tried to provide for afterwards against the like by a new edict it was made capital to disperse libels for defaming any person in that sort and to have keep or read any such that should happen to be affixed or cast into the streets The Earl of Lenox whilest these things were a doing ceased not to solicit the Queen by his letters for taking trial of the murther without delaying the same unto the time of Parliament as she had purposed Particularly he desired the Earl of Bothwell and others named in the libells and placard affixed on the door of the Senate-house to be apprehended and the Nobility assembled for their examination Bothwell perceiving that he was now openly attached did offer himself to triall for which the 12. of Aprill was assigned and the Earl of Lenox cited by the Justice to pursue according to the delation he had made In the mean time to fortifie himself he got the Castle of Edinburgh in his custody upon the Earl of Marre his resignation placing therein Sir Iames Balfour whom he especially trusted The Earl of Marre for his satisfaction had the Prince delivered in his keeping and caried unto Striveling where the Earl then lay heavily sick The Diet appointed for the triall being come and the Court fenced as use is Bothwell was empannelled The Earl of Lenox being called compeired Robert Cuningham one of his domesticks who presented in writing the Protestation following My Lords I am come hither sent by my master my Lord of Lenox to declare the cause of his absence this day and with his power as my Commission beareth The cause of his absence is the shortness of time and that he could not have his friends and servants to accompany him to his honour and for the security of life as was needfull in respect of the greatness of his partie Therefore his Lordship hath commanded me to desire a competent day such as he may keep and the weight of the cause requireth otherwise if your Lordships will proceed at this present I protest that I may use the charge committed to me by my Lord my master without the offence of any man This is that if the persons who pass upon the Assise and enquest of these that are entered on pannell this day shall cleanse the said persons of the murther of the King that it shall be wilfull errour and not ignorance by reason it is notoriously known that these persons did commit that odious murther as my Lord my master alledgeth And upon this my protestation I require an instrument The Justice by the advice of the Noblemen and Barons appointed to assist in that judgement did notwithstanding the said protestation grant process whereupon the Noblemen chosen for the Jury were called These were Andrew Earl of Rothes George Earl of Cathnes Gilbert Earl of Cassils Lord Iohn Hamilton Commendator of Aberbrothock Iames Lord Ross Robert Lord Semple Robert Lord Boyd Iohn Lord Hereis Laurence Lord Oliphant Iohn Master of Forbes with the Lairds of Lochinvar Langton Cambusnetham Barnbowgall and Boyne the Earl of Cassills excused himself offering the penalty which by the Law they pay that refuse to pass upon Assise but could not obtain himself freed the Queen threatning to commit him in prison and when he seemed nothing terrified therewith commanding him under pain of treason to enter and give his judgement with the rest Thus were they all sworn and admitted as the manner is After which Bothwell being charged with the inditement and the same denied by him they removed forth of the Court to consult together and after a little time returning by the mouth of the Earl of Cathnes their Chancellour declared him acquit of the murther of the King and of all the points contained in the inditement with a protestation That seeing neither her Majesties advocate had insisted in the pursuit nor did Robert Cuningham Commissioner for the Earl of Lenox bring any evidence of Bothwells guiltiness neither yet was the inditement sworn by any person and that they had pronounced according to their knowledge it should not be imputed to them as wilfull errour which they had delivered Mr. David Borthwiâ—â— and Mr. Edmund Hay who in the entry of the Court were admitted as his prolocutours askt instruments upon the Juries declaration so he went from that Court absolved yet the suspicions of the people were nothing diminished And some indeed were of opinion that the Judges could give no other deliverance nor find him guilty of the inditement as they had formed it seeing he was accused of a murther committed on the 9. day of February whereas the King was slain upon the 10. of that moneth But he for a further clearing of himself set up a paper in the most conspicuous place of the market bearing That albeit he had been acquited in a lawfull Justice court of that odious crime laid unto his charge yet to make his innocency the more manifest he was ready to give triall of the same in single combate with any man of honourable birth and quality that would accuse him of the murther of the King The next day in the same place by another writing answer was made that the combat should be accepted so as a place were designed wherein without danger the undertaker might professe his name The 13. of April a Parliament was kept for restoring the Earl of Huntley and others to their estates and honours which was not as yet done with the solemnity requisite In this Parliament the Commissioners of the Church made great instance for ratifying the Acts concluded in favour of the true Religion yet nothing was obtained The Queen answering that the Parliament was called for that onely business and that they should have satisfaction given them at some other time The Parliament being broke up Bothwell inviting the Noblemen to supper did liberally feast them and after many thanks for their kindness fell in some speeches for the Queens marriage shewing the hopes he had to compass it so as he might obtain their consents Some few to whom he had imparted the business before-hand made offer of their furtherance the rest fearing to refuse and suspecting one another set all their hands to a bond which he had ready formed to that purpose A few dayes after faigning an expedition into Liddisdale he gathered some forces and meeting the Queen on the way as he returned from Striveling whither she had gone to visit her son he took her by way of rape and led her to the Castle of Dumbar No men doubted but this was done by her own liking and consent yet a number of Noblemen convening at Striveling lest they should seem deficient in any sort of their duties sent to ask whether or not she was there willingly detained for if she was kept against her will they would come with an Army and set her at liberty She answered That it was against her will that she was
form of proces kept with them others judged that there needed no such formality seeing the Authours were known and the sentence of forfeiture pronounced against them stood unreduced To use a citation they said was to give them warning to flee whereas otherwise they might be taken unprovided and brought to their censure At last it was agreed that a Commission should be given to some Noblemen that had power and affected the businesse to apprehend them This Commission was given to the Earls of Morton Marre and Eglinton and to the Lords of Ruthven 〈◊〉 and Boyd which was not so closely carried but advertisement went to the Lord Hamilton and his brother Lord Claud so as they escaped The Lord Hamilton going on foot through the most part of England in the habit of a Seaman fled into France Lord Claud after he had lurked a while amongst his friends at home found refuge in the North parts of England others of their friendship who stood in fear saved themselves where best they could Upon the report of their escape charges were directed for rendering the houses of Hamilton and Draffan which belonged to the Earl of Arran their elder Brother and were possessed by the Lord Hamilton as administrator to his brother because of his disease The Earl of Arran himself they had kept in the Castle of Draffan attended by some servants and he was known to have no part in any of these facts wherewith they were charged so as by way of justice his estate could not fall under forfeiture yet some colour of right behoved to be made for bringing the same under the Courts disposing To this effect it was devised that a complaint should be preferred in the name of the Earl of Arran and his Majesties Advocates bearing the miserable condition of the said Earl and how he was detained in close prison by his two brothers without fire aire and the company of his honest friends his living violently possessed by the Commendators of Aberbrothock his Sheriffeship of Laâ—rick usurped himself denied the benefit of marriage and debarred from succession against all law for if he was an idiot or furious as they gave out he ought to have had Curators given him by the King and if he was mentis compos it was an intolerable wrong to use him in that sort Therefore desired letters to be directed for his exhibition before the Councel that it might be known in what estate he was and an honourable provision appointed unto him such as befitted his birth and condition This desire being judged reasonable summons were directed against the two brothers that were fled and they not appearing at the day were denounced Rebels But this not sufficing to work their ends the disobedience of the Keepers in not rendring the strengths when they were charged was made the Earls crime and he found to have incurred the pain of treason an act of the greatest injustice that could be done Notthelesse upon this ground were both the Castles at that time demolished and Captain Iames Stewart afterwards preferred to the Earldome of Arran Whilest these things were doing Monsieur No a Frenchman Secretary to the Queen of Scots came to Striveling with letters and some presents to the King but because in the superscription of the letters he was only intituled Prince of Scotland the messenger was denied accesse and neither his letters nor presents received The rest of this summer was spent for the most part in summoning the Gentlemen of the name of Hamilton and putting them under surety that they should not give supply to the fugitives and be always ready to answer before the Councel when they should be called Dame Margaret Lion Countesse of Cassils who not long before had married the Commendator of Aberbrothock was suffered to possesse the Joincture she had by her first husband upon the like condition And because many were put in fear by this proceeding that the pacification of Perth should be altogether annulled his Majesty made a publick declaration That what was done in the present pursuit was only for the murther of his Father and Regents unto which both in honour and conscience he was tied And that no Article of the pacification should be infringed or called in question In the beginning of Iuly the Earl of Athols funerals were performed with great solemnity and his body interred in the Church of S. Giles at Edinburgh after which Colin Earl of Argile was created Chancellour in his place The King then resolving to shew himself to his people and to fall into the exercise of his Princely authority caused proclaime a Parliament to be kept at Edinburgh the twentieth of October Whilest things were preparing for his remove the Lord D' Ambigny arrived from France of purpose to visit the King as being nigh of blood and Cousen german to his Father The King receiving him kindly after a few days entertainment at Striveling took him in company to Edinburgh when he grew into such favour by his courteous and modest behaviour as the King would not permit him to return unto France and moving his grand Uncle to resign in his favours the Earldom of Lennox he gave to him in recompence the title of the Earldom of March Soon after the Abbacy of Aberbrothock which was fallen by Lord Iohn Hamiltons forfeiture was bestowed on him and he preferred to be one of the privy Councel This suddain and unexpected preferment got him much hatred and being of the Roman profession his enemies filled the countrey with rumours that he was sent from France only to pervert the King in his Religion Notthelesse in the Parliament which held at the time appointed divers good acts were made in favour of the Church but the matters of jurisdiction which the Ministers did chiefly urge was put off to a new Commission Some moneths before the King had required them by a letter directed with Iohn Doncanson his Minister to abstain from making any novation in the Church policy and to suffer things to continue in the state wherein they were unto the Parliament approaching without prejudging the decision of the Estates by their conclusions But they neglecting the letter went to examine the conference kept at Striveling the year preceding and whereas in that conference divers heads were remitted to a further consultation they ordained nothing to be altered either in form or matter of that which amongst themselves was concluded They further called the Archbishop of S. Andrews in question for granting collations upon some Benefices and for giving voice in Parliament not being authorized thereto by the Church This did so displease the King as from that time forth he did not countenance the Ministers as in former times and upon the complaint of persons who otherwise deserved not much regard that the Church might find in what need they stood of his favour he suffered divers sentences to passe in Councel suspending their
he not charged with this nor seemed he to be touched therewith in his death which to the judgement of the beholders was very peaceable and quiet He was heard to make that common regret which many great men have done in such misfortunes That if he had served God as faithfully as he had done the King he had not come to that end but otherwise died patiently with a contempt of the world and assurance of mercy at the hands of God The same day Archibald Douglas called the Constable and Mr. Iohn Forbes servant to the Earl of Marre were executed the rest who were taken in the Castle had their lives spared and were banished the countrey and David Home of Argaty and one Iohn Shaw were pardoned The King after this returned to Edinburgh where he gave order for charging the houses of the fugitive Lords and their friends and upon information made that certain of the Ministery had dealing with the Rebels summons were directed to charge Mr. Andrew Hay Parson of Ranfrew Mr. Andrew Polwart Subdean of Glasgow Mr. Patrick Galloway and Mr. Iames Carmichael Ministers to compeir before the Councel Mr. Andrew Hay compeired and nothing being qualified against him was upon suspicion confined in the North. The other three not compeiring were denounced Rebels and fled into England The Parliament declared current at the time for the more speedy dispatch of businesse convened the 22. of May In it his Majesties declaration concerning the attempt of Ruthven was ratified The King his authority over all persons in all causes confirmed The declining of his Majesties judgement and the Councels in whatsoever matter declared to be Treason The impugning of the authority of the three Estates or procuring the innovation or diminution of the power of any of them inhibited under the same pain All jurisdictions and judicatures spiritual or temporal not approved of by his Highnesse and the three Estates discharged and an Ordinance made That none of whatsoever function quality or degree should presume privately or publickly in Sermons Declamations or familiar conferences to utter any false untrue or slanderous speeches to the reproach of his Majesty his Councel and proceedings or to the dishonour hurt or prejudice of his Highnesse his parents and progenitors or to meddle with the affaires of his Highnesse and Estate under the pains contained in the Acts of Parliaments made against the makers and reporters of lies Whilest these statutes were in framing the Ministers who were informed thereof to work at least a delay sent Mr. David Lindesay to intreat the King that nothing should pass in Act concerning the Church till they were first heard Arran getting intelligence of this caused arrest him as one that kept intelligence with England so as he was not permitted to come towards the King The first night he was kept in Halirudhouse and the next morning sent prisoner to Blackness where he was detained 47. weeks Mr. Iames Lawson and Mr. Walter Balcanquell Ministers of Edinburgh hearing that he was committed forsook their charge and fled into England leaving a short writing behind them to shew the reasons of their departing Iohn Dury some weeks before was removed and confined in the Town of Montrosse so as Edinburgh was left without any Preacher Mr. Robert Pont Minister of S. Cutberts and one of the Senators of the Colledge of Justice because of the misregard of the Church as he pretended in concluding these Acts as the Heraulds were proclaiming them according to the Custome took instruments in the hands of a Notary of the Churches disassenting and that they were not obliged to give their obedience thereto which done he likewise fleeing was denounced Rebel and put from the place in Session Rumours hereupon being dispersed that the King was declined to Popery had made divers Acts to hinder the free passage of the Gospel and abolish all order and policy in the Church Command was given to form a brief declaration of his Majesties intention in those Acts that concerned the Church and to publish the same for detecting the falshood of those rumours In this declaration the occasions that enforced the King to the making of these statutes were particularly set down and the equity thereof maintained by divers reasons Amongst the occasions were reckoned the allowance of the fact of Ruthven by the assembly of the Church Mr. Andrew Melvil his declining of the King and Councel the fast kept at the feasting of the French Ambassadors general fasts indicted through the Realm without the King his knowledge the usurping of the Ecclesiastical jurisdiction by a number of Ministers and Gentlemen the alteration of the lawes at their pleasure and a number of like abuses And for satisfying good people strangers as well as subjects touching his Majesties good affection towards the maintenance of Religion certain Articles were drawn up and subjoyned to the said Declaration to make it appear that his Majesty had intended nothing but to have a setled form of policy established in the Church But these things gave not much satisfaction so great was the discontent and were replied unto in Pamphlets defamatory libels and scurril poems which daily came forth against the Court and the rulers of it To furnish the vacant places of Edinburgh till some were moved to undertake the charge the King did appoint his own Ministers Mr. Iohn Craig and Mr. Iohn Duncanson the Archbishop of Saint Andrews supplying the ordinary preaching at Court Soon after there came a letter from the Ministers directed to the Session of the Church at Edinburgh and to the Councel of the town of this tenour That seeing they were assured many calumnies would be forged against them for absenting themselves from their flock they had good to write unto them the true causes thereof which were as they said The great indignation conceived against them by the rulers of the Court for resisting the dangerous courses then in hand the Acts made in the late Parliament repugnant to the word of God and doctrine oftentimes by them preached the iniquity committed in the passing the said Acts and violence wherein they were defended the Articles penned and presented to some Ministers for submitting themselves to the tyrannical Regiment of Bishops whom they called gross libertines belly-gods and infamous the charge given to the Provost and Bayliffes of Edinburgh to take and apprehend all Ministers that should convene to the Eldership and those that in Sermon should utter any thing against the Acts and present unhappy course with the insolent words cast forth against them That if they followed the same course they were in though their heads were as haystacks they should be laid at their heels These things they said did cast them in a grievous temptation for to go from their good course they could not unlesse they should be traitors to God to continue in it and stay would be counted treason against the King and be hazardous of their
delation only it served to discover the falshood of the suborner In December following a Parliament was held at Linlithgow for ratifying the peace and abolishing the memory of things past In this meeting the Ministers who returned in company of the Lords did earnestly urge the repealing of the Acts concluded the year preceding against their discipline which the King did utterly refuse ordaining that none should either publickly declare or privately speak or write in reproach of his Majesties person estate or government as is to be seen in the first Act of the parliament The Ministers offending greatly therewith especially with the Lords who had promised to see these Statutes repealed stirred up one Mr. William Watson in his preaching before the King to complain of the neglect that was made of the Church and condemn the acts above mentioned This young man the Bishop of S. Andrews had placed in Edinburgh after the departing of the Ministers of England and he to this time had carried himself very orderly but now either fearing that his admission by the Bishop should be questioned or to insinuate himself this way in the favours of the Ministers who he thought would rule all matters of Church as they pleased he took the boldnesse to reprove the King to his face This his unseasonable and insolent doing was by all wisemen condemned and he therefore committed to the Castle of Blacknesse Notthelesse another of the same humour called Iames Gibson Minister at that time at Pencaitland usurping the Pulpit at Edinburgh where the sicknesse was somewhat relented fell out in the like impertinent railing saying That Captain James with his Lady Jesabel and William Stewart meaning the Colonel were taken to be the persecutors of the Church but that now it was seen to be the King himself against whom he denounced the curse that fell on Jeroboam That he should die childless and be the last of his race This man called before the Councel confessed the speeches and proudly maintained the same for which he was likewise committed Watson upon promise to amend and behave himself more dutifully was suffered to return to his charge but the businesse with the other lasted to a longer time as we will afterwards hear A few days before this Parliament deceased Mr. Iohn Spottiswood Superintendant of Lothian a sonne of the house of Spottiswood in the Mers within the Barony of Gordon of which Surname it seems his first progenitors were by the armes they have common with the Gordons his Father was killed at Floudon in the unfortunate battel wherein King Iames the fourth died and he left an Orphane of four years old When he was come to some years his friends put him to Schoole in Glasgow where he took the degree of a Master of Arts and having a purpose to study Divinity which he most affected was wholly diverted from following the same by the perfecutions he saw used against those they called hereticks So leaving the countrey he went into England and there falling in familiarity with Archbishop Cranmer was by his means brought to the knowledge of the truth Soon after the death of King Iames the fifth he returned to Scotland and stayed a long time with Alexander Earl of Glencarne who was known to be affected that way In his company he came to be acquainted with Matthew Earl of Lennox and was by him imployed towards Henry the eighth at the time that France did cast him off by the Cardinals dealing as we touched before Matters succeeding to the Earl of Lennox his mind and he setled in England he remained with him some moneths after which longing to visit his friends he returned and being known to Sir Iames Sandylands of Calder a man of great authority in those times he was by him allowed to accept the Parsonage of Calder which fell then void And living sometimes with him sometimes with the Prior of S. Andrews in whose company he went to France at the time of the Queens marriage he made no great stay in any one place till the work of reformation began at which time he took himself to reside in Calder and was how soon those troubles ended chosen Superintendent of the Churches of Lothian Mers and Tiviotdale which by the space of 20. years he governed most wisely his care in teaching planting of Churches reducing people and persons of all sorts into the right way was great and so successful as within the bounds of his charge none was found refractary from the Religion professed In his last days when he saw the Ministers take such liberty as they did and heard of the disorders raised in the Church through that confused parity which men laboured to introduce as likewise the irritations the King received by a sort of foolish Preachers he lamented extremely the case of the Church to those that came to visit him who were not a few and of the better sort he continually foretold That the Ministers by their follies would bring Religion in hazard and as he feared provoke the King to forsake the truth Therefore wished some to be placed in authority over them to keep them in awe for the doctrine said he we profess is good but the old policy was undoubtedly the better God is my witness I lie not And that these were his ordinary speeches some two years before his death many then alive could witnesse He was a man well esteemed for his piety and wisdome loving and beloved of all persons charitable to the poor and careful above all things to give no man offence His happy life was crowned with a blessed death which happened the 5. of December 1585. in the 76. year of his age But to turn to the history the King having setled with the Noblemen was very desirous to be at rest with the Church and for that effect called some of the principal Ministers to a conference wherein certain Articles were agreed for the better ordering of the Ecclesiastical affairs the full determination thereof being remitted to the general Assembly of the Church which was appointed to meet at Edinburgh the tenth of May following In the mean time Maxwel puffed up with the victory at Striveling the praise whereof he ascrived wholly to himself grew so insolent as that the next Christmas taking with him a company of lewd and dissolute persons he went in procession from Dumfreis to the Colledge Church of Lincluden and caused a Masse to be said complaint being made to the King he was brought before the Councel and committed to the Castle of Edinburgh where he remained some moneths This gave occasion to the Proclamations which followed against Priests Jesuits and traffiquing Papists who were all commanded to leave the countrey before a certain day under pain of death Whilest these things were a doing Mr. Andrew Melvil to be revenged of Saint Andrews who had devised as he imagined the Acts made in the parliament 1584. and penned the
should be delivered of either side English men into Scotland and as many Scots into England But Baclugh failing to deliver his in due time was commanded for satisfying the Queen to enter himself into England as he did remaining there from October to February next In the moneth of December a Parliament was held at Edinburgh for restoring of the forfeited Lords to their lands and honours Amongst the Articles presented to this meeting by the Commissioners of the Church one was That the Ministers as representing the Church and third Estate of the Kingdome might be admitted to give voice in Parliament according to the Acts made in favours of the Church and the liberty and freedome thereof The King was earnest to have the Article granted and at last obtained an Act to be made whereby it was declared That such Pastors and Ministers as his Majesty should please to provide to the place title and dignity of a Bishop Abbot or other Prelate at any time should have voice in Parliament as freely as any other Ecclesiastical Prelate had at any time by-past And that all Bishopricks then in his Majesties hands and undisponed to any person or which should happen to fall void thereafter should be only disponed to actuall Preachers and Ministers in the Church or to such other persons as should be found apt and qualified to use and exerce the Office of a Preacher or Minister and who in their provisions to the said Bishopricks should accept in and upon them to be actuall Pastors and Ministers and according thereto should practise and exerce the same As concerning the office of the said persons in the spirituall policie and goverment of the Church the same was remitted to his Majesty to be advised and agreed upon with the Generall Assembly at such time as his Highness should think expedient to treat with them thereupon without prejudice in the mean time of the jurisdiction and discipline of the Church established by Acts of Parliament and permitted to Generall and Provinciall Assemblies and other Presbyteries and Sessions of the Church This Act gave occasion to the indicting of a Generall Assembly which convened at Dundie in March next where the King being present did shew That he had anticipated the time of the Assembly for the appointment was at Striveling this first Tuesday of May that he might be resolved touching their acceptation of the place in Parliament with the form māner and number of persons that should be admitted to have voice and thereupon desired them to enter into a particular consideration of the whole points of the Act and first to reason whether it was lawfull and expedient that the Ministers as representing the whole Church within the Realm should have voice in Parliament or not This Question being long debated first in private by some Brethren selected to that purpose then in the hearing of the whole Assembly it was concluded That Ministers might lawfully give voice in Parliament and other publick meetings of the Estate and that it was expedient to have some alwaies of that number present to give voice in name of the Church A second Question being moved touching the number of those that should have voice it was agreed That so many should be appointed to give voice as of old had place in the Papisticall Church to wit 51 persons or thereby Thirdly touching the election of those that should have voice it was resolved That the same did appertain partly to his Majesty and partly to the Church And because time could not permit the discussing of the rest of the points as de modo eligendi what rent those Ministers should have whether they should continue in that office ad vitam or not what their title should be and the cautions to preserve them from corruption with other the like circumstances the Presbyteries were desired to consider the same throughly and thereafter to meet in their Synods all upon one day to wit the first Tuesday of Iune and having reasoned upon these heads to direct three of their number to convene with his Majesty the advertisement being upon a moneth at least and with the Doctors of the Universties namely Mr. Andrew Melvill Mr. Iohn Iohnston Mr. Robert Wilkie Mr. Robert Rollock Mr. Robert Howy Mr. Patrick Sharp and Mr. Iames Martin at such time and place as his Majesty should think most convenient with power to them being so convened to treat reason and conferre upon the said heads and others appertaining thereto and in case of agreement and uniformity of opinions to conclude the whole question touching voice in Parliament otherwise in case of discrepance to remit the conclusion to the next Generall Assembly The Commissioners proceedings in planting the Church of S. Andrews were at the same time ratified but the provision of Edinburgh which they had likewise concluded made greater business The King had been induced by the humble intreaty of Mr. David Lindesay Mr. Robert Rollock and Mr. Patrick Galloway to suffer the old Ministers preach again in their places upon their faithfull promises to observe the Conditions following 1 That they should not in Pulpit make any apology for themselves further then to say that they had satisfied his Majesty touching their intentions in the day of the tumult and that they condemned the raisers thereof and all that took Arms or gave command or allowance thereunto praising the calme and clement course his Majesty hath taken in censuring the same 2 That they should at no time thereafter tax quarrell or reproach directly or indirectly privately or publickly any inhabitant of Edinburgh that did shew themselves affectionate to his Majesty and if any of them should happen to fall in any offence meriting the censure of the Church discipline they should in the triall and censuring thereof use them indifferently as if they had never kithed contrary to the said Ministers 3 That they should not in Pulpit speak otherwise then reverently of his Majesties Councell and their proceedings and in their Sermons labour to imprint in the peoples hearts a reverent conceit of his Majesty and his actions so farre as in them lies and when as they should hear any slanderous or offensive reports of his Majesty or of any of his Counsellors his or their intentions or proceedings they should address them in all humility to his Majesty and with due reverence make him acquainted with the reports receiving his Majesties own declaration therein whereunto they should give credit and generally should conform themselves to the order set down in the late generall Assembly thereanent 4 That they should never hereafter refuse to give accompt of any of their speeches in Pulpit or of their proceedings elsewhere but when his Majesty should require the same they should plainly declare the truth of that they should be asked in all humbleness and simplicity without claiming to the generall warrant of conscience not founded upon reason The
to the Parliament of Scotland for the making of their shipping more proportionable in burthen to the shipping of England the better to serve for equality of trade and a common defence for the whole Isle And because it is requisite that the mutuall communication aforesaid be not only extended to matter of commerce but to all other benefits and priviledges of naturall born subjects it is agreed that an Act be proponed to be passed in manner following That all the subjects of both realms born since the decease of the late Queen and that shall be born hereafter under the obedience of his Majesty and of his Royall Progeny are by the Common laws of both realms and shall be for ever enabled to obtain succeed inherite and possess all goods lands and cattels honours dignities offices liberties priviledges and benefices Ecclesiasticall or Civill in Parliament and all other places of the kingdomes every one of the same in all respects and without any exception whatsoever as fully and amply as the subjects of either realm respectively might have done or may do in any sort within the kingdom where they are born Further whereas his Majesty out of his great judgement and providence hath not onely professed in publick and private speech to the Nobility and Councell of both but hath also vouchsafed to be contented that for a more full satisfaction and comfort of all his loving subjects it may be comprised in the said Act that his Majesty meaneth not to confer any office of the Crown any office of Judicature place voice or office in Parlâ—ament of either kingdome upon the subjects of the other born before the decease of the late Queen untill time and conversation have encreased accomplished an union of the said kingdomes as well in the hearts of all the people and in the conformity of laws and policies in these kingdoms as in the knowledge and sufficiency of particular men who being untimely imployed in such authorities could no way be able much less acceptable to discharge such duties belonging to them It is therefore resolved by us the Commissioners aforesaid not onely in regard of our desires and endevours to further the speedy conclusion of this happy work intended but also as a testimony of our love and thankfulness for his gracious promise on whose sincerity and benignity we build our full assurance even according to the inward sense and feeling of our own loyall and hearty affections to obey and please him in all things worthy the subjects of so worthy a Soveraign that it shall be desired of both the Parliaments to be enacted by their authority that all the subjects of both realmes born before the decease of the late Queen may be enabled and capable to acquire purchase inherit succeed use and dispose of all lands goods inheritances offices honours dignities liberties priviledges immunities benefices and preferments whatsoever each subject in either kingdome with the same freedome and as lawfully and peaceably as the very naturall and born subjects of either realm where the said rights estates or profits are established notwithstanding whatsoever law statute or former constitutions heretofore in force to the contrary other â—en to acquire possess succeed or inherit any office of the Crown office of Judicatory or any voice place or office in Parliament all which shall remain free from being claimed held or enjoyed by the subjects with the one kingdome within the other born before the decease of the late Queen notwithstanding any words sense or interception of the Act or any circumstance thereupon depending until there be such a perfect and full accomplishment of the union as is desired mutually by both the realms In all which points of reservation either in recitall of the words of his Majesties sacred promise or in any clause or sentence before specified from enabling them to any of the aforesaid places or dignities it hath been and ever shall be so far from the thoughts of any of us to presume to alter or impair his Majesties Prerogative royall who contrarywise do all with comfort and confidence depend herein upon the gracious assurance which his Majesty is pleased to give in the declaration of his so just and Princely care and favour to all his people as for a further laying open of our clear and dutifull intentions towards his Majesty in this and in all things else which may concern his prerogative we do also herein profess and declare that we think it fit there be inserted in the Act to be proponed and passed in express terms a sufficient reservation of his Majesties Prerogative royall to denizate enable and preferre to such offices honours dignities and benefices whatsoever in both the said kingdomes and either of them as are heretofore excepted in the preceding reservation of all English and Scottish subjects born before the decease of the late Queen as freely soveraignly and absolutely as any of his Majesties most noble progenitors or predecessors Kings of England or Scotland might have done at any time heretofore and to all other intents and purposes in as ample manner as no such Act had ever been thought of or mentioned And for as much as the severall jurisdictions and administrations of either realm may be abused by malefactors by their own impunity if they shall commit any offence in the one realm and afterwards remove their person and aboad unto the other It is agreed that there may be some fit course advised of by the wisdomes of the Parliaments for tryall and proceeding against the persons of offenders remaining in the one realm for and concerning the crimes and faults committed in the other realm And yet nevertheless that it may be lawfull for the Justice of the realm where the fact is committed to remand the offendor remaining in the other realm to be answerable unto justice in the same realm where the fact was committed and that upon such remand made the offender shall be accordingly delivered and all further proceeding if any be in the other realm shall cease so as it may be done without prejudice to his Majesty or other Lords in their Escheats and forfeitures with provision nevertheless that this be not thought necessary to be made for all criminall offences but in speciall cases onely as namely in the cases of wilfull murther falsifying of moneys and forging of Deeds Instruments and writings and such other like cases as upon further advice in the said Parliaments may be thought fit to be added These were the Articles agreed upon which written in their severall scrolls of Parchment were subscribed and sealed at Westminster the sixth of December by the Commissioners of both Parliaments and one thereof presented the same evening to his Majesty by the Earl of Salisbury who in name of the whole number there present having shewed what pains they had taken in that business and how after many conferences they were grown to the resolution contained in that scroll
