only 18 What are the matters belonging to the jurisdiction of the Presbytery which may not be entreated in particular Sessions 19 What form of processe in libelling and citation what terms and diets and what probations should be used before the said particular Sessions and Presbyteries respective 20 What matters should the Synodall Assemblies treat upon which may not be decided in Presbyteries 21 Should not all who have voice in Presbyteries and in the particular Sessions have voice in the Synodall Assemblies 22 Should each University or College or every Master or Regent within Colleges have voice in Presbyteries and Synods the Towns and Countreys where they are as likewise what form of voice should they have in Generall Assemblies 23 Is it lawfull to convocate the Generall Assembly without his Majesties licence he being pius Christianus Magistratus 24 Is it necessary that the Generall Assembly should be ordinarily convened for weighty causes concerning the whole Church 25 Have not all men of good Religion and learning voice in the Generall Assembly 26 Is every particular Pastor obliged to repair to the Generall Assembly or is it sufficient that only Commissioners come from every particular Session Presbytery or Synodall 27 Who should chuse the Commissioners to come from every Shire to give voice in the Generally Assembly 28 What is the number of those that give voices which is necessary to the lawfulness of a Generall Assembly and how many of the number should be Pastors and how many other men 29 May any thing be enacted in the Assembly to which his Majesty consents not 30 Is it necessary that the twe part of them who have jus suffragii should consent to any things decerned in Ecclesiastick judgments that matters passe not by one voice mo or lesse 31 Hath not every judgment inferior to the Generall Assembly a Territory limited without the which they have no power of citation or jurisdiction 32 What is the ordinary Ecclesiastick judgment for his Majesties houshold and Councell removable with his Majesty to any part of the Realm 33 Should there be libelled precepts containing the cause of the citation and certification of the Censures before all Ecclesiastick judgments or should they answer super inquirendis 34 Have the Inferiour Judgments power to summon any to compeir before the Superiour or should men be summoned only by the authority of that Judgment before which they ought to compeir 35 Is it not necessary that private admonitions with reasonable intervalls of time passe before all manner of Citations 36 What intervall of time is necessary between every private admonition and between the first Citation and the day of Compeirance and betwixt the Citation and the last admonition in every one of the said Judgments 37 How many citations should inferre contumacie 38 Is simple contumacie without probation of a crime or is any crime without contumacie a sufficient cause of Excommunication 39 Are there not divers kindes of Censures such as prohibitio privati convictus interdictio à coena not published to the people and last of all publica traditio Satanae 40 Should the Presbyteries be Judges of all things that import slander and if so be whereof are they not Judges 41 Can Excommunication be used against thieves murtherers usurers and not payers of their debts and if so it may be why are not the Highland and Border-thieves cursed as also all the forswearing merchants and usurers amongst the Burroughs 42 Is there any appellation from the Inferiour to the Superiour Judgment and is not the sentence suspended during the appellation 43 Should not all Processes and Acts be extracted to parties having interesse 44 Is summary Excommunication lawfull in any case without admonition and citation preceding 45 Have any others but Pastors voice in Excommunication 46 Hath every Ecclesiasticall Judgment a like power to excommunicate 47 Is it lawfull to excommunicate such Papists as never professed our Religion 48 A woman being excommunicated having a faithfull husband should he thereafter abstain from her company 49 Is it not reasonable that before any Letters of horning be granted by the Session upon the processe of excommunication that the partie should be cited to hear them granted 50 Hath not a Christian King power to annull a notorious unjust sentence of excommunication 51 May any Councell or University be excommunicated for what cause by whom and the manner thereof 52 When the Pastors doe not their duties or when one Jurisdiction usurpeth upon another or any other Schisme falleth out should not a Christian King amend such disorders 53 May Fasts for generall causes be proclaimed without a Christian Kings command 54 May any Ecclesiasticall judgment compell a man to swear in suam turpitudinem 55 Should there any thing be entreated in the Ecclesiasticall judgment prejudiciall to the Civil jurisdiction or private mens rights and may not the Civil Magistrates stay all such proceedings How soon these Questions were divulged and that it s seen they all touched upon the abuses crept into the discipline the Ministers that stood affected to the present order were much perplexed neither did any thing more offend them then that the government should be brought in dispute which they had given out alwaies to be a part of the Gospel This at any hand they thought was to be prevented and many private Conferences were kept to this purpose neither did the King neglect to provide himself of a party against that meeting and thinking he should gain most easily the Ministers in the North parts he employed Sir Patrick Murray Gentleman of his Chamber to deal with them giving him direction first to shew what a slander the Ministers of Edinburgh had brought upon Religion by stirring up of the late uproar and the inciting of the Lord Hamilton and others of the Nobility to open Rebellion against him how for the same they were become Fugitives and denounced his Majesties Rebells and thereupon to desire them by some publick Act or Declaration to utter their dislike of the seditious and treasonable courses He was next desired to urge their subscription to the Bond which was appointed to be subscribed by the Ministers for acknowledging his Majesties Royall power above them in all causes of sedition treason and other civill and criminall matters and in all speeches uttered by them in Pulpits Schools or otherwise which might import the said crimes or any of them 3ly To require them to accept the Earl of Huntley his offers for satisfying the Church and to absolve him from his Excommunication they finding his offers reasonable seeing the bosome of the Church ought alwaies to be open to penitents and that they should be more ready to receive then cast out wherefore as the Presbytery of S. Andrewes to the which he was not subject had pronounced him excommunicate they under whose jurisdiction he lived might and ought with better reason declare him absolved Neither should the pretext of the Generall Assemblies ratification of
reprehensions It was also thought that the interview of the two Kings at Gloucester did further their dislike as hath been often observed to fall out in the meetings of Princes For Malcolme departed from him in displeasure Rufus by some secret practice got the Castle of Anwick whereupon arose the warre in which King Malcolme and Prince Edward his son did both perish A little before the beginning of this warre Bishop Gregorius died and in his place one called Edmundus was elected who deceased before his consecration 12. After him Turgot Prior of Duresme was chosen Bishop he wrote the history of King Malcolme and Queen Margaret who some few dayes after the death of the King her husband departed this life in the Castle of Edinburgh and was buried in the Church of Dunfermlin whither also the bodies of Malcolme and Edward his son were afterwards translated for at first they were buried in Tinmouth Abbey Never was more lamentation made for the death of two Princes then was for this Queen and her husband Malcolme To speak of his piety justice and magnanimity he outwent in all these the Princes of his time and for courage he gave a noble proofe of it in the first entry of his reign when upon a conspiracy detected against his life riding one day in the fields he called the chief conspiratour and taking him aside from the rest of the company unto a secret place he did challenge him as a Traytor willing him if he had any valour to shew the same and rather take his life in an honest manner then treacherously The man confounded with the boldnesse of the King fell upon his knees and intreated pardon which the King granted retaining him still in his service as before The magnificence of his Court whilest he lived was great and in the State to distinguish the degrees of Honour he introduced the titles of Earl Baron and Knight in the place of Thane and Abthane which were the titles before in use His Queen Margaret was in her place no lesse famous in all the vertues that became women devout towards God charitable to the poor and exceeding liberal in the advancing of publick works The Church of Carlile she built upon her own charges and was esteemed not to be the least cause of all that the King her husband bestowed that way By her the King had a fair issue six sons and two daughters the first called Edward died with his father at Anwick the second called Edmond did render himself religious Etheldred the third deceased young the other three Edgar Alexander and David reigned successively one after another continuing all of them in the same course of goodnesse The names of the two daughters were MAUD and MARY MAUD entring into the Cloister wherein Agatha her Grandmother and Christian her Aunt lived retired was with much difficulty wonne to descend into the world and to be joyned in marriage with Henry the first King of England a Lady of incomparable vertues and of so good a disposition as she was commonly termed MAUD the good Queen Having lived 17. years with her husband in great love she deceased at Westminster the first of May 1118. and was buried on the right hand of Edward the Confessor his Tombe with this Epitaph affixed Prospera non laetam fecere nec aspera tristem Aspera risus ei prospera terror erant Non decor effecit fragilem non sceptra superbam Sola potens humilis sola pudica decens Maii prima dies nostrorum nocte dierum Raptam perpetuum fecit inire diem The other sister MARY was married to Eustathe Earl of Boloign who went to the recovery of the Holy-land with that noble Prince GODFREY his brother she bare to him one only daughter named MAUD who was afterward matched to Stephen King of England and departed this life at London three years before her sister having her corps interred at Bermondsey Abbey in Southâark with this inscription Nobilis hic tumulata jacet comitissa Maria Artibus hac nituit larga benigna fuit Regum sanguis erat morum probitate vigebat Compatiens inibi vivat in arce poli Thus much we owed to the memory of those good and glorious Princes and now return Turgot after he had governed the See of St. Andrewes with good commendation some 25 or 26. years died in the year of our Lord 1117. his corps according to his appointment was honourably conveyed to Duresme and there interred In his time lived Veremudus Archdeacon of St. Andrewes a Spaniard by nation and well learned according to those times he wrote the history of Scotland from the beginning of the kingdom unto the reign of Malcolme the third and is greatly commended for his diligence and fidelity in that work but by the injury of time the same is lost In Germany much about the same time lived Marlanus Paternus Ammichadus Sigebertus and Helias all of them Scotch men and well respected This last had the government of two Monasteries in Coleyn called S. Pantale and S. Martin The severity and rigour that he used toward his Monks brought him in dislike with Pilgrinus Archbishop of the City who upon some false informations determined to expulse him and all the Scottish Monks that were in the City after his return from the Emperours Court where he was for the time This being reported to Helias he is said to have uttered these words Si Christus in nobis peregrinus est nunquam viuas Coloniam veniet Piligrinus which falling out according to his prediction purchased to him the reputation of a Prophet After that he lived many years in peace and died at Coleyn in the year 1042. Sigeberius having governed the Monastery of Fulden some years was preferred to the Archibishopricks of Mentz and being urged by Gregory the seventh called Hildebrand to depose the married Priests that would not separate from their wives was in danger to be detruded by his Clergy and had much adoe to cause that Law of single life to be embraced by them Ammichadus a man nobly born and greatly affected to the solitary life lived a Recluse in the Abbey of Fulden spending his time in the meditations of morality and died in the year 1043. Paternus was a Monk in the City of Potelbrum which in the year 1058. was consumed with fire Ambiens Martyrium saith Marianus in a foolish affection of Martyrdome refusing to come forth of the Monastery was therein burnt alive Marianus he was first a Monk in the Monastery of St. Martin at Colyn founded by Ebergerus the Archbishop of that City for a Seminary of Scottish students in the year 676. and having continued there two years went to the Abbey of Fulden where he lived ten years After that he went to Mentz upon the Archbishops visitation and stayed there some 15. years All this time he imployed in the study of letters especially of Story and
Countreymen Richardus de sancto Victore a Channon regular of the order of S. Angustine and David a Presbyter This David lived in Germany and was chosen by the Emperour Henry the fifth to accompany him in that expedition which he made to Italy against Pope Paschal the Story whereof he wrote as likewise a Treatise de regno Scotorum both which are perished Richardus was a professor of Divinity at Paris in the Abbey of S. Victor a great Philosopher and left many books that witnesse his learning the Titles whereof you may read in Baleus He died in the same Abbey and was buried with this Epitaph Moribus ingenio doctrina clarus arte Pulvereo hîc tegeris docte Richarde situ Quem tellus genuit foelici Scotica partu Te fovet in gremio Gallica terra suo Nil tibi Parca ferox nocuit quae stamina parco Tempore tracta gravirupit acerba manu Plurima namque tui super ant monumenta laboris Qua tibi perpetuam sunt paritura decus Segnior ut lento sceler atas mors pelit aedes Sic propero nimis it sub piatecta gradu 16. Bishop Robert deceasing Walthemius Abbot of Melrosse was earnestly entreated to accept the Charge but would not forsake the Monastery saying That he had washed his feet and could not contaminate them again with the dust of earthly cares Whereupon Arnold Abbot of Kelso was elected and in presence of King Malcolm the fourth consecrated by William Bishop of Murray This Bishop had been the year preceding directed to Rome with one Nicholaus the Kings Secretary to complain of the Archbishop of York his usurpation upon the Church of Scotland and being then returned carried himself as Legate to the Pope which power he resigned to Arnold after his Consecration as he was enjoyned by Engenius the third who then held the Chair In a Convention of the Estates kept the same year Arnold did earnestly insist with the King to make choice of a wise for assuring the royall succession and to that effect made a long speech in the hearing of the Estates but the King had taken a resolution to live single and would not be diverted Edward Bishop of Aberdene was much blamed for confirming him in that course and for that cause hated of many The Cathedrall of S. Andrews a fair and stately Church whilest it stood was founded by this Arnold but before the work was raised to any height he died having sate Bishop one year ten moneths and seventeen days onely 17. Upon Arnold his death the King did recommend his Chaplain Richard to the place who was immediately elected by the Convent but not consecrated for the space of two years after because of the Archbishop of York his pretensions One Roger held at that time the See of York a man ambitious beyond all measure who from being Archdeacon of Canterbury was by the means of the Archbishop Thomas Becket preferred to that place no sooner was he advanced but he procured of Pope Anastasius the fourth a Bull whereby he was designed Metropolitane of Scotland but the King and the Clergy notwithstanding the Popes authority was in those days greatly respected refused to acknowledge him Anastasius dying by whom the Archbishop Roger was maintained the Prelates of Scotland did convene and by themselves performed the Consecration Roger incensed herewith sent to Rome and complaining of this contempt found the favour to be made Legate of Scotland by vertue whereof he caused cite all the Scottish Clergy to appear before him at Norham in England whither he came in great pomp Angelramus Archdeacon of Glasgow accompanied with Walter Prior of Kelso Solomon Dean of Glasgow and some others of the Clergy went and kept the Diet and in the name of the Church of Scotland appealing to the Pope took journey to Rome Where the business being debated before Pope Alexander the third sentence was given against Roger his pretended Legation and the Church of Scotland declared to be exempted from all spirituall Jurisdiction the Apostolique See only excepted This exemption Angelramus who in the mean time was promoted to the See of Glasgow by the death of Bishop Herbert and consecrated at Rome brought back and presented to the King The Bull is yet extant and begins thus Alexander P. servus servorum Dei Malcolmo Regi c. A few days after the Bishops return King Malcolm died at Iedbrough in the 25. year of his age and 12. of his reign a sweet and meek Prince uncourteously used by King Henry the second King of England but more rudely by his own Subjects This Henry by nature ambitious and one that could not keep himself within bounds took many ways to wrong this good King and make him despised of his own people yet for that he had sworn to King David Malcolms Grandfather that he should never molest him nor any of his posterity in the possession of the lands they held in England and could not for shame go against his oath he stirred up the Bishop of York to place a Bishop at Carlile thinking the King of Scots would not endure that wrong Iohn Bishop of Glasgow under whose charge the Countrey of Cumberland then was did exceedingly offend with this and finding that the King would not break with Henry for so little a cause nor seeing a way to repair himself abandoned his charge and went unto the Monastery of Tours in France where he abode till he was forced by the Popes authority to return King Henry finding this injury dissembled went afterwards more plainly to work for having desired Malcolm to come to London to do homage for the lands he held in England he compelled him to follow him in the Warre he made upon France thinking thereby to alienate the minde of the French King from the Scots Again when he had returned home inviting him of new to a Parliament kept at York upon a forged quarrell as if he had crossed King Henry his affairs in France he was declared to have lost all his lands in England And not content to have wronged him in this sort to stir up his own Subjects against him made the report goe that King Malcolm had voluntarily resigned all those lands Which did so irritate the Nobles as presently after his return putting themselves in Arms they did besiege the Town of Bertha where the King remained and had not failed to use violence but that by the intercession of some wise Prelates matters were composed The Nobility being grieved to see the King so abused did urge him to denounce warre but he loving rather to have matters peaceably agreed was content to accept Cumberland and Huntington and suffer Northumberland to goe to King Henry This displeased the Subjects and diminished much of the regard that was formerly carried to him which he took greatly to heart and shortly after died as was thought of displeasure The good King being thus taken away
upon his head said Ex tua pharetra nunquam venit ista sagitta meaning that he was set on to speak by some others of greater note So the Legate perceiving that the businesse would not work and that the opposition was like to grow greater he brake up the Assembly After which the Prelates returning home were universally welcomed but above the rest the Chanon Gilbert was in the mouthes of all men and judged worthy of a good preferment and soon after was promoved to the Bishoprâck of Cathenes and made Chancellor of the Kingdome The year following one Vibianus a Cardinal titulo sancti Stephani in monte Caelio came into Scotland in shew to reform abuses and do some good to the Church but in effect to extort moneys from Churchmen For at this time it was grown to be an ordinary trick of the Popes when they stood in need of moneys to send forth their Legates unto all Countreys sometimes under a colour of reforming abuses sometimes for the recovering of the Holy land and sometimes upon other pretexts This Cardinall having stayed a while in Scotland took his journey into Ireland and in his return would needs make a new visit of this Church for which effect he convened the Clergy at Edinburgh in the moneth of August and established divers Canons which the Clergy esteeming prejudiciall to their liberties did incontinent after he was gone revoke and disannull but what these Canons were our Writers do not remember 18. It was a fatall year this to many of our Churchmen both Bishops and Abbots amongst others Richard Bishop of S. Andrews deceasing King William recommended Hugo one of his Chaplains whom he much favoured to the Convent But they taking another course made choice of the Archdeacon Iohn Scot who was an English born The King displeased therewith did swear by the Arm of S. Iamesâthis âthis was his ordinary oath that so long as he lived Scot should never enjoy that place So he sent a Command unto the Chanons to make a new election appointing Ioceline Bishop of Glasgow their assistant and thus was Hugo his Chaplain elected The Archdeacon appealed to Rome and going thither complained of the wrong done to the Church entreating the Pope for redresse Hereupon Alexius Subdean of the Romane See was dispatched to try and examine the cause At first the King made difficulty to admit him but afterwards yeelding the two elections being tried by the Legate sentence was given for the first and Iocelin Bishop of Glasgow with the rest of the Clergy that assisted the second excommunicated This done the Legate called an Assembly of the Bishops Abbots and whole Clergy at Haliroudhouse and made Matthew Bishop of Aberdene publickly to consecrate the Archdeacon upon Trinity Sunday 1178. He not the lesse fearing the Kings displeasure left the Realm and went to Rome where he was honourably entertained by Pope Lucius the third who sent Letters to the King and admonished him not to usurp upon the Church and to remit the Bishop who was lawfully elected and consecrated to enjoy his place with quietnesse This Letter the Story saith was conceived in milde terms for the Pope feared to incense the King lest he should follow the ensample of his Cousin Henry King of England that some 8. years before had made away Thomas Becket Bishop of Canterbury for his obstinate and wilfull opposition in some matters not unlike yet the King nothing moved with the Letter to make his displeasure the better known did confiscate all the revenues pertaining to the See of S. Andrews and banished those whom he understood to favour the Bishops cause The Pope advertised hereof resolved to put the Realm under Interdiction But the Bishop prostrating himself at his feet besought him not to use any such rigour saying That he would much rather renounce his dignity then have so many Christian souls for ought that concerned him defrauded of spirituall benefits The Pope highly commending the goodnesse and patience of the Bishop held him from that time forth in more regard and at his request forbare the Interdiction Mean while it happened that VValter Bishop of Dunkeld departed this life whereupon the King taking occasion sent to recall the Bishop with offers of great kindenesse protesting that if it had not been for the oath he rashly made he would willingly have contented to his enjoying of the See of S. Andrews But seeing it did touch him in Honour and Conscience as he esteemed to be yeelding thereto he requested the Bishop to accept the Benefice of Dunkeld which was then fallen void and was in value not much inferiour to the other This the Bishop communicated to the Pope who desired to have the matter quieted advised him to return and accept the offer Thus was the Archdeacon by the Popes consent preferred to Dunkeld having the rents of the Archdeaconry reserved to him during his life in recompence of his losses Hugo this way coming to be possessed Andrews took journey to Rome that he might be reconciled to the Pope and being absolved for his intrusion in his return died some six miles from the City of Rome the 6. of August 1188. ten years and ten moneths after his election At this time newes was brought from the East of the prevailing of Sultan Saladine of Egypt against the Christians in the Holy land which moved Philip the second of France and Henry King of England to undertake the recovery of the Holy land and to employ all their credit and means as well in their own countreys as with other Christian Princes their neighbours for the furtherance of that enterprise To befray the charges of the voyage both Kings by consent of their Clergy and Nobles ordained that all their subjects both Clergy and Laity such excepted as went in the voyage should pay the tenth of all their moveables either in gold or silver King Henry having laid this imposition upon his subjects at home sent Hugh Pusar then Bishop of Duresme with other Commissioners to collect the tenths of the Clergy and Laity in this kingdom which the King and States interpreting to be an encroachment upon their liberties would not permit yet for advancing that holy action they did offer a supply of 5000. Marks sterling which King Henry refused but the enterprise upon a quarel that arose betwixt the Kings of France and England was at that time dashed and so the collection was no further urged King Henry a little after this ended his life and Richard his son who succeeded resolving to pursue the action of the holy Warre to assure the King of Scotland who he feared would take some advantage in his absence restored all the Castles which were delivered to King Henry his Father and released him and his posterity of all Covenants made and confirmed by Charter unto King Henry as extorted from him being then his prisoner reserving only such
Lord Iesus receive my spirit His body was quickly consumed for the fire was vehement but the patience and constancy he shewed in his dying stirred up such compassion in the beholders as many of them doubted not to say that he suffered an innocent and was indeed a true Martyr of Christ. This opinion was further confirmed by the death of Frier Campbell and the manner of it for within a year and lesse he fell into a phrensie and died as one desperate The rumor of this execution stirred up some in all the quarters of the Kingdome to enquire of the reasons of his suffering and what the articles were for which he was condemned by the inquisition whereof many were brought to understand and apprehend otherwise of the truth of things then formerly they did In the University it self was left so deep an impression of his Doctrine as could not afterwards be extinguished yea divers of the Friers fell after this time openly in their Sermons to condemne the errours and abuses of the Clergy Frier Alexander Seaton one of the Dominican Order a man reasonably learned and for the time Confessor to King Iames the first preached ordinarily at S. Andrews all the Lent following where taking for his subject the Commandements of the Law he did insist much on these points That the Law of God is the onely rule of righteousnesse That if Gods Law be not violated no sin is committed That it is not in mans power to satisfie for sin and that the forgivenesse of sin is no otherwise purchased then by unfeigned repentance and true faith apprehending the mercy of God in Christ. Of Purgatory Pilgrimage prayer to Saints Merits and Miracles which was the usuall matter of Friârs Sermons not a word he spoke whereupon he grew to be suspected as one inclining to heresie About the end of Lent upon some occasion he went to Dundy and being there was advertised that another of his Order was set up to resute the points of Doctrine he had taught which moved him to return to S. Andrews and confirm the same points which he had formerly delivered adding somewhat besides of the vertues requirâd by the Apostle in a good and faithfull Bishop Thereupon he was called before the Bishop and charged to have affirmed in his Sermon that a Bishop should be a Preacher and that the Bishop who preached not was a dumbe dogge and one that fed not the flock but his own belly The Frier answering That he had said indeed that S. Paul required a Bishop to be a Teacher and that Esay called them dumb dogges who did not preach but that he himself had affirmed nothing I declared said he what the Spirit of God said with whom if men offend not they cannot justly offend with me and those that have reported my speeches seem to be unlearned affes who cannot put a difference betwixt that which Esay and S. Paul speaks and that which of my self I speak I never said that you my Lord and the other Bishops who preach not are dumb dogges I onely told what the Prophet and the Apostle said in that case This answer galled the Archbishop exceedingly yet knowing the man to be one of an audacious and bold spirit he dissembled his anger minding to bring him in discredit with the King which was easily wrought because of the liberty the Frier used in reproving the Kings licenciousnesse So perceiving the Kings countenance altered towards him and fearing some danger if he should stay any more at Court he fled to Berwick and from thence wrote unto the King shewing the cause of his sudden departing to be the fear he conceived of the authority of the Bishops who had behaved themselves as Kings and would not admit any man of what state or degree soever he was if once they did account him an heretick to speak in his own defence Notthelesse for himself he offered to return and justifie his cause so as he might have audience Withall he advertised the King that it concerned him in duty to see that every one who is accused of his life be permitted to use his lawful defences for howsoever the Prelates held that such matters belong not to the cognition of the Prince he would make the contrary manifest by their own lawes if he should be once heard Wherefore he besought his Highnesse not to be led any more by their informations but to use the authority committed unto him by God and not to suffer these Tyrants proceed against him till he was brought to his answer which he would not refuse to give so as he might be assured to do it with the safety of his life This letter receiving no answer after he had stayed a while at Berwick he went to London and became Chaplain to Charles Duke of Suffolk in whose service he died In the book of Martyrs I read that Gardiner Bishop of Winchester by his crafty and subtle perswasions induced him to make a recantation of sundry points at Pauls Cross but what his belief was of most of the Articles of Christian faith it appeareth by the Treatises he left behinde him his examination by Gardiner and Bonner which he likewise published discovering the policies they used to circumvene him doth testifie his constancie in the truth and that he never denied any point which formerly he had taught Soon after his flight one Henry Forrest was delated for saying that Master Patrick Hamilton died a Martyr and thereupon was brought to S. Andrews but because the probation was not clear enough Frier Walter Lainge was appointed to confesse him The simple man that feared no harm being asked by the Frier what was his judgement of Master Patrick answered That he esteemed him to be a good man and that the Articles for which he was condemned might well be defended This confession revealed by the Frier was taken for a sufficient evidence and the poor man condemned to be burnt as an heretick As he was leading out to be degraded he complained grievously of the Frier who had betrayed him crying out Fie on falshood fie on false Friers revealers of confession Never let any man trust them after me They are despisers of God and deceivers of men And when they were taking from him his Orders for he was of the Order of the Bennet and Collet as they used then to speak he cried aloud Take not onely from me your Orders but your Baptisme also So being carried to the place of execution which was appointed to be at the North stile of the Abbey to the end the hereticks of Angus might see the fire he suffered death most constantly Whilest they were consulting upon the manner of his execution one Iohn Lindsay a plain and simple man who attended the Bishop gave advice to burn him in some hollow cellar for the smoke saith he of Master Patrick Hamilton hath infected all those on whom it blew Yet the persecution still
Scots ships and Merchants that were in England arrested and open warre denounced The countrey hereupon drew into factions The Governour and some few Noblemen that abode with him at Halirudhouse professing a willingnesse to keep the contract with England and Queen mother with the Cardinal and his followers directly opposing They having the young Queen in their hands whom they kept still at Linlithgow to strengthen their party sent to recall the Earl of Lenox who lived then in France for the old emulation between the two houses of lenox and Hamilton as also the slaughter of his Father in the field of Linlithgow which he could not have forgotten would easily as they thought move him to joyn with them Besides they considered that his presence and friendship which was great in the countrey would aid and countenance their course not a little Hereupon were messengers dispatched in haste with letters to the French King and to the Earl himself The letters written to himselfe were full of affection and therein hopes given of his Match with the Queen mother and of the Regencie of the Realme during her daughters minority And as flatterers are never wanting to great men there were some about him when they understood that he was called home put him in hope of the Crown it self if the young Queen should happen to depart this life For the late King was known to have intended the same and the Governours title they said would trie nought himselfe being illegitimate and procreated in an unlawful marriage upon a divorce led between his Father and Dame Elizabeth Home his wife which made him uncapable not of the Crown only but even of his private inheritance With such conceipts they filled the young Noblemans head and as men are made easily to believe what they earnestly desire encouraged by these hopes and the French Kings promises he returned home At his coming having saluted the Governour with whom he dissembled in the best sort he could and visiting the Queen-mother and Cardinal at Linlithgow who did very kindly receive him he went to see his friends and imparted to them the causes of his return with the hopes that were given him and the promise he had of aid and supply from the King of France They approving the course he had taken advised him to follow his fortune and promised their assistance to the uttermost A few dayes after being advertised that the Governour was gathering forces to take the young Queen from her Mother he came to the Queen-mother with four thousand men and abode with her till by a common consent her daughter was sent to Striveling and committed to the custody of the Lords Grahame Areskin Levingston and Lindsay Mean while the Governours brother did earnestly ply him to relinquish the English alliance laying before him the danger wherein he thrust himself in suffering the Popes authority to be weakned on which he said the security of his title and succession to the Crown did stand and giving him hopes of benefit and advancement from the French King and so farre in end prevailed as the Governour without imparting his mind to the Noblemen who kept Court with him at Halirudhouse went privately to Striveling and submitted himself to the Cardidal receiving absolution at his hands and renouncing the profession he made of the truth with the alliance contracted with England A deed that lost him the favour of the countrey and brought him in great contempt for after this fact was he never in regard the Cardinal from thenceforth carrying all the sway and leaving him only the shadow of authority This done the Cardinals next care was to rid the Court and the Councel of the Earl of Lenox which was brought about in this sort Queen-mother by her letters to the French King did advertise what an alteration was made how the Governour was brought by the Cardinals means to break with England and that for assuring the peace of the countrey there was nothing more required then the calling the Earl of Lenox back under some fair colour for that his stay at home might prove dangerous and a suspicion there was already of his inclining to England which might breed greater troubles then yet had been seen therefore intreated the King to recall him with speed The Nobleman suspecting no such dealing for all that time he was used with great demonstrations of love and kindnesse by the Queen-mother began to urge the performance of promises and had his hopes cunningly entertained till the answer returned from France at which time he was advertised by some friends in that Court that the French King was hardly informed of him and some courses he had taken and howbeit he was invited to return he should not find the welcome he expected This made him more instant with Queen-mother then before but it was not long ere he felt himself deluded whereupon he retired home discontent and laid many wayes to repair himself but all sorted to no effect so as he resolved in end having lost the French to offer his service to the King of England by whom he was kindly received and afterwards honoured with the alliance of King Henry his Neece Lady Margaret Dowglas How soon the Cardinal was freed of the Earl of Lenox he set himself to pursue those that were called hereticks and leading the Governour along with him went first to the Town of Perth where by delation of one Frier Spence Robert Lamb William Anderson Iames Rannald Iames Hunter Iames Finlason and Hellene Stirk his wife were apprehended Robert Lamb being accused for interrupting the said Frier in a Sermon he made a Perth whilest he was teaching that a man could not be saved without praying to the Saints confessed that he had done it saying It was the duty of every man that knoweth the truth to bear testimony unto it and not to suffer people to be abused with false doctrine such as that was William Anderson Iames Rannald and Iames Finlason were indited for nailing two Rams horns on S. Francis head the putting of a Cowes rump to his tail and for the eating of a Goose upon All-hallow evening Iames Hunter a Fletcher by occupation and a simple man without any learning was charged to have kept company with the said persons The woman Helene Stirke was accused for her refusing to pray unto the Virgin Mary when she was in labour of her birth and saying she would only pray to God in the name of Iesus Christ. These were the inditements whereupon they were put to trial and being found guilty by a Jury were condemned to die great intercession was made for their lives to the Governour but he was so subject to the Cardinal as without his consent he would give no pardon Thus the poor innocents were taken to the common place of execution and hanged Robert Lamb at the foot of the Ladder made a pithy exhortation to the people beseeching
and breed an occasion of some disorder so as the breach of the peace should proceed from them The insolence was great they committed in this kind for they did laugh and talk so loud all the time as the Preacher could not be heard yet was it patiently digested knowing that an occasion of trouble was only sought In other places their behaviour was no better for at Leth they did cut in pieces the Pulpit erected for the Preachers and set up the Masse which had been suppressed before in that town The like did they in the Abbey Church forcibly abolishing the service of Common Prayers which there was ordinarily used And in what place soever they came some one disturbance or other they wrought to the professors of the turth Herewith a rumour was dispersed amongst the vulgar That it was not Religion as the Congregation pretended but an open rebellion they went about and that their purpose was to disinherit their lawful Queen and set up Lord James her base brother in her place which by divers was apprehended as truth and wrought a great alienation of mindes from the cause About the same time came Monsieur Crook a French Gentleman with letters from the Queen and King Francis her husband to Lord Iames full of exprobrations and menacings as appeareth by the Copies here insert Francis King of France to Iames Prior of S. Andrewes COusin when I understood as well by letters as common report the tumults raised at this time in Scotland I was much commoved especially when it was said that you to whom my dear wife my father deceased and my self have given so many benefices should be the head and principall fosterer of the same That you should be so forgetfull of our love and of the duty you have at all times professed unto the Queen I would not believe or if it was so as the same commonly reporteth I did think that you were induced by the promises and flattering perswasions of others to take the fault upon you whereof they were the cause supposing the offence would be esteemed either none or very small in your person This my conceit of you if it be true shall be as joyfull to me as that which should be most joyfull for I should with by this mean some part of my displeasure mitigated into which you are worthily fallen having deceived the hope which I had of your piety towards God and your faithfull service towards my self Therefore since nothing can be more acceptable to me then to hear that controversies are composed and all things compacted without tumult according to law and good order and since I am perswaded this may be easily done by your credit I thought meet to advertise you by these letters and for the good will I bear you I do earnestly request that you will return to the obedience from which you have foully fallen that so I may see you carry another minde then that which your foolish actions have manifested This will appear to be so if that you apply your diligence to bring those things which now are out of order in those parts back again to the ancient and sound form of obedience which you know is due to God and me Otherwise I would have you and all those that adhere unto you perswaded that ere it be long I shall take such punishment of you and them as your wickedness deserveth which I have given the bearer charge to make known unto you at more length whom I will you to credit as my self praying God my Cousin to have you in his protection Paris the 17. day of Iuly 1559. The Letter sent by the Queen was of the tenor following MARY Queen of Scotland and France to Iames Prior of the Monasterie of S. Andrewes I Cannot my Cousin wonder enough how you that are nighest us in bloud and greatly benefitted by our liberality as your self knoweth should be so presumptuous and wickedly disposed as by one and the same fact to violate the Majesty of God and the authority belonging to me and my husband for to me it is a wonder that you who being with me did complain of the Duke of Chattellerault and divers others for dismissing my authority should now be the leader of a faction in matters of greatest weight wherein not onley the honour of God is touched but my authority all utterly taken away which I would have more easily believed of any other of my subjects then of you for I had a special hope of your sidelity and am not a little grieved that you should have deceived me Though yet I can scarse be perswaded that you are gone so far from truth and reason as to be carried away with such blinde errours which I wish were not as any in the world else beseeching God to illuminate you with his light that returning into the right way you may shew your self by doing things contrary to that you have already performed a good man and obedient to our lawes whereof by these letters I thought good to admonish you and withall earnestly to intreat you to amend your by gone faults with better deeds in time coming that the anger which I and my husband have conceived against you may by that means be mitigated Otherwise I would have you understand that we will take such punishment of you that you shall ever remember us which shall be to me a most grievous thing God I beseech to keep you from all danger Paris the 24. of Iuly 1559. Lord Iames having perused the Letters and conferred a space with the Gentleman who was commanded to say unto him That the King would rather spend the Crown of France then not be revenged of the seditious tumults raised in Scotland made answer in writing as followeth That he was no way conscious to himself of any undâtisulness either in word or deed a gainst his Soveraignes lawes That it was true he had joyned himself with these of the Nobility who went about the reforming of Religion and would not deny it but this he did not esteem a fault against the King or Queen For thereby nothing is sought but the advancement of Gods honour and the Gospel of Iesus Christ from which if he should desist it were in effect to renounce his Lord and Saviour Then this cause onely excepted he and the rest who were charged with the crime of Rebellion should in all other things be most obsequent This writing he delivered to Monsieur Crooke who gave it Queen Regent she opening the same and reading it said that such a proud and rebellious answer was never given to a King and Queen Some few dayes after this arrived a French Captain called Octavian with a Regiment of souldiers who brought with him great summes of money and other necessary provisions for warre But the Queen did incontinent send him back to intreat the French King for other four companies to make up the number of twenty Ensignes with an hundred
