  of  St.  Andrew's  put  in  execution, 
and  in  the  same  year  he  was  appointed  a  member  of  the  Privy  Council,  (Acts 
Pari.  Scot.  II.  536,  544.  III.  25,  30,  35,  89,  105,  138,  150,  182.)  In  his 
later  years  Erskine  is  represented  as  residing  frequently  in  the  town  of  Mon- 
trose. "  The  Lard  of  Dvne,"  says  James  Melvil,  under  the  year  1570,  "dwelt 
oft  in  the  town,  and  of  his  charite  intertained  a  blind  man,  wha  haid  a  singular 
guid  voice;  him  he  causit  the  doctor  of  our  scholl  teatche  the  wholl  Psalmes 
in  meter,  with  the  tvnes  therof,  and  sing  them  in  the  Kirk,"  &c.  (Diary,  p.  18.) 
The  last  General  Assembly  at  which  Erskine  is  recorded  to  have  been  present 
was  that  held  at  Edinburgh  June  20,  1587,  by  which  he  was  appointed  a  mem- 
ber of  a  Committee  to  promote  the  removal  of  "  ane  matter  of  greife  conceivit 

*  In  the  "  Act  remitting  the  interpretatioun  of  the  law  of  oblivioun  to  the  lordis  of  Sessioun," 
(1587)  it  is  mentioned  that  all  the  commissioners,  except  Mr.  Erskine  and  James  Halyburton,  tutor 
of  Pitcur,  had  "  departed  this  present  lyfe,"  (Acts  Pari.  Scot.  III.  448).  Sir  Richard  Maitland 
from  whom  the  Maitland  Club  takes  its  name,  was  one  of  these  Commissioners. 

3  i 


434  NOTES.  [Ebskine, 

be  the  King's  ma.  against  Mr.  Johne  Cowper  and  James  Gibsone."  He  was  at 
the  same  time  nominated  on  a  Committee  to  collect  the  Acts  of  Parliament 
"  maid  be  our  soveraine  Lord,  his  H.  predecessors  and  regents  for  the  tyme,  for 
the  libertie  of  the  trew  kirk  of  God  and  Christs  religione  presently  professit 
within  this  realme,  and  for  repressing  of  papestrie  and  idolatrie,"  and  to  crave 
their  confirmation  by  the  next  parliament, — the  first  since  his  majesty  had  attained 
majority.  (Book  of  Univ.  Kirk,  in  Bibl.  Acad.  Glasg.  MSS.  F.  1.  1.  fol.  267.) 

Dr.  M'Crie  (Life  of  Melville,  2d  Edit.  I.  347,)  has  assigned  the  16th 
October  1592,  as  the  date  of  the  Superintendent's  death,  on  the  authority  of  a  will 
by  John  Erskine  of  Dun,  (registered  in  the  Act  buik  of  the  Commissariat  of  St. 
Andrews,  Oct.  25,  1593,)  in  which  his  children  are  represented  as  minors,  and  are 
committed  to  the  "  tuitioun,  gyding  and  keeping"  of  "  his  weilbelovit  spous  Mar- 
garet Kaith  thair  mother."  It  is  evident,  however,  that  the  John  Erskine,  whose 
will  is  there  recorded,  was  not  the  Superintendent,  but  John  Erskine  styled  in  Char- 
ter XXIX  (Note  A)  "  Son  and  heir  apparent  of  John  Erskine  of  Logy."  The 
succession  exhibited  in  that  charter  is  perfectly  clear  :  John  Erskine,  liferenter 
of  Dun,  (the  Superintendent);  Robert  Erskine,  fiar  of  Dun,  his  son;  John 
Erskine  of  Logy,  son  of  the  said  Robert;  and  John  Erskine,  (then  on  the 
eve  of  his  marriage  with  Margaret  Keith,  daughter  of  Robert  Lord  Altrie,) 
son  and  heir  apparent  of  the  said  John  Erskine  of  Logy.  The  person  who 
executed  the  will  in  question  was  therefore  the  great-grandson  of  the  Superin- 
tendent. 

Since  the  preceding  sheet  was  printed,  I  have  had  an  opportunity  of  con- 
sulting the  genealogical  tree  of  the  Erskines,  prepared  for  this  work  by  Alexan- 
der Sinclair,  Esq.  From  that  article  it  appears  highly  probable  that  James 
Melville  has  mistaken  the  name  of  the  young  gentleman  with  whom  his  father 
travelled.  But  to  whatever  member  of  the  family  he  may  have  referred,  it  could 
not  be  to  the  Superintendent  himself.  Richard  Melville  was  born  about  1522, 
(Diary,  p.  12.)  and  must  have  been  more  than  ten  years  younger  than  the 
Superintendent.  For  this  reason  (not  to  mention  others  which  will  be  sug- 
gested by  a  comparison  of  dates,)  he  could  not  be  his  tutor.  The  force  of  the 
remarks  at  p.  430,  therefore,  remains  unaltered. 


Proofs.]  NOTES.  435 


PROOFS  of  the  Genealogical  Tree  of  the  Family  of  ERSKINE  of  DUN  ; 
By  Alexander  Sinclair,  Esq, 

(a.)  Henry  de  Erskine  is  witness  to  a  donation  by  Amalek,  brother  of 
Maldvin  Earl  of  Lennox,  in  1226. — Chartulary  of  Paisley. 

(63-)  Sir  John  obtained  a  grant  of  lands  in  Largs,  Ayrshire,  confirmed 
by  James,  Steward  of  Scotland,  in  which  he  is  called  John  de  Erskine,  son  of 
John  de  Erskine,  son  and  heir  of  John  de  Erskine,  Knight. — MacFar lane's 
Original  Writs. 

(c-)  Sir  William,  vide  Craufurd's  Peerage  298,  and  Craufurd's  Officers 
of  State,  287. 

id.)  Sir  Robert  was  a  very  eminent  man.  His  history  may  be  seen  in 
Craufurd's  Officers  of  State.  Besides  being  Great  Chamberlain,  he  was  Great 
Justiciary  of  Scotland  beyond  the  Forth,  in  1360,  and  Keeper  of  the  Castles  of 
Edinburgh,  Stirling  and  Dumbarton — Wintoun's  Chronicle,  II.  204. 

Papers  belonging  to  the  Toivn  of  Montrose,  communicated  by 
John  Riddell,  Esq.,  Advocate. 

Charter  by  Robert  de  Erskin  of  that  Ilk,  with  consent  of  David 
King  of  Scots,  by  which,  for  the  safety  of  his  soul,  the  soul  of  Cristian 
Keith  his  spouse,  also  the  soul  of  Beatrice  his  wife,  deceased,  and  the  souls 
of  his  father  and  mother,  he  gives  grants  and  confirms  to  two  Chaplains  to 
perform  divine  service  within  the  cathedral  church  of  Brechin,  part  of  the 
Barony  of  Dundee;  also  5  merks  from  the  Barony  of  Dun.  Dated  18th 
Nov.,  1360. 

Mortification  by  Sir  John  Erskin  of  Dun,  Knight,  by  which,  in 
respect  of  its  being  known  to  him  that  the  Bishop  of  Brechin  and  his  men 
were  inhabitants  upon  the  lands  of  Eaglesjohn,  pertaining  to  the  said  Sir 
John,  and  lying  in  the  Barony  of  Dun,  therefore  the  said  Sir  John  for  the 
counsel  and  service  rendered  to  him  by  the  Bishop  and  his  foresaids,  and 
because  of  the  deceased  Sir  Thomas  Erskine  of  Dun,  his  ancestor,  having 
remitted  all  and  whatever  services  to  be  rendered  to  him  together  with  an 
annualrent,  to  be  paid  by  them,  to  him  the  said  Sir  Thomas  Erskine,  in 
consideration  of  which  the  Bishop  of  Brechin  was  obliged  yearly  to  celebrate 
the  anniversary  of  his  death,  and  of  Sir  Robert  Erskine,  his  grandfather, 
exempt  from  performance  of  feudal  services,  9  Nov.  1409. 
(e.)  Sir  Thomas  got  a  Charter  of  Dun,  on  the  resignation  of  his  father, 
8  November,  1376,  vide  Note  A.  No.  I. 


436  NOTES.  [Erskine, 

In  the  Chamberlain's  Books,  for  1373,  is  a  payment  to  him,  on  account 
of  the  ward  and  marriage  of  the  daughter  and  heir  of  the  deceased  Sir 
David  de  Berclay,  Knight:  and  in  the  same  record,  for  1405,  is  an  entry 
respecting  an  annuity  to  Dame  Johanna  de  Berclay,  spouse  of  the  deceased 
Sir  Thomas  Erskine  de  Dun,  Knight,  paid  on  a  receipt  from  his  son  and 
heir  Sir  Robert. — Chamberlain's  Books,  anno  1405, — "et  dnc-  Johne-  de  Berclay 
sponse  quond.  d'lL  thome  de  Erskyne  milit.  percipiti  per  annum  hereditarie 
centum  libras  ut  per  lras-  dnL  Roberti  de  Erskyne  filii  sui  et  heredis  de  rec. 
[recipienti  ?]  ex  parte  matris  sue." 

(f.)  Sir  Robert,  22  April  1438,  was  served  heir  to  the  Earldom  of  Mar 
as  only  son  of  Sir  Thomas  Erskine  by  Janet  Keith  his  wife,  only  child  of  Sir 
Edward  Keith  by  Christian  Monteth  his  wife,  daughter  and  heiress  of  Sir  John 
Monteth  Earl  of  Arran,  &c,  by  Elyne  Marr  daughter  of  Gratney,  XI.  Earl  of 
Mar.  He  assumed  the  title  but  was  arbitrarily  deprived  of  it,  and  became  Lord 
Erskine.  His  son  Sir  Thomas  appeared  as  his  Procurator  in  Parliament,  4 
September,  1449,  to  protest  against  the  injustice  done  his  father. — Douglas's 
Peerage,  quoting  Marr  Papers,  Vol.  II.,  204. 

Reasons  for  considering  that  Sir  Thomas  and  SirNichol  Erskines 
were  sons  of  Beatrice,  the  first  wife  of  Sir  Robert  Erskine,  and  not  sons  of 
Christian  the  second  wife; — also  that  Sir  Robert  and  Sir  John  Erskines 
were  sons  of  Sir  Thomas  by  different  wives,  the  former  by  Janet  Keith 
\he  first  wife;  and  the  latter  by  Johanna  Barclay,  the  second  wife. 

1.  It  appears  that  Sir  Nichol,  the  younger  son  of  Sir  Robert,  was 
not  son  to  Christian  from  the  Charter  of  Kinnoul,  which  was  resigned  by 
Robert  de  Erskine,  Knight,  his  father,  and  Cristian  de  Keith  spouse  of 
Robert,  but  not  called  mother  to  Nichol. — Charter  under  the  Great  Seal, 
No.  I.  dated  18  Jan.,  1365-6.  If  this  be  proved  in  the  case  of  Sir  Nichol, 
it  holds  stronger  still  as  to  his  elder  brother;  but  chronology  gives  farther 
help  in  the  question. 

Gratney  Earl  of  Mar's  wife  Cristian,  was  sister  of  King  Robert  Bruce, 
whose  mother  was  not  married  till  1271.  Cristian  was  left  a  young  widow 
in  1300  with  a  son,  then  a  mere  boy,  and  a  daughter  Elyne,  who  must  also 
have  been  a  child,  as  her  mother  was  married  to  a  third  husband  in  1326, 
and  had  a  family  afterwards. 

Elyne's  marriage  to  Sir  John  Menteith  could  not  have  been  above  a 
year  or  two  prior  to  1320;  and  their  only  child,  Cristian,  married  first  Sir 
Edward  Keith,  who  survived  the  battle  of  Durham  in  1346,  or  he  could 
not  have  become  Marischal  of  Scotland,  as  heir  to  his  grandnephew  Sir 
Robert;  but  was  dead  in  1351,  when  his  daughter  was  contracted  by  her 


Proofs.]  NOTES.  437 

brother  William,  then  Marischal  of  Scotland.  Cristian  married  2dly,  by 
dispensation  from  Pope  Innocent  VI.  in  1355,  (vide  And.  Stewart,  p.  446,) 
Sir  Robert  de  Erskine,  but  as  he  had  a  former  wife,  and  his  son  Thomas  was 
a  hostage  for  the  King  in  1357,  and  a  knight  and  a  married  man  in  1368, 
Cristian  de  Keth,  alias  Menteith,  could  not  be  his  mother,  nor  could  a 
daughter  of  hers  be  his  mother,  by  a  marrage  in  1355.  Under  this  head 
it  falls  to  be  noticed,  that  there  are  many  instances  of  widows  retaining  their 
first  husband's  name,  in  authentic  deeds,  even  when  married  to  a  second 
husband,  as  in  the  case  of  Cristian  de  Keth,  or  during  a  second  widowhood, 
as  in  the  instance  of  Marjory  de  Lindsay  daughter  of  Sir  John  Stewart  of 
Ralston,  and  widow  of  Sir  Henry  Douglas  of  Lochleven. 

2.  On  the  second  point,  the  Charter  to  Sir  John  states  him  to  have 
been  actually  the  son  of  Johanna  de  Barclay,  (Note  A.  No.  II.;)  but  the 
payment  of  her  pension  to  Sir  Robert  on  the  part  of  Johanna,  though  called 
his  mother,  is  not  conclusive;  as  in  ancient  times  the  terms  mother,  father, 
son,  or  brother,  were  often  used  to  express  connexion  not  relationship,  and 
were  seldom  qualified  by  our  modern  explanatory  phrases,  in  cases  of 
affinity  only,  viz.,  mother-in-law,  step-mother,  &c.  Indeed,  if  the  first  point 
be  proved,  viz.,  that  Sir  Thomas  was  not  son  of  Cristian,  it  follows  of 
course  that  Sir  Robert  must  have  been  son  of  Janet  Keth,  otherwise  they 
could  not  have  had  the  blood  of  Mar,  in  right  of  which  they  came  to 
represent  that  illustrious  family;  and  the  whole  descent  from  her  is  extracted 
from  the  archives  of  the  family  of  Mar  by  Sir  Robert  Douglas  in  his  Peerage, 
original  edition,  title  Mar,  (marked  by  the  celebrated  Lord  Hailes  as  the  best 
article  in  the  work)  in  which  he  is  stated  to  be  the  only  son  of  Janet  Keith. 
(<7-)  Sir  John,  who  got  Dun  from  his  father  confirmed  by  charter  from 
the  Crown,  25  October,  1392,  is  therein  shown  to  have  been  son  of  Johanna 

Barclay Note  A.  No.  II. 

(^•)  Alexander  Erskine  of  Dun,  Jonet  his  spouse,  and  John  his  eldest 
son,  are  in  the  charter.  18  January,  1449. — Note  A.  No.  III.  IV.  In  the  papers 
of  the  family  of  Graham  of  Fintry  is  an  acquittance  and  discharge,  dated  at 
Pomfret,  penult  September,  1452,  to  Alexander  Erskine  of  Dun  for  200  merks, 
out  of  300  promised  by  Robert  Graham  of  Ewisdale,  (ancestor  of  Fintry,)  on 
contract  of  John  Erskine,  son  of  Alexander,  and  Marjory,  daughter  of  Robert. 
Charter  to  John  Erskine  of  Dun,  19  July,  1468.     Note  A.  No.  V. 

(.'■)  John  Erskine  of  Dun,  Mariota  Graham  his  spouse,  and  John  Erskine 
younger  their  son,  fiar  of  Dvne,  grant  a  charter  of  Mortification,  10  March 
1490,  confirmed  21  May,  1491.     Note  A.  VII. 

John  Erskine  younger  of  Dun  was  tutor  at  law  to  Henry  Graham  of 
Morphie,  9  Feb.  1492.— Acta  Dominorum  Concilii,  Note  A.  p.  422. 


438  NOTES.  [Erskine, 

U-)  John  Erskine  of  Dun  gave  a  Charter  to  his  son  John,  junior,  and 
Margaret  Ruthven  Countess  of  Buchane  his  spouse;  which  Thomas  and  Alex- 
ander, brothers  of  John  senior,  witness,  21  June,  1508.  Note  A.  XI.  Also 
Douglas's  Peerage,  Vol.  I.  p.  268  and  660. 

For  Mr.  Robert,  Walter,  and  Thomas,  vide  Bill  of  Complaint  to 
King  James  IV.  by  the  community  of  the  burgh  of  Montrose,  against 
Johne  of  Erskyn  eldar  of  Dun,  his  sonnis,  Johne  of  Erskine,  Master  Robert 
Erskine,  Vat  Erskine,  and  Thomas  Erskine,  for  various  oppressions,  dated 
1  October,  1493. — Montrose  Burgh  papers.  Orders  by  the  King  that  the 
Lard  of  Dwn  answer  to  the  charge  and  give  security  for  £500,  and  ilk  ane 
of  his  said  sonis  £200,  4  Octob.,  1493.     Note  A.  422,  423,  424. 

In  the  Privy  Seal  record  for  1535,  is  an  entry  regarding  John  Erskine 
of  Dun,  and  Margaret  Ruthven  Countes  of  Buchan,  his  moder. 
(/'•)  John  Erskine  of  Dun  got  a  Charter  from  David  Earl  of  Crawfurd, 
30  April,  1525,  Note  A.  XVII  As  brother  of  John  Earl  of  Buchan,  he  wit- 
nessed that  Earl's  Charter  to  John  his  son  and  heir  apparent,  15  May,  1547- 
Charter  of  Confirmation  of  a  Charter  by  John  Earl  of  Buchan,  dated  29  April, 
1547,  on  a  contract  between  the  Earl  and  Walter  Ogilvy  of  Boyne,  Knight, 
in  favour  of  John  Stewart  his  son  and  heir  apparent,  and  Margaret  Ogilvy  his 
spouse,  &c.    Witness  John  Erskine  of  Down,  brother  of  the  Earl. 

The  notice  from  the  Privy  Seal  given  above,  proves  that  the  Superin- 
tendent had  succeeded  before  1535, — and  consequently,  that  it  was  his  son 
John  who  had  the  fee  of  the  estate  of  Dun  given  up  to  him,  18  February, 
1534;  and  who  was  still  fear  of  Dun,  in  1541  and  1547. 

For  Isabel's  marriage,  vide  Note  A.  VIII. 
('•)  John  Erskine  of  Dun  resigned  the  fee  of  Dun  to  John  his  son  and 
apparent  heir,  18th  February,  1534,  (see  Note  A.  XVIII.  and  XIX.,)  andgota 
charter  from  his  uncle  Sir  Thomas  Erskine  of  Brechin,  Knight,  Secretary  to 
King  James  V.,  9  February,  1541,  Note  A.  XX.;  another  from  Sir  Thomas  to 
him  as  his  nephew,  and  to  John  his  son  and  heir  apparent,  fear  of  Dun,  9th 
February,  1541,  Note  A.  XXL;  another  from  the  said  Sir  Thomas  to  him  as 
his  nephew,  and  Barbara  Bierle  his  spouse,  20  September,  1543,  Note  A. 
XXIII. 

Sir  Thomas  Erskine  of  Brechin  received  many  Charters,  too  numerous  to 
mention.  The  Charters  to  his  nephew  show  his  place  in  the  family.  He  was  a 
well  known  public  character,  and  his  nephew  the  Superintendent  was  still  more 
distinguished. 

(m.)  Elizabeth  Lindsay  is  stated  in  CrawfuroVs  Peerage  to  have  been  the 
wife  of  John  Erskine  of  Dun,  the  Superintendent  of  Angus.  The  name  of 
his  wife  does  not  appear  in  any  of  the  Charters  from  the  Crown,  which  her 


Proofs.]  NOTES.  439 

husband  got;  but  her  marriage  is  given  in  a  pedigree  of  the  Earls  of  Crawford, 
written  about  1571,  preserved  in  the  Harl.  MSS.,  No.  245,  p.  174.  She  was 
alive  in  1534;  and  from  the  extremely  rapid  descent  of  the  family  beginning 
with  him,  and  from  his  having  had  John  his  son  infeft  in  Dun  before  the  time 
of  his  marriage  with  Barbara  de  Bierle,  this  statement  is  probably  correct; 
and  the  Charter  from  the  Earl  of  Crawford  in  1525  shows  the  intimacy  of  the 
families,  and  was  perhaps  given  in  payment  of  her  fortune. A- 

(«.)  John  Erskine  fear  of  Dun  was  very  young  in  1J53,  when  he  got  the 
fee  of  Dun  resigned  to  him  by  his  father,  who  was  himself  the  son  of  a  marriage 
which  took  place  after  1505.  He  and  his  wife  Margaret  Hoppringle  have  a 
Charter  in  1547,  Craicfurd's  Notes,  Advocates'  Library;  and  she  afterwards 
appears  as  tercer  of  a  part  of  the  estate,  by  the  name  of  Margaret  Hoppringle, 
Lady  Arbuthnot,  in  the  Charter  in  1588,  Note  A.  XXIX.  See  also  Charter  to 
her  as  spouse  of  Andrew  Arbuthnot  of  that  Ilk. — Douglass  Peerage  I.  p.  81. 

(o.)  The  younger  sons,  William,  James,  Mr.  Thomas,  Alexander  and 
John,  are  proved  by  Charters  and  Privy  Seal  notices,  Note  A.  XXIV.,  XXVI. 
and  XXVIII.  Samuel  is  in  XXX.,  Margaret,  who  married  Patrick  Maule 
of  Panmure,  is  mentioned  in  various  deeds,  and  in  a  history  of  the  family  by 
Robert  Maide  the  celebrated  antiquarian,  in  the  Advocates'  Library.  She  had 
only  one  son,  Patrick  (afterwards  Earl  of  Panmure,)  but  it  is  proved  by  the 
General  Register  of  Deeds,  XXXVII.,  p.  223,  dated  6  Jan.,  1590,  that  she  had 
seven  daughters;  of  whom,  according  to  their  uncle's  account,  Jean  married 
David  Erskine,  by  whom  she  was  mother  of  John,  heir  to  Dun,  and  Margaret 
married  Mr.  Arthur  Erskine,  afterwards  mentioned. 

(i>0  The  Charter  21  October,  1588,  Note  A.  XXIX.,  gives  four  genera- 
tions of  the  family,  in  a  direct  line,  then  alive,  and  the  last  then  marriageable; 
viz.,  John  the  Superintendent,  patriarch,  Robert  his  eldest  surviving  son,  John 
of  Logy  eldest  son  of  Robert,  and  John  son  of  John  of  Logy;  and  four  "  Ladies 
of  Dun,"  living  upon  the  estate  at  once,  viz.,  Margaret  Hoppringle  Lady  of 
Arbuthnot,  relict  of  John  eldest  son  of  the  Superintendent,  Katherine  Gra- 
hame,  spouse  of  Robert;  Agnes  Ogilvy,  wife  of  John  of  Logy;  and  Margaret 
Keith,  daughter  of  Robert  Lord  Altrie,  then  about  to  be  married  to  John  son 
of  John  of  Logy  by  contract,  25  August,  1588. 

In  the  General  Register  of  Deeds,  XXXVI.,  p.  128,  June  4,  1590,  Robert 
Erskine,  of  Dun,  and  John  Erskine  of  Logy  his  son  and  apparent  heir  are 
parties ;  and  John's  wife  is  named  Margaret  Ogilvy.  For  the  birth  of  Agnes 
or  Margaret  Ogilvy,  see  Peerage  of  Scotland,  Vol.  I.,  p.  31,  and  Vol.  II., 
p.  716.  In  the  testamentary  Record  at  St.  Andrew's,  25  October,  1593,  it 
is    entered    that   John    Erskine    of    Dun    died    in    October,    1592,    leaving 


440  NOTES.  [Erskine, 

Margaret  Keith,  his  relict;  and  John  Erskine  and  Margaret  Erskine  his 
children  by  her. 

(?)  John  Erskine  of  Dun  was,  on  the  5th  November,  1603,  served  heir 
to  his  father  John  Erskine  of  Dun,  who  died  in  November,  1592,  four  years 
after  his  marriage.  His  wife  Magdalen  Haliburton  is  proved  by  Note  A. 
XXXI.;  and  her  marriage  to  Sir  John  Carnegy  of  Ethy,  afterwards  Earl  of 
Ethey  and  Northesk,  Note  A.  XXXII.  His  death  in  March,  1608,  without  a 
son,  is  proved  by  the  service  of  his  uncle's  son  Alexander  as  heir  male  to  him, 
8  May,  1621.  The  death  of  the  Countess  is  thus  recorded  by  Sir  James  Bal- 
four:  ;<  10  Martij,  being  Sunday,  1650,  Anna  [Magdalen?]  Halybrunton, 
Countesse  of  Ethay,  eldest  daughter  to  Sir  James  Halybrunton  of  Pitcurr, 
Knight,  departed  this  lyffe  at  Ethay.  She  was  first  married  to  the  Laird  of 
Dun,  Erskin,  and  by  him  had  no  heires  mailes;  and  after  his  death  shoe  married 
Johne  Earle  of  Ethay,  and  had  sonnes  and  daughters." — Balfour's  Historical 
Works,  IV.  7. 

In  Pitcairn's  Criminal  Trials,  Part  VII.  is  a  full  account  of  the  case  of 
poisoning,  which  signalized  this  family  in  the  beginning  of  the  17th  century. 
Robert  Erskine,  instigated  by  his  three  unmarried  sisters,  administered  poison 
to  his  two  young  nephews,  the  eldest  of  whom  had  succeeded  to  Dun  in  minority. 
Robert,  his  natural  guardian,  had  been  deprived  of  the  charge  of  him  and  of 
the  estate,  by  the  last  proprietor  leaving  a  testamentary  appointment  to  John 
Erskine,  minister  of  St.  Ceres,  to  the  office.  The  trials  show  that  David  and 
Robert  were  sons  to  John  Erskine  of  Logy,  who  never  succeeded  to  Dun ; 
that  Mr.  Arthur  was  their  uncle;  that  David  died  before  his  mother,  leaving 
by  Jean  Maule  two  sons,  John  and  Alexander;  and  that  John,  after  lingering 
painfully  for  about  three  years,  lamenting  his  fate  in  having  been  born  to  an 
estate,  fell  a  victim  to  the  barbarity  of  his  aunts  and  uncle.  Jane  the  sister  of 
these  criminals  was  contracted  by  her  father  to  Patrick  Painter,  8  July,  1577. 
— General  Register  of  Deeds,  Vol.  XVI.,  443. 

(r.)  Alexander,  afterwards  Sir  Alexander  Erskine  of  Dun,  who  suc- 
ceeded in  consequence  of  this  crime,  was  not  served  heir  to  the  unfortunate  boy, 
because,  though  he  had  a  right  to  the  estate,  he  had  not  been  infeft,  but  to  John 
his  predecessor,  his  uncle's  son  and  cousin-german,  who  died  in  March,  1608; 
service  8  May,  1621.  Sir  Alexander  and  his  first  wife  Margaret  Lindsay, 
and  John  his  eldest  son  are  all  proved  by  Charter,  Note  A.  XXXII.;  for  Mar- 
garet Lindsay's  birth,  see  Peerage  of  Scotland,  Vol.  II.,  p.  518,  where  her 
husband's  christian  name  is  wrong.  She  died  11  March,  1633,  leaving  two 
sons,  viz.,  John  and  Alexander,  both  minors.  Testaments  recorded  1 1  July, 
1635. 


Proofs.]  NOTES.  441 

(*.)  Sir  John,  eldest  son  of  Sir  Alexander,  died  without  leaving  a  son, 
before  4th  January,  1655;  his  brother  David  is  served  heir  male  to  him  in  the 
fee  of  Dun,  which  proves  the  previous  death  of  Alexander  without  heirs  male. 
For  Margaret,  his  daughter,  vide  Douglas's  Baronage  of  Scotland,  p.  51.  The 
following  characteristic  extract  is  taken  from  Lamont?  s  Diary.  "  1 655,  Jul.  5, 
The  Laird  of  Din,  in  Angus,  surnamed  Erskine,  being  at  Cuper,  was  appre- 
hended att  the  instance  of  Sr-  George  Moresone  of  Darsie,  for  being  cation  for 
twentie  thousand  markes  for  the  Lord  Buchan  to  the  said  Sr-  George  of  Darsie, 
and  put  into  the  toll-buith  ther.  After  he  came  out,  he  began  to  regrait  his 
bad  vsage,  as  to  be  put  in  pryson  for  another  man's  debt.  Buchan,  then  being 
present  att  Cuper  also,  replyed  to  Din,  that  he  might  thinke  it  a  creditt  to  be  putt 
in  the  tolbuith  for  such  a  man  as  my  Lord  Buchan." — Diary  of  Mr.  John 
Lamont  of  Newton,  edition  1830,  p.  88. 

&■)  As  Margaret  Lindsay,  according  to  Testamentary  Record,  had  only 
the  two  sons  above,  it  follows  that  David  and  Margaret  must  have  been  chil- 
dren of  a  second  marriage  of  Sir  Alexander;  but  her  parentage  is  unknown, 
owing  to  the  caution  of  the  Marquis  of  Ailsa,  in  refusing  information. 

Margaret  married  to  Sir  John  Carnegy  is  mentioned  in  a  MS.  History 
of  the  Carnegys,  by  Maule  the  antiquarian,  in  the  Advocates'  Library. 

David's  marriage  is  mentioned  by  Lamont  in  his  Chronicle  of  Fife;  and  he 
also  notes  that  his  mother  and  good-sister  (sister-in-law)  were  then  alive,  but 
he  does  not  give  their  names.  He  thus  notices  these  circumstances:  "  1666, 
Feb.  23,  The  Laird  of  Dun,  in  Angus,  being  the  second  brother,  married 
.  .  .  .  Lumsdain,  the  Lady  Bamfe,  daughter  to  Sr-  Ja.  Lumsdain  of  Ender- 
gailly  elder :  the  marriage  feast  stood  in  the  Laird  of  Enster  his  howse,  hir 
brother-in-law.  (At  this  tyme  she  was  the  thrid  lady  on  that  Estaite  of  Dun, 
viz.,  his  mother,  his  good-sister,  and  this  his  owne  lady.)" — Lamo?ifs  Diary, 
p.  185.  David  had  four  Charters,  vide  Note  A.  XXXV.  XXXVI.  XXXVII. 
and  XXXVIII. 

(a.)  Mr.  David  Erskine,  Advocate,  afterwards  Lord  Dun,  had  a  Char- 
ter, Note  A.  XL.,  which  proves  that  he  had  had  two  elder  brothers,  one  of 
them,  Mr.  James,  still  alive,  but  passed  over  in  the  succession ;  that  his  spouse 
was  Magdalen  Riddell;  and  that  he  had  a  younger  brother  Alexander, 
merchant  in  Montrose.  The  Charter  XLI.  shows  that  he  was  Lord  Dun,  and 
that  Alexander  was  then  his  only  brother.  The  Charter  XLI  I.  mentions 
John  Erskine,  only  lawful  son  of  Lord  Dun  by  Magdalen  Riddell  his  spouse. 
Vide  also  Hist.  Ace.  of  Sen.  Coll.  Just.  p.  491. 

(«■••)  The  Baronage  of  Scotland,  p.  67,  mentions  that  Magdalen  Riddel  had 
3  K 


442  NOTES.  [Spotswood, 

only  one  son,  John  Erskine,  now  of  Dun,  and  one  daughter,  Ann,  who  mar- 
ried twice,  as  appears  also  in  the  Peerage,  I.  34,  and  II.  14. 

(«>.)  Margaret  Inglis  being  married  to  John  Erskine  of  Dun,  and  hav- 
ing only  one  son  is  proved  by  information  of  friends,  and  by  the  Baronage  of 
Scotland,  265,  and  Note  A.  p.  426. 

(*•)  The  marriage  of  John  Erskine  of  Dun  to  Margaret  Baird  is  too 
well  known  to  require  proof.  It  is  mentioned  in  the  history  of  the  Bairds, 
Play  fair's  Baronetage  of  Scotland,  note  to  Appendix,  p.  238.  That  he  had  only 
one  son  and  two  daughters  is  proved  by  Note  A.  p.  426. 

(>/■)  The  children  of  Margaret  Erskine,  Marchioness  of  Ailsa,  now 
sole  heir  to  this  ancient  and  eminent  family,  are  to  be  found  in  all  the  peerages ; 
and  her  succession  to  her  brother  and  elder  sister  is  well  known. 

(*0     The  alliances  of  the  Marchioness's  two  sons  need  no  evidence. 

The  retour  of  Alexander  Erskine  of  Balhall,  as  heir-male,  took  place 
in  1833,  and  proves  him  to  be  the  representative  of  the  family  of  Erskine  of 
Dun.     Note  A.  p.  426,  427,  428. 


LIFE  OF  MR.  JOHN  SPOTSWOOD. 

Note  A. — The  Family  of  Spottiswoode.     (Page  72.) 

The  following  account  of  the  direct  descent  of  this  family,  communicated  by  the 
Rev.  Dr.  Fleming,  is  printed  from  a  MS.  (dated  in  1722,  and  said  to  be  taken 
out  of  O.  K.'s  book,)  in  the  possession  of  its  present  representative.  The  family 
is,  however,  much  more  ancient  than  the  writer  here  records. 

There  is  a  tradition  in  the  Merse  that  the  Spottiswoodes  were  originally 
Gordons,  because  of  old  they  carried  three  boars'  heads  to  their  arms,  whereas 
now  they  carry  a  field  argent  and  three  trees  vert  with  cheveron  gules  and  one 
boar's  head  sable  upon  the  top  thereof,  with  a  helmet  and  thereon  a  tree  vert, 
the  motto,  Patior  ut  potiar. 

I.  Atavus.  [James]  Spottiswoode  of  that  ilk  married  the  Laird  of  John- 
stouns  lawful  daughter,  whose  eldest  son  was 


Note  A.]  NOTES.  443 

II.  Abavus.  Henry  [William]  Spottiswoode  of  that  ilk,  who  married 
[Elizabeth]  Pringle,  lawful  daughter  to  the  Laird  of  Hoppringle  or  Torsonce. 
He  died  in  the  battle  of  Flooden.     The  second  son  of  that  marriage 

III.  Mr.  John  Spottiswoode,  one  of  our  first  Reformers  from  Popery  and 
Superintendant  of  the  Lothians. 

IV.  Proavus.  Doctor  John  Spottiswoode,  who  was  first  parson  of  Calder, 
then  Governour  to  the  Duke  of  Lennox  in  his  travels,  and,  after  he  came  home 
with  the  Duke,  was  consecrated  Archbishop  of  Glasgow  and  continued  there 
....  years,*  and  then  was  translated  to  be  archbishop  of  St.  Andrews,  and  con- 
tinued 23  years  there,  and  last  of  all  was  made  Lord  High  Chancellor  of  Scot- 
land. He  married  [Beatrice]  Crichton  lawful  daughter  to  Crichton  of  Lugton,  of 
which  marriage  there  were  three  sons,  and  one  daughter  married  to  Sir  Will. 
Sinclair  of  Rosline.t  The  eldest  son  was  Sir  John  Spottiswoode  of  Dairsie. 
The  youngest  son  was  Bishop  of  Raphoe  in  Ireland,  and  the  second  son  was 

V.  Avus.  Sir  Robert  Spottiswoode  of  [Newabbey,]  Dunipace  and  Pent- 
land,  President  of  the  Court  of  Session,  and  Secretary  of  State.  He  lost  his 
head  by  the  Parliament  at  St.  Andrew's  for  subscribing  the  Marquis  of  Mon- 
trose's Commission.  He  married  Dame  Bethia  Morisone,  eldest  lawful  daugh- 
ter to  Mr.  Alexr-  Morisone  of  Preston-Grange,  one  of  the  Senators  of  the 
College  of  Justice,  and  had  by  her  three  sons.  The  eldest,  Mr.  John,  died  un- 
married. The  youngest,  Robert  Spottiswoode,  was  Chirurgeon  General  [physi- 
cian] of  King  Charles  the  lid.  forces  at  Tangier.  He  married  [Catherine,  widow 
of  .  .  .  Elliot?]  an  Englishwoman,  a  cousin  to  the  Duchess  of  Marlborough, 
and  of  that  marriage  had  one  son,  Colonell  Alexr-  Spottiswoode  in  the  Duke  of 
Marlborough's  service  in  1706,  and  now  governour  in  [Virginia?]  Sir  Robert's 
second  son  was 

VI.  Pater.  Mr.  Alexander  Spottiswoode  of  Crumstain  Advocate. 
Mr.   Alexander  Spottiswoode  was  first  married  to  [Margaret]  Home,  %  only 

*  Spotswood  was  presented  to  the  Archbishoprick  of  Glasgow,  soon  after  the  death  of  Beaton 
in  1603,  but  was  not  consecrated  till  1610.  (Crawf.  Offic.  of  State,  163,  170.) 

f  The  author  has  here  confounded  the  Archbishop's  marriage  with  that  of  his  father.  The  Super- 
intendant of  Lothian  married  Beatrice  Crichton,  and  had  by  her  two  sons,  John  (IV.)  and  James, 
afterwards  Bishop  of  Clogher,  and  one  daughter  married  to  .  .  .  Tennant  of  Lynehouse.  The 
Archbishop  was  married  to  Rachael,  daughter  of  David  Lindsay,  Bishop  of  Ross,  by  whom 
he  had  two  sons,  John,  (whose  family  predeceased  himself,)  and  Robert  (V.)  who  succeeded  his 
brother.  The  Archbishop's  only  daughter  was  married  to  Sir  William  Sinclair  as  here  stated. 
(Crawfurd's  Officers  of  State,  163,  194.) 

J  In  the  Session  Records  of  Gordon,  July  13,  1671,  it  is  mentioned  that  Alexander  Spottis- 
woode in  the  parish  of  Eccles,  and  Margaret  Home  in  the  parish  of  Ledgertwood,  were  married  in 
that  church,  by  Mr.  Gideon  Brown,  minister  of  Ledgertwood. 


444  NOTES.  [Spotswood, 

lawful  daughter  of  Sir  John  Home  of  Crumstain,  and  had  only  one  son  of 
that  marriage,  called  Alexander,  who  died  without  children.  To  his  second 
wife  he  had  Helen  Trotter,  fourth  lawful  daughter  of  John  Trotter  of  Morton- 
hall.*  There  is  living  of  this  marriage,  a  daughter,  Janet  Spottiswoode,  who 
married  Sir  Geo.  Brown  of  Thornydike  Bar'- .  They  have  no  children  as  yet 
(1722). 

VII.  Filius.  John  Spottiswoode  of  that  ilk,  Advocate,  married  [Helen] 
Arbuthnot,  lawful  daughter  to  the  Viscount  of  Arbuthnot,  and  relict  of  the 
Laird  of  Macfarlane.  And  of  this  marriage  he  hath  two  sons,f  John  and  Robert, 
and  two  daughters  Helen  and  Anne. 

The  reader  may  also  consult,  Douglas's  Baronage,  446 — 450;  Crawfurd's 
Officers  of  State,  160 — 195;  Memoir  of  Sir  Robert  Spottiswoode,  pref.  to  his 
Practicks, — Acts  of  the  Parliaments  of  Scotland.  There  appear  to  have  been 
several  families  of  the  name  of  Spottiswood,  of  some  respectability,  settled  in  the 
shire  of  Ayr  at  a  pretty  early  period.  John  Spottiswod  of  Fowler  alienates  to 
his  son  of  the  same  name  and  his  heirs,  the  "  audit  merkland  of  Scheillis  and 
Scheilkers,  within  the  baillerie  of  Kylestewart,"  &c,  June  22,  1578.  (Notes  of 
sasings,  &c,  taken  by  S.  Mason,  town  clerk  of  Ayr.)  William  Spottiswode  is 
served  heir  to  his  father,  John  Spotiswode  of  Foullar,  in  the  forty  shilling  lands 
of  Auchinrugland  of  old  extent  within  the  bailliary  of  Kylestewart,  Jan.  23, 
1600;  and  in  the  following  May,  William  Hamilton  is  served  heir  to  his  father, 
William  Hamilton  of  Sanchair,  in  the  same  lands.  John  Spotiswode  of  Fowlair 
is  served  heir  portioner  of  Adam  Reid  of  Barskyming,  his  grandfather  by  the 
mother's  side,  in  the  fourth  part  of  the  six  pound  lands  of  old  extent  of  Stair- 
quhyte  or  Barskyming  in  Kyle-regis,  May  23,  1601.  (Inquis.  Special.  Ayr, 
25,  35,  45.)  William  Spottiswode  of  Fouillar's  latterwill  is  dated  Feb.  19, 
1604.  His  wife,  Margaret  Prymrois,  survived  him,  and  he  appears  to  have  left 
three  sons,  John,  his  successor,  Adam  and  William.  (Commissary  Records  of 
Glasgow.)  John  Spottiswod  of  Barnach,  seemingly  in  the  same  quarter,  occurs 
in  these  last  quoted  records,  July,  1613.  The  founder  of  the  Barnach  family 
was  Hugh  Spotswood,  the  younger  brother  of  the  Superintendent  of  Lothian, 
(Douglas's  Baronage,  446.) 

*  The  issue  of  this  second  marriage  was  John  (VII.),  Robert,  who  died  young,  Janet,  and 
Catherine  who  left  no  succession.  (Douglas's  Baronage,  449.) 

f  According  to  Douglas  (Bar.  449)  he  had  but  one  son,  but  the  authority  of  this  cotemporary 
writer  is  perhaps  more  to  be  relied  on. 


Note  B.]  NOTES.  445 

Note  B. — spotswood's  education  at  Glasgow  university.     (Page  72.) 

The  following  notices  appear  to  relate  to  the  future  Superintendent: 

1534.  Incorporat.  die  sabbatj  xxvij  Junij,  &c. 
Dns  Jocs-   Spottil'wod  fuus  clnj  Rectorf. 

1535.  Feb.  8.  Dnus  Joannes  Spottil'wod  proceeded  Bachelor. 

1536.  Mgr.  Jocs-  Spottlwod  is  chosen  one  of  the  four  intrantes  and  depu- 
tati  Rectoris. 

1543.  Johfines  Spottfwod  is  again  elected  as  above,  (Ann.  Univ.  et  Fac. 
Art. — Records  Nos.  1  and  2). 

The  designation  of  "  servus  rectoris"  does  not  often  occur  in  the  University 
Records.  The  earliest  entry  bearing  any  resemblance  to  it  is  in  1482,  when 
Johannes  durand  is  called  "  clericus  familiaris  rectoris  antedicti"  (scil.  Mag. 
Joannis  broun  canonici  Glasgueii  ac  prebendarij  de  Glasgw).  In  1485,  1513 
and  1514,  Jacobus  bissate,  Thomas  fargusone  burgensis  glasgueii,  and  ffinlaius 
lindsay  are  respectively  termed  "  servus  rectoris,"  and  there  are  other  entries  at 
a  later  period.  It  would  thus  appear  that  the  "  servus  rectoris"  was  not  a 
regularly  appointed  officer  of  the  University,  but  merely  the  private  servitor  of  the 
rector,  who  was  generally  one  of  the  prebendaries  of  Glasgow,  and  whose  duties 
in  popish  times  required  that  he  should  always  be  a  clergyman.  Jn  confirma- 
tion of  this  opinion  there  are  students  designated  as  servitors  of  other  clergymen. 
Thus  in  1512,  Johannes  Crafurd,  laicus,  is  called  "  servitor  rectoris  de  Dowglafs." 
The  rector  whose  "  servus"  Spotswood  is  called,  was  "  venerabilis  et  egregius 
vir  Jac.  Houstoun  subdecanus  Glafguenfis." 

The  supposition  of  Crawfurd  (Off.  of  State,  160)  that  Spotswood  studied 
Divinity  under  John  Major,  at  Glasgow,  is  unquestionably  incorrect.  In  1518 
"  Egregius  vir  mgr  Johanes  maiorf  doctor  parisien,  ac  prilis  reges  cojlegij  et 
pedagogij  dte  vniuersitatf  canoicusqg  capelle  regie  ac  vicarus  de  Dulop"  is  incor- 
porated with  43  others.  In  1521  he  is  elected  one  of  the  intrantes  and  depu- 
tati  rectoris  under  the  designation  of  "  Theologie  professor."  In  1522  he  is 
designated  "  Theologie  professor,  thesaurarius  capelle  regie  Striuilingensis, 
vicariusqj  de  Dunlop  ac  principalis  regens  dicte  collegie."  In  the  same  year 
"  Dominus  Decanus  Johannes  majoris"  is  one  of  the  auditores  computi,  and  also 
one  of  the  intrantes  and  deputati  rectoris  under  the  designation  of  "  principalis 
regens."  (Ann.  Univ. — Records,  No.  1.)  As  there  is  a  hiatus  in  the  Records  of 
the  Faculty  of  Arts  from  1509  to  1535,  no  notice  of  Major  appears  in  it.  In 
1523  he  became  a  member  of  the  University  of  St.  Andrew's,  and  continued  there 
during  his  subsequent  residences  in  Scotland.  (Irving's  Life  of  Buchanan, 
second  edit.  pp.  373,  4.) 


446  NOTES.  [Spotswood, 

Archbishop  Spotswood  mentions  (Hist.  1655,  p.  344,)  that  his  father  took 
the  degree  of  M.A.  at  Glasgow.  His  name  has  not  been  discovered  among 
the  Laureation  lists  in  the  Record  of  the  Faculty  of  Arts. 


Note  C. — spotswood's  interviews  with  queen  mary.     (Page  85.) 

Besides  the  mission  to  the  Queen  here  mentioned,  Spotswood  being  a  favourite 
of  her  majesty,  was  sent  on  many  others.  A  few  of  them,  principally  relating  to 
the  provision  of  stipends  for  the  ministers,  and  all  occurring  about  the  same  time, 
may  be  worth  notice.  The  account  of  the  whole  of  this  period  in  the  text  is 
exceedingly  defective. 

In  the  beginning  of  1565,  letters  were  directed  by  the  ministers  in  Kyle  to 
their  brethren  in  Edinburgh,  &c.  warning  them  of  the  activity  of  the  Papists,  and 
of  their  intention  to  celebrate  mass  at  next  Easterday.  By  this  letter  the  brethren 
were  so  much  roused  that  they  drew  up  a  supplication  praying  that  her  majesty 
would  "  take  heid"  of  their  designs.  This  supplication  was  received  from 
the  Superintendents  of  Lothian  and  Glasgow  (the  West?)  by  the  Secretary,  who 
told  them  in  the  Queen's  name,  "  That  thare  sould  be  such  provisioun  maid,  as 
sould  serve  to  their  contentment."  In  October,  Spotswood  was  again  sent 
(accompanied  by  Mr.  David  Lindsay,  minister  of  Leith,)  with  a  supplication  to 
the  Queen  from  the  ministers  within  his  jurisdiction,  praying  for  the  payment  of 
their  stipends  out  of  the  thirds  of  benefices,  according  to  Act  of  Privy  Council. 
A  short  time  before  the  meeting  of  the  General  Assembly  in  June,  1566,  the 
Superintendents  "  with  the  uther  ministers  of  the  kirkis"  drew  up  another  sup- 
plication to  the  same  effect,  which  was  presented  to  the  Queen,  then  residing  in 
Edinburgh  Castle,  by  Spotswood  and  John  Craig,  and  was  graciously  received. 
But  although  favourable  answers  were  given  both  on  this  and  former  occasions,  it 
was  not  until  the  act  of  Privy  Council  3d  October,  1566,  respecting  the  smaller 
benefices,  and  that  of  December  21,  confirming  the  Queen's  assignation  of  "cer- 
tane  victuallis  and  money"  to  the  ministers,  were  passed  that  they  obtained  relief. 
The  General  Assembly  which  met  Dec.  25,  appointed  the  Bishop  of  Galloway, 
Mr.  Spotswood  and  others  "  to  repair  to  Stirline  and  to  solicite  for  the  extract  of  the 
said  assignatioun  from  the  Comptroller  and  Clerk-Register,  that  Letters  may  be 
raised  thereupon."  ,  Accordingly,  "  after  this  Assembly,"  says  Knox,  "  the  Bishop 
of  Galloway,  with  the  Superintendant  of  Lothian  and  Mr.  Johne  Row,  passing 
to  Stirling,  obtained  their  demands  in  an  ample  maner  at  the  Quenes  Majesties 


NoteD.]  NOTES.  447 

hand  according  to  their  desire,  and  likewise  they  obtained  for  every  borough  a 
o-uift  or  donatioun  of  the  Altarages,  Annuals  and  Obites,  which  before  were 
given  to  the  Papists,  now  to  be  disposed  for  the  maintenance  of  the  ministers  and 
schooles  within  the  boroughes,  and  the  rest  to  the  poor  or  hospital."  (Knox's 
Hist.  1732,  pp.  369,  370,  387,  396,  401.  Keith's  Hist.  pp.  560-3.)  This  Act 
(entitled  "  Provisioun  for  sustentation  of  the  ministeris  in  Burrowis,")  is  dated  at 
Stirling  10  Jan.  1566-7,  and  is  inserted  in  Keith's  Hist.  pp.  570-1. 


Note  D. — pension  to  mr.  john  spotswood.     (Page  94.) 

Oure  Souerane  Lord,  Vnderftanding  the  gude  and  thankfull  feruice  done  to 
his  hienes  and  his  prediceflburis  be  his  louit  Mr.  Johnne  Spottiiwood,  perfoun 
of  Calder,  Ordanis  ane  letter  to  be  maid  vnder  the  priuie  fele  in  deu  forme  to 
the  faid  Mr.  Johnne  Spottifwod,  and  eftir  his  deceis  to  James  Spottifwod  his 
lau'full  fone,  off  the  gift  of  ane  5erlie  penfioun  of  fevin  chalderis  five  bollis  twa 
pekis  2  p''  pek  meill,  ffoure  bollis  twa  p'-  boll  quheit,  and  fourtie  five  pund  nyne 
fchillingis  fex  pennyis  money  Seirlies,  to  be  vpliftit  and  vptane  be  the  faid  Mr. 
Johnne,  and  eftir  his  deceis  be  the  faid  James,  thair  factouris  and  fervitouris  in 
thair  names,  Off  the  reddiell  of  the  frui£tis,  maillis,  teindis,  proffeittis,  rentes 
and  emolumentis  of  the  abbacy  of  Deir,  at  tua  termes  in  the  5eir,  Witfounday 
and  Mertimes  in  winter,  be  equall  portionis,  ffbr  all  the  dayis,  fpace  and  termes 
of  thre  5eiris  nixt  eftir  the  faid  Mr.  Johnnis  entres  thairto,  Qlk  is  [wes]  at  the  feaft 
of  Witfounday  laft  bipaft,  and  of  the  crop  and  5eir  of  God  JGD  Vc-  fourfcoir 
5eiris  inftant,  and  for  the  mair  fure  payment  to  be  maid  to  the  faid  Mr.  Johnne 
and  eftir  his  deceis  to  the  said  James  of  the  said  penfioun  during  the  faid  fpace, 
hes  afllgnit  and  be  the  tennor-  heirof  affignis  and  difponis  to  thame  the  faidis 
four  bollis  2  p'-  boll  quheit  to  be  tane  fur'  seirlie  of  the  mains  of  Deir  of  the 
teindis  and  fermes  pairof,  and  the  faidis  fevin  chalderis  five  bollis  ij  pcis-  2  p'-  pc 
meill  to  be  vptane  seirlie  of  the  reddiell  of  the  ferme  meill  and  teind  meill  of 
the  parochin  of  Deir,  and  the  faid  fowme  of  fourtie  five  pundis  ixf.  vjd.  off  the 
reddieft  of  the  thrid  of  the  money  of  the  faid  abbacy  at  the  faid  termes ;  With 
power  to  the  faid  Mr.  Johnne,  and  eftir  his  deceis  to  the  faid  James,  To  call  and 
perfew  for  the  faidis  victuallis  and  money  affignit  to  thame,  as  faid  is,  at  the  faid 
termes,  acquittances  and  difchargis  vpoun  the  reffait  pairof  to  gif  in  all  or  in 
pS  q^3-  falbe  alflufficient  as  gif  the  famin  wer  gevin  be  the  lau'fullie  prouidit 
commendatar  pairof;    And  the  faid  Letter  be  extendit,  &c,  with  command  to 


448  NOTES.  [Willock, 

the  lordis  of  Seffioun  to  grant  letteris,  &c.     Subfcriuit  at  Halieruidhous  the  xvj, 
day  of  December,  1580.     (Reg.  Present.  Benef.  II.  f.  43.) 

In  the  Act  of  Parliament  158],  revoking  all  "giftes,  fees  or  frie  dispositionis" 
out  of  the  thirds  of  benefices,  Spotswood's  pension  is  excepted.  (Acts  Pari.  Scot. 
III.  246.)  It  was  renewed  to  the  same  parties,  Nov.  26,  1583,  for  five  years, 
beginning  from  Whitsunday  immediately  preceding.  (Reg.  Pres.  Benef.  II.  f. 
92.)  But  the  anonymous  biographer  of  Dr.  James  Spotswood  alleges  that  it  was 
withdrawn  after  his  father's  death  (Memor.  of  his  Lyfe  and  Death,  p.  2.) 

Oure  Souerane  Lord  Ordanis  ane  Letter  to  be  maid  vnder  the  privie  fele 
to  Mr.  Johnne  Spottifwood,  minifter,  nominatand  and  prefentand  him  to  the 
perfonage  and  vicarage  of  Lothermacus  and  Mordingtoun,  Hand  within  the 
boundis  of  the  Merfs  and  Lammermuir,  Vaikand  be  deceis  of  vmq1L  Robert, 
alias  Sr  Robert  Dowglas,  laft  porlenV  J>airof  direct  to  the  Superintendent  or 
commiffionaris  within  the  faidis  boundis,  &c.  Subfcriuit  at  Halierudhous,  the 
xj.  day  of  Aprile,  1581  (Reg.  Pres.  Ben.  II.,  f.  55.) 


LIFE  OF  MR.  JOHN  WILLOCK. 


Note  A. — notices  of  willock  before  the  reformation.     (Page  100.) 

Respecting  this  part  of  Willock's  life,  few  notices  have  been  found.  Almost 
every  record  which  might  have  been  expected  to  contain  such  information  is 
defective  at  this  very  period,  and  the  present  note  must  therefore  consist  rather 
of  remarks  on  Wodrow's  account,  than  of  much  supplementary  matter.  The 
name  of  Willock  is  not  often  mentioned  in  Ayrshire  history.  The  Record  both  of 
special  and  general  Retours  contains  but  two  instances  of  it,  and  there  appears  in  the 
Records  of  the  Burgh  Court  of  Ayr  for  this  period  only  one  notice  of  a  person 
of  that  name.  The  supposition  that  he  was  educated  at  the  University  of  Glas- 
gow, (Scott's  Lives  of  the  Reformers,  53,)  is  not  improbable.  His  name  has 
not  been  found  among  the  Incorporati,  but  this  is  not  wonderful  as  the  Regis- 
ters are  by  no  means  complete.     He  has  generally  been  considered,  (on  Spotis- 


Note  A.]  NOTES.  449 

wood's  authority,)  to  have  been  a  member  of  the  Franciscan  order;  but 
Bishop  Lesley  (quoted  by  Scott,  as  above)  mentions  that  he  was  originally  a 
Dominican  friar.  Both  these  fraternities  appear  to  have  had  foundations 
in  the  burgh  of  Ayr,  but  the  last  was  by  far  the  more  opulent,  (Chalmers's 
Caledonia,  III.  490,  1.)  Willock  appears  to  have  been  an  earlier  convert 
to  the  reformed  doctrines  than  Wodrow  supposed.  He  was  in  England  previous 
to  1541,  and  during  the  persecution  for  the  Six  Articles  in  that  year  was  thrown 
into  the  Fleet  prison,  (M'Crie's  Knox,  5th  edit.,  I.  171.)  He  could  not  there- 
fore have  been  converted  by  the  preaching  of  Wishart,  who  did  not  return  to 
Scotland  till  1544.  (Ibid,  I.  41.)  Willock  afterwards  became  Chaplain  to  the 
Duke  of  Suffolk,  the  father  of  the  Lady  Jane  Grey,  and  is  celebrated 
among  the  Duke's  Chaplains  in  some  lines  by  Parkhurst  Bishop  of  Norwich. 
Upon  the  accession  of  Mary  to  the  English  throne  he  fled  to  Embden,  as  men- 
tioned in  the  text,  (p.  100.)  On  his  last  return  from  Embden,  Willock  seems 
to  have  settled  in  Ayrshire.  In  his  correspondence  with  the  abbot  of  Cross- 
raguel,  1559,  to  be  afterwards  noticed,  (See  Note  C,)  he  mentions  St.  John's 
Church  in  Ayr  as  the  place  where  he  taught  his  "  doctrine  oppinlye  befoir  the 
pepil."  (Keith's  Hist.  App.  195.)  In  the  account  given  by  Wodrow  (pp.  103, 
4,)  of  the  summons  of  the  ministers,  there  is,  as  he  himself  indeed  seems  to  have 
felt,  some  confusion  of  dates.  From  the  accurate  researches  of  Dr.  M'Crie, 
(Life  of  Knox,  5th  edit.  I.  248,)  it  appears  that  Archbishop  Hamilton  summoned 
the  proteslant  ministers  to  appear  before  him  at  St.  Andrew's,  on  the  2d  of 
February,  1558-9, — that  this  trial  was  prorogued  by  the  Queen's  orders,  and 
that  Paul  Methven,  John  Christeson,  William  Harlaw,  and  John  Willock  were 
summoned  to  compear  before  the  Justiciary  Court  at  Stirling,  on  the  10th  of 
May,  1559, — that  when  the  day  of  trial  came,  the  Queen,  in  violation  of  her 
most  solemn  promise  to  Erskine  of  Dun,  ordered  the  summons  to  be  called,  and, 
on  their  nonappearance,  the  ministers  to  be  outlawed  and  their  cautioners 
amerciated.*  (Ibid,  I.  248,  257,  447.  See  also  Pitcairn's  Crim.  Trials,  I.  *406,  7.) 
The  Acts  of  the  Provincial  Council  of  the  Scottish  Clergy,  held  in  the 
months  of  March  and  April,  in  the  years  1558  and  1559  respectively,  contain 
the  following  curious  article :  "  Quoniam  Paulus  Methwen,  Willelmus  Harlaw, 
Johannes  [Douglas,  alias]  Grant,  Johannes  Willocks,  Johannes  Patritz  et  alii 
complures  catholicas  fidei  et  ecclefiafticaj  unitatis  defertores  non  folum  peftifera 
hasrefeos  dogmata  diffeminarunt,  fed  et  novum,  inufitatum,  et  nulquam  ab 
ecclefia  catholica  hactenus  receptum  baptizandi  modum  induxerunt,  unde  merito 
dubitari  poffit,  utrum  infantes,  ab  eis  et  limilibus  fie  baptizati,  verum  baptifma 

*  Willock's  cautioner  was  Robert  Campbell  of  Kinjeancleugh. 
3l 


450  NOTES.  [Willock, 

fint  confecuti,  necne ;  proinde,  ut  hujufmodi  omnis  ambiguitas  tollatur,  et 
infantum  faluti  tutius  ac  melius  confulatur,  decrevit  hasc  fynodus,  ut  tales 
infantes  a  facerdotibus  baptizentur  fecundum  fortnam  a  Chrifto  inftitutam  et  ab 
ecclefia  receptam,  in  qua  quidem  ecclefias  forma  facerdotes  proferant  haec  verba: 
'Si  tu  es  baptizatus,  ego  non  te  baptizo;  fed  fi  non  es  baptizatus,  ego  te 
baptizo  in  nomine  Patris,'  etc.  adjiciendo  etiam  afperfionem,  oleum,  et  alia 
inter  baptizandum  obfervari  folita,  &c."  (Wilkin's  Concilia,  IV.  216.)  The  last 
notice  we  find  of  Willock  before  the  Reformation  is  his  interview  with  the  Queen 
Dowager  immediately  before  her  death.  An  account  of  what  passed  will  be 
found  in  Knox's  Historie,  1732,  pp.  228,  9. 

Dempster  has  given  the  following  short  but  pithy  account  of  Willock : 
"Joannes  Willoxius,  perfidus  apostata,  nefandus  sectarius,  impiissimi  collega 
Knoxii,  Synodo  Edimburgensi  damnatus,  Perthi  Deo  bellum,  non  tantum 
principi,  indixit,  sedes  sacras  incendit,  religiosos  viros  mactavit,  nihilque  non  se 
dignum  perpetravit.  Joan.  Leslasus  lib  x.  Histor.  Scot.  pag.  547.  Scripsit 
Impia  qucedam  lib.  I.  sed  non  vidi.  Vivebat  anno  MDLIX."  (Dempsteri 
Hist.  Ecclesiast.  Gentis  Scot.  edit.  1829,  II.  667.) 


Note  B. — notices  respecting  the  diocese  or  glasgow  from  letters 

ADDRESSED  TO  ARCHBISHOP  BETOUN  AT  PARIS.      (Page   110.) 

In  a  letter  from  Thomas  Archibald,  chamberlain  to  Betoun,  Archbishop  of 
Glasgow,  addressed  to  his  master  at  Paris,  10th  Oct.,  1560,  (two  months 
before  the  General  Assembly  met)  it  is  said:  "John  Willocks  is  going  to 
London  with  the  Ambassadours  to  bring  home  his  wife;*  he  gets  10001. 
yearly  off  the  Bishoprick  of  Glasgow,  [I  suspect  he  is  mistaken  in  the  sum, 
— Note  by  Keith"]  and  dwells  in  the  Dean's  house.  All  the  poor  priests  that 
will  not  recant  are  banished  the  Town,"  &c.  (Keith's  Hist.  488,  note.) 
Besides  the  letters  by  this  person  quoted  by  Keith,  there  are  several  in  a  col- 
lection of  papers,  at  present  in  the  course  of  being  printed,  (from  the  originals 
in  the  possession  of  the  Catholic  Church  in  Scotland,)  as  a  contribution  to  the 
Maitland  Club  by  Andrew  Macgeorge,  Esq.  As  the  earliest  of  these  letters  is 
dated  in  1569,  they  do  not  contain  any  additional  notices  of  Willock,  but  they 

*  Vpoun  the  third  day  of  Januar,  [1560-1,]  the  Ambassatouris  quhilk  past  to  Ingland  for 
treating  of  the  mariage  [of  Queen  Elizabeth  and  the  Earl  of  Arran]  foirsaid,  returnit  to  Edinburgh 
at  fyve  houris  at  evin,  and  brocht  with  thame  Johne  Willockis  wyff.  (Diurnal  of  Occurrents, 
p.  281.) 


NoteB.]  NOTES.  451 

present  us  with  much  curious  information  respecting  the  state  of  the  diocese 
of  Glasgow,  during  a  very  obscure  portion  of  its  history.  "And  now  haifand 
fik  occafion"  he  writes  to  Betoun,  Oct.  31,  1569,  "aganis  my  wil,  [I]  man 
writ  to  3our  L.  quhow  5our  L  is  fummoned  be  be  perflation  of  my  Lord 
Glencarne  and  uteris,  5our  L.  onfrendis,  to  compeir  heir  be  fourt  of  Januar 
nixt,  as  3our  L.  wil  perfaif  be  be  cope  of  be  faid  fummondis  be  quhilk  Willem 
Walcar  lies  fend  to  3our  L.,  &  I  prefently  wy'-  J)is  fendis  pe  cope  berof  and 
als  I  fend  be  cope  to  be  Dein,  prayand  him  to  heft  it  to  5  our  L.  wy1  his 
mynd.  I  adverted  5  our  L.  of  bis  at  Lammas  laft,  and  in  lik  maner  of 
my  Lord  Regenttis  mynd  to  sour  L.,  bot  as  5eit  I  cowld  nevir  [get]  anfuir  again 
fra  sour  L.,  &  prefently  sour  L.  pentionaris  [procuratouris?]  nor  na  uber  man  of 
law  wil  procuir  for  jour  L.,  and  fwa,  wy'out  5our  L.  fynd  fome  ramaid  heiranenttis, 
I  can  perfaif  na  uber  thyng  bot  be  difpofitioun  of  5our  L.  benefice  to  be  gevin  to 

M.  David  Cuningham,  fon  to  ye  Lard  of  Cunninghamheid I  wreit 

to  3our  L.  diverfs  tymis  abefor  quhow  bat  my  Lord  [Regent]  had  difponit  bis 
prefent  3eir  as  he  did  be  3eir  abefor,  and  now  bai  ar  takand  be  fermis  of  be 
iijxx  x  [iijxx  ix?]  3eiris  and  intendis  at  be  day  of  bis  fummondis  to  ordin  Maifter 
David  Cunninggam  Super  i?Uendand,  and  barefter  to  fett  all  be  landis  in  fewferm  to 
fik  men  as  bai  thynk  expedient."  The  person  here  mentioned  was  afterward  Sub- 
dean  of  Glasgow,  and  Bishop  of  Aberdeen.  A  considerable  time  previous  to 
this  the  Earl  of  Glencairn  wrote  a  letter  (dated  at  Glasgow,  Dec.  21,  1568,)  to 
the  General  Assembly,  in  which  he  mentioned  that  he  had  "  put  the  Kirk  in 
possessione  of  the  thirds  of  the  bischoprick  of  Glasgow"  for  the  support  of  the 
ministers,  and  requested  them  "  for  the  placing  of  Mr.  Johne  Porterfield  now 
banisched  from  Dumbartane,  as  in  lyk  manner  for  ane  godlie  learned  Inglische- 
man,  and  for  thair  reasonable  stipends,"  (Book  of  Univ.  Kirk  in  Bibl.  Acad. 
Glasg.  MSS.  F.  1.  1.  fol.  62.)  Can  this  have  any  reference  to  a  successor  to 
Willock  ?  John  Porterfield  is  mentioned  by  Keith  as  being  "  a  kind  of  titular 
bishop  of  Glasgow"  in  1571.  (Cat.  Scot.  Bish.,  Russell's  edit.  260.)  The  Earl 
of  Glencairn  obtained  yearly  grants  of  the  revenues  of  the  Archbishoprick  for 
some  time,  but  seems  to  have  been  ultimately  thwarted  in  his  wishes,  for  it  is  men- 
tioned that  on  the  13th  of  October,  1570,  the  "  Erie  of  Glencarne  wald  not  assist 
to  this  parliament,  bot  departed  of  Edinburgh,  because  my  lord  regent  ivald  nocht 
giue  to  him  the  Archbishoprick  of  Glasgow  "  (Diurnal  of  Occurrents,  191.) 