King and that one of the Privy Counsellors had said that the conspiracy proceeded of a meer discontent the people had conceived at his Majesties Government he was mightily offended and from that forth held his affection to his service continually suspected Information was made at the same time that some of the Ministers imprisoned at Blackness did blame the Chancellor for their meeting at Aberdene offering that they had warrant from him to meet and his promise that they should incur no danger for the same The King to understand the truth thereof directed his servant Sir VVilliam Irwyn to inquire at the imprisoned Ministers what dealing they had with the Chancellor in that business their answer was That a little before their meeting at Aberdene Mr. Iohn Forbes and Mr. Iohn VVelsh had sought his advice touching their convening and that he asking them what they intended to do they answered that fearing the establishment of Bishops they were to do their best for withstanding the same And that he to encourage them did promise all the assistance he could give that way which they took to be an allowance of their meeting A letter hereupon was directed to certain of the Councell to call the Ministers and if they stood to their saying to hear what the Chancellor would answer They maintaining that which they had said and the Chancellor called to his Answer affirmed that he was intreated by them to oppose the restitution of Bishops temporalities which then was in working promising that he should not be questioned for his Religion which they understood to be Popish This denyed by the Ministers they fell in a sharp contest which continued some space withwords not seemly on either part The Ministers for clearing his approbation of their Assembly did further alleadge that he had uttered so much to Mr. VValter Balcanquell and Mr. Iames Balfour Ministers at Edinburgh who being examined touching their knowledge Mr. VValter Balcanquel Balcanquell did affirm That the Chancellor in private to himself had commended them for maintaining the liberty of the Church which was not a little prejudiced as he said by the continuation of Assemblies from year to year The same he was said to have spoken to Mr. Iames Balfour but he excused himself by forgetfulness saying he did not remember any such speeches This report made to the King he said That none of the two deserved credit and that he saw the Ministers would betray Religion rather then submit themselves to government And that the Chancellor would betray the King for the malice he carried to the Bishops By this contest always the Chancellor was made more tractable in the restitution of Bishops temporalities which he had strongly resisted unto that time And in the Parliament kept at Perth in the beginning of Iuly shewed a great desire to promote the same This Parliament had been indicted to keep at Edinburgh in Iune preceding and the Earl of Dunbar imployed to see all matters carried therein to his Majesties minde The Chancellor whether out of emulation to shew his greatness or that he feared some affront by the Earl of Dunbar went on the streets accompanied with the Burgesses in great numbers who otherwise then was their custome did walk with their swords Dunbar taking this in ill part yet dissembling his offence caused adjourn the Parliament to the first of Iuly and therewith presented a warrant for removing the same to the Town of Perth which coming unlooked for made the Burgesses forthink their doing At Perth it happened the very first day the Lord Seaton and Alexander his brother to encounter the Earl of Glencarn in the Bridgegate where drawing their weapons against others a great tumult was raised which continued a certain space and disturbed the Councell that as then was sitting the Lord Seaton being tryed to have invaded the other which he did for revenge of his uncles slaughter he was cited before the Councell for troubling the Parliament but leaving the town he went home and for his not appearing was denounced Rebell It was held an ominous beginning and gave many to think that matters would not succeed well but the Earl of Dunbar did so wisely and with so great care prevent every thing that was like to breed trouble as all things were carried from that time forth in a most peaceable sort There were attending in the town aboundance of Ministers labouring all they could secretly to make some perturbation The Earl calling them to his lodging did rebuke them sharply saying That it seemed strange to him that they who had so often petitioned to have the Act of annexation dissolved should go about to hinder the same now when the King was to do it in part specially considering there was nothing to be moved in prejudice of their discipline And that for removing the differences that were amongst them in that point his Majesty had resolved as they knew by the letters some of them had received to call the most learned and discreet of both sides before himself and have matters composed so far as might be to their content More fitting he said it were for you to whom his Majesty hath addressed his letters to have been preparing your selves for the journey And I should advise you for your own good and the peace of the Church not to write to the King any more but rather study by your peaceable behaviour to procure favour to your brethren that are in trouble With these speeches he did quiet them and so the Parliament went on and after some few days ended in great peace In this Parliament divers good constitutions were made but the two principall were the Acts of his Majesties Prerogative and the Act entituled The restitution of the estate of Bishops which title giveth many to mistake the truth of things and think that before this time the estate of Bishops was overthrown and cast down whereas the same was never so much as intended Only by this Act the temporalities of Bishopricks which by the Act of Annexation were made to belong to the Crown were restored in regard it was seen that the Bishops were disabled to attend their service in the Church and State by the want thereof Soon after the Parliament dissolved such of the Clergy as his Majesty called to Court went together of the one side went the Archbishops of S. Andrews and Glasgow the Bishops of Orkney Galloway and Mr. Iames Nicolson who was destinate Bishop of Dunkeld on the other part were Mr. Andrew Melvill Mr. Iames Melvill Mr. Iames Balfour and Mr. William Watson Mr. William Scot Mr. Iohn Carmichall and Mr. Adam Colt All these arriving at London about the beginning of Sept. had warning given them to attend the 20th of that moneth at Hampton Court The King had appointed some of the Bishops of England to attend during the conference and preach by course upon the subjects presented to them Dr. Barlow Bishop of Lincoln began taking for his text the 28 verse
Majesties use as being convicted of the foresaid treasonable crimes His life upon the Queens intercession was spared and he returned to his prison in Falkland where he abode some moneths being thereafter licensed to go unto his house in Balmerinoch he dyed as was thought of grief and sorrow A man of abilities sufficient for the places he injoyed in Session and Councell but one that made small conscience of his doings and measured all things according to the gain he made by them The possessions he acquired of the Church kept him still an enemy unto it for he feared a restitution should be made of those livings if ever the Clergy did attain unto credit Not long before he fell in his trouble the King had imployed him to deal with the Lords of Session among whom he carried a great sway for restoring the Ecclesiasticall Jurisdiction to the Bishops but he taking ways that he thought should not have been perceived to disappoint the errand drew upon himself the Kings displeasure and fared nothing the better because of his miscarriage in that business when this occasion was offered It is not for those that serve Princes and are trusted by them in the greatest affairs to deal deceitfully with their Masters for seldome have any taken that course and have not in the end found the smart thereof A Parliament was this year kept at Edinburgh the 24 of Iune the Earl Marshall being Commissioner for the King wherein the Acts concluded in the preceding convention were ratified the jurisdiction of Commissaries restored to the Church the Justices of peace commanded to be setled in every shire and a Statute made for the Apparell of Iudges Magistrates and Churchmen which were all remitted to his Majesties appointment Patterns accordingly were sent from London not long after for the apparell of the Lords of Sessions the Justice other inferiour Judges for Advocates Lawyers Commissars and all that lived by practise of law and command given to every one whom the Statutes concerned to provide themselves of the habits prescribed within a certain space under the pain of Rebellion Such was the Kings care to have those who were in publick charge held in due respect and dignosced whither soever they came The King by his Letters was now daily urging the Bishops to take upon them the administration of all Church affairs and they unwilling to make any change without the knowledge and approbation of the Ministers an assembly to this effect was appointed to hold at Glasgow the 6 of Iune The Earl of Dunbar Sir Iohn Preston President of the Session and Sir Alexander Hay Secretary which two had succeeded to Balmerinoch his places being Commissioners for the King the Archbishop of Glasgow was elected to preside There a Proposition was made by the Commissioners of certain point of Discipline which his Majesty craved to be determined That all things might be done thereafter orderly in the Church and with that consent and harmony which was fitting among preachers Some three daies being spent in reasoning at last the conclusions following were enacted 1 The Assembly did acknowledge the indiction of all such generall Assemblies of the Church to belong to his Majesty by the prerogative of his Crown and all convocations in that kind without his licence to be meerly unlawfull condemning the conventicle of Aberdene made in the year 1605 as having no warrant from his Majesty and contrary to the prohibition he had given 2 That Synods should be kept in every Dioces twice in the year viz. in Aprill and October and be moderated by the Archbishop or Bishop of the Dioces or where the Dioceses are so large as all the Ministers cannot conveniently assemble at one place that there be one or moe had and in the Bishops absence the place of Moderation supplied by the most worthy Minister having charge in the bounds such as the Archbishop or Bishop shall appoint 3 That no sentence of excommunication or absolution from the same be pronounced against or in favour of any person without the knowledge and approbation of the Bishop of the Dioces who must be answerable unto God and his Majesty for the formall and unpartiall proceeding thereof And the process being found formall that the sentence be pronounced at the Bishops direction by the Minister of the Parish where the offender hath his dwelling and the process did first begin 4 That all presentations in time coming be directed to the Archbishop or Bishop of the Dioces within which the Benefice that is void lieth with power to the Archbishop or Bishop to dispone or conferre the Benefices that are void within the Dioces after the lapse Iure devoluto 5 That in the deposition of Ministers upon any occasion the Bishop do associate to himself some of the Ministers within the bounds where the delinquent serveth and after just triall of the fact and merit of it pronounce the sentence of deprivation The like order to be observed in the suspension of Ministers from the exercise of their function 6 That every Minister at his admission swear obedience to his Majesty and to his Ordinary according to the form agreed upon Anno 1571. 7 The visitations of the Dioces be made by the Bishop himself and if the bounds be greater then he can well undertake by such a worthy man of the Minsterie within the Diocese as he shall choose to visit in his place And whatsoever Minister without just cause or lawfull excuse shall absent himself from the visitation or Diocesan assembly be suspended from his Office and Benefice and if he doe not amend deprived 8 That the convention of Ministers for exercise be moderated by the Bishop being present and in his absence by any Minister that he shall nominate in his Synod 9 And last it was ordained that no Minister should speak against any of the foresaid conclusions in publick nor dispute the question of equality or inequality of Ministery as tending only to the intertainment of Schisme in the Church and violation of the peace thereof These conclusions taken it was complained in behalf of the Moderators of Presbyteries who had served since the yeare 1606. That notwithstanding of their promise made at their accepting of the Charge they had received no payment at all of the stipend allowed Which the Earl of Dunbarre excused by his absence forth of the Countrey affirming That unto that time there was never any motion made thereof to him and that before the dissolving of that Assembly he should cause satisfaction to be given to them for the time past declaring withall That seeing order was taken for the moderation of Presbyteries in time coming his Majesties Thesaurer should not be any further burthened with that paiment The Ministers therein remiting themselves to his Majesties good pleasure gave his Lordship thanks for that he had offered which he did also see performed som five thousand pounds Scots being distributed by the Thesaurers servants among those that
and that people were terrified by this means from falling into these odious crimes Others reasoned That the principall end of all Church censures especially of Excommunication was the reclaiming of offenders and the bringing of them to the acknowledgment of their sin and that where the principall use had no place that other secondary ends ought not to be respected and so in case of Fugitives what could any Censure avail to their reclaiming they not being in place to answer or to receive any admonition yea and might it not fall that by proceeding against men in such case men truly sorrowfull for their sin should be sentenced and so the persons bound by the Church whom God hath loosed They did therefore judge it more safe in these cases to advertise people of the hainousness of the fact committed warning them to make their own profit thereof and to forbear all proceeding against the fugitive person till his condition should be made known This turned to be the resolution of the whole number and thereupon direction was given to the Ministers not to intend or follow any processe against fugitives in time coming This year the Earl of Eglington departed this life who having no childe nor heir male to succeed made a disposition of his lands and honours to Sir Alexander Seaton his Cousin germane with a proviso That he and his children should take the name and use the arms of the house of Montgomery The king who was alwaies most tender in the conveyance of honours being informed of the disposition made by the deceased Earl did by a Letter written to the Councell witness his displeasure at such alienations shewing that howsoever he could not stay Noblemen to dispose of their lands he being the fountain of all honour within his Kingdoms would not permit the same to be sold or alienated without his consent and thereupon did inhibit the said Sir Alexander to use the title of Lord or Earl notwithstanding the disposition made to him Some two years after his Majesty was pleased to bestow the honour upon him and so was he received into the place and honour formerly belonging to the house of Eglington In the month of october a Parliament was kept at Edinburgh the Chancellor being Commissioner for the King wherein the conclusions taken in the Assembly at Glasgow were ratified and all Acts and constitutions especially the Act made in the Parliament 1592 rescinded and annulled in so farre as they or any of them or any part of the same were derogatory to the Articles there concluded In this Parliament a subsidy was urged and a great contest made for the quantity which was required in a more large measure then in former times because of his Majesties affairs especially for the marriage of Lady Elizabeth with the Palsgrave who in the same moneth arrived in England The poverty of the Countrey with a fear that what was then granted should be made a Precedent for after times was pretended by those that withstood the motion albeit the true cause was known to be the dislike that the Popish faction had of the Match which by all means they laboured to crosse nor was any more busie then the Lord Burleigh to impede the subsidy he being a little before come from Court did affirm that the King in a private speech with him touching the same had said That he required no more then was granted in the Parliament 1606 and thereby made the opposition greater then otherwise it would have been yet in the end after long debating it was concluded that the supply should be more liberall in regard of the present occasion then at any time before The King upon advertisement of the Lord Burleighs business gave order to remove him from the Councel and to inhibit him from coming any more at Court which he apprehending to be the Lord Scones doing and that he had informed against him took so ill as he did send him a challenge and appeal him to the combat Hereupon he was committed in the Castle of Edinburgh where he remained some two moneths thereafter upon the acknowledgment of his offence and being reconciled with the Lord Scone he was put to liberty In Court at this time was great rejoicing and the marriage of the Lady Elizabeth with Prince Palatine daily expected when on the suddain all was turned to mourning by the death of Prince Henry who departed this life at S. Iames in the beginning of November A Prince of excellent virtues and all the perfections that can be wished for in youth He died at the age of 18 years and 8 moneths greatly lamented both at home and abroad The Councell esteeming it their duty to express their doleance for that accident made choice of the Chancellor and the Archbishop of Glasgow for that business But the King having received an hard information of the Chancellors carriage in the late Parliament sent his servant William Shaw to discharge him from coming to Court who encountring him at Morpet caused him to return The Archbishop who was no further advanced then Berwick accompanied the Chancellor to Edinburgh and after a short stay there as he was willed went to his journey again towards Court whither he came a little before Christmas The Nuptials in regard of the Princes death were put off to the February following at which time the sorrow being a little worn out the same were performed with great solemnity It was shewed before concerning the oppressions of the people of Orkney that the Acts made by the Earl in his Courts were judged unlawfull and he discharged to put the same thereafter in execution Notthelesse going on in his wonted course he sent his base son called Robert into the Countrey in shew to uplift his rents and duties but in effect to trie and punish the transgressours of these Acts whereupon new complaints being preferred to the Councell the King was advised to make purchase of Sir Iohn Arnots right to whom the Earl had impignorated his estate as being the only means to relieve that distressed people from his oppressions the bargain shortly was made and the King possessed in the lands Sir Iames Stewart Captain Iames his sonne being made Chamberlain and the Sheriffe of the Countrey The Earl himself was transported from Edinburgh to the Castle of Dunbarton and had allowed to him six shillings eight pence sterling a day for his entertainment where he had not long remained when as he received advertisement that the Castles of Kirkwall Birsay and other his Houses in these Isles were all rendered to the Sheriffe This put him in a great passion and many waies he essayed to make an escape but finding no possibility he sent his base son who was lately returned with an expresse command to take back the houses and expulse the Deputy Mr. Iohn Finlason whom the Chamberlain had left there The young man at his coming to Orkney being assisted with some loose people made
Brichen Mr. David Lindsay then Minister at Dundy At Edinburgh between the Magistrates and Ministers a great strife and discontent was raised because of the Peoples straying from their Churches at which the Magistrates were thought to connive Their usurpation besides in Church affairs especially the intending of a Clerk upon the Church Session did minister no small cause of offence The matter was brought before the King where in behalf of the Ministers it was said That they were unkindly used for the obedience given to the Acts of Perth Assembly the Magistrates by their Commissioner did on the other side inform That the Ministers were the cause of the peoples disobedience some of them having directly preached against the Acts of Perth and all of them affirmed that these Acts were concluded against their hearts His Majesty remitting the triall of these complaints to his Secretary and to the Archbishops of S. Andrews and Glasgow when as they had examined the same it appeared that both the one and the other were in fault and that the mistakings among them were not the least cause of the disorders in that Church whereupon they were admonished to lay aside their grudges and to keep one course for the retaining the people in the obedience of God and his Majesty The Magistrates and Councell were likewise commanded as the King had given direction to provide four other Ministers besides those that were in present service and perfect the division of the Town in Parishes which had been often promised And so shortly after this were Mr. William Forbes Minister at Aberdene Mr. Iohn Guthry Minister at Perth Mr. Iohn Maxwell Minister at Murchlack and Mr. Alexander Thomson Minister at Cambuslang translated from their severall Churches and placed Ministers at Edinburgh The next year beginning the year 1620 the wars of Bohemâ—a growing hot and the Palatinate invaded the King took in minde the defence of his daughter and grandchildren in their Patrimony and because a supply of money was required to such a business the Councell was desired to travell with the Noblemen the Members of Session and the Town of Edinburgh for a voluntary contribution knowing that others by their example would be drawn thereto The Noblemen meeting to this effect the 24 of November expressed a great forwardness to satisfie his Majesties desire yet fearing that all the contributions when they were brought together should prove unworthy advised the Councel rather to call a Parliament and impose upon the subjects by way of Tax a reasonable proportion according to the wealth and substance that every man had This being signified to the King he refused to have any supply by Tax for he considered that the collection would require a time and a burthen should that way be cast upon the Commons and poor labourers of the ground which would make an outcrying among the people therefore he desired as before that Noblemen and those others he had named in his first letter should be urged to shew their liberality A new meeting for this business being kept in Ianuary there after divers overtures were made for giving his Majesty content The Noblemen that were present made offer to give a benevolent according to their abilities and divers of their rank being minors and others abroad in their travells they saw not who would undertake for them The Town of Edinburgh being pressed with an answer excused themselves as being one Burgh only and lacking the concurrence of the rest without which any supply they could make would be of little worth The Advocates Clerks and other members of the Session gave in effect the like answer so as they were forced to turn unto the first overture for a Parliament And for that the difficulties of the contribution could not so well be expressed by letter it was thought meet that one of the Councel should be sent to inform his Majesty of the reasons and necessity they had to call a Parliament This employment being laid upon the Archbishop of S. Andrews he took journey about the end of the same moneth and obtained after a little insisting his Majesties warrant for a Parliament thus was it indicted to keep at Edinburgh the first of Iune and prorogued to the 23 of Iuly thereafter In this mean time it happened that Sir Gedeon Murray Thesaurer deputy being then at Court an information was made against him for abusing his office to the Kings prejudice The informer was Iames Stuart stiled the Lord Ochiltry who out of malice carried to the Gentleman for the strictness which he had used in calling him to an account for the duties of Orkney made offer to justifie the accusation and by the assistance of some of better credit then himself prevailed so farre that the matter was remitted to the triall of certain Counsellors at home the Gentleman being of a great spirit and taking impatiently that his fidelity whereof he had given so great proof should be called in question upon the information of a malitious enemy by the way as he returned from Court did contract such a deep melancholy as neither counsell nor comfort could reclaim him so farre was he overgone that no advice given by friends nor offer of their assistance nor the company and counsell of any whomsoever could reduce him to his wonted estate And so after he came to Edinburgh within a few days departed this life It was not doubted if he should have patiently attended the triall but he had been cleered and the accusation proved a meer calumny nor was it thought that the King did trust the information but only desired to have the honesty of his servant appear yet such was his weakness courage I cannot call it as giving scope to his passions of anger and grief he suffered himself to be therewith oppressed By his death the King did lose a good servant as ever he had in that charge and did sore forethink that he should have given ear to such delations But of that pestilent sort some will never be wanting in the Courts of Princes and happy is the King that can rid himself of lyers in that kind The Gentleman alwayes dyed happily and had his corps interred in the Church of Halyrudhouse The time of Parliament drawing neer the Marquiss of Hamilton was employed as Commissioner for keeping the same at his first coming having understood the business that some turbulent Ministers were making to impede the ratification of the Acts of Perth Assembly he caused discharge all the Ministers out of the Town the ordinary Preachers excepted and two of the number that would not be made quiet he sent prisoners to Dumbarton all that time he did carry himself and the matters committed to his trust with such wisdome and foresight as within a few days he brought them all to the end which he wished without any open contradiction The subsidie desired was granted the Acts of Perth Assembly ratified and divers
constitutions for the profit and good of the Countrey as in the Acts imprinted may be seen At the closing of the Parliament which was the fourth of August such abundance of rain with such thunderings and lightnings did fall as the Noblemen and others of the Estates were compelled to leave their horses and betake them to their Coaches which the factious sort did interpret to be a visible sign of Gods anger for ratifying the Acts of Perth others in derision of their folly said that it was to be taken for an approbation from heaven likening the same to the thunderings and lightnings at the giving of the law to Moses This was the last Parliament of King Iames in this Kingdome and that wherein he received greatest content for the Puritan faction had boasted that the Acts of Perth should never pass in a law so confident they were of their favourers in the Parliament house and now that they failed in their hopes he trusted they would become more wise But the King no less carefull to have the Acts obeyed then he was to have them pass in a law did commend the same by two severall letters to the Bâ—shops and Lords of the Councell To the Bishops he said That as they had to do with two sorts of enemies Papists and Puritans so they should go forward in Action both against the one and the other That Papistry was a disease of the minde and Puritanisme of the braine and the antidote of both a grave settled and well ordered Church in the obedience of God and their King whereof he willed them to be carefull and to use all means for reducing those that either of simplicity or wilfulness did erre In his letter directed to the Councel he put them in minde of that he had written in his Basilicon dorâ—n That he would have reformation begin at his own elbow which he esteemed the Privy Councel and Session with their members to be as having their places and promotions by him Therefore commanded them and every one of that number to conform themselves to the obedience of the orders of the Church now established by law which he trusted they would readily do otherwise if any Counsellor or Sessioner should refuse and make difficulty he did assure them that if within 14 dayes before Christmas they did not resolve to conform themselves they should lose their places in his service And if any Advocate or Clerk should not at that time obey they should be suspended from the exercises of their offices and the fees and casualities thereunto belonging unto such time as they gave obedience In the same letter he willed the Councell to take order That none should bear office in any Burgh nor be chosen Sheriffe Deputy or Clerk but such as did conforme themselves in all points to the said orders This letter was of the date At the Honour of Hampton the 29 of September 1621. By this may the Reader judge of that which hath been commonly affirmed That the Nobleman who was Commissioner should have promised at the passing of the Acts that none should be pressed with the obedience of them but all left to their own pleasures That his Majesty gave no such warrant it appears by the foresaid Letters and that the Nobleman would go an inch from that he was trusted with none that knew will believe The truth is that in most perswasive words and with that majesty which became the place he represented he did require them all to acquiesce and willingly obey the conclusions taken and not to draw upon themselves by their disobedience his Majesties anger assuring them in that case that his Majesty should not in his daies presse any more change or alteration in matters of that kinde without their own consents And this was all the Nobleman spake as divers yet living may remember In the beginning of the next year the Chancellor died at his house of Pinky neer to Mâ—silburgh in a good age and with the regrate of many for he exerced his place with great moderation and to the contentment of all honest men he was ever inclining to the Roman faith as being educated at Rome in his younger years but very observant of good order and one that hated lying and dissimulation and above all things studied to maintain peace and quietness Sir George Hay Clerk of Register being then at Court was preferred to the place and by his dismission Mr. Iohn Hamilton brother to the Earl of Hadington made Keeper of the Register About this time upon advertisements sent from England of the enlargement of certain Priests and Papists that were there imprisoned a rumour was dispersed that the King was inclining to a toleration of Popery and would grant liberty of conscience This rumour was increased by occasion of certain directions sent from the King to the Bishops of England for reforming certain abuses crept into the Church whereby the Preachers and Lecturers were commanded on Sundaies and Holy-daies in the afternoon to teach the Catechisme only or then some text taken out of the Creed the ten Commandements or Lords Prayer and in their preaching to abstain from handling the deep points of Predestination Reprobation Election the universality efficacy resistibility or irresistibility of Grace leaving these themes as fitter for the Schools then for simple auditors as likewise not to presume in any Lecture or Sermon to limit and bound by way of positive doctrine the power prerogative jurisdiction authority or duty of soveraign Princes or to meddle with matters of State having reference betwixt Princes and people otherwise then they were instructed and presidented in the Homily of Obedience and others of that sort set forth by publick authority These directions were interpreted to be a discharge of preaching at least a confining of Preachers to certain points of doctrine which they called a limiting of the Spirit of God and as people will ever be judging and censuring publick actions every one made the construction whereunto their humours did lead them The better and wiser sort who considered the present estate of things gave a farre other judgment thereof for as then the King was treating with the French King for peace to the Protestants in France and with the King of Spain for withdrawing his forces from the Palatinate at which time it was no way fitting that he should be executing the rigour of his laws against Papists at home while he did labour for peace to them of the Religion abroad the most likely way to obtain what he did seek of these Princes being a moderation of the severity of laws against Priests Papists at least for a time And as to the directions given to the Preachers the same they judged both necessary and profitable considering the indiscretion of divers of that sort who to make ostentation of their learning or to gain the applause of the popular would be medling with controversies they scarce understood and
The Earl of Murray returneth from France He visiteth the Queen at Lochlevin The Earl of Murray elected Regent Bothwell taketh the Sea and is pursued by Grange The custody of Edinburgh Castle committed to Grange The Lords convened at Hamilton write to the Regent An. 1566. The first Parliament of King Iames the 6. The Acts concluded in Parliament The Queen ordained to be kept in prison The Bishop of Orkney deposed for marrying the Queen The confession of these that were executed for the Kings murther An. 1568. The Queen escapeth from Lochlevin The manner of the Queens escape The Queens resignation decerned null The Regent advertised of the Queens escape The Lord Boyd falleth to the Queen The Regent resolveth to stay at Glasgow and assemble forces The battel of Landside 13 May 1568. The order of the Regents Army The number of the slain The ptisoners that were taken The Castles of Hamilton and Darffan rendered to the Regent The Queen flieth to England and writes to Queen Elizabeth The Queen of Scots begins to see her error A Parliament called by the Regent The Queen of England desires the Parliament to be delayed The Râ—gent refuseth The Queen of England writeth to the Regent Commissiooners choosed to go into England The tenour of the Commission An Assembly of the Church Who should have voice in Assemblies Acts of discipline The Bishop of Orkney reponed A meeting of the English and Scots Commissioners at York Commissioners for the Scottish Queen Protestation for the Queen of Scotland Commissioners of Eâ—gland protest in the contrary A declaration in behalf of the Queen of Scotland The Regents â—etire to the â—ommissioners oâ— England The Duke of Norfolks answer Lethington disswadeth the Regent from accusing the Queen The information presented against the Queen of Scots The Commissioners of the Queen of Scots reply The Commissioners of England desire the Regent to give better reasons 〈◊〉 disperied of the Râ—gents imprisonment A Declaration presented in writing by the Râ—gent The answer of the Commissioners for the Queen of Scots The Queen of England doubteth how to cary her self in the business The Queens Commissioners purge the Regent of the Kings murther The Duke of Chattellerault claimeth the Regency A reply to the Dukes petition The Queen of Scots letters intercepted The Regent returneth to Scotland The Duke made Deputy by the Queen of Scots He writeth to the Assembly of the Church The Assemblies answer Commissioners from the Churches the Regent Petitions in behalf of the Church Orders for giving degrees in Divinity The Regent and Duke agreed An. 1569. He forthinketh his yielding The Duke and Lord Hereis commitâ—ed to the Castle of Edinburgh A treaty with Argile and Huntley Huntky remitted upon some conditions The Regents expedition into the North. The Lord Boyd briageth letteâ—s from both Queens to the Regent A letter from Sir Nicholas Throgmorion to the Regent A letter from Sir Nicholas to Lethington A Convention of Estates at Perth Their judgement of the Letters sent from the two Queens A message sent into England The Abbot of Dunsermling sent into England The Earl of Northumberland imprisoned in Lochlevin Lethington charged with the Kings murther The Laird of Grange counterâ—â—en the Regents hand and taketh Lethington to the Castle The Regent makes an expedition to the borders He is informed of practices against his life Lethingtons triall deferred Iames Hamilton of Bothwell-haugh taketh in hand the Regents murder The Regent killed by the shot of a bulbullet The murtherer escapeth Thuanus 46. The death of the Regent greatly lamented A prediction of Iohn Knox. An Ambassadour sent from England The Ambassadours speech in Councell An. 1570. The Laird of Lochlevin urgeth a revenge of the Regents murther The delay ill taken of the people The principals of the Queens faction writ to the Earl of Morton Lethington offereth himself to a trial A meeting at Edenburgh of the Noblemen of both parties in March They deliberate upon the choice of a Regent An Ambassadour from France A meeting at Linlithgow of the Noblemen that stood for the Queen They give out a Proclamation They deal wiâ—h the Earl of Morton but he will not hearken to them An Army cometh to Berwick under conduct of the Earl of Sussex The Lords forsake Edinburgh upon the report They give warrant for fortifying the Castle The Army of England entereth in Scotland The Lords desire a Truce from the Earl of Sussex which he refused A Convention of the Estates at Edinburgh An offer of peace to those of the Queens party The Queens authority proclaimed A Proclamation made by the Estates The Conspirators ranked in their Orders All prepare for Warre The Lord Seaton sent to Flanders The Parson of Dumbar brings moneys and Armour to Huntley The Lords who stood for the King send to Sussex for supply Grange and Lethington seek to stay the English forces upon offers Sir William 〈…〉 in Scotland with an Army The Castle of Hamilton rendered The Abbot of Dunfemlin Ambassadour in England His instructions The Queens answer to the instructions The Earl of Lennox made Lieutenant of the Countrey The Queen of Englands answer to the Lords that stood for the King The Earl of Lennox created King An Assembly of the Church at Edinburgh Commissioners directed from the Assembly of the Church to the Lords of the Queens party The Regent goeth to impede the Parliament indicted at Linlithgow A Parliament indicted at Edinburgh The Regents expedition to Brichâ—n An Ambassadour to Denmark An Abstinence agreed unto A Treaty with the Queen of Scots Tâ—is Regents letter to the Queen of England Secretary Lethington denounced Rebel and loses his office The Secretaries Declaration The Regents Reply Articles propounded to the Queen of Scotland Sir William Cecil his letters to the Regent The Earl of Sussex his advertisement to the Regent His particular advice The Regents answer The Abbot of Dunfermlin made Secretary and sent into England The Queen of Englands answer ult November 1570. The Laird of Grange raiseth a trouble in Edinburgh and breaks out in open Rebellion Commissioners sent into England Reasons justifying the Queen of Scots deposition Articles proponed to the Commissioners of Scotland Answer to the foresaid Articles Propositions made to the Queen of Scots Commissioners The Answer The Treaty continued to a more convenient time The Bishop of Galloway and the Lord Levingston conferre with the Earl of Morton Paslay taken by Lord Claud Hamilton and recovered by the Regent The Castle of Dunbartâ—n surprized The Archbishop of S. Andrews executed His Declaration at his death They who stood for the Queen take Arms and come to Edinbugh The Regent resolveth to hold the Parliament An. 1571. Persons forfeited in this Parliament The civil war renewed The Regent goeth to Striveling A conflict betwixt Morton and the Lords at Edinburgh The Eaâ—l of Morton hireth souldiers The Queen of England sendeth to Sir William Drury to try the estate of things The Lords on the Queens party hold
