The History of the Reformation of the Church of Scotland

But when the Bishops began to gripe again to that, which most unjustly they called their own: for the Earle of Arran was discharged of Saint Andrews and Dunfermline, wherewith before by virtue of a Factory and Commission, he had intromitted and meddled: And so were many others. Therefore the Barons required, That order might be taken for the Ministers, or else they would no more cause Rents to be paid unto any, that formerly belonged to the Church-men, nor suffer any thing to be collected for the use of any whosoever, after the Queens arrival, then that they did before; for they verily supposed, that the Queens Majesty would keep promise made to them, which was, Not to alter their Religion, which could not remain without Ministers; and Ministers could not live without provision: And therefore they heartily desired the Council to provide some convenient order in that behalf. This somewhat moved the Queens flatterers, for the Rod of impiety was not then strengthened in her and their hands. And so began they to practise how they might please the Queen, and yet seem somewhat to satisfy the faithful; And so devised they, That the Church-men should have intromission and meddling with the two parts of their Benefices; and that the third part should be gathered by such men as thereto should be appointed for such uses; As in these subsequent Acts are more fully expressed.

But when the Bishops began to gripe again to that, which most unjustly they called their own: for the Earle of Arrane was discharged of Saint Andrews and Dumfermling, wherewith before by vertue of a Factory and Commission, he had intromitted and medled: And so were many others. Therefore the Barons required, That order might be taken for the Ministers, or else they would no more cause Rents to be paid unto any, that formerly belonged to the Church-men, nor suffer any thing to be collected for the use of any whosoever, after the Queenes arrivall, then that they did before; for they verily supposed, that the Queens Majestie would keep promise made to them, which was, Not to alter their Religion, which could not remain without Ministers; and Ministers could not live without provision: And therefore they heartily desired the Councell to provide some convenient order in that behalf. This somewhat moved the Queens flatterers, for the Rod of impiety was not then strengthened in her and their hands. And so began they to practise how they might please the Queen, and yet seem somewhat to satisfie the faithfull; And so devised they, That the Church-men should have intromission and medling with the two parts of their Benefices; and that the third part should be gathered by such men as thereto should be appointed for such uses; As in these subsequent Acts are more fully expressed.