The  following  statement  of  Willock's  stipend  occurs  in  the  Register  of 
Ministers,  Exhorters,  &c,  and  their  Stipends,  in  1567,  presented  to  the  Mait- 
land  Club  by  A.  Macdonald,  Esq.: — "Superintendent  of  the  West,  having 
under  him  Lanark,  Remfrow,  Dunbertane,  Kyle,  Carrik  and  Conygham, — 
Quheit  xxiiij  bollis,  Beir  v  chalderis,  Aitis  lx  bollis,  Meill  iij  chalderis, 
Money  vc  merkis."     (p.  2.) 


452  NOTES.  [Willock, 

Note  C. — willock's  controversies  with  the  popish  clergy.     (Page  110.) 

Besides  the  "  i-easso  lining"  with  Black  mentioned  in  the  text,  Willock  had 
some  others  which  Wodrow  has  not  noticed.  Of  these  the  most  remarkable  was 
that  between  him  and  Quentin  Kennedy,  the  well  known  Abbot  of  Crossraguel 
in  1559.  It  seems  most  probable,  from  a  letter  written  by  the  Abbot  to  Betoun, 
Archbishop  of  Glasgow,  that  it  was  at  the  instigation  of  that  prelate  that  he 
proceeded  to  Ayr  for  the  purpose  of  encountering  Willock.  "  Ferther  pleis 
5our  L.  to  win,"  says  the  Abbot  in  that  letter,  "  accordyng  to  ^oiir  wryt- 
ting  fent  to  me  with  the  Priour  of  the  Black  Friaris,  I  paffit  on  Pafch  evin 
till  Ayr,  and  thair  remainit  aught  Dayis.  Afoir  my  cumin,  Willok  had 
prechit  with  intolerabill  exclamatiouns,  cryand  out  on  the  Mefs,  perfuadand  the 
haill  Peple  that  he  exponit  certane  Scriptures  allegit  be  him  truelie  conforme 
to  the  jugement  of  the  Doctoris,  and  allegit   thame  to  be  expreflie  agains  the 

Mefs,  and  the  Ydolatrie  ufit  be  it I  perfaivand  the  Peple  abufit  in 

the  Maner,  I  wes  conftreinSit  on  my  confcience  to  oppone  myfelf  to  this  wickit 
Lymmaris  Herefie  and  Doctrine,  and  nochtthelefs  eftir  ane  generall  Maner, 
and  caufit  my  Wryttingis  to  be  maid  manifeft  to  all  the  honeft  men  of  the  Town: 
Schortlie  thair  wes  diverfe  Wryttingis  pall  amangs  us,  fie  as  I  beleif  Sour  L.  lies 
nocht  herd  of  befoir,  of  the  quhilk  5our  L.  fall  refave  the  juft  Copie.  For  Con- 
clufioun,  I  draif  the  Lymmar  to  that  Point,  that  I  conftreinsit  him  to  refufe  the 
interpretatioun  of  the  Doctoris  allegit  be  him  and  all  utheris,  bot  fa  far  as  he 
thocht  thay  war  agreable  with  the  Worde  of  God,  quhilk  wes  as  gud  as  rycht 

nocht jour  L.  fall  undirftand,  that  quhen  the  Day  of  our  reflon- 

ing  come  (quhilk  wes  Sounday  laft  wes)  thair  convened  above  four  or  five 
hundred  to  fortifie  him:  Truelie,  my  Lord,  and  I  had  pleiffit,  I  culd  liaif  beyn 
twyfe  als  mony ;  for  my  Broder  Sone,  my  Lord  Eglinton,  and  all  thair  Friendis 
and  Servandis,  wes  in  reddines  as  I  wald  pleifle  to  charge,  bot  alwyfe  I  wold 
nolder  fuffer  thaimfelfis  nor  5 It  thair  fervandis  to  cum;  for  gif  I  had  done  uther- 
wyfe,  it  had  not  fail^ied  Cummyr:  Thairfoir  I  wes  allutterely  cumpanied  with 
religious  men,  with  fwa  mony  Gentilmen  as  I  caufit  bere  witnes  to  the  Mater." 
(Keith's  Hist.  App.,  193,  4.)  The  correspondence  between  Kennedy  and 
Willock  follows  this  letter.  The  result  of  it  is  thus  mentioned  by  the  Abbot: 
"  Willock  and  the  reft  of  his  Counfell  labourit  earneftlie  to  fie  gif  I  wald  admitt 
the  Scripture  onlye  juge,  and  be  that  meines  to  haif  maid  me  contraray  to  my 
awin  buke,  bot  thair  labouris  wes  in  waift."  This  is  only  so  far  correct.  Both 
parties,  it  also  appears,  agreed  to  consider  the  Scriptures  as  the  common  ground 
on  which  to  found  their  arguments,  but  while  Kennedy  held  that,  when  they 
differed  in  their  interpretation  of  Holy  writ,  the  fathers  should  be  considered 
the  infallible  guides,  Willock  insisted  that  their  interpretation  should  be  open  to 


Note  A.]  NOTES.  453 

review  and  supported  this  position  by  quotations  from  their  own  writings.  Willock 
at  length  agreed  to  appear  at  the  appointed  place  on  the  following  Sunday  at 
10  o'clock.  To  his  last  letter  no  answer  appears  to  have  been  returned,  but  on  the 
appointed  day,  "  immediate  post  horam  decimam  ante  merediem,"  an  Instrument 
was  taken  in  the  hands  of  a  notary  by  John  Blair  in  name  of  the  Abbot,  that 
"  the  caus  of  the  Ressoning  ceassing  was  in  the  said  John  Willock,"  (Keith's 
Hist.  App.  193 — 9.)  It  appears  from  the  statement  of  Sir  Alexander  Boswell, 
(Advertisem.  to  Kennedie's  "  Oratioun,")  that  "  Willock  having  waited  till  ten 
o'clock  in  the  morning,  did  not  think  it  expedient  to  wait  longer;  and  the  Abbot, 
on  his  arrival,  not  finding  him  at  the  place  appointed  for  the  disputation,  had 
recourse  to  the  singular  expedient  of  taking  a  protest,"  &c,  as  here  mentioned. 
If,  as  stated  in  that  instrument,  the  reasons  of  protest  were  intimated  at  12 
o'clock  to  Willock  personally  in  the  pulpit  of  the  parish  church  of  Ayr,  it 
seems  odd  that  he  did  not  at  least  adopt  some  means  to  procure  another  meet- 
ing. On  the  other  hand,  however,  it  may  be  argued  that  the  whole  transaction 
is  related  by  an  adversary,  who  seems  to  have  felt  that  his  replies  to  Willock's 
letters  were  not  "swa  perfyte  as  myster  war,"  and  who  therefore  had  many 
inducements  to  give  a  partial  statement  of  it  to  the  Queen  and  to  his  diocesan. 
The  truth,  but  not  the  whole  truth,  may  be  stated. 

Keith   (on  the  authority  of  Bishop  Lesley)   also  mentions  a  controversy 
betwixt  Willock  and  Robert  Maxwell,  Schoolmaster  at  Glasgow.  (Hist.  p.  501.) 


LIFE  OF  MR.  JOHN  WINRAM. 

Note  A. — winram's  early  life  and  miscellaneous  notices  of  him. 
(Page  120.) 

No  very  minute  information  has  been  obtained  regarding  the  family  of  Mr. 
John  Winram.  Dr.  M'Crie  (Life  of  Melville,  2nd  edit.  I.  191,  note)  mentions 
him  to  have  been  "of  the  family  of  Rathow  :"  and  many  of  his  relations  and 
connexions  are  mentioned  in  Notes  E  and  F  of  this  Life.  Respecting  his 
education  and  contemporaries  at  the  University  of  St.  Andrew's,  Dr.  Lee  has 
transmitted  the  following  notes.     To  that  gentleman  the  Editor  is,  indeed,  as 


454  NOTES.  [Winiiam, 

noticed  in  the  preface,  indebted  for  the  matter  of  nearly  all  the  annotation  to 
this  Life. 

There  is  some  confusion  of  dates  in  the  matriculation  book  of  St.  Leonard's 

College  in  the  early  part  of  the  16th  century,  but  the  following  entry  appears 

to  be  under  the  head  of  Incorporations  for  the  year  1513  : 

Johannes  Wynrem  nationis  Laudonias.     (In  1516,  there  is  also  Gilbertus 

Wynrem  na.  Laudonia?.) 

In  the  book  of  the  Faculty  of  Arts  under  date  March  17,  1515,  are  the 

following  Bachelors  of  Arts  : 

Nomina  determinantium  Anno  Dom.  1515. 

Primus  actus  in  Collegio  St''  Leonardi. 

Willmus-  Hunter, 

Tho.  Brydy, 

Tho.  Fyf, 

Rob'-  Coldan, 

Johannes  Bruyss, 

Rob.  Sluchtman, 

2dus  Actus  in  Collegio  St"  Leonardi. 

Dominus  Ninianus  Bard, 

Jo.  soul, 

Jo.  Douglass, 

t     w  /    pauperes. 

Jo.  Wynram, 

Jo.  Dunkanson, 

Alexr-  Alan, 

3tius  Actus  in  Coll.  St'-  Leonardi. 
Patricius  Gaw,  \ 

Tho.Trayl,  f     PauPeres- 

\mus  Actus  in  padagogio  (St.  Mary's  College.) 
Jo.  Henderson, dives. 

lmus  Actus  in  Coll.  St'  Salvatoris. 

Willelmus  Garn, dives. 

Alex.  Gourlay,  ) 

Dunkanus  Irland,  J       "     " 

2dus  Actus  in  Coll.  S.  Salvatoris. 

Da  Abircrummy, dives. 

Geor.  Sydserwe, dives. 

Da.  Ruderfurd, dives. 

Malcolmus  Baxtar,     ....     pauper. 


Note  A.]  NOTES.  455 

After  the  year  1515,  no  trace  of  John  Winram  appears  in  any  of  the 
University  books  till  1532,  when  he  is  mentioned  as  one  of  the  Rector's  assessors, 
and  he  is  then  designed  Dhum  Johannem  Winrem  canonicum  ac  baccalarium  in 
Theologia.  In  an  Instrument  of  sasine,  dated  May  17.  1532,  he  and  Thomas 
Cuningham  are  designed  discretis  et  honestis  viris  canonicis  regularibus  monasterii 
Sancti  Andrea.  In  1534,  being  one  of  the  four  intrants  or  electors  of  the  Rector, 
he  is  designed  Dominus  Joannes  Wynrame  ter tins  prior.  This  year  and  1535  he 
was  also  one  of  the  Rector's  deputies.  In  1536  he  was  one  of  the  assessors  of 
the  Rector,  and  was  then  designed  Dom.  Jo.  Wynrame  subprior.  In  1537  he  is 
named  in  the  three  capacities  of  an  elector,  an  assessor,  and  a  depute  of  the 
Rector,  and  is  designed  Dns  Jo.  Wynrame  subprior  ecclesia  metropolitans  Sanct- 
andr.  In  1539,  he  is  called  Subprior  monasterii  Sancti  Andrea; — in  1540,  Jo. 
Wynrame,  Doctor  theologus,  caenobii  Sanctiandr.  Subprior; — in  1544,  Subprior 
conventus  Sanctiandrea  ; — in  1545,  Divi  Andrea  Canobii  Subprior; — in  1550, 
Sacri  conventus  Andreani  Subprior; — in  1551,  Vicarius  de  Dow  ac  Subprior 
Canobii  Sancti  Andr.; — in  another  page,  Subprior  Monasterii  Sancti  Andr.; — in 
a  presentation  of  a  chaplainary  in  favour  of  Andrew  Archibald,  May  25,  1554, 
he  is  thus  designed,  Dom.  Joannes  Vynrame  sacr.  I'M.  P.  rector  de  Dowll  site 
potius  Ecctia  parochialis  ejusdem  vicarius  perpetuus,  monasteriique  Sancti 
Andrea  Subprior.  In  1556,  as  one  of  the  assessors  he  is  designed  Magister 
noster  Johannes  Wynram  augustissinii  canobii  Andreani  subprior.  In  1561,  as 
one  of  the  visitors  of  St.  Salvator's  College,  he  is  designed  Jo.  Wynram  sacrarum 
literarum  doctor  et  superintendens  Fifia.  He  is  so  named  till  1572,  when  he  is 
called  Superintendens  de  Stratharne.  In  1574,  he  is  again  called  Superintendens 
de  Fifa; — in  1575,  Superintendens  Fifa  et  Subprior  Canobii  Sancti  Andrea; — 
in  1575  and  1578,  prior  de  Kirkness; — in  1580,  prior  de  Portmoak; — in 
1581-2,  (Cal.  Martii,)  prior  Insula  Sylvana. 

The  above  notes  except  one  are  all  taken  from  one  book.  In  another 
book,  from  1562  to  1569,  he  is  generally  called  Superintendens  Fifia; — 
in  1570,  QZconomus  prior atus; — in  1572,  Superintendens  de  Stratherne; — in 
1574,  Prior  de  Portmoak; — in  1575,  Superintendens  de  Fyff;—  from  1576 
to  Sept.,  1582,  prior  de  Portmoak.  In  another  book  he  thus  subscribes  his 
name  in  1578:  M.  Jos  Wynram  prior  insula  sancti  servani  intra  lacum  de 
Levin. 

After  his  death  we  find  Mr.  James  Wilkie  styled  Prior  of  Sanct  Serfis 
inche  within  Lochleven,  and  maister  principal  of  St.  Leonard's  College. 

The  ancient  Priory  of  Portmoak  (a  Monastery  of  Lochlevin)  so  called  from 
St.  Moak  the  first  abbot  of  it,  was  founded  by  Eogachman  King  of  the  Picts, 


456  NOTES.  [Winram, 

and  consecrated  to  the  Blessed  Virgin  Mary,  anno  primo  regni  sui.  This  Mon- 
astery is  said  to  have  been  the  first  place  in  Scotland  given  by  the  Pictish  Kings 
after  their  conversion  to  Christianity  to  the  Keledei  or  Culdees,  or  as  Fordun 
calls  them  Cultores  Dei,  by  Macbeth  son  of  Finbech,  regnante  Davide  primo 
anno  3  regni  sui  (Sir  James  Balfour.)  The  Canons,  who  were  of  the  order  of 
St.  Augustine,  and  their  prior  often  resided  at  Kirkness,  and  the  Monastery 
and  Convent  of  St.  Andrew's  were  constant  patrons  of  it,  as  appears  from  the 
charter  of  union  of  that  Priory  to  St.  Leonard's  College  by  Mr.  John  "Winram, 
5  Oct.,  1570.  (Martine's  Reliq.  D.  Andr.  162.)  This  deed  is  subscribed  by  25 
other  Canons  of  the  Monastery,  besides  John  Winram. 

Having  given  the  preceding  notices  of  Winram's  academical  education  and 
his  subsequent  designations,  it  may  be  proper  before  concluding  this  miscellan- 
eous collection  to  put  together  such  scattered  facts  as  show  his  connexion  with 
the  more  public  affairs  of  the  times. 

Winram  was  present  at  the  provincial  council  of  the  Clergy  in  1549,  and 
is  designated,  "  ecclesiae  metrop.  primitialis  S.  Andreae  canonicus  regularis 
Subprior,  theologiae  doctor."  He  was  employed  by  that  council  to  draw  up  the 
canon  intended  to  settle  the  warmly-agitated  question,  Whether  the  Pater 
Noster  should  be  addressed  to  the  Saints,  or  to  God  alone.  In  1559,  he  again 
attended  the  Council  of  the  Clergy,  and  was  nominated  one  of  six  persons  to 
whom  the  Archbishops  of  St.  Andrew's  and  Glasgow  submitted  the  examina- 
tion of  their  private  conduct.  (Dr.  M'Crie,  Life  of  Knox,  5th  edit.  I.  424,  5, 
quoting  Wilkin  and  Fox.)  Thus  up  almost  to  the  very  establishment  of  the 
Reformation  did  he  act  decidedly  with  the  Catholic  Clergy.  Nor  can  he  be 
charged  with  negligence  in  attending  the  secular  Courts.  He  appeared  at  the 
parliament  held  at  Edinburgh,  August  1,  1560  (Acts  Pari.  Scot.  II.  525.) 
He  is  mentioned  by  the  anonymous  author  of  the  Diurnal  of  Occurrents,  (p. 
77)  as  having  been  present  at  that  of  1563,  and  as  having  been  elected  one  of 
the  Lords  of  the  Articles,  but  the  dates  do  not  exactly  correspond  with  the 
parliamentary  record  (comp.  Diurn.  p.  76  with  Acts  Pari.  Scot.  II.  535.) 
His  appointment  by  that  parliament  as  a  Commissioner  to  visit  the  Colleges  of 
St.  Andrew's  will  be  afterwards  noticed,  (infra,  Note  D.)  He  was  present  at 
the  parliaments  held  Dec,  1567,  and  July, — Nov.,  1568,  on  both  which 
occasions  he  was  again  elected  one  of  the  Lords  of  the  Articles  (Acts  Pari. 
Scot.  III.  3,  4,  46,  47,  57.)  On  the  29th  of  August,  1571,  the  Queen's  lords 
forfeited  him  and  many  others,  in  return  for  which  he  a  few  days  afterwards 
accompanied  the  Regent  and  his  party  from  the  Castle  to  the  Tolbooth  of 
Stirling,  where  they  paid  a  similar  compliment  to  the  Duke  of  Chatelherault  and 
his  adherents   (Diurnal  of  Occurrents,  pp.  243,  245.)     Winram  attended  the 


Note  B.]  NOT  E  S.  457 

Convention  of  Estates,  held  at  Holyroodhouse  in  March,  1574,  and  by  that 
Convention  he  and  others  were  appointed  "to  convene,  confer,  ressoun  and  put 
in  forme  the  Ecclesiasticall  policie  and  ordour  of  the  governing  of  the  Kirk." 
(Acts  Pari.  Scot.  III.  84,  89.)  The  parliament  of  1579,  named  him  one  of  the 
Commissioners  to  carry  into  effect  the  Reformation  of  the  Univei-sity  of  St. 
Andrew's  then  ratified  (Ibid,  182,  see  also  Note  D.)  On  the  29  July,  1580, 
he  appears  to  have  executed  a  deed  conveying  the  priory  of  Portmoak  to  the 
principal  masters  and  members  of  St.  Leonard's  College,  which  deed  was  con- 
firmed by  Act  of  parliament  in  1581,  "provyding  alwayis  that  this  present 
ratification  and  confirmation  on  nawayis  hurt  nor  preiuge  Mr-  Johne  Stewart 
prouestof  Striueling,  and  Constable  of  the  Castell  thairof,  anent  his  pensioun  of 
xx  li  grantit  to  him  furth  of  the  said  priorie,  quhairof  he  his  bene  in  possessioun 
thir  diuerss  jeris  bygane."  (Ibid,  278.) 


Note  B. — trial  of  sir  john  borthwick  for  heresy.     (Page  121.) 

It  is  singular  that  Wodrovv  should  have  omitted  to  notice  the  part  which  Win- 
ram  took  in  the  condemnation  of  Sir  John  Borthwick  for  heresy  in  1540.  The 
Miscellany  of  the  Bannatyne  Club  (Part  II.  pp.  251,  et  seqq.)  contains  a 
"Declarator  in  the  Court  of  the  Superintendant  of  Fife,  MDLXI.,  upon  the 
articles  and  sentence  against  Sir  John  Borthwick,  Knight,  by  Cardinal  Beaton, 
MDXL."  Respecting  the  trial  and  subsequent  acquittal  of  Borthwick,  the 
prefatory  notice  of  this  "Declarator"  contains  the  following  information  fur- 
nished by  Dr.  Lee : 

"  Sir  John  Borthwick  was  one  of  the  sons  of  William  third  Lord  Borthwick, 
who  was  slain  at  Flodden  in  1513.  He  is  described  in  a  Charter  under  the  Great 
Seal,  21st  August,  1513,  as  next  in  succession  to  the  son  and  heir  of  William 
fourth  Lord  Borthwick.  Knox  and  other  writers  call  him  Captain  Borthwick,  and 
Sir  Ralph  Sadler  in  1 539-40,  mentions  him  repeatedly  as  Lieutenant  of  the  French 
King's  Guard,  and  as  a  confidential  and  favourite  servant  of  James  V.  It  is 
probable  that  his  intimacy  with  Sir  Ralph  Sadler  contributed  to  excite  the 
suspicion  and  dislike  of  the  clergy,  and  that  his  marked  familiarity  with  Sir 
David  Lyndsay,  whose  Satyre  of  the  Three  Estaittis  was  presented  about  this 
period  at  Linlithgow,  (of  which  town  Borthwick  is  said  to  have  been  provost)  did 
not  by  any  means  tend  to  ingratiate  him  with  the  supporters  of  the  declining 
interest  of  the  Church  of  Rome.  Sir  John  died  between  the  years  1565  and  1570, 
at  which  last  date  we  find  William  Borthwick  mentioned  as  son  and  heir  of  the  late 

3  M 


458  NOTES.  [Winram, 

Sir  John  Borthwick  of  Cinery,  (Reg.  Mag.  Sigil.  lxxxiii.  No.  55.)  His  condem- 
nation as  a  heretic  is  transiently  noticed  by  several  of  our  historians,  and  the 
articles  preferred  against  him,  with  the  answers  which  he  published  after  his 
escape,  have  been  inserted  by  Fox  in  the  Second  Volume  of  his  Acts  and  Monu- 
ments. From  Fox  the  account  of  the  process  is  professedly  copied  by  Keith  in 
his  Appendix  to  the  History  of  Scotland  (p.  6.),  but  he  has  omitted  several 
material  parts  of  the  charge  which  are  faithfully  detailed  by  Fox,  particularly 
that  which  relates  to  the  reading  of  the  New  Testament  in  English  and  other 
prohibited  Books.  The  translation  from  the  Latin  both  in  Fox  and  Keith  is  in 
some  parts  so  inaccurate  as  to  be  quite  unintelligible.  No  writer  has  ever  yet 
published  an  account  of  the  reversal  of  the  sentence.  The  circumstances  attend- 
ing the  second  judicial  inquiry  are  remarkable,  particularly  in  this  respect,  that 
that  judge  who  presided  in  the  Court  by  which  Borthwick  was  unanimously 
acquitted  in  1561,  was  one  of  those  'plain  enemies  to  the  truth'  described  in 
the  Process  of  Declarator  who  had  sat  on  his  first  trial  in  1540,  and  had  been 
consenting  to  his  condemnation.  This  was  John  Wynram  (inaccurately  named 
Winton  by  Keith,)  the  Subprior  of  the  Augustinian  Monastery,  afterwards 
Superintendant  of  Fife,  author  of  a  Catechism  of  which  no  copy  is  known  to 
exist.  If  it  were  possible  to  recover  the  private  memorials  of  John  Wynram, 
many  curious  particulars  in  the  secret  history  of  the  Reformation  might  thus 
be  supplied.  He  was  a  man  of  an  intriguing  turn,  and  probably  was  admitted 
to  the  confidence  of  men  of  both  parties.  It  is  not  understood  that  he  ever 
made  any  very  strenuous  efforts  in  supporting  the  Protestant  Doctrines,  but  he 
was  allowed  to  retain  some  of  the  most  lucrative  appointments  in  the  Church, 
along  with  the  dignity  and  honour  of  a  Superintendant." 

The  Register  of  the  Privy  Seal  contains  a  letter,  dated  at  St.  Andrew's  the 
last  day  of  February,  1562,  restoring  Borthwick  to  all  his  lands  and  privileges. 
(See  M'Crie's  Knox,  5th  edit.  I.  368,  9.) 


Note  C. — notices  of  winram  as  superintendant  of  fife.     (Page  122.) 

Wodrow  erroneously  supposes  Kirkness  to  have  been  an  estate  of  which  Win- 
ram was  the  proprietor,  and  appears  also  to  suppose  that  Winram  and 
Erskine  of  Dun  were  appointed  Superintendents  before  they  were  admitted 
to  dispense   the  word   and  sacrament.     The    fact   is    plainly   this:    The    first 


Note  C]  NOTES.  459 

General  Assembly  on  the  20th  of  Dec,  1560,  named  a  number  of  persons 
who  were  thought  fit  for  ministering  the  word  and  sacraments,  or  at 
least  for  publicly  reading  the  common  prayers  in  the  churches.  In  Kyle  (a 
district  of  Ayrshire)  eight  persons  were  nominated  as  readers,  and  one  as 
apt  to  teach.  In  St.  Andrew's  twenty  one  were  selected  for  ministering  and 
teaching,  and  in  this  list  John  Winram's  name  is  the  seventeenth  in  order,  being 
placed  after  the  names  of  many  other  persons  who  were  greatly  his  juniors.  A 
third  list  follows  of  twelve  persons,  the  first  of  whom  is  John  Erskine  of  Dun, 
all  thought  apt  and  able  to  minister.  To  none  of  all  these  is  any  particular 
station  assigned.  But  a  thirteenth  name  is  added  of  one  who  was  thought  apt 
and  able  to  minister,  after  having  been  presented  to  a  charge  by  a  lay  patron, 
who  had  distinguished  himself  as  a  reformer  twenty  years  before.  This  was 
"  Mr.  John  Ramsay  presentit  be  Sir  John  Borthwick  as  minister  in  'the  Kirks 
of  Aberdour  and  Torrie."  At  a  subsequent  diet  (27  Dec.)  the  Assembly 
"  appointit  the  electioun  of  the  ministers,  elders  and  deacons  to  be  in  the 
public  Kirk,  and  the  premonitioun  to  be  on  the  Sonday  preceding  the  day  of 
the  electioun."  In  the  book  commonly  known  by  the  title  of  Knox's  Liturgy, 
may  be  seen  "  the  form  and  order  of  the  election  of  the  Superintendents,  which 
may  serve  in  election  of  all  other  ministers"  exemplified  in  the  case  of  the 
Superintendent  of  Lothian.  After  sermon  by  John  Knox,  minister  of  Edin- 
burgh, on  the  9th  of  March,  1560-1,  (nearly  three  months  after  the  meeting  of 
the  first  General  Assembly,)  "  it  was  declared  by  the  same  minister  maker  thereof, 
that  the  Lords  of  secret  council  had  given  charge  and  power  to  the  churches  of 
Lothian  to  choose  Mr.  John  Spottiswod  Superintendent,  and  that  sufficient 
warning  was  made  by  public  edict  to  the  churches  of  Edinburgh,  Linlithgow, 
Stirling,  Tranent,  Haddington  and  Dumbar,  as  also  to  Earls,  Lords,  Barons, 
Gentlemen  and  others  that  have  or  that  might  claim  to  have  voice  in  election, 
to  be  present  that  day  at  the  same  hour."  Inquisition  was  made  who  were  present 
and  who  absent,  and  then  it  was  three  times  demanded,  1.  If  any  man  knew  of 
any  offence  or  crime  disqualifying  the  said  Mr.  John  for  that  office,  2.  If  any 
other  was  proposed,  and  3.  If  the  people  would  receive  and  honour  the  said  Mr. 
John  as  Superintendent.  When  the  people  had  signified  their  consent,  the 
ceremony  of  admission  proceeded  in  the  manner  detailed  in  the  book  to  which 
reference  has  now  been  made.     See  also  supra,  pp.  75-9. 

The  election  of  Mr.  John  Win  ram  as  Superintendent  of  Fife  was  subse- 
quent to  that  of  Mr.  John  Spottiswod  for  Lothian.  In  the  record  of  the  Kirk 
session  of  St.  Andrew's  is  preserved  a  minute,  dated  March  20,  1560-1,  and 
entitled  "  Electioun  of  Maister  '  Jhon  Wynram  in  Superintendant  of  Sanct 
Andrs-  diocesye."  This  minute  is  subscribed  by  "  Cristofer  Gudman,  minister, 
Mr.  Alane  Lawmonth,  Mr.  Thomas  Balfour,  Jhone  Moffat,  Mr.  Martyn  Gedde, 


460  NOTES.  [Winram, 

Jhon  Motto,  Mr.  Robert  Pont,  John  Wod,  eldaris,  David  Spens,  Thomas 
Welwod,  George  Blak,  diaconis  of  Sanct  Andrs  ."  Another  minute  afterwards 
occurs,  beginning  thus:  "The  forme  and  tenor  of  the  edict  executit  in  chergyn 
of  the  inhabitants  of  the  diocy  of  Sanctandrs-  to  the  electioun  of  Maister  Jhone 
Wynram  in  the  office  of  ane  Superintendent,  quhai  was  elected  and  chosyn  in 
Superintendent  of  Fyff,  Fothryk  and  Strathern,  within  the  parochin  Kirk  of  the 
citie  of  Sanctandr*,  upon  Sunday  the  13  day  of  April,  in  the  5  ear  of  God  m°-  vclxj 
5earis,  be  the  common  consent  of  lordis,  barronis,  ministeris,  eldaris  of  the  saids 
bowndis,  and  otheris  common  pepill  for  the  tym  according  to  the  order  pro- 
wydit  in  the  buk  of  reformatioun.  Seing  it  hath  pleased  the  mercy  of  our 
God  so  to  illuminate  the  hartis,"  &c. 

On  the  25th  of  April,  1561,  the  same  record  contains  a  statute  concerning 
the  trial  and  admission  of  ministers,  exhorters  or  readers  in  the  following  terms: 
"  The  quhilk  day  it  is  prowydit,  statutit  and  ordered  be  the  Superintendent  and 
holl  ministerie,  with  consayle  of  the  provost  of  Sanctandrs-,  rector  and  chief 
members  of  the  Universitie,  anent  the  tryall  and  admyssione  of  ministeris  of  the 
holl  diocye,  that  sa  mony  ministeris,  exhortaris  or  readaris  as  ar  already  placed 
in  Kyrkis  dotfullie,  pat  the  superintendent  in  his  visitatioun  tak  tryall  of  everie 
ane  particularlie  be  hearing  of  than-  doctrin,  reading  in  the  Kirkis  [quhair]  pal  ar 
placed,  and  inquire  of  par  lyff  and  conversation  be  inquisitione  amang  thair  flock. 
And  as  concerning  the  admissione  of  otheris  pat  are  not  placed,  it  is  ordened  pat 
in  tym  cuming  all  sic  as  pretendis  to  be  admitted  to  minister  in  ony  Kirk  within 
the  boundis  of  Fyiflf,  Fothryk  or  Strathern,  sail  compeir  within  this  citie,  at  sic 
daye  and  place  as  sail  be  assignit  to  them  be  pe  superintendent,  to  be  examinated 
fyrst  privatlie  upon  the  chief  puntis  and  heads  in  contraversy,  and  parefter  ane 
portioun  of  text  assignet  to  the  minister  to  declar  in  the  pulpat  in  the  assemblie, 
and  to  the  exhortar  or  reider  to  reid  or  exhort  in  the  public  assemblie." 

The  authority  of  Mr.  John  Winram  as  Superintendent,  was  not  very 
respectfully  acknowledged  by  all  who  were  under  his  jurisdiction.  In  July, 
1561,  a  process  was  instituted  "against  Mr.  Alexander  Wardlaw,  pretendit 
parson  of  Balingrie,  for  the  offence,  injurie,  and  blasphemie  don  and  said  against 
Mr.  Jhon  Wynram,  Superintendent  of  Fyff,"  &c.  This  Mr.  Alex.  Wardlaw 
had  ministered  the  sacraments  of  baptism  and  the  supper  of  the  Lord  since  the 
election  of  the  superintendent  without  being  admitted  thereto,  "  And  becaus 
the  Superintendent  caused  ane  minister  admittit  baptise  ane  bairn,  Mr.  Alex- 
ander injurit  the  Superintendent,  affirmand  himself  to  be  minister  of  pat  Kirk 
lawfullie  chosen  and  provydit  p'to,  and  that  he  wald  not  be  ane  reader  to  Jhon 
Knox  nor  ony  other  in  Scotland."  He  also  called  Mr.  John  Wynram  "  that  fals, 
dissaitfull,  greedy  and  dissemblit  smayk,  for  he  wes  ane  of  tham  that  maist 
oppressed,  smored,  and  held  doun  the  word  of  God,  and  now  he  is  cum  in  to  it 


NoteC]  NOTES.  461 

and  professes  the  same  for  grediness  of  geyr,  lurkand  and  watchand  q"  he  maye 
se  ane  other  tym,  and  farther  ekit  and  sayd  befoyr  the  sam  personis  abowe 
wrvttyn,  and  said,  '  Or  I  war  not  rewenged  of  that  fals  smaik,  I  had  lewer 
renunce  my  part  of  the  Kyrk  of  God.'  " 

Many  of  the  Acts  of  the  Superintendent  of  Fife  are  extant  in  the  oldest 
Record  of  the  Kirk  Session  of  St.  Andrew's.  Some  of  the  causes  which  came 
under  his  cognizance  about  this  period  indicate  a  very  disorderly  state  of 
society,  and  too  often  exhibit  traces  of  great  incorrectness  on  the  part  of  the 
ministers.  Thus,  on  the  8th  of  October,  1561,  John  Melwyll,  minister  of  Cristis 
Kirk  in  Craill,  complained  that  certain  persons  threatened  to  pull  him  out  of  the 
pulpit  by  the  lugs.  The  Superintendent  gave  sentence  against  the  offenders. 
It  afterwards  appears  that  this  John  Melvill  (the  brother  of  the  famous  Mr. 
Andrew  Melvill)  was  not  very  uniformly  circumspect  in  the  discharge  of  his 
own  professional  duties.  On  the  27  of  Jan.  1562,  the  Superintendent  gave 
decreet  against  him,  "because  tho  he  was  sufficiently  advertiseit  of  the  impedi- 
ment and  pleye  of  marriage  depending  betuix  Peter  Jak  and  Besse  Buge,"  yet 
he  allowed  Thomas  Skyrling,  reader  in  Crayll,  to  solemnize  the  marriage  of 
Peter  Jak  and  another  woman.  About  the  same  time,  (Jan.  1562,)  Mr.  David 
Wood,  minister  of  Kinghorn,  was  required  to  ask  forgiveness  on  his  knees  from 
John  Brown,  reader  in  Kinghorn,  for  calling  him  hypocrite,  rascally  knave, 
idolater  and  massmonger,  and  to  confess  his  fault  before  the  congregation  of 
Kinghorn,  and  then  to  be  deprived  of  his  ministry  for  some  time,  at  the  discre- 
tion of  the  Superintendent.  March  15,  1563.  John  Ferguson,  reader  in  the 
Kirk  of  Abyrcrummie,  and  Marion  Grymmen  his  harlot,  were  summoned. 
He  was  deprived  of  his  office  in  the  kirk,  ay  and  till  his  repentance. 

The  superintendents  were  not  so  incapable  of  assuming  high  titles  as  is 
often  imagined.  It  is  not  uncommon  in  the  record  of  the  court  over  which 
Winram  presided  to  call  him  the  Lord  Superintendent.  Thus  on  the  30th  of 
March,  1569,  James  Thomson  in  Balmerino,  was  summoned  with  my  Lord  Super- 
intendent's Letters;  and  in  March,  1560,  before  the  Superintendent  was  elected, 
a  petition  begins,  "  My  Lordis,  Minister  and  eldaris,  &c,  unto  your  Lordships 
humilie  menis,  complenis  and  schawis  I  your  servitrice,"  &c. 

After  the  year  1571,  when  a  protestant  Archbishop  was  appointed  to  the 
diocese  of  St.  Andrew's,  the  style  and  consequence  of  the  Superintendent  were 
somewhat  depressed.  But  the  record  bears  on  the  4th  of  April,  1571,  that  the 
Assembly  (»■  e.  the  Session)  "  thinks  guid  that  the  Superintendent  be  present  with 
them  according  to  the  accustomed  manner  in  trying  and  examinating  of  the 
persons  given  up  be  him,  and  also  that  he  present  the  inquest  and  delators 
names." 


462  NOTES.  [Winram, 

Note  D. — acts  of  visitation  of  st.  Leonard's  and  st.  salvator's  colleges. 

(Page  123.) 

Wodrow  has  not  noticed  Winram's  connexion  witli  several  visitations  of  the 
Colleges  of  St.  Andrew's.  Some  of  the  enactments  of  these  visitations  are  extant. 
The  following  have  been  communicated  by  Dr.  Lee. 

Various  acts  of  visitation  of  the  College  of  St.  Leonard's,  "per  Dominum 
Joannem  Wynram  Subpriorem  Monasterii  S.  A.  Sacrarum  Literarum  professorem 
eximium,  Dom.  Davidem  Guthrie  tertium  priorem,  &c,"  are  still  extant.  One 
is  dated  12  Nov.,  1544,  another  13  Nov.,  1545,  a  third  19  Nov.,  1550. 

The  regulations  prescribed  are  generally  very  curious.  In  1550,  the  disuse 
of  the  Latin  Tongue  is  complained  of  and  required  to  be  corrected  as  follows : 
'  Item  luce  clarius  compertum  est  in  ipso  collegio  inolevissedesuetudinem  lingua; 
Latinae,  in  non  modicum  contemptum  statutorum  loci,  quibus  districte  inhibitetur, 
ne  quis  collegialiter  conversantium  utatur  lingua  vernacula  prater  coquum  et  ejus 
parvulum.  Mandant  igitur  praefati  venerandi  Domini  Visitatores,  ne  quis  de 
cetero  in  hoc  collegio  Leonardino  collegialiter  conversantium  utatur  idiomate 
vulgari  sed  studeant  singuli  honeste  et  Latine  loqui  potissimum  in  tabula.  Si 
qui  vero  studentium  fecerint  secus,  per  magistrum  loci  principalem  seu  per 
proprium  ipsius  regentem  virgis  ut  supra  coerceatur.  Si  autem  aliqui  ex  regen- 
tibus,  capellanis,  aut  aliunde  collegialiter  viventibus  id  fecerint,  per  magistrum 
principalem  mulcta  pecuniaria  refrenentur.' 

Another  Statute  is,  'Item  locetur  curatus  in  camera  juxta  portam  anter- 
iorem  ut  audire  possit  parochianos  clamantes  pro  administratione  Sacramen- 
torum.'  The  curate  (Mr.  John  Fife)  is  very  peremptorily  required  to  be  duly 
prepared  before  Easter  to  sing  the  Vespers  and  Masses.  There  are  other  regul- 
ations about  altars,  copes,  surplices,  &c,  which  do  not  indicate  any  great  desire 
on  the  part  of  Mr.  John  Winram  and  his  coadjutors  to  relinquish  the  most 
useless  observances  of  the  Church  of  Rome. 

A  Commission,  of  which  James  Earl  of  Murray,  the  Bishop  of  Ross, 
Secretary  Maitland,  Mr.  James  Macgill  of  Rankellour  Nether,  Sir  John  Bellin- 
den  of  Auchnoull,  Mr.  John  Spens  of  Condie,  George  Buchanan,  Winram, 
and  Erskine  of  Dun  were  members,  was  appointed  in  June,  1563,  to  inquire 
into  the  state  of  the  University  of  St.  Andrew's.  (Acts  Pari.  Scot.  II.  544. 
Irving's  Life  of  Buchanan,  2d  edit.,  p.  177.)  Dr.  Lee  has  also  favoured  the 
editor  with  the  following  note  on  the  subject : 

"  The  only  paper  of  that  date  which  I  recollect  at  present  contains  a 
number  of  Acts  of  Visitation  of  St.  Salvator's  College,  15  Sept.,  1563,  subscribed 
by  John   Douglas,    Rector,  (afterwards    Archbishop,)   John   Winram,   Robert 


Note  E.]  NOTES.  463 

Hamilton,  William  Skeyn,  and  John  Lamont.  Several  of  the  regulations 
prescribed  by  these  visitors  are  curious,  e.  g.  as  the  poor  students  complained 
of  the  spare  diet,  especially  on  fish  days,  when  each  of  them  had  only  one  egg 
and  one  herring,  the  Principal  was  ordered  to  augment  the  quantity  of  victuals, 
and  to  take  care  that  neither  in  quantity  nor  quality  should  the  portions  be 
inferior  to  those  of  the  poor  students  in  other  colleges. 

In  1578  another  Commission  was  appointed  for  visiting  the  Universities  of 
St.  Andrew's,  Aberdeen  and  Glasgow,  (Acts  Pari.  Scot.  III.  98.)  Nothing  was 
done  by  this  Commission  till  the  General  Assembly  urged  the  inquiry,  especially 
in  reference  to  the  state  of  the  University  of  St.  Andrew's.  His  Majesty,  with 
advice  of  the  Lords  of  Privy  Council,  "ordanitand  commandit  the  maisteris  of  the 
said  Vniuersitie  to  be  at  Edinburgh  at  ane  certane  day  w'  the  fundationisof  thair 
Collegis,  to  be  sene  and  considerit  be  ony  sex,  five  or  foure  of  sic  noble,  reuer- 
end  and  circumspect  personis  as  his  maiestie  \v'  auise  of  his  said  counsale  had 
chosine."  Their  report  (signed,  Levinax,  R.  Dumfermling,  G.  Buchannane, 
James  halyburtoun,  P.  Young,)  is  inserted  in  the  Act  of  "  Ratificatioun  of  the 
reformatioun  of  the  vniuersitie  of  St.  Androis"  by  the  parliament  of  1579. 
Robert  Earl  of  Lennox,  Andrew  Earl  of  Rothes,  Patrick  Archbishop  of  St. 
Andrew's,  Patrick  Lord  Lindsay  of  the  Byres,  Robert  Commendator  of  Dum- 
fermling, John  Erskine  of  Dun,  John  Winram  Prior  of  Portmoak,  and  James 
Haiyburton  Provost  of  Dundee  were  appointed  Commissioners  "  in  executioun 
of  the  said  reformatioun."  (Ibid,  III.  178 — 182.)  See  also  "  Act  in  fauouris 
of  the  Vniuersitie  of  Sanctandr5,"  1609.     (Ibid,  IV.  442,  3.) 


Note  E. — last  will  and  death  of  john  winram.     (Page  130.) 

The  teftamet  teftametar  and  Inuetar  of  be  gudis,  geir,  foumes  of 
money,  &  dettis  pertenlg  to  vmqle  ane  honorabill  man,  maifter  Johne 
wynrhame,  fiityme  fuperintendent  of  fyf,  and  prior  of  fancl,  farfis  Infche 
win  lochlevin,  pe  tyme  of  his  deceis,  quha  deceift  vpoun  be  xxviij  day  of 
fepteber,  the  3eir  of  god  jOD  vc-  Ixxxij  5eris,  ffaithfullie  maid  &  gevin 
vp  be  himfelf,  concernig  be  noiatioun,  Legacies,  dettis  awand  be  him  &  to 
him,  and  ane  pairt  of  pe  Inuetar  of  his  gudis,  and  pairtlie  maid  &  gevin 
vp  be  maifter  Johne  Wynrame  of  craigtoun  his  bruper  fone,  as  concernig 
ane  vber  pairt  of  be  Inuetar  of  his  gudis.  Quhilk  maifter  Johne  is  onlie 
exer  acceptand  noiat  be  pe  faid  vmqle  mr.  Johne  in  his  latterwill  vnder- 


464  NOTES.  [Winram, 

written,  Off  ye  dait  the  viij  day  of  feptember,  The  3eir  of  god  foirfaid,  as 

pe  faml  at  lenth  proportis. 

In  the  firft  pe  laid  vmqle  Johne  wynrhame,  f  utyme  fuperintendent  of  fyf, 
had  }>e  gudis,  geir,  foumes  of  money,  &  dettis  of  }>e  avale  &  prices  eftir  follow- 
ing, pertenig  to  him  as  his  awne  propir  gudis  &  geir,  pe  tyme  of  his  deceis  foir- 
faid, viz.,  In  nowmerat  money  pe  foum  of  fourtie  pnndis.  Item,  in  abul5emetis 
of  his  body  by  pe  airfchip  ellimat  to  pe  foum  of  fourtie  pundis.  Item,  of  filuer 
wark  by  the  airfchip  eftimat  to  pe  foum  of  fourtie  pundis.  Item,  in  vtencilis  & 
domicilis  by  pe  airfchip  eftimat  to  the  lbume  of  lxxx1'  money-  Item,  his  haill 
bukes  by  pe  airfcliip  eftimat  to  tuentie  pundis. 

Suma  of  pe  Inuetar,         .....         ijc-   xx1'- 

ffollouis  pe  dettis  awand  to  pe  deid : 
Item,  pair  wes  awand  to  pe  faid  vmqle  mr.  Jon-  wynrhame,  f  utyme  fuperin- 
tendent of  fyf,  be  alexr-  ftewert  of  pe  kers  for  pe  candilmes  terme  in  ano  jCD 
vc-  lxxix  5eris,  of  pe  tua  pairt  of  pe  perfonage  of  dull,  pe  fouih  of  xxxi1'-  ijs-  iiijd- 
Item,  mair  awand  be  pe  faid  alexr  ftewart  of  pe  kers  for  pe  mydfomer  &  candil- 
mes termes  deueteis  of  be  faid  perfonage  of  dull  in  ano  jOD  vc-  lxxx  jeris,  be 
foum  of  lxij1'-  iiijs  viijd-  Item,  mair  reftand  awand  be  pe  faid  alexr-  ftewart  of 
pe  kers,  for  pe  mydfomer  &  candilmes  termes  deuetie  of  pe  faid  perfonage  of 
dull,  in  ano  j CO  vc-  lxxxj  5eris,  pe  foum  of  lxij'1-  iiijs  viij4  Item,  mair  awand 
be  pe  faid  alexr-  ftewart  of  kers,  for  pe  mydfomer  termes  deuetie  of  pe  faid  twa 
pairt  of  pe  perfonage  of  dull,  in  ano  jOD  vc-  lxxxij  5eris,  pe  foum  of  xxxi1'-  ijs-  ivd' 
Item,  mair  awand  be  pe  faid  alexr-  ftewart  of  pe  kers,  for  pe  pafche  terme  of  pe 
vicarage  of  dull,  in  ano  jCD  vc  lxxxij  5eris,  pe  foum  of  xxxiij1'-  vjs-  viijd<  Item, 
mair  awand  by  pe  faid  alexr- ftewart  of  pe  kerl'e,  for  his  mertymes  maill  of  his  half 
of  pe  kirkland  of  dull,  in  ano  jOD  vc-  lxxx  jeris,  witfonday  &  mertymes  in  ano 
jOD  vc  lxxxj  5eris,  and  pe  witfounday  terme  in  ano  jCD  vc  Lxxxij  5eris,  pe  foum 
of  xiij1'  vis-  viij*  Item,  awand  be  pe  laird  of  grantullie  for  his  thrid  pairt  of  pe 
perfonage  of  dull,  pe  mydfomer  terme  in  ano  lxxviij  5eris,  pe  foum  of  xv1'  xi8-ij  ' 
Item,  be  robert  boifuell  in  pe  ryallie  for  his  fermes  &  teind  reftand  to  belltyme 
in  pe  5eir  of  god  jOD  va  lxxxij  Seris,  pe  foufh  of  xxvIL  Item,  be  pe  laird  of 
camo  for  his  witfounday  male  of  eifter  balrynmonth,  in  ano  jOD  vc  lxxxij  Seris, 
pe  foum  of  v1L  iijs-  ivd-  Item,  awand  be  andro  Imrie  pe  foum  of  iij'1,  xiijs  ivd' 
Item,  awand  be  James  hagy  pe  foum  of  iij"  xiij5-  iiij1'-  Item,  awand  be  george 
ramefay  of  langraw  for  his  witfounday  male  in  ano  jCD  vc-  lxxxij  5eris,  pe  foum 
of  vIL  xi1  iiijA  Item,  awand  be  robert  bruce  of  pitlochie  for  thrie  termes  male 
of  pe  landis  of  pitlochie,  viz.,  witfonday  &  mertymes  in  ano  lxxxi,  and  pe  wit- 
fonday terme  in  ano  lxxxij   Seris,  pe  foum  of  xl1'-  iijs-  iiij'1.      Item,  awand  be 


Note  E.]  NOTES.  465 

be  tenentis  of  denheid  for  br  witlbunday  male  in  ano  j CD  vc-  lxxxij  5eris,  be  foum 
of  xu-  Item,  awand  be  be  tenentis  of  dambray  for  br-  witfounday  males  in  ano 
jCD  vc-  lxxxij  5eris,  be  foum  of  ten  pund.  Item,  awand  be  Johne  blak  for 
thrie  5eris  male  of  Inuerbrig,  be  foum  of  iiij1'-  money.  Item,  awand  be 
vmqle  Johne  broun,  fiityme  citiner  of  fan&androis,  for  J>e  reft  of  victuall  fauld 
and  deliuerit  to  him  be  foum  of  viij1L  money.  Item,  awand  be  be  tenentis 
of  kynimonth  for  bair  teindis  affignit  to  be  defunft  in  penfioun  of  be  crope  and 
5eir  of  god  jOD  v0-  lxxxi  3eris,  xx  bollis  aittis,  price  of  be  boll  ouerheid  xl%  Siima 
xl1'-  Item,  awand  be  be  tenentis  of  balgois  for  bair  teindis  in  ano  jCD  vc-  lxxxi 
5eris,  tua  bollis  quheit  and  tua  bollis  beir,  price  of  be  boll  orheid  iij1'-  vis-  viijd-, 
Suma  xiij1'-  vis-  viijd-  Item,  be  James  Wynrhame,  taxman  of  be  teindis  of  kirknes, 
auchmr-  &  reallie  and  vberis  addettit  in  paymet  brof,  for  be  teindis  greit  &  finall 
bairof  in  ano  1582,  lxx1'*  Item,  be  be  laid  James  for  few  male  v1'-  xs  of  be 
mans  of  kirknes. 

Sua  of  be  dettis  awand  to  be  deid,         .         .         iiij0-   lxxxxiij1'- 
Sua  of  be  Inuetar  w'-  be  dettis,      .  .  .  vijc-    xiij1' 

ffollouis  ])e  dettis  awand  be  be  deid  : 
Item,  bair  wes  awand  be  be  faid  vin^Ie  maifter  Johne  Wynrhame,  futyme 
fuperintendent  of  fyf,  to  williame  Mortoun  feruand,  for  his  fie  of  be  mertymes 
terme  in  ano  jCD  vc  lxxxij.  5eris,  be  foum  of  xls-  Item,  awand  to  ar4  uddert 
vnder  cuik  for  bat  foure  termes  fie,  be  foum  of  xx8-  Item,  awand  to  Johne  hodge 
feruand,  for  his  fie  to  mertymes  nixttocu,  be  foum  of  iiij1'-  Item,  awand  to 
relict  of  willia  ftevinfoun,  mafone,  for  feruice  done  be  him  in 
kirknes,  be  foum  of  iij"-  vis-  viij4  Item,  awand  be  [to?]  alane  reid  for  feruice 
done  in  kirknes  be  his  father  and  himfelf,  be  foum  of  ten1'-  Item,  awand  to  mr 
robert  wynrame  of  ratho,  his  bruther  germane,  lx.  bollis  vicluall,  half  beir  half 
meill,  as  for  ane  anuelrent  of  xx.  bollis  viciuall  foirfaid  5eirlie,  reftand  awand  to 
him  out  of  be  north  half  landis  of  craigtoun,f  price  of  be  boll  Seirlie  o'heid, 

*  The  following  deed  is  dated  26th  April,  1580:  Be  it  kend,  &c.  Me  Mr.  Johne  Wyn- 
raham,  prior  of  Sanct  Serffis  Inche  within  Lochlevin,  for  sruid  and  reassonahle  caufl',  moving  me 
heirunto,  the  Weill,  utilitie  and  proffeit  of  my  said  priorie  ahvayis  foirsene  and  eonsiderit,  and  for 
the  sowme  of  twa  Imndretht  pundis  money  of  this  realme  deliverit  to  me  in  my  greit  and  urgent 
necessitie  be  ane  hon11-  man  James  Wynrahame,  sone  and  apperand  air  to  Mr.  Robert  Wynrahame 
in  Rathow,  and  for  guid  service  to  be  done  to  me  during  my  ly vetyme,  To  haiff  sett  and  for  maill 
lettin,  &c,  to  the  said  James  W.,  his  airs,  &c,  all  and  haill  the  teynd  sehevis  of  the  tounis  and 
barronie  of  Kirkness,  viz.,  Kirknes,  Auchmoir,  nether  and  over  Ryallie,  and  als  with  all  and  haill 
the  small  and  minut  teyndis  of  the  samyn,  &c.  (Papers  of  St.  Leonard's  College.) 

■f  Charter  by  K.  Jas.  VI.,  dated  at  Halyrudhous,  14  Feb.,  1586,  confirming  a  Charter  granted 
by  Rob.  Bishop  of  Caithness,  and  Commendator  of  the  Monastery  of  St.  Andrew's,  with  consent  of 

3  N 


466  NOTES.  [Win  ram, 

iij1',  Suma  ic  lxxx1'  Item,  a  wand  to  Mr.  Johne  Scott  in  fan<5tandrois  foraill,  be 
foum  of  xxv1'  Item,  to  beatrix  traill  for  aill,  be  foum  of  xxiiij1'  Item,  awand 
to  martene  Lumfdale  flefclieor ,  be  foum  of  xiiij1'  Item,  awand  to  James  rol- 
fone  for  faip  and  vinager,  be  foum  of  iij1'-  Item,  awand  to  dauid  orme  chalmer- 
lane  for  be  few  maleis  of  craigtoun,  refland  awand  be  be  fpace  of  tua  Seris,  be 
foum  of  fiftie  pundis  money. 

Sua  of  be  dettis  awand  be  be  deid,  .  .        iijc-   xviu-  vis-      viijd- 

Reftis  of  frie  geir,  be  dettis  deducit,        .         •       iijc-   lxxxxvi1'-  xiijs-   ivd- 

No  diuifioun 

Quliairof  be  quot  is,       ....  .  xix1'-  xvi5- 

ft'ollouis  be  deidis  Legacie  and  latterwill. 
Vpoun  be  aucht  day  of  feptember,  the  3eir  of  god  jCD  vc-  lxxxij  5eris. 
The  quhilk  day  I  Maifter  Johne  Wynrame,  futyme  fuperintendent  of  fyf  and 
pryo1-  of  be  He  of  fancl  ferfis  Infche  within  be  loch  of  levin,  feik  in  body  bot 
haill  (god  be  prafit)  in  fpirit,  I  mak  my  teftament  in  bis  maner,  In  be  firft  I  gif, 
leuis  and  comendis  my  faule  in  be  handis  of  be  omnipotent  god,  be  his  onelie  mercie 
to  be  fauit  for  cuir  throw  or  lord  Jefus  chrift  or-  onelie  faluio*-,  and  my  body 
wl-  be  reft  of  be  faithfull  bodies  to  be  erdit  in  be  hairt  of  be  erth,  tobe  pvertit  in 
poulder  vnto  be  clay  of  be  generall  refurrectioun  and  cumlg  of  be  lattir  Juge- 
met  of  or-  lord  Jefus  chrift.  Item,  I  reuoke  and  retreitis  all  legacie,  afiedatioun 
or  gift,  gif  ony  I  maid,  of  my  gudis  of  thefar,  or  of  my  priorie,  or  of  my  vtencile 
&  domicile  now  pntlie  w'in  my  duelling  hous  maid  to  mr-  andro  aittoun  of 
kynaklie,  and  mr-  robert  wynrame  futyme  collector  of  fyf,  and  bat  for  certane 
reffonabill  cauff1  moving  me  bairto.  Ite,  I  gif  &  leuis  to  James  Wynrame,  fone 
&  apperand  air  to  mailter  robert  wynrame  of  ratho,  all  be  vtencile  within  my 
duelling  hous  of  kirknes  and  to  mr-  Johne  Wynrame,  younger  of  craigtoun  I 
gif  &  leuis  all  my  vtencile  &  domicile  now  pntlie  being  within  my  duelling  hous 
w'in  be  abbay  of  fanclandrois  togidder  w'  all  my  haill  bukis  appertenig  to  me 
oforme,  to  be  pftitutiones  &  difpolitiones  rexiue  maid  to  fame  of  befoii.     Item, 

the  Convent  thereof,  in  favour  of  Mr.  John  Winrahame  Superintendent  of  "  Fyiff  and  Stratherne," 
and  Margt.  Stewart  las  spouse  iu  liferent,  whom  failing  to  Mr.  Rort.  W.,  third  son  of  James 
W.  ("  honorabilis  viri')  in  Gogar-Mylne,  and  the  heirs  to  be  lawfully  procreated  of  his  body,  whom 
failing  to  John  W.,  second  son  of  Mr.  Robt.  W.  of  Ratho,  and  the  heirs  male  to  be  lawfully  pro- 
created of  his  body,  whom  failing  to  the  said  Mr.  Robt.  W.  of  Ratho,  his  heirs  and  assignees 
whomsoever,  the  lands  of  Craigtoun  and  Lumbo,  with  the  meadow  of  Craigtoun  and  its  pertinents 
lying  in  the  lordship  of  the  Priory  and  regality  of  St.  Andrew's,  and  shire  of  Fife  :  Paying 
£25  :  5s.  yearly  of  feufarm,  Dated  at  the  said  Monastery,  1 6th  April,  1572.  And  the  King 
farther  Ratified  this  Charter  in  favour  of  the  said  John  W„  (second  son  of  Mr.  R.  W.  of  Ratho)  in 
consequence  of  the  decease  of  the  former  parties.     Reg.  Mag.  Sig.  XXXVI.,  327. 


Note  E.]  NOTES.  467 

I  off  &  leuis  to  criftiane  wynrame,  relief  of  vmqle  John  fpens  in  auld  liftoun, 
my  fifter,  xxH-  Item,  to  alexr  wynrame  his  brutheris  oy  xx"-  Item,  all  affigna- 
tiones,  donationes,  &  difpofitiones  maid  be  me  to  mr-  Johne  wynrame  of  craig- 
toun,  or  of  quhatfueuir  gudis  or  dettis  bat  is  awand  to  me  be  alexr-  fteuart  of 
kers,  patrick  bifchop  of  fanctandrois,  or  be  quhatfueuir  perfone  or  perlonis  be 
Jjis  my  latterwill  I  ratifie  &  approue  be  lame.  Ite,  all  allignationes,  donationes, 
&  difpofitiones  maid  be  me  to  James  Wynrame,  of  quhatfueuir  gudis  or  dettis 
auchtand  to  me  be  J>e  laird  of  Lochlevin,  Be  bis  my  pfit  latterwill  I  ratifie  & 
appreue  be  faml.  Item,  becaus  I  frelie  &  of  glide  will  obleift  my  felf  to  pay  to 
maifter  robert  glen  3ounger  &  eliza'-  carnes  his  fpous,  be  foum  of  ffyve  hundreth 
pundis  money  of  fcotland,  qlk  foum  thay  my'-  not  afk  or  craif  befoir  my  deceis 
as  is  fpecifiit  in  ane  inftrumet  maid  thairupoun  vnder  be  note  of  mr-  dauid 
rtiffell  notar  public^,  neuir)>eles  I  at  be  requeift  of  and  prayar  of  be  (aid  mr 
robert  glen  and  J>e  faid  eliza1-  his  fpous  forfaid,  fould  half  payit  to  bame  in 
br-  greit  neceffitie  thrie  hundreth  fex  pundis,  be  reft  of  be  foirfaid  foum  of  ffyve 
hundreth  pundis  thay  referrit  into  my  will  and  difcretioun,  And  tharefore  I  be 
bis  my  laft  and  latterwill  declaris  and  makis  manifeft  that  it  is  not  my  will  bat 
be  reft  of  be  foirfaid  foum  of  ffyve  hundreth  pundis  be  payit  to  be  faidis  mr- 
robert  glen  or  his  foirfaid  fpous,  or  bair  airis  or  affignais  or  ony  vberis  in  bail- 
name,  be  me  or  my  airis  V-,  Bot  bat  we  falbe  fullelie  maid  frie  brof.  And  be  reft 
of  my  haill  gudis  now  pntlie  in  my  poffeffioun  I  leue  to  my  exori%  tobe  difponit 
be  bame  at  bair  plefor-  Quhome  I  noiat*  &  oftitut,  Maifter  robert  wynrhame  of 
ratho,  my  bruber  germane,  James  wynrhame  his  fone  and  apperand  air,  and 
m1-  Johne  wynrhame  of  craigtoun,  fecund  fone  to  be  faid  mr-  ro1-  wynrhame  of 
ratho.  Quhilk  my  exeris-  I  maift  erneftlie  beieik  &  exhortis  in  be  bowellis  of 
cheretie  that  thay  difpone  vpoun  my  gudis  evin  as  thay  knaw  I  wald  my  ielf,  or 
rather  as  thay  knaw  I  fould  haif  clone,  and  as  thay  will  anPer  to  be  maift  hie 
Juge  on  be  laft  day  of  Jugemet,  quhen  or-  lord  Jefus  chrift  fall  cum  &  Juge 
baith  be  quick  &  be  deid  and  be  warld  be  fyre.  This  wes  done  day  moneth  & 
5eir  abouewrittin,  Befoir  bir  witneiO,  mr  thomas  douglas  minister  of  Balme- 
rino'-,  mr  Johne  fcott,  John  hodge,  willia  mortoun  and  alexr-  liddell,  w'-  vberis 
diuers.  Sic  fubfcribitur  mr-  John  wynrame  prior-  of  lochlevin,  mr-  thomas  douo-las 
minifter  at  balmerino'  witnes,  mr-  Johne  fcot  witnes,  Johne  hodge  witnes. 

We  mr-  edward  henryfoun  doftor  in  be  lawis,  alexr  fym  &  Johne  preftoun 
aduocattis,  comifPris  of  Edr-  fpecialie  pftitut  for  ofirmatioun  of  teftametf,  Be  be 
tennor-  heirof  ratifeis,  approuis  &  pfirmis  bis  put  teftamet  or  Inuetar,  infafar  as 
be  fami  is  deulie  &  lauchfullie  maid,  of  be  gudis  &  geir  abouefpecifiit  alanerlie, 

*  See  note  at  the  end  of  the  confirmation. 


468  NOTES.  [Winram, 

and  geuis  &  comittis  be  intromiffioun  w'  be  fami  to  be  faid  mr-  Jon-  wynrhame 
of  craigtoun,  ane  of  be  thrie  exer,s-  teftametaris  ndiat  be  be  faid  vmqle  mr-  Johne 
wynrhame,  fuperintendent  of  fyf,  and  onelie  acceptar  of  be  faid  office  vpoun 
him,  Becaus  be  faid  mr-.  ro'-  wynrhame  of  ratho,  &  James  wynrhame  his  fone, 
the  vber  tua  exons-  ndiat  be  be  faid  vmqle  mr-  Johne,  in  or-  pns  lies  renucit  be 
faid  office  re  Integra  as  an  act  maid  bairupoun  beris,  Referuand  compt  tobe 
maid  be  be  faid  Mr-  Jon-  wynrhame  of  craigtoun  exor-  foirfaid  of  be  gudis  &  geir 
abouewritten,  as  accordis  of  be  law,  Quha  being  fuorne  lies  maid  faith  treulie 
to  exerce  be  faid  office,  and  lies  fundin  cautioun  bat  be  gudis  and  geir  aboue- 
writtin  salbe  fur'cuand  to  all  jiteis  havand  interes  as  law  will,  as  an  act  maid 
bairupoun  beris.  (Commiss.  Reg.  Test.  Edin.  14  Dec,  1582.) 

The  following  "  Eik"  is  inserted  on  the  margin  of  the  Register  opposite 
the  words  Quhom  I  noiat,  &c. 

xix  aua  1592. 

ANE  EIK  MAID  TO  bis  TESTAMET  QUOT  FRIE. 

We  mr.  Jon-  preftoun  V  Be  be  tennor  heirof,  ratifeis,  appreuis,  and  ofirmis  be 
faid  mr.  Jo"-  wynrhame  of  craigtoun,  onlie  exer-  teftametar  to  ye  faid  vmqle  mr. 
Jon-  wynrhame  fuperintendent,  In  and  to  the  fowme  of  lx1L  money,  reiland 
awand  to  Jie  faid  mr.  Johne  be  tyme  of  his  deceis,  be  vmqle  James  fandielandis 
of  ft.  monace,  for  be  dewteis  of  be  teind  fchauis  of  be  landis  of  abircrumie  of 
thrie  termes  preceiding  be  faid  vmqle  mr.  Johnes  deceis,  viz.,  in  anis  JCD  Vc  Ixxxi 
and  lxxxij  5eris,  qlk  was  omittit  &  left  fur'-  of  his  principall  pfirmit  teftamet 
teftametar  foirfaid.  And  geuis  &  omittis  be  intromiffioun  w'-  be  famy  to  be  faid 
Mr.  Jon-  exer-  foirfaid  w'-  power  to  him  to  intromet  V. 

Winram's  death  is  here  mentioned  to  have  taken  place,  Sept.  28,  1582, 
but  a  Decreet  of  the  Lords  of  Session,  (24  Nov.,  1582,)  preserved  among  the 
papers  of  St.  Leonard's  College,  mentions  that  "  the  said  Mr.  John  departit  this 
mortal  life  upon  the  18th  of  Sept.  last."  He  is  mentioned  in  the  Records  of 
St.  Leonard's  College  on  the  14  of  Sept.  as  having  been  one  of  the  auditores 
computi. 

Feb.  2,  1582-3,  Mr.  Jhone  Wynrame  of  Craigtoun,  executer  testamentar 
only  confirmit  to  the  gudis,  geir  and  dettis  of  umq"-  Mr.  Jhone  Wynrame, 
sumtyme  prior  of  Portmoak,  and  suppost  of  the  Universitie  of  St  Andrew's, 
proponit  his  actioun  agL  Robert  Aitoun  of  Kynnawdy,  and  Mr.  Andro  Aitoun 
his  curator.  Mr.  Robert  Wynrame  of  Ratho,  Mr.  John  Scot  in  St.  And%  Jo. 
[James?]  Wynrame,  son  and  apperand  air  to  Mr.  Robert  Wynrame  of  Ratho, 


Note  F.]  NOTES.  469 

Cristane  Wynrame  relict  of  umq"-  Jo.  Spens  in  Auld  Listoun,  and  Alex.  Wyn- 
rarae  creditors  legators  of  umq"-  Mr.  Jo.  Wynrame  prior  aforsaid.  The  cause 
recurs  very  often.   (Act  Buik  of  the  Commissariat  of  St.  Andrs- ) 


Note  F. — extracts  from  the  act  buik  of  the  commissariat  of  st.  Andrew's. 
(Page  130.) 

