3. Katharine Hamilton, who is mentioned in a letter, 29th March 1539,
(ib. p. 66, note,) as wife of the late Captain of Dunbar Castle. The
reference in that letter may have been not to her brother Patrick, who
was _brent_ in 1528, but to James, who was condemned for heresy in 1534.
The word _brent_ therefore might be read _banished_.
PATRICK HAMILTON was born about the year 1503. Being intended for the
Church, he no doubt received a liberal education, and the influence of
his family connexions was sure to obtain for him high preferment. The
time when he was promoted to the Abbacy of Ferne, in the county of Ross,
is nowhere stated, except in the vague, general terms, "in his youth."
It is however quite certain that Ferne was held, along with the Abbacy
of Kelso _in commendam_, by Andrew Stewart, Bishop of Caithness, who
died in 1517. Sir Robert Gordon, in his Genealogy of the Earls of
Sutherland, (p. 93,) says, that on "The 17th day of June 1518 yeirs,
Andrew Stuart, Bishop of Catheneys, commendator of the Abbayes of Kelso
and Ferne, died at his Castle of Skibo," &c. (p. 93.) A manuscript
Calendar of Ferne, which may be held as the best authority, places the
Bishop's death in 1517. But although this benefice was conferred on
Patrick Hamilton, there is no evidence to show that he was ever in
Priest's orders, as he necessarily, at the time of this condemnation,
would have been degraded, or deprived of such orders. He appears however
to have prosecuted his studies at St. Andrews, and to have taken his
Master's degree, according to the following entry in the Registers of
that University:--
"Congreg. tenta, 3 Oct. 1524. Mag^r. Patricius Hamilton Abbas de Ferne
Rossen. Dioc. in facultatem est receptus."
It was probably in the following year that Hamilton went abroad, in the
farther prosecution of his studies, visiting Wittenberg and Marburg, and
becoming acquainted with Luther, Melancthon, and Francis Lambert. From
the sentence pronounced by the Archbishop and his assistants, it is
evident that before Hamilton's visit to the Continent he had been
suspected of cherishing heretical opinions. At the University of
Marburg, he publicly set forth certain Conclusions or Theses for
disputation, on the subject of Faith and Good Works. His Theses may have
been printed at the time: they have been preserved, in the English
translation, by John Fryth, of which there are several editions,
sometimes under the title of 'Patrick's Places,' and are also inserted
in Knox's History, and in Foxe's Book of Martyrs.
Hamilton returned to Scotland in 1527, impelled by a zeal to impart to
his countrymen the knowledge of the truth which he had acquired: the
result of which is well known; having been apprehended and taken
prisoner to the Castle of St. Andrews, tried by Archbishop Beaton, and
condemned for heresy, and suffering at the stake on the last of February
1527-8.
* * * * *
Some extracts from contemporary writers, relating to Patrick Hamilton,
may here be quoted. The first extract is taken from the dedication of
Lambert's work, which has been oftener mentioned than examined in recent
times. It was first published in the year 1528; but the following
extract is from an edition bearing the following title, "EXEGESEOS
FRANCISCI LAMBERTI Avenionensis, in sanctam divi Ioannis Apocalypsim,
Libri VII. Basileae per Nicolaum Brylingerum. Anno M.D.XXXIX." 8vo. It
occurs in the dedication to "the illustrious Prince Philip, Landgrave of
Hesse." Unfortunately it does not give the date.--
"Habuisti anno supeiriore in tua nova Academia Marpurgensi ex Scotia
unum, qui vere suam in Dei Ecclesiam attulit gloriam, PATRICIUS
HAMMILTON, ex illustrissima Hammiltonum familia, quæ ex summis Regni
Scotiæ; ae Regi, sanguine proximius junctis, est. ls cum esset annorum
circiter trium et viginti, eruditionisque non vulgaris, et in Dei
sermonibus, iudicij, et certissimi et solidissimi, ab illo mundi angulo,
nempe Scotia, venit ad tuam Academiam, ut abundantius in Dei veritate
confirmaretur, de quo veruntamen testor, me vix alium repperisse, qui de
eloquiis Dei, spiritualius, ac syncerius loqueretur. Sæpe enim mecum de
cisdem contulit. Præterea et is primus fuit, qui post erectam a tua
sublimitate Academiam, in eadem Christianissima aliquot axiomata palam
et doctissime, me hoc illi consulente, asseruit. Ubi autem robustior in
pietatis doctrina factus est, assumpto uno ex tribus quos secum huc
veniens duxerat, rediit in Scotiam, et palam Christum docuit, factus
Scotorum primus et idem inclytus, +apostolos+. Mox principes Sacerdotum
cum Satrapis suis, apud Sancti Andreæ urbem convenerunt in unum,
adversus dominum, et Christum, illiusque Apostolum Patritium, et ilium
quantumvis sanguine clarum, et (ut puto) Rege adhue puero, ab eis
seducto (neque enim metu cognatorum eius quidquam alioqui ausi fuissent
in cum) vocarunt in concilium suum, in Calen. Martias, huins anni. At
ille in Christi confessione ardens totus tempus ipsum prævenit, et
pridie cal[=e]. Martij mane, illis pinguibus Samariæ vaccis adfuit, et ab
illis velut a Judæis Christus, damnatus mox, et morti adjudicatus est,
atque a prandio ipsiusmet dici combustus, et factus Deo in hostiam
sanctam, et vivam. Is vere allulit in Dei Ecclesiam non solum gloriam
suam, sed et vitam. Hune veluti suavissimum florem, maturumque fructum,
ab ipso initio protulit, noua et foelix illa Academia tua. Non es
fraudatus desiderio tuo. Idcirco enim maxime illam erexisti, quod
cuperes ut intrepidi Christi confessores, et constantes veritatis
assertores ex ea prodirent. Ecce jam unum habes, et eundem quidem
inclytum multis nominibus, alij, cum domino visum fuerit, sequentur."