A Councell appointed for the University The Doctors Professors and Regents exempted for the Church-meetings A discovery of Witches A discharge of proceedings against Witches except in case of voluntary confession Troubles in the Borders A Parliament at Edinburgh Articles presented in the name of the Church Voice in Parliament granted to such Ministers as shâ—uâ—d be provided to the places as Bishops Abbots or other Prelates The office for the spirituall government remitted to the Assembly An. 1598. A General Assembly at Dundie Ministers might give voice in Parliament The number to be aâ—se many as of old in the Papisticall Church The election of those that should give voice to be made by the King and Church Commission for discussing the rest of the points Ministers of Edinburgh permitted to preach upon condition Four others named to be joyned with the Edinburgh Minâ—sters Exception taken at two of the number The providing of the Commissioners in the planting of Edinburgh allowed Anact desining the number of Commissioners from Presbyteries to Assemblies His Majesty pleaseth to remit all offences past of the Ministers Mr. Iohn Dividson protesteth against the conclusions of the Assembly Question moved for Mr. Robert Bruce who refused the imposition of hands A declaration made for his satisfaction A tumult in the Church as his admission Mr. Robert Bruce cited before the Commissioners purgeth himself of the tumult He is admitted and receives imposition of hands Commissioners directed to Synod of Fife A meeting at Falkland for determining the vote of Parliament Caveats for eschewing of corruption His Majesties purpose in giving way to these conclusions Ambassadors directed to the Princes of Germany The success of that Ambassage The Queen brought to bed of a daughter Hamilton and Huntley created Marquesses Mr. Iohn Lindesay Secretary dieth The Lord of Colluthy his death Mr. Thomas Buchannan his death David Ferguson his death The death of Mr. Robert Rollock most lamented His behaviour in the time of his sicknâ—ss and at his dying An. 1599. Alteration of some officers of State The Earl of Cassills made Treasurer Lord Elphingston succeeded Treasurer Sr. William Bowes Ambassadour from England One Ashfield conveighed privately to Berwick by two of the Ambassadours servants A visitation of the University of S. Andrewes Discourse of his Majesties Title to the Crown of England The King publisheth his Basilicon Doron by occasion of a libell Mr. Iohn Dikes fugitive for the libell The book well received in England A trouble for receiving some English Comedians A generall Assembly of the Church The voice in Parliament determined Two Cavears more added The state of Bishopricks at that time Bishops appointed for Rosse and Cathnes An. 1600. Iohn Dury Minister at Montrosse his death with a short description of his life The conspiracy of the Earl of Gowry The Kings kindness to his brethren and sister The plot contrived for entrapping the King The King goeth to Perth Gowry meeting the King was much troubled Mr. Alexander did move the King to goe with him Mr. Alexander professeth what he was about The Kings voice heard and is discerned Sir Thomas Areskin challengeth Gowrie Iohn Ramsey doth first relieve the King The Kings servants prepare to defend Gowrie entereth and after a little space is killed The Lords come to the King The danger by the people of the Town The Caracters found at the Earls girdle Some servants of Gowrie executed Andrew Henderson his confession The Ministers of Edinburgh required by the Councell to give thanks for his Majesties deliverance Their excuse and refusing to obey The Bishop of Rosse giveth thanks at the Market-cross The King cometh to Edinburgh Master Patrick Galloway his preaching at the Crosse. 1000 l mortified to the poor at Scone A solemne thanksgiving appointed for the Kings deliverance The Ministers of Edinburgh removed from their places Three of the number acknowledging their fault are pardoned Mr. Iames Balfoure remitted Master Robert Bruce banished A Parliament wherein Gowrie and his brother are forfeited The fifth of August to be kept yearly in remembrance of his Majesties delivery Acts concluded in this Parliament The King goeth to Dunfermlin to visit the Queen Prince Charles born at Dunfermlin The death of M. Iohn Craig with a description of his life Accidents that befell M. Craig in his flight A strange accident and singular testimony of Gods care over him He preacheth to Maximilian the Emperour but is forced to leave those parts He cometh to Scotland and is appointed Minister at Halirudhouse An. 1601. A trouble in the Court of England The Earl of Marre sent Ambassadour to England Pope Clement sends his Breves to England for excluding the King A Proclamation against some Jesuits An Assembly at Brunt-island Mr. Iohn Hall elected Modederator The defection in Religion complained of and the causes searched The remedy of the evils Mr. Iohn Davidson his letter to the Assembly The letter offended greatly the wiser sort A combustion touching the Ministers of Edinburgh A Proposition was made for a new Translation of the Bible and correcting the Psalmes The liberty of Application restrained The Ministers of Edinburgâ— received in favour New troubles by the Lord Maâ—well The Duke of Leâ—nox directed Ambassador to France The Queen of France lying of her first born The Duke returneth to Edinburgh An. 1602. Certain undertakers conqueâ— the Isles The Laird of Balcomy taken prisoner and dieth in Oikeney Neill betrayeth his brother Murdach The Lewis lost by the undertakers security Mr. Robâ— Bruce licenced to return upon promise of satisfaction Mr. Rob Bruce his inconstancy A Generall Assembly in the Chappell of Halirudhouse Petitions to his Majesty in name of the Church Overtures for provision of the Ministers The overtures deferred to another time Grievances of the Synod of Fife An answer to the grievances Acts concluded in the Assembly The businesse of Jesuits in England The story of Francis Mowbray and an Italian The Queen of England groweth sick A Conference betwixt the French Ambassadour Secretariâ— Cicill The King advertised of this conference His Majesties letter to the Secretary A letter from the King to the Earle of Northumberland An. 1603. The Queen of England her death The King advised of the Queens death A letter from the Councell and Nobility of England to the King The contents of the letter published The Borders make incursions upon the report of the Queens death The King giveth order for his journey The persons chused to attend the King in his journey He goeth to S. Giles to hear sermon The King makes a speech to the People which is followed with a great lamentation of the hearers The King cometh to Berwick The Councellors meet him at York The death of Mr. Iames Beaton Archbishop of Glasgow The Queen falleth sick at Striveling The Prince delivered to the Queen The King and Queen inaugurated at Westminster A conspiracy detected a-against the King George Brook and two Priests executed The Noble-men and others spared Ann. 1604. The
preferred him to that See but farther admitted him for his prudence and dexterity in Civil things to be one of his Privy Councel in Scotland And being graced with these honors he was sent back from England the same year to attend Queen Anne in her journey to London who knowing his integrity made him her Almoner for the better dispensing of her Charity which could not confidently be credited but to clean hands and an uncorrupt heart such as his really was Not long after this he presided in the Assembly at Glasgow where the power of Bishops ex Iure postliminii was restored The same year upon the Kings command he with the Bishops of Brechin and Galloway repaired to London where he received the solemnities of consecration from the Bishops of London Ely and Bath in the Chappel at Londonâ—house At his entry to the Archbishoprick of Glasgow he found the Revenues of it so dilapidate that there was not One hundred pounds sterling of yearly Rent left to tempt to a new Sacrilege But such was his care and husbandry for his Successors that he greatly improved it and yet with so much content to his Diocese that generally both the Nobility and Gentry and the whole City of Glasgow were as unwilling to part with him as if he had been in the place of a Tutelar Angel to them But part with him they must for after eleven years presiding there the See of S. Andrews being vacant King Iames who like another Constantine thought himself as highly concerned in providing Successors for Churches as Heirs for his Crown removed him from Glasgow being then about the age of fourty nine years to be the Primate and Metropolitan of all Scotland The next year after this he presided in the Assembly at Aberdene where the Earl of Montross being the Kings Commissioner the excommunicated Marquis of Huntley was upon his Penitence received into the Bosome of the Church And at the same Assembly there past an Act for the drawing up a Liturgie for the Church of Scotland and some of the most learned and grave among the rest William Cowper Bishop of Galloway being designed the chief were deputed to that Work wherein the Service of God and the Peace of that Church was so deeply concern'd Which I the more willingly mention that the deceived party might know that the designe of a Liturgie which was afterward look'd upon as the dangerous Trojan horse sent in by their suspected Neighbours might have proved more properly such a Palladium to them as might have preserved them to this day had they not onely scornfully but seditiously rejected it and have therefore found the same fate as they of Troy did of whom it was observed Peritura Troja perdidit primùm Deos. Being invested by the Kings favour in this Primacy he made so much farther use of it as he procured Three hundred pounds sterling of yearly Rent being by the Sacrilege of former times swallow'd up in the Crown-Revenues to be restored to his See Nor did he finde any difficult business of it for certainly these latter Ages have not produced in any Nation a Christian Prince that understood better then he the horror of Sacrilege and the Concernments of Religion which never suffers more then when the Professors of it are exposed to Scorn and Poverty For however this was the portion of the best and Primitive Times when the Christian Faith had no publick Civil Authority to own it yet after it had pleased God to make Kings the Nursing-Fathers and Churches were endowed by pious men their Revenues were ever held Sacred till the Covetousness of some and the Profaneness of others had consulted with that subtile Oracle that delivers it tanquam è Tripode that there can be no such sin as Sacrilege for as Nothing can be given to God so Nothing can be taken from him All King Iames his time he lived in great favour with him and was the prime Instrument used by him in several Assemblies for the restoring the ancient Discipline and bringing that Church to some degrees of Uniformity with her Sister Church of England which had we on both sides been worthy of might have proved a Wall of Brass to both Nations Nor was his Industry less for the recovery of some remnants and parcels of the Churches Patrimony which though they were but as a few Crums in comparison of that which at a full Meal Sacrilege had swallow'd he found to be an hard Province yet by his zeal and diligence he overcame many difficulties and so little regarded his own ease that for the effecting of this and what else conduced to the recovery of that Church in Patrimony and Discipline they who knew the passages of his life have computed that he made no less then fifty journeys from Scotland to London Nor was he less gracious with King Charles his blessed Son who was Crown'd by him in the Abbey Church of Holyrude-house with such high applause and acclamations of that Nation that it could not have been possibly imagined that such an Hosanna should ever be turned into a Crucifige or that a Prince so passionate a lover of his own native Countrey should finde such enemies in the bowels of it as either to contrive or to assist his Ruine But thus God had ordered it as in the case of Iosiah rather as a Punishment for our sins then his that leaving his earthly Crown which to him really proved but a Crown of Thorns whatever it may prove to others to the bold Hand that would next venture to take it up he might be put in possession of a more glorious Diadem and sit Crowned there where if the joyes of heaven admit of such a diversion he looks down upon things below and all that happens here with so much unconcernment as what was said of the brave Roman may in a Christian sense be more sutable to him Illic postquam se lumine vero Implevit stellásque vagas miratur Astra Fixa Polis vidit quantâ sub nocte jaceret Nostra dies ridétque sui ludibria trunci But to return to this pious man who was so happy as to have his eyes closed before the Crown which he so solemnly set upon his Masters Head was to the astonishment of the World snatcht from him there must be added to this story That as he enrich'd his See of Glasgow so he did the like for S. Andrews procuring the Revenues of the Priory being then in Lay hands to be added to his Church But having compassed this to shew that it was done rather for the Churches interest then his own he dealt by way of humble Petition with the King that of his large Diocese of S. Andrews so much as was of the South-side of the River of Forth might be dismembred for the erecting of a new Bishoprick which accordingly was done and being amply endowed was seated in their Prime City of Edinburgh Two years after this the
satisfaction was made for the offence and because no redresse was offered a new intimation was made of his cursing through the whole Province This the King and the Court took so ill as forthwith a messenger was sent to charge the Bishop to depart forth of the Realm which as he was preparing to obey the news of a Legate sent from Rome into England made the Court take a more moderate course fearing the consequence of so rigorous a proceeding This Legate called Ottobon being employed for pacifying the troubles raised betwixt the King of England and his Barons did summon the Clergy of Scotland to appear before him by their Commissioners and to bring with them a Collection of four Marks for every Parish within the Realm and six Marks for every Cathedrall Church The Clergy meaning themselves to the King he did prohibit any such Contribution and sent his Chancellour to the Bishop of Dunkeld and Robert Bishop of Dumblane partly to declare the reasons of his prohibition and partly to observe the proceedings of the Legate with these of England At their return some Acts were shewed which the Legate had set down to be observed by the Clergy all which they rejected saying That they would acknowledge no Statutes but such as proceeded either from the â—ope or from a Generall Councell Ottobon was not well gone when another Legate named Rustaneus was sent to demand a tenth of all the Church rents within the Kingdome for advancing the journey of King Henries son who had undertaken the holy Warre at the solicitation of Ottobon but this seeming to crosse the liberties granted by former Popes unto the Church and it being notorious that the Pope was to employ the moneys to other ends for he was then warring against Manfred King of Naples and Sicily therefore the same was denied and Rustane prohibited to enter into the Realm The King not the lesse in token of his affection sent to the Pope 100. Marks sterling and for the furtherance of the holy Warre did levy 1000. men which he sent to Lewes the French King who had determined to adventure himself of new against the Infidels under the charge of the Earls of Atholl and Carrick All these dyed in that Warre partly of the plague as did Lewes himself and partly by the sword of the Enemy In this Bishops time the Carmelite Friers came into Scotland and had a dwelling assigned them at Perth by Richard Bishop of Dunkeld The Crosse-Church at Peblis was at that same time built and endowed by the King with large Revenews The reason why this Church was erected was a Crosse as they write found in that place enclosed in a little Shrine on which the name of Nicolaus a Bishop was written The Church was dedicated with many pompous Ceremonies divers Prelates being present amongst whom was Gamelinus who at his return home was taken with a Palsie and died in Inchmurtach having sate Bishop 16. years his Corps was laid in the new Church of S. Andrews nigh to the high Altar 24. William Wishart elect of Glasgow was upon the death of Gamelinus preferred to S. Andrews Pope Urban the fourth had not long before ordained That every Bishop and Abbot elect should travell to Rome for Consecration but the Papacy then vacant by reason of a Schism that continued two years and nine moneths after the death of Clement the fourth he was unwilling to goe thither four other Prelates being kept there depending at the same time William elect of Brichen Matthew elect of Rosse Nicoll elect of Cathnes and Hugh Benham elect of Abredene The elect of Brichen died at Rome Aberdene and Rosse were consecrated by Gregory the tenth upon the ending of the schisme at Viturbium Nicoll was rejected and the Chapter of Cathnes appointed to make a new election The Agents that Wishart sent for licence to be consecrated were detained a long time and had returned without effectuating their errand if Edward the first of England who coming from the Holy land was then at Rome had not by his intercession prevailed with the Pope and obtained licence for the consecration which was performed at Scone in the year 1274. in the presence of the King and divers of his Nobles At the same time William Fraser Dean of Glasgow was preferred to be Chancellour The Pope shortly after this having convocated a Councell at Lyons caused cite all the Prelates thereto to this effect a meeting of the Clergy was kept at perth where it was concluded that the Bishops Dunkeld and Murray onely excepted should addresse themselves to the journey and be at Lyons before the first of May. Hopes were given of great reformation to be made in that Councel especially of the Orders of Mendicants who were mightily increased and grown to the highest of depravation The Councel was frequent there being present as my Authour saith two Patriarchs fifteen Cardinals five hundred Bishops and a thousand other mitred Prelates besides the King of France and the Emperour of Greece and many other Princes The first proposition was for the holy warre and concerning it the Councel decreed That a tenth of all the Benefices in Christendome the priviledged Churches not excepted should be paid for six yeares That all Penitentiaries and Confessors should urge offendors to assist that holy businesse with their wealth and riches and that every Christian without exception of sex or quality should pay a yearly penny during that space under pain of excommunication For remedying abuses in the Church the Councel ordained 1. That no procurations should be paid to Bishops or Archdeacons unlesse they did visit the Churches in their own persons 2. That no Churchman should possesse more Benefices then one and should make his residence at the Church he retained 3. That without the Popes licence no Clergy should answer the impositions which might happen to be laid upon them by Princes or States 4. That the Mendicants should be reduced to four orders the Minorites the Predicants Carmelites and Heremites of S. Augustine who should continue in their present state untill the Pope should otherwise think good And 5. a geneprohibition was made to advise or admit any new orders besides those which the Councel had allowed Some other Acts of lesse moment were passed whereof the extract under the hands of the publick notaries of the Councel was sent to this Church but all these statutes turned in a short time to smoke pluralities being of new dispensed with with the clause of Non obstante which then first came in use The orders of the Friers and Monks restored one by one as first the Cistertian Monks who redeemed their order by the paiment of 500000. Marks then the Bernardines with the summe of 600000. Crownes the other Orders made in little sort their Compositions Whereby it appeared that the statutes there enacted were only devised to raise summes of
had valiantly defended themselves and their liberties against the Romanes Picts Britains Danes Norishes and all others who sought to usurp upon them and howbeit said he the present occasion hath bred some distraction of mindes all true hearted Scotch men will stand for the liberty of their countrey to the death for they esteem their liberty more precious then their lives and in that quarrel will neither separate nor divide wherefore as he had professed in way of friendship and as an Arbiter elected by themselves to cognosce and decide the present controversie they were all in most humble manner to intreat him that he would proceed to determine the question which they and their posterities should remember with their best affections and services King Edward although he was not well pleased with the Bishops free speech made no speech thereof at the time but continuing his purpose desired the competitors to be called They all being severally heard the right was found to lie chiefly betwixt Iohn Baliol and Robert Bruce and the rest ordained to cease from their claime Of Baliol and Bruce an oath was taken that they should abide by the sentence which King Edward should pronounce The like oath was taken by the Prelates Nobles and other Commissioners of the State who swear all to accept him for their King that should be tried to have the best right and for the greater assurance all their Seales were appended to the Compromise Then Edward proceeding made twelve of either kingdome men learned in the Law to be elected for examination of the right declaring that he would take the opinions also of the best Civilians in the Universities of France In this sort was the businesse carried in publick but privately and amongst some few the consultation was how to bring Scotland under his subjection Five years and some more were spent before the controversie was brought to an end at last every one longing to have it concluded the King returned to Berwick and calling the 24. who had been named at the first meeting he did enclose them within the Church commanding them to debate the matter and permitting none to have accesse unto them he himself went in now and then to feel their mindes and perceiving the most part inclining to Bruce his right he dealt first with him promising to invest him in the kingdom so as he would hold the same of the Crown of England Bruce answered that he was not so desirous of rule as he would therefore prejudice the liberties of the countrey The like offer he made to Baliol who being more greedy of a kingdome then careful of his honour did yield thereunto and so was Crowned King at Scone all the Nobility Bruce excepted doing him homage Some dayes after his Coronation he went to Newcastle to do the homage as he had promised to King Edward as unto his Soveraigne Lord. The Nobles that accompanied him thither fearing to withstand the two Kings so farre from home did likewise swear subjection to King Edward Which as soon as the rest of the Nobility and others of the State who were tender of their countreys liberty understood they grew highly displeased they that were in Baliols company were excused as not daring oppose the fact in that place but he himself having done it upon a secret paction which then began first to break out he became so universally hated as after that time could he never purchase their love nor was it long before he felt the smart of his own error For being cited to answer before the Parliament of England upon a complaint exhibited against him he appeared and having desired to answer by Procurator the same was denied him and he forced to descend to the ordinary place of pleading and stand as a subject This affront did so vexe his minde that from thenceforth he did meditate upon nothing but revenge whereof a good opportunity was offered him by the warre which then burst forth between France and England The Ambassadours of both these Kings coming at one time into Scotland the French to seek the renuing of the ancient League and the English to crave a supply of men to be sent unto King Edward by vertue of the late allegiance sworne by Baliol the desire of England was utterly rejected as unjust Because the allegiance sworne by their King was as they said forced and granting he had done it willingly it was not in his power without consent of the State to do any such act Therefore whatsoever was done by him that way both he and they did recall renouncing Edwards friendship both for that and other wrongs committed by him Thereupon it was concluded that two Ambassadours should be sent one to France for renuing the League and confirming it by new alliance of Edward Baliol the Kings son with the daughter of France another to England for defying King Edward and renouncing his allegiance Towards France William Bishop of S. Andrewes Matthew Bishop of Dunkeld Sir Iohn Sowlis and Sir Ingram Umphraville Knights were imployed The Ambassadour to England being declined by many Henry Abbot of Aberbrothock a man of great stomach undertook and performed Upon this defection of Baliol King Edward summoned him to appear at Newcastle and upon his refuse entered into Scotland with a mighty Army took Berwick with the slaughter of 7000. Scots and had delivered into his hands the Castles of Dumbar Roxburgh Edinburgh and Striveling Baliol thus overthrown was again by the perswasion of Iohn Cumin of Strathbogy brought to submit himself and swear fealty of new to King Edward After which the Parliament of Scotland was called to meet at Berwick there did all the Nobility that were present perform homage to the King of England William Douglas a man nobly born and of great courage onely refused and was therefore cast in prison where he died This done King Edward turned home leaving Iohn Warren Earl of Surrey and Sussex Governour of the kingdome Hugh Cressingham Treasurer and Ormsley chief Justice The Bishop of S. Andrewes who was lately come from France not enduring to see the countrey so thralled returned thither appointing Mr. William Knigorne and Peter de Campaigne his Chaplains to supply his absence in all spiritual affaires Robert Bishop of Glasgow and Maurice Bishop of Isles were taken and sent prisoers to London The rest of the Churchmen though permitted to attend their Cures were held under miserable bondage whereupon they secretly dispatched a message to the Pope with William Archdeacon of Lothian Baldred Bisset and William Egishame willing them to lament the oppressions of the Church and the usurpation made upon the countrey and so intreat him as the universal Father of Christendome to use his authority with the King of England ever whom he had power and take the matter to his own hearing unto whose judgement they would simply submit themselves Pope Boniface the eighth
from that expedition an Ambassage was sent to Rome for reconciling the Kingdome and a Letter subscribed by the Nobility and Barons to the Pope the Copy whereof I have thought good to insert Sanctissimo in Christo Patri domino Iohani c. filii sui humiles devoti Duncamus Comes de Fife Thomas Ranulphus Comes Moraviae dominus Manviae dominus Wallis Annandiae Patricius Dumbar Comes Marchiae Malisius Comes Strathern Malcolm us Comes de Lennox Gulielmus Comes de Rosse Magnus Comes Cathannon Orcaden Gulielmus Comes Sutherlandiae Walterus Senescallus Scotiae Gulielmus de Souls Buttelarius Scotiae Iacobus de Douglas David de Brichen David Grahame Ingelramus Umphravile Iohannes Monteith Custos Comitatus ejusdem Alexander Fraser Gilbertus de Haya Constabularius Scotiae Robertus Marescallus Scotiae Henricus de Santo Claro Panitarius Scotiae Iohannes Grahame David Lindsay Patritius Grahame Iohannes de Fenton Gulielmus de Abernethy David de Weymis Gulielmus de Montefixo Fergusius de Androssen Eustathius Maxwell Gulielmus Ramsey Alanus de Moravia Donaldus Champell Iohannes Cameron Reginaldus Loquhoir Alexander Seaton Andreas Leslie Alexander de Straton caeterÃque Barones liberè tenentes tota communitas Regni Scotiae c. Thereafter they said That Scotland being an ancient Kingdome governed by a continued succession of 97. Kings and amongst the first that embraced the faith of Christ living under the patronage of S. Andrew the brother of S. Peter and graced with many privileges by the Popes his predecessors had always been free from usurpation of any stranger before that Edward the father of him that now reigneth in England did in the time of the interreign when the question was of a successour labour by violence to establish the Kingdome to himself since which time they have endured many injuries having their Churches spoiled their Monasteries burnt and their Countrey intolerably oppressed till of late it hath pleased God to stirre up King Robert Bruce who as another Iosua or Iudas Maccabeus had redeemed them by his valour with whom they resolved in defence of their Countrey to spend their lives And if he should forsake them which they knew he would not do so long as they wâ—ere any of them in life England should never bring them in subjection Wherefore they besought his Holinesse to make the English content themselves with the spacious bounds they possessed in which there reigned sometimes seven Kings and suffer the Scots quietly to enjoy that little piece of ground which their progenitors had long defended and left free unto them In end they entreated To be received again into his grace and favour promising all dutifull obedience to him and to the See Apostolick This was the tenor of the Letter which the Pope favourably accepted and thereupon gave order that the â—nglish and Scots should both be warned to a certain Diet for debating their rigâ—â—s The Diet come and the English not appearing the Pope after he had examined the case and perused the rescripts of divers his predecessours released the Interdiction which his Legate had published and declared the Scots to be reconciled to the Church The great discontents which were then amongst the English for the government of affairs under Edward the third who was then made King upon his Fathers resignation brought them to sue for peace which after a short Treaty was concluded and the Peace confirmed by a Match betwixt David Prince of Scotland and Iane sister to King Edward The Conditions of the Peace were these That King Edward should surrender by Charter his Title of Soveraignty of the Kingdom of Scotland Restore whatsoever Acts Deeds and Instruments he had of Homage and Fealty done by the Kings of Scotland or their Nobility to any of his antecessors especially those which Edward the first his Grandfather had by force extorted and leave the Kingdome of Scotland as free as it was at the death of King Alexander the third That the Scots should quit and renounce all the lands they held in England and Stanmore be taken for the March both in Cumberland and in Northumberland That no Englishman should enjoy lands in Scotland unlesse he dwelt in the Countrey And that in satisfaction of the lands possessed by some of them who would not remain in Scotland the King of Scots should pay 30000. Marks Peace thus made and the mariage with great solemnity performed though the Prince was then but seven years old King Robert waxing sickly lived private in a sort untill his death which happened some two years after He was a King of incomparable wisdome and valour whose worth and vertue no pen can expresse Whilest this Peace was treating Lamberton departed this life having continued Bishop thirty years a Prelate wise active and a great Benefactor to the Abbey wherein for the most part he kept his residence The buildings whereof now we onely behold the ruines were erected upon his charges It is reported that being asked by one of his servants on a night Why he did lay out so great summes for the Monastery and forget to build for himself he answered That ere he died he hoped to build more then his successors should well maintain Which he indeed performed for besides the repairing of his Palace in S. Andrews he built at Monymaill Torrey Dersey Inchmortach Mufchart Ketins Lincon Monymusk and Stow in Twaddale houses of good receipt for himself and his successors He finished the Cathedrall Church which had been many years a building and dedicated the same with great solemnity in the year 1318. He adorned the Chapter house with curious seats and ceeling furnished the Chanons with pretious vestments for the daily service stored their Library with Books and at the Dedication of the Church procured of the King who honoured the same with his presence a yearly rent of 100. Marks to be paid to the Abbey forth of the Exchequer which annuity was afterward redeemed by the donation of the Church of Fordon in Mernis he himself the same very day gave unto the Prior and Convent the Churches of Dersey Abercromby as the donations yet extant do testifie and dying at the last in the Priors Chamber within the Monastery was buried in the new Church on the north side of the high Altar in the year 1328. The famous Doctor Ioannes Duns alià s Scotus lived in his time he was born in the Town of Duns in the Countrey of Mers and being yet a childe after some taste he had got of the Latine Tongue by the perswasion of two Minorite Friers went to Oxford studying Logick in Merton College then applying himself to Scholastick Divinity grew to such a perfection therein as he was called The subtile Doctor and was followed of a number who after his name are called to this day Scotistae After he had professed a while at Oxford he was called to reade Divinity in the
Queen of England requesting her advice in the choice and an answer to the other Petitions moved by the Abbot of Dunfermlin The Queen who was put in hope that Westmerland and the other Rebells of England entertained by the Queen of Scots faction should be delivered unto her had shewed her self very favourable unto them but hearing that they were escaped she made answer as followes That she did kindly accept the good will of the Noblemen testified by their seeking her advice in the choice of a Regent being a matter of such importance and so nearly touching the estate of their King and Realm That her minde once was they should do best to continue the election for a time but now considering the disorders that were raised and possibly thereafter might arise if some person was not placed in that charge she did allow their resolution And seeing the abilities of men for that place were best known to themselves she should be satisfied with their choice whatsoever it was Howbeit out of the care she had of the young King she would not dissemble her opinion which was that the Earl of Lennox her cousin whom as she was informed they had made Lieutenant of the Realm would be more carefull of his safety then any other But in any case desired them not to think that in so doing she did prescribe them any choice but left it free to themselves to do what was fittest Further she desired them to rest assured notwithstanding of the reports dispersed by their adversaries that she had neither yielded nor would yield to the alteration of the state of their King and Government unlesse she did see a more just and clear reason then had yet appeared For howbeit she condescended to hear what the Queen of Scots would say offer as well for her own assurance as for the good of that Realm a thing w th in honor she could not refuse yet not knowing what the same would be she meant not to break the order of Law and Iustice either to the advancing or prejudging of her cause Therefore finding the Realm governed by a King and him invested by Coronation and other solemnities requisite as also generally received by the three Estates she minded not to do any act that might breed alteration in the Estate or make a confusion of governments But as she had found so to suffer the same continue and net permit any change therein so far as she might impede the same except by some eminent reason she should be induced to alter her opinion In end she desired them beware that neither by misconceiving her good meaning towards them nor by the insolent brags of their adversaries they should take any course that might hinder or weaken their cause and make her intentions for their good ineffectual This letter communicated to the Estates convened at Edinburgh the twelfth of Iuly and a long discourse made to the same effect by Mr. Thomas Randolph her Ambassadour they were exceedingly joyed So following the advice given them they made choice of Matthew Earl of Lennox declaring him Regent and Governour of the Realme unto the Kings majority or till he were able by himself to administrate the publick affaires This was done with the great applause of all that were present and published the next day at the Crosse of Edinburgh In an Assembly of the Church kept the same moneth there was some businesse moved by Mr. Iames Carmichal then Master of the Grammar School of S. Andrews against Mr. Robert Hamilton Minister of the City for some points of doctrine delivered by the said Mr. Robert in Pulpit The points are not particularly expressed but in the sixt Session of that Assembly Mr. Iames Macgill Clerk of Register Mr. Iohn Bellenden of Auchnoâ—le Justice Clerk and Mr. Archibald Douglas one of the Senators of the Colledge of Justice were directed from the Chancellor and Councel to require them to forbear all decision in that matter seeing it concerned the Kâ—ngs authority and contained some heads tending to treason so is it there said which ought to be tried by the Nobility and Councel willing them notthelesse to proceed in such things as did appertain to their own jurisdiction which was judged reasonable and agreed unto by the Church So farre were they in these times from declining the King and Councel in doctrines savouring of treason and sedition as they did esteem them competent Judges thereof In the same Assembly Commission was given to Mr. David Lindesay and Mr. Andrew Hay to travel with the Duke of Chattellerault the Earls of Argile Eglington and Cassils the Lord Boyd and other Barons and Gentlemen in the West parts for reducing them to the obedience of the King and his authority The like Commission was given to the Laird of Dun for the Earl of Crawford the Lord Ogilvy and their assisters in Angus and certification ordained to be made unto them that if they did not return to the Kings obedience the spiritual sword of excommunication should be drawn against them which I cannot think was really intended considering the quality and number of the persons The Regent immediately upon his creation and oath taken according to the custom for maintaining true Religion and observing the lawes and liberties of the Realm prepared to keep the Diet appointed at Linlithgow by the Lords of the Queens party who were said to be gathering forces for holding the Parliament they had indicted And because much depended upon the success of that business he sent to the Earl of Sussex for assistance of his forces And to the Laird of Grange with whom he kept some correspondence for some Field-pieces and other things belonging to their furniture Grange at first made fair promises but shifting those who were sent to receive the munition said This his service should not be wanting to the making of a concord but he would not be accessary to the shedding of the blood of Scotâ—ish men The Earl of Sussex deferred his answer likewise till the Queen should be advertised Notthelesse the Regent observed the Diet accompanied with 5000 Gentlemen none of the adverse party appearing Thereafter a Parliament was indicted to hold at Edinburgh the tenth of October and the Regent understanding that the Earl of Huntley had sent some 160. souldiers to Brichen and given order for providing victuals to the companies who were there to meet him made an hasty expedition thither having sent the Lords Lindesay and Ruthven with Sir Iames Haliburton Provost of Dundy a little before himself went nigh to have intercepted the Earl of Crawford the Lord Ogilvy and Sir Iames Balfour who were there attending Huntley But they escaping the souldiers fled to the Steeple of the Church Castle which they had fortified The steeple at the Regents first coming did yield so many as were therein had their lives saved the Castle held out some days till they heard the Canon was at hand
the power of those whom the Queen and Regent should send in Commission to change diminish or augment the Articles at their pleasures Therefore did he advise the Regent to send a Nobleman with some other well learned and practised in the affairs of the countrey to deal in these matters taking care that the persons he choosed were constant and firm and such as would not be wonne from him nor from the cause This Letter of the date the thirteenth of October 1570. written in so friendly and familiar a manner for therein he named some whom the Regent had lately imployed of whom he willed him to beware gave him to understand that matters were not so farre gone as his adversary did bragge After a few dayes the Earl of Sussex advertised the Regent that the Lords of the other faction had made choice of certain Commissioners to attend the treaty begun betwixt their Queen and the Queen of England desiring that no trouble nor molestation should be made to them and their train in that journey as also to send some speciall persons instructed with Commission from the King and the Nobility of his side to give their best advice for the surety of the King and his dependants if matters should happen to be accorded And if it fell out otherwise to consider what should be the most sure course for continuance of amity betwixt the two Realms the preservation of the young King the reducing of the subjects to his obedience and the defence of the Isle against forain invasions These Commissioners he desired to be sent with expedition for that her Majesty longed to have an end of the business and could not grow to any resolution till she had conferred with them and understood their minds This he did by direction from the Queen his Mistris as he wrote howbeit he himself had thought of some particulars that he held convenient to be thought upon but for the Kings security and theirs if his mother should be set at liberty wherein he prayed him familiarly to shew what was his opinion As first if she should happen to be restored to her Crown and the King to be made to dimit the authority it might be upon condition that in case of her death or the breach of the present agreement he might reenter to the kingdome without any Solemnities to be used Next that a Councell of both parties might be provided to her by the Queen of England for avoyding all sorts of practises Thirdly that the young King should be educated in the Realm of England under the custody of such persons as the Nobility of his party should appoint which would be the greatest sureâ—y for those that depended on him and tie his mother to the performance of the Articles Fourthly that a new Act of Parliament should be made for the establishing of true Religion and oblivion of all injuries committed on either side Fifthly that the Queen should give some principall men of her side Hostages to remain in England for fulfilling the heads of the agreement Lastly he advised the Regent to send with the Commissioners that should be imployed in that errand a writing signed and scaled by all the Noblemen of the Kings party to shâ—w who they were that stood on that side Because besides the credit it would bring to the cause the same would be to good purpose howsoever matters went For if the Treaty should break off it would be seen who would maintain and defend the King Or if otherwise an accord were made it would be known for what persons the Queen of England was to provide a surety Whether these Propositions were made as he gave out of his own head or which would rather appear that he was set on by the Queen of England to try the Regent and Nobilities mind he answered very advisedly and beginning at the last he said That he held his opinion good touching the sealing of a writing by the Nobility of the Kings party whose number would not be found so great as he wished because there were divers Neuters that adhered to no side and many that desired to keep things loose some for impunity of crimes whereof they were suspected and others hoping to better their condition in an unquiet time yet he trusted to obtain the subscriptions of a sufficient number who had sincerely continued in the profession of true Religion and his Majesties obedience and from their hearts abhorred the murtherers of the King his sonne and the late Regent For the other points he said that he could not give his private opinion in matters so important by reason of his oath made at the acceptation of the government to have no dealing in matters of that kind without the knowledge of the Nobility and Councell And touching the Commissioners which the Queen required to be sent there should be diligence used therein how soon they understood of what quality the others were that the Lords of the Queens party did choose Neither should any molestation be made to them in their journy so as their names the number of their train and the way they minded to take were notified For otherwise as he said the King and Estate might receive hurt and some that were culpable of those odious murthers steal away privately in their company Mean while he shewed that till Commissioners might be chosen by the advice of the Noblemen then absent the Councell had appointed the Abbot of Dunfermlin Ambassadour to the Queen of England and given him such instructions as they held needfull for the time by whom she should be more fully advertised of their minds in all matters About the midst of November the Abbot of Dunfermlin then made Secretary went into England He was desired to shew the Queen How it was the expectation of all the good subjects in Scotland that she would never forget the motherly care she had professed to have of the innocent person of their young King nor yet be unmindfull of the Noblemen and others professing his obedience who had studied to maintain peace betwixt the two Realms ever since her Majesties entry to the Crown and that they being required as well by letters from her Lieutenant in the North as by her Ambassadour resident amongst them to direct some speciall persons towards her for communicating such things as they thought requisite for the surely of their King and themselves although they had resolved upon a number sufficient for that Legation yet they deferred to send away till they should understand who were nominated for the Lords of the other party to the end they might equall them in birth and quality That in the mean time lest they should be thought more negligent then became them in matter of such importance they had laid upon him the charge to come and signifie to her Majesty the opinion that was held in Scotland of the Articles framed at Chattesworth which the adversaries gave out to have been craved by her