The  following  extracts  are  in  many  respects  curious.  They  relate  principally 
to  the  Testament  of  Margaret  Stewart,  relict  of  ...  .  Aytoun  of  Kinawdy, 
and  afterwards  the  wife  of  Mr.  John  Winram.  This  lady  died  in  March,  1573, 
and  the  Testament  in  question  was  confirmed  by  the  Commissaries  at  Edin- 
burgh, in  August,  1574. 

Suma  of  ye  Inuetar  wL  ye  dettis,  .  .  .  jCO   iiij0-              xvju-  vijs-  vi4 

Siima  of  ye  dettis  awand  be  ye  deid,  .  .  .  xic-   [ixc-?]    xvj1'-  xs-  yjd- 

Restis  of  frie  geir  ye  dettis  deducit,  .  .  .  iiijc-         lxxxxix1"-  xvijs-  jJ- 
(Cormniss.  Reg.  Test.  Edin.) 

1574,  May  1.  The  qlk  day  being  dewlie  summoned  the  executors  testa- 
mentars,  if  ony  be,  and  intromitters  with  the  guds  and  geir  of  umq"-  Margaret 
Stewart,  sumtyme  spous  of  Maister  Jhone  Winrame,  Superintendent  of  Stra- 
therne,  &c,  comperit  Mr.  J.  Winrame,  relict  of  the  said  umq"-  Marg'-  Stewart, 
quha  allegit  him  and  Andrew  Aiton  her  son  nominat  executoris  testamentars  t 
quhom  the  juge  statute  preif  the  said  allegiance  this  day  21  days. 

May  22.  The  qlk  day  anent  the  term  appointit  to  Mrf.  Jhon  Wyn- 
raham  and  And.  Aitoun  to  preif  bame  nominat  exec"-  be  umq11-  Marg' 
Stewart,  lady  of  Kinawdy,  comperit  Mr.  Andrew  Aitoun  quha  renuncit  the 
nomination  of  execrs-,  if  ony  wes  maid  be  the  said  umq"-  Marg'-  his  moder,  in  his 
favor-,  and  the  office  of  execr-  sa  far  as  may  follow  b'upon,  re  Integra,  protestand 
he  be  decernit  dative  as  nerrest  of  kin  to  his  said  moder,  in  case  Mr.  Jhone 
preif  not  the  noiation,  and  obtain  not  confirmation  conform  brto,  and  to  the 
superplus  and  omittit  if  ony  sail  happen,  in  case  Mr.  Jhon  obtene  confirmation, 
and  as  to  the  preving  of  the  nominatioun  forsaid,  the  same  is  continewit  to  this 
day  xxj  dayis  with  consent  of  the  said  Mr.  Jhon  and  Wilsoun  fischall. 

July  3.  The  term  appointit  to  Mr.  Jhone  Winrame  to  present  ane 
Inventor  of  be  guds  of  umq"-  Marg'-  Stewart,  sum  tyme  his  spous,  to  confirma- 
tioun  comperit  the  said  Mr.  Jhone  quha  presentit  the  said  Inventor,  and  becaus 


470  NOTES.  [Winram. 

the  said  excedis  the  bounds  of  the  confirmatioun  lie  remittis  the  samyn  to  the 
confirmatioun  of  the  Commissrs-  of  Edinburgh,  and  statu t  to  report  the  samyn 
confirmit  be  thame  this  day  xv  days. 

At  the  same  time  there  was  a  process  before  the  commissary  at  the  instance 
of  Mr.  John  Winram  against  Andrew  Arnot,  minister  of  Scotland-well,  for  20 
lib.,  being  the  said  Andrewis  silver  third  addebted  furth  of  his  benefice  of  Scot- 
land-well for  1571,  which  he  alledged  had  been  paid  to  Mr-  Rob'-  Winram, 
the  Superintendant's  cousin.  It  was  referred  to  the  oath  of  the  Superintendant 
who  swore  that  the  money  had  not  been  paid. 

Aug.  15.  Mr.  Jo.  Winram,  Sup'  of  Stratherne,  presentit  the  Inventor 
of  umq"-  Marg'-  Stewart  confirmit  be  the  Commissrs  of  Edinburgh.  Nov.  23. 
Mr.  Jo.  Winram's  cause  is  still  before  the  court.  Feb.  9,  1 574-5,  The  cause 
often  occurs — much  proof  led — and  many  delays.  March  2.  and  23,  The 
cause  to  be  reported  16  April,  before  which  date  the  volume  ends,  and  there  is 
an  interval  of  a  year  between  its  close  and  the  beginning  of  the  next  which  is 
extant. 

1576,  May  12.  Cause  persewit  be  Mr.  Jo.  Winram,  prior  of  Portmoak, 
ag'-  John  Douglas  of  Cuningston,  and  Henry  Herd;  The  juge  decerns  the  said 
John  and  Henrie  to  pay  8  sh.  for  ilk  lamb  of  5  teind  lambs,  as  just  teind  of  50 
lambs,  40  sh.  for  ane  stane  woll,  as  just  teind  woll  of  x  yowis  and  x  yeld  sheip, 
12  sh.  for  ilk  stane  of  4  stane  teind  cheis,  as  just  teind  of  the  said  x  yowis  and 
ten  milk  kye,  16  sh.  for  ane  calf  as  just  teind  of  10  calfis,  14  sh.  for  his  teind 
hay,  and  10  sh.  for  his  teind  lint  and  hemp. 

May  14.  Cause  by  James  and  Robert  Aittounis,  and  Mr.  Androw 
Aittoun  of  Kinnawdy,  thair  fader,  ag'-  Mr.  Jhone  Winrame,  Superintend'-  of 
Fife.  They  claim  32  bolls  aitis  w'-  ye  fodder  at  40s.  per  boll  in  the  barn  and 
barnyard  of  Kirkness,  at  the  time  of  the  decease  of  Lady  Kinnawdy,  (March, 
1573,)  also  a  pair  of  bracelets  of  gold  estimat  at  20  lib.,  also  a  cross  of  gold 
hung  with  a  small  chain,  16  lib.,  also  4  rings  of  gold,  price  of  the  piece  ourheid, 
three  lib.,  also  115  lib.  money,  &c.  The  juge  decernit  Mr.  Johne  Winrame  to 
be  absolvit  simpliciter,  because  the  persewars  failseit  in  preving,  &c. 

Aug.  25.  Decretum — Mr.  Jo.  WTinram — 137  lib.  to  be  paid  for  teind 
sheves  of  Kirkness. 

1577,  Aug.  26.  Four  persons  in  Kirkness  to  pay  to  Mr.  John  Winram, 
prior  of  Portmoak,  140  merkis  3eirlie,  during  the  5eir  1577  inst.  78  and  79, 
for  the  teind  shevis  of  Kirkness  in  the  parochin  of  Portmoak,  with  120  thraves 
stray,  or  else  2s.  for  ilk  thraif. 

1582-3,  Jan.  29.  Cause  of  Robert  Aitoun  of  Kynawdy,  ag'-  Mr.  John 
Wynram  of  Craigtoun. 


Note  A.]  NOTES.  471 

Note  G. — winram's  works.     (Page  130.) 

The  only  work  by  Winram  known  to  have  been  published,  is  a  Catechism 
marked  thus  in  one  of  the  old  catalogues  of  the  Library  of  St.  Leonard's  Col- 
lege, St.  Andrew's  :  "  Catechismus  D.  J.  Winram  Subpriorf."  This  catalogue 
was  given  in  to  a  Commission  of  Visitation  in  1599.  The  title  immediately 
following  it  in  the  catalogue  is,  "  Catechismus  Jo.  Hamiltoun  episcopi,"  a  well 
known  work  printed  at  St.  Andrew's  in  1552.  It  is  not  in  the  least  degree 
probable  either  that  the  titles  should  have  been  thus  specified  if  Hamilton's  and 
Winram's  Catechism  had  been  the  same  book,  as  has  sometimes  been  supposed, 
or  that  Winram's  would  have  been  inserted  in  the  list  at  all,  if  it  had  not  been 
extant. 

There  were  at  least  two  copies  of  this  work  preserved  in  the  Libraries  of 
that  University  several  years  after  its  author's  death.  Dr.  Lee  suspects  that 
they  may  have  been  purposely  destroyed,  and  does  not  think  that  the  work  can 
have  been  of  much  intrinsic  value. 

In  a  letter  written  by  Bishop  Sage  to  Mr.  John  Guillan,  March  9,  1702, 
an  extract  from  which  has  been  preserved  by  our  author  Wodrow,  occurs  the 
following,  unfortunately  most  indefinite,  reference  to  a  work  by  Winram : 
"  George  Robertson,  our  friend,  I  remember,  told  me  he  had  seen  in  MS.  a 
piece  written  by  Mr.  John  Winram,  Superintendant  of  Fife.  I  have  forgot  the 
subject."  (Catalogues  of  Scottish  Writers,  Edin.  1833,  p.  129.) 


LIFE  OF  BISHOP  CARSWELL. 


Note  A. — carswell' s  academical  education,  &c.     (Page  133.) 

Respecting  the  parentage  of  Bishop  Carswell  little  has  been  discovered.  He 
seems  to  have  belonged  to  the  family  of  Carswell  of  Carnastrie  or  Carnassery, 
which  had  settled  as  Constables  of  the  Castle  of  that  name  under  the  house  of 
Argyle.  The  following  extracts  from  the  Records  of  the  University  of  St. 
Andrew's  appear  to  relate  to  him : 

1541.   Incorp.  in  Coll.  divi  Salvatoris  Johannes  Carfuell,  britan. 


472  NOTES.  [Carswell, 

1542.  Determ.  (B.A.)  Jhoes  Cafwall. 
1544.  Licentiat  (M.A.)  Jhoes-  Carfvell,  pauper. 
These  entries  do  not  seem  to  indicate  that  his  parentage  was  very  exalted. 
The  following  entries  also  appear  on  the  Records : 
1554.  Incorp.  ex  Coll.  Leonardi, 

Donaldus  Carfuald. 
1558.  Bac.  Donaldus  Carfwald,  pauper. 
The  editor  has  not  met  with  any  positive  evidence  that  these  persons  were 
related  to  each  other,  but  it  seems  highly  probable  that  they  were  brothers. 
This  conjecture  is  founded  on  a  General  Service,  (July  22,  1671,)  of  John  Cars- 
wall,  son  of  Neil  Carswell  of  Carnastrie,  (a  property,  as  will  be  seen,  which 
belonged  to  the  Bishop's  family,)  as  heir  of  his  two  great-grand  uncles,  Donald 
and  Malcolm.  If  we  reckon  back  four  generations,  it  brings  us  exactly  to  the 
period  in  which  the  Bishop  lived.  It  appears  by  this  service  (Inq.  General. 
Abbrev.  5455,  6)  that  Mr.  Donald  Carswell  was  vicar  of  Insaill,  and  his 
brother  Malcolm  is  designated  "  ballivus  de  Craigneise." 


Note  B. — general  notices  of  bishop  carswell,  1544-69.     (Page  136.) 

Little  is  known  of  Carswell  before  the  Reformation.  In  1544,  the  year 
in  which  he  took  his  degree  at  St.  Andrew's,  (Note  A.)  the  Earl  of  Lennox 
rose  in  rebellion.  He  was  joined  by  the  Islesmen,  and  among  others  by  Cars- 
well,  who  retired  with  him  into  England  on  its  suppression.  Carswell  is 
mentioned  as  having  been  Rector  of  Kilmartine,  the  parish  in  which  Carnastrie 
or  Carnassery  is  situated,  and  as  having  also  been  chaplain  to  the  Earl  of 
Argyle  (RusseFs  Keith's  Scot.  Bish.  307.)  In  the  account  given  by  Keith 
(Hist.  app.  188)  of  the  disbursements  of  the  collectors  of  the  thirds,  there  is 
261.  13s.  4d.  paid  to  Mr.  John  Kerswell,  who  is  there  styled  prebend  of  the 
Chapel  Royal  of  Stirling.  His  presentation  to  the  Bishoprick  of  the  Isles 
and  to  the  Abbacy  of  Icolmkill  is  dated  March  24,  1566  (Ibid,  308.)  The 
revenues  of  the  Bishoprick  were  probably  very  small,  having  been  alienated 
by  the  previous  Bishop,  but  no  account  of  them  appears  in  the  rentals 
given  up  at  the  period  of  the  assumption  of  the  Thirds.  Mr.  John  Carse- 
well,  Bishop  of  the  Isles,  is  witness  to  a  Notorial  Instrument  taken  on 
behalf  of  Donald  M'Donald  Gorme  of  Slate,  Aug.  22,  1566.  He  was 
elected  one  of  the  Lords  of  the  Articles  at  the  parliament,  April  16th,  1567, 


Note  C]  NOTES.  473 

the  only  occasion  on  which  he  is  mentioned  in  the  Record  of  that  Court  (Acts 
Pari.  Scot.  II.  546.)  He  signed  the  bond  at  Anslie's  in  favour  of  Bothwell's 
pretensions,  April  20  (Keith's  Hist.  383.)  About  the  same  period  there  seems 
to  have  been  a  rival  claimant  for  the  bishoprick  of  the  Isles,  for  on  the  21st  of 
May,  1567,  Maister  Lauchlane  Makclane  appeared  before  the  Lords  of  the 
Privy  Council  "  and  made  fay1-  that  he  neuer  obtenit  licence  of  oure  fouerane 
ladie  to  pas  to  Rome  for  purcheffing  of  the  Bifchoprik  of  the  His  nor  na  vther 
benefices  pertening  to  Maifter  Johne  Carfwell  bifchope  of  the  His  nor  neuer 
purchell  the  faid  bifchoprik  nor  the  abbacie  of  Ycolmkill  or  vtheris  benefices 
in  ony  tyme  bigane,  Alwayis  for  the  mair  aboundance  he  renunces,  ouergivis  and 
difchargis  Simplr  all  ryl ,  thill,  entres  and  clame  of  ry'-  quhilk  he  lies  or  can  ony 
wayes  pretend  or  clame  to  the  faid  bifchoprik  or  vtheris  the  faid  Maifter 
Johnnes  benefices,  Ratifeand  and  apprevand  the  ry'tis  and  titillis  maid  to  the 
faid  Maifter  Johnne  of  the  famyn  be  thir  prefentis,  And  fall  neuir  vex  nor 
moleft  the  faid  Maifter  Johnne  in  the  peciabill  brouking  and  pofleding  of  the 
faid  bifchoprik  and  vtheris  his  benefices,  move  nor  intent  actioun,  pley  nor 
queftioun  aganis  him  for  the  famyn  during  his  liftyme,  &c."  (Reg.  Seer.  Concilij, 
March,  1563 — June,  1567,  f.  274,  b.)  His  name  appears  at  the  bond  for  the 
defence  of  Queen  Mary  on  her  escape  from  Lochleven,  dated  at  Hamilton, 
May  8,  1568  (Keith's  Hist.  476.)  He  attended  the  Convention  of  Estates, 
held  at  Perth,  July  28,  1569,  to  consider  certain  proposals  made  by  Lord 
Boyd  in  behalf  of  Queen  Mary  respecting  her  return  to  Scotland  (supra, 
p.  323.) 


Note  C. — carswell's  death  and  posterity.     (Page  136.) 

The  exact  date  of  Carswell's  death  has  not  been  ascertained,  but  the  following 
extract,  dated  20  Sept.,  1572,  shows  that  it  took  place  before  that  time:  "Our 
Souerane  Lord  wl-  auise,  &c,  Ordanis  ane  letter  to  be  made  vnder  the  great 
seill  direct  to  the  deane  and  chaptor-  of  the  Cathedrall  Kirk  of  the  bishoprick  of 
the  lies,  makand  mention,  &c,  the  kirk  foirsaid  vakis  be  the  naturall  death  of 
Mr.  Johne  Carswell"  &c.  (Reg.  Present.  Benef.)  It  appears  from  the  authority 
of  Dr.  Leyden  that  the  impression  of  Carswell  conveyed  by  tradition  preserved 
in  the  neighbourhood  of  Carnassery  Castle,  where  he  principally  resided,  is  by 
no  means  favourable.  "  The  bards,  whom  he  affected  to  despise,"  says  that 
learned  author,  "  made  him  the  subject  of  their  satirical  verses  and  invectives, 

3  O 


474  NOTES.  [Carswell. 

some  of  which  are  still  preserved.  Many  proverbs,  expressive  of  his  rapacity 
and  niggardliness,  are  still  current  in  that  country."  (Scottish  Descript.  Poems, 
228.)  The  traditions  of  his  rapacity  are  confirmed  by  historical  evidence. 
Bishop  Spotswood  in  noticing  the  bishoprick  of  the  Isles  in  1600,  says  that  it 
was  so  dilapidated  that  it  could  scarce  be  remembered  to  have  existed.  (Hist. 
456.)  It  must  be  recollected,  however,  that  Carswell,  if  he  left  it,  also  received 
it,  in  a  very  low  condition  (supra,  Note  B.) 

The  Bishop  appears  to  have  had  one  son,  Archibald  Carswell  of  Carnas- 
sery,  in  the  parish  of  Kilmartine  in  Argyle  Proper.  This  gentleman  married 
Isabel  second  daughter  of  Ninian  Bannatyne  of  Karnes  ( Robertson's  Ayrshire 
Families,  I.  59.)  Archibald  Carsvvall  of  Carnastrie  is  mentioned  in  the  Writs 
of  the  Family  of  Argyle  in  1599.  The  traditionary  reports  preserved  of  him 
are  equally  unfavourable  with  those  respecting  his  father.  It  appears  from 
them  that  he  was  a  bad  character,  and  that  the  day  of  his  funeral  was  remark- 
able for  storm.  A  poem  by  the  Bishop,  containing  advice  to  his  son,  was 
printed  from  the  recitation  of  an  old  man  in  Kennedy's  Collection  of  Gaelic 
Hymns,  12mo.,  Glas.,  1786.  Neil  Carsewell  of  Carnastrie  is  mentioned  in  the 
Writs  above-mentioned  in  1629. 


Note  D. — carswell's  translation  of  knox's  liturgy.     (Page  137.) 

The  principal  work  by  Carswell  known  to  have  been  published,  is  his  Gaelic 
Translation  of  Knox's  Liturgy.  These  "  Foirm  na  Nurrnuidhead"  or  Forms 
of  Prayer,  were  printed  at  Edinburgh  by  Lekprevik  in  April,  1567,  and  were 
dedicated  to  Archibald  fifth  Earl  of  Argyle,  Carswell's  patron.  A  copy,  supposed 
to  have  been  the  only  complete  one  extant,  was  communicated  by  the  Duke  of 
Argyle  to  Dr.  Leyden,  and  he  has  given  some  very  interesting  extracts  from  it, 
accompanied  by  a  translation,  in  his  Scottish  Descriptive  Poems,  (215,  227.) 
Since  that  period  this  copy  has  disappeared  from  His  Grace's  Collection,  and  there 
is  but  one, — and  that  in  a  slightly  imperfect  state, — now  known  to  exist.  With 
the  view  of  preserving  what  remains  it  was  intended  to  have  inserted  copious 
extracts,  which  the  kindness  of  Dr.  Lee  has  placed  at  the  Editor's  disposal. 
This  volume  has,  however,  swelled  so  much  beyond  the  limit  originally  pre- 
scribed to  it,  that  these  extracts  must  be  reserved  to  appear  in  a  future  part  of 
the  work. 


Note  A.]  NOTES.  475 


LIFE  OF  BISHOP  GORDON. 


Note  A. — supplementary  notices  of  bishop  gordon.     (Page  141.) 

Alexander  Gordoun,  the  brothergermane  of  George  Gordoun,  Earle  of 
Huntlie,  slaine  at  Corrichie,  wes,  in  his  tender  years,  bred  in  the  company  of 
King  James  the  Fyfth*  of  Scotland,  whose  sister's  sone  he  wes,  and  who  loved 
him  deirlie  whilst  he  lived.  After  the  death  of  King  James  the  Fyfth,  he  wes 
made  Bishop  of  Catteynes,  as  I  have  shewn  alreadie,  page  111;  then  he  wes 
maid  Archbishop  of  Glasgow,  and  went  to  Rome,  ther  to  be  confirmed  in  that 
dignitie,  as  lykwise  out  of  a  desyre  he  had  to  travell.  In  the  meantym  some  dis- 
sension happened  betwein  the  Queen  Regent  and  the  Earle  of  Arran,  for  the 
government  of  Scotland  dureing  the  minoritie  of  Queen  Marie,  and  becaus 
Bishop  Alexander  Gordoun  assisted  the  Quein  Regent  and  her  partie,  the  Earle 
of  Arran,  (being  governor  of  Scotland)  dispossessed  him  of  the  Archbishoprick  of 
Glasgow,  by  the  instigation  of  John  Hamilton,  Archbishop  of  Sanct  Andrews, 
the  Earle  of  Arran  his  base  brother.  Yet,  in  recompense  thereof,  Alexander 
Gordoun  wes  maid  Bishop  of  the  lies,  and  Abbot  of  Inchaffray.  And  least 
he  should  lose  the  title  and  dignitie  of  ane  archbishop  (which  he  once  had,)  the 
Pope  did  institute  him  Archbishop  of  Athens.  Afterward,  the  year  of  God 
1558,  he  had  the  Bishoprick  of  Galloway  from  the  Quein  Regent,  and  did  give 
over  the  Bishoprick  of  the  yles :  so  he  continued  untill  his  death,  Archbishop  of 
Athens,  Bishop  of  Galloway,  and  Abbot  of  Inchaffray.  He  wes  a  trustie  and 
faithful  servant  to  Marie  Quein  of  Scotland,  evin  untill  his  death;  and  maid 
divers  journeys  into  England  dureing  her  captivitie  ther,  to  try  iff  he  might 
work  her  libertie :  He  wes  one  of  the  first  bishops  of  Scotland  that  began  the 
Reformation  of  religion.  This  Alexander  Gordoun  mareid  Barbara  Logie,  the 
Laird  of  Logie  his  daughter ;  by  whom  he  had  John  Gordoun,  of  whom  we  ar 
now  to  speik;  Lawrence  Gordoun,  Lord  of  Glenluce;  Mr.  George  Gordoun, 
who  wes  Bishop  of  Galloway  after  his  father;  and  Robert  Gordoun,  slain  in 

*  In  the  reign  of  that  king  (1541)  there  is  an  entry  in  the  Treasurer's  books  of  100  pounds 
paid  "  to  Maister  Alexander  Gordoune  at  his  passing  to  France,"  (Pitcairn's  Crirn.  Trials,  I.  *308,j 
but  the  name  of  Gordon  occurs  so  often  in  the  history  of  the  period,  that  it  cannot  be  said  with 
certainty  that  this  person  was  the  future  Bishop  of  Galloway. 


476  NOTES.  [Gordon, 

France  in  single  combat,  being  then  in  service  and  great  favour  with  Margaret 
Quein  of  France  and  Navarr:  Alexander  Gordoun  had  also  one  daughter, 
called  Barbara  Gordoun,  mareid  to  Anthonie  Stewart  of  Claray.  Bishop  Alex- 
ander sent  his  sone  John  into  France,  in  the  moneth  of  June,  the  year  of  God 
1565,  their  to  be  instructed  in  learning  and  vertue,  by  the  speciall  direction  of 
Marie  Quein  of  Scotland,  who  appoynted  him  to  have  a  yeirlie  pension  vpon 
her  dowry  and  joyntur  in  France,  for  his  better  maintenance  in  that  Kingdom; 
haveing  befor  his  departure  from  Scotland  finished  his  course  of  philosophic 
and  other  sciences  in  St.  Leonards  his  college,  in  the  universitie  of  Sanct 
Andrews.  Bishop  Alexander,  went  into  England  together  with  the  Lord 
Levingstoun,  and  the  Bishope  of  Rosse,  the  yeir  of  God  1570,  to  treat  with  the 
Quein  of  England's  commissioners  for  Quein  Marie's  dilyverie  as  I  have  shewne 
alreadie,  page  158  and  159.     Bishop  Alexander  died  the  yeir  of  God  1576. 

John  Gordoun  being  thus  sent  into  France,  he  applied  himself  to  studie  for 
some  tuo  years  in  the  vniversities  of  Paris  and  Orleans;  and,  during  his  stay  in 
that  Kingdome,  he  wes  designed  to  be  bishop  of  Galloway  the  yeir  of  God 
1567,  be  the  resignation  of  his  father  Alexr ,  which  wes  confirmed,  vnder  the 
great  seale  of  Scotland,  the  fourth  day  of  Januarie  the  said  yeir,  &c.  (Gordon's 
Hist,  of  the  Earld.  of  Sutherland,  pp.  289 — 291.    See  also  supra  pp.  148,  9.) 

By  way  of  supplement  to  this  sketch  of  Gordon,  and  to  Wodrow's  account 
of  his  share  in  ecclesiastical  affairs,  it  is  necessary  to  notice  such  facts  as  later 
investigations  have  brought  to  light.  These  are  principally  of  a  political  char- 
acter and  will  show  whether  Mr.  Alexander  Gordon  was  "a  trustie  and 
faithful  servant  to  Marie  Quein  of  Scotland,"  or  to  any  one  else, — whether  in 
short  his  conduct  can  be  explained  on  any  other  principle  than  that  of  self- 
aggrandizement. 

Keith's  account  of  the  Diocese  of  Caithness  under  Robert  Stewart,  Bishop 
elect  of  that  See,  is  somewhat  confused.  When  that  prelate  was  sent  by  his 
brother,  the  Earl  of  Lennox,  into  England  in  1544,  with  offers  of  service  to 
Henry  VIII.,  his  diocese  was  declared  vacant  and  was  given  by  Arran  the 
Regent  to  Alexander  Gordon.  In  the  following  year  Stewart  returned  and 
was  restored  to  his  see  (Gordon's  Earld.  of  Sutherland,  111.  Balfour's  Hist. 
Works  I.  280,  285.)  He  did  not,  however,  retain  it  long,  for  in  1548,  Mar. 
30,  he  found  George  Earl  of  Errol  security  that  he  would  underly  the 
law  for  taking  and  detaining  the  house  and  place  of  Scrabister  (Strabbister) 
from  Mr.  Alexander  Gordoune,  Postulate  of  Caithness,  and  for  seizing  upon  the 
fruits,  teinds,  and  other  emoluments  of  the  Bishoprick  of  Caithness,  and  for 
breaking  the  Queen's  protection  to  the  said   Mr.  Alexander,  &c.    (Pitcairn's 


Note  A.]  NOTES.  477 

Crim.  Trials,  I.  *337.  Gordon  ut  supra.)  The  precise  time  at  which  Gordon 
was  elected  Archbishop  of  Glasgow  has  not  been  discovered.  Gavin  Dunbar 
died  April  30,  1547,  (Crawf.  Off.  of  State,  77,)  and  the  Postulate  of  Glasgow 
attended  a  meeting  of  the  Privy  Council,  Oct.  11  following  (Keith's  Hist.  App. 
55,)  but  it  can  hardly  be  supposed,  consistently  with  the  notice  in  the  Criminal 
Record  just  noticed,  that  Gordon  is  the  person  here  alluded  to.*  On  the  26th 
of  Nov.,  1553,  he  was  provided  to  the  Bishoprick  of  the  Isles,  and  to  it  was 
added  the  Commendatory  of  Inchaffray,f  which  had  been  held  by  Archbishop 
Dunbar  (Keith's  Catal.  Russel's  edit.  257,  307.)  On  the  11th  March  follow- 
ing, he  was  admitted  to  the  temporalities  of  the  abbacy  of  Icolmkill  of  which  he 
had  also  been  appointed  Commendator  (Hist.  Ace.  Sen.  Coll.  Just.  129.) 
Gordon  was  not  slow  in  availing  himself  of  the  privilege  which  his  bishoprick 
cave  him  of  attending  the  parliament.  The  name  of  "  Alexander  elect  of  the 
Ilys"  appears  at  the  "  band  maid  be  the  quene  dowerar  and  the  thre  eftaitis  to 
James  duke  of  Chatellarault,  warranting  him  aganis  all  actiounis  tuiching  his 
intromiffiouns  with  the  money,  jowellis,  &c,  pertening  to  the  Quenis  Grace," 
registered  in  the  books  of  parliament,  12th  April,  1554  (Acts  Pari.  Scot. 
II.  603.) 

But  the  busy  part  of  Gordon's  political  career  commenced  with  his  appoint- 
ment to  the  See  of  Galloway,  which  took  place,  according  to  Sir  Robert  Gor- 
don, in  1558  (Hist,  of  the  Earld.  of  Sutherland,  137.)  The  order  to  the  clergy 
of  the  diocese  to  attend  the  provincial  council  to  be  held  at  Edinburgh,  April  6, 
1559,  is  signed  by  Malcolm  perpetual  Commendator  of  the  Cathedral  Church  and 
vicar  general,  sede  vacante,  March  24,  1558-9,  and  the  Postulate  of  Galloway 
is  mentioned  in  the  Acts  of  that  Council  as  one  of  the  six  persons  to  whose 
examination  and  admonition  the  Archbishops  of  St.  Andrew's  and  Glasgow 
submitted  themselves  (Wilkin's  Concilia,  IV.  209.)  According  to  Sir  Robert 
Gordon  (supra,  p.  475)  the  Bishop  belonged  to  the  Queen  Regent's  party  and 
received  the  See  of  Galloway  from  her.  In  the  course  of  the  same  year,  however, 
the  protestant  party  became  the  more  powerful ;  Gordon  joined  them,  and  when 
they  suspended  the  Regent's  authority  and  appointed  a  council  for  the  manage- 
ment of  the  public  affairs,  he  was  one  of  four  ministers  nominated  to  assist 

*  Gavin  Hamylton,  Dean  of  Glasgow  and  vicar  general,  sede  vacante,  was  present  at  the 
provincial  Council  of  the  Clergy  held  in  Nov.,  1549  (Wilkin's  Concilia,  IV.  46.) 

f  The  abbot  of Inehaffray  was  present  at  the  parliament,  Nov.  29,  1558,  and  was  chosen  one 
of  the  Lords  of  the  Articles  (Acts  Pari.  Scot.  II.  503.)  Who  was  this  person?  Gordon  is 
mentioned  in  the  Criminal  Record,  18th  May,  1556,  as  Archbishop  of  Athens,  and  of  the 
Isles  of  Scotland,  and  perpetual  Commendator  of  the  Monastery  of  Inchechaffray  (Pitcairn's 
Criminal  Trials,  I.  *387,  8.) 


478  NOTES.  [Gordon, 

them  in  the  discussion  of  ecclesiastical  questions  (Sadler's  State  Papers,  1809, 
I.  510,  11.)     "  Alexander  Archbishop  off  Athenis,  elect  off  Galloway  and  Com- 
mendatare  off  Incheffray,"  was  present  at  the  parliament  which  met  at  Edinburgh, 
August  1,  1560,  and  signed  the  "  Commissioun  of  the  Estats  to  move  Queene 
Elizabeth   of  England  to  tak  the  Erie  of  Arran  to  hir  husband."   (Acts   Pari. 
Scot.  II.  525,  605.)      The  precise  date  at  which  Gordon  became  a  member  of 
the  Privy  Council  has  not  been  ascertained,  but  it  must  have  been  previous  to 
December,  1565  (Keith's  Hist.  App.  117.)     He  was  appointed  (Nov.  26,  1565) 
an  Extraordinary  Lord  of  Session   in  place  of  the  Bishop  of  Orkney  (Haig 
and  Brunton's  Hist.  Ace.  Sen.  Coll.  Just.  129,)  but  was  superseded  in   1569, 
because    his    place    "  vaiked    by   his    continuall   absence"    (Murray's    Literary 
Hist,  of  Galloway,  p.  77  note.)     His  name  appears  in  the  list  of  the  commis- 
sioners who  were  appointed  by  Queen  Mary  to  collect  the  laws  of  the  kingdom, 
and  to  whom  we  are  indebted  for  the  collection  of  the  Statutes,  known  by  the 
name  of  the  Black  Acts  and  printed  at  Edinburgh  in  1566  (Life  of  Bishop 
Lesley,  aptid  Mackenzie's  Lives  of  Scots  Writers,  II.  503,  4.)      He  attended  the 
Privy  Council  on  the  19th  of  March,  1565-6,  and  on  the  2nd  of  May,  and  8th 
of  June,  1566,  when  the  persons  suspected  of  participation  in  Riccio's  murder 
were  ordered  to  appear  before  it,  and  when  on  their  failing  to  do  so  they  were 
declared  rebels  (Keith's  Hist.  App.  130,  2.)     The  Bishop  was  present  at  the 
Convention  of  Estates,  held  in  October,  1566,  which  granted  "  ane  taxatioun  of 
twelf  thowsand  pundis  to  thair  majesteis  for  suppleing  the  expensis  of  the  baptisme 
of  thair  derrest  sone  the  native  prince  of  this  realme,"   (Acts  Pari.   Scot.  II. 
607,)  and  having  voted  the  supplies  he  did  not  absent  himself  from  the  ceremony 
(Keith's  Cat.  of  Scot.  Bish.  Russel's  edit.  279.)     He  and  others  procured  several 
Acts  of  the  Privy  Council  for  the  support  of  the  protestant  clergy  in  October, 
December  and  January  following  (Knox's  Hist.  1732,  p.  401.  Keith's  Hist.  561,  2, 
570.)    The  next  year  was  fertile  in  intrigue,  and  Bishop  Gordon  did  not  want  his 
share  in  it.     His  name  appears  in  the  Sederunt  of  the  Privy  Council,  28th  March, 
1566-7,  when  the  day  was  appointed  for  Bothwell's  trial,  (Anderson's  Coll.  rel. 
to  Q.  Mary,  I.  50); — he  attended  the  Queen's  parliament  on  the  14th  of  April, 
(Acts  Pari.  Scot.  II.  545); — signed  the  Bond  in  favour  of  Bothwell,  on  the 
20th,  (Keith's  Hist.  382); — he  was  present  as  a  Judge  in  the  Court  of  Session, 
May  12,  when  Queen  Mary  declared  her  forgiveness  of  Bothwell  for  his  alleged 
violence,  and  her  intention  of  promoting  him  to  higher  honours; — he  sat  in  the 
Privy  Council  on  the  17th,  19th,  (according  to  the  Pitmedden  MS.)  and  22nd  of 
May,  (Keith's  Hist.  385,  7) ; — when  the  nobility  rose  against  Bothwell,  Gordon 
took  refuge  (June  10th)  with  Huntley,  the  Archbishop  of  St.  Andrew's,  &c,  in 
the  castle  of  Edinburgh  (Diurnal  of  Occurrents,  113);— and  when  the  Queen's 


Note  A.]  NOTES.  479 

Lords  assembled  at  Dumbarton,  Gordon  joined  them  and  signed  the  deed  by  which 
they  bound  themselves  to  demand  her  liberation,  (Sir  J.  Melville's  Memoirs, 
Bann.  Club  edit.,  p.  196,  see  also  infra  p.  481); — he  is  found  soon  afterwards  in 
communication  with  the  King's  party,  (Throgmorton's  letter  to  Q.  Elizabeth, 
July  18,  1567.  Robertson's  Scotland,  Lond.  1802,  App.  xxii); — before  the  fol- 
lowing December  he  and  his  patron  Huntley  had  signed  the  bond  for  the  support 
of  the  Kins's  government,  (Crawfurd's  Off.  of  State,  p.  442.  Anderson's  Coll. 
relating  to  Queen  Mary) ; — they  both  attended  the  parliament  held  at  Edin- 
burgh in  December,  (that  parliament  which  approved  of  the  Queen's  dimission 
of  the  Crown, — ratified  the  succession  of  the  Prince  and  the  appointment  of  the 
Regent,  and  declared  the  order  for  Mary's  imprisonment  in  Lochleven  to  have 
"  procedit  vpon  ane  iust,  trew  and  sinceir  ground,")  and  were  elected  Lords  of 
the  Articles; — Gordon  was  named  in  "ane  commissioun  to  certaine  Lordis  of  the 
Estatis  to  considder  sik  articklis  as  is  committit  to  thame,  and  to  report  the  samine 
againe  in  the  nixt  parliament,"  (Acts  Pari.  Scot.  III.  3,  4,  30) ; — before  that  par- 
liament met  he  had  once  more  changed  sides  and  signed  a  bond,  May  8,  1568, 
for  the  defence  of  the  Queen  on  her  escape  from  Lochleven  (Keith's  Hist.  476.) 
We  must  refer  to  Wodrow  for  the  notices  of  him  to  be  found  in  the  ecclesiastical 
records  in  1568,  and  the  following  year.  He  attended  the  Convention  of  Estates 
held  at  Perth,  July  28th,  1569,  to  consider  certain  proposals  made  by  Lord 
Boyd  on  behalf  of  Queen  Mary  (supra,  p.  323.)  His  mission  to  England  in 
1570,  asone  of  Queen  Mary's  Commissioners,  forms  the  subject  of  a  separate  note. 
After  his  return  he  remained  with  the  Queen's  party.  "When  they  seized  upon 
the  town  of  Edinburgh  in  1571,  "all  men  that  favorit  not  the  Queyne" 
were  commanded  to  retire.  John  Knox  retired  to  St.  Andrew's, — Gordon  took 
possession  of  the  vacant  pulpit,  and  "  utheris  inferiors  administrat  the  sacra- 
ments of  baptisme  and  marriage:  bot  as  for  the  supper  of  the  Lord,"  con- 
tinues the  anonymous  writer  of  the  Historie  of  King  James  the  Sext,  "  it  was 
then  out  of  seasoun,  be  reasoun  that  tranquillitie  was  baneist  the  land  and 
violent  dealing  was  maister  of  all,"  (pp.  75,  6.)  On  the  8th  of  June,  Gordon  came 
to  Edinburgh  to  attend  a  parliament  of  the  Queen's  faction.  On  the  12th  Gor- 
don attended  the  parliament  held  by  his  party  in  the  tolbooth  of  Edinburgh,  by 
which  Mary's  resignation  of  the  Crown  was  declared  to  have  been  extorted  by  "feir 
of  hir  lyn°,"  and  that  and  all  the  subsequent  acts  of  the  King's  government  were 
declared  "  of  nane  awaill"  (Diurnal  of  Occurrents,  220,  1.  Bannatyne's  Journ. 
178,  222,  3.)  On  the  following  day  (13th  June)  the  Lords  in  the  Castle  sent  a 
message  to  Mr.  John  Craig  desiring  him  to  convene  the  Kirk  (Session?)  and  the 
Bishop  of  Galloway  and  Sir  James  Balfour  required  of  that  assembly  "with  all 
gentlenes  and  submissione"  that  they  should  pray  for  the  Queen  their  Sovereign 


480  NOTES.  [Gordon, 

and  for  the  prince  her  son,  "  bot  it  was  denyed  of  the  whole  brethrene,  whairat 
the  tuo  messengeris  wer  not  content  and  discharged  them  to  preich  gif  they 
wald  not  pray  for  the  quene."  (Bann.  Jour.  231.)  It  was  about  this  time  (June 
17)  that  Gordon  preached  the  sermon  given  (pp.  150 — 3)  in  the  text  (Banna- 
tyne's  Journal,  178.)  If  the  report  of  that  sermon  could  be  considered  authentic, 
it  would  certainly  deserve  Wodrow's  quaint  appellation  of  "perfectly  an  original," 
nor  would  it  be  destitute  of  historical  value  as  showing  the  opinions  of  Queen 
Mary's  party  respecting  her  conduct;  but,  although  Bannatyne  declares  it  to 
have  been  "  transported  word  be  word  be  the  most  copious  auditoure  being  then 
present  for  the  tyme"  (Journal,  179,)  it  contains  too  many  marks  of  the  workman- 
ship of  a  satyrical  enemy  to  be  entitled  to  perfect  confidence.  In  the  meantime 
the  ministers  were  not  slow  in  passing  a  counter  resolution  to  that  of  the  Queen's 
Lords.  About  the  beginning  of  August  an  assembly  was  held  at  Stirling;  it 
ordained  "  that  na  minister  should  pray  in  thair  sermouns  for  the  quene,  and  fand 
fault  with  Alexander  bischope  of  Galloway,  minister  at  Edinburgh,  becaus  he 
prayit  for  the  said  quene;  againis  the  quhilk  act  Johne  Craig  opponit"  (Diurn.  of 
Occ.  236.)  The  parliament  of  the  Queen's  party  met  soon  afterwards  at  Edin- 
burgh and  forfeited  the  Regent  and  a  long  list  of  persons  obnoxious  to  them. 
On  the  31st  of  August  the  King's  parliament  met  at  Stirling.  That  assembly 
in  like  manner  called  the  summonds  of  forfeiture  on  many  of  their  opponents, 
among  whom  we  find  the  name  of  the  Bishop  of  Galloway,  and  on  their  non- 
appearance declared  them  "  to  have  tint  thair  lands,  lyves  and  guids."  (Diurn. 
of  Occ.  242 — 5.  Bannatyne's  Journ.  258.)  This  sentence  was  annulled  in]the  fol- 
lowing year  by  the  treaty  of  pacification  at  Perth  (Hist,  of  K.  James  the  Sext. 
Bann.  Club  edit.  134.)  But  the  terms  which  the  church  required  for  the 
removal  of  its  censures  were  much  more  rigid ;  and  Gordon's  whole  conduct  in 
reference  to  them  exhibits  the  keen  struggle  of  pride  with  the  desire  of  being 
restored  (supra,  pp.  153 — 9.)  After  this  period  we  find  Gordon's  name  but 
little  mentioned  in  the  civil  transactions  of  the  period.  He  was  present  at  a 
Convention,  5  March,  1574,  on  the  "  presentatioun  of  our  soverane  lordis 
jowellis  be  Coline  erll  of  Ergyle  to  the  Lord  Regent."  (Acts  Pari.  Scot.  III. 
84.)  The  infirmities  of  age  had  probably  now  overtaken  him,  and  perhaps  it 
is  not  unreasonable  to  conjecture,  that,  along  with  them,  the  mortifications 
which  he  had  experienced  had  some  effect  in  cooling  his  zeal. 

To  offer  any  remark  on  the  Memoirs  of  Crawfurd  of  Drumsoy  may  per- 
haps be  now  considered  superfluous.  It  would  certainly  be  so,  if  his  mis-state- 
ments terminated  with  himself,  but  they  have  been  copied  by  writers  of  eminence 
and  integrity,  and  on  their  account  alone  does  his  work  become  entitled  to  the 
slightest  notice.     The  bond  referred  to  at  p.  479  of  this  Note  as  having  been 


Note  A.]  NOTES.  481 

entered  into  at  Dumbarton  by  the  Hamilton  party,  is  dated  by  Crawfurd  at 
Hamilton,  Dec.  25,  1567,  (Memoirs,  ed.  1753,  pp.  51,  2.)  The  object  of  the 
author  in  falsifying  the  date  is  sufficiently  obvious  from  the  context,  which  con- 
tains some  of  his  grossest  interpolations.  Having  carried  forward  his  narrative 
as  far  as  the  month  of  December,  1567,  he  proceeds  to  say  that  the  loyalists 
(Queen's  party,)  "  hoping  to  balance  matters  by  their  presence,"  intimated  to 
the  Regent  their  wish  to  attend  the  approaching  Parliament,  and  that,  when 
this  proposal  was  rejected,  they  drew  up  the  bond  in  question.  The  inference, 
therefore,  which  he  wishes  his  readers  to  draw  is,  that  they  had  for  many 
months  together  attempted  a  reconciliation  of  the  different  parties,  and  having 
been  foiled  in  all  their  honest  and  patriotic  endeavours,  these  faithful  ad- 
herents felt  themselves  at  last  bound  in  conscience  to  demand  Mary's  liberation 
at  all  hazards.  Now,  what  is  the  fact?  Before  the  14th  of  September,  the 
Earl  of  Argyle  and  the  abbot  of  Kilwinning,  whose  names  appear  at  the  bond, 
had  made  their  peace  with  Murray,  "  promisyng  to  serve  the  King,  and  acknow- 
ledge him  as  Regent",  and  the  other  adherents  of  the  Hamilton  faction  were 
eagerly  attempting  a  reconciliation  at  that  time  (Letter,  R.  Melvill  to  Throgmor- 
ton,  Laing's  History,  I.  121,  2,  nule.)  Before  the  month  of  December  following, 
the  Earls  of  Argyle  and  Huntley,  and  the  Bishop  of  Galloway,  all  signers  of  the 
bond,  had  signed  the  public  obligation  to  defend  the  King  and  support  his  govern- 
ment (Crawfurd's  Officers  of  State,  App.  pp.  441,  2);  when  the  Parliament  met 
in  Dec.  all  the  three  were  elected  Lords  of  the  Articles,  and  so  far  were  they 
from  attempting  "to  balance  matters  by  their  presence," — so  far  from  protesting 
that  no  acts  passed  in  that  Parliament  should  operate  to  the  prejudice  of  the 
Queen,  since  they  could  not  successfully  oppose  them — that  Argyle,  Huntley 
and  Herreis  protested  on  the  29th  of  Dec.  that  none  of  their  own  actions  since  the 
10th  of  June  should  be  made  the  subject  of  future  impeachment,  and  acknow- 
ledged that  they  had  been  undutiful  subjects  of  the  King  (Acts  Pari.  Scot.  III. 
4,  34.)  On  the  25th  of  Dec.  the  Abbot  of  Kilwinning  appears  to  have  been 
in  France,  to  which  he  had  been  sent  on  the  21st  of  September,  after  making 
his  peace  with  Murray  be  it  observed,  to  urge  the  Duke  of  Chatelherault  to 
return  to  Scotland  and  oppose  Murray's  government  (Diurnal  of  Occurrents, 
123,  Hist,  of  James  the  Sext,  comp.  pp.  19  and  32);  his  name  has  not  been 
found  connected  with  any  of  the  public  transactions  till  1568,  when  he  is  men- 
tioned as  having  returned  from  France,  by  the  writer  of  the  very  work  which 
Drumsoy  professes  to  have  made  the  ground-work  of  his  history. 

For  these  reasons  the  bond  is  mentioned  in  the  preceding  part  of  this  Note 
(p.  479)  as  having  been  executed  at  Dumbarton  in  the  interval  between  Queen 
Mary's  imprisonment  in  Lochleven  and  the  following  September :  that  date  is  also 

3  P 


482  NOTES.  [Gordon, 

confirmed  by  the  place  which  the  undated  copy  of  it  occupies  in  Sir  James  Mel- 
ville's narrative  (Memoirs,  Bann.  Club  edit.  p.  195,)  and  by  several  allusions 
to  it  in  the  dispatches  of  the  English  Ambassador.  The  confusion  produced 
in  Drumsoy's  Narrative  by  the  falsification  of  the  date  seems  to  have  staggered 
the  faith  of  the  more  skilful  in  the  authenticity  of  the  document,  for  his 
editor  informs  us  in  the  second  Edition  that  "  some  ignorant  people"  had  pos- 
sessed the  audacity  to  declare  the  bond  to  be  the  work  of  Crawfurd's  own  hand, 
which  charge  he  most  indignantly  rebuts,  although  he  admits  that  the  date  given 
by  Crawfurd  is  "erroneous."  Thus  it  is  that  Mr.  David  Crawfurd  of  Drumsoy 
and  his  editor  Mr.  Walter  Goodal  vindicate  "  oppressed  Truth  and  Right,  and 
do  service  in  their  humble  station  to  the  Crown  and  to  their  Country"  !  ! 


Note  B. — Gordon's  emoluments.     (Page  147.) 

The  resignation  of  Inchaffray  in  favour  of  a  young  child,  mentioned  in  the 
text  (p.  147)  probably  refers  to  the  lease  of  it  granted  to  James  Drummond, 
second  son  of  David  second  Lord  Drummond.  This  lease  was  probably  granted  in 
consideration  of  a  sum  of  money  paid  at  the  time  to  the  Bishop,  for  a  very  small 
yearly  rent;  there  is  at  least  evidence  that  it  was  held  by  Drummond  long  after 
Gordon's  death  and  long  after  in  the  course  of  nature  he  could  be  expected  to 
live  when  it  was  granted.  The  abbey  of  Inchaflrey  was  erected  into  a  temporal 
lordship  in  1607,  Drummond  having  then  been  created  Lord  Maderty  (Wood's 
Douglas's  Peerage,  II.  550.  Spottiswoodc's  Religious  Houses,  apud  Keith's  Cat. 
393.)  The  other  dilapidations  by  Gordon  mentioned  in  the  text  probably  refer 
to  alienations  of  several  ecclesiastical  lands  in  the  Stewartry  of  Kirkcudbright, 
by  Gordon  as  Bishop  of  Galloway  and  Commendator  of  Tungland,  to  Gordon 
of  Lochinvar,  1564—6.  (Wood's  Dougl.  Peer.  II.  26.) 

It  may  be  worth  while  to  ascertain,  as  far  as  the  incomplete  data  now  pre- 
served enable  one  to  do  so,  the  amount  of  Gordon's  emoluments  in  consideration 
of  his  faithful  services.  That  it  formed  an  important  part  of  his  own  contem- 
plations is  sufficiently  evident.  The  retention  of  their  revenues  was  expressly 
stipulated  for  in  the  subscription  of  the  First  Book  of  Discipline  by  the 
Popish  clergy  (supra,  143,)  and  Wodrow  is  guilty  of  no  great  breach  of 
charity  when  he  says  that  this  reservation  "  was  no  small  argument  with  Bishop 
Gordon  to  join"  in  the  subscription. 

We    have   several    statements   of    the   revenues    of    the    Bishoprick    of 


Note  C]  NOTES.  483 

Galloway.  The  lowest  is  given  by  Keith  in  his  account  of  the  revenues 
of  the  different  Sees  about  the  period  of  the  assumption  of  the  thirds  of  benefices 
and  is  as  follows:  In  money,  11371.  8d.; — in  bear,  6  chald.  15  bolls  3  firlots;  — 
in  meal,  7  chald.  9  bolls; — salmon  268  (or  in  the  Books  of  Assignation,  228.) 
This  appears  to  include  the  Abbacy  of  Tungland  (Keith's  Hist.  App.  181,)  but 
another  statement  about  the  same  period  gives  a  somewhat  higher  account 
(Chalmers'  Caledonia,  III.  417,)  and  a  third,  dated  Sept.  8,  1566,  is  13571. 
4s.  2d.  (Ibid.)  The  Bishop  of  Galloway  was  also  ex  officio  Dean  of  the  Chapel 
Royal  of  Stirling  "  valued,"  according  to  Spotliswoode,  "  in  King  James  VI. 's 
time  to  a  very  high  rental"  (Religious  Houses,  Keith's  Catalogue,  Russel's 
edit.  472;  see  also  Nimmo's  Stirlingshire,  by  Stirling,  154.)  The  revenues  of 
the  Abbey  of  Inchaffray  are  quoted  by  Keith  at  6661.  13s.  4d.  (Hist.  App.  185,) 
and  the  same  author  has  given  the  following  note  of  the  payment  to  Gordon 
as  Commissioner  of  Galloway, — in  bear,  2  chald.  5  bolls  1  fir.; — in  meal,  2 
chald.  8  bolls  1  fir.  1|  peck,  besides  a  payment  in  money  deducted  from  the 
amount  of  the  thirds  of  his  bishoprick  (Ibid,  188.)  Besides  all  these  Gordon 
had  his  salary  as  a  Senator  of  the  College  of  Justice,  which  appears,  however, 
to  have  been  insignificant  (Haig  and  Brunton's  Hist.  Ace.  of  Sen.  Coll.  Just, 
xlvii.)  The  revenues  of  some  of  the  benefices  were  somewhat  diminished  after 
the  Reformation,  as  the  pasch  fines,  corps  presents,  and  umaist  claiths  were  no 
longer  paid. 


Note  C. — Gordon's  attendance  on  the  secular  courts.     (Page  149.) 

The  materials  originally  intended  for  this  Note  have  been  in  a  great  measure 
transferred  to  Note  A.  Togive  an  outline  of  Gordon's  political  lifeitwas,  of  course, 
necessary  to  mention  the  more  important  transactions  in  which  he  was  engaged 
both  as  a  Privy  Councillor  and  otherwise.  That  he  attended  both  the  royal  and 
other  Courts  on  many  occasions,  which,  as  bearing  less  on  the  general  history 
of  the  period,  have  been  less  noticed,  the  Sederunts  of  the  Privy  Council  and 
his  general  character  leave  no  room  to  doubt.  The  complaints  against  him  by 
the  Church  for  thus  neglecting  his  ministerial  duties  do  not  occur  once,  but 
often. 


484  NOTES.  [Gordon, 

Note  D. — treaty  in  behalf  of  queen  mary  in  1570-1.     (Page  153.) 

It  is  singular  that  Wodrow  should  have  only  known  by  inference  of  Gordon's 
mission  to  England  as  one  of  the  Commissioners  on  behalf  of  Queen  Mary  in 
the  treaty  of  1570-1.  That  transaction  is  distinctly  noticed  by  Spotswood, 
(Hist.  pp.  248-251,)  and  more  particularly  by  Bishop  Leslie  in  his  Negociations 
(Anderson's  Collections  relating  to  Queen  Mary,  Vol.  III.)  which  were 
published  in  1727, — two  years  before  Wodrow  wrote  Gordon's  Life. 

Of  the  many  expedients  to  the  adoption  of  which  Queen  Elizabeth's  policy 
in  regard  to  Scottish  affairs  led  her,  the  most  effectual, — more  especially  when 
her  future  conduct  must  be  accomodated  to  the  issue  of  pending  events, — was 
undoubtedly  negociation.  In  1570  the  importunities  of  the  Bishop  of  Ross 
and  the  French  Ambassador  induced  her  to  agree  to  the  commencement  of  a 
treaty  for  the  restoration  of  Queen  Mary,  the  reconciliation  of  the  different 
factions  in  Scotland,  and  the  adjustment  of  Mary's  claim  to  the  English  Crown, 
and  this  measure,  originally  conceded  merely  for  the  sake  of  appearances,  was  at 
length  urged  on  by  the  fear  of  a  combination  of  the  Catholic  States  in  favour 
of  the  Scottish  Queen  and  by  the  state  of  parties  in  Scotland,  which  remained 
very  doubtful  while  Kirkcaldy  of  Grange  continued  neutral.  Lord  Livingston  was 
accordingly  despatched  to  Scotland,  in  June  of  that  year,  with  orders  from  Queen 
Mary  to  convene  the  nobility  and  barons  of  her  party  for  the  purpose  of  choosing 
the  Commissioners.  They  met  at  Strathtay  in  September,  and  appointed  ten  com- 
missioners "  with  commission  from  them  or  anie  twoe  of  them  to  be  joyned  with 
Bishop  Lesley  for  accomplishment  of  the  said  treatie"  (Anderson's  Collections 
relating  to  Q.  Mary,  III.  91,  2,  5,  100).  A  delay  of  several  months  took  place 
before  they  received  their  instructions,  and  the  interval  was  well  employed  by 
Elizabeth.  Her  stratagems  were  sometimes  but  ill  concealed  by  the  veil  of 
cunning  and  hypocrisy  which  she  threw  over  them,  and  in  the  present  instance 
her  design  was  suspected  to  be,  what  was  afterwards  fully  proved,  merely  "  to 
dryve  time  with  France"  (Diurn.  of  Occ.  188.)  But  this  suspicion  she  contrived 
to  lull,  and  to  raise  the  expectations  of  the  Queen  and  her  party  by  sending 
two  of  her  ablest  ministers,  Cecil  the  Premier,  and  Mildmay  the  Chan- 
cellor of  the  Exchequer,  to  Mary  with  certain  propositions.  At  length  John 
Lesley  Bishop  of  Ross,  Queen  Mary's  Ambassador  at  the  Court  of  England, 
Alexander  Bishop  of  Galloway,  and  William  Lord  Livingston  received  their 
instructions  as  Commissioners  on  behalf  of  the  Queen  from  the  Duke  of  Chatel- 
herault  and  the  Earls  of  Argyle  and  Huntley,  as  her  Lieutenants,  and  as  taking 
burden  for  all  her  adherents,  on  the  10th  and  15th  of  November,  1570.     Com- 


Note  D.]  NOTES.  485 

missioners  were  also  appointed  by  the  King's  party  "and  a  taxation  maid  upon 
the  people  to  furneis  thair  expenssis,  availling  the  sowme  of  twelf  thowsand 
pundis  money  of  this  realme"  (Hist,  of  James  the  Sext,  Bann.  Club  edit.  p.  67,) 
but,  according  to  another  author,  "  the  same  haistilie  tuik  na  effect"  (Diurn.  of 
Occ.  192.)  The  Bishop  of  Galloway  and  Lord  Livingston  having  been  ordered 
to  obtain  an  audience  of  Queen  Mary,  and  receive  her  approbation  of  their 
instructions,  began  their  journey  in  the  month  of  December.  The  following 
curious  journal  of  their  progress  appears  in  the  Cottonian  MSS.  in  the  British 
Museum,  Cal.  B.  VIII.  fol.  277: 

The  expensses  maid  be  my  lorde  of  Galloway  and  Levingston  frome 
Dumfreis  to  Londoun  accompaneit  as  followis : 

Item  givine  to  ane  servand  of  my  Lord  Maxvallis  to  ryde  to  the  Lieuten- 
nent  and  Warden  of  the  Weyt  [West]  bordowris  to  saive  [?]  ane  effixt  day 
of  our  intre  twa  peces  of  thretty  schill's-  Inde  iii.  li. 

Item  the  refusall  being  maid  quhill  forder  avisment  be  ressone  of  the 
absence  of  the  Erll  of  Sussex  Lieutennent  and  that  his  deput  was  in  new  castell 
desirand  us  therfor  to  send  in  oure  principall  condeit  with  ane  speciall  man 
that  the  samyn  myght  be  sene  and  considerit  quilk  we  dide  with  ane  other 
servande  of  my  Lord  Maxvallis  to  quhome  we  gave  other  twa  thretty  schilling 
peces  Inde  iij.  li. 

The  foirsaid  sowmes  extendis  in  Inglis  money  to  xxvi.  5. 

Item  the  saidis  lordis  departit  frome  Dumfreis  on  Satirday  the  xvj.  day  of 
December  being  accompaneit  with  tenn  gentill  men  ordinairlir  twa  Lakeis  and 
twa  fute  men  to  the  Sowmrs  [?]  And  ane  led  horse  extending  in  the  haill  to  xv 
horse  with  the  lardis  of  Gartlie  Kerny  Skeldone  and  their  servands  Als  Rob. 
Makesone  James  lawder  Johnne  Boge  and  James  Symsone  with  ther  thre 
horses  And  com  at  nyght  to  Carlell  quha  causit  the  principall  gentill  men  that 
met  thair  Lordships  at  the  watter  to  Soup  with  thame  The  saide  Lordis  dynyt 
on  sonday  the  morne  thereftir  with  my  lord  Scrup  Als  thai  causit  my  lord 
Scrup  soup  that  nyght  and  Dusione  on  monnday  with  their  Lordships  Summe 
of  the  haill  expensses  in  Carleill  on  satirday  at  nyght  sonday  and  monnday  affoire 
yther  departing  ix.  li.     xv.  s. 

Item  to  Rob.  Makesone  to  ryd  the  poist  to  the  Quenis  Majestie  1.  s. 

Item  on  monnday  the  xviij  day  of  December  my  Lords  departit  frome  Car- 
lell and  com  at  nyght  to  Pirot  [Penrith  ?]  and  defreit  onlie  ther  awne  tryne 
and  the  Quenes  majesties  thre  servands  and  ther  horses.  Supper  that  nyght  and 
disione  on  the  morn  xlvij.  s. 


486  NOTES.  [Gordon, 

Item  Twisday  the  xix.  day  of  December  my  lords  accompanit  with  ther 
awne  tryne  and  thre  of  the  Quenis  Majesties  servands  departit  from  Pirot  dynit 
in  Bur'-  and  Sowpit  in  Spittell. 


Item  Denner 


Xlllj. 


Item  Supper  xxxii.  s.     iiij.  d. 

Item  Wadnisday  the  xx  day  of  December  my  Lordis  accompaneit  with 

ther  awnn  tryne  Als  the  lairds  of  Gartlie  Kerny  Skeldone  their  servands  and 

the    Quenis    Majesties    thre   servands   quha    defreit   thame    all    by    the    said 

Lardis  horses   in   Richmont  at   Denner   Supper  and   Disione  on    the  morne. 

Summa  iiij.  li.     xiiij.  s.     iiij.  d. 

Item  Thursday  the  xxi.  day  of  December  my  Lords  accompaniet  with  ther 

awne  tryne  and  the  Quenes  Majesties  thre  servands  departit  frome  Richmont 

and  come  at  nyght  to  Burrowbriggis     Item  for  thair  supper  xxxix.  5. 

Summa  lateris  xxiiij.  li.     xvij.  5.     viij.  d. 

Item  Friday  the  xxij.  day  of  December  my  Lords  departit  frome  Borrow  - 
brigis  being  accompanyit  with  ther  awne  tryne  the  lards  of  Gartlie  Kerny  Skel- 
done ther  servands  and  the  Quenes  Majesties  thre  servands  Dynit  in  Wodderby 
and  Sowpit  in  Pomfret. 

Item  Dinner  in  Wodderby  xxxiij.  s. 

Item  Supper  and  Disione  on  the  morne  in  Pomfret        v.  li.     xii.  s.     viij.  d. 

Item  Satirday  the  xxiij.  day  my  lordes  accompaneit  with  ther  awne  tryne, 
the  lards  of  Gartlie,  Kerny  and  Skeldoun  ther  servands  and  the  Quenes 
Majesties  thre  Servandis  departit  from  Pomfra.  Dynit  in  Rodrome  [Rother- 
ham?]  and  sowpit  in  Shefeilde. 

Item  Denner  in  Rodrome  xv.  s.     x.  d. 

Item  the  Lordis  sowpit  in  the  Maner  of  Shefeilde  and  the  gentill[men]  and 
boyis  at  waiges  with  horses  beande  allowit  therwith. 

Item  Supper  ix.  s.     v.  d. 

Item  Sonday  the  xxiiij  day  of  December  the  lords  beyng  at  ordinar  the 
rest  of  Servands  and  horses  at  waiges. 

Item  the  gentill  men  and  boyes  waigis  with  the  horses  extendit  daylie 
during  the  lairds  remaint  in  Shefeild  to 

Item  Monnday  the  xxv.  day  of  December  xviij.  s.     x.  d. 

Item  Twisday  the  xxvi.  day  of  December  xviij.  s.     x.  d. 

Item  Wednisday  the  xxvij  day  of  December  xviij.  s.     x.  d. 

Item  Thursday  the  xxviij  of  December  my  Lords  accompaniet  with  ther 
awne  tryne  departit  frome  Sheifeld  and  com  at  nyght  to  Mansfeilde. 

Item  to  my  Lord  Srosberryis  servandis  for  rewards  at  my  lordis  depart- 
ing xxx.  s. 


Note  D.]  NOTES.  487 

Item  Soupper  in  Mansfeilde  and  Disione  on  the  morne  with  the  horses 
expensses  l'j-  s. 

Item  Friday  the  xxix  day  of  December  my  Lordis  depertit  frome  Mansfeild 
and  sowpit  in  lochburt  Supper  xl.  s.     viij.  d. 

Item  Satirday  the  penult  of  December  my  Lordes  departit  fro  Loburrow 
Dynit  in  Leisteris  and  sowpit  in  Harborrow. 

Item  Denner  in  Leisteris  xi.  s.     ij.  d. 

Item  Supper  in  Harburrow  and  disione  on  the  morn  iiij.  li. 

Summa  lateris  xxj.  li.     ix.  s.     xj.  d. 

Sonday  the  last  day  of  December  my  Lordis  departit  frome  Harborrow 
and  sowpit  in  Northampton  and  Disjonit  the  morn  therefter. 

Item    Supper  and  disione  on  the  morne  iij.  li-     xj.  5. 

Item  monnday  the  first  of  Januar  my  Lordis  departit  frome  Northampton 
and  sowpit  in  Brikhill  and  disionit  the  morne  therafter  Item  for  Supper  and 
disione  in  Brikhill  lxi.  s. 

Item  Twisday  2  of  Januar  my  Lords  departit  frome  Brikhill  and  Sowpit 
in  Sanctabeins. 

Supper  xlj.  5.     ij.  d. 

Item  Wudnisday  the  third  of  Januar  my  Lordes  departit  frome  Sianctabeins 

dynit  in  Barnet  and  sowpit  in  London.    Item  Denner  in  Barnet        xlij.  s.     vj.  d. 

Summa  lateris  x.  li.     ix.  s.     viij.  d. 

Summa  totus  Lvj.  li.     xvij.  3.     iij.  d. 

Inglis  money 

My  Lordis  of  Galloway  and  Lewingston  comptis  to 
be  seine  be  suche  as  It  plesit  the  Quenes  Majestic 

It  appears  from  this  Journal  that  Lord  Livingston  and  the  Bishop  of  Gal- 
loway arrived  at  Sheffield  on  Saturday,  Dec.  23rd.  Here  they  had  an  audience 
of  Queen  Mary,  then  recovering  from  a  dangerous  illness,  and  were  joined  by 
the  Bishop  of  Ross.  They  communicated  their  Instructions  to  the  Queen,  and 
"  alter  divers  conferences"  received  the  following,  principally  confirmatory  of  the 
former  ones,  from  her  Majesty: — 

Instructions  gevin  to  ane  Reverend  father  in  God  Johnne  Bischop  of  Ross 
our  trusty  counsallor  and  ambassador  toward  the  Quene  of  England  our  guid 
sister  tobe  usit  be  him  with  the  advise  and  concurrence  of  the  Reverend  father 
in  God  Alexander  Bishop  of  Galloway  and  \Vm-  Lord  Levingston  who  ar 
sent  in  commission   be  our  Lieutenentes  and  nobilitie  our  guid  subjectes  tobe 


488  NOTES.  [Gordon, 

joynit  with  our  Ambassador  in  the  treaty  tobe  maid  with  our  said  guid  sistre  or 
hir  commissioners  tobe  depute  therto  asweill  for  appeasing  of  all  contraversies 
and  contracting  of  further  amitye  betuix  us  our  realme  and  subjects  as  also  for 
hir  pleaseur  tending  to  the  assurance  of  our  subjiectes  in  Scotland. 