In a work still less known, and indeed of which only one solitary copy
is known to be preserved, we find an interesting allusion to Hamilton.
The author, John Gau or Gaw, will afterwards be noticed among the
Protestant Exiles, Appendix, No. VI. The volume has this title within an
ornamented border:--
"The richt bay to the kingdome of hevine is techit heir in the x
commandis of God / And in the Creid / and Pater noster / In the
quhilk al chrissine man sal find al thing yat is neidful and
requirit to onderstand to the saluation of the saul."
(Colophon,) "Prentit in Malmw / Be me Jhone Rochstraten the xvi day
of October / Anno M.D.XXXiii."
The allusion to Hamilton's fate occurs in "Ane Epistil to the nobil
Lordis and Baronis of Scotland," in which the Author complains of "the
blynd giders and pastors quhilk sekis bot the mylk and wow of the
scheip, quhilk alsua thinkkis na scheyme to cal thayme selff vicars of
Christ and successours of the Apostlis," and says, "The thrid and
principal causs (viz. of the want of religious instruction) is the
sekkis N. and N. quhilk ar rissine laitlie in the Kirk and prechis
dremis and fablis and the tradicions of men, and notht the Vangel, and
giff ony amangis thayme wald prech it and notht thair tradicions thay ar
haldine for heritikis, as ye knaw be experience of PATRIK HAMMILTONE
QUHOM THAY PAT CREWELLIE TO THE DEID BOT NOW HE LIFFIS WITH CHRIST QUHOM
HE CONFESSIT BEFOR THE PRINCIS OF THIS VARDIL, BOT THE VOCE OF HIS BLWID
CRYIS YEIT WITH THE BLUID OF ABEL TO THE HEWINE."
* * * * *
The next extracts are from Foxe's Martyrology; and it may be proper to
be more particular in describing the early editions of that well known
work, as Knox's reference to it, at one period, was held to be a proof
that the History of the Reformation was not composed by him. During
Foxe's exile, he published at Strasburgh a small Latin work, entitled
"Commentarii Rerum in Ecclesia Gestarum, maxi-marumque, per totam
Europam persecutionum, a Vuicleui temporibus ad hanc vsque ætat[=e]
descriptio. Liber primus. Autore Ioanne Foxo Anglo. Argentorati, exc.
Vuendelinus Rihelius, Anno M.D.LIIII." Small 8vo. Dedicated to
Christopher Duke of Wurtemberg.
Five years later, at Basil, he published a large folio, also under the
title of "Rerum in Ecclesia Gestarum, &c., Commentarii," dedicated to
Thomas Duke of Norfolk, from Basil, 1st Sept. 1559. In this work, at
pages 121-123, is a short account of Patrick Hamilton, with a reference
to Francis Lambert's work on the Apocalypse. But it is to Foxe's great
English work, in 1564, that Knox refers, and as the First Book of his
History was not written until 1566, no anachronism can be discovered in
such a reference. The succession of Queen Elizabeth to the English
Throne, evidently suggested the propriety of putting upon record a
detailed history of the fearful sufferings and persecutions which had
been endured. The first edition bears the following title:--
"ACTES AND MONUMENTS
of these latter and perillous dayes, touching matters of the
Church, wherein ar comprehended and described the great
persecutions & horrible troubles, that have bene wrought and
practised by the Romishe Prelates, speciallye in this Realme of
England and Scotlande, from the yeare of our Lorde a thousande,
unto the tyme nowe present. Gathered and collected according to the
_true copies & wrytinges certificatorie, as wel of the parties
themselves that suffered, as also out of the Bishops Registers,
which wer the doers thereof, by_ IOHN FOXE.
¶ Imprinted at London by Iohn Day,
_dwellyng ouer Aldersgate_.
Cum priuilegio Regiæ Maiestatis."
