short discourse of the four Empires The Babylonian The Persian That of the Greekes And the fourth of the Romanes in the destruction whereof rose up that last Beast which he affirmed to be the Romane Church for to none other power that ever hath yet beene do all the notes that God hath shewed to the Prophet appertain except to it alone And unto it they do so properly appertaine that such as are not more then blinde may cleerly see them But before he began to open the corruptions of Papistrie he defined the true Church shewed the true notes of it whereupon it was built why it was the Pillar of Verity and why it could not erre to wit Because it heard the voyce of the onely Pastor JESUS CHRIST would not heare a stranger neither would be carried with every winde of Doctrine Every one of these heads sufficiently declared he entred to the contrary and upon the notes given in his Text he shewed that the Spirit of God in the new Testament gave to this King other new names to wit The man of sin The Antichrist The Whore of Babilon He shewed That this man of sin or Antichrist was not to be restrained to the person of any one man onely no more then by the fourth Beast was to be understood the person of any one Emperour But by such names the Spirit of God would forewarne his chosen of a body and a multitude having a wicked head which should not onely be sinfull himself but also should be occasion of sin to all that should be subject unto him as Christ Jesus is the cause of Justice to all the Members of his Body and is called the Antichrist that is to say One contrary to Christ because that he is contrary to him in Life Doctrine Lawes and Subjects And there began to decipher the lives of divers Popes and the lives of all the Shavelings for the most part Their Doctrine and Lawes he plainly proved to repugne directly to the Doctrine and Lawes of God the Father and of Christ Jesus his Son This he proved by conferring the Doctrine of Justification expressed in the Scriptures which teach that man is justified by Faith onely That the blood of Iesus Christ purgeth us from all our sinnes And the Doctrine of the Papists which attribute Justification to the works of the Law yea to the works of mens inventions as Pilgrimage Pardons and other such baggage That the Papisticall lawes repugned to the Lawes of the Gospel he proved by the Lawes made of observation of dayes abstaining from meats and from Marriage which Christ Jesus made free and the forbidding whereof Saint Paul calleth the doctrine of devils In handling the notes of that Beast given in the Text he willed men to consider if these notes There shall another rise unlike to the other having a mouth speaking great things and blasphemous could be applyed unto any other but to the Pope and his kingdome For if these said he be not great words and blasphemous The Head of the Church most holy most blessed that cannot erre That can make right of wrong and wrong of right That of nothing can make somewhat And that had all verity in the Shrine of his brest yea That had power of all and none power of him Nay not to say That he doth wrong although he draw ten thousand Millions of souls with himself to hell If these said he and many other easie to be showne in his own Cannon-Law be not great and blasphemous words and such as never mortall men spake before let the world judge And yet said he is there one most evident of all to wit Iohn in his Revelation sayes That the Merchandise of that Babylonian Harlot among other things shall be the bodies and souls of men Now let very Papists themselves judge If any before them took upon them power to relax the pains of them that were in Purgatory as they affirme to the people that daily they do by the merits of their Masse and of their other trifles In the end he said If any here and there were present Master Iohn Maire the University the Sub-Prior and many Cannons with some Friers of both the Orders that will say That I have alleadged Scripture Doctor or History otherwise then it is written let them come unto me with sufficient witnesse and by conference I shall let them see not onely the Originall where my Testimonies are written but I shall prove That the Writers meant as I have spoken Of this Sermon which was the first that ever Iohn Knox made in publike was divers brutes Some said He not onely hewes the branches of Papistry but he strikes at the root also to destroy the whole Others said If the Doctors and Magistri nostri defend not now the Pope and his Authority which in their own presence is so manifestly impugned the devill may have my part of him and of his Lawes both Others said Master George Wischarde spake never so plainly and yet he was burnt even so will he be In the end others said The Tyranny of the Cardinall made not his cause the better neither yet the suffering of Gods servant made his cause the worse And therefore we would counsell you and them to provide better defences then fire and sword for it may be that else ye will be disappointed men now have other eyes then they had then This answer gave the Laird of Nydrie a man fervent and upright in Religion The bastard Bishop who yet was not execrated consecrated the Sub-Prior of S. Andrews who Sede vacante was Vicar Generall That he wondered that he suffered such Hereticall and Schismaticall Doctrine to be taught and not to oppose himselfe to the same Upon this rebuke was a convention of gray-Friers and black-Fiends appointed with the said Sub-Prior Deane Iohn Winrame in S. Leonards Yard whereunto was first called Iohn Rough and certain Articles read to him And thereafter was Iohn Knox called for The cause of their convention and why that they were called is expounded And the Articles were read which were these 1. No mortall man can be the head of the Church 2. The Pope is an Antichrist and so is no member of Christs mysticall body 3. Man may neither make nor devise a Religion that is acceptable to God but man is bound to observe and keep the Religion that from God is received without chopping or changing thereof 4. The Sacraments of the New Testament ought to be ministred as they were instituted by Christ Iesus and practised by his Apostles nothing ought to be added unto them nothing ought to be diminished from them 5. The Masse is abominable Idolatry blasphemous to the death of Christ and a prophanation of the Lords Supper 6. There is no Purgatory in the which the soules of men can either be pined or purged after this life But heaven resteth to the faithfull and hell to the reprobate and unfaithfull 7. Praying for the dead
as before God I have a testimonie that I seek not for my selfe but the advancement of Christs Evangell and the comfort of such as whom I know afflicted so shall the godly understand that England in refusing me refuseth a friend how small that ever the power be The mighty Spirit of the Lord Jesus moove your heart deeply to consider your dutie unto God and the estate of that Realme in which by his appointment you now serve From Deepe the 10 of April 1559. Yours to command in godlinesse Iohn Knox. To this Letter was no answer made for shortly the said Iohn Knox made forward to Scotland by sea when he landed the third of May and had such successe as is in the second book declared The said Iohn being in S. Andrews after Cowper-Moore entred in deep discourse with the Laird of Grange the danger is very evident but the support was not easie to be seen After many words Iohn Knox burst forth as followeth If England would foresee their own commodity yea if they would consider the danger wherein themselves stand they would not suffer us to perish in this quarrell for France hath no lesse decreed the conquest of England then of Scotland After long reasoning it was concluded betwixt them two That support should be craved of England And for that purpose the said Laird of Grange first wrote to Sir Henry Percie and after rode from Edinburgh and spake with him to whom he made so plaine demonstration of the danger appearing to England that he tooke upon him to write to Secretarie Cecil who with expedition returned answer back again giving him to understand That our enterprise altogether misliked not the Councell albeit that they desired further resolution of the principall Lords Which thing understood it was concluded to write to him plainely our whole purpose The tenour of our Letter was this The first Letter to Sir William Cecill from the Lords of the Congregation THe contents of a Letter directed by you right Worshipfull to Sir Henry Percie was notified unto us by Master Kirkcaldie of Grange this Sunday the 26 of July By the which we perceive that the said Laird of Grange of zeale and faithfull heart which he beareth to the furtherance of this our great and before the world dangerous enterprise hath travelled with you as with an unfained favourer of Christs true Religion and of the libertie of our Countrey for knowledge of your mindes towards us in case that we be assaulted by any forraigne invasion or greater power then we be well able to resist Your comfortable answer to this question we have considered to our joy and comfort as also your motions and what you demand To wit What the Protestants within this Realme do purpose To what end we mean to direct our actions How we will and how we be able to accomplish the same What doubts we have of any adversary power And finally in case that support should be sent from you What manner of amity might ensue betwixt these two Realmes c. To the which in briefe we answer That our whole and onely purpose as God knoweth is to advance the glory of Christ Jesus the true Preaching of his Gospel within this Realme To remove superstition and all sort of externall Idolatry to bridle to our powers the fury of those that heretofore have cruelly shed the blood of our brethren and to our uttermost to maintaine the liberty of this our Countrey from the tyrannie and thraldome of strangers as God shall assist us How we be able to accomplish these premises is to us unknown onely our hope is good That he that hath begun this good worke in us and hath by his power to this houre confounded the faces of our adversaries will performe the same to his glory which chiefly we seek in this our enterprise Because we suppose That neither our present danger neither yet the warlike preparation which France maketh against us are hid from you nor from the counsell we omit that part As touching the assurance of a perpetuall amity to stand betwixt these two Realmes As no earthly thing of us is more desired so crave we of God to make us the instruments by which this unnaturall debate which long hath continued betwixt us may once be composed to the praise of Gods Name and to the comfort of the faithfull in both Realms And if your wisedoms can foresee and devise the means and assurances how the same may be brought to passe perswade your selves not onely of our consent and assistance but also of our constancy as men can promise unto our lives end Yea farther of charge and commandment by us to be left to our posterity That the Amity betwixt us in God contracted and begun may be by them kept inviolate for ever As for the revolting from you to France which ye seem to fear and suspect at their pleasure we utterly abhorre that infidelity for now doth the voyce of God continually sound in our ears That such as prophane the terrible and reverent Name of God shall not escape vengeance Our Confederacy Amity and League shall not be like the Pactions made by worldly men for worldly profit but as we require it for Gods Cause so will we call upon his Name for the observation of the same Moreover if we should lack any thing in Temporall commodity yet should we never have occasion to returne to them for we now perceive and feel the weight of their yoke and intend by Gods grace to cut away such instruments as by whom this Realme was before abused True it is That as yet we have made no mention of any change in Authority neither yet were we minded to do any such thing till extreme necessity compelleth us thereto But seeing it is now more then evident That France and the Queen Regent here with her Priests pretendeth nothing but the suppressing of Christs Gospel the ruine of us and the subversion of this poor Realme committing our innocency to God and unto the judgement of all godly and wise men we are determined to seek the next remedy in which we heartily require your counsell and assistance And thus farre we have enterprised to make you participant of our purpose because in the said Letters ye required the said Master Kirkcaldie some farther assurance then his owne word or writing which we doubt not but ye shall shortly receive from more then from us We dare not hastily make the Assembly neither of Nobles neither of Barons privie in this Cause for dangers that may ensue by policie and craft of the adversaries your wisdom we doubt not will communicate these onely with such as ye know favourers of such a godly Conjunction It should much help in our opinion if the Preachers both in perswasion and in publike Prayers as ours do here would commend the same unto the people And thus after our most humble commendations to the Queenes Majestie whose