bind the King or Queen but that they may give where and when they should think expedient 9. That the Estates of the Realm should convene and hold a Parliament in the moneth of August next for which a Commission should be sent from the French King and the Queen of Scotland and that the said convention should be as lawful in all respects as if the same had been ordained by the express Commandment of their Majesties providing all tumults of warre be discharged and they who ought by their places to be present may come without fear 10. That for the better government of this Realm choice should be made of a Councel which should consist of twelve worthy men of the Kingdom of which number the Queen should chuse seven and the Estates five which twelve in their Majesties absence should take order with the affaires of Government and without their authority and consent nothing should be done in the administration of publick businesse And that the said Councel should convene as oft as they might conveniently but no fewer then six together or if any matter of importance occurred they should all be called or the most part of them providing it should not be prejudicial to the King and Queen and to the Rights of the Crown 11. That the King and Queen should neither make peace nor warre in these parts but by the counsel and advise of the Estates according to the custome of the countrey as it was observed by their predecessors 12. That none of the Lords of the Nobility of Scotland should make convocation of men of warre except in ordinary cases approved by the lawes and custome of the Realm nor should any of them cause men of warre strangers to come into these parts much lesse attempt to do any thing against the King and Queen or against the authority of the Councel and other Magistrates of the Realm and in case any of them had occasion to take Armes the same being first communicated to the Councel their Majesties likewise should be made acquainted therewith and nothing to be done by them that ought not to be done by good and faithful subjects that love the quietnesse of the Realm and will abide in the obedience of their Soveraigns 13. That Lord David son to the Duke of Chattellerault detained prisoner at Bois de Vincennes should be put to liberty and suffered to return into Scotland at his pleasure 14. That with the French men no Artillery should be transported forth of the Realm but those which were sent and brought in since the decease of Francis the first and that all other Artillery and Munition especially that which hath the Armes of Scotland should be put into the places out of which they were taken 15. That the Army of England should return home immediately after the embarking of the French and that all the Scottish men of warre should be broken and licenced to depart 16. That for the Articles concerning Religion presented for the part of the Nobility and people of Scotland which the Commissioners would not touch but referred to their Majesties it was promised that a certain number of Noblemen should be chosen in the next Convention and Parliament to be sent to their Majesties to expone unto them the things that should be thought needful for the estate thereof and for the Articles presently decided they should carry with them the ratification of the same by the Estates and return a confirmation thereof from their Majesties Lastly that the Queen of Scotland and King of France should not hereafter usurp the titles of England and Ireland and should delete the Arms of England and Ireland out of their scutchions and whole housholdstuffe This accord made the French prepared to depart and for returning the ships of England that were lent to transport them the Bishop of Amiens and Monsieur le Broche remained hostages On the sixteenth day of Iuly the French embarked and the same day did the English Army depart towards Berwick the third day after their parting a solemn thanksgiving was kept in the Church of S. Giles by the Lords and others professing true Religion and then were the Ministers by common advice distributed among the Burghs Iohn Knox was appointed to serve at Edinburgh Christopher Goodman at S. Andrews Adam Heriote at Aberdene Iohn Row at Perth William Christeson at Dundy David Ferguson at Dunfermlin Paul Methven at Iedburgh and Mr. David Lindesay at Leth besides these they did nominate for the direction of Church affaires some to be Superintendents as Mr. Iohn Spotswood for Lothian and Mers Mr. Iohn Winram for Fife and Iohn Areskin of Dun for Angus and Mernis Mr. Iohn Willock for Glasgow and Mr. Iohn Kerswel for Argyle and Isles with this small number was the plantation of the Church at first undertaken The time appointed for the Parliament approaching warning was made to all such as by law or ancient custome had any voice therein to be present and at the day the meeting was frequent In the beginning there was great altercation divers holding that no Parliament could be kept seeing their Soveraigns had sent no Commission nor authorized any to represent their persons Others alledging that Article of the peace whereby it was agreed That a Parliament should be kept in the moneth of August and that the same should be as lawful in all respects as if it were ordained by the expresse commandments of their Majesties maintained that the said Article was a warrant sufficient for their present meeting and this opinion by voices prevailed So after some eight dayes spent in these contentions they began to treat of affairs but as they had no commission so the solemnities accustomed of Crown Scepter and Sword which are in use to be carried at these times were neglected There were present of the spiritual Estate the Archbishop of S. Andrews the Bishops of Dunkeld Dumblane Galloway Argyle and Isles The Prior of S. Andrews the Abbots of Couper Landors Culross S. Colmes Inch Newbottle Halirudhouse Kinlose Deire and New-Abbey with the Priors of Coningham and S. Mary Isle Of the Nobility the Lord Duke the Earls of Arrane Argyle Marshal Cassils Cathnes Athol Glencarne Merton and Rothes The Lords Ruthven Glammis Areskin Boyd Ochiltrie Carlile Levingston Ogilvy and Somervil with many of the inferiour Barons and of the Commissioners of Burghs none were absent In electing the Lords of the Articles the Noblemen that had the nomination of the Clergy passing by such amongst them as they knew to be Popishly affected made choice of the Bishops of Galloway and Argyle the Prior of S. Andrews the Abbots of Abberbrothock Kilwining Lundors Newbottle and Culross at which the Prelates stormed mightily alledging that some of them were meer Laicks and all of them Apostates for they had openly renounced popery and joyned themselves with the Professors of the truth but there was no remedy the course was changed and now it behoved them to take law
next day being the 12. of Iune the Lords gave out a Proclamation wherein they declared That the Earl of Bothwel having put violent hands in the Queens person warded her highnesse in the Castle of Dumbar and retaining her in his power had seduced her being destitute of all counsel to an unhonest and unlawful marriage with himself who was known to have been the principal authour deviser and actor in the cruel murther committed upon the late Kings person and that he was daily gathering forces and strengthening himself by all means of purpose as appeared to get in his hands the young Prince that he might murther him in the like sort as he had done his Father which the Nobility of the Realm had resolved to withstand and to deliver the Queen out of his bondage Therefore did they charge all and sundry the Lieges within the Kingdom to be in readiness upon three houres warning to assist the said Noblemen for delivering the Queen from captivity and bringing the said Earl and his Complices to underlie the trial and punishment of Law for the foresaid murther Commanding all such as will not joyn with the said Noblemen to depart forth of the Town of Edinburgh within four hours after the publication made under the pain to be reputed as enemies c. But the Queen having escaped as we shew there resorted to her from all quarters numbers of people so as within few houres she had an Army about her of 4000. men and above a force sufficient to oppose the enterprisers The Lords on the other side were cast into many difficulties for the heat of the common sort of people being quickly cooled as ordinarily it happeneth and the greater part of the Nobility being either enemies or behaving themselves as Neuters few of them came to offer their assistance yea had they been never so many lacking munition and other necessary provisions for the besieging of forts they saw no way to attain to their purpose whereupon they began to think upon dissolving their forces and quitting the enterprise at least for that time But the resolution which the Queen took altered their counsels and gave them the opportunity they wished for She partly considing in her power and numbers and partly animated by a sort of flatterers who made her believe that the Lords would flee upon the first bruit of her coming resolved to march with her Army to Leth whereas nothing had been so much to her advantage as a little protracting of time for had she remained three days longer at Dumbar the Lords without all peradventure had retired every one to his home But where mutations are destined the worst counsels seem ever the best and are most readily embraced Being advanced so farre as Glaidsmoore where she caused master her forces a Proclamation was made bearing That a number of Conspirators having discovered their latent malice borne to her and the Duke of Orkney her husband after they had failed in apprehending their persons at Borthwick had made a seditious Proclamation to make people believe that they did seek the revenge of the murther of the King her late husband and the relieving of her self out of bondage and captivity pretending that the Duke her husband was minded to invade the Prince her sonne all which were false and forged inventions none having better cause to revenge the Kings death then her self if she could know the authors thereof And for the Duke her present husband he had used all means to clear his innocency the ordinary Iustice had absolved him and the Estates of Parliament approved their proceedings which they themselves that made the present iâsurrection had likewise allowed As also he had offered to maintain that quarrell against any Gentleman on earth undefamed then which nothing more could be required And as to her alledged captivity the contrary was known to the whole subjects her marriage with him being publickly contracted and solemnised with their own consents as their hand writs could testify Albeit to give their treason a fair shew they made now a buckler of the Prince her sonne being an infant and in their hands whereas their intention only was to overthrow her and her posterity that they might rule all things at their pleasure and without controlment Seeing therefore no wilfulnesse nor particularily but very necessity had forced her to take Armes for defence of her life as her hope was to have the assistance of all her faithful subjects against those unnatural rebels so she doubted not but such as were already assembled would with good hearts stand to her defence considering especially the goodness of her cause promising them in recompence of their valorous service the lands and possessions of the Rebels which should be distributed according to the merit of every man This proclaimed the Army did set forward the Queen lodging that night in Seaton a little before midnight word was brought to Edinburgh of the Queens approach who without long suspence made to their Armour And at Sun rising putting themselves in order they marched directly to Mussilburgh a Village two miles distant from Preston there they refreshed themselves with food and a little rest for the Queens Camp was not as yet stirring About the middest of the day the horsemen who were sent to observe when the Queens Army did advance brought word that they were marching The Lords thereupon made haste and drawing their companies forth of the Village ranged them in two battels The first was conducted by the Earl of Morton and the Lord Home the second by the Earls of Athel Marre and Glencarn the Lords Lindsay Ruthven Semple and Sanqâuar with the Lairds of Drumlanrig Tulibardin Selfourd Grange and divers others of good sort were assisting in number not much inferiour to the Queens Army and in this superiour that the most part of them were Gentlemen practised and of good experience in warre The Queen stood with her Army on the top of the hill called Carberry hill which the Lords because of the ascent wherewith it riseth could not come at in a direct course but to their disadvantage wherefore they inclined a little to the right hand both to find a more plain way and to get the Sun in their backs when they should come unto the fight This deceived the Queen who supposing they were flying towards Dalkeith a little Village pertaining to the Earl of Morton but when they were past the strait of the hill and that she saw them making directly to the place where she with her Army stood she perceived her errour The French Ambassadour seeing them ready to joyn interposed himself and coming to the Lords desired that matters might be composed without bloodshed for the good of both parties saying that he found the Queen peaceably inclined and disposed both to forgive the insurrection they had now made and to forget all by past oflences The Earl of Mârten replyed That they had taken
whether all they that had taken Armes against the King and not sued for pardon should be forfeited or if sentence should be given against a few only to terrify the rest and hope of favour left unto others upon their obedience Secretary Lethington who did secretly favour the other faction maintained the calmest course to be the best and by the perswasions he used wrought so as the processe against the better sort was continued and some of meaner note only proscribed which was interpreted even as the Regent conceived to proceed of fear and not of a mind to reclaim them The Earl of Rothes only of all the Noblemen of that side reconciled himself accepting three years exile for his punishment Some others of meaner sort the Regent received into favour and such as stood out he pursued by force of Armes making an expedition into the countries of Nidisdale Annandale and the lower parts of Galloway where he put Garisons in the Castles and strong Forts that were judged necessary to be kept others he demolished threw to the ground and had in a short space as it was thought reduced the whole countrey to his obedience if he had not been stayed by other letters by the Queen of England for the offending that he should have gone on in that manner whereas she had willed him to deferre all things till she was informed of the whole cause sent by one of her servants called Middlemore a sharp letter unto him declaring that she would not endure the sacred authority of Kings to be in that sort abused at the appetite of factious subjects and howsoever they had forgot their duties to their Soveraign she would not neglect her sister and neighbour Queen Therefore willed him to direct certain Commissioners to enform her how matters had passed men that could answer the complaints made by the Queen of Scotland against him and his complices which if he failed to do she would restore her to her Kingdome with all the power she could make The Regent took it grievously that matters determined in Parliament should be brought again in question and to plead before forain Judges he held it dishonourable yet considering the adversaries he had the Cardinal of Lorain abroad who swayed all things in the French Court and at home many of the Nobility and that if he did offend the Queen of England his difficulties should be every way great he was glad to yield to the conditions required though against his will Thus it being condescended the Commissioners should be sent when as they could not agree upon the persons the principal Noblemen refusing the imployment the Regent himself offered to undertake the journey and to accompany him choice was made of the Bishop of Orkney and Abbot of Dunfermlin for the spiritual estate of the Earl of Morton and Lord Lindesay for the temporal and of Mr. Iames Macgill and Mr. Henry Balnaves Senators of the Colledge of Justice besides these there went with him Secretary Lethington and Mr. George Buchannan The Secretary had long withstood the sending of any Commissioners thither and simply refused to go in that journey yet the Regent not holding it safe to leave him at home whom he knew to be a busie man and a practiser under-hand with the other party did insist so with him as in end he consented The Commission was given in the Kings name under the Great Seal to the Regent the Earl of Morton the Bishop of Orkney the Abbot of Dunfermlin and Lord Lindesay or to any three of them for convening with the deputies of the Queen of England at York or any other place or places they should think expedient there to make plain and ample declarations to them I keep the very words of the Commission for informing his good sister of the true causes whereupon divers of the Nobility and good subjects during the time that the Queen his Mother was yet possessor of the Crown took occasion to put on Armes to take detain and sequestrate her person for a time with all causes actions circumstances and other their proceedings whatsoever towards her or any other subjects of the Realm since that time unto the day and date of the said Commission or that should fall out untill the return of the said Commissioners whereby the Justice of their cause and honourable dealing might be manifested to the world As likewise to commune treat determine and conclude with his said sister or her Commissioners having sufficient authority upon all differences causes or matters depending betwixt the subjects of either Realm or for further confirmation or augmentation of any treaty of peace heretofore made and concluded betwixt the Realms or for contracting and perfecting any other treaty or confederation as well maintenance of the true Religion publickly professed by the inhabitants of both the Realms as for resisting any forain or intestine power that might be stirred up within the same to disturb the present quietnesse that it hath pleased the Almighty God to grant unto both the Kingdomes in the unity of the said Religion and for increase of amity peace and concord betwixt him and his said sister their Realms dominions people and subjects And generally to do and conclude all things which by them or any three of them should seem convenient and necessary for the premises or any part thereof promising to hold firm and stable c. This Commission is of the date aâ Edinburgh the 18th of September 1568. In Iuly preceding there was an Assembly of the Church kept at Edinburgh wherein Mr. Iohn Willock Superintendent of the west being elected to moderate the meeting made difficulty to accept the place unlesse some better order was observed then had been in former times for even then the multitudes that convened and indiscreet behaviour of some who loved to seem more zealous then others did cause a great confusion Obedience being promised by the whole number he assumed the Charge And there it was enacted That none should be admitted to have voice in these Assemblies but Superintendents Visiters of Churches Commissioners of Shires and Universities and such Ministers as the Superintendents should chuse in their Diocesan Synods and bring with them being men of knowledge and able to reasân and judge of matters that should happen to be proponed And that the Assembly should not be troubled with unnecessary businesse it was ordained That no matters should be moved which the Superintendents might and ought to determine in their Synods Some Acts of discipline were also concluded as that Papists continuing obstinate after lawful admonitions should be excommunicated and that the committers of murther incest adultery and other such hainous crimes should not be admitted to make satisfaction by any particular Church till they did first appear in the habit of penitents before the general assembly and there receive their injunctions A supplication also was put up to the Regent and Councel wherein amongst other
particulars it was desired That the persons nominated in Parliament for the matter of policy or juridiction of the Church should be ordained to meet at a certain day and place for concluding the same This was promised and the eighth of August appointed to that effect but the Diet did not hold and so these matters continued unresolved as before In the end of the Assembly the Bishop of Orkney who had been deposed from all function in the Church for the marriage of Bothwel with the Queen was upon his submission reponed to his place and for removing the scandal he was injoyned in his first Sermon to make publick acknowledgement of his fault and crave forgivenesse of God the Church and Estate which he had offended About the end of September the Regent and those that were joyned with him in commission took their journey into England and came to York the fifth of October the same day and almost the same hour came Thomas Howard Duke of Norfolk Thomas Earl of Suffex and Sir Ralph Sadler Chancellour of the Dutchy of Lancaster having Commission from the Queen of England to hear and determine all questions controversies debates and contentions betwixt her sister the Queen of Scots and the subjects adhering unto her on the one part and the Earl of Murray and others refusing to acknowledge her authority and adhering to the Prince her son on the other as likewise to decide all matters depending betwixt them two to confirm the peace before that time contracted or establish a new confederation betwixt them their people and subjects as they should think most convenient Some two days after Iohn Lesley Bishop of Ross William Lord Levingston Robert Lord Boyd Gawan Commendator of Kilwining and Iames Cockburn of Skirling Commissioners for the Scottish Queen came to the City where being all convened and the Commissions exhibited an oath was presented to both parties by the Commissioners of England by which they were required to swear That they should proceed sincerely in that conference and treaty and neither for affection malice or any other worldly respect propone any thing before the Commissioners which in their consciences they did not hold to be true just and godly and reasonable as also not to withdraw hide or conceal any matter fit to be opened and declared for the better knowledge of the truth in the controversies standing amongst them The Commissioners of the Queen of Scotland before they took the oath protested That although the Queen their Mistresse was pleased to have the differences betwixt her and her disobedient subjects considered and dressed by her dearest sister and cousen the Queen of England or by the Commissioners authorized by her yet she did not acknowledge her self subject to any Judge on earth she being a free Princesse and holding her imperial Crown of God alone This their protestation they desired to be put in record left the Queen or her posterity should be prejudiced in their Soveraignty by the present proceedings The Commissioners of England did contrariwise protest that they did neither admit nor allow that protestation in any sort to the hurt or prejudice of that right which the Kings of England have claimed had and enjoyed as superiours over the Realm of Scotland which Superiority they protested should belong and appertain to the Queen their Mistresse in the right of the Crown of England These protestations made both parties took the oath in manner as was required and this was the Act of the first meeting The next day the Commissioners of the Queen of Scotland presented a Declaration in writing bearing that Iames Earl of Morton Iohn Earl of Marre Alexander Earl of Glencârne the Lords Homes Lindesay Ruthven Simple Cathcart Ochiltrie and other their assistants had levied an Army in the Queens name against the Queen taking her most noble peron used her in vile manner and thrust into prison in Lochlevin and forcibly broken her Mint-house taken away the printing Irons with all the silver and gold coyned and uncoyned which was in the house for the time And going to the Castle of Striveling and made a fashion to crown her sonne the Prince being then but thirteen moneths old That Iames Earl of Murray taking upon him the name of Regent had usurped the Royal authority and possessed himself with the whole forts Castles Munition Jewels and Revenues of the Kingdom And when it had pleased God to relieve her out of that prison wherein she was so straitly detained by the space of eleven moneths as none of her friends and true subjects could once be permitted to see or speak with her and that she had publickly declared by a solemn oath in the presence of divers of the Nobility at Hamilton that whatsoever was done by her in prison was extorted by force threats and fear of death she out of that natural affection which she carried to her realm and subjects did appoint the Earls of Argile Eglington Cassils and Rothes to agree and make a pacification with the said Regent and his partakers but they were so farre from admitting any peaceable Treaty as they did invade her in her passing to Dumbritton with the men of Warre whom she had hired with her own moneys killed divers of her faithful subjects led others away prisoners and banished some of good note for no other cause but for serving faithfully their lawful Princesse and so after a great many injuries had forced her to flye into England to request the help of Queen Elizabeth her dearest sister and in blood the nearest Cousen she had in the world for restoring her in her former estate and compelling her rebellious subjects to acknowledge their due obedience unto her Majesty which they in her Highnesse name did most instantly intreat The day following which was the ninth of October the Regent and rest of the Commissioners for the young King appearing before they would give any answer to the preceding writ craved first to be resolved Whether the Duke and those that were appointed with him for hearing their controversies bad power to pronounce in the cause of the Kings Mother guilty or not guilty and if according to the same they meant to give sentence without delay As likewise if it should appear by the Declaration they were to make that the Queen of Scots was guilty whether she should be delivered in their hands or detained in England and if the Queen of England would from thenceforth maintain the authority of the King and the Regency established in the person of the Earle of Murray Which points they desired to have cleared before they could enter into the accusation intended The Duke of Norfolk replied that they would proceed according to the Commission given unto them and render an account to her who had trusted them therewith Lethington upon this turning himself to the Regent said That it seemed the English haâ no other purpose but to defame and disgrace the reputation of
the Queen their Kings mother Therefore willed him and his associates to consider what hurt and danger they should draw upon themselves by accusing her in such a publick form not onely with those of her own Nation that loved the Queen but also with other Christian Princes especially with her cousins in France and what could they answer unto the King when he being of ripe years should esteem that manner of doing dishonorable to himself his mother and whole Kingdom They notwithstanding went on and presented their answer conceived in the terms following The King Henry father to their soveraign Lord the King now reigning being horribly murthered in his bed Iames sometimes Earl of Bothwell who was known to be the chief Author thereof entered in such credit with the Queen then their Soveraign as within two moneths after the murther committed he openly attempted a rape of her person and carried her to Dumbar Castle where he did keep her as captive a certain space causing a divorce to be led betwixt him and his lawfull wife and upon the conclusion thereof did suddenly accomplish a pretended marriage with the Queea which insolent proceedings together with the shamefull report that passed in all Nations of the Kings murther as if the whole Nobility had been alike culpable thereof so moved the hearts of a good number of them as they thought nothing could be performed more honourable to themselves in the sight of all the world then by punishing the said Earl who had committed the murther to free themselves of the vile reports spread every where to set the Queen at liberty from the bondage of that traitour who had so presumptuously interprised the rape and marriage of her whose lawfull husband he could not be and to preserve the innocent person of the King from the hands of him that had murthered his father For which purpose they taking arms when the said Earl came against them with forces leading in his company the Queen to defend his wickednesse they offered for sparing the blood of innocent men to decide the quarrell in a single combate whereof himself by Cartell and Proclamation and sundry times made offer But after many shifts he in end directly refused the same and the Queen prefering his impunity to her own honour that he might have leasure to escape came willingly to the Noblemen that were in Arms and conferred with them a certain space after which they conveyed her to Edinburgh informing her of the true causes that moved them to that form of dealing did humbly intreat her Majesty to suffer the said Earl and others the King her husbands murtherers to be punished according to the laws and the ptetended marriage wherein she was rashly entered to be dissolved as well for her own honour as for the safety of her son and quietnesse of the Realm and Subjects But having received no other answer but rigerous threats against the Noblemen and she avouching to be revenged upon all those that had shown themselves in that cause they were driven by necessity to sequestrate her person for a season from the company of Bothwell and the keeping of any intelligence with him untill punishment might be taken of him as murtherer of the King her husband In the mean time she finding her self wearied with the troubles of government and perceiving by things that had passed before that time betwixt her and the people that neither could she well allow of their doings nor they like of her forms upon these and other consirations she voluntarily resigned her Kingdome and transferred the same unto her son appointing the Earl of Murray who was at that time absent forth of the Realme to be Regent during her sonnes minority and in case of the said Earles decease or not acceptance of the said Office divers other Noblemen whose names are expressed in the Commissions signed by her self and sealed with the seals of the Kingdom The King hereupon being duely rightly and orderly crowned and anointed and the Earl of Murray after his return lawfully placed and admitted Regent all those things were ratified and confirmed by the three Estates of Parliament most of these that had withdrawn themselves from his authority being present and giving their consent to the same Notthelesfe when as matters were thus established and the Kings authority univerâally obeyed without contradiction certain persons envying the publick quietnesse had by their subtile practices first brought the Queen out of Lochlevin and afterwards by open force against their promised fidelity gone about to subvert the government received wherein as they were proceeding it pleased God to disappoint their interprise and give unto the King and those who stood for his authority a notable victory unpon the 13. day of May last Wherefore their desire was that the King and the Regent might peaceably rule and govern the subjects according to the authority they had received of God and that the same might be conserved and established against the factions of turbulent subjects The Commissioners of the Queen of Scots having seen this answer made a long and particular reply to all the points thereof wherein adhering to their former protestation first they said That the pretext of taking arms against the Queen because Bothwell the authour of her husbands murther was in such favour with her could not warrant their rebellion fith it never was made known to the Queen that he was the murtherer But to the contrary Bothwell being indited and orderly summoned to underly the triall of Law he was by the judgement of his Peers absolved and the same absolution ratified by the authority of Parliament where the principalls that now accuse him and had withdrawn themselves from her Majesties obedience were present and not onely consented to his purgation but solicited the Queen to take him to her husband as the man most worthy to bear rule of any other in all the Realm giving their bonds to defend him against all that should pursue him for the said crime as their subscriptions would testifie And so neither before the marriage with Bothwell nor after did they or any of them which had been the dutie of true subjects so much as in words utter their dislike of it or advertise her Majesty of the suspicions that were taken of him untill they had drawn the keeper of the Castle of Edinburgh and the Provost of the town to their faction Then secretly putting themselves in arms they suddenly under silence of night invironed the Castle of Borthwick where her Majesty remained and after she had escaped to Dumbar levied an army under pretence to defend the Queen wherewith invading her person in the way berwixt Dumbar and Edinburgh they did take her Majesty captive And where they alledge that her Majesty preferring the impunity of Bothwell to her own honour made him to be conveighed safely away The same was most untrue for they themselves sent the Laird of Grange to her Majesty desiring her to cause Bothwell
punish the committers of that insolence The Councel returning many thanks to the Queen for her kind Ambassage excused themselves by the present troubles that no determinate answer could as then be given to his propositions and therefore besought him to have patience unto the first of May at which time the Estates of the Realm were to meet by whom her Majesty should receive all satisfaction The Estates convening at the day William Douglas of Lochlevin brother uterine to the late Regent preferred a Petition to the Councel for some course to be taken in the revenge of his brothers murther considering he was taken away in the defence of the common cause of the Realm and not upon any private quarrel The Petition was held reasonable by all that were present every one consenting to the pursuit and punishment of the murtherer and his complices But in the manner they agreed not some advising that not the murtherer only but all who were suspected to have had a hand in the treachery should be called to underlie the ordinary trial of law at a certain day Others esteeming such a form of processe unnecessary with them who had already taken Arms to maintain the fact and that the best course were to pursue with all hostility both these that were delated of the recent crime and such as had been forfeited in the Parliament preceding Many inclined to the last course yet because it was opposed by divers of special note there was nothing concluded in the businesse which was generally ill taken of the people who construed the delay to proceed of some private favour carried to the enemies and to be done of purpose that either with time the hatred of the murther might be lessened or the adversaries might have leisure to make themselves more strong The Assembly of the Church in the mean while which was then convened at Edenburgh to declare in what detestation they had the murther committed did ordain the murtherer to be excommunicated in all the chief Burghs of the Realm and whosoever afterwards happened to be convicted thereof to be used in the same manner In this Assembly divers constitutions were made for discipline and amongst others an Act for the publick inauguration of Ministers at their entry whereunto the revolt of some Preachers gave occasion that forsaking the Pulpit took them to the pleading of causes before the Lords of Session It was then also condescended that forth of the thirds five thousand merks should be yearly paid for the furnishing of the Kings house and the Church burthened with no further duty Some few days after the principals of the Queens faction being convened at Glasgow the Earl of Argile and Lord Boyd did write to the Earl of Morton and offer to joyn with the rest of the Nobility in the trial and punishment of the Regents murther so as the meeting were appointed at Striveling Falkirk or Linlithgow for to Edenburgh they would not come This letter as he was desired he communicated with the Secretary who was after the Regents death come forth of the Castle and by the Earl of Atholl brought again unto the Councell having first purged himself of the accusation laid against him and promised to submit himself unto the most severe triall that could be taken his advice to the Earl Morton was that the Noblemen should all be brought to Edenburgh which for those of the Queens party he undertook to do and to that effect he sent letters unto the principalls of that faction shewing that they had no cause to fear being in forces superiour to the others and having the Lord of Grange on their side for he had then plainly declared himself for the Queen who was both Provost of the Town and commanded the Castle Thus about the midst of March the Earls of Huntley Atholl and Crawford with the Lords Ogilvy Home and Seaâon did meet at Edenburgh The Earl of Argile the Hamiltons and the Lord Boyde came as far as unto Linlithgow but by occasioned of a tumult raised amongst some souldiers they were forced to disperse their companies and return home to their dwellings Within a few dayes the Earls of Marre and Glencarne came likewise to Edenburgh after whose coming the Lords of both factions meeting to confer did think fit to continue all things till the Earl of Argile was advertised whose authority was great in those times And when it was known that he was gone back from Linlithgow the Earl of Huntley followed to perswade his return but he would not consent They write the Secretary should have privily disswaded him as one who loved to keep all things loose but I do not see what advantage he could expect that way and think rather that as his estate then stood he did earnestly desire to have matters accorded The true cause of Argiles declining that conference seems to have been the averseness of his brother and others of his friendship who refused to follow him in that quarrel and carried a constant affection to the maintaining of the Kings authority When as the other Noblemen perceived that Argile would not come they began to treat of the choice of a Regent in place of him who was taken away Here first they fell to question their own power and authority which some maintained to be sufficient because of the Patent the Queen had given at first for the administration of affairs in her sons minority in which seven Noblemen were named besides the late Regent and that of this number they might choose as they said any one Others reasoned that no respect ought to be had to that Patent the same being expired by the creation of the last Regent for which only at the time it was granted The more moderate gave their opinon that all proceeding in that businesse should be delayed till the convention of the Estates in May next This was likewise opposed by a number that esteemed the protracting of time dangerous and thought that it concerned the Noblemen who had first assisted the Coronation of the King and continued firm in his obedience to nominate a Regent that would be careful of the young King his preservation and of the quiet and tranquillity of the Realm But this opinion as tending to the fostering of discord was rejected So that meeting dissolved without any certain conclusion At the same time one Monsieur Verack Cubiculare to the French King landed at Dumbarton bringing letters to the Noblemen of the Queens faction full of thanks for the constant affection they had shewed in maintaining the cause and promises of present succours This did so animate them as in a frequent meeting kept the first of April at Linlithgow they began to discover the intention which before they had concealed of making war upon England for this as they judged would serve to oblierate the late Regents murther And to give the more authority to their proceedings they took purpose to remove to