First  ye  sail  considdir  dilligentlie  the  articles  and  heades  quhilk  war  pro- 
ponit  to  us  be  Sir  William  Cecill  Knyght  the  Quene  our  guid  sistirs  principall 
Secretary  and  Sir  Walter  Myldmey  chancellar  of  her  exchequer  hir  counsallors 
and  commissioners  At  chattisworth  in  the  moneth  of  October  last*  togidder 
with  our  answers  therto  that  in  cayse  the  same  be  of  new  proponit  to  you  againe 
ye  sail  answer  to  the  same  in  manner  following : 

As  to  the  first  of  the  said  articles  proponit  ye  sail  condiscend  to  the  same 
with  the  provision  maid  in  our  answer  therto  at  Chattisworth. f 

Item  as  to  the  second  article  bearing  the  confirmation  of  the  last  treaty 
maid  at  Edinburt  in  the  moneth  of  Jully  1560  ye  sail  condiscend  to  the  confir- 
mation therof  Providing  alwayes  that  the  same  be  not  hurtfull  nor  prejudiciall 
to  our  titill  in  succession  to  the  crowne  of  England  failseand  of  the  Queene  my 
guid  sistir  and  hir  lefull  yssue  And  to  that  effect  ye  sail  require  my  said  guid 
sistir  in  most  frendly  and  loving  maner  to  mak  assurance  be  sic  provisions  as 
may  be  sufficient  in  law  for  preservation  of  my  said  titill  in  succession  And 
because  the  same  dependis  upon  the  subtilteis  and  quiddeties  of  the  lawes  of 
this  realme  Therefore  ye  sail  desire  that  ye  may  have  counsall  of  sum  of  the 
best  learnit  in  the  lawis  for  the  better  considderation  of  this  poynt  be  whois 
advise  ye  may  the  better  resolve  thereupon  to  the  Quene  our  guid  sistirs  con- 
tentment and  for  our  guid  assurance. 

*  For  Queen  Elizabeth's  Commission  to  Sir  Wm-  Cecil  and  Sir  Walt.  Mildmay  to  treat  with 
Queen  Mary,  see  Cottonian  MSS.  Calig.  C.  ii.  f.  376.  At  the  same  place  will  be  found  Reason 
for  Mary's  assent  to  the  Articles  proposed  ; — matters  to  be  required  of  Mary  ; — and  the  Manner  of 
Assurance  for  the  Treaty.  Bishop  Lesley  inserts  the  substance  of  these  Articles  m  his  Nego- 
ciations,  (Anderson's  Collections  respecting  Queen  Mary,  iii.  101-3,)  but  neither  in  the  exact  order 
nor  divided  into  the  same  number  of  Articles  as  the  originals.  The  limits  of  this  volume  do  not 
permit  the  insertion  of  extracts  from  any  of  these  authorities,  but  Lesley's  work  can  easily  be 
consulted ;  and  the  answers  to  the  Articles  will  in  general  leave  the  reader  in  little  doubt  as  to 
their  nature. 

f  The  answer  to  this  Article  in  the  Instructions  by  the  Duke  of  Chatelherault,  &c.  (see  p. 
484)  stands  thus  :  Tueching  the  first  article  ye  sail  condiscend  to  the  same,  save  onlie  to  the  latter 
poinct  concerning  treaties  maid  by  any  officiaris  now  in  hir  sonnis  tyme  quhilk  we  think  not  con- 
venient to  confirme  and  speciallie  onder  thar  generalitie,  not  knowing  of  what  consequence  the 
speciall  may  be,  bot  in  place  theroff  ye  sail  condiscend  to  mak  new  treateis  or  aggrementis  in  the 
Quenes  awin  name  oft'  the  same  substance  gif  thay  be  nocht  derogatorie  to  the  auld  lawis  of  the 
merchis  and  libertie  of  the  Realme.  (Cotton.  MSS.  Calig.  C.  II.  f.  433.) 


Note  D.]  NOTES.  489 

Item  as  to  the  thrid  article  ye  sail  assuir  the  Quene  our  guid  sistir  of  our 
constant  aniitye  and  guid  freindschip  in  tymes  cuming  so  that  no  prince  or 
cuntrey  salbe  able  to  persuade  us  to  do  any  thing  that  may  be  offensive  to  hir 
estait  or  cuntrey  Trusting  assuredlie  to  receave  the  lik  at  hir  handes  And 
therfore  ye  sail  desire  hir  to  considder  and  wey  our  caise  and  grit  lose  which 
may  follow  to  us  our  cuntrey  subjectes  and  peopill  of  Scotland  in  caise  we  wald 
agre  to  this  article  as  it  is  demandit  for  therby  we  salbe  in  danger  to  lose  our 
dowarrie  in  France  the  previleges  quhilk  our  subjects  lies  enjoyed  thir  mony 
hondrith  yeris  be  the  auld  league  of  the  Intertenyment  of  the  men  of  armes  the 
Archers  of  the  gard  And  24  archers  of  the  corps  keiparis  of  the  kyngis  body 
with  all  uther  privileges  that  marchandes  studentes  and  uthers  wha  hes  heritages 
benefices  and  pensions  of  that  realme  with  many  uther  commodities  and 
honorable  promotions  Besydes  that  we  and  our  cuntrey  salbe  voyd  of  the 
assistance  that  our  predecessors  and  we  was  wont  to  have  for  our  defence  in  caise 
England  or  ony  uther  nation  ondir  what  sumende  [whatsumeuir?]  cullor  could 
invaid  Scotland  Quhilk  inconvenientes  being  foresene  and  provision  being 
maid  therfore  that  we  may  have  sufficient  recompence  for  the  lose  be  the  like 
previleges,  commodities  proffeitis  and  Immunities  to  be  assurit  us  and  our 
subjectes  We  will  rather  contract  freindship  with  the  Quene  our  guid  sistir  nor 
any  prince  in  christendome  Otherwise  it  wilbe  hard  to  persuade  our  subjectes 
to  agre  therto  alwayes  we  will  not  refuse  to  contract  with  the  quene  our  guid 
sistir  and  joyne  with  hir  in  hir  defence  in  caise  any  prince  or  cuntrey  sail  invaid 
her  without  just  cause  first  gevin  be  England  to  that  prince  or  cuntrey  And 
so  being  also  that  in  caise  England  gif  the  first  occasion  of  weare  to  thaim  It 
salbe  lefull  to  us  to  Joyne  with  our  auld  freendis  and  allyes  for  thair  defence 
without  brek  of  the  present  treaty  Providing  alwayes  that  the  like  band  of 
Frendship  be  maid  to  us  reciproclye  on  the  Queene  our  gude  sistirs  part. 

Item  to  the  feird  article  ye  sail  agree  therto  with  provision  that  alsweil 
Englis  as  Frenche  men  of  weare  salbe  removit  furth  of  Scotland  gif  any  be 
within  a  moneth  eftre  our  retorning  within  our  seid  realme  so  that  onlie  Scottis 
men  of  weare  sail  remane  within  the  same  onless  it  sal  happin  that  sic  rebellion 
salbe  actually  attemptit  against  us  as  be  the  foras  [forcis  ?]  of  the  contrey  onlie 
can  not  be  repressit  And  in  that  caise  it  salbe  lesum  to  us  to  require  and 
receave  ayde  of  strangers  aswell  of  the  Queene  our  guid  sistir  as  of  uther 
princes  our  allyes  and  confidirats  without  prejudice  or  viollating  of  this  present 
treaty  Providing  that  our  said  guid  sistir  salbe  wairnit  therof  be  us  and  maid 
privey  therto  and  that  theis  strangres  sail  not  be  sufferrit  to  remane  within  the 
Realme  eftir  the  peaciffyng  of  the  Rebellion. 

Item  to  the   5(h  article   That  it  be  plainlie   declarit   what  is  meanit  be 


490  NOTES.  [Gordon, 

intelligence  mentionat  in  the  same  for  we  ar  content  to  forbeare  all  Intelligences 
that  may  be  prejudiciall  aither  to  the  Queene  our  guid  sistir  hir  estait  or 
cuntre  and  5e  sail  require  that  the  said  article  be  reciproclie  maid  for  the  Queene 
of  Englands  part. 

Item  to  the  6th  article  ye  sail  condiscend  as  in  our  formar  answer  assuring 
alwayes  that  thair  is  no  Englismen  presently  within  the  realme  of  Scotland  of 
these  quha  socht  Refuge  saving  onlie  these  that  ar  in  the  keiping  of  our  Rebellis 
for  all  the  rest  ar  abandonnit  conforme  to  the  promise  maid  be  the  B.  of  Ross 
our  Ambassador  at  the  beginning  of  this  treaty. 

Item  as  to  the  7th  article  ye  sail  accord  as  in  our  formar  answeris.* 

Item  as  to  the  8th  Article  ye  sail  also  condiscend  as  in  our  formar  answers. 

As  to  the  nynt  article  concerning  the  prince  our  sone  ye  sail  considder  the 
advice  of  the  nobillitie  our  guid  subjects  send  to  us  therupon  And  informe  our 
guid  sistir  upon  the  sam  assuring  hir  nevirtheless  for  our  part  that  we  sail  leve 
na  thing  undone  that  consistis  in  our  powar  to  hir  satisfaction  in  that  poynt 
Trusting  alwayes  that  she  will  not  prease  us  and  our  guid  subjectes  forder  nor 
for  our  consent  in  respect  that  the  delivering  of  the  Prince  our  sone  standes  not 
in  our  handes  he  being  kepit  be  our  rebellis  and  being  maid  ane  cullor  of  thair 
pretendit  rebellion  to  our  grit  hurt  and  prejudice  And  therfore  the  delivrie 
of  his  person  sould  not  hinder  our  libertie  as  being  a  thing  impossible  to  us 
onless  the  Quene  our  guid  sistir  will  mak  us  to  be  frelie  restorit  within  our 
awin  realme  and  in  the  mean  tyme  receave  aither  pledgis  of  our  nobilitie  And 
in  that  case  we  sail  cause  that  part  of  the  treaty  be  fulfilled  be  the  speciall 
assistance  and  concurrence  of  our  guid  sister  and  besydes  that  these  conditions 
proponit  be  us  in  our  formar  answer  at  Chattisworth  be  agreit  unto. 

The  10th  article  semis  not  honorable  to  be  put  in  ony  treaty  because  it  is 
contrarious  to  all  lawes  and  guid  reasons  to  put  a  bridle  to  marriage  not  the 
less  we  reffer  us  to  our  former  answers  gevin  therto. 

The  11th  article  wald  be  weill  considerit  of  conforme  to  the  Instructions 
send  be  oure  nobillite  thereanent.f 

*  The  answers  to  this  and  the  following  Article  in  the  Instructions  by  Chatelherault,  &c, 
stand  thus  : — 

To  the  sevint  article  it  is  resonnabill  that  all  injuries  and  vvrangis  done  by  the  subjectis 
of  ather  realme  against  the  uther  be  redressit  ather  by  the  ordre  of  the  wardains  of  the  merchis 
or  be  commissionaris  June  inde  to  be  appoinctit  w  heirin  for  the  part  of  Scotland  their  salbe  na 
delay  hir  Majesty  being  at  hame  wherthrou  hir  ministeris  may  be  deulie  obeyit  in  the  forth 
setting  of  justice. 

To  the  audit  article  we  doubt  not  hot  the  Queues  Majestie  will  do  therin  as  apperteinis  of 
justice  and  reason  wheronto  we  for  oure  partis  sail  alsua  hald  hand.  (Cott.  MSS.  Cal.  II.  f.  433.) 

f  The  answers  to  the  1 1th  and  12th  articles  in  the  Instructions  referred  to  are  as  follow  : 


NoteD.]  NOTES.  4»1 

Twiching  the  12th  article  we  reffer  us  to  our  formar  answers. 
The  maner  of  the  Assurance. 

The  first  article  is  agreit.* 

As  to  the  secound  article  we  reffer  us  to  our  formar  answers  geyin  therto. 

The  thrid  article  semis  to  be  most  perrillous  of  all  for  that  it  beares  sa 
mony  captious  and  generall  termes  whereupon  occasion  may  be  taken  to  our 
greit  hurt  and  prejudice,  or  rather  to  the  haill  overthrow  of  our  titillis  as  weill 
in  succession  of  the  croune  of  England  as  to  the  present  titill  of  our  awin 
Realme  principally  in  these  termes  to  ayde  or  any  wayes  confort  any  notorious 
trator  or  rebell  of  England  &c.  quilke  walde  be  interpreted  as  is  contenit  in  the 
articles  send  be  our  nobillitie  and  therefore  it  is  necessare  that  ye  require  the 
Queene  our  guid  sister  to  mak  it  lefull  to  yow  to  have  the  counsall  and  advise 
of  certane  of  the  best  learnit  in  the  lawes  of  this  realme  upon  this  article  Being 
so  prejudiciall  as  it  is  to  our  haill  estait  quilk  being  so  ressonable  we  ar  assurit 
it  will  not  be  refusit,  be  whose  advis  and  Yor-  awin  wisdomes  ye  sal  agre  to 
that  thing  salbe  most  convenient  for  the  Queene  our  guid  sisters  suretie  and 
ours  also. 

To  the  feird  article  it  appeiris  werray  necessar  that  the  lik  ordor  be  keipit 
in  making  assurance  to  us  be  the  Queene  our  guid  sister  and  the  estaites  of  the 
Realme  of  England  for  keiping  of  the  poyntis  of  this  treaty  as  she  hes  requirit 
us  and  our  estaites  to  do  con  forme  to  the  advise  send  to  us  be  our  nobillitie. 

As  to  the  5,h  article  concerning  the  Castell  of  Home  we  refer  us  to  our 
formar  answers. 

And  dois  syclyke  of  the  6th  for  we  can  not  agre  that  ony  strangers  possese 
any  strentli  within  our  realme. 

Also  forasmeikle  as  the  assurance  taken  at  the  Queene  our  guid  sisters 
desire  betuix  therle  of  Sussex  hir  lieutennent  and  our  Lieutennentes  in  Scot- 
land and  therle  of  Lennox  and  his  assisters  quilk  hes  bene  trewlie  and  inviolably 
kepit  be  all  our  guid  subjectes  and  nevertheles  the  same  is  violated  and  broken 
be  the  adverse  party  in  sic  sort  that  thair  is  grit  spoyles  reif  and  oppression 
exercit  be  them  agains  our  said  guid  subjectes  contrair  to  ther  promis  quilk 

To  the  elevent  article  Thair  was  never  sauf  conduct  usit  as  we  onderstand  betuix  Scotland 
and  Ireland  allwayis  it  is  resonabill  that  the  subjectis  of  Scotland  sail  not  enter  in  Ireland  to  offend 
the  Quene  of  England's  subjectis  albeit  thay  may  repair  thither  for  thair  tred  of  marchandice  or 
uther  lauefull  eftaris  as  thay  have  bene  accustomed  heirtofor  in  tyme  of  peax  and  the  article  man 
be  reciproque,  as  weill  for  Ireland  as  Scotland. 

To  the  tuelft  article  we  knaw  nathing  of  that  matter  And  gif  any  sic  thing  be  we  remit  it  to 
hir  Majesties  self  the  ansuer  therof.  (Ibid.) 

*  See  the  first  and  second  Articles  of  the  "  Assurance"  in  Lesley's  Negociations,  ut  supra. 


492  NOTES.  [Gordon, 

becides  [becums?]  our  said  guid  sister  of  hir  honor  to  cause  be  redrest  therefore  ye 
sail  desir  her  most  affectouslie  to  cause  the  saides  wrongs  and  injury es  be  reparit 
And  that  ordor  be  taken  that  during  this  treaty  no  parliament  be  haldin  in 
thair  pretendit  maner  nor  nane  of  our  guid  subjectes  be  molested  or  troublit  in 
thair  bodyes  landes  possessions  guides  or  geir  Bot  that  they  be  sufferit  peciably 
to  enjoye  thair  levinges  and  possessions  without  any  farder  trouble  The  parti- 
cullar  declaration  heirof  we  reffer  to  the  information  to  be  gevin  be  mi  Lordes 
of  Galloway  and  Levingston  and  as  ye  sail  get  farther  knawledge  therof  from 
tyme  to  tyme  faile  not  to  mak  earnist  instance  according  to  all  reason  equitie 
and  guid  conscience. 

And  finallie  our  pleasure  is  that  ye  considder  dilligentlie  the  articles  and 
Instructions  send  be  our  nobillitie  at  this  present  quhilk  we  find  warry  guid  in 
all  respectes  And  because  they  have  referrit  to  our  awin  Judgement  and  pie- 
sour  to  agrie  to  what  sumever  conditions  may  serve  for  the  advancement  of  our 
libertie  and  restitution  we  likwise  dois  commit  the  same  to  your  wisdomes  and 
discretion  to  be  usit  be  the  advise  of  the  said  Bishop  of  Galloway  and  Lord 
Levingston  asweill  in  these  matirs  quhilk  [ar?]  to  be  treatit  betuix  the  Quene  our 
guid  sistir  and  us  as  in  ony  uthers  quhilk  sal  happin  to  be  proponit  for  the 
assurance  of  our  unnaturall  subjectes  in  caise  for  the  pleasure  of  our  guid  sister 
we  salbe  persuadit  to  schaw  our  clemencie  toward  thame  wherof  the  particullar 
advise  we  reffer  to  the  information  quhilk  we  have  gevin  you  conforme  to  the 
answers  quhilk  we  maid  to  our  saide  guid  sisters  commissioners  at  Chattisworth 
promissing  faythfullye  to  ratefye  approve  and  afferme  quhatsumever  ye  sail  do  in 
this  behalf  and  observe  and  keip  the  same  inviolably  in  all  poyntis  in  whiles  of 
the  quhilk  we  have  subscrivit  thir  presents  with  our  hand  and  affixt  our  signet 
therto  at  Shefeild  the  26  day  of  December  1570. 

The  25,  26,  and  27th  at  Shefeild. 

The  saide  commissioners  conferrit  with  the  Quenes  Majestie  upon  the 
particullar  heades  of  all  these  Instructions  and  sic  uther  thinges  as  was  necessar 
for  this  conference  and  hir  Majestie  subscrivit  and  signed  the  saide  articles  and 
ordeyned  my  lordes  commissioners  to  depart  towart  the  Queene  of  England  hir 
guid  sister  ther  to  proceid  in  this  treaty  as  thai  ar  instructed  in  all  poyntes  So 
my  lordes  Galloway  and  Levingston  departit  to  ther  jorney  the  28  and  Bischop 
of  Ross  departit  fra  the  said  Shefeild  towardes  London  the  xxix  with  hir 
Majesties  letters  to  the  Queene  of  England  and  als  from  the  nobillitie  of  the 
quhilk  the  tennor  followis. 

At  the  same  tyme  and  before  the  departing  of  the  saide  Commissioners 
they  requirit  a  letter  of  the  Quenes  Majestie  for  the  releif  of  the  nobillitie  and 
hir  guid  subjectes  quho  had  send  ther  instructions  and  commission  hither  the 


Note  D.]  NOTES.  493 

saide  lordes  desirit  hir  Majesties  speciall  letter  approving  ther  commission  and 
instructions  and  for  thir  warrandise  and  discharge  quhilk  hir  Majestie  granted 
glaidlie  for  thair  full  assurance  and  deliverit  the  same  samin  to  my  lordes 
of  Galloway  and  Levingston  Subscrivit  with  hir  hand  and  undir  hir  signet 
quharof  also  the  tennor  followis,  &c  (Cotton.  MSS.  Calig.  C.  II.  f.  442.) 

With  apparently  high  expectations  of  success  the  Commissioners  left  Shef- 
field, and,  that  no  time  might  be  lost,  the  Bishop  of  Ross  posted  on  before,  and 
had  an  audience  of  the  English  Queen  at  Hampton  Court  on  the  3rd  of 
January,  1570-1, — the  same  day  on  which  Livingston  and  Gordon  arrived. 
But  a  very  few  days'  experience  damped  their  hopes.  The  following  Journal 
of  their  proceedings,  though  containing  little  of  importance,  presents  a  curious 
picture  of  the  paltry  shifts  and  delays  of  the  English  Court : 

The  vi.  day  of  Janowary.  Send  agane  to  court  ane  servand  and  Johnie 
Cheisholme  quha  presentit  certane  letters  of  the  laird  of  Granges  and  Robert 
Melvill  directit  to  the  earles  of  Sussex  Lecester  and  Bedfuyrd  Mr-  Cicill  and 
Sir  nicollas  Thrvgmarton  for  the  advancement  of  the  treaty  and  ressavit  answer 
fra  Mr-  Secretary  that  the  Quenes  Majestie  was  to  be  at  London  the  9  day  of 
Janowary  and  had  appuynted  audience  the  nixt  day  therefter  the  same  day 
Sande  bog  was  depaschit  toward  the  Quenes  Majestie  with  letters  to  advertise 
hir  Majestie  of  the  proceidings  in  the  last  [Lesley's]  audience  [and?]  of  the 
arriving  of  my  lordis  commissioners. 

Twisday  the  ixth-  Mr-  Secretary  send  a  letter  to  the  Ambassador  declairing 
that  the  Quenes  removing  was  stayit  be  reason  of  the  frostye  wedder  that  she 
myght  not  travell  till  Lundonn  till  twisday  the  xvi  day  of  Janowary  bitwise 
advertisit  that  letters  was  cum  to  therle  of  Sussex  from  Scotland  that  therle 
of  Morton  and  Lord  Glammis  war  till  arrive  at  Barwick  about  the  xv.  of  this 
said  moneth  and  to  cum  fordwart  as  commissioners. 

The  xi.  day.  The  Ambassador  in  respect  of  this  delay  of  the  Quenes 
Majestie  writ  agane  to  therle  of  Lecestar  and  Mr-  Secretary  to  move  hir 
Majestie  for  audience  affirming  that  sic  delayes  wald  be  werray  displeasant  to 
his  Mestress  and  mak  hir  to  beleve  that  ther  was  no  sic  speedy  resolution  tobe 
luckit  for  as  hath  bene  heretofore  hoipit,  besydes  that  it  wald  cause  the  adverse 
faction  to  wax  more  prowde  seing  that  hir  Majesties  commissioners  war  defferrit 
to  cum  to  presence. 


494  NOTES.  [Gordon, 

The  same  day  my  Lord  Ambassadors  servand  retournit  from  court  with 
answer  from  Secretary  Cecill  that  presence  shalbe  had  and  audience  to  my 
Lords  Commissioners  upon  Setturday  nixt  the  xiijth  of  this  Instant.  (Cotton. 
MSS.  Caligula  C.  II.  f.  446  b.) 

The  Commissioners  at  length  obtained  an  audience  at  Hampton  Court  on 
the  13th  of  January,  as  appears  by  a  letter  from  them  to  Queen  Mary  giving 
an  account  of  it  (Cotton.  MSS.  Calig.  C.  II.  f.  447.)  At  this  interview  their 
credentials  were  delivered,  and  sentiments  of  regard  and  of  a  desire  for  amicable 
arrangements  were  expressed  and  replied  to,  without  either  party  embarassing 
itself  by  too  scrupulous  an  attention  to  the  dictates  of  sincerity.  But  no  other 
result  was  produced  than  an  intimation  on  Elizabeth's  part  of  her  determina- 
tion not  to  proceed, — even  with  the  adjustment  of  such  Articles  of  the  Treaty 
as  concerned  the  two  Queens  alone, — till  the  arrival  of  the  Commissioners  of 
the  other  party,  which  it  was  alledged  might  be  expected  within  eight  days. 
Elizabeth  did  not  fail  to  assure  them  that,  although  she  was  not  influenced  on 
this  occasion  by  "  ony  feare  micht  be  gevin  to  hir  of  ony  forren  prince  or 
ayde,"  yet  such  was  her  determination  to  bring  the  long  agitated  disputes  to  an 
issue,  that  she  trusted  they  would  not  require  to  trouble  foreign  princes  "  for 
ther  help  in  this  cause,"  and  the  Commissioners,  with  but  little  regard  to  truth 
assured  her  that  they  had  ceased  "  to  sute  or  receave  ony  forreyn  ayde."  The 
Queen  at  the  same  time  took  care  to  warn  them  that  if  any  "  raids"  should  be 
made  into  the  English  border  counties  during  the  progress  of  the  treaty 
"  double  revenge  wald  be  taken,"  and  the  negociation  broken  off.  She  also 
adverted  to  a  report,  which  she  said  had  reached  England,  of  a  conspiracy 
against  the  Earl  of  Lennox's  life,  "and  therupon  did  sweare  be  Almyghty  God, 
gif  he  got  ony  skayth  she  should  never  proceade  farder  in  the  treaty  bot  be 
revengit  of  the  same."  Of  these  reports, — whether  real  or  got  up  to  serve  her 
own  purposes  is  very  doubtful, — the  Commissioners  denied  the  slightest  know- 
ledge, but,  with  great  tact,  replied  that  such  a  plot  must  have  been  devised  by 
the  friends  of  those  soldiers  whom  the  Earl  had  cruelly  executed  at  Brechin, 
by  which,  they  observed,  "  he  lies  contracted  sic  hatred  in  that  cuntre  [and] 
throw  the  whole  realme  that  indeed  he  lies  no  less  cause  bot  to  have  grit  feare." 
Such  is  the  substance  of  what  passed,  "and  so  with  sum  promissis  to  entre  within 
schort  space  into  the  treaty  and  with  guid  and  humane  countenance  and 
speaches"  Queen  Elizabeth  dismissed  them.  Notwithstanding  her  professed 
disregard  of  any  aid  or  promises  that  Mary's  party  might  receive  from  the  Con- 
tinent, she  did  not  fail  to  desire  the  French  Ambassador  on  the  very  next  day 


Note  D.]  NOTES.  495 

to  assure  his  Sovereign  of  her  firmest  conviction  that  the  treaty  would  be 
concluded  to  the  satisfaction  of  all  parties,  not  omitting  himself,  before  the  15th 
of  February  (Ibid.) 

According  to  Bishop  Lesley's  statement,  letters  were  immediately  despatched 
into  Scotland  by  the  English  Court  with  the  professed  purpose  of  hastening  the 
journey  of  Morton  and  his  colleagues,  but  most  probably  intended  rather  to 
retard  than  to  accelerate  their  movements;  and  as  the  policy  of  both  these 
parties  was  in  this  case  in  harmony,  delay  was  not  difficult  to  effect.  The 
King's  Commissioners  did  not,  therefore,  arrive  for  nearly  two  months  after- 
wards. Although,  indeed,  Mary's  Commissioners  not  only  forbore,  in  their 
letter  to  her,  expressing  any  doubt  as  to  the  result  of  the  treaty,  but  actually 
assured  her  of  their  "good  hoip  of  prosperows  success"  and  exhorted  her  to 
"  be  of  good  comfort,"  Lesley  states  that  the  delays  produced  by  every  trifling 
circumstance  lessened  their  expectations  "  of  anie  good  succes  therof  at  that 
time,"  and  he  felt  little  hesitation  in  negociating  as  actively  as  ever  with  the 
Courts  of  France,  Spain  and  Rome  (Anderson's  Collections,  III.  119,  120.) 

At  length  the  Earl  of  Morton  and  his  colleagues  arrived,  the  Queen  of 
England  nominated  nine  of  the  members  of  her  Privy  Council  as  her  repre- 
sentatives, and  the  Treaty  was  commenced  at  London  on  the  1st  of  March, 
1570-1.  The  English  Commissioners  opened  the  proceedings  by  delaring  that 
their  Sovereign  would  gladly  restore  the  Queen  of  Scots  to  her  throne  and 
kingdom  providing  (1.)  that  the  Queen  of  Scots  should  advance  no  claim  to  the 
Crown  of  England,  during  the  life  of  the  Queen  of  England,  or  during  those  of 
any  legitimate  descendants  whom  she  might  leave  behind  her,  and  providing 
(2.)  that  the  Queen  of  Scots  and  that  part  of  her  subjects  who  had  opposed  her 
should  be  reconciled:  for  the  performance  of  these  conditions  they  required  that 
the  Prince,  the  Duke  of  Chatelherault,  the  Earls  of  Argyle  and  Huntlie,  Lords 
Home  and  Herreis  and  another  should  be  entered  as  hostages  to  remain  in 
England  for  three  years,  and  that  the  Castles  of  Home  and  Dumbarton  should 
be  given  in  keeping  to  the  English,  and  that  of  Edinburgh  to  the  King's  party 
for  the  same  period.  Queen  Mary's  Commissioners  requested  in  reply  that 
they  would  produce  the  Articles  which  had  been  proposed  to  their  Sovereign  at 
Chatsworth,  and  offered  to  treat  upon  these  articles  individually  in  the  order  in 
which  they  stood,  but  this  proposal  was  evaded  by  the  English  who  declared  that 
these  articles  would  be  agreed  to  by  their  Sovereign,  provided  the  security  required 
were  obtained  (Anderson's  Collections,  III.  125 — 9.)  Queen  Mary's  Commis- 
sioners produced  their  answers  in  writing  on  the  12th  of  March.  Respecting  the 
delivery  of  the  Prince  they  declared  their  assent,  so  far  as  it  was  necessary  for 


496  NOTES.  [Gordon, 

surrender  of  a  child  in  the  hands  of  a  party  over  whom  the  Queen  of  England 
had  the  complete  control.  As  to  the  other  hostages  they  offered  one  Earl,  one 
Lord,  and  other  two  "  lordes  sonnes  or  brothers  apparent," — to  be  exchanged 
every  six  months  for  others  of  equal  rank  :  "  and  of  the  Earles,"  they  say,  "  as 
we  trust  assuredlye  the  Duke  of  Chastellerhault  will  not  refuse  to  be  one  and 
theldest  sonne  of  thearle  of  Huntlye  ane  other,  and  as  to  the  degree  of  the 
Lordes  theis  followinge,  Ogilby,  Dromond,  Oliphant,  Yester,  Borthuick,  Sum- 
mervell  and  Gray,  one  of  them  and  one  of  their  eldest  sonnes."  The  Commis- 
sioners further  intimated  that  the  King's  party  in  Scotland  would  be  received 
into  favour  by  the  Queen  "  and  interteyned  in  their  owne  estate  and  place,  as 
if  they  had  never  excepted  any  thinge  againis  her,"  and  that  an  Act  of  Oblivion 
would  be  passed,  provided  they  would  bind  themselves  "  to  serve  and  obey  her 
as  their  naturall  Soveraigne."  The  Commissioners  declined  the  proposal 
respecting  the  Castles  to  be  held  by  the  English  because  it  would  engender 
"  great  hatred  and  jealousie  in  the  Scottsmens  heartes,"  infringe  the  treaty  with 
the  French  in  1560,  and  be  a  bad  precedent  in  all  future  negociations  (Cotton. 
MSS.  Calig.  C.  II.  f.  482.)  An  attempt  was  still  made,  however,  by  the  English 
Commissioners  to  extort  a  consent  to  their  terms  from  those  of  Queen  Mary, 
and  the  Lord  Keeper  declared,  according  to  Bishop  Lesley,  that  "  if  the  Q. 
of  England  would  take  advise,  and  good  advise  too,  she  would  not  suffer  the 
Q.  of  Scotts  to  come  out  of  her  hands  for  noe  kinde  of  assurance  that  could  be 
made  by  Scotland ;  for  all  that  they  might  doe  could  not  suffice,  and  therefore, 
said  he,  we  [Queen  Mary's  Commissioners]  had  noe  cause  to  refuse  anie  thinge 
that  was  required"  (Anderson's  Collections,  III.  131.)  But  this  speech  pro- 
duced no  other  effect  than  a  spirited  demand  by  Mary's  Commissioners  to  know 
distinctly  whether  these  were  the  sentiments  of  the  Queen  of  England,  as,  in 
that  case  they  would  decline  further  negociation.  The  Councillors,  instantly 
sensible  that  their  experiment  was  too  bold,  declared  unanimously  that  it  was  the 
Queen's  determination  and  their  own  to  restore  the  Queen  of  Scots  to  her 
country  and  government,  but  said  that,  before  proceeding  farther,  they 
would  confer  with  the  King's  Commissioners.  The  Bishop  of  Ross  and 
his  colleagues  were  next  summoned  to  a  conference  with  the  English  Privy 
Council  at  Greenwich  on  the  20th  of  March.  An  account  of  the  proceedings, 
copied  by  a  person  evidently  little  acquainted  with  the  Scottish  language  is 
preserved  among  the  Cottonian  MSS.  (Calig.  C.  III.  f.  395.)  It  is  unfortunately 
too  long  to  admit  of  its  being  printed  entire,  but  the  following  extracts  contain 
the  more  important  passages.  Having  mentioned  that  an  attempt  was  again 
made  to  persuade  them  into  a  consent  to  the  hostages  and  castles  demanded 


Note  D.]  NOTES.  497 

by  Elizabeth,  and  to  the  Articles  proposed  to  the  Queen  of  Scots  at  Chatsworth 
in  cumulo,  and  that  they  declined  treating  except  upon  each  individual  article, 
the  Queen's  Commissioners  thus  proceed: 

"  Yit  as  befoir  we  desirit  effectuislie  that  thair  honors  vald  be  so  gud  as  to 
move  the  Quene  that  thais  articles  quhilkis  wer  so  hardlie  requirit  of  us  myght 
be  mitigat  be  hir  hienes  in  ane  gentill  maner  Quhairupone  we  desyrit  to 
knaw  hir  Majesties  will  and  plesor  quhilk  thai  promesit  to  do  And  to  that 
effect  thay  past  to  the  Quenes  hienes  and  in  the  meane  tyme  [we]  removit  us 
And  at  thair  returninge  weenterit  agane  in  counsale,  Quhair  it  vas  declaritto  us 
upone  hir  Majesties  part  that  she  desyrit  the  hole  articles  that  vas  proponit  at 
Chattisworth  to  the  Quenes  Majestie  oure  soveraine  for  hir  assurance  tobe 
accordit  unto  be  us,  in  the  same  maner  as  thay  ver  proponit  afferming  that  thay 
var  all  over  ly till  for  hir  suiritie  with  vys  additions  theirto  specialie  of  the 
hostages  quhilkis  vas  desirit  in  special],  to  wit  the  Duik  of  Schattelerault  the 
Duiks  [Earles]  of  Huntlie  and  Argyle,  the  lordis  Home  and  Hereis  with  ane 
uther  to  be  namit  be  the  Quene  of  England  and  that  the  Castelles  of  Edinbur'- 
and  Striveling  sould  be  gevine  in  keping  to  the  Earle  of  Lennye  [Lenox]  and 
Mar  And  becaus  that  the  treaty  for  the  assurances  of  the  Quenis  part  could  not 
have  be  [bein]  weill  performit  onlis  ane  concord  and  perfit  reconciliatioun  wer 
maid  betuixt  the  Quene  of  Scotland  and  hir  subjettis  and  amangis  the  subjettis  thair 
selfis  to  that  effect  the  Quenes  Majestie  of  Scotland  myght  be  restorit  with  univer- 
sal consent  of  all  hir  subjecteis  and  the  Quene  of  England  fullye  assurit  quhilk 
mattir  tendit  to  the  disposing  of  thair  King  quhairupon  thay  bed  delt  werrey 
earnistlie  with  the  Earle  of  Mortoun  and  his  colleagues  bot  they  hed  no  com- 
mission to  treat  thairtill  quhilk  thay  affirmit  be  thair  othe  As  lykwis  thai  did 
alleige  that  it  ves  treason  to  thame  to  enter  in  treaty  theiranent  in  there  Kyngis 
minorite  with  out  speciall  commission  gevine  therto  be  the  thre  estatis  in  Parlia- 
ment And  thairfor  the  Quene  hed  excogitat  ane  resonabill  myddis  for  satisfeing 
of  all  and  to  bring  this  mater  to  ane  firme  and  speedy  end  That  Mortoun  and 
his  collegies  sould  be  Lecient  [licencit]  to  depart  in  Scotland  and  there  to  call  ane 
parliament  to  the  effect  onlie  that  the  estates  may  agre  upon  certane  Commis- 
sioners to  treat  in  this  cause  And  therefter  four  or  five  commissioners  for  the 
quene  of  Scotlands  part  and  als  mony  for  thairs  quhair  two  or  thre  of  the  quene 
of  England  salbe  put  to  meit  in  Scotland  or  upon  the  borders  of  England  and 
there  to  agre  upone  all  maters  debatablie  amongis  thame  and  in  case  thei  should 

nocht  keip  their  promisse  the  Quene  of  England  salbe in  how  to  have 

theire  part  and  assiste  the  Quene  of  Scotland  in  tymes  cuming  To  the  quhilk  it 
is  [wes]  answerit  that  there  hes  bene  sufficient  reasonis  gaven  to  the  counsale  quhy 
we  could  not  aggre  to  all  these  articles  quhilkis  was  proponit  at  Chattisworth 

3  R 


498  NOTES.  [Gordon, 

nor  yet  to  that  thing  quhilk  is  addit  theirto  for  the  pledgis  which  ar  requyrit  in 
particulare  And  as  to  the  departing  of  the  Earle  of  Mortoun  in  Scotland  we 
being  not  to  aggre  thairto  in  any  vise  nor  it  can  nocht  stand  with  the  Quenis 
Majestie  honor  to  suffir  him  to  depart  quhill  that  this  treaty  sail  tak  sum  effect 
in  respect  of  hir  promisses  maid  to  ther  [other?]  princes  and  to  the  Quene  of 
Scotland  Item  it  is  not  neidfull  to  thame  to  retourne  for  ane  commission  in 
respect  that  the  prince  is  ane  infant  and  hes  no  consent  at  all  Lennox  theire  pre- 

tendit  report  [regent]  is  the  quenis subjett  Mortoun  is  heir  who 

is  the  contenance  of  thair  forces  Mar  and  Glencarne  men  abill  anneuch  to  follow 
ony  gud  advice  And  thair  is  no  uthir  nobill  men  of  ony  accompte  upone  thair 
part.  Item  we  ar  assurit  that  ther  ves  ane  pretendit  Parliament  haldene  be 
thame  in  ther  maner  in  October  last  quhairin  they  chuysit  Lordis  of  thair 
articles  quhilkis  Lordis  sat  as  is  accustomat  and  thair  desirit  the  Erie  of  Mor- 
toun and  the  Lord  Glammis  with  sic  utheris  as  thay  plesit  to  cum  in  England 
with  sufficient  commission  to  treat  with  the  Quene  of  England  upone  all  the 
headis  contenit  in  the  articles  commonit  at  Chattisworth  quhairof  thay  hed 
inspectioun  and  sure  knallaig  of  the  effect  thereof  so  that  thai  can  pretend  no 
ignorance  and  lykwise  to  the  same  effect  thair  ves  ane  article  maid  for  uplifting 
of  ane  taxatioun  throu  the  hail]  realmeof  the  sowme  of  xijm  markis  for  sustenyng 
thare  charges  in  the  said  waiges  and  for  these  and  mony  other  reasons  than 
alleigit  gif  they  sould  be  suffered  to  depert  on  this  maner,  thair  ves  no  houp  to 
be  had  for  any  gud  succes  in  this  treaty  and  that  Mortoun  vald  no  moir  keip 
his  promises  now  in  that  part  nor  the  earles  of  Murrey  side  quhan  he  returned 
last  hame  and  thairfor  the  Bischop  of  Ros  in  speciall  did  charge  the  quene  and 
counsale  both  declaringe  how  that  he  hed  followit  be  lonng  and  ....  mowall 
[continowall?]  sute  the  restitutioun  and  delivery  of  the  Quene  his  maistres  neirly 
thir  thre  yeris  past  and  trusting  in  many  faire  vordis  and  promises  maid  to  him 
alsweill  be  the  Quene  of  England  as  her  counsale  he  hes  causit  the  Quene  his 
maistres  and  the  nobilitie  of  thar  countrey  to  look  for  sum  guid  and  speedy  end 
in  this  treaty  and  now  seing  no  gud  to  follow  he  salbe  sklanderit  for  his  facill 
credeth  gevine  to  these  fair  wordis  and  gif  so  salbe  he  wedis  discharge  himself  and 
make  manifest  to  all  parties  and  uthers  that  he  hes  bene  so  abusit  for  he  gate  no 

uther  thing nor ofthequenes  Majestie  of  England  and 

her  counsale  from  tyme  to  tyme  Thairfor  craving  there  pardone  to  leave  with  hir 
in  respect  no  matter  seide  touche  him  so  nere  besought  thame  to  move  the  queues 
Majestie  their  soveraine  nocht  to  suffre  the  matter  to  be  left  on  that  ways  but  to 
take  some  ordor  before  the  departing  of  Morton  And  gif  they com- 
mission that  you  may  se fore  it  alwayes  that  Mortoun 

...  to  the  end  of  the  treaty  otherwise  it  wald  be  thought wes  1 1 til  1 


Note  D.]  NOTES.  499 

good  apperence.     To  this  it  wes  replyed  be of  the  counsale  specialie 

the  kepare,  Sussex and  uderis  that  albeit  the  Bishop  of  Ros 

had  sum  reason  to delays  gevine  unto  him  as  .  .  .  who  .  .  . 

that  the  same  being  of  so  great  weight  could  not  be 

....  we  vail  ...  it  and  taik  it  upone  thair honors  thay 

as  ves  possible  to  be  done  for  expedition,  bot  seing  they  had  no  commissioun  they 
could  nocht  preasse  thame  yit  nevertheles  they  affirme  we  had  in  this  a  greit 
advantage  for  now  the  Quenes  Majestie  and  hir  counsale  hed  declarit  planly 
and  manifestlie  to  Mortoun  and  his  collegues  that  she  was  determit  to  restore 
the  Quene  of  Scotland  to  hir  crowne  and  realme  quhilk  she  nevir  did  to  Murray 
nor  ony  other  before,  and  that  she  wold  tak  sufficient  assurance  and  promes  of 
Mortoun  to  travell  with  all  the  remanent  of  there  party  in  Scotland  to  that 
effecte  and  gif  he  dide  nocht  proceid  trewlie  as  apperteins  in  sic  ane  cause  the 
Quene  wald  promis  apone  her  honor  to  leave  them  and  assist  to  the  Quene  oure 
mistres  and  hir  party  and  affermed  it  void  be  a  greit  diminution  of  there  credit 
in  Scotland  whene  they  sail  here  that  he  is  returned  to  hald  ane  parliament  for 
restitution  of  the  Quene  and  deposing  of  there  Kyng  and  it  is  werrey  requisite 
to  have  ane  ordor  keped  alsweill  in  the  taking  of  the  Crownn  frome  him  be  a 
parliament  as  it  vas  approved  be  ane  parliament  And  the  delay  sould  not  be 
longar  nor  the  lawes  of  Scotland  wold  permit  to  hold  a  parliament  quhilk  ves 
alreddy  continued  to  may  next  in  respect  of  the  quhilkis  they  desyrit  us  to 
advyse  for  ane  day  or  two  and  give  oure  answer  resolutlie  theirto  ather  to  the 
Commissioners  or  to  the  Quenes  Majesteis  self  Quhilk  we  did  and  to  that 
effect  we  hed  audience  appon  the  23  of  marche  whare  we  gave  oure  answer  as  is 
conteint  in  the  proces  therof  wrettine  in  ane  letter  to  the  Quenes  Majestie  oure 
soverane*'  quhair  efter  lang  reasoning  be  laike  [wetuik?]  to  be  advysed  with 
the  Quene  our  soverane  affirming  that  without  hir  hienes  advyse  we  hed  no 
commission  to  aggre  therto.     This  was  the  effecte  of  our  conference  that  day. 

Jo.   Rossen.     A  Galloway. 

William  L.  Levyngston. 


*  See  the  Declaration  made  by  the  Queene's  Majestie  to  the  Queene  of  Scotts  Commissioners, 
23  March,  1570-1  (Cotton.  MSS.  Calig.  C.  II.  f.  489.)  On  this  occasion  Elizabeth  declared  her 
conviction  that  the  Earl  of  Morton  and  his  fellow-Commissioners  had  not  the  necessary  powers  to 
treat :  she  recommended  that  a  parliament  should  be  held  by  each  party  for  the  purpose  of  grant- 
ing new  Commissions,  and  in  the  meantime  that  the  armistice  should  be  renewed.  In  order 
that  neither  party  might  be  injured  by  the  other,  she  offered  to  send  "  one  of  her  owne  good 
credit  to  remaine  and  attend  when  [whill?]  that  the  said  Parliament  should  be  ended  to  se  that  all 
should  be  dulie  observed"!  This  is  truly  an  excellent  specimen  of  the  many  friendly  and  disin- 
terested offers  of  the  Queen  of  England. 


500  NOTES.  [Gordon, 

The  Queen  of  Scots  "  in  respect  of  the  small  apperance  of  anie  good  succes 
to  followe  by  anie  treatie,  seeinge  so  longe  time  spent  and  soe  frivolous  causes 
pretendit  for  delaie  therof,"  wisely  declined  agreeing  to  the  proposal  of  Morton 
and  his  colleagues,  unless  by  the  advice  and  consent  of  her  nobility  in  Scotland. 
In  order  that  that  opinion  might  be  obtained,  she  summoned  to  her  the  Bishop 
of  Galloway  and  Lord  Livingston  with  the  intention  of  sending  them  into  Scot- 
land, and  they  accordingly  left  London,  April  11,  1571.  (Anderson's  Collections 
I II.  141, 7.)  On  the  12th  Elizabeth  wrote  a  letter  to  the  Queen  of  Scots  assuring  her 
of  her  resolution  to  continue  the  treaty,  "  and  pursue  the  same  to  some  good  end." 
"  We  cannot,"  she  continues,  "  but  thynke  yt  meete  to  add  this  by  our  letter  for 
your  satisfaction  that  your  Commissioners  have  faithfullie  diligentlie  and  dis- 
creetly used  themselves  in  all  thier  treaties  and  negotiacions  with  us  and  that 
nothing  ells  hath  moved  us  to  cease  from  proceedinge  herein  but  the  open  lacke  of 
authoritie  in  the  Commissioners  on  your  sonnes  parte  to  assent  and  accept  such 
coiulicions  as  we  should  finde  meete  and  honorable  both  for  you  and  him  and 
for  the  realme  and  the  subjects  therof  the  suretie  safetie  and  quietnes  whereof  we 
doe  so  much  desire,  as  to  conclude  this  cause  with  apparance  to  hazard  anie  of 
the  same  by  hastie  proceedinge  where  by  some  lesure  and  some  better  order 
agreeable  to  forme  of  Justice  all  maie  be  preserved  or  at  the  least  extremities 
provided  for  were  an  act  very  dishonorable  and  specially  offensive  to  allmightie 
God  the  author  and  commaunder  of  peace  and  concorde.  And  so  ys  our  doings 
may  be  truly  declared  unto  you  we  doubt  not  but  the  same  shalbe  allowable  in 
honor  and  reason.  We  have  allso  thought  meete  consideringe  by  your  letters 
you  referred  the  Bp.  of  Ross  contynuance  here  or  retorne  thether  to  be  accord- 
ing to  oure  likinge  that  for  your  benefit  he  should  retorne  thither  and  to  be 
absente  from  hence  this  tyme  of  our  parliament  for  avoyding  of  occasions  to 
breed  offence  that  by  his  being  here  would  be  conceaved  and  not  only  trouble 
us  but  offend  you  as  we  have  imparted  our  meaning  herein  with  more  parti- 
cularyties  unto  the  said  Bishop."  (Cotton.  MSS.  Caligula  C.  III.  fol.  63.) 

Thus  ended  this  farce,  which,  notwithstanding  Elizabeth's  professed  inten- 
tion, was  never  reacted.  The  Queen  of  Scots,  after  enduring  the  sickening 
alternations  of  hope  and  disappointment  for  nearly  a  year,  remained  a  closer 
prisoner  than  ever. 

It  may  perhaps  be  remarked  that  in  the  account  of  this  Treaty  little  has 
been  said  respecting  the  transactions  of  the  King's  Commissioners,  but  as  each 
party  seems  to  have  treated  apart  from  the  other  with  the  English  Commis- 
sioners, it  would  be  out  of  place  here  to  give  any  account  of  the  negociations, 
except  in  so  far  as  Gordon  and  his  colleagues  were  concerned.  It  is  true 
indeed,  that  Livingston  and  Gordon  had  several  conferences  with  the  Earl  of 


NoteE.]  NOTES.  501 

Morton  and  his  party,  but  they  led  to  no  favourable  result.  "  Neyther  did 
they  on  the  other  [King's]  side,"  says  Spotswood,  "  omit  the  best  endeavours 
to  move  the  [Queen's]  lords  to  return  to  the  King's  obedience:  but  none  of  the 
parties  minding  to  yield  to  the  other  the  Lord  Levingston  broke  off  ye-  confer- 
ence with  these  words,  My  Lords,  Our  errand  was  to  persuade  you  to  an 
accord,  but  we  [you]  are  not  [more]  like  to  gain  us  than  we  you :  therefore  we 
will  leave  it  at  this  time,  Which  having  said  they  departed"  (Spotswood's  Hist, 
with  the  MS.  additions,  Stirling's  Library,  Glasgow,  p.  251.  This  passage  is 
not  in  the  printed  copies.) 

The  Bishop  of  Galloway  left  Sheffield  about  the  beginning  of  May,  carry- 
ing with  him  letters  from  the  Queen  to  some  of  her  principal  adherents  in 
Scotland.  In  one  of  these  written  to  Vans  of  Barnbarroch,  and  dated  on 
the  last  day  of  April,  she  mentions  the  Bishop  "  as  a  faithfull  Commissioner" 
who  "  hes  weill  and  diligentlie  done  his  devuoir  in  treating  with  the  Quene  our 
gudsister  this  quhile  bygane  for  our  restitutioun"  (Miscellany  of  the  Maitl. 
Club,  Part  II.  267.)  "  Lord  Herreis  and  the  Laird  of  Lochinvar  depairtit  af 
Edinburgh  to  meit  Alexander  bischop  of  [Athenis]  ambassatour  for  the  pairt 
of  the  nobilitie  assistaris  to  the  quene,  quha  wes  remayning  at  Carlile  vnto  the 
tyme  thai  come  to  convoy  him,"  on  the  18th  of  April,  according  to  the  Diurnal 
of  Occurrents  (p.  208,)  but  this  is  unquestionably  a  mistake  for  May.  Under 
their  protection  the  Bishop  probably  resumed  his  journey :  we  meet  with  no 
farther  trace  of  him  till  the  month  of  June,  when  he  is  found  safely  ensconced 
in  the  good  town  of  Edinburgh. 


Note  E. — Gordon's  death  and  posterity.     (Page  160.) 

Bishop  Gordon  died  in  1576  (Gordon's  Hist,  of  the  Earld.  of  Sutherland,  pp. 
172,  290.)  Keith  has  represented  him  as  resigning  the  revenues  of  the  See  of 
Galloway  in  his  last  illness  in  favour  of  his  eldest  son  (Cat.  of  Scot.  Bish. 
Russel's  edit.  279,)  and  in  this  statement  he  has  been  followed  by  others. 
This  error  probably  arises  from  an  accidental  substitution  of  1576  for  1567  in 
the  charter  quoted  supra  page  148,  which  opinion  is  confirmed  by  the  circum- 
stance of  Keith  mentioning  it  as  in  possession  of  Semple  of  Beltrees.  But, 
although  Keith  may  not  have  stated  correctly  the  mode  in  which  Gordon 
preserved  the  benefice  to  his  family,  the  fact  is  unquestionable  that  it  continued 
in  it  for  many  years  after  his  death,  and,  when  it  did  emerge  from  it,  was  in 


502  NOTES.  [Gordon, 

such  a  dilapidated  condition,  that,  according  to  Spotswood,  it  was  "  scarce 
remembered  to  have  been."  (Keith's  Catalogue,  ut  supra,  p.  280.  Spotswood's 
History,  456.) 

The  family  of  Bishop  Alexander  Gordon  by  his  wife  Barbara  Logie, 
daughter  of  Logie  of  that  Ilk,  consisted,  as  mentioned  by  Sir  Robert  Gordon, 
of  four  sons  and  one  daughter  (Hist,  of  the  Earld.  of  Suth.  p.  290.)  As  Gor- 
don could  not  lawfully  marry  in  Popish  times,  his  children  were  legitimated  by 
Letters  under  the  Great  Seal.  The  Record  contains,  under  date  26  Sept., 
1553,  the  legitimation  "  Johannis  et  Alexandri,  Bastardorum  filiorum  natura- 
lium  Magistri  Alexandri  Gordoun"  (Reg.  Mag.  Sig.  xxxi.  187), — the  younger, 
Alexander,  must  have  died  in  early  life,  as  he  was  not  known  to  Sir  Robert 
Gordon.  The  eldest  John,  in  whose  favour  the  revenues  of  the  Bishoprick  of 
Galloway  were  resigned  in  1567  (supra,  p.  148,)  was  afterwards  highly  celebrated 
in  the  very  different  characters  of  a  courtier  and  a  controversial  divine.  In 
1583,  he  is  mentioned  as  Bishop  of  Galloway  (Reg.  Mag.  Sig.  xxxv.  816); — 
he  got  a  charter  of  the  lands  of  Cardnay  in  Perthshire,  Dec.  8,  1585  (Ibid, 
xxxvi.  288);  he  became  Lord  of  Longormes  in  right  of  his  first  wife  Antoi- 
nette de  Marolls,  a  French  lady,  who  died  in  1591;  in  1594  he  married 
Genevieve  Betaw,  daughter  of  M.  de  Moylett  first  president  of  the  Court  of 
Parliament  in  Bretagne ;  he  was  made  Dean  of  Salisbury  by  King  James  in 
October,  1603;  and  was  in  June,  1610,  served  heir  to  his  brother  Laurence  in 
the  lordship  of  Glenluce  (Inq.  Gen.  Abbrev.  37),  which,  in  accordance  with  the 
policy  of  the  family,  he  disponed  to  his  son-in-law,  Sir  Robert  Gordon  (Russel's 
Keith's  Cat.  of  Scot.  Bish.  421.)  It  is  unnecessary  to  follow  his  history  farther, 
as  a  very  full  account  of  his  life  is  given  by  Sir  Robert  Gordon  of  Gordonstoun, 
in  his  Historie  of  the  Earldom  of  Sutherland,  pp.  291 — 4.  Of  the  other  mem- 
bers of  the  Bishop's  family  less  is  known.  The  next  son,  Laurence,  was  provided 
to  the  Abbacy  of  Glenluce,  Feb.  22,  1581  (Reg.  Mag.  Sig.  xxxv.  559.)  On 
the  3rd  of  December,  1583,  a  charter  of  confirmation  of  the  lands  of  Bishop- 
toun  and  BalSequhar  (Wigtonshire)  was  granted  to  Laurence  Commendator  of 
Glenluce,  "  fratri  germano  Jominis  Candida  Casce  Episcopi"  (Ibid,  xxxv.  816.) 
The  abbacy  of  Glenluce  was  erected  "  in  temporalem  tenandriam,"  Aug.  2, 
1602,  by  charter  from  James  VI.  (Ibid,  xliii.  245,)  which  was  confirmed  by 
act  of  parliament  in  1606  (Acts  Pari.  Scot.  IV.  327.)  Laurence  Gordon  died 
without  leaving  male  issue  in  the  interval  between  May,  1609,  and  June,  1610, 
and  at  the  last-mentioned  date  his  elder  brother  John,  "  Dominus  de  Longormis 
et  Decanus  de  Saulisberre"  was  served  heir-male  to  him  (Pitcairn's  Crim. 
Trials,  III.  9.  Inq.  Special.  Wigton,  37.)  He  seems,  however,  to  have  left  at  least 
two  daughters, — Margaret  who  died  before  May  18, 1643,  and  Janet  who  was  then 


Note  E.]  NOTES.  503 

served  heir  to  her  in  an  annuity  of  1000  merks,  &c.  (Inq.  Special.  Wigton,  108.) 
George  Gordon,  Bishop  Alexander's  next  son,  was  presented  to  the  See  of  Gal- 
loway, 8th  July,  1586,  on  the  resignation  of  John  his  eldest  brother  (Reg.  Present. 
Benef.)  Robert,  the  only  other  son  mentioned  by  Sir  Robert  Gordon,  was  a 
favourite  servant  of  Margaret  Queen  of  France  and  was  slain  in  that  country 
in  single  combat  (Hist.  Earld.  Suth.  290.)  There  seems,  however,  to  have 
been  another  son  not  known  to  Sir  Robert,  for  William  Gordon  was  provided 
to  the  abbacy  of  Glenluce,  Feb.  22,  1581,  "  casu  decessus  Laurenlii  suifratris" 
(Reg.  Mag.  Sig.  xxxv.  560.)  Bishop  Alexander's  only  daughter,  Barbara, — 
who  was  legitimated  6  Nov.,  1553,  (Reg.  Mag.  Sig.  xxxi.  139), — was  married 
to  Anthony  Stewart,  Rector  of  Penninghame,  son  of  Sir  Alexander  Stewart 
of  Garlies  by  his  third  marriage;  she  brought  her  husband  the  lands  of  Clarie 
and  had  issue  (Wood's  Douglas's  Peerage,  I.  619.) 

Dr.  M'Crie  (Life  of  Melville,  2d  edit.  II.  139,  note)  has  pointed  out  some 
circumstances  which  produce  an  apparent  confusion  in  the  appointments  of 
John,  Rodger  and  George  Gordon  to  the  See  of  Galloway  after  Bishop  Alex- 
ander Gordon's  death,  but  that  confusion  appears  to  arise  from  circumstances 
which  the  Editor  will  endeavour  to  explain.  The  successor  of  Bishop  Alex- 
ander was  Roger, — not  John, — Gordon,  for  in  the  Register  of  Presentation  to 
Benefices,  17  Sept.,  1578,  there  is  an  order  for  "ane  letter  to  be  maid  vnder 
the  great  feill  direci  to  patrik  Archbp.  of  fanclandrois,  &c.,— that  the  leate 
of  galloway  laitlie  vacand  be  the  naturall  death  of  Alexr-  laft  bifchop  yrof,  &c, 
at  the  petition  of  the  Dean  and  cheptor  ,  and  with  advife  of  Morton  lait  Regent 
grantit  licence  to  choofe,  and  ye  Dean  and  chapter  did  choofe  Mr.  Roger 
Gordon.  His  hienes  gives  afTent  and  requires  the  archbps.,  &c,  to  confecrat 
him  at  Sterling."  The  editor  has  not  ascertained  whether  Roger  was  actually 
consecrated,  but  he  appears  to  have  been  succeeded  in  the  See  by  John 
Gordon,  Bishop  Alexander's  eldest  son,  before  1583  (see  the  earlier  part  of 
this  Note.)  To  him  succeeded  his  younger  brother  George,  who  was  pre- 
sented to  the  bishoprick  of  Galloway  and  abbacy  of  Tongland,  "  vaikand  be 
demiffioun  of  Mr.  Johne  Gordoun,  laft  bifchop  and  abbot  yrof,"  8th  July,  1586 
(Reg.  Present.  Benef.)  There  are  two  authorities  which  produce  the  apparent 
contradiction  of  these  statements  to  which  Dr.  M'Crie  alludes,  but  there  seems 
little  reason  to  doubt  that  it  arises  in  both  cases  from  a  misprint.  The  first  is 
Keith's  Catalogue  of  Scottish  Bishops  (Russell's  edition,  p.  279,)  where  John 
Gordon  is  said  to  have  succeeded  to  the  Bishoprick  by  his  father's  resignation 
in  1576,  but  this  has  been  already  shown  to  be  a  mistake  for  1567.  The  other 
authority  is  Calderwood's  printed  history,  pp.  425,  6,  where  the  Bishop  of 
Galloway  is  said  to  have  been  a  fugitive  since  the  Reformation,  and  to  have 


504  NOTES.  [Pont, 

been  restored  to  his  honours  and  emoluments  in  1598; — this  is  an  evident 
misprint  for  the  Bishop  of  Glasgow  and  refers  to  the  famous  Archbishop 
Betoun  (M'Crie's  Melville,  2d  edit.  II.  71.)  With  these  explanations  the 
order  of  the  appointments  to  the  Bishoprick  of  Galloway  seems  perfectly  clear. 


LIFE  OF  MR.  ROBERT  PONT. 


Note  A — notices  of  f-ont  before  the  reformation.    (Page  163.) 

There  are  several  statements  respecting  the  ancestry  and  birthplace  of  Mr. 
Robert  Pont  which  it  seems  difficult  to  reconcile.  It  is  agreed  upon  all  hands 
that  his  father  was  John  Pont,  and  that  he  was  a  gentleman  of  good  rank 
(Blackader's  MS.  Memoirs,  Adv.  Lib.  Rob.  III.  5,  7.  Crichton's  Life  of  Mr. 
John  Blackader,  2d  edit.  p.  15  note.)  By  the  first  of  these  authorities  Robert 
Pont  is  said  to  have  been  the  son  of  John  Pont  of  Shyresmill,  and  Catherine 
Murray  the  daughter  of  Murray  of  Tullibardine.  Mr.  Crichton  (Life  of 
Blackader,  ut  supra)  on  the  authority  of  the  writs  of  the  family  of  Blackader, 
mentions  that  John  Pont,  du  Pont,  or  da  Ponte,  was  a  Venetian  of  noble  family, 
and  that,  being  banished  from  his  native  place  on  account  of  his  religious 
principles  he  took  refuge  in  France,  and  afterwards  came  to  Scotland  in  the 
train  of  Mary  of  Guise,  the  second  Queen  of  James  V.  As  the  editor  has  not 
had  access  to  the  writs  referred  to,  he  is  ignorant  of  the  nature  or  value  of  the 
evidence  upon  which  this  statement  is  made,  but  it  seems  incompatible  with 
Buchanan's  assertion  (infra,  note  I.)  that  Robert  Pont  was  born  at  or  near 
Culros,  as  he  could  not  have  been  born  there  after  the  Queen's  arrival  in  Scot- 
land in  1538,  and  attend  the  University  of  St.  Andrew's  in  1543.  The  reader 
will  determine  for  himself  which  of  the  authors  is  most  to  be  relied  on.  What- 
ever may  have  been  Pont's  descent,  the  name  was  common  in  Scotland  long 
before  his  time,  and  is  often  to  be  met  with  in  the  Commissary  Books  of  St- 
Andrew's.  Robert  Pont  is  mentioned  as  a  member  of  the  faculty  of  arts  at 
St.  Andrew's  in  1489,  but  this  person  is  afterwards  called  Pantre,  and  some 
mistake  may  therefore  have  been  committed  in  the  transcription. 


Note  A.]  NOTES.  505 

Respecting  the  family  of  John  Pont  no  other  information  has  been  obtained 
than  that  he  had  two  sons, — James,*  of  whom  a  few  scattered  memoranda  are 
collected  in  the  note  below,  and  Robert,  whose  history  is  the  proper  subject  of 
the  present  inquiry. 

From  the  dates  supplied  by  Buchanan  (infra,  note  I.)  it  would  appear 
that  Robert  Pont  (generally  called,  in  his  younger  years,  Kynpont  or  Kylpont) 
was  born  in  the  year  1 524.  The  circumstance  of  his  having  been  born  at  Culros 
or  in  its  neighbourhood,  and  educated  at  the  school  of  that  place,  as  mentioned 
by  the  same  author,  will  be  admitted  or  rejected  according  to  the  conclusion 
to  which  the  reader  may  come  regarding  the  different  statements  of  his 
parentage  supplied  in  the  beginning  of  this  Note.  It  may  be  remarked,  how- 
ever, that  the  Natio  Albania,  to  which  he  belonged  (Record  of  St.  And.  Univ. 
quoted  below)  included  the  whole  coast  from  the  east  of  Fife  to  Clackmannan- 
shire, a  fact  which  in  some  measure  confirms  Buchanan's  statement.  The 
indication  of  very  superior  talents  (magnam  ingenii  spemj  induced  his  parents  to 
send  him  to  college,  probably  at  an  early  age.  Here  he  soon  distinguished 
himself,  and  gained  the  esteem  of  his  fellow-students  by  his  amiable  dispositions, 
and  their  admiration  by  his  acquirements  (infra,  Note  I.)  The  Records  of  the 
University  of  St.  Andrew's  supply  the  following  notices: 
1543.  Incorporat.  in  Coll.  divi  Leonardi 

Robertus  Kylpont, — Albania?.     In  the  same  year 
Johannes  Rove  (Row)   Laudoniae. 

After  finishing  the  philosophical  curriculum,  Pont  entered  on  the  study  of 

*  The  following  notices  of  James  Pont  occur  in  the  Records  of  the  University  of  St. 
Andrew's  : 

1550.  Incorp.  ex  coll.  divi  Leonardi. 
Jacobus  Kynpount, — Alb. 
1552.  Determ.  Jac.  Kyllpount. 
1554.  Licent.  Jac.  Kylpount  e  loco  Leonardi. 
These  dates  lead  to  the  conclusion  that  he  was  the  younger  brother. 

The  General  Assembly  held  in  June,  1562,  appointed  Mr.  James  Pont  to  minister  the 
word  and  sacraments  in  Melros  till  next  Assembly  (supra,  p.  164.)  Mr.  James  Pont  was 
appointed  one  of  the  Commissioners  to  inquire  into  the  dilapidation  of  benefices  within  Stirling- 
shire, Strathearn,  Clydesdale,  Dumbarton,  Renfrew,  Lennox,  Kyle,  Carrick,  Cunningham,  Gal- 
loway and  Nithsdale,  in  June,  1595,  (supra,  383.)  Mr.  Robert  Pont  is  served  heir  "  Magistri 
Jacobi  Pont,  Commissarii  Dumblanensis,  fratris,"  Sept.  8,  1602  (Inquis.  Gener.  113.)  In  the 
books  of  Session  there  is  registered  a  discharge  dated  21  May,  1605,  by  Mr.  Robert  Pont  to 
Abigail  Strang,  relict  of  Mr.  James  Pont  Commissary  of  Dumblane,  his  brother,  who  died  in  July, 
1602  (Lib.  109.)  There  is  no  other  evidence,  however,  that  some  of  these  notices  refer  to  the 
brother  of  Robert  Pont,  than  that  it  is  the  only  family  of  that  name  that  is  mentioned  in  the 
public  transactions  of  the  times. 

