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Protestantism in Scotland - James Aitken Wylie

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plays, to which the queen was said to be greatly<br />

addicted.<br />

One sermon each Sunday was held to be<br />

sufficient for the <strong>in</strong>struction of the people; and<br />

afternoon and even<strong>in</strong>g preach<strong>in</strong>g was str<strong>in</strong>gently<br />

forbidden. That the parishioners might fill up the<br />

vacant time, and forget as speedily as possible what<br />

they had heard <strong>in</strong> church, the "Book of Sports" put<br />

forth by K<strong>in</strong>g <strong>James</strong> was re-enacted, and every<br />

Sunday turned <strong>in</strong>to a wake. <strong>James</strong> had enjo<strong>in</strong>ed<br />

that "his good people be not let from any lawful<br />

recreation, such as danc<strong>in</strong>g, archery, leap<strong>in</strong>g,<br />

vault<strong>in</strong>g, etc., though none must have this<br />

<strong>in</strong>dulgence that absta<strong>in</strong> from com<strong>in</strong>g to church."<br />

And Charles "out of the like pious care for the<br />

service of God," it was said, "and for suppress<strong>in</strong>g<br />

of any humors that oppose truth, doth ratify and<br />

publish this his blessed father's declaration." All<br />

m<strong>in</strong>isters were enjo<strong>in</strong>ed to read this edict from the<br />

pulpit dur<strong>in</strong>g the time of Div<strong>in</strong>e service, and<br />

several were visited with suspension for refus<strong>in</strong>g<br />

obedience.<br />

285

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