and the other Lords at Glasgow AFter humble commendation of my service Albeit I have written more then once to Master Henry Balnaves what things have misliked me in your slow proceedings as well in supporting your brethren who many dayes have sustained extreame danger in these parts as in making provision how the enemie might have been annoyed who lay few in number nigh to your Quarters in Sterlin And in making likewise provision how the expectation of our friends who long have waited for your answer might have been satisfied Albeit I say that of these things I have before complained yet in conscience I am compelled to signifie unto your Honours That unlesse of these and other enormities I shall see some redresse I am assured That the end shall be such as godly men shall mourne that a good Cause shall perish for lacke of Wisdome and Diligence In my last Letters to Master Henry Balnaves I declared That your especiall friends in England wonder that no greater expedition is made the weight of the matter being considered If the fault be in the Duke and his friends I wrote also That the greatest losse should be his and theirs in the end And now I cannot cease both to wonder and lament That your whole Councell was so destitute of Wisdome and Discretion as to charge this poore man the Priour to come to you to Glasgow and thereafter to go to Carleil for such affaires as are to be handled Was there none amongst you who did foresee what inconveniences might ensue his absence from these parts I cease to speake of the dangers by the enemie Your friends have lyen in your Haven now fifteene dayes past what was their former travell it is not unknowne they have never received comfort of any man him onely excepted more then if they had lyen upon the coast of their mortall enemy Do ye not consider That such a company shall need comfort and provision from time to time Remove him and who abideth there who carefully will travell in that or any other weighty matter in these parts Did ye not farther consider That he that had begun to meddle with the Gentlemen who have declared themselves back-friends heretofore and also that order should have been taken for such as have been neutrall now by reason of his absence the one shall escape without admonition and the other shall be at their own liberty I am assured that the enemy shall not sleep neither in that nor in other affairs to undermine you and your whole Cause and especially to hurt this part of the Countrey to revenge their former folly If none of these former causes should have moved you to have considered that such a journey at such a time was not meet for him neither yet for them that must accompany him yet discreet men would have considered that the men that have lien in their jacks and travelled their horses continuall the space of a moneth required some longer rest first to themselves then but especially to their horses before they had been charged to such a journey as yet they have not had The Priour may for satisfaction of your unreasonable mindes enterprise the purpose but I am assured he shall not be able to have six honest men in all Fyfe to accompany him and how that either standeth with your Honors or with his safety judge ye your selves But yet wonder it is that ye did not consider To what pain and griefe shall ye put our friends of England especially the Duke of Norfolk and his Councell whom ye shall cause to travell the most wearisome and troublesome way that is in England In mine opinion whosoever gave you that counsell either lacked right judgement in things to be done or else had too much respect to his own ease and too small regard to the travell and damage of their brethren A common cause requireth a common concurrence and that every man bear his burden proportionable But prudent and indifferent men espie the contrary in this cause especially of late dayes for the weakest are most grievously charged and they to whom the matter most belongeth and to whom justly greatest burden is due are exempted in a manner both from travell and expences To speak the matter plainly wise men do wonder what the Dukes friends do mean that they are so slack and backward in this cause In other actions they have been judged stout and forward and in this which is the greatest that ever he or they had in hand they appear destitute both of grace and courage I am not ignorant that they that are most inward of his counsell are enemies to God and therefore cannot but be enemies to this Cause But wonder it is That he and his other friends should not consider That the losse of this godly enterprise shall be the rooting out of them and their posterity from this Realme Considering my Lords That by Gods providence ye are joyned with the Duke in this common Cause admonish him plainly of the danger to come will him to beware of the counsell of those that are plainly infected with Superstition with Pride and with the venome of particular profit which if he do not at your admonition he shall smart before he be aware And if ye cease to put him in minde of his duty it may be that for your silence ye shall drinke some portion of the plague with him Take my plain speaking as proceeding from him that is not your enemy being also uncertaine when I shall have occasion to write hereafter God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ assist you with the Spirit of wisedom and fortitude that to his glory and to your Lordships common comfort ye may performe that thing which godlily was once begun Amen From Saint Andrewes the 6 of February in haste 1559. Sic subscribitur Your Lordships to command in godlinesse J. K. Upon the receit of this Letter and consultation had hereupon a new conclusion was taken to wit That they would visite the said Duke of Norfolke at Barwicke where he was Thus far we have digressed from the text of our History to let the Posterity that shall follow understand by what instruments God wrought the familiarity and friendship that after we found in England Now we returne to our former History The parts of Fyfe set at freedom from the Bondage of these bloody worms solemne thanks were given in S. Andrews unto God for his mighty deliverance Shortly after the Earle of Arrane and Lord Iames apprehended the Lairds of Wemes Seafield Bawgony Durie and others that assisted the French but they were set shortly at freedom upon such conditions as they minded never to keep for such men have neither faith nor honesty Master Iames Balfour who was the greatest practiser and had drawn the Band of the Balfours escaped The English Ships daily multiplied till that they were able to keep the whole Fyrth whereat the French and Queen Regent enraged began to
godly And in what honour credit and estimation Doctour Machabeus was with Christian king of Denmark Cawpmanhowen and famous men of divers nations can testifie This did God provide for his servants and did frustrate the expectation of these bloody beasts who by the death of one he meanes M. Patrick Hamilton in whom the lyght of God did clearly shine intended to have suppressed Christs Trueth for ever within this Realme but the contrary had God decreed for his death was the cause as is said that many did awake from the deadly sleep of ignorance and so did Jesus Christ the onely true Lyght shine unto many for the way taken of one And albeit that these notable men did never after M. Iohn Fyfe onely excepted comfort their countrey with their bodily presence yet made he them fructifie in his Church and raised them up Lyghts out of darknesse to the praise of his own mercy and to the just condemnation of them that then ruled To wit of the King Counsell and Nobility yea of the whole people who suffered such notable personages without crimes counted to be unjustly persecuted and so exiled others were after even so dealt withall but of them we shall speak in their own place No sooner gate the Bishops opportunity which alwayes they sought but so soon renewed they the battell against Jesus Christ. For the aforesaid leprous Bishop in the yeere of God 1534. caused to be summoned Sir William Kyrk Adam Dayis Henry Kernes Iohn Stewart of Leyth with divers others such as Master William Iohnston Advocate Master Henry Henderson Schoole-master of Edenburgh of whom some compeered in the Abbey Kyrk of Halyrud-house and so abjured and publikely burnt their Bills others compeered not and therefore was exiled But in judgement were produced two to wit David Straton a Gentleman and Master Norman Gowrlay a man of reasonable erudition of whom we may shortly speak In Master Norman appeared knowledge albeit joyned with weaknesse But in David Straton could onely be espied for the first a hatred against the pride and avaritiousnesse of Priests for the cause of his delation was he had made to himselfe one Fish-boat to go to the sea The Bishop of Murray then being Prior of Saint Andrews and his agents urged him for the tythe thereof His answer was If they would have tythe of that which his servants wan in the sea it were but reason that they should come and receive it where they got the stocke and so as it was constantly affirmed he caused his servants to cast the tenth fish in the sea again Processe of cursing was laid against him for not paying such tythes which when he contemned he was summoned to answer for Heresie It troubled him vehemently and therefore he began to frequent the company of such as were godly for before he had been a man very stubborne and one that despised all reading chiefly of those things that were godly but miraculously as it were he appeareth to be changed for he delighteth in nothing but in hearing of reading for himselfe could not reade and was a vehement exhorter of all men to concord and quietnesse and the contempt of the world He frequented much the company of the Laird of Dun Areskin whom God in those daies had marvellously illuminated upon a day as the Laird of Lawriston that yet liveth then being a young man was reading unto him in the New Testament in a certain quiet place in the fields as God had appointed he chanced to read these Sentences of our Master Jesus Christ He that denieth me before men or is ashamed of me in the midst of this wicked generation I will deny him in the presence of my Father and before his Angels At which words he suddenly being as one revived cast himselfe upon his knees and extending both hand and visage constantly to the heaven a reasonable time at length he burst forth in these words O Lord I have been wicked and justly mayest thou withdraw thy grace from me but Lord for thy mercies sake let me never deny thee nor thy Trueth for fear of death or corporall paine The issue declared that his prayer was not vain for when he with the aforesaid Master Norman was produced in judgement in the Abbey of Halyrud-House the King himselfe all clad in red being present great labour was made that the said David Straton should have recanted and burnt his Bill But he ever standing at his defence alleadging that he had not offended in the end was adjudged to the fire and then when he perceived the danger asked grace at the King which he would willingly have granted unto him the Bishops proudly answered That the Kings hands were bound in that case and that he had no grace to give to such as by their Law were condemned And so was he with the said Master Norman after dinner upon the seven and twentieth day of August in the yeere of our Lord 1534. aforesaid led to a place besides the roode of greene side and there they two were both hanged and burnt according to the mercy of the Papisticall Church To that same diet were summoned as before we have said others of whom some escaped into England and so for that present escaped the death This their tyranny notwithstanding the knowledge of God did wonderfully increase within this Realme partly by reading partly by brotherly conference which in those dangerous dayes was used to the comfort of many but chiefly by Merchants and Mariners who frequenting other countreys heard the true Doctrine affirmed and the vanity of the Papisticall Religion openly rebuked Amongst whom were those of Dondie and Lieth principals against whom was made a very strait inquisition by David Beton cruell Cardinall And divers were compelled to abjure and burne their Bills some in Saint Andrews and some at Edinburgh About the same time Captaine Iohn Berthwick Provost of Lithcow was burnt in figure but by Gods providence escaped their furie And this was done for a spectacle and triumph to Mary of Lorraine lately arrived from France as wife to Iames the fifth King of Scots what plagues she brought with her and how they yet continue such as are not blinde may manifestly see The rage of these bloody beasts proceeded so farre that the Kings Court it selfe escaped not that danger for in it divers were suspected and some accused And yet ever did some lyght burst out in the midst of darknesse for the trueth of Christ Jesus entred even into the Cloisters as well of Friars and Monks as of Channons Iohn Lyn a gray Frier left his hypocriticall habit and the den of those murtherers the gray Friers A black Frier called Frier Killor set forth the History of Christs passion in forme of a Play which he both Preached and practised openly in Sterlin the King himselfe being present upon a Good-Friday in the Morning in the which all things were so lively expressed that the