do and to put them off the fields whereas if supply were not sent in time and that matters should happen to be put to a day amongst themselves the issue might prove dangerous Answer was made that the forces should be sent upon sufficient hostages for their surety during their remaining in Scotland Withall he craved that the English Rebels whom the Lords had in their hands and such others as should happen to be apprehended might be delivered to him as the Queens Lieutenant and left to her Majesties disposition For the hastages it was condescended that the chief Noblemen should deliver some of their friends to remain in England during the abode of the English forces and their safe return assured the chance and fortune of Warre only excepted which should be common and alike both to the Scots and them But touching the delivery of the English Rebells the Lords intreated that the same might be continued unto the return of her Majesties answer to the instructions sent by the Abbot of Dunfermlin who was upon his journey and had warrant from them to satisfie her Majesty in that point To this the Earl consented providing the Noblemen would give their bonds for the safe custody of the Rebels and the performance of that which her Majesty and the Ambassadour should agree unto The Laird of Grange and Secretary Lethington who as yet made a show to desire peace laboured by their letters to keep back the English forces offering what satisfaction the Earl of Sussex in name of her Majesty would require That the Earl answered that if the Lords of Linlithgow would disannull the Proclamation of the Queen of Scots authority and discharge all capitulations for aid out of France and all other parts beyond the Sea remitting the present dissension to the hearing and ordering of the Queen his Mistress and oblieging themselves by their subscriptions to stand at her Majesties determination he should stay his forces and detain them with himself till he received new direction from her Majesty Though these answers did in no wayes please them yet to gain some time they gave hopes that after conference with the Lords at Linlithgow he should receive all satisfaction But he smelling their intentions after he had received the bonds and pledges from the Noblemen of the Kings party sent Sir William Drury Governour of Berwick with a thousand foot and three hundreth horsmen into Scotland How soon the Lords that were convened at Linlithgow heard of their coming and that the Earl of Lennox was in their company they departed towards Glasgow and besieged the Castle purposing to raze it lest it should be usefull to the Earl of Lennox who was now returned from England But the house was so well defended by a few young men they passed not 24. in all that the siege after it had continued the space of five or six dayes brake up upon the rumour of the Noblemen and the English forces their approaching The Duke of Chattellerault went with the Earl of Argile into his Countrey the Earl of Huntley and the rest into the North. The Noblemen assisted with the English forces coming to Glasgow after a short stay marched to Hamilton and laid siege to the Castle which at the sight of the Ordinance that was brought thither for the battery was yielded to the English by Andrew Hamilton of Meryton Captain upon promise to have their lives spared The Castle was set on fire and pitifully defaced as also the Dukes palace within the town of Hamilton and divers other houses in Cliddisdale In their return to Edinburgh they destroyed the houses and lands pertaining to the Lords Flemyn and Levingston with the Dukes lodging in the town of Linlithgow the houses of Kinneill Powdowy Peill of Levingston and others that appertained to the Hamiltons in that shire This done the English forces returned to Berwick and were accompanied thither by the Earl of Morton who received again the hostages that were delivered in England Whilest these things were a doing at home the Abbot of Dunfermlin was following his legation in England His instructions from the Noblemen of the Kings party were First to shew the Queen that by the delay of her Majesties Declaration in the cause of the Kings Mother all these commotions had been raised and therefore to intreat her Majesty plainly to declare her self and take upon her the protection of the young King Secondly to inform her of the difficulties they had in electing of a Regent and crave her opinion therein Thirdly to shew what a necessity there was of intreating some forces of foot and horse till the present troubles were pacified and in regard of the publick burthens to request her for moneys to maintain 300 horse and 700. foot which was esteemed sufficient for repressing the adversaries power Lastly concerning the Rebells of England who were in hands to give her Majesty assurance that they should be safely kept and to beseech her Highnes if she would have them delivered that some respect might be had to their credit and mercy shewed so far as could stand with her Majesties safety and the quiet of the Realm For the other Rebells that were as yet in the Countrey he was desired to promise in their name all diligence for their apprehension and if it should happen them to be taken that they should be committed in sure custody till her Majesties pleasure was known These things proponed to the Queen she answered That having heard nothing from the Lords since the late Regents death and being dayly importuned by forain Ambassadours she had yielded to a new hearing of the controversies betwixt them and their Queen and that she intended to have a meeting of the Commissioners of both parties ere it was long Therefore desired them to cease from using further hostility and not to precipitate the Election of a Regent the delay whereof would work them no prejudice This answer reported to the Lords did trouble them exceedingly from the one part they saw a necessity of accommodating themselves and their proceedings to the Queen of Englands pleasure and on the other they did find a great hurt by the want of a Regent That adverse faction having thereby taken occasion to erect another Authority and divers of their own partakers falling back from their wonted forwardness as not knowing on whom they should depend After long consultation this expedient was taken That a Lieutenant should be appointed for certain time with full authority to administrate all affairs and notice sent to the Queen of England of the necessity they stood in of a Regent and that there was no other way to keep the subjects in obedience Choice accordingly was made of the Earl of Lennox grandfather to the King and a Commission of Lieutenandry given him to indure to the 11. of Iuly next at which time the Estates were warned to meet for the election of a Regent Letters were also directed to 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 Auchnoâle 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 Kângs 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 Scotâish 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
this point made answer That the Secretary could claim no benefit by the Abstinence seeing he was the Kings subject and stood to the defence of the Kings cause both in England and Scotland professing himself as much displeased with the Proclamation of the Queens authority as any man else And howbeit of late he had accompanied the contrary faction yet he never declined his subjection to the King That being required to attend his office he had refused whereupon the same was justly taken from him and for the confiscation complained if he would yet declare on what side he was he should be reasonably used The Secretary who had often changed his party finding that now he must declare himself on the one side or the other sent to the Earl of Sussex this answer That he did think it strange the Regent should enquire on which side he was seeing his speeches writings and actions had declared the same Always now he would plainly professe that he was not of the Lord Regents side nor would he acknowledge him for Regent That he was of that side which would perform their duties to the Queen of Scotland and to her son so as neither of them should have cause to find fault with him that he was of that side which wished to either of them the place which in reason and justice they ought to possesse and that he was of that side which requested the Queen of England to enter into good conditions with the Queen whereby Scotland might be brought in an union and she restored to her liberty and Realm He confessed that he did not allow of the proclaiming of the Queens authority nor of the Parliament indited by those of he part because he foresaw the same would impede the Treaty betwixt the two Queens and might do hurt many ways and hinder the good he was about to do But that would not inser an allowance of their doings And this he said might give the Regent to understand on what side he was This answer neither expressing a reason of his falling away from the Kings obedience nor discovering plainly as was desired of what side he should be esteemed being delivered to the Regent received this reply That it was no marvel he should not acknowledge him for Regent having deserved so ill at his hands and being attainted of the soul and cruel murther of his son the Kings father That his Declaration did not satisfy that which was demanded for where he made a shew to observe a duty both to the Queen and to her son and would have it appear that he was about the effecting of great matters the duties he had done to either of them were well enough known neither could any man look for any good to proceed from him Therefore howsoever he had against his promise and subscription declined from the Kings party he must still be subject to answer such particulars as should be laid against him in the Kings name And seeing it was neither her Majesties meaning that any person guilty of the Kings murther should enjoy benefit by the Abstinence he that was challenged thereof in the late Regents time and had in Councel offered himself to the severest trial that could be taken could not complain of the breach of Abstinence for any thing done or intended against him But that neither this particular nor any other should be an occasion to dissolove that Treaty begun he said that he was content the notes of all injuries alledged on either side should be delivered in writing to the Earl of Sussex and the trial or redresse thereof continued till it should appear what effect the Treaty brought forth The prorogation of the Abstinence in the mean time as was desired by the Queen of England was yielded unto and subscrived the fourth of November with this provision That the goods and the ships of the Scottish Merchants arrested at that time in France should be released and no stay made of such as should happen to repair thither during the time of the Abstinence Whilest these things were debating the copy of the Articles proponed by the Commissioners of England to the Queen of Scots for the surety of the Queen were sent to the Lords of her faction to be considered which were as followeth 1. That the Treaty at Leth should be confirmed and that she should not claim any right nor pretend title to the Crown of England during the life of Queen Elizabeth 2. That she should not renew nor keep any League with any Prince against England nor yet receive forein forces into Scotland 3. That she should neither practise nor keep intelligence with Irish or English without the Queens knowledge and in the mean time cause the English fugitives and rebels to be rendered 4. That she should redresse the wrongs and harms done by her faction in the borders of England 5. That she should not joyn in marriage with any English man without the consent of the Queen of England nor with any other against the liking of the Estates of Scotland 6. That she should not permit the Scots to passe into Ireland without licence obtained from the Queen of England 7. That for the performance of these Articles her son should be delivered to be brought up in England and six other hostages such as the Queen of England should name should be sent thither The Castles of Home Fastâ Castle kept by the English for the space of three years and some Fort in Galloway or Cantire be put in the English mens hands for restraining the Irish Scots from going into Ireland 8. That she should do justice according to the law upon the murtherers of her husband and the late Earl of Murray 9. That she should set her hand and cause the Commissioners to be appointed by her party set their hands and seals to these Articles 10. And lastly that all these particulars should be confirmed by the Estates of Scotland Now albeit divers of these Articles were misliked by the Lords of her faction yet conceiving thereby some hope of her restitution they dispersed certain copies in the countrey to encourage those that professed her obedience holding back such of the Articles as seemed most hard trusting to obtain a mitigation thereof in the conference And she indeed I mean the Scottish Queen shewed her self pleased withall onely she remitted the full answer to her Commissioners that should come from Scotland The rumour of the Accord held good a few days and amused the Regent and other Noblemen not a little till a letter directed by Sir William Cecil from Chattesworth in Derbyshire where the Queen of Scots then lay did otherwise inform which was to this effect That he was put upon that imployment much against his heart and yet had not dealt therein but with a great regard of the safety of the young King and whole Estate And that all he had done touching Scottish affairs was under protestation that it should be in
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 sureây 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 shâw 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
Majesty and esteemed a sufficient security for the Queen of Scots And if he did find her Majesty inclining thereto then to remember her with what a person she had to do a Princess by birth in Religion Popish one that professed her self a captive and as joyned with an husband suppose in a most unlawfull conjunction and that any one of these would serve for a colour to undo whatsoever thing she agreed unto at the present for her Majesty could not be ignorant how after her escape out of Lochleven she revoked the dimission of the Crown made in favours of her son though the same was done for good respects upon a pretext of fearâ and that she did the same being a Captive As likewise she knew the Papists Maxime of not keeping faith to Hereticks which would serve her for a subterfuge to break all Covenants when she saw her time and that to dimit her upon any surety would prove no less dangerous to her Majesties own estate then to Scotland considering the claim she had made in former times to the Crown of England and the attempts of her Rebels at home not yet well extinct upon the same grounds In regard whereof there was nothing could assure the quiet of both Realmes in their opinions but her detention under safe custody which could not be esteemed dishonourable the just causes and occasions being published and made manifest to the world As to the power of forain Princes whereof they boasted the same was not much to be feared so long as her person was kept sure And if war for that cause should be denounced the perill should be less then if she were set at liberty and restored to the Crown for so she should have her forces and friendship ready to joyne with other Princes in all their quarrells against which no Hostages could serve for assurance This was the summe of his instructions He had presence of the Queen the penult of November and perceiving that none of these Articles were concluded he did communicate all his instructions unto her as he was desired she having perused them and reasoned thereupon with her Councell returned this Answer That she found in his instructions divers things worthy of consideration which behoved to be further debated and gravely weighed because of their importance Therefore desired some men of credit to be directed unto England that an end might be put to that business for as to the restitution of the Queen seeing it appeared they had reason to oppose it she would not have the Regent or those of his party to think that she intended to wrong them in any sort for if they should make it appear that nothing was done by them but according to justice she would side with them and maintain their quarrell And otherwise if they were not able to justifie their cause by such evident reasons as might satisfie her Majesty in conscience and make her answer the world in honour she would nevertheless for that naturall love she bare to the King her near kinsman and the good will she carried to the Noblemen that stood for his authority leave no means unprovided for their safeties But in regard a great part of the time appointed in the last prorogation of the Abstinence was already spent she desired the same to be prorogated unto March next and would desire them to agree thereto in regard they that stood for the Queen had condescended to the same and as much more time as she should think fitting This answer of the date at Hampton Court the â of December came unto the Regent the 15. who thereupon advertised the Noblemen to meet at Edinburgh with all diligence for taking deliberation of things desired The Laird of Grange whether to impede the meeting or to divert the Councell from trying a conspiracy which was then discovered and said to have been devised in the Castle against the Regents life it is uncertain raised a great trouble in the town of Edinburgh about the same time One of his servants called Iames Fleming being imprisoned by the Magistrates for a slaughter committed by his direction he in the evening whilest all men were at supper made the Garrison of the Castle to issue forth and break open the prison doors playing all the while upon the town with the Canon to tertifie the inhabitants from making resistance This being complained of to the Regent he was called to answer for the riot but refused to appear and presently brake out in open rebellion fortifying the Castle and conducing a number of souldiers who did afterwards greatly annoy the Citizens The Nobility notwithstanding did keep the meeting and made choice of the Earl of Morton the Abbot of Dunfermlin and Mr. Iames Mr. Gill to goe unto England withall they agreed to the Abstinence required adjourning the Parliament to May thereafter How soon these Commissioners were come to London The Earl of Leicester and Sussex the Lord Keeper the Chamberlain Sir William Cecill Secretary then made Lord Burleigh Sir Walter Mildmay and Sir Francis Knolls were appointed to confer with them These meeting in the Secretaries chamber at Court after salutations and some generall speeches the Lord Burleigh said That they were desired to come into England upon occasion of a Treaty begun betwixt the two Queens and that her Majesty did now expect to receive from them such evident reasons for their proceedings against their Queen as wherewith she might both satisfie her self and with honour answer to the world for that which she did Or if they could not be able so to do that matters might be composed in the best sort for their safeties which her Majesty would by all means procure The Commissioners answered that they had before that time imparted the truth of all things to her Majesty which they thought might satisfie to clear them from the crimes objected yet if she stood doubtfull in any point the same should be cleared and their doings justified by most evident reasons Nothing further was said at that time but all continued to the next day And then having again met the Earl of Morton made a long discourse of the reasons and grounds of their proceedings answering the objections which he thought could be made against what he had spoken His discourse ended they were desired to put their reasons in writing which was with some difficulty yielded unto and under condition that if the reasons proponed by them did not content her Majesty the writing should be redelivered and no Copy taken thereof Otherwise if her Majesty did like and allow them they were content the same should be put in Record if so it pleased her Higness The last of February for albeit the 20. of that moneth they came to London they presented a number of Reasons for justifying the deposition of their Queen and cited many Lawes both Civill Canon and Municipall which they backt with examples drawn forth of Scottish Histories and with the
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
ready to be restored to the Crown if the Queen his Mother break the Covenants agreed betwixt her and the Queen of England 10. That for his entertainment he should not only have the revenues which the Princes of Scotland in former times possessed but also the Rents and Offices belonging sometime to the Earl of Bothwel 11. And last that a convenient number of Hostages being all Noblemen and of those who have adhered to the Queen and solicited her delivery should enter in England to remain there for assurance of observing the conditions made both to the King of Scots and the subjects under his obedience and to the Queen of England for the peace and quiet of her dominions And that the said Hostages should be entered in England before the Queen of Scots shall be put to liberty These Articles delivered to them were answered the next day as followeth We have seen and considered the note of the Heads which we received from your Lordships for pacifying the controversies between the Queen our Soveraigns mother and the King her Son and his Subjects touching the Title of the Crown of Scotland if it be found that her dimission either was or may be lawfully revoked by her And therewithall having diligently perused our Commission and Instructions to know how far we might enter in Treaty upon the same Heads for satisfaction of the Queens Majesty and your Lordships to whom the hearing of the cause is committed We find our selves no ways able nor sufficiently authorised to enter into any treaty or conference touching the King our Soveraign his Crown the abdication or diminution of the same or yet the removing of his person from the place where he abideth For as we confesse our selves his Highnesse subjects and have all our power and Commission from him to treat in his name in matters tending to the maintenance of true Religion his honour and estate and for the continuance of amity betwixt the two Realms So we cannot presume to abuse our Commission in any thing that may prejudge him wherein we trust your Lordships shall allow and approve us At the same time some others were appointed to conferre with those of his Mothers party And to them it was proposed that for the security of the Queen of England and the Noblemen that followed the King of Scots the Duke of Chatteller ault with the Earls of Huntley Argile the Lord Home and any other Nobleman they pleased to name should be delivered as pledges and the Castles of Dumbar and Home be put in the hands of English men to be kept for three years The answer they gave was that she who of her own motive committed her self to the protection of the Queen of England would most willingly give her satisfaction in all things which conveniently might be done but to deliver those great men and the Fortresses required was no other thing but to spoil and deprive the distressed Queen of the succour of her most faithful friends and the strength of those places yet if in all other points they did agree they made offer that two Earls one whereof should be of the number nominated and two Lords should enter as Hostages and remain in England for the space of two years but for the Holds and Castles they could not because of the League with France put them in the hands of English men unlesse others were put also in the hands of the French The Queen of England perceiving that there were on both sides great impediments sent for the Kings Commissioners and told them how she had considered that the Articles proponed could not be resolved but in a Parliament and therefore leaving the Treaty for a time seeing she understood there was a meeting of the Estates appointed in May next she held it meetest they should return and in that meeting condescend upon an equal number of both parties that should have power to compose matters The Abstinence in the mean time being renewed in hope that all differences should be taken away and matters peaceably agreed This she would cause signify to the Agents of their Queen and doubted not but they would assent thereto yet when it was moved unto them they refused to agree to any delay till they should know what was her own mind Hereupon the Kings Commissioners were commanded to stay till her Answer should be returned In this time the Bishop of Galloway and the Lord Levingston trusting to speed better by conference with the Earl of Morton and the rest sent to desire a meeting of them which was yielded unto provided the Bishop of Ross came not in their company for him they would not admit as being the Kings Rebel Having met they talked kindly one to another But that the Queen should be restored to her authority in no condition though divers were proponed could be admitted which when she heard and that the Queen of England had taken a course to delay things she grew into a great choler and inhibited her Commissioners to treat any more This reported to the Queen of England she sent for the Earl of Morton and his Associates and told him that their Queen took in evil part the motion she had made And seeing it is so saith she I will not detain you longer ye shall go home and if afterwards she be brought to agree to this course as I hope she shall I have no doubt but you will for your parts do that which is fitting Thus were they dimitted Whilest these things were doing in England the factions at home notwithstanding of the Abstinence were not idle but taking their advantage of others Lord Claud Hamilton ejecting the Lord Semple his servant forth of the house of Paslay placed therein a number of souldiers and by them kept all these parts in in fear The Regent upon this gathering some forces besieged the house and had it rendered to him within a few days The Souldiers were conveyed to Edinburgh and hanged on the Gallows without the Town Not long after upon intelligence that the Castle of Dunbarton was negligently kept and might easily be surprised he sent three companies under the command of Captain Crawford Captain Home and Captain Ramsey to give the attempt Ladders and other necessaries for scaling being prepared they went thither in the night conducted by a fellow that had served in the house and as then had quit his service upon a private discontent A little before day carrying the ladders with the least noise they could make they placed the same in the most commodious part for ascent and notwithstanding of sundry difficulties that happened got up in the end to the top of the Rock There having a wall of stone likewise to climbe Captain Alexander Ramsey by a ladder which they drew up after them was the first that entered and for a short space defended himself against three watchmen that assailed him Crawford and Home following quickly with their companies the
and for this Sir William proponed that he should stand between the companies and upon a sign to be given by him both should turn at one instant The Earl of Morton accepted the condition lest he should offend the Gentleman who had taken such pains amongst them the others refused giving forth great brags that they should make them leave the fields with shame if they did it not willingly How soon Morton was advertised of the difficulty they made he cried aloud On on we shall see who keeps the fields last and therewith gave so hard a charge upon them as they disordered both the horse and foot The Chase held towards the Watergate where by reason of the skant and narrow passage many were killed and trod to death but the number of prisoner were greater for there were 150. taken amongst whom were the Lord Home and Capt. Iames Cullen the Abbot of Kilwining was killed a Gentleman of good worth and greatly lamented for he was of all that faction esteemed most moderate There died some 50. in all most of them common souldiers and of mean accompt On Mortons side Captain Weymis with one only souldier was slain this conflict happened on Satturday the 28. of Iune 1571. Advertisement hereof sent to the Regent he came the next day to Leth where first order was taken with the prisoners and the Lord Home sent to Tantallan But he stayed not long there for the Lord of Drumlanrig being intercepted by Sir David Spence of Wormston as he was making homewards an exchange was made of the Lord Home with him Captain Cullen a man infamous and who in the last wars had used great cruelty was hanged on a Gibbet The rest upon promise not to serve against the King were dimitted Resolution then was taken for the Regents abode at Leth and the countreys attendance upon him by quarters to keep the adversaries busied and hinder the victualling of the town During which time no day passed without one conflict or other wherein sometimes the Regent and sometimes the Queens party had the better at this time upon a report carried to the Laird of Grange that he was commonly called by those of Leth the Traytor he sent a Trumpet to appeal any one of their side to combat that should dare to affirm so much The Laird of Garleys offering to maintain it time and place were appointed for the sight and when all were expecting the issue of it Grange excused himself by the publick charge he bare saying that it was not thought convenient he should hazard the cause in his own person Notwithstanding of this great heat amongst the parties the Queen of England ceased not to mediate an accord and by a letter to the Marshal dated the 19th of Iuly willed him to move them of new for an abstinence offering to send persons of authority and credit to the borders who should travel to agree them and remove all differences as well concerning the title of the Crown as other private matters and because it was given her to understand that both parties had indicted Parliaments to August next she desired that no proceeding should be made therein either by making of lawes or by denouncing any persons forfeited and that only they should authorize certain persons to meet with her Commissioners for consulting upon the best means to conclude a solid peace There was also a letter of safe conduct sent for any one that Grange would direct unto England for this he had desired Lethington excepted and those that were suspected of the late Kings murther But whether this exception gave the cause or the daily incouragements sent by the French none was directed thither The Regent by his answer of the 27. excused the not yielding to the abstinence which he said without evident prejudice to the Kings cause could not be granted so long as Edinburgh was detained For other points he answered That by himself without the consent of the Nobility and Estates he could say nothing but at their meeting in August her Majesty should receive all reasonable satisfaction The adversary party in the mean time nothing relenting of their course did keep a form of Parliament at Edinburgh the 22. August and though they were but five persons in all present that had any voice in the State to wit two Bishops and three Noblemen they pronounced above 200. persons forfeited The Regent advertising the Queen of England how they had proceeded and what disorder did shew the necessity whereunto they that lived in the Kings obedience were brought and how it concerned him and the rest to prosecute what they had justly intended in regard of their enemies precipitation So in the Parliament kept at Striveling the 28. of the same moneth sentence of forfeiture was pronounced against the Duke of Chatteller ault and his two sons the Abbot of Aberbrothock and Lord Claud the Earl of Huntley the Laird of Grange and some others And for satisfying the Queen of Englands desire the Earl of Morton Marre and Glencarn the Lords Semple Ruthven and Glamis with the Bishop of Orkney the Abbots of Dunfermlin and S. Colmes Inche Sir Iohn Ballendine Justice Clerk and Mr. Iames Mr. Gill Clerk of Register were nominated by the Estates and Commission given or to any four three or two of that number to treat with such as the Queen of England should appoint upon the differences arisen amongst the subjects by occasion of the late troubles and for contracting a League offensive and defensive betwixt the two Realms Of all that did the Regent give notice to the Queen beseeching her not to presse them with any thing that might seem to call the Kings authority in question But before these letters came to her hands he was killed as ye shall hear Lord Claud Hamilton having intelligence given him of the security wherein the Regent and Nobility lived at Striveling and how as in a time of setled peace they did not so much as keep a watch by night took resolution to invade them and was therein greatly incouraged by Cap. George Bell a man born in Striveling one that knew all the passages streets who made offerto put him the company he should bring with him safely in the town This he communicated to the Earl of Huntley Walter Scot of Bacleugh and David Spence of Wormeston who were all content to joyn in the enterprise The second of September they went from Edinburgh a little before Sun-setting accompanied with 200. horse and 300. foot and lest their journey should be suspected they made the rumour go that they went towards Iedburgh to compose a discord fallen out betwixt the town and the Laird of Fernherst To ease the footmen they had taken all the horses which came the day before to the Market and as many as they could otherwise purchase by the way and so marching with a wonderful confidence for by the wayall their discourse
was whom they would kill and whom they would save they came about the dawning of the day to the town found all things so quiet as not a dog was heard to open his mouth bark whereupon having planted the souldiers in the most commodious parts of the town injoyned them to suffer no person to come unto the street they went to the Noblemens lodgings which were designed unto them and found there little or no resistance The Earl of Morton defended the lodging wherein he was some little time but fire being put to the house he rendered to the Laird of Bacleugh The Regent was taken with lesse ado his servants making no defence In like sort were the Earls of Glencarn and Eglinton made prisoners with divers others The Earl of Marre hearing the noyse issued forth of the Castle with 16. persons only and entering the back of his new lodging which was not then finished played with Muskets upon the street so as he forced them to quit the same The townesmen and others upon this taking courage gathered together and put the enemy to flight pursuing them so hotly as they were constrained to quit their prisoners and some to render themselves to those they were leading captive The Regent who was Wormestons prisoner for to him he had rendered being carried a little without the Port when they saw the rescue coming was shot by Captain Calder and with the same bullet wormeston who did what he could to save the Regent was stricken dead The death of this Gentleman was much regrated of both factions for that he was for manly courage and other vertues as well of body as mind inferiour to none of his time There fell at this time on the Regents side some 24. amongst whom the most eminent were George Ruthven brother to the Lord Ruthven and Alexander Stewart of Garleis Of the other side as many were slain and divers taken prisoners amongst whom were the two Captains Bell and Cawder who were executed as Traytors The Lord Claud with the Earl of Huntley and the rest escaped and had all been taken if there had been horses to pursue them But the Borderers that followed Bacleugh men accustomed with such practises had emptied the stables at the first entry into the town It was certainly a bold enterprise whereof we will not find many the like in story So few men leaving their strength to take so long a journey and enter upon a town full of enemies for there were in it 500. able and resolute men at least besides the inhabitants was a great audaciousnesse and then to get in their hands the chief of their adversaries whereby they were once in a possibility to have returned absolute victors yea when the course altered to have saved themselves with so little losse which held strange and made the enterprise to be counted no lesse fortunate then it was bold and venturous It was also observed and is worth the reporting that the young King who was brought from the Castle to the Parliament house at their first sitting after a short speech which they had put in his mouth espying in the table-cloth or as others have said in the top of the house a little hole cried out that there was a hole in the Parliament An ominous speech and so interpreted by some that were present which the event made the more remarkable for before the Parliament was at an end a great hole was made in it by the death of him that began the same The Regent though the wound was mortal did not light from his horse till he came to the Castle By the way when his friends did incourage him he still answered If the babe be well meaning the King all is well and being laid in bed and his wound dressed after they had told him that his bowels were cut calling the Nobility he spake unto them a few words to this effect I am now my Lords to leave you at God his good pleasure and to go into a world where is rest and peace Ye know it was not my ambition but your choice that brought me to the charge I have this while sustained which I undertook the more willingly that I was perswaded of your assistance in the defence of the infant King whose protection by nature and duty I could not refuse And now being able to do no more I must commend him to the Almighty God and to your care intreating you to continue in the defence of his cause wherein I do assure you in Gods name of the victory and make choice of some worthy person fearing God and affectionate to the King to succeed unto my place And I must likewise commend unto your favour my servants who never have received benefit at my hands and desire you to remember my love to my wife Meg so he was accustomed to call her whom I beseech God to comfort This said he took leave of them all one by one requesting them to assist him with their prayers in which he himself continued some houres and so most devoutly ended his life A man he was of noble qualities tried with both fortunes and if he had injoyed a longer and more peaceable time he had doubtlesse made the Kingdom happy by his government It is time that we return to the Church and consider what the estate thereof was amidst the civil dissensions In the countreys where the Queens faction ruled the Ministers in their prayers did always recommend the Queen as Soveraign serving the affection of those that commanded in the bounds albeit the assembly of the Church had otherwise appointed Iohn Knox as we shewed had left the town of Edinburgh and was gone to S. Andrews where he had strong opposition made him by Mr. Archibald and Mr. Iohn Hamiltons professors of Philosophy in the new Colledge who stood fast to the Queens cause and drew many of the Students after them This together with the grief he conceived of the present troubles did cast him in a sicknesse whereof he never perfectly recovered And at this time hearing that the Assembly of the Church was met at Striveling he sent unto them a letter which I thought worthy to be here insert it was as followeth Because the daily decay of natural strength doth threaten me with a certain and suddain departing from the misery of this life I exhort you brethren yea in the fear of God I charge you to take heed to your selves and the flock over which God hath placed you Ministers What your behaviour should be I am not now nor have I need as I think to expresse but to charge you to be faithful I dare not forget And unfaithful ye shall be counted before the Lord Iesus if with your consent directly or indirectly you suffer unworthy men to be thrust into the ministery of the Church under whatsoever pretext Remember the Iudge before whom we must give account and flee this as ye would eschew hell
himself strong enough with the supply he had obtained made out to search and pursue his enemies Adam Gordon lay then at Aberdene and being advertised that the Forbesses were drawing near to the City he went forth to meet them The encounter at the beginning was sharp and furious but the Forbesses were young men for the greatest part of small experience and not under command and the souldiers not being well seconded by them after they had fought a while gave over and yielded The slaughter was not great for the conflict happened in the evening which helpt many to escape Captain Chisholm with most of his company and some 15. of the name of Forbes were killed the Master of Forbes and some others were taken prisoners This good successe of the Queens party in the North gave hearts to all the faction and now they began every where to take new courage In the South the Lairds of Fernherst and Bacleugh did affail Iedburgh a little town but very constant in maintaining the Kings authority Lord Claud Hamilton belyed Paslay The Castle of Braughtie on the river of Tay was surprised by ... Seaton of Perbroath and in divers other parts troubles were raised of purpose to divide the Regents forces and to withdraw him from Leth that the town of Edinburgh which was then in some scarcity of victuals might be relieved In the moneth of Ianuary an assembly of the Church convened at Leth where after great instance made with the Regent and Councel for setling the policy of the Church it was agreed that six of the Councel and as many of the Assembly should be selected to treat reason and conclude upon that businesse For the Councel Iames Earl of Morton Chancellour William Lord Ruthven Treasurer Robert Abbot of Dunfermlin Secretary Mr. Iames Macgill Keeper of the Rolls Sir Iohn Bellenden Justice Clerk and Colin Campbel of Glenorchy were named and for the Church Iohn Ereskin of Dun Superintendent of Angus Mr. Iohn Winraine Superintendent of Fife Mr. Andrew Hay Commissioner of Claddisdale Mr. David Lindesay Commissioner of the West Mr. Robert Pont Commissioner of Orkney and Mr. Iohn Craig one of the Ministers of Edinburgh These twelve convening after divers meetings and long deliberation grew to the conclusions following 1. That the Archbishopricks and Bishopricks presently void should be disponed to the most qualified of the Ministery 2. That the spiritual jurisdiction should be exerced by the Bishops in their Dioces 3. That all Abbots Priors and other inferiour Prelates who should happen to be presented to Benefices should be tried by the Bishop or Superintendent of the bounds concerning their qualification and aptnesse to give voice for the Church in Parliament and upon their collation be admitted to the Benefice and not otherwise 4. That so the Bishopricks presently void or that should happen hereafter to fall the King and the Regent should recommend fit and qualified persons and their elections to be made by the Chapters of the Cathedral Churches And forasmuch as divers of the Chapters Churches were possessed by men provided before his Majesties Coronation who bare no office in the Church a particular nomination should be made of Ministers in every Dioces to supply their rooms untill the Benefices should fall void 5. That all Benefices of Cure under Prelacies should be disponed to actual Ministers and to no others 6. That the Ministers should receive Ordination from the Bishop of the Dioces and where no Bishop was as yet placed from the Superintendent of the bounds 7. That the Bishops and Superintendents at the Ordination of Ministers should exact of them an oath for acknowledging his Majesties authority and for obedience to their Ordinary in all things lawful according to the form then condescended Order also was taken for disposing of Provestries Colledge charges and Chaplanries and divers other particulars most profitable for the Church as in the records extant may be seen which were all ordained to stand in force untill the Kings majority or till the Estates of the Realm should otherwise appoint In August thereafter the Assembly of the Church meeting again at Perth report was made of these conclusions and exception taken by some at the titles of Archbishop Dean Archdeacon Chancellor and Chapter as being Popish and offensive to the ears of good Christians whereupon it was declared that by using these titles they meant not to allow of Popish superstition in any sort wishing the same to be changed in others not so scandalous As the name of Bishop to be hereafter used for Archbishop the Chapter to be called The Bishops assembly the Dean to be called The Moderator of the said assembly And for the titles of Archdeacon Chancellour Abbot and Prior that some should be appointed to consider how farre these functions did extend and give their opinion for the interchange thereof with others more agreeable to the Word and the policy of the best reformed Churches reporting their opinions at the next Assembly But I do not find that any such report was made like it is the wiser sort esteemed there was no cause to stumble at titles where the office was thought necessary and lawful A protestation always was made that they received these Articles for an interim till a more perfect order might be obtained at the King his Regent and the Nobilities hands According to these conclusions Mr. Iohn Douglas Provost of the New Colledge of S. Andrews was provided to the Archbishoprick of that See Mr. Iames Boyd to the Archbishoprick of Glasgow Mr. Iames Paton to the Bishoprick of Dunkeld and Mr. Andrew Ghram to the Bishoprick of Dumblane About the end of Ianuary the Regent advertised of the peril wherein the town of Iedburgh stood and of the great preparation that Fernherst and Bacleugh made to surprise it for they had besides their own forces drawn all the people of Esk Ewis and Liddesdale to joyn with them in hope of spoil and from the English Borders divers that were given to robbery to the number of 3000. and above sent the Lord Ruthven with some forces to defend them Before his coming Walter Ker of Cesford a man of good worth who had ever assisted the Kings party was joyned with them Their enemies notthelesse esteeming themselves strong enough by reason of their numbers went forwards with an assurance of victory The Lord Ruthven having notice given him by the way of their diet and the time they had appointed to invade the town did use the more speed and came in sight thereof just as the enemies appeared They fearing to be inclosed betwixt the town who shewed themselves in the fields ready to fight and the forces the Lord Ruthven brought with him did presently retire and give back Fernherst and Bacleugh went to Hawick and were followed the next day by the Lord Ruthven who came upon them so unlooked for as they were cast into a great fear The principals that had horses fled away
