Ex deliberacione dominor̄ consilii, &c.
Chepman.
SUPPLEMENT.
The first Poem inserted in the Supplement is so exceedingly rare, that the copy from which I have printed, is supposed to be unique. It is valuable as the principal events in our Reformer’s life are commemorated in it, and the leading features of his character delineated, by the pen of one who was personally acquainted with him. As a curious specimen of the Scottish language and versification at the period in which it was composed, the old orthography has been carefully retained. The serious reader will be pleased in tracing the vein of piety which runs through rhymes which must appear to him rude, and sometimes almost unintelligible.—Its author, John Davidson, was a regent, or teacher, in the University of St Andrews, and afterwards successively minister of Libberton, and of Salt‑Preston, now called Prestonpans. I have already referred to several of his other writings. Vol. i. p. [354]. Vol. ii. p. [241], [349]. He also published a Catechism, entitled, “Some Helpes for Young Schollers in Christianity,” printed at Edinburgh, by Robert Waldegrave in 1602. And he died about 1608. Note subjoined to Jameson’s edition of his Catechism, in 1708. Life of Davidson, in Wodrow’s MSS. vol. i. Bibl. Coll. Glas.
The Latin Poems which follow are taken from a manuscript in the Advocates’ Library, and exhibit traits in the characters of the principal Scottish Martyrs and Reformers, with allusions to several events in their lives, which I have not met with elsewhere. On this account, and also as a specimen of Scottish literature, I have published a selection from the MS., which appears to have been written about the beginning of the seventeenth century. From the corrections with which it abounds, there is reason to think that the copy in the Library had belonged to the author. It likewise contains Latin Poems, entitled, “Icones Regum Judæ et Israelis.”[—]The author, John Johnston, was a professor of St Mary’s College, in the University of St Andrews, at the close of the sixteenth, and commencement of the seventeenth, century; and was the intimate friend and associate of Andrew Melville, the learned principal of that College. He published, “Heroes ex omni Historia Scotica lectissimi. Lugduni Batavorum, 1603.” 4to. And also “Inscriptiones Heroicæ Regum Scotorum,” which were reprinted in “Deliciæ Poetarum Scotorum.” His verses on Buchanan are inserted in “Poetarum Scotorum Musæ Sacræ,” tom. ii. p. 500. It is said that he also published a book on the government of the church by bishops; but this I have not seen. There is a Life of Johnston, in Wodrow’s MSS. vol. ii. Bibl. Coll. Glas.
ANE BREIF COM-
MENDATIOVN OF VPRICHT-
nes, in respect of the surenes of the same, to all that
walk in it, amplifyit chiefly be that notabill docu-
ment of Goddis michtie protectioun, in preser-
uing his maist vpricht seruand, and feruent
Messinger of Christis Euangell, Iohne
Knox. Set furth in Inglis meter be
M. Iohne Dauidsone, Regent
in S.Leonards College.
¶ Quhairunto is addit in the end ane short discurs of the Estaitis quha hes cause to deploir the deith of this Excellent seruand of God.
¶ PSALME. XXXVII.
¶ Mark the vpricht man, and behauld the Iust, for the end of that man is peace.