the said Cardinall the Earles Argyle Huntlie Bothwell the Bishops and their bands And thereafter they passed to Strevelin and took with them both the Queenes the mother and the daughter and threatned the deposition of the said Governour as Inobedient to their holy Mother the Church so terme they that harlot of Babylon Rome The inconstant man not thorowly grounded upon God left by his owne fault destitute of all good counsell and having the wicked ever blowing in his eare What will you do you will destroy your selfe and your house both for ever The unhappy man we say beaten with these temptations rendred himselfe to the appetites of the wicked for he quietly stole away from the Lords that were with him in the Palace of Halyrud-house past to Sterlin subjected himselfe to the Cardinall and to his Councell received absolution renounced the profession of Christ Jesus his holy Gospel and violated his Oath that before he had made for the observation of the Contract and League made with England At that time was our Queene crowned and a promise made to France The certainty hereof coming to King Henry our Scottish Ships were stayed the Sailes taken from the Rigs and the Merchants and Mariners were commanded to sure custody New Commission was sent to Master Radulph Saidler who then still remained in Scotland to demand the cause of that sudden alteration and to travell by all meanes possible that the Governour might be called back to his former godly purpose and that he would not do so foolishly and dishonestly yea so cruelly and unmercifully to the Realme of Scotland that he would not onely lose the commodities offered and that were presently to be received But that also that he would put it to the hazard of fire and sword and other inconveniences that might ensue the war that was to follow upon the violation of his Faith But nothing could availe The devil kept fast the grype that he got yea all the dayes of his government For the Cardinall got his eldest son in pledge whom he kept in the Castle of S. Andrews while the day that Gods hand punished his pride King Henry perceiving that all hope of the Governours repentance was lost called back his Ambassadours and that with fearfull threatnings as Edinburgh after felt Denounced War made our Ships prises and Merchants and Mariners lawfull prisoners which to the Broughes of Scotland was no small hership But thereat did the Cardinall and Priests laugh and jestingly he said When we shall conquer England the Merchants shall be recompensed The Summer and the Harvest passed over without any notable thing For the Cardinall and Abbot of Paislay parted the prey amongst them The abused Governour bare the name onely In the beginning of Winter came the Earle of Lenox to Scotland sent from France in hatred of the Governour whom the King by the Cardinals advice promised to pronounce Bastard and so to make the said Earle Governour First because he himselfe was borne by Betoâ— his fathers lawfull wife Elizabeth Humes being yet alive Next because his Grandfather was borne by Mary Stuart to Iames Hamilton when her lawfull husband Thomas Boâ—d was yet alive So the Earle of Lenox did not onely pretend to be lawfully next to the Crowne as the late King Iames the fifth did often declare That if he died without heire male he would settle the Crowne upon him but also lawfull heire of the Earledome of Arran as being descended from Margaret Hamilton borne to Mary Stuart and Iames Hamilton after the death of Thomas Boyd her former husband now by this time the inconstant Earle of Arran had given himselfe wholly to the Cardinall The Cardinall farther put the E. of Lenox in vain hope that the Queen Dowager should marry him He brought with him some money and more he after received at the hands of Labrosse But at length perceiving himselfe frustrate of all expectation that he had either by France or yet by the promise of the Cardinall he concludeth to leave France and to seek the favour of England And so began to draw a faction against the Governour and in hatred of the others inconstancy many favoured him in the beginning For there assembled at Christmas in the Town of Ayre the Earles of Angus Glencarne Cassilles The Lord Maxwell The Laird of Dumlanrig The Sheriffe of Ayre Campbell with all the force that they and the Lords that remained constant at the opinion of England might make and after Christmas they came to light The Governour and Cardinall with their forces kept Edinburgh for they were slackly pursued Men excused the Earle of Lenox in that behalfe and laid the blame upon some that had no will of the Stewards Regiment Howsoever it was such an appointment was made that the said Earle of Lenox was disappointed of his purpose and narrowly escaped and first gat him to Glasgow and after to Dumbartane Sir George Dowglas was delivered to be kept as pledge The Earle his brother was in the Lent after taken at the siege of Glasgow It was bruted that both the brethren and others with them had lost their heads if by the providence of God the English Armie had not arrived in time After that the Cardinall had gotten the Governour wholly addict to his devotion and had obtained his intent above a part of his enemies He began to practise how that such as he feared and therefore deadly hated should be set by the eares one against another for in that thought the carnall man put his greatest securitie The Lord Ruthwen he hated by reason of his knowledge of Gods Word The Lord Gray he feared because at that time he used the company of such as professed godlinesse and bare small favour to the Cardinall Now thus reasoned the worldly wise man If I can put enmity betwixt these two I shall be rid of a great number of unfriends For the most part of the Countrey will either assist the one or the other and so will they be otherwise occupied then to watch for my displeasure He finds the means without long processe for he labours with Iohn Chartarous a man of stout courage and many friends to accept the Provostrie of S. Iohnston which he purchased to him by donation of the Governour with a charge to the said Towne to obey him as their lawfull Provost Whereat not onely the said Lord Ruthwen but also the Towne being offended gave a negative answer alleadging that such intrusion of men to office was hurtfull to their priviledge and freedom which granted unto them free election of their Provost from yeere to yeere at a certain time appointed which they could not nor would not anticipate Hereat the said Iohn offended said That he would take that office by force if they would not grant it unto him of benevolence And so departed and communed the matter with the Lord Gray with Norman Leslie and with others his friends whom he easily perswaded to assist
troubles and adversities which man sustaineth for accomplishment of Gods will revealed by his word For how terrible soever they appeare to the judgement of the naturall man yet are they never able to devour nor utterly to consume the sufferers For the invisible and invincible power of God sustaineth and preserveth according to his promise all such as with simplicity do obey him The subtill craft of Pharaoh many yeers joyned with his bloody cruelty was not able to destroy the male children of Israel neither were the waters of the Red Sea much lesse the rage of Pharaoh able to confound Moses and the company which he conducted and that because the one had Gods Promise that they should multiply and the other had his Commandment to enter into such dangers I would your wisedoms should consider that our God remaineth one and is immutable and that the Church of Christ Jesus hath the same promise of protection and defence that Israel had of multiplication And farther That no lesse cause have ye to enter into your former enterprise then Moses had to go to the presence of Pharaoh for your vassalls yea your brethren are oppressed their bodies and souls holden in bondage and God speaketh to your consciences unlesse ye be dead with the blinde world that ye ought to hazard your owne lives be it against Kings or Emperours for their deliverance For onely for that cause are ye called Princes of the people And ye receive of your Brethren Honour Tribute and Homage at Gods Commandment not by reason of your Birth and Progenie as the most part of men do falsly suppose but by reason of your Office and Duty which is to vindicate and deliver your subjects and brethren from all violence and oppression to the uttermost of your power Advise diligently I beseech you with the points of that Letter which I directed to the whole Nobility and let every man apply the matter and case to himself for your conscience shall one day be compelled to acknowledge That the Reformation of Religion and of publike enormities doth appertaine to more then to the Clergie or chief Rulers called Kings The mighty Spirit of the Lord Jesus rule and guide your counsells to your eternall glory your eternall comfort and to the consolation of your brethren Amen From Deape the 27 of October 1557. These Letters received and read together with others directed to the whole Nobility and some to particular Gentlemen as to the Lairds of Dun and Petarrow new consultation was had what was best to be done and in the end it was concluded That they would follow forward their purpose once intended and would commit themselves and whatsoever God had given them into his hands rather then they would suffer Idolatry so manifestly to raigne and the Subjects of that Realme so to be defrauded as long as they had been of the onely food of their souls the true Preaching of Christs Gospel And that every one should be the more assured of other a common Bond was made and by some subscribed The tenor thereof followeth WE perceiving how Sathan in his members the Antichrists of our time cruelly do rage seeking to overthrow and destroy the Gospel of Christ and his Congregation ought according to our bounden duty to strive in our Masters Cause even unto the death being certaine of the Victory in him The which our duty being well considered We do promise before the Majestie of God and his Congregation That we by his grace shall with all diligence continually apply our whole power substance and our very lives to maintain set forward and establish the most blessed Word of God and his Congregation And shall labour according to our power to have faithfull Ministers truely and purely to minister Christs Gospel and Sacraments to his people We shall maintain them nourish them and defend them the whole Congregation of Christ and every Member thereof according to our whole powers and waging of our lives against Sathan and all wicked power that doth intend Tyranny or trouble against the foresaid Congregation Unto the which holy Word and Congregation we do joyne us and so do forsake and renounce the Congregation of Sathan with all the superstitious abomination and idolatry thereof And moreover shall declare our selves manifestly enemies thereto By this our faithfull Promise before God testified to this Congregation by our Subscription at these Presents At Edinburgh the third of December anno 1557. God called to witnesse Sic subscribitur A. Earle of Argyle Glencarne Mortoun Archibald Lord of Lorne Iohn Erskin of Dun Et caetera A little before that this Bond was subscribed by the fore-written and many other Letters were directed again to Io. Knox from the said Lords together with their Letters to M. Calvin craving of him That by his authority he would command the said Iohn once again to visite them These Letters were delivered by the hands of M. Iohn Gray in the Moneth of November anno 1558. who at that same time past to Rome for expedition of the Bowes of the Bp. of Rosse to M. Henry Sinclar Immediately after the subscription of this foresaid Bond the Lords and Barons professing Christ Jesus convened frequently in counsell in the which these Heads were concluded First It is thought expedient advised and ordained That in all Parishes of this Realm the Common-Prayer be read weekly on Sunday and other Festivall dayes publikely in the Parish Churches with the Lessons of the Old and New Testament conformed to the order of the Book of Common Prayers And if the Curats of the Parishes be qualified to cause them to read the same And if they be not or if they refuse that the most qualified in the Parish use and reade the same Secondly It is thought necessary that Doctrine Preaching and Interpretation of Scriptures be had and used privately in quiet houses without great conventions of the people thereto while afterward that God move the Prince to grant publike Preaching by faithfull and true Ministers These two heads concerning the Religion and some others concerning the policie being concluded the old Earle of Argyle took the maintenance of Iohn Dowglas caused him to Preach publikely in his house and reformed many things according to his counsell The same boldnesse tooke divers others as well within Towns as in the country which did not a little trouble the Bishops and Queen Regent As by this Letter and Credit committed to Sir David Hamilton from the Bishop of S. Andrews to the said Earle of Argyle may be clearly understood The Bishops Letter to the old Earle of Argyle MY Lord after most hearty commendations this is to advertise your Lordship that we have directed this Bearer our Cousin towards your Lordship in such businesse and affaires as concerneth your Lordships honour profit and great well-being as the said Bearer will declare to your Lordship at more length I pray your Lordship effectuously to
