th more than what is incident to princes; but
we must rather believe and follow Knox in this.

[271] The queen was at this time pregnant with James VI. Some historians
have been inclined to think, from the intrigues this Rizio had with the
queen, that James VI. Char. I. and II. and Jam. VII. had more of the
nature, qualities, features and complexion of the Italian Fidler, than
of the ancient race of the Stuarts, kings of Scotland.

[272] Mr. John Douglas once a great presbyterian, was the first bishop
that thus entered by prelacy in Scotland; after which he became slothful
and negligent in his office. But one time, coming into the pulpit at St.
Andrew's he fell down in it and died.--_Naphtali._

[273] Mr. Clark in his lives represents Mr Cooper as an eminent saint.
No doubt he had his credentials from the bishops. But we must rather
follow Mr. Calderwood and the author of the Fullfilling of the
Scriptures.

[274] This king's reign has by historians been represented with
different features; some making him a just, religious and wise prince:
but whatever his abilities were and whatever advantage the church got in
his minority, yet it is sure his reign was almost one continued scene of
affliction and tribulation to Christ's faithful witnesses, and laid the
foundation of all the evils that followed.

[275] The bishop of Winchester who wrote Spotiswood's life now prefixed
to his history, represents him for moderation, patience and piety, as
one of the greatest saints that ever lived. He says, He was always
beloved of his master, and the only instrument for propagating
Episcopacy in Scotland, to which he gave a testimony in his dying words,
with much more fulsome stuff!

[276] The high fliers and English historians lay the blemishes of this
reign on the covenanters, and make Charles I. the martyr.--As to his
eternal state, it is not our part to determine; God has judged him: but
sure, he was the prime instrument of all the broils and bloody disasters
that took place in the end of his reign.

[277] Here observe, that Mr. William Violant formerly minister at Ferry
Parton in Fife, was indulged to Cambusnethen 1699 (whom Mr. Wodrow calls
a man of singular learning, moderation and temper,--perhaps because he
wrote a pretended answer to the history of the indulgence) upon a time
hearing some relate Mr. Cargil's faithfulness and diligence in preaching
at all hazards, &c. Mr. Violant said, what needs all this ado? we will
get