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
constistitutions pertaining to the good behaviour of all the members in the Church in their vocation 11. They have power also to abrogate and abolish all Statutes and Ordinances concerning Ecclesiastical matters that are found noysome and unprofitable and agree not with the time or are abused by the people 12. They have power to execute discipline and punishment Ecclesiastical upon all transgressors and proud contemners of the good order and policy of the Church so as the whole discipline is in their hands 13. The first sort and kind of Assemblies although they be within particular congregations yet they exerce the power authority and jurisdiction of the Church with mutual consent and therefore bear some time the name of the Church 14. When we speak of Elders of particular congregations we mean not that every particular Parish Church can or may have their particular Elderships especially to Landwart but we think three or four mo or fewer particular Churches may have a common Eldership to them all to judge their Ecclesiastical causes 15. Albeit it is meet that some of the Elders be chosen out of every particular congregation to concurre with the rest of their brethren in the common Assemblies and to take up the delation of offences within their own Churches and bring them to the Assembly 16. This we gather of the practice of the primitive Church where Elders or Colledges of Seniors were constitute in cities and famous places 17. The power of the particular Eldership is to give diligent labour in the bounds committed to their charge that the Churches be kept in good order to inquire of naughty and unruly persons and travel to bring the way again either by admonition and threatening of Gods judgements or by correction 18. It pertains to the Eldership to take heed that the word of God be purely preached within their bounds the Sacraments rightly ministred discipline maintained and the Ecclesiastical goods uncorruptly distributed 19. It belongs to this kind of Assembly to cause the Ordinances made by the Assemblies Provincial National and General to be kept and put in execution To make constitutions which concern ãâã ãâã ãâã ãâã ãâã for the decent order of these particular Churches which they govern providing they alter no rules made by the Provincial and general Assemblies And that they make the Provincial Assemblies foreseen of those rules they make and to abolish such constitutions as tend to the hurt of the same 20. It hath power to excommunicate the obstinate 21. The power of election of them who bear Ecclesiastical charge pertains to this Assembly within their own bounds be well constitute and erected of many Pastors and Elders of good ability 22. By the like reason thier deposition also pertains to this Assembly as of them that teach erroneous doctrine that be of a scandalous life and after admonition defist not that be given to schisme or rebellion against the Church manifest blasphemy simony and all corruption of bribes falshood perjury whoredom theft drunkenness fighting worthy of punishment by the law usury dancing and such dissoluteness as imports civil infamy And all other that deserve separation from the Church 23. These also who are altogether found unable to execute their charge ought to be deposed and other Churches advertised thereof lest they receive the persons deposed 24. But they who through age or sickness or any other accident become unmeet to do their office their honour should remain to them and others be provided to their office the Church maintaining those who are by that occasion disabled 25. Provincial Assemblies we call lawful Conventions of the Pastors Doctors and other Elders of any Province gathered for the common affairs of the Churches thereof which may also be called the conference of the Church and brethren 26. These Assemblies are institute of weighty matters to be intreated by mutual consent and assistance of the brethren within the Province if need be 27. This Assembly hath power to redresse order and handle all things committed or done amiss in the particular Assemblies 28. It hath power to depose the Office-bearers of that Province for good and just causes deserving deprivation ând generally these Assemblies have the whole power of the particular elderships whereof they are collected 29. National Assembly which we call general is a lawful Convention of the whole Church of the Realm or Nation where it is gathered for the common affairs of the Church and may be called the general Eldership of the whole Church within the Realm 30. None are subject to repair unto this Assembly for giving voice but Ecclesiastical persons to such a number as shall be thought good by the same Assembly not excluding other persons that will repair to it for propounding hearing and reasoning 31. This Assembly is institute that all that is either committed or done amisse in the Provincial Assemblies may be redressed and things generally serving for the good of the whole body of the Church within the Realm may be foreseen intreated and set forth to Gods glory 32. It should take care that Churches be planted in places where they are not planted and prescrive a rule for the proceeding of the other two sorts of Assemblies in all things 33. This Assembly should take heed that the spiritual jurisdiction and civil be not confounded nor abused and generally towards all weighty affairs that concern the good order of the Churches within the Realm it ought to interpone authority thereto 34. There is besides these another more general Assembly which is of all Nations and of all estates of persons within the Church representing the universal Church of Christ which may be properly called the general Assembly or general Councel of the whole Church of God 35. These Assemblies were appointed and called together specially when any great schisme or controversie in doctrine did arise in the Church and were convocated at the command of godly Emperors being for the time for avoiding of schismes within the universal Church of God which because they pertain not to the particular state of our Realm we passe by CHAP. 8. Of Deacons and their office the last ordinary function in the Church 1. THe word ãâã ãâã ãâã ãâã ãâã is sometimes largely taken as comprehending all them that bear office in the Ministery and spiritual function in the Church but as we now speak is only taken for them to whom the collection and distribution of Almes of the faithful and Ecclesiastical goods do belong 2. The office of Deacon so taken is an ordinary and perpetual function in the Church of what properties and duties they ought to be that are called thereto we remit to the Scriptures 3. The Deacon ought to be called and elected as the rest of the spiritual officers and their office and power is to receive and distribute the whole Ecclesiastical
his Majesty and the Lawes Secondly that he perceived the Church had obtained some victory For when he was last questioned for his Sermon the Councel did make themselves Iudges of Ministers doctrine Now that he saw the complaint remitted to the Assembly he was glad and willingly submitted his doctrine to their trial Onely that he should not give advantage to his enemies he desired the Apostolick Canon to be kept which prohibiteth an accusation to be received against an Elder but under two or three Witnesses Mr. Thomas Smeton and David Ferynson were upon this directed to shew the King that the Assembly was willing and ready to try the complaint but withall that the liberty craved by the person accused could not be denied he being a Presbyter So if it should please his Majesty to send an accuser assisted by two or three witnesses the accusation should be received and justice done The King not liking this answer for he knew the difficulties he should have to find out an accuser followed the businesse no more but the Minister not contenting that the cause should thus desert would needs have the judgement of the Assembly whether or not he had uttered in his Sermon any scandalous or offensive words for they had been all Auditors of that he spake This being put to voices the Assembly declared his doctrine to have been good and sound and that he had given no just offence thereby to any person When this was told the King he was much offended for not many dayes before when as the same Minister with his Colleague Iohn Dury was called to give accompt of some speeches they had uttered in Pulpit it was excepted that the King and Councel could not be Iudges of their doctrine and now his Majesty having complained to themselves and they being Auditors of the speeches when he expected some censure to be inflicted they had justified all that was spoken and so would force him to take other courses then he desired to follow But to return to Montgomery his cause the Ministers of Striveling as they were enjoyned made a visit of the Church to try what they could find against him All they got delated was that he had baptized some children begotten in fornication not calling the offendors before his Session Upon this declaration he was cited to appear and because he kept not the Diet suspended from his function he notthelesse preached still and exercised all the parts of his Ministery as in former times which they took to be an high contempt and therefore did summon him to the Assembly which was shortly to meet at S. Andrews to hear their sentence approved and to answer to such other things as in that meeting should be laid to his charge and because they understood that against the inhibition of the last Assembly he was still labouring to secure himself in the Bishoprick of Glasgow and had cited the Chaptor before the Councel for refusing to convene to his Election they likewise charged him to compeir before the Synod of Lothian to hear the sentence of excommunication pronounced against him The King being informed of this caused warn the Synod to appear the twelfth of April at Striveling discharging in the mean time all proceeding in the businesse Mr. Robert Pont and with him a few others compeiring at the day he in the name of the rest protested That albeit they had compeired to testify their obedience to his Majesty yet he did not acknowledge his Majesty and Councel Iudges in that matter the same being a cause Ecclesiastick and that nothing done at that time should prejudge the liberties of the Church and Lawes of the Realm This protestation the Councel rejected inhibiting the Ministers to use any proceeding against Montgomery which because of the General Assemblies approaching they yielded unto onely they caused charge him to appear before the Assembly When the Diet came he appeared and first protesting for remedy if they should use him wrongfully he said that the proces of Striveling could not be allowed for that he was never lawfully summoned to hear any sentence given against him The Presbytery of Striveling remitting themselves to the proces the Assembly declared the same to be rightly deduced and ratified the suspension pronounced As they were proceeding to his censure for contempt of the sentence Mr. Mark Ker then Master of the Requests presented a letter from his Majesty inhibiting them to trouble the Bishop for any thing that concerned the Bishoprick or whatsoever cause preceding for that the King would have those things heard and handled in his own presence The Assembly answered that because of his Majesties request they should look more carefully to the businesse and see all things carried rightly according to justice The Master of Requests replying that his Majesty had willed them by his letter to desist and treat no more of that businesse Mr. Andrew Melvil who presided for the time answered that they did not meddle with things belonging to the Civil power and for matters Ecclesiastick they were warranted to proceed in these specially with one of their own number He perceiving that notwithstanding of his Majesties letter they would proceed caused a messenger of Armes whom he had brought with him charge them under pain of Rebellion to desist Then was Montgomery called to see if he would abide by the charges used at his instance But he was retired to his lodging and could not be found and the night drawing on was appointed to be summoned to the next morning to receive his censure After the hour appointed one William Montgomery having procuration from him appeared and appealing from the Assembly to the King and Councel gave this for a reason amongst others that he who was his accuser in the last Assembly was turned to be his Iudge But the Assembly rejecting the Appellation fell presently a reading the enorm crimes so they called them whereof he was guilty nor was there any thing omitted that served to aggravate the same corruption in doctrine dissolutenesse of life contempt of the Churches sentence falshood and breach of promise lying perjury moving of sedition and stirring up certain of the Nobility against the Church Of all these he was declared culpable and ordained therefore to be deprived and cast forth of the Church How soon he heard that this conclusion was taken his courage which seemed before high and resolute began to cool whereupon presenting himself to the Assembly he renounced his appeal desiring conference of some godly and learned brethren which granted he was induced by them to confesse his offence in divers particulars submitting himself to the will of the Assembly and in end to promise solemnly in the presence of the whole number that he should meddle no further with the Bishoprick of Glasgow and neither accept of it nor of any other office in the Church without the advice and consent of the General Assembly Yet this
gave not an end to the business for how soon he returned to the Court and perceived the King countenance cast down upon him for that he had done he undertook of new to settle himself at Glasgow and had letters from his Majesty to the Gentlemen of those parts to assist him At his coming to Glasgow with purpose to preach the Sunday following a number of the Students in the Colledge entered into the Church on Saturday at night and excluding him did keep the Chair for Mr. Thomas Smeton their Principal who taking for his Theam that saying in the Gospel He that enters not by the door but by the window is a thief and a robber inveighed against the Bishop for his simonaical entry and the levity he had shewed in all his proceedings The next Sunday the Bishop with a great convocation of Gentlemen came to the Church and displacing the ordinary Preacher Mr. David Weymes made the Sermon himself The Presbytery of Glasgow intending proces against him for molestation of the Church and usurping the place of the ordinary Preacher Matthew Stewart of Minto Provost of the City came and presented a Warrant from the King to stay all proceedings against the Bishop willing them to desist Mr. Iohn Howeson Minister of Cambustange moderating in his course as the custome then was and replying somewhat peremptorily that notwithstanding his Warrant they would proceed some words of offence passed whereupon the Provost pulling him from the Seat made him prisoner in the Tolbuith The rumour of this fact ran quickly through the Kingdom and a solemn fast being kept by the appointment of the former Assembly the causes whereof were made to be the abundance of sin the oppression of the Church the dilapidation of the rents and the danger wherein the King stood by the company of wicked persons who did seek to corrupt him in manners and Religion the insolency committed at Glasgow was likewise adjected and furnished matter of long discourse to the Preachers Amongst others Iohn Dury did exclaime mightily against the Duke of Lennox upon whom the blame of all things was laid and thereby did so irritate the King as he would needs have him removed forth of the Town Charges to that effect were directed commanding the Magistrates within the space of 24. houres to remove him who not daring disobey yet being unwilling to use their Minister in that sort travelled with him to depart quietly and leave the Town The Minister proponing the case to the General Assembly for upon advertisement given by the Ministers of Edinburgh they were there convened desired their advice for to leave his flock at the pleasure of the Court he said might work a prejudice to the Church and to depart privately as the Magistrates advised him might be imputed to fear or then make him to be thought guilty of some fault The brethren after a short consultation did advise him to stay till he should be commanded to depart and then obey Mean while Mr. Thomas Buchannan and David Ferguson were sent to the King who was then at Striveling to intreat his Majesties favour unto him and therewith to request a continuation of the Diet for the appearing of the Ministers of Glasgow at Perth The King desiring to have matters quieted answered the last proposition first saying That if the Assembly would delay the proces which they had against the Provest of Glasgow and his assisters he would likewise dispense with the appearing of the Ministers at the appointed time And as to Iohn Dury he said that upon his suppliâation how soon the Duke returned to Court whose interesse was greatest in that business order should be taken with him and consideration had of the Assemblies request But they not satisfied herewith striving to make good what they had taken in hand went on with the proces of Glasgow and leading probation against Minto and the rest decerned them to be excommunicated and cast forth of the society of the Church onely the pronouncing of the sentence was delayed till they saw what course was kept with their brethren before the Councel Mr. Iohn Davidson then Minister at Liberton pretending a warrant from the Church had in his private Parish pronounced Bishop Montgomery excommunicate which albeit done against all form was allowed and intimated in all the Churches of the countrey The Duke of Lennox notwithstanding did still entertain him in his company and at some occasions had made him to preach publickly Thereupon Mr. Alexander Archbuthnet and Mr. Adam Iohnston were directed by the Assembly to intimate unto the Duke his excommunication and the Acts of the Church against such as kept excommunicate persons in their company The Duke taking them up somewhat hotly asked them Whether the King or the Church were superiours and thereafter answered them directly That he was commanded by the King and Councel to entertain him which he would not forbear to do for any fear he had of their censures This amongst other grievances of the Church was ordained to be represented to his Majesty by the Commissioners appointed to attend the Councel at Perth But touching this the King answered That the excommunication was null and declared such by the Councel as being pronounced against equity and all lawful form no citation being used nor any admonition preceding which all lawes and even their own discipline appointed to be observed To their other grievances they received general answers and for the brethren of Glasgow their trial was continued to the tenth of September next Before which time the surprise of the Kings person at Ruthven fell out which altered the state of all affairs some of the Nobility combining themselves for defence of Religion and the liberty of the Kingdom as they pretended upon notice of the Duke of Arrans absence from the Court placed themselves about the King and detained him some dayes at the house of Ruthven The principals in this attempt were Iohn Earl of Marre William Earl of Gowry Patrick Lord Lindesay Robert Lord Boyd the Masters of Glammis and Oliphant the Abbots of Dunfermlin Paisley Driburgh and Cambush keneth the Lairds of Lochlevin Easter Weemes Cleish and the Constable of Dundy The King at their first coming suspected there was some practise in hand yet dissembled the matter thinking to free himself the next day when he went abroad to his sport but as he was about to go the Master of Glammit stept to the dore of the Parlour and told him he must stay The King askt the reason he answered he should know it shortly When he saw it to be so and found his liberty restrained he grew into a passion and after some threatening speeches burst forth in tears The Master seeing him weep said It is no matter of his tears better that bairnes should weep then bearded men which words entered so deeply into the Kings heart as he did never forget them The newes went quickly of the
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
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 aâso 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
Kinloss Lindors Blanire and Pettin Weyme representing the spiritual estate by the Earls of Arran March Athol Montrosse Marshall and Rothes the Lords Oliphant Thirlstane Gray Sinclare Down and Fleming for the Nobility and by the Commissioners of Burghs and all the Officers of Estate amongst the rest by the Master of Gray who though he did professe himâ himself a Romane Catholick would in nothing that the King affected be thought refractary It was thought that the Ambassadour did rest well satisfied with the Kings forwardnesse towards the league and that he should have presently returned But he had some other businesse in trust which was carried more closely This was to make friends to the exiled Lords and labour their restitution as had been concluded in England To this effect he kept divers private meetings with the Master of Gray the Secretary and Justice Clerk giving the Lords intelligence from time to time of his proceedings among other means he thought expedient that they should reconcile their private quarrels with the Lord Hamilton and his brother Claud who were likewise exiled and lived then in England he wrought so as they were brought as it seemed to a perfect accord promising to take one course and joyn all in the same cause But Claud fearing either the event of the enterprise or not having buried his former grudges did afterwards separate and by discovering their purpose procured to himself liberty to return yet did he not find that acceptance which he expected being shortly after his coming confined in Aberdene and within a little while commanded to leave the countrey and goe into France There came this Summer from Denmark certain Ambassadours to redeem as they pretended the Isles of Orkney and Shetland alienated of old from that Crown yet the true errand was to propone that marriage unto the King which was some four years after happily perfected The King receiving them kindly and excusing himsel for the matter of Orkney because of the Pestilence which raged as then in Edinburgh Where the Registers of the Kingdom were kept promised how soon commodity served to give all reasonable satisfaction and to send some in Commission to treat of those matters How soon they were dimitted the King went into Striveling and from thence to Hamilton to recreate himself as he was accustomed where he received advertisement that the banished Lords were come down to the borders and that Maxwel was to joyn his forces with them Hereupon he returneth to Striveling and sending for Arran made Proclamations to go through the countrey commanding all the subjects to meet him at the Castle of Crawford the 22. of October for resisting the attempts of the Rebels But things were so prepared at Court by the English Ambassadour as the Lords did prevent the King in his expedition They had appointed their rendezvous at Linton in Tweddale and meeting there did solemnly swear not to separate nor give over the profecution of their enterprise till the King should be moved to accept them in favour and put Arran forth of his company Maxwel brough with him 300 souldiers that had served against Iohnston and about 700 horsemen all the others did scarce equall that number though Bothwel Home Yester Cesford and Drumlanrig had joyned with them To justify their proceedings they gave forth a Proclamation in all the places they came unto declaring the causes of their enterprise to be the defence of the truth the deliverance of the King from corrupt Counsellors and the preserving of amity with England In this Proclamation nothing was left unsaid that might make Arran odious and hateful amongst other things he was charged to have bragged of his descent from Duck Mordoch who was beheaded in the time of King Iames the first and to lay claim to the Crown by that title calling himself King Iames the seventh It is true that in the Parliament held the year preceding he took protestation in open Court that he renounced any title that he might pretend to the Crown that way which I suppose he did to purge himself of that aspersion but the protestation was laughed at in the time by the wiser sort and gave them to think that such a folly had once possessed his mind The Proclamation did often mention him and Col. Stewart as abusers of the King Of the rest of the Counsellours there was no speech which increased Arrans jealousy of them Now how soon the Ambassadour heard that the Lords were entred in the countrey fearing that some notice should be taken of his dealing he left Striveling and went in haste to Berwick without saluting any man They sent a Post after him with a letter desiring to know the cause of his suddain departure and whether he was directed by the Queen his Soveraign to go away in such sort Being overtaken at Anwick he answered that he had no such direction from the Queen when he was first imployed but that of late he had received a command to retire because she saw no hope of the delivery of that wretched Farnherst This he made the pretext of his departure yet in reason he could not alledge it Farnherst lying bedfast at the time in Aberdene where he was committed which was notified to him and he knew to be a truth In the conclusion of his letter he said that he could not grant that he had departed insalutato hospite seeing he performed that office both with his heart and hand and that he should by all possible means endevour that his departure should rather help to maintain then dissolve the amity betwixt his Soveraign and him That which he speaketh of his hand was a letter that he left to be given to the King the day after he was gone in which he laid the cause upon Arrans credit without whom he saw nothing could be obtained Arran seeing the letter that he left to be given to the King began to think that all was not sound and accused the Master of Gray as being privy to the Ambassadors departure which he denied yet all that time nothing was done that was sitting either for the Kings safety or reputation and not so much as the Castle furnished with victuals which might have easily been provided Neither were the Lords ignorant of this which made them use the greater speed marching directly to Falkirk and the next day which was the last of October to Striveling At the Church called Sanct Nineans a half mile or lesse from the Town they put themselves in order of battel and stood so till night fell at which time upon warning given them by their friends within the Town they advanced and knowing all the passages entred by a certain back way without any resistance Arran had taken upon him to watch that night and was keeping the Town gate when a cry was raised that the Town was taken The Earl of Crawford who watched with him fled to the Castle but he escaped by the
forces in parts remote from the Realm of Scotland the King upon signification made unto him by the Queen of England should furnish 2000 horsemen and 5000 footmen or a lesser number as it shall please the said Queen to require and should cause them be conducted from the borders of Scotland into any part of the Kingdom of England upon the charges of the said Queen And in case the said Realm of Scotland be invaded in any part remote from the borders of England by any forain force the Queen of England upon requisition made to her by the King should furnish 3000 horsemen and 6000 footmen or a lesser number at the option of the said King and shall cause them to be conducted to any part of the Realm of Scotland upon the Kings charges 6. That in case the invasion should be upon the North parts of the Realm of England within 60 miles of the borders of Scotland the King being required by the Queen should gather all the forces he could make and joyn with the English power for pursuing the said invaders and keep them together for the space of thirty days or so much longer if it be required as the subjects of Scotland are usually accustomed to stay in the fields for the defence of their own Kingdom 7. That upon any invasion or trouble arising in the Realm of Ireland the King upon notice given to him thereof should not only inhibit the repair thither of any of the inhabitants of Argile Isles and places adjacent or any other parts of his dominions but also if it shall happen them or any of them to go into Ireland with a number extraordinary and in hostile manner the King upon signification of the same should denonnce them his Rebels and pursue them as Traitors 8. That neither of their Majesties should hereafter aid supply assist or entertain the Rebels or adversaries of the other nor permit them to reside either privately or publickly in any part of their dominions but upon the first requisition of the Prince to whom they are Rebels they should undelayedly be delivered according to the old leagues and treaties or then expulsed forth of their dominions and redresse made for any injuries they should happen to commit during their abode in the same 9. That all controversies about matters of borders or wrongs committed in the Marches since the time of the Kings accepting the government in his own person and by the space of four years preceding should be friendly determined and satisfied at the sight of Commissioners to be appointed on both sides who should meet at the within six moneths after the date of the presents and decide thereupon 10. That neither of their Majesties should enter into any league or treaty without the consent of the other by letters signed with their hands under their privy signet with any other Prince or State whatsoever to the prejudice of the present Treaty 11. That all former treaties betwixt their Majesties progenitors and both Realms notwithstanding any discontinuance thereof should stand in full force so farre as they should not be found derogatory to the present treaty and that this treaty should not infringe any league made by either of their Majesties or their progenitors with other their friends and confederates in any time by-gone the cause of Religion onely excepted wherein the present league is declared to be offensive and defensive 12. That both their Majesties should confirm the league by their oathes and great Seals which should be interchanged and mutually delivered to others 13. Lastly that the King at his coming to the perfect age of 25. years should cause the present league to be ratified by the States of the Kingdome like as the Queen at the same time should cause it to be confirmed in her Parliament of England These were the Articles of the league concluded at Berwick and signed by Francis Earl Bothwel Robert Lord Boyd and Sir Iames Home of Coldinknowes Commissioners for the King As likewise by Edward Earl of Rutland William Lord Evers and Sir Thomas Randolph Commissioners for the Queen of England It was believed that this amity contracted with such deliberation should have continued firm for besides the publick league the Queen had sent to the King a letter under her own hand wherein she did faithfully promise to suffer nothing to be done that might derogate or prejudge his right and title to the Crown of England And for a further demonstration of her kindnesse had presented him with a gift of annuity answerable to the lands possessed by the Lady Lennox in her time which the King by divers Ambassadours had formerly required as due to him Yet a few moneths after brake out a businesse that put them in worse terms then before and was with no small difficulty pacified the story whereof shall next be related The Queen of Scots being touched in the trial of Babingtons conspiracy as having interchanged divers letters with him a consultation was kept concerning her and what was fittest to be done for they considered that all the conspiracies made against the Queen of England being chiefly intended in hope of the Scottish Queen her succession so long as she lived their Soveraign should never be secured and that therefore the surest course was to put her out of the way But how this should be done the opinions were different The Earl of Leicester advising to dispatch her secretly by poyson Secretary Walsingham did mightily oppose it as that which would draw upon the Queen both danger and dishonour and besides in it self was a thing injust and no better then a cruel murther Wherefore his opinion was that the course of Law should be kept and Commission given for making her process and as the trial should prove for giving sentence and judgement This opinion prevailing certain Noblemen Counsellours and Judges were chosen for the businesse who meeting at the Castle of Fotheringham where the Queen of Scots was kept the eleventh of October and calling her before them did charge her with the said conspiracy and entercourse of letters She refusing to answer and be tried as a subject being her self an absolute Queen they notthelesse went on and finding her guilty pronounced the sentence of death which was shortly thereafter confirmed by the Estates of Parliament and a supplication therewith delivered to the Queen for putting their decree in execution How soon the King was advertised hereof he sent William Keith Gentleman of his chamber to the Queen with a letter to this effect That howbeit it seemed strange to him that the Nobility and Counsellors of England should take upon them to give sentence upon a Queen of Scotland and one descended of the Royal blood of England yet he would think it much more strange if she should stain her hands with the blood of his mother who was of the same Royal condition with her self and of the same sexe which as he could not believe would enter
sayes the Queen I would be glad to understand If her right succession to England shall be made over in our Soveraigns person said he Papists will have no more hope and this I think the Queen his mother will dimit and resign to him But she hath no right said the Queen for she is declared incapable of succession And if she have no right said the Master the hope of Papists ceaseth and it is not to be feared that they will enterprise for her But the Papists said the Queen do not allow our Declaration Then let it fall said he in the Kings person by her resignation The Earl of Leicester obâecting that she was a prisoner and could not dimit the Master answered That the dimission being made to her son with the advice of all the friends in Europe in case as God forbid the Queen by any attempt should be cut off she would have none to partake with her against her son all the princes her friends standing obliged for her resignation that it should be valid and effectual to her son The Queen making as though she did not understand him the Earl of Leicester said that the Ambassadours meaning was that the king should be in his Mothers place Is it so sayes the Queen then I put my self in worse case before By Gods passion this was her oath that were to cut mine own throat he shall never come in that place and be party to me The Master answered that he would be more party if he should come in his Mothers place through her death Well said the Queen tell your King what I have done for him to keep the Crown on his head since he was born and that for my part I mind to keep the league that stands betwixt us which if he break it shall be a double fault And with these words she made away Sir Robert Melvil following her requested for some eight days continuance of the execution whereunto she answered Not an hour The King advertised of this conference and that nothing but extremity was to be expected wrote with his own hand to the Master of Gray as followeth Reserve your self no longer in your dealing for my mother for you have done it too long and think not that any thing will do good if her life be lost for then adicu with further dealing with that State Therefore if you look for the continuance of my favour spare no pains nor plainnesse in this case but read my letter written to William Keith and conform your self wholly to the contents thereof and in this let me reap the fruits of your great credit there either now or never Farewell But before this letter came unto the Master he was drawn upon another course and made more cold in the businesse and as the fame went had taken upon him to pacify the King though the execution proceeded Mean while the Earl of Leicester wrote to the King a letter wherein not obscurely shewing what was resolved he advised him to deal more moderately in that matter of his mother her cause not being worth the losing of such a friend as the Queen his Soveraign was For albeit no man said he can blame your Majesty to speak for the safety of your mothers life yet under your favour your Majesty being a Prince and a King you ought to weigh without partiality the case of other Kings and Princes as if it might be your own Iustice should in the bosome of all Princes have such place that whatsoever affection may draw them if the thing which any of them doth for the preservation of their own life and estate be warranted it ought to be borne withall by others And proceeding in this manner he said Let the case of the Queen my Soveraign be made your Majesties and that any King or Prince being in your hands claiming title to your Crown would raise warre within your Realm against you or conspire with traitors within your Court or countrey to kill you in that case I would fain know what would be thought fit by any faithful or good subject of yours that you should do to such a one Nay give me leave I humbly beseech you to ask even of your self what you would think fit in such a case there is no other difference but that this offence is done to the Queen Majesty by your mother And after that a little for the letter is long If my plain speech may be without offence to your Majesty I would wish you to think well of this case remember how near it is to you and how much nearer it may be to you it is seen to all the world wherefore the life of our Mistris is sought whose death may be as farre out of your way as your mothers liberty hath heretofore been dangerous to your estate And if it be true which I have heard your Majesties self by her will had as well been dispossessed of the possession of that you have as defeated of any remainder you thought to have interest in And therefore as Kings be and ought to be jealous of their own estate so I doubt not but your Majesty will deeply consider of this case of your mothers wherein you may perform both the Office of a Son and of a King And as I have always advised you so do I still except for a just cause which I am perswaded you shall never have give not her Majesty any cause to conceive a breach of love and friendship on your part She is the person and Prince in the world that may do you most good or most harm let no perswasion or device make you think otherwise the world is full of practise and the worst heads most busy c. At the same time Secretary Walsingham writing to the Lord Thirlstan the Kings Secretary with whom he kept intelligence declared that it was wondred by all wise and religious men in England that the King should be so earnest in the cause of his mother seeing all the Papists in Europe that affected the change of Religion in both Realms did build their hopes altogether upon her and that she had shewed her self so passionate in point of Religion as she had transferred her pretended right to both the Crowns untothe King of Spain in case the King her son should persist in his profession It is true that such informations were given out amongst the Papists to divert the King from constancy in his profession but that any such tranflation was made by her it is not probable and a thing not to be believed her Declaration at the time of her death being far other as we shall hear Albeit a Popish Abbot descriving the life of Laurens the Cardinal who was at that time Protector of the Scottish Nation affirmeth the foresaid translation to have been in his hands and to have been delivered to him by Count Olivarez the Spanish Ambassadour at Rome But that doth merit little credit such forged titles would