do against their conscience he could not promise She in fury did answer That he was too mallapart to give her such answer affirming that both he and they should repent it She solicited M. Iames Haliburntoun Provest of Dundie to apprehend Paul Methuen who fearing God gave secret advertisement to the man to avoid the Town for a time She sent forth such as she thought most able to perswade at Easter to cause Montrosse Dundie S. Iohnston and other such places as had received the Gospel to communicate with the Idoll of the Masse but they could profit nothing the hearts of many were bent to follow the Trueth revealed and did abhorre Superstition and Idolatry Whereat she more highly commoved did Summon again all the Preachers to appear at Sterlin the tenth day of May in the yeere of our Lord 1559. Which understood by us we with all humble obedience sought the means how she might be appeased and our Preachers not molested but when we could prevaile nothing it was concluded by the whole brethren That the Gentlemen of every Countrey should accompany their Preachers to the day and place appointed Whereto all men were most willing And for that purpose the Town of Dundie the Gentlemen of Angus and Mernes passed forward with their Preachers to S. Iohnston without Armour as peaceable men minding onely to give confession with their Preachers And lest that such a multitude should have given feare to the Queene Regent the Laird of Dun a zealous prudent and godly man passed before to the Queene then being at Sterlin to declare to her That the cause of their Convocation was onely to give confession with their Preachers and to assist them in their just defence She understanding the fervencie of the people began to use craft with him soliciting him to stay the multitude and the Preachers also with promise that she would take some better order He a man most gentle of nature and most addict to please her in all things not repugnant to God wrote to those that then were assembled at S. Iohnston to stay and not to come forward shewing what promise and hope he had of the Queens favour At the reading of his Letters some did smell the craft and deceit and perswaded to passe forward untill that a discharge of the former Summons should be had alleadging that otherwise their Processe of Rebellion should be executed against the Preachers And so should not onely they but also all such as did accompany them be involved in a like crime Others did reason That the Queens promise was not to be suspected neither yet the Laird of Duns request to be contemned and so did the whole multitude with their Preachers stay In this mean time that the Preachers were summoned to wit the second of May 1559. arrived Iohn Knox from France who lodging two nights onely in Edinburgh hearing the day appointed to his brethren repaired to Dundie where he earnestly required them That he might be permitted to assist his brethren and to give confession of his Faith with them which granted unto him he departed unto S. Iohnston with them where he began to exhort according to the grace of God granted unto him The Queen perceiving that the Preachers did not appear began to utter her malice and notwithstanding any request made to the contrary gave commandment to put them to the Horne inhibiting all men under pain of high Rebellion to assist comfort receive or maintain them in any sort which extremity perceived by the said Laird of Dun he prudently withdrew himselfe for otherwise by all appearance he had not escaped imprisonment For the Master of Maxwell a man zealous and stout in Gods Cause as then appeared under the cloke of another small crime was that same day committed to ward because he did boldly affirme That to the uttermost of his power he would assist the Preachers and the Congrâ—gation notwithstanding any sentence which unjustly was or should be pronounced against them The Laird of Dun coming to S. Iohnston exposed the case even as it was and did conceal nothing of the Queens craft and falshood Which understood the multitude was so inflamed that neither could the exhortation of the Preachers nor the commandment of the Magistrate stay them from destroying the places of Idolatry The manner whereof was The Preachers had declared before how odious Idolatry was in Gods presence What commandment he had given for the destruction of the monuments thereof What Idolatry and what abomination was in the Masse It chanced that the next day which was the eleventh of May after that the Preachers were exiled that after the Sermon which was very vehement against Idolatry a certaine Priest in contempt would go to the Masse and to declare his malapart presumption he would open up a glorious Tabernacle which stood upon the high Altar There stood beside certain godly men and amongst others a young boy who cryed with a bold voice This is intolerable that when God by his Word hath plainely condemned Idolatry we shall stand and see it used in despight The Priest hereat offended gave the childe a great blow who in anger took up a stone and casting at the Priest hit the Tabernacle and brake down an Image And immediatly the whole multitude threw stones and put hands on the said Tabernacle and on all other Monuments of Idolatry Which they dispatched before the tenth man in the Town were advertised for the most part were gone to diner which noised abroad the whole multitude assembled not of the Gentlemen neither of them that were earnest Professours but of the rascall multitude who finding nothing to do in that Church did run without deliberation to the Gray and Black-Friers and notwithstanding that they had within them very strong guards kept for their defence yet were their gates incontinent burst up The first invasion was upon Idolatry and thereafter the common people began to seek some spoile And in very deed the Gray-Friers was a place so well provided that unlesse honest men had seen the same we would have feared to have reported what provision they had their sheets blankets beds and coverlets were such that no Earle in Scotland had better Their naperie was fine they were but 8 persons in the Convent and yet had they 8 puncheons of salt Beef consider the time of the yeere the eleventh of May wine beere and ale beside store of victuals belonging thereto The like abundance was not in the Black-Friers and yet there was more then became men professing poverty The spoile was permitted to the poore For so had the Preachers before threatned all men That for covetousnesse sake none should put their hand to such a Reformation that no honest man was inriched thereby the value of a groat Their conscience so moved them that they suffered those hypocrites to take away what they could of that which was in their places The Prior of the
Gods grace whereof God send you plentie And so I end Sic subscribitur Yours as a member of the same body in Christ M. Cecill From Oxford the 28 of Iuly 1559. Albeit the said Iohn received this Letter at Barwick yet would he answer nothing till that he had spoken with the Lords whom he found in Sterlin and unto whom he delivered the answer sent from the Councell of England for Alexander Whitlaw took sicknesse betwixt Barwick and Edinburgh and was troubled by the Lord Seaton as in the former Booke is declared the answer sent by Master Cecill was so generall that many amongst us despaired of any comfort to come from that Countrey And therefore were determined that they would request no further Iohn Knox laboured in the contrary but he could prevaile no further but that he should have licence and libertie to write as he thought best And so took he upon him to answer for all in forme as followeth Answer to Master Cecils writing TWo causes hindred me Right Worshipfull to visit you in any part in England Before this no signification of your minde and pleasure was made unto me for onely did Sir Henry Percie will me to come and speake with him which conveniently at that time I could not do by reason that the French-men which was the second cause of my stay did then most furiously pursue us while our company was dispersed and then durst I not be absent for divers inconveniences neither did I thinke my presence with you greatly necessary considering that the matter which I most desired was opened and proposed To the which I would have wished That a more plaine and especiall answer should have been made For albeit Master Whitlaw by his Credit Master Kirkcaldie by his Letter and I both by Letters and by that which I had received from Sir Iames Crofts did perswade your good mindes yet could not the councell be otherwise perswaded but that this alteration in France had altered your former purpose It is not unknown what good will we three do beare to England And therefore I wish That rather your Pen then our Credit or any thing written to any of us should assure the Lords and others of your good mindes who are now in number but five hundred Unlesse that money be furnished without delay to pay the Souldiers for their service past and to retaine another thousand foot-men with three hundred horse-men till some stay be had in this danger these Gentle-men will be compelled to leave the fields I am assured as flesh may be of flesh That some of them will take a very hard life before that ever they compose either with the Queen Regent or with France but this I dare not promise at all unlesse in they see greater forwardnesse To support us will appear excessive and to break promise with France will appear dangerous But the losse of expences in mine opinion ought not to be esteemed from the first payment neither yet the danger from the first appearance France is most fervent to conquer us and avoweth That against us they will spend the Crown so did mine own ears hear Butten Court bragge But most assuredly I know That unlesse by us they thought to make an entrie to you that they would not buy our poverty at that price They labour to corrupt some of our great men by money and some of our number are poore as before I wrote and cannot serve without support some they threatned and against others they have up one party in their owne Countrey In this mean time if ye lie by as neutralls what will be the end you may easily conjecture And therefore Sir in the bowells of Christ Jesus I require you to make plain answer What the Gentlemen here may trust to and what the Queens Majestie will do may without long delay be put in execution I rest in Christ Jesus Of Saint Iohnston the day of c. Answer with great expedition was returned to this Letter desiring some men of credit to be sent to the Lords to Barwicke for the receiving of the money for the first support with promise That if the Lords of the Congregation meant no otherwise then before they had written and if they would enter into League with honest Conditions they should neither lack men nor money to their just Causes Upon this answer was directed from the Lords to Barwicke Master Henry Balnaves a man of good credit in both the Realmes who suddenly returned with such a sum of money as served all the publike affairs till November next when Iohn Cockburne of Ormeston sent for the second support and receiving the same unhappily fell into the hands of the Earle Bothwell was wounded taken and spoyled of a great Sum upon which mischance followed all the rest of the troubles before rehearsed In the second Book preceding we have declared how Secretary Leehington was directed to England But one thing before we have passed by In that our greatest dejection this order was taken That the Duke the Earle of Glencarne Lord Boyd Lord Uchiltrie and their friends should remaine together at Glasgow for comfort of the Countrey and for giving of answers as occasion should require and that the Earle of Arrane the Lord Iames the Earle of Rothesse the Master of Lindsay and their adherents should continue together within Fyfe for the same causes that advertisements might go from the one to the other as need required In the Negotiation of the Secretary Lethington with the Queen and Councell of England in the which he travelled with no lesse wisedom and faithfulnesse then happy successe many things occurred that required the resolution of the whole Lords After that the Queen and Councell of England had concluded to send their Army to Scotland for expelling of the French the Duke of Norfolke was sent to Barwick with full instructions power and Commission to do in all things concerning the present affaires of Scotland as the Queen and Councell in their own persons had power to do Hereupon the said Duke required such a part of the Lords of Scotland as had power and Commission from the whole to meet him at such a day and place as pleased them to appoint This advertisement came first to Glasgow by the meanes of the Master of Maxwell Which read and considered by the Lords conclusion was taken that they would meet at Carleil and that was the procurement of the said Master of Maxwell for his ease Hereupon were Letters directed from the Lords being in Glasgow to Lord Iames requiring him with all possible expedition to repaire towards them for the purpose aforesaid Which Letters read and advised upon commandment was given to Iohn Knox to make the answer For so it was appointed at division of the Lords that he should answer for the part of those that were in Fyfe and M. Henry Balnaves for the part of them that abode at Glasgow The said Iohn answered as followeth To the Duke
