The History of the Reformation of the Church of Scotland

¹Bede, in the History of England, Palladius was sent first Bishop unto the Scots, by Celestine, Pontif of the Roman Church.

¹Beda, in the History of England, Palladius was sent first Bishop unto the Scots, by Celestine, Pontif of the Roman Church.

1. 1Lib. 1. Palladius ad Scotos in Christum credentes a Pontifice Romanae Ecclesiae Celestino primus mittitur Episcopus.

By these Authorities we see, That the Scots, before Palladius, had no Bishops at all; or at least, their Bishops were not of any distinct Order from other Priests and Culdees, by whom they were ordained, and of whom they were chosen, as we have touched before: and so they were not as those Bishops have been with us, in these later times.

Next, let us observe, That the Scots Bishops, since Palladius, must acknowledge themselves clients of the Roman Antichrist, seeing of him they have their beginning and dependence: although in words, yea, in some part of Doctrine, they seem to disclaim him, yet in many parts they show themselves to be of his Family, namely, in Government; for they, with him, Lord over the Inheritance of Christ, and, forsooth, take unto themselves the name of Lords Spiritual, as if they were Lords of the Spirits of men, contrary to Gods Word, wherein we are taught, That the Father and Maker of Spirits, is the only Lord over them: or at least, Lords of Spiritual things, against the express words of the Apostles, who acknowledge themselves to be only Ministers of the Spirit, and spiritual things, reputing it the greatest honour in the world to be so. And Peter, who after he had styled himself no more then co-Presbyter with the rest of the Presbyters, he forbids them to Lord over the sort of Christ. Then, since in the first Primitive Church the Functions of Bishop, and Pastor, and Presbyter were undistinguished, and any one of the names indifferently denoted the Office, it must be confessed, That the change of Government which hath entered into the Church is not immediately from Christ and his Apostles, neither by Precept nor Example, but contrary to Christs Will and Intention, declared in his Word; and according to the inventions of men, serving to the exorbitant affections of avarice, ambition, and lust; to the satisfaction of which, they have domineered over the Flock of Christ, like tyrants, devoured the substance thereof, like ravening Wolves: yea, what is worse, they have not only been negligent and careless to distribute unto the people the Word of God, but also with their might and power have hindered and stopped others to