mightiest Potentates that reigned in long time And that this present Don Antonio may suffice for ensamples to teach all Princes if they can avoid it to beware how they fall into that state whereby they shall be inforced to seek their own by other Potentates means Princes are not so ready in these days to embrace other mens quarrels but where they are extraordinarily interressed in their own fortunes Wherefore I doubt not but it will be seen by men of judgement not transported with passion or led away with private respects that it should be every way the only best course for your Soveraign by a good and kind usage of her Majesty and by shewing that Princely moderation as well in this grievous accident of his mothers death as his whole proceeding with this Realm which the excellency of his Highness education seemeth to promise to seek to win the hearty good wills of this Realm as the chief and principal assurance he can in any sort obtain For to trust or depend either upon the French King or the King of Spain as if by their assistance he might attain to the present possession of this Crown which be indeed the only two Potentates whom he must have recourse unto if he reject the Amity of England whosoever shall so counsel your Soveraign as things presently stand shall in the judgement of men of best understanding bewray great want either of fidelity or judgement drawing his Majesty unto so untoward and desperate a course For it is no way safe for any Prince to repose his trust and strength upon their favour and assistance to whose desires and designes his greatnesse may yeild any impeachment and hinderance so were it clearly against common reason to expect other support and assistance from them then might stand with their own commodities and pretensions in respect whereof neither of the two foresaid Kings can simply and roundly joyn with your Soveraign to his good First his Religion being odious to them both and likely to prove most prejudicial to the Catholick cause he growing so great as he should be made by the union of the two Crowns the consideration whereof caused his mothers affairs to stick a long time and made now in end leave him quite out of the reckoning ordaining the King of Spain her heir if her son became not Catholick Next it is meerly repugnant to the policy of France were it but in respect of the ancient claim England maketh to that Crown to suffer the uniting of this Island under one Prince They have been content in former times when England had a footing in France to serve themselves of your Nation therewith to annoy this Realm by the means of diverting or dividing the forces thereof and so perhaps the Politicks of France can be content to wish at this day by your Soveraigns quarrel or any other such like to be eased of the burthen and miseries of the present Warre wherewith they are plagued by transporting the same into this Island But as this Realm hath good means to prevent that mischief if it were intended so were your Soveraign to look when all were done but to be made an instrument as his predecessors have been of the effusion of much Scottish blood for French quarrels and the desolation of that Realm And as things stand presently in France it is not thought that you should find the King ready to hearken to any enterprise against this Land the said King being most desirous to live in peace both with his neighbours abroad and his subjects at home but that he hath been forced full sore against his will by the practise of them of the house of Guise to countenance with his authority the Civil Warre raised in that Realm which maketh him whatsoever shew he maketh of the contrary to hate them in his heart Neither would it be held sound counsel to be given him by any that depends upon his fortune to further the advancement of a King of Scots so nearly allied to that family which he hath discovered and greatly feareth to level at his own Crown with any intention to depose him which by the greatnesse of a King of Scots they should be so much the sooner and better able to effect The King of Spains assistance being now in Warre with this Realm were more likely to be obtained but farre more dangerous to be used in respect of his insatiable ambition deep practises and power accompanied in this case with a colour of right wherein how farre he would seek to prevail any opportunity or advantage being offered it may justly be doubted by the experience that sundry States have had which upon slender grounds of title have been extorted and wrung from the true inheritours and annexed to his own Kingdom as Navarre Portugal and all he possesseth in Italy hath been It is believed that the King of Spain considering his years and unsetled estate every way would willingly incline to peace if it were offered with reasonable conditions and not over-readily at this present embark himself in any new enterprise But otherwise it is well known that as he had fancied to himself an Empire of all this part of Europe so he had an eye to this Realm ever since he was King in right of his wife The conquest was intended under colour of Religion as was discovered by some that were of his own Privy Councel at that time his pretention to be the heir of the house of Lancaster and since the late Queens death the first Catholick Prince of the blood Royal of England as also the donation of this Crown made him by the Queen of Scots in her letters with a promise to confirm it by Testiment things blazed abroad by the said Kings Ambassadour at Paris ought to breed jealousy and suspicion in your Soveraigns head and give him to think how he should be used at such an assistants hand Auxiliary forces have ever been reputed dangerous if they either in number or policy were superiour to them that called them in The assistance therefore of Spain and France being of this nature as your Soveraign hath need of neither so he shall do well to forbear them both and so shall it be most for his ease It may be some will pretend that by change of his Religion your Soveraign shall better his condition in regard of these forain Princes besides a great party within this Realm that thereby shall be drawn wholly to depend upon his fortune But the poor distressed estate of Don Anthonio being a Catholick Prince spoiled by a Catholick and receiving so little succour at Catholick Princes hands shall be a sufficient barre to all that can be alleadged in that behalf As for the Catholick party in England in his mothers life it was never so united as they drew all in one line much lesse will they be brought suddenly to relye upon him if he should alter his Religion as God defend which would be his utter discredit and
conflict perished the Gallion of Biskay and two other great ships Two Gallions of Portugal the one called S. Philip the other S. Matthew having lost their tackling and being torn with shot made towards the coast of Flanders and were taken by the Zelanders Once as it seemed the General with the rest of the Navy bent their course towards Scotland but not knowing what favour they should find there and the wind blowing fair they resolved to make home by the North Isles The General himself with the best provided vessels took the main Ocean towards Biscay and arrived safely in Spain The rest seeking to take in fresh water partly in the Isles and partly in Ireland were so tossed with tempests and contrary winds that 40. and above were cast away in those Seas A ship of Florence driven upon the West coast of Scotland was spoiled and set on fire by certain Highlanders Shortly the destruction was so great as of the 134. Ships that set fail from Lisbone 53. onely returned to Spain of the souldiers besides the mariners 13500. were lost by one way or other And as they write not a family in Spain of any note there was which suffered not in this expedition having lost either a son or a brother or some nigh kinsman Such was the successe of the Spanish Navy which had been four years in preparing with no small cost and in a few days was thus overthrown one English ship onely being lost and about 100. men in all The King caused solemn thanksgiving for this deliverance to be given to God in all Churches of the Kingdome beginning in his own Court for an ensample to others This was the marvellous year talked of so long before by the Astrologues which this defeat and the accidents that fell forth in France about the end of the same year did in a part make good In this kingdom which we ought ever to remember with thankfulnesse to Almighty God happened no dysaster for which we had cause to be grieved the death of Archibald Earl of Angus excepted who deceased in the moneth of Iuly a Nobleman as in place and rank so in worth and virtue above other subjects of a comely personage affable and full of grace a lover of Justice peaceable sober and given to all goodnesse and which crowned all his virtues truly pious A long time he lived in exile in England not through his own fault but the misfortune of his friends whom he could not forsake After he was restored to the Kings favour no man did carry himself in better sort and in that time which was full of factions he kept himself free of all partakings being imployed in the Lieftenandry of the Borders he discharged himself to his Majesties great content and to the liking of all the subjects and not long after fell into that disease whereof he died leaving no heir male and one only daughter by his second marriage who did not long survive him Never died any Nobleman with greater regrate and so much the more was his death lamented that as it was then thought and afterwards confessed that he was taken away by forcery and incantation In the time of his sicknesse when the Physicians found his disease not to proceed of any natural cause one Richard Graham who was executed some years after for witchcraft being brought to give his opinion of it made offer to cure him saying as the manner of these Wizards is that he had received wrong But when he heard that the man was suspected to use unlawful arts he would by no means admit him saying That his life was not so dear unto him as for the continuance of it some years he would be beholden to any of the Devils instruments That he held his life of God and was willing to render the same at his good pleasure knowing he should change it for a better Thus after a long and languishing disease he died in Smeton near to Dalkeith and was buried in Abernethy in the sepulchre of his progenitors The houses of Angus and Morton which within his person were conjoyned went by provision of Taile to the Lairds of Glenbervy and Lochlevin The hopes that our Catholicks conceived of the Spanish Navy being now frustrated they had lost heart quite but that the Prince of Parma did of new encourage them by his letters shewing that the losse was nothing so great as it was given out to be and giving them hopes of another Army that set out more timely and to be with them the next spring These letters were sent by one Mr. Robert Bruce and delivered to Huntley to be communicated with the rest of that faction Shortly after came one Iohn Chesholme bringing with him ten thousand Crowns which were delivered to Bruce to be used as he thought most fit for advancing the cause The Earl of Huntley made instance to have the third part of the summe Lord Claud Hamilton pleaded for as much and Maxwel lying then in prison held no lesse to be due to him But Bruce excused himself by the charge he had to dispone the mony by the advice of David Graham of Fintrey who was warded at the same time in Dundey and payed them all with one answer The Lord Claud more covetous then the rest because he could not come by any part of the money grew more cold in the business Maxwel had some sent him for his consolation in the prison But Huntley having at the Kings desire subscrived the confession of faith and reconciled himself to the Church was wholly neglected This he excused afterwards by a letter to the Prince of Parma professing That after the escape of Colonel Semple he found himself so busied on all hands and in such sort pressed by the King as it behoved him either to yeild or depart out of the countrey or then to have taken the fields which well he could not do all hope of help being taken from him by the return of the Navy of Spain but in what he had failed he should endevour to amend by some good service tending to the advancement of the cause of God who had put him he said in such credit with the King as he had broken his former guards and made him establish others about his person by whom at all occasions he might assure himself and be Master of the King and so when the support promised should arrive spoile the hereticks of his authority and make sure the Catholicks enterprises Therefore besought him to be perswaded of his unchangeable affection albeit in outward action he was forced to accommodate himself to the necessity of the time This letter was dated at Edinburgh the 24. of Ianuary 1589. Another of the same date was sent by the Earl of Arrol whom Mr. Edmond Hay the Jesuit had seduced and brought on that course to Parma bearing That since his conversion to the Catholick faith he did ever think himself obliged to procure the
said and promised to meddle no more in that businesse Huntley upon the like promise after a few dayes obtained his liberty and went into the North. In his going thither whether of purpose or by accident it is uncertain the Earl of Crawford did meet him at Perth where at first they concluded to fortifie the town as a place most convenient for drawing forces together from all quarters but doubting how they should make good the enterprise they gave it over and getting intelligence that the Thesaurer was come to Angus and had appointed a meeting of some friends at the Church of Megle they belayed the wayes and gave him the Chase unto the house of Kiâkhill where he was received being desired to render upon his refuse fire was cast to the house and he forced to yield himself as he did to his Cousen the Laird of Achindown who kept him some weeks prisoner in the North. The Letters written to the King of Spain and Prince of Parma whereof we made mention and some others from Mr. Bruce directed to the same Prince being about this time intercepted laid open all the practises of these Noblemen which being reported to the Queen of England she wrote to the King a sharp letter wherein complaining of his remisnesse in punishing these treacheries of the entertainment he gave to the Spaniards that had fled into Scotland after their wrack in the Irish Seas she besought him not to overslip such happy occasions as itâ had pleased God to offer him by revealing these practises as likewise to rid the Realm of those strangers and send them away with speed Hereupon order was taken for their dispatch and ships conduced to transport them unto West-Flanders The Hollanders advertised of their coming sent forth some ships to intercept them and meeting them some two miles from the coast of Flanders took one of the vessels and put to the sword all the Spaniards that were therein the rest ran their vessels on ground where a number seeking to save themselves by swimming were pitifully drowned A Proclamation was likewise renewed against the Jesuits and their ressetters and Mr. Edmond Hay Mr. William Creichton Mr. Robert Bruce and David Graham of Fentry commanded under pain of death to depart the Realm But they contemning the charges did stir up the Earls of Huntley Crawford and Arrol to make open insurrection These three taking Arms and assembling all the forces they could gather came to Aberdene in the beginning of April where they made Proclamations in the Kings name Declaring that he was held captive forced against his mind to use his Nobles more rigorously then he desired requiring all the Lieges to concurre and assist them for setting his person at liberty Their hopes were that Bothwel with his friendship in the South should make the King such businesse as they needed not to fear any suddain pursuit but the King having caused denounce Bothwel and the chief of his followers Rebels resolved to begin with them and leave him to his return So charges being directed to warn all the subjects remaining on the South of Aberdene to accompany the King and they gathering somewhat slowly he made forward with those he had in his company toward the middle of April and having advanced as farre as Cowy a little Village some ten miles off Aberdene was there advertised that the Earls were 3000. strong and marching directly towards him The King nothing dismayed called the Noblemen that were in the Army together and spake cheerfully unto them saying That they had a great deal of advantage of their enemies the better cause and the King on their part Neither oaths nor subscriptions said he can assure these men and if benefits or good deeds could have made them loyal and obedient I have not been sparing to them all Now that I am drawn against my will by their open Rebellion to use force I do assure my self of your fidelity and that you will not forsake me I shall desire you stand no longer then ye see me stand and howbeit I do not think they dare set their faces against me yet I shall pray you to dispose all things in the best order you can This speech he delivered with such a grace as thereby the Noblemen and others that stood by were greatly incouraged every one avowing to do their uttermost for his Majesties honour But a question falling between the Lord Hamilton and the Earl of Angus for leading the Vant-guard was like to have caused some trouble Angus claiming the place by the priviledges granted to his predecessors and the Lord Hamilton alledging that none ought to contend with him in honour because of his proximity to the Royal blood but the King interposing his authority gave the leading of the Vant-guard for that time to the Lord Hamilton reserving the rights and priviledges of the house of Angus whereunto nothing was done at that time should work any prejudice All that night the King did watch himself and kept his Army on foot In the morning early he was advertised that the Rebels were dispersed and gone back for Huntley understanding that the King was resolved to put it to a day declined the fight because of the danger that might come to the Kings person Crawford for the same reason seemed not very bent but Arroll insisting to have gone forward when he saw they would not be moved parted from them at the bridge of Dee in great wrath The King came the same day to Aberdene and calling the Magistrates did threaten them sharply for receiving the Rebels into their City They excused themselves by their weaknesse and the want of power to resist the great forces which was admitted upon promise that they should look better to their town in after times Whilest the King stayed there the Noblemen and Barons of the countrey came in and made offer of their service giving surety not to reset nor intercommune with the Rebels and to concurre with his Majesties Lieutenant when they should be required This done the King returned to Edinburgh for he was then about the directing of the Earl of Marshall to Denmark for the accomplishing of his marriage and bringing home the Queen there went with him Andrew Lord Dingwell Sir Iames Scrymgeour of Dudap Mr. Iohn Sheen Advocate and Mr. George Young Archdeacon of S. Andrewes For defraying the Ambassadours charges a Subsidy of an hundred thousand pounds was granted by the Councel according to a warrant given them in the Parliament 1587. whereof the subjects made ready payment so great was their desire to have the King matched and the royal succession established in his race The enterprise of the Rebels being in this sort defeated the Thesaurer was put to liberty and at his coming to Court did solicit the King in favours of the Earl of Huntley and Crawford who forthinking the attempt they had made did offer to enter their persons in
any till he was gone In respect I know that the motion of my voyage will be at this time diversly scanned and misinterpreting may be made as well to my dishononr as to the blame of innocents I have thought fit to leave this Declaration for resolving all good subjects first of the causes that moved me to undertake this voyage then in the fashion in which I resolved to make the same As to the causes I have been generally blamed by all men for deferring my marriage so long being alone without Father Mother Brother or Sister and yet a King not only of this Realm but heir apparent of another This my nakedness made me weak and mine enemies strong for one man is no man as they speak and where there is no hope of succession it breeds contempt and disdain yea the delay I have used hath begot in many a suspicion of impotency in me as if I were a barren stock These and other reasons moved me to hasten my marriage from which I could yet have longer abstained if the weal of my countrey could have permitted I am not known to be rash in my weightiest affairs neither am I so carried with passion as not to give place to reason but the treaty being perfected and the Queen on her journey when I was advertised of her stay by contrary windes and that it was not like she should perfect her voyage this year I resolved to make it on my part possible which was unpossible on hers The place where I first took this resolution was in Craigmillar none of my Councel being present and as I took it by myself so I bethought me of a way to follow the same And first I advised to employ the Earl of Bothwel in the voyage in regard he is Admiral but his preparations took so long a time that I was forced to call the Councel and send for the Chancellor and Iustice Clerk who were then in Lawder When as they met they found so many difficulties in sending forth a number of ships for the Queens convey for so I gave it out and who should be the Ambassadors that I was compelled to avouch if none should be found to go I should go my self alone in a ship adding that if men had been as willing as became them I would not have needed to have been in these straits This the Chancellor taking to touch him for he knew he had been standered all that time for impeding my marriage partly out of zeal to my service and partly fearing that I should make good my word if no better way could be found made offer to go himselfe in that service This I embraced keeping my intention from all men because I thought it enough for me to put my foot in a ship when all things were ready and from the Chancellor himself from whom I never kept any of my weightiest businesses for two reasons First because if I had made him of my Councel in that purpose he had been blamed for putting the same in my head which had not been his duty for it becomes no subject to give his Prince advice in such matters withall considering what hatred and envy he sustained injustly for leading me by the nose as it were to all his appetites as though I were an unreasonable creature or a child that could do nothing of my self I thought pity to heap mo unjust slanders on his head The other reason was that I perceived it was for staying my journey that he made offer to go so was I assured if he had known my purpose he would either have stayed himself at home or thinking it too heavy a burthen for him to undertake my convoy he would have lingered so long as there should not have been a possibility for making the voyage This I thought meet to declare and upon my honour it is the truth lest I should be esteemed an imprudent Asse that can do nothing of my self and to save the innocency of that man from unjust reproaches For my part besides that which I have said the shortness of the way the surety of the passage being clear of all sands forelands and such other perils safe harbours in these parts and no forain fleets resorting in these Seas it is my pleasure that no man grudge at this my proceeding but that all conform themselves to the directions I have given to be followed unto my return which shall be within 20. dayes wind and weather serving and if any shall contravene these I will take it as a sufficient proof that he bears me no good will in his heart as to the contrary I will respect all that reverence my Commandements in the best sort I may Farewell This Declaration written and signed with his Majesties own hand was the next day after he was shipped presented to the Councel by Alexander Hay Clerk of Register together with the directions mentioned in the end thereof which were thus conceived Seeing it hath pleased Almighty God to bring us to mans age and that nothing hath been more earnestly wished by all our good subjects then to see us honourably matched so that the Crown might descend to our own succession after so many worthy progenitors me to satisfy their desires having resolved upon a personage that for blood and other commodities of alliance could not be thought but most worthy did enter into contract with Frederick King of Denmark lately deceased and by advice of our Councel directed our Ambassador to solemnize the marriage and conduct her unto this Realm But having intelligence that by contrarious windes she and her company was driven to Norway and that it being remitted to her choice whether she would return unto Denmark or make stay there untill the opening of the spring she had embraced the last condition as the best and most liking to her desire Albeit hitherto we have not behaved our self dissolutely but patiently attended the good occasion that God should offer yet now taking to heart her pains and danger with the difficulties that have occurred in her transport we could find no contentment till that we enterprised to make a voyage towards her and bring her home which we are in good hope to do within the space of 20. dayes wind and weather serving Yet fearing the time of my stay may be longer at Gods good pleasure lest any looseness during our absence should fall into the government we have of our own motion and not counselled by any left a Declaration with the Clerk of Register and willed no man to grudge at our absence seeing in former times the Kingdom hath wanted a Governour longer then we trust in God it shall want us as namely from the death of our Grandmother the Queen Regent unto the arrival of our dearest mother form France the space of 14. moneths during which time for the reverence and love carried unto her albeit a woman and minor in years no violence was committed by any person and greater
in most serious manner all his good subjects to beware of these Iesuits traitors to their native Countrey and in their prayers to implore the mercy of God for preservation of themselves their wives and children from the conspiracy intended The Ministers of Edinburgh esteeming it their duty to make the Churches of the Countrey foreseen of the conspiracy that was detected gave notice thereof by their letters to such as were most nigh at hand desiring them to meet at Edinburgh the 8. of Ianuary for giving their advice touching these dangers and how the same might best be prevented The meeting was frequent for the report of the discovery drew many thither Mr. Robert Bruce in a short speech having related the perill wherein the Countrey and Church were brought by these practises it was thought meet by some Commissioners to entreat of his Majesty the execution of the lawes against Jesuits and their ressetters with the punishment of such as should be found guilty of the present conspiracy The King accepting graciously those that were sent unto him and giving the whole Assembly thanks for the readinesse they shewed to assist him in the prosecution of that triall wished them to consider of what importance the businesse was and not onely to give their advice for the course that should be taken but also to let him know what help they would contribute for strengthening him in his proceeding against the unnaturall Subjects His Majesties desire being reported to the Meeting their advice was that a Parliament should be indicted and the subscrivers of the blanks cited thereto and because it was not expected that they would appear so as his Majesty should be compelled to pursue them by force of Armes they did humbly offer their attendance upon his Majesties person till they should be apprehended or expulsed the Countrey as likewise to entertain a guard to his Majesty of three hundreth horsemen and an hundreth foot so long as any necessity was and till the laws of the Countrey had taken effect against the rebells providing it should not be drawn into a custome nor prejudge the liberty of the Realm in time coming The offer was thankfully accepted and a Proclamation made to meet the King at Aberdene the 20 of February for settling the North parts and for a beginning of Justice David Graham of Fintrie was arraigned and being found guilty beheaded in the publick street of Edinburgh the 16. of February Some two dayes before his execution Mr. Iohn Graham one of the Senators of the Colledge of Justice being charged because of the businesse he made in behalf of Fintrie to depart forth of the Town and keep ward in Strathern was killed as he was going to the tide at Leith There had been a question long depending betwixt Sir Iames Sanderlands and him for the lands of Halyards and by reason thereof a professed enmity amongst them and it falling out at the same time when he was going to Leith that the Duke of Lennox accompanied with Sir Iames and divers others was making towards their sport in the sands Mr. Iohn Graham apprehending that they did pursue him made a turn upon that ascent which is without the gate of the town as if he would stand there to his defence which S. Iames taking for a sort of provocation he made towards him and entering in conflict Sir Alexander Stewart a grave Gentleman servant to the Duke of Lennox was killed by the shot of a pistoll presently after M. Iohn Graham by another shot was stricken in the breast and fell to the ground they who did give him the convoy seeing him fall did all flie and the companies separating he was led to a poor Cottage near unto the place and as he lay in bed killed by the said Sir Alexander his Page in revenge of his Masters death A man he was but meanly born and descended of that unhappy race which had an hand in the murther of King Iames the first a long time he served as Deputy to the Earl of Argile in the Justice Courts and after his death waited on Captain Iames Stewart by whose means he was preferred to be one of the Senatours of the Colledge of Justice in the place of Mr. Robert Pont of a quick wit and a good and ready utterance but was excessively proud covetous and unhonest in his dealings as appeared in suborning of the Notary of whom we spake and the fraud which he used to Mr. Andrew Polwart subdean of Glasgow a man of great learning who being forced to fly into England in the year 1584. with the other Ministers that took their refuge thither had intrusted him with his living and rent upon assurance to be repossessed when the time should change yet being returned and having obtained his peace could he never bring him to fulfill his promise whereupon after a long plea at law not finding an outgate the honest man conceived a displeasure and died The Earl of Angus the same day that he was killed made an escape out of the Castle of Edinburgh by the connivence of the keepers and flying to the North joyned with Huntley and Arroll They upon the report of the Kings coming to Aberdene left their houses and betook themselves to the mountains sending their Ladies to intercede for them and make offer of the keyes of their houses which they had been charged to render The King receiving the Ladies courteously told them that if their husbands would enter and abide triall they should receive no wrong otherwise the crime laid to their charge did so highly touch the Estate as he could not stay the course of Justice In the mean time for preserving the Countrey in peace the Earl of Atholl was made Lieutenant within the bounds of Elgin Forres Narne Innernesse and Cromartie and the like Commission given to the Earl of Marshall of the Sherifdoms of Kincardin Bamffe and Aberdene This done the King returned to Edinburgh where the Lord Burgh did meet him He was sent from the Queen of England to congratulate the discoveries of these treacherous practices and make offer of her assistance in pursuing and punishing those that should trie culpable wherein she wished him to doe as a King ought in such a case and if he could not apprehend their persons to confiscate their lands and rents whereby he should undoe them and better the Estate of his Crown And seeing the cause was common and touched all Princes professing the same Religion she desired to be certified what his resolution was that she might assure other Princes her confederates of the course taken in both their dominions for resisting the attempts of Spain The King thanking the Queen for her friendly offer and advice said That he knew Sir Robert Bowes her resident Ambassadour had advertised her of the whole particulars and of the blanks and letters intercepted that he had made a beginning and was fully resolved to prosecute the
same with all rigour against those that he should trie culpable but willed her to consider how dangerous it was for him to have so many great men his Rebells and what a businesse it would be to hunt them out of those holes and desert places where they lurked That he would stand in need of her help and supply which he doubted not to finde it being more dangerous for her estate to have the Spaniard set foot in his Kingdome then either in France or the Low-Countries both which she had liberally helped and supplyed with men and moneys But what particular supply he would crave his own Ambassadour whom he minded to send speedily should declare This was the effect of the conference kept with the Lord Burgh at his first hearing At the next audience the Ambassadour falling again upon the same purpose said That her Majesty did wish the King to fortifie himself with a wise sound and well affected Councell that might help to discover such wicked practices and represse them when they were detected and then casting in somewhat of the punishment that the Queen had taken of those that had given Bothwel countenance in England he wished the King to consider what course was best to be held with him in so troublesome a time and if it were not for his Majesties quiet having so many rebells to receive him upon his submission in favour The King passing that which he had told of the punishing of Bothwells ressetters albeit he knew no such thing was done answered That if the Queen did either respect his countenance or her own honour she would be so far from giving him refuge in her Dominions as he thought certainly she would deliver him according to the tenour of the league standing among them But for taking him in favour his offences were unpardonable and to be abhorred of all soveraign Princes therefore desired him to shew the Queen his Mistresse that if he should understand any resset to be given Bothwell after that time he could not but joyn with her greatest enemies for his own safety As for his resolution in persecuting the triall begun he should have it with him in a Letter of his own hand This done he was dimitted Sir Robert Bowes residing still as Legier In the end of April there was an Assembly kept at Dundy wherein his Majesty directed Sir Iames Melvill of Halhill with certain Articles in the first whereof he declared That he would not suffer the priviledge and honour of his Crown to be diminished and Assemblies to be made when and where they pleased Therefore willed them before the dissolution of the present Assembly to send two or three of their number by whom they should know his mind touching the time and place of their next meeting By the second it was desired That an Act should be made inhibiting Ministers to declame in Pulpit against the proceedings of his Majesty Councel under pain of deprivation both in regard of his Majesties good intentions known to themselves for maintaining Religion and Iustice and for the easie accesse that divers of the Ministery had unto him by whom they might signifie their complaints and grievances if any they had Thirdly In regard of Mr. Craigs decrepit age his Majesty desired to have five or sixe nominated to him by the Assembly that he might chuse some two of them to serve in his house Fourthly Seeing the standing of Religion and safety of his person were so straightly eonjoyned as they that were enemies to the one could not be friends to the other that some of every Presbytery should be appointed to inform and advertise his Majesty of the practises of the Papists and the ressetters of Bothwell whose whole courses tended to the subversion of Religion no lesse then the indangering of his Majesties person And fifthly That they should appoint some of their number to cause the Magistrates of Burghes where there are any Sea-ports try those that came into the Countery or passed forth of the same to delate their names that the plots and practises against Religion might be better discovered These Articles especially the first two savouring of discontent were answered generally by the Assembly concerning their Meetings they said that they should follow the Act of Parliament made the year preceding and for the declaming in Pulpit an Act was made prohibiting any Minister to utter in Pulpit any rash or irreveverent speeches against his Majesty and Councell or their proceedings and to give their admonitions upon just and necessary causes and in all fear love and reverence Which the King esteeming to be no restraint but rather to minister an excuse to the unruly sort when they transgressed then otherwise rejected as not satisfying his demand whereupon the Petitions of the Church proponed against Papists at the same time and against the erections of Tithes in Temporalities were not much regarded In this Assembly it was enacted That none professing Religion within the Church of Scotland should from thenceforth repair to any of the King of Spains Dominions where the tyranny of Inquisition was used for traffick of Merchandise or other the like negotiations till the King did obtain liberty from the King of Spain to his Subjects for traffick in these bounds without any danger of their person or goods for the cause of Religion under the pain of Excommunication The Merchants offending hereat did petition his Majesty and Councell for maintaining their liberty of traffick which was granted Notwithstanding whereof the Ministers proceeded in their censures till the Merchants made offer to surcease their trade with Spain how soon their accompts were made and they payed by their creditors in those parts But the abolishing of the Mondayes Mercat in Edinburgh though assented unto by the Councell of the Town and past in an Act took not the like effect for the shoomakers who were most interessed in that businesse hearing that the same was to be put in execution tumultuously gathering themselves together come to the Ministers houses menacing to chase them forth of the town if they did urge that matter any more after which the motion ceased the Mercat continuing as before This did minister great occasions of sport at that time in Court where it was said That rascalls and sowtars could obtain at the Ministers hands what the King could not in matters more reasonable In the beginning of Iune Sir Robert Melvil was sent in Ambassage to England his Commissionwas to signifie what had been done in the prosecution of the Authors and contrivers of the last practises since the Lord Burgh his return and to require some aid and assistance for inabling the King to follow that businesse to an end and particularly he was desired to crave a supply in money for levying 600. Souldiers and entertaining them some moneths till the service was finished and the Rebells either apprehended or forced to quit the Realm withall he was appointed to
more nigh and then relating the many indignities he had endured at Bothwells hands which they all knew he desired to have their advice touching the Conditions granted to him of late and whether they did think him tyed to the performance thereof the same being extorted by the importunity of those that took on them to mediate betwixt him and Bothwell and yeelded unto by him upon just fear The answer of the Convention was That they judged the fact of Bothwell Treasonable and the Conditions granted in such a manner to carry no necessity of performance that for the remission promised to him and his followers the same depended upon his Majesties own pleasure and that he should doe therein what seemed to him good but to be tyed not to receive in his company his servants and officers they held it not to stand with the honour and dignity of a King For the remission said the King I could be content for the quiet of the Realm to grant the same upon his humble suite and supplication when I am now at liberty but to be forced thereto and by way of capitulation to grant the same I do not think it agreeth with mine honour That which I require of you since I judge the conditions unlawfull and that neither in law nor conscience I am bound to observe them is that by publick Act the same be declared and that as a free Prince I may presently and in all time coming admit and receive into my company such of the Nobility Councell Officiars and other good subjects as I shall think good to use in the administration of my affairs All esteeming this to be most reasonable an Act was made declaring That his Majesty with the advice of the Estates had recalled the grant made to Bothwell in August last and that being a free Prince he might use the service of any of his subjects and call them to him at his pleasure This Declaration made the Prior of Blantyre and Sir Robert Melvill were directed to Bothwell to shew him that albeit the King did not think himself bound in law or hnour to perform the Conditions made at Halyrudhouse yet if he should now make humble suit for pardon to himself and his followers the same should be granted with a double Proviso first that he should supplicate his pardon and pass the same formally before the 20 of November secondly that the remission being exped he should depart forth of the Realm and abide in such parts beyond Sea as the King should appoint and not return into the Countrey without his Majesties licence Bothwell at first did take the offer well and seemed therewith content but when he was returned to Edinburgh for the intimation was made to him at Linlithgow and heard that the Lord Home and those others against whom he took exception were received in Court he was greatly commoved and falling to his wonted forms threatned to make the King observe the Conditions and keep what he had promised To this purpose he advertised the Earl of Atholl desiring he should meet him at Striveling the first of October with his forces Atholl kept the Diet accompanied with the Earl of Montrosse and a great number of men but the King was parted from Striveling and remained then at Linlithgow attended by the Lord Hamilton and divers other noble men which made Bothwell change his purpose and disappoint the interprise The King understanding that Atholl with his forces was come to Striveling sent a messenger to charge him to return home and dissolve his companies which he obeyed pretending that his business was onely to hold a Court at Down Castle a house pertaining to the Earl of Murray whereof he had the Ward and that the messenger might witness the truth thereof he took him along with him the next morning to Down The stay of the messenger put the King in suspicion that the Charge was not obeyed and that Atholl did wait upon Bothwells coming Whereupon he went back to Striveling and understanding that Atholl was gone to Down he followed thither The Lord Home who was appointed to ride before and view the fields encountring the Earl of Montrosse made him prisoner and used him and his men somewhat roughly But he professing to be sent by Atholl to the King for making his excuse and declaring the true cause of his coming in those parts was dimitted the next day upon his promise to appear before the Councell whensoever he should be charged After this the King going to Edinburgh Bothwell was cited before the Councell and not appearing was of new denounced Rebell Leaving these affairs for a while we will now return to the Popish Lotds They had been cited to the Parliament which was kept in Iuly preceding but upon some informalities and defects in the libell the process was remitted by the Estates to the King and Councell This being ill interpreted and taken to be done in their favour the Ministers of the Synode of Fife meeting at S. Andrews in the beginning of October did summarily excommunicate the Earls of Angus Huntley and Arroll the Lord Home and Sir Iames Chisholme They sent letters also to all the Presbyteries desiring their excommunication to be published in all the Churches and particularly required the ministers of Edinburgh to call a meeting of some principall ministers and well affected Barons to advise what course was fittest to be taken for the defence of Religion and repressing the practises of enemies The King upon advertisement of these proceedings called M. Robert Bruce who was then in great favor and willed him to stay the publication of sentence as being unjust and altogether informal for that neither were these persons subject to the Synod of Fife nor were they cited to answer And if this be your order said he that the Ministers of one Synod may excommunicate and at their desire all the rest shall make intimation who can be sure or how shall it be eschewed but number shall this may be brought in troubles M. Robert answering that it was not in his power to stay the publication the brethren having already concluded the same and that the Ministers of Fife had their own reasons and were answerable to the generall Assembly Well said the King I could have no rest till ye got that which ye call the Discipline of the Church established now seeing I have fonnd it abused and that none amongst you hath power to stay such disorderly proceedings I will think of a mean to help it The intimation in the mean time went on and according to the motion made for convening some principal Ministers and Barons there assembled a good number at Edinburgh the 17 of October The King was gone then to Iedburgh for pacifying some tumults in the borders and in his going thither was met at Falaw by the Earls of Angus Huntley and Arroll who humbly intreated a trial and that they should not be condemned