3s 


506  NOTES.  [Pont, 

theology  in  which  he  also  carried  off  the  highest  honours  (infra,  Note  I.)  From 
this  period  to  the  year  1559  no  trace  of  him  has  been  discovered :  it  is  probable 
that  in  the  interval  between  these  dates  he  studied  Law  in  some  of  the  foreign 
Universities.  If  this  was  the  case  he  must  have  returned  to  Scotland  before 
that  time,  for  the  following  curious  allusion  to  his  personal  appearance  then 
occurs  in  the  Kirk  Session  Record  of  St.  Andrew's: 

1559,  Feb.  14.  In  the  process  Wm'  Rantoun  ag'-  Elizabeth  Gedde,  for 
suspicion  of  adultery,  one  of  the  witnesses  Margaret  Moncur  in  Anstruther, 
"  beand  sperit  quhat  sche  kend  of  Wm-  Rantoun's  wife,"  testifies  that  "  sche 
come  to  Sanctandrois  town  four  days  befoir  Sanctandrois  day  &  yeir  bigane  at 
Sanctandrois  day  last  by  past  and  sche  beand  ludgand  in  Wm-  Rantoune's, 
&c,  saw  ane  young  man  quhilk  sche  weyns  haid  beyne  Williame  Rantoune 
himself  ....  the  said  man  haid  rede  hoyse  and  ane  dosk  beyrd  lyke 
Maistcr  Robert  Kynpount  quhais  beyrd  sche  lykenet  the  mannis  unto  quhilk  Mr. 
Robert  ane  of  the  seniors  wes  present  at  her  examinatioun.  Sche  affirmes  it 
wes  Andro  Olyphant." 

It  may  be  mentioned  that  in  this  case  the  session  with  advice  of  Mr.  John 
Douglas,  Rector  of  the  Universite  of  St.  A.,  and  Mr.  John  Wyrame  Supprior, 
''  men  of  singular  erudition  and  understanding  in  the  Scriptures  and  word  of 
God,  with  Mr.  William  Skene  and  Johne  Rutherfurde,  men  of  learning  in 
sundry  sciences,"  declared  Elizabeth  Gedde  innocent  of  the  crime  laid  to  her 
charge.  Wm  Rantoun  himself  was  afterwards  divorced  for  adultery  committed 
with  Margaret  Annan. 


Note  B. — notices  of  pont  as  an  elder  and  commissioner  for  st.  Andrews 
to  the  general  assembly,  1560-1562.    (Page  164.) 

Wodrow  has  overlooked  the  earliest  notices  of  Pont  in  the  Record  of  the 
General  Assembly.  In  the  list  of  Commissioners  to  the  first  General  Assembly 
are  Christopher  Guidman,  David  Spens  and  Mr.  Robert  Kynpont  for  St. 
Androis.  And  among  the  "names  of  thame  qms-  ye  ministers  and  commis- 
sioners think  maist  qualifeit  for  the  ministering  of  the  word  of  God  and  sacra- 
ments," &c,  the  following  appear:  "In  Sanctandrois  for  ministering  and 
teaching,  Maisters  John  Rutherford,  Wm  Ramsay,  Robert  Kynpont,"  with 
many  others— 21  in  all   (Buik  of  the  Universall  Kirk  of  Scotland.) 

Pont  appears  to  have  been  an   elder  at   St.   Andrews  from  the  earliest 


Note  C]  NOTES.  507 

period.  The  election  of  "  Maister  Jhon  Wynram,  superintendant  of  Sanctandr5 
diocesye,"  March  20,  1560-1,  is  subscribed  by  Christopher  Gudman  minr  ,  Mr. 
Alane  Lawmonth,  Mr.  Thomas  Balfour,  Jhone  Moffat,  Mr.  Martyn  Gedde, 
Jhon  Motto,  Mr.  Robert  Pont,  eldairs,  David  Spens,  Thomas  Welvvod,  George 
Blak  diaconis  Sanctandr."  (Kirk  Session  Record.) 

The  following  notices  of  Pont  in  the  same  capacity  also  appear : 
May  18,  1561.  In  the  proces  for  divorce  Alison  Culland  against  James 
Alexander  in  Sanct  Monanss  the  Petitio  sitpplicatoria,  as  it  is  called,  begins, 
"  My  Lordis  minister  and  eldairs  of  the  christian  congregation  of  the  cietie  of 
Sanctandr.  unto  your  11.  humilie  menis,  complenis  and  schawis  I  yor  servitrice 
Alisone  Culland  upoun  my  pretended  spous  James  Alexr  indweller  in  the  toun  of 
Sanct  Monanss."  The  sentence  of  divorce  is  signed  by  Christopher  Gudman 
minister,  Mr.  Alan  Lawmonth,  Mr.  Thomas  Balfour,  John  Moffat,  Mr.  Robert 
Pont,  Thomas  Marten,  Mr.  Martyn  Gedde,  and  five  other  elders"  (Ibid.) 

"  Mr.  Robert  Pont  elder  and  commissioner  of  St.  Androis"  was  present 
at  the  convention  of  the  Kirk  of  Scotland,  June  29,  1562  (Buik  of  Univ. 
Kirk.) 


Note  C. — presentation  of  pont  to  the  parsonage  and  vicarage  of 
birnay.     (Page  168.) 

The  uncertainty  here  expressed  by  Wodrow  as  to  the  period  at  which  Pont 
became  Superintendent  of  Murray,  after  having  mentioned  his  appointment  as 
having  taken  place  in  1563,  must  be  accounted  for  from  the  insertion  of  the 
last  sentence  in  page  165  after  the  rest  of  the  Life  had  been  written.  In  1567, 
(Jan.  13,)  the  year  in  which  Wodrow  here  supposes  him  to  have  become  Super- 
intendent of  Murray,  there  is  recorded  "  ane  presentatioun  to  Maister  Robert 
Pont  Commissionare  of  the  Superintennandrie  of  Murray  to  the  personage  and 
viccarage  of  the  paroche  kirk  of  Birnay,  Hand  in  the  diocie  of  Murray,  and 
within  the  shirefdome  of  Elgine  and  Fores,  vacand  as  ane  commoun  kirk 
sumtyme  perteining  to  the  Chaplanis  of  the  Cathedral  Kirk  of  Murray,"  &c. 
(Reg.  Seer.  Sig.  See  also  Reg.  Pres.  Benef.  I.  f.  2,  where  it  is  extended.) 
The  period  about  which  Pont  resigned  his  appointment  of  Commissioner  of 
Murray,  and  the  cause  of  that  resignation  may  be  gathered  from  Note  D. 


508  NOTES.  [Pont, 

Note  D. — pension  to  mr.  robert  font.     (Page  173.) 

Oure  fouerane  Lord  confidering  the  eftate  of  his  vveilbelouit  Maifter  Robert 
Pont  ane  of  the  fenatouris  of  his  hienes  college  of  Juftice  and  his  continewall 
awayting  thairupoun  in  his  hienes  feruice,  quhairby  he  is  abftracl.it  from  his 
former  office  of  commiffionary  or  fuperintendentrie  ovver  the  kirkis  within  the 
boundis  of  Murray  and  that  he  lies  not  prefentlie  ony  vther  ecclefiafticall  leving 
quhairvpoun  he  may  commodioufly  leif;  Thairfore  and  for  vther  confiderationis 
moving  his  hienes  with  auife  &c.  Ordanis  ane  Letter  tobe  maid  vnder  the 
previe  feill  Difponand  to  the  faid  Maifter  Robert  ane  penfioun  of  thre 
hundreth  merkis  out  of  the  thriddis  of  the  diocy  of  Murray  during  his  hienes 
will  and  ay  and  q"-  he  be  vtherwife  prouidit,  And  affignis  to  him  the  thrid  of 
the  victuall  of  the  thefaurarie  of  Murray  extending  in  rentale  to  fevin  chalderis  v. 
bollis  3  pairt  boll  beir  at  xxs-  the  boll  and  xvj1:  xiijs-  iiijd-  money  out  of  the  thrid 
of  money  of  the  faid  thefaurarie  makand  in  the  haill  twa  hundreth  merkis  And 
the  thrid  of  the  teind  falmond  of  the  thrie  coblis  of  Spey  pertening  to  the  thrid 
aflumit  to  the  bifchoprik  of  Murray  gevand  be  5eir  ane  hundreth  merkis  And 
the  Letter  tobe  extendit  &c.  with  inhibitioun  to  the  colle£louris  of  the  thriddis 
baith  generall  and  fpeciall,  thair  faclouris  officiares  of  armes  or  ony  vtheris  in 
thair  names  and  all  vtheris  quhome  it  efferis  To  mell  with  the  faidis  thriddis 
affignit  to  the  faid  Mr.  Robert  Ordaning  the  Lordis  of  counfale  and  Seffioun 
To  grant  letteris  in  forme  and  maner  as  thay  ar  gevin  at  the  inftance  of  vther 
minifteris  for  anfuering  thame  of  thair  affignit  ftipendis  according  to  the  ordor 
latelie  takin.  At  Halyrudehous  the  fext  day  of  Nouember  1573  (Reg.  Present. 
Benef.  I.  f.  13.     See  also  Reg.  Sec.  Sig.) 


Note  E. — pont's  presentations  to  the  provostry  of  trinity  college  and 
the  vicarage  of  st.  cuthbert's  kirk.     (Page  173.) 

On  the  27th  of  January,  1571-2,  nearly  two  years  before  Pont  received  the  pen- 
sion mentioned  in  Note  D.  he  had  been  presented  to  the  provostry  of  the 
Trinity  College  beside  Edinburgh,  "  vacand  throw  the  deceit  of  Laurence 
Clappertoun  lastprouest  thairof"  (Reg.  Present.  Benef.  I.f.  11.)  The  revenues 
of  this  benefice  must  have  been  small  as  Pont  is  described  in  Note  D.  as  having 
no  ecclesiastical  living  "  quhairupoun  he  may  commodiously  leif."  He  was 
appointed  colleague  to  William  Harlaw,  minister  of  St.  Cuthbert's,  Kirk  about 
1574  (History  of  the  West  Kirk  of  Edinburgh,  p.  21,  note,)  and  on  December  29, 


Note  G.]  NOTES.  509 

1578,  was  presented  to  the  vicarage  of  St.  Cuthbert's  Kirk  vacant  by  Harlaw's 
decease  (Reg.  Present.  Benef.  M'Crie's  Life  of  Melville,  2d  edit.  I.  187,  note.) 
Several  notices  of  Pont's  connection  with  the  cases  of  Mr.  Thomas  M'CalSean 
of  Cliftonhall,  and  Mr.  Robert  Hamilton  minister  of  St.  Andrew's,  will  be 
found  in  the  Record  of  the  Presbytery  of  Edinburgh  for  1574  (Miscellany  of 
the  Maitland  Club,  I.  109-15.)  He  resigned  the  provostry  of  Trinity  College, 
June  23,  1585  (M'Crie,  ut  supra.  See  also  Maitland's  Hist,  of  Edinburgh, 
pp.  212,  480.) 


Note  F. — pont's  share  in  arbuthnot  and  bassandyne's  bible.    (Page  173.) 

A  very  full  account  of  this  Scottish  editio  princeps  of  the  Bible  will  be  found  in  Dr. 
Lee's  Memorial  for  Bible  Societies  in  Scotland,  pp  28-45, — see  also  Wodrow's 
Life  of  Smeton,  apud  MSS.  in  Bibl.  Acad.  Glasg.  Besides  the  Calendar  men- 
tioned by  Wodrow  (supra,  p.  173,)  Pont  framed  the  rules  for  understanding  it. 


Note  G. — supplementary  notices  of  pont,  1581-3.     (Page  180.) 

Under  the  year  1582  Wodrow  has  omitted  to  notice  Pont's  connection  with  the 
prosecution  of  Mr.  Robert  Montgomerie,  who  had  been  presented  to  the  Arch- 
bishoprick  of  Glasgow  by  the  Duke  of  Lennox  on  the  death  of  Boyd.  In  April, 
1582,  Pont  intimated  to  the  Privy  Council  the  refusal  of  the  presbyteries  of 
Dalkeith,  Linlithgow  and  Edinburgh,  to  recognise  its  right  of  interference 
with  the  proceedings  before  the  ecclesiastical  courts  (Calderw.  MS.  Hist,  in 
Bibl.  Acad.  Glasg.  III.  pp.  83,  90,  91.)  Montgomeiie's  case  is  so  well  known, 
and  is  mentioned  by  so  many  of  the  printed  historians,  that  no  further  notice  of 
it  is  necessary  here. 

Another  incident  in  Pont's  Life,  which  Wodrow  has  not  noticed  and 
which  is  less  known,  is  his  residence  at  St.  Andrew's  about  the  same  period. 
After  the  death  of  Mr.  Robert  Hamilton,  minister  of  that  place,  Archbishop 
Adamson  alone  remained  to  perform  the  ministerial  functions.  That  prelate 
was  frequently  absent  or  engaged  in  other  business,  and  the  Kirk  Session  were 
therefore  in  the  habit  of  sending  two  of  the  elders  each  week  to  request  that 
Andrew  or  James  Melville  would  occupy  the  pulpit  on  the  sabbath  day, — a  request 
which  for  a  considerable  period  they  complied  with  (J.  Melvill's  Diary,  pp.  89, 
90.)     The  Kirk  Session  in  the  meantime  became  anxious  for  the  settlement  of 


510  NOTES.  [Pont, 

a  successor  to  Hamilton,  and  procured  through  the  commissioner  to  the  General 
Assembly  ("Mr.  Wm  Cok,  bailie")  the  following  Act,  dated  Oct.  30,  1581, 
"  Anent  J>e  jwifione  of  the  Kirk  of  S'-  Androis  of  ane  paftour  the  Kirk  lies 
tho'-  it  meit  That  J>e  pryor  and  Town  of  Sl-  Androis  noinat  such  ane  of  )>e 
brethrene  qm-  they  have  bell  lycking  to  Serue  the  cure  and  to  ppone  him  wnto 
the  Minifters  of  the  Kings  hous,  the  Minilters  of  Edr,  Mrf.  David  Lindfay 
[and  nine  others]  to  qm  or  any  audit  of  them  the  Kirk  gives  Comiffioune  to 
give  affent  in  yr  name  yrto  and  to  place  him  J>air  gvyding  they  find  no  lau" 
impedement  that  may  flay  ]ie  placing  yr  Or  that  they  be  not  ane  of  ye  Colledges 
qm  the  Kirk  exemis  for  ofideratiouns  yrfrom,  And  ficklyke  y'-  w'-  Jjair  advyfe 
}>e  minifter  pntit  may  be  sufHcientlie  gvydit,  As  alfo  his  Kirk  qrfrom  he  is 
taken  be  alfo  ftantit"  (Sess.  Record  Buik  of  Univ.  Kirk,  in  Bibl.  Acad.  Glasg.) 
It  appears  from  the  next  notice  of  the  subject  in  the  Kirk  Session  Record  that 
that  Court  had  chosen  Mr.  Robert  Pont,  and  accordingly  on  Dec.  6,  1581, 
"  The  Session  ordains  Mr.  Patrick  Adamson  bishop  of  St.  A.,  Mr.  Andrew 
Melvill  PrinL  of  the  new  college,  Mr.  James  Wilkie  rector,  Mr.  James  Martine 
provost  of  the  auld  college,  Mr.  John  Robertson  [and  12  others]  with  the 
provost  of  the  citie,  to  pass  altogether  to  my  Lord  Erie  of  March  prior  of  St. 
And.  upon  Saturday  next,  and  travel  with  his  L.,  for  ane  ressonable  stipend,  to 
Mr.  Robert  Pont  quhome  the  sessioun  think  meit  to  be  minister  of  this  paroche, 
and  to  report  ansr-  heirof  again  ]>\s  day  audit  days." 

The  state  of  the  negociation  at  subsequent  periods  will  be  best  understood 
by  the  following  extracts  from  the  same  Record  : 

Decr  20,  1581.  Mr.  Wm-  Cok  bailie  takes  the  burden  upon  him  to 
convene  the  counsell  of  the  toun  for  sending  of  ane  honest  man  to  Edr  with 
my  Lord  of  Marche  letter,  and  ane  uther  letter  fra  the  toun  to  Mr.  Robert 
Pont  to  be  pastor  of  J>is  cong"-,  that  the  answer  Maister  Robert  maid  may  be 
had  yranent  with  diligence  or  himself  to  cum  in  proper  person. 

May  9,  1582.  It  is  thought  meit  be  the  sessioun  Tpat  J>e  bishop,  Mr.  Wm 
Cok,  Mr.  David  Russell,  &c,  pas  and  confer  wl  my  Lord  of  Marche  for  gude 
order  to  be  taken  for  Mr.  Robert  Pont  minister  and  for  his  stipend,  y'  he  may 
be  hastit  to  cum  hame,  and  to  report  answer  this  day  aucht  days. 

Oct.  tilt.  1582.  It  is  ordainit  be  the  session  that  in  all  tyme  cuming  q"  God 
provide  ane  ordinar  pastor  to  J>is  kirk  ye  first  article  that  beis  proponit  and 
resavit  in  sessioun  ilk  Wednesday  sal  be  to  knaw  quha  sail  mak  ye  sermonis  in 
f>is  paroch  kirk  J>e  nixt  friday,  sonday  and  weddensday,  &c.  (Rec.  Kirk  Sess. 
St.  And.) 

All  attempts  at  procuring  a  stipend  for  Pont  appear  to  have  been  fruitless. 
It  had  originally  been  the  policy  both  of  the  Magistrates  of  the  Town,  and  of 
the  Prior  and  his  "  gentlemen  pensioners,"  as  James  Melville  terms  them,  to 


Note  H.]  NOTES.  511 

keep  the  appointment  vacant,  and  in  the  meantime  they  "  tuk  vpe  the  stipend 
and  spendit  the  sam,  with  the  rest  of  the  kirk  rents  of  that  pryorie,  at  the  goff, 
archerie,  guid  cheer,  &c."  (J.  Melvill's  Diary,  p.  90.)  The  same  system  was 
probably  continued  during  Pont's  stay,  in  the  expectation  that  he  would  retire 
and  that  the  gratuitous  services  of  the  Melvilles  would  then  be  resumed.  On 
the  first  of  these  points  they  were  not  disappointed,  for  at  the  General  Assembly 
held  in  April,  1583,  "  Mr.  Rob'-  Pont  declaiit  y'-  with  losse  of  his  heritage  and 
wardlie  commoditie  he  had  proponit  to  sitt  down  in  St.  Andrews  and  had  served 
on  his  awin  charges  ane  haill  5eir,  and  culd  not  have  any  equall  condition  of 
leving,  na  not  pe  least  provision  pat  any  had  yl-  past  before,  and  now  altogether 
his  heart  is  abstractit  fra  pame,  praying  pe  kirk  not  to  lay  y'-  charge  upon  him 
agains  his  will"  (Buik  of  Univ.  Kirk.)  In  the  following  August  the  Kirk 
Session  of  St.  Andrew's  applied  for  Mr.  Alexander  Arbuthnot  of  Aberdeen,  but 
did  not  succeed.  Pont  now  resumed  his  former  charge  at  the  West  Kirk  of 
Edinburgh. 


Note  H. — notices  of  pont  as  minister  of  st.  cuthbert's  kirk.  (Page  182.) 

Pont's  settlement  at  St.  Cuthbert's  Kirk  as  colleague  to  Harlaw  has  already 
been  alluded  to  (supra,  Note  E.)  The  following  are  selected  from  the  very 
numerous  notices  of  the  transactions  in  which  he  was  engaged  during  this  period 
of  his  life  in  the  record  of  the  Presbytery  of  Edinburgh. 

"  1588,  Nov.  5.  Complaint  against  the  Bishop  of  St.  Andrews  by  John 
Burne,  David  Spens,  Robert  Pont  and  Nicol  Dalgleish.* 

"  Mr.  Robert  Pont  and  Mr.  Nicol  Dalgleish  thair  complante  that  quhairas 
thei  wer  appointit  be  commission  of  the  General  Assemble  first  in  February 
and  thairefter  in  August  last  bypast,  to  have  visited  the  North  partis  of  this 
realme  and  kirkis  thairof  for  establishing  gude  order  thaire,  and  namelie,  for 
resisting  and  repressing  the  papistis  and  Jesuittis,  thair  flocking  and  resorting 
to  the  greit  hurt  and  hinderance  of  the  evangel  erecting  idolatri  in  sundri 
placis  quhilkis  were  of  before  reformed,  and  thair  was  appointit  to  thame  for 
furnishing  ane  part  of  thair  expensis  in  so  tedious  and  sumpteous  ane  journey 
that  £  .  .  to  be  payit  out  of  the  Bischoprik  of  St.  Androis  by  the  said  Pati  ik  callit 
Bischop  thairof,  quha  notwithstanding  he  was  chargeit  be  the  Kingis  majesties 
letteris  in  May  last,  was  to  pay  to  thame  the  said  soume,  thei  not  being  able 

*  The  complaints  hy  David  Spens  and  John  Burne  are  here  omitted. 


512  NOTES.  [Pont, 

upon  tliair  awin  cost  and  charges  to  interprys  the  said  sumpteous  jorney 
without  dishonoring  of  thair  message  and  commission,  unles  thai  had  bene  payit 
of  the  said  soume,  and  albeit  thei  had  written  to  him  also  in  a  friendle  maner 
to  have  payit,  the  said  Patrik  wald  nayther  den5ie  [deign]  himself  to  wryt  ane 
answer  to  thame,  nayther  wald  obey  the  charge  of  the  saidis  letteris,  bot  hitherto 
had  postponit  and  deferit  to  make  ony  satisfactioun  of  the  said  soum  to  thame, 
so  that  onlie  in  his  defalt  the  said  visitatioun  was  delayit,  and  the  kirk  frustrat 
of  the  executioun  of  the  commission,  and  the  said  north  cuntrie  being  almost  the 
half  of  the  hail  realme,  left  destitute  of  good  order  and  reformatioun,  the 
Jesuittis  and  Papistis  tolerat  and  interteined  thaire  both  with  men  of  gret  and 
small  degre,  the  haill  contre  abused  and  infected  with  idolatri,  quhairof  quhat 
inconveniences  myght  fall  to  the  haill  estate  of  the  Kirk  in  this  realme,  the  said 
Presbyterie  myght  easilie  judge. 

"  15S8,  Dec.  17.  [For  probation  of  the  former  accusationis]  Mr.  Robert 
Pont,  Mr.  Nicol  Dalgleish,  Johnn  Burne  and  Mr.  David  Spens  producit  letteris 
execut  against  the  said  Bischop  to  prove  the  accusatiounis  and  complantis, 
quhilkis  letteris  being  producit  and  considerit  be  the  brethren,  thei  have  fund 
the  sam  sufficientlie  provin  and  that  throw  him  to  have  bene  a  plaine  hinderer 
of  the  promoting  and  propagating  of  the  Evangel  in  this  contrei,  not  onlie  in 
discipline  bot  also  in  sincere  preiching  thairof,  and  as  ane  man  laboring  be 
indirect  meins  to  stay  and  impede  the  same.* 

"  1589,  April  29.  It  is  thocht  good  and  concludit  that  ane  answer  be  made 
be  Mr.  Robert  Pont,  Mr.  Robert  Bruce  and  Mr.  Johnn  Davidsone,  and  that 
the  same  be  pennit  to  the  sclanderous  sermon  preichit  at  Paulis  croce  be  D. 
Bancroft,  and  that  the  Kingis  majestie  be  spokin  heiranent  at  his  returne. 

"June  10.  Anent  the  ordinance  maid  the  29  of  April  last,  in  the 
quhilk  it  was  concludit  that  ane  answer  suld  be  maid  and  pennit  to  the  sclander- 
ous sermon  preichit  at  Paullis  croce  be  Dr.  Bancroft,  be  Mr.  Robert  Bruce, 
Mr.  Robert  Pont,  and  Mr.  Johnn  Davidsone.f  According  heirunto  the  said 
brether  declaring  that  thei  had  usit  their  diligence  and  bestowit  thair  travelis, 
quhais  diligence  the  brether  being  weill  lykit  with  continewit  inspectioun  and 
syght  of  the  sam  till  the  next  General  Assemble  desyring  thame  to  present  the 
same  to  the  said  assemble  to  be  sychtit  be  thame. 

*  On  account  of  these  offences  and  others  the  Presbytery  of  Edinburgh  on  the  27th  of  May, 
1589,  according  to  the  commission  given  to  them  by  the  General  Assembly  deprived  Patrick 
Adamson  from  all  office  in  the  Kirk  "  unto  sic  time  as  he  sal  satisfie  for  the  former  crymes." 

•j-  This  answer  was  not,  however,  printed.  The  brethren  determined  that  a  short  reply  should 
be  written  by  a  single  individual,  and  John  Davidson  appears  to  have  been  fixed  upon.  His  work 
was  printed  at  Edinburgh  by  Waldegrave,  and  bears  at  the  conclusion  the  date,  18  Sept.,  1590. 
(M'Crie's  Melville,  2d.  edit.,  I.  309.) 


NoteH.]  NOTES.  513 

1589,  July  15.  Anent  the  conimissioun  of  the  General  Assemble  qlk-  kirk 
haldin  at  Edinr,  the  23  of  June  last,  gevin  to  the  Presbiterie  of  Edinr-  to  try 
thameselfis :  according  heirunto  Mr.  Robert  Pont  being  removit  and  his  lyf  and 
doctrine  being  tryit;  the  brether  efter  tryell  had  of  his  doctrine  and  diligent 
inquisition  had  of  his  lyf  amangis  thame  selfis,  fand  nothing  ayther  in  his 
doctrine,  lyf  and  conversatioun  that  unqualifeis  or  makis  him  unmeit  to  con- 
tinew  in  the  office  of  the  ministri,  and  for  farder  tryall  continewit  the  sam  to  the 
visitatioun  of  St.  Cuthbertis  Kirk. 

1591,  June  1.  Complaint  by  Mr.  Robert  Pont  against  the  abbot  of  Haly- 
rudhous  for  not  providing  for  his  kirks  quhairof  he  takes  up  the  rentis. 

Oct.  19.  Anent  the  question  proponit  be  John  Cairnis  quhidder  a  man 
having  mareit  the  sister  dochter  may  marie  the  brotheris  wyf  of  that  sister, 
craving  the  resolution  of  the  Presbyterie  in  the  sam  :  The  Presb.  for  thair  fuller 
resolutioun  hes  appointit  thair  brether  Mr.  Robert  Pont,  Mr.  Andrew  Melvill 
and  Mr.  Robert  Rollok  to  ressoun  the  sam,  and  to  advys  quhill  the  26  of  this 
instant,  ordaning  in  the  mein  tyme  the  said  John  Cairnis  to  proceed  to  the  pro- 
clamation of  thair  bandis. 

Oct.  26.  Anent  the  appointment  taken  the  19  of  this  instant  in  the 
quhilk  it  was  appointit  that  certan  brether  suld  ressoun  in  the  questioun  pro- 
ponit be  Johnn  Cairns,  and  the  haill  brether  to  be  advysit  in  the  samin  quhill 
this  day;  according  heirunto  the  Presbiterie  after  lang  ressoning  and  good 
advysment  hes  fund  and  concludit  that  a  man  that  had  mareit  the  sister  dochter 
may  marie  the  brotheris  wyf  of  that  samin  sister. 

1593,  June  26.  Anent  the  sute  of  the  Laird  of  Marchinstoun,  the  Laird 
of  Braid  and  Clemens  Kincaid  commissioneris  direct  from  the  West  Kirk  of 
Edinr-,  craifing  sum  brother  of  the  ministerie  to  be  appointit  to  help  William 
Ard  now  in  Mr.  Robert  Pontis  absence,  The  Presbiterie  in  respect  thei  have 
not  will  to  be  chargeable  to  Mr.  Robert  hes  concludit  everie  Tysday  to 
appoint  sum  brother  to  help  his  place  the  next  Sabaoth  efter,  and  for  the  nixt 
Sounday  appointis  thair  brother  Mr.  Georg  Semple. 

1594,  Nov.  12.  The  brether  approvis  the  treatise  pennit  be  Mr.  Robert 
Pont  aganis  sacraledge,  and  thinkis  it  meit  to  be  printit. 

1594-5,  March  18.  The  Presb.  ordains  thair  brother  Mr.  Robert  Pont  to 
propone  Mr.  Johnn  Davidsoun  to  the  sessioun  of  the  West  Kirk  of  Edinr-  to  sie 
gif  thei  will  accept  of  him  to  be  thrid  minister  to  thair  kirk.* 

1595,  June  17.  Anent  the  desyre  of  the  lard  of  Braid  and  Johnn  Mathe- 
soun   commissioneris  direct  from   the  West  Kirk  of  Edinr-  craifing  that  Mr. 

*  It  will  be  seen  from  Note  I.  that  a  third  minister  was  not  appointed  till  1600, 
3   T 


514  NOTES.  [Pont, 

Johnn  Davidsoun  might  be  appointed  to  supplie  Mr.  Robert  Pont  his  absence, 
gif  the  said  Mr.  Robert  went  to  the  North  in  visitatioun,  quhais  desyre  being 
considerit  and  Mr.  Johnn  desyre  being  that  gif  the  parochinaris  will  be  content 
to  mak  divisioun  be  ressoun  of  thair  greitnes  thei  suitting  and  he  knawin  his 
flock  he  sal  be  subject  to  the  calling  of  God  and  will  of  the  kirk,  the  said  com- 
missioneris  ar  willit  to  travell  with  the  rest,  and  to  returne  ane  ansuer  to  Mr. 
Johnn  his  desyre  aganes  the  first  of  July,  unto  the  quhilk  tyme  efter  Mr.  Robert 
his  departing  thair  kirk  sal  be  provydit. 

1596,  May  11.  Anent  the  desyre  of  the  laird  of  Braid,  and  Johnn  Mathe- 
soun  Comissionaris  direct  from  the  West  Kirk  of  Edinr-  craving  that  in  respect 
Mr.  Robert  Pont  thair  Pastor  was  employit  in  commissioun  be  act  of  the 
General  Assemble  in  visitation  of  Orkney,  the  Presbiterie  wald  grant  libertie  to 
thair  brother  Johnn  Ros  to  supplie  the  said  Mr.  Robert  his  roum  quhill  his 
returning:  Quhais  desyre  being  considerit,  the  Presbiterie  lies  continewit  the 
satisfeing  of  thair  desyre  to  the  18  of  this  instant. 

May  18.  Johnn  Ros  appointit  to  supplie  Mr.  Robert  Ponts  roum  during 
his  absence. 

1597,  Dec.  6.  Anent  the  summondis  direct  the  20  day  of  June  last  aganes 
Mr.  Ninian  Haltrie  provest  of  Orkney,  Mr.  Gilbert  Body  vicar  of  Holme,  Adam 
Windie  minister  at  Waus,  Thomas  Swintoun  minr  at  Kirkwall,  Thos  Fleming 
Minr-  at  Strounes,  Robert  Blak  minr  at  Evie,  Mr.  Patrik  Watson  Minr-  at  St. 
Androis  Kirk  in  Dernes,  Mr.  James  Cok  Minr  at  Mary  Kirk  in  Sandell  and 
Mr.  Johnn  Houstoun  prebendar  of  St.  Peteris  charging  to  compeir  this  day 
before  the  Presb.  of  Edinr-  to  answer  at  the  instance  of  Mr.  Robert  Pont, 
Alexr  Douglas,  George  Monro  and  Johnn  Monro  commissionaris  appointit  be 
the  General  Assemble  for  tryell  of  the  ministeris  of  Orknay  to  the  crymes 
objected  aganes  tham  contenit  in  the  said  sumonds  and  sick  utheris  meriting 
deprivation  as  suld  be  laid  to  thair  charge.  The  foirsaid  persones  are  contine- 
wit quhill  the  9  of  Aprile  nixt.* 

1601,  Jan.  14.  Anent  the  commission  gevin  to  Mr.  Charles  Lumbisden 
and  Richard  Thomson  to  sycht  the  expencis  warit  be  thair  brother  Mr.  Robert 
Pont  in  bigging  of  the  mans  of  the  West  Kirk  in  Edinr-  and  to  report  the  sam 
to  the  Presbiterie,  that  according  to  the  act  of  the  General  Assemblie  the  sam 
may  be  allouit  to  the  said  Mr.  Robert  according  heirunto  the  said  brether 
reporting  that  thei  had  sychtit  the  said  Mr.  Robert  his  compts  and  findis  the 

*  The  cause  does  not  appear  to  have  been  taken  up  in  April,  but  the  charge  against  so  many 
ministers  in  Orkney  shows  that  the  visitations  by  commissioners  from  the  General  Assembly  were 
not  empty  formalities,  but  very  serious  undertakings. 


Note  H.]  NOTES.  515 

sam  to  exceed  the  soum  of  fyve  hundred  merkis,  the  Presbiterie  upon  the  report 
of  the  said  brether  grantis  ane  allowance  to  the  said  Mr.  Robert  of  the  said 
sowras  and  lies  concludit  thir  presents  to  be  registrat  in  the  bookis  of  the 
Presbiterie.* 

April  29.  The  qlk  day  efter  divers  intercomonings  had  betwix  our 
brother  Mr.  Robert  Pont  minister  and  vicar  of  West  Kirk  of  Edinr  callit  St. 
Cuthbertis  on  the  ane  part,  and  the  parochinaris  thairof  on  the  uther  part,  als 
well  be  mediatioun  of  our  brother  Mr.  Chas  Lumbisden,  Mr.  Rich1'-  Thomson 
sent  be  us  to  appoint  thame  thairupon  as  utherwayis,  the  said  comoning  efter 
long  delay  being  left  of  and  takand  [na?]  effect  concerning  the  set  of  the  tak  of 
the  vicarag  to  thame,  the  said  Mr.  Robert  finding  himself  and  his  successors  quha 
ar  to  serve  in  the  ministrie  of  the  said  kirk  greitli  prejuclgit  thairby  desyrit, 
according  to  the  act  of  the  Generall  Assemble  of  the  dait  the  29  of  March,  the 
3eir  of  God  1600  yeiris,  quhairby  this  mater  was  referrit  to  our  Presbiterie, 
that  he  myght  have  license  for  the  weill  of  the  kirk  to  sell  the  said  vicarag  to 
ony  persone  that  wald  pay  a  ressonable  dewte  thairfore  the  quhilk  petitioun 
being  considerit  and  understand  be  us  the  brether  of  the  said  Presbiterie,  we 
have  thocht  it  agreable  to  ressoun  and  thairfore  have  grantit  and  be  the  tenour 
heirof  grantis  license  and  liberte  to  the  said  Mr.  Robert  to  set  the  said  vicarag 
in  tak  and  assedatioun  according  to  the  lawis  of  the  countrei  provyding  that  the 
renlall  thairof  quhilk  is  33  lib.  6s.  8d.  money  be  not  diminishit.f 

Many  notices  of  Mr.  Robert  Pont  occur  in  the  Record  of  the  parish  of  St. 
Cuthbert's.     See  Hist,  of  the  West  Kirk,  18mo.  Edin.,  1829,  pp.  22-41. 

*  The  first  notice  of  this  Manse  occurs  in  the  Session  Records  of  St.  Cuthbert's  in  October, 
1593.  At  that  time  "  Mr.  Robert  Pont  proponit  to  ye  elderis,  deacones  and  honest  men  of  ye 
parochin  assembled  the  act  of  ye  general  Assemblie  haldin  at  Dundie,  &c,  gif  they  wald  buld  a 
manse  presentlie  upone  the  kirk  land  to  him  :  Quha  ansuerit  that  they  war  not  abill  to  do  ye 
samye  presentlie  becaus  of  ye  wark  of  ane  uther  kirk,  and  thairfoir  war  content  that  the  said  Mr. 
Ro.  Pont  suld  buld  ane  manse  upon  his  awin  expences,  and  he,  his  airs  and  assigneis,  to  enjoye  ye 
libertie  of  said  act  ay  and  untyl  the  samye  war  redemit  fra  him  and  his  foirsaids  be  ye  parochiners 
of  this  kirk."  A  stone  which  was  preserved  when  this  manse  was  taken  down  bears  the  following- 
inscription  : 

Religioni  et  Posteris, 

In  Ministerio, 

S.R.P.  G.A.  1594. 
(Hist,  of  the  Church  and  Parish  of  St.  Cuthbert,  Edin.,  1829,  pp.  32,  3.) 

f  1599,  Dec.  13.  Visitation  of  the  West  Kirk  be  Mr.  Henry  Blyth  Mod'-  of  the  Presbitry 
of  Edinburgh,  Mr.  Robert  Bruce,  &c. : 

Appoints,  with  consent  of  Mr.  Robert  Pont  and  the  rest  of  the  parochiners  quha  eompleins 
of  the  said  Mr.  Robert  for  the  vicarage,  hes  decernit  Mr.  Charles  Lumisden  and  Richard  Thomson 
to  decern  the  mater  (Record  of  the  parish  of  St.  Cuthbert's.) 


516  NOTES.  [Pont,- 

To  this  miscellaneous  collection  may  be  added  the  following  extracts  from 
the  Records  of  the  City  of  Edinburgh : 

1586,  May  7.  Mr.  Robert  Pont  infeft  by  the  gude  town  in  an  annualrent 
of  160  pounds  Scots  on  the  common  milns  on  the  water  of  Leith  pro  omnibus 
sue  vite  diebus.  (Folio  Protocolls  of  A.  Guthrie,  Town  Clerk.) 

June  3.  Mr.  Robert  Pont  infeft  in  a  tenement  near  the  Castlehill  on  the 
resignation  of "  Decanus  de  Dunbar"  (Ibid.) 

"  Vltimo  Junij  1587,"  the  Town  Council  of  Edinburgh  passed  an  act 
granting  to  the  minister  of  Wemyss  twenty  pounds  out  of  the  rent  of  Trinity 
College,  "provyding  pL  Mr.  R'-  Pont,  quha  hes  ]>e  haill  rent  of  be  provistrie 
Induring  his  lyf  tym  of  annuell  furth  of  )>e  commoun  mylnis  for  J>e  sam 
allow  or  pay  ]>e  vther  twentie  pundis  furth  of  his  said  annuell  rent  f>rof."  * 
(Record  of  Town  Council  of  Edin.  VIII.  94.) 

A  few  farther  notices  from  the  Protocolls  will  be  found  in  Note  I.  to 
this  life. 

The  following  statements  of  Pont's  stipend  occur  in  the  Books  of  Assigna- 
tion : 

"  St.  Cuthberts.  Mr.  Robert  Pont  and  William  Harlay  ministers.  The 
stipend  of  the  said  William  £100  with  the  kirkland  of  St.  Cuthberts  Kirk,  the 
haill  vicarage  of  St.  Cuthbert's  newlie  providit  £33  6s.  8d.  and  out  of  the  kirk 
of  Halirudhous  be  the  taxmen  or  parochiners  of  St.  Cuthberts  Kirk  £66  13s. 
4d.     The  stipend  of  the  said  Mr.  Robert  £77.  18s.  8d. 

"  1576-90.  In  substance  the  same. 

"  1591.  Mr.  Robert  Pont  minister  his  stipend  out  of  the  thirds  of  Halyrud- 
hous,  to  be  paid  by  the  laird  of  Braid  1  chalder  quheit,  24  bolls  beer  and  13  lib. 
money,  and  by  the  Commendator  of  Halyrudehouse,  &c,  £266. 13s.  4d."  (Hist. 
of  the  Church,  &c,  of  St.  Cuthbert's,  pp.  53,  4. ) 


Note  I. — font's  last  years,  death,  character  and  posterity.    (Page  199.) 

The  health  of  Mr.  Robert  Pont  for  several  years  before  his  death  appears  to 
have  been  in  a  very  infirm  condition.  He  presented  a  supplication  to  the 
General  Assembly,  Nov.  15,  1602,   "  desyrand  in  respect  of  his  gryt  adge  and 

*  Nicol  Dalgleish  was  the  minister  proposed  for  Wemyss.     A  similar  act  had  been  made, 
Aug.  20,  1586,  in  favour  of  John  Tullois  minister  of  that  place  (Ibid.  f.  38.) 


Note  I.]  NOTES.  517 

lang  travell  taken  in  ye  Kirk  of  God  and  continewall  seiknes,  quhilk  followeth 
adge,  that  he  mycht  be  relived  fra  ye  ordinar  burden  of  teaching,  upon  con- 
ditioun  yat  he  sail  substitut  ane  in  his  place,  quheras  throu  infirmitie  he  suld 
not  be  able  to  teach  himselfe;  The  assemblie  thinks  his  sute  reassonable  and 
thairfor  condiscendit  unto  the  same."  (Buik  of  Univ.  Kirk.)  It  has  not  been 
ascertained  that  he  procured  an  assistant.  An  additional  minister  had  been 
appointed  to  the  West  Kirk  in  1600,  and  no  other  is  mentioned  till  1607, — 
nearly  a  year  after  the  deaths  of  Pont  and  his  colleague  William  Aird  (Hist, 
of  St.  Cuthbert's  Kirk,  pp.  37,  41.)  Pont's  name  appears  for  the  last  time  in  the 
Sederunt  of  the  Session,  April  19,  1606,  and  he  died  on  the  8th  of  May.  The 
following  sketch  of  his  character  is  given  by  one,  who,  if  not  a  contemporary, 
had  at  least  ample  means  of  information  : 

DE  ROBERTO  PONTANO. 

Robertus  Pontanus,  Caledonius  Britannus  ex  Culrosia,  aut  non  procul  ab  ea 
urbe,  maritima  antiquitate  celeberrima,  honestis  parentibus  ortus,  et  ibidem  ad 
juventutem  in  bonis  Uteris  et  piis  moribus  egregie  institutus;  postea  propter 
magnam  ingenij  spem  Andreapolim  ad  altiora  studia  missus,  inter  suos  quasi 
supremus  emersit ;  ita  charismata  meliora  aemulatus  ut  comilitones  suos  omnes 
haberet  quidem  amatores  necnon  et  admiratores,  superiorem  aut  etiam  parem 
neminem  et  primum  philosophicis  deinde  Theologicis  tarn  strenuam  nauauit 
operam  et  in  utrisqj  tam  insignem  acquisiuit  cognitionem,  vt  per  gradus 
paulatim  ascendens,  tandem  Theologici  magisterij  supremam  adeptus  fuerit 
lauream  omnesq'j  literati  viri  titulos  merito  ei  solennitate  quadam  oblatos.  erat 
siquidem  ingenio  tam  felici,  tam  tenaci  memoria,  vt  quocunq5  se  daret  (et  qui- 
bus  disciplinis  honestis  se  non  dedit?)  omnia  perciperet  et  comprehenderet,  imo 
in  singulis  adeo  excelleret,  vt  doctissimos  quosq3  in  qualibet  artium  professione 
aequaret.  Vir  vere  magnificus,  quippe  qui  et  cum  omnibus  pacem  habere 
studuit;  in  iis  qui  mundi  sunt  mire  simplex  et  innocens;  pietate,  vita?  sanctimonia, 
humanitate,  benignitate  erga  omnes,  ac  imprimis  incomparabilis  modestise 
exemplo,  non  modo  caeteris  verum  etiam  seipso  superior ;  ingenio  subtilis, 
judicio  solidus,  eloquio  scholasticus ;  accessit  ad  has  naturae  dotes  industria  et 
assiduum  pene  per  totam  vitam  ingenij  memoriasqj  exercitium  et  non  indiligens 
cultura,  vt  suo  seculo  vix  cuiquam  secundus  habitus  sit.  Erat  sacrarum 
literaru  explicator  solertissimus  et  fidelissimus,  veritatis  caelestis  patronus 
inprimis  strenuus,  optimarum  disciplinarum  cum  instaurator  turn  confirmator. 
poesin  acurate  calluit ;  rhetoricam  omnemqj  politiorem  doctrinam,  omnes 
artes  liberales,  physicen  et  mathesin  non  a  riuulis  sordidis  sed  ex  puris- 
simis  fortibus,  h.  e.  Graecis  et  Latinis  authoribus  primis,  hausit.     Astronomus 


518  NOTES.  [Pont, 

longe  notissimus  et  clarissimus ;  arithmeticus  et  Geometra  insignis,  ut  ex  scriptis 
liquet;  Graecas  et  Hebrasas  literas  apprime  calluit;  in  Jurisprudentia  quem- 
admodum  et  in  Theologia  praeeminuit,  vnde  in  suprema  Curia  diu  senatoris 
munus  obibat;  ob  singularem  pietatem,  doctrinam,  prudentiamq3  per  Cathanesiam 
orchadum  et  Zetlandia?  insulas  minister  prouincialis  seu  Commissionarius  in 
ecclesiarum  plantatione  (aliter  superintendens)  est  electus ;  erat  etiam  Collegio 
SS.  Trinitatis  praefectus,  et  ecclesiae  S.  Cuthberti  praepositus,  etc-  Hie  deniq3 
omnium  optimarum  scientiarum  panoplia  vbertim  instructus,  cuncta  etiam 
dignitatum  clarissima  fastigia  amore  studij  salutaris  semper  neglexit.  scriptis 
quidem  plurima  mandauit,  verum  longe  plura  scripsisset  nisi  multum  vitae 
actiuas,  ad  quam  in  ecclesiarum  reformatione  vocatus  erat,  se  accomodasset. 
Quce  de  ejus  scriptis  tam  versu  quam  soluta  oratione,  cum  vernaculo  turn  latino 
sermone  vidimus,  haec  sunt  praecipua, — de  vnione  Britannioe, — de  periodis  tem- 
porum, — de  anno  Iubileo, — aureum  seculum,  lib.  7 — Pindari  olympiorum 
Traductionem, — de  carminum  ratione  et  sectione,  Pindaro  aliisqg  poetis  lyricis 
praesertim  Graecis  familiari, — lexicon  trilinquae, — homelias  in  S.  Paginam, — et 
alia  permulta  quag  in  Catalogo  nostro  Script :  habentur.  Tandem  anno  gratiae 
1606  placide  et  pie  senio  confectus  in  domino  obdormiuit  astatis  suae  an.  82.  et 
die  8  Maij.  tumulatus  est  quinquaginta  passibus  ab  Edinburgo  ad  meridionale 
S.  Cuthberti  ecclesiae  latus  vbi  Elogiu  ab  se  compositum  in  quadrato  sepulchrali 
lapide  spectatur. 

»  ille  ego  robert9  ponta- 

n9  in  hoc  prope  sacro- 
christi  qui  fuera  pastor 

gregis  auspice  christo- 
tetern^:  hic  recubans  ex- 

specto  resurgere  vit^- 

obiit  die  ^t  81  men- 
sis  8  maii,  a.  d.  1606."* 

Claruit  sub  Jacobo  primo,  ejus  maxime,  vt  et  aliorum  literatorum,  insigni 
Mecenate  et  patrono  (Buchananus  de  Scriptoribus  Scotis  illustribus,  Adv.  Libr. 
W.  6.  34.  f  65.) 

The  following  epitaph  on  Pont  is  preserved  among  Sir  Robert  Sibbald's 

MSS.: 

*  This  inscription  has  been  altered  so  as  to  represent  as  nearly  as  possible  the  original.     See 
Hist,  of  West  Kirk,  p.  38. 


Note  I.]  NOTES.  519 

In  pientissimi  ac  doctissimi  senis  obitum,  Roberti  Pontani  pastoris  Edin- 
burgeni,  Epitaphium 

Qua?  te  stante  stetit  sacrorum  Curia  tecum 
Heu !  Pontane,  cadit,  teque  jacente  jacet. 

Tho.  Volusenus. 
(Sibbaldi  Elogia,  Adv.  Lib.  p.  55.) 

Pont  was  interred,  it  is  said,  in  the  church,  but  his  tomb-stone  was  sub- 
sequently removed  to  the  situation  which  it  now  occupies  in  the  burying 
ground.  Soon  after  his  death  it  became  the  subject  of  a  dispute  between  his  widow 
and  the  Kirk  Session  as  appears  from  the  following  extracts  from  the  record  of 
that  court : 

1606,  July  17.  Anent  the  erecting  of  ane  stane  at  the  heid  of  the  defunct, 
viz.,  Mr.  Robert  Pont,  all  agreit  that  the  former  stane  suld  not  be  altered, 
neither  any  thing  eikit  nor  the  will  of  the  deid  wes. 

1607,  April  2.  The  qlk-  day  the  sessioun  will  neither  eik  nor  pair  nor  the 
former  act  is  anent  the  stane  that  Mr.  Robert  Pont  ordanit  himself. 

May  14.  The  sessioun  ordanes  the  stane  that  Margaret  Smy*-  relict 
of  uniq11  Mr.  Robert  Pont  has  put  sal  be  presentlie  tane  doun  after  the  sessioun 
ryses. 

There  are  many  similar  minutes. 

When  the  old  West  Church  was  taken  down  a  heart  preserved  in  lead  and 
filled  with  perfumes  was  discovered  below  the  elders'  seat.  It  was  supposed  to 
be  the  heart  of  Mr.  Robert  Pont,  (Hist,  of  the  West  Kirk,  pp.  38,  9,  148, 
note,)  but  many  considerations  conspire  to  render  this  very  improbable. 

Pont  was  several  times  married.  Catherine  Masterton,  a  daughter  of 
Masterton  of  Grange  is  mentioned  as  his  wife  at  an  early  period  (Crichton's 
Life  of  Mr.  John  Blackader,  2d  edit.  p.  15.  Pauca  queedam  de  M.  Blackaderi 
vita,  &c,  MS.  Adv.  Libr.  Rob.  III.  57.)  That  this  lady  was  his  first  wife  seems 
highly  probable,  because  their  great-grandson,  Mr.  John  Blackader,  was  born 
in  1615  (Crichton  ut  supra.)  Of  this  marriage  one  daughter,  Helen  Pont, 
married  to  Adam  Blackader  of  Blairhall,  is  mentioned  (Ibid.);  and  although 
no  evidence  has  been  discovered  on  the  subject,  a  comparison  of  dates  leads  to 
the  supposition  that  two  sons,  Zachary  and  Timothy,  both  well  known  in 
history,  were  descended  of  the  same  marriage.  Catherine  Masterton  died  in  or 
before  1587,  for  in  that  year  Pont  and  Sarah  Denholm  appear  to  have  executed 
an  antenuptial  contract  of  marriage,  whereby  he  disponed  a  tenement  on  the 
Castlehill  in  favour  of  the  said  Sarah  Denholm  "  sponsae  futurae"  in  liferent, 
and  of  himself,  his  heirs  and  assignees  in  fee,  whereupon  Sarah  Denholm  and 
he  were  infeft  according  to  their  respective  interests  on  the  1st  of  July,  1587 


520  NOTES.  [Pont, 

( Protocolls  penes  City  Clerks  of  Edin.)  In  1592  he  seems  to  have  executed  an 
heritable  Bond  of  provision  in  favour  of  his  two  daughters  Catherine  and  Beatrix,* 
by  which  he  bound  himself,  his  heirs,  &c,  to  pay  to  each  of  them  an  annualrent 
of  40  merks,  and  in  security  of  the  payment  disponed  to  them  that  tenement 
reserving  his  own  liferent,  but  redeemable  and  under  reversion  by  himself  on 
paying  a  rose-noble,  and  by  his  heirs  on  payment  of  400  merks  to  each  of  his 
daughters :  in  virtue  of  this  bond  of  provision  they  were  infeft  in  the  tenement, 
4  Dec,  1592  (Ibid.)  In  the  Instrument  of  sasine  on  this  Bond  no  allusion 
is  made  to  Sarah  Denholm's  liferent, — a  circumstance  which  might  lead  to  the 
supposition  that  she  was  previously  dead,  but  this  is  not  a  strictly  legitimate 
inference,  because  (1.)  the  previous  burdens  created  on  heritable  property  do 
not  necessarily  appear  in  Instruments  of  sasine  following  on  posterior  rights ; 
and  (2.)  because  although  she  were  then  alive,  the  mere  omission  of  any  notice 
of  her  liferent  as  a  previous  burden  on  the  property  would  not  on  the  one  hand 
invalidate  the  deed  to  the  daughters,  nor  on  the  other  affect  her  right  to  the 
liferent,  whether  she  survived  or  predeceased  her  husband,  on  whose  decease, 
however,  according  to  the  terms  of  the  last-mentioned  deed,  the  annuity  to 
the  daughters  was  declared  to  commence.  Yet,  although  this  omission  would 
not  in  law  prove  that  she  was  dead  when  the  Infeftment  was  passed,  it  seems 
improbable  that,  if  she  had  been  alive  at  that  date,  so  prominent  a  claim 
upon  the  property  as  her  liferent  should  not  have  been  recognised  in 
the  sasine.  If  this  hypothesis  be  correct,  Pont  must  have  married  his 
third  wife  in  less  than  two  years  afterwards,  for  he  had  a  son,  James,  baptized 
on  Sunday  the  18th  of  May,  1595  (Regist.  of  Births,  &c,  in  the  City  of  Edin.) 
Nisbet  (Heraldry,  last  ed.,  I.  258)  mentions  a  James  Pont  who  made  collections 
in  heraldry,  which  contained  the  arms  of  Pont  of  Shyresmill,  and  who  died  at 
the  house  of  Seytoun  after  1624; — whether  this  is  the  person  whose  baptism 
is  here  recorded  the  reader  must  judge.  Robert  Pont's  last  (third?)  wife, 
Margaret  Smith,  is  frequently  mentioned  in  the  earlier  part  of  this  Note. 

Respecting  Timothy  Pont,  the  eldest  son,  and  his  topographical  works,  it 
is  unnecessary  to  say  any  thing  here.  The  editor  has  much  pleasure  in  men- 
tioning, that  his  Topography  of  Cunningham  is  at  present  in  preparation  as  a 
contribution  to  the  Maitland  Club  by  Mr.  James  Dobie  of  Beith,  who  has  collected 
the  few  remaining  notices  of  its  author  with  the  design  of  incorporating  them 
in  his  illustrations  to  that  volume.  Zachary  Pont,  the  second  son,  obtained 
by  a  letter  under  the  Privy  Seal,  Oct.  28,   1590,  "full  liberty,  freedom  and 

*  Catherine  may  be  conjectured  to  have  been  a  daughter  of  the  first  marriage,  but  it  is 
altogether  uncertain  whether  Beatrix  was  the  issue  of  the  first  or  second. 


Note  A.]  NOTES.  521 

licence  to  exercise  by  himself,  his  servants  and  deputes  the  office  of  chief  printer 
within  this  realm  and  to  imprint  all  kind  of  books  set  forth  in  any  kind  of  tongue 
or  language  not  forbidden  by  the  statutes  and  laws  of  his  Majesty's  realm,"  &c, 
during  his  lifetime  (Lee's  Memor.  for  Bible  Societies,  p.  47.)  He  married 
Margaret  Knox,  a  daughter  of  the  Reformer  by  his  second  wife,  and  is 
mentioned  as  minister  of  Boar  in  Caithness  in  1605.  Several  notices  of  him 
will  be  found  in  M'Crie's  Life  of  Knox,  5th  edit.  II.  356. 


Note  K. — the  writings  of  mr.  kobert  pont.    (Page  201.) 

Besides  the  works  noticed  by  Wodrow,  Pont  wrote  some  others  which 
Buchanan  mentions  that  he  had  seen  (supra,  Note  I.)  but  of  which  no  trace 
can  now  be  found.  To  these  must  be  added  his  translation  of  the  Helvetic 
Confession,  his  contributions  to  the  Second  Book  of  Discipline  and  to  Bas- 
sandyne's  edition  of  the  Bible  1579  (supra,  pp.  167,  173,  198,)— his  recom- 
mendatory verses  on  Archbishop  Adamson's  Catechism,  1581,  and  the  Schedi- 
asmata  of  Sir  Hadrian  Damman,  Edin.,  1590,  (M'Crie's  Melville,  2d  edit.,  I. 
464,  II.  484,)  and  his  lines  on  Robert  Bollock  (Sibbaldi  Elogia.  Adv.  Libr. 
p.  66.)  His  papers  referring  more  immediately  to  the  affairs  of  the  Church  are 
noticed  in  the  text.  In  one  of  the  bibliographical  MSS.  in  the  Advocates' 
Library,  the  following  entry  appears : 
"  R.  P.  an  Roberti  Pontani  ? 

parvulus  catechismus  quo  examinari  possunt  juniores  qui  ad  sacram  ccenam 
admittuntur,  carm.  iambico.  Svo.  Andreapoli  1573."  (Sibbaldi  Bibliotheca, 
App.  p.  24.) 


LIFE  OF  ARCHBISHOP  BOYD. 

Note  A. — early  notices  of  boyd.     (Page  206.) 

Mr.  Boyd  was  the  second  son  of  Adam  Boyd  of  Pinkil,  brother  of  Lord  Boyd, 
by  Helen  Kennedy,  daughter  of  David  Earl  of  Cassilis  (Robertson's  Ayrsh. 
Fam.  III.  307 — 11,  Wodrow's  Biog.  Collections,  II.  5.)  It  is  most  probable  that 
he  was  educated  at  the  University  of  Glasgow,  but  the  Records  for  that  period 

3u 


522  NOTES.  [Boyd, 

are  excessively  defective,  and  his  name  does  not  appear.  The  fact  of  his  having 
afterwards  studied  under  Cujacius  is  noticed  by  Wodrow.  M'Ure  mentions  that 
"  he  was,  when  a  very  young  man,  with  others  of  his  kindred  in  the  Queen's  army, 
at  the  field  of  Langside,  for  which  he  was  oblidged  to  take  a  remission,"  which 
that  author  says  he  had  seen.  "  After  that,"  he  continues,  "  he  entered  on  the 
ministry  and  was  settled  at  Kirk-oswald  in  Carrick"  (M'Ure's  Hist,  of  Glas- 
gow, edit.  1830,  p.  31.)  This  settlement,  however,  appears  to  refer  to  a  later 
period  of  his  life,  when  he  accepted  the  charge  of  a  particular  flock  in  com- 
pliance with  the  desire  of  the  General  Assembly  (see  supra,  pp.  220-3.)  No 
further  notice  has  been  discovered  of  Mr.  Boyd  till  the  period  at  which  he 
became  Archbishop  of  Glasgow.  The  following  account  of  the  circumstances 
which  led  to  that  appointment  is  given  by  James  Melville : 

"  This  Mr.  James  Boid  was  a  gentleman  of  the  Lord  Boids  kin,  a  guid 
man  and  lower  of  lerning  and  lerned  men,  inducit-  be  his  cheirF  to  tak  the 
Bischoprie,  the  gift  wharof  the  said  Lord  Boid,  being  a  grait  counsallour  to  the 
Regent,  had  purchassit  for  his  commoditie,  bot  within  a  yeir  or  twa,  when  he 
fand  nocht  his  Bischope  plyable  to  his  purpose,  he  causit  his  sone  the  Maister 
of  Boid,  tak  the  castell  and  intromeat  with  all  therin,  keipe  it  and  gather  vpe 
the  rents  of  the  Bischoprik  to  intertein  the  saming,  and  this  was  done  impune, 
nochtwithstanding  the  Regents  streat  justice,  because  the  Tulchain  causit  nocht 
the  kow  giff  milk  aneuche  to  my  Lord,  Sa  that  I  hairF  hard  the  honest  gentle 
man  rew  whill  sear  that  ever  he  tuk  on  that  Bischoprie  efter  he  haid  vnderstud 
be  Mr.  Andro  [Meluill]  of  the  onlawfulnes  therof,  and  fand  sic  a  curss  vpon  it." 
(Diary  p.  37.)  For  an  account  of  the  state  of  the  Diocese  of  Glasgow  previous  to 
the  period  of  Boyd's  election,  the  reader  is  referred  to  the  Contribution  of  Mr. 
Andrew  Macgeorge  at  present  in  preparation  for  the  Maitland  Club, — Miscel- 
laneous Papers  relative  to  Transactions  in  the  reigns  of  Mary  and  James  VI. — 
pp.  23 — 39.  On  the  19th  of  September,  1570,  "  ane  decreit  of  the  Lordes  of 
counfale  and  feffioun  decernig  the  laid  bifchoprik  to  vaik  be  reflbun  of  bar- 
ratrie"  had  been  pronounced,  and  sentence  of  forfeiture  had  also  been  passed 
against  Archbishop  Betoun.  (Reg.  Present  Benef.)  The  Conge  for  the  election 
of  his  successor  is  dated  at  Holyroodhouse,  30th  Sept.,  1573  (Ibid.)  and  the 
order  for  his  consecration  on  the  3rd  of  November  (Ibid.)  On  the  9th  a  writ 
was  issued  confirming  Boyd's  election  and  commanding  "  the  lordes  of  feffioun 
to  grat  lre3  to  caus  him  be  afrit  of  the  temporalitie"  of  the  Archbishoprick 
"frathe  feiit  of  Witfounday  laft  bipaft"  (Ibid.)  Keith  is  therefore  wrong  in 
giving  the  date  1572  (Cat.  Scot.  Bish.  Russel's  edit.  261.) 


Note  B.]  NOTES.  523 

Note  B. — influence  of  the  boyds  at  Glasgow.     (Page  211.) 

Lord  Boyd  and  his  relations,  backed  by  the  influence  of  the  regent,  had  at  this 
time  the  city  of  Glasgow  completely  under  their  control.  It  appears  from  the 
passage  of  James  Melville's  Diary,  quoted  in  Note  A.,  that  the  Archbishop  was 
on  many  occasions  obliged  to  yield  a  very  unwilling  consent  to  Lord  Boyd's 
desires.  This  may  be  supposed  to  have  been  the  case  in  regard  to  his  interfer- 
ence with  the  election  of  the  magistrates  of  Glasgow.  The  power  of  nominating 
these  functionaries  had  unquestionably  belonged  to  the  Archbishop  in  Popish 
times;  it  had  been  conferred  on  them  at  an  early  period  and  was  confirmed  by 
a  royal  charter  in  1476  (Gibson's  Glasgow,  pp.  74,  5.)  But  on  the  flight  of 
Betoun  to  France  before  the  Reformation,  the  citizens  themselves  elected  their 
provost  and  baillies  who  again  nominated  the  Councillors  (Ibid.  82,)  and 
this  system  seems  to  have  continued  till  1573,  when  the  right  was  claimed  by 
Archbishop  Boyd.  On  the  5th  of  October  1574,  a  letter  subscribed  by  him, 
was  presented  to  the  Council  nominating  Lord  Boyd  provost  for  the  following 
year  "  and  siclyk  yeirlie  in  all  tymis  aiming  heireftir  folloicyng,  in  cais  it  plese 
him  to  accept  pe  samyn  on  him,  during  all  the  dayisofoure  lyfttyme"  (Burgh  Re- 
cords, presented  by  J.  Smith,  Ygst.  Esq.  to  the  Maitland  Club,  p.  23.)  Lord 
Boyd  was  accordingly  admitted  provost  and  in  the  following  year,  he  again  "  ac- 
ceptit  the  office"  in  virtue  of  the  same  deed  :  in  the  latter  year  leets  were  also 
presented  to  the  Archbishop,  who  selected  two  persons  as  the  baillies  (Ibid.  42.) 
Two  years  afterwards  the  Archbishop  was  compelled  to  submit  to  a  still  more 
slavish  recognition  of  Lord  Boyd's  power.  On  the  1st  of  October,  1577,  that 
nobleman  presented  to  the  Council  "  ane  writting  maid  to  him  be  James  Arch- 
bischop  of  Glasgw  concerning  the  prouestrie  thairof"  which  contained  the  follow- 
ing extraordinary  passages.  After  alluding  to  the  grant  formerly  made  of  the 
provostship  during  the  lifetime  of  the  Archbishop  the  deed  thus  proceeds : 
"  no'w'standing  J?e  said  Lorde,  for  syndry  causais  mowing  him  thairto  hes  demittit 
the  said  office  in  or-  hand  for  }>is  5eir,  quhairby  we  may  noiat  sic  ane  persoun  as 
we  think  best  at  this  nixt  michaelmes  court  and  siclyke  in  tyme  cuming  Seirly 
to  be  juiest  of  the  said  cietie  :  Provyding  alwayis  that  we  sail  nominal  na  prouest 
this  yeir  nor  in  ony  tyme  cuming  by  the  said  Lordis  avyse  and  consent,  during  all 
the  dayis  of  his  lyftyme,  nor  5it  sail  retene  ony  prouest  that  sail  be  nominat  be 
us  to  pe  said  cietie  langer  nor  ane  5eir  bot  sail  change  pe  guest  at  pe  5ers-  end 
at  the  desyre  and  plesor  of  the  said  Lorde ;  and  gif  we  wald  do  pe  contrare  (as 
God  forbid  we  suld)  we,  be  pe  tenor-  heirof,  ordanis  and  comandis  pe  baillies 
and  counsall  of  the  said  cietie  J>at  pal  pas  nor  gif  na  comissioun  to  na  persoun 
nor  personis  to  pe  office  of  jmestrie  of  the  said  cietie  by  the  consent  and  aduise  of 


524  NOTES.  [Boyd, 

the  said  Lorde  haid  thairto :  And  als  we  be  pe  tenor-  heirof  grantis  and  consentis 
that  it  sail  be  lesum  to  the  said  Lorde  to  entir  to  the  said  office  of  prouestrie  of  Glas- 
ffw  agane  quhenewer  it  plesis  him  at  the  tyme  of  Michaelmes,  quhen  bailleis  and 
prouesteis  are  electit  siclyk  and  als  frelie  as  he  had  newer,  demittit  pe  samyn  in 
our  handis"  &c.  In  the  Record  tliere  immediately  follows  a  presentation  to  the 
provostship  for  one  year  to  Thomas  Crawford  of  Jordanhill,  which  the  old  bail- 
lies  and  council,  with  consent  of  Lord  Boyd,  received  "  and  ordanit  and  grantit 
thair  cofnissioun  to  be  maid  and  gevin  to  pe  said  Thomas  for  pat  effect"  (.Ibid,  79.) 
But  before  the  end  of  that  year  Morton  the  patron  of  this  imperious  baron  resigned 
the  regency  and  Lord  Boyd's  power  received  a  blow,  from  which,  although  he 
afterwards  regained  some  of  his  honours,  it  does  not  seem  to  have  recovered  in 
Glasgow.  In  September,  1578,  the  Archbishop,  without  any  apparent  consent 
of  his  chief,  nominated  Robert,  Earl  of  Lennox  provost,  but  Crawford  protested 
"pat  pe  auld  libertie  and  priuiledge  of  the  town  be  obserwit  and  kepit," — a  cir- 
cumstance exhibiting  a  degree  of  jealousy  which  the  most  exorbitant  powers  of 
Lord  Boyd  had  failed  to  call  forth.  In  October,  1580,  Esme,  Earl  of  Lennox 
was  presented  by  the  Archbishop  and  "  acceptit  glaidlie  w'-  reuerence"  by  the 
old  baillies  and  council,  and  a  short  time  afterwards  (Oct.  19,)  an  Act  of  Privy 
Council  declaring  that  the  baillies  had  dimitted  their  office  for  that  year  at 
the  King's  request,  "  but  preiudice  of  Election  of  pe  magistratis  in  tymis  cum- 
ing,"  and  a  letter  from  Archbishop  Boyd  nominating  three  others,  were  presented, 
both  which  writings  the  council  received  and  acquiesced  in  (Ibid,  101,  131,  135.) 
No  further  notice  of  the  magistrates  appears  during  the  Archbishop's  life.  For 
many  years  after  his  death  the  right  of  nomination  remained  very  undetermined. 
It  was  exercised  by  the  Commendator  of  Blantyre,  by  the  Duke  of  Lennox,  and 
by  the  Archbishops  in  1606  and  1637  (Gibson's  Glasgow,  89,  90.  Extracts  from 
the  Town  Council  Records  printed  in  the  Glasgow  Courier  Newspaper.)  In  Sep- 
tember, 1641,  the  King  granted  to  James  Duke  of  Lennox  the  temporality  of  the 
Archbishoprick,  including  the  right  of  choosing  the  provost  out  of  a  leet  of  three 
persons  presented  to  him  by  the  old  provost,  baillies  and  Council  (Chalmers's 
Caled.  III.  634,  Acts  Pari.  Scot.  V.  498,  597.)  There  is  extant  among  the 
family  papers  of  Sir  John  Maxwell  of  Polloc  the  scroll  of  a  petition  to  the  Pro- 
tector's Council  in  March,  1657,  from  Esme  Duke  of  Lennox,  his  tutrix  the 
Duchess  of  Lennox,  and  Sir  George  Maxwell  of  Netherpolloc  their  Commis- 
sioner, representing  that  notwithstanding  this  right  and  notwithstanding  that  the 
Duke  had  been  "in  constant  use  to  nominat  the  proveist  of  the  said  burch, 
Nevertheless  trew  it  is  that  vpon  .  .  .  day  of  March  last  past  That  the  said 
Sir  Georg  being  present  att  the  castle  of  Glasgow  whether  Commissioners  from 
the  Councell  of  the  burgh  uses  to  attend  the  Duke  or  his  Commissioner  ther  nom- 


Note  C.  NOTES.  525 

ination  of  the  proveist,  being  fully  instructed  as  Comissioner  foirsaid  to  hav  nomi- 
nat  the  said  proveist,  James  Campbell  with  certain  vthers  members  of  the  Councell 
of  the  said  burgh  and  pretending  themselves  to  be  commissioners  from  the  said 
Counsell  did  refuise  to  present  the  said  list  vnto  the  said  Sirgeorg  as  Comissioner 
foirsaid  but  immediatlie  therafter  the  said  councell  of  the  burch  foirsaid  did  pro- 
ceid  to  vott  and  elect  Johne  Anderson  of  Douhill  Proveist  to  the  manifest  con- 
tempt of  the  Duk  of  Lenox  his  right  foirsaid,  after  that  the  said  Sir  georg  as 
comissioner  foirsaid  had  taken  ane  instrument  of  the  said  refuseall  in  the  handes 
of  Wm.  Yair  Clerk  of  the  burgh  protesteing  for  the  nullitie  of  anie  election  to 
be  maid  withowt  his  nomination" — and  therefore  praying  their  Lordships  "  to 
Declair  the  said  election  voyd  &  null  for  the  reason  foirsaid  and  to  givordowrfor 
an  new  legall  election  to  be  maid  by  the  said  Sir  georg  as  Comissioner  foirsaid  and 
the  rather  seing  the  said  Town  Clerk  heth  refuised  to  giv  to  the  said  Sir  georg  an 
extract  of  the  instrument  foirsaid."  What  followed  upon  this  petition  the  editor 
has  not  ascertained  :  it  is  known,  however,  that  in  September  following  the  Pro- 
tector ordered  that  the  election  of  the  magistrates  should  be  deferred  (Gibson's 
Glasgow,  p.  99.)  It  is  unnecessary  to  extend  our  inquiries  farther:  for  the  best 
account  of  these  elections  from  the  period  of  the  Reformation  to  that  of  the  Re- 
volution the  reader  is  referred  to  the  work  just  quoted, — Gibson's  History  of 
Glasgow,  pp.  82—101. 


