AS public attention presently centres on the Coronation of King Edward VII., our readers may be interested in perusing the following description of the Coronation of Charles II. at Scone, taken from an ancient document, and recently published in the Scotsman. Charles II. was crowned king at Scone in 1651, with attendant ceremonies of a markedly Christian and Reformation character. He solemnly declared his approval of the National Covenant and the Solemn League and Covenant, and swore “to prosecute the ends” of these Covenants in his high station. We need hardly tell our readers, as the fact is well known, that the perfidious monarch speedily broke these solemn oaths without compunction, and became an open enemy of Presbyterianism and Reformation work. All he seemed to desire was to get possession of the throne, and once he attained that lofty position he cast all his vows and promises to the winds. The description, however, of the Coronation ceremony is very interesting, and affords matter of reflection to those who would like to see these realms experience a Third Reformation. The Sermon by the Rev. Robert Douglas, referred to in the narrative, and some of the other circumstances are given in the Rev. Dr. Kerr’s book, “The Covenants and the Covenanters.”
On the 30th December the Parliament adjourned from Perth to Scone, the place where the Kings of Scotland were anciently crowned. On the 31st the Regalia were brought from the Castle of Stirling, where they had been secured on Cromwell’s approach. On the 1st of January, 1651, about nine hours in the morning, the King’s Majesty, in a Prince’s robe, was conducted from his bed chamber by Gilbert Hay, Earl of Errol, Lord High Constable of Scotland, on his right hand, and William Keith, Earl Marshal, Lord Great Marshal of Scotland, on his left, to the Chamber of Presence, and there was placed a chair under a cloth of State by Archibald Douglas, Earl of Angus, Lord Great Chamberlain, appointed by the King for that day; and there, after a little repose, the Peers or Noblemen, with the Barons or Commissioners for Shires and Burgesses or Commissioners for Burrows, entered the Hall, and presented themselves before His Majesty. Thereafter John Campbell, Earl of Loudoun, the Lord Chancellor, spoke to the King to this purpose:—”Sir,—Your good subjects desire you may be crowned as the righteous and lawful heir of the Crown of this Kingdom, that you would maintain religion as it is presently professed and established conform to the National Covenant and Solemn League and Covenant, and according to your declaration at Dunfermline in August last; also that you
would be graciously pleased to receive them under your Highness’ protection, and to govern them by the laws of the Kingdom, and defend them in their rights and liberties by your Royal power. Offering themselves in most humble manner to your Majesty, with their vows to bestow land, life, and what else is in their power for the maintenance of religion, for the safety of your Majesty’s sacred person, and maintenance of your Crown, which they entreat your Majesty to accept, and pray Almighty God that for many years you may happily enjoy the same.” The King made this answer:—”I do esteem the affections of my good people more than the crowns of many kingdoms, and shall be ready, by God’s assistance, to bestow my life in their defence, wishing to live no longer than I may see religion and this kingdom flourish in all happiness.”
There was erected a platform about four feet high from the ground between the Palace of Scon and the Kirk, the procession being to pass from the door of the Hall in the Palace towards the east through the Palace Green to the entrance into the Kirk by a window opened on purpose, and the Regalia being brought from a Chamber in the Palace in which they were, were laid upon a table, were given to the Peers who were to carry them. Then the King and Parliament passed in procession to the Kirk in the following order and manner:—
Two trumpeters in their Coats, bare-headed,
ushering the way.
Kintyre Pursuivant, Ormond Pursuivant,
Bare-headed, in their Coats.
Four doorkeepers of the Court of Justice, bare-headed.
Burgesses, two and two, in their Cloaks, their caps in hand.
Bute Pursuivant, Carrick Pursuivant,
Bare-headed, in their Coats.
Barons, two and two, in their Cloaks, their caps in hand.
Master of Request, in his Cloak, Treasurer Depute, in his Cloak,
and cap in hand.