execute their tyranny upon the parts of Lowthiane that lay nigh to Edinburgh Let M. David Borthwicke witnesse what favour his wife and place of Adeston found of the French for all the service that he did to the Queen Regent In the midst of February were directed to England from the Duke and the Congregation the Lord Iames Lord Ruthuen the Mast of Maxwell the Master of Lindsay Master Henry Balnaves and the Laird of Pittarrow who with their honest companies and Commission departed by Sea all except the Master of Maxwell to Barwicke Where there met them the Duke of Norfolke Lieutenant to the Queen of England and with him a great company of the Gentlemen of the North with some also of the South having full power to contract with the Nobility of Scotland as they did upon such Conditions as are in the same Contract specified and because we have heard the malicious tongues of wicked men make false report of that our fact we have faithfully and truely inserted in this our History the said Contract as well that which was made at Leith during the siege as that which was first made at Barwicke that the memory thereof may abide to our Posterity to the end that they may judge with indifferency Whether that we have done any thing prejudiciall to our Common-wealth or yet contrarious unto the dutifull obedience which true subjects owe to their Superiours whose Authority ought to defend and maintain the Liberty and Freedom of the Realms committed to their Charge and not to oppresse and betray the same to stranger The Tenour of our Contract followeth The Contract at Barwick JAMES Duke of Chattellarault Earle of Arrane Lord Hamilton and others of the Councell Nobility and principall States of Scotland To all and sundry whose knowledge these presents shall come Greeting We have well considered and are fully perswaded in what danger desolation and misery the long enmity with the Kingdom of England hath brought our Countrey heretofore how wealthie and flourishing it shall become if those two Kingdoms as they are joyned in one Island by Creation of the World so they may be knit in a constant and assured friendship The considerations grounded upon a most infallible Trueth ought no lesse to have moved our Progenitours and for fathers then us But the present danger hanging over our heads by the unjust dealing of those of whom we have alwayes best deserved hath caused us to weigh them more earnestly then they did The misbehaviour of the French Monsieurs I had almost said Monsters here hath of late yeers been so great The oppressions and crueltie of the Souldiers the tyrannie and ambition of their Superiours and Rulers so grievous to the people the violent subversion of our liberty and conquest of the land whereat they have by most crafty and subtill means continually pressed hath been I say so intollerable to us all that at last when we could not obtain redresse by humble suits and earnest supplications presented to the Queen Dowager who both for duties sake and place she doth occupie ought to have been most carefull of our state we have been by very necessitie constrained not onely to assay our own Forces but also to implore the Queens Majestie of Englands aide and support which her Majestie hath most willingly granted upon certain conditions specified in a Treaty past at Barwick betwixt the Duke of Norfolk Lieutenant to her Majestie on the one part and certain our Commissioners on the other part whereof the Tenour followeth At Barwick the 27 day of February the yeer of our Lord God 1559 yeers It is appointed and finally Contracted betwixt the noble and mighty Thomas Duke of Norfolk Earle Marshall of England and Lieutenant to the Queens Majestie of the said Realm in the Name and behalf of her Highnesse on the one part and the Right Honourable Lord Iames Stewart Patrick Lord Ruthuen Sir Iohn Maxwell of Terregles Knight William Maitland of Lethington younger Iohn Wischarde of Pittarrow and Master Henry Balnaves of Halhill in name and behalf of the Noble and Mighty Iames Duke of Chattellarault of Scotland and the Lords of the Congregation joyned together in this Cause for maintenance and defence of the ancient Rights and Liberties of their Countrey on the other part in forme as after followeth That is to say That the Queen having sufficiently understood as well by information sent from the Nobility of Scotland as by the proceedings of the French that they intend to conquer the Realm of Scotland suppresse the liberty thereof and unite the same unto the Crown of France perpetually contrary to the Laws of the said Realm and the Pacts Oathes and Promises of France And being thereto most humbly and earnestly required by the said Nobility for and in the name of the whole Realm shall accept the said Realm of Scotland the said Nobility and subjects thereof into her Majesties protection and maintenance onely for preservation of the same in their own freedoms and liberties and from conquest during the time that the Marriage shall continue betwixt the Queen of Scots and the French King and a yeer after And for expelling out of the same Realme of such as presently and apparently goeth about to practice the said Conquest her Majesty shall with all speed send into Scotland a convenient aide of men of War both Horse and Foot to joyn with the power of Scotish men with Artillery Munition and all other Instruments of War meet for that purpose as well by Sea as by Land not onely to expell the present Power of the French within that Realme oppressing the same but also to stop as far as conveniently may be all greater Forces of French to enter therein for the like purpose and shall continue her Majesties ayd to the said Realme Nobility and subjects of the same unto the time the French being enemies to the said Realme be utterly expelled hence and shall never transact compose nor agree with the French nor conclude any League with them except the Scots and the French shall be agreed that the Realme of Scotland may be left in a due freedom by the French nor shall leave the maintenance of the said Nobility and subjects whereby they might fall as a prey into their enemies hands as long as they shall acknowledge their Soveraigne Lady the Queen and shall endeavour their selves to maintain the liberty of their Countrey and the State of the Crowne of Scotland And if in case any Forts or Strengths within the Realme be won out of the hands of the French at this present or at any time hereafter by her Majesties ayd the same shall be immediately demolished by the Scotish-men or delivered to the said Nobility aforesaid at their option and choice neither shall the power of England fortifie within the ground of Scotland being out of the bounds of England but by the advice of the Duke Nobility and States of Scotland For the which causes and in respect of her
his mercifull deliverance in forme as followeth Thankesgiving for our deliverance with Prayers O Eternall and everlasting God Father of our Lord Jesus Christ who hath not onely commanded us to Pray and promised to hear us but also willest us to magnifie thy mercies and to glorifie thy Name when thou shewest thy selfe pitifull and favourable unto us especially when thou deliverest us from desperate dangers for so did thy servants Abraham David Iehosaphat and Ezechias yea the whole people of Israel omitted not the same when thou by thy mighty hand didst confound their enemies and didst deliver them from feare and danger of death intended We ought not nor can we forget O Lord in how miserable estate stood this poore Countrey and we the just inhabitants of the same not many dayes past When Idolatry was maintained When cruell strangers did bear rule When Virgins were defloured Matrones corrupted Mens Wives violently and villanously oppressed The blood of innocents shed without mercy And finally when the unjust commandments of proud tyrants were obeyed as Law Out of these miseries O Lord could neither our wit policie nor strength deliver us yea thou didst shew to us how vain was the help of man where thy blessing giveth not victory In these our anguishes O Lord we sobbed unto thee we cried for thy help and we reclaimed thy Name as thy troubled flock persecuted for thy Trueths sake Mercifully hast thou heard us O Lord mercifully we say because that neither in us neither yet in our confederates was there any cause why that thou shouldst have given unto us so joyfull and sudden a deliverance For neither of us both ceased to do wickedly even in the midst of our greatest troubles and yet hast thou looked upon us so pitifully as that we had given unto thee most perfect obedience For thou hast disappointed the counsels of the craftie Thou hast bridled the rage of the cruell and thou hast of thy mercy set this our perishing Realm at a reasonable liberty Oh give us hearts thou Lord that onely givest all good gifts with reverence and fear to meditate thy wondrous works late wrought in our eyes Let not the remembrance of the same unthankfully to slip from our wavering mindes We grant and acknowledge O Lord That whatsoever we have received shall fall into oblivion with us and so turn to our condemnation unlesse thou by the power of thy Spirit keep and retain us in recent and perpetuall memory of the same We beseech thee therefore O father of mercies that as of thy undeserved grace thou hast partly removed our darknesse suppressed Idolatry and taken from above our heads the devouring sword of mercilesse strangers that so it would please thee to proceed with us in this thy grace begun And albeit that in us there is nothing that may move thy Majestie to shew us this favour yet for Christ Jesus thy onely welbeloved Sons sake whose Name we bear and whose Doctrine we professe we beseech thee never to suffer us to forsake or deny this Verity which now we professe But seeing that thou hast mercifully heard us and hast caused thy Veritie to triumph in us so we crave of thee continuance to the end that thy godly Name may be glorified in us thy creatures And seeing that nothing is more odious in thy presence O Lord then is ingratitude and violation of an Oath and Covenant made in thy Name And seeing thou hast made our Confederates of England the Instrument by whom we are now set at this libertie and to whom in thy Name we have promised mutuall faith againe Let us never fall to that unkindnesse O Lord that either we declare our selves unthankfull unto them or prophaners of thy holy Name Confound thou the Counsell of those that goe about to break that most godly League contracted in thy Name and retaine thou us so firmly together by the power of thy holy Spirit that Sathan have never power to set us again at variance nor discord Give us thy grace to live in that Christian charitie which thy Sonne our Lord Jesus hath so earnestly commended to all the members of his body that other Nations provoked by our example may set aside all ungodly warre contention and strife and studie to live in tranquilitie and peace as it becometh the Sheepe of thy Pasture and the people that daily look for our finall deliverance by the coming again of our Lord Jesus To whom with thee and the Holy Spirit be all honour glory and praise now and ever Amen Hereafter were the Commissioners of Boroughs with some of the Nobility and Barons appointed to see the equall distribution of Ministers to change and transport as the most part should think expedient And so was Iohn Knox appointed to Edinburgh Christopher Goodman who the most part of the troubles had remained in Ayre was appointed to Saint Andrews Adam Heriot to Aberdeene Master Iohn Row to Saint Iohnston Paul Meaffen to whom was no infamie then knowne to Iedburgh William Christison to Dundie David Fargeson to Dunfermelin and Master David Lindsay to Leith There were nominated for Superintendents and Overseers that all things in the Church should be carried with Order and well Master Iohn Spottiswood for Lowthian Master Iohn Wyram for Fyfe Master Iohn Willock for Glasgow the Laird of Dun for Angus and Mearnes Master Iohn Carswell for Argyle and the Isles These to be elected at the dayes appointed unlesse that the Countreys whereto they were to be appointed could in the mean time finde out men more able and sufficient or else shew such causes as might disable them from that imployment The Parliament approaching due advertisement was made by the Councell to all such as by Law and ancient Custome had or might claime to have Title therein The assembly was great notwithstanding some as well of those that be called Spirituall as Temporall Lords contemptuously did absent themselves And yet the chief Pillars of the Papisticall Church gave their presence such as the Bishops of Saint Andrews Dumblane and Dunkell with others of the inferiour sort beside those that had renounced Papisterie and openly professed Jesus Christ with us such as the Bishop of Galloway the Abbots of Lindrosse Culrosse Saint Colmes Inch New-battell Halyrud-house the Priour of Saint Andrews Coldinghame Saint-Mary I le the Sub-priour of S. Andrews and divers others whom we observed not At the same time of Parliament Iohn Knox publikely Preached upon some Texts of the Prophet Haggai the Doctrine was proper for the time In application whereof he was so speciall and so vehement that some having greater respect to the world then to Gods glory feeling themselves pricked said in mockage We may now forget our selves and beare the Barrow to build the house of God God be mercifull to the speaker for we fear yet he shall have experience That the building of his own house the house of God being despised shall not be so prosperous and of