Note  C. — boyd's  connection  with  the  university  of  Glasgow.  (Page  226.) 

The  state  of  the  University  of  Glasgow  for  several  years  both  before  and  after 
the  Reformation  was  in  every  respect  deplorable.  The  reader  is  probably 
already  acquainted  with  it  through  Dr.  M'Crie's  Life  of  Melville  :  striking  as 
is  the  picture  there  given,  the  editor's  researches  have  only  tended  to  convince 
him  of  its  truth.  Having  thus  referred  to  Dr.  M'Crie's  work  he  will  not  swell 
a  volume  already  become  too  large  by  extracting  from  it.  He  will  merely 
insert  a  few  papers  which  have  escaped  the  wreck  of  the  University's  Records 
for  that  period.  These,  although  necessarily  somewhat  of  a  miscellaneous  nature, 
all  refer  more  or  less  to  Boyd,  and  may  be  considered  not  uninteresting : 

I.   The  rentall  of  the  auld  fundatioun  of  the  College  of  Glasgow,  anno  1575. 
In  the  first,  of  the  troyn  of  glafgow  3eirlye  .  .  .  xx  libs. 

Item  four  aiker  of  land  lyand  on  fe  dowhill 
Item  of  ]>e   Paidagog  or  Colledge   Saird  on  j>e   fowth   fyde  of  pe  ala  by  the 


526  NOTES.  [Boyd, 

awld  college  gaird  pat  lyis  betwix  it  and  the  laich  hall  p'  is  referwit  for  herbis 

to  J>e  howfe  w'in  pe  college viij  libs. 

Item  of  pe  College  gaird  p'-  lyis  on  pe  north  fyde  of  pe  ala  occupyet  be  Jhone 

lowrie  covvpier v  libs.  vjf.  viijd. 

Item  of  Arthurleis  howfe  for  ane  foir  laich  fellar  and  pe  weftmaift  heich  loft 
pareof  fett  of  lait  to  Ofwald  morefon      ......  xlf. 

Item  the  vther  fore  fellar  for  ........  xxf. 

Item  ane  of  pe  chalmers  prof  to  Thoas  finie  for       ....  xxvjf.  viijd. 

Item  pe  vther  chalmer  w'-  J>e  lytle  bak  gaird  prof  .         .         .  xlf. 

Item   pe  wicarage  of  Colmanell  fett  be   Mr.  Jhone  dauidfon  to  Mr.  Gilbert 
keiiedie  in  pe  lxx  5eir  of  God,  the  college  reliewing  him  of  pe  wicar  pefionar 

and  thrids  for xlij  libs,  xiijf.  iiijd. 

Item  of  pe  gleib  land  or  kirkland  of  pe  famyn  fett  in  few  alfo  be  pe  faid  Mr. 

Jhone  to  pe  faid  Mr.  Gilbert  xlf. 

Item  be  Robert  Allafon  in  the  town  of  Arthurlie  .         .  liijf.  iiijd. 

Item  Watt  fprewl  for  ij  mk  land  In  the  lord  rofs  fyde  of  Arthurlie  vmks. 

Item  Charles  pollok  for  viijf  land  and  ane  plaks  worth  .  vjf.  viijd. 

Item  Johne  pollok  for  viijf  land  &  ane  plaks  worth  .         .         vjf.  viijd. 

Item  Beffie  muireheid  Ofe  knelands  wyfe  for  pe  xviijf  land  of  bratlifliolme  occu- 

peit  be  Jhone  Bron  flefchor-  viijf. 

The  annuells  in  Glafgow  of  pe  faid  fundatioun : 
In  primis  ane  Tenement  forenet  William  donaldfons  in  pe  rattoiiray  qlk-  was 
vmq"   Nikie  knox  and  now  William  reids  payis  Seirlie  .  .  iiijf. 

Item  ane  tenemet  in  pe  drygait  at  the  Wyne  heid  of  Jhone  fprewls  vf. 

Item  pe  tenemet  of  vmq11  Mr.  Adame  colquhoii  and  now  Agnes  conyinghams  xld. 
Item  pe  tenemet  of  vmq"-  George  cleynnie  now  Margaret  fleymings  his  wyf 

xiijf.  iiijd. 
Item  pe  Tenemet  of  vmq11-  Dauid  miliar  now  apperteinig  to  pe  laird  of  Bar- 
dowie  ...........  iiijf- 

Item  pe  Tenemet  apperteinig  to  George  elphinfton  Glafin  wricht  fornet  pe 
college  ...........  ijf- 

Item  pe  Tenemet  of  vmq1L  Arthure  gilcrefon  fornet  pe  college        .  vf. 

Item  pe  Tenemet  of  Gawin  grahame  at  pe  Gramar  fcuil  wyne        .  xf. 

Item  pe  tennent  [Tenement]  pat  Barbara  fmailom  duells  in             .  xvf. 

Item  pe  tenement  apperteyning  to  Allan  Wrycht                     •         •  x'- 

Item  ane  Kil  perteining  to  Jhone  and  Dauid  falcounars          .         .  vi'j'- 

Item  Andro  ftruthers  tenemet  fornet  Mungo  Mortons             .         •  **• 

Item  the  tenemet  apperteinig  fumtyme   to  William  Lowdian  fornet   Andro 
heriots v1. 


Note  C]  NOTES.  527 

Item  Jje  tenemet  of  Meggie  fellar  in  )>e  Gallougait  .         .         .        vjf.  viijd. 

Item  J>e  tenement  of  Megie  ranking  wmq"-  Jhone  muir  \>e  baillies  wyfe  ijf. 

Item  pe   tenement  apperteining  to  Mathow  wilfon  at  ]>e  Cuin3ej  nuik  fornet 
J>e  mercat  croce  .........  vjf. 

Item  J?e  tenemet  ]>at  is  occupyet  be  Jhone  rid  and  Jonet  park  his  wyfe  in  Jonet 

rhfchells  bakefyde iijf. 

Item  ane  tenemet  in  vmqu-  Mr.  Jhone  hall  now  Mathow  wilfons  bakfyd  occu- 

peit  be  Michael  Anderfon  iijf. 

The  tenemet  of  vmq11-  Robert  forthik  viijf. 

Item  the  tenemet  occupeit  be  Archie  crawfurd  lyand  betwix  William  halls  and 
Andro  mures  now  Dauid  halls  and  William  tail5ors-      .         .         .  iijf. 

Item  }>e  tenemet  of  Jhone  hawfton  baxfter  ]>'■  Dauid  Landles  duells  in  xf. 

Item  J>e  tenemet  of  vmq"  Richie  rofs  fallin  d6n  in  J>e  brig  gait       .  iiijf. 

Item  of  ane  howfe  \>u  is  fallin  don  fornet  J>e  college  J>'-  was  of  awld  callit  J>e 
Regets  anuel  .........  viijf. 

The  Annuels  apperteining  to  ]>e  dean  of  facultye : 
In  primis  of  ]>e  Walkar's   3aird   lyand  on  J>e  north  fyde  of  the  gray  freirs 

viijf. 
Item  ]>e  anuel  of  J>e  fore  place  at  ]>e  wyne  heid  J>'-  lyis  to  J>e  halye  bluid  altar 
occupyet  be  Sr-  Richard  harbertfoii  .....  viijf. 

Item  of  ane  barne  and  twa  ruids  land  apperteinig  vmq11-  to  Sr-  Martin  reid  in 

]>e  ilokwall vf. 

Item  of  ]>e  gaird  J>'  apperteinit  to  Jhone  panter  lyand  on  J>e  north  fyde  of  ]>e 
bifchops  5aird  .........  vf. 

Item  thare  is  ane  lytle  Jaird  apperteinig  to  J>e  beddell  occupyet  be  Barbara 
Smallom  Jjat  wont  of  awld  to  pay  of  maill       .....  xf. 

Item  as  to  St.  Thomas  kirk  and  J>e  kirk  5aird,  ]?e  rychts  J>rof  is  c5teinit  in  Jje 
College  buke  callit  liber  coclusionu  ...... 

Sum  of  Silver  in  this  Rental  100  libs.  12f.  4d. 

(Ann.  Coll.  Fac.  Art.  pp.  56,  7.     Records,  No.  II.) 

II.  Catalogus  librorum  comunis  Bibliothecoe  Collegii  Glasguensis  1578. 

Biblia  facra  Interprete  Caftalione,  magno 
folio,  Excufa  Bafileas  1556  per  Joannem  Oporinu. 
Ex  dono  Andreje  hayi  D.  Rectoris. 

(Then  follow  the  works  presented  by  George  Buchanan,  which  are  set  down  in 
Irving's  Memoir  of  him  (pp.  393,  4.)  and  need  not,  therefore,  be  inserted 
here.) 


528 


NOTES. 


[Boyd, 


Nu^  volm  6  Lyrani  opera  fexvoluminib9  Lugduni  1545. 

7  Erafmi  annotationes  in  nouu  teft. 

8  P.  Martyr  in  Euchariftiam. 

9  Biblia  graece,  venetiis  1518. 

10  Herma  Laetmatius  de  inftaurand.  rel.  Ba- 

fil.  1549. 

11  Burchardus  vormacienfis,  Coloniae  1548. 

12  Philip.    Melanchthonis    Corpus    doclrin. 

Chriftianae,  Lipfiae  1561. 

13  Irenaeus  aduerfus  haerefes,  Bafd.  1548. 

14  Nicephorus  Calliftus,  Bafd.  Oporin9  1555. 

15  Jofephi  hiftoria,  Bafd.  1548. 

16  Alberti  metropolis,  Bafileae. 

17  Pagnini  Ifagoge  ad  facras  Literas.     Lug- 

duni 1536. 

18  Rituii    ecclefiailicolj:    libri   tres,    Venetiis 

1556. 

19  Epiphanius.     Bafileas  vinter9  1545. 

20  Bernardi  opera.      Paris.  1551. 

21  P.  Lombardi  fnia^  Paris.  1550. 

22  Procopii  pentateuch.     Tvguri  1555. 

23  Historiae    ecclafticae    tripartitae    torn.    29 

Antuerpiae. 
28  Chryfoftomi  opeif  quinqj  volumina.     Ba- 
fd. heruag.  1539. 

32  Hyeronomi  opelf  quatuor  volumina. 

33  Cum  indice  quinto  volum.     Paris.  1546. 

34  Bafdii  opera  latine.     Paris.  1547. 

35  Clementis  opera.     Paris.  1544. 

36  Concordantiae  biblioif ,  Bafil.  heruag.  1549. 

37  Hylarii  opera.     Bafd.  1550. 

38  Dionyfius  Areopagita  Coloniae  1556. 

40  Origenis  opelf.  volumina  duo,  Bafil  1545. 

41  Tertulliani  opera,  Bafil.  1550. 

44  Melanchthonis  chronicolf  vola  tria,  Bafil. 

45  Torrenfis  deaucloritatePontific.  florentiae. 

46  Cypriani  Opera,  Bafil.  heruag.  1540. 

47  Concilio^     glial,    torn,    primus,    Colonies 

Agrippinae  1551. 

48  Alfonfus  contra  haeretic. 


~\ 


Decimo  Junii  1581 
Jacobus  Boydaeus 
Epifcopus  Glas- 
guas  hos  omnes 
Collegio  Glasg'  tes- 
tamento  reliqiut. 


Note  C]  NOTE  S.  529 

Qui  fequuntur  teftamento  pariter  ab  eodem  legati  at  nondum 
per  Executores  redditi:  Steuchus  de  perenni  phia  [philolbphia]. 
Opera  Pici  Mirandulas  •  Angel9  Politianus  ■  Geographia  Nigri  ■  L. 
Viuis  opera. 

PUBLICIS  SUMPTIBUS  ACADEMIJE  EMPTI   LIB. 

Auguftini  opera  Oflo  voluminib.  folio.     Paris.  1544. 

Ciceronis  opera   duobus  voluminib.  fol.    magno   Paris.   Rob. 

Stephan9 

Ariftotelis  opera  latine  fol.  Bafileas 

The  hail  a£tes  of  Parliament 

The  bible  of  Govan  and  College 

Politica  Ariftotelis  cum  commentar.  fol.  Paris. — Empti  flint 

per  Quffiftorem  1577.* 

.,„....  7    Ex  dono  viri 

Ambroln  opera  folio.  /  „ 

(jregoru  Komani  Epi  opera  duobus  voluminib.  \ 

-^      J  \  K  .I.  I . 
MAISTER  PETIR  BLAKBURNE 

ane  of  the  Regentis  of  the  college  at  his  deputing  to  Abirdein 
left  and  gave  to  ye  college  as  followis. 
Ane  new  gffall  Cart  ftentit  vpon  buirdes,  fett  out  be  Ge- 

rardus  Jode  Antuerpiae  1575. 
Tabulae  veflalii ;  with  this  infcription,  Anatomes  totius  aere      I       Ex  dono 

infculpta  delineatio  ■  fol.  magno  Paris.  CIO  I3LXV-     |       Petri     Blak- 
Strobasus  Leodegarius  a  quercu  Coiiient.  in  3  De  Orat.     V      burni       ante 

Paris.  1561.  f      discessum 

Ammonius  in  Porphyr.  Categ.  latine.     Niphus  in  Elenchos.     I       8.      Nouemb. 
francifc  Buran  in  Priora  Analyt.  Et  Niph9  in  Topica      |       1582. 
et   Pofteriora.     (Jura,  Leges  &c. — Records  No.  VII 
pp.  9,  10.) 

The  following  paper  besides  giving  a  curious  view  of  the  state  of  the  Uni- 


*  Another  MS.  says  "  Empti  sunt  opera  Thonue  Jackcei  Qusestoris  Academic  1577" 
(Record,  No.  II.)  and  has,  besides  the  works  here  mentioned,  Historia  Scotorum  Manuscripta, 
authore  G.  Buchanano.  Jack  had  been  master  of  the  Grammar  School  of  Glasgow,  and  was  then 
minister  of  Eastwood.  He  is  well  known  as  the  author  of  the  Onomastieon  Poeticum  (M'Crie's 
Melville,  2d  Edit.  II.  478,  9.) 

3  x 


530  NOTES.  [Boyd, 

versity,  derives  considerable  interest  from  the  signatures  attached  to  it,  of  which 
fac-similes  have  been  prepared.  Similar  regulations  are  set  down  in  the  statutes 
entitled  "Jura,  Leges,  Inftituta,"  (Record  No.  VII.)  but  the  order  is  different 
and  the  latter  is  in  some  cases  more  full.  The  more  important  variations  are 
added  as  footnotes. 

III.  [leges  de  moribus  et  pietate] 

Phyficas  auditores  non  folum  ijs  quae  quarto  anno  fed  etiam  quae  fuperiori- 
bus  praele&a  funt  diligenter  repetendis  operam  impendunto :  Ante  Idus  Augufti 
nulla  praele&ionum  intermiffio  conceditor. 

Nemo  afcriptus  in  Album  Academiaj  flagitioforum  aut  perditorum  ciuium 
aut  aliorum  quorumcunq3  qui  vitam  fceleratam,  prophanam  aut  turpem  degunt 
focietate  vtatur. 

Omnes  qui  gradu  Magifterij  donati  funt  certo  alicuj  ftudiorum  generi  ex 
Gymnafiarcha;  et  praeceptorum  fententia  fefe  addicant:  Qui  fecus  feceritin  Gym- 
nafium  ne  admittitor,  aut  receptus  etiam  eijcitor. 

Qui  Magifterij  titulo  ornatos  inftituendos  fufcipiet  de  affidua  eorum  in 
audiendis  praelectionibus,  diligentia  &  ftudiorum  profectu  Gymnafiarcham  & 
ceteros  collegas  certiores  reddunto,  &,  ne  vllus  focordia?  locus  relinquatur,  Gym- 
nafiarcha  fingulis  faltem  menfibus  progrefluu  rationem,  quaeftiunculis  quibuf- 
dam,  fcriptione  aut  claffici  aucloris  interpretatione,  intelligito. 

Omnes  laurea  donati  publicis  Theologiae  praeleclionibus  interfint.  Omnes 
latine  loquutor. 

Qui  theologiae  operam  nauant  decimo  quarto  quoq5  die  publice  thefes  de- 
fendant aut  oppugnent,  praefentibus  gymnafiarcha  et  praeceptoribus. 

Qui  alterius  nomen  famolb  libello  violarit,  ignominiofus  ipfe  tota  vniuerfi- 
tate  exterminator. 

Qui  nondum  magifterij  gradum  attigerunt  praeceptorum  fuorum  praelec- 
tiones  omnes  audiunto. 

Nemo  laurea  magifterij  ornatus  difcipulo  familiariter  vtitor.  Nullus  difci- 
pulus  cum  iis  familiarem  confuetudinem  habere  aufus  efto. 

Gymnafium  nemo  nifi  petita  a  gymnafiarcha  et  praeceptorib9  [et]  impe- 
tiata  venia  exito. 

Culinam  ingredi  aut  ifthic  manere  omnes  fcholaftica  honeftate  indignu  exifti- 
manto :  qui  fecus  fecerint  feuere  caftigantor. 

Nemo  cauponam  aut  tabernas  ingrediatur. 

Nemo  ludat  reticulari  pila  aut  fpherifterium  vllo  modo  ingrediatur. 

Nemo  nifi  facultate  omnibus  concefta  ludat  &  ne  turn  quidem  vltra  quartam 
horam  in  agris  maneat,  fed  vna  cum  difcipulis  in  gymnafium  reuertatur. 


Note  C] 


NOTE  S. 


531 


Publicis  precibus  &  concionibus  omnibus  tarn  in  inferiori  quam  fuperiori 
templo  omnes  cum  difcipulis  interfint. 

Nemo  gladium,  pugionem,  tormenta  bellica,  aut  aliud  quoduis  armorum 
aut  telorum  genus  geftet  aut  apud  fe  habeat;  fed  apud  praefe&um  omnia  deponat.* 

Quifquis  in  legem  vllam  peccauerit  primum  a  gymnafiaicha  &  praeceptori- 
bus  privatim  admonetor ;  nifi  refipuerit  ab  omnibus  Academiae  moderatoribus 
publice  caftigator  &  acriter  obiurgator;  poftremo,  fi  contumax  fuerit,  Academia 
expellitor. 

Difcipuli  omnesf  remota  menfa  furgunto  &  ftantes  gratiarum  actionem  & 
pfalmi  decantationti  expeftanto. 


TTW  G  ^u  iJtfrfig:      xtlZZvZ 


iL'ri-TWtf    tfrtf  eft 


w* 


Quoties  facra  domini   caena  celebranda   fuerit,  dies   praecedens  facrarum 

*  The  "  Jura"  &c.  here  add  :  "  Si  quis  arma  clam  apud  se  retineat  castigator  :  Magistri  anna 
discipulis  auferunto,  nulla  vnquam  reddunto.  Si  quis  armis  aut  vllo  telo  alterum  ad  sanguinis  effu- 
eionem  vulnerarit,  castigatus  ignominiose  tota  Vniuersitate  exterminator.  Si  laurea  Magisterii  dc~ 
natus  eiusmodi  facinus  patrauerit,  eiectus  Magisterii  titulo  et  gradu  exauctorator"  (Record 
No.  VII.) 

f  The  Jura  add  :  "  convictores." 


532  NOTES.  [Boyd, 

rerum  ad  earn  actionem  pertinentium  leftioni  dicata  efto.  Praeceptores  laurea 
magifterij  donati  et  difcipuli  omnes  eadem  hora  eadem  menfa*  facro  D.  N.  J. 
Chri  facramento  communicanto.f  (Ann.  Coll.  Fac.  Art.  1451 — 1555.  Records 
No.  U.)t 

IV.  A  COPIE  OF  THE  MORTIFICATION  OF  THE  CUSTOMES  OF  THE  TRONE  OF  GLAS- 
GOWE  ETC.  TO  THE  COLLEDGE  BE  THE  RIGHT  REVEREND  FATHER  IN  GOD 
JAMES  BOYD  ARCHBISHOPE  OF  GLASGOW.§ 

Be  it  kend  till  all  men  be  thir  prit  Ires  vs  James  be  the  mercie  of  god  arch- 
bischop  of  glasgowe  and  chancelar  of  the  universitie  therof  withe  expresse  psent 
and  assent  of  the  chanounes  &  chaptor  of  our  Metrapolitain  Kirk  of  glasgow  for 
the  honor  of  god  in  advancing  of  good  Ires,  &  knawledge  in  his  Kirk  to  be  pro- 
fessit  &  taught  w'in  our  colledge  of  glasgow,  because  the  said  colledge  had  of 
befor  of  us  and  our  predecessores  certane  jeirlie  dewtie  of  or-  customes  of 
our  citie  of  glasgow  that  the  samin  sulde  in  no  wayes  be  pairet  or  hurt  hot 
rather  augmentit  &  dotet  by  us  To  have  vnit,  anexit  and  perpetualie 
mortifeit  in  and  to  the  said  colledge  all  and  hail  our  customes  of  our  trone  of 
glasgowe,  grit  &  smal  customes,  fair  or  marcat  customes,  or  of  mett  measure  or 
weght  perteininge  to  us  within  our  said  citie  of  glasgow  w'  all  pertinentes 
therof  Lyk  as  we  phtle  unit,  anexis  mortifies  &  incorporates  the  samin  all  and 

*  (Expectent  vltimam).     Jura,  ut  supra. 

\  "  Omnes  pra?ceptores,  laurea  Magisterii  donati  discipuli  tpe  sacras  lectionis,  gratiarum 
actionis,  psalmi  decantationibus,  in  aula  praesentes  libros  habento  ;  quod  legitur  non  oseitanter 
attendunto,  psalmum  concinunto. 

"  Nulla  librorum  aut  aliarum  quarumcunque  rerum  aut  discipulis  inter  se  aut  laurea  donatis  cum 
dicipulis  commutatio  aut  alienatio  permissa  esto." 

"  Si  conuietorum  aliquis  in  vrbe  pernoctauerit  seuere  castigator.  Si  nocturnis  ludis,  peruigila- 
tionibus,  peruagationibus  noctem  aut  noctis  partem  vllus  in  album  Academia  ascriptus  egisse  intelli- 
gatur,  summo  supplicio  multator. 

"  Si  quis  vllam  ob  causam  in  alienos  hortos  irruperit,  damnu  reparato,  seuerissime  castigator. 

"  Nulla  vel  docendi  vel  disciplinam  exercendi  penes  paedagogum  potestas  esto  :  Tota  hase  ratio 
Gymnasiarchas  et  mgris  Professoribus  commissa  esto"  (Jura  &c.  ut  supra.) 

X  There  is  no  date  attached  to  this  deed,  but  as  Thomas  Snieton  became  Principal  when 
Andrew  Melville  left  Glasgow  in  November,  1580,  it  must  have  been  drawn  out  between  that  period 
and  the  Archbishop's  death  in  June  1581  (Reg.  Fac.  Art.  Glasg.  J.  Melville's  Diary,  65.)  and  if 
the  professorship  of  Greek  had  its  rise  from  Archbishop  Boyd's  mortification  (No.  IV.  of  this  Note) 
it  will  fix  the  date  still  more  nearly. 

§  By  this  donation  the  funds  were  enabled  to  support  a  fourth  Regent,  who  is  understood  to 
have  been  the  teacher  of  Greek,  (Report  of  Royal  Commission  of  Inquiry  into  the  State  of  the 
Scottish  Universities,  1831,  p.  218.)  The  original  of  this  deed  of  Mortification  and  a  Confirmation 
of  it  by  James  VI.  are  preserved  among  the  University's  Charters.  Blackhouse's  MS.  Inventory 
of  Writs  belonging  to  the  Univ.  of  Glasg.  Nos.  422,  3. 


Note  D.]  NOTES.  533 

hail  thairto  to  remaine  thairw'  for  ever  w'  all  Emolumetes,  fruites,  profites  anni- 
vsaries  or  other  commodities  q'sumever  To  be  upliftit,  peacablie  bruked  &  joy- 
sit  be  the  maisteres  and  regetes  of  our  said  Colledge  present  &  to  cume,  thair 
factores,  collectores  &  servitores  in  thair  names  peacablie,  w'out  all  truble,  stoppe 
or  impediment  w'  als  good  right  as  we  or  anye  of  our  predecessores  bruiket  or 
joyset  the  samin  or  might  haw  done  from  the  beginning  halding  the  saids  hail 
customes  &  pertinentes  yrof  of  us  and  our  sucessores  Archbischopes  of  glasgow 
w'out  any  revocatione  or  againcalling  q'sumever  Ordaning  yt  this  our  vnion  & 
anexation  be  registrat  in  the  common  books  of  the  sds-  universitie  &  colledge  for 
a  perpetuel  memorie  of  our  good  favor  borne  thairunto  And  siclyk  binds  & 
oblishes  us  and  our  suceffores  to  warrand,  accquyet  and  defend  this  our  union  and 
anexation  to  the  said  colledge,  or  to  mak  farther  securitie  yrof  in  most  dew  and 
competent  forme  as  efFeires  to  remaine  for  ever  w'  the  said  colledge  In  wittnes 
of  the  qlk  thinge  and  of  the  hail  premifP  to  this  our  vnion  &  anexation  maid  to  the 
said  colledge  subscryvit  w'  our  hand  our  seil  is  aflfixit  Togider  wt  the  common 
seil  of  or  chaptor  and  subscryvit  be  the  chanons  yrof  in  tokin  of  thair  psent  & 
assent  to  the  premifP  At  glasgow  the  twentie  aught  day  of  the  monethe  of  May  the 
5eirof  god  a  thousand  flue  hundrethe  four-scor  and  ane  geires  befor  thir  wittnes 
Mr.  David  weimis  minister  of  glasgow  Mr.  Androw  Polwart  subdeane  of  Glasgow. 
(Record  No.  VII.) 

Copies  of  the  principal  deeds  relative  to  the  University  together  with  much 
curious  and  valuable  information,  will  be  found  in  the  Report  of  the  Royal 
Commission  of  Inquiry  into  the  State  of  the  Scottish  Universities,  1831,  and  in 
the  Appendix  and  Supplementary  Appendix  to  that  document. 


Note  D. — boyd's  last  years  and  death.     (Page  230.) 

James  Melville  has,  in  the  part  of  his  Diary  quoted  in  Note  A.,  represented 
Boyd  as  finding  such  a  curse  on  his  office  that  he  repented  full  sore  "  that  ever 
he  tuk  on  that  Bischoprie,"  and  Spotswood  has  asserted  that  the  ingratitude 
and  harshness  of  Andrew  Melville  and  of  Boyd  of  Badenheath  so  much  affected 
his  mind  that  "  he  contracted  a  melancholy  whereof  he  died  not  long  after" 
(Hist.  p.  303.)  Both  these  statements  seem  to  be  tinged  more  or  less  by  the 
party  feelings  of  the  authors.  It  does  not  appear  from  the  proceedings  of  the 
General  Assembly  relative  to  the  Archbishop  that  he  was  so   willing   to  lay 


534  NOTES.  [Boyd. 

down  his  office  as  James  Melville's  Diary  would  lead  one  to  anticipate  (see  supra, 
pp.  218-25.)  Spotswood's  assertion  is  greatly  more  unfounded,  and  can  only 
be  accounted  for  on  the  supposition  that  he  was  grossly  misinformed  or  that  he 
wilfully  misrepresented  the  facts  (compare  Spots.  303,  with  Robert  Boyd's 
Philotheca,  supra  208,  and  the  passage  respecting  the  Archbishop's  submission 
to  the  G.  Ass.,  p.  225.) 

According  to  the  last  author,  Archbishop  Boyd  "  being  comforted  by 
Mr.  Andrew  Polwart  Subdean  of  Glasgow,  departed  this  life  in  great  quiet- 

nesse His  corps  was  solemnly  buried  in  the  Quire  of  the  Cathedral, 

and  laid  in  the  sepulchre  of  Mr.  Gawan  Dumbar  one  of  his  predecessors." 
(Hist,  ut  supra.) 

It  is  said  that  Boyd  alienated  part  of  the  Archiepiscopal  property: 
the  following  are  the  facts  upon  which  that  accusation  is  founded.  Mr.  Peter 
Young  of  Seytoun,  the  King's  "  master  elimosinare,"  obtained  from  the  Arch- 
bishop "  ane  3eirlie  pensioun  of  twa  hundreth  pundis  money  ...  for  all  the 
dayes  of  his  lyvetym,"  which  was  confirmed  by  the  King  and  ratified  by  parlia- 
ment in  1587  (Acts  Pari.  Scot.  III.  491.):  the  Archbishop  granted  a  tenement 
in  Edinburgh,  which  belonged  to  the  bishops  of  Glasgow,  and  is  described 
in  the  ratification  by  parliament  in  1592  as  "  ruinows  and  waist"  to  James 
Boyd  of  Kipps  in  feufarm  (Ibid.  616.) :  he  feued  the  lands  of  Bedlay  to  Lord 
Boyd,  and  those  of  Gorbals  to  George  Elphinston,  merchant  in  Glasgow  (Gibson's 
Glasg.  60.) :  his  mortification  of  the  Customs  of  the  Tron  of  Glasgow,  made 
"  withe  express  consent  and  assent  of  the  Channounes  and  Chaptor,"  has  been 
inserted  in  Note  C.  to  this  Life.  In  the  Register  of  Presentations  to  Benefices 
are  confirmations  of  a  pension  to  Robert  Lord  Boyd  of  1000  merks  from  the 
Archbishoprick  of  Glasgow  and  Abbacy  of  Paisley,  Sept.  23,  1578,  and  of  a 
pension  of  1001.  Scots  by  the  Archbishop  to  Thomas  Master  of  Boyd,  June  19, 
1583   (II.  89.  Reg.  Seer.  Sig.  XLIX.  126.) 

At  the  parliament  of  1587  Johne  Chalmers  of  Troquhane  appeared  and 
protested  in  name  and  behalf  of  Boyd's  widow  that  "  the  benefite  and  fauour  of 
restitution  grantit  in  this  present  parliament  to  James  betoun  archiebischope  of 
glasgw  sail  onnawayss  be  hurtfull  or  preiudiciall  to  hir  and  hir  bairnis  anent  thair 
richtis  and  titillis  of  quhatsumeuer  landis  or  possessionis  of  the  patrimony  of  the 
archiebishoprick  of  glasgw  or  vtherwyss"  and  at  the  same  time  Lord  Boyd  pro- 
tested for  himself  and  Thomas  Master  of  Boyd,  Robert  Boyd  of  Badinhauch 
(Badenheath),  James  Boyd  of  Kippis,  George  Elphingstoun  of  Blythiswod,  Hew 
Crawfurd  of  Clovarhill  and  Alexander  Boyd  brother  of  Adam  Boyd  of  Pinkill 
that  the  same  restitution  should  not  prejudice  them  "  anent  quhatsumeuer  richt, 
title,  tak,  rentale  or  few  grantit  to  thame  or  ony  of  thame  be  vmqle  James  bovd 


Note  A.]  NOTES.  535 

archbischop  of  glasgw  for  the  tyme  or  ony  vther  his  predecessouris"  (Acts  Pari. 
Scot.  III.  470,  1).  Betoun's  restitution,  was  rendered  ineffectual  "be  reasone 
he  fail5eit  in  giving  the  Confessioun  of  his  faith  and  acknowlegeing  of  our  souer- 
ane  lordis  auctoritie."  (Ibid.) 

No  notice  whatever  of  Archbishop  Boyd  is  to  be  found  in  the  Testamentary 
Record  of  Glasgow. 


LIFE  OF  ARCHBISHOP  GLADSTANES. 


Note  A. — notices  of  gladstanes  from  his  birth  till  1597.     (Page  234.) 

The  Editor  can  add  but  little  to  the  account  given  by  Wodrow  of  Gladstanes' 
parentage.  The  records  of  the  town  of  Dundee  were  examined  by  the  kind 
assistance  of  Mr.  Burnes  of  Montrose,  for  any  notices  of  his  birth  or  extrac- 
tion, but  without  any  favourable  result.  It  seems  agreed  upon  all  hands, 
however,  that  neither  of  them  were  by  any  means  very  exalted  (Balfouii  Vita? 
Episcop.  S.  Andrea?,  in  Bibl.  Acad.  Glasg.  See  also  supra,  p.  234.)  He  was 
probably  born  between  the  years  1560  and  1565,  and  appears  from  Wodrow's 
statement  to  have  received  the  earlier  part  of  his  education  at  the  school  of  his 
native  place  (supra,  234.)  In  1576  he  was  incorporated  a  student  of  St.  Salva- 
tor's  College  in  the  University  of  St.  Andrew's,  and  in  1580,  he  took  the  De- 
gree of  Master  of  Arts,  on  the  last  of  which  occasions  he  is  mentioned  in  the 
Faculty  Quaestor's  books  as  a  pauper, — that  is,  one  who  paid  the  lowest  rate  of 
fees.  It  is  probable  that  he  afterwards  studied  Divinity  under  Mr.  Andrew 
Melville  and  that  he  was  licensed  as  a  preacher  about  1585.  No  notice  of  his 
name  has  been  discovered  in  the  Record  of  the  General  Assembly  till  1587, 
when  among  the  "  Grives  of  the  Kirk  given  in  to  his  maiestie"  by  that  court,  we 
find  the  following  under  the  district  of  Angus  and  Mearns:  "  Wm.  Douglass 
sonne  to  the  Laird  of  Glenbervie  lies  cawsit  wnbett  [wnbesett]  at  syndrie  tymes 
M'is  George  Gladstaines  and  Andrew  Myllne  with  armit  men  at  yair  howssis  and 
lying  in  wayte  for  them  about  yair  houssis  and,  war  not  the  releife  of  god  and  good 
men,  had  taken  thair  Lyves"  (B.  of  Univ.  Kirk,  in  Bibl.  Acad.  Glasg.  p.  279.) 
Gladstanes  was  present  at  the  Assembly  held  in  August,  1590,  as  one  of  the  minis- 
ters of  the  same  district.  At  the  Assembly  held  at  Montrose  in  June,  1595,  among 
several  "  articles  [presentit]  from  his  maiestie,  craving  the  sam  to  be  red  and 


536  NOTE  S.  [Gladstanes, 

ansuerit,"  it  is  mentioned,  that  "In  respect  Mr.  Johne  Craig  is  awayting  quhat 
howr  it  sail  pleis  god  to  call  him  and  is  wnable  altogither  to  serve  any  langer,  and 
his  ma.  mynd  is  to  place  Jon  Duncansone  with  the  Prince  and  so  hes  no  ministers 
but  Mr.  Patrick  Galloway  Theirfoir  His  H.  desyres  ane  ordinance  to  be  maid 
granting  him  any  two  ministers  he  sail  chwse;"  to  this  request  the  Assembly  replied 
in  the  following  terms,  "  It  is  agreit  that  His  Ma.  sail  have  choyce  of  the  most 
grave,  Learnit  and  godlie  brethrene  of  the  ministrie  with  advyce  of  the  Commis- 
sioners following  to  be  direct  to  his  maiestie,  viz'-  Mris  Robert  Bruce,  An.  Melvill, 
Ja.  Melvill,  Da.  Lyndsay,  Da.  ffargwsone,'Ja.  Ballfour,  Thomas  Buchannane, 
Ja.  Nicolsone,  An.  Lambe,  George  Gladstanes  or  ony  sax  of  the  said  brethrene 
quha  ar  appointit  to  meit  the  22  of  July  nixt."  The  Assembly  of  March,  1596, 
gave  Commission  to  the  ministers  of  the  presbyteries  of  Moray  and  Aberdeen 
"  to  insist  in  conference  with  the  Earle  of  Huntlie,"  a  Roman  Catholic,  and  to 
that  effect  appointed  Gladstanes  and  four  others  to  assist  and  concur  with  them, 
and  in  the  session  immediately  following  the  same  parties  were  desired  "  to  trait 
lykewayes  with  the  Erie  of  Arrol."  At  the  Assembly  held  in  May,  1597,  Huntlie's 
answers  to  the  articles  proposed  to  him  were  presented  :  the  reply  to  the  10th 
stands  thus :  "  He  agries  That  at  the  Sicht  of  the  ministers,  Mris  David  Cun- 
ynghame,  Alexr  Dowglas,  George  Glaidstaines  and  of  his  friends  Pitlurge  [and] 
Cluny  sail  sett  downe  ane  order  for  provisione  of  his  kirks  qlk  he  promises  to 
execute  immediatlie  after  his  absolutione"  (Ibid.  pp.  287,  343,  4,  366,  368,  374.) 
The  names  of  the  parishes  of  which  Gladstanes  was  minister  are  very  ob- 
scurely given  at  p.  234.  The  S'-  Seres  of  Wodrow  is  evidently  the  St.  Cyrus 
of  the  present  time, — the  kirk  of  S1-  Mary,  apparently  Marykirk, — Saint  Kenneth, 
probably  Kinneff:  Kellie,  as  the  Editor  has  been  informed  by  Mr.  Burnes, 
never  was  a  separate  parish,  but  is  situated  in  that  of  Arbirlot.  Application  has 
been  made  through  the  medium  of  that  gentleman  for  information  respecting 
Gladstanes  at  all  these  parishes,  but  their  registers  do  not  in  general  extend  be- 
yond the  period  of  the  Revolution  and  the  reply  has  thus  been  uniformly  un- 
favourable. 


Note  B. — gladstanes'  ministrations  at  st.  Andrew's.*     (Page  235.) 

It  is  but  too  true  that  James  Melville  preached  at  the  reception  of  Gladstanes 
as  minister  of  St.  Andrews.     "  At  the  tyme  of  that  alteratioun,"  says  he,  "  I  was 

*  From  unavoidable  circumstances,  the  references  on  the  margin  of  the  Life  to  this  and  the 
succeeding  notes  were  omitted. 


Note  B.]  NOTES.  537 

mikle  and  verie  instantlie  vrget  be  the  King  to  mak  the  sermont  at  the  receaving 
of  Mr.  George.  Fallon  leathe  was  I,  and  soar  was  it  against  my  hart  for  manie 
weghtie  reasones,  bot  seing  tha  guid  honest  men  was  at  ane  extream  poinct  of 
wrak,  hauing  ane  interlocutor  of  the  Sessioun  past  against  tham  of  ten  thovvsand 
mark  quhilk  tendit  to  thair  vtter  hearschipe  1  indented  with  the  King  for  the 
staying  of  that  decreit  and  composing  of  that  mater  (wherin  I  haid  sa  lang 
trauelit  with  his  maiestie)  I  wald  condiscend  to  do  that  quhilk  vtherwayes  my 
hart  could  nocht  suffer  me  to  do,  for  I  thowcht  ther  could  be  na  ill  don  in  teatch- 
ing  the  Word  trewlie,  and,  I  thank  God,  therin  I  satisfeid  my  conscience,  bot  the 
doing  of  it  at  that  tyme  and  by  sic  a  compactioun  was  a  grait  huik  in  my  hart 
and  wrought  sear  remorse  at  the  newes  of  his  deathe.  Bot,  as  the  cersar  of  harts 
and  reanes  knawes,  the  overthraw  of  that  ministrie  of  S'-  Andros  was  a  heauie 
overthraw  to  the  ioy  and  pleasure  of  my  saull,  sa  far  was  I  from  art,  part,  read, 
counsall,  consenting  therto,  or  allowing  therof"  (J.  Melville's  Diary,  278.) 

Respecting  the  appointment  of  Gladstanes  as  one  of  the  ministers  of  St. 
Andrew's  and  his  subsequent  transactions  there,  the  Records  of  the  Presbytery 
and  Kirk  Session  supply  the  following  information: — 

At  St.  Andrews  15  July,  1597,  Compleaned  Mr.  James  Nicolsoun  and 
Mr.  Thomas  Buchanan  who  in  name  of  His  Majestie  &  Commissioners  of  the 
General  Assembly  chairgit  the  Presbytrie  to  accept  of  Mr.  John  Rutherford 

as  one  of  their  number  &  fellow-member  of  their  presbytrie In  lyk 

maner  the  saids  commissionars  cravit  Mr.  George  Glaidstanes  to  be  accepted 
of  be  the  Presbyterie  a  minister  of  St.  Andrews  and  a  sympresbyter  with  them. 
The  qlk  the  saids  commissioners  did  wryt  and  receavit  answer  from  the  pres- 
byterie in  wrait  in  lyk  maner  wharof  the  principall  subscryvit  is  affixit  in  this 
book.****     (Presb.  Record.) 

19  July  1597.  The  first  enteres  of  Mr.  George  Gledstanis,  Minister.— This 
is  ye  first  day  y'  Mr.  George  Gledstanes  Minister  enterit  in  ye  Sessioun  and 
maid  prayer  to  God  &  procedit  to  ye  office  of  ye  ministrie  and  discipline  con- 
forme  to  ye  order  of  ye  sessioun  (Kirk  Session  Record.) 

At  St.  Andrews  4  Aug.  1597.  The  sam  day  comperit  Mr.  Andro  Melvill 
provest  of  the  college  of  Theologie  complaining  that  the  Students  of  Theologie 
wer  debarrit  from  the  heiring  of  the  conference  and  censur  upon  the  doctrin  & 
exercise  and  using  of  the  discipline  seing  that  wes  the  speciall  mean  to  mak 
thame  able  to  serve  in  the  Kirk  thereafter  &c.  The  qlk  just  complent  when 
the  Presbyterie  hes  considerit  they  ordaine  the  maist  gratius  of  thair  number  in 
court  and  with  Mr.  George  Gladstanes  &  Mr.  James  Melvill  being  also  of  the 
commissioners  of  the  General  Assemblie  to  entreat  his  Matic  and  the  remanent 
commissioners  for  remeid  therof  (Presb.  Record.) 

3  Y 


538  NOTES.  [Gladstanes, 

17  Aug.  1597.  Admissioun  of Maistir  Dauid  Lindesay  to  the  Ministrie. — 
The  qlk  day  Mr.  David  Lindesay,  w'  advyss  of  Patrik  Murray  commissioner  to 
ye  Kingis  Majestie  Maisteris  Thomas  Buchanane  &  James  Nicholson  ministeris 
&  commissioneris  for  ye  general  assemblie,  is  publiclie  ressauit  in  ye  kirk 
immediatlie  efter  sermone  &  efter  ernest  incalling  upon  ye  holy  name  of  God 
to  be  fellow  laborer  in  ye  ministrie  of  Sanctandrois  with  Mr.  George  Gled- 
stanes  minister  therat  &c  &c.  (Kirk  Session  Record.) 

8  Sept.  1597.  The  samyn  day  the  whole  brethrein  sigillatim  declared 
thair  gude  mynd  toward  Mr.  George  Gladstanes,  whom,  according  as  they  suld 
espy  his  fidelitie  in  his  ministrie  and  the  blessing  of  God  thereupon,  they  wald 
comfort  with  all  kynd  of  assistance,  help  and  forderance  in  the  samen  (Presb. 
Record.) 

The  qlk  day  also  the  said  whole  brethren  gave  testimonie  to  Mr.  David 
Black*  of  fidelitie,  honestie  and  all  dewte  in  the  discharge  of  his  ministerie 
and  utherwyse  (Ibid.) 

9  April  1598 — The  Bretheren  ordinis  Mr.  David  Lindesay  Minister  to 
teache  upon  Maister  Calvin's  Catechise  and  the  bairnis  to  answer  him  conform 
to  ye  commoun  catechise  (Kirk  Sess.  Record.) 

Ult.  Maii  1598.  Anent  the  text  for  preacheing. — The  qlk  day  it  is  thocht 
gude  be  ye  bretheren  that  Mr.  George  Gladstanes  minister  proceid  in  preaching 
of  the  secund  book  of  Samuell  and  ye  buikis  of  ye  Kingis  following  upon  ye 
Saboth  day  (Ibid.) 

Junii  22.  1598.  Ordains  Mr.  George  Gladstanes  to  give  in  his  theses  upon 
the  3  cap.  of  the  1  epistill  of  Paul  to  Timothie  this  day  twentie  dayis  (Presb. 
Record.) 

21  July  1598.  Ordour  for  preparatioun  of  the  Fast  and  Communioun. — 
The  quhilk  day  eftir  incalling  upon  the  name  of  God  it  wes  concludit  the  pre- 
paratioun and  ordour  of  ye  fast  and  communioun  service  to  be  as  follows,  viz. 
Maister  George  Glaidstanes  to  preache  ye  morn  efter  nwne  for  preparatioun 
and  sail  intimat  ye  fast  &  upon  ye  next  Saboth  ye  morning  preaching  to  begin 

*  The  following  notices  of  this  well  known  person  appear  in  the  Record  of  the  Kirk  Session  : 
19  March,  1596[-7.]  The  Sess.  has  stated  y'-  ye  clerk  WTett  ane  bill  &  missive  in  yr-  names 
to  Mr.  Dav.  Black  yr-  min.  to  gif  him  thanks  for  his  last  letter,  as  also  to  tell  him  y'-  ye  Kings 
Ma.  is  desyrous  to  confer  w'-  him  &  y1-  he  send  his  awin  supplica.  to  his  Ma.  to  obtein  licens  to 
cum  to  his  Ma.  to  that  effect  &  to  schaw  ye  said  Mr.  David  y'-  q'-  lyes  in  yr-  power  to  further 
his  hame  cuming  thai  sail  do  ye  samyii  w'-  his  awin  adviss,  &c,  &c. 

8  May,  1597.  Supplication  to  ye  Gen.  Assemblie  at  Dundee  to  interseid  to  his  Ma.  to 
grant  licens  to  Mr.  Dav.  Black  to  be  restorit  &  admittit  to  cum  hame  to  yis  citie  to  use  his  func- 
tion of  ye  ministrie  as  be  wes  wont  to  do,  &c. 


Note  B.]  NOTES.  539 

at  fyve  houris  and  sic  as  lieiris  that  preaching  sail  then  communicat  only  and  to 
that  effect  the  durris  to  be  lockit  at  ye  ending  of  ye  psalme  &  ye  secund  sermon 
to  begin  at  nyne  houris  &  Mr.  David  Lindesay  to  teache  in  ye  College  Kirk 
before  nune  and  eftir  nune  at  thrie  houris  (Session  Record.) 

Feb.  15.  1598[-9.]  The  qlk  day  after  the  incalling  of  the  name  of  God,  Mr. 
Andro  Duncan  who  suld  have  maid  the  exerceis  and  Mr.  William  Murray  who 
suld  have  added  being  absent  be  ressoune  of  the  storme,  thairfoir  Mr.  George 
Gladstanes,  lest  the  place  suld  be  destitute,  occupyit  the  samyn  whois  doctrein 
wes  censurit  and  allowit  (Presb.  Record.) 

Maij  3.  1599.  The  same  day  Mr.  Andro  Melvill,  prowest  of  the  New  Col- 
lege, gave  in  ane  complaint  tuiching  ane  calumnie  raisit  be  sum  of  the  citizens  of 
St.  Androis  agains  him  that  he  in  the  absence  of  Mr.  George  Gladstanes  did 
hald  conventicles  with  Mr.  David  Lyndesay  deiling  with  him  to  mak  divisioun 
in  the  said  citie  of  St.  Androis.  The  said  Mr.  David  being  demandit  thereof 
answerit  befoir  God  and  in  presence  of  the  haill  presbytrie  that  he  knew  never 
of  sic  thing  (Presb.  Record.) 

Sept.  24,.  1601.  The  presb.  thinks  gude  that  sum  things  be  remembered  to 
be  insistit  in,  namlie,  1.  tuiching  yai  things  qlk  wer  delatit  at  the  visitation  of 
craill  against  thair  ministers  2.  Tuiching  Mr.  George  Gladstanes  medling  in 
the  actioun  betwix  the  universitie  &  the  toun  of  St.  Androis  he  submittis  him  to 
the  will  of  the  presbyterie  (Ibid.) 

May  6.  1602.  The  provest  of  the  New  College  [Mr.  A.  Melville]  regratit  to 
the  presbyterie  that  he  being  haldin  in  his  chalmer  be  the  Lord's  visitation  Mr. 
George  Glaidstanis  cryit  out  publictlie  against  the  Universitie  as  sic  quhilk  wald 
exeme  them  self  de  disciplina  he  having  no  occasioun  except  that  laitlie  befoir 
the  Universitie  maid  intimatioun  to  the  sessioun  of  their  privilege.  Mr.  George 
answerit  he  was  offendit  at  the  said  intimatioun  and  sett  himself  against  it  and 
if  he  haid  not  just  cause  referrit  him  to  the  jugement  of  the  presb.  Therfoir 
ordains  the  said  intimatioun  to  be  producit  (Ibid.) 

May  13.  1602.  The  Presbyterie  having  deiplie  considerit  ye  intimatioun 
of  the  Universiteis  privilege  maid  to  the  sessioun  of  St.  Androis  hes  found  ye 
caus  thereof  to  haif  been  becaus  the  said  Sessioun  hes  none  of  the  memberis  of 
the  Universitie  therefrom  as  it  wes  wont  to  haue  quha  wer  judges  of  ther  schol- 
aris  and  therfoir  recommendis  the  redress  of  that  mater  to  the  ministers  of  St. 
Androis,  quha  promeist  at  the  nixt  electioun  to  nominat  of  the  universitie  to 
that  effect*  (Ibid.) 

*  This  practice  had  been  discontinued  since  October,  1597  (Session  Record.  See  also 
Note  C.) 


540  .NOTES.  [Gladstanes, 

October  5.  1603.  Mr.  George  Gladstanis  protestit  agains  the  chosing  of 
Mr.  Robert  juill  moderator  alledging  he  was  nather  pastor  nor  doctor  and 
requyrit  his  protestatioun  to  be  noted  (Ibid.) 

May  24.  1 604.  Mr.  George  Glaidstanis,  being  requyrit  to  give  in  his  theses, 
cravit  a  supersedere  because  of  his  distractiounis :  ordanit  to  give  ane  resolut 
answer  the  next  day  (Ibid.) 

Mr.  George  Glaidstanis  cravit  ane  manss  and  gleib  to  be  designit  to  him 
according  to  the  ordinance  of  the  last  synod.  The  Presbyterie  ordanis  Mr. 
William  Murra  and  Wra-  Erskyne  to  designe  the  same  (Ibid.) 

May  last  1604.  Mr.  George  Glaidstanis,  requyrit  of  his  theses,  cravit  that 
he  quha  followit  suld  be  chargit  becaus  of  his  occupatiounis.  Mr.  Wm-  Marche 
is  ordanit  to  haist  it  so  sone  as  he  may  and  Mr.  George  to  occupie  his  roume 
in  the  exerceiss  (Ibid.) 

Aug.  30.  1604.  Mr.  Robert  5uill  cravit  the  presbyterie  advyss  and  war- 
rand  tuiching  ane  requeist  of  Mr.  George  Glaidstanis  to  him  to  occupie  his 
place  upoun  the  saboth  efter  none  and  fryday.  The  Presbyterie  gives  their 
approbatioun  and  allowance  thereto  (Ibid.) 

Jan.  17.  1605.  Mr.  George  Gladstanis,  requyrit  to  handle  the  commoun 
heid  quhilk  had  lyen  sa  lang  on  him,  desyrit  the  Presbyterie  to  haif  him  excusit 
be  reasoun  of  the  plat  quhere  he  behouvit  be  present.  The  Presbytrie,  con- 
sidering the  said  reasoun,  ordanis  Mr.  Patrick  Melvill  quha  followis  to  prepair 
himself. 

It  appears  from  the  Record  of  the  Diocesian  Synod  of  St.  Andrews,  that 
Archbishop  Gladstanes  besides  opening  the  ordinary  meetings  by  sermon,  was 
in  the  habit  of  preaching  at  all  the  visitations  of  churches,  which  he  appears  to 
have  held  with  great  diligence. 

The  notices  of  Gladstanes  during  this  period  of  his  life  in  the  Record 
of  the  General  Assembly  are  very  numerous.  The  Assembly  in  May,  1597, 
appointed  "  Mr"-  Alexr-  Douglass,  Ja.  Nicolsone,  George  Glaidstaines"  and  11 
others  of  "  the  most  wyse  and  discreit  of  the  brethrene,  or  any  seuine  of  them, 
to  conveine  with  his  Ma.  betwix  the  day  of  thir  presentts  and  the  last  day  of 
May  instant  With  power  to  them  to  tak  solide  order  anent  the  provisione  of 
the  Ministries  to  the  Townes  of  Edr  ,  Dundie  and  St.  Androis,  His  Ma.  and 
the  princes  houss  and  to  give  thair  advyce  and  judgment  to  his  Ma.  anent  the 
planting  of  everie  particular  Kirk  within  this  realme  to  mak  such  overtwre  as 
they  can  best  devyse  towching  the  constant  platt  and  generalie  to  give  thair 
advyce  to  his  Ma.  in  all  effaires  concernyng  the  weill  of  the  kirk  and  interteyn- 


NoteB.]  NOTES.  541 

ment  of  peace  and  obedience  to  his  Ma.  within  this  realme,  with  express  power 
and  command  to  the  saids  Comissioners  to  propone  to  his  Maiestie  the  Petitiones 
and  Grives  of  the  Kirk  in  generall  as  of  everie  member  thairof  in  particvvlar,  as 
sal  be  meint  wnto  them"  (B.  of  Univ.  Kirk  in  Bibl.  Acad.  Glasg.  F.  1.  1.  pp. 
381,2.)  The  same  Assembly  gave  "full  power  and  commissione  to  the 
brethrene  appoyntit  for  receaving  the  Erles  of  Huntlie  and  Erroll  to  enter  in  a 
further  conference  and  tryell  with  James  Wood  appeirand  of  Bonytowne*  And 
in  case  of  full  satisfactione  to  be  maid  be  him  to  the  saids  comissioners  in  such 
heids  and  articles  quhairin  he  hes  not  as  5it  satisfyit  The  Assemblie  gives 
wnto  them  power  to  Lowse  him  from  the  Sentence  of  excommunicatione  and 
receive  him  againe  in  the  bosome  of  the  Kirk;  Attoure  The  Assemblie 
ordeynes  Mris-  George  Glaidstaines,  An.  Myllne,  An.  Leiche,  Jon  Ramsay  and 
Andrew  Lambe  to  deall  with  the  Laird  of  Bonytowne  and  travell  in  the  reconcilia- 
tioune  desyrit  and  satisfactione  offerit  be  the  said  complenar  his  sonne"  (Ibid, 
pp.  382,  3.)  At  the  Assembly  held  in  March,  1597-8,  "  Mris-  Ro'  Rollock,  Da. 
Lyndsay,  Rob'-  Pont,  Patrick  Galloway,  Jon  Duncansone,  Janres  Nicolsone, 
Tho.  Buchannane,  George  Glaidstaines  or  any  fyve  of  them"  were  ordained 
"  to  conveine  with  his  Ma.  to  put  the  decreite  of  the  Comissioners  anent  the 
planting  of  Edr  to  farther  executione  and  place  the  ministers  of  Edr-  at  thair 
particwlar  flockes  Ordayning  lykwayes  the  ministers  of  Edr-  to  obey  the  said 
decreit"  &c.  (p.  390),  and  in  the  following  Session  Gladstanes  was  nominated 
one  of  the  Commissioners  to  meet  with  the  King  "  anent  the  setting  downe  and 
concluding  of  the  solide  grunds  and  fundaments  of  the  constant  platt  and  quhat 
securitie  sal  be  maide  to  the  takismen  for  the  remanent  of  thair  teinds"  &c.  (p. 
391.)  At  the  Assembly  held  in  March,  1600,  he  was  appointed  one  of  the 
Commissioners  "  quhais  speciall  cair  and  travell  sould  be  to  give  thair  advyce 
to  his  Ma.  in  all  effaires  concerning  the  weill  of  the  Kirk  &  interteynment 
of  peace  and  concord  betwix  his  Ma.  and  the  Kirk,"  till  next  Assembly  (Ibid. 
404,  5.)  The  Assembly  in  May,  1601,  considering  "nothing  more  necessar 
nor  to  have  his  Ma.  hous,  the  Princes  hous,  the  Erles  houssis  and  places  of 
thair  residence  and  wthers  places  of  chiefest  importance,  as  the  Towne  of  Dum- 
freis,  to  be  weill  plantit  with  learnit  godlie  and  wyse  persones,  and  quhair  the 
laicke  of  provisione  micht  be  ane  hinder  to  ye  present  planting,  as  at  the  Erles 
houssis,  it  war  requisite  for  a  tyme  that   the   meitest   for   that  purpose,  &c, 

*  Respecting  this  person,  see  the  printed  Calderwood,  pp.  300,  2,  320.  "  Bonnintoun, 
younger,  was  beheaded  at  the  Crosse  of  Edinburgh  upon  the  27  of  April,  [1601,]  for  stealing  of 
his  fathers  evidences.  He  died  an  obstinat  Papist"  (Ibid.  446.  See  also  Pitcairn's  Criminal 
Trials,  II.  340,  7.) 


542  NOTES.  [Gladstanes, 

sould  be  transportit  from  thair  awne  places  to  reraaine  for  ane  quarter  or  half 
ane  3eir,"  ordained  Gladstanes  "  to  be  direct  to  awayte  wpone  the  Erie  of 
Huntlie"  (p.  411.)  He  was  also  nominated  one  of  the  brethren  "to  intreat 
and  advyse  on  such  owertures  as  be  thair  commone  consent  sail  be  fund  most 
meit  and  expedient  for  advancing  of  the  wark  of  the  constant  platt,  to  lay  downe 
such  grunds  as  they  sail  find  most  profitable  for  prosecuting  of  the  samen  and 
to  reporte"  &c.  (p.  413)  and  in  the  last  Session  of  that  Assembly  he  was  again 
appointed  one  of  the  General  Commissioners  of  the  Church,  and  Commissioner 
"  to  try  the  life,  doctrine,  and  maner  of  conversatione  of  the  ministrie,  &c, 
and  to  plant  the  Kirks  quhilks  as  5 it  ly  destitute  of  the  profeit  of  the  word" 
within  the  bounds  of  Caithness  and  Sutherland  (pp.  415,  6.)  He  appeared 
in  the  latter  capacity  at  the  Assembly  held  in  November,  1602,  and  was  called 
on,  along  with  the  other  ministers  who  had  been  desired  to  attend  the  Popish 
Earls,  for  a  report  of  his  diligence.  The  entry  in  the  Record  stands  in  the  fol- 
lowing terms:  "  Sess.  2d.  10  Novembris  post  meridiem  The  said  day  being  callit 
Mr.  George  Gledstaines  minister  at  St.  Androis,  &c.  The  said  Mr.  George  com- 
peirand  declairit  yat  at  ye  tyme  of  his  jorneying  northward  for  visitatione  of  the 
Presbytries  of  Cathnes  and  Sutherland  he  addressed  himself  to  the  Marquess 
of  Huntlie  and  remained  with  him  the  space  of  thrie  dayes  During  the  quhilk 
tyme  he  conferrit  with  him  anent  the  contravertit  heids  of  Religione  and  desyrit 
of  his  L.  that  he  wald  schaw  him  quhairin  he  dowted,  yat  to  the  effect  be  his 
conferrence  he  mycht  be  resolvit  of  swch  heids  quhairof  as  3 it  he  was  not  fullie 
satisfyit,  Quhilk  his  L.  promised  to  do  at  his  back-coming  And  Lykways  having 
demandit  quhy  his  L.  kirks  war  not  plantit  and  quhy  he  resortit  not  to  the 
preiching  at  the  ordinar  tymes  in  Paroche  Kirks  To  the  first  he  answerit  that 
the  non-planting  of  his  kirks  proceeds  vpone  the  not  giving  Licence  to  the 
Persones  of  the  saids  kirks  to  renew  his  taks  conforme  to  the  promise  maid  to 
his  L.  be  the  Commissioners  of  the  Assemblie  at  the  tyme  his  L.  grantit  to  [them?] 
ane  awgmentatione  of  the  rent  of  the  saids  kirks  As  to  the  secund  he  could  not 
weill  resorte  to  the  Paroche  Kirk  pairtlie  in  respect  of  the  meine  rank  of  swch 
as  war  within  the  Paroche  and  pairtlie  in  respect  his  L.  predecessors  war  in  wse 
to  have  ane  Chappell  in  thair  awne  hous  Quhilk  he  was  myndit  to  prosecute 
now,  seing  he  was  presentlie  repairing  his  hous  of  Strathbogie.  The  said  Mr. 
George,  being  demandit  quhy  he  maide  no  longer  residence  with  his  L.  conforme 
to  his  commissione,  Ansuerit  that  he  could  not  becaus  the  Marquese  of 
Huntlie  was  wpone  his  voage  Sowthward  at  his  Ma.  directione  for  reconcilia- 
tioune  of  the  feid  betwix  him  and  the  Erie  Morray  Quhilk  feid  was  the  caws 
quhy  his  L.  could  not  communicat  (Ibid.  pp.  421,  2.)  In  that  Assembly 
several  persons  were  appointed  to  examine  the  reports  of  the  Commissioners 


Note  C]  NOTES.  543 

of  the  different  districts,  and  they  reported  to  the  Assembly  that  "  in  all  thair 
diligences  producit,  except  of  Cathness  and  ffyffe,  the  visitors  hes  not  exactlie 
tryit  the  lyfe,  &c.,  of  everie  minister  at  his  awne  kirk  and  be  his  awne  flock, 
but  nakedlie  and  sclenderlie  be  ane  generall  vew  at  the  Synodall  Assemblie." 
The  Assembly  therefore  again  nominated  Commissioners  and  Gladstanes  was 
reappointed  to  his  former  charge  (p.  426.)  In  the  following  session  of  that 
assembly  he  was  nominated  one  of  the  committee  to  whom  "  the  referres  and 
petitiones  of  the  Synode  of  ffyffe"  were  referred,  (p.  429)  and  in  one  of  the 
concluding  sessions  he  was  again  appointed  one  of  the  Commissioners  of  the 
Kirk  (p.  434.) 