— Carmichael, Lord Justice Sir Thos. Hope, of Craighall,
Clerk, in his Cloak, and Lord Advocate, in his Cloak,
cap in hand. and cap in hand.
Lord Register, in his Cloak, and cap in hand.
Two doorkeepers of the Council, bare-headed.
Two trumpeters, in their Coats, bare-headed.
Unicorn Pursuivant, Dingwall Pursuivant,
Bare-headed, in their Coats.
Lords, in their Robes of State and their caps in hand,
two and two.
Marchmont Herald, Snodoun Herald,
Bare-headed, in their Coats.
Viscounts, in their Robes of Estate, their Coronets in their hands,
two and two.
Isla Herald, Rothsay Herald,
Bare-headed, in their Coats.
Earls, in their Robes of Estate, their Coronets in their hands, two and two.
John Kennedy, Earl of Cassillis, Lord Secretary, in his Robes of Estate, and his Coronet in hand. John Gordon, Earl of Sutherland, Lord Privy Seal, in his Robes of Estate, and his Coronet in hand.
John Lesley, Earl of Rothes, Lord President of the Privy Council, carried the Sword of State, and walked in that rank. John Lindsay, Earl of Crawford and Lindsay, Lord Treasurer, carried the Sceptre, and walked in that rank.
John Campbell, Earl of Loudoun, Lord High Chancellor, in his Robes of Estate, and his Coronet in his hand.
Marquises—None present. The three Marquises of Huntly, Douglas, and Montrose were incapacitated, being comprehended in the Act of Classes, and not yet restored to their places, and the Marquis of Argyle carried the Crown.
Dukes—None present. The Duke of Lennox being in England, and the Duke of Hamilton was incapacitated, being comprehended in the Act of Classes, and not yet restored to his places.
Two trumpeters in their Coats, bare-headed.
Albany Herald, Ross Herald, Bare-headed, in their Coats.
Sir William Cockburn, of Langton, Gentleman Usher, with cap in hand.
Sir James Balfour, of Denmill, Lyon King of Arms, in his habit and his Coronet in his hand.
Archibald Douglas, Earl of Angus, Lord Great Chamberlain of Scotland, in his Robes of State, with his Coronet and White Staff in his hand.
The King’s Regalia.
The Spurs, borne by Alexander Montgomerie, Earl of Eglinton, in his Robes of Estate, and his Coronet in his hand.
The Sword of State, borne by John Lesley, Earl of Rothes, in his Robes of Estate, and his Coronet in his hand.
The Sceptre, borne by John Lindsay, Earl of Crawford and Lindsay, in his Robes of Estate, and his Coronet in his hand.
The Crown was borne by Archibald Campbell, Marquis of Argyle, in his Robes of State, immediately before the King, and two Gentlemen on each hand, one carrying the Marquis of Argyle’s Coronet and another carrying his Staff.
Then came the King, with Gilbert Hay, High Constable, on his right hand, in his Robes of State, his Coronet and his Staff in his hand, and William Keith, Earl Marshal, Great Marshal, in Robes of State, his Coronet and his Marshal’s Staff in his hand.
His train being supported by John Erskine, Lord Erskine, Hugh Montgomerie, Lord Montgomerie, Robert Kerr, Lord
Newbattle, and James Campbell, Lord Mauchlane, four Earls’ eldest sons, under a canopy of crimson velvet, borne by six Earls’ eldest sons—to wit, James Drummond, Lord Drummond, George Ramsay, Lord Ramsay, David Carnegie, Lord Carnegie, James Johnston, Lord Johnston, George Maule, Lord Brechin, and John Hay, Lord Yester, and the six bearers supported by six Noblemen’s younger sons.
In this manner the King entered the Church about ten o’clock, the whole being closed by the King’s guard under Sir Thomas Lavingstone of Kinnaird, their Captain.