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 âccasions 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
countenance and that she was a Papist they might blame themselves who had never taken care to enform her of the truth Lastly for his Daughter the Princesse he had trusted her to the Lord Levingston a Nobleman known to be of good Religion and not to his Lady who should not be suffered to take any care of her unlesse she conformed in point of Religion Whilst things thus past betwixt the King and the Church a new occasion of trouble was presented by M. David Blake one of the Ministers of S. Andrews who had in one of his Sermons cast forth divers speeches full of spight against the King the Queen the Lords of Councell and Session and amongst the rest had called the Queen of England an Atheist a woman of no Religion This being dilated to the English Ambassadour he complained to the King and thereupon was Mr. David Blake cited to appear before the Councell the 10 of November Mr. Andrew Melvill accompanying him to Edinburgh did labour to make this a common cause giving out that the same was done onely for a preparative against the Ministers to bring theâr Doctrine under the censure and controlement of the King and Councell and so farre he prevailed with the Commissioners of the Church as they sent certain of their number to intreat the deserting of the Diet saying It would be ill taken to draw Ministers in question upon trifling delations when as the enemies of the truth were spared and overseen The King some daies before had published the Conditions upon which he was to grant a Protection to Huntley and asking those Commissioners if they had seen the Conditions said That both he and the rest should either satisfie the Church in every point or be pursued with all extremity so as they should have no reason to complain of the oversight of Papists For Master Blake he said he did not think much of that matter onely they should cause him appear and take some course for pacifying the English Ambassadour But take heed said the King that you doe not decline the judicatory for if you doe it will be worse then any thing yet fallen out Now the Conditions proponed to Huntley were as followeth That he should give sufficient and reasonable caution of Inland-men and landed Barons to the number of sixteen at least who should be acted in the Books of Councell under the pain of forty thousand pounds each two of the Cautioners conjunctly and severally for five thousand pounds of the said summe that he should faithfully observe and fulfill the whole Articles undermentioned and every one of them as first that betwixt and the first day of April next to come he should either satisfie the Church for his Apostasie and return to the bosome thereof in uniformity of Religion or before the expiring of the said time depart again forth of the Countrey and not return again without his Majesties license 2 Next that during the said space he should not receive in his company any Jesuit Masse-priests or excommunicate Papists nor have any dealing communication or intelligence with them especially with his Uncle Mr. Iames Gordon nor suffer his Children in case any be brought forth in the mean time to be baptized by another then a Minister 3 That so long as he remained in the Countrey as likewise in case of his departing at the time aforesaid he should not traffick with any stranger or others whomsoever for alteration of the true Religion or disquieting the state of the Countrey in any sort 4 That his former Cautioners should remain obliged in case after lawfull triall it should be found that since his last departing he had trafficked with strangers for subversion of Religion or the alteration of the State in the summes for which they were bound 5 That he should presently enter his person in ward within such a place as his Majesty should appoint 6 That within fifteen daies next he should enter his eldest Son and apparent Heir as a Hostage to his Majesty for observing the Articles before and after mentioned and that his said Son should abide in such company ward or Castle as his Majesty should appoint where most conveniently he might be instructed in the true Religion and not escape by his Fathers knowledge or assistance Lastly that he should compeir personally before the Councell whensoever he should be called upon fifteen daies warning for trying the contravention of any of the Articles above expressed providing the cause for which he should be charged were expressed in the Letters and warrant given himâ that he should not be challenged for any other fact done before his last passing forth of Scotland These Articles the King caused to be imprinted that all men might see he meant not to bestow any favour either upon him or the rest unlesse they joyned themselves to the Religion publickly professed yet this served not to stop the mouths of people nor did it remove the jealousie of the Preachers who were daily complaining That Papists were favoured the Ministers troubled for the free rebuke of sin and the scepter of Christs kingdome sought to be overthrown The processe they said intended against Mr. Blake was but a policy to divert the Ministers from prosecuting their suite against the Popish Earls and if he should submit his Doctrine to the triall of the Councell the liberties of the Church and spirituall government of the house of God would be quite subverted In any case therefore they concluded that a Declinator should be used and protestation made against these proceedings This was held a dangerous course and earnestly disswaded by some few but they were cried down by the greater number that said it was the cause of God whereunto it concerned them to stand at all hazard So a Declinator was formed and given Mr. Blake to present bearing this in substance That howbeit the conscience of his innocency did uphold him sufficiently against the calumnies of whomsoever and that he was ready to defend the doctrine uttered by him whether in opening the words or in application yet seeing he was brought thither to be judged by his Majesty and Councell for his doctrine and that his answering to the pretended accusation might import a prejudice to the liberties of the Church and be taken for an acknowledgement of his Majesties jurisdiction in matters meerly spiritual he was constrained in all humility to decline that Judicatory for the reasons following First because the Lord Iesus of whom he had the grace of his calling had given him albeit unworthy of the honour to bear his name his Word for a rule to his preaching and that he could not fall in the reverence of any Civill law but in so farre as he should be tried to have passed his instructions which trial belonged onely to the Prophets and Pastors the spirits of the Prophets being subject to them alone for as first it must be declared whether he had kept his instruction or
not 2 In regard the liberty of the Church and discipline presently exercised was confirmed by divers Acts of Parliament and the office-bearers thereof peaceably possessed therein particularly in the judicatory of the word preached as was clear by divers late examples he ought to be remitted for his preaching to the Ecclesiastick Senate as his competent Judge in the first instance For which and for other weighty considerations and namely for eschewing the inconveniencies that might fall to Religion and his Majesties own estate by the appearance of distraction and alienation of his Majesties mind from the Ministry and the cause of God in their hands he for himself and in name of the Commissioners of the general Assembly who had subscrived the same Declinatour did humbly beseech his Majesty not to infringe the liberty of the Church but rather manifest his care in maintaining the same When the Diet came and the summons were read being desired to answer he said That albeit he might object against the citation the same being directed super inquirendis contrary to the form prescrived by Parliament and no particular specified therein yet he would take him to the usuall remedy of law and desire to be remitted to his own Ordinary Being asked whom he meant he answered the Presbytery where the doctrine was taught The King then replying that the matter laid to his charge was Civill and that the generality of the summons was restricted to the particular letter produced by the English Ambassador he said That the speeches wherewith he was charged being uttered in pulpit must be judged by the Church In prima instantia Again being inquired whether the King might not judge matters of Treason as well as the Church did matters of Heresie he said That speeches delivered in pulpit albeit alledged to be treasonable could not be judged by the King till the Church took first cognition thereof but that he was not come thither to solve questions and so presented the Declinatour The King notwithstanding that he was greatly offended because the day appointed for the baptisme of the Princesse was approaching continued all further proceeding to the last of November Mean while had the Commissioners for the Church sent a copy of M. Blakes declinatour with a letter to all the Presbyteries requiring them for the greater corroboration of their doings to subscrive the same and to commend the cause in hand in their private and publick prayers to God using their best credit with their flocks and employing all their labours for the maintainance thereof The King being mightily incensed with this doing as tending to a direct mutiny and the stirring up of the subjects to rebellion gave forth a Proclamation wherein he said That certain persons of the Ministery abiding in the town of Edinburgh had of long time continued together devising plots prejudiciall to his Majesties authority and usurping a power over their brethren had directed letters for subscriving a Declinatour formed and already subscrived by themselves requiring them with the return of their subscriptions to send some of their number to assist their proceedings as though they were not subjects and that the King had no power nor authority over them intending as appeared by convocations and the like tumultuous forms to break the peace and make an insurrection in the Countrey whereas no care in the mean time was taken of their flocks but the same left comfortless and destitute of the preaching of the word all which they coloured with a generall Commission alledged to be given by the last generall assembly albeit there was no such Commission that which he produced containing only a power to consult and report and not to set down Acts or exercise any jurisdiction and granting that such a Commission had been given the same could not be lawfull as given without the consent and approbation of his Majesties Commissioners who were present at the time Therefore to prevent the disorders and confusion which therethrough might arise his Highness with the advice of the Councell discharged the said Commission as unlawful in it self and more unlawfully executed by the said Commissioners commanding the persons under written namely M. Andrew Melvill M. James Melvill M. Iohn Davidson M. Nicoll Dalgleish M. James Nicolson M. James Carmichaell and John Clapperton to depart home to their severall flocks within 24 hours after the charge and to attend upon the lawfull discharge of their callings and no ways to return for keeping such unlawfull convocations either within the said burgh or without under the pain of Rebellion The Commissioners upon information that such a charge was directed fell to consult what course they should take and first they resolved That since they were convened by the warrant of Christ in a most needfull and dangerous time to see unto the good of the Church Et ne quid Ecclesia detrimenti caperet they should obey God rather then man and notwithstanding of any charge that should be given continue together so long as conveniently they might and in the mean time send some of the number to the Octavians this was the title commonly given to those eight Counsellors that were trusted with all affairs to advertise them that seeing the Church at their entry to their places enjoyed a full peace and liberty and that now it was cast into great troubles and the enemies of the truth spared and overlooked they could not but think that all this proceeded from their counsells and therefore whatsoever the event should be the Church would take her self to them and they onely should bear the blame The President answering in choler said That these controversies were begun without their advice so they should end that for their good service they had reaped smal thanks and drawn upon themselves much envy and therefore would have no medling in that business betwixt the King them but leave it to him his Nobility This answer put them to a second advice and thinking they were mistaken and that these Commissioners were not in the fault but that all proceeded from the King himself they sent M. David Lindesay M. Robert Rollock M. Iames Nicolson and Iames Melvill to declare unto his Majesty the great inconveniencies that were like to arise upon this hard dealing with the Church and humbly intreat a surcease of the Process intended against M. David Blake and that all other controversies might be left off till some order was taken with the Papists and an Assembly convocated for deciding these questions to his Highness content The King answered That it was not his fault and that he was no less displeased then they were with the controversies arisen and that yet if they would pass from the declinator or declare at least that it was not a general but only a particular declinator used in the cause of M. David Blake as being a cause of slander and partaining to the judgement of the Church he should
troubles of the Church he made a particular relation of the proceedings and treacherous forms so he called them wherewith they were used by the Court laying the whole blame upon the President Controller and Advocate whom he particularly named and used with most reproachfull tearms Then turning to the Noblemen and Barons he put them in minde of the zeal which their predecessours had shewed in planting Religion and exhorted them with the like courage and constancy to maintain the same Having closed the Sermon with a Prayer as use is he requested the Noblemen and Barons to meet in the little Church for assisting the Ministery with their best advice There assembled in the place many people besides those that were desired and so great was the throng as the Ministers could hardly finde entrance Mr. Robert Bruce at last having made way unto himself went to the table where the Noblemen and Barons were placed and after a short Prayer declared in what danger the Church was brought by the return of the Popish Lords how they had regrated the case to the King and when they expected that order should have been taken therewith a new business was moved and one of their Brethren called in question for his preaching about which they had been in long conference but could come to no end and that now at last the best affected of their people were charged to leave the Town whereby they were brought to suspect some worse practises They did therefore request them humbly to intercede and intreat his Majesty that they might be permitted to serve God in their callings without molestation The desire seemed reasonable the Lords Lindesey and Forbes with the Lairds of Bargenny and Blaquhan Mr. Robert Bruce and Mr. William Watson were chosen to preferre the Petition By some occasion the King was that day come to the Session and being in the Upper House the Lords with these others were admitted where Mr. Robert Bruce taking the Speech said That they were sent by the Noblemen and Barons convened in the little Church to bemoan the dangers threatned to Religion by the dealing that was against the Ministers and true professours What dangers see you said the King Under communing said he our best affected people that tender Religion are discharged of the Town the Lady Huntley a professed Papist entertained at Court and it is suspected that her husband is not farre off The King leaving that purpose askt who they were that durst convene against his Proclamation The Lord Lindesey in passion replied That they durst doe more then so and that they would not suffer Religion to be overthrown Numbers of people were at this time thronging unmannerly into the room whereupon the King not making any answer arose and went down to the Lower House where the Judges doe sit commanding the doors to be shut They that were sent returning to the Church shew that they were not heard nor was there any hope so long as the Counsellours remained about the King that they should receive any favourable answer and were therefore to think of some other course No course said the Lord Lindesay but one let us stay together that are here and promise to take one part and advertise our friends and the favourers of Religion to come unto us for it shall be either theirs or ours Upon these speeches followed such a clamor and lifting up of hands as none could hear what another spake The sedition increasing some cried to Arme others to bring out Haman for whilest the Lords were with the King M. Michael Cranstone Minister of Cramond had been reading to the people that story others cried The sword of the Lord and of Gideon and so great was the fury of people as if one of the Deacons of Crafts-called Iohn Wat had not kept them back with a guard of Crafts men that followed him they had undoubttedly forced the doors and wrought some mischief Sir Alexander Hume Provost of the Town was then lying sick yet being told what a tumult was raised he came to the street and as he was wise and skilfull in handling the people with his fair speeches brought them after a little time to lay down their weapons and retire to their lodgings The commotion thus raised the King directed the Earl of Marre the Lord Pittenweem and Laird of Traquair to confer with the Ministers and ask the cause of the tumult They were then walking at the back of the Church for the tumult had scattered the meeting and professing a great dislike of that which had happened besought the Noble men to shew the King that they were not in fault and had done their best to appease the multitude The cause they said to their conjecture was that his Majesty refused to hear their Petition which they knew came not from himself but of others The Earl of Marre replied that any reasonable Petition would be heard and answered being preferred in a dutifull manner wherefore they should do wisely to go together and supplicate his Majesty for remedy of these things wherein they were grieved Whereupon they returned to the little Church and after a short deliberation sent the Lord Forbes the Laird of Bargenny and M. Robert Rollock with these Petitions First that all which have been done in prejudice of the Church the last four or five weeks might be rescinded Next that in the things that concerned the Church the President Controller and Advocate should have no voice as being suspected in Religion and opposite enemies to the Church Thirdly that the Citizens of Edinburgh who were charged to leave the Town might be permitted to stay at home upon surety to appear whensoever they were called The King answered very calmly That his doings had been greatly mistaken by the Ministers and that as these controversies were moved against his will so he wished nothing more then to have them quietly setled But that it could not stand with his honour to rescind so hastily the conclusions taken in Councell nor to remove Counsellors from their places upon naked suspicions except somewhat could be verified that might disable them At afternoon he should call the Councell and satisfie them in every thing which with reason they could desire For the Citizens he said that the supplications made in their behalf would come better from the Provost and Baylifs of the Town and the same upon their Petition should be granted With these answers the Lord Forbes and the rest returned and with them the Lord Ochiltry and Laird of Cesford were sent by the King to desire them to put their Petitions in reasonable terms and await on the Councell at two of the clock Matters thus quieted the King with the Lords went down the street peaceably to his palace At afternoon the Noblemen and Barons assembling with the Ministery after long reasoning did condescend upon the supplication and Articles following In most humble manner we the
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
notoriety of a crime which notoriety must onely be defined by the guilty persons being fugitive for the crimes or the declaration of an Assise or their excommunication for the same 4 That every Minister in his particular application have onely respect to the edification of his own flock and present auditory without expatiating in other discourses no way pertinent to their congregation 5 That every particular Presbytery be commanded to take a diligent accompt of the doctrine of their Ministers and see that they keep themselves within bounds in the premises 6 That summar excommunication be utterly discharged and that three lawfull citations at least of eight daies intervall betwixt every one of them precede the sentence 7 That no Session Prebytery or Synod use Censures upon any but those that are within their bounds otherwise their decreets and sentences to be null 8 That all summons contain a speciall cause and crime and none be used super inquirendis quod est merè tyrannicum 9 That no meeting or convention be amongst the Ministers without his Majesties knowledge and consent except the ordinary Sessions Presbyteries and Synods 10 That in the principall Burghs no Ministers be placed without the consent of his Majesty and the flock and this order to begin presently in Edinburgh 11 That all matters concerning the rest of his Majesties Questions be suspended and neither condemned nor rebuked either in pulpit or any other judicatory till the same be decided in the next Generall Assembly especially that no matters be called before the Ecclesiasticall judicatories as importing slander wherein his Majesties authority may be prejudged but that they meddle only with causes meerly Ecclesiasticall 12 That some wise and discreet Ministers to the number of seven or eight be authorised by Commission to reason upon the rest of the Questions when opportunity of time shall serve Lastly that the present Assembly grant Commission to the Ministers of the North Countrey to absolve the Earl of Huntley from his Excommunication if he satisfie the Church For the better determining of the said Articles it was thought meet that some brethren should be desired to conferre of them apart and report their opinions to the Assembly which they did the next morning Touching the first Article they said that they held it not expedient to make any law or act concerning that matter lest a door should be opened thereby to turbulent spirits otherwise they did think it lawfull to his Majesty by himself or by his Commissioners to propone in a Generall Assembly whatsoever point his Majesty desired to be resolved in or to be reformed in specie externi ordinis seeing substantia externae administrationis Ecclesiasticae est plenissimè prodita in sacris literis And as the Generall Assembly hath accepted well of this manner of doing in all times past so in their opinion they should doe the like in time coming For the second their advice was that the Acts already made which are hurtfull to Religion and prejudiciall to the liberty of the Word should be discharged and no Act thereafter past concerning Religion without the advice and consent of the Church As for matters of Estate mentioned in the Article they craved a further explanation of that point The third they esteemed reasonable that no mans name should be expressed to his rebuke in pulpit unlesse the fault was notorious and publick but they esteemed notoriety must be defined otherwise then by the three waies set down in the Article for contumacy after citation the publick commission of a crime such as was Bothwell's treasonable contempt at Leth the Burning of Dumebirsell and the like make also a notoriety As to the vive description said to be equivalent they thought it hard to set any law to that seeing every guilty person will think himself descrived when his fault is rebuked albeit the Minister doth not think of him The fourth and fift Articles they judged lawfull but for the sixth which craves a simple charge of summar Excommunication they advised to remit the same to the next Assembly suspending the practice thereof in the mean time the seaventh they thought likewise was to be remitted to the eighth they agreed and for the nineth that concerned the meeting of Pastors they said that besides Sessions Presbyteries and Synods Pastors are accustomed to meet for visitation of Churches admission of Ministers taking up of feods resolving of questions The tenth they esteemed reasonable the eleventh Article seeming to import a discharge of many points of discipline they said was so large that it could not be presently answered and the last two they remitted to the full Assembly judging that they ought to be granted These answers shewed to the King were not liked and held unsufficient whereupon the Assembly was desired to repair to the place where his Majesty and the Estates were convened for treating upon the foresaid Articles at their coming the King had a speech much to this purpose That they could not be ignorant either of the occasion or of his purpose in calling the present Assembly and for the occasion that it grieved him to remember it not for any injury or displeasure done to himself but for the shame and slander cast upon Religion for have not the adversaries said he too just a ground against us who say that our profession teacheth the contempt of Princes and maintains insurrections against them I know it is the fault of men and not of the profession and none of you that are met here I take to be guilty of the late attempt but it is in your hands to clear your selves if any think otherwise and so to free your profession of that scandall As for the purpose for which I have called you together at this time it is to mend such things as are amisse and to take away the questions that may move trouble afterward if you for your parts be willing to have matters righted things may yet go well I claim nothing but what is due to every Christian King within his dominion that is to be Custos vindex disciplinae Corruptions are crept in and more daily growing by this liberty that preachers take in the application of their doctrine and censuring every thing that is not to their mind This I must have mended for such discourses serve onely to move sedition and raise tumults Let the truth of God be taught in the Chair of truth and wickedness be reproved but in such sort as the offender may be bettered and vice made more odious To rail against men in Pulpit and express their names as we know was done of late there being no just cause and make the word of God which is ordained to guide men in the way of salvation an instrument of sedition is a sin I am sure beyond all other that can be committed on earth hold you within your limits and I will never blame you nor suffer others to work you any vexation The civill
Spain this year returning to make good what he had undertaken with some few assisters he entered into the Isle a huge rock it is four miles in compass wherein an old ruinous Tower built on the ascent of the rock of difficult access meaning to have victualled the same Mr. Iohn Knox the same who took Mr. George Ker with the blanks some five years before getting intelligence of the purpose came upon him unlooked and landing in the Isle did encounter him in the very shore for the most of his company being gone to seek their sport he had stayed to see who those were that he espied coming to the Isle not thinking that his purpose was known or that any would pursue him but when he perceived them to be unfriends and to be set for his apprehension he ran into the Sea and drowned himself The King did esteem this as it was indeed a peece of good service and the newes thereof going to the Popish Lords made them more willing to fulfill that which they had promised So that on the 26. of Iune the Earls of Huntly and Arroll upon their solemn repentance oaths and subscriptions to the Articles of faith were absolved in the Church of Aberdene The Earl of Angus in the same manner was received by the Ministers of Mernis and Angus This businesse ended the King for repressing the barbarous fewds which abounded at that time in the North parts sent a Commission to the Bishop of Aberdene with concurrence of Sir Patrick Murray and some Ministers for taking up their quarrels and with charges to cause the parties give assurance one to another which should endure to the first of April 1598. The fewds mentioned in the instructions sent to Sir Patrick Murray were the fewds betwixt the Earl of Huntley and Lord Forbes the Earl of Arroll and the Laird of Ladwherne the Laird of Drum and young Frendraucht with a number more but the most deadly and dangerous betwixt the families of Huntley and Murray the King reserved to be his own work and ceased not till the same was removed and a friendship made up by marriage which should in all reason be most lasting Those others were by the diligence of the Bishop and Ministers setled and so the North parts reduced unto quietness In the end of Iune the King called the Commissioners of the Assembly to a meeting at Falkland where amongst other business a complaint was preferred by Mr. Iohn Lindesay of Balcarres Secretary against Mr. Robert Wallace Minister at S. Andrews for certain injurious speeches uttered in his Sermons having called him a briber and said That albeit he had made conquest of fifty Chalders victuall in Fife and built a house to the skyes yet his posterity should beg their bread which some of his Auditors should see and that it was doubtfull if ever God should grant him repentance The Secretary had complained of this to the Presbyterie but they refused to admit his accusation unlesse the same was assisted by two witnesses who could affirm that the accuser had just cause to pursue the complaint which they alledged to be the Apostles Canon in the 1 of Timothy ch 5. v. 19. and shewed themselves so partially affected as he was forced to pursue the complaint before his Majesty and Commissioners Mr. Wallace being summoned to that Diet and desired to answer to the complaint refused to acknowledge the judgment alledging That the general Assembly had given them no Commission in that particular and that the accusation once before the Presbyterie of S. Andrews ought to have been orderly taken out of their hands which was not done This Declinatour being proponed compeired Mr. Nicoll Dalgleish Moderator of the Presbyterie and in their name protested against the proceedings of the Commissioners in that cause as being once intended before them seeing by that form of doing all the Presbyteries of Scotland should be prejudged and that the Generall Assembly of whom they had their Commission would not take unto them the triall of any cause with a neglect of the inferiour judicatories Then said the King I will likewise protest that seeing one of the principall motives which induced me to crave and the Generall Assembly to yeild unto this Commission was to have the like of these offences when they did arise removed and justice done by the Ministers themselves rather then to be brought before the Councell ye either proceed in examining the complaint and doe that which is right or hold me excused if I take order with it by another form that will not please you so well The Commissioners having advised the Reasons of the Declinatour and Protestation did finde them all invalid and of no force and that they had warrant sufficient to proceed and minister justice in that action as well in respect of the generall power contained in their Commission as of the particular commended to their care in the planting of the Church of S. Andrews So the complaint was admitted and the 5 of Iuly appointed at S. Andrews for trying the same At the day the Secretary compeiring accompanied with Master Robert Mauld Commissar of Saint Andrews and Iohn Arnot Clerk to the Commissar whom he produced as assisting Witnesses to take away the Presbyteries exception did insist in his complaint Mr. Wallace being askt if he had any thing to oppose against the Witnesses refused to answer in respect of his Declinatour whereupon they were admitted and upon oath declared that they knew the accusation to be just and that the Secretary had not intended the same of any purpose to calumniate or slander the said Mr. Robert but only to be repaired to his credit and honour as one who had been greatly wronged by him The Witnesses for probation being then called and Mr. Wallace inquired if he had any exception against them refused as before to answer So they likewise were received and being sworn deponed that they heard the said Mr. Wallace utter the words complained of in his Sermon Notthelesse the Commissioners for their better information did think it meet to call to his Auditors of the University who were of better judgment and could truly relate what they heard The Masters of the new Colledge refusing to give any testimony in respect of the Presbyteries Protestation at Falkland all the rest affirmed what the Witnesses had deponed After which Mr. Wallace being again called and desired to shew what reason or warrant he had for uttering such speeches refused still to make answer nor could any perswasion break his obstinacy though he was earnestly laboured by Mr. Robert Rollock and Mr. Iames Melvill apart who did offer upon the confession of the fault that the processe should cease The Commissioners seeing no way to eschew the pronouncing of sentence in regard of his obstinacy did yet take counsell to visit the Church and inquire both of his and Mr. Blakes behaviour in that Ministery before they went
process for Popery to have access to Court and a care to be taken of the good education of the children of Noblemen To all which the King gave favourable answers and for the removing of the Princess his daughter from the Lady Levingston which was earnestly entreated by the whole Assembly his Majesty did promise to bring her to his own house before the Terme of Martinmas next Whilest matters were thus proceeding there was delivered a letter sent by Mr. Iohn Davidson to the Assembly wherein as if he would awake his brethren fallen asleep he began with a strong cry How long shall we fear or favour flesh and blood and follow the counsell and command thereof Should our meetings be in the name of man Are we not yet to take up our selves and to acknowledge our former errors and feebleness in the work of the Lord And a little after Is it time for us now when so many of our worthy brethren are thrust out of their callings without all order of just proceeding and Iesuits Atheists and Papists are suffered countenanced and advanced to great rooms in the realm for the bringing in of idolatry and captivity more then Babylonicall with an high hand and that in our chief City Is it time for us I say of the Ministery to be inveigled and blindfolded with pretence of preferment of some small number of our brethren to have voice in Parliament and have titles of Prelacy Shall we with Samson sleep still on Dalilahs knees till she say The Philistines be upon thee Samson Then scoffing at the Kings doings he said But Bonyton is executed an infamous thief in the highest degree what is that to the cause of Religion whereof no question was moved Is there no Papist nor favourer of Papists in Scotland but Bonyton But the King is sound in Religion what can the adversaries do Being sound the danger were the less but there is nothing either in Church or King according to our calling c. In postscript to the same letter he wished them to be wary of determining any thing touching the planting of Edinburgh in respect of any promises against Papists and to remember that Melius optabilius est bellum pace impiâ à deo distrahente This letter laughed at by some did greatly offend the wiser sort who would have proceeded to censure the man as he had deserved but that the King interceded willing to leave the punishment to him and go on with their own affairs as they had begun So the letter being cast by the planting of Edinburgh was next handled and after some reasoning it was concluded that the three Ministers Mr. Walter Balcanquell Mr. Iames Balfour and Mr. William Watson should be transported and others placed in their rooms The care of this among other things was entrusted to certain Commissioners deputed by the Assembly who had power given them for all matters that concerned the Church unto the next generall meeting After this a proposition was made for a new translation oâ the Bible and the correcting of the Psalmes in meeter his Majesty did urge it earnestly and with many reasons did perswade the undertaking of the work shewing the necessity and the profit of it and what a glory the performing thereof should bring to this Church speaking of the necessity he did mention sundry escapes in the common Translation and made it seen that he was no less conversant in the Scriptures then they whose profession it was and when he came to speak of the Psalmes did recite whole verses of the same shewing both the faults of the meeter and the discrepance from the text It was the joy of all that were present to hear it and bred not little admiration in the whole Assembly who approving the motion did recommend the translation to such of the brethren as were most skill'd in the Languages and revising of the Psalmes particularly to Mr. Robert Pont but nothing was done in the one or the other yet did not the King let this his intention fall to the ground but after his happy coming to the Crown of England set the most learned Divines of that Church awork for the Translation of the Bible which with great pains and the singular profit of the Church they perfected The revising of the Psalmes he made his own labour and at such hours as he might spare from the publick cares went through a number of them commending the rest to a faithfull and learned servant who hath therein answered his Majesties expectation The Act for restraining the liberty of Application in Exercises was of new ratified and an Ordinance made against the preaching of young men not admitted to the Ministery in the chief places of the Countrey which done and the next Assembly being appointed to be held at S. Andrews the last Tuesday of Iuly Anno 1602 the meeting dissolved Soon after the King by the advise of the Commissioners of the Church received in favour the three Ministers of Edinburgh that were ordained to be translated to other places and licensed them to return to their Charges Mr. Iohn Dikes also who had lurked all this time having composed some Eucharistick Sonets as he called them for his Majesties preservation was pardoned and permitted to return to his place But Mr. Iohn Davidson presuming to finde the like favour and appearing in publick without warrant was taken and committed to the Castle of Edinburgh where he remained some moneths till by the intercession of the Kings Ministers he was also put to liberty In the State the Lord Maxwell began to make new troubles and notwithstanding he was prohibited to repair within the bounds of Nidisdale Galloway he went home without license having contrived the death of Sir Iames Iohnston then Warden but the purpose failing he made an incursion upon Annandale raising fire and committing slaughter whereupon great stirres were moved in these parts which were not pacified till the February after at which time the King going in person to Dumfreis made him leave the Countrey and put in Sureties for his remaining within the bounds of Cluidsdale In Iuly thereafter Lodowick Duke of Lennox was sent in an Ambassage to France rather for confirming the old amity and friendship then for any business else There went with him Sir Thomas Ereskin and Sir William Levingston of Kilsithe two of his Majesties privy Councell Mr. Iohn Spotswood then Parson of Calder was directed to attend him as his Chaplain or Preacher The Duke taking his journey by sea arrived at Deepe the 24 of that moneth and upon the 10th day after entered into Paris accompanied by Iames Archbishop of Glasgow and a great train of Scotishmen who did meet him at S. Denis he had presence of the French King at S. Germans some seven leagues from Paris and was very kindly accepted A few daies after the King went to Fountayn-bleau where the Queen was to lye of Childe-birth Thither