In the contrary judgement were the principall Ministers Master Iohn Row Master George Hay Master Robert Hamilton and Iohn Knox. The reasons of both parties we will omit because they will be explained after where the said Question and others Concerning the Obedience due to Princes were long reasoned in open assembly The conclusion of that first reasoning was That the Question should be formed Letters directed to Geneva for the resolution of that Church Wherein Iohn Knox offered his labour But Secretary Lethington alleadging That there stood much in the information said That he should write But that was onely to drive time as the trueth declared it selfe The Queenes partie urged That the Queen should have her Religion free in her own Chappell to do she and her houshold what they list The Ministers affirmed and Voted the contrary adding That her liberty should be their thraldome ere it be long But neither could reason nor threatning move the affections of such as were creeping in Credit and so did the Votes of the Lords prevaile against the Ministers For the punishment of Theft and Reafe which had encreased upon the border and in the South from the Queenes arrivall was the Lord Iames made Lieutenant some suspected that such honour and charge proceeded from the same heart and counsell that Saul made David Captain against the Philistines but God assisted and bowed the hearts of men both to feare and obey him yea the Lord Bothwell himselfe at that time assisted him but he had remission for Liddisdall except that execution was there made in Edinburgh for her twenty eight of one clan and other were hanged at that Justice Court bribes budds or sollicitation saved not the guilty if he might be apprehended And therefore God prospered him in that his integrity that same time the Lord Iames spake with the Lord Gray of England at Kelsoe for good rule to be kept on both the borders and agreed in all things Before his returning the Queene upon a night tooke a fright in her bed as if horsemen had been in the Close and as if the Palace had been enclosed about whether it proceeded of her own womanly fantasie or if men put her in feare for displeasure of the Earle of Arrane And for other purposes as for the electing of the Guard we know not but the feare was so great that the Towne was called to the Watch Lord Robert of Hallyrud-house and Iohn of Coldingham kept the Watch by course Skouts were set forth and Sentinels upon pain of death were commanded to keep their Stations And yet they feared where there was no fear neither yet could ever any appearance or suspition of such things be tried Shortly after the returning of the Lord Iames there came from the Queen of England Sir Peter Mewtes with Commission to require the Ratification of the Peace made at Leith Her answer was even such as we have heard before That she behoved to advise and then she should answer In presence of her Councell she kept her selfe grave for under the mourning weed and apparell she could dissemble in full perfection but how soon that ever the French people had her alone they told her That since she came to Scotland she saw nothing there but gravity which repugned altogether to her breeding for she was brought up in joviality so tearmed she her Dancing and other things thereto belonging The generall Assembly of the Church approached holden in December after the Queens arrivall in the which began the rulers of the Court to draw themselves apart from the Societie of their brethren and began to strive and grudge That any thing should be consulted upon without their advices Master Iohn Wood who before had shewed himselfe very fervent in the Cause of God and forward in giving of his councell in all doubtfull matters refused to assist the Assembly again whereof many did wonder The Courtiers drew unto them some of the Lords and would not conveane with their Brethren as before they were accustomed but kept themselves in the Abbey The principall Commissioners of the Church the Superintendents and some Ministers past unto them where they were assembled in the Abbots Lodging within Hallyrud-house both the parties began to open their griefes The Lords complained That the Ministers drew the Gentlemen into secret and held Councell without their knowledge The Ministers denied That they had done any thing in secret otherwise then the common Order commanded them And accused the Lords the flatterers of the Queen we meane that they kept not the Convention with their Brethren considering That they knew the Order and that the same was appointed by their own advice as the Book of Discipline subscribed with the most part of their own hands would witnesse some began to deny That ever they knew such a thing as the Book of Discipline And called also in doubt Whether it was expedient that such Assemblies should be or not for gladly would the Queen and her secret Councell have had all Assemblies of the godly discharged The reasoning was sharpe and quicke on either side The Queens faction alleadged That it was suspicious to Princes that Subjects should assemble themselves and keep Conventions without their knowledge It was answered That without knowledge of the Princes the Church did nothing for the Princes perfectly understood That within this Realme was a Reformed Church and that they had their Orders and appointed times of Convention And so without knowledge of the Princes they did nothing Yea said Lethington the Queen knew and knoweth well enough But the Question is Whether that the Queen alloweth such Conventions It was answered If the Libertie of the Church should stand upon the Queens allowance or disallowance we are assured not onely to lacke Assemblies but also to lacke the publike Preaching of the Evangell that affirmative was mocked and the contrary affirmed Well said the other time will try the truth But to my former words this I will adde Take from us the freedomes of assemblies and take from us the Evangell for without assemblies how shall good order and unity in Doctrine be kept It is not to be supposed That all Ministers shall be so perfect but that they shall need admonition as well concerning Manners as Doctrine As it may be that some be so stiffe-necked that they will not admit the admonition of the simple As also it may be that fault may be found with Ministers without just offence committed And if order be not taken both with the Complainer and with the persons complained upon It cannot be avoided but that many grievous offences shall arise For remedy whereof of necessity it is That generall Assemblies must be In the which the judgements and gravitie of many may occurre to correct or represse the follies or errours of a few Hereunto consented the most part as well of the Nobility as of the Barrons and willed the reasoners for the Queen to be sent to her Majestie
Idolatry shall be reputed a crime little inferiour to Treason God grant that we fall not farther And now I whom God of his mercy hath made one amongst many to travell in setting forward his true Religion within this Realme seeing the same in danger of ruine cannot but in conscience crave of you my brethren of all states that have professed the truth your presence comfort and assistance at the said day in the Town of Edinburgh even as ye tender the advancement of Gods glory the safety of your brethren and your own assurance together with the preservation of the Church in these appearing dangers It may be perchance that perswasions be made to the Countrey and that ye may be informed that either your assembly is not necessary or else that it will offend the upper Powers and my good hope is that neither flattery nor fear shall make you so farre to decline from Christ Jesus as that against your publike promise and solemne Band you will leave your Brethren in so just a cause and albeit there were no great danger yet cannot our Assembly be unprofitable for many things requiring consultation which cannot be had unlesse the wisest and godliest convene And thus doubting nothing of the assistance of our God if that we uniformly seek his glory I cease farther to trouble you committing you heartily to the protection of the Eternall JOHN KNOX From Edinburgh the eighth day of October 1563. THe Brethren advertised by this Letter prepared themselves so many as was thought expedient for every Towne and Province to keep the day appointed but by the means of some false brethren the Letter came to the hands of the Queene and the manner was this It was read in the Towne of Ayre where was present Master Robert Cunningham stiled Minister of Fâ—itfurd who then was holden a professor of the Evangell by what meanes we know not gat the said Letter and sent it with his token to Master Henry Sincleare then President of the Seat and Colledge of Justice stiled Bishop of Rosse a perfect Hypocrite and a conjured Enemie to Christ Jesus whom God after stroke according to his deservings The said Master Henry being Enemy to all that unfainedly professed the Lord Jesus but chiefly to Iohn Knox for the libertie of his Tongue for he had affirmed as ever still he doth affirme That a Bishop that receives profit and feeds not the Flock even by his owne labours is both a Thiefe and a Murtherer The said Master Henry we say thinking himselfe happie that he had found so good occasion to trouble him whose life he hated posted the said Letter with his counsell to the Queen who then lay in Sterlin The lettet being read it was concluded by the Councell of the Cabinet that is by the most secret Councell That it imported Treason whereof the Queen did not a little rejoyce for she thought once to be avenged of that her great Enemy It was concluded that the Nobilitie should be written for that the condemnation should have the greater Authoritie the day was appointed about the midst of December which was kept of the whole Councell and of divers others such as the Master of Maxwell the old Laird of Lethington and the said President In the meane time the Earle of Murray returned from the North to whom Secretary Lethington opened the matter as best pleased him The Master of Maxwell after made Lord Heris gave unto the said Iohn as it were a discharge of the familiaritie which before was great betwixt them unlesse that he would satisfie the Queen at her own will The answer of Iohn Knox was that he knew no offence done by him to the Queens Majestie and therefore he knew not what satisfaction to make No offence said he Have you not written Letters desiring the brethren from all parts to convene to Andro Armstrong and Patrick Cranstons That I grant said the other but therein I acknowledge no offence done by me No offence said he to convocate the Queens Leidges Not for a just cause said the other for greater things were reputed no offence within these two yeers The time said he is now other for then our Soveraigne was absent and now she is present It is neither the absence nor the presence of the Queen said he that rules my conscience but God plainly speaking in his Word what was lawfull to me the last yeer is yet lawfull because my God is unchangeable Well said the Master I have given you my counsell doe as you list but I think you shall repent it if you bow not unto the Queen I understand not said he what you meane I never made my selfe an adverse partie unto the Queens Majestie except in the point of Religion and thereunto I think you will not desire me to bow Well said he you are wise enough but you will not finde that men will beare with you in times to come as they have done in times by past If God stand my friend said the other as I am assured he of his mercy will so long as I depend upon his promise and preferre his glory to my life and worldly profit I little regard how men behave themselves towards me neither yet know I wherinto any one man hath born with me in times by-past unlesse it be that of my mouth they have heard the Word of God which in time to come if they refuse my heart will be perfect and for a season I will lament but the incommodity will be their owne And after these words hereunto the Laird of Lochinvar was witnesse they departed but unto this day the seventeenth day of December 1571. yea never in this life met they in such familiarity as before The bruit of the accusation of Iohn Knox being devulgate Master Iohn Spence of Condie Advocate a man of gentle nature and one that professed the doctrine of the Evangell came as it were in secret to Iohn Knox to enquire the cause of that great bruite to whom the said Iohn was plain in all things and shewed unto him the double of the Letter which heard and considered he said I thank God I came unto you with a fearfull and sorrowfull heart fearing that you had done such a Crime as Lawes might have punished which would have been no small trouble to the heart of all such as have received the Word of life which you have preached but I depart greatly rejoyced as well because I see your own comfort even in the midst of the troubles as that I clearly understand that you have committed no such Crime as you are bruited with you will be accused said he but God will assist you and so he departed The Earle of Murray and the Secretary sent for the said Iohn to the Clerk of the Registers house and began to lament that he had so highly offended the Queens Majestie for the which they feared should come a great inconvenience to him if the businesse were not wisely
