Stuart dynasty

MART STUART'S CAPTIVITT AND DEATH. 203
say that the writer, coming to these researches with
a strong- faith in the truth and power of the Reforma-
tion, has stood aghast at some actions performed
by advocates of its principles who are highly spoken
of in history. Prominent among these appear
Murray and Morton, the anomalies and contradic-
tions contained in their careers remaining a marvel
for future students in all time. But that the re'gime
of Morton, conceived as its instincts were in the very
spirit of Calvinistic Protestantism, tended to advance
Scotland in the sciences, as well as preserve peace
with England, can never be denied with truth. Take
for instance the revival of intellectual activity which at
this time animated our neighbours across the Tweed.
For example, though copies of the English Bible
had found their way into Scotland, there was but
a meagre number in that kingdom during Queen
Mary's reign, or the regencies of Murray and
Lennox. When Morton, however, became head of
the Government, a burgess of Edinburgh, who
possessed a printing-office, brought out an edition of
the Scriptures, being favoured when so doing by the
Regent, and encouraged by the spiritual authorities.*
It w T ould be inconsistent with truth not to admit the
benevolent character of a policy such as this.
The career of this prominent statesman must
therefore be considered as a whole ; and although his
fore-knowledge of Darnley's murder and his com-
plicity in Rizio's destruction, not to speak of his
harsh disloyalty towards Mary Stuart, prove him
* Chalmers's ' Domestic Annals of Scotland,' vol. i. p. 100.