will answer that it is not their purpose presently and out of hand to enforce obedience but by fatherly admonitions and conferences to induce such as are disaffected But if any be of an opposite and turbulent spirit I will have them inforced to a conformity Neither tell me that the wearing of a surplice or using the Crosse in Baptism will diminish the credit of Ministers that have formerly dissallowed the same for that is just the Scotish Argument when any thing was concluded that sorted not with their humour the only reason why they would not obey was that it stood not with their credit to yield having been so long of a contrary opinion I will none of that but that a time be limited by the Bishops of every Diocese to such and they that will not yield whatsoever they are let them be removed for we must not preferre the credit of a few private men to the generall peace of the Church Throughout all this conference in every point that was moved or came to be talked of the King did shew such knowledge and readiness as bred not a small admiration in the hearers Chancellour Egerton wondering to see him so expedite and perfect in all sort of Divinity said That he had often heard and read that Rex est mixta persona cum Sacerdote but that he saw never the truth of it untill that day Let me adde that which I was afterward told by Richard Bancroft Archbishop of Canterbury for Whitgift died the next moneth after the conference one of the great glories of the English Church that when the Rolles were brought in of those that stood out and were deposed which was some years after they were found to be fourty nine in all England when as the Ministers of that Kingdome are reckoned nine thousand and above such a noise will a few disturbers cause in any society where they are tolerated In the March thereafter a Parliament was kept in England where the King after he had given thanks to the State for the generall applause they shewed in receiving him to the place which God by birthright and lineall descent had provided for him did earnestly move the union of the two Kingdomes that as they were made one in the head so among themselves they might be inseparably conjoyned and all memory of by-past divisions extinguished A motion that took well at first and seemed to be generally desired of both Nations but did not succeed as was wished The Parliament alwaies at his Majesties desire and for a demonstration of their obedience did nominate Thomas Ellesmore Lord Chancellor of England Thomas Earl of Dorset Thesaurer Charles Earl of Nottingham Lord high Admirall Henry Earl of Southampton William Earl of Pembroke Henry Earl of Northampton Richard Bishop of London Toby Bishop of Durham Anthony Bishop of St Davids Robert Lord Cecill principall Secretary to his Majesty Edward Lord Souch Lord President of Wales William Lord Monteagle Ralph Lord Eure Edmond Lord Sheffeild Lord President of the Councell of the North Lords of the higher House And Thomas Lord Clinton Robert Lord Buckhurst Sir Francis Hastings knight Sir Iohn Stanhop knight Vice-chamberlain to the Kings Majesty Sir George Carew knight Vice-chamberlain to the Queens Majesty Sir Iohn Herbert knight second Secretary to his Majesty Sir Thomas Strickland knight Sir Edward Stafford knight Sir Henry Nevill of Barkshire knight Sir Richard Buckly knight Sir Henry Billingsly knight Sir Daniell Dunne knight Dean of the Arches Sir Edward Hobby knight Sir Iohn Savile knight Sir Robert Wroth knight Sir Thomas Challoner knight Sir Robert Mansell knight Sir Thomas Ridgway knight Sir Thomas Holcraft knight Sir Thomas Hasketh knight his Majesties Attorney of the Court of Wards and Liveries Sir Francis Bacon knight Sir Lawrence Cawfield knight Serjeant at Law Sir Henry Hubbard knight Serjeant at Law Sir Iohn Bennet knight Doctor of the Lawes Sir Henry VVitherington Sir Ralph Grey and Sir Thomas Lake knights Robert Ashwith Thomas Iames and Henry Chapman Merchants Knights and Burgesses of the house of Commons Giving them or any eight or more of the said Lords of the higher house and any twenty of the said Knights and Burgesses of the said house of Commons full power liberty and Commission to assemble and meet at any time or times before the next Session of Parliament âor treating and consulting with certain selected Commissioners to be nominated and authorized by authority of the Parliament of the realm of Scotland of and concerning such an union of the said realms of England and Scotland and of and concerning such other matters causes and things whatsoever as upon mature deliberation and consideration the greatest part of the said Lords Knights Citizens and Burgesses being assembled with the Commissioners to be nominated by the Parliament of Scotland shall in their wisdome think and deem convenient and necessary for the honour of his Majesty and the weal and commmon good of both the said realms during his Majesties life and under all his progenie and royall posterity for ever which Commissioners of both the said realms shall according to the tenor of their said Commissions reduce their doings and proceedings into writings or instruments tripartite every part to be subscribed and sealed by them to the end that one part thereof may in all humility be presented to his most excellent Majesty the second part to be offered to the consideration of the next Session of Parliament for the realm of England and the third to be offered to the consideration of the next Parliament for the realm of Scotland that thereupon such further proceeding may be had as by both the said Parliaments may be thought fit and necessary for the weal and common good of both the said realms A Parliament in Scotland for the same purpose was indicted to the tenth of Aprill and thereafter prorogated to the eleventh of Iuly at which time the Lords Spirituall and Temporall assembled by virtue of his Majesties Commission did ordain the persons following they are to say Iohn Earl of Montrosse Chancellor of Scotland Francis Earl of Arroll high Constable of Scotland Iames Earl of Glencarn Alexander Earl of Linlithgow Iohn Archbishop of Glasgow David Bishop of Rosse George Bishop of Cathnes Walter Prior of Blantire Patrick Lord Glammis Alexander Lord Elphingston Alexander Lord Fyvie President of the Session of Scotland Robert Lord Roxbrugh Iames Lord Abircorn Iames Lord Balmerinoth Principall Secretary of Scotland David Lord of Scone Sir Iames Scrimgeour of Dudop knight Sir Iohn Cockburn of Ormston knight Sir Iohn Hume of Couldenknowes knight Sir David Carnegie of Kinnard knight Sir Robert Melvill elder of Murdocarmie knight Sir Thomas Hamilton of Binnie knight Sir Iohn Lermouth of Balcony knight Sir Alexander Straton of Lawriston knight Sir Iohn Sheen of Curry-hill knight Mr. Iohn Sharp of Howston Lawyer Mr. Thomas Craig Lawyer Henry Nisbit George Bruce Alexander Rutherford and Mr. Alexander
besought his Majesty to accept graciously that which was done and made offer of their best service in perfecting that work as they should be imployed The king professing a great content did specially thank them for reserving his Prerogative in the preferment of men to offices and honours in either kingdome for inequality said he of liberties and priviledges is not the way to effect the union I desire capacity of offices ought to be equall to both people but the moderation of that equality must be left to me neither you to suspect that I will offer any manner of grievance to either of the Countreys or do any thing that may kindle emulation among them considering the desire I have to see you united in a fast and indissolveable amity This said he recommended the prosecution of that business in the severall Parliaments to their fidelity and trust wishing them to lay aside all jealousies needless fears and other worse passions in a matter that so nearly concerned the good and benefit of both kingdomes Some moneths before the King had assumed by virtue of his Prerogative the title of The King of great Britain commanding the same to be used from thenceforth in all Proclamations Missives and Treaties and the names of England and Scotland to be discontinued except in instruments of private parties and where legality of process would not admit the same this same in both kingdomes took ill but his Majesty esteeming those names whereby they had been called no better then names of hostility would needs have the antient name of Britain received and these of Scotland and England abolished In like manner he did prohibite the name of the borders to be used and ordained all places of strength in these parts the houses of Noblemen and Barons excepted to be demolished their Iron gates to be turned into Plow Irons and the inhabitants to betake themselves to labour and the exercises of peace for the same purpose he did break the Garisons at Barwick and Carlile And in memory of the union so happily begun made divers pieces of gold and silver to be coyned upon some whereof were engraven these inscriptions Quae Deus conjunxit nemo separet and Tueatur unita Deus On others Faciam eos in gentem unam and Henricus rosas Regna Iacobus During this conference the Lord Fivie President of the Session supplyed the place of the Scottish Chancellor and was shortly after preferred to the same office by the Earl of Montross his dismission who in stead thereof was made Commissioner and deputy of Scotland during life Secretary Elphingston was chosen President of the Session and all affairs trusted by his Majesty to the Chancellor and him with a speciall direction that they should be assisting to the Church and maintain those whom his Majesty had preferred in the places of Bishops in the same How they answered the trust committed to them in this particular we shall hear But leaving the matter of State let us now see how things went at that time in the Church The generall Assembly that should have kept at Aberdene in Iuly 1604 was continued because of the union to the same moneth in the year following The King being informed of a great preparation that the Ministers made for keeping that meeting and that they intended to call in question all the conclusions taken in former Assemblies for the Episcopall government directed the Commissioners of the Church to desert the Diet and make no indiction of another till he should be advertised They accordingly did intimate his Majesties pleasure to all the Presbyters and therewith as they were desired declare that his Majesty did purpose to call a number of the Bishops and disaffected Ministers to court and for preventing such disorderly meeting hear the differences that were among them debated in his own person The greater part resolved to obey nine Presbyteries onely of Fifty so many there are reckoned in the whole kingdome sent their Commissioners to keep the meeting The chief leaders of this stir was Mr. Iohn Forbes Minister of Awford and Mr. Iohn Welch Minister at Ayre These two having encouragement given them in private by some principally in the State used all means to bring the Ministers together were in expectation of a frequétassembly yet when the day appointed came there convened thirteen only and after some two or three days seven or eight more The names of the Ministers that convened were Mr. Charles Farum Minister of Fraserburgh Mr. Robert Youngson Minister at Clat Mr. Iames Mill Minister at lnnervry Mr. Alexander Straughen Minister at Creich Mr. David Robertson Minister at Feterangus Mr. Robert Rid Minister at Mr. Iames Irwyn Minister at Towch Mr. Iohn Monro Subdean at Rosse Mr. William Forbes Minister at Rinbethock Mr. William Davidson Minister at Ruthven Mr. Thomas Abernethy Minister at Hawick Mr. Iames Grey Minister at Lâwdon Mr. Nathaniel Ingly Minister at Cragy Mr. Iames Rosse and Mr. Archbold Blackburn Minister at Aberdene Iohn Rosse Minister at Blare Mr. Iohn Sharpe Minister at Kilmeny Mr. Andrew Duncan Minister at Cruill Mr. Robert Dury Minister at Anstruther with the said Mr. Iohn Forbes and Mr. Iohn Welch Sir Alexander Straiton of Lowreston Commissioner for his Majesty in Church affairs upon a rumour he heard of a meeting to be kept left any imputation of negligence should be laid on him prevented the same And by letters he had obtained from the secret Councell caused discharge the Assembly at the market Crosse of Aberdene they nevertheless convened the next day which being reported to the Commissioner he went to the place and in his Majesties name commanded to dissolve They replying That they were warranted by the laws of the Countrey and that they could not betray the liberties of the Church by giving way to such unlawfull prohibitions He shewed them that the libertie granted for keeping Assemblies could not annull his Majesties power nor denude him of his Prerogative in the continuing or discharging these meetings when he should finde cause For even the Parliament which is the highest Court of the kingdome said he is disposed as the King thinketh meet at his pleasure it is called prorogued dismissed and deserted as he judgeth most convenient And you will not I trust equall your Assemblies to the Parliament of the three Estates Besides you are not a number you want the ordinary Clark neither is the Moderator of the last Assembly present and can do nothing orderly After a little debating they request him to remove till they should del berate among themselves what were best for them to do but he was no sooner gone but then they choose Mr. Ihon Forbes Moderator and that done continued the Assembly to the last day of September thinking by this means to preserve their liberty Lowreston finding himself in this abused caused to execute the letters and denounced them Rebells And left they should make a
new business in September complained to the Councell of the disobedience given to their charge order was taken hereupon to summon them before the Councell and a beginning made with the two Leaders of the rest Mr. Forbes and Mr. Welch being charged to a certain day of the same moneth They appeared and standing to the defence of that which they had done were committed to the Castle of Blackness direction was likewise given for citing the rest to the third of October At the day all appeared and being charged for disobeying his Majesties letter thirteen of the number acknowledging their offence and protesting that what they did was not out of disobedience intreated the Lords to intercede with his Majesty for their Pardon the rest taking contrary course and maintaining their proceedings were Committed to severall prisoners their names were Mr. Charles Farum Mr. Iohn Monro Mr. Iames Irwyn Mr. William Forbes Mr. Nathaniell Inglis Mr. Andrew Duncan Mr. Iames Grey and Mr. Iohn Sharp Some of these being sent to Dunbarton others to Blackness and some to the Castle of Down the others that had confessed their offence were dimitted suffered to return to their charges These proceedings of the Councell were openly condemned by divers preachers and to make them more odious it was every where given out that the suppressing of Assemblies and present discipline with the introduction of the rites of England were the matters intended to be established whereupon the declaration following was by his Majesties command published Whereas we have ever since it pleased God to establish us in the imperiall Crown of great Britain equally regarded the good of both kingdomes now happily united in our royall person in one Monarchy ever minding to maintain and continue the good and laudable customes and laws whereby each of them hath been these many ages so worthily governed nevertheless some malicious spirits enemies to common tranquillity have laboured to possesse the mindes of our well affected subjects with an opinion that we do presently intend a change of the authorized discipline of the Church and by a suddain and unseasonable laying on of the rites ceremonies and whole Ecclesiasticall order established in this part of our kingdome of Britaine to overturn the former government received in these parts which none of our good subjects we trust will be so credulous to believe knowing how carefull we have been to maintain both Religion and Justice and to reform the evills that did in any sort prejudice the integrity of either of the two whereby justice hath attained under our government to a greater perfection and splendor then in any of our predecessors times and many abuses and corruptions in the discipline of the Church amended that otherwise might have brought the purity of Religion in extreme danger neither of which was done by our soveraign and absolute authority although we enjoy the same as freely as any King or Monarch of the world but as the disease of the civill body ever was cured by the advise of our three Estates so were the defects of the Church by the help and counsell of those that had greatest interest therein And however in rule of policy we cannot but judge it convenient that two estates so miserably disjoyned should be drawn to as great conformity in all things as the good of both may permit and that no Monarchy either in Civill or Ecclesiasticall policy hath yet obtained to that perfection that it needs no reformation or that infinite occasions may not arise whereupon wise Princes will foresee for the benefit of their estates just cause of alteration yet are we and ever have been resolved not to make any suddain and hasty change in the government of that part of our kingdome either Civill or Ecclesiasticall but with grave advise and consent of our Estates and the wisest and best sort of them whom it most properly concerns much less to trouble them with an unnecessary alteration of indifferent and ceremoniall matters and to do it upon such foreseen advantages and prevention of confusion and evill to come as the greatest enemies to peace and obedience to Princes shall not obtrude any inconvenient to the contrary And as by Gods holy assistance we have drawn that part of our kingdome out of infinite troubles factions and barbarities reducing the utmost borders and confines thereof to Gods obedience and acknowledging of our laws a condition never heard of since this Isle was first inhabited so by the same divine providence and our fatherly care over the whole Island we intend to transmit the same in good order happy quietness and flourishing policy to the posterity wherewith God hath blessed us and after them to the worlds end Like as for the more verification of his own honourable intention and to stop the mouths of those unquiet spirits raisers of that false scandall of alteration we have appointed a generall Assembly to be holden at Dundie the last Tuesday of Iuly whereat we expect a reparation of these disorders in as farre as belongeth to their censure and to be freed in time coming of all such calumnies Given at our Honour of Hampton Court the 26 of September 1605 and in the third year of our reign of Great Britain France and Ireland The Copies of this Declaration were sent to the Ministers remaining in ward that they might see the vanity of these rumors and be induced to acknowledge their offence but they still continuing in their obstinacy and shewing no tokens of penitency were again called before the Councell the 24th of October to receive their censure for the disobedience of his Majesties commandements At which time being enquired what they had to say for themselves and how they could excuse the contempt of his Majesties directions after some speeches tending to justifie their doings they presented a write a Declaration formed in this sort Please your Lordships the approbation or disallowance of a Generall Assembly hath been and should be a matter spiritual and alwaies cognosced and judged by the Church as Iudges competent within this Realm and seeing we are called before your Lordships to hear and see it found and declared that we have contemptuously and seditiously convened and assembled our selves in a Generall Assembly at Aberdene the first Tuesday of Julyâast âast and the said Assembly to be declared unlawfull as at more length is contained in the summons executed against us We in consideration of the premises and other reasons to be given by us have just cause to decline your Lordships judgment as no waies competent in the cause above specified and by these presents we simpliciter decline the same seeing we are most willing to submit our selves to a triall of a Generall Assembly that is only the Iudge competent Subscribed with our hands the 24th of October 1605. The subscribers were Mr. Iohn Forbes Mr. Iohn Welch Mr. Iohn Monro Mr. Andrew Duncan Mr. Alexander Straghan Mr. Iames Greg Mr. William
Forbes Mr. Nathaniel English Mr. Charles Farum Mr. Iames Irwyn Mr. Iohn Sharp Mr. Robert Dury Mr. Iohn Rosse and Mr. Robert Youngson The last of these was one that had acknowledged his offence and craved pardon yet at this Diet compeired with these others professing That he was troubled in conscience for the confession he had made and that he would now take part with the brethren who stood to the defence of the good cause as he termed it The Councell repelling the Declinatour declared the Assembly to have been unlawfull and those that met in the same contrary to his Majesties command punishable But because they had added to their former fault the crime of Treason it was thought meet to deferre the Censure till the King should be acquainted therewith and his pleasure known No sooner was his Majesty advertised of the Declinatour then direction was sent to the Councell for proceeding against them according to the laws whereupon the six that were imprisoned in Blacknesse that is to say Mr. Iohn Forbes Mr. Iohn Welch Mr. Andrew Duncan Mr. Iohn Sharp Mr. Robert Dury and Mr. Alexander Straghan were upon the tenth of Ianuary thereafter brought to the Town of Linlithgow and presented upon Pannell before the Justice who was assisted by a number of Noblemen and others of the Privie Councell The Indictment made which was grounded upon the Statute of Parliament holden in May 1584. touching his Majesties Royall Power over all Estates and the presumptuous fact committed by them in declining the judgment of the Councel Certain of their brethren did supplicate the Justice for licence to conferre with them apart that they might perswade them to an humble submission and acknowledgment of their offence This obtained they were most earnestly dealt with as well by their Brethren as by the Advocates that came to plead for them to relinquish their wilfulness and not to exasperate the King by standing to the defence of their Declinatour but no perswasions could avail So returning to the Barre they were desired to answer and shew a reason if any they had why the matter should not passe the triall of a Jury The Advocates that stayed with them for the two principalls refused to plead because of their obstinacy excepting against the Indictment said that the Statute 1592. Whereby it was declared That the Act made against declining of the Councells judgment should not derogate any thing from the priviledges which God had given to the spirituall office-bearers in the Church concerning heads of Religion in matters of heresie collation and deprivation of Ministers or any such essentiall censures having warrant of the word of God and that thereupon inferred that their meeting at the time libelled in Aberdene being an essentiall censure warranted by Gods word they might lawfully have declined the Councells judgment from taking cognition therein It was answered by his Majesties Advocate That the exception was naught because the keeping of an Assembly at a certain time and place and the appointing of another contrary to his Majesties direction and the charge of the Councell was neither a head of Religion nor matter of heresie nor excommunication nor an essentiall censure and so being no waies comprehended under that limitation their declining of the Councell when as they were called to answer for the keeping of that Conventicle in the Town of Aberdene must of necessity come under the generality of the Statâte 1584 and bring them under the punishment of Treason The matter after some dispute being put to triall of an Assise all the six were found guilty of Treason and returned to their severall prisons till his Majesties pleasure concerning their punishment should be certified what this was in the story of the next year shall be declared Mean while a Proclamation went out discharging all the subjects of what rank place calling function or condition soever either in publick or private to call in question his Majesties authority Royall or the lawfulness of the proceeding against the said Ministers or to make any other construction of the Statute concerning the declining of his Majesties and the Councells judgment then made in that decision of the Justice with certification of those that contravened that they should be called and severely punished as seditious persons and wilfull contemners of his Majesties most just and lawfull government Before these stirres in the Church a Convention of the Estates was kept the sixth of Iune at Edinburgh where a Letter was presented by his Majesty to the Estates full of affection The Letter was to this effect That his Majesties love being nothing diminished through his absence towards that his native and antient Kingdome he did wish them to contend in a laudable emulation who should live most vertuously and be most obedient to the laws That the Nobility should give assistance to the execution of justice and be in all things a good ensample to their inferiours The Barons should set themselves to procure the good of the Kingdome And the Burgesses apply their mindes to the increase of trade especially the trade of fishing which had been long neglected and to the working of cloth that had made their neighbour Countrey so famous To them all be recommended the rooting forth of barbarity the planting of Colonies in the Isles and peopling the same with civil and industrious persons assuring them that they so behaving themselves their liberty should be as dear to him as either his life or estate This was the substance of the Letter which the Chancellour having resumed and thereunto added many perswasions for the following of those wholsome and profitable counsells the Estates did expresse a great forwardness that way and after a long deliberation condescended upon divers good Acts which if they had been all carefully put in practise as they were wisely devised the Kingdome had long before this time tried the benefit thereof Amongst other directions the removing of the barbarous fewds was recommended to the Councell whereof they were desired to make a Roll and urge the parties to reconcile and if they refused then to assure them to the peace and commit them to ward till the same was secured And whereas the custome had been to cause parties assure one another the King did prohibit the same as a thing dishonourable and arguing too great presumption in the subject seeing the Law should be to every man a sufficient assurance The Councell reverencing his Majesties direction did ordain that course from thenceforth to be observed and all assurances to be taken for the peace thereafter and not of one party to another Beginning being made with the Lord Maxwell and the Lord of Iohnston they were moved to joyn hands and reconcile in presence of the Councell This Summer the enterprise of the Lewes was again set on foot by Robert Lummisdale of Ardrie and Sir George Hay of Netherliffe to whom some of the first undertakers had made over
their right In August they took journey thither and by the assistance of Mackey Mackenzie and Donold Gorum forced the Inhabitants to remove forth of the Isle and give surety not to return Ardrie and his Copartners thinking all made sure and that there was no more danger returned South about Martinmas leaving some Companies to maintain their possession which they made good all that Winter though now and then they were assaulted by the Isles-men In the Spring Ardrie went back taking with him fresh provision and fell to build and manure the lands But this continued not long for moneys failing the workmen went away and the Companies diminishing daily the Natives having associated a number of Isles-men made a new invasion about the end of harvest and by continuall incursions so outwearied the new possessors as they gave over the enterprise and were contented for a little summe of money to make away their rights to the Laird of Mackenzie This turned to the ruine of divers of the undertakers who were exhausted in means before they took the enterprise in hand and had not the power which was required in a business of that importance In the end of the year a horrible Conspiracy was detected against the King and the whole body of the State of England the names of the Conspirators were Robert Catesby Thomas Percy Thomas VVinter Iohn VVright and Guido Faulks English men all and Papists by profession These five meeting together and consulting by what mean they might best relieve the Catholick Cause so they spake Thomas Percy proponed the killing of the King and at his own perill made offer to perform the same Catesby who had another plot in his head answered That they would not hazard him so and that albeit it should succeed the case of the Catholick cause would be no better the Prince and Duke of Yorke being left alive yea if both these were cast away yet the Counsellors Nobility Judges Knights and a great many others addicted to Religion would be remaining who should be able enough to restore the estate and crosse all their purposes That therefore he had bethought himself of a better and more safe way which was at one time and with one blow to cut off all their enemies This he said was by blowing up the Parliament house with gunpowder at the time when the King and Estates were assembled The advice pleased them all but first it was thought meet to ask the opinion of their ghostly Fathers and be informed of the lawfulness of the fact as of Henry Garnet Oswould Tesmond aliàs Greenwall and Iohn Gerard Jesuits who being consulted commended the enterprise assuring them they might go on with a good conscience and perform the deed seeing they were Hereticks and persons ipso jure excommunicated against whom they were set This resolution satisfying their consciences for their greater security they took an Oath of Secrecy swearing each to other by the sacred Trinity and the blessed Sacrament they were at that time to receive that neither directly nor indirectly by word or circumstances they should discover the purpose they had taken to any whomsoever nor should desert from performing the same without licence of their associates This Oath was given upon a Primer in the presence of Gerard the Jesuit and having heard Masse and received the Sacrament Thomas Percy was appointed to hire a house nigh adjoyning to the Parliament for the more safe and secret working of the myne This being obtained yet with difficulty enough they entred to work and after divers intermissions because of proroguing the Parliament when they had brought the myne to the midst of the wall they found the opportunity of a Cellar under the Parliament house to be let and leaving the myne for that the wall was hard to be digged through they hired the cellar and put in it 36 barrels of powder a number of billets faggots and a great quantity of coles wherewith they covered the barrels They had called in Christopher Wright Robert Winter Iohn Graunt and Catesby's servant and communicated the matter to them This last was troubled at first with the cruelty of the plot and had forsaken them if he had not been confirmed and encouraged by Tesmond the Jesuit to go with the rest After these Ambrose Rockwood and Robert Keyes were made of the Councell all taking the Oath of Secrecy and receiving the sacrament upon the same And because the charge in buying powder billets and hiring of houses had been a burthen heavy for Thomas Percy it was thought meet to bring in some mo whereupon Sir Edward Digby and Francis Tresham were assumed All things being now as they judged made sure they began to think what course was fittest to take after the deed was performed The first doubt was made touching the Prince and surprise of his person or if he should accompany his Father to the Parliament how they might seise upon the Duke of Yorke his brother But this Piercy undertook to doe by reason of his acquaintance in the house into which he could enter without suspicion and how soon the blow was given carry him away by the help of such as he should have in a readinesse to assist Of the Lady Elizabeth they made small question for that she was kept in the Countrey by the Lady Harrington near to Catesby's dwelling house The next doubt they proponed where they should have money and horses and for this Digby made offer of fifteen hundred pounds English Tresham two hundred and Piercy promised to bring all he could gather of Northumberland Rents which he thought would extend to four thousand pounds and to provide ten horses for his part Neither doubted they but having the Heir apparent in their hands they should finde means sufficient A third question they made what Lords they should save from going to the Parliament which they agreed to be as many Catholicks as conveniently they might Fourthly it was moved among them what forain Princes they should acquaint with the purpose and whose aid they should seek Concerning which it was agreed that none of them should be made privie to the plot fearing they could not enjoyn secrecy to Princes and for ayd after the deed performed there would be time enough to intreat the same either of Spaine or France or the Countrey of Flanders Lastly because they saw no way to assure the Duke of Yorke his person for Piercy his undertaking they held unsure they resolved to serve their turn with the Lady Elizabeth and to proclaim her Queen to which purpose they had a Proclamation formed wherein no mention was made of altering Religion because they had no forces sufficient and till they might make good their party they would not avow the deed to be theirs but lay it so farre as they could upon the Puritans Now there remained nothing all dangers being foreseen and every thing provided but the last act of
have persecuted that worthy man in his life made him a long time after his death the subject of their sermons interpreting the miseries whereunto he was brought to be the judgement of God inflicted upon him for withstanding their courses of discipline If now one should take the like liberty and say That God to whom the Bishop at his dying did commend his cause had taken a revenge of him who was the chief instrument of his trouble it might be as probably spoken and with some more likelyhood then that which they blasted forth against the dead Bishop But away with such rash and bold conceits the love of God either to causes or persons is not to be measured by these externall and outward accidents But leaving this the King being very desirous to have the Church quieted and a solid and constant Order established for preventing the like offences did call a generall Assembly to meet at Linlithgow the 10 of December and for the better ordering of business directed the Earl of Dunbarre to attend the meeting At the day many convened both Ministers and others Of Ministers there were reckoned one hundred thirty six of Noblemen Barons and others thirty and three Mr. Iames Nicolson elected to preside the Earl of Dunbarre presented a letter from his Majesty to this effect That it was not unknown what pains he had taken whilest he lived amongst them as well to root out Popery as to settle a good and perfect Order in the Church and that notwithstanding of his care bestowed that way he had been continually vexed by the jealousies of some perverse Ministers who traducing his best actions gave out amongst the people that all he went about was to thrall the liberty of the Gospell Neither content thus to have wronged him they had in his absence factiously banded themselves against such of their brethren as had given their concurrence to the furtherance of his Majesties just intentions upon the knowledge whereof he did lately call the most calme and moderate as he esteemed of both sides unto his Court thinking to have pacified matters and removed the divisions arisen in the Church but matters not succeeding as he wished he had taken purpose to convene them for setting down such rules as he hoped should prevent the like troubles in after times which he had intrusted to his Commissioner the Earl of Dunbarre willing them to consider what was most fitting for the peace of the Church and to apply themselves to the obedience of his directions as they did expect his favour After the reading of the letter the overture was presented conceived in this forme That his Majesty apprehending the greatest causes of the misgovernment of Church affairs to be that the same are often and almost ordinarily committed to such as for lack of wisdome and experience are no way able to keep things in a good frame for remedying this inconvenient thinketh meet that presently there be nominated in every Presbyterie one of the most grave godly and of greatest authority and experience to have the care of the Presbyterie where he remaineth till the present jarres and fire of dissension which is among the Ministery and daily encreaseth to the hinderance of the Gospell be quenched and taken away and the Noblemen professing Papistry within the Kingdome be either reduced to the profession of the truth or then repressed by justice and a due execution of the lawes and for encouragement of the said Moderators and the enabling them to the attendance of the Church affairs his Majesty is graciously pleased to allow every of them one hundred pounds Scots or two hundred marks according to the quality of their Charge but where the Bishops are resident his Majesty will have them to moderate and preside in these meetings As likewise because it often falleth out that matters cannot be decided in Presbyteries by reason of the difficulties that arise and that the Custome is to remit the decision thereof to the Synod of the Diocie It is his Majesties advice that the moderation of these Assemblies be committed to the Bishops who shall be burthened with the delation of Papists and solicitation of justice against those that will not be brought to obedience in respect his Majesty hath bestowed on them places and means to bear out the charges and burthens of difficill and dangerous actions which other Ministers cannot so well sustain and undergoe This overture seeming to import a great alteration in the discipline was not well accepted of divers but his Majesties Commissioner having declared that it was so farre from the Kings purpose to make any change in the present Discipline as he did not long for any thing more then to have it rightly setled and all these eyelists removed which had given him so just occasion of discontent they desired a time to deliberate and that a number of the most wise and learned might be selected to conferre thereupon and report their opinions to the Assembly The brethren named in this conference having debated every point at length and considered the inconveniencies that might arise by the change especially the usurpation that was feared these constant Moderators should make upon their brethren resolved that the overture proponed was not to be refused so as certain cautions were added which were condescended to in manner following First That the Moderators of Presbyteries and Provinciall Assemblies should not presume to doe any thing of themselves without the advice and consent of their brethren 2 That they should use no further jurisdiction nor power then Moderators have been in use of by the constitutions of the Church 3 If it should happen the Moderatours to be absent at any time from these meetings it should be in the power of Synods and Presbyteries to nominate another for moderating in their absence 4 When the place of a Moderatour in any Presbyterie should be void the election of one to succeed should be made by the whole Synod with consent of his Majesties Commissioner 5 If any of the Moderatours should depart this life betwixt Assemblies it should be lawfull to the Presbyteries to nominate one of the most grave and worthy of their number for the place unto the meeting of the next Synod 6 That the Moderatours of the Presbyteries should be subject to the tryall and censure of the Synod and in case they usurped any further power over the brethren then is given them by the Assembly the same should be a cause of deprivation from their Office of Moderation and they deprived thereof by the said Synods 7 In like manner the Moderatour of the Provinciall Assembly should be tried and censured by the generall Assembly and in case he was found remiss or to have usurped any further power then the simple place of a Moderatour he should be deprived therefore by the generall Assembly 8 That the Moderatours of every Presbyterie and Synod with their Scribes should be astricted to be present
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
King recommended as fit persons were passed by as men suspected and others named who stood worse affected to his Majesties service Another question they made for admitting the Officers of State refusing to admit any but the Chancellor Thesaurer and Clerk of the Rolls This being long and sharply debated was in end agreed by the admission of the whole number Among these Articles proponed the first was of his Majesties authority in causes Ecclesiasticall concerning which it was desired to be enacted That whatsoever conclusion was taken by his Majesty with advice of the Archbishops and Bishops in matters of externall policy the same should have the power and strength of an Ecclesiasticall law The Bishops interceding did humbly intreat that the Article might be better considered for that in making of Ecclesiasticall laws the advice and consent of Presbyters was also required The King replying That he was not against the taking of Ministers their advice and that a competent number of the most grave and learned among them should be called to assist the Bishops but to have matters ruled as they have been in your Generall Assemblies I will never agree for the Bishops must rule the Ministers and the King rule both in matters indifferent and not repugnant to the Word of God So the Article passed in this form That whatsoever his Majesty should determine in the externall government of the Church with the advice of the Archbishops Bishops and a competent number of the Ministery should have the strength of a law This coming to the Ministers ears they began to stirre as if the whole Rites and Ceremonies of England were to be brought upon them without their consents whereupon the Ministers that were in Town were called together and warned to be quiet for that such a generall Act did not lay upon them any bond and if any particular was urged the same should be communicated to them and nothing concluded without their consents It was further told them that there would not be wanting informations enough to stirre them up unto unquietness but they should doe well not to irritate his Majesty whom they knew to be a gracious Prince and one that would hear reason and give way to the same This they did all promise yet upon the suggestion of some discontented people the very next day Mr. William Struthers one of the Ministers of Edinburgh did unhappily break out in his Sermon upon these matters condemning the Rites received in the Church of England and praying God to save Scotland from the same This reported to the King by some of the English Doctors that were his hearers he became greatly incensed But the Ministers not contented with this did the same day in the afternoon tumultuously convene and form a Protestation in the words following Most gracious and dread Soveraign most honourable Lords and remanent Commissioners of this present Parliament We the Ministers of Christs evangel being here convened from all the parts of this your Majesties Kingdome doe in all reverence and submission intreat your Majesties and honours patient and favourable hearing of this our reasonable and humble supplication And first it will please your Highness honorable Estates presently convened to be informed that we are here a number of the Ministery out of all the parts of the Kingdome and that the Bishops have protested to a great many of us since our coming that nothing should be agreed nor consented unto by them in this present Parliament in matters concerning the discipline order of the Church without our knowledge and advice affirming that neither we nor they have any power to consent to any novation or smallest change of the order established without the advice of the Generall Assembly whereupon we resting in security have received a sudden report of an Article to passe for a law in the Parliament decerning and declaring that your Majesty with the advice of the Archbishops and Bishops and such a competent number of the Ministery as your Majesty out of your wisdome should think expedient shall in all time coming have full power to advise and conclude all matters of decency and which any way may concern the policy of the Church And that such conclusions shall have the strength and power of laws Ecclesiasticall wherein it will please your Majesty and honourable Estates to hear our own just griefs and to consider our reasonable desires and not to put us your Majesties humble subjects to that poor and simple part of protestation Which if remedy be not provided we shall be forced to use for the freedome of our Church and discharge of our consciences We then first plead our reformation and that the purity of our Church in doctrine ministration of the sacraments discipline and all convenient order with the best reformed Churches in Europe hath been acknowledged rather as a pattern to be followed of others then that we should seek our reformation from those that never attained to that perfection which we by the mercy of God this long time past have enjoyed under your Highness protection Next we plead the liberty of our Church which by the laws of your Majesties Kingdome and divers Acts of Parliament is established with power of publick meetings and annuall Assemblies and allowance to make Canons and constitutions such as may serve for the comely order thereof all which by this conclusion that is intended will be utterly overthrown Thirdly we plead for the peace and tranquillity of our Church that being nearest the Divine and Apostolicall institution hath lived without schisme and rent in the self and by introduction of any novelty against order may be miserably divided and so our peace broken Fourthly we have been at divers times sufficiently secured from all suspicions of innovation and specially by your Majesties Letter sent down this last Winter to take away all fear of any alteration which might arise upon your Majesties lovingly intended journey which Letter by your Majesties speciall will and direction of your Highness Councell was intimated in pulpits as also by that Proclamation given out the 26 of September 1616 when rumours of an intended conformity with the Church of England were dispersed whereby your Majesty sufficiently avoided all such suspicion and setled the hearts of honest men in a confidence that no such thing should be attempted These and many other reasons have moved us in all reverence by this our humble supplication to entreat your Highness and honourable Estates not to suffer the aforenamed Article or any other prejudiciall to our former liberties to passe at this time to the grief of this poor Church that the universall hope of thousands in this land who rejoiced at your Majesties happy arrivall be not turned into mourning wherein as we we are earnest supplicants to God to incline your Majesties heart this way as the most expedient for the honour of God and well of your subjects so if we shall be frustrated of this our