The Kirk being fitted up and prepared with a table, whereupon the Regalia were laid, and a chair set in a fitting place near to the Pulpit for His Majesty hearing of Sermon, over against the Minister, and another chair on the North side of the Church, where he sat when he received the Crown, before which there was a Bench covered with green velvet, as also seats about for Noblemen, Barons, and Burgesses to sit on. And there being also a Stage erected to the eastward of the pulpit, in the middle of the Church, of 24 foot square, about four foot from the ground, covered with carpet, with two stairs, one from the west, another to the east, upon which great stage there was another little stage erected, two foot high, ascending by two steps, on which the Throne or Chair of State was set.
The Kirk thus fitly prepared and well accommodate, the King and his train, having entered the same, he sat down in his chair for hearing of Sermon, and all being quietly composed unto attention, Mr. Robert Douglas, Moderator of the Commission of the General Assembly, after prayer, preached the Coronation Sermon from II Kings, chap. xi. v. 12th and 17th—”And he brought forth the King’s Son, and put the Crown upon him, and gave him the testimony, and they made him King and anointed him, and they clap’d their hands and said God save the King. And Jehoiada made a Covenant between the Lord and the King and the people, that they should be the Lord’s people.” Sermon being ended, prayer was made for a blessing upon the doctrine delivered.
The King being to renew the Covenants—first, the National Covenant, then the Solemn League and Covenant, were read distinctly. After the reading of these Covenants, the Minister prayed for Grace to perform the contents of the Covenants, and for faithful Stedfastness in the Oath of God, and then (the Ministers, Commissioners of the General Assembly desired to be present standing before the pulpit) he ministered the Oath unto the King, who, kneeling and lifting up his right hand, did swear in the words following:—”I, Charles, King of Great Britain, and France, and Ireland, do assure and declare, by my Solemn Oath in the presence of Almighty God, the searcher of hearts, my allowance and approbation of the National Covenant and of the Solemn League and Covenant above-written, and faithfully oblige myself to prosecute
the ends thereof in my station and calling, and that I for myself and successors shall consent and agree to all Acts of Parliament enjoining the National Covenant and the Solemn League and Covenant, and fully establishing presbyterial government, the directory for worship, confession of faith, and catechisms in the Kingdom of Scotland, as they are approved by the General Assemblies of this Kirk and Parliament of this Kingdom, and that I shall give my Royal assent to Acts and Ordinances of Parliament passed or to be passed, enjoining the same in any other dominions. And that I shall observe these in my own practice and family, and shall never make opposition to any of these, or endeavour any change thereof.” After the King had thus solemnly sworn the National Covenant and the Solemn League and Covenant, these and the King’s Oath subjoined unto both, being drawn upon a fair parchment, the King did subscribe the same in presence of all. Thereafter the King ascended the stage, and sat down on the Throne or Chair of State. The High Constable and Great Marshal went to the four corners of the stage, with the Lyon King at Arms going before them, who spoke to the people in these words:—”Sirs,—I present unto you the King Charles, the rightful or undoubted heir of the Crown and dignity of this Realm. This day is by the Parliament of this Kingdom appointed for his Coronation. And are ye not willing to have him for your King, and become subject to his Commandment.” In which action the King’s Majesty stood up, showing himself to the people in each corner, and the people expressed their willingness by cheerful acclamations in these words, “God save the King, Charles the Second.” Then the King’s Majesty, supported by the High Constable and Great Marshal, came down from the stage, and sat down in the chair where he heard the Sermon. The Minister, accompanied by the Ministers before mentioned, came from the Pulpit towards the King, and required if he was willing to take the Oath appointed to be taken at the Coronation. The King answered that he was most willing. Then the Oath of Coronation, as it is contained in the 8th Act of the first Parliament of King James the Sixth, being read by the Lyon King at Arms, the tenor whereof followeth—”Because that the increase of virtue and