[841] Patrick Hepburn, whom Knox introduces in an earlier part of his History, as Prior of St. Andrews ([see page 41],) was advanced to the See of Moray in 1535; and at the same time he held the Abbacy of Scone in perpetual Commendam. In all his assedations or leases of lands, as Keith makes mention, the Bishop of Moray, until his death, 20th June 1573, employed his additional title of "Monasterii de Scone Commendatarius perpetuus." Various charters, showing his alienation of the Church lands, will be seen in the "Registrum Episcopatus Moraviensis," printed for the Bannatyne Club, bu the Duke of Sutherland. Edinb. 1837, 4to.
[842] MS. G, has, "in the Abbay of Scone." This Monastery of Canon-Regulars of St. Augustine, situated about a mile above Perth, was founded by King Alexander the First, in the year 1114. It was long used as a Royal residence; and the famous Stone, or Chair of Coronation, having been brought to Scone at a remote period, it continued for several centuries to be the place where our Kings were accustomed to be crowned.
[843] In MS. G, "lay in the said Abbay, quhilk was within."
[844] MS. G, omits "Sir" before the name of Adam Brown. This title indicates his having been in priest's orders.
[845] In MS. G, "The brute heirof."
[846] In the MS. "alarmezand."
[847] Knox in this place not only disclaims any share in the destruction of the Abbey; but he expressly states he exerted himself for its preservation. According to "The Chronicle of Perth," the burning of Scone, took place "on Tuysday efter Midsomer day, the 27th of Junij 1660 zeiris;" and the same authority says, "the Reformation of the Charter House and Freiris beside Perth," was on the 10th of May 1660, (pp. 2, 3. Edinb. 1831, 4to.)
[848] In MS. G, "messingers." Vautr. edit. has "message."
[849] In MS. G, "in armour." Vautr. edit. has "in armes."
[850] In Vautr. edit. "of our religion."