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 Bohemâa 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
with matters exceeding the capacities of people The King offending with these rumours which he heard were dispersed in both Kingdoms took occasion in a Parliament assembled about that time in England to speak to them and say I understand that I am blamed for not executing the laws made against Papists but ye should know that a King and his laws are not unfitly compared to a rider and his horse the spurre is sometime to be used but not alwaies the bridle is sometimes to be held in at other times to be let loose as the rider finds cause just so a King is not at all times to put in execution the rigour of his laws but he must for a time and upon just grounds dispense with the same as I protest to have done in the present case and to have connived only for a time upon just cause howbeit not known to all If any man for the favour shewed to a Priest or Papist will judge me to be inclining that way he wrongs me exceedingly My words and writings and actions have sufficiently demonstrated what my resolution is in all matters of Religion Some mo words to this purpose he uttered in that meeting but in a Letter directed to the Councel of Scotland he was somewhat more rough finding fault with those that presumed to censure his proceedings and commanding them to take an exact triall of such as had broken out into any such insolencies either in word or deed and to punish them severely according to the laws This was not well published when the news of the Princes journey to Spain made all good men amazed for hearing that he was gone accompanied only with the Duke of Buckingham and another servant the fear of inconveniences that might befall his person did mightily trouble them But it pleased God both in his going and returning safely to conduct and protect him The occasion and successe of that journey I shall shortly relate A match had been treating of a long time betwixt the Prince and a Daughter of Spain which received many hinderances both at home and in that Court but it being thought that the delaies made in these parts would be easily removed by the presence of the Prince himself whereof great hopes were given by Gundamar the Spanish Ambassadour the King gave way to the journey as hoping by this mean to have the Palatinate freed from the vexations of warre and a generall peace established throughout Christendome Thus the Prince accompanied in manner aforesaid departly secretly from Court and landing at Callais went through France undiscovered and after a few daies came safely to the Court of Spain At his coming he was kindly received and welcomed with divers courtly Complements but found a greater strangeness then he expected for although he was still kept in hope of the Match yet he was not permitted to visit the Lady but upon condition to speak in such and such terms and no otherwise Afterward they began to move him touching his Religion desiring he should conferre with some Divines for that he could not have the Infanta to wife unlesse he was converted and became a Roman Catholick The Prince replying That he would not change his Religion for such a worldly respect nor would he enter in conference with any Divines to that purpose for if they did not prevaile with him it would breed a greater discontent It was then told him that he must attend till a dispensation was procured from Rome and that in the mean time be should be entertained as a Prince but not as a Sutor This Dispensation being returned which had in it a condition that the King of Spain should take oath to obtain the King of Britains consent unto certain demands concerning Religion there was a letter therewith sent from Pope Gregory the 15th to the Prince wherein after many fair and plausible words he said that as Pope Gregory was the first that induced the people of England to submit themselves to the See Apostolick so he bearing the same name and being his equall in the height of dignity though inferiour to him in vertue and holiness desired nothing more then to follow his pattern and promove the health and happiness of that Kingdome the rather because his peregrination at that time had given such hopes of an happy success for since he was arrived in Spain and at the Court of the Catholick King with a desire to joyn in mariage with the house of Austria which intention he greatly commended he could not believe that he did really desire the Match and in heart abhorre the Catholick Religion and seek to ruine the holy See of Rome Then falling to a prayer he besought God the Father of lights to advance him the most fair flower of the Christian world and the only hope of Great Britain to that noble inheritance which his illustrious progenitours had gained by the defence of the Apostolick authority and the suppression of the monsters of all heresies Towards the end of the Letter willing him to call to minde the antient times ând make his prayers to his ancestors that they would vouchsafe to teach him the way by which they went to heaven he askt how he could with patience hear the hereticks call them damned whom the Catholick faith doth testifie to reign in heaven and to dwell exalted above all the Princes of the earth In end returning to his supplications he said that the Catholick Church Roman stretching forth her armes to embrace him with all affection as her most desired son he could not perform any thing of greater comfort to the Nations of Christendome then to bring again the profession of that most noble Island to the Prince of the Apostles whereof he could not despaire his hopes being set on God in whose hands are the hearts of Kings c. This Letter given at Rome in the Palace of S. Peter the 20 of April 1623 and in the third year of his Apostolate was delivered to the Prince about the midst of May which he received courteously thanking the Pope for his good affection Thereafter understanding that the Dispensation was granted he pressed the performance of the Marriage but was answered That the Conditions must first be fulfilled and the Articles concerning the Infanta her liberty of profession when she came into England and the education of her Children if God should grant her any by him drawn up in form These Articles being advised by a Commission of Divines were sent into England and shortly after returned signed with his Majesties hand and approved by the Councell And now it was thought there should be no more delaies used but other excuses were forged as that it was not fitting the Infanta should go to England before the business of the Parliament was setled and that these Articles must be sent to Rome and allowed by the Pope The Prince perceiving that there was nothing really intended on the King of Spain his
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 placeâs 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 affiâmed 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
But agreeth with the Iewes 13 Augustine the Monk endevoureth to perswade the Saxons in Britain to observe Easter according to the Roman account but they refuse 12 A dispute held in England in Yorkshire concerning the computation of Easter between a Scottishman a Bishop and the abettors of the Roman Church 15 A Member of the Scottish Church excommunicated is absolved by the Archbishop of Canterbury with the content of the Church of Scotland 527 The tryall of the Earl of Somerset 525 The Earl of Essex his death and the cause 463 Edinburgh Castle surrendred by the Queens party 271 The Town having maintained tumults against the King submit themselves 432 Elizabeth Queen of England is styled an Atheist by the Ministers of Scotland in their sermons 419 423 The marriage of the Lady Elizabeth with the Palsgrave 19 Excommunication of persons of capitall crimes if they are fugitives forbidden 517 A Member of the Scottish Church excommunicated is absolved by the Archbishop of Canterbury to the content of the Scottish Ministers 527 F FAst one fasteth fourty daies without any the least kinde of food another time thirty daies 69 Francis II of France husband to Mary Stewart Queen of Scots dâeth 69 H PRince Henry baptized 406 His death 510 The death of Iames Marquiss of Hamilton 546 I IReland Patrick a Scot converteth that Nation 8 Ignorance Some Priests so ignorant as that they thought the New Testament written by Luther 76 Iames VI. born 196 Baptized according to the rites of the Roman Church 197 His Father attempted by poyson ibid. His Father murthered by Bothwell 200 Crowned in the Church of Striveling being thirteen moneths old Some Lords rebel against him at Edinb 287 He is offended at some proceedings of the Church and does not favour them much 308 Surprised by a combination of Nobles and sequestred from the Duke of Lennox 321 Temporiseth with the Church 322 He appointeth a feast for the entertainment of the French Ambassador the Ministers to cross him on the same day appoint a fast 322 A promise made in time of restraint he judgeth not obliging 327 He giveth clear testimony of the care of the Church 347 A letter written by Walsingham to perswade the King to pass by the revenge of his Mothers death 359 An offer made by an English Ambassador and accordingly done to bring a Declaration signed by all the Judges in England to shew that the sentence against his Mother did not invalidate his right 365 Married to the King of Denmarks daughter 377 Goeth in person to Norway 377 Giveth directions for government in his absence 378 Bringeth his Queen to Scotland 380 Bothwells plot to surprise him discovered and prevented 386 He is surprised by Bothwell 394 He writeth an Epitaph on the death of his Chancellour 411 His just complaint against the petulancy of Churchmen 419 Publisheth his ãâã ãâã ãâã ãâã ãâã 455 Gowry's conspiracy against him 457 A letter written to him from the Councel and Nobility of England 473 Crowned at Westminster 478 He would never hang Priests of the Roman profession onely for their Religion 523 He foretelleth his own death therefore not likely to be poisoned 546 He died of an Hemitritaea a disease very dangerous for the aged 546 A Witch had not power to kill him 383 K KIngs Iohn Knox his opinion concerning deposing them for ill-government 137 Reasons why they are not to be punished by their Subjects ibid. The Scots cannot resolve to arraign their Queen 214 The Assembly of the Church protest against the Kings judging in Causes Ecclesiastical the Councel of State reject their Protestation 318 A Minister of Scotland affirmeth in his Sermon that it is lawful for Subjects to take arms against their King 430 Rebellion of the Subjects if they succeed not advance the Soveraignty 432 Conspiracies against Princes not thought true unless they are slain 460 Colman a Scottish Bishop disswadeth the Nobility of Scotland from deposing their King 19 Knox his death 266 Proved that he was not the Author of the book published in his name under the title of the History of Scotland 267 A form of Church policy drawn up by him 152. L LAws Malcolm repealeth that wicked Law of Eugenius III which appointed the first night of the new married woman to belong to the Lord of the ground 29 Lollards Articles of Religion taught by them 61 The Earl of Lennox Grandfather to Iames VI and Regent slain in fight 256 The Lord Aubigny Earl and after Duke of Lennox embraceth the Protestant faith 308 He dieth in the Protestant Religion 324 M JOhn Maior Hector Boeth Gilbert Crab William Gregory learned men lived in Scotland A. D. 1539. 68 The Earl of Murray Regent of Scotland murthered 233 Earl of Marre Regent of Scotland dieth a natural death 264 The Earl of Morton then Regent his covetousness and sacrilege 271 Executed upon suspicion that he consented to the murther of the Father of Iames VI 314 Rabanus Maurus born in Scotland 22 O OAths The Catholicks are dispensed from Rome to profess or swear against their Religion so as in minde they continued firm and laboured secretly in promoting the Roman faith 308 Ordination One Bruce being to be made Minister of a Parish in Edinburgh refuseth Ordination 451 Had preached many years before without Ordination ibid. Ordination by Presbyters in case of necessity that it is lawful 514 The death of Sir Thomas Overbury 514 P PRiests called Culdees and why 4 Pope his league not suffered to enter into Scotland 43 The Clergy will acknowledge no Statute imposed upon them by the Legate 45 A Collection demanded by the Pope denied and the Legate not permitted to enter the Realm ibid. VRbane IV. ordained that every Bishop and Abbat elect of Scotland should travail to Rome for consecration 46 A Councel held at Lyons by the Pope the Acts thereof ibid. The King of Scotland refuseth to stand to the Popes judgement 50 One thousand two hundred Monks refuse to receive the rites of Rome and are all slain 12 Prayer A great question arose among the Churchmen whether the Pater noster were to be said to the Saints or God only Protestants the Queen Regent Dowager of Iames V. dieth in the faith of Protestants 146 The Queen of England contriveth a counter-league against the Holy league made in France for the extirpation of Protestants 389 The Articles of that League 349 Election of Ministers by the People discharged by authority in Scotland 545 The same Portent interpreted to contrary significations 542 Presbyters excluded from intermedling with the making of Ecclesiastical laws in Scotland 531 Ordination by them in case of necessity is lawfull 514 The marriage of the Palsgrave with the Lady Elizabeth 519 The history of the Powder-treason 491 This conspiracy carried on in secrecy a whole year 492 R ROme one thousand two hundred Monks refuse to receive the rites of the Roman Church and are all slain 12 A ploâto reintroduce the Roman religion 390
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 wâth 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 Bârons 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
with the Citizens of Glasgow the Harquebusiers were planted in the Village beneath and within the hedges upon the high-way Before the joyning both sides played with their Ordinance upon others but the advantage was on the Regents part the Queens Canoniers being forced to quit their munition His Cavalrie on the other side being much inferiour to the Queens was compelled to give ground but when they entered upon the foot thinking to put them in disorder the Archers from the Regents side rained such a shower of arrowes upon them as they could not hold up their faces and were forced to turn back The left wing of the Queens Army advancing it self in the mean while howbeit greatly annoyed by the Harquebusiers that beat them in the strait on both sides got into the plain and displayed it self Then did the Armies joyn and enter into a hot fight striving in thick ranks to maintain their places and by force of spears to break and bear down one another for the space of half an hour and more the fight continued doubtful and so eagerly they strove that they whose spears were broke stood throwing their poynards stones and what came readiest to their hands in the faces of their adversaries The Regents second battel perceiving that none came against them and fearing the other should be overlaid for they saw some in the last ranks recoiling went unto their aid whereupon the Queens Army gave back and so were put to rout The Regent and those on his side shewed great manhood all their hopes consisting in the victory nor were his enemies any lesse couragious but the advantage of the ground were to those of his part no small help There were not many slain on the place most of the slaughter being made in the chace and unlesse the Regent had with his presence wheresoever he came and by sending horse into all parts stayed the fury of those that pursued the victory had been much more bloody The Queen who stood a mile off from the battel on a litle height perceiving the field lost made towards the borders The rest that escaped fled the readiest way they could find every man to his own home The number of the slain was about 300. many were taken prisoners amongst whom the most eminent the Lords of Seaton and Ross the Masters of Cassils and Eglington Sir Iames Hamilton of Avendale and the Sheriffes of Aire and Linlithgow Of the Regents side one only was slain the Lords Home and Ochiltrie wounded All the rest a few excepted that followed the chace too farre returned with him to Glasgow where they went first to Church and gave thanks to God for the victory they had obtained almost without any effusion of blood This conflict happened upon the 13th of May. the eleventh day after her escape from Lochlevin The French Ambassadour who had conceived an assured hope of her prevailing perceiving things fall out otherwise took horse and made away to England not once saluting the Regent to whom as he pretended he was sent By the way he fell in the hands of some robbers that rifled all his baggage which the Laird of Drumlanrig for the respects he carried to the title of an Ambassadour caused to be restored The rest of that day the Regent bestowed in taking order with the prisoners some he freely dimitted others upon surety but the Principals were detained they especially of the Surname of Hamilton and committed to several prisons The next day taking with him 500. horse he rode unto Hamilton and had the Castle thereof with the house of Draffan another strong hold belonging to the Duke rendered in his hands Such a terrour this defeat wrought that the whole inhabitants of Cluid did relinquish and forsake their houses upon the like fear did the Queen against the counsel of her best friends take Sea at Kirkcadbright and sail into England landing at Wirkinton in Cumberland near to the mouth of the river Derwent from which place she sent a letter to Queen Elizabeth declaring that she was come into her Kingdome upon hope of aid and assistance from her requesting she might be conducted to her with all speed because of her present distresse Iohn Beaton one of her domesticks was some days before sent with the Diamond she had received from the Queen of England for a token of kindnesse to signify her purpose of coming into England if she should be further pursued by her subjects who did shortly return with large promises of love and kindnesse if she should happen to come But as soon as her coming was known the directions sent by Sir Francis Knowles were not so loving for by him she was desired to go unto Carlile as a place of more safety whither the Lieutenant of the countrey should conduct her and stay there till the Queen was informed of the equity of her cause This direction did much displease her and then began she to see her errour but seeming to take all in good part she sent the Lord Hereis to intreat the Queen for an hearing in her own presence where she might both clear her self and shew how injuriously she had been dealt with by those whom at her intercession she had recalled from exile or if that could not be obtained to crave that she might be permitted to depart forth of England and not detained as a prisoner seeing she came willingly thither in confidence of her kindnesse often promised and confirmed as well by letters as messages Queen Elizabeth moved with these speeches said that she would send to the Regent and desire him to stay all proceeding against the subjects that stood in her defence till matters were brought to an hearing For the Regent at the same time had called a Parliament to the 25. of Iune for proceeding against those that had accompanied the Queen in the fields by course of law They of the Queens faction were in the mean time preparing to hinder the meeting and when as the Diet drew near the Earl of Argile with his forces met Lord Claude Hamilton at Glasgow the Earl of Huntley brought from the North 1000. foot with as many horsemen almost and came as farre as Perth but was not permitted to crosse the river of âay the channels and passages being all guarded by the Lord Ruthven and such in those quarters as maintained the Kings authority So being forced to return home the Earl of Argile and other Lords not seeing how they could hinder the meeting of the Parliament dissolved their companies and returned to their own countrey At this time came the letters promised by the Queen of England whereby the Regent was desired to delay the Parliament and not to precipitate the giving of sentence in these matters till she was rightly informed of the whole cause But the Regent considering that the delay of the Parliament would be constructed to proceed of fear resolved to keep the Diet. At the meeting it was long disputed
passe out of the fields as suspected of the Kings murther till the same might be tried and that she would go with them and follow the counsell of the Nobility which if she would do they would honour serve and obey her as their Princess and Soveraign whereunto her Majesty for the love she bare unto her subjects and to avoid the effusion of Christian blood did willingly assent In verification whereof the said Laird of Grange took the Earl of Bothwell at the same time by the hand and willed him to depart giving his word that no man should pursue him So as nothing is more clear then that he passed away by their own consents for if they had been minded against him only would they not have pursued him so long as he was in the Countrey for he remained a great space after that in his own house and might more easily have been taken there then upon the Seas where they in a coloured manner did pursue him Hereby said they may all men of found judgement perceive that they cared not what became of him if so they might advance their own ambitious purposes and designes Thirdly where she is charged to have used them with threats and menacings that they said was not to be thought strange considering their undutiful behaviour and the rude and vile usage her Majesty suffered by them For when the Earl of Morton at her highnesse first coming to them had reverently as it became him said Madame here is the place where your grace should be and we will honour and serve you as truly as ever the Nobility of the Realm did any of your progenitors in former times ratifying thereby the promise made by the Laird Grange in their names to her Majesty and that she trusting their speeches had gone with him to Edinburgh they first lodging her in a simple Burgesse house and contrary to their promises did most rudely intreat her whereupon she sent Lethington her Secretary and made offer unto them that for any thing wherewith they or any of the subjects were offended she was content the same should be reformed by the Nobility and the Estates of the Realm her Highnesse being present and permitted to answer for her self yet would they not hearken once to the motion but in the night secretly and against her will carried her to Lochivin and put her in prison As to that they say that she wearied with the molestations of government did make a voluntary resignation of the Kingdom in favours of the Prince her sonne appointing the Earl of Murray his Regent during his minority The falshood thereof did as they said many ways appear For first her Majesty is neither decayed by age nor weakned by sicknesse but praised be God both in mind and body able to discharge the most weighty affairs As also the truth is that the Earl of Athol the Lairds of Tullibardin and Lethington who were of their Councel sent Robert Melvil with a ring and some other tokens to her Majesty advising her to subscrive the letters of resignation and what else should be presented unto her to save her own life and avoid the death which was assuredly prepared for her if she should happen to refuse the same and at the same time the said Gentleman did bring unto her Majesty a letter written by Sir Nicholas Throgmorton Ambassadour of England requesting her Highnesse to set her hand to whatsoever they should desire of her To whom her Majesty answered that she would follow his counsel praying him to declare to her dearest sister the Queen of England how she was used by her subjects and that the resignation of the Crown made by her was extorted by fear which her Highnesse doubted not but the said Nicholas performed Further it is notorious that the Lord Lindesay at the presenting of the letters of resignation unto her Majesty did menace to put her in close prison if she refused to put her hand to the same adding that in that case worse would shortly follow and that her Highnesse never looked what was in the writings presented but signed the same with many tears protesting that if ever she should recover her liberty she would disavow that which he compelled her at that time to do And to testify that the said resignation was made against her will the Laird of Lochlevin who was then her Keeper refused to subscrive it as witnesse and did obtain a Testificat under her Majesties own hand declaring that he refused to be present at the said resignation Neither can that renuciation be sustained by any reason considering that no portion of Revenue was reserved for her to live upon neither was her liberty granted or any security given her of her life All which weighed in the ballance of reason will to men of indifferent judgement make manifest that the alledged dimission so unlawfully procured can never prejudge her Majesty in her Royal estate especially considering that at her first escape out of prison she did revoke the same and in the presence of a great part of the Nobility at Hamilton by a solemn oath declared that what she had done was by compulsion and upon just cause of her life For the Coronation of her Highnesse son they said that the same was most unorderly done because there being in the Realm above an hundred Earls Bishops and Lords having voice in Parliament of whom the greatest part at least ought to have consented thereto it being an Action of such consequence four Earls and six Lords the same that were present at her apprehension with one Bishop and two or three Abbots and Priors were only assisting and of the same number some did put in a protestation that nothing then done should prejudge the Queen or her successor by reason she was at that time a captive Nor can any man think that if the dimission had been willingly made her Highnesse she would ever have nominated the Earl of Murray Regent there being many others more lawful and that have better right thereto then he of whom some have been governours of the Realm in former times and during her Majesties minority had worthily exerced that place It is to as little purpose that they object of the Parliament and the ratification made therein Seeing the principalls of the Nobility disassented and put in their protestations both to the Lords of the Articles and in the open Parliament against their proceedings affirming that they would never agree to any thing that might hurt the Queens Majesties person her Crown and Royall estate further then her Highnesse self being at liberty would freely approve Lastly where they would have it seen that the authority established by them was universally obeyed in the Realm and all things well and justly administred both these are alike untrue for a great part of the Nobility have never acknowledged another authority then that of the Queen keeping and holding their Courts in her Majesties name And for the administration of affairs it
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
touching his complices taking all the blame upon himself and professing he had done it for Religion and Conscience sake Speaking of the King he denyed him to be his Soveraign or anointed of God in regard he was an heretick and that it was no sin to cut him off This was his behaviour at first but being conveighed to the Tower and the Rack presented he laid open the whole matter of conspiracy and confessed the truth There were in the City at that time Catesby Percy Tho Winter Francis Tresham and the younger Wright who hearing that all was disclosed made away to the Countrey appointing to meet the next morning at Dunchurch in Warwickshire Digbyes lodging Iohn Graunt with some Recusants that he had associated to himself had broke up the same night a stable of Bourch a Rider of great horses and carried away seven or eight belonging to certain Noblemen of the Countrey for he did think the conspiracy had taken effect and was preparing to surprise the Lady Elizabeth whose residence was not farre from the place But within a few hours Catesby Percy and the others that were fled from London bringing assurance that all was failed they resolved upon a publick rebellion and pretending the quarrell of Religion laboured to draw some companies together yet when they had gathered all their forces they did not exceed fourscore in all Sir Fulk Grevill Lieutenant deputy of Warwickshire hearing of the riot that Grant had committed and apprehending it to be the beginning of a Rebellion sent to advertise the Towns about and warned them to be on their gaurd The Sheriffes of the County convening the people likewise in armes pursued them from shire to shire Sir Richard Walch the Sheriffe of Worcestershire having tryed where they had taken harbour sent a Trumpet and Messenger to command them to render unto him in his Majesties name promising to intercede for their lives But they hearing their fault to be unpardonable returned answer that he had need of better assistants then the numbers that accompanied him before he could either command or compell them The Sheriffe provoked by their arrogant answer prepared to assail the house And they making defence it happened that a spark of fire falling among some powder which they were drying did kindle and blew up the same wherewith their hands faces and sides were sore scorched and burnt as they lost courage and opening the gate exposed themselves to the peoples fury Catesby Percy and Tho. Winter joyning backs and resolving rather to dye then to be taken the two first were killed with one shot the other after some wounds made prisoner the two Wrights were killed Rockwood Grant Digby and Bates were taken Tresham had stayed at London and changing his lodging thought to lurk till he he should find occasion to escape by sea but was in end found out So were Robert Winter and one Littleton and all of them committed to the Tower of London Being examined Thomas Winter ingenuously confessed all setting down the particulars under his hand and acknowledging the offence to be greater then could be forgotten Digby excused the crime by the despair they were driven unto having hopes given them at the Kings first coming to the Crown that the Catholicks should have the exercise of their Religion permitted which being denyed they had taken these wicked courses Tresham in his confession named Garnet the Jesuit as privy to the conspiracy but afterwards by his wives instigation did deny it affirming that he had wronged him and not seen him once these sixteen years Yet Garnet being apprehended some moneths after confessed that they met divers times within the last half year Tresham dyed in the prison the rest were put to the triall of a Jury and condemned Digby Grant Robert Winter and Thomas Bates were executed at the western gate of S. Pauls in the end of Ianuary Thomas VVinter Ambrose Rockwood Robert Keys and Guido Faulks who had wrought at the myne suffered in like sort in the Court near the Parliament house This was the end of that conspiracy the like whereof in no mans memory hath been heard We have heard of Kings treacherously killed of practises against Estates and Common-wealths but such a Monster of conspiracies as Thuan calls it no Country nor age did ever produce The King Queen with their posterity the Nobility Clergy Judges Barons Knights Gentry and in a manner the whole kingdome to be in one moment all destroyed was a wickedness beyond all expression but blessed be God this monster which was long in breeding in the very birth was choaked and smothered The King giving meeting of the Parliament the same day that the conspiracy was discovered made a long speech to the Estates wherein having aggravated the danger by many circumstances and greatly magnified the mercies of God in the discovery when he came to the triall and punishment was observed to keep a marvelous temper in his discourse wishing no innocent person either forain or domestick should receive blame or harm thereby For however said he the blinde superstition of their errors in religion hath been the onely motive of this desperate attempt it must not be thought that all who professe the Roman Religion are guilty of the same for as it is true I keep his Majesties own words that no other sect of Heretick not excepting Turke Iew or Pagan nay not those of Calecut that adore the Devill did ever maintain by the grounds of their religion that it was lawfull and meritorious to murther Princes or people for the quarrell of religion Yet it is as true on the other side that many honest men blinded peradventure with some opinions of Popery as if they be not sound in questions of Reall presence the number of the Sacraments and some such school questions do either not know or not believe at least all the true grounds of Popery which is indeed the Mystery of iniquity and therefore do we justly confess that many Papists especially our forefathers laying their onely trust upon Christ and his merits may be saved detesting in that point and thinking that cruelty of Puritanes worthy of fire that will admit no salvation to any Papists And so concluding that part of his discourse said As upon the one part many honest men seduced with some errors of Popery may yet remain good and faithfull subjects so upon the other part none of those that truly know and believe the whole grounds of Popery can prove either good Christians or faithfull subjects The speech is to be seen amongst his Majesties works and is worthy the reading for wise directions given in that business The news of this conspiracy were speedily advertised to the Councell of Scotland and a command given for a publick thanksgiving in all the Churches for his Majesties deliverance but the cause was left to every mans conjecture albeit the advertisement did bear expresly that the contrivers were Papists and their onely quarrell Religion This being told to the
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
the Church at Edinburgh The Bishop of S. Andrews deprived for the marriage of Huntley The course taken with the imprisoned Lords Advertisement to the King of the marriage with the Queen The King intendeth a journey to Norway * 22. October He leaveth a Declaration under his hand Directions to the Councel The marriage solemnized at vpslo The Earl of Marshals proceedings ratâfied The Kings journey from Norway to Denmark An. 1590. Colonel Stewart sent with ships to the King Penult Martii The King and Queen return to Scotland Bothwel his satisfaction to the Church A difference among the Clergy for anointing the Queen The ceremony of Unction not Jewish The Queens Coronation at Halyrudhouse The Queens entry into Edinburgh The Ministers challenged for permitting Iames Gibson to preach The King offended with the alliance of Morton with Arrol An Assembly of the Church The King Commended to the Assembly the removing of the deadly feuds A trouble betwixt the Earl of Huntley and the Earl of Murray An. 1591. A sorceresse Agnes Samson apprehended Bothwell committed for consulting with witches The Laird of Dun his death Bothwell breaketh his Ward The doom of forfeiture pronounced against him His Majesties Declaration concerning Bothwell Bothwell layeth the blame of his rebellion upon the Chancellor A contest between the Church and Lords of Session Mr. Iohn Graham questioned by the Church The Archbishop of S Andrews his recantation A revocation made in name of the Church A Schisme in the Presbytery of S. Andrews Bothwells attempt upon Halyrudhouse The success of the attempt The Earl of Murray slain at Dunybâissell 7 Feb. 1692. The murther universally ill taken The Lord Ochiltrie maketh defection to Bothwell An. 1592. Petitions in behalf of the Church The first Petition granted and in what manner Bothwells attempt at Falkland Arroll and Collonell Stewart committed Bothwell and his company flyeth The King pursueth and cometh to Edinburgh Nidry taken by the Lord Hamilton and dimitted by his Lady Pardon granted to those that would forsake Bothwell The Lord Spinie delated for practising with the Lord Bothwell Iohn Weymis of Logie committed for his practises with Bothwell escaped A faction made against the Chancellor Troubles in the North betwixt Huntley and the Clanhattan The Earl of Angus imployed in a Commission to the North in November The Earl of Angus imprisoned in the Castle Mr. George Ker his Confession The Earl of Angus denieth the blanks The Kings resolution published for punishing that conspiracy A Meeting of the Mininistery The King his desire proponed to the Meeting An offer made by the Meeting Fintry beheaded An. 1593. The disposition and qualities of Mr. Iohn Graham The Earl of Angus escapeth The houses of the rebels rendered Atholl and Marshall made Lieutenants of the North. * 26. March A message from the Queen of England The Ambassador intercedeth for Bothwell An. 1592. Midst of April An Assembly of the Church at Dundiâ Articles sent by his Majesty to the Church The Assemblies Answer A change of the Mondayes Mercat urged at Edinburgh An. 1593. Sir Robert Melvill sent into England The King surprised by Bothwell The manner of the surprise The Citie in armes Conditions granted to Bothwell by the Ambassadors mediation Articles subscribed by the witnesses The King goeth to Falkland A Convention at Striveling 7. Sept. The Estates finde the Conditions given to Bothwell dishonorable The Prior of Blantyre and sir Robert Melvill directed to Bothwell Bothwell falleth to his wonted forms Atholl coming to Striveling is charged to return home in the beginning of October Montrosse taken by the Lord Home Bothwell denounced Rebell The Popish Lords excommicated by the Synod of Fiâe The King dealeth with with M Robert Bruce to stay the publication of the sentence The Popish Lords meeâing the King at Falaw desire a triall They are commanded to enter themselves in Perth Petitions of the Church sent to the King at Iedburgh The Conference betwixt his Majesty and the Commissioners of the Church The assembly resolved to keep the Diet appointed for the Lords trial A Proclamation inhibiting all convocations A Convocation of the Estates Certain of the Estates selected to judge of the Lords offers Conclusion taken touching the Popish Lords Troubles betwixt the Maxwells and the Iohnstons Iohnston preventeth the Lord Maxwell and killeth Captain Oliphant Maxwell invadeth Annandale The Lord Maxwell killed 6. December The Lord Here is and Barons of the Countrey appointed to remain at Drumfreis A Convention of the Estates The Popish Lords declared to have lost the benefit of Abolition An. 1594. The Queen delivered of a son at Striveling The Lord Souche Ambassadour from England Mr. Andrew Hunter Minister waiteth upon Bothwell as his Chaplain Bothwell prepareth of new to invade the King The Ambassadours dealing with Bothwell discovered The Roade of Leith The King Commanded the people to Arm. Bothwell removeth from Leith The Conflict betwixt Bothwell and Hume The Lord Colvill and Mr. Edward Bruce directed to England The Kings letter to the Queen of England The Commission given to the Ambassadours The Queen of Englands answer The Queen dischargeth Bothwell his resset in England An Assembly of the Church Petitions directed from the Church to the King A Remonstrance of the perills threatned to Religion The remedies of the dangers The Lord Hume reconciled to the Church Instructions sent from the King to the Church and Assembly A Parliament wherein the Lords are forfeited An. 1595. The bond betwixt the Popish Lords and Balwery exhibited Sir Iames Duglas of Spot excommunicated An. 1695. An assembly of the Church at Montrose Articles sent from the King to the Assembly An. 1595. The Assemblies answer The Queen seeketh to have the Prince in custody The King diverteth her from that course The Kings letter to the Earl of Marre for receiving the Prince The Chancellor contracteth sickness and dieth The Kings letter to the Chancellor The Chancellor his qualities His Epitaph written by the King Great death of Corns and great bloodshed in the Countrey David Forester Citizen of Striveling treacherously betrayed A Commission to eight of the Councel to rule the Exchequer The tenor of the Commission The King his promise to the Commissioners The Commissioners make faith Exception taken at the ampleness of the Commissioners The Commissioners possesse themselves with offices of Estate An. 1596. William Armstrong called Will of Kinmouth taken Prisoner The Laird of Baclugh complaineth of the breach of truce No satisfaction made Baclugh sets the Prisoner at liberty The Castle of Carlile surprised and the Prisoner freed The Queen of England greatly offended with the enterprise This matter debated in Councell The trouble quieted by Baclugh in England Col. Stewart design'd Lieutenant for the Isles An Assembly of the Church at Edinburgh A search of the causes of the present fear of invasion A new Covenant made by the Ministers for abiding to the profession of the truth and living according to the same Advice for resisting the enemies of