suppressing of idolatry craveth that the Prince and the people be of one perfect religion; which of God’s mercy is now presently professed in this Realm; therefore it is statute and ordained by our Sovereign Lord, my Lord Regent, and the three Estates of this present Parliament, that all Kings, Princes, and Magistrates whatsoever, which hereafter at any time shall happen to reign and bear rule over this realm, at the time of their Coronation and receipt of their princely authority, make their faithful promise, in the presence of the Eternal God, that enduring the whole course of their lives, they shall serve the same Eternal God to the uttermost of their power according as he hath required in his most holy word, revealed and contained in the Old and New Testaments;
and according to the same word shall maintain the true religion of Christ Jesus, the preaching of his holy word, and due and right ministration of the Sacrament now received and preached within the Realm; and shall abolish and gainstand all false religions contrary to the same; and shall rule the people committed to their charge according to the will and command of God revealed in his foresaid Word, and according to the loveable laws and constitutions received in this Realm, noways repugnant to the said Word of the Eternal God, and shall procure to the uttermost of their power to the Kirk of God and whole Christian people true and perfect peace in time coming. The rights and rents with all just privileges of the Crown of Scotland to preserve and keep inviolate. Neither shall they transfer nor alienate the same. They shall forbid and repress in all estates and degrees riot, oppression, and all kind of wrong. In all Judgement they shall command and procure that Justice and equity be kept to all creatures without exception as the Father and Lord of Mercies be merciful to them. And out of their Lands and empire they shall be careful to root out all hereticks and enemies to the true worship of God, that shall be convict by the true Kirk of God, of the foresaid crimes, and that they shall faithfully affirm the things above written by their solemn Oath.”
The Minister tendered the Oath unto the King, who kneeling, and holding up his right hand, sware in these words:—”By the Eternal and Almighty God, who liveth and reigneth for ever, I shall observe and keep all that is contained in this Oath.” This done, the King’s Majesty sat down in his chair, and reposed himself a little. Then the King arose from his chair, and was disrobed by the Lord Great Chamberlain of that princely robe wherewith he entered the Kirk, and was invested by the said Chamberlain in his royal robes. Thereafter the King brought to the chair on the north side of the Church, supported as formerly, the Sword of State was brought by Sir William Cockburn of Langton, gentleman usher, from the table, and delivered to Lyon King at Arms, who gave it to the High Constable, who put the same in the King’s hand, saying—”Sir, receive this kingly sword for the defence of the faith of Christ and protection of his Kirk and of the true religion as it is presently professed within this Kingdom, and according to the National Covenant and League and Covenant, and for executing equity and Justice, and for punishment of all iniquity and injustice.” This done, the High Constable received the sword from the King and girded the same about the King’s side. Thereafter the King sat down in his chair, and then the spurs were put on him by the Great Marshal, but immediately taken off by the Lord Chamberlain, and delivered to Earl of Eglinton to hold during the solemnity, because they would have been troublesome to his Majesty. Thereafter Archibald, Marquis of Argyle, having taken the Crown in his hand, the Minister prayed to this purpose—that the Lord would purge the
Crown from the Sins and transgressions of them that did reign before him, that it might be a pure Crown, that God would settle the Crown upon the King’s head; and since men that set it on were not able to settle it, that the Lord would put it on and preserve it. And the said Marquis put the Crown on the King’s head. Which done, the Lyon King at Arms, the High Constable standing by him, caused an Herald to call all the Noblemen, one by one, according to their precedence, who, coming before the King kneeling, and with their hand touching the Crown on the King’s head, sware these words:—”By the Eternal and Almighty God who liveth and reigneth for ever, I shall support thee to my uttermost;” and when they had done, then all the nobility held up their hands and sware to be loyal and true subjects and faithful to the Crown.