matter doe it boldly it shall never offend me But that yee shall bee found to oppose your selfe unto mee yee being perswaded in the same Trueth I say yet againe it pleaseth me not for therein may be greater inconveniency then either yee or I doe consider for the publike The said Master George answered That I will not oppose my selfe unto you as one willing to impugne or confute that Head of Doctrine which not onely yee but many others yea and my selfe have affirmed farre be it from me for so should I be found contrarious to my selfe for my Lord Secretary knows my judgement in that Head Marry said the Secretary you are in my opinion the worst of the two for I remember that your Reasoning when the Queen was in Carricke Well said Iohn Knox seeing Brother God hath made you one to fill the chaire of verity wherein I am assured we agree in all principall Heads of Doctrine Let it never be said That we agree not in disputation Iohn Knox was moved thus to speake because he understood more of the craft then the other did Well said Lethington I am somewhat better provided in this last Head then I was in the other two Master Knox said he yesterday we heard your Judgement upon the thirteenth to the Romanes we heard the minde of the Apostle well opened we heard the causes why God hath established powers upon the earth we heard of the necessitie that mankinde hath of the same and wee heard the dutie of Magistrates sufficiently declared But in two things I was offended as I thinke some other more of my Lords that were present which was Ye made difference betwixt the Ordinance of God and the persons that were placed in Authoritie And ye affirmed That men might refuse the persons and yet not offend against Gods Ordinance This is one the other yee had no time to explaine but this me thought ye meant That Subjects were not bound to obey their Princes if they command unlawfull things but that they might refuse their Princes and that they were not ever bound to suffer In very deed said the other ye have rightly both marked my words and understood my minde for of that same Judgement I have long been and yet so remaine How will ye prove your division and difference said Lethington and that the persons placed in Authoritie may be resisted and the Ordinance of God not transgressed seeing that the Apostle saith He that resisteth resisteth the Ordinance of God My Lord said he The plaine words of the Apostle makes the difference and the facts of many approved by God prove my affirmative First the Apostle affirmes That the powers are ordained of God for the preservation of quiet and peaceable men and for the punishment of malefactors whereof it is plaine That the Ordinance of God and the power given unto man is one thing and the person clad with the Authoritie is another For Gods Ordinance is the conservation of mankinde The punishment of vice and the maintenance of vertue which in it self is holy just constant stable and perpetuall but men clad with the Authoritie are commonly prophane and unjust yee they are mutable transitory and subject to corruption as God threateneth by his Prophet David saying I have said yee are gods and every one of you the sonnes of the most high but yee shall dye as man and the Princes shall fall like others Here I am assured That the persons yee soule and body are threatned with death I think that so ye will not affirm is the Authothority the Ordinance and the Power wherewith God endeued such persons for as I have said it is holy so is the permanent will of God And now my Lord that the Prince may be resisted and yet the Ordinance of God not violated It is evident that the people resisted Saul when he had sworn by the living God that Ionathan should die The people I say swore in the contrary and delivered Ionathan so that a hair of his head fell not Now Saul was the Anoynted Kiâ—g and they were his subjects and yet they resisted him that they made him no better then men sworn I doubt said Lethington That in so doing the people did well The Spirit of God said the other accuses them not of any crime but rather praises them and condemnes the King as well for his foolish vow and Law made without God as for his cruell minde that so severely would have punished an innocent man But herein will I not stand this that followeth shall confirme the former This same Saul commanded Abimelech and the Priests of the Lord to be slain because they had committed Treason as he alleadged for intercommuning with David His Guard and principall servants would not obey his unjust commandment But Doeg the flatterer put the Kings cruelty in execution I will not ask your judgement Whether that the servants of the King in not obeying his Commandment resisted the Ordinance of God or not or Whether Doeg in murthering the Priests gave obedience to a just Authority For I have the Spirit of God speaking by the mouth of David for assurance as well of the one as of the other for he in his 52. Psalme condemnes that fact as a most cruell murther and affirms That God would punish not onely the commander but also the mercilesse executer And therefore I conclude That they who gainstood his commandment resisted not the Ordinance of God And now my Lord to answer to the place of the Apostle who affirms That such as resist the Power resist the Ordinance of God I say That the power in that place is not to be understood of unjust commandment of men but of the just power wherewith God hath armed his Magistrates and Lieutenants to punish sin and maintain vertue And if any man should enterprise to take from the hands of the faithfull Judge a murtherer and adulterer or any malefactor that deserved death this same resisteth Gods Ordinance and procureth to himself vengeance and damnation because that he stayed Gods Sword from striking But so it is if men in the fear of God oppose themselves to the fury and blinde rage of Princes for so they resist not God but the devill who abuses the Sword and Authority of God I understand sufficiently said Lethington what ye mean unto the one part I will not oppose my self but I doubt of the other for if the Queen would command me to slay Iohn Knox because she is offended at him I would not obey her But if she would command others to do it or yet by colour of Justice take his life from him I cannot tell if I be bound to defend him against the Queen and her Officers With protestation said the other That the auditors think not that I speak in favour of my self I say my Lord That if ye be perswaded of my innocency and if God have given unto you such power and credit as might deliver
well grounded Knowing besides the grudge of conscience that she should receive upon the change of her owne Religion That she should lose the friendship of the King of France the married Allia of this Realme and of other great Princes her Friends and Confederates who would take the same in evil part and of whom she may look for their great support in all her necessities And having no assured consideration that may countervaile the same she will be loth to put in hazard all her friends at an instant praying all her loving subjects seeing they have had experience of her goodnesse that she hath neither in times past nor yet intends hereafter to presse the conscience of any but that they may worship God in such sort as they are perswaded in their conscience to be best That they will also not presse her conscience As to the establishing of Religion in the Body of the Realme they themselves know as appears by their Articles That the same cannot be done onely by consent of her Majestie but requires necessarily the consent of the States in Parliament and therefore so soon as the Parliament holds those things which the States agree upon amongst themselves her Majestie shall consent unto the same and in the mean time shall make sure That no man be troubled for â—sing Religion according to conscience So that no man shall have cause to doubt That for Religions sake mens Lives and Heritage shall be in any hazard To the second Article it is answered That her Majestie thinks it no wayes reasonable that she should defraud her self of so great a part of the Patrimony of the Crowne as to put the Patronage of Benefices forth of her own hands for her owne necessity in bearing of her Port and common Charges will require the retention thereof and that in a good part in her owne hands Neverthelesse her Majestie is well pleased That consideration being had of her owne necessity And what may be sufficient for the reasonable sustentation of the Ministers a speciall Assignation be made to them in places most commodious and meet With which her Majesty shall not meddle but suffer the same to come to them To the third Article it is answered That her Majestie shall do therein as shall be agreed by the States in Parliament To the fourth Article Her Majesties liberality towards the poore shall alwayes be so far extended as can be reasonably required at her hands To the fifth and sixth Articles Her Majesty will refer the taking order therein unto the States assembled in Parliament As the Queens Majestie came from Saint Iohnston over Forth to the Callender she was conveyed to the Water side of Forth with two hundred Spears For at that time it was bruted That there was some lying in wait at the Path of Dron In the mean time the Earle of Murray was in Locklevin and the Earle of Argyle with him Now in the Callender the Lord Levingston had desired the Queens Majestie to be Witnesse to the Christning of a childe For his Lady was lately delivered and brought to Bed And when the Minister made the Sermon and Exhortation concerning Baptisme the Queens Majestie came in the end and said to the Lord Levingston That she would shew him that favour that she had not done to any other before that is That she would give her presence to the Protestant Sermon which was reckoned a great matter The Queen being in the Callender was informed both by word and Letters by false Brethren That a great part of the Protestants of Edinburgh had lately convened upon Saint Leonards Craigs and there made a Conspiration against her And had chosen for the same purpose certain Captains to governe the rest And without any Tryall or perfect notice taken in the Case she sent to the Provest and Bayliffs of Edinburgh commanding them to take and apprehend Alexander Guthrie Alexander Clerke Gilbert Lawder and Andrew Slater and put them in prison in the Castle This new and unaccustomed fashion of proceeding seemed to be very strange And because the said four persons were not apprehended she sent the next day a Charge to the Provest and Bayliffs and to her owne great Treasurer to passe to the houses of the said foure men and likewise to their Booths or Shops and there to take Inventory of all their Goods and Chattells And commanded the said Treasurer to take the Keyes of the said Houses and Booths together with the said Inventory which was executed in effect especially upon the said Alexander Guthrie his wife he being then common Clerke and one of the greatest in estimation within the Towne his wife and children were shut out of their house and compelled to seek some other lodging in the Town By this manner of proceeding the hearts of all men of spirit and judgement were wonderfully abashed and wounded seeing and perceiving these things so furiously handled upon sinister and wrong Information men never called to their answer nor heard nor any triall taken therein Immediatly thereafter as she came to Edinburgh she called to counsell such as pleased her Majestie and there complains of the said matter alleadging it to be a Conspiracy and manifest Treason And another matter likewise was complained upon That the Earle of Argile as the Queen was surely informed was riding with a great Army to invade the Earle of Athole and his Lands For the first matter it was concluded by the Councell That diligent inquisition should be made in the matter and to that purpose appointed the Queens Advocates M. Iohn Spence of Condie and M. Robert Crichton to examine such as they would and when the said Advocates had called before them and examined a sufficient number and their depositions subscribed and delivered to the Queen there was nothing found worthy of death nor Treason at length the said four persons were summoned to answer at Law For the matter That the Queens Majesty should send to the Earles of Argyle and Athole some of her Councell or familiar servants to take order touching it And when the Secretary the Justice Clarke and Lord of Saint Colme had past to the said Earle of Argyle they found no such thing but in Athole there was great fear come of a sudden fray for after many Proclamations the Fire-Crosse which they made use of in lieu of Beacons was raised in Athole Now as the day of the Parliament approached the Lords pretending to consult before what should be done as well in Religion as for the Commonwealth the fifteenth day of Iuly there conveened at Sterlin the Duke the Earles of Argyle and Murray Rothes and other Lords and Barons and as they were devising and consulting the Queens Majesty taking their meeting in evill part sent her Advocates Master Iohn Spence and Master Crichton to them at Sterlin requiring the cause of their meeting they answered That the speciall occasion of their meeting was for the cause of Religion and the assurance thereof according as they
