The 1637 Scottish Book of Common Prayer

This is the (in)famous “Laud’s Prayer Book.” This book met with great resistance in Scotland when King Charles I and Abp. Laud tried to force its acceptance at a moment when the high church cause was cresting in England. Laud's efforts to force conformity on the Scots, who were by this time predominantly Presbyterian, was doomed from the start. The Scots wanted neither Bishops, nor Prayer Books.

The Booke of common prayer, and administration of the sacraments. And other parts of divine service for the use of the Church of Scotland. Edinburgh: Robert Young, printer to the Kings Most Excellent Majestie, 1637. First Edition, first issue. Title page partly in red.

Bound with The Psalter: Psalmes of David: according to the last translation in King James his time of blessed memory. As it shall be said or sung throughout all the churches of Scotland. Edinburgh: Robert Young, M.DC.XXXVI.

Also bound with The Psalmes of King David: translated by King James. London: Thomas Harper, 1636. This is a metrical version that is missing its last two leaves.

Bound in brown calf, gold lettering with a picture of Archbishop Laud pasted on the fly leaf, and John Howell's bookplate

This is the (in)famous "Laud's Prayer Book." It met with great resistance in Scotland when King Charles I and Abp. Laud tried to force its acceptance at a moment when the high church cause was cresting in England. Laud's efforts to force conformity on the Scots, who were by this time predominantly Presbyterian, was doomed from the start.