The  Archbishop's  correspondence  sufficiently  shows  his  connection  with  the 
remaining  assemblies  held  during  his  life.  Respecting  his  attendance  on  the 
secular  courts  it  is  unnecessary  to  say  any  thing,  as  the  Parliamentary  Record, 
which  contains  the  principal  notices  of  him,  is  accessible  to  all. 


Note  C. — the  university  of  st.  Andrew's.     (Page  268.) 

The  act  to  which  Gladstanes  here  alludes  was  accordingly  passed.  In  1609  his 
Majesty  with  the  "  advyse  of  the  estaittis  of  this  present  parliament"  considering 
that  the  "  act  of  parliament  maid  anent  the  reformatioun  of  the  vniuersitie"  of 
Sanctandrous  "  is  almost  neglectit  and  come  in  desuetude,  the  forme  of  studeis, 
employment  of  rentis  and  gouernament  nawayes  keipit  accordinglie  thairto,  and 
the  actis  of  the  saidis  visitationis  maid  be  our  souerane  lord,  his  heighnes 
chancellar  and  foirsaidis  lordis  of  counsaill  contemned  and  disobeyed,"  appointed 
Alexander  Earl  of  Dumfermling  Chancellor,  George  Earl  of  Dunbar  High 
Treasurer,  George  Archbishop  of  Saint  Andrew's  Chancellor  of  the  said  Univer- 
sity, &c,  commissioners  and  visitors  of  the  said  University  to  meet  and  convene 
at  such  times  and  places  as  shall  be  thought  most  expedient  "  vpoun  the  pre- 
monitioun  directed  be  our  said  souerane  lord  his  heighnes  chancellar  or  Archi- 
bischop  of  Sanctandrous  as  shall  be  thocht  meitest  and  Ay  and  quhill  his 
heighnes  with  advise  of  his  privie  counsell  shall  discharge  the  samyn,  And  in 
their  said  meeting  to  tak  ordour  with  all  and  sindrie  abuses  committed  or  to 
be  committed  induring  the  space  of  the  said  commissioun,"  &c  (Acts  Pari. 
Scot.  IV.  442,  3.) 

Gladstanes  had  from  a  very  early  period  taken  an  active  part  in  the 
visitations  of  the  University. 


544  NOTES.  [Gladstanes, 

"It  appears  from  the  minutes  of  the  Royal  visitation  in  the  year  1597," 
says  Dr.  Lee,  "  that  Mr.  George  Gladstanes  was  one  of  the  acting  Commis- 
sioners. Among  many  other  acts  intended  for  the  purpose  of  annihilating  the 
influence  of  Mr.  Andrew  Melville  in  the  church,  it  was  ordained  by  that  com- 
mission on  the  11th  of  July,  1597,  that  all  doctors  and  regents  professing  either 
Theology  or  Philosophy  should  be  prohibited  from  sitting  in  Sessions,  Pres- 
byteries, Synodal  or  General  Assemblies.  The  King  was  present  at  this 
visitation  and  subscribed  the  acts  along  with  eleven  commissioners. 

"  In  a  second  visitation  in  1599  Mr.  George  Gladstanes  was  again  a  com- 
missioner, and  when  the  Earl  of  Montrose,  chancellor  of  the  realm,  was  appointed 
chancellor  of  the  University  (5  July,  1599)  '  Mr.  George  Gladstanes  minister 
was  appointit  depute  to  him  in  the  said  office  during  his  Majesty's  and  the  said 
chancellor's  will.'  As  vice-chancellor  he  was  one  of  the  councillors  in  the  affaii'9 
of  the  University,  and  one  of  the  ordinary  examinators  of  the  classes  of  Theology. 
It  must  have  been  very  galling  to  Mr.  Andrew  Melville  to  be  thus  placed  under 
the  superintendence  and  control  of  a  man  so  much  younger  than  himself,  who  a 
few  years  before  had  been  his  own  pupil,  and  who  appears  to  have  been  raised 
to  undue  consequence  by  the  servility  of  his  disposition." 

Many  notices  of  the  University  will  be  found  in  his  correspondence  (supra, 
pp.  258,  263,  304.) 


Note  D. — the  will,  posterity,  and  character  of  gladstanes.  (Page  310.) 

Testamentum  The  teftament  teftamentar  and  Inventarie  of  the  guidis 

testamentaru  _ejr  an(j  ^eit[s  perteinina  and  awand  rexiue  to  vmq" 

Geoigij  °  *        .  °  ^ 

Archiepiscopi  ane  reverend  father  in  god  George  be  the  mercie  of  god 

Sanctiandrei.  Archibifchop  of  Sandandrois  primiat  of  Scotland  per- 

tening  to  his  L.  the  tyme  of  his  deceis  quha  deceiffit 
vpoun  the  fecund  day  of  may  1615  Seiris  ffaythfullie 
maid  and  gevin  vp  Be  Criftian  Durie  his  1.  relicl  fpous 
and  executrix  teftamentar  nominat  be  his  1.  as  his  L. 
lattirwill  of  the  dait  the  xxvij  day  of  Januar  1615  beiris. 

In  the  firft  the  faid  Criftian  executrix  foirfaid  gevis  vp  the  guidis  and  geir 
following  of  the  prices  and  valoris  efter  fpeit  To  wit  his  L.  buikis  and  Bibleo- 
thek  eftimat  in  valor-   to   the  fowme  of  ane  thoufand  thrie  hundreth  threttie 


Note  D.]  NOTES.  545 

thrieub-  vjfh.  viijd-  Item  in  Vtincillis  and  domiciles  by  and  attour  the  airfchip 
Eltimat  to  vjclxvjub  xiijsh-  iiij4 

Suiiia  of  the  inventarie  ijm- lib- 

Dettis  awand  to  the  deid. 
In  the  firft  be  Bernard  Lindefay  of  Lochhill  and  Sr-  Johnne  Dalmahoy  of 
that  ilk  knicht  and  Andro  Logan  of  Cotfeild,  mr-  Robert  Lindefay  brother  ger- 
man  to  the  faid  Bernard  and  Thomas  Lindefay  merchand  burges  of  Edr-  cau- 
tionaris  for  the  faid  Bernard,  conforme  to  ane  cotract  matrimoniall  Maid  yair — 
anent,  the  fowme  of  four  thowfand  fex  hundreth  thrie  fcoir  &  fexlib-  xiijsh-  iiij4  as 
tocher  guid  promittit  be  the  faid  Bernard,  to  mr-  Alexr-  glaidftanis  archideii  of 
Sanftandrois  and  fone  to  the  faid  vmq11  Lord,  Item  be  the  fevvaris  or  takifmen 
or  vthiris  addettit  in  payment  of  the  cuftomes  of  San&androis  the  fowme  of  Lllb- 
money  as  for  the  dewetie  of  the  faids  cuftomes  During  the  5eiris  of  god  1604, 
1605, 1606, 1607, 1608, 1609, 1610, 1611,  1612, 1613,  and  1614  extending  3eirlie 
to  the  fowme  of  LIib-  and  in  the  haill  to  ye  fowme  of  vcL''b ,  Item  be  Jon  Stirling 
of  Eifter  brakie  for  the  dewetie  of  his  tak  of  greit  and  fmall  teinds  of  the  faidis 
Landis  of  Eister  brakie  with  ye  pertenentis  of  the  crop  1613  Liijlib-  vjsh-  viijd- 
Item  for  the  tak  teind  deweteis  of  the  faids  Lands  of  the  crop  1614  icvjlib-  xiijsh- 
iiij'1,  Item  be  Thomas  frafr  of  weftir  brakie  for  the  teind  dewetie  of  the  faidis 
Landis  of  the  crop  1614  Lxvj''b  xiijsh-  iiijd-,  Item  be  James  Lord  ogiluie  for  ye  tak 
teind  dewetie  of  his  Landis  Lyand  within  the  parochin  of  Kynnell  of  the  crop 
1614  Liiij1*-  vjsh-  viijd-,  Item  be  the  fewaris  of  ^Craigfuthie  for  yair  part  of  the 
releiff  of  the  taxt  Impofit  vpoun  the  covertit  bollis  of  the  faids  Landis  termlie 
for  ye  firft  and  fecund  termes  Lxxixlib-  extending  in  ye  haill  to  the  fowme  of 
jcxxxviijlib-,  Item  be  ye  fewaris  of  Middilfuthie  for  ye  said  reflbun  and  cans  term- 
lie  the  faidis  tua  termes  Lxxixlib-  extending  in  all  to  ye  fowme  of  jcxxxviijlib-,  Item 
be  the  airis  and  executo'is  of  vmq11-  Johnne  Strang  of  Kilrynnie  the  fowme  of 
xxxvjlib-  termlie  during  ye  faids  termes  for  his  part  of  the  releiff  of  the  faid  taxt 
extending  in  ye  haill  to  ye  fowme  of  Lxxij,ib,  Item  thair  is  now  awand  as  ane 
fupervenient  dett  Be  ye  molt  reverend  father  in  god  Johnne  be  the  permiHioun  of 
god  archibifchop  of  San&androis  as  principall,  The  reverend  fatheris  in  god  Patrik 
bifchop  of  Rof>  and  James  bifchop  of  orknay  his  cautionaris,  for  ye  a  nat  and  re- 
paratioun  of  the  ManO  of  the  archibifchoprik  of  S'-  androis  and  vthiris  deweteis 
pertening  thairto  coforme  to  ane  obliga°un  maid  yairanent  of  the  dait  the  Nynt 
day  of  auguft  Laftwes  the  fowme  of  audit  thoufand  punds  money  of  this  realme, 
Item  reftand  be  the  tennentis  of  Stannoquhie  for  thair  ferme  of  the  crop  1614 
tua  chalderis  yiftuall  tua  part  meill  and  thrid  part  beir  price  of  the  boll  beir 
vjji.b.  pr;ce  0f  tne  ^0jj  mejjj  viib.}  jtem  ^e  tjle  tennent|s  0f  feddinche  for  thair  ferme 

3z 


546  NOTES.  [Gladstan-es, 

crop  foirfaid  ane  chalder  b'eir  and  audit  bolls  aittis  price  foirfaid,  Item  be  the 
<  oniil'l'1  of  Starveling  conforme  to  his  compt  for  bygane  quottis  of  teftamen- 
tis  xl"b 

Suma  of  the  dettis  xiiijm  ijcixlib-  iiijsh  iiii4 

Suma  of  ye  inventar  and  dettis  xvjm-  ijqxHb-  iiijsh-  iirjd- 

Ordinal-  dettis  awand  be  ye  faid  vmq"  Lord. 
In  the  firft  to  Johnne  Low  for  his  fie  and  flruice  Lxxxlib,  Item  to  Elfpet 
Low  for  hir  fie  xxvh>,  Item  to  Dauid  Watfone  f>ruand  xxxlib,  Item  to  Robert 
andirfone  fVuand  vjllb,  Item  to  James  Donaldfone  tfruand  iiij,ib-,  Item  to  Mar- 
garet ramfay  Druitrice  vlib,  Item  to  Dauid  mcgill  of  Cranftoun  for  houfmaill  of 
ane  terme  for  the  Ludging  in  edr  jcvj,ib-  xiijsb  iiij4,  Item  to  the  comifVis  of  Edr- 
foryair  ordinar  fie  and  ftipendis  of  the  5eir  1615  and  terme  of  Witfonday  thairof 
iijcxxxub,  Item  to  mr-  Dauid  Wod  his  1.  chalmerlan  5eirle  during  ye  5eiris  1613 
and  1614  ijc  1,b-  extending  to  iiijclih,  Item  to  the  lordis  collector  for  Witfonday 
1615  xxxv"b,  Item  to  mr-  Alexr-  Levingftoun  for  his  fie  of  the  laid  terme  Llib, 
Item  to  Johnne  fkugall  for  his  fie  ye  faid  terme  xxxiijub-  vjsh  viij4 
Suma  of  the  faids  dettis  jm-  jc-vub- 

Suiiia  of  the  frie  geir  ye  dettis  deducit  xvm'  jciiijlib-  iiijsh-  iiijd- 

quot  Gratis.  Quhilk  being  devydit  in  thrie  partis  ilk  p'  is    v™-  xxxiiijllb-  xiiijsh 

ffbllowis  the  faid  vmq11-  Reverend  fatheris  Lattirwill 
Apud  edr-  27  Jary-  1615  I  Leave  my  wyf  Criftian  Durie  my  onlie  executrix 
and  intromifletrix  with  my  haill  guidis  and  geir  and  tutrix  to  my  bairnes  that  ar 
Minoris  Alfo  I  affign  to  hir  the  lowme  of  fevin  thowfand  merkis  that  is  in  the 
handis  of  Bernard  Lindefay  to  be  vfit  at  hir  pleaPr 

Sic  fubfcribitur,  Sanctandroi? 

This  pnt  inventarie  and  teftament  befoir  writtin  Togither  with  the  execu- 
trix thairin  coftitut  is  cofirmat  vpoun  the  firft  day  of  februar  1616.  the  faid 
executrix  maid  fayth  &c.  and  mr  alexr-  gladftaines  archiden  of  Sanftandrois  is 
becum  caution  &c  The  faid  executrix  is  becum  aclit  to  relive  him  &c.  (Testa- 
ment Register,  St.  Andrew's,  (General  Register  House,  Edinburgh)  Vol.  V.) 

The  family  of  Archbishop  Gladstanes  appears  to  have  consisted  of  one 
son  and  two  daughters.  Alexander  Gladstanes  studied  at  the  University 
of  Cambridge  (supra,  293.)  To  as  late  a  date  as  1612  his  father  had  continued 
to  act  as  first  minister  of  St.  Andrew's,  but  in  that  year  the  Archdeanery  was 
separated  from  the  Archbishoprick  (Acts  Pari.  Scot.  IV.  493,)  and  this  young 


Note  D.]  NOTES.  547 

man,  although  he  had  entered  on  the  study  of  Divinity  only  three  years  before, 
was  appointed  Archdeacon  and  first  minister.  In  that  situation  he  continued  till 
1638  (supra,  315,)  but  his  conduct  was  many  years  before  far  from  irreproach- 
able. In  December,  1615,  the  very  year  in  which  his  father  died,  we  find 
Archbishop  Spottiswood  advising  him  "  to  follow  his  calling  and  behave  himself 
with  greater  gravitie,"  and  not  to  be  "  a  cumpany  bearer  with  common  folkis  in 
drinking,"  (Affairs  of  the  Ch.  of  Scot.  MS.  Adv.  Lib.  A.  2.  53.  41.)  One  of  the 
Archbishop's  daughters,  Elizabeth  or  Elspeth  Gladstanes  was  married  in  or 
before  1632  to  Dr.  George  Haliburton,  and  from  them  was  descended  a  son  of 
the  same  name  born  in  1635,  who  was  consecrated  bishop  of  Brechin  and  was 
afterwards  translated  to  the  See  of  Aberdeen  (Edwards's  Descript.  of  the 
County  of  Angus.  Regist.  of  Births  and  Baptisms  St.  And.  Russel's  Keith's 
Catal.  134,  168.)  Another  of  the  Archbishop's  daughters  whose  name  is  not 
mentioned,  was  married  to  John  Lyon  of  Auldbar,  and  died  without  issue  by 
him  (Wood's  Douglas's  Peer.  II.  564.) 

"It  is  very  evident,"  says  Dr.  Lee  in  one  of  his  communications,  "that  the 
memory  of  Archbishop  Gladstanes  was  not  much  revered,  even  by  some  of 
those  who  had  been  indebted  to  his  patronage.  In  an  oration  delivered  in  1617 
by  Dr.  Robert  Howie  who  had  been  brought  from  Aberdeen  in  1607  as  suc- 
cessor to  Andrew  Melville,  [see  supra,  258-60,  263]  all  the  Chancellors  of  the 
University  are  enumerated,  and  generally  with  commendation.  But  of  Glad- 
stanes he  gives  only  this  simple  notice,  '  Tandem  successit  gratia  et  automate 
regia  Georgius  Gladstonus,  qui  anno  1615.  20  Maii  obiit' — and  then  he  pro- 
ceeds to  a  most  extravagant  panegyric  of  Spottiswood  who  had  been  Archbishop 
of  St.  Andrew's  and  Chancellor  of  the  University  about  a  year  and  a  half." 


CORRECTIONS,  ADDITIONS, 


CONJECTURAL  EMENDATIONS. 


67. 

28,9. 

122. 

2,3. 

143. 

3. 

167. 

12. 

178. 

(las 

195. 

15. 

208. 

4. 

219. 

12. 

239. 

13,  27. 

243. 

7. 

i  18.     Line  24.     after  May  10  insert  [July  6  ?] 
22.  28.     between  Andrew  and  Galloway  insert  [Alexander  ?] 

48.  4,  5.    punctuate  thus?  Patrick  Kynnimonth,  for  Fife,  Mr.  William  Lundy  of 

that  Ilk,  Thomas  Scot  of  Abbotshall ;  &c. 
65.  24.     between  the  Laird  of  Segie  and  Mr.  G.  Buchanan  insert  [the  Tutor  of 

Pitcur.] 
after  March  12,  1591  insert  [?] 
(side  note)  after  July,  1560  insert  [April  13,  1561.] 
for  Marishall  Monteith  read  Marishall,  Monteith. 
after  Shaphusia  insert , 
(last  side  note)  after  1587  insert  [1578?] 
15.     after  Pont  insert , 

after  Biturgium  add  [Biturigum  ?] 
for  whom — to  read  whom-to. 
after  Rough  insert  [Roche.] 
for  a  back  read  aback. 
21.    for  date  read  datum.     This  is  the  way  in  which  Wodrow  always  con- 
tracts um,  but  erroneously,  as  £  is  properly  used  to  represent  is. 
Similar  instances  will  be  found  at  pp.  267,  367,  368,  all  of  which 
were  printed  before  the  tnistake  was  observed, 
after  else  add  [seen.] 
for  bon£  read  bonum. 

The  passage  conjecturally  supplied  within  brackets  should  be  as  fol- 
lows:   [is   most   detestable]    I  findand  myself  &c.      See  JH'Crie's 
Melville,  2d  edit.  II.  132.  footnote, 
for  membrg  read  membrum. 
after  and  add  [at] 
25.    for  pastoribj  read  pastoribq 
32.    for  partibj  read  partib9 
17.     Lord  Provand.     The  prebend  of  Balernock  was  so  stiled  in  Popish 

times, — see  Gibson's  Glasgow,  49. 
26.     after  personage  of  Eddestoun  add  [Eddilstoun  ?    Ed.] 
after  the  title  of  App.  No.  VIII.  add; — 

[Julie,  1579.  Sess.  5.  The  brethrein  thoght  meet  that  the  late  conference 
holden  at  Stirluie  be  suche  as  the  king  appointed  therto  sould  be  read 


244. 

20. 

267. 

2. 

20. 

274. 

18. 

281. 

11. 

312. 

25. 

550  CORRECTIONS,    ADDITIONS,    &c. 

and  seene  and  conferred  with  the  book  of  polieie  to  see  whetin  the  said 
conference  agreeth  with  the  former  conclusions  of  the  assemblie. 
Concerning  the  dowbt  made  vpon  the  secund  article  of  the  said 
chapter,  the  assemblie  explaineth  that  article  and  declareth  it  is 
vnderstood  both  of  the  particular  presbyterie  and  generall  kirk. 
(Cald.  MS.  Hist,  in  Bibl.  Acad.  Glasg.  II.  573.)] 
Page  366.     Line  26.     after  thinks  add  [meet]. 

367.  14.    for  eiusdg  read  eiusdem. 

368.  26.    fur  quondj  read  quondam. 

373-83.  The  names  of  the  parishes  are  in  most  cases  considerably  different 

from  their  present  names  and  the  variations  within  brackets  are  not 
always  improvements,  but  a  reference  to  a  modern  list  of  Parishes 
or  to  the  Alphabetical  List  appended  to  Bishop  Keith's  Catalogue 
of  the  Scottish  Bishops  will  generally  lead  to  their  present  desig- 
nation. 

405.  22.     add   Whatever  truth  there  may  be  in  this  conjecture,  it  is  sufficiently 

evident  that  Bishop  Keith  had  access  to  Lord  Dun's  charter  chest 
previous  to  1734,  when  his  History  was  published.  In  the  introduc- 
tion to  that  work  (pp.  x.  xiv.)  are  inserted  an  order  by  James  V.  "  to 
our  Secretar  and  David  Lindesay  of  Adzell  to  putt  ordour  to  our 
Liegis  and  Tennentis  of  the  Erldome  of  G'rawfurd,  Dun,  Brechin, 
Adzell  and  Montross  anent  thair  furthcuming  to  our  Army  and  Oist" 
dated  a  short  time  before  the  battle  of  Flodden,  and  "  The  counsall 
gevin  be  the  Deyne  and  Cheptour  of  Aberdeine  to  my  Lord  Bischope 
of  Aberdeine"  dated  5  Jan.,  1558-9, — both  from  the  originals  in  Lord 
Dun's  possession. 

425.  41.    for  me  read  the  editor. 

430.  35.    for  I  have  read  which  has  been. 

431.  8.    for  1544  read  1543  (see  Tytler's  History  of  Scotland  V.  412,  note.) 
434.              23.     for  I  have  read  the  editor  has. 

439.  8.    for  1153  read  1533. 

444.  18.    for  S.  Mason  read  J.  Mason. 

449.  10.    for  1544  read  1543— see  Tytler's  Scotland  V.  412,  note. 

457.  8.    for  principal  masters  read  principal,  masters. 

467.  21.7 

.go  -  5  for  exons-  read  exens- 

469.  19.    for  tread  to. 

474.  4-7.     It  ought  to  be  mentioned  that  after  CarswelFs  death  there  was  another 

bishop,  John  Campbell  of  the  family  of  Colder,  who  alienated  the 
revenues,  so  that  the  low  state  of  the  bishoprick  of  the  Isles  in  1600 
was  not  solely  produced  by  CarswelVs  rapacity. — .See  Transactions 
of  the  lona  Club,  I.  6-19.  At  the  same  time  it  is  also  proper  to 
state  that  since  this  part  of  the  Notes  was  written  the  editor  has 
been  informed  by  Mr.  Donald  Gregory  that  Carswell  disponed 
certain  portions  of  his  benefice  to  Hector  31' Lean  of  Dowart. 

481.  18.     after  the  reference  to  Laing's  History  add:    See  also  very  particularly 


CORRECTIONS,    ADDITIONS,    fee.  551 

Keith's  History,  pp.  447,  8,  where  the  following  curious  passage 
respecting  Gordon  from  the  dispatch  of  the  English  Ambassador, 
Aug.  20,  1567,  appears  : 

"  The  Bishop  of  Galloway  hath  made  offer  to  the  Earl  of  Athole 
and  the  L.  of  Lethington  that  the  said  Earl  his  nephew  shall  desist 
from  making  any  trouble  in  this  Realm,  and  shall  conjoin  with  these 
Lords  to  obey  the  authority  established  so  as  he  may  have  the  Earl 
of  Murray  his  assured  Friend,  whereof  he  is  in  some  felonzye  because 
in  the  time  of  the  Earl  of  Murray's  disgrace  the  said  Earl  of 
Huntley  was  his  great  enemy."  Here  is,  indeed,  an  excellent 
specimen  of  disinterested  zeal  for  Queen  Mary's  liberation  and  restora- 
tion to  her  throne ! 
Page  495.     Line  20.    for  delaring  read  declaring. 

501.  6.     read  thus:  but  you  are  not  more  like  to  gain  us  than  we  you. 

508.  19.    for  Presentation  read  Presentations. 

6-8.  The  statement  that  William  Gordon  was  a  son  of  the  Bishop  of  Gal- 
loway was  founded  on  the  title  of  the  charter  Reg.  Mag.  Sig. 
XXXV.  560,  which  contains  the  provisional  clause  "  casu  deeessus 
Laurentii  sci  fratris,"  but  it  is  now  ascertained  to  be  incorrect. 
The  Charier  itself  expressly  designates  William  Gordon  "  filium 
legitimum  Domini  Joannis  Gordoun  de  Lochinvar  militis." 

508.  33.    for  St.  Cuthbert's,  Kirk  read  St.  Cuthbert's  Kirk. 


GENERAL  INDEX. 


Abbots,  Doctor,  266. 

Abbotshall,  the  laird  of,  180. 

. younger,  180. 

Aberbrothok,  John,  Commendator  of,  412  ; — 
the  minister  of,  351; — the  monastery  of, 
412; — the  regality  of,  412. 

Abercrombie,  Mr.  Robert,  237. 

Aberdeen,  the  bishop  of, — see  Blackburn,  Cun- 
ninghame,  &c; — the  deanery  of,  411; — the 
diocese  of,  344 ;— the  district  of,  180,  384  ;— 
the  minister  of,  169;— the  town  of,  23,  144, 
169,  266,  325,  529;— the  university  of, 
22—5,  344,  463 ;— King's  College,  430. 

Auld,  22,  411. 

New,  the  High  Kirk  of,  22. 

Aberdour,  216. 

Abernethy,  Lord, — see  Murray,  earl  of. 

Abircrummy,  David,  student  at  St.  Andrews, 
454. 

Abirlott,  the  parish  of, — see  Arbirlot. 

Adamson,  Mr.  Patrick,  Archbishop  of  St. 
Andrew's,  27,  29,  30,  32—4,  43,  55,  64,  67, 
94,  176—8,  180,  184,  5,  199,  200,  214, 
224,  236,  314,  15,  463,  467,  503,  509,  510, 
521. 

John,  179. 

Mr.  John,  291. 

William,  tal3eour  in  Sanct  Androis, 

399. 
Aikman,  Francis,  an  early  professor  of  the  re- 
formed doctrines,  7. 


Aikman,  Mr.  John,  384. 

Ailsa,  the  marquis  of,  441. 

Air,  the  burgh  of,  48,  100,  109,  325,  448,  9, 
453  ; — the  minister  of,  353 ; — the  parish 
church  of,  453  ; — the  sherrif  of,  206 ; — the 
shire  of,  206,  221,  435,  444,  449,  459;— St. 
John's  Church  in,  449. 

Aird,  William,  minister  of  the  West  Kirk, 
Edinburgh,  513,  517. 

Alan,  Alexander,  student  at  St.  Andrew's, 
454. 

Aldjoy,  George,  Merchant,  an  early  professor 
of  the  reformed  doctrines,  7. 

Alexander,  Friar,  an  early  professor  of  the  re- 
formed doctrines,  1. 

James,  in  Sanct  Monanss,  507. 

Mr.  Robert,  pedagogue  to  the  earl 

of  Errol,  and  an  early  professor  of  the  re- 
formed doctrines,  7. 

Robert,  179. 


Allasoun,  Robert,  526. 

Altrie,  Robert  lord,  412,  439. 

Ancrum,  225  ; — the  benefice  of,  223  ; — the  min- 
ister of,  222 ;— the  personage  of,  222,  352. 

Anderson,  Mr.  Alexander,  principal  of  the 
college  of  Old  Aberdeen,  22 — 5. 

Mr,  Andrew,  regent  of  do.,  22 — 4. 

James,  48,  182. 

Mr.  James,  63,  180. 

John  of  Dowhill,  525. 


—   Michael,  526. 


4  A 


554 


GENERAL   INDEX. 


Angus  and  Mearns,  4,  16,  20,  30,  166,   180, 

535. 
Angus,  the   district   of,   300,   312,   384,   428, 

441; — the    earle     of,     66[;— the     shire    of, 

233,  5  ;— the  synod  of,  256,  286,  8. 
Ankrome, — see  Ancrum. 
Annan,  Margaret,  506. 
Annandail,  179. 

Anstruther,  of  that  ilk,  John,  48. 
276,   506;— the    laird   of,   441  ; — 

the  minister  of,  351. 
Aplegirth,  the  laird  of,  216,  17. 
Arbirlot,  parish  of,  233—5,  317,  536. 
Arbroath,  the  schoolmaster  of,  21; — the  town 

of,  273.  * 

Arbuthnot,  the  viscount  of,  444. 

of  Arbuthnot,  Andrew,  439. 

Mr.  Alexander,  26,  51,  61,  63,  4, 

68,  176,212,215,511. 

Alexander,   burges   of   Edinburgh, 

173,  214—6,  509. 

Helen,  wife  of  John  Spottiswoode 

of  Spottiswoode,  444. 

Archibald,  Andrew,  455. 

Thomas,  chamberlain  to  the  Arch- 
bishop of  Glasgow,  450. 

William,  181. 

Ardrois,  the  parsonage  of,  352. 

Areskine, — see  Erskine, — Marr,  earl  of. 

the  parsonage  of,  352. 

Argyle,  the  duke  of,  474. 

the  earl  of,  34,  36,  87,  105,  143,  431, 

472,481,484,  495,497. 

Archibald,  474. 

Coline,  480. 


■  the  marquis  of,  137. 
•  the  diocese  of,  344  ;- 


-the  See  of,  136; 


the  shire  of,  20,180. 

Arnot,  Andrew,  minister  of  Scotland-well,  470. 

John,  176. 

Arran,  the  earl  of,  73, 1 10,  1 43,  1 78, 475,  6,  47S. 

Arrot,  the  lands  of,  409. 

Arskirk,  the  parsonage  of,  352. 

Arthurlie,  526. 

Athens,  the  archbishop  of, — see  Gordon,  Alex- 
ander, bishop  of  Galloway. 


Athol,  the  earl  of,  180. 

John,  323. 

Auchindoun,  the  laird  of,  169. 
Auchinglass,  the  laird  of,  179. 
Auchinleck,  Mr.  Patrick,  180. 
Auchinrugland,  the  lands  of,  444. 
Auchmoir,  the  lands  of,  465. 
Auchtermuchtie,  303. 
Avaricum  Biturigum  (Bourges),  207. 
Aittoune  of  Kynnaldie,  Mr.  Andro,  466,  470. 

David,  Yr  395,  400. 

Robert,  468. 

....  469. 

Mr.  Andro,  468,  9. 

James,     )  sons  of  Mr.  Andro  Aittoun 

Robert,   5       of  Kynnaldie,  470. 

Bade.-nocht,  lord, — see  Huntly,  earl  of. 
Baine,  Mr.  Alexander,  of  Rires,  420. 
Balcanquell,  Mr.  Walter,  90,  179,  181,  2. 
Baleomie,  George,  laird  of,  136. 
Balconnale,  the  lands  of,  408. 
Balfour,  Sir  James,  125,  479. 

Mr.   James,  minister  at   Guthry,  155, 

383. 

Mr.  James,  180,  383,  536. 

Mr.  Thomas,  eldar  of  Sanct  Ands  459, 

507. 

Mr.  Walter,  19. 

Mr.  William,  48. 

the  laird  of,  ISO. 

the  lands  of,  408. 

Balgasky,  the  lands  of,  408. 

Balhall,  the  lands  of,   417— 19;— miltown  of, 

419  ;— the  new-miln  of,  417,  419. 
Balgois,  the  tennentis  of,  465. 
Balkasky,  the  lands  of,  406. 
Ballandro,  the  lands  of,  406. 
Ballantyne,  Mr.  Adame, — see  Bannatyne. 
Balmakelly,  the  barony  of,  408. 
Balmerinoch,     James     lord,     secretary,     257, 

393. 

John,  commendator  of,  323. 

Balmoutie,  the  laird  of,  180. 
Balneily,  the  lands  of,  418. 
Balrynmonth,  Eister,  464. 


GENERAL   INDEX. 


555 


Balwelawe,  lands  of,  406,  7,  414. 

Balwelo, — see  Balwelawe. 

Ba^equhar,  the  lands  of,  502. 

Bancroft,  Dr.,  Bishop  of  London,  115,  51-2. 

Banf,  the  town  of,  144. 

Bannatyne  of  Kames,  Ninian,  474. 

Mr.    Adam,   minister  of   Falkirk, 

afterwards  bishop  of  Dumblane,  296,  7,  384. 

James,  325. 

Mr.  Thomas,  292. 

Bannerman,  Alexander,  423,  425. 

Barclay,  Mr.  David,  minister  of  St.  Andrew's, 

312. 
Bard,  Ninian,  student  at  St.  Andrew's,  454. 
Bardowie,  the  laird  of,  526. 
Barganny,  the  laird  of,  143. 
Barklay,  Mr.  David,  384. 
Barnet,  the  town  of,  487. 
Barnweil,  the  barons  of,  205. 
Barron,  James,  324. 
Barskyming,    (or    Stairquhyte,)    the    lands   of, 

444. 
Bassandyne,    Thomas,   printer    in    Edinburgh, 

214,  217,  509,  521. 
Baxtar,  Malcolm,  student  at  St.  Andrew's,  454. 
Beaton,  of  Balfour,  John,  48. 

of  Westhall,  James,  415. 

1  cardinal,  100,  314,  457. 

James,    archbishop    of    Glasgow,    13, 

230,  443,  450—2,  504,  522,  3,  5. 
■  Mr.  James,  179. 


Justice 


Bedfuyrd,  the  earle  of,  493. 

Bedlay,  the  lands  of,  534. 

Belhaveil,    ) 

„,,    ,     .,    >  see  Balhall. 

Belhalveil,  5 

Bellenden,    Sir    John,    of    Auchnoul, 

Clerk,  324,  338,  462. 

Sir  Louis,  Justice  Clerk,  188. 

Beltrees,  the  laird  of, — see  Semple. 
Benholme,  412  ;— the  barony  of,  407. 

Tulloche  of,  the  lands  of,  407. 

Bennet,  Mr.  Andrew,  minister  of  Monnimeal, 

256,  303. 

Mr.  John,  179. 

Berclay,  Sir  David  de,  436. 

Berwick,  the  town  of,  18,  91,  109,  493. 


Beza,  Theodore,  252,  312. 

Biggar,  Mr.  Thomas,  180,  351. 

Binning,  Thomas  lord,  secretary,  309. 

Birnay,  the  paroche  kirk  of,  507. 

Bishoptoun,  the  lands  of,  502. 

Bissate,  James,  student   at  the   University  of 

Glasgow,  445. 
Black,  a  Dominican  friar,  110,  452. 

Mr.  David,  192,  235,  312,  538. 

George,  diacone  of  Sanct  Androis,  460, 

507. 

Johne,  465. 

Mr.  Robert,  minister  at  Evie,  514. 

Mr.  Thomas,  clerk  of  the  presbytery  of 

St.  Andrew's,  398. 
Blackader,  Adam,  of  Blairhall,  519. 

Mr.  John,  519. 

Blackbarronie,  the  laird  of,  179. 

Blackburn,    Mr.    Peter,    bishop   of   Aberdeen, 

179,  186,  237,  384,  529,  531. 
Blackhall,  Alex.,  minister  of  Cranstoun,  48. 

Mr.  Andrew,  179,  384. 

Blackness,  the  castle  of,  270,  431. 
Blackwood,  Peter,  148,  180. 

Mr.  William,  125. 

Blair,  David,  parishoner  of  Monktoun,  212. 

John,  of  Middilauchindrane,  453. 

Blance,  the  laird  of,  179. 
Blantyre,  the  commendator  of,  524. 
Blass,  (Glass?)  Mr.  William,  180. 
Blyth,  Mr.  Henry,  515. 

Ritchard,  180. 

Body,  Mr.  Gilbert,  vicar  of  Holme,  514. 

Boge,  Johne,  485. 

Boigtoun,  the  town  and  lands  of,  418,  19. 

Bonkill,  Patrick,  180. 

Bonytoun,  the  lands  of,  413. 

Boswall,  Mr.  George,  180. 

Bothernock,  (Baldernock,)  parsonage  of,  352. 

Bothwell,  James  earl  of,  147,  335,  6,  478. 

Adam,  bishop  of  Orkney,  50, 146 — 50, 

166,  7,  323,  338,  369,  370,  1. 
■  Sir  Francis,  147. 


Borthwick,    William   lord,   slain    at    Flodden, 

457. 
William  lord,  324. 


556 


GENERAL   INDEX. 


Borthwick,  William,  fourth  lord,  457. 

captain, — see  Borthwick,  Sir  John. 

of  Cinery,  Sir  John,  457 — 9. 

William,  457. 

Boyd,  the  family  of,  205,  6. 

lord,  26,  34,  110,  143,  176,  206,  211, 

479,  521 — 4,  534. 

master  of,  Thomas,  534. 

of  Badenheath,  Robert,  533,  4. 

of  Bonshaw,  John,  216. 

of  Kipps,  James,  534. 

of  Pinkill,  Adam,  521,  534. 

of    Trochrig,    Mr.    James,    archbishop 

of  Glasgow,  Life  of,  205 — 30 ; — Appendix 
to  it,  385— 92 ;— Notes  to  it,  521—35;— 
Miscellaneous  notices  of  him,  64,  5,  509 ; — 
see  also  Glasgow,  archbishop  of. 

Mr.    Robert,   205,    207, 


226,  533. 

Alexander,  brother  of  Adam   Boyd  of 

Pinkil,  534. 

— —  Mr.  Andrew,  bishop  of  Argyle,  137. 

Robert,   son  of  Mr.    Robert    Boyd   of 

Trochrig,  207,  210. 

Thomas,  226. 

Bradfoote,  Mr.  William,  minister  of  Lathrisk, 
351. 

Braid,  the  laird  of,  66,  179,  513,  14,  16. 

Brakie,  Eister,  the  lands  of,  545." 

Wester,  the  lands  of,  545. 

Brand,  John,  minister  of  Halyroodhouse,  48, 
158. 

Brechin,  the  barony  of,  409; — the  bishop  of, 
249,  267,  271,  294,  302,  435 ;— Alexander, 
bishop  of,  323,  4 12 ;— the  cathedral  kirk  of, 
302,  435; — the  commissary  of,  322;— the 
diocese  of,  67,  344 ;— the  town  of,  322,  406, 
410,  432,  494 ;— the  town  clerk  of,  322. 

Easter,  the  barony  of,  410,  11  ;— the 

lands  of,  410. 

Bretagne,  502. 

Brikhill,  the  town  of,  487. 

Britain,  Great,  198,  201,  302,  393,  518. 

North,  243. 

Broughtoun,  the  barony  of,  188. 
Brown  of  Thornydike,  Sir  George,  444. 


Brown,  Mr.  Gideon,  minister  of  Ledgertwood. 

443. 
— —  Mr.  John,  prebendary  of  Glasgow,  &c., 


445. 


John,  19. 

reader  in  Kinghorn,  461. 

sumtyme  citiner  of  Sanctandrois. 


—  fleschour,  526. 


Mr.  Thomas,  180. 


Broxmouth,  the  laird  of,  179. 
Bruce,  King  Robert,  436. 

of  Earlshall,  Andrew,  yr-  395,  400. 

of  Pitlochie,  Robert,  464. 

Mr.  Edward,  abbot  of  Kinloss,  187. 

John,  student  at  St.  Andrew's,  454. 

Mr.  Robert,  182,  190,  195,  197,  383,  4, 

512,  515,  536. 

Brydy,  Thomas,  student  at  St.  Andrew's,  454. 

Brysseoun,  Mr.  James,  384. 

Buchan,  the  earle  of,  65,  176,  359,  441. 

John  erle  of,  410,  438. 

Buchanan,  Mr.  George,  65,  124,  176,  330,  359, 

462,  3,  527,  9. 
Mr.  Robert,  256. 

Mr.  Thomas,  180,  185, 195,  235—7, 

383,  4,  536—8,  541. 

Mr.  William,  283. 


Bucquhane,  earl  of, — see  Buchan. 

Buge,  Bessie,  461. 

Bullinger,  Henry,  147,  166. 

Buncle,  Michael,  90. 

Burcht,  (Brough  ?)  the  town  of,  486. 

Bume,  John,  48, 180,  511,  12. 

Burnett,  Andrew,  415. 

Elizabeth,  415. 

Thomas,  in  Newbigging,  415. 

Burntisland,  197. 

Burrowbriggs,  (Boroughbridge,)  the   town   of, 

486. 
Buttergask,  Patrick,  public  notar,  421. 

Cairnis,  John,  513. 

Caithness,  the  bishop  of,— see  Forbes,  Mr. 
Alexander,— Gladstanes,  Mr.  George,— Gor- 
don,   Alexander    (Bishop    of    Galloway.)— 


GENERAL   INDEX. 


557 


Stewart,  Robert ; — the  bishoprick  of,  185 — 7, 
476; — the  commissioner  of,  518  ; — the  diocese 
of,  344,  476;— the  district  of,  542;— the 
postulate  of, — see  Gordon,  Alexander, 
(bishop  of  Galloway.) 

Caldcleugh,  Mr.  John,  256,  303. 

Calder  in  Lothian,  the  minister  of,  351  ; — the 
parish  of,  82,  84,  443  ; — the  parsonage  of,  73. 

Calder  (Cadder?)  and  Monkland,  the  parsonage 
of,  352. 

Calderwood,  the  laird  of,  179. 

Cambisbarroune,  the  lands  of,  408. 

Cambridge,  the  university  of,  292,  3. 

Cambuslayng,  the  parsonage  of,  352. 

Cammo,  the  laird  of,  464. 

Cammonell,  the  minister  of,  353. 

Campbell  of  Calder,  the  family  of,  550. 

of  Glenurchie,  Colin,  50,  338. 

of  Kin3eancleugh,  Robert,  134 — 6, 

449. 

Alexander,  dean  of  Murray,  143. 

James,  525. 

Mr.  John,  visitor  of  Argyle  and  of  the 


Isles,  137. 


bishop  of  the  Isles,  550. 


Isobella,  408. 

Campsie,  the  minister  of,  353 ; — the  parsonage 

of,  351. 
Candidae   Casae   Episcopatus, — see   Galloway, 

bishoprick  of. 
Cant,  Walter,  48. 

Canterbury,  the  archbishop  of,  116,  258. 
Cantirland,  the  lands  of,  410. 
Capill,  the  lands  of,  414,  15. 
Capringtoun,  the  laird  of,  176,  178. 
Carberrie,  the  laird  of,  179. 
Carden,  (Garden  f)  the  laird  of,  179. 
Cardnay,  the  lands  of,  502. 
Careltoun,  the  family  of,  211 ; — the  laird  of,  1 80. 
Carlisle,  the  town  of,  485,  501. 
Carmichel,  Mr.  James,  minister  of   Hadding- 

toun,  48,  90,  179,  182,  290,  292. 

John,  captain  of  Crawford,  213. 

Mr.  John,  237. 

Carnassery,  the  castle  of,  471,  473. 

Carnegye,  of  Ethy,  Sir  John, — see  Ethy.  earl  of. 

4 


Carnegye  of  Kinnaird,  David,  413. 

Carnell,  the  laird  of,  180. 

Carnes,  Elizabeth,  spous  of  Maister  Robert 
Glen,  30unger,  467. 

Carnock,  the  parsonage  of,  352. 

Carnwath,  the  parsonage  of,  352. 

Carrick,  the  bailliary  of,  206,  211 ;— the  com- 
missioner of,  225,  359; — the  district  of,  164, 
166,  180,  383,  4,  451,  505,  522. 

Carstaires,  the  parsonage  of,  352. 

Carswell  of  Carnassery,  the  family  of,  471. 

Archibald,  474. 

Ned,  472,  474. 

Donald,  vicar  of  Insaill,  472. 

—  John,  superinteudant  of  Argyle,  and 

bishop  of  the  Isles,  life  of,  133—7 ;— Notes 
to  it,  471 — 4  ; — Miscellaneous  notices  of  him, 
20,  83,  91 ;— see  Isles,  bishop  of. 

son  of  Neil  Carswell  of  Carnas- 


sery, 472. 
Malcolm,  baillie  of  Craigneise,  472. 


Cassilis,  the  earle  of,  9,  13,  34,  110. 

David,  earl  of,  521. 

Gilbert,  earl  of,  323. 

Cathcart,  Allan  lord,  324. 

Cecil,  Sir  William,  109,  431,  4S4,  488,  493,  4. 
Chalmers  of  Gadgirth,  the  family  of,  205,  6. 

James,  104,  211. 

of  Troquhane,  Johne,  534. 

Johanna,  lady  Careltoun,  209, 227. 

Margaret,  daughter  of  James   Chal- 


mers  of  Gadgirth,  and  wife   of  archbishop 

Boyd,  211,226. 
Chambers,  Margaret, — see  Chalmers. 
Charles  II.,  King,  419,  443. 
Charteris,  Gilbert,  217. 

Mr.  James,  217. 

Chatelherault,  the  Duke  of,  106, 110,  126,  143, 
156,  456,  477,  481,  484,  488,  490,  495—7. 

Chattisworth,  the  castle  of,  488,  490,  495, 
497,  8. 

Chepmane,  J.,  423,  425. 

Christeson,  Mr.  John,  180,  432,  449. 

William,  19,  48,  63,  4,  67,   128, 

147,  164,  176,  180. 

Chumside,  the  presbytery  of,  278,  9. 


558 


GENERAL   INDEX. 


Clackmannan,  the  shire  of,  505. 
Clapperton,  John,  48,  90,  179,  185. 
Laurence,  provost  of  Trinity  Col- 
lege, Edinburgh,  508. 

Clarav,7    ,     , 

„,    . "   i  the  lands  of,  503. 

Clane,  J 

Clayhills,  Mr.  Andrew,  179. 

Claylek,  the  lands  of,  412. 

Clerk,  Alexander,  179,  324. 

Mr.    William,   minister   of  Anstruther, 

48,  180. 

Cleynnie,  George,  52G. 

Clogher,  the  bishoprick  of,  96. 

Cluny,  the  laird  of,  536. 

Clydesdale,  166,  179,  383,  4,  505. 

Coathill,  the  lands  of,  419. 

Cockburn,  James,  48. 

Sir  Richard,  younger  of  Clerking- 

toun,  393. 
Cok,   Mr.  James,  minister   at    Mary   Kirk   in 

Sandell,  514. 

Mr.  William,  "  bailie"  of  St.  Andrew's, 

510. 

Coldan,  Robert,  student  at  St.  Andrew's,  454. 

Coldingharne,  John,  commendator  of,  323. 

Colnianell,  the  vicarage  of,  526. 

Colquhoun,  Mr.  Adame,  526. 

Colt,  the  lands  of,  414,  15. 

Cornlie,  Mr.  John,  minister  of  Kilbride,  352,  3. 

Conservator  of  the  priviledges  of  the  merchants 

in  the  Low  Countrys,  the,  254. 
Conyngham,  Agnes,  526. 
Corrichie,  the  battle  of,  475. 
Corstorphine,  the  laird  of,  179. 
Cotton,  Sir  Robert,  323. 
Coudon,  Mr.  John,  255,  257,  282,  284. 
Coupar,  Mr.  Johne,  434. 

Mr.     William,    bishop    of     Galloway, 

283—5,  287,  302,  309,  311—13. 

the  minister  of,  351  ; — the  presbytery 

of,  262;— the  town  of,   124,  407,  441. 

Courthill,  the  lands  of,  419. 
Crafurd,  John,  servitor  of  the  rector  of  Dow- 
glass,  445. 
Crags,  the  lands  of,  409. 
Craig,  Mr.  John,  one  of  the  ministers  of  Edin- 


burgh, 49,  51,  61,  63,  4,  66,  68,  124—6,  129, 

150,  164,  174,  182,  339,  446,  479,  80,  536. 
Craigfuthie,  the  fewaris  of,  545. 
Craigtoun,  the  lands  of,  465,  6. 
Crailing,  the  parish  of,  278. 
Craill,  the  minister  of,   351  ; — the  reader  of, 

461. 
Cranmer,  Archbishop,  72. 
Cranstoun,  Mr.  Thomas,  minister  of  Peebles, 

48,  179. 

Mr.   William,   minister  of  Kettle, 

254,  5,  257. 

Crawford,  the  earls  of,  439. 

the  earl  of,  34,  274. 

David,  earl  of,  323,  409,  413,  415, 

438,  9. 

of  Clovarhill,  Hew,  534. 

of  Jordanhill,  Thomas,  524. 

Archie,  527. 

Thomas,  336. 

the  tenneutis  of  the  erldome  of,  550. 

Cregie,  the  laird  of,  180. 
Creigh,  the  parish  of,  262. 
Creighton,  Beatrice,  wife  of  Mr.  John  Spots- 
wood  superintendant  of  Lothian,  95,  443. 

Mr.    Robert,     of    Eliock,     King's 

advocate,  324. 

Crofts,  Sir  James,  431. 
Cromwell,  Oliver,  Protector,  414. 
Crossraguel,  the  abbot  of,— see  Kennedy,  Quen- 

tin. 
Culdees,  the,  456. 
Culland,  Alison,  507. 
Cullese  of  Balnamone,  Robert,  432. 

Walter,  408. 

Culluthy,  the  laird  of,  66,  180. 

Culros,  Alexander,  commendator  of,  323. 

the  abbot  of,  142  ;— the  town  of,  504,  5, 

517. 
Cumming,   Robert,  schoolmaster  of   Arbroath, 

21. 
Cunninghame  of  Watersone,  Hugh,  179. 
Mr.  David,  Bishop  of  Aberdeen, 

64,  129,  176,  451,  536. 
Thomas,  a  canon  regular  of  the 


monasterv  of  St.  Andrew's,  455. 


GENERAL   INDEX. 


559 


Cunninghame,  the  district  of,  180,  199,  223, 

359,  383,  4,  451,  505,  520. 
Cunningharnheid,  the  laird  of,  451. 

Daill,  Thomas,  90. 

Dairsie,  the  kirk  of,  302  ;— the  laird  of,  316. 
Dalgleish,  Mr.  David,  minister  of  Coupar,  261. 
Margaret,  wife  of  Mr.  George  Strive- 

ling  of  Breklye,  408. 

Nicol,  185,  6,  511,  12,  516. 

Dalkeith,  Lord, — see  Mortoun,  earl  of. 

the  presbytery  of,  29 1 ,  509. 

Dalmahoy,  Sir  John,  of  that  Ilk,  545. 
Dalrymple,  James,  48,  180. 
Dalziell,  John,  531. 

Mr.  William,  237. 

Dambray,  the  tennentis  of,  465. 
Damman,  Sir  Hadrian,  521. 
Darnly,  Henry  Stewart,  lord,  148,  9. 
Darroch,  Mr.  Robert,  180. 

William,  19. 

D'Aubigny, — see  Lennox,  duke  of. 

David  I.,  King,  456. 

David  II.,  King,  72,  435. 

Davidson,  Mr.  Duncan,  384. 

Mr.   John,  minister  of  Saltpreston, 

59,  62,  115,   179,   180,   182,  197,  208,  227, 

236,  383,  512—14. 
John,  principal  of  the  University  of 

Glasgow,  526. 
Dee,  the  river  of,  300. 
Deir,  the  abbacy  of,  447  ; — the  mains  of,  447  ; — 

the  parochin  of,  447. 
Deis,  James,  384. 
Denheid,  the  tennentis  of,  465. 
Denholm,  Sarah,  wile  of  Mr.  Robert  Pont,  519, 

20. 
Desse,  M.  de,  8,  9. 
Dollar,  the  vicar  of,  8. 
Donaldson,  James,  seruand  of  the  archbishop 

of  St.  Andrew's,  546. 

William,  526. 

Dornoch,  the  kirk  of,  186,  7. 
Douglas,  of  Auchinrothi,  Thomas,  408. 

— . of  Cuningston,  John,  470. 

of  Lochleven,  Sir  Henry,  437. 


Douglas,  of  Pumferston,  John,  82. 

—  Alexander,  384,  514,  536,  540. 

. Mr.  Archibald,  179,  384. 

George,  bishop  of  Murray,  173. 

Mr.  Hector,  222,  3,  225. 

■ ~  John,  Archbishop  of  St.  Andrew's,  12, 

22,   33—5,   42,    3,  60,  102,    126—30,    134, 

449,  462,  506. 

student  at  St.  Andrew's,  454. 

Mr.  John,  180. 

Sir  Robert,   parson   of  Lothermacus, 

448. 

Mr.  Thomas,  256. 

Minister    of   Balmer- 


inocht,  467. 
William,  son   of  the   laird   of  Glen- 


bervie,  535. 
1  Mr.  William,  531. 


—  the  parsonage  of,  352 ; — the  rector  of, 


Dow,    7  the  vicar  of,  (Winram)— see  Winram, 

Dowll,  3       John,  superintendant. 

Drocheda,  96. 

Drumayler,  [Drumelzier],  the  tutor  of,  179. 

Drumbarnet,  the  lands  of,  419. 

Drumlanrig,  the  laird  of,  143. 

Drummond,  lord,  496. 

David,  second  lord,  482. 

master  of,  Patrick,  324. . 

of  Blair,  George,  180. 

James, — see  Maderty,  Lord. 

Robert,  155,  157. 

Mr.    Thomas,     commissioner    of 

Monteith,  140,  180. 

Dudope,  the  house  of,  414. 

Dufi'us,  the  parson  of,  169. 

Dull,  Dow  or  Dowll,  the  kirklands  of,  464 ; — 
the  parsonage  of,  464 ; — the  vicarage  of,  464. 

Dumbarton,  the  castle  of,  435,  495  ; — the  min- 
ister of,  353;— the  shire  of,  383,  4,  451, 
505; -the  town  of,  451,  479,  481. 

Dumbar,  the  earle  of,  240, 1,  244,  'itf,  269,  285, 

294. 
George,  high  treasurer,  543. 

Gavin,  archbishop  of  Glasgow,  477, 


534. 


560 


GENERAL   INDEX. 


Duinbar,  John,  212. 

William,  portioner  of  Tarbolton,  212. 

the  dean  of,  516; — the  kirk  of,  75, 

459; — the  minister  of,  351  ; — the  town  of,  8, 
105. 

Dumblane,  the  bishop  of,  142,  212,  271,  330, 
388, — see  Bannatyne,  Mr.  Adam; — the  dio- 
cese of,  34,  297,  344;— the  town  of,  164, 
180. 

Duinfreice,  the  sherrifdom  of,  164; — the  town 
of,  144,  5,  165,  217,  485,  541. 

Dun,  David  Erskine,  lord,  405,  550. 

the  barony  of,  406—9,  413—16,  418,  420, 

426,  7,  435;— the  corn-miln  of,  414;— the 
house  of,  405,  407,  410,  412,  425,  430,  1  ;— 
the  kirk  of,  281,  413,  14,  419  ;— the  laird  of, 
— see  Erskine ; — the  leys  of,  418 ; — the  mains 
of,  414,  417;— the  muir  of,  418,  19;— the 
parish  of,  419; — the  parsonage  of,  411; — 
the  tenuentis  of,  550. 

Duncan,  Mr.  Andrew,  minister  of  Crail,  272, 
539. 

Duncanson,  John,  minister  of  the  King's  house, 
31,  48,  64,  66,  146,  159,  176,  179,  197,  212, 
454,  536,  541. 

— — —  minister  at  Stirling,  350. 

Dunce,  the  minister  of,  351. 

Dundass,  the  laird  of,  179. 

Dundee,  the  barony  of,  435 ; — the  parish  of, 
418,  19 ;— the  town  of,  5,  12,  16,  18,  48,  94, 
102,  125,  180,  195,  197,  234,  270,  275,  277, 
294,  322,  325,  329,  429—31,  535,  540. 

Dunfermline,  Alexander,  earl  of,  543. 

Robert,    commendator    of,    323, 

325,  338. 

the  abbey  of,  188 ; — the  com- 
mendator of,  26,  50,  G5,  359,  463;— the 
minister  of,  351. 

Dunkeld,   the   bishop  of,  142,  217,  250,  267, 
271,  302, — see  Nicolson,   Mr.  James; — the 
diocese  of,  32,  344;— the  district  of,  60,  165, 
180. 
Dunlop,  the  vicar  of,  (John  Major),  445. 
Dunmuir,  Mr.  Alexander,  180. 
Dunnivy,  135. 
Dunrod,  the  laird  of,  179. 


Dupline,  the  viscount  of, — see  Kinnoul,  earl  of. 

Du  Pont,  or  Da  Ponte,  John,  504. 

Duppa,  bishop,  80. 

Durand,  John,  student  at  the    University  of 

Glasgow,  445. 
Durham,  Mr.  John,  180. 

the  battle  of,  436. 

Durie,  Andrew,  bishop  of  Galloway,  142. 
Cristian,  relict  of  George   Gladstanes, 

archbishop  of  St.  Andrew's,  544,  546. 
John,  minister  of  Restalrig,  48,  179,  185, 

384. 

i Mr.  Joseph,  256. 

Mr.  Robert,  262,  276. 

Durisdeer,  the  parsonage  of,  352. 

Dykes,  Mr.  John,  minister  of  Culros,  48,  180, 

257,  276,  7. 
Dysart,   the  minister  of,   351 ; — the  town   of, 

253. 

Eaglesjohn,  the  lands  of,  435. 

Eccles,  the  parish  of,  443. 

Eddistoun,  [Eddilstoun?]  the  parsonage  of,  352, 
549. 

Edinburgh,  the  castle  of,  34,  84,  125,  149. 
310,  435,  446,  478,  495,  497;— the  commis- 
saries of,  336,  469,  470,  546 ;— the  kirk  of, 
153,  155,  157,  8,  249,  301,  459 ;— the  minis- 
ter of,  135,  158,  351 ;— the  ministers  of,  192, 
234,  237,  370  510  ;— the  presbytery  of,  509, 
511,  12,  514,  15;— the  tolbooth  of,  143, 
479 ;— the  town  of,  9,  19,  34,  48,  64,  72,  75, 
6,  82,  84,  91,  102,  3,  105,  6,  149—54,  175, 
179,  181,  2,  185,  187,  195,  200,  1,  214,  15, 
217,  222,  238,  240,  246,  268,  270,  273,  279, 
295—7,  302,  304,  324,  329,  335,  351,  368, 
370,  383,  393,  406—11,  413—18,  424,  432, 
3,  446,  450,  1,  456,  463,  474,  477—80,  488, 
501,  508,  510,  513,  516,  518,  540,  546;— 
the  west  kirk  of,  513—19. 

Edliston,  the  lands  of,  216. 

Edmistoun,  Mr.  William,  minister  of  Cargill, 
48. 

Edmonstoun,  Mr.  John,  180. 

(Edmistoun?)  Mr.  William,  180. 

Edward  VI.  King  of  England,  100. 


GENERAL   INDEX. 


561 


Edzell,  the  laird  of,  younger,  274. 

the  house  of,  414; — the   tennentis  of, 

550. 

Eglintoun,  the  earl  of,  34,  452. 

Eglischome,  the  lands  of,  412. 

Eglisheme,  the  parsonage  of,  352. 

Elgin,  the   kirk  of,    169;— the   town   of,  166, 

170,  431. 

and  Forres,  the  shirefdome  of,  507. 

Elizabeth,  Queen  of  England,  198,  478,  484 

—501. 
Elphingstoun,  the  laird  of,  179. 

George,   merchant   in   Glasgow, 


180,  534. 


glasin  wrieht,  526. 


Mr.  William,  531. 


Embden,  the  town  of,  in  Freisland,  12,  100 — 2, 

449. 
England,  238,  257,  293,  317,  449,  475,  6,  484, 

491. 
the  queen  of,  155,  325,  330—7,  488 

—500. 
Enster,  the  laird  of, — see  Anstruther. 
Eogachman,  King  of  the  Picts,  455. 
Errol,  the  earl  of,  7,  34,  536,  541. 

George,  476. 

William,  7. 

Erskine,  Robert  lord,  408. 

of  Balhall,  John,  427. 

of  Brechin,  Sir  Thomas,  409,  10,  438. 

of  Dun,  the  family  of,  405 — 42, — see 

Genealogical  Tree. 

James,    appeirand    of,    430, 


John,  Superintendant  of  An- 
gus and  Mearns,  the  Life  of,  3 — 68; — 
Appendix  to  it,  321 — 66; — Notes  to  it,  405 
— 42  ; — Miscellaneous  notices  of  him,  80, 
102,  122,  127—9,  166,  168,  173,  4,  180,212, 
325,  339,  359, 409—34,  449,  458,  462,  3. 

of  Kirkbuddo,  David,  414—16. 

Francis,  416,  418,  426,  7. 

George,  415,  16. 


ofNathro,  Robert,  411. 
of  Newbigging,  John,  414. 
of  Pitodry,  Thomas,  418. 


Erskine,  Ann,         "J    daughters   of   Alexander 

Jean,  >       Erskine    merchant    in 

Margaret,  J        Montrose,  427. 

Elizabeth,  l   daughters  of  John  Erskine 

Margaret,  5     of  Newbigging,  414. 

John,  baron  of  the  barony  of  Balhag- 


jartie,  410. 


minister  of  St.  Cyrus,  440. 


— ■  Mr.  William,  229,  30,  282. 

Esk,   North,  the  water  of,  410,  419,  421,  2, 
428. 

South,  418. 

Ethy  and  Northesk,  earl  of,  John,  414,  440. 
Eviot,  William,  reader  at  Monyward,  124. 

Fairfoul,  Mr.  John,  269,  276. 

John,  officer  in  St.  Andrew's,  398,  9. 

Fairlie,  Robert,  of  Braid,  48. 

Falkland,  259,  261,  268,  303,  409,  10. 
False-Castle,  the  lands  of,  419. 
Fargusone,  Thomas, — see  Ferguson. 
Fastcastle,  the  castle  of,  8. 
Faudonside,  the  laird  of,  179, — see  Ker. 
Fawkirk,  the  kirk  of,  369. 
Feddinche,  the  tennentis  of,  545. 
Ferguson,  Alexander,  180. 

David,  minister  of  Dunfermline,  18, 

33,  48,  174,  180,  186,  359,  384,  536. 

John,  reader  in  the   kirk   of  Abyr- 

crummie,  461. 

Thomas,  burgess  of  Glasgow,  445. 

Fermour,  John,  in  Craill,  399. 

Ferquhar,  Hugh,  212. 

Fethercairne,  the  minister  of,  351. 

Fethey,  Mr.  Arthure,  242. 

Fettry,  Henry,  425. 

File,  Mr.  John,  curate  of  St.  Andrew's,  462. 

the  ministers  of,  302 ; — the  shire  of,  48, 

166,  180,  263, 286,  300,  383,  4,  406, 408,  466, 
505,  543; — the  superintendant  of,  20,  411, 
— see  Winram,  John; — the  synod  of,  184, 
192,  237,  253,  4,  258,  274,  281—6,  543. 

Fingask,  the  barron  of,  180. 

Finnie,  Thomas,  526. 

Flanders,  330. 

Fleming,  James  lord,  13. 


4  c 


562 


GENERAL   INDEX. 


Fleming,  James,  180,  325. 

Margaret,  526. 

Richard,  90. 

Thomas,  minister  at  Strounes,  514. 

Flodden,  the  battle  of,  72,  443,  457,  550. 

Forbes,  Mr.  John,  of  Newhall,  420. 

Mr.  Alexander,  bishop  of  Caithness, 

242,  384. 
Fordese,  the  lands  of,  413,  14,  418. 
Forfar,  the  sherriff  of,  423 ; — the  sherrifdom  of, 

411,  415  ;— the  shire  of,  406,  7,  410,  412— 

19. 
Forres,  David,  14. 

the  town  of,  431. 

Forrest,  David,  147. 

Forrestare,  Isabell,  407. 

Forrester  of  Garden,  Alexander,  31,  324. 

Alexander,  minister  of  Tranent,  48. 

Mr.  Andrew,  283. 

Grissil,  wife  of  Samuel  Erskine,  413. 

Robert,  yor,  324. 

Forsytht,  Andro,  425. 

Forth,  the  firth  of,  274,  288,  295,  300,  435. 

Forthik,  Robert,  527. 

Foster,  Alexander,  of  Carden, — see  Forrester 

of  Garden. 

[Forrester?]  Alexander,  179. 

Mr.  Andrew,  179. 

Fotheringham,  John,  325. 

Fothryk,  the  district  of,  460. 

Foulis,  Mr.  James,  165. 

Foulsie,  Mr.  Gilbert,  180. 

France,  206,  209,  10,  321,  329,  30,  388,  393, 

475,  6,  481,  489,  504. 
and  Navarre,  Margaret  Queen  of,  476, 

503. 

the  court  of,  495. 

Francis,   Dauphin  of  France  and  husband   of 

Q.  Mary,  321,2. 
Fraser  of  Lovat,  Hugh  lord,  324. 

Thomas,  of  Westir  Brakie,  545. 

Freisland,  Ann  countess  of,  101. 

French,  Robert,  179. 

Fullarton  of  Dreghorn,  Mr.  John,  31. 

Adam,  48,  339. 

Hew,  384. 


Fyf,  Thomas,  student  at  St.  Andrew's,  454. 
Fynnevin,  409. 

Gadgirth,  the  barons  of, — see  Chalmers. 

Gaites,  Mr.  Patrick,  179. 

Galloway,  Andrew  [Alexander?]  subprincipal  of 

the  College  of  Old  Aberdeen,  22 — 4,  549. 
Mr.  Patrick,  180,  182,  276,  536,  541. 

the  bishop  of,  242,  267,  270,  1,  503, 

— see  Gordon,  Alexander, — Gordon,  George, 
—  Gordon,  Mr.  Roger; — the  bishoprick  of, 
344,  351,  367,  475,  477,  483,  501,  503,  4;— 
the  cathedral  kirk  of  the  diocese  of,  477 ; — 
the  commissioner  of, — see  Gordon,  Alex- 
ander;—the  district  of,  148,  166,  180,  369, 
383,  4,  505;— the  postulate  of,  477 ;— the 
sheriffdom  of,  164. 

Garden,  Mr.  Gilbert,  47,  128. 
Gardiner,  Andro,  423,  425. 
Garlics,  the  laird  of,  143,  179. 

— younger,  146. 

Gam,  William,  student  at  St.  Andrew's,  454. 

Garntullie,  the  laird  of,  180. 

Gartlie,  the  laird  of,  485,  6. 

Gauton,  Andrew,  tailjeour,  399. 

Gaw,  Patrick,  student  at  St.  Andrew's,  454. 

Gedde,  Elizabeth,  506. 

Mr.  Martin,  eldar  of  St.  Andrew's,  325, 

459,  507. 

Geneva,  55,  102. 
Gibsone,  James,  179,  434. 
Gilcresoun,  Arthure,  526. 
Gillespy,  Patrick,  90,  179,  182. 
Gladstanes,  Dr.  Alexander,  archdeacon  of  St. 
Andrew's,  310, 11,  315,  16,  395—402,  545,  6. 

Mr.  George,  archbishop  of  St.  An- 
drew's, Life  of,  233 — 317  ;— Appendix  to  it, 
393— 402;— Notes  to  it,  535—47. 