This edition has no date; but the "Kalender" and "Almanacke for 31
yeares," commencing in 1563, shows that it was printed in that year,
although not actually published till 1564.
The following is a literal copy of the account of Hamilton's trial and
execution contained in this rare edition:--
"[Illustration: Hand pointing right] PATRIKE HAMELTON A SKOT.
"Like as there was no place, neyther of Germanye, Italye, or
Fraunce, wherin there was not some impes or braunches spr[=o]ge out
of that mooste frutefull rote and foundation of Luther. So likewise
was not this Ile of Brittaine without his frute and braunches:
amongst whom Patricke Hamelton a skottishman borne, being a yong
man of an excellent nature and towardnes, but muche more
commendable and praise worthye, for that he was of the kynges bloud
and family, being the most ancient and noble stocke and name in all
Scotlande. The tender florishing age of this noble yonge man made
his deathe so muche the more horrible, which of it selfe was but to
muche cruell and detestable, for that skarse xxiii. yeres old, wh[=e]
he was burned by Dauid Beton Cardinall of Saint Andrewes, and his
fellow Byshoppes. Which yong manne if he had chosen to leade his
life, after the manner of other Courtiers in all kinde of
licentious riotousnes, he should peradventure haue found praise
without pearill or punishment in that his florishinge age: but for
so much as he joyned godlinesse wyth his stock, and vertue with
his age, he coulde by no meanes escape the hands of the wicked. So
that in all thinges and in al ages, the saying of S. Paule is
verified. Whosoeuer dooth desire and studye to liue godlye in
Christe, he shall suffer persecution as a companion of his
godlinesse.
"For there is nothinge safe or sure in thys world, but wickednesse
and synne. Who euer sawe the Cardinals or bishoppes rage wyth their
cruell inquisitions, againste aduoutrye, riot, ambition, unlawfull
gaming, dronkennesse, rapines, and wilfulnesse to doo all kinde of
mischeues. Anye man that list for all them, maye exercise vsurye,
make tumultes, haunt whores, sweare and forsweare, and deceiue at
his owne will and pleasure.
"But if any man were truely addict to the desire and study of
godlines, confessing Christ to be his only patrone and aduocate,
excludynge the merites of saintes, acknowledginge fre iustification
by faith in Christ, denying purgatory (for these articles Hamelton
was burned) in these poyntes they nether spare age or kinred,
nether is there any so great power in y^e world that may withstand
their maiesty or autority. How great an ornament might so noble,
learned and excellent a yong man haue bene vnto that realme, being
endued with so great godlines, and such a singular wit and
disposition, if the Skots had not enuied their owne commodity? What
and how great commendation there was of that yong man, what hope of
his disposition, his singuler learning and doctrine, and what a
maturitye and ripenese of iudgemente was in him, did appeare
amongste the Germains whereas he might declare him self. For in the
vniuersity of Marpurge, which was then newlye erect by Phillip
prince of Hessia, he openlye proceding: handled him selfe so,
intreating and iudging matters of the Church, with such praise and
commendation, passynge al expectation for his age, that he made not
only the common people, but also the learned to haue him in great
admiration. Beat[=o] whych n[=o]ber, when as many delighted in his
princely wit, amongest all other, it appeared firste in Fraunces
Lambert, who in the preface dedicatory, of his work vpon the
Apocalips, maketh euident mention of this Patricke.
"At the last wh[=e] as by the vse and familiarity of learned men, he
daily profited more and more, his minde being enflamed with
godlinesse, he began to consider with him selfe, touching his
returne into his countrye, thinkinge (as hys mind greatly desired)
that it wold come to pas that like a godly marchaunt he would
delyuer some frute and light of that learning, whyche he had
received and gotten abrode. In this his thought and purpose, taking
vnto him a companion, he returned home without any l[=o]ger delay, vpon
a godly and holy purpose and entent, but not with like successe. For
this ingenious yong manne beinge lightened bothe in spirite and
doctrine, not susteining or suffring the filthinesse and blindnes of
his co[=u]try, was first accused of heresy, and afterward constantly
and stoutly disputing with the cardinal and his band, at the last he
was oppressed by the c[=o]spiracy of his enemies, and efter sentence of
cond[=e]nation geuen against him, the same daye after dinner he was
caried to the fire & burned, the King being yet but a child; wheras
by y^e most grave testimony of his bloud, he left the verity & truth
of God, fixed and confirmed in y^e harts and mindes of manye."
(Page 460.)
Foxe survived till April 1587, and published four successive editions of
his "Actes and Monuments." The second edition appeared in the year 1570,
and the third in 1576. In the passages relating to the Scotish Martyrs,
he has furnished ample details, which are not to be found in the first
edition; and for these he gives as his authority "Ex Scripto testimonio
Scotorum." His enlarged account of Hamilton, from the 1576 edition, may
therefore be quoted; although it contains a few repetitions.