The Great Marshal, with the Lyon King at Arms, going to the four corners of the stage, the Lyon proclaimed the obligatory Oath of the people; and the people holding up their hands all the time did swear by the Eternal God who liveth, reigneth, and abideth for ever—”We become your Liege men, and truth and faith shall bear unto you, and live and die with you, against all manner of folks whatsoever in your service, according to the National Covenant and Solemn League and Covenant.” The Marquises, the Earls, and Viscounts put on their Coronets; the Lords, the Officers of State, not Noblemen, the Barons and Burgesses put on their caps; and the Lyon King at Arms likewise put on his Coronet. Then did the Great Chamberlain wore off the sword wherewith the King was girded, and drew it and delivered it drawn into the King’s hand, and the King put it into the hand of the High Constable to carry it naked before him. Then John, Earl of Crawford and Lindsay, took the Sceptre, and put it in the King’s right hand, saying—”Sir, receive this Sceptre, the sign of Royal power of the Kingdom, that you may govern yourself right and defend all the Christian people committed by God to your charge, punishing the wicked and protecting the just.” Then the King ascended the stage attended by the Officers of the Crown and nobility, and was installed in the Royal throne by Archibald, Marquess of Argyle, saying—”Stand and hold fast from henceforth the place whereof you are the lawful and righteous heir by a long and lineal succession of your fathers, which is now delivered unto you by the authority of Almighty God.”
When the King was set down upon the throne, the Minister gave the King a pertinent and solid exhortation as to his future conduct. Which done, the Lord Chancellor went to the four corners of the stage, the Lyon King at Arms going before him, and proclaimed His Majesty’s free pardon to all breakers of penal Statutes, and made offer thereof. Whereupon the people cried, God save the King. Then the King, supported by the High Constable and Great Marshal, and accompanied with the
Chancellor, arose from the throne and went out at a door prepared for the purpose to a stage, and shewed himself to the people without, who clapped their hands and cried with a loud voice a long time, “God save the King.”
Then the King returning and sitting down upon the throne delivered the Sceptre to John, Earl of Crawford and Lindsay, to be borne by him till the solemnity was concluded. Thereafter the Lyon King at Arms rehearsed the Royal line of the Kings upwards to Fergus the First.
Then the Lyon called the Nobles, one by one, who, kneeling and holding their hands betwixt the King’s hands, did swear these words:—”By the Eternal God who liveth and reigneth for ever, I do become your Leigeman, and truth and faith bear unto you, and live and die with you against all manner of folks whatever in your service according to the National and Solemn League and Covenant.” Every one of them kissed the King’s left cheek. When these solemnities were ended, the Minister, standing before the King on his throne, pronounced this blessing—”The Lord bless thee and save thee, the Lord hear thee in the day of trouble, the name of the God of Jacob defend, the Lord send thee help from the Sanctuary and strengthen thee out of Zion. Amen.”
After this blessing pronounced, the Minister went to the Pulpit, and had an exhortation to the King, the Nobles, and the people, the King still sitting upon his throne. After this exhortation the Minister blessed the whole action with prayer, and the 20th Psalm being sung, he dismissed the people with the blessing.
Then the King’s Majesty descended from the stage with the Crown upon his head, and receiving again the Sceptre into his hand, returned to the Palace with the whole train in solemn procession as before, with this difference, that the former carriers of the Sceptre, Sword, and Spurs took their proper stations, the Spurs being borne by the Great Marshal, and the Sword of State borne by the High Constable immediately before the King, who was supported by Archibald, Marquis of Argyle, on his right hand, and the Great Chamberlain on his left, and entered the Hall about four o’clock at night, where a grand dinner was prepared, to which His Majesty and the Estates immediately sat down, His Majesty wearing the Crown all the time. The Sceptre, Sword, and Spurs were laid down upon a table in the Hall, and afterwards carried with the Crown into a Chamber in the Palace. The night being concluded with all demonstrations of joy in Perth, with ringing of bells and illumination, and on all high places far and near with bonfires and other demonstrations of joy. I shall here give a description of the Regalia of Scotland used at this Coronation, viz., the Crown, Sceptre, and Sword, which now by the Union Act are to be used no more, but kept in the Castle of Edinburgh.