opinions of divers famous Divines The Queen of England having considered their reasons was not a little displeased both with the bitter speeches and with the liberty they had used in depressing the authority of Princes and thereupon told them That she was in no sort satisfied with their reasons willing them to go unto the second head and devise what they thought meetest for the safety of their King and themselves But said they refusing that they had no Commission to speak of any thing that might derogate from the Kings authority and if such a Commission had been given them they would not have accepted it In these terms matters continued some days till the Commissioners for the King of Scots suting to be dimitted were sent for to Greenwich where the Queen had a long speech tending all to declare what a good will she had carried to the young King and to those that professed his obedience and wondering they should be so wilful and not to deliberate of such things as served to their own safety The Commissioners answering that they believed the reasons produced would have satisfied her Majesty touching their proceedings which as they esteemed were sufficient to prove that they had done nothing but according to justice Yet I saith the Queen am not satisfied neither with your reasons nor lawes nor examples nor am I ignorant of the lawes my self having spent divers years in the study thereof If ye your selves will not saith she propone any thing for your own sureties yet I would have you hear what my Councel is able to say in that matter and I hope it shall content you They answered that their respect to her Majesty was greater then to refuse any good advice which she and her good Councel should give them but that they had no power to consent to any thing that might inferre an alteration of the present state or diminish the Kings authority The next day the Articles following were given them and they desired to consider of the same and set down their Answer in writing 1. That in regard her son had been crowned King by vertue of her dimission and his Coronation ratified by the three Estates of Parliament and that since that time a great number of the subjects had professed obedience to him and his Regents which was to be interpreted in the best part as done out of duty and not out of any ill mind towards their Queen the obedience so yielded to the King and his Regents should be allowed from the time of the dimission of the Crown made by her unto the resumption of the same And all manner of Acts done since that time in the administration of justice and for government of the State should be reputed good and lawful or at least reviewed and confirmed in the next Parliament after consideration taken of the same by twelve Lords whereof six should be named by the Queen and her Commissioners and the other six by the Commissioners for the Kings part 2. That all Statutes and Ordinances made concerning matters of Religion and the Ministers thereof since the same time should be observed by all the subjects of Scotland and no pardon nor dispensation granted in time coming to any person not observing the same without consent of the said twelve Lords 3. That all Processes Sentences and Judgements given either in causes civil or criminal since the said time wherein the order of the laws of the Realm had been observed should remain in force and only such sentences as had been pronounced either in the name of the King or Queen against any person for not obeying or acknowledging either of their Titles be rescinded the sentences alwayes pronounced against the Earl of Bothwel or any others for the murther of the Queens husband standing good and valid 4. That all Ecclesiastical benefices and temporal offices which have usually continued in the person of any during term of life should remain with the same persons that held them at the time of the Queens dimission such excepted as may be proved to have consented to the murther of her husband or that have left them upon recompence and with their own consents In which cases the present possessors should enjoy the same unlesse they were uncapable and declared by the twelve Lords to be such 5. That all strengths Castles and houses appertaining to the Crown should be restored to the possession of those who held them at the time of the Queens dimission except they had parted therewith upon agreement In which case the Queen with consent of the said twelve Lords or the most part of the Councel should dispose thereof 6. That the Jewels Plate Moveables and implements of houses belonging to the Queen at the time of her dimission should be restored provided the moneys which any had laid out for the same were repayed And for such as had been put away by the direction of the Regents or Councel that recompence should be made by the Queen to the party according to the just value 7. That a law should be established in Parliament for oblivion and remission of all things done since that time after the same manner that was done in the year 1563. providing not the lesse that the Comptroller Thesaurer and other receivers of the Crown revenues should give an accompt to the Queen of all summes of money or other profits which had not been expended bona fide for the affairs of the Realm or by order and warrant from the Regent and others trusted with those affairs Neither should the remission be extended to any that had taken by force any houses Castles lands or heritages belonging to others but restitution should be made thereof to the party dispossessed or to his heirs till the same by order of law be justly determined In like manner concerning goods moveable taken away from the Owners against their wills and being yet in their own nature extant that restitution should be made thereof And because many doubts might arise upon this Article the same should be determined by the foresaid twelve Lords or otherwise as was devised for the execution of the Act made Anno 1563. 8. That for the more quiet government of the Realm there should be appointed a Privy Councel which should consist of twelve Lords spiritual and temporal besides the other ordinary officers that do usually attend And that the said Councel should be established with the like provisions that were made at the return of the Queen out of France Anno 1561. So many as were then Counsellors and yet alive being counted of that number and that the Earl of Lennox because he was most bound by nature to take care of the King should be one of the Councel and have place therein according to his degree 9. That for the greater safety of the Kings person he should be brought into the Realm of England and there governed by such Noblemen of Scotland as depend of him so as he may be ever
should prefer none thereto but such as was sound in Religion and for other qualities apt and worthy That during his Regencie he should grant no respits nor remissions for hainous crimes That he should not transport the King forth of the Castle of Striveling without the advice of the Councel That he should grant no favour to the murtherers of the Kings Father and Regents That he should neither enter into league with forainers nor denounce warre without the consent of the Estates And that he should be careful to entertain the amity contracted with the Queen of England The Estates on the other part did promise to assist him with all their power against the Kings enemies and to joyn with him in the reformation of whatsoever abuses crept in by occasion of the late troubles without offending at the execution of justice upon their nearest and dearest friend Order was also taken for the entertainment of his house the setling of a resident Councel and the advancing of the revenues of the Crown to the best profit And these were the things done in that meeting Soon after came Sir Henry Killigrew Ambassadour from England partly to declare the content which the Queen had received in the choice of the Earl of Morton to be Regent and partly to renew the Abstinence which was then near the expiring Herein he prevailed so farre with the Duke and Huntley as they were brought not only to prorogate the Abstinence but also to name certain Noblemen who should meet for them at Perth with such as the Regent by advice of the Councel should nominate for concluding a perfect peace The Laird of Grange and those that remained with him in the Castle refusing to be comprehended in that treaty went on in victualling and fortifying the house for impeding whereof the Regent did levie some companies of souldiers to inclose the Castle and because the time of Parliament was approaching he caused erect Bulwarks in divers places of the street to secure the people at their meetings to Sermon and the Judges that convened to the ministration of Justice Grange finding himself thus pent up did by a Proclamation from the Castle wall command all the Queens subjects to depart forth of the town within the space of 24. hours The time expired he made the Cannon thunder upon the town to the great terrour of the Inhabitants yet there was no great hurt done that way which when he perceived he hired one of his souldiers to set fire in the night time to some houses under the wall which destroyed a number of tenements for a strong Western wind blowing in the time the fire did so rage as from S. Magdalens Chappel Westward all was consumed none daring to put hand to quench the fire because of the Canon that played still on the part where they saw any concurse of people This made him extremely hated and even they that otherwise wished him well were greatly offended with this doing The Parliament notthelesse kept and thre in divers Acts were mode partly for maintaining the Kings authority partly for preservation of true Religion which causes were held in those days so conjoyned as the enemies of the one were likewise esteemed enemies to the other Therefore was it then enacted That none should be reputed loyal and faithful subjects to the King or his authority but be punished as rebels who made not profession of true Religion And that all such as made profession thereof and yet withstood the Kings authority should be admonished by their teachers to acknowledge their offence and return to his Majesties obedience and if they refused that they should be excommunicated and cut of from the society of the Church as putrid and corrupted members The Parliament breaking up the Regent by advice of the Councel directed to the meeting at Perth the Earl of Argile then created Chancellour the Earl of Montrosse the Abbot of Dunfermlin Secretary the Lords Ruthven Boyd and Sir Iohn Ballenden Justice Clerk There met with them the Earl of Huntley and Lord Iohn Hamilton Commendatory of Aberbrothock authorised by the rest that maintained the Queens authority The English Ambassadour assisting them after some days conference they were brought to agree upon these Articles 1. That all persons comprehended in the present pacification should acknowledge and professe the true Religion established and professed within the Realm and maintain the Preachers and professours thereof against all opposers specially against the confederates of the Councel of Trent 2. That the Earl of Huntley and Lord Iohn Hamilton with their friends and followers should submit themselves to the King and to the government of the Earl of Morton his Regent and his successours in the same acknowledging themselves the Kings subjects by their oaths and subscriptions 3. That they should confesse all things done by them under colour of any other authority since the time of his Majesties Coronation to have been unlawful and of no force nor effect 4. That an Act of Parliament should be made with all their consents ordaining that none of the subjects should assist fortify supply or shew any favour directly nor indirectly to those who should happen to practise against the religion presently professed the Kings person his authority or Regent And if they should be tried to do any thing to the contrary the remissions granted to them with all other benefits of the pacification should be null and they pursued for their offences past as if they had never obtained pardon for the same 5. That all persons professing his Highnesse obedience who had been dispossessed during the late troubles should be reponed to their houses lands livings benefices and whatsoever goods belonging to them if so the same were extant in the hands of the intrometters horses and armour only excepted 6. That the Master of Forbes Iames Glen of Barre and all other persons should be set at liberty as likewise the bonds given by the Lord Semple and others for entry of prisoners or for paiment of any ransomes be discharged 7. That the Earl or Huntley and Lord Iohn Hamilton should dimit and cause all souldiers hired or maintained by them or any of their party to be forthwith dimitted 8. That all processes of forfeiture which had been led especially the sentences given against the Earl of Huntley Lord Iohn Hamilton and Lord Claud his brother William Bishop of Aberdene Alexander Bishop of Galloway Adam Gordon of Awchindown and the rest of their friendship for any crimes or offences done in the common cause against the King and his authority since the 15th of Iune 1567. or for any other cause contained in the summons of forfeiture raised against them should be declared null and of no force without any other special declaration And that the foresaid persons should have liberty given them to reduce the said forfeitures as they should please 9. That all persons then returning or who should return to the Kings obedience and
busied with the matter of policy which was put in form and presented to the Parliament at their sitting in Striveling The Estates having no leisure to peruse it gave a Commission to divers of their number to meet and conferre with the Commissioners of the Church and if they did agree to insert the same among the Acts of Parliament How these affairs went and what effect the Commission took because of the great businesse that afterwards was made about the same is necessary to be known wherefore I thought meet to set down the form of policy as it was presented with the notes of their agreement and disagreement as they stand in the Original which I have by me Heads and conclusions of the Church and first of the Policy thereof in general wherein it differeth from Civil FIrst the Church of God is sometimes largely taken for all them that professe the Evangel of Iesus Christ and so it is a company and fellowship not only of the godly but also hypocrites professing outwardly one true Religion 2. At other times it is taken for the elect only and the godly and sometimes for them that exercise the spiritual function amongst the congregation of them that professe the truth 3. The Church in this last sense hath a certain power granted by God according to which it useth a proper jurisdiction and government exercised to the comfort of the whole Church 4. This power Ecclesiastical is an authority granted by God the Father through the mediation of Iesus Christ unto his Church gathered and having the ground in the word of God to be put in execution by them unto whom the spiritual government of the Church by lawfull calling is committed 5. The policy of the Church flowing from this power is an order or form of spiritual government which is exerced by the members appointed thereto by the word of God and therefore is given immediately to the Office-bearer by whom it is exercised to the weal of the whole body 6. This power is diversly used for sometime it is severally exercised chiefly by the teachers sometime conjunctly by mutual consent of them that bare office and charge after the form of judgement the former is called potestas Ordinis the other potestas Iurisdictionis 7. These two kinds of power have both one ground one final cause but are different in the form and manner of execution as is evident by the speech of our Saviour in the 16th and 18th of S. Matthew 8. This power and policy is different and distinct in the own nature from that power and policy which is called the Civil power and appertains to the civil government of the Commonwealth albeit they be both of God and tend to one end if they be rightly used that is to advance the glory of God and to have godly and good subjects 9. For this power Ecclesiastical floweth from God immediately and the mediator Iesus Christ and is spiritual not having a temporal head in the earth but only Christ the onely spiritual King and Governour of the Church 10. It is a title falsely usurped by Antichrist to call himself the head of the Church and ought not to be attributed to Angel or to man of what estate soever he be saving to Christ the head and only Monarch of the Church 11. Therefore this power and policy of the Church should lean upon the Word immediately as the only ground thereof and should be taken from the pure fountains of the Scriptures hearing the voice of Christ the onely spiritual King and being ruled by his lawes 12. It is proper to Kings Princes and Magistrates to be called Lords and Dominators over their subjects whom they govern civilly but it is proper to Christ only to be called Lord and Master in the spiritual government of the Church and all others that bear office therein ought not to usurp dominion nor be called Lords but Ministers Disciples and servants for it is proper to Christs office to command and rule his Church universally and every particular Church through his Spirit and Word by the ministery of men 13. Notwithstanding as the Ministers and others of the Ecclesiastical state are subject to the Magistrate civilly so ought the person of the Magistrate be subject to the Church spiritually and in Ecclesiastical government 14. And the exercise of both these jurisdictions cannot stand in one person ordinarily 15. The Civil power is called the power of the Sword the other power the power of the Keys 16. The Civil power should command the spiritual to exercise and to do their office according to the word of God the spiritual rulers should require the Christian Magistrate to minister Justice and punish vice and to maintain the liberty of the Church and quietnesse within their bounds 17. The Magistrate commands in things external for external peace and quietnesse among the subjects the Minister handleth external things onely for conscience cause 18. The Magistrate external things only and actions done before men but the spiritual ruler judges both the affection and the external actions in respect of conscience by the word of God 19. The Civil Magistrate getteth obedience by the sword and other external means but the Minister by the spiritual sword and spiritual means 20. The Magistrate ought neither preach minister the Sacraments nor execute the censures of the Church nor yet prescribe any rule how it should be done but command the Minister to observe the rule prescrived in the Word and punish transgressors by civil means the Minister again exercies not the civil jurisdiction but teaches the Magistrate how it should be exercised according to the Word 21. The Magistrate ought to assist maintain and fortify the jurisdiction of the Church the Ministers should assist their Princes in all things agreeable to the Word providing they neglect not their charge in involving themselves in civil affaires 22. Finally as Ministers are subject to the judgement and punishment of Magistrates in external things if they offend so ought the Magistrates submit themselves to the discipline of the Church if they transgresse in matter of conscience and Religion CHAP. 2. Of the parts of policy of the Church and persons or Office-bearers to whom the administration is committed FIrst as in the policy Civil the whole Commonwealth consists in them that are Governours or Magistrates and them that are governed and subjects so in the policy of the Church some are appointed to be rulers and the rest of the members are to be ruled and obey according to Gods word and the inspiration of his Spirit alwayes under one Head and chief Governour Jesus Christ. 2. Again the whole policy of the Church consists in three things chiefly in doctrine discipline and distribution With doctrine is annexed the ministration of the Sacraments 3. And according to this division arises a sort of
would not long bear out and fearing to lose the Kings favour altogether he imployed some friends to make offer of satisfaction to the Duke and in end things were so composed as Arran did quit the commandment of the Guard and the charge thereof was given to the Duke To return to the matters of the Church there was a general Synod this year kept at Glasgow in the moneth of April wherein the question of Bishops was again agitated and because of the scruples which some brethren had at the Act concluded in Dundy the year preceding especially where it was said that the office of a Bishop had no warrant of the word of God the Assembly declared that their meaning was to condemn the estate of Bishops as they were then in Scotland A number of the more wise and moderate sort interceded that the conclusion of that matter might be for a time deferred because of the inconveniences it would draw upon the Church but they were cried down by the multitude Amongst others one Mr. Robert Montgomery Minister at Striveling was so servent in the cause as he would have the Assembly censure those that had spoken in defence of that corrupted estate Yet before the end of that year this zealous man did suffer himself to be more pitifully corrupted the story whereof shall now be related The See of Glasgow being then voyd it was suggested to the Duke of Lennox by some flatterers that he had a fair occasion presented to make himself Lord of that City and of the lands pertaining to that See if he should only procure a gift thereof to some one that would make a disposition of the same to him and his heirs The offer was made to divers who refused all because of the condition required At last the agents in that businesse fell upon this Montgomery who was content to accept it A gift was thereupon formed and a Bond given by him That how soon he was admitted Bishop he should dispone the Lands Lordships and whatsoever belongeth to that Prelacy to the Duke and his heirs for the yearly paiment of one thousand pounds Scots with some horse-corn and poultry A vile bargain it was for which justly he ought to have been repulsed But the Church passing this point made quarrel to him for accepting the Bishoprick which the King would not acknowledge to be a reason sufficient If they could charge him with any fault in doctrine or life he was content they should keep their order but to challenge him for accepting the Bishoprick he would not permit the same having lately ratified the Acts agreed upon at Leth Anno 1571. touching the admission of Bishops and ordained the same to stand in force untill his perfect age or till a change was made thereof in Parliament This related to the Church they did appoint Montgomehy his life and doctrine to be inquired upon if possibly they could find any matter against him which done an accusation was framed and he cited to answer in the next Assembly The Articles laid to his charge were these 1. That he preaching at Striveling had proponed a question touching the circumcision of women and affirmed they were circumcised in the skin of their forehead 2. That teaching in Glasgow he should say the discipline was a thing indifferent and might stand this or that way 3. That he called the Ministers captious and men of curious braines 4. That he laboured to bring the Original languages in contempt abusing the words of the Apostle in the 1. Cor. 14. and jeastingly asked In what School were Peter and Paul graduated 5. That to prove the lawfulnesse of Bishops in the Church he had used the examples of Ambrose and Augustine 6. That in his doctrine he said it was sufficient to baptize in the name of the Father onely or in the name of the Sonne or in the name of the holy Ghost seeing they are all one God and to that effect alleadged the nineteenth of the Acts. 7. That he should have called matters of discipline and the lawful calling of the Church trifles of policy 8. That he charged the Ministery with sedition warning them not to put on or off Crownes for if they medled therewith they would be reproved 9. That he condemned the particular application of Scripture disdainfully asking In what Scripture they found a Bishop for a thousand pounds horsecorne and poultry c. 10. That he oppugned the doctrine of our Saviour speaking of the number of the wicked and them that perish 11. That he denied any mention to be made in the New Testament of a Presbytery or Eldership 12. That he accused the Ministers of Pasquils lying backbiting c. 13. That the Church being traduced with infamous libels he did not only not find fault therewith but seemed to approve the same having used in his preaching the very words of the Libel cast in the Kings chamber against the Ministers 14. That these three moneths past he had been negligent in doctrine and discipline and giving no assistance to the Eldership The Articles were sent to the King by some Ministers who were desired to shew his Majesty that the accusation was not founded upon the accepting of the Bishoprick but upon erroneous points of doctrine The King answered That whatsoever colour they gave to the process he knew that his yielding to accept the place was the true quarrel and for himself albeit he loved the Religion and agreed fully therewith he allowed not divers heads of their policy alwayes for the particular in hands he would leave the man to make his own answer This reported to the Assembly they went on with the accusation and Montgomery being called Mr. Andrew Melvil became his accuser The Articles upon his denial were admitted to probation but few of them were verified yet the conclusion of the Assembly was that he should continue in his Ministery at Striveling and meddle no more with the Bishoprick under pain of excommunication Mean while the Presbytery of Striveling for they had now erected Presbyteries in divers places of the countrey was enjoyned to try his conversation and how he did exercise discipline if possibly any thing might be found against him that way It fell out at the same time that Mr. Walter Balcanquel one of the Ministers of Edinburgh did utter some reproachful speeches in a Sermon against the Duke of Lennox saying That within these four years Popery had entered into the countrey and Court and was maintained in the Kings Hall by the tyranny of a great Champion who was called Grace But if his Grace continued in opposing himself to God and his word he should come to little Grace in the end The King advertised of this sent Iames Melvil his servant to complain to the Assembly requiring some order to be taken therein The Minister being put to his answer said That he praised God for two things First that he was not accused for any thing done against
came in end to desire the Assemblies approbation of their proceedings as that which would incourage them much and dishearten the common adversary This proposition made first it was voyced whether the dangers of the Church and disorders of State were such as in their hearing were related which being affirmatively answered by the whole Assembly Mr. Iames Lawson Mr. David Lindesay and Mr. Iohn Craig were appointed to signifie unto the King what the Assembly had found and to require his own judgement therein The King esteeming it most sure for himself to temporize said That he believed Religion was in hazard and indirect courses taken to overturn the same wherewith he acknowledged his own danger to be conjoyned and for abuses crept into the Commonwealth as they were too many so he expected that all good subjects and they for their own parts would help to remove the same This answer returned to the Assembly they concluded an Act in this form For as much as the Noblemen and others joyned with them in the late action of reformation out of a desire to have the Church and whole professors of the true Religion understand the grounds and occasions moving them to repair towards the Kings Majesty to seek redress of the disorders fallen out in the Commonwealth have made publick attestation to the whole Assembly that the motions and grounds of their enterprise were and are to deliver the Church of God within this Realm and the true Religion therein professed from the evident peril and danger wherein all men perceived the same to stand as likewise to guard and preserve the innocent person of the King his Majesty and Estate being in no less hazard then the other and to remove the corruptions and confusion entered into the body of the Commonwealth wherein as they are well perswaded themselves to have done good service to God and to have performed their duty to their Soveraign and countrey so they wished all that feared God should judge and esteem well of their action especially that the brethren of this Assembly should declare their good liking and approbation thereof and ordain all the Pastors and Ministers within the Realm to publish in their particular Churches the causes and grounds moving them to the said enterprise exhorting all Noblemen Barons and other faithful subjects to give their best concurrence and assistance thereto The Assembly having weighed the said desire with the whole circumstances thereof have in the fear of God after mature deliberation resolved found and voted no man gainsaying That not only the Church of God within this Realm and true Religion professed in the same but also the King his most noble person and royal estate were and stood in extreme danger and hazard besides the manifold grosse abuses that had invaded the Commonwealth before the late enterprise which his Majesty had acknowledged and professed to the Commissioners of the present Assembly And that therefore the said brethren could not but think their Honours imploying themselves hereafter for averting the like dangers to have done good and acceptable service to God their Soveraign and native countrey And the prosecution thereof all partiality aside will be acceptable to all that fear God and tender the preservation of the Kings person and prosperous estate of the Realm And to the effect the same may be made the more manfest and notorious it is thought expedient that all the Ministers within the Realm upon the first occasion shall publickly declare unto their particular flocks the peril wherein the Church of God and true Religion the King his most noble person and estate stood with the grounds that moved the said Noblemen unto the late action recommending the same to the consideration of all good subjects exhorting them as they tender the glory of God and love the preservation of the King and countrey faithfully to concurre and joyne with the said Noblemen in prosecuting the said grounds to the full deliverance of the Church and perfect reformation of the Commonwealth And if any should be found either by word maliciously or violently by way of deed to oppose to that good cause they shall be called before the particular Elderships and order put unto them by the censures of the Church and in case of their wilful and obstinate continuing therein be delated to the King and Councel to be punished for their offence civilly This Act of the date the thirteenth of October 1582. was published in all the Churches of the Realm to the offence of many good men who were grieved to see had cause thus coloured and defended But the Lords knowing that this approbation could not secure them had laboured the King to convocate the Estates for the same purpose The eighteenth of the same moneth being appointed for their meeting there came to the convention for the Church estate the Archbishop of S. Andrews the Bishops of Dunkeld and Orkney the Abbots of Dunfermlin Newbottle Paisley Driburgh Cambuskenneth Culrosse Inchaffray Coldingham and Pittinweyme of the Nobility there were present the Earls of Marche Arrol Marshal Bothwel who some few moneths before returned from beyond Sea Marre Rothes Glencarn Eglinton Gowrie and Morton the Lords Lindesay Home Ogilvy Hereis Boyd ... and Sinclare But from the Burghes there came not any Commissioners nor could they be moved to countenance this action in any sort conceiving as it fell out that how soon the King obtained his liberty he would censure and condemn the fact as treasonable To these alwayes that convened the King had a speech much to this effect That of all the vexations he had tried since his acceptation of the government in his own person the distraction of the Nobility was the greatest and at the present did grieve him most for the removing whereof he had called them together and expected their best counsel and help In other things he said that needed reformation he would be willing to follow their advice One of the Lords I find him not named made answer that the dissensions of the Nobility were caused chiefly by some that having his Majesties ear did abuse his favours ruling all things at their pleasure and disdaining the advice of other fellow counsellors Then falling into particulars he said that the Duke of Lennox and Earl of Arran had misgoverned all affaires and brought divers abuses into the State which unlesse some Noblemen had taken a course to remedy by their repairing to his Majesty both Religion and State in a short time had been subverted After this the Earl of Marre Gowry and Glencarne who had been the chief actors in that attempt rose up and having declared the cause which moved them to take that action in hand did humbly offer to submit themselves to the censure of his Majesty and the Estates and thereupon removing themselves forth of the Convention it was found and declared That in their repairing to the King upon the 22. of August last and abiding with him since
a prisoner deceive his keepers Concerning the intelligence he kept with forain Princes for the entertaining of civil peace that he did not think the Assembly would disallow it seeing diversity of Religion made not leagues of friendship unlawful And that they should meddle with the choice of his servants he held it strange This he hoped they would remit to himself and not to be too curious in examining the occasions of their placing or displacing And where they complained that since his accepting of the government the liberties of the Church had been refringed he said that since that time more good and profitable lawes had been made for the advancement of true Religion then ever before and if any thing lacked in the execution the fault was not his For that which concerned the Church rents he answered that those things must be helped in Parliament and that he should assist the reformation thereof at his power As for the punishment of the abominations mentioned that the fault could not be imputed to him sith he was willing to give Commission to such as the Ministers should judge most fit for the execution of lawes And for Ecclesiastical Acts which his authority was said to impede he knew none of late onely he had stayed the remove of Mr. Alexander Arbuthnet from the Colledge of Aberdene to be Minister of S. Andrews which being rightly considered would not be found prejudicial to the Church nor impertinent for him to deal in Lastly for the murmur of people perverting of lawes and difference amongst the Nobility his Majesty said that he was ready to hearken to any good advice for reformation of that which should be found amisse The answers all most reasonable and proceeding from the King ought to have been well taken but the discontent they had received for the late change in Court made every thing distasteful and still the displeasure betwixt the King and Church did grow as we shall hear In the beginning of November Lodowick eldest son to the late Duke of Lennox arrived at Leth and was conveyed by the Earls of Huntley Crawford and Montross to the King who lay then at Kinneill Soon after the advertisement of the Noblemans death the King had sent the Master of Gray into France to bring home all his children But Lodowick excepted who then was 13. years of age the rest were young and not able to indure so long a journey The King receiving him with great expressions of love did presently invest him in his Fathers lands and honours committing the trust of his affairs to the Earl of Montrosse till he should grow up to maturity for his education in letters Mr. Gilbert Moncreef the King his principal Physician was appointed to attend him a man wise and of good learning Some years after two of his sisters were brought into the countrey Henrietta the eldest was married to George Earl of Huntley Mary the younger of the two to Iohn Earl of Marre to the third the King had provided an honourable match but she having vowed her self to God would not be wonne from the Cloyster by any perswasion a younger son came to the King after he went into England and was by him advanced to great honours Thus the untimely losse of their Father did turn to the childrens benefit by the constant and unmatchable kindness of a loving King In the countrey matters grew daily more and more troubled Those that disobeyed the charges given them for entering in Ward pretended the time assigned for their entry to have been so short and the distance of the place so great as there was no possibility in them to obey yet under hand they were still seeking to strengthen themselves and associate others to be of their faction To take from them this pretext the first of December was allowed them for their entring in Ward and so many as should find surety to obey had favour promised them The Laird of Braid Colluthy Mr. David Lindesay and Mr. Andrew Hay were licenced also to conferre with them and with all that had any part in the attempt of Ruthven for informing them of his Majesties gracious inclination towards all of that number who should acknowledge their offence and live obedient and peaceably from thenceforth But little or nothing was wrought this way whereupon the King took purpose to convene the Estates this 17th of December and having exponed his whole proceeding in that business an Act was passed by an universal consent of this tenour Albeit the late surprise and restraint of our person perpetrated in August bygone a year was a crime of laesae Majestatis hainous in it self of dangerous sequel and most pernicious example meriting the more severe punishment because the committers thereof for the most part besides the allegiance and common duty of subjects were specially bound to us by particular favours and benefits bestowed on them yet out of our natural disposition to clemency we resolved to reduce them by all gentle means to their duties and not only forbare to use them with rigour but made offer of pardon and mercy to such as would acknowledge their offence and continue thereafter in a dutiful obedience satisfying our selves with that moderate declaration which tended not in any sort to their detriment and prorogating days and moneths to see what they could perform Hereof we gave our promise to the Queen of England which was certified to them by divers and of late by certain Ministers and well disposed Gentlemen whom we licenced to conferre with them for perswading them of our sincere meaning behaving our selves in all this as a kind Father that seeketh to recover his children and not as a Prince that respected his estate But our lenity not having produced the effects which were wished we took counsel to assemble our Estates and make them witnesses of our clemency whatsoever might happen to their persons hereafter and now by their advice we have determined to prosecute with all rigour such of that number as shall continue in their disobedience and shall not embrace the offers of pardon made unto them In the execution whereof our Nobility and Estates convened have solemnly promised their assistance and for the greater authority both We and our said Estates have subscribed this Act with our hands Further by their advice We have ordained and ordain the Act of Councel past in October 1582. touching the attempt at Ruthven to be delete forth of the Books inhibiting all and sundry of whatsoever estate quality and degree to allow by word writing or otherwise the foresaid fact which We being now at liberty and our Estates have so publickly condemned This Act made the Earl of Rothes protested that his subscription to the Act in October 1582. approving the attempt of Ruthven for good service should not be laid to his charge seeing he did the same unwillingly and by his Majesties special command and direction like as soon after the