be set a part for divine service yet we are not so tied to the place as the Iews were yea not so much as the Rominists would have us to be according to that of S. Ioh 21.22 23 for wheresoever 2 or 3 are gathered together in my Nâ—â—â—r I am in the midst of you * Witnesse the Princes and people that the Pope put to the Interdict without cause to say nothing of private persons * So that many do think it a liberty of Religion to swear and curse * Witnesse the divorce of Mary Stuart daughter to James 2. from her lawfull husband Tho. Boyde and maâ—ried to Iames Hamiltonâ— Also of Mary mother to Iames 5. who married after K. Iam. the fourths death Arâ—hibald Douglas Earle of Angus was divorced from him and married to Henry Stuart Lord Meffen Adam Reade his bold aâ—d godly answer Note 1500. 1513. 1527. Brothers son to Iames Hamilton Earle of Arran and sisters son to Iohn Stuart Duke of Althai A Dominican Frier Note how Church-men rules the good nature of the Prince Frier Campbell apostate Mâ—ior Deuâ— 6. Matth. 12. Minor 1. Joh. 4. Conclusio Matth 7. Rom. 13. Galat. 5. Maior Rom. 13. Minor Joh. 19. Conclusio Christ is the end and fulfilling of the Law to every one that believeth Rom. 10.14 Rom. 3. Rom. 7. Gospel quasi Godspel that is Gods word but ordinarily it is taken from that part which we call Evangel that is Good tidings otherwise Gospel quasi Goodspel that is Good words and so Good tidings Gen. 15. Joh. 5. Jam. 1. Rom 14. Heb 11. Heb. 11. Rom 8. Rom. 4. Rom. 4. Abac. 2. Rom. 1. Joh. 6. 1 Joh. 5. Act. 10. Rom. 10. Joh. 3. Gal. 3. Matth. 19. Joh 9. Joh. 20. Mark 16. Matth. 28. Psal. 117. 1. Tim. 6. This 〈…〉 derstood of circumstance of worldly mâ—n and not of them of God for the neerer that meâ— draw to God we are bound 〈◊〉 more to love them Galat. 3. Matth 13. Matth. 7. Note Note Note Quaere Answer Note Note Here you see verified Cinis Martyrum semen Ecclesiae M. Gawyn Logy Munks Preach Bishops devices M. Iohn Mair whose History of Scotland we have c. He wrote upon the 4 Evangelists c. Arithe his Sermon False Miracles Alexander Furrour his Examination before the Bishops Alexander Seton a black Frier Note Note Iames the fifth Note Aleâ—ander Seton his Letter There was another Frier Forrest hanged in Smithfield 1538. Note For 10 yeers the persecution ceaseth 1534. 1538. The civil troubles give some rest to Gods flock fâ—r a time Note Macdowel Alaesius John Fyfe Machabeus Note 1534. This yeere was Lawes made against the Reformation the Pope having sent to Scotland a Legat the yeere before 6 Accused for Heresie Note 2 Gentlemen Straton and Gowâ—ley burnt See how the Bishops did intrench upon the good disposition of the King and his Soveraigne 1534. Burning of the Bill was a signe of recantation 1537. Lâ—sly writes this done 1540. Iohn Berthwick fled into England from whence Henry sent him into Germany to the Protestant Princes Foure burnt 1538. 1539. Ieremie Russell Alex. Kennedie Kennedie his thanks to God His speech to the Judges Note Sir Iames Hamilton said That God had justly brought him to that because he had offended often to gain the King favour by unjust ways Note George Buchanan by the Kings câ—mmand then angry with the Friers did write this Satyre against them who thereafter having made their peace with the King would not be appeased with Gâ—orge Buchanan whom the king gave over to their importunity and so he was put in prison The Earle of Gleaverne his verse upon the Gray Friers The Church-men ingage the King to warre against his Uncle Halderig Read England called Hereticke bâ—cause it renounced the Pope Note All hallow tyde Fallow Reade Note The Lords answer to the Kings desire Note Note Note An answer worthy of a Prince By this answer you may see how good this Prince had bin if 〈◊〉 Câ—urch mâ—n and flatterâ—â—s â—ad not abused him Abused Prince by Prelats So the evil advised Prince gave himselfe over to the false Propâ—ets I meane the Prelats The Reade of Holway masse by Oliver Sinclar Whaâ—ton was then Warden in these parts Stratageme Note Note Oliver compared to Benhadad against Samaria 2 King 20. 300 men put to flight 10000 Others say at Carlaveâ—ok neer by the place where the defeat was given called Sobâ—â—y Mosse The King foretells his own death Reginae Nativitas Mark the Queens mourning for the King Others stick not to say That the King was hastned away by a Potion Levit. 12. Regis exitus Divers Charactâ—rs of the late King arise post funâ—ra virtuâ— Character of the Hamiltons Note the reasons why the Earle of Arran was thus favoured by the Countrey 1543 Note Frier Scot. The Cardinal taken 1543. An Act of Parliament for reading of the Scripture Note the hypocrisie of worldlings So long as men follow God they are blessed Nothing could be said against the lawfulnesse of Edwards birth Katharine of Spaine and Anne Bullen being dead before his mother was married to his father Note well The Queenes marriage the second time ratified He was before sometimes called Cunningham sometimes Colwan so uncertaine was it who was his father Note Note This is the Prelats language The Governour violated his faith refused God and took absulution of the devil renouncing his Religion in the gray Friers All this was then said by the Cardinall Penes authorem fides estâ— Note the device of the wicked to set men by the 〈◊〉 1543 Note * And many trod under foot died Note As they went to Dundie they said they were going to burne the readers of the new Testament and that they would stick to the old for Luther said they had made the new Note A woman and her childe put to death because she prayed not to the Virgin Mary Men put to death for eating a Goose upon Friday Iohn Roger a black Friet murthered 1544. The English Army arrived in Scotland Note Endinburgh burnt and spoiled by the English Note 1544. Lorge cometh to Scotland 1545. Note The character of Hamilton Note George Wischarde Note a falsâ— brother M. Wischard his words in Dundie The Bishops Sermon Note Note M. Wescharde his zeale to gain soules A Priest appointed by the Cardinall to stab M. George Wischarde The second attempt of the Cardinall for the killing of M. George Wischarde Note the spirit of Prophesie Prophesie spoken by Master George Whischarde of the Church of Scotland Note the resolution of a Preacher Two gray Friers Vengeance against Hadington Master Wischarde taken at Ormeston Note He means Gods people The Lord Bothwels promise M Georges words to the Earl Bothwell 1546. Note The proud Cardinall and the glorious foole Dumbar A question worthy of such two Prelats 1546. Who was a learned man and heartily favoured the pure Religion in secret Bona heresios definitio c. Note the
cause of Heresie The Proofe of Heresie Note Note Note Note Note Note this against the legality of the Bishops Note This was Friâ—â— Scot. Note Note Note 1566 1546. How the Cardiall was occupied the night before that in the morning he was slain The Cardinals demand The Cardinals confession The fact and words of Iames Melvin The Cardinals last words Advertisement to the Reader Note The Bishop of S Andrews was glad and yet made himselfe to be angry at the slaughter of the Cardinall Upon what conditions King Henry took the castle of S. Andrews into his protection The first â—iege lasted from August to January 1547. Iohn Knox goes into the Castle of S. Andrews * Sir David Lindsay King of Armes then who fore the time had good light both in Divine and Humane knowledge as his works tell us The first Vocation by name of Iohn Knox. Dean Iohn Annan The offer of Iohn Knox first and last unto the Papists The first publike â—reaching of Iohn Knox made in the Parish Church of S. Andrewâ—â— Contra Dei Spirituâ— ad Gâ—lat cap. 2 vâ—r 17. 11. Note The great wordâ— which Ant. christ speaketh Iohn Knox had been disciple in his first yeers to Iohn Maire Note Note Optima Collatio Deut. 4. Note Psal. 26.5 Frier Arbuckiâ—ls proofe of Purgatory The cause of the inserting of this Disputation The practises of Papists that their wickednesse should not be disclosed The protestation of Iohn Knox. M. Iames Balfoure once joyned with the Church and did professe all Doctrine taught by Iohn Knox. Filius sequitur patris iter The rage of the marked beasts at the Preaching of the Truth The first coming of Galleys Anno 1547. And the second Siege of the Castle The treasonable act of the Governour and Queen Dowager Note The answer given to the Governour when the Castle of S. Andrews was required to be delivered The Gunners goddesse Commonly called The old Colledge The sentence of Knoxâ—o â—o the Castle of S. Andrews bâ—â—fore it was won Note King Henry of England being dead Prior of Cappua Leon Stâ—ozi The Castle of S. Andrews refused in greatest extremity to treat with the Governor fearing the cruelty of his weak nature in revenging the death of his Cousin the Cardinall Nulla fides Rogni Socii c. Pinckey Clâ—â—ch Duke of Sommerset The security of the Scotishmen at Pinckey Clewch Fridays chase Brags The repulse of the Horse-men of England Note Note Note Note 1549. The Parliament at Hadington Note The Dukes fact and what appeareth to follow thereof Experience hath taught and further will declare The siege of Hadington Tuesdayes chase Note The slaughter of the Captain of the Castle of Edinburgh Hadington almost surprised by the French The recovery of the Castle of Home The death of the Laird of Raith The entertainment of those of the Castle of S. Andrews during their Captivity Note Note Note This book was printed 1584. at Edinburgh by Tho. Vtroâ—â—â— A merry fact Note Jerem. 10. Note Quamvis multa sunt justorum mala c. Note diligently the Prophesie Iohn Knox his answer and counsell to the captives Le jour de Roys au soir quand els erient le Roy boit The escaping of William Kirkcaldie and of his fellows forth of Mount Saint Michell Note To shew what is contained in this Admonition we have caused it to be printed at the end of this History 1550 Note Note diligently The slaughter of that villain Davie The rulers of annoâ—566 â—566 and their prediction Note The accusation of Adam Wallace and his answers The Papisticall manner of accusation Note Adam Wallace his accusations and answers Note Protestation of the Earle of Glencarne Note The death and vertues of Edward the sixth Who first after the death of King Edward began to preach in Scotland Elizabeth Adamson and her death Note Note Note Note diligently Masse abhorred Note 1555. Note You will finde this Appellation at the end of this book War against England by the meanes of the Queen Regent A calfe with two heads The fact of the Nobility of Scotland at Maxwel Hewcht The second return of Iohn Willock to Scotland Lord Seton an Apostata The abolishing of Images and trouble therefore The Preachers summoned The practice of Prelats and what thereof ensued The bold words of Iames Chalmers of Gaithgyrth O crafty flatterer The command of the Bishop The answer of Edinburgh Edinburgh appealeth from the sentence of the Bishop of S. Andrews Triumph for hearing of stock Gyle The down casting of stock Gyle and the discomfiture of Baals Priests A merry English-man Note The death of the Bishop of Galoway and his last confession Qualis vita finis ita The Vow of that marked beast Dury B. oâ— Galloway The death of M David Panter The death of the Bishop of Orknay Reid â— Orknays answer and his friends home Note The Queen Regents sentence of the death of her Papists Dean of Lestarrige hypocrite began to preach M. David Panters counsell 〈◊〉 his forsworne brethren the Bishops The second Vocation of Iohn Knox by Letters of the Lords Note Note Let the Papists themselves judge of what spirit these sentences could proceed The duty of the Nobility The letter lost by negligence and troubles God grant that our Nobility would yet understand Note The first Covenant of Scotland 1557 Those that then did oppose Popery were called the Congregation Note The Earl of Argyle the first man in this Covenant The third Vocation of Iohn Knox by the Lords and Churches of Scotland Flesh blood is preferred to God with the Bishop Note Note diligently Note Note the Earl of Argyle his Testament Note Here is one Solecisme in State expression newly invented by the Court Parasites Note To call the Crowne Matrimoniall is an absurd Solecisme newly then invented at Court Note And now in these later days it hath pleased God in his goodnesse to grant the pure and Primitive Discipline also unto the Church of Scotland The first douâ—t The second Note Scriptures answering the doubts This was called the privie Church Iohn Willocke The Laird of Calder elder The tyrannie of the Clergy Note The Petition The offer The practise of Satan Disputation with condition The offer of the Papists The grant of the Queene Regent The apprehension of Walter Mill. 1558. Note The hypocrisie of the Queene Regent Protestation Let the Papists observe Note Letters to Iohn Calvine Blasphemy Note She had gotten her lesson from the Cardinall Forefather to the now Earle of Lowdone Chancellor Queen Regents answer S. Iohnston embraced the Gospel Lord Ruthuens answer 1559 The first assembly at S. Iohnston The Laird of Dun stayed the congregation and the Preachers Note 1559 Note At this time the Professors of the Gospel were called the Congregation The taking down of the Fâ—iers in Saint Iohnston Note The Gray Friers their provision Note Note A godly vow The complaint of the Queene Regent Note Note Note O where is this fervencie