Halbert,  clerk  of  Dundee,  234, 312. 

; —  Robert,  409. 


Glammis,  lord,  493,  498. 

John  lord,  324. 

Glasgow,  the  archbishop  of,  137, 176,  229,  243, 
266,  268,  270,  1,  295,  803,  4,  307,  8,  353, 
359,  388,  451,  456,  477,— see  Beaton, 
James, — Boyd,   James, — Dunbar,    Gavin, — 


GENERAL   INDEX. 


563 


Erskine,  Mr.  William, — Gordon,  Alexander, 
(Bishop  of  Galloway), — Spotswood,  John  ; — 
the  archbishoprick  of,  34,  208,  229,  344, 
351,  353,  450,  1,  475,  509,  534;— the  arch- 
dean  of,  353 ;— the  castle  of,  524 ; — the  cathe- 
dral of,  32,  353  j— the  chancellor  of,  853  ;— 
the  dean  of,  353,  450, 1 ; — the  magistrates  of, 
523 ; — the  minister  of,  353 ; — the  parsonage 
of,  352  ; — the  postulate  of,  477  ; — the  pres- 
bytery of,  229  ; — the  subdean  of,  (David  Cun- 
ningham,) 451 ;— the  town  of,  18,  30,  64,  85, 
109,  111,  178,  180,  221,  223,  225,  265,  275, 
278—82,  285,  287,  292,  295,  297,  303,  306, 
309,  322,  325,  398,  402,  450,  1,  453,  523, 
533;— the  university  of,  22,  72,  208,  226, 
344,  445,  6,  448,  463,  525—33. 

Glaskennoche,  the  lands  of,  407,  413,  14,  416. 

Glass,  Mr.  William,  180,  384. 

Gledstanis,  Robert, — see  Gladstanes. 

Glen,  maister  Robert,  30unger,  467. 

Glenbervie,  the  laird  of,  535. 

Glenburne,  409. 

Glencairn,  the  family  of,  205,  6. 

Alexander,  earl  of,  8,  73,  328. 

the  earl  of,   9,   18,   110—13,   176, 

431,451,498. 
Glenluce,  the  abbacy  of,  502,  3. 
Glenskenocht,  7  the   lands  of, — see   Glasken- 
Gleskennoch,  3     noche. 
Goodefellow,   John,  minister  of  Longforgund, 

350. 
Goodman,  Christopher,  minister  of  St.  Andrew's, 

19,  124,  166,  459,  506,  7. 
Gorbals,  the  lands  of,  534. 
Gordon,  lord, — see  Huntly,  earl  of. 

of  Gordonstoun,  Sir  Robert,  502. 

of  Lochinvar ,  482,  501. 

Sir  John,  551. 

— —  Mr.  Alexander,  bishop  of  Galloway, 
Life  of,  141— 60;— Appendix  to  it,  367— 
72 ;— Notes  to  it,  475 — 504 ;— Miscellaneous 
notices  of,  164 — 7,  323,  446,  551. 

Alexander,  son  of  Alexander,  bishop 

of  Galloway,  502. 

Barbara,  wife  of  Anthony  Stewart  of 

Claray,  476,  503. 


Gordon,  George,  bishop  of  Galloway,  475,  503. 

dame  Jean,  countess  of  Bothwell,  336. 

John,  dean  of  Salisbury,  148,  9,  367, 

475,  6,  502,  3. 

Jonete,  relict  of  Alexander  lord  Lind- 


say, 421. 

->  daughters    of    Laurence 

■  Margaret,  S   Gordon  of  Glenluce,  502. 

Laurence,  commendator  of  Glenluce, 

475,  502. 

Robert,  son  of  Alexander,  bishop   of 


Galloway,  475,  503. 

Mr.  Roger,  minister  of  Whithern,  157. 

bishop  of  Galloway,  503. 


William,  son  of  Sir  John  Gordon  of 

Lochinvar,  503,  551. 
the  barony  of,  71 ; — the  parish  of,  72i 


443. 


Gourlay,  Alexander,  student  at  St.  Andrew's, 
454. 

Norman,  martyr,  5. 

Govan,  the  parsonage  of,  352. 

Gowrie,  166,  180. 

Grahame,  of  Ewisdale,  Robert,  437. 

of  Fintry,  the  family  of,  437. 

of  Morphy,  David,  420. 

Henry,  422,  437. 

of  Morthie,  [Morphie,]  Robert,  415. 

Alexander,  tutour  to  Henry  Gra- 
hame, 422. 

Cristiain,  lady,  420. 

Gawin,  526. 

Mr.    George,   bishop   of  Dumblane 


297. 

John,  180. 

— — — —  Jonet,  wife  of  James  Erskine,  411. 

Mr.  Robert,  minister  of  Abertill,  48. 

Robert,  48. 

Grange,  lord  (Hon.  James  Erskine,)  405. 

the  laird  of, — see  Kirkcaldy. 

Grant,  John, — see  Douglas,  John. 
Grantullie,  the  laird  of,  464. 

Gray,  lord,  496. 

Andro  lord,  421. 

Patrick  lord,  324. 

John,  48. 


564 


GENERAL   INDEX. 


Gray,    John,   clerk  of  the   general   assembly. 

61. 
Greenwich,  496. 

Greg,  Mr.  James,  64,  164,  180,  353. 
Grey,  the  lady  Jane,  449. 
Grymmen,  Marion,  461. 
Guillan,  Mr.  John,  471. 
Guthrie,  Alexander,  324. 

David,  third   prior  of  St.    Andrew's, 

462. 

Haddin,  Mr.  Walter,  180. 

Haddingtoun,  the  kirk  of,  75,  459 ; — the  min- 
ister of,  351  ;— the  presbytery  of,  288—90, 
292 ;— the  town  of,  8,  48,  274,  288. 

Hagy,  James,  464. 

Haliburtoun  of  Pitcurrie,  [Sir?]  James,  414, 
440. 

George,   bishop   of   Brechin  and 


Aberdeen,  547. 


persone  of  Craill,  399. 

Dr.  George,  547. 

Mr.  James,  48,  325,  433,  463. 


Halybrunton,  Sir  James, — see  Haliburtoun. 

Hallyroodhouse,  248,  9,  256,  7,  385,  388,  457 ; 
—the  abbacy  of,  188,  369—72 ;— the  abbey 
of,  93,  372;— the  abbot  of,  142,  254;— the 
commendator  of,  516; — the  kirk  of,  153 — 5, 
157— 9;— the  palace  of,  183,  216,  17,  414, 
448,  508; — the  parishoners  of  154. 

Hall,  David,  527. 

Mr.  John,  276,  527. 

William,  527. 

Haltrie,  Mr.  Ninian,  provest  of  Orkney,  514. 

Hamilton,  the  family  of,  205,  6. 

governour, — see  Arran,  earl  of. 

of  Kinkell,  Robert,  395,  40. 

of  Linnerhaugh,  Patrick,  212. 

of  Sanchair,  William,  444. 

Mr.  Gavin,  bishop  of  Galloway,  312, 


384. 


dean  of  Glasgow,  477. 


Mr.  James,  179. 
Mr.  John,  180,  237,  353. 
archbishop  of  St.  Andrew's, 


Hamilton,  John,  son  of  Sir  William  Hamilton, 
212. 

Patrick,  the  martyr,  101,  120. 

Mr.    Robert,   minister   of   St.    An- 
drew's, 14,  32,  129,  30,  463,  509. 

minister  of  Uchiltree 


and  Mauchlin,  144,  164. 

Sir  Thomas,— see  Binning,  Thomas 


lord. 


211,314,431,449,471,475. 


Sir  William,  212. 

William,  son  of  William   Hamilton 

of  Sanchair,  444. 

Mr.  William,  180. 

the  minister  of,  353  ; — the  parsonage 

of,  351;— the  town  of,  85,  473,  481. 

Hampton  Court,  317,  493,  4. 

Harbertsoun,  Sir  Richard,  527. 

Harborrow,  the  town  of,  487. 

Harlaw,  William,  minister  of  St.  Cuthbert's 
Kirk,  12,  14,  19,  48,  90,  101,  2,  432,  449, 
508,  9,  516. 

Hart,  Andrew,  292. 

Hattoun,  the  laird  of,  179. 

Hawstoun,  Jhone,  baxster,  527. 

Hay,  Mr.  Alexander,  clerk  of  the  Privy  Coun- 
cil, 270,  385. 

Mr.  Andrew,  minister  of  Renfrew,  &c,  47, 

49,  64,  66,  112,  128,  9,  137,  168,  174,  177, 
179,  339,  352,  3,  359,  527,  531. 

Mr.  George,  commissioner  of  Aberdeen. 

30,  61,  64,  124,  166,  174,  176,  180,  330. 

Gilbert,  179. 

Walter,  179,  384. 

William, — see  Errol,  earl  of. 

Hedderwik,  the  lands  of,  412. 

Henderson,  John,  student  at  St.  Andrew's,  454. 

Henry  VIII.,  King,  73,  476. 

Henrysouu,  Mr.  Edward,  LL.D.,  one  of  the 

commissaries  of  Edinburgh,  467. 
Hepburn,  Mr.  John,  180. 

Patrick,  bishop  of  Murray,  169. 

Herd,  Henry,  470. 

Herriot,  Adam,  minister  of  Aberdeen,  22. 

Andro,  526. 

Herreis,  lord,  333,  336,  495,  497,  501. 
Herries,  John,  179. 


GENERAL   INDEX. 


565 


Herring,  Mr.  James,  180. 

Heuat,  Mr.  Peter,  276. 

Hillhead,  the  lands  of,  419. 

Hodge,  Johne,  seruand  to  Mr.  John  Winram, 

superintendant  of  Fife,  465,  467. 
Hole-uiyln,  the  lands  of,  412. 
Home,  the  earl  of,  301. 
lord,  9,  21,  495,  497. 

Alexander,  324. 

of  Crumstain,  Sir  John,  444. 

Alexander,  325,  6,  332. 

Margaret,  wife  of  Mr.    Alex. 

woode  of  Crumstain,  443. 

the  castle  of,  8,  491,  495. 


Spottis- 


Hoppringle,  the  laird  of,  443. 

Houeson,  Mr.  John,  179. 

Houstoun,  James,  subdean  of  Glasgow,  445. 

■ —  Mr.  John,  prebendar  of  St.  Peteris, 

514. 
Howbert,  alias  Paris,  Nicholas,  336. 
Howie,  Mr.  Robert,  258—61,263,  283,  547. 
Hume,  the  earl  of,  "j 

■  lord,  v  see  Home. 

Alexander,  J 

David,  90,  179,  185. 

Hunter,  Thomas,  179. 

William,  student  at  St.  Andrew's,  454. 

Mr.,  185. 

Huntly,  the  marquis  of,  266. 

the  earle  of,  106,  7,  148,  156,  168,  9, 

335,  478,  9,  481,  484,  495—7,  536,  541,  2, 
551. 

George,  323,  367,  475. 


Icolmkill,  the  abbacy  of,  472,  3,  477,  482;— 
the  commendator  of, — see  Gordon,  Alexan- 
der, (Bishop  of  Galloway.) 

Imrie,  Andro,  464. 

Inchafl'ray,  the  abbey  of,  483 ; — the  abbot  of, 
475,  477 ; — the  commendatorship  of,  477, 
482. 

Inchbrayak,  the  church  of,  60. 

Inglis,  Mr.  John,  minister  of  Ochilrea,  48. 

Inneraritie,  the  barony  of,  413;— the  lands  of, 
413. 

Innergelly,  the  heritors  of,  316. 

4 


Innermeith,  John  lord,  324. 

Innervaecht,  my  lorde  of,  423. 

Innies,  Mr.  John,  180. 

Innocent  VI.,  Pope,  437. 

Inuerbrig,  the  lands  of,  465. 

Inuerquhethe, — see  Inverquharity. 

Inverness,  the  castle  of,  295. 

Inverquharity,  the  place  and  house  of,  421. 

Ireland,  198,  393,  443,  491. 

Duncan,  student  at  St.  Andrew's,  454. 

Irwine,  the  minister  of,  353 ; — the  town  of,  48. 

Isles,  the  bishop  of,  137,  309,— see  Carswell, 
Mr.  John, — Gordon,  Alexander,  (bishop  of 
Galloway) ;— the  bishoprick  of,  472—5,  477, 
550 ; — the  diocese  of,  344. 

Jack,  Peter,  461. 

Mr.  Thomas,  minister  of  Eastwood,  1 79, 

529. 
James  I.,  King,  72. 

IV.,  King,  72,  422,  3,  438. 

V.,  King,  72,  3,  409,  10,  438,  457,  475. 

VI.,  King,  55,  68,  95,  6,  113—15,  148, 

169,  175—8,  182—92,  195—200,  207,  209, 

10,  215,  219—22,  224,  25,  230,  233—5,  237 
—51,  253—83,  285,  288,  9,  293—7,  301— 

11,  313,  14,  326—37,  347,  367,  393,  411, 
434,  465,  6,  480,  502,  532. 

James,  steward  of  Scotland,  435. 
Jardine,  Mr.  Alexander,  180. 
Jedburg,  the  town  of,  144. 
Johnstoun,  the  laird  of,  1 79,  442. 

of  Carsilote,  Robert,  179. 

of  Elphingstoun,  James,  31,  48. 

Mr.  Adam,  90,  179,  185. 

George,  185,  222. 

Mr.  John,  261,  263. 

John,  179. 

Kackhill,  the  lands  of,  419. 
Keith,  Alexander,  180. 

Cristian,  wife  of  Robert  de   Erskin  of 

Erskin,  435. 

Mr.  John,  ISO. 

Robert,  169. 

Kellie,  the  parish  of,  234,  312,  536. 


566 


GENERAL   INDEX. 


Kelso,  325. 

Kennedy,  of  Bargeny,  Thomas,  48. 

Gilbert, — see  Cassilis,  earl  of. 

Mr.  Gilbert,  526. 

Quentin,  abbot  of  Crossraguel,  449, 

452,  3. 

Ker  of  Cessford,  Sir  Walter,  330. 
of  Faudonside,  Andrew,  48. 

George,  179. 

Mr.  John,  minister  at  Salt   Preston,  290 

—2. 
Kerny,  the  laird  of,  485,  6. 
Kerswall, — see  Carswell. 
Key,  Robert,  hammerman  in  Anstruther,  399. 
Kilbryde,  the  personage  of,  351. 
Kilconquhar,  the  laird  of,  296 ;— the  lands  of, 

296. 
Killarne,  the  parsonage  of,  352. 
Killerine,  the  laird  of,  180. 
Kilmanie,   the   kirk   of,    123; — the   parish   of, 

262  ;— the  vicarage  of,  127,  8.' 
Kilmartine,  the  parish  of,  474 ; — the  rector  of, 

472. 
Kilpatrick,  [Kirkpatriek,]  Roger,  of  Closeburn, 

179. 
Kilrennie,  the  church  of,  277 ;— the  heritors  of, 

316. 
Kilwinning,  the  abbot  of,  481. 
Kincaple,  the  few  farmes  of,  316. 
Kincardine,  the  sherrif  of,  423 ; — the  shire  of, 

406—8,  411. 
Kincragie,  George,  bellman  in  Craill,  399. 
Kinghorne,  the  minister  of,  351. 
Kingsbarnes,  the  kirk  of,  397,  400. 
Kinlochie,  Mr.  Patrick,  179,  350. 
Kinloss,  the  abbot  of,  — see  Bruce,  Mr.  Edward. 
Kinnawdy,  lady, — see  Stewart,  Margaret,  wife 

of  Mr.  John  Winram. 
Kinnear,  Mr.  John,  283,  285. 

Mr.  Thomas,  minister  of  Crail,  127. 

Kinneff,  the  parish  of,  536. 
Kinnoull,  the  earl  of,  316. 

George  earl  of,  419. 

Kirkaldy   of  Grange,   Sir  William,  125,  484, 
493. 
■  ■        the  minister  of,  351. 


,! 


see  Pont. 


Kirkbuddo,  the  lands  and  barony  of,  410,  412, 

415,  16. 
Kirkcudbright,  the  strewartry  of,  482. 
Kirkmaho,  the  parsonage  of,  352. 
Kirkness,  456,  458,  470 ;— the  house  of,  466  ; — 

the  mains  of,  465 ; — the  prior  of,  455, — see 

Winram,  John,    superintendant ; — the    town 

and  barony  of,  465. 
Kirkoswald,  223. 
Kirkpatrik,  the  minister  of,  353. 
Knox,  John,  13,  19,  28,  9,  51,  54,  5,  68,  74— 

9,  81,  94,  99,   100—2,   105,   109,   10,  112, 

120—2,   124,  5,   144,  5,  150,  164—6,  168, 

185,  199,  208. 

Nikie,  526. 

William,  90. 

Kyle,  the  district  of,   166,  180,  223,  359,  383, 

4,  446,  451,  459,  505. 

Kvle-regis,     t 

-',    .         ,    h  the  bailliary  of,  444. 

Kylestewart,  } 

Kylpont, 

Kynpont, 

Kynnard,  the  lands  of,  410. 

Kynnawtie,  the  barony  of,  410. 

Kynnell,  the  parochin  of,  545. 

Kynninmonth,  Patrick,  48,  180,  549. 

, the  tennentis  of,  465. 

Kyntyre,  135. 

Lamb,  Mr.  Andrew,  bishop   of  Brechin,  309, 

536,  541. 

William,  19,  90. 

Lamby,    Alexander,    of    Drumbenny,    [Drum- 

kenny?]  408. 
Lammcrmuir,  the  district  of,  448. 
Lamont,  John,  463. 
Lanark,  the  minister  of,   353 ;— the   shire  of, 

451. 
Landles,  Dauid,  527. 
Langside,  the  battle  of,  522. 
Largs,  435. 

Larite,  [Loretto,]  the  hermit  of,  8. 
Lauder  of  Hawton,  Sir  William,  48. 

captain,  165. 

James,  485. 

John,  290. 


GENERAL   INDEX. 


567 


Laurentius,  Blasius, — see  Laurie,  Blaise. 

Laureston,  the  family  of,  5; — the  laird  of,  C, 
242. 

Laurie,  Blaise,  professor  of  Greek  in  the  Uni- 
versity of  Glasgow,  531. 

Lawmonth,  Mr.  Alane,  eldar  of  Sanct  And8-, 
459. 

Lawson,  Mr.  Andrew,  384. 

Mr.  James,  minister  of  Edinburgh,  25, 

61,  63—5,  93,  173,  4,  176,  179,  199,  200, 
212,  223,  359. 

Leeestar,  the  earle  of,  493. 

the  town  of,  487. 

Ledgertwood,  the  parish  of,  443. 

Lee,  the  laird  of,  179. 

Leech,  Mr.  Andrew,  541. 

Henry,  303. 

Leightoun,  Thomas,  90. 

Leith,  the  kirk  of,  48; — the  minister  of,  351 ; — 
the  town  of,  18,  43,  46—9,  50,  1,  53,  56,  61, 
90,  94,  102,  105,  108,  125—7,  150,  179,211, 
220,  241,  294,  302,  338,  9,  358,  385,  411, 
12;— the  water  of,  516. 

Leithiscroft,  the  lands  of,  417,  419. 

Lekprevik,  Robert,  printer,  474. 

Lennox,  the  duchess  of,  524. 

the  duke  of,  178,  443,  509. 

Esme,  524,  5. 

James,  524. 

Ludowick,  251. 

the  earl  of,  36,  126,  168,  176,  211,  225, 


472,  476,  491,  494,  497,  8. 

Maldvin,  435. 

Matthew,  73. 

Robert,  463,  524. 

the  district  of,  179,  383,  4,  505. 


Lermont  of  Darsie,  Sir  Peter,  knt.,  325. 
Lesley,  George, — see  Rothes,  earl  of. 

Mr.  George,  48,  147,  180. 

John,  bishop  of  Ross,  25, 136,  476,  484 

—501. 
Letham,  Mr.  Adam,  90. 
Lethencroft,  the  lands  of, — see  Leithiscroft. 
Lethingtoun,  the  laird  of,  34,  334,  551, — see 

Maitland  of  Lethingtoun. 
Leuchars,  the  house  of,  414; — the  kirk  of,  124. 


Leyis,  the  lands  of,  413. 
Liberton,  the  kirk  of,  369,  372. 
Lichtoun  of  Balkasky,  David,  406. 

of  Vllishavin,  Walter,  408. 

Jonet,  406,  408. 

Lichtounhill,  the  lands  of,  409. 
Liddel,  Alexander,  424,  5,  467. 

Mathew,  90,  179. 

Vyliame,  422. 

Lindores,  the  abbot  of,  25,  142, — see  Lesley, 

bishop  of  Ross. 
Lindsay  of  the  Byres,  lord,  143,  254. 

Patrick  lord,  324,  463. 

the  master  of,  143,  191. 

—  of  Edzell,  Sir  David,  408,  413. 
David,  550. 
Walter,  )•■•• ,  408. 


of  Lochhill,  Bernard,  545. 

Schir  Alexander,  421. 

Mr.  Alexander,  384. 

Mr.  David,  19,  27,  30,  47—9,  64,  66, 

90,  93,  124,  128,  147,  164,  174,  176,  179, 
184,  187,  190,  196,  237,  240,  1,  263,  339, 
351,  359,  383,  443,  446,  510,  536,  538,  9, 
541. 

Fiulaius,  student  in  the  University  of 


Glasgow,  445. 
John,  brother  to  Alexander  lord  Lind- 


say, 421. 

Mr.  John,  192. 

—  Marjory  de,  widow  of  Sir  Henry  Dou- 


glas of  Lochleven,  437. 

Patrick,  an  early  professor  of  the  re- 
formed doctrines,  7. 

—  Mr.  Patrick,  242. 

Rachael,  wife  of  archbishop  Spottis- 


woode,  443. 

Mr.  Robert,  180. 

brother  of  Bernard  Lind- 


say of  Lochhill,  545. 

Sybilla,  an  early  professor  of  the  re- 


formed doctrines,  7. 
Mr.  Thomas,  \i 


merchand      burges     of 

Edinburgh,  545. 
Linlithgow,  the  kirk  of,  75,  6,  459 ;— the  minis- 


568 


GENERAL    INDEX. 


ter  of,  351 ; — the  presbytery  of,  509  ; — the 
town  of,  26,  245,  247,  249,  254—6,  406,  457. 

Lismore,  the  bishop  of,  271. 

Little,  Mr.  Clement,  64,  176,  179. 

John,  179. 

Liverence,  John,  180. 

Livingston,  William  lord,  476,  484—501. 

Alexander,  seruand  of  the  arch- 
bishop of  St.  Andrew's,  546. 

Mr.  Harie,  383,  4. 

Lochburt,  [Loughborough,]  the  town  of,  487. 

Lochinvar,  the  laird  of,  143,  501, — see  Gor- 
don of  Lochinvar. 

Lochleven,  455,  465,  6 ; — the  castle  of,  26,  85, 
332,  473,  479,  481 ;— the  laird  of,  180,  467, 
— see  Douglas  of  Lochleven. 

Lockhart  of  Barr,  John,  31,  48. 

Robert,  14. 

Logan  of  Cotfield,  Andro,  545. 

Logie,  Barbara,  wife  of  Alexander  Gordon, 
bishop  of  Galloway,  475,  502. 

Mr.  Gavin,  120. 

the  laird  of,  475,  502. 

Logy-Montrose,  the  house  of,  430 ; — the  lands 
of,  407. 

London,  the  city  of,  72,  113,  182,  201,  244, 
5,  268—70,  309,  334,  450,  485,  487,  492,  3, 
495;— the  tower  of,  208,  288. 

Longormes,  lord  of,  (John  Gordon,)  502. 

Longue,  Captain,  9. 

Lorrain,  the  cardinal  of,  330. 

Lothermacus,  the  parsonage  of,  448. 

Lothian,  the  archdean  of,  351  ;— the  diocesian 
synod  of,  286,  288  ;— the  district  of,  48,  179, 
192,  212,  286,  369,  383,  4,  388 ;— the  super- 
intendant  of,  20, — see  Spotswood,  Mr.  John ; 
—the  synod  of,  196,  198. 

Loudon,  the  family  of,  205. 

Lovell,  James,  325. 

Low,  Elspet,     7  seruands  of  the  archbishop  of 

Johnnie,  '      St.  Andrew's,  546. 

Countries,  the,  254. 

Lowdian,  William,  526. 

Lownan,  the  lands  and  barony  of,  419; — the 

miln  of,  419. 
Lowrie,  Jhone,  cowpier,  526. 


Lowson,  Mr.  James, — see  Lawson. 
Lugton,  the  laird  of,  (Crichton,)  95,  443. 
Lumbo,  the  lands  of,  466. 
Lumgar,  the  lands  of,  410. 
Lumsdale,  Martene,  flescheour,  466. 
Lumsden,  Mr.  Charles,  290,  514,  15. 

■  Mr.  Robert,  325. 

Lundy  of  that  Ilk,  Sir  John,  407. 

Mr.  William,  31,  48,  9,  338, 

9,  549. 

of  Benhame,  Robert,  407. 

the  laird  of,  180. 


Lusse,  the  parsonage  of,  352. 
Lyddaill,  Alexander,  ■> 
t    jj  i    it  v  c   see  Liddel. 

Lyddel,  Vyhame,       J 

Lyel  of  Balhall,  Patrick,  418. 

Mr.  James,  Advocate,  418. 

Lyon  of  Auldbar,  John,  547. 

Macbeth,  son  of  Finbech,  456, 

Macfarlane,  the  laird  of,  444. 

Makclane,  Maister  Lauchlane,  473. 

M'Calla,  Duncan,  180. 

M'Cal3ean  of  Cliftonhall,  Mr.  Thomas,  one  of 

the  senators  of  the  college  of  justice,  173, 

509. 
M'Culloch,  Golfrid,  146. 
M'Donald  Gorme  of  Slate,  Donald,  472. 
M'Gie,  Adam,  185. 

Mr.  Andrew,  291. 

Mr.  Thomas,  90,  179. 

M'Gill  of  Cranstoun,  David,  546. 

of  Rankeilour-Nether,  Mr.  James,  clerk 

register,  50,  324,  338,  462. 
M'KiesoD,  George,  181. 
M'Korn,  Mr.  John,  180. 
M'Lean  of  Dowart,  Hector,  550. 
M'Verit,  Mr.  James,  134. 
Maderty,  James  lord,  482. 
Maine,  John,  an  early  professor  of  the  reformed 

doctrines,  7. 
Maitland  of  Lethington,  Sir  Richard,  433. 

Sir  William,  secretary, 

126,  324,  462. 

Mr.  John,  dean  of  Aberdeen,  212. 

Major,  John,  72,  120,  445. 


GENERAL   INDEX. 


569 


Makesone,  Rob,  4S5. 

Malcolm,  Mr.  John,  minister  at  Perth,  274,  282, 
3,  286,  288. 

Nicole,  424,  5. 

Manderston,  Mr.  John,  336.  * 

Manis,  the  lands  of,  410. 

Mansfeilde,  the  town  of,  486. 

Mar,  the  earl  of,  36,  211,  498. 

John,  220,323,346,7,411, 413. 

the  master  of,  1 79. 

the  earldom  of,  436 ; — the  family  of,  4. 

March,  Robert  earl  of, — see  Stewart,  Robert, 
(bishop  of  Caithness.) 

Mr.  William,  540. 

Marishall,  the  earl  of,  143,  549. 

William,  master  of,  323. 

Maritoun,  the  church  of,  60. 

Mark,  Robert,  181. 

Marlborough,  the  duchess  of,  443. 

the  duke  of,  443. 

Marolls,  Antoinette  de,  wife  of  John  Gordon,  502. 

Marsiliers,  Petrus  de,  teacher  of  Greek  at  Mon- 
trose, 5,  430. 

Martin,  Mr.  Antonie,  182. 

Mr.  James,  provost  of  the  auld  college 


of  St.  Andrew's,  510. 
Thomas,  eldar  at  St.  Andrew': 


507. 


Mary,  queen  dowager  and  regent  of  Scotland, 

15—17,  68,  101,  105—7,  142,  321,432,  475, 

477,  504. 
queen  of  Scots,  84,  5,  87,  143,  145,  147 

—9,   151,   153,   159,    169,   70,   206,   321,  2, 

325—37,  388,  432,  446,  473,  475,  6,  478— 

81,  484,  501,  551. 

queen  of  England,  100,  112,  116,  449. 

Mary  kirk,  the  parish  of,  536. 

Masterton  of  Grange, 519. 

Catherine,  wife  of  Mr.  Robert  Pont, 

519. 
Mathesoun,  Johnn,  513,  14. 
Mauchline,  the  kirk  of,  212,  13; — the  minister 

of,  353. 
Maule   of   Panmure,    Patrick,   439, — see   also 

Panmure,  earl  of. 

Robert,  439. 

Maxwell,  lord,  485. 

4 


Maxwell,  the  master  of,  143,  145,  16.5. 

of  Netherpolloc,  Sir  George,  524. 

-, Robert,    schoolmaster    at    Glasgow. 

453. 

Mearnes,  Mr.  David,  284,  5. 

■ the  district  of,  384,  428. 

Metfen,  Paul, — see  Methven. 

Melros,  the  town  of,  164,  505. 

Melville,  Mr.  Andrew,  5,  22,  28,  55,61,  04,  oo. 
95, 129, 174, 177, 179, 182, 185,  190,20s,  210, 
226,  7,  235,  6,  243—5,  260,  288,  317,  383, 
430,  509,  513,  522,  532,  3,  530,  7.  539,  544. 

Mr.  Ephraim,  276,  7. 

Mr.  James,  48,  157,  179,  80,  182.  220. 

235,  237,  244,  274,  384,  430,  434,  509,  10, 
536,  7. 

John,  minister  of  Cristis  Kirk  in  ( 'mill. 


461. 


Mr.  Patrick,  531,  540. 

Mr.  Richard,  430,  434. 

Robert,  493. 

Melvine,  Andrew, — see  Melville,  Andrew. 
Menmure,  the  barony  of,  408 ; — the  parish  of. 

419;— the  parish  kirk  of,  418,  19. 
Menteith, — see  Monteith. 
Menzies  of  Pitfoddellis,  Thomas.  325. 

Mr.  Archibald,  179. 

Merce,  the  district  of,  71,  166,  179,  383.  4. 
442,  448. 

Merchinstoun,  the  laird  of,  1 79. 

Merschell,  Jonet,  527. 

Merser,  Robert,  minister  at  Banquhar-Ternitie, 
62. 

Methven,  Henry  lord,  324. 

Paul,  minister  at  Jedburgh,  12,  102, 

104,  449. 

the  minister  of,  351. 

Middilfuthie,  the  fewaris  of,  545. 

Mildmay,  Sir  Walter,  chancellor  of  the  Ex- 
chequer, 484,  488. 

Mill,  Mr.  Andrew,  180,  185,  384,  535,  541. 

Mr.  David,  180. 

Thomas,  425. 

Mr.  Walter,  martyr,  14,  101,  2. 

Miln  of  Ballwylo,  James,  senior,  417. 

Robert,  junior,  417.  Is. 


570 


GENERAL   INDEX. 


Mitchell,  Adain,  180,  -262. 

Mitchelson,  Mr.  Charles,  180. 

Mr.  John,  minister  of  Burntisland, 

2.34,  256,  282,  3. 
Moffat,  Jhone,  eldar  at  Sanet  And5-,  459,  507. 

....  a  mass  priest,  310. 

Moffet,  the  parsonage  of,  352. 
Moncreif,  Mr.  Andro,  383. 
Moncur,  Margaret,  in  Anstruther,  506. 
Monipenny,  Mr.  David,  256. 

Thomas,  325. 

Monro,    Mr.    Donald,   rommissioner   of   Ross, 

146. 

George,  o  commissioners    of    Orkney, 

Johnn,     5     514. 

Monteith,  the  earl  of,  143,  549. 

William,  323. 

■ the  district  of,  106. 


Montgomery  of  Heassilhead,  Hugh,  48. 

Mr.  Robert,  48,  179,  228,  9,  509. 

Monti  ewmond,  the  muir  of,  410,  413. 
Montrose,  the  duke  of,  422,  3. 

Dauid,  421. 

—  James,  marquis  of,  405,  443. 

the  earl  of,  180. 

John,  master  of,  323. 


the  black  freirs  of,  411  ; — the  croys 

(cruives)  of,  421  ; — the  provost  of,  13,  26  ; — 
the  prouest,  babies  and  communite  of,  421, 
2,  424,  438  ;— the  town  of,  5,  8—12,  41,  44, 
64,  125,  234,  312,  325,  405,  407—13,  415, 

ti  419,  20,  422,  3,  425,  427—31,  433,  435,  535. 

Mordingtoun,  the  vicarage  of,  448. 

Morphy,  the  house  of,  425. 

Wester,  or  Morphy-Fraser,  or  Easter- 

Brechin,  the  lands  and  barony  of,  410,  11. 

Morrison  of  Darsie,  Sir  George,  441. 

of    Prestongrange,    Mr.    Alexander, 

one  of  the  Senators  of  the  College  of  Justice, 
443. 

Bethia,  wife  of  Sir  Robert  Spottis- 


woode,  443. 
-  Oswald,  526. 


Mortimer,  Robert,  406. 

Mortoun,  the  earl  of,  21,  27,  8,  32—6,  41,  43, 
41..  50.  1,  53,  55,  6,  68.  93,  126,  7,  143,  150, 


153,168,  170,  1,175,6,206,7,210—12,215, 
222,  233,  323,  336,  338,  493,  497—501,  503. 

Mortoun,  Mungo,  526. 

Williame,  seruand  to  Mr.  John  Win- 
ram,  superintendant  of  Fife,  465,  467. 

Motto,  Jhon,  eldar  of  Sanct  Androis,  460,  507. 

Moylett,  M.  de,  president  of  the  court  of  parlia- 
ment of  Bretagne,  502. 

Mudie,  Alexander,  Esq.,  428. 

William,  Esq.,  428. 

Muir,  Alexander,  minister  at  Gilgour,  350. 

Andro,  527. 

Jhone,  527. 

Murray,  James  earl  of,  22,  26,  7,  112,  13,  148, 

9,  323,  367,  462,  481,  542,  551. 

of  Balvaird,  Sir  Andrew,  330. 

of  Tibbermure,  Patrick,  180,  432. 

of  Tullibardine,  Sir  William,  knt.,  324. 

504. 

Adame  of,  425. 

Catherine,  wife  of  John  Pont  of  Shyres- 

mill,  504. 

Sir  David,  234. 

Margaret,  146. 

Patrick,  324,  538. 

Mr.  Robert,  302. 

Thomas,  tail3eour,  399. 

Mr.  William,  539,  40. 

, minister   of    Craill,   256, 


parson  of  Dysart,  256. 

the  bishop  of,  6,  129,  212,  261,  295, 

388,— see  Hepburn,  Patrick  ; — the  bishoprick 
of,  508;— the  cathedral  kirk  of,  507 ;— the 
diocese  of,  344,  507,  8 ;— the  district  of,  180, 
384; — the  sherrif  of,  169; — the  superinten- 
dant of,— see  Pont,  Mr.  Robert;— the  the- 
saurarie  of,  508. 

Musselborough,  the  lordship  of,  188  ; — the  town 
of,  82. 

Myles,  Mr.  Edmund,  283. 

Myll,  Thomas, 

Myln,  Andrew, 


see  Mill. 


Neisbet,  Mr.  John.  ISO. 
Nelson  of  Craigraff,  John,  48. 


GENERAL   INDEX. 


571 


Nelson,  Thomas,  336. 

Newbigging,  the  town  and  lands  of,  414,  15. 

Newbottle,  the  abbot  of,  142; — the  parsonage 

of,  352. 
Newtoune,  the  lands  of,  408,  419. 
Nicholson,  Mr.  James,  bishop  of  Dunkeld,  180, 

235,  237,  257,  260,  536—8,  540,  1. 

Mr.  Thomas,  195. 

Nidsdail,  [Nithsdale,]  164, 166,  179,  383,  4,  505- 
Norfolk,  the  duke  of,  18. 

None,  Duncan,  regent  in  the  college  of  Old 
Aberdeen,  22 — 4. 

[Nevie?]  John,  180. 

Northampton,  the  town  of,  487. 
North-Berwick,  the  kirk  of,  292. 
Northesk,  earl  of, — see  Ethy,  earl  of. 

David,  420. 

the  water  of, — see  Esk. 

Northumberland,  the  earl  of,  26. 

the  coast  of,  330. 

Norvell,  William,  324. 
Norwich,  the  diocese  of,  96. 

Ochiltrie, — see  Uchiltrie. 
Ogilvy,  lord,  490. 

James,  324,  545. 

of  Balbigiiie,  Mr.  John,  420. 

of  Boyne,  Sir  Walter,  438. 

Elizabeth,  relict  of  David   Erskine  of 


Kirkbuddo,  416,  17. 

Sir  John,  273,  301. 

father  John,  310. 

Mariot,  431. 


Ogill,  Mr.  Richard,  531. 
Oliphant,  lord,  260,  496. 

Laurence,  324. 

Andro,  506. 


Orkney,  the  earl  of,  417. 

the  bishop  of,  21,  265,  267,  271,  295, 

301,  478,— see  Bothwell,  Adam,— Reid,  Ro- 
bert. 

James,  545. 


the   bishoprick  of,  344,  370,  1  ;— the 

commissioner  of,— see  Bothwell,  Adam;— 
the  district  of,  180,  370,  514,  518;— the 
ministeris  of,  514. 


Orleans,  the  university  of,  476. 

Orme,  Dauid,  466. 

Oswald,  Mr.  Archibald,  291,  2. 

Ouchterhouserlord, — see  Buchan,  earl  of. 

Ousten,  Thomas,  regent  in  the  college  of  Old 

Aberdeen,  22 — i. 
Oxford,  the  university  of,  293. 

Paisley,  the  abbacy  of,  534'; — the  abbey  of, 

43,. 
Palatinat,  the  ministers  of  the,  396,  401.  ■ 
Panmure,  Patrick  earl  of,  439. 
Panter,  Jhone,  527. 
Patrick,  ane  of  the  maisteris  of  the  New 

College  of  St.  Androis,  399. 
Mr.  Patrick,  rector  of  Fetteresso  and 


secretary  to  King  James  IV.,  407. 
Robert,  504. 


Paris,  the  city  of,  230,  450  ; — the  university  of, 

476. 

, — see  Houbert,  Nicholas. 

Parishes,  list  of,  373—382. 

Park,  Jonet,  wife  of  John  Rid,  527. 

Parkhurst,  Dr.,  bishop  of  Norwich,  449. 

Paton,  Mr.  James,  48. 

Patrick,  Jamess,  425. 

Patritz,  John,  449. 

Peebles  and  Manner,  the  parsonage  of,  352. 

the  minister  of,  353. 

Perth,  the  minister  of,  351 ; — the  shire  of,  502  ; 

—the  town  of,  16,  17,  26,  43,  4,  51,  59,  192, 

241,  244,  285,  295,  302,  323,  4,  326,  408, 

430,  450,  473,  479,  80. 
Petbidlie,  the  lands  of,  410. 
Petdynneis,  the  lands  of,  408. 
Pilrig,  the  laird  of,  179. 
Pirot,  [Penrith?]  the  town  of,  485,  6. 
Pitarrow,  the  laird  of,  66. 
Pitcairn,  James,  303. 

John,  130. 

Pitcurr,  the  tutor  of,  (Haliburton,)  176,  359. 

549. 
Pitkerro,  the  lands  of,  418,  19. 
Pitlochie,  the  lands  of,  464. 
Pitlurg,  the  laird  of,  536. 
Pittenweem,  James  commendator  of,  324. 


572 


GENERAL   INDEX. 


Pollok,  Charles,  526. 

Johne,  526. 

Pol  wart,  Mr.  Andrew,  subdean  of  Glasgow,  179. 

182,  185,  533,  4. 
Pomfret,  the  town  of,  480. 
Pont  of  Shyresmill,  the  family  of,  520. 

John,  504,  5. 

Beatrix,      7 

Catherine,  5  J" 

Helen,  wife  of  Adam  Bkickader  of  Blair- 

halV,  519. 

Mr.   James,   commissary    of    Dumblane, 

164,  383,  4,  505. 

James,  520. 

Mr.  John,  199. 

Mr.   Robert,  minister  of  St.    Cuthbert's, 

his  Life,  163—201  ;— Appendix  to  it,  373— 
84;— Notes  to  it,  504 — 21  ;— Miscellaneous 
notices  of  him,  460,  541. 

Mr.  Timothy,  199,  519,  20. 

Mr.  Zachary,  minister  of  Boar,  519 — 21. 

Porterfield,  Mr.  John,  180,  451. 

Portmoak,  the  parish  of,  470 ; — the  prior  of, 
(Winram,)  350,  1,  455—7,  468;— the  priory 
of,  129,  457. 

Pourie,  Mr.  William,  290. 

Presbyteries,  list  of,  373—82. 

Preston,  Mr.  John,  31,  48,  254,  393,  467,  8. 

the  town  of,  432. 

Primrose,  Margaret,  wife  of  William  Spottis- 
woode  of  Foullar,  444. 

Mr.  Patrick,  180. 

Mr.   Peter,   minister   of  Mauchline, 

48. 

Pringle,    Elizabeth,   wife   of    William    Spottis- 

woode  of  Spottiswoode,  443. 
Provand,  lord,  352,  549. 
Pugestoun,  the  lands  of,  413,  14. 

Quhittern, — see  Whithern. 

Ramsay  of  Langraw,  George,  464. 

Mr.  George,  90. 

James,  423. 

Mr.    John,   minister  in   the   kirks   of 

Aberdour  and  Torrie,  459. 


Ramsay,  Jon,  541. 

Margaret,  seruitrice  of  the  archbishop 

of  St.  Andrew's,  546. 

-  Peter,  minister  at  Dairsie,  350. 

at  Markinch,  350. 


Robert,  burgess  of  Montrois,  414. 
William,  506. 


Mr.  William,  124,  147,  166. 

Randolf,  Mr.,  109,  10. 
Rane,  the  kirk  of,  411. 
Ranking,  Megie,  527. 
Rantoune,  William,  506. 
Raphoe,  the  bishop  of,  443. 
Ratho,  the  family  of, — see  Winram. 
Rawsone,  Mr.  Alexander,  384. 
Reid  of  Barskyming,  Adame,  444. 

■  Alane,  465. 

James,  292,  384. 

Jhone,  527. 

Sir  Martin,  527. 

Robert,  180. 

bishop  of  Orkney,  13. 

William,  526. 

Reirs,  the  laird  of,  180. 

Renfrew,  the  parsonage  of,  352  ; — the  shire  of, 

179,  383,  4,  451,  505. 
Riccio,  David,  478. 
Richardson,  Cuthbert,  217. 
Richmond,  the  town  of,  486. 
Rideing,  the  town  of,  333. 
Rigg  of  Carberry,  James,  48, — see  Carberrie, 

the  laird  of. 
Robert  II.,  King,  405. 

III.,  King,  406. 

Robertson,  David,  minister  at  Rossy.  305. 

George,  471. 

James,  466. 

in  St.  Androis,  398.  402. 

Mr.  John,  510. 


Roddrome,  [Rotherham,]  the  town  of,  486. 
Rollock,  Mr.  Robert,  195,  513,  521,  541. 
Rome,  141,  475,  495. 
Ross,  lord,  526. 

the  bishop  of,  93,  28S,  462, — see  Lesley. 

Mr.  John, — Lindsay,  Mr.  David. 
Patrick,  545. 


GENERAL   INDEX. 


573 


Ross,  Mr.  John.  180. 

Richie,  527. 

the  diocese  of,  303,  344,  383  ;— the  shire 

of,  180,  383. 
Rothes,  the  earl  of,  34,  143. 

Andrew,  403. 

George,  13. 

Rough,  [Roche,]  Mr.  Robert,  clerk  of  the  pres- 
bytery of  St.  Andrew's,  239,  549. 

Row,  Mr.  John,  18,  19,  28,  30,  1,  35,  50,  01, 
03— 5,  08,  128,  147,  153,  104,  100,  174, 
170,  180,  212,  217,  18,  281,  285,  7,  330, 
359,  440,  505. 

Roxburgh,  9. 

St.  James'  church  in,  72. 

Old,  the  parsonage  of,  352. 

Rummys,  the  one-merk  land  of,  408. 
Russell.  David,  510. 

Rutherford,   David,   student   at  St.   Andrew's, 

454. 
Mr.     John,    48,    124,    128,    302, 

506,  7. 
Rutherglen,  the  minister  of,  353. 
Ruthven,  lord,  50,  110,  170. 
Patrick,  an  early  professor  of  the 

reformed  doctrines,  7. 

William,  7,  324,  338. 

. Lilias,  an  early  professor  of  the  re- 


formed doctrines,  7. 
the  raid  of,  00. 


Ryallie,  Nether, 


iNetner,  -t  ■ 

q  [  the  lands  ot,  465. 


Rynd,  Mr.  William,  04. 

St.  Alban's,  the  town  of,  487. 

St.  Andrew's,  the  archbishop  of,  15,  51,  55,  05, 
94,  137,  142,  147,  212,  333,  330,  351,  359, 
370,  388,  399,  431,456,  477,  8,  511,  545, 
— see  Adarason,  Patrick, — Douglas,  John, — 
Glads  tanes.George, — Hamilton,  John, — Spot- 
tisvvood,  John  ; — the  archbishoprick  of,  34, 128, 
238,  511,  545,  6 ;— the  archdean  of,  35 1 ;— the 
archdeanry  of,  540  ; — the  augustinian  monas- 
tery of,  119,  455,  6,  458;— the  castle  of,  12, 
310,  310;— the  chapter  of,  251,  253;— the 
commendator  of, — see  Stewart,  Robert,  bishop 

4 


of  Caithness  j— the  dean  of,  351 ;— the  diocese 

of,  60, 128,288, 344, 41 1,  461 ;— the  dioeesim 
synod  of,  540;— the  kirk  of,  12S,  301,  390 
400,  455,  6,  510 ;— the  kirks  of,  180 ;— the 
kirk  session  of,  459,  461,  511,  537—40;  — 
the  lordship  of  the  priory  and  regality  of, 
400  ; — the  magistrates  and  council  of,  304  ; — 
the  new  college  of,  259—61,  263,  454,  539, 
—see  St.  Leonard,  college  of; — the  old  col- 
lege of,  260, — see  St.  Salvator,  college  of; — 
the  parish  kirk  of,  317,  4G0 ;— the  presby- 
tery of,  238,  245,  261,270,  315,  16,  395— 
402,  537 — 10;— the  prior  of,  142,  351,  510, 
— see  Stewart,  lord  James, — Stewart,  Robert, 
earl  of  March ; — the  priory  of,  305,  406  ; 
—the  provost  of,  460;— St.  Mary's  col- 
lege, 454;— the  see  of,  233; — the  subprior 
of,  142, — see  Winram,  John; — the  town  of, 
13,  51,  64,  72,  180,  192,  190,  7,  233—5, 
237,  8,  241,  243,  270,  7,  279,  281,  285,  0. 
288,  293—5,  300,  1,  303,  300,  309,  10,  315. 
317,  321,  325,  383,  395—8,  400—2,  411, 
431,  443,  149,  458,  9,  471,  479,  500,  7,  509 
—  11,  536,  539,  40,  545  ;— the  university  of, 
48,  63,  66,  129,  177,  208,  258,  268,  304,  317, 
344,  433,  445,  453—7,  400—3,  468,  471,  2, 
470,  504—0,  535,  539. 

St.  Colm's  Inch,  the  abbot  of,  142. 

St.  Cuthbert's  Kirk,  Edinburgh,  153,  155,  157, 
181,  2,  200,  309,  372  j— the  vicarage  of,  509, 
513,515—19,551. 

St.  James's,  the  palace  of,  420. 

St.  Johnstoun, — see  Perth. 

St.  Kenneth,  the  kirk  of,  234,  312,  536. 

St.  Leonard's  college,  St.  Andrew's,  129,  30, 
282,  454,  450,  7,  402,  408,  471,  2,  476. 

St.  Mary's,  the  kirk  of,  234,  312,  536. 

Isle,  Robert,  commendator  of,  324. 

St.  Moak,  455. 

St.  Monan's,  the  town  of,  8,  428,  507. 

St.  Salvator's  college,  St.  Andrew's,  123,  128, 
454,  5,462,  471,535. 

St.  Seres,  [St.  Cyrus,]  the  parish  of,  234,  312, 
536. 

St.  Serf's  Inch,  the  prior  i>f,  455,  465,  0, — see 
Wilkie.  Mr.  James. 


574 


GENERAL    INDEX. 


St.  Thomas'  Kirk  in  Glasgow,  527. 

Sadler,  Sir  Ralph,  431. 

Sage,  bishop,  471. 

Salisbury,  the  dean  of, — see  Gordon,  John. 

Sauetabeins, — see  St.  Alban's. 

Sanderson,  William,  minister  of  Whittinghume, 

48. 
90,  179. 


Sandilands  of  Calder,  the  family  of,  71,  74. 
Sir   James,   73,  4,   103, 


431. 


James,  of  St.  Monance,  468. 


Sangallia,  the  kirks  of,  167. 
Sanquhar,  the  parsonage  of,  352. 
Savoy,  the  kirks  of,  167. 
Seheilkers,  i 

Scheillis,     S  the  lands  of'  444- 
Scoon,  lord,  250,  254,  263,  269,  302. 

[the   abbey  of?]    17; — the    palace   of, 

406. 

Scot,  of  Abbotshall,  Thomas,  48,  549. 

George,  minister  of  Kirkaldie,  48. 

James,  425. 

John,  424,  5. 

Mr.  Johne,  in  Sanctandrois,  466 — 8. 

Thomas,  424,  5. 

Mr.  William,  216,  17,  237,  250,  1. 

....  burgesse  of  Montrose,  420. 

Scrabister,  the  house  and  place  of,  476. 
Scrimgeour,  of  Dudope,  Sir  James,  413. 

James,  325. 

Mr.  John,  257. 

Seaton,   George,   lord,   provost  of  Edinburgh, 
33,  106. 

John,  179. 

Segget,  Alexander,  179. 

Segy,  the  laird  of,  65,  180,  359,  549.  • 

Alexander,  180. 

Sellar,  Megie,  527. 
Sempill,  Robert  lord,  324. 

of  Beltrees,   Sir   James,  secretary  to 


James  VI.,  148. 


[Robert?]  148,  501. 


—  of  Fulwood,  John,  1 79. 

Mr.  George,  513. 

Shaphusia,  the  kiik<  of,  167,  519. 


Sharp,  Mr.  John,  minister  of  Kilmanie,  262. 

Mr.  Patrick,  179,  531. 

Shaw  of  Greenock,  John,  179. 

Sheffield,  the  town  of,  486,  7,  492,  3,  501. 

Shrewsbury,  the  earl  of,  486. 

Sibbald,  Sir  Robert,  199,  518. 

Sirason,  Mr.  Andrew,  minister  at  Dunbar,  48, 

90,  157,  179,  80. 

James,  485. 

Mr.  Patrick,  265,  383,  4. 

Mr.   William,  alias  Mr.  Robert  Aber- 

crombie,  237. 
Sinclair,  Henry,  master  of,  324. 
.   of  Rosline,  Sir  William,  443. 

Mr.  H.,  bishop  of  Orkney,  136. 

Skeldon,  the  laird  of,  485,  6. 

Skeyn,  Mr.  William,  463,  506. 
Skyrling,  Thomas,  reader  at  Cray  11,  461. 
Skugall,  Johne,  seruand  of  the  archbishop  of  St. 

Andrew's,  546. 
Sluchtman,   Robert,  student  at  St.   Andrew's, 

454. 
Smailom,  Barbara,  526,  7. 
Smeton,    Thomas,   minister    at    Paisley,    prin- 
cipal of  Glasgow  University,  &c,  66,  68,  1 79 

—81,531,2. 
Smyth,   Margaret,  wife  of  Mr.  Robert  Pont, 

519. 
Solway  Moss,  the  defeat  at,  73. 
Somishill,  the  lands  of, — see  Sounshill. 
Sommerville,  lord,  496. 
Sophocardius, — see  Wishart,  George. 
Sounshill,  Somishill,  or  Soumishill,  the  lands  of, 

413,  14,  418. 
South-Ferrie,  the  kirk  of,  275,  305. 
Spain,  the  court  of,  495. 
Spay,  383,  508. 
Spence  of  Condy,  Mr.  John,  king's  advocate, 

324,  462. 

David,  124,  180,  283,  285,  506,  7,  511, 

12. 

John,  seruande  of  the  burgh  of  Mon- 
trose, 422. 

in  Auld  Listoun,  467,  469. 

Spittaleschelis,  the  lands  of,  407. 
Spittell,  the  town  of,  486. 


GENERAL   INDEX. 


575 


Spottiswoode  of  Barnach,  Hugh,  444. 

John,  444. 

of    Crumstain,    Mr.    Alexander, 


443. 


of  Dairsie,  Sir  John,  443. 
of  Fowlar,  John,  444. 

William,  444. 


of  Newabbey  and  Dunipace,  Sir 

Robert,  72,  443. 
of  Spottiswoode,  the  family  of, 


James,  442. 
John,  72. 
advo- 


cate, 444. 


William,      72, 


443. 


Colonel   Alexander,  governor  of 


Virginia,  443. 

Alexander,* 

Catherine, 

Janet,  lady 


Browne, 


children  of  Mr.  Alex- 
ander Spottiswoode 
of  Crumstain,  444. 

-  Robert,      j 

-  Adam,     t  sons  of  Wm.  Spottis- 

-  William,  5   woode  of  Fowlar,  444. 

-  Anne,    -,  children  of  John  Spot- 

-  Helen,    I      tiswoode,  of  Spottis- 

-  John,      [      woode,       advocate, 

-  Robert,  J      444. 

-  Dr.  James,   bishop   of  Clogher, 


Srosberry, — see  Shrewsbury,  earl  of. 

Sta;  Mariae  Ecclesia, — see  St.  Mary,  kirk  of. 

Stair,  the  laird  of,  180. 

Stairqulryte,  the  lands  of, — see  Barskyming. 

Stephanus,  Henricus,  62. 

Sterline,  Mr.  James, — see  Stirling. 

Stevenson,  Dr.  John,  206. 

William,  masone,  465. 

the  minister  of,  353. 

Stewart  of  Ochiltrie,  Andrew  lord,  324. 

of  Claray,  Anthony,  476,  503. 

of  Garlies,  Sir  Alexander,  503. 

of  Kers,  Alexander,  464,  467. 

of  Minto,  Sir  John,  provost  of  Glasgow, 

325. 

of  Ralston,  Sir  John,  437. 

of  Traquhair,  Sir  John,  330. 

captain, — see  Arran,  earl  of. 

Henry, — see  Darnly,  lord. 

lord  James,  prior  of  St.  Andrew's,  8, 

13,  74,  105,  143, — see  Murray,  James  earl  of. 
John,  son  of  John  earl  of  Buchan,  438. 

the    lord     Methven,    an 


95,  6,  443,  447,  8. 

Mr.  John,  parson  of  Calder  and 


superintendant  of  Lothian,  Life  of,  71 — 9 
—Notes  to  it,  442— 8;— see  also,  20,  1,  30, 
47,  60,  1,  128,  130,  153,  155,  166,  172,3, 
179,  185,  351,  372,  446,  459. 

•  archbishop,  95,  197,  243,  4,  259, 


278,  280,  309,  313,  316,  443,  547. 

Robert,  72. 

-  chirurgeon  general  in  the 


army,  443. 

the  tower  of,  72. 

Sprewl,  Jhone,  526. 

Watt,  526. 

Spynie,  George  lord,  41  • 


early  professor  of  the  reformed  doctrines,  7. 
Mr.  Johne,  prouest  of  Striueling  and 


constable  of  the  castell  thairof,  457. 

Margaret,  spouse  of  Mr.  John  Winram, 

superintendant  of  Fife,  466,  469,  70. 

Robert,  180. 

earl  of  March,  bishop  of  Caith- 
ness, and  prior  of  St.  Andrew's,  186,  465, 
476,510,  11. 

lord  Robert,  abbot  of  Halyrudehouse, 

369—72. 

Mr.  Walter,  384. 

Sti  Kennethi  ecclesia, — see  St.  Kenneth's  Kirk. 
Stirling  of  Brekyle,  Mr.  George,  408. 

of  Eister-Brakie,  John,  545. 

of  Keir,  James,  179. 

Mr.  George,  420. 

Mr.  James,  352. 

-  Mr.  William,  180. 

Ithe  castle  of,  222,  407,  409,  10,  412, 

425,  435,  456,  497 ;— the  chapel  royal  of, 
445,  472,  483  ;—  the  kirk  of,  459  ;— the  min- 
ister of,  351  ;— the  shire  of,  383,  4,  408,  505  ; 


576 


GENERAL   INDEX. 


—the  tolbooth  of,  456;— the  town  of,  16,  29, 
31,  35,  64,  5,  75,  82,  9),  94,  105,  126, 
175,  179,  182,  192,  225,  324,  326,  383, 
433,  446,  7,  449,  480,  503,  549. 

Stobo,  the  lands  of,  216;— the  parsonage  of, 
352. 

Stone,  Mr.  Thomas,  179,  185. 

Stormont  and  Gowrie,  the  kirk  of,  43. 

Straiton  of  Rynde,  Patrick,  407. 

Christiane,  411. 

David,  martyr,  5,  6,  430. 

Mr.  John,  minister  of  Forres,  295. 

the  minister  of,  353. 

Strang,    Abigail,    wife    of    Mr.   James    Pont, 

505. 

Johnne,  of  Kilrynnie,  545. 

Mr.  William,  90,  179. 

Strathbogie,  the  hous  of,  542. 

Strathern,  the  district  of,  129,  166,  180,  300, 

383,  4,   460,  505;— the   superintendant  of, 

173,  455,  460,— see  Winram,  Mr.  John. 
Strathmiglo,  the  minister  of,  303. 
Strathtay,  484. 

Strauchauchlin,  [Strathauchan  ?]  Johne  of,  423. 
Straughan,  Mr.  Alexander,  minister  of  Creich, 

262. 
Striveling, — see  Stirling. 
Strivelingshyre, — see  Stirling,  the  shire  of. 
Struthers,  Andro,  526. 

Mr.  William,  180. 

StL  Syrisii  ecclesia, — see  St.  Seres,  the  parish 
of. 

Suffolk,  the  duke  of,  449. 

Sussex,  the  erll  of,  lieutenant  of  the  West 
Borders,  485,  491,  493,  499. 

Sutherland,  the  bounds  of,  542. 

Swintoun,  Thomas,  minister  at  Kirkwall,  514. 

Sydserf,  Mr.  Thomas,  304. 

Sydserwe,  George,  student  at  St.  Andrew's, 
454. 

Sym,  Alexander,  advocate,  one  of  the  commis- 
saries of  Edinburgh,  467. 

Syme,  Alexander,  64. 

Tail.-our,  William.  527. 
Tangier,  443. 


Taok,  the  lands  of,  413,  416. 
Tarbet,  the  laird  of,  125. 
Tay,  the  river  of,  273,  281,  383. 
Taylour,  William,  179. 

Tennant  of  Lynehouse, 96,  443. 

Thomson,  George,  90. 

James,  in  Balmerino,  461. 

John,   alias    Mr.   John    Hamilton, 


Richard,  514,  15. 


Throgmorton,  Sir  Nicolas,  493. 

Tiviotdale,  the  archdean  of,  353;— the  arch- 

deanrie  [parsonage]  of,  352 ; — the  district  of, 

48,  166,  179,  383,  4. 
Torbowton,  the  parsonage  of,  352. 
Torie,  [Storie?]  Mr.  Thomas,  179. 
Torsonce,  the  laird  of, — see  Hoppringle. 
Traill,  Beatrix,  466. 
Tranent,  the  kirk  of,  75,  459. 
Trayl,  Thomas,  student  at  St.  Andrew's,  454. 
Trochrig,  the  barons  of,  205 ; — the  laird  of, 

206,— see  Boyd. 
Trotter,  of  Mortonhall,  John,  444. 

Helen,  wife  of  Mr.  Alex.  Spottiswoode 

of  Crumstain,  444. 

Tullibardin,  lord,  260, — see  also  Murray. 

Tullois,  John,  minister  of  Wemyss,  516. 

Tungland,  the  abbacy  of,  148,  367,  483,  503. 

Tweeddail,  179,  384. 

Tweedie,  Walter,  179. 

Tyrie  of  Drumkilbo,  George,  419. 

captain  James,  258,  273,  301. 

Thomas,  304. 

Uchilthie,  lord,  110,  143,  432,— see  Stewart 

of  Ochiltrie. 

the  minister  of,  353. 

Uddert,  Archibald,  "  vnder  cuik"  to  Mr.  John 

Winram,  superintendant  of  Fife,  465. 
Ure,  John,  minister  at  Leuchars,  180,  350. 

Vans  of  Barnbarroch,  Patrick,  501. 
Viennoys,  the  dauphin  of, — see  Francis  dauphin 

of  France. 
the  dauphiness  of, — see  Mary  Queen 

of  Scots. 


GENERAL    INDEX. 


577 


Volusenus, — see  Willson. 
Vre,  John, — see  Ure. 

Walcab,  [Walker,]  Willem,   servitour  of  the 

archbishop  of  Glasgow,  451. 
Waldegrave,  Robert,  printer  in  Edinburgh,  512. 
Walkingshaw,  Mr.  Patrick,  180. 
Wallace,  of  Carnell,  Hugh,  31,  48. 
Daniel,  292. 

Mr.  Robert,  minister  of  St.  Andrew's, 

235,  312. 

Wallesius,  Robertus, — see  Wallace,  Mr.  Robert. 
Wardlaw,  Mr.  Alexander,  parson  of  Balingrie, 

460. 
Watsoun,  Dauid,  seruand  of  the  archbishop  of 

St.  Andrew's,  546. 
Mr„  Patrick,  minister  at  St.  Androis 

Kirk  in  Denies,  514. 
Waughtoun,  the  laird  of,  younger,  179. 
Wedderburn,  Mr.  William,  294. 
Wells,  the  rectory  of,  96. 
Welwod,  Thomas,  diacone  of  Sanct  Androis, 

460,  507. 
Wemes,  Mr.  David,  minister  at  Glasgow,  19, 

48,  179,  225,  353,  531,  533. 

Mr.  John,  291. 

Wemyss,  the  minister  of,  516. 

West,  the  superintendant  of  the, — see  Willock, 

Mr.  John. 
White-Chappell,  72. 
Whitefield,  the  lands  of,  420. 
Whitehall,  the  palace  of,  280. 
Whithern,  Robert  commendator  of,  323. 

the  cathedral  kirk  of,  157. 

Whittinghal!,  Thomas,  Esq.,  116. 

Whittinghame,  the  laird  of,  176,  179. 

Whytkirk,  the  kirk  of,  369. 

Wicht,  Sir  David,  vicar  of  Dun,  408". 

Wigtoun,  the  shire  of,  502. 

Wilkie,  Mr.  James,  prior  of  St.  Serf's  Inch,  and 

principal  of  St.  Leonard's  college,   St.   An- 
drew's, 48,  455,  510. 

Mr.  Robert,  180,  239,  383. 

Will,  [Mill?]  Mr.  David,  180. 
Williamson,  John,  179. 

Willock,  Mr.  John,  Life  of,  99—1 16 ;— Notes  to 


it,  448 — 53; — Miscellaneous  notices  of  him, 

20,  83,  91,  135,  144,  164,  166,  446. 
Wilsoun,  Mathow,  527. 

Thomas,  519. 

Winchester,  Alexander,  minister  of  Elgin,  170. 
Windie,  Adam,  minister  at  Waus,  514. 
Winram    of    Craigtoun,    Mr.    John,    (secund 

sone  to  Mr.  Robert  Wynrhame  of  Ratho,) 

463,  466—8,  470. 
—    younger, 

466. 
of  Ratho,  Mr.  Robert,  brother  of  Mr. 

John  Winram,  superintendant,  465 — 8. 

the  family  of,  453. 

Alexander,    "  brutheris    oy"   of   the 

superintendant,  467,  469. 
Cristiane,   relict    of   John   Spens,   in 

Auld  Listoun,  467,  469. 
Gilbert,  student  in  the  university  of 


St.  Andrew's,  454. 

James,  (sone  and  apperand  air  to  Mr. 

Robert  Winrame  of  Ratho,)  465—8. 

— in  Gogar-mylne,  466. 

Mr.  John,  superintendant  of  Fife,  &c, 

Life  of,  120— 29;— Notes  to  it,  453—71  ;— 
Miscellaneous  notices  of  him,  20,  30,  47,  49, 
61,  64,  212,  224,  339,  351,  356,  433,  506,  7. 

Mr.  Robert,  collectour  of  Fyf,  466. 

third  son  of  James  Win- 


ram in  Gogar-mylne,  466. 
cousin  of  the  superinten- 


dant, 470. 
Robert,  19. 


Wishart,   Mr.   George,   12,   100,   1,  120,  208, 

431,  449. 
Wisheart,  Dr.  George,  405. 
Wood  of  Bonytowne,  James,  younger,  541. 
Dauid,  chalmerlan  of  the  archbishop  of 

St.  Andrew's,  546. 

Mr.  David,  minister  of  Kinghorn,  461. 

Mr.  John,  326,  331,  337.    . 

Wodderby,  [Wetherby,]  the  town  of,  486. 
Wowar,  Thomas,  424,  5. 
Wrycht,  Allan,  526. 


Yaie,  William,  town  clerk  of  Glasgow,  525. 


4  G 


578  GENERAL    INDEX. 

Ycolmkill, — see  Icolmkill.  Young,  Mr.  John,  48,  180,  225. 

Yeakslie 330.  Mr.  Peter,  65,  176,  179,  183,  352,  359, 

Yester,  lord,  143,  496.  463,  534. 

Ylles,— see  Isles.  5uill,  Mr.  Robert,  540. 

York,  the  city  of,  333. 

Soul!,  John,  student  at  St.  Andrew's,  454.               Zetland,  369,  70,  534. 

Young,  Mr.  Andrew,  180,  383.                                 Zurich,  the  kirk  of,  167. 


GLASGOW": 

TK1NTED  AT  THE  UNIVERSITY  PRESS,  BY  EDWARD  KHUXL.