thereof sent his natural brother Robert Maxwel to intercept the two Captains ere they should joyn with Iohnston They encountering in the Moore of Crawford after a sharp conflict the Captains were defeated Lamby and most of his company killed and Cranston with divers others taken prisoners Iohnston left he should be thought to do nothing did then make incursions upon Maxwels lands raising fire and carrying away great spoyle which Maxwel repayed with the burning of the house of Lockwood and the slaughter of some of Iohnstons in Annandale And thus did they make warre one against another till it happened that Iohnston in a certain conflict was taken by Maxwel and made prisoner The grief of this overthrow gave Iohnston shortly after he was liberated his death but the wrath of the Court still continuing a convention of the Estates was called to suppresse Maxwel and a Subsidy granted of 20000. pounds for levying of souldiers to pursue him Thereafter all that could bear Armes dwelling on the South of Forth were commanded to be in readinesse for attending the King in an expedition that he intended towards these parts But the plague breaking out in Edinburgh did rage so vehemently all that summer as nothing could be done so the expedition was put off for certain moneths Mean while there fell out an accident which did quite alienate the Queen of Englands favour from Arran Sir Iohn Forrester and Thomas Kar of Farnherst Wardens of the middle Marches being met for restoring some goods taken from the English a tumult fell out wherein Sir Francis Russel sonne to the Earl of Bedford was killed this was laid upon Farnherst and he said to have done it by Arrans instigation for they two were at that time in great friendship And when the Queen did require Farnherst to be delivered Arran did strongly oppose it yet the King for her satisfaction did confine them both the one in S. Andrews and the other in Aberdene Arran after a little time was relieved to his house at Kinneil the other contracting sickness kept bed a long space and as was thought died of displeasure at Aberdene A man he was of an haughty spirit and had endured much trouble in the service of the Kings mother which he esteemed should have made him better respected then as he conceived he was Shortly after this accident Sir Edward Wotton was imployed in an Ambassage from England for contracting a league offensive and defensive with the King in the cause of Religion For then came that holy league as they called it to be discovered which the Pope the Spanish King the Guises and others had made to extirpate the Reformed Religion The Queen of England understanding her self to be principally aimed at found nothing better then to make a counter-league with the Princes reformed and to that effect sent Sir Thomas Bodley to treat with the King of Denmark and the Protestant princes in Germany and at the same time imployed Sir Edward Wotton towards the King The motion did so please him as presently he called the Estates at S. Andrews and having in a long and pithy speech expressed the dangers threatened to Religion with the necessity that the reformed Princes had to unite themselves strongly together procured the act following to be concluded We the Nobility and Estates presently convened understanding that divers Princes and Potentates who term themselves Catholicks have joyned under the Popes authority in a most unchristian confederacy against the true Religion and Professors thereof with full intent to prosecute their wicked resolution not only within their own estates and dominions but likewise in other Kingdomes where they can pretend no lawful power nor authority A purpose long since projected and hitherto cunningly carried but now openly manifested and in divers parts begun to be executed with hard and cruel effects And considering withall how it hath pleased God to blesse this Realm with the sincerity of the Gospel the defence whereof is the most just and lawful cause that Christians can maintain we have thought it requisite not only to unite our selves and joyn the whole forces which God hath granted us under our most religious and Christian Soveraign for the better assurance of our own estates and the more peaceable enjoying of so great a benefit but aâ—so for withstanding the dangerous course intended against all the professors of the truth we have judged it needful that a general League and Christian confederacy of Princes and States professing the true Religion should be opposed to the ungodly confederacy of the enemies thereof especially that the two Crowns of Scotland and England which nature blood habitation and the profession of one Religion hath joyned may be unseparably united by a more firm and strict League then hath been betwixt any Princes their Progenitors in times past for which effect we under subscribing for our selves and in name and behalf of the whole Estates of this Realm whose body in this convention we represent have given and granted like as we by the tenour hereof do give and grant to our Soveraign Lord King James the sixth his Council or such of them as his Majesty shall please to nominate our full power priviledge assent and authority whatsoever competent to us and to the three Estates of this Realm to treat or cause to treat conferre transact and conclude a Christian league betwixt his Majesty and his Highness dearest sister and Cousen the Queen of England and to nominate and appoint Commissioners for that purpose who shall meet at such time and place as his Highness shall agree upon with the Commissioners to be directed from his said dearest sister the nomination and election of whom we have remitted and do humbly remit to our dread Soveraign Lord faithfully promising for us and in behalf foresaid to ratify approve and confirm in the first Parliament whatsoever thing his Majesty shall agree unto or his Highnesse Commissioners in his name shall contract indent subscribe or seal concerning the said league with all heads clauses and Articles thereof which we do and have the more willingly done because of the trust we repose in his Majesties wisdom circumspection earnest zeal to maintain the truth of God against all that shall happen to attempt anything to the contrary providing alwayes that the league do not infringe or prejudge in any sort any former alliances and leagues betwixt this Realm and any other ancient friends and confederates thereof except only in matter of Religion concerning which we do fully consent that the said league be made offensive and defensive avowing and by our solemn oaths swearing neither to spare life lands houses goods nor whatsoever it hath pleased God to grant unto us in defence and maintenance thereof This Act was past on the last of Iuly with a great consent and was subscribed by the Archbishops of S. Andrews and Glasgow the Bishop of Dunkeld the Commendators of Culross Balmerinoch Driburgh
bridge of which he kept the keyes Some weak resistance was made by Colonel Stewart at the head of the Market street but he was soon put back with the slaughter of one or two of his company The borderers according to their custome fell upon the stables and made prey of all the Gentlemens horses whereof they found good store The spoile otherwise was not great as of a town not very rich in merchandise In the morning betimes the Castle was inclosed which they knew could not long hold out for it was unfurnished and scarce provided with victuals of one day in this extremity the King was advised to employ two of his Councel towards the Lords to ask what they intended Choice was made of the Secretary and Justice Clerk as men whom they would willingly hear At the first meeting the Secretary was rough enough with them saying That such violent formes were not to be approved and to deal in that manner with their King they would finde it unsure for what was extorted from him by force or fear he would soon finde means to undo and never want men to serve him in that whereunto his will was bent that humble Petitions became subjects and had been more fitting then to come in the manner they did The Lords answered that it grieved them fore to be reduced to that necessity nothing being more dear to them then the Kings honour and safety But what could they have done they were banished from their countrey put from their livings their friends used with cruelty the King not permitted to hear them in their just defence and alwayes shut up from presenting their Petitions That their coming in that manner was not to dishonour nor force the King to whom they would be most humble supplicants and upon their knees if they should find accesse beg mercy at his hands All they did was to save themselves from ruine and to be secured from their adversaries who had wronged them and the whole States of the Kingdom wherefore they besought them as their countreymen and friends to intercede with his Majesty that they might be accepted in favour and all things composed in the most quiet and honourable manner for the King and State that could be devised This reported to the King did mitigate his mind a little For my self said he I did never like that mans violence meaning Arran and howbeit I cannot but offend with their doings yet for the countreys sake and preservation of publick quietnesse I can pardon and overpasse all but one thing I desire you that have been in conference with them to look to that none in my company receive any harm I know there are quarrels betwixt the Earl of Crawford and the Master of Glammis That the Earl of Angus doth not like Montrosse and I believe that Colonel Stewart is not well beloved for things done in my service These I cannot see with mine honour hurt provide for that and that they may be in safety and I shall willingly admit them When this was shewed the Lords they said that they had not taken up Arms for any private quarrel nor would they mixe their particulars with the publick but it should be good for eschewing such inconveniences as might happen that the Noblemen whom the King had named were put in custody with some special persons and that the Colonel should be discharged from his office of the guard and the same conferred to another This being declared to the King he gave his consent to receive them Being brought unto his prefence they fell all upon their knees and the Lord Hamilton who had the precedency in regard of blood taking the speech said that they were come in most humble manner to beg mercy and his Majesties love and favour The King answered My Lord I did never see you before and must confesse that of all this company you have been most wronged you were a faithful servant to the Queen my mother in my minority and when I understood not as I do the estate of things hardly used The rest of you that have since that time been exiled and put from your livings cannot say but it was your own fault and that your misbehaviour procured the same But turning himself to Bothwel what should have moved thee Francis said he to take this course and come in Armes against me did I ever thee any wrong or what cause hadst thou to offend I wish thee a more quiet spirit and that thou mayest learn to live as a Subject otherwise thou wilt fall in trouble To you all who as I truly think have not meant any harm to any person I am pleased to give both my hand and my heart and will remember nothing that is past providing you carry your selves from henceforth as becomes men of your places and behave your selves as dutiful subjects So they arose one by one and kissed his Majesties hands It was observed that he received the Lord Hamilton with greatest kindnesse and gave him more respect then any others This was the day after their entering into Striveling Two days after in Councel the King renewing his promise did by publick Act confirm the pardon granted to them and their Assisters which was by sound of trumpet proclaimed The Earls of Crawford and Montross were commended to the Lord Hamilton who used them honourably and Colonel Stewart suffered quietly to depart Arran after his flight went unto Coile and lived private amongst his friends deprived of all his honours The charge of the guard was given to the Master of Glammis the Castle of Dumbritton put in the Lord Hamiltons custody Striveling restored to the Earl of Marre and the Castle of Edinburgh delivered to Sir Iames Home of Coldinknâ—ws In this manner did the banished Lords recover his Majesties favour and return to their places albeit Thuan deceived by some information hath otherwise related the same How soon the Noblemens peace was proclaimed Duntraith who had touched them in his deposition against Maius saying that he was told by one Iohn Home the Lords had hired every one of them two men to kill the King so comperired before the Councel undesired so the Act of Councel beareth and confessed that he was suborned by Captain Iames who is henceforth to be so named the title of Arran being returned to the right owner to make that deposition which in it self was false and untrue out of fear and to save his life For verifying whereof and to shew that he did not confesse this to please the Noblemen whom he had wronged by such a confession he declared that for the space of eight weeks before their return he had revealed the same to the Master of Gray and to the Provost of Linclouden both which upon oath testified no lesse to the King The Councel for clearing the Noblemen ordained his confession to be published which was not very needful for no man did beleive the
finding him to have failed in his duty did remit his censure to the King himself who as he was a Prince most tractable did passe it upon the Earl his submission In the moneth of Iune the Assembly of the Church convened at Edinburgh which the King did honour with his presence Mr. Patrick Galloway elected to preside in name of the Church did put up three Petitions to his Majesty One for establishing the Churches jurisdiction and the abolishing of all Acts made to the contrary Another for purging the country of Jesuits seminary Priests and excommunicate persons trafficking against Religion The third was for providing a competent maintenance to Ministers forth of the tithes of the Parishes where they served and applying what was above to the sustentation of Schooles maintaining of the poor repairing of the fabrick of Churches and other the like necessary uses To the first his Majesty answered That in all Parliaments the first Act that was concluded did concern the liberty of the Church which he should have care to see observed as in times passed For the second he said that it was known what pains he had taken therein before his journey to Denmark and that he would do what lawfully could be done for purging the countrey of Papists And touching the third because many were interessed therein he did advise them to make choice of the most discreet of their number to meet with such of the Councel as he should appoint for conferring upon the readiest means to effectuate that which they desired Thereafter his Majesty falling to speak of the barbarous feuds which were entertained in the Realm and the many odious murthers there through committed did seriously commend to them as those who should of all others most study to make peace the removing of such barbarities so farre as in them lay wishing them in their Sermons to strike on that point and make people understand how sinful it was and how shamefull to the whole Nation as likewise to employ the most wise amongst them for reconciling the variances that abounded in the countrey For my self said he I will employ all the power I have that way and if you shall apply your selves in your places to do the like my work shall be the more easie and have the better successe This was greatly applauded of all and indeed after that time he took such pains partly calling those that were at variance before the Councel and causing them submit their quarrels partly making strict lawes against the troublers of the common peace as he never ceased till he got the feuds wholly abolished Yet this was not wrought but after some time and with much difficulty new troubles daily arising in sundry parts of the countrey In the North a dissension brake out betwixt the Earls of Huntley and Murray that kept those parts a long time in trouble the occasion whereof was this Iohn Gordon son to Thomas Gordon of Cluny having married the widow of Grant of Ballendallagh it happeneth in a private quarrel one of Gordons servants to be killed by the Tutor of the house Gordon pursuing him before the Justice for not appearing he was denounced Rebel and Commission given to the Earl of Huntley as Sheriffe of the countrey to apprehend him The Earl making search for him cometh to the house of Ballendallagh and after some resistance taketh it by force but findeth not the Tutor This the family of the Grants interpreting to be done in their disgrace they betook themselves to the patrociny of the Earl of Murray and with them the Clanchatton and divers of the name of Dumbarre did joyn Huntley offending that any in those parts should make head against him and having understood that the Earls of Atholl and Murray were to meet these Glammis in Forres for making up a confederacy did assemble his friends and went thither to dissolve the meeting but before his coming they had severed and the Earl of Murray was returned to his house of Tarnway Huntley taking that way home and some of his company riding about the house in manner of a Bravado they within discharging some Musquets upon them it happened the same Gordon that married the widow to be killed To be revenged of this affront Huntley gathered forces to invade the Earl of Murray and he assisted by the Earl of Athol his Cousen prepareth to defend The convocations were great on either side whereof the King receiving advertisement charges were directed to command Atholl home and inhibit Huntley from coming by West the River of Spey and Murray not to come on the East of Findorne this course did restrain them for a time but gave not an end to thòse troubles A little after this fell out the slaughter of William Ker of Ancram a Gentleman of great sufficiency who was killed in Edinburgh under night by Sir Robert Ker apparant of Cesfourd There had been a long and old emulation betwixt the two families of Cesfourd and Farnherst for the Wardenry of the middle Marches and the Provostry of Iedburgh But Farnherst being then deceased and the heir left young this Gentleman as descended of the house did what he could to maintain the reputation of it which was an eyesore to the other It happened also some little time before this Gentleman in the trial of goods stolne from England to find out the committer of the theft and when the same was denied for the matter was brought before the Councel to verify the same by clear testimonies which was taken to be done out of spleen and to rubbe some infamy upon Cesfourd who was then Warden for the man accused was one of his followers This the Lady Cesfourd a woman of an haughty spirit did apprehend so deeply as she never ceased till she had moved her son being then very young to bereave the Gentleman of his life A hateful fact it was both for the manner in which it was done and for the losse the countrey received by the Gentlemans death for he was a man generally well given wise of great courage and expert beyond others in the Lawes and Customes of the Borders The King was highly offended and was resolved to use exemplary Justice upon the Actor But he eschewing and living a fugitive some moneths was pardoned upon satisfaction made to the Gentlemans children as was thought by the Chancellors intercession who afterwards married him to his Neece a daughter of Lethington Most of this Winter was spent in the discovery and examination of Witches and Sorcerers Amongst these Agnes Samson commonly called the wise wife of Keith was most remarkeable a woman not of the base and ignorant sort of Witches but Matron-like grave and setled in her answers which were all to some purpose In her examination she declared That she had a familiar spirit who upon her call did appear in a visible form and resolve her of any doubtful matter especially concerning the life or death of persons lying
Religion presently professed should be a just cause to infer the pain and crime of treason against Iesuites Mass Priests trafficking Papists and their ressetters with a provision That if the Iesuits and seminary Priests did satisfie the Prince and the Church the foresaid penalty should not strick upon the ressetters which in effect was no restraint neither was the trafficking against Religion declared to be a crime of Treason unless the same was proved a trafficking likewise against the King So in this point the Church received small satisfaction As to the complaint of blood the same was remitted to the ordinary course of Justice But the first Petition was longer debated the King being unwilling either to abrogate the Acts of the 84. or grant the ratification desired of the present discipline for he foresaw the inconvenients that would grow by the liberty that Ministers should assume to themselves yet Bothwels business and the many discontentments within the Realm moved him to give way lest he should be troubled likewise with their outcries So the Act passed but in the most wary tearms that could be devised As for the Statute confirming his Majesties royall power the abrogation whereof was chiefly sought it was onely declared That the said Statute should be no wayes prejudiciall nor derogatory to the priviledge that God hath given to the spirituall office-bearer in the Church concerning heads of Religion matters of Heresie Excommunication collation or deprivation of Ministers or any such essentiall censures grounded and having warrant of the Word of God Upon the end of the Parliament the King went to Falkland where Bothwell made a new attempt encouraged thereunto by the Earls of Angus and Arroll the Master of Gray Colonell Stewart and the Lairds of Iohnston and Balwery who did all promise their concurrence in bringing him unto the Kings presence The Master of Gray and Balwery did meet him with a good number of horse Angus kept the Diet but with a small company Arroll remained with the King within the Palace and had taken upon him with the assistance of Colonel Stewart to open the Gates but either out of fear their hearts failing them or not having a number sufficient to make good their undertaking nothing was done yet upon suspicions they were apprehended and Arroll sent to the Castle of Edinburgh and the Colonel to Blackness the company that came with Bothwell was not great and did not exceed sixscore in all broken men for the most part whom he had taken up in the English and Scottish borders with these he had journied 2 dayes and nights without either meat or sleep came to Falkland a little before midnight where finding his expectation disappointed and those in the Palace provided to defend he stayed on the side of the hill till a little after Sun-rising some of his followers in the mean time breaking open the Queens stables took away the horses and what else they could lay hands upon The night was then at the shortest for it was the 26. of Iune and the Countrey gathering from all parts to relieve the King he was forced to flee But what way to take he was uncertain for to pass the Ferrie with his company he could not safely and to return by the bridge of Striveling was a long way which neither the horses nor their riders after so long watching could indure yet seeing no better then to be gone with the haste he could make about nine of the clock he caused sound the trumpets and retired The King after the Countrey people were come followed by the Queens Ferry thinking he had gone that way but finding that he had taken his course by Striveling and knowing that the company would separate how soon they had passed the bridge he directed most of his followers to apprehend such as they could overtake Divers were taken in the Moors of Calder and Carnwath but suffered to escape by their takers many horses were found straying in the fields the riders being overcome with sleep and fallen from them Amongst others Archibald Wachop of Nudry and some 7. or 8. with him whilest they lay sleeping in a meadow nigh to Cambusnetham were taken by the Lord Hamilton and sent to be kept in the Castle of Draffan but his Lady the day after out of a womanly commiseration whilest her Lord was absent suffered them to depart Bothwell himself fled unto the West borders and from thence into England The badness of this attempt put the borders in a great fear for many of them especially of the Iohnstons had followed him in that journey yet so great was the Kings clemency as being at Dumfreise whither he went in the beginning of Iuly a generall pardon was proclaimed to all that would submit themselves whereupon numbers did enter and were received in favour Bothwell thus forsaken almost of all did notwithstanding in the Court again find some that out of emulation and private rancour more then for any affection they carried unto him wrought the King new troubles Alexander Lindesay Lord Spinie a great favourite in that time out of the malice he bare to the Master of Glamis Thesaurer whom he knew Bothwell also hated did secretly practise to bring him into the Kings presence and make his reconciliation This coming to the knowledge of Colonel Stewart who was still detained in Blackness to procure his own liberty and recover the Kings favour he signified the same to the King by Sir Iames Sandelands who as then was keeper of the house and being brought before the Councell at Dalkeith stood to the declaration affirming that the Lord Spinie had resset Bothwell in his Ladies house at Aberdowre which he offered to prove by witnesses circumstances and other clear demonstrations These were his words Spinie denying all appealed the Colonell to combat which the King would not permit assigning the 12 of September for his triall before the Justice Spinie appearing at the day the Colonell excused himself by the shortnesse of the time and had a new diet assigned him at which his probation failing Spinie was restored to his honour dignity and service yet did he never recover his former credit with the King but was held still suspected and whether offending at this or that the first declaration was true in it self the year following he took open part with Bothwell and was therefore denounced Rebell At the same time Iohn Weymis younger of Logie Gentleman of his Majesties Chamber and in great favour both with the King and Queen was discovered to have the like dealing with Bothwell and being committed to the keeping of the Guard escaped by the policy of one of the Dutch Maids with whom he entertained a secret love The Gentlewoman named mistress Margaret Twinslace coming one night whilest the King and Queen were in bed to his keepers shewed that the King called for the prisoner to ask of him some question the keepers suspecting nothing for they
promising how soon the forfeiture was past to follow forth the same Onely at the 7. he tooke exception where it was desired that the subjects should put themselves in armes upon urgent â—ccasions for he had not as yet forgotten the stirs of the year preceding and would have none to arm but upon his own warrant Withall he sent Sir Robert Melvill and Alexander Hume of North Berwick with certain instructions to the Assembly whereof one was That they should inhibit the Ministers to utter any irreverent speeches in Pulpit against his Majesties person Councell or Estate under pain of deprivation and because one of their number called Iohn Rosse had in a Sermon preached before the Synod of Perth uttered divers treasonable and irreverent speeches of his Majesty it was craved that they should censure him as his fault had deserved Another was That they should excommunicate Mr. Andrew Hunter for the scandall he had brought upon their profession he being the first open Traitor of their function against a Christian King of their own Religion and their naturall Soveraign A third instruction was That by Act of Assembly Ministers should be ordained to disswade both by publick and private exhortation their flocks from concurring with Bothwell in his treasonable attempts or any other that should make insurrection against the authority established by God in his Majesties person The last was assented unto and an Act made thereof but the censure of the Minister Rosse was carried more slightly and he onely admonished to speak in time coming so reverently and discreetly of his Majesty as there might be no just cause of complaint against him Hunter was deposed from the Ministery as a desertor of his flock and one suspected to have joyned himself with the Kings rebells but the excommunication was not pronounced The Parliament did hold at the time appointed yet because the Noblemen convened slowly 3 or 4. dayes were spent without doing any thing In end when by the excuses that divers made a greater number was not expected they that were present assembled in the Parliament house and keeping the form accustomed made choice of a number for the Articles of Noblemen there were three Earls and six Lords onely present Beginning was made at the summons of forfeiture the Letters and blanks intercepted with Mr. George Ker presented and the hand-writs cognosced by witnesses Some question there was about the Blancks and that which should have been insert in them but the presumptions were so clear as none would doubt what the subject should have been Yet the Noblemen urged a delay of the triall to a more full convention which the King would not admit knowing what misinterpretings that would make and so by pluralities of voices the crimes of Treason were found to be sufficiently proved and the sentence of forfeiture pronounced against the three Earls and Achindown their Scutcheons of Arms as the manner is torn by Herauld and they declared to have lost their honours lands and estates for treasonable practises against the King and their Native Countrey In this Parliament divers Statutes were concluded some in favours of the Church and others very beneficiall to the Countrey as the Stature made for punishment of theft robbery and oppression another against usury and a third against buying of Pleas by Judges and other members of the Court of Justice The next moneth passed in receiving the Ambassadors that came to assist the Baptisme which in the latter end of August next was performed with great solemnity from England the Earl of Sussex was sent the King of Denmark the Duke of Brunswick Megelbrugh with the Estates of the united Provinces had their Ambassadours present But from the French King there came not any though they also were expected at the day appointed for the solemnity The Prince was brought from his own chamber to the Queens Chamber of presence and laid in a bed dressed in a most stately form the Ambassadours entered into the Chamber the Countess of Marre accompanied with a number of Ladies took up the Prince and delivered him to the Duke of Lennox who presented him to the Ambassadors Sussex as having the first place received him and carried him in his arms to the Chappell the rest marching in their ranks and followed by the Ladies of honour the Mistresse nurse and others of inferiour note Before them went the Lord Hume carrying the Ducall Crown the Lord Levingston carried the Towell or Napkin the Lord Seaton the Bason and the Lord Semple the Laver. Above the English Ambassadour there was a Pale or Canabie born by the Laird of Cesford Buclerogh Duddope and Traquier The Princes train was sustained by the Lords Sinclar and Urqhart In this manner they walked toward the Chappell a guard of the youths of Edinburgh well arrayed standing on each side of the way and the trumpets sounding Being entred the Chappell the King arose from his seat and received the Ambassadours at the doore of the Quire and then was the Prince delivered to the Duke of Lennox who gave him to the Nurse After which the Ambassadours were conveyed to their places which were ordered in this manner Upon the Kings right hand a chair was set for the French Ambassadour but this was empty next to him the Ambassadour of Denmark was placed on the left the English Ambassadour and Legier did fit and next after them the Ambassadours of Brunswick Megelburgh and the States every chair had a tassell boord covered with fine Velvet and the Ambassadour of England besides the others had office men standing by him to wait The Service did then begin and upon the end thereof the English Ambassadour arose and presented the Prince to the Bishop who was appointed to administer the Sacrament This was Mr. David Cunningham Bishop of Aberdene The action finished Mr. David Lindsey Minister at Leith had a learned speech in French to the Ambassadours After which they returned to the Chappell in the same order that they came Then was the Prince laid upon a bed of honour and his Titles in this sort proclaimed by the Lyon Herauld Henry Frederick Knight and Baron of Renfrew Lord of the Isles Earl of Karrick Duke of Rothsay Prince and Stewart of Scotland This done certain pieces of silver and gold were cast forth at a window among the people and a number of Knights created at night for it was in the afternoon that the Baptisme was ministred The Ambassadours with their train and the Noblemen present were royally feasted nothing lacking that was required to such a triumph The rest of the moneth was spent in Playes running at Tilt and such other exercises as might give delight to the strangers Amidst these joyes the King was not forgetting his own serious affairs sent his Secretary Sir Richard Cockborne of Clerkinton to England to desire the Queens assistance in pursuing the Popish Lords according to the many promises made by the Lord Souche and Mr. Bowes that how soon he should
should be called and to pay the summes contained in their bonds This advice presented to the King went much against his minde for his desire was to have the banished Lords reclaimed and brought to obedience which he esteemed to be the greatest assurance both of his own peace and the Countries quiet therefore did he onely answer That if it could be proved that the Lords since their departing from Scotland had traffiqued with strangers to the prejudice of Religion or State they should be used with all extremity but otherwise neither could their Cautioners be convicted nor would he change the course which he had kept with their wives and children Not long before this Assembly the King had communicated his minde to Mr. Robert Bruce touching that business hoping that by the sway he carried in those meetings some such Propositions as tended to the reclaiming of the banished Lords should have been made by the Assembly but finding his expectation not answered he brake to him the matter of new and shewed how greatly it concerned his estate to have them reduced and called home That the Queen of England was grown old and if any should after her death withstand his Title he would have need of his subjects assistance And that having so many Nobles exiled he would be lesse respected of strangers and be a great deal weaker at home If he could therefore win them to acknowledge their offence and so embrace the true Religion without which they should never get any favour from him he believed the course would not be disallowed of wise men and those that loved him Alwaies he desired to know his judgment for as yet he had not shewed his minde in that matter to any person Mr. Robert Bruce being as then in great favour and credit with the King said that he did think well of his Majesties reasons and that he should not doe amisse to bring home Angus and Arroll so as they would conform themselves in Religion But that Huntley could not be pardoned being so hated as he was of the subjects The King reasoning to the contrary that if Huntley be willing to satisfie the Church and fulfill the Conditions which he would require of him he saw no reason why he should not be received as well as the other two And as he could not but know that his care of that man was great and he having married his Cousin whom he accounted his own Daughter so was he the man of greatest power and one that could stand him in most stead Therefore desired Mr. Robert to think of that matter and after a day or two give him his advice in it At the next meeting being enquired what he had thought of the business he answered as before saying That Huntley's return would be ill interpreted and offend all good men The King repeating the former Reasons and adding That if he brought one home he would bring them all he replied I see Sir that your resolution is to take Huntley in favour which if you doe I will oppose and you shall choose whether you will lose Huntley or me for us both you cannot keep This saucy reply the King did never forget and it was this which lost him the favour which formerly he carried with the King The exiled Lords not finding that respect given unto them in forain parts which they expected took a resolution to return and to use all means for reconciling themselves to the King Church And that their return might be the more secret they separated one from another Arroll taking his journey homewards through the United Provinces was intercepted and delivered into the hands of Mr. Robert Danielston Conservator of the Scotish priviledges to be kept by him till the King should be advertised But whether by the Conservators knowledge or otherwise he made an escape and came into the Countrey Huntley came some moneths before and lurking secretly in the North sent a supplication to his Majesty and the Convention which met at Falkland the 12 of August the effect whereof was that he might be permitted to return and remain within any part of the Countrey his Majesty should appoint he giving sufficient surety for his quiet and peaceable behaviour The King having heard the Supplication took occasion to say That one of the two courses was needfull to be followed with him and the rest that were in his condition that is either utterly to exterminate them their race and posterity or then upon their humble acknowledgment of their offence and surety made for the state of Religion to receive in favour for to continue in the condition wherein they presently were could not stand either with the safety of Religion or with his own honour and estate The first course said he hath the own difficulties and will not be performed without great trouble And for my self so long as there is any hope that they may be reduced to the profession of the truth I desire not their destruction but like rather to extend my clemency towards them which I believe is the minde of all good and peaceable men As to the present offer made by Huntley I do not think it well generall and to no purpose therefore by your advise I would have particular Conditions condescended upon such as may serve for security of Religion mine own honour and the tranquillity of the Countrey such Conditions being offered and security found for performance I should then think that license might be granted him to return he being confined in such a part of the Countrey as should be thought most convenient The Convention approving his Majesties judgment resolved upon this as the fittest course remitting the Conditions to be formed by his Highness and the Lords of Councell September the same conclusion was ratified at another Convention of the Estates at Dunfermling and the Baptisme of the Princesse who was born the 19 of August appointed to be at Halyrud-house the 28 of November next How soon this their return into the Countrey was known and that such an Act was passed in their favours the Commissioners of the Church assembled at Edenburgh where falling to consider the dangers threatned to Religion by their return it was thought necessary to acquaint all the Presbyteries with the present state of things particularly that the forfaited Earls were returned into the Countrey without his Majesties warrant and approbation that they remained peaceably in the same using all means to be restored to their livings albeit they had neither acknowledged their offence in that treasonable dealing with the King of Spaine nor their defection and apostasie from the truth And that they had maintained an Act of Councell in their favours at the Convention of Falkland which was ratified thereafter at Dunfermling whereby they were licensed to remain upon certain Conditions to be prescribed unto them by his Majesty and Councell to the manifest hazard both of Church and
also pass from the summons and cease his pursuit This yeelding offer of the King was by the advice of the wiser sort thought good to be accepted that there might be an end of contention For if said they we go to try our strength with the King we shall be found too weak as yet the Court stands in some awe of the Church and whilest they are in this conceit it shall be meet to take the best conditions we can have for if by our strictness matters go to the worst our weakness shall soon appear and thereafter shall the Church be no more feared nor regarded too great stiffness doth seldom succeed well and it is often seen that they who will have all their wills do lose all in the end This was the reasoning of the wise and more moderate sort Others flattering themselves in their preciseness held That the onely way to prevail was to stand by their grounds the cause was Gods which he would maintain that worldly powers were not to be feared and that God had in his hand the hearts of Princes to turn them whither he pleased whereof in the present business they had seen a proof The debate held long and in end by most voices it was concluded that they should stand to the Declinator unless the King would pass from the summons and remitting the pursuite to the ecclesiasticall Judge make an Act of Councell that no Minister should be charged for his preaching at lest before the meeting of the generall Assembly The King perceiving this offer neglected was in great wrath and told them who were sent unto him that he would hearken to no agreement unless they would pass simply from the declinator and cause M. Blake compeir and acknowledge the Judicatory Which being refused the Proclamation was published the Commissioners charged to depart forth of the Town and M. Blake by a new summons cited to the last of November The next day being Sunday and the day of the Princes Christening the same was kept in the Palace of Halyrudhouse with great joy and feasting The English Ambassador did name the Princess Elizabeth after the Queen his Mistresse the Town of Edinburgh by the Magistrates assisting as witnesses such honor did the King unto them But all that day in the Town Churches were bitter invectives made against the two Proclamations for besides the charge given the Commissioners to leave the Town by another Proclamation the Barons Gentlemen and all other subjects were discharged to convene with the Ministry either in Presbyteries or Synods or any other Ecclesiasticall meetings under whatsoever colour or pretence without his Majesties licence These things were mightily aggravated by the preachers and the people exceedingly stirred at which the King more and more offending he resolved to keep the Diet assigned for M. Blakes appearing in the Councell house of Edinburgh accompanied with his Nobles that were present at the Baptism The Commissioners advertised of this for all that time some Gentlemen of the Chamber in hatred of the Octavians gave intelligence of every thing that was intended did form a Petition to be presented to his Majesty and the Noblemen consisting of three heads First they entreated the King that seeing the decision of such thorny and intricate questions as was moved at that time to the trouble of the Church could work no good and was subtilly urged onely to ingender a dissension between his Majesty and the Ministers he would be pleased to remit the determination thereof to a lawfull Assembly and not to incroach upon the limits of Christs Kingdom upon any pretence bending his actions according to the present necessity against the common enemies of Religion and State Next they exhorted the Noblemen to give his Majesty a free and faithfull counsell in that business and as to the honour of God and their own just praise they had kept themselves free both in counsell and action from working any prejudice to the liberty of the Gospell so they would not suffer themselves to be drawn at that time under the guiltiness of so great a sin by the craft of those who were subtilly seeking the thraldom of the Gospell and thought to make their honors the executors of their malicious devices And thereby that by their credit they would procure a continuation of all controversies unto a free and lawfull Assembly where the same might be gravely reasoned and concluded This Petition was given to M. David Lindesay M. Robert Bruce and M. Robert Rollock to be presented and if the same was refused they were enjoyned to protest against the proceeding of the Councell The King receiving this Petition after he had overviewed it did reject the same as not worthy of answer commanding to call M. Blake and read the summons Therein he was charged First to have affirmed in Pulpit that the Popish Lords were returned into the Countrey with his Majesties knowledge and upon his assurance and said that in so doing he had detected the treachery of his heart Secondly that he had called all Kings the Divels Barns adding that the Divell was in the Court and in the guiders of it Thirdly in his prayer for the Queen he had used these words We must pray for her for the fashion but we have no cause she will never do us good Fourthly that he had called the Queen of England an Atheist Fifthly that he had discussed a suspension granted by the Lords of Session in Pulpit and called them miscreants and bribers Sixthly that speaking of the Nobility he said they were degenerated Godless dissemblers and enemies to the Church likewise speaking of the Councell that he had called them Holliglasses Cormorants men of no Religion Lastly that he had convocated divers Noblemen Barons others within S. Andrews in the month of Iune 1594 caused them take arms divide themselves in Troops of horse foot had thereby usurped the power of the King and Civill Magistrate After reading of the summons Mr. Robert Pont protested that the processe in hand and whatsoever followed thereof should not prejudge the libertie of the Church in matters of Doctrine The king answered That he was not to meddle with any matter of doctrine but to censure the treasonable speeches of a Minister in sermon which he and his Councell would judge except by clear scripture it should be proved That Ministers were not subject in these cases to his Iudicatory Thereafter Mr. Blake being commanded to answer said that all these accusations were false untrue calumnies producing two testimonials one of the Provost Baylies and councell of St. Andrews the other of the Rector Dean of facultie Professors and Regents of the Universitie which he alledged should be preferred to any report whatsoever Next he said for the first six points the Lords of the Councell were not competent Judges the speeches alledged being uttered in pulpit but the same ought to be censured by the Presbytery where
the Sermon was delivered And then repeating his former declinator presented a new one in substance the same with the first For the last point he made offer to submit himself to the triall of the King and Councell Being removed and the Declinatour put to voices it was found That the crimes and accusations contained in the summons were seditious and treasonable and that his Majesty his Councell and other Judges substitute by his authority were competent Judges in all matters either criminall or civill as well to Ministers as to other subjects This pronounced the witnesses were called and admitted but their examination was delayed to the next day After the Councell dissolved the Prior of Blantyre Treasurer and Alexander Hume Provost of Edinburgh were sent from the King to the Ministers that notwithstanding of that his proceeding against Mr. Blake hee did not mean to use him with rigour but if they should move him to come and resolve his Majestie touching the truth of the points libelled he would rest upon his own declaration and send him back to his charge so carefull was the King of peace and so desirous to be in good termes with the Church Night was then fallen and the Commissioners gone to their lodgings yet finding Mr. Robert Bruce Mr. Robert Rollock Mr. Iames Nicolson and Mr. Iames Melvill together they declared what they had in Commission to have declared to the whole number Mr. Robert Bruce answering in the name of the rest said That if the matter did touch Mr. Blake alone the offer might be accepted but the libertie of Christs kingdome had received such a wound by the Proclamations published the Saterday preceding and that Day by the usurpation of the spirituall Iudicatorie as if Mr. Blakes life and the lives of twentie others had been taken it would not have grieved the hearts of good brethren so much as these injurious proceedings had done and that either these things behooved to bee retreated or they would oppose so long as they had breath This answere reported the King the next morning called some two or three of the Ministers unto him did confer with them a long space shewing that he was so farre from impairing the Spirituall Jurisdiction or abridging any of the Church Liberties as he would not only maintain them in what they enjoyed but would enlarge and amplisie the same when he saw it to be for their good But this licencious Discoursing said he of affaires of state in Pulpit can not be tolerated My claime is only to Iudge in matters of sedition and other civill and criminall causes and of speeches that may import such crimes wheresoever they be uttered for that the Pulpit should be a place priviledged and under colour of Doctrine People stirred to sedition no good man I thinke will allow If treason and sedition be crimes punishable when they are committed much more if they be committed in the Pulpit where the word of truth should only be taught and heard One of the Ministers answering that they did not plead for the priviledge of the place but to the respect that was due to the message and Commission they carried which having received from God the same ought not to be controlled in any civill Judicature Would you keep you to your message said the King there would be no strife but I trust your message be not to rule estates and when courses dislike you to stirre the people to sedition and make your King and those that rule under him odious by your railings and outcries If any doe so said the Minister and be tried to have passed the bounds it is reason he be punished with all extremitie but this must bee cognosced by the Church And shall not I said the King have power to call and punish a Minister that breaketh out in treasonable speeches but must come to your presbyterie and be a complainer I have good proof in the processe with Gibson and Rosse what justice you will doe me and were it in a doubtfull and ambiguous case where by any colour the speeches might be justified it were some way favourable to say that the Minister should be called and convict by his brethren but as in the present action with M. Blake who hath said The treachery of the Kings heart is discovered all Kings are the Devils Barns c. who sees not the man hath passed his bounds and not kept him to his message I am not ignorant what agitations France of late and England in former times hath suffered by the violence of such spirits and I have been in my time reasonably exercised with them and ye must not think that I will tolerate such licentiousness As for any lawfull power or liberty ye or your Assemblies have granted either by the word of God or by the laws of the kingdom I mean not to diminish the same and if ye think meet I will publish so much by a Declaration for satisfying you and all other my subjects With this the Ministers were dimitted who having related the conference they had with his Majesty to the rest of their brethren it was agreed in regard of the many inconveniencies which might ensue upon these distractions betwixt his Majesty and the Church that if they could obtain a Declaration in Councell that by the Acts and Proclamations published his Majesty did not intend to discharge any Church Assembly nor to annull any conclusion thereof but that the same should stand in force as they had been in use by the warrant of the word and approbation of his Highness laws and that the discharge of Barons and Gentlemen to convene with the Ministers was not extended to any Ecclesiasticall conventions but onely meant of their convening in Arms matters should be passed over for the present the interloquutor in M. Blakes business not being used against him nor any other Minister unto a lawfull generall Assembly wherein the question concerning the limits of the Civill and the Spirituall Jurisdiction might be reasoned and defined This being propounded the King assented to the Declaration craved offering further to delete the Acts whereupon the Proclamations were founded And for M. Blake he was content that he should be brought to his presence and declaring upon his conscience the truth of the points libelled in the hearing of M. David Lindesay M. Iames Nicolson and M. Thomas Buchannan they three should have power to determine what they thought meet The business was now thought to be at an end but in the afternoon by the suggestion as it was supposed of the President the King would have M. Blake to come before the Councell and acknowledge his offence to the Queen which done he should be pardoned of all This M. Blake refused saying he would neither condemn himself nor approve the proceedings of the Councell who have taken upon them to judge of his Sermons had admitted a sort of ignorant and partially affected people to be witnesses
against him rejecting the testimonies of the Town and University When by no perswasion he could be moved unto it the King went to Councell and the same day it being the second of December caused read the deposition of the witnesses who did clearly testifie that all the speeches libelled were uttered by M. Blake in Pulpit Thereupon sentence was given that he had falsely slandered and treasonably calumniated the Kings Majesty his bedfellow the Queen his neighbour Princess the Queen of England the Lords of his Highness Councell and Session and therefore his punishment being remitted to the King it was ordained that till his Majesties pleasure should be declared he should be confined beyond the North water and enter to his ward within six days Notwithstanding of this Sentence the day following a new Treaty began which continued some ten daies and was like to have produced an agreement for the King was content as before to delete the Acts of Councell at which the Ministers took offence by writing on the margent of the book according to the custome of deleting This matter is agreed and the Act delete He was likewise pleased to mend the Narrative of the Proclamation turning that upon the Papists and enemies of Religion that was said of Ministers and for Mr. Blakes businesse was content that the Interloquutor pronounced should not be made a preparative against any other Minister and that none should be called upon their preaching before the Councell till it was found in a lawfull Assembly that the King might judge of those that passed their bounds in Doctrine Provided he might in the mean time be assured of the good behaviour of the Ministers and that they should not speak unreverently of him or of his Councell which assurance he would have in writing Some punishment also he would have afflicted on Mr. Blake as either to transport him from S. Andrews to another Congregation or suspend him for a time from his charge punishments not very rigorous nor answerable to the quality of the offence The Commissioners being herewith advised liked well of all the last excepted A punishment they said could not be afflicted where no cognition had proceeded for as to the triall taken neither was it done by the proper Iudge nor was that equity observed which ought to have been witnesses that were under the Censures of the Church and ill-affected to Mr. Blake being admitted to depone against him This reported to the King he made offer to name twenty persons against whom no exception could be alledged and to give Mr. Blake his choice of seven or eight of that number who should be new examined touching the verity of the speeches whereof he was accused if they upon their consciences did absolve him he should rest satisfied if otherwise he would crave him to be deposed But this came to no effect nor could any overture albeit divers were proponed serve to work an accord so as the communing broke off and greater displeasures arose on both hands then afore For the Commissioners having directed two of the Brethren to shew the King That since they could obtain no redresse for the wrongs done unto Christs kingdome and saw nothing but the enemies of the truth were favoured and the faithfull Pastors of the Church reviled and pursued they could not abstain from opposing these proceedings with the spirituall armour given them by God and did therefore indict a Fast to be kept the Sunday following being the 12 day of December with solemn prayers for averting the judgments which the present courses did threaten The King on the other side made his displeasure and the scorn he took of these proceedings known by a Declaration published on the 15 day wherein he shewed That out of a desire he had to keep peace with the Ministers he did condescend to abstain from troubling in any case bygone untill by a convention of Estates and a Generall Assembly of the Ministery the difference between the Civill and Ecclesiasticall judgments might be removed providing they should promise not to disgrace him and his proceedings in their Sermons which he was in hope to obtain by sundry Conferences and meetings that he had kept with some of them till at last publickly they had opposed themselves in Pulpit by approving the doings of Mr. David Blake accusing himself of persecution and falsly suggesting to the people that all Church Assemblies were discharged whereas his resolution was and is to maintain Religion and the Church discipline established by law and to suffer nothing to be done in prejudice thereof by whomsoever which his Highnesse thought good to make known to all his subjects ordaining all Ministers to subscrive their obedience to his Majesty and set their hands to the bonds which should be presented to them for that effect under the pain of sequestring their rents stipends ay and while they gave the obedience required The same day was Mr. Blake charged to go unto his ward and the Commissioners of new commanded to remove themselves forth of the Town How soon they were gone the Secretary Mr. Iohn Lindesey thinking the Ministers of Edinburgh would be more tractable being left to themselves did move the King to send for them and make a fresh Proposition for setling these divisions But they refusing to enter in any communing except the Commissioners were recalled by as publick a Proclamation as that whereby they were discharged hope was given that the next day the same should be done and all questions laid over unto their return which some of the Kings Chamber having understood and fearing if matters were once accorded the Octavians against whom they were chiefly set should contine in their imployment among other reports they informed the King that a mighty watch was kept in Edinburgh about the Ministers houses for fear of some violence to be offered unto them which laid an heavy imputation upon his Majesty and that the Ministers would never be quiet till these factious people were put forth of the Town The advice as truly meant was hearkned unto and direction given to some 24 of the Burgesses that were best affected to the Ministers to depart the Town within the space of six hours This they knew would be ill taken by the Ministers and to put them in a greater fear they did advertise them by a counterfeit Letter to look unto themselves because Huntley had been with the King that night late and caused that charge to be given This Letter sent to Mr. Robert Bruce was by him communicate to Mr. Walter Balcanquall whose course it was to preach that morning and they both apprehending the information to be true did think it the safest way for themselves to make the people advertised of the danger so when the hour of Sermon came the Preacher reading his Text out of the book of Canticles which was his ordinary at that time and taking occasion of the present
next meeting which was kept at Halyrudhouse the tumult being of new declared to be treason by the Estates no further was done but a conclusion taken to pursue the Town criminally before the Justice and to charge the Provost Baylies Councell and Deacons of Crafts as representing the whole body of the Town to enter their persons within the Town of Perth before the first of February and there to keep ward till they should be cleared or found guilty of the uproar In this convention the Octavians not according well amongst themselves for the Prior of Blantire did keep a course with the Gentlemen of the Chamber and underhand informed the Ministery of the ill affection that the President and Advocate carried unto them gave over their Commission of Exchequer in his Majesties hands They pretended the many burthens which they sustained otherwise their services in Councell and Session with the charge of the Queens Rent and living but the true cause was the malice and envy caried unto them for the credit and place they had with the King which their service had well deserved for never were the rents of the Crown so thriftily and so rightly used as in that short time of their employment But the King loved to have peace though with his owne losse neither did they like to be the instruments of his trouble A little before these stirres with the Church Captaine Iames Stewart who had beene sometimes Chancellour and carried the Title of the Earl of Arran was Iames Dowglas of Torthorald This man after he was put from Court had lived obscure in the North parts and was entertained by the Lady Salton his sister in-law being in some hope to come again by the office of Chancellarie which was yet void by the death of the Lord Thirlestan he came South and had a long conference with the King which did greatly encourage him but till matters might be better prepared he took purpose to visit his friends in Kyle Taking his journey by Symington nigh unto Dowglas he was advised by his friends in those parts to look to himself and not ride so openly because of Tortherald that lived not farre off whose Uncle he had followed as they spake to the death His reply as he was a man proud and disdainfull That he would not leave his way for him nor for all the name of Dowglas being overheard by a fellow and reported to Tortherald did so inflame him the old ulcer remaining uncured as he avouched to have his life at all hazards So getting intelligence that he had taken horse he made after him with three of his servants and overtaking him in a valley called Catslack after he had stricken him from his horse did kill him without any resistance It is said that when Captain Iames saw the horsemen following he asked how they called the piece of ground on which they were and when he heard the name of it he commanded the company to ride more quickly as having gotten a response to beware of such a part he was a man full of violence and when he was in place of rule executed it with much cruelty which was now payed home in the end The King who longed to see a decent order established in the Church such as agreed with the Word of God the allowable custome of the primitive times and with the Laws of the Countrey did think this a fit time to effectuate his purpose and thereupon to hold a Nationall Assembly to meet at Perth the last of February for treating and determining the bounds and exercise of the spirituall jurisdiction and to the end that all might come the better prepared and be duly advised with the matters then to be entreated he caused some Articles to be drawn up and imprinted with a Preface wherein he took God the searcher of all hearts to record that his intention was not to trouble the peace of the Church by thorny questions nor yet to claim to himself any tyrannicall or unlawfull government over the same but only to have these doubts solved which might either in his time or in the time of his successours engender debate and to have the policy of the Church so cleared as all corruptions being removed a pleasant harmony might be setled betwixt him and the Ministery to the glory of Almighty God the content of all good men and terrour of the wicked The Articles were 55 in number and drawn up in form of Questions as followeth 1 May not the matters of externall gubernation of the Church be disputed salva fide religione 2 Is it the King severally or the Pastors severally or both conjunctly that should establish the Acts concerning the gubernation of the Church or what is the form of their conjunction in the making of laws 3 Is not the consent of the most part of the flock and also of the Patrone necessary in the election of Pastors 4 Is it lawfull for the Pastor to leave his flock against their wills albeit he have the consent of the Presbytery and for what cause should the Presbytery consent thereto 5 Is it lawfull for a Minister to use such application then that which may edifie his own flock or is the whole world the flock of every particular Pastor 6 Is he a lawfull Minister who wants impositionem manuum 7 Is it lawfull to Pastors to expresse in particular the names of Counsellours Magistrates or others whatsoever in pulpit or so lively to descrive them that the people may understand by whom they mean without notorious declared vices and private admonitions preceding 8 For what vices should admonitions and reproving of Magistrates passe publickly from Pulpits in their absence or presence respective 9 Is the application of doctrine in pulpits lawfull which is founded upon informations bruits and rumours suspicions and conditions if this be or that be probabilities likeliness or unlikeliness of things to come in civil matters which all may be false and consequently the doctrine following thereupon or should all applications be grounded upon the verity of known and notorious vices 10 Is the Text which is read in pulpit the ground whereupon all the doctrine should be built or may all things be spoken upon all texts so that the reading thereof is but a ceremony 11 May a simple Pastor exercise any jurisdiction without consent of the most part of his particular Session 12 Is his Session Judge to his Doctrine 13 Should not the Moderator of the Session be chosen yearly or any who hath voice therein 14 May the Session be elected lawfully by Ministers only without the consent of the whole Congregation 15 Why should not Elders and Deacons of particular Sessions be elected ad vitam 16 How many Presbyteries are meet to be in the whole Countrey in what places and how many Pastors of Churches in every Presbytery 17 Should not the Elders and Deacons of every particular Session have voice in Presbyteries or the Pastors
King and cunningly abused the English Warden did make his aboad at Court and was there well entertained The Ambassadour whether desired by the Queen or the Warden it is uncertain caused some of his servants keep company with the man and allure him one day to Leth where having drunk liberally he was by Coach instead of returning to Court carried to Berwick This being told the King he was greatly offended and giving order to watch the Ambassadours lodging 〈◊〉 to Berwick to bring back the man The Governour prayed the King to have him excused for that the man being come within his charge he could not dimit him without the Queens knowledge The King receiving this answer did challenge the Ambassadour as not having carried himself dutifully and wronged both him and the Countrey but he denying the fact affirmed the same to have been contrived by two of his servants without his knowledge and direction This none did believe neither did the King vouchsafe him any more countenance Whereupon he parted in a great discontent Soon after the King went to S. Andrewes for a new visit of the Universitie where it was ordained That there should be yearly upon the 3 of March a Dean of facultie of Theologie elected by the Doctors the Ministers resident within the City and the principall Masters of the Colledges which Deane so chosen should have the like priviledge and jurisdiction upon the students and professors of Theologie that the Deans of Philosophy had by the foundation over the professors thereof with expresse provision that that he who was elected Dean should not till after three years space be received again into the office Other conclusions were taken for distributing the Students of Theologie in Classes and their yearly examination but were ill observed At this time came forth sundry Discourses touching the succession of the Crown of England some oppugning some maintaining the Kings title amongst others Mr. Iohn Colvill taking upon him one of the opposite Treatises did publish a recantation wherein having confuted all the contrary reasons he professed that in malice in time of his exile he had penned the Treatise which then out of conscience he refuted This was believed of many and helped greatly to discredit the adversary writings yet was he not the Author of that which he oppugned only to merit favour at the Kings hands he did profess the work that came forth without a name to be his and indeed a more pithie and perswasive Discourse was not penned all that time in that subject The same year did the King publish his Doron Basilicon upon this occasion Sir Iames Semple one of his Majesties servants whose hands was used in transcribing that Treatise upon an old familiarity with Mr. Andrew Melvill did give it him to read who offending with some passages that touched the Ministery and present discipline took copies thereof and dispersed the same amongst the Ministers thereupon a Libell was formed and cast in before the Synod of St. Andrews wherein the passages at which they excepted being first set down it was asked What Censure should be inflict upon him that had given such instructions to the Prince for that Treatise was directed to Prince Henry and if he could be thought well affected to religion that had delivered such precepts of Government Sir Patrick Murray and Mr. Iames Nicolson being present in the Synod as Commissioners for the King and apprehending the libell to concern his Majesty made diligent enquiry to find out the presenters The whole number pretending ignorance the Commissioners commanded the doors to be shut and the Roll of the Ministers names to be called who being put to their oath one by one did purge themselves yet was it tried the very next day to be laid on the table by Mr. Iohn Dikes Minister at Anstruther who being therefore cited before the Councell was fugitive and denounced Rebell The rumor by this occasion dispersed that the King had left certain directions to his son prejudiciall to the Church and Religion he took purpose to publish the work which being come abroad and carried to England it cannot be said how well the same was accepted and what an admiration it raised in all mens hearts of him and of his piety and wisdome Certain it is that all the Discourses that came forth at that time and those were not a few for maintaining his right to the Crown of England prevailed nothing so much as did the Treatise against which such exceptions had been taken In the end of the year happened some new jarrs betwixt the King and the Ministers of Edinburgh because of a company of English Comedians whom the King had licensed to play within the Burgh The Ministers offending with the liberty given them did exclaim in their Sermons against Stageplayers their unruliness and immodest behaviour and in their Sessions made an Act prohibiting people to resort unto their plaies under pain of the Church censures The King taking this to be a discharge of his Licence called the Sessions before the Councell and ordained them to annull their Act and not to restrain the people from going to these Comedies which they promised and accordingly performed whereof publication was made the day after and all that pleased permitted to repaire unto the same to the great offence of the Ministers The next year which by publick Ordinance was appointed to have the beginning at the Calends of Ianuary and from thenceforth so to continue for before that time the year with us was reckoned from the 25 of March there was an Assembly kept at Montrosse the 28 of March where the King himself was present Therein that great business of the Churches voice in Parliament was determined and first the conclusions taken at Falkland in Iuly 1598 were ratified Then touching the continuance of those that should be chosen to give voice for the Church it was after much debating concluded That be who was admitted should yearly render an account of his Commission to the generall Assembly and laying the same down at their foot should be therein continued or if his Majesty and the Assembly did think fit to employ another he should give place to him that was appointed Two points more were adjoyned to the former one was That they who had voice in Parliament should not have place in the generall Assembly unless they were authorised by a Commission from the Presbyters whereof they were members The other caveat was That crimen ambitus should be a sufficient reason to deprive him both of his place and office And now there rested no more but to nominate persons to the Bishopricks that were void Aberdene and Argile had their own incumbents at the time both actual preachers S. Andrewes and Glasgow were in the hands of the Duke of Lennox Murray possessed by the Lord Spinie Orkney by the Earl of Orkney Dunkeld Birchen and Dumblane had their own titulars but these
Borders and for creating Lieutenants one or more upon occasions The persons he chused to attend him in the journey were the Duke of Lennox the Earls of Marre Murray and Argile the Lord Hume Sir George Hume Treasurer Mr. Iames Elphingston Secretary Sir David Murray Comptroller Sir Robert Ker of Cessord with the ordinary Gentlemen of the Chamber and of the Clergy David â—ishop of Rosse Peter Bishop of Dunkeld Mr. Patrick Galloway Mr. Andrew Lamb Mr. Iohn Spotswood Mr. Gawen Hamilton and Mr. Alexander Forbes Ministers Things thus ordered the King went the next morning to S. Giles to hear a Sermon Mr. Iohn Hall whose course it was preaching took occasion to remember the great mercies of God towards his Majesty reckoning the peaceable succession to the Crown of England none of the least This he said was Gods own proper work for who could else directed the hearts of so numerous a people with such an unanime consent to follow the way of right Thereupon he did exhort his Majesty to thankfulness to the maintenance of Gods truth and that he would send home some of those commendable orders he would find whither he was going The King accepting his exhortation in good part did upon the end of the Sermon make a speech to the people which at the time were frequently convened and promising to have care of them and their good gave them a most loving and kind farewell This was followed with such a mourning and lamentation of all sorts as cannot be well expressed For albeit they joyed not a little at first to hear of that accession of honour to their King yet considering they should be deprived of his presence and have no more a resident King among them they were grieved out of all measure This affection of the people moved also the King greatly therefore when the Magistrates Ministers and others of the better sort came to receive his commandments he spake gratiously unto them willing them not to be troubled with his departing for that they should finde the fruits of his government as well afarre off as when he was neer at hand and as his power was now encreased and made greater so his love towards them should not be a whit diminished In this sort did he part and beginning his journey on Wednesday the fourth of Aprill came the day to Berwick there he was welcomed with a most eloquent Sermon by Toby Matthew Bishop of Durham for he went first to the Church which finished he was conveyed to the Palace by the Governor and garrison the munition playing from the walls and the Citizens with showts and acclamations testifying their gladness The ninth of that moneth he went to Newcastle where he aboad some few days and because multitudes of people from all quarters were daily coming to see the King and offer their service Order was taken that no strangers should have access granted till the Chamberlain or Master of the Guard was acquainted with their business At York he was met with the Councellors and from thence by easie journeys travelled to London how his Majesty was there received and what other things happened in the time I remit to the English History my purpose being only to relate the things passed in Scotland or had some reference to matters of that Church and Kingdome Being at Burleigh house neer unto Stamford the King was advertised of the death of Iames Beaton Archbishop of Glasgow who deceased at Paris in the same moneth This man was descended of the house of Balfoure in Fife and consecrate Bishop at Rome in the year 1552 and at the time of reformation forsook the Countrey out of the hatred he bare to those that had hand in that work and carried with him all the writs and evidents of the Sea of Glasgow with the vessels and ornaments of the Cathedrall Church things of exceeding great worth for besides those of ordinary use there belonged to that Church the Image of our Saviour in beaten gold and the portraits of the twelve Apostles in silver The Queen returning from France did establish him Ambassadour in these parts for her affairs under the government of the Regents he was forfeited and deprived of his living which as we shewed before was conferred upon Mr. Iames Boyd Trochrig and after him went through divers hands till the King at his majority did restore him to his dignity honour and living employing him likewise for his Ambassadour in France a man honourably disposed faithfull to the Queen while she lived and to the King her son a lover of his Countrey and liberall according to his meanes to all his Countreymen in his last Will he bequeathed all his means to pious uses leaving as was said ten thousand Crownes for the education of poor Scholars being Scottish men born The evidents vessels and ornaments of the Sea of Glasgow he consigned in the hands of the Carthusians of Paris appointing the same to be redelivered how soon Glasgow should become Catholick and this year being the 66 of his age departed peaceably this life The King having destinated Mr. Iohn Spotswood for his successor sent him back to attend the Queen in her journey and serve her for elemosynar Soon after his coming her Majesty went to Striveling of mind to bring away the Prince her son and carry him along with her self to England but being denied by the friends of the house of Marre she became so incensed as falling into a feaver she made a pitifull abortion Advertisement of this being sent unto the King he caused the Earl of Marre to return and after him sending the Duke of Lennox with a warrant to receive the Prince and deliver him to the Queen he was brought unto her at Halirudhouse about the end of May yet she not satisfied herewith complained bitterly of the dishonour she had received and by a letter written to the King full of passron and anger which she gave her Elemosynar to carry required a publick reparation by the punishment of the Earl of Marre and his servants The King who knew the Earl himself to be blameless and desired not to be troubled with such business especially at that time returned this answer That she should doe wisely to forget the grudges she carryed to the Earl of Marre and thank God of the peaceable possession they had obtained of these Kingdomes which next unto God his goodness he ascribed to the last negotiation of the Earl of Marre in England This reported to the Queen for the messenger was commanded to speak so much she in a great choler replyed That she rather would have wished never see England then to be in any sort beholden to him for the same Yet as she was a most mild Princess and very carefull to please the King in every thing at her coming to Windsor which was about the end of Iune she was reconciled to the Earl of Marre and he by Act of Councell declared to
children and their exhibition as was appointed made them in after times no less troublesome to the Countrey then before In the end of the year the Earl of Dunbarre departed his life at whitehall a man of deep wit few words and in his Majesties service no less faithfull then fortunate The most difficile affaires he compassed without any noise and never returned when he was employed without the work performed that he was sent to doe His death made a great change in our Estate Sir Robert Ker a son of Farnherst who had served the King long in the quality of a Page and was then grown powerfull in Court carrying all things by his credit At first the Thesaurers Office which was in the person of Dunbar whilest he lived was trusted to certain Commissioners but after a little space the same was bestowed upon the said Sir Robert and he preferred to be Earl of Somerset The guard that Sir William Cranston a Gentleman of great worth did command and wherewith he had performed divers notable services in the Borders was taken from him and given to Sir Robert Ker of Ancram Somersets cousin Sir Gedeon Murray his Uncle by the Mother made Deputy in the Office of Thesaury and Sir Thomas Hamilton his Majesties Advocate who had married his sister placed first in the office of Register and afterwards made Secretary all which was ascribed to Somerset his credit Yet these things were not ill taken the last excepted for Sir William Cranston being content to resigne his place the King in remembrance of his good service did preferre him to be a Lord of Parliament Sir Gedeon his abilities for the services he was trusted with were known to all and for the Advocate his sufficiency was undoubted only the manner of his coming to be Register was not so well interpreted Sir Iohn Skeen had enjoyed the place a good many years and being grown in age and infirme thinking to get his son provided to his office had sent him to Court with a dimission of the place but with a charge not to use it unless he found the King willing to admit him yet he abused by some politick wits made a resignation of the Office accepting an ordinary place among the Lords of Session The office upon his resignation was presently disponed to the Advocate which grieved the Father beyond all measure And the case indeed was pitifull and much regrated by all honest men for he had been a man much employed and honoured with divers legations which he discharged with good credit and now in age to be circumvented in this sort by the simplicity or folly of his son 't was held lamentable The King being informed of the abuse by the old mans complaint was very carefull to satisfie him and to have the son reconciled to his father which after some travell was brought to passe yet so exceeding was the old mans discontent as within a few daies he deceased The office of Register was shortly after enterchanged with the Secretary Sir Alexander Hay and he made keeper of the Rolls the Lord Binning Secretary and Sir William Oliphant received to be his Majesties Advocate In the beginning of the next year there happened diverse unhappy quarrels betwixt the Scots and English at Court which was like to have produced very bad effects and nothing worse taken then the slaughter of an English Fencer by the Lord Sanqhars instigation who for an injury alledged did hire one called Carleill to kill the Fencer this fact committed in the City of London and so near to the Kings Court caused such a heart-burning among the people as it was not farre from breaking forth into a generall commotion But his Majesty preventing the danger made Sanqhar to be arrested and brought to his triall where being convicted he was hanged publickly at the Palace-gate of Westminster This act of justice gave the English a great content nor was the death of the Nobleman much regrated by his own Countrey people for he had lived all his time dissolutely and falling in familiarity with a base Curtesan at Paris had by her a son to whom he entailed his lands intending to defraud the heir But the King taking the matter into his own cognition did by compromise adjudge the succession to the just inheritour appointing a little portion to the base son who in a short time made away the same prodigally Not long before his Majesty being informed of a course kept by the Church in excommunicating persons that were fugitives for capitall crimes sent to the Bishops and Clergy a Letter of this tenor The Ecclesiasticall Censure of Excommunication which should be inflicted upon such as having committed any scandalous offence are contemners of the admonitions of the Church is as we have been enformed so farre absued against the first institution that we cannot sufficiently mervail of the proceeding said to be commonly used among you namely that persons fugitive for capitall crimes being cited before Ecclesiastical Iudicatories although it be known that they dare not compeir for fear of their life are sentenced as persons contumacious whereas the fear they stand in ought in reason to excuse their absence since they cannot be judged contemners of the Church who upon just terrors are kept back from giving their personall appearance In a late Treatise the Venetian Padre Paulo did learnedly confute the sentence pronounced by the present Pope against him for his not appearing to answer in the cause of heresie only upon the just fear be pretended and had his appeal justified by all indifferent men from the Popes sentence as abusive your proceedings for the manner is no other and by the learnedst Divines in these parts resembled to the Moscovites form who if he be offended with any person commandeth him to send his head unto him just so your citations are in the foresaid case which is to will the offenders come in and be hanged which were they never so penitent is not to be thought they will doe for they will rather fall under your censure then hazard themselves in the hands of the justice This being the ready way to bring the Censures of the Church in contempt Our pleasure is that hereafter there be no such form of proceeding used among you Notwithstanding if it shall happen such offenders to obtain our pardon and that the fear they stand in of their life be removed we mean not but that they should be called before the Church and Censures used against such of those that are impenitent Hereof perswading our selves that you will have care and not give way to the abuse in time coming We bid you farewell Upon the receipt of this Letter the Bishops convening with certain of the Clergie to advise what course was fittest to be held in these cases a long reasoning was kept some maintaining That the form practised by the Church was not to be changed they having tried the good thereof
conceived by his death This following penned by a learned Divine in our vulgar language did affect me so as I thought good to subjoin it ALL who have eyes awake and weep For he whose waking wrought our sleep Is fallen asleep himself and never Shall wake again till wak'd for ever Deaths iron handhath clos'd those Eyes Which were at once three Kingdoms spies Both to foresee and to prevent Dangers as soon as they were meant That Head whose working brain alone VVrought all mens quiet but its own Now lies at rest O let him have The peace he lent us in his grave If that no Naboth all his Reign Was for his fruitfull vineyard slain If no Vriah lost his life Because he had too fair a wife Then let no Shimei's curses wound His honour or profane his ground Let no black-mouth'd no rank-breath'd cur Peacefull JAMES his Ashes stir Princes are Gods ô doe not then Rake in their graves to prove them men For two and twenty years long care For providing such an Heir VVho to the peace we had before May adde twice two and twenty more For his daies travels and nights watches For his craz'd sleep stoln by snatches For two fair Kingdoms joyn'd in one For all he did or meant t' have done Doe this for him write on his dust IAMES the Peacefull and the Iust. The End A brief Table directing to the Principall Matter of this HISTORY A St. Andrews made an University by the Bishop of the place procuring it Page 57 Made an Archiepiscopal See 58 Aidanus in Northumberland within seven dayes after his first arrival converteth and baptizeth 15000 14 Augustine The King of Northumberland with an army by instigation as was supposed of Augustine the Monk slayeth 1200 Monks that refused to receive the Rites of Rome 12 Alcuinus born in Scotland 22 B BIshop The ancient manner of a Bishop in Scotland 4 Anciently in Scotland all the moveable goods of any Bishop belonged to the King and were seized for his use 55 An English Army put to flight by a Bishop 99 A Bishop went on foot through the whole Kingdome preaching the Gospel wheresoever he came 108 The ancient variance between the Scots and Holland reconciled by a Bishop 105 The difference between Iames III. of Scotland and Lewis XI of France reconciled principally by the prudence of a Bishop ibid. A Bishop barbarously maimed by an Earl in the Kings absence and the Justice done upon him for it 40 110 A very pious Bishop lived to the age of 185 years 112 Iohn Dury a reformed Minister at his death giveth advice to the Assembly of the Church to restore the Episcopal government 457 Bishops restored in the Church and to their temporalities in Scotland 496 Cautions whereby the Episcopal power was moderated in Scotland 501 Scottish Bishops came to England for consecration 514 Colman a Scottish Bishop disswadeth by his great authority the Nobility of Scotland from deposing their King 19 Buchannan by his verses he incenseth the Franciscans 67 His death 525 Benefices the temporality of them annexed to the Crown 365 Bothwell in open Rebellion is encouraged by the English Ambassadors 402 The King would have it inserted into the Acts of the Church that Ministers shall make publick declaration in the Church the Sunday following after they have baptized any privately first refused 529 After passed by the Church 539 C CArdinals by the Popes Law the placeâ—s are to be ruinated where Cardinals are slain 88 Charles after King of Great Britain born 461 His Journey to Spain 544 His return 545 A Letter to him from Gregory XV. then being Suitor in the Spanish Court 544 Church A form of Church-policy presented to the Convention of Estates at Edinburgh drawn up by Knox 152 The Church and Regent cross one the others proceedings 271 A model of Church-policy presented to the Parliament at Striveling 289 The Church appointeth a Fast on the same day that the King appointeth a Feast for the entertainment of the French Ambassador with a design to cross the King 322 The Assembly of the Church protest against the Kings judging in Causes Ecclesiastical the Councel of State reject the Protestation 318 Contentions between the King and Church 319 They allow not the Councel authority to judge of Treason spoken by them in the Pulpit 330 The Ministers yield more to the desires of the basest people then to reasonable Propositions of the King 394 They provide a Chaplain of their own interest for Bothwell endevouring Rebellion 402 They refuse to submit their doctrine to the triall of the King and Councel 420 They style the Queen of England Elizabeth an Atheist in their Sermons 419 422 One of them affiâ—med in his Sermon that it is lawful for subjects to take arms against their King 430 They sollicite the Lord Hamilton and people to take arms 431 Articles proposed in the form of Question by the King concerning affairs of the Church 435 The bosome of the Church ought alwaies to be open to Penitents 437 The Assembly vote that it is lawfull for Ministers to sit in Parliament 449 Some of them refuse to give thanks in their Churches for the Kings deliverance from the attempts of Gowrie 460 Catholikes are dispensed from Rome to profess or swear against their religion so as in minde they continued firme 308 Covenant is taken by the Ministers obliging them to a better discharge of their duty 416 A Scottish prisoner rescued out of the Castle of Carlisle by a strange attempt 414 A strange event at a Councel held in Wiltsh 27 The Charity of a certain man saved his life 462 Conference at Hampton Court 478 Another Conference there between Scottish Bishops and Ministers of the Presbytery 497 D DRuids what they were 3 Are expelled by Cratilinth 3 The Diocese of Dunkeld divided into two Bishopricks 98 The Synod of Dort in Holland 540 Did not ratifie the Acts of Perth ibid. E A Controversie between six Competitors for the Crown of Scotland referred to the arbitration of Edward I of England 48 England the two Kingdomes of England and Scotland united upon the intended marriage of Edward VI. being about five years old and Mary daughter of Scotland being about one year old 72 That Contract broken by Scotland 73 The King of Scots with many of his Nobles swear subjection to Edward I. of England at Newcastle 49 The King of Scots and the Parliament of Scotland convened at Berwick do homage to the King of England ibid. The King of England refuseth to stand to the Popes judgement 50 The Earls and Barons of Scotland in a Parliament at S. Andrewes swear obedience the third time to the King of England ib. The Scottish Lords of the Congregation have aid from England 140 The Articles of Contract between England and Scotland 142 Scottish Bishops come to England to be consecrated 514 Easter The ancient manner of observing it in Scotland not the same with that of the Roman 15
Church Catholick where it was before the Reformation by Edward Boughen D. D. in 4o. An Advertisement to the Jury-men of England touching Witches written by the Author of the Observations upon Mr. Hobbs Leviathan in 4o. New Episcopacy-and Presbytery considered by Hen. Fern. D. D. in 4o. A Sermon preached at the Isle of Wight before his Majesty by Hen. Fern D. D. in 4o. The Commoners Liberty or the English-mans Birth-right in 4o. An Expedient for composing Differences in Religion in 4o. A Treatise of self-denial in 4o. by a conceal'd Author The holy Life and Death of the late Vi-countesse Falkland in 12º Certain Considerations of present Concernment Touching the Reformed Church of England by H Fern in 12o. New Englands Faithfull Reprover and Monitour in 12o. by Io. Allington Newly published The grand Conspiracy of the Members against the Mind of Jewes against their King As it hath been delivered in four Sermons by Iohn Allington B. D. in 12o. The Quakers wilde questions objected against the Ministers of the Gospel and many sacred Acts and Offices of Religion with brief Answers thereunto Together with a Discourse of the holy Spirit his workings and impressions on the souls of men by R. Sherlock B. D. in 8o. White Salt or a sober correction of a mad world By Iohn Sherman B. D. a discontinuer in 12o. The Marching of the Magistrates Authority and the Christians true liberty in matters of Religion By William Lyford B. D. and late Minister of Sherborn in Dors. in 4o. An. 1601. An. 1603. An. 1610. An. 1615. An. 1616. The Assembly of Perth 1618. An. 1633. An. 1635. An. 1639. The Preface Anno 203. Scotland converted to the faith of Christ Anno 203. Boeth li. 6. Buch. li. 4. Lâ—st l. 3. The Planters of Christianity in this Kingdom Reasons why Pope Victor could not be the worker of our conversion An. 277. Buchan li. 4. Severus his expedition into Britain King Cratilinth expulses the Druides A short description of the Druides Diocletian his persecution Sodorense fanum Boeth li. 6. An. 360. Amphibalus the first Bishop of Man Culdees why so called Boeth l. 6. Bishops in Scotland at the first planting of the faith Boeth ibidem Maximus the Roman prefect practiseth with the Picts against the Scots Bouch. li. 6. Buchan li. 5. The Scots exiled Buchan li. 4. An. 370. Regulus arrives into Albion Hergustus King of the Picts gave his Palace to Regulus An. 404. King Fergus came to the Firth of Murâ—ray Boeth l. 7. He repaired the Churches King Fergus vanquished and slain Boeth li. 7. Greem battereth the wall of Severus Buch. l. 5. Eugenius assisted by the Picts overcometh the Britains Anno 450. St. Ninian St. Augustin de civitate Dei li. 22. cap. 10. Beda his Ecclesiast Hist. li. 3. cap. 4. Palladius sent into Scotland by Pope Celestine Beda li. 1. c. 13. Buch. li. 5. Buch. his opinion refelled Monks not reckoned among the Clergy Servanus and Tervanus ordained Bishops by Palladius Boeth li. 7. Hist. li. 4. An. 491. St. Patrick the converter of Ireland Baâ— cent 1. Bacon to 5. in Anno 431. Sect. 191. Camden in the description of Ireland Ioh. Biâ—sans in descriptione Britanmae Sedulius educated under Hildebert a Bishop Bal. cent 14. Lesl. li. 4. Anno 494. Gratin decret par distruct 15 Sedulius proved to be a Scottish man against the Irish writers An. 500. Scotland a Colonie deduced from Ireland Congallus an excellent Prince Buch. in vita Congalli Tithes declared to appertain to the Church A law for the safety of Church-men Columba returneth into Scotland Scotichron li. 3. Boeth li. 9. Monks placed in Monasteries Columba sent to bring Aidanus the heir of the Crown from Ireland Congallus dieth to whom his brother succeedeth An. 603. Boeth li. 9. Buchan l. 5. Lesl. li. 4. Aidanus crowned King Columba retired to the Isle Iona. Aidanus maketh warre against the Picts Aidanus rebuked by Columba Aidanus forced to take up Arms against the Picts The Picts overcome and Aidanus getteth the victory Columba dieth in the year of our Lord 603. Boeth li. 9. Kentigern or St. Mungo An. 500. Boeth li. 9. Mongah in the Norish tongue signifieth dear fâ—â—â—nd Kentigern his journey to Wales Kentigern his austere life and death Baldred and Convallus were Kentigerns disciples Boeth li. 9. Lesl. li. 4. Convallanus Governour of the Monastery in Iona. Boeth ibidem Brigida An. 518. Boeth li. 9. Brigida dieth at Abernetâ—â—â—â—y â—y Anno 600. Augustine the Monk sent into Britain Beda l. 3. c. 2. The Britains refuse to conform themselves to the rites of Rome A letter from the Bishops of England to the Scottish Church Beda l. 2. c. 4. Honorius writeth to the Church of Scotland Beda l. 2. c. 19. A letter from the Clergy of Rome to the Church of Scotland Beda ibidem Beda his judgement of the letter Buchan l. 5. Boeth li. 9. Lesl. li. 4. Buchan l. 9. Beda l. 3. c. 5. Cormanus sent into Northumberland Aidaus sent for the conversion of Northumberland Aidanus ordained Bishop and sent into Northumberland The vertues of King Oswald An. 651. The commendation of the Bishop Aidanus Finnanus succeeded Aidanus Finnan dieth to whom Colman succeeded The controversie about Easter wakened A dispute for the time of Easter Osâ—py King of Nuâ—thimbers his speech to the diâ—puters Colman his reasons for the observing of Easter after the Scottish manner â—ilfrid his repâ—y to Colman Colman interrupteth wilfrid for calling their observation foolish Wilfrid excusing himself persisteth in his reply Colman his answer Wilfrid his reply The King determineth the question Colman resigneth his place Colman returneth into Scotland Buchan l. 5. A declining in the Church by the dissensions that grew in the same Godwin de Praesulibus Angliae Buchan lib. 5. Adamannus a Bishop An. 689. Chilianus Baron in anâ—â— 689. Baron in anno 632. Wiro and Plechelmus consecrated Bishops by Pope Honorius An. 697. A Synod at Vtrect Bonifacius an Italian came into Scotland Bonifacius made Arch-Bishop of Mentz The story of Fiacre Bal. cent 14. The Universities of Paris and Pavia founded by Scottish men Alcuin Rabanus Maurus Maidulphus Scotus Camdens Antiquities An. 800. Warres renued between the Scots and the Picts Religious houses founded by Prince Gulielm Boeth li. 10. Hungus King of Picts supplyed by Achaius King of Scots Hungus his thankfulnesse for his victory The Scots claim the Kingdom of the Picts Kenneth utteâ—ly overthroweth the Picts Boeth li. 10. Lese l. 5. The succession of Bishops in this Church after the subversion of the Picts Adrian the first in this accompt killed by the Danes An. 872. A convention at Scone for reformation of the State An. 860. Statutes for redressing abuses An. 904. Scon. l. 2. in Catalogo Eipis S. Andreae King Gregoâ—y his favours to the Church Boeth l. 10. Io. Scotus called Aerigena Boeth l. 10. Lesl l. 5. King Constantine the third forsaketh the publick life Paslet l. 6. c. 27. An. 977. Camd
letters to King Edward and the Archbishop of Canterbury An. 1300. King Edward his answer William Wallace S. Daniel Boeth l. 14. Buch. l. 8. A Parliament S. Andrews King Edward his course for â—â—tirpating the Scots Scon. Catal. Episc. S. Andreâ— Pasl l. â— William Lamberton preferred to S. Andrewes upon the death of Fraser Pasl l. 6. c. 2. The Culdees and Chanons strife The dissolution of the Templars Paulus Emilius Plessis B. Lamberton loseth K. Edwards favour Buchan l. 8. Lesl. l. 7. Boâ—th l. 14. The Bishop committed to Prison Robert Bruce crowned King Boeth l. 14. Buchan l. 8. The Popes Legate sent to disswade the King from troubling England Boeth l. 14. The King his answer to the Legate The Kingdom interdicted Buch. l. 8. A Letter sent by the Nobles and Barons of Scotland to the Pope Scon. l. 13. c. 1. The Interdiction released The English sue for peace The conditions of the peace An. 1328. King Robert Bruce dieth B. Lamberton his death and vertues Scon. l. in Catalogo episc S. Andreae Io. Duns Bal. cent 14. Lesl. l. 7. Camd. Brit. Duns proved to be a Scottish man born An. 1341. Sir Iames Bane elected in Lambertons place Scon. l. in catal episc S. Andr. The Bishop dieth at Bruges in Flanders The See of S. Andrews void nine years William Landels chosen Bishop The Bishops obtained liberty to dispose of their goods by Testament Stephen chosen Bishop of S. Andrews he dieth at Anwick Walter Traill elected in his stead Scon. l. in Catal. episc S. Andr. An. 1401. His vertues and qualities Thomas Stewart son to Robert the second elected Bishop Scon. li. in Catalogo Episc S. Andreae Henry Wardlaw provided by Pope Benedict the 13. to the Bishoprick A Schisme in the Church Martin the 5. chosen Pope by the Councel of Constance The Abbot of Pontiniac directed to intimate the election Harding a Minorite perswadeth the Scots to continue in the obedience of Benedict Iohn Fogo a Monk of Melross refuseth Hardings Oration The schisme made way to the reformation Iohn Wickliffi Hus and Ierome of Prague Iames Resby Martyr Paul Craw Martyr The Bishop his qualities An. 1412. The University of S. Andrews founded in the year 1412. Boeth 1. 16. King Iames the first a great favourer of the University Bucban l. 10. The King his admonicion to the Church-men Buchan l. 10. Boeth l. 17. Bishop Wardlaw dieth Aâ—â—â— 1444. Bishop Iames Kennedy translated from Dunkeld to S. Andrews Buchan l. 12. Kennedy his just praises An. 1466. Bishop Kennedy his death the year 1466. Patrick Grahame chosen to succeed The See of S. Andrewes erected in an Archbishoprick The Bulls of Legaâ—ion and Primacie published Buchan l. 12. The King inhibiteth the exercise of his Legation An. 1444. William Shevez recommended to the Archdeaconry of S. Andrews The Bishop rejecteth him as insufâ—â—cient Shevez conspireth with the Rector The Bishop contemning the censure hath his goods confiscated The â—â—hop taken in favour Buchan l. 12. The Bishop of new troubled by the bankers of Rome The Bishop falling in some distraction is committed to Shevez Buchâ— n. l. 12. The Bishop condemned to lose his dignity Shevez provided to the Archbishoprick Patrick Grahame dieth at Lochleven An. 1478. The Church altogether in disorder Shevez receiveth the Pall and is invested Anno 1478. Lese l. 8. Archbishop of S. Andrew and Glasgow at diffension The History of the Church of Scotland An. 1513. The dispersers of these Articles cited before the Councell Iames Stewart brother to King Iames the fourth elected Bishop Anno 1503. B. Alexander Stewart succeedeth A Competition for the Archbishop Buchan l. 3. Lest. l. 3. The Bishop of Dunkeld quiteth his interest An. 1522. The Duke of Albany pacifieth the Competitors Lesl. l. 9. Iames Beaton translated from Glasgow to S. Andrews Lesl. l. 9. Buchan l. 14. Mr. Patrick Hamilton Abbot of Ferm Martyr Buchan l. 14. History of the Church p. 21. An. 1527. Articles wherewith the Abbot was charged Manuscript processe which is extant under the hands of the Theologues The subscrivers of the sentence The manner of his execution and speech at his dying History of the Church His appealing of Frier Campbell Frier Campbell dieth of a Phrensie History of the Church p. 23. Numbers brought to the knowledge of the truth by his suffering Buchan l. 14. Frier Seaton suspected of Heresie History of the Church Frier Seaton called before the Bishop The Frier flyeth to Berwick and from thence writeth to the King He becometh Chaplain to the Duke of Suffolk Acts of Martyrs Henry Forrest Martyr Divers cited to appear at Halirudhouse An. 1534. Normand Gourlay and David Straiton Martyrs Acts of Martyrs History of the Church Alexander Alesse and others fly to England Bal. cent 14. Divers accused of heresie in a meeting at Edinburgh An. 1538. The Vicar of Dolour his conference with the Bishop of Dunkeld History of the Church Vetimo Febr. 1538. Frier Russel and one Kennedy martyred at Glasgow History of the Church The Archbishop disswadeth the execution The courage of Russel at his dying Master George Buchannan eseapeth out of prison Buchan l. 14. The History of the Church The Archbishop committeth the charge of all affairs to his Nephew the Cardinal An. 1539. A contest for the imposition laid upon the Clergy for the Lords of Session Buchar l. 14. Lesl. l. 9. Bishop Beaton dieth The learned men that lived in this time M. Iohn Maior Bal cent 14. Lest. l. 9. Hector Boeth Bal. Cent. 14. Gilbert Crab. Bal. cent 15. William Gregory Bal. ibidem Iohn Scot his memorable fasting Buchan l. 14. Lesl. l. 9. He taketh his journey to the holy Sepulcher He is imprisoned in London Thomas Doughty suffered to abuse the people Scots emulaâ—ion of Doughty and his cousenage The history of Cardinal Beaton An. 1540. Sir Iohn Borthwick cited for heresie The heads of his accusation Sir Iohn Borthwick denounced heretick Acts of Mart. The King invited to meet his Uncle King Henry at York Buchan l. 14. Lesl. l. 9. Holinshed history of Scotland The Cardinal and Clergy seek to impede the meeting An. 1541. The King excuseth himself to King Henry Sir Iames Hamilton executed The King troubled with visions History of the Church The Justice Clerk his fearful death The King died at Falkland An. 1542 the eighth of December The Cardinal forgeth the Kings Testament Buchan l. 15. The Earl of Arran elected Governour An. 1542. The King of England seeketh to unite the Kingdomes by marriage Buchan l. 15. A Parliament at Edinburgh Lesl. l. 10. The Cardinal committed Ambassadors sent into England for concluding the match Buchan l. 15. The history of the Church The Governours Preachers suspected by the Clergy The Ambassadors return from England History of the Church The estate of the Governors Court The Bishop of Ross and Abbot of Paisley seek to divert the Governour from the Contract with England The Governours Preachers and servants part from him History
answer Captain Iames Stewart his reply Morton is commited 2Ì„â— Ianuarii 18. Ianuar. An Assembly of the Church with their proceedings against the Bishops The iniquity of their proceedings A letter from the Earl of Lennox to the Assembly Iohn Dury committed to the Castle The death of Mr. Iohn Row An Ambassadour from England His Majesties answer to the Ambassadour An Assembly of the Estates The Ambassadour laboureth with Noblemen to take Arms for Mortons liberty Forces sent by the Queen of England to the Borders An. 1581. The proceeding against Mortons friends at Court The Ambassador departeth secretly to Berwick Sir Iohn Seaton denied passage into England Morton brought from Dumbritton to Edinburgh Morton his indictment Sentence pronounced The Ministers conference with the Earl of Morton The sentence mitigated Arran desireth Morton to subscribe his confession Morton his Answer Morton his behaviour at his death Mortons qualities and good parts Arrans proceeding against Morton and his servants approved Arran his marriage with the Countesse of Marche Montgomery his Simoniacal bargain for the Bishoprick of Glasgow Inquisition made of Montgomehy his life and doctrine The Articles against Montgomery communicated to the King Mr. Walter Balcanquel questioned for speeches in Pulpit Balcanquels answer The King ceaseth from pursuing the complaint Balcanquels Sermon approved by the Assembly An. 1582. Montgomery suspended by the Presbytery of Striveling He is cited to appear before the Synod of Lothian The Synod inhibited to proceed An Assembly at S. Andrews Mr. Mark Ker sent to discharge the Assemblies proceeding The Assembly discharged under pain of Rebellion to desist The Assembly proceedeth and findeth him culpable of divers crimes Montgomery falling from his resolution submits himself to the Assembly Montgomery changeth and returneth to his first course Mr. Thomas Smeton his Sermon at Glasgow Montgomery processed for preaching at Glasgow The Moderâ—tor of the Presbytery imprisoned in the Tolbuith A solemn Fast kept Iohn Dury Minister at Edinburgh was removed from his charge Ministers directed to the King Mr. Iohn Davidson excommunicated Montgomrie The surprise of the King at Ruthven 23. Aug. 1582. The King stayed from his sport by the Master of Glammit Arran withholden from the the King The Duke of Lennox sendeth to enquire of the Kings Estate The Duke of Lennox willed to retire to France A Proclamation declaring the Kings contentment with his stay at Perth The Duke is advised to go unto Dumbritton An Ambassador from England September 12. The Earl of Angus received in favour October 12. The Lords bring the King to Halirudhouse Octob. 8. An Assembly of the Church at Edinburgh The Lords â—end to obtain the Assemblies approbation The Assemblies ratificacation of the attempt at Ruthven A Convention of the Estates at Edinburgh The Kings speech to the Estates The attempt of Ruthven declared to be good service The Earl of Arran ordained to be detained till the Duke was gone The Duke falling sick at Seat taketh journey by land The Duke dering to see the King before he went away is denied Two Ambassador from France La Mott and Menevil The purpose of association renued The Ministers declared in their Sermons against the Ambassadors The Magistrates of Edinburgh desired to feast the Ambassadors The Ministers proclaim a fast Febr. 16. The Duke of Lennox dieth at Paris 26. May 1583. The King directeâ—h Amâ—assadours to England An. 1583. The negotiation took no effect The life and death of Mr. George Buchannan The King freeth himself of his attenders Ianuar. 28. The Earl of Gowry confesseth his fault and is pardoned An Act following the service of Colonel Stewart The Earl of Arran called again to Court His Majesties Declaration touching the attempt of Ruthven The discontented Lords confined All of them Angus except for their disobedience were denounced Rebels Ambassage from England the beginning of September His Majesties answer to the Ambassador The Ambassador complains of a Jesuits escape His Majesties answer An Assembly of the Church Grievances presented to his Majesty by the Church The King his answer to the grievances The answer did not satisfy the Church Lodowick son and heir to the late deceased Duke of Lennox cometh into Scotland Novemb. 13. The King his kindnesse to the Duke his children A Convention of Estates Prorogation granted to those that were charged to enter in Ward An offer of pardon to those who will acknowledge their offence at Ruthven The Earl of Rothes his protestation Iohn Dury questioned for allowing the attempt of Ruthven An. 1584. Mr. Andrew Melvil fleeth into England The King his Proclamations misregarded The Earl of 〈…〉 Being at Dundy he is apprehended by Colonel Stewart April 16. The Castle of Striveling surâ—â—â—ed April 18. The King 〈◊〉 to go towards Striveling The Rebels flee into England The Castle rendred April 27. Gowry examined touching the conspiracy His confession set down by himself in writing A letter from Gowry to his Majesty He is denied audience and put to the trial of a Jury The points of his endictment His exceptions repelled The names of the Assisers Gowry found guilty and sentence pronounced His execution and manner of death Archibald Douglas and another executed The houses of the Rebels charged Ministers called in question for the conspiracy Mr. David Lindesay Minister at Leth committed The Ministers at Edinburgh flee to England Mr. Robert Pont protesseth against the Acts. Libells and pamphlets against the Rulers of the Court. A letter from the Ministers of Edinburgh to the Session of the Church and Councel of the Town By the Kings direction an answer is returned in this form The letter grieveth the Ministers exceedingly Mr. Iames Lawson died at London Mr. Alexander Arbuthnet his death Mr. Thomas Smeton his death The Ministers charged with the subscription of certain Articles Mr. Nicol Dalgleish condemned David Home and his brother executed Robert Hamilton of Eglismachan delateth the Lairds of Dâ—uwwhasil and Mains Drumwhasil and Mains put to a trial They are found guilty and executed The unhappy end of Hamilton the delator Arran his power and credit at Court Arran laboureth to gain the Queen of England 12. Augusti An. 1585. The Master of Gray sent into England the beginning of October The Archbishop of S. Andrews sent into England The Queens answer to the Master of Gray The Justice Clerk directed into England April 1585. The banished Lords challenged by the Justice Clerk Arran draweth much envy upon himself His falling out with the Lord Maxwel Troubles betwixt the Maxwels and Iohnstons Johnston taken prisoner and shortly after dieth Sir Francis Russel sonne to the Earl of Bedford killed at a meeting in the Borders Arran and Farnherst confined Farnherst dieth at Aberdene Sir Edward Wotton Ambassador to Scotland about the beginning of Iune 1585. A convention of the Estates at S. Andrews A league continued with the Queen of England Lord Claud after his agreement with the banished Lords taketh a course by himself Ambassadors from Denmark Iuly 12. The King
advertised of the enterprise of the banished Lords A Proclamation to meet the King at the Castle of Crawford A Proclamation given out by the banished Lords The Ambassadour went not saluting the King A Post is sent after him and his excuse The Lords make haste to Striveling The town of Striveling taken Two of the Councel directed to the Lords The Lords Answer The Kings care of those that attented him The King is pleased to admit the Lords in his presence The Lord Hamilton in name of the rest supplicates mercy The Kings Answer The Kings speech to Bothwel The King his pardon proclaimed The Master of Glammis made Captain of the Guard Thuan. hist. 1. 43. Duntraith confesseth the deposition he made against the Lords to be false A Parliament at Linlithgow The Ministers offend with the reconciled Lords Mr. William Watson Minister committed Iames Gibson committed for the like insolence The Superintendent of Lothian his death with a short description of his life An Assembly of the Church at Edinburgh The Lord Maxwel goâ—th to Masse and is committed An. 1586. A Synod at S. Andrews called against the Bishop April 1586. The Bishop being cited compeireth and protesteth against the Judicatory His accusation He appealeth to the King and Estates The Bishop excommunicated by the Synod Mr. Andrew and Mr. Iames Melvil excommunicated by a servant and Cousen of the Bishop The Appellation with the reasons sent to the King A transaction betwixt the Bishop and the Assembly The reasons moving the King to give way to this transaction The Ministers exhorâ—ed to judge charitably one of another Acts concluded in the Assembly His Majesties answer to the advice given him by the Chancellor A trouble in the Isles betwixt Mackoâ—â—il and Macklain The Earl of Eglington treacherously murthered A league with England concluded The Articles of the league The names of the Commissioners of both Kingdomes A new breach between the King and Queen of England The proceedings against the Queen of Scots Sentence of death pronounced against her William Keith sent into England about the midst of November A letter to William Keith from the King The Queen in passion at the sight of the letter The King excuseth the sharpnesse of his letter The Master of Gray and Sir Robert Melvil sent into England The first audience The second audience and effect thereof A letter from the King to the Master of Gray The Master of Gray drawne upon another course Secretary Walsingham writeth to the Lord Thirlstan The King commandeth the Ministers to remember his mother in their prayers The third of February appointed for solemn prayers in her behalf The Bishop of S. Andrews appointed to preach Mr. Iohn Cowper usurpeth the place The Ministers at Edinburgh discharged The Queen of Scots her request to the Queen of England The Queen of England is doubtful which way to take The Queen of Scots willed to prepare her self for death Her behaviour and preparation She biddeth her servants farewell Her directions to Andrew Melvil her Steward She is brought to the place of execution The Dean of Peterburâ—ow offereth to comfort her She prayeth by her self The manner of the execution A brief description of her fortune The inscription secretly affixed on her Sepulchre The same Englished The Queen of England writeth to the King by Mr. Robert Cary. The King denieth him accesse Mr. caâ—ies Declaration in writing The Declaration giveth no content to the King The Queen laboureâ—h to divert the King from Warre A letter of Walsâ—gham to the Lord Thâ—lsâ—an A Convention of the Estates The King is informed of certain speeches uttered by the Master of Gray 20. Apr. The Master of Gray and Sir William Stewart committed Sir William Stewart insists in the challenge of the Master of Gray Sir William Stewart liberated and the Master of Gray imprisoned Captain Iame information against the Lord Thirlstane An. 1587. Thirlstane created Chancellor A Parliament indicted at Edinburgh The Noblemen reconciled A general Assembly of the Church The Kings propositions to the Assembly by his Commissioners Montgomery resigneth the Bishoprick of Glasgow to Mr. William Ereskin The Churches petition to the Parliament against the Prelates The temporalty of Benefices annexed to the Crown The King forthinketh the passing of the annexation 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 lib. 2. pag. 43. The small Barons admitted to give voice in Parliament The Lord Hunsdon hath presence of the King A Proclamation against incursions in England The Ambassadors sent into Denmark return 15. May. Latter end of August A Proclamation against Jesuits and Priests The Jesuits find caution to depart A general Assembly of the Church A Proposition made for the dangers threatened to Religion The advice of the Noblemen and Barons The King refuseth accesse to the multitude A conference betwixt certain of the Councel and the Assembly The grievances of the Church presented to the King The Minister Iames Gibson censured for his speeches against the King An. 1588. Gibson suspended from his ministery The Lord Hereis cleared of the accusation made against him The Borders begin to stirre upon the Lord Maxwels return The Kings expedition to Dumfreis Lochmaben rendred and the Keeper executed The Lord Maxwel taken prisoner at sea by Sir William Stewart and brought prisoner to Edinburgh Sir William Stewart killed by Bothwel Penult Iulii A meeting of the Estates upon the rumour of the Spanish Navy beginning of August His Majesties speech to the Estates The Chancellor his speech seconding the King Bothwel perswadeth the invasion of England Colonel Semple his arrive at Leth. The Colonel apprehended and relieved by the Earl of Huntley * 21. Iuly Huntley offers to present the Colonel to the Councel Sir Robert Sidney sent from England to the King 29. August The History of the Spanish Navy Captain Drakes stratagem The Navy returneth to Spain The death of Archibald Earl of Angus An. 1589. His disposition in his sickness A message from the Prince of Parma to the Catholick Lords Huntley reconciled to the Church Huntley excuseth his reconcilement by a letter A letter from the Earl of Arroll to the Prince of Parma Letters sent to the King of Spain from the Catholick Lords The Jesuits stirre up the Lords to enterprise somewhat by themselves A plot for taking the King A practise against the Chancellor Huntley cometh to the King Huntley committed in the Castle of Edinburgh Huntley set at liberty A letter from the Queen of England to the King The Lords make open insurrection The Subjects warned to accompany the King His Majesties speech to the Noblemen in his Army A question for leading the Vant-guard The Lords dissolve their forces The King goeth to Aberdene He returneth to Edinburgh about the beninning of May. The Earl Marshall goeth to Denmark to accomplish the marriage 10. Iune The Rebels offer to submit themselves Huntley Crawford and Bothwel impanelled The points of their indictment The Lords found guilty and committed to several Wards An Assembly of
Religion The King desireth to have the Noblemen reclaimed He communicated his mind with M. Robert Bruce M. Robert Bruce his answer and advice The King reasoneth with him to the contrary of his advise Mr. Robert's saucy Reply to the King Shortly after the Lords exiled return The Earle of Arroll intercepted in the Low Countreys escapeth A Convention at Falkland The King's judgment of Huntley's supplication A Convention at Dunfermling The Commissioners for the Church upon the report of the Lords meet at Edinburgh A publick humiliation indicted Persons nominated to attend at Edinburgh for the Church The Lord Seaton President of the Session cited to appear before the Synod of Lothian A Conference betwixt certain of the Councell and some moderate men of the Ministery The King offended wâ—th the pertinacy of the Ministers Commissioners directed to his Majesty His Majesties peremptory answer to the Commissioners The grievances of the Church proponed The King his answer A new trouble by Mr. David Blake a Minister at S. Andrews Mr. Andrew Melvill labourreth to make it a common cause The Conditions proponed to Huntley The Conditions give no content A Declinatour advised to be droponed M. David Blake his Declinator M. Blakes answer to the Diet. The Declinatour sent to the Presbyteries to be subserived A Proclamation discharing the meeting of the Commissioners The Commissioners of the Church upon this discharge enter into a new consultation They sent a Commission to the Octavians Commissioners sent to his Majesty for surceasing M. Blakes proeess His Majesties offer to the Commissioners The wiser sort of the Ministers advise to accept of the offer but they are over-ruled M. Blake cited to the last of November The Baptisme of the Princess Elizabeth A Petition presented by the Commissioners to his Majesty and Councell The Petition rejected The points laid to M. Blaks charge Mr. Robert Pont protesteth for the liberties of the Church Mr. Blake declineth the Councell of new The Councell write the Declinatour The Kings care to keep peace with the Church The King conferreth with some Ministers touching Mr. Blakes businesse The Ministers desire a declaration to be made in favour of Church Assemblies His Majestie consenteth to the Declaration Mr. Blake refuseth to acknowledg his offence to the Queen The witnesses examined and Mr. Blake found guilty A new treaty for making an accord Conditions craved by his Majesty The Commissioners refuse to agree to any censure of M. Blake The Ministers indict a fast and complain of wrong done to the kingdom of Christ. His Majesties Declaration published A Bond of obedience subscrived by the Ministers Master Blake charged to go to his ward and the Commissioners to leave the Town A new motion of agreement overthrown by the practise of some of his Majesties Chamber The Ministers deluded by a counterfeit Letter M. Walter Balcanquall in his Sermon inveigheth against the Counsellors He exhorteth the Noblemen and Bâ—rons to a meeting A Petition directed to the King from the meeting Mr. R. Bruce his Speech to those that convened The King offended with the meeting The L d Lindesey his insolent words to the King Atumult raised in the Church and City A Deacon of the Crafts appeaseth the fury of the people Noble men directed from the King to inquire the cause of the tumult The Ministers purge themselves A new Petition moved to the King The Kings answer to the Petions proponed Articles condescended upon to be proponed to his Majesty The Commissioners chused to present the Articles Bargenny declineth the charge the business ceaseth The King with the Councell departeth to Linlithgow A Proclamation discharging all Judicatories to sit in Edinburgh A great alteration in the mindes of people A Bond for mutuall concurrence The excommunication of the President deferred A Fast in the City M. Welch and his Sermon A rumour dispersed that Arroll had some forces assembled The copie of the Letter sent to the Lord Hamilton shewed to the King This Letter did offend many of the better sort A charge for apprehending the Ministers The King refuseth the purgation offered by the Town The tumult declared treason by act of Counsell The Town employed others towards the King The Proposition made by those that were sent by the Town His Majesties answer The King cometh to Leth and the next day to Edinburgh Offers made by the Town for pacifying his Majesties anger The effects of the mutiny contrary to that which was intended Advice given to raze the Town The Queen of Englands letter to the King The letter pleased the King well The tumult declared Treason in the Convention of Estates The Town of Edinburgh charged to appear at Perth The Octavians quit their Commission of the Exchequer Captain Iames Stewart killed A Nationall Assembly indicted at Perth Articles published in print for the better preparation to the Assembly The Ministers greatly perplexed with these Questions Sir Patrick Murray directed to the North to deal with the Ministers The Ministers Answer His Majesties Letter to the Earl of Huntley Letters directed to the Presbyteries for keeping the Assembly The Assembly declared to be a lawfull Generall Assembly Articles presented by his Commissioners to the Assembly The advice of certain Brethren set apart to consider the Articles The Assembly required to meet with the Estates Protestation made by Mr. Tho Buchannan in name of the Church The answers of the Articles reformed Persons nominated to reason the questions Commission given for absolving the Popish Lords The conditions required of the Earl of Huntley The like condition prescrived to Angus and Arroll The King taketh the Ministers in his protection The Assembly intercedes for the Ministery of Edunburgh and others charged with the tumuls The Kings answer The death of Mr. Iohn Lesly Bishop of Rosse The Town of Edinburgh denounced Rebels An. 1597. The Town received into favour at the intercession of Noblemen Articles injoyned to be performed by the Town The Ministers of Edinburgh suffered to return but inhibited to preach An Assembly at Dundy Mr. Robert Rollock elected to preside Order given for absolution of the Popish Lords Proceedings of the Assembly The rest of the questions determined A generall commission foâ— Church affairs Sir Patrick Murray directed to the North. A Proclamation against Mr. Iames Gourdon The Laird of Lady-land having surprized the rock Elsa is drowned The Kings care for removing of deadly fewds A meeting of the Commissioners of the Assembly at Falkland The Secretary complaineth of Mr. Robert Wallace Minister at S. Andrews Mr. Wallace declineth the Commissioners Mr. Nicoll Dalgleish protesteth against the Commissioners proceedings The declination and protestation declared invalid The Witnesses examined doe verifie the complaint Mr. Wallace his obstinacy A visitation of the Church of S. Andrews Sentence given for removing Mr. Blake and Mr. Wallace from the Ministery of S. Andrews Master George Gladstaves admitted Minister of S. Andrews Abuses in the University reformed In the new Colledge all things found out of order
reconciliation intended was brought to an end These Articles being signed by the King and subscrived by the principals of both parties the accord and heads thereof were published at Striveling and Falkirk the fourteenth of August upon which the Armies dissolved No stirre in our memory was more happily pacified for should it have come to the worst as it was not far off such was the heat and hate of both factions that the mischief could not but have been great which would have ensued The place and time of the Noblemens meeting for considering the grievances of both parties being left to the Kings appointing because delay might breed greater difficulties his Majesty did assign the 20. of September to meet at Striveling whereof he caused the Ambassadour give the Chancellour notice and to desire him to name the four Noblemen whose advice he and the rest would use in that treaty The Chancellour answered by letter That neither he nor Argile could agree to meet at Striveling nor could they design the four Noblemen whom they would use because death sickness and other accidents might hinder one or more of them to convene but if it should please the King to appoint the place of meeting at Edinburgh about the end of November they should keep the day and for the present nominate ten of which number hey should choose some four at that time as arbiters for their party The ten they named were the Earls of Montross and Cathnes the Lords Lindesay Maxwel Hereis Ogilvy and Innermeath the Abbot of Newbottle and the Lairds of Bargenny and Drumwhassil Herewith he desired three things to be granted One was that licence might be given to such an one as they would choose to pass into England next that they who were dispossessed of their places and offices since the tenth of July might be restored namely Mr. Mark Ker sonne to the Abbot of Newbottle Master of Requests and William Cunningham sonne to the Laird of Drumwhassil Gentleman of the Kings Bedchamber Thirdly that none should be called in question for their absence upon the late Proclamations seeing all they who came not to Striveling must be understood to have been their adherents This answer communicated to the King did highly offend him First that they should usurp the appointing of the time and place of meeting which was left in his power next that they would presume to send a message into England they being his subjects and neither acquaint him with the person nor the message For the other Petitions he judged them impertinent and more fit to be proponed at the meeting of the Noblemen wherefore in a letter sent by Mr. William Areskin to the Chancellour he shewed that since they had delayed to nominate the four Noblemen he himself would make choice of four of them whose names they had given to the Ambassadour to wit the Lords Lindesay Ogilvy Innermeath and Hereis to whom he would joyn the Earls of Rothes and Buchan with the Lords Ruthven and Boyd and by their advice proceed in the reconciliation by him intended which if they should refuse he would notifie to the Queen of England and other Christian Princes the care he had taken to perform all things as they had been lately accorded To this letter no answer was given but that they should advise with their friends and afterwards signify their minds wherewith the King being discontent he summoned the Noblemen to meet at Striveling the 20. of September warning all the subjects whom that businesse concerned to addresse themselves thither against the day At the day none of them appeared and the more careful the King was to have peace made the more they seemed to draw back protracting time upon frivolous excuses Wherefore the King for the last Diet appointed the 20. of October which most of them kept Being all assembled the King spake to them to this effect Ye do all understand what an earnest desire I have that you should joyn in friendship one with another which cannot be more contentment to me then it is benefit to your selves although I have many occasions given me to fall from that desire yet I abide in the same mind and shall wish you to lay aside your needless jealousies and suspicions For as to me I will sindy to be indifferent and bestow my favours unpartially and never repose my self upon any one so much as to deny others the regard which is due to them Ye that are Noblemen have a special interest in me and unlesse there be a correspondence of wills and mindes amongst you I shall never find that concurrence that ought to be for mine honour and the good of the Commonwealth It is not long since at your own desires I accepted the government of the Realm being perswaded by you that this was the only way to cease all grudges but now that I see them increased it repents me to have yielded to your desires and intangled my self in such businesse What should let you to be reconciled and become perfect friends I know not if there by any grief or offence that hath exasperated your minds will ye shew it I am here with the advice of my Lords to remove it and see satisfaction made by those that have done the wrong I hope you do not carry mindes irreconcilcable ye professed that ye laid down Arms for the love ye bare to your King by the same love I intreat you to lay aside jealousies and suspicâ—ons which ye will doubtlesse do except ye mind to expose your countrey and your selves to utter ruine The Lords moved with this speech professed themselves willing at his Majesties desire to bury all discords and that their agreement might be the more sound they were required to set down in writing the injuries and unkindness whereof they complained that satisfaction might be made at the sight of the King and Noblemen whom he had named Hereupon the Chancellour and Argile presented their grievances in some short Articles bearing the unkindnesse they had received from the Earl of Morton in the time of his Regiment Whereunto he answered first generally that what he did in that time was done by order of law and that they themselves had allowed his proceedings and were sureties for ratifying the same in Parliament Then replying more particularly to every Article he gave the King and other Noblemen full satisfaction and made it seen that on the part of the other Lords there was a great mistaking for what he did he could not leave undone without a manifest violation of justice Yet for himself he said although he had been ill rewarded by them for his pains taken in the publick service and received more unkindnesse at their hands then he had deserved he would freely remit all at the Kings desire After some days spent in such reckonings they were brought in end to joyn hands During these contentions in the State Mr. Andrew Melvil held the Church
flock that was charged to apprehend them in case of condemning these Acts which they could not do and that after a long wrestling they had resolved to depart and reserve themselves to better times which they were assured was the pleasure of God and that he would make the world understand that he had his own work in it In end beseeching them to stand to these things which they had heard from them and imbraced as the truth of God they forewarned them of wolves that should intrude themselves teachers that sought themselves and not Christ Iesus which often they had foretold the contempt of the truth would work And concluded with an hope that they should sustain the present Crosse patiently and be united to them again in God his good time The King hearing of this letter sent for the same and offending greatly thereat would have the Session and Councel to answer them in this form We have received and read your letter for the which offence we have humbly craved his Majesties pardon and not only obtained the same but have likewise purchased liberty to write unto you this present wherein we use you more charitably then ye have used us remitting to learned men and your own consciences to shew you seeing you are not blinded with ignorance nor lack learning at the least some of you how farre ye have strayed from the right way in your letter lately sent to us unreverently affirming his Highnesse Acts of Parliament to be repugnant to the word of God we tell you that the same do fully content and satisfy us seeing we can find no part of Scripture that is contrary thereto And sith we see by the first Act the liberty of preaching the Word as the same is presently professed and ministration of the Sacraments ratified and allowed and that we know there are wise men and fearing God amongst the Estates who concluded these Acts we are râ—solved to follow the Apostles counsel in Rom. 13. whereunto you did seldom exhort us And now in respect you have so contemptuously slandered these good and necessary lawes established by his Majesty and the Estates and laboured so farre as you can to draw men unto dislike thereof fled out of the Realm unchallenged and unpursued and thereby have not only declared your selves guilty but also misbehaved your selves to us your late flock first in leaving us without our knowledge against your duty and the conditions made unto us next in drawing upon us his Majesties suspicion that we foreknew your departure which of new ye have confirmed by sending a letter to us you being his Majesties Rebels and fugitives In respect we say of all the foresaid causes we by these presents discharge our selves unto you esteeming our selves no longer your flock nor you any more our Pastors and thanking God the revealer of secrets that he hath made you manifest to your shame and relieved us of wolves instead of Pastors Thus hoping his Majesty will provide us of good and quieter spirited Ministers we commit you to Gods mercy who may give you to repent of your foresaid offences This letter sent to the Councel and Session of the Church to be subscribed made a great businesse the Town fearing to displease the King and to discharge with their Ministers in such a form laying upon them the reproaches of Fugitives Rebels Wolves and the rest they thought would be ill taken of all good men yet after much ado sixteen of the principals put their hands unto it and so was it dispatcht The Ministers having received and read the letter were mightily grieved especially Mr. Iames Lawson who had taken greatly to heart the troubles of the Church and the advertisements which were given him of the successe of matters at home and now perceiving by this letter that some who professed themselves very forward in the cause had turned their backs upon it he fell in a great sorrow and thereby contracted a sicknesse whereof he died at London in October following A man he was of good learning and judgment of a pious and peaceable disposition but carried too much with the idle rumours of the people After his course of studies passed in the University of S. Andrews he was imployed by the Countesse of Crawford a Noble Lady to attend her three sonnes whom she sent to France and upon their return to shew his gratitude unto the School wherein he was educated gave himself to read the Hebrew tongue to some youths in the same University from thence he was called to be Principal in the old Colledge of Aberdene and after three years profitably spent in that place was brought as we shewed before to Edinburgh where he continued Preacher the space of 12. years in great esteem and reputation untill these unhappy times which bereft his Church and countrey of him and his labours He died in the 46. year of his age and was buried in the new Church yard of London at the side of Mr. Dearing a famous Preacher in that Church His death bringeth to mind other two learned men in this Church Mr. Alexander Arbuthnet and Mr. Thomas Smeton the one Principal of Aberdene and the other of Glasgow Colledge who in the end of the last year nigh about the same time departed this life to the great losse both of the countrey and Church The first a Gentleman born of the house of Arbuthnet in Mernis being trained up in the study of letters and having the course of Philosophy in the same Colledge with Mr. Lawson went to France at the age of twenty three years there applying himself to the laws he lived five years an Auditor of that great Doctor Cuiacius and being made licenciate returned to Scotland in the year one thousand five hundred three score and six of purpose to follow that calling but God otherwise disposing in the year 1569. he was made Principal of the Colledge of Aberdene where by his diligent teaching dexterous government he not only revived the study of good letters but gained many from the superstitions whereunto they were given He was greatly loved of all men hated of none and in such account for his moderation with the chief men of these parts that without his advice they could almost do nothing which put him in a great fasherce whereof he did often complain Pleasant and jocund in conversation and in all sciences expert a good Poet Mathematician Philosopher Theologue Lawyer and in medicine skilful so as in every subject he could promptly discourse and to good purpose he died in the 45. year of his age much lamented and was buried in the Colledge Church at Aberdene the 20. of October 1583. Within some few dayes he was followed by Mr. Thomas Smeton this man born in Gaske a little Village not farre from Perth studied Philosophy in S. Salvators Colledge at S. Andrewes under Mr. William Cranston at that time Provost of the House by whose perswasion he went beyond
that professed penitencie for their errors gave warrant to recall him and he appearing before the Commissioners of the Church at Perth the 25 of Iune where his Majesty was present acknowledged his error professed his resolution touching the guiltiness of those unhappy brothers and promised if his Majesty should licence him to return to his place to declare the same publickly in the first Sermon he should have to the people The King doubting his performance for he had often in other matters tried his inconstancy caused the same to be set down in writing upon the back of the Letter he had sent to the Earl of Marre and after he had subscribed the same made all the Commissioners that were present eleven in number to set their hands thereto as Witnesses This done he was admitted to kisle his Majesties hand and licenced to return to his place but as the King had conjectured so it fell out for coming to Edinburgh where it was expected he should have done what he had both promised and subscribed he left the Town pretending that his Ministery should thereby be discredited and he esteemed to preach by injunction The Generall Assembly of the Church meeting in November following the King to remove this pretext after he had shewed all the particulars of his proceeding with Mr. Robert and produced the Letter sent by him to the Earl of Marre together with his subscription in the meeting of Perth desired the voices of the Assembly whether or not be ought to utter his resolution in pulpit as he had promised They all not one gainsaying declared That he was bound both in duty and conscience to fulfill his promise so much the rather that by his distrust and disobedience to the Councells charge he had confirmed ill-disposed people in their suspicions Yet this Ordinance did not content him and so delaying to give satisfaction he was by the Commissioners of the Church discharged from the Ministery of Edinburgh the year following In this Assembly Mr. Patrick Galloway being chosen to preside made a Speech to the King wherein he shewed That the Church was oppugned by two sorts of enemies to wit Papists and sacrilegious persons and therefore in the name of the whole Church entreated his Majesty that as he had with great travell and happy successe made the principalls of the Popish profession to conform themselves in outward obedience so he would use his princely authority towards the other sort and compell them if not to restore all at least to grant a competent allowance to Ministers forth of the tithes they possessed The King accepting the Petition graciously said That it should not be well with the Church so long as Ministers were drawn from their Charges to attend the yearly modification of stipends and that he held it fittest once to condescend upon a competent provision for every Church and deal with those that possessed the tithes to bestow a part thereof to the foresaid uses and seeing that business would require a longer time then they could well continue together that they should doe well to make some overtures to those that had the Commission for Stipends promising for himself that he should stand for the Church and be an advocate for the Ministers After a long deliberation these overtures were proponed First that the Ministers having stipends assigned to them forth of the tithes of the Churches where they served a perpetuall security should be made to the Takesmen and a certainer gressome condescended on for every chalder of victuall which should be paid for nineteen years lease at the expiring whereof another lease upon the like conditions should be renewed for as many years the principall Takesmen being obliged to grant the like security for his Subtakesmen 2. That the Prelacies should be disponed to actuall Ministers the Churches annexed thereto being sufficiently provided and the tenth of the superplus paid to the King or otherwise that all the great Benefices should be dissolved the Prelate enjoying the principall Church and temporall lands and the Churches annexed disponed to Ministers both they and the Prelate paying a yearly duty to the King And 3. that all inferiour Benefices should be provided to the Ministers serving the Cure The first of these overtures the King held reasonable and most advantagious to the Church but the Assembly esteeming it dangerous to make tithes heretable deferred to give their consent so as nothing at that time was concluded and the overtures remitted to a more deep consideration The Synod of Fife did after this present some grievances complaining That the Generall Assemblies were not kept at the ordinary times and both places and daies altered without the knowledge of Presbyters and Synods That Ministers were called before the Councell in prima instantia for matters of doctrine and discipline That the government of the Church continued in the hands of a few Ministers under the name of a Commission to the prejudice of the liberty of the Church That Doctors being an ordinary calling in the Church were debarred from coming to Assemblies That no triall was taken concerning the observation of Caveats That the Ministers of Edinburgh being the principall watch-tower of the Church were not permitted to attend their charge That the land was polluted with the French Ambassadors masse and excommunicates suffered to abide in the Countrey And lastly that the letters and practises of Papists were kept secret and not communicated to the watchmen These complaints being known to proceed from the private discontents of such as grieved to see the affairs of the Church carried by others then themselves were not much regarded yet to shew that they had no just cause to complain a particular answer was made to every one of them And first it was said That the Assemblies both were and should be kept according to the Act of Parliament That Ministers should not be called before the Councell but upon just grounds That Commissions given by the Assembly and rightly discharged were lawfull That Doctors authorized with a Commission from the University where they lived were not denied a voice in Assemblies and that if the Caveats were not observed they might instance the point and have the person after triall censured To the rest of the heads his Majesty by himself made this reply That the French Ambassadors masse was private and could not be refused to him considering that the Minister directed with his owne Ambassadours the yeare before was permitted to preach within the City of Paris And for the Ministers of Edinburgh they had received all the favour they desired As to him that lay back it was his own fault and no mans else But where saith he it is craved that the letters and practises of Papists should be communicate to Ministers as that were the ready way to procure the escape and no punishment of the practises so the proponers would remember that secrets must be imparted at the Kings pleasure
and not otherwise Some other Acts were concluded in the same Assembly as That in memory of his Majesties deliverance there should be Sermons in all the Burghs every Tuesday and the fifth of August solemnly kept as the Parliament had prescribed in all the Churches of the Kingdome That Ministers should not refuse the Sacrament of Baptisme to Infants nor delay the same upon whatsoever pretext the same being required by the parents or others in their name for as then except at ordinary hours of preaching Ministers denied to baptize And because they had taken a custome not to celebrate marriage upon the Sunday pretending that the day was profaned by feasting dancing and the like it was ordained They should hereafter at the parties desire celebrate the same either on the sunday or week day These things concluded and Commissioners chosen to attend the common affairs of the Church the Assembly dissolved having appointed the next meeting at Aberdene the last Tuesday of Iuly Anno 1604. All this time were the enemies of our Religion the Jesuits especially busied to stirre up a party against the King and his title to England They had lost all hope of gaining his affection or obtaining any promise of toleration when he should come to that Crown and had found their writings and pamphlets for the Infanta of Spain her right to move few or none Thereupon they fell to treat of a marriage betwixt Lady Arbella and Robert Prince of Savoy and that not succeeding to speak of a match betwixt her and a grandchilde of the Earl of Hartfords judging that their pretensions being conjoyned many would befriend them to the excluding of the King of Scots but the Queen who truly favoured his right though she would not openly professe so much dashed all those projects and caused an eye to be kept upon that Lady and such as resorted unto her About the same time the King had intelligence given him that one Francis Mowbray son to the Laird of Barnebowgall who had lived a while in the Infants Court at Bruxells had undertaken to kill him This brake out first at London by an Italian a fencer whose name was Daniel which coming to the Queens ears she commanded Sir Robert Cecill her Secretary to call the persons for they were both in the City and examine them the Italian abode by his speeches Mowbray denied and offered to prove him a lyar in combat which the other accepted Both being sent unto Scotland they were tried first severally then confronted before certain of the Councell the Italian produced Witnesses who verified all that he had deponed whereupon Mowbray was committed to the Castle of Edinburgh where seeking to escape by night at a window of the chamber where he was detained the sheets proving too short by which he thought to descend he fell from a great precipice and was found the next morning dead at the foot of the rock The corps was the same day being the last of Ianuary presented to the Justice and sentence of forfeiture pronounced against him his body hanged for a space upon the gibbet and afterwards quartered and affixed on the gates and most open places of the Town His friends for he was well born and a proper young Gentleman gave out that he had been strangled and his corps thrown down at the window But this carried no appearance and was believed of few The Queen of England in the winter being perceived to wax heavy and dull and the rumour thereof dispersed as there is nothing that can be worse concealed then the sickness or death of a Prince there was much business every where and she held for the most part dead The French King had sent the summer preceding two Ambassadors one to reside in England and another in Scotland under colour of impeaching the courses of Spain but in effect to observe the strength and affection of both people He that was sent into England brought a Letter from the French King to Secretary Cecill of infinite kindness and breaking with him one day upon the miseries of the Kingdome when it should please God to translate the Queen fell to speak of the losse he should sustain by the exchange and the case wherein he would be if the Scotish King did succeed which to his apprehension should be more hard and miserable then any others being likely to undergoe the revenge of faults laid upon his father about matters concerning the Kings mother and other courses that he was esteemed to have run himself since the death of his Father The Secretary that was no childe knowing that the Ambassador did but sound him for making some other project answered That this was the reward of unspotted duty when Ministers did only regard the service of their Soveraigns without respect of their own particular And that for himself he should never grieve to endure trouble for so just a cause the same being to a man that valued his credit more then his security a kinde of martyrdome notwithstanding he supposed that things passed would not be called to minde or if so were and that he saw his case desperate he should flee to another City and take the benefit of the Kings royall offer The Ambassador being so answered made a fair retreat saying That in case the King of Scots did carry himself towards the King of France with the respect which was due he was not purposed to impeach his interest The Secretary replying That it was a wise resolution his Master had taken The Ambassadour ceased to tempt him any further in that businesse Hereof the King was advertised by Letters from the Secretary who therein did assure him of his true and honest service when occasion required howbeit he would not as some others had done needlesly hazard his fortune and reputation before the time It shall not be amisse to hear what was the Kings answer to the Secretary As I doe heartily thank you said he for your plain and honest offer so may you assure your self that it would doe me no pleasure that you should hazard either your fortune or reputation since the losse of either of these would make you the lesse vailable to me No I love not to feed upon such fantasticall humours although I cannot let busie-bodies to live upon their own imaginations But for my part I hold it the office of a King as sitting on the throne of God to imitate the primum mobile and by his steady and ever constant course to govern all the other changeable and uncertain motions of the inferiour planets And I protest in Gods presence that for your constant and honest behaviour in your Soveraigns service I loved your virtues long before I could be certain that you would deserve at my hand the love of your person wherefore go on and serve her truly that reigneth as you have done for he that is false to the present will never be true to the future In another
of the 20 chap. of the Acts whereby he took occasion to prove out of the Scriptures and Fathers the supremacy of Bishops above Presbyters and to shew the inconveniencies of Parity in the Church with the confusion arising from the same Dr. Buckridge Bishop of Rochester took for his text the Precept of the Apostle Omnis anima c Rom. 13. 1. where falling to speak of the Kings supremacy in causes Ecclesiasticall he did handle that point both soundly and learnedly to the satisfaction of all the hearers only it grieved the Scots Ministers to hear the Pope and Presbyterie so often equalled in their opposition to soveraign Princes Dr. Andrews Bishop of Chichester followed who choosed for his text the first verses of the 10 chapter of Numbers confirming thirdly the power of Kings in Convocating Synods and Councells The fourth was Dr. King Bishop of London he took for his theam the 11 verse of the 8 chapter of Canticles and thereupon discoursing of the Office of Presbyters did prove lay Elders to have no place nor office in the Church and the late device to be without all warrant of Precept or example either in Scripture or in Antiquity This course his Majesty took as conceiving that some of the Ministers should be moved by force of reason to quit their opinions and give place to the truth but that seldome happeneth where the minde is prepossessed with prejudice either against person or matter The first audience was at Hampton the 22 of September at whichâ— besides the Bishops and Ministers from Scotland were present the Earls of Dunbarre Argile Glencarne Sir Thomas Hamilton Advocate and Sir Alexander Straiton Of the English Dr. Montague Dean of the Charpell was only admitted to stay There the King declaring the purpose for which he had called them spake a few words to this effect That having left the Church of Scotland in peace at his parting forth of it he did now hear of great disturbances in the same whereof he desired to understand the true cause and to have their advice how the same might best be removed This being said he the errand in generall for which I have called you I should be glad to hear your opinions touching that meeting at Aberdene where an handfull of Ministers in contempt of my authority and against the discharge given them did assemble and though they were neither a sufficient number nor the accustomed order kept they would take upon them to call it a generall Assembly and have since proudly maintained it by declining my Councell and such other means as they pleased to use The rather I would hear your minds because I am informed that divers Ministers doe justifie that meeting and in their publick preachings commend these brethren as persons distressed which in effect is to proclaim me a tyrant and Persecutor Mr. Iames Melvill answering first said that there was no such discharge given to those Ministers that met at Aberdene as was alledged adjuring Sir Alexander Straiton who was said to have given the charge to declare in his Majesties presence how that matter was carried As to the absence of Moderator and Clerk he said that none of these were essentiall parts of an Assembly and that the Moderator absenting himself of purpose and the Clerk refusing to serve the brethren convened might lawfully create others in their places so as the Ministers having warrant to convene from the word of God and from his Majesties laws as also coming thither by direction of their Presbyteries he could not in his conscience condemne them Well then said the King I shall desire you to answer me three things that I will ask First if it be lawfull to pray publickly for persons convicted by the lawfull Iudge as persons being in distress and aflicted 2 Whether I may not being a Christian King by my authority royall convocate and prorogue and desert for just and necessary causes known to myself any Assemblies or meetings within my Dominions 3 Whether or not may I by my authority-call and convene before me and my Councell whatsoever person or persons Civil or Ecclesiastial for whatsoever offences committed by them in whatsoever place within my Dominions and if I may not take cognition of the offence and give sontence therein And further whether or not are all my subjects being cited to answer before me and my Councell obliged to compeir and acknowledge me or them for judges in these offences Mr. Iames answering said that the questions were weighty and craved a great deliberation wherefore he would humbly entreat his Majesty to grant them a time to conferre and advise together that they might all give one direct answer This desire granted they were commanded to advise and meet together that night and be ready to answer the next day At this meeting the Earls of Salisbury and Northampton with divers of the English Clergy were present The Ministers desiring to have the meeting more private requested the Earl of Dumbarre to move the King therein and that none but Scotsmen should be present fearing as they said that some unseemly words might escape them But this was denied and they warned to speak with that respect which became subjects It was believed that the King should have begun with the questions proponed in the former meeting but his Majesty taking another course required them to declare one by one their judgements touching Aberdene Assembly The Bishops being first askt did all condemn the meeting as turbulent factious and unlawfull Mr. Andrew Melvill then being enquired made answer That he could not condemn the Assembly being a private man that he came into England upon his Majesties letter without any Commission from the Church of Scotland and though he had Commission in dicta causa and not hearing what they could say for themselves he could not give his judgement Sentence he said was given against them in a justice Court how justly he did remit that to the great Judge but for himself he would say as our Saviour did in another case Quis me constituit judicem Mr. Iames Balfoure being next asked Did pray his Majesty not to press him with any answer for that he knew nothing would be well taken that proceeded from his mouth and that Mr. Andrew had answered his minde sufficiently Mr. Iames Melvill without giving a direct answer began to tell That sinceâ— his coming to London he had received divers letters and with them a Petition that should have been presented to the late Parliament in behalf of the warded Ministers which he was desired to offer unto his Majesty and as he thought the Petition would make all their mindes known The King taking the Petition and falling to read the same willed the Advocate to goe on and receive the answer of the rest And as the Advocate was questioning Mr. William Scot and urging him with a distinct answer for he used many circumlocutions according to
An. 1561. The Queen prepareth to return from France Her conference with the Earle of Bedford Monsicâ—r d' Oyfell sent into England The Queen of Englandâ— answer The Queen of Scots offended with it Her conference with Nicoolas Throgmorâ—on The Queen of Scots reasons for delaying the ratification Throgmorton his answer The Queen of Englands letter to thâ— Noâ—ility The Councels answer He◠〈◊〉 with the English Ambassadour at 〈◊〉 The Qâ—een 〈◊〉 at Leâ—h The Nobility assembles to congratuâ—ate her return No change to be made in religion and a private Masse pâ—rmitted to the Queen The Earl of Arran opposeth A tumult in the Abbey The Nobles that came from France with the Queen return home William Maitland directed to England The Queen of Englands answer A second conference with Lethington The Queen of Englands reply The Queen of Englandsâ—easons â—easons for her refuse Lethingtons third audience The conclusion taken by the Queen of England The Queen of Scots her progresse in the countrey Aâ—chibald Douglas Provost of Edinburgh committed The Preachers are displeased The Queen maketh choice of a Councell Ninian Winyet a Priest exiled The thirds of Benefices granted to the Queen A guard of horse and foot levied to attend the Queen Lord Iames sent to the borders is at his return made Earl of Marrâ— He is preferred to the Earldome of Murray and the Lord Ereskiâ— made Earl of Marre Huntly offendeth with thesâ— prefermenâ—s He chargeth Murray with the affectation of the Crown Bothwell stirreth up the Earl of Murray against the Hamiltons Practice against the Earl of Murray The practice discovered by the Earl of Arrane Arrane becometh distracted New devices for cutting oft Murray An. 1562. Letters sent from beyond sea in favour of Huntly An interview of the two Queens moved The interview stayed Petitions of the Church to the Queen The Queen goâ—th to Aberdâ—ne The Lady Huntley intercedes for her son The Queen taketh journey to Innernesse The Castle of Innâ—â—nâ—sse denied to the Queen The Castle beiseged and rendered Huntley resolves to invade the Queen The battel of Corrichie The Earl of Huntlâ—y taken prisoner and dieth Thanksgiving for the victory Iohn Gordon beheaded at Abâ—rdene The Lord Gordon forfeited and commitâ—ed The Archbishop of Saint Andrews committed An. 1563. A Parliament at Edinburgh A trouble at Halirudhouse Iohn Knox called before the Councel The Earl of Lenox restored Henry Lord Darnely son to Lenox cometh into Scotland The Queen intendeth to take him to husband An. 1564. Enemies raised up against the Queen The Lord Gordon restored Signeur Davie an atâ—endant on the Queen favoureth the mariage Secretary Lâ—thington sent into England A Convocâ—tion of the Estates at Striveling The Lord of Darnely created Duke of Rothâ—say A mutiny at Edinburgh The Queen cometh to Edinburgh and the mutiners fly An Assembly at Edinburgh Petittions of the Church The Queens answer to the Petitions The Queen married to the Lord Darnly The complaints of the discontented Lords The king heareth a Sermon at St. Giles Iohn Knox cited before the Councell The Lords pursued by the King and Queen The Lords flie into England The Queen of England intercedeth for the Lords The Duke received in favor A generall Assembly of the Church A reply to the answer of their last Petitions An. 1565. The slaughter of Signeur Davie conspired A Parliament at Edinburgh deserted The slaughter of Davie Damiott a French Priest willed him to be gone The Queens behaviour after Davies murther The exiled Lords return The King protesteth his innocency The Conspirators flye into England Inquisition of the murtherers An. 1566. The Castle of Edinburgh made choice of for the Queen her lying in The Queen feasts the Noblemen The Queen delivered of a son Sir Henry Killigrew sent from England The desire of the Church for the Baptisme of the Prince The Queen goeth to Alloway Secretary Lethington soffereth her Majesties anger against the King The Queen goeth to Iedburgh Lethington renueth the purpose of divers Preparation for the Princes Baptisme The King withheld from the solemnity The King falleth sick in the way to Glasgow The Archbishop of S. Andrewes restored to his priviledges The Churches complaint for the same Master Knox goeth into England A letter from the Assembly of the Church to the Bishops of England Assignation of Ministers stipends The Queen visiteth the King at Glasgow He cometh to Edinburgh and there is murthered by Bothwel A rumour dispersed by Bothwel that Murray and Morton had murthered the King The names of the murtherers cast forth in the street The Earl of Lenox soliciteth the Queen to take trial of the murther An. 1567. The Castle of Edinburgh delivered to Bothwell and the Prince delivered to the Earl of Marre Bothwell put to a triall Robert Cuningham protesteth against the proceedings in the name of the Earl of Lenox The persons chused upon the Jury Bothwell acquited with a protestation of the Jury Bothwell offereth to try his innocency by combat The offer accepted upon security of the place A Parliament at Edinburgh Bothwell seeketh the consent of the Lords to the Queens marriage He ravisheth the Queen in her return from Striveling His design in committing this rape Bothwell his divorce from his wife The Queen cometh to the Castle of Edinburgh The banes of Bothwell with the Queen asked Mr. Iohn Craig protested Mr. Craig called before the Councell with the reasons of his opposition His publication thereof to the people The marriage of the Queen with Bothwell celebrated The Noblemens bond for preservation of the young Prince The Bishop of Dumblane sent to France Noblemen solicited to enter in bond with the Queen and Bothwell The Earl of Murray refused and is licensed to goe into France The Queen maketh choice of a Councell The order of their attendance A Proclamation to accompany the Queen to the borders The Castle of Borthwick invironed The Queen Bothwell escape The Lords retire to Edinburgh A Proclamation given out by the Lords The Queen gathereth forces Difficulties amongst the Lords The Queen giveth thâ—m the opportuniy they wished for The Proclamation of Glaidsmore The Lords cast themselves in the Queens way The order of the Lords Aâ—my The meeting at Carberry hill The French Ambassadour laboureth to compose matters Bothwel offereth to try the cause in combat It is accepted and the Queen inhibiteth the fight The Queens Army unwilling to fight Bothwel flyeth and the Queen rendereth herself to the Lords The Queen sent prisoner to Lochlevin Sir Iames Balfour betrayeth his trust to Bothwel The Earl of Glencarn demolisheth the Altar The Lords write to the Noblemen of the Queens party The Noblemen made a motion to the Assembly and the Assemblies Commission to the Lords Instructions given to those that were sent from the Assembly The Earl of Argile his answer The Lord Boyd his answer Articles agreed in the Assembly of the Church The Articles subscribed The Queen moved to make resignation of the